Page 44 of Devin
“Where is she? Let me get a look at her. She can’t be as hideous as you let on.” Val sat straight up in bed, wide awake, and still naked.
“She’s sleeping,” he said, trying to corral her back into the lift unsuccessfully.
“I mean Terrans are a bit on the scrawny side, and that skin, I don’t know what color you’d call it, but I’m sure we can dress it up a bit. Oh, and their tech is completely backwards, but I think that they have other points. They apparently make very good spies, at least that’s what I’ve heard.”
“Mother.”
“We need spies. Everyone needs spies. I’m sure she’s fine. And they seemed to have no problem with conception, if the number of bellies I saw down there is any indication. How far along is she?”
“Mother, she’s not pregnant.”
“Oh, that’s too bad. I totally blame you, by the way, you work too much. It’s not healthy. Mahdfel warriors are meant to fight and fuck, your father always said. It’s crude, but true. And you were doing neither. Definitely not healthy.”
“She needs to rest, Mother.”
“Where did she go?”
Devin was sure she’d scrambled in to take a shower and probably put some clothes on.
“Why don’t I show you the city?”
“I didn’t come for a tour!”
“My mate is tired and not ready for visitors yet.”
“I’m not a visitor. I’m family.”
“Really. Unannounced family should be understanding enough to realize that my mate is naked and unprepared to meet them.”
“Pish posh. I’ve seen naked females before. I’ve been looking at quite a lot of naked Terran vids lately. You know, for research.”
Devin took a deep breath and gave his mother his most authoritative glare.
“We will be back in a few minutes.” He stepped into the lift, and crossed his arms over his chest, daring his mother to object. She actually rolled her eyes at him and stepped into the lift.
“So, do you get a new tattoo for designing a city?”
“No.”
“Why not?”
“Mother, it is not for us to ask. They are given.”
“Then I shall have to have a talk with your commander. What was his name again?”
That would almost be worth it, to see his mother and Kave in the same room together, both trying to outdo each other’s chaos. Kave wouldn’t stand much of a chance, but Devin was not goingto develop a reputation of having his mother advocate for him. That would be disastrous.
He ignored the question and began to point out features of his city.
“We used the pyre for the first time yesterday. It was quite effective.”
“Who died? I thought this city was supposed to be safe?”
“It was an accident, and before you go about making a big deal, it was my fault.”
“Oh, dear, I’m sure-”
“And over there is where the medical suites should be finished today. As you noted, we have several females that are close to birthing time. We have only one doctor, but more staff is arriving soon.”
