Nova silently picked his way up the mountain path. Smoke was coming from near the top. He could see where human feet had worn a path through the vegetation and it was easy to follow it to the campsite. A battered lean to was lashed to a couple of scrubby trees under an outcrop of rock. Nova crept around the side and saw an empty cot filled with grass. A coarse blanket was draped across one end. To one side of the crude shelter a few articles of dingy clothing hung drying on a cord stretched between saplings. The fire pit was smoldering beneath a iron griddle spread with fish fillets, a few small crab and some shrimp. A black stew pot full of root vegetables was bubbling to the side of the griddle, suspended off a frame by a large iron hook.

The owner could not be far away. Nova crouched down and waited in some dense brush nearby. I just love being a leopard, he thought. I'll scare the bejeebies out of them.

A loud rustling through the grass alerted him to their return. Why not just beat on a drum next time?

To his surprise a slender young woman appeared and lay down a few sticks she had gathered for the fire. She wore a simple piece of cloth tied around her body in the native style. Her hair was glossy and black, but straighter than most islanders. She had almond shaped eyes that grew wider as she focused on the shape of the large leopard lurking at the edge of her camp.

She jumped and let out a piercing scream, then grabbed the closest stick and waved it wildly at Nova. "Get away! Get out of here!" she shouted.

Unbelievable. She's trying to scare me with that toothpick.

Nova emerged from the brush and decided to try another tactic. I'll try a little kitty charm.

He lay down on his belly and inched forward, stopping every few inches and to make his sweetest little chirping noise.

She backed up a few paces and stood looking at the ridiculous sight.

"Are you... are you trying to talk to me?" she asked.

Nova rolled over a full three sixty, crossed his two front paws and perched his nose on them. Come on. I can't be any more charming than this.

"Are you somebody's pet?" she asked.

Nova sat up and risked frightening her. I will never forgive you if you let our fish burn up over there. He waited to see if she was going to panic, then walked around to the fire and sat down again in front of the griddle. He licked his chops in an exaggerated fashion.

"Oh, I see. You want some of my fish, don't you?"

Nova lay down and put his nose on his paws again. She likes this. I can tell.

The girl laughed a light tinkling laugh. "I worked hard for this meal. What are you going to give me in return?"

How do you say a ticket to civilization in sign language?

"It's okay. I'll share." She dished up a few pieces on a broad palm leaf and placed it on the ground for Nova then got herself a helping. She moved to the far side of the camp away from him and ate standing up.

Yes. You don't want to be near me when I get lost in my feeding frenzy.

Nova made a point of eating slowly and picked up each piece in a delicate manner.

"You have better table manners than I do," she said. "My name's Soshe by the way."

Nova purred a little in response. She smiled at him.

Okay, she's adorable. I have the perfect present for you, Tajlon. Can we say happy birthday? You're welcome.

* * *

Nova spent the day following Soshe around like a puppy. She talked incessantly as though he could understand every word, which he did. He managed to steer her away from the dock when her feet strayed in that direction They came upon a few wild turkeys. He sprang at one and snapped its neck in one bite. Soshe stood perfectly still, watching him. He brought the dead bird over to her and dropped it at her feet.

"Oh, alright. We'll have a wonderful supper with this."

The great hunter has brought meat to eat now. Nova stood looking at her expectantly.

Soshe looked at him a moment and said, “You probably expect to eat this now, don’t you?”

You are wise in the way of leopards, Soshe. He rubbed his nose against her leg in approval.

She put it on a spit and basted it with an herbal mixture. The aroma was tantalizing, and it tasted even better.

The girl can cook.

By nightfall Soshe had become perfectly comfortable with Nova's company. He lay down beside her while she worked on some rope she was braiding and purred loudly. Soshe stroked his fur, cautiously at first, then more affectionately.

"You are somebody's pet. I know it."

Was somebody's pet. Let's go with friend now.

When it was time to turn in for the night, he crawled onto the cot and snuggled in beside her just as he might with Tajlon. Soshe giggled and wrapped an arm around him, letting her fingers burrow in his silky fur.

"It's a little crowded, but I'll be keeping warm tonight."

My pleasure.

Nova awakened before dawn and slipped out of the bed leaving Soshe sleeping. He ran down to the shore by the dock. If he knew Tajlon, he would come looking for him early this morning. The wreck was an eerie sight looming against the dim light of dawn.

It looks like it came from another world. Oh wait. It did. And we were stupid enough to bring it here, Nova thought. He lay down to wait for Tajlon. Let's pester the demon on board. What fun.

***

"I just assumed Nova stayed with you last night," Tajlon said. "I can't believe you left him there alone,"

"He's still a leopard, Tajlon," Hal said. "He knows how to fend for himself."

"That's not the point."

"The point is he refused to leave."

"That doesn't sound like Nova. Something's not right."

"He just sat down and wouldn't get back on the tug."

