Page 17 of Temple

“Yeah. Why?”

“Give me ten credits.”

“What?”

“Give me ten credits. I will take you home, and you will be there in two days.”

Sage smiled. “Really?”

“Really. What’s your Hmrain’s name?”

“Zell.”

“Oh. So, this world. Right. So, eat up. We are going to get moving as soon as you finish your lunch.”

“What’s the rush?”

“Three Mdgeno have seen you and are trying to get an attack grouping together.”

Sage looked around and said, “I can’t see them.”

“Of course not. They are on an upper level. They moved there after they saw you. A loose companion is expensive, and they are all about finances. You are worth quite a bit. Worth even more if they realize you are Hmrain-compatible. They might have to black-market you, but they can find some Hmrain descendants who consume us the same way their grandparents did.”

“Us? You, too? Oh, right. You said there was one chasing you.” Sage kept eating, but her enjoyment lessened.

“Yeah. Symo. He’s black and white and stripey. Reminds me of a Siberian tiger.”

“Does he have a tail?”

“No. As far as we know, Zell is the only one with a tail. The Designers discontinued the pattern.”

“Oh.”

“Did he ever use it?”

“No. Just to lift me off him and put me to the side.”

“Oh. Well, if you want another one, I am sure that one can be found. All of the unattached ones are sitting up and sending mental imprints to see who matches you best. Was that done here?”

“No. It was just a need to wake him, and now he’s awake. Are those guys really dangerous?”

“Dangerous enough. I have weaponry in my suit, and you have the expanding rods. We should be just fine. We are heading for berth seventeen. I have a slip ship that will easily house us for a week or more if necessary. Like a slumber party.”

“I will take it. Done.”

She paid for her meal and nodded to Bailey. “Ready when you are.”

She calmly tied her flowing sleeves behind her, freeing her arms. As she stood, she wrapped her skirt to one side. She was as ready as she could be. Bailey smiled and touched the side of her neck. A helmet that looked similar to a motorcycle helmet assembled out of the suit at her neck and locked together. The suit had a flat chest, so there were no obvious female indicators, and Bailey said, “Let’s go.”

Sage nodded, pulled her hood up, and they walked assertively through the station and toward the berths. The docking bays were waiting.

Bailey walked as if she was arresting Sage. They were nearly to the walkways that led to the ships when three men slid in front of them, and Sage turned and saw another three behind them.

“Little companion. Please allow us to bring you to a suitable bond station.”

Sage jolted. “No. The Temple is waiting for me. I am not going to be diverted without a contract.”

Bailey snorted. “Do you want heads or tails?”

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