Cover art by Dirk A. Wolf

Moonfire

by J. A. Clarke

** Finalist** 2003 Affaire de Coeur Reader/Writer Poll, Best Science Fiction Category

Chapter 1

HOW THE HELL had she gotten herself into such a ridiculous predicament anyway?
      From her gently rotating position in mid-air, Joanna Chase unhappily surveyed the brightly checkered floor just out of reach below her, then surreptitiously glanced around the room again. It was empty, unusual for this place where one normally had to book a time slot at least a day ahead. But then she was here at an odd time, having been driven to work off a morning's worth of frustration and stress from the latest debacle at the Taragon negotiating table.
      She was relieved that no one was present to witness her highly embarrassing condition but, on the other hand, how by the star pits of Balien was she supposed to get down? She couldn't quite reach the release clip attached to the back of her harness, nor did she want to use the emergency transmitter clipped to a belt at her waist. Not yet, anyway. There had to be another way out of this.
      She swung her legs again, trying to build momentum to reach the closest of the multi-layered, pitted walls of the climbing gym, and groaned in frustration when her efforts brought her nowhere near her goal. She glanced up. Just how had she ended up in mid-air in the middle of the room? The obvious answer, of course, was that a clasp on her harness equipment had been defective and had given way when she had slipped at the top of her climb. But she had a sneaking suspicion that in her earlier impatient and angry frame of mind, she hadn't attached it properly.
      "Need some help?"
      She squeaked in startled dismay at the deep voice coming from behind her and frantically spun around. Arms and legs flew ungracefully in four different directions.
      The sight that met her eyes produced another yelp, this time of fright. The man was closer than she had expected, his face at a level only slightly below hers. And all she could see of his features were a pair of brilliant pale blue eyes and a small portion of his mouth. He was covered entirely in a form-molding, black water exercise suit that revealed every superb, hard contour of a tall, lean body. Even though she had the slight advantage of looking down on him, he exuded an aura that was wholly intimidating, mysterious, formidable.
      Joanna licked her lips against a sudden dryness as her gaze skimmed over a heavily muscled chest, flat belly, and strong, powerful thighs.
      "Well?" There was lazy amusement in the tone. "Do you need any help coming down from there, or would you prefer to look some more?" He finished snapping on a pair of black gloves and fisted his hands expectantly on his hips.
      "Yes! No! I mean, of course, I don't need any help. I do this all the time," she lied, cringing as her voice squeaked with nervousness. "I can get myself down." She felt a wave of heat cross her face as he studied her intently. The expression in the blue eyes was unreadable, but she got the distinctly uncomfortable impression he didn't believe her.
      Then he shrugged slightly, regretfully. "Whatever you say." His eyes flickered to the transmitter on her belt. "Just for your information, the mecattendant was occupied with a group in the other hall when I came in, and I'll be about a half hour in the water tunnel." His gaze swept the deserted room before coming back to rest on her face. "Not that you need any help, of course."
      Joanna's mouth fell open as she watched him walk away toward the arched opening on the opposite side of the hall. How dare he? He knew she needed help, despite her denial, and he was leaving anyway. What an inconsiderate, arrogant—
      Suddenly realizing her most immediate source of assistance was about to exit the hall, she cried, "Wait! Please— maybe I do need a little help to get down."
      The dark form paused and turned slowly. "Maybe?"
      "Oh, all right, I'm stuck," she snapped. "I've tried. I can't get down by myself."
      He sauntered back toward her, every movement of muscle clearly defined. "Was that so hard to admit?"
      The amusement in the deep, rich tones and the obvious provocation triggered her volatile temper. God, the man was downright obnoxious. "Oh, go away. I've decided I don't need your help after all," she declared rudely, and spun away. Instantly, she wished she hadn't since he now had a clear view of her vulnerable posterior, and the strangled guttural sound she heard was clearly one of approval.
