Cosmic Chemistry

Cosmic Chemistry

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Kara Griffin

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Cosmic Chemistry By

Kara Griffin

Triskelion Publishing www.triskelionpublishing.net

Triskelion Publishing 15327 W. Becker Lane Surprise, AZ 85379 Copyright 2005 Kara Griffin All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including photocopying, recording or by any information retrieval and storage system without permission of the publisher except, where permitted by law. ISBN 1-933874-25-2 Publisher’s Note. This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, and places and incidents are a product of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to a person or persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is purely coincidental.

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Chapter One Planet Celtaxy Solar-Year 4545 A pair of sultry brown eyes framed by the longest black eyelashes Ginger had ever seen looked skeptically at her. She’d just explained her role as Stephen’s counselor, and judging by his appalled expression, he wasn’t taking it well. “I love females. There’s nothing better than a solar-night sex session with a few females. Why am I here, Physexian? I don’t understand my parent’s concern.” Ginger Graham, the only physexian on the planet, regarded the young male on the other side of her desk. Why was it younglings had such extreme sexual issues? Of course, thanks to their inadequacies, she made a profitable living counseling them. She was glad she wasn’t young anymore—the issues younger beings had these solar-days went beyond anything she’d ever had to deal with. “Stephen, you’re only twenty-one solar-years. Your parents feel it’s unhealthy for a male of your age to be so preoccupied by the opposite sex. We only want to help you.” She smiled slightly, hoping to reassure him that she wasn’t a threat. Nor was she interested in the sexual tribulations that seemed to take up most of his day. Their first appointment wasn’t going so well. “What do they want from me? I admire the female body too much to ever give up my quest. The female anatomy is beautiful and should be worshiped. That’s where I come in. I haven’t gotten a complaint yet. Most parents would be happy their son is an opportunist, but not mine, they—” “It’s not that, Stephen, not at all. The fact is, you’ve let your exploits with females overtake every aspect of your life. You won’t obtain employment, or help your parents in their business or political dealings. They feel you live only for your sexual liaisons. Now, I’m going to try to help you put your life back together, give you goals, and make you desire something other than females.” “But I don’t want to desire anything but females.” With that affirmation, he frowned, creasing his dark brows. Ginger stood up behind her desk and rounded it until she stood a safe two solar-feet from the sexy devil. Looking into his rich mocha eyes, she spoke soothingly. “Listen, Stephen, you’re becoming Celtaxy’s own Casanova. Surely you want more out of your life than just being known for your promiscuous behavior. Will you at least listen to what I have to say? Try to obtain some of the goals that I set for you? It will make your parents happy, and they will back off, leaving you to enjoy...ah, your pursuits. Now, doesn’t that sound like a good plan?” “I know what sounds better. How about if I lay you on your desk and lick your skin until I reach your—” Ginger held out her hand, cutting him off. “I admit that does sound like fun, but I’m a professional. I’m not interested in having sex with you or any of my patients.” She held back her laughter and tried to remain unaffected.

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Young males were all the same. Lucky for her, she had reached an age where they didn’t impress her. Numbing Neptune, this guy was sure full of himself. Still, he was attractive—almost irresistible. His eyes darkened slightly, and he used that voice which assuredly drove the female beings wild. “Why not? Come on, looker, I’m as hard as a meteorite. You’re pretty sexy in that suit coat. I always wanted to have sex with a physician. Druk, a physexian is even better. Where do your stockings end, hmm? I’ll run my hand up your leg until I reach your zenith. Are you getting ready for me? Come on, you’ll enjoy it.” Stephen lowered his voice to a sultry, insistent tone. He leaned forward, placing his hand on her knee, massaging it and accentuating his invitation. Ginger gently removed it with a brush of her hand. She ignored his crass offer, but his words did stir something inside her. No wonder the females of Celtaxy couldn’t resist him. “The first thing we’re going to do is set some goals for you.” “Okay, babe, if you say so. Take this down.” Ginger moved back behind her desk and took the inkrod, getting ready to record his goals on the parpal, the paper-like substance of her digital notebook system. “Go on. What’s the first goal?” She placed the inkrod on the DNS, waiting for him to speak. “I make hot love to you on your desk, then you suck my—” “Stephen, I’ll thank you for refraining from using that vulgarity. Don’t you ever think about anything other than sex?” She tried not to roll her eyes. Stephen laughed. “Ah, honestly? No, not since I turned sixteen solar-years.” “That was only five years ago. A guy your age shouldn’t have such experience yet. Now listen to me, I want you to think about your goals, but they cannot consist of anything sexual. Make an appointment with my moderator for two days from now. I suggest you spend the next few days thinking about your goals and not your libido.” “Yes, Physexian. I’ll try.” He spoke mockingly as if she were a teacher or a scolding parent. “There’s just one thing, babe, I gotta ask.” “What’s that?” “Why would a looker like you want to be a physexian? You could have a pack of hounds trailing your ass. Doesn’t that sound like more fun than sitting here in this boring office listening to other beings talking about their sex lives?” In a way it was a compliment, but Ginger wanted to laugh at him. Did it matter what a physexian looked like? Never mind that she’d spent years in expanded education trying to learn their psyche. “I like my profession. And for the record, the thought of a pack of hounds doesn’t interest me at all. Nor does sexual intercourse with a twenty-one-year-old.” Ginger blushed all the way to her toes—he was at least fourteen solar-years younger than she was. Though the compliment made her feel younger in spirit, it reminded her of a goal that she could set for him. “I’m really aged beyond you, and you should look at females closer to your own age.” “Age doesn’t matter to me, sexy. I find an older female more attractive, especially if she has experience. Too damned bad, looker. What a waste of a sexy female.” Stephen rose and walked to the door panel, while Ginger hurried to press the ‘open’ button. The devilishly handsome male left the clinic—to her relief. Ginger leaned back in her chair and couldn’t help thinking about his problem. Where in the galaxy did these nuts come

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from? If it was the last thing she’d do, she’d help turn him into appealing husband material for some poor unfortunate female. Either that or at least occupy him with matters other than sex. Ginger looked through the viewers as rays brightened the afternoon, giving off a golden aura. Celtaxy was a luxury planet named for the rivers, which flowed into the sea with a mix of fresh and salt waters. Even though the planet’s population hadn’t grown much over the last few solar-years, it neared fifty-million inhabitants, and the government floundered to find employment for all the beings. Fortunately, Celtaxy needed a physexian, and Ginger had just finished her schooling. Her education began much later than what was considered normal, because she hadn’t known what career she wanted to pursue. The solar-day, the universal time for an entire day throughout the universe, crept onward at an excruciating pace. She couldn’t shake the sinking feeling she’d gotten after Stephen left. A fearful sense drifted around her, which she didn’t understand. She had nothing to fear. Life was pretty darned perfect. Ginger turned in her seat, facing her desk, and tried to ignore her female intuition. Sitting back in her comfortable office chair, she took a break between her patients. As an Autoerotism Analyst, she’d obtained her degree for her chosen profession at the age of thirty-five solar-years. Where else but the exotic planet of Celtaxy would she practice the psychology of sexual deviants? Being a luxury planet, promiscuous behavior ran rampant. She had no idea why she’d chosen the profession, perhaps it had chosen her. Locals needed guidance, mostly males because females flocked to the planet for fun. Ginger didn’t have many female beings as patients, probably because females had more determination than to let sexual desire rule their lives. Males let their libido rule their actions, not so with females. History had proven that females were much better at controlling their sexual urges than males. Some of the couples she counseled only needed guidance to enhance their sexual relations. Those counseling sessions were much easier than the individual sessions, like the one she’d just had with Stephen. Those reflections took her to her family, who lived on the island. Her father emigrated to Celtaxy when he’d been young. He operated his business ventures from his bunker, dug beneath the sandy soil. Her father continued the ‘family business’, as it was—they’d been involved in illegal activities since their Planet Earth ancestors had been doing so from the early nineteen-hundreds. Of course Ginger didn’t like admitting who her ancestors had been, or what they had done—murder, deceit, stealing, racketeering, soliciting drugs. The list went on and on. But thanks to her father’s connections, she’d been able to complete her schooling and was able to afford the purchase of the clinic where she treated her patients. The last patient was really disturbed. She had no idea how to help the sex-crazed being. Stephen said that he’d prowled the clubs again the previous solar-night, looking for a female or females to satisfy his urge. Any woman would be delighted to share a night of sex with him—the hunk attracted many females. He’d said all he wanted was a few females to practice his seduction tactics on. Ginger smiled at that because he was a magnetic force. Even she had been attracted to him, but she’d never consider having sex with one of her patients or one so young. Perhaps that was his problem—his ease obtaining females. Ginger quickly took an inkrod and jotted down a few suggestions for him on a parpal, which she would download

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into her DNS later. She’d have to call him before she left the clinic, before he went on the prowl again this night. Stephen needed help to overcome his obsession, and Ginger would do everything in her power to assist him. How in the solar-system could she help him? He was determined to have sex with every female being in the galaxy. The playboy’s parents insisted that he see Ginger, but Stephen seemed beyond any suggestions she could offer. He was certainly a hard nut to crack, and she’d put her mind to thinking of some ways for him to distract himself. As the answer to Stephen’s obsession eluded Ginger, the moderator on her desk chimed. “You have a visitor, Physexian,” the digital voice announced. She smiled hearing that title. Like a physician, a physexian earned the same degree of respect. She thought she had more time between patients. The sex drives these solar-days were enough to keep her busy twenty-four-seven. “Send whoever it is away. I’m on a break.” “You wish me to tell King Chance to come back another day?” Ginger’s sigh sounded. “Of course not. Why didn’t you tell me it was him? Send him in right away.” She moved out of her seat and rounded her desk to greet her visitor. The door panel slid open and the handsome king smiled at her. Chance looked disheveled, likely from long space travel. His blond hair was tousled, and his clothing appeared wrinkled. He was still pleasing on the eyes. Almost as tall as the door panel frame, he ducked a few inches and came inside. She hurried to him and gave him a hug. Chance’s arms surrounded her in a bear-like hug, and he laughed when she grunted from the force. “What are you doing here?” “What, don’t have a solar-second to spare me?” Chance teased her, then kissed her cheek. “Of course I do. Have you been by to see Dad?” “Not yet. Actually, I’m only here for a half a hour before I have to head back to Kiumbria. Valeen’s planning something special for my return. I can’t wait to get home.” Ginger smiled at her father’s longtime friend, the King of Kiumbria. “Oh, that’s right, you’ve been away for a few weeks. Miss your wife, huh? How did it go?” She’d heard that he’d gone to investigate a matter concerning Save Our Planetary Systems. Chance nodded. “SOPS reported a few losses, bastiche planetary pirates tried another heist, but our guards foiled the attempt. Nothing that I should have been alerted about. It’s always the same thieves these days. The Martian mafia is persistent. So, how are you? I wanted to come by personally and congratulate you on your success. This planet needs a good physexian.” He chuckled at his joke. Ginger’s brows furrowed slightly at the thought of someone trying to steal from SOPS. Turning her attention back to Chance, she laughed at his attempt at humor. “That’s true, it certainly does. I’m doing well, and have a client list a solar-mile long. It’ll be good to keep busy, because I worry about my dad. He’s been acting strange again. I think he might be up to his old tricks.” “Do you mean that he’s in league with the Martian mafia again?” “I don’t know, maybe. I found him whispering in his office, and he hasn’t gone outside for several weeks. Well, it’ll do him good when you stop by for a visit.”

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“I hadn’t planned to go that far on Celtaxy, Ginger. I was just transferred to the closest point nearest to Kiumbria. SOPS’s reach only goes as far as Celtaxy.” His frown attested that he didn’t like that at all. “You actually let them phase you here? I’m shocked. You never like to be phased.” Ginger laughed at the funny face he made. “Well, it either was that or wait another week to see my wife, which wouldn’t do.” “Sounds to me like you have a wonderful, healthy relationship.” “Is that the physexian talking?” Chance laughed. “Yes, we do. But you know, now that you’re all legal and all...” When he trailed off, Ginger became curious. “Have you a question for the physexian?” “I thought you might offer me advice about my brother. He’s been such a... Well, he has sex with many females, more than a few at once. I don’t know how he does it. I think he’s ruined himself for any kind of normal relationship.” “Does he let his sex life overrun his life? If that’s the case, then—” “What do you mean?” Chance took a seat by her desk. He leaned his elbows on his knees, and seemed fairly interested. “Does his sex life interfere with his work, with his commitments, family obligations?” “No, not really. At least, I don’t think so. He has a successful business, which he works really hard at. He’s always completed his commitments. As to family, we’re all on Kiumbria, while he’s on a desolate planet, but he frequents planets close by. We don’t get to see him much.” “Sounds to me like he’s just out having fun. If it gets to the point where it’s taking over his life, letting it come between his commitments and family life, then you have something to worry about.” Chance expelled a breath of relief. “Well, that’s good to hear. I won’t worry about him then. Guess I just miss him. I should get going. My transport leaves in a half an hour. Tell your father to communicate with me once in a while, will you?” “I sure will. Dad will be sorry he missed you. Thanks for stopping by, Chance. Tell Valeen I said hello and give Vance a kiss for me.” Ginger adored Chance’s wife, Valeen, and their son, Vance. Chance laughed. “If I do that he’ll... The youngling’s been brainwashed by that damned moderator of Valeen’s. He’ll probably become a patient of yours before he’s an adult.” Ginger smiled and walked Chance to the door. “PAM’s been at it again? If I could help computers, I’d suggest you send her to me. Perhaps it would do well to reprogram her.” Chance grimaced. “Valeen won’t let me. You know how fond she is of her computer. Take care of yourself and come for a visit sometime. You’re not that far away, you know, only a half a solar-day’s transport.” “Okay, I will.” Ginger waved to him as he left her office. Returning to her desk, she leaned back, studying the notes she’d made for Stephen. Her communicator chimed again. The digital voice of her moderator came through the audio system. “Physexian, your father is calling.” “Patch him through.” A click sounded, then her father’s gruff voice. “Honey Graham. I, ah, are you there?” Her father’s voice cracked. The hint of panic raised each word. Odd, her father always spoke softly, and he wasn’t usually alarmed by

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anything. Especially given his line of work. “Yes, I’m here, Dad. What’s wrong? You sound upset.” “I need you to come home right away.” “Why?” “Just leave, right now. You must hurry, come straight home.” “All right, I will. You have me worried. Has something happened to Sal? Are you okay?” “Your brother is fine, and I’m fine. Everything is...fine. I just want to see my Honey Graham, that’s all. I do have news, but I’ll tell you when you arrive. Now be a good daughter and hurry home.” “I’m leaving now.” She disconnected the communicator. Ginger grabbed her purse, her files, and her briefcase. She went to the door panel and called out to her moderator. “Shut the clinic down for the night. Reschedule the rest of my appointments, I’m going home.” “Will do, Physexian. Have a good night.” She walked to the parking area of the clinic where her office was located and pressed the ID tab on the door panel of her transport, waiting for it to open. After throwing her belongings inside, she slid onto the seat. What in the galaxy was wrong with her father? Well, he had news, and she’d find out when she got there. Hopefully, it was good news. What with dealing with Stephen, her day wasn’t going so well.

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Chapter Two Shock, that’s what it was—complete and utter shock. Ginger slumped back in the chair that sat in front of her father’s oversized, cluttered, desk. Looking at him in disbelief, she let the news sink in like that of a striking meteor. It crushed her heart—the news wasn’t good, far from it. She’d have to leave everything she knew and loved: her father, her pet, Snap, her best friend, Dynah, her job, and her beloved planet. Uranus-insanus. What in all the universe had he said? She would be killed? Someone wanted to kill her. “Now listen, Honey Graham, I’m sorry to do this to you, but you must be protected. I know you must be angry, but...” Her father’s nickname, Honey Graham, didn’t lend its usual pacification for what he’d done wrong. Angry? Anger pretty much described what she was feeling at that second, and made her eyes burn with fury. But when her father’s face became downcast, Ginger did what every daughter would do. All right, so maybe not all, but most. She moved around the desk and hugged her father, consoling him for his obvious self-punishment. She breathed deeply, taking a whiff of his musky cologne and smelled the scent from his cigar that lingered on his clothing. Why did she love this old mobster? When she pulled away, she looked into his faded-blue eyes and saw the unhappiness in them. She brushed aside the strands of his mostly silver-streaked brown hair, and let her finger slide over his smooth-shaven cheek. “Dad, I love you. You do know that, don’t you? But you’re really upsetting me.” “Try to understand, hon. I’m not doing this to upset you. Your safety is the most important thing here. If I don’t send you away, they’ll get to you. Con will send his thugs, and I hear he has a new hire, a female, if you can believe that.” He shook his head in denial at that prospect. “You must watch your back, Ginger. Who knows what this female is capable of?” “I’m safe here on Celtaxy. You have so many guards, and we live in a flibbing bunker. Who could get inside here? There’s absolutely no reason to send me away. Besides, Salvatore will be home soon, won’t he?” Her father’s brows furrowed and he shook his head. “No, Sal is, ah...detained on a mission. He won’t be returning for sometime, Honey Gr—” “Don’t Honey Graham me, Dad. Where is he? Don’t tell me you have Sal involved in another one of your schemes? I should have known.” “Your brother is in the family business, hon. He’s earning links, and making a wellknown reputation for himself. Not to mention the connections he needs—” “I cannot believe you allowed him to join the Interplanetary Resistance Agency. He’s going to get himself killed.” Ginger pressed her thumbs over her eyes, rubbing the sudden burning sensation away and fighting the overwhelming urge to cry. Her father grinned, actually smiling broadly at that. “No, he’s far too clever to get himself killed, hon. I’m so proud of him. It’s not every day your son gets inducted into the IRA.”

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“That’s not something you should be proud of. The Interplanetary Enforcement Agency will learn of him and his actions, and he’ll be in danger. It’s bad enough you’re involved with the Martian mafia. My family is nothing but a...a bunch of thieves and criminals.” The message control board chimed on his desk, and her father leaned forward to press the retriever. At once, the MCB’s flashing stopped. Ginger placed her palm on the edge of the desk, leaning closer to listen. “Theodore Graham here.” “You know who this is, Teddy. Have you got the links ready for me?” The voice resonated through the room from the audio system speakers above them. With a quick glance at her, her father shook his head and pointed toward the door panel, insisting that she leave. Right, like she’d leave now. Not until she found out every sordid detail of what he’d done and why she had been placed on a hit list. Which was why he wanted her to go into hiding. Uranus-insanus. She repeated his gesture by shaking her head adamantly. He scoffed and answered the caller. “No, you know I don’t have access to that many links. It’s unreasonable, Con. Look, we both lost out on this deal. That sometimes happens. Chalk it up to a deal gone bad.” Uh-oh, her father resorted to ancient sayings, he must be bowled over. Good, he deserved it for putting her in this situation. “Then I’ll have to do it, Teddy. You give me no choice. Our original agreement was two million links, and I want my share. It doesn’t matter to me if you weren’t able to secure the fortune. Your men bungled the attempt, my men only assisted and still must be paid.” “Now, let’s not be hasty here. Can’t you give me more time?” Sinister laughter came through the audio speakers. Ginger knew Con was a maniacal bastiche with a hit list a solar-mile long. He was also known as the Coroner, because he killed just about any being that got in his way or that he’d been assigned to murder. Unlike her father, who was more businesslike and who certainly didn’t kill any beings, or so she believed. Ginger didn’t like the fact that her father was part of the Martian mafia, but after solaryears of living with the threat that the Intergalactic Enforcement Agents would be knocking on their bunker door panel, the knowledge scared her. Even though she knew most of the IEA’s agents, she lived life on the edge, not knowing if her father and brother would end up incarcerated or even worse, killed. She’d give anything to lead a normal life, an existence where she wasn’t always looking over her shoulder or worried about her father and brother. Although, she’d been a wild child and did like having the benefits that her father’s position granted: no waiting in line at various entertainment stations, no waiting for a table at her favorite culinary outlets, and absolute no crowds at the commodity bases where she shopped after closing hours. Now that she was older, she wanted to settle into a more mature life. All right, so she still liked to party and liked the luxury of space-age technology, but who didn’t? Adults always made some excuse to celebrate at the beverage stations, didn’t they? She was no different. Ginger heard Con’s voice rise, which brought her focus back to the conversation. “...two more weeks, Teddy Graham,” he mocked and snickered. “...or your little girl gets it. You know how to contact me.” With that the MCB went dead and the connection

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ended. “Will you at least explain to me why I’ve been put on his hit list?” Ginger moved around the desk and retook her seat. Looking downright disturbed, she hoped her father would be honest with her for once. “Our deal fell through. I promised him half the take, but we were unable to confiscate the transport with the SOPS donation to Omadroon.” Ginger jumped up and leaned forward in the most threatening manner she could garner. “I can’t believe you intended to steal the SOPS charitable donation to that poor planet. Dad, really, I’m disappointed in you.” Her father’s shoulders slumped, and he flinched with each hard word. “Don’t say that, hon. It was a lark, one that I had hoped would be my last.” “You swore years ago that you wouldn’t continue your profession. So Con wants his portion even though you were unable to steal it?” Her father slumped back again, his shoulders slouched, mimicking the emotions that played on his defeated face. “Yes, and somehow, I have to get two million links to him within two weeks or you’ll be killed. I can’t take that chance, hon. I must get you to safety, until I figure out a way to get out of this scrape.” Her father ran his fingers through his hair, unsettling his normal groomed look. “Scrape? Scrape! You’re dealing with this irrationally as usual. There is no way you can come up with two million links within two weeks. I’m a dead female.” She would be killed. “No, no, I won’t let that happen, hon. I’ll meet with Chance tomorrow. He’ll know what to do. Maybe he knows of a location that I can send you until this threat is over. Yes, yes, a safe haven.” His nod indicated that he thought his idea superior. “Are you kidding me? You plan to ask Chance, the dignitary for Save Our Planetary Systems and the leader of the Interplanetary League, to aid you, when you planned to steal its donations?” Ginger’s voice rose accusingly, with more than a hint of her disgust. “They don’t know what my intentions were. No one recognized the craft I used. Besides, Chance is just an advisor to SOPS, and he hasn’t informed the IL about my dealings. I don’t think he knows the extent of my involvement in the Martian mafia.” “Uranus-insanus. That’s because you promised him that you wouldn’t continue your involvement in those affairs years ago. You lied to him, and to me. This has to be the most unbelievable thing I’ve heard in solar-months. I’m dreaming all this, aren’t I?” Ginger gripped the arm rests in a hold so tightly, her nails dug into the fabric. After counting to twenty, because she’d never be able to release her anger by counting to ten, she felt herself regaining control over her emotions. She sighed in complete despair at her father’s actions. “Hon, I wish it wasn’t true. Now promise me that you will go wherever I send you. I need that promise or I won’t be able to concentrate on this tangle.” “If King Chance of Kiumbria gives you a destination, then I will go. My life’s force is at risk here. But know this, I am not happy at all about it. What about my job? I have patients that need guidance. I can’t just take off.” “You can do it by audio phone, Honey Graham, so that won’t be a problem.” “I can’t believe you planned to steal SOPS donations. I just can’t get over it.” “Would it help if I apologized? I am sorry for it now. It was a mistake, one which I

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regret. Especially because Con won’t be satisfied until I give him the links.” “Not to mention the fact that you got me put on his hit list. What do you plan to do?” Her father’s eyes grew serious and perhaps darker than she’d ever seen. For a second, Ginger became frightened. Not of him, but of what he and his followers would do. “Kill him before he gets to you.” Ginger swallowed the knot in her throat at the thought of him killing anyone. “No, don’t say that. I wish you wouldn’t kill anyone, not even that bastiche, Con. Please, you promised no more involvement in all this...and no more stealing. Why don’t we just pack our things and go somewhere? We can go to another resort planet and hide among the vacationers. You have more than enough links for that, don’t you?” Her father shook his head, but didn’t answer her. She couldn’t help raising her voice. “Tell me we have some links left?” Again, with the shaking of his head. Ginger’s anger increased beyond what she’d ever felt. “I can’t believe this. I seriously need a drink, one that will dull all this pain. I’ll be back later.” “Where are you off to?” “I need to get out of here.” Her father’s shout followed her as she walked to the door panel. “Don’t be out too late, hon. It’s not safe, and you really shouldn’t go out. I’ll worry about you.” With a frown fierce enough to make him cringe, she looked over her shoulder. “Not worried enough to stay out of trouble long enough to keep from getting me into this absurd situation.” Ginger sneered at the position her father had put her in while walking the hallway to her unit. The even-tempered confines of the bunker they lived in did little to cool her anger. She reached her unit and slammed the green button for entrance. The door panel slid open and she went inside. Snap, her adorable Bichon Frise pup, met her and barked in her sweet little voice. Ginger picked Snap up and kissed her soft white fur, then placed her back on the floor. Snap wagged her little tail back and forth, obviously happy to see her. She reached for a biscuit from the high shelf just inside the entrance. Snap turned in circles, knowing what was coming. Suddenly, the little dog did a tricky flip, landing on all fours. Ginger bent and rewarded her with her treat. “There’s my good girl, here you go.” She looked around her comfortable rooms, which were immaculate and had just been cleaned by the purification staff. Like time-continuum clockwork, they came each solar-day to handle all the domestic details of her life. But they never touched her clutter—it was right where she’d left it, scattered over her tables and nightstands in perfect order. Well, her kind of order. Okay, maybe disorder was more like it. She entered her wardrobe center and picked out the outfit that she’d wear to Divine’s Disco Den. Her favorite top was placed on the bed, then she bent and plucked the high-heeled sandals from the floor and put them nearby. Once she washed and dressed in her bra, she pressed the button on her MCB. “Come on, come on. Where are you Dynah?” The chime continued to sound and finally, her best friend, the one female that she chummed around with answered the communicator.

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“Dynah here.” “Hi, Dy, it’s me. What are you doing?” Snap barked, wanting to be placed upon the bed. Ginger reached down for her and placed her on the comforter. Snap immediately rounded a spot and curled up for a nap. “Hey, Ginger. Nothing, just waiting for Mach to get home. Something’s wrong, you don’t sound like your usual chipper self.” Ginger snorted at that. “No, I’m not all right, but I’ll tell you all about it later. Feel like going to Divine’s with me? I need an escape.” “Hold on a solar-sec,” Dynah said. Ginger could hear her talking to Mach, her life-partner, who must have just gotten home from work. His voice was muffled in the background so she couldn’t hear what he said. “Yeah, I’m talking to Ginger now. She wants to go out tonight. No, you don’t have to come. I know you’re tired.” A muffling noise came over the audio which sounded like kissing, then Dynah returned. “Sure, Ginger, I’d love to go to Divine’s with you. What time are you planning to head out?” “In about three seconds. I need to get out of here before I scream. My Dad has really done it this time.” “Uh-oh. Flibbing hell, you sound really upset. All right, I’ll get dressed and meet you there.” “See you in a few minutes.” Ginger pressed the button on the MCB and went to finish dressing. After pulling on her silver tucks, the pants that were this season’s rage, she slipped the slinky-shimmery red top over her shoulders and let it fall until it was properly placed. She jammed her foot into her matching silver sandal and fell backward on her bottom, landing on the bed. After clasping the jeweled connector of the strap, she reached for the other sandal. Now to fix her hair. Her vanity was cluttered with all sorts of hair-clips and doohickeys that she used to secure her blonde locks. Looking at her reflection in the mirror, she thought perhaps it had lightened some because of her recent vacation lying beside the moisture environ and from the hot rays of the supernova. How she longed for the simpler life of lying by the water, sunning. Now life wasn’t simple at all—far from it. Once the clip was fastened in her hair, she grabbed her purse and threw a tube of lipenhancement and a few other female necessities inside. Now, where were her keycards? Searching around the clutter of her nightstand, several items fell off, but she found them beside the electro-illuminator. She placed a couple of pats on Snap’s back before leaving. The dog opened her eyes for a second before closing them again. Ginger couldn’t wait to get to Divine’s. Never had she felt such a feeling of dread. In a rush, she walked to the exit of the bunker, out to the garage where the transports were housed. Dusk filtered the supernova’s rays, and soon the moon would rise. Nighttime had been her favorite time of the solar-day since she’d become an adult and found out about the nightlife. From the age of nineteen years, she’d been looking for Mr. Perfect. And for sixteen years, he’d eluded her. She entered her Lexus Orbit Cab and inserted the keycard. In no time, her LOC took off, shooting into the air, and she steered it toward the thoroughfare. Flipping open the

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compartment where she kept her musical audio discs, she pulled out a MAD and slid it into the player. Tunes came through the audio system at the loud volume that she enjoyed. Ahhh, the sweet sound of Tim McGraw’s, Live Like You Were Dying played. The word dying gained an appalled look toward the audio speaker, and she pressed the FWD button. The MAD shuffled to the next song, Kill Myself. Ginger frowned at the speaker. Hadn’t he sung about anything other than...killing or dying? It seemed that two-millennium ago wasn’t much different from today. Beings died and were killed even then. With another press and another shuffle...the song, Open Season on My Heart played. Okay, that was much better. Or maybe not, especially because Mr. Perfect wasn’t about to show himself anytime soon. The ancient country music relaxed Ginger, and she felt the tension ease from her shoulders. Normally, she would listen to a disco MAD, one that had various tunes programmed on it from the twentieth century on Earth. Oh, how those Earthlings loved their music. Fortunately, most of the technology had been taken with the beings when they evacuated the planet a little over two thousand solar-years ago, when Earth had succumbed to its Armageddon. As she drove along, she could see the constant light from Planet Kiumbria appearing like a tiny jewel in the sky. If things went according to her father’s plan, that’s where she would be residing, probably in less than a solar-day. A blaring sound drew her look to the traffic of other transports flying in the other direction. Near Divine’s, she slowed and steered out of the path of an oncoming transport. “Watch where the heck you’re going.” Her mumbled words couldn’t be heard from inside her LOC. The drivers these solar-days drove atrociously. Lucky, she’d been paying attention, or she might have been creamed by the delivery-transport. Gibing at that, she supposed it would have been one more heinous thing to add to her hellish day. What could be worse than being placed on a hit list? Okay, so maybe getting killed by a delivery-transport was right up there with that one. Divine’s neon sign flashed and could be seen solar-miles away. She reached it in a matter of seconds because of the LOC’s superior hyper speed and pulled into the transport parking center. Beings walked toward the entrance, some of them stood in the long line, along the outside wall. Ginger walked up to the bouncer and smiled at the bulky male that guarded Divine’s entrance. “Hey, Stak. Is Dynah here yet?” “Nah, she hasn’t come, but everyone else is here. I didn’t expect to see you tonight. You don’t usually come during the week.” Stak moved aside and undid the velvet rope, letting her through. Ginger usually didn’t come during the week because of her work schedule, but she needed to relax. What better way to let off some steam than at Divine’s? “Thanks, Stak. I hadn’t expected to come either. When Dynah gets here, tell her I’m waiting inside, will you?” “Sure, no problem.” Ginger meandered her way though the crowds of people inside. She headed straight for the serving unit. Right—first thing’s first. She needed a good stiff drink to take the edge off. She waited by the serving unit and moved out of the male’s way who turned with two drinks in his hand. She tapped the panels on the order directory and pressed the unit for two

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Solar Slamms. Now all she had to do was wait for the universal circuit card to process her payment, and then it was onto instant gratification. The UCC came out of the processor, and she shoved the card inside her purse. With the two drinks in hand, she moved forward and saw that there were no tables available nearby. A serving male stepped in front of her and motioned with his hand. “Hi, Ginger, everyone’s on the other side tonight. I have a table for you.” “Thanks, Dell. Anything going on tonight? It’s pretty crowded.” Ginger followed him through the dance floor, then around a bunch of occupational males, obviously out for social hour. He led her to a table that was set in a formation, which surrounded the huge dance floor. She placed her drinks on the table and moved onto the stool. “Nah, nothing much. Pretty busy tonight, though. Glad to see you. Is Dynah coming?” “Yeah, she’ll be here shortly. Will you show her where I am? She won’t be able to find me in this crowd.” “You got it, kid.” Dell moved the table closer to her friends. His serving tray placed by his thigh, he walked back through the crowd. She grinned at the goofy-looking outfits Divine made her staff wear. The tight fitting pants widened at the legs, and the design-covered shirts clashed so badly, it looked like they’d dressed in the darkness of space. “Hi, Ginger,” Lanie and Rietta said at the same time. Dressed in their typical old-custom cowgirl outfits, her friends usually met here several nights during the week. She should have known they’d be there at their usual table, drinking their usual drink—beer. No matter how outdated that drink was, her friends insisted on drinking it. “Hi, girls.” Ginger sat leisurely drinking her Solar Slamm, savoring each burning trail of the mind-numbing liquor. She looked around, and it did seem overly crowded this night with many beings who were not usual frequenters of Divine’s. After finishing off the first drink, she waited a few more seconds until the effects began to wear on her. She hoped the liquor was already working and continued to sip the second container slower. Divine’s ambiance clashed with its shiny disco ball overhead, reflecting all the lazar lights off its small mirrors—and the oddity of the mechanical bull that the males liked to ride. It seemed so out of place, but then again it fit in perfectly. The owner, a good friend, had joked and said that she’d hunted for the relics and loved putting the odd objects in her club. Not only that, but Divine liked a mix of music and set aside certain days and hours for specific genres. One sound she didn’t play in her entertainment station was the new space-aged melodies of rocket-music, nor the tunes they were derived from—rock-and-roll. Ginger glanced across the dance floor at the tables on the opposite side. Smoke inside made a hazy atmosphere, but she blinked and tried to focus on the handsome male directly across from her. Honestly, handsome wasn’t quite the word she’d use for him. Maybe beautiful. Yeah, that more fit his description—a pretty boy. It didn’t seem that the four gorgeous looking females that sat with him kept his attention, because suddenly, he looked directly at her and kept his gaze fixated. Sweet Venus, what a looker. Too young for you. What is he, twenty-one, give or take a solaryear? Oh, look away, Ginger. Of course, she couldn’t, or rather wouldn’t. Too late, he’d caught her looking. He certainly was a pyretic. He stood, leaned forward and spoke to the females at his table. She could tell he was tall. His body was muscular, but not overly bulky or stocky.

