Free Alien Indiscretions by Tracy St. John Page A

background as they chattered, made Cissy laugh even harder.
    Lindsey sighed when the hilarity calmed. “Speaking of business—”
    Jessica made a face. “Yes, we working types need to get where we’re supposed to be. We can’t all be ladies of leisure.” She wrapped her arms around Tasha. “Com me if you need anything at all though.”
    Tasha returned the embrace with interest. “Thanks, Jess.”
    Lindsey and Cissy shared a hug of their own. “Don’t forget, a girls-only dinner tonight. Keep your boy-toys for later, Cissy.”
    The twins switched cousins for another round of hugs. Jessica added, “We’ll pick you up.”
    Cissy told her, “We’ll be waiting. I might even put on a skirt in honor of the occasion.”
    Lindsey pretended to faint. “Did you hit your head?”
    More hugs and kisses on the cheeks ensued. After having been separated from each other for years, Cissy sensed her cousins were every bit as loath to break away as she was. It didn’t matter that they’d be able to see each other every day if they wished. Having family nearby once more was a precious thing.
    Jessica and Lindsey departed, surrounded by the dispassionate Royal Guards. It took only five more minutes for Besat, Garlel, and Anna to tour the twins about the remainder of Tasha’s quarters. The kitchenette was miniscule with a cooling unit filled with pre-prepared meals and a warmer. There was a mix of the Kalquorian and Earther foods Tasha preferred. Cissy was assured her preferences were stocked in her apartment.
    “You can eat in the complex’s dining room or out in the courtyard as well,” Besat informed them. “Also, your potential clans will be taking you to various dining establishments.”
    “You can call the kitchen for something special to be sent to your room,” Garlel assured. “Do not be shy about what you want.”
    Tasha turned to Cissy. “Sweetie, do you remember the meaning of the word ‘shy’?”
    “No, but I remember how to kick your rear.” Cissy smiled at Besat. “What else do you have to show us?”
    The chuckling administrator showed them the bath facility and the single bedroom. “Again, Matara Cissy’s quarters are exactly the same,” he said as they looked at the tiny space that was just big enough for the sleeping mat, a table, and a desk. At least the closet was large, Cissy noted. Not that either woman had much in the way of clothing.
    That wrapped up the tour. After a few more instructions, Besat, Garlel, and Anna took their leave. Tasha and Cissy trooped over to the other twin’s apartment and confirmed it was indeed as identical as they were.
    Their few belongings were delivered: their clothes, some makeup, treasured photo vids, and other small items.
    Cissy grimaced at the two tiny piles of all they owned. “I’m feeling that I’ve been downsized too far,” she told her sister.
    Tasha nodded. “Me too. Shall we take a walk to the marketplace and remedy the matter?”
    Cissy pretended to contemplate the wisdom of such action. “Let’s see. We each have a full account granted by the Kalquorian government and deplorably empty closets. I thought you’d never ask.”
    No further conversation was required. In perfect accord, they linked arms and left their new home.
     
     

Chapter 5

    The twins’ shopping excursion was a roaring success in that they managed to spend all of their carefully saved government allowances in one day. They agreed they loved the vast market area of the underground with its many stores, eating options, and entertainments. By the end of the jaunt they were exhausted, but at least their closets were no longer empty.
    Cissy spent the rest of the day arranging her apartment to her liking. Personal mementos went up everywhere, making the tiny quarters seem more like home. She and Tasha bounced between their connected abodes, talking about this and that and trying to decide what classes and entertainments they wanted to try out in the days ahead.
    The day was late