      Abruptly, a strong hand flattened against her rib cage raising her slightly, while an arm reached over and his other hand wrestled with the harness clasp. "Well, whether you want it or not, I'm bringing you down. I don't have time for games," came the infuriatingly calm response.
      As the clasp released, her body came down across his shoulder. Hands caught her about her waist and slid her down against his length until her feet touched the ground.
      "Thank you," she mumbled grudgingly. "I..." She looked up and the words died in her throat.
      Pale blue had deepened to dark sapphire, and the message in his eyes was unmistakable. Knowing she should break the contact, she seemed to have completely her lost her will to do so, and could only watch in utter fascination as his face drew closer. His hands were burning holes in her clothes. The shakiness in her legs had nothing to do with being returned to solid ground.
      Then his lips touched hers, gentle as the breath of a breeze, and she was lost. She sagged against him, her legs refusing to support her. Fire and ice raced through her body. The pressure of his mouth increased slightly, and she felt the startlingly warm brush of his tongue across her lips. Someone moaned, and a corner of her mind was shocked to recognize that the sound had come from her own throat.
      The next instant, he had drawn back. She blinked dazedly, unwilling to relinquish the promise he had offered, strangely bereft without his body heat.
      "That was quite a 'thank you'." The words were murmured huskily. A thumb brushed across her lower lip.
      The spell was broken. Reality returned with shocking abruptness along with the realization that his other thumb was stroking the underside of one breast.
      "Get your hands off me!" She flung up her arms breaking the hold he had on her, but held her ground. "How dare you?"
      His eyes narrowed. "How dare I what?" he asked softly, dangerously.
      "How dare you do that— take advantage of me like that?" Damn, but she wished she could see his face. The mask effectively concealed his every expression, and his strange eyes had lightened again, become blankly opaque.
      "I believe it's called ‘kissing’, and you enjoyed it as much as I did."
      "You still had no right!" she spluttered.
      He towered over her, but she refused to let him see how much his sheer height intimidated her. Then he leaned closer, forcing her this time to take a step backwards. "You, lady, have absolutely no concept of what my 'rights' are. But I'll be glad to continue this debate later. Meet me at the Second Lentali tonight after the evening meal." His voice deepened, washing over her like a caress. "Although I do think we have far more interesting things to discuss."
      "Hah!" Joanna's knees were threatening to betray her again. She sniffed and wrinkled her nose. "I think you probably have a very inflated opinion of yourself, and I wouldn't—"
      A hard arm snaked out, wrapped around her waist and jerked her against him. This time his mouth came down on hers with crushing force but was just as quickly gone, leaving her gasping for breath.
      And when her head had stopped spinning and she finally gathered her wits again, she was quite alone in the hall.

WHO WAS SHE?
      He had been instantly attracted to her, this creature with the flashing green eyes and ivory skin that flushed such an interesting shade of pink. Her red-gold hair had been pulled back carelessly into some sort of a binding at the back of her head, but several strands had escaped and he could tell it must be quite long. The face that it framed was nothing short of stunning. He had been no less enchanted by the front view of the intriguing creature as he had been by the sight of her gently rounded posterior when he had first walked into the exercise hall. The sudden excitement that had raced through his blood had nothing at all to do with the anticipation of a strenuous workout.
      And the two kisses he had permitted himself, as quick as they had been, had had him on the verge of losing control. He had ached for so much more, wanting to sweep her back into his arms, kiss her senseless, hear that sexy little moan again before laying her down on the floor to thoroughly explore all the delights her slender body promised.
      It had been a long time since he had reacted so strongly and instantly to a woman.
      And he couldn't afford this distraction. Not now!
      As his body battled the churning thrust of the water, the image of bright hair and angry emerald eyes remained engraved on his mind. His hands still felt the slender shape of her. His torso still tingled at every point of contact. He wondered if she would show up that evening, and thought there was an even chance she might, if only to continue the battle she so obviously relished.
