the bugs.”
“Lieutenant Controi explained to you why they can’t do that,” I say. “They don’t have the fire power. And a time paradox sounds dangerous.”
“Sounds like a convenient excuse to me.”
“I don’t know how any of this time travel stuff works, but I’m excited about the prospect of getting one of these men as my mate,” Bethany says. “I honestly can’t wait.”
“You’re insane,” Bobby says.
“No. I just know what the world was becoming back on Earth, and I see this turn of events as an opportunity to get what I want out of life.”
“You’re really selfish for a nurse,” Bobby says.
“Can we just stop?” Sophia asks. “I’m tired, and I can’t take any more fighting. This is hard enough without all the negativity.”
“You’re right. We should try to relax,” I say, getting another glass of wine from the replicator and sitting down on one of the couches to face the view of Mars.
“I’m with Doris,” Bethany says, getting wine for herself.
Everyone sits around the living room area with a drink and ignores Bobby until she finally grabs a beer of her own and takes a seat with the rest of us.
8
I sit in my quarters, looking out at the view of Mars spinning slowly below. The king and the council are overjoyed at the success of our mission. The women have all been tested for genetic abnormalities, contagious diseases, and compatibility. All but one will require being quarantined until they agree to the testing. There is a notification that Lieutenant Controi is outside my door, and I tell the ship AI to allow entrance.
“What is it, Lieutenant?” I ask.
“We have the completed analysis for one of the females, Captain,” Lieutenant Controi says. “I think you will be very interested in the results.”
“Oh? Continue.”
“One of the women, named Doris Gray, has been matched with you, Captain.” Lieutenant Controi flicks his wrist device, sending the image to the screen on my wall. A picture of the redheaded Earthling comes up before me, and I hold my breath in response.
“She’s been matched with me,” I say in a choked voice.
I can barely believe my luck. This woman has had my heart, mind, and soul wrapped up and confused. Since I first laid eyes on her, I have wanted her. And the fact that we are now matched is beyond anything that I ever could have hoped for.
“You and she are almost a perfect pair. You will undoubtedly create healthy children that will counteract the genetic abnormality that has caused the decline in females.”
“This is incredibly good news,” I say, gulping again. And so I don’t seem wholly self-centered and self-interested, I add, “For the good of all Mars.”
“Are you satisfied with this match?” Lieutenant Controi asks.
“I am more than satisfied. Truth be told, I’ve have had my eye on this particular female since we rescued the women from the Mantis ship. Out of all of them, she has captured my mind in a way I can’t explain.”
“Can you go on? Any data we can retrieve about this process will be helpful for additional matches.”
“I don’t know how to explain it. There is no other experience in my life to compare it to. The most I can say is that as soon as I saw her, I had the strangest feeling in my chest. A feeling like my heart had grown too large for my chest cavity. And when I touched her, a shock ran through me—as if I had touched a live electric wire.”
“That’s very interesting, sir,” Lieutenant Controi says.
“I would like to speak with her soon.”
“Now that all but one have been tested for genetic abnormalities and contagious diseases, we can transport them to the surface. We are preparing them to disembark now. If you would like to visit this female before they leave the ship, then that can be arranged.”
“No. I don’t want to disrupt the process. But I am eager to visit with her upon her arrival on Mars.”
“Each of the females will be given individual quarters at the bridal house. I will inform her of her match when we arrive. Or you may do that yourself when you visit her.”
“I think I would like to have the pleasure of informing her myself.”
“Very well,” Lieutenant Controi says. “I will be escorting the females to the surface and getting them settled into their housing. It should only take a few hours.”
“Thank you, Lieutenant Controi. I will visit my match at the first possible convenience.”
Lieutenant Controi salutes and leaves my chambers. My