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He moved gracefully toward her, but what drew her was his face. Oh, yeah, a beautiful being. His hair looked ruffled and sexy, probably from his companions running their hands through it—the lucky females. Why couldn’t she have met someone like him fifteen solaryears ago? She couldn’t tell what color his eyes were, but since she turned her head, she wouldn’t know that now. With a daring look back, she saw him nearing. “Uranus-insanus, he’s coming this way.” Mr. Perfect walked toward her with a gorgeous smile on his handsome face. Rietta released the straw from her mouth. “Who?” Ginger ignored her and hurried to take a quick gulp of her drink, hoping it would alleviate her wish to disappear like a shooting star. Was he still coming her way? When she chanced another look, he’d just reached her table. He smiled a dreamboat smile. “Your phaser-ray must be set on stunning, because I noticed you all the way across the dance floor, darlin’. Thought I’d come over and say hello. The name’s Jack.” He leaned casually against the stool across from her, giving her a pyretic smile that could send her flaming through the orbit. Did he have to have such a moony voice, too? His voice had a slow drawl to it that sent shivers up her spine. He definitely had an accent that she couldn’t place. Maybe he usually spoke in an alien tongue. She’d never heard a male speak so huskily before. Utter perfection in a male specimen met her eye. Speaking of eyes, she raised hers and looked into the clearestlightest green eyes she’d ever seen. His somewhat crooked nose gave him an attractive quality. It should be illegal to have lips that could make a female faint dead-away. For a brief second, Ginger imagined what those lips would feel like against hers, moving over hers, demanding, teasing and nibbling. Illegal didn’t justify looking so darn sexy. The male should be imprisoned somewhere for making a female want him so badly. Quickly swallowing the gulp she’d taken of her drink, Ginger smiled and tried to garner one solar-ounce of sanity. She definitely didn’t want to make a fool of herself in front of this pyretic. “Hi, Jack. It’s nice to meet you. I’m Ginger, Ginger Graham.” Why did her name always sound like an ancient cookie, as if she was named after a gram cracker? She felt ridiculous saying it, but he must not have noticed. “Why don’t you come over and join us? Or if you want, I’ll join you here.” He had a face any female would love to run her hands over, a smooth flawless face—a young face. His jaw tightened when she didn’t respond. Uranus-insanus, she had to get a hold of herself, but the hottie was beyond any male she’d ever seen. Should she join him? Should she let him join her? Oh, wait, Dynah would be meeting her soon. She couldn’t just join him without Dynah’s agreement. Nor could she just leave Lanie and Rietta. That would be rude. “I’d love to, but I have company coming and my friends here. Sorry.” What was she thinking? He was way too young for her, and she shouldn’t even think of encouraging him. “All right, stunner, but promise you’ll dance with me later. If you don’t, you’ll break my heart.” He placed his hand on his chest, and his eyes crinkled with a smile that seemed to make her life’s force pulse in a quicker rhythm. And he dances too? Oh, sweet Venus, Mr. Perfect was...well, perfect. After such a rotten day, this was certainly a reward—definitely a reward for having patience with her

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father. “Sure, I’d love to dance with you.” “Hi, Ginger. Hey, who’s this?” Dynah approached the table. Jack didn’t say anything, only continued to smile at her. Be still her frantically beating heart. Ginger rose to greet her friend and made the introductions. “This is Jack, Dynah. He just asked me to dance.” “Hi, Jack. So, are you going to?” Ginger didn’t hear her. She stood starry-eyed, looking at the handsome male. Her eyes couldn’t help roaming over the tightness of his grey silk shirt, or down at his waist, where his black pants snuggly encased his splendid hips. Thankfully, her sexually disturbed brain didn’t look—you know where. What was wrong with her? She was a trained physexian and knew how to deal with males, knew how to control her sexual urges. Even though this male had the qualities of most of her patients, she decided she wouldn’t judge him. She’d been able to look back at his face and realized that he had been looking at her as well. “Well?” Dynah asked. “Later.” Ginger noticed the expression on Dynah’s face. Her almost black eyes twinkled. For once, Dynah didn’t tease her, but she did look amused. Dynah threw her bag on the table, looking at them. “Jack, it was really nice meeting you.” “Nice meeting you, too.” Jack leaned closer and took her hand. She felt his warm hand squeezing hers, then tingling her with a light caress from his thumb. Numbing Neptune, she held onto his hand and smiled. “Ginger, I’ll see you...later.” He gave her a sexy wink. His words sent a spark of excitement through her, or maybe it was the way he’d said them. With that, he released her hand and moved back toward his table. Ginger was frozen in place, watching his hips move, the firmness of his butt and long legs taking him away with each step. He had a body of a young strapping male—his body looked shaped with curves of muscles in all the right places. Trapped in an orb of delight, she didn’t want to take her eyes off him. Not for one solar-second. “Mars to Ginger. Hello, you hoo. Yo, Ginger, girl, get a hold of yourself.” Dynah waved a hand in front of her face trying to get her attention. Ginger’s hand moved to tuck the strands of her hair behind her ear, before she turned her face back to her friend. “What?” Dynah laughed so hard, her eyes watered. “You sure do attract them. I’ll say that about you, Ginger. Did you order me a drink? I need one, the younglings drove me crazy all day. I needed a transport to the loony planet. I’m glad you asked me to meet you.” “Ah, no, I didn’t order you a drink. Sorry, but I wasn’t sure when you would get here or what you would want. Here, have mine.” She pushed her drink closer to her. “Did you see...him?” Dynah picked up Ginger’s drink and immediately set to taste it. “Oh, yeah, I saw, hon. I saw a whole lot. Talk about magnetism, you two looked like you were about to collide like two galaxies. Control yourself and try to remember that you’re a trained physexian.” Ginger laughed heartily. “I can’t help it, just look at him.” Dynah turned to peer across the dance floor. “Yeah, that male is sure a looker. Shame

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he’s too young, and that I’m a married female. What the hell are you drinking?” She choked on a sip of the liquid. “A Slamm.” Ginger smiled. “You trying to get smashed? They’re still making this stuff? This will put hair on your chest, hon. I want a Shooting Star, so order me one, will you? I need to use the hydro chamber, be right back.” Ginger nodded, motioning for the server, but he appeared busy. After a few minutes, Dynah returned and sat next to her. “So, why are you drinking the hard stuff?” “I needed something strong to numb my brain.” Dynah laughed. “So I see. Must have been one heck of a letdown. What happened?” Ginger again motioned a server to their table and ordered more drinks, another Solar Slamm for her and a Shooting Star for Dynah. She then told her everything that happened that day. How her father had gotten her placed on one of the universe’s most notorious gangster’s hit list, her new patient’s dilemma and how her brother had disappeared. Basically, how her orbit dropped from under her. “Oh, Ginger, that’s really unbelievable...a hit list. That Con the Coroner is always on the news. There was a story on the other day that he’d killed someone on plant Dresniak. So, what are you going to do?” “Numbing Neptune, I’ll have to go to Kiumbria. My father’s arranging it, and I don’t know how long I’ll be gone. I wanted to say goodbye and to tell you that I’ll try to stay in touch.” The serving male returned with their drinks and set them on the table, then moved off. “All right, hon, but I’ll worry about you. Communicate with me as soon as you get to wherever it is that you end up.” “I will. I promise. I’m actually kind of scared. I mean being on a hit list and all.” “You better make sure you have a phaser-ray with you at all times, hon. Best arm yourself to the hilt and be prepared for anything.” “Yeah, I will. I’m going to obtain another phaser tomorrow.” Ginger finished off the second drink and began to feel the wonderful numbing sensations that only good hard liquor could bring. She sat the rest of the night listening to Dynah’s funny bits about her marriage to Mach, about her children, and her crazy schedule. Sometimes, Ginger envied her friend’s life—a normal existence that didn’t involve crime or punishment. In addition, she was married to a really nice guy, who was gorgeous and lived to make her happy. But Dynah felt the same way about Ginger’s profession, saying that she’d love to analyze all those sexually disturbed males. Every once in a while, Ginger found herself looking over at Mr. Perfect, sitting with his companions, the four beautiful auburn-haired females. She wondered which one was his girlfriend. Surely a pyretic male such as him wasn’t available, but then again, he had asked her to dance. Maybe they were his sisters. She wouldn’t dare intrude on his company, but hoped he’d come to claim his dance. There was something so appealing about him. Even from the distance, Ginger was drawn to his magnetism. Dynah’s words cut through the haze of her mind, and she tried her best to pay attention.

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Mr. Perfect’s four companions seemed at ease with him. Was he another Casanova like Stephen? Just her luck, she thought, as she watched one of the females run her hand along his face. Definitely not a sisterly gesture. Why did that bother her? It wasn’t as if she knew him. Forget him, don’t even look over there. Listen to Dynah, concentrate. What was she saying? Still, Ginger couldn’t avert her eyes from him and wished she could listen to his dreamy voice all night. Why didn’t he come over? Would he ever come over? “It’s Ginger’s turn,” Lanie said suddenly. “It’s my turn for what?” Ginger was forced to return her attention back to their conversation. “You have to ride the bull tonight.” Rietta giggled and shoved her arm. “We all did it last night and you said you’d be first next time. Come on, it’s empty.” But Ginger didn’t want to ride the bull, she wanted to continue to watch Mr. Perfect. Why had she opened her big mouth last night? Now she’d make an utter fool of herself in front of him. Dynah pulled her toward the mechanical bull. She stopped when she reached the side. “Need help getting on?” Dynah grinned like a simpleton. Ginger shook her head, then threw her leg over the side and mounted the leather saddle, holding onto the pommel. In a few seconds, she’d be thrown to the mats that had been placed for the occupant’s safety and probably kill herself. Then she’d be shamed for all solartime. Then again, she wouldn’t have to worry about the threat of her being killed by Con the Coroner. “Ready?” Dynah reached to press the button, and at her nod, she did. Ginger’s body began gyrating in rhythm with the machine. Amazingly, she hadn’t been thrown to the floor. She continued to hold on, seeing the whirling figures around her as the machine twisted and turned. Lights streaked around her, and made it difficult to see much of anything. She moved faster and faster, bucking wildly now. Holding her breath, she gripped the pommel as her butt slammed against the saddle again and again. The machine began slowing and then stopped. She’d survived. Tendrils of her hair fell forward, blocking her view of Mr. Perfect. For a brief second, she wondered if he’d watched, but she didn’t have time to ponder it when her friends moved in to congratulate her. Ginger waited for the dizziness to subside before she moved off the machine. Dynah placed her arm around her shoulder and walked her back to the table. She didn’t get a chance to see if Mr. Perfect had watched, and she couldn’t get a clear view of him, because one of his companions blocked him.

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Chapter Three Laughter moved around Divine’s, carrying the celebration of Ginger’s victory to the other side of the dance floor. Jack kept his eyes trained on the beauty who’d just jolted the hell out of him. He’d never met a female who could ride a bull, even if it was a mechanical one. She impressed him, and he never would have believed she had such a talent. As feminine as she appeared, she didn’t seem the type to be so physical. The noise grew louder when the bull stopped, and her friends moved in, shouting loudly enough for him to hear. Jack barely listened to them, or to the minions who sat with him. The minions didn’t seem to mind, and kept the conversation going among themselves. He’d met them through his sister-in-law, Valeen. Valeen had been princess of Vestalumbria, and married his brother, Chance, six solar-years ago. Jack had just turned eighteen years then. Had it been that long—six years? When Chance became king, he renamed her planet, termed for the Vestal virgins, to a manlier name—Kiumbria. The minions had been Valeen’s guard, and still sometimes took on the duty when they were needed, which wasn’t often. With solartime on their hands, he received invites from time to time. He liked hanging out with the females and often met them at various entertainment stations or clubs, when they visited nearby planets. Although he enjoyed their sexual encounters, they were more like old friends. When he received the call from Velda, saying that she, Vanna, Vicki and Venus would be at Divine’s, he had agreed to meet them. His ranch hands were supposed to come with him, but with the expected delivery of ten cows, they needed to stay at his ranch. Now he was really glad he’d accepted the minion’s invitation to join them. Not only because he enjoyed their company, but because he’d just met the most beautiful female he’d ever seen. He kept his eyes focused on the beauty across the dance floor, through the beings bodies that moved to the wild disco beat. There was something about her that kept drawing his eyes. Ginger looked young, but he could tell by her actions that she was an older female. Ordinarily, he wasn’t one to approach an older female, but she seemed different. He wondered what had overcome him. Females were pretty much all the same: beautiful, witty, and great entertainment during the solar-night. He appreciated the gentility they gave to society, but he hadn’t met a female that affected him. Until now. Velda placed her hand on his arm. “Jackie, did you hear me?” Jack waited for the perfect opportunity to claim the dance he’d gotten Ginger to accept. Ginger. Her name was a repeated whisper in his mind, as if calling him, willing him to intercept her. The night was coming to a close and he needed to make a move soon. But the minions kept watch over him and distracted him most of the night. It was now or never. “Jack?” Vanna leaned close to him. “What?” He quickly turned his head back to the minions. “What’s wrong with you tonight, Jack?” Velda placed her hand over his cheek and ran it down the length of his chin. “You seem distracted.” It was an indication that Jack would have a drucking fine time this solar-night— definitely an entertaining one. Not that he hadn’t any other time, not with the minions’ sexual

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appetites. He had a great time with them and enjoyed their little engagements. Hell, they had taught him a few things about sex, even with his vast experience. They were certainly a bunch of wild females that liked to play interesting games. Games that he too liked to participate in. “Nothing’s wrong.” He kept his eyes peeled for an opportunity. “We want to leave. Are you ready? We’ve got an exciting night planned for you, Jackie boy. Oh, a really orgasmic night, if you know what I mean. I’m glad the other males couldn’t make it.” Vanna smiled. “Hold your horses, ladies. I just have to do one more thing before we leave.” Jack rose and walked toward Ginger in an easy stride. He didn’t notice the pouts the minions gave him. When he reached the table, he heard Ginger’s laughter along with her friend’s. Looking up at him, her bright blue eyes shined with laughter. Her face glowed from a strobe of light that passed over her. “Hey, stunner, how about that dance now?” Ginger’s eyes widened. He placed his most seductive smile on his face and hoped it would win her over to accepting his offer. Normally, a female couldn’t resist his smile. Why should she be any different? But she was different—she was unlike any female he’d encountered so far. His easy way with females would only assist him, wouldn’t it? Hell, he hoped so. She hesitated and didn’t seem to know what to say. “Go ahead, Ginger. I’ll just order another drink for us, before we call it a night.” Thanks to her friend’s insistence, what’s her name, Ginger rose and took his outstretched hand. She seemed to wobble on her feet, but Jack reached out and placed his hand on her waist. Had the female become inebriated? If so, it would only help him in his quest to get to know her. He smiled widely and took her hand in his, leading her to the dance floor. Fortunately, the disco songs ended an hour before and only slow country songs played. Divine’s was one weird place. He moved to a secluded spot in the corner and turned her to face him. Placing his hands on her waist, he began swaying to the music. Ginger placed her hands on his shoulders and smiled at him. Dancing to an ancient country tune by Patsy Cline, the lyrics of Crazy played in a sultry aura around them. They didn’t say much, only looked into each other’s eyes. Before the song ended, Jack took the opportunity to get to know her. “Where are you from, honey?” He waited for her to answer, but she got her spurs all tangled up and frowned at him. “Did I say something wrong?” “Ah, no. It’s just that my father calls me honey and...I’m not too happy with him right now.” “Is that so? Well, I’m not your father, darlin’.” “I’m sorry, you’re right. I’m local, a Celtaxy native being. Where are you from, Jack?” Jack grinned, pulling her a bit closer. Soon she’d be settled against him—right where he wanted her. A spark of excitement ran through him. “I live on Planet Appaloosa, but I’m originally from Kion.” “Wasn’t Kion destroyed a few solar-years ago?” “Yeah, it was.” His voice saddened whenever he spoke of Kion. “A meshing of the galaxies. After that, I lived on Gaspar and Kiumbria for a while, before I moved to Appaloosa.” “You’ve been around, huh. I’ve never heard of Appaloosa. What’s it like there?” Jack’s smile couldn’t have grown any wider. He loved his planet and loved talking

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about it. “It’s in this galaxy, but near the outer planets—not too far from the sun. I’m closer to the Milky Way than here though. My planet has mostly farmland, except for several oceans. There’s lots of livestock and wild animals. Appaloosa is serene and peaceful.” “So, what are you doing here on Celtaxy? Business? What do you do?” He felt Ginger pressing her fingers into his hard shoulders. His muscles rippled beneath his shirt at her touch. She stepped a few more inches closer to him. Why did her scent drive him crazy? She smelled of wildflowers and sunshine, which reminded him of home. Jack ran his hand up her waist, just under her breast, letting it caress her in a way he hoped would be pleasurable for her. His other hand remained still, but itched badly to move to her sweet butt. Oh, he definitely wanted to feel all her curves. Pulling her another inch closer, she was almost right where he wanted her—against his hardness. For a moment, he reveled in the idea of her against him. “I’m a cowboy.” “A what?” “Cowboy, you know—range-riding, bronco-busting, rope-wielding...cowboy.” A smile tugged the edges of her sexy mouth, at the slow drawl of his words. “Oh my, a real live cowboy. You don’t look like a cowboy. I thought that career went out when Earth was destroyed. You mean cowboys still exist?” “We exist all right. You’re looking at an honest-to-God cowboy, ma’am.” Jack twirled her around and grinned. “When I’m off my planet, I usually dress more modern. I’m here visiting friends, and then I’m off to see my brother.” “Does your brother live on Celtaxy? Perhaps I know him?” “No, he lives on a planet close by.” “Oh.” Her eyes stayed on his as if she studied his veracity. The sound of the sweet tune playing around them set the mood—the perfect atmosphere for kissing. Finally, Jack had enough of the ‘getting to know her,’ and with a practiced move, he had her placed against him. His entire body stiffened at the softness of her pressed so intimately against him. Movements from their dancing helped to increase the heat between them. Their bodies touched in various places, perhaps tauntingly. Was she teasing him? With a sedated look, he moved his face closer to hers. He was so close, he could see the chips of deep-blue inside the light-blue rim of her eyes. Damn, she was more than beautiful. The sexy red top she wore hugged all the curves of her breasts and waist. He wanted to run his hands over the material covering those curves. She’s not like the others, behave yourself, guy, Jack reminded himself. He had to be a gentleman even if he didn’t want to. It certainly wasn’t sex he was after, because he could have that anytime, and had four beautiful fillies even now waiting for him. What was it about her? Maybe the mature look she had in her eyes, the knowledge that she would have in bed, or was it because he wanted a lasting relationship with an intelligent female? He didn’t know why, but Ginger appealed to him in more ways than just the prospect of a sexual partner or a one-night’s-rise. She continued to look into his eyes and didn’t move away when he brushed his lips over hers. Should he do it? He wasn’t certain if he should be so forward, and the uncertainty confused him. Ordinarily, he’d just do what he wanted. Jack wanted to taste her, so badly, in fact, that he’d give up a solar-year with his minions in order to do so. He slipped his tongue through her lips and moved his mouth into position—covering her mouth with a searing kiss.

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His intention to be a gentleman flitted away from him. The kiss became carnal, more sensual that he had wanted it to be. Or maybe he did. Hell, he wasn’t sure what was going on in his brain, because his arousal took control of his actions from the moment his lips touched hers. But Jack didn’t want to ruin his character, not in front of the only filly that had interested him in other ways than sex. He continued to kiss her even though he knew he should have pulled away. Her hands moved over his shoulders and tugged at the nape of his hair. He could feel by the insistence of her movements that she enjoyed the kiss as much as he did. What the heck, he wouldn’t back down now. Jack had stopped moving to the music and lifted her a few inches off the floor. Her body crushed against his, giving instant awareness of her breast pressing against his chest. A deep groan probed inside him and caused her to moan in return. “Jack. Oh, Jackie boy.” Jack pulled away from Ginger, letting her body slide against his as it lowered, but he didn’t move his eyes from hers. He ran his tongue over his lips, still able to taste the liquor she’d been drinking. Man, the female had great taste in liquor. Was that a hint of whisky he tasted? “I’m sorry, stunner.” He then turned to glare at whichever minion it was that interrupted him. “We’re ready to leave. Come on, Jack, you promised us a fun night, and we’re not having any fun. The girls are waiting. We want to have sex.” Venus pouted her lips. “Are...are all those women your...girlfriends?” Ginger looked insulted by the possibility. “The liquor from the Solar Slamms must have made me...” She shook her head. “You can’t have that many females fawning over you, do you? Numbing Neptune, you’re a candidate for an appointment with a physexian, aren’t you?” Jack turned back to her. “What? Oh, ah...no.” Damn, was he in a pickle or what? The old ancient saying made him chuckle inside. He didn’t know how to answer her. Before he could come up with a believable explanation for Venus’ remarks, Venus spoke. “Yeah, we are. Now release our male or you’ll be getting a phaser-ray shoved in your face.” “Venus.” Jack gave her an intense glare to let her know what he thought of her threat. “I’ll meet you back at the table. Let me just say goodbye to Ginger.” If Jack hadn’t known better, he might have thought the minions were jealous of Ginger. No, that couldn’t be—inconceivable. They had always shared him, and never made a remark about any of the females he happened to be seeing. Why had they become so hostile this night and toward sweet Ginger? Sometimes, he didn’t appreciate their juvenile practices. Like the one that just played out in front of him. Venus walked off, and he looked at Ginger’s face, which now seemed to show a hint of anger. “Look darlin’, those females are just friends of mine, and...” Ginger stepped backward, giving him the most curious look. “And you have sex with them. She just said that you...will. You actually have sex with all of them? At once?” Her voice rose to an incredulous tone. Jack cast an indignant look toward the minions. “Well...ah...” Damn, that pickle just got a whole lot bigger. Druking hell. She was fixin’ to get angry. “Yeah, but we’re really just

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friends.” “Sounds like more than friendship to me, Jack. It was nice meeting you. Goodbye.” Ginger turned to leave. “Uranus-insanus, a sex God. Could I be more unfortunate? And he was such a pyretic, too. Definitely, not Mr. Perfect.” Jack wouldn’t let her leave, not without a goodbye kiss. He stopped her before she could get too far from him and pulled her near the serving unit. When he placed her between his arms, holding onto the pole that ran along the outside of the serving unit, she glared at him. Her back pressed against the pole, and she looked at him as if he’d lost his mind. He moved his mouth closer to hers. “I want a goodbye kiss, Ginger.” He placed his lips on hers, lightly at first, but then sexual urges took over. Never, never did he want to stop kissing her. As if his life force depended on it, he kept his mouth fused to hers, teasing her tongue’s response. He concentrated on each stroke of his tongue and how it felt touching hers. She began yielding to his demand, which transmitted the signal to his erection. Now in its own state of mind, his testosterone levels rose beyond his ability to remain sane. He wanted her with such an intensity that he became disconcerted. Jack pulled back, smiling in his most charming manner. “It was nice meeting you, Ginger Graham. You really are a stunner.” Ginger laughed nervously and pushed his hands away from the pole, freeing herself from his entrapment. “Goodbye, Jack.” “We’ll meet again, darlin’. I promise you that.” “Uranus-insanus, I don’t wish to see you again. You’re a...a...womanizer. If I wanted such a male, I could have any number of them. I don’t want to have anything to do with you or them. What you need is a good physexian. Perhaps I could recommend one?” She smiled sweetly at him. “Oh? Then why did you kiss me?” He teased her and tried not to laugh when her look turned disgruntled. He chuckled, thinking her suggestion of his needing a physexian hilarious. “I didn’t kiss you. You...you kissed me. I have no intention of seeing you again, Jack. Your females are waiting for you. If I were you, I’d make an appointment with that physexian first thing in the morning, after your solar-night of sexual orgy.” Before Jack could come up with a quick return, she walked off. He watched her take her purse from the table, while speaking to her friend, what’s her name. Ginger’s sexy body, clad in the slinky red top raised his eyebrow. But what drew him were the shoes on her feet. Jack was always one to appreciate a female who wore sexy heels. What he wouldn’t give to remove them and slide his hand over her delicate ankles. Trapped in his observance, he kept his eyes on her until she went through the exit. “Jack, are you going to join us or not?” Vanna approached him. Sighing with contention, Jack nodded. But he would rather chase after Ginger and drive her wild with more kisses. That wasn’t to be this solar-night. He walked toward the minions, not really anticipating having sex with them as he normally would. No, for some reason, the female he’d just met bowled him over and made his heart feel unknown affection. He hadn’t felt that way about any female before. It suddenly struck him that he had fallen in love with Ginger at first sight. Ginger Graham was as sweet as her name, and he had to find out where she lived so he could meet her again.

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Jack decided to investigate Ginger first thing in the morning. Right now, the minions waited for him, and since Ginger stirred his sexual tension, he’d take whatever pleasure he could get. He wouldn’t disappoint Velda, Vanna, Vicki and Venus this solar-night.

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Chapter Four On Planet Kiumbria, in the office of the king, Ted Graham paced waiting for his answer. Chance didn’t know what to make of the request from his longtime friend. He’d known Ted since their days at the Observatory University on Mars. They had grown close even though it was Chance’s first year and Ted’s last. But then Ted had gotten mixed up with some bad beings and became part of the Martian mafia. Chance still maintained friendship with him, even though he hadn’t wanted to get mixed up in his business matters. Dumfounded, Chance tried to pay attention to everything he said, but he stopped listening when Ted said that his daughter had been placed on Con’s hit list. Druking hell, the poor female was doomed. If Con wanted to kill someone, they sure as hell would be killed— in due solar-time. Even if Con had to search every planet throughout several galaxies, he’d do so. “That’s all I ask, Chance. Can you help me?” Chance narrowed his eyes. “What? I, um, didn’t hear you.” Ted paced the front of his desk like a caged tiger that his wife, Valeen, had shown him on the Planet Carnalvous. The male appeared to be on the verge of crying, with a long face to show his distress. He had no idea how to console him. “Aren’t you listening, Chance? This is serious business. I can’t let anything happen to Ginger. Her mother would never forgive me, God rest her soul. Please, say you’ll hide her. You know every planet in every solar-system. If I don’t secure her a safe-haven, Con will kill her.” “Of course I’ll help you. I wouldn’t want anything to happen to Ginger, either. Valeen adores her, and that would make her very unhappy, me as well. Now, tell me, why has she been put on this hit list? Does she know about this mess?” Ted just about flinched at his questions, but he tried to cover it. Chance knew he was hiding something from him, but he needed to know the truth. He only hoped that it wouldn’t involve the Interplanetary League. If so, he would have to report Ted’s actions. His obligation was foremost to the IL, but his friend meant a great deal to him, too. He didn’t like the sound of where this was headed. “Yes, she knows about it. I told her last night.” Still, Ted continued to avoid the whys. Chance frowned at him. “Listen, this is really disarming. I mean, you come here asking for my help, saying that a bastiche like Con the Coroner wants to kill your daughter. Do you honestly think I’m going to let you leave without telling me why?” “Damn it, I, ah, got in a tangle and owe him some links, all right, a lot of links. If I don’t get the funds to him within the next two weeks, he’s going to kill Ginger.” “What sort of tangle are we talking about here? How many links? Does this involve the Martian mafia?” “No, absolutely not. It, ah, has to do with a business matter that went bad, uh...a bad investment.” “Right, and I’m the king of the universe. Ted, what do you take me for, a fool? All right, I won’t prick you about this, but if it becomes a matter for the IL, then I’ll have to side

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with the interplanetary law whether you’re my friend or not. How many links are we talking about here?” “Two million.” Chance whistled low. “Druk, that’s a lot of links.” “Listen, this doesn’t concern the IL. You won’t become involved in it. I swear. I’ll just have to...” Ted’s voice trailed off as if he didn’t want to admit what he was about to say. “Kill Con before he gets to Ginger,” Chance finished for him. Nodding, Ted moved closer to his desk. “I must, otherwise he will continue to hunt her like a wild animal. I just hope that he doesn’t send his cronies, too. So, do you know of a place where she can hide out until this mess is over with?” “Yeah, I know where she can hide.” Chance kept his other decision to himself. Once he had Ginger hidden, he’d put Ted under the IL’s protection. Then, he’d have the IL investigate this business-gone-bad matter. There had to be some unlawful activity involved for Con to want to kill Ted’s daughter, and Chance would find out just exactly what that was. ***** Ginger paced the long hallway outside of the king’s office, waiting for some sign from within that her father’s meeting went well. She arrived at the beautiful palace that morning with her father. Anxiety pitted her stomach most of the solar-day. The meeting’s agenda tightened that knot, and the fact that she’d drunk more than her usual sifters of Solar Slamms the previous night. Not only did her stomach flip occasionally, but her head pounded. It was probably due to all the stress she endured over the last twenty-four hours. She really should have gone into the restorative chamber this morning for health repair. Fortunately, she’d become good friends with the queen, who sat on a bench waiting with her. She stopped pacing when she reached Valeen’s side for the hundredth time. “Don’t worry, Chance will help you, Ginger.” Valeen moved the strands of her long black hair off her shoulder. Her light-lavender eyes held sincerity. “I know, but it’s the uncertainty of where I’ll go that has me worried.” “Well, there’s no sense in worrying about it until we know. Come and sit with me while we wait. Chance is probably handling the location now, and we’ll know in a few minutes.” No sooner had Ginger taken a seat on the bench next to her than the door panel opened to King Chance’s office. Both she and Valeen rose. Her father stood behind the door panel when it slid open, waving them inside. “Come inside, ladies.” Ginger followed Valeen into her husband’s office. She stood in front of the King of Kiumbria. Normally, that wouldn’t have bothered her, because he’d been such a good friend to her father and well-respected among all the political beings throughout the universe. But now, she had reservations about seeing him. Her life’s force was basically put in his hands. No wonder her heart thudded. “Ginger.” He came from around his desk. “You look as beautiful as ever. Has Valeen been talking your ears off?” Chance reached her and placed a kiss on her cheek. “Hah, I just saw you yesterday. And no, if anyone has been talking anyone’s ears off, it’s been me.” She glanced at her father to see his expression. No hint could be derived from his blank look.

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Chance smiled, then leaned casually against his desk. “Surely she’s delighted you with PAM’s most recent antic.” She smiled at that because Valeen’s personal attendant moderator was known to cause trouble, if such a thing was conceivable. Kiumbria had such interesting technological advances, and many moderators and inventions assisted the beings. Their moderators were the most advanced computers in the universe—almost human-like. “Ah, no, she hasn’t. What has PAM been up to? I adore hearing about her escapades.” Valeen snorted. “Well, she’s been giving Vance sex lessons again. Chance all but died when he overheard her explaining female anatomy to our son. Thank the stars we interrupted in time, before any real damage was done.” “Ah, beautiful, no we didn’t,” Chance said to his wife. “Her moderator got pretty far into describing... Well, let’s just say, I’ve had to undo the brainwashing he received from PAM.” Ginger smiled. “That’s good to know. So, has my Dad told you about our little problem?” “Chance, she’s dying to know,” Valeen said. “Sorry, Ginger, wrong choice of words.” “Oh, ah, have a seat then, and we’ll get to this matter.” Both she and Valeen moved forward and took the seats in front of his desk, while her father trod in slow steps next to the viewers, continuing to pace. The golden sunshine that streamed inside moved over the shoulders of his black business suit. Ginger wanted to hear it, and so she blurted out her question. “Where have you decided to send me?” She looked toward her father, who seemed to have a look of ease on his face. Wherever it was, must have settled his panic. But the king hesitated, which wasn’t a good sign. “Ginger, I’ve given this a lot of thought. You need to reside on a planet that Con is not familiar with. There’s not many left in this galaxy or even the MP3 galaxy that he’s not aware of. I think it’s best to go somewhere secluded.” “Are you thinking of...where I’m thinking?” Valeen’s voice trailed off when her husband nodded. “I just saw him this morning, beautiful. He’s on his way back to—” Ginger couldn’t help herself, she interrupted. “Just who and where are we talking about?” “Forgive us. Ah, I’m sending you to Appaloosa to stay with my brother.” Appaloosa? Now, where had she heard that planet’s name before? Her eyes narrowed as she remembered where. Oh, yes, Mr. Perfect mentioned that planet last night. Would she run into the womanizing pretty-boy again? Well, she didn’t have a choice but to go, did she? “Appaloosa sounds great, Chance. Have I met your brother before?” “No, I don’t think so. He moved away many solar-years ago and rarely visits these days. He came by last night, because he was meeting the min... Ah, he stopped by to say hello earlier, but he returned to his planet early this morning.” Valeen patted her hand. “I think that’s a marvelous idea. Hardly any beings go to Appaloosa. It would be the perfect place for her to hide.” Chance looked at his wife with a raised brow. Perhaps he wondered how she knew about Ginger having to go into hiding. Valeen must have caught her husbands questioning

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manner. “Ginger told me all about her little...problem.” “Oh? Ginger, are you all right with this...going to Appaloosa?” Chance asked. “Yes, I don’t really have a choice, do I?” She turned to her father. “Dad, will you be all right living alone in the bunker? I really shouldn’t leave you. This could become...dangerous.” Her father, who had remained quiet during their conversation, finally joined them. “Yes, honey, I’ll be fine. I’m staying here on Kiumbria for a few weeks, then—” “Dad, you won’t ki...um, do anything... You promised not to go after Con.” Ginger stumbled over her words, knowing she shouldn’t speak of her father’s activities in front of Chance, at least not with her father present. Her father patted her arm in a condescending manner, but didn’t acknowledge her statement. He gave a look to Chance, nodding to him. “Now about my brother,” Chance began. “Ah, he’s a harmless male that—” “Is this the same brother you asked me about yesterday?” “Well, yeah, but he isn’t as bad as I made him out to be.” “You suggested that he might need a physexian. How good can he be?” Valeen snorted at that. “He’s a womanizer and has been called the Casanova of the universe by some. Watch yourself around him, Ginger. He’s a heartbreaker all right. Every female that comes within solar-feet of him falls under some kind of spell. He’s mature beyond his years and really knows how to make a female happy. At least, that’s what my guards tell me. Fortunately, I met Chance before I met him, so I wasn’t affected by his magnetism.” Chance laughed robustly. “That’s a good thing too, beautiful, ‘cause I would have killed him if he had any interest in you.” He joked, giving his wife a wink and smiled. For some reason, that smile looked familiar to Ginger. “Great, another womanizer. There seems to be many of them around these days. Well, that doesn’t matter to me—in my profession I deal with them all the time. I assure you, he’s nothing I can’t handle. I won’t be affected by him, not in the least.” Valeen’s giggle and shining eyes gained her interest, as if she knew a secret. “What’s so funny?” Flopping back on the seat, Valeen’s laughter muffled. “He was named after a playing card.” “Oh? How odd. Which card, the Joker?” “Well, he is that too, but no, the...Jack of hearts,” Chance answered for his wife. Ginger looked at them both with a serious expression, but when she realized they weren’t joking, she burst into laughter. After a few minutes, she regained her composure and wiped the moisture from her eyes. “Honestly, you’re joking right? Who would name their child after a playing card?” Chance beamed at her in a sweet gesture. No wonder Valeen had fallen in love with him. Who could resist such a face? The king’s expression became staid then for a brief solarsecond. “My parents did. Honest, Galaxy-scout’s honor. They named me Chance because they liked games of chance, and they named Jack after the Jack of hearts. Our mother liked to wager with our father, and she’d won the bet and got to name Jack. I think my father let her

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win though.” Ginger’s eyes narrowed for a second. Jack. Could it be the same...Mr. Perfect? Oh, no it couldn’t be. What were the odds? Jack of hearts, Uranus-insanus. No way she could stay with him, if indeed it was the same male. But what if it wasn’t him? No, there was more than one Jack on Appaloosa, wasn’t there? There had to be. Well, it didn’t matter, because she had to go. Her life depended upon her hiding out. Who knew how long she would have to stay with the king’s brother? She’d do what she had to and go to Appaloosa. “I think that’s really sweet.” Ginger shook herself from her musings. “Your mother sounds like fun, and I think she was clever to name her sons in such a way.” “Yeah, she was fun,” Chance said. “Now, you’ll have the rest of the day to pack what you need. Return here before the moons rise, and we’ll spend the night with you before you transport to Appaloosa in the morning. I’m sure Valeen would like to spend time with you before you leave and Vance will be excited to see you again.” Ginger laughed. “I imagine so since last time he practically became my shadow. He’s a sweet little being.” Chance laugh at that. “Sweet? Hardly, not since PAM filled his little head with thoughts of sex and the ways of females. I fear my son is going to grow up being more of a womanizer than Jack is.” All those in the office laughed at the king’s remark. “Okay, I should go and... I do want to make sure Dad is settled and taken care of before I leave. I can make arrangements tonight and be back...” She didn’t continue when Chance shook his head. “Your father is staying here. It’s part of our arrangement. I promised to help him, but he has to stay here until the danger has passed.” Ginger’s relief must have shown on her face, because her father suddenly joined the conversation again. “See, Honey Graham, everything will work out perfectly. I’ll be fine here, and you’ll be safe on Appaloosa. Chance will send guards with you, while you pack. Hurry home and return here. We’ll have a nice dinner together.” “What about you, will you need clothes?” “I’ll have someone bring my things tomorrow.” “Okay, I’ll hurry back.” Ginger rose from the seat and left the office. As she left the palace, the mid afternoon sunshine warmed her face. Perhaps she should have let Valeen phase her to Celtaxy instead of transporting. It would have saved hours of travel time, but Ginger, like Chance, didn’t like phasing if she could help it. ***** Shadows from the setting supernova cast the bunker in a dim glow as the transport she was made to travel in descended on Celtaxy. Four guards had been directed by the queen to oversee her protection when she traveled home. The two females and two males hardly said a word to her. Ginger thought she had seen the females before, but with the worry over her problem, she dismissed them. She’d been given six hours to pack her belongings and return to Kiumbria. That left her a short time in which to gather the things she wanted to take along, considering it took two

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and a half hours transport time to reach it. Leaving the guards, she headed for her home. Ginger stepped inside the entry of the bunker where her father’s main purificationbeing stood with a huge feather duster, smiling at her arrival. “Evening, Miss.” “Hi, Gerty. Everything quiet tonight?” “Yes. Is there anything you...need?” Gerty watched the guards move inside to secure the fortress. Ginger called after them. “Make certain you explain your presence to my father’s guards. They’ll wonder who you are.” Then she looked at Gerty. “No, I don’t need anything. I’m going away for...on vacation for a while. Oh, but I do need my luggage sent up. Can you arrange it, please?” “Sure, hon. Do you need help packing?” Ginger shook her head. She picked up the stack of communications delivered earlier and flipped through them. None were for her, so she placed them back on the sleek metallic foyer table. “I’m going to my unit now.” She quickly made her way through the hallways to where her unit was located, toward the back of the large bunker. As she entered her room, the message control board flashed. She hurried to answer it, dodging Snap’s eagerness to be picked up. Snap continued to bark at her when she sat next to the communicator. She picked up the dog, who licked her face and whose tail wagged frenziedly. “Hello.” “Ginger, where have you been? I’ve been trying to reach you all solar-day.” “Oh, hi, Dy. I had to go with my father to Kiumbria. I just got back.” “So, where are you going, hon?” Ginger moved to her bed and flopped down with a sigh. “I’m going to Planet Appaloosa.” “Really? Where’s that, in this galaxy? I never heard of it.” “It’s a desolate place, apparently. I’m going to stay with King Chance’s brother.” “So, what do you know of this brother? Hold on a solar-sec.” Dynah spoke to one of her children, probably Emma... “Will you stop that banging? I’m trying to talk to Ginger. Yes, you can watch the screen.” A few rumpled sounds came over the audio. “Dynah, are you still there?” “Yes, I had to turn on the galaxy broadcasting system for Emma. Okay, tell me the info.” Ginger laughed at her tone. Emma usually intruded on their communications. “Ah well, there’s not much to tell. I don’t know much about his brother. But get this, he’s named after a playing card.” She saw Gerty arrive with her luggage and nodded to her, pointing toward her wardrobe center. Gerty placed it down and left. A loud snort came through the audio. “Really, you’re joking. Sounds like a real card.” “No, I’m not joking. His name is Jack after the Jack of hearts. I thought maybe...” “Jack? Isn’t that the hunk’s name who you met last night?” “Yeah, but what are the odds that it’s the same Jack?” “Probably not him, hon. Too bad, because he was a pyretic. Yeah, a really hot looking... A night with him would be just divine. Stars, just how long has it been since you had sex?”