"Tell me exactly where you left him. That's where he'll be waiting for me."

"There's only one place to dock on Turodey. When you see the spaceship, you're there."

"Sure you don't want to come along?"

"Can't. I'm presenting this afternoon. Aren't you supposed to give a talk as well?"

"Dad cancelled all of the presentations dealing with nuclear propulsion and aeronautics. What are you speaking on?"

"Basic engineering and design. I've worked up a model for the university we're planning on Turodey. We're going to use that operation to disguise our work on the alien vessel."

"Sounds like a plan. I'll be back by sundown."

"That's what you said last time."

* * *

Tajlon launched his dad's yacht, the Luca Luna, since Jejliard wouldn't be needing it while the conference was in session. He sailed out of the Novaland harbor. The weather was gorgeous and Tajlon would much rather be out sailing than in a conference room all day.

He had no problem spotting the dock with the wreck sitting partially out of the water. As he drew closer he saw the familiar shape of the large black leopard lounging on shore above.

Tajlon moored his boat to one side, as far away from the wreck as he could get. He wanted to know all about the ship and how it worked, yet after what happened yesterday and Mara's misgivings, he didn't trust being anywhere near it. Having been born in the islands and raised around his grandmother, Tajlon had a lot more respect for her tribal beliefs than his dad. The prophecy may not know the true origin of the ship, but that didn't negate the warning. Widhbo had said if the creature on the ship got loose, it might as well be a demon.

"Nice morning for a sail," Nova greeted him telepathically.

"Yes, it is. What possessed you to stay out here all alone?" Tajlon rumpled the top of Nova's head.

"Oh, I'm not alone. Our brilliant engineer and wise sea captain failed to notice signs of someone living on this island."

"Great. How many?"

"Just one. I thought I'd let you convince them to entertain a change of residence."

"Do they know about the wreck?"

"Not sure. They didn't mention it to me. You should scare them away from Turodey before they get too curious and find themselves a prisoner on it."

Tajlon laughed. "I think you might do a better job. You're a scary bastard."

"When I want to be...," Nova turned his head suddenly at Soshe's scent. "And she now knows about the wreck. Her name is Soshe by the way."

The girl had just come into view above them. She froze in place. Nova bounded up to meet her. It was obvious to Tajlon that Nova had made her acquaintance the day before as she reached out a hand to pet him.

"There you are!" She stroked his fur and stared down at the handsome young man standing on the beach below.

Tajlon was quick to sprint up the path to meet her but stopped a respectful distance away.

“I see you’ve met Nova,” he said. Tajlon was immediately enamored of the girl. “She’s beautiful!” he said privately to Nova.

“Nova is it? Yes I have. He’s great company,” Soshe said, then added. “And a good hunter.”

“Flattery will get you everywhere my dear. Of course, I did kill a turkey with my powerful jaws of death.”

“We didn’t know the island was inhabited, I mean uh, how long have you been here, Soshe?”

"Mmm.. Mistake,” Nova thought.

“How do you know my name?”

“Oh, I’m Tajlon Castonea, just Tajlon. Sorry, I should have introduced myself.”

“Okay, Tajlon. Pleased to meet you. But, how do you know my name?”

“Game over,” Nova said and sighed.

“That’s a long story actually.” Tajlon blushed with his predicament.

“I have time. Please. Go ahead. Explain.”

“May as well stick to the truth. She’s caught us.”

“Well, Nova told me.”

“That’s not a very long story.”

“We have a way of communicating…,” Tajlon paused and said to Nova, “This is going to be awkward.”

“Uh huh… He’s very smart, but not much of a talker.”

“I’d be glad to tell you the whole story sometime.”

“Why don’t you invite her to dinner at our place? I owe her some hospitality.”

“Maybe over dinner tonight?

Soshe looked at him warily. “I don’t know…”

“I can’t be any more scarier than my leopard friend.”

Soshe laughed. “Yeah. I’ll admit he gave me a pretty good scare.”

“Do you like sailing?”

Soshe looked down at the yacht tied up at the dock.

“I don’t know. Never been.”

“How did you get here exactly?”

“Canoe. I used to go back and forth between islands before I lost it. Stupid mistake. I didn’t secure the line well enough and the wind took it out to sea before I noticed.”

“Oh, sorry. Really sorry. How are you making it out here?”

“I’m doing okay.”

“She’s quite the little survivalist actually.”

“We’re from the big island over there, Novaland.”

“Yeah. I never go there.”

“Why not?”

“No reason to. I don’t know anybody and it’s too civilized for my taste.”

“A girl after my own heart,” Nova thought.

“You know us now. We’d love to show you around.”

“Maybe another time.”

“Why doesn’t the nice young gentleman offer the lady a ride back home?”

“Okay, well since you’re stuck here, I could give you a ride, take you home or any place you’d like.”

“I’m fine, thanks.”

