“I will take care of it.”

  Demnan got the plate and tried to put it on the floor.

  Salika chuckled and bent down to get it. “He only eats from my hand.” She fed Saluk piece by piece, and when the plate was empty, she held it so he could lick it clean.

  After the meal, she got a scan, and when she was officially on record, she got a small bunk in the ship and cuddled up with Saluk in front of her.

  A solid bit of rest would set her to rights. She would be fine in the morning.

  A hand stroked her cheek and smoothed her hair. “Salika, my name is Medic Trel, and I have been keeping track of you during your rest.”

  Salika jolted and sat up, her head throbbing. “What happened?”

  “You are jump sensitive. When Demnan went through the jump, you went into a coma. You have been out for a few weeks.”

  “Saluk?”

  “Next to you. We can’t keep him off the bed, so the Yaluthu are coming to him to play. You have had an exceptionally busy bed while you have been sleeping.”

  “What is a Yaluthu?”

  Saluk raised his head from next to her thigh, and he slipped off the bed and then raised his head to her. A vibrantly coloured creature stood on his head.

  The fluffy thing jumped off Saluk’s head and hopped up to her.

  The medic grinned. “That is a Yaluthu. They are empathic healers. They have been declared native to Balen and a few other worlds that accepted them.”

  Saluk jumped up onto the bed and lay next to her, putting his head under Salika’s hand to move it to the new creature.

  The fluff was so soft under her hand that she was tempted to hold it close. The creature took it upon itself and jumped against her chest.

  Saluk made a grumbling sound and put his head across her lap. Surrounded, she petted them both.

  Medic Trel smirked. Her face was a glowing fuchsia and her eyes a brilliant violet.

  “It has been gathering its people in to see you. Your body doesn’t like the supplements we were giving it.”

  Little claws pricked her skin through the sheet she was wearing.

  “You have quite the collection of scars.”

  “I wouldn’t call them a collection. I would call them a map of mistakes.” She felt the little creature cuddle into her, and the name Saber sprang to mind.

  Saluk made a snort, and he nudged Saber with his nose. The little wings flapped, and the creature wiggled happily.

  “That was a little peculiar. By the way, the others are waiting under your bed. They have been having quite the tiny party down there.”

  A light chuckling rang out, and then, a flood of fluff was coursing up and over her bed. Salika scooted back against the wall, but the fluffies kept coming.

  Salika felt all the tiny minds pressing against hers, and it was only when Saluk barked softly that the pressure stopped.

  Medic Trel stood back and watched the swarm. “I am going to call the administrator. She can do something.”

  The medic made the call, and Salika waited under the soothing warmth of a Yaluthu and sand dog blanket. Thankfully, she didn’t have to wait long.

  Chapter Three

  A screech had the Yaluthu scattering off her bed, tumbling to the floor and heading out the door. A large raptor came through the doorway and circled the room.

  A hunting call sounded, and the Yaluthu scampered out, giggling like schoolchildren. Well, all except Saber. The hot pink and crimson critter cuddled up between her and Saluk.

  “Thank you, Fixit.”

  The big bird perched at the end of the bed and accepted the accolade from the medic.

  A woman in robes that flowed and swirled as she walked entered the room.

  “Administrator. Good afternoon.”

  Salika took in the woman’s long, dark hair and the ease with which she picked up the deadly looking bird and plopped it onto her padded shoulder.

  “Thank you for the call, Medic Trel. Were they being a nuisance?”

  “A little bit. My patient hasn’t even been able to get to her feet. They swarmed her. I have never seen anything like it.”

  The administrator and her creature approached Salika. “Hello, Salika.”

  The woman’s eyes were kind, and her posture hinted at tremendous and controlled power.

  “Hello, Administrator.”

  “Call me Veera. So, you are a Yaluthu magnet.” The woman extended her hand.

  Salika swallowed and placed her palm on top of the other woman’s. It was the first time she had met someone as an equal.

  The bird looked at her with intense focus and then raised its head, making a sound that resembled a gargle.

  “Fixit enjoys you. He says you have a soothing presence.”

  Salika smiled. “It seems that it is supposed to be the Yaluthu’s job.”

  Veera laughed. “It usually is, but now and then, they find a person who calls to all of them. It looks like pinky got there first.”

  “Saber. Her name is Saber.” Salika stroked the pink and crimson fluff. “What kind of beast is Fixit?”

  “The type of beast that your little Saber will become. You are cuddling stage one; Fixit is about stage four.”

  “What are the other stages?”

  “Moulting, reproducing, and then, they change into the raptors.”

  Salika moved her feet as Veera sat down. Saluk shifted a little.

  “So, Salika, I hear that you can move sand.”

  “It is all that I can do. I hope that it is useful.”

  “Oh, dear lady. It is a starting point that will help you spin outward. You don’t even know what your power is capable of. Neither do we, but we embrace the opportunity for learning. That is what the Citadel is, a safe place to learn and grow.”

  Veera patted her leg. “So, we will get you some clothing, and I will take you on a tour of the facility, starting with a meal.”

