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Dawn had no idea where to go or what to do once she left Venik. His parents had appeared saddened for obvious reasons and she didn’t want to make things difficult for him by lingering.
The overhead announcement confirmed it was safe to debark if anyone wanted to. Before Dawn could decide if she wanted to see her first genuine space port, Harum and the others, including Anders, spotted her hovering indecisively in the hall near the main exit. Crewmembers exited around her as they approached.
“Lom Dawn,” Harum said, drawing near with his gaze alight. “Where is the commander?”
She glanced over the expectant faces. Biryn, Gorsun, and Callie stood slightly behind Anders. “His parents are here.”
A knowing look crossed their faces. Obviously, they knew why. Venik’s previous position and reputation made his personal business public knowledge. That had to be daunting and definitely impacted what they had agreed to try together.
“Would you like company?” Anders asked.
The invite surprised Dawn. She frowned, wondering if there was a deeper motive here. Had Venik communicated to him against the promise he’d made her?
The corner of Anders’s mouth twitched and he held up a three-fingered hand. “Not with me as a guard. All of us are heading down for a break. You are welcome to join.”
Doubts still flickered as she wondered if he told the truth. Harum and the others didn’t quite smile but she sensed their amusement. Dawn masked a sigh. She really didn’t understand these Vassi but figuring them out was an exercise in futility, so Dawn decided to go with the flow. “I’d like that.”
She received a grunt of approval. And that was how Dawn ended up in a bustling spaceport with a swarm of Vassi crowded around her. Regin IV was designed for ships to land near a tunnel that ran the length of the bay and opened into a multi-level cavernous area.
Announcements blared one after the other, safety precautions along with directory instructions among the few Dawn caught. Sounds competed for priority from the chatter of those present to the blips and bleeps of technology she could barely absorb and comprehend.
Leaning over, Anders murmured, “It’s a lot to take in.”
Hell, he was putting it lightly. Dawn gazed high above at the generated lights then back to the shops set up in a maze throughout.
“Food first?” Harum asked.
Dawn waited for the others to respond but they all stared at her. Flushing, she touched her chest. “Me? I have no idea where to even start.”
Callie smirked. “Her backward world doesn’t have the like I’m sure.”
Dawn rolled her eyes. Clearly their temporary alliance, if it could be called that, was over. Gorsun and Biryn glared.
“May I suggest an armory?” Anders interrupted.
Dawn inhaled sharply. Weapons of all type fascinated her and she’d lost her beloved bokken on Earth after battling mindless humans. Whether she’d be able to get another was up in the air. “Really?”
Lips curling, Anders inclined his head. “I have the feeling you’ll be most impressed.”
She would. “Yes. I’d like that. If everyone else is fine with it, that is. I don’t have to be treated like a child with an escort.”
“It will be our pleasure. You made Biryn and my day when you bested the War Bird pilot, Yon. The crew of the Dark Nova can be arrogant,” Gorsun said.
Ha! Dawn snorted. “It seems to be a Vassi trait.”
As soon as the words crossed her lips, heat filled her cheeks and spread down her neck. Anders choked and even Callie’s dark eyes glittered in humor.
“Sorry,” Dawn muttered.
“I would like to apologize for the reception you’ve received from many on the Black Star. We’ve met many different beings and life forms and while you appear the most lacking in technology, it’s not enough to excuse our treatment of you,” Harum said.
Dawn swallowed. “It’s okay, I get it. Unnatural desires.”
He grimaced. “Yes. Unfortunately, that has mainly fueled the gossip and the discord.”
Gossip that was sure to take on a life of its own when they found out she and Venik were seeing this attraction through. Well, Dawn wasn’t going to worry about that today. She had an opportunity to experience space life and alien weapons.
“Which way to the armory?” she asked.
Once more Anders took the lead in responding. “You can find anything on ports like this one but I have the feeling you aren’t as impressed with blasters and rapid fire lasers. I know just the thing you’ll approve of. This way, lom.”
They followed Anders and when he waved Dawn toward an alcove off of the busy main strip, she hesitated. The exterior windows reflected her image back but she couldn’t see inside.
