Page 100 of Return of the Nine

Nik laughed. “Like snowballs but not.”

“Definitely not. Manipulating the properties of stone does not usually go any further unless a child has a particular focus for the art of molecular alteration.” Trusk nodded toward Cavos.

“Why are your heights so different if you are the same branch of the Nine?” It was blurted out on a yawn.

Cavos blushed and looked down. “I am an aberration. My species was born to run through caves. This height is a distinct disadvantage.”

Trusk grimaced. “The Giants amongst us usually try to find administrative work, but no, this galumphing idiot wants to travel the stars.”

Niika laughed. “I am guessing that you have been around each other for a while.”

Cavos sighed, “He’s my cousin.”

Nik yawned and chuckled. “Cousins. Can’t stand them and can’t enjoy life without them.”

Trusk chortled and glared, “Define enjoy.”

“They keep life interesting and help you find your way into trouble.”

Trusk lifted his water cup. “Enjoy it is.”

Cavos covered his eyes and shook his head with a grin on his face.

Nik could tell that there were dozens of stories behind that gesture, and she looked forward to hearing a few.

She slumped into her bedroll and yawned again. “Are you sure that you are all all right with my seeking medical intervention on this matter?”

Murmurs of agreement rang around the room, and she slipped into exhausted sleep with the feel of a hand stroking her forehead.

Chapter Seven

Nik was humiliated. Cavos carried her instead of allowing her to walk, and she had to admit that they were moving far faster than any pace she could manage.

Out in the sunlight, she felt markedly better, but instead of letting her walk, Cavos handed her off to Trusk while he caused a landslide that once more closed the entrance to the city.

Eye to eye with Trusk, she had to face his surprised grin. “You are very light, Miss Baker.”

“Um. Thank you for the observation, Trusk. You can call me Nik, by the way.”

Cavos grabbed her and continued to hike to the skimmer site while the Wilders ranged ahead, enjoying their run.

“Stop flirting with my cousin.” Cavos whispered it in her ear.

“Um, I wasn’t flirting. My name is Niika and my friends call me Nik. You are welcome to use it as well.”

He grumbled. “You smiled at him.”

“I smile at a lot of people. After what I told you all last night, telling him he can use my nickname is the least of my intimacies.”

They reached the skimmer, and Niika scowled. “I hate cancelling a trip early. There was so much to show you.”

Morro grinned. “You can show us all when you are under your own power. It will be entertaining to watch your recovery.”

“Well, as long as I can provide entertainment.” She dissolved the skin on the skimmer with a series of taps set to resonate and cause a dissolution of the shield into a fine dust.

She headed into the skimmer, but Cavos stopped her. He nodded to Morro, and the Wilder picked up the com unit, keyingin a code.

“We need an emergency evac, Madame Leoraki. Medical emergency to the mother ship.”

---