“Why not both?” Madeline asked. “I’m sure we can figure out a way to have fun, and make sure to get some thugs into trouble at the same time.”

Gabriel grinned and wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her close, “I love your optimism,” he said.

Madeline chirped and quickly hugged him while they walked. Then she broke off and pointed at a store, “How about that one? It’s a Roniean store.”

“Yes, we can check it out, it’s mostly marketed to young adults but they may have something,” Vnara said.

They walked into the store and looked around. Gabriel felt almost at home, the two women walking around looking and comparing various garments and Gabriel and Orlon sat on a bench at the side, mostly uninterested. Gabriel had walked around some, looking at the fashion, but apparently, young adult Ronieans wore mostly black clothes with shiny metal zippers and large buttons.

“Any ideas for a trap?” Gabriel asked Orlon who almost looked zoned out. Maybe he liked shopping even less than Gabriel.

“Hm,” He said and squinted. “Maybe.” He rubbed his head. “I don’t think it’s wise to provoke any ‘thugs’ to attack, rather it’s likely better to lead than somewhere they think are… private. And by that, I mean no surveillance.”

“So, make them think no one is looking and record them,” Gabriel said.

“Precisely,” Orlon said. “However I have no idea how to go about doing that.”

“Yeah, might be difficult to do without splitting up,” Gabriel said and rubbed her beard. “But, if Madeline and I stay on the main street while you and Vnara scout a location?”

“That might work, yes,” Orlon confirmed, but he didn’t seem that enthusiastic. “But we can’t protect you if anything happens in the meantime. While I’m sure you can protect yourself, that would still be going against our orders.”

Gabriel pondered that for a minute, “And I suppose you can’t call on some buddies to set something up?”

“No, this trap idea will put you and Miss Nioni into danger, whether it works or not.” Orlon rubbed his face, right where a nose would be. “Honestly the entire trap idea might be unwise.”

“At least without support,” Gabriel said.

“Agreed.”

“One moment,” Gabriel said and walked over to Madeline, “Hey, you have the number to Krihana right? Can I talk to her?” Madeline initiated the call and handed over the phone after getting an answer.

“Mr. Walker, what’s the occasion?” Krihana asked over the pcu.

“Well, I was just wondering if I could borrow a Justicar or two and set a trap for some thugs that are following us and might cause trouble.”

“...Straight to the point,” Krihana sighed on the other end. “No, I will not give you permission for any such action. However as you will be working with both Rik’Tensel and Zura, If you want to...” she sighed again. “Hang out and get to know each other, I can give you their numbers.”

“Thanks, yeah, we are going clothes shopping and could use their help,” Gabriel tried.

“Very well, Mr. Walker, I will send their numbers over to Miss Nioni’s pcu.”

“Thanks again.”

“Don’t mention it, and I mean it,” Krihana said.

“Yes, ma’am,” Gabriel said. A moment later he received two messages and made two calls. He walked back and sat down next to Orlon after giving Madeline her pcu back. “So, do you know about a place called Healthy body, healthy mind?”

“The gym? Yeah, I know where it is, why?” Orlon asked.

“Two friends want to meet us there in about an hour,” Gabriel said. “And it wouldn’t hurt if we bring some uninvited guests.”

“We can’t control the latter,” Orlon said. “But it’s maybe a 20-minute casual walk.” By this point in time, the women were done with perusing the store and came over.

“I have some ideas for you,” Madeline said and looked Gabriel up and down. She turned to Vnara and they shared a nod.

“Should I be worried?” Gabriel asked.

Madeline smiled and sat down next to him after giving him a quick kiss. “What did you two talk about when we were busy?”

“I talked to our two new friends at the Union and they wanted to meet us at a gym in an hour.”

“The two we trained with earlier today?”

“The very same,” Gabriel said and stood. “So, what’s next?”

“We have some shops that are more...” Vnara glanced around the store. “Well, marketed to adults I suppose.”

“Is this not in fashion?” Gabriel asked as they filed out of the store.

“Well, It is, but everything is very casual,” Vnara explained. “It would work if you ever go to a Roniean student party, but I suggest something a bit more business like, even for casual wear. You are after all an Ambassador.”

“Yeah, I suppose I am,” Gabriel agreed. “What about what I’m wearing now?”

