Marcin stood. "Peace, Solkan. Master System is working on it."
Solkan didn't say more. He just grumbled and leaned against the wall; arms crossed.
It would work out, Kolvin thought. It had to.
This mess with the mates? That he had no idea. But Master System would not abandon them. Not now. Not ever.
After a few moments, Officer Vinka and Re-lee came back into the room. "Thank you, Officer," Re-lee said. She glanced at the tablet she carried. "While I am excited to work with the three of you, I do have other clients that I need to consult with. If you will excuse me, I must go. I will be back. You, gentlemen, get some rest, and I will be back shortly."
She glanced at Vinka. "Have plenty to eat, as you need."
"Thank you," Vinka replied.
Re-lee smiled and walked out as quickly as she came in.
Solkan glared at Vinka. "What was that about?"
Vinka put her hands on her hips. "Nothing you need to worry about."
"Whenever you say that, I need to worry," Solkan said.
She grimaced. "Now go, boys. Go decide on a suite, and we'll get you all coded in."
"You seem awfully knowledgeable about this stuff," Marcin said.
Vinka shrugged. "I'm helping her out. She gave me some basic instructions to help you guys get settled. They're a little short-staffed here."
"Kind of you to help with things," Kolvin said as he pressed his palm to the door's encoder. It scanned him and tingled a bit as it registered him into the room so that he could open and close the door exclusively.
"Go check the suites out, and we'll head down to get your mates soon."
Solkan still stayed against the wall, glaring at everyone.
Vinka walked over to him. "Do you need orders?"
He snarled at her.
Kolvin turned to assist her.
Vinka held out her arm. "You know better than that."
"Solkan, stand down," Kolvin snapped.
"You do not control me, Kolvin," Solkan fired back.
"No, but I will throw you to the stars," Kolvin answered. "I don't care what your excuse is. Do. Not. Hurt. Females." One of the Rhimodian base programming rules, ingrained in every one of them. Females were to be protected and secured. Not treated harshly. Ever.
Vinka grabbed Solkan's arm and dragged him toward the one room that had not been taken--room 103. "Come on. I do not have time for your utter stupid, ridiculous behavior right now." She marched him into the room, and the door closed, her tirade still going. Through the door, they could still hear her ripping into Solkan.
Solkan would growl back something, and she'd start again.
"Should we go in and help her?" Marcin asked.
"I think she has him in hand."
They looked at each other.
"Just in case, I'm sitting right here," Marcin said.
Kolvin joined him. "In case."
