Lake, Ciara - Xihirah [Xihiran Shifters 1] (Siren Publishing Classic) (4 page)

At first, Saleeya and Mia leisurely walked through the ship’s wide passageways. They were engrossed with all the sights and sounds of the marvelous ship. After a longer stroll than they anticipated, they realized they were lost. Saleeya became frantic to get to their destination. She decided to ask for directions. “Excuse me, sir.” Saleeya tried to get the attention of a crewmember as he was rushing by.

“Yes, Miss Stayvel.”

“Can you tell us how to get to the observation deck?”

“Yes, Miss Stayvel,” the crewmember politely agreed. “The computer will assist you,” he explained. “Computer, please respond.”

“Yes, Crewmember Donota?” The computer’s crisp voice immediately answered his prompt.

“Please direct Miss Stayvel and Miss Tiller to the observation deck.”

“Certainly,” the computer voice agreed.

“Oh, the computer will direct us?”

“Yes, just continue down this hall and the computer will direct you as you go. The computer’s always watching and listening. However, if you wish to engage the computer, you need to prompt it by saying, ‘Computer, please respond.’”

“Oh, that’s good to know that the computer’s always watching and listening.” Saleeya looked sideways at Mia, who loudly gasped.

“Glad to be of service.” The crewmember nodded his head and took off down the corridor. Saleeya and Mia resumed their journey at a quickened pace. As they approached a lobby area at the end of the lengthy corridor, the computer directed them to a glass tube lift. They entered the tube and took it to the next level up. When they exited the tube, they saw a sign for the observation deck. The door was directly across from the tube’s exit. This floor of the ship seemed vacant of crewmembers.

For the most part, the ship was empty. Their group of four was the only passengers abroad the massive ship. The noticeable lack of passengers made the ship seem even larger. There was still a full crew detail busily doing their various jobs. Occasionally crewmembers would pass them and respectfully nod an acknowledgement in their direction. No doubt, the all-seeing and -hearing computer kept everyone on his or her toes. Saleeya took a deep breath to prepare herself for Vitalion. Before she pushed the button to open the observation deck doors, they swooshed open to allow entrance. The observation deck was enormous. Located on the ship’s top level, it nearly took the whole area of the deck. At the sight of it, Saleeya’s eyes widened in amazement. The beauty of the scenery inside and out was outstanding. The Xihirian suns had already risen and the observation deck was flooded with incredibly bright and cheerful light. Saleeya had to shut her eyes to adjust to the sudden abundance of natural light. Her eyes had become accustomed to the artificial lighting. Saleeya could feel herself break out into a light perspiration from excitement and the sudden temperature change. The observation deck was an inside conservatory, a mass of luscious greenery organized artistically. Flowers of varying sizes, shapes, and colors were everywhere. Lovely green plants also mingled in with the flowering life. The garden was breathtaking with its design and exquisite specimens. This was obviously a collection of plants from all over the known universe. Saleeya noticed that there was a special lighting system installed to encourage the health and growth of all of the vegetation when the ship was in the cold darkness of space.

As far as Saleeya could see, full-length port windows wrapped around the perimeter of the deck. From where she stood, she could see the massive Ferileson terminal building. Nearly as impressive as the legendary Kriton Station, it stretched out for miles. When she turned to look in the other direction, she could see a colossal jungle of green. Large beads of moisture rolled down the outside of the port windows. Never had she seen so much green plant life in one place. Interrupting Saleeya’s thoughts, the access door opened making a hissing sound. The cooler air from the outside hallway caressed Saleeya’s heated face and brought her back out of her dreaming state. A small, thin man with a beaky nose shuffled in with his assistant in tow. Minister Vitalion and Jarvin entered swiftly and headed directly to where Saleeya and Mia stood. Neither man hesitated to appreciate the extraordinarily gorgeous surroundings.

