Bounty Hunter Blunder
by Lyndsey Werner
“Síofra!” Hunter called. Detective Síofra Alma glanced up. “Phone for you.” Síofra stood and swiftly crossed the restaurant to take the phone from the grizzled ex-bounty hunter’s hand.
“Síofra Alma,” She answered smoothly, excluding her occupation, which made several non-terrestrial residents uneasy.
“Is this the, um, terrestrial investigator?” a shaky young voice asked.
“Yes.” Síofra answered. “May I help you?”
“I don’t know. This number’s been on the fridge for a long time. It said to ask for you in case of an emergency.” The voice said despairingly. Síofra frowned.
“What happened?” There was a long pause.
“My foster parents,” the child began, voice trembling even harder than before. “They’re missing. They found my foster sister,” his voice cracked. “She’s hurt real bad. They’re questioning my foster brother.” The boy’s voice was becoming distorted by stress and fear.
“Kid, where are you?” Síofra demanded.
“Police station.” The boy sobbed.
“Which one?” Síofra pressed. “What’s your name?”
“Wally.” He spoke. “Wally Larson.”
“I’ll be there in five minutes, Wally Larson.” Síofra said softly, glancing at the caller ID and recognizing the number for the police station a few counties over. “Wait for me there.”
Síofra walked into the station and quickly located the young boy resisting any attempt by adults to console him.
“Wally Larsen?” She asked. The boy looked up at her with eyes, red from crying.
“Síofra?” He asked his voice raw. Síofra nodded and in an instant Wally launched himself at her, wrapping his arms around the young detective’s middle.
Síofra stiffened in surprise, then forced herself to relax. She put her hand firmly, and she hoped reassuringly, on his shoulder. After a moment she pushed young Wally back so she could kneel before him. Síofra looked into his eyes. He was a youth, tall for his age, with freckles, hair that could either be called brown or red, and dark blue eyes that were rimmed with red and still brimmed with tears.
“What happened?”
The story poured out of the 8 year old. How he’d come home to a house in shambles. How he found his sister on the floor and called 911, and, finally, how his older brother had been arrested when he’d arrived at the house.
Síofra listened to his story without speaking, right to the end. When Wally finally fell silent she took his shoulders in both hands and looked into his eyes.
“Okay Wally, here’s what I’m going to do.” She said. “I’m going to talk to your brother, then find your parents one way or another.”
“I want to help.” Wally said in a small voice.
“You will.” Síofra replied. “ My partner is going to be looking into your parents. She’ll need you close to answer questions.” Síofra stood, and took out her phone.
“Lieutenant Wells,” Síofra said. “I require a favor. There is a young man I need laced in the care of a friend.” Thirty minutes later Hunter arrived for Wally.
“Síofra,” Hunter drew her aside, “You realize this boy is human, don’t you?”
“Of course, he doesn’t know about aliens either, so go easy.” Wally hadn’t mentioned bounty hunters or aliens once during his story, but her name had to be on their fridge for a reason.
Síofra nodded a farewell to Wally and strode to the interrogation room Wally’s foster brother, Kevin Dwayne, was being questioned.
Kevin Dwayne was sitting on a bench outside the room, wearing a pair of handcuffs. He sighed heavily. Kevin was an African American boy; older than she was, but not by much, with close cut hair that highlighted the shape of his skull. He was good looking, Síofra noted with detachment. He had a slender but athletic build. And was exactly the type of guy that Cara would urge her to show an interest in. Síofra took the seat beside him. Kevin looked at her in surprise.
“Your foster brother is alright.” She informed him. Kevin’s eyes widened, and he couldn’t stop a breath of relief. “Are your foster parents local?” Síofra inquired abruptly. “Or are they from out of town? Kevin looked at her in confusion. “Out of state?” Síofra continued. “Out of country?”
“Outer space.” Kevin muttered, clearly certain she wouldn’t understand.
“Ah, good, now we’re getting some where.” Síofra said, turning towards him. “I was worried since Wally didn’t seem to know.” Síofra extended her hand. “I’m Síofra Alma.”
“The detective?” Kevin asked in a dazed way.
“You’ve heard of me then.” Síofra said. “You’re foster brother called me.”
“Can you find my parents?” Kevin asked immediately.
“That depends,” Síofra responded. “What can you tell me about them?”
“Well, they’re aliens obviously.” He began.
“Do you know what planet they’re from?” Síofra asked. Kevin shook his head.
“They never told me. I worked out they were aliens on my own.” Kevin looked up suddenly. “I do know their names though!” He said, holding out his cuffed hands. “Got a pen?” Síofra handed him a pen and pad of paper. “They always added these little symbols at the end of their notes.” Kevin explained, struggling to sketch with his hands together. “I asked them about it, they said it was their names.” He held out the pad. “Can you read this?” Síofra took the pad.
“It’s Monalac.” She said. “One of the most widely spoken languages in the galaxy.” Síofra took out a pen and added a few strokes. “Could this be more accurate?” She asked, showing him her revisions.
“That’s it!” Kevin exclaimed. Síofra looked down at it then read the names out loud.
“What?” Kevin gave her a funny look.
“It’s hard to get your tongue around if you’re not familiar with the accent.” Síofra said. “Thank you. This is very helpful.”
“Detective,” Kevin began, stopping Síofra from leaving. He hesitated. “They were in hiding, you know.”
“Most non-terrestrial residents of Earth are.” She replied standing up. “But your sister was hurt. Your parents are the victims.” Síofra glanced at the cuffs. “Ask for Margret Greene as your public defender.”
“She knows about aliens?” Kevin asked.
“Hard not to when your parents are from Makis.” Síofra replied. “You should have a lot to talk about.”
Síofra called Hunter. “Hunt, I need to know if there’s a bounty on these two people.” She read the names out to him. “I want to get straight to the house, see what I can find there.”
“Okay, I’ll call you back in a bit.” Hunter said. “Don’t you want to ask about the kid?”
“Not really.” Síofra answered. “He’s in far more capable hands than mine.” Síofra hung up and dialed Cara.
“What have we got?” Cara asked instantly. “Murder? Abduction? Invasion?”
“Aliens don’t want to invade Earth.” Síofra said.
“I know, I know, none of their equipment works, weaponry, yada yada.” Cara said, as if it were an age-old conversation. “But you never call just to hang out, so what’s the case?”
“Assault and battery of a terrestrial minor.” Síofra replied. “Possible abduction of two non-terrestrials.” Síofra walked purposefully to the parking lot.
