Character Interview: Saffron – Artist, Creator, Outlander
In our continuing Behind the Worlds Apart series, I’m thrilled to introduce you to Saffron—a Creator, traveller, and one of the quiet forces driving The Outland. Thoughtful, tenacious, and full of surprises, Saffron opens up about her powers, her past, and what it means to be born between worlds.
Q: Saffron, tell us—who are you, really?
I’m an artist—both in temperament and in ability. The latter comes from the fact that I’m what’s known as a Creator. I’m not sure how familiar you are with the different modes of travel, but in the multiverse, we give them names to keep track.
A Creator is someone who can capture a moment—an image, a scene—and bring it to life. It’s not like stepping into a painting, though that would be cool. We use equipment that opens a kind of portal in time, so that memory or moment can be accessed. But it doesn’t go beyond that. It’s not infinite.
Anyway, I’m rambling. Where was I? Oh—artist. I’m an introvert. That doesn’t mean I don’t like people—I do. I’d like to think I’m versatile, maybe even approachable. I’m also a pretty good judge of character. Comes in handy.
Q: What was your first experience with the multiverse like?
Funny you ask, because I didn’t even know I was a traveller at first. I hit puberty, and suddenly weird things started happening. I’d fall into these trances while staring at my own artwork, and next thing I knew, I was inside the scene I’d drawn.
It took time to understand what that meant. My universe isn’t the most advanced—AI and robotics, yes, but we’re behind in other ways. When I met the IDOLS (Interdimensional Officers of the Law), they helped me understand what I was and gave me the tools to use my gift properly.
My dad was the traveller. My mum wasn’t. That makes me an Outlander—born between worlds. It’s been a journey. Disorienting, sure. But now I’m part of the Network, a group of like-minded travellers across the multiverse. They’ve become my support system.
Q: Do you ever think about other versions of yourself?
Absolutely. Some of my fondest memories with my mum are of us talking about that exact thing—what our alternates might be like. Maybe there’s a version of me out there who’s a total extrovert, partying and getting into trouble. Or a bad apple—I mean, statistically, one of us has to be.
It’s interesting, because Observers—those who can see into other worlds through reflective surfaces—kind of live vicariously through their other selves. I think that would be fascinating… and maybe a little dangerous.
Q: Who do you trust the most?
MJ. She’s my best friend. We don’t come from the same universe, but we share everything else. We talk every day, thanks to the Network. We piggyback on the signal so we can video chat, and her tech is more advanced, so when we’re together, her equipment creates holographic projections. It feels like I’m actually there.
I probably could upgrade my own tech… especially after everything I’ve learned about AI lately. Maybe it’s time. Our conversations might never be the same again!
And then there’s Hunter. We’ve only just met, technically. But sometimes you just know. You meet someone and they immediately feel like one of your people. No explanation needed. That’s how it was with him. Scary, but real.
Q: Your powers—do you see them as a gift or a curse?
A blessing. Mostly.
There’s always a cost to power. Mine came in the form of having to share my mind with a killer. I had to see through his eyes, feel what he felt, watch helplessly as he took lives. I won’t say more—spoilers—but yeah. That kind of thing leaves a mark.
Q: What’s something you regret?
I don’t believe in regrets. I almost said, “not being able to save the victims,” but the truth is… that was never in my control. And regret is only useful if you could have chosen differently.
If I’d hidden. If I’d chosen not to act. Then I’d have something to regret.
Q: Final question—what do you want readers to know about you before they meet you in The Outland?
Don’t mistake quiet for weak. I’m like a dog with a bone—once I sink my teeth into something, I don’t let go.
Something the killer probably should have known… before he picked me.
Want to know more about Saffron—and what’s really happening in the Continuum? The Outland releases 31 July 2025. Subscribe to my newsletter for exclusive sneak peeks, giveaways, and character content.
Thanks for stopping by
Mel
Melissa Barker-Simpson 
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