use of the word ‘mythology’ you don’t share his beliefs?”
Grantian’s nose twitches, and for a moment he seems uncomfortable. “I share some of his beliefs….” He looks out onto the busy avenue and sighs. “Come. We should get word back to the captain and the others about what we’ve discovered.”
He easily shoulders the same sack of pika fruit that nearly threw my back out as if it’s a pillow. Not that I mind—the way his back and shoulder muscles ripple and flex is a sight I don’t think I can grow tired of.
As we move back onto the main thoroughfare, I’m struck by the advice I had given Varia about giving in to her obvious feelings for Solair. The handsome packaging is just a happy accident. The real appeal of the Kilgari is how nice they are and how they treat us with respect.
Now here I am, trying to give myself the same advice. The thing is, I don’t have a clue as to how I should proceed. Dating in the modern galaxy is often done at the touch of a button on your datapad. Rich males even have the option of dialing up the Companions Academy for a custom-trained mate. How else do people hook up? At a bar? Should I try and get Grantian into one of the local cantinas? No, that’s stupid, given the bombshell we need to drop on Varia and Solair about Solace.
Not to mention that I’m getting way ahead of myself. Just because I’m really into Grantian doesn’t mean the feeling is mutual. There’s no guarantee of that. Damn it, Solair is pretty much an open book, as is Jax, and even the smart ass Swipt is easy to read.
But not this titanic wall of golden-skinned muscle that strides easily beside me. No, this guy would be the all-galactic Twonk champion with a poker face like that. I’m starting to wonder if he’d even react if he got shot. I chuckle to myself when I picture Gratian frowning as he looks down at a bullet hole on his chest, as if to say, “Well isn’t this inconvenient?”
“What’s so funny?”
“Ah—sorry, it’s not easy to explain.” My cheeks flush red as I struggle to change the subject. “Do you think Solair is going to be willing to head to Tartus? Assuming we can find it.”
In response, Grantian fills the avenue with his deep bass rumble. “Do you think Varia will let him not investigate?”
I join in his laughter, which draws stares from the grubby faces of Varia and Marion.
“Where have you been, Lamira?” Varia’s tone brims with admonishment. “I was starting to worry.”
“I’m sorry,” I give her a quick hug, “but I’ve found out something you have to hear.”
I go into my story about the guards, Tartus, and the bombshell of Solace being dropped right into my ear. Her face grows grave, her eyes steely and hard as she considers the implications.
“We need to tell Solair about this straight away. Let’s head back to the Queen and hope he’ll be back soon.”
The four of us work our way through the serpentine twists and turns of the marketplace as we make for the airfield. I notice Grantian is only a step or two behind us, his head on a swivel as he scans constantly for danger. My anxiety is dispelled before such staunch diligence—and the fact that his legs are thicker than my torso certainly helps reassure me. I guess he’s decided the extra attention is worth the risk so he can remain protectively close by.
When we get back to the Queen, Marion conscripts a squad of Frontier women and a couple of Kilgari to help her bear our goods to the mess hall pantry. Grantian, Varia, and I remain at the gangplank, waiting for Solair and Montier’s return.
Eventually we see them heading our way, Solair’s smile of greeting fading as he takes in the somber expressions of his mate and first officer.
“What’s wrong?” His hand drops to the haft of the blaster pistol at his belt.
“It would be better to explain on the ship.” Varia glances around the busy airfield. “Away from prying eyes and ears.”
Solair doesn’t question his mate for a moment. He nods and we all move inside, making our way to the bridge. On the way, Varia raises Fiona on comms and asks her to meet us there.
Once everyone has gathered, Solair in his command chair as Varia lurks behind him, she gestures toward me. “Lamira, will you please tell the others what