detailing how you wanted us only for breeding. I always found it ironic that that was our main function in our own society.”
“I would be in great debt to you if you will help. What do you need from me?”
I thought about it. “Can I see the reports of improper behavior being leveled at your men? If I had specific examples, it would help me form a better presentation.”
Nang considered. “They are supposed to be confidential to protect all parties. I can remove the names however.”
I nodded. “That will work. When did you want to do this?”
“As soon as possible, but take whatever time you need. I place it in your hands.”
I had another thought. As little as Kalquorians know about how our minds work, I had to admit my own ignorance in reverse. “I’ll put together a first draft. Then you can go over it and tell me how to best present it to your men. I don’t want them to not understand or be offended in any way.”
Nang looked pleased. “Thank you, Matara Shalia. I would be very glad to work on this project with you.”
I asked a few more questions, we exchanged some pleasantries, and Nang left. I also put in to have Dusa and Esak approved for private meetings with me. It’s just too hot to keep my dorm room door open when they visit. All hail the luxury of air conditioning. Maybe I’m borrowing trouble by allowing the privacy, but I think the boys are pretty much harmless. I feel safe around them ... as long as I don’t start kissing Dusa again, that is.
We three had a nice day, walking around the Academy grounds (away from where my fellow Earthers tend to congregate) and talking. I even listened to some of their favorite music. It wasn’t as bad as I’d feared, though it was loud. It sounded kind of tribal. Dusa and Esak are thinking about making their own instruments and getting a valit (literal translation: howler) ... the person who does all the screaming ... to join them. They talk about how they’d even like to play for others. I hope they do so in a closed venue. If other Earthers hear it, they might think the Kalquorians are going to do blood sacrifices in some pagan ritual.
We ended the day by going to the semi-private dining room where we’d had our date. This time we took Mom along. She seemed quite happy she could order Kalquorian food without being chastised for it. Esak tried some broiled chicken and gave me a taste. It was moist and delicious, and Dusa confirmed he’d told the cooks my tip on how to not char it to death. Look at me, I’m doing good. Dusa ate something called grul. It looked like bright red rocks, and the boys told me under no circumstance was I to eat it. After my experience with bywes, I was more than happy to agree with them.
They have to work tomorrow, so I’ll start on my presentation. I’m looking forward to some constructive activities.
September 13
Wow, it’s way past noon already. I’ve been working on Nang’s presentation all morning and half the afternoon, it turns out. It took my stomach growling like an enraged bear to draw me out to the dining room. There was only half a dozen of us in there eating at that time of the day, the midday meal rush having come and gone. So there was no P.T. to endure, though I missed eating with Mom. She was having outdoor activity time when I checked on her. The Kalquorian minders have their wards doing rubbings in the memorial garden, of all things. You know, where you take a piece of paper, lay it on some textured surface, and color over it with a crayon or coal? It actually looked like fun, and Mom showed me at least a half a ream of her work. She’d done names of the dead from the marble, flowers, and lots of leaves. She was having a blast, as most of them were.
Being in the garden reminded me of when I was here last. You know, in the arms of a big,
“I would be in great debt to you if you will help. What do you need from me?”
I thought about it. “Can I see the reports of improper behavior being leveled at your men? If I had specific examples, it would help me form a better presentation.”
Nang considered. “They are supposed to be confidential to protect all parties. I can remove the names however.”
I nodded. “That will work. When did you want to do this?”
“As soon as possible, but take whatever time you need. I place it in your hands.”
I had another thought. As little as Kalquorians know about how our minds work, I had to admit my own ignorance in reverse. “I’ll put together a first draft. Then you can go over it and tell me how to best present it to your men. I don’t want them to not understand or be offended in any way.”
Nang looked pleased. “Thank you, Matara Shalia. I would be very glad to work on this project with you.”
I asked a few more questions, we exchanged some pleasantries, and Nang left. I also put in to have Dusa and Esak approved for private meetings with me. It’s just too hot to keep my dorm room door open when they visit. All hail the luxury of air conditioning. Maybe I’m borrowing trouble by allowing the privacy, but I think the boys are pretty much harmless. I feel safe around them ... as long as I don’t start kissing Dusa again, that is.
We three had a nice day, walking around the Academy grounds (away from where my fellow Earthers tend to congregate) and talking. I even listened to some of their favorite music. It wasn’t as bad as I’d feared, though it was loud. It sounded kind of tribal. Dusa and Esak are thinking about making their own instruments and getting a valit (literal translation: howler) ... the person who does all the screaming ... to join them. They talk about how they’d even like to play for others. I hope they do so in a closed venue. If other Earthers hear it, they might think the Kalquorians are going to do blood sacrifices in some pagan ritual.
We ended the day by going to the semi-private dining room where we’d had our date. This time we took Mom along. She seemed quite happy she could order Kalquorian food without being chastised for it. Esak tried some broiled chicken and gave me a taste. It was moist and delicious, and Dusa confirmed he’d told the cooks my tip on how to not char it to death. Look at me, I’m doing good. Dusa ate something called grul. It looked like bright red rocks, and the boys told me under no circumstance was I to eat it. After my experience with bywes, I was more than happy to agree with them.
They have to work tomorrow, so I’ll start on my presentation. I’m looking forward to some constructive activities.
September 13
Wow, it’s way past noon already. I’ve been working on Nang’s presentation all morning and half the afternoon, it turns out. It took my stomach growling like an enraged bear to draw me out to the dining room. There was only half a dozen of us in there eating at that time of the day, the midday meal rush having come and gone. So there was no P.T. to endure, though I missed eating with Mom. She was having outdoor activity time when I checked on her. The Kalquorian minders have their wards doing rubbings in the memorial garden, of all things. You know, where you take a piece of paper, lay it on some textured surface, and color over it with a crayon or coal? It actually looked like fun, and Mom showed me at least a half a ream of her work. She’d done names of the dead from the marble, flowers, and lots of leaves. She was having a blast, as most of them were.
Being in the garden reminded me of when I was here last. You know, in the arms of a big,
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