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“Thank you, Matron, however, the crew and I need to power down the frigate and start some much needed maintenance.” Scala set Tarsus’ carrier on the floating deck before heading back up the ramp into the ship.

“You serve your nation well.” Tellar nodded in appreciation.

With everyone aboard, the platform started moving toward the shore again. The Conclave turned around so they faced the approaching shore and the boisterous citizens. Axilla wrapped an arm around Aculus and goaded him toward the front. Upon seeing him, the cheering crowd that had blended into the background suddenly grew louder.

He’s like a freaking superstar.She’d say that explained his ego, but Aculus didn’t seem to be thrilled with his popularity at home.

“This is an impressive city,” Payim commented.

“It is.” Carol nodded.

Her mother turned to look at the ship they’d just left and her eyes widened. Nadzia turned to check out what she was seeing. Behind Aculus’ frigate was an impressive stepped tower. Waterfalls flowed down its face feeding the pool they traversed. Massive gardens burst from the various terraces, making the immense structure look more like an ancient temple lost in the wilds of the Amazon forest.

“Wow.”

“Aculus wasn’t joking when he said they take pride in their estuaries.” Payim gaped at the sight.

“Have you seen anything like this?” Carol asked the red-skinned man.

“No. Cadi only resumed our off-world travel in the last few years. We were embroiled in a war which made it difficult. But that quickly ended when we realized we were making ourselves vulnerable to the Jurou Biljana,” Payim explained.

“Those are the reptile slavers that hurt my sister, the ones you were protecting Earth from, right?” she asked.

“Yes,” Payim practically spat the reply.

One look at the stressed expression on her mother’s face and she realized they needed to change the subject. If she dwelled on it any longer, she’d freak out, too.

“Well, it’s nice to know we’re not the only ones a little overwhelmed with all this.” She smiled at Payim.

She thought she’d gotten used to seeing other races and had grown accustomed to the advances on the spaceship, but being surrounded by thousands of Osivoire on the alien planet, the staggering feeling returned. Her gaze focused on Aculus, feeling the need to hover in his shadow. Unfortunately, he was occupied by the Conclave at the front of the platform.

Aculus

“I gather everyone is going to Fossa Centratus,” he asked, nodding toward the waiting conveyances.

“Yes, we know you wanted to see the humans to the clinic as soon as possible, so we made adjustments to our schedule. We already addressed the citizens. I know you are not fond of that,” Axilla replied, practically having to shout above the cheering crowd.

Tellar cast him a glance that said ‘don’t say anything,’ and he wisely heeded the advice. He wanted to be aggravated with the Conclave but couldn’t. Why they didn’t see the issue with disrupting the clinic’s daily operations, he’d never know. It struck him as selfish. And yet they’d altered plans after he expressed his frustrations.

This certainly isn’t the way I would’ve done it.He pursed his lips, repressing the comment.

“Our guests need to be in a covered vehicle,” he informed the Conclave instead.

He should’ve thought about the temperature variation before they landed and at least fabricated something for Nadzia and Carol to cover themselves with. The sun was going to bake them alive. Even Payim looked warmer than he was used to.

“Ah yes. I’ve noticed the humans have changed color. They look more like the Cadi, and are pouring moisture. They are a frail species, aren’t they?” Axilla commented as the platform reached the edge of the shallow estuary.

He nodded and raised his fist, greeting the citizens who excitedly called him when they reached the bank. He let the Conclave exit first so he could help their guests.

“It is very good to have you home,” Matron Bregma said when she passed him.

“And you,” he smiled fondly at the female.

Bregma was perhaps his favorite among the Conclave. Growing up, she allowed him to be a youth and do the things youth did. Not that she let him misbehave, because she didn’t. But she also didn’t weigh him down with expectations because he was the Premiere Servant, like Tellar and Axilla were prone to do. It was her influence that made him believe he could be more than the station he was born to occupy.

Aculus found his way to the back of the platform to help his guests safely off.

“We are all going to Fossa Centratus. We’ll go in the covered conveyance. It will be cooler in there.”