Haven 4 AVOW - Sandra R Neeley Page 0,39
envoy to many looking for repatriation, as well as a start to a new life. If I thought we were truly aboard a ship that is strictly patrolling the multiverse looking for battles to be had, I’d never have considered bringing Lo’San’s family aboard. I want to do this for him, so that he can know he’s at peace with his family.”
Zha Quin listened to Synclare’s plea to allow Lo’San’s family to visit him, a surprise visit to him aboard ship. He thought about how much it ate away at him when he and Rokai were estranged. And that alone was enough to make him give in to her demands. “Very well, Synclare. I’ll approve the visit by his family. However, make it very clear to them, they will be watched closely to be sure they are not out of line in any way. And they must, of course, have to go through all security clearances.”
“His mother said it wasn't necessary to confirm with her. It’s only necessary that we send them confirmation of a transport date.”
“I shall include my conditions for granting their visit in the confirmation we send,” Zha Quin said.
“Thank you, Quin. I think it’s going to change everything for him. He’ll be a much different male when they leave,” Synclare said, grinning.
“You are welcome, Sink Lar.”
~~~
Ph‘eel reclined on her lounge pillows and lifted a graceful hand toward the tablet that sat on a table two feet from her. “Answer that,” she whined to the servant nearest her.
“Yes, miss,” the servant responded, before picking up the tablet and establishing a connection for the incoming communication.
“Why am I speaking to you?” a female’s voice snapped.
The servant didn’t even have time to answer before Ph‘eel was standing beside her and snatched the tablet from her hands. “Give me that!” she ordered.
The servant knew no matter what she said or did, it would always be contradicted, it was the way with her mistress, so she simply handed the tablet over and returned to cleaning the rooms of the expansive home as she always did.
“Mother ‘San!” Ph‘eel said, looking into the tablet.
“Ready your household, Ph‘eel. I have received confirmation from Commander Zha Quin Tha Tel Mo’ Kok that our request for a visit has been granted.
“Oh! How exciting,” Ph‘eel said. “Is he very dominating? Very large and imposing as everyone says?” she asked.
“I did not speak directly to him. I spoke to his Communications Master — some small being called a Vennie, whatever that is. At any rate, they have promised to keep the visit a surprise until we arrive.”
“Wonderful! It won’t be long until Lo'San is my first husband as he should have been all along,” Ph‘eel said.
“I’ve been considering that, Ph‘eel. We cannot let them know we have any motive other than a family that misses its eldest son. That includes you paying homage as Ko’San’s wife. Should they become suspicious they may very well have us removed from the ship before we’re able to bring Lo'San back into our fold. You will have to play your part well.”
“He will not be able to resist me,” Ph‘eel said confidently.
“He will not tolerate you as long as the female he has claimed is at his side. You will play the part of a quiet, loving, supportive wife to Ko’San. You will not give any indication that you still have a desire to make Lo'San part of your home until his female is removed from his side. Am I clear?”
“Yes, Mother ‘San. I can do that. It will not be easy, but I can do that.”
“And you will be pleasant while doing it.”
“Yes, Mother ‘San. I will,” Ph‘eel promised.
Chapter 11
Lo'San, along with Re’Vahl, were on duty late in the day when a returning transport requested docking permission.
“Bring that one in,” Lo'San said, standing back to watch Re’Vahl go through the proper protocol.
“Yes, General,” Re’Vahl responded. Re’Vahl stood beside Vennie, and oversaw the operation as the Communications Master began the process of bringing the transport in.
Lo'San went about other duties as he just barely kept attention on Re’Vahl, having no doubt that Re’Vahl was completely qualified to oversee the arrival of their returning transport.
He heard Re’Vahl and Vennie as they discussed the weight load the transport carried, the lifeforms aboard, assisted the pilot as he navigated their approach, and assigned him a dock as his smaller transport actually entered the huge, Command Warship 1, and the airlock sealed behind it. And he heard Re’Vahl ask where exactly the transport was returning from.
“Eschina