Page 71 of Soros
Allowing Lios to talk to me, I translated, “He wants to know how it went with our application and he’s asking when we’re returning. The crew handed over Ko’roz and now they’re eager to travel to Scilm and have a vacation.”
“What about the flying balloonfish? Will he be back?”
“No. I think you scared him off with your shouting. They’re letting us know when you can meet with an Ugon Master. That’s the next step.”
Kissing me, Tania pulled back and smiled. “Then let’s head back. I’m ready for a vacation as well.”
CHAPTER 27
Sins of Scilm
Tania
The atmosphere among the crew was loose and they were joking with each other as we walked off theGreat Defender. Out of their uniforms everyone looked different.
Star walked close to me, her gaze scanning the docking station. Noticing her timid body posture, I walked shoulder to shoulder with her.
“I know this is difficult for you,” I said under my breath. “You’ve been through a lot.”
“I’m just scared that they know who I am. My family always said that I couldn’t afford to walk freely on Markatoria. What if news has traveled to Scilm that I’m the heir?”
“You’re with the group. No one will notice you as long as you stay with us.” My strategy was flawed because it didn’t take long for the crew to split up. Ayelin and Elan, who were from Scilm, wanted to visit their families and Plotton, who was Eidron and mute, wanted to go off as well.
Nerix looked torn when Plotton telepathically asked if he wanted to come with him. Turning to Zobran and Lios, he asked. “Are you going to the SOS?”
Zobran nodded. “I’m definitely going, but maybe later. First, I want something to drink and then there’s Limak. He’s coming to meet with Star, and I figured that at least one of us should stay with her to keep an eye on him.”
“Who is Limak?” Soros asked Zobran, who answered in a matter-of-fact tone.
“He’s the Noxin who Star’s sister told her to contact about the practical details of her inheritance.”
“He’s coming here?” Nerix looked around as if trying to spot him among the people on the market in the street.
“Yes, Lios had me contact him on Star’s behalf. He’s coming to meet her and discuss the details.”
The mute Plotton made another sound and gestured with impatience for Nerix to hurry. Shifting his balance, Nerix asked Zobran, “Do you think I have time to visit the SOS before this Limak guy arrives? I haven’t been with anyone since my last visit here and I’m going slightly crazy.”
The way Soros looked at me with relief and pulled me closer made me smile. He had never asked me if I had sex with Nerix, but now he knew the answer.
“What is this SOS?” Star asked.
“SOS is what this planet is famous for. It’s short for Sins of Scilm and you’ll find SOS places all around. It’s a place where anyone interested in sex can meet up with others and find someone to be with for a short while.”
“Like a whorehouse?” I frowned as I tried to understand.
“No. There is no exchange of anything but pleasure.”
Lios stood in a casual outfit with white pants and a white shirt that wasn’t as tight as his usual uniform. Like all other Ugons I had ever met, he didn’t have a beard or a stubble. “We soldiers are quite popular in SOS places.”
“Why?” I asked.
“Because we are physically fit, with stamina.” Lios answered and looked away as if that was a silly question.
“I’ve never been,” Cacala said. “Do you recommend going?”
The captain crossed his arms. “You’re free to do exactly as it pleases you.”
Cacala pocketed her hands. “As long as you don’t think it will be awkward for me to go with my new teammates.”
