Page 35 of Soros
With confusion marring her face, Star protested, “I saw a dog earlier and it was small, white, and fluffy. This one is nothing like a dog. They don’t even look alike. Why are they called the same?”
“I get why that would be strange to you, but dogs come in different sizes and colors. They all originate from a wild animal called a wolf and over time humans have shaped them into different sizes, colors, and personalities.”
Star’s neck turned as her gaze followed the German Shepherd until it had passed us. “We don’t have them on Markatoria. At least I’ve never seen anything like that.”
“I believe you. To me it was strange that I didn’t see a single pet on Markatoria. I was told you have mostly beasts and bugs and that you don’t really keep pets.”
Star was about to walk in front of a car, when I pulled her back. “Careful.”
She gave me a grateful smile. “I’m not sure I understand the purpose of pets, to be honest.”
With a chuckle, I admitted, “And I’m not sure I can explain it, except that they offer companionship and give you a nice feeling.”
Down the street two dog owners were passing each other and the little dogs barked loudly and aggressively. Star looked at me with skepticism on her face. “They give you a nice feeling?”
“Yes, when they don’t bark, fight, poop, or chew on your favorite belongings.” I laughed. “Pets are cute, and we love them. To some humans it’s their children.”
“That’s impossible.”
“Not biologically, obviously, but they pamper their pets as if they were their children.” As I said the last sentence, I noticed that Star had stopped abruptly. Following her gaze, I tried to see what had her looking so surprised.
“What is it?” I asked.
“That man.”
There were too many people on the street for her to make a vague statement like that.
“I think it’s Ko’roz.”
“Where?” I wrinkled my nose with a skeptical grimace because the chance of us running into Ko’roz in a city as big as New York was unlikely.
“I’ve seen him before. It’s the way he walks. I’ve seen him with my father.”
In my head, I always imagined that a Malbreean would stand out among humans, but the man with the peculiar walk didn’t. He was wearing sneakers, jeans, and a high-quality hoodie that made him look like a rich businessman on a day off, wearing a casual outfit.
“He’s not tall enough,” I said because when I walked around on Markatoria, the Malbreeans had made it feel like I was among NBA players with their incredible height.
“I’m telling you that I recognize that man from home,” Star insisted.
“Why didn’t you tell us that you had met him? I’m sure Soros would have loved to hear everything you know about the man.”
Star played nervously with a lock of her long hair. “I’m already related to four of the criminals Soros and the crew have been chasing. Telling them that I’d met Ko’roz…” She sighed. “I just don’t want to be connected to any of the pain they’ve all caused.”
I could understand her sentiment and didn’t push her to explain further. We followed the man and although we stayed at a distance, my heart still galloped fast as we crossed streets and kept a close eye on him.
“I wish I could do that mental thing and connect to the men,” I muttered low. “Do you think you can contact them telepathically?”
Star was quiet when she tried, but she quickly gave up. “I’m sorry. I feel a slight connection to Nerix, but it’s not enough to communicate anything of value.”
Frustrated that I couldn’t just call them, I tried to come up with a way to reach Soros and the others. The best way I could think of was calling Malliko on the number I had saved in my phone. He didn’t answer so I moved on to Clara, who luckily picked up.
“Are you with Malliko?” I asked her with a sense of urgency to my tone.
“Yes, he’s working right now. I can get him for you.”
“Yes, please… and hurry.”
While I waited, Star and I kept following the suspect, who strode down the street with his shoulders back and his chest out as if he owned the city.
