PROMISESTOKEEP

by

JanetMiller

©copyrightJune2004,JanetMiller
CoverartbyElizaBlack,©copyrightJune2004
NewConceptsPublishing
5202HumphreysRd.
LakePark,GA31636
www.newconceptspublishing.com

Prologue

Somewhereinspace

Symonturnedandstaredatthetall,dark-hairedman,dressedinhisusualblackuniform."Weneed
women,Garran.Ifwedon’tgetthemfromEarth,wheredoyouexpectthemtocomefrom?TheOuter
Colonieshavetheirowntroubles,theycan’tprovideforus."

GeneralGarranDoranthstaredathissecond-in-command.Hehadnoanswer,asSymonhadalready
known.Insteadofdealingwiththequestion,heshiftedinthechairandscowled."Idon’tlikebringing
EartherstoGaia.Istillbelieveit’samistake."

Ontheothersideoftheconferencetable,Bethan,Symon’swife,stirredandexchangedglanceswithher
husband.Fromtheheadofthetable,Garranwatchedthesilentnodsandraisedeyebrowsasthepair
silentlycommunicatedandafleetingamusementpassedthroughhimathowwelltheyunderstoodeach
other.Shesquaredhershouldersandreturnedhergazetomeethiseyes.Garranstiffenedunderhissister-
in-law’sstare.

Itwasapparentlyherturntopersuadehim.

"Iunderstandhowyoufeel,Garran.Webothdo,butwhatchoicedowehave?"

Briefly,helethergentlevoicesoothehim.ItwassolikeMetta’s--butitwasn’tandhe’dneverhearhis
wife’ssweetvoiceagain.Oldpaineliminatedthebriefcomforthe’dtaken.

Oblivious,Bethancontinued."Thesituationissimple:wehavetoomanymenandnotenoughwomen.No

matterhowyoudislikeit,thisistheonlysolutionavailable.Haveyoubeeninthecrewquartersrecently?
Theygrowimpatient,wearyofwaiting.Therehasbeentalk…."

ThewordcaughtGarran’sattention."Talk?"

Symontookupthebattle."Yes,talk.Talkofgoingoutontheirowntofindwomen.Andyouknowwhata
disasterthatcouldbe.Youmaynotlikeit,butthisistheonlychoicewehave."

No,hedidn’tlikeit."Itmightnotevenwork.Theymightnotbesuitable."

"It’sworkedinthepast.Evenyoucan’tdenythat.Andyoucan’targuethatthefewEarthwomenwehave
acquiredhaven’tmadeexcellentwives."

Garrannoddedgrudgingly.He’dbeenangrywhentheship’sdoctorhadattached,butthewomanhad
turnedintoagoodadditiontohiscrew,inspiteofhismisgivings.Buttobringinothers.…"Theywill
changeus.Weneedsomany,itwillchangewhoweare."

Bethanlaughed."Andwho’stosayitwouldn’tbegoodforustosufferalittlechange?We’vebecometoo
isolated.Thatwaspartoftheprobleminthefirstplace."Athisill-humoredgrunt,shereachedoverand
pattedhisarm."Whoknows,Garran,perhapsyoucouldfindsomeone…."

Furysprangwithinhimwithoutwarning.Clenchinghisfistsheturnedonher."Not…even…in…jest!"
Hisvoicefeltlikearawwound.

Shestaredathim,white-faced,andSymonmovedtoherside,slippedacomfortingarmaroundherwaist.
Thehurtinhereyesmadehimpause.Afterall,theywerehisbestfriends,theonlypeopleGarrancould
nameasfamily,andslowlyhereinedinhistemper.Whenhespokeagainhisvoicewasgentler."Bothof
youknowbetterthanthat."Hetriedareassuringsmilebutfailedinitsaccomplishment."Besides,you
knowI’mimmune."

Theymovedcloserandstoodasacouple,unitedagainsthim."Wepromisedthem,"Symontoldhim."It’s
beenfiveyearsnow,andwesworewewouldfindourmenwives."

"Andwealwayskeepourpromises,don’twe?"Garranstoodandmovedtothefarsideoftheroomand
examinedthestarfieldintheview-screen.Theindividualpointsoflightmovedleisurelypast,andjustas
slowlyhenodded."Amanshouldnotlivealone.I’mproofenoughofthat.Verywell,Iagree.Asyousay,
wehavenootheroptions.Ourmenneedthewomenandthisisthebestwaytogetthem."

Thewallnexttothescreenheldasmallpicture,aholopicofawomanholdingasmallchild.Thethree-
dimensionalimagecaughthisattention.Thisimagewasallthathehadleftofhiswifeanddaughter.A
chillpassedthroughhimandheplacedonelargehandnexttoitonthewall.

"Nooneshouldhavetobealone."

ChapterOne

Earth,2488

"Nooneshouldbealoneatatimelikethis."Sarahsteppedintothedingyhospitalcorridorandflagged
downapassingnurse’saide."Andrea.Ineedyou!"

Andreaglanceddownatthestackofwhitetowelsshecarried,aworriedlookonherface."ButDr.
Johnson,Dr.Mastersonaskedmetobringthesetohisoffice."

InaswiftmovementSarahgrabbedthetowelsanddumpedthemonanearbygurney."Youworkonmy
floorandIdecidewhatyourdutiesare.Youcomehere,andI’lldealwithourchief-of-staff."Shepulled
theyoungerwomanintothecrampedlaborroom.Itswallsandceilingswerethesameuglygray-greenas
therestofthehospital,butenlivenedbyoldpaperpostersofflowersandanimals,Sarah’sattemptto
cheeruptheotherwisebarrenenvironment.Onewallheldthediagnosticpanel,theonlysignthisroom
livedinthetwenty-fifthcentury.Withapracticedeye,Sarahcheckedthescreenfortheprogressofthe
labor,theamountofdilation.Itwouldbehoursyetbeforethisbabywouldbeborn.

Thelaboringwomanonthenarrowbedreachedoutahandtothem.Aripplepassedalongherswollen
bellyandshecriedout,eyeswideinalarm.

Andreainstantlygrabbedthewoman’shand."There,there,it’sgoingtobeokay.Breathewithme."She
beganaslowpant,coaxingthefrightenedwomanintodoingthesame.Theybreathedinunisonanda
senseofcalmenteredtheroom.AndreaglancedbackatSarah,herconcernoverthetowelsgone."Goon,
Dr.Johnson.I’llstaywithher."

Sarahsmiledherrelief."You’reinthebestofhands,Maria.AndreawillletmeknowwhenIneedtotake
over."

Shere-enteredthecorridorandglancedattheslightlydisheveledpileoftowels.Mariawasthethird
womantoarrivealonetoday.Dr.Mastersonhadtostoppurloiningheraides.Sheneededthemfor
patients.Itwasbadenoughshehadtohelpthesepoorwomenwithoutdrugsorequipmenttooexpensive
forthestatesupportedhospitaltoafford.

Sometimesshefeltlikeshemightaswellbepracticingmedicineinthetwentiethcenturyforallthe
advancesmadeinthepastfivehundredyears.Onlyalaboringwomaninseriousjeopardywouldbe
allowedatransfertothefewroomswheremorecostlyequipmentwasavailable.

Ofcoursedissatisfactionwithherjobwasonlypartofherproblem.Latelyherwholelifeseemedto
lack…something.

Downthehallsomeonecalledforher.Puttingasidehercontemplativethoughts,Sarahrantoanswerthem.

Severalhourslater,SarahexitedMaria’sroom,pulledoffherglovesandgown,anddumpedthemdown
thesanitizerchuteoutsidethedoor.Ababygirl,Mariahadababygirl.Surprisinglyhealthy,too,foran
unplannedpregnancy.Leaningagainstthewall,shetriedtorelaxandignorehernaggingdiscontent.Wasit
thatsheenviedMaria?Couldshebejealousofthatsmallbundleoflife,orenvyMariathedark-haired

manwho’dshownupjustintimetoseehisdaughterborn?

Ababyofherown,amanofherown.Maybethat’swhatshewasmissing,whyshekeptfeelingthisodd
restlessness.Wantingtomove,gosomewhereelse,dosomethingbesides….

"Dr.Johnson!"

Shecringed.Dosomethingbesidesplaystupidpowergameswithherboss.Shestraightenedtofacehim.
"Dr.Masterson.Didyouwantsomething?"

"Mytowels.Iaskedforfreshtowelsovertwohoursago."

Sarahnoddedtothestackstillsittingonthegurneynearby."Theretheyare."

Henarrowedhiseyes."Andtheaide?Whereisshe?"

Aninwardgroanalmostescapedher.Ofcourse,Andrea’sblondprettiness--towelsindeed!"She’swhere
sheshouldbe,withherpatients.Wehadsixunplanneddeliveriestoday…."

Hegaveanimpatientwaveofhishand."Yourproblemsarenotmyconcern,Dr.Johnson.ButwhenIwant
something,Iexpecttogetit."Heglanceddownherbody,aleeronhisface."Youcouldbereplaced,you
know.Therearethreeobstetricianstoeverypostthesedays.Nottoomanypeoplehavingbabies
anymore."

"Iftherearesomanyout-of-workdoctors,thenwhynothiremore?Icouldusesomehelp."

"Wecan’taffordit.Staffingisover-budgetasitis."

Right.She’dseenthebudgetandthere’dbeenanincreaseinspending.Wherewasthemoneygoing--to
Masterson’snewofficewithattachedfullbath,perhaps?Butevenshedidn’tdaresayanythingaboutthat.

Hisleerdeepened."Youknow,Sarah,Imightbeabletofindmorehelpforyou,butI’dhavetomakecuts
elsewhere.Maybeyoucouldhavedinnerwithmetonightanddiscussit."Hecamecloser,reachedoutto
strokehercheek."Youhavesuchniceskin."

Herstomachchurnedandshejerkedaway."Idon’tlikebeingtouched,Doctor!"

Hewithdrewhishand,fingersslowlyfoldingintoafist.Alookofcontemptcrossedhisface."Yes,I
remember.Pity.You’renotabeauty,butthereisanappeal.Oh,well."Heturnedtoleave.

"Dr.Masterson."Sarah’svoicewassubdued.

"Yes?"Heglancedback,suddeninterestinhisvoice.

"Don’tforgetyourtowels."

****

"Youtoldhimtotakehisowntowels?"Lauracrowedwithdelight."Whatdidhedothen?"

Sarahshrugged."Snarledsomething,pickedthemupandleft."

Herthreecompanionshowledinappreciation."OhIwishI’dbeentheretoseethat!"Alexiasaid.

"Thiscallsforanotherround."Jessiepickedupthewinebottleandtoppedoffeveryone’sglass."Sarah
finallygotonebackatslime-ballMasterson."

ItwasSarah’sturnintheTuesdaynightbitching-feast.Eachweeksheandherfriendsmetfordinnerto
converseandcomplainabouttheirlives.Asoldestsheusuallywentlast.

LauraThomas,herclosestfriend,workedasanobstetricnurse,AlexiaSimmonsandJessieWilliams
werelabtechsatthehospital,andnoonelikedMasterson.

Therestaurant,Hannah’sHideaway,wastheirfavorite.Inexpensive,goodfood,andbetterwine.Thered
draperiesacrossthewindowsweremadeofrealcloth--thebatteredtablesandchairsweresimulated
wood.ArtificialplantshungfromtheceilinginwovenbasketsandSarahhadbeentoldoncethey
resembledsomethingcalleda‘fern’.

Theonlycondescensiontothetimeswasthewallwithalargemediapanelinthecenter,showingnews
bulletins,ads,andpublicannouncements.Thesoundwaskeptoffmostofthetimeandonlysomething
importantwouldoverridethemute.

Sarahsighedassherecalledtherest."Well,hegotonebackatme,too.HecalledlaterandtoldmeIhave
tocomeintomorrowafternoon.Ionlygetahalf-dayoffthisweek."

Allmoanedinsympathywithher.

"I’msorry,Sarah,"Lauratoldher."Maybewecandosomethinginthemorning.So,isthatthelastofit?
Whatelsehappenedtoday?"

Shesippedherwine.Thecooltartnessdancedonhertongue."Iranoutofcoffeethismorningandit’llbe
aweekbeforeIcangetmore."

Herfriendsgroaned.Sarah’sfondnessfortheblackbeveragewasrenownedandtheyknewafteraweek’s
lackshe’dbehardtodealwith.

Jessietriedtobehelpful."Well,atleastyoucangetsomeatthehospital."

NowSarahgroaned."AweekofthatbrownswillandImayswearoffthestuffforgood."

Toounlikely.Theyalllaughed.

"So,anythingelse?"Alexiaprompted.

Sarahstaredintoherglass."Igotgropedonthep-tranonthewayoverhere."

"Eww,"theysaidinunison.Menoftentookadvantageofthecrowdedpublictransportcarstofondlea

womanwithoutherpermission.Gettinggropedwasadailyhazard.Sarah’sstomachturnedasshe
rememberedthefeeloftheman'sfingers,pawingatherskinintheanonymouscrush.Shedidn’tlikebeing
touched.Itmadeher…queasy."IwishIknewwhytheyalwayspickonme.That’sthethirdtimethis
week."

"Well,ifyoudidn’twearsuchflashycolors,"Jessiesaid.

Sarahglanceddownatherlightgreencoverallandnarrowedhereyes."Irefusetodressinblack…."

Lauranoddedknowingly."Shehasathingaboutdarkcolors,eversince‘theBeast’showedupwearing
them."

"GeneralGarranDoranthisnotthereasonIdon’twearblack!"

"He’sthemainone.Iswear,Sarah,thatmanhasmoreinfluenceonyouthanoldMastersondoes."She
noddedconfidentiallytoAlexiaandJessie."Shetalksabouthimallthetime,you’dthinkshehadathing
forhim."

"Heisreallygoodlooking…foraGaian,"Alexiasaidsweetly.

Sarah’smouthdroppedopen."You…you…Idon’tbelievethis.Idetesttheman.He’sevil,loathsome."
Shetriedtocalmherbreathingandfailed."HekilledKaren."

Laurapattedherhand."No,Sarah.IknowKarenwaslikeasistertoyou.Butitwasawarandpeople
died.Thathappens.Youcan’tholdasinglemanresponsibleforit."

Evenafterfiveyearsitstillhurt."TheHopewasahospitalship,"shesaidstubbornly."Itshouldn’thave
beenattacked.Andbesides,hewassocallousaboutit.Icopiedthatbroadcasthemadewhenhe
announcedthefleet’sdestructionandeveryonceinawhileIwatchit."

Laura’sjawdropped."Whywouldyoudothat?"

"ToremindmyselfthatnomatterhowbadMastersongets,I’llneverhateanyoneworsethanGeneral
Garran,theGaianBeast!"

Jessieflashedheranamusedglance."Well,trustSarahtofindagooduseforit,"shesaiddryly.

"Atleastthewarisover,now,"Alexiasaid."Nooneelsewilldie.TheGaianshavethefreedomto
choosetheirfutureandthat’smorethanwehave."

Sarah’srestlessnessreturned."You’reright.Theyhaveafuture,andweshould,too.Iwantmorethan
this."

"Likewhat?"Lauraasked.

Sheleanedforward."Likeafamily,amantoloveme,achildofmyown.Thinkthat’sgoingtohappen
here?Whenwasthelasttimeyouwenttoawedding?Nomanwantstocommitanymoretoonewoman.
Anditshowsinthebirthrate.Weseefewerandfewerbabiesbeingbornwithafatheraround."

Allthreenoddedinagreement.Jessie,everthepracticalone,pointedouttheobvious."You’reright,there
aren’tmanymenaroundwillingtocommit.Sowhatcanwedoaboutit?"

"Yeah,Sarah.Iwantahusband,sameasyou,"Lauratoldher."ButshowmewhereIcanfindone."

Beforeshecouldrespond,themediapanelgaveoffagreatgong,drawingtheirattention,andasthesound
faded,Sarahbecamesharplyawareofachild’slaugh.Thescreenturnedblackthenthecentershowedthe
faceofababy,itseyesbrightandmouthopeninacooingsmile.Theimagepannedoutandrevealeda
manholdingthechild,cradlingitcarefullyinhisarms.Hesmiledandlaughedastheinfantgurgledat
him.ThehappysoundscutrightthroughSarah.

Heworealoosefitting,light-blueshirt,openattheneck.Thecoloralonewasenoughtocatchher
attention.Sofewpeopledressedinanythingbutblackorgrays.Hishairwasdarkandfelltohis
shoulderswithonelockhangingacrosshisforehead.Whenhelookedatthecamera,hiseyeswerelight
brown.Helookedhealthy,happy,anddevastatinglyhandsome.

Lauragaped."Well,he’ddo!"

Sarahdidn’tsayanything,butherheartflip-floppedinherchest.Sometimesshedreamedofamanlike
this--wonderfuldreams.Hisbody,hands,everythingbutthefacewasjustlikethemanwhovisitedher
sleepinghours.Ofcourse,shecouldn’trecognizetheface--herlover’sfacewasalwaysablank.

Letteringappeared."Seekinganewlife?Wantchildren,ahusband,ahomeofyourown?Ifyou’re
unmarriedandbetweennineteenandthirty-fiveyearsold,cometoExavierHallattwenty-onehoursto
learnmoreaboutthisexcitingoffer."Themediapanelfadedtoblack.

Alexiawastheonetobreakthesilence."Sarah,where’sExavierHall?"

****

ExavierHallwasontheoldcollegegrounds,aboutfiveminutesfromtherestaurantbyp-tran.Itwasn’t
thebestpartoftown,butasthevehiclerattledtoajerkystop,theynoticedquiteafewpatrollersaround.
Manyotherwomengotoffwiththem.

Thepatrolmenwereroughandunsmiling,andSarahandtheotherskeptwellawayfromthem.Itwas
unlikelyasecuritymanwouldmolestawomanwithsomanypeopleabout,butitwasusuallybettertoerr
onthesideofcaution.Atleasttheofficialsecuritypeoplewouldkeeptheunofficialruffiansaway.

Sarahcametoasuddenstopinfrontofthebuilding,awestruck."There’satreehere."Theotherthree
staredwithher."Itmustbethelastoneinthecity."

Itwashuge,tallerthanthehallbyahundredmetersormore.Broadlimbsspreadacrossthecourtyard,
spillingoutabovetheclearunscalablefencesurroundingthetrunk.Stunned,Sarahwanderedunderthe
canopyofleaves.

Jessiestoodnexttoherandsniffed."Theairisfresherhere."

LauraandAlexiajoinedthem."Sobeautiful,"Laurasaid."Whydidtheystopplantingthem,Sarah?"

"Theysaidtreestookuptoomuchwater."Sarahtookadeepbreath.Usuallythecityairhadametallic
tangtoit,butunderthetreeitseemed…cleaner.Asshegazedupintothecanopy,aleafdetachedand
spiraleddown.Reachingout,shepluckeditfromtheair.Itfeltstrange,smoothandbumpy.Lookingclose,
shesawunhealthyyellowandbrownblotchesonthegreensurface.

Alexiatookitfromherandexaminedit."Diseased,Ithink."Shelookedupandpointedtothemanyother
leaveslikeit,thebarebranchesinotherpartsofthetree."It’sgottenoldandtheyhaven’ttakencareofit.
Isuspectit’sdying."

"Theydon’ttakecareofthep-trancarsorthehospital,whywouldtheytakecareofatree?"Jessieasked.

Sarahlookedupagain,thistimefeelingsad.Dying.Thelasttreeinthecitywasdying.Itwastoomucha
symbolofeverythingshehatedaboutherlife.

Sheshuddered."Let’sgoinside."

Inthehall,therewereanumberofbannerswiththepictureofthebabyandthemanonthem,aswellas
thewords"Seekanewlifeinthestars"and"Findhappinesswithus."

Theyfoundfourseatstogether.Sarahlookedaroundandnoticedveryfewseatsleftempty.Theremust
havebeenclosetoathousandwomeninthehall.Afterashorttime,awell-dressedmanstrodeontothe
stagebeforethem.

"Welcome,allofyou!"Hesmiledandlookedoutatthefilledroom."IamMosan,arepresentativeofthe
NewLifeCollective.Iguesswemusthavefoundawaytogetyourattention."Hepointedtothebanner
withthebaby’sface.

Theaudiencelaughed.Itwastruetheshortmediaannouncementhadmanagedtocollectquiteacrowd.

"Well,I’mgoingtoassumethatyou’reherebecausethisiswhatyouwant.Youwanthusbands,children,
andaplacetocallyourown.AndI’mgoingtotellyouhowyoucangetthesethings.Firstofall,I’m
goingtoguessyou’velookedforthemhereandhaven’tfoundthem.Thatmanofyourdreams,well,that
seemstobewherehelivesbecauseyouhaven’tfoundhimhereinreallife.

"Andthatbabyyouwant…ladies,wearealladultshere,Idon’thavetotellyouwhatcomesbeforethe
baby."Mosangrinnedatthem.

Atthis,severalwomenlaughedoutright.Hepointedtothemandsaid,"Yes,youknowwhatI’mtalking
about!Anditallcomesdowntothis:whatyouneedaremenwillingtobehusbandsandfatherstoyour
children.Andnotjustanyman,youneedonewhocanprovideahomeforyousoyoucanliveinsecurity
andpeace.AmIright?"

"Right!"thecrowdroaredbackathim.Sarahgiggledandnoticedherfriendsdoingthesame.Thiswas
takingontheaspectofacarnivalshow.Still,Mosan’swordsheldmorethanalittletruth.

"So,ladies,you’velookedonEarthandhaveyoufoundthismantoprovideallthis?"

"No!"thecrowdreplied.

"Doyouwantmetotellyouhowtofindhim?"

"Yes!"

"Allrightthen!"Hewaitedamoment,lettingthesuspensebuild."Youhaven’tfoundthismanbecause
you’vebeenlookingforhimhere,onEarth.Andheisn’there."

Hestaredatthem,hiseyesglinting.

"Themanyouwantisinthestars."

Atthis,severalwomenbegantalkingloudly.Acoupleneartheaisleevengotuptoleave.Mosanputhis
handsupandwavedthembacktotheirseats."Sitdown,ladies,please,hearmeout.WhatI’mtalking
aboutaretheOuterColonies,loyaltoEarth.Thesecolonieshavethousandsofmen,justlikethisone--"
hepointedtothemanonthebanner.Thestandingwomenreclaimedtheirseats,intriguedenoughtolisten
further.

"Thesemenarestrongandhandsome.Theywantthethingsyouwant--alovingspouse,beautifulchildren,
andacozyhome.Andlikeyou,theyarelonely,waitingforthewomanoftheirdreamstocometothem.

"Ladies,theNewLifeCollectiveisheretorecruitwomenforthesemen.Wewantwomenwillingtotake
achanceonanewlife.Weneedyoungwomen,healthywomen,tohelpbuildthesenewfamiliesinthe
outercolonies.Wepreferwomenwhoareskilledorprofessional,butanyonewhomeetsthebasic
requirementsisfreetoapply.

"Socomeandvisitouroffices.Youhavenothingtolosebydoingso,andmuchtogain.Rememberour
name,wearetheNewLifeCollective,orNLCforshort.Please,pickupacardonyourwayout."

HeleftthestageandSarahandherfriendsgotuptoleave.Theywerequietastheyfiledoutoftheroom.
Atthedoor,peoplewearingNLCbuttonsofferedsmallcardstothosepassingby.

"Whatdoyouthink,Sarah?"Lauraaskedwithalaugh."Youwanttogotothestarstofindaman?"

"Idon’tknow,"Sarahrepliedslowly.Shereachedouttotakeacard."ButI’mgoingtothinkaboutit."

****

Hishandswerewarm,large,hisfingersstrong,yetgentleastheytouchedher.Hecaressedherskin,one
handalongherback,oneonherface.Softlipstouchedhers,agentlekissshecouldbarelyfeel,thenthose
lipsmoveddownalongthesideofherfacetoherjaw,leavingripplesthatlingeredashetracedthepath
toherneck.Sheopenedhereyestoseehisface,butallsheglimpsedwastheimageofdarkhair,black
againstherauburnstrands.

Herdreamlover,cometoher,histouchloving,insistent,andarousing.Everythingamanshouldbe,and
neverwas,notinherworld.

Thehandonherbackmovedfurtherdowntocupherbottom,massagingit,pullingherclosertohim.His
bodywassolidmusclepressedagainsthers.Theotherhanddroppedtohershoulderandrestedthere,a
softweight.Sarahmoaned.

Thehandonhershouldershrank,becamenolargerthanoneofherown,andshookhergently."Sarah,
wakeup.Wearealmostatyourstop."

Thelastofherloverfadedintoemptyair.Shakingherheadtoclearit,Sarahopenedhereyestothe
shabbyandstainedinteriorofthep-trancar--andLaura’samusedface."Sorry.Imusthavefallenasleep."

Lauralaughed."Thatmusthavebeensomedream.I’veneverheardyoumakethatnoisebefore."

Sarah’scheeksburned,butshewassavedfromansweringbytheannouncementofherstop.Quicklyshe
saidgoodnightandsteppedfromthecar.

Fallingasleeponthep-tran,andhavinganeroticdreamtoboot.Clearlyitwastimeforhertodo
somethingelsewithherlife!Shebegantheshorttrudgedownthenarrowconcretewalkwaytoherhome.

Themanfromthebroadcasthadprobablyinspiredherdream.He’dlookedso…well,sohealthy.It
wasn’tthatEarthdidn’thavegood-lookingmen,therejustweren’tmanywholookedlikehedid.
Healthy…andhappy.Probablyintelligent,thekindofmanawomancouldtalkto.Hislargehandswould
begentle.Shesawthatfromthewayheheldthechild.Amanwithgentlehands,justliketheoneinher
dream.

Andthebaby.Shefiguredthechildtobeabouttwomonthsold.Adorable,sweet.She’ddoalmost
anythingtohaveachildlikethat.

Would‘anything’includeleavingEarth?

Shegothome,boltedthedoorandwanderedintothekitchen.Eventhoughitwaslate,shedidn’tfeel
sleepy.Insteadofgoingtobed,Sarahmadeahottoddyofwarmmilk,nutmeg,andrawalcohol.Itwas
rareshedrankanythingotherthanwine,butnowitseemedcalledfor.Shefeltflusteredandover-aware
ofherownbody,stillarousedfromherdream.

Activatingthekitchenterminal,shesearchedthepublicinfochannelsfortheNewLifeCollective.There
wereseveralnewsarticles.Someincludedtheclipsofthemanandbaby.Sarahcopiedtheclipstoher
privatefilesbeforereadingthearticlesthemselves.

TheNLChadbeenaroundforabouttwomonths.ItsstatedgoalwastoprovidewivestotheOuter
Colonies,particularlytheemergingfrontiercolonieswherethereweremorementhanwomen.Someof
thearticleswereinfavoroftheNLC,mostwrittenbypeopleSarahknewtobeconnectedeitherto
Earth’sgovernmentortothemilitaryarm,Earthforce.

Otherarticlesweren’tsopositive,hintingthatthe‘wivesfortheOuterColonies’effortwasactuallya
ployofsomesort,oneevengoingsofarastosuggestitwasanattempttoweedoutthemostintelligent
andambitiouswomenonEarthandsendthemelsewhere.Itseemedlikelythatthegovernmentwasbehind
theNLC,atleastinpart.Theirheadquarterswereinanexpensivepartoftownandbroadcastsliketonight
werecostly.Therehadtobemoneybehindtheproject.

LookingattheNLCliteratureitself,Sarahnoticedsomeoddthingsaboutwhattheywerelookingfor.
Theywantedyoung,healthy,unmarriedwomen,capableofbearingchildren.Thatmadesense.Butthe
requirementswentontosaythatprofessionalwomenwerewanted,doctors,lawyers,andwomenwith
careersthatincludedmanagementandadvertising.Whywouldabackwardcolonyneedlawyersor
advertisers?Herownprofessionwaslogical.Shecouldexpectagreatdealofworkwithsomanynew
families.

Atremuloussparkofexcitementjoltedher.Wassheactuallythinkingaboutdoingthis?

ThelastNLCrequirementmadetheleastsense.Theydidn’twantwomenwhohadclosefamilyin
Earthforceorwhoworkeddirectlyforthegovernment.Herjobwasatagovernment-supportedhospital,
butthatwasn’tthesameasbeingagovernmentemployee.Andwhileshe’dknownpeopleinEarthforce,
noneofthemhadbeenfamily,notevenKaren.

Howcouldshedothis?Earthwasherhome.Still….Sarahlookedaroundherkitchen.Whenherparents
hadbeenalive,it’dneverfeltsocramped,evenwithallthreeofthemthere.Therestofthehouseseemed
smaller,too.

Takingherdrink,Sarahwanderedintoherparents’oldbedroom.Itwasjustasithadbeenwhenthey’d
diedayearago,inap-tranaccidentthathadn’tmeritedmorethanatwo-minutementiononapublicinfo
channel.She’dtakensomecomfortsittingintheirroomduringthefirstfewmonthsaftertheirdeaths.

Nolongerdidshefeelherparents’presenceintheoldfurnitureandfadedlinens,thedustysmellof
unusedspace.Theyweregonenowandnothingwasgoingtobringthemback.Shewasaloneinthehouse.

Alone.That’swhatshe’dsaidtoMariatoday,thatnooneshouldbealone.Andthat’swhatshewas,andif
shestayed,she’dremainthatway.Therewasnopointinlivinginthepast.Ifshewantedsomeonetolove,
she’dhavetodosomethingaboutit.

Thewallabovethebedheldacollectionofoldphotographs.OneattractedSarah’sattention.Margaret
SullivanJohnson,hergreat-great-many-more-greats-grandmother.Duringthelatenineteenthcentury,
MaggiehadleftIrelandforwhatwasthenSanFrancisco,toescapethedrearinessoflifeinheroldhome,
travelingacrossanoceanandacontinenttofindahusbandandhappiness.

Theoldphotoshowedanunsmilingwomanwearingafluffywhiteblouseandaflathatperchedonher
longbraidedhair.Theimagewasblackandwhite,andfadedwithtime,butSarahhadreadMaggie’s
diaryandknewherancestorhadhairthesamefieryredasherown.Evennow,shesawabitofherselfin
thedeterminedface.

Maggie’sstoryimpressedher,theresolvetobetterherlife."Whatwouldyoudo,Maggie?"sheaskedthe
photo."Wouldyougotoanotherworldtofindyourdream?"

Thecom-linkinthekitchentrilledandSarahansweredit.ff

"Sarah,"Laurasaid."I’vebeenlookingintotheNLCthing.Wehavethemorningofftomorrow,how
wouldyouliketogowithmeandcheckthesepeopleoutinperson?"

SuddenlySarahknewexactlywhatMaggiewoulddo."Whattimedoyouwanttogo?"

ChapterTwo

Sarahmoaned.Onelargegentlehandmoveddowntocupherbottom,massagingit,pullinghercloserto
him.Hisotherhandmovedtothejunctureofherlegs.

Ohyes.Shelickedherlipsinanticipation,andspreadherlegswidertogivehimbetteraccess.

"Please,touchme…"

Ablastofsoundshatteredherdream.Damnit,itwasjustgettinggood!Sheopenedhereyestotheglare
oftheredflashinglightabovethedoorandforamomentcouldn’tplacewhereshewas.Intheeerie,red-
tingedglowshereadthechronographnexttothebed.Thirdhour,middleofthenightinship’stime.

Ship’stime?Nowfullyawake,Sarah’ssituationcamebacktoher.Ofcourse,shewasontheNLCship,
TheDove.ItwasfiveweeksafterthemeetingatExavierHall,threeweekssinceshe’dsaidgood-byeto
Earth,destinedfortheOuterColonieswheremenwereeagerforbrides.

Theyhadtestedthealarmsoncewhenshehadfirstcomeonboard,buthadpromisedtheywouldn’tdoso
again.Thismustbearealshipemergency!

Sheswungoutofthenarrowbedandbumpedherheadontheoverheadcabinet."Damnit."Thathadtobe
thetenthtimeshe’ddonethatsincesheboarded.Itwasatinycabin,cramped,itsonlyluxurythatshe
hadn’thadtoshareitwithanyone.Well,noonehadeversaidhertripwasgoingtobeapleasurecruise.

Withthealarmstillringing,shepulledheroldrobeoverhernightgownandslippedintoherslippers.
Grabbingheremergencymedicalbag,shesteppedintothenarrowcorridor,illuminatedbypulsating
lightsshowingthewaytothelife-podstation.Theship’screwhadbeenveryspecificthatallpassengers
mustreporttothesestationsassoonastheyheardthealarms.

Asshemoveddownthecorridor,shesaidalittleprayer.Ohplease,please,please,don’tletthemneed
measadoctorbeforeIfindsomecoffee!

Shearrivedattheemergencylife-podbaytofindLauraalreadythere,alongwiththirtyotherwomen,the
groupassignedtothatlocation.Theotherwomenmilledaroundwithanxiousfaces,butSarahnotedwith
pridethatinspiteoftheemergency,noonewasactuallycrying.

Acrewmannoticedherarrival."SarahJohnson?"Whenshenodded,hemadeamarkonhise-tab."She’s
thelast.They’reallhere."

Laurareachedherfirst."Sarah,doyouknowwhat’sgoingon?"

"Notatall.Haveyouaskedthem?"Sheindicatedthecrew.

"Allthey’llsayisthatweneedtoevacuate."

"Well,I’lltry,"Sarahsaid."Theymademeagroupleader,maybeIcangetmoreinformation."

Thecrewwasgivinginstructionsonhowtoloadintothepodasquicklyaspossible.Sarahtouchedthe
armoftheofficerincharge."I’mDr.Johnson.What’stheproblem?"

"Weneedtoevacuateyou."Hisvoicewasclippedandhiseyesdartedaround,arousingSarah’s
suspicions.Hedidn’tsoundlikehewastellingthetruth.

"Why?Istheshipindanger?"

"Yes,yes,greatdanger,"hesaid,gazeeverywherebutonherface."There’sanothershipthathas
threatenedtofireonus.Weneedtogetyoutosafetyandweonlyhaveafewminutes."

Finallyhelookedintohereyesandsheatlastsensedhonestyinhim."You’llbeallright.Thepodwillbe
pickeduplater,whenit’ssafe."

Behindher,thecrewherdedtheotherwomenintothenarrowhatchofthelife-pod.Sarahturnedjustin
timetoseeLaurapushedinsidebyalargeanddeterminedcrewmember.Heturnedandreachedforher
andSarahdecidednottofightanylonger.Itwouldn’tdotobethrownintothepod.

Sheavoidedtheman’sgraspandslippedthoughthehatchonherown.Laurawavedhertotheemptyseat
nexttoherandSarahbuckledin.Oncethedoorscrewedshut,thenoiseofthealarmsfromTheDovewas
cutoff.Theonlysoundwasthequiet,urgenttalkofthewomentrappedwithin.Sarahheardtheclankof
thepod'srelease,anditmovedbeneathher,driftingslowlyawayfromtheship.

Laura’seyeswereworried."Didyoufindoutanything?"

"Notmuch,"Sarahadmitted."Hesaidanothershipthreatenedthem,butIdidn’tbelievehim."

"Whynot?"

"Justafeeling."Shethoughtaboutit."Thecrewwasmoreworriedaboutgettingusofftheshipthanin
savingtheirownskins.Seemsunlikelythey’dbethatway."

"Aren’tyoufrightened?"Hervoiceshook.

Sarahalmostsmiled."Notreally.Theonethinghetoldmethatseemedtruewasthatwewouldbeall
right.Idon’tthinkheliedaboutthat."Sheglancedaboutthesmoothcurvedwallsandnotedthelackofa
windoworview-screen.Theywouldn’tbeableto‘see’wheretheyweregoing.Shealsonotedthatno
crewmembersfromTheDovewereinthepod.Interesting.Theyreallyhadn’tbeentryingtosave
themselves.

Ifonlyshe'dhadtimetogetdressedbeforeleavingtheship.Hernightgownandrobewerehardly
appropriateattireforalife-pod.Herpinkfuzzyslippershadseenfarbetterdaysandshesuddenlywished
she'dthoughttoreplacethembeforeleavingEarth.

Laurachatteredonnervously."Iwishwehadaview-screenorwindoworsomething.I’dliketoknow
what’sgoingon.I’devensettleforwhattimeitis.Howlonghavewebeeninhere?"

Sarahfrowned.She’dleftherchronointhecabin,but….Shepulledheremergencykitfromitsstorage
undertheseat.Insidewerelabeledhypos,acoupleofstat-readersformeasuringbodytemperature,
respiration,andbloodpressure,awoundsealer,andevenanold-fashionedsuturingkit.Theusual
equipmentadoctormightneed.Shealsocarriedasmallsetofbirthingtools,althoughshecouldcounton
onehandthenumberoftimesthosehadbeenneeded.Sofewpeoplehadbabiesanymore.

Reachingintoasidepocket,shefoundhersparechronoandwrappeditaroundherwrist,happyshe’d
thoughttosetittoship’stimeearlier.Itwastwentyminutessinceshe’dawakenedandithadtakenabout
fivetoloadthepod.They’dbeendriftingaboutfifteenminutes.

Lauralookedoveratthekit."Well,I’mgladatleastoneofuswasthinkinglikeamedicthismorning."
Sheraisedoneeyebrow."Idon’tsupposeyouhavesomecardsinthere.Wecouldplayagameoffour-
hand."

Inspiteofthesituation,Sarahhadtogrin."NowIknowyou’rebored,tovolunteerforatrouncing."She
shookherheadsadly."No,sorry.I’llhavetoslipadeckinforrealemergencies."

Therestofthewomenweresettlingdown,somedozingoff.SarahwatchedLaurayawn."Goaheadand
sleep,"shesaid."I’llkeepwatchandwakeyouifsomethinghappens."

TimepassedslowlyandSarahhadtofightnoddingoffaswell.Shecameinstantlyalertwhenshefeltthe
podmove,asifagianthandhadgrabbedit.The'hand'pulledslowly,movingthepoduntilitjerkedtoa
stop.Soundslikeclampsbeingfixedtothedoorwaywereheard,andfinallythepodwasstill.Thedoor
unscrewedandaslimmanwearingdarkbrownpantsandalightblueshirtstuckhisheadthroughthe
opening.Asheplacedahandinsidethepod,shenoticedasmallarmbandaroundhiswrist.

Hewasnooneshe’drememberedfromTheDove.Theymustbeonanothership.

Helookedatthedisheveledanxiousfacesandsmiled,abrightwelcomingsmile."Welcome.Iseveryone
allright?"

Frightened,thewomenlookedateachother.Asgroupleader,Sarahtookcharge."Yes,sofar,Iguesswe
are.Andyouwouldbe?"

Themangrinnedather."I’mSymon.Ourshipcollectedyourpodandseveralothers.Whydon’tyoucome
withmeandwe’llseeifwecanmakeyoumorecomfortable."

Itwasthebestofferthey’dhadthatmorning.Quickly,theyunbuckledthemselvesandgrabbedwhatever
they’dbroughtwiththem.AsSarahleftthepod,shepassedothermendressedlikeSymon,inloosefitting
brownorbluepantsandopen-neckedshirts.Eachshirtwasacoloroutoftherainbow,notablackor
brownonetobeseen.Andeveryonelookedfriendly,asmileoneveryface.PeoplefromEarthdidn’t
smilethismuchanditmadeSarahwonderwhatwasgoingon.

Symonledthemtoalargeroomalreadyfilledwithotherwomenfromtheship.Sarahrecognizedseveral
oftheothersstandingnearthelargedoubledoorsontheoppositewallandwenttowardthem,Laurain

tow.

Theroomwaslargeandstylish,withplushcarpeting,cushionedcouches,andattractivepaintings,more
liketheballroomofafinehotelthanaship’sassemblyhall.Sarahfeltawkwardlyunderdressedinher
wornrobeandslippers.Itwasembarrassing.

Symontoldthemtowait,thendisappeared.Themenaccompanyinghimcameinandlinedthewalls.
Sarahwonderedifthemenweretheretoprotectortokeepaneyeonthem.

Asfarasshecouldsee,allTheDovepassengerswerethere,stillinthenightclothestheywerewearing
whenroustedoutofbed.AgainSarahwasstruckbythefactthatnoneofthecrewoftheirformertransport
hadmadeitintothelife-pods.Someofthewomenlookedfrightened,someangry,andallofthem
surprisedtofindthemselvesinsuchelegantsurroundings.

Thelargedoorsnearheropenedandseveralmoremenentered,takinguppositionsoneitherside.Symon
returnedandpositionedhimselfasifwaitingforsomeoneelse.

Finallyasinglemanstrodein.Pale-complexionedanddarkhaired,hehadathinmouthandpiercing,
dark-blueeyes.Notanuglyface.Somepeoplemightactuallycallhimhandsome.Inoddcontrasttothe
othermenintheirbrightcoloredclothing,hisoutfitwascompletelyblack.

Sarah’sheartspedupandhermouthwentdry.Evil,loathsome,she’dcalledhim.GeneralGarraninthe
flesh,leaderoftheGaianopposition.

Karen’skiller.

Asheentered,deadsilenceruledtheroom.Thewomenclosesttothedoorsmovedback,eyeswide,
bodiespoisedtorun.OnelargewomannamedJennygaspedinterror.Sarahhadmetherduring
orientationandlearnedshe’dbeenacookatHannah’sHideaway.Jennywasn’tveryintelligent,butshe
hadabigheartandSarahlikedher.

TheGeneralapproachedthem."Ladies,welcometoThePromise."

Jennycriedout."ThePromise?Ohno!Ohno,mercyno.It’sthe‘Beast,’we’reallgoingtobekilled!"
Shecoveredherfacewithherhands.

Hestaredatherwithafiercescowl."Oh,shutup,youidiotwoman.Nooneisgoingtohurtyou!"

Jennycollapsedinhystericaltears.

FuryfloodedSarah.THAT.WAS.IT!Awakenedfromapleasantdream,stuffedintoalife-podwearing
onlyherbedclothes,nocoffee,andnowthis,abullyingblack-shirtedtyrant!BeforeSarahcouldthink,she
marchedovertotheman.Herhandswungaroundhard,strikingtheGeneralacrosstheface.Thesoundof
theslapricochetedinthesilenceoftheroom,louderthanJenny’ssobbing.Hestaredather,steppedback,
puttinghishandtohisreddeningcheek.

Herhandtingled.Ignoringit,Sarahthrustitontoherhipandglared."Howdareyou,youmonster!How
dareyoutalktoherlikethat?She’sfrightenedenoughwithoutyoumakingitworse!"

TheGeneral’seyeswidened.Hismouthopened,thenclosed,likeafishoutofwater.Therestofhisface
reddenedtomatchthecheekwhereshe’dstruckhim.Anodd,unfocusedexpressionfilledhisfaceand
onehandreachedforher.Instinctivelyshesteppedback.

Heturnedandrushedfromtheroomasifdrivenbydemons.

Symonstaredafterhim,hismouthagape.Heturned,hisvoiceurgent."Pleasewait,I’llberightback!"
thenhurriedout,closingthedoorsbehindhim.

Immediatelytheroomeruptedintocheers.

"Waytogo,Sarah!"

"That’stellinghim!"

"Iguesshewon’ttryandmesswithusagain!"

JennyflungherarmsaroundSarahandhuggedhersotightitforcedthebreathfromherlungs,exasperating
thedisorientationalreadyfloodingthroughher."Heavenblessyou,Sarah."

AsthebigwomanlethergoSarah’skneesbuckledandLauracaughtherandpulledhertooneofthe
couches.Dizzyandoverwhelmed,shetriedtomakesenseofit.TheywereonThePromise,theGeneral’s
personalflagshipandprideoftheGaianfleet.

Howinalloftheuniversehadtheyendeduphere?

ChapterThree

Thewallfeltcoolunderhisforehead,heatfromhisskinradiatingintothemetal.Bothhishandspressed
hardagainstthesmoothsurface,seekingacomfortingstability,andforamomenthispresenceofmind
returned.Liftinghishead,Garranlookedaround,butnoonewasabout,noonehadfollowedhimfromthe
meetingchamber.Hewasaloneinthecorridor.

Thanksheavensforsmallfavors.That’sallheneeded,tobeseeninthiscondition.

Deepbreaths,in,out,in--repeat.Rememberthetraining,howtohandletheintensesensationof
attachment,lessonshe’dlearnedsolongago.Traininghe’dneverthoughttoneedagain.

Memoryflared,ofMetta,hiswife,andthedayhe’dattachedtoher.Brieflyhetriedtocallupherface,
buthissweetlady’sbelovedfeatureswereobscured,washedout,somehowreplacedbyavisagewith
redhairandgreeneyes.

No,itcouldn’tbe.Afterallthistime,whynow,whyoneofthesewomen?Inthepastyearhe’dtriedfour
timestoreattach,fivehundredwomeninallandnothinghadhappened.‘Immune’thedoctorshadfinally
labeledhim,oncethey’dfinishedtheirtests.He’dbecomeimmunetotheattachmentessenceawoman
exudedfromherskin,herhair,throughtheverybreathofherbody.Hehadanunwantedimmunitytothat
whichwouldgivehimsomeonetolove,acompanion,andafamily.

So,whynow?Whyher,awomanwithfireinherhair--andastrongrightarm?Hisfacestillhurtwhere
she’dstruckhim,butthatwasn’thalfasuncomfortableasthebulgeinhispants.

HellonEarth,hewasamanagain.

"Garran."SymonappearedathissideandslowlyGarranturnedfromthewalltofacehim.Theidiotwas
practicallygrinningathim."DidyoujustdowhatIthinkyoujustdid?"

Flushed,hepushedawayfromthewall,turned,scowled."Youneedn’tlooksopleased,Symon.I’m
certainlynot."

Frominsidetheroom,camealoudcommotion.Symoncockedhisheadandlistened,chuckling."Theyare
shoutinghername.Iguesstakingyouonmakeshertheirleader."Helookedback,smug."Ohyeah--her
nameis‘Sarah’."

Ifanything,hiserectionactuallygotharder.Sarah?Whatkindofanamewasthat?AnEarthname,he
answeredhimself.Groaning,hebangedhisheadonthewallbehindhim."It’simpossible.‘GaianBeast.’
‘Monster.’That’swhatshecalledme,amonster.EvenifIwantedtoaccepther--andIdon’t--shewould
neveracceptme."

Symon’ssmilefadedalittle."Well,we’llhavetoseeaboutthat.Atthemomentyou’reinnoconditionfor
acceptinganything.Maybeyoushouldgotoyourquartersbeforeanyoneelsecomesby."

Itwasgoodadvice.Themeninsidetheroomwouldsurelyknow,buttheyweremarriedandwouldn’t
gossip.Allheneededwasoneoftheunattachedonestofindout--itwouldbeallovertheshipbeforethe
nextmeal.Garrannodded,turnedtoleave."I’llwatchfromthere."

"Youwon’tbeableto,"Symonwarned."Bethanorderedalltheimagersblocked.Shefelttheladies
wouldneedsomeprivacy."

Anunexpectedemotionshotthroughhim.Itbubbledupthroughhischest,intohisthroat,andfinally,a
rusty,hoarsechuckleescapedhislips,followedbyanother,andanother.GarranturnedbacktoSymon,
whostaredathiminastonishment."Shesoft-blockedtheimagers?"

Symonlostsomeofhiscockysureness."Yes,whatofit?"

Garrantriedtoregainhiscomposure,succeedingbriefly."Wehaveonthisshipfivehundredofthebest
unattachedmalemindsonGaia."Henoddedtothedoor."Insidethatroomistheirfuture.We’vetrained
themtotakeoversystems,aliensystems,noless.Doyouhonestlybelievetheywillletalittlethinglikea
softwareblockkeepthemfromtakingapeekatthatfuture?"Helostitagain,laughterbubblingout."I’m
sureifyoucheckthecrewquartersyou’llfindthoseladiesoneveryview-screenavailable."

Symongroaned."Ihadn’tthoughtofthat.Shouldhavemadeitahardwareoverride."Concernfilledhis

features."Bethan’sgoingtokillme."

Garranmanagedtoregaincontrol,hisamusementfadingalittle.Odd.Whenwasthelasttimehe’d
laughedlikethat.Years?"Lookonthebrightside,maybeit’lldampentheirenthusiasm,seeingthose
ladiesintheirnightclothes.Mightmakeiteasiertokeepthempatient."

"Oh,sure,likeitdidyou."Symoncockedhisheadtooneside."Garran,doyourealizeyoujustattached
toawomanwearingfuzzyslippers?"

TheimageoftheEartherwho’dbewitchedhimreturned."Pink,"hedecided."Theywerepink.Maybe
that’swhatthosefivehundredGaianwomenlacked,pinkfuzzyslippers."ForamomentlongerGarran
staredatthedoor,onehandidlyrubbinghissorecheek.Defiantshoutsstillcamefrominsideandhe
couldhearhername.

Sarah.Toseeheragain,evenifonlyonaview-screen."I’llbeinmyquarters."

****

Sarah’slight-headednessbegantoabate.She’dalmostfainted,forthefirsttimeever.Why?Becausefor
onceshe’dlostcontrolofhertemperandactuallyhitsomeone?Andnotjustanyone--GeneralGarran,the
Beasthimself!Herhandstilltingled.Hadshehithimthathard,enoughtoinjureherhand?

Repercussionswerelikely.TheGaian’shadn’tjustwonthewar.They’dgonewellbeyondwhatwas
neededtowin.Gaianforceshaddestroyedeveryshipthathadcomeafterthem.

InfiveyearsnoEarthshipshadcomehome,norhadanyoftheircrewmembersbeenfound.PerhapsJenny
wasright,maybetheywereallgoingtobekilled.Butthen,whybringthemonboard?Whynotsimply
blastthelife-podstopieces?Itwouldhavebeenmuchlessmessy.

Sarahtookaglancearoundattheirelegantsurroundings.Aslaughterinherewouldruintheupholstery.

Besides,untilthegeneralhadshownup,she’dbeenpreparedtolikethesepeople.Therewassomething
aboutSymonthatsimplybeggedhertotrusthim.Sheglancedattheguardsstillliningthewalls.They
boreside-arms,stunnersfromthelooksofthem,butkeptthemholstered,evenwiththewomenrallying
aroundher.Themendidn’tlookangryorevenalarmed.Ifanything,theglancestheyexchangedseemed
amused,asiftheypassedsomekindofprivatejokearoundtheroom.

Laurathrewanarmaroundhershouldersandwhisperedintoherear."Sarah,youneedtotalkto
everyone.Getthemtocalmdown."Sheglancedabout,worried."They’lllistentoyou,Ithink."

Surprisefilledher."Me?Whyme?"

"YouhittheGeneral.Theyalllookuptoyou."Sheturnedtothebigwomanwhostillhovered
protectively."Jenny,helpmegetSarahonherfeet."

Beforeshecouldprotestfurther,shewashelpeduptostandononeofthecouches.Alleyesturnedtoher
asJennystabilizedheronthesoft,unstablesurface,onearmaroundherwaist.She’dneverseensomany

eyesatonce.Instantlyeveryonequieteddown.

"Shh,Sarahisgoingtotalk,"onecried.

"I…I."Shelosthernerve.Expectantly,everyonewaited,hopeandadmirationintheirfaces.

Crud.Deepbreath.SarahtookglanceatLauraandhersupportivesmile."Allright,everyone.Let’sall
calmdown.Theyhaven’thurtus,atleastnotyet."Sheglancedoverattheguardswholookedmorelikely
tobreakoutwithlaughterthanwiththeirweapons.

Shetookanotherdeepbreath."Idon’tthinkwe’reinanydanger.Let’squietdown,waitforthemtotellus
whattheywant."Theotherwomenlookedateachother,nodded,satdown,andbegantalkingquietlyto
eachother.

JennyhelpedherbacktoherseatandLaurasettlednexttoher."Goodjob.Nowlet’sseehowlongthey
makeuswait."Lauraglancedover."Toobadyoudon’thavethatdeckofcards."

Thewaitwasn’tlongatall.Sarah’schronometeronlymeasuredouttenminutesbeforethebigdoors
openedagain.Sarahtensed,waitingforthereturnoftheGeneral.Ifhecame,andwantedrevengefor
hittinghim,she’dmakesureshewastheonlyonetobeaffected.Surelyhe’dleteveryoneelseoffthe
hook.

Apetitewomanwithshort,curlyblackhairentered,closingthedoorbehindher.Shewasdressedina
simplescoop-neckedblouse,whitewithbrighttrimaroundtheneck,andanankle-lengthskirtindeep
bluethatswirledaroundherlegsasshemovedthroughtheroompastthewomenintheirnightclothesand
robes.ShestoppedafewfeetawayfromSarah.Foramomentshelookedsomber,thenasmileslipped
outandsettledonherface.ThewomanglancedatSarah,anintenselookthatcaughtheroff-guard.Her
blackeyesseemedtotwinkle.

"Well,ladies,again,welcometoThePromise."Therewasanamusedglanceatthequietmoansof
despair."I’mBethanCurlain,ChiefExecutiveOfficeroftheship.Iimagineyouhavealotofquestions,
andIintendtoseethatweanswerthem.Butthefirstthingtodoismakeyoumorecomfortable."She
gestured,andthemenoneithersideofthedoubledoorsopenedthem.

Fromthehallwaycameasmallarmyofwomen,carryingbundlesorpushingcarts.Thecartswenttoone
side,thebundlestotheother.ThenewcomersweredressedasBethanwas,andworethesamehappy
smilesontheirfacestheguardshad.SomeofthecartsheldlargesilveryurnsandSarahwassittingclose
enoughtocatchawhiffastheywentby.

Hernosewentoffullalertatthesmell.Coffee!Thingswerebeginningtolookup.

Withoutthinking,sheheadedforthecart.Bethanmetherthere,filledamugandhandedittoher."Iguess
youneedthismorethanfreshclothing."

ThesmellwasintoxicatingandSarah’smouthwatered.Itwashotsoshesippedcarefully.Therichbrown
liquidflowedacrosshertongue.Instantly,theearlymorningrousting,thelife-pod,eventhedreaded
GeneralGarrantookonalessersignificance.Sheclosedhereyes."Wonderful.BestcoffeeIeverhad."

SheheardthegentlechuckleandopenedhereyestoseeBethan’samusedsmile."Well,itisn’treally

coffee.It’smadefromarootvegetablecreatedspeciallytogrowonGaia.Ratherlikeacarrot,butithas
propertiessimilartothoseofthecoffeebean.Wecallit‘javi’."

Coffeefromcarrots?"Idon’tcarewhatyoucallit,solongasIcanhavesomemore."She’dmanagedto
finishhermug,justinthelengthoftimeBethanhadspoken.

Laughing,Bethanobligedherwitharefill.

Ontheothersideoftheroom,womenfromTheDovewerebeingfittedwithclothessimilartowhatthe
Gaianladieswore.Sarahcarriedhercupovertooneofthestationsgivingoutgarments,JennyandLaura
dancingattendance.Tohersurprise,Bethanfollowed.

"CouldIknowyourname?"thedarkhairedwomanasked.

"Dr.SarahJohnson"

"You’readoctor?"

"Anobstetrician."

Bethan’sfacelitup."Howlovely,andsoappropriategiventhecircumstances."

Sarah’suneasinessreturned."Whatcircumstances?"

TheGaianwomangrinnedmysteriously."Why,thecircumstanceswe’rein,ofcourse.Here,whydon’t
youtrytheseon?"FromabundleshehandedSarahadarkgreenskirtandablouseinapalershadeof
green."Ithinkthesewillsuityou."

TheclothestheGaiansofferedwerepulloverblouseswithscoopednecksmadeofsoftlightfabricsin
brightcolors.Theskirtswereofaheaviermaterial,withfasteningsthatadjustedtothewaist,allsolid
colors.Therewasalsoanassortmentoffreshundergarmentsandsimpleslip-onshoesinavarietyof
sizestocompletetheoutfits.

SomeoftheotherGaianwomenstartedhandingoutsmallplasticboxes,aswell.Theseturnedoutto
containanewhairbrush,comb,andothertoiletries,andtherewasoneforeachofthewomenfromthe
ship.

Alongtheoutsidewallsoftheballroomweresanitaryfacilities,whichtheEarthwomentookturnsusing
tocleanupandgetdressed.Eventually,allweresittingontheassemblyroomcouchesintheirnew
clothes,eatingbreakfastcakesfromthecarts,sipping"javi",andchattingwiththeGaianswho’d
providedall.

Itwasgettingtoomuchlikeaparty,anice,friendlyparty.Butitwasn’tapartytheyhadbeeninvitedto
andthequestionsforminginSarah’sbrainwerestartingtoaddup.Shefeltsomeanswersweredue.

"Bethan"shestarted,tryingtobediplomatic,"thisisalotoffun,andI’msureweareallgratefulthatyour
shiprescuedus,butwhenarewegoingbacktoours?"

Bethan’sfacebecamewatchful."Thatcouldtakesomedoing.ThetruthiswehadTheDoveunloadyou

onpurposeandwearen’tplanningonreturningyouatall."

Thisnewsdidn’tgooverwell--allwomenwithinhearingdistanceturnedtostareather.

Onelady,tallwithsharpfeaturesanddarkhair,lookedparticularlyangry."Youstoppedourshipand
forcedthemtoputusintothelifepods--why?"Sarahthoughtsherememberedherfromoneoftheearly
meetingsashavingbeenalawyeronEarth.

Bethansippedherjavi."Wethoughtyoumightwanttocomewithusinstead."

"Hownice,"Sarahsaid,unabletoavoidthesarcasminhervoice."Andwhywouldwewanttodothat?
Weweresupposedtobeonourwaytooneoftheouterworldcolonies.Wewereonourwaytofind
husbands."

