• Richter was seated along the side of the transport: a bus-like vessel that had already traversed nearly half of the city before reaching its limits. Trenain’s massive skyscrapers reduced to the lesser structures of the industrial district. It reminded him of home, though much darker in contrast. The shuttle tilted- passing over the outer market, then to the commons where the last of the city met with the forest and park of Dilune.
    It was here they’d agreed to meet: gate five.
    As the shuttle descended, Richter made his way towards the exit, the doors opening swiftly with a rush of fresh-clean air washing over him. It’d been so long since he’d breathed natural air, and the difference over the years became more and more noticeable.
    He got off with two others that made their way towards the small square station ahead, but he didn’t need to go any further. The road where he stood split three ways, two of which leading back into the city. The third shot straight ahead of him into the outskirts of the park.
    Looking at his watch he realized he was almost half an hour early. Better than being late.
    Behind him, the transport took off, resuming its route throughout the city.
    This was the place, so he didn’t want to go too far. At least he was away from the ship. The odds of seeing anyone he knew were slim. He’d even managed to ditch Caleb. Normally he wouldn’t mind, but this was too important to be fooling around, at least for him.
    I wonder what she thinks about all this.
    Coming upon a small, wooden bench, he sat down. Zen was going to Kristia after this, and he knew, no matter how much he didn’t want to, that he probably wasn’t going to see her again. There wasn’t really anything he could do about it, nothing realistic anyway. I’ve never felt this way about anyone before. I can’t let it end like this, but, what can I do?
    “Hello Richter Etrenank.”
    The voice half-startled him. Looking towards her strangely, he remembered who she was.
    “Sefira… what are you doing here?”
    “Just tagging along, but I’m also here to make sure you don’t try anything unwarranted.”
    “I wasn’t intending to.”
    “Alright,” Sefira sat down beside him. “So explain it to me then if you don’t mind. Why are you interested in Zen?”
    “She’s an interesting person,” Richter said simply.
    “But that’s not the only reason.” Sefira eyed him, folding her arms.
    Richter felt the weight of her eyes, looking back. She definitely knew, so trying to hide it would probably do more harm than good. “Listen,” he said flatly, “if you’re worried about it, the chances of us seeing each other again are slim to none.”
    “That bothers you.” Sefira observed. “So- why a Kristic anyway? I mean, you look healthy and you seem to have a decent career. There’s probably a lot of women out there that would be more than happy to have you.”
    “Even if there were,” Richter answered, “it wouldn’t matter.”
    Sefira looked at him curiously. “Or really?”
    “Did you come here to make me change my mind?” Richter glared. “Did you come here to tell me to back off? What have I done wrong? I only asked to see her again, nothing more. It’s not even a date.”
    “Hmm-,” Sefira kicked her legs- one over the other. “Don’t get me wrong, she’s my partner. It’s not only my job, but it’s my responsibility to look out for her. When I heard you were interested just shortly after meeting her, I thought you might be a creep or something, and I haven’t let go of the idea just yet. You see, Zen’s open minded and she’s also curious. She’s can be a bit naïve when dealing with others, and that’s just the thing. The both of us haven’t dealt with Humans very much. As a counterbalance to her studying the good side of people, I’ve been studying the darker side of Human behavior. Needless to say,” she held her hands out to her sides, “there’s a lot to look out for.”
    “So you think I’m a creep?”
    “Actually,” Sefira settled her hands gently upon her knees, “stalker was the term that came to mind. Of course, she disagreed, but I figured I owed it to her to look into you myself.”
    Richter shook his head. “I give you my word. I won’t do anything to hurt her. That’s not what this is about.”
    “Then what is it about?”
    “I just want- to be her friend,” Richter said sincerely. “I can’t say why, but I feel drawn to her. Everything about her is just so-,”
    “Interesting?” Sefira canted her stare.
    “Well,” Richter sighed, “a bit more than that. I’m sorry if that bothers you.”
    “Tell you what,” Sefira said with an air of appeal. “I don’t think my coming along will be much good for either of us, but I wanted you to know where I stood. You two can go ahead and have a blast. I’m pretty sure she’ll enjoy it anyway.”
