[Humans for Hire] - Part 199

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*Author Note:* Getting ready to go home, and I get...a pair of award notifications. Best Day Ever!

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*Vilantian Passenger Transport* Swift River

As she settled in the common lounge outside their quarters, Grezzk exhaled softly and leaned into Kiole. The children were all in bed, and Lumisca was slowly sipping at a mint tea to alleviate her stomach woes. It seemed that R-space travel was going to be a permanent burden for the Governess, and it showed in her scent - however there seemed to be an additional layer of anxiety. As Lumisca sipped, Kiole had a slight frown.

"Lumisca, what is amiss."

The governess cast her lowest eyepair to the tea. "Greatlord Aa'Lafione has gently inquired, asking why I am not yet thirdwife to the Freelord."

"Is he aware that we do not desire *anyone* for a third-spouse?" The gentle tone took the sting from Kiole's words, reminding Lumisca that it was the population of two worlds being denied.

"He is, academically. However the clan's position is an unstable one amongst all the Greatclans. There are rumors of Lords wishing to re-associate with other Greatlords, but few other clans wishing to return in exchange. He fears for the existence of the Greatclan."

There was a snort. "Does he have nothing but bodies to trade with?"

"It is how we measure the wealth of a Greatclan. At a certain point without enough cadet clans, the Greatclan status is revoked and a new Greatclan takes its place, with the former Greatclan searching for a patron of its own."

Grezzk spoke up. "There is perhaps another way."

Lumisca frowned. "I do not scent another way."

"The Greatclans answer to their Ministries. Perhaps the attendant Ministers may intercede and negotiate fairly on your behalf. As I recall, the Minister of Culture may be...understanding of Greatclan Aa'Lafione's predicament."

"Perhaps. But it will not be easy. Even the asking could be seen as improper."

"If they asked directly."

"You are suggesting..."

"It is possible that the Ministry of Trade could have a better understanding of a clan's needs."

There was an exhale and a sip of tea. "Perhaps. The Ministry of Trade has become a bit more influential in recent months."

"So ask them."

"Possibly. But that still does not resolve the issue of the Greatlord's desire for a Freeclan connection."

"The Greatlord will need to find a new way." Grezzk paused, considering. "What precisely do you want?"

The answer was automatic. "I want what is best for the Greatclan..." Lumisca's voice faltered slightly before she amended herself, "...what is best for Vilantia."

"That's not quite the answer I was looking for." Grezzk untangled herself from Kiole to lean forward. "For you. Personally. What scent do you desire?"

Lumisca glanced around a bit before she whispered her answer. "I want...what you have. Not exactly - but the scent of love was not often taken in when I lived in the house of Aa'Lafione."

"Then hold out for that. Nothing less. Any associations you make will reflect upon the Freeclan, not the Greatclan. And we will weather whatever storm comes of your choices if you make those choices in earnest."

"I...I see." Lumisca stood, finishing her tea. "I believe I will retire now. The children will need care soon."

As the Governess left, Kiole gave a gentle swat to Grezzk's shoulder. "You are plotting, my wife."

"I do not plot."

There was a noise of disagreement as Kiole curled into Grezzk slightly. "What do you call that, then?"

"I call it opening Lumisca's nose to new scents."

"Twelve of one a dozen of the other. But I must ask you something uncomfortable."

"Go on."

"Freelady Eterina has offered us her home and food on behalf of her and her husband Kifab."

There was a sharp inhalation from Grezzk. "I. I can accept. But I am not my husband." Grezzk's scent was anger and pain at the memory.

"A fact I know well. He may hide himself from you. Gro'zel kicked him repeatedly."

Grezzk wrapped herself around Kiole. "I may wish to do more than kick him."

"I understand. I will hold you if need be."

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*Terra Prime, Cleveland Ohio, North American Confederation*

Gryzzk looked Denel up and down for a long moment. There was a great deal of uncertainty in the engineer's scent. As far as height, he was about as tall as Reilly - which made Gryzzk curious. His fur pattern was interesting, a long mixture of browns with black and white interspersed throughout.

"Apologies, Denel - you are from Hurdop, correct?"

"Yes, I am. Clan Braca."

The name brought a tickle to Gryzzk's brain, but he dismissed as likely some personnel issue he had dealt with. "Not married?"

"No."

"Apologies, I had to ask. My daughter is enthusiastic sometimes. Please." Gryzzk gestured as he stepped back. "My sensor officer, Lieutenant Brelyna Edwards."

There was a nod, and as Denel came closer and sniffed at Edwards, there seemed to be more uncertainty - as if he liked the scent in his nose but wasn't sure he could explain it. He cleared his throat.

"Miss, ah Miss Edwards. The child here seems to think that we could possibly become friendly."

Edwards scrunched her face, looking at Gryzzk. "Maybe. Maybe you should introduce yourself."

Gryzzk blinked and his fur fluttered in embarrassment. "You are of course correct." He turned to Denel, his posture formal and appropriate in all respects. "Apologies for the delay. I am Freelord Gryzzk, commander of the Terran Forei-"