“Bounty related?” Cara asked.
“Not positive.” Síofra replied, as she stepped out of the building. “And unrelated to you. I need you to go to the hospital and check on the victim. Inform me of the extent of her injuries.”
“And you?” Cara demanded. Síofra’s lips tightened. She didn’t like giving information about her plans, but she’d learned how stubborn Cara could be.
“I’m going to go to the house to find out what I can.” Síofra responded. She hung up abruptly as she always did. Síofra got into her vehicle, a hybrid of alien and terrestrial tech that had been customized for her, and sped towards the house.
Síofra easily slipped into the house. She frowned. She’d seen worse. Whoever had been there hadn’t been looking for anything. There weren’t any drawers pulled out or cabinets opened. The disarray was the result of a violent struggle, maybe more than one.
Síofra knelt and lifted a picture out of a broken frame, shifting glass as she did so. Her phone rang. “Hello?”
“Síofra, I know who that couple is.” Hunter said. “They went on a killing spree from planet to planet a couple decades ago.”
“Bounty?” Síofra asked.
“A big one.” Hunter confirmed. “Síofra, these two killed 34 people. They were Bonnie and Clyde with a space ship and non-terrestrial weaponry.”
“I’m not concerned with what they’ve done off world.” Síofra said. “My interest was solely in regard to how their past might bare on their disappearance.”
“But Síofra-”
“It’s not relevant.” Síofra said sharply. “If they have done anything criminal on Earth, Cara will find out.” Síofra told Hunter. “Then a proper recourse will be determined.” Síofra looked at the picture of a happy family with three foster children and pleasant looking parents. “And you are not to tell Cara their history. She needs to be impartial to conduct an unbiased investigation.”
“You’re letting Cara investigate on her own then?” Síofra blinked. That was not the response she’d expected from the veteran bounty hunter. “You’ve come a long way.” Hunter said warmly. “I don’t like letting a pare of spree killers wander around on their own. But I suppose I lost the right to pass judgment when I retired.”
“You won’t interfere?” Síofra asked. When Hunter disapproved of her methods, like letting former murders roam free, he generally did not let her forget it. He argued, he protested, and he actively ignored her, sometimes for weeks.
“Síofra, for decades I tried to impose a kind of moral code among bounty hunters.” Hunter’s voice showed his age, but it didn’t sound as resigned as it use to. “In three years, you’ve stabilized the community in ways I thought impossible. It’s time I tried to let of my old ways and embrace yours.”
“I’ll see you later tonight.” Síofra said after a long pause.
“Good luck, Síofra.” Hunter murmured and hung up. Síofra put her phone in her pocket. Hunter’s change of heart had been gradual. She wasn’t sure how to look at it. Síofra decided to put the conversation aside for now. She had work to do.
Síofra walked the scene. Both parents were aliens, possibly of different species that could not interbreed, given their obvious love and affection for their human foster children. It wasn’t the only option though.
Síofra stopped and knelt at an almost brown bloodstain in the carpet. Her eyes moved around the room. There were other traces of blood. The large stain must have been where the girl lay for some time. Síofra straightened as her eyes alighted on another stain, a smaller one, but one that did indicated the wounded lying in one place for a time.
Síofra inspected it, than glanced at the larger stain. Markings near the larger stain suggested that there had been a piece of furniture there until recently; probably the coach thrown almost casually against the wall. Discarded gloves showed that this was where the girl had been found.
Síofra’s phone rang; it was Cara. “You have good timing.” Síofra answered. “I am creating a hypothesis and I require more information.”
“It’s pretty brutal.” Cara said her voice strained but serious. “Sarah Lee Kwan, she’s thirteen.” Cara took a slightly shaky breath. “She has a dislocated shoulder, bruises on her wrist, ribs, and throat.”
“There were bruises on her throat?” Síofra repeated. “How bad?”
“Not too severe.” Cara answered. “The ones on her wrist and ribs are much worse. The one on her throat is much fainter.”
“Okay, continue.” Síofra said. Things were becoming clearer.
“Her worst injury is a concussion.” Cara took a deep breath. “She would have been going in and out of consciousness before the EMTs got to her.”
“Prognosis?”
“Head wounds are tricky.” Cara answered. “I wish we could do something, but hybrid medical tech needs to be so precise and we don’t know much about it and humans.” Cara sighed. “It might also negatively affect hospital machinery.”
“There’s nothing else you can do there.” Síofra said. “I need you to find out more about the family. Mainly the parents,” Síofra inspected the bloodstain again. “Go to the Neutral Ground. Wally Larsen should be able to give you any information you need.”
“Are you sure the girl is safe?” Cara asked.
“Her foster parents were the target.” Síofra responded, standing up and walking into the hall. “She most likely is of no further interest.” Síofra inspected the wall, and pulled out a flashlight, looking for discoloration or odd marks.
“I don’t think she should be alone.” Cara replied.
“Well, if you feel that way call Margret Greene and see where she is in setting the foster brother’s bail.” Síofra commanded, mildly irritated. She turned a corner and almost tripped on a backpack. “And ask her to text me the family’s schedule. It should only take Kevin Dwayne a minute to come up with the information.” Síofra hung up. The backpack looked as if it had fallen. Síofra glanced at the floor. The carpet showed an almost imperceptible depression. Someone had stood there for a long time, hours at least. Long enough to leave an impression on the carpet she could still see. Someone who had grabbed the girl as she came around the corner.
So how had Sarah Lee ended up in the living room? Síofra turned slowly, taking it all in. A spot, a black spot on a white wall, caught her eye. She took a few steps and examined it. There were a few smaller flecks of Black around it. Síofra glanced down the hall. There was a second entrance to the living room and evidence of minute cracking on the wall at the end of the hall.
Síofra was piecing together a scenario in her mind. The bounty hunter waited for his or her query to arrive. Sarah Lee ran ahead of her foster parent or parents. The bounty hunter took the opportunity to grab her, and compel the parent to do as he or she said.
The bounty hunter had failed to take into account Sarah Lee’s own abilities. She’d bitten the bounty hunter (something that mildly impressed Síofra, it was difficult to break the skin of most species). Sarah Lee hadn’t bitten him badly, but it was enough. Sarah Lee either pulled away or her parent successfully avoided her as they tackled the bounty hunter, plowing the bounty hunter into the back wall.
So what happened next? Síofra paced the hall. Sarah Lee is free. What does she do? Run. Síofra thought, but she’d bitten the bounty hunter, she was brave, and her parent was in trouble. What would she do?
