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Etterian battleship Phoenix
Bored, as usual.
Macy wandered along the passages, greeting males who bowed their heads at her. They gave her smiles instead of frowns, all because of yesterday’s little sex talk and ice cream. After the music introduction in the common, she’d left Oyaz to explain everything, considering that the whole procreation discussion had drained her. She knew nothing of the Etterian sexual act, and she was certain she’d never get to find out. So, her discussion had been rather one-sided.
Her O.D.I. buzzed, and she glanced at it, still trying to accept having a small comm device implanted inside her body.
The message popped up, and she blinked at it. Oyaz had organized an Earth appreciation evening meal and requested that she select the food. He wished to do it every evening until they reached Etteria, to smooth over relations with his males. Squealing, she did a dance with jazz hands then hurried to type on her holographic buttons.
“Are you up for tonight?” she asked Illan, who strode alongside her.
“What is happening this evening?”
She bounced. “There is to be an Earthian meal. Oyaz has asked that I do this every day.”
Illan smirked. “After yesterday’s ice cream, I’m not surprised.” He arched a brow as he squinted at her. “Will there be music?”
“Of course. Though I’m not sure which music goes with pizza and beer.” She wiggled her fingers as she mentally sifted through the genres.
Punching on her O.D.I., she called up a hip-hop selection. The sound was good coming from her wrist as if her body was a tuning fork. She adjusted the volume, so it was loud enough for Illan to hear it but giggled at the intense tingles zinging through her. He jerked back and frowned. She chose another hip-hop song and laughed when he shook his head. Next was reggae. He grinned, looking far too handsome for a blue guy.
“I wouldn’t have said you were a reggae fan,” she teased. “I could see your white hair in dreads.”
His eyelids fluttered, but he said no more.
“Tell me, Illan, why did your eyelids flicker?”
“When I do not know a word you use, the O.D.I. flashes descriptions and images.” Illan tapped his temple.
Right. Well. She shivered. Thoughts and photos planted into my brain? Not scary at all.
They continued to stroll toward the viewing deck, a glow on her wrist brightening when she neared the correct door or passage. O.D.I.s were so helpful.
“What did you show Oyaz? He seemed most pleased with it,” Illan asked. “I’ve browsed your Entertainment, and the quantity is...intimidating.”
“We watched a vid from the Science Fiction section. After dinner, you can come over if you like.” She looped her right arm around his left one.
“I would appreciate this.” He patted her hand resting on his forearm.
“It sucks having no place to call our own,” she mumbled.
“Sucks?”
“It’s earth terminology for ‘it’s not nice.’ And I can’t ask for private quarters when it might hurt Cyndi and Quin’s feelings.” She paused to admire the passing stars displayed on the large vids paneling the walls.
“Are you well?” he asked as he guided her into a molded bench.
“Of course,” she said. “Why do you ask? Am I pale? Covered in a rash?” She laughed at his wide eyes.
“You have seemed sad, Macy,” he said.
She frowned at having not realized her mood was visible to others. That they had taken the time to notice. She snorted. They was just Illan.
“I hate boredom, Illan. It’s why I started knitting. Today was better. I like Oyaz’s idea for evening meals. It gives me something to do. And if he says I can, I’ll do extra sessions to increase my fitness.”
“So, you are happier now?”
Was she? Probably not. But at least she didn’t have endless alone time to dwell on it.
“Yes.” She beamed at him, hoping to convince him and herself. “And you? Are you well?”
“Most of the time.” He winced, and she captured his hand for a squeeze. “I am in Quin’s mind, and she and Xan are quite...amorous.” His cheeks lightened to a pale blue as if he was blushing.
“But aren’t you in Iddan’s mind too?” Macy remembered the pain lancing across Quin’s face when Illan had fused with her. Forming a connection must have hurt. The constant barrage of thoughts, images, and sensations as excruciating. Since Illan didn’t writhe in agony, he had to be doing something to shield himself, right? “You’ve been blocking them all this time? Isn’t it exhausting?”
He exhaled a long breath. “Iddan guards the more private moments between him and Cyndi, but I need to teach Quin to do the same.”
“Good idea. Why must you do all the work?” Macy gave him an encouraging smile and squeezed his hand before pulling away.
“I hate to ruin this moment, but you do not have long until mealtime.”
She blinked, tapped her O.D.I. to check the time then jumped up. “Shit.” Clasping her hands across her chest, she jogged to the common with Illan close on her heels. Men crowded all sections of the room. She clung to the doorframe, fighting for breath. When she could speak without rasping, she strode toward the metal tables. The men parted to let her pass. After dressing the tables with red-checkered tablecloths from the replicator, she placed out a variety of extra-large pizzas ordered from the rehydrator.