Vnara gave him a quick once over, “The shoes could do with an upgrade and you need a jacket. The pants are a little plain but the shirt is nice.” Gabriel nodded. Considering he wore dark-gray jeans and a white button-up-shirt he agreed. His casual/hiking boots he imagined were also not in fashion.

“More importantly, you need variety,” Madeline said. “All your shirts and pants are the same color and make.”

“I won't argue with that,” Gabriel chuckled. “I have some ideas as well, though it’s 100-year-old Earth fashion.”

“I think I mix would be best,” Madeline said and turned to Vnara. “Like how Zilgi has changed our fashion to be a mix of Union and Zilgi fashion.”

“Yes, keep the shirt, but maybe change the color and style a little.” Vnara and Madeline launched into another discussion about fashion. Gabriel tried to follow along but when they began throwing out styles and names he gave up.

“Are human women the same way?” Orlon asked and gestured to the two women as he and Gabriel trailed slightly behind.

“Some,” Gabriel said. “My last girlfriend was, my sister is not.” He added. “It can’t be universal can it?”

“No, you just looked used to it,” Orlon chuckled. “I’ve found that cultures determine how much different genders likes shopping. Roniean men often dress up more than females for example. For us Phigos it’s a coin flip and Yavichian fashion is more varied amongst women.”

“Any reasoning behind it?”

“The weaker gender makes themselves look pretty to attract a strong partner is a leading theory.” Orlon shrugged. “Of course that’s thousands of years in the past for many races,” He added. “Fashion is an interest, the same as anything else.”

“An old...trait leftover from evolution?”

“I suppose, though trait might be the wrong word but I have no better,” Orlon said.

Gabriel tried to remember his history lessons, and whether or not they contained fashion. Probably not. Still, the oldest clothing he knew of was roman and they all wore tunics and togas, both women and men from what he remembered. Before that he was unsure.

“I’m honestly not sure how it is with humans. I feel like women's fashion is more varied though.”

Orlon shrugged “Anything else you want to know about our society?”

“Honestly I could use a documentary or two,” Gabriel said. “And there are probably a lot of questions I should have, but I can’t think of any.”

“That’s fine, just ask if any come to mind.”

They stopped at another store, but this time Madeline looked at clothes for herself and she had Gabriel help her pick out colors and styles. It was more enjoyable as Gabriel could see her in different outfits. But the time for their appointment closed in and they headed out towards the gym with a quick stop when Madeline found a store that sold perfumes and shampoo and the like.

If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

Vnara confirmed that they were being followed, and quite sloppily at that. A group of about 10 skulked along behind. She had only confirmed that the same Igris as before was in the lead, the rest a mix of just about every other tall race. Which meant no Azik, Quizeateran, or Akron. Nor any Cecaiampal for that matter, though the size was not the issue there.

“Here it is,” Orlon said, with a wide enough gesture to the thugs—or whomever they were—could see.

Gabriel looked up at a sign. He spelled out the word in his head and if the grammar were the same as English he could try and memorize the words. He focused on remembering the Station standard word for ‘and’ at least. Healthy, body, or mind seemed less important.

Right inside the door was an empty lobby with a front desk and machines for snacks and drinks, as well as seating. Behind the desk was a large room with plenty of weight and machines like any gym. There was also space with a material that looked like yoga mats on the floor. Another room off to the left was separated by a folding partition and there was talking going on.

Turning the corner revealed Zura giving instructions to a group of about 20 people from all common races while Rik’Tensel walked around correcting stances. They were training but every race seemed to do the exercises differently so Gabriel had no clue what was going on. Zura turned and smiled at them before calling a break and walking over.

“Good, you made it,” She said. “No problems from your tails?” she asked with a lowered voice.

“No,” Gabriel said. “But what’s going on here?”

“Training day for the department,” Zura said. “These are mine and Rik’Tensels co-workers.”

“Are they…?” Gabriel began but trailed off.

“Accountant, Analytics, Tech,” Zura said. “And a few from other sections.” She led them back towards the lobby and got herself a drink while Vnara and Orlon talked to Rik’Tensel.

“And potentially bringing...thugs or whatever they are to this place is no problem?”