Bethansmiled."Well,maybewecanmakeyouabetteroffer?Hearusout,ladies,please."

Oneoftheotherwomenlookedanxious."Mythingswereontheothership,everythingIbroughtwithme
frommyhome.Whataboutthose?"

"Oh,don’tworry,"Bethantoldher."WecollectedallyourbelongingsbeforeTheDoveleftandthey’re
beingtransferredtoyournewquartersaswespeak.Acoupleofhoursfromnowyouwillbeinoneofour
cabinsandallyourbelongingswillbethere."

SymonreturnedandsatdownnexttoBethan."Andhowareyougettingalong?"Hesmiledatherlovingly.

"Fine.Iwasjustexplaininghowwedraggedourguestsofftheirship."

Sarahwasgettingtiredofher"kidnappers"pleasantries."Andjustwhoareyou?"

Bethanbeamedather."Sarah,thisisSymonCurlain,myhusbandandcaptainofThePromise."

SymonwasCaptain,andBethanCEO?Andtheywerehusbandandwife.Thiswasgettingwaytoocozy.

Sarahpressedon."Isn’ttakingusoffthatshipaviolationofthepeacetreaty?"

Thecoupleexchangedalook."Well,actuallyno."Symontoldher."TheGaian-Earthpeacetreatystates
thatforoneyearwecanstopshipscarryingitemsthatwehaveaparticularinterestin."

Nowthelawyerbrokein."ButTheDovehasnocargotospeakof--justpassengersandourbelongings."

"ItwasthepassengersTheDovecarriedthatwewereinterestedin,"Symontoldher.

Bethanadded,"Sarah,youandtheotherladiesareherebecauseweneedwomenlikeyou.Youtoldus
youwereonyourwaytoanewlife.Wesayyoustillare.Wejustwantyoutoconsidermakingthatlifeon
Gaia."

Wellthatexplainedthegiftsandhowfriendlyeveryonewas.TheGaianswantedwillingwives."Living
withyou?Howso?"

"Youarewomenwhowanthusbands.Wehavemenwhowantwives.Wewantyoutomarryourmen."

TheseGaiansexpectedEarthwomentomarrytheirformerenemies?Sarahspokeout."Howcanyou
expectustodothat?Ourplanetsjustfinishedfighting."

Bethanfoldedherhandsandspokereassuringly."Thepointisthatwedidfinishfighting.It’stimefor
GaiaandEarthtomenditsrelationshipandtorebuild.Weneedwomentomendourdifferencesandthat’s
whywewantyou,enoughtostopyourshipandtakeyouoffofit."

Laurabrokein."Whydoyouneedwomensobadly?FromwhatI’veheard,Gaiaisanestablishedplanet
withlimitedimmigration.Withanormalbirthrate,thereshouldbealmostasmanywomenasmen."

SymonandBethanlookedateachother.Sarahgottheimpressionthattheanswertothisquestionwas
somethingveryseriousandpersonaltothem.

ItwasSymonwhoanswered."Duringthewar,Carras,oneofourgirlsschoolswasdestroyed.It
happenedonthefirststrikeEarthmadeatus.Welostmanythousandsofgirls,adultwomen,andtheyoung
childrenwhowerelivingthere."

"BecauseoflosingCarras,"Bethanadded,"wehavemanyyoungmenwhowillnotfindwivesunlesswe
canreplacethosewomen.Ifwedon’tthentheymustremainsingle,andthatisnotagoodthingforour
society."

Oneoftheotherwomensnickered."IknowalotofguysonEarththatwouldn’tmindthatsituation.The
reasonIleftwastofindsomeonewhowantedtogetmarried."

Symonleanedforwardandlookedather."Howdoyouthinkthose‘guys’wouldfeelaboutbeingsingle,if
theyweren’tabletomakelove?Ever."

Startled,thewomanstaredathimasSymonsatbackandsmiledruefully."Gaianscan’thavesexunless
theyaremarried."

"Whynot?"Sarahasked.

"Because,ourmendon’tacquireasexdriveuntilwemeetawoman,aspecialwoman.Foreachman,that
womanisdifferent."

HelookedatBethan,hisfacetender."WhenImetBethan,shebecametheonlywomanIwould,orcould,
makelovewith.AllGaianmenarelikethat.Wepickawomanandshebecomesourwife.Anduntilwe
takeawife,wecan’tmakelovewithanyone."

Bethanreturnedherhusband’sadoringgazeandturnedtothefascinatedEarthwomen."WhenaGaian
manmeetshismate,hissexdrivewakesup.Wecallit‘attachment’.Attachmentcanhappenwhenour
youngmenandwomenarejustpastpuberty,sowekeepthemseparate,fromearlypubertytoyoung
adulthood,abouttwentyyearsofage."

"Youkeepyourteenagersapart?"Lauraasked.

"Yes.Wehaveboardingschoolswheretheygo.Otherwise,ourchildrendon’thaveenoughtimetogrow

upbeforetheymarryandstarthavingchildrenoftheirown."

LauraandSarahexchangedknowinglooks.Bothhadseenenoughteenpregnanciestounderstandthe
reasoningbehindthis.Onaplanetwherematingforlifewasareality,preventingitforaslongaspossible
madegoodsense.

"So,whenCarraswasdestroyed…."Sarahprompted.

"WhenwelostCarras,thefutureforalotofouryoungmenwasjeopardized."

Thelawyerraisedherhand.Sarahthoughtshelookedlikeshewasaddressingawitnessatatrial."So
yourplanis,collectusfromTheDoveandhaveusmarryyourextramen.Butwhywouldwewantthat?"

Bethanshrugged."Whynot?Ourmenareworthy.Theywillcareforyou,aswellasanyEarthmancould,
probablybetter.Icertainlyhavenocomplaints."SheturnedtoSymon,andplacedthebackofherhandon
hischeek.Hesmiledatherandreturnedthegesture.

AroundSarah,theEarthwomenhuddledinquietdiscussion.Fromwhatshecouldhearoftheir
conversationtheyseemedtobenotingthattheyhadn’tmetthemenontheOuterColoniesandthemenhere
certainlyhadappealandlookedlikethey’dmakegoodhusbands.

"Besides,"Bethancontinued,"Youwereonyourwaytoanoutskirtsplanetwherethebestyoucould
expectwasbasicmedical,living,andeducationalfacilities.Wecanofferthefinestofeverythingtoour
newwives.Youwillhavewell-furnishedhospitalstogivebirthin,goodschoolstoeducateyour
children.Afuturewitheverythingyoucouldaskfor.Ourmenarewelleducated,haveskills,and
excellentfuturesaheadofthem.Theywillbeabletoprovidewellfortheirwives."

Symonchimedin."Allweaskisthatyouattendamarriagemeetandlookforahusbandfromamongour
men.Ifyoudon’tfindone,orifyouarenothappywithhim,youcanalwayssayno,andcontinueonto
youroriginaldestination."

Oneoftheotherwomeninterrupted."Whenwillwemeetthesemenofyours?FromwhatIcansee,these
aren’tveryinterestedinus."

Sarahglancedaround.Itwastrue.Theguardsintheroomwereactuallypayingverylittleattentionto
them.Iftheseweremenwithoutwomen,thenitdidn’tshow.

"Allofthesearemarriedmen.Seethewristbands?"Symonhelduphisarmandshowedthemthe
bracelet-typebandheworeandastheylookedaroundtheynoticedalltheotherGaians,menandwomen
both,woresimilarbands.

"Wewouldn’tlettheothersanywherenearyouuntilyouagreetoattendamarriagemeet."Bethan
answered."Believeme,whenyoumeetourunmarriedmen,youwillhavenotroublegettingtheir
attention.Well,"sheaddedwithagrin."You’llhavenotroublegettingoneofthemtopayattentionto
you."

Flushed,thelawyerspokeagain,hermouthagrimline."Youhaveusonyourship,andIdon’tseehow
wecanreturntoourplanetwithoutyourhelp.Iguessyoucandowithusasyouwill."

AgainSarahnoticedthewaySymonandBethanlookedateachother,almostasiftheyreadeachother’s
thoughts.Hespokequietly."Wewon’tforceanyonetodoanythingtheydon’twanttodo.Atworse,this
willbeaslightdetourinyourplans.Ifyouchoosenottoparticipateinourmarriagemeet,thenwewill
simplyreturnyoutoEarthortooneoftheOuterColonies,whicheveryouprefer."

"Webelievethatourmenwillmakeyoubetterhusbandsthanwhatyoucouldfindanywhereelseinthe
universe."Bethanadded."Ifwearen’tabletoconvinceyouofthat,thenwepromiseyouwillbefreeto
go."

****

Allovertheship,menwatchedview-screens.Imagersinthemainballroomcaughtthefacesofthe
womenastheylistened,theirexpressionsonesofdismay,concern,thencuriosityandinterestasthey
weretoldwhythey’dbeentakenfromtheirship.Theimagersweresupposedtohavebeendisabled,on
ordersfromChiefBethan,butoneofthemoreenterprisingcrewmembershadundonethatwork.

Theseweretheirwomen.Possiblysoon,twohundredfiftyofthemwouldhavewives,afuture.They
weren’tgoingtoletalittleordergetinthewayofhavingaglimpseofwhatawaitedthem.

Themenwerethrilledbythatglimpse.Lovelyladies,all,evendisheveledasthey’dbeenontheirarrival.
Mostenviedthemarriedguardswhogottostandamongthem,despiteknowingthosemenwouldhaveno
realinterestintheseladies.Afterall,theywerealreadymarried,withtheirownwomen.

Youngmenstaredatthefaces,listenedtothesoftfemininevoicesthatcamethroughthespeakers.Soon
they’dgetthechancetomeetthem,hopefullyattachtothem.Soontheywouldhavewomenoftheirown,
liketheirmarriedbrethren,thefulfillmentofthepromisemadewhenthey’dvolunteeredfordutyinGaia’s
military.

Inaseparateroom,Garranwatchedalone,buthedidn’tscanthewomen,examiningeachfaceasthe
othersdid--hewasonlyinterestedinone.Hecarefullyfocusedtheviewerandfrozeit,fillingthescreen
withherimage.

Hecaughthisbreathatthesight.Beautiful.Thatwastheonlywordpossible.HehadtoadmitSarahwas
beautiful.DressedinGaianclothes,sheappearedtobeeverythinghecouldwant.Beautiful,proud,
intelligent.Worthy.OnlyherhairgaveawayherEarthorigin.NooneonGaiahadredhair.

Well,nooneusedto.Maybenow.…Garransuddenlyenvisionedasmallchildwithhairthecolorof…of
what?Whatcolorwasherhair,whatcouldhecompareitto?Redtreesweretoodark.Herhairhad
highlightsofgoldmixedin.Itremindedhimoftheleaveswhenthefirstcoldhit,howtheyturnedcolor.It
wouldtakeaforestofsuchtreestomatchherhair.

Hereyeswerelessofaproblem.Theyweregreen,thecolorofjade.Butnotthesame:Hereyesweren’t
coldlikestone,theywerewarm,alive.Whatlivingthingmatchedhereyes?Moss--thatwasit.At
CrescentLake,themossalongtheedgewasjustthatcolor,andaliveaswell.Hecouldspendtherestof
hislifegazingintothoseeyes.

Skinlike…nothinghecouldimagine.Itwasasifithadneverseenthesun,paletoalmosttransparent.She
wasnearlyaslight-skinnedashewas,thoughhispallorwasfromstayinginspaceforsolong.Ithadbeen
toolongsincehe’dbeenhome.He’dhavetoremedythat,haveherwalkoutsidewithhim,andgiveher
facesomecolor.Butitlookedsosmooth.Whatwoulditbeliketotouchit?

Perhaps,soon,hewouldbeallowedtoseeforhimself.

ChapterFour

Anhourlater,thebigdoorsopenedandguardsledtheEarthwomendownlongemptycorridorsto
individualcabins.Theymetnooneontheway,norandomgroupsofGaianmenidlinginthecorridorsas
theymighthaveexpectedtofindonanEarthship.OnTheDove,ithadbeenhardtomovearoundwithout
runningintoamemberofthecrew,usuallyleeringormakingcommentsaboutsex-starvedfemales.In
additiontotheGaiansbeingmorepolite,Sarahdecidedtheyreallywerebeingkeptisolatedfromcontact
withtheirfuturehusbands.

Whenshereachedhercabinitwaslargerthanshe’dexpectedandmuchnicerthantheoneshe’dhadon
TheDove.

Thecabinhadadoublebed,thebeddingfreshandsweetsmelling,amediapanelwithaslotforher
datastore,andacomfortablechairwithareadinglamp,perfectforrelaxingin.Theplushfloorcovering
lookednew,asdidthebedding.

Theprivatesanitaryoffthebedroomheldabathtubaswellasashower.Whenshetriedthetaps,water
gushedforth,unlikethedrysoniccleansingthathadbeenavailableonTheDove.Foramomentsheeyed
thetub,andimaginedhowdelightfulabathwouldfeelafterweeksofbeinginspace.Comparedtoher
crampedcabinonTheDove,thisseemedlikeheaven.

SheturnedtoBethan,whostilldoggedherheels."It’sbeautiful."

"I’mgladyoulikeit.Wewantyoutobecomfortablehere."

Laughing,Sarahsatonthecushionedchair."Ihalf-expectedtogethauledofftoacell,before.Ihardly
expectedanythingasniceasthis."

Bethan’seyebrowsrosequizzically."Acell?Why?"

"ForstrikingtheGeneral."Sarah’ssmilefaded."Idon’tknowwhatcameoverme--I’veneverdone
anythinglikethatbefore.IsupposeIshouldapologizetohim."SheglancedupatBethan’sface."He
wasn’thurt,washe?"

"Ihearditwasaslap--howcouldthathavehurthim?"

"Itmusthavebeenharderthanthat.Myhandstilltingles."RuefullySarahheldupherinjuredpalm.

Bethan’seyesbrightened,thoughhersmilestayedthesame."Idoubtyouwillseehimforsometime.I’ll
tellhimyou’resorry,ifyoulike."

Sarahnoddedherthanks,thencontinuedtoexaminehersurroundings.Theview-screenonthemedia
panelshowedabeautifullandscapeofmountains,trees,andadistantlakewithadistinctivecurvetoits
shoreline.

Bethannoticedthedirectionofhergaze."That’sCrescentLake,outsideourmaincity.Mysisterhada
homenearthere."Shesaddenedatthementionofhersister,thenthefleetingregretwasgone."Ihopeyou
gettoseeitsomeday,it’sabeautifulplace.IfyouwouldliketoseeotherplacesonGaia,justbrowse
usingtheterminal."Shepointedtothekeyboardsittingonthedesk."Andasyoucansee,yourluggagehas
followedyou."

Sureenough,Sarah’strunkandotherthingswerearrangedinaneatstackinthecornerofthecabin.

"I’llleaveyoutogetsettled,"Bethansaid."Whenitistimeforlunch,therewillbeageneralcallfromthe
comm-link.Oh,andonemorething."Bethansoberedforamoment."Weneedtoaskyouandallofthe
otherladiesnottowanderaboutontheship.Itisveryimportantthatwekeepthemenandwomen
separateuntilthetimecomes.Ifyoucouldwaitinyourcabinuntilcalled,wewouldappreciateit."

Nomatterhowpolitelyput,beingaskedtostayinherroomdidnotgooverwell.Hertemperflared.
"MaybeIspoketoosoonaboutthisnotbeingacell.Youmeanwe’reprisonershere?"

"No,notreally."Bethanhesitated."Youmustunderstandhowourcultureworks.Amarriedwomanor
mancangoanywhere,butunmarriedindividualsmustkeepawayfromeachotheruntilthemeetingscan
bearranged.Iunderstandhowdifferentthisisforyou,butsofewpeopleonGaiaareunmarriedoncethey
reachadulthood,it’srarelyaproblem."Shepausedonherwayoutthedoor."Pleasebepatient."

AfterBethanleft,itonlytookafewminutesforSarahtoorganizeherbelongingsinthelargecabin.She
hadn’treallyunpackedonTheDove,whatwiththelimitedstorageinthetinyspaceshe’dhadonthat
ship.Therewasfarmoreroomhere,soshetookadvantageofitandhungmostofherclothes,andmoved
hertoiletryitemsintothesanitary,includingthenewonestheGaianshadgivenher.Thebrushin
particularwasmuchnicerthanheroldone.

Onceinthesanitary,sheagaineyedthetub.Withtheearlystarttotheday,nottomentioneverythingelse
thathadhappened,arelaxingbathsuddenlyseemedlikeaverygoodidea.Shefoundanicecollectionof
bubblemakingsontheshelfabovethesinkandindulgedinonewithasweet,floralscent.

Undoingherlongbraid,shefinger-combedherhairbeforesteppingintothetubandsubmersingthedeep-
redmassinthewaterinpreparationforwashingit.Itseemedlongerthanafewweekssinceshe’dbeen
abletogetherhaircompletelyclean.Abottleofshampoowasincludedinthetoiletriesanditcarriedthe
smellofgreen,growingthings.Sarahthrilledathowsensuousitmadeherhairfeel.

BeingonThePromisewasturningouttobealotbetterthanTheDove.Sarahdippedbelowthewaterand

lethercaresfloatawayintothewarmwater.

Afterherluxurioussoakandusingtheinstantdryeronherhairandskin,Sarahpulledherrobeonand
wanderedbackintoherroom.Whenshelaidonit,shefoundthebedwasevenmorecomfortablethanit
looked,andwithinminutesshefellsoundasleep.

****

InGarran’squarters,thedoorbuzzed.Withanimpatientgesture,heactivatedtheentry.

Symonstoodinthedoorway,lookingcross."Youdidn’tchecktoseewhoitwas.Icouldhavebeen
anyone."

Garrandismissedhisconcern."Whyshould‘anyone’wanttohurtme?Theonlyonewho’sever
threatenedmeislockedinherpartoftheship.Theyallare,forthatmatter."

Symonentered,andgesturedacoupleofmuchbiggermeninside.Eachseemedthesizeofasmall
mountain,theblondonebanded,thebrown-hairedmannot."Maxxa,Sammul,"hesaid,pointingtothemin
turn."They‘regoingtokeepaneyeonyoufromnowon."

"Bodyguards?"Garranwasincredulous."Protectingmefromwhat--abunchofwomen?"

"We’veheardrumors,Garran,fromourpeopleonEarth.Itisn’tclearwhat,butthere’sathreattoyour
safety.Youaretoovaluabletousandtoogoodatargettoignorethem."Symongrimaced."Thereare
thoseinEarthforcewhowouldlovetoseeyoudead."

HenoticedSarah’simageontheview-screenandgrinned."Iseeyou’vebeenbusy.Howdidyouget
that?"

Garrangrunted,unwillingtoadmithisfascinationwiththered-hairedEarthwoman."Fromthismorning,
beforeyoudeactivatedthem.Bethangavehersomejavi."Heglancedatthesensuoussmile."Sheliked
it."

"Shesmiledlikethatoveracupofjavi?"Symonlaughed."Imagineifyoureallygavehersomethingto
smileabout."

Yes,imagine.TheideaofSarah’sfaceintrueecstasysenthissensestemporarilyreeling.Ruthlessly,
Garrancensoredthatthought.Itwasfartoounlikelytoeverhappen.

Anotherbuzzatthedoorandthistime,oneofthebodyguards,theblondone,Maxxa,answeredit.

"Garran!"Bethanboundedintotheroom,noddedapprovinglyatthehulkingmanholdingthedoor."Isee
youfoundsomeoneforthejob,Symon.Goodwork."ShereturnedherattentiontoGarran,herfaceone
giantgrin."So,‘immune,’huh?Hasthedoctorbeenby?"

Henoddedruefully."Youmissedhimbyanhour.Herefusedtogivemetheantidote.Saiditwouldbe
bettertoletitendnaturally."

Thecoupleexchangedstartledglances."Garran,whatareyoutalkingabout?"Bethanasked.Shenoticed
thestillpresentimageofSarahontheview-screen.

Hisgazefollowedhers,andhefelthisbodytightenagainattheeuphoricsmile.Determinedlyheturned
hisbackontheimage."Thiswillneverwork.Bettertoenditthanputusboththroughamatchingthat’s
doomed."

"Andwhatmakesyousaythatit’sdoomed?Herhandtingles."

Notpossible."She’sEarthen,"hesaid,incredulous.

Bethanshrugged."Perhaps.Maybeitwasjustfromtheslap.Butthatdoesn’texplainthenearfainting
spellshehadafteryouleft.Isawthatontheplayback."

Reallyimpossible."No,Idon’tbelieveit."

"Don’tbelieveitthen.Letherwalktosomeoneelseifyoulike.She’sastrongpotential,andifyouaren’t
there,anothermanisboundtoattachtoher."

No.ReluctantlyhestaredatSarah’sfrozenface,thesuggestionofpassioninhersmileovernomorethan
acupofjavi.

No,nooneelsecouldhaveher."Perhapsitwouldbebetterifwedidn’tkeepher,"hesuggested."We
couldsendheron."

"Absolutelynot,"Symontoldhim."Weneedher.Sarahhasbecomethekeytogettingthemtoagree.We
convinceher,therestwillfollow.Withouther.…"Heshrugged."It’sgoingtobehardenoughtoconvince
thoseladiesourmenarebestforthem.Ifwesendheraway,noneofthemmayagree."

SymonandBethanexchangedlooks,thenearimperceptiblenodsthatmadeuptheirsilentcommunication.
Bitternessfloodedhim.Earthhadcosthimthis,hisownclosecompanion.Clearlyhisfriendswishedto
seehiswifereplacedwiththisnewwomanfromEarth,theheartofhisenemies.Asifinanswer,his
cheektingled.

"Onemorething,"Bethansaid."Sheaskedaboutyou."

Surpriseovercamehisreticence."Why?"

"Shewantedtoapologizeforstrikingyou.Shesaiditwasfirsttimeshe’deverdonesomethinglikethat."
Bethantouchedhisarm."She’sagoodwoman,Garran.Giveitachance."

Agoodwoman.AnEarthen.Heshookhishead.He’dthoughthecouldmakeitsimple.Oncethedoctor
hadgivenhimthedetachmentdrug,hisinterestinSarahwould’vefaded,becomeanindistinctwant.But
now.…Garransatonthecouch,ranonehandonthecheekwhereshe’dstruckhim.Itnolongerhurt,
merelytingled--justasherhandtingled.Matchedwithoneblow,struckinanger.

Agrimamusementrosewithinhim.Thatsuddenlyseemedsingularlyappropriate.Shewashismatch,and
no,hecouldn’tgiveherup,notwithoutafight.

Withoutlookingatthemhespoke."Iunderstand.I’lltry."

****

SeveralhourslaterSarahwoketogentlechimescomingfromthecomm-link,signalingthestartoflunch.
Sheyawnedandlistenedtothebright,musicalsound.Ifthiswasawarship,itcertainlywasrefined,far
morelikeapassengershipthantheirformertransporthadbeen.

Sarahredressedinthenewgreenskirtandblouse.Theywerecomfortable,anditdidn’tseemabadidea
toappearacceptingoftheGaians’hospitality.

Whenshewenttothedoor,shefounditunlockedandsteppedthrough.Thecorridorwasfilledwith
severalotherwomentalkingquietly.Allseemedtobesatisfiedwiththeirnewsurroundings,andseveral
haddressedasSarahhad,inGaianclothes.

Eventuallyamanwearingawristbandandafriendlysmilestrodedownthecorridor,andledthemtoa
largedininghallwheretherestoftheEarthwomenwaited.Theroomcouldholdatleasttwiceasmany
astheirnumber,evenwiththemanyGaianwomenandmenwhojoinedthem.Theyallsatattablesthat
weresetfor10or12,withatleastoneortwoGaiansateachtable.

Thefoodwasverygood,startingwithasaladoffreshgreens,choicesofmeat,fish,orvegetariandishes,
andacleardrinkthathadafruitytaste.Eventhewaterintheglassgobletsonthetabletastedfresh,asif
captureddirectlyfromamountainspring.

SarahaskedoneoftheGaianwomenathertableaboutthegreensandwasinformedthattheycamefrom
theship’sonboardgardens.Itseemedthattheshipwasfittedforlongtripsthroughspaceandsohada
greatdealofself-sufficiencybuiltintoit.

"ThePromisewasnotreallymeanttobeawarship,"theGaianlady,who’dintroducedherselfasMarna,
explained."Whenitwasdesigned,ithadbeenintendedtobeapassengershipforlongjourneys.When
thewarbrokeoutithadjustbeencompleted.Ourleader,GeneralGarranhaditcompletelyoverhauled
forwar,butleftthecabinsandcommonroomsasthey’doriginallybeendesigned."

AtthementionoftheGeneral,theEarthwomenatthetablebecamequietbuttheGaiansdidn’tseemto
noticehowhisnamemadethemuncomfortable.Itwasclearfromtheprideinthelady’svoicethattheir
opinionsofthemanwereverydifferent.

Betternottostirthingsup,Sarahthought.

Afterlunch,theywereledtoanotherroombuiltlikeatheatre.Aftertheywereseated,thelightswent
downandamediascreenatthebackofthestagesprangtolife.TheywereshownmanyimagesofGaia,
theopenlands,cleanlakesandrivers,modernlookingcities.Alsothereweremanypicturesofmen,tall
andhandsome,withthesamegentlesmilesthatthemenontheshiphad.

Therewerealsopicturesofyoungchildren,eachmoredarlingthanthelast.Thenarrativeexplainedwhat
eachoftheimageswas,althoughwhenthechildrenwereon,onlymusicwasheard.Asarecruitment
message,itwasveryconvincing.

SarahlookedfortheimageofCrescentLakethathadbeenonherscreen,butdidn’tseeit.Therewasa
similarimageofwhatlookedlikethesamearea,butfromadifferentanglethatwasn’tnearlyas
interesting.Shewasabitsurprisedatthat,thattheyhadn’tusedthebetterpicture,butthentheystarted
showingimagesofbabiesandshedidn’tthinkanymoreaboutit.

Sarahlovedbabies.Itwasthereasonshehadbecomeanobstetrician,andthereasonforherbeinghere.
Shewantedchildrenofherownbeforeshebecamemucholder.Fromthesoundsofsnifflingintheroom,
shewasn’ttheonlyonefeelingwistfulwhenthechildren’spictureswereshown.

FinallytheshowendedandBethancameontothestage.Shesaid,"Well,nowyou’veseenwhatwethink
ofGaia.Ihopeyouenjoyedit.Ineedtoexplainhowwedoourmarriagemeets.That’swhatwecallit
whenwebringouryoungmenandwomentogether."

Shewentontoexplainthattheywouldmeetthemeninafewdays."Youwillbegivengownsandhooded
robesthathavemasksbuiltin.Oncedressed,wewillleadyouthroughahallwaywherethemenwill
wait.Theywillbesimilarlydressed."

"We’remasked?"Thatwasaquestionfromoneoftheyoungerwomen."Howwillweknowwhatthey
looklike?"

"Youwon’t,"Bethansaid."Webelievethatitisbesttonotseethefaceofthepersonthatattachestoyou.
Thatwayyoufocusonotherthings,likehowyoureacttothem.Gaianshavematchedthiswayfor
centuriesandithasserveduswell."

"Whatdoyoumeanbymatch?"thesamewomanasked.

"Whenamanattachesandthewomanacceptshistouch,thenwecallthatmatching.Youwillfeelatingle
athispresence.Histouchwillbeattractivetoyou.Youwillwanthimtotouchyou."

"Well,sure.I’vealwayslikeditwhensomehunktouchesme."Sarahrecognizedthenewspeakeras
Alison,oneoftheyoungerwomenwho’dbeenthemostoutspokenabouttheGaians’high-handednessin
kidnappingthem.Nowshewaswisecracking.

Sarahsighed.ProbablymostoftheyoungerwomenwerelikeAlison,experiencedwithmenandnota
goodmatchfortheGaians.Alisonwasn’ttakinganyofthisseriously.

Bethaneyedtheyoungerwoman."Perhapsthat’strueforyou,butforthe‘hunk’asyou’vecalledhim,it
willbethefirsttimehe’stouchedawomanthatway.Oneofthereason’syouallleftEarthwastofinda
manwhowillcherishyouandmakeyouhiswife.Ourmenwilldothat...ifyouletthem."

Alisonshuthermouthandleanedback,lookingunconvinced.Severaloftheyoungwomensittingnextto
herdidthesame,buttheolderwomen,theoneswho’dtriedforyearstofindsomeoneonEarth,listened
asBethanfinishedexplainingtheGaiancustoms.Bytheendofherspeechevensomeoftheyoungergirls
werelookinginterested.

Bethandescribedtheclaimingceremony,wherethemenandwomenfinallyunmaskedandwereableto
speaktheirnames."Onceyou’veexchangednames,andseenyourhusband’sface,youwillhavethree
daystodecideifyouwishtochangeyourmindinsteadofremainingmarried."

Bethangrinned."Forwhatit’sworth,thatrarelyhappens."

ChapterFive

Sarahfinishedbrushingherhairandre-braideditintoalongrope,tyingtheendwithapinkhairribbon.
Onceagaindressedinhernightgown,shepulledbackthecoversandslippedinside.

Itwasthemostcomfortablebedshe’deverenjoyed,softyetfirm,thesheetscoolonherskin.Usingthe
remotetoturnoffthelight,sheleanedbackintothefluffysoftnessofherpillow.

Afterweeksinthetinyuncomfortableberthinher"stateroom"onTheHope,andconsideringthelittle
sleepshe’dgottenlastnight,Sarahlookedforwardtoapeaceful--andcomplete--night’ssleep.

Meanwhile,inanotherpartoftheship,thefiveyoungestwomenfromtheHopehadtheirownplansfor
theevening,andtheydidn’tincludebeddingdown.

Fromheropencabindoorway,Lindseypeeredintothehallway,spottingAlisonwaitingwiththeothers,
Ellen,Anne,andDanaintheotherwiseemptycorridor.Itwaslateintheship’sdayandnooneelsewas
about.

AftertheGaian"recruitment"meetingthey’dmetanddiscussedwhattodoaboutthesituation.Whilethey
respectedSarah,itdidn’tseemliketheolderwomanintendedtodoanythingotherthanlettheGaianstry
andmatchthemupwiththeirmen.Lindseyandtheotherstooktheirownvoteandnoneofthefivewanted
anypartoftheGaiansortheirunattachedmen.

Alisonhadpointedoutthatonlytwoguardswereondutyattheendofthecorridor,andthatquiteoften
oneofthemwouldtakeoffforashorttimeleavingonlyonetoworryabout.ItwasclearthattheGaians
weren’treallyexpectingthewomentodoanything--otherwisethey’dbemoreprepared.Theguardswere
armedwithstunners,buttheywerekeptholstered,andthemenwerefartoorelaxedwhentheywereon
duty.

Itwasasimpleplan:breakoutoftheareatheywerein,findtheshuttlebay,andtakeoffinoneofthe
shuttlecraft.AlisonhadgottenthemateofTheDovetogivehersomespecialtraininginrunningashuttle
andwasconvincedshecouldgetoneofftheship.Onceinspace,theywouldsendhelpmessages.Surely
TheDovewouldn’thavegoneveryfarandtheywouldcomebackandpickthemup.

PrivatelyLindseywonderedhowmuchrealtrainingAlisoncouldhavegottenfromthemate,butshe
didn’thaveanybetterideas.AnythingseemedbetterthanstayingonThePromise.Theymovedoutoftheir
roomsquietly,carryingonlyafewbelongings,andablanketandsomebeltstotieuptheguard.

Theywaiteduntilonlyoneoftheoldermenwasstandingwatch.Lindseyrecognizedhim.Theguardwas
namedJonandhewasanicemanwho’dtalkedtothemearlierthatday.Lindseyrememberedthathe’d
toldherthathehadadaughteraboutthirteenyearsoldathomeandferventlyshehopedtheywouldn’t
havetohurthim.

Alisonwentuptohimwhiletheresthid.Lindseywatchedastheothergirlputawoebegoneexpression
onherfaceincludingsomerealisticlookingtears.Whatanactressshewas!ThesoftheartedJonputhis
armaroundherinacomfortingfatherlyway.

Lindseyheardhisgentlevoice."Hey,don’tworry.Oneofthosemenismyyoungerbrotherandhe’sa
greatguy."

AlisonmanagedtogetJontoturnhisbackonthecorridorwhiletherestofthewomensneakedupfrom
behind.Ellenthrewtheblanketoverhisheadandheldhimwiththebelts,andwhilehewasstruggling
Alisonpulledhisstunnerandfiredit.Themanwentlimpundertheblanket.Lindseyverifiedthathewas
breathingbeforetheyleftwhileAlisonpocketedthestunner.

They’ddecidedtheshuttlebaywouldbebackalongtheroutetheyhadtakenfromthereceptionroom.
Ellenhadkepttherouteinmindwhileleavingthere.Sinceitwaslate,theyexpectedtorunintonoother
people.

"Thisisgoingtobeeasy,"Alisontoldthemwhentheyenteredtheemptyhallway.

Sureenough,Ellenwasabletoguidethemtothedoorwaythey’dusedwhenenteringthePromise,andjust
alittlefurtherdownthesamecorridortheyfoundtheentrancetoalargeopenspace,theinsideofwhich
wasfilledwithsmallships.

They’dfoundtheshuttlebay!

Thesoundofmen’svoicesandclinkofmetaltoolstoldthemthattheyweren’taloneinthebay.Agroupof
jump-suitedmenweregatheredatoneendofthespace,nearashipwithanumberofopenpanels.Quietly
thewomenattemptedtoapproachoneoftheothershuttleswithoutnotice.

Oneofthementurnedandspottedthemandquicklyapproached."Hithere!CanIhelpyou?"Hewas
muchyoungerthantheguardsthey’dseenearlier,tall,muscular,andgoodlooking,andLindseynoticedhe
hadanicesmile.Ashegotcloserthough,thesmilefadedwhenheglancedattheirwrists."You’resome
ofthebridesfromTheDove.Youshouldn’tbehere!"

Alisonsmiledwinninglyathim."Hithere,yourself.Wefeltcoopedupandwantedtolookaround.Can
youshowusoneoftheshuttles?"Shewalkedtowardhim,herhipsswayinginacome-hithercurvethat
likelyhadn’teverfailedtocaptureaman’sattention.

Itdidn’tfailthistime,althoughtheresultcouldn’thavebeenwhatshe’dhadinmind.Theyoungman’s
eyesopenedwiderandhestumbledbacktowardstheothers,keepinghisdistancefromAlison.IfLindsey
hadn’tknownbetter,shewould’vesaidhewasafraid.Itwasalmostcomicalwatchinghimbackaway,
nearpanicinhisface.

Theothermennoticedthemaswellandoneofthemscurriedovertoanearbycom-link."Securityto

shuttle-bay,now!"

Alisonpulledthestunnerfromherpocketandaimeditatthem."Now,don’tdoanythingstupid,Iknow
howtousethis.Allwewantisoneoftheshuttles."

AmancamearoundtheshipbehindLindsey.SeeingthestunnerinAlison’shand,hethrewthetoolhe
held,knockingthestunnertotheground.Alisonscreamedinpainandheldherhandwherehe’dhither.

Oneoftheothermengrabbedthestunnerfromtheground."Allright,"hesaidpointingitatthem."Just
backoff,everythingisgoingtobejustfine."

FrombehindLindseycameanoiseandshewhirledaround.Themanwhohadthrownthetoolstaredat
her,gaspingforbreath.Hestoodstillforacoupleofseconds,hisbreathinghalted,andhebentforward
slightly.Hisfaceflushed,andwhenhebreathedagainitwasheavyandlabored.Hekepthiseyesonher.

Thewayhestared.…Lindseyfeltherownskinflush,hercheekshotunderhisgaze.Thiswasn’ttheway
themarriedguardshadlookedather!

"Oh,sweetGaia,lookatTarren,"oneoftheothermensaid.Heglancedathisbuddies."Nowwe’rein
trouble."

"Heattached?"anotheroneasked."Whatdowedonow?Wecan’tjustleavehimhere."Therestofthe
menstaredateachother,clearlyataloss,theonewiththestunnerkeepingittrainedonthewomen,
holdingthematbay.

Justthen,Bethanarrivedwithseveralofthebandedguards,alsoarmedwithstunners.

"Outofhere,allofyou,"shesaidtotheyoungermen,asternlookonhernormallysmilingface.The
youngmanholdingthestunnerhandeditoverandtheydepartedquickly,reliefintheirattitude.Onemade
agrabforTarren,butheshookhisfriend’sarmoff,andmovedclosertoLindsey,stillbreathingheavily,
hiseyesfixedonher.

AtBethan’sgesture,theguardsapproachedthewomenwiththeirstunnersout."Allrightnow,thefun’s
over.Weneedtotakeyoubacktowhereyoubelong,"shetoldthem.

Alisondrewback,asnarltwistingherprettyface."WebelongonEarth,andthat’swherewegoing.Run!"
shescreamedattheothergirls.

Theyscatteredthroughthebay.Theguardschasedandgrabbedatthem,thewomenkickingandscreaming
inresponse.Afterthefirstcoupleofwell-placedkicks,themenstoppedtryingtobegentle.

Lindseydidn’trun,butinsteaddrewclosertothestillheavilybreathingmannexttoher.Shegrabbedhis
arm."Helpme,please,"shecriedsoftly.

Tarren’seyesopenedwiderandhisjawset.Onearmsnakedaroundherwaistandhepulledhertoward
oneofthewalls,grabbingachairastheypassed.Holdingitinfrontofhim,heplacedhimselfbetween
theapproachingguardsandLindsey.

Heglaredatthemandthreatenedthemwiththechair."Leaveheralone!"

Theoldermengazedateachotherindismay.OnetriedtoreasonwithTarren."Nowcomeon,stopthis.
Sheshouldn’tbehereandyouknowit.Wearen’tgoingtohurther,justtakeherbacktoherroom."

Theyoungman’seyesflashedangrily."No,shebelongswithme,Iwon’tletyoutakeher."Puttingher
handsonhiswaist,Lindseycrowdedclosertohim.

OneoftheguardscalledBethanover."Wedon’twanttostunhimwhenhe’slikethis.It’stoodangerous--
hecouldbepermanentlydamaged."

Exasperated,shestaredatTarren,stillholdingthechairlikeaweapon,Lindseycoweringbehindhim.
Shegroaned."IguessIbetterwakeupSymonandhavehimfetchsomehelp."

****

Darkhairslidalonghercheekasherdreamloverrubbedhischinacrossherface.Thehairwassmooth
andsilky,acontrasttotheslightstubbleofhisbeard.

Betweenherlegs,shecouldfeelhishand,glidingalongherthigh,pausingjustbelowthatplacethatached
tobetouched.Hisfingerstwitchedsuggestivelyandsheshiveredinanticipation.

Inherearwasadeepwhisper."ShallI?"

Thequestionhadonlyonereasonableresponse.Sarahopenedhermouthtograntpermissionforhimto
continuehissensualexploration.

Buzzzzzzzzz.Sarah’seyesjerkedopen,herlovervaporizingasthedoorbellbrokeherdream.Liftingher
headfromthepillow,sheglancedatthechronometerandgroaned.Themiddleofthenight--AGAIN?
Grabbingherrobe,shedonneditassheheadedforthedoor,herfeetfindingherslippersontheway.

OutsidewasSymon,lookingupset,apologetic,andanxiousallatonce.Sarahsighed.Clearlysomesortof
emergency.

"DoctorSarah,Ihatetowakeyou,butwehaveasituationwithsomeoftheyoungerwomenoffyourship.
Ithinkweneedsomeonetheywillrecognize,andyourbeingadoctorcouldalsohelp.Wouldyoumind
comingwithme?"

Sarahnodded."Allright,givemeaminutetodress,andI’lljoinyou."Sheclosedthedoor,threwonher
Gaianblouseandskirt,andgrabbedhermedicalbag.

Symonledhertoadifferentpartoftheship,alongcorridorscrowdedwithpeople,oddforthistimeof
thenight.Everywhereshelookedweremenandwomenwearingbands,watchingherandSymonclosely
astheypassed.ForthefirsttimesincearrivingonThePromise,noonesmiled.

"Whathappened?"Sarahasked,trottingtokeepupwithhim.

"FiveoftheyoungladieswetookoffTheDovedecidedtoleavetheirrooms,stunningtheguardinthe
process.Wethinktheymayhavebeentryingtostealashuttleandleave,"Symontoldher."Theyranintoa

groupofourmen,workingintheshuttlebay.Unmarriedmen,"hesaidmeaningfully.

TheGaianshadwarnedthemnottowanderaboutforfearofjustthissortofthing."Aretheyallright?
Theyweren’thurtwerethey?"Sarahaskedhimanxiously.

"Thewomenweren’thurt,buttherehasbeenabitofadisturbance.Hereweare!"

Theyturnedintoahangerbaywhereseveralshuttle-sizedshipswereparked.Sarah’seyewascaughtbya
groupofpeoplestandingwithBethan.Mostweremenwithbands,severalofwhomwhowereengagedin
holdingfirmlybythearmsfouryoungwomenwithangryscowls.Therestweretryingtocalmdown
anothermanwhowasholdingachairinathreateningmanner.Behindhimwascrouchedafifthwoman,
hereyeswideinfright.

ShespottedSarahastheyapproached,andcalledouttoher,"Dr.Johnson,helpme!"

Therestofthewomenlookedoverather.SarahrecognizedAlison,Ellen,Anne,andDanaasthosebeing
held.ThewomanbehindthemanwiththechairwasLindsey.TheyweresomeoftheyoungestoftheNLS
brides,noneofthemolderthantwenty-two.Anyofthemwereperfectlycapableofhatchingaschemelike
this,althoughshesuspectedAlisonwastheringleader.Theresthadlikelygonealongwiththeplanfor
lackofabetteridea.

ShewasparticularlydisappointedinEllenMartin,whoshe’dknownforseveralyears.Ellenhadbeen
studyingtobeanurse,buthadgottenside-trackedbyayoungmanwho’dwantedEllenformanythings,
noneofwhichincludedmarriage.She’devenquithertrainingtohelpsupporthimwhilehewentto
school.

Sarahhadbeendelightedwhenshe’dheardEllenhadgottenoverhisinfluenceandhadvolunteeredfor
theNLS.Ellenhaddeservedbetter.

Whentheygotthere,Symonlookedoveratthemenholdingthewomen."Takethemtooneofthesecurity
roomsandholdthemthere."Themennoddedandstarteddraggingthewomenalong,inspiteoftheir
kickingandyelling,acoupleofothersgoingwiththemforgoodmeasure.

NowheturnedhisattentiontotheenragedyoungmanwiththechairandLindsey."Tarren,putthatthing
down.Thisisn’tdoinganyoneanygood."

Tarrenstaredathim,stillbrandishingthechair.ToSarah’seyesheseemeddistraught."Please,no,don’t
letthemtakeher.Shecouldbehurt."

SarahglancedathiswristandrealizedthatTarrenwasn’twearingaband.ShewhisperedtoBethan,"Is
thiswhyyoudidn’twantuswanderingabout,becausewemightprovokethiskindofbehaviorinyour
men?"sheasked.

Bethantookheraside."Tarrenwasoneofagroupofmenworkinginhere.Itlookslikeheattachedto
Lindseyassoonashewasnearherandnowhewon’tletustakeherfromhim."Shelookedfrustrated.
"Notallmenbehavelikethis,butwhenshefeltendangered,sheappealedtohimandhecan’thelphis
reaction.Hethinkshe’sprotectingher.Whatweneedtodoisgeteveryonecalmeddown."

"Letmetalktoher,"Sarahsaid."Maybeifshestopsbeingsofrightenedthatwillhelp."

Sarahapproachedthem.Tarrenheldthechairupbutdidn’ttryandhitherwithit."Hey,"shesaidtohim,
"I’monyourside.Lindsey,tellhimthatnoone’sgoingtohurtyou,I’llseetothat."

LindseypulledatTarren’sarmuntilhegazedather.Shesmiledalittleathimandheloweredthechaira
bit."It’sallrightnow,I’llbefine.Dr.Johnsonwon’tletthemhurtme."Heloweredthechairmoreand
hisbreathingsloweddown.Raptly,hesmiledintotheyoungwoman’sface.

HeglancedatSymonandbegantospeak,hiswordsfallingoverthemselves."Captain,I’msorry.I…I
meantheycameinhere,thewomenImean,andIsawher,andthentheotherscamein,theguardsandthey
startedgrabbingthewomenandonewasgoingtograbher,and,well,shescreamed."Hestared,asif
pleadingforunderstanding."Ihadtohelpher,Ihadto."Heputthechairdownthenbackedup,still
keepingonearmaroundLindsey.

Therestofthemenwaited,didn’ttryandrushhimnowthathehaddisarmedhimself.Sarahnoticedthat
thelookstheyweregivingTarrenweremoresympatheticthananythingelse.Sheguessedthatthey,too,
hadoncefeltlikethisyoungman,andinhissituationcouldwellhavedonesomethingsimilar.

Tarrentookacoupleofdeepbreathsandseemedtowrestlehimselfundercontrol.Anxiouslyhelooked
overattheguards,thenSymon,finallyBethan."IsupposethismeansI’llbedisqualified,"hesaidfinally.

Bethanfrowned."It’spossible.Wewillhavetoconsiderwhattodo."Hervoicewassternandhe
flinchedatthetone.

Tarrenshookhisheadsadly,buttherewasatouchofdefianceinhisposture.Amuscleinhisjaw
twitched."Wellthen,itcan’tpossiblygetanyworse."

Heturnedtotheyoungwomanbehindhim,andreachedoutonehand.Shestaredashestrokedhercheek
withthebackofit,acaressthatSarahhadseenSymongiveBethan.ThenTarrenputhisarmsaround
Lindseyandpulledhercloseandkissedherfullonthelips,averylong,passionatekiss.Hebrokeoffand
closedhiseyes,restinghisforeheadonhers."Itwouldhavebeennice,"hesaidsadly.

Heletgoofherandwenttothewaitingmenwhotookhimbythearms.Symonwentovertothem."Take
himtoholdingfornow."

Lindseystoodasiftransfixed.Hereyesclosedforseveralsecondsandwhensheopenedthemshestared
afterTarrenashewasledaway.ShemadenoefforttoescapeasSarahcameoverandtookherbythe
arm,andshecontinuedtobequietallthewaytothesecurityroomwheretherestofthemiscreantshad
beentaken.

ChapterSix

WhentheyarrivedatthesecurityroomAlisonwasspewingvocaldiscontentwithhowtheywerebeing
treated.

"Thisistoomuch.Firstyoudragusoffourshipagainstourwill,andimprisonus,andthenyoutellus
you’regoingtogiveustoyourmen.Oneofthosesamemenhitsmewithatoolandthenthesemarried
bulliescomeinandforceustocomehere."Sheheldupherinjuredhand,distressinherface."I’mhurt
andnoonehastakencareofme."

Itwasquiteaperformance.Sarahalmostfeltlikeapplauding,andmighthaveifshehadn’tbeendragged
outofanicewarmbedbecauseoftheseyoungladies’antics.

The"bullying"guardswho’ddraggedthewomenintotheofficealsodidn’tseemsympathetictoAlison’s
plight.OneofthemdisplayedwhatlookedlikeanAlison-sizedbitemarkonhisarm.Hegloweredather.

SymoninterruptedAlison’sdiatribe."Whatdidyouthinkyouweredoinginourshuttlebay?Wesaidyou
neededtostayinyourareaoftheship.Didyouthinkwedidn’tmeanit?"

Alison’snosewentintotheair."Idon’tknowwhatyoumean.Weweretakingawalkandgotlost."

Sarahdecidedtogetinvolved."Takingawalk.Inthemiddleofasleepcycle?"Shelookedateachof
themanddecidedwhichonewasmostlikelytotellthetruth."Ellen,whatwereyoudoingintheshuttle
bay?"

Ellenglancedattheothersbutapparentlydecidedtocomeclean."Alisonthoughtthatifwecouldgeta
shuttlewecouldgetofftheship.Thenwecouldsignalforhelpandapassingshipwouldrescueus."

Sheshrugged."Whenwegottotheshuttlebay,wefoundthesementhere.Youknow,youngermen,notlike
theoneswiththebracelets.Alisontriedtalkingtothemlikesheusuallydoes.Buttheydidn’treallypay
muchattentiontoher.Andoneofthem,allhecoulddowasstareatLindsey,hewouldn’tevenlookat
Alison."SheseemedimpressedthatsomemanwouldactuallyfindLindseymoreinterestingthanAlison.

"Andoneoftheyoungmencalledtheguards?"askedBethan.

"Yes,andthentheyallleft,exceptfortheonewholikedLindsey.Hewouldn’tlettheguardsnearher."
Shelaughed."Ithinkhereallythoughthecouldfightthemoffwithjustachair!"

"Soyounevergotneartheshuttles?"

"No,themenwouldn’tletusnearthem.Alltheysaidwasthatwewereinthewrongplaceandthatwe
shouldgobacktoourrooms."Ellennowlookeddisgustedwiththewholeadventure.

Symonfixedhissterngazeonthem."Andwhichofyouknowshowtoflyashuttle?"

Alisonspokeup."It’snotthatdifficult.ThemateonTheDoveshowedmehowtomakeitgo.Weweren’t
goingtoflyitveryfar,justoffthisship."Sheglareddefiantly.

"Doyouhaveanyideahowfaroffthenormalshippinglanesweare?"Bethanasked."Youcouldhave
beendriftingouttherefordaysorweekswithoutbeingfound."Herfaceclouded."Youcouldhavedied
outthere."

"WellitwouldhavebeenbetterthanbeingforcedtomarryaGaian,"Alisonshouted."Besideswhatdo
youcareaboutwhetherornotwedie?WhatareafewlessEarthpeopletoGaians?"

ShockcrossedSymonandBethanfaces,theireyeswideninginhorror.FinallyBethanspoke,hervoice
shakenbyAlison’saccusation."Firstofall,wecareaboutwhathappenstoyoubecausewecareaboutall
humanlife,whetherfromEarth,Gaia,oranywhereelse.Second,nooneisgoingtoforceyoutomarry
anyone.Wetoldyoubefore,ifyoudon’tlikethemenwehavehere,youwillbefreetogo.Allweasked
isthatyoumeetthemfirst.Butwecan’thaveyouwanderingaroundthisship,fortheveryreasonyou
discoveredtonight.Ourmencanreactverystronglywhentheymeettherightwoman,andwepreferthat
thishappensundercontrolledcircumstances."

Sheseemedtorecoverherusualcalm."Thoseyoungmenbehavedcorrectlytonight.Theyknewthey
shouldn’tbemeetingyousosoon,andtheyknewthatyouwereinthewrongplace.Theywererightto
worry,sincetheycouldhavebeendisqualifiedfromthemeetinacoupleofdays.Noneoftheseyoung
menwantthat!"Shelookedatthemsternly."Mostofthemhavewaitedforfouryearsormoreforthe
opportunitytofindawife.Theywouldn’tjeopardizeitjusttochatwithyou!"

Lindsey,whohadbeenquiet,nowspokeup."Thatman,Tarren,whatdidhemeanthathewas
disqualified?"

Eyeingher,Bethanspokecarefully."Wehavetobeverycarefulwithamarriagemeet.Themenare
selectedfortheirmaturityandtheirabilitytohandlethemselves.Tarrendemonstratedpoorjudgment
todaybyfightingtheguardsandhecouldbedisqualifiedfromparticipating."

Lindseypaled."Butthat’snotfair,itwasn’thisfault,"shecried,shockframinghereyes."Webrokeinon
them,heshouldn’tbepunished.Hewasjusttryingtohelpme."

Sheglaredatthemandsetherjaw."Ifhecan’tparticipate,thenneitherwillI!"shesaiddefiantly

SarahthoughtshesawBethan’smouthtwitchasifshewastryingtokeepfromsmiling."Whatwouldyou
doifhewasthere?SupposeitwasTerranwhoattachedtoyouandaskedyoutobehiswife--wouldyou
accepthim?"

Lindseyfaceturnedconfused."Youmeanhereallywould?He’dwanttomarryme?Well,Iguess--hedid
kissme…."hervoicetrailedoff.

Theothergirlsstaredatheropenmouthed."Hekissedyou?"Ellensaid.

EyesflashingAlisonturnedonLindsey."Whatdoyoumean?Youwanttobepartofthisnow?Just
becauseamankissesyou?"

Equallyangry,LindseyglaredatAlison."You’rejustupsetthathelikedmeandnotyou,likeeveryother
manhas."

SheturnedtoBethanagain."Doyouthinkhemightreallywanttomarryme?"sheasked.Sarahthoughtshe
soundedintriguedbytheidea.

"Possible,"Symonsaid,ahintofahumorinhiseyes."Butyoumustunderstand,ifhedidaskyou,he
wouldbecompletelyserious.He’daskyoutobehiswife,hopingthatyou’dsayyes,andifyoudid,then

you’dbemarried.Reallymarried."Hewasclearlytryingtoemphasizehowimportantthiswas."Ifyou
aren’tserious,itwouldbeverypainfulforhimifyourefusedhimlater."

Lindseystaredathimthennoddedslowly."Iunderstand."

"Andyoustillwanttoparticipate?"Symonasked.

"Onlyifhecantoo,"sherepliedfirmly.

SymonandBethanlookedateachotherandSarahthoughtshesawsomekindofsecretcommunication
goingbetweenthem,smallnodsandshrugs,thehintofasmile.

"We’llletyouknowlater,"Bethansaidfinally."We’llneedtodiscusswhattodo.Inthemeantime,you
fiveneedtoreturntoyourroomsandthistime,staythere!"

Astheguardsaccompaniedthemoutoftheroom,Sarahheardoneofthegirlssay,"Hekissedyouand
nowyouwanttomarryhim?Itmusthavebeenquiteakiss!"

Aftertheyweregone,SymonandBethanlookedateachother,andburstintolaughter.Sarahwasn’tsure
whatthejokewas,butshewasgladtoseethetensionthathadbeenintheroomdissipate.

"Ifyoudon’tmindmyasking,what’ssofunny?"Sarahaskedthem.

SymonandBethangrinnedateachother."Well,"Symonbegan,"BethanandIhavebeenactingas
counselorsformarriagemeetsforawhilenow,sincetheendofthewar.So,wehaveseenalotofmen
andwomeninthisstate."

Bethannoddedather,agreeingwithwhathehadsaid."Yes,alotofthem."

"Andinvirtuallyeverycase,"hecontinued,"practicallythefirstthinganyofthemsaysis‘willheorshe
beinterestedinme?’.Itisalmostliketheysuddenlygethitwithanenormousdoseofselfdoubt."

"Sowhatyou’resayingisthatLindseywasactinglikeoneofyourwomen,"Sarahsaid."Doesthat
surpriseyou?"

"Ibelieve‘delight’and‘amaze’areclosertohowwefeelaboutit,"Bethansaid."Atonepointwewere
concernedthatwomenfromEarthwouldnotmeetourneeds.Nownotonlydowefindthatourmenattach
tothemasreadilyastheywouldaGaianwoman,butyourwomenseemtoreactasoursdo."

"Considerthis,Sarah,"Symonwenton,"herewasTarren,tryingtoprotectheragainstguardsarmedwith
stunnersusingachair.Thenhekissesherpassionately.Andafterallthat,shestillisn’tsureifhe’s
interested!"Hebrokeoutlaughingagain.

Sarahsmiled--tothemitprobablywasobvious."IthinkyoumightwanttorememberthatEarthwomen
aremoreusedtomenbeingaroundthemallthetime.Lindseyhasnodoubtbeenkissedbefore,andwhile
shewasimpressedbyit,shewouldn’tnormallyviewitasamarriageproposal."Shesighed."Weare
usedtobeingusedthatway,itdoesn’tmeanthesamethingtousasitdoestoyou."

"Still,"Bethansaid,"shewasactinglikeshehadmatchedtohim,whetherornotshedid."

"Matched?"

"Whenawomanreactstoamanwho’sattachedtoher.Whenamatchhappens,weareprettysureit’s
goingtobeastablecouple.TheonlyproblemwehavenowisTarren.Heover-reactedtothesituation.
Wetryandkeepthemeetingsverysecure,withalotofmarriedmenandwomenaroundtohandle
problems.Themenareveryvulnerablewhentheyfirstattach,anditcanbeverydisturbingtothem."

"Butyouarethinkingaboutlettinghimdoit,aren’tyou?"Sarahasked.

Symonlaughed."Well,theyoungladycertainlymadeitclearthatshewantedhimto.Andreally,therules
aremoreguidelinesthananythingelse,"hesaid."Wecanlethimtryandwinher,ifsheiswillingtogoto
themeet."

Bethanjoinedinhislaughter."Well,that’sonedown,twohundredandforty-ninetogo."Abruptlythe
coupleseemedtoremembertheyweren’talone.TheirlaughterquietedandtheyturnedtofaceSarah.

Sarahfelttheweightoftheirscrutiny."Youwantedmetoseethis,didn’tyou?HowaGaianmanwould
reacttoanEarthwoman."

"Wedidn’tplantoletyourwomenoutoftheirroomsandstageanunprotectedattachmentifthat’swhat
you’reasking.ButI’mnotsorryithappened,"Bethantoldher."Ithinkyoucanseewhyweneedthe
women.WehavethousandsofmenlikeTarren,allwaitingforsomeone."

"Soifyousucceedwithus,you’llkidnapmorelikeus?"

ArichredstaincoloredBethan’scheeks."That’snotwhatImeant.Wedon’twanttostopships,butwhat
canwedo?YoucanimaginehowitwouldbeifwecametoEarthtorecruitwomen.It’stoosoonafterthe
war."

