Haven 4 AVOW - Sandra R Neeley Page 0,41

disappointed, or angry, or both.

She heard the pneumatic seal on the transport releasing behind her, and he did, too.

Lo'San stared her in the eye for only a second longer before turning and walking away from her, and his family that were preparing to exit the transport.

“Lo'San!” Synclare called, following him a few steps before coming to a stop when he didn’t slow his pace, or turn around to look at her.

Then she heard the door open and heard voices. Her stomach was a bundle of nerves, and she was worried about the fact that it seemed she’d hurt her husband, albeit unintentionally, as she pasted a smile on her face again and turned to face his family.

“Where is my son?” a female asked one of the males who attended their transport.

Synclare listened to the translation that immediately followed as the male was getting them unloaded and on their way into Command Warship 1.

“He’s on duty. I’m sure he’ll make himself available as soon as he can,” the warrior answered.

Synclare watched as a matronly woman, with skin a bit lighter than Lo'San’s stepped off the transport accompanied by a male who looked like Lo'San would in about 50 years.

“Are you the female my son has claimed?” the woman asked, coming to a stop in front of Synclare.

Synclare again waited for the translation, then responded. “Yes, I am. I am Synclare. Welcome Mee‘ta, welcome to Command Warship 1. How was your trip?” Synclare asked, doing her best to seem happy and welcoming.

“Not as smooth as one would have hoped. But we managed,” the woman answered. The male standing behind her offered her a slight bow. “This is Lau’San, he is Lo’San’s father.”

“I’m very pleased to meet you,” Synclare said.

The male smiled at her but offered no greeting.

“I cannot believe Lo’San sent such a basic transport for us. Surely he knows we are accustomed to more genteel treatment. We deserve to be treated as our status indicates!” a young female stated, stomping off the transport and onto the metal catwalk.

“Ph‘eel!” Lo’San’s mother snapped. “Do not be ungrateful! And remember, Lo’San isn’t aware of our visit. His… mate… arranged our transport.”

Ph‘eel instantly shut her mouth, then looked around until her gaze landed on Synclare. “Are you Lo’San’s mate?” she asked incredulously.

“Of course, she is!” Mee‘ta answered, speaking for Synclare. “She is perfect for him, do you not think? Tall yet unassuming, slender, quite interesting to look at. I dare say, he picked the perfect mate,” Mee‘ta said, flashing her version of a smile as she unabashedly examined Synclare as her gaze went from her head to toes.

“Thank you,” Synclare said, making a mental note that Mee‘ta’s smile was cold and calculating enough to remind one of a shark back on Earth.

Ph‘eel made her own examination of Synclare before she finally spoke again. “Of course. I forget my place. I am accustomed to never leaving my home and having all my conveniences at my fingertips. Forgive my slip of manners. And may I add my thanks for arranging our visit to our beloved Lo'San? He has been long away from us.”

A slight rumble sounded from behind Ph‘eel, and another male stepped into view, holding the hand of a younger version of himself.

Synclare’s mouth dropped open as she looked in the eyes of a male that was almost an identical twin of Lo'San.

“Yes, they do have quite a similar appearance, do they not?” Mee‘ta asked.

“You must be Lo’San’s brother! He’s spoken about you to me many times. He’s missed you greatly,” Synclare said, grabbing onto the hope that maybe his brother being here would give Lo’San some happiness about his family’s arrival.

Ph‘eel smiled when Ko’San didn’t reply. “You may speak, Ko’San. She is, after all, family.”

“I’m pleased he’s missed me,” Ko’San said with no emotion at all.

“Perhaps if you could escort us to our lodgings, we can rest a bit and prepare to properly greet my son,” Mee‘ta said.

“Of course, Mee‘ta. Forgive me. If you’ll just follow me,” Synclare said, turning and leading the way down the catwalk.

“Bring them along quietly,” Ph‘eel said, which caused Synclare to glance over her shoulder.

Synclare was surprised to see a beautiful girl, with silver skin, decorated with white tattoos, following along behind the family. Her hair was a darker shade of silver than her skin, and her features were delicate, even more so than Ph‘eel’s. The girl kept her eyes downcast and carried one young boy on her hip while holding the hand of the older child that Ko’San had