Page 43 of Breaking Ties

Whisper was tagging along.

Aubrey looked behind her, and Whisper made a face. “What? I haven’t seen other Hmrain as you have. I will just peep and go. Promise.”

Whisper walked behind them at a suitable distance, and when Aubrey kept looking back, Vress opened his wings. Aubrey heard the giggle behind them, but the footfalls kept coming.

Vress spoke softly. “I have a meeting space arranged in the oxygen farm. If you wish for your friend to attend, she will have to take position behind you as your attendant.”

From behind them, Whisper said, “Okey dokey.”

Vress turned and said, “How good is your hearing?”

“Dunno. Always had keen senses. Just happy you don’t have a tail.”

Vress chuckled. “This is the oxygen farm. Refreshments have been prepared. Aubrey, don’t wander off.”

Aubrey opened her mouth and then closed it. She was going to tell him he wasn’t the boss of her, but he literally was.

She entered the space and noticed the crewmen on guard.

Whisper chuckled. “Wow. That is a very fancy setup.”

“Hmrain know how to play fancy. I would familiarize myself with the implements if I were you. He wasn’t kidding about you playing attendant. You will need to pour tea, or whatever, and pick up napkins and stuff.”

“I worked as a server in a fancy restaurant. I can manage.”

Aubrey looked at her. “What can’t you do?”

“I dunno. Haven’t run into it yet. You said it yourself. I’m a wizard.”

Aubrey laughed. “That isn’t going to get old.”

“I know. It’s a fun conceit.”

The table was made of some sort of pale polished stone. Two Hmrain chairs, one standard chair. The table setting was elegant and had a lot of implements. Whisper smiled. “Not a problem. I ranked high on table etiquette.”

Aubrey believed her. She had that sort of personal control that made other women feel intensely comfortable.

“Mistress Oracle, would you care to take a walk or have a seat?” Whisper smiled.

“A short walk.”

“Very well. Shall we? How long does it take Hmrain to high-five and brag about getting laid?” Whisper walked with her.

“Well, if it is along the same timeline for actual sex, we have a while.”

Whisper laughed.

They walked on pathways through the green space until a voice called out. “Oracle!”

Aubrey paused. “That has to be a common name, right?”

Whisper laughed. “It’s Hmrain for Smith.”

They turned and headed back, giggling.

Vress was standing near the table, talking to another of his kind, who seemed made of stars and nebulas.

Whisper murmured, “What is that?”