      He guessed her heritage to be that of Earth. There was a small community here on the sixth substation in the Neutral Realm, a fragmented asteroid colony in the Crestar System. It should be easy enough to find out more about her but, with an unexpected sense of loss, he knew he wasn't going to pursue it. He couldn't even afford the time to meet with her. He had information to seek out, preparations to make. The instructions he had received were unequivocal and, as much as he disagreed with them and believed the substance of them to be founded in rumor and misinformation, he couldn't ignore them. The slightest possibility of truth could bring a fragile alliance to its knees, and crush the life from the peace initiative before it had a chance to breathe.
      His body was beginning to tire, and thoughts of the delightful encounter faded as his mind turned to the business at hand. This mission could be dangerous, or could be nothing at all. But it could also have a tremendous impact on an entire star system, and be a turning point in a conflict that had raged for generations and taken a terrible toll.
      He would need all his wits about him.
      There was no latitude to consider his personal desires.

Chapter 2

FIVE MONTHS later, Alex Mariltar, Commander of the Seventh Fleet, impatiently paced the small captain's meeting room of the warrior vessel, Astran. His body ached with tiredness. His eyes felt gritty from lack of sleep.
      Where was Jason? His second-in-command had requested this meeting, said there was urgent news to convey. Just what was so urgent, after his five month absence, that it couldn't wait until he had grabbed a few hours of sleep? He ran a hand through his dark hair, and swung around again, coming to a stop in front of the large curved window.
      Far in the distance, he could see the yellow moon that orbited his home planet, Mariltar, and its neighbor, Soron. The planets themselves were already out of sight, but something about the shape of the moon caught his attention, and he studied it more closely, finally identifying the shadow that curved around its lower edge.
      A giant fist squeezed at his gut.
      An eclipse!
      The fifth in the moon's recorded history and, some would say, an omen of major significance.
      What could it portend this time? Many believed this rare and irregular phenomenon foretold of momentous change in the Crestar System. Previous occurrences had been linked to the implosion of a small planet, the arrival of strangers in the System and the creation of a nation, as well as a war so prolonged that most had difficulty remembering its origin.
      Or was it merely a confirmation of events already set in motion? Because, unknown to most of its inhabitants, a birth was taking place in the Crestar System. Even as their people continued to battle, the leaders of nine great nations had come together to form a Coalition. The Coalition's simple vision was one of peace, a quest for harmony, an end to the Conflicts that had wreaked a terrible destruction on their worlds and families.
      As the moon vanished completely from sight, swallowed into the blackness of space, Alex sighed and turned away. Pushing his hands into the pockets of his breeches, he avoided the comfortable padded bench across from the information console, and walked instead to stand in front of a three dimensional holographic image suspended in the corner of the room.
      The planet, Treaine. Beautiful, ancient and steeped in mystery.
      Here would be the genesis of the Vision. Treaine, on the outer boundary of the Crestar System and virtually abandoned for years, would nurture a small colony peopled by men and women from each of the nations and colonies of the Crestar System. Carefully screened and chosen for their dedication to the peace initiative, the vastly diverse populace would be expected to coexist and intermarry. They would craft common laws to be implemented throughout the System, and build learning institutions to incorporate the values of all the nations. Trade agreements would be revived and re-negotiated, and technologies integrated.
      The challenge, he knew, was great but not insurmountable. The Vision had a basis in the distant past. Before the Conflicts, forged from greed for the rich and varied natural resources on each other's planets, had torn the Crestar System apart, the great clans had traded peacefully and occasionally entered into marriage partnerships. Those alliances would be formed again on Treaine. And there were relative newcomers to the System. Traders, scholars, engineers and others from distant worlds, who had been drawn to the Crestar System despite the Conflicts, would also have a place in the new colony.
      As the holograph revolved slowly in front of him, Alex's tired mind refused to erase the image of that ominous shadow. Not superstitious by nature, he nevertheless couldn't help but wonder what its appearance meant at this precise point in time.
