Dragon's Blood
Chapter 2: Friends Found
Penn stood in the bright sun of the South and closed her eyes. It burned through her flesh; heating her blood. She turned her face upwards, the gold light burned through her eyelids. The area was still; no cars or airplanes were near her. This place was peaceful.
Opening her eyes she squinted against the brilliant light; she looked across the cemetery. In her mind she could see beyond her eyes; she saw Sookie's house. The woman was still inside; she was making breakfast. Penn drew a breath inward and willed herself across the cemetery. The world bent inward; curving around her, she herself didn't move, but the world around her did. It swelled outward and she was standing at the opposite side of the yard. Penn felt dizzy and put a hand to her head. She was too drained to use that much ability this soon.
Making her way up the dirt path; she saw Sookie's house appear from the trees. It was a nice house; two stories tall, with a wrap-around porch. The house was unlike anything Penn had ever seen. She knew this to be typical architecture in this area of the country. Penn made her way to the stairs and up to the door. She knocked.
"Comin'." Sookie called and appeared a moment later. She was surprised and it showed, "Penn?"
"Miss Stackhouse," Penn nodded her head, "I am sorry to interrupt, but Bill said I might spend the day with you."
"I have to be at work soon," Sookie opened the door and stepped out. She wore a white t-shirt with a green logo at the left breast; black shorts and black sneakers. Her hair was tied back from her face.
"He mentioned that,"
Sookie looked her over, "Aren't you hot in those pants?"
Penn looked down at the leather pants; she had not thought about it. "I am not sure."
"Come in," Sookie held the screen door aside and waved her in. "I might have a pair of shorts that you can wear. Might want to change the t-shirt too."
"Is it dirty?" Penn pulled at the shirt; inspecting it. She didn't see any dirt.
"People around here don't much like Fangtasia."
Penn followed Sookie to the back of the house; the woman stepped inside a large room. Penn waited in the hallway. Sookie came out a moment later; she held out a change of clothes. Penn looked at them, not taking them.
"What?" Sookie asked, looking at her. "I am sure they will fit you."
"No, no." Penn shook her head, "I am not accustomed to such…kindness."
"You're not?" Sookie looked at the clothes, "It's just clothing."
Penn gently accepted the offering, "Bill told me your people were welcoming."
"He did?" Sookie looked her for a minute, "What kind of place are you from?"
Penn stared at the blue t-shirt on the top of the pile. "Where should I change?"
Sookie nodded to an open door, "That's the bathroom. Just leave the t-shirt and pants in there. I have to leave soon, so better hurry." Sookie paused as she saw Penn's bare feet, "Where are you shoes?"
"I don't have any. They must have burned in the fire."
"I'll find you something." Sookie stepped around her, "Just hurry."
Penn stood in the bathroom; she looked at her self in the mirror. Her hair was tangled around her shoulders. There was a brush on the counter, she picked it up. After a few strokes of the brush, her hair was better. She found an elastic on the counter and tied her hair back. Quickly she changed clothes, she transferred the money from her pants to her shorts and went to find Sookie.
Sookie was at the front door, her purse on her shoulder. "I found an old pair of flip-flops, they should fit."
Penn slid them onto her feet and wiggled her toes. She had never worn flip-flops before. She took a few steps and smiled; it felt wonderful. "These are lovely."
Sookie smiled as she stepped out and Penn followed. The house was locked and they made their way to a yellow hatchback.
Sookie drove well and Penn relaxed into the seat. "Is it always this warm here?"
"In the summertime; isn't it warm where you're from?"
Penn shook her head, "Only for a couple of months out of the year."
"Well you speak English, so you must be from North America."
"I have lived in a very small community for the last few years." Penn stared out the window at the green fields around them. "I like this warmth; it's very comforting."
"It can get really hot though. So just be careful of sunburn and heatstroke."
"What are those?"
Sookie glanced at her for a moment, "You've never had a sunburn?"
Penn shook her head, "No."
"Must be nice." Sookie took an exit off the main road; heavy woods slid around the car as they traveled a different road. "Here's where I work."
