Lenses

By Catrina Taylor and WriteTeam

Unleash Your Imagination with 'Lens' - The Ultimate Scifi Fantasy Anthology!

 

Get ready for a wild ride through ten fantastic stories that will blow your mind! Lenses is the book you've been waiting for, filled with thrilling adventures you won't be able to put down.

 

Within these pages, you'll encounter heroes and heroines facing impossible odds, discover unexpected desires, and witness the blend of science and sorcery in ways you've never imagined. Each story is a gem, meticulously crafted to transport you to a different world and leave you yearning for more. If you crave the thrill of otherworldly adventures and the wonder of fantastical settings, this anthology is tailor-made for you.

Start your journey today and get ready for an extraordinary ride. Plus, as an exclusive bonus, enjoy a never-before-seen story from Coffee Quills, a rising star in the world of speculative fiction.

• Language: English
• Publisher: InExhaustible Media
• Release date: Nov 24, 2023
• ISBN: 9781633100480

Catrina Taylor

Prolific Author, Mother, and Scifi Enthusisuts, Catrina Taylor has enjoyed ten years of playing in the world of her own creation. Every day is a new adventure. 

Book preview

Lens

WriteTeam

Lens

Written by CoffeeQuills, Sapha Burnell, David Payne, Miya Chisolm, Catrina Taylor, Alledria Hurt, Sylvian St-Pierre

Copyright 2023

Cover by InExhaustible Media

License

This work of fiction can not be reproduced in part or whole through any means, digital or otherwise, without the expressed written consent of the copyright holder, or their representative. Any similarities contained within these pages to events, people, and situations that have occurred elsewhere are coincidences. Thank you for not engaging in the act of piracy, and respecting the rights and hard work of the dedicated team.

Amazon Distribution by Vraeyda Multimedia Incorporated

InExhaustible Media

Thomasboro, Il

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Contents

1.Becoming Vengence

2.The Price of Boredom

3.I am not the bad guy

4.The Cottonmouth Smile

5.CageWire

6.Serial Killer Blues

7.An Army Guy in Andor

8.Florin

9.Invasive Species

10.Escape and Transform

11.Wraith and Specter

12.Family Expansion

13.Angle of Death

14.Through Anguish

15.See the Risks

Becoming Vengence

Miya Chisolm

Badalā stared at the goosebumps on her arm. The cold was not something she would be used to any time soon. She had no idea how humans did it. Then again, she supposed, perhaps she should learn. After all, she was human until she figured out how to get back. She glared at the stars and wondered which of her siblings was glaring back. Was it Mercy, with Her unbearably pitiful smiles? Justice, clutching the staff He wielded like an extension of His own self? Truth- she stopped at the thought of Truth’s steady, pious gaze. She closed her eyes and forced herself to stop trembling with anger.

She still remembered the day of her trial. It had been swift, as things usually were. One of her sisters—she could not be bothered to recall which one—had visited her as she awaited sentencing. Perhaps, He can be convinced, the goddess said. He does care for you in His own way.

She did not stop her as she went, though Justice’s words still rang fresh in her ears. Your thirst for blood has gone too far, Sister, He told her. She had been forced to her knees, yet another humiliation that her siblings would pay for. We will decide what to do with you.

Justice, Truth, and Absolution all stood before her. You are a danger, Justice boomed. Have you anything to say for yourself?

She glared at each of them in turn. Absolution turned away, but did not hide the tears that streamed down Her face. Justice seemed to look through her. Only Truth gazed directly at her, face placid as ever.

The silence stretched and Justice nodded. You despise the very beings you serve. Therefore, you will become one of them. You will learn to understand them and all their ways. Only then may you return. With that edict, she was flung from her celestial tower. It took a week to get through the claustrophobia of being trapped in a mortal form with all her rage confined to a single body, no way to get it out. It took a month for the anger to settle. She decided the best thing for her to do was to exist for now. Learning from humans could give her an advantage later.

