Page 107 of Alien Haven

“Thanks. I like Clan Amgar.” She managed not to drawlpartnerafter speaking.

“Excellent bunch. None better.” He turned to yet another monitor apparently on the fritz.

Next came a Dramok in his late teens. He looked her over while wearing a shy grin but spoke politely as he worked on the third farm monitor having a bad day. “I want to have the biggest farm on Haven when I claim my plot. I’m learning all aspects of the work from the ground up.”

“Good luck.” He reminded Charity of the slightly younger Adam. Teenage humanoid boys were apparently a lot alike, no matter the species. Certainly their side glances at women and eagerness to impress them were the same.

She found her final lunch recipient doing what was quickly becoming apparent was the main job of fieldhands: working on faulty farm monitors. “Do any of these contraptions work right?”

The Nobek she addressed appeared to be Ilid’s age, early to mid-twenties. The lack of more than a couple scars on his chest, exposed by the loose, long-sleeved shirt he wore, bore out her guess. His expression was remarkably reserved, allowing only a portion of the natural Nobek aura of contained danger to betray his breed…barely so.

He regarded her for a couple of beats before answering as he accepted the proffered covered lunch tray. “Field monitors work pretty much nonstop, day and night. Even if they aren’t breaking down, we have to do constant maintenance.”

He didn’t tell her his name. His curt nod had served as the traditional bow of respect she’d grown used to receiving from Kalquorian men. He set the food tray aside and focused his attention on the monitor he was pulling apart. Charity observed he seemed to be cleaning the dirt-encrusted components.

“I’m…Jennifer Seng.”

“Are you sure?” He’d noted her hesitation but refused to glance up. Or maybe he was being extra diligent in his work. His intense stare on the machine had no room for distractions.

She felt a nudge of irritability at his lack of interest and her near-mistake of giving the name “Ashley Holloway,” which had been what she’d gone by at the university on Jedver. At least she hadn’t nearly outed herself as Charity Nath.

“Do you have a name? Or can I make one up for you? How about…Tex? Seeing as how we’re on Planet Farm Hell, it would fit.”

“Ah. You aren’t here by choice.” His lips twitched a notch, as if wanting to smile smugly.

“Exactly. I have a life, which I haven’t given up on yet.” She grinned, though he continued to refuse to look at her.

“You lived too intensely if you’ve come to Haven against your will. You’re the first human I’ve seen remanded to Clan Amgar’s farm, however. The only woman.”

“Well, Tex, it’s like this. I’m a trailblazer. Equal rights fighter. I wanna commit nefarious crimes on behalf of the sisterhood, show you boys how it’s properly done.”

Maybe it was theboysthat got him to look at her. Charity flashed him her best irascible grin, daring him to take the bait.

She had a definite crush to pursue where Ilid was concerned, but she was aware of the rules of Kalquorian society. She and Ilid weren’t clanned. Adhering to his traditions, it meant she was free to flirt with any man of any breed she wished. Charity’s own personal code meant she wouldn’t play for the attention ofanother Dramok while seeing Ilid, no matter how casual she felt the bond was. She was too fascinated by her new friend. Besides, it felt rude.

A handsome, unattached Nobek, however…that was a different story. For all she knew, Ilid was searching for male clanmates. They’d both discussed the merits of the shuttle attendants, so she was aware he was, similar to most Kalquorians, bisexual. Charity had indulged in experimenting with her own gender but had discovered it wasn’t for her. She’d seen plenty of erotic vids of men enjoying other men, particularly Kalquorian porn, and thought it titillating, however.

I bet Ilid would like this guy. He appreciates the big hunky ones when it comes to Nobeks. The lack of smiling and personality might be a dealbreaker, though.

Charity, on the other hand, loved a challenge. Drawing out Nobek Strong and Silent had abruptly become a project.

She went to the hovercart, smirking to suppose “Tex” might be feeling a moment of relief to believe she was leaving. Instead, she sat on its edge and got comfortable.

“What about you, Tex? Are you here because you’re a bad boy, or did you decide on a slow, painful death by boredom to prove your Nobek worth?”

Did she imagine him drawing a deep breath, as if to gain strength? His deep voice was definitely tight when he said, “I was originally one of Clan Amgar’s troubled Nobeks, though I came to Haven willingly when I learned of the place. I decided to stay afterward. I like living on this ‘farm hell,’ as you put it.”

Sensing rising irritability, Charity decided she’d pushed him as hard as she was willing to. There was no trace of teasing when she said, “Then you got lucky, same as me. Clan Amgar is wonderful.”

Bingo. His features softened, lending the stern but attractive features an extra dose of handsomeness. “They are. It’s says alot for you to recognize it.” He paused, then almost reluctantly added, “The name is Detodev, by the way. I don’t think I like being called ‘Tex.’”

“It’s nice to meet you, Detodev.” She didn’t ask him why he’d been sent to Haven. Having finagled him into introducing himself, if half-heartedly, she preferred to keep their present interaction on a positive swing.

She added, “I have a friend who just arrived, a Dramok about our age. We’re hoping to get together. Where are the fun places to hang when you’re young and foolish but trying to stay out of trouble?”

“Where were you before?” He sounded interested despite his stoic expression.

“Jedver. Galactic Council University of Astronomical Studies.”

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