A large sign atop the structure declared this place, Merlott's Bar and Grill. There was a lot of cars parked around the front. A few people came and went in twos or threes, they were all smiling. They waved at one another as they passed.
Sookie parked off to the side and stepped out. Penn followed her. "Why do they greet one another?"
Sookie locked up, "It's just they way we are." She looked at Penn as they headed toward the bar, "Do they not do that where you're from?"
"Only our leaders are acknowledged."
Sookie didn't get that but let it go; she was beginning to realize that Penn was not like her, not one bit. The two of them walked into Merlotte's, there was a chorus of warm hellos and hi's from the patrons.
Penn stood in the entrance; staring at the area. Tables and booths were busy with people. There was a long bar directly across from her; the back wall was laden with bottles on wooden shelves. There were stuffed animal heads over near the roof; over looking the bar.
Women moved around with trays, dressed in outfits like Sookie's. They all knew her and stopped to talk as Sookie headed toward the bar. They were warm and gentle. Penn had never seen anything like it in her life. She wondered at it. Perhaps Sookie was a high-ranking woman. Could her relationship with Bill elevate her status with these people?
"Penn, come here." Sookie waved her over; Penn headed toward her.
She was standing with a sandy-haired man. He wore a blue plaid shirt and tight fitting blue jeans. Penn looked at him; he was not human. She saw him for what he was; her shoulder eased. Another non-human, finally.
"Penn this is my boss, Sam Merlotte." Sookie introduced them.
Penn nodded, "Mr. Merlotte."
He looked her over; he could tell she was different too. They stared at one another for a moment. He looked at Sookie, the blonde nodded. "Sook, tells me you need a job."
Penn nodded, "I do but I am afraid I don't have any skills."
Sam glanced at her, his thoughts filtered in her head. She looked away from him and studied the bar.
"Can you wash dishes?" He asked
That she could do, but was that a skill? "Yes, I can."
"Good, then go into the kitchen. They could use a dishwasher."
Penn followed Sookie to the kitchen and was introduced to the staff. They showed her where the sink was and the huge pile of dirty plates and pots. Penn turned on the taps and filled the first sink.
She had never thought to find herself working in a kitchen. She had been raised to know where she belonged. She was a Guardian; a protector of the Royal House. She was a Dragon; the most powerful of her kind. Given the most sacred of duties; the personal guardian of the Queen Katherine. The infant had been the Queen's daughter; the future ruler of their people. Penn had been entrusted with the child six months ago. She had lived in her house; seeming for all the world, a normal parent. Her people had sent word that someone was after the princess. That was why Penn had set the seals around her house; why she had gathered the Book of Lives; and prepared to leave. She had thought she would have more time. She had used powerful magic to hide her exact location. But someone had disenchanted the area; removing her spells. The enemy had found her within days of the warning reaching her.
Now, with the princess in the hands of the next Guardian, Penn was not needed. And perhaps that's where her problem lay. She had been raised to understand that when her duty ended, so did her life. She should still be dead; it made no sense to her that she wasn't. Her heart has stopped; her soul had left her body. And yet, it had returned; her heart had restarted on its own. And she was no here; in this small town, in this foreign land, and washing dishes.
There was no real sense of time for Penn as she scrubbed and rinsed dishes. She had no real need to keep an eye on the time. They would send her home when her presence was not required any longer. So she focused on her work; on her duty of cleaning.
Sookie clocked out and grabbed her purse from the back room. Eight hours had dragged flown by; they had been busy today. She stopped at the kitchen; Penn was still working hard.
"Penn," She called, the woman looked up. Strands of hair fell around her face. "We can go now, our shift is done."
Penn looked at the others, "They are still working."
"The night staff will be here in an hour. But we can go."
Penn emptied her sinks and rinsed them before following Sookie to the front.
"Hey, Penn!"
She turned and saw Sam wave her over. She went to the bar, "Yes, Mr. Merlotte?"
"It's Sam," He said as he filled pitchers with beer from a large tap. "Do like working here?"