      Success or failure for Treaine?
      Destruction or survival for the Crestar System?

"ALEX, YOU'RE going to have to make a decision. You can't postpone it any longer. You're the last of the ambassadors to enter into a marriage partnership."
      Alex allowed the irritated drum of his fingers on the metal table to be, for the moment, Jason Trion's only answer. The blond captain of the Astran, his striking looks given a slightly rakish air by a small faint scar which broke the smooth curve of his mouth, was studying him warily. Eyes narrowed to mere slits, Alex deliberately forced his tall form, stretched out on the bench, to appear relaxed even though he felt anything but. He waited. Jason undoubtedly had more to say.
      "Sagar's sacred crystals, Alex," Jason said with a touch of impatience, "I sympathize with you. I really do. But you knew marriage was a condition of your appointment as Ambassador to Treaine. I'm frankly surprised the Coalition hasn't demanded an answer before now."
      Alex cracked one eye slightly wider for a better look at his subordinate and close friend. A corner of his mouth curled in bleak amusement. "When you send a man on a diplomatic mission to every forsaken star pit in the System, Jason, it's a little difficult to keep track of him, let alone pin him down." A huge yawn took him by surprise. He bent forward and cupped his head in his hands, saying with annoyance, "Blood of Cor, I thought I had more time. I can barely think."
      Groaning, he rose tiredly to his feet, jabbed his hands into the pockets of his breeches and walked to the window. This was the issue that was so urgent. It was something he had avoided, hadn't wanted to think about. Now he was out of time. He turned. "I can't accept the choices of the Coalition, Jason. There must be other alternatives!"
      Jason Trion grimaced and shook his well-groomed head. He swung around in his seat to glance briefly at the information console behind him. "There are, but they don't look promising. The Coalition is deeply disappointed by your refusal to make a selection from the women they've identified. Obviously, political objectives would be satisfied and strengthened by an alliance with any one of them. But, because of your reluctance, they did give permission just this morning for the Match Key to be used more extensively."
      "And?"
      His question was greeted with a shrug. "We've searched the Match Key data banks of all the eligible nations and colonies. Only two colonies have yet to report back, including the Earth colony whose files are not complete. There were no close matches with the others."
      Alex shook his head in frustration. "How long for the search to be completed?"
      "Another several hours, at least."
      "Then I'll wait until all possible search avenues are exhausted. Blood of Cor, this is my life we're—"
      "Captain Trion?" The query came loudly over the communicator cube.
      "Yes," Jason snapped, "What is it? We were not to be disturbed."
      "My apologies, sir. We're being hailed by the Claxiarten, a Coalition vessel. She was forced to stop for repairs at the last substation, and was left behind by the pod in which she was traveling. There's an ambassador and several negotiators aboard, sir. She's requesting permission to join our pod."
      "Permission granted."
      Alex saw Jason become absorbed in the data on the information console again, data that could change his life. He sighed and turned to look out the window into the depths of space and swirling star debris. Certainly the answers were out there somewhere. But where? Not for the first time, he wondered if he had chosen the right path by accepting his election as an ambassador to the Coalition colony of Treaine. But he hadn't really had a choice. As the third son of the ruling High Lord of Mariltar, the expectations were clear and how could he have denied the Coalition?
      Behind him, he heard Jason's chair creak as it swung around, and then his footsteps as he crossed the room to stand beside him. "You're in a tough position, Alex," Jason said sympathetically, clapping him hard on the back. "But you have the luck of Pormiam with women. Isn't there anyone from all those, ah, relationships you've had over the years you could tolerate as a mate? What about Cerata? She has the added benefit of being a Coalition choice."
