Page 2 of Alien Burn

Olmed rubbed his thumb along the edge of the seal. He did not open the case.

“They signed it?”

“Every signature required.”

Tori put her hand over his. Together, they lifted the lid.

Inside lay a stone-pressed sheet. An expensive, cumbersome way to keep a record, and one of the few occasions when Dhomhes approved of it. Olmed could hold this. He could read it tomorrow and the next day, without requesting access from a clerk who might refuse him.

He read it now, his lips barely moving. Tori leaned against his shoulder to see.

The argument over the loader continued behind them. A cup broke.

“I can go home,” Olmed said.

Dhomhes nodded.

Tori's fingers tightened around her mate's wrist.

“If you want to,” Dhomhes added.

“We like it here,” she said.

“Then stay,” Dhomhes said. “Though I hope you'll visit. Khalzin could use the encouragement.”

Olmed laughed roughly, then looked down at the document again. Dhomhes occupied himself with the tea Tori pushed toward him.

When Olmed finally closed the lid, he kept both hands on it.

“Thank you.”

“I gave you my word.”

“You did.”

For a moment, Dhomhes almost left it there. Olmed should have had the rest of the day to sit with Tori and decide what going home might mean.

But the Galactic Alliance ship would be on Kantenan soon.

“There is something I'd like to ask you.”

Tori set her cup down hard.

“Of course there is.”

Dhomhes slid the case toward her. “That is finished. Whatever he says next, it stays finished.”

She took it off the table and put it in her lap.

“Ask,” Olmed said.

“Khalzin's mating program. You've heard about it?”

Olmed glanced at Tori. “I may have mentioned that mating with off-worlders has been known to work.”

“You may have mentioned it several times,” she said.

“I intend to be unbearable when he proves it,” Dhomhes told her. “Unfortunately, some of our people are less enthusiastic. They're buying information about the program. Travel schedules. Access to Coalition households. I want to know who's paying.”