3. Chapter Three

6days, 23 hours, 15 minutes EST remaining "Are you sure we're safe to be on autopilot?" his Earthen asked again as they both stood to leave the bridge.

With anyone else, Crey would have taken umbrage at her frequent questions about his ability to keep her safe, but this was his intended. This was what the next six days, twenty-three hours, and approximately fourteen minutes were about. Mari needed to know he was worthy of trust and took her concerns seriously.

"Yes, it will be well," he assured her. "We are cloaked beyond the capabilities of most monitoring. We are detectable only by someone who knows to search in our precise location and who can access local relays to confirm it. Also, we are headed toward a dark planet in a ship with an advanced operating system, which could pilot itself, even during treacherous interactions. If there is any cause for me to resume piloting, the system will alert me."

"Wait, a dark planet? Isn't a dark planet one that can't sustain life?"

"It is a planet considered uninhabitable by the Allegiance, and, therefore, they do not enable transmissions to reach it through a system of communication relays; devices which would also monitor the planet and the system it is in." His people had disabled any monitoring on the Allegiance satellites near Gaiia and all their outposts. The Allegiance was aware, from past events, it was best not to meddle in Gaiian affairs. "The planet we are going toward is a Gaiian escape with all the resources we might need. This includes our people's transmission network, which is managed by relay jumps through planets and our own satellites between here and Bogarta. This dark planet is only ‘dark' in that the Allegiance's access does not extend there."

"So, it's not uninhabitable?"

"No. It is a dwarf planet cultivated as an escape, rather than a colony. There are no permanent dwellers, only those seeking a temporary rest on a well-guarded but natural planet." If Mari was appreciative of the aquifers, she would find much to enjoy where they were going, and Crey could concentrate more of his attention on their courtship.

"Why did the Allegiance think this planet was uninhabitable?"

"Allegiance investigators may have decided it was a dark planet while passing through Bogarta and altered their datawork to that effect—or had the records altered on their behalves." This was the way it was in Bogarta.

"I can't believe Bogarta was my favorite port." Mari wrinkled her nose.

"You will always be safe in Bogarta, querida, should you choose to return," he said as they moved through the corridor.

She raised her eyebrows.

"Portuguese," he said, anticipating her question. It was curious she was not asking what the endearments he had been using meant, just what language.

Mari cast another glance at the bridge before following him down his ship's corridors. "Do Gaiians not have terms of endearment?"

Did they? Crey searched his memory for anything that resembled one. "Not that I am aware of. Perhaps mates create endearments." If they were with mates of other races, they might, particularly if their mates were Earthens. Earthens needed endearments. "The term ‘mate' is what you might call affectionate."

"What is the word for mate?"

"Fwennif."

"Oh, you called me that in the alley."

"Yes."

"I assumed ‘fwennif' was an insult—like ‘strange Earthen.' It's why I told you my name." She thought about that for a moment before asking, "But, that's the only term of endearment?"

"If you insult someone, and they do not kill you, that is a sign of affection. For example, if I referred to you as a blighted smag…" He sent Mari a look. "You have seen smags?"

"I have. We use that as profanity in Earthen too." She winced. "We had a smag in our cargo hold in quarantine for the Allegiance to test because of a relatively benign fungal parasite it carried. It exploded—out of nowhere. Boom, like a nasty, vile bomb of goo. It took a week for the smell to dissipate. Artur was banned from entering because he hurled half his bodyweight each time. I'd been on the Beagle all of two days, and I was seriously questioning my life choices. They're genuinely grosser on the inside than the outside, and I had no idea that was possible."

"If I called you…that, the implication would be that I have your permission to do so, provided you did not later draw a blade across my neck in my sleep. That insult might be considered affectionate among my people."

"I wouldn't call ‘smag' an endearment," Mari said slowly, with a disapproving expression.

His people needed endearments. This was a failure on their parts. "We are a warrior people." It was not entirely an adequate excuse, but it was the best he had.

"But, your mother…" Mari pointed at his wrist where the mark of the bloom lay underneath his databand. "That was a sweet thing to say—the bit about a flower from a distant planet."

He shook his head. "She was stating a fact. My mother was prescient. It occurs in some clans. We have twins in Bogarta who are exceptionally blessed with precognition." Opening the galley door, Crey reminded himself to add in Mari's biosignature. She should be able to move freely around the eight-passenger ship. "She did call me her life's blood, and my father her heart's blood. That might be a term of endearment or a fact, I suppose."

"How is heart's blood a fact?"

"My mother almost died from the disease and, then, many orbits after she had recovered, she was re-exposed. As you may know, it took approximately a dozen orbits to eradicate all sources of the disease. When she was re-exposed, she responded poorly to the cure. My father gave her his blood. He had sworn to give his life for hers, which is what occurred. He did not recover from giving that much blood. She did not approve of his actions, but what could she do? She only referred to him as such afterward."

Mari's horrified expression suggested "heart's blood" was not a term of endearment. She looked around her. "Why are we in the galley?"

"I thought you might be hungry." His studies of her race suggested it was time.

"Oh, that's nice of you, but I have my granola bars." Mari motioned over her shoulder.

"You may reserve those for when you are overwhelmed." She had not needed one since getting on his ship—that was good.

"But, we might not eat the same foods," Mari said, using a soft, gentle tone as she touched Crey's upper arm.

Crey gestured at the devices on the far wall. "I was prepared for this eventuality and had foods Earthens would like stocked in the replicator and other dispensers."

"Because Bogarta eating places stock food for Earthens?"

That would be logical. They should possibly do that, especially if Earthens in Bogarta became a frequent occurrence.

Mari waved her hand around. "Wait, never mind, I forgot, it's Bogarta. The town is not exactly known for its food. How did you know what foods I'd like? Your reading?"

"No, I might have extended my research to your specific dietary needs, but Nathe had already taken an Earthen captive. He forced him to try all the Earthen foods the vendor offered." Nathe had charged Crey credits for this service. The cunning blight would now benefit from that knowledge. Nathe would, most likely, be taking Mari's Earthen captain as a mate.

Mari's blue eyes widened. Her eyes enhanced many of her expressions. Her current expression suggested she needed clarification as this had surprised her.

Crey explained, "It took several Earthen months for him to try a broad spectrum of foods, as Earthens do not eat as much as Gaiians. They can become ill when overfed, as Nathe soon discovered." Crey paused. "Your face is doing your horrified expression again. Do not be concerned, Nathe ensured the Earthen would not lie about the foods. He warned the Earthen he would cut off his tongue should you disapprove of anything. Furthermore, Nathe stated that he would disembowel him if the food bothered your digestive system. Now, your mouth is open even wider. How was this wrong?" Courting an Earthen was different from forming a relationship with a Gaiian. A Gaiian would have found this clever.

"You can't hold someone hostage to taste foods for me." The words sputtered out of Mari's mouth. "Let him go immediately, and you should give him credits for helping."