She learned that she was living in an apartment building. One of her siblings—Mercy, she assumed—had been kind enough to provide a fully furnished dwelling. She had received a letter informing her that she needed to pay rent. The next day, another letter arrived informing her that she should disregard the first because her dwelling was paid for the next several years. She spent her days asleep as the body she was in seemed to need it. Her nights were spent on the flat roof of the building she shared with several others.

One of the humans saw her one night. Can’t sleep? it asked her. Badalā spared it a glance, one that should have sent it melting into the dirt it came from. It did not notice as it sat with her. Since becoming human, she usually spent her nights alone. It seemed that was about to change. I like to look at them when shit gets bad, the human continued. When I was a kid, I lived out in the country. Me and my mom used to find as many constellations as we could. There’s one! It pointed to a shimmering cluster. That’s Cygnus.

Badalā shifted, staring at the human full-on. It was still looking at the sky, searching. I miss home, she said at last. She did not recall giving the words permission to come out. I want— She swallowed back the tightness in her throat.

The human nodded. Hits hard sometimes. She was grateful for the human’s eyes never landing on her as she gathered herself and shoved her emotions back.

What are you called? she asked after they had sat in silence for a while longer.

Andy, it said with a laugh. Andy. Perhaps this Andy would be worth saving after the fight. What are you called? It was still smiling at her and she found herself slowly smiling back.

I am Badalā.

Good to meet you, Badalā. It looked back to the sky and after a moment, she did the same.

***

Over the next several nights, this was their routine. They rarely spoke and Andy was usually gone before the sun rose, but Badalā found herself looking forward to the companionship. One morning, there was a knock at her front door. It was Andy, dripping wet and shivering. Hey! he said. Hey, how, uh, how are you?

She tilted her head. Hello.

I was, um, do you- I mean, what are— He made a face and shook his head. He took a deep breath and said, Do you want to go to the planetarium? With me, I mean? Tonight?

Tonight?

Yeah, it’s raining all day and I know you like the stars, so I thought that maybe since they’re not really gonna be out because of the storm that you would maybe want to see them somewhere else? Unless you don’t, I mean, that’s okay too because— Badalā held up a hand to stop him before she had time to think about when she started considering him to be a person.

Yes.

Yes? he repeated with a wide grin.

Yes.

Okay! He cleared his throat and slouched into a more relaxed position. Okay, uh, great, that’s great. I’ll come back and we can go together. His light brown skin flushed. I mean, we can go there together to the planetarium and— He exhaled heavily and raked a hand over his face. How’s seven? he finally asked.

Alright. Seven.

His smile returned. Okay! Awesome! They stood like that for several seconds before Andy ducked his head and walked away, muttering to himself. Badalā watched him for a moment, a soft smile crossing her face before she closed the door.

When she turned around, she was met with the sight of a woman. Her long white hair contradicted her youthful face, though eyes set in a deep brown face spoke of eternal wisdom. Hello, sister, the young woman said with a gentle smile.

She sneered at Absolution. What are you doing here?

I wanted to make sure you were alright.

I am fine.

Her sister watched her for a moment. Humanity suits you. You look… well.

Badalā snorted. For banishment. Abruptly, her face went blank. Why are you here, sister?

I am telling you the truth. I only wanted to check on you for myself, I was concerned and--

"Oh? You said nothing during my trial. You said nothing when Justice passed His sentence, but now you are concerned."

Brother forbade us from visiting for at least the first month of your humanity. He said that we needed to give you time and—

I do not care.

Absolution sighed. You are angry.

"Yes, I am angry," Badalā hissed. The rage that had been constant for longer than time itself had begun to show through. After all, Badalā had been known as Vengeance for a reason. She had always known how to bide her time for a worthy cause.

Absolution merely nodded in the face of it. "Do you wish me to leave?"

Yes. Absolution’s eyes filled with hurt, as though She had expected a different response. Badalā remained firm, her own eyes void of emotion, the anger gone just as quickly as it had arrived.

Alright. She opened her mouth to speak, then hesitated. Wear the red dress, She said. Red has always been your color. With that, She vanished.

