Family Time
© 2022 by Walter Reimer

Thumbnail art by  konomofu



The private gardens were softly lit from the morning sunlight reflecting from the glaciers on the mountains to the east, and in deference to the weather all four shlani were wearing light robes as they sat down to eat. Attendants came forward, placed the various dishes down, and left.

Tarval savored these moments, having some time with his family before the burden of government asserted itself. Still, he glanced at the schedule on his padd as he ate, pausing to lean to one side and rub his back around the base of his tail.

“Are you feeling all right, love?” his mate asked.

He smiled at Verin. “This young man yanked my tail rather hard last night,” and he glared at his youngest son. His smile took some of the opprobrium from the look.

Keshif paused as Narit chuckled. “I apologize, Father. I thought you liked having your tail pulled.”

“I do, but not that hard.” Tarval picked up a set of tongs and began to eat. “Always be considerate of your bedpartner, my son.” As he ate, his tail swept up and tapped Verin on the shoulder.

Taking the hint, his wife asked, “What have you two been doing recently?”

Keshif’s ears perked at the question, but before he could reply his sister spoke up. “The company approved my vacation, and I spent a few days on Jurkor before coming for the wedding, vath.”

Verin smiled tolerantly. “That wasn’t my question, v’chat.”

Narit smiled. “I am having a relationship with someone, Mother.” Her tongs grasped a piece of stewed fruit. “He’s a fellow pilot on the liner.”

“Interesting. How long have you two had your relationship?

The younger vir finished chewing and swallowed. “Less than a year. We haven’t talked about taking things further than simply twining tails.” Narit caught her mother’s look. “Do you want me to find out how he feels?” Her mother gestured, and Narit returned the gesture as she went back to her meal.

“And you, Son?” His mother’s question made Keshif look down at his plate. “Keshif?”

“I haven’t been in a relationship with anyone, Mother,” the young kam replied. “Not since Varit refused my offer last year.” He picked at his meal. “I’ve also been quite busy. My zh’rekk strain has been approved for use on Shivatyan, and my design team received a bonus. I’ve also received an invitation to teach at the university on Xerfan.”

Verin smiled and reached across the table, lightly stroking her youngest son’s cheek fur before resting her hand on his. “I appreciate that you’re doing something you love, Keshif, but you should not let it dominate your life. Your father manages to get time to be with us,” and she paused to smile at Tarval, who smiled back, “and you’ll find someone to take Varit’s place.”

“I know,” Keshif said. “I have had several people make it plain to me that they’d be receptive if I offered.”

“Why don’t they offer?” his father asked. “Is it because of your family?”

“Yes, Father.”

“That’s silly,” Narit declared.

Keshif gestured at his older sister. “Yes, I think so as well, and have told them so. They still insist that I start things.” He couldn’t fail to catch the looks his parents were giving him, and he smiled. “I’ll have a talk with Vishak and Kinan when I return to the laboratory.”

Tarval smiled and gestured approvingly.