“Hey, stick to one project at a time, scientist," Bastien said.
"Sorry, you know how my mind works."
"I do."
"I should've guessed. We all figured you were loosening up because you were around family and away from the solitary life that comes with being in the military." Kade shook his head. "Why are you telling me now?"
"So you don't think I'm a stalker when I ask you to look up information on Rivka," Bastien said.
"Yeah, that would've been awkward without knowing why. Does anyone else know?"
"Mars, but he guessed. He's going to meet us in the kitchen with his laptop. Phelan's got some meetings so we won't have to worry about him interrupting us."
"I'm not surprised. Mars is a lot more observant than most people give him credit for."
"It's true," Bastien said.
"Let me duck into the bathroom to get changed and we can head out."
Thirty minutes later, Bastien was no closer to learning who Rivka was or what she wanted. Short of hacking into her personal computer, there wasn't much available about who she was as a person. Frustrated and stuck where he’d started, they decided to pack in the computers for the day.
"Looks like you're going to have to start from scratch," Kade said.
"How do I do that? When most people meet it's at least a clean slate," Bastien said.
"Which is why you have to convince her the person you are now is worth forgiving for what you did when you had no emotions."
"How do I do that?" Bastien asked.
"That's what we're working on figuring out. I can only imagine as a Star Maiden, material items don’t mean much."
"Then what does she want? ‘Cause I'm pretty sure everything I read said, flowers, jewelry, and nice restaurants. I got that much."
"Good to know you've been reading up, but you have a different kind of mate," Mars said. Failure loomed overhead like a massive storm barreling in toward him with one hundred mile an hour winds. Never one to go down without one hell of a fight he gritted his teeth.
"So where do I start?"
"A date?" Kade suggested.
"It's too early for labels. How about a meeting? Keep it neutral and be honest," Mars suggested.
"Like two friends headed out," Kade added.
"Exactly!" Mars said.
He looked from one to the other, wondering who had taught Kade anything about dating. He seemed so wrapped up in his work it was hard to imagine him out with a woman. Kade smirked.
"Just because I'm quiet about my personal life doesn't mean I don't have one," Kade said.
"Oh really?" Mars said.
"A gentleman doesn’t gossip," Kade said, shrugging.
"Right now I can't even call her up," Bastien said.
"Might be a good thing," Mars mumbled.
"Helping, not antagonizing," Bastien said through gritted teeth. He growled low in his throat.