Page 29 of Escape Clause

“Not exactly the same—you’re more ravishing than you were before.”

She blushed. “I wouldn’t call myself ravishing at all, but thank you.”

Compliments made her uncomfortable, so he didn’t press the issue, but she did get prettier every time he saw her. When he arrived home late at night, and she was sleeping, he always checked on her. It was the bright spot of his day, the one thing that kept him sane among the pressures and crises erupting around him—watching his wife sleep then kissing her forehead and tiptoeing out of her room.

“Ready?” He offered his arm, and she slipped her hand into the crook.

For practice, he gave her the instructions and let her vap to the reception site.

“Good job!” he said when they arrived safe and sound in the right building.

“I’ve gotten quite a bit of practice lately. I’ve been visiting some of the sights you mentioned.”

Guilt and regret nipped at him. He’d prefer to show her the planet himself, but he couldn’t spare the time. There weren’t enough hours in the day to get everything done. If this reception wasn’t so important to the future success of Cosmic Mates, he would have been working tonight, too. As it was, the break would cost him. He would be toiling even later tomorrow night to compensate.

“I went to the market today and was a little late getting home. That’s why I wasn’t dressed and ready to go,” she said.

“We’re not that late,” he assured her. “Besides, as governor-general, I prefer to make an entrance,” he joked as he led her to the conference hall.

“That’s not true. You’re very modest,” she said and then gasped as the door opened to a noisy, crowded banquet hall. “I expected a much smaller gathering.” She clutched his arm tighter. “Who are all these people?”

“Besides the twenty-five couples, we’ve invited various government officials and private and public information dissemination organizations. Two hundred invitations went out. I was surprised by the size of the invite list myself, but Vorgol pointed out the purpose is to promote Cosmic Mates.”

With a hand to the small of her back, he urged her into the room.

“The décor is beautiful.” Her head pivoted to take it all in. “It’s like we’re outdoors in a park. I love it.”

Thousands of twinkling hover lights had turned the ceiling into a starry sky. Potted live shrubbery and flowers transformed indoor space into a lush garden. Holographic birds chirped from the trees. Glowing torches provided gentle illumination along walkways and benches.

Androids mingled among the guests with trays of hors d’oeuvres and drinks.

“Are you hungry?” he asked.

“Thirsty. Dry mouth. I’m a little nervous.”

He beckoned to an android.

Hope snagged a glass from the tray and took a drink. She smiled.

“Good?” he asked.

“Alcoholic. Don’t worry, I won’t overdo it.”

He waved the android off.

A red-eyed silver orb dropped from the ceiling and whooshed around their heads. She gave a little cry and ducked. “What the heck is that?”

“A hologram camera drone.’ He spotted Vorgol in the crowd and waved him over.

Krogan slipped his arm around his wife’s waist. “Hope, I’d like you meet Vice Governor-General Vorgol. Among his many duties, he manages the Cosmic Mates program. His office organized this reception. “Vorgol, my wife, Hope Bennett.”

“It’s so nice to meet you,” she said.

“It’s a great pleasure to meet you,” his VGG said. “I’m sorry I had to miss your wedding.”

“Well, we had a little snafu,” she replied.

“All worked out now, I’m sure.”

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