Page 125 of Alien Haven

“Will do. Thank Matara Sara for asking me.”

“Hey, you commed me. What’s up?”

“I was wondering if you were busy tonight. I guess my question’s been answered.”

“Never make assumptions when it comes to me, my fine Dramok. I’m to distract Sara’s clanmates while she woos you. I told you the dinner invitation was her idea. I think her wandering eye likes the looks of you and Mitag.”

“Mother of All,” Detodev muttered. He looked scandalized.

Ilid laughed at her teasing. “Is Mitag going to be there?”

“I’m comming him after Detodev and I are done autopsying this field monitor. No problem where Mitag’s concerned, I hope?” She fished for information of what the trio had done once they’d dropped her off. She doubted Detodev would tell her anything.

“None. He’s a nice guy from what I could tell.”

“And?” she prompted.

“And what…oh, I took him and Detodev to his house.”

“Which I told you,” the Nobek whispered between gritted teeth.

“You didn’t say you went home with Mitag. You made it sound like you each went to your respective abodes…not that it’s any of my business.” Charity returned her attention to Ilid. “The pretty Imdiko failed to ensnare you, Dramok?”

“Thank goodness. I went home and found my mother waiting up for me.” It was Ilid’s turn to sigh.

“She loves her widdle boy.”

“Don’t start, Miss Behavior.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it, Mommy’s big, strong Dramok.”

Following a few more joking insults, they ended the com. Charity’s gaze met Detodev’s scowl.

“What?”

“You shouldn’t have said what you did about Matara Sara. It wasn’t respectful.”

“I was teasing, and Ilid knew it. By the way, she expects you to come to dinner too.” Charity set the circuit board she’d been cleaning on the square of fabric Detodev had laid out for his work.

“I can’t.”

Charity put the tools she’d been using away. “Can’t or won’t? She says you’re a big fan of her pork tenderloin.” She clicked her com.

“It’s excellent, but—”

“Hi Sara!” Charity interrupted when the woman answered. “Quick question: do you want the guys to bring anything for dinner?”

“No, it’s all right. We have everything covered. Are they all coming?”

Charity rose gracefully to her feet and stepped out of the Nobek’s reach. She headed for the hovercart. “Two out of three so far, Ilid and Detodev. I still have to com Mitag, which I’m doing now. Heading in as I com, so I’ll be there in a few!”

She stuck her tongue at the glowering Detodev as she set the hovercart in motion. “See you tonight, Grouchy. Don’t be late. It would hurt Sara’s feelings if you were.”

She skimmed back to the farmhouse, smiling broadly at the snarled curse that chased her. “He’ll thank me later.”

* * * *

“But they’ll be charming. Unexpected. Ironic.”

---