Redhawk Caldera Got that Bourbon Street steak with the Oreo shake.

She went about a hundred feet and then spun, orange eyes roving over Cinar and then past him. They could still see the lake from here and enjoy the view—well, until night fell properly—minus all the insects. Towhee settled onto her haunches, angling her face toward Cinar again so she wouldn’t miss anything he had to say.

Her head reared back slightly at his offer. He meant well, she was sure, but Towhee wasn’t about to unload her woes on a perfect stranger. She would much rather get to know the new recruit. She just hoped he would last longer than the last guy, whose name she’d already forgotten.

I’d rather hear about you, she said, shaking her head lightly. Starting with what brought you to the caldera.