Page 9 of Scales of Time

He cocked his head, the fine scales nearly a smooth surface. “You are very brave for someone who is here at my sufferance.”

“I died twice in the same hour. After that, I know what I can appreciate and what I will not. I do not appreciate being called dregs.” She brought heat to her skin and took a step toward the Hmrain.

Yorness backed away.

When Kris burst into flame, Essan took a step back. She purred at him. “Oh, Overseer, why don’t you come closer and examine the dregs of my people? Your people prefer warmth, and I have plenty of it.”

She ratcheted the flames up, and Yorness winced. “Kris, please.”

Kris settled and was now naked. The clothing hadn’t withstood the heat.

Essan’s expression showed surprise. “You aren’t scaled.”

“No. Just skin or hide.”

“You are comfortable naked?”

Kris shrugged. “I got used to it. My travel suits and on-duty uniforms are resistant to fire.”

“Yorness was supposed to bring you for an introduction when you arrived. It is tradition.”

“I am a fan of breaking traditions. I believe we have been introduced, so I will go inside and stop freaking out Yorness’s family. They look unsettled. I didn’t think I was that pale.”

Yorness snorted. “Then you were deluding yourself.”

Kris grinned. “Right. Well, I am the dregs of my world, and the Hmrain has met me. So, I am going to call it a night.”

Essan reached out and grabbed her wrist. “You are an interesting thing, and I wish to interview you more.”

“Nope. Not if you call me a thing. I am a woman, female, or mutant. I answer to those or to Terran or human. Urther just sounds stupid. If you wish to converse, I should dress... again.”

Essan nodded. “Very well. Yorness and I will wait here.”

She looked down at her wrist. “I can’t dress over you.”

He slowly released her, and she turned and walked back into the guesthouse. She left the door open and sprinted up the steps. She was going to grab her hard suit.

* * * *

Essan looked at his descendant. “Why didn’t you bring her to the palace?”

“Because she is not just a bodyguard; she is my friend.”

“She’s fearless.”

Yorness sighed. “She has seen her own death and participated in the deaths of others. She has no fear because she has no hope, and her only true friend, one who was beside her when they were both crushed in an accident, has gone on to pursue her own dreams. She is alone now, or I would have returned home on my own.”

Essan looked at her in surprise. “You have affection for her?”

“Yes. She is mouthy, opinionated but loyal and funny. She lights up any room and easily dispatches any attackers. It’s messy but effective.”

Essan smiled. “I imagine it would be. Does she burn her clothing often?”

“No. She usually focuses it through her hands.”

“Interesting. So, what do you plan to do with her now that she is here?”

Yorness shrugged. “I thought to show her the mountains, the plants, the shorelines, and beaches. I will have her taken to the volcanos and the snowy wastes.”

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