"Sure.GoodthingtheNLSisdoingitinstead.Convenienttojustkidnapthewomentheycollect."

NeitherGaianlookedcomfortablenow."Itis,that."Symonsaidcarefully.Heliftedhischinandspoke
moreforcefully."Butwestillthinkwe’rebetterforyouthanwhattheyoffer."

Sarahwavedherhand."Iknow...betterschoolsandhospitals,andthatdoesmakeadifference.Buttotie
yourselftoanenemy,onewhowasresponsibleforEarthdeaths.…"

BethanandSymonexchangedanxiousglances."Don’tforgetthereweredeathsonbothsides,Sarah.
Thereismuchthathappenedduringthewarthatwecan’ttalkabout.Westillthinkthatourmenshouldbe
givenachance."

Sarahranafingeracrossthedeskinfrontofher."Areallthemenas...youngasTarren?"

Bethan’sfacelostitsflushandhereyesbecamewatchful."Manyare.Instandardyears,he’dbetwenty-
twoyearsofage."

Twenty-two.Andshewastwenty-eight,sixyearsolder."I’mjustwonderingifanyaremoremature?"

Bethan’slipstwitchedasifshewantedtolaughandhadtohideit."Wehaveawiderangeofages.

Attachmentcanhappenbetweencompatiblepeopleregardlessofage,butusuallythemaniscloseinage
tothewoman."

Sarahknewherdreamloverwasn’tayoungman.Hisbighandsheldcallusesfromyearsofwork.Would
anyoftheGaianmenbetall,withdarkhair?Shestifledasigh.Itwastoomuchtohopehermysteryman
wouldbehereamongthemenatthismarriagemeet.

Symonclearedhisthroat."Sarah,Lindseyhasalreadyagreedtothemeet.Theotherwomenlookupto
youandifyoutellthemyou’llgoaswell,theywilllikelyfollowyou."

"You’reaskingmetoagreetoyourmarriagemeetsotheotherswilltoo."

Symonnodded.HetookBethan’shand,andtheywaitedforheranswer.

Sarahstoodandwanderedaroundthesecurityroom.Itwasfairlybare,justadesk,afewchairs,empty
walls.OnlytheartificialplantinthecornermadeitanydifferentfromasimilarofficebackonEarth.She
touchedoneoftheleaves,surprisedwhenitcameoffinherhand.

Horrifiedatbreakingit,shehelditouttothem."I’msorry.Maybeitcanbereattached."

Bethanwavedanunconcernedhand."Don’tworry,Sarah.Itwillgrowanewone."

Sarah’sjawdropped."It’sarealplant?"

"Ofcourse,alltheplantsontheshiparereal.They’repartoftheair-filteringsystem."

Therewerelivingplantsonthisship.Allovertheship,she’dseenthem,ineveryroom,butshehadn’t
realizedtheyweren’tartificial.

That’showdifferentEarthandGaiawas.SarahhadmournedthedyingtreebeforethemeetingatXavier
Hall,despairedoverhowsomuchofEarthhadbecomebarren,eventothedeathofthefamily,the
relationshipbetweenmenandwomen.NotonlydidtheGaiansofferheramanguaranteedtobehermate,
ifshewentwithhimshe’dhavelivingthingsaroundherallthetime.Itsoundedlikeadreamcometrue.

Butwhataboutherotherdreams...thoseofatalldark-hairedmanwithlargegentlehands?Whilestill
backonEarth,she’dthoughtherdreamstobeaquietwhisperthattoldherhewasouthere.Didshe
believehewasintheOuterColonies?Maybe.Didshewanttopressonandfindout?Partofherdid.

Still,theGaianshadmadeagoodpoint.TheOuterColonieswereprimitiveplaces,frontiertownsatbest.
She’dbebetteroffonGaia,aswouldtheotherwomen.

She’dcometothestarstomeetamanwhowantedawife.TheGaianspromisedheroneoftheirmen
wouldmeetherneedsbetterthanonefromtheOuterColonies.Shecouldn’talsohopehe’dbethemanin
herdreams.

Besides,shewastiredofdreamsthatleftherwanting.Itwastimetowakeupandsmellthejavi.

Sarahnoddedslowlyandturnedtomeettheirfriendlysmiles."Verywell.Iagree."

ChapterSeven

Garranadjustedhishoodandthethingauzemaskthathidhisfeaturesbeforeslippingintolinewiththe
othermenslowlymovingintothehallway.Behindhim,Sammulclosedtheside-doorthatGarranhad
takenintothecorridortoavoidnotice.AsGarranlookedbackhesawabriefhintofmelancholyonhis
unmarriedbodyguard’sface.Sammulhadforegonetakinghisplacewiththeunmarriedmen,thebetterto
keepGarransafe.

Safefromabunchofwomen.BehindhismaskGarranrolledhiseyesbutSymonandBethanhadbeen
mostinsistentonkeepingprotectionaroundhimatalltimes.Onlytheanonymityofthemeetingrobesplus
theguardsthatwouldbepresentgavethemconfidenceenoughtoallowGarrentoattendthemeetwithout
oneofhisbulkyshadows.

HemadeamentalnotetoseewhathecoulddotoditchthepaironcehehadSarahtohimself.Thelast
thingamanneededwhenwooingawomanwasanothermanhangingabout.

Someoftheothermeninthehallwayhadyettopullthemaskinghoodsintoplace,theirbrighteyesand
nervoussmilesobviouseveninthedimlight.OneofthemjostledGarran’sarminhiseagernesstotake
hisplaceinline,apologizingimmediately.Garranmutteredalowvoicedacknowledgment,tryingto
disguisehisvoice.

Itwouldn’tdoforittobecomecommonknowledgethattheGeneralhimselfcompetedwiththeyounger
menforabride.Notthatthey’dbegrudgehispresence...buthisantipathytotheEarthwomenwaswell
knownandtheonlywaytoexplainhispresencewouldbetoletitsliphe’dalreadyattachedtooneof
them.Itwouldbebestforeveryonetokeepthatasecretifhefailedtowinthewoman.

Especiallyifhefailedtowinthewoman.

Hisstridehaltedatthatuncomfortablethought,beforedeterminationtookhold.Hewouldwinher.Hehad
to,atleastinitially,SymonandBethanhadbeenmostclearonthat.IfSarahcapitulatedandtookhisband
duringthemarriagemeet,therestofthewomenwouldbesuretofollowherleadandacceptattachment
fromtheothermen.

Ofcourseanothermanmightattachtoher.Sarahcouldchosehimandthatwouldhavethesameresult....
Garran’shandclenchedunderhiscloak.No,thatwouldnothappen.Sarahwashis,andhisalone.

Thedark-clothedfiguresmovedintothelongcorridorleadingtothemainassemblyhall.Earlyinthe
constructionofThePromise,ithadbeenanticipatedthattheshipwouldbeusedtohostmarriagemeets
andsoitwasdesignedwiththatpurposeinmind.

Thecorridortothemeetingroomwaslongandwideenoughtoaccommodatefivehundredmenstanding

oneitherside.Thewomenwouldpassbetweenthem,theproximitycloseenoughtoallowattachmentbut
stillgiveameasureofcomforttothepassingwomen.

Everyfewyardsanunrobedguardstood,vigilantagainstanydisturbance.Therewouldbenoviolence,
nofighting.Anymancaughtattemptingviolencewouldbeexpelled,andforbiddenanyfurthercontact
withthewomen.Thatthreatwasenoughtokeeptheover-anxiousinline.

Allthemenhadtakenposition,stillingintodark-robedfiguresagainstthewalls,hoodsupandconcealing
masksinplace.Garranwaswellalonginthecorridor,closetothemiddleoftheroutetothemeeting
room.Heglancedatthestillmentoeithersideofhim,thenattheonesacrossthehall,andremembered
hisfirstmeet,yearsago,whenhe’dattachedtoMetta,thenthefruitlessmarriagemeetsfromthelastyear.
Thefeelingwasthesame,theanticipationandtheagonyofwaitingtoknowifamatchwouldbemade.
Indecision,determination,andhope,especiallyhope.

ThiswaswhatBethanhadtoldhim,thatthemenneededhope,hopeofattachment,hopeofhavinga
womantoloveandcherish.Hopeofbecomingacouple,somethinggreaterthananyonemancould
achieve.

Atleasthealreadyknewamatchexistedforhim,thatawomanhadcapturedhissenses.Evennowhis
bodytightenedatthethoughtofherandheblessedthetailoringofhisbaggypants,whichkepthis
conditionfrombecomingpublic.

Afaintodorreachedhisnose,musky,arisingfromtheheightenedawarenessofthemenaroundhim.
Garranfeltatrickleofsweatdampenhisundershirtandhopeditwouldn’toffendthewomanhehopedto
impress.DidEarthwomendistainhonestsweatinaman?Wouldthatbeenoughtocauserejection?

Garranstraightenedhisshoulders.Iftheydid,toobad.Itwouldjustbeproofhe’dbeenrightallalong,
andthatanothersolutionwouldhavetobefound.

Thetensioninthecorridorpickedupandbecamealmostalivingthing,themuskyodorincreasingasa
result.Allheadsturnedasonetogazedownthehallway,maskshidingtheirfaces,butanxietyintheir
poses.Garranswallowedandtensedwiththem,turningwiththeothers,hisheartbeatingasrapidlyasthe
rest.Heheardthedistantshuffleoffeet,smallfeetbelongingtobodieslighterthantheaverageman,
movingcautiouslythroughthecorridor.

Thewomenwerecoming.

****

"Itsmellsdownthere."Evenwithherfacecoveredbythewhitegauzemask,Sarahcouldimaginethe
lookofdisgustonLaura’sfaceasshepreparedtoenterthehallway.

Apprehensive,Sarahlookeddownthecorridorinfrontofher.Darknesslurkedthere,thefeelofwaiting
menimpartingheavinesstotheair.Therewas,asLaurahadnoticed,anodor,butitdidn’tbotherherin
thewaythestenchofthep-tranhad.Forsomereasonthesmellenticedher,welcomedher,poolinginher
centerandturningherconcerntoexcitement.

Inspiteofthat,shehesitated.Ithadbeenherdecisiontogoforwardwiththemarriagemeet,theother
womenfromTheDovelisteningandagreeingaswell.Whentimehadcometodonthewhitecostumesthe
Gaianshadinsistedtheywear,she’dpulledhersonfirst,andhadtakenthefrontpositioninlinetowalk
bythemen.

Nowshewasposedtodojustthat.Shegazeddownthelongcorridorbeforeher.Darkrobedfigureslined
thewallsasfarasshecouldsee,withamanorwomaninnormalGaianclothingeveryfewyards.They
werethere,she’dbeentold,toinsurepeace.Noonewouldhurtthem,oreventouchthemunlessthey
allowedit.

Allshehadtodowaswalkdownthehallbetweenthemenwaitingquietly.Oneofthemcouldbecomeher
husband,hisfacehiddenfornow,hisidentityunknownuntilherdecisionwasmade.That’showthe
Gaiansselectedtheirmates,sightunseen,dependingontheattachmentofamantoawomanandher
reactiontohimtomakethedecision.Dependingonchemistry.

She’dneverlikedaman’stouchandevennowwalkingclosetosomanyraisedatendriloffear.Suppose
oneofthemgrabbedher...butno,that’swhattheguardswerefor.Shewouldbesafe...theyallwould.That
wasthepromisemade,andGaianskepttheirpromises.

Aleapoffaith,that.Behindhertheotherwomenlingered,expectantofherdecision.Ifshedidn’tgoin,
mostlikelyneitherwouldthey.

Bethanstoodbythehallwaywaitingtoleadthemthrough,herfaceshowingonlyahintoftheconcern
Sarahsuspectedshefelt.ShewaitedtoforasignfromSarahtoproceed.

Italldependedonher.…

Squaringhershoulders,SarahmovedtotheentrywayandmotionedtoBethan,whotookthelead,her
reliefpalpable.Togethertheybeganthelongtrekpastthelineofdark-robedfigures.

Shethoughtshecouldhearthebeatofherownheartinthequiet.Onlythesoundofquietbreathingfrom
thelungsoffivehundredmen,broketheoddsilenceinthehall.Thedarkfiguresstoodtensedagainstthe
wallbutmaintainedthespacethewomenneededtopass.Nohandreachedouttograbherandslowly
Sarah’sanxietyfaded.Itwouldbeherchoicetoacceptanyhandoffered.

Behindhertherewasasoundofamangasping,searchingforhisbreath.Bethanstopped,andtheline
haltedaswell.Sarahturnedandwatchedasoneofthedarkrobedfiguresleanedforward,obviouslythe
originofthenoise.Afteramoment,hestraightenedandsteppedawayfromthewalltostandnearthe
womanclosesttohim.Oneofthemennearhimclappedhimgentlyontheshoulderandtherestseemedto
nodincongratulationsaswell.

Thewoman,ananonymousfigureinherwhiterobe,seemedpoisedtojumpawayuntilhestoppedwithout
touchingher.Instead,hewaitedarespectfuldistance.Foramomentthepairseemtojudgeeachother,
thenheheldouthishand.Sarahcouldfeelthewoman’shesitationbeforesheplacedherhandinhis.

Alongthecorridor,thedarkfiguresleanedtowardeachotherandasoftwhisperfleddownthehallway,
thenewsspreadingrapidly.Amanhadattached.

BethantappedhershoulderandSarahturnedtoseeasmileonherface.Nodding,sheledthewayforward
again,thistimeslower.

Withinmoments,thesharpsoundinggaspofbreathhappenedagain,butthistimeBethandidn’tstopand
themanhadtorecoverandmovequicklytocatchuptothewhiterobedwomanhe’dattachedto.Sarah
glancedoverhershoulder,toseehimofferhishandtothemovingwomanandhertakeit,nohesitation
thistime.

Thewomenknewwhattoexpectnowandweren’tasconcernedastheyhadbeen.Themenstood
expectantbutSarahfeltlessanxietycomingfromthedarkrobedfiguresnowthatafewofthemhad
attached.Perhapsthey’dbeenworrieditwouldn’thappen,andthatthey’dhavekidnappedthe
Earthwomeninvain.

Nowitwasclearattachmentwaspossible,andeachwaitedforittohappentothem.

Alongthecorridor,thesharpgaspandheavybreathingofinitialattachmentbecameacommonplacesound
andsoonthelinewasfilledwiththeheavierfootfallsofmenwalkingwiththewomenthey’dmatched.

NoonewalkedwithSarah.Shebeganlisteningforthesoundofattachmentnearher,waitingforit,her
ownbreathcatchinginherthroatinanticipation.Theywerenearlyhalfwaytotheassemblyroom,where
thenewlyattachedcouplescouldsittogetherandspeakquietly.

Itdidn’thappenthewaysheexpected.Hemadenonoise,didn’tseemaffectedbyhercomingclosetohim
atall.Thetallbrownrobedmansimplystraightenedasshecamebyandsteppedawayfromthewallto
fallintostepwithherwithoutanyproblemwithincatchinghisbreath.Theywalkedseveralpacesdown
thehallbeforesherealizedhewasholdinghishandouttoher.

Shekeptherhandbyherside,continuingtofollowBethandownthehallway.Hedidn’twithdrawbut
walkedwithher,hishandstretchedouttoher.Theycontinuedthatwayforseveralpaces,untilshefinally
surrenderedandplacedherhandinhis.

Sarahwaitedfortheinevitablesurgeofnauseaaman’stouchusuallyprovoked,andwassurprisedwhen
itdidn’thappen.Hishandwashuge,herssmallinhisgentlegrip,andthewarmthofitspreadupherarm,
atinglingsensationthatsooncoveredherbody.Caughtinthespellofhistouch,shebarelyregistered
whentheyreachedthemeetingroomandheledhertoacushionedcouchseveralyardsfromthedoorway.

****

Shewassosmall,sodelicatetothetouch.Herhandfeltlikethatofachild’s...althoughithadhithimhard
enough,heremembered,awrygrinhiddenbehindhisgauzemask.

Thenshe’dbeenangryanddecisive,seekingcontrolofthesituation,ifnothertemper.Nowtherewas
softnesstoherhand,andanuncertaintyinherthathecouldreadevenwithoutseeingherface.Heheldher
handandsheenjoyedit,hecouldfeelherreaction--evenifshedidn’tseemsureaboutit.Hedirectedher
tothecouchandtooktheseatnexttoher,closeenoughtofeeltheheatfromherthighbutnotenoughto
touchit.Notyet.

Winhertohisside…thatwasthegoalofthisfirstmeeting.Holdherhand,talksoftlytoher,andmakeher
wantmoreofboth.Onlyoncebeforehadhedonethisandforthefirsttimehequestionedhowhe’dbeen
abletoaccomplishit.ThiswasanEarthwomanandnodoubtshehadplentyofexperiencebeingsweet-
talkedbyaman.Whatcouldhesaythatshe’dneverheardbefore?

Noinnocent,hisfieryEarth-bornwoman.HeknewaboutEarthandtheirways.She’dprobablyhadher
firstloverbeforeleavingherteens.Buttherewassomethingingenuousabouthernow,thewayshe
trembledashecapturedbothherhandsandraisedthemtokissthemgentlythroughhismask.Ifshe’dbeen
bornGaian,shecouldn’thavebehavedmorelikeanunschooledgirl,andhecouldn’tbemorecharmedby
theairofsweetnessabouther.

Hewouldhavetofightit,notbetakenin.NowomanraisedonEarthwouldremainuntouchedbythe
corruptionthere.Shebreathedout,andherscentcapturedhimagain,hisbodyachinginreaction.

"Areyousureyouattachedtome?"Uncertaintycoloredhervoiceandherealizedwhatshemeant.He
hadn’tmadeanyofthecharacteristicsoundsamanmadeduringinitialattachmentandshewasclever
enoughtonotice.Foramomentheconsideredpullingherhandtohiscrotchtoshowherjusthowattached
hewas,thethoughtofhertouchmakinghimevenharder.

No,evenanon-innocentEartherwouldbeoffendedbythatblatantanaction.Helaughedquietly."Youare
mymatch,nottoworry.I’mjustquieteraboutit,Isuppose."

"Oh."Herheadbentassheseemedtostudyhishandsclaspinghers.Shestretchedoutherfingersto
comparethemtohis,thelengthofhishalfagainaslong."Youhavelargehands."

"I’mabigman.Bighandsgowithit."

Shecouldmeasuretheheightandbreathofhimforherself.Hiscommentingonthemwasn’tneeded.By
comparison,herwhiteclothedfigureseemedtiny.

"Idon’tmindyourtouch."Puzzlementwasinhervoice.

"Idon’tmindyours,either."Heputherhandsonhisshoulders,directedthemtoslideacrosshischestto
hiswaist."Ilikethefeelofyourhands,Earthwoman."

Shepulledherhandsfromhim."Isthatwhatyouintendtocallme?"

Amusementatherreactionmadehimteaseher."Perhaps--untilIknowyourname--andthat’snotforaday,
yet.Untilweagreethisiswhatwewantandexchangebands."

"Isee.Youdon’tsoundlikeyouhavemuchloveforEarth."

She’dheardtheharshnessinhisvoice.He’dhavetowatchthat.Garrantouchedherfacebeneaththe
mask,usingthebackofhishandtofeelthecontoursofhercheek."Thatwon’tstopmefromhavinglove
foroneofitswomen.Iattachedtoyou.…Icanloveyou."

"Isthatwhatthisis,love?Aphysicalreactiontomysmell,andyou’reinlove?"shescoffed.

"It’smorethanjustyoursmell."Itwasalotmorethanthat,buthecouldn’ttellherhelikedthemoss-green

colorofhereyesandhadimaginedachildwithherwildredhair.Healsocouldn’tsaythathe’dwatched
herwiththeotherwomenandadmiredherspirit,thattherewassomethinginherthatmadeherworthyto
behisbride.

Hewasn’tsupposedtoknowwhoshewas,orwhatshelookedlike.

"Isit?"Shedidn’tsoundsosure."Hardtobelievethattwopeoplecancreatearelationshipbasedonno
morethanthis."Herhandtookintheroomandtherobedfiguressittingtogether.

Irritationflashedathercriticism."It’swhatwe’vedoneformanygenerationsnow,chosenourmatesthis
way.Itworkedformyparents,andtheirparents.Wedon’thavedivorceorunmarriedpeople."

"SoI’mtold.It’sjusthardtounderstandwhy."

"I’llshowyou,then.Whatdoyouthinkaboutme?"

"Idon’tknowwhattothink."

"Thenwhatdoyouknow?"

Shepaused,considering."Iknowyouaretall,withbigshoulders.Youhaveadeepvoice,anicevoice.
Somethingaboutitisfamiliar.…"

"Whatelse?"Garranbrokeinquickly.Ifsherememberedwhereshe’dheardhisvoice,shemight
recognizewhohewas.

Asoftlaughescapedher."Youhavebighandsandaregentlewiththem.I’vedreamedofsuchaman."

Hisbreathcaughtinhisthroat."Dreams?Aboutwhat?"

"Nothingreally,"shesaidquickly.

Someemotioncoloredhervoice.Embarrassment?Interesting."PerhapsIshouldtellyouwhatIknow
aboutyou."

Anothersoftlaughandshefoldedherhandsinherlap."Sotellme."

Hegrabbedherhandsandpulledthemtohisface,feelingthepalmandfingerscarefully."Iknowyou
havesofthands,butthatyou’veworkedwiththem.Thereisstrengthinyourfingersandcallusesthat
comesfromuse.Iknowyoursmellisthatofsweetness,thatyoulikecleanliness,youaremostlikelyan
orderlyperson."

Garrantouchedhershouldersunderthegown,thenranhishandslightlydowntoherwaist,keepinghis
touchlight."Youaresmall,buthavethesizeofawoman,particularlyhere."Hishandsmovedtoherhips
andmoldedaroundthem."Definitelyawoman,"hetoldher.

Hegaveherwaistthelightestofcaressesbeforereleasingher."Iknowyouarestrongwilledandthatyou
questioneverything.Youaskquestionswhenothersmerelyexperience.That’swhatweareintendedtodo
now,youknow.Experience."

"Experiencewhat?"

"Whatitistobeacouple.Whenitcomesdowntoit,twopeoplealoneinthedarkiswhatit’sallabout.
Howwerelatetoeachotherwithoutsight,bytouch,that’swhatmakesaGaiancouple."

"I’mnotGaian."

No,shewasn’t."Ifyouwere,wewouldn’tbetalkinglikethis.Butifyoujoinwithme,youwillbe."

"Isee."

"Maybeyoudo,maybeyoudon’t.Butyouwill.IlikeyourtouchandIthinkyoulikemine."Heranahand
alongherarm,feltthetinglethere,andheardhersoftgaspatthesensation.Shewashismatch,nodoubt
aboutit.

"Iwantthistocontinue....Doyou?"

Hervoicewaspitchedlow."Ithinkso.It’sstillhardtoaccept."

"Youthinktoomuch,Earthwoman.I’llhavetoshowyou.…"

Asoftchimefilledtheroom,andsoftgroansresultedascouplesbrokeapart.Bethantookthecenterofthe
room."Onlytwomoreminutesfortonight."

Sarahpulledawayfromhim,andhepermittedit,morereluctantthanhe’dexpectedtobeatlosingher
fromhisarms.Reachingintothepocketofhispants,Garranfoundthenarrowbandhe’dmadeforherand
placeditintoherhand,closingherfingersoverit."Youwillwearittomorrowifyouwishtocontinue
thiswithme.Thinkonit...please."

He’daddedthepleasantryasanafterthought,buthersoftlaughtermadehimgladhehad."Iwillthinkon
it."

Thechimesoundedagainandherosetohisfeet.

"Oh,Gaianman,IthinkIknowonemorethingaboutyou."Hervoicewassoft,amockingtoneinit,buthe
founditintriguingratherthanannoying.

"Whatwouldthatbe?"

Sheheldupthemarriageband."Youprobablyfindithardtotake‘no’forananswer."

Heleanedoverher,holdinghershoulders,lettingherfeelhisstrength,ofbody--andofpurpose."Andin
thatyouwouldbemostcorrect,mylittleEarthwoman.Idon’tintendtotake‘no’fromyou.Notwhen
‘yes’wouldbesogood--forbothofus."

Herbemusedlaughterfollowedhimashejoinedtheothermenleavingtheroom.

ChapterEight

Sarahandtheothersgatheredinthediningroomdownthehallfromtheirsleepingquarters.Thebig,open
roomhadbecomethecommongatheringplaceforthewomentocongregateinduringthepastcoupleof
dayssincebeingbroughtontoThePromise.Theirmeetingwiththemenoverforthepasthour,they’d
collectedthereafterchangingfromthemeetingrobesintoregularclothing.

Theycouldhavestayedintheirrooms,butsomehownoonewantedto,nottonight,notafterthe
excitementofhavingamanattachtothem.

Sarahrememberedthebigmanwho’dofferedhishandandthetingleofhiscaress.Shewonderedatit,
howforonceaman’stouchhadn’tcausedhertofeelillandinsteadmadehergiddywithdesire.

Sarahshiveredinapprehensivedelight.Onlyinherdreamshadamanprovokedthiskindofresponse.
Shecouldalmostbelieveithadbeenherdreammaninthatcorridor,holdingherhand,caressingherhips.
Absentlyshereachedintoherpocketandstrokedthebandhe’dgivenher.Hernipplestightened,her
imaginationprovidingherunknownlover’stouchonthem.

"So,whatdidyouthink,Sarah?"Lauradroppedontotheseatnexttoher,scatteringSarah’sthoughts.She
feltheatinhercheeksatherfriend’sbemusedscrutiny.

"Interesting.Certainlythat."

Lauralaughed."Interesting?Isawthatbigguyhaulyouawayandcouldseeyouwithhim.Youweremore
thaninterested."

Well,perhaps,butshewasn’tgoingtotalkaboutithere!Thebestdefensewasagoodoffense."Andhow
didyoulikeyourman?"

"Whichone?"Lauralaughed."Thereweretwowhofollowedme."

"Two?"Sarahgasped.

"Yeah,"Atraceofembarrassmentcoloredherfriend’sface."Twomencameandsatwithme,butaftera
momentoneleft.Itwasodd,Ilikedthemboth,buttheonewhostayed...somethingabouthimjustseemed--
nicer,Iguess."Sheshookherhead."Themanwholeftpattedhisfriendontheshoulder,Iguessto
congratulatehim."

Holdingupherarm,sheshowedoffthenarrowbanddecoratingherarm.Animagewascutintotheflat
portionoftheband,resemblingatree.Lauratracedthefigure."Iwonderwhatthismeanstohim,"she
said,hervoicepensive."Maybehelikesgrowingthings.Ihopeso.Iwanttolivewheretherearelotsof
trees."

Sarahstaredinsurprise."You’realreadywearingit?"

Laurarestedherheadonherhandsandgazedlonginglyattheband."I’vealreadymadeupmymind.I
can’timaginebeingwithanyonebuthim."

Sarahlookedaroundandrealizedthatseveralofthewomenwerewearingthebands,otherslookingat
theirswithexpressionsnotunlikeLaura’s.Shefingeredthebandinherpocketandpulleditout.When
she’dgottentoherroom,she’dexaminedit,andnoticedtheemblemitbore,aslendercrescentmoon.The
imageremindedherofthepicturestheview-screeninherroomoftendisplayed.Manytimestherewasan
exquisiteviewofCrescentLake,whichseemedtobeoneofthemorepicturesquelocationsonGaia.To
Sarah’snature-starvedeyes,theplacelookedlikeheavenwithitsunusuallyshapeddeepbluelake
surroundedbytallgreenandredtrees.

Acoincidence?Mostlikely.Still,itpleasedherthatthemanwho’daskedtobeherhusbandwouldpick
thatparticularsymbol.

Shebegantothinkaboutwhatsymbolshewouldpick--assumingshedecidedtogoalongwiththis.It
seemedtheGaiansusedtheimagesontheirbandstotelltheirprospectivespousesomethingabout
themselves.

Anideaforasymbolshemightusecameintohermind.Yes,thatwouldwork,Sarahthoughtandshe
grinnedatthewhimsyinit.

Thequietintheroomdissipatedasthewomencomparedbandsandtalkedabouttheirexperiencesduring
themeet.Astheintensityofthemarriagemeetfadedawaythewomenbeganchattingawaymerrily,
excitementbuildingastheyrealizedthatthementhey’dmetreallydidintendtobecometheirhusbands.

Theyhadn’tseentheirfaces,butthosedarklooserobescouldn’thideawell-constructedbody,andthe
men’svoices,evenspeakingquietly,hadspokenenticingwordsdemonstratingintelligentmindsand
lovingdispositions.

Sarahrememberedherwould-behusband’svoiceandadeliciousshiverrandownherspine,againfiring
herlatentdesire.Whenhe’dtoldherhowhe’dnottakenoforananswerwhenyescouldbesogood.…
Sarahcouldn’tresistthethrillhisvoicehadgivenher.

"Lookatthis!"Lindseybouncedovertothetable,hersmiletriumphant.Onherwristwasthebandshe’d
beengiven.Proudlyshepointedtotheemblemontheband.

Sarahpeeredatitclosely,thenburstintolaughter.Thesymbolwasachair,notunliketheoneTerranhad
usedtodefendLindseythenightheattachedtoher.Obviouslyhe’dmanagedtorecognizeherduringthe
marriagemeet.

"Didyouknowitwashim?"Sarahwhisperedtothehappyyoungwoman.They’dagreedtokeepitquiet
thattheyoungwomanhadattemptedanescapeandthatLindseyhadattractedoneoftheGaianmen’s
attentionpriortothemeet.

TheexpressiononLindsey’sbecamedreamy."Oh,fromthemomenthetookmyhand.Itwashim,I’d
knowhimanywhere."

Sheplayedwiththeband,twistingitbackandforth."Ican’tbelieveithappenedsoquickly."Turningher
attentiontoSarah’semptywrist."Didn’tyoufindsomeoneSarah?"

"OhIfoundhim.OrIguesshefoundme.I’mjustnotquitereadytoaccepthim."Whywasn’tsheready,
shewondered?Wasitthathe’dseemedtoogoodtobetrue?Evenhishands...large,warm,andgentle--
they’dremindedherofthemanshe’ddreamedabout.Hewasn’tnecessarilyamild-manneredman...she
didn’tgetthatimpressionofhim,notwiththeintensityofhiswordswhenhespoketoher.Thiswouldbe
amantodemandwhathewanted,notbegorplead.Butthatdidn’tdiscourageher...farfromit!

Onlyinonecorneroftheroomwerethewomenquiet.SarahnoticedthatBethanwassittingthere,talking
earnestlytothem.LeavingLauratochatwithLindsey,eachtryingtooutdotheotherwithtalesofhow
charmingandwittytheirnewfoundmateswere,Sarahstoodtofindoutwhatwasgoingon.

AsshegotclosersherealizedthatAlisonandJennywereamongthedozenwomenatthetableandthatno
onewassmiling.SheheardwhatBethanwassaying.

"Justbecauseamandidn’tattachtoyouthistimedoesn’tmeanthatonewon’t.Wehavemanyothermen,
someevenonthisship."

JennyspiedSarahoverBethan’sshoulderandcastawoefulgazeather.Itwasclearlyallthebigwoman
coulddotonotburstintotears.

AlisonfoldedherarmsunderhersizablebosomandscowledatBethan."Iwasn’tthrilledwithdoingthis
inthefirstplace.Imagineamanpickingawifewithoutseeingher."Shetossedherheadandpusheda
goldenlockbehindherear,herfaceinasneer."It’snotsurprisingnoonechoseme,wearingthatsack."

"Themeetinggownisdesignedtokeepthemanfromfocusingonthesurfaceimageofawoman,"Bethan
explained."Thechemistrywillhappenwithorwithoutseeingwhatawomanlookslike,butamanneeds
tofeelacceptancetoattachtoher."

"Iwastryingtoaccept,"Jennyinterjected,threateningtearsevidentinhervoice."Iwas!"

Bethanspokesoothingly."Iknow,Jenny.Sometimesawomanhasaveryspecificmanforher."Shepatted
thebigwoman’shand."Hejustwasn’ttherethisevening."

"Andwhenwillhebethere?"Sarahasked,steppingintosightandtheconversation."Areyouplanning
anotheropportunityfortheoneswhoareleftover?"

Bethanturned,eyeswide."Sarah!"Shefaltered,thenraisedhergazetomeetSarah’sstare."Perhapsthat
wouldbebest,toarrangeasecondmeet.Therearemenwhodidn’tgetthechancetobeheretonight."She
rosetoherfeet."Icouldmakearrangementsforit."

"Don’tdoitonmyaccount."Alisondrawled.Shestoodandheadedforthedoor."Iwouldn’tdothisagain
onabet."

TherestofthemfollowedAlison’sexample,leavingJennywithBethanandSarah.Shelookedatthem,
wide-eyed."Bethan,Iwouldn’tmind.Iwantsomeonesomuch."Hervoiceturneddesperate.Jennyturned
toSarah."Icancook!Tellher,please.I’magoodcook,really.I’dmakeamanagoodwife."

Sarahhuggedthebigwoman."Ofcourseyouwill.It’sjustlikeBethansaid.Themanforyouwasn’tthere
tonight.Heexistsandwe’llfindhim."

Itjustwasn’tfair.Jenny,whowantedsomeonetocareforhersomuch,wasleftalone.Sarahexchanged
glanceswithBethan.Surelytherewassomeoneforthisgood-heartedwoman.

Bethannodded."We’llarrangeanothermeetassoonaswecan.Don’tworry,Jenny."

Mollified,Jennypulledherselftoherfeet.Sheglancedwistfullyattherestoftheladies,chatting
excitedlyaboutthementhey’dmet."I’mnotpicky.Anymanwilldo."Herbroadfacegrimaced."Well,
anymanbuttheBeast,Iguess.I’dbetooterrifiedofhim."Withoutanotherwordshetookoffforher
cabin.

BethanfrownedasshewatchedJennyleave."Whatdoesshemeanbythat,Sarah?"

BethanmustnotknowabouttheGeneral’snickname."She’stalkingaboutGeneralDoranth.Duringthe
warhewascalled‘TheGaianBeast’."

Thedark-hairedwoman’smouthdroppedopen."Whywouldhebecalledthat?"

Sarahsighed.Bethanobviouslycaredforthemanbutapparentlydidn’tknowhowhatedherfriendwas
andwhy."Thebroadcastshemade.TheonesthatmadejokesabouttheEarthforceshipsthatwerelost."

Bethan’sfrownintensified."Broadcasts?Theonesreportingtheshipswe’dtaken?Butthose.…"Her
eyeswentwide."Yousawthosebroadcasts?"

"EveryoneonEarthsawthem.Theyweresentoutonthenetworkchannelsatthestartofthewar."

Bethan’sposturestiffenedandherlipssettledintoathinline."IbelieveIunderstandsomethingsnow.
We’dwonderedwhyhisnamekeptcomingupasatarget."

ShepattedSarah’shandandglancedatherwrist."Youreceivedaband,didn’tyou?"

Sarahpulleditfromherpocketandshowedittoher."Ihaven’tmadeupmymindyet."

Runningafingeroverthecrescentmoondesign,Bethan’sfaceturnedthoughtful."Ihopeyoucangivehim
achance,Sarah.Takethetimetogettoknowhimbeforemakinganyquickjudgments."Sherosetoher
feet.

Beforesheleft,Bethanmadeonefurthercomment,herfaceoncemoreflushedwithanger."Don’tbelieve
everythingyouweretoldaboutthewar,Sarah.Governmentslie."

"EvenGaia?Havewebeenliedto,Bethan?"

ForamomentSarahwonderedifBethanwasgoingtosaymore.Thewomanlookedlikeshehadtoomany
secretsandneededtogetoneoffherchest.Thensheshookherhead."Therearethingswecan’tspeakof,
Sarah,notyet.ButbelievemewhenIsaythatwedon’tlikelyingandweneverwantedtohurtanyone."

****

AfterBethanleft,thewomengatheredaroundthemachinetheGaianshadbroughtinandbegantodesign
bandsfortheirhusbands.AgainSarahthoughtaboutherchoice,butshewasn’treadytocommittomaking
abandforthismanofhers.Notyet.Insteadsheleftthedininghallforherprivatequarters.

Onceinherroom,Sarahtookthetimetopluginherdatastoreandrevieweverythingshe’drecorded
aboutthewarandtheGaians.Itwasinterestingviewing.ThereweretheterribleimagesofGeneral
DoranthannouncingthedestructionoftheEarthforcefleets,butotherwisetherewaslittleabouthowthe
GaianshadfoughtthewaroraboutwhyEarthhadfinallycapitulated.Withmorequestionsthananswers,
SarahturnedoffhermachineandinsteadtriedtofindinformationfromtheGaiannetwork.

Shefoundlittleofusethere,nothingtoexplainBethan’scrypticremarks.Thereweremanyfiles
describingGaianphilosophy,therelianceofthefamilyunit,thecouple,manandwomanthefundamental
buildingblockoftheirsociety.Therewasalsoafirmbeliefinfairnessandintherightofallcreaturesto
lifeandhappiness,somethingshefoundstrikinglyrefreshingafterherlifeonEarth.

Whenshewasdone,SarahthoughtsheunderstoodwhyBethanandSymonhadbeensoupsetatthe
youngerwomen’saccusationsofnotcaringwhethertheylivedordied.TheGaiansdidcareaboutthe
livesofothers...passionately.NoGaianwouldharmanotherdeliberatelyandthatreluctanceforviolence
extendedtoothersaswell.

ItevenextendedtoEarthpeople.

Confused,Sarahceasedhersearch.Relaxinginthebigcomfortablearmchairinherroom,sheconsidered
thefacts.

TheGaiansrespectedlife,almosttoafault.Andyet,they’ddestroyedcountlessnumbersofEarthforce
personnelduringthewar.Orsoitseemed.Certainlythoseindividualshadnevercomehome.

SowhatdiditmeanthattheGaiansrespectedlifeandtheEarthpeoplehadn’tcomehome?Shecouldn’t
figureitout--toolittledata.

Sowhatdidsheknow?Sarahleanedbackandlettheview-screenchangetoitsusualimage,theviewof
CrescentLake.Thelovelypicturesoothedherandremindedherofthebandinherpocket,theoneshe
stillhadn’tputon,signifyingheracceptanceofherGaianlover’ssuit.

Hewantedhertobehiswife.Thatwaswhatthegiftofthebandmeant.Aman,unseen,butreal,hadasked
tobeherhusband.He’dtouchedher,caressedherandtoldheritwouldbegoodbetweenthem.

Andshebelievedhim.AgainSarahfeltthatoddthrillatthethoughtofherwould-behusband.Forthefirst
timeinherlifeaman’stouchhadexcitedratherthanrepelledher,madeherfeelpassionateratherthan
queasy.Thisunknownmanhadgivenheraglimpseintowhathermoreknowledgeablefriendshadtalked
about,theworldofphysicallove.

Hewouldbecomeherlover,herhusband,andfatherofherchildren.Unlikeherdreamlover,hewasa
manoffleshandbloodwhowouldn’tfadeawayinthemorning,butstandbesideher.

Itcouldbesoverygoodbetweenthem--he’dsaidsohimself.Andallshehadtodowassayyes.Sarah

pulledthebandfromherpocket,examinedthecrescentmoonshape,comparingittotheimageofthelake
onthewall.AgoodsignthatitsocloselymatchedherfavoritepictureofGaia.Maybehe’dtakeherto
seethelakesometime.

Herhandwassteadyalthoughinsideshequiveredlikealeafonthetreesnearthatdistantlake.Sarahtook
thebandandcarefullyfasteneditaroundherwrist.Itdidn’tmatterwhatsecretstheGaianskept.Thisman
wantedherandforreasonsshecouldn’tnameshewantedhim.TheywerematchedasBethanlikedtoput
it.

Risingtoherfeet,sheheadedbacktothedininghall.Ifshewasgoingtoacceptherunknownlover,she
neededtomakehimabandaswell.

ChapterNine

Mencrowdedtheroom,watchingthewall’sview-screenwitheagerandanxiouseyes.Fromhisposition
attheback,Maxxawaited,nearlyasanxiousastheyoungermenwere...butnotforhimself.Sammulhad
stayedwithGarranlastnightleavingMaxxafreetospendtimewithhiswife,Gretta,butlikemanyofthe
othermarriedpeopleonThePromise,Maxxahadgottenupearlytolearntheresultsofthemeet.

Lastnightthewomenwho’ddecidedtocontinuewiththemeethadregisteredthebandsthey’dreceived
andcreatedonesoftheirown.Byscanningthesymbolsintothecomputertheyindicatedtheirchoiceand
nowthemenwaitedtoseeiftheirsymbolwouldshowup--iftodaytheywouldbegrantedtheopportunity
tomeetagainwiththeirladyandcollectabandoftheirown,abandthatwouldmakethemmarriedmen.

Maxxathoughthe’dneverseenthemensotense.Itwasfarworsethanwhenhe’dattachedtoGretta.But
then,GrettawasbornGaianandwasusedtotheGaianmethodofcourtship.Noonecouldguesshowthe
Earthwomenwouldreacttoablindselectionofmates,therelianceonattachmentandmatching.Perhaps
manyofthemwouldrejecttheirwould-behusbandsandinsistonleavingThePromisetocontinuetothe
OuterColonies.

Perhapsnoneofthemwouldwishtostay.

Maxxa’sgazewanderedovertheunmarriedmen’sfaces,theirblankstaresandtensedjaws.Manyhada
haggardlooktotheireyesandgulpedcupsofjaviwithdesperatespeed.Sympathetichumorprovokeda
wrygrinthatMaxxastruggledtosuppress.Herememberedhisownexperiencewiththephysicalaspects
offirstattachment,whathappenedwhenthatpartofhisbodysuddenlywokeup.Hedoubtedifmanyof
themenhadgottenmuchsleeplastnight.

Theview-screenflashed,andasonetheallfacesturnedtoit,alleyesfixedontheblankscreen.Theroom
quietedtothepointthatMaxxathoughthecould’vedroppedthefeatherfromagreen-gooseandheardit
hitthefloor.

Thefirstlinesappeared."ResultsofPromiseMarriageMeet1.Numberofwomen-250.Numberofmen
-514.Numberofwomentoreceivebands-238."

Therewasacollectivegasp.They’dknownthatmostoftheEarthwomenhadattractedaman,butthis
wasevenbetterthatexpected.Overninety-fivepercentofthewomenhadbeenattachedto.Butthenext
statisticwouldbethecriticalone.Howmanyofthosewho’dreceivedbandswouldacceptthemandenter
thesymbols,indicatingtheirwillingnesstogiveabandoftheirown?

Thenextlinedisplayed."Numberofsymbolsrecorded-238."

Therewasacollectivegaspandthenanearlydeafeningcheerwentupthatechoedthroughtheroom.
They’dallbeenaccepted--allofthem!

Maxxaclappedtheshoulderofthenearestmangrinningwithjoyandreliefandsteppedforwardasthe
screenbegantoscrollwithsymbolsandtimes,indicatingwhenattachedmenandwomenwouldnext
meet.Hesawtheslendercrescentmooncomeupandnoteditwasinthefirstgroup,lessthananhour
fromnow.Thebigmantookoffforthegeneral’ssuite.

****

She’dacceptedhim.Garranturnedhissleep-deprivedeyestohismediapanelasthemarriage-meet
resultswereannouncedandcouldscarcelybelieveitwhenhesawtheslendercrescentmoonsymbol
scrollacrossthescreen.He’dbeenunabletosleep...toomuchtothinkabout,andhe’dfoundone
advantagetohavingabodyguard.Atleasthe’dhadsomeonetoplaycardswith.

Garran’sexcitementturnedtoshockashenoticethetimeofthenextmeetandrealizedhehadlessthanan
hourtogetready.Thistimethey’dmeetalone,inthedarksohecouldpullhismaskoff...andhis
robe...andwhateverelseseemedappropriate.Abruptlyherememberedthathehadn’tbathedyesterday
afterthemeetandhe’dbeenworriedaboutsweat.

SammullookedamusedasGarranjumpedupfromthetablewherethey’dbeenplaying,droppinghis
cardsintheprocess.Sammulhadalmostwonthelasthandasthegeneral’sconcentrationhadflagged
duringthelongnight.

"Ibetterwashup."

"Takeyourtime."Sammulgrabbedthebrownrobeswherethey’dbeentossedafterGarran’sreturnfrom
themeet.Abriefsniff,andheheldthemfurtherawayasheheadedinthedirectionofthesanitizer."You
mightconsidersomestrongerdeodorant,General.I’llgetthesecleanedup."

Suppressingagroan,Garranheadedforhisbedroomandtheadjacentsanitary.Hemusthavesomekindof
antiperspirantthatwouldmakehimagreeabletohislady.

Henearlytrippedwhenhegottothedoor,realizingwhathe’dthought.Hislady.That’swhatSarahwas
now.Grinning,Garranfledthroughthedoorway,tearinghisclothesoffinhishaste.

Freshlylaunderedbrownrobeswaitedforhimonhisbedwhenheexitedthesanitary.Dismayed,Garran
eyedthenarrowbedashepulledonthetrousersandloosetop.Itwouldbetoosmallfortwounlessthose
twowereveryfriendly,andhecouldn’tpredictSarahwouldbefriendlyenoughtosleepinsuchasmall
bedwithhim.MaybeBethancouldfindabiggermattresssomewhere.Hedecidedtoaskheraboutit
whenhesawher.

Ofcourse,firsthehadtogetabandfromSarah.Firstthingsfirst,afterall.

IntheloungehefoundthatMaxxahadarrivedandbothheandSammulwaitedforhim,apparently
intendingtoaccompanyhim.

That’sallheneeded,wastwoofthemhoveringoverhimwhenhewenttomeetSarah."Sammul,why
don’tyougobacktoyourquarters?"

ThebigmanfoldedhisarmsandglaredwithnarrowedeyesatGarran."Nope,I’mcomingwithyou."

NowayGarranwasgoingtobesaddledwithbothbodyguards."Youdidn’tgetanysleeplastnight.How
canyouprotectmeifyou’retootiredtostayawake?"

ObviouslySammuldidn’tlikethatobservation,butheseemedstuckforareasonableargumentin
response.HegloweredatGarranthennoddedreluctantly."Yeah,Iguessyou’reright."Henoddedat
Maxxa."Takegoodcareofhim."

****

Inthemainassemblyhall,Sarahandtheothertwenty-ninewomenassignedtohertime-periodtookseats
onthelargecouchestowaitfortheirmen.

Theirmen...herman...itstillseemedlikeadreamcometrue.Thistimetomorrow,ifeverythingwentwell,
she’dbemarried.NervouslySarahfiddledwithherhoodedrobe,thecrescentmoonbandaroundone
wrist,andthemen’ssizedwristbandshe’dplacedonherother.She’dgiveoneortheotherbandtoher
unknownman,dependingonwhetherornotshedecidedtobehiswife.

Behiswife.Ohwow,itwasreallyhappening.Sarahtookadeepbreathandtriedtocalmherraging
heartbeat.Foramomentshewasgratefulforthemaskinggarmentsthathidherfeaturesfromtherestofthe
peopleintheroom,includingtheotherwomenandthenormallydressedGaianguards.Ofcourse,the
womenwereprobablyasanxiousasshewas.Shecouldhearnervouslaughterfromsomeofthemasthe
timecameforthementoappear.

Thetalldoorsatthesideoftheroomopenedanddarkrobedfiguresflowedin,movingasfastasthe
inhibitingoutergarmentswouldallowthem.Sarahsubduedherowntensechuckleatthemen’srapid
approach.Itseemedtheywereaseagerforthismeetasthewomenwere.

Whentheyreachedthewomen,therewassomequickshufflingasthemensoughttheonewhite-gowned
ladythatheldhisband.AsSarahwatched,thepairingseemedtotakenotime.Evenwithoutseeingher
face,eachmanseemedtorecognizehisownlady,hisattachmentsenselocatingheramongsttherest.

Whenamanfoundhislady,hecollectedherhandandraisedittohismaskedlips.Thatitalsoputthe
bandsheworeineyeshotalmostseemedbesidethepoint.Thesemenknewtheirwoman,sightunseen.If
shehadn’twitnesseditherself,Sarahwouldhaveneverbelievedit.Asitwas,thematchingprocess
intriguedher.

Wouldn’tKarenhavefounditfascinating?Herfriendhadbeeninterestedinunusualhormonalproblems
inhumans.ShecouldhavedoneanentirestudyontheGaians.Whatapitytheyweretheonesresponsible
forherdeath.

Sarahsubduedtheunwelcomemelancholythinkingaboutherfriendgaveher.AsBethanhadsaid,people
diedinthewar,onbothsides.ObviouslyBethanandSymonhadlostsomeoneclosetothemdueto
Earth’sactions,andtheydidn’tblameherforthat.Letthedeadlieburied.SheshouldgivetheGaians,
includingherunknownwould-behusband,thebenefitofherdoubt.

Speakingofwhom,themanwaslate.Alltheothercoupleshadformed,thebrown-robedmensittingwith
theirladies,lowvoicestalkingearnestly.Sarahwastheonlywomansittingalone.

Surelyhehadn’tforgotten,orworse,changedhismind.Shefeltthebandwiththecrescentmoon,his
pledge.No,he’dbehere.Thismeetwasscheduledforanhour,hewasjustalittlelate.

Asshelookedaroundforherwaywardmale,oneofthecouplesstood,themantakingthewoman’shand
andleadinghertoasidecorridor.Sarahhadbeentoldthatroomshadbeenpreparedthere,roomswithout
lights,butfurnishedwithsoftcushions.Onceina"darkroom"acouplecouldengageinwhateveractivity
mostappealedtothem.

Atleastthat’sthewayBethanhadphrasedit.Sarahblushedcleartohertoesthinkingaboutwhataman
andwomancoulddounderthosecircumstancesandonceagainwasgratefulforhercoveringgarment.

Asshewatched,anothercouplestoodandfollowedthefirstone,theman’sarmaroundthewaistofhis
lady,thenathirdrosetotheirfeet.Wistfullyhergazefollowedthemtothedoorofthedarkroomcorridor.

"Mydeepestapologies.You’vebeenwaiting."She’donlyheardhisvoiceoncebefore,butknewit
immediately.Swiveling,Sarahgazedatthehoodeddarkfigurethathadappearedbehindher.Ashetook
herhandshenoticedanothermanbehindhimdressedinthesameuniformastheGaianguards,butmuch
bigger.Sarahgapedasthepale-hairedmanmovedawaytostandwiththeotherGaiansguardingtheroom.
She’dthoughtthemanbesideherwasbig,butthisotherwasthebiggesthumanbeingshe’deverseen.

Herwaywardmaletookaseatnexttoher,stillholdingherhand.Hesqueezedit,reclaimingherattention.
"Hey,Earthwoman.I’moverhere."

"Soyouare.Iwasjustnoticinghowbigyourfriendwas.Whatishe,somesortofbodyguard?"

Hegavealowchuckle."Whydoyouask?Ismybodyindanger?"Onehandslidalongherwrist,fingering
thenarrowbandwiththesymbolshe’dchosen."PerhapsIneedsomeonetoprotectmefromyou?"

Histouchflusteredher.Shewasn’tusedtoaman’scaressbeingso...pleasant!"Youhavenothingtofear
fromme."

"Oh,IthinkIdo.Myheartcoulddefinitelybeindangerfromyou,Earthwoman."Hisvoiceteasedher

andputshiversupherspineandripplesintohercore.

Endangered,him?Shewasinfarmoredangerthanhewas.

Hepulledherarmwiththelargerbandupcloser,apparentlycuriousaboutthesymbolonit.Onefinger
tappedit."Whatcreatureisthis?"

Sarahresistedtheurgetolaugh."It’sanEarthbird,commonalongtimeago.Therewerestillafewinthe
zoologicalparkswhenIwasachild.It’scalledastork."

Hedidlaugh."Astork.I’dheardofsuchanimals,butdidn’tknowtheystillexisted.Whywouldyou
choosethis,Iwonder.Coulditbeahintaboutwhoorwhatyouare?"Hishandmovedtoherthigh,
strokingitgently."Orareyoujustboastingaboutwhatlonglegsyouhave?"

Warmthflowedfromtheplaceshishandtouched,andSarahreveledinit.Shecouldgetusedtothiskind
ofattention.

Shegavehimananswerthatwasnoanswer."Ithoughtitappropriateatthetime.Areyougoingtotellme
whyyoupickedacrescentmoon?"

"Nottoday...eventually,Iwill.Assumingthereisaneventuallyforus."Shefelthisarmgoaroundher
waist,andsheleanedintohim,feltthestrengthofhisbroadshouldersundertheshapelessgarments.His
deepvoicewhisperedintoherear."Whatdoyousay,Earthwoman?Shallwefindsomeplacesecluded
wherewecanmakeupourmindsaboutthefuture?"

Sarahstiffened.Hewantedtogotothedarkroom.Raisingherheadsherealizedtheyweretheonly
coupleleft,therestofthehoodedfigureshavingalreadysoughttheprivatespacesputasideforthem.

Hewantedtogotoadarkroomandwhentheywerethere.…Sarahpulledaway,outofhisarms.

"Issomethingwrong?Isthereaproblem?"Concerncoloredhisvoiceandatit,shefeltembarrassmentat
herreluctance.Heprobablyexpectedhertobecomfortablewithhavingmentouchherandiftheywereto
becomemanandwife,beingintimatewouldbepartofit.

"Itshardtoexplain.I’mnotsureI’mreadyfor...."Shelethervoicetrailoffthentookholdofherflagging
courage."I’mnotusedtobeingalonewithaman."

"Particularlyoneyou’vebarelymet?"Hisfingersmovedenticinglyalongherwaistandheburiedhisface
intoherneck.Shefelttheheatofhisbreaththroughthehoodofhergarmentanditseemedtoflowdown
thefrontofherdresstoherbreasts,leavingthemaching.

"Somethinglikethat."Eventoherearsshesoundedshakyanditwouldn’ttakemuchforthismantofigure
outhowhewasaffectingher.Firmlyshetriedtogaincontrolofherwaywardemotions,barelyableto
restrainherselffromputtingherownarmsaroundhim.

"Doyoutrustme,Earthwoman?IfIpromisethatnothingwillhappenwithoutyourpermissionand
cooperation,willyoucomewithme?"

"Doyoupromisethat?"

"Withallmyheart."Hestoodandpulledhertoherfeet."Come,Ipromisetodonothingmorethanfulfill
yourdreams."

Sarahallowedhimtodirectalongthepaththeothercoupleshadtaken,hersuitor’sarmkeepingherclose
buttakingnoliberties.Atleastnotyet,sheremindedherself.

Hispromisehadcaughtheroff-guard.Couldthisstrangerreallyknowaboutthekindofdreamsshe
tendedtohave?Ashudderthathadnothingtodowithfearranthroughherastheymovedthroughthe
doorway.

****

Whatwaswrongwiththiswoman?Shewasasskittishasanewly-hatchedcharner.Garrankepthisarm
aroundher,asmuchtogivehersupportastosatisfyhisowndesiretotouchher.Thiswasnothinglikehis
firsttimewithMetta--she’dpracticallydraggedhimtothedarkroom,hereagernessfortheirmatching
nearlysurpassinghisown.

Sarahactedasifshewasafraidtobealonewithhimandwhywouldshefearhim?He’dcausedherno
harm.

Adarkthoughtoccurredtohim.Perhapsshe’dbeenabusedbyaman...possiblyevenrapedwhileon
Earth?Angersurgedthroughhim,furyatthethoughtofsomeonehurtinghislady,bruisingthesoftskin
he’dnotevengottenthechancetofeelyet.Herheadbarelyclearedhisshoulder.Shewassosmall,feltso
delicateonhisarm--itwaseasytoimagineanEarthenfrackscumtakingadvantageofher.

Ofcourse,justthethoughtofanyonetouchingthiswoman,withorwithoutherpermission,madehimfeel
murderous.Shewouldbehisandnooneelse’s.

Sheleanedintohim,herwarmcurvesandsweetscentteasinghisrageintoneed.Puredesirehardenedhis
bodyandheadjustedhisholdtomoveSarahfurthertooneside,tokeeptheevidenceawayfromher
notice.Ifamanhadhurtherduringsex,hedidn’twanthertobelievehe’ddothesamething.

Notthathedidn’twantsex.AtthispointhecouldthinkoflittlemorehewantedthantohaveSarah’sbody
underhis,encasinghisnewlyregainedhardnesswithhersweetwarmth.Heleanedcloserandfilledhis
nosewithheraroma,distinctiveeventhroughtheheavyrobes.Heknewwhatitwas--herbodywas
reactingtohim,makingherreadyforpossession.Itwasanormalpartofthematchingprocess,but
significantinthatitwasbetweenaGaianmanandEarthwoman.Shereallydidactlikeawomanofhis
people.

Garranacknowledgedthatfactevenashestruggledtocontrolhisreactiontoit.It’dbeenalongtime
sincehe’dsmelledthearousalofawoman,andhersdrovehimwild.

Heneededtokeepcalm,notletherknowhowdeeplyhewasaffectbyher.Withherinnatenervousness,
Sarahdidn’tneedhimruttingalloverher.Atleastnotyet.Garransuppressedachucklehedidn’twantto
explaintothewomanunderhisarm.

They’dreachedthedarkroomsandoneoftheguardsindicatedtheonereservedforhimandSarah.Heavy

blackcurtainscoveredthedoorway,neededtokeepthedimlightingofthecorridorfrominfiltratingthe
shadowedinterior.Sarahturnedandhecouldfeelhertremblingagainsthim.

Perhapshewasoverestimatinghownervousshewas.Itcouldsimplybepassion.Ifsheacceptedhimas
herhusband,thenhecouldtakeitasasignofherwillingnesstomakelovetohim.

