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“Wren was a guy,” I said.

Cleo’s jaw dropped open. “What? How did I not know that?”

I shrugged “I thought you did, but then this conversation happened. If you want me to be honest, here it is. If Jasper was here, he would have fallen in love with Lexarit and Narmuna with you.”

“Really?”

“Absolutely,” I said, giving her hand a squeeze. “He would have soaked up all the attention. You know how much he liked to be touched.”

“Notoriously,” she said.

When we'd traveled from our old station to Bright Star Station, we'd shared a large room with the crew. After getting up in the middle of the rest period to use the elimination facility and still half asleep, Jasper had accidentally climbed into the wrong bunk and cuddled up to a Massoc. The Massoc had been amused and cuddled Jasper back. The next morning had been hilarious.

“But most importantly, he would've loved to know you had help. When he found out you were pregnant he was excited, but he was scared too. I know in my heart he’d be so very happy that we're safe and cared for.”

Cleo let go of one of my hands to rub her chest over her heart. “I can feel you’re right.”

“I'm always right,” I said.

“Cleo?” Lexarit’s voice came through the room's door display. “Are you done talking to Opal? Healer Grifforum is here to do your daily check.”

“Are we done?” I asked. “I mean, we could talk after the healer is done, or I guess we could tell him to come back later.”

Cleo snorted. “It's fine. You did a good job.”

“I did?” I said with a grin. “I should get a treat.”

“Your treat is that you don't have to talk about this anymore,” she said.

“Yay,” I said.

“Today,” she finished at the same time I was cheering. Then she burst out laughing at my exaggerated pout.

“Cleo?” Lexarit said again, making the display chime several times. None of the guys were patient when they weren't with us.

“She's coming,” I called out, although I wasn't sure if the door display transferred my voice. I helped Cleo to her feet and we walked to the door. It slid open to reveal Lexarit, Grifforum, and Tolly.

“Moreum and several other law keepers are here to escort us to the meal,” Tolly said.

I went to him as Lexarit lifted Cleo up to carry her off to their room.

“I'm ready,” I said. “Let's go play with some new Talins.”

We went to the same room we used when meeting the Committee of Travel and Stations. It even had the same layout, with rugs covering the floor and a ring of pillows. This time there were way more pillows though.

Unlike with the committee, there were four individuals instead of six. They were sitting and talking with each other, but all conversation stopped when we walked in.

Moreum made introductions, starting with the Talin sitting closest to the door and going clockwise. “This is Uforum. She works in the Office of Commerce. Next to her is Tishora. She is here on a contract to retrofit one of the enviro systems. Then there is Gislorum. She is one of my law keepers. And this one closest to us is Pesorum. She works at one of the merchant shops.”

“I own the shop,” Pesorum corrected, never taking her eyes off me.

“What kind of shop?” I asked as Tolly guided me to a spot to sit. Like last time, he sat behind me. I would've liked to have Narmuna or Lexarit on either side of me, but I couldn't fault them for wanting to take care of Cleo.

“I procure hard to find foods and spices,” she said. “But I also have a strong trade relation with a Ugarian colony that sends me tlash tea at a good price, so now I supply the entire station.”

“That’s impressive,” I said, scooting back a little so I could be between Tolly's outstretched legs.

Pesorum sounded a rumble of agreement as Uforum launched into what she did. They all took turns trying to impress me with how important or distinguished their jobs were. It was cute. It reminded me of kids all trying to outdo each other to amaze a parent.