Earthens were exceptionally forgiving. "Very well." Crey lifted his databand, to make a note. "I believed it to be an appropriate punishment since this Earthen had brokered a deal, trading his Earthen partner as food for another species, in order to pay a gambling debt." While this violated the clans' code against the sale or trade of sentient races, the Earthen's actions offended Crey on a deeper level since bonding to Mari.

Mari slapped a hand over Crey's databand. "Never mind. I keep forgetting the quality of individuals found in Bogarta."

"I am not to release him then?"

"No. I saved a talking cabbage. That monster can rot in whatever passes for a Bogartan jail."

His intended was more bloodthirsty than he had anticipated. Normally, they would bury corpses in the saltlands. This Earthen was occupying one of the few secure facilities they had. Crey would have to build another one, but he could send that note later. Change was coming to Bogarta as assuredly as it was in his life.

Glancing down, Mari removed her hand from Crey's wrist while turning pink.

"I also added a table and chairs." He indicated the room's furnishings.

"You didn't have them before? You must not eat in here often."

"Most Gaiians do not sit while eating, unless it is a necessary custom. Sitting allows your enemy an opportunity to approach you." He moved toward the replicator and initiated the display to select food. "However, I will sit with you, whenever you wish, as long as it is safe to do so." Crey would have considered this a waste of time before, but he was greatly enjoying spending time with Mari, doing whatever she desired.

"Okay." Mari came to his side and watched as he scrolled through her options on the replicator's display. "I haven't seen some of this on a replicator in forever. Oh, pizza." She stopped him with a hand on his wrist. "Can you eat pizza?" She pushed the button to begin the replicator.

"I am able to—our physiological similarities ensure that. Would you like me to try this pizza to confirm it is edible?" Mari's captain had assured Crey the supplier for this replicator's food was trustworthy. If not for the cost and limited amount of Earthens on the crew, the exploratory ship would also use them.

"No, I just thought you'd like pizza too. There should be enough. I can make more as soon as this batch is done." Mari's concern for him was gratifying. Crey had not had anyone care about his welfare to this degree since he was a child. While mates typically did help one another, she had not yet acknowledged the bond between them. This was a very positive sign.

"I will try a portion of pizza. However, it would take too long and require significant quantities were I to rely on Earthen food for all my nourishment." Replicating food could take up to three shifts, depending on the complexity of the food. "Gaiians normally eat nutritionally-dense protein bars or we drink liquid meals if we cannot spare the time that chewing takes." Lifting his hand, he motioned at her mouth. "I am learning which facial expressions correspond with emotions among Earthens. You are a passionate race. This is your shocked face again, though to a lesser degree than I have seen several times this light-cycle."

Mari grabbed his hand and pressed it against her cheek—her very soft cheek. "Crey, you could try some of my food, in addition to your protein bars or drinks. You could have some variety and see that food isn't just about replenishing your body's fuel."

"If you wish, but only when taking the time to eat is safe," Crey stipulated. He had to draw the line on her passionate desires occasionally.

"I can agree to that. Thank you for preparing all this for me."

"It was my pleasure." Her cheek was even softer than her arms or hands. He stroked a thumb across her delicate skin. His Earthen was exceptionally beautiful.

Mari's nose wrinkled, which was part of her perplexed expression. It was an expression she used quite frequently. "You're different than I imagined when I saw you six months ago. You're less intimidating and just…more." She swallowed. "You have my permission to touch my cheeks." Her cheek grew warm beneath his hand. "That way when you go to kiss me good night, it's not awkward."

The warmth beneath his palm increased as did the heat in Crey's body.

She aroused him, this Earthen. She pleased him. It was not only her wondrously-curved form; the fire inside her—the ferocity—equally aroused him. This spirit was visible in her eyes, as well as her smiles and frowns. He enjoyed all her expressions as they testified to her passionate nature.

"I have heard of this custom." Crey focused on her words and not her arousing attributes.

With a pinging sound, the replicator opened to reveal a triangular food called "pizza." It would not be as nutritious as his protein bars, but he would try this "pizza" for Mari.

"You've heard of goodnight kisses?" She moved away from him, but her cheeks were still flushed as she drew the meal from the replication plate.

"Not with that designation. I was referring to kissing in general."

Earthens wished each other "good night" and "good morning." They used "night" and "morning" interchangeably with the Prime terms. The Prime standards for periods of light and dark, whether natural or artificial, in a rotation were light-cycles and dark-cycles. The Earthens had tried to force "morning", "day", and "night" into the Prime language. It was impractical for planets lit by multiple suns or with unusual dark- and light-cycles, but Earthens in politics did not care about that.

Crey had adjusted his home, ships, and all facilities within his control to the EST of a nine "hour" "night" cycle for Mari. Above him, the lights within the ship were already dimming. Bogarta had short dark-cycles where Casa's moons reflected enough sunlight that the streets remained dimly lit. The longer light-cycles allowed more trading to be accomplished, and, possibly, fewer nefarious deeds to transpire in the dark, theoretically.

If there was such an activity as a "goodnight kiss," which he could exploit, it would make his adoption of Earthen time worthwhile.

"Gaiians don't kiss—at all?" Mari asked. She put the "pizza" on two plates.

"Perhaps among mated Gaiians, who are more attuned to the intimacy of a union." Each time he used a form of the Prime word "intimate," Mari's posture would tense, and, then, her face would turn pink.

"Can we agree not to use the Prime word "intimate" so much?"

"You have dismissed fornicate as an option."

"Yes. Uh, no. No fornicating—as, uh, a word." She sent him a sideways look. A notable clarification.

"Your English slang offers many alternatives. Some begin with the same Earthen ‘F' letter,'" Crey said.

"No! No ‘F' words."

"I could list them off, and you could choose. This subject is coming up frequently."

"Umm, let me get back to you on this."

"You will get back to me on the subject of having sexual relations?" Crey sat at Mari's side, facing the door. One could not know what dangers might appear, even on his own ship in deep space.

Mari glanced at his position beside her and, then, at the seat across the way. Crey was enjoying their proximity more than he anticipated appreciating the pizza; however, he would relocate if she voiced the request.

Mari straightened. "Yes. I will get back to you about sex."

The atmosphere between them heated as she continued to meet his gaze.

"Additionally, can we discuss the dynamics of kissing?" He wanted to do it correctly.

"Only if you eat a whole pizza slice."

He could eat a slice of smag if it gained him favor with his Earthen, and Crey had no doubt they were vile beneath their slime pustules.

His feelings for this Earthen ran deeper and were more complex than expected. Crey would have to examine this further while Mari wasted an entire eight Earthen hours in her sleeping room. He did not begrudge Mari the rest her body required; however, it was no wonder Earthens did not stay long in Bogarta. They ate while seated, slept vulnerably for long periods, and preferred solid food they would need to chew, even in a place as unpredictable as Bogarta. Plus, they were such passionate creatures and expressed those emotions on their faces.

"Sensual?" he asked in English. The word was similar to "intimate."