Zura lowered her voice a little, “We can’t help it if thugs decide to cause trouble right? not our fault. And to work with us, you have to keep a good physique and learn self-defense.” She shrugged, her tentacles twitching. “And we have guns if needed.”

“I hope not,” Gabriel said.

Zura nodded, “Now, let’s get you changed and you can teach some self-defense.”

“What?”

Zura smiled and started to guide—more like push—him around a wall to a door. “You will find clothes in there, Rik’Tensel brought extras.”

“Okay...” Gabriel said confused and walked in. It was a changing room like any other, with shower stalls in the back. He resigned himself to not getting any answers right now and located a bag with folded gym clothes. This time the chosen styles were pants and a tank top, and shoes he had to do without. He walked out to a waiting Zura and Madeline, who had a confused expression.

“What’s this about?” Madeline asked.

“Your troubles just happened to collide with a training day, we just extended it some, it should have ended a few minutes ago.” Zura began walking back towards the room. “If your followers decide to hide in the shadows, we still get you to give us examples of human fighting, and if they cause trouble we have plenty of trained and armed people for arrests.”

“Huh, well I suppose that makes sense,” Gabriel said.

“Don’t tell anyone though, this is not exactly approved,” Zura whispered.

“Um, sure,” Gabriel said. “But the room is visible from the street isn’t it?”

“Yeah?”

“Do you really think anyone will just barge in here and—” Was all he managed just as the front door was thrown open and several ‘thugs’ swaggered in. “Well, I’ll be damned,” Gabriel said, honestly surprised.

Zura ignored the front door and addressed the group, “Right, breaks over. Today we have Ambassador Walker who has agreed to show off some human techniques.” Gabriel got a small round of applause as he stood next to Zura, feeling generally out of place. He looked over at Madeline but she just shrugged.

“Hi,” Gabriel said. “Right, so first off—” He began, then a small group rounded the corner, all wearing masks, but none had changed clothes and Gabriel recognized the Igris thug from earlier. “Hi, can we help you?”

The Igris grabbed the front of his tank-top and pulled. “Yes, you will come with us and—” He pulled, but Gabriel clamped a hand around his wrist and stood barely rocked in place.

“So, running away is the best self-defense, usually calling for help and getting as much attention as possible,” Gabriel explained. “But, If caught like this...” He pushed his thumb between the Igris little and ring finger and bent it back. With his left hand, he twisted the Igirs arm. “If you get a hold of the little finger or a finger in general, you can either just try and break it if you are in a circumstance where you are in danger. Or simply twist the arm around.”

The Igris, quite surprised, stood with his arm out, palm up, and elbow locked. “Let me go you pink—ow!”

“See, it’s quite difficult to get out of this hold.” Gabriel bent the finger more and the Igris had to go up on tiptoes to avoid more pain. Then Gabriel swiped his legs. “Of course, still, I recommend running in any instance where you get into a fight if possible.”

The Igris got up and swung at Gabriel’s head. He ducked, grabbed his arm, twisted, and threw the Igris into the mat. “If you can't overpower your opponent and have to fight, hit vitals, then run,” Gabriel said and smiled at the group. To their credit, most looked surprised and not scared.

“I will!—” The Igris began.

“Eyes, throat, genitals,” Gabriel continued, “Whatever will stop an assault so you can escape.” He pinned the Igris, and threw a punch, stopping just before hitting the Igris neck. “Few can run while they have trouble breathing.” He looked up at the group and got a few nods back.

“Behind you,” Madeline said. Gabriel looked back and received a kick in the ribs. He rolled off the Igris and stood, staring at the masked Ronian woman who had kicked him.

“Fighting several opponents at once is difficult,” Gabriel explained. “Here it’s important to take as many out as quickly as you can. Or as I’ve already said several times, as few as you need to escape.”

“Or keep friends who are willing to help out close by,” Zura said and stepped up. Rik’Tensel did the same. The Roniean hesitated and backed up behind the Igris who got to his feet.

Now the ‘thugs’ questioned their decision. Gabriel noticed that only five or so were in here and they didn’t like their odds. They turned and ran. The Igris that had initiated the attack—and ran last—made it about three steps before he tripped on Madeline’s foot.

“Oh, sorry about that,” she said and planted a foot on his back. The rest ran out and scattered.

