CHAPTER 8

Jain

SEVERAL MONTHS HAD passed since Jain's return from the Middle East. She still found it hard to believe that Joanie was a princess, let alone the sovereign ruler of a country. Betta, who at one time had been Joanie's captor, now commanded the princess' security network. Some of the Royal Guardsmen resented being subservient to a woman, but not one was brave enough to challenge Betta. Her superior hand-to-hand combat skills and intellect were enough to intimidate the bravest in the Guard. Only Joanie, Jain and Solaria knew Betta was a first-generation Hubot.

*  *  *

Her work at the library had taken longer than normal. A high school literature class had arrived late in the afternoon to examine the antiquated collection of books. The majority had never seen a real book, let alone held one. Jain had to continually caution them about the fragility of paper pages.

Arriving home, Jain felt whipped. Ten hours on her feet made her calves ache.

Being fat doesn't help either. Tomorrow, I'm starting my diet, she promised herself, knowing it was never going to happen.

Perhaps exhaustion was making her a little paranoid as she walked up the steps to her condo. Glancing nervously around her neighborhood, the feeling of being watched made her uneasy. Except for a couple of kids on roller-rockets, and a small dog hiding behind two trash cans, the streets were vacant.

Jain cringed when one of the girls attempted a triple flip off a homemade accelerator ramp and landed on her back. Roller-rockets were the latest rave. Micro power packs activated the miniature propulsion jets on the boots, giving kids the momentum needed to achieve difficult maneuvers such as the flips. Jain was glad to see the girl had adequate safety gear. Several children had died from broken necks and head injuries because they refused to wear helmets. Specially designed joint guards protected her elbows, wrists and knees. An impact absorbent flexbrace supported and buffered the spine against impact and compression injuries.

"Are you okay, Tewanna?" Jain called out. The girl gave her the thumbs up and grinned, embarrassed that she had been caught doing a triple flip. Everyone in the neighborhood knew her mother wasn't happy Tewanna was participating in a predominantly male-dominated sport.

Waving, Jain checked out the neighborhood one last time. Nothing appeared out of the ordinary. The dog had moved, but still appeared reluctant to get closer. Its head was cocked slightly as stared unblinkingly at a spot several feet away. Unconsciously, Jain shrugged.

I wonder what that's about. Maybe it'll be gone by tomorrow. She could only hope. Jain had a soft spot for animals and was familiar with all the pets in the neighborhood. This one was new to the area.

*  *  *

The following evening, the dog was still hanging outside of her condo. Slightly scruffy, its left ear was badly torn but didn't look infected. Jain had asked her neighbors about it that morning. No one knew anything. Concerned that it had been dumped, Jain felt obligated to do something to help the animal. 

I guess I could take you in for the night. Then what? I don't have time for a pet... Oh, what the hell! At least I can give you some food and water. Maybe put some salve on that ear. I'm sure someone's looking for you.

Jain plopped down on the second step and held out her hand.

"Come on, baby," she called out. "I don't bite."

Surprisingly, the dog sprang forward and leapt onto her lap. The white and brown wiry coat was slightly disheveled but clean. A small scar was barely visible above the ridge of her left eye.

"Well, young lady, you look pretty good, considering you're lost. Apparently no one thought enough of you to put a collar on you. How about we go get dinner? We can decide what to do with you later."

"Arrr... rrrahh... rahhh." 

Jain smiled. Standing, she marched up the stairs, holding the dog under one arm and her handbag on the other. Neither noticed the young woman standing a few doors away.