Shalia's Diary by Tracy St. John Read Free Book Online Page B

Kalquorians.  They’d had their noses in the air.
     
    “Oh well.  I’m here now.”
     
    Dusa nodded.  “I only wish I had been able to find you sooner before you got too ill.  You scared us, Matara.  We thought you might die.”
     
    He actually looked upset over my becoming so sick.  It startled me to see that. 
     
    We talked a little more.  Dusa is away from his home planet for the first time.  He’d just missed out on combat when the war ended.  I was kind of glad to hear that.  It was easier to not feel guilty talking to him knowing he hadn’t killed any of my kind.  He’s clanned to a Nobek who is also here at the Academy and serves as onsite security.  They haven’t found an Imdiko yet.
     
    “Before the virus that killed most of our Mataras, Imdikos were the rarest of our breeds,” Dusa told me.  “It can be difficult to find one, especially since I’m serving off planet.”
     
    I was fascinated to get a glimpse into the clan thing.  We’d been told by our government that Kalquorians liked to lie in sin with men as much as women.  That whole homosexual business would land you in the fiery pit faster than anything else, or so said the Church. 
     
    I’m pretty antagonistic about the state religion, and I’ve usually felt that if the Church wanted me to believe in something, I’d go in the opposite direction.  However, I wasn’t sure what to think about three men together, doing THAT.  But then again, I don’t much care for doing THAT, so what do I know?
     
    “You, uh, you don’t think any of the Imdikos here would be a good match for you?” I asked.  “There are some very nice ones that are orderlies and nurses here.  Handsome too.”
     
    Dusa grinned.  “I wish I had time to meet them.  More rescue teams are supposed to be arriving soon, so maybe my Nobek and I will have an opportunity when they get here.  Right now, we’re too exhausted from working double shifts.  When we get done with work, we eat and go straight to sleep.”  He ducked his head.  “This was my first chance to check on you since you got here.  I had hoped to see you sooner.”
     
    Something beeped on the wide belt Dusa wore around his waist, and he grimaced.  “And now my time is up already.”  He blew out a breath.  “I am glad you are doing so well, Matara.”
     
    I was disappointed to see he was getting ready to walk out.  I have so many questions, but much like Dusa, everyone is really busy around here.  No one has much time to talk.
     
    For this reason I asked, “Will you be able to visit me again?”
     
    Dusa gave me a big, surprised smile.  “I would like to.  May I?”
     
    “I invited you, didn’t I?”  I held out my hand.  “And since we were never properly introduced, my name is Shalia.  You don’t have to call me Matara all the time.”
     
    Dusa took my hand gently, as if afraid he might break me.  “It is a pleasure to meet you, Shalia.  Call me Dusa, if you like.”
     
    I shook his hand.  “Don’t let me make you late, Dusa.  Come back as soon as you are able to.”
     
    “I will.”
     
    And off he went to rescue more reluctant Earther gals.  It’s late in the day now, and he hasn’t been back yet.  So either he lied about wanting to see me again or they’re working that poor boy to death still.  Hopefully he’ll come back and I’ll have a brush by then.
     
     
    September 7
     
    Woohoo, I was finally allowed out of bed for a bit.  Nayun took me for a little walk this afternoon.  About fifty new Kalquorians showed up here at the Academy last night, and they started working today.  Nayun and others are finally able to work sane hours, and he had a little time to spend as I took my first post-sickness jaunt.
     
    Dusa still hasn’t been back to see me.  Maybe now that they have more help around here, he’ll visit soon.  Maybe not.  Fifty more men isn’t really that many for all the work the Kalquorians are trying to do in this