Humans. Síofra thought in resignation. What would Cara have done? Back when Síofra first met her, before she knew of aliens or was accustomed to danger. Síofra looked up. Call, 911, the number every child, except Síofra, had been conditioned to dial in response to an emergency. Síofra strode back into the living room and cast her gaze around the room. The phone wasn’t next to the small stain, or the larger one. Síofra spotted the phone cradle and crossed to it. She pressed the button and heard the beeping call of the phone. She followed it to the front door and found the phone under a side table. Síofra understood. When young Wally had come home to find his sister beaten on the floor, he’d done what she tried to and called 911. He’d probably dropped the phone as the paramedics were leaving.
Síofra silenced the phone and inspected it carefully. There was some blood smeared on the phone. Likely from Wally after he’d checked his sister. Síofra gingerly turned the phone over in her hands. There, on the other side, that wasn’t a smear that was spray.
Síofra walked back to the living room and looked at the smaller stain. The bounty hunter hit her while she was calling for help. That was not acceptable. Síofra’s anger was cold and unwavering. It simply grew and ebbed. It had been present since she’d entered the house. Now it was rising. That was entirely unacceptable.
Síofra’s phone chimed. It was the text from Margret Greene. It seemed that Sarah Lee was picked up by her father at 2:30 and their mother was suppose to walk Wally home from school, but never arrived. Wally had walked the four blocks alone. Kevin was at a friend’s house the entire time.
Síofra sat on the floor and contemplated the room as a whole. Sarah Lee lay there for quite sometime. Perhaps the bounty hunter held a weapon on Sarah Lee to still the father. Something happened that allowed someone to drag Sarah Lee behind the sofa. Possibly the arrival of the mother before she went to pick up Wally. Fighting ensued and the sofa was thrown across the room. A shoe was placed on Sarah Lee’s throat, quelling any resistance the parents had.
Síofra stood and brushed her hand along the carpet in the center of the room and touched the metal on a lamp. It shocked her, badly. Residual static electricity, a possible indication of a tron-bon. A pricey piece of technology specialized for Earth. But it could only be used once, which explained why the bounty hunter had to wait for Virginia Renolds before restraining Louis Renolds.
Síofra walked back to the hall. She did not have a DNA analyzer with her, her last one having been smashed by an enraged impersonator. Síofra leaned in and smelled the wall speckled the bounty hunter’s blood. It didn’t have a very strong scent, either because of the species or the time exposed. She didn’t have time for anything else. Síofra chipped a small fleck off the wall and put it in her mouth.
The first thing she tasted was the chemical composition of the paint, which she could instantly identify. Síofra closed her eyes and filtered it out. The blood… typical characteristics of animal plasma… water… proteins… sulfate. Síofra opened her eyes. Sulfate indicated a Valan. It was a broad species, with any number of subspecies, but here on Earth a Valan’s choice of doctors was limited to five, all of whom owned her favors. And the bounty hunter would need a doctor.
Sarah Lee had bitten him, and human bites were particularly bad for non-terrestrials. It introduced the bacteria directly into the blood stream. Assuming it was not outright toxic. The risk of infection was incredibly high.
Síofra called the two local doctors who could treat Valans. Dr. Miso confirmed one of his regular patients had just come in with a human bite on his hand. Since Dr. Miso wasn’t trained on Earth, and there was no formal institution to condemn him, he was free to share his information with Síofra. Doctor-patient confidentiality did not apply or exist.
The bounty hunter who’d taken the Renolds was named Cray Fan. A decent bounty hunter by all accounts. Though he did sometimes get rough with his bounties, he avoided involving humans. He was one of the better bounty hunters out there. Síofra employed some of her own abilities to locate Cray Fan. It was actually quite easy. Bounty hunters didn’t try to hide from anyone but the human population. Síofra would have had a harder time looking a name up in a phone book than she did finding Cray Fan.
Cray Fan’s ship was in a semi-vacant lot, disguised as a large old trailer. Cray Fan, like many bounty hunters, was something akin to a seasonal resident of Earth and actually rented an apartment instead of living out of his ship.
Síofra leaned against her vehicle, and gazed across the street. She pulled out her phone and called Cara.
“Hello, Síofra.” Cara answered the phone. “You’re either calling for an update or my recipe for stir-fry.”
“I was unaware you cooked.” Síofra answered.
“Status update it is.” Cara sighed. “The Renolds have no criminal records outside a few traffic violations, quite a few actually. It gets worse the farther back you go.”
“New traffic laws.” Síofra said. “They didn’t understand the rules when they first got here.”
“Well, they’ve definitely cleaned up their act.” Cara noted. “Not one speeding ticket since they started taking in foster kids, a few parking citations though.”
“Any violent crimes in the area?” Síofra pressed. “Unexplained disappearances?”
“Nothing out of the ordinary.” Cara replied. “I’ve dug pretty deep. Mr. Renolds does cheat a little bit on his taxes, but a good accountant could argue it’s a grey area.” Síofra heard Cara shift positions. “Listen, I don’t know what they did off world, but since they’ve been on Earth they’ve been clean. They even got the kids straitened out. Kevin’s got a juvie record, that your’s truly managed to finagle her way into. He use to steal, and he’s got a few assault and battery raps.”
“That’s why the cops are holding on to him.” Síofra said, things becoming clearer. It wasn’t just that the was 18 and still living with his foster parents.
“Sarah Lee also had some pretty big problems.” Cara added. “Both Kevin and Sarah Lee’s criminal activity stopped after a few months with the Renolds.” Cara paused briefly. “Listen, it’s pretty clear from your questions they did some bad stuff before they ended up here, but they’re a real Earth success story.” Síofra was silent. “Síofra?”
“That’s what Earth is all about.” Síofra finally said. “Second chances and what you do with them. Thank you for the information.” Síofra hung up. Cara was an excellent partner. She truly understood the foundation on which they had to base their judgment to maintain order on Earth.
Síofra observed the ship, consider her options of entry, crossed the street, and knocked on the door. There was no response. Síofra waited a moment. She considered the possible reasons why Cray Fan was not answering, which ranged from him packing up something from his apartment to him preparing to kill her. Then, deciding that a bounty hunter like Cray Fan would not risk killing her (for a multitude of reasons), Síofra “picked/hacked” the lock and let herself in.
