Page 88 of Ava Stargazer

Pyra hesitated and Ava grimaced, seeing it. He spoke to her, softer, looking out the window next to her. “Enough to have a majority. Ava, if you hold out for universal approval, nothing would ever get done.”

A majority.The words felt light in her stomach. Her body relaxed its posture. “Vox always says individuals can make up their own minds.”

“Yes, and to that extent, if he is deciding to take you as a mate, and we are in need of more females, who are we to disagree?”

“What if Humans don’t want to be that? If they don’t want to have children? What if we just need a safe haven to live?” She added a second later, “What if we find some males?”

After a moment's pause she thought about how males at Cipra were scarce, and then nearly nonexistent as the years passed. Joy had even mentioned that only women and children were taken from Earth, at the end.I don’t think there would be many males.If any.

Pyra hesitated before saying, “We will welcome them and adjust if there are any. As for any females, you have your own arrangement with Vox, do you not? We do not force our females. It will not stop our males from trying to court them, but it will not be mandatory. Our males are just happy for the chance.”

Ava's eyes narrowed. “But it will be hoped for.”

Pyra tilted his head and regarded her. “Don’t we all hope for love? None have to come to Xai if they do not wish to do so.”

Ava smiled at that, and again as Rhutg came up to them both.

Rhutg leaned his big frame against the doorway. “I didn’t want to intrude, but we need some DNA and scans. Iryl wants to arrange the files before we get there to make it quick and easy.”

The small medical room at Cipra flashed before Ava’s eyes, but that left as soon as it came. She stood, and on impulse gave the sign of deference to Pyra, who waved her off as she fell into step next to Rhutg, walking from the alcove to the med bay right next door. “Is all my information not there already?”

“Everything Erox took is, but a lot was lost once the ship was uncoupled from the Phor mainframe. The board wants fresh samples.”

Ava breathed deep and walked into the med room. “Alright.”

Ava watched Tiral as she sat in the mess hall after her talk with Pyra. He was in the hallway right outside and had the young Vorbax running laps around the ship, still training them even though the trip to Cipra was over.

Sai sat across from her, eating a meal. Both she and Ava were picking at the synthetic proteins glumly.

Zeed had come in briefly and nodded to them both, his eyes still lingering on Ava before leaving and working with Tiral and the other youngsters. Ava was able to meet his eyes and nod back to him.

“How long will they run?” she asked Sai, feeling lazy just watching the constant laps of the smaller Vorbax.They have been running for the better part of a cycle.

Sai shrugged, lifting the food on her plate lethargically. “Until Tiral feels them growing enough.”

Ava poked at her plate as well.Wish we had some fruit still.It was funny how this was all she ate before, but it seemed inadequate now.

Tiral came and stood in the doorway, filling it with his frame and casual demeanor. “In a moment they are going to attempt their meditative state while running. It is difficult for us to do both at once. That’s the real lesson for them today. Wear them out and see what they can do.” Hesitation was in his eyes as he looked at Ava. “I wanted to warn you in case you wanted to move away.”

Ava looked at him speculatively. “Is it dangerous?”

“No, they are weak and will barely get a read anywhere.”

“Then I’ll stay. As long as it is not harmful, they can see what they can sense from me and Sai as well.”

Tiral’s eyes sparkled with approval. “Very well.”

Ava felt a bit more settled herself as she gave a smile to Sai and continued eating. “It feels good to help. Even if it is just this.” She ate another bite.And if I’m truly going to be a part of Xai, learning how to handle this is the way forward.

Sai nodded, leaning back in her chair. “I’ll help with anything.” She threw her head back, squinting at the fluorescent track lighting overhead. “Being in a ship all the time can get stuffy. But we’re almost there now, to the Galactic Board. How are you feeling with everything?”

Ava’s nervousness reappeared at Sai’s inquiry. She ducked her head. “Okay. It’s only a cycle now.” She pointed out the door, toward navigation. “We talked a lot with Iryl about how to set everything up at the board.”

Sai nodded. “I know, I listened in. They weren’t blocking me.”

“Oh.” Ava frowned.I wish I could do that.

Sai sighed and breathed deep. “It’s all rather boring. But it’s good they’re very focused on it.”

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