Free Neptune's Massif by Ben Winston

recommended," Janet replied. "Now, let's get the rest of the people out of the shuttle and back to work. We have people arriving tomorrow, and there is still some things left to do."

Chapter 4
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    M ount Olympus Star Port
    Ascension, Planet Atlas
    Centauri System, Sol Sector
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    I an and Star jogged up just as the large passenger liner settled to the pad outside the main terminal building. Luke turned and grinned at him.
    "You're cutting it pretty close, Ian. I was starting to wonder what I was going to tell the dignitaries about your absence!"
    "I'm really sorry, Luke. I had to stop by Main Medical on the ship before coming down, Talena needed me for something," Ian replied slightly out of breath.
    "Is Talena sick? Why would she be in medical?" Luke asked with concern.
    "Uh, no, she isn't sick, but... uh, it was a personal favor for her that required a stop by the medical section," Ian replied, blushing.
    Luke smiled and chuckled. "Okay, I'll butt out." He turned to look out the huge windows at the sleek looking liner. "I'm told that the Benesians are a heavily matriarchal society, and that most of the women are extremely beautiful. They are also peaceful, which is why ARC uses them for treaty negotiations."
    "Close, they are matriarchal because of the low birth rate of males in their society. Males are also smaller and more fragile on the average. Beth tells me that seeing a male Benesian off-planet is a very rare occurrence, so it is unlikely we will ever meet one. From what Goya told me about them, the Benesians volunteered to be the primary negotiators for the Alliance of Races since they abhor violence, and it would give them a way to contribute in a manner that did not offend their Goddess. They are very religious too, or so I'm told," Ian said. "But that could be rumor."
    "That actually fits with what I could find on them. The Matriarch of the race is also the High Priestess. However, they are very tolerant of other religions and eager to learn what they can about them so as not to offend others. I'm actually kind of looking forward to this," Luke replied.
    "I think we all are, Luke," Laura Johnson added. She was one of the four other Councilors present to greet the dignitaries. "Although I am learning to hate all the pomp and shit."
    Zebadiah Gabriel snorted. "I don't think any of us like that part of this, Laura. But I do have to admit to being curious about their belief system and how it differs from ours. All in all, this should be an interesting meeting."
    Star sucking in a breath caught Ian's attention, and he turned to look at her. "Sir, the first person off that ramp is going to be the Benesian Matriarch, not a diplomat from the ARC!"
    "Luke! The Matriarch is in the lead. She came here in person!" Ian whispered.
    "Fuck, we're not set up for a state visit!" Luke replied.
    "Since it was not announced, it is not official, Councilor. Greet her formally, but just be yourself otherwise. Nothing more should be expected," Star offered.
    Luke nodded thanks to her as the Benesian Elder stepped clear of the passageway.
    Everyone bowed to her. "Matriarch, you honor us with this visit. Had we known you were coming we could have prepared a more fitting reception for you," Luke spoke.
    "There is no need to bow, Councilor Belden. I am not here officially; this is more on the lines of a personal visit. I simply took advantage of the free ride," the older, yet still very striking woman said and smiled brightly. "I am T'gan M'orel of Benesia. Besides, all the fravirish of formality gets so tiring!"
    "That it does, Matriarch. Please, allow me to introduce my fellow councilors," Luke replied and performed the necessary introductions. Since it had been a political event, Ian was introduced last.
    "Finally, let me introduce to you our military commander and the man most responsible for our current situation, Admiral Ian Williams," He turned to Ian. "Admiral, it is my honor to make known