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Ginger chuckled at her question. She thought back, through the past several solarmonths. “I don’t remember, Dynah. Ah, I guess with Tram. You remember him, you know that guy I dated a few months ago.” “Oh yeah, him. He wasn’t worth a speck of a meteor. I’m glad you ditched him, the bastiche. So, when are you leaving, tomorrow?” “In an hour. I’m staying on Kiumbria tonight. I just have to pack some of my things. I have no idea what the atmosphere is like there and should probably pack a few different types of clothing.” “Whatever you do, pack some sexy items. And for Venus’ sake, girl, don’t pack the ugly underwear. Just in case it is him.” Dynah laughed at her remark. “Funny, Dy, you know that I don’t wear underwear. I’m not planning on getting involved with Chance’s brother. And just for the record, I wouldn’t have dated that Jack at the club, he’s a womanizer. Besides, I don’t intend on staying long. Just until the threat passes, which should be within a few weeks.” “Yeah, right. Now listen, communicate with me when you arrive and let me know how you’re doing from time to time. I’m trying to reach Tyne, but she must be on assignment.” Tyne, their closest friend, an IEA agent, hadn’t contacted them in over a month. Ginger worried about her, but Tyne could take care of herself. “Sure thing, Dy. I will. If you reach Tyne, tell her to communicate with me. Okay, love you. Give the kids a kiss for me. Tell Mach I said hi.” “Will do. Talk to you later, hon.” The communicator went dead, and Ginger lay back on her bed, staring blankly up at the ceiling. She needed to get her butt into gear and hurry back to Kiumbria. Quickly hurrying to her wardrobe center, she went through her garments, placing several items inside, and then rummaged through the items on her cluttered tables for anything she might need. She shoved in a few pairs of shoes and her purse. Reaching down, she grabbed Snap’s empty food and water bowls, and placed them in a side compartment. “Okay, Snap, you and I are going on an adventure. Are you ready, girl? Come on, let me put on your leash.” Ginger fastened the cloth-like leash to her jewel-encrusted collar. Snap became excited at the prospect of going somewhere. Her tail wagged and her body moved like a cup on a vibrating control board. Once that was finished, Ginger programmed her moderator to have her messages transferred to her wristband, so she could keep in touch with her patients. All her appointments were changed to audio sessions or videographs. As she struggled to carry her luggage to the entrance of the bunker, she ran across one of Chance’s guards. The male took the baggage from her and carried it outside. She turned and fondly glanced around her home. If events went according to Con’s plan, she would never return. Hopefully, hiding out with this Jack fellow, that wouldn’t come to fruition.

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Chapter Five Ginger sat in the back compartment of the VeBus the moderator controlled, flying it through space toward Kiumbria. The headphones over her ears played Jon Paxton’s lyrics of Planetary Pleasures, the current number one country song. She moved her head to the beat, practically dancing in the bucket seat, playing with Snap. The melody took her far-off into a world of calmness, away from killing, murder, and mayhem. A sudden jarring of the transport made Ginger grab hold of the arm rests, and poor Snap went flying into the seat next to her. Ginger took off the headphones and looked toward the cockpit. Flying the craft took vast experience and skill, but from what she’d been told, a moderator controlled it, so she wouldn’t worry. She lifted Snap and held her frightened dog, petting her reassuringly. “Is everything all right?” “Yes, Miss Ginger. The moderator is averting a...um...storm.” Ginger looked out the viewer, but she couldn’t see a solar-storm or dust, or anything. Perhaps it was in the distance. Again, the craft shifted and caused her body to crush against the wall. She grew alarmed. “Are you certain we’re not being attacked? I don’t see any solar-storms through the viewers.” Ginger worried that Con might already be after her. She couldn’t see any crafts trailing them, but she didn’t have a three-hundred and sixty degree visual. Planetary pirates were always lurking in space, so attacks weren’t uncommon. Still, she became apprehensive. “Everything is under control, Miss Ginger. Put your headphones back on and relax. We’ll reach Kiumbria in a few solar-minutes. We’re nearing the shield and safety now,” the guard assured her. The planet drew closer through the viewer, and the craft began its decline through the solar-shield opening, toward the landing pad. Once the transport set on the top of the palace and the door panel opened, she took Snap in her arms and rose to leave. She stepped off the VeBus and began walking toward the beautiful building. The sky drew her attention, and she stopped to stare at the three moons illuminating the ground, enhanced by the supernova that shone on it. It seemed odd to see three moons in the orbit. Her planet only had one moon, like that of the ancient Earth. “Ginger, Ginger, you’re here.” Vance shouted over the noise of the craft and ran toward her. She stopped and knelt down, ready for the little body that would strike her. True to his usual way, Vance threw himself into her arms. Ginger ruffled his blond hair and smiled at him. “Vance, hi. Thanks for meeting me. Where is everyone? And, more importantly... Why are you out here alone? Does your papa know?” “Everyone is having dinner. PAM said I could wait for you. You brought Snap.” Ginger laughed, because Vance had a way about getting PAM to agree to anything he said. The youngling was spoiled beyond reason by the queen’s moderator. Rising, she took Vance’s hand and entered the palace. “Yes, I did bring her. She was excited when I told her that she would see you again.” She handed Snap’s leash to him.

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Vance’s little body squirmed with Snap pulling him as they walked along. “Can she do tricks?” “Yes, I’ve taught her how to do flips. Do you want to see?” “Oh, please.” The childlike pleading in his eyes made her laugh. Ginger took a treat from her purse and knelt down near Snap. She held the treat in the air, and the white puff moved in a circle then did a flip, landing on her four paws. “Snap, you did it, girl. She’s really great, Ginger. Did Papa tell you my news?” “Tell me what, Vance?” She retook Snap’s leash and continued onward. “I’m getting my very own horse. Papa’s going to have the park changed into a riding corral so I can ride my horse there. Uncle Jack’s gonna bring me one.” Ginger stopped in the hallway that led toward the palace’s dining unit. She adored the young being and how he spoke using ancient words like papa. Most younger beings used the term dad. The mention of an Uncle Jack reminded her once again of Mr. Perfect. “Oh, so your uncle’s in on this scheme? What did you do that was so special to get your father to promise you a horse?” Vance’s eyes shined in delight at telling her. “I didn’t speak about...breasts for a whole solar-day. Papa said I can’t talk any more about females’ um...bodies.” He placed his hand over his mouth, and his eyes shone with laughter. Ginger just about died laughing at that remark, too. What a little philanderer the king and queen were raising. But she knew better—it was the moderator’s doing. “Well, I’m glad about that. I’ll let you in on a little secret, Vance. Females don’t like to be talked about in that manner. We also don’t like our breasts or any other personal areas discussed so...openly. It’s certainly not what a small being should speak of.” “That’s not what PAM says. She told me that all females like—” Ginger placed a finger over his lips. “Trust me, I would never lie to you. Remember, I’m a physexian and know what I’m talking about. I don’t think you should listen to PAM anymore.” “Okay, Ginger, if you say so.” They hurried inside the dining room, where everyone was already seated for dinner. Ginger moved to an empty seat and took her place. She released Snap from her leash and the dog took off toward Vance. Vance pouted at her and went to sit next in the empty chair beside his mother’s, but seemed happy to have her dog to play with at the dinner table. Vance picked the dog up. “Look what I have, Ginger’s Snap.” “You’re back, honey,” her father said. “Yes, I tried to be quick. I’m really hungry, too. What are we having?” Valeen answered, “Veleni in prakin sauce. PAM found an old-time recipe and renamed it for Vito Prakin who revived the Italian food from Earth, so long ago. I don’t know how she gets the food preparation machine to make such delicious dishes.” “Speaking of PAM, where is she?” Valeen laughed. “Well, I kind of sent her on a fictitious search through her many text volumes. If I didn’t, she would have pestered us throughout dinner.” Her father and Chance laughed and made Ginger feel as though she wasn’t part of the joke. A plate was immediately set before Ginger by a serving woman, and she looked down at the linguini covered in the white sauce that she was her favorite meal. She took the fork and

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began swirling it the noodles. “So, what have we been talking about?” Valeen set her Mindy Martini down. “Chance, you should tell her.” Ginger looked up from her plate. “Tell me what? Have you spoken to your brother? Did Jack disagree with my staying there?” Chance shook his head. “Ah, not about that, Ginger. I haven’t been able to reach Jack yet. He should be landing on Appaloosa in a solar-day or two. His moderator isn’t answering my communication, which is odd. PAM’s been trying to connect to MAX for hours. They’re probably out of the range for connection.” “Oh, then what do you need to tell me?” Ginger wiped her mouth with her napkin, but continued to look at them. They had strange looks on their faces. “Why is everyone looking at me like that? You’re all acting peculiarly.” “We have decided it would be a good idea to...” “Will you just tell her, Chance?” Valeen laughed, nodding encouragingly. “...to send PAM with you.” “Why in the universe would you want to send Valeen’s moderator with me to Appaloosa? Oh, Uranus-insanus, I can’t deal with that moderator.” “Just think, Ginger, it would give you an opportunity to maybe...” Chance didn’t continue, as his wife peered at him curiously. Ginger chuckled under her breath. Did the king want her to meddle with the moderator and perhaps reprogram her? She’d have to ask him later, when she got him alone for a minute. Her father cleared his throat, drawing her attention. “Honey Graham, we’ve decided it would be better for your protection. Valeen is sending you on her transport, her VeBus, where PAM will be housed. If you need to reach Chance, me or Valeen, all you have to do is talk into the wristband.” “I’m having her range increased, so she can reach Appaloosa. I want you to wear an LJD. That way we’ll know where you are,” Valeen said. “What’s an LDJ?” “A location detection jewel. It will give off a signal, showing us where you are if anything should...happen to you.” “Valeen, I do appreciate all that you have done, but I don’t want to be any trouble. I can’t take your VeBus, PAM, or your LJD. I have my own LOC, my moderator is capable of communication, and that’ll do.” “No, a Lexis Orbit Cab is not what you need for distant space travel. It will take you at least three solar-days to get there, if you don’t run into trouble along the way. Now don’t argue with me, Ginger. I have my way about...getting my way.” She narrowed her eyes at Valeen. Lately, all her wants had been placed aside. She didn’t want to go to Appaloosa and reside with the Jack of hearts, nor did she want to use someone else’s transport, moderator, or be monitored with a detector. As if she were a child, all her adult liberties were striped away. The naked truth hit her, her life’s force had a mere few soar-days left to give her breath. She’d be killed. No sooner had she finished dinner than her wristband chimed. She excused herself and

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went into the king’s office to take her communication. Stephen’s voice resonated from the audio of her wristband. “Physexian, I just received your message.” “Yes, Stephen, I am unable to keep my appointment with you tomorrow.” “Solid, babe. Then you won’t need those goals yet.” Stephen’s voice lowered. Was the male trying to use his sexuality even over the moderator? Ginger smiled at that. “No, no, we’ll discuss them now. Have you come up with any?” “Yes, of course, Physexian. You told me to come up with a few goals. Goal number one: I will only have sex with three females each night.” “All right, Stephen, that sounds like a good start.” Heck, he was known to have sex with a good number of females each night, so his decreasing it to three was indeed a good start. “What’s the next goal?” “Well, I will only go to the clubs four nights a week. How’s that?” Poor Stephen sounded dejected, and his tone implied that he disliked the goals he’d set. She knew his parents must have had something to do with his miraculous goal setting. “Wonderful. You’re making great progress already. I’m really proud of you. I’ll have these goals written down and will send you a contract tonight. I want you to sign it and return it to me.” “All right,” he agreed. “What changed your mind? I’m really surprised that you’ve taken this so seriously.” “My parents harassed me after our last appointment the other day. They threatened to take away my links if I didn’t follow your orders.” Ginger tried to keep the smile out of her voice. “Well, you will see that your life will become more productive with these goals in place. Have you ever considered just having one female as a companion? You know, like a girlfriend, with a more serious relationship?” “One?” He sounded appalled. Okay, maybe worse than appalled. Ginger refrained from laughing outright. The poor male was suddenly limited, and he didn’t like it one bit. Valeen strode inside the office and stood by the desk, listening to their conversation. Ginger waved her off and resumed speaking to him. “I think that should be our third objective, Stephen. I’m putting it on the list. Eventually, you must pick a female that you could have a longer-term relationship with.” “I can’t imagine that, Physexian. Hey, maybe it could be you. You’re a looker and a career female. You don’t have a boyfriend, do you?” Ginger frowned, shaking her head. “Ah, that would be a conflict of interest. I’m not a good candidate for you, strike me from your list, fellow. I suggest on those four night outings, you search for this female. I want this task completed within a solar-month.” “A solar-month. I’ll try Physexian, but it’ll be difficult. Hell, I can have any female I want, but just one doesn’t sound...” “I know you can do it, Stephen. All right, if you need me, you can link through my moderator. I’m going to be off Celtaxy for a while, but will be reachable.” “All right,” he grumbled. The moderator’s audio system went quiet. He had disconnected. Ginger took her briefcase and made notes in Stephen’s file. Relieved at his easy

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compliance, she knew she’d have to keep on top of him or he wouldn’t meet his goals. Valeen sat nearby. “He sounds really handsome.” “Yeah, he is, and he knows it, too.” “You’re really good, Ginger. Sounds like you know what you’re doing.” She sighed. “I certainly try. Please keep the conversation you just heard to yourself. I wouldn’t want anyone to know that Celtaxy’s Governor’s son has sexual issues.” Valeen giggled, then moved around the desk. “I will. Celtaxy’s Governor has enough problems to deal with.” “At the moment, yes. The planet has become over crowded, and he’s looking for ways to help the beings. Why is it everyone wants to live on a luxury planet? There are not enough jobs to go around and the people are becoming destitute. But enough about that. I wanted to ask you something. Do you have an extra phasor-ray? I have one, but it’s an older model. What with everything that’s going on, I want to arm myself.” “Sure, I’ll give you one tonight. I have a body strap for it, too. Kinda makes you look sexy. Chance always likes when I wear it.” “I just need the ray for my protection. Especially if your brother-in-law, Jack, is as demented as you made him out to be.” Ginger closed her briefcase and noticed her friend’s look. “What?” “He’s not demented. We were just teasing you. I love Jack and hope that once you get to know him, you’ll like him, too. He’s a funny, sweet guy, and I think he’s lonely. You’ll be nice to him, won’t you?” “Yes, of course I will. He’s letting me stay with him, isn’t he?” Chance, Vance, and her father entered the king’s office. Everyone remained quiet the remainder of night. Ginger played a game with Vance before his bedtime and showed him some of the tricks Snap had learned. After making all the communications with her patients, she spent an hour with her father before heading off to the unit she’d been given. The tenseness of the situation continued to wreak havoc on her nerves. Sleep evaded her as she thought about Appaloosa, the womanizing Jack of hearts, the snake—Con the Coroner, and her father’s well-being. Not to mention the other Jack, the Jack she’d met at Divine’s. Thinking of him, she knew she’d get no sleep. Snap, on the other hand, slept like a baby being, or rather like a dog. Her little snore sounded throughout the unit. Tomorrow, she’d leave and might not ever return. Visions of her body being returned for her burial flashed in her mind. Try as she might, she couldn’t shake that vision.

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Chapter Six Planet Appaloosa Stardust Ranch A teaming rain fell over the vast fields that stretched for miles from the view on the porch outside Jack’s home. Grey clouds rolled overhead, bringing the sun-shower that would last a short time. Livestock roamed the hills, uncaring that the rain soaked their bodies. Many horses, bulls, milk cows, sheep, and goats made their home on the rambling hills. Jack watched them graze the land, eating the high grown grasses. It had become his favorite pastime to sit there during the early dusk hours in solitude after the long solar-day with his feline, Fluffy. The only noise that intruded was that of the chirping insects, the rustle of the breeze, the raindrops that hit the roof, and Fluffy’s occasional purr. His cat stared at the scene too. No crafts flew overhead or near his land. Ahhh, the serenity. He sighed, looking around, and leaned back in the old-fashioned restored Adirondack chair. After he repositioned the guitar that sat on his lap, he strummed a few chords, letting the pick slide over the strings. He didn’t mind the calming peacefulness of the scene before him, especially since the ranch hands went to town which was about a hundred solar-miles away and wouldn’t be back for two days. His closest neighbor was about fifty solar-miles away, and he had to contend with himself as his only company and Fluffy’s infrequent visit. Fluffy didn’t bother him much and kept to herself. His moderator had remained silent since he’d returned home from visiting his brother on Plant Kiumbria. That was unlike his module accessory extreme, and Jack wondered what he was up to. Probably messing in his affairs again. Jack was amazed that he hadn’t started talking to himself, with no one to keep him company. He chuckled at that thought. The rain dissipated some and now a light drizzle fell. His black wristband vibrated, alerting him to MAX’s intrusion. “You have a communication coming through from Chance. Should I connect, guy?” MAX liked to annoy him at any opportunity, but at least this time he had a reasonable excuse. Jack placed his guitar next to him. He wondered what his brother wanted. “Yes, of course, connect, MAX. I’ll speak to my brother.” He moved his wrist closer, then clicked the receiver button. “Howdy, bro.” “Jack, you finally reached home.” Jack smiled at hearing his brother’s voice coming through the communicator. Chance sounded too damned happy for his own good. He’d be happy, too, with a wife such as Valeen, and an adorable son like Vance. Jack shifted his position in the chair, throwing his legs on top of the rail that went across the porch. He crossed his leather work boots and got comfortable, hoping Chance was in the mood for conversation. “Yeah, I hit a solar-shower on the way home and had to revert around it. It took me a little longer. Got home this afternoon.” Fluffy stretched and jumped onto Jack’s lap. Her tan fur littered his denims. He ran his palm over his cat’s back, then shook the shedding hair from it.

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“What are you doing?” “Nothing much, just sitting here.” “Are you going to be home for a while?” Fluffy moved on his lap and stood right on Jack’s crotch. He moved Fluffy back and raised his wristband. “I have a buyer coming to look at some thoroughbreds in a few days. He wants them for his stables on the other side of the planet and will race them at the track. I’ve got six fine steeds that would bring a bundle.” “I can’t believe how much money you’ve made on that risky venture, Jack. Honestly, beings really want such animals? I can’t conceive why, when they can have space crafts and fly through the galaxy. They’re good for nothing, can’t use them in space or on land.” “Beings like the old ways, bro. It’s the romanticism of it. They don’t want to let go of history, and neither do I.” “Well, apparently, neither does my son. Vance wants a horse, and I promised him that if he didn’t speak those wicked things PAM’s been teaching him...that he could have one.” Chance laughed. “History. We’re talking ancient history. I’m glad though that your investment is paying off. You certainly don’t need more funds. Why bother? You’re richer than I am.” “Because it’s what I like to do. You have Kiumbria to run, Valeen and Vance, and your commitments to the leagues. I have my horses and bulls.” “Yeah, but I miss you, bro, and Vance keeps asking for you. He was sad that you left before he woke up.” “Ah, tell the little bug I’ll see him soon. I had to get home, Chance, what with my meeting and everything. I’ll come for his birthday and bring him the horse as a gift.” Jack smiled thinking of his five-year-old nephew, who looked exactly like his father and much like him, too. “Yeah, but I’m not sure he deserves the horse yet. PAM’s been telling him things that...a little being shouldn’t know. She actually showed him visuals of naked females, explaining to him...all the parts of the female anatomy.” Jack’s laughter burst forth, which gained him a glare from Fluffy, who finally had enough socializing and jumped off his lap. “Was she at least a beautiful filly? I know, if I value my life force, I wouldn’t ask that. Ah, well, that’s what you get for not pulling PAM’s plug. I told you solar-years ago that you should do away with her.” “I should have sent her with you.” “Me. No way in hell do I want another nosy moderator interfering in my life. I live a nice peaceful life here, even with MAX’s attempts to bother me.” Jack said it with such conviction, he almost believed it. “Besides, I already told Vance all he needed to know about females.” “Great. The two of you are going to turn my son into a womanizer before he reaches ten solar-years. I’ll have to send him to a physexian.” “Oh, come on, you probably tell him things too.” Jack laughed. “Yeah, like...one time your Uncle Jack had four females at once.” Jack’s chest rumbled with laughter. “Four is nothing, bro, but a diversion. Nothing that a wrangler can’t handle.” “I swear talking to you is like talking to an ancient being. How do you do it? I never

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did ask...about that night, you know, when you and the minions... I mean you’re one male and all those females...” Jack erupted in out and out laughter. “It isn’t easy, you know, satisfying all those fillies. However, I give it my best. Tell my minions I said to come and see me. They haven’t come here in a while, but I did see them on Celtaxy the other day.” “You didn’t tell me you were on Celtaxy recently. Valeen forbids them travel to Appaloosa. I’ll speak to her and get her to relent.” “You better. I miss the females.” Jack watched the clouds moving, exposing the supernova that was probably a several billion solar-miles away. Even though it was at a great distance, the ground warmed from its rays. Celtaxy reminded him of Ginger, and he had forgotten to investigate her the following morning. Too late now, he’d lost his opportunity at finding her. “So, is this a social call or did you want something?” “Well, I have to go to an intergalactic conference tomorrow. Apparently, Graham is up to his old tricks and...” Chance hesitated. “What? Isn’t he the underworld dude that caused Kion all that trouble years ago?” “No, Graham is an old friend from college. He’s asked a favor of me and...” Jack sensed his brother’s hesitancy. It wasn’t like him at all. Usually Chance just said what he wanted. “And what? Spill the beans, bro. Obviously, this involves me, so just say it.” “Druk, you know me so well. All right, Graham asked me to hide his daughter from the Martian mafia. If I don’t, she’ll be killed by a snake named Con, a hit man. He’s a real bastiche, Jack, and would kill her without blinking an eye. The thing is...I really like her, and so does Valeen. She’s a sweet female who won’t cause—” “I get it. You want to send her here, don’t you?” “Yeah. Appaloosa is desolate and she’d be safe there. It’s only until the threat is over. Will you do that for me? Keep her safe for a while?” “Will she be alone or do you have guards coming with her?” Jack smiled, thinking he might send the minions, but then again, Valeen wouldn’t do that. She damned neared flipped the last time the minions came to his planet, because she claimed that he distracted them from their duty. “She’s alone and is already on her way there. I didn’t want to draw attention to her leaving. Valeen let her use her sexual service machine to change her appearance, so no one should have recognized her.” Lucky female. Jack wondered if she used it for sexual relief too. Damn, why did he think that? The SSM had many purposes, not just the use for sexual release. Jack grinned, recalling Chance talking about his onetime experience in the SSM, but his brother hadn’t trusted the machine and never used it again. Chance continued. “I know that Con has been watching the palace here. My guards foiled their attempt once, on her way back from her planet. She was completely unaware of it. Jack, you must be on your guard at all times. Protect her with your life’s force.” “Sounds like the female is going to be trouble.” “No, she’s the sweetest female. Trust me, I’ve never seen her get angry or upset. She’s so unlike her temperamental father.” “All right, but you owe me big time for this.”

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“Yeah, I know. I’ll repay you. What is it you want?” “A solar-week with the minions, what else? When will she get here?” Chance laughed at his request. “You always bet that. She’ll probably arrive tomorrow sometime. There’s another thing that I should—” Jack groaned at his tone. “What else?” “PAM’s with her.” Jack frowned. “Hold your horses. Why in blue-blazes would you send her here?” “I had to send her away for a while. She’s completely ruined my son. Maybe a break from Kiumbria will do PAM good. I used the excuse that it’s for the female’s protection, but really I just wanted to get rid of that unrestrained moderator. Valeen won’t let me reprogram PAM, so I’m at a loss.” “Horse shit. No wonder MAX has been quiet today. He’s probably already communicated with her. Knowing the two of them, they’re probably conspiring against me. Do you want me to contact you when she gets here?” “No, but if she doesn’t make it there within two-solar days, let me know. If she doesn’t, that means...” “That Con got to her. All right, bro, I’ll let you know.” “When this is over, I want you to come for a visit. Valeen misses you. She says it’s not good to be alone so much. She’s worried that you’re going to turn into some sort of demented cowboy alien.” “Nah, I’m all right. Fit as a fiddle, as they say, just taking care of business. Tell Valeen and Vance I said hello and that I’ll come for a visit soon.” “All right, Jack. I gotta run—Valeen’s motioning to me. I’ll talk to you later, bro.” The receiver chimed out, and Jack continued to gaze out over his land. His cat’s meow drew his look as she jumped off the veranda and stalked off. At least now, he’d have company until the ranch hands came back—even if it was some poor female that was in a pickle. Jack stretched in the chair, opening his eyes to the dusky sky, and realized how much time he’d wasted sitting on the porch. Just as he rose to go inside, he noticed off in the distance that one of his mares was lying on the ground. Knowing one was getting near her due date, he went to investigate. The animal’s labored breathing told him there was no time to move her. Another three solar-hours later, the foal was born in the darkness of the night. Jack helped to clean the newborn, assisting the mother any way that he could. Not being able to move the mare or foal, he’d have to leave them on the range for the night. Tomorrow, they’d have enough strength to move to the stables. Jack entered the house and went to the hygienic chamber to clean up after the dirty detail. He unzipped the denims that hugged his hips and let them fall to the planked flooring. He stopped beside the shower stall and turned the handle, releasing the jets of streaming water from the six shower heads. Relief from the cool water cascaded over his heated body. He about out his cleansing ritual, mindless to the task. After he turned off the water, he stepped out of the shower and reached for a towel. He saw his reflection in the mirror, his stern young face staring back at him. Was his face always so serious? He threw the towel in the cryo-cleaner and went to his bedroom. He’d never considered himself to have lavish taste, and his home certainly reflected that, having very few

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space-aged gadgets. He banked most of his links and hadn’t spent many of them because of his lifestyle. Except, of course, for his space craft. That he’d spent a good amount of links on. Since he traveled great distances, he wanted to travel in luxury, and the ZeChev afforded comforts that other luxury crafts couldn’t. Not only that, but it was more practical than a LOC or VeBus and could fit a bull or two horses. Funds didn’t much concern him. He’d recently paid out his butt to have the older conventional items like a shower with running water put into his home, instead of the solar-baths that most beings used. After throwing on a cotton-shirt and shorts, he went to the kitchen and got a beer. The tab clicked open at the touch of his thumb and he raised the container to his mouth to take a long drink. He thought about his conversation with his brother earlier that night. That reminded him of Valeen’s guards, or minions, as he liked to call them. He smiled envisioning each one: Velda, Vicki, Vanna, and Venus, the auburn-haired sexy vixens that he missed. The night he’d met them on Celtaxy, he couldn’t go through with their plans. Ginger made that impossible, because he couldn’t stop thinking about her. Man, he needed a female and soon. Sexual tension, along with loneliness increased his unhappiness. If only he didn’t have the appointment in a few solar-days, he’d fly to see his family. He suddenly remembered the filly that was at that moment traveling toward Appaloosa. He stared at the cold stainless-steel walls of the kitchen and realized Chance hadn’t told him the female’s name. Well, he’d find out soon enough, since she was due to arrive tomorrow. ***** Jack stretched, letting his limbs wake from the short night’s sleep he’d gotten. He saw the glow of the supernova when he looked through the viewer in his bedroom. His hand moved up to scratch his bare chest, moving over his abdomen. Quickly up, he struck his head on the headboard of his wooden bed frame. He groaned, then rubbed the ache. He’d forgotten about his meeting and looked to the time-continuum transmitter, instantly relaxing. It only neared the second quadrant, and his meeting wouldn’t take place until the third. But that wasn’t for another two days, he was days ahead of himself. He supposed he’d lost track of time due to traveling in space recently. He rose from the bed and almost stepped on Fluffy’s tail, lying on the floor beside the bed. The cat scrambled away like lightning. “Sorry, girl.” His apology didn’t seem to be accepted when Fluffy gave him a disgusted glance, raised her tail, and left the room. Jack wandered through his ranch-style house, towards the entrance. He always went outside when he woke to smell the morning air—afternoon air, at this point. He reached the door panel and went through. He stood beside the rails on the porch, leaning against the micro-steel beam that looked like wood, which held up the roof. He closed his eyes. Ahhh, the air felt good on his skin, and he let the sun heat his chest. Rejuvenation riveted through him as it usually did with the morning ritual. A loud gasp startled him. He jumped backward. “What in druking hell?” He opened his eyes and saw a female standing at the base of the steps in front of his home. Not just any female, but a filly that

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looked much like the female he’d met at Divine’s Disco Den. Ginger Graham. Only it wasn’t her. No, this female had dark brown hair and dark eyes—almost Spanish looking, the ethnic origin begun on Earth so long ago. He raked his eyes over her body and noticed the strap of a phaser-ray holster which plastered itself against her breast and rounded her thigh. Definitely not Ginger, but given her disguise, he wasn’t sure what she really looked like. She wasn’t the blond-haired, blue-eyed, vixen who had stolen his heart that night. But she seemed familiar to him, and he couldn’t shake the feeling that he’d met her before. Maybe he had, because he’d had many one-solar-nighters with many females. She continued to stare at him, moving her eyes over his body, then settling on his lower region. When Jack’s heart calmed enough to speak, he scowled at her. “Why in thunder did you gasp? You scared the shi...ah, you jolted me, darlin’. I didn’t hear your craft arrive.” He wasn’t about to admit to a female that she’d scared him. The female’s eyes rose and she spoke in the softest voice he’d ever heard. “B-because you are...ah, not wearing any clothes. I didn’t expect that.” Jack looked down at himself, frowning, then looked up and smiled. “Ah, no, so I’m not.” “Do you always go around unclothed?” “I usually don’t get visitors. So, yes, I normally do...ah, go without clothes.” “Not while I’m here, you won’t,” she said adamantly. “Who are you?” Jack moved closer to her, then laughed when she stuck out her hand, an indication that she didn’t want him to move any closer. He stopped, looking at her beautiful face, a face he’d seen somewhere before. “Don’t come any closer, Mr. I-don’t-ever-wear-clothes. Your brother sent me. I’m—” Jack cut her off. “Oh yeah, that’s right. I forgot that you were...coming.” Her eyes narrowed, and she pursed her pretty lips. “I see that you forgot. I arrived earlier, but the moderator didn’t wake m, until a few moments ago. Well, I’ll just go back to my transport to get my things, while you put some clothes on, Mr. Pyretic.” Jack grinned being called that. Did she think he was hot? He nodded and turned to retreat. “All right, stunner, you do that, and I’ll see you inside.” He chuckled all the way inside until he reached his bedroom. He shoved his legs into the denims, quickly dressing, and grabbed a tee-shirt with the Maniacal Maniacs’s logo on it. Before he put his shirt on, he called out to MAX so he could direct him to have some melodies played. He sure could use the Maniacal Maniac’s jarring noise just about now. Anything to wake him the druk up. Although, the female had jarred him enough to shake any remaining sleep from his mind. His moderator chimed into his room. “Guy, you have company.” “Yes, I know that now, MAX. Where the hell were you a few solar-minutes ago? And why didn’t you alert me that she arrived?” “I’m sorry, guy, but you never commanded me to alert you of her arrival. Did you want me to?” MAX’s tone leveled off to a sorrowful one, and Jack knew he only wanted to please him. Was it possible he’d hurt his moderator’s feelings? “That doesn’t usually stop you from butting into my business, MAX. Is PAM here, too?” “She connected to my mainframe last evening, guy.”

