Terran Times 02 - Deal with a Dhemon (26 page)

Deal with a Dhemon

he could see for miles. It was the first time she Shad been on a planet similar to earth in five years, and homesickness overwhelmed her. She stood, staring out the open floor to ceiling window, for hours. Welcoming the breeze on her face, and ignoring the tears tracking onto her clothing. She was brought out of her reverie by a tiny hand tugging on her skirt.

“Oh, hello little one. How did you get in here?”

She spoke slowly in Dhemon common and was relieved when the little girl pointed out the window to the balcony wrapping around the house.

“I’m Shalin.” Her clear little voice spoke Alliance common, and Sam was relieved for a second time.

“I’m Samantha, but you can call me Sam.” She extended her hand for the formal greeting and was almost rocked off of her feet when the little body slammed against her in a hug.

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She patted Shalin’s shoulder and smiled when the little girl looked up at her again.

“You don’t look like us. You are a really neat color. What are you?” Her curiosity was refreshing and Sam walked over to a long couch and sat down. She patted the seat next to her and the little girl hopped up and watched her with rapt attention.

Sam explained about her race, her species, and her world. She talked of all of the planets she had seen, and how she had never seen a race like the Dhemon before, but that her people had stories of such, from thousands of years before.

Occasionally during her recitation, Shalin’s face grew puzzled and Sam stopped to explain the unfamiliar terms. Suddenly there was a knock on the door, and it swung open.

Safra stood in the doorway. “Shalin, what are you doing in here? I hope she wasn’t bothering you Samantha.” There was a warmth in her features when she met Sam’s eyes that had not been there that afternoon. Most curious.

“No, of course not. She is delightful, and a great listener.” Sam smiled at Shalin and was rewarded by her beaming grin.

“It’s time for dinner. Are you ready?”

“For food. Definitely.” She walked beside Safra and listened to her describing the layout of her home. Shalin walked beside them, and soon Sam 62

Deal with a Dhemon

felt a tiny hand gripping hers. They walked into the dining hall and Shalin left her to scamper up to her father.