      Alex snorted in disgust and tiredly wiped a hand across his face. Women! Yes, there had been many. But none he could even remotely imagine as a marriage partner. Except—with blinding clarity, a vision rose in his mind of red-gold hair, flashing green eyes and a lushly rounded bottom that just begged to be cupped by a man's hands. She hadn't shown up to meet him that night five months ago, and he hadn't had time to investigate her, nor had he had opportunity to return to the Neutral Realm.
      But he hadn't been able to forget her either during those excruciatingly long months of chasing phantoms, of following trails that led nowhere, of dissecting rumors that ended up being nothing at all. And time hadn't diminished the memory of the strength of his attraction to her. The thought was outrageous anyway. He had been in her company for barely five minutes. How could he even think of her in the context of wife material? The matter was moot in any event. She was most certainly out of reach, even if he had the luxury of pursuing the standard mating negotiation ritual.
      Raking a hand through his hair, he turned to Jason. "Cerata is an extraordinary distraction, but far from having the qualities I would want in a mate. That goes for the rest of the Coalition's choices as well. I've been intimately acquainted with several of those women and not one of them appeals to me as a marriage partner."
      He slumped into a nearby chair and stared darkly at the ceiling, then back at Jason, and said accusingly, "I can't believe the Match Key hasn't found a single woman who is truly compatible. It shouldn't be that difficult to find one female in the whole of the Crestar System who would be a suitable match."
      He saw Jason struggle to hide a grin and knew with disgust what he was thinking. All his captains had joked about it loudly and often enough in his hearing. Mariltar men were typically large and well-built, but Alex, as they were so gleeful to point out when it suited them, was a particularly fine specimen. Dedication to strenuous exercise had honed and hardened his body, and the sculptured, aristocratic features of his face and confident, come-hither smile had been known to cause more than a few female hearts to beat a little harder. As a son of the ruling clan on Mariltar, he had never had the slightest difficulty in securing female companionship, and suspected there were women who would quite possibly commit mayhem for an offer to become his life mate for the privilege of rank alone. Even he might find the situation darkly amusing if it were not so time-sensitive and serious.
      "It does seem peculiar," Jason admitted, losing the battle to control his features. "But the Match Key is nothing if not thorough." With some ruthlessness, he reminded Alex, "You have turned down suitable women already, Alex, and you accepted that a marriage partnership was a condition of your election as an ambassador to Treaine. You knew you'd have to make a choice sooner, rather than later."
      "I know. I know." Feeling his frustration level soar, Alex swiveled to stare out the window again. An unfamiliar vessel had appeared in the window's opening. Even as he watched, it passed through a moisture veil causing a momentary but spectacular pale green halo to appear. Excitement, unexplained and unexpected, suddenly gripped him and he said, "The Claxiarten is carrying colonists, is she not? Perform a search of her personal data banks!"
      Jason's mouth dropped open in astonishment. "Alex you're being unreasonable. The chances that the Claxiarten is carrying a compatible partner are infinitesimal and—"
      "But still, there's a chance," Alex interrupted, "and what is there to lose? With your training, you can access her data banks undetected and be out of there before anyone is any wiser." His gaze fixed on the strange vessel, he added softly, "That is a direct order."
      Jason hesitated, then turned with obvious reluctance back to the console. Alex went back to staring out the window. How he wished this business was over. The thought of taking a life mate still rankled. He had too many other responsibilities, ones he had willingly sought. He didn't want this one—not yet anyway.
      "Great Sagar!"
      Alex swung quickly around at the astonishment in his senior captain's voice. "What is it?"
      His gaze glued to the screen, Jason whistled softly under his breath. "Look at this!"
      In a few long strides, Alex stood behind him. His brows shot up and his eyes focused intently as data rolled across the screen. His glance flicked over the name which held no meaning for him. Joanna Chase. "Can you pull in an image?"
      Jason touched a key. A digitized image of a woman's face popped up that held both men spellbound. Reddish gold hair the color of a malan prism fell smoothly past her shoulders. It framed a face remarkable for high, delicate cheekbones and sparkling green eyes. Her mouth was curved in an impish smile revealing a deep dimple in her cheek.