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“Yes, handsome, I’m here. Good afternoon.” Had she programmed her voice to sound sexy? Because it certainly sounded so to him, either that or he must be hearing things. Where were those illogical thoughts coming from? Jack shook his head. “PAM, will you talk some sense into my moderator? At least, you do what’s expected of you most of the time, even if you are a naughty moderator.” “Ooooh, handsome, you do so love PAM. Are you complimenting me, guy? I’ll certainly try to give MAX instruction. There are many things he should know about the female that has come for a visit. Just as you should, too.” Jack’s eyes narrowed. The moderator was up to no good. “What do you mean by that, PAM? Come clean right now.” “Nothing, handsome. Ooooh, have you seen her yet? Stars, she’s beautiful.” Jack pulled on his tee-shirt, looking up toward the speakers in the ceiling. “If you count being gasped at and berated, then yes, I saw her. She’s as touchy as a teased snake. My eyes couldn’t focus enough to see her, because my ears were ringing too loudly. So, who’s this filly? My brother never told me her name, but only that she’s come to stay for a while. What’s her name, PAM?” Complete silence met him. Fluffy entered the room and Jack stared at her for a moment. She meowed and curled around his leg. “PAM? MAX?” Where had the moderators gone to? He called out again, but didn’t get an answer. “Looks like they deserted me, Fluff.” Damned interfering moderators. If Jack didn’t know better, he’d almost believe them living beings—if such a thing was conceivable. Now that the two moderators were connected, who knew what in the blue-blazes they’d do. Druking hell, they’d complicate his life force to no end. Jack knew they’d interfere, but he’d just have to second guess them. ***** Shock, that’s what it was. Ginger was in complete, utter shock. Mr. Perfect had stood naked on his veranda in all his magnificent glory. And she, like a sex-depraved female, stared at his male-organ as if she’d never seen one before. Honestly, she couldn’t help it, because she hadn’t seen one so perfect before. Hah, Mr. Perfect had a perfect...penis. What a ridiculous thought. But that didn’t surprise her—his perfection. What did surprise her was that her Jack was the Jack she’d met at Divine’s. Uranus-insanus. Against her better judgment, she knew she had to stay there. Although, she wanted to leave that solar-second. He was too beautiful, and she certainly wouldn’t be able to resist temptation. Could she? This was turning out to be an extreme test of her resolve. She shook her head and pulled herself out of the trance. She had to get her butt into gear and face him eventually. Goals, she needed to set some goals for herself. Goals that would keep her focused on not wanting the pyretic. “PAM, are you here?” “Yes, doll. Are you ready to go inside?” “Ah no, not yet. I need to enter the SSM. I want to change back to my appearance.” That would be a good delay. She’d do anything to delay her return to his house. What would she say to him? What would he say to her once he saw her? This wasn’t a good start. PAM’s digital snort came, then the familiar voice of MAX interjected, the moderator

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she’d met during her transport to Appaloosa. “My guy awaits you, Miss Ginger. You must hurry inside.” Ginger’s eyebrows furrowed. “I’m not hurrying for anyone, least of all him. I need to cleanse and to change my appearance. He can wait. Why don’t you go keep him company?” PAM spoke up, as if she knew Ginger wasn’t in the mood to deal with the male moderator. “Yes, MAX, leave the filly, I mean, female to me. Your job is to oversee the male, hunk. You know what to do. We’ll be inside in a few solar-minutes.” “Very well.” MAX chimed out. “Lets get you ready to meet that male.” PAM snickered in her delightful digital way. “I’ve already met him. About a week ago at Devine’s.” “Ooooh stars, really? This is so juicy. Did you unite with him, hmm? Info now, please. He’s a dreamy male that any female would be happy to—” “Of course not, PAM. What kind of female do you think I am? No, we just danced. He was with several females, obviously on a date, and they said that...” The SSM disengaged from the overhead with a “sssss” sound and lowered to the floor of the VeBus, breaking off her words. When the solar-panels opened, Ginger stepped inside and sat on the lounge. The strangeness of the machine still baffled her. It reminded her of a solar-bath, except that it had many other uses. At least it had a lounge similar to the kind in her solar-bath. Her hair changed back to its original coloring of the light sunshiny tone, and when the machine came at her with the metal extenders, she backed her head up. A wisp of air sucked the lenses of brown out of her eyes. How weird was that? Her skin tone lightened back to its normal creamy tone. “What did they say, doll?” “Well, one female said that... Ah, they wanted to have sex with him. I can’t imagine all four of those females and him, well, you know. You would think I wouldn’t be shocked, especially in my line of business—” “Ooooh yes, a physexian. He’s going to love your profession. Jackie boy has been known to have a few nights promiscuous behavior. He’s a male of many talents, doll. Once you get to know him, you might want to—” “Are you an insane moderator? There’s no way I’ll fall into orbit with him...Mr. Perfect.” “Mr. Perfect.” PAM laughed in her odd digital way. “Ooooh, he is that. I’ve seen his MO, if you know what I mean. Very becoming. Not all males are made so endowed.” Ginger’s eyes narrowed at the moderators words. Endowed. What in the galaxy did she mean by that? Did she mean large? Probably. From what Valeen told her, her moderator was known to appreciate the male specimen. In fact, she’d warned Ginger that PAM often placed visuals of male’s private parts zoomed in on her monitor just get a reaction. But PAM disappointed her throughout the journey by remaining quiet and not offering her such a visual. Well, she had to agree with PAM, he was large and…becoming. Numbing Neptune. Don’t think about his penis, Ginger. She felt the rays of the cleansing process beginning and relaxed against the lounge. A bizarre sense overcame her. It was as if she felt the sensations of having sex. Her muscles tightened, her breasts ached, and the area between her legs grew damp. Ginger groaned in

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pleasure. Odd, she was only bathing, but she felt like she’d been pleasured beyond her wildest imagination. As the strobes of light dissipated, her body decreased its shaking force. She waited for the process to finish before asking her next question. “What’s an MO? And what in the flibbing universe just happened to me?” PAM snickered. Or was it a snort? “It’s my nickname for a male organ, doll, an MO. I’m very fond of them. We’re I a living being, ooooh, what I would do. You females don’t know how lucky you are. We must educate you, Miss Ginger. Jack is a hot male that no ordinary female would be able to handle. He might be young, doll, but he’s advanced in certain areas.” “I don’t want to handle him, and I’m not an ordinary female. I’m a physexian, for God’s sake, not a virgin unfamiliar with sex.” PAM ignored her. “Your orbit is about to go spiraling. The cleansing process is complete, doll. Get dressed, I’ve picked out an outfit for you.” Ginger went to the wardrobe center and took the cellophane package from the hook. She opened it and removed a one-piece outfit and a pair of knee-high four-inch heeled boots. At this point, she just wanted to get dressed and didn’t care what she wore, as long as it covered her modestly. After dressing, she zipped up the boots and ran her fingers through her hair. Once that was finished, she grabbed her purse and took out her lip-enhancer. The shimmery gloss glided over her lips, and she couldn’t help smiling. She realized PAM hadn’t answered her question about what had happened to her. Had the moderator just given her a sexual experience? She didn’t want to think about it. Jack, as she lived and breathed—the infamous Jack of hearts. She couldn’t help laughing at her run of misfortune lately. If Appaloosa had more than one Jack, she’d be damned. How ironic was it that she’d run into him at Divine’s? And now she’d be staying with him in his home—for who knew how long. Her eyes watered at her continual laughter. Get a hold of yourself, Ginger, girl. Remember, he’s solar-years younger than you. He might want you, but it’ll just be sex. Just sex, remember that. She’d have either a fine time teasing him or a hellish time because she was so attracted to him. He didn’t even know it was her, otherwise he would have said something. Wouldn’t he have? But now that she’d returned to her normal appearance, he would recognize her. Oh, this was going to be fun. “You know you can always return to the VeBus if you need sexual release. I’ll leave the SSM in position ready for your use.” “That’s a good idea, PAM.” Who was she to argue? Besides, with Mr. Perfect around, she just might need to sneak away for a sexual release. She really should have brought some of her sexual devices. At her age, they came in handy, especially when a male being wasn’t so convenient. “Are you ready, doll?” “Yes.” Ginger reapplied the phaser-ray holster, scooped up Snap, and walked toward the door panel. The VeBus doors opened to a different world from what she was used to. The stark land seemed to go on and on for solar-miles without any other buildings or trees. Off to the distance on her left, there was a sort of forest, but other than that, there were just fields and fields of grasses. She stopped suddenly, seeing the beautiful animal running across the field. Some kind of horse ran toward its foal, then whinnied loudly. She could hear it from where

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she stood as it echoed over the grasses. Ginger missed riding horses and hadn’t been back to the luxury planet where she’d been introduced to them. She enjoyed the weeks of learning to ride. She wondered if the incredible creatures belonged to Jack. The mother ran alongside her foal, gently nudging the youngling’s body with her nose. Her baby moved in the direction she’d nudged, and the soft whinny sounded over the field. How lovely. Absorbed by the view, Ginger didn’t hear the door panel to the house slide open. The sound of footsteps treading the stone walkway alerted her, and she turned around to see Jack walking toward her. To her disappointment, he was fully clothed in what she considered ancient looking garments. Admit it, Ginger, you wish you could look at his naked body again—his firm, muscular, sculpted, perfect body. She blinked away the vision her mind conjured up, shaking the dream away. Besides, there he was, standing before her, looking so sexy in the ancient clothing. If all males dressed like that, females would have difficulty doing their day to day activities. Jack stopped in front of her, and his eyes narrowed to slits. Recognition flickered in his gaze, and she wanted to laugh. Then a look of confusion furrowed his dark-blond brow. When he didn’t say anything, she took the opportunity to tease him. She placed her forefinger on his chest, trailing it over the soft cotton of his tee-shirt, until her finger slid over his abdomen. Hardness met her touch, and she smiled at him. “Hi, Jack.” “Look, stunner, I don’t know what’s going on, but... What are you doing here, Ginger? Where’s the other female?” His face remained frozen in a frown. Numbing Neptune, he remembered her name. Ginger felt so small standing next to him. Why hadn’t she realized how tall he was before, when she’d danced with him? Swaying, she looked around for something to grab hold of, but the only thing near her...was him. The masculine scent he wore drifted to her. She breathed deeply, not being able to come to her senses. If this was how she reacted each time she got near him, she wouldn’t survive the next few solar-weeks. “Ginger? I asked you what you were doing here.” His tone softened to a deep manly sound. She couldn’t take her eyes away from his, but cleared her throat, which seemed to have gone dry. “Your brother said it wasn’t a problem, my staying here. If—” He cut her off. “No, it’s not a problem. Where’s the female that I...” “She was me, I mean, she is me.” His frown intensified. “She was you, ah, she is you?” “Yes. I changed my appearance, but just went in the SSM and—” “Oh, yeah. I, ah, forgot about that for a solar-sec. My brother said you changed your appearance. But why are you...here? Hell. You’re the female that’s on Con’s hit list, aren’t you? Shit, Ginger, how’d you manage to get yourself in such a...pickle.” “Ah, I’d rather not say. But I haven’t done anything illegal, if that’s what you’re implying.” Her voice hardened. He grinned, showing his beautiful teeth. Did her heart rate just jump? Either that or it stopped beating altogether. Ginger smiled back, because her anger disappeared like a reverberating solar-ray. If she had any courage, she’d grab his shirt and pull him forward for a nice smack of the lips, but she wasn’t that brave. She didn’t know him well enough to be so

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cheeky, at least, not yet. Not that she would be even if she did know him well enough. “My brother was right.” “About what?” “That you’d be safe here. Listen, Ginger, there are no beings for solar-miles. The only beings around here will be us. Oh, and the ranch hands, when they get back. They’re harmless enough.” Before she knew what he would do, he leaned forward and yanked the phaser-ray holster from her body, tugging her forward. The velcro straps came apart at his insistent jerk. “And you won’t be needing this.” He held up the holster. Why did he have to say that in such a sultry manner? With him as her only company, that temptation would surely be her defeat, especially if he walked around naked as he had earlier. “I’d rather have my weapon, thank you very much.” She grabbed the holster back from him. “So, you’re saying I’ll be safe then?” “Yeah, darlin’. Don’t worry about Con, I’ll keep you safe. No one will get to you here.” The strange drawl to his words warmed her all the way to her toes, and the way he called her darlin’ made her smile. “Is that right? But what I want to know, Jack, is... Will I be safe from you?” Jack’s grin turned to a lopsided one, which increased her life’s force rate. He made her want to pant like Snap did when she was overheated. “Right now, stunner, I honestly can’t say.” Snap suddenly jumped from Ginger’s arms. Her dog nipped at Jack’s ankle. Snap grabbed hold of the edge of his pants and shook her mouth, seemingly trying to protect her. Ginger laughed and bent to retrieve her sweet baby. Jack didn’t say a word to her, only grumbled under his breath about dogs and walked away. He went inside the stable. Ginger was left with moving her belonging inside his house and figuring out where everything was. She determined what bedroom was his by the rumpled linens on the bed. She took the unit across from his and went about setting her luggage inside. Snap ran through the house and disappeared as Ginger went through her tasks of unpacking. The house was spotless and very tidy for a womanizer. They usually didn’t have time to see to such matters as household chores. Maybe he had a purification-being that came daily? She’d have to ask. But he’d said there were no beings for solar-miles. She opened a closet in the foyer and saw a strange object that sort of looked like a female, but it wasn’t. Was it a robot? Odd, very odd. Snap ran past her, obviously in a hurry to get to wherever she was going. Perhaps she should check and make sure her dog didn’t ruin anything inside the house. Ginger followed Snap’s little bark and found her inside an office. Snap looked upward to the shelves that lined the office walls and barked continuously. A beautiful, fluffy, tan cat sat on the shelf. For a moment, Ginger thought it might be a statue, it sat so still. Then the animal meowed, blinked its amber eyes, and began licking itself. “Hello, sweetie. Come and meet Snap.” She lifted the cat from the shelf and immediately the cat’s body twisted and its nails extended. She released it and watched Snap run after it.

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“Looks like you’re on your own, cat.” The two animals disappeared down the hallway, and Ginger went about finishing getting settled. After her clothes had been removed and placed in the wardrobe center, she sat on the bed and opened her briefcase. She’d try to get a little bit of work done before Jack returned. Solar-hours later, Ginger went to the culinary area to see if she could find something to eat. Jack’s culinary chamber was the strangest place she’d ever seen. It didn’t appear to have a food preparation station. She grabbed water from the large box and went back to her room. It seemed Jack wasn’t going to return anytime soon.

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Chapter Seven Soft sounds of whinnies came through the open viewer. Ginger stretched, then sank back onto the pillow. She might as well get dressed and start figuring out what this planet had to offer as far as entertainment went. First, she patted Snap on the head, then moved off the bed and began dressing. She could hear noises from outside: horses snickering, cows mooing, male voices raised giving orders and banging. From the sound of it, it seemed the beings that worked there had already begun their solar-day’s work. Hesitantly, she ventured from the bedroom and walked toward the culinary chamber which Jack referred to as a kitchen. Oh, he’d been kind enough to give her the five-cent tour, when he returned late the night before. Mainly, he’d said the rancher’s bunkhouse was off limits. Other than that, she hadn’t seen much of him. Ginger searched around for something to eat, and found a full pot of coffee sitting on a counter. She looked for a cup and noticed one beside the pot, along with the sweetener and cream. What she needed was fresh air, and she decided to go outside. She exited the house and sat in the weird chair, under what Jack called the porch. She’d never seen such a home before. Primitive didn’t begin to describe the architecture or the odd objects inside. Ginger felt as thought she’d been transported through the time-continuum to when Earth had thrived with various cultures—like the wild west. She hadn’t thought beings actually worked land or with animals any more. That profession was as old as Earth, but these males didn’t seem to know that. A few of the ranch hands worked with several horses in a corral beyond the house. Her gaze drifted toward the VeBus parked next to the house. Its space-age design really looked out of place parked on the field of high grass. Ginger took a sip of her now cooled coffee. Suddenly, Jack appeared from the stable doors. Her cup lingered midair while she watched him move toward the corral. His stride indicated he was comfortable in his ancient attire. She realized that she held her cup in the air and lowered it, but continued to stare at Jack. He wore wide leather straps fastened over his legs, and an even stranger object on his head. At that point, she noticed all the males wore them. Whatever they were, they darkened the male’s faces and shielded the sun. Her eyes moved over Jack’s muscular form, from the thing on his head to the unusual shoes on his feet, with metal spirals on the heels. Was he wearing ancient skates? She could see his smile from where she sat. Jack turned when someone called him. He spotted her sitting on the porch and stopped, watching her. Another male rode a horse, guiding several cows past the house. The intense animal smell hit her like a colliding meteor, and she resisted gagging for breath. “Yo, Jack, watch out. You fixin’ to get yourself run over?” Jack stepped backward to allow the cows to pass. He tipped his hat at the other male. “Sorry about that, Jon. I wasn’t watching.” “Yeah, well that’s a first. Turning into a tenderfoot?” The male named Jon seemed to find his words funny and laughed. Ginger didn’t know what he’d said, and had no idea what a tenderfoot was. Maybe he spoke in some kind of cowboy language that only they knew. Jack grinned at him, then approached her and nudged his hat backwards. “Howdy,

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Ginger. I see you’re up early.” “With all this noise, who could sleep?” His eyes crinkled with laughter lines, and he smiled. That darned smile would be her downfall, she just knew it. Ginger sat forward. “What is there to do around here?” “You can burn the breeze.” Like she knew what that meant. “What’s burn the breeze? Some kind of pyretic term?” “Nah, darlin’ it’s riding. You know, ride with the wind, burn the breeze. Or what tenderfoots would call riding a horse.” “Oh, well I might want to do that...later. So what’s there to do around here? Any culinary outlets, commodity bases? I’m starving.” “There’s chow in the kitchen if you’re hungry. Help yourself. Now as to culinary outlets and commodity bases, you won’t find any on Appaloosa. Sorry, Ginger, but the planet is more of an old-world planet. That won’t be a problem, will it?” She shook her head. “Just what am I suppose to do here?” And why did his smile make her insides melt? “Well, there’s lots to do. Got lots of chores around here...watering the animals, milking the cows—” “Now wait just a solar-second. I’m not milking anything, and just what does this milking involve?” Her eyes narrowed when his voice seemed to bait her. “I’ll give you a hands on demonstration.” He laughed. “I don’t think this milking thing sounds entertaining. You don’t have entertainment stations or beverage stations?” “No, darlin’, we don’t. Not on Appaloosa. There’s mostly farming land on this planet. Guess that’s a little out of league, huh?” Ginger nodded. What was she thinking, coming here? It was beyond barbaric. Sighing, she realized she’d be lucky to make it through one solar-day here in this bizarre world. “I’ll show you around later, when I have more time.” He waved as he walked off. Ginger stood beside the rail on the porch. She’d forgotten to ask if there was a communication station inside the house, and she didn’t want to use it without his permission. Beings were always touchy about their business-space being invaded by others. She quickly left the porch and darted across the way to catch up with Jack to ask him. ***** Jack strolled away slowly. He didn’t want to leave her, but she looked too damned sexy in her shiny space-aged clothes. He should tell her to wear simpler clothing, because everyone at the ranch got dirty, even if they didn’t get near the animals. The breeze often carried dust particles and everything got covered in it, even beings. Besides, she looked out of place in her modern garments. Just before he reached the stable, he had to round a huge puddle. The ranch hands had wet down several horses earlier that morning, which left behind slippery patches on the ground. Jack walked slowly, sidestepping a large deep hole, when he heard Ginger calling him. He turned to see her darting across the mud. Jack shouted, “Don’t run—” But Ginger kept running and didn’t hear him. She lost her footing on a slippery patch of dirt and went airborne. Jack froze, watching her body sail

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through the air. It wasn’t pretty when her body hit the mud puddle at full-force. Or maybe it was pretty. When Ginger’s body came to a halt, he saw her spit out a mouthful of water, her face scrunched in dislike of the taste, with her tongue hanging out. She’d made it to her hands and knees, then she got to her feet. Jack could hear her gasp for breath. He could also hear the laughter from the ranch hands behind him. With a get-back-to-work-glare, he motioned for his men to move along. He turned back to see Ginger standing now. Jack stood beside the huge puddle, not knowing what to say or do. Damned if her space-aged clothes didn’t stick to her, outlining her perfectly curved shape. Not only could he see her curves, he also saw through the sheer thin fabric covering her breasts. He closed his eyes, cussin’ at himself for looking, and for noticing the texture of her nipples. Ginger’s scoff and outcry at her appearance sounded so spiritless, he cringed inside. “Druking hell, Ginger, you sure do know how to get yourself in a pickle.” He tried to make light of the situation, but he noticed that she didn’t find his comment funny when she turned a scornful look at him. With his laughter restrained, he smiled at the mud covering over half of her. Her hair was plastered on her head. She looked as ornery as a bull on rodeo day. Marc, one of his ranch hands, handed him a horse blanket, and he placed it over her shoulders. Something about touching her made him feel alive. He couldn’t place that feeling, because he’d never experienced it before. Well, except for that night at Divine’s, when he’d met Ginger. Ginger immediately pulled the blanket around herself. “What were you thinking, darlin’? Don’t you know that you shouldn’t run across mud like that? You’re lucky you didn’t hurt yourself.” “I...didn’t...know it was...slippery.” “What did you want?” She cast her face downward and seemed to be blushing. Whatever her reason, she didn’t appear to want to tell him now. “Come on, get inside so you can clean up.” When he reached for her, she sidestepped him. “No, I’m going to the VeBus.” “You can use the hygienic chamber in the house.” “I need to use the...I want to use the one on the VeBus.” Jack frowned, not knowing why she wouldn’t go in the house, but if that’s what she wanted to do then he’d walk her. “All right, stunner. Look, I’m headed out on the range, and I won’t be back until later today, maybe early tonight. You’ll be all right?” She nodded. “Yeah, I’ll be fine. I’ll see you later, then.” Jack walked off toward his horse. There was no way she’d survive on this planet. She’d probably kill herself is she wasn’t careful. Now, not only did she shock the hell of him by showing up on his planet, but he also had to watch her like he would a youngling. She wasn’t capable of handling herself in his world. What a calamity, so much for liking her. ***** Ginger spent the rest of the solar-day getting over the embarrassing episode. How could she ever face Jack again? He’d been gone for solar-hours and Ginger decided to prepare something for dinner. The culinary outlet looked like it had never been used before. Walls of stainless-steal with a matching tub-like structure on the counter, coldcase, and other

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appliances, seemed cold looking. She stopped next to the oven and wondered how to operate it. She wasn’t used to cooking, but would give it a go. At home, she’d press the buttons on her meal-maker and voila, dinner was ready. That was the extent of her culinary abilities, but she was starving and needed food. As she went about making dinner, she hoped Jack would return soon. She was lonely and bored. If he didn’t arrive soon, she’d go mad for lack of company.

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Chapter Eight All Jack wanted was to take a soothing shower and wash away all the grime he’d acquired since that morning. When he returned from the long solar-day out on the range, he’d been able to move the mare and her foal to the stables. After getting them settled, he went about the rest of his chores: he fed the livestock, brushed several steeds down, and attended to some of the sickly animals. Working through the frustration of seeing Ginger again, he forked the hay out of most of stalls in no time. Jack had studied animal welfare and veterinary care while attending the college on Planet Carnalvous. Valeen loved that planet, and ever since she’d taken him and his brother there, he’d returned for visits from time to time. That’s where he’d found Fluffy, bedraggled and homeless. They became friends, and since then, the cat let him live with her. Having an interest in animals, Jack completed his education, which enabled him to be his own boss, something he had aspired to for so long. He swiped his forearm over his forehead, wiping the sweat away. He placed the two harnesses he held on the rack inside the stable, then headed toward the porch. Go in, go ahead. What are you afraid of? She’s just a female. You can handle one female, guy. But it’s Ginger, she’s not just any female. He hesitated. He wondered what she was doing, and if she was all right. Still, he wouldn’t appear over anxious or eager. When he said that he thought she might not be safe from him, he was so accurate, more precise than she could imagine. How long could he keep from doing what he wanted to do? Her sweetness and beauty made him flinch, because it reminded him of his promise to be a gentleman. Unless she offers, you won’t do a thing. Promise yourself that right now, guy. His mind ignored his thought, and the promise wasn’t made. Jack turned and pressed the button on his door panel. As his fingerprint ID registered, the door clicked and the panel slid open. Some modern conveniences were really practical, like not needing a keycard to enter the house. He couldn’t hear anything inside, and thought maybe she had stayed in her room all solar-day. But as he got closer and closer to the kitchen, the sound of banging could be heard. Was Ginger cooking? Well, he’d be damned, a filly that could cook. Was he a lucky male or what? And damned he was, when he saw the disaster in front of him. Upon entering the kitchen, he came to an abrupt halt. His eyes roamed the counter tops, the kitchen table, the sink—all cluttered with pots, pans, and dirty dishes. The female destroyed his kitchen. His jaw tightened, but somehow he kept his cool. If there was one thing Jack didn’t like, it was clutter and disarray. His house was always spotless and clean—just how he liked it. “Stunner, what have you done?” Standing beside the sink, Ginger turned and smiled at him. The female actually smiled, as if she didn’t notice the destruction around her. “Oh, hello, Jack. I didn’t hear you come in. I’ve been making...” She stopped when she noticed his darkened look. Could she tell that he was angry with her? She appeared angelic, as if she didn’t know what she’d done wrong. Jack couldn’t tell

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what she was thinking, but he finished her sentence for her. “...making a big old mess, that’s what. What have you been up to, darlin’?” “I-I’ve been making dinner.” “Dinner. What you’ve been making is a complete shambles of my house.” Jack moved closer to her and stood a few solar-inches from her body. Whatever she was cooking didn’t have much of a smell to it. All he could smell was the scent of her fragrance, which overrode his actions. The intention to set the record straight right then and there drifted away like that of an uncontrolled space craft. He didn’t like messes, but for some reason, her rumpled appearance and the shambles around him made him excited. His mind betrayed him when a vision of her being naked, lying among the clutter on his kitchen table came to him, as if it were real. Even his breath hitched at his vision. “Jack, are you al...all right? Maybe you should sit down. Can I get you anything?” Jack stepped forward and placed his hands on the steel of the sink, trapping her between his arms. His words caught in his throat as he stared at her beautiful blue eyes. Ginger moved her hands upward and placed them on his chest. If it was possible to die standing up, he might have considered that’s what had happened to him. The distraction of her hands moving over his chest made him forget what he was going to say. “Jack, answer me.” Answer her? What the druk had she asked him? He answered her the only way he knew how—with a glint in his eye, he leaned closer to her. His mouth crushed hers, and his hands gripped the steel of the sink for support. Otherwise, his knees would have buckled then and there. Kissing Ginger had to be the most pleasurable thing in the universe. He continued to move his tongue around the heat of hers. Lost in lustful thoughts, his hands moved to her hair and caressed the softness. Jack pulled away, his breath harsh and his life force pumping exquisite ideas through his body. His hands moved to her waist and he lifted her, setting her on the edge of the sink. Ginger held onto his shoulders, staring at him. He’d sent her to a speechless state. Good. There was nothing more pleasurable than a female who didn’t speak. Jack grinned and leaned closer, knowing only one way to keep it that way. He waited for a sign, any sign to give an indication that she wanted to continue kissing him. He had, after all, promised to be a gentleman, and he’d wait all night, if necessary for her acceptance. The sign came when her hands moved over his shoulders toward his neck. She gripped him, pulling him closer. Or was she trying to keep herself from falling? Her eyes implored him with a hazy passion-filled plea. He obeyed. His mouth took possession of hers again, only this time, he converged for full out and out annihilation. Fervor rushed through him as if a solar flare passed over his body. Jack moved his tongue in a quicker rhythm, setting the pace for what he hoped would lead to the most exquisite unite of his life. That thought led him to lifting her again and moving off toward the table. As he placed her bottom on the table, he shifted the dishes and clutter out of the way. Leaning over her, he pressed his hard body against her. His hand moved over her thigh, past her hip, over her stomach, until he reached the zipper of the catsuit. Seductively, he moved the zipper as low as it would go. He felt her soft skin beneath the zipper as he glided it downward.

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His fingers never felt such softness before. As if his hand had a mind of its own, it continued to meander toward her breasts. Memorizing the fabric of her bra, his fingers moved over it, feeling the subtle decoration of the lace and the hardened nipple beneath the satin. He shifted his body, moving his arousal to a more beneficial place—between her legs. Completely abandoning all reason, Jack lost what little composure he had. Ginger’s whimpers and passionate eyes turned him into a beast, a beast that needed instant gratification. He’d turned into an onerous bull, all right. He placed his hand inside her bra, finally feeling the hardened bud of her nipple. Teasingly, he ran the pad of his finger over it, while he moved his mouth over her soft lips. Jack repositioned himself and placed his other hand near her head, right in the center of a bowl full of—whatever the hell she’d put in it. It clung to his hand, and he pulled back from her, shaking his hand, trying to release the substance from it. He broke off the kiss. “What in blue-blazes is...this stuff?” He looked oddly at it. “Ah, it’s potatoes, I think.” His grin turned devilish, then he moved his hand and swiped it over her cheek. Ginger laughed and took a handful, wiping it on his face in return. She wouldn’t have expected him to do what he wanted to. He chuckled. Swooping down on her, he licked her face and tasted the potatoes she’d made. His face hardened, and he blanched. He straightened his body, pulling back. “Ginger, darlin’...” “Yes, Jack?” “Do me a favor, hmm? Don’t make potatoes.” She giggled and pushed him away from her. “What? Don’t you like my cooking?” Jack didn’t answer, knowing better than to hang himself. He kept quiet and reached for the top of her cat-suit, pushing the fabric away until it fell off her shoulders. Once he removed her lacy bra, he flung it toward the clutter on the table. His hands moved into position, feeling the mounds of pure sweetness beneath them. He only wanted to do one thing, well, maybe two. First, he’d kiss her again. As he leaned toward her, his eyes bore into hers, trying to read her thoughts. Did she want him? Should he continue the love play? He couldn’t tell what she was thinking. The second thing he wanted to do was to rid them of the rest of their clothes and get naked. His lips covered hers in another kiss. Ginger cooperated and seemed to enjoy it. She didn’t move her hands over him again to his disappointment. Her hands gripped the edge of the table. He shifted her again, feeling her pressed against his erection. His hands shifted under her bottom, and he maneuvered her to better feel his arousal. Shooting blood ran through his veins like a rocket wanting to reach the edge of space. He couldn’t get much harder. With a moan, he moved his mouth to her breast and took the puckered nipple between his teeth. He nibbled, then flicked his tongue over the texture of it. Her sweet moans urged him on, but if he didn’t slow down he’d explode like a Big-Bang. Just as that thought entered his mind, something did explode. The oven door suddenly flung open and whatever the hell she’d been cooking flew out with a burst of flames following. What appeared to be a loaf of bread must have exploded from too much yeast. It almost reminded him of a solar-flare. Startled, Jack jumped at the noise of the loud bang and flew into action. He ran to the pantry and grabbed the fire extinguisher. The flames licked the floor when he sprayed them, sending the kitchen into a

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haze of smoke. “Druking hell, Ginger. What in the blue-blazes were you cooking?” “Oh, Uranous-insanous, I’m so so sorry, Jack. Let me clean this up.” She replaced the top of her cat-suite, rezipping it to cover her breasts. “You have destroyed my kitchen, set my house on fire, and sent me to sexual torment. Is there anything else you plan for this night? Tell me now, so I’m prepared for it, because you have shocked the hell out of me.” “I-I am sorry, Jack. I didn’t mean to make a mess and I, ah, didn’t meant to set the fire.” “Did you mean to make me want you so badly that I can’t even think? Huh?” Jack’s jaw hardened. What the hell was he saying? Her dejected look made him realize he’d hurt her feelings. He couldn’t take one more solar-second in her presence without snapping and really shouting at her. Either that, or picking her up and carrying her off to bed. She’d pushed him over the edge. He turned and left the kitchen. ***** Ginger stared after Jack, disbelieving everything that had just happened in a matter of ten solar-minutes. Playtime ended. Why in the universe was he so angry? She heard the door close down the hall, then another unfamiliar sound. He was an odd being, she realized. Numbing Neptune. Why had she let him kiss her like that? She just couldn’t control herself when Mr. Perfect was around. This was going to be the most difficult time of her life. There would be no way to avoid it. “I must be Uranous-insanous. Get a hold of yourself, Ginger.” She’d definitely fallen out of her orbit and landed in a strange world, and most disconcerting, she wanted to have sex with the pyretic. PAM’s chime announced her arrival into the kitchen. “Good evening, doll. What’s going on?” “Hi, PAM, I’m glad you’re here. Nothing, I’m just talking to myself.” “I can see on my viewer you’re in over your head. Are you trying to cook, Miss Ginger?” Ginger turned and peered around the kitchen. Numbing Neptune, she had made a mess. No wonder he left fuming. Well, fuming might not have described his attitude, but he had stressed that he’d noticed the mess. Looking around her, she grew mortified. “PAM, how do I clean this up?” PAM’s digital snicker came. “Have you ever performed sanitation, doll?” “Ah, well, no, but... Just tell me what to do, I’m sure I can handle it. Jack is pretty upset about his kitchen being in shambles.” Ginger sat dejectedly at the kitchen hub. “MAX, oh MAXIE, male. Can you help us out?” A chime indicated MAX’s entrance into the culinary outlet’s audio system. “Yes, my sassy module. What can I do for you?” Ginger laughed at the male moderator’s tone. Was he flirting with the female moderator? Inconceivable. Could moderators flirt? “Miss Ginger has a problem. She doesn’t know how to sanitize the kitchen, and she’s made a big mess. Your owner is most displeased. Ooooh, I wish I could have seen his face. Stars, Jack had to be fuming.” Okay, so the moderator agreed with her. “It wasn’t pleasant, I assure you, PAM.”

