Page 80 of Warrior's Captive
She snorted. “Once the birth is registered, I can file for citizenship. And then I can apply for the permits to open my studio and hire local staff.”
He looked pleased. “Went over your business plan while you were sleeping. Solid.”
“That’s all you have to say? Even without Ibukay’s recommendation, my plan to start an apprenticeship program and hire local staff right away is designed to weigh in my favor. It will be seen as contributing to the economy rather than simply taking from it.”
“Like I said. Solid. But first we have to name Baby.”
* * *
“I have a surprise for you,” Tai’ri said, stepping onto the balcony.
When they’d arrived home, Vivian settled onto the living room couch, the nearby table laid out with everything she would need. Diapering supplies, drinks for herself, an entertainment pad for reading and vids. Tai’ri would be home for several more weeks as well, working from his home office and spending time with them.
She glanced up from her breast where the baby was nursing. He held a large data pad in his hands, and a black box. She watched him connect the pad to the box, spend several minutes inputting some kind of code and speaking to Evvek when she finally priced together the technical jargon.
“Tai’ri? Are you setting up an interstellar comm link?”
He glanced at her and smiled. “Surprise. Going to take an hour or so on our end. The relay is—well, never mind. But your parents are on the other end on a YETI ship, standing by.”
She waited, nerves dancing during the time it took for the relay to connect. The signal dropped several times before fixing. She didn’t mind—normally no one but government officials and people with very deep pockets were able to use the interstellar relays. She’d take even a shoddy connection over now. Ibukay must have come through.
Her parents’ faces appeared on the wide monitor. Vivian blinked rapidly, maintaining her composure. She knew that her apparent calm, more than anything, would work to reassure her parents that she was well.
“Mother, Father,” she said. “I’m happy to see you.”
Her mother said nothing as they studied each other. Nadine Huang considered hair dye vulgar and allowed her hair’s few silver strands free rein. A few lines at the corners of her eyes were new, stress or age Vivian couldn’t tell. Her golden-brown skin was still smooth, taut over fine bones. Behind her, her father stood with his hands on his wife’s shoulders, his expression more open. Tightly curled dark hair was cropped close to his scalp, and deeper grooves bracketed his eyes and mouth, his dark brown skin still smooth and youthful. Joy shone from his dark eyes.
“Daughter,” he said. “We’re overjoyed you are alive and well.” He hesitated. “We don’t fully understand what happened. Why are you on Yedahn?”
Vivian’s eyes closed for a moment. She had hoped Ibukay would have explained everything so she wouldn’t have to fumble her way through awkward explanations, but she should have known better. Ibukay would have said only what was necessary to get her parents on the call, and nothing more.
Taking a deep breath, she began a halting explanation beginning with her kidnapping, and ending with . . . Mayleen.
Her mother stared at Tai’ri as she spoke, then shifted her gaze to Vivian. “He is very blue,” she said in Mandarin.
“He is Yadeshi, mother.”
“Blue is a good color. It is for healing.”
“He can understand Mandarin,” Vivian said apologetically, but her heart lightened. It was her mother’s tacit blessing.“Tech.”
Nadine’s gaze scanned the room behind Vivian. “This is your home?”
“Yes.”She had deliberately chosen the living area with a view of the sleek kitchen and balcony. The elegant furniture and crystal embedded countertops screamed prosperity.
“He is not poor.” A glint of satisfaction in her mother’s dark eyes.
“No, mother.”
“We hope he’s kind as well,” her father interjected in Standard. He understood Mandarin better than he spoke it.
“Very kind.” Vivian smiled.“He and his family have welcomed me and Mayleen into their family.”
Her mother’s stare was keen. She switched back to Standard. “You aren’t coming home. I can hear it in your voice.”
Vivian froze, then swallowed. “No. I . . . don’t think it’s best, considering the baby.”
“Good.”