It was a typical cockpit of an experienced Earth based bounty hunter. A mish mosh of terrestrial and non-terrestrial technology made up the cockpit. Síofra felt a flicker of amusement as she noticed an iPad wired awkwardly into a first generation atomic analyzer from Mona. Síofra inspected the cockpit, her nose wrinkled slightly at a whiff of fast food. Cray Fan had been watching something before he left.
Síofra reached out and played it. It was a news clip documenting the aftermath of the pre-Earth work of her Bonnie and Clyde turned white picket fence couple. Síofra stopped the clip. She was glad that Cara had not seen that.
Síofra walked to the door that led to the cabin, and slid it out of the way. There was a holding cell on the other side of the cabin. A humanoid couple lay in the holding cell. Their torsos bound together with a tron-bon. The woman’s eyes flicked towards Síofra as the detective approached the holding cell. Her eyes were alert and calculating, her hands flexed with murderous intent. Mrs. Renolds sat up, dragging her husband with her. Mrs. Renolds was dangerous.
“Do you want to kill me?” Síofra asked, standing about five feet away.
“That depends,” Mrs. Renolds literally hissed. “Is my daughter alive?” Síofra considered Mrs. Renolds response.
“If she’s fine you would not want to kill me?” Síofra clarified. Mrs. Renolds’ body language loosened slightly, uncertainly.
“I… would resist my impulse.” She answered. Síofra stared at her thoughtfully. Mr. Renolds coughed painfully, Mrs. Renolds glanced worriedly back at him.
“Assuming we even could kill him.” Mr. Renolds said with another small cough that Síofra realized was a laugh. “We’re so out of practice, I couldn’t even bring myself to kill anything on that damn fishing trip.” Mrs. Renolds adjusted her seat to make Mr. Renolds more comfortable. She turned her eyes back to Síofra.
“Sarah Lee,” She said, there was a not of urgency in her voice. Her eyes were less sharp, tempered slightly by her concern. “Please, is she alright?” Mr. Renolds when rigid, listening for Síofra’s answer.
“It’s touch and go.” Síofra said. “My associate is with her now.” Síofra’s eyes slid back toward the door to the cockpit. “Come in Cray Fan.” She said conversationally. “And you won’t be needing the gun. Unless you’re planning to resist that is.” Síofra turned around to face Cray Fan emerging from the cockpit. Cray Fan stopped in surprise.
“Detective,” He recognized her and lowered his .48 caliber, a basic terrestrial weapon. “What are you doing here? You don’t get involved with bounties.”
“You know perfectly well why I am here.” Síofra said evenly, watching him. He was still in his human appearance. A man in his early thirties who looked strong if not overly muscular. The type of appearance that could fit in anywhere given the right clothing. He looked away.
“The girl.” He mumbled eventually. “I am sorry about that, but these two are a very dangerous pair. I needed to use her to control-” The Renolds broke into furious accusations. Síofra glanced back at them and silenced them with a hand.
“Cray Fan, you not only seriously injured a human minor, you also neglected to call the paramedics.” Síofra spoke in a controlled tone. “Your actions have had other larger implications. Impacting humans.” Síofra’s eyes narrowed ever so slightly. “There are consequences.”
“Detective,” Cray Fan began, Síofra quelled his objections with a look.
“It goes without saying that you will not be collecting a bounty on the Renolds.”
“They’re killers!” Cray Fan protested.
“Not. On. Earth.” Síofra said each word with a sense of finality. Crazy Fan opened his mouth again, and then closed it. “Currently you are the only criminal in this room, Cray Fan.” Síofra said severely, pulling out her phone and pulling up a picture of Sarah Lee Cara had sent her. Valans were strongly visual learners. Síofra turned the picture of the bruised and battered girl towards him. “You did this.” Síofra stressed. “You will not be rewarded for your actions by turning in her caretakers.” Cray Fan looked away from the photograph, head bowed in shame. “Do I make myself clear?” Cray Fan nodded. “Alright then, I’ve been contemplating your fine.” Síofra continued. She set her phone to record. “You will pay for Sarah Lee’s medical bills and compensate them for the damage to their home.” Síofra said Cray Fan grimaced at a few conditions. “I will seize a few of your assets as part of my fee.” It was standard operating procedure for her to include her fee in the fine of the wrong doer. “Finally, should the Renolds ever be turned in for a bounty by anyone, you will pay Sarah Lee Kwan, Kevin Dwayne, and Wally Larsen the amount that was collected, plus a 30% bonus.”
“What?” Cray Fan demanded. “That’s ridiculous!”
“It’s the surest guarantee I can think of to prevent you from collecting on their bounty later or telling another bounty hunter their location as a favor.” Síofra said. “Of course, you could reject these conditions, I could help the Renolds and their foster children go into hiding, steal much more than this current offer from you as part of your fine and blacklist you.” Síofra laid her cards out very plainly. This was the only way she could maintain order. “No one’s going to sell you tron-bons if I black list you.” She added. Síofra held out the phone. “Do you agree to my fine?”
“…Yes…” Cray Fan said reluctantly. “I agree.”
“Good. I will arrange payment methods for Sarah Lee’s care and other compensations.” Síofra said, turning off the recording and stowing her phone. “The fine is that thing on the table and the DNA analyzer I noticed in your cockpit.” Cray Fan nodded. It was a reasonable fine. He could replace both, though the DNA analyzer would be harder to find. He had no idea what she wanted with his table decoration though. It was just a souvenir he’d picked up. “Now, I think it would be best if you went in another room while I escort the Renolds out.” Síofra advised while the Renolds glared at Cray Fan from behind her. “Just to keep things civil.” Cray Fan looked at her, then turned and walked to the one other room on the ship. The bathroom.
Síofra turned and opened the cell. Then she took out her utilities tool, and disarmed the tron-bon.
“That little-” Virginia Renolds stood up swaying. Síofra put a restraining hand on her shoulder and pulled Louis Renolds to his feet.
“Let’s go.” Síofra said. “We need to get your story straight and get Kevin out of prison.”
“What?!” The parents simultaneously demanded in shock.
“So,” Cara greeted Síofra. “How was your day?”
“Pretty routine.” Síofra shrugged. “Here’s payment for your work.” She put Cray Fan’s table decoration in front of Cara.
“Cool! What is it?” Cara asked without touching it. Síofra spun the round ball in the center. A planet appeared around it, then zoomed in, past the clouds, to a beautiful alien landscape with strange creatures moving in the sea and trees.
“It’s basically a snow globe.” Síofra explained as Cara gasped in delight.
“It’s amazing!” Cara declared, reaching out and spinning the ball. Síofra smiled.
