Page 29 of Breaking Ties

She paused. “Can you show me images of the crew on the warship and the average appearance of your people?”

He blinked. “I can. Do you have a tablet?”

She pulled her tablet out of the small case that hung from the belt around her pretty dress. She handed it to him.

He brought up a crew roster and showed her.

She smiled and tapped one. “We can bring Alyssa. He’s hers.”

He chuckled. “That is what you wanted?”

“I know what the ladies with Hmrain or descendants look like. There are more who are not in that grouping.”

Understanding came over his features. He took the tablet back and brought out an average display of his people. She looked. “Nope. Not in this batch.”

He blinked. “So, one?”

“If she will come with us. I will speak with her. Do you have fabricators?”

“I do.”

“Excellent. Let’s go.”

She moved to swing her legs off him, but he said, “Oh no. I am going to hold you for a while. You are taller than previous companions, and I am setting my senses to your configuration.”

She blushed and said, “Do you know where the education centre is?”

“Yes.”

Her guards were amused, and they surrounded them both. Vress’s guard returned from the registration, and when Vress paid for the meal, without letting go of her, he carried her through the station with long strides that her guard was glad to use finally.

She waved at a few familiar faces, and grins were seen across the station as they walked. She asked, “If any want to come with us who aren’t taken, can they?”

“Yes, I will purchase their bonds, Aubrey.”

“Cool. Are you in need of any skill sets?”

“Analysts are always in need, but we have a thriving jewellery trade, so we require everyone from cleaners to administrators, or even artisans if she has those skills.”

“Nice. I am going to check through some of the ladies before we get there.”

“We will be there in three minutes.”

“I know.”

She grinned, and her fingers flew over the tablet, pulling up four additional ladies who wanted to work for a living. “I have four plus Alyssa.”

“Five is reasonable. If you have their sizes, we can start with ship clothing for them.”

She sighed. “Nope. I will have to find something for them here.”

“Don’t. The textiles are much better at home.”

“Okay. I will let them know that they can use a fabricator on the ship and nicer stuff at home. Take it out of my extra funds.”

He chuckled. “I now see why you wanted extra funds. These are crafts?”

“Funny. I didn’t think you would be funny.”