Page 55 of Pirate By Parrot

He frowned. “I am going to return in six months, and you had better be settled and happy.”

She laughed. “I will probably be settled, but happy is up to me. I am getting there. Whee is helping a lot.”

Imbolt said, “May I give you a hug?”

“Sure, but don’t make it weird.”

He laughed, disconnected the call to his daughter, and then came around to hug her. He separated and said, “The dysmorphia is usually dealt with in the tubes with audio counselling.”

“Well, I am good with me now anyway. It took a bit, but I think I am nearly there.”

“Minerva will be pleased. She’s been worried.”

“Her and me both. Now, scoot, Imbolt-Zanican. I look forward to your return in six months.”

He smiled. “I need to talk to Occorin-Vendar first, but thank you for your dismissal.”

She grinned. “I am going to be out in the gardens if anyone is curious.”

She left the avatars alone and carried her buddies outside.

Looking around, she used her com and sent a call. “Hey, Minerva. How are you doing?”

“Melora? Oh, my. How are you doing? How are you settling in?”

“I just arrived at Vendar today. It looks nice. He put a lot of effort into making something I would like.”

“Wait. You just got there today? Imbolt said you were on your way months ago.”

“There were detours, and as Vendar has lost his entire population once, he wanted to make sure that I would be content with limited interaction with others. He is trying to prove that this time he will be different.”

Minerva smiled. “That is progress. Hey, you have a com!”

“Yeah. I am as tall as I am getting, and nine feet is enough for anybody. A Yaluthu found me and has stopped the panic in my brain. Whee is almost about to have her little ones. The first high-grav Yaluthu.”

Minerva sighed. “Crossing my fingers that there is only one.”

“And Marko’s Yaluthu is going to have some as well.”

Minerva gasped. “Marko has her own Yaluthu?”

“Yes. Its name is Pohloh.”

“Marko-polo... oy.” Minerva smacked her forehead.

“I get my fun where I can. Speaking of, Imbolt is inside chatting with Occorin.”

“You mean, Zanican is talking with Vendar. If your sector is lighting up again, there will be a lot of heavy grav and just folks who want the quiet life coming in. So much vetting of the files.”

“Well, I guess it will be fun to learn if I get to participate.”

Minerva smiled. “You will be. Congrats on getting a com.”

“You said that.”

“Yeah, but that is high speed. You have consul privileges.”

“Neat.”

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