Page 1 of Scales of Time

Chapter One

Kris attended to Madam Yorness and rarely had to use her defenses. Turning up the heat in a room was usually sufficient to speed the negotiations along.

They sat in their transport as Madam’s pilot took them to the larger transport that would get them to her home world.

Kris asked, “Why are you attending your own world, Merchant?”

“Oh, I have a clutch of grandchildren. The newest is about to arrive. We are going home for celebrations. It will be nice for you to have insight into my people.”

“I don’t have insight?”

“I am not the average Kifessan.” Yorness chortled. “Only a handful of my kind can live without the embrace of our world. You will see. It is welcoming, embracing, and only a fool would want to leave.”

“So, you are a fool, Merchant?”

Yorness laughed. “I am necessary. We need to keep up with the times. The technology that other worlds produce is necessary. New crops. New types of species. Since my people do not want to travel, I bring the universe to them.”

Kris smiled. “And take your art to the stars.”

“Precisely. We are a once-violent species that settled into peace and harmony with the world around us. We have ruins of a darker time that are now museums.”

“Harwin would have loved that. She’s all about ruins and ancient times.”

“I believe she is getting plenty of that with the expedition to Aten.”

Kris paused. “Aten?”

“Yes. There is reference to an ancient Hmrain elder named Ra. He is said to rest on Aten. I am guessing the team is trying to find him.”

Kris felt the slow grin crossing her features. “In that case, Harwin is exactly where she always wanted to be.”

“Where?”

“On a world that has reminders of home. She’s the last of her family. Travel and ruins were part of her life prior to the end of our world. She’s happy wherever she is. I just want her to call.”

Her boss nodded. “I am sure she will. There is a settling-in period when you are in an entirely new environment.”

Kris paused. “You will be at home. With family.”

“Yes.”

“My services will not be required. Do I stay on the ship?”

“No, child. I have arranged a place for you to stay. My estate has a guesthouse. I have also arranged a number of tours for you, including the great castle.”

“So, I get to have a holiday until you take off again?”

Yorness nodded. “It should be six months or so. Until my grandchild has her third shed. After that point, her body can weather most diseases that our world has to offer. Her parents are dependent on family as they care for her, so I have come home and allowed them access to my manor.”

“Nice. Am I a danger to the little one?”

“No, you don’t harbour the parasites that my people can. Many skin infections can lead to toxic mold getting into the scales.”

“Ew.”

“Right. Your biology doesn’t allow for that kind of thing, so you may be asked to hold the baby frequently.”

“Oh. I will be interacting with your family?”

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