“Síofra!” Hunter called. Detective Síofra Alma glanced up. “Phone for you.” Síofra stood and swiftly crossed the restaurant to take the phone from the grizzled ex-bounty hunter’s hand.
“Síofra Alma,” She answered smoothly, excluding her occupation, which made several non-terrestrial residents uneasy.
“Is this the, um, terrestrial investigator?” a shaky young voice asked.
“Yes.” Síofra answered. “May I help you?”
“I don’t know. This number’s been on the fridge for a long time. It said to ask for you in case of an emergency.” The voice said despairingly. Síofra frowned.
“What happened?” There was a long pause.
“My foster parents,” the child began, voice trembling even harder than before. “They’re missing. They found my foster sister,” his voice cracked. “She’s hurt real bad. They’re questioning my foster brother.” The boy’s voice was becoming distorted by stress and fear.
“Kid, where are you?” Síofra demanded.
“Police station.” The boy sobbed.
“Which one?” Síofra pressed. “What’s your name?”
“Wally.” He spoke. “Wally Larson.”
“I’ll be there in five minutes, Wally Larson.” Síofra said softly, glancing at the caller ID and recognizing the number for the police station a few counties over. “Wait for me there.”
Síofra walked into the station and quickly located the young boy resisting any attempt by adults to console him.
“Wally Larsen?” She asked. The boy looked up at her with eyes, red from crying.
“Síofra?” He asked his voice raw. Síofra nodded and in an instant Wally launched himself at her, wrapping his arms around the young detective’s middle.
Síofra stiffened in surprise, then forced herself to relax. She put her hand firmly, and she hoped reassuringly, on his shoulder. After a moment she pushed young Wally back so she could kneel before him. Síofra looked into his eyes. He was a youth, tall for his age, with freckles, hair that could either be called brown or red, and dark blue eyes that were rimmed with red and still brimmed with tears.
“What happened?”
The story poured out of the 8 year old. How he’d come home to a house in shambles. How he found his sister on the floor and called 911, and, finally, how his older brother had been arrested when he’d arrived at the house.
Síofra listened to his story without speaking, right to the end. When Wally finally fell silent she took his shoulders in both hands and looked into his eyes.
“Okay Wally, here’s what I’m going to do.” She said. “I’m going to talk to your brother, then find your parents one way or another.”
“I want to help.” Wally said in a small voice.
“You will.” Síofra replied. “ My partner is going to be looking into your parents. She’ll need you close to answer questions.” Síofra stood, and took out her phone.
“Lieutenant Wells,” Síofra said. “I require a favor. There is a young man I need laced in the care of a friend.” Thirty minutes later Hunter arrived for Wally.
“Síofra,” Hunter drew her aside, “You realize this boy is human, don’t you?”
“Of course, he doesn’t know about aliens either, so go easy.” Wally hadn’t mentioned bounty hunters or aliens once during his story, but her name had to be on their fridge for a reason.
Síofra nodded a farewell to Wally and strode to the interrogation room Wally’s foster brother, Kevin Dwayne, was being questioned.
Kevin Dwayne was sitting on a bench outside the room, wearing a pair of handcuffs. He sighed heavily. Kevin was an African American boy; older than she was, but not by much, with close cut hair that highlighted the shape of his skull. He was good looking, Síofra noted with detachment. He had a slender but athletic build. And was exactly the type of guy that Cara would urge her to show an interest in. Síofra took the seat beside him. Kevin looked at her in surprise.
“Your foster brother is alright.” She informed him. Kevin’s eyes widened, and he couldn’t stop a breath of relief. “Are your foster parents local?” Síofra inquired abruptly. “Or are they from out of town? Kevin looked at her in confusion. “Out of state?” Síofra continued. “Out of country?”
“Outer space.” Kevin muttered, clearly certain she wouldn’t understand.
“Ah, good, now we’re getting some where.” Síofra said, turning towards him. “I was worried since Wally didn’t seem to know.” Síofra extended her hand. “I’m Síofra Alma.”
“The detective?” Kevin asked in a dazed way.
“You’ve heard of me then.” Síofra said. “You’re foster brother called me.”
“Can you find my parents?” Kevin asked immediately.
“That depends,” Síofra responded. “What can you tell me about them?”
“Well, they’re aliens obviously.” He began.
“Do you know what planet they’re from?” Síofra asked. Kevin shook his head.
“They never told me. I worked out they were aliens on my own.” Kevin looked up suddenly. “I do know their names though!” He said, holding out his cuffed hands. “Got a pen?” Síofra handed him a pen and pad of paper. “They always added these little symbols at the end of their notes.” Kevin explained, struggling to sketch with his hands together. “I asked them about it, they said it was their names.” He held out the pad. “Can you read this?” Síofra took the pad.
“It’s Monalac.” She said. “One of the most widely spoken languages in the galaxy.” Síofra took out a pen and added a few strokes. “Could this be more accurate?” She asked, showing him her revisions.
“That’s it!” Kevin exclaimed. Síofra looked down at it then read the names out loud.
“What?” Kevin gave her a funny look.
“It’s hard to get your tongue around if you’re not familiar with the accent.” Síofra said. “Thank you. This is very helpful.”
“Detective,” Kevin began, stopping Síofra from leaving. He hesitated. “They were in hiding, you know.”
“Most non-terrestrial residents of Earth are.” She replied standing up. “But your sister was hurt. Your parents are the victims.” Síofra glanced at the cuffs. “Ask for Margret Greene as your public defender.”
“She knows about aliens?” Kevin asked.
“Hard not to when your parents are from Makis.” Síofra replied. “You should have a lot to talk about.”
Síofra called Hunter. “Hunt, I need to know if there’s a bounty on these two people.” She read the names out to him. “I want to get straight to the house, see what I can find there.”
“Okay, I’ll call you back in a bit.” Hunter said. “Don’t you want to ask about the kid?”
“Not really.” Síofra answered. “He’s in far more capable hands than mine.” Síofra hung up and dialed Cara.
“What have we got?” Cara asked instantly. “Murder? Abduction? Invasion?”
“Aliens don’t want to invade Earth.” Síofra said.
“I know, I know, none of their equipment works, weaponry, yada yada.” Cara said, as if it were an age-old conversation. “But you never call just to hang out, so what’s the case?”
“Assault and battery of a terrestrial minor.” Síofra replied. “Possible abduction of two non-terrestrials.” Síofra walked purposefully to the parking lot.