"Yes," She could read his thoughts and smiled, "I would like to work here."
He glanced at her, his gaze said he knew she'd read his mind. "Might want to tone down the mind-reading."
She frowned, "I am sorry; it was not intentional."
He nodded, "Just the same, folks don't much like it."
"Of course, I will have to adjust to life here."
"Come with Sook tomorrow, I'll have paper work ready for you. Bring your bank account information with you. We do automatic deposits now."
"Bank account? I don't have one of those."
He stared at her a moment. He looked away, calling out. "Order up!" He waved her further down the bar. She followed him; glancing back at Sookie. She was talking with a young man.
"Do you have anything?" He asked, "Driver's license? Clothes? Place to stay?"
"A vampire named Bill is letting me stay with him until I find a place. I don't have a driver's license or clothes. But I am told I can find those at something called Wal-Mart."
He pursed his lips, crossing his arms. "I have a vacant place, you can have that. We can work out payment arrangements. Do you know your birth date?"
She nodded, "Yes."
"But no birth certificate?"
"No, we don't need those."
He was quiet a moment, he leaned in close, lowering his voice. "I can call in a favor and get one made for you. I'll just need your birth date and full name."
"Dragon, Penn, born 14 July 1709."
He stared at her, finally blinking, "1709?"
"Yes," She was puzzled, "Is that bad?"
"That's makes you two hundred years old. You're not a vampire." He studied her face closely, "But you're immortal?"
"I am not immortal; at least not that I know of." Penn was still puzzled, "Do humans not live this long?"
He shook his head, "No."
"And your kind, do you not live this long?"
"We can," He nodded her into the back area, he led her into his office. "But you're not a shapeshifter."
"I am not." She looked around at the wood paneling; the place was comfortable.
He sighed as he sat down, "Okay, so we'll have to fudge the year you were born."
She looked at him, "What year should I have said?"
He studied her, "I don't know, perhaps 1983 or something close to it."
"Ah, I see." She leaned on the door, putting her hands behind her back. "I have much to learn."
He smiled softly, "It takes time."
"Bill said the same thing to me." She gazed at the picture of a collie guarding a blonde girl. "You like to turn into the dog." She nodded to it the picture.
"Yes, it's easiest for me." He ran a hand through his hair, "So what are you then?"
"Several people have asked me that," She confessed gently, "I do not have a name for myself; we don't need it where I come from. I simply am. My parents named me Dragon, for my family, and Penn as an identifier from my siblings. But if you wish I can make up a name for what I am."
Sam shook his head, "No, don't worry about it." He thought for a moment, "Can you drive?"
"Yes, I learned."
"I'll have your driver's license by tomorrow night. You can buy a car later on. I'll bring in the rental agreement with me. We'll move you in this weekend."
"I cannot repay such things." She said gently, "But perhaps you will allow me to earn repayment with my work here?"
He smiled at her, "No need to sound so formal about it."
"Ah," She shrugged, "sorry."
He waved her off, "Go on, we'll work something out tomorrow. Tell Sook you'll be staying late tomorrow. We can talk in here once your shift is over."
"Of course, Sam." She stood up, opened the door and stepped out. She turned, bowed from the neck and shut the door.
Sookie was still talking with the young man; she smiled at Penn. "Ready?"
"Yes, Sam asked me to continue working here."
"That's good for you."
The two of them left the bar; the sun was slowly starting to sink into the horizon. Sookie drove them back to the main highway.
"Why don't the people here like mind-readers?" Penn asked softly, "Sam asked me not to read his mind again? Was it wrong?"
Sookie suddenly pulled the car over and stopped. "You what?" She grabbed Penn, making the woman look at her. "Did you say you read his mind?"
Penn was startled and confused at the reaction, "Yes."
Sookie grinned; she put her hands on either side of Penn's face and focused on her.
Sookie? What are you doing?
"Oh wow!" Sookie laughed, "You're a telepath too!"
"No," Penn gently removed herself from Sookie's hands, "I am other. As I said before."