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“I will oversee it, Miss Ginger. Why don’t you go and change? PAM and I will handle this calamity, and we will have dinner ready in an hour. It will be our pleasure to help you.” Ginger looked up at the ceiling and smiled. “Really? You two moderators are amazing. All right, if you’re sure I should go.” “Yes, Miss. Jack doesn’t like chaos in his home. I keep it spotless for him, and he usually doesn’t make much of a mess. He says he has enough dirt to deal with out on the range. I’m sure he was displeased.” “If you could have seen his...face. Yes, he was very upset. You might have to reassure him, MAX, that it’s safe to come out of his bedroom. All right, I’ll just go and get changed.” Ginger grabbed her bra from the table, left the kitchen, and went to change. When she entered the bedroom, she rummaged through her belongings, looking for a pair of shorts and a top. She grabbed a few of her toiletries, left the room, and went in search of the hygienic chamber. She opened several doors, one led to an office of sorts, the next led to another bedroom. When she opened the third door from hers, she ran smack into Jack. “Oh, I’m sor...” Ginger stood shocked, staring at the body before her. Okay, she’d seen naked men before, heck she’d seen him naked before, but honestly, nothing prepared her for the sight of his rippled muscles speckled with droplets of water. Or how his sandy-blond hair curled from the dampness. She cleared her throat and continued. “...sorry. I, ah, didn’t know you were in here, Jack. Is this the hygienic chamber? I, ah, just wanted to get cleaned up.” “Yeah, give me a solar-sec and it’s all yours.” Jack reached for his pile of clothing that sat on the counter near a strange looking object. Ginger had never seen such a hygienic chamber before. She hoped she could figure out how to work the objects. Where was the solar-bath? There was no lounge. And just what was that bowl with the shiny metallic machine like thing sticking out of it? “Excuse me, stunner, if you’ll move aside I can get by.” “Jack?” “Yes?” “Where’s your solar-bath?” He turned and pointed to a large clear-paneled stall. Her brows furrowed at the monstrosity. How in the galaxy did one operate it? She’d better ask before he left. “Can you show me how to use it?” “Just turn the knobs until it’s the right temperature. Don’t be afraid of it, it’s just water, Ginger. There are clean towels in the closet there.” He pointed beyond the solar-bath, or what she thought was the solar-bath. She nodded. “My, but you’re really domestic, Jack. I never would have thought a male like you would...” Jack grinned at her, retucking the towel by his waist, which had loosened. “Just what does that mean? A male like me?” Did she detect a hint of offense in his voice? Okay, how to buff that one? Ginger figured the ‘honesty was the best policy’ motto would work best in this situation. “Well, for someone who is a male of the universe, you know, a playboy who has sex with four females at once... Being so...young, I never would have taken you for being so...domestic.”

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Jack laughed, not just a chuckle laugh. No, he laughed heartily in a pleasant deep tone. So, she hadn’t offended him. Uranous-insanous—he would drive her mad before the solarday was over. Her orbit had definitely turned topsy-turvy. “You don’t know me very well, Ginger. Yeah, I like sex, but show me a male who doesn’t. Just because I like to hang out with females, doesn’t mean I don’t like order or that I’m not capable of caring for myself. I might be young, sweetheart, but I have my life in order, and I’m successful.” His tone hardened. She really didn’t mean to insult him, but his expression suggested that she had. “Oh, I’m sorry, Jack, shouldn’t have said that. Look, it’s really none of my business who you have sex with or how many females you entertain.” “Does it bother you that I’ve had sex with other females?” Ginger lowered her eyes, looking at his feet, strong feet that would feel good rubbing against her legs. Why had she thought that? Mr. Perfect continued to stare at her, making her nerves fry like sizzling eggs in an ancient frying pan. “I, ah, shouldn’t have thought that about you, but... No, it doesn’t bother me at all, Jack. I really don’t care who you have sex with. It’s really none of my business.” She’d really stuck her neck out with that one. Why couldn’t she keep her mouth shut? Jack lifted her chin, smiling. “Why don’t we start over?” “Really? You’ll forgive me for destroying your kitchen, then?” Had his jaw just twitched? He seemed to swallow, from the sight of his Adam’s apple, which moved a good solar-inch. “Against my better judgment, yeah, stunner. I forgive you for destroying it. Now get a shower and get dressed. I’ll try to find us something to eat.” “Okay, Jack. And thanks for...understanding.” She stopped when he moved away. Closing the door, she quickly stripped out of her clothes and entered the clear-paneled shower. She felt weird standing up to take a solar-bath. There was a marble structure inside the stall that she could sit on, but she didn’t think she should. Usually, she’d lie on the lounge and let the machine do all the work. Even her teeth were cleaned by the machine. What would this bath be like? Unafraid, she turned the knob and released the water. She screamed loudly, jumping backwards, plastering herself against the cold marble wall. Jack reentered the hygienic chamber. He came through as soon as the door panel slid aside and shouted, “Ginger, are you all right? What the hell happened?” For what seemed like a minute, Ginger stood there watching him stare at her. He seemed mesmerized, too. She felt his eyes move over her body, then stop at the top of her legs. Unmoving, Ginger didn’t try to hide herself from him. Why it heated her, his raking his eyes over her body, she didn’t know. Okay, maybe she did. Sex. She wanted to have sex with Mr. Perfect. “Jack?” “I asked if you were all right?” “Ah, yeah. The water was hot and...unexpected...and I wasn’t accustomed to...it. I’m great.” “Stunner, great hardly begins to describe...you.” Jack reached inside the stall and adjusted the water temperature. He stood completely naked with the towel that he’d used

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lying at his feet. His erection at seeing her naked confirmed his desire. Ginger ogled him, she couldn’t make her eyes move away. For a moment, Ginger considered inviting him into the shower with her. Her sexually disturbed brain whispered its agreement, but she needed a few solar-minutes to get over seeing him unclothed again, and to decide if it was really what she wanted. Hadn’t she promised herself that she wouldn’t have sex with him? She should consider him one of her patients—that’s what she should do. After all, she was a physexian, and darned if he didn’t need one. Jack didn’t give her chance to deny her thoughts. He opened a cabinet, pulling out a packet, which she assumed was a condom. He stepped forward and entered the stall, closing the clear panel behind him. She backed up, knowing if her skin came in contact with his, it’d be over. Her back now pressed the cold marble again, and she watched the water droplets hitting his smooth chest, then rolling downward over his rippled abdomen. Her eyes followed the path of water until she saw his erection, looking so hard. He placed his arms around her, completely enfolding her in his hold. Water cascaded between them. Jack smiled, words weren’t needed. He moved his hands downward, squeezing the flesh on her backside, while maintaining his hold. Her hands shifted to his shoulders, gripping him, steadying herself. “I need you, Ginger, right now. Do you want—” “Yes, oh, yes, Jack.” With his hard length pressed between her legs, Ginger panted, moaned and squirmed. She really did need him, too. It was just sex, right? Who cared if he was much younger than she. She’d never had sex with a younger male before, and this experience would be one that she wouldn’t regret. Jack turned her and moved her to the marble seat. He moved her to a seated position and knelt down, spreading her legs and giving him access to her vagina. “Druking hell, Ginger, you make me want to explode.” His mouth lowered to taste her. When his finger penetrated her, preparing her, she groaned in explicit surrender. He used his tongue to stimulate her clitoris. Had he groaned at the pleasure, too? Mindless, only to feeling the twinges of his touches, Ginger didn’t know. He kept at the task, using his tongue as lever, pushing it against her, inside her, taunting, teasing and stroking. Ginger couldn’t open her eyes, because the water spray hit her face. She didn’t want to reposition herself, either, especially because what Jack was doing—drove her crazy. All her focus was on each touch of his tongue. His finger joined the dance, taking turns with his velvety tongue. Jack suddenly pulled back and smiled devilishly at her. She wanted to move forward to give him pleasure too, but he placed a hand on her shoulder, keeping her seated on the bench. He placed the condom on, and holding his erection, he entered her. Ginger climaxed on contact. Her entire body tensed as the culmination took her over. Had she screamed? She peeked and saw Jack throw his head back at the exquisite pleasure of entering her. Every beautiful solar-inch of his penis entered its fantasy world. Cupping her bottom, he jerked forward with a forceful movement. She yelled out. He leaned forward and trailed his tongue from her bellybutton to her breast. He kept up the torment, but she didn’t know how long she could last. Damn, she never enjoyed a male as much as she enjoyed Jack. Ginger’s hands gripped his shoulders. “I like that you don’t hold back, Ginger. That’s it, yell, scream, let those blissful moans

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out.” Each time she said his name, it sent her farther into heedless abandonment. She knew she was on the verge of exploding in sheer pleasurable torment again. Her body plunged into a chaotic world with each skillful thrust. “Come, baby. Yeah, stunner, feel me slipping inside?” He pulled out slowly, the jabbed his way back inside. She liked it and huffed at his deliberate strokes. “Do you like that?” “Oh, Jack, yes. Give me all you got. You’re going to...” Ginger screamed in a painful, yet blissful, tone. Her orgasm rocketed through her body, sending ripples of pleasure that started at her womb and continued to reverberate to her soul. As her cries of pleasure continued, she watched his beautiful body slamming her against the marble. Jack shifted his place on his knees, getting into a more accessible position. He continued to pump his body, moving his butt in a timed motion. Water from the shower hit his back, rolling downward, but he didn’t seem to feel a drop. Steam clouded the inside and glass of the solar-bath. Ginger continued to grunt as Jack shouted. He closed his eyes, letting his orgasm take full control of his body and mind. His groan echoed inside the hygienic chamber. He rasped now with uncontrolled breath at the pleasure and torment he’d just suffered. Leaning forward, he kissed her mouth in a kiss that told her how much he’d enjoyed making love to her. Jack turned and let the water hit him, and he removed the rubber. He used his hand to swish the water over himself. Ginger smiled when he opened the clear panel and stepped toward the door. He stood there staring at her as if he was going to say something, but he didn’t. “Jack, ah, can you close the door on your way out?” He shook himself from his trance. “Yeah, sure. Hurry up, Ginger. I’m starving.” After picking up his towel, giving her a gracious view of his rear end, he left again, and the door panel slid closed behind him. Ginger moved into the streams of the steamy spray and let the water run over her skin and hair. The water seemed to take away the nervous anxiety of having him so close, too. Water wasn’t half bad once she got used to it, and it soothed her muscles. Okay, so she avoided thinking about what just happened between them. Her hair clung to her back as the water flattened it. She went about washing herself, not really having experience at doing so, but she tried to make certain she did a thorough job. She reached for what she thought was soap and smelled it. It smelled like Jack, and had a masculine scent to it. She placed it back on the holder and did without it. Uranous-insanous, she’d just had the most unbelievable sexual experience of her life. He flipped her orbit completely. So, why did she feel like hanging her head in shame? After he had pulled himself out of her, she avoided thinking about it. But she needed to own up to it: she had sex with a younger male. Big deal. Many females did, didn’t they? Age hadn’t mattered for centuries, so why did she feel as though she’d stolen links from the SOPS collection canisters? She stepped from the stall and stood by the weird contraption with the metallic object at the top. She turned the knob and more water streamed from the hose-like metal. Strange. Looking at herself in the mirror, she appeared different, as her hair dripped droplets onto the

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floor. She pulled a towel from the closet Jack had pointed to and began drying herself. After dressing, she drew her hair into a clasp, making a tail on the back of her head. She hoped the outfit she chose was modest enough. Okay, so her shorts showed a little too much leg, and the top she’d chosen showed a little too much skin. Maybe she should have picked something different. On her way to her room, she heard Jack call from his office. She ducked her head inside the doorway and smiled. “Hey, you just about done, stunner?” “Ah, yeah. I’m ready, and really hungry.” “Me, too.” Jack got up from the desk and walked toward her. “Just a solar-sec. I wanted to give this to you.” He held a strange object out to her. “What is it?” She took the object wrapped in a sanitation device from him and studied it. “It’s a toothbrush. Haven’t you ever used one before?” Why did he grin at her? “Ah, no, my solar-bath usually takes care of that, but thanks.” “I’ll show you how to use it later.” He laughed, then followed when she led the way toward the kitchen. She hoped that PAM and MAX had enough time to clean up the disaster she’d created. Ginger stopped upon entering the culinary chamber, she turned toward Jack to see his expression. He didn’t seem to be phased by the sparkling counter tops or the heavenly smell waffling throughout the room. He went to the micro-oven, took out a casserole and placed it on a heating pad. She smiled. “So, what do you think?” “I think I owe MAX a big old thank you.” “What?” Jack laughed and took two plates from the cabinet. He placed them on the table and began dishing out food. “MAX,” he called. MAX chimed in. “Yes, guy, I’m here. What may I do for you?” “Thanks for the food. Have you been playing with that damned robot again?” “I’m just trying to be helpful, guy. It’s the only way I can get anything done around here. If I had a physical form, the robot would not be needed. You didn’t want me to leave the kitchen in the condition—” “No, I didn’t, but you know how I feel about that damned robot.” “Ah, yes, guy, I do. But it assists me in my functions. Allow me to use it and store it away when I’m through. That’s all I ask.” PAM joined the conversation, and spoke in her soft digital voice. “Ooooh, why didn’t you tell me you had such a beautiful robot, handsome? My King would be disappointed to know that you had such a device and he didn’t. Stars, wait until I tell Valeen.” “Chance wouldn’t want the robot, he has Valeen,” Jack said. Ginger didn’t know what was going on or what they were talking about. “What is this robot? Is it a female?” She guessed it was the machine she’d seen in the hallway closet. Jack’s skin seemed to flush. Was he blushing? Ginger didn’t know what to make of it. MAX and PAM laughed, resonating an odd digital sound from the audio speakers overhead. “MAX tries to influence me to, ah, never mind. Let’s eat.” Ginger almost laughed. She realized Jack wasn’t about to divulge the fact that MAX

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ordered the robot maid to be used in many ways, most of them sexual. But he didn’t seem the type to sink as low as that—to use such a device as a metal female. Besides, he didn’t need to, not when he could have the real deal. His smile widened as he watched her. Ginger sat at the hub located in the center of the kitchen and began eating. She occasionally looked at Jack and tried to rebuff the sexual tension between them. Impossible— the entire situation was completely impossible. She had to get out there and quick, before she changed her mind and gave into her sexually disturbed brain again, which continued to taunt her. She’d never eaten so quickly in her life. Placing the plate in the sanitation device, she turned and saw that Jack continued to eat. “I’m going outside.” He didn’t say anything, only nodded. She stood near the exit and endured an awkward silence. Shouldn’t she say something about what happened between them? Ginger pressed the button on the door panel and stepped outside. The coolness of the night settled her nerves instantly. She walked to the end of the porch and stood watching the supernova set over the edge of land in the distance. Peaceful sounds of insects chirping and the sound of whinnies in the distance gave the night a serene aura. A light breeze played over the field, swaying the grasses in one direction and then another. Such a sight held her in awe, because she’d never seen anything so wonderful. Planet Celtaxy had a beauty of its own, but it was more like a tourist destination. There was a subtle beauty here. Still, she missed her home and her father, and she’d only been gone for three solar-days. She wondered what her father was doing and hoped that he hadn’t gone after Con. If he did, it could end his own life force, and she didn’t want him to risk his safety. Hopefully, Chance had been able to retain him. She should communicate tomorrow to check on him. Had Sal known about any of this, she wouldn’t have had to leave her home. He would have made certain Con was dealt with. She should have just contacted her brother when her father had told her the whole sordid mess. But she didn’t want to involve Sal, who had problems of his own. Being there with Jack made her edgy and so unlike herself. She didn’t want to get tangled in a relationship with a womanizing playboy, did she? No, absolutely not. That wasn’t what she wanted. He certainly wasn’t the Mr. Perfect she’d been looking for, but he sure could make her shake like she’d never done before. Okay, so he was perfect on the outside, but she wanted perfection on the inside, too. Maybe there wasn’t such a male out there in the vast universe with such credentials. She hadn’t found him yet, and probably wouldn’t ever. Suddenly someone placed their arms around her, locking her in a hold. Looking down, she saw Jack’s arms surround her torso. The corded muscles of his forearms trapped her and brought her back against his chest. She felt the heat of his chest on her back, and she relaxed against him for a solar-second before she tried to pull away. He remained silent, but brushed his hand along her jaw, up toward her ear. As he brought his hand forward, he placed a mollyhock bud in front of her face. How did he do it? It appeared as if by magic. She took the delicate yellow flower from him and smiled. “Thanks, Jack. But how did you do that?”

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He didn’t say anything, but leaned forward and placed a kiss on her cheek. His hand rubbed the base of her neck sending little shivers over her skin. Get a hold of yourself, Ginger. Don’t let Mr. Perfect’s magic lure you. “I’m sorry I overreacted earlier. Do you forgive me, darlin’?” His words tickled her cheek, and she tried to turn to face him, but he wouldn’t let her. “That’s...no problem, Jack. I’m really sorry I made such a mess in your culinary outlet. I was trying to be helpful by making you dinner.” “No, not about the kitchen, stunner. You know, afterward in the hygienic chamber.” Ginger scrunched her eyes. Did he mean he overreacted to their having sex or that he’d just left afterwards? What a flibbing jerk. Well, if it didn’t mean anything to him, it wouldn’t mean anything to her. She decided to change the conversation to a safer topic. “What were you doing all day? Where did you go? To work?” Jack released her and went to sit in the strange looking chair. He placed his feet on the rail, crossing his ankles. He appeared relaxed and grinned at her. Uranous-insanous. Why did his smile affect her? Next to him, an old-fashioned musical instrument leaned against his chair. She wondered if he even knew how to use it, but wouldn’t ask. “This is my ranch, the Stardust, and I work it. There’s about fifty horses here right now. I sometimes race them, but mostly I breed them for other racers. I have bulls too, for busting, and cattle out on the range. I was taking care of a mare and foal that was born yesterday. You won’t see me much during the day, stunner, because I’m usually off working on the pastures and...” “What?” Ginger left the rail and went to sit in the chair next to him. She felt awkward leaning back in the contraption. “I have four ranch hands that help me around here, Luc, Marc, Jon, and Zane. I’ll introduce you to them later. I have company coming tomorrow, a buyer.” “Oh? Are they going to purchase one of your horses?” “Maybe. I hope so. I just wanted to tell you, so you weren’t concerned when you saw their transport arrive. I know you must be worried about this Con fellow.” Ginger played with the flower stem while he talked. She looked at him and nodded. “Yes, very much so. I fear he’ll find me here. I don’t believe I have long to live.” “You think you’re going to die?” “Yes, it’s only a matter of solar-time, Jack, before he finds me. My father can’t afford to pay him the links he’s owed. Con will find a way. It’s what he does—kills beings.” Her face remained serene while admitting those facts, but inside twinkling stars bounced around in her stomach. Jack’s eyes narrowed. She wondered what he thought of her declaration. She didn’t have to wonder for long. He scoffed harshly. “That’s ridiculous, Ginger. Look, I won’t let anything happen to you. But if you get hurt it won’t be from Con’s attack, it’s dangerous around here. You know, the animals and... I do have a restorative-chamber here. I’m not that behind the times, even though I appreciate more simplicity than—” “You have an RC? That’s good to know.” Ginger was surprised. The machine could fix just about any injury, including rare universal diseases. “Yeah. Now, I want you to listen to me. You are not going to die. Con won’t find you

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here, and even if he did, I won’t let him get near you. Got that?” “That’s really heroic of you, Jack. But I don’t want you getting involved in this. My father’s placed me in this predicament, and, well, I don’t want anyone else getting hurt. I have a phaser-ray, and if I need to protect myself, then I’ll use it.” “Ginger, my brother asked me, no, he commanded me to protect you with my life, and that’s exactly what I intend to do.” Ginger felt the overwhelming urge to cry. Her heart tore at their conversation. She took a deep breath and tried to regain an ounce of composure. “I don’t want to talk about this, Jack. I’m going to bed.” She rose and when he stood up, she stepped backward. Jack reached for her, placing his hand behind her back, pulling her forward. Before she knew what he’d do, he kissed her. Unlike his previous kisses which were all consuming, this kiss was gentle, sweet, and even more sensual than she ever imagined a kiss could be. She let her tongue slide into his mouth, returning the touch, the flicker, the mingling. Uranousinsanous. Pulling away, she shoved him back a step. There was absolutely no way she’d continue this fabrication between them. She knew the truth about him, what he was, and what he thought about females. She’d be damned before she’d give into the sexual exploits of a womanizer or a sex-crazed being. “Let’s get something straight right now. I have no interest in uniting with you again, Jack. You must stop kissing me whenever you feel like it. What you need is a good physexian, and unfortunately my client list is too long, otherwise I’d offer to help you.” “What? You’re a physexian? Druking hell.” His mouth hung open in obvious repulsion at her profession. “My thoughts exactly. When your brother and Valeen told me about you, I didn’t know it was you. You know, the male I met at Divine’s. I don’t intend to be anyone’s sex toy, until you can get back to your harem. You have a serious problem, don’t you, Jack?” He ran his fingers through his hair, scowling intently. “No, I don’t have a problem, Ginger. I won’t kiss you again.” His mouth formed a tight line, and his expression turned grim. “Good, because as much as I like your kisses and what we did, I must remember that you are a perfect candidate for my couch.” Jack opened his mouth as though he would comment on that remark. “If you value your life force, you won’t say what you are thinking right now. I insist, Jack, that you get some help. You have sex on your brain twenty-four seven, don’t you?” Jack’s eyes narrowed and his brows furrowed. He didn’t look like he’d admit to any of her accusations. “Look, Ginger, for your information, I don’t have sex on my brain twentyfour-seven. So, I like females. So what? That doesn’t mean I have a problem. Got that? You should take it as a compliment that I want your body. How the hell did I know you were a physexian?” Jack took a deep breath before continuing. “Druking bad luck, that’s what this is. You’ll only be here temporarily, so we’ll just have to figure out how to get along during this time.” By the time Jack finished his speech, he panted in agitation. Damn him. She thought their experience was something more than just sex—that they connected. She didn’t feel connected to him at all. She was wrong and hoped he would say what she wouldn’t—that what she’d said was nonsense.

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Ginger let his words hit her, and each word sank her heart. Why did it hurt so? It wasn’t as if she’d have a future with him. At that moment, she considered him the biggest jerk in the galaxy. She needed space, lots of black space to think about his words. She needed to get away from him or she’d say many things that she’d later regret. “Good night, Jack.” “Night, stunner.”

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Chapter Nine It was going to be a hell-of-a-solar-day. Jack lay wide-awake, as he had most of the night, thinking about the fact that Ginger was a physexian. He didn’t have a problem with her having a career. Females were often good at what they did for a living, but the fact that she was a sexual therapist just didn’t sit right with him. He didn’t need a therapist, and just who in blue-blazes did she think she was to suggest that he did? Why did she have to have that profession? Why couldn’t she be an educator? Heck, even an attorney would have been preferable to a physexian. So what if he liked having sex? All right, so he enjoyed it a little too much. It wasn’t as if the IL would put him away. Sex was not a criminal offense. He’d put the female out of his mind and treat her like a sister. Yes, that’s what he’d do. But how could he do that when she appealed to him in ways a sister wouldn’t? He not only wanted to unite with her, but he had thought of pursuing a different kind of relationship, one that he’d never ventured on before. Staring through the viewers, he watched the supernova rise, lightening the land in the distance. Another grueling day lay ahead. One during which he knew he’d have difficulty fighting his sexual urges. At least he had work to look forward to, and he hoped it would distract him from Ginger’s presence. Right—and a meteor would land in his back yard this solar-day. He threw aside the covers and scoffed at his aroused state. Just thinking about the female made him harden with need—the need to have hot wild sex with the sweetest female he’d come in contact with in solar-years. Hell, maybe he just needed to get laid by someone other than her. No, not only did he desire her sexually, but he found himself thinking about her even when she wasn’t within his sight. The long night verified that. His mind played over and over again their little rollick in the kitchen and the hygienic chamber, and if that wasn’t bad enough, he thought about the kiss they’d shared before she went to bed. Well, if he was hot and bothered, he sure as hell hoped she had trouble sleeping, too. Served her right for being so damn desirable. Jack moved off the bed to get ready for his day. He drew on his pants, something he wouldn’t normally do. Everything had changed since she arrived, and he supposed it wouldn’t be wise to go to the kitchen to make coffee—naked. He chuckled out loud, then called out to MAX. His brows furrowed as he wondered what the two moderators were up to. It was unlike either of them to remain quiet for any length of time. He only hoped whatever it was that occupied them, wasn’t something that would displease him. MAX didn’t chime in right away, so he called out again. “Yes, guy, I’m here. What may I do for you?” MAX always said the same exact thing when he chimed in, which usually annoyed him. “MAX, what are you and PAM up to?” “Are you suggesting that we are not behaving in accordance with our regulations, guy? Of course we are.” Regulations, be damned. Neither moderator upheld their regulations. The stipulation that was supposedly programmed in their microchips that they were not to alter or interfere in

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their being’s lives must have been a joke for these two moderators. Jack did find it funny though and considered the possibility that they erased any trace of those programs. “Where have you been?” “I have been getting your breakfast ready and have taken the liberty to answer your communications, while you, guy, have been sleeping the solar-morning away.” “Is that sarcasm, MAX? I think PAM has been a bad influence on you. And, I’ll have you know I haven’t slept a damned wink the entire night. Who has communicated with me?” MAX’s deep masculine-like laugh resonated. “Haven’t slept, guy? Are you unwell? Perhaps some time in the RC could fix that. Do you wish me to engage it?” “No, the RC won’t make me feel better.” Jack couldn’t keep the irritation out of his voice. “Communications?” “You are not your usual self this solar-morning, guy. I am concerned.” “Don’t be, MAX. Now, what were the communications?” Jack practically shouted with frustration. “Your brother called to see if Miss Ginger arrived safely. I assured him that she was safe and well cared for here. A Mr. Preston informed you that he will arrive at this afternoon to look over the horses. He is bringing a female friend with him and asked if that would be a problem. I have informed him, guy, that any female is welcome in the home of the Jack of hearts.” “Is that supposed to be funny, MAX? Because I’m not laughing.” One thing irked Jack more than being told he needed a physexian, and that was being called the Jack of hearts. “Oh, no, guy. I mean not to be funny. I just told him his guest would be welcomed.” MAX’s digital laughter echoed through his bedroom. “Finally, an intelligent answer. I don’t like your humor, MAX, it’s unlike you. I think PAM is being a bad influence on you. Is Miss Ginger up yet?” He had a touch of sarcasm in his voice. “No, guy. Do you wish for me to have PAM awaken her? I can have her send Miss Ginger in here and you can—” “No, I was only asking. Bye, MAX.” Jack left the room. Fluffy had disappeared, and he hadn’t seen her since yesterday morning. He called out a psss-spssss sound, but the cat didn’t come. She was probably hiding from Ginger’s dog. The house’s quietness normally comforted Jack, but this morning it only made him tense and grumpy. Just how late did the female plan on sleeping? He shook his head, realizing it didn’t much matter to him, because he needed some good strong black coffee, and a couple of aspirin to relieve his headache. He reached the kitchen and rummaged through the cabinet that held bottles of medicines. Jack knew all he had to do was enter the RC and his body would be revived of its tiredness and his headache would disappear, but he wouldn’t use the machine unless absolutely necessary. He’d learned to appreciate that technology when his brother had been phased by a ray a few solar-years ago. Amazed at the way the machine healed his brother, he had to have one at his ranch, because who knew what could happen. Jack had used it two times, once when he’d broken his foot from the misstep of a bull, and another time when he’d fallen off another bull and split his thigh open. His leg still bore the ugly scar, because he’d lacked the patience to wait for the entire process to complete.

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After chugging water to wash down the pain relievers, he reached for the coffeepot and noticed it was already made. Thinking MAX had done him a service, he poured himself a cup and took a sip before going outside. The solar-day looked to be fair weathered, and he’d get a lot of work done once Mr. Preston left. Jack leaned back in the chair and continued to drink his coffee. His ranch hands were already at their tasks, and he gave a wave to them. As he watched Luc breaking a stallion, he heard a bark and reached up to press the ID tab. The door panel slid open, and a little black nose slipped through, followed by Fluffy chasing the little visitor outside. “Hi fellow. What’s your name? Come on.” Jack patted his lap. The little dog jumped onto his lap and licked his hand. He petted the white fluff ball and received a look of disgust from Fluffy. “Be nice, Fluff.” To the dog, he asked, “Where is your owner? She still asleep? There you go, females can sleep the day away. Are you hungry, fellow?” “Excuse me, but that is a she. I’ll have you know that I take great care of Snap.” Ginger came through the door panel. “You named your dog Snap? That’s funny. Ginger’s Snap.” “Yeah, a real hoot.” “How long have you been up?” Jack smiled at the possibility that she too couldn’t sleep. “Hours. I made that coffee you are now drinking, and before you say anything, you’re not going to die from food poisoning. I do know how to make coffee. I was working in your office. I hope you don’t mind, but I’ve been up for solar-hours and needed a place to work.” Jack smiled, knowing she’d had just as bad a solar-night’s sleep as he had. Her tone was grumpy, and her face appeared shadowed from lack of sleep. He let the dog jump from his lap. Fluffy immediately chased the dog off the porch and around the corner of the house. “That’s fine, just don’t move any of my files. I know exactly where everything is.” Ginger’s eyes widened slightly. “Oh, ah, I did move some of your files, but I’ll put them back as soon as I go back in. How did you sleep?” “Fine,” he said crossly. She smiled at his cranky tone. “What your cat’s name?” Jack took a sip of his coffee before answering and muttered, “Fluffy.” Ginger laughed spiritedly. She wiped at the moisture that threatened to roll down her cheeks at the silly name. “You have to be joking. Fluffy?” “What the hell is wrong with Fluffy?” Jack’s eyes narrowed, and he wanted to shrivel up and fade away. There was nothing more humiliating than announcing to her that he had a cat named Fluffy. He knew he should have renamed the cat to something more interesting like the many named cats famed throughout history, but the only name he could think of was Morris and that wouldn’t do. “Nothing, it’s just... Well, look at you. You’re a big strong guy, practically what someone might call a relic from ancient Earth, and you name your cat Fluffy.” Her giggle followed her comical words. “I had no choice, Fluffy was already named...Fluffy. I found her. Her name tag read Fluffy, and I couldn’t find the owners. I couldn’t rename her, now, could I?” “That’s a sweet story, cowboy.” She smiled widely. “I slept so soundly. It’s really quiet here, isn’t it? That bed is really comfortable.”

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The mention of a bed tensed Jack’s neck and made his head pound in a thumping beat. Great, so she didn’t have a bad night’s sleep. She had slept comfortably, while he had the worst night’s sleep he’d had in years. She moved past him, her skirt brushing over his knee. He wanted to grab her, pull her down onto his lap and giver her a good morning kiss, but he wasn’t in the mood to test his ability to let her go. And, the physexian might give him a lecture that he wasn’t ready to hear. “You’re awfully quiet this morning, Jack. What have you planned for today?” He closed his eyes, letting her words caress his mind. Opening them, he watched her regard him with her pretty blue eyes. “I have a buyer coming, remember?” “Oh, that’s right. Well, I have a lot of work to do, so I’ll just return to it.” “You don’t have to go, Ginger. Mr. Preston won’t be here for several solar-hours.” Ginger sat back and lifted the cup to her mouth. “Will you show me around your ranch later? I really do like horses.” Jack smiled. “Sure, I’d like that. I could really use some help, if you’re up to it. Even though I have the ranch hands here, there’s lots to do.” “I’d like that, Jack. Just tell me what to do.” “I have to feed the livestock and put them to pasture. Then there’s the exercising. Some of the stallions need to be run. There’s plenty for you to do. I could use the extra hand.” “Sounds great. I need something to do.” She looked awkwardly at him, and must have been thinking of something interesting to say. His communicator chimed with MAX’s arrival. “Guy, your brother is communicating. Should I put him through?” “Yes.” Jack sighed then looked at Ginger. “Sorry, I should take this.” “That’s all right, I’m going to head back into the office. I’ve got a few communications to get to myself.” Ginger moved past him and went inside. “Bro, are you there?” “Yeah, Chance. What’s going on?” “I have bad news.” “I’m listening.” “The minions are on their way. Valeen gave them two solar-weeks off for vacation, and they told her they were going to see you. I just thought you might want to intercept them before they got there.” “Why would I want to do that?” “Ginger. Did you forget she was there?” “No, I didn’t forget. So what? I want to see the minions. Just because Ginger is here, doesn’t mean I can’t have company.” “But...well, I thought maybe she and you...” Jack laughed, lifting the communicator higher. “Listen, there is nothing going on between me and Miss Ginger. Got that? How long is she going to be here anyway?” Jack didn’t try to hide his testiness from his brother and clipped the words. “Then why do you sound so disturbed? From what PAM said, I thought the minions might cause you trouble, if you were interested in Ginger.” “What has that moderator been telling you? And I thought she couldn’t communicate with you. Aren’t you a little out of her reach?”

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Chance chuckled, and his voice lowered. “Valeen had PAM upgraded—I didn’t know. Seems she can communicate at greater distances now. She’s told me about the kitchen episode, and ah, that you walked in on her while Ginger was bathing.” “That moderator knows everything, huh? Chance, I want you to turn her off right now. I don’t want anyone spying on me, let alone a sex-crazed moderator like PAM. Damn, she probably had a visual of the whole damned thing.” “What whole thing?” Jack’s jaw tightened before he answered. “Nothing. I bet she tapped into my monitor systems and can see through all the surveillance screens, and watches everything that happens in my house. It’s bad enough I have to deal with MAX and a damned physexian. Just go to the communication control center and turn her off.” “I can’t. Valeen would never forgive me. She’s asked PAM to watch over Ginger for her, and if PAM doesn’t report back nightly, Valeen will probably board her VeBus and come there herself. Trust me, you don’t want that to happen.” “All right, so forget that.” “So you know about her being a physexian, huh? I wondered how long it would take for you to figure it out.” Jack groaned. “Yeah, why the hell didn’t you tell me? I should go to Kiumbria and beat the druk out of you.” Chance’s laughter mixed with static. “Don’t let it bother you. Does it matter what profession she has? She’s only staying there for a short solar-time, and you’re not interested. Remember?” Jack didn’t answer. Instead, he turned the discussion back to the moderators. “I’ll just have to deal with PAM myself, and I know exactly how I will occupy her.” “How?” “I’ll bring MAX online and get him to keep her busy.” “Sounds like a plan. Listen, I have news about Con. My agents heard he’s on the move, but they lost track of him. I know that Ginger is safe for now, but keep your eyes open. I’ve got my hands full trying to keep Ted safe. This concerns me, Jack.” Jack swallowed the last sip of now cold coffee. “Why? If Con isn’t near here, Ginger will be safe. Don’t worry about her, I won’t let her out of my sight.” “He might have sent someone else to do the job. Trust no one, Jack. Just be careful. These beings are paid assassins and very talented. I’ve uploaded the reports on Con from the IL, and he’s one bastiche with a criminal record a solar-mile long, and she...” Chance trailed off. “Chance, obviously, Ginger means a lot to you. I won’t let anything happen to her.” “All right, I have to run, bro.” “Later.” Jack decided to return to his bedroom and try to rest a bit before he went to the stables. He entered his room, stripped out of his clothing, and landed on the bed. Only wanting a few winks, he got comfortable and called out to MAX. “Yes, guy. What may I do for you?” “Put on some tunes, will you? I’m tired and need a little sleep before I begin work.” He also wanted to get rid of his pounding headache. Thumping increased its pounding inside his head, and he’d be no good until it was gone.

