Page 20

“Perhaps.”

Sage left, and Reem got up to eat in case the consort tried again.

* * * *

Sage looked up at Zell.“She says she doesn’t have the right clothing.She and I are definitely not even close to the same size.Damn.”

Zell rubbed her back and ushered her down the hall.“Her height is surprising.I thought Terrans were all like you.”

“No.All different sizes.Even a few Hmrain height, but I don’t think many of those males survived.”

“Come on.We will have dinner with the captain.”

“I want to have dinner with Reem.”

“Why?”

Sage sighed.“Because something happened to her.Something horrible.I want to offer comfort.”

Zell wrapped his arm around her and flexed his wing to wrap around her.“You cannot soothe everyone.”

“But I want to try.”

“Settle for easing me into social norms.We are travelling to Aten for another seven days.There may be time to have dinner with her.Why are you fixated on dinner?”

“It’s a social gathering for Terrans.We relax and discuss our day, make social plans, and the very act of communal eating makes us feel we are among friends.”

They walked to the captain’s dining area, and the guards became alert.“Master Zell, Consort Sage.”

Sage blinked.That was new.The Zellic were very cold to her.Zell looked at them, and the doors opened.They stepped inside, and the captain got to his feet.He paused.“The comptroller didn’t come?”

Sage stared at the disappointed expression on Captain Duratti’s face.“She feels she is not appropriately attired for the formality of the captain’s table.”

His eyes widened.“I will have something sent to her room for tomorrow.She should not be uncomfortable over an invitation.Lord Wenvari would be unhappy.”

Sage blinked.“Wait.Lord Wenvari?”

“Yes, her overlord.They just renewed her contract for her position as comptroller.She is very popular in the colony.”

Zell chuckled.“I believe she wondered why Lord Wenvari would be unhappy if his comptroller were.”

“She is very useful and an asset to her world.”

Zell held Sage’s chair for her before he sat next to her.“You do remember you work for me, right?”

The captain smiled.“Yes, Lord Zell.I am you and your lady’s honoured servant.”

Sage narrowed her eyes.“Okay, what happened?”

“Consort?”

“I have spoken to seven Zellic in the last three hours, and they have all been polite and enthusiastic.”

The captain smirked.“I don’t know what you mean.”

“Yes, you do.Two days ago, I got cold nods and single sentences, and all of a sudden, everyone is kissing my butt, so to speak.”

Zell smiled.“Terran phrase?”