Page 115 of Alien Haven

“No.” A ghost of a smile remained, however. Charity thought it might be because she’d called him handsome, which he was.

“He laughs. Usually at me when I do something asinine,” Mitag sighed.

“If that were the case, I’d never stop laughing.” Detodev swallowed a gulp of bohut, his eyes glinting at the Imdiko.

Charity and a more relaxed Ilid snickered, particularly at Mitag’s pretended outraged attempt to take back the drink he’d bought the Nobek. Detodev easily fended him off, then regarded Ilid.

“There are far worse quirks than an intense dislike of enclosed spaces. I doubt it makes you less than the natural leader your designation claims you are.”

“Same,” Mitag sang out. “So how are things on Kalquor? I heard the virus is being brought under control. They let you on Haven, so it can’t be too bad.”

“A lot of areas are still quarantined, but overall, it hasn’t been as devastating as what the Earthers are dealing with.”

“I was lucky to be nowhere near the Dark Death outbreak sites,” Charity said. “Haven’s lucky to have escaped it so far.”

“The Darks supposedly unleashed both viruses,” Detodev said. She noted his voice was deep, almost ponderous, as if it carried weight. They weren’t touching, but she swore it trembled her bones. “The Imperial Clan and Royal Council have been adamant the empire will defeat the Darks, but I get a sense it isn’t going as well as they’d have everyone believe.”

“Have you been tested for sensitivity? Can you see them?” Ilid asked.

“All Kalquorians on Haven were tested. My brain doesn’t have the necessary configuration, apparently.”

“Mine either, and I’m no meditator,” Mitag said carelessly. “Thank goodness for the Earther women who can hear those things.” He grinned charmingly at Charity.

“Haven’s head of security has stationed Kalquorians who can detect Darks by sight where they’re needed most,” Detodev asserted. “Nobek Groteg told me if anyone ridden by those entities tries to sneak past the security cordon, or in the unlikely event they actually make it on the planet, he’ll know.”

“Maybe he sees them,” Charity guessed.

“Could be. I feel pretty secure having him in charge.” Detodev glanced at their glasses. “I guess Ilid’s the man to keep up with when it comes to drinking. Contrary to what the rich event planner Mitag says, I can afford the next round. Drink up.”

“Event planner?” Charity smirked at Mitag. “Here? Do you run rodeos, square dances, or potlucks?”

He made a face at her. “We have clanning ceremonies and wedding receptions and all sorts of parties. Since I’m the best in the area when it comes to putting on a grand function—”

“He’s one of three in the district. The other two are so bad, he might as well be the only event planner,” Detodev observed in his dry tone. “In Sunrise, if you bring a bottle of wine and the dishes are clean, you’re an event planner.”

Mitag’s expression was so hurt, Charity forgot herself and gave the Nobek a shove. When Detodev failed to budge an inch, she shoved him again. “You’re mean.”

“What? I didn’t say he isn’t talented at what he does. I’m only saying he has no competition.”

“I’m very talented at what I do,” Mitag informed him loftily. He turned pointedly from Detodev and spoke to Charity and Ilid. “I’m booked solid for the next nine months, and my services aren’t cheap. My clients do get their money’s worth, however.”

“The Earther governor’s birthday party was a hit,” Detodev muttered, as if trying to restore himself to Mitag’s good graces but was embarrassed to do so.

“Damn right it was. Haven’s news bureau…the planet’s, not the local Sunrise hacks…called it the social gathering of the year.” Mitag kept his back to the Nobek, apparently unwilling to forgive so soon.

“I wonder how I can score an invite to one of your galas,” Charity mused.

“I could always use an extremely beautiful server.” He leaned closer while wearing a charming grin, blatantly flirting.

“Excuse me, Imdiko. She and I came here as dates. She’s leaving with me.” Ilid appeared more amused than offended. In fact, his grin at Mitag was positively inviting.

“Maybe I can join you when you go?” Mitag looked Ilid over, returning the interest.

“Mitag has no shame. I like him,” Charity told Ilid.

“You don’t mind men who enjoy men?” Detodev edged forward to be included.

Charity imagined his regard was less aloof.I should keep shoving him. Or perhaps a punch would make him happy. He is a Nobek. Rough is their drug of choice.

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