For increased research into Earthen mating habits, Crey acquired Old Earth texts with mated couples clasping each other in images. He had improved his English and learned that Earthens put their mouths on everything—knowledge Crey had shared with his fellow Gaiians. It was yet another way they left themselves vulnerable. What if their sexual partner excreted poisons from their skin as Grenatins did? They would be dead.

"What about ‘sensual'?"

"‘Sensual' was in my language study books and is similar to the Prime word ‘intimate.'"

"It is still more, uh, explicit than the word ‘intimate' is in English. But, the word ‘sensual' was in language books?"

"Yes. There were many other likely words, which might work, in those books."

Mari nodded at the pizza slice on Crey's plate. "Just…eat your pizza. I'll find us the words that we'll need."

He picked up the precarious triangle and examined it, sniffed it, and poked the layers. This pizza did not smell unpleasant. Defined layers would provide more sensory input while eating. Crey took a bite.

So many flavors. It was savory, tangy, and sweet. The lowest layer was an effective sturdy platform for the rest. The platform layer contrasted nicely with the middle red layer's tart bite. Crey would probably enjoy the pizza more if the slick pale top layer remained a mystery.

Beside him, Mari laughed while trying to swallow her bite. "You should see your face. It's how I look when I find ice cream in a market."

"I now understand why many of Earthens' endearments revolve around food," Crey said after swallowing. His bite displaced a portion of the red middle layer. The red sauce dropped onto his plate with a splat. "It is messy."

"The best Earthen food is. I once had this burger on Mrillton that basically exploded out of its buns. I had more of the burger on my clothes than in my stomach by the time I finished." Mari put her elbows on the table and propped her chin in her hands. "It was so unbelievably delicious. But, I hated Mrillton. It was humid and hot. My hair poofed out like a wild halo of uncontrollable frizz. The insects were nearly the size of Pilfers. I hated every damned second I was there, other than when I was eating that burger. I would return to Mrillton for a burger."

"I can take you there." He would enjoy that. Also, he would try this food called a burger.

She snorted. "Go someplace just for a burger?"

"Yes."

Mari turned to him and narrowed her eyes. "You're serious?"

"Certainly."

"I don't even know how far from Mrillton we are, but the fuel…the time…the wormholes… It's ridiculous."

"If this trip makes you happy, it is worthwhile. Also, I have more credits than we could spend during our lifetimes. We could go to Mrillton."

"Normal people don't just," she shook her head slowly, "go places because they want to."

"We are not normal."

"I am. I was. I'm a xenobotanist. I have a job on the Beagle. I have responsibilities. I can't just travel the entire universe with you and forget my work. I can't do that, Crey."

Crey reached for her right hand and clasped it between his, tethering her to him. "I am not asking you to."

"You were." Mari gestured wildly with her free hand. "You've pulled me into your life and, while it's exciting, I already have a place where I belong. I want adventures, but I can find that in the job I have. Besides, I should be in a lab or on a planet, collecting specimens, not doing evasive maneuvers in a rift. I want to make my own name for myself and continue to be my own person in my own way. I am not an accessory to any man. I agreed to this courtship when you were talking about coming aboard and being a part of my life. This is temporary. I belong on the Beagle, not gallivanting around the universe for a burger. That's the plan."

Yes, that had been the plan. He could not deny that her complaints were logical. Like him, her life would be changed, going forward. His new plans would take into account keeping her happy and safe. He would need to plan far beyond this Earthen week.

Abruptly, Mari's expression shifted to puzzlement. "Wait, I just realized that plan, well, it won't work. If I accept you, and you joined the ship's crew… Actually," Mari looked around Crey's ship, "that's ridiculous because you practically have a fleet of ships, and you're a captain. But, if you were aboard the Beagle, the Thalarins would attack that ship, which is not a ship made for a battle. The Thalarins won't stop just because I'm on an exploratory ship, rather than in Bogarta." Mari turned to Crey. "That's right, isn't it? I can't go back to that life."

"It has complications. The captain and I devised our plans before your name was revealed and multiple bounties appeared with your name." It was also prior to Thalarins attacking; though, that had always been a possibility. "I have been trying to formulate adequate alternatives, as our situation changes, for what will happen after this interval."

"If I don't accept you, will they still come after me?"

Crey refocused on his "pizza," which was now unappetizing. "They might, unless we transmit it through Allegiance channels that you have rejected me." To his knowledge, an intended mate had never rejected a bond blessed by the Greater Beings. The rotations spent deepening the mate bond prior to intimacy were merely steps the couple, typically both Gaiian, went through, not an actual test of compatibility.

A heaviness settled inside him. A tight pressure filled his chest. Mari was already important to him. If he lost her… No. He could not. Crey felt passionate about this.

Mari relaxed her posture, and she took both Crey's hands in hers. "That's not an option. I won't do that. We're not going to do that. We should find ways to be together that will make both of us happy."

She pitied him.

Crey wanted to break things—to smash things. Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath.

"Crey?"

"Yes?" He sounded remarkably normal despite the chaos of his thoughts.

"How long do we have left in this, uh, courtship?"

Opening his eyes, Crey glanced at his databand. "Six days, twenty-two hours, and approximately fifty-six minutes in Earthen time."

Mari remaining beside him due to pity generated a darkness within him. It was better she left early before these passionate emotions spread inside him, deepening, making him want things out of reach. Crey would find a safe location to settle Mari until he could handle this situation, and her ship could retrieve her.

"Crey?" Her voice held a questioning intonation. She might want permission to leave.

He met Mari's eyes. They were beautiful. She was beautiful, and he could not and would not force her to stay.

Damnation. These gentle feelings were damned troublesome. Damn them.

"You are not obligated to stay," Crey said.

Mari pulled a hand from his clasp and pressed her palm against Crey's mouth. "No. I feel…something, Crey." Her cheeks pinkened, and she dropped her hand from his mouth. "I don't know if it's the bond or that you're kind of wonderful in this intense, but charming way. Six days, twenty-two hours, and approximately fifty-six—"

"Fifty-five now."

"—Fifty-five minutes is a long time. There is nothing about you that I dislike, which I know isn't the same as saying I'm in love with you, but that's the direction I'm headed. I can't see myself rejecting you. Ever. Don't think about that. It's not an option. You should only make plans for how it'll work when I accept you."

Crey shook his head. "If this is due to pity…"

"It is not. Hells, Crey, you killed four Thalarins in under a minute on the street. You decapitated two of them. I can't imagine a man I'd pity less than you."

"It took significantly less time than an Earthen minute." Far less than an Earthen minute. "Though, I did not time it," he felt obligated to add.

"It definitely did." She leaned her body into his briefly, nudging him. "Make plans that'll keep me safe, but not bundled up in tissue and stuck on a shelf."

"It is unlikely that will be a plan I devise." Crey frowned. "Actually, putting you on the roof while battling our enemies was effective." Perhaps it was unfortunate she had dismissed that possibility. There were other options of course. With his wealth, Crey should be able to devise a variety of solutions. "I could convert this ship to an exploratory vessel or retrofit one of my other ships."