"But you can read minds!" Sookie was bright eyed and happy. "Oh this is wonderful! I am not the only one! Well, there was Barry in Dallas, but here in Bon Temps!"
"Sookie?" Penn was wary of the excitement, "What is it?"
"I am a telepath too!" She stared at Penn with a such a happy expression. "I have always hoped there would be someone I could talk to."
"Has no one trained you?" Penn asked seriously.
"No, there was no one." Sookie sobered, "Train me? To do what?"
Penn arched a brow at her, "What do you mean, what? Being what you are dictates training."
Sookie thought for a moment, "Well I have had to learn how not to hear people's thoughts. How to block it out."
"That is easy." Penn muttered, she put her hands in her lap. "Perhaps I can help you?"
Sookie was quiet for a moment, "Help me with what exactly?"
"You say that blocking thoughts is difficult; maybe I can help you with that?"
They sat quiet in the car for a moment, "I've never had any offer to help me before."
Penn didn't say anything. Sookie started her car and the continued the drive to her house.
"Can you do anything else, aside from reading minds?"
"Telepathy is an elementary skill," Penn muttered, "I can do much more then that."
Sookie frowned, "Well, I am sorry if it's trivial to you!"
Penn recognized the anger in her voice; "I have offended you."
"You know, it's not always elementary blocking the noise out. It makes things very difficult sometimes."
"I understand that is had been trying for you." Penn admitted softly, "I too had control issues when I was a child. It is a part of growing up, I think."
"So what else can you do?" Sookie glanced at her, "You said you flew here, so you really can fly, like a vampire?"
"No, no. Sustained flight required magical energy. But simple levitation, yes, I can do that."
"Really?" Sookie looked over at Penn, "Can I see?"
"Certainly, once we are at your house, I will show you."
They arrived at the house; Sookie hurried inside, not wanting anyone to see them. Penn followed her; closing the door.
Sookie turned to ask Penn a question and stopped; she was gone! "Penn!"
"Yes?"
Sookie looked up, yelping in surprise. Penn was hovering near the roof; very calmly looking down at her. "Whoa! That's crazy!"
Penn settled back on her feet, "What is?"
"That!" Sookie waved her hand up and down, "How did you do that? Did it hurt?'
"It is simply a use of will upon the area around you. It's not painful; well not always."
Sookie sat down at the kitchen table; staring at Penn. "You can sit down if you want."
Penn sat across from her; hands on the table. "You are afraid."
"A little," Sookie nodded, "I don't know what to make of you."
"You have many questions; let's start there."
Sookie took a breath inward, "It's so weird having someone read my mind."
Penn smiled gently, "I apologize."
"No, no. I just…how do you control it so well?"
The question had never really come up for her; she had simply learned from her teacher. "I am not sure I can explain in words; but perhaps I can show you."
"Sure!" Sookie sat up right, "Show me."
"Try to read my mind; tell me what you see or feel." Penn stated.
Sookie didn't quite understand; but she reached out with that part of her that allowed her to read minds and heard….nothing. But she saw a wall; like a giant steel plate layered one after the other. The harder she looked the thicker the steel got.
"Amazing!" Sookie whispered, "You're actually blocking me!"
"Now you try." Penn nodded, "Use an image that feels solid to you."
"Like what, a door?"
Penn shook her head, "Doors can be opened; think of the walls around your kitchen. They keep the outside from coming in. Or perhaps a damn across a river would be better."
Sookie nodded, "Got it." She closed her eyes and focused on building a wall in her mind. She felt a weight press against her thoughts; her focus skittered away and the wall crumbled. She felt Penn's mind inside her own.
"What the hell was that?" Sookie jumped in her chair, opening her eyes.
Penn sat calmly across from her, "I breached your wall."
"But I felt your mind inside mine! That's freaky!"
Sookie stood up and moved to the fridge; she took out a pitcher of tea. "Do you want a drink?"
"Sure."
Sookie filled two glasses and returned the pitcher to the fridge. "I hope you like your tea sweet."
Penn accepted the glass, taking a sip. "Very nice, thank you."