“Bounty related?” Cara asked.
“Not positive.” Síofra replied, as she stepped out of the building. “And unrelated to you. I need you to go to the hospital and check on the victim. Inform me of the extent of her injuries.”
“And you?” Cara demanded. Síofra’s lips tightened. She didn’t like giving information about her plans, but she’d learned how stubborn Cara could be.
“I’m going to go to the house to find out what I can.” Síofra responded. She hung up abruptly as she always did. Síofra got into her vehicle, a hybrid of alien and terrestrial tech that had been customized for her, and sped towards the house.
Síofra easily slipped into the house. She frowned. She’d seen worse. Whoever had been there hadn’t been looking for anything. There weren’t any drawers pulled out or cabinets opened. The disarray was the result of a violent struggle, maybe more than one.
Síofra knelt and lifted a picture out of a broken frame, shifting glass as she did so. Her phone rang. “Hello?”
“Síofra, I know who that couple is.” Hunter said. “They went on a killing spree from planet to planet a couple decades ago.”
“Bounty?” Síofra asked.
“A big one.” Hunter confirmed. “Síofra, these two killed 34 people. They were Bonnie and Clyde with a space ship and non-terrestrial weaponry.”
“I’m not concerned with what they’ve done off world.” Síofra said. “My interest was solely in regard to how their past might bare on their disappearance.”
“But Síofra-”
“It’s not relevant.” Síofra said sharply. “If they have done anything criminal on Earth, Cara will find out.” Síofra told Hunter. “Then a proper recourse will be determined.” Síofra looked at the picture of a happy family with three foster children and pleasant looking parents. “And you are not to tell Cara their history. She needs to be impartial to conduct an unbiased investigation.”
“You’re letting Cara investigate on her own then?” Síofra blinked. That was not the response she’d expected from the veteran bounty hunter. “You’ve come a long way.” Hunter said warmly. “I don’t like letting a pare of spree killers wander around on their own. But I suppose I lost the right to pass judgment when I retired.”
“You won’t interfere?” Síofra asked. When Hunter disapproved of her methods, like letting former murders roam free, he generally did not let her forget it. He argued, he protested, and he actively ignored her, sometimes for weeks.
“Síofra, for decades I tried to impose a kind of moral code among bounty hunters.” Hunter’s voice showed his age, but it didn’t sound as resigned as it use to. “In three years, you’ve stabilized the community in ways I thought impossible. It’s time I tried to let of my old ways and embrace yours.”
“I’ll see you later tonight.” Síofra said after a long pause.
“Good luck, Síofra.” Hunter murmured and hung up. Síofra put her phone in her pocket. Hunter’s change of heart had been gradual. She wasn’t sure how to look at it. Síofra decided to put the conversation aside for now. She had work to do.
Síofra walked the scene. Both parents were aliens, possibly of different species that could not interbreed, given their obvious love and affection for their human foster children. It wasn’t the only option though.
Síofra stopped and knelt at an almost brown bloodstain in the carpet. Her eyes moved around the room. There were other traces of blood. The large stain must have been where the girl lay for some time. Síofra straightened as her eyes alighted on another stain, a smaller one, but one that did indicated the wounded lying in one place for a time.
Síofra inspected it, than glanced at the larger stain. Markings near the larger stain suggested that there had been a piece of furniture there until recently; probably the coach thrown almost casually against the wall. Discarded gloves showed that this was where the girl had been found.
Síofra’s phone rang; it was Cara. “You have good timing.” Síofra answered. “I am creating a hypothesis and I require more information.”
“It’s pretty brutal.” Cara said her voice strained but serious. “Sarah Lee Kwan, she’s thirteen.” Cara took a slightly shaky breath. “She has a dislocated shoulder, bruises on her wrist, ribs, and throat.”
“There were bruises on her throat?” Síofra repeated. “How bad?”
“Not too severe.” Cara answered. “The ones on her wrist and ribs are much worse. The one on her throat is much fainter.”
“Okay, continue.” Síofra said. Things were becoming clearer.
“Her worst injury is a concussion.” Cara took a deep breath. “She would have been going in and out of consciousness before the EMTs got to her.”
“Prognosis?”
“Head wounds are tricky.” Cara answered. “I wish we could do something, but hybrid medical tech needs to be so precise and we don’t know much about it and humans.” Cara sighed. “It might also negatively affect hospital machinery.”
“There’s nothing else you can do there.” Síofra said. “I need you to find out more about the family. Mainly the parents,” Síofra inspected the bloodstain again. “Go to the Neutral Ground. Wally Larsen should be able to give you any information you need.”
“Are you sure the girl is safe?” Cara asked.
“Her foster parents were the target.” Síofra responded, standing up and walking into the hall. “She most likely is of no further interest.” Síofra inspected the wall, and pulled out a flashlight, looking for discoloration or odd marks.
“I don’t think she should be alone.” Cara replied.
“Well, if you feel that way call Margret Greene and see where she is in setting the foster brother’s bail.” Síofra commanded, mildly irritated. She turned a corner and almost tripped on a backpack. “And ask her to text me the family’s schedule. It should only take Kevin Dwayne a minute to come up with the information.” Síofra hung up. The backpack looked as if it had fallen. Síofra glanced at the floor. The carpet showed an almost imperceptible depression. Someone had stood there for a long time, hours at least. Long enough to leave an impression on the carpet she could still see. Someone who had grabbed the girl as she came around the corner.
So how had Sarah Lee ended up in the living room? Síofra turned slowly, taking it all in. A spot, a black spot on a white wall, caught her eye. She took a few steps and examined it. There were a few smaller flecks of Black around it. Síofra glanced down the hall. There was a second entrance to the living room and evidence of minute cracking on the wall at the end of the hall.
Síofra was piecing together a scenario in her mind. The bounty hunter waited for his or her query to arrive. Sarah Lee ran ahead of her foster parent or parents. The bounty hunter took the opportunity to grab her, and compel the parent to do as he or she said.
The bounty hunter had failed to take into account Sarah Lee’s own abilities. She’d bitten the bounty hunter (something that mildly impressed Síofra, it was difficult to break the skin of most species). Sarah Lee hadn’t bitten him badly, but it was enough. Sarah Lee either pulled away or her parent successfully avoided her as they tackled the bounty hunter, plowing the bounty hunter into the back wall.
So what happened next? Síofra paced the hall. Sarah Lee is free. What does she do? Run. Síofra thought, but she’d bitten the bounty hunter, she was brave, and her parent was in trouble. What would she do?
