Page 24 of Instinct for Disaster

Cassandra looked at Yasku, and he had a smirk on his lips. “Yes, show some respect, Free Miner.”

Agatha frowned. “Free miner?”

Yasku nodded. “Oh, yes, Cassandra earned out her bond in about eighteen months. She has been mining for six years, getting not only herself free but also freeing several of her acquaintances on the way here.”

They looked at her. “That was you?” Becky’s eyes teared up.

“It was. I would have done it earlier, but no non-emergency signals were allowed out of the base. It was high security.” She blinked. “Does that mean you have all paid off your bond?”

Moxie nodded. “Frankly, I cleared my bond when I got mated. The bonus program for cross-species unions that last longer than a year is impressive.”

“What?”

Yasku smiled. “Any couple confirmed as a match by the sensitives that I employ get a bonus for their initial mate contract, and if they still are pleased with each other after a year, they get a bonus. If they have a child, there are bonuses if lineage is confirmed. Couples are offered more business opportunities, better housing. Couples surrogating to increase genetic diversity is also well compensated.”

Cassandra blinked in understanding. “IVF to speed the way to your designer species.”

“IVF?”

“Embryos created outside the womb and implanted at the blastocyst phase.”

Yasku nodded. “Yes, that. It is how I knew Terrans were compatible with the others.”

“Oh. Wow. Right.” She nodded.

Nessa nodded. “Breeders were the first to be selected. Then, folks like us. The untrained but skilled.”

Betsy smiled. “Thanks for that. We got to be artisan apprentice class.”

Cassandra frowned.

Moxie said, “The basics of machine work, weaving, sewing, and carving. All the stuff we needed to survive.”

Skellic smiled. “Notice that she does not say cooking. That’s my job.”

Cassandra smiled. “Thank goodness. Her enthusiasm was great, but the execution was lacking.”

Skellic pressed his lips to Moxie’s temple.

Cassandra asked, “On this whole world, what is the best species in bed?”

The table went silent.

Cassandra looked at Yasku. “I mean, aside from the Hmrain.”

The table erupted in opinions.

Cassandra listened to the differing opinions as she knew who Moxie had chosen. It made sense. He was protective, with a velvety coat on his body. He would be amazing to cuddle up to in bed.

A soft whisper in her ear jolted her to her thoughts. “So, this is what it feels like when you are considering sex.”

“Are you eating my emotions or something?”

He stroked her cheek. “Aw, kit. When I eat you, you will know.”

She stared at him, and he grinned as he touched her again. He was silky soft with muscle under his touch. She swallowed hard. “Right.”

“I am glad we have an understanding.”

---