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Guitar and drum rhythms from his favorite band, the Maniacal Maniacs, played low in the background, instantly relaxing him. He closed his eyes and fell asleep a moment later. ***** Ginger worked through a few files, which needed to be uploaded into her DNS. Her inkrod tip broke, and she left the office to search Jack out to ask if he had one she could borrow. Musical tunes came from inside his bedroom. She knocked and waited, but he didn’t answer. After knocking a few more times, she opened the door panel. Shock—that’s what it had to be. Ginger couldn’t move. Her feet anchored to the floor, but her eyes moved over his form. Caressing his bare skin with her gaze, she touched each curve of his muscles, each leg, arm, back, and sweet butt with a roving eye. Why did he have to be so dreamy? He made her want to give up her profession as a physexian. At that moment, Ginger wanted to be one of those females that followed these kinds of guys around— the groupy kind who chased after the sexual deviants. Her hand touched his shoulder, and she moved closer. She shook it a little and waited. Should she wake him? Choices, choices. She could either stand there for the rest of the solarday looking at his beautiful nakedness or leave. The first choice was far better than the last. But she needed an inkrod, and she didn’t want to go searching through his belongings. She sat on the side of the bed and nudged him again. Jack rolled to his side, not opening his eyes. He gripped her arm and pulled her next to him. He threw a leg over her body, trapping her with his corded arm placed over her stomach. She snuggled next to him for a moment against her better wisdom. Jack sighed in his sleep and mumbled something. She couldn’t move. “Jack, what are you doing? Wake up.” She shook him again. “Ummm.” She looked at his face, studying his features. Nicely sculpted eyebrows framed his eyes. Just knowing the color of them, green, she wished she could see them darken in passion again. His high cheekbones, perfect nose, and proud chin made her want to run her hand over his face. But what really captivated her were his lips. Nice, hard, manly lips. Lips that felt so good against any part of her. Numbing Neptune, she resorted to what her patients had been guilty of. Deviant thoughts. Ginger tried to move his arm so she could get up, but he began nuzzling her neck. His warm breath against her skin caused her gasp. Her sexually disturbed brain taunted her. Kiss him, kiss him. You know you want to. He feels so good, you need him, want him. You want him inside you again, admit it. Ginger didn’t think for one solar-second what she was doing. She moved her face and pressed her lips against his. Jack groaned in his sleep and kissed her back. The kiss, almost in slow-motion, relaxed her to a state of euphoria. He moved against her restlessly and his arousal poked her leg. By the hardness of it, she knew he wanted her, even in his sleep. No, no, you can’t touch him there. Don’t do it. Ginger pulled back her head, breaking the euphoric aura of their kiss and her will. Jack groaned again, then rolled onto his back, giving her a very healthy view of his body. Her eyes trailed up his lightly hair-covered legs and stopped at his groin. Though he wasn’t fully aroused, his member lay against the base of his hip. Touch it. Chicken. Ginger blushed at her own embarrassment. She had to get out of there, forget wanting

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an inkrod. If she didn’t leave, she’d want him, not that she didn’t already, but she didn’t want to do something she couldn’t turn the time-continuum clock back on. Since he’d turned onto his back, Ginger was freed from his hold. Slowly, as if sneaking away, she got off the bed and tiptoed to the door. How she ever walked away from that, she’d never know or understand. ***** Jack groaned in his sleep. He felt something touching his leg. “Ummm.” Whatever it was, it kept touching him persistently. It was soft, but insistent. He’d had the most pleasant dream that Ginger lay next to him and that he’d kissed her. Maybe it wasn’t a dream. He opened his eyes and looked downward, seeing Fluffy moving her paw against his leg. She must be starving for her to wake him. He sat up and tapped her on the head affectionately. The time-continuum transmitter showed it neared the hour of his appointment. He’d slept longer than he thought he would. He refrained from moving his head, trying to ascertain if his headache had left. No thumping—not a bit. Good, because he needed his faculties about him in dealing with Mr. Preston, not to mention Ginger. After getting dressed, he went to the kitchen and fed Fluffy, for which he received a stroke of her body against his leg. “You’re welcome, Fluff.” He went to the coldcase to get a drink and reached for a water. The seal cracked, he swigged a few sips. The dream he’d had came to him. A flash of a scene entered his mind. He shook his head and sat at the hub. What was wrong with him lately? Now he was visualizing Ginger coming into his room, with him being naked on his bed, and she kissed him. The scene of that kiss, a pretty satisfying kiss at that, had left him wanting. Was he mentally disturbed? Perhaps he really did need a physexian, but he would never admit that to Ginger or to anyone. Why did that scene seem so real, like it had really happened? It had to have been a dream, because she didn’t want anything to do with him. He’d know if she had entered his bedroom, wouldn’t he? “I knew this would happen. With my reputation, no wonder she doesn’t want to have anything to do with me. It figures. I meet the most beautiful, sweet female of my dreams and I can’t have her. Damn it to hell, she’s a druking physexian.” Jack blanched at his own words. Berating himself, he left the kitchen to get ready for his guest. He hoped Mr. Preston would be impressed with his livestock enough to purchase at least one or two horses. When he exited the house, he saw a lacquered white-colored transport had arrived and landed in the field beyond his house. When the engines slowed, the door panel opened and two beings stepped out. One, he assumed, was Mr. Preston, the other must be the guest he’d said he was bringing. The female was gorgeous with short light-brown hair, mostly honey-colored, and her eyes were as green as the fields beyond his home. Jack walked toward Mr. Preston, smiling. He hadn’t met him face to face before, but knew he had a reputation for being a professional businessman. Typical look, Mr. Preston’s hair greyed, and his eyes were nearly the same color, but he was a big man. “Mr. Preston, good to see you. If you’ll follow me, I’ll show you the thoroughbreds.” He extended his hand in the universal greeting. Mr. Preston shook it. “Jack, let me introduce you to a...a friend. This is Lexi, she was ah, visiting me, and I hope you don’t mind that I brought her along.”

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“Lexi, nice to meet you. I don’t mind at all, Mr. Preston. The horses are stabled beyond the house, if you’ll follow me...” Jack wanted to hurry and have them be on their way, but the female stopped him. “Mr. Jack,” Lexi said. “It is very good to meet you, no? What a handsome male you are. You did not tell me he was so handsome, Preston.” Her bottom lip curled slightly in a pout. He smiled and waved his hand toward the stables. He couldn’t help noticing her body as she walked by. The female was built and had the fit body of a sports being. She must have worked hard to get her body so tight. Always one to appreciate the female specimen, Jack noticed muscles bulged in places where females usually had soft flesh, like in her biceps and shoulders. He wondered if Mr. Preston had some kind of arrangement with her. They made a typical couple, he, an older business man and she, a beautiful young socialite. “You are married? No?” Lexi waited for Jack to step beside her. “Ah, not yet.” He smiled and continuing to move toward the stables. “Oh, no, no, no. I am, how you say...not interested in marriage. Preston has tried to influence me. Tsk, tsk, on him. I want no part of being a wife. But surely you have a girlfriend, no? We saw a female on the screen, on our approach. She is your sister, no?” “Oh, that’s just a temporary houseguest.” Jack felt kind of guilty for saying so. Why the hell did it bother him? Ginger was just a temporary houseguest, and he should keep reminding himself of that. “Where are the horses?” Preston asked. “This way, Mr. Preston.” Jack let Mr. Preston take the lead as they entered the stables. Two rows of stalls lined the brick path down the center of the stables. On each side, there were twenty-five stalls, each housing a stallion or mare. Jack had to hurry and get to his chores before the horses became ornery. Maybe Marc and Zane had taken care of it, because the horse’s troughs still had hay in them. “I need to use the facilities, Messiuer Jack, you know the hygienic chamber. May I go inside your house?” Lexi asked. “Oh, sure. It’s just down the hall, the fourth door on the right.” Lexi left, and Jack turned his attention to Mr. Preston, who walked along surmising each horse as he passed the stalls. He stopped beside one of the black horses Jack had been training to race. The horse ignored them and moved to the side of the stall. Preston cupped his chin, assessing the animal. “This horse looks sound.” “He’s fast, I’ll say that for him.” Jack continued to work through a deal with the wealthy Mr. Preston. ***** Ginger sat inside Jack’s office, concentrating on several patient files, and made notes for each of her clients. She’d just ended a communication to Stephen, but hadn’t reached him. She would have to try to reach him again later to find out how his goals were going. Thoughts of her conversation with Jack the previous night kept intruding on her concentration. She still couldn’t shake the hurt and rejection she’d felt. But she had asked for that, hadn’t she? He obviously disliked all physexians, but what male didn’t? Or at least those who had sexual issues did. No, she corrected herself, he disliked her. At least they had been

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civil toward each other that solar-morning. A noise in the hallway drew her look. Jack must have returned to the house. Ginger ignored the noise and kept at her task. She closed the file, set it aside, and reached for her communicator. With a press to the button, she waited for her Moderator to answer. After she set her schedule for the day, she would see what communications she’d received the day before. And, she wanted to contact Dynah to let her know where she was and to ask if she’d heard from Tyne. She worried about her friend, who often went on dangerous missions for the IL. Tyne never listened to her though, and insisted she could handle herself. Ginger wished Tyne was there with her, she certainly could protect her from Con. The door to Jack’s office moved a few solar-inches, alerting Ginger that someone was there. She thought it might be Snap or Jack’s cat, but then she noticed Snap lying on the couch, and Jack’s cat lying on the back of it. Something told her whoever it was wasn’t welcomed in Jack’s house. Her hair stood on end and a strange warning went off in her head. Quickly, she moved beneath the desk, pressing her moderator off so it wouldn’t make any noise. She held her breath. An unusual sense overtook her, as though she should be on alert, but that shouldn’t be. She was safe as a newborn baby being inside Jack’s house, and there wasn’t another being for solar-miles except for his ranch hands. Why did she feel as though someone was there then? The door panel moved again, this time opening wider. A leg slipped through, then a body. Ginger watched the female move into the office, stepping quietly toward the desk. She held her breath, but needed to draw one soon or she’d turn blue. Noiselessly, she drew a quick breath and waited. The female rounded the desk and didn’t appear to have seen her. That was indeed strange, because Snap didn’t stir at all. Ginger waited until the female’s footsteps receded and she moved the chair out of her way. She pulled the phaser-ray from her holster while moving toward the door panel and placed it on her arm to steady her aim. “Where are you, little birdie? Come out, Lexi knows you are here, no? I have a score to settle with you. Con knows where you are, and he sent me to you. You cannot hide from me. Come out, come out, from wherever you are.” Ginger froze, a cold sweat washing over her. Con. The female was a hit woman sent here to assassinate her. Ginger’s hand shook, but she clutched the phaser-ray tighter. If the woman came back into the office, she’d blow her druking head off with a beam. A few solarminutes passed, but it felt like solar-hours to Ginger. If all remained silent, she would have to sneak out the back of the house and find Jack. Thinking of that, she pressed the wristband for PAM. “PAM, are you there,” she whispered. “Hi ya, doll. Yes, I’m here.” “Shhh. I’m in trouble. Can you link to Jack’s moderator and get him?” “I can link directly. What is happening?” PAM mimicked her whisper. “There’s a female inside Jack’s house and...she wants to kill me.” PAM’s drawn in digital breath sounded. “I’ll be back in a zing. Hold tight, Miss Ginger.” The wristband chimed, and Ginger slumped against the wall in the office. Everything would be all right, PAM would get Jack. She held her position with the phaser-ray tightly

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clutched in her hand, watching for any sign of movement. Her hand shook as she stood in a rigid stance. Ginger never felt so fearful before. Was she going to die this solar-day?

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Chapter Ten Ginger waited for what seemed like solar-hours for Jack to come. She knew the female was still inside the house searching for her. At least, she thought so. She continued to stand guard inside the office and kept her phaser-ray pointed at the door panel. If anyone stepped through it, she’d blow their heads off or disintegrate their bodies in a flash. Snap lifted her head, sniffed the air, and began barking. She continued to bark in a loud tone, which was very unusual for her little dog. When Snap wanted a treat or attention, she’d bark once. If she was angry, she’d just latch onto someone’s garments. Something alerted her dog, and Ginger grew tense. Every nerve in her body alerted her to the danger. The door panel slid aside and a leg moved through. Ginger shut her eyes tightly and pressed the tab of her phaser-ray. A beam shot through the air and went toward the intruder. The ping from the ray reflecting off the metallic door panel sounded. She’d missed. “What in blue-blazes are you doing, Ginger? You could have killed me.” Jack came fully inside the office, looking pretty shaken up. “Oh, Jack, thank god.” Ginger dropped the phaser-ray and ran toward him. She threw herself at him, landing against his hard chest. With an umpf, she hugged him tightly. “I’ve never been so glad to see anyone. There was someone in here, a female.” “PAM said that you were shook up. That was just Mr. Preston’s friend, Lexi. She just needed to use the hygienic chamber. What’s the matter?” Ginger shook her head vehemently. Her voice rasped. “No, you don’t understand, Jack.” “Calm down, Ginger. You’re safe. What don’t I understand?” She reveled at him holding her and felt safe. The tension subsided when he let his hands slide over her back. A minute or two of his arm protecting her was exactly what she needed to get over her fright. “I hid when she came inside the office. For some reason, I was afraid and hid. She called out and said that she was here to kill me, that Con sent her. Oh, they know where I am now.” The desperation in her voice cracked on her last word. Her mouth turned downward, knowing she’d just barely escaped death. Jack placed his hands on Ginger’s shoulders to stop her from moving away from him. “Hold your horses, that can’t be, Ginger. How would Con know that Mr. Preston was coming here, and why would Preston bring Lexi if...” “Lexi? Do you know her?” Jack shook his head in confusion. “No, I just met her when she arrived with him. I don’t get it, but if you say you heard her, then I believe you.” “I did hear her. She called out to me and said she was trying to find me. I’m sorry that I almost shot you, but I thought you were her, returning to finish me off. I didn’t intend to harm you, only her.” Ginger sped through her explanation, barely taking a breath between her words. Jack took Ginger in his arms, his hands settling against her back, crushing her breasts to his chest. “Shhh. I know you didn’t. But you should be more careful where you aim that thing. You should keep it with you. I don’t want you unarmed for any reason.”

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“All right, Jack. Thanks.” He continued to hold her, sending the shaking nervousness away. Ginger relaxed in his arms, feeling happy to be held by him. She placed her face against his chest, unable to move, and not wanting to. Being cared for by such a male made her feel oddly protected. She’d never encountered such a feeling before. When had she ever needed a male’s protection? When she had been put on a hit list, that’s when. He lifted her face, looked into her eyes, and spoke gently. “Are you okay now?” “Yes, I’ll be fine, Jack. Are they gone?” “Yeah, they left.” She stared into his beautiful green eyes, mesmerized by the promise of... What? Had she mistaken the darkening emerald depths as a sign of passion? Maybe he felt something other than sexual desire. Was it concern? She stepped backward, but he pulled her toward him again, not taking any actions to make her believe that he had sexual thoughts on his mind. A chaos of emotions played between them, but neither would be the first to incite an action. Ginger had to move away before she gave into the urgency of her subconscious that even now willed her to do something bold, something fearless, something she’d never do to a male that needed a physexian. Awkwardly, she pulled away, turned, and walked toward the desk. When she noticed what a mess she’d made of his files, her breath took a sharp intake. “Ah, I can, ah, fix those files for you.” She quickly began stacking the files. Jack, broken from the spell, finally regained his wits. His eyes raked over his desk, and then at her comment, his eyes crinkled. He probably disbelieved every word she’d said. “I told you not to touch my files. Look, they’re all mixed up with yours.” He rummaged through the litter of files, trying to find out which were his and which were hers. “Let me help stack those.” Ginger reached for a file and noticed it was hers. She placed it in a pile and took another. “You’re a regular little slob aren’t you?” “That’s highly insulting, cowboy. Why would you say such a thing?” He laughed and flopped down in the chair beside his desk. “Maybe because it’s the truth. You are a big old, sloppy mess, Ginger. Haven’t you ever learned that order is the key to organization and success? I can see there are some things I need to teach you.” “What? I’m organized. Really, I am. I know exactly what is on this desk, and I know exactly what is in each file. By the way, what is this thing?” She pointed at a box on his desk. “I didn’t touch it, but I am curious about it.” “It’s a computer. Haven’t you ever heard of them? I like doing things for myself, and not using all the space-age technology that you do.” “Is that so? Don’t you know that using a computer is technology, cowboy? Beings haven’t used them in over a thousand years, though.” “Yeah, I know.” Jack lifted a sheet of parpla, a mixture of plastic and chemicals that made up what could be considered paper from the earlier centuries. His eyes moved slightly from, side to side, reading whatever was written. She hoped it wasn’t one of her patient’s case files. Unfortunately, it was. Jack’s laughter infuriated Ginger. She moved closer and took the parpla from him. “That’s confidential material, buster.”

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“That guy sounds like a...” Jack didn’t continue. Instead, he threw back his head and laughed so hard, Ginger thought he might fall over. She wanted to sock him one. “I wouldn’t laugh, cowboy. If there was anyone in the universe to rival him, it would be you.” “Hey, I don’t go on the prowl, stunner. Females find their way to me. And I can go long periods of time without sex, unlike that guy.” “Really? You’d have to prove it to me.” Ginger smiled, thinking it too easy. She suddenly recalled Chance telling her about their family wagering, and their parents’ bets. Hmmm. This was exactly what she needed to keep herself from falling into his orbit. Did she really want to push him away? It didn’t much matter, she was a professional therapist, and would act professionally. Think of him as a patient, she reminded herself. Okay, so a damned gorgeous, sexy, make-her-heart-fall-out-of-her-chest, kind of patient. Weren’t they all like that? No, Jack was different. Jack had more going for him than any of her patients had. He had a thriving business, and appeared to have funds, and he kept himself busy with his interest in racing, or so he’d said. “Ginger?” “Oh, sorry. Did you say something?” “I asked, how could I prove it to you?” Okay, the offer was there, like cards thrown on the table. “How about a wager, cowboy?” His interest seemed to perk. He stepped beside her, leaned against his desk, and smiled. “I like when you call me cowboy. Hey, sure, darlin’. What kind of wager are we talking about, and what are we betting?” A wicked, sexy, grin came to him. Ginger’s mind quickly jumped around from thought to thought. “How about, if you refrain from all sexual activity while I am here, I’ll owe you one favor.” “A favor for one full solar-day?” Damn, he had her there. A solar-day was much longer than a twenty-four hour period on her planet. “All right, for a full solar-day.” “And if I can’t refrain, then I’ll owe you the favor for a solar-day?” “Yes,” she said breathlessly. Numbing Neptune. What would she ask for? Heck, what would he ask for? This was definitely a dangerous wager, given that they were both attracted toward each other, and that they knew how good the sex was between them. “But it can’t be anything sexual.” His brows slanted. “No sex? All right, but this will be the easiest wager I’ve won in a long time.” His lips curled, giving that slight dimple on his cheek the tug it needed to flip her heart. “Let’s shake on this.” She put her hand out, and after he pumped it twice, he lifted it and let his lips slide over the ridge of her knuckles. Heat seemed to wind its way up her arm. “And no funny business, Mr. Perfect. That means no sex whatsoever. No pleasuring yourself either, and—” “Mr. Perfect? Ginger, I am not Mr. Perfect.” “Don’t I know it. Are we agreed?”

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Jack nodded. “Wait, just how long are you going to be here again? A solar-month, right? Let’s make this wager for a solar-week, all right?” She nodded. “I’m here until the threat is over. We really must talk about that Lexi woman. Where is she from?” Ginger watched as his expression changed from pleasant to one of confusion. Jack shook all the talk of sex and wagers from his mind. He sat in the comfortable oldfashioned wing chair in front of his desk and frowned. “I have no idea, Ginger. Mr. Preston is well-known here on Appaloosa. I’ll give him a call tomorrow and ask him. He bought two horses from me, and I’m—” Ginger’s wristband chimed. She placed a hand up, cutting him off, and answered. “Yes, Moderator.” “I have Stephen ready to connect, Physexian.” “Excuse me, Jack, but I really must take this call.” Jack nodded and rose, but before he left, he caught some of the conversation. Ginger faced the desk with her back to him and wasn’t aware that he listened. “Hello, Stephen. How are you?” “Hi, sexy. Doing great.” Ginger laughed. “Have you given any thought to what I asked?” “Yeah, baby, I’d do anything for you. I wish you were here so we could meet face to face.” “I know how you feel, but you really need to understand, I can’t be there right now.” “Do you miss my hand gliding up your leg, sexy?” “Oh, Stephen, you say the most absurd things. Now, have you done anything worthwhile the past few solar-days? Those goals need completion.” “The only thing I’ve done is think of you and your delicious body.” Ginger rounded the desk and flopped into the chair. “Stephen, we’ve been over this. I am your physexian, not one of your lovers. Now, have you obtained any of your goals?” “I did meet someone.” “Really? Okay, now we’re getting somewhere. What is she like?” Stephen snickered. “She turned out to be a he. Fortunately, I found out soon enough.” “Oh, that’s too bad, Stephen. Keep at it. You’ll find a female who is worthy enough of a relationship with you. It can take a long time. Be observant while you’re out there, okay.” “I seriously doubt that, Physexian. I’d rather have you. My offer still stands. I’ll have your body shaking like a shooting rocket, babe. Come on, I got such a hard on for you.” “Stephen, you say the most romantic things.” Ginger couldn’t keep the laughter out of her voice. “Seriously, let us continue discussion about your goals. Have you stuck to the first two?” “Yeah.” He sounded dejected. “So you have only gone out four solar-nights? And you haven’t had sex with more than three females, right?” “Hey, I said four females.” “I thought it was three. Let me look through my notes.” Ginger shuffled the parpla around, searching for the piece she’d written Stephen’s goals on. Flibbin hell, she couldn’t find it. Perhaps Jack was right. She was disorderly.

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“Ah, we’ll discuss that issue later, Stephen. I must go now.” “All right, Physexian. Keep that body primed for me. You know I miss you.” ***** Jack’s brows knitted in extreme displeasure at hearing her conversation with that Stephen fellow. Just who in the galaxy was he? Her boyfriend? Lover? Hell. Druking hell. He returned with a drink for her and placed it on the desk. With a fluid motion, he sat in one of the chairs and forced himself to appear disinterested in her conversation. “I’ll talk to you soon, Stephen.” “I miss you. Don’t be too long. I can’t wait to feel your naked body—” “Stephen, honestly, don’t say such things. Good bye.” Ginger quickly pressed the button on her wristband, disconnecting the sex-crazed male. She leaned back, letting a sigh escape from her mouth. Jack leaned forward. He couldn’t believe she was pretty much off limits. Why had she kissed him then? Or maybe a better question might be, why had she let him kiss her? What did their little fiasco in the kitchen and the hygienic chamber mean? She’d been interested, but was obviously attached to another male. But why would she have sex with him, if she was interested in another? His thought scattered like a meteor shower when his wristband chimed. “Yes, Jack here.” He spoke low, and raised his arm closer to his mouth. “Guy, a transport is close to Appaloosa and should arrive this evening. The females asked me to warn you,” MAX’s voice came over the audio. Transport? Jack shook his head. What transport? All the excitement of everything that had happened that solar-day seemed to lodge a blackhole inside his brain. The minions. He’d forgotten they were on their way and that they would arrive that night. “Thank you, MAX.” “Ah, Jack, you were right. I’m a bit unorganized. I need to weed through these files, and it’ll probably take me most of the night. I promise to straighten this out.” Jack raised his eyes and looked at Ginger searchingly for a moment. “All bets are off, Ginger.” “What? Excuse me? Why?” Ginger tilted her head to the side in a questioning manner. “What’s wrong? Are there more visitors coming? We really shouldn’t allow anyone to come here, what with Lexi and Con’s threat.” Jack didn’t move, didn’t blink, didn’t show any sign that he had heard her speaking to him. “I said all bets are off. I don’t wish to wager with you, Ginger. Now is not the time for games. The transport is bringing guards.” All right, so he lied, but she didn’t know that. Well, they were guards, but not her guards. He’d let her think what she would. “Oh, good, guards. That’s a good idea. I’m glad you realize how severe this is, Jack. I have to be honest. I’m…I am a little afraid.” Something washed over him, like three day old troughs of water. Guilt mingled with his desire to make her feel safe. His lack of care caused him to flinch. He rose and went to her side. With a tug of her hand, he lifted her and enclosed her in a hug. As gently as he could, he offered her comfort and held her. Though he wished he could do what he really wanted—to kiss her and make slow, sweet, passionate love to her. He desperately wanted to tell her that he liked her, and wanted more than just sex from her. But he wasn’t about to do that, not this

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solar-day, and not even tomorrow, or the next solar-day. How in blue-blazes had he come to like a physexian? “You’re right, Ginger. This is all overwhelming. I can’t imagine how I’d feel if I were you. Don’t worry about all this. I’ll call Mr. Preston in the morning, and we’ll see if we figure out who Lexi was, or rather who she is. The guards will—” “Will see to my protection. Thank you, Jack.” Ginger wrapped her arms around his waist, leaning into him, feeling the strength in his lower back. Being comforted by him had to reassure her that he was just as concerned about the threat as she was. “I have to go. The transport will arrive soon. Are you going to continue to work?” “Yes, I’ll be a while. Don’t worry about dinner for later. I lost my appetite.” “All right, I’ll see you later, then. I have a lot of work to do.” “Bye, Jack.” ***** Jack moved quickly toward the front of the house, his long legs carrying him to the outside where he could breathe. It had grown too close, being near Ginger. The thought of anything happening to her made him stiffen. Druking hell, why hadn’t he paid attention to his guests. He knew she was in danger, and he knew he needed to be on his guard. His own brother told him not to trust anyone, but he’d let a total stranger inside his house, where the one female he needed to protect thought herself safely tucked away. His ranch hands approached him and gave their accounting of the tasks they completed that solar-day. The only chore they hadn’t gotten to was feeding the livestock. The men moved off toward their bunkhouse. An extra few hands were desperately needed. Jack went to feed his animals. As he went about his tasks of filling their troughs with water and food, he considered his relationship with Ginger. What relationship? The relationship he wished he had. It wasn’t to be. He’d heard her conversation with that male and knew their acquaintance was more than a night-night’s rise. His body rigidly denied it. No, she’d shown interest in him. Could she be so lacking in morals to have sex with him, when she was involved with someone else? But had she given him the signals, or had he imagined them? Confused to no end, Jack didn’t know what to think. All he knew was he wanted her with all his heart, and he didn’t know what to do about it. If only she wasn’t so sexy and alluring. If only her name wasn’t repeated in his mind over and over again throughout the solar-day. Even now, he couldn’t put her from his mind. Well, the minions would soon arrive. They’d give him the distraction he needed to displace his desire. But what about the threat on her life? He needed to secure his land and make certain she was safe. He wasn’t about to let anyone come near her again, be it acquaintance or not. He’d call his friend Mitch first thing in the morning. Mitch could help him oversee the ranch and the hands, until this mess was finished, and little miss physexian was on her way back to wherever the hell she came from. Jack left the stables, secure that the animals were at least fed. As he walked toward the house, he heard the roar of a transport arriving. It landed on the field, next to Ginger’s craft, and looked identical to hers, a VeBus, but colored in a pewter color and darkened, probably from many space journeys. The door panel opened, and four pairs of the sexiest legs in the universe moved out of the craft. Smiling faces, tousled hairdos, and sexy-clad females walked

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toward him. At once, eight arms surrounded him, making him feel most desirable. Something Ginger didn’t make him feel, or did she? “Ladies.” “Jack, we missed you,” Venus said with a full smile. “Oh, Jack, it seems like forever since we’ve been together.” Vanna took his hand. “I just saw you hellions a little over a solar-week ago.” “That’s far too long for us, Jackie-boy.” Velda ran her hand over his chest, down toward his sex. They did it to him every time. Jack was thankful that he had responded to them, because he at least knew where he stood with the four sexy minions. Sex. It all boiled down to sex for them, and he didn’t care one iota that they used him, because for the next few solardays, he’d return the favor and use them to redirect his own sexual lust. “Come inside, ladies. It’s nice to see all of you.” He kissed each of them fully on the lips and when he reached Vicki, he took her hand. “You’re being quiet, Vicki. Why?” “Something is different about you, Jack. What’s going on?” She eyed him skeptically. “Nothing. Everything is perfect now that you’re here.” Their smiles couldn’t be wider. “We’ve brought some new toys with us, Jack. We’ll sure have a good time tonight.” “Sounds good to me. Let’s go make dinner, and you can tell me all about it. But I wanted to tell you that I have a house guest. Ginger is a—” “Oh, we know about Physexian Ginger. You poor male, having to contend with her. She probably hasn’t even given you a second look, has she?” Vanna pouted her sympathy. Her question seemed rhetorical, so Jack remained silent. “Our queen instructed us to keep our distance and not to interfere with her. We were also told that while we are here, we are to watch over pretty little Ginger.” Velda laughed, but covered it up nicely when she stepped behind the other females. “You need to respect her as your Queen instructed. Do you understand?” He knew their tricks and immature behavior of late. As much as he was happy to have them there, he didn’t want any problems with his house guest. All but Vicki nodded quickly. She looked at him puzzlingly, but then took his arm. “How about that dinner? I’m starving. Let’s go girls. Hey, I heard PAM has been sent here, too. How’s the old gal been treating you?” Jack laughed. “She and MAX have been oddly quiet. In fact, I can’t figure it out, but I think they’re up to something.” “You need to be on top of PAM. If she’s up to something, you’d better know—it can’t be good.” Velda placed her arm around his waist and walked toward the house. Jack grinned, knowing that was true. “So, what’s this about new toys? Have you brought me gifts?” “Oh, yes. Lots of fun games that will delight you.” Jack turned, not knowing which minion said that. But heck, if they were out to please him, he’d do everything in his power to be pleasured. After all, it was their fondest wish to have sex with him, and who was he to deny them their wish? The green horn of an envious bull spiked him in his rear, knowing Ginger had a relationship with someone else. That jealousy insisted he participate in the minion’s games. Besides, Ginger had a lover. A lover

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that would caress her, feel himself inside her, have her affection—a lover that he wished was him.

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Chapter Eleven Ginger looked proudly at the stacks of files she’d so neatly placed on the desk. His and hers. She giggled and nodded in satisfaction. It had only taken her four hours to sort through the mess she’d made of their files. She even went as far as to straighten up his files and place them alphabetically in a neat pile to the left side of the desk. Hers were place alphabetically by patient on the right-hand side. Now, when one of her patients communicated, she’d be more organized. After finding the parpla that she’d written Stephen’s goals on, she realized he had lied—lied through his teeth. He’d promised he would only have sex with three females, or at least that’s what she had written, but he’d said four. She would have to remind him during their next communication. She rubbed her tired eyes and realized not only was she ready to call it a night, but she was also hungry. Had Jack made dinner? She couldn’t smell any food scenting the house. Of course, the office was toward the back and his home was pretty large. She hadn’t even gotten to all the rooms yet. Decision made, she left the office and went to the culinary outlet. Not a single thing was out of place, showing that nothing had been cooked that night. The oven was cold and not a dish had been used. Or maybe it had, but had been cleaned up by the sexy robot MAX controlled. Thinking of that, Ginger called out. “PAM, MAX, are either of you there?” No answer. She lifted her wristband, the one that communicated with PAM, not her Moderator, and pressed the button. “Hi ya, doll. What have you been doing tonight?” “Hi PAM. Working. I’m starving. Did Jack make anything for dinner?” “Ooooh. Why don’t you ask him, hmm?” “I would, but I don’t want to interrupt him. He’s probably working. Just tell me where the food is and I’ll make it myself.” “Ooooh, doll. You really should ask Jack about that. I’m not sure what there is to eat. I can’t reach MAX right now. I believe he’s being maintenanced.” Ginger frowned at the wristband. “Jack didn’t say anything about MAX being maitenanced. Okay, PAM, I’ll ask him. Do you happen to know where he is?” “Oh, yes,” came PAM’s digital voice. “He’s out back, doll. Go toward the end of the house, you’ll see viewers that lead to a sweeping veranda. You’ll hear the voices.” “Thanks, PAM.” Ginger turned and went toward the back of the house, passing the doors of the office, their bedrooms and other rooms. She pushed the button beside the viewer and a large portion of it slid open. Her eyes searched for Jack as she moved through it. With each step, she could hear voices, those of females, and one male—Jack’s. A beautifully designed stone wall was built along side the steps, which led to a slope. At the base of the slope she noticed a moisture-environ. Amazed at the sight, Ginger wondered why Jack hadn’t told her about it. She cornered the high stone wall and stopped dead in her tracks. Shock—that’s what it was. Complete and utter shock. Jack sat in the hot tub with his back to her, surrounded by quadruplets. Okay, so maybe not quadruplets, but females of the same hair color and appearance. Were they sisters? A spark of recognition hit

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her as though she’d seen them before. Wait a solar-second, these were the females he’d been with at Divine’s Disco Den. The females he’d had sex with that night. Not only did a lump the size of a huge meteor lodge in her throat, but an urge to cry overtook her. Don’t even think it, Ginger. Don’t. He’s not worth it. He’s a sex-crazed male, so unworthy of your mourning. Forget him right now. She had thought to escape before anyone noticed her. But the next words completely froze her to the ground as though she was suddenly dropped on the frozen Planet Pluto. “Oh, do that again, Jack. You should beat Vanna, she deserves it.” “You love that, don’t you? I got just the thing for you,” came his response. Ginger shook herself from her frozen state and dodged against the wall to hide herself. “Pluck me one. Oh, you know just what to pull, don’t you, Jack?” Now which female said that? Ginger resisted looking around the bend. “It’s my turn, Jack. Vanna already had her turn. Put it over here, Jack.” “There’s enough to go around, ladies. You’ll each get some.” “No cheating.” One of the females laughed. Ginger wanted to pry one of the stones free and bash that no-good, rotten, scumsucking, womanizer in the head with it. But she had no right to feel that way. She had no claim or rights to tell Jack who he should or shouldn’t copulate with. Why did it bother her so much then? Admit it, Ginger, you want him for yourself. He means too... What? Too much? Did she have feelings for the Jack of hearts? Did she want more than sex from him? But he was incapable of having a normal relationship with anyone. She clenched her hands and reminded herself that he was a sex-crazed male. She groaned at those thoughts and threw herself against the wall again, striking the back of her head from a large stone that jutted out. “Owwww.” “Ginger?” Numbing Neptune. They heard her. She couldn’t slink away now. Disappear, hurry, disappear. Pretend you’re a shooting star. Run. But she couldn’t move fast enough. Jack rounded the stone wall and took her hand, leading her back toward the females. “Hey, ladies, look who I found. Let me introduce you to Ginger.” His tone turned playful, and she wanted to scream at him. Ginger had closed her eyes, and didn’t have the courage to open them. She didn’t want to see all those naked females, let alone his handsome body near theirs. Voices of greetings came at her. She pried one eye open and noticed they were all clothed in moisture-environ suits, including Mr. Pyretic. What? How? Weren’t they just having sex a solar-second ago? How in the galaxy had they dressed so quickly? Baffled, she shook her head. “We were just playing a game of cards, if you want to join us, Ginger.” Jack waved his hands at the scattered cards on the ground. “You weren’t having... Ah, thanks, but no. I just wanted to ask if you made anything for dinner, but I see you have company. It was, ah, nice meeting all of you.” The females all nodded, smiling at her. Ginger turned and left. She couldn’t get out of there fast enough. Before she reached the viewers, she heard him following her, but hurried through. Please, All-being, let him be using the hygienic chamber. She hoped he didn’t want to speak to her. Forget pleading with the All-being, he’d caught up to her and grabbed her arm. She turned quickly, waiting for him