Badalā went to her bedroom. On her bed, there lay a deep red dress. The neckline was higher than the finery she had worn as a goddess, the billowing fabric more suited to the goddess of truth. She took off her jeans and t-shirt and pulled the dress on, squeezing and stuffing her body into it, much like her spirit had been squeezed and stuffed into this body. It fit perfectly. Her deep golden skin almost glowed and it gave her a softness she had never possessed when she was a goddess. She briefly considered throwing it in the garbage out of spite. Instead, she combed her fingers through her thick, curly hair before she let it fall down her back and waited for seven o’clock.

That night when Andy arrived to pick her up, his look of adoration was well worth the thanks she would have to give her sister.

***

Badalā spent most of the time watching Andy, his genuine fascination with the sky piquing her interest. She had not realized that humans still valued the stars. She watched them through his eyes for a moment, seeking the wonder that he found. Are you okay? he asked her. They had been at the planetarium for quite some time, slowly going through each area with Andy acting as her personal guide. Are you bored? Do you want to leave?

No. Andy looked worried, so she placed a hand on his arm to reassure him. I am enjoying this. Very much.

Yeah? She nodded and a child-like grin spread across his face. Good. Oh, hey, I want you to see this room! He lifted her hand off his shoulder so that he could hold it and quickly led her through the planetarium. The night was the beginning of something new, the beginning of Badalā becoming human.

***

Andy grasped her hand as they ran across the street and darted under an awning. This dress was new, Badalā complained as she frowned at the watermarks on the light blue satin skirt.

I’ll get you another one, Andy promised, laughing before kissing her hand. All at once, his face grew wondrous. You’re beautiful, he breathed. Badalā covered the hand on her cheek with her own, gazing at him solemnly. There was something so pure about this sort of worship, sudden, unexpectant, unashamed. He kissed her, pouring every emotion into it as he did with everything. They had been a couple for nearly a year, but his intensity was still almost unbearable at times. He followed up with a multitude of tiny kisses, each gentler than the last, before pulling away completely. I love you.

Yes.

He laughed softly, used to this from her. She was never sure what to make of him, this boy who made her feel treasured. He never let a day pass without proclaiming his love for her. She was not sure if she knew how to love, but he made her feel like she could someday.

He glanced to the side, the rain still pouring down. "Wanna try to make another run for

it?" She squeezed his hand in response and they ran off again.

***

Without realizing it, Badalā found a home among these humans. When she looked at the stars, it was no longer with a bitter taste in her mouth and fury in her heart. Now, she found herself awestruck by the way Andy glowed under the stars, the way they softened the sky. She found herself enjoying tasks like washing dishes and shopping for groceries. There was a peace that she had not felt in her entire existence, and she found herself hoping to never lose it.

One mundane day, Badalā and Andy were out much later than usual. Badalā had been craving a pickle. A certain brand of a single pickle and Andy was determined to go to the ends of the earth to find it.

You are ridiculous, she said.

Is your pickle good? he asked.

She wrinkled her nose but took another bite of the pickle she was holding. Yes. She offered it to him. He kissed her forehead before taking a large enough bite to make her gasp in protest. That gasp was almost loud enough to cover the sound of footsteps. Andy turned, pushing his fiancé behind him.

Howdy! The man was much too friendly for the hour, his salesman smile as bright and steely as the gun he was pointing straight at Andy.

Howdy. Andy’s voice was much more subdued. Can I help you?

There was a loud blast when the man fired. The shot landed somewhere near Andy’s feet. Let’s cut the small talk. Your wallet, hand it over.

No problem, my guy. It’s in my back pocket, you mind if I get it?

No funny business, the man warned, shaking the gun a little.

None at all, Andy promised. He slowly reached behind his back, keeping his other hand raised and his eyes on the gun. He brought his hand back around, holding his wallet tightly.

Toss it. Andy did as he said, the wallet landing in a puddle in front of the man. Your wallet too, he said, aiming the gun to the side just a few inches lower.

