Page 31 of Golden Darkness
“And I have Pet.”
“And I have a giant twit. So we are all good.” Janessa smiled brightly at Bliahn and then turned that same grin to Kethen. “Now, what’s this?”
Bliahn looked at it. “It’s an archive crystal. Transmissions and digital records are on there. You need a playing unit.”
She got excited and looked at Kethen. “Do we have a playing unit?”
He chuckled. “We do.”
“Can we make copies?”
He frowned. “Why?”
“Because any Hmrain who gets a Terran can give them this crystal and get oral sex a few minutes later. Well, the equivalent since I am guessing that few could deal with your...” She flapped her hand toward his crotch. “Endowments.”
Kethen blinked. “We can make copies.”
Bliahn laughed. “Well, this has been interesting, but I will be going, Elder Kethen. Your apology is accepted, and the jewels are to be given to your consort.”
“It has been recorded.” Kethen smiled.
The other Hmrain gave a bow again to Janessa, and the communication was disconnected.
Janessa looked to Kethen. “So, we can copy it?”
He laughed. “Yes. The communication centre has the ability to make replicas. Why?”
She frowned and stepped back. “You are laughing? My world is gone. Dead. Survivors are either being launched into space or are waiting to be shipped to the station. Those who can’t fight their way through starvation to a pickup point are screwed. Those of us who survive had our life of communication and entertainment cut off with silence were nearly driven mad.”
His eyes went black. “I didn’t laugh to mock you. Your face was just so excited. I was happy that you were happy.”
She took a deep breath and flexed her hands. “I am sorry. It... this means a lot. Can we copy it so we can return this crystal to the archives?”
He nodded and wrapped his hand around hers. “Right now.”
He gave her a peck on the lips and nuzzled her cheek. “I am sorry. I have never had much to lose until now.”
She closed her eyes and leaned into the contact. “I know. It’s why the Kethic always look so surprised when you cuddled up with me.”
He kissed her ear. “I know. I am having fun with you, enjoying you, and I want you to enjoy me.”
“Step one is to get me a copy of the crystal and all the information it contains.”
He chucked and nipped her ear. “Yes, my lady.”
He offered her his hand, and she held on as he walked her up to the com centre.
The crewwoman took the crystal, and Janessa said, “No pressure, but the entire entertainment history of my people is on that crystal.” Jan twisted her fingers together.
She smiled kindly. “I will take care of it. First, I will download everything to the ship’s computer, and then I will make you a crystal.”
Janessa fidgeted. “How long does it take?”
The woman smiled. “Four hours for the upload and ten to write the new crystal. It will be ready tomorrow.”
“Thank you.” She bowed slightly, and Kethen snorted.
“Pet, we are going to give you some etiquette lessons. While a nod is appropriate, a bow is not. Come on. I can teach you as I go through a few more of the apologies.” He held her hand as they walked out. “I want you to watch me and take notes.”