Page 19 of Instinct for Disaster

“Me, too, but the mine I was stationed at had security locks, and only official communication went in or out. All I could do was wait for the transport ship to bring me here. Do you mind that I am making this my home?”

Nessa smiled. “I am delighted that you are here. I have missed you. Hey, are you the one who paid our bonds?”

“Yes. Well, I provided the necessary funds.”

“Oh, we are all free citizens now.”

“Excellent. How are the girls?”

“Thriving. They are so happy. Come on. I want to show you my favourite restaurant. The food isn’t Terran, but it is great and a lot of different colours.” Nessa murmured coaxingly, “They have pastries.”

“You had me at colours.” Cassandra smiled.

The different species all blended evenly, and many folks nodded and smiled at Nessa.

“You work in a public-facing job, don’t you?”

“I work in a café. I see everybody. I also do a lot of deliveries in town.”

“You are an engineer.” Cassandra frowned.

“I also fix a lot of stuff and help out with small mechanical repairs.” Nessa smiled. “It is a good life. I stay close to the girls, and Moxie has a baby now. She’s adorable.”

“Oh, they have started dating?”

“The youngest is twenty-one. They have all started dating. The guys here are sweet. The other species are nicer, and the courtships are involved. Lots of dates and meeting each other’s families. I go to the equivalent of a lot of Sunday dinners.”

They walked along the busy streets, and there was suddenly a shadow above her. Cassandra looked up, and in the shadow above her, there were glittering eyes.

“That is Overseer Yasku,” Nessa murmured.

“We have met.” Cassandra looked at her cuff and grimaced.

“Oh, he’s nice. I have a story to tell you about him. It’s funny and terrifying.”

“Great.”

The buildings were all adorably varied. No two were the same. It seemed that Yasku was a firm believer in mixing every culture to hopefully make his own.

“What is the stone that everything is made of?”

“Kebari stone. It is local and has insulating properties. Hot or cold weather, you are comfortable inside.”

“Nice.”

“It is. The Terran-style buildings are all from European and Indian designs. It’s surprisingly nice to see bits of home when you walk down the streets.”

Smells from a variety of establishments assailed her, and she wrinkled her nose.

“We are almost there.”

“Good. I am a little thirsty.” She frowned and looked around.

Nessa’s eyes widened and said, “Overseer.”

Cassandra followed the direction of her friend’s gaze and sighed. “Overseer Yasku, what brings you here?”

“I thought I would join you for a second meal today.”

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