    “Thanks,” Richter said dryly.
    Sefira stood up, walking past him. She stopped just as her shadow was cast over him, allowing an icy chill to form from her essence towards him.
    Richter suddenly shivered, unaware of her intent.
    “But if you turn out to be a creep Richter Etrenank,” Sefira glared, “you’ll pay for it- dearly. And that’s my promise to you.” She smiled, striding off into the forest.
    Richter was glad to be alone, but now his feelings were even more complicated. Maybe it’s best if I just go away and forget all about it. But even as he rested his head into his hands, he knew he couldn’t. For better or for worse, he was going to make the most of it.
    He’d had enough time to work himself into a fit over it, retaining the conflict silently where he sat.
    Distantly came another shuttle. Looking towards his watch it was also that time.
    The transport landed on the designated pad, opening its doors where a handful of persons emerged.
    Among them, Zen stood out like the sun breaking the afternoon clouds. It was more subtle than that, but to him it was all the same.
    Zen’s eyes panned only for a moment, finding him where he stood.
    Richter smiled, but he tried to tone down his excitement. His heart was already racing.
    She still wore the same white dress- kempt and bright as ever.
    “Good afternoon,” she smiled in front of him.
    “How are you?” Richter asked.
    “I’m fine,” her expression remained, gesturing ahead. “Shall we then?”
    Richter nodded, walking alongside her as they made their way into the park.
    “I was hoping to get out like this,” Zen told him. “I was actually glad when you called about it.”
    Pausing, Zen looked around. “Sefira said she’d be waiting for us.”
    “Oh. She was here,” Richter explained, “but she said she’d leave us alone.”
    “Did she tell you why?”
    Richter made a sour expression. “She’s worried I might be a creep.”
    “Yeah,” Zen continued the path ahead of them. “She worries. We tend to do that for each other.”
    “It’s no problem,” Richter added. “I understand. I’m actually glad you have someone looking out for you like that.”
    “Well,” Zen said pleasantly, “at least it seems you’re feeling better.”
    Richter gestured her dress. “I know you wear it all the time, but how do you keep it clean?”
    “It’s not absorbent like most fabrics,” Zen answered. “Of course, I rinse it with my daily bath.”
    “Do you have any other clothes?”
    “Some,” Zen nodded, “but they’re not as resistant. Given the tactical situation, my efforts may be called on at any time. I’d prefer to stay in something that would hold up regardless.”
    Richter took a bend towards the lake. For a few moments, they shared only in each other’s company, not shedding a word.
    It was only when Zen stopped by the water, leaning down to reach into it, that the silence was broken.
    Richter found himself looking down at her, longing for something; to be closer, to be anything she needed. But then again, What does a Kristic need from a Human?
    “It’s very clean,” Zen remarked, looking our across the lake.
    “It looks nice,” Richter agreed, but he hardly noticed in contrast to her.
    Zen dove into the water, swimming out a few meters before she came up, waving towards him. “Can you swim?”
    “Can I swim?” Richter pointed towards himself, setting aside any affects that might otherwise be damaged. Shortly there after, he dove in, swimming up behind her. The two made circles around one another. Richter was exerting the most effort, but for a Human he was a very capable swimmer.
    “Don’t mind Sefira,” Zen said gently. “She’s been going through a lot.”
    “I figured as much.”
    “As soon as we get back I’m going to see if they’ll let us go on Vehelen.”
    “What’s Vehelen?” Richter winced.
    Zen changed directions, driving herself away. “It’s like a vacation.”
    Richter followed her.
    Arcing her body into a dive, Zen swam beneath the water’s surface towards the bottom, the faint light of her essence trailing behind her.
    Richter took a deep breath and dove in. It wasn’t that far that she’d gone- maybe twenty feet. Her pale glow lit the water closely around her, her hair drifting in a sea of long, silken strands. Her eyes, glowing, refracted the light reaching in from above, and Richter stopped to admire them.
