"His language skills are severely lacking," an old woman sniffed.

"I'm learning Ma'am. Ain't . . . Haven't been speaking formal Centari for very long," Vin answered for himself before Chris could speak. No need for Chris ta git riled up already.

The woman sniffed and proceeded to ignore the human.

"Do you think it's . . . wise bringing your . . . Gavin here?" William, the old man who questioned the safety of Vin’s presence asked uncomfortably.

"The captain issued an invitation. I certainly wasn't going to come without my bonded," Chris growled.

"Bonded!" Everyone at the table turned to examine the human.

"Is that what they call a . . . catamite now?" The old woman sneered.

"Get real, we're not that stupid, Humans aren't developed enough to produce psi's," another diner sniffed.

"Chris, what means word?" Vin interrupted calmly. .

"What word?” Chris asked distractedly glaring at the hostile speakers.

“Cat-a-mite, what does it mean?” Vin asked determinedly.

“It means a boy used by an older man for sexual purposes,” Larabee explained reluctantly. The knotted muscles of his jaw easily visible to even the non-enhanced at the table.

"Centari do that kind of thing to childer?" Vin hissed. //And they says mah people is perverted. We don’ even have a word fer that.//

“Col. Larabee does . . . Bond with you now doesn’t he?” Hazel insinuated.

“What’s bonding got to do with . . . Blanket games?” Vin asked in puzzlement.

“Uninformed people are under the illusion that all bonding has to be sexual,” Chris growled. “I don’t . . . bed Vin, he’s my bonded not my lover.”

“If you say so,” Hazel sniffed.

"Hazel, quit being so insulting. Just because you're a bitter old woman doesn't give you the right to make everyone around you miserable," a truly ancient woman stood beside an empty seat. The insulting woman spluttered and the diners fell silent under the censoring gaze of the elder.

The old lady's sharp eyes studied Chris and Vin. Glad I drug myself down here, they're going to need some support with all the backstabbing at this table. Typical high born nothing between their pretty ears but the latest gossip. Obviously none of these air heads watch the news. The so called experts are still trying to explain that light show when these boys went through the psi monitor.

Vin tilted his head and studied the old woman as intently as she had studied him. That shut the old witch up, so Centurions have 'Grandmothers' too. Vin kept the amusement off his face as he left his place to hurry around the table to hold 'Grandmother's' chair.

"What are you doing young man?" she demanded.

"Helping with your chair," Vin answered, working hard to enunciate properly.

"Boy I've been sitting down to the table on my own for 180 years. I certainly don't need help to do so," she huffed. Glancing down she studied the metal circlet on the human's wrist before looking closely at Larabee's arm. Bracelet bonded. I haven't seen that in . . . over 120 years. Just full of surprises aren't you children.

Vin stepped back. "Sorry ma'am, it's custom among my people. Helping to seat a beautiful lady like you is purely a pleasure." Tanner's eyes danced mischievously as he held 'grandmother's' gaze.

"Humph, beautiful, maybe a long time ago, now I'm just old. Still I like new things, helps keep me from getting set in my ways. Show me this seating thing," she ordered. Bet the boy must be a handful, good. Larabees tend to get stodgy and set in their ways as they age. This child will keep young Christopher on his toes.

Vin carefully seated 'grandmother' and made certain she was comfortable before moving back to his own chair. Vin blinked innocently at Chris when his guide scowled.

"Since when do you flirt?" Chris growled breaking the silence that had fallen over the table as they watched the human's actions.

"Since ‘fore I could talk." Vin looked over with a guileless expression. "Ladies is more likely ta hand over a cookie that way you know," Tanner said seriously.

Larabee chuckled. Bet they lined up to give you cookies too.

"Col. Christopher Beau Larabee, Gavin Vinya ap Wervyn Tanner, Ma'am," Vin politely introduced first his bonded and then himself.

"Larabee? One of the Capital City Larabee's?" William, the old man demanded.

"Yes," Chris answered shortly. //Vinya ap Wervyn? What kind of name is that?//

//Later.// Vin promised.

"You're Elizabeth's son? You know William, that boy of her's by Matthew Fowler. The one with the Larabee curse," the old woman exclaimed. "It was quite the scandal really, her going all primitive and actually gestating the baby herself.

