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permission to be officially happy.
     
    “What do you mean, yes, of course? Isn’t there more to it than that?”
    Kyra looked at her, bouncing a little boy on her hip, Tiergar had the girl. “Not for humans. You could ask to go anywhere in the galaxy and, if you were mating with a local, they would welcome you.”
    “Isn’t it a little disrespectful to the men?”
    “Not at all. They have picked a winner as far as their government is concerned. That is it.”
    “Wow.” Ben was silent beside her, holding her hand and letting her babble.
    “Okay, so Vorabenik still has family so you will be mating at their home, the meeting will be here. Wardrobe will be settled here, but you can shop for your trousseau on Kalish station. When can you leave? There is a shuttle in nine hours.”   Kyra was adding notes on a docupad, when she finally looked up.
    “That’s it?”
    “That’s it. There will be replacement Agents there in two days and all contracts have been postponed until then. Just go shopping and then get on that shuttle. See you when you get here, sweetie.” A bright wave and the screen went blank.
    Stunned, Seval turned to Ben. “I guess I had better pack.”
    “And go shopping. I have clothing on Azon, but you only have the uniforms.” Ben hugged her then let her go.
    She walked in a daze to her room and piled her clothing in a carryall. “I guess I have to shop now.”
    “I will meet you in the shopping arcade. Don’t go to crazy with purchases, it is Kyra’s responsibility to get you a new wardrobe.”
    “Why?”
    “She is acting as the female’s family. She will host my parents for the first meeting, and you for the meetings, and then we will adjourn to my family home for the ceremony.”
    “Oh. See you later.” Completely adrift, she moved out of the small adjoining rooms that they had occupied and down the hall. She had to go shopping.
     
    “Hello, can you help me? I have to get some clothing to wear on Azon, but I don’t know what to pick.”
    The shop mistress eyed her Alliance uniform and smiled. “Why are you attending?”
    “I am getting married. Mated. Whatever.”
    Instantly, the woman became so friendly it was overwhelming. “Let me show you what we have that we could design for you.”
    “Um. I am leaving in…” She checked her chronometer, “Seven hours. Do you have anything ready made?”
    “Seven hours is plenty of time. Now just let me show you…” And with that, hour after hour of fitting whirled past. Colours of fabrics that she could not put a name to, types of fabrics made from animal hair across the galaxy and shoes that were just too cute. She rejected the furs in favour of the l’nal silks, and when her decisions were made, the tailors got to work.
    While she had been in her fittings, part time staff had been pulled in from across the station. Now they earned their pay.
    Seval wanted to wait, but the proprietress sent her to the groomers to have her hair and nails trimmed, as well as a good depilation. It hurt just as much as on earth. Nice to know that there were constants in the universe.
    She was served relaxing beverages and massaged in a very calming manner. In next to no time, she was napping.
    The hand on her shoulder shaking her gently brought her awake with a sharp gasp. She went invisible for a moment before she calmed herself. Ben was looking a little embarrassed. “Sorry, Seval. I didn’t mean to surprise you.”
    “Its okay, Ben. I guess it is time to get going?” She sat up slowly, her head still light from the drinks and the massages.
    “Yes, and could you do me a favour please?” He was studiously looking over her head.
    “What?”
    “Please get dressed.”
    She went invisible and gathered her clothing. She remained invisible until her face was no longer on fire and her clothes were in place. “There. All dressed. Shall we go?”
    “Yes, Agent Seval.”
    His lips twitched as she brushed past him to the front counter. His hand grazed her