Page 5
“How many, if you used protection, if you have any sexually transmitted infections. If you sought treatment for them. If you are clean. How many check-ups do you get each year to ensure no disease has affected your fertility?”
Kendra clutched a port screen to her chest. Her gaze shifted around the room, and it froze behind Faron’s shoulder. “Let’s talk about something else, something appropriate for a first date.”
He glanced around. A small camera bot hovered behind them. “Is that annoying you?”
She leaned across the table. “Don’t be a jerk.”
“A jerk? I’m not being anything of the sort.”
Her gaze went back to the camera, and she winced.
Faron grunted. That bot was really bothering her. He was also not a fan of intrusive technology.
“This has to go well tonight,” she whispered.
Faron looked at the other tables where couples sat. Everybody seemed to be having a good time. There were lots of smiles and laughter. “I don’t see a problem.”
“There will be a problem if you ask every woman you meet tonight about her sexual history and genetics. Some consider that rude.”
“I do not. It’s the responsible thing to do.”
“I find it rude. You should ask me about my interests or my work. Ask me about my friends and if I have any pets. Normal, first date stuff.”
Faron scratched the end of his broad nose. She was a strange one, but he had nothing better to do at that moment, so he would ask her banal questions. “What are your interests?”
Kendra sucked in a breath. “I like reading and long walks. I love food, especially anything Italian.”
Faron nodded. “Walking is good for the health. Eating too much is bad. It will make you obese.”
“Obese! You’re suggesting I’m fat?”
His gaze skimmed her curves. “You are not too skinny. You have enough weight on you to ensure any children get the nutrients they need.”
“No! We’re not going back to that topic. Ask me the right kind of questions. Don’t be weird.”
Faron scratched his nose again. What had she said they should talk about? “Your work. What is that?”
Kendra sighed and shook her head. “My work is boring. What do you do?”
“Maintenance.”
“Like Oha? He works in maintenance, too.” She gestured to the table next to them.
Faron glanced over and snorted in derision. “I don’t work on that crew. I do the work that requires power. His crew takes the easy jobs. They call us in when things get difficult.”
This time, Faron did flinch when Kendra looked at his right arm. “I see. That makes sense. You are... adapted to that kind of work.”
As much as Faron tried to fight it, he always felt a shiver of shame when anyone brought attention to his cybernetic arm. Tolongs were known for their strength and power. On his home planet, the focus was on natural strength, genetic fitness, and how many healthy children you produced. Since he’d lost his arm in that accident, everything had changed. The only thing his people saw was his artificial arm. They saw his weakness.
“I hope I haven’t offended you,” Kendra said quietly. “Cybernetics are cool. They’ve changed so many lives for the better.”
“My arm is usually warm to the touch not cool.”
She smiled. It seemed like the first genuine smile she’d given him. It lit up her face and made her beautiful. “I don’t mean the literal temperature. It looks good on you. It matches the rest of your... impressive physique.”
Faron puffed out his chest, pleased she’d noticed the rest of him was in perfect working order. “My arm does not hinder me if that is a concern.”
“I’m sure it doesn’t. It must be great for the work you do.”