      "Sagar's sacred crystals, Alex, she's stunning!"
      Yes, she was. And exactly as he remembered her, except the hair was smoothly in place, and the face was a serene translucent ivory, not flushed with frustration and fury. Excitement roared through his blood. She had haunted his dreams for months, and now she was just a star vessel away.
      Jason pressed another key. The image shrank and data continued to roll across the screen. "She's a senior negotiator for the Coalition—from the Earth colony, a member of Ambassador Kromon's team. Great Sagar, Alex! She's matched up in almost every aspect with your key. She's the closest match so far. It's a pity she's an Earth colonist."
      Alex straightened up still staring at the screen, then dragged his gaze away and started to pace restlessly around the room deep in thought. She was here! An extraordinary coincidence. Not out of reach, after all, in the Neutral Realm. But marriage? To an Earth colonist? Why not? If their first encounter was any indication, there was much to look forward to and the Match Key had provided the ultimate sanction. Certainly, the alternatives had zero appeal.
      Abruptly, he said, "She'll do! The Coalition shall have its marriage partnership. Arrange a conference with the captain of the Claxiarten and Ambassador Kromon. There's no reason to delay and every reason to get this accomplished quickly."
      Turning swiftly to face Alex, Jason swore loudly as his elbow cracked against the corner of the console. "Don't you think you should give this a little more thought. Balls of Sortor, Alex, she's an Earth colonist. It's an unpredictable race, at best; certainly not an ideal choice in the eyes of the Coalition."
      "They included Earth colonists in eligibility criteria, didn't they?"
      "Yes, but—"
      "She's the best match by far, not in every aspect, but certainly close enough to satisfy requirements. I want her. And I want this business settled as soon as possible. We have far more important concerns to deal with."
      Jason rubbed his elbow and shrugged in helpless resignation. "I suppose your mind's made up and nothing will change it, as usual, but shouldn't you seek the Coalition's approval first?"
      "Cor's blood, Jason, I've made my decision. The Coalition should accept the partnership. After all, she is from one of the eligible colonies. And, as you pointed out so correctly not too long ago, I'm running out of time. She's a negotiator with the Coalition and presumably aware that partnerships are being formed at the direction of the Coalition. I have to assume that she'll be receptive to this proposition, but I don't have time for lengthy discussions. If she's as compatible with me as the Match Key indicates, there shouldn't be a problem."
      Alex saw with irritation that unconcealed amusement was back on Jason's face. "I hope your confidence about this decision isn't misplaced, Alex. Earth colonists follow customs and practices that are quite different from ours, and most of the Crestar System's for that matter. She may not be as receptive to this partnership as you might hope. Are you sure you don't want to complete the search of the personal data banks of the other colony?"
      His mouth twisted in a grimace, Alex's eyes sought the Claxiarten again. Jason's words had reminded him of how very feisty and uncooperative this female could be. But, even with the thought, his determination grew along with his sense of urgency. "No! Suspend it. If there is any reluctance, I'll deal with it. But I don't believe there will be much resistance. Any of the nations of the Crestar System would be anxious to enter into a marriage alliance with the Clan of Mariltar. The colonists shouldn't be any different. The arrangement offers nothing but advantages to her."
      Alex spoke without boasting, but with the complete confidence and assurance of the position to which he had been born. In all honesty, he couldn't imagine why any woman, even an independent spirit with green eyes, would turn away an alliance with the Clan of Mariltar. He could tell that Jason wasn't so convinced, and knew his friend was concerned about the lady's race. Earth colonists were known for somewhat unpredictable behavior. The strongest objections, of course, despite what he had told Jason earlier, might come from the Coalition who would not view an Earth colonist as the preferred mate for a High Lord of Mariltar. But they had given their permission to extend the search to the colonists, and the results of the Match Key offered powerful persuasion.
      Jason sat down and reached for the communication cube. "A conference within the hour then?"
