"Didn't you say your father was from a desert planet or something?" Karla asked, slowly lifting up his shirt. "How did he manage not to burst into flame every time he stepped outside is beyond me."

The gel was cool on her palm. She gave it a moment or two to warm before touching it lightly to the skin of Ben's back. She was glad she was behind him now so he couldn't see her expression--though he'd almost certainly pick up the swirls of pain, compassion, sympathy, and regret.