"I couldn't ask you to do that."

"I considered creating a lab earlier when I realized that returning to your life on your ship might be difficult." He leaned in, making eye contact. "Mari, all that I have is yours, including my person. That is the nature of the bond."

Her forehead furrowed.

"Also, I—myself—want that."

Mari smiled. He had not considered her mouth an arousing sight before, but now that she had mentioned the kissing… In the books, kissing had not been arousing. It had been Earthens being Earthens, and Crey was merely studying how they put their mouths on each other. This was his Mari, though, and her mouth was lovely. It was pink also.

"Okay, we will both come up with options," Mari said. "We'll find a way. In the meantime, we should have more pizza, and I can tell you stories about the planets I've been on, and the specimens I've collected. I know I like talking more than you. Also, I suspect some of your stories would horrify me."

"Yes. I would like that." She did enjoy talking, and many of his stories might make her face do the horrified expression. "Tell me about your work and travels, Mari." The darkness receded. The peace he had felt after first seeing Mari returned. "Also, perhaps, you would benefit from one of your granola bars."

Mari's smile widened. Her pink mouth was stretched to its full length. Her smile was worth every credit in his account.

"I will get you one." With great reluctance, he disengaged their hands.

"I would like that," Mari said, repeating his words.

He strode from the galley to find her pack.

She had to be dreaming. The possibility that this was all a dream made more sense than her current reality. Mari followed Crey to her quarters.

"It will be keyed solely to your biosignature," her Gaiian said over his shoulder. More and more, she thought of him as "hers." Well, other than during the freak-out she'd had in the galley. This was why she'd brought granola bars. Realistically, her life was forever changed, whether she'd wanted that or not. She didn't blame Crey. He didn't have much say in this either, at least not originally.

"I trust you." She did. Crey had proven time and again that he wouldn't so much as touch her, without permission.

"If we are attacked and boarded, it is possible our enemies could procure one of my arms to get inside. I will reprogram it solely for you. You should confirm your quarters are adequate while I do so."

Mari nodded, trying not to picture a Thalarin ripping off Crey's arms. "You really do plan for a lot of different scenarios."

"Preparation is in my nature." Crey stopped beside a door. "Even prior to meeting you, I would outline all possible outcomes of my decisions. Now, my plans are not solely focused on accomplishing goals to increase my influence or on vengeance against enemies. I still consider many likely circumstances in advance to enable quicker reactions. It is not difficult to anticipate how most situations will go. Most beings are very predictable." He tilted his head. "Other than you. You are wonderfully unpredictable, jaanu."

She raised her eyebrows.

"Hindi."

The door slid open, revealing an imminently functional room.

"Oh, I like this." She stepped inside.

Directly across from her, an entire wall contained lit biomes with exotic plants growing inside. They were set to self-sustaining and purely decorative, but she could appreciate that. She had living decorations, which required no work. They were there to be pretty and happy. This was a botanist's quarters. It was also a room which had been designed with her in mind. He had created a room just for her, not for any Earthen who happened along. The decor screamed "Mari." If she wasn't already certain he had learned English for her, this would prove it.

Damn, this was far better than her quarters on the exploratory ship, other than the bed. The bunk was, basically, a bench.

"I guess Gaiians don't spend a lot of time sleeping." She gestured at the bed.

"No, I need less than a pass each rotation." Utilizing a screen that appeared on the corridor wall, Crey began changing settings in the system.

Right. Gaiians slept for around an hour each day, usually segmented into fifteen minutes here and there. Rumors said that one should never assume a Gaiian with their eyes closed was sleeping. They might, just as easily, be planning the best way to kill a person stupid enough to sneak up on them. Now that Mari knew how much planning Crey did, she believed that rumor.

"However," Crey's gaze met hers, "that is not a bed. It is a sitting bench. We use the bench to put on our boots."

That explained the mag boot chargers just underneath it.

"Your race sits for a number of illogical reasons. Our quarters do not always have beds. Gaiians prefer to sleep sitting or standing, if at all possible. Reaction time is better."

"Sleeping isn't the only activity Earthens do in bed." It was a bold thing to say, but Mari was done being timid.

He stared. "Standing. We copulate while standing." "Copulate" was also in English. Apparently, Crey would be running through the entire list of terms while watching her expressions.

"Standing? Really?" Her bland tone was impressive, even if her cheeks were hot again.

"That way you can be prepared should the need arise."

With how focused Gaiians were on being prepared for action, it was surprising the need ever arose, so to speak.

"Do you ever, uh, copulate for fun—if you're not with a mate?" Hopefully, with a mate, fun was a factor considered.

"Some Gaiians might…to release pent-up aggression in a scenario with a consenting individual." He paused before adding, "Most likely it would occur in a population where copulation would not create unnecessary complications." Okay, that made sense. The choices in Bogarta were limited. "Additionally, this joining would generally only transpire where there was mutual trust that their partner was not waiting until their sexual pinnacle to stab them."

Mari's mouth opened. No sound came out. What could you say to that? Should she promise not to stab him, or was it a given since she was half his size, weight, and skill level?

Oh hells, she went for it. It would lighten the atmosphere and compared to a Gaiian, even a xenobotanist was funny. "I'd never stab you during…that."

One half of his mouth tipped up in a smile, validating her efforts. "Your bed is through that door." Crey pointed. "I had two quarters combined to make this. The other room became an Earthen ‘bedroom.' It was a logical modification as Earthens typically waste a significant percentage of each rotation in a restorative, but vulnerable activity, while prone."

Vulnerable activity? Vulnerable?

"That will make sleeping so much easier. You are not scaring me at all using the word ‘vulnerable.'"

Crey smiled. Again. She was getting good at this. "Sarcasm. I will keep you safe when you are vulnerable. You have my word."

He would, of course he would.

"I did surmise from your Earthen books that copulation is not limited to a single position. Earthens are creative in their lasciviousness."

What Earthen books was he reading? Shaking off his weird statement, Mari wandered toward her bedroom—the room he'd had made just for her. The bedroom door opened. Okay. Interesting. The entire room was a bed. How did they get the bed into the room? Mari could leap into the room and be in the enormous bed. She could fit half the population of Bogarta in her new bed, especially if they started killing each other while they slept.

"Where did you get the bed?" It was enormous. A bed this big seemed to have expectations with it.

"Clorto, the Blaythen dockmaster, ordered it. His people are more familiar with beds than mine are."

Huh. The rock-man was better acquainted with comfy bedding than a race made of flesh. The universe was a wild and wondrous place.

"The bed is adequate?" he asked.

"Yes. More than adequate." At least the bed's size had nothing to do with his perception of Earthens' lasciviousness. She returned to the main room. "This room is for everything else?"

"Yes."

Mari loved the main room. The biomes kept the space from looking utilitarian. Plus, front and center was a metal desk with various useful items atop it. Gasping, Mari strode forward and snatched up a device. "You got the latest model of toxin-neutralizing saber? I didn't know this was available anywhere. This is expensive." She waved the saber around, after assuring the safety was on. "Do you know how many credits this must have cost?" It was a ludicrous question to ask the person who had bought the device.

