“Wow. Never seen Yaya look so. Human,” Jenny said folding her arms and looking at her captain.
The Xanic in question was looking at them all grumpily. Her skin, instead of its pale blue was now a pale brown. She had braids along her head where the spines would be and she was wearing left over clothes Sarah lent her. She glowered at Jenny and then looked past over to Cal.
The three of them were outside of Marcus’s gym. It was the easiest place they could visit and change without anyone showing up and questioning why the strangely dressed blue woman was walking around.
“How long does this thing last?” she groaned and looked at the watch now on her wrist. A simple band with a pink stone very much like Cal’s.
“As long as you’re wearing my duplicate watch it last as long as you want. Granted I’ve never done this before so it could be a little wonky.”
She looked at it and nodded, “As long as it keeps me hidden while we’re here fine.”
They started walking together going down the street. Early morning like this people were just starting to get active. Well normal people. The working people had long stated preparing for the day. They were on the opposite side of the city where the fighting had been and if he didn’t know better it was like it never happened.
“Where are you guys staying by the way? Not sure if you’d have hotels or something. Do you guys even have money?”
“We don’t have modern money but we’re managing,” Jenny said. “We’re staying out in the forest beyond the city. Nice being outside with the bugs and the birds.”
“You’re kidding,” Cal said eyes wide.
“She is,” Ya’Cahin smiled and Jenny laughed too. “We’re staying in a hotel in the city. The money is coming from a credit card that Ley gave us.”
Cal blinked. “Ley gave you?”
Ya’Cahin shrugged, “Celestials are powerful beings. They just kinda cheat things into reality sometimes but it’s never the way you want them to.”
“Wish they could cheat some financial benefits my way,” he said scratching his head.
“Maybe you can ask them,” Jenny said. She looked around them slowly and stared at the city with wide eyes. But as she walked, she made a face and held her stomach. “I’m starving.”
“Didn’t you eat the last of the rations?” Ya’Cahin asked.
“Yeah but those are rations. Rations are terrible. We can get real food here. Come on!”
She darted down the street going to the corner and turning around slowly peering in every direction. She waved for them to follow as she went around another corner.
They did as she motioned and found themselves down a street full of food stands and shops. And it was just early enough that they could smell fresh things. Hot sweet breads, frying meats, and fresh fruits depending on where you looked. Even Ya’Cahin had to pause and enjoy the smells.
“You look like you know where you’re going,” Cal said walking up to her.
“We used to come here for breakfast every week. Though I don’t think the place we went to exists yet,” she frowned. “But maybe we can find something else. Oh! This place!”
She pointed to a corner place with a small sign that glowed with a pair of bacon strips and a circular egg. The name of the place was simply called The Spot. They walked inside to a mostly empty place and saw it was a seat yourself type of situation. So they went to a booth in the corner and an older woman came over handing out menus.
“Morning you three. Coffee?”
“Coffee?” Ya’Cahin repeated to herself.
“Yes for me,” Jenny said. “And for her too.”
“Make it all three,” Cal replied holding up his fingers. “And some waters.”
“Coming right up. Take your time with the food. No rush just yet.”
She walked off getting things set up and Jenny opened the menu seeing so many familiar foods and objects that she relaxed. Ya’Cahin looked and though none of it looked directly familiar she had an idea of what most of it was. Cal watched the pair of them and leaned on his arm.
“So you’re from Xanic,” he asked and Ya’Cahin looked up at him. She looked younger than him but not by much. He wondered how much of that was the illusion and how much was real. There was also a lot of stress in her eyes. The illusions from Cal’s stone couldn’t hide those. “Where is Xanic?”
“Light years away. But it’s not terribly different from this place. People, plants, animals, and problems.” She shrugged. “I haven’t been home in a long time.”
“Because of the whole knight thing?”
“Yeah. I miss home but I enjoy being a knight more. Besides there’s not much left for me there,” Jenny looked at her and a sad look entered her eyes but Ya’Cahin didn’t take note of it.
Cal was tempted to inquire more but held back as the waitress came over with their coffee and water. Ya’Cahin stared at it, sniffing at the bitter drink. “Do what we do,” Jenny said as she and Cal prepared their coffee. “You like sweet stuff so you’re going to want this.” She set the sugar down in front of her.
She dumped a chunk of it in the coffee and then sipped it. As she did she made a sharp face, “Seh’hun. This stuff is like mulz from back home.” She turned to Cal. “It’s something we drink before flights. Helps us focus.”
“You mean that garbage sludge you had us drink?” Jenny made a face. “This is so much better than that.”
“Please. The crew loved it.”
“Speaking of. Where are the other two members of your crew?” Cal asked. “Your girlfriend and the sandy one.”
“Alice is out stalking my kung fu idol,” Jenny pouted. “I’d be there if Yaya didn’t make me be here.”
“Who Gen?”
“Yeah. She’s a superstar. Me and Alice watch her movies all the time. She better get me an autograph!”
Cal laughed while Ya’Cahin rolled her eyes, “Battle for our galaxies survival and you’re obsessing over celebrities.”
The Harlequin Library 