Page 42 of Breaking Ties

“We laugh because it is safe to laugh again.” She looked at him. “It is a relief valve for our souls.”

“Svrora, you need to dress for a formal lunch. I have included all your clothing and your shoes. We are passing another Hmrain, and he wishes to consult you on what his future may hold.”

She grimaced and asked, “Will it slow us down?”

“No, he is catching up to us. Our arrival at Aten is still on schedule.”

“Good. How long do I have to get dressed?”

“Twenty-four minutes. I can help.”

“Nope, your help gets a little freaky. Whisper, will you help me get dressed?”

“Sure. I might even have time to do your hair. Let’s go.”

“It’s ten minutes to my room.”

Whisper grinned. “Then, we had better run.”

Vress laughed, kissed her forehead, and let them go.

Aubrey sprinted through the halls and ended up in Vress’s quarters, sweaty and panting. So nothing new.

Whisper said, “Sonic shower now, and I will arrange the pile he left on the bed. Is this a game?”

“He likes to help.”

“Ah. Foreplay. Got it.” Whisper waved her toward the shower.

Aubrey finished and wrapped herself in the robe she kept in the chamber. She walked out, and Whisper said, “He knotted some of the ties. They are clear now.”

“How did you do that? By the time I get them untangled, he’s helping.”

Whisper grinned and wiggled her fingers. “Magic.”

They laughed, and Aubrey was dressed and getting her hair done before the deadline. Twists at the front and a French braid that acted as a coronet went from one side to the other.

“Short hair is tricky, but this looks cute.” Whisper smiled. “If I had a curling iron, I could have gone to town on you.”

“This is nice. Thank you.”

“Now, where do you have to go?”

“Oh, shit, I didn’t ask.”

Whisper nodded and walked to the com on the desk. “Captain, where is Vress meeting the visiting Hmrain?”

“Oh, Miss Whisper. They are meeting at the shuttle dock and continuing in the oxygen farm.”

“Where shall Aubrey go?”

The door opened, and Vress grinned. “The oracle shall go with me.”

Aubrey got up, and he smiled. “You managed.”

“Whisper has a magic touch.”

Whisper snorted, but Vress held his hand out to Aubrey, and she walked toward him and left the room with Whisper behind them.