Laser by Viola Grace Page B

fair that a female of the invaders be the mother of another generation of Metskiat royals, but no Oekkuadi can set foot on Metskiat again. By consummating the marriage on the station, she will be ritually transformed by custom into her husband’s kind.”
    “Ooookaayyyyy.” She supposed that her own family’s wedding rituals would be just as strange to an alien eye.
    “One day, I will tell you how the Wezians formalize a union. Here is a hint, we do it in public.” He waggled his brows at her and began a series of button tappings and slides.
    “Why doesn’t Stinger bring us in?”
    I do not like to dock. I hate scraping my hull.
    “I don’t know. I just know I was told to always fly into stations on manual assist.”
    Lee covered her grin and nodded.
    The station got larger, and he settled them against the docking locks.
    “Her family and the government officials will be at a ceremony near the launch area. We will meet them and take possession of the bride at that point.”
    She nodded, and when she felt them lock in place, she released her harness and got to her feet.
    His uniform was different, a solid deep blue that matched his hair. The webbing design was still in play but it was tighter. Even his hair was tied tightly and flowed down his back in a neat tail.
    Lee sighed. “Maybe I should look into a bit of a wardrobe.”
    He held her hand out again and walked with her toward the stairs. “The Metskiat have a good fashion sense, they might be able to assist you.”
    “I don’t have anything to pay with.” She made a face.
    “You have earned two missions’ worth of pay. That is enough for a wardrobe.”
    “We will have to look into it later.” She was suddenly nervous and her fingers closed tightly on his before they walked down the stairs toward the door that would start this assignment.
     

Chapter Nine
     
     
    The gathering was indeed just inside the dock area. Lee was surprised to see so many folks here for what seemed a traditional hostage exchange.
    Sting introduced himself and Laser, and they were escorted to the dais with the government representatives. They were to stand and witness, waiting for their cue.
    “For our crimes against the people of Metskiat, we offer this bride to atone for our family and our race.” The family stepped forward with the bride swathed in a rainbow of fabrics.
    The tawny skin of the Oekkuadi were pale but the faces were determined. The mother and father each took one hand of the swathed creature and pressed her hands to their cheeks. The siblings lined up and did the same. Based on the ages and heights, the young woman was indeed the oldest of the family.
    “For our crimes and our atonement, I offer myself to the rulers of Metskiat.” The woman’s voice rang true.
    The politicians came up, knelt and she touched each of their cheeks. Her delicate hands were all that was visible behind her veils.
    Laser watched and listened to the music. When the interlude was over, it was finally time for Laser and Sting to step forward.
    Sting spoke for them, but it was Imperium Common so Laser could understand.
    “We take guardianship of your daughter. Her safe delivery to Metskiat is our highest priority.”
    Laser saw that they were waiting for something else. She stepped close to the bride and the other woman touched her cheek. Laser was the only one who saw that the woman pulled her hand back with a jerk.
    “Be safe with us, Alhuradia Nastuacon.” Laser smiled toward the point where the woman’s eyes were under the veils.
    The bride nodded and turned toward her people, bowing low and then turning her back. That was the signal.
    Laser guided her off the dais and back to Stinger with Sting on the bride’s other side.
    Laser was a little surprised, but she accepted the new arrangement when the hold had been transformed into a casual living space. She coaxed the bride to the couch and helped her to sit.
    Sting headed up the steps and left them alone.
    Laser smiled at her