Educating the Alien: Raedyn (The Azurite Series Book 1) Read Online Free PDF Page A

parts of the vetting process due to your experiences in each other’s cultures. We will meet with the two of you privately at a later time with more information. This is an historical event and we are thankful for each of you to be a part of it. Transmission over.”
    Lexi turned toward Jaime. “I don’t understand. I’ve only been here for two days. How could they possibly want me for a job like that? I’m not a public servant, I only know languages.”
    Jaime shrugged. “You know cultures too. I’d wager they handpicked you for the ambassador’s assignment with this job as an eventuality.”
    “I was only supposed to be here a year. Those people won’t even be arriving for a year.”
    Jaime didn’t answer, the hopeful look on his face was answer enough for Lexi. Did she want this job? It would be the adventure of a lifetime to live aboard the Fier’the’yi Fho’rd for the rest of her life, representing the human race.
    The implications were huge. Not only was this a lifelong career move, Lexi needed to consider her personal life as well. She would never join the partner list for the Azurites and she would be forced to choose a husband from either the roughly fifty male humans that came aboard the ship. Probably less than that if any came aboard already attached with families or too young. There was a distinct possibility that she could end up alone. She could always put in five years or so and then retire from the job, but to start searching for a husband at forty and expect to find one and have a family would be stressful. Like a constant hourglass counting down her fertility.
    Lexi stood shakily from the conference table.
    “Lexi are you alright?” Jaime asked, his ridge lowered, concern etched on his face.
    “I’m fine,” she said, pasting on a fake smile. “It’s exciting and overwhelming. I’m going to retire to my apartment and start thinking things through.”
    “Okay. I’ll see you in the office tomorrow then.”
    Lexi nodded.

7.
     
    The weeks began to run together for Lexi as she immersed herself in Azurite culture. She still hadn’t decided if she was going to accept the job as Earth representative for the new colony, so, instead of confronting the decision, she chose to avoid and ignore. She spent her days in the office with Jaime and her evenings and days off in the ship’s library.
    “Hey,” said Jaime interrupting her thoughts. “Have you managed to get to any social groups?”
    Lexi sighed. She hadn’t. It was part of her avoidance technique. She was afraid if she met people on the ship and made friends it might sway her decision.
    “No. I’ve been too busy.”
    “There’s a book club tonight that I attend sometimes that I think you might like. It’s co-ed, but only for the first half, then we split off for men’s and women’s groups.”
    Lexi raised her eyebrows, “Is it a couple’s thing?”
    Jaime laughed. “No. There are some partners, but the group is mostly singles. Just friends.”
    She thought this over. It would be a good opportunity to see the dynamics among the Azurites with a good mixed group and plenty of conversation.
    “Okay. I’ll go. Hey, Jaime. I’ve been thinking. How far off are you from the pairing’s list? You can’t be much younger than Raedyn and he’s about to be added.”
    Jaime groaned. “Not you too,” he shook his head. “I’m only two years younger than Raedyn. But, the thing is. There’s this girl.”
    Lexi rolled her eyes. “It’s always about a girl.”
    He snorted. “Well, this girl is pretty special. She’s got this dark brown hair and these amazing hazel eyes, and she’s super smart…”
    “Jaime.”
    He sighed. “I know.”
    “I’m sorry, I don’t think of you that way. You’re like a brother to me.”
    “I’ve seen this in human movies. It’s the friend zone isn’t it? Look. I know you will never be on the partner list. I don’t care. I stopped caring a long time ago, I’ve only been making medically