Greta wondered if the enhanced lower range of the Engari's ears could hear more of the harmonies than she could. Her whole body seemed to vibrate to the massive instrument's intricate melodies. Describing the sensation was impossible.

Depending on the key changes, the music invoked emotions from tears to laughter, and in the end, left her with an intense longing for intimacy. Looking around at the various boxes where other officials and high ranking elected leaders reclined, it was apparent mated couples should be looking for more private surroundings.

"Hmmm, Ptrelto?" Greta hoped interrupting her thoughts wouldn't be considered rude considering the circumstances.

"Yes, Captain?"

"First, how do I address you? Is there an honorific like Supreme Leader? And second, does this instrument evoke mating behavior?"

"I don't believe in honorifics. None of us do. It's a sacred honor to be elected, and not one of us would dream of flaunting our position. Second, the mating instincts are aroused quite easily by the music. Since today is auspicious day to conceive in our annual trip around the suns, I am not surprised to feel the need."

"Well, you can add humans to the affected. I don't know what Freddie is feeling. But I can see Rasta is uncomfortable."

"Would he consider it rude to ask?" Ptrelto studied my Scilari crew member from under eyes somewhat shaded by her ears.

"I've never asked about their reproductive cycle. They are very private about it. Humans have issues with it because of feelings induced by cultural norms. Jealousy and envy are discouraged, but often does complicate matters in spite of our best efforts to keep them at bay.

"So, complicated would be the best description, and sensitive as far as discussion is a fair warning. I'll keep my curiosity to myself." Ptrelto's quiet chuckle echoed mine. She continued, "It is much the same here. But public displays of attraction are common between mates and we expect many announcements of impending births in a half year or maybe a little more."

Greta climbed down from her perch at the top of the railing. "I think retreat to our ship is probably a wise idea. Is there someone who can guide us to our sleds?"

"Indeed. Our younger volunteers are unaffected by the music. Our life cycle is quite long. I'll have one of our medical practitioners explain in the coming days. Reproduction is of no concern until we are well into our sixth decade. I'll call for one of them to retrieve your vehicles and wish you a good night. We will converse again in the morning."

Her fur like skin rippled as she returned to a more upright seating position. I recognized the reclining mechanism as similar to our rest chairs and long distance travel accommodations.

"I'll get my son to help you find your way." She tapped her armrest, and it flipped open exposing an array of buttons and a small screen which lit up. "He will meet us in the main meeting hall."

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

"Rasta, are you okay?" Greta was well aware of his intense dislike of this question.

"If I said none of your business, would you leave it alone?" His disgust was apparent.

Greta sighed. "I'm sorry to pry, but I need to know if your response was the same as mine."

"Forgive my bluntness. I wouldn't complain if we shared a bed tonight. I wouldn't dream of asking either. Self service is the only option." He drummed his fingers on the table where they sat peering out at the dance of moons in the sky.

We didn't hear Freddie's approach as per usual. His ability to move in silence was both aggravating and appreciated at the same time. I could count on him to hide himself and become and unnoticed piece of the scenery. He had an unusual genetic mutation which allowed him to change color if he needed too.

"You too?" Freddie asked.

"Yes!" Rasta answered in sync with Greta.

"So the effect might be considered universal. At least to oxygen breathers. I asked the crystals about the phenomenon." His overlapping exoskeletal pieces rattled eerily as he settled on the third stool. "I wonder if a recording would have the same effect. There are those with disorders who might appreciate the, shall we say help, with their issues."

Greta studied his upper arms, often the quickest way to discover how Freddie was feeling. Uncomfortable was the best she could say about what she saw.

Rasta beat her to the question and asked, "What did our little diode friends say?"

"The Engari have a very long life cycle. Three hundred years is not unheard of, and education is completed before they enter their reproductive phase. Puberty hits at approximately fifty on average. Qwaiter's daughter is almost 20 already. Everything in their lifecycle is lengthy, including pregnancy which lasts for almost three of their years."

"So, patience is recommended," Rasta said with a bit of a

snicker.

Greta couldn't help but smile as well, and Freddie's lower arms rattled in appreciation of Rasta's statement.

"Well then, if the crystals are talkative, perhaps they are the ones to ask about the incident which shall not be discussed in any way shape or form. We need to know who invaded them and when. Are they a threat again or not? We do have a military branch of the Federation, but it hasn't had a reason to exist in the entire existence of the organization." Greta stretched against her tired back. Time to head for rest.

"I'll put the question to them," Freddie volunteered.

"I'll leave it your hands. Have the Eclecta any records of an aggressive race?" Greta asked.

"Again, I'll pose the question. It seems to me our ambassador there has mentioned hints of something in their records. I'll make sure you get your answers, Captain." Freddie disappeared up the stairs to the bridge and the communications office attached.

"Are we going to lift the fraternization rule?" Rasta asked with an arched eyebrow.

"Sorry. You know what happens to anyone caught breaking that one. Nothing prevents a dishonorable discharge and a complete collapse of any possibility of employment. Not fair considering our predicament. I have worked too hard to get where I am." Greta shook her head. "You have the watch. I'll be up to relieve you. Freddie will take then next shift. Other than watch duties, no other assignments until we leave to visit the other cities."

"Yes, Captain. I have the watch." Rasta said. Was that a hint of regret in Rasta's voice? It might be time to break up the crew. Was she hearing things?