    For a moment she just looked back, simple and calm in a way that was all too characteristic of her, smiling. She held out her hands, and he took them, absorbed by a surge of gentle energy that flushed his senses entirely. He felt himself loosen and relax. The pressure of the water was lifted as he closed his eyes and he found himself able to breathe, the sounds of the park channeling through his ears.
    Opening his eyes, he found her in front of him, letting him go. They were back where they started.
    “You like the water I take it.”
    “Quite naturally,” Zen replied, letting him go as she swam about.
    Richter watched her, keeping himself afloat. The sun’s cast upon the water made her subtle glow even more radiant, reminding him yet again how different the two of them were. In fact, he was trying to remind himself. It made it easier to accept, or so he tried to believe.
    She tilted her head, gauging something about him, her eyes intent with focus. “Do you like the water?”
    “In present company,” he said helplessly, “I’d say a lot.”
    “Is that so?”
    “Hey,” Richter shrugged. “I’m just being honest.”
    “I can accept that,” she swam towards shore.
    Richter rejoined her along the road- the sun at their backs. He’d caught up to her by the time she started- walking slowly. Water dripped heavily from both of them, but fast to dry. Zen looked at him and smiled again; Richter retrieving his articles.
    “Well that was fun,” Richter commented.
    “I enjoyed it, but with so much to do and so little time, I figured it’s best to move on.”
    “I hadn’t made any specific plans,” Richter admitted. “Wherever we go- whatever we do, is fine by me.”
    “And how long do you have?”
    “All night.”
    “That’s good. You probably needed the break.”
    “Need, no- want, yes.”
    “And you could have done any number of things,” Zen added, “but you asked to spend your time with me, and I’m grateful you think so well of me.”
    Somehow -well- wasn’t the word he felt best described it, but admitting anything beyond that wouldn’t accomplish anything, except for stepping on his own toes.
    “Well, if it’s alright with you, I’d really like to get to know you better.”
    “That’s fine,” Zen nodded. “I’ll give you my link number so you can call me anytime. I might not always be available, but I’d be happy to hear from you.”
    At least that was something. He didn’t know if he could ever be with her, or if it was even possible, but he didn’t want to lose her either. The way he felt about her, it was better than doing nothing at all.
    Why do I keep feeling like this anyway? Will it go away, or- will I just have to deal with it?
    Zen glanced long enough to interpret his thoughtful expression. She knew how he felt and she also knew how to relieve at least some of his stress, and it was a safe measure all the same. Reaching out, she took his hand.
    Richter’s heart went from racing to feeling like it was about to freeze in place, but moments later he felt an overwhelming calm. He knew why she did it. Just like her and Caleb both had told him, Kristics were very open in regards to friendship, and maybe this was why; to keep tensions low. At any rate, he accepted it.
    “There’s one thing I like about other worlds that Kristia doesn’t have,” Zen announced.
    “And what’s that?”
    Zen made a series of brief gestures. “The forests. We have mountains, rivers lakes and such, but our trees are so few- one here, one there. And there isn’t any grass, except for where it’s been planted.”
    “I’ve seen pictures,” Richter replied. “Kristia is made up mostly of crystal right?”
    “And a variety of minerals.”
    “I guess that’s the beauty of it.” Richter appeared thoughtful once more. “Zen, what would you say is the most beautiful thing you’ve ever seen- anywhere at all?”
    “Wow,” Zen said softly, contemplating. “There’s a question with broad spectrum.” She paused for a moment, filtering her choices. “The recession of neutrons in a dying star.”
    Her answer caught Richter off guard, but as he looked towards her he found a smile of amusement etching from cheek to cheek.
    “Just kidding,” she tilted her view slightly. “I once asked someone a similar question, and that’s the answer they gave me. I thought it was rather amusing.” She reaffirmed her grip on his hand, relaxing it just the same. “But to answer your question, I’d have to say- either the birth, or maybe even the death of a True Kristic.”
    “You’re a True Kristic right?”
    “That’s right,” she explained. “Not that other Kristics aren’t, but it’s by measure of value between our Kanni and Suri, the latter being the measure of our essence.”
    “I understand,” Richter told her. “We have a similar measure for determining purebloods of various races; to include family descent.”
