Page 98 of Alien Haven

“Nobek and Imdiko. There’s no Dramok,” Ilid’s father Jadel said in an undertone, probably to his clanmates.

“It’s nice three of the four came to meet Jennifer on a regular workday.” Diju stepped forward to stand next to her. The muscled but plump Kalquorian woman waited expectantly, making it clear she regarded herself responsible for the younger woman until her rightful caregivers arrived.

The oncoming trio eyed Ilid and his parent clan warily, but their expressions remained pleasant. Jennifer decided it was up to her to head off any concerns.

“Hi!” she called. “Clan Amgar?”

“Here we are.” The Earther woman was extremely slender, the sort of leanness that spoke of hard work rather than lack of nourishment. When she shook Jennifer’s hand, there was surprising strength in her grip. “Sorry we ran a bit late. I’m Sara.”

“It was my fault we weren’t prompt.” The unfamiliar Nobek’s gaze took in Clan Codab, each man in turn. “I’m Nobek Groteg, head of the Kalquorian branch of Haven’s security. This is our Imdiko, Utber.”

“It’s good to meet you. Let me introduce my new friends Dramok Ilid and his parents, Matara Diju, Dramok Codab, Imdiko Jadel, and Nobek Gruthep.” Jennifer glanced between the Nobeks. “Your names are similar, and you’re both involved in law enforcement. I bet I’ll get them mixed up. Don’t smack the silly Earther when she calls you the wrong names.”

The pair glanced at her and chuckled. Groteg visibly relaxed. “I’ll let it pass this first time.” His eyes twinkled.

She grinned, liking him on the spot despite his intimidating appearance. “You’re the head of the planet’s security? Isn’t the area kind of…isolated for you to work from?”

“Isolationdescribes Haven’s overall setup in a nutshell,” Utber laughed. “The town of Sunrise is small, but it’s mere kilometers from the seat of our government. The locationhas been deliberately kept rural for the safety of the planet’s leaders.”

“It’s easier to keep tabs on those who show up to cause problems,” Groteg agreed. “It appears to be an odd arrangement, but so far, it’s worked for us.” His attention turned to Clan Codab. “I understand your clan is interested in expanding your bakery business beyond Kalquor.”

“Under our son’s management.” Diju beamed at Ilid. “If we find Haven suitable, he’ll do an amazing job.”

Groteg, Gruthep, and Codab exchanged what Jennifer thought were overly meaningful glances. What had she missed?

“A bakery would be wonderful,” Sara said, her blue eyes brightening. Their corners creased pleasantly as her smile deepened. “The only one in Sunrise closed when the owner passed away several months ago. We have a coffee shop, but it isn’t the same. I understand the building and its equipment are for sale.”

“It sounds like an intriguing opportunity for Ilid.” Diju beamed at the news.

“Let me give you the address. Had you planned to stay nearby during your visit?”

While the women put their heads together, the men, save Ilid, drew close to mutter. Ilid jerked his head to indicate Jennifer and he should retreat a couple feet distant so they could talk.

“Clan Amgar seems to be a good bunch. Are you okay? Nervous?” he asked.

She smirked. “I was told I’m not the first wayward youth they’ve worked to put on the straight and narrow. I don’t see what kind of trouble I could find on Planet Farm Hell anyway. Hey, have you ever heard of cow tipping? I bet you’d be great at it.” She eyed his muscular build, her grin widening.

“I don’t know what cow tipping is, but it sounds as if Miss Behavior is already up to no good.” He shook a finger, laughing as he pretended to reprimand her.

“Ilid, Clan Amgar needs to get Jennifer settled and return to their workday. We’ll have to say our goodbyes for now. We’ll see you again, Jennifer?” Diju sounded hopeful.

Jennifer kept her gaze locked on Ilid. “I certainly plan on it.”

“If only to distract you from committing mayhem.” He dipped a traditional Kalquorian bow to her. “I look forward to hearing all about you toiling in the fields while seeking to keep your shoes clean. Until then, Matara Jennifer Seng.” He winked, his broad grin dispelling the formality.

Wistful loss swept through her as Ilid and his family said their goodbyes and walked away. For some reason, it bothered Charity “Jennifer Seng” Nath to see her would-be lover leave, unaware of her true identity.

* * * *

“Has it been difficult to respond to the nameJennifer?” Sara asked as Clan Amgar’s well-used but clean shuttle, piloted by Groteg, zipped over vast swaths of fields and woods.

“I’m getting used to it. I went under another name on Jedver, while I was at university. I’ve had to be someone else for a long time now.” Charity grew glummer by the second as she viewed a few buildings in the distance. No doubt it was the town Sunrise, which was closest to the spaceport and her hosts’ farm. The spaceport’s scatter of landing pads and buildings covered more land than the town did.

Maybe I’m not in the middle of nowhere, but I can see it from here.

“This has to be a shock to the system after the bustle of a university area and a crowded space station.” Imdiko Utber waswhat Charity thought of classically handsome, though in a way too boyish for his years.

“This is, uh, quite bucolic. Wide open spaces, plenty of room to run wild and free, huh?”

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