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

“My gods, Star,” Nate said, edging into the house like a scared animal investigating a strange new place. Josh followed him, a childlike expression of glee on his face. Finally, Fara brought up the rear with Fen, and her eyes went wide.


It was a pretty damn impressive sight, if I did say so myself. Some vases held traditional Earth flowers—daisies, asters, carnations, things that had been brought to Reyhan and carefully cultivated in the alien soil hundreds of years ago—and others displayed the beautiful blooms native to Reyhan. Small vases stood on tables and counters, and tall vessels rested on the floor, shooting intricate blooms up to waist height.


“Star,” Josh said, and his voice was practically a whimper. “This is beautiful.”


Chapter 13