Birun paused and then said, “Do you think she will seek death?”
Kethen smiled kindly.“The ones who survived fought for two years on a dying world.Being alive is their religion, by whatever means necessary.They don’t fight to survive and then just give it up.Those who did are buried within the world they refused to fight for.”
Birun blinked.“Right.So, she will fight rather than simply fade.”
“Correct.Or she will find her own way to make her point.Hopefully, she isn’t a biter.It is fun but startling when it kicks off.” Kethen grinned.“She had to learn where to bite, but she was a drinker her entire pregnancy.”
Birun looked down at his white hide.“That would be rather messy.”
Kethen chuckled.“That is what sonic showers are for.It helps through the adaptation period.”
“Well, brother.Thank you for the talk.”
“Don’t forget the language thing.It is vital.They are very witty, but until they are good with other languages, they keep it to their own.”
“May I call you again?”
“Of course.My consort is out with the baby and friends, so she may be here the next time.Just a warning.”
“Understood.Have a bright day.”
Kethen ended the call, and Birun sat back.Did he want to begin a bond with this creature without speaking with her?No.Her life did not require his interference.Their discussions would be calm and forthright.Nothing would be done to her that she didn’t consent to.
Birun took the scans and arranged clothing for her.Based on her initial clothing, she would appreciate a bodysuit, but a skirt could be incorporated to make it pretty, and it could be lined with insulators to keep her warm.He smiled as he selected colours that would mimic his own appearance.
He selected boots with a solid grip and summoned a tablet for her.She would appreciate it.The one she had arrived with cracked.
“You are very considerate.She will enjoy the clothing and the tablet.”Boss sounded relieved.“You are not going to push for consort garb?”
“I will offer her a technician contract for this base.If she wants to work, she can work.If she wants to write programs, she can write programs.I have time.She has time.”
The woman started to thrash gently in the fluid, and her eyes opened.Ice blue stared at him, and a black cloak of hair floated around her.He smiled.“That is definitely something I look forward to looking at for a while.”
He walked up the steps and stuck his hand into the fluid.When she gripped his hand, he held on and pulled her out of the fluid and flipped her upside down, removing the mask as she choked and drained the oxygenated liquid out of her lungs.
The tubes retracted, and she choked and then coughed wildly.When she inhaled deeply without gargling, Birun held her, jumped off the top of the tube, and walked to the nearest solar shower.
He supported her and washed the fluid off with blasts of light.She was limp against him as he cleaned and dried her.She whispered, “You are the local Hmrain?”
“I am.This is Sanctuary Base.I am Birun.Also known as Birun the Cold or the Solitary.”
“Nice.I am Trin William.I used to be Will, but the name didn’t feel right.”Her voice was hoarse.
“I have already met Boss.The sound of him was amusing.”
“Oh.Um.I will change it.”She looked up at him, still leaning on him.She was very soft and smaller than he was comfortable with.
He grinned.“Not necessary.I don’t mind it.Boss has been very forthcoming.”
She blinked.“Oh.I am leaning on you.”
“You are.Ah, your clothing is ready.Do you mind if I carry you?”
“Um, thank you.That will be helpful.”
He nodded and lifted her.She was tense, and it brought her musculature into view.She was made of sinew and bone.“Did Nebel not worry about your body condition?”
“Everyone on Bellen is the next thing to naked, and I wore a body suit, so I am guessing it never registered.Lily noticed and chided me for it, but she’s a hugger.”