“Hello, ladies, at least you’re on time.” His voice was whiny and impatient. “I do detest waiting.” Nervously he tugged his dark blue robe tighter around him and sneered. “I want to go over some of the cultural protocol before we have to greet Braeden. I don’t want anyone making a stupid mistake, insulting these primitive shifters. After all, they’re unpredictable, savage animals.” Apparently, he was clueless as to how prejudiced his statements sounded. As customary, he was dressed in his long, blue government robes that he wore for all of his major political events. The robes seemed to gobble up his slight frame. He was short enough for even Saleeya to tower over. Vitalion was a homely, petite man in his late sixties. The years had not been kind to him, and he wore a road map on his face. His beady blue eyes seemed cold and unkind. He was immensely arrogant of his Earthen ancestry. He reported to his constituents that his ancestors had migrated from London, New Europe, Earth, and were some of the first to settle on the colony world of Kriton. “Miss Stayvel, briefly refresh us on basic protocol. Incidentally, you look impressive. I hope the humidity won’t melt us all into puddles of flesh before we reach the Palace. This world’s nothing like our lovely, arid Kriton. The heavy, humid air and sweltering heat steals the very air from your lungs. It simply zaps the energy right out of your body in seconds. The last time I was here, I fainted. I recall that their Palace isn’t electronically air-cooled. They use some uniquely Xihirian method. From what I understand, they use a natural cooling element that’s in the building’s stone. Only their deities understand such a primitive method.” Disgust twisted his already haggard features into an ugly, snarling mask.

“Yes, Minister, it’s an excellent idea for the four of us to be refreshed with the basic rules of conduct before we come into contact with the Xihirians. There’s so much to remember. The first thing you need to remember, from what I’ve learned in preparation for this event, is that Xihirian males don’t shake hands with other males. If a male offers his hand, they’ll simply ignore it. Don’t be offended and don’t offer it again. Nodding one’s head is the appropriate greeting between males. A Xihirian male may gesture to take a female’s hand. At times, a Xihirian male may bring a female’s hand to their face to sniff her hand.”

“Oh, that rarely happens,” Mia quickly added. “At least in my experience.” She flashed a quick smile as a quiet apology for her interruption.

“Well, it could happen here.” Saleeya smiled back. “So we need to be prepared. Don’t behave as if repulsed or hesitant. It’s acceptable behavior since we’re unmated females.” Saleeya directly commented to Mia, “The Xihirians seem to be able to tell much from scent. They rely on their enhanced senses.” Saleeya paused to make sure that all three of them were paying attention to her comments. “Also, they have excellent hearing. It’s far greater than what we’re used to. Don’t whisper or mutter—they’ll hear you, and you may be embarrassed or create an incident.

“Yes, yes, I realize this.” Vitalion rudely cut her off. “Are you about done?”

“No, there’re a few more things I’d like to mention. You do want me to be thorough?”

“Fine, let’s get this done. I didn’t mean for this to take all day.” Vitalion tapped his foot as if nerves ate him up.

Saleeya calmly continued, “The custom on Xihirah is for females to walk somewhat behind males unless a male invites the female to walk with him. Don’t walk in front of the lead male. Mia, you and I will walk behind Vitalion and Jarvin unless they invite one of us to walk at their side.”

“Actually, they do this as a protection for the females and not out of disrespect,” Mia chimed in. “They’re always looking out for their females. That’s an endearing quality of their culture.”

Vitalion moaned.

“Gentlemen, never offer your hand to any of their females.” Saleeya directed this only to Vitalion and Jarvin. “It could anger their male.” Vitalion groaned loudly. “Nevertheless, if a female engages you in conversation, offer her your full attention and respect. Don’t slight her. They take it personally if you offend their females. Any questions so far?”

“So, don’t touch them and don’t ignore them,” Vitalion sarcastically stated.

“That’s right,” Saleeya agreed. “Remember to never,” Saleeya stressed, “raise your voice in anger toward anyone. We don’t want to heighten their emotions. ”

Again, Vitalion groaned. “So, don’t wake their hidden beasts.”

“Yes, try to be calm and cool at all times. In many ways they resemble Earthen humanoids, but they aren’t.”

“Hell no, they’re not.” Vitalion’s attitude continued to be sarcastic and negative.

Saleeya took a deep breath and continued. “Don’t stare them in the eyes when you aren’t holding a conversation with them. If their eyes begin to glow and their pupils become vertical slits, this is possible sign they’re irritated. In a nutshell, that’s what you need to know for now,” Saleeya concluded.

“Great, we’re on a schedule. Nevertheless, as much as I hate it, I’ll require you to go over the dining etiquette with the four of us prior to our first meal. I don’t want any stupid mistakes while the beasts are eating. Good Deity, they could eat us. And Miss Stayvel, be your particularly engaging self. Try to charm the Admoncor’s focus off of me,” Vitalion instructed Saleeya.

