Page 30 of Temple

Two huge cables shot over their hull and into the space they should have been in. “That would be why.”

She swirled around and got into her atmospheric entry angle. The hull lit up, and she dropped concealment. Bailey got them to the coordinates with style and grace. When they left the large shuttle, a group of companions surrounded them and led them to the guesthouse.

* * * *

Zell frowned. “Whyhaven’t they called?”

Symo smiled. “Because we specified that they had to be at the Temple. If they are elsewhere, they are free.”

Zell growled. “I will find her. Let’s go down.”

“We made an agreement. Now, we have to change our tactics.”

“What?”

“We simply tell them that we want to engage in consorts from their fair world. You do know that they can’t refuse us, right?”

Zell paused. “Oh. Right.”

Symo filed the petition, and the matron flicked on his screen three minutes later. “Masters. How kind of you to come to our humble world to seek out consorts, and very clever, Master Symo. Very clever, indeed.”

“You flatter me, Matron. So, Zell and myself are on the way down. We will see you within the hour.”

The matron’s eyes went wide. “Yes, Overseers, we await your arrival.”

The call ended, and Symo got to his feet. “Right. Let’s go. She’s warning our ladies as we speak.”

Zell scowled. “What will they do?”

“Well, having met Bailey a few times, I can only say I look forward to being surprised.” Symo chuckled. “You have your contract?”

“Yes. It is embarrassing to be directed in this manner.”

“You have rested for some time. These Terrans are amazing, but they are emotionally damaged. They watched everything they hoped for disappear in front of their eyes. Finding their place in the stars has been difficult for some. I am hoping Bailey has had enough time. Controlling myself with her will be the most difficult part.”

Zell sighed and held up his tablet. “Let’s go.”

Symo grinned. “Let’s.”

* * * *

Sage got into homeclothes and sat in relief. No ties, no binding, no restriction. Just loose robes and plenty of air moving around her.

Bailey was in her battlesuit and smiling as the companions tried to coax her out of it. Sage knew just what to say. “Bailey, there is a pool out back for swimming. You are welcome to it.”

Bailey groaned. “That is the most tempting offer I have had since I was offered a place on a shuttle.”

“You are welcome to take the offer.” Sage smiled. “If you are attended, it might help some of the companions realize that not all bodies are perfect and smooth but are still beautiful.”

“Flatterer.”

One of the nearby companions smiled at her and said, “It’s a lovely pool, lady. I would be delighted to escort you and assist you. I have dealt with bio-suits before.”

Bailey sighed. “Fine. I could use a swim.”

Sage smiled and watched the combat instructor lead Bailey to the pool. It was an excellent distraction as the matron came toward them at speed.

Matron moved as smoothly as she could, but she was panting as she stopped. “They are coming. They seem to have remembered they have the right to claim any consort from any population. They will be here within the hour.”

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