Haven 4 AVOW - Sandra R Neeley Page 0,43

security on this suite to only General Lo’San’s parents. No other will be able to access these quarters,” Missy said.

“Thank you, Missy,” Synclare answered.

“Two doors down on your right has been assigned to the General’s family as well, and is an exact replica of those already reserved by you. And next door to that is the only additional room available at this time. It is smaller with only one bedroom and a small living area,” Missy said, interrupting their conversation.

As Synclare listened to Missy advising her which additional quarters were available, she didn’t miss Ph‘eel making a snide comment about Earth.

“Isn’t that the primitive planet the Chairman of the Consortium is from?” Ph‘eel hissed on a whisper.

“Bart is indeed from Earth. As is Sirena Vivian of Cruestace. We don’t think it all that primitive,” Synclare answered, finally deciding that she didn’t like Ph‘eel at all.

“You actually know Chairman Bartholomew?” Ph‘eel asked, looking down her nose at Synclare.

“Yes. He visits our Sirena often. Besides, all humans know one another, you know, since Earth is so small and primitive,” Synclare answered, before immediately regretting her sarcasm.

“Ph‘eel, that is quite enough,” Mee’ta said. Then she turned to Synclare. “Forgive Ph‘eel. My beloved daughter in bond is not quite herself. Travel does this to her, and meeting strangers.”

“It’s fine. Let me show you to the other rooms and I’ll be on my way so that you can all recover,” Synclare said. “As I’m sure you heard, there are two more suites of rooms available. One is much smaller…”

“That one is fine for the young ones,” Ph‘eel said.

“I’m not sure there are enough beds for the two boys and their nanny,” Synclare said.

“Au’revele can find somewhere to sleep, the floor if nothing else, I’m sure,” Ph‘eel said dismissively. “If we could hurry, I’d like to rest a bit and prepare myself for my reintroduction to Lo’San.”

“Oh, you’ve met Lo’San?” Synclare asked, not aware of the history that Ph‘eel and Lo'San shared.

Ph‘eel gave a disdainful huff. “I should say so. Very few know him as well as I.”

“Oh. Well, I’m happy you were able to come along as well,” Synclare said.

After seeing everyone to their rooms, Synclare returned to the room that had been assigned to the nanny, Au’revele, and the two boys. She stood outside and waited for Missy to announce her presence. Almost without pause the door opened and Au’revele stood there, eyes downcast, waiting to see what Synclare needed. “May I be of assistance?” she asked quietly.

“I wanted to be sure you have somewhere comfortable to sleep,” Synclare said.

Au’revele’s eyes peeked up to briefly meet Synclare’s before returning to the floor. “I’ll be fine, miss,” she answered.

“But do you have somewhere other than the floor to sleep?” Synclare insisted.

“I can sleep on the sofa. I’ll be fine.”

“I can have another bed delivered,” Synclare offered.

“No, thank you, miss. That would only bring undue attention. The sofa is very soft and will be more than enough,” Au’revele answered.

“Alright then, but if you need anything at all, do not hesitate to let me know. There is no reason for anyone other than you and myself to know you’ve spoken to me,” Synclare said, feeling like the female was most likely not treated very well.

“Thank you, miss. But I’m fine,” Au’revele answered.

Synclare nodded, which Au’revele didn’t see because she didn’t raise her gaze to Synclare’s again, and then turned to walk away, having done all she could.

“Miss?” Au’revele asked.

“Yes!” Synclare said, turning back to the female.

“Is there a place for the boys to run and play. It is not fair to keep them inside these rooms for the extent of their visit.”

“I’m sure there is. Let me speak to Lo’San about where they can play. I’ll let you know,” Synclare said.

“Thank you, miss,” Au’revele answered.

“I’m Synclare. You don’t have to call me ‘miss’,” Synclare said, trying to let the girl know she was not above her in any way.

“I’m a servant, miss. You are not. Thank you for your assistance with finding an outlet for the young ones’ energy,” Au’revele said, before stepping back from the doorway and allowing it to close.

Chapter 12

Synclare stepped onto the Command Deck and quickly scanned those busily working for Lo'San. He was not there.

“Synclare, may I be of assistance,” Re’Vahl asked.

“I was looking for Lo'San,” she said hesitantly.

“He left the deck some time ago. I shall tell him you wish to speak with him,” Re’Vahl said politely.

“Thank you, Lieutenant Commander Re’Vahl,” Synclare answered as she turned to leave the Command Deck.