      "Yes. I'm going to get some rest. Call me when it's time." Alex yawned and rolled his aching shoulders, then headed for the door as Jason opened a communication relay. "Let's get this business out of the way. I'll need all of the captains for a briefing later. We have some vital issues to discuss."
      As he plodded tiredly down the Astran's corridor, Alex reflected with some amusement that his captains were going to have plenty to speculate about before they met as a group. His thoughts turned serious. Even with the men he trusted more than any others, he would have to be very careful not to reveal too much about his five-month long journey, thinly disguised as a diplomatic mission. The Coalition's Vision had to be protected at all costs and would not be well-served by distrust and suspicion born of rumor.

Chapter 3

THE MESSAGE was delivered to Joanna Chase at mid-morning, interrupting a negotiating session.
      That was the first surprise. Once the doors were shut, the negotiators were normally left alone with only occasional visits from Ambassador Kromon. Surprise turned to concern at the request for her to report immediately to the captain's private meeting room for a conference with both the captain and the ambassador.
      As she hurried down the corridor, Joanna's mind was wildly seeking an explanation for the summons. Everything had been going all right, hadn't it? Kromon had told her only yesterday he had thought her suggestion to resolve a petty issue raised by the Sorons was particularly creative. Never mind that, in the end, it hadn't been implemented.
      She reached the entrance to the room and paused to smooth her hair and collect herself. The serious faces both men turned toward her as she entered the room caused her sense of misgiving to mushroom. Kromon's warm greeting and the slight stretching of his pale blue lips, which for him passed as a smile, did little to relieve her anxiety.
      He waved her to a chair then, hands behind his back, fell into contemplation of the floor and nervously cleared his throat. Joanna squirmed unhappily in her seat and glanced at the silent captain. His gaze immediately slid away from hers. She looked back at the Merlon. His ridged brow was deeply furrowed and he was darting little assessing glances at her. She was used to these disconcerting habits by now, and sometimes wondered if Kromon employed them deliberately to disarm his audience, since he truly was a master negotiator. But it was definitely nerve wracking to have them turned on her. She took a deep breath and opened her mouth to ask the reason for her summons just as the Merlon launched into an explanation.
      "Joanna, I apologize for calling you out of a session, but what we have to convey is urgent and of extreme importance." He cleared his throat again. "We received a message this morning, a proposal actually, from the Astran. It, ah, requires a response from you. The Astran also transports an ambassador to Treaine. Ambassador Mariltar has not yet entered into a marriage partnership as all the ambassadors to Treaine are required to do. He has, apparently, rejected the Coalition's choices and has made his own decision."
      He paused, clearly uncomfortable, his pallid features looking more drawn and unhappy than usual. Joanna felt a chill of foreboding slide down her spine, and gave an involuntary shiver. Just what did any of this have to do with her? Kromon drew himself up, folded his long hands inside the sleeves of his robe and raised speculative eyes to hers. "Ambassador Mariltar is offering the honor of a marriage partnership to you, Joanna. Furthermore, he has suggested that the, ah, mating ceremony take place without delay."
      Stunned into speechlessness, Joanna could only stare at the Merlon. Surely, she hadn't heard him correctly. This was too bizarre. A proposal of marriage? From a man she'd never heard of? Not even delivered in person? A strangled noise that could have been a giggle and sounded slightly hysterical to her own ears burst from her throat. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw the captain tug nervously at an ear.
      Kromon continued on hastily, "Before you answer, think carefully about this, Joanna. You would not only be marrying an ambassador to Treaine, but a son of the ruling clan on Mariltar, a very powerful and influential family. Any one of the leading clans in the Crestar System would be honored to make such an alliance. The fact that he has rejected the Coalition's choices and chosen outside of a ruling clan, and, indeed, has chosen from outside of the Crestar System itself, should be highly respected and given strong consideration."
