Kra'vi tapped his Ooman companion on the shoulder lightly. The Ooman nodded, he'd felt the mind touch as well. The Yaut'ja growled quietly, looking menacingly over the heads of the Oomans in the crowded marketplace. There were so many of them, and none looked scared. Not here. We're here to shop, not cause a scene, the Ooman reminded him. Kra'vi glanced at him, unnerved, he hated how these Oomans could read his mind. But he was right. The Ooman was here to shop. The only reason Kra'vi was here was to make sure the Ooman didn't try to escape or contact any of the renegades. He could feel the Ooman searching for the Powered ones as they walked towards the store. Because his shield was up, Kra'vi walked behind the Ooman. The Ooman's badge, proclaiming he worked for the Yaut'ja department of the government, easily got him a clear path to the entrance as Oomans stepped aside out of fear or respect. They entered the store, still not knowing which of the many Oomans were Powered.
'Tarni, let's go,' her mother said, using her nickname. Tequani nodded to her and they walked away from the shopping centre, towards the car park. She reached out again as she followed her mother and step-father. There was the child, the shield was still in place, barely. She strengthened it for him just as another mind touched them. She frowned. A Path. She shoved at him, pushing him away from the child as well as herself. Keep the shield up. Look out for people working for the Yaut'ja, she told the boy before leaving his mind.
The Ooman doubled over in pain, clutching his head. Kra'vi stared at him, patiently waiting for him to recover and explain. Whatever had happened, Kra'vi hadn't felt it. Giving his head a shake, he finally straightened up again and headed for the checkout, waving away the few Oomans who showed concern. We have to find that Powered person. They have a very strong push for someone who isn't a Telepath, he said to Kra'vi as they walked out of the store, leaving a basket of groceries next to a shocked cashier.