Vin glanced over at Chris.

"Guide genes," Larabee explained softly to his Sentinel. "Mom didn't use an artificial womb or even a surrogate, she carried me herself."

//Woulda kilt yah most likely iffen she had.// Vin shook his head faintly in disgust. Such a crippled people, thinking Guardians is damaged somehow. Artificial wombs . . . Guardian most likely curl up an die rejected by their momma that way.

"Wonder if they have cookies in the kitchen?" the ancient woman said thoughtfully interrupting the insulting comments. "Hattie Thomas, by the way."

"Don't encourage . . . it, Hattie," Hazel hissed in exasperation.

"She forgets her manners, she's quite senile you know." Hattie ignored the other woman and smiled warmly at Vin.

"Humans aren't capable of producing hounds," Hazel sniffed using the derogatory name for a Hunter.

"Are you truly a Hunter, young man?" Hattie asked seriously.

"No ma'am, I'se . . . I'm a Sentinel or Watchman, enhanced but not the same thing at all," Vin answered.

"Told you so," Hazel crowed loudly.

"Not a Hunter but they're certainly bonded." Hattie reached across the table and tapped the metal band circling Tanner's wrist. "Bracelet bond that's very rare only the strongest can bond on that level. Obviously you didn't see the light show when these young men went through the monitor before boarding. Larabee's whole group seemed to be psi's in some form, including the other humans."

"So humans can produce weak hunters," William frowned thoughtfully taking a reconsidering look at the human.

"Vin‘s the highest ranking enhanced in Centurion space," Chris said cuttingly. “It’s a matter of record.”

"You've got to be kidding, a human?" A serious looking man at the other end of table scowled.

//Pull in yer horns. No need makin' enemies 'lessen yah got no choice.// Vin scolded.

"If I hadn't been sure of the difference before, after Sydni I would have been," Chris said in a less confrontational tone.

"How serious was it? The news always blows things so out of proportion," a simpering woman asked making certain to flash her more than ample cleavage in Chris' direction.

Vin blinked and looked a Chris questioningly only to be ignored. Figured bonded ta me would have made Chris a pariah to these fancy folks. That'n sure is flashing her bait though. Man'd have to be careful he could get lost in there and never find his way out.

"Being a Larabee makes all kinds of peculiarities acceptable, even you. The Colonel better watch out or she'll have him staked out on a marriage bed in a heartbeat despite being bonded. Being from one of the wealthiest families in the confederation doesn't hurt either," Hattie enlightened Vin having noticed Tanner‘s questioning look.

//Ten ponies fer breedin' privileges.// Vin 'said' in an amused tone.

//Tanner you open your mouth and I'm tossing your candy stash.// Larabee threatened.

"Sydni is gone," Chris said bitterly.

"What do you mean gone?" William demanded.

"Sydni no longer exists. Rescue crews still hadn't made it in as far as downtown when we shipped out," Chris answered quietly.

"A disaster of that magnitude would be all over the news," the serious looking man protested.

"I guess they didn't think it was important," Chris answered.

"Chris, enough. This isn't good dinner conversation," Vin reminded softly.

Several more people claimed seats at the Captain’s table as a chime rang.

"I apologize for my tardiness." Damon Fielder, the ship's captain took his seat. "Thank you all for joining me."

"Colonel Larabee, Mr. Tanner, I'm very sorry for the . . . difficulties you incurred aboard my vessel. I promise you that the situation has been appropriately . . . handled. I'll be more than happy to discuss the situation privately after dinner. Dr. Wells suggested that I wait until you had recovered before offering my apologies. I realize in no way can I make up for the unfortunate confrontation."

//Vin?// Chris turned in concern at the maelstrom of emotion his bonded was projecting. //The captain is being honest I can 'read' how really upset he is over what happened.//

"Mr. Tanner this case came into my possession I was told it is of human manufacture. I have to admit to being unable to open it. Would you perhaps know what it is?" Capt. Fielder smiled sheepishly taking a battered case from a hovering steward.

Vin stood up took the case in to his arms as if he'd never let it go.

"Can you open it?" Fielder asked hopefully.

"You want ta sell it?" Vin asked hoarsely.

"I have an embarrassing amount of money tied up in it," Capt. Fielder said ruefully. "Much more than any sane person would pay."