GarrantappedthestorkbandonSarah’swrist.Pitchinghisvoiceasseductivelyashecould,he
whisperedintoherear."Willyougivethistomenow,beforewegoin?"

"Can’tIwait?Imean.…"

Heswallowedhisdisappointment.Maybeitwouldbebettertowaitandnotmakelovetoheratalltoday.
Hisbodyrebelledatthatidea,buthecouldn’ttakeherifshedidn’taccepthimwhole-heartily.

Therewasanotheraspecttoitaswell.Supposetheymadeloveandlater,whensheknewwhohewas,
sheregrettedit.GarranrememberedhowangrySarahhadbeenwhenshe’dstruckhim,thenameshe’d
calledhim.

Hewasn’tsurewhyshe’dbeensoupset.Howhadsheknownhisname,muchlessbeabletorecognize
him?Andshehadn’tbeenaloneinthat,thatotherwomanhadknownwhohewasaswell.He’dbeen
ignoringthatforaslongashecould,butitwasclearthatSarahwasgoingtohaveareactiontofindingout
thatherhusbandwasn’tquitethestrangershethoughthewas.

Hehadn’tansweredheryet.Givingherareassuringhug,hetriedtocalmherfears."Iwantthatband
morethanIcantellyou,butnotuntilyouarereadytogiveittome.Whenyoufeelcomfortableenoughto
offerit,I’llbehappytoacceptit.Also,nothingwillhappenbetweenusunlesswebothwantit.Willthat
do,Earthwoman?"

Hisanswerseemedtopleaseherandsomeofthetensioneasedfromhershoulders."Thatwilldonicely,
Gaianman.Shesteppedaway,towardthecurtaineddoorway,thenofferedherhandtohim.

"Shallwegoin,Gaianman?"

ChapterTen

Theyweren’tkidding,Sarahthought,whentheysaiditwasadarkroom.Oncethecurtainbehindthem
closed,shecouldn’thaveseenherhandinfrontofherface--orhersuitor’sfaceinfrontofherhand.The
Gaianswereseriousaboutmakingsurethatshecouldn’tidentifyhimbysight.

Butscent,touch,andtaste--thosewouldbepossible.Nowthatshehadhispromisenottotakeadvantage
ofher,Sarahlookedforwardtodiscoveringhis.Shealreadyknewthetimbreofhisvoice,whichrippled

alonghersenseseverytimesheheardit.Recentlyherdreamlover’svoicehadtakenonthatsame,heavy
resonance.

Intheblacknessoftheroom,shewasgladthatBethanhadshowedthemwhatadarkroomwaslikewith
thelightsturnedon,thebettertoallaytheirfearsoftheunknown.Sheknewthatthebulkysoftnessinfront
ofherwasaraisedpaddedplatformthatnearlyfilledtheroom.Notquiteabed,itwasdesignedtobea
comfortableplaceforthecoupletosit--orliedowntogether.

Toherleftwasahook,placedonthewallatjusttheheightofherhead,designedtoholdherhoodedrobe.
Theoppositewallheldasimilarhookforthemantouse.Theroomwaswarmanddampnesstrickled
downbetweenhershoulders.Shecouldpretenditwasbecauseofthewarmroomandtherobe,andnot
herawarenessofthemanbehindher.

TherewasthesoundofrustlingclothandSarahrealizedthathe’dtakenoffthehoodedrobe,usingthe
hook.Thenwarmhandsstrokedherupperarms,settinguptrailingripplesofsensationthatkept
synchronoustime.

Hetuggedonherrobeandhisdeepvoicecameoverhershoulder."Doyouneedhelpwiththis?"

"No...."Speechtrailingoff,shepulledonherrobe,liftingtheconcealingveilandhoodanddraggingthe
restoffhershoulders.Withshakinghandssheliftedittothehook.

Shefelthishandslideupherarm,bareinhersleevelessgown,andacrosshershouldertofindthelong
braidofherhair.Tentativefingersstrokedthestrands.

"Sosoft."Heliftedthelengthoffherneckandshefeltitslipthroughhisfingers."Andlong.I’venever
felthairthislongbefore."

"Gaianwomendon’thavelonghair?"

"Somedo,butnooneI’veknown."Heatedfingerslingeredonthebackofherneck,teasingtheskinand
shefoundherselfleaningbackintothem.Nomanhadevertouchedhersointimately--nomanhadever
madeherenjoyhistouchbefore.

Unnerved,shemovedawayfromhimandhisseductivefingersandclimbedontotheplatform,kickingoff
hershoestolandonthefloor.Scootingbacktogivehimroom,shefoldedherlegsbeneathher.Asshe’d
beentoldtodo,Sarahflattenedherhandsonthecushionedsurfacebeforehersohecouldfindtheminthe
dark,andwaitedforhimtojoinher.

Theplatformshiftedashisweightwasaddedtohersanditwasareminderofjusthowbighewas.Her
headamixofemotions,shewaitedforhimtotakeherhands.

Sarahcouldfeelhispresenceashemovedcloser,hisbulktakingthespaceinfrontofher.Hispalms
coveredthebackofherhandsandrestedthere,andthegentleweightsoothedher.

Yes,hewasbig.Buthewasgentleaswell.Everymovehemadewascareful,thewayhespoketoher
relievedherfears.Heseemedtounderstandhermisgivingsandwouldn’tforceherintomorethanshe
wasreadyfor.

Athrillofexcitementdroveawaymostofherlingeringanxietyandleftherhungryformoreofthisman’s
gentletouch.Inspiteofhernervousnessshewasbeginningtothinkshewasreadyforanything.

Heliftedherhandsandturnedthemover,plantingakissintothepalmofeach.Forthefirsttimeshefelt
hislipsdirectlyonherskin--theresultelectrifiedhersenseless.Shebarelyregisteredwhenheplacedher
fingersonhisfaceandguidedthemtohisforehead.

Withtremblingfingersshetracedthelinesofhisface,feltthesmoothskinandstraightbulkofhisnose,
theflatplanesofhischeeks.Behindhisearsshefoundalockoflonghairassilkyassateen,arareand
costlyfabric.Sheplayedwithafewstrandsandwonderedwhatcolortheywere.Dark,darkbrown,like
thatofherdreamlover?

Hehadafirmjawandthesoftestlips.Histongueflickeredoutanddampenedherfingersastheypassed,
andshefelthisbreathingpickup.

Outwardlyheseemedsocalm,shecouldalmostbelieveshewashavingnoeffectonhimatall.Sheran
herfingersalonghisjaw,andfeltthemuscleclinch.Asighescapedhislips.

Sarahrealizedsomething.Thismanwascontrollinghimself.She’dknownhewasn’tyoung.Hisspeech
showedmaturityandtherewasasenseofstrengththatcamefrommasteringadversity.Buttocontrolhis
desiretothisextent....Itshowedmorethanastrongwill.

Itshowedexperience.Sherestedherhandsonhisshoulders."You’vedonethisbefore.Beenattached,I
mean."

Thebroadmusclesstiffenedunderherfingersandsheheardhimcatchhisbreath.Heletitoutinalong
exhalethatsoundedlikeresignation."Wearen’tsupposedtospeakofit."

"Itwon’ttellmewhoyouare.Idon’tknowthatmanyGaians."

"No,but.…"Hesighed."You’reright,youshouldknow."

Hepulledoneofherhandstohislips,kissedit."Iwasmarriedbefore.Shedied...duringthewar."

Hehadlostsomeonehecaredaboutlikeshehad,herfriend,Karen.Butmorethanafriend,shecould
hearthepaininhisvoice."Youlovedher."

"Wealwaysloveourspouses.Yes.Ilovedher."Firstangerathercomment,thenregret.Somuchpainin
thisman.Nowonderhewassocontrolled.

Anotherthing.IfhiswifediedduringthewarandEarthwasresponsible.…

"Areyousure?"sheasked."AreyousureaboutwantinganEarthwife?"

"AreyouaskingifIcancareforyou,knowingyourorigin?I’veaskedthatquestionmyself.Iftheanswer
hadn’tbeenyes,Iwouldn’tbehere.I’llbeagoodhusbandtoyou,Ipromisethat."

"AndGaian’skeeptheirpromises,don’tthey?"

"Theydoiftheycanpossiblydoso.ThisoneI’llhavenotroublewith."

Somehowhe’dfoundherhandsandrelocatedthemtohisshoulders."Idowantyou.Touchme,learnwho
Iam."

Evenwiththethinfabricofhisshirt,shecouldfeelthewarmth.Shewantedmore,though.Sarahtugged
onthetopofhisshirt."Iwonder--couldyoutakethis.…"

Shedidn’thavetofinishthesentence.Thesoundoffabricbeingpulledoversmoothskinwasimmediate,
andthenherhandswereonceagainonhisshoulders,nowbare."Anythingmyladywants,"washis
breathless,humor-lacedresponse.

Shecaughtherbreathathowgloriousthatbareskinfelt.Inreverentsilence,herhandstracedthebroad
expansebeneaththem,travelingslowlytohischestandsoughtthelightlyhairedskinthatcoveredhis
heart.

Hisheartbeatwassteadyandstrong,andmuchfasterthanshe’dexpected.Hesoundedcalm,thisGaian
loverofhers,buthewasn’t.Underherfingerstherapidtattooofhisheartpickedupspeedandasher
handfoundaflatnippleandstrokedit,hisbreathingbecameragged.

Ashakylaughescapedhislips."Youdoaffectme,woman.Makenomistakeaboutthat."

Itwasheady,thissenseofpower.Ashiscaresshadmadehersensessing,nowshecoulddothesame.
Sheexploredhim,thebroadmusclesofhisbackandsides,therippledfleshoverhisabdomen.Strong
armmusclesbulgedunderherfingersandshewonderedatthat.Herewasamanwhoclearlyexercisedin
aworldwhereapushofabuttonmovedtheheaviestobject.

"Doyoulikewhatyoufeel?"

"Ido."Leaningforwardshecaughttherichnessofhisscent,intenselymasculine.Itwasmixedwithsome
muskyfragrancethatcomplimentedhisnaturalodor."IlikewhatIsmell,too."

"Ididmakeapointofbathing."

"Good,butIlikedyoursmellbefore,too."

Shehesitatedatthetopofhispants,wonderingatthefleshtheyhid.Didshedareexplorethatprivatepart
ofhim?

Asshedebatedtheissue,hishandclosedaroundhers."Ifyouwanttowait,that’sfine.Iunderstand."

Reliefviedwithdisappointmentasheliftedherhandaway.She’djustbeenworkingupthenervewhen
he’dinterfered,butshesaidnothingashishandsfollowedherarmstohershouldersandupwardsto
exploreherface.

Insteadshereveledinhowhisfingersfeltcaressingherface,lingeringonhernoseandmouth,stroking
hercheeks,andtracingherjaw.

Hecaressedhercheekwiththebackofonehand,agestureshe’dseenotherGaiancouplesmake.

Abruptlyitmadesense.

"It’ssoyoudon’tpokeanyoneintheeye.That’swhyyouusethebackofthehand."

Delightedlaughteransweredher."Youareclever,aren’tyou!"

He’dfinishedwithherfaceandplacedlargewarmhandsonhershoulders,strokingthefabricofher
gown.Afingerrandownthescoopednecklinetowhereapress-tightfastenerkeptthefrontclosed.He
playedwiththeskinjustabovetheopening."Doyoubelieveinfairplay,Earthwoman?"

Well,she’dgottotouchhisbareskin.Sarahlickedherlipsnervouslyandherfingerstrembledasshe
reachedfortheclosureandpulledtheedgesapart,allowingthetopofthegowntogapeopentoherwaist.

Withherimplicitpermission,hepushedbackthefabricathershouldersandthetopofthegownfelldown
herarms,leavingherbarefromthewaistup.Evenaswarmastheroomwas,goosebumpsdottedher
skin.

Asshehad,hestartedattheshouldersandworkedhiswaydown,hisfingersstrokingherarmsandback,
exploringthethinbonesofhershoulders.She’dthoughtherdreamloverhadbeenthorough,butthisman’s
largehandscoveredeveryinchofher.Herskintingledunderhisgentlecaress.

Hereachedherbreastsandencompassedthem,liftingthemasifweighingtheirmass."Soverysoft."His
voicewasawhisper,asifhedidn’trealizehe’dspokenaloud.Perhapshedidn’t.Shecouldbarelyhear
hisbreathing,soquietitwas.

Roguefingersdiscoveredthepebbledhardnessofhernipplesandthesensationnearlyliftedhertoher
feet.Shecoveredhishandswithhers,amazedatwhatsolittleatouchcoulddo.

"DidIhurtyou?"Concernspikedhisvoiceandmadeithard.

"No,Ijustdidn’texpectittofeelthatway.Imean,well,theydon’tfeellikethatwhenItouchthem."

Helaughed."Don’tthey?"Underherhands,hisfingersstrokedgentlyandthesensationreturned,rippling
deepwithinher.Withoutthesurprise,shefoundhistouchstimulatinglypleasantandherhandsfellaway
togivehimcompleteaccess.

"Youweren’tdoingitright,then."

Shewasgladforthedarknessandhowhecouldn’tseeherblush.Ofallthings,she’dpickedtheone
Gaianmalewithmoreexperiencethanshehad.Butifexperiencemeanthistouchwasthissweet...how
wonderfultobewithamanwhoknewwhathewasdoing.

Wouldhebedisappointedwhenshetoldhimhowlittletimeshe’dspentlearningphysicalpleasure,or
woulditmakeanydifferenceatall?

Hishandsfelltograspherwaist,andhepulledhercloser.Sheputherarmsaroundhisneckashisface
camecloser.Shecouldfeeltheheatofhisbreathonhercheek.

Hisvoicehoarsehewhisperedintoherear."Icouldplaylikethisallday,butwedon’thavethatmuch

time.I’vepromisedtobeyourhusband,Earthwoman.Willyouacceptme?"

Sheleanedintohim,feltthepressofchestonherbreasts,hernipplesflamingfromhiscaresses,herbody
moreawarethanatanytimeinthepast.Thismanwasthelovershe’dsoughtallherlife,theoneshe’d
dreamedof.

Thetimehadpassedforcarefulplanningandorganizedthinking.Itwastimeforaleapoffaith.

"Iaccept,Gaianman."Shewasgladhervoicewassteadierthanherheartbeat.

Foramomentshewonderedifhe’dheardher,thenheturnedhisheadandhismouthsoughthers.She
eagerlymethislipsandintheinstantwastransportedtoaworldofthesensesunknownbefore.

Sarah’sfearofthefuture,embarrassmentoverherinexperience,everythingdisappearedinthefaceofhis
kiss.Shemoanedandhetookadvantage,plunginghistongueintohermouth.Histastesurprisedher,warm
andmusky,similartohisscent.Hertonguejoinedwithhis,intentonexploringhistaste.Shewasn’tsure
she’devergetenoughofit.

Finallyhepulledback,buriedhisheadinhershoulder."Iwasn’tsureyou’dagree,butI’mverygladyou
have.Thankyou."

Sarahpulledthelargerbandoffherarmandplaceditintohishand.Foramomentshethoughthewould
putitonhisarm,butsheheardhimslipitintohispocket.

"ItwillbeeasiertofastenwhenIcansee."

Thatsurprisedher.She’dhadnotroublefasteningherswithoutlooking,butmaybehewasbeingcareful.
Sheforgoteverythingelseashepulledherbackintohisarmsforanotherroundofkissing,leaningher
backuntiltheywerebothproneontheplatform.Foraninstanthewasaboveher,hipspressedintohers.
Asifoftheirownvolition,herkneesfellapart,andsheopenedtohim,legswide.

Thiswasit.Sarahcaughtherbreathandwaitedforhimtomovebetweenherlegs,fearwarringwith
anticipation.

Tohersurprise,hepulledtothesideandsettledontotheplatformnexttoher,lyingonhisback.He
reachedanarmaroundhershouldersandpulledherintohisside."Wehavealittlewhilelefttogether.We
cantalkifyoulike."Hesoundedlikehewasstiflingayawn.

Confused,Sarahtoyedwiththehaironhischest.Thiswasnothowshe’dexpectedhimtobehaveonce
sheagreedtobehiswife."Don’tyouwantto...."Shelethervoicetrailoff,moreuncertainnowthanshe
hadbeen.

Hekissedherforehead."Don’tIwanttomakelove?You’remywifeandyesIwanttomakelovetoyou.
Buttherearen’tmanyminutesleftandI’drathernothurryourfirsttimetogether."

Acrycamefromthehallway,barelymuffledbytheheavycurtains.Shefeltasmuchasheardhischuckle.
"I’malsonotfondofperformingforanaudience.We’llhavemoreprivacytomorrowinourquarters."He
tickledhercheekwithhisbreath."Inourbed,withthelightsonsoIcanseeyourespondtome."

Shetriedtosubduethethrillhissuggestiongaveher."I’llbemovinginwithyou?"

"Aftertheclaimingceremony.Justpackyourthingstonightandthey’llbemovedtomyplace."

"Youhaveroomforme?"

Hechuckled."Fishingforinformation?Verywell.Yes,Ihaveroom.I’vegotahandy,littleclosetyou
willfitintoverynicely,"heteased."I’vealwayskeptmywifeinacloset,itkeepshercloseathandand
outoftheway."

Hewasimpossible."Iwouldthinkyou’dratherkeepyourwifeinabed."

"Hmm,abed."Hesoundedlikehewasconsideringit."Perhapsyou’reright.Abedwouldbebestforat
leastthefirstcoupleofdays."

OvertheirheadsasoftchimesoundedandSarah’snewhusbandstilled."That’sthewarning.Weonly
haveafewminutesmore."

Risingontooneelbow,heleanedoverherandtracedherfacewithhishand."Mywife."Allhumorhad
fledhisvoiceandhesoundedwistful."Tomorrowwe’llclaimeachother,unmasking,andyou’llknowmy
nameandface."

"Andyou’llknowmine.Theyexplainedhowithappens."

"Good."Hetookadeepbreath."IwantyoutoknowthatIamverypleasedtohaveyouasmywife.Iwant
youverymuchandI’llbethebesthusbandyoucouldeverhave."

Thatsoundedliketherewasabig"but"attachedtoit."Issomethingwrong?"

"ThereisnothingIcantellyounow.ButknowthatIdocareforyou."Hekissedheragainandhermind
stoppedtryingtounderstandhim.Solongashekissedher,she’dbelieveanythinghehadtosay.

"Onemorething,"hesaidwhenshe’dmanagedtoregainhersenses."Iwantapromisefromyou.When
wemeettomorrow,Iwantyoutolistencarefullytomeandfollowmyinstructions.Thingsmaybeabit
confusingatfirst.Willyoupromisemethat?"

"Ifyoukissmeagain,I’llpromiseyouanything."

Appalled,Sarahrealizedshe’dspokenaloud,butherhusbandchuckled."Verywell,akissforapromise.
Doyoupromisetofollowmyinstructions?"

"Ipromise,"shesaiddutifully."Where’smykiss?"

"Righthere."Hegatheredhertohimandtookherlipswillingprisonersandtheywerestillhappy
captiveswhenthefinalchimesounded.Reluctantlyshelethimsetthemfree.

Hepulledawayfromherandsearchedforhisshirt,findingit,thenhisshoesandthehoodedrobe.Sarah
didthesame,redressinginhergownandrobe,makingsurethemaskwasinplace.

Afterhearinghisvoiceinherears,itsoundedmuffledwhenhefinallyturnedtoherandtookherintohis
arms."Onemorekiss,wife,beforetheydragusoutofhere."Shefelthimpulluphermaskandleaned
forwardtomeethislipsoncemore.

Amuffledgruntsoundedoutsidethecurtaineddoorway,andhepulledaway,lettingthemaskdrop."I
wishitcouldbelikethisforever."

"Inthedark?Ithoughtyouwantedtoseemerespondtoyou."

"Ido."Hegaveherachastekissonthetopofherheadwithhismaskinplace.Shethoughttherewaspain
inhisvoice."Iwantthatmorethanyouwilleverknow,Earthwoman."

Onelastchastekissandthenhereleasedher."Tomorrow,mywife.Andrememberyourpromise."

Heslippedthroughthecurtainbeforeshecouldsayanythingmore.

ChapterEleven

Garranhoveredinthehallwayoutsidetheunmarriedmen’sdininghall,listeningtothehubbubwithin.
Therewasquiteacelebrationgoingon,thesoundsofmusicandhappy,slightlyslurredvoicescoming
throughtheopendoorway.Hegrinned.SoundedlikeSymonhadauthorizedwinetobeservedwithdinner
tonight.

Thatwasagoodidea,providedthemenuseddiscretionanddidn’timbibetoomuch.Tomorrowthey’d
claimtheirladies,anditwouldn’tbesmarttodosowithahangover.

Itwouldbeagoodthingforhimtojointhem,Garrandecided.Thatwayhe’dbeabletohelpkeepthings
undercontrol.Also,headmittedtohimself,thatwayhewouldn’thavetobealonewithhisthoughtsabout
Sarah’ssoftskinandenticingsmell.Hishandclenchedatthememoryofthetextureofherskin,so
smooth.Whathewouldn’tgivetobewithhernowinsteadofhisever-faithfulshadow.

GarranstoleabackwardglanceatSammul,loiteringathisheelsandsighed.Hereallywouldhavetodo
somethingtogetridofthemanwhenthetimecametoclaimSarahandgetheralone.Twowascompany--
twoplusabodyguardwasclearlyacrowd.

Hetiltedhisheadattheman-mountainbehindhim."Shallwejointhem?"

Sammul’slipstwitchedinamusement."Youprobablyshouldbeintherewiththem.It’sapartyforthe
attachedmenafterall."

Hiseyesdancinginamusement,Garranputtwofingersagainsthismouth,signalingtheneedforsilence.

"Wewon’tmentionthatthough,willwe?Let’sjustkeepthemcompany."

Inside,themenweregatheredingroupsandattables,drinkingandlaughing,theirhappy,excitedfaces
everywhere,holdinguptheirwriststoshowofftheirbands.GarranfingeredSarah’sband,stillinhis
pocket.Hewouldn’tputitonuntillater,inprivate.

Thebandedmenweremarried,partofacouple,thefundamentalunitofGaiansociety.Thiswouldbe
theirlastnightinthebachelorquarters--tomorrownightthey’dshareaprivateroomwiththeirlady.Most
ofthemlookedliketheycouldn’twaittoshareamarriagebed.

Ofcoursesomeofthemenlookedlikethey’dalreadyfoundawelcomeintheirwivesarms.Theirbright
andknowingsmilesshowedproofofthat.Itwasn’tatallunusualforanewcoupletomakeloveafter
exchangingbands,andmanyhadnodoubtalreadydiscoveredhowwonderfulthatpartofamarriage
couldbe.

Garran’sbodytightenedinmemoryatthefeelofSarahinhisarms,andonceagainhewishedhe’dmade
lovetoher.She’devenseemeddisappointedinhisdecisiontowait.Butitwasforthebest.Ifshebecame
asangryasheexpectedhertobewhenshelearnedhisidentity,theirhavingsharedintimatepleasures
wouldjustmakehermoreupset.

Afewunbandedmenkepttheirbuddiescompany,theirsmilessometimesforced,butwantingtobepartof
thecelebration.Garranunderstoodhowtheyfelt.Fourfruitlessmarriagemeetshadgivenhimspecial
insightintohowharditcouldbetoseeothersattachandclaimawife.

Acoupleofmennearthedoorturnedinhisdirectionandtheyleapttoattention.Theynudgedthemennext
tothem,andaflurryofmovementandwhispersmovedthroughtheroom.Onebyone,tablebytable,the
menstood,theconversationceasingastheybecameawareofhispresence.

Garranfelttheweightoftheirstares,nearlytwohundredandfiftypairsofeyesgazingathim."Ididn’t
meantointerrupt.…"Garranbegan.

"Notaproblem,General.We’rehappytoseeyouhere."Amannearestthedoorspoke.Garranrecognized
him,oneoftheengineeringstaff,namedTarran.BethanandSymonhadmentionedhimasamanwho’d
alsomanagedtoattachpriortothemeet,throughanaccidentalmeetingwithsomeoftheyoungerwomen
inthehangerbay.

Tarranheldhiswristup,displayingthebandaroundit."Weknowitwaspartiallyyourplanthatwon
theseladiesforus.Thepartywouldn’tbecompletewithoutyou."

Quietmurmursofagreementswepttheroom,andGarranfeltasurgeofpride.SymonandBethanhadbeen
right.Thesemennowhadwivesandtherestwouldfindtheirsaswell.He’dheardofanothertransportof
NLCbridesheadingtheirwaywithintwoweeks.Hesmiled.Theirplanwasworkingbeautifully!

Tarranpouredaglassofcoldwhitewineandbroughtitovertohim,butwhenGarranreachedforit,
withhelditfromhim.Insteadhiseyestwinkledandmouthturnedupwardsintoagrin.

"General,there’sonlyonethingwrong,here."HeleanedoverandstaredmeaningfullyatGarran’sarm."I
haveitonprettygoodauthoritythatyoureceivedabandtodayandyetIdon’tseeyouwearingit."

Astonished,Garrangapedattheyoungerman."Howdidyouknow?"

Severalmennearthemgrinnedsheepishly.Onespoke,atall,skinnyyoungsterwholookedbarelyold
enoughtobehere.Hewaspale,withlightbrownfreckles,andGarranrecognizedhimasamemberofthe
women’ssurveillanceteam."Well,whenyoubackuptherecordingwetookwhenthewomenfirstcame
onboardtowherethatred-headedleaderoftheirssluggedyou.…"Hegrinned.

Tarrannodded."Thenwhenyouconsiderthatsincethewomencameyou’vebeenspendingallyourtime
inyourquarters."

Athirdmanspokeup."AndthenyouaddinthefactthateitherSammulorMaxxahasbeenhangingaround
duringandafterthemeets."ThismanwasnearlyasbigasoneofGarran’sbodyguards.Heworea
securitypatchandGarranrealizedprobablyworkedcloselywiththetwomenandknewthey’dbeen
assignedtoprotecthim.

"Wellsir,itwasprettyobviouswhatwasgoingon."Tarranconcluded."Doyouhavesomereasontohide
itfromus?"

Didhehaveareason?He’dnotwanteditknownhe’dattachedtoanEarther,butclearlythatwasn’ta
secretanymore.GarranpulledSarah’sbandfromhispocketandfasteneditaroundhiswrist.Heshowed
ittothemandheardthemurmuredapproval.

Tarranthrusttheglassofwineintohishandsthengrabbedoneofhisown."We’vetoastedtheladiesof
Earthwhoarenowourwives,andthosewho’vebroughtthemtous.Ihaveanothertoastnow."

Heheldhisglasshigh."TotheGeneral’slady!"

Thephraserangthroughouttheroom,repeatedbyeveryoneincludingSammulbehindhim,who’d
acquiredaglassofhisown.Garranraisedhisownglassanddrankdeeplyofthechilledbeverage.

Henoddedhisappreciation,bothforthedrinkandthetoast.Averygoodwine,sweetashisladyandas
coldasshewasnot.Averyappropriatechoice.

AswasSarahforhimanappropriatechoiceherealized.Hisred-hairedEartherbride,sweetand
acceptinginhisarmstoday.Tomorrowmorninghewouldclaimher.…

Butwouldsheaccepthisclaim?BethanhadwarnedhimthattheEarthwomenhadsomemisgivingsabout
himandthatSarahsharedthose.Shemightnotwanthimoncesheknewwhohewas.

Misgivingsofhisownarose,buthecouldn’tfocusonthosenow.Somehowhe’dwinhertrust.Halfthe
battlewaswoninthatshe’dacceptedmarriage.Shejustdidn’tknowitwashim.Oncesheknew,he’djust
havetoconvinceherhereallywasthemanwanted.

Enoughconcernsforthenight.Mostofthesemenwouldn’thavethesameproblemshedid.Theirladies
wouldholdnopreconceivedideasaboutthem.

Itwastimetocelebrate,notworry.Garranraisedhisglass."Toallofourladies,gentlemen!"

****

"Whatdoyoumean,whatamIgoingtowear?"Sarahleanedbackinherchairinthedininghallandshota
glanceatLaurawhoseemedastakenabackasshewas.BesidethemLindseyevenlostsomeofher
overwhelminggood-humor,whichSarahassumedTerranhadfullresponsibilityfor.

Herhusbandmighthavebeenreluctanttomakelove,butitseemedveryfewothermenhadbeen.Several
womenhadgottenintoagood-naturedargumentoverwhichoftheirmenhadperformedthebest.

Andiea,theGaianwomanaddressingthem,foldedherarmsandreturnedtheirstaresmeaningfully."I
mean,aren’tyougoingtodressupfortheclaiming?It’scustomary--afterall,thisisthefirsttimeyour
husbandwillseeyou.Youwanttolooknice."

Severalotherwomengatheredaround,eyeswideningasAndiea’smeaningbecameclear.

"We’regoingtoneedfancyclothesfortomorrow?"Lindsey’sfaceturnedthoughtful."Ihaveadress...I
woreitforthelast-daypartyatschool."Shesuddenlysmiled."Ibetmyhusbandwouldloveit...the
bottomisveryshort.

"Ihaveaniceblackskirtandpurplesateenblouse,"Sarahheardanotherwomanexclaim.

"Idon’tsupposewecouldusethewhitegowns,"someoneelsesaid.

"Tooshapeless.Youwantsomethingthatshowsyourfigure."Andiea’sfaceshowedsympathyasshe
headedforthedoor."LetmetalktoBethan.I’msureshe’llhaveasolution."

"WehavetheGaianblousesandskirtsweweregiven.Maybewecanjustdressthoseupsomehow."Even
asshesaiditLauradidn’tsoundtoohopeful.

Still,Sarahthought,itwasn’tabadidea.TheGaianwomenworesimpleclotheswithdecorationsof
ribbon,lace,andfancystitching.Maybetherewassomethingshecoulddowithwhatshehad.Ambition
firing,Sarahroseandheadedforherroom.

Twohourslater,BethanarrivedtofindSarahhunchedoverherGaianblouse,anemerald-coloredribbon
inonehandandasurgical-needleandthreadfromhermedicalkitintheother.Irregularloopsofribbons
weregatheredalongthetopoftheblouse,heldinplacebylargeandinSarah’seyes,poorlydonestitches.

Sarahthrewasidetheresultsofherhandiworkwithagruntofdisgust."Ilearnedtodostitchesusing
needleandthreadwhenItookemergencymedicineyearsago.Neverhadcausetouseit...wealwaysuse
wound-sealersinourwork.It’sagoodthingIguess."Sheeyedhermodifiedblousewithdismay."IfIhad
toworkonapersonthey’dcomeoutlookinglikeFrankenstein."

Bethanlookedconfused."Frankenstein?"

"Amanstitchedtogetherfromthepartsofothermen.Isawanoldflat-screenhorrormovieabouthim
once.Hehadseamsrunningupthesidesofhisface."Sheglaredattheblouseandit’srichlyhuedbut
disastrouslyuneventrim."Onsecondthought,thatwouldbeanimprovementoverthis."

Bethanlaughedandpointedtothelineofdelicatelymadeflowersthatdecoratedthenecklineofherown

garment."Thiskindofworktakesyearstolearntodo,Sarah.Don’tfeelbadthatyouaren’tanexpert."
Bethancollectedtheblouse."Thisisn’tsobad...atleastit’scolorful."Shepickedatoneoftheribbons.
"Wheredidyougetthese?"

"Hairribbons.Iwasn’tsurehowavailabletheywouldbewhereIwasgoingandItendtoneedalot
them."Sarahliftedherbraidtolieoverhershoulder,showingtheredribbontierunningthroughit.She
strokedthebraid."Atleastheseemedtolikehowlongmyhairwas."

"He?Oh,youmeanyourhusband."BethanreachedforSarah’sarmandsmiledatthemarriageband."I’m
gladyoucareaboutwhathelikes."

"I’dbetter--he’smyhusbandnow."MournfullyshestaredattheadulteratedtopinBethan’shands."Ijust
hopehewon’tbetoodisappointedinme."

"What,becauseyoucan’tsew?Idoubthe’llnotice.Believeme,I’veseenworse."Bethaneyedher
handiworkwiththeairofanexpert."Usingtheribbonwasclever.Itjustneedsacoupleextrastitchesto
eventhingsout."

Sarah’shopesrose."Couldyoufixit?Idon’thavetimetolearnhowtodoitright."

WithagrinBethanpickeduptheneedleandapplieditwithconsiderableskill,neatlytuckingtheextra
ribbonintoplace,catchingthelooserloopsasshewent.Sarahstaredinwonderastheeffectshe’dbeen
tryingforshowedupalongtheneckline,loopsofred,blue,green,andyellowribbonincolorfuldisplay
againstthepalegreenfabric."That’swhatIwanted."

"See,youwereontherighttrack.Whythesuddeninterestindomesticarts,anyway?"

"Iwanteditfortomorrow,fortheclaiming.Idon’thaveanythingreallynicetowear."

Bethanfinishedthelastknotandsnippedtheloosethreads.ShehelditupforSarah’sinspection."Well,
it’snice,andI’msureyourhusbandwouldbepleasedthatyouwenttothismuchtrouble.Butifyou’dlike
somethingalittlemoreappropriate.…"

Sarah’sattentionwascaught."Youmeanfancier?Whatdoyouhaveinmind?"

"Andieamentionednotallofyouhadproperclaiminggarments,sotherestofusgotbusyandputsome
outfitstogether."Sherosetoherfeet."Whydon’tyoucomewithmeandseewhatwefound."

EagerlySarahfollowedhertodininghall,whichseemedtohavebeenturnedintoaclothingbankinher
absence.Piledonthetablesweregowns,skirts,andblousesinrichcolorsandfabrics,muchnicerthan
theusualGaiangarb.

Attheirentrance,Bethannoddedtooneofthewomenhelpingthedelightedbridesselectingclaiming
attire.Thewomansmiledanddisappearedforamoment,reappearingwithyetanotheroutfit.Bethantook
fromhertheheavybrocadedskirt,darkgreenincolor,andwhiteblouse,richlydecoratedinembroidery
invariousshadesofgreen,gold,andred.Flowersandleavesranalongthescoopedneckanddownthe
topofthelongsleeves,endingincoloredbandsatthewrists.

Sarahgapedatthebeautifuloutfit,tentativelyfingeringthedelicatelydepictedflowers.Someblooms

wereared-goldcolornotunlikethecolorofherhair."I’veneverseenanythinglikethis."

"That’soneoftheEarthflowersthatgrowswellonGaia.It’scalledaroseandcomesinmanycolors,
includingthatone.Rosesaremuchlovedbyourpeopleandsomevarietiesevenhavenames.Thatone’s
calledEarthenFlame."

Sarahlaughed."Howveryappropriate--it’sverylikethecolorofmyhair."Bethanhandedtheblouseto
herandshegatheredthesilkenfoldsoverherarm.Itfeltlikeheaventothetouchandshecouldn’twaitto
seeherhusband’sexpressionwhenhesawit.

Ofcourse,shecouldn’twaittoseeherhusband.

Itseemedtogoodtobetrue."AreyousureIcanhavethistowear,Bethan?"

BethanpressedtheskirtonherandSarahreachedtotakeholdoftheheavymaterial."It’syourstokeep,
Sarah.Consideritaweddinggift."

****

SymonfoundGarrantearingthroughhisclothes-store,throwingthecontentsoverthenewdoublewidebed
thattookupthemiddleofhisbedroom.

Hepickeduponeoftheseveralblackshirtspiledonthebed."Itisn’tspring-cleaningisit,Garran?Oh,
wait,Iknow.You’remakingroomforyourwife’sclothes."Heeyedthebedwithasmile."Iseeyou’ve
alreadytakencareofwhereshe’llsleep."

Garranshovedawaywardlockofdarkhairoutofhiseyes,hisexpressionscreaminghisannoyance."If
youmustknow,I’mlookingforsomethingtoweartomorrow.Somethingappropriatefortheclaiming."

Hepickedupapairofebonycoloredpantsandtossedthemaside."Somethingthatisn’tblack."

"Somethingthatisn’tblack!"Symoncouldn’tresistteasinghisfriend."ButGarran,blackisyourfavorite
color.I’mnotsureI’drecognizeyouifyouwerewearinganythingelse."

"That’sthepoint.Idon’twantanyonetorecognizeme,leastofallher.Atleast,Idon’twanthertoseeme
asme.…"Heblewoutadeepfrustratedbreath."YouknowwhatImean."

"Youmeanyouwantsomethingtowearthatwon’timmediatelyremindyourwifethatshe’smarriedto
GeneralGarranDoranth."Symonsortedthroughtheshirts,eachasdarkastheothers."Iunderstand,
Garran.ReallyIdo."

Pullingthelastofhiswardrobe,Garrantosseditonthepileonthebed.Everyshirt,jacket,jumpsuit,and
pairofpantswasasdarkasthenext.Thepilelookedlikeablackhole,absorbingalllightwithinthe
room.

Symonstaredatit."Impressive,Garran.I’msurprised.Ididn’trealizeblackcameinsomanyshades."

Garrangroanedandsatontheedgeofthepile,buryinghisheadinhishands."WhatamIgoingtodo?IfI
showupwearingthisstufftomorrow,she’llhitmeandrunawaybeforeIcangetawordinedgewise.
I’vegottothrowheroff-guard,foratleastaslongasittakestogetheralone.Imagineherscreaming
aboutmebeingtheGaianbeastinfrontoftheothers?"

EvenSymonshuddered.Thatwasaproblem.IfSarahpanickedtheotherwomenmightdothesame.
"Well,it’sagoodthingBethananticipatedthis."

Garran’sheadcameup,obviouslysensinganimpendingsolution."WhatdidBethananticipate?"

"Thatyoumightneedanewwardrobe.Ifyou’llcomewithmetothesittingroom…."

HisvoicetrailedoffandhehadtomovequicklytogetthroughthedoorbeforeGarran.Thebigman
movedmuchfasterthanSymonhadanticipated,aferalgleaminhiseyes.Thegleamturnedto
appreciativesatisfactionwhenitlandedonthepileofclothingSymonhadleftinMaxxa’scare.Four
pairsofpantsinbrownanddarkblue,threetopsinlighterbluesandgreen,plusoneinanicetancolor
restedononeofthelongdivans.

Inaseparatepilewasanotheroutfit,brocadepantsinadarkgreenandawhitesilkentopheavywith
embroidery.Garranliftedtheshirtreverently."Claiminggarments,fortomorrow."Heranonehandalong
theembroideryattheneckline."Bethan’shandiworkIsee.Beautiful.Please,givehermythanks."

Symonclappedhisfriendontheshoulder."Iwill."Heturnedtoleave."Don’tstayupallnightworrying
abouttomorrow.She’sagoodwomanandyou’reagoodman.Itwillworkoutforbothofyou."

Garrancollectedtheclothesinhisarmstotakethembackintohisbedroomandthebedhe’dsleepinfor
thefirsttime,andhopefullytheonlytimealone."Ihopeyou’reright,myfriend."

ChapterTwelve

Claimingday.Atthesignalingchimesfromthecomm-unitSaraharosefromhersleeplessbed,thecovers
tossedhereandthere,thepillowmashedintothecorner.

Foroncenodreamsfeaturingabroad-shouldereddark-hairedloverhaddisturbedhersleep.Insteadshe’d
tossedandturned,imaginingherhusband’shandsonherbreasts,hislipsonherlips.Sheevenimagined
hisbodybetweenherlegs,andthatimagehaddrivenhertothesanitaryinthemiddleofthenightfora
warm,relaxingbath.

Itwouldhavebeenevenmorerelaxingifshe’dbeenabletogethislastwordsandhersolicitedpromise
outofhermind.Whatwasitthatherhusbandhadbeensoconcernedabout?She’dpromisedtoobeyhis
instructions.Whatwouldthosebe?

Sheknewwhatwassupposedtohappentoday.Atthefirstbellthewomenweretoshowupinthe
assemblyhallwearingtheirclaiminggarmentsandarmbands,thehoodedrobescoveringthewhole.
They’dbeorganizedinthesamegroupsasthesecondmeeting.Theirhusbandswouldbebroughtin,still
wearingthebrownhoodedrobes,andwouldfindtheirwives,usingthebandsasverification.

Onceacouplemet,they’dexchangednamesandthenpulltherobesoff,uncoveringtheirfaces,andthen
thepairwouldmoveofftothebanquethallforseriousfeasting.

AfterbarelytouchingherdinnerlastnightSarahlookedforwardtothatpartoftheceremony.While
breakfasthadbeendeliveredtohercabin,Sarahwasn’tabletodomorethansipacupoftheflavorful
javi,ignoringthesweetenedfruit-rollonherplate.Herstomachseemedturnedintoknots.Maybeonce
shewaswithherhusbanditwouldsettledownandlethereat.Aftermissingtwomeals,sheexpectedto
bestarvingbylateafternoon.

Thechronometershowedverylittletimeleft,soSarahconcentratedonpackingthelastofherthingsinto
thetrunk.Thisafternoonitwouldbemovedtoherhusband’squarters--wherevertheywere.Shebrushed
herhairandplaitedthesideswithgreenribbons,pullingthebraidsuponherheadlikeacoronet.The
resultwasmoreelegantthanherusualbraid,butstillkeptherthickhairoutofherface.

FinallyshedonnedtheskirtandblouseBethanhadfoundforherlastnightandwhensheexaminedherself
inthemirrorshecouldn’thelpsmiling.ShelookedliketheimagestheGaianshadshownheroftheir
brides.

Surelyhe’dbepleased,thishusbandofherswhoalwayscalledher"Earthwoman".Sarahadmiredher
reflection,tiltingherheadinsatisfaction.ShecouldbeasGaianasanyone.

Slippingthehoodedrobearoundher,Sarahlefthercabinforthelasttimeandjoinedtheotherwomen
assembledinthecorridor.

****

Garranpulledthebrownrobearoundhim,andMaxxaintow,headedfortheassemblyroom.Aftera
sleeplessnighthe’dputawayhalfapotofjavi,plustwoofhisfavoritegeappletarts,butstillfelthungry.

Thenewclaiminggarmentsfithimperfectly,evengiventheweighthe’dlostinthepastfewdays.He’d
takenfarmorecarethanusualwithhisappearance,brushinghishair,cleaninghisteeth.He’dspentalot
oftimeinhisbedroom,clearingoutcabinetsforSarah’sbelongings,makingroomforherclothesnextto
his.

He’devenmadethebed,auselessgesturesinceheknewasmallarmyofcleanerswoulddescendonhis
quarterstheinstantheleftittomakecertaineverythingwouldbereadyforhisnewwife.

Hisnewwife.Garranplayedwiththebandandoncemorewonderedwhyshe’dpickedalong-legged
birdforasymbol.ItmustbeanoldEarththing.Maybehe’dgethertotellhimlater.

Assumingshewasspeakingtohimlater.Hecouldn’tkeepimaginingtheworst.Somehowitwasgoingto
workout.Ithadto.

Maxxa’shanddescendedonhisshoulderastheyarrivedatthehallwayleadingtotheassemblyhall,just
beforeheenteredthedoor.UnderordersfromBethantoletthebulkofthenewlywedspairoffandleave
first,Garranfollowedhisbodyguard’sdirectionandwaitedtoenter.

****

Sarahtookherplacewiththeothers,herwhitehoodedgowncoveringherheadtotoe.Partofgroupone,
shewasherdedintothecorneroftheroomnearestthemaindoor,groupstwotofourtakingtheother
corners,groupfiveplacedinthecenter.Thenoiselevelintheroomroseasthewomentooktheirspots,
quietingonlywhenthemaindoorsopenedandthemencamein.

Onetall,thinmanrushedintotheroomandheadedfortheirgroup,almoststumblingonhisrobeinhis
rush.Sarahwatchedashecastaboutwildlythenjerkedforwardtostandinfrontofthewhitefigureshe
knewwasLaura.

Hehelduphisbandandshowedherthesymbol."MynameisParrasOlmas."

"I’mLaura...LauraThomas,"Sarahheardherfriend’ssoftvoiceanswer.

Hereachedoverandpulleduphermask,thenallowedhertodothesametohim.Sarahwatchedasthe
pairgazedintoeachother’sface,thelookofwonderandjoythatfollowed.Parrasreachedonehand
forwardandgentlystrokedLaura’scheek.

"Mywife,"hewhispered.

Hergazefixedtohim,Lauraallowedherselftobeleadawaywithoutsinglebackwardglance.

Inthemeantimetherestofthemenhadenteredandsearchedthehoodedwomenfortheirwife.Usingtheir
innateattachmentsense,theyseemedabletoidentifytheirladieswithsurprisingspeed,narrowinginon
thatonespecialwomaninspiteoftheconcealinghoods.

Sarahwatchedforherhusband,assumingheshouldn’tbetoohardtospot,hisbiggerbuildmakinghim
easytoidentifyamongsttheothers.Inspiteofthatshedidn’tseehim,andsoon,welloverhalfthecouples
weregonefromtheroomheadingforthebanquethall.AthreadofworryattackedSarah,wonderingwhat
couldbewrong,whyhewouldn’tbethere.

He’dbeenlatefortheirsecondmeeting,too.Perhapsshedidn’tmeanthatmuchtohim.Perhapstheir
marriagewasasham.Perhaps,perhaps….Nervousnessmadeherimaginetheworse.

Herfearsfledwhenafamiliarfiguredressedinthecharacteristicbrownrobestrodetowardher,his
speedandaccuracyareliefuntilsherealizedthatshewastheonlywomanleftinhergroup.

Shestaredashestoppedbeforeher."You’relate...again."

Heseemedtakenaback."Ididn’trealizeyouwerekeepingcount.I’msorry,itisn’tbecauseIdon’twant
tobehere."Hereachedforherhandwiththeband,pulledituptoexaminethesymbol,hishandstroking

hersgently."I’mgladtoseeyou,wife."

Hiscontritetonemadeherlaugh."I’mgladtoseeyouaswell,husband."

"Yourememberyourpromise.TodoasIask?"

Curiosityassailingher,Sarahspoke."Iremember."

"Verywellthen.IwantyoutotellmeyournameandI’llunveilyou,thenyouunveilmeandI’lltellyou
myname.Thenwe’llleave,butIdon’twantyoutosayanythinguntilwe’realone."

Thatwasn’thowtheothershaddoneitandSarahcouldn’tunderstandwhyhewantedtochangewhat
seemedtobeacommonritual.Butshe’dmadeapromise.Sarahnodded."Iagree."

Thatmeantshewentfirst.Hewaitedwhileshecollectedherself."MynameisSarahJohnson."

Shewaitedwhilehishandsfoundthebottomofherveilandliftedit,pullingthehoodbackaswell.His
appreciativegaspwarmedhertothecore.

"Youare...mostbeautiful,mywife.Sarah,Imean."Hetouchedherhairandstrokedhercheekwiththe
backofhishand.Sarahfoundherselfleaningintohishand.

Nowitwashisturn."Youwantmetopulloffyourhoodandthenyou’llsayyourname?"

Hestiffenedandgaveabriefnod.Smilinginanticipation,Sarahreachedforthebottomedgeofthemask
andpulleditup,thenoverhishead,takingthehoodwithit.Itfellback,revealinghisface,hairslightly
disheveledandhischeeksflushed.

Sarahstared.Hewashandsome,thishusbandofhers,veryhandsome.Thelongsilkyhairshe’dfeltwas
asshe’dhopeddarkbrown,andhisskinpaleasifithadrarelyseenthesun.Deepblueeyeswithan
anxiouslookgazedlonginglyatheroverthelongpatriciannoseandfirmjawherfingershadtouched.

Shesmiledathimandsomeoftheanxiousnesslefthisface.Heopenedhismouththenclosedit,and
Sarahrealizedhe’dyettosayhisname.

"SowhatdoIcallyou,husband?"shesaidtoencouragehim.

Theanxiousnessreturned,followedbyresignation.Hetookadeepbreath."MynameisGarran.Garran
Doranth."

Ittookamomentforhertorecognizethename.She’dsooftenheardhimreferredtoasjusttheGeneralor
byhisnickname,theGaianBeast.

Herfirstreactionwasshock,thenloss.Wherewasthemanwhosetouchshe’dlearnedtoappreciate,
whosevoicehadthrilledhertothecore?Insteadhewasherworsenightmare,herenemy.Angerwarred
withtearsasshegazedathim.

Heseemedtoknowwhenshemadetheconnection.Hismouthgrewthinandhisjawset,butworstofall
washiseyes.Whenheknewshe’drecognizedhim,thehopeinthemdied.

Sarahmighthavefeltsorryforhimifshehadn’tbeensoangry.Asitwas,itwasallshecoulddotofulfill
herpromise,holdinghertongueasheledherthroughasidedoortheothercoupleshadn’ttaken,the
bodyguardshe’dnoticedduringtheirlastmeetingfallingintoplacebehindthem.

****

Othereyeswatchedthemleavetheroom.

GONEAGAIN!Secondtimelossofopportunitytosearch,attack,destroylost,….secondtime!The
creatureseethedwithfrustration.Shouldn’ttakemorethanonce,shouldsearch,attack,destroyonsight,
butnowseentwiceandmissedtwice,couldhavefinishedalready….butfailed!

Furious,ITwatcheditstargetleavewiththewoman,abiggermanintow.Probablymeanttobe
protection...protectionfromme.Evillaughtergreetedthatthought.Asifoneman,evenoneaslargeasthat
onewouldbeprotectionenoughfromIT!

Itwasthefemale’sfault.Stupidfemale,stupidtochoosethatman,chooseIT’starget.She’dinterferedthe
firsttime,struckhim,drovethetargetfromtheroombeforeITcouldact,beforeITcouldsearch,attack,
destroy.Andnowshe’ddoneitagain,gottenintheway,causedIT’stargettoleave.Andhe’dtakenher
withhim.Shewouldlikelyinterfereagain.

Thedoorsclosedsolidlybehindthethree.ITcouldn’tfollow,notnow.

Mustmaintaincover.Must.Regretatthat,didn’twanttogobackunder.Itwasgoodtobeout.Butthere
wasnochoice.Anotheropportunitymustbefound,anothertimetofindthetarget,tosearch,toattack,to
destroy.Mustretreat,lethosttakeover.

"Mary...areyouallright?"

ConcernedmanstandingnexttoIT.Concernedvoiceinear,concernedhandsonshoulders.Evilglee.
Couldripconcernedheartout.

Unwelcomedismayfromhost.ConfusioninIT--hoststrongerthanwas.Howpossible?Hostweak,host
wasalwaysweak,nowill,that’swhyhost.Butnow...hostcareforconcernedman,didn’twanthurt--
didn’twantITtohurtman.

Thecreaturemulledthatover.

Bettertoretreat.Findtargetandsearch,attack,destroylater.Lethostcareforconcernedman,fornow.

Maryblinkedandsmiledintohernewhusband’sface."Oh,Karra,I’mfine."Shegaveashakylaugh."I
guessIjustneedsomethingtoeat."

WithabesottedsmileKarratookhiswife’sarmandledhertothebanquethall.

ChapterThirteen

Theymoveddowntheunfamiliarcorridorathighspeed,theGeneral’sarmaroundherlikeavise,
directingSaraharoundcornersandthroughconnectingpassages.Hotontheirheelswasthebigmanshe’d
noticedbefore,nowobviouslyabodyguard.WhenSarahlookedbackathim,shecouldseehimwatching
thewayinfrontofthemforsignsofdanger,hisgazescanningeverydoorwayandsidepassage.

Shealsonoticedthathisgazelandedonhermorethanoncewiththatsamesearchingstare.Apparently
shetoowasconsideredathreat.

Theyarrivedatadoorway,somewhatwiderthantheothersbutotherwisenotdistinguishablefromthe
otherdoors.Thebodyguardtappedinacodeontheadjacentkeypad,andthedoorslidopen.

Intheinstanttheywereinside,thedoorclosedbehindthemandatlastGarranreleasedherandSarah
steppedaway.Foldingherarms,shewatchedasthebodyguardmadeaswiftsearchoftheroomsthen
reportedback."Allclear,Garran."

"Thanks,Maxxa."HeshotatentativeglanceatSarahandsherespondedbytighteninghermouthand
narrowinghereyes.Hetookadeepbreath."Maybeyoubettergiveussometime.Alone."

Thebulkymanlookeduncertain,eyeingSarahwithapprehension."I’mnotsupposedto.…"

Sarah’stemperfired.Promiseofsilencebedamned,shewasn’tgoingtoletpassthebodyguard’s
suggestionthatshewasathreat."It’sallright,"shesaiddryly."IpromiseIwon’tlayahandonhim."

Garran’slipstightenedwhileMaxxaseemedtosuppressasmile."Justgo.…Iwanttobealonewithmy
wife."

Theystoodinsilenceoncethebigmanlefttheroom.TheGeneralundidhisrobeandhungitonahook
nearthedoorthenreachedtotakeSarah’sfromher.Sheslippedawaybeforehecouldtouchherbutundid
therobeandhandedittohim.

Aflashofpaincrossedhisface."I’mnotgoingtohurtyou,Sarah,"hesaidashehungitup.

Toolate,Sarahthought.Shewashurt.She’dgivenherhearttohim...onlytofindhewasn’twhoshe’d
thoughthewas.She’dthoughtthatshe’dfinallyfoundsomeonetobuildalifewith,amantoloveher,a
mantohavechildrenwith.She’dthoughthimsomeoneshecouldlove.

InsteadhewastheoneGaianshe’dsworntohate.

Andheknewthat,too.Fromtheirfirstmeetingwhenshe’dlosthertemperandstruckhim.…

Anotherthoughtrippedthroughandfilledherwithdread."General,isthissomesortofrevenge?"

Hehonestlylookedpuzzled."Revenge?Forwhat?"

"ForthatslapIgaveyou.Isthishowyouintendtorepayme,insteadofhavingmearrested?"

Thedarkshaggyeyebrowsshe’dfeltyesterdaywithherfingersloweredintoaglower."Ineverreally
thoughtofmarriagetomeasbeingakindofpunishment,"hegrowled."That’sprettyinsulting,don’tyou
think?"

"Maybe...butwhatelsecanIthink?YouknewwhenwemetthatIdislikedyou.Whygothroughthis
charade?Whyaskmetobeyourwife?"

"IattachedtoyouSarah,that’swhyIaskedyoutobemywife."

Anotherthought,evenworseoccurredtoher.Supposethattoowasasham.Hehadn’theldherclose
enoughtotell...whenthey’dbeenalonehe’davoidedmakinglove--maybehecouldn’t."Didyou,really?"

Againhelookedpuzzled."DidIwhat?"

"Attachtome.I’veseennoevidenceofit,Ididn’thearyoudoitandwedidn’tmakelove.Maybeyou’re
fakingit."

Heblinkedonce,twice,thenahardfrowncoveredhismouth.Hecrossedthedistancebetweenthem,and
pulledherintohisarms,tight.Fearleaptthroughherashegrabbedherbuttocksandforcedtheirbodies
together."Whatdoyouthink,Sarah?"

Toostartledtostruggle,Sarahallowedhimtoholdher,thenrealizedwhatwaspressedtightagainsther.

Wellsomuchfornothavinghardevidence,shethoughtsardonically.Hewashard,allright.Evenwith
herinexperienceSarahcouldrecognizeanarousalwhenshefeltitandthisonewasimpressive.The
thoughtofthatrigidlengthprobingherdepthscausedhermomentarilytolosefocusandshehadtoforce
herselfnottorubagainsttheintriguinglumpofmalefleshthrobbingagainstherbelly.

Hisharshvoicebroughthertohersenses."Ihatetospoilyourmisconceptionsaboutme,butI’mnotthis
goodanactor."Shelookeduptoseetheintenselookinhiseyes.Intenselyangry?Orjust--intense?

Shepulledawayandheallowedit,droppinghisarms."Iprobablyshouldn’thavedonethat,butIcouldn’t
letyouthinkIdidn’twantyou."

"SoIwaswrong.ButIdidn’thearitinthehallway."

"No,becauseIwasalreadyattached.FromthefirsttimeIsawyou,intheassemblyhall."

Sarahstaredathim."WhenIslappedyou?"

"Idoubtthathadanythingtodowithit...Ihope,anyway."Herubbedhischeek,aruefulgrinonhisface.
"I’dhatetothinkthatwouldbecomeatrend.ButI’msureIgotagoodwhiffofyouatthetimeandthat
wasenough.You’reamatchforme.EvenifIhadn’tbeenattachedalready,itwouldhavehappenedinthe
hallway.IfI’dbeenthere."

Sarahcaughtthelastremarkandfrowned."Whywouldn’tyouhavebeenthere?"

Handsonhips,hegaveanawkwardlaugh."BecauseIdidn’twantaEartherwife,that’swhy."Hisstare
returnedtoherandranupanddown,takinginherclaiminggarmentandthecrownofbraidedhaironher
head,shakinghisheadinadmiration.

"Ofcourse,that’sbeforeImetyou.NowIcan’timagineanythingI’dratherhave."Hisgazewasfrankly
reverent."Youlookwonderful,Sarah."

Thecomplementandthewarmlookinhiseyesmadeherflush.Foramomentsheconsideredhis
appearance.Likeherheworeawhitetopheavywithfancystitchinganddarkgreenpantsofbrocade
similartoherskirt.

Shelookedmorecarefully.No,notsimilar...identical!Withanopen-mouthshestaredattheembroidery
onhisshirt,thered-goldrosesparadingdownhissleeves.

"Yourclothes.We’redressedalike."

Helookedmorecarefullyathergarments,andhismouthtwitchedinamusement."Soweare.Isuppose
yougotthosefromBethan."

