Free Sacred Trust by Roxanne Barbour Page A

opposite,” she explained.
    â€œDon’t you have any scientists that were also artists?” I thought of a few from Earth’s history.
    â€œIs that possible?” She looked amazed. “Maybe we should check out the museum’s computer.” We both agreed that was a great idea, so it was exactly what we did.
    The software only had a couple of suggestions, but the computer gave us a starting place and illuminated a pathway in the floor to show us our way. We wanted to find the exhibit for an architect named Tirest. Apparently, he’d sculpted artistic masterpieces and also built revolutionary machines.
    Eventually we found ourselves in a rendition of Tirest’s design studio. I saw a number of interesting objects, but what a messy person this guy was. Typical of artistic types, I supposed.
    â€œI see an albino at the entrance,” Ruen whispered in my ear.
    I jumped; she had sneaked up and startled me. I scowled at her and then pretended to point out something to her while I turned slightly towards the door. She’d correctly recognized one of our suspects—although suspect wasn’t quite the right label. Yet, at least.
    The Basilian turned to leave the room, so Ruen said, “This is our chance to follow him and see where he goes.”
    I hesitated; the incident at lunchtime had made me nervous. In the end, I nodded and we took off after him, trying our best to be circumspect. At least, I tried my best. Ruen, on the other hand...
    She whirled around where she’d come to a halt. “Where did he go?”
    I’d lost him too. He’d ditched us somewhere in the myriad of displays, Ruen’s excitement apparently giving us away. Or perhaps he’d spotted me, and it was instead my human characteristics he’d noticed. “Ruen, did you notice any of his features? Could you draw a picture of him?”
    â€œDrawing is not really one of my skills,” she replied.
    â€œYeah. It’s not easy peasy for me either.” I didn’t know quite what we should do.
    â€œPerhaps we should do a sweep of the building like we did before.”
    Always the adventurer, I hoped Ruen wouldn’t lead us into any difficulties. I’d had enough trouble for one day. “Okay,” I agreed, “at least for a short while.”
    Again our target eluded us. Eventually, I said goodbye to Ruen and made my way home. The day had exhausted me.
    â€œYou’re home early,” said my father.
    â€œYeah, I skipped school this afternoon and went to the Art Museum with Ruen.”
    Dad stopped stirring and looked at me, “That’s not like you.”
    I explained about the flash mob at lunch time. Dad looked as horrified as I’d felt at the time, although he tried not to show it.
    â€œI will look into this.” He sighed. “On the bright side, I do have some news. Officer Kikess called and said he’s convinced you and Tata had nothing to do with the theft of the rocks. The security recordings do not show any involvement on your part. In fact, Kikess noticed a suspicious person at the rock display, and also around your bags. So this person is their current suspect. All is well.”
    All was not well. “Is the suspect an albino?” popped out of my mouth.
    â€œI have no idea. Why ever would you ask that?” Dad rubbed his forehead. “I’ve never seen an albino on Basili, or Arandis for that matter.”
    â€œOh, I just thought I saw one the other day.” I continued, “I’m not very happy here, Dad. It’s difficult because I have no human friends. I’m kind of lonely.”
    â€œI know, sweetie. But we won’t be here forever. I’m guessing Tata’s a pretty good friend.”
    I nodded. Actually he is, and I need to treat him better.
    â€œAnd Ruen seems to be a friend, too,” added Dad.
    â€œAs I may have mentioned before, just like a little sister and I’m not being