"So can I do that?" Sookie asked, leaning on the counter.
"Do what?"
"Invade another person's mind?"
Penn shrugged, "I suppose. You already have access to their thoughts; it wouldn't be that hard to delve deeper."
"Would it actually be an invasion of someone's mind?"
Penn set her glass on the table, "Are you asking if you can control their thoughts; or simply see deeper inside their mind?"
"Is there a difference?" Sookie asked
"Oh yes, they are very different skill sets." Penn looked at her glass for a moment, "To be able to see into the minds of others, is like looking through a window, into a store. You can see the contents, pick up the mood, perhaps even hear words. But to dominate a mind; to overtake it, that is similar to stealing a car and driving it yourself."
Sookie asked the next thing very carefully, "Have you ever done that?"
"Which?"
"Stolen a person's car?"
Penn smiled gently, before sobering. "I have, yes."
"Was it hard?"
"No, this person was very weak, so it was a simple task."
"Did you feel badly?"
Penn shook her head, "No, it was required of me, to protect my charge. I did what I had to; I do not feel guilt about it."
"Have you killed someone?" Sookie asked, staring into her glass.
"I have," Penn studied the blonde, "As have you."
Sookie looked up sharply, "Did you read my mind again?"
"No, your body language; you regret what you did. You feel guilt and shame for it."
"I killed a person; I should feel bad."
"Why?" Penn asked honestly, "Were they a threat to you or your loved ones?"
"Yes, they were. They killed two of my friends; tried to kill me too."
"So you acted in defense of your self and others," Penn stated, "That doesn't deem guilt a reasonable emotion."
Sookie shook her head, "You sound like Eric and Bill."
Penn took another sip of her tea before standing. "Thank you for you time, Sookie. If it's not too much trouble, I will require a ride to work tomorrow. But I will be fine getting back afterwards."
"Sure, I'll leave around the same time tomorrow."
Penn headed to the door, Sookie followed her.
"Penn?"
She turned, facing Sookie, "Yes?"
"I would like it if you could teach me how to…I don't know, be a better telepath, I guess. Or at least how to keep stuff out."
"Certainly, I can work with you when ever you wish." Penn stepped out and headed toward the cemetery.
She decided to walk this time; letting herself relax. She had never encountered a person like Sookie before; so unsure, so…ignorant of her own abilities. Penn knew, from her time inside Sookie's mind, the girl was not human. What exactly she was, Penn wasn't sure. It had been a very brief look and not enough time to penetrate quite that deep. Still, she was happy to help Sookie. The girl needed a lot of training; of that Penn was certain.
As she approached Bill's house, she realized she had not eaten all day. Penn looked at her surroundings. It would be simple thing to will herself back to Merlotte's, but it would take her energy. She would have to stay there until she could repeat the action. That could be a good thing, though. Sam seemed nice; and she was curious to meet her fellow co-workers.
Penn derw in a deep breath; she called an image of Merlotte's to her mind. She put as much detail as she could into it: the angle of the sun through the trees; the color of the sign; the smells in the air.
Opening her eyes she reached out with her will and bent her surroundings. Everything blurred and she saw colors flow around and over her. Her body ached with the exertion of will over time and space. Normally she would not feel a thing; but she was starving and exhausted.
She saw Merlotte's sign appear and released her will. The surroundings took on solid shape; bending outward into reality. She stood in the parking lot of Merlott'e Bar and Grill. Her body was shaking; her heart raced in her chest. Her head filled with a buzzing of white-noise as she pulled in several deep breaths.
"Penn?" Sam paused as he came around the outside. He ran over, putting a hand on her arm. "You okay?"
"Space-bending, I forgot it takes so much out of me. I am not usually this weak."
He didn't question her; he very gently led her toward the bar. She took her arm back and made herself walk in by her own steam. It would not do for people to see Sam and her touching. He was supposed to be her boss.
He nodded her to an empty table. "Ever have a hamburger before?"
She shook her head, sitting down. "But I have had sweet tea, it's nice."