Sarah’sjawdropped."Shedidbothofthese,didn’tshe?Thatmeansshemusthaveknown.…"

Garranlaughed."KnewIwasattachedtoyou?Ofcourse,sheandSymonbothknew...theyencouraged
me."

"Andme.We’vebothbeencoercedintothis."Furyoverthepair’sbetrayalfilledher.HowdareSymon
andBethanencouragehertolookforahusbandwhentheyknewshe’dendupwithGeneralDoranth!

"Itdidn’ttakemuchcoercionforme."

Unabletocopewiththemixedfeelingsrunningthroughher,Sarahturnedtogazeattheroomaroundher,
takingitinforthefirsttime.

Garranwatchedherlookaround."Thesearemyquarters--ourquartersnow.Thisisthelounge,"hetold
her.

Itwasimpressive,alargeroomshapedsomethinglikeahalf-circlewithcouches,chairs,andsmalltables
scatteredalongtheouterwalls.Theroomwasconfiguredtoaccommodateseveralsmallgroupsof
people,oralargegroupfacingthemediacenterthatcoveredtheinnerwall.Itwouldhavebeenidealfor
presentations,discussions,aswellaspartiesofuptothirtyorsopeople.

Ontheleftsideoftheroom,wasaneatingcounterwithsometallstools.Behindthecounterappearedto
beasmallkitchenarea,withcabinetsandcounters.

Thecolorschemewasalldarkbrownsandtans,withbrightsplashesofred,green,andbluetobrighten
theroom.

ItwaseasilytheloveliestroomshehadseentodateonThePromise--ashipthatseemedfilledwith

lovelyrooms."Itisverynice."

Heseemedpleasedatherpraise.Smilinghelookedaroundandwhenhelookedbackhehadapleased
lookonhisface."I’mgladyoulikeit."

Headingfortheareabehindthecounter,Garrangesturedtoher."Comeandsitdown.Ididn’teatmuch
thismorning,andIsuspectyoumightbehungryaswell."Hebentdowntolookinacoolingcabinet."Let
usjustseewhatthekeepersmighthaveleft."

Curious,Sarahdidasheasked,takingaseatononeofthestools.

Herummagedaroundinthecabinetandthenpeekedupather,hisfacewearingadelightedgrin.

"Wehaveatleastonethingincommon.YoumustlikepranasasmuchasIdo!"Hepulledalargeplatter
arrayedwithbrightpinkshellfishfromthecabinet.

Pranas,sheremembered,wereadishthathadbeenservedearlierintheweek.Theywerepreparedinthe
shell,servedcold,andtastedsomethinglikethesyntheticlobsterandcrabshe’deatenonrareoccasions
onEarth...onlyahundredtimesbetter!Shehadeatenallofhers,plusanumberofotherswhenitturned
outsomeofhertablemateshadn’tcaredforthem.

Sarahgrimaced.Itwasinterestingthatsomeonehadbeennotinghertastesinfoodandshebetsheknew
who’dbeenkeepingsuchgoodtabsonher.Bethanagain.

Heputtheplatteronthecounter,thenretrievedplatesandeatingutensilsfromotherpartsofthekitchen,
creatingtwoplacesettingsforthem.Healsofoundabowlofgreenswithalightdressing,aloafoffresh
bread,andgotabutter-likespreadout.

Thenhelookedagainintothecoolersaying,"Thereshouldbesomethingelse.…

"Oh,yes!"Garranglancedupather,positivelybeaming."Thisshouldprovetrulyhelpful."Hepulledout
acoldbottleofwhitewine.

"Averygoodvintage,"hetoldherlookingatthelabel."Andifmemoryserves,anexcellentyear.
Someonelikesusalot."Hepulledthecork,andpouredtwoglasses,lookingjubilantoverhisfind.

Apprehensive,Sarahlookedatherglass,thenathim.Shedrankwinewithmeals,butdidn’tfeellikeshe
shouldnow,tooanxioustobeevenremotelytipsywhilealonewithhim.

"Sohowisthisgoingtobehelpful?Youwanttogetmedrunk?"

Againhisfaceturneddowncast."No,notatall.Butweneedtotalk,andaglassortwoofthis,"hesaid
raisinghisglass,"canbeveryhelpful.Sarah,youarecompletelysafewithme.Iwouldneverdoanything
thatyoudidn’tapproveof,andwouldnevertakeadvantageofyou.Actually,notrueGaianmanwould."

Hesippedandsmiledappreciatively."Ah,it’sasgoodasIremember."

Sarahtriedherownwineandwasdelightedwiththecooltartnessthatspreadacrosshertongueandthe
sweetaftertaste.Itwasashesaid,excellent.Asagentlerelaxationfilledher,shereluctantlydecidedthat

thewinemighthavebeenagoodideaafterall.

Hungry,theydoveintotheirlunch,goingthroughthepileofpranas,salad,andbreadquickly.Itwassome
timebeforeeitherofthemfelttheneedtospeakagain.

Finally,Sarahbrokethesilence."Well,onethingforsure,youcertainlylivewell."Sheanothersipof
wineandcheckedthepileofshellsinfrontofherformissedpiecesofthesucculentmeat.

Garranlookedthoughtfulforasecond."It’sbeensometimesinceI’veenjoyedameallikethis.I’veeaten
goodfood,anddrunkwinethisfine,butdidn’tenjoyitnearlyasmuch.Havingyouheremakesallthe
difference."Hebrightened."Still,thekeepershavetrulyoutdonethemselvesthistime."

"That’sthesecondtimeyou’vementionedhaving‘keepers’.Whatdoyoumean?"

Heglancedoverandsmiledsheepishly."Forsometimenow,Ihaven’tbeenverygoodabouteating
regularmeals,sleepingregularhours,oranythingelse.Ijustdidn’tcareanymore.Afterawhile,Inoticed
thatespeciallytemptingfoodwouldbeleftformetosnackonin-betweenmeals.Itturnedoutthatsomeof
themembersofmygeneralstaffhadbegunlookingoutforme.Istartedcallingthemkeeperswhenthey
wentsofarastotellmewhentogotobedandchangemyclothes."

Hegrimaced."Ofcourse,itwasabitembarrassingwhentheystartedleavingnotesabouttakingabath."

Sarahhadtosuppressherlaughter.Thiswasnotatallwhatshehadexpected.Themealhadbeen
splendid,thewineexcellent,andtheGeneralwasbeingverycharming.Shecouldbeinseriousdanger
here.

"GeneralDoranth.…"shebegan.

Rising,hetooktheemptiedplatesandpiledthemintothesmallcleanserunderthecounter."Iwishyou
wouldn’tcallmethat,"hegrumbled.

"Whynot?It’swhoyouare."

"It’swhoIwas,Sarah,notwhoIamnow.Sure,duringthewar,Iledmypeople.Iledthemprettywell,
too.ButbeforethatIwasanengineer,abuilder.Andmore.…"Hisvoicefailed,trailedoff,andSarah
sawanoldsadnessinhiseyes.Heseemedtoperuseherfaceandthesadnessfled,andadeterminedglint
tookover."ThewarisoverandIwanttogobacktowhoIwas.Iwantafamily.…Iwantyou."

Hegrabbedherhandwiththeband,andrubbedhisfingeroverthesymbol."Ichosethisbecausemyhome
isonCrescentLakeandIwanttolivethereagain.Youwouldlikeit,Ithink."

Uncertaintyseizedher.Inhisclaimingshirt,withhisdarkhairtousledabouthisshoulders,Garrandidn’t
looktobethemilitaryscourge,thecold-heartedmurderershe’dnamedhimmorethanonce.Theclaspof
hishandwaswarm,sensual,remindingherofothertimeshe’dtouchedher...howwonderfulhistouch
couldbe.Reluctantlyshepulledawayfromhim.

"IwastoldIcouldchangemymind."

"Youcould.Youcouldevendoittoday,"headmitted."Buthowwouldyouknowyou’vemadetheright

decision?Youhavethreestandarddaystorefusetobemywife."Heleanedonthecounterandstrokedthe
backofherhand.Sarahhadtofightthethrillhistouchgaveher...asitwasshecaughtherbreath.

"Sarah,Ithinkwe’reamatchforeachother.YoucameallthewayfromEarthtofindaman.Youdidn’t
havetochoosemeasyourhusband,butyoudid.IfIwasn’tsomeoneyouthoughtyouknew,Idoubtwe’d
behavingthisdiscussion.Infact,Isuspectwe’dalreadybeinthere."

HetossedhisglanceatthecloseddoorthatSarahsuspectedledtothebedroom,andshefelthercheeks
burn.Givenherunaccustomeddesire,shedidn’tdoubtthatthathewasright.

"Whynotgiveusachance?Staywithmeforthenextthreedaysandifyouwanttoleaveafterthat,I’ll
acceptit.Justtakeofftheband."

Staywithhimforthreedays?Thewayshekeptreactingtohim,itwasn’tcompletelyoutofthequestion
thatshe’dsuccumbtohischarm.Shetwirledtheremainingwineinherglass."Idon’tknow.…"

Hisdeep-blueeyesheldachallengeforher--Resistmeifyoucan.Butifshecouldn’t,whatdidthat
mean?Thathewasright,thathewastheonemanshecouldfeelattractedto,whosetouchlefthersick
withwantratherthansimplysick.

Fortoolongshe’dwatchedherfriendsandtheirrelationships,andwhileshe’dcongratulatedherselfon
avoidingtheheartachethatalwaysfollowedtheirinevitablebreakups,therehadalwaysbeenawinceof
envyaswell.Justonceshe’dwantedtoexperiencephysicallove,andseekingithadevengoneoutwitha
fewmen…onlytofeelillwhenevershe’dletoneofthemgetclosetotouchher.

Sheglancedoveratthegeneral’sbighandsasherefilledtheirglasses,firsthisthenhers.Whenhe’d
touchedherallshe’dfeltwashotdesire.

Whatdidshehavetolose?"IfIagreedtogiveitatry,staywithyou,whatwouldyouexpect?"

Hisgrintoldherhethoughthewaswinning."You’dstayhere,withme.We’ddothingstogether.For
example,Icouldtakeyouonatouroftheship."

Shehadn’tseenmuchofit,butthatwasintriguing."I’dlikethat.Whatelse?"

"We’dtalk,learnabouteachother.Eattogether,sharemeals.Shareabed."

"Shareabed?"

Heroutrageseemedtotakehimbysurprise."Ofcourse,sleeptogether.Weren’tyoulonelylastnight,
alone?Ihaven’tevensleptwithyouonceandIwaslonelywithoutyou."

Hecaughtherfaceandranatenderfingeralongherjaw."IwantyourfacetobethelastoneIseebefore
retiring,thefirstIseewhenIwake."

"But.…"

Sarahpulledawayfromhimandsuddenunderstandingfloodedhiseyes,madehisjawgranite."Youthink
Iwouldtakeadvantageofyou?I’mGaian,Icouldn’tforcemyselfonyouifIwantedto.Mypeoplearen’t

capableofrape."

Heshookhisheadangrily."Idon’tknowwhathappenedtoyoutomakeyousoafraidofmen,butyou
musttrustme,Sarah.Iwon’tdoanythingwithoutyourcooperation.IfsexwereallIwasinterestedin,I
couldhavedonethatyesterday."

Sarahknewhewasright,shehadbeenwillingandyetithadbeenhisideatowait.

"ThatisoneofthethingsIdon’tunderstand.Iwouldhaveacceptedsexwithyouyesterday.Youmust
haveknownthatitwouldhavebeenoutofthequestiontoday,sowhydidn’tyoutakeadvantageofit?It
mighthavebeenyouronlychance."

Hedidn’tanswerforamoment."IsupposeifI’dbeenanEarther,youmighthaveexpectedmetodojust
that.ButI’mnotanEarthman.IknewthatifIdidsomethinglikethat,tookadvantageofyounotknowing
whoIam,thatyouwouldhateme.Itwouldhavebeenaviolationinyoureyes,andthatissomethingI
couldneverdo."

Garrenraisedhisheadtostaredeepintohereyes."IamGaian,Sarah.Weloveandcherishthewomen
whoareourmates--wedon’thurtthem,usethem,ortakeadvantageofthem.MaybeI’llloseyouthree
daysfromnow,butyesterdayandtoday,anduntilyousayotherwise,you’remywife,andIintendtotreat
youthatway."

Heroseandhoistedhisglassintheair."Whatdoyousay,Sarah.Shallwedrinktothis?Athreeday
periodwherewegettoknowwhowereallyare?"

He’dbeenangryatherquestion,astowhyhe’dnottakenherwhenhe’dhadthechance.She’dhearditin
hisvoice,buthe’dcontrolledit.TherewasfarmoretoGeneralGarranDoranththanshe’dexpectedand
Sarahwassuddenlyintriguedandwantedtoknowmore.

Shetouchedtheedgeofherglasstohis."Allright,I’llgiveyouthreedays.Idon’texpectthatyouwill
changemymind."

Hegrinnedather."Sarah,IalmostthinkI’dbedisappointedifyousaiddifferently.AtleastnowIknow
you’rebeinghonest.AndI’manoptimist."

"Anoptimist?"

"Someonewhoalwaysexpectsthebesttohappen.Ilostthatforawhile,butallGaiansareborn
optimists.WeweretoldwewereoptimisticfoolstobreakofffromEarth,thatwe’dneverwinawar
againstthem.Butwewon.AndnowIsuggestwedosomethingelse.Doyouknowanygames?"

Games?Whatwashetalkingabout,Sarahwondered."Whatkindofgames.Likecardgames?"

Garrangrinned."Certainly,acardgamewouldbesplendid.Ihaven’tplayedagamewithsomeoneas
beautifulasyouforalongtime."

Awickedideacametomind."Well,"shesaidslowly,"atthehospital,weusedtoplayagamecalled
five-handusingastandardcarddeck.It’salittletricky,though,"sheaddeddubiouslyasifitmightbetoo
muchfortheGeneraltohandle.

Sarahhadwontheall-hospitalfive-handtournamentfiveyearsrunning.Shetriedtosmotheragrinofher
own.Itcouldbefuntotakethisarrogantmandownalittle.

Hedidn’tseemdauntedatall."Ohthat’sfine,justexplaintherulestomeandI’lllearnasIplay.WhenI
makeamistake,pointitouttomesoI’llknownottodoitagain."Hegrinnedather."Itwillbefunto
learnsomethingnew."

Theymovedtothesittingarea,takingthebottleofwineandtheirglasses.Garranfoundadeckofcards.
"Willthisdo?"

Shecountedthemandcheckedthesuitsandnumbers,andaftermakingtheadjustmentstothedeckneeded
forthegame,toldhimitwasfine.

Five-handwascomplexwithseverallevelsofstrategies,andSarahdoubtedhewouldbeabletokeepup,
butshedidasheaskedandexplainedtherulesandsomeofthebasiccardplays.

ThegamebeganandsureenoughtheGenerallostthefirstseveralhands,buthetookhislosseswitha
gracethatsurprisedSarah.Sheexplainedeachtimehowshehadwonthehand,andhelistenedcarefully.
Evenafterhehadlostforthesixthtime,hekepthishumor.Losingdidn’tseemtobotherhim.

Finallyhewonhisfirsthand,usingastandardplaystrategy.Afteracknowledginghisfirstwin,Sarah
decidedthatshecouldusesomeofthemoreadvancedstrategiessheknew.

Shepromptlywonthenexttwohands,butthenlostthethird.Thenthefourth.Shewonfifth,buthetookthe
sixth,seventh,andeighth.

Onhistenthwinsheglaredathim."Ithoughtyoutoldmeyou’dneverseenthisgamebefore!"

Amusedinnocencewasinhisface."Sarah,believeme,I’mlearningthegamefromyou."

"Thenhowdidyouknowthatlastplay?ItisanadvancedstrategythatIjustlearnedafewmonthsago."

"Perhaps,butyoualsodiditthreehandsago."

Shocked,Sarahstaredathim.Hewasright,shehadjustmadethatidenticalplay,thelasttimeshe’dwon.
Infact,everywinningstrategyhe’dusedhadbeenoneshe’dplayedbeforehim.Garranwassimply
learningthegamefromherandwitheveryhandhe’dlearnedsomethingfromher,eitherbywatchingher
oraskingquestions.

Five-handwasthemostcomplexcardgamesheknew.Asfarassheknew,itwasthemostdifficultgame
evercreated.Mostpeoplespentyearslearningthesimpleststrategiesforwinning.Hewaslearningthe
mostcomplexcardgameshehadeverseenjustbyplayingitwithher.

GeneralGarranDoranth,leaderoftheGaianmilitaryforces,hadlearnedtobestherinthecourseofa
couplehours.She’dnotreallyconsideredhowintelligenttheGaiansmusthavebeentowinthewar,but
clearlytheywere.Andhewaspresumablytheirbestandbrightest.

Shewatchedashegatheredthecards."General,justhowsmartareyou?"

TheGeneralseemedstartledbyherquestion.Stackingthecards,hecollectedhisglassandtookadeep
sip.They’dprettymuchemptiedthebottlebetweenthetwoofthem,andwhileSarahdidn’tthinkthey
weretipsy,shedidn’tthinktheywereparticularlysobereither.

Hesmiledwinninglyather."Intelligenceisrelative.IguessI’msmarterthanafewpeopleyou’veknown
perhapsnotassmartasothers.Idoliketolearnnewgamesthough.

Thatputanewlightontheirrelationship."Isthatwhatthisistoyou,this‘marriage’ofours.Agametobe
won?"

Hegrinnedatherinsteadofgettingangry."NoSarah,notagame.Achallengeperhaps,andwhatIwantto
winisyourheart."

Heputhisglassdown,andmovedclosertoher.Beforeshecouldmoveawayfromhim,hereachedhis
handoutandstrokedhercheek,thegestureshe’dseentheGaiansuse.Athistouchherheartraced.

"Youreallythinkthatyouaregoingtodothis.YouthinkIcanbewon."Toherearshervoicesounded
blurredfromthewine,buthermindstillfeltsharp.

Hisvoicewasblurredaswell."Ahbutyoudon’tunderstand.Ihaveasecretweapon."

"Youdo?"Iftherewasasecretthathecoulduseagainsther,thenSarahwantedtoknowaboutit."And
justwhatisthis‘secretweapon’?"

"Oh,butifItoldyou,thenitwouldn’tbeasecretanymore,"heprotested.Hegrinnedather."Allright,
I’lltellyoumysecret,butyouhavetopromisemesomethinginexchange."

Resignationfilledher.TheGaiansandtheirpromises."Whatitisyouwantmetopromise."

"Promiseme,thatfortherestofourtimetogether,youwillonlycallmebymyname,insteadofcalling
me‘General’.Ifyoudothat,thenI’lltellyouthesecret."

"YouwantmetocallyouGarran?"Itseemedaharmlessenoughthingtoagreeto."Verywell,Iwill."

"Promise?"

"Promise."

Shewaiteduntilsherealizedhewaswaitingforher.Shewouldhavetoaskhimforthesecret.

"General…ImeanGarran,whatdoyoumeanthatyouhaveasecretweapon?"

Hefinishedoffhiswine,thenlookedather,hisexpressionserious."Iknowsomethingthatyoudonot
know."

"Andwhatisthat?

"Yesterday,youcaredenoughaboutmetoagreetobemywife,evenwithoutknowingwhoImightbe.
You,yourselfsaidthatyouwouldhavebeenwillingtobemylover."

Sarah’scheeksburned,althoughshecouldscarcelydenywhatshe’dsaid."Yes,andtodayIknowwho
youare,andwillnolongerbeyourwife.Oranythingelse."shereturned.

"ButthepointisthatyoudidcareaboutmeandIhaven’tchanged.I’mstillme,themanyoucaredabout.
Whathaschangedishowyouseeme."

"So?"Sarahpressed

"So",hereturned,"allIhavetodoismakeyouseethatI’mstillthemanthatyoumetinsidethatroom.I
shouldbeabletodothat,becauseI’mstillthatman."

Hestrokedhercheekagainandstaggeredtohisfeet."Itwon’tbeeasy,butIhaveachance."Hemoved
offtotheroomshe’ddeterminedwasthebedroom.

Sarahcalledafterhim,"Youdon’thaveachance,Garran."Heturnedandsmiledandsherealizeditwas
becauseshe’dusedhisname.

"TheytoldusthesamethingwhenwewentupagainstEarth,thatwedidn’thaveachance."Helooked
seriousforamoment."Butwewonanyway.AsIsaid,Gaiansarebornoptimists.Nooneeverwonafight
bygivingup."

"Whereareyougoing?"

"Thesanitary,mydearSarah."Andhedisappearedintothedoorofthebedroom.

ChapterFourteen

Shewasinverybigtrouble,Sarahthought.Garranwasbig,strong,handsome,andhe’dbeennothingbut
charmingsinceherarrivalinhisrooms.Resistingallthatwasn’tgoingtobedifficult...itwasgoingtobe
impossible.Sarahglancedatthetableandthecards,thelastroundoffive-handthatthey’dplayed.He’d
wonusinganadvancestrategyithadtakenherweekstolearn.

He’dlearneditintwentyminutes.

So,inadditiontobeingeverythingphysicallyshecouldwant,hewasbrilliant,probablysmarterthanshe
was.Certainlysmarterthananymanshe’dmetbefore.

Addthathistouchsentshiversalongherskinandmadeherthinkoflongkissesandhotembraces...she
wasinwayoverherhead.Andshe’djustagreedtospendthreedaysandnightswithhim,eatingwithhim,
playingwithhim,sleepingwithhim.

Sleepinginthesamebed.

Bigtrouble,indeed.Sarahshookherheadandstaggeredtoherfeet,feelingthewinemorenowthatshe
wasupright.Shealsoneededtofindthesanitary,whichwasapparentlythroughthedoorhe’dleftopen.

Heartbeatpickingup,Sarahfollowedhispathtothedoor,pausingbeforeenteringtheadjacentroom.As
she’dexpecteditwasabedroomwithasittingarea,notunlikethequartersshe’dhadbefore.Butifthat
hadbeennice,thiswasopulent,thefabricsrichincolor,mostlybluesandgreens.Thebedcovering
lookedparticularlysoft,andSarahranaquickhandoverittofeelthevelvetytexture.

Alongonewallwerebuilt-incabinetsmeantforclothingstorage,thefinishinawood-graintexture.Sarah
examinedthemcloselyandwasamazedtorealizetheyreallywereconstructedofwood.She’dneverseen
suchluxurybefore.Inthesittingareawasastateoftheartmediacenter,smallerthantheoneinthe
lounge,designedforuseeitherfromthecomfortable-lookingarmchairs,theadjacentcouch,orthebed.

Withthecolorschemeandthefurnishings,itwaseasilythemostinvitingroomSarahhadeverbeenin.
Shewanderedabout,imagininglongeveningssittinginoneofthearmchairswatchingholo-vid
productions,orlisteningtomusic.

Or,evenbetter,watchingfromthecouchorbed,inthearmsofaman.Theimageofcuddlingnextto
Garranandwatchingaholo-vidshowcame,andSarahdroveitaway.Shewasnotgoingtogetattachedto
thisman...evenifhewasattachedtoher.Sheshookherhead,tryingtofreeherselfoftheimage,sittingin
theGeneral’sarms,hisheadburiedinherneck,hishandplayingwithherhair.Inhermindoneofhis
handsdippedlower,reachingforherbreast.…

"Wereyoulookingforme?"StartledSarahturnedtotheopendooroftheadjacentsanitaryandtothetall
dark-hairedmanstandinginthedoorway.Garran’svoicewasdarkandhusky,andSarah’sfaceflooded
withheatatwhatshe’dbeenthinking.

"Uh,no.Iwaslookingforthesanitary."

Heindicatedtheroombehindhimandsteppedoutoftheway."Thisway,mywife."

Shetriedtobrushpasshim,buthecaughtherarmontheway.Hepeeredatherface,eyesconcerned.
"Areyoufeelingallright?Youlookflushed."

Thewarmthinherfaceturnedtoaburn."I’mfine.Really."

Somethingabouthisamusedsmiletoldherhedidn’tbelieveher,buthelethergo.Sarahcontinuedonand
shutthedoorbehindher.

Oh,my,goodness.Ifshe’dthoughtthesanitaryinheroldquarterswasgorgeous,thisplacewasfitfora
queen.Solidstonesurfacesabounded,includingthecounterwithinsetsinksandshinymetalfixtures.In
additiontoasonicshowerwithoptionalwaterjets,therewasasunkentubeasilyabletofittwopeople
fillingonecorner,surroundedbylivingbroad-leafedgreenplants.Thicktowelsingreenandbluewere
piledonaheatedgrateneartheshowerandtub.

Asmallalcovehidthenecessaryfromobviousview--Garran’ssanitarywasobviouslydesignedto
servicetwopeopleatonce.Sarahgapedatthedecorousseatinthealcove.Italmostlookedtooprettyto

use.

Memorysurfacedofwhathe’dtoldherbefore,aboutneedingtoberemindedtoshower.Ifhe’dneeded
remindingwitharoomthisbeautifulathisdisposal,somethingmusthavebeenverywrong.

SheeyedthelargetubandwonderedjusthowfarGarranwantedtotakethistemporarymarriageoftheirs.
Itwasonethingtosleeptogether,butbathingwithapartnerhadanappealaswell.

Probablyforthedurationshe’dbettersticktothesinglepersonshower.

****

Sofar--sowellplayed.Garranwatchedthedoorhislittlewifehaddisappearedthroughwithadistinct
measureofsatisfaction.Againstallodds,he’dmanagedtoobtainherpromisetostaywithhimforthenext
threedays.Stayinhisrooms,andsleepinhisbed.

Atriumphantgrintookoverhisface.Sleepinhisbed.Ithadbeenyearssincehe’dhadthatpleasure,the
feelofawomaninthebednexttohim,herwarmsoftnessafinger’sbreathaway.

Thenextfewdaysweregoingtobewonderful.

Notthattherehadn’tbeenadarkmoment.Whenshe’dseenhisfaceandheardhisname,hecouldhave
swornshewouldhavebrokenherpromiseandscreamedathim.Butthen,she’dclosedthatlovelymouth
ofhersandletthosebeautifuleyesdothetalking.

Iflookscouldkill,he’dbedeadalready,murderedbythefuriousdartsofhereyes.

She’dkeptherpromise,though,andthatencouragedhimmorethanhecouldsay.Ifshecouldkeepthat
promise,thenshe’dkeepthisone.Ifshekeptthisone,hehadachancetowinherheart.Achancetokeep
herbyhisside,keepherthroughloveandnotmerelythefulfillmentofapromise.

ForamomentGarranrememberedthesmileshe’dheldinthemomentbeforeshe’drealizedwhohewas.
She’dbeenhappyathisappearanceandtherehadbeendelightinthatsmile.

Delightandsomethingelse.She’dalmostlookedlikeshelovedhim,andthatfleetingmomentandthejoy
ithadbroughthimwasalmostenoughtomakehimforgetthepainhe’dfeltwhenhersmilehadfled.

Ifonlyhecouldbringitback,makehersmilelikethatagain.

Hewasstillthunderstruckathowbeautifulshe’dlooked.Evenknowinghowhisattachmentwouldcolor
thewayhesawher,shehadtohavebeenthemostbeautifulwomanintheroom.HerGaiangarbhadbeen
theperfectdressforherandwithherhaircrowningherhead,she’dgiventheappearanceofaqueen.

Hisqueen.Gaiadidn’thaveamonarchy--anelectivecounciloftwentymenandwomenprovidedthe
governmentneededforthecolony.Still,Garranhadoftenbeencalledupontoactasafigureheadforthat
councilandbeforehe’dtakentheroleofgeneralhe’dsometimesbeenlabeledGaia’skingbytheangry
Earthgovernmentrepresentativeshe’dhadtodealwith.

Heglancedatthesmallholopicofhiswifeandchildmountedonthewall,suddenangerandlossfilling
him.Thatmisconceptionhadcosthimdearly.

Anditwasstillcostinghim.Sarahknewhimbecausehe’dtakentheroleofaleadertodealwiththepain
oflosinghisfamily.Butnowhisworkduringthewarcouldcosthimhisnewwifeifhewasn’tcareful.
Hishandclenchedthebackofanarmchair,fingersdiggingintothesoftness,notunlikethesoftnessof
Sarah’sbreasts.Wouldsheeverlethimtouchheragain?

Asfastasithadcome,hisfuryfled,leavinghimdrainedandexhausted.Thewinehe’ddrunkcaughtup
withhim,andhefoughttheurgetoliedown.Ayawncaughthimandhefoundhimselfeyeingthevelvety
surfaceofthebed.

Theblue-greencoverletwasnew,togowiththelargerbed.Itwaswideandplumpandlookedassoftas
acloud.

ItlookedassoftasSarah’sbreast.

He’dsleptpoorlylastnightandhardlyatallthenightsprevious.WithoutwarningGarranfoundhimself
stiflinganotheryawn.Maybeanapwouldn’tbesuchabadidea.Hecouldliedownforafewmoments
andrestalittle.Sarahwouldunderstand.

Heremovedhisshoesandstretchedout.SweetGaia,thebeddidfeellikeacloud,acloudonthewayto
heaven.Aheartfeltgroanescapedhim.

Sarahemergedfromthesanitaryandtookinhissupineform,alarminherface.Garrancouldn’trepress
hisgrin.Thebedfeltlikeheaven,andherewashisangel,justintimetomakeitcomplete.

Consternationfilledhisangel’seyes."Whatareyoudoing?"

"I’mtired,Sarahmine.DreamsofyouhavekeptmeuptoomanynightsandIneedanap."

"Anap?"Confusionandconcernradiatedfromher.

"Anap,"hetoldherdecisively.Hepattedthespacenexttohim."Youlooklikeyoucoulduseonetoo.
There’splentyofroom,whynotjoinme?"

"But.…"Hervoicetrailedoffasthelookofconfusiongrew.

Garranleanedupononeelbow."Ipromise,mywife,you’recompletelysafewithme.Ionlywantto
sleep."Heyawnedagain,andashefinishedcaughtsightofherhandoverhermouth,obviouslyhidingone
ofherown.

"Ithinkyou,too,havehadtroublesleeping.Comehereandrest.It’sbeenalongmorning."

Shemovedslowlytowardthebed,hermovementstentative.Whenshereachedtheedge,herhandstroked
thevelvetysurfaceandasoftmoanslidfromherlips.Intrepidationsheeyedthespacenexttohim.

Garransmiledandreachedouthisarmtoher."Youdon’tneedtofearme,Sarah.Ionlywishtoholdyou.
Come,takeyourrest."

Afterknockingoffhershoes,sheslippedontothebed.WhenshewaswithinhisreachGarranslidanarm
aroundheranddrewhercloseruntiltheywerenestledtogether,fronttoback,hisarmloosearoundher
waist,tightenoughtohold,butnottokeep.

Underhischeekherbraidedhairfeltlikeropesofsilk.Herheavybreastsrestedjustabovehisarm.He
thoughtofraisinghisarm,runninghishandsacrossthosefirmsweetglobesandhissexawakened,hard
andready.Immediatelyheresistedtheurgetofondlehersoftnessandheforcedhisbodytorelax.That
wasnotthewaytolovehisladyatthemoment.Sheneededrestasmuchashedid.

Hepulledhertighterandwhisperedinherear."Sleepnow,myangel.I’llkeepyouwarmandsafe."

Sarahgrewquietandrelaxedintohischestandarms,herbreathingquieting.Evenbeforehecouldtell
thatshewasasleep,Garran’seyesclosedandhedriftedoff.

****

Warmstrongarmsaroundher,holdingherclose,softbreathinginherear.Sarahwokebutkepthereyes
shut,notwantingtobreakthedreamshewashaving.Underhercheekwasvelvetysoftness,behindher
wasahardbodythatrumbledinreassuringsolidity.

Sarahhadneverfeltsowarm,sosafeorcomfortablebefore.Inallofherdreamsofalover,she’dnever
imaginedwhatitwastosimplybeheldwhilesheslept,howwonderfulthatcouldbe.

Shewriggledwithhappinessandthehardarmsaroundherflexed,tighteningandtherumblebehindher
halted.Theheavybreathinginherearceasedandsheheardaman’ssleepywhisperinstead."Doesmy
angelwake?"

Shefoughtherdreamyappreciationofhisembrace."I’mnotyourangel,Garran."

Henuzzledherandhotbreathwarmedthebackofherneck."Myangel,mywife,mySarah,Sarahmine.I
canthinkofahundrednamesforyou,butnonearesweeterthanyourown."Hishandstrokedherstomach,
thenreacheduptofondlethebottomofherbreast.

Herlanguordisappearedimmediatelyandshecaughthishand."Garran,stopthat."

Thebreathfromhisheartfeltsighslidalongherneckandhishandspulledaway."Asyouwish,my
Sarah."

Sarahscrambledtotheedgeofthebedandturnedtoseeamusementinhisface.Hehelduphishandsasif
toblamethem."I’msorry,theygetcarriedawayattimes."

Awarmflushcoveredhercheeks."Youshouldkeepbettertrackofthem,then,particularlyifyouwantto
keepyourpromisetome."

"Indeed,Ishould."Hesatupandstretched,andSarahhadtoresistagroanatthesightofhislooseshirt
stretchingtightacrosshischest,revealingthewell-definedmusclesunderneath.Hereallywasa
magnificentspecimenofaman,evenforaGaian.

Heranhishandsthroughhishair,disheveledfromtheirnapandglancedoveratthechrono."Weslept
longenoughIthink,alittlemorethananhour.Weshouldbefinefortonight."

"Whathappenstonight?"BethanandtheotherGaianwomenhadbeensketchyastothedetailsofthe
three-daypost-claimingperiod,otherthantosaythatcoupleswereencouragedtospendasmuchtimeas
possibletogether.

AgrinbrokeoutonGarran’sface."Tonight’sourclaimingparty,Sarah.Didn’tBethantellyou?"

Hermouthdroppedopen.Aparty?Withpeople?NervouslySarahlickedherlips."No,shedidn’t.I
assumedwe’dbealone."

Delightflashedinhiseyes."WhySarah,yousounddisappointedthatwewon’tbe.Butno,Bethanand
Symonmadethearrangements.Iexpecttherewillbeatleasttwentyormorepeoplehere."Heglanced
overatthechronoagain."Inabouttwohours."

TherewasabuzzingfromthemainroomandGarranswungoutofbedtoanswerit.Sarahwasrepairing
thedamagetheirnaphaddonetoherbraidswhentwohugemenhauledhertrunkintothebedroom.One
wasMaxxa,Garran’sbodyguardfrombefore.

Garranpointedtotheotherman,abrown-hairedgiantwithoutawristband."ThisisSammul.Heand
MaxxahavebeenmakingsureIdon’thavealotoftimealone."

Thebigmanshookhishead."Youwerehappytohavecompanywhenyoucouldn’tsleepafterthefirst
marriagemeet."HegrinnedatSarah."Hekeptmeupallnightplayingcards...andwinningtoboot."

Sarahsmiledwryly."Somehowhiswinningdoesn’tsurpriseme."

Garranlaughed."AndIwashappytohaveyouaround.ButI’veallthecompanyIneednow,sobeoff!"he
roared.

SarahwatchedasthepaircastcovertglancesatGarranandherselfandthentherumpledcoversofthe
bed.MaxxanudgedSammulintheribs."IthinkInoticedsomecardsoutinthelounge.Wecanstandguard
outthere."Eyebrowsarchingandgrinningateachother,theylefttheroom,closingthedoorafterthem.

Inthewakeoftheirdeparture,SarahbusiedherselfinopeningthetrunkunderGarran’swatchfuleye.
"Didthatbotheryousomuch,thattheythoughtwe’dmadelove?"

Shehesitatedonthelastlock.Unabletomeethisgaze,sheattemptedanonchalantshrug."IsupposeI
shouldgetusedtoit.IfI’mgoingtobehereforthreedays,everyonewillassumeifwe’resharingabed,
we’resharingmore."

"You’remywife."Hisvoicewasasoftcaressinherears.Withouthistouchinghershefeltthesame
tingledownherarms,thesamewarmthinherstomach.Hecouldmoveherwithjustthesoundofhis
voice.

Ashuddernotbornofcoldorfearslippedthroughher.ShewasinVERYbigtrouble.

Shejerkedopenthelastlockandslidopenthetrunk.Onthetopwasherfilestore.

InaflashGarranwasbyherside,staringatthesleekblackbox,envyinhiseyes."Wow!Isthatthenew
IBQHPtwenty-ninethousand?Ididn’tthinktheywereoutyet!"

Garran’ssuddenenthusiasmcaughtheroff-guardandsurprisedalaughoutofher.Men--givethemlove,
they’rehappy,butgivethemnewtechnology.…

Shepulledthefilestoreout."IhadsomecreditstospendsoIinvestedinthelatestmodelavailable.It’s
goteightyjigabitsofstorage."

Heranhishandoverthesmoothcase."Goodthinking,particularlywhenheadingforplaceswhereyou’re
luckytogetfive-yearoldequipment.Isitasfastastheysayitis?"

Shehandedittohim."Goplugitinandseeforyourself."

Flashingahappygrin,Garranheadedforthemediastationandtheuniversalinputslot.Thefilestoreslid
intoplaceandinmomentshehadthesearchandlocatescreenvisibleonthemediascreen.Hiseyes
narrowedinappreciation."It’sevenfasterthanIexpected.Theinterfaceissosmooth."

Hegrabbedapointerandscrolledthroughthelabeledfiles."You’rereallyorganized,aren’tyou?Ibet
youcanfindanythingonthissysteminminutes.…"

Hisvoicetrailedoffandhissmiledisappeared.Sarahwenttothescreentoseewhathewassointently
staringat,andherheartsank.

Thepointerwaspinnedonavid-clipfilelabeled"GaianBeast".

"Iassumethat’sareferencetome?"Hisvoicewasdeadlyquiet.

Sarahfoundhervoice."It’sacopyofoneofyourbroadcasts.Thefirstone."

Puzzlementwasinhiseyes."Broadcast?Idon’tunderstand."Heshookhishead."Whatbroadcast?"

"Thebroadcastaboutthedestructionofthefirstfleet."

Hiseyeslookedwidewithdisbelief."Youhaveacopyofthat?"Withanabruptwavehepointedtoit.
"Playitforme,"hedemanded.

Shehadnodesiretoopenoldwounds,butGarranseemedadamant.ReluctantlySarahtriggeredthefile.

ThelargescreenonthewallclearedandfilledwiththetripleringedlogotheGaianshadusedduringthe
war.ThescreenthenfilledwiththeimageofGarran,seatedatatable,withasmallscreeninfrontofhim,
probablyholdingthenotesforhisspeech.Hishairwasshorterthanitwasnow,andintheblackshirt,he
lookedolderandtougher.

Helookedattheimagerandsmiled,buttherewasnohumorinthatupwardcurveofhismouthandit
didn’treachhiseyes,thedark-blueofwhichseemedblackwithmalice.

Sarahhadheardhisspeechsomanytimesbeforethatshecouldhavereciteditwithhim.Insteadof
watchingthescreen,shewatchedGarraninstead.Heviewedtheclipquietly,hisfacepale,onlyhis

clenchedjawandwhitenedknucklesshowingemotionasthespeechbegan.

"LadiesandGentlemen.Itismypleasuretospeaktoyoutonightonsomethingofsignificancetobothour
peoples.

"Youhavesentwarshipsatusandhavebeensuccessfulinhurtingusinthepast.Youhavedamagedour
planet,ourcities,andkilledourpeople,andassumedthatwecoulddonothingtostopyou.

"Therulesofthegamehavenowchanged.

"Yourecentlysentafleetofshipstoattackus.Itismydutytoreporttoyouthattheseshipshavebeen
unsuccessfulindoingso.Infact,theynolongerexistasathreattousortoanyoneelse.Theyhavebeen
removedfromaction."

TherecordedGarrangrinnedevilly."Theirremovalispermanent.

"Theseshipsinclude,theValiant,Exeter,Doublestar,NorthernVale,Saradon,Mousabel,andtheHope."

Garran’simageonthescreenlookedup,hiseyebrowshighwithmocksurprise."IseethattheHopewasa
hospitalship.Thatmusthurt,"hesaidinamockingtone.

Evennow,aftersomanyviewings,Sarah’shandsclinchedwhensheheardthat.Garranhimselfwinced
andheglancedoveratSarah.Shelookedbackathimandmethiseyes,hersasangryashishadbeen.His
facetroubled,hereturnedhisattentiontotheclip.

"Mypurposehereistotellyouthatyouwillnolongerbeabletohurtus.Everyshipyousendtomeetus
willwindupwiththesamefateattheseships--theshipsandtheircrewswillnotreturntoyou.Ifyou
wanttopreserveyourfleet,don’tcomenearus.Giveusourfreedomorwepromiseyouwillregretit."

Thebroadcastendedwithhisface,asneeringsmileinplace,andSarahcouldn’tresisttheshudderthat
fleddownherspine.ThiswastheimagethatwasburnedintothemindsofeveryEarthperson,thepicture
oftheGaianbeast.

ForamomentGarranwasquiet."Wheredidyougetthis?"heaskedfinally.

"Itwasapublicbroadcast...therewererecordingsofiteverywhere."

"Public?"Garranturnedtoher,eyeswideinastonishment."YoumeaneveryoneonEarthsawit,notjust
Earthforceorthegovernment?"

AtSarah’snod,hethumbedoffthescreenandsatheavilyinoneofthecushionedchairs,handssteepled
underhischin.Amixofemotionscrossedhisface,anguishandanger.Sarahwatchedinamazement.
Surelyhe’dknown.

Hejerkedhisheadupasifathoughtjustoccurredtohim."Youdidn’thaveanyfamilyinEarthforce."

HestateditasafactandshewasremindedoftheNLCruleaboutnothavingEarthforcerelatives,but
howwouldtheGaiansknowaboutthat?"No,norelatives."

Reliefcrossedhisface.

"Mybestfriend,though,frommedicalschool.ShewasadoctorontheHope."Thereliefinhisface
disappeared.

"Ihadn’tthoughtofthat...thatsomeoneotherthanarelativecouldbeinvolved.Ofcourse,youcaredfor
yourfriend."

"Shewaslikeasistertome."Ithadbeentoolongsinceshe’dtalkedaboutit,andthebroadcasthad
openedagainhowmuchKaren’sdeathhadhurt.Garranshouldknowhowreprehensiblehisbroadcasthad
beentothosewho’dlostlovedones.

"KarenandI,wetalkedaboutgoingintopracticetogether.Shewantedtospecializeinhormone
abnormalities.Butwhenwegotoutofschool,shewascalledup.Themilitaryhadpaidherwaythrough
schoolsoshecouldn’trefuse.Shewasonherfirstmissionwiththem."

Shouldersslumped,Garranlistenedasshespoke.Hestraightenedandcockedhishead."Whatdidyou
sayhernamewas?"

"Karen.KarenMasters."Suddenhopefilledher."Doyouknowofher?Weretheresurvivors?"

Amusclejumpedinhisjawandherhopediedasheshookhishead."IwishIcouldtellyoutherewere,
Sarah."

Hestoodandwithrestlessenergypacedtheroom."Firstofall,noonelikeyouwaseverintendedtosee
thatbroadcast.WecreateditforEarthforceandthegovernment,whoknewwhatwashappening,notan
unsuspectingEarth.I’dneverhavesaid...well,whatIsaidtotherelativesofthosewhowerelost."

Heshotheradarklook."Doyoubelievemeonthat?"

Shenodded.Garranwastoodisturbedbyherhavingtheclipforitnottohavebeenasurprise.Ather
acknowledgement,hecalmedsomeandceasedhisrelentlesspacing.Hepausedinfrontofasmall
holographonthewallandstaredatit.Whenhedidn’tmove,Sarahwenttojoinhim.

Theholoheldtheimageofayoungwoman,lovely,withshortdarkhair,herarmsholdingtighttoa
squirmingtwo-year-oldgirl.Thewoman’sfaceseemedhauntinglyfamiliar.Itwasashortrecording,the
womanlaughingandwhisperingtothechildwhoblewakiss.

Garran’sfacewasdarkwithsorrow."Therearealwayslossesinwar."

"Whoarethey?"shewhispered.

"Mywife,Metta,andourdaughter,Sallia."Hisvoicewasasdarkashisface."Shewasateacher.They
wereatCarras."

Shecouldn’tbearthepaininhisvoice.Suddensympathymadeherputherhandonhisshoulder."I’m
sorry,Garran.Ididn’tknow."

"FewoutsideGaiado."Hegrabbedherhandandclosedhiseyesashepulledittohismouth.Thetouch

ofhislipsagainstherpalmincitedthatfamiliarwarmth.

Hisdeepvoicewasrichwithmeaning."Earth’sgovernmentcostmemyfamily,Sarah,andnowIfindthat
theydeliberatelyreleasedavidclipguaranteedtomakemelookamonster.I’mnotamonster,Sarah,I’m
notabeastofanysort.Ifittakesallthreedays,ifittakesalifetime,I’llprovethattoyou.Iwon’tletthem
ruinthisbetweenus.Iwon’tletthemcostmeyou.

Determinationinhisface,hereleasedherandgesturedtothetrunk."Whydon’tyouunpack?Ileftroom
foryouintherightsidecabinets.Ihavesomethingtoattendto."Heleftfortheloungewithoutanother
word.

ChapterFifteen

BythetimeSarahhadfoundaplaceforallofherbelongings,asteadymurmurwascomingfromthe
loungenextdoor.Afterclosingthetrunkandshovingitintothecorner,shewenttoinvestigate.

Atleastfifteenpeoplewereintheroom,mostlyThePromisedomesticstaff,workingtosetuptablesand
chairs,orcreatingabuffetalongthecountertopinthesmallkitchenfacility.Thebusyworkers
acknowledgedherarrivalwiththesamenodsandknowingsmilesthatthebodyguardshadgivenher.

Well,atleastnooneresentedhermarriagetoGarran.Ifanythingeveryonecouldn’thavelookedmore
pleased.

EvenBethanhadahappysmileasshegreetedSarahfromacrosstheroomwhereshestoodin
conversationwithGarran.Hesmiledaswell,apparentlyoverthemoodhe’dheldinthebedroom.Now
hegesturedtoherwithanotherglassofwine.

BethanthrewherarmsaroundSarahassoonasshewaswithinreach."OhI’msogladthingsaregoingso
well!"

"Arethey?"BemusedSarahdirectedherattentiontoGarranwhostudiedthebottomofhisglasswith
intensity."Whatdidyoutellher,Garran?"

"Onlythatyou’veagreedtostaywithmeforthethreedays,mywife.Isn’tthatenough?"Alookofalmost
comicalinnocencewasinhiseyeswhenheraisedthemtomeethers.

SarahreturnedherattentiontoBethan."BethanIcan’tpromisetostayGarran’swife.YouknowwhatI
toldyoubefore.I’vespentthelastfiveyearshatinghim!"

"Sohesaid."Bethan’sfrownwasfierce."Butyouweren’ttoldthetruth,Sarah.Therearethingsyou
shouldknow...."

"Sarahknowsenough,"Garraninterrupted,hissmiledisappearing."Sheknowswhathergovernmentis
capableofandwhatwearen’t."ThehandonhiswineglasstightenedtothepointSarahthoughthemight
crackthestem."SheneedstoseemeasthemanIaminsteadof‘theBeast’andifshecan’tthenweshould
goourseparateways."

Bethan’smouthdroppedopen."Butyou’rematched,Garran."

"That’snotenoughthistime,Bethan.Webothneedmore."Hisfaceturnedgrim."SheneedstoseemeasI
am,notwhattheypaintedmetobe."

HeturnedtoSarah."Couldyoudothat,knowingonlywhatyouknownow?Seemeamanyoukeepas
yourhusband?"

Sarahstaredathim.So,therewasatruth,somethingthatwouldchangehermindaboutGarranifsheknew
it.Buthedidn’twantBethantosaywhatthattruthwas.

"IalreadysaidIwouldtry,Garran.Ican’tpromisemore."

Hissmilereturned."Thenthat’senough."

OneoftheworkerscalledtoBethanwhowatchedthemwithatroubledface.Shenoddedathim."Ibetter
getbacktoorganizingthisparty."

"CouldIhelp?"Sarahoffered.

Garrangrabbedherwaistandswunghertowardsthedoortothebedroom."Ithinkitbetterifwegetout
ofeveryone’sway."Balancinghisglass,hegrabbedanother,plusanopenfullbottlefromthebeverage
table.

Mischiefwasinhiseyesashepulledherthroughthedoor."Let’shideoutuntilthecoastisclear."

****

Sarahsippedherwinecautiously,makingcertainshewasn’tdrinkingmorethanhernormalcapacity.
Garranhadtakencareofmostofthebottlethey’ddrunkwithlunch,andagainhekepthisglassfull.
Fortunatelyheseemedbetterabletohandleitthansheknewshe’dbe.

Garransearchedtheshipentertainmentfilesandfoundacomicholo-vidthatshehadn’tseen,apparently
producedonGaia.Itwasabouttwofamiliesthathadnevergottenalong,butwhentheirchildrenmatched
theywerethrowntogetherforaclaimingdinner,notunliketheonebeingpreparedintheouterroom.Each
familyhadbroughtspecialdishesforthemeal,andtookturnsinsultingeachotherandcompetingfortheir
offspring’sfavor.TheresultingmayhemhadSarahinstitchesandevenGarranlefthisbadmoodbehindto
laughattheantics.

TheactorplayingthefatherofthebrideseemedfamiliarbutSarahcouldn’trememberwhereshemight
haveseenhimbefore.Shewasprettysurehe’dneverbeeninanyholo-vidshe’dseenonEarth.

ThestoryfinishedwiththeoffspringthreateningtomovetotheOuterColoniesiftheirparentsdidn’tstop
theirshenanigans,forcingthecouplestomakefriends.Inamomentofconciliation,themotherofthebride
evenaskedthefatherofthegroomforhispranasrecipeandtheyallgatheredroundthetableforafinal
toasttothebrideandgroom.

Asitended,GarranleanedovertofillSarah’sglassandshequicklyputherhandoverthetop."Iwantto
keepaclearheadfortheparty."

Ruefullyhenoddedandputthebottledown."Wiseofyou,mySarah.I’mgladyouenjoyedthestory."

"Itwasveryfunny.Youdon’thaveanyscrewballparentsdoyou?Sistersorbrothers?"

"Notbyblood.MyparentsdiedsometimeagoandIwasanonlychild."Heplayedwithglass."There’s
Metta’ssisterandherhusband.They’reaboutasmuchfamilyasIhave.Exceptforyou."

Sheignoredthelookhewasgivingher.They’dusedthearmchairstowatchtheholo-vid,notthecouch
wheretheycouldhavesattogether.Hisopenwarmthalmostmadeherwishthey’dusedthecouchinstead.

"Didyouremainclosetothemafteryourwife’sdeath?"

"It’smoreliketheystayedclosetome.Iowethemalot,Sarah.They’vealwaystreatedmelikea
brother."

Hedidhavesomeonewhocaredforhim.Shewasgladofthat...atleastherdeparturewouldn’tleavehim
totallyalone."Isupposethey’reonGaia.I’msorryIwon’tgetachancetomeetthem."

Garranactuallychuckled."Actually,no.Theyaremuchcloserthanyouthink."

Aknockatthedoordrewtheirattention.Garranrosetoanswerit.Bethanstuckherdarkcurlyheadin.
"You’vegotabouttenminutes."Hergazefellonthepartiallyemptywinebottle,shestrodeinand
reclaimedit.

SheshookitunderGarran’snoseandglaredathim."Don’tyoudaregetdrunktonight,Garran."

"NowwhywouldIdosomethinglikethat,Bethan?Iknowwhatmylimitsare."

"AndIknowthatsometimesyouliketogobeyondthem.Yourwifedeservesbetterthanaintoxicated
husbandinbedtonight."

"Incapacitatingmyselfisthelastthingonmymind."

Asthepairexchangedglares,SarahrealizedwhyBethanhadremindedherofsomeone.Garran’scryptic
remarkabouthiswife’sfamilystayingclosetohimalsocametomind.Sheglancedoverattheholopicon
thewallbehindher,ofthewomanwithdarkcurlyhair."You’reMetta’ssister!"

Bethan’smouthdroppedopen."Youtoldher?"sheaskedGarranaccusingly.

Heshrugged."ItoldherIhadawifeandthatshehadasister.Youdolooklikeher,"headdedhelpfully.

"Well,itdoesexplainwhyyou’vealwaysbeensonicetome."

Bethanfoldedherarmsandglaredfiercelyatthemboth."ThatispreciselywhyIdidn’twantyoutoknow,
Sarah.IknewGarranhadattachedtoyoubeforeImetyou,butIlikedyoufromthefirst.Ithinkofhimas
abrother,soofcourseI’mgladhefoundsomeone,butI’mevenmoregladthatit’syou."

SarahglanceddownatthebeautifulblouseBethanhadgivenher,andconsideredtheworkthathadgone
intoit."Youmadethisforme.AndtheoneforGarran."

Thedark-hairedsecond-in-commandofThePromiselookedembarrassed."IfinishedthemafterGarran
attached,buttheywerestartedlongagointhehopesthatthey’dbeneeded."Herwarm,hopefulglance
tookinbothofthem,andSarahfelttheloveBethanboreforGarranandherself,theloveofasisterand
friend.

"Ididn’tknowifGarranwouldfindsomeonebutIhadhopewhenheagreedtoourusingwomenfrom
Earth.Iusedtherosesbecausetheyrepresentedyourplanet."

AlowamusedchuckleemergedfromGarran."Iwonderedatthat.Sarah’shair...it’stheexactcolor.I’ve
beenlookingforamatchforitanditwastheroses."

Bethanblushed,hercheekstakingthecolorofherembroideredflowers."Earth-flamerosesarethemost
popularvariety.Ididn’trealizeyou’dfindawomanwithredhair.I’mnotprescient."

Garransmiled."Perhapsnot,butitissingularlyappropriate."

Sarahfingeredthedelicatelydepictedblooms.Itmusthavetakenhourstodojustonerow,donewithlove
foramanandawifeBethanhadn’tevenmet.Loveforamanthatshe’dnamedinherthoughtsamonster
overthedeathsoftheEarthforcefleet.He’dsaidshewaswrongandthatgovernmentslied.Bethanhad
statedthattherewasmoretothestory,butGarranhadforbiddenthatstorybetold.Hewantedherto
discoverthetruthherself.

"Theywereabeautifulgift,Bethan,andwedoappreciatethem,justaswewillappreciatethedinner."

Bethan’ssmilewasSarah’sreward.Sheopenedhermouthtosaysomethingbutaknockonthedoorfrom
oneofthecateringstaffinterruptedher.Insteadsheremindedthemthatdinnerwasnowinfiveminutes
andleft.

Sarahheadedforthemirrorandherhairbrush."Ishouldfixmyselfup."

Garrantookholdofhershouldersandshecouldfeelthewarmthofhisbreathagainstherneck.Inthe
mirrorshecouldseehisfacebehindher,hisexpressionalivewithhopeanddesire."Youalreadylook
beautiful,Sarah.Nothingyoucandowillchangethat."

"I’mnotabeautifulwoman,Garran.I’veknownthatforalongtime."

Denialwasinhishalf-smile."Youdon’tknowhowIseeyou,Sarah.ToaGaianman,hismatchis
perfect...otherwisehewouldn’tattachtoher.Tomeyouwillalwaysbebeautiful."

Tentativefingersstrokedherneckandunconsciouslysheleanedbackintohisarms,hischeekagainsther

face.Tiltingherheadhislipsreachedforhers.Astheymet,sheturned,andtheirkissbecameaprolonged
thing,somethingoutsidetheuncertaintiesofhowshefeltforhim.

Itwastheirfirstkisssincethedaybefore,thefirsttimesincesheknewhisname.Hetastedofwine,and
sweetneed,andunderneaththetasteofthemanshe’dexchangedbandswithinthedarkness.

Hewasthefirstmanshe’deverkissedwithpassion,butsheknewhim.Anylingeringdoubtsthattheman
who’dheldherandpromisedeverlastinglove,wasalsoGeneralGarranDoranth,fled.

Whentheirmouthspartedhegazedatherforsometime,hisfaceexpressionless.Sarahwonderedwhathe
wasthinkingof,thisover-bright,passionatemanwhoclaimedhewasn’tthebeastshe’dlabeledhim.

Hehadn’ttakenadvantageofherbriefsurrendertotouchhermoreintimately.Allhe’ddonewasclaim
herlips,hishandsstillonhershoulders,nowanderingtofeelherbreasts.Hernipplesached,thememory
ofhowhehadheldthemrising.Otherpartsofherwoketohispresenceandthepromiseofintimate
caressesandshefeltasifshe’dfallenintoawakingversionofoneofhermanyeroticdreams.

Andallhe’ddonewaskissherandholdhershoulders.Resistingthismanforthreedayswasn’tgoingto
bedifficult,itwasgoingtobeimpossible.

Shewasinverybigtrouble

.

****

"WelcometoThePromise!"Thetall,thin,pale-hairedmanGarranhadjustintroducedasthehead
medicalofficerthrustaglassintoherhand."I’mprescribingthis,formedicinalpurposes.You’llneedit
toendurethiscrowd."

WhenGarranandSarahhadenteredtheloungethepartyhadbeeninfullswing,atleasttwentypresent,
nibblingontheplattersofmini-bitsasSarahwasinformedtheappetizerswerecalled,anddrinkingwine,
fruitdrinks,orjavi.

Bethanhaddoneamarvelousjobofsettinguptheclaimingparty.

Sarahacceptedhisofferingwithasmile."Thankyou,Dr.Jeffrey,butI’dalmostprefersomejaviatthe
moment."