“There isn’t much to eat. What about shelter? It’s getting cold at night…”

"I like it here. What’s the thing tied up over there?”

“Uh, that. It’s an old wreck we found. Just checking it out. You should know this island is going to be a construction site for a new university.”

“So I can’t stay here? That's what you’re really trying to tell me, isn’t it?”

“No. That’s not it at all. I mean my dad owns this island and so you can stay here as long as you like."

"You can't own an island."

"Actually, you can."

"By what right?"

"I want to hear this one," Nova said to Tajlon.

"Maybe caretaker of the island is a better choice of words."

"It takes care of itself as far as I can tell."

"My great grandfather was Chief Gistuwbe. He was here when the volcano was still active, but I guess that doesn't really matter to you either, so nice to meet you Soshe and I probably should just be going...come on Nova."

Tajlon turned to leave, and Nova looked back at Soshe to give her his best 'sad to go' face while he asked Tajlon, "What's wrong with you?"

"She obviously doesn't want my help or my company. I don't want to impose on her."

"If it gets too cold, I'll just camp out in that old wreck. It's huge. The wind couldn't reach far inside."

Tajlon whirled around and gave her an emphatic, "No! You shouldn't go near it."

"So... do you own the wreck too?"

"No. It belongs to a friend of mine. But that's not the point. It's not safe. I'll never step foot on it myself."

"Is that so?"

"Yes. It's sort of cursed."

"Is that another of those long stories you could tell me?"

"It is. Sure you won't come back with us?"

"Maybe I don't believe in curses."

"Tell her we ate a turkey I caught yesterday," Nova said. "Inform her I'm telling you this right now." Tajlon related the information.

"Okay...."

"Tell her the camp has a lean to with a cot full of dried grass and that I slept there last night with her." Tajlon again told Soshe.

"You could have been spying on me."

"Right before she went to sleep, she told me the blanket we slept under once belonged to her tribe’s shaman. His name was Lokanne." Tajlon repeated it to Soshe.

"Stop. I don't know what kind of trick this is, but that's all it is, a trick."

"If you knew Lokanne, then you've heard of his eldest daughter, the medicine woman called Mara."

"I have. She married and left home before I was born."

"Mara is my grandmother."

Soshe was speechless for a moment. "I remember stories of Chief Gistuwbe too."

"And the demon ship that fell from the sky?" Tajlon asked.

"Yes."

"You're looking at it. I wish we'd never found it. But that's another long story you probably aren't interested in." He turned to leave.

Nova cringed. "If you walk away from her, I'll award you the prize for biggest fool of the year." He gave Soshe an imploring look.

"Wait. Tajlon?"

He looked back at her. She looked small and vulnerable. He wanted to scoop her up and take her with him. "Yes?"

"Let me get a few of my things before we leave, okay?" She gave him a hint of a smile.

Tajlon smiled back. "May I help you carry them?"

"Sure. Thanks."

Tajlon’s heart lurched with relief. He followed her and Nova to the camp. It looked adequate for summer, but he wouldn’t want to weather the coming rainy season in the lean-to. It was fortunate Nova had found Soshe when he did. They packed up her few cooking utensils, blanket and articles of worn clothing made of home spun fabric. He noticed her bare feet were toughened. She didn’t own a pair of shoes.

Soshe noticed Tajlon looking at her sparse belongings and guessed what he was thinking. He was dressed in a bright blue cotton sport shirt with a Novaland logo embroidered neatly on the front. His crisp khaki sailing shorts were well tailored with deep cargo pockets, and he wore a pair of sturdy leather sandals with ribbed rubber soles to provide good traction on a wet deck. She noticed a fancy watch on his wrist.

“What sort of watch is that?” she asked.

“Oh, this? It’s something I made in the lab,” he said before realizing how that must sound. “It’s a nautical watch with the moon phases and tide charts.” Okay, not much better.

“What’s a lab?”

“A workshop of sorts where we experiment and make things.”

“Here.” He took off his watch and placed it on her wrist. “I don’t really need it. I keep up with everything in my head.”

“You do?”

“Yeah.”

“Oh, aren’t we showing off?” Nova said. He grabbed a bundle of leaves tied around some herbs. He wasn’t leaving those behind. ”Time to be leaving, Tajlon.”

Soshe looked at the watch with its dials and symbols. “I don’t even know how to read the time.”

“I can show you. It’s not hard really,” Tajlon said wondering what level of education she had received on the remote islands. “Let’s go down to the yacht. You see this dial? It tells you the tide is going out in thirty minutes. We need to get going.”

“I’ll take this watch under one condition,” Soshe said.

“It was given unconditionally,” Tajlon replied looking into her beautiful brown eyes flecked with gold.

“I want you to teach me to sail too.” Soshe gave him a warm smile.

“Consider it done.” Tajlon didn’t even remember the walk back down the mountain. His head was spinning with plans.