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soft, knee high, delicate and in a variety of jewel tones. For some strange reason, she selected the black.
    The top rested at the far edge of her shoulders, almost falling free. The long sleeves were open between shoulder and wrist, so her arm was loose and not confined. The main part of the top was pleasantly opaque but only came to the edge of her ribcage.
    The skirt, or what she took to be a skirt, completely baffled her. "I give up. How do I do this?"
    Merc grinned and came toward her. "You are trying to tie it too high. If I may?"
    She handed him the band with the long streamers fluttering free and he took it with another smile. He folded the fabric in half, centered it behind her and then wrapped each long end around her hips three times. It wasn't going anywhere but did show her navel and the upper curve of her hipbone.
    When she twirled in her new boots, the long streamers fluttered but did not lift. It was a fairly well-covering outfit that would allow her all the air conditioning she needed.
    As she finished preening in her new finery, Mercuros came forward with a chest. He extended his hand and when she took it, he placed a wide gold cuff the same colour as his eyes on it. The cuff covered half her forearm and she began to see the reasoning for the slit sleeves.
    A matching cuff went on her other arm and a wide, flat necklace skimmed the base of her throat.
    "Are you done playing dress-up dolly?"
    He was terribly fetching in his own wide-legged, loose trousers wrapped at the low waist just like her skirt.
    He pursed his lips and nodded. "For today, yes. There is much more jewellery for you, but it will have to wait for more formal occasions."
    She nodded. "Of course. Now, I believe you mentioned food?"
    "I shall endeavour to provide whatever my lady requires." He grinned and took her hand and dressed as they were, they went in search of the kitchen.
    Vikki was hoping that while they ate she would not have one sexual thought, but as she took each step, the residue of the heating oil came to life and she knew that this would be one meal she would not taste.
    With a blunt practicality, she acknowledged that remembering food was over rated.

    Chapter Seven
    An elaborate buffet was laid out. A small Geviilan was working in the kitchen and putting platter after platter on the long table.
    The woman bowed and smiled pleasantly as they walked into her domain. "Welcome, Mercuros, Specialist Markham. I have prepared a selection of foods from your worlds."
    "Thank you. What is your name?" Mercuros's voice was polite.
    The woman blushed a purply blue. "Rhenic. Altiara Rhenic."
    It suddenly clicked in Vikki's mind who she was. "You are the cook and housekeeper."
    "Yes, Specialist. I have been given your dietary specifications and requirements for a healthy digestive system. I am yours to command."
    Mercuros nodded. "There is also a gardener, groundskeeper and of course our liaison. We have a fairly complete staff."
    Rhenic nodded and raised her head. "Oh, The premier is coming this afternoon to speak to you, Mercuros. He did not mention the topic."
    Following his lead, Vikki piled a plate high with foods that were barely recognizable but smelled familiar. She took a seat across from him at the table and together, they ate their first meal with an attentive Rhenic standing nearby.
    Vikki tried everything on her plate, made mental notes as to what she did and didn't like and noticed that Rhenic was making similar notes.
    "Why did you decide to leave your world for a life in the stars?" Mercuros looked at her and to her surprise, his two plates were completely clean.
    "It seemed like a good idea. My friends and I made a pact to apply and I was as surprised as anyone to get a notice from the Volunteer Recruitment centre telling me that I was accepted and that I could begin assembling the pack I was to take with me to the Alliance." She smiled and poked at her dish. The omelette had an interesting fruit in the middle.
    He propped