The Starborn Read Online Free Page A

Guard who is both child of two Avatars and an Avatar in her own right.”
    “You are the only one born of a stellar Avatar and mortal woman, surviving after your parent has burned his last. Suek was great, a truly great mind.”
    Wia nodded. “I would agree.”
    “It is a shame his daughter is wearing rags.”
    “Burns from the fight. They were intact when I arrived here.” She chuckled at the disdain in the old woman’s face.
    “My people have given me an appreciation for a certain aesthetic.”
    Wia stretched. “Well, this will have to do until I get back to a base with uniforms or until I find the ship that brought me here and I go through my luggage.”
    “Come with me.” Caffexi took her hand with one scaled hand and led her down the path and into the city with the dregs of the attack swirling above them.
    The clothing shop was dim, but it lit the moment that Caffexi waved a hand. The lizard woman began to hum and shop, pulling clothing off racks and out of drawers.
    “Our clothing is resistant to radiation, so it should be far more suitable than your robes.”
    Wia surrendered to the Avatar and allowed herself to be dressed in layers of blue, gold and dark lavender. Boots, stockings, briefs and a lace-up dress made her feel far prettier than she had since she was six and her father had brought her a Stiaki dancer’s skirt. She had twirled for days.
    “It is pretty.”
    “Do you want to take off your mask?” Caffexi cocked her head.
    “It is my skin. It is a recessive Hirn gene that makes me appear to be wearing a mask.” Wia lifted her hair and pinned it up in a loose mass that highlighted the slender aspect of her neck. “Have you ever thought of bringing in some more aggressive species as guards for your people?”
    Caffexi shrugged. “I suppose I should consider it. Their population cannot keep replacing what is lost to those who simply wander off rocks. They are not a bright people, but they are goodhearted.”
    “That counts for a lot, but I have seen the records of many goodhearted species that are no longer with us. I would suggest you talk to the Alliance about getting some farmer species in and settling them on the other side of the planet.”
    “I will take it under advisement. For now, I believe that that young man is trying to get your attention.” Caffexi pointed out the shop window.
    “How much do I owe you for the clothing?” She reached into her bodice for her credit chip.
    “Nothing. You got us all safe and you took me flying. It has been years since I have flown. Caludi is not up to the strains of being my Avatar anymore, but I cannot bear to give her up.”
    Wia kissed the lizard woman on her leathery cheek. “You will know when it is time. Thank you for the clothing.”
    Wia left the planetary Avatar and took flight. The clothing was a little drafty at the shoulder, but it fit very well no matter what position she was in.
    She made it to Comet’s side. “So, what now?”
    He looked her up and down, a strained expression came over his features. “Where did you get that?”
    “My robes burned away in the fight, so Caffexi found me something to wear. Why? I thought it looked good.”
    He swallowed heavily. “It does, very good.”
    The shuttle appeared at their side, hatch open. Comet offered the first entry to her, and she took it, settling on her new boots as she walked toward the sealed area.
    Comet was at her side, and she felt the warmth of his hand through her tightly wrapped bodice. Before she could change her mind, she turned and leaned up to press a kiss against his lips.
    He was so surprised that he didn’t react in time, and she pulled away to walk to her seat the instant that the barrier dropped. She settled in her seat, crossed her legs and smiled at the pilot. “Hello, Stealth. I believe it will be the Lowel construction site for me, the Udell base for Comet.”
    Stealth grinned. “As my lady commands.” He keyed in the coordinates, and seconds later, they