Humans. Síofra thought in resignation. What would Cara have done? Back when Síofra first met her, before she knew of aliens or was accustomed to danger. Síofra looked up. Call, 911, the number every child, except Síofra, had been conditioned to dial in response to an emergency. Síofra strode back into the living room and cast her gaze around the room. The phone wasn’t next to the small stain, or the larger one. Síofra spotted the phone cradle and crossed to it. She pressed the button and heard the beeping call of the phone. She followed it to the front door and found the phone under a side table. Síofra understood. When young Wally had come home to find his sister beaten on the floor, he’d done what she tried to and called 911. He’d probably dropped the phone as the paramedics were leaving.
Síofra silenced the phone and inspected it carefully. There was some blood smeared on the phone. Likely from Wally after he’d checked his sister. Síofra gingerly turned the phone over in her hands. There, on the other side, that wasn’t a smear that was spray.
Síofra walked back to the living room and looked at the smaller stain. The bounty hunter hit her while she was calling for help. That was not acceptable. Síofra’s anger was cold and unwavering. It simply grew and ebbed. It had been present since she’d entered the house. Now it was rising. That was entirely unacceptable.
Síofra’s phone chimed. It was the text from Margret Greene. It seemed that Sarah Lee was picked up by her father at 2:30 and their mother was suppose to walk Wally home from school, but never arrived. Wally had walked the four blocks alone. Kevin was at a friend’s house the entire time.
Síofra sat on the floor and contemplated the room as a whole. Sarah Lee lay there for quite sometime. Perhaps the bounty hunter held a weapon on Sarah Lee to still the father. Something happened that allowed someone to drag Sarah Lee behind the sofa. Possibly the arrival of the mother before she went to pick up Wally. Fighting ensued and the sofa was thrown across the room. A shoe was placed on Sarah Lee’s throat, quelling any resistance the parents had.
Síofra stood and brushed her hand along the carpet in the center of the room and touched the metal on a lamp. It shocked her, badly. Residual static electricity, a possible indication of a tron-bon. A pricey piece of technology specialized for Earth. But it could only be used once, which explained why the bounty hunter had to wait for Virginia Renolds before restraining Louis Renolds.
Síofra walked back to the hall. She did not have a DNA analyzer with her, her last one having been smashed by an enraged impersonator. Síofra leaned in and smelled the wall speckled the bounty hunter’s blood. It didn’t have a very strong scent, either because of the species or the time exposed. She didn’t have time for anything else. Síofra chipped a small fleck off the wall and put it in her mouth.
The first thing she tasted was the chemical composition of the paint, which she could instantly identify. Síofra closed her eyes and filtered it out. The blood… typical characteristics of animal plasma… water… proteins… sulfate. Síofra opened her eyes. Sulfate indicated a Valan. It was a broad species, with any number of subspecies, but here on Earth a Valan’s choice of doctors was limited to five, all of whom owned her favors. And the bounty hunter would need a doctor.
Sarah Lee had bitten him, and human bites were particularly bad for non-terrestrials. It introduced the bacteria directly into the blood stream. Assuming it was not outright toxic. The risk of infection was incredibly high.
Síofra called the two local doctors who could treat Valans. Dr. Miso confirmed one of his regular patients had just come in with a human bite on his hand. Since Dr. Miso wasn’t trained on Earth, and there was no formal institution to condemn him, he was free to share his information with Síofra. Doctor-patient confidentiality did not apply or exist.
The bounty hunter who’d taken the Renolds was named Cray Fan. A decent bounty hunter by all accounts. Though he did sometimes get rough with his bounties, he avoided involving humans. He was one of the better bounty hunters out there. Síofra employed some of her own abilities to locate Cray Fan. It was actually quite easy. Bounty hunters didn’t try to hide from anyone but the human population. Síofra would have had a harder time looking a name up in a phone book than she did finding Cray Fan.
Cray Fan’s ship was in a semi-vacant lot, disguised as a large old trailer. Cray Fan, like many bounty hunters, was something akin to a seasonal resident of Earth and actually rented an apartment instead of living out of his ship.
Síofra leaned against her vehicle, and gazed across the street. She pulled out her phone and called Cara.
“Hello, Síofra.” Cara answered the phone. “You’re either calling for an update or my recipe for stir-fry.”
“I was unaware you cooked.” Síofra answered.
“Status update it is.” Cara sighed. “The Renolds have no criminal records outside a few traffic violations, quite a few actually. It gets worse the farther back you go.”
“New traffic laws.” Síofra said. “They didn’t understand the rules when they first got here.”
“Well, they’ve definitely cleaned up their act.” Cara noted. “Not one speeding ticket since they started taking in foster kids, a few parking citations though.”
“Any violent crimes in the area?” Síofra pressed. “Unexplained disappearances?”
“Nothing out of the ordinary.” Cara replied. “I’ve dug pretty deep. Mr. Renolds does cheat a little bit on his taxes, but a good accountant could argue it’s a grey area.” Síofra heard Cara shift positions. “Listen, I don’t know what they did off world, but since they’ve been on Earth they’ve been clean. They even got the kids straitened out. Kevin’s got a juvie record, that your’s truly managed to finagle her way into. He use to steal, and he’s got a few assault and battery raps.”
“That’s why the cops are holding on to him.” Síofra said, things becoming clearer. It wasn’t just that the was 18 and still living with his foster parents.
“Sarah Lee also had some pretty big problems.” Cara added. “Both Kevin and Sarah Lee’s criminal activity stopped after a few months with the Renolds.” Cara paused briefly. “Listen, it’s pretty clear from your questions they did some bad stuff before they ended up here, but they’re a real Earth success story.” Síofra was silent. “Síofra?”
“That’s what Earth is all about.” Síofra finally said. “Second chances and what you do with them. Thank you for the information.” Síofra hung up. Cara was an excellent partner. She truly understood the foundation on which they had to base their judgment to maintain order on Earth.
Síofra observed the ship, consider her options of entry, crossed the street, and knocked on the door. There was no response. Síofra waited a moment. She considered the possible reasons why Cray Fan was not answering, which ranged from him packing up something from his apartment to him preparing to kill her. Then, deciding that a bounty hunter like Cray Fan would not risk killing her (for a multitude of reasons), Síofra “picked/hacked” the lock and let herself in.
