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“It wasn’t that bad,” I said, although it would’ve been a lot harder if Jasper hadn’t found a job on the same station I went to.

Tishora purred. “You’re such a brave human.”

“Have you met any other humans?” Gislorum asked.

“No,” I said, lying through my teeth. “The universe is vast, and there aren't many of us out there. I’m lucky to have Cleo in my life.”

They all purred, and several of them spoke at once about how strong I was to have managed so long without a Talin master to take care of me.

I heard Tolly’s amused rumble behind me. It was nice to have a shared joke.

The dinner was enjoyable, but by the time the food was all gone and we’d played a few more games, I was tired.

Scooting back against Tolly, I exaggerated a yawn. Tolly was quick to act.

“Opal needs to rest,” he said, wrapping his arms around me and tucking me close.

Moreum stepped up. “This event is now finished. Please leave quietly and calmly. Have a fruitful rotation.”

I expected some arguments, but they all got up and left without making a sound except for purring. When the four lottery winners were gone, Moreum crouched down in front of me.

“Are you in distress or truly only fatigued?” she asked. “If this went too long, I can stop it sooner next time.”

“Oh, um, no, this was fine,” I said. “I’m only a little tired.”

Moreum sounded a rumble of agreement. “You were able to converse for three marks. That was much longer than I expected. You did very well, Human Opal. Next time, if you need to end the event, do the same thing you did this time.”

“Thanks, Law Keeper Moreum,” I said. Feeling affectionate for this Talin, I reached out to pat her knee. “Can I give you a nickname?”

Moreum sounded an excited rattle. “I’d be honored.”

“Do you like the sound of Mora?” I asked.

“Yes,” she agreed. “Please use that from now on. Tell the other humans they can use it also.”

I grinned. “I will.”

“Do you need to rest here for a while, or should we make our way back to your suite right now?” Moreum asked.

I didn’t have a reason to linger in the room, but I didn’t feel like going back to the suite. While I hesitated, a new Talin walked into the room.

Moreum jumped to her feet and smacked her chest. “Greetings, Station Director Hestorum.”

Tolly moved to stand up, but Hestorum was quick to make a negative rattle. “Remain seated.”

She moved further into the room and knelt in almost the exact same position as Moreum had been in.

“Greetings, Human Opal,” she said with a purr. “I’m pleased to meet you. You’ve been an asset to this station.”

“Hi,” I said. I looked up at Tolly hoping he’d be able to guide me on what to say to the station director. This Talin had a lot of power over us, and we needed to be careful.

Thankfully Hestorum didn’t need us to say anything.

“I’ve had several in-depth conversations with Healer Grifforum about Human Cleo,” she said. “After she gives birth, they should stay here for at least forty rotations. I want to assure you that all of you can stay here also.”

“Thank you,” I said when she paused. She sounded a rumble of agreement and continued talking.

“Your owners won’t be charged for anything, and I won’t increase the frequency of these dinners. I also won’t request that Human Cleo or Human Sloane attend. I understand that breeding humans are delicate. Grifforum has also explained that Human Sloane might never truly recover.”