  Salika wasn’t going to ignore an invitation like that. She squirmed around and clapped her hands. “I really want to get up and around.”

  Veera got to her feet. “I will get you some clothing. I think that you need a good meal more than anything. First, the clothes, then the food.”

  Salika smiled. “You know where I will be.”

  Medic Trel cleared her throat. “If you remain still for a moment, I will take a scan to see if your brain has stabilized.”

  “Sure. I am not going anywhere until I have something to wear.”

  Trel smiled brightly and got the scanner.

  Salika looked down at Saluk, and he sighed, putting more weight on her.

  The scan took a few minutes, and Salika’s skin tingled as the machine ran through its programming.

  “Are you feeling this?”

  “Yes. Shouldn’t I be?”

  “Not really. What species are you?”

  “Luthan? I don’t know really. That is where the ancestors came from.” Salika stroked her two bed companions.

  “Luthan? I thought they were... never mind. I will look into it.”

  Trel left her alone for a few minutes, and then, Veera returned.

  The bodysuit was a deep grey with silver piping on it. Saluk sniffed it, but Saber grabbed it in its tiny beak and hauled it up her body by the dangling sleeve.

  Veera let it go and let the little one take over. “I am guessing she wants you to get dressed. I will be outside.”

  Trel was nowhere to be seen, so Salika scooted out from under her bed buddies and stuck her feet into the legs of the bodysuit. Standing up was awkward, but Saluk jumped and walked around the bed to help support her as she fought her way into the clothing.

  When it was all sealed and her limbs were covered, she took slow steps to meet with Veera. Her body was exceedingly tired.

  Veera came up to her and offered her arm. “Here. I forgot you haven’t been up in a while.”

  “I will increase my speed in a few minutes.” She felt Saluk next to her, and to her amusement, Saber was riding on his back.

  “Congratulations on the Yaluthu bonding. They are very fussy about their bonding partners.”

  “Saber seems happy with it, so does Saluk. I am just along for the ride, so to speak. Why am I speaking Alliance Common, and why do I know that it is Alliance Common?”

  “When you woke for a bit on the shuttle, Demnan applied the download. His skill with languages would be missed, as he has already gone on to his next assignment. You would have been here and unable to speak.”

  “Not a great situation.”

  “Not really. On your right is the prepared food; on your left is the eating and relaxing area.”

  Fixit chirped from its perch on Veera’s shoulder. Little Yaluthu came running and milled around their feet as they went about their very slow tour.

  “Why are all the Yaluthu here?”

  “Fixit thinks you need help getting around, and the more of them, the better. If you took all you needed from Saber, it would weaken him.”

  “It is a him?”

  “Yaluthu are self-reproducing. Some take years before they have their little ones, others do it more rapidly.”

  She looked at their mobile carpet of warm bodies and sighed. She did feel better.

  “How long does it take until they grow into a creature like Fixit?”

  “That happens after they have their little ones. First, their diet goes from seeds and nuts to shredded meat, and then, their fluff begins to fall out and they nest. And when they are naked, they have their little ones. Two is the smallest grouping of babies that we have seen.”

  “What is the largest?”

  “Over a dozen. That Yaluthu got huge before the fluff fell out.”

  Salika chuckled. “Wow, that would do it.”

  “Come on; let’s get you something to eat. You are in the red and black category so that should help you find something palatable.”

  Salika smiled. “I am sure it will be fine.”

  She went through the selections that had the colour tag of her digestible foods and found enough to fill the tray that only wobbled slightly as she carried it to the table that was outlined with Yaluthu.

  They made a path for her, and she set her tray down without incident.

  Veera smiled and set down a tea tray. On the tray were a tea set and a set of cups carrying a dark brew with an entrancing scent.

  “What is that?”

  Veera handed her a cup. “Caf. Well, a similar brew to caf. One of the Terran horticultural talents has been working on it. It smells better than it tastes, but it tastes pretty good.”

  Salika took the cup and sipped it, smiling happily. “It’s good.”

  “I am glad you are enjoying it.”

  Salika took a few pieces off her plate and fed it to Saluk.

  Veera cocked her head. “You feed him first?”

  “Always. He doesn’t ask, but he expends more energy than I do, so he eats first.”

  “You do realize that he is a sentient being?”

  Salika smiled. “I know that he thinks and reasons the same way that I do. His body is different, but he is a reasoning being. Why do you ask?”

  “No reason. Many folks will assume he is subservient to you.”

  “He can correct them if he chooses. His mind is exceptionally strong.” Salika handed him some more pieces of meat and a bun.

  He ate neatly from her fingers and huffed. With a grin, Salika took a bun and held it for Saber. She ate with her other hand while Veera watched in amusement.

  “You are going to have your hands full with those two.”

  Salika chuckled. “Saber and Saluk can keep eyes on each other.”

  Saber had pecked the bread to nothing, so Salika stroked his head, and she returned to her own meal.

  Veera sat and sipped at her tea with a welcoming smile. Every now and then, she waved at one of the other diners.

  Salika looked around, and she smiled. “The Yaluthu mingle with everyone?”

