Under a Starless Sky

Arne and company were in the dining area when Shen and TL arrived. Arne hugged him.

“Forgive my long absence,” Arne said.

“You’re a grown ass man; there is nothing to forgive,” Shen said.

Arne laughed. “You have a way with words. I will not mince mine, or bait you. We are in need…”

“I will meet all of your needs,” Shen said.

“Just like that,” one of the party interrupted. “No negotiating? No bargaining?” Shen remembered him as Ilker. Ilker was only partially placated by the fact Shen recalled his name.

Valence was there, as well. He took a kindly gesture to his friend, and spoke next. “Our people are hungry, Shen. But we are weary of people who have everything.”

“He will accept a wife in trade,” TL said. “His heart is fond of Jerica. That would make him kin, part of the community, and only right that he contribute.”

They all looked to TL. Even Shen looked to TL. His look was severe.

“Seriously?” Jerica and Shen both said. The individual reflections in their voices meant they were following different tracks.

“You’re right,” TL said, as if agreeing with both. “One wife isn’t enough. The people might be concerned if we aligned only with Jerica’s family. Two more wives should be chosen. With caveats. They have to be of age of consent. They have to actually consent, voluntarily. They…”

“Loxy!” Shen snapped. “Enough. I am not marrying…”

“We accept,” Jerica said. She met Arne’s surprised look with: “For our people, of course.”

will marry my

“I am not…”

“She is handsome,” Torny agreed.

retro yet futuristic look reminiscent of cowboy pilots, but her staff was familiar, made from Sleeper Tree.

“I am not…”

supplies going through. Jerica will remain here while the rest of you deliberate. I expect you to have this matter resolved,

passed Jerica on the way to the gate, saying “I

निर्मित

were opponents, waiting for them. “I am not picking on you. It is something I have yet to master. I get angry, I stop thinking. I get hurt, I stop thinking. It’s why I prefer magic or tech to close combat.

were reset. If Arne or Shen were hit, their suits restricted their movements. It was a blending of dance, Tai Chi, Wu Wei, and Jeet Kun Do. They made it across the hall. Arne was pleased and turned to Shen who was still frozen in the final pose, waiting for the next attack. Arne didn’t see that the floor had already been reset. Arne was tackled. Shen fought his way back to other side of the floor. He

Shen said. He made his sword go away. Ghost entered, peered respectfully from the corner. Shen motioned to them and they

Shen could hear

“You’ll get used to it,”

don’t think I will,”

in the stone and renounce

Arne said. “How does the tech enable true

need the tech to see

“I am

trees see them. People who meditate frequently are likely to be able to tap into this range. Also, there is the problem of personality. Some personalities can’t see them

bother you, my Lord. But

at her. “Call me that

said, amused. “Do you even have enough energy left after sparring with Arne

head towards the gate. Arne was amused,