Terran Times 02 - Deal with a Dhemon (12 page)

Deal with a Dhemon

“So you are nyal? Is that like some sort of hermaphrodite?” At this point she gave up trying to help him, and just balanced with her arms outstretched for him to dress her.

“Yes. We nyal are a one in five birth. We are completely sterile, and as far as our scientists can tell, it is merely an evolutionary method of birth control.”

“But are you happy? Can you take lovers?” Her mouth got ahead of her common sense. She once again blushed to the roots of her auburn hair.

Etion stopped for a moment then began to laugh. He drew his hands away from the buttons on her skirt, and chuckled to himself for several moments.

With him lost in mirth, she had no choice but to resume dressing herself. Sigh. The buttons on her jacket were almost done when Etion stopped his little jaunt into happy land.

“You know, I have met thirty four species and you are the first one to ask me that.”

He brushed her hands aside and re-buttoned her jacket properly. He then met her sober gaze with eyes a soft and mellow blue. “Nyal do take lovers, other nyal for instance. And occasionally a male of either our species or another.”

“Not females?”

“No, our systems are not capable of becoming lovers with a female. That is why we are found in 27

Viola Grace

the occupations as dressers, hairstylists, makeup personnel for special occasions. The men of Dhema are very possessive of their females. Even another female who may catch the eye of a wife or daughter is not welcomed into a household without a nyal present to supervise interactions.”

“Wow, the best and worst of both worlds.” She stretched her limbs to determine the distance she could comfortably move her body. Not very far.

The clothing was rather restricting.

“Miss Samantha, please be seated and I’ll tend to your hair.” Etion gestured for her to have a seat at the stool in front of the tiny makeup mirror.

Thirty minutes later Etion pronounced her finished. She stood and walked in front of the full length mirror on the far wall, she turned slowly to take in her reflection.

“Oh, my god.” Her jaw fell open at the sight before her.

She was wearing enough fabric to smother a Victorian maiden. The corset drew her already small waist to a tiny reflection of its usual size.

The snug blouse and jacket highlighted the ample expanse of her bosom, while their high collars emphasized her delicate neck and jaw. Her hair was in a classic twist that highlighted her cheekbones and made her eyes gleam.

The skirt swept the floor behind her, the layers of petticoats keeping any possible glimpse of her 28

Deal with a Dhemon

legs from the eyes of any passing males. She lifted the hem of the skirt ever so slightly and took in the sight of her feet incased in snug leather boots.

She took a few experimental steps. It was like walking underwater, or with weights attached to her hips, and straps around her ribs.

“All of your females dress like this?” At Etion’s encouraging nod, she took a few more steps and swept the skirt out of her way as she turned and tried again.

“You look wonderful Miss Samantha. Every male on board will be suitably impressed. Now we only have to teach you to eat like a lady.” Etion was practically dancing with the change in her appearance.

“I eat like I’m hungry. Ladies are never hungry, from what I hear.” Sam was slightly perturbed that he was picking on her eating habits. He must have spoken to someone at the station, her appetite was legendary.

“Oh, they get hungry, but they eat in a delicate and proper manner while maintaining dignity and grace. That is a skill you desperately need to learn.” Etion was brutal, but unfortunately accurate in his assessment. She did tend to eat like they were going to take her food away.

She thought about it for a moment, and felt that she could include this in her attempts to fit in to Dhema culture. Not that much food would fit into 29