Page 22 of Alien Haven

“He’s stubborn. And relentless.” Detodev eyed Mitag. Charity would have sworn his regard for the Imdiko contained amused affection. “He does have his good points, but don’t tell him I said so.”

“I’m right here, you big ronka. Hearing every word you say, so you can’t take it back.” Mitag grinned brightly.

“It’s the bohut and whiskey. They’re doing my talking for me.” The Nobek had drunk quite a bit, but his words weren’t slurred. He moved with shocking grace for someone so big and muscled.

“Ilid?” Charity pointedly gazed toward the flat expanse where far fewer shuttles were parked than a mere hour earlier. She could clearly see the Dramok’s rented vessel though it sat in a far corner.

“Nobek, Imdiko, it’s been a pleasure.” Ilid bowed to the men, real warmth lighting his handsome features.

“You’re new to Sunrise,” Mitag wheedled. “You might get lost. Let us join you to guarantee Matara Jennifer is safely delivered to her doorstep. Detodev, as a protective Nobek, you must want to ensure our new friends get where they need to be.”

“Of course. I’m at least capable of helping you get home,” came the gruff reply.

Charity thought it was an odd statement to make.

There was continued back and forth until Charity stood and stared at the Dramok who laughingly protested he was perfectly capable of finding the Amgar farm, then his own rented quarters.

“Ilid.”

Uttering nothing else, she left the deck and headed for his shuttle.

Her eyes rolled but she grinned when she heard all three men following her, still debating whether Mitag and Detodev would chaperone her and Ilid.

In the end, the Imdiko and Nobek piled in the small craft, continuing to make their arguments though Ilid had closed the hatch behind them. He was already in the pilot’s seat readying to lift off. Charity sat next to him.

“Enough!” Ilid pretended to protest. “We’re on our way, so give it a rest.”

Barely five minutes later, he set the shuttle on the Amgar front lawn. The three men spilled from it and proceeded to jostle for the right to hold Charity’s hand in gentlemanly support as she descended the ramp.

“Check them, Groteg,” a woman’s voice called from the porch. “They seem giddy for flying this evening.”

Charity was grateful for the semi-darkness. Her hot cheeks warned she was blushing as Sara, Groteg, and Utber rose from rocking chairs to greet the group of young people.

“I hope you weren’t waiting up for me,” she groaned. “If I’d known, I’d have returned earlier.”

“We came out to enjoy the air and got wrapped up talking. It’s later than I realized,” Sara noted as she leaned on the porch railing. “You seem fine, Jennifer. Did you pilot?”

“I did.” Ilid stepped forward and bowed. He followed up by fishing out what appeared to be a paper strip from his pocket. He held it up. “I tested as I left the bar. I’m within legal range to fly.”

“Let me see.” Groteg held out his hand, wearing a severe and very paternal frown.

“Poor Tori and her future dates,” Charity teased.

“She isn’t dating. Ever.” Groteg looked at the alcohol level strip and its timestamp. He nodded and returned it to Ilid. His gaze swung to Detodev, whom he eyed in silence for a couple beats. He turned his attention to Mitag. “You’re the man who throws the parties around here.”

“He does an amazing job,” Utber said, coming down the porch steps to talk to his fellow Imdiko. They exchanged bows. “It’s good to see you again, Mitag.”

“And you, Imdiko Utber. What I wouldn’t do to have you cater my functions!”

“The Kalquorian governor keeps me far too busy but thank you. I attended Governor Grisweld’s birthday party and was impressed by your work. You have a great future ahead of you.”

“I had fun,” Ilid whispered to Charity. “I hope I wasn’t too depressing due to my…claustrophobia.”

“You were fine.” She considered him for an instant before going on her toes to give him a quick, chaste peck on the lips. “So fine, I demand you see me again. Will you?”

“You’d have to swing a stick at me to keep me away. Even then, I might take my chances on a cracked skull.”

She laughed. “I think you’re safe. If I decide I’ve had enough of you, I’ll send Groteg out to tell you to leave.”

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