Page 29 of Alien Haven

“Does she do anything else?”

Charity blew him a raspberry and concentrated on the laughing Ilid. “Anyway, Ilid, Sara invited you here for dinner tonight,herebeing the farm in case you didn’t guess where I am. Pork tenderloin and berry pie.”

“Sounds good, I guess. You know I’m unfamiliar with most human food, though my mother bakes a type of berry pie calledaserch.”

“You’ll love my strawberry and blueberry version.” Charity drew out the wordloveto ensure he understood how amazing it would be. “You’ll worship those who fed you such an amazing meal.”

“Okay. Should I bring anything?”

“I’ll ask Sara, but she didn’t mention you needing to. If you don’t hear from me beforehand, assume you just need to bring your appetite.”

“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. My real mission is 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 him showing up, 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?”

“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.”

“I wouldn’t dream of teasing 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?”

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