"How much?" Vin demanded.

"850,000 solars," the captain said firmly.

Shocked exclamations filled the air.

Way to much. Wonder if I can find one I can afford. Chris sighed.

"That's a lot of money isn't it?" Vin asked. Tanner's face held no expression but Larabee could 'feel' how badly Vin wanted that case.

"Yeah Pard, that's a lot of money," Chris answered. "Haven't you ever used money?"

"No, not much use most places I've been." Tanner reluctantly handed the case back to the captain who sat it next to his chair.

Nothing more was said as the waiting staff began to fill glasses and serve the first course.

"Chris?" Vin indicated the long line of cutlery.

Should have given Vin a lesson in table manners, too late now. "Just use the same one I do," Chris suggested.

"I would have thought you couldn't possibly have chosen worse then that tramp Sarah, obviously I was wrong,” Hazel said cattily.

A hush fell over all the diners as they realized Hazel’s comment had gone too far.

“Killin’s bad fer tha digestion,” Vin muttered faintly.

Chris simply glared across the table at the women until she dropped her eyes.

Dinner proceeded with more than a few insulting remarks being made despite the attempts of Hattie Thomas and Capt. Fielder to protect the bonded pair.

"My goodness child you must really like the food," Hattie chuckled. Only way that plate could be cleaner is if he licked it.

"Didn't care for it much to be honest with you Ma'am," Vin admitted quietly.

"Then why didn't you ask for something else?" Captain Fielder asked.

"One of the mothers would have boxed my ears, then sent me to eat with the children until I learned some manners," Vin answered earnestly. "Eat what's put before you. No telling when you'll get to eat again."

The Centurions exchanged bewildered looks and continued their conversations ignoring the human's words.

They’ve never gone to bed with an empty belly. Vin sighed deeply.

"Human manners what an oxymoron." Hazel sneered. "You don't even know what that means do you Hound?"

"Take it easy Larabee, I can handle this," Vin growled. "It's where you take two words that don't fit each other and cram them together. Like Centari manners, you being a prime example, Ma'am."

“Are you going to let this murdering savage talk to me like that?” Hazel demanded huffily looking at Larabee.

“Savage?” Chris looked amused as Vin wiped out the last of his desert in a concentrated attack.

“Humans aren’t civilized,” William sneered.

“What do you consider civilized?” Vin asked curiously before licking his fingers.

“This is a finger bowl. You dip your finger tips in it then wipe them on your napkin. Licking your fingers is considered bad manners,” Chris directed.

“Sorry about that Captain Fielder but that sweet was mighty good,” Vin apologized.

“Civilized-settled communities, homes, schools, splendid cities,” William huffed, a disgusted look on his face at the uncivilized display.

“Ah, material civilization, controlling nature and all its treasures to provide for you. What of intellectual civilization? It shows itself in learning and all kinds of arts. Then of course there is social civilization-good government, the integrity of family and good manners. What then of moral civilization? Which is true civilization?” Vin asked curiously.

A stunned silence fell. All eyes turned to study the small figure.

“Lack of civilization doesn’t denote lack of intelligence,” Hattie chided in amusement. “Humans aren’t a lower life form.” Very intelligent and a bit manipulative.

Vin watched intently as Chris lifted his spoon from the decadent desert. Wide sapphire eyes watched as the bite was consumed. The human licked his own lip as the spoon was filled once more and lifted to hover level with Chris’ mouth.

“Hell, you take it,” Larabee grumbled pushing his desert over in front of Vin.

Vin smiled happily and dug into the confection with gusto, emptying the dish. He dipped his fingers carefully then wiped them on the napkin. Vin’s wide eyes settled on Hattie and her almost untouched desert. Long lashes fluttered and a sweet smile appeared. Hattie found herself the center of Tanner’s attention. Very manipulative. Hattie chuckled faintly. “No more, you’ll get a belly ache.”

“But it’s so good,” Vin pouted faintly.

“No, you can’t have it, now behave yourself,” Hattie ordered firmly. Chris certainly has his hands full.

“If you’d like I’ll take a look at that case now.” Tanner looked toward Capt. Fielder.

Gentle hands moved over the battered leather, a look of concentration was on Tanner's face.

