See? See? Ajix got it.
The Sye's expression was grudging. "How many kills?"
"Five." Ajix let the pause stretch. "A tiea, two jian, a cla and a wla."
The children's faces hardened. Their disinterest changing to hostility as they finally realized how much of a threat she could be.
Elena listened, trying not to show her confusion at the unfamiliar terms. It made sense that Ajix wouldn’t use human terms to describe the different Tsavitee species. She’d have to figure out which was which before anyone realized. Otherwise, her cover would be compromised.
The Sye looked mollified, staring at Elena for a moment before flicking a hand in acceptance.
Ajix bowed, the subservient gesture shocking Elena. She’d always thought generals were at the top of the Tsavitee food chain.
Ajix straightened, giving Elena a warning look to not cause trouble.
As if she would ever listen. Trouble was in her blood. She lived, breathed, and ate it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Her aunties and uncle hadn't been able to train that out of her. She doubted the Tsavitee would be any more successful.
Elena watched Ajix's departure to see if she could spot the mechanism he was using to trigger the doors.
It had to be a device of some type. Either on his person or keyed to his biometrics. If she could figure out which, maybe she could do a little recon while everyone else was sleeping.
"What should we do with her, Kai?" one of the younger children asked in Tsavitee.
Elena turned to find the Sye watching her. Kai caught Elena's chin, forcing her face up for a better look.
Elena didn't struggle, not daring to move or flinch.
"The same as always. If she wants to live, she'll have to earn her place among you."
There was a strange smile on Kai's face, a clinical detachment that sent fear shivering through Elena.
"I hope you don't disappoint." Kai released Elena, sweeping a gaze over her one last time before disappearing through one of the doors off the communal area.
Elena waited until the Sye was gone, taking her time to size the children up the same way they were her.
She waved at them. "I'm Elena. What are your names?"
The children stared at her for an uncomfortably long time.
There was a sigh from the top of the boulder as the boy dropped to the ground.
"Leave her," he ordered, herding the children away. "She won't be here long anyway."
Elena's hand dropped to her side as the children disappeared into their rooms. "You know, I don't think they like me, Uncle Jin."
As usual, there was only silence from the lu-ong spawn that lay as still as death around Elena’s bicep. As quiet as the first day they'd arrived.
"No matter, though. I'm not here to make friends." Elena forced back the crushing sense of loneliness, wrapping her arms around her waist for comfort. "Still, I wish you'd wake up, Uncle Jin. It'd be nice to have someone to talk to."
Until then, she'd just have to keep going with the flow and hope things didn't get too dicey.
Eight
Kira – The Wanderer somewhere in space
Kira hooked a towel around her neck, using the ends to pat her face and hair dry as she stepped out of the communal bathroom located on the lower aft deck beneath the ship's pitiful excuse for crew quarters.
She felt good. Finally like herself again. The grime and sweat that had accumulated from her three day 'nap' washed away under the shower's enzyme spray.
