"I'm sorry to bring you from your home, Master Nakai, but there are concerns in the town with regards to the Xyran."

"His name is Sukh, and he's my bondmate. I would request that you remember this and address him accordingly." Nakai drew himself to his full height, giving him a couple of inches over Pimne.

"But of course, Master Nakai." Pimne gave a forced smile and acquiesced immediately.

This was hardly what Nakai expected. However, on seeing how quickly Pimne had backed down, Nakai decided to go on the offensive. "Giving consideration to the fact that Sukh has never come into town, except in my company, I truly wonder what concern there can be."

Trying to regain control of the situation, Pimne tried to mimic Nakai and also drew himself up tall. “Master Nakai, as town Magistrate I have to ensure all is in order within our community.”

“Of that I have no doubt, Master Pimne." Nakai inclined his head. "But I'm at a loss to know why anything should be levied against my mate, who is always at my side."

"Master Tokala has expressed concerns."

Now things made sense. At least a little. Tokala was new to the town and seemingly as determined as Pimne to consolidate a position of political power. Nakai instantly decided that Tokala was not going to use Sukh to gain status in the town.

"I see. However, it seems to me that perhaps the … issue surrounding my mate owes more to Master Tokala’s view of Xyrans, or even his political aspirations, rather than to of my fellow townspeople who have said nothing to me, your predecessor who only retired so recently, or our incumbent Mayor.”

"Master Tokala feels that to see a Xyran, unleashed, walking our streets, is distressing to our women and children."

At the furious look Nakai aimed at him, Pimne looked even less assured, and Nakai decided to press his advantage.

"Indeed? Then why have I not heard it from mates and parents? As I understand it, Master Tokala is newly settled in our town. I doubt that my bondmates and I have been in town more than twice in that time. Who is complaining to him? And why? He isn't the Magistrate. You are. Nor is he Mayor. Although I have heard rumor he intends to stand. I ask again, is this related to his, shall we say, political aspirations?"

The obvious loss of color to Pimne's cheeks told Nakai all he needed to know. It didn't surprise Nakai that Pimne probably thought of him as a country bumpkin. Since taking Sukh and Einian as his mates, there was almost no reason for Nakai to leave the comfort of his home and estate. Prior to that he either managed his estate or did his military service. He'd never made a point of being vocal in the town's political arena.

Maybe it was time that he was.

"I—I assure you, Master Nakai, that I wouldn't be party to any such—such a situation."

A deep sense of satisfaction rolled over Nakai as Pimne looked positively green. If Pimne had done his homework better, he would have realized that Nakai would be not be impressed by the Magistrate's own social status, nor would he be a pushover. Tokala may have wealth, but Nakai was quite sure that his own personal prosperity, even when not combined with that of his brothers, made him one of the wealthiest residents of the town.

He had affluence, social standing, and he was still an officer of the Alphan fleet. Nakai's request to leave the service had been met with one that he remain on active service only to be called upon in an emergency. He'd block Tokala in every way possible. He inclined his head at Pimne.

“I would be very interested to know exactly who feels the need to discuss anything of such an intimate nature with such a comparative newcomer to the town.” Nakai flicked imaginary lint from the sleeve of his jacket. “As I’m sure you’ve discovered for yourself, Master Pimne, the townsfolk take time to adjust to someone from outside. Nothing personal is meant, but we are a small and intimate town. Which naturally makes me very concerned no one has approached me. After all, I’m very well respected within our community.”

Although it wasn’t normally in Nakai’s nature to make someone feel small, he was so angry over Sukh that he fully intended to make Pimne deliberately uncomfortable. And his strategy was working.

“Let me get you some wine. I believe this is one of your own vintages.” Pimne hurried away to pour a couple of drinks.

Settling back in his chair, Nakai allowed himself a slow smile. By the time he was finished here, the Magistrate would have turned a full one hundred and eighty degrees. He’d also make certain to find out a lot more about Tokala. Some Alphans retained a dislike of Xyrans, and always would. Their worlds remained in opposition, and Xyrans were enemies, after all.

A thought struck him, and Nakai sat up a little straighter. He wasn't even certain he'd come into town with Sukh since Tokala's recent arrival in town. In fact, now that the realization had come to him, he was certain that in the last few months he and his mates had remained on the estate. The town had little to entice them to visit.

The more Nakai thought about it, the more Tokala seemed to bear careful investigation.