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to say something. “What?” “I, ah…guess I should explain, shouldn’t I?” “Explain what, Jack? There is nothing for you to explain. You have company. It’s rude not to entertain your guests. Don’t let me bother you.” “I would rather be here with you.” His voice had a touch of sadness in it. Ginger didn’t know what to say. She kept her mouth shut for once and moved into the culinary outlet. With a vigorous movement, she opened the coldcase and rummaged for something to eat, trying to ignore him. Jack moved closer, standing a foot from her. Everything about him seemed to overwhelm her—his scent, his size, his smile, his beautiful eyes, his muscles. Stop! Don’t even think about it, Ginger. You don’t want to have sex with him. You really don’t. Her mind rebelled, and she quickly said the first thing that popped into her sexually disturbed brain that wasn’t sexual. “I’m hungry, Jack.” He turned her in his arms and kept his eyes fastened to hers. Damn, he had pretty eyes. She couldn’t get the thought of kissing him out of his mind. Before she realized what he intended, he swooped in for a hot-blooded universal kiss. A kiss that could knock her into the next orbit. His lips moved softly over hers at first, but then his tongue insisted on being part of the foreplay and snuck out, trailing little lines between her two closed lips. He gripped her chin and pulled it enough to gain access to the taste and warmth. Ginger fell backwards against the coldcase, grasping the stainless-steal for something to hold onto, and moaned when his arousal pressed against her leg. Every single movement sent heat over her skin. Wherever his hand moved, the heat roamed and seemed to sink into her. She in turn placed her hands on him and caressed his wide shoulders, feeling the strength of them. Then she moved her hands down his arms, over the bulge of his bicep. It didn’t seem as thought he could move any closer, their bodies practically became one. She felt his hands move to her hair, caressing the back of her head and down her neck to her breast. He cupped the weight of her flesh, squeezing her, then he brushed the back of his hand over the fabric where her nipples hardened. It all came down to sex. She wanted him like no other male. But could she still respect herself in the solar-morning? She pushed him away and closed her eyes, trying to defeat the enemy—her sexually disturbed brain. “Jack, you have company. You promised you wouldn’t kiss me.” “I want you, Ginger Graham.” No five words in the total existence of the universe ever sounded so sexy. Was she way out of her league with him? He had vast experience dealing with females, and she’d just learned all the seduction tactics that theses kind of males employed. Shaking it off, she reached in the coldcase and grabbed a water. She ignored him when she moved past the hub and sat on the other side of it. She watched him close the coldcase and approach her. “You don’t feel the same heat as I do?” “It’s not that, Jack. Listen, you must control yourself. Remember, I’m the enemy, a sexual therapist, a physexian. You guys detest me. I know that. You might want me, Jack, but that’s just because the prospect of the chase. Once the chase is over, what will you have? It’s

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just sex, Jack. Maybe we should just do it, right here and right now, then you can get it out of your system once and for all.” Jack’s face turned angry, with furrowing brows, tightening jaws, and thin-lined lips. She looked for smoke coming through his ears. Okay, she’d done it this time. She’d really pissed him off by saying that. Perhaps she should apologize. “It’s not just sex to me, Ginger.” He turned away and stalked from the kitchen before she could say she was sorry. What had he meant by that? It wasn’t just sex to him? What the hell was it then? Her stomach seemed to sink like a crater. First thing in the morning, she’d make it up to him. But how? This had to be one of the most hellish solar-days she’d had in a long while. Okay, so the day she’d learned she was put on a hit list topped them all. ***** Ginger curled around a pillow, hugging it to her chest. After a restless night, she opened her eyes slowly. Across from her, she looked at the pair of eyes that stared at her. Mysterious eyes, eyes that pleaded with her. Eyes that belonged to Fluffy. Jack’s cat watched her curiously. She reached out to pet the tan-colored fur. Snap immediately swooped in. She didn’t want anyone invading her turf with her owner. Ginger petted Snap and reached to pet Fluffy at the same time. “Time to get up, girls. It’s awfully quiet out there. I wonder what everyone is doing?” She glanced at the time-continuum transmitter and saw that it was still early. Maybe it was too early to rise, but she wanted to go to the culinary outlet and get started. Once she started the coffee, she’d figure out a way to apologize to Jack. Guilty feelings abounded through her mind the previous night and made it difficult to fall asleep. Maybe Jack really meant what he said—that it wasn’t just sex. She wanted to discuss that and find out if he was serious. What would she do if he was serious? She entered the kitchen in her fuzzy slippers. Wearing sleep pants and a short-sleeved top, she paraded around and quickly made a pot of coffee. After setting everything to right, she left and went in search of Jack. She checked his bedroom, knocking several times, and didn’t receive an answer. A sudden fear overcame her. What if he’d left her? Had the guards gone with him? Was she alone? She shook her head, knowing that Jack wouldn’t leave her. He would have at least let her know he was leaving, wouldn’t he? She checked the office, which too was empty. There was absolutely no one in the house. Five beings had to make some noise, didn’t they? Had they stayed outside by the moisture-environ all night? Ginger set off in that direction. She went through the viewer, down the path, past the stone wall and rounded it. That’s exactly what happened. They had stayed outside all night long. Ginger stood in shock, or at least that’s what she thought it was. Damn him. It was too just sex. He lied about that. She should never have believed him, never have fallen for the load of crap he’d dished out. And to think that she considered apologizing to him. From the looks of it, they had a pretty good flibbing time. Empty beer containers lay on their sides. Pieces of clothing littered the ground. She drew in a sharp breath as she knelt down and picked up a sexual device a female would use. Ginger shook her head and grew disgusted at the thought of him pleasuring those females with it. Not that she didn’t appreciate what those sexual devices could do for a female, heck she used them herself once in

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a while. She continued to shake her head and placed the device back where it had lain. She moved forward, stepping over one naked guard, then another. When she reached Jack’s equally naked body, she shoved his back with her foot. Jack rolled onto his back, opened his eyes, then squinted at her. He had the actual nerve to groan, as though he were in pain. Boy, would she love to make him feel pain. Oddly, that thought made her feel better about the situation. “Good morning, Jack.” She tried her best to sound chipper, as though the sight before her held no significance. “There’s work to be done. Can you get a move on? I want you to make inquiries about that Lexi, and I want to contact your brother this morning.” Jack groaned and grabbed his head. “Yeah, give me a solar-sec, will you, stunner? My head is pounding. I need to enter the RC.” She scoffed with complete repulsion, and she figured he probably needed the RC for more purposes than a headache, like communicable diseases. Ginger rounded the wall and went back inside the house. She quickly poured herself a cup of coffee and then went to the office. This wouldn’t work. Okay, so she did have feelings for the sex-crazed male. Uranous-insanous. Why did this have to happen now? If she weren’t in such danger, she might have risked another night of exquisite sex with him. But the thought of him having sex with those females really upset her. So what if she was a physexian? She was allowed to have sex, too. It was him—he made her just as sex-crazed as he was. What to do? Should she leave? She grabbed a parpal and quickly jotted a note. Jack, I’ve gone home. Everything has worked out, and I no longer need to stay at your house. Thank you for everything. Ginger. She placed the note where he could see it, on the center of the clean desk. With a press to her wristband, she directed her moderator to hold all communications. After she placed all her files in her briefcase, she closed it and grabbed the handle. She went to her bedroom, threw all her belongings in her luggage, rolling most of her stuff into a ball and squishing it in. Snap followed her as she left. They still hadn’t come inside the house. Perhaps they were having another session. Sneering at the viewer, she turned and walked to the front of the house. Her luggage flopped down the steps of the porch, and Snap ran along side her. Safety and her escape sat just a few solar-feet ahead of her in the shape of the VeBus. She lifted her wristband. “PAM, I’d like to enter the VeBus, please.” “Oh, good morning, doll. Sure, opening hatch now.” PAM released the door panel and Ginger hurried inside. “What are you doing here, Miss Ginger?” “PAM, put the craft into orbit, please.” “But, whyyyy? Ooooh, I don’t understand, doll, explain, now, please.” “I’ll explain when you put this craft into orbit.” Ginger yelled. She hadn’t meant to, but her nerves frayed and she’d had enough. The craft immediately hummed. She hurried to the cockpit seat and strapped herself in. Snap jumped onto the seat next to her. The door panel closed, then the sound of it sealing came. Vibrations of the craft taking off shook her body, then the transport leveled out and the ride smoothed. A few solar-minutes later the blackness of space could be seen through the viewer. Ginger felt immediate relief.

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“Destination, please.” Ginger didn’t really know where to go. She really shouldn’t return home, not with the danger that would present, but she couldn’t go back to Kiumbria either. King Chance would return her to Appaloosa. That wouldn’t do. If Con knew she was on Appaloosa, then she’d be safe going home, wouldn’t she? “Celtaxy, PAM.” The craft made a roundabout turn and headed in the right direction. “Do you wish to talk about it, doll? Your sudden departure tells me that something is wrong. Has my handsome male caused you a problem? MAX is still with me, maybe I should have him communication with Jack.” Ginger released the seatbelt and leaned forward rubbing her eyes. She didn’t want to cry over the loss of Jack, but the urge was strong. “PAM, I don’t wish to speak of Jack, my departure, or his moderator. Nothing is wrong. I just got word that the threat is over. I’m in charge here, let us not forget that.” Okay, so she just lied to a moderator. It wasn’t a crime to lie. Still, she felt bad about her deceit. Especially because PAM only tried to help her. “Okay, doll, but for some reason, I don’t believe you.” PAM became quiet, and Ginger sat back, staring off into space through the viewer. ***** Jack’s head thumped madly. Dammit, why had he drunk so much the night before? Her. It was all Ginger’s fault. She drove him to a state of madness that only a good drunken stupor would squelch. He’d laid himself on the table so to speak, and she treated him like one of her sex-crazed patients. That’s all it took. He’d needed to forget her last night, and he had done a damned fine job of it too. Not that he could remember most of what happened now. The minions stirred and giggles and moans reached his ears. Hell, he needed to get his ass moving. If the look on Ginger’s face was any indication of what he was in store for, he had to face it. The sooner he let her yell at him, the better off he’d be. Let her get her anger over with, and once she did, he could tell her the truth. She’d probably laugh at him. Jack thought about what to say, but nothing plausible came to mind. At least, nothing she’d believe. But he hadn’t intended to lie to her. He would tell her that he liked her and wanted to have a serious relationship with her. He’d tell her that the male she had communicated with would never treat her like he would, or care for her as much as he would. All right, with that settled, Jack rose from the ground. He didn’t say goodbye to the minions, but went directly to the shower. Before he confronted Ginger, he needed to wake the hell up. The smell of coffee waffled through the house. That perked him up a bit. Closing the door panel to the hygienic chamber, he stepped into the shower and turned the water on. Cold drops prickled his skin and rejuvenated him instantly. Now awake, he wrapped a towel around himself and went to finish his toiletry. He didn’t appear to himself to be the same old Jack. No, his face looked long, sad, but he had good reason to look that way. Until he made Ginger understand how he felt about her, he wouldn’t be happy. Jack left the hygienic chamber and listened for sounds of Ginger working in the office. She had to be working diligently, because he didn’t hear anything. He strode into his

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bedroom and rummaged for a pair of denims and a tee-shirt. That felt better. Clothed and ready, he went to the kitchen. “Jack, here, let me pour you a cup of coffee.” Vicki took a cup and added his usual sweetener. “Thanks.” He took the cup from her. “So, do you want to talk about it?” “Talk about what, Vicki?” Vicki giggled, then looked him in the eye. “Her.” “No.” Jack sat at the hub and took a gulp of the warm coffee. “I really don’t think it would be a good idea, darlin’.” “Look, Jack, it’s obvious you care about Ginger. I saw the way you looked at her when she came out to the moisture environ last night. And you followed her into the house last night and this morning. What happened?” She refused me, practically laughed in my face, denied me, broke my heart, and made me want to love her. “Nothing happened.” “You know, I am always here for you, don’t you? If you ever want to talk.” “Yes, I know, Vicki. Thanks for trying to be helpful, but this is something I have to work out for myself. Okay?” “Well, if it makes you feel any better, you didn’t have sex with us last night. Though we tried fiercely to get you to give in. You wouldn’t and kept saying that we weren’t Ginger.” Jack felt like twenty kinds of fools. He’d spoken about Ginger to them? What else had he done or said that he couldn’t remember? “I think we should leave this morning. It’s obvious that you have your mind elsewhere, and me and the girls can go shopping, something we love to do. It’s been a while since we’ve visited a commodity station.” “Yeah, I know how you like to hit the shops.” Vicki laughed, then kissed him on his cheek. “I’m sorry if we ruined it for you, Jack. We didn’t mean to.” “You didn’t ruin anything, Vicki. Tell the girls I said goodbye. Will you? I have a lot of work to get to, and I need to talk to Ginger.” “Yeah, okay.” Vicki slid off the seat of the hub and left the kitchen. Jack continued to drink his coffee. He poured himself another cup and watched Fluffy enter the kitchen with the most dignified walk the cat could muster. “What are you doing?” “Meow.” Strange, Ginger had fed the animals the previous day, before he entered the kitchen. He thought she would have fed them again, but didn’t. Fluffy’s bowl was empty. He went to the cabinet and reached for Fluffy’s food, then poured some in the bowl. She quickly dodged toward the bowl as if she were starving. He laughed. Fluffy always lightened his mood, no matter how horrible he felt. Before he confronted Ginger, he decided to take care of the tasks he’d set for himself. He lifted the wristband, calling out to MAX. In a spry walk, he went to the front of the house where he would make his communications on the porch. “Good morning, guy. What may I do for you?” “I need a communication with Mitch.”

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“Right away, Guy.” Jack waited for the chime to signal Mitch’s connection. A few solar-seconds later it came. “Jack, what’s up?” “Hi, Mitch. What are you up to? I need a favor.” “Oh, hell that doesn’t sound good. I’m not doing much. Why? What’s the favor?” “Can you get away for a couple of solar-weeks?” Mitch groaned. Jack’s tone probably alerted him to his trouble. “Ah, sure. What, do you want to visit a luxury planet?” “No. I need someone to oversee the ranch hands while I take care of some matters. I sure could use the help around here, and I trust you, so...” “Oh, so you want hard labor. You paying?” Mitch laughed. “Heck, if you need links, then yeah, I guess I am. I just don’t have time to take care of all the horses and stuff, because...” Sounds of Mitch moving though his house came through the audio system. “Because why? You got some hot babe there?” Jack didn’t laugh, nor did he think it was funny. Did he want Mitch there while Ginger was there? “Well, yeah, but it’s not what you think. Listen, my brother asked me to watch over this female. She’s having a difficult time, and... Well, since she’s arrived, I haven’t had time to take care of my ranch or see to the hands. Will you come and help me out?” “Yeah, all right. I’ll be there tomorrow, how’s that?” “Good. I’ll see you then.” Jack disconnected the communication. No sooner had he ended his discussion with him than he asked MAX to connect to Mr. Preston. “Hello.” Mr. Preston’s voice resonated through Jack’s wristband. He pressed the tab to lower the volume. Various voices in the background sounded loud, as though Mr. Preston might be in a conference. “Mr. Preston, I don’t mean to interrupt you, but I have a few questions to ask about yesterday.” He stared at the wristband expectantly, waiting for his response. “Oh, yeah, sorry about that, Jack. I couldn’t make it out there. There was a break-in at my ranch and fire was set to one of my fields. By the time I had a minute to call you, it was pretty late. I’ll be in touch. I really need to go now.” Jack frowned at that news. What the hell was he saying? “You didn’t come yesterday?” “No, I just told you what happened. Are you all right, Jack?” “Ah, yeah. Who was he then? I thought I’d met you, you even brought a guest.” “Jack, whoever came, it wasn’t me. Listen, we’ll reschedule my visit to your ranch, all right? I really want to get a look at your horses. I’ve heard great things about your stallions.” “Yeah, whenever you’re ready, Mr. Preston. Just let me know.” Jack moved his hand to his thigh, the communication ended. “What in the universe is going on? Was that male, Con? Did they plan subterfuge in order to access his ranch—all to get to Ginger? They were solarinches from killing her.” Jack scowled at his spoken words. Lucky for him, they hadn’t tried anything more dangerous. He hadn’t been prepared for that. She could have been killed. Jack grew really angry then, his hands fisted, his nostrils flared. He had to be the biggest ass this side of the galaxy. If Ginger hadn’t hid yesterday, she might have been phased. Damned druking hell.

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“MAX, connect to Chance.” He needed to communicate with his brother right away and let him know what was going on. Several solar-minutes ticked by before his brother was able to be connected. “Jack, what’s going on?” Jack frowned at how upset his brother sounded. “What’s happened? You don’t sound good.” Chance’s sigh was audible. “Ginger’s father was hurt. He’s in the RC, it’ll take many solar-hours to fix him. Someone broke into his house. I intended to keep him here, but I couldn’t have the IL investigate him while he was staying in my home. I didn’t think they’d be able to get inside his bunker. Several of his guards were killed.” “Damn. Will he be all right?” “Yeah, he should be. Listen, don’t mention this to Ginger. She’s really close to her father, and it might upset her.” “I won’t. But you’re not going to believe what I have to tell you.” Chance’s sigh was audible, more strenuous than the previous sigh. “Go ahead, what else could go wrong. Ginger’s all right, isn’t she?” “Yeah, she’s fine. You know that buyer that was supposed to come yesterday? Well, he came, only it wasn’t Mr. Preston. When I called this morning, Mr. Preston told me he couldn’t make it yesterday and that someone caused a fire on his land and broke into his house. But that’s not the worse part. The man masquerading as Mr. Preston brought a guest, a female named Lexi. She asked to use the hygienic chamber, and I let her. Ginger said she called out to her and said she was going to kill her, but Ginger hid until the female left. They left soon after.” “I don’t like this at all. Are the minions still there?” Jack frowned and looked toward the field. Their craft was gone. Only one craft sat in the field, and it was Ginger’s. He hadn’t even heard them leave. “Ah, no, they left a short while ago.” “Damn, I was hoping to have them guard her. Just keep an eye on her, all right? I’m going to get the IL to move their ass on this issue. Ginger shouldn’t have to hide out while we hunt for these bastiches.” “All right, Chance. I’ll be more careful. I have Mitch coming tomorrow. He’s going to help me with the ranch until this is over. Another solar-week or two, right?” “I hope so, Jack. The sooner the threat is over, the better. Ginger can’t stay there forever, she’s got a life to get back to.” A life without him, Jack thought dejectedly. “I’ll talk to you later.” He turned off the wristband and walked toward the stables. He needed to get his chores done and to work through in his head what he was going to say to Ginger. As Jack entered the stable, he didn’t see the minions boarding the lone craft that sat on the field. The troughs of water had gotten some hay in them, so he removed it with the pitch fork. He poured the meal in a motion to quickly finish the chore by walking along, letting the bag empty into the food troughs as he went along. A line of water troughs needed to be refilled, so he took the hose off the wall, turned the knob and began filling them. The poor beasts needed exercise and soon, or they’d be kicking down the wooden doors of their stalls. He’d have to

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compromise and only send two of the ranch hands out on the range. “Soon, my friends. I promise.” He spoke as if the animals understood that he hadn’t forgotten them. Then he let the first ten horses, who had already eaten while he fed the rest, out to pasture. His ranch hands had gone off to the range to see about the cattle, leaving him to tend to the horses. In two solar-weeks, the ranch hands would take the cattle to the auction, and afterwards they’d all meet at the rodeo. Jack finished his chores and approached the house. As he walked along, he removed his hat and ran his fingers through his flattened hair. He went to find Ginger. Although, he still had no idea what he would say. After searching several rooms, he couldn’t find her. Maybe she’d gone to the moisture-environ behind the house. He stepped outside and didn’t see her anywhere. The office—she was probably still working. The office was darkened, and he pressed the tab for lighting. She wasn’t there either. “Ginger?” he yelled. Silence. He went to her bedroom, knocked and waited. Impatience wore him down, and he entered. No indication that she’d ever been there met his eye. No garments, none of her hairties, no Snap, none of her clutter. Concern wrinkled his brow. Where the hell was she? He walked back to the office and flopped into his chair. He’d have to do it, he’d have to call Chance and let him know he’d failed. As he sat forward, he saw a piece of parpal in the center of the desk. Jack, I’ve gone home. Everything has worked out, and I no longer need to stay at your house. Thank you for everything. Ginger. “What a liar you are, Ginger. Everything hasn’t worked out.” At least, not to his liking. Jack threw the parpal on the desk and left. “Druking hell, doesn’t she realize the danger she’s in?” He entered the kitchen and took a beer from the coldcase. “MAX, do you know anything about this?” MAX chimed in. “Good evening, guy. What may I do for you?” “Stop with that bull-shit and tell me about Ginger leaving.” “I do not know what you are talking about, guy. I know nothing about Miss Ginger leaving. She wasn’t supposed to. Do you wish me to connect with PAM?” “Dammit, I know she wasn’t supposed to leave. Yes, connect with PAM right now.” Jack sat at the hub with his chin practically touching his chest. He frowned at the floor and realized it was all his own fault. If he hadn’t messed around with the minions the night before, she would still be there, safe and sound. He blamed himself, and would be devastated if anything happened to her. “MAX, what’s going on? Have you connected yet?” “No, she does not respond to my connection. I’m sorry, guy.” “All right, then connect with Chance.” “Yes, guy.” A solar-second later he heard his brother’s voice. “Jack?” “Yeah, listen, things have gone screwy. Ginger left. Her note said she went home.” “Shit.” “You better find someway of meeting her there, Chance. Keep her on Kiumbria, she

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wasn’t happy here, okay.” “Why the hell not? What did you do to her, Jack?” “I didn’t do anything. Well, all right, we sort of were...attracted to each other, but I tried to be a gentleman. Only I couldn’t.” “Oh, man, you’re kidding me? Did you unite with her? Tell me you didn’t hurt her.” Jack sighed miserably. “Not physically. We, ah, did have sex, but that’s not why she left. I, ah, fumbled big time and spent the night with the minions. She was pretty angry with me last night and this morning. She found me in a compromising position with the minions this morning.” He didn’t know if all that he’d said made any sense. It certainly didn’t sound like it had, coming from his own mouth. “Ah, hell, Jack. That’s...bad. I’ll intercept her. Hey, thanks for doing me the favor. I’ll take it from here. Talk to you later.” “Wait.” Chance’s grimace sounded. “What?” “Tell her...tell her that I’m sorry, will you? And let me know that she’s safe, all right.” “Yeah, I will.” Jack’s wristband chimed out. “Well, that’s that. She’s walked out of your life as quickly as she walked into it. Face it, you’ll never meet a female like her again.” Was she the one? The one female he would have wanted for a life partner, to settle down with? Have children with? So much for that. He wouldn’t know now, she had gone, and there was no way to make up for his actions. Jack’s mood soured rapidly. He went to his bedroom and flopped onto his bed. His lonely existence once again cursed him with silence.

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Chapter Twelve Ginger awoke to a shift of the craft from a small field of meteors that speckled the black space. She’d been traveling for three solar-days and finally neared Celtaxy. She couldn’t wait to get home, disliking space travel. PAM forced her to eat and to take the large calcium tablets, insisting that she would fade away to nothing, or her bones would break in half. She knew human’s bones became brittle in space, so she listened to the moderator’s berating and took the medication. Ginger rubbed the sleep from her eyes and looked over at Snap, who snuggled contentedly in the cockpit seat. “Good morning, doll.” PAM sounded cheerful. Up from the control board came breakfast, a saucerchip and a nice hot cup of coffee. Ginger immediately reached for it and took a sip. “Mmm. Thanks, PAM.” “We near Celtaxy, you’ll be home before we know it. Do you wish for tunes?” “Oh, that would be great, PAM. How about a disco tune...Wild Cherry? Do you know it?” PAM snickered. “Do I know it? Am I not the best moderator in the universe? I have every tune that has ever existed uploaded in my memory banks. Valeen has had to increase my storage space four times in the last ten solar-years. Wild Cherry is not as good as say...Chopin, but I suppose I could put up with it. Valeen listens to the most horrible music. That hard rock-and-roll. Oooooh, my king adores classical music, as do I. Soooo, you listen to ancient music too, doll?” “Yes. I like the old disco tunes, PAM. Sometimes I like to listen to slow country songs. They’re ancient too.” Instantly, the sound of the music came through the audio system. She didn’t know why, but she liked the disco tunes from the twentieth century. Maybe because they were so funny, like the song that played over the sound system even now. Ginger took a quick sip of her coffee and then sang the funky lyrics. She heard the singer say die, and she almost choked on her coffee. Oh, how horrible. That didn’t sound right. “Die.” She didn’t wish that, but there she was, putting herself out there, possibly in Con the Coroner’s direct path. Once she reached home, she would bar the bunker door panel and demand that the guards station each door and not allow anyone inside. She’d hold up in her own house until this was over, where she’d be protected—safe from a maniacal hit man or hit woman, a sex-crazed being, and her own wanton lust. No, no, she wouldn’t die—not this solar-day and not the next. The song ended just as PAM chimed back into the cockpit. “Doll, we near Celtaxy. The sunshine is plentiful, it looks to be a glorious day. Be ready to disembark from the craft.” “Thanks, PAM. When will we land?” “In about two-solar minutes.” Ginger reached over to grab Snap, but then decided not to wake the dog. She’d get her later, along with her belongings. After the craft landed, and the door-panel opened, she left it and went outside. The garage was closed, no transports were parked outside of it. That wasn’t usually the case and for a moment she pondered it. Chance must have kept his word

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and had made her father stay with him. Good, then she wouldn’t have to worry about him. As long as her father was safe, she felt relieved. She inserted her keycard and heard the release of the lock. The door panel opened and she stepped inside. Shock—that’s what it had to be. Her eyes widened at the scene around her. What had she walked into? The remnants of disarray littered the house. Someone had been inside and rummaged through all their possessions. Where was Gerty? Ginger hurried toward the kitchen and called out. A thumping noise startled her. “Miss, here, in here.” Banging from the pantry in the culinary outlet sounded again. Ginger hurried toward it and undid the knot on the rope that held the door closed. Gerty breathed deeply and cried out. Ginger hugged the older female, supporting her so she could remain standing. Tears rolled down Gerty’s face, and she comforted her by holding her close. “Oh, Miss, thank God you came home. I’ve been stuck in that closet for a long time. I thought I would die, because it didn’t seem like anyone would come. If it wasn’t for the controlled air circulation system, I might have.” Ginger felt the coolness from the CACS, and she placed her arm around the older female. “Are you all right now? What happened here? Come, let me get you a drink.” She sat Gerty on a chair at the hub in the culinary outlet and then went to get a drink from the coldcase. Handing it to Gert, she joined her and patted her hand. “There, there. You’re all right now, Gerty.” “Oh, thank you, Miss. I don’t really know who they were or why they came. I was cleaning the foyer when five males stormed the bunker. They walked in and demanded to know where your father and Sal were. I didn’t know anything. Sal’s been gone for a long time, and then you went on vacation. I’m just glad they didn’t kill me. I heard your father yelling at them, Miss. I think they took him, but we should check.” “My father was here?” Ginger’s eyes misted. “Oh, Miss, yes. He came home a solar-week ago. He said that he didn’t want to be disturbed by communications unless it was you or Sal. He went in his office and stayed in there.” “Was he hurt, Gerty?” “Oh, I don’t know. The males shouted at him, and, well...they had put me in the closet.” Ginger would have hated to see anything happen to Gerty. Gerty was a kindhearted woman who had cared for them for many solar-years. “Oh, Gerty, I’m sorry they did that to you. Yes, let’s look around and make sure Dad is okay.” She left the kitchen, linked her arm with Gerty’s and went in search of her father. Somehow, she knew she wouldn’t find him in the bunker, but as a precaution she would look for him. “What a horrible thing to return to from vacation. Did you have a good time, Miss?” What could she say? She wasn’t exactly on vacation, but the sex with Jack was certainly fun. “Ah, yes, I got to see horses again. And it was beautiful there. Was anyone else hurt?” Ginger immediately thought about the guards, but she hadn’t seen any of her father’s males that usually guarded the bunker. “Oh, dear, I don’t know. I heard pings from phaser-rays, lots of them, but I don’t know.

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They locked me up quickly before they opened fire. Thank goodness for that.” “Gerty, I want you to get your things and go to your sister’s for a while. You’ll be safe there until I can figure out what’s going on here. I’m going to check around, but I will leave, too.” “Will you be all right here, alone? Maybe I should stay with you.” “Yes, I’ll be fine. I’ll pack some of my things and meet Dad. He has probably gone to see King Chance. Don’t worry about me, okay.” Ginger’s chest tightened as she looked around her home. She hoped her father had gone to King Chance and that those males hadn’t hurt him. “All right, dear.” Gerty left after some coaxing, and Ginger looked around her. Everywhere showed some sign of destruction. Parpals littered the floor, dishes were broken and scattered around, viewers were smashed, letting in the hot air from outside. Her father’s bunker had been completely destroyed. Numbed with pain at seeing her home in such a condition, she walked toward her father’s office. She looked around at the mess in there too, where all the shelves had been dumped, along with all the drawers in her father’s credenza. She searched through the scattered parpals for any evidence of Sal’s whereabouts, but she couldn’t find any. Ginger hadn’t found her father inside the bunker either, and she assumed the males had taken him. Evidenced by the destruction around her, there was no way her father could have escaped and gone to Chance’s. The verity of the situation hit her full force. Why had her father returned? He was supposed to have been secure, residing with the king. Fear trickled into her mind and heart at that thought. Her father’s life force was held in the balance now. She desperately needed her brother, Sal. Sal could find out what was going on, and he’d also make her feel better, something she gravely needed. He had to have communicated with their father recently. Her father had said that Sal communicated solar-weekly and always asked about her. She hadn’t spoken to him in over a month. Ginger pressed the message control board and listened to a few messages from business associates. Hah, business associates—more like criminals. Martian mafia members. Lucky-Len left a descriptive message about some kind of shipment that he’d intercepted for her father. Two-time Tony left his communication number and that he wanted her father to contact him, probably about some illegal activity that he was on to. Then the voice of Sal came. “Dad, it’s Sal. Everything is going according to plan. I won’t be home for several solarweeks and will stay on Mars as we agreed. Don’t worry about a thing. I have these guys eating it up, they’ll all want a piece of the action. All right, I’ll talk to you soon. Hey, tell Ginger I said hello and that I miss her, huh.” Tears ran down her face hearing her brother’s voice. She missed him, too. Ginger decided not to return to Kiumbria. No, she’d get her brother. Sal would handle this problem for her, and he’d see to her and her father’s safety. What in the galaxy did her father have Sal involved in? She wished that he hadn’t gotten involved in their family’s profession. He was too smart and such a handsome male to become tangled in the mess of the underworld. Ginger envisioned his handsome tanned face, his smile, his dark eyes and hair. Hopefully she’d be able to find him on Mars. Her communication band chimed, but Ginger ignored it. She went to her room,

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grabbed more clothes, this time just rolling them in a ball. Her breath hitched when she saw the big red X slashed over her family’s portrait that hung near her bed. Someone had ripped her bed linens too. Fear lodged itself in her throat, but anger mingled with it and defiantly, she yelled out. “You will not kill me or my family, you bastiches.” Ginger left the house quickly, looking over her shoulder to make certain no one saw her departure. They were everywhere, and yet nowhere. She didn’t see any figures that she would consider Martian mafia or assassins. Regular old beings walked the thoroughfare. An elderly lady walked her dog. Another being looked to be making a transport delivery. Ginger entered the VeBus and asked PAM to take her to space. PAM did as she directed without question. Ginger didn’t know what to tell the moderator. She would have to lie, but PAM had direct contact with Valeen and the king. Would she tell them her destination? How could she gain the moderators cooperation? Deceitfully. “Destination, doll?” “Ah, yeah, about that. I’m going to go to Valeen.” “Oooooh. Good, doll, you’re finally doing something sensible.” “But I have to make a stop first.” “And... just where is this stop, doll?” PAM snicker sounded. “Ooooh, it wouldn’t be the planet Appaloosa, now would it?” “No, PAM. I need to see my brother, Sal. He’s staying on Mars.” “Oh? Stars, that’s kind of out of the way, isn’t it? It’ll take us a few solar-days to reach it, but very well, doll, you are in charge.” “Yes, I am. Let’s not forget that, PAM. I know it’s a lengthy journey, but I must see my brother before I return to Kiumbria.” The space craft shot off in hyper-four, quickly leaving the orbit of Celtaxy. Next stop Mars, the infamous planet where the Martian mafia controlled the universe. ***** The distance to Mars took a few solar-day’s travel. Having been cooped up in the space craft, Ginger thought she’d go stir-crazy. For the past three solar-days, she had paced the VeBus’ length and tried to amuse Snap. Her dog didn’t mind the space travel, as long as Ginger gave her a treat every so often. If she didn’t arrive soon, she’d lose her patience, and land on whichever planet was the closest. At least she had gotten a little exercise when they stopped for fuel. PAM, that delightful moderator, had tried to keep her occupied by giving her a visual of several luxury planets. Even those visuals had become boring. Occasionally, Jack would sneak into her thoughts. Ginger saddened each time she visualized his face, body, or heard his words repeated in her mind. Get over him, he’s a sex-crazed male. You don’t want to be part of his universe. You’re trying to stop that from happening. Isn’t that why you chose your profession? She once again pushed him from her thoughts and took a seat in the cockpit, looking through the viewer. Dark space went on for solar-miles, for eternity. Before she could redirect her gaze, the sight of the strange planet came into view. Since Mars had no gravity, the planet had been encased in a shield and artificial oxygen was pumped inside, allowing the beings to move around the planet without fear of dying.

