Page 31 of Alien Burn

“No,” he said. “They don't.”

Ruthak looked back at him.

“I'll send what can be sent safely. You won't get your friend home by giving another family someone to search for.”

Dhomhes rubbed at the edge of his dressing. Stopped when it pulled.

“Have the operator report to the search commander. They need clearance before approaching the burn zone.”

“Already in the instructions.”

Of course it was.

Neither spoke for a moment. The crushers continued behind his father's shoulder.

“You're well?” Ruthak asked.

“I'm occupied.”

“That wasn't the question.”

Dhomhes looked at him. The gray at the base of his father's horns was more pronounced than he remembered. Or the light was harsher on the operations floor.

“I don't know yet.”

Ruthak nodded as though that answer would do.

“Eat.”

“A remarkably versatile prescription.”

“Works better if you try it.”

His father ended the call.

Dhomhes sat with the blank screen for a moment, then sent the search commander the promised unit's specifications.

It wasn't on the slope yet. He kept the request open.

He was looking for food when Tivek nearly knocked him down.

A practice weapon caught the corner first. Tivek followed, corrected too late, and collided with Dhomhes's shoulder.

“Dhom!”

“An ambitious greeting. Next time aim for the throat.”

Tivek caught his arms, grinning, then noticed the bandage.

The grin disappeared.

“Did I hurt you?”

“The railing tried harder.”

“That's not an answer.”

“No. You didn't hurt me.”