Following those were jugs and jugs of blonde beer. She set the music at random to play reggae on their intercom system and at a low enough volume to allow for conversation. Illan settled at the back of the eating area to watch her. Now and then, she’d stick her tongue out at him. As the males approached, dropping into their seats, she explained the toppings on the pizzas and the music playing. The beer was an outstanding success. Typical.
She served Illan, Oyaz, and Rior with slices of her favorite pizzas. By the end of the meal procession, she’d accepted their compliments and tentative conversations with over a hundred males. She’d taught a few how to shake hands. Their questions ranged from her shoes, height, voice, the music, and her soft skin, of course. She gritted her teeth against the sensation of being pawed, and it was in no way sexual. Their touch had been reverent.
Illan called her, and she hurried over, grateful for the breather. He showed the seat next to him, and as she sank onto it, energy drained from her. Oyaz grinned a greeting before shoving another slice of pizza into his mouth. She shook her head, amazed at his capacity for food. Rior was downing his beer as if it was water.
“It has alcohol in it,” she said for about the thousandth time.
“Delicious.” He burped, and his face darkened in what she’d learned meant a blush.
She giggled, more at his surprise as if burping was a new experience.
“May we watch the vid tomorrow, Macy? I need to lie down.” Illan rubbed his stomach and grimaced. His skin had mottled into monochromatic shades of blue.
“Sure. I’m a little tired myself.” A shower then bed. That sounded wonderful.
“Did you at least eat?” Oyaz asked as he pushed a slice over to her. She accepted it and took a small bite, too tired to eat. “What is the next meal?”
Illan scowled at Oyaz. “How can you think of the next feast? I can barely move,” he grumbled.
“I am curious.” Oyaz shrugged then grinned. “Well?” he asked her again.
“I was thinking of burgers, fries, and milkshakes with rock ‘n roll music.” The sound of 1960s music blaring had excitement swooping through her. That was the precursor to dance and nightclubs. Oh! She dropped the pizza slice and launched across the table to grab Oyaz’s hand, ignoring his fluttering eyelashes. “Can we have a club night?”
“What’s that?” Illan straightened then slumped.
She bounced on her seat. “Dancing.”
At her response, Oyaz blinked again, and a scowl marred his lips. “You would have to dance in front of all the males.”
Males? Not men? Regardless, he didn’t like the idea of her doing that, and she wondered why since they would all be dancing. Why would shaking her backside be an issue? “I can get Cyndi and Quin to join in, and you know how to dance now.”
He grumbled something under his breath.
“Besides, imagine Xan’s and Iddan’s expressions when they see their women dancing.” She giggled. “It will be awesome.”
“I do not agree with your awesome,” Oyaz said before he finished his beer. “Come, let me help you clear up.”
Groaning, she pushed herself off the bench. He gathered the platters and jugs to toss into the waste disposal receptacle. She shook off the crumbs from the tablecloths and folded them for tomorrow night’s event, storing them on one of the shelves built into the bulkhead.
“Thanks for this.” She flashed Oyaz a bright smile. Instead of answering her, he held her arm to access her O.D.I., punching the holographic buttons and setting an alarm.
“I’ll see you in the morning. You can meet me here for your session.” He turned to Illan. “Set your O.D.I. for 0430.”
Illan groaned but did so. She watched Oyaz leave, frozen in place. Had he said four-thirty in the morning? “Shit, I’m going to bed,” she said to Illan and Rior. “Especially if he wants me here at that time. Goodnight.”
“Good evening,” Illan said.
With a finger wave, she skipped back to her quarters.
Cyndi greeted her as soon as she walked in. “Hey, sweetheart, where’ve you been?”
Macy glanced at the display vid and grinned. A classic vid was playing, a rom-com for sure. Poor Iddan struggled to stay awake.
“All over.” She gestured to Iddan. “Put him out of his misery and watch something else, Cyndi.”
“Illan told him about the ‘Entertainment’ section. So Iddan chose the vid. Said he liked the idea of a sinking ship. It’s almost finished anyway.” She squeezed Iddan’s hand. The Durn winced, his face twisted as if tortured.
“Just going to shower, then I’m hitting my pillow. Oh, and I’m organizing a dance party. You and Quin have got to come.”
Cyndi hummed a yes but returned her attention to the display vid.
Macy left her to snuggle with Iddan in peace. Her shower was quick, and she once again dressed in her pajamas. Sprawled in bed staring at the ceiling, she reflected on her busy day. She’d never be able to explain to Oyaz how grateful she was to him. Maybe if she gave him the scarf she was knitting? She beamed and rolled over, tucking her hands under the pillow. Images assailed her of his wide eyes and eager smile. Then she would knit a scarf for Illan. And best of all, sleep claimed her immediately.
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