Page 5 of I Married Kayog
“But that’s not the case!”
“Iknow that, buttheydon’t. People need to see you actually chill and enjoy a good time in a laidback setting. You need to be seen as approachable to maximize your time here making connections,” Tala continued in a big sister tone. “Anyway, Mr.Perfect never mingles with the crowd. Therefore, you’ll be safe from his smirk.”
I made a face at her, and she chuckled in response.
“Fine, you bully,” I muttered.
She laughed, kissed my cheek, hooked her arm with mine, and led me to the other section of the campus I hadn’t seen yet before our next class.
Chapter 2
Linsea
Ilanded in front of the Iron Empire Club, folding my massive wings behind me as soon as I touched the ground. It was a remarkable architectural creation with a modern industrial gothic style. I walked up the stairs nodding at a few people in the crowd, some standing outside while a few others were also making their way inside. As I passed through the open heavy metal doors, I couldn’t help being impressed by the interior design.
In my mind, I had pictured a dark, cluttered, and slightly claustrophobic space meant to force intimacy. Instead, a pleasantly elegant hall beckoned me, with sharp lines, exposed beams, the occasional cement walls, minimalist decor, and huge windows that let the place breathe. Although it was currently being used as a club and concert venue, it could easily serve for more formal events.
Any misgivings I previously had about coming faded away. Tala had been right about this being the perfect networking scene. It was classy and yet agreeably informal and relaxed.As was to be expected based on the type of students attending Acadia, the crowd comprised many different species, most of the people being the offspring of influential political, scientific, and socio-cultural figures. There was a reason Acadia had some of the strictest and most thorough background check requirements for admission.
With my family evolving in some of the highest ranks of the political and legal spheres, I was acquainted with many of the people present. However, I needed to turn these acquaintances into actual alliances and maybe even friends. Beyond the fact that I had too much pride to simply rely on my good name to open doors, personal relationships went a long way into helping us achieve goals that could be otherwise heavily challenged.
I made my way to Tala, who was having an animated conversation with Colin Wilson. It surprised me that he should be here. Being an over achiever, at the age of 35, Colin had already earned a position as Senior Director of the Enforcers—the galactic peacekeeping forces under the umbrella of the United Planets Organization.
The UPO acted as a moderator and protector to ensure the peaceful coexistence of its various member planets. It helped define and enforce the rules of conduct for fair trade, territorial sovereignty, guidelines on interacting and protecting primitive worlds, vetoed or approved colonization efforts of new planets, as well as helped navigate galactic disputes in all their forms. My mother worked as a negotiator for the UPO. My nan also worked for them but as senior legal counselor. Whereas my father was a criminal lawyer for the Enforcers. And I hoped to follow in the footsteps of the two most important females in my life by also joining the UPO but as an ambassador for the organization.
So yes, making friends and forging alliances among these people, many of whom would become my counterparts or future colleagues was of the essence.
“Good, you’re here!” Tala said enthusiastically as I closed the distance with them. “I told Mares I was going to come drag you kicking and screaming if needed.”
“You shouldn’t make threats of bodily harm in the presence of a Senior Enforcer,” I said in a playfully chastising tone while giving her a hug.
She huffed. “I’ve got connections, too. And Colin’s got my back, right?”
He chuckled and bowed his head in agreement as I turned my attention towards him.
“I most certainly do, and anyway, I was a little too distracted to have heard anything,” he replied in an overly innocent fashion that had me smiling.
“Traitor!” I said with false outrage. “Fancy seeing you here, though. What brings you to these parts?”
Before he could answer, Tala interjected, her face turned away from us as she seemed to look for someone in the crowd.
“If you’ll both excuse me for a minute, I need to find my man out there. I bet you some bimbo is hugging him or trying to pluck a leaf from his hair.”
We both snorted, and Colin waved a hand indicating for her to proceed. We watched her march resolutely in the general direction of the bar where Mares had gone to fetch them some drinks.
I glanced back at Colin, an attractive human male. At 6’2, he was barely an inch taller than me. He kept his black hair in a short, somewhat military style. Piercing gray eyes peered at me in his ruggedly handsome face, with a square jaw, and a Roman nose. The slight bump on the bridge hinted that it had likely been broken before. It wouldn’t be surprising as he used to indulge in competitive boxing. Although muscular, he had more the fit body of a swimmer rather than a bodybuilder. Like manyof the people in attendance, he was wearing casual chic clothes in darker shades.
Admittedly, I never quite understood why species who needed to wear clothes tended to pick dark colors. While I recognize that black held and undeniable aura of strength, I would want to adorn myself with a more joyful and exciting palette like Tala did.
“To answer your question, I’m here to assess potential recruits,” Colin said calmly.
My eyes widened in surprise. “Who?”
He gave me an indulgent smile. “That would be telling, my dear.”
I made a face at him before glancing around the room, trying to identify someone who could make an interesting candidate for the ultimate peacekeeping force in the galaxy. Pursing my lips, I gave him a suspicious look.
“You came to assess potential recruits here? Why not at a sports event, science fair, or debate? Those strike me as far more appropriate venues to evaluate candidates in the heat of action.”
