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“We cannot trust outsiders,” Turok insisted, thumping his walking stick on the ground for emphasis. “How do we know she does not mean us harm? You have put all of Dust Gulch in danger with your recklessness, Kian.”
The other elders murmured amongst themselves. I sensed they shared Turok’s doubts and fears. As sheriff, the safety of our people was my highest concern. But I also had to uphold our code of honor.
“I understand your worries,” I said. “But Kate has done nothing to threaten us. She seems grateful for our help. Until she gives us reason for suspicion, I cannot in good conscience punish her for the mere act of crashing here.”
Turok’s eyes flashed. “You are foolish to trust this alien. Who knows what plots she has? What if she signals more of her kind? We cannot allow someone so dangerous to remain.” He thumped his stick again.
“I have taken precautions,” I assured him. “Lance and Wyatt watch Kate closely. She is not supposed to leave the village. But she deserves a chance to heal before we make any final judgments.”
“Your soft heart blinds you,” Turok spat. “I say we force Kate to leave immediately, before she can bring disaster upon us.”
The other elders murmured, some nodding in agreement with Turok. I felt my jaw tighten. As sheriff, I was bound to consider their counsel carefully, but the final decision was mine.
“With respect, that would be a death sentence for her,” I said firmly. “She has no functioning ship, no survival skills for our harsh lands. Abandoning Kate now would break our code of mercy. I will continue keeping her restricted and watched, but I will not needlessly endanger her life when she poses no direct threat.”
Turok scowled, clearly displeased with my decision. But he gave a grudging nod of acceptance. “So be it. But at the first sign of danger, she must be cast out, regardless of consequences.”
“If she proves a threat, I will act decisively,” I agreed. “But until then, she will be shown the same care and compassion we grant to any stranger in need.”
The elders had no response to that. Our code was clear - harm no innocent life. They could continue doubting and complaining, but I would not budge on this.
“Watch her closely, Kian,” Turok warned as I made to leave. “Your attachment to this alien clouds your judgment. Do not forget your duty.”
I bit back a harsh retort. Questioning my dedication as sheriff was a low blow. “I know my responsibilities,” I said tightly. “Do not mistake caution for weakness. Kate will remain confined here under guard until I deem otherwise.”
I left the hut before Turok could argue further, blinking as I stepped back into the harsh sunlight. This debate was far from over, but I had bought Kate more time, at least. Turok’s resistance was no surprise - he had always been suspicious of outsiders, slow to trust. But if Kate proved herself honorable, even he would accept her presence eventually.
I trusted my instincts so far. Kate seemed more lost and alone than dangerous. And I admired her courage, stranded on an alien world yet persevering. She would need that spirit to survive here. This land tolerated no weakness.
I would let her recover before pressing for answers about her crash. There was much we still did not understand about her arrival. But I could not abandon someone who had asked for no aid, yet needed it all the same. That was not our way.
Satisfied I had made the right choice for now, I went to inform Lance and Wyatt they would continue keeping close watch on Kate. Turok doubted me, but I knew vigilance and mercy did not have to be mutually exclusive. I would protect my people as was my duty, but not at the cost of compassion. Kate deserved a chance to prove herself, and I would see that she got it.
* * *
I kept my distance as I watched Kate wander the outskirts of our village. She moved with hesitant steps, as if the dust itself might turn against her. This desert was a harsh home to outsiders. Yet even in the unforgiving sunlight, her golden hair shimmered like a beacon.
Kate paused to inspect a tuft of scrub brush, delicate fingers tracing the tiny leaves. She glanced over her shoulder at me. I tensed, ready to intervene should any threats arise. But her eyes held only curiosity, not malice.
“Don’t your people find it lonely out here, so far from everything?” Kate asked.
I blinked, surprised by her question. “The desert has always been our home. The land provides, if you know where to look.”
Kate frowned. “But don’t you ever wonder what’s out there? Wish you could see the stars up close?”
My brow furrowed. I had never given much thought to the world beyond our planet. But Kate spoke with such passion. It was clear the vastness of space called to her.
“Your people seem to value community,” she continued. “But I can tell I’m still an outsider. It’s...isolating.”
Kate gazed up at the twin suns, her expression forlorn. She seemed so vulnerable then, this strange girl from the stars. My instincts urged me to comfort her. But I held back, unsure if I could trust my own feelings.
“Give it time,” I said gruffly. “You suffered a terrible accident. It is normal to feel adrift.”
Kate managed a faint smile. “You’re right. I just need to keep trying. Be patient.”
She adjusted the front of her borrowed dress, wiping sweat from her brow. The Surlon dress hung loosely on her slender frame. Once again, I was struck by how alien she was, like a mythical creature sprung from legend.
We walked in silence for a while. I kept watch for threats while Kate explored. She paused to examine spiny cacti and vibrant flowering bushes. Her innate curiosity was almost childlike.
