Page 72 of Soros
Lios smiled. “I wouldn’t go with Nerix if I were you. I have a feeling that he wouldn’t let anyone close to you.”
“Can I go?” Star asked and collectively Nerix, Soros, Zobran, and I all answered, “No.”
Star ducked her head a little.
“SOS places aren’t a good fit for someone like you,” Nerix explained to Star. “You’re innocent and it would be too much for you. If you want to explore that part of your life, do it slowly with someone you feel safe with. Sins of Scilm places are too extreme as a starting place.”
Gently stroking her hair, I agreed with Nerix. “I’ve never been to an SOS, but I’ve heard about these places and there are orgies and sex of all varieties.” I searched for the words. “Just trust us when we say that it’s not for you. At least not right now.” Trying to change the subject, I asked, “But about that Noxin your sister entrusted with valuable information. Do you know him?”
Star shook her head. “No, I don’t think so. I was never involved with anything related to business. And to be honest, I’m considering…” Her eyebrows were drawn close and four horizontal lines appeared on her forehead. “I’m considering giving away my inheritance.”
Lios stepped forward and grabbed onto Star’s shoulders. “You’re scared and overwhelmed with the responsibility of managing a sum that large, but don’t make any rash decisions because of fear. Give it time to sink in and let your new life catch up to you.”
“If you have too much money, I’m happy to take some of it off your hands,” Cacala joked.
I wasn’t sure if anyone had told Cacala who Star was or that she was about to become the richest person in the Universe. But Star gave Cacala a grateful smile and said, “That would be so kind of you.”
Cacala clearly thought it was all a big joke, because she looked around. “I’m thirsty. Did you all want to go and have something to drink and maybe a bite to eat?”
Plotton lost his patience and came over to physically pull Nerix with him, but just then Zobran said, “Limak is here.”
“Where?” Nerix looked around.
“I told him to meet us in Khram’s Cave.”
“Where?” Nerix repeated with confusion on his face.
Zobran pointed to an eatery not far from us and headed in that direction. We all followed with Soros commenting. “I have to be honest, I’m a little skeptical about Limak being Noxin. It’s rare to find one of them that’s both trustworthy and honest without an agenda of their own. Star, don’t agree to anything before you’ve had one or more of us look it over. And don’t tell him that you want to give up your inheritance. If you still feel that way later, fine, but right now, just listen and see what he has to say.”
“I should be there when you meet with him,” Lios said. “As a safety that he doesn’t try to mind-cloud you into handing over vast sums to him.”
Fiddling with her hands, Star looked like she was about to cry. “Thank you for helping me. I’m scared that I’ll do something wrong.”
Khram’s Cave wasn’t the best pick for a business meeting. The place was festive with musicians playing local music. The diversity of species that were present in the eatery meant that we weren’t the only ones using verbal language. To avoid a repetition of what happened in Fedaros when Jade and I were almost trampled to death because of the number of aliens eager to see a human up close, Lios chose a large table in the back corner of the outside eating area. The place reminded me of a Mediterranean tavern with lush and colorful vegetation growing on the buildings.
“Just be careful with a Noxin,” Nerix warned and leaned over the table. “Especially one that would work for Malbreeans. I wouldn’t be surprised if his plan right now is to seduce you and steal your money. Trust no one, Star.”
“No one? Then what about you and the rest of the crew? How do I know you won’t do the same?”
“Huh.” Nerix scoffed. “If I cared about wealth, I wouldn’t be a soldier.”
Soros, who was holding my hand under the table, supported Nerix’s claim. “Financial wealth isn’t what Nerix longs for. He wants to feel like he’s making a difference.”
“True. It’s his annoying hero complex,” Lios said.
“If I wanted to seduce you for your fortune, don’t you think I would have tried while we shared a bed?” Nerix asked Star and looked deeply offended to have her question his attentions. “Did you ever feel that my concern for you wasn’t real?”
“No.” Like a scolded child, she sat between me and Lios with her head down and her shoulders raised high.
“Hey.” Nudging my shoulder against hers, I whispered, “Don’t mind Nerix. You know he’s grumpy and you have every right to question him. He just told you not to trustanyone.”
Nerix clarified, “I meant don’t trust Noxins. I’m Eidron. We’re good people.”
Arching my left eyebrow, I challenged Nerix. “Are you saying every single Eidron is good and not one would act immorally?”
Soros, who was Eidron, as well answered that question. “As a criminologist I can tell you that there are some lost and misguided Eidrons, but it’s mostly related to drug abuse. Compared to Malbreeans and Noxins, we Eidrons are generally good and kind.”
Lios and Zobran had arranged for something to drink. A long, slim glass container was placed in the middle of the table. Picking up what looked like a type of hollow stem from a plant, the others sucked from the contents. I followed their example and made a sound of delight. “Mmm… what is this?”
