To Trade the Stars Read Online Free PDF Page B

what you are.”
    She nodded, slowly. They stared at one another for a moment, the Carasian being naturally well-suited to the task and the Clan child seemingly determined to keep her poise. Suddenly, she drew a sharp breath and her dark eyebrows met in the middle. “Your mind is utter chaos,” she stated with disgust.
    Huido rattled contentedly. “So I’m told. Now, why would Sira send you to me—”
    â€œI didn’t say she did.” Quick and angry. “I doubt the First Chosen of di Sarc knows I exist. But I’ve tasted her memories. We all did, that day on Camos when she forced her strange ideas into our minds: the Clan being doomed, needing aliens, joining the Trade Pact. I may never have met you before, Hom Huido, but I ‘remember’ you. A little. Enough to know where you are is—it’s somewhere safe.” Her voice turned almost sullen. “That’s why I came here.”
    No missing the rage, adult in size and almost painful in intensity. Huido felt echoing vibrations through the floor. His wives could detect the child’s grist as well as he; their reaction was to tap the rocks to summon their mate. At this truly glorious stage of their lives, any strong emotion aroused their passions. He shifted, his immediate and healthy response making the rock seat less than accommodating. An unexpected complication, if not entirely unpleasant.
    â€œSo may I stay?”
    â€œThis isn’t a hotel. Any why should I let you bring whatever trouble follows you to my pool?”
    Her eyes slid past him to examine the water, then back. “I know this isn’t a hotel,” she said, her voice almost firm enough to be convincing. “But I’m not being followed by any trouble, Hom Huido. The First Chosen of—of my House sent me to this station, expecting me to find a place to stay for the next few weeks. That’s all. But I didn’t know what Plexis was like, that there’d be questions and air tags. I tried to obtain one—I’m not a fool—but these beings began asking for information I’m not allowed to give. Then I remembered you.” The last word didn’t break, not quite, but the hint of imminent panic was there.
    A young Clan who didn’t know Plexis. “You’re from Acranam,” Huido said with no doubt whatsoever, using his greater claw to snap a signal to quiet his amorous wives.
    â€œYes, but how—”
    â€œI know Acranam. Too well.” The Carasian heaved to his feet. “I will not tolerate a threat to my blood brother or his mate.”
    â€œI’m no threat—” She half stood, as if to run away or, more likely, disappear into thin air. “All I know of Sira or her Chosen is from her sharing. I was too far back in the crowd to even see her for myself. Why would I mean harm to them?”
    â€œThen stay.”
    Ruti blinked at that, tossing her head as if confused. “But I thought you said ...”
    â€œThe Claws & Jaws is a fine restaurant, without servos or automated pap. My table settings are works of art, not that recycled junk, which means dishes that need washing. If you aren’t above such a task, Ruti of Acranam?”
    Confusion turned into something else. Huido had fully expected offense and outrage—this looked more like the dawning of hope. “And stay—here?” she repeated, as if uncertain. “I don’t understand.”
    â€œIf you are no threat, I gain a dishwasher. If you are?” Huido tilted his head from shoulder to shoulder in a shrug. “You stay where I can watch you.”
    Perhaps to a Clan, such frankness was reassuring. Regardless of why, Ruti had smiled and nodded.
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    Since that day, Huido had almost forgotten Ruti’s existence. She’d moved in with the other permanent staff, in return for cleanup in the kitchen and running errands for the rest. He’d expected protest over the work—at