Trin poured two cups of tea.She set one cup down in front of Birun and poured the second for herself.She lifted it with the curl she used to use in Chinese restaurants.She took a sip.“This is good.”
Birun grinned.“Thank you.I am attempting to satisfy all of your senses.”
Trin gripped her cup tightly.“Why?”
“Because we are a match, and I want you to associate me with comfort and safety.That is what I wish to be for you.”
She blinked.“Wow.They really did pattern Symo after you.”
Birun lifted his hand.“May I touch your temple to get the details?”
She paused and looked at the hand that was larger than her head.“Um, okay.”
He smiled.“Think of the events in question, and I will see them.”
She nodded, and he made delicate contact with her right temple.She thought about Bailey, then about Symo in relentless pursuit of his would-be lover.
“How far did he chase her?”He smiled.
She showed star charts and Bailey’s bloody hobby.When Symo and Bailey were finally seen together, she was wearing his colours, and she was out of the bio suit.Lily had shown her the pictures.They made a very cute couple, and Bailey’s expression looked more relaxed than Trin had seen her previously.
“He pursued her for a year?”He smiled.
“More or less.I wasn’t there when it started or ended.”
“Why did she run?”
“She had lost her partner and pregnancy to the same attack within hours of each other.She lost her world, and Symo wanted to give her everything.She could care for him easily, and that is what made her run.She couldn’t let go of her pain.She had to work through it.It took a while.”
“A year.”
She nodded.“Yes.She is happy now.They have discussed the issues and come to agreements.”She paused, not sure how much information to provide.
“Yes.I have gotten the updates on the Hmrain while I was waking.His consort is expecting.”
“Yup.A little stripey baby.”Trin smiled.“I made some educational toys and had them sent by bonded courier.”
“You didn’t sign the gift.”Birun smiled.
“Of course not.They will assume Grandpa sent it.”
“How many of your associates have gotten gifts sent to them?”
“Um, a few.I met a lady with bad burns, and she’s now an analyst on a Hmrain world.From what I have determined, she’s making her Hmrain a ton of money.”
“She isn’t consort class?”
“She...uh...her burns are extensive.Her erogenous zones are melted.No fat, just skin over muscle and live nerves everywhere.It is amazing she can even move.I sent her a gel suit to wear to be more comfortable.”
“I fail to see the issue.The regen units can repair nearly everything.”
“Yeah, but her repairs would take thirty-five days, and no one was willing to let her have the time or pay for it.Even her employer agrees that she can do her job as she is.She’s not in a hurry.”
“But her employer is a Hmrain.”
“Yes, she is.But since my friend looks neither male nor female, it hasn’t been something most would think about.”
He paused.“Can you share an image of your friend?”