Red and yellow and
Pink and Green
Purple and orange and blue

I can sing a rainbow
Sing a rainbow
Sing a rainbow too

Listen with your eyes
Listen with your ears
And sing everything you see

I can sing a rainbow
Sing a rainbow
Sing along with me

Long fingers touched a inset jewel of each color as the human sang faintly. With a soft chime the case opened exhibiting a twelve string guitar.

"It's beautiful but what purpose does it serve?" Hattie asked.

"Music, one of those arts of a intellectual society," Vin answered hoarsely.

Something about the damn thing has Vin completely off balance. Chris watched in concern.

"What's this, some kind of code? No telling what kind of military secrets they stole," Hazel barked snatching a few loose pages out of the case.

"It's sheet music . . . musical writing." Vin grimaced as the pages were crumpled.

"That's what you'd like us to think," Hazel charged.

Vin sat back down then removed the guitar gently from the case and began to tighten the strings and tune it.

"May I have my belongings back?" The captain held out his hand impatiently to Hazel.

Hazel sniffed and handed the papers to the captain only to scowl when they were laid on the table where Tanner could easily see them. A faint smile and Vin turned them right side up.

Looks like she finished it. Vin quickly scanned the chords. Picking through the song once, he began to truly play. A silent hush fell over the room as Tanner began to sing foreign words, then switched to formal Centari as he played through the third time.

Let the sweet fresh breezes heal me

As they rove around the girth

Of our lovely mother planet

Of the cool, green hills of Earth.

We've tried each spinning space mote

And reckoned its true worth:

Take us back again to the homes of men

On the cool, green hills of Earth.

The arching sky is calling

Spacemen back to their trade.

ALL HANDS! STAND BY! FREE FALLING!

And the lights below us fade.

Out ride the sons of Terra,

Far drives the thundering jet,

Up leaps a race of Earthmen,

Out, far, and onward yet ---

We pray for one last landing

On the globe that gave us birth;

Let us rest our eyes on the fleecy skies

And the cool, green hills of Earth.

How can you be homesick for some place you've never seen? Chris wondered as the last chords faded away. Vin's hurting for some reason.

Vin carefully loosened the strings, removing a cloth from the case he wiped the guitar down before replacing it and the sheet music in the case before closing it.

"That was . . . amazing Mr. Tanner," Capt. Fielder said sincerely.

"I‘ll give you 650,000 for it," Vin offered.

"800,000 solars," the captain said firmly.

“725,000 and not a coin more,” Vin counter offered.

Captain Fielder chuckled. Wish I could just give it to him, it’s not as if I can use the damn thing. Too bad Larabee’s going to have to tell him no.

Shocked exclamations filled the air.

No way I can come up with that kind of money no matter how much Vin might want it. Chris sighed.

"725,000 done deal," Vin spit on his palm and held out his hand to the absolutely horrified captain.

"Vin, I know you want that thing but I don't have that kind of money," Chris explained softly. "I might be a Larabee but I'm not one of the 'rich' ones. I have to live on my salary."

"Didn't expect you too. Let me talk to Ez," Vin ordered.

"Vin . . . ," Chris began.

"Let me talk to Ez, Chris." Vin flashed an impish smile.

I'm not sure I want to know what Tanner's doing. Chris sighed and pulled out his PNI. "Buck, put Ezra on Vin wants to talk to him."

"Hey Ez, let the moths out of yer wallet, I need 725,000 solars," Tanner said cheerfully then held the PNI at arm's length as Standish ranted.

. . . . . .

After a long pause Vin answered. "Cause yah owe me that's why." Once more the phone was held at arm's length.

. . . . . .

"Stop yer caterwauling' yer givin' me a headache." Tanner seemed almost giddy, he was so happy.

. . . . . .

"I'm buying a guitar that's why," Tanner responded.

. . . . . .

"No, I want this one," Vin said.

. . . . . .

"No, I ain't changing mah mind," Vin said stubbornly.

. . . . . .

"Here, Ez needs a account number to send the funds to." Tanner held out the PNI to Capt. Fielder.

"Vin, where did Ezra get that kind of money?" Chris demanded. Another review board to explain this one.

"Ez, claimed that bounty Novas Mehix had on me." Vin smirked.

Sing a Rainbow by Delta Goodrem

Green Hills of Earth by Robert A Heinlein