AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Kom waved his handheld at Masok. “He won’t forget. I recorded while he was playing.”
“It was just twaddling.” Matt couldn’t understand why they were excited. He’d possessed talent when he was in his teens, but that had been ten years ago. “It was the guitar that sounded so good.”
“It was you. Come on, check this equipment out. We were going to buy you something to record on anyway.” Masok impatiently waved for him to come closer, then strode across the room to join Matt instead.
“Choose based on specs, not price,” Kom said, his eyes narrowing. “Whatever you decide on, I’m doublechecking the ratings.”
“I have associates who manufacture electronics. I’ll check with them for a lead on who knows this stuff inside and out and buy Matt the best system available,” Avir said. He spoke into his com.
Matt gulped. They were spending money on him again.
* * * *
Matt and the clan had returned to the common room. The clan switched their computers off. They were beginning to discuss what to have for lunch when the apartment’s door announce went off. Kom went to answer it, since no one was expected.
Voices rose from the greeting room. Avir chuckled. “So much for them waiting a couple of days while we get you settled.”
“Who is it?” Matt asked.
“Kom’s parents. You’ve spoken to them, haven’t you?”
“A couple of times. We haven’t met face to face though.” He wished he could return to his suite. Kom’s parent clan had been nice over the com, but how would they be in person?
Something else occurred to him. “Kom’s naked.” As usual.
Masok snickered as he rose from his seat next to Matt and pulled him to his feet. “They’re used to it. He refused to wear clothes from the start. As a toddler, he’d turn blue from cold rather than be wrapped up in a blanket.”
Avir sniffed as they headed down the impossibly long hall. “They brought lunch, so that’s solved.”
The voices no longer came from the greeting room, and the trio veered to the dining room. Matt wanted to enter behind the men, to stay hidden as long as possible. Masok prodded him ahead, insisting he go in first.
Kom was on the other side of the table with four elder Kalquorians. He was the very image of his Nobek father, Satuv, but for the graying hair and clothes. Imdiko Ogso was an impeccably dressed, earnest-looking man. The oldest member, Dramok Barnur, had a weathered but kind face. Matara Jomsas had broad, cheerful features, framed by curly elbow-length hair.
They beamed at Matt. Jomsas fairly flew around the table to grasp his shoulders and declare, “Welcome to Kalquor, Matt. Ancestors, look at you. You’re so tiny! And far cuter in person. How do you avoid being trampled?”
“Mother,” Kom sighed. He flushed in embarrassment.
“I know, I know, but I want to put him behind a containment barrier so no one steps on him. Am I being rude, Matt? Or hurting your feelings? I’m sorry if I am.”
He was overwhelmed by her exuberance, but her delight warmed him and quelled his hesitation. “It’s wonderful to finally meet you in person, Matara Jomsas. Don’t worry; I’m used to scurrying around people’s ankles.”
His joke earned a roar of laughter from everyone. Kom’s fathers joined Jomsas to greet Matt, every bit as friendly as their Matara.
“I hope you like Kalquorian food. We brought a variety from a local restaurant, so there should be something you’ll like. You didn’t have your midday meal yet, right?” Sudden worry pinched Osgo’s expression as he looked at Avir.
“Your timing couldn’t be better. We were just discussing our dining options.” Avir was already unpacking the takeout bins. Masok rushed in from the kitchen, carrying plates and utensils.
In less than a minute, they were seated at the polished table that could have accommodated four times their number. As soon as his mother sat next to Matt, Kom grabbed the seat on the other side of the Earther. Only lifelong stoicism kept him from showing his concern as Jomsas regarded Matt, exhibiting undisguised glee.
“After all these years of Kom hoping to find you, here you are! Here, Earthers love pilchok, from what I understand. Satuv, pass the ronka and wedi. Such a miracle to see you in the flesh, Matt. Have some gusasp too.”
She was filling his plate for him, as if Matt were a child. Kom barely kept the horror from his voice. “My mother, he can choose his own food. You don’t have to—”
“I have to make sure he gets enough before the rest of you inhale every speck. Do you need any help, Kom? Your fake arm looks so real. I could swear you haven’t been disabled.”
“I’m not. Everything works exactly as if nothing ever happened.” He grabbed the bowl of gusasp and the spoon before she could fuss over him too.
“All right, Nobek Grouch, calm down.” Fortunately, or not, her attention returned to Matt. “Were you underfed when you were younger? I’ve seen Earthers, and even the women are rarely so small.”