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At the entrance station, PAM slowed the craft down to await their approval for entry. Once they’d been given the ‘go ahead’, the craft moved through the shoot that tunneled through the shield. Ginger watched the towering metal-like structures jutting into the darkness around them. The homes of the elite underworld Martian mafia members were just as cold as the hearts inside their bodies. Mars had no atmosphere and remained dark from the space that surrounded it. The eeriness of the planet seemed like a scene from an old horror movie. “PAM, I’m not sure where to land. Just drive around for a bit.” “Yes, Miss Ginger. I’ll look for a good place, while I’m at it.” “Thanks.” Now, where would Sal be? Through the viewers, she could see other crafts flying haphazardly, weaving through the buildings. Crowds of beings lined the rotating belts, moving them from once place to another. Flashing signs indicating businesses, lighting the paths, and though she couldn’t hear it from inside her craft, audio advertisements repeated, broadcasting the sales of commodities or services. Numbing Neptune, the planet was too large to find Sal. She’d never find him with so many beings inhabiting it. Then she remembered that her father had said her Uncle Marco had moved there some solar-years ago. Perhaps she’d find Sal through him. Though there was a slim chance that Sal would be there, she had nothing to lose by checking. PAM landed the craft in a parking facility, and turned the engines off. “Directions, now, please, Miss Ginger.” “Can you find out where Marco DiAngelo lives? I need to find out my uncle’s residence.” “Yes, doll, searching data-banks now.” Ginger watched some of the beings pass by. Most were business men, likely Martian mafia males, given their attire. Males both young and old walked into buildings wearing the fashionable suits they favored—suits her own father wore. She’d heard that the planet was overrun by them several solar-years ago, and that the IL or IEA didn’t have the means to infiltrate their activities. “The system is showing zone Z4 on the Calone causeway. Do you wish me to travel there?” “Yes, PAM. Let’s get going. I don’t like this place. The sooner I find Sal, the sooner we can leave.” Ginger sat back as the craft once again took off. PAM guided it through the busy business district, and then toward the openness in the distance. Her uncle must live in some sort of suburban area. It took five solar-minutes to reach the location PAM had read in the data-banks. The craft slowed and landed next to an estate of some sort. Nothing but a huge house, enclosed by an iron fence, set the scene. Of course, no landscaping could be had on Mars, because the oxygen filters couldn’t handle the output from trees or shrubs, let alone grasses. Not to mention Mars was mostly rock with dried soil that couldn’t be planted. The land appeared stark and foreboding, and to her quite ugly. Ginger hesitated. Would she find Sal there? Just what kind of beings lived in this type of house? Would it matter that she was a niece? Probably not. These men pretended affection for their family, until the solar-day their family members turned on them. There was no fondness or

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remembrance of family ties then. No, just out and out killing. “Be sure to wear a wristband, doll. I don’t like the looks of this place. I will worry for you, Miss Ginger.” “Yes, PAM, I’ll be careful. I have a wristband on. If I have trouble, I will contact you. Let’s just hope that Sal is there and he doesn’t get too upset that I’ve come for him. I want to find him and get the heck out of here.” “If you have trouble, Miss Ginger, I am not sure what I could do to help. I am not capable of physical activities, but I could contact the IL or the IEA.” “Let’s hope that won’t be necessary. I’m going to change.” Ginger moved toward the wardrobe center and reached for a black one-piece outfit, and thigh-high black boots. She pulled her hair into a knot and fastened it. The less showy she was, the more she could blend in with the elements, which would be better for her. All finished, she moved toward the exit. Ginger approached the gate, and surprisingly she found it unlocked. She supposed the Martian mafia wouldn’t be concern about intruders. Who would dare to sneak into their homes? A complete nut, that’s who. Okay, so this wasn’t the smartest thing she’d done lately. Heck, everything she’d done lately ended up in a tangle. Jack was the biggest tangle of them all. Well, maybe being placed on a hit list topped her situation with Jack. Walking toward the house, she hurried toward an open window at the sound of raised voices within. Perhaps their conversation would clue her in on if her brother was present. She certainly didn’t want to walk up to the front door and knock if he wasn’t there. Not being one to enjoy the company of these criminals, it would be best to sneak around before she entered their lair. “Should I care? My brother tries so hard to outdo me. Bastiche. But it isn’t going to work this time, Sal. And to think I actually trusted him and you, my own nephew. You will pay for your father’s mistakes, and your own.” Then Ginger heard Sal’s reply. “But you’re my uncle. Doesn’t that hold any significance? Come on, you know Dad. He’s just trying to do business, he wants to be partners with you again, like the old solar-days. There has to be a way for him to settle payment with Con and you.” “Nope, there isn’t. You and your sister will be the repayment. I’ve had it with his games and his backstabbing. This time, he will know I mean business.” Ginger gripped the phaser-ray tucked into her belt. Damn her father for getting her and Sal mixed up in this horrible situation. Her uncle intended on killing them both? Her uncle was associated with Con the Coroner? Uranous-insanous, she’d never been faced with such a problem. How could she help Sal? And just how many members of his mafia were inside the house? If she could get to Sal before... Thinking of that, Ginger pushed aside the fear that tried to weasel its way inside her heart. She tiptoed toward another opened viewer, hoping she could climb through it. When she peeked inside, she didn’t see anyone in the room. She gripped the viewer’s ledge and hoisted herself up. Throwing her legs over the ledge, she entered silently. They were in the next room. She tiptoed and moved in that direction. No plan came to mind, but she’d worry about that when she got there. As she stood beside the door to what must be her uncle’s library, she watched him, Sal and two other men standing beside her uncle’s desk. Okay, she had to do it—she had to be braver than she’d ever been in her entire life.

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She’d never shot anyone with a phaser-ray before. Well, there was always a first time for everything. She took hold of the weapon and leaned to listen. “Merk, you know what to do. Take him out to the crater and add him to the collection of beings we’ve given to Mars.” Her uncle’s voice sounded harsh. He laughed snidely after making that statement. Shoot now, Ginger. Aim the darned thing. Numbing Neptune, what are you waiting for? Which was the better target, she wondered? She decided to pick off the easiest being first, then the other. That would leave her uncle and Sal. Ginger position her finger over the red button and kept her eyes locked on the target. She aimed it with a steady hand, then pressed it. A stream of a beam shot off in the direction of the guard. It hit him before he knew what was coming. His body felt to the floor, and his scream pierced the air for a brief solar-second before he began to disintegrate. The other guard ran toward them and grabbed Sal. Her uncle stood behind his desk and shouted. “What the hell is going on?” He moved his hand toward his desk. Venus, Mercury and Mars. If he pressed that button, more guards would come. She didn’t need that. “I wouldn’t do that if I were you. Put your hands on the desk.” Ginger moved into the room. “Who the hell are you?” her uncle yelled. “Ginger,” Sal shouted. “Ginger. Oh, welcome, my girl. How’s my little niece doing? I hear that you became a physexian. I’m proud of you, girl. Good that you could join us here for your death. See, Merk, we don’t even have to hunt for her now. Ginger was always one to follow orders.” “Shut up. Release Sal or I’ll shoot you between the eyes. Believe me, I won’t feel the least bit of remorse doing it.” Amazingly, her voice was stern and didn’t shake as she thought it might. She had to keep up the ruse, so they couldn’t use her fear against her. Her uncle laughed. Ginger’s fury intensified, which caused her to grip the phaser-ray tightly. She hoped she didn’t have to shoot him, but at this point she would. She kept her eyes peeled for any movement, and she swore she’d shoot either one of them if they moved. “I said release him right now,” she insisted in a hard tone. She raised the phaser-ray higher, pointing it directly at Merk. He seemed to take her threat seriously and took his hands off her brother’s arms. Sal shoved him forward. Then her brother moved next to her, scowling like the devil. Okay, so this wasn’t one of her brightest ideas. Now that she had her brother released, he could take over from there. “What the hell do you think you’re doing, Ginger?” Before she could utter a word, a beam came at them. It struck Sal in his leg, grazing his thigh. He yelled out. Ginger aimed at Merk and pressed the tab. She hit him in his chest, letting the strobe linger for a moment before it disintegrated him with the contact. Her uncle shouted and moved behind his chair. Fortunately for her, he wasn’t armed. “You will leave us alone. We will not be pawns in my father’s business matters. I’m taking Sal out of here, and let me tell you...if you send guards after us, or try to hurt us... All I have to do is give the signal through this wristband, and your house will explode with the force of a meteor crashing into it. Do you understand?” Her uncle nodded. “Good. Let’s get out of here, Sal. Can you walk?”

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Sal continued to grunt in pain, but nodded. He could barely put pressure on his leg, but Ginger helped him move. With her arm around his back, yet maintaining her hold of the phaser-ray, she helped him walk through the exit. PAM, that wonderful moderator, had kept the door panel to the VeBus open. Ginger helped Sal inside and placed him on the cockpit seat. Snap jumped down before he settled into it. “Where can we go?” “My unit. M6 Caesars Way. Hurry, Ginger. This hurts like hell. Thanks for rescuing me. How did you know?” “Later, Sal. PAM,” Ginger called out. “Yes, doll, setting destination for Caesars Way. The DTA is three solar-minutes.” Ginger flopped into her cockpit seat and waited for the craft to take off. “Are you going to be all right?” Sal smiled slightly. “Yeah. How the hell did you find me?” Ginger explained what happened, and that she remembered they had an uncle on Mars. She told him that they couldn’t return home, and that their father was missing, but might be with King Chance. “...so that’s when I came to find you. Sal, I have no idea what to do. These beings are after our blood. We have to lie low for a while.” “Let’s just get to my place, and we’ll think of something or somewhere to go.” The transport landed on the thoroughfare outside a building of several units. The ugly stark grey building rose into the air, where crafts rounded it. She wondered if any ever crashed into it, but most crafts were outfitted with a mechanism that would avert it them from striking buildings. Ginger helped Sal move inside, and they walked to the riser. Outside his unit, she heard someone speaking inside in a loud angry tone. She waited for Sal to catch his breath. “Who’s in there, Sal? Do you live with someone?” Sal groaned in agony, leaning against the wall. “My girlfriend.” “Oh. Do you have a RC, Sal?” “Hell, no. What do I look like, some rich guy?” Sadly, Ginger shook her head. “Well, we have to get your leg healed. I’ll see what I can do. All right, let’s go inside.” “I can ask Lexi if she knows where there’s one we can use.” “Lexi?” Ginger drew a sharp breath into her lungs. Uranous-insanous. Lexi. It had to be the female that tried to kill her at Jack’s. “I recently met a female named Lexi on Appaloosa. She was going to kill me. What does she look like?” “Why? Do you think it’s the same female?” Ginger scoffed and explained the female she’d had a run in with at Jack’s. “Do you think it’s the same female? Come on, Sal, don’t be stupid. Of course it is. She was sent here to assassinate you.” Sal groaned again, holding his thigh in obvious agony. “Druking hell, probably. I just met her a few solar-weeks ago. Don’t ask me why I let her move in. She’s strange, but the sex is great.” Ginger released a frustrated sigh. “Is that all you males think about? Sex? All right, stay here, Sal. I’m going in, and it might not be pretty. You don’t mind if I...”

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Sal slumped toward the floor, holding his leg. “Whatever, Ginger. We have to hurry and get this leg healed.” He moaned, and pain creased his brows. Ginger didn’t hear Lexi’s speaking anymore, but she moved inside the unit. A hallway led to several darkened rooms, and she moved to each doorway to look inside. She held the phaser-ray and jumped through a doorway, searching for the female. With each step, her heart thudded with the sound of a beat from a base drum. Nothing but complete darkness met her. Dark shadows inside Sal’s unit made it difficult to see. Her breath rasped, fanning and heating her lips. She moved to the next room and repeated her actions, moving the phaser-ray about the room. The female must have heard her and had hidden. The game of cat and mouse became old, and Ginger lowered the phaser-ray, thinking to go back to Sal. Suddenly, she felt the cold metallic-like tip of a phaser-ray pressed against her neck. Ginger froze and couldn’t even turn around to see who was there. She knew. She would be killed. “Oh, you came to visit, Lexi, yes? How nice. You have saved me from having to search for you little peacock, yes.” Lexi laughed. “Let us settle this right now.” She shoved the phaser-ray toward Ginger’s chin, forcing her head to tilt backward. Her breath was cut off by the position of her neck, and the phaser-ray jammed against her throat. Ginger tried to remain calm, but every part of her tensed, knowing this bastiche was out for her blood. This would be the last solar-day she’d draw breath. If she had time to even take a breath before Lexi pushed the button. Voices from the hallway averted Lexi’s attention from pushing the tab. Less than a solar-second later, Lexi lay crumpled on the floor and began shriveling before Ginger’s eyes. A quick drawn-in breath ended Lexi’s existence. The beautiful female began disintegrating, at least, parts of her back did. Ginger turned and ran toward the door panel to see if Sal was all right. Just as she reached it, she realized who had saved her. It wasn’t Sal. Ginger drew in a harsh breath several times before calling out. “Jack.” “Ginger, what kind of pickle have you gotten yourself into now?” She didn’t know why those words made her want to laugh. Smiling, she hugged him tightly. “How did you find me? And what in the universe are you doing here, cowboy?” Her throat made her voice sound as though she had a frog lodged in it. “Chance contacted me. Well, actually, I told him you left, and he went to your father’s home, but couldn’t find you. He realized this is where you would go, because you left Sal’s message uploaded on your father’s MCB. And of course, PAM contacted him and told him every detail of your little excursion.” Her mouth formed an O. PAM had given her away. She should have known that moderator would do something so sneaky. “But why did you come?” Dare she believe because he cared about her? “Mars is a great distance from Kiumbria. Chance knew I could get to you quicker. Now, don’t you think we should do something about your brother?” Sal groaned. “Ginger, this...really...hurts.” She moved into the hallway, kneeling beside him. “Sal, we’ll have to get you out of here. Jack, how far is Appaloosa from here? He needs an RC.” “About two solar-days. He’ll live.” “How...how do you know that?”

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“I studied animal-welfare, and have a degree in medicine. I’ll tend to your wound, Sal, as soon as we get you aboard my ZeChev. Come on, Ginger. Let’s get out of here.” “So you’re a doctor as well as a cowboy?” Jack nodded, smiling at her. Ginger helped Sal to stand, and Jack let Sal lean on him for support. They reached the thoroughfare and entered Jack’s craft. Sal was placed on a bed of sorts in the back cabin, and Jack moved to the cockpit. Once the craft was sealed for travel, it shot off into the orbit, barely missing a few other crafts that flew close by. At the shoot to the star system, a backlog of transports made their exodus lengthy. They waited in the line of other crafts for approval to leave Mars. Finally, they reached the zone where they would explain their departure. “What is your travel purpose?” the attendant asked. Jack glanced at Ginger for a moment before answering. “Ah, my wife and I are going to visit family on Kiumbria.” The green flashing strobe indicated they could move through the shoot. Jack controlled the craft until they reached the end, and then set the destination for Appaloosa. He removed his hands from the controls, and turned toward her. “Ginger, I...” “Thank you, Jack, for coming. I, ah...” Why had this become so awkward? Ginger didn’t know what to say to him, and it seemed he didn’t know what to say to her either. She rose and went to check on Sal. Better that she kept her distance from Jack, and by staying with Sal while they traveled, she’d be able to control her urges. The urge to kiss him, to suggest she was interested in him, and the urge to have sex with him. Why couldn’t she control herself? Perhaps it wasn’t as easy as she’d thought it was. Maybe she had been too hard on her patients, and had to rethink some of her processes and recommendations. Thinking of that reminded her of Stephen. She’d better check on him, or there’d be hell to pay if the Governor found out she shirked her duty. Plus, she’d been paid a great deal of links to advise Stephen. Ginger asked PAM to link to him. A chime a solar-second later sounded, then Stephen’s voice. “Hello, sexy. I’ve been waiting for your communication. Where have you been? You’re not off with another lover, are you?” Stephen’s voice took on a sultry tone. Ginger laughed. He could always make her smile. The male was definitely single minded. “Hi, Stephen. How have you been doing?” “I’ve been depressed without you here, baby.” With her gaze directed in the other direction, she didn’t know Jack was there. “I’ll return soon, and we’ll take up where we left off.” “Is that a promise, sexy? Seriously, I have begun working with my father. Yeah, looker, don’t fall to the floor. I’ve kept to all my goals.” “That’s wonderful, Stephen. See, I told you that it would be better to have a life with goals, other than a sex. You haven’t met anyone, have you?” Stephen’s laughter could be heard through the wristband. “No, looker. You’re the only female that I’d ever want a life with. Sure, you play me along, don’t you? You’ll give in eventually.” Ginger knew he had to be joking. “Okay, Stephen. Keep at it. And I’ll see you when I

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get home. I’m glad to hear you have embarked on a career. Your future looks brighter.” “Only because of you, sexy. All right, I’ll talk to you soon.” Ginger released the button on the wristband and drew her knees upward. She leaned on them and smiled at the success she’d had with her patient. He still needed direction, but he’d made great progress thanks to her suggestions. It sure felt good helping a being overcome his difficulties. The Governor would be pleased with her accomplishment. “What are you smiling about?” Ginger looked up to see Jack enter the back cabin. “Oh, hello. Nothing, just about...ah, never mind.” “Get some rest, Ginger. You look tired. I directed PAM to have your craft come to Appaloosa. That moderator was beside herself. I never heard her so upset. She thought something happened to you, but I explained what happened, and that you were with me.” Ginger frowned. She had forgotten about her craft and that Snap was on board. PAM would take care of Snap until she arrived on Appaloosa. “Thanks, Jack. You’ve been...really helpful.” “No problem, stunner. I’m going back to the cockpit.” A sadness crept inside Ginger. She couldn’t reason it. Jack was too young for her, and she couldn’t suggest a relationship with him. Why would he want such an older female, when he could have just about any female in the universe? That thought made her life seem so meaningless.

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Chapter Thirteen Ginger avoided Jack as much as possible and had only seen him when he’d come in from the range. They had been on Appaloosa for three solar-days now, as Sal recovered from his leg wound. He continued to rest and grew depressed with each passing solar-day. Ginger tried to cheer him by sitting with him occasionally, but to no avail. His manner mirrored hers, and she decided to go outside. She sat on the porch, watching Jack talking to Mitch in the distance. He and his friend, Mitch, and the ranch hands worked with a bull that was being trained for busting. Although, Ginger wondered how in the galaxy did one train a bull? The beast had to be the ugliest creature in the universe. Its large hairy body must have been five times the size of a beings, and probably weighed a solar-ton or two. Mitch, from what Jack told her, was a friend of his from school who also resided on Planet Appaloosa. His age surpassed Jack’s by a handful of solar-years, and his handsomeness rivaled Jack’s form. Mitch stood just as tall, with dark-brown hair and eyes, or at least the one eye she could see. The other one was covered by a black patch, supposedly from a childhood accident. Which she wasn’t supposed to mention. Tall, dark, and handsome, as apposed to Jack, Mr. Perfect with his light hair, beautiful green eyes, and muscular build. Stop, you’re treading dangerous ground, Ginger. But she didn’t want to stop watching Jack, she could watch him all solar-day. Who wouldn’t want to stare at his body? She was a normal, healthy, female being, wasn’t she? Mitch released the gate to the corral and the beast flew outward, bucking wildly. What held her spellbound was Jack’s body on top of the beast’s back. His muscles hardened, holding onto the rope, and his skillful thighs kept him in position. Visions of his thighs moving against her flashed a scene from the hygienic chamber. Ginger’s mouth hung open as her vision of that solar-day penetrated her heart. Numbing Neptune, she couldn’t stop thinking about it. The beast must have gotten tired of Jack being on him, because he stopped trying to shake him off. As the creature stopped, Jack’s body flew through the air and he landed on his back. Jack grunted, but quickly rolled to his side and gained his feet. He hurried to the corral fence and climbed over it. She could hear Mitch’s laughter, but she didn’t think it was funny at all. She stood and thought to run to his side. Was he hurt? Jack’s laughter suggested that he wasn’t. She sat back down. Her wristband chimed, and Ginger immediately pressed the button. “Hello.” “Ginger, it’s Chance. I just wanted to let you know that your father is out of danger. The RC healed him, and he’s just been released. It took much longer than we thought.” Ginger’s face cast downward at the stone near the porch. Not knowing how to respond to that, she didn’t say anything. “Ginger, are you there?” “Ah, yes, I’m here. I’m pretty angry with my father, Chance. I don’t know how to react to your news. What he’s put Sal and me through these past solar-weeks... Well, I’m not sure I want to hear that he’ll be all right. I know that sounds rather harsh, but...”

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“Listen, I know what you must be feeling, but your father is really torn up about all this. He won’t contact you, because he thinks that you hate him now. I told him when Sal heals, he’ll come to take him home.” “I don’t know if Sal will, Chance. I’ll have to ask him.” “The IL and IEA aren’t going to press charges against him. They don’t have sufficient proof that he’s done anything illegal. I convinced your dad to leave Celtaxy and live on another planet. I’ve suggested a few to him. I understand Tyne is on Con’s trail, and she’s reported to the IL that she’ll take care of the situation. She’s been on the case for months. Everything will be all right, Ginger.” Ginger nodded absently. “So that’s where Tyne’s been. Okay, thanks for letting me know. I’ll talk to Sal about it, his going to get Dad.” “I want you two to be careful, okay. Con is still out there, and your uncle hasn’t lifted the contract. There is still a price on your heads and until Tyne reports in... You know how much I care about you, don’t you?” “Yes, I know. Thanks, Chance. I’ll make sure I tell that to Sal. I’ll talk to you later.” Ginger pressed the tab. Emotions bubbled inside her and threatened to come spilling out. A tear slipped off her eyelash and rolled down her cheek. She didn’t want to cry over this. She needed to be strong. Fighting the overwhelming sensation to bawl, she rose and went inside to search out Sal. She found him in his bedroom, lying on the bed, face down. He didn’t even bother looking up at her when she entered. “Sal, we have to talk.” “Yeah, I know.” He sighed, but kept his gaze on the viewer, as if he concentrated on something in the distance. “How’s your leg?” “It doesn’t hurt anymore, the RC healed it. Listen, Ginger, I’m going to leave today. I want to find this Con bastiche before he can get to you again. I can’t just sit around here, with him out there hunting us. I know you won’t let me leave, but I’m healed and...” Ginger moved to the seat beside his bed. She placed her feet on the edge of the bed, and leaned back. Sal looked confident and the RC had healed him. Relieved, she nodded to him. “All right, Sal, you’re going to do what you want to do anyway. So I won’t stop you. I just had a conversation with Chance. Dad is all right and has just been released from the RC. Chance asked him to leave Celtaxy. Can you believe he actually agreed? Now, I don’t want you getting yourself hurt.” “I won’t, Ginger. I’m glad Dad’s okay. I’ll go to him when this is finished, just as soon as I find Con and kill him.” Ginger groaned. “I hate hearing that, Sal. I wish you didn’t have to do that—killing someone. But you’re right, as long as Con still lives, he’ll continue to hunt us. We must get our uncle’s agreement to release us from Dad’s debt.” “No, he’ll never agree to that. I’ll figure out a way to get the links Dad owes him. I’m going to leave right now. I want you to promise to stay here. You’re safe here with Jack.” Sal sat up, his dark eyes imploring her. She nodded. “Tell Jack that I said thanks. He’s a pretty great guy. I can’t believe you’re not interested in him. Heck, I wish I were as successful as he is. Then I wouldn’t have to do...”

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Ginger tilted her head and looked at him curiously. “What if I was interested in him? Do you think it’s below me to want a relationship with someone so young?” Sal laughed so hard, he nearly fell backwards off the bed. “Ginger, do you hear yourself? Look, babe, you’re a beautiful female, even if you are my sister. He’s a great guy. Druk, he’s got more links than anyone I know, and believe me, I know some pretty rich dudes. You can’t do better than him, Ginger. What the hell, if you want him, why don’t you do something about it?” Ginger giggled at him. “You’re a nutty being, you know that. I’ll think about it.” “Yeah, do that. Hey, don’t worry about Dad. Okay? He never intended for this to go this route. You know that, don’t you? He loves us and is probably torn apart. I’ll contact him and let him know that we’re not upset with him.” She stood when he moved off the bed. “You can do that, Sal, but I am upset with him. I don’t know if I can find it in my heart to be so forgiving. Don’t include me in your conversation.” “But Ginger...” Ginger held her hand out. “Be careful out there. I love you, Sal, and I don’t want anything to happen to you. Please, communicate with me and let me know you’re still alive.” Sal moved off the bed and approached her. He placed his burly arms around her, hugging her in a tight hold. “Okay, Ginger.” He kissed her cheek and left the room. Ginger sat back down on the seat and cried her heart out. She let the torrent out, each tear holding her woes. ***** Several solar-hours later, after she’d regained her composure, Ginger walked through Jack’s house, hoping he was done working for the day. She was lonely and bored. If she didn’t talk to someone other than a moderator and soon, she’d go mad. After searching for him throughout the house, she realized he wasn’t inside. She considered that he was still at work, and she went through the door panel. She stood on the porch, letting the night breeze play with her hair. It was late. The moon had risen and darkness covered the fields. The horses were quiet, and she couldn’t hear any noise from the stables. Ginger left the porch and walked around the house. She had yet to explore the moisture-environ, but that place held such discouraging thoughts. Scenes of Jack and the minions were still too fresh and painful to accept. She didn’t want to visualize them together, but maybe if she dealt with her feelings, she could put it behind her. She walked toward the pool and saw the wind ripple the surface of the clear liquid. Various plants of palms and spiked bushes decorated the stoned path and around the moisture environ. In the shape of a rectangle, it went on for about a thirty solar-feet. Dusk set the solar-lights to come on inside the pool, and shapes of medallions that resembled sea urchins lit up. Lighted pagodas and exotic sculptures surrounded the pool area, setting the scene for romance. Why hadn’t she noticed the beauty of the moisture-environ that night? Because she was too focused on Jack and the guards—that’s why. Tomorrow, she’d take a swim. The weather had certainly grown warm enough for it. Appaloosa was of a hot temperament, and she supposed that might be one of the reasons Jack had chosen to settle there. As she walked around the moisture-environ, she heard voices over the stone wall. She went to investigate.

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She stood by the end of the wall, watching Jack, Mitch, and the ranch hands. They seemed to be playing hoccerball, the sport that had taken off recently. The game blended both the ancient rules of soccer and hockey. All the males had taken off their shirts, and wore baggy shorts, each gripping a hoccerball stick. She couldn’t take her eyes off Jack. The muscles rippled on his shoulders and over his back. His arms bulged as he held the stick and maneuvered the small three solar-inch ball toward Mitch’s goal. He pulled back the stick and swung it forward, striking the ball and sending it flying through the air. The ball hit the goal panel and made a buzz sound. “Damn, that’s your fourth goal. You’re pretty good at this game, Jack.” “Well, you know how it is, Mitch. When you’re bored during the night, you get a lot of practice. A lot.” Mitch laughed. “Yeah, and I can see you’ve gotten a lot of practice lately.” Ginger knew it was wrong to stand there and listen, and not to alert them of her presence, but staring at Jack, she didn’t want to move. His body captivated her, but so did his deep voice. It seemed to mesmerize her and send her into an unknown world. “Hey, thanks for your help with the horses. Tomorrow, we should work on the three blacks. They need exercise, and Mr. Preston said he’d be here sometime this solar-week to look them over.” “Yeah, okay. Sounds good. Damn, my muscles ache. I’m going to get a hot shower, and then hit the sack. You really gave me a workout today. I’ll be really fit when I leave.” “You’re not leaving yet, are you?” “No, I have another solar-week or so before I have to head back. Don’t worry, I know you have your hands full with Ginger. Damn, you’re one lucky dude. She’s pretty cute for an older broad.” Jack’s deep laughter echoed off the stone wall and over the playing field. “Yeah, I wish, Mitch. She has no interest in me. I don’t want to... I really like her, you know...but she thinks I’m an immature youngling, and that I’m only interested in having sex with her.” Mitch grunted. “Well, aren’t you?” “Yeah, but she doesn’t know...never mind.” Jack kicked the hoccerball back into the net. Ginger’s face felt flushed. He was only interested in having sex with her, and he just admitted it to her face. Okay, so not to her face, but he’d said it out loud. Well, two could play that game. She’d show him. She watched Mitch and the other ranch hands walk away from Jack. They rounded the opposite edge of the wall, then disappeared. Now was her chance to take this a step further. She would definitely give him a piece of his own medicine and show him that it was just sex to her, too. Could she pull it off? ***** Jack picked up the hoccerball stick that Mitch left on the ground and went to put them on top of the goal. He took his water bottle off the goal and chugged a good portion of it. He’d worked up a sweat from the exercise, and used a towel to wipe his face, then his shoulders and chest. “Hi, Jack.” He turned, hearing Ginger’s soft voice. She slunk toward him, her sweet curves moving

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easily, making his tongue swell and his body react. Damn, would he ever get over seeing her delicious body? She smiled at him, and he took it as a sign of truce. “Ginger. What are you doing out here? It’s late.” She moved too close, close enough for him to smell the sweet fragrance of her scent. Her hair swept over her shoulder and cascaded over her breast. The light warm breeze stirred it, and the strands moved over the nipple that he could see in the bright lights that surrounded the playing field through the light-colored fabric of her top. Inside, Jack’s body heated, and his blood began to simmer. Damn, he wanted her. Something about the innocent way her hair touched her breast turned him into a raving sexual beast. He jumped back a step when she placed her hand on his shoulder, giving him a bold caress. A caress with a hidden agenda, or so it seemed to him. Her hand gently squeezed him, then smoothed his shoulder. Why did she have to touch him? He couldn’t take it. “What do you want?” He sounded angry. “I mean, what are you doing out here?” He changed his voice to an unaffected tone and smiled. There. That would show her that he didn’t care if she was there or not. “I came to tell you that Sal...left. He’s gone to search out Con. I’ll worry about him, but he said that we won’t be safe until Con is killed.” “Oh? Well, Sal can handle himself, Ginger. Don’t worry about him.” She sighed and seemed to shudder. Jack started walking toward the house. He had to get away before he lost control and gave in to his body’s demand. “Wait.” He turned and watched her. Her mouth hung open, as if she was going to continue to speak, but then her lips pressed together and she didn’t continue. Her body language definitely gave some telling signs. All right, so maybe he read what he wanted to. Did Ginger want him? He tried to use his skill to find out whether he was astute or not. Ginger placed her hand on her hip and the other over her chest. Her face lowered, but her eyes rose to look at him. He was astute, she did want him. For a moment, Jack considered whether he should give into her body language’s lure. What in blue-blazes was he thinking? Of course he would. He wanted her probably as badly as she wanted him. “Yes?” He gripped the towel in a strangle hold and forced himself to remain still, to not move any closer to her. Let her make the first move, guy. Don’t be an ass. “Would you... Can we...” Jack’s resistance faded as quickly as a burned out star. He stepped beside her, grinning as though he’d won a great bet from his brother. “Can we what?” “Well, I just thought we could sit out here for a while. It’s a beautiful night. I don’t want to go back inside. I’ve been cooped up all solar-day.” “Ah, yeah, all right, Ginger. Let’s move to the lounges.” Jack moved faster than he had during his sport with Mitch. He quickly settled back on the lounge and watched her move to the one beside his. She placed herself in a sexy position, one that made him groan. His body tensed in anticipation of what was to come. “How’s everything going?” So she wanted to make small talk, did she? Jack thought about it for a moment. What he could do to her lying on that lounge... The visual caused him to harden. Now she’d done it, she stirred his lust with a tempting spoon. He had an erection, one that wanted release, no

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matter what the consequence. “Ginger, do you really want to talk? Or do you want something else?” He almost laughed when her eyes widened. His eyes moved over her, caressing every curve, every touch of skin that he could see. She licked her lips, and placed her hand on her thigh. Jack thought about removing her hand and placing his there. “Jack...I...want...you.” Jack stared at her, unmoving. His heart beat languidly, but so hard that it ricocheted in his ears. As if his body understood those words, he grew excited at the prospect of loving her again. “Well, Ginger...I...want you, too.” “Come over here, cowboy, and show me what you got.” Ginger tried not to frown at her words. She’d never said anything so ridiculous before in her entire life. “Oh, stunner, I have what you need.” Jack moved off his lounge and took a seat next to her. “Do you know how long I have waited for this? Do you realize what you did to me that day in the hygienic chamber?” Jack took her hand and placed it on his arousal. “Feel. This is what you do to me.” “Mmm. I remember, Jack.” He leaned forward and lightly pressed a kiss on her lips. Pulling back, he eyed the lounge and held onto the back, while shifting it to the lowest position. He let the back lie down flat, and watched Ginger’s body move backward. Now lying on her back, Jack moved his hand to her neck. He caressed the side of it, and then trailed a caress down her front, over her breast, stomach, and hip. He stopped at her vee and cupped her, pressing his hand to mold her shape. “I want to be inside you this solar-second, Ginger. I am so hard for you.” Ginger moaned. She watched him through the slits of her eyes, unable to make any sensible retort. As if a star suddenly fell on her head, she watched him in a daze. He smiled at the affect he was having on her. Jack pulled on the little shorts covering her bottom, slipped them past her thighs, and threw them to the ground. She didn’t wear anything under them. She wore the sexiest shoes, and he removed them, taking the time to caress her bared feet and ankles. Her skin radiated a glow, as if she’d tanned in the supernova recently. He wanted to taste her again and his mouth salivated at the thought. He knelt between her legs and smiled at her. “Ginger, move up a little. I’m going to make you scream, darlin’. Scream in pleasure.” Ginger drew in a sharp breath. She hurried to comply, and with her head leaning over the edge of the lounge, she moaned in anticipation of his touch. Jack placed his hand on her leg for support and moved his mouth into position. But before he’d give her what she wanted, he used his finger to excite her. Pressing the tip of his finger against her sensitiveness, he used his thumb to heat her folds. “Yeah, that feels good, doesn’t it?” His question went unanswered. Jack kissed her thigh, then grazed his lips until his mouth reached her zenith. He used his tongue in a way that he’d wanted to for solar-days. Sweeping his velvety tongue over her again and again, he assisted her cries by using his finger to intensify her pleasure. His groans mingled with her moans. Ginger cried out and screamed in a pleasured release. Her body shook and squirmed. He could feel her shaking and loved watching her climax. He kept at the task, repeating his

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actions and found himself sweating in exertion. Damn, he wanted to be inside her. Enough of that. Jack stood. Ginger called out to him and caressed the scar on his thigh. “Don’t leave.” “I’m not, stunner.” He undid his shorts and let them fall to the ground. Pulling them off, along with his footwear, he rose to a standing position. His penis stuck out, completely ready and waving like the white flag of surrender. His heart pounded its submission. He moved closer and leaned toward her, but Ginger stopped him. “You don’t think you can do that to me and get away with it, do you? Payback time, Mr. Pyretic.” She stood up and made him switch positions with her on the lounge. Taking him in hand, she moved her fingers over his silkiness. “Oh, Jack. You are so damn beautiful. I can’t wait to taste you.” She kissed his erection and smiled at him with sizzling eyes, intent on setting him on fire. Jack groaned when he felt her mouth take him in. Her lips moved over his skin, fueling the need for him to buck against her. He stopped and decided to see what she would do. Ginger kept at her task of making is erection even harder—if that was even possible. She toyed with his body, knowing where to touch and just where to squeeze. His breath just about ceased. He wanted to die from the torment or druk her until the galaxies collided. With that intention, Jack pulled her forward, over the lounge, closer to him. He spread her legs and held his arousal near her entrance. Before he entered her, he watched the expression on her face. Her beautiful blue eyes turned all hazy with passion. Her lips were wet from stroking his skin, and her heated skin flushed. The sight of her looking so sexy urged on him onward. He moaned, feeling the moistness of her surrounding the tip of his erection. Moving leisurely, he tried to enjoy each movement of him entering her. Once fully inside, his shout followed. She snared him, so much so that he couldn’t hold back. He thrust hard, causing her to scream, then he pulled out and repeated the action. She must have liked it, because she screamed again. He couldn’t smile, couldn’t focus on anything but the feeling of being inside her. He wanted to enjoy their time together and swore he wouldn’t let it end as quickly as it had in the hydro chamber. With that in mind, he stopped and leaned forward. His mouth moved over hers, and he whispered in a gruff tone. “Oh, stunner, you are really something.” His tongue licked her lips, then reached to touch hers. He shifted his concentration to kissing her and dueled his tongue in a sweet but urgent attack. Her tongue curled around his, sucking gently. He pulled her to a sitting position and kissed her neck, trailing his lips lightly over her skin until he reached her breast. Sucking the hardened tip, he moved his hand to cup her and position her breast to let his tongue flick and tease her nipple. Ginger threw back her head and moaned. “What are you...guys...doing?” Jack looked up to see Mitch had just rounded the wall. “Ah, never mind, I can...see what you’re...doing. Have fun.” He turned and left quickly, not even giving them time to move. Jack switched positions with her, and he laid back on the lounge. “Ginger, do you want to continue? If you want to stop, I understand.”

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“Are you kidding me? I want it all, cowboy.” She straddled his hips and moved into position. Jack’s breath wouldn’t leave him. He watched her hold his