Guardians: Away Mission Book 2 of the Guardians Saga COMPLETED except for edits

Make A Change. 3.1

"It's a giant mood ring." This amused Alex to no end. "How tacky."

"Tacky?" Zilik and the manager looked at each other in bewilderment. "Does that mean you like it?"

Alex was glad that the word was untranslatable.  She could see why a Chameleon's sleep-mate would wear this to fit in. "Where do I change?"

Once she tried it on, Alex did like it.  There was an underlying pattern of fine scales and the colors swirled in a dizzy array.

"What do you think?" She modeled before them, carefully holding the tail opening closed.

"Beautiful," the manager trilled. "Look at the play of colors."

"On a reptile, it would only be one color," Zilik said.

"I'm too messed up for it to know what I'm feeling. Since I don't know either, I can't expect it to."

"It's one of the things I like about you." Zilik patted her arm. "Full of surprises, so many thoughts and emotions whirling in your head. Fascinating."

"Fascinating isn't the word I would use," Alex said sourly. "Should we get it?"

"It will be perfect for the party tonight," Zilik said.

"Party?" Alex's suit brightened and gold sparks shot across it.

"There's always a Chameleon party somewhere.  Lok accused me of keeping you to myself. A party would be the perfect place to circulate."

"Will I be allowed to attend?" Alex asked.

"I'll make sure the invitation comes from the Council member herself, even if she won't be there.  It'll be fun. Most of Chameleons in this city are in politics or higher education." Zilik's color turned to a calm green.

"I'll make sure it's tailored by this evening.  Deliver it to the Institute?" the manager inquired.

"Yes, thank you.  We'll return now.  I have to scratch some scales for a pass tonight," Zilik said.

**

Alex took a nap after Zilik promised to wake her up in time to get ready.  She was worn from her recent battles and healing her leg. 

She could have sworn she was only asleep a minute when Zilik tapped on her door. 

He held the grey suit in one hand. She had him wait in the common room while she put it on.

***

Once at the party, Alex was relieved to see a wide variety of species.  True, most were Chameleons, but there were enough others to make her feel a bit less conspicuous.  Even better, there were quite a few mixed couples.

The air was musty, heavy with incense and a gypsy mix of spices and flowers. A smiling Chameleon, bright green, heavy gold necklace around his neck, and a large blue drink in his hand, sidled up to Alex.

"I thought Zilik was going to keep you locked up forever," Lok said.

"It isn't Zilik who's keeping me locked up. How are you?" Alex asked, all politeness.

"Wonderful. You've stirred up things in the Council so much that I always have someone to talk to, to argue with." Lok took her hand and kissed it.

"Sorry." Alex extracted her hand.

"I enjoy the excitement." Lok's tail curled around her ankle. "Tell me, are you bored to death in that musty old Institute?  I could arrange for a tour of the Chameleon Quarter." His tail advanced farther up her leg.