"Coming up." He headed off to the kitchen, than stopped at the bar. When he came back he had a plate full of food and a cup of tea.
He sat down across from her; setting the food in front of Penn. "Eat up; we have the best burgers around."
Penn finished everything on her plate; pushing it away. Absently she sipped at her tea and smiled. "That was a good meal, Sam."
"We take pride in our food around here." He smiled at her; he lowered his voice, "So, space-bending?"
Penn nodded, "The application of one's will to their surroundings. Used primary to transport oneself or perhaps a small group to another place."
"So it's like instant travel," He shook his head, "That's cool."
"I admire your ability to shift your form." Penn kept her tone very low. "I wish I had that ability."
He chuckled, "It's not that cool. Especially when it's accident."
Penn laughed, "Agreed, accidents are always difficult to explain."
"I have heard of Fire-bending, is that similar?"
"Yes, that is one of the first bending techniques we are taught. Once a student masters the four elements and can use them all at once; they can be trained in other things."
Sam sat back in the booth, he had his own cup of coffee. "What's it like?"
"What?"
"Space-bending," He sipped his coffee.
"What's it like turning into something else?" She retorted gently.
Sam nodded, "Touché."
"I don't know if I can explain the how or why of what I do, Sam. I have never really thought about it. I was taught the skills that were innately my own. The inner workings, and the purpose for it, just aren't taught."
He nodded, "I know how that feels."
Penn sipped her tea, "Do the town people know of your dual-nature?"
He shook his head, "No, they don't and I'd like it to stay that way."
"I won't tell them."
One of the waitresses approached, "Hey Sam, Penn. Want refills?"
They both nodded, she refilled Sam's coffee and took Penn's cup to the bar. She returned a moment later. The waitress went to another one of her tables.
"Sam," Penn paused, trying to think of the right words, "I have never questioned my reasons for anything before. But I find myself wondering about a lot of things."
"Like?" He sipped his coffee.
"Is there such a thing as monsters? I have seen many things; fought creatures with no names, battled armies on my own. But I have to wonder if monsters are real? And if they are, would I qualify?"
Sam shrugged, "There are bad things in this world, Penn. Evil things that want nothing more then destruction or domination. But the term monster is hard to define. Especially for people like us."
"I am not evil," Penn stated, "That much I do know." She sipped her tea, "I have seen dark magic, felt its effects, I have tasted it even. But I am not evil. I have seen demons rise from the earth; families burned alive, that to me is evil. But personally, I don't think of my self as evil."
Sam glanced at her, "I have to ask,"
She looked at him, "What?"
"In your…culture, are there people like me?"
"Not exactly like you. But yes, I have worked with and encountered many dual-natured people."
"You said your parents named you Penn. Did you know them well?"
She shook her head, "I was sent to live with others of my…calling, when I was very young. I saw my family only twice since then. Once was upon graduation, when I was enlisted in the Royal Guard. The second was before I left and came to work for Queen Katherine."
"Who is she?"
"Queen Katherine was the wife of my King. I was sent to guard her when she left the Palace."
"Why did she leave?"
Penn shook her head, "I did not ask and was never told. It was not my job to know."
"And you can't go back?"
She shook her head again, "When a Guardian's duty is ended, their life is forfeit. It is our law, our way."
"Why?"
"A way to keep the balance of power. If all the Guardian's down through history were allowed to live, we would be too numerous. There would be wars between us. It is our nature, in a way, I suppose, to be…alpha of our domain." She shrugged, "It's complicated."
"So no one ever lived?"
"No, I am the only one, that I know of. The Book of Lines says nothing about it."
"The Book of Lines?"
"Our genealogy, our blood-line history. It is kept by our Elders. When a Guardian is removed from duty; it is noted. That is how we know our history and ancestors."
Sam considered her words, "How are you chosen for your duty?"
Penn settled more comfortably into the seat, "We are tested; it is rigorous and very demanding. Very few ever finish the test."
"Why?"
"It is a year long challenge of our power, our control, skill, and basic will. Those who are weak in anyone area do not last."
"But you passed the test?"
