Sayeeda found herself growing more enthralled the more Saxon talked. She didn't think she had ever heard the Hex talk so much in the entire time she had known him. The alien phrased things in terms that reminded her of sagas or perhaps ritualistic recitation boasts. It fired her imagination, making her see an ancient and primordial forest though which hunters stalked great beasts. She wondered if they might ever get close enough to visit, although a whole planet full of Saxons...

"Join us Captain," Gabriella called, waving her to the table where servants were laying down platters of breakfast foods. Platters of meat cheese, and tropical fruit in a dazzling variety of colors. Bottles of what appeared to be juice cooled with fresh ice were lain in small buckets of decorated porcelain.

"Let us talk of business," she said with a nod to her husband and then cast a smile at Indra.

"And celebrate my daughters engagement, of course," she said raising her glass towards Neil and Indra. Taya's mouth fell open, though she managed to avoid actually gasping.

"Neil is getting married?!" she asked with a shocked look at her captain.