Page 25 of Accounting for Taste

Zell nodded.“So much of this trip now makes sense.Ra has the best repair units available.Tinkering with species was his specialty.”

Reem nodded.“Of course.That is why the children of Geb suddenly got their bonds refunded to start us in freedom.They didn’t tell us, but that was the effect.”

Sage blinked.“Wait, so...hang on.Zell, you knew about this?”

“Of course.It occurred when Symo and I were following you and Bailey.”

“I see.Well, hell.I might have made a different decision.”

Reem said, “That is why he didn’t tell you.He was insecure given his previous behaviour.”

The captain was fascinated.

Reem looked at the shock on their faces.“The coms on this vessel are not as secure as you think.I have entertained myself reading the history logs and listening to conversations in ancient Hmrain.”

Zell’s eyes were wide.“You can listen to coded transmissions.”

Reem looked at him blandly.“Can’t everyone?”

Sage stared and started giggling.“Hah.”

“Hah indeed.”

“My ability to manipulate computers has increased over the last few years.I could have made a fortune with this skillset on Earth.”

Sage blinked.“No kidding.”

The captain smiled.“So, if we all agree that she is magnificent, may we have dinner?”

Reem blinked.“What?”

Sage smiled.“You are hard to ignore and very attractive.”

“I am not trying to stand out.”

Sage patted her arm.“I know, but you are something else, and that is impossible to ignore.”

Zell nodded.“You don’t read with the same energy that I feel with Sage, but it is impressive and unexpected.What has Wenvari said about it?”

“Just that he got more from me in a day than the Pleasure Centre in a year.”

Zell snorted.“I can believe that.When Sage arrived, it was like lightning was poured on my nerves.”

“They hired me to wake him up, so I did.”

He lifted her hand to his lips.“You are still waking me.”

Reem said softly, “Adorable.”

The captain held a chair out.“Comptroller Reem, please have a seat.”

She walked over and settled against protocol with a Hmrain still standing.

Sage was seated by Zell, and he sat next to her with his wing protectively over her back.

The crew brought in the meal, and Reem looked down as she tried to analyze the food.She took a few bites and nodded.“Bland but nice.”

Sage blinked.“Bland?”

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