Soshe was curled up asleep in the cabin, Nova lay beside her snoring. Sleep was the last thing on Tajlon's mind. He couldn't get the thought of Soshe's soft kisses and the taste of her lips out of his head. They had kissed and cuddled together until he had to start home as promised. He had mentally mapped every curve of her body and the feel of her skin against his. He played the memories over and again in his mind. Sometimes his chip could be a curse. Every replay was like experiencing everything all over again. His memory was perfect. Of course, he could have turned it off if he wanted to. He didn't.

He woke her when they sailed into the harbor. There was a brisk wind at their back and Soshe borrowed one of Tajlon's jackets to keep the chill away. It was fleece lined and probably warmer than anything she had ever owned. Tajlon gave her a smile every time he glanced her way and she returned it. He was busy guiding them into the dock and she watched his every move. He moved in a smooth coordinated manner that only practice could bring. It was as though he were part of the boat or it was an extension of him.

The lights are pretty," Soshe said.

"They're gas lamps, less expensive than electricity," Tajlon said. "Someday we'll switch over to nuclear power and... Sorry. I can't help it. I know you probably get tired of all my technical talk."

"Not at all. I want to learn. I feel like I've been avoiding all this because I was afraid of it. I didn't understand anything, and I didn't have anyone who could explain it to me. I don't want to stay away from your world anymore."

"Then welcome to Novaland. You are now standing at the cutting edge of science and civilization on Beldora." Tajlon tossed a couple fenders over the side, secured the mooring lines and helped Soshe step across to the dock. "There's nothing for you to be afraid of here."

"These houses don't look so very strange. It's that big building on top of the mountain that scares me."

"That's Nova Base where the research labs are housed. It's also our communication hub. I'll show you around tomorrow. Tonight, I want you to meet Mara. She runs the nearby bed and breakfast. I requested a room for you."

"But where will you be?"

"That's our home up on the knoll. I won't be far away. I'd offer you a room at home, but... it's better if you stay with Mara."

"Yes. I understand. What would people think?" Soshe said and laughed. "I've heard a lot about Mara and I'm really looking forward to meeting her."

"I can unload the boat later. Come on," Tajlon led the way. "In case I don't have another chance to tell you, I've had great time with you today." He leaned over and gave her a full kiss on the lips.

"I have too," Soshe said. "I'm glad Nova found me."

"You should let me keep an eye on her tonight," Nova said to Tajlon as he caught up with them.

"Yes. Good idea," Tajlon said.

"Did Nova say something to you?" Soshe prodded. "I feel a little left out sometimes."

"Yes. Sorry. He said he'd be glad to stay with you tonight if that would make you more comfortable."

"Sure. But would Mara be okay with it?"

"Mara and Nova go back a long way. He's family to her too."

* * *

Tajlon saw the group of people waiting on the porch for them. He hoped meeting so many at once wasn't too overwhelming for Soshe after living by herself for so long.

"Are you okay with this?" he asked. "Or do you want to sneak in the back way?"

Soshe laughed. "I'll admit I'm a little nervous, but I want to meet your friends and family,"

"They'll be your family now, Soshe. You aren't alone anymore."

They walked up to the porch. Nova bounded ahead and pushed right past everyone He headed for the kitchen where he knew Mara would have left a late snack for him.

"Dad, everyone, this is Soshe, Lokanne's adopted daughter."

"Glad to meet you, Soshe," Jejliard stood and extended his hand.

"Thank you. I'm so happy to meet you too, Mr. Castonea."

"No need to be formal, call me Jejliard like everyone else."

"Alright. Thanks."

"And this is Greyla, our marine biologist," Tajlon said.

"Hi. I heard you had a few sailing lessons today,"

"Uh, yeah. It was fun." Soshe said and gave Tajlon a fond glance.

Hal said, "You must be tired Soshe. We can spare you from our questions until breakfast. I'm Hal by the way."

"Oh, it's okay. Nice to meet you."

"Mara's inside. She said to get her the minute you arrived, so follow me, Soshe," Greyla said. Turning to Tajlon she asked. "Any luggage?"

"Not so much. I'll unload the boat in the morning. If you don't mind finding her a few things to wear...."

"Not a problem," Greyla said and then she whisked Soshe inside before Tajlon could even say goodnight.

"See you tomorrow, Soshe," He called behind them.

"Thanks for everything, Tajlon. Goodnight," she called back.

He stood on the porch wanting to follow her, but Mara would take care of getting Soshe settled, and she needed to have some time alone to get acquainted. A sudden emptiness swept over him without Soshe's company.

Hal was sympathetic. "And she's out of your hands, just like that."

Jejliard chuckled. Anyone could see the look on Tajlon's face and tell he was smitten.

"I guess I didn't quite think this through," Tajlon said with a wry smile.

"She's a real cutie," Hal said. "I'd keep her if I were you."

"Planning to."

* * *

Hal was waiting by her door when Greyla got home, watching the waves roll up on the beach in the moonlight.

"I figured you would be in bed by now, " she said. "I'm afraid Mara and I kept Soshe up talking half the night."

"Girls do a lot of that I've noticed. Talking," he said. "I was thinking of a much quieter activity."

Greyla giggled and headed for the door. Hal jumped up and caught her arm.

"What sort of activity?" she asked.

"Watching the surf, what else?"

He wrapped his arms around her and planted a kiss on her lips. She had avoided getting amorous with Hal, but after their brush with the death, she realized how much they cared for one another. Greyla hadn't hesitated to jump in to save Hal. All she could think about was the possibility of losing him in the rift. Hal had attacked the alien monster with nothing more than a flare to rescue her. Yeah, he was pretty special. She kissed him back and relaxed into his embrace.

They sat on the stoop together enjoying this new level of intimacy for a long while.

"We need to talk, Hal." Greyla said finally.

"Never a good thing. Especially not now."

"No, it's not bad. I just want to get everything out in the open. I'm only beginning to understand myself."

"I gave up trying to understand you long ago."

"But you still loved me anyway?"

"Yeah. I'm stubborn like that."

"Understatement. But the alien said something to me that made me face the truth."

"This should be good. Not what I expected, but good."

"He said you were my lover. Even he could see that. This creature from who knows where, figured it out in a matter of minutes."

"I should take lessons from him. I've been trying to make you see that forever."

"I know. But he said something else," Greyla hesitated. "I really don't know how to explain it."

"Don't stop now, sweetheart. I've always hated cliff hangers. I'm adding rift hanging and demons to the list."

"I'm serious, Hal."

"So am I. I plan to take you to bed and ravish you any second now."

"When Jejliard came after me, Gengor told me Jejliard was the one I loved."

"And that surprised you how?"

"No. I mean I always loved him, but never admitted it to myself. I've always wanted his approval, wanted him to believe in my abilities."

"I think he's finally on board with your empathic skills." Hal kissed her. "I, on the other hand, never doubted them for more than a few years at a time."

Greyla raised her brows and gave him a deep sigh.

"Jejliard thinks of me as a child. A grown child, but never as a grown woman with desires."

"I noticed the moment you bloomed, darling," He slipped an arm around her waist. Greyla turned to face him.

"When Gengor called you my lover and not Jejliard, I woke up to that reality."

"Out of the mouth of demons comes truth," Hal said. "And you know the demon's name..."

"Not important. I want you to know that after seeing everything in an objective light, I've moved past my infatuation with Jejliard."

"I owe Gengor one for that. May we go inside and explore our relationship a little further while you are in this enlightened state?"

"Yes. And you better make it worth my time and trouble for baring my soul on the matter."

"Challenge accepted."