Garrantookherglassandhandedherafreshmugofthefragrantbrewinexchange."Iagreecompletely.I
wantyouawakethisevening."Sarahfrownedathismock-leerandhewinkedather.Heliftedtheglass,
takingasipfromitintheprocess."Nosenselettingitgotowaste."

Symoncameby,newlyarrived."Jeffrey,where’syourbetterpart?I’dhavethoughtyourwifewouldbe
here."

ThedoctordartedananxiouslookatGarran."Unfortunately,shehadtostaybehind."

"Notsomethingwiththebaby,Ihope."

"No,notatall.…"

Garrancaughtherarmandswungherawayfromthetwomen."Sarah,whydon’twemovetothe
appetizertable?Ibelievetherearesomecinibunsthatgowonderfullywithjavi."Lookingbehindhershe
noticedtheSymonandJeffreyinintenseconversation,theirvoiceslow,andshewonderedwhatcould
possiblybetheissuewiththeDoctorJeffrey’swife.

MaybethewomanhadstrongfeelingsaboutEarthpeopleandGarranhadn’twantedtoexposeherto
them.Thatwouldmakesense.EveryoneelseatthepartywasdelightedtomeetGarran’sEartherwife.

Helia,ThePromisebio-systemsexpert,keptSarahenthralledwithherdescriptionsoftheshipboard
gardensthatprovidedmostofthefreshvegetablesonthemenuandthewatersystemswherefreshfish
weregrownandharvested.

EventhepranassheandGarranhadeatenforlunchturnedouttobeasignificantpartofthewater
purifiers.ThatinformationgaveSarahamomentofconcernuntilshewasreassuredthattheshellfish’s
meatretainednoformofthetoxinstheyremovedfromthewater.

Astheeveningworeon,andthebottlesofwineemptied,thosepresentbegantomaketoasts,manytoasts
toherhealth,Garran’shealth,thehealthoftheirpotentialchildren,thehealthoftheirgrandchildren,and
soon.

ThetoastsunsettledSarah,butshesaidnothing.IfsheandGarranweren’ttoremaintogetherlongenough
tohavechildren,thiswasnotsomethingshewantedtobediscussingwiththesepeople.Shelikedthem,
evenifshedidn’treallyknowthem,anddidn’twanttobringupunpleasantnesstonight.

FinallyBethanstood."Iwouldliketoproposeonemoretoast,awish,onewecanallappreciate.I
proposeatoasttothefuture,afutureofpeace,oflove,oflaughter,andofthemixingofpeoples.Maywe
alllearntoloveourdifferencesasmuchasweloveoursimilarities."

Allatthetabledranktothis,includingSarah,whosmiledatherfriendandGarran’ssister-in-lawwith
delight.Bethanhadmanagedtofindcommongroundforthemall.

ChapterSixteen

Afterdinnerthepartybrokeup.Singularly,orinpairs,theguestscametoGarranandSarah,offeredtheir
congratulationsandsaidgoodnight.Bythetimethelastguestdepartedandtherewasnooneleftbut
SymonandBethan,SarahwasleaningagainstGarranandtryingtosuppressheryawns.

Bethannoddedatthem."YouandSarahgoontobed.SymonandIwillmakesureeverythingisdone
here."Sheactivatedtheloungecom-linkandspokebrieflyintoitandtheansweringvoicesaidthey

wouldbetheredirectly.

GarrantookSarahbythehandandpulledhertowardthebedroom."Therearegoingtobealotofpeople
heresoon,andwedon’twanttobeintheway,"hetoldher.

AtthedoorwaySarahlookedbackatBethanandSymonstandingwiththeirarmsaroundeachother,his
facenuzzlingherneck.Foramomentsheenviedtheircloseness,recognizinghowmuchshewanted
somethinglikeit.WhenshelookedupatGarranshenoticedthesamelookofwantinginhisface.

Hecovetedittoo,someonetobecloseto,apartner,amate...andhethoughtshewastheonetofillthat
role.Sarahsighed.Whydidithavetobethisway?Whycouldn’thehavebeensomeoneelse,anyother
man?Whycouldn’tshehavebeenawomanwhowouldn’tcareabouthispast?

Whycouldn’ttheybetogetherasBethanandSymonwere?

Withoutanswers,sheallowedGarrantoleadhertothebedroom,justasthedoorchimefromthecorridor
sounded.

****

GarranletSarahgoandwatchedasshelookedatthebed,thefloor,thechronoonthewall.…Herbusy
eyestookineverythingintheroombuthim.

Obviouslyshewashavingsecondthoughtsaboutsharinghisbed,inspiteoftheirnapearliertoday.
Maybehiswanderinghandswhenthey’dwokenhadn’tbeensuchasmartmove.Notthathecouldhave
resistedtheurgetotouchher,sosweethadbeenthefeelofherinhisarms.Evennowhishandsitchedto
caressherwarmflesh.

AlleveningSarahhadseemedcomfortablewithhisarmaroundherwaistorshoulders,orhishand
holdinghers,butthatwaswhentheywerestandingorsitting,andotherpeoplehadbeenaround.

Nowshewasclearlyskittishaboutbeingaloneandhorizontalwithhim.

FromoneofthecabinetsSarahpulledaheavylookinggarmentthatherecognizedasthegownshewas
wearingunderherrobethenightshe’darrivedonThePromise.Herattitudescreameduncertaintyasshe
clutchedittoherchestandabruptlyherealizedsheneededprivacy.

"I’llgetmythingsandchangeinthesanitary,"hetoldher,hopingthatwouldhelprelievesomeofher
discomfort.Itdid.Sarah’sgratefulsmilegavehimawarmglowashegrabbedsomedrawstringpantsand
asleepshirt.

Ittookbarelyanytimetogetoutofhisclaimingoutfitandcleanupforbed.Garranknewhewasrushing,
wantingtoreturntoher,somepartofhimconcernedthatshemightnotbethere.Butnoshewouldn’tdo
that,hehadherpromisetostaywithhim.Heforcedhimselftoslowdownandwhenhewasdone,
redressed,washed,andready,hecheckedthesmallwallchrono,onlytodiscoverthatbarelyfiveminutes
hadpassed.Shewasawoman,withmoreclothestotakeoff,mysteriousritualstoperform...surelyshe
wouldn’tbereadyyetforhisreturn.Thelastthingheneededwastoburstinonherwhenshewasonly

partiallydressed.

TheimageofSarah,herhairunbound,baretoherwaistcametohimandhisbodytightenedin
anticipation.Hetookadeepbreathandexaminedhisreflection,notedhowhispantsbulgedinfront,and
willedhisbodytorelax.Thiswasgoingtobehardenoughwithoutgivinghisbed-shybridereasonto
believeallhewantedwastofalluponherandmakepassionatelovetoher.

Evenifthatwasallhewantedtodo.

Ofcourse,hiswell-intentionedconcealmentofhisdesirehadalreadyledtoonemisunderstandingwhen
she’daccusedhimofnotreallybeingattachedtoher.Hestillcouldn’tbelieveshe’dthoughthimcapable
offakinglusttolureherintoafalsemarriage.

Inthemirrorhewatchedhisjawclenchandeyesdarkenwithanger.Whatkindofamandidshethinkhim
tobe?

Shethoughthimabeast...becausethat’swhatshe’dbeentoldhewas.Asfastashisangercameitfled,
goneundertheweightofhowserioustheproblemwasbeforehim.Ithadbeenyearssincehe’dseenthat
vid-clipand,takenoutofcontext,thewordshe’dspokendamnedhimasthemostcallousofenemies.
Anyonewho’dseenitwouldhavefoundhimsomeonetohate.

Sarahhadseenitandlostsomeoneshecaredabout.Littlewonderthatshe’dstartedouttheirrelationship
byslugginghim.Hestaredathisreflectioninthemirror.Itwasthesamefacehe’dseeneverydayinthe
pastfiveyears,thehaironlysomewhatlonger,theeyesthesamedark-blue.Onlyhisexpressionhad
changed.Sarah’spresenceinhislifehadforcedachangetohisface,alighteningofhisnormalmoods.
He’dsmiledmore,actuallylaughedoccasionally.He’dstoppedscowling,felthappinessinthefactthat
onceagainhewasn’tcompletelyaloneintheuniverse.NowhehadSarah,assuminghecouldkeepher.

Ifshelefthimhe’dbedevastated.

Heranahandthoughhishair.Maybeifhechangedthecolor,madeitshorter--wouldthatchangehis
appearance?ChangeitenoughsothatwhenSarahlookedathimshedidn’tseethesneeringfaceofthe
manwho’dcallouslyinformedherthatherfriendwasgone.

Supposehetoldherthetruth?Ifsheknew,wouldthatmakeadifference?Hisreflectedeyeslitwiththe
hopethatthreadedthroughhim.Yes,itprobablywouldandthenhe’dbecertaintokeepher.

He’dtoldBethanthatitwasbetterthatSarahfollowherheartandlovehiminspiteofher
misconceptions,thattheirmarriagewouldbestrongerforit.Nowhewasn’tsocertain.

Aknockcamefromthedoorbehindhim.AnsweringhefoundSarah,dressedinthesameoutfitshe’dworn
whenhe’dfirstseenherintheassemblyhall,rightdowntoherfuzzyslippers.

Hecouldn’thidehissmile,norstophishandfromcuppinghercheek."ItseemstomeI’veseenyoulike
thisbefore."

Sheblushed,herfacenearlythepinkofherfootwear."Ididn’tthinktobringanythingelsetowearat
night."

Helaughed."Sarah,Ican’timagineyouinanyothersleepwear...exceptformaybenothingatall."

Thepinkinhercheeksbrightenedandherbreathinggrewfaster.Itwasallhecoulddotoreleaseherface
andnotleaninforthekisshewantedtogiveher.Evenifshewouldacceptit,itwouldbebetternotto.

Nomorekissesfornow,notifhewastocontinuehisroleaschastebed-companionthisnight.Hemight
haveastrongwill,butkissingherwouldblowallhisgoodintentionsintothedepthsofspace.

InsteadhesteppedasideandleftthesanitarytoSarah’suse,takinghisclotheswithhimtoputaway.

****

ShewasinVERY,VERYbigtrouble.She’dthoughtGarraninhisclaimingclotheshadlookedgoodbut
nothinghadpreparedherforhissexysmileandthetopofhischestpeekingabovethedeepV-neckofhis
sleepshirt.Thecoarsecurlyhairseemedtoinviteherfingerstoexplorethemandthefeelofhispalmon
herfacehadleftherconfusedwithwanting.

Thatshe’dseenasimilarwantreflectedinhiseyeshadn’thelpedatall.

Quicklysheusedthesanitaryandcleanedherfacebeforereturningtothebedroom.Allthatwasleftwas
tounbraidherhairandbrushitoutbeforeretiring.Untyingtheend,sheranherfingersthroughthebraid,
freeingthebrightredstrandstofallabouthershoulders.Itwasdowntoherwaistinlength,andneeded
thisdailybrushingtokeepitfromtangling.

Assheworked,Garransatnexttoheronthebed."Please,I’dliketodothis,"hesaid,takingthe
hairbrushfromherhand.

"Brushmyhair?"

"Yes.Itlookssoalive,I’dliketotouchit."

Itwastooharmlessarequesttorefuse.Shelethimfinishuntanglingthelongstrandswithhisfingersthen
applythebrush.Hediditright,startedatthebottomofthehair,andworkedhiswayuptoherscalp,
brushinglongandcarefully,notsnaggingatall.

Shewatchedhisfaceinthemirroronthewallasheliftedthelongstrands,lettingthemfalloverhis
fingers.Quietwonderwasinhisexpression."I’veneverseenanythingtomatchthisbeauty.Thecoloris
amazing.Bethanhaditright,itisthecolorofEarthflameroses."

Herbreathcaughtinherthroatandshecouldsaynothing.Shesatquiet,lettinghisattentionswashover
her,makeherfeelcaredfor.Notsincehermotherhaddiedhadanyonebrushedherhair--notthatthiswas
anythinglikethathadbeen.InGarran’shandsthebrushseemedtomakelovetoherasitstrokedher,and
she’dneverexperiencedanythingassensual

Whenhewasdone,shetookthebrushfromhimandhelditclosetoher,heremotionsunsure."Thankyou,
thatwas...verynice."

TherewassomethinginthesmileGarrangaveherthatshefeltrightdowntohertinglingtoes.Ifhe’dbeen
anyonebutwhohewas,she’dhaveleanedovertokisshim.Asitwas--Sarahre-braidedherhairandput
awaythebrush.

Whensheturnedtohim,hewassittingontheleftsideofthebed,leavingherwiththeright.Shelookedat
him."Idon’twanttohaveanymisunderstandinghere.Allweshareisthebed,right?"

Garranpattedothersideofthebed."Sarah,youcantrustme."

PullingthecoversbackSarahshruggedoffherrobeandslippersandslidintothebednexttohim.He
turnedoffthelightsandlaydown.

Thesoundsfromthenextroomhadendedsometimeago,thecleanupfromthepartyoverandthepeople
gone.

SheandGarranwerealoneforthenight.

Herolledtowardherandcaressedhershoulder.Itwasalighttouch,notseemingtoaskformorethanjust
contact.Sheturnedtosearchhisface.Whatshefoundwasconcernandcare,desirebutnotlust.

"It’sallright,Sarah.Ionlywanttoholdyou,Iasknothingmore.Isthereaproblemwithsharingmybed?"

Wasthereaproblem?Onlytheoneofhimbeingahandsomemanwithatouchthatcouldalmostmakeher
forgetherantipathyforhim.

Almost.Buthewasn’taskingformorethanshe’dgivenbefore,toholdherastheyslept.Shenoddedher
acceptanceandlethimdrawhercloser,turnhersoherbacknestledintohischest,theirlegsentangling
underthecovers.

Shefelthisbodyquiet,andhebegantobreathedeeper.Thesoftbrushofhisexhalationswarmedtheback
ofherneck,relaxingher.Strongarmscuddledhercloseandshegaveintothefeelingofsafetythey
offered.Sheclosedhereyesandslippedofftosleep.

****

Warmthbehindher,thesolidfeelofsomeonewithher,hermysteryloverholdingherclose.Purring,Sarah
leanedbackintothatwarmth.Therewasadifference--shecouldsmellhimnow.Themuskyscentofa
manfilledhersenses,cleanandenticing.Shesoughtthatsmell,turninginhisarmstoburyhernoseinthe
solidmassofhischest,thecoarsehairticklinghermouthandcheeksasshenuzzledhim.Hefeltsoreal!

Asifhavingamindofitsown,hertonguewiggledouttotastehim.Hehadaspecialflavor,saltwitha
hintofbitterness.Whywouldherdreammanbebitter,shewondered?Perhapsshecouldsweetenhimup.
Shelickedhimagainandhegavealowgrowlthatrumbledunderherlips.Shiftinghisweightheranlarge
handsalongherback,sendingtinglesalongherspine,tinglesthatscreamed"MORE!".

Shegaspedatthesensationandseizedhisshoulders,pullingherselfuptonibblehisneck,catchingeven
moreofhissweetsmellandbitterflavor.Shereveledinhow,foronce,herdreamloverwasn’ttheonein

controlandthesenseofpowerwasintoxicating.Hemoanedunderherassaultoflipsandteeth,hishands
clutchingatherbottom,rubbingtheircenterstogether.

Hisarousalfeltfullandhardagainstherbelly.

Hermouthroundedhischinandfoundhislips,full,soft,andwaitingforher.Kissinghimbecameagame
fortwo,lipsmeldingandtonguesbattlingforpossession.Ecstatic,Sarahdelveddeeplyintohismouth.
Finallyshe’dfoundthesweetnessshe’dcraved.

Theywerestillkissingbuthewasoverhernow,handsnolongeronherbackbutrunningupanddownher
front,moldingthemselvestoherbreasts,fullandachingunderhergown.Histhumbsfoundthesensitive
tipsandstrokedthemthroughthefabric,andshesquealedintohismouth.

Onehandmovedlower,foundthebottomedgeofhergown,slippedbeneathit,pullingitup.Hispalm
slidalongtheinsideofherthighs,stroking,urgingthemapartandthenshefelthisfingersgentlyglide
alonghernetherlips,seekingpassagethroughthefoldstohercore.

AtthefirststrokeherbodyleapedthenSarahgaspedandbrokeawayfromthekiss,thesensationmore
thanshe’deverdreamedofbefore.Sheopenedhereyesinthedarknessoftheroomandsawthedim,
indistinctfaceofthemanaboveher,hismidnight-blueeyesstaringdownather,filledwithjoy.Hesmiled
andwhispered,"Sarahmine."

Itwasn’tadream--thiswasn’thermysteriousandunknownlover.GeneralGarranwasmakinglovetoher,
hishandevennowtakingpossessionofhermostprivateplaces.

"NO!"Shescreamedtheword,puttingherhandsonhischestandpushingwithallherstrength."No,no,
no.…"

Hepulledhishandsfromher,allowedhimselfbepushedaway,letherslidoutfromunderhimtotheedge
ofthebed.Overwrought,bodyscreamingtocontinuewhatthey’dbegun,Sarahcurledupwithherbackto
himandgaveintoafloodoftears.

HelplessGarranwatched,hisownbodyinariotovertheirabortedlovemaking.Whathadhappened?
He’dwokentohersensualassaultonhim,herlickinghischestlikeanalderdeeratasaltrock.Anyideaof
notrespondingfledwhenshe’dnippedhisneck.Thewomanhadbeenmakinglovetohim,yetnowshe
wassobbinglikeachild.

SweetGaia,whatwasgoingon?

He’dneverdonewellwithcryingwomen.Tryingtocalmhisownbody’sdismay,hetookseveraldeep
breathsbeforereachingovertostrokeSarah’sback.Shestiffenedathistouchandhepulledaway.

"I’msorry,Sarah."Hishelplessfeelinggrew."Iwouldn’thave...Imean...."Hescrubbedthebackofhis
neck.

Hersobbingdiedaway,leavingherbreathingragged,astornashisemotions."Itwasn’t...you...Iwas
dreaming.…"

"Dreaming?Aboutwhat,who?"

Shemanagedtostifleasobortwo."Ihavedreamsabout...beingwithsomeone.Aman."

"Alover?"

Shenodded,herfacestillturnedfromhim."Yes."

Furyarose,thatsomeoneelsehadheldherandleftherdreamingofhim.SomemanhadpossessedSarah
before...he’dknownitallalong,buthatedtohaveitconfirmedthisway."SomeoneyouknewonEarth?
Whydidn’tyoustaywithhim?"

Shestraightenedoutandsatup.Smoothingthegownoverherkneessheseemedtocollectherselfaswell.
Whenhergazemethisitwascool."Hedoesn’texist,that’swhy."

Nowhewasconfused."Youwerewithaloverthatdoesn’texist?"

"I’venotbeenwithaloveratall.I’mstill...well.I’veneverfoundanyoneIcouldstandlongenoughtogo
tobedwiththem."

Thiswasnotpossible."You’refromEarth.Youcan’ttellmethatyouhaven’t.…"

"IcanandIdo.Ifyouwantprooflookatthemedicalteststheyranwhenwecameonboard.Thereisa
waytotell,youknow,"shesaidwryly.

Ofcourseheknew,buthecouldn’tbelievethatthisbeautifulwomanwasstillavirgin.

Shemusthavereadhisdisbelief."Iguessitdoessoundstrange."Sarahdrewherkneesupunderher
gown,restedherchinontheirtop.Shelookedasaloneandlostasalittlegirlandheachedtoputhisarm
aroundhershouldersandcomforther.

"I’veneverbeencomfortablewithstrangerstouchingme,meninparticular.It’soddtoo,becausewhen
thedreamsstartedthemanwasastranger.HeresemblednooneIknew."

"Theseare..."hefumbledfortheword."Eroticdreams?"

Herfacesoftened,becamewistful."Yes,erotic.He’dtouchme,holdmeandI’dlikeit.Sometimeshe’d
puthishands.…’Sheblushed."Whereyouhadyours."

"You’ddreamaboutthis?Whatdidhelooklike?"

ShehadadreamysmileandGarranwouldhavegivenanythingtobethereasonforthatsmile."He’s
large.MuchbiggerthanIam,biggerthanmostEarthmen.Muscular,strong.Hishandsseemhugetome,
buthe’sverygentle.Ilovehistouch.Ifeelhislips,hisbreath.IwasdreamingofhimtonightbutIcould
smellhim,tastehim."Shestopped,flustered.

"Itwasn’thimtonight,butme."Garranfoughtthejealousythatragedthroughhim.Herkisseshadbeenfor
someoneelse,aphantom."Whatelsedoyouknowabouthim?"

"Darkhair.It’slikeyoursbutshorter."

"Hiseyes,nose?Tellmeabouthisface,Sarah."

Sheflushedagain."I’veneverseenhisface.Imostlyrememberhishands."

"What?"

"He’sbehindme,orI’vegotmyeyesclosed.I’veneverdreamedofhisface."

Garranshookhishead."Itsoundslikeanattachmentdream.Sometimesouryoungwomencanhavethem,
whenthey’veseensomeonethatappealstothem.Oftenthemanwhoattachestothemresemblesthe
dream.Buttheyusuallyfocusontheface,notthehands."Hecombedhishandsthroughhishair,tryingto
straightenitout."Ihavetherightcolorhair,andthehands."

"Itcouldn’thavebeenyou."

Sarah’sadamancyinfuriatedhim.Itwasn’tbadenoughthatshe’dundonehisbestintentions.He’dbeen
totallyundercontroluntilshe’dkissedhim.Nowhecouldbarelykeephishandsoffofher.

"Ididn’tsayitwasme.Youaren’taGaianwomansothere’snoreasonforyoutobehavingattachment
dreams.You’reprobablyjustdreamingaboutsomeholo-vidstarandblockedouthisface."

Angerstiffenedherspineandhereyesflashedathim."IwasNOTdreamingofaholo-vidstar.I’mnota
teenagerwithacrush."

"No,justafrustratedvirginwhodreamsaboutamanshecan’thave.Whynotpicksomeoneyoucould?"

"Likeyou?"

"Likeanyone.Tonightcouldn’thavebeenthefirsttimeaguyevertouchedyou."

"IsaiditwasandIdon’tlie,General."

"Garran--youpromisedyou’dusemyname."

"Youpromisedyou’dkeepyourhandstoyourself."

"Thatwasbeforeyoustartedsquirmingaroundlikeaquezzleinheat!"

Heheardheroutragedgaspbeforeherpillowhithimfullintheface.Foramomenthegraspeditinhis
hand,fullyintendingtopummelherwithit.Fortunatelythecom-linksoundedandhedroppedhisweapon
onthebedbeforegoingtoanswerit.

"WHATISIT?"

Theresultinghesitationontheotherendsignaledthathisfuryhadbeennoticed."Garran,it’sJeffrey.I
reallyhatetodisturbyouandDoctorSarahbutsomething’scomeup."

"Somethingthatyouneedmefor?"hegrowled.

"Un,well,no,notyou.DoctorSarah.CouldIspeakwithher,please?"Jeffrey’svoicesoundedurgent.It
wasthemiddleofthethirdshift,whatkindofanemergencycouldSarahbeinvolvedin?

Shewasalreadybyhisside,herangergone.Shewasalert,acoolprofessionalinherdemeanor.

"Whatisit,Doctor?"Sarahasked.

Thewordstumbledthroughthelink."OneofourGaianladiesisinlabor.She’salittleearlybutforthe
pastfivehoursthingshavebeenprogressingsmoothly.NeithermywifeorIareobstetriciansbutwecan
handlearoutinebirth.Butnowthere’saproblem,themonitor’sshowingsomeseveredistresstothebaby
andherblood-pressureisthroughtheroof."

Sarahspokewithquietcomposure,askingquestions.Garrandidn’trecognizethenamesofthedrugsshe’d
suggestedortechniquesthey’dtried,butclearlyJeffreydid.Thedoctorwasconsiderablycalmerbythe
timeshe’dfinishedbytellinghimshe’dbethereintenminutes.

"Oh,andJeffrey...pleasehavesomejaviwhenIgetthere."

Themanactuallylaughedwhenhetoldherhewould.

Assoonassheclosedthelinksheheadedforhercabinetandpulledoutaskirtandblouse.Withherback
tohim,shetoreoffhernightgownanddressedwithoutconsciousthoughtofhim.Shockedatherboldness,
Garrangotaquickglimpseofbarefleshbeforeshefastenedtheclosuresofhergarments.

Gonewasthetimidbrideforwhomhe’dchangedclothesinthesanitarytoavoidembarrassment,andthe
blushingvirginhe’dalmostmadeloveto.HerexpressionamaskofcompetencySarahturnedtofacehim
andpointedtohissleepwear."I’llneedaguidetothemedicalfacility.Couldyoutakeme?"

Stillwonderingatthechangeinher,hegrabbedclothesofhisown,andchangedwhilesheusedthe
sanitary.

Maybehe’ddreameditthatshe’dlaininhisarmsandkissedhimlikeshe’dbeenalivewithpassion,if
onlyforafewminutes.Heliftedthefingersthathadsoughttopleasureherandsmelledhermusky
sweetnessonthem.No,ithadn’tbeenadream.

ChapterSeventeen

JeffreymettheminthewaitingareaoftheclinicandpulledSarahtotheside,shovingafullmugofjaviin
herhands.Shesippedthehotfragrantbrewwhilethedoctorbriefedherontheirpatient.Helookedeven
moreworriedthanhe’dsoundedonthecom-link."I’lltakeyoutotheroom."

"We’llwaitouthere,"Garrantoldher,Maxxa’shulkingpresencebehindhim.They’dfoundthebodyguard
inGarran’slounge,nappingononeofthecouches,andevervigilanthe’dinsistedonaccompanyingthem
tothemedicalcenter.

"Youneedn’t,"Sarahsaid."Itcouldbeseveralhours."

Garranshrugged."I’venothingbettertodo."

Maxxarubbedahandoverhisface,probablytryingtoerasetheexhaustionthatshowed."Yeah,me
neither."

Shakingherhead,Sarahleftthemandfollowedthedoctorintotheclinic.Astheypassedinside,Sarah
wasstruckbyhowattractiveandmoderntheship’smedicalcenterwas.Onlyinherlastyearofschool
hadsheseenanythingtomatchit,whenshe’dbeenallowedabriefvisittoahospitalfortheuppercrust
ofEarth’sgovernment.Atthetopofherclass,she’dtoyedwithtakingtheresidencythey’doffereduntil
she’ddiscoveredhowrareshe’dbecalledupontoactasanobstetrician.Noteventherichwerehaving
babiesonEarth.

She’dtakenheronlyotherofferbecauseatleastatthecityhospitalshe’dbeenabletoplyhertraderather
thandiscussbody-toningsurgeryforanindolentclassofmenandwomen.

Betterahospitalwithworn-outfurnishingsandarchaicequipmentthanthat.

Nowshewalkedthroughroomswithtop-of-the-lineequipmenttodeliverthebabyofalowlycomm-
officer.Inspiteoftheemergency,Sarahfeltelatedattheprospect.

Turningacorner,theyarrivedattheroombeingusedasabirthingroom.

Firstofall,thereweretoomanypeopleintheroom,Sarahdecided.InadditiontoMeridan,theyoung
womanwhosedistendedbellyrippledunderacontractionjustasSarahentered,therewasadisheveled
youngmanwithpanicinhiseyes,threenurses,oneforeachoftheyoungmother-to-be’shands,thethird
gazingfranticallyatthesensordisplay,asifstrugglingtocomprehendwhattheyweretellingher.

Sarahtookoneglanceatthescreensandunderstoodtheirstoryatonce,thetalefillingherwithdismay.If
herguesswasright,she’dhaveatrickyproceduretoperform,difficultwithouttherightequipment.

"Idon’tsupposeyouhaveaportableholo-viewer,"sheaskedJeffrey.

Toheramazementhenodded."Ofcourse."Hegesturedtooneofthehandholdingnurses,andsenther
scramblingforit.

Hoperising,Sarahtookovertheroom.Afteronemorefortifyinggulpofherjavi,sheabandoneditto
approachMeridanandtakeherhand."I’mDoctorJohnsonandI’mgoingtomakesureyouandyourbaby
aregoingtobejustfine.Let’sgetthelightslowered,andflattenyouout.You,"shepointedtotheman.
"Areyouherhusband?"

"Yara...yes,I’mhim."Heswallowednervously."Thatis,yes,I’mYara,Meridan’shusband."

"Wonderful."Sarahspokesoothingly."Iwantyoutositwithyourwife.Nexttimeshehasacontraction,I

wantyoutofocusherbreathingthroughit,likethis."ShedemonstratedandYarapickeduponthejoint
breathingexerciseinthemoment.

Bynowthelightinghadbeendimmed,andadditionalpillowsaddedtothenarrowbedtocushionthe
laboringmother.Lookingfarmorerelaxed,Meridanmanagedasmileasherhusbandkissedherhand.

Theholo-viewerarrivedandSarahpositionedthehalf-cylindricalreaderoverMeridanandflippediton.
Pleased,shenotedhowfastitfiredup,andwatchedthecrispblue-greenimagesforminthespaceabove.
Theinternalstructureofthemother’swombandpositionofthebabywerecrystalclear.

Thiswasn’tjustasgoodasanythingshe’ddealtwithonEarth.Itwasafarimprovement.

Anothercontractionbeganandshewatchedtheimagesdisplayedabovetheviewerasthemuscularwall
ofthewombrippled.AtMeridan’shead,herhusbandbeganbreathingwithher,slowandeven,
encouraginghertomatchhim.Onthedisplayabovethemthesensorsspiked,thenloweredasMeridan
relaxedintotheslowbreathingpattern.

Jeffreyandthenursesstared."Justthebreathingdoesthat?"

Sarahsparedhimaglance.Shespokequietlyastonotdisturbtheyoungcouple."It’sanancienttechnique.
Ireadaboutitinsomeveryoldtwentieth-centuryjournalsonnaturalchildbirth.Focusingonbreathing
relaxesthemind,removestheanxietyandthebodyrelaxesaswell.Betterthandrugs,betterthanneural
blockerswhichcaninterferewiththechild’shealth."

Intheholographicimageaboveviewerthebabymovedandtheumbilicalcordtwisted."Here,"She
pointed,"That’stheproblem.Thecordisinthewrongplaceandbecomescompressedwitheach
contraction."

"Whatdowedo?"Jeffreyasked.

"Backintheolddays,they’dcutthemotheropenandremovethechildthatway."Sarahshudderedatthat
primitivetechnique."Whatwecandonowismovethecordoutoftheway,usingasmalltractor-probe."

"You’vedonethatbefore?"

"Manytimes...butthiswillmakeitsomucheasier."Sarahpointedingratitudeattheholo-viewer."With
thisIcanseewhatI’mdoingratherthanmakeguesses."

Oneofthenursesprovidedatractor-probe,aminiatureversionofthetractor-beamgeneratorusedto
bringTheDove’sescapepodsontoThePromise.Liketheviewer,theprobewasbeautifullydesigned,
betterthananythingshe’dusedbefore.

WithsurgicalprecisionSarahusedthenarrowbeamtoshiftthecordfromthebottomedgeofthewomb,
andwiththenextcontractionthesensorsmeasuringthebaby’sstresslevelspikedonlyanormalamount.

SheandJeffreyexchangedsmilesandafterthenextseveralcontractionsshowedthesameresult,she
turnedofftheholo-viewerandmovedittothesidetoallowMedidanmorefreedomofmovement.With
thecordmovedtosafety,andthemotherrelaxed,thebirthcouldproceednormally.

Jeffreynoddedattheviewerassheslidherhandsappreciativelyoverthesleekcasing."Iguessyou’re
usedtoworkingwithequipmentlikethat."

Sarahlaughedbitterly."Notintheleast.UsuallyI’dhavetomoveapatienttointensivecaretogetaccess
toone.IfIcouldn’tdothatI’dhavetodothatprocedureblind,trustingthesensorsonthechildtotellme
whenitwasoutoftheway...orIresortedtosurgerytosaveamotherandchildwhentherewasn’ttimefor
anythingelse.Ievenlostachildonce.…"

Hervoicetrailedoffandtearsfilledhereyesatthememoryofthatonefailureinhercareer,her
helplessnessholdingthetinyblue-lippedbabywho’ddiedbeforeenteringtheworld.

Shegavethemachineapat."I’dhavegivenanythingforoneofthesebackonEarth.Thisisabeauty,as
well.I’veneverseenonelikeit."

"Youwouldn’tfindmanyonEarth.It’sGaian-madeandweholdthepatents.Oneofourbestengineers
cameupwithitandthedesignfortheprobeyouused."

"Well,I’mverygratefultotheinventor,whoeverheis."

Hetiltedhisheadandamusementlithiswarmbrowneyes."Youcouldtellhimwhenyouleave.He’sout
inthewaitingroom."

Sarahstaredathim."Garran?Hebuiltthese?"Sheshookherhead."IguessIshouldn’tbesurprised,he
saidhewasanengineer."

"Oneofourbest.Greatwithhishands.He’samultitalentedmanasI’msureyou’refindingout."

Multitalented.Shewinced.Wellhe’dcertainlyknownwhattodowithhishandsthismorningbefore
she’dstoppedhimandthey’dfallenintoafight.

Sheglancedoveratthedoctor."Jeffrey,couldyoutellmewhata‘quezzle’is?"

****

Garranpacedthesmallwaitingarea.Occasionallyhe’dsitandturnonthemediascreen,searchforsome
kindofentertainment,somethingtoengagehismind.Whennothingdid,heturnedoffthescreenandwent
backtopacing.

Maxxahadtakenoverthecouchnearestthemedicalcenterdoorway,andfromthesoftsnoringhad
resumedhisnap.

Garranwatchedhimenviouslybeforedecidingthatthemanhadtherightidea.Givingintothehourand
hislackofsleep,Garranstretchedoutonthecouch.

That’swhereJeffreyfoundhimtwohourslater.Groggy,Garranrubbedthesleepfromhiseyesandsatup,
makingroomforthedoctoronthecouch."Howarethingsgoing?"

"Wonderful,thankstoyourwife."Jeffreysmiled."Sheknewexactlywhattheproblemwasandgotit
fixed."

"You’redonewithherthen?"Garrancouldn’tkeeptheimpatienceoutofhisvoice.Hewantedtogetback
herbacktohisquarters.

"Shedoesn’tseemeagertoleave.ShetoldMeridanandYarathatshe’ddelivertheirbaby,andrightnow
that’swhatshe’sdoing."Jeffreystaredathisfoldedhands."Doesn’tthatseemoddtoyou,thatanewly
weddedwifewouldratherdeliverababythanbeinbedwithherhusband?"

Garrangrowled."She’sprobablyjustbeingconscientious.Shetookoverthedelivery,sonowshefeels
likesheneedstofinishit."

"Oh,I’msurethatwaspartofit.Still...Idon’tthinkyouwereasleepwhenIcalled.Idefinitelygotthe
feelingIwasinterruptingsomethingandnotsomethingI’dhopewouldbehappeningonaweddingnight."

Garranfeltaheatedflushtakeoverhisface."Areyoutakingupmarriagecounseling,Doctor?"

"Ifneeded.YoumightrememberIhavesomeexperiencewithbeingwedtoanEarthwoman.Whatwas
goingon?"heaskedbluntly.

Garranfrowned,butcouldn’targuethepoint.Itmightevenbeagoodideatogetafreshperspective.
BethanandSymonalreadylovedhiswifeandwouldlikelytakeherside.MaybeJeffreywouldbemore
objective.

"Wewerefightingwhenyoucalled.Iwasjustabouttohither..."

"Hither!"Jeffreybrokein,scandalized.

"Withapillow!"Garranfinishedangrily."Don’tinterrupt.Besidesshe’djustthrownitatme!"

"Whywouldshedothat?Iknowshe’sfeisty."

Garransighed.Everyoneknewaboutherslappinghimontheirfirstmeeting.Itwasgoingtoberecorded
asthemostsignificantslapinGaianhistoryifheandSarahevermanagedtomaketheirmarriagework.
Theslapheardroundtheuniverse.

"Icalledhersomething...notsomethingIshouldhave."

Jeffrey’slipstwitched."Notaquezzle."

Hegroanedagain."Isupposesheaskedyouwhatitwas?"

"IjusttoldheritwasdescendedfromtheEarthcat.Ididn’ttellheritmatedforlifelikewedo."

AndlikeSarahwould,Garranrealized.ShewasclosertobeingaGaianwomanthanhe’drealized.She
wasevenstillinnocentinawayhe’dneverexpectedanEarthwomantobe.

"Iassumeshementionedshewasstillavirgin?"

GarranstaredatJeffrey,furyseizinghim."Andyouwouldknow.…"

"BecauseI’madoctor,Garran.I’veseenherrecordsjustlikeIsaweveryoneelse’s.Itwasrather
unusual.Didshehaveanexplanation?"

"Onethatmadenosense.Shedoesn’tlikebeingtouched...butthenshehasdreamsofamanmakingloveto
her."

Jeffriesbrowcrinkledinconcern."Attachmentdreams?"

"Likethem.Adarkhairedmanwithbighandsandnoface."

"Hmm."Jeffrey’sgazefellonGarran’shands,sprawledacrossthetopofhisthighs."Bighands....Very
interesting.Iwishyou’dletmywifeinonthis...She’dhavesomeideaastowhatitmeans."

Garranshookhishead."Shecan’tbebroughtinuntilIknowSarahwillstayonGaia.Wecan’tletthe
quezzleoutofthebagyet."

"IsupposebutI’malreadyintroublewithheroverlastnight’sdinner.Wecan’thideherforever."

"Justacoupleofdays.That’sallIneed."

Jeffreystood."Ibettergetbackinsideandseehowthingsaregoing.Thesoonerthatbabygetsborn,the
sooneryoucanstartcourtingagain.Andthistimesticktocourting,nonamecallingorpillow
fights...unlessit’sinfun!"

****

Sarahliftedthesqualling,squirming,red-facedbundleoffuryanddisplayedittoitstiredbutecstatic
parents."It’saboy!"shecaroled.

Shelaidthebabyonhismother’sstomachandhadthefathersnipthecordthathadbeensotroublesome
asthemotherplayedwithherson’sperfecttinyfingers.

Sarahwatchedthenewfamilywithamixtureofhappinessandlonging,herusualemotionsondeliveringa
healthychild,somethingshe’dhopedwouldhaveendedoncomingintospacewiththeNLC.

She’devenhopedthatthenexttimeshe’dperformedthisroleshemightevenbeexpectingachildofher
own.

Insteadshewasstillavirgin.

Sarahsighedandtriednottorememberhowcloseshe’dcometonightatlosingthatundesirablestatus.If
shehadn’tstoppedhim,Garranwould’vemadelovetoher.She’dtakentheprecautionarycontraceptive
tabletbeforeenteringthemarriagemeet,soshewouldn’thavegottenpregnant,butatleastshe’dknown
whatitwaseveryoneelseravedabout.

Itmighthavebeenworthit.HerbodystilltingledatthemerethoughtofGarrantouchingher.Notevenher
dreamloverhadbeenasgoodwithhishands.

Ofcourse,howcouldadreambeasgoodastherealthing?

Herjobfinished,Sarahtookalastlookaroundthemedicalbay,attheefficientandwell-designedspace,
thegleamingequipment.She’dneveroperatedinthisqualityofenvironmentbefore,andshefoundshe
likedit.

Itwaswonderfultohavemonitorsthatworkedconsistently,probesyoucouldrelyon.Andthatholo-
viewer!

Atroublingthoughtthreadedthroughher.ThiswasGarran’sworld,hismedicalbay,onhisship.Ifthis
wasrepresentativeofwhatshe’dfindonGaia,andshehadnoreasontobelieveitwasn’t,she’dnever
workinasubstandardhospitalagain.

Ifshestayedwithhim,shecouldworklikethisatalltimes.She’dneverloseapatientduetobrokenor
absentequipment.She’dneverholdanotherdeadchildshecould’vesavedbutforsomegovernment
official’scredit-hoarding.

Anditwasn’tjusttheworkenvironment,therewasmore.Garranwantedher,wantedtogiveherchildren,
andunlikeanymanshe’dknownbefore,histouchfedherdesireinsteadofrepressingit.Shemightnever
againmeetamanwhosetouchshecraved.

ForamomentsheenvisionedherselfinMeridan’splace,withGarran’sarmsupportingherbackasshe
strokedtheirfirstborn’sface.Itwasappealing,thatvision.

Allshehadtodowassayyes.Thatwasall.TellGarranshe’dstayhiswifeandshe’dhaveitall.

She’dhaveamedicalenvironmentshecouldbeproudofandpracticequalitymedicinein.

She’dhaveSymonandBethanasfamily.GoodfriendslikeJeffreyandtheothersatthepartylastnight.
She’deatwell,drinkwell,livewell,incomfort.GarranownedahomealongCrescentLake.Shecould
liveinbeautifulsurroundingsallherlife.

Shewouldhavechildren,beautifulchildrenfatheredbyanattractivemanofexceptionalintelligence.

Soverytempting.Amanshedesired,amanshecouldrespectifonlyforhisachievements.Afamilywith
him.

Allthatwouldbemissingwaslove.

Hereuphoriafromthesuccessfulbirthdissipating,Sarahrosetoleave.Mouthinghercongratulationsto
MeridanandYarashelefttheminlovingcontemplationoftheirson’sperfectfingersandtoes,Jeffreyand
oneofthenursesinattendance.

OnherwaythroughthestillquietmedicalcenterSarahfoundafoodservicepanelandorderedafresh
mugofjavi.Sippingtherichbrew,shesatonaconvenientstool.Sheneededafewmomentsbefore
findingherhusband,timetoconsidertheramificationsofwhatshewasconsidering.

Thebenefits.

Andtheconsequences.

Shecouldhaveeverythingsheeverwanted--morethaneverything.Herwildestdreamsofthefuturehad
neverbeenimaginativeenoughtoanticipatewhatshe’dfoundonThePromise.

IfshestayedwithGarranshe’dlackfornothing--exceptlove.Garranclaimedtolovehernow,butshe
doubteditwouldlastifshecouldneverreturnhisfeelings.Whileshemightdesirehim,respecthim,and
possiblyevenlikehim,deepinherheartsheknewshecouldneverlovehim.

Howcouldsheloveamanwhenforfiveyearsshe’ddonenothingbuthatehim?Ifshedidn’tlovehim
wouldn’thislovefadeaway?Ifshecouldn’tlovehim,couldshelivewithhimanyway?Maybe.

Woulditbefairtoeitherofthem,alovelessmarriage?Probablynot.

Butlifewassoseldomfair.

Allhe’daskedforwasachancetoprovewhatagoodlifetheycouldhaveandshe’dalreadyagreedto
givehimthatchance.Shecouldlearntotoleratehimasahusband.Thewayherbodytingledshecould
learntoenjoysexwithhim.Ifitwasn’tlove,itwouldstillmakeachild.

Wouldn’tthatbeenough?

Uncertainoftheanswer,Sarahfinishedhercupandputitintothepanel’ssanitizer.

ItwastimetofindGarran.Sarahcontinueddownthehalltowhereshe’denteredthemedicalcenter,then
stoppedshortandsuppressedalaugh.

Well,thatwasn’thard.Shefoundhimasleeponthecouchinthewaitingarea,hisfaithfulbodyguard,
Maxxa,snoringnearthedoor.

Shepaused,consideringhim.Heseemedyounger,thestressgonefromhisface,darkhaircoveringhis
neckandcheek.Sheresistedtheurgetopushitback,knowingitwouldwakehim,wantingamoment
moretoexaminehim.

Hereallywasveryhandsome,herhusband.Dressedinaloosefittingblueshirtandbrownpantshecould
havebeenanyGaian,notthestern-facedGeneral.Whenshe’dfirstseenhimonThePromisehe’dworn
black,butshehadn’tseenthecoloronhimsince.

Washetryingtochangehisimage?Perhaps.Thelightbluecomplementedhishairandcomplexion,which
shecouldseewasfartoopale.He’dprobablyspentalotoftimeonhisshipandlittletimeinthesun.

Somethingelsethatwouldchange.HewantedtoreturntohishomeonGaiaandhewantedhertocome
withhim.

Wouldthatbeenoughtoremainhiswife?

Troubledbyquestionsshehadnoanswersfor,Sarahreachedouttogentlyshakehimawake.Hiseyes

openedandgazefellonherandasmileteasedaroundhislips.

"Goodmorning,Sarahmine.Whatwasit?"

Whatwas.…"Oh,thebaby!Itwasaboy."

"Congratulations.Jeffreytoldmeyoudidawonderfuljob."Hestretchedandyawned,hisshirtridingup
toshowthedarklineofhairleadingintohiswaistband.ThesightcausedasmallthrillinSarah’score.
Whenhestoodandreachedtostrokehercheek,hisadmiringsmilewarmedherclearthrough.

Maybeitwouldbeenough.

Amanandwomanarrived,clothedintheoutfitswornbytheothermedicalpeopleshe’dseen.They
seemedsurprisedtoseeGarranthere,mutteredrespectfulgreetingstohim,whichhereturned.Sarah
glancedatthewallchronoandrealizedthatitwasnearthehourofthestartoffirstshift.

Thenightwasoveranditwasanewday--adaytospendwithherhusbandandseeifshecouldfindsome
answerstohertroubledquestions.

Garrantookherhand."Comewithmetobreakfast?"

Atleastthatwasaquestionshehadananswerfor.

"I’llbehappyto."

ChapterEighteen

HisSarahwasaneateater.Garranwatchedasshecarefullyemptiedherplateofbakedcholumb,
managingthetaskwithoutlosingasinglemorselfromherfork.Therichcrumblycakewasmorenutritious
thanitlooked,ortasted,butitdidtendtomakeamess.Hisplate,forexample,wascoveredinbitsand
pieces.ButSarahwasmorecareful,makingsureeverybitemadeitintohermouthwhereshevirtually
purredoverthetaste.

Herundisguisedenjoymentoversuchasmallthinglefthimpleasedandconfused.Pleasedbecauseevery
timeshefoundsomethingaboutGaianlifestylethatsheliked,hefigureditmadeitthatmucheasierto
convincehertostay.Confusedbecausehecouldn’tunderstandwhysuchsimplethingswouldmakeher
happy.Shewastrainedphysicianandagoodone.Surelyherlifehadincludedaccesstogoodfoodand
drink.

Takethewayshedrankjavi.He’dhavethoughtshe’dhadenoughalready,butsherelishedthismugas
muchastheonethathadprecededit.Themuginfrontofherwasonitssecondrefillsincethey’dtaken

seatsinthesmallmesshallhe’ddirectedhertoafterleavingthemedicalcenter.

Maxxahadn’tbeenhappyatthemgoingtoapublicplaceforbreakfast,buthadbeenmovedatSarah’s
ferventrequestthattheynotreturntoGarran’squartersjustyet.Garranthoughtthatmaybeaneutralplace
wouldmakeiteasiertotalktoherandsupportedherrequest.

ReluctantlythebodyguardhadacquiescedwiththeprovisothatSammulbeaddedtotheparty.The
hulkingpairhadinstalledthemselvesatanearbytable,leavingGarranandSarahalone.Thegoodnews
wasthattheyspentsomuchtimelookingforpossibleenemiesthatGarranhadalltheprivacyhewanted.

Heexaminedthehalf-emptymuginfrontofher.Twomugsofjaviandthatwasn’tcountingwhatshe’dhad
atthecenter.Ofcoursehedidn’tblamedher.Withherprofessionshe’dprobablydrunkhundredsofcups
ofjavi--thatiscoffeebackonEarth,attemptingtostayalertwhiledeliveringbabiesatallhoursofthe
night.

Heeyedthemuginfrontofhim.Ifhewasgoingtobemarriedtoanobstetricianhe’dprobablybetterget
usedtodrinkingmoreaswell.Herhourswouldbecomehisaswell.

Notthathewascomplaining.Today’searlymorningroustinghadbeenawake-upcallinmorewaysthan
one.ShewasadoctorandaccordingtoJeffrey,adamngoodone.

Garransighedatthat.Yetanothermemberofhisstaffeagertomakecertainthathismarriagewas
successful...Jeffreysohe’dhaveaccesstoaskilledphysician.

Ifonlyhisbridehadasmuchinterestintheirrelationshipaseveryoneelsedid.

Although,somethinghadchanged.He’dnoticeditwhenthey’dleftthemedicalcenter,howshe’dallowed
himtotakeherhandwithoutcomment.Hecouldn’tsaythatshe’dwelcomedhistouch,butshehadn’t
shiedawayeither.Itwasalmostlikeshewastestingherself.

Shewaswatchinghim,too,asifshewasquestioningsomethinginherownmind.Thelookwastoo
contemplativetobeidlecuriosity.Somethingwasonhermindanditinvolvedhim.Probablyinvolved
bothofthem.

Ahappythoughtoccurred.Maybeshewascomingovertohisside?Garranmusedoverthat,hisattention
onthedarkwoodofthetable.

"Thisisdelicious."

HercommentbrokethroughhisthoughtsandGarranlookeduptoseehersmilingathim,theexpressionso
beautifulitcaughtthebreathinhisthroat.Hersmilewasalmostwhathe’dseenyesterdaybeforeshe’d
realizedhisidentity.He’dthoughhe’dneverseeitagain.

Heartpoundingheleanedoverthetabletowardher."It’safavoritebreakfastcakewithGaians.Mywife
usedtomakeiteveryday...."Hisvoicetrailedoffwhenherealizedwhathe’dsaid.Horrifiedhewatched
hersmilefadeandthewatchfullookreturn.

Sheplayedwithherfork,turningitoverandoveronheremptyplate."Shecooked,yourwife?"

"Shewasaverygoodcook,"headmitted.

Sheraisedherforktohermouth,stillnotlookingathim.Insteadhergazeseemedfixedonhisplate,
betweenthemonthetable."AndIcan’tcookatall."

Whatdidthatmean?"Ididn’tmarryyouforyourdomesticskills.Wecanhireacook,Sarah."

Shelaughed,asadlittlelaugh."It’snotthat.ItjustthatIdon’tthinkI’mmuchlikeyourwifewas."

"I’mnotmakingcomparisons.Sarah,doesitbotheryouthatIwasmarried?"

Shetappedherforkonhisplateasifmakingapoint."Notthewayyouthink.Youlovedherandsheloved
you...andyouhadachild...."Hervoicetrailedoff.

"Thisistrue.DoyouworrythatIcouldnotloveyouoranychildrenwecouldhave?Trustme,Sarahthat
willnotbeanissue.Youareexceedinglylovable--halftheshipisenamoredofyoualready,"hesaid
wryly.

Sheseemedtocatchhisattitudeofchagrinandamusementglintedinhereyes.Withherforkshegathered
afewofthecholumbcrumbsonhisplateandliftedthemintotheair.

"Iguessyou’renowgettingpressurefromallsidesonkeepingmearound."Sarahthrustthepileof
pilferedcrumbsinhermouthandGarran’sheartpoundedwithferalgleeatthesighofpleasurethat
eruptedfromher.

"Nonemorethanfrommyself.Iwantyou,Sarah."Thatwasonefactthatwasgettingharderandharderto
ignore.

"Becauseyouattachedtome?"Herforksnaggedafewmoreofhisleftovercholumbcrumbs.

"BecauseIattached,yes.It’sthewayofus.Yourepresentafutureforme,ofcompanionshipandfamily.
I’dbeafooltogivethatup--andI’veneverbeenaccusedofbeingafool."

"Companionshipandfamily?Whataboutlove,Garran--Doyouthinkyouloveme?"

Love?Lovefollowedattachment...that’swhathe’dbeentaught.Itwasthenaturalorderofthings.He
knewEarthpeopleputagreatstoreondevelopinganemotionalattachmenttotheirspousespriorto
marriage,buttheydidn’thavetocontendwiththeoverwhelmingphysicalreactionsGaiansdidonfirst
meeting.Therewasn’ttimeforlovetodevelopyet.

Atthispointitwashardforhimnottojustthrowheroverhisshoulderandhaulherofftobed.Maybehe
didn’tlovehernow,buthewouldwheneverythingsettleddown.

Hewaitedtoolongtoanswerandsheshookherhead."Ididn’tthinkso.Justaswell."

Shemightsayitwas"justaswell"buthecouldtellitwasn’t.Herforcedsmiletoldhimasloudlyas
words--Sarahneededsomeonetoloveher.

"Don’tgiveuponuslovingeachotheryet,Sarahmine.Loveissomethingthatgrowsbetweenpeople

whentheyallowit.AllGaiancouplesI’veeverknownwouldtellyoutheywereinlove...evenitiftooka
whiletohappen."

AmusedGarranwatchedSarahgleanthelastcrumbsfromhisplate,anintimateacttobeexpectedofa
wife.Hewonderedifsheknewwhatshewasdoing.

Sheswallowedthelastmouthful."Soyouthinkwewillgrowtoloveeachother?"

"Ibelieveso,yes.Wewillspendourlivestogether.MostGaiancouplesliveandworkside-by-side.It’s
thewayofthings."

Atroubledlookcrossedherface."Gaiancouplesalwayslivetogether?Butyourwifewas.…"

Chillsrandownhisspineanditwasallhecoulddotonotclenchhisfist.Whydidsheneedtobringthis
up,now?"Yes.Shewasn’twithmeatthetimeofherdeath.IwasworkingonthisshipandsheandSallia
wereattheschool.…"

Sarahhelduponehand,dismayinherface."I’msorry,Garran.Ididn’tmeanto.…"

Herlookofapologywasallheneeded.Immediatelyhisangercooled.

Garrangrabbedandheldherupraisedhand."Iknow.Youdidn’tmeanbringupbadmemories.It’sall
right,Sarah."Hepulledittohislipsandkissedherfingers."Youaremywifenow."

Shepulledherhandaway,buttherewasasmileonherface.Hegesturedtotheirnowemptyplates."If
you’redonewithbreakfast,maybeIcangiveyouatouroftheship."

Sarahputherforkdownandfinishedthelastofherjaviwithasatisfiedsmile.
"I’mreadywhenyouare."

****

Garrantookherfirsttohispersonaldomainoftheship,theengineeringlaboratories.Ittooknearlyan
hourtowalkthroughthelargerooms,eachfilledwithspecializedequipmenttodevelopnewand
improvedversionsofGaiantechnology.Dressedinsimplecoveralls,thetechniciansandengineers
workedattheirstations,althoughSarahcouldtelltheywereworkingshorthandedtoday,severalofthe
workareasempty.

Manyoftheyoungmenhadfoundbridesandweretakingafewdaysoff.Onlyafewunbandedmenwere
thereaswellasthemarriedGaians,menandwomenwearingbandsandworkingside-by-side.

Whenhe’dmovedintospace,Garranhadn’tstoppeddirectinghisengineeringstaff.Insteadhe’dmoved
themallontohisbattleship.

"Didn’ttheyworryaboutbeingdestroyedduringthewar?"Sarahasked.

Garransimplysmiled,abitoftheGeneralevidentinthesardonicupturnofhislips.

Oneoftheotherengineersgatheredroundthemansweredher."Thisship?"helaughed."We’resaferhere
thanonGaia.There’sastoryabouthowThePromisegotitsname.Sinceitwasaconvertedpassenger
liner,anEarthforceAdmiralaskedhowwecouldconsiderourselvesathreattothem."Theyoungman
noddedproudlytoGarran."TheGeneralherereplied,‘Idon’tconsiderusathreat--insteadwearea
promise.Ifyoucomeafterus,wepromiseyouwillbesorry.’"

ThemangrinnedatGarran."Andhewassorry,wasn’the.Hiswasoneofthefirstshipswetook.…"

"Enoughtalkofthewar."Garraninterrupted,leadingSarahaway."OverhereissomethingIthinkyou’ll
reallylike."

Shelookedbacktoseeaperplexedlookontheman’sface.Surelyheknewbetterthantobragabout
destroyingshipsinfrontofher.

Garranletherlingerquiteawhileinthemedicalequipmentlab,admiringtheirlatestefforts.Oncemore
shewastemptedbythedesiretobeabletousesuchstateofthearttools.

SheglancedatGarran,hishandsomevisagefiringherpassionsagain,andfeltthereactioninherface,
cheeksburning.Whenshefeltthiswayabouthim,whycouldn’tshebelievethatlovewouldfollow?

Atonepointintheirtour,severalengineersengagedGarraninatechnicalproblemofsomesort.Sarah
triedtofollowtheconversationbutwaslostinseconds.

Bemusedsheglancedaboutforotherentertainmentandanotherpieceofequipmentcaughthereye,being
assembledonalargeworkbenchwithanumberoflooseelectronicpartspileduponit.Garran’sattention
engagedforthemoment,Sarahwanderedovertogetabetterlook.

Therewasamedia-screendisplayingadiagramandayoungmanintentlymatchingequipmentpartstothe
apparatusonthebench,apparentlybasedonthedisplay.Likemanyoftheyoungmenintheroom,hedid
nothaveamarriagebandandwhenSarahaskedabouthisproject,hisheadnoddingaboutlikeachild’s
toy,hiseyeswidewithexcitementoverhernotice.

Beamingather,heindicatedtheapparatusonthebench."I’mbuildingaprototypeofanewremote
controllingsystem."

"Anewremotecontrollingsystem?"Sarahpuzzledoverwhatthiscouldbe.

Theyoungman’sAdam’sapplebobbledupanddownlikeachild’stoy."Oh,yes.Animprovedmodel.
Yousee,thecurrentsystemreliesonknowninputsystemsandwavelengths,sowemustbeverycarefulto
bewithinthecorrectdistancetothetargetandcan’talwaysrelyonthesystembeingwithinparameters.
Thenewsystemwillbemuchmoreflexible,andnotsubjecttointerferenceofsomesortsfrom
misalignmentslikeinfrastructuremetalsonhiddentangentsandsuch…."