The system beeped and said something in Gaiian as Crey finished setting her biosignature on the panel. He nodded and turned to her. "I was uncertain where our courtship would take us, but I assumed you would want to investigate any plant life we came across. You must be able to defend yourself."

"Yes. Yes, I like that." Plus, she just flat-out loved this saber already.

She'd previously had a high-end neutralizing pen—a pen! The saber began as slightly bigger than a pen; then, it telescoped. One click of a button, and a rod the length of a dagger slid out. Another button click, and the saber was humming with enough energy to slice through vegetation like a machete. Using the toxin-neutralizing saber's tip, Mari could collect a specimen alive after rendering the toxic properties temporarily harmless. She could also slam the thin hilt against her skin if she was attacked, and the saber would inject a toxin neutralizer into her system, which would counteract any bites or scrapes.

This newest model also had a ‘large pest' mode where the saber could send out a stronger bolt of electricity and incapacitate an enemy or kill them, depending on the size. The electric jolt could have taken down a Pilfer permanently, but a Gaiian would only be stunned long enough for her to escape.

Amazing. She'd been coveting this for months.

There'd been talk that the saber wouldn't be released, as yet, due to the new "large pest control" feature. The ability to neutralize a significant threat would make the device a weapon, not solely a scientific tool. The Allegiance was stepping in to "regulate" it, which translated to: they wanted their share of the profits that legal weapon sales generated.

Naturally, Crey had been able to obtain it for her. The saber was both thoughtful and violent as far as gifts went, which basically defined him.

"This is wonderful." Mari strode to Crey as she slipped the retracted saber into her pocket. Wrapping her arms around him, Mari initiated the universe's most-awkward hug. Part of the awkwardness was that she hadn't anticipated how good it would feel to press herself against Crey's broad, muscular chest.

It was a hug—she shouldn't be this turned on.

Her arousal didn't account solely for the awkwardness. Crey's hands were hovering around her as he wrestled with what he had permission to touch. The awkwardness would have been funny if she hadn't initiated this hug, and if she wasn't incredibly reluctant to end it. Each time he exhaled, her breasts rubbed against the hard muscular plane of his chest and…wow.

Step back, Mari. Step back.

Hells, he smelled amazing. It was a dark and luscious scent, and more addictive than chocolate. The man was dangerous in all the best ways.

Mari reached behind her, grabbed his hands, and set them on her back—her low back—well, some might call it her ass, but it was the top of her ass.

Crey inhaled in an uneven, raspy way, which was sexy as hells.

He tightened his arms, bringing more of his hard body in line with her softer one. They both moaned, causing a humming vibration where his chest met hers.

This felt so damn good.

It was a hug.

Hugs weren't sexy.

Hugs didn't turn your insides to a liquid. Scientifically, internal melting was a sign of poor health, but she had never felt so alive.

Mari tipped her head back to see his expression. Stunned. He was stunned. That was the face Crey might make if she stabbed him with her new toy saber. Then, Crey dropped his chin, and his eyes met hers.

Damn. There was a vast amount of want in his eyes. He wanted her—a lot—possibly more than any man ever had.

Crey leaned down. His lips brushed her cheek on the way to her ear.

An excited shiver ran down her spine.

He whispered in a voice made rough by arousal, "I do not know this Earthen custom, Mari, this kissing good night. I require instruction."

"Instruction" had never sounded so seductive, and her body was ready to combust from his breath against her ear. What was wrong with her? If this wasn't so pleasurable, Mari would worry she was sick. It was that intense.

"Earthens put their mouths on whatever they wish," Crey went on. "A pastime I am not unwilling to participate in, should you also desire that."

Oh to all the hells on all the planets in the entire universe.

Shifting back, Mari grabbed Crey's face in her palms, tipped onto her toes, and smashed her mouth against his. Their noses were in the way. His mouth was too firm at first. His whole entire body was stiff. Midway through, Mari smiled against his lips because this kiss was an extension of the most sexually-charged awkward hug ever.

It was perfect.

Crey mimicked the tugging motions of her lips and tilted his head sideways as he leaned down. His body relaxed into hers, as much as his lean, muscular frame could. Crey's hands may have drifted downward from where she set them, and, now, they lifted her to his height. Mari had no desire to complain and maybe she could fit some permissions between kisses—when they came up for breath—if they came up for breath.

Crey pulled away. His exhale tingled across her already sensitive lips. "Is it supposed to be this…much?" His breathing was heavy and stuttered from arousal. She loved it.

"No. My heart feels like it might explode." She kissed him. Mari couldn't get enough of him.

He froze and asked against her mouth, "It might explode?"

"No." She parted her lips to swipe her tongue across his lower lip.

Crey's fingers tightened on her ass.

Mmm. She licked his lower lip again.

Crey paused, breathing heavily. "This is better than described in your Earthen books."

What books was he reading? Never mind. It didn't matter now.

During their next kiss, Mari swept her tongue inside his mouth. Crey stilled, but his fingers clenched her ass again. She had to read all his subtle body language. He liked it—a lot, but it was unfamiliar, and he was trying not to react to see if she'd do it again. Mari did it again, and it elicited a low moan from Crey. The sounds he made were easier to read—as was his breathing.

Still, she wanted to see his face. Mari pulled back, and his expression was everything she'd hoped for. He wanted her. He wanted her so much.

"Can I—?" Crey's question ended when she pressed her mouth against his, but Mari knew what he wanted.

She murmured against his lips, "Yes, you have my permission to stick your tongue in my mouth." Why did that sound so carnal? The sentence had contained words which weren't inherently sensual. The tongue was simply a muscle. A muscle!

Crey's tongue caressed hers this time, and Mari's obsessively scientific brain broke. It was that hot. Mm. He was a fast learner. Crey's lips forced hers wider. The kiss became a battle as they built upon each others' reactions. Their tongues stroked and caressed. Even their brief pauses to breathe further stoked their arousal, as those exhalations brushed across sensitized lips.

While wrapping her arms around his neck, Mari playfully caught Crey's tongue using her teeth.

Crey lifted his head and his face reflected a clear "I didn't know you could do that, but I like it" expression.

This time, when she kissed him, Mari sucked on his lower lip briefly, causing Crey to groan softly. It obviously "worked" for him. His kissing deepened in intensity. Crey's tongue left a trail of heat with every touch, suck, and lick.

Mari leaned away to recover.

His eyes stared into hers.

"You've been keeping your eyes open?" she asked. "You're supposed to close them when you kiss."

"I wish to keep them open."

That was not what she expected him to say. "Because you need to keep watch?"

He relaxed his grip, letting her drop while rubbing against his long, lean, and very aroused body. It was like a caress involving their whole bodies.

"No, not entirely." His voice was full of all the want and arousal she needed to hear. This was more than just the effect of a bond. "I may only have six days and approximately twenty-two hours with you, and I am unwilling to miss any of this—any of you."