    Zen eyed him. “And what do you find most beautiful, Richter Etrenank?”
    He looked ahead, thoughtful and calm. His tension slowly increased, noticeable only by his grasp, however slight. “It’s hard to say I guess.” At least he was being honest.
    For a moment Zen stared at him with an expression of mild concern, subsiding briefly there after.
    They were quiet again, each sharing in view; one side of the road or the other.
    Zen was thoughtfully engaged with the environment, but in Richter’s case, he hadn’t come for the scenery. He’d come for her, and it was enough to be alongside her, even just to talk.
    So far only other Humans had passed by, many issuing brief glances both strange and curious. It wasn’t common that Kristics and Humans were paired outside official business.
    “I guess we seem a little strange,” Richter said simply as another onlooker passed by.
    “I don’t mind,” Zen assured him.
    Not far aside was a lagoon, hidden almost entirely from sight. Zen noticed it, and with a brief gesture, led Richter towards the tall, grassy opening that revealed its presence. Above, the tall trees loomed to form the canopy, their greenery drooping long from above. Among them, light still managed its way in, spreading from the water nearby to the bank that withheld it.
    “This is a nice place,” Zen glowed with interest.
    Richter surveyed the area. It was quiet and secluded.
    “I can only imagine how much life there is in a place like this,” Zen stood still along the bank.
    “Quite a bit I’d imagine,” Richter shared in the view.
    “Mind if we sit here a while?” Zen looked up to him, her eyes gleaming soft.
    Richter nodded, settling himself on the grassy surface. Zen sat down beside him, toying with a blade of grass between her fingers.
    “Richter,” Zen said tentatively. “The last thing I want to do is hurt you, or cause you pain. So- I’d like to know what you think about this: about us being friends.”
    “It’s fine with me,” he said frankly. “I mean, of course I’m dealing with some things I’ve never dealt with before, but I’ll learn, just like with anything else. I‘m just happy to know you. I‘m glad we could get away like this, so it‘s not that bad at all.” He kept his eyes from her. It helped him to think and even to speak more clearly.
    “Is that really how you feel about it?”
    “Yes.”
    “Then,” Zen said carefully, “do you mind if I get closer?”
    “Not at all.”
    Zen laid herself sideways over his thighs, resting her arms loosely into the grass alongside him.
    Richter felt a tingling sensation, but managed to keep himself in check. He could see the corners of her eyes, looking long out over the water, then to the grass; between the two in observant pause. He wanted to touch her- to reach out and course his fingers through her hair, but somehow, it felt forbidden.
    “Thanks for coming with me today,” Zen said quietly. “I know you asked me, but I’m still grateful.”
    “It’s- no problem.” Several responses jarred in his head, but in a state of ambivalence it was the best he could do.
    “You know,” Zen began, “Sefira keeps asking why I spend time with you.”
    “And why do you spend time with me?”
    “Before we joined the Protectorate, we weren’t really allowed to spend a lot of time with others. Schooling was relatively strict. Later, when I met Sefira, we were partnered and we could spend a lot of time together. That’s pretty much how we bonded. Since joining as an operative, I don’t have the same restrictions I used to, but now I never have the time. You, well- you sort of became an opportunity for me and I didn’t hesitate.”
    “An opportunity huh.”
    “Circumstances provided,” Zen smiled. “If you weren’t so well behaved, it wouldn’t have gone this far. You’re also good company.”
    “Well,” Richter said plainly, “I’m glad you think well of me.”
    Zen sounded a faint laugh. “I do. Now I never did buy much into this personal restriction garbage. If people want to talk, they should talk. If they want to hold each other, they should hold each other. The only difference is romance, but even that’s just an idea really.”
    “How do you mean?”
    “Think about it,” Zen continued. “The lines are drawn on activities when two beings, or people come together exclusively in difference to others. Take the act of kissing for example. Humans and Kristics both share the belief that kissing is reserved for people you feel deep affection towards, and that different types of kissing relate to how you feel about that person. It’s almost like art.”
    “Art,” Richter inquired.
    “Art is defined,” Zen answered, “but, it’s also open to interpretation.”
