The Abulon Dance Read Online Free PDF

blue pants were tucked into very shiny boots.
    Thar-von leaned over Beny discreetly. “Please keep in mind that he’s the Chief’s son,” he whispered warningly.
    “Don’t be a mother hen, Von.”
    The dog followed them into the room and lay down with its head on its paws, watching.
    “I hope you haven’t been waiting long,” said Beny, smiling at the boy.
    Luan bowed, his long, black hair swinging forward on each side of his face. “It is of no consequence, Excellency.”
    “Oh please, Luan! Let’s drop the diplomatic jargon between ourselves. Agreed?”
    The boy nodded, seeming to relax. “Sure,” he replied easily.
    “If you don’t need me any more, Ben, I’d better go down to the office and see how Zox and the others are getting along.” Thar-von opened the door and hesitated. Standing on the threshold was a stocky bald male with strange, slanted copper eyes.
    “This is a personal gift to the Ambassador from my father,” said Luan, stepping forward.
    “A servant?” asked Beny uncertainly.
    “An android,” replied Luan. He handed Beny a silver cylinder with two buttons on one end. “The red one is to summon him. See? The blue one will send him to the nearest DQ.”
    “I beg your pardon?
    “Sorry. ‘Droid Quarter’. It’s where we keep them when not in use. The red button will bring him to you from anywhere in the building. He also responds to voice commands.”
    “He’s marvelous!” exclaimed Beny in delight, circling the android. “Does he have a name?”
    “Dhakan Biandor.”
    “He’s perfect! He looks just like a person, doesn’t he, Von? Except for those metallic eyes. He’s much more lifelike than the ones we have at home.”
    Thar-von made a noncommittal noise, bowed in the general direction of Beny and Luan and stepped around the android on his way out the door.
    Beny was lost in thought. So far, he had seen little evidence of advanced technology, apart from the shuttle port facilities, which, after all, had been prepared for them. It had been his impression that the main reason Abulon wanted to join the Inter-Planetary Alliance was to update its hardware. He had noticed a peculiar emphasis on the crude and simple aspects of life here. And now this…. It was puzzling.
    “My father will be pleased that you like the gift,” Luan said. “I hope it’s all right for me to come to see you like this?” He looked at Beny anxiously and fingered the amulet. “I was just going to have breakfast. Will you join me? I hate to eat alone.” Beny knelt in front of a large, blue chest set against one wall. He opened the double doors to reveal row after row of small drawers.
    Luan knelt beside him and examined the cabinet curiously, running his hand over the utterly smooth surface. “This feels very…strange. What is it?”
    “A portable FoodArt synthesizer,” Beny explained, and pointed out the small console built into the back of the door. He punched in the code for biscuits, honey and pamayo juice. “I hope you’re not too hungry,” he went on apologetically. “Judging by last night, you’re used to much more substantial fare. I have a weak stomach, I’m afraid, and I find it safer when I’m traveling to stick to a few familiar things as much as possible.”
    Lights flashed on in front of three of the drawers. Beny stood up and as he did so, his hand brushed the cold, wet leathery nose of the dog which had moved up noiselessly behind him. Without thinking, Beny flung himself at Luan who instantly put his arms around him protectively.
    “It’s all right,” the boy said softly. “The dog would never attack you. He’s trained to guard and he’s very gentle with his owner.”
    “Are you sure he knows I’m his owner?” asked Beny nervously.
    “He knows. He will protect you, now.” Beny was beginning to feel a little foolish, kneeling on the floor pressed against the boy. A strong sexual current radiated from the boy but what surprised Beny was the warm tenderness he