It was Zenith, the hour when Estoria’s twin suns glared down like the eyes of Rah. Vicky wiped her brow as she pushed through the bustling afternoon bazaar, a shimmering horizon of burgundy headdresses, thatched baskets and copper skin. The scent of nutmeg and the cacophony of merchants were unlike anything back on Alpha.

“We’re here to find Merle — no side trips.”
“For sure, Vicky,” Leanna acknowledged from behind.

Vicky wondered whether Leanna was always so quiet. She’d barely said a word since she’d agreed to hitch with Vicky on Beta IX. Vicky was happy, though – no matter the species or gender, passing navigators happily accommodated the two girls after one look into Leanna’s mesmerizing azure eyes.

“A spin of the cosmic wheel, dear?” piped a hooded merchant as he grabbed at Vicky’s wrist and leaned in. Vicky yanked away and glowered. A grey elephantine snout peeked gently from under the hood of the mint robe. An octotentil!

“So sorry, my lady, but I was told to look for you – it’s about Merle.”