Page 110 of Grulen

“Wonderful.The kids here are great.You’ll find several Svesti come by regularly to help, too.”

“Grulen will come to his senses eventually.”

“Maybe.I’m not sure I can trust him after this, though.”Morgan glared at her cookie.

“He’s male, Morgan.It doesn’t matter what species they are.All of them make stupid decisions thinking they’re being noble or something.It’s our job to make them see the error of their ways and forgive their idiocy.”Ava grabbed the cookie from Morgan’s hand.“She didn’t mean it, sweetie.She’s just pissed at her male.”

Morgan giggled.

“You’re talking to a cookie?”

“Made you laugh, didn’t I?”Ava winked.

“You women are insane.”

“Maybe, but we’re loyal.”The redhead pursed her lips.“We’ve been lucky.Not a mean bitch in the mix so far.As more humans relocate here, we’re bound to see that change.We need to set the example.Most of us have experienced some sort of trauma or hardship, either on Earth or out here.I think it makes the bonding tighter between us.”

“I haven’t really heard the stories about how you guys ended up on theInvictus.”

“Oh, girl, let me fill you in.”

When Ava finished, Morgan blinked.

“Holy shit.All of that happened?”

“I’m sure I probably forgot a thing or two, but for the most part, it’s pretty much how it went.”

“No wonder you guys are close.”

“You’re part of our ride or die group now.We’re equal opportunity here.”

Morgan laughed at Ava’s outrageousness.

“I’m glad I came back to Costonia.”

“We’re happy you’re here.”Ava clinked her milk glass to Morgan’s.

Back at the palace, Morgan made a face at the women in her living area.

“Really?A Court dinner tomorrow?”

“Yes, Traxen insists all of us are there.”Rachel waved a hand.

“I don’t have anything to wear.”I don’t want males touching me like Ava mentioned.

“That’s why we’re here.”Natasha held up some samples of fabric.“I can whip up something quickly.Or we can synthesize something.”

“Kara’s synthesizer is working now on our gowns,” Rain said.

“I really have to go?”Morgan whined.

“If I have to dress up, so do you.”Emmy’s foot tapped.“I hate getting all dolled up.”

“But Devik loves it,” Lin said with a smile.

“True.”Emmy sighed.“The last time we almost didn’t make it back to our quarters before he…”

Lin covered her ears.

---