Page 55 of Breaking Ties

“Uh-huh. I still need to get into my new job and work through that.”

“Very well. The temple is being constructed. It should be done in a matter of weeks.”

Aubrey blinked. “Weeks?”

“You throw an entire city’s worth of artisans at something, and there are occasionally results.” He smiled. “They are excited to be hosting the oracle. You will be arriving to quite the welcome.”

“Oh. Hurray. Can I wear my fancy headpiece?”

“I am working on something a little more appropriate for you.”

Harwin grinned. “Is it a pyramid?”

“No.” Vress laughed.

“Aww.”

Ra snorted. “She can’t wear a pyramid on her head.”

“You haven’t watched those clips on human fashion shows.”

“No. You keep telling me it will rot my brain.” He smirked.

Aubrey looked for the other ladies, and they had moved to a terminal where they were looking up names. “What are they doing?”

“I have several thousand of your people on this world. I keep their names in that tablet so that those who visit can look for those they know.”

Priya started to cry, and Elly looked excited. Candy hugged them both.

Alyssa was standing there, insecure. Candy spoke to her and hugged her. Alyssa typed in a few names, and she smiled slowly.

Aubrey walked over and said, “What is the result?”

Priya smiled. “My parents and sisters made it.”

Elly nodded. “My brother and his husband made it, with my niece.”

Alyssa smiled. “One of my co-workers is here.”

Aubrey looked at Ra and Harwin. “Is there any way to arrange a video call or a visit?”

Harwin smiled. “We have defenders who can help. We have a few cities open, so it will depend on where they are located. Let me just find out how long Vress is planning on staying, and we will get things organized. We will also have the defender stay with you until you are sure you are welcome. Some who start their lives over want to cut ties with the past.”

Aubrey patted their hands, and their futures were now clear. Candy was the only one who did not have a future on Aten, and it had to do with the defenders.

Aubrey walked to Ra and asked softly, “How many male defenders are looking for partners?”

Ra blinked. “Seven. Are you shopping?”

“Uh, no. But Priya, Elly, and possibly Candy. Her future keeps flickering.”

Ra frowned. “What causes that?”

“Indecision or an external factor, like her possible match finding a match on the way here.”

“Interesting. Is that a normal occurrence?”

“Only in an imbalanced population.” She shrugged.