“You’ll still see me no matter how far I go, thanks to the long-distance com relay stations the mission will be deploying along the way,” Toni said.“It isn’t as if we can’t talk on a regular basis.”
It won’t be the same.A million other arguments crowded Stacy’s head, jostling to be cried out.
Toni could realize her new career dreams closer to home.She could potentially find love too.Surely she didn’t have to leave the known universe to be fulfilled?
The fact she’d arrived at such a momentous decision told Stacy otherwise.It was true the expedition was the chance of a lifetime, but she knew Toni.She had no doubt her sister wouldn’t have made her choice lightly to leave all she knew and those she loved behind.
Stacy swallowed the grief seizing her throat and making it difficult to speak.“You’ve been hunting for your true life’s work for ages,” she finally managed.“And no men have made you smile the way Clan Imon does.I’m happy you might be able to realize your destiny in work and love.”
Toni’s eyes lifted to meet hers.“My conscience says you and Mom should come first.”
“No, that’s guilt.Except for college, you’ve been close to Mom or me, helping and supporting us, your whole life.You’ve always put us ahead of yourself.It’s your turn.”Stacy’s voice broke a little.“You figured out the path you should follow.I won’t pretend I don’t hate like hell to see you go, but I wouldn’t dare stand in your way while you follow your calling.”
“You need me, though.With those assholes trying to kill you—”
“I’m not your problem.I have a shitload of security to watch my back.I have Clan Rihep too.I think they’re capable of standing in for you.”If Kuran returned from his dangerous mission.
Toni barked a laughing sob as tears began to flow.“Barely, but yeah, they might be able to keep you safe.”
Stacy stood on shaking legs and went to Toni.She sat on the arm of the chair and wrapped her arms around her sister.One of our last hugs.She started crying too.It was right to let her go and achieve her purpose, but it was hard.
A weeping Rosa joined them.The Nichols women held each other and cried as their goodbye began.
“I don’t know why we’re carrying on so much,” Toni hiccupped after several minutes had elapsed.“You two might not be rid of me.I might decide after a few weeks it isn’t working.”
Stacy doubted it.Instinct told her Toni had found the road fate had intended for her to travel.That, and how her sister and Clan Imon were when they were together.Even if interspecies diplomacy wasn’t where Toni belonged careerwise, she’d found the love meant for her.
All Stacy said was, “Whatever happens in the end, you’ll always be in my heart.Just promise you’ll take care of yourself.Promise me.”
* * * *
Earth II
Physically fine but emotionally exhausted, Toni stepped in her soon-to-be-vacated rental.No sooner had she set foot inside when Imon, Feru, and Wovir rushed in the living room to greet her.They jostled to be the first to hug her, then all but carried her to the sofa.
“How did it go?”
“Are you okay?”
“Was your sister as upset as you thought she’d be?”
Talking at once, they settled her, then crowded close, their concern obvious.She regarded them with amused affection, at once entertained by the fuss and touched by their apprehension on her behalf.
“Overall, it went fine.Stacy was shocked, but in the end, she gave her blessing.We all had a good cry.Okay, five good cries.It’s going to be a tough separation, but we agree it’s best I do this.”
Feru sagged in relief.Imon grinned brightly.Wovir simply nodded, his worry evaporating as if it had never existed.
“I guess we should help you pack,” Feru offered.“I went ahead and booked you passage to Kalquor on the same flight we’re taking in two days.”
“You didn’t think Stacy would talk me out of it, huh?”It was funny how everyone else was so much more certain about her departure than she was.What did they see in her character she’d failed to recognize thus far?
“Your destiny calls.Might as well put aside the doubt and answer it.”Imon kissed her cheek.
“You make it sound so easy.”His assurance...and everyone else’s...made her grumpy.
“We could remind you of how eager we are to sweeten the deal.”
His next kiss wasn’t on the cheek.His mouth held hers hostage, stopping her breath in glorious demand.Toni’s limbs, her entire being, melted in surrender.
