The Interplanetary Guild of Human Affairs sends out dozens of delegations to planets all around the galaxy. Four of the Guild’s employees -- Star, Nate, Fara, and Josh -- grew close on one such delegation, and over the course of five years on assignment, developed a comfortable, happy relationship.<br><br>Then the assignment ends, the group returns to the new human homeworld, Reyhan, where they receive new orders. For the first time in years, they are going to be separated. Between the far-flung locations and length of assignments, there is no way to know when they’ll be together again.<br><br>But Star is not one to simply take what the world throws at them. As a respected bodyguard and security officer, Star’s existence revolves around protecting precious things. Nothing in the galaxy is more precious than their partners’ happiness. With countless variables to consider and dozens of ways it could all fall apart, will it be possible for the group to stay together?

Home

“Consul Nathaniel, if you wouldn’t mind leaving me alone with my advisor for a moment…” Fara gently urged, but Nate remained in place.


“What does it mean that a human mind can interface with this thing?”


“It means we might be able to gain their interest and trust more easily.” Even in the midst of an embarrassing situation, Fara’s mind was on the job. “Imagine if we can prove we have strong enough minds to communicate directly with them. We may be able to help them with their technology; we could actually integrate directly into their society instead of always being outsiders. It means so many things, Nathaniel.” She smiled and her good eye sparkled with excitement. I liked being Fara’s bodyguard. She was strong-willed but compassionate, excitable but stern.


“And she has the most brilliant smile—oh gods!”


Fara and Josh looked at each other and he shook his head.


They looked at Nate and he shook his head, too.


Chapter 3