Look, you have your wallet, said Andy. Leave her alone.

You shut up! Give me your wallet, girlie. He ran at Badalā, and Andy charged at him, pushing him back. The two began to wrestle for control over the gun. A shot rang out.

Two figures ran off into the night as Badalā screamed.

***

Look at me, she said frantically, kneeling next to him. Look at me! Everything is okay, you are going to be okay, you will be fine, please, please, stay with me, Andy, please stay with me. She stroked his cheek and pushed back his hair.

Andy squeezed her hand and nodded, a sound that may have been laughter fighting its way out of his lips. His mouth opened and closed a few times before the light in his eyes faded and he lay still and silent.

No! No, you cannot leave me, come back! She began the chest compressions she vaguely recalled from their favorite television show. Save him! she screamed to the skies.

Avenge him, a voice echoed back.

Vengeance. Of course. Her tears stopped. Everything stopped. She looked at the boy who had loved her, protected her, given his life for her. She wiped away the remaining tears, leaving a streak of blood across her face. Gently, she closed his eyes and pressed her lips to his for the final time. Guard him, she whispered. She stood, a familiar white-hot fury racing through her bones, her power reawakening as she returned to her true self.

The car screeched to a halt and two men leaped out, swearing. What’s wrong with you? one of them yelled. He- it- sounded angry. She almost laughed at how paltry it was. Mortal anger meant nothing to the goddess of vengeance.

You took something from me. Badalā‘s– no, that was no longer her name. Badalā had died next to Andy. Vengeance’s voice was monotone as she stood in the middle of the road.

I ain’t ever seen you, lady. Get out the- It stumbled back, finally catching a full look at her.

She painted a terrifying picture, her dress covered in blood and sticking to her skin, blood mixing with the rain and streaming in rivulets down her face. You took something from me, she repeated.

Look, lady, we said we’ve never seen you.

She tilted her head. You have. The creatures screamed out as her memories flashed through their minds, her sheer terror at seeing Andy shot down like an animal, her frantic efforts at a rescue. One of them got brave and fired a single shot at her. Just the one. The bullet passed through her like air and the creature screamed again as the weapon exploded in his hand. She turned to the other one who was already scrambling back.

I’m sorry, oh god, I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry! It tried to open the door, slamming and scratching at the windows.

No, she murmured. You are not sorry. Not yet. You will be.

The human finally opened the door and nearly fell over itself getting in. Vengeance disappeared and the man heaved a sigh of relief making all sorts of promises to his deceased mother, to a deity he no longer believed in.

When Vengeance appeared next to him, he screamed, swerving wildly. The car crashed into a church.

Please, I’m sorry, please, oh god don’t hurt me, please, please, I’m-

Sorry, I’m so sorry, oh god, please don’t hurt me, she droned. Did you hear him begging? He gave you what you wanted, and you took him from me all the same.

Please, I’m sorry! The human was sobbing now. Please don’t hurt me, I have a kid on the way, I have a wife at home, please-

She slammed it against the wall, glaring at it. Perhaps you should have considered them. Vengeance smiled, a terrible and beautiful expression. Now they too will know pain.

***

The priest arrived at the church the next day to see a car hanging halfway out the door. When he called the police to make a report, the area became a crime scene. During the investigation, several detectives pulled up tapes. They showed a man being flung in all directions. At some points, he seemed to be pleading with something, some unseen entity. After several minutes, the man lay dead, his body at an unnatural angle and surrounded by broken crucifixes and goblets. No one could explain what they had seen. Nor could they explain the screaming creature that appeared in front of the camera and vanished just as quickly.

***

She had done it. Her own act of vengeance had brought her back to her own corner of the universe. Every so often, she found herself twirling the ring that hung around her neck, imagining all the things that could have been. She always shook the memories away. She was home, listening to the wishes of her followers. However, she no longer felt like she belonged here. The heart she found along the way still ached for a future full of hope and nerves and possibility. She turned to the stars, homing in on one that seemed to shine a little bit brighter than all the rest. It dimmed for a moment, and she smiled. Hello, Andy.