HespokesofastthatSarahfoundithardtofollowhisexplanation,butafterlisteningforacoupleof
minutesshethoughtshe’dworkedoutthepurposeofthedevice."Soyoucanusethistoremotelycontrol
othercomputersystems?Likethesystemsonotherships?"

Heclappedhishandsinexcitement."Ohyes,that’sright!Wecancontrolothershipsthisway.Likethe
life-podsyoucameinon?Iworkedontheremoteforthatone.Itwasharderinsomewaysbecausealife-

podissostupid,youcan’trelyonitscomputerentirely,oryouwindupshuttingoffthelife-supportand
thatwouldbebad,youknow?"

"Yesthatwouldbebad,"Sarahagreed,thinkingaboutherownexperience.Lastthingthey’dhaveneeded
wasabsenteelife-support.Shehadwonderedathowthey’dmanagedtoseizethelife-podsandcontrol
them.Tractorbeamsusuallyjerkedmore.Apparentlythisyoungmanhadbeenoneofthereasonsforthe
smoothnessoftheirridethatmorning.

"Varra,whatareyoutellingSarah?"Garranjoinedthem,hisvoiceintent.

"Ohsir,Iwasjusttellingheraboutthecontrollerforthelife-pods,andhowitneedstobesmarterthanthe
podis."

SarahsensedGarran’sreliefintheyoungman’sanswerandwondered.WhywouldGarranbeconcerned
thatshelearnaboutaremoteship-controllingsystem?Theyhadonetocontrollife-pods,aninteresting
usebutwhatelsemightitbegoodfor?

Hmm,Sarahthought.Controllingshipsotherthanlife-pods?Garranpulledhertoanotherpartofthelab
beforeshecouldaskanymorequestionsofVarra,andbecameintentonshowingherasystemfor
purifyingair,makingitevencleanerthantheairofGaia,aninterestingdeviceinitself.

ButitwastheremoteshipcontrollerthatkeptcomingbacktoSarah’smind.

****

SarahleanedagainstGarraninthecorridorandpulledherleftfootoutofherblackslip-onshoes,rubbing
hertoesgingerly.Herfeetactuallyhurtaftertheir"brief"touroftheshiplaboratories.

Garranslippedasupportingarmunderhers."AndwhatshallIshowyounext?Wouldyouliketoseethe
gardens?"Heranahandalongherbraid."Maybeyou’dliketoseetheroses.Ithinktherearesomeofthe
EarthFlamevariety."

Gardens?Sure,whynot.Sarahnoddedathimandhegrinnedasheguidedheralongthecorridor,Sammul
inclosepursuit.Sinceleavingthelabs,thebodyguardhadbeenvigilant.WhenSarahlookedbehindhis
beetlingscowltookineveryonealongtheway.

Atleasthedidn’tstareatherinthesameway.She’dapparentlymovedoffthebigman’senemieslist.

Thecorridorgrewwiderastheymovedintothemorepublicpartoftheshipandthemid-daycrowds
pickedup.Sarahsawfacessherecognizedamongstthewomen,walkingwiththeirnewhusbands.
SometimesonewouldtakeinGarranandstarewitheyeswide,havingrecognizedEarth’snemesisasthe
manholdingSarah’sarm.

WhenthatlookofhorrorturnedtopityastheEarthwomanreturnedherattentiontoSarah,shejustshook
herheadandsmiledherdenial.Garranmightnotbeamanshecouldlove,butSarahcouldnolongersee
himasthemonsterhe’dbeenportendedtobe.

Finallytheyreachedanopendoorwayoverwhichwaswritten"GaiaRemembered".Sarahlookedinto
theroombeyondandgaspedinastonishment.

Itdidn’tlooklikearoomatall.Infactitdidn’tlooklikeapartofaspaceship.Astheypassedinside,
Sarahcouldhaveswornthey’dmovedoutdoors,ontothesurfaceofaplanet,withanaquamarinesky
aboveandearthbeneathherfeet.Theystoodonastonepath,andeverywhereshelookedwasgreen.
Thin-bladedgrasscarpetedthegroundinalldirections,dottedhereandtherewithbenchessurroundedby
bushesbrightwithbloomsorsmallbedsoffloweringplants.Manyofthebenchesheldcouplestoo
engrossedineachothertonoticeanyoneelse.

ToSarah’sEarth-borneyes,itlookedlikeparadise,notastretchofconcreteasfarastheeyecouldsee.
Shetookadeepbreathandsmelledtheunfamiliararomaoffreshvegetationandwarmearth.Therichness
oftheairmadeherdizzyandsheclutchedGarran’sarmforsupport.Hehelpedhertoabenchnearthe
path,movingacrossthesoftspringylawntoreachit.Sarahresistedtheurgetoreachdowntotheground
andpetthewavingbladesofgrassbeneathherfeet.

BehindthemSammulpadded,thentookupapositiontooneside,watchingthepeacefulgardenforsigns
oftrouble.

Onceseated,Sarahstruggledtotakeshallowerbreathsandsomeofherdizzinessfaded.Toomuch
oxygen,shetoldherself.Theairintheroomwasrichwithit,abyproductoftheplants.That’sallitwas.
She’dbeeninanoxygen-enrichedenvironmentbefore--thiswasn’tthatdifferent.

Butnothingcomparedtotherichbouquetofthethinbreezethatflowedthroughtheroom,thefragrance
fromthenearbyplantsnearlyasheadyasideeffectasoxygen.

Garran’sarmsteadyingher,Sarahraisedherheadforanotherlookaround.Theredidn’tseemtobeanend
tothespace.Faroffinthedistancewasaborderinglineoftalltrees,surroundingthegarden.Looking
backattheentranceshesawastoneborderaroundthedoorway,throughwhichshecouldstillseethe
ship’scorridorfromwhichthey’dentered.Thesightofpeoplepassingoutsidegaveherdisoriented
sensesameasureofsanity.She’dnotbeentransportedplanetside--theywerestillontheship.

Abovethedoorwayshecouldseethatthewallwaspaintedinpale,mottledaquamarinecolorandon
eithersidetreesandbusheswereplanted,thesurfacebehindthemdarkgreen.Thewallabovecurvedup
intotheceilingaboutthreestoriesup,andSarahcouldseethewaythedesigntrickedtheeye.Theroom
wasagiantbowl,createdtogivetheillusionofbeingoutdoors.

WhenshelookedatGarran,hewasgrinningather,pleasedwithherreaction."Wespendsomuchtimein
space,it’sgoodtohavesomethingofourhomeworldwithus.Toomuchtimespentinnarrowcorridors,
orclosedrooms,isn’tgoodforhumans.Weneedtoseetheskyeveryonceinawhile...evenifitisn’ta
realsky.

"Duringthethirdshiftwedimthelightsandprojectontheceilingsimulatedstarfieldsandapairof
moonsthatkeepsphasewiththemoonsofGaia."

Recovering,sheshookherheadinawe."Ineverimaginedaplacelikethis."

Garranleanedbackandstretchedhislonglegs,restinghisarmsonthebackofthebench.Sarahthought

she’dneverseenhimsorelaxed.

"Actually,it’saduplicateoftheparkinourmaincity.We’vemadeitsmaller,ofcourse,butdidapretty
goodjobofgettingthefeeloftheplace."

Sarahslippedhershoesoffandfeltthegrassbetweenhertoes,groaningaloudwithpleasure."It’s
wonderful,Garran."

Hegrinnedather,andmovedtotouchhercheek,backofhishandstrokingitgently.Underthesleeveof
hisshirt,hisarmmusclesrippledandSarahresistedtheurgetorunherhandalongthem,feeltheir
strength.

Sarahclosedhereyesandletthesensualityofthemomentrunoverher--thefeelofgrassbetweenher
toes,Garran’shandstrokingherface,theairheavywiththesmellofflowersandgrowingthings.
Somewherenearbywasrunningwater.Shecouldhearthetricklingsoundoverthesoftmurmursofthe
othercouplesenjoyingthebeautyofthepark.

Shefeltasifinadream,butdifferentfromthemanydreamsaboutherlover.Itwasn’tsexshesoughtbuta
feelingofhome.Thisplacefeltlikehome,ahomeshe’dneverbeento.

AnotherthingshecouldhaveifshestayedwithGarran.Sarahimaginedamentalform,listingprosand
consforremainingGarran’swife.Theprocolumnwasgettingprettyfull.

Theconcolumnheldtwoitems.Thefirstwasthefactthatitwasunlikelyshewouldeverlovehim.The
secondwasaquestion.Couldshelivewithamanshecouldn’tlove?

Shestilldidn’tknow.

"Whatareyouthinkingabout,Sarahmine?"Garran’svoicewassoft,buttherewasanodddarknesstoit.
Sheopenedhereyestoseehimfrowningatherandforamomentshewonderedhowmuchhecouldtell
fromherface.

"I’mthinkingaboutstayingwithyou.Asyourwife."

Hegrewevenmorewatchful."Thenwhydoesyourfacefillwithsadness?"Hishandseizedherchin,
turningherfacetowardshim."Whatisitaboutstayingwithmethatcausesyousuchdismay?"

Howcouldshetellhimthetruth?Herheartinherthroat,shetriedtoexplain."Garran,I’mnotthat
experiencedwhenitcomestorelationshipsbetweenmenandwomen.I’veneverbeeninlove,andIdon’t
knowwhatitfeelslike."

"Doyouthinkyou’reinlove,now?"

Wasshe?"No,I’msureI’mnot."Butthenwhydidherskinwelcomehistouch.Coulditreallybejusta
physicalreaction?

"Itoldyou,lovewillfollow."

Hesaidthewords,butforonceSarahdidn’thearconfidenceinhisvoice."Andifitdoesn’tGarran,what

then?Canwebemanandwifeandnotbeinlove?"

Hepassedathumboverherlips,andsheshuddered."Didyouthinkyouwereinlovewiththisdreamman
ofyours?"hecrooned."Howcouldyoubewhenyoureactthiswaytome?"

Shejerkedawayignoringhispullonhersenses."Aphysicalreactionisonething,butIdon’tthinkIcould
everloveyou!"

Anoddlookpassedoverhisface.Garranstoodandreachedforher,grabbingherelbowanddraggingher
offthebench.Forinstanthesimplygazedintohereyesandtheheatofhisstaremadehermouthgodry,
andupanddownherarmshefeltatinglingfromthegripofhishand.Draggingherbythearm,Garran
strodetowardtheexitofthegarden.Outofthecornerofhereye,SarahsawSammulstillwatchingthe
garden.Hedidn’tnoticethemleave.

ChapterNineteen

Afewturnslatertheywereonceagaininaquietandemptycorridor.Sarahmanagedtofindhervoice.
"Garran,whereareyoutakingme?"

"Backtomyquarters."Hisvoicesoundedstrained.

"Why?"Shetriedtopulloutofhisgrip.Hemerelyincreasedthepressureonherarmandspedup.
"Garran,you’rehurtingme.Letmego."

Whentherewasnoresponse,sheballeduponefistandswungathimandhisresponsewastograbher
hand.Hiseyesflashedandhislipsnarrowed.Garranwasangrierthanshe’deverseenhim,anddeep
withinherSarahfeltfear.Hestopped,andcapturedbothherhandsinhissteelygrip,makingherfacehim.
Deliberatelyheheldherarmstohissideandforcedherbackflatagainstthewall,usinghisbodyto
capturehers.Hisgriponherwassofirm,shecouldbarelymove.

Inwardlyshecursedthefrightenedshudderthatwentthroughher."Garran,Whyarewegoingbacktoyour
quarters?"Hervoicewasbarelymorethanawhisper."

"Tofinishthis."Hisvoicewasrough."TodowhatIshouldhavedonetwodaysago,tocompletewhat
wasbegunthismorning.Youaremywife,Sarahmine.Ineedyou,andyouaregoingtofillthatneed,
now."Hepushedcloser,pinninghertothewall.Evidenceofwhathecalledhis‘need’waspressed
againstherbellyandheadydesirefilledhermakingherfeelfaintagain.

Shestruggledagainstit.Nowaywasshegoingtoswooninhisarms!

"Whatdoyouthinkthiswillprove,Garran?DoyouthinkI’lllearntoloveyouifyoutakemethisway?"

Hesmiledbutthecurveofhislipsdidn’tchangethelookinhiseyes."Maybe,maybenot.I’llseetoityou
enjoyit--perhapsbeddingwithmewillevenconvinceyou,onemoreargumentinmyfavor.Ormaybeit
won’tbewhatyouwant.Butit’slaintoolongbetweenus.Todayyouaremine,Sarahmine.Today,I’m
goingtobedyou,withorwithoutyourexplicitpermission."

"’Explicitpermission’?Youhavenopermissiontodothis,Garran."Shestruggledagainsthim,tryingto
breakfree,buthewasmuchtoostrongforher.Infacthermovementseemedtoexcitehimmore,hiseyes
glitteredassheinadvertentlyrubbedagainsthim."Letgoofme."Hottearsthreatenedtospillfromher
eyesashekeptherpinned.

Hisvoicewassofter."You’reright,youhavenotgivenmepermission,butItakeitanyway.Ineedyou,
Sarah.Thefactthatyou’veturnedmedownshouldhavestoppedthat,butithasn’t.I’mstillattachedto
you.AndthatmeansImustdothis.Yousayyoudon’twantme,butyoudo,Icanfeelthatwant.Youare
reactingtome,whetheryouwanttoornotandthatfeedstheneedinme.Sarah,weneedeachother."

Heshookhishead."Itisyouthatfiresthisfeelinginme,Sarahmine,youandnoother.Youdreamofa
facelessman,andhavesavedyourbodyforhistouch.Perhapsintwodaysyou’lldecidetogofindhim.
I’llsetyoufreeifyoudo.Butnow,youaremine,Sarah,andifyoudreamtonight,Iassureyouthemanin
yourdreamwillnotlackaface."

Asiftoemphasizethis,heleanedin,hisfacecomingclosertoher,untilitwasallshecouldsee.Hislips
pressedagainsthers,firstalmostgently,asifhewantedtoremindherofhiskissfrombefore.

Buthispent-uppassiondidn’tallowsoinnocentakisstolast,andhepressedharder,hismouthmoving
intently,forcingherstoopen,histongueplundering.Therewasnothinggentleaboutthis,butinspiteof
that,Sarahrealizedherownbodywasmeetinghis,hermouthwaspartytothisviolation,hertongue
happilyengaginghisasifofitsownaccord.

Shereactedtohim,exactlyashesaidshewould,shefeltthestirringshistouchhadraisedbefore,rise
again,double,tripletheintensity,untilshecouldthinkorfeelnothingelse.

Shecouldn’tstophispassion,shecravedit,andshemetitwithherown.Allherinhibitionsmeltedand
shesoftenedagainsthishardness,givingintheneedtofitherselftohim.Asshesurrenderedtohim,he
reducedthepressure,easedoffheruntilhecouldlookintohereyes.

Whathesawtheremusthavepleasedhim.Heexultedashebackedaway,lettingherslideawayfromthe
wall.Stillgrippingherarms,hepulledbackintothecorridor."Now,Sarah,we’llgo."

Sarahlookedoverhisshoulderandsawanotheryoungcoupleapproaching.Themanlookedthrilledto
seethem,butthewomanhadadifferentexpression.Sarahlookedintoherfaceandsawnofear,noanger,
justafixeddetermination.

Astheyapproached,theotherwomanlungedaheadofherhusband,knockinghimtothesideinhercharge.
Sarahscreamedastheflashofaknifeappearedintheotherwoman’shand.

Garranwasinmid-turnwhensheplungedtheknifeintohisback.Hetwistedasshepulleditout,and
Sarahcouldseeitwasn’treallyaknifebutashorttubewithalongneedle-likeblade,probablyeasily
hidden,certainlylongenoughtopiecetheheart.

FortunatelySarah’swarningscreamhadcausedhimtoshiftslightlyandtheirattackerhadmissedthe
killingblow.

Sarah’sbloodfrozeassherealizedwhatthewomanwas.Thedemonicface,frozeninamaskofhate--
she’dheardaboutthis,evenifshe’dneverseenonebefore.ThewomanwasanAlkarassassin,infected
withaparasitewhosenaturalpredatorynaturecouldbeprogrammedtokillaparticulartarget.Itwas
unstoppableshortofkillingitanditwouldkillanythinginitsway.

Anything,oranyone,includingSarah.Itwastheperfectassassin,undetectableifyoudidn’tknowwhatto
lookforbecauseusuallythehostdidn’tevenrealizewhatitwas...untilitwastoolate.

Garranstaggeredandfelltohisknees.Sarahhadtakenonlyacoupleofself-defenseclassesbutsheknew
howtodoawickedsidekick.Beforetheirattackercouldgetinasecondblow,Sarah’sfootcaughtherin
thestomach,pushingthewould-beassassinbackintothearmsofherhusband.

Heclutchedherclose."Mary,no,whatareyoudoing?"Hisbrokenvoicebetrayedhishorror.Facefrozen
infury,Maryturnedinhisarmsandraisedherweapontostrikehimdown.

Andthen--didn’t.Sarahwatchedinamazementasthemaskoftheassassin’sfaceslipped,cracked,her
eyeswideninginpanic."No...."shewhispered,hervoiceanguished.Sheseemedtofightwithherselffor
asecondandthenthrewherhusbandtotheside,theparasitegivingherunnaturalstrength.Hehitthewall
hardandstunned,felltothefloor.WhensheturnedbacktoSarahhermaskwasfirmlybackinplace.

Shesteppedforward,needlesharpweaponattheready.StaringatSarahshespoke."Targetfound.
Search,attack,destroy.Mustdestroy."Hervoicewasthin,reedy,andSarahknewtheparasitewasin
charge.Butthewoman’smovementswerehesitant,clearlyabattleofsomesortgoingoninsideher.She
brokeeyecontactwithSarah,hergazedartingtothestillfigureofherhusbandonthefloorandthemask
crackedagain,hermouthturningdowninpain.

Thunderingfootstepscamedownthehallandabulkyfigurecrashedintothewoman,sendinghertothe
floor.Shelostcontroloftheweaponanditfellfromherhand,rollingonthefloor,andSarahkickedit
furtherdownthehall,welloutofreach.Thenewarrival,Sammul,who’drunafterthemwhenhe’d
noticedhischargeshadslippedawayfromhim,struggledtosubduethepatheticallystrugglingfigure.Her
criesalternatedbetweenthehigh-pitchedscreechesoftheparasiteandtheanguishedcryingofthehost
woman.Finallyhepulledasmallstunnerfromahiddenpocketandfiredintoherside.Shecollapsed
beneathhim.

SarahdroppedtoherkneesbesideGarran,nowflatonthefloor,bloodpouringfromthewoundonhis
back,brightredandpulsing.Theassassinhadmissedthekillingblowbutmanagedtonickanartery
anyway.He’dbleedoutifshecouldn’tstoptheflow.

Shepulledhisshirtup,waddeditintoaballandpusheditdownoverthewound."Sammul,Ineeda
woundsealer,fast."

Barelyconsciousofthebigman’svoice,shoutingintohisportablecom-link,Sarahfoughtthewoundon
Garran’sbackapplyingpressuretoittostopthebleeding.Whenhisshirtbledthrough,sheincreasedthe
padwiththeedgeofherskirt.

Sarahleanedoverandwhisperedfiercelyintohisear."Don’tyoudaredieonme,Gaianman."

Shewasstillpressingagainsthisbackandwhisperingtohimwhenthemedicalteamarrived,complete
withtheequipmenttoputatemporarystoptothebleeding.Reluctantlyshelefthisside,lettingthecrash
teamdotheirwork,contentinwatchinghiscontinuedbreathing...toolaboredforherliking...but
continued.

Shesatagainstthewallandwatchedtheirwork,keepingtabsontheirefficiency,keepingwatchonher
husband.Whentheyhookedupasensorarray,sheglancedatthat,makingsurethathisheartstill
functionednormally,bloodstillpumping,hisbrainstillworking.

Heseemedawfullystilltoher.Garranwasneverastillman,alwayspacing,moving,eveninhissleep.
Nowhelaytherequietandshedidn’tlikeit.

Outsideherfieldofvisionothersarrived,fromthesecurityforces.Sammuldealtwiththem,turningover
MaryO’Connell,theassassintotheircustody.SheheardMary’shusbandvolunteertogowiththem.

Sarahdidn’tcare,gladtoleaveallthattoSammul.ShewatchedthegentleriseandfallofGarran’schest.
That’swhatwasimportanttoher,nottheassassinorherhusband.OnlyGarranheldmeaningforher.

Herworldhadcontractedtoonething.WasGarrangoingtolive?Nothingelsehadsignificance.

FinallythecrashteamfinishedpreparingGarranfortransportation.SammulcametoSarahandhelpedher
toherfeet.Shefelthisarmaroundherastheyfollowedthehover-stretcherthatcarriedGarrantothe
medicalcenter.

****

SammulguidedSarahastheyfollowedthestretcher,fiercelyscanningtheareaforfurtherdanger.
Additionalsecurityhadbeenaddedtotheirlittleprogressionbuthewastakingnofurtherchances.

Thebigmanstillcouldn’tbelievethattheGeneralandSarahhadmanagedtoslipawayfromhim.He
cringedatwhatSymonandMaxxaweregoingtosaytohim...notthathedidn’tdeserveallofit.Praise
Gaiahe’dbeenabletogetthereintimetostopfurtherbloodshed.

StillinhismindwastheimageofSarahstandingdefiantoverGarran’sbodybeforetheEarthassassin.
Whatamagnificentwoman!

She’dfoughtunarmedforGarran’slife,keepingtheotherwomanatbay,preventingherfromstabbinghim
again.Thenlateradifferentfight,usingGarran’sshirtandherskirttostopthebleeding,tosavehislife.

He’dwatchedherputherentiresoulintoit.Heknewshewasdoctorbutithadbeenmorethanapatient
she’dfoughtfor.

She’dfoughtforherman.

Sammul’sturntoenteramarriagemeethadn’tcomeupyet,andwhilehe’dbeenalittledisappointedat

missingthislastone,ithadn’tbotheredhimthatmuch.

Sure,hewaslikeanyotherman.Hewantedawoman--someday.It’dbenicetohavesomeonearound,
someonetospendtimewith.He’dheardwonderfulthingsaboutsexandwantedtotryit.ButSammul
figuredhecouldwait,itwasn’tthatbigapriorityinhislife.

Untilhe’dseenSarahstanduptothewomanwho’dattackedtheGeneral.

TheyreachedtheclinicandthetechsmovedGarranintosurgery.Sarahwasdirectedtoaprivatewaiting
areaandSammulstayedwithher.Hegotawarmedblanketfromanurseandwrappeditaroundher,
coveringherbloodstainedclothes.Oneofthenursesapproached,wantingtobeofhelp,buthetoldthe
womanfirmlytoleavethemaloneforawhile.

Sarahneededtimetorest.UntiltheyknewwhatGarran’sfatewas,sheneededtobethereandkeptwarm
andsafeandSammulintendedtoseethathappened.

Hewatchedher,theshakenlookonherface,thelingeringshockfromtheattack,andherealizedwhya
manneededawoman.

SarahhadfoughtforGarrantoprotecthim.Shecouldhavediedbuteitherthathadn’toccurredtoheror
she’dnotconsidereditimportant.NoonecaredforSammullikethatandnoonewoulduntilheentereda
marriagemeetandfoundhismatch.

Thenhe’dhaveawife,awomanwho’dlovehim.Inreturnhe’dhavesomeonetocareabout,tolove--
someonehe’dgivehislifetoprotect.

Sammulhadn’tthoughtofthatasimportantbefore.

Hedidnow.

****

Bethanfoundtheminthewaitingarea,Sarahstaringintospace,lookingwornandcoveredinblood,
Sammulgrimlyguardingher,keepingallothersaway.

Grabbingathermalflaskofjaviandthreemugs,sheenteredtheroomandusedamugofthefragrantbrew
tocatchSarah’sattention.Herheadrosefrominsidetheblanketaroundhershouldersandshewaved
Bethanover,Sammulreluctantlysteppingaside.

Sarah’sfixedstaremeltedandahintofasmileevenshowedinhereyesassheliftedthemugtoherlips.
Hereyesclosedasshesippeddeeplythefortifyingliquid."Thanks,Bethan."

"LeastIcandoforthewomanwhosavedGarran’slife."

Sarahshuddered."Ididn’t,notreally.IfSammulhadn’tgottenthereintime...orifshehadn’tfoughtthe
parasite."

"Parasite?"Bethansatdown."Whatareyoutalkingabout."

"It’saparasite.EarthforcefoundthemontheplanetAlkarabouttenyearsback.I’veneverseenone
beforebutI’veheardofthem."

Shetookanothergulpofjavi."Theparasitehasarudimentaryintelligenceandafierceneedtokill.When
ahumanhostisinfectedwithone,itbecomesaslavetotheparasite.Theythenshowimagesofthetarget
andthecreaturebecomesfixatedonkillingwhoeveritis."

Bethanscowled."Wegaveherathroughexamwhenshecameonboard.Therewasnosignofaparasite
inMary."

Sarahshookherhead."Theyaren’tdetectableunlessyouknowwhattolookfor.Justalittleblipinthe
stomachcavity,hookedintothespinalcolumn.Andmostofthetimeallyouseeisthepersonalityofthe
host.Theyareusuallyonlysubconsciouslyawaretheparasiteisinthem.That’swhatmakesthemsuch
goodassassins...theydon’tevenknowwhattheyare.Theparasitetakesoverthemindwhenactivatedand
pumpsadrenalinintothebloodstream."SheglancedatSammul."Theycanbealmostimpossibletostop."

ItwasSammul’sturntoscowl."Shewasn’tthathard."

Sarahsmiledgrimly."Maryfoughttheparasite."Shakingherhead,shetookanothersipofjavi."I’ve
neverheardofthathappeningbefore,butthecreaturewasgoingtoforcehertokillherhusbandandshe
stoppedit,overcameitsholdonher.Oncethathappened,youcouldover-powerit.Otherwiseitwould
havekilledyou,me,thehusband,anyonewhostoodbetweenitandGarranbeforeitstopped."

Shakenandseekingfortification,Bethanpouredherownjavi."Ihadnoideasuchthingsexisted."

"Theyaren’twidelyknown."

BethanstudiedSarah."Youknewitwouldkillyouifyoustoodintheway?Youcould’vesteppedback
andletitkillhim."

ThecupinSarah’shandshook."No,Icouldn’t.Idon’tknowwhybut...."Sheliftedthecuptohermouth
anddrank.

Bethanpattedherarm."IthinkIknowwhy,Sarah."

JeffreyenteredandBethanandtheothersturnedasone.

Hehadacautioussmile."Ithinkwecaughtallthedamageintime.He’sunderthehealingaccelerator
now,willbeforafewhours."

Sarah’sfacelitupandBethangaveaprivatesighofrelief.Yes,sheknewwhySarahhadfacedalmost
certaindeathtosaveGarran’slife.

"He’llbeallright,then."Evenmorethanherfaceshowed,Sarah’svoicerevealed.Sarahwasinlove
withherhusband,shejustdidn’trealizeityet.

Jeffreynodded,hisgazewarmonSarah’sface."He’llbefine.Infact,I’llprobablyreleasehimtomorrow

ifhehealsasfastasIexpecthimto."Heshookhisheadandsighedmelodramatically."Garrancanbea
terriblepatient.Iwouldn’twanttokeephimhereamicrosecondlongerthannecessary."

****

Garranstruggledtoconsciousness,asteadypinginhisear.Thesoundgratedonhisnerves,repeating
overandover.SweetGaia,whatwasthatinfernalracket?

Heopenedhiseyestofindtheroomdimlylit--nothisroom--andlyinginabed--nothisbed--andalone,
nosignofanyoneabout.Wherewashe?

Searchingforthesourceoftheannoyingsound,hefoundamedicalscannerhoveringoverhishead,
recordingthestatusofhisvitalorgansanddisplayingthemtotheroom’smediawall,and,nodoubttothe
monitoringstationdownthehall.Thetimeonthescannersaiditwaslatesecondshift.

Garrangroanedandleanedbackagainstthethinpillow,pullinghighertheflimsysheetthathenow
realizedconstitutedhisonlycovering,hisclotheshavingdisappearedalongwiththelastseveralhours.

Timetodealwiththefacts.Hewasinthemedicalcenter,thatmuchwascertain.Whywashehere?He
couldn’tremember,hismemorywasablur.

Maybeifhereconstructedit.Garranliftedapain-filledarmandrubbedhisachingforehead.Ithurtto
thinkbutheneededtotry.Whatwasthelastthingheremembered?

Animageofgreenswamintohismind,brightlylitasifbythesunandherememberedthetimeandplace.
Ithadbeenmid-secondshiftandthey’dbeeninthegarden.They?Yes,he’dbeensittingwithSarahona
bench--hewarmedatthat,theglowofherfaceasshe’dtakeninthebeautyaroundher.She’dlovedit,and
spokenaboutstayingwithhim.Hesmiled,rememberingthethrillherwordshadgivenhim.

Butthenshe’dgoneonandtalkedabouthowshedidn’tthinkshecouldlovehim.Evennowahotanger
churnedinhisstomachathercertainty.Howcouldsheknowsomethinglikethatwhenhe’dhardlyhadthe
chancetoshowhowitwouldbewiththem,howhistouchwouldbindhertohim.Shewasaninnocentto
thepassionofmenandwomenandneededtobeshownthetruth.Thetimewaspastforuncertainty.He
wouldmakeherhisown.HisSarah.Whatsheneeded.…

Garran’sangerchilled.Heknewwhathadhappenednext.He’dgrabbedhertotakeherbacktohisroom
andonthewaythere.…

Animagecame,ofSarahagainstawall,himpressingheragainstit.He’dkissedher,takenhermouthby
force,andshe’dbenttohiswill,herbodytellinghimwhatherminddenied.She’dgiveninandhe
rememberedthatbriefexultation.

Butthenshe’dscreamed,andasharppainhadpiercedhisback,painsointensehisbreathhadcaughtand
hisheartstutteredinitsbeat.Herememberedfallingandlookingbacktoseeademonizedwoman’sface
withaweaponinhand,blooddrippingfromthetip.

Hisblood.

Sarahhadstoodbeforeherandthewomanhadraisedherbladeagain.…

"SARAH!"Hecriedhernamealoud,unabletocontroltheterrorinhisvoice.Heremembereditallnow--
they’dbeenattackedinthecorridorbyoneoftheEarthwomen,neitherofhisbodyguardsaround.He’d
beenhurt,badly.Thesorearmandhishead,thelingeringpaininhisbacktoldhimthatstory.Thehealing
acceleratoralwaysgavehimaheadacheandmusclepain.

Themorepain,thelongerthetreatment.HemusthavebeenthroughsurgeryandunderaHAforseveral
hours.

ButSarah?Panicforcedhimtosithigher,ignoringthepaininhisback.She’dfacedthatmurderessalone,
noweapon,andnoonetohelpher.Whathadhappenedtoher?Hecastabout,lookingforsomesignofher
intheroom,failingtoseeone.Surelyifshe’dbeenhurt,they’dhaveputherinthesameroomwithhim,
thatwasalwaysdonewithcouples.…

Whichcouldonlymean.…

NO!No,no,no,shecouldn’tbedead.Thatcouldn’tbethecase.Gaiawouldn’tbethatcruel,togivehim
anewloverandsnatchheraway.

Anaggingshame-filledthoughtenteredfromhissoul.Whynot,whenyoutreatedhermorelikeanobject
thanawoman?Whathe’ddoneinthecorridor--herbodyhewouldtame,butwouldhecourtherheart?
No.Wouldheallowthetruthtobespoken,atruththatwouldinfluenceherdecision?No.

He’dhaveforcedhertochoosetobewithhiminspiteofwhatshethoughtsheknew,ignoringeveryone
who’dtriedtotellhimhowfoolishhewasbeing.

He’dusedhisbodyandhismindtoseduceher,notthetruth.

Heleanedbackagainstthepillow,wallowinginhisgrief,oldprayersnotspokeninsolonginhismind
andonhislips.Hewoulddobetter,givenanotherchance.Sarahwouldbegivenatruechoice...ifshestill
lived.

"Garran?Howareyoufeeling?"Thedoctor’swifewasathisshoulder,concernwrittenonherface.He
staredather,rememberinghowalienhe’dthoughtshe’dlookedwhenhe’dmetherandhowfoolish
JeffreyhadbeeninallowinghismisguidedattachmentbindhimtoawomanfromEarth.

Whatafoolishman...tochooseawifewho’dlovedhimfaithfullyforthepastfiveyearsandwho’dgiven
himachild.

Garranknewwhowasreallythefool.

"Mywife.Issheallright?"Hisvoicesoundedweakanddistantasfromthebottomofagreatwell.

"Yourwife?"Herfacecrinkledinconcern."Noonetoldmeshewashere.Wasshehurt,too?"

"Idon’tknow.Shewaswithmewhenwewereattacked."

Hereyeswidenedinconcern,thenhermouthsetinsuddenanger."Noonetellsmeanythinganymore,"she

complained,hervoicethoroughlyexasperated."IhadtofindoutaboutyouwhenIcameonshift."She
glancedatthemonitors,noddingapprovingly."You’llbefine,bytheway."

AsifthatwouldmakeadifferenceifSarahweren’tgoingtobetherewithhim.Hegrabbedherhand.
"Couldyoufindoutwheresheis?"

Asmilelitherface."SoundslikeJeffreyfinallygothiswish.You’vegotitbad,Garran."Shepattedhis
shoulderwithacomfortinghand."I’llgofindoutwhat’sgoingon."

Aftershe’dleft,Garranrememberedwhyhe’daskedthatthedoctor’swifebeexcludedfromhisand
Sarah’sclaimingdinnerbutitwastoolatetostopher.IfSarahwasalive,she’dprobablywanttokillhim
overallthis.

Ifnot,hedidn’twanttolive.

Resignedtohisfate,hetriedtorelax.

ChapterTwenty

ThesoundofraisedvoiceswokeSarahfromherrestingplaceonthecouchofthesmallprivatewaiting
areathatSammulandMaxxahadinsistedtheyuse"forsecurity’ssake."Neitherofthebigmenweretobe
seenbutshecouldhearoneofthem,Maxxa,shethought,outsidethedoorarguingwithsomeoneover
whethershewastobedisturbed.

Sarahcheckedherwristchronoandgroaned.Onlytwohourshadpassedsinceshe’dlaindownafter
beingassuredthatGarranwasoutofdanger.Shehadn’twantedtoleavethemedicalcenteronthechance
thathe’dwake,inspiteofthebodyguardsarguingthatGarran’ssuitewasthesafestplaceontheship.
Usingtheprivatewaitingareaofthemedicalcenterhadbeenacompromise.

Sarahrubbedthesleepfromhereyes.Itseemedlikedweekssinceshe’dbeenabletogetmorethana
couplehourssleepinanightandtonightdidn’tlooktobeanydifferent.Givingintotheinevitable,Sarah
gottoherfeetandheadedforthedoor,justassheheardGarran’sname.

Maybehe’dwokenup?

Sarahjerkedthedooropen,thenstood,stunnedasshestaredatthewomanarguingwithherbodyguard.

Itcouldn’tbe."Karen?"

Thewomanspunonherheels,herjawdroppingopen.Sheblinkedhereyes."Sarah?Isthatyou?"

Sarah’skneesbuckledandMaxxamovedquickly,grabbingSarah’sarmasshecollapsedagainstthe
doorway.Karenfollowedhimintotheroom,turningonthelightsashehalf-carriedSarahtothecouch.
WhenhereleasedSarah,Karentookhisplace,sittingnexttoSarah,armaroundhershoulders.

"Sarah,goodheavens,areyouallright?"

Tearsfilledhereyes."Ithoughtyouweredead.…"

Karenhuggedhercloser."Dead?Noway!Don’tyouremember?YoutoldmebeforeIleftwithEarthforce
thatIdidn’thavepermissiontodie."

Wipinghercheeks,Sarahstaredatherfriend.Samesandy-blondehair,longerthanithadbeenwhenshe’d
beenwithEarthforce,sameinfectiousgrin.Shenotonlydidn’tlookdead,shelookedgreat.

Shelooked...happy!

"Idon’tunderstand.YouwereonTheHope.IntheFirstFleet."

"Iwasindeed."Karenagreed,thehintofasmileinhereyes.

"TheyengagedtheGaians."

"Wemostcertainlydid."Karen’seyesglitteredinamusement.

"Thefleetwasdestroyed,allhandslost."

Karen’sfacebrokeoutinagrin."Thefleetwasdefeated,allhandscaptured."

"Captured?"BewildermentspedthroughSarah."Notdestroyed?"

"Certainlynotdestroyed."Karenlookedindignant."Gaiansdon’tdestroyifwecanhelpit.Lifeissacred
tous."

Us?"Karen,whatareyoutalkingabout?Youaren’taGaian."

Karenfoldedherarmsandglared."Imostcertainlyam.Goodness,Sarah,yousoundjustlikethe
General!"

Mindinawhirl,Sarahliftedherhand."Karen,I’mveryconfused."

Karenlaughedandhuggedheragain."Allright,letmeseeifIcanun-confuseyou.IguessIshouldstart
withwhatreallyhappenedduringthewar.ThefirstthingyoushouldrealizeisthattheGaiansdon’tfight
theirbattlesthewayEarthforcedoes.Theydon’tbelieveinkilling,sotheyfoundawaytobattleEarth
withoutdoingso.Insteadofdestroyingshipsinspace,theycapturedthem."

"Captured?"

Karennodded."TheGaianscreatedanewtechnologythattookoverthecontrolsofanenemy’sship,
everythingfromweapons,guidance,andpropulsion,tolife-support.TaketheFirstFleet.Weflewatthem,

readytodobattle,andtheypulledtheplugonus.Nothingworkedontheships,thecomputerswere
completelyundertheircontrol.Theyleftusindarknesswithonlyminorlife-supportforaboutanhour,
thenopenedupacomm-linkandtolduswhattheyweregoingtodowithus."

Horrified,Sarahtriedtoimaginewhatthathourhadbeenlike,sittingonadarkandsilentship,knowing
youwereatthemercyofyourenemies."Andwhatwasittheydid?"

Karenshookherheadruefully."BetterthanwhatwasdeservedafterCarras.TheGaianstooktheships
theycapturedandgroundedthem,afewatatime,ondifferentplanets.Mostofthesolarsystemsaround
herehavebeenmappedbyGaianexplorers,sotheyknewwhichplanetswouldsupportlife.Theyforced
theshipstoland,thensentspecialprogramsthroughthecomputerstorenderthemuselessforthe
foreseeablefuture.Theshipsweregrounded...permanently."

Sarahrememberedtheyoungengineerandhowproudhe’dbeenoftheremoteshipcontrollerhewas
workingon.Forfiveyearsthey’dhadsimilartechnology...andthey’dusedittofightthewar.

IfEarthhadhadthatkindofaweapon,howwouldtheyhaveusedit?Todisableashipandlanditgently
onaplanet?Or,wouldtheyhaveusedittosendthatshipintothenearestsun.SheknewEarthforceand
didn’tliketheanswertothatquestion.

"Sowhathappenedtothefirstfleet?"

Karenshrugged."I’mnotprivilegedtoknowjustwheretheshipswerelanded.It’sasecuritything.Part
ofthepeacetreatywithEarthrequiresustogivethemthelocationoftheirships...afewatatime.Itwill
beawhilebeforeEarthgetsallitstoysback,"shesaidwithaself-satisfiedgloat.

KarenhadneverlikedEarthforce.Circumstanceshadforcedherintoit,thefundingforgettingher
medicaltraining,butshe’dstatedfromthebeginningthatshe’dbeinthemilitaryforasshortatimeas
possible,toservehertwoyearsthengetout.

Lookedlikethattimewasevenshorterthanshecouldhaveexpected.

"SohowdidyougetoffTheHope?AndwhatareyoudoingonThePromise?"

"Me?"Karengrinnedather."I’msecondofficerofthiswholemedicalfacility!"

"Secondofficer?AfterJeffrey?"

"Yeah,it’ssortofapackagedeal.Gaiancouplesnormallyworktogetherifatallpossible,so.…"

Sarahfinallysawtheconnection."You’reJeffrey’swife."

"ThatIam,"ShesaidproudlyandKaren’ssweetsmiletoldSarahthatshewasinlovewithherhusband.

"Howdidyoumeet?TheGaiansaresocarefultokeepunmarriedmenandwomenapart."

Karenshookherhead."Theyweren’tthatcarefulinthebeginning.ItwasrarethatunmarriedGaianmen
everwentoffplanetsotheydidn’trealizetheycouldattachtooneofus.AftertheycapturedTheHope,
theyofferedusadditionalmedicalsuppliesbeforewewere‘planted.’IwasmedicalsupplyofficersoI

wastheonesenttoThePromise."

Shegrinned."TheGaiansbroughtinourshuttleandJeffreywastheretomeetus.Hewassurprisedthey’d
sentawoman,butevenmoresurprisedwhenhesuddenlyhadtroublebreathing."

Sarahlaughed."Heattachedjustlikethat?"

"Justlikethat,butofcourseIdidn’tknowwhatwaswrong.Ithoughthewashavingsomesortofattackso
Igothimontothefloorandtriedtohelpwithsomemouth-to-mouth.NextthingIknowI’monmybackand
thereisaveryarousedmankissingme!"

Thesituationsoundedsocomical,Sarahburstintolaughteraswell.Theylaughedwiththeirarmsaround
eachotherandevenMaxxalookedamused.

Oh,itwasgoodtobewithKarenagain."SoyouabandonedEarthforceandmarriedhim?"

Karen’sshrugtoldSarahthatthedecisionhadn’tbeenthateasy."Ididn’twanttoleavemyship,butonce
JeffreyandIweretogetherIfoundIcouldn’tleavehim.I’dneverbeeninlovebefore,Sarah.Iwentback
toTheHopeonlyforafewhoursanditwasliketorturetobeawayfromhim.Itwasashardonhim,too.
Wefinallygotpermissiontobetogether.

"Notthateveryonewasinfavorofit,atleastatfirst.TheGeneralhadmorethanalittletosayaboutit...."

AchillfilledthepitofSarah’sstomach.

"Garranknew...."hervoicetrailedoffassherealizedtheenormityofthesituation.Sarahhadtoldhimof
herlostfriendfromTheHopeandhername.He’dknownKarenhadn’tdied.HeknewshewasonThe
Promise.He’dknownthattheEarthforceshipshadn’tbeendestroyedortheircrewskilled.

Theentirethingwasalie.

Sherubbedherhandstogether,tryingtodispeltheirsuddencold."You’remarriedtoJeffrey.Whydidn’t
youcometodinnerwithhim?"

"YoumeanGarran’sparty?"Karen’seyesnarrowedinannoyance."JeffreytoldmeIcouldn’t,thatIwas
neededtostandsecondshift...atthelastminute,too!IwaslookingforwardtomeetingGarran’swife."

Hermouthturnedupintoawickedgrin."ItwassoappropriatethathemarriedanEarthwomanafterthe
hardtimehe’sgiveneveryoneelse."

"Really?"Sarah’svoicesoundedfainttoher.

"Absolutely!Herehe’dbeensayingformonthshownoEarthwomanwasgoodenoughforaGaianman,
thenhewindsupattachingtoone.Prettygoodjoke."Shelaughed.

"Yeah,terrific.Ifyouaren’tthewoman."

"Well,yeah...."Karen’svoicetrailedoffandshelookedoveratMaxxaglaringatherfromthedoorway.

Herjawdroppedopen."Oh,no.Notyou,Sarah."

Sarahsighed."Oh,yes,me.I’mGarran’sEartherwife."Sheleanedherheadintoherhands.

ForamomentKarensatquiet.Thenshechuckled."Wellthen,you’vecertainlygothimtiedupinknots.
He’sgoingreasonablynutsinthere,wonderingifyouareokay."

Sarahliftedherhead."Heis?"

"Hemostcertainlyis.I’mnotsurewhathappenedbuthe’sworriedthatyouwerehurttoo."

Sarahshottoherfeet."He’sawake?CanIseehim?"

Karenliftedaneyebrow."Maybeheisn’ttheonlyonegoingreasonablynuts."AtSarah’sglareshegotto
herfeet."IsupposeitwoulddoGarransomegoodtoseethatyou’reallright.Can’thavehisblood
pressurejumpingupanddownthewayitis...it’sgivingthesuppressorsarealworkoutkeepingup."

Heremotionstumbling,SarahfollowedKarenintotheintensivecaresuite,Maxxafollowing.Garran’s
eyesopenedwhentheywalkedthroughthedoor,hisgazedartingbetweenthem.

Sarahglancedupatthemonitors,notedthereadings.ItwasasJeffreyhadsaid.Garranwasonhiswayto
acompleterecoveryandcouldmostlikelybereleasedtomorrow.

"You’reallright?"ThegratitudeinhiswarmvoicecausedabriefflutterofpleasureandSarahsmiled.

"I’mfine.Shedidn’ttouchme."Sheexplainedabouttheassassinandhowthewoman’sloveforher
husbandhadcausedhertofighttheparasite.

Theotherslistenedinamazement."I’veneverheardofanyoneovercomingoneofthosethings,"Karen
toldGarran."We’llhavetoseeifwecanfreeherofit."

"Ifanyonecan,Isuspectitwillbeyou.You’reoneofthebestdoctorsonthisship."

Karengrinnedwryly."Rarepraisefromyou,butI’llacceptit."

"I’venevercomplainedaboutyourworkasadoctor."

"No,Iguessnot.Didn’tcomplainaboutmybabyeither."KarengaveSarahasidelonglook."I’vegotthis
greatvid-clipofGarranholdingmylittlegirl,thetwoofthemlaughing.You’dneverrecognizethe
Generalinit."

Sarahstaredopen-mouthedatherfriend."Youhaveababy?"

"Yep,bornsixmonthsago.…Itellyou,Icouldhaveusedyouthatday."ShegaveGarranaspeculative
look."Maybeifthingsworkoutyou’llbearoundforthenextone?"

Sarahsuppressedhersigh.Nowherbestfriendwantedtheirmarriagetosucceed.Wasshetheonlyone
abletotakeaneutralposition?

Sheglancedatherhandsomehusband,proneonthebedandfelttheurgetojoinhimthere.Evenshe
couldn’tstayneutralaroundhim.

Still,shehadsomethingtogetoutofhersystem."CouldIhaveamomentalonewithhim,please?"

Kareneyedthetwoofthemandsmiledapprovingly."Sure,we’llbeoutsidethedoor."

MaxxaacceptedGarran’sapprovingnod,andfollowedhertothehallway.

Oncethedoorwasshut,Sarahsteppedclosertothebed."Howareyoufeeling?"sheaskedsolicitously.

"Better,wonderfulnowthatyou’rehere."Hesmiledbravelyather,lettingthesheetslipdownhisbare
chest.Sarahfeltherresolveslipwithitandswallowedhard.Shewantedtorunherhanddownonhis
smoothskinandplaywiththehardbrownnipplesandcurlyhairthatdecoratedit.

Insteadshefoldedherarms.

"YoumighthavetoldmeaboutKarenandwhatreallyhappenedtotheEarthforceships."

Hisjawclenched."Icouldn’tuntilIknewyouwouldstay.It’sasecret."

"AsecreteveryGaianknows."

"Well,yes,"headmittedreluctantly.

"So,youdidn’ttrustmewithit?Youcalledmeyourwife,wereallsettodragmeofftobedthis
afternoon,butcouldn’ttellmethatmybestfriendwasstillalive?"Inexplicablytearsformedinhereyes
andimpatientlyshedashedthemaway.

Hismouthturnedintoathinline."Ithoughtitwasthebestthingtodo."

"Bestforwho,Garran?I’mbeginningtowonderifyouwantthismarriageofoursanymorethanIdo."

"OfcourseIwantit.Sarah,you’rebeingover-dramatic."Hewavedanimpatienthand.

"Areyousosure,Garran?Itseemstomeyou’vedoneeverythingyoucantosabotageit.You’veliedto
me,triedtorapeme.…"

Hisskinflusheddeepredandthemonitorsabovehisheadbeepedfranticallyasthebloodpressure
suppressorsspedintoaction.Sarahwatchedtheiractionswithacompliancythatalarmedher.Never
beforehadshejeopardizedapatient’shealth.

Buthewassoinfuriating!

Theflushinhisfacefaded,thesuppressorscompletingtheirjob."Iwasnotgoingtorapeyou.Gaians
aren’tcapableofrape!"

"Couldhavefooledme.Whatwouldyoucallwhathappened?"

"Youweren’tsayingno,Sarah.YouwantedmeasmuchasIdidyou."

"PerhapsIdid,"sheadmitted.Shehadwantedhim.Stillwantedhim,thetruthbetold."Buttellme,would
youhavetreatedaGaianwomanthesameway?"

Hedidn’tlikethatquestion,heflushedanddidn’tmeethereyes."Iwouldn’thavehadto,"hesaidfinally.

"BecauseaGaianwomanwouldhavefallenintoyourarms,right?Andifshedidn’tyou’dhaveputup
withitbecauseitwasherchoice.ButIdon’twarrantthesametreatment,rightGarran?"

Hereturnedherglare."That’sright,Earthwoman."

Sarah’stightlycontrolledtempersnappedagain.SLAP!OncemoreGarran’scheekwasbrightredand
Sarah’spalmachedfromtheforceofablow.Hestaredatherinshock,thenraisedtentativefingersto
touchhisinjuredcheek.

Tearsstreamingdownherface,Sarahcradledherhand."Thatwasforlyingtome,Garran,andfornot
trustingme.MaybeI’mnotwhatyouwantinawife,butthatdoesn’tgiveyoutherighttotreatmethis
way.IfIwasn’tgoodenoughtobeyourwifethenyoushouldn’thavemarriedmeinthefirstplace."

Sheshookafuriousfingerathim."Thelyingendsnow,theinsultsaswell.Letmegoortreatmewith
respect,thoseareyourchoices.Iwon’tacceptanythingelsefromyou."

Sheturnedonherheelsandwasoutoftheroombeforehecouldgetawordin.

****

"YouwanttoexplaintomewhyitisthatthemostgentlewomanIknowkeepshittingyou,Garran?"

Karen’svoicegratedonGarran’snerves,grindingthemnearlyasharshlyashisownthoughtsweredoing.
"Idon’tknow,Doctor.Maybeshe’snotasgentleasyouthink.MaybeIbringouthertruenature."

Shepausedinmidnotationonherp-tab,lipsquirkingasifshe’dheardajokeshedidn’tdarelaughat.
Amusementtwinkledinhereyes."Youcouldhaveapoint.ForonethingSarahdidaprettygoodjobof
defendingyouagainsttheassassininthatcorridor.Ifshehadn’tyou’dhavedied."

Garranshuthiseyes.Thathadbeenarevelation,allright.KarenhadgottentheentirestoryfromMaxxa,
andhad,ofcourse,delightedinsharingitwithhim.

Notonlyhadhiswifenotbeeninjuredduringthebattle,butshe’dsavedhislife,riskingherowninthe
process.

So,ofcourse,thefirstthinghedidonseeingherwasinsulther.Herubbedhissorecheek.Nexttime
maybeshe’dhittheotherone.Thisonewastakingtoomuchabuse.

Karenwasn’tfinishedtalking."Anotherchangeisinhowshe’sreactedtoyou.TheSarahIknewwouldn’t
haveletamangetcloseenoughtoattachtoher.Sheneverhadasensualnature."

"I’mnotresponsibleforthat.She’sbeendreamingofaloverforyears,longbeforeIcamealong."

"Really?"Karenlookedhonestlysurprised."Shecertainlydidn’twhenIknewher."

"Maybeyoudidn’tknowheraswellasyouthought.Ormaybeshemetsomeoneafteryouleft."

"Possible...."Shedidn’tseemconvinced."Turnover,Ineedtocheckthewound."

Garranacquiesced,turningcarefully.Hehadn’tseenanythingofSarahsinceshe’dstormedoutofthe
roomhoursago."Whereisshenow?"

"Maxxatookherbacktoyourquarters.Shesaidsomethingaboutbeingdesperateforsleep."

Probablydesperatetodreamofherunknownlover.ForamomentGarranwishedthemanreallywasflesh
andbloodsohecouldpunchhimout.Howhopelesswasthat,tobejealousofsomeonewhodidn’teven
exist?

HecouldfeelKaren’slightimpersonaltouchonhisback.Sarah’sfeltsodifferent,leavingtrailsof
sensationthatfiredhisbody.Justthinkingabouther.…SweetGaia.Goodthinghewasonhisstomachso
Karencouldn’tseehowhewasreacting.

Ping,ping.…Garrangroanedandburiedhisheaddeeperintothepillow.He’dforgottenaboutthe
tattletalemonitors.

Karen’ssoftlaughtertoldhimhe’dbeencaught."SeemstomeSarahisn’ttheonlyonehavingsensual
thoughts."

"JusttellmeIcangobacktomyquarters,Doctor."HeneededtogetbacktoSarahbeforeshedid
somethinglikepackandmoveout.

"Notquiteyet.Youcameclosetodying,Garran.IwantJeffreytolookatthisbeforeyougobackto
annoyingyourwife."

Heclosedhiseyes."I’mnottryingtoannoyher,Karen.Iwanthertoloveme.HowdoIthat?"

"Youcouldtrybeinglovable."

Liftinghishead,hefavoredherwithhisbestglare."Howwouldyouexpectmetogoaboutdoingthat?"

"Treatherlikealover.Foronething,howaboutNOTcallingher‘Earthwoman’likeitwassomething
youfoundunderyourboot?"

Henodded.Hehadn’tmeantitthatway,itwasmoreawaytoteaseher,buthecouldseehowSarahmight
notseeitasanendearment.

"Youcouldevengetherapresent."

Apresent?Thatsoundedlikeagoodidea."Whatkindofpresent?"

Karenstoodwithherhandsonherhips."Goodness,Garran,haven’tyouevergivenawomananything?
Thinkofsomethingshe’dlike,somethingthatshowswhatyouthinkofher.Whatwouldsendhertheright
message?"

Somethingshewouldlike.Somethingthatremindedhimofher.Grinning,heturnedoverandcheckedthe
time.Itwasjustcominguponfirstshift.Peoplewouldbeawake."Getmeacomm-link,willyou
Doctor?"

****

Sarahheardthedistantsoundofthedoor-chimeanddraggedherselfoutofbed.Shecheckedthetime.
Well,atleastitwasareasonablehour.Ithadbeenlatewhenshe’dclimbedintothebedinGarran’s
quarters,butshehadn’tbeenabletosleep.

SomehowthebedhadseemedtooemptywithoutGarran’spresence,andforonceshehadn’tevenhadher
dreamstokeephercompany.Stillexhausted,shestruggledintoherrobeandslippersandopenedthedoor
tothelounge.

Sammulwasondutyandhaddealtwiththeouterdoor,collectingsomethingfromsomeonewhosaluted
andleftassoonassheappeared.Asthebigmanturned,Sarahstaredatwhathehadinhishands.

Itwasaplant,abigoneinapot.HeputitdowninthemiddleoftheroomandstoodbackasSarah
kneeledtoexamineit.

Glossygreenleavescoveredthebranches,which,oddlyenough,hadthornsscatteredalongthewoody
stems.Attheendofeachbranchwasaflower,alivingred-goldflower.

Therewasanoteattached."IfIcan’ttakeyoutotheroses,theroseswillcometoyou.Thinkingofyou--
yourhusbandGarran."

Sarahfingeredthepetalsofoneoftheroses,silkysoft.Thescentwasamazing,heavywithatouchof
sweetness,ahintofspice."It’sthemostbeautifulthingI’veeverseen."

"It’sanEarthFlamerose.Theyarepretty,"Sammultoldher.

ThiswastheflowerthatGarranhadsaidremindedhimofher.Thecolorwassimilartoherhair.Butthe
restoftheplant?

Shelaughed."Maybehe’ssayingI’mprickly."Shegingerlyfingeredoneofthesharpthorns,prickingher
finger.Shesuckedthebloodfromthepin-pointwound."Iguesshehasapoint."

Sammulseemedtobewatchingher."DoctorSarah,areyougoingtostaywiththeGeneral?"

Sarahsobered."Idon’tknowSammul.Why?"

"Well,it’sjustthatyou’resogoodforhim.Idon’tthinkanyonehasseenhimashappyashe’sbeenwith
you.Eversincehiswifeandlittlegirldiedhe’sbeenlikeamandead.Ithinkheblameshimself."

Shestaredathiminshock."Whywouldhedothat?"

Sammulhunkereddownonthefloornexttoher."Well,Iheardthathewassupposedtobetherethatnight
butstayedontheshipinstead.TherewastalkthatmaybetheEarthshipsweretargetinghim."

Sarah’sbloodrancold."They’ddestroyawholeschooljusttokilloneman?"

"Theyknewhowtopunishusforwantingourfreedom.Killingthegirlshurtusbadly.Somanyguys
wouldn’tgetawifeandweneedtobemarried."Sammulsmelledoneoftheflowers."I’mgladthatthe
Generalgotyou."

Shecaughtthewistfullookinhiseye."Youwantawife,too,Sammul?"

Hegrinnedather."Yeah,whenthetimeisright.Ijusthopethetimeissoon.Speakingoftime,Isuspect
thatwe’llbeabletobringtheGeneralbackherethismorningsomaybeyoushouldgetdressed."

Sarahtookaglanceatthechronometer,noddedandrosetoherfeet."IguessIshould."

