Free 9781631055577NiKohsChosenMichaelsNC by Kenzie Michaels

studies begin next
week, and some forms may need filling out, since parental permission is needed.”
    “I
will check for any communiqués from the Academy and fill out what needs to be
sent in. How are you doing otherwise?”
    “Fine,
Father.” OkVei launched into a description of some of his favorite courses, and
other activities he had been involved in. “More
importantly, how is everything at home? I spoke to Grandmother yesterday.”
    NiKoh
registered surprise. “She did not mention it to me.”
    “She
mentioned you cleaned out Mother’s clothing.” There was a catch to his voice.
“Grandm other said she has also set aside some
mementos for me.”
    “I’m
not surprised at that.” NiKoh felt a lump in his throat and swallowed. “I asked
Vishe to do it, so thank her and GiNae next time you’re home.”
    “Is
GiNae happier now, working at the animal shelte r?”
    NiKoh
smiled. “Yes. She has been entertaining her mother and I every evening with
stories. Did you know she wasn’t happy with her Placement results?”
    “She
told me. I encouraged her to return home.” OkVei’s face turned apologetic. “She
wasn’t happy here .”
    “You
encouraged her?”
    “Yes.
Even though she’s several years ahead of me, I could tell she was happier
around the animals. She was hoping her Placement would show that aptitude.”
OkVei shook his head. “What is wrong with those tests, Father? I’m happy I’ m good with languages, but shouldn’t there be another test
for what a person is interested in?”
    NiKoh
chuckled. “My generation asked that same question. Apparently, they used to
allow people to follow their interests, but sometimes they proved to be bad at their jobs. The test is designed—”
    “To
match the skills with the preferred job. Yes, I know.” OkVei heaved a sigh.
“That doesn’t make it right.”
    “It’s
not a perfect system but it’s what we have.” NiKoh’s communicator chirped. “Is
there anything else, son? I have another incoming
call.”
    “Blessings,
Father. I will speak to you again soon.” OkVei’s image flickered, then went
out.
    NiKoh
touched the button on his communicator. “Yes?”
    “NaKar
is requesting your presence in the conference room. I knew you were spe aking with your son, but he is growing impatient.” LyDie,
his secretary, sounded calm. “He has contacted me twice now.”
    “I’m
on my way. Thanks, LyDie.” NiKoh tapped the button and stood, then exited the
office and strode down the hallway, where he found hi s
superior and several other men gathered. “Forgive me, my son has told me he is
now a finalist for the space station recruits.”
    “How
wonderful, NiKoh. I will add a letter of recommendation for him. My daughter
tried for one of the counseling slots, but wh en she
learned it meant actually traveling to the station, she had her name removed.”
NaKar smiled. “Not quite ready to leave the nest after all.”
    Polite
laughter filled the air.
    “Gentleman,
we have an issue with two Xaxonians. NiKoh, I understand you have a relative who knows JeWal and DuKah?”
    NiKoh
set his jaw. “Yes. My sister SaLie informs me they are seeking entertainment
for the Xaxonian half of the station. I have not heard of further issues.”
    NaKar
activated a panel and each man’s computer pad glowed with images. “Women are reporting JeWal has made overtures, including a
reporter who interviewed him for a local column. This needs to stop.” He looked
at each man in turn. “In the interest of planetary diplomacy, I say we not only
continue our surveillan ce of the pair, but also place
a team to follow them covertly in order to diffuse any situation which might
arise. If the reporter’s friend hadn’t arrived to help her out, who knows what
those two would have done to her.”
    One
man raised his hand. “How many men would be needed to
tail him?”
    NiKoh
cleared his throat. “I believe two per shift could handle it, TaTur. Three
pairs, rotating every