The Price of Boredom

Sylvain St-Pierre

His mood, as he left the workshop, wasn’t good.

It was now weeks without one new weapon to study, without a new ship’s design that he could take apart; not even a security company announcing some new, unbeatable system. Those were always fun, if too easy to beat. Security companies didn’t have good opinions of the people breaking into their systems. They certainly didn’t consider how resourceful those truly determined could be.

The workshop was far from the town on purpose. He wanted to ensure that even as it grew, he wouldn’t have to worry about the limits ever reaching where he lived. He liked the silence of the forest at the back of the building. It also added to the air of mystery he cultivated.

There was nothing more noticeable than a completely normal person.

He used the long walk to prepare himself for being among people. He did not care for people, but they were a necessity.

He passed the occasional house. He wasn’t the only one interested in being away from the town, while remaining within easy reach if it, especially for those willing to fly their hover there.

Hey, Tech! a man called from one of the houses.

He was deep enough in thoughts, trying to come up with something he could do to stay occupied, instead of his coming lunch, that it took him a few seconds to remember that he was Tech. He turned, ready with an excuse should the man standing on the porch of the house question his slow response.

After all, Tech was often lost in thought.

Mister Harmitage, he greeted the man when he added nothing furtherg. Like everyone in the town, or on the entire planet, the man didn’t react to the way he looked.

Any chance you can take a look at something for me?

He took out his datapad from the pant’s pocket—they were the only thing he wore—and consulted it. He didn’t have to. He knew the time. He knew the diner would serve food all day, but he’d taken care that everyone noticed Tech was meticulous.

Is it a big repair?

Tech was always willing to help, but this was lunchtime, and he had gone to lengths to ensure people realized that lunchtime, that his schedule, was important to Tech.

I wish I knew, the man replied, throwing his hands up in a well-rehearsed gesture of defeat. The generator’s acting up. I’m a grower, not a tinkerer.

He smiled. Everyone knew Tech was easygoing. Sometimes it led to being taken advantage of. I can look at it and determine what’s wrong.

I knew I could count on you. The man led him to the back of the house, where the shed containing the generator was located, along with farming equipment.

The man was older, appearing to be in the late in his first century by the white hair and wrinkled face, but he was close to twice that. The farmer hadn’t provided the information, and Tech hadn’t asked. Tech wasn’t one to inquire about the people around him. His questions always related to what needed repairing.

He found out the man’s age, along with many other things, by doing his research.

The man abandoned a wife after emptying their accounts. He’d lost all that money gambling and had found himself forced to work as a drug courier to repay the debts he had incurred, but that hadn’t gone well. In desperation, he had faked his death in a ship mishap and came here to hide.

As with just about everyone else in the little town of First Haven, this man had been in trouble when he’d arrived.

Do you have any tools? he asked in the gentle tone Tech always used, friendliness and embarrassment at not being prepared.

Sure, Agualla bought me some for our wedding. The man pulled a box from a cabinet and dropped it at his feet. No idea why. It’s not like I’ve ever done that kind of work.

He opened the box and revealed a variety of tools still sealed in the original packaging. He picked up an unsealer and studied the packaging for signs it had been resealed. It hadn’t. The man did not need such pretense or lies here, but the habit was ingrained deep. Take nothing for granted.

He had crafted Tech to be a trusting person, but he wasn’t.

He used a claw to cut it out of its packaging and wondered what the wife would do if she found out what this man had done to his previous family. What if they found out he was alive? Where he was hiding? No. Not only would that disrupt the tranquility he ensured this planet remained wrapped in, but he had nothing to gain by destroying this man’s life.

Except for alleviating his boredom.

He used the unsealer on the generator’s access cover while the man talked. He wrinkled his muzzle at the smell that escaped as he removed it; a capacitor was melting. The most likely cause was an improperly calibrated sensor which hadn’t distributed the power evenly. He easily found the capacitor, located the associated sensors, and identified the likely suspect. He freed more tools from their packaging, used them to disconnect that power line from the rest of the generator, and stopped before he patched together a repair.

