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“Altorians do not abuse females,” Ephrod insisted, sounding insulted by the possibility. “Your concern is foolish.”
“She has only our word on that,” Skolat pointed out. “Is your cousin already in training?”
“She is,” Cara admitted with a sigh.
Skolat looked at his source then shrugged. “Trainees are not allowed visitors. However, you can rest assured that she is being provided for and protected. Every trainee is.”
“Oh, I think we can do better than that,” Tov said, his ice-blue gaze smoldering. He looked at Merrik and asked, “Is your aunt in residence?”
“I haven’t spoken with her in a couple of weeks, but I see no reason why she would have left.” Gazing off into the distance, Merrik said, “Commsys, page Provost Nadis Korla, urgency level moderate.”
“One moment, Commander Lilika,” the communications computer responded.
“Can I comm you later, Merrik?” a female voice sounded a short time later. “My new trainee is in the middle of an exercise she has never attempted before.”
“This will just take a second. Who is mentoring Flora, the female they just recovered from Earth?”
The unseen female chuckled. “That would be me.”
“Flora’s cousin is with me and the lack of communication has her half-convinced that Flora is being tortured. I know an actual visit is forbidden at this point, but can you please activate video long enough for Cara to see that her cousin is alive and well?”
“Only for you, Merrik. Only for you.” A holographic scene flickered to life in front of Merrik. The room depicted appeared to be a small lounge or spacious office. Flora knelt in the middle of the floor on a padded mat. Her eyes were closed, features peaceful as she made a repetitive series of motions with her hands. “See, no bruises or dried blood. But I really need to supervise her progress. I will speak with you later.”
The comm ended and Merrik looked at Cara. “Feel better now? Obviously, Flora is unharmed and doing well. Also, my aunt is highly sought-after. It is an honor to be mentored by her.”
“Thank you,” she said earnestly. “That meant more than you know.”
Merrik inclined his head, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “Would you care for a drink before we start the assessment?”
She desperately needed to calm down, so she nodded. “That would be great.” Merrik walked off across the room and her gaze naturally gravitated back to Tov. “And thank you for making the initial suggestion.”
“It was nothing. Now, you have us at a disadvantage, Cara.” Despite the sensual purr in his voice, Tov’s gaze never left her face. “You were given detailed information about us, but we know very little about you.”
“He’s right,” Skolat joined in. “Tell us about Earth.”
Merrik returned with a stemmed glass filled with a pale pink liquid. Their fingertips brushed as she took the glass from him and sensations tingled up her arm. Team three was her favorite. She’d known that before she met them. Unfortunately, she was not the one making the choice.
Discouraged by the thought, she lifted her glass and took a tentative sip. The taste was unfamiliar, yet light and effervescent. She took another drink and smiled. “It’s nice. What is it?”
“The best vineyards in this star system are found on Pyron,” Ephrod told her. “That brand is one of many I stock in my private wine cellar.”
If her father made her marry this jerk, she would smother him in his sleep.
“You, me, and millions of others,” Tov dismissed the boast with a wave of his hand. “Pyronese wines are one of the most popular in our galaxy. It is like a human bragging that they buy beer.”
“I asked her about Earth, not liquor,” Skolat reminded impatiently. “Tell us about your world.”
“Earth is divided into countries, and each country has its own personality.”
“Tov said you are likely from America. Is that true?” Skolat asked.
“It is.” She looked at Tov, unsure if she should be impressed or insulted. “Why was that your assumption?”
“Fugitives must blend with local populations while still having access to accurate information and some way of supporting themselves. Those goals seemed easiest to achieve in America. Likely somewhere relatively remote.”
She shook her head, amazed by the accuracy of his deductions. “I live in Alaska. It’s very much as you described it.”
“That would be more impressive if you were not the only one who has actually been to Earth.” Ephrod tried to mimic Tov’s dismissive tone, but failed.
