Page 73 of Truthful Deceptions

She tilted her head a little, as if trying to figure me out. Good luck with that. I didn't even know what I might say next!

“I'll think about it.”

I didn't understand why she said that. It took me a moment to figure out that by saying she might be willing to spend more time with me she was considering living instead of waiting to die.

It was a step in the right direction.

“I'll make it worth your while,” I promised.

She went back to staring at me with those inscrutable eyes. I was going to give up and say goodbye when I thought of something.

“Um, just so you know, if you're interested,” I lowered my voice to a conspiratorial whisper, “Talin dicks vibrate when they do this special purr thing. Mieshorum would never make you, but if you've got an itch, he can definitely scratch it. I mean, when you feel better and want some horizontal exercise."

This time I got a full laugh out of her. It was almost soundless and led to a coughing fit, which made me feel guilty. I looked around for a drink to give her, but the door opened and Mieshorum rushed inside.

“Easy,” he murmured, pushing me aside to get close to her. I slid out of his way.

“I'll be back as soon as I can,” I said as Sloane wheezed a little, trying to get her breath back. “Look at the bright side, maybe my next joke will kill you outright.”

Mieshorum sounded an angry rattle, but both of us ignored him.

Sloane laugh-wheezed and waved me away. “Out,” she mouthed.

Grinning, I blew her a kiss and left the room.

“What happened in there?” Tolly asked as the door shut behind me.

“Nothing,” I said.

“I heard an angry rattle,” Tolly said.

I shrugged. “Mieshorum doesn't get my humor.” When he sounded a questioning rumble, I added a little more. “I said something that made Sloane laugh, and that made her start coughing. Mieshorum wasn't happy about that.”

“I should go talk to Mieshorum,” Tolly said. “There's no reason he should be making that sound at you.”

I waved a hand, brushing the issue away. “Nah, don't worry about it. He's dealing with Sloane. That's got to be stressful enough already. She’s got some bad trauma to deal with.”

Before Tolly could respond, Lexarit stepped through the main doors of the facility. “Narmuna said all final inspections and checks are finished and we have an assigned departure window.”

Tolly sounded a rumble of agreement then spoke to me. “The mavens are in the hall waiting to escort us to Ever Secure.”

“They'll be gone by the time we return for Mieshorum and Sloane,” Lexarit said. “I’m sure the station’s law keepers will be as competent, but I appreciate the mavens’ thoroughness.”

“I agree. We’ll have to be on our guard when we come back,” Tolly said. “Are all the boxes on the ship?”

“Everything except for what Opal sent here for Sloane,” Lexarit said.

Tolly sounded a questioning rumble and looked at me.

“I put together a bunch of outfits I thought Sloane might like,” I said. “I debated about what would be the most comfortable and easy for her to wear, but I think most everything will work.”

“Mieshorum can buy her anything else she might need,” he said.

We all moved out into the hall. The maven in charge was quick to arrange us as he wanted, and we began the short trip to the ship.

As with the previous times, anywhere Talins had the ability to observe us from another level, they were packed shoulder to shoulder. Some purred, some rattled with excitement, but they all talked as we walked by.

It was unnerving, and I was glad I was walking next to Tolly with Narmuna on my other side.