Tech didn’t do patch jobs. He only used the proper equipment and parts, even when he needed to fabricate them himself. He could repair something with anything he had on hand.

It was also lunchtime, and he had already used more of that time than he should.

He took the line out and resealed the generator. You’re down twenty percent without that line, so be careful how much power you pull until I’ve fixed it. I can get the parts I need to do the repair after I’ve eaten, and I’ll be back with it fully calibrated by the end of the day.

You’re a lifesaver, Tech, the man said. I don’t know what I would have done if you hadn’t passed by.

Died, he thought darkly, when the generator exploded and turned this property into a crater. He didn’t care about that part. People died all the time. Few people had the fortitude to withstand what the universe threw at them. It was the disruption to his life that annoyed him enough he considered snapping the man’s neck. They were alone. It would be simply to give the appearance he’d fallen while trying to investigate why the generator was misbehaving.

But that would also cause disruptions, and he wasn’t so bored, yet.

It could have been avoided if, as the man claimed, he did regular maintenance on the equipment. This type of damage took months to build up and even a nose as dull as a human’s would have picked up on the scent. He could chastise the man, make it clear it was his responsibility to ensure the generator was in good working order, but that would thread on the man’s belief he was right, and while he had no problem shattering the man’s illusion, Tech was not so inconsiderate.

I’m just happy you caught me in time. Remember, this design needs to be looked at every week to ensure it functions properly.

Oh, I do, every week, just like the manual said. I scan it and everything.

That’s good.

Why was the only scanner in sight still sealed, then? Had he crafted Tech so passive this man thought such a lie would go unnoticed? No, he simply counted on Tech being too nice to point it out.

Maybe he needed to make changes to Tech. They would have to be small, gradual, but making him someone willing to punch an idiot for wasting his time would be worthwhile.

No, it was the boredom talking. Tech needed to remain someone others wouldn’t think about much.

Remember, keep any power demand low until I’m back. If you burn it out completely, it’s going to be much harder to repair. A crater wasn’t an easy fix.

No worries, I’ll make today one of rest.

If this was another lie, there would be no need for Tech to stop by again.

***

He placed the power line on the table as he sat, then looked through the feeds on his datapad in the hope something had come in during his walk to the diner. Still nothing. Even the private communication nodes he set up for the people he paid handsomely for the information he needed were empty.

He set the pad, screen down, on the table,

How could it be that in a place the size of the universe, no one had made one discovery, created one lock, or weapon, or made one change to a ship? It should be impossible for research to simply stop producing like this, but every few objective decades it was like everyone agreed to make his life miserable.

Tech. The tavern owner’s wife places a plate of steaming food before him, meats, vegetables, along with his usual glass of water. She smiled at him, moving her hand to his shoulder. I was afraid I wouldn’t have the pleasure of your company today.

Mister Harmitage needed me to look over his generator; it’s misbehaving. He nodded to the line on the table. He didn’t react to the touch, didn’t acknowledge it. Her husband, behind the bar, hardly reacted to her flirting with him anymore. He had nothing to fear, after all, from someone who wasn’t human. How could Tech know that the touch indicated an interest in him? That the way her thumb rubbed through the fur meant she wanted to feel more of him against her?

He could use his nose, for one thing. Human scents made many things clear they didn’t want to express. Such as her lust for him. It was why, after noticing it the first time, he altered his running path so it would take him along the line separating the two properties, where she could watch him run, naked, from the kitchen window, and that her husband could do the same from the bedroom.

Maybe he should take her the way she wanted him to. He didn’t care for women that way, but he could perform with them. And doing so here would cause interesting chaos. Would her husband’s anger be caused by a sense of betrayal, or jealousy he had picked her over him?

Is that what it is? she asked, leaning forward, hand sliding down his arm, but she was looking at him, not it. Smiling.

