Page 31 of Return of the Nine

She was wearing running shoes, socks, loose slacks and a loose-weave, baggy, button-down shirt. The shirt cuffs were long enough to cover her palms, and that made it safe in her mind.

She smiled brightly and walked past him and into the hallway.

Everyone that they passed was wearing a uniform or gown, but she kept her head high and walked at Tonos’s side.

“So, how did you find medical last night?” Tonos’s question caught her by surprise.

“Um, it was fine, I suppose. I have no idea what she wasmeasuring, but I hope she found everything she was looking for.”

“What is the nature of your talent, precisely?”

Tiera laughed, “I wondered when you would ask that and not be all weird and creepy about it. My talent as far as I know is to convince people to come around to my way of thinking. It wears off if I am doing it to manipulate, but if I am insistent or believe in what I am saying, it sticks. The change becomes permanent when they accept what I have done to their train of thought. Mind you, if I am just trying to get them to shut up, it wears off when they realise I was not correct.”

“Have you done it to me?”

She blinked, “No. I don’t recall thinking much while you are around. I seem to fly along on instinct.”

His grin made her groan. “Please tell me I didn’t just say that.”

He showed more of his shiny, white teeth.

“Aw geez. I hereby retract my last statement.”

“Too late, it is embedded in my memory. Now, would you prefer to walk the rest of the way or take the pod?”

“How long is it?”

“That is a personal question.” His smile was still in evidence.

She sighed and refrained from smacking him by an extreme effort of will. “How long a walk, Tonos?”

“Ten minutes.”

“Then walk we shall.” She was about to stride off but realised she didn’t know where she was going. “Either catch up or I return to my quarters.”

He laughed, and together, they went off in search of breakfast.

Chapter Seven

It took them two hours to finish laughing and talking over an endless parade of delicacies and teas. The Nine took breakfast very seriously.

Tiera felt a little uncomfortable wearing such loose clothing when everyone around her was wearing semi-formal wear. She finally asked, “Isn’t there a version of the Nine clothing that isn’t elegant or formfitting?”

Tonos sat back and sipped his tea. “Not on the mother ship. We save casual clothing for when we are ground bound. Up here, we are all on duty whether there is an active battle or not. We dress accordingly.”

She winced. “So, my clothing choice?”

“Is not appropriate, but you are not a member of the crew and so you can wear what you wish.”

She sighed. “Is there any option for me that will keep us from touching but let me fit in a little bit more?”

He grinned, “I thought you would never ask. Come along.”

He got to his feet, pressed his fingers to the pay pad, and they walked out together.

Tiera could feel the heat of his hand against her spine, but he never actually made contact. It was frustrating and intriguing all at the same time.

They were in a commercial centre—kiosks, cafes and small shops lined the walkway.

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