Page 44 of Zalis
Gemma slammed the spoon down on the table. A jolt of surprise rippled through the crowd as everyone in the mess hall became aware of their disagreement.
“Have you ever considered,” she said in a quiet tone, leaning over the table, “that all I’ve eaten for weeks was kibble? The hospital didn’t let me eat solids. It was all pudding or soup. My body needs to adjust to solid food again.”
Zalis ran a hand over his horns. “I have not considered this. My apologies.”
“I know my body and I’m not one to let myself go hungry. I’ll eat what I please, when I please, and how much. Got it?”
“Understood.”
Gemma held his gaze for a long moment before relaxing back into her seat. She picked up her spoon. “Good.”
He had failed to listen; the only piece of advice his mother gave him.
“What’s that look for?” Gemma asked, sipping at a spoonful of soup.
“I have no look.”
The eyebrow rose again. How she conveyed so much skepticism and reprimanded him at the same time was astonishing.
“What happened to honesty?” she asked, taking another mouthful. “That was your rule.”
“My mother advised me to listen to your needs. My performance has been underwhelming.”
“Your mom sounds smart.” Now she dipped a bread roll into the soup. Good. “What else did she say? Give yourself the grace to make mistakes?”
“Quoting my own mother to win an argument. I am unsure if I should be offended or impressed,” he said in a lighthearted tone.
“As long as we agree that I won,” she said, flashing a smile made of pure sunshine. “When do we leave for that place, Val Mori?”
“Ten days. TheJudgment isenroute now,” he answered.
“Just for clarification because I’m sure it was mentioned yesterday during the orientation, you run on Sangrin time, right?”
“Correct, although a Sangrin day is shorter than an Earth day by six minutes.”
“Close enough for horseshoes and hand grenades,” she said, which made no sense, “and no math or time conversion. What about my things on Earth? My stuff’s not all heirlooms, but there are some sentimental items I’d like to have.”
“There are services that can ship your possessions. Make a list of the items and it will be arranged.”
“How much does it cost? I’ve got some savings.”
“I will pay the expense.”
“You don’t have to do that.”
“What else is credit for?”
Her lips twitched in amusement. “Spoken like someone who’s never had to worry about paying the bills.”
That was true. The clan provided for all his physical needs. His recreational pursuits were modest. His credits went largely unused. He said, “We receive a stipend. You are not the first mate to have possessions to be shipped or sold. It would please me to be able to do this for you.”
Gemma hesitated before agreeing. “All right. I’ll make a list. What’s the plan for the rest of the day?”
Zalis had a plan. He pushed aside an empty dish and laid down a tablet. “Thirty-six questions designed to increase intimacy.”
“Oh wow. You get that list from the internet?”
“You said you wished to know me better. I will show you my favorite place on the ship and we can discuss the questions. The authorities on human courting customs inform me that this is ideal.”