  “They do. There is a food station that will dispense food for them, and all bonding pairs are given Yaluthu rations regularly. They are pretty good about only eating what they can digest, so don’t worry about the roll Saber consumed.”

  Saber flapped his wings at Veera, causing Fixit to growl a little.

  Salika smiled and sent a soothing thought to her rebellious new companion.

  Veera poured her tea and raised her brows. “Better?”

  “I do feel stronger. Now, may I ask some questions?”

  “Of course.”

  “Why does the Citadel send recruiters out? Don’t get me wrong, but it seems that you have more than enough folks here to do what you like.”

  Veera smiled and reached up to stroke Fixit. “You are thinking on a global scale. For one world, this is indeed plenty, but for the hundreds and thousands of worlds out there that have populations that grow talents, we are a hint of mist that disappears at dawn. There are not enough of us to make a difference.”

  “So, what could I do?”

  “It depends on what you can do. From Demnan’s description, you are either an elemental or a telekinetic. We will find out, and then, you will receive the necessary training to do what makes you feel happy and fulfilled.”

  “What do I owe for it?”

  Veera sipped at her tea and then held the cup between her palms. “You are the first Luthan that has been seen off their home world in three hundred years. We would like to study and monitor you if you will allow it, and that will pay for your education and lodging. If you gain enough skill to go off world, the bonuses incurred will spur your personal funds.”

  “So, you wish to examine me and keep track of me, and in return, I can live here and study, as well as train?”

  “Of course. If you have any skills to teach, there are also instructor payments available.”

  Salika stroked Saluk and pulled Saber onto her lap. “Tell me more.”

  Veera smiled, set her cup down and told Salika more.

  Chapter Four

  Salika and her entourage arrived early for her first class. Her biology was stable, her eating habits were more regular than they ever had been in her life and her companions were enjoying her new health by making her go for scheduled workouts.

  The hand-to-hand combat course was the one that appealed to her as a starter class. She had afternoon tutorials to determine the exact nature of her talent, but the mornings were all for learning how to fight against those who would try and make her go somewhere she didn’t want to be, like a pit.

  The instructor was the only person in the section of the exercise area.

  “Imron?”

  “Instructor Imron. You are...”

  “Salika.”

  He nodded and checked a tablet. “What is your rank?”

  “I don’t have one.”

  He nodded again and set the tablet aside. “Well, the others aren’t here yet, so let’s get an idea of your skills.”

  She didn’t know what he meant. “What do you need me to do?”

  “Have your beasts remain on the side of the room and meet me on the mat.” He turned and walked away from her.

  She asked Saluk to wait, and Saber flapped his wings. She hoped that they would remain on the side of the room.

  Imron was standing in the centre of the mat, his deep-blue skin glowing with his black hair in a tidy braid that slid around his back. His black suit fit him very nicely, and she had to admit that the bodysuits were definitely a step up from the loose, gauzy clothing in her city.

  Salika stood and faced him.

  “I am going to take your measure, so defend yourself in any way that you are comfortable with.”

  “Got it.”

  Salika watched him move, and his grace was impressive. She ducked and kicked out at his leg while punching upward. He stumbled, and she hooked her heel back, pulling him to the ground.

  She jumped onto his chest and put her knee on his throat. His midnight eyes were surprised. He tapped her thigh twice, and she rolled out of his way. She was in a low crouch as he sat up.

  “You have had some training.”

  “No. I am self-taught.” She slowly stood as he did. “What can you teach me?”

  “Not much that you don’t already know. Perhaps some strength and technique. You already have speed and precision. I believe your time would be better spent with weapons training.”

  She made a face. “I don’t really need weapons.”

  “It is still your best choice. For today, we can spar until the others come in.” He smiled, and she could see surprisingly sharp teeth.

  It was all the warning she got. His fist flew toward her, and she had to duck. She punched upward, but he wasn’t there anymore.

  He struck at her again, and this time, she wasn’t quite fast enough; he struck her and spun her around.

  His arms came around her, and he whispered in her ear. “As I stated, you need to work on your speed.”

  She tightened her arms and kicked back at his knee while she raised her fists to the sky.

  Saluk charged forward and put himself between her and Imron. Saluk’s scales were up and his eyes were glowing.

  “I thought you were telling your beasts to remain to the side.”

  To her astonishment, Saber was next to Saluk, bristling with pink and crimson fluff.

  “They were reacting to me. I think I will leave the fighting for another day. Please excuse me.”

  She left the exercise space, and Saluk leaned against her, with Saber riding him. Both were sending her waves of calm.

  Salika headed for the med centre, and she found Medic Trel.

  “Trel? May I speak with you?”

  “Of course. Come this way.” Trel led the way into an office and gestured for Salika to sit. “I noticed an adrenalin spike a few minutes ago.”

  Salika twisted her lips before blurting, “How do I go about meeting with a minder or therapist?”

  “Oh, I can make the arrangements. Is there a reason?”

  “I have some issues in my past that are best dealt with before they become triggers to unwanted reactions.”

 

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