Page 4

F or dinner at Luna’s, I put on a black skirt that hit just above my knees with a silver and black sweater and black kitten heels.

Our day had been utterly wonderful so far, and I wanted the evening to be even better.

Relaxed and easy, but that didn’t mean casual, not for me anyway. I wanted to look good for my date.

Frank was already at the restaurant when I arrived. He was in gray slacks, a gray and blue plaid sport coat and a white shirt. He looked fantastic, as always.

As I walked toward him, he smiled and held out his hand. “How do you get more beautiful every time I see you?”

Grinning, I let him pull me in for a kiss. It was no secret to anyone on board that we were a couple, so we were a little freer with our public displays of affection. Not disgustingly so, but we weren’t hiding it. Just being a normal couple. “You look rather dashing yourself.”

“Hungry?”

I nodded. “I am. You?”

“After our strenuous day? Starved.”

I laughed. “Yeah, we really burned off calories sitting on that bench, watching butterflies. Although it must have been tiring, because Harry conked out as soon as we got home.”

“Gracie was snoring when I left.” He tipped his head toward the door. “Let’s go see what’s on the menu tonight.”

I was about to answer in agreement when my wristband chimed with a call. “Just a moment.”

I tapped it to answer, and Hazel’s face appeared. “Hi, Mom. Are you busy?”

“Frank and I are just about to head into Luna’s for dinner.”

“Oh. Well, don’t worry about it then.”

“Worry about what?”

She shook her head. “It’s nothing.”

Frank cleared his throat. “If she needs you, dinner can wait.”

“He’s right,” I said. “What’s going on?”

“We’re just about to greet the passengers from the disabled starcraft, and I was thinking it might be nice if you could be here. You’re a good judge of character, and having the head librarian in the welcoming party would make it seem a little less … military, you know?”

“I understand, but Frank’s coming with me.” I glanced at him, and he nodded that was fine with him. He was probably more curious about these people than I was.

Hazel smiled. “I’m more than okay with that. Docking Bay 1. As soon as you can.”

“We’re on our way.”

As I hung up, Frank stepped inside the restaurant. I was sure he was telling them our meal would have to be delayed. He came back out. “They’ll hold our table for an hour. I said I’d text if that wasn’t long enough, but it should be all right, don’t you think?”

“For a meet and greet? I think so.”

As we made our way to Docking Bay 1, I was pleased we were dressed so nicely. There was nothing like making a good first impression. I loved meeting and interacting with citizens from new worlds. Every opportunity was a learning experience.

There was no wait for an elevator, so we arrived approximately seven minutes from the time I’d hung up with Hazel.

She was there, in uniform, naturally, along with Captain Stuedecker, who we knew, and Hazel’s secretary, Ensign Bartholomew Gibson, who normally would have been off today but undoubtedly had not wanted to miss this. Or Hazel had called him in.

There were also a few other Federation of Allied Nations officers and a few members of the Athos Security Forces, none of whom I recognized.

No sign of the Admiral, Alik Borisov, but apparently this sort of duty was more Hazel’s job. I could see why she’d asked us. We were the only civilians present.

Then I realized I’d had that thought too soon. Kent Murakami and Claire Weatherall came in. They had a cameraman with them, which seemed unnecessary, as the camera was a handheld thing no larger than an old-style remote, but I supposed it was how they did these things.

A loud clunk was followed by a softer one, then a whizzing sound a bit like a drill. I was pretty sure that was the accordion entry hatch being extended, operated by a FAN officer using a tablet near the interior side of the hatch.

“We’re locked on,” he said.

Hazel gave him a nod. “Proceed.”

More drilling sounds were accompanied by a soft whoosh, then three clicks in a row. The interior side of the hatch was unlocked, and it slid out of the way.

Frank gave my hand a quick squeeze. I smiled, lips closed. He was excited.

The first being through the hatch was a tall, thin man with a long, tapered silver beard. He wore a dark blue robe of rough cloth and looked about eighty years old. Maybe older. He stepped onto the docking bay and bowed deeply. He moved slowly, as though his joints wouldn’t allow any more speed.

“Good people of this fine vessel, my daughters and I are in your debt. I am Nostromo. My gratitude knowns no bounds.”

Hazel stepped forward. “Welcome aboard the Athos , Nostromo. I am Vice-Admiral Hazel Perry.”

He studied her with interest. “A woman in such high command of this vessel? How remarkable. Do my daughters have your permission to board then?”

“Of course,” Hazel said. “We don’t expect you to stay on your ship if it’s disabled.”

“Very gracious.” He turned toward the hatch. “My daughters, come forward. All is well.”

Three women emerged from the hatch. He introduced them as they stepped out. “This is Mhari, my eldest; Luhora, my middle child; and Jhanna, my youngest.”

They all bowed like he had and were all dressed similarly, although their robes were of finer material with embroidered details around the hems. They all wore jewelry, too—rings on most of their fingers, earrings, bracelets, and the two oldest had necklaces of leather cord holding small leather pouches.

Mhari was in burgundy, Luhora in blue like her father, and Jhanna in deep green. There was gray in Mhari’s hair but none in the others’. They all had large, dark eyes and elaborate braids decorated with glass and metal beads.

The hands of each woman were marked with small blue tattoos, the patterns different on each one, but they reminded me of the ones done in henna on Indian brides.

Nostromo spoke again. “We are the people of the Ohuli tribe from the region of Kinloo on the planet Mmemsen.”

I knew nothing about that planet or those people, except that it wasn’t on our itinerary, so it was either undeveloped, not close by, or not one interested in joining the Federation of Allied Nations. I’d have to do some research. Ensign Gibson leaned over to Hazel and said something to her.

She nodded. “It’s my understanding that the planet Mmemsen was left uninhabitable after a devastating meteor shower.”

Nostromo nodded, his brow furrowing in deep sadness.

“That is true. The destruction was complete. Very few of us were able to escape.” He sighed deeply, and Mhari, his eldest, came to him.

He leaned on her. “I fear we are the last of our people. I pray it isn’t true, but we have been traveling a very long time and have yet to find any other survivors. ”

I glanced at Frank to get his take, but his expression was unreadable.

“We are deeply sorry for your loss,” Hazel said as she stepped forward. “We are happy to accommodate you and your daughters to our next starport. We will tether your ship and tow it there, as well.”

Nostromo nodded. “You are exceptionally kind. We are without means to repay you.”

She shook her head. “There is no repayment necessary. We are all citizens of the same universe. My officers will assist you in gathering your things and taking you to your new quarters. We’ll have your ship assessed, and if there’s something we can fix, we’ll see to it.”

“Thank you. Blessings upon you and your people. We do not need to trouble your officers, as we have very few things.”

“You’re welcome. If you’d like help with anything, please just ask. And while you’re on board, you’re free to enjoy what we have to offer.” She gestured toward me. “This is Ellis McFadden. She’s our head librarian. I believe she’ll be a great resource for you and your daughters while you’re here.”

“Happy to be of assistance,” I said.

Nostromo’s eyes gleamed with unshed tears. “Books,” he said softly. He smiled at his daughters. “They have books. We have found good people, my children.”

I smiled. I couldn’t argue with the sentiment.