Erzo kept a watchful eye on the two Charro from the Dona Clan. It had to be business. Disguised Serenity’s a magnet for that sort of thing. But he couldn’t shake the feeling that something else was at play. Were they here for him? Nah, they seem more focused on meeting someone else.
He maintained a discreet distance, blending into the crowd while keeping them in sight. Just then, his communicator buzzed. It was Fwan, calling from the ship.
“What’s up?” Erzo answered.
“Stay away from here, Erzo,” Fwan’s voice came through the static.
Erzo raised an eyebrow. “You think I’m about to crash the party? C’mon, I’m not that reckless.”
“It’s about Phares. Keep him away, too. You guys being off-station is for the best, especially with the inquest going on.”
“Inquest? What’s that about?” Erzo’s curiosity was piqued.
“Just enjoy your time off. Oh, and the dating agency’s got something lined up for you guys.”
Erzo was about to probe further when he noticed the Dona Clan Charro had disappeared.
“Damn,” he muttered under his breath.
Now, he had to find Phares fast before he did something impulsive. It sounded like Fwan had his hands full, and the last thing they needed was Phares stirring the pot back home.
As he quickened his pace, Erzo heard a commotion nearby—a familiar voice raised in indignation. “How dare you steal her from her home!”
That was definitely Phares, and it sounded like he was in the thick of it.
Erzo hastened towards the sound, finding Phares in a heated exchange with Re-lee, the dating agency representative, and a group of surprised-looking Terran women. “Great, just what we need.”
Re-lee was trying her best to calm the situation, her hands up in a gesture of peace. “Hold on, everyone. Let’s talk this through.”
Erzo stepped into the scene with a casual “Found you,” his eyes quickly scanning the small crowd they had attracted. Spotting the Terran women, he flashed his most charming smile. “Well, hello there.” He could tell they weren’t used to seeing someone like him—a Charro with his distinctive tail and all.
He couldn’t help but wonder about their origins. Even in the remote corners of the Terran Empire, other humanoid species were a common sight.
“Oh my god, he’s green with a tail,” one woman exclaimed, her eyes wide as one of their moons.
Erzo noticed her dark, sparkling hair, adding an air of mystery to her appearance. Interesting. He offered her a friendly grin, which she tentatively returned, staying close to her friend but keeping her gaze fixed on him. He subtly flexed his tail, amused by her fascination.
Olmed joined them, looking over Re-lee and then the women. “So, are these the lucky ladies?”
The women seemed utterly shocked, one of them pointing at Olmed. “He’s red. With horns.”
Erzo wondered where these women could have come from, a place so isolated that his and Olmed’s appearances were such a novelty.
Re-lee, ever the professional, managed a grin. “Yes, these are your matches. I know it’s not the usual way we do things, but let’s head back to the office and get acquainted properly.”
Erzo’s eyes lingered on the woman with the sparkling hair, the reality of the situation hitting him. This was no longer just a concept or a strategy—he was standing face-to-face with potential futures, with real, living beings who could change the course of his life.
Erzo suddenly felt a pang of guilt at what he was doing. It felt too familiar. Maybe he was just like his dad, pushing for an arrangement. These women looked like they did not know they’d meet aliens today.
He took in their expressions, aware of how imposing he, Olmed, and Phares must appear. The women’s stares ranged from curious to downright scared.
Just then, Phares made a move to leave. “I need to return?—”
Erzo quickly placed a hand on Phares’s shoulder, halting him. “Hold up. Fwan called. He says everything’s fine back home, and he wants us, you specifically, to stay put for now.”
Phares’s frustration was obvious in his growl, but Erzo pressed on. “Trust me on this.”
Fwan's words also hinted at something bigger going on. Maybe the explosion wasn't an accident. His gaze shifted to Olmed, considering the motives. Could the Kantenans be involved? They were the citricite big shots around here. But he quickly dismissed the idea. Olmed's people were honorable miners—they wouldn’t sabotage others for gain.