“Go in. You’ll like it,” Anders assured.
Taking him at his word, Dawn stepped through and the automated door slid open at her approach. Inside, she came to an abrupt stop and stood in the middle of a well-lit shop. The windows and walls were two-way and let her see out clearly.
That wasn’t what held her attention, though. She gazed around and gaped. On each wall were long staffs, short swords, bladed stars, knives in varying lengths and an assortment of handheld weapons. Her heart fluttered and she didn’t know where to start.
The shop owner came from behind a hidden door and bowed upon seeing them. His gray skin, wide-set eyes and the two long tendrils hanging from his head implied he was the same race as Corin. “I am Taka, how may I help?”
“Weapons testing,” Harum explained.
Taka didn’t blink. “Which ones hold your interest?”
Anders’ fore ridges rose and fell, his lips peeling back over his razor sharp teeth. “Everything. She’ll look at everything.”
Dawn spun around and her mouth fell open. “I can’t—”
Before she could finish speaking, Anders waved away her complaint and pointed to an arched doorway. “That way is a practice holo room where you can test any and everything that catches your eye in here.”
It was an enticement she couldn’t resist and Dawn went right to the wall and pointed at two circular blades in matted gold with smooth handles made in what resembled cherry wood. Along the edges of the grip were tiny beaded glass work baubles. They resembled mezzaluna knives but with a single smooth place to hold and wield them. Incredible.
“These,” she said. “I’d like to try these first.”
Callie gasped and Gorsun’s stunned look matched Biryn’s. Damn it. Had she done something wrong again? “Am I allowed?”
“You are allowed to test every weapon in here, lom,” Anders said in a firm voice. “Those, in particular, are from Vassi.”
Taka waved his hand over the display of the weapons Dawn wanted. A drawer opened, revealing a stack of bright blue cases. He removed the top one and flipped the lid up. Inside resting on shiny blue cloth lay two of the weapons like the display on the wall.
“What are they?” Dawn asked, undeniably drawn forward. Her fingers twitched at her side with the need to touch.
Taka lifted the two out with his gloved hands. “These are thila. If you will follow me.”
A quick glance showed everyone eyeing various weapons, paying her no mind. Anders eased along her side and murmured, “It will be similar to the holo programs on the Black Star. Take your time and try anything that catches your eye.”
Then he wandered off toward a single long blade mounted on another wall where Harum stood. Giddy, Dawn faced Taka. “I’m ready.”
***
On his way to Dawn’s room, Venik ran into Sevanti in the main corridor as he was about to enter the lift.
“Everything go well?” Sevanti asked.
“Yes. My parents left early to catch a shuttle home.”
They entered the lift and Sevanti selected the lower levels after a nod from Venik.
“And your Earth woman?” Sevanti asked with a suspicious glint in his eyes while they stood shoulder to shoulder as the lift zipped downward.
Venik masked his irritation. “She’s not my Earth woman. As to your question, I haven’t seen Dawn since you saw us earlier. I had hoped to show her around Regin IV.”
The tracking device in the wrist comm would come in useful if he was unable to find her. Surprisingly, Sevanti had the answer. “She left with Anders and Harum. They may have others with them but Towa didn’t mention it when we crossed paths.”
Towa was the youth who’d shared a meal with Dawn. Venik hadn’t got the chance to ask how she knew him. He focused on what Sevanti shared. “Do you know where they were headed?”
The lift doors opened and Sevanti smirked before walking through. “I believe they are still under the impression she needs guarding.”
“I relieved Anders,” Venik snapped as they reached the ramp to exit the Black Star.
Sevanti shrugged and gripped his shoulder as they descended together. “She has won him over, I believe. Apparently, there was a training earlier today with one of the pilots from the War Birds as well as a former Commander who shall remain nameless.”
Venik hadn’t been this uncomfortable in many senims. Sevanti saw too closely due to the friendship they shared. “It was a good demonstration.”
“If you say so.”
They strode through the transportation bay and toward the tunnel that would lead into the Regin IV space port and the various shops inside. Seeing Sevanti follow him and not turn off in the direction of the military offices, Venik asked, “Are you taking time off?”