ChapterTwenty-one

Garranwalkedintohisroomsonhisowntwofeet--athisinsistence,arrivingwithanentourage.Jeffrey
andKarenaccompaniedhim,holdingtheirdaughterKilly,plusSymonandBethan,withMaxxa’shulking
presenceforprotection.Bothbodyguardstookuppositionsatthedoor,afirmremindertoallthatno
furtherlapsesinsecuritywouldbepermitted.

NeithermanhadforgivenGarranforsneakingoutofthegardenwithSarah.

Smiling,Sarahgreetedherfriendsandcooedoverthedarlingbaby.Killy,everybitthecharmer,sat
placidlyinSarah’slap,makingsoftnoisesuntilonenoiseandthesubsequentsmellmadeitclearthat
evenGaianbabiesneededtheirdiaperschanged.Karenswoopedinandhauledheroffspringofftothe
smallsanitaryoffthesideofthelounge.

GarrantookthatopportunitytotakeKaren’sseat,nexttoSarahonthecouch.She’dtriedtoignorehispull
onher,howstronglyshewantedtobeclosetohim.Callingtomindhisscornfulwordsfromearlier
helped...seeingthecontriteanduncertainexpressiononhisfacenowdidn’t.

HelookedsorryandSarahhadtofighttheurgetotakeholdofthelargehandrestingonhisthigh.

Hisglancetookintherosebushinthecorneroftheroom,itsbloomsperfumingtheair."Didyoulikeit?"
heasked.

Shenodded."Itwasalovelygesture."

Garranleanedforward."Notagesture,Sarah.Asymbol.Iwanttostartover.Youwereright,I’vebeen
goingaboutthisallwrong."

"Wrong?How?"

"YousaidIhadn’tseenyouasapersonasmuchasaprize,andyouwereright.Iwantyoutowanttobe
withme."

"Ihaven’thelpedmuch.Ishouldn’thavehityou."

Shethoughtshesawhislipstwitch."True.Perhapswecanmakepeacewitheachother."Herantheback
ofhishandalonghercheek."I’mwillingifyouare."

"Herewego,allfreshandclean."KarenploppedlittleKillyintoGarran’slap.Theeightmonthold
staredupintohisfaceandlaughed,thesoundsofamiliarthatitcaughtSarahbysurprise.Garrangazed
intothetinychild’sfaceobviouslyenraptured.

He’dmakesuchagoodfather.ThethoughtwasimmediateandcompellingandSarah’sheartmelted
watchingherhusbandplaypeekandboowiththechild.

Karentappedherontheshoulder."Sarah,Iwaswondering.Garranmentionedhowyouhadafilestore
withthelatestEarthnews.CouldIborrowitforawhile?"

"Sure."

LeavingKillytoentertainGarran,Sarahledthewaytothebedroom.AsGarranhadbefore,Karenwas
impressedwiththemachine."JustmakesurethatyoukeepitawayfromGarran,oryou’llfinditina
hundredpiecesinnotime.Thegoodthingwillbethatanimprovedonewillbeinyourhandsdayslater."

"Thebadthingwillbethatmyinformationcoulddisappear.Notthatsomeofitprobablyshouldn’tbe
lost,"Sarahtoldherfriend."ThatbroadcastofGarran’sforexample."

Karenshookherheadgrimly."Istillcan’tbelievethatEarthforceputthatoutontheglobalbandways.
Withoutknowingthatweweresimplycapturingandhidingshipsandtheircrews,itwouldhavesounded
evil."

"Itdidwhatitwassupposedtodo.MakeeveryoneonEarthsoangrythatEarthforcehadnotrouble
continuingthewarlongpastthepointitmadeanysensetodoso."

SarahhadthoughtlongandhardaboutwhythatmessagefromtheGaianshadbeenpubliclyreleasedand
thisexplanationmadethemostsense.EarthforcehatedtoloseafightandEarth’sgovernmenthadwanted
tokeepholdoftheGaiancolonyandit’swealthofuntouchedresources.

Richesandpower--that’swhatthewarhadbeenabout.OnlytheGaianrespectforlifeandtechnical
ingenuityhadkeptmillionsfromdying.Asitwas,thelosseswerestillhardestontheGaianside.

AndonGarran.SarahsighedasshewatchedKarenhoistthefilestorebyitshandleandcarryittothe

lounge.Shelingeredbehindtotakealonglookattheholo-imageofGarran’sfamily.

He’dlosteveryonehe’dlovedandithadbeenhardonhim,turnedhimintoamanthatwouldwagewar.
Butnowhewantedtomoveon,tocreateanewfamilywithher.Garranwantedtobeanengineeragain,to
buildinsteadoffight.

Hewantedchildren.ShecouldseeitinthewayheheldKilly,thelonginginhisface.

Therewerestillproblemsbetweenthem,buthewantedtostartoverwithher.

Saraheyedthebedthathadseemedsoemptylastnight.Onetimesleepingwithamanandshecouldno
longerfindcomfortinsleepingalone.

Garranwasn’tgoingtochangeherlife.Healreadyhad.

Fromtheloungethesoundofcheerfulvoicescame.Toomanyvoices...sheandGarranneededsome
privacy.

Itwastimetobeginagain.

****

ForamomentGarranwonderedwhatSarahhadsaidthatcausedeveryonetoleave.Oneminutehe’dbeen
sittingwithKillyinfullgurgleonhislap,theroomcrowdedwithhisfriends,andthenextthingheknew
Killywassnatchedawayandhewaslookingateveryone’samusedfacesastheyslippedthroughthedoor.

EvenSammulandMaxxaweregoing.Hehadtoadmit,hewasimpressed.Sarahclearlyhadmethodsof
persuasionhe’dyettoexperience.

Buthewasbeginningtolookforwardtothem.

Aftershowingthelastofthevisitorsout,sheturnedtohimandpointedtothebedroom."Inthere,Garran."

Oho,itwaslikethat,wasit?Hesmiledbutdidn’tmove.Hewasn’tgoingtobethateasy.

Sarahcockedoneeyebrowandfoldedherarms."Itoldeveryoneyouneededsomerest."

Leaningback,hestretchedhislegsoutandlinkedhishandsbehindhishead."ButI’mnottired."

Bothofhereyebrowsarchedupwardandshesmiled."Good."

Heronewordanswerhadanimmediateeffectonhim,hisbodytighteningtothepointofpain.Itwasall
hecoulddotomaintainhisnonchalantposture."Whydon’tyoucomehere,Sarahmine."

Shedid,movingslowlytowardhimfromthedoor.HerhipstwistedunderthesimpleskirtandGarran
foundhiseyesrivetedtothatseductivesway.Hisbreathingquickened,keepingtimewithhermetronome
movement.

HeavenlyGaia,whatawoman.Earth-bornornot,itdidn’tmatter,notintheleast.Shewashiswoman
andapparentlyintentonseducinghim,notrelyingonhimtomakethefirstmove.Notthathewas
objecting.Thewayshewasmovingrightnow,shecouldhavefirst,last,andallmovesinbetween.

Itwasallhecoulddotostaystillandwatchherapproachwithoutjumpingoffthecouchandmeetingher
halfway.

Shereachedhislegsandmovedoverthem,slippingherkneesuponthecouchuntilshesatacrosshislap.
Theswellsofhersweetbreastswerewithingraspingdistance,herfaceinchesfromhis.

Garrangaveupkeepinghisnonchalantappearanceandfocusedonbreathinginstead.Assheputweightin
hislap,hispretenseofdisinterestcouldn’tbemaintainedanyway.Sheshifted,movingacrosshisarousal,
andhegroanedaloud.

Withaglanceathiscrotch,Sarahsmiledknowingly."No,youdon’tseemtiredatall."

Thatwasenough.Garranseizedherupperarmsandpulledhertightagainsthim,feelingthehardpebbles
ofhernipplesagainsthischest,thepillowingsoftnesssurroundingthem.Hermouthwasinkissing
distancenowandhewastednotimeintakingfulladvantage,lockinghislipsontohers.

Herresponsewaseverythinghecouldhavehopedfor,warm,giving,hermouthopeningtohim,hertongue
tastinghimwithsensualabandonment.Herflavorhe’denjoyedbefore,butthistimeshewassweetness
itself,lovinghimwithaskillbornofdesireifnotexperience.

AndthatwasthedifferencewithSarah,thethinghe’dsensedfromthebeginning.Forherallthiswas
new.Herlips,lockedwithhis,sampledaman’sdesireforthefirsttime.Herhandsthattenderlytraced
themusclesunderhisshirthadnevertouchedamanthatway.

Whensheleanedbackandsmiled,hereyesaglowwithpassion,therewaswonderinthemaswell.
Wonderathowjoyousthefeelofanother’sbodycouldbe,athowincrediblethejoiningoftwopeople
wouldbe.

He’dcometomakethingsrightwithSarah.Nowheranhisfingersdownherfaceandknewwhattodo.
Evenifshelefttomorrowhehadthistimetoshowherwhatlovewas.

Itmightevenbeenoughtoconvincehertostay.

"Sarah,Iwantyou."Hewhisperedthewordsandwatchedhersmiletakeoverhereyes.

"Iwantyou,too,Garran."

Hepulledherhandtohislips."Doesthismeanyouintendtostaywithme?"

Shestilledanduncertaintytookoverherface."Ihaven’tmadeupmymindaboutthat,Garran.ButIwant
toknowwhatitistobewithyou.Tobewithaman.Isthatallright?"

Itwaswhathe’dexpectedbutitdisappointedhimanyway.Still,hehidit."Whateveryoudecide,Sarah.
Atleastwe’llhavetoday."

SarahwatchedGarran’ssmileasheslippedoffthecouchandpulledhertoherfeet.Somethingwasinit,
ahintofmelancholy,butshetriednottoletthatworryherasshefollowedhimtothebedroom.

Hewouldn’tbemelancholyforlong.Notifshecouldhelpit.

Justbeforetheypassedthroughthedoor,Garranpulledhertowardshimandliftedherintohisarms,then
carriedheracrossthethreshold.

Hissoftvoiceresonatedinherear."Yourfriend,Karen,toldmeaboutthis.AnoldEarthcustom."

Garrandidn’tstopuntilhereachedthebed,placinghercarefullyintothecenterofthemattress.

Leaningoverher,hebracedhimselfonhisarms."I’mgoingtomakelovetoyou,Sarahmine.I’vethought
oflittleelsesinceImetyou."

Sarahgazedupintohisface,mischiefinhers."SinceIslappedyou."

Helaughedruefully."Thefirsttime,yes.AndIdeservedit.Iwascrueltothatfriendofyours,tocallher
names."

"Youdidn’tmeanit.Iknowyou,Garran.Youwouldn’thurtanyonedeliberately."

Hissmilegentled,becamewarmer,warmthshefelttohertinglingtoes."I’mgladyouthinkso,Sarah
mine.I’mafraidI’vehurtenoughpeoplebyaccidenttomakeupforitthough."

Sheranthebackofherhanddownhischeek,inGaianstyle."Garran,thisisjustbetweenthetwoofus.
Nooneelsecounts."

Loweringhimselfoverher,hecapturedherlipsagaininakissthatseemedendless.Moving,stroking,
lipswarmandmoist.Theirtonguesmet,hersshy,hisboldandsearching.Theyentangledandslid
together,thenapart.

Whenhebrokeawayhewasbreathingheavily,hiseyesglazedwithpassion.Carefullyheslidontothe
bednexttoher.

Feelingimpish,Sarahtuggedonhisshirt."You’rewearingtoomanyclothes."

"Soareyou."Withonemovementhepulledhisshirtoffoverhisheadandflungittotheside.Sarah
gaspedathismalebeauty,thesmoothskinofhischestwithitssprinklingofdarkhair.Herfingersfound
theflatnipplesthatseemedtobeckonforhertouchandthegentlinginhiseyesasshestrokedthemtold
herhelikedit.

Hegrinnedashegatheredthebottomofherblouseinhishands."Yourturn."

Sarah’smodestypickedthatmomenttospark,andarousedasshewas,herhandsclungtohis.Shecould
seehimreinhispassionin,hishandsnowstrokingherssoothingly."It’sallright,Sarahmine.Ionlywant
todotoyouwhatyoudotome."

"Isthattheway?Ikiss,youkiss,Itouch,andyoutouch?"

"It’sonewaytoplaythegame,Sarah.YouknowhowmuchIlovegames."

Games.…That’swhathismessagetoEarthforcehadbeenabout.Garranhadplayedthewarlikeagame,
snatchingEarth’s"pieces",itsshipsandtheircrews,andhidingthem.Shesmiledathim.

"Soundslikeagoodgametoplay."

"So,we’reagreed.Ifyoutouchme,thenIgettotouchyouthesameway."Hetuggedonthebottomofher
shirt."Andyou’restillwearingtoomanyclothes."

Thistimesheallowedhimtopullherblouseupandoverherhead.Watchinghiseyes,shesawthe
change,fromamusementtodelight,asherbreastswereunveiled.Still,forallhispassion,hissmilewas
playful."YoutouchedminesoItouchyours,fairenough?"

Shenoddedandhedid,warmlargehandscuppingherbreasts,thumbsmovingacrossthenippleswitha
caressingtouchthatsentarrowsrightintohercore.Foraninstantsheconsideredarguingthatshehadn’t
touchedhimquitethatway,butdecidedinsteadtomakeupforit.Herhandsmimickedhisactions,giving
tohimwhatshewastaking.

Garranwasright.Itwasaverygoodgame.

Sherememberedhowintriguinghisskinhadtastedbefore,andleanedforwardtolickhisnipple.His
flavorcoatedhertongue,tartandspicy.Inherenthusiasmsheforgotthegameallowedhimtotakethe
samelibertywithher.

Barelywashisnippleinhermouthbutshefelthiswarmlipscloseoverhers.Athissuckling,herback
archedwithpleasure,pushingherbreastsupintohismouth.Hishandsfledtoherbacktosupportherand
keepherachingmoundswithinhisreachashelavedattentiononfirstone,thentheother.

Apleasuresointenseastoalmostbepainrocketedthroughher."Garran,"shecried.

Hepaused,andshegazedathimthroughpassion-glazedeyes,seeingthetriumphinhisface.Armslike
steelbandscradledherback,pressingherbarebreastsintohischest,rubbingtheinflamednipplesagainst
thehardplanesandcurlyhair.

Hislaughshook."Oh,Sarahmine,we’vebarelybegun."

ThroughhispantsSarahcouldfeelthehardrodofhisarousal,andastheaftershocksofherpleasuredied,
hercuriosityaboutitgrew.Herhandswanderedtohiswaist,andfirstglidedoveritsfirmness,then
outlinedit,fingerstracingitsshapethroughthecloth.Finallyshetookholdofit,feelingthedampness
spreadfromitstipthroughthefabric.

Garran’seyestookonalookofastonishmentbeforeheclosedthemandrestedhisforeheadonhers."Oh
yes,dothat,"hegaspedbreathlessly.

Herfingersfoundthefasteningofhispantsandslidhiserectionfreetolieinherhands.Shefeltitandher
determinationshookatthewidthandbreathofhim.

Thiscloseandpersonal,hisrodhadanimposingsizethatseemedtogrowevenasshestrokeditwith

tremblingfingers.Hertemeritymusthavebeenobvious.Actingasifhecouldreadhermind,Garran
coveredherhandswithhisown.

"Don’tbeafraid,Sarah.BythetimeI’mwithinyou,you’llbereadyforme.Nopain,Ipromise."

AndGaiansalwayskepttheirpromises.Theunsaidrefrainflowedthroughhermindashishandsnow
instructedherastohowhelikedtobehandled,guidingherhandalonghislength,closinginonthe
purplingtipfromwheredampnessflowed.Shegatheredthatviscousfluidandspreaditacrossthetip,
smoothingitoverthesurface.

Hisquietgroantoldhershe’dfoundanotherwaytopleasurehim.

AgainGarransoughtherlipsandhispassionatekissdistractedherashishandssoughttheclosuretoher
skirtwhichsoongapedasopenashispants.Hisfingerssoughtherintimatepartsasherfingersplayed
withhis,andonceagainshefeltthatwarmthrillashestrokedandpettedhersoftfoldsandsmall,but
erectclit.

Afterthat,nothingwasenough.Firstshehadtoomanyclotheson,thenwhenherskirtwasremoved,he
stillworehispantsandthosewereintheway.Oncetheywereoff,shewrappedherlegsaroundhisand
nearlycriedwhenhedidn’ttakeherofferbutpushedherawayslowly,hishandseekingtheopeningnow
weepingforhiminstead.

Onefinger,twodelvedinside,andshecouldseeinhisfacehiswonderatfindingthebarriershestill
possessed."Sarah,mine,"hewhisperedastheystretchedandpulled,openinghergently,readyingher
bodyforhim.

Therewasnopain.Somepressure,atuggingmoreintriguingthanalarmingasheworkedonehandinside
ofher,hisotherhandplayingadistractinggamewithhersmallsensitivity.

Finallyheseemedsatisfiedandpulledaway,oncemorelavingherbreastswithhislips,sucklingherto
thepointofpassionaterelease.Butthistimeheheldoff,andshefelthishardnessslipbetweenherlegs,
proddingatheropeningwithgentleforce.Sheraisedherhipstomeethim.

Andheslippedinside.

Nopain,somepressureashefilledher,thewarmthoffrictionashisbodyandhersmetforthefirsttime.

Maybetheironlytime.SarahshovedthatthoughttothesideandconcentratedinsteadonGarran’seyes,
nearlyaglow.Shethoughtshecouldseeherselfreflectedinhiswidenedandblackpupils,herface
strange,anexpressionofawestampeduponit.

Themomentoftheirjoining,anamazingthing,anexperienceshe’dwonderedaboutforsolong.

"I’dhopedtoseethatinyourface,Sarah."

"Seewhat?"hervoicesoundedbreathless,amatchforhis.

"Desire,joy,wonder.It’smarveloushowwecanmakeeachotherfeel."

Hisweightsatonherlightly,thebulkofhimsupportedbyhiselbowsonthebed.Herlover,Garran,her
husbandforthistime.Themomentoftheirjoiningstretchedout.

Thenitwasn’tenoughtosimplybejoined.

GarranmovedandSarahgaspedatthesensationofhimslidingwithinher.Hemovedagainandshe
laughed,ashortgaspofastonishment.

Thenhepickedarhythmandbothlostinterestinanythingbuttheslideofmanintowomanandwoman
receivingman.NothinginSarah’sdreamshadpreparedherforthisreality.Overcomebyhim,herhands
caressedhisbackinabsentabandon.Hepickedupthepaceasshetightened,signalingherstartonthat
shortjourneytofulfillment.

AspiralingexcitementwhirledthroughherandshethoughtsheheardGarran’svoice--orwasither
dream-lover’svoice?InthatmomenttheysoundedalikeasGarrancriedhernameintoherear.Thenshe
hadnopresenceofmindforcomparisons.Herbodybuckedunderhisandwithoutthinkingherhandsdug
intohisback,pullinghimdeeperwithinherashermindwalkedofftheedgeandfellintoachasmof
whirlingsensation.

Whenshecouldthinkagain,Garranwascollapsedonher,heavy,butstillsupportedbyhisarms,hischest
heaving,gaspingforbreath.Herheartpoundedinherchestandshetoodraggedairintoherlungsata
furiouspace.

SweatglistenedacrossGarran’schest,andalarmed,Sarahcaughthisfacewithherhand."Youdidget
Jeffrey’sokayonthis?"

He’dnearlydiedyesterday,hadbeeninintensivecareforhours.Haditbeentoosoonforthiskindof
exertion?

Helaughed,adeepchucklethatshookherasmuchashim."Permissiontomakelovetomywife?Asifhe
couldstopme."

"Icouldhavestoppedyou.Foryourowngood."

Garrannuzzledherneck,moredistractionthanshe’dbargainedfor.Shemoanedunderhisteasinglips.

"Sarah,I’mfine.Betterthanfine.IneededyoualotmorethanIneededrest."Pullingbackhecaughther
chinwithhispalm."Youneededme,too."

Settlingtooneside,hepulledherintothecurveofhisbody,cradlingherclose."Thisiswhatmenand
womendo,Sarah.Theyneedeachother,givetoeachother,andtakeaswell.Desireleadstopassion,
passiontocompletion,andcompletiontolove."

Somethinginsideherturnedoverattheword."Love?"

"Formeatleast.IloveyouSarah."

Thewordsfellintoherheart,wordsshe’dneverexpectedtohear,atleastnotfromthistall,dark-haired
man.Butinspiteofthattheywarmedher,thrilledher,righttothecenterofherbeing.

Amanwasinlovewithher.

Amanshecouldneverlove.

Whynot,shearguedwithherself.Whywasthissomethingshewassosureof?Garranwastwice,no,
makethattentimesmoremanthananyoneshe’deverknown.Hewascharmingwhenhewantedtobe,
pleasingtotheeye,andheavenknowsshe’drelatedwellenoughtohiminbed.

She’dhaveagoodlifewithhim.Agreatlife.Andnowthatsheknewhewasn’tresponsibleforherbest
friend’sdeaththerewasnothingtostopherfromstayingwithhim.She’dbeenmisleadforfiveyears.

Garranwasn’tamonster.Notevenclose.Hewasawarmmanwholovedherandwantedheraboveall
otherwomen.

Sowhywastherestillsomethingwrong?Whydidshestillfeeltheuncertaintythathadplaguedherfrom
thebeginning?

Theanswerhitherlikeaflamingcomet.She’dsetofffromEarthtofindhermatch,herdreamlover--and
Garranwasn’thim.She’ddreamedofherloverforyears,whileshe’donlyknownGarranforafewdays.
Hewasclose--darkhair,largehands.Heevensoundedlikehim.

Buthewasn’thim.

ChapterTwenty-two

Somethingwaswrong.Garrancouldfeelitinhisbones.Or,moreprecisely,hecouldfeelitinSarah’s
bones,thewayshedrewawayfromhimonthebed.

Butwhatcouldbewrong?They’dmadelove,amazinglybeautifullove,andshe’denjoyeditthoroughly.
Herresponsetohimhadclincheditinhismind.Shewashismatch,hiswife.Sarahwashis,nowand
forever.Hislover,hiswife.Hislove.

Thenhe’dtoldherhowhefelt,andhercompliantandsatedbodyhadstiffenedinreaction.

Didn’tshewanthislove?Or,didn’tshewanttolovehim?

Perhapsthatwasit.Shedidn’twanttolovehim,inspiteofhercomingtohimtoday.Itwasn’tthat
unexpected...afterallshe’dstatedfromthebeginninghermisgivingsoflettingherheartfollowher
passion.

Butwhatwasunexpectedwasthatithurt.

Hecuddledhercloseanyway,takingsmallcomfortinherpresenceinthehereandnow.Ifshelefthim
tomorrow.…

Garransimplycouldn’tdealwiththatthoughtrightnow.Henuzzledherneck,herbraidofgloriousrose-
coloredhairsmoothunderhischeek.Later,heresolved,hewouldfreeherhairandthenexttimethey
madelove,he’dseeitflowingovertheirpillows.Orbetterstill,fallingabouthiminalivingcurtain.

Hebreatheddeeply,fillinghislungswithheruniquescent,lickinghislipstoexperiencehertaste.

Hertaste,hersmell.Hiswoman,hisSarah,hiswife.Hisforaslongastheylived.

Or,untiltomorrow.

Inhisarmsshestirred."Perhapsweshouldgetup."

Herespondedwithanill-naturedgrumble."Wedon’thaveto,Sarah.Wecanstayhereallafternoonifwe
wantto.Allnight,too.Andtomorrow,thenextday."Hetrailedhishandacrossherflatbelly,lettingit
lingerjustbelowherbreast.

"Imayneverwanttogetoutofbedagain."

Shelaughedbuttherewasn’tmuchhumorinit."IwanttogetupGarran.Ineedabath."

Concernflashedthroughhim.He’dbeencareful,butshehadbeenavirgin,andhewasn’texactlysmallin
thoseparts.Heleaneduptostareintoherface."Areyousore?"

Hercheeksburnedpinkandshelickedherlipsnervously.Unwillingtoletthatprovocationgo,Garran
swiftlycapturedhermouthagaininakissthatleftbothofthemgaspingforbreath.

Hethrilledatherunconsciousresponse.Whateverwaswrong,Sarahstillfeltdesireforhim.Sheclung
tohimnowandhewantednothingmorethantoslipinsideherandmakelovetoheragainandagain,all
nightifnecessarytobindhertohim.

ItwasallGarrancoulddotonotlaughatthatboldthought.Whataterriblefate,tomakelovetohiswife
allnightlong.Butthenagainshewasnewtosexanditwouldn’tdotoover-dothings.Ifsheweren’t
tendernow,whathehadinmindwouldmakecertainshewas.

Besttobecautiousandtakethingsslow.ThesanitaryinGarran’ssuiteboastedafullbaththatwould
accommodatetwobodieseasily.Todateithadneverbeenused.Theideaofslippingintoatubofwarm
waterwithSarahhadappeal,anditwouldprobablyhelpsootheher.

"Perhapsabathisn’tabadidea,"hepurredintoherear.

Sarah’seyesgrewbiggerbutshedidn’tobjectasheslidoffthebedandpulledhertostandnexttohim.
SheblanchedwhenshelookedbackatthebedandwhenGarranfollowedhergazehetoosawthetelltale
smearsofbloodonthesheets.He’dbeengentle,butthere’dstillbeensometearingashe’denteredher.
Immediatelyhehustledhertothesanitary.

Thatbathsoundedbetterallthetime.

****

WarmjetsofwatercaressedSarah’sbackandlegsasshegingerlysteppedintothewater.Lowering
herself,sheletthewarmthrelaxherbody,evenifheremotionswerestillinanuproar.

Garranclimbedinafterher,lettinghersettlejustoutsideofhisreach,allowingheramoment’srespite
fromhistouch.Hersidelongglancetoldherthatherreprievewouldbetemporary.Alreadyhishand
seemedoutstretchedtopullherbackintohisarms.

Howcouldshenotwanttostaywithhim?Garranwasalmostexactlywhatshe’dwantedwhenonEarth,a
manwhowantedher,caredforher,wantedtohavechildrenwithher.Moreeven.Hehadwealth--she’d
liveincomfortallofherlifewithhim.

Hewashandsome,intelligent,andafantasticlover--herbodystilltingledfromtheirlovemaking.Her
bodywasallsettosayyestohim...howcouldshesayno?

Shecouldsaynobecauseshecouldneverlovehim.

Sarahglancedoverathim,feltthewarmthofhisdark-bluegaze,feltitdeepinsideher.Leaningbackinto
thewatersheclosedhereyes.

SomethingwarmglidedalongherthighandSarah’seyespoppedopentoseeGarran’suncertainface.He
heldasoftcloththatheslidbetweenherlegs,uptothejuncturetowipeathergently.

Shestaredathim.Hisblueeyesseemeddarker,midnightincolor,fathomless.Theyheldhersashe
carefullycleanedherprivateplaces,washingandsoothingthestilltendertissues.

Wordless,shewatched,feelingthecareinhisactions.Whenhewasdoneshetooktheclothfromhim,and
washedhimaswell,removingthesignsoftheirearlierlovemaking.Asmilecreptacrosshismouth,and
hepulledherintohisarms,effortlesslyliftinghertoengageherlipswithhis.

Mouthonmouth,andonceagainSarahfeltthethrillofbeingwithhim.Hisfreshlyscrubbedpenispressed
intoherbelly,andwithoutthinking,Sarahgraspedhimandplayedwithhishardeningform.Garran
groanedintohermouth,andclutchedatherbottom,hisfingerskneadingthecheeks,liftingherhigher.One
handslippedintohercleft,fingeringhersoftness.

Shebarelyheardhimhisvoicewassolow."Idon’twanttohurtyou,Sarah.It’stoosoon."

Itdidn’tfeeltoosoontoher.Allshecouldthinkofwasgettinghimbackinsideher.Sherespondedby
wrappingherlegsaroundhiswaistandwithagroanGarrangaveinanddrovehomewithinher.

Thistimeshefeltnothinglikepain,onlyasatisfyingfullnessasheentered.Stillkneelinginthebath,
Garranclutchedhercloser,hisheadburiedinhershoulder."SweetGaia,youfeelgood."

Hemovedtothewideedgeofthetub,butwhenhetriedtoputherdown,shetwisted,andthenGarran
waslyingonhisback,Sarah’slegsoneitherside,stillintimatelyconnected.

Experimentally,sheliftedandsankfurtherontohisshaft,andhiseyeswidened.

Shegrinnedathissurprise."JustbecauseIdidn’thaveapracticalknowledgeofsuchthingsdoesn’tmean
I’mcompletelyignorant.I’vealwayswantedtotrythis."Sheroseandfellagain,smilingwithdelight.
"Thisisfun."

Garranleanedhisheadbackwithagroan.Heclaspedherwaistandhelpedherfindherrhythm."The
nightisn’tgoingtobelongenoughtosatisfyyourcuriosity,Sarah."

Hewasclearlyfishingtoseeifsheintendedtostay."Thereistomorrowmorningaswell."

Somethingalmostlikepaincrossedhisface,thenheleanedbackandjustlethermakelovetohim.She
reachedupandpulleddownherhair,unpinningitfromthetopofherheadandlooseningthebraidfree.It
slidacrossherbackandshoulders,anddowntopoolontohischest.

Garranwatcheditfall,delightinhisexpression.Reachingout,hegatheredsomeofthered-goldtresses
anddrewthemtohislips,closinghiseyesashepassedthesoftstrandsacross.Reopeningthemhestared
upather."Iwillalwaysrememberthis,Sarahmine.Howyoulookatthismoment."

Sherealizedshewouldalwaysrememberhim,too.Strongandloving,hiseyesandmouthworshipingher.

Thenheliftedhishipsandshemovedwithhimandnofurtherthoughtwaspossibleotherthanmore,and
more,anditwouldneverbeenough.

Sarah’sbackarchedandshecriedoutasthedeepshudderstookherfaraway,Garranbutamoment
behind,clutchingherwaistathisrelease,hisfaceamazedinitsfrenzy.

Sarahcollapsedontohimandpillowedherheadonhischest,hishandsstrokingherbackinidle
movement.

Liftingherhead,SarahcheckedGarran’sexpression.Sated,that’showhelooked,sameashowshefelt.
Sexuallysated,warmedtothecore.

Thensomethingelseshowedinhisexpression,moreofthemelancholyhe’dhadbefore.Heseemed
watchful,onedge,andSarahbracedherself.

"Willyoustaywithme,Sarah?"

Sheanswered,deliberatelymisunderstandinghim."Tonight,ofcourse.IsaidIwould."

"Imeantomorrow,thenextday,thedayafterthat."Heheldupared-goldcurl."Therestofyourlife."

"Istilldon’tknow,Garran."

Hissmilewassad,buthesaidnothingmore.Stretching,hepushedheroffhim,slippingherbackintothe
tub.

"Iguessweneedtocleanupagain."

****

Theydressedinsilence,GarranwatchingtheemotionsplayingacrossSarah’sface.Shelookedmore
uncertainthanhe’dseenherbeforeandhecountedthatasgoodforhisside.

Ifshe’dbeencertain,heknewshe’dbeleavinghim.

Hespentalittletimeonthecomm-linkwiththeship’skitchenandsomeminuteslaterdinnerarrived.
Pranasasanappetizer,afowlterandvegetablepieinapastrycrust,aloafoffreshbread,andsulia,a
coldandsweetcreamydishfilledwithfruitfordessert.

Healsoorderedwine,twobottlesofwineofthesamevintagethey’dsharedbefore.Onewayoranother
hewasgoingtogetSarahtoconfideinhim.

She’dbeenverycarefultonotoverdrinkbefore.Maybewithalittlepersuasionhecouldgetheralittle
tipsy--nottotakeadvantageofher,buttoseeifhecouldfindoutwhatwasgoingoninherhead.

Hekeptherglassfull,andSarah,foronce,didn’tseemtonoticehowmuchshewasdrinking.Bydessert
shehadasloppysmileandGarranwatchedinsatisfactionasshehappilypouredherselfanotherglassof
wine.

Heraisedhisglass."Tothefuture,Sarah."

Shenoddedanddrank,notmeetinghiseyes.Garrannoticedandnoddedtohimself.Thetimehadcometo
talk.

Reachingover,heclaspedherhand."Sarah."Reluctantlysheraisedherfacetomeethisgaze.Therewas
somethinginherexpression,regretandsomethingelse.…

Abruptlyheknewwhatitwas."Youcareforme,don’tyou?"

Shelookedstartled,hereyesgoingwide.Sarahswallowedandpulledherhandawayandhewatchedas
sheplayedwithherwineglass.

Shecared...butdidn’twanttocare.Whynot?

"Youcareforme,Iknowit.We’regreattogether,we’llhavethebestlivesacouplecanhave.Sarah,
we’reliketwohalvesmadewhole,can’tyouseethat?Iknowyoudon’tlovemenow,butyouwill...."his
voicetrailedoffasherheadshook.

Sarahspoke,hersilenceshattered,hervoicesoundingasbrokenasherheart."Idon’tknowifIcan,
Garran.You’rerightIdocareforyouanditwouldbeeasierifIdidn’t.YousayyoulovemeandI
believeyou.Yes,we’dhaveagreatlifetogether.We’regood...eveninbed,andyouknowIdidn’texpect
that.I’veevenimaginedourchildren.…"Asheenoftearsfilledhereyes.

Hisimageofadaughterwithbrightredhairreturned."SohaveI.Fromthebeginning."

Atearescapedandtrickleddownhercheek."ButhowcanIsayIwillloveyou,Garran,ever?Andhow
woulditbewithusintheyearsaheadifIcan’t…?"

Coldnesssettledinhisstomachandheknewwhatshewasthinking."...becauseyouloveanother.
Someoneyoudon’tknow,butimagineisoutthere.Thatdreamloverofyourswouldalwaysbebetween
us.Nofleshandbloodmancouldevermatchhim,couldhe,Sarah?Certainlynotme."

Justlikethat,heknewhecouldneverreallywinher.Thegamewasoverandhe’dlost."Nomatterwhat
elsehappened,you’dalwaysthinkthatyousettledformewhenyoucouldhavehadhim,ifonlyyou’d
keptlookingforhim."

Astonished,shegazedathim."Whatareyousaying?"

Disappointmentandpainmadehisvoiceharsh."Iwon’tsettleforhalfamarriagewithyou,Sarah.Ifyou
don’tthinkyoucangivemeyourheart,Idon’twanttherest."

"Youwantmetoleaveyou?"

"Ican’thaveyoustayasmywife.Notifyou’resocertainyoucan’tloveme."

Sarahpushedtherestofherglassawayandstruggledtoherfeet.Tearsflowedfreelydownhercheeksas
shemovedgingerlytothebedroom.Shereallyhaddrunktoomuch,herealizedashewatchedherstagger.

Usingtheedgeofthedoorwaytosupportherself,Sarahturnedtofacehim.Impatientlyshedashedthe
tearsawayandameasureofpridereturnedtoherface."I’llpacktogo.…"

Garrangottohisfeet."Nottonight."

Sarah’sjawset."Whynot?"

Becausehewasn’tquitereadytolethergo.Buthecouldn’tsaythat."Thethreedaysisn’toveryet,Sarah.
You’llstaytonightasweplanned.I’llhaveyoumovedtonewroomstomorrow."

Hergazedroppedandshemerelyleanedagainsttheedgeofthedoor,lookingdefeated.Thenshenodded.
"Verywell,onemorenightofweddedblisswon’tkilleitherofus,Iguess."

Somethingthatcouldhavebeenasmilebutforthemiseryinhereyes,crossedherface."I’mverytired,
Garran.I’mgoingtobed."

"I’llbeinlater."

Aftershe’dgone,Garrandrankhisglassofwine.Whenitwasfinished,hedrankhersandwhenthatwas
gone,herefilleditfromthebottleleftoverfromtheirdinner.

BothbottlesofwinewereemptyandGarranwasnumbbythetimehemadeittobed.Sarahstirredand
mutteredwhenheslidinbesideher,pullinghernightgowncladframeintohisarms.Throughthefabriche
feltthetemptingsoftnessofherbreasts,butresolvedtoignoreit.Thiswasn’tthetime.

"Hush,Sarah.Ijustwanttoholdyou."Hewhispereditintoherear,andshesettledcontentedlyintothe

curveofhisbody,alittlesatisfiedsighescapingherlips.

Eyesstillshut,hermouthcurvedupintoasmile."Iwasafraidyouwouldn’tcome."Sheplanteda
somewhatsloppykissintohisjaw,andnuzzleddeeperintohisneck.

Garranironicallycongratulatedhimself.He’dsetouttogetherdrunkandmanagedtodoit.

Shestirredandmurmuredsomethinghecouldn’tmakeout.

"Whatwasthat?"

"Loveyou,"shewhispered.HerbreathingevenedoutandGarranrealizedshe’ddriftedbackintosleep.

Garran’sheartpoundedfuriously,hisalcohol-inducednumbnessfleeingatherwords.Sarahlovedhim?
Washemistakenandshereallydidlovehim?

Amuffledsnortintohisneckremindedhimofhercondition.Toomuchwineandshe’dbeenhalf-asleep
whenshe’dspoken.Herdreamlover.That’swhoithadbeenthatshe’dthoughtshewastalkingto.

Disappointmentfilledhim,erasinghistemporaryeuphoriaandleavinghimexhausted.Lackofsleepand
hismanyglassesofwineconspiredtocompletethejob,andwithSarahsnuginhisarms,Garrandrifted
off.

ChapterTwenty-three

Sarahfinishedpackingthelastofherbelongingsintohertrunk.Allshewasmissingwasherfilestore,
stillinKaren’spossession.Herfriendhadpromisedtobringitbythismorningbuthadn’tshownupyet
anditwasnearlynoon.

SarahwonderedifKarenmightbedelayingherarrivalforaslongaspossible.Whenshe’dcalledtosay
shewasmovingfromGarran’ssuite,she’dheardthesoftgaspofdismayinherfriend’svoice.

Sarahsighed.WhyshouldKarenbedifferent?EveryoneelseseemedtowanthertostaywithGarran.
Onlytwopeoplewantedthismarriagetoend.

Garranandherself.

Hesteppedinandleanedagainstthedoorway,eyeinghertrunkwithalostexpression.

Sarahsighedagain.Well,maybejustherself.Butithadbeenhisidealastnighttoenditsinceshecouldn’t
promisetolovehim.Shemight’vehadtoomuchtodrink,somethingherheadwasmakinghermostaware

oftoday,butshewascertainofwhathe’dsaid.Garranhadbeentheonetosayitwasover.

Still,he’dheldherlastnight.Sherememberedwaking,restless,andhavinghishandsstrokeherback,
soothingherbacktosleep.Aftertheprevioustimethey’dsharedabed,nottomentionwhathadhappened
inthebath,she’dexpectedhimtotakeadvantageofheravailability,buthehadn’t,lastnightorthis
morning.Justheldandcaressedherinalovingfashion.

She’dalsoexpectedtodream,butnodark-hairedloverhaddisturbedhersleep,asifmakingloveto
Garranhadfinallybanishedhisrival.

Hersleepmightnothavebeendisturbedbutshewas.Whenshe’dawakenedhe’dbeengonefromthebed
andhisabsencehadbotheredherfarmorethanshewaswillingtoadmit.

Nowhispresence,wearyandwornlooking,equallydisturbedher.Sarahsighedforathirdtime.

Sheindicatedthetrunk."I’malmostready."

"SoIsee.ItalkedtoBethan.She’sfoundanothersuiteforyou.It’snice.You’lllikeit."Ashetalked,his
handsmovedrestlessly.

Shecouldn’thelpacknowledgehowshefelt."I’llmissyou."

Heletthewordshangintheair,onlythetighteninginhisjawshowinghe’dheard.Finallyhenodded,not
meetinghereyes.

Thedoorchimefromthehallwayinterruptedanythinghewasgoingtosay.Maxxahadshownupthat
morningforguarddetailandnowansweredthedoor.FromtheloungeSarahheardKarenandBethan’s
voices.Garranlefttheroomandastheygreetedhimtheirvoicessoundedexcited.

Afourthsigh.NodoubtbothwomenhadcometotalkGarranandheroutofendingtheirmarriageand
wouldtakesomeconvincingthattheyweredoingtherightthing.SquaringhershouldersSarahhurriedto
jointhem.

IntheloungeKarenwashookingSarah’sfilestoreintothemediacenter.Apprehensive,Sarahstaredat
herfriend.She’sseenthatlookonKaren’sfacebefore,whentheywereplayingcardsandshehadagood
hand.Itwastheantipathytoapokerface.

Karenwasuptosomething.

"Takeaseat,Sarah.You,too,Garran,"Bethanorderedinhersecond-in-commandvoice.

"Ioutrankyou,"Garrangrowled,clearlyinnomoodforhissister-in-law’sscheming.

Bethan’slip’stwitched."Verywell,pleasetakeaseat.Sir."

Somethingwasdefinitelyup,Sarahdecided,findingapositiononthecouchBethanpointedto,Garrana
safedistanceawayinoneofthechairs.Afifthsighescapedher.Notthatshewaskeepingtrack.

BethanaddressedGarran."Whenyoucalledthismorning,KarenandIwerehavingbreakfastand

discussingsomethingratherinterestingthatshe’dfoundonSarah’sfilestore.SomethingIthinkyoushould
bothknowbeforemakinganyfinaldecisions."

Garranstudiedhishands."SarahandIappreciatethisbutwearen’tgoingtochangeourminds."

Karentookover."Hearmeout.Youdon’thaveanythingtoloseatthispoint."

SarahmetGarran’sgazeandnodded.SheatleastwasinterestedinwhatKarenhadtosay.Hewaved
permissiontoproceed.

Karenmovedfrontandcenter,herhandontheremotecontrollerforthemediacenter."AsBethansaid,
therewereacoupleofinterestingthingsIfound.Firstofall,Sarah,there’sthatvid-clipofGarran,theone
whereheannouncesthefirstfleet’scapture."

Sarahflushed."That’snotwhathesaid."

"That’snotwhatyouheard,butitiswhathewastalkingabout.Iwilltellyouthis--Earthforceeditedit
beforedistribution.Somedayyou’llhavetoseetheentirething.

"Butthecontentsaren’twhat’simportant.There’safile-opencounterattachedtotheclipthatshowedhow
manytimesithadbeenactivated.Doyouknowhowmanytimesyouviewedit?"

Sarah’scheeksburned.Wasn’titbadenoughshe’dhadtoshowittoGarran?Washenowtofindoutjust
howobsessedshe’dbeenwiththatclip?

Shetriedforanonchalantshrug."Icouldn’tsay.Overfiveyears--probablyalot."

"Twothousandfivehundredandsixtyfourtimes,"Karensaidflatly."Evenoverfiveyears,that’salotof
viewings."

Garran’sjawdroppedandSarah’sheartfellintoherstomach.Heturnedtoher."Ithoughtyouhatedthat
clip.Whywouldyouwatchitsomanytimes?"

"Idon’tknow,"shesaiddefensively."Itmademefeelbetter.WheneverIwasupsetoverwork,ormy
boss,orjustlonely,I’dwatchit.I’dseeyouandhateyouandfeelbetterafterwards."

"Hate?"AfleetinggrinscootedacrossKaren’smouth."We’llseeaboutthat.Butthat’snottheonlyfileI
foundinteresting.Sarah,whatpromptedyoutocomeoutherefromEarth?"

"IwastiredofbeingaloneandtheNLCofferedtotakemetowhereIcouldmeetamanIcouldfallin
lovewith."

"Yousawoneoftheirannouncementsanditpersuadedyoutocome?"

Sarahgaveashortlaugh."Youwouldhavecometoo.Youshouldhaveseentheirrecruitmentmessages."

AgainKarenalmostsmiled."Oh,Idid.There’soneonyourfilestore."

BelatedlySarahrememberedhowshehadcopiedtheNLCvid-clipshe’dfound.

KarenputherhandsonherhipsandlookedknowinglyatSarah."Tellthetruth,Sarah.Didn’tthemanin
theclipremindyouofyourdreamlover?"

Shestaredatherfriend."Ididn’ttellyouaboutthat."

Karenshookherhead."Youdidn’thaveto,itwasn’thardtoguess.GarrantoldJeffreyaboutthedreams.I
bettheybegan,when?Aboutfiveyearsago?"

"Aboutthat,"Sarahacknowledged."AfterI’dheardyouweredead.IthoughtitwasbecauseIfeltso
alone."

KarenturnedherattentiontoGarran."HaveyouseenanyoftheNLCbroadcasts?"

Atthenegativeshakeofhishead,shesmiled."Ithinkyou’llfindthisinteresting."

SheactivatedthefilestoreandsoontheclipSarah’dseenintherestaurantonEarthwasplaying,withthe
cooingbabyanditshandsomefather.Garranwatched,hisfacegrowingmoreandmoreperplexed.

Whenitwasoverhepointedafingeratthescreen."Please,playitagain."Hestaredasthecliprepeated.
"WhoisthemanholdingKilly?I’veneverseenhimbefore."

Killy?Sarahstaredasthescreen,nowrecognizingtheadorablechildasKaren’soffspring.Butifthe
NLCwasusingKillyintheirrecruitmentsthen.…

"TheNLCisaGaianfront?"Sarahasked,outrageandamazementmixinginher.Garran,Bethan,and
Karenexchangedguiltylooks.

Bethanfinallyansweredher."Yes,Sarah.Aspartofthepeacetreaty,Earth’sgovernmentgaveus
permissiontorecruitwomenundertheNLCbannerforoneyear.It’sasecretclauseinthetreaty,atleast
fornow.Eventuallyitwillbemadepublic,justlikethefateoftheEarthforceshipsandtheircrews."

"ThentheattackonTheDove,ourbeingabducted...itwasallasham?"Sarahdidn’tknowwhethertobe
angry--orapplaud.

ShethoughtaboutMosan,therecruitershe’dseenatExavierHall,andthentheholo-vidshe’dviewed
withGarran.Thebride’sfatherinthevid,sheknewhe’dseemedfamiliar.MosanwasaGaianactor!

"Sarah,wecouldn’trecruitunderourownnameatthistime,"Bethansaid."It’stoosoonafterthewar,
particularlysinceEarthisn’twillingtoadmitwedidn’tactuallykillasmanypeopleaswe’reaccused
of."

Stunned,Sarahtriedtotakeitallin."SothemanholdingKilly.He’sGaian?"

Garranbrokein,dark-blueeyesflashing."Whydoyouwanttoknow,Sarah?Doyouthinkhe’stheman
you’vebeendreamingabout?"

Surprised,SarahtookinGarran’sfury.Gaian’sdidn’tsufferfromjealousy,butGarranwasnotatypical
Gaian.

KarenseemedunconcernedwithGarran’sreaction."Maybeheis.Whataboutit,Sarah?"

Shethoughtaboutit."Thefaceiswrongbuttherestofhim.…"hervoicetrailedoff.Themaninthe
messagehadremindedherofherdreamlover.

"Butyousaidthatyouneversawyourdreamlover’sface.Icantellyourightnowthefaceinthatclip
isn’treal.TheNLCeditedthecliptochangethefaceandmakeitacompositeofseveralmen’sfaces.
TheywantedsomeonewholookedGaianbutwasn’tanyoneman.Butsupposewedothis."Karenstarted
anotherclipthatbeganasthefirst,withthecooingimageofKilly,butwhenthemanappeared,hisface
wasedited,thefeaturessmearedtobeunrecognizable.Inaddition,theshirtwasdifferent,highernecked
andblack,notblueincolor.

Karenranbothclipssidebyside,andSarahcouldseetheywereidenticalotherwise.Herheartpounded
asshewatchedtheadulteratedversion,reactingagaintotheman’sdeepchuckle.Itwasherdreamlover,
shecouldtell.

GlancingatthestrangelyquietGarran,shesaidnothing.Howcouldshehurthimfurtherbyadmittingher
dreammanactuallyexisted?Karenhadanimageofhim...shecouldtellherwhohewas.

Karenwasn’tgoingtoletherstaysilent."Doyourecognizehimnow,Sarah?"hervoicecoaxed.

ReluctantlySarahnodded.SheheardGarran’squickintakeofbreathandfelthisgazeasheturnedtostare
ather.

"Wouldyouliketoseehisfacethistime,Sarah?Ihaveacompletelyuneditedversion."

Againshenodded,tryingtoignoretheweightofGarran’sstare.

Theclipreplayedfromthebeginning,butwhenthefaceofthemancameintofocus,Sarahgasped.Itwas
Garransmilingatthebaby,hishairlongerthanitwasnow,hisnowfamiliarlaughthrillingherashe
cooedatKaren’schild.

"Igavethevid-cliptotheNLCfortheiradvertisingcampaign,"Karensaid."Theywerelookingfora
half-Gaian,half-Earthbaby,andKillycamealongatjusttherighttime.Thisclipwasmyfavorite,
showingGarranassomethingotherthanhisusualgrimself.Ididn’trealizethey’dusehimtoo,oratleast
hisbody."

Themagnitudeofitstruckher."ThatmeansitwasGarranallalong.Allthosenights,I’vebeendreaming
ofhim?"

Bethanlaughed."Sarah,I’mnotapsychologistbutitseemstomethatviewingavid-clipofamanover
twothousandtimesandthendreamingaboutsomeonelikehimmustmeansomething.Ithinkyoufellin
lovewithGarranalongtimeagobutcouldn’tadmitittoyourself."

Garranclearedhisthroatinaharshsound.BethanandKarenexchangedglancesandheadedforthedoor.
BethanbeckonedtoMaxxa,whoafterabriefhesitation,followedthemintothehallway.Thedoorclosed.

ThecouchshiftedasGarranslippedinnexttoher.Hisbighandsrestedonhisknees...Sarahcouldsee
themfromthecornerofhereyes.Thesamebighandsshe’ddreamedofsomanytimes,achingforthe

pleasurethey’dgiveher.

Thosesamebighandshadshownherwhatpleasurereallywasyesterdayafternoon,andthenhad
comfortedherlastnight.Garran’shands.Big,strong,andloving.Justliketherestofhim.

Shecoveredthemwithhers.Raisingherheadtomeethiseyes,shetriedtosmileandfailed,heremotions
toointense."Garran.…"

Heliftedherhandtohismouth."IwantedyoufromthemomentIsawyou,Sarah.Nowitseemsyou
wantedmeaswell,inspiteofthinkingIwasamurderer."

Shecouldn’thelphersmile."Iguessso.ApparentlyI’vebeenmakinglovetoyouforyears.Inmy
dreams."

"It’smuchbetterinperson."

Hisfingertracedthecrescentmoononthewristbandshestillwore."Sarah,willyoustaymywife?"

"Onlyifyou’llbemyhusband."

GatheredintoGarran’sarms,Sarahkissedhimpassionately,barelyregisteringwhenheheadedforthe
bedroom.

"Youhavenoideahowharditwastoleaveyouinbedthismorning,woman,"Garrangrowledinherear
ashehauledherbacktobed."I’minseriousneedofmakingupforit."

ChapterTwenty-four

ThreedayslatertheyarrivedatGaia.SarahwatchedfromThePromise’sbridge,Garranbesideheras
theyapproachedandreadiedforlanding.

Hernewhome.ItlookedsomethinglikeEarthfromspace--blueoceansandgreenandbrownland--but
thereweredifferences.Thecloudswerewhiter,thewateradeeperblue,particularlyneartheland.There
wasalotmoregreen,aremindertoSarahthatGaiawasstillmostlyvirginforest.

Itwasthemostbeautifulplanetshe’deverseen,andshecouldseethesmilesofprideonherhusbandand
hisfriends’facesastheycompletedasingleorbitwhilewaitingtolandonthesurface.

"Happy,Sarah?"Garranwhisperedinherear.

"Very,"shereplied.Sheleanedagainsthisstrongarm."I’mlookingforwardtoseeingthathouseyoukeep
promisingme."

"We’llneedtohiresomepeopletomakeitlivable.Ihaven’tbeenthereinyears.Someonetocleanthe
place,dealwiththegardens."

"Andacook,"Sarahremindedhim.

Garransigheddramatically."Isupposeso.Servesmerightforattachingtoawomanwithoutdomestic
skills."

BehindthemSammulsnickeredthenlookedinnocentlyoutthewindowatGarran’sglare.

Theridetothesurfacewasamazinglysmoothandwithinanhourtheshiplandedinwhatseemedlikean
openfield.Onlythefactthatthegroundwasclearofvegetationandincomingconvoyofvehiclestold
Sarahthatthey’dreallyarrivedatthespaceport.

Greenplantswereeverywhere,andanaquaskystoodoverhead,justthecolorofthegarden’sskyonThe
Promise.SarahtookadeepbreathofanticipationandstoodwithGarranastheroomeruptedinto
applause.

"Welcomehome,General."Symontoldhimwithawarmsmileatbothofthem."AndIhopeyouandSarah
enjoyyourselves."

BehindthemcameanotherchucklefromSammulbutthistimeGarranignoredhim.Sarahshookherhead.
TheirunmarriedbodyguardwasgettingfartoomuchenjoymentoutofSarahandGarran’srelationship.
Notmorethantheywere,ofcourse.

GarranheldSarah’shandastheymovedthroughthecorridors.Sammulwalkedahead,keepinganeyeout
fortrouble,althoughnooneexpectedanythingnow.

AlltheotherEarthwomenhadbeenscreenedduringthelastcoupleofdaysandonlyMaryhadturnedout
tocarrythehomicidalparasite.ToSarah’sreliefthey’devenbeenabletofreeherofthecreature,andits
bodynowrestedintheship’slabs,waitingforGaianingenuitytofindawaytodetectitearlierand
destroyitwithoutharmingthehost.

Theyturnedonefinalcorneranddownanarrowhall,takingthempastacorridorthatintersectedwiththe
shuttlebay.

"SARAH!!!"NosoonerhadGarranandSarahpassedtheintersection,butalargewomanappeared,
apparentlyhavingbrokenfreeofthegroupofwomenandguardsshe’dbeenpartof.Withsurprisingspeed
shecaughtupwiththemandtriedtothrowherarmsaroundSarah.

Seeingwhathesawasathreat,Sammulsteppedbetweenthemandcaughther,effortlesslyrestrainingher.

Unabletobreakfree,thewomansaggedinhisembrace,cryinghysterically.

Shocked,Sarahrecognizedtheweepingwoman."Jenny?Areyouallright?Whatisit?"

"Theyweregoingtotakeusaway,Sarah.Totheplanet.AndI’dnevergettoseeyouagainorsaygood-
bye."

Oneoftheguardscaughtupwiththem,breathingheavilyattheexertionofrunningafterthem."Jenny,it
wasjustforalittlewhile.Untilwecouldarrangeanothermarriagemeet."

SarahwatchedJennysobinSammul’sarmsthenrealizedthattheguardwasn’ttheonlyonebreathing
heavily.Thebulkybodyguardalsoseemedtobehavingsometroublecatchinghisbreath.Asshewatched,
hisgrasponJennybecamegentler,thepalmofhishandstrokingherarminasoothingfashion.Heleaned
overandsniffedherneck,hiseyesunfocused.

TheguardputahandonJenny’sarm."Comeon,now.Weneedtogetbackwiththeothers.Sheshookher
head.

"No!"Sammulknockedtheguard’shandoffJenny’sarm.HisgriponhertightenedandJennyturneda
startledgazeupintohisface.Foramomentthepairstaredraptlyateachother.

Jennyblinked."Whoareyou?"

Sammulseemedinclinedtoanswer,thenhiseyeswidened.Hisfaceturnedredandabruptlyhereleased
her."Ishouldn’tsay."

Jennyliftedahandtoherface,rubbingthetearsfromhereyes."Whynot?"

Heseemedatalossforananswer.SarahpulledJennytoonesideofthehall,whileGarrantookSammul
totheother.TheytalkedbutthebigmankeptsneakingpeaksoverGarran’sshoulderatJenny.

Theirbodyguardwaswellandtrulyattached,Sarahdecided.Thenshenoticedthatthesuddenlydry-eyed
JennyalsokeptwatchonwhatSammulwasuptoandshegrinned.Thepairseemedtobematched!

BethanarrivedwithMaxxaandhiswife,apetitelittlewomannamedAssa.Theyalllookedonwith
amusementasBethantookchargeofJenny,enlistingtheguardtoleadSammulaway.

"It’spointlesstowaitforameet,"BethantoldSarahandGarranbeforeshetookthebewilderedJenny
away."ClearlySammulhasattachedandshe’sresponded.Butwe’llcomeupwithsomethingforthem.
MaxxacantakecareofthingsuntilSammul’sreadytoreturnandthenyoucanhavebothSammuland
Jennyworkingforyou."

Garranstaredafterthem.Sarahdecidedhecouldn’thavelookedmoreforlorn.

"SonowIhavebothabodyguardandhiswifeonmystaff?WhatamIgoingtodowithher?"

Chuckling,Sarahpattedhimonthearm."Well,rememberhowItoldyouweneededacook?"

Garran’seyeslitup."Canshe?"

"JennywastheheadofthekitchenatmyfavoriterestaurantonEarth.Shelovestocook.She’sbeen
sneakingintothekitchensontheship,andI’dbesurprisedifshedidn’talreadyknowhowtoprepare
cholumbandpranas."

Asatisfiedsmiletookoverhisface."Well,that’sdifferent.Ahousecouldalwaysuseagoodcook."

"Garran,youpromisedtoshowmeyourplanet."

Shesmiledashetookherhand--herdreamloverforfivelonelyyears--andnow,herhusband.

Garrankissedherhand."Let’sgoSarah.I’vealotofpromisestokeepwithyou."

TheEnd