“Ouch.That doesn’t come out.”
“I think it’s on its way to Hyreno for analysis right now.Eh, saves me from running the tests.Those things are pricey.”
“Who is the little dude in your arms?”
“One of Khytten and Salat’s older littles.”
Khytten’s voice said, “Ciro.His twin is Cira.Baola is our oldest at sixteen.”
“I am Zephyr, and I got a little too big for my britches.Literally.”
Salat walked up and held out a shirt.“You have an impressive physique.May I sketch you?”
Zephyr snorted.“This size or tall?”
His eyes glittered.“Tall, please.Can you hold Khytten on your hand?”
Khytten frowned.“What?”
Hemma held out her hand and took the shirt.“I’ve got it.”
Zephyr looked at Khytten.“May I pick you up?”
Khytten began to get suspicious, but she nodded.“Sure.”
Zephyr grew to fifty feet tall and then picked up Khytten, holding her on her palm.
Hemma had seen it before, so she didn’t look up.
Salat had his com out, and he must have been using local drones to get a good look.When Khytten was set on her feet, Zephyr came down, and Hemma handed over the shirt.
Her friend scrambled into it, and Hemma shifted the toddler to Khytten before going to hug Zephyr.
“Aw, sweetie, I missed you.Thanks for calling.”Zephyr hugged her, and Hemma felt delicate next to her.“Thanks for making it out.”
“You know about the fall?”
“Yeah.And...uh...There are more Uraddan actives than anyone thinks.”
Hemma leaned back.“What?Where?”
“They are safe, they are healthy, and they are thriving.”
“Where?”
“Um, Renovik?”
Khytten stared at them.“That’s a myth.”
“No.It is just very exclusive.They like their own genetics and are militant about bringing their own home.Guess where Uradda got a lot of its starter genes?”
Hemma blinked.“Wow.”
“Ten percent of the created actives had Renovik genes.Including me.”
“I had no idea.”
“Me neither.Can I get a cup of coffee or something with sugar?I have burned a bit of energy.”