An inexplicable look crossed his friend’s face. It wasn’t often Sevanti seemed off. Usually, he maintained a capable façade and it was a fact his crew respected and admired him. Not many could find fault with Sevanti’s leadership.
“Can I enjoy being with my close friend without it being questioned?” Sevanti finally countered.
Venik growled low in his throat. If Sevanti thought Venik needed to be watched, he’d punch his friend here and now. “Sevanti!”
Sevanti snorted. “I’m not here to watch you flail around the Earth woman. I needed to get away from duty. You aren’t the only one who had a difficult time with Dima’s passing. I almost lost you on that forsaken world as well.”
Frustration and any concern that Sevanti didn’t trust him faded. Remorse clouded Venik’s hearts. His brother and close friend had spent a lot of time around one another due to their connection with Venik. Dima had considered Sevanti another family member and vice versa.
“I’m sorry I didn’t think of that, Sevanti.”
Sighing, Sevanti waved the apology off. “He was your brother and your pain outweighs any sadness I may have felt.”
By mutual agreement, they continued on in silence, the sights and sounds background noise to Venik as his thoughts strayed to Dawn. He wasn’t worried since she was with members of the Black Star. They would look out for her regardless of any personal feelings Venik had no doubt.
His main concern centered on his uncontrollable desire to be with Dawn. He wanted to be the one who showed her around, observed her wonderment with technology. The few times he’d shown her things on the ship, her expression gave away to amazement. Each time, her reaction clenched a spot in his chest and Venik had to work to appear unmoved.
Things would be different now, though. He’d acknowledged the attraction and agreed to pursue a relationship if any was to be had. Venik still wasn’t completely sure know how he felt about it. He struggled with ingrained cultural demands and the physical ones from his body.
He wanted Dawn. Wanted to experience and explore the passion between them but there was a strong possibility it wouldn’t be feasible due to their bodies. Or more specifically, the Vassi male form. No other females could join with them and what little he’d ascertained about the female form of Earth beings, it would be the same with Dawn.
“Are you going to finally admit the truth to me or keep pretending there isn’t something more than hiku with Dawn Reavers?” Sevanti suddenly asked as they neared the red district.
This section of the spaceport catered to an assortment of hard to find legal and illegal items. One stall, in particular, caught Venik’s eye. His steps slowed. “What do you want me to say, Sevanti? That I find her courage and strength admirable or that I desire her in a way that is perceived as perverse by our people?”
Sevanti stopped abruptly and turned to Venik in shock. His brow ridges twitched before settling. “I understand and concede the admiration. But...you desire her?”
Venik searched Sevanti’s face for revulsion or any other signs of distaste and found none. Only stunned fascination. Venik grunted and turned unerringly for the shop that had caught his attention. “I do. The draw has been there and growing from the moment our paths crossed despite my attempts to resist and ignore it.”
Sevanti trailed behind, his gaze full of curiosity. “How do you imagine that would work? You know—”
Sevanti broke off when he recognized the shop he’d blindly followed Venik to. In an appalled voice, he continued, “Venik! This place sells...”
The words trailed off as Sevanti stared at a vivid holo display onscreen.
Unexpected humor tickled Venik’s spine. It seemed he could still surprise his best friend. “Sex paraphernalia. I know. Feel free to wait outside for me or stay. The choice is yours, High Commander.”
Amusement aside, Venik used Sevanti’s title on purpose to remind his friend of who he was and that he still wore his uniform. While many paid no attention to where visitors spent there time on Regin IV, Sevanti had a reputation to uphold and this was a major hub for Vassi vessels to stop through. There was always the possibility someone would say something that could negatively impact his career.
“Kazijah! I have no intentions of not going in. I admit to a certain...interest in this, if I’m being honest.”
Venik snorted and headed straight for the dark corners. After many senims of travel, he’d learned his fair share of unusual practices. The sign above said it all.
Sexual aids for those inclined. Below the glowing sign sat a terminal comp system on a high table to view the contents inside and offer the ability to purchase them.
He already had a vague idea of what he wanted and would need to be with Dawn physically, as compatibility would be an issue.