She nodded, "I did; and was assigned to the Royal Family."
"That's got to be a big deal. I mean the Royal Family, they're important, right?"
"Oh yes, they are core to our existence." Penn sipped her drink.
"And you did well enough to be assigned to them; that means you're powerful, right?"
Penn shrugged, "I was. I suppose."
"Was?" Sam frowned, "I just saw you appear out of thin air, bend the laws of space. That's pretty awesome."
Penn smiled at him, "A rudimentary skill in comparison to some others."
"Like what?"
Penn glanced around, the bar was empty, and the waitresses were working at the other end. She sat up a little; taking the glass in one hand she took out her straw. Setting the straw aside she tipped the glass, the liquid poured out, but never hit the table. It stopped in mid air; the molecules came apart. Granules of sugar, separated from water drops. The drops of water separated further, into hydrogen, and oxygen. Each molecule was a different color; a translucent glow of blue or yellow.
The straw lifted off the table on its own; the plastic unraveled in thin strips, breaking further apart into molecules that made plastic. Each molecule was a different color.
Sam's mouth opened, his eyes widened. "Oh, wow."
As he watched, it all reversed. The molecules that made up the tea spun backwards in the air; forming the liquid of her drink. The plastic spun back into being a straw. It was like nothing had happened.
"To manipulate matter down to a molecular level is much harder then taking the mass of an object and bending it. Takes more skill then Space-bending." Penn set her glass aside.
"Could you do that to a person?" He asked.
Penn chuckled, "It would be excruciating for them, but in theory, yes."
Sam picked up his coffee and took a sip; he stared at the cup in his hand. "It really makes you think about things differently."
She smiled at him, "Yes."
"Why teach you something like that?" He asked.
Penn sipped at her drink, "They didn't teach me, I did by accident one day. Once it was known I could do that; I was given basic training; to help me control it."
"I guess they wouldn't want you taking apart the school."
"They were more concerned about the world; actually. Controlling a skill of such a level like this, is very hard. On something small, like liquid or a straw, it's not that hard. But if my control were to slip, I could take the atmosphere apart."
"Damn," Sam shook his head, "And I thought I had control issues."
She smiled, "I've been learning control my entire life. I am not likely to do that. It's just a hypothetical. Space-bending is the most I've ever done."
"But you're capable of more, you just choose not to do it." Sam watched her nod and shook his head again, "I wouldn't want to be you."
Penn chuckled, "You learn how to be as you are required to be."
"Hey Sam!" One of the waitresses called from the bar, "Dan isn't coming in tonight. Who are we going to get to wash dishes for the dinner rush?"
Sam looked at her, "Care to do over time?"
She nodded, "Sure."
Sam stood up and paused, looking to the entry way. His gaze followed a black woman as she walked the bar; stepping up behind it. He shook his head when he noticed that Penn was watching.
"She works here," He muttered,
"And you care about her?" Penn asked.
He headed over to the bar, she followed him. "Tara, meet Penn, she works here.
"Hey," Tara nodded, "Where's your uniform?"
Penn looked to Sam, he hadn't said anything to her. "Sam?"
"We'll sort it out later, better start now." He headed into the back of the bar; moving toward his office. He closed the door.
Penn went to the employee area and punched in; Sam had provided her with a card, complete with her name and number. She went to the kitchen; there was a black man working behind the stove.
"Hey, Dave, we need hamburgers." He called, looking up, "You aren't Dave."
"No," Penn crossed to the walk-in fridge and opened the door. She pulled out a huge tray and handed it to him. "Here."
"Honey, this be human," he moved his hands down his body, "You set it down."
She did and it thunked against the wooden surface. "Sorry." She went to the sink; there were dishes for her to clean.
"You got a name?" The black man asked, "I am Lafayette."
"Penn," She filled the sink with hot water and soap, "I do the dishes."
He nodded and returned to his cooking. A large man walked in a few minutes later, "Dave, good to see you, we need hamburgers made up."
The evening was too busy for Penn to think about anything other then dishes. For which was glad.