Rik’Tensel walked over, pulled off the mask, and pulled a pair of zip tie cuffs from a pocket. “You are under arrest for assault.” He pulled him to his feet and marched the Igris away followed by Vnara and Orlon.

Vnara walked over to a panel on the wall and pressed a few buttons, “Luckily this was recorded, clear evidence.”

“Right, so what now?” Gabriel asked her.

“Now we throw dirt at the ones spreading the rumors, showing them to be more violent than you,” Zura said. “And if you want to show off some self-defense out of an active fight, that would be appreciated.”

“Fine by me,” Gabriel said and walked over to Madeline.

“Go ahead,” she said. “I’ve had enough training for one day.” she smiled. “But don’t take too long, we still need to end our date the right way,” she said.

“Will do,” Gabriel said smiling back. “Alright class, gather around!”

Gabriel tried his best to show off some ‘human moves’ but it was difficult finding things that worked for all races. Still, he managed to teach something with the help of the two Justicars. They stayed for half an hour before Gabriel changed and left with Madeline and the two cops. Zura and Rik’Tensel stayed with the group.

“I think that’s enough excitement for one day,” Madeline said. “How about we head back to the hotel?”

“Fine with me,” Gabriel said, feeling the same way.

“We will walk you back unless you want to take an HTS?” Vnara said.

Gabriel had to quickly go through his memories before HTS made sense. Hired transport service, or taxis. “How far is the hotel?”

“About 15 minutes,” Vnara said. “We walked around back towards it during the shopping.”

“Madeline?”

“I’m alright with walking, as long as the rain keeps away.”

“If there is one thing for certain in this city, it is rain,” Orlon said.

They began walking, Madeline hooking an arm around Gabriel’s while they walked, not talking about anything important, just casual conversation about good restaurants and stores Vnara and Orlon recommended. They made it back before any more rain began to fall. umbrella or not, Gabriel was happy to avoid it.

“Thanks for the double date,” He told the cops.

“Thank you,” Vnara said and bowed. “It was fun, and if you ever need fashion advice, just call,” she said to Madeline.

“I will, see you later,” she said and waved them goodbye. After Vnara and Orlon left, Gabriel and Madeline went right for their room. Gabriel kicked off his shoes and stretched.

“Well, that was an eventful day.”

“Agreed,” Madeline said and rummaged in a shopping bag. “Take your shirt off. And pants for that matter, and lay face down on the bed.”

“Um, okay,” Gabriel said. He did as he was told and laid down. He heard rustling and a minute later he felt Madeline straddle his waist. He heard a bottle open. Then Madeline placed both hands on his back and pressed into his back. Gabriel almost groaned as she began working his muscles.

“I do believe I promised you a backrub,” she said.

“Mmh,” Gabriel agreed. “Massage oil?” He asked, feeling something rubbed on his back.

“Not quite. It’s for dry skin, a common problem after sitting on a dry ship for weeks. But It also works for massages well enough.”

“Mmmh.”

“Now, let’s begin talking about ourselves,” Madeline said and paused to apply more pressure. Gabriel just groaned in response. “Let’s begin with family. I have a younger sister called Merisia and an even younger brother called Khroniean, my mother’s name is Mharisi. Following so far?”

“Yeah, trying,” Gabriel said and repeated the names, with only two corrections.

“Well, you got my mother's name correct, that’s something,” Madeline chirped. “You’re 25 years old by human measurements correct?”

“Mhm.”

“Let’s see, you have… how many days a year?”

“365,”

“And we have 330 in the Union. I am 29 and a half just about, which makes me...26 and a half in human years? thereabouts?”

“Sure,” Gabriel said, still enjoying the massage and feeling like his brain had gone on vacation.

“Well, technically I’m a little younger, I was in stasis for 4 months.”

“Right, but chronological age is 29?” Gabriel asked.

“Yep,” Madeline said.

“Alright,” Gabriel said.

“What more did you want to know. You wanted to know where I grew up, right? that can wait for a bit, telling you a name will mean little.”

“Fair.”

“I have asked my mother for pictures and we can look at a map later.” She finished her massage with a masterful backscratch.

“That was wonderful,” Gabriel said, still on his stomach on the bed. “Anything else planned for tonight?”

“Not really, but I’m tired, how about we watch a movie and cuddle?”

“That sounds perfect...”