Hannah and Ra stood picking up the plates Rose and I had. "Come with us and learn about the food offered,” she commanded.

“Ratru, it pleases me to see you have made acquaintance with my female breeder,” she said politely. "It would make me very happy to see blades made for the female humans to carry."

Ratru's face split with a wide grin.

“The lead smith has been teaching us. His family will make the best weapons for these humans," he said sounding happy.

“I believe," Hannah said with authority, “it would be good practice for your family to make the blades. You must begin to trust the skills you have been taught. You and your Brothers are very talented working with metal. It is well known you will be lead smiths one day yourselves."

My heart sunk as I watched the interaction. Hannah and Ra didn't just bring us here casually. They were respected in this place. The men Listened to them. If Hannah didn't want me with Damien, I would not be.

I was angry and frustrated, but determined. In the past I‘d always managed to find a “work around" for the rules on this world. Steeling myself, I decided now was no different. I would just have to figure this place out.

Rose and I were walked back to the buffet and tutored through it. Things we could eat were pointed out and explained to us. Things that were high in vitamins were specifically noted. Hannah made sure we understood what a serving of each would be. The measurements she used were simple enough. A handful, a slice, and so on, we were delivered back to Ratru with a meal more Like what Damien would have given me.

My friend and I were left to eat our meal as Hannah and Ra walked the dining room talking to different groups. I remembered seeing politicians on Earth. The way my daughter and her Sister approached the families and the tone they used reminded me of that. The girls were well recognized and obviously well respected as they moved about.

“They are amazing," Ratru said watching where I was looking.

“We were rescued, but obviously did not understand what was happening. My Brothers and I were bound on the transport. When we came through the opening on this side of the mountains racks attacked. Hannah and Ra swooped in and killed the creatures before our rescuers could do anything with their weapons."

I ate as I Listened to him and had to be proud of the awe in his voice. Hannah was very well suited for this world. Whether she liked it or not, she had obviously absorbed her father's leadership ability, also. She was a powerful female.

“They flew with us here," Ratru continued, “and unbound us in the transport storage area. Hannah explained to us what was happening. We found her to be so unlike any female we had ever dealt with before. She touched us gently and spoke to us kindly. She also Looks different than the other females and my Brother was curious. He noted her long hair on her head and the lack of it on her face. It surprised us when she answered. She explained her Earth heritage and we were amazed."

“No female had ever spoken to us as they did," Ratru's Brother said watching Hannah and Ra. "We asked more questions and they continued to answer politely. When we became upset they soothed us and tried to relax us. When they thought we were becoming alarmed, they moved away from us. My Brothers and I had never met females Like that."

"My female offspring is quite wonderful," I agreed with him, “but I still disagree with her.”

Rose seconded the comment and wiped a tear from her face.

“Hannah is wise,“ Ratru said.

“She is not an Administrator, yet, but we all know it is her goal eventually. You would do well to listen to her."

My toddler I thought caustically. I would do well to listen to MY toddler. My eyes narrowed, but I kept my opinion to myself.

After the meal Hannah and Ra walked with us to a Latrine on the first floor. It was just a large room with about thirty lacquered pots against the walls.

“Upstairs are ones just for you and Rose,“ Hannah informed us.

“Use these for right now. Ra and I will not let any men in to give you privacy."