Page 73 of Soros
Soros answered me, “It’s the national fruit of Scilm, which is made into juice. Besides tasting delicious, it’s also nutritious and a natural booster of your immune and digestive systems. Some say that this juice is part of the secret to the high metabolism of the Scilm race and why they are so good looking.”
“There he is.” Zobran looked in the direction of a man who exuded confidence when he walked. “Limak.”
Star straightened in her seat.
Limak reminded me of a Middle Eastern businessman on Earth. He was dark, handsome, and dressed in a way that shouted wealth. His clothes were sand colored and looked tailored to his body. Around his neck, wrist, and fingers was jewelry in colors that matched his outfit. Limak was masculine in the way he walked, and with the way he looked straight at Star, it was clear that he knew who she was.
“She doesn’t communicate well telepathically,” Zobran told Limak in English when he stood in front of the table with a puzzled expression that had him frowning.
Limak must have asked him a question telepathically because Zobran answered, “No, it’s not because of the shock of the trial. With her being a hybrid between Malbreean and human, telepathy is something Star is working on. We’re using an Earth language to communicate because that way everyone understands. Won’t you sit down?” Zobran gestured for Limak to take the free chair opposite Star. Sitting down next to Nerix, Limak looked around and greeted Soros, Lios, Nerix, and me with a short nod before he zoomed in on Star.
“Finally, we meet. How sad that the circumstances are so dire.” Limak bowed his head to Star. “Your sister was a treasured client of mine and I promised her to take care of you if she ever was unable to do so.”
“Galactina gave us your name,” Lios said. “We’re here to make sure that Star is safe and that you don’t try to manipulate her in any way.”
“Ah, you mean because I’m Noxin.” Limak had vertical frown lines above the bridge of his nose when he leaned back and watched all of us slowly. “Isn’t that somewhat prejudiced to assume that I would manipulate my client? Contrary to common belief, we Noxins have honor and integrity.”
Nerix scoffed but didn’t say anything out loud.
“How can I know thatyouaren’t manipulating her? Galactina was very concerned about what would happen to her sister if she… died.” Looking straight at Star, Limak spoke in a soft tone. “She hinted that you were exceptionally trusting and that I needed to protect you from anyone exploiting you.” With those words, Limak once again met our eyes one by one.
“No one here is exploiting Star. On the contrary,” Nerix protested in an offended tone. “We are one of the cultural defense teams. All we do is protect those who can’t protect themselves. We are the last ones who would exploit others.”
“But aren’t you the ones who arrested Galactina and the rest of Star’s family? If not for you, they would all still be alive. You can see how I find it bizarre that Star would form an alliance with the people who took away her children and cost her beloved sister, father, and brothers such horrific deaths. Can’t you?”
Lios cut through the tension around the table. “Let’s assume that we all want the best for Star and get to the part where you tell her how you can help her.”
“Excellent suggestion,” Limak said. “I will need to verify certain things and educate Star about the empire she owns now. There are important decisions that must be made.”
“I don’t want anything to do with the business,” she said and twisted the ring on her finger.
The edge of Limak’s mouth lifted a tiny bit. “Probably a wise decision. Would you like me to initiate selling everything?”
“Yes.”
“I’ll make sure you get as good a price as possible. They don’t call me the money magnet for nothing.”
“Thank you.” Star was still timid, but she managed to exchange a long look with Limak, who observed her closely.
“Don’t even think about it!” Lios warned.
Limak didn’t move his head, but his glance went to Lios with a silent question for him to elaborate.
“You are attracted to Star and I’m shutting that down right now,” Lios said. “Don’t seduce her because you see the chance to have all your ambitions met.”
Limak kept his voice velvety soft. “How could I not be attracted to her when she’s so beautiful?” The smile he gave Star was confident.
“I knew it.” Nerix moved in his chair. “It’s always the same with you Noxins. You came here with an agenda, but we aren’t going to allow you to make Star a victim of your schemes.”
“Relax. Star is an adult and can make her own decisions.” Looking straight at her, Limak added, “Isn’t that right?”
Star clearly hated the way everyone was watching her and gave a meek “Yes.”
Leaning back, Limak spoke directly to Star. “We’ll need to establish a way for me to contact you directly. There will be quite a lot of decisions you’ll need to make, and you should expect to work with me intensely until we have it all sorted out. How long will you be on Scilm?”
“I don’t know.” Star looked at Lios. “How long?”
Lios sat for a second, thoughtful and with great empathy shining from his eyes. “Not that long. But Star… you need to figure out what you want to do. You can’t stay onboard theGreat Defender. We’ll always be your friends and care for you, but we get sent out on dangerous missions and you need to build a new life, somewhere safe.”
