Page 13 of Alien Haven

“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 shewas free to flirt with any man of any breed she wished. Charity’s personal code meant she wouldn’t play for the attention of another 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 remained open to leading a full clan despite the changes to Kalquorian laws.

I bet Ilid would like this guy. He appreciates the overtly strong types 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 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 a lot for you to recognize it.” He paused, then almost reluctantlyadded, “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, an unclanned 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.”

“Refugee, huh? Or were you sentenced ahead of the Dark invasion mess?”

“The timing kind of coincided. The calls to consider leaving Galactic Council space had barely begun when I left with a bang. A literal bang.”

Detodev snorted. “City and college girl, no less. I doubt you’ll enjoy our town’s brand of entertainment. It’ll bore you.”

“There’d better be a diversion while I’m sentenced to stay. If I’m bored, I’m a problem. Ask anyone. Especially my last professor. Come on, there has to be something resembling fun here.Anything. Including ronka tipping.”

He sighed and rubbed the back of his hand against his arrow-straight nose, a feature rarely seen on an adult Nobek. He left a smear of dirt on its tip. “There are a couple of bars. Bar, Bowl, and Barrel is your best bet of the two. Less fights, better drinks, and the customers are evenly split between Kalquorians and humans. It has an attached bowling alley plus pool, vid games, the works.”

Bowling and pool. It sounded as hokey as Charity could imagine. “No dance clubs?”

“Dancing’s at the other bar, Steve’s Roadhouse. It’s probably not the kind of dancing you enjoyed on Jedver. I have no idea what they call it, but it looks clumsy as hell.”

“You don’t get out on the floor and show them how it’s done?” she teased.

She earned an unamused glower. “Kalquorian men don’t dance.”

“Except the historical exhibitions. I know, Detodev. I was teasing. You’re a regular laugh factory, my friend.”

He began reassembling the field monitor. “If you go to the Roadhouse, be sure your friend can defend you.”

“It’s bad, huh?”

“Law enforcement patrols theinsideof the place.”

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