“I’ll do my best, Minister.”

“You do that, Miss Stayvel. The last time I interacted with Admoncor Braeden, he was simply rude and dismissive of me. He must be intimidated by my intellect. I’m counting on both of you females to distract him. He’s a simple beast and females easily distract simple beasts. I guess pretty females, if good for nothing else, are always a good distraction for the more primitive males,” Vitalion stated in all sincerity. “Jarvin and I will meet you by the ship’s exit in twenty minutes.” With a dismissive turn, Minister Vitalion made his way to the deck’s exit doors. Jarvin, like a loyal pup, followed at Vitalion’s heels.

When the door had closed and they were gone, Saleeya turned to Mia. “What?”

“Just what I thought.” Mia sighed, shaking her head from side to side. “Vitalion is literally going to throw us to the Wolftons, especially you. He’s got a plan to use you as a distraction for the big bad Wolfton, Admoncor Braeden. You should have worn red. Understand my
play
on the ancient Earthen tale?” Mia giggled. “Be charming to the Admoncor. Ease his beast and the situation for me.” Mia sarcastically mimicked Vitalion. “He surely doesn’t hide his disrespect for females or the Xihirians. I’m a bit worried about his ability to represent Kriton.”

“Oh, Mia, you’re so suspicious and negative of Vitalion. He’s not going to act like that in front of the Xihirians. He can’t be that stupid.”

“Yes, of course he can. Didn’t you hear all of his awful comments about Xihirians and even women in general? He’s a cranky old jerk. He’s almost as bad as the Realmist.”

“I heard his comments, and I just ignored him. He’s a cranky old man. Let’s go to the ship’s exit before the Minister gets there. I’d like to look out the exit’s window to see if we can see who’s waiting for us. I want to see what we’re up against before we meet them face-to-face.” Saleeya started toward the access door. “Is it electronically air-cooled in the terminal?” she asked just as she reached the observation deck’s door.

“I think so, but just in case, soak up the cool air while you can. It sounds like we’ll be spending hot, humid nights at the Palace.” Mia already looked tired. Dark circles were under her eyes, and a light sheen of sweat covered her face.

The corridors of the ship were shiny silver from the floor to the ceiling. “Look how these walls shine. I can see my reflection in them,” Saleeya admired aloud and twirled around to get a good look at herself. Lining the corridor were multiple access doorways to various private suites, passenger living areas. These rooms were vacant today.

The ship was a luxurious flying conference center. An office building and hotel all rolled up into an incredible spaceship. Saleeya had never seen such a beautiful ship. Its grandness was an obvious indication of Kriton’s wealth. Currently, the Realmist Terrorists were jeopardizing its wealth. The terrorist group threatened Kriton’s economic growth as well as that of the other planets that were part of the Council.

After about a ten-minute walk through the endless corridors of the ship and two glass tube rides, they arrived at the ship’s exit. Out of the ship’s windows next to the exit, Saleeya could see four impressive-looking men waiting at the bottom of the exit ramp. None of the four was shorter than six and a half feet. They had dark, swarthy good looks, and they oozed sexual appeal. Heavily corded muscles rippled beneath their tight uniforms. Legs braced apart, arms crossed over their chests, they looked as though they weren’t going to be moved. Off to the left of the four uniformed males, another male leaned against the ramp’s railing. “Oh my Deity, that’s the biggest, most impressive male I’ve ever seen,” Saleeya exclaimed in amazement.

“Let me see.” Mia leaned past Saleeya to get closer to the window. “That, my dear, is the Admoncor. I recognize him from his pictures. He’s hard to forget.” Saleeya gazed out the window, astonished by what she saw. The extraordinary male made her pulse quicken from the mere sight of him. Tall with broad shoulders, his massive arms and legs looked exceptionally powerful. All muscle, no softness filled out his uniform. He looked good in his black military uniform. The jumper-style uniform fit snugly all over; he wore it like a second skin. He wore his skin wonderfully. Saleeya nearly choked when it seemed his eyes focused directly back at her through the window. Saleeya sucked in a quick breath. Her heart was beating in her ears, and it fluttered when his stare swept up to where she stood, sheltered by the one-way glass of the window.