Terran Times 02 - Deal with a Dhemon (11 page)

Deal with a Dhemon

ell, Miss Samantha, the first thing we need to do is get you out of that medical

“W

gown and into something more suitable to a lady.”

He walked over to the wardrobe and began to haul out armfuls of fabric.

Etion held up a chemise that was as concealing as a cobweb. “Ok, Miss Samantha, this is the first thing you put on in the morning. It keeps the more restrictive clothing off of your skin and makes it easier to clean.”

“Alright,” She took off the medical gown and quickly reached for the chemise, slipping it over her head. “Why do you insist on calling me Miss Samantha? Sam is fine.”

“All unmarried women are addressed as Miss.

After you marry, you are addressed as Lady.”

Etion came over and helped her to stand. The chemise fell to her ankles.

“What if a woman chooses not to be married?”

She sat back down and waited for the next piece of 25

Viola Grace

clothing.

“She is addressed as Miss for her entire life. A Lady wears the bracelets given to her when she weds.” He added as an aside while he held up the next item of clothing. A corset.

Samantha almost laughed aloud. She loved wearing corsets, the feeling of tight support holding her breasts at an unlikely angle, the warmth and security of the fabric. It was a reminder of home.

She helped him snug the fabric around her and held onto the edge of the wardrobe as he began to tighten the stays. She felt slightly out of breath when he finished, but the familiar feel of the corset gave her comfort. She had not been able to locate one since leaving earth, and had not thought to bring one with her when she left.

The petticoats went on with her simply stepping into the circle of fabric and Etion raising them to tie them around her hips. It was at this point that she got up the courage to ask. “So Etion, why do you look so different from the rest of the crew on board?”

“I did wonder if you would be able to constrain your curiosity.” He smiled as he drew a blouse out of the wardrobe. “On Dhema there are three sexes.

Male, female, and nyal. I have read your planetary history and I know that yours have only two sexes for most species.”

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