Page 31 of Escape Clause

He introduced his wife to government officials and dignitaries. They did a few quick interviews with the media. She introduced him to the women from Terra Nova. Brides and grooms alike enthused about CosmicMates. Together, as a team, they worked the room, eliciting feedback and promoting the program. Despite her initial nervousness, Hope handled herself with great aplomb. A natural conversationalist, she connected with everyone she met. His heart swelled with pride.This is my wife. What a great partner she is.

Everyone loved her—except for Stervak. On several occasions, he caught his nemesis glowering at them from across the room. He’d assumed the animosity was directed at himself, until he and Hope were separated, talking to different people, and he’d caught his nemesis scowling at her.

He signaled Vorgol. “Get Stervak out of here.”

Three men from security surrounded him and walked him out the door. Krogan joined Hope, and she seemed none the wiser.

Finally, Vorgol stepped onto a riser and called for everyone’s attention. “Thank you all for coming and sharing your time with us. I am thrilled to see all of you—every single inaugural Cosmic Mate couple is here tonight!”

The guests responded with thunderous foot-stomping applause. The human women, clapping theirhands, eyed the men with astonishment. A few shrugged.

When the noise subsided, Vorgol continued, “The governor-general needs no introduction, but what some of you may not know is that he conceived the idea of Cosmic Mates. You have him to thank for your marriages.”

Loud applause ensued, with the women mimicking the foot-stomping. To his surprise, Hope stamped her feet with great alacrity.

“Krogan?” Vorgol motioned to him.

Clasping Hope’s hand, he gave a little tug to indicate she should join him on the stage, and together, they stepped up and faced the guests.

“While I got the brainstorm to go off-planet, one of the things I do best is delegate.”

The people laughed.

“I handed Cosmic Mates to Vice General-Governor Vorgol who has done a fantastic job bringing an idea to fruition. Please give him a round of applause.” Krogan led the foot stomping.

When he had their attention again, he said, “I tried to meet as many people as I could tonight, but I probably missed a few, so allow me to present my wife, Hope Bennett.”

They applauded, and she smiled and waved.

“All of you—our Caradonian men and the women from Terra Nova—have my heartfelt gratitude for your openness and willingness to cross the galactic divide and give Cosmic Mates a try. This planet has experienced a tragic loss of life that will impact us for generations. We had to take drastic steps to save our civilization. You all have contributed to the solution, so tonight we celebrate you.

“It is my sincere wish that you have found your forever mates and at the end of the provisional year, you will make your marriages permanent.”

His gliteri tingled with heightened emotion as realization struck.I don’t want Hope to leave. I want to make my marriage permanent.

But that wasn’t what he’d promised.

His chest tight, he snuck a peek at her face. She was smiling at the audience.

To lose millions of young women was the worst tragedy his planet had ever experienced. To lose Hope would be the worst personal tragedy to befall him.

He uttered a few closing remarks, then they stepped off the stage.

For appearance’ sake, they continued to mingle, but the epiphany left him reeling, and he had to forcehimself to pay attention and comment appropriately. He was hyperconscious of her every move, her smiles, her scent, her laughter, her voice. When he determined he’d satisfied proprieties, they made a round of farewells and then slipped away.

* * * *

“I enjoyed that,” she said when they arrived home. “I loved reconnecting with the women from the ship, meeting their husbands, talking with people.”

People had been curious to meet her. As usual, Vorgol’s instincts had been spot on. Having the governor-general participate in the program had given it great credibility. After hologram clips were disseminated to the public, he expected another surge in sign-ups.

“You did really well. You were a tremendous asset,” he said. “We made a great team.”

“We did, didn’t we?” She smiled. “I never thought of myself as a politician’s wife. I’ve always considered myself a wallflower, but I liked talking with everyone. Maybe because I feel like I’m doing something good.”

“There will be other social work-related events if you wish to attend…”

“I would love to!” Her eyes lit up.

---