Read Beyond Varallan for Free Online

first intergalactic anthropologists to leave Terra. He knew more about alien species than anyone on the ship. I'd never even met a nonhuman until I'd left Terra.
    He continued briefing me. Knowing him, I’d eventually hear the entire textdata on the NessNevat, down to how many crops they planted per season, or whatever. I held up one hand when he took a breath. “Never mind. Why are we stopping here?”
    “The NessNevat species are not on the Jorenian database. The Captain considered our close proximity to be an excellent opportunity to make initial contact. The planet is one of the few in the region with compatible fuel sources, as well.”
    “Sounds great.” I stopped the gyrlift at level ten. “Excuse me, I’m going to get something to eat.”
    Reever followed me out. “I’ll join you.”
    Lucky me.
    Located three levels below the Medical Bay, the Galley was a popular gathering spot for communal meals and conversation. Although a portion of the crew (like me) usually dined in their quarters with their families (unlike me), others preferred a more sociable atmosphere. Part of the level was sectioned off and used as a recreation area. I spent considerable time there losing my credits to Dhreen and Xonea at the whump-tables.
    Reever and I went to the prep units, and selected our meals. The usual post-shift tension, combined with worrying over Fasala, had ruined my appetite, so I chose something light.
    “Healer Cherijo.”
    I glanced over my shoulder to see a tall, stunning Jorenian woman walking toward me. I didn’t know her name, but judging by the color of her tunic, she was one of the teachers. Since I couldn't make a clean getaway, I set down my tray and waited.
    A Terran gazelle bounding across the Serengeti would have looked knock-kneed compared to this goddess. My envy of the natural, graceful beauty of the female Torins was a familiar pang now. They were both ethereal and earthy. Long-limbed. Generously curved.
    Oh, to be honest, they were all goddesses.
    This one possessed exquisite features: feathery black brows, slanted white-within-white eyes, lush lashes, an aristocratic nose, and sculpted lips. Emerald gem clips studded her thick crown of intricately coiled raven tresses. Her embroidered aquamarine tunic was immaculate. More green gems winked at her ears, wrists, and fingers.
    I could hate her without much effort, I decided. “Hello.”
    I got the usual supple gesture of salutation in return. I couldn’t do that, either. Not without extensive remedial training.
    “Ktarka Torin,” she said, introducing herself. “Educator, Talot Province.”
    The Jorenians liked to give me name, occupation or rank, and birthplace when we chatted for the first time. I had no idea why. “What can I do for you. Educator Torin?”
    Ktarka smiled at Reever, who stood waiting next to me. “I desire but a moment of your time, ClanCousin. The educator staff would very much like to give you this.“ She thrust a small folded package into my hand. ”A token of our appreciation.“
    I unwrapped it. Inside was a pendant, the kind Jorenian females sometimes wore attached to their vocollars. The dark, polished stone felt cool against my fingers as I touched it. I knew better than to refuse. Jorenians were very sensitive about things like personal gifts. “This is gorgeous, Educator. Thank you.” And why was I getting it?
    She took it and attached it to my vocollar. “You devote much time to the children, Healer. The teaching staff has been negligent in expressing our gratitude.”
    All I’d done was play some games with them and put together a sandbox for the littlest ones. “You really didn't have to do this. I think I have more fun than the kids do.”
    She adjusted my vocollar, then smiled. “You are as generous as you are wise.” With another fluidic gesture, she returned to her table, where four more educators sat beaming at me.
    “The crew has grown extremely fond of you,” Reever said as he dialed up a