Dark Matters - Michelle Diener Page 0,10
steps.
“The explosion. Last night.” The woman ignored her, spoke to her companion as if she'd just realized something.
“Yes.” He drew the word out. “That was a military facility.” The man turned wary eyes back on Lucy. “This is not something I want to be mixed up in--”
The woman hesitated, then gave a nod.
They shuffled back a little more.
“Please, just tell me what you know.” Lucy took a step toward them, and it seemed to galvanize the man. He turned, took hold of the woman's shoulders, and turned her as well.
As she gave Lucy one last parting glance, the woman lowered her eyes, as if she was embarrassed at their retreat, then she walked quickly back the way she'd come, the man close on her heels.
A moment later, Lucy was alone again, with nothing but the low moan of the wind and the spectacular view along the cliffs for company.
Those two had recognized her.
Or if not her, specifically, people from Earth. The woman had even made the connection with the facility.
Which meant, if they spoke to anyone, word would get out that she was here. And that would lead those hunting her right to her.
She had to go.
Go now.
She walked along the side of the building, keeping close to the wall again as the wind swirled around her, tugging at her cloak.
The ledge dropped off to the sea far, far below.
When she turned the corner, relieved to have solid ground in front of her, she saw the two people who'd found her talking to another Tecran, both of them gesticulating wildly to the newcomer.
They all went silent at the sight of her, and Lucy realized she was still clutching the crossbow.
She'd shot crossbows, and even longbows, for fun, but what was she going to do? Shoot someone with a grapple hook?
The idea was so ludicrous, she bent slowly and set it down on the ground at her feet.
The wind had kicked up another notch, and it blew her long, curly hair wildly around her. Her cloak streamed behind her, revealing her body in her thin pajamas, and she could see from their expressions she was the strange, alien creature here. Not them.
“Please,” she said, hearing the weariness in her own voice, “just tell me what you know about me and I'll be on my way.”
“Do you have a credit bank?” the new Tecran asked.
“No.” She didn't even know what the system of money was here. She'd been tucked up in the facility the whole time.
“I'll give you mine. It's got enough to last a couple of days on it. Go into the city. You'll find help there. For us . . .” He flicked a look at the other two. “It's a tricky thing. We might be seen as traitors if we help you.” He lifted his hands, the fluff on his feathery arms ruffling in the wind.
“I have a credit bank on me.” The woman who'd walked away from her dug into a pocket, and the man with her did the same.
They gave them both to the third man, who'd pulled out a colorful rectangle from his own pocket. He leaned forward and set them on the ground, as if scared to get closer.
Like they were afraid to touch her, or get too near her.
She frowned. “Are you frightened of me?”
She would need to know this if she was going into the crowds of the city.
They looked at each other uneasily.
“The scientists and doctors at the facility weren't afraid of me.”
The woman closed her eyes. “Don't tell us anything about the facility.”
“We aren't afraid,” the new man slid both hands into his pockets. “It's just . . .” He eventually shrugged, unable or unwilling to explain.
“Good luck.” The man who'd found her originally shuffled back toward the door of the building. “The zipu comes every five minutes and it'll take you all the way to the city. It's only a short walk along the path.” He gestured to a meandering path that disappeared between two low, stunted trees. Then he turned and walked into the building.
After a moment of silence, the other two followed him, the woman glancing at her with a frown more than once.
Lucy waited until they had disappeared and then she scooped up the credits they'd left her.
It felt a little icky taking the thin, bright rectangles, each a colorful rainbow made of something similar to enamel, but she couldn't be picky. She hadn't eaten or drunk anything since last night, and the Tecran's version of money