It was a typical cockpit of an experienced Earth based bounty hunter. A mish mosh of terrestrial and non-terrestrial technology made up the cockpit. Síofra felt a flicker of amusement as she noticed an iPad wired awkwardly into a first generation atomic analyzer from Mona. Síofra inspected the cockpit, her nose wrinkled slightly at a whiff of fast food. Cray Fan had been watching something before he left.
Síofra reached out and played it. It was a news clip documenting the aftermath of the pre-Earth work of her Bonnie and Clyde turned white picket fence couple. Síofra stopped the clip. She was glad that Cara had not seen that.
Síofra walked to the door that led to the cabin, and slid it out of the way. There was a holding cell on the other side of the cabin. A humanoid couple lay in the holding cell. Their torsos bound together with a tron-bon. The woman’s eyes flicked towards Síofra as the detective approached the holding cell. Her eyes were alert and calculating, her hands flexed with murderous intent. Mrs. Renolds sat up, dragging her husband with her. Mrs. Renolds was dangerous.
“Do you want to kill me?” Síofra asked, standing about five feet away.
“That depends,” Mrs. Renolds literally hissed. “Is my daughter alive?” Síofra considered Mrs. Renolds response.
“If she’s fine you would not want to kill me?” Síofra clarified. Mrs. Renolds’ body language loosened slightly, uncertainly.
“I… would resist my impulse.” She answered. Síofra stared at her thoughtfully. Mr. Renolds coughed painfully, Mrs. Renolds glanced worriedly back at him.
“Assuming we even could kill him.” Mr. Renolds said with another small cough that Síofra realized was a laugh. “We’re so out of practice, I couldn’t even bring myself to kill anything on that damn fishing trip.” Mrs. Renolds adjusted her seat to make Mr. Renolds more comfortable. She turned her eyes back to Síofra.
“Sarah Lee,” She said, there was a not of urgency in her voice. Her eyes were less sharp, tempered slightly by her concern. “Please, is she alright?” Mr. Renolds when rigid, listening for Síofra’s answer.
“It’s touch and go.” Síofra said. “My associate is with her now.” Síofra’s eyes slid back toward the door to the cockpit. “Come in Cray Fan.” She said conversationally. “And you won’t be needing the gun. Unless you’re planning to resist that is.” Síofra turned around to face Cray Fan emerging from the cockpit. Cray Fan stopped in surprise.
“Detective,” He recognized her and lowered his .48 caliber, a basic terrestrial weapon. “What are you doing here? You don’t get involved with bounties.”
“You know perfectly well why I am here.” Síofra said evenly, watching him. He was still in his human appearance. A man in his early thirties who looked strong if not overly muscular. The type of appearance that could fit in anywhere given the right clothing. He looked away.
“The girl.” He mumbled eventually. “I am sorry about that, but these two are a very dangerous pair. I needed to use her to control-” The Renolds broke into furious accusations. Síofra glanced back at them and silenced them with a hand.
“Cray Fan, you not only seriously injured a human minor, you also neglected to call the paramedics.” Síofra spoke in a controlled tone. “Your actions have had other larger implications. Impacting humans.” Síofra’s eyes narrowed ever so slightly. “There are consequences.”
“Detective,” Cray Fan began, Síofra quelled his objections with a look.
“It goes without saying that you will not be collecting a bounty on the Renolds.”
“They’re killers!” Cray Fan protested.
“Not. On. Earth.” Síofra said each word with a sense of finality. Crazy Fan opened his mouth again, and then closed it. “Currently you are the only criminal in this room, Cray Fan.” Síofra said severely, pulling out her phone and pulling up a picture of Sarah Lee Cara had sent her. Valans were strongly visual learners. Síofra turned the picture of the bruised and battered girl towards him. “You did this.” Síofra stressed. “You will not be rewarded for your actions by turning in her caretakers.” Cray Fan looked away from the photograph, head bowed in shame. “Do I make myself clear?” Cray Fan nodded. “Alright then, I’ve been contemplating your fine.” Síofra continued. She set her phone to record. “You will pay for Sarah Lee’s medical bills and compensate them for the damage to their home.” Síofra said Cray Fan grimaced at a few conditions. “I will seize a few of your assets as part of my fee.” It was standard operating procedure for her to include her fee in the fine of the wrong doer. “Finally, should the Renolds ever be turned in for a bounty by anyone, you will pay Sarah Lee Kwan, Kevin Dwayne, and Wally Larsen the amount that was collected, plus a 30% bonus.”
“What?” Cray Fan demanded. “That’s ridiculous!”
“It’s the surest guarantee I can think of to prevent you from collecting on their bounty later or telling another bounty hunter their location as a favor.” Síofra said. “Of course, you could reject these conditions, I could help the Renolds and their foster children go into hiding, steal much more than this current offer from you as part of your fine and blacklist you.” Síofra laid her cards out very plainly. This was the only way she could maintain order. “No one’s going to sell you tron-bons if I black list you.” She added. Síofra held out the phone. “Do you agree to my fine?”
“…Yes…” Cray Fan said reluctantly. “I agree.”
“Good. I will arrange payment methods for Sarah Lee’s care and other compensations.” Síofra said, turning off the recording and stowing her phone. “The fine is that thing on the table and the DNA analyzer I noticed in your cockpit.” Cray Fan nodded. It was a reasonable fine. He could replace both, though the DNA analyzer would be harder to find. He had no idea what she wanted with his table decoration though. It was just a souvenir he’d picked up. “Now, I think it would be best if you went in another room while I escort the Renolds out.” Síofra advised while the Renolds glared at Cray Fan from behind her. “Just to keep things civil.” Cray Fan looked at her, then turned and walked to the one other room on the ship. The bathroom.
Síofra turned and opened the cell. Then she took out her utilities tool, and disarmed the tron-bon.
“That little-” Virginia Renolds stood up swaying. Síofra put a restraining hand on her shoulder and pulled Louis Renolds to his feet.
“Let’s go.” Síofra said. “We need to get your story straight and get Kevin out of prison.”
“What?!” The parents simultaneously demanded in shock.
“So,” Cara greeted Síofra. “How was your day?”
“Pretty routine.” Síofra shrugged. “Here’s payment for your work.” She put Cray Fan’s table decoration in front of Cara.
“Cool! What is it?” Cara asked without touching it. Síofra spun the round ball in the center. A planet appeared around it, then zoomed in, past the clouds, to a beautiful alien landscape with strange creatures moving in the sea and trees.
“It’s basically a snow globe.” Síofra explained as Cara gasped in delight.
“It’s amazing!” Cara declared, reaching out and spinning the ball. Síofra smiled.