He did not acknowledge the invitation. The chaos it would cause would have long-term repercussions. He might have to leave this planet, and he was not ready to do so. It was still a secure location, and he wouldn’t jeopardize that simply because of boredom.

I need to get a replacement capacitor and components to repair the sensor. I’ll be working on it all day.

You aren’t reading, I notice. She didn’t move, and he got a nose full of what she wanted. Humans reacted to such scents, even when they weren’t conscious of their presence. He didn’t. Have you run out of material? she lowered her voice, her smile turned inviting. I can lend you some of mine if you want. I can drop it off at your house.

It’s alright, something will come in anytime now.

It better. Without something to occupy his mind, his body was demanding more and more of his focus to keep the need to act, do something, anything, under control.

She straightened. Enjoy the food. There was no disappointment in her voice or scent at his lack of response. How could she be disappointed when he never reacted, never seemed to understand what she was after?

I always do.

The hand trailed on his arm as she walked away.

He ate mechanically, making all the appropriate sounds to indicate he enjoyed the meal while tasting none of it. He needed to find something to research before he started looking at each person in this town as a way to entertain himself.

Once done, he headed to the bar to pay. He didn’t have to, but the game with the owner was now part of who Tech was.

So, what are you working on now? the tavern owner asked.

Mister Harmitage needs me to repair his generator. He showed the defective line he carried. Often his evasion was more overt, but today he had an excuse to misunderstand.

I heard from a friend who has contacts that you work for SpaceGov. You do secret research.

He gave the man the same enigmatic smile as an answer he had on every previous attempt to get Tech to admit what he did on this planet when he wasn’t helping them with repairs. There was such a thing as someone being too normal, so he had given Tech a few traits that made him stand out and, in the process, made him less noticeable. He ran along his property naked every morning, and he never answered questions about what he did and who he did it for.

Come on, Tech, you have to give me a clue here.

He smiled again. I’ll see you tomorrow.

The huff of frustration from the tavern owner was more amusement than frustration as he headed for the exit. He stepped out of the way as the port master entered. It was the danger of being delayed, crossing paths with this man.

Tech, the man greeted, studying him as he did anytime they met.

Jacoby, he answered the greeting, and the man continued toward the bar.

The port master was the only person who had the potential to cause him trouble. It was why he did what he could to avoid him in ways that didn’t draw attention, such as ensuring they didn’t eat at the same time.

The port master appointed himself as law keeper well before he’d arrived and established Tech as someone beneficial to the community. But that wasn’t what could be problematic. The man had been a mercenary before settling here. The only one he heard of who survived the life long enough to choose to retire from it.

The knowledge the man gained while living the life was what would make him a problem should they ever come to blows. Mercenaries had to be adaptable to survive, learn a variety of skills, and be willing to do what others considered unthinkable.

It made any who survived formidable opponents.

Maybe testing just how formidable Jacoby was would alleviate his growing boredom

No.

He would not fight him here. Not in this town. Tech did not fight. He was a gentle soul. He built and repaired.

He exited the tavern and pushed this temptation down as far as he could.

Outside, the town’s center was, like his message nodes, empty.

The afternoon’s summer heat kept most inside, where temperatures could be controlled. He didn’t like heat either; his fur was for withstanding colder weather, not heat. But he learned to endure the discomfort, so he continued with his established plan, instead of seeking shelter.

At the store, he purchased the replacement capacitor, paying with a cred-stick. Unlike everyone else in the town, he did not have an account for his purchases. Another detail that helped his camouflage by differing from the norm.

Outside again, he stopped at the sound of flesh hitting flesh. The slap came from the side of the store. He knew all the sounds that could be made from flesh, as well as the cries that could accompany them; he had caused enough of them. Except, unlike those that he had been responsible for, this high pitch cry hadn’t been from an adult. Even women sounded different.

He stepped around the building and stopped. The child’s hand was over the red welt forming on his cheek. He knew him to be seven, but only because he had researched the family. Unlike his species, human children