    “That’s one way to put it I suppose.”
    “When a thing is done between two people, it is perceived by the first person, then the second, and then by others consisting of the outside perspective. All of these people may have a different interpretation of the same, single act. I think that‘s why it‘s so important for people to agree on things.”
    “Sounds like you’ve looked pretty far into it,” Richter commented.
    “Actually,” Zen replied, “along with good communication, it helps prevent a number of problems.”
    “I’m glad I met you Zen,” Richter said flatly. “You’re different than anyone I’ve ever met, and I like that.”
    “I like you too,” she thumbed his leg, stirring a reaction.
    Richter jolted. “Hey now.”
    “What did that feel like?” Zen asked mischievously.
    “It tickled,” Richter answered dryly.
    Zen pushed herself up, looking into his eyes. “I thought as much.”
    Richter shifted a hand towards retreat.
    “You’re tense,” she told him, digging her fingers into his side. She knew exactly where to go.
    Forced to the ground, Richter laughed helplessly into a sprawl. He pushed and wiggled, but she was adamantly in place. Even as fluid as her every motion was, however seemingly frail- he couldn’t stop her.
    “That’s not fair!” He called, laughing into a cough.
    “We’re at war,” Zen teased. “Nothing is fair in war now is it?”
    “Why,” he laughed horribly, “why are you doing- this?”
    Zen relented, easing her hands from his sides to his chest; her legs cinched to his hips where she held him pinned.
    Richter heaved, catching his breath with a long look into her eyes. He couldn’t help but smile and the sense of overall relief was comforting. In that brief moment, most of his stress had left him.
    Rolling off to his side, Zen lay upon the grass, gazing towards the bright blue sky. Above, clouds rolled to offer brief moments of shade, passing as the sun made its return warmly upon them.
    Laughing, Richter shook his head. “What inspired that?”
    “You needed it.”
    “I did?”
    “Yes- you did.”
    “Maybe,” Richter sighed, crossing one leg over the other into a T.
    “So,” Zen rolled her head towards him, “no revenge?”
    Richter glared at her, “as if. You’re practically impervious.”
    “How do you know?” Zen smiled.
    He sensed the lure in her tone, and it was all the permission he needed. She could have gotten away from him. He was sure of that much, but she didn’t. Maybe she wanted to play fair after all.
    Rolling himself over her, he asserted himself firmly.
    Zen lay as if helpless, smiling with a laugh.
    Richter shook his head, poking at her sides. Her body felt more firm than a Human’s, but still soft to the touch. Shortly, he felt embarrassed for even trying, his face blushing red. “Well there you have it- impervious.”
    “I’m not impervious Richter,” her expression dimmed slightly. “Just like you, I can be killed.”
    “That might be so,” he replied, “but at least you don’t have to worry about me.”
    Zen grappled his legs with her own, throwing him back as she straddled her way over him. Their landing spread a heap of leaves into the air, along with a puff of natural debris.
    Richter noticed her hair, though it carried with it some grass and other natural articles, it remained orderly and smooth. “How does your hair stay like that?” he winced.
    “Stay like this?”
    “Yeah, it doesn’t seem to tangle or anything.”
    “Nope.”
    “Why?”
    “Do you want to spend the next half hour talking about it?” she asked.
    “Not really.”
    “Then just accept it for what it is,” she grinned.
    “Okay.”
    Zen pulled him to his feet, resuming her place along the bank. Again, Richter sat down beside her.
    “Feeling better?” she eyed him.
    “A lot actually.”
    “Behold the many benefits of keeping things simple,” she picked up a small stick, observing it close.
    “Simple huh,” Richter repeated.
    “It has its advantages,” Zen handed him the stick.
    “What’s this for?” He took it, looked at it- then shrugged.
    “What’s it matter,” she looked back ahead. “You took it didn’t you?”
    Richter shook his head. “You’re strange.”
    “Well as long as we can accept that about each other, we’ll get along just fine.” She shifted her gaze towards him, her eyes meeting his.
    Richter smiled. “Did I tell you I was glad we met?”
    Zen nodded. “I’m pretty sure you did.”
    “I really meant it.”