      Understanding dawned, and she sat forward on the edge of her seat. There could be no other explanation. "This is someone's idea of a joke, right? You're all getting back at me for extending the negotiation session yesterday."
      "No!" If his emphatic denial wasn't enough, the shocked expression on the ambassador's face was enough to convince her he was perfectly serious. Star pits!
      "Who is this man? Oh, I know, I know." She waved her hands. "You've already told me. He's some lord from the Mariltar clan. What I meant was, I don't know who he is, so how could he possibly be proposing to me? And why isn't he doing it himself?"
      "It's Mariltar custom to make the offer through a third party, and I believe—"
      "Well, it's not Earth custom," Joanna interrupted, anger starting to surface as the gravity of the situation began sinking in. "No! Absolutely not! This is too ridiculous. I will not consider this. I contracted to be a negotiator for Treaine, not a wife. I don't care who this man is. I have absolutely no desire to enter into a marriage partnership"
      She saw Kromon sigh heavily and draw his robes more closely around himself. He glanced at the Claxiarten's captain as if for support, but the captain, Joanna noticed, had apparently decided to distance himself from the discussion and was engrossed with his information console. Kromon turned his attention back to her. This time, the expression in his eyes made her dig her fingers painfully into her thighs as a stab of pure panic rushed through her. "Joanna, I'll be candid. I've known you for some time and I cannot say I didn't anticipate this response." His mouth twisted unexpectedly with humor. "Certainly, I didn't think this task would be easy. I empathize with your position, but there is far more at stake here than just your feelings on the subject. You know the Coalition is requiring some mixed marriage partnerships at the highest of levels to solidify alliances and strengthen the peace accord. My own partnership is a result of that. You are one of my best negotiators. And with your skills and experience, you would undoubtedly perform the official duties of an ambassador's wife to perfection. Your role in the peace process would be greatly enhanced if you agreed to this arrangement."
      "I think the peace process would be better served if he chose a partner from Taragon or Soron," Joanna snapped. An overwhelming sensation of helplessness was making her dizzy. He was so concerned about the public side of this marriage. But what about the private side? She had to get out of here before she panicked completely. "Please tell him I am most definitely not interested."
      Kromon took a step forward, as intense and serious as she had ever seen him. "Joanna, take some time to think about it! Alex Mariltar is a well-respected leader. This proposal deserves the appropriate consideration. He's requested a visual conference with you later in the day."
      "It's a little late for that," she said stubbornly, rising to her feet. "I've made my decision and I won't change my mind, so I don't see the purpose for a conference. You know I have no time today anyway and I need to get back to the session. May I be excused?" She struggled to keep her tone polite, and her features composed, but she knew neither man was likely to miss the anger that was making her cheeks burn. Nor did she really care. Her legs were threatening to collapse underneath her and it would take all of her concentration to get out of the room before she embarrassed herself. Without waiting for permission, she left.

"ALEX MARILTAR is not going to take 'no' for an answer." The captain finally stirred, breaking a thick, heavy silence. He reached for his private supply of tagvar wine and poured himself a healthy drink. It didn't cross his mind to offer a goblet to his distinguished companion.
      Ambassador Kromon shook his head, clearly frustrated. "He's going to have to. I think I know that young lady well enough by now to believe she won't change her mind, but I wish she could have been more open-minded to the proposal. I think it would have been an excellent marriage partnership." He turned to leave. "Will you contact the Astran, and convey the message?"
      The captain of the Claxiarten drained his goblet in one gulp as he watched him go. He reluctantly reached out to activate the communication cube. He knew Alex Mariltar by reputation, and was convinced beyond a doubt that relaying the message would not be the end of the matter. Briefly, he thought of taking steps to shield his now vulnerable passenger, but quickly rejected the idea. It was none of his business. He had only been hired to transport colonists. He most certainly did not want a confrontation with Alex Mariltar or, for that matter, the most elite warrior force in the whole of the Crestar System which served him.