Injured But Home

Cassie managed to retain her composure long enough to get to her house. When Hiro opened the door and Doston helped her inside, she limped into the living room and began to sob. She ached all over and she was scared out of her mind.

Doston looked at Hiro who unhelpfully just looked back. Hiro began to leave, saying, "She needs a woman to talk to."

He was almost through the door when Doston said, "Well, go and find a woman and get back here as quickly as possible." Hiro had thought Doston was female since there was no evidence to the contrary.

Doston helped Cassie to the sofa and placed a pillow behind her head and looked up to see Hiro still standing in the doorway. "Go and get some help. Now. I have no idea what to do, either."

Hiro shook his head and gathered his wits about him and went off to find Sten.

"Can I get you something to drink?" asked Doston.

"I really didn't finish the kitchen, there isn't anything in there to drink." Cassie was still crying but less hysterically. Doston tried to comfort her, but there wasn't really much that could be done.

Sten and Hiro finally arrived back with Frau trailing behind them. Sten ran to Cassie and brushed back the tousled hair. Sten assessed the injuries. The bruising on Cassie's face was spreading but the scratches on her torso were no longer bleeding. The most noticeable ill effect of the attack was the look of fear in Cassie's eyes.

"How about something soothing to drink. Or something with a little kick to it. What would you like?" asked Sten.

Cassie again explained about the unfinshed kitchen. She could feel herself close to tears again.

"Frau will get what you want to drink. What would that be?" Sten tried again.

"Maybe some Jack Daniels and water," said Cassie. Frau left, glad to have a mission. He returned with a bottle, some ice, glasses, and a willingness to share with the group. In his absence, Sten had gotten Cassie to a much calmer state and into some fresh clothing.

Cassie took a long drink, shuddered slightly and then smiled shyly. "Thank you, all of you. Frau, Sten, I would like you to meet my savior, Doston. Doston, these are friends of mine, Frau and Sten."

"I haven't seen you up close before, although I have noticed you flying over the garden," said Sten. "Where are you from?"

Doston answered. All the humans looked quizzically at each other. "Where?" asked Sten again.

The answer was the same, musical notes without any given translation. It sounded like the beginning of a piece by Chopin – almost.

"It isn't translating." Cassie looked bewilderingly at her guests. They all nodded their agreement. "I guess we can call the place 'Music' if that is all right with you, Doston."

Doston said, "That will be fine, it is close enough."

"Hiro told us some of what happened. We are so sorry," said Frau. "What can we do to help?"

"I think I need to talk about something else right now. Doston, you said you aren't a woman?" Cassie hedged.

"That's correct. But I'm not male, either. We don't have that stuff on Music. I am just a, well, I guess I would be a Musician," said Doston.

"Maybe you could tell us about your world. It might help Cassie," suggested Sten.