Mari exhaled all the breath in her lungs at once. This Gaiian, whose name she hadn't known mere hours ago, stole her breath away. This was definitely more than the bond.

Nodding, he stepped back, forcing Mari's arms to fall from his neck.

This was happening. He'd come into her quarters, and things would happen. It was fast, but she was ready—or ready enough. Mari certainly felt stronger for Crey already than most of the men she'd had relationships with. Plus, those kisses were worth crossing that line.

Crey kissed her cheek. He whispered a "sleep well" before turning toward the bridge.

"Wait, you're not coming in?" She gestured at her quarters.

Crey shook his head. "I want you to trust me fully, Mari. I will gain your permission to touch all of you first." His gaze skimmed down her body before returning to her face. "Sleep well. I will keep you safe."

Of course he would, but she had needs. They could keep kissing. But, no, they weren't. Mari would be sleeping in her bed-dominated room—all alone. Crey would probably be "sleeping" in the pilot's chair for an hour or so. Mari swallowed her disappointment as he strode toward the bridge.

Damnation. Why did he have to be so outrageously, but respectfully, hot?

His databand pinged as the com link caught a Gaiian-acquired satellite with a direct link to Bogarta. Good. Kissing Mari had left his pulse far too rapid for rational thought. He could work on more plans after this com.

Connecting to the relay, he sent the com to his neural link. He would hear it inside his mind, without actual audio. Neva was too unpredictable to broadcast.

"It is I," he said in Prime when she answered.

"And, it is I,"she replied in Gaiian with that faintly belligerent tone she had recently adopted.

"In Prime, Neva. You need practice."

Her response was several profane Gaiian words, as he had expected. She still needed practice. Neva would be journeying throughout the universe to build trade; she needed better fluency in the universal language.

"Tell me about the attack on the shield."

"It was handled. Nathe assigned me to ground artillery."

Crey grunted. Neva had been pushing at the restrictions Crey had previously placed on her. This was expected, and it was time. His clansmate was wise for allowing Neva the opportunity to defend their territory. "That is safe enough."

"Safe enough? Plague take it, Crey. I did well. I shot down a ship that made it through the shield near the far edge, where I said the barrier seemed thinner."

"I am certain you did well," he said, in a conciliatory tone. "Your aim has always been remarkable."

"Yes. My aim is most likely equal to yours."The belligerence was back.

"You should confirm Rifthan is aware of the shield's deficit." With Nathe gone, Rift was Bogarta's new leading first son.

"I did. Certainly I did. I do not need you to tell me. After that was concluded, I went to Ondiff's and won twenty credits from a Crayflor at Rowtha before Nathe's new Earthen pet summoned him."

"The Earthen ship—it is gone?" If the exploratory vessel was several rotations away, it would be more onerous for Mari to leave him. It was not a sentiment he was proud of, but it was how he felt.

"Yes. I am glad that stookt Beagle ship is gone. First, you. Now, Nathe. Perhaps you are the pets. These Earthen females look your way and you pant for them."

"That is not how our relationship is—the Earthen and mine. Neva, I know what this is." Despite the secure line, he did not dare say Mari's name.

"What?"

"You have been mine to protect for a long time. My blood runs in your heart. It always will. The Earthen will not come between us as you think." They were not in a competition for his attention; it belonged to Mari, and Neva was ready for more independence. She was also in a complex time, an aggressive time. She was not ready to see reason and channel her aggression. This separation would be a proving ground, maturing her. When he got settled with Mari, he would arrange to get Neva off Casa and away from taking credits from Crayflors at Rowtha.

"We shall see, Crey. We shall see."

"You will," he promised. "You will see we are the same, no matter what the Earthen becomes to me—if she becomes anything to me. Should you take a mate, we will be the same. If you do not bond to another, perhaps I can arrange to have you near me."

"The Earthen woman is not yet assured as your mate? She is delaying? Does she not feel the bond?"

"I am not certain if Earthens can ever feel it the way we do, the way Gaiians feel about one another."

"Does she not realize how important you are? How much she is blessed by the Greater Beings with this match?"

"It will come, Neva. She is starting to believe what I say about the bond."

"That is something. You believe she will become your mate?"

"Yes. I am gaining her trust. Once I have her trust, I will have her." Crey was convinced that if Mari trusted him, she would accept the bond. "She just taught me how to kiss good night."

"You did not put your mouths all over each other!"Neva exclaimed. "Crey, that is terrible!"

"It was not that terrible." To further tease Neva, he added, "Kissing was more enjoyable than you would assume, especially since many parts of our mouths were involved."

Neva made several sounds of disgust—justifying his attempts to revolt her, but Crey's attention was drawn by a sound behind him. He turned.

Mari stood there, her mouth open. Her eyes were shiny with tears, which her rapid blinking dislodged. Her tears streaked down her face.

"I must go." Crey disconnected the com. "Mari, are you well?" He got to his feet. She did not seem well. She was leaking out her eyes, and, in Earthens, that was a sign of negative emotions, according to his research books.

"Am I well?" Mari repeated in a choked voice. "He asks if I am well. Let's see, Crey. Hmm. No, I believe I am not well, you blighted, lying, sack of wasted flesh."

"Lying?"

She fisted her hands at her hips while making a low growling noise. "Why did I trust you?" Turning, Mari bolted down the corridor.

Crey ran after her. His pulse began to pound, and his senses were heightened by the chase. He grabbed her hand just as she pressed her other hand to her quarter's biometric panel.

With a snarl worthy of a Sennicore, Mari snatched her hand from his. "I withdraw my permission for you to touch my right hand. Hells, I don't want you to touch any part of me ever again. Any part. Not my arms. Not my waist. And, it'll be a cold day in all the hells before your tongue is in my mouth, you cheating, scum-sucking, stupid, stupid, green monster."

Her beauty as she seethed was exquisite. Mari's eyes sparkled like the cool aquifers of Casa; in contrast, her passions flared as bright as their suns. Would she be this untamed when her passion was aroused in other ways? Crey was tempted not to placate her—her ferocity was magnificent. However, she was his intended. Additionally, if he did not rectify this, she might actually slit his throat during the dark-cycle.

"What has happened to make you so angry, dusha moya?" He called her "his soul" in the Earthen Russian, for she had united Crey with his own spirit and made him feel things.

Mari pointed at him in a stabbing motion. "No. No endearments, you slimy, stinking rat bastard. You don't have my permission for that either." Drawing that same arm back, she made a fist and punched him in the stomach.

Her fist's impact knocked the breath from him, doubling him over. She hit hard. Impressive.

Stepping inside her quarters, Mari snapped, "I can't believe this whole time you had a girlfriend or whatever! You faithless rotting asshat!"

A girl friend? Neva was neither of those things.

"Urgh! You make me so… Urgh! I can't believe I bought it all. You're my mate. This is a bond," she said in an odd mocking tone at a deeper pitch than her normal voice. "I'll spend a week worshipping you like you're an Old Earth goddess, and you're the only one for me, but, no. Lies. Psyche. Ha ha. Later, I'll laugh about all this with my mistress. And I believed it. You made me believe, and I fell for it."

She was finally using words that Crey could decipher their meaning, even if he did not understand how she had come to this conclusion.

Mari waved at him in an angry gesture. "I should punch you again, and I should keep punching you until you feel like I did when I was listening to you just now. I should have punched you in the throat." She shook out her hand. "Why did I practically break my fist on your abs when I could have punched you in the throat? I can't believe I got conned by a worthless prick who probably couldn't have satisfied me if we'd spent this whole week fornicating our eyes out. That's right, I said it—fornicating. And I intend to say and do all those F words. But, not with you. Not ever! Do you hear me?"

"Yes, I might hear you were I outside the ship." He had armed a very passionate Earthen. If Crey was shot with the blaster he had given Mari, he would have only himself to blame.

"You! You! GAH!" She shrieked and slapped her hand on the biometric scanner inside the door.

"No. Wait."

The door slid closed, cutting him off from Mari.

Crey stood still. She might open the door and let him explain. No. Crey accessed the ship's internal com system, using his neural link. "Mari, I know you can hear me."

A muffled shriek came from inside the door, which was remarkable as the quarters in this ship had some sound-proofing.

"You are mistaken in what you overheard," Crey said in a calm, even voice.

Another shriek.

Crey tried not to smile. "That was my younger sister, Neva, on the com. She has been mine to protect since our mother died six orbits ago. Neva is over twenty orbits old. She is nearly seventeen years old in Earthen years. Among Gaiians, seventeen orbits is maturity, but—"

The door opened.

Mari was more composed, though her skin was still the pink color Crey favored. She must have quickly scrubbed the tears from her cheeks. "That was your sister on the com?"

"Yes. Nevatantor Darfothahar. We call her Neva." Crey mentally reviewed the conversation, which had been one-sided for Mari, hearing solely what he had said. It was useless. His intended's shouted profanity and insults had effectively wiped the conversation from his mind. Was ever a Gaiian so blessed by the Greater Beings as to have found a mate filled with such passion? No. His Mari was a unique gift.

"This, uh, sister—she lives with you?"

"Neva lives with my clan in Bogarta. However, as I mentioned, she has reached Gaiian maturity, therefore, Neva has established her own separate place. She has begun brokering trades when not studying or training." What else could he tell her? "For her part of the com, she informed me she shot down a Thalarin ship earlier using the outpost's ground artillery. Additionally, Neva won credits from your crewmate, the Crayflor, while playing Rowtha."

"Which one?" Mari shook her head. "I could beat Nothren at Rowtha with one arm tied behind my back."

"Your games of Rowtha involve bondage?" He was intrigued, despite their current unresolved situation.

"No, uh, it's an expression. It means your opponent is so easy to beat that you don't need both your hands to accomplish it."

"As Rowtha is a game played with tiles, it would be simple to play one-handed. Indeed, I once saw an altercation between a Trophina and a La'Otten which resulted in the former having its fourth arm ripped off, and the Trophina still completed the set to win. At which time, it slaughtered the La'Otten and showered all those gathered in sticky entrails. That particular Trophina is forbidden to enter Bogarta. La'Otten entrails stain." Crey pointed at his neck. "I had the imprint of what is similar to Earthen and Gaiian livers here for an interval."

Mari waved a hand wildly about. "Never mind. It's an Earthen expression. They don't always make sense." His intended had removed the clip from her hair. She pushed her hand through the loose strands which had fallen around her face, dragging them behind her ear on one side. "I can't believe that was a conversation with your sister." Abruptly, she slapped her hand against her forehead. "You said your blood runs in her heart and, for some inexplicable reason, I thought that wasn't literal. I figured you were being all romantic with your mistress, which is especially gross, since you were referring to sharing blood with your sister because you're related."

"No, we used my blood to inoculate Neva against the disease."

"Oh, literally your blood is in her heart." Mari sighed. "Why did I think that was romantic? Maybe it's the endearments, they make me think you're capable of being romantic. Plus, the saber—that was romantic."

"It was?"

"Yes, well, not normal boring romantic, but your version."

If the saber and endearments were romantic, he could be romantic. Crey had gone to considerable effort in acquiring the saber. His arms dealer source on Sheh'd'didae had also obtained information for him regarding this corrupt faction within the Allegiance and the fraudulent pirridium regulations vote; however, the trip to the spaceport had been primarily for the saber. This had amused Guinn. He had accused Crey of going "soft." Crey had been certain Mari would like the scientific instrument, which was also a weapon.

Mari's posture relaxed as she exhaled a deep breath. "Can we back up to where I couldn't sleep, so I decided to see if you wanted company? Also, can we forget that I punched you while yelling ragey things at you?"

"I cannot see how we could forget those events, nor do I desire to," Crey answered. "Additionally, I have questions about asshats and rat bastards, which will be pernicious until answered."

"They will continue to be pernicious, Crey." Mari smiled. "They're Earthen expressions."

"How did they evolve? I have read of these Earthen rodents, but they did not marry in the books I studied, other than in the texts I suspected were intended for children." He paused. "If those books for children were factual, I have even more questions about Old Earth."

Why was no attempt made to save all the other high-sentience "animal" races? If those books were accurate, nearly every living thing on Old Earth spoke, aside from the animals the Earthens took with them when they left their planet. Why did they leave behind all the animals capable of speech? Possibly it was a strategy to halt their evolution.

"No, those books are not factual." Mari stepped forward and cupped his face. "I'm sorry I punched you and screamed at you like I was a fishwife."

"Earthen sea life marry?"—and apparently shrieked at their mates?

Mari tipped onto her toes and kissed him lightly. "An expression," Mari said when she pulled away. "Earthens don't know what most of them mean. They just persist like bad habits." His Earthen gently bit her lower lip. "Are you mad because it seemed as if I don't trust you?"

"I am not angry. I am discovering our path to intimacy may be different than with Gaiians. You already have shown a deep trust in me with your physical safety."

"Hells yeah, I do," she said immediately. "You're the badassest of badasses."

Crey opened his mouth.

Mari shook her head. "Expressions. It means you're the fiercest protector I've ever seen."

Yes, this was likely true. She was his mate, and he was Gaiian. Of course he would fiercely protect her. "As I said, you trust me with your physical well-being." Even in her recent tirade, Mari had not manifested any fear of him nor challenged his honor—other than calling him a liar, a cheater, and impugning his sexual prowess.

Mari cleared her throat and slid her hands to the back of his neck, with seemingly no intention of strangling him. She had done this before, and Crey had enjoyed the sensations evoked by her slight touch on his neck and hair. "What is our path to…intimacy."

"You place a high value on your heart—your metaphorical heart. I have concluded from my reading that this means you will need to trust I value you highly as an individual; that I want your happiness above my own; and that I will not betray you with another. These statements are true, but you need to believe them, without any doubt."

Mari's cheeks flushed, and she dropped her chin to stare at his chest. "Oh."

"As you associate your internal chest organ with this love emotion and Earthen romance, would it please you if I did the same?"

Her gaze returned to his, and Mari asked, "What?" while squinting.

"Should I make you feel love by saying things which are not true about our hearts?"

"Again, I'm not following you." She dropped a hand to wave it around. "That means I'm not understanding you." Mari returned her hand to his neck and linked her fingers together.

"Should I say that you or your blood is in my heart or that your heart is mine, even though both are physically not true? Or should I suggest other similar Earthen expressions such as I will hold your heart and keep it safe? Will that make you feel this love and be romantic, but not be perceived as a threat to your vital internal organ?"

It had gradually built in Crey's mind that he wanted Mari to feel love for him. This goal was certainly an objective now, and he would plan accordingly.

Mari blinked. "Have you said any of that to anyone and meant it literally?"

"Not the first part. Blood outside of a bonded mate or a clan is considered unclean and outside of my race may not be safe. I also did not keep the Festule's heart safe. I gave him his heart to hold. Then, his lifeless body fell to the ground. After that, we divided his possessions amongst us, as is right."

"You may have permanently ruined that expression." She shook her head. "But that was my fault for asking a question that would lead to horror stories."

"I assure you no one in the room felt horror at the Festule's death." They had all approved, and the universe was better without him. Additionally, the blighted Festule had an excellent ship, which Crey had taken as a blood-right purchase. The clans periodically needed to establish decisively that those dealing in the flesh trade were not welcome. The Festule had violated their rules and did not deserve to keep his heart.

Mari frowned. "Aren't Festules a huge race with spiked horns and super sharp fangs and claws?"

"Yes, they have those characteristics; however, they do not expect you to reach through their chest plates and tear out their hearts. This is a miscalculation not frequently made by Gaiians." Gaiians were the most cunning of warriors.

"Hm, I have a strong suspicion that your success in battles is, partially, because you act while everyone else is still planning and pissing around."

"Yes, on the planning, but more rarely on the second."

Inexplicably, this inspired lust in his mate. She pressed her mouth against his while closing her eyes.

Crey's pulse quickened. He was not an Earthen, with their emotions and poems, which were stilted nonsense, but Mari's dark eyelashes against her petal-soft cheeks were inspiring. He hunted for a way to express how they looked—a way that was not factual. Mari's tongue licked Crey's lower lip and demanded entrance to his mouth. The pounding of Crey's blood drummed out thoughts of Earthen poetry.

Mari surged forward, pushing him backward with her own body until they crashed against the wall opposite her quarters. At times, his Earthen was more aggressive than Gaiians. She seized his hands with her own and placed them on her back before putting her hands around his neck. His Mari's fingernails dug into the skin there, creating a sharp sensation, which evoked not pain but pleasure—immense pleasure—pleasure he wanted words to describe. He might even use Earthen food terms like ‘sweet' or "pizza.' If she managed to score his skin, it would be a mark Crey would wear with as much pride as the one on his face.

Drawing away, Mari met his gaze. "Can I unrevoke the permissions I revoked earlier all at once? Or, do you need my consent one by one to my arms, cheeks, waist, and all of my mouth?"

"One by one." It may not have been strictly necessary, but he wished her to.

"Crey?" Mari kissed him, sucking his lower lip between her own.

"Yes?" His voice was growing deeper with arousal.

"You can touch my right arm and my left arm."

His hands lifted to stroke her arms as she kissed him. He tipped his head and returned her kisses, his mouth moving firmly against hers.

Mari sucked in a short breath. "Crey?"

"Mm?" was the most he could manage.

"You can touch my waist."

His hands returned to there. "Below? May I touch below your waist?" He may have previously extended the term "waist" beyond its anatomical parameters.

"Yes. Mmm. There."

Crey slid his hands to her backside. He shifted his head sideways to ask softly in her ear, "What of your cheeks, my corazón? May I touch those too?"

The warm steam from Mari's breath against his ear was immensely pleasurable. She rubbed her cheek against his, saying, "Yes, but, also, I insist you kiss me like earlier—tongues, teeth, lips—everything."

"You insist?" His own voice sounded strange. It was rough and brusque.

Mari took soft bites of his ear, which she soothed with equally gentle licks. The motions were incredibly sensual and pleasing. "Yes. Because I'm a badass xenobotanist, and I want you."

True. All true. Her arousal was observable, and her warm scent filled his nostrils. Her ass was attractive to his standards; however, he now understood this Earthen word "badass" to mean his intended was brave and aggressive. Crey grasped said ass, lifting her. His mouth traveled a skimming path down her cheek to her lips. Her position enabled him to kiss her with strong, deep motions of his tongue. Acquiescing to demands was a rare occurrence for Crey—he was amenable to those from Mari, particularly kissing ones.

Their tongues touched and tasted. Why had Gaiians not discovered something this stimulating on their own? Why had it not occurred to them that touching each other's tongues was a source of so much pleasure?

Multiple shifts passed where Crey was immersed in the sensory experience of mouths touching. Her nails dug into the skin of his neck. Their bodies rubbed. Crey clutched her curved posterior in his fingers. It was not until after those satisfyingly-spent shifts that Crey recognized why Gaiians did not do this.

He had closed his eyes.

Forcing them open, Crey drew back. This Earthen passion was intense and not hurried. He had not anticipated how lengthy intimacy would be with Mari. What Gaiian would imagine fornication would require more than three or four shifts for their intimacy to conclude? It would take longer. It may even take an Earthen hour—or more. Crey had not done even a portion of the actions he wished to. Additionally, they had not coupled for fornication. He would not rush that. Crey should prepare and plan accordingly.

"What?" Mari opened her eyes. With her pupils dilated from arousal, her eyes appeared as black as Crey's.

"You are distracting."

She grinned.

He immediately released her. "I closed my eyes," Crey stated. "My senses of touch and taste were so engaged I closed my eyes."

"I'm okay with that."

No. He had not watched her cheeks flush from arousal while searching for adequate descriptive words. Additionally, Crey had compromised her safety by not using the full extent of his faculties.

His intended laughed shortly as she stepped away. "I can see that this has struck you with horror."

"I will need time to prepare a…safeguard for this level of engagement, as well as to consider what this might mean about my physiological state that my inattentiveness occurred."

"An Earthen guy would say I'd made him so horny that he couldn't think straight, and it freaked him out. I love the way you worded it." Mari stepped forward and brushed a kiss across his lips. "Good night, Crey, thanks for the best and weirdest day of my life." She entered her quarters.

Were Mari's hips moving more than normal? Crey believed they were. It was possible he was paying greater attention to her "ass" now that he had clasped her backside. He had clutched that portion of her in his hands. He may have even squeezed her ass. His mind was as foggy as the forests on Balatroon.

What was happening with him?

Shaking his head in wonder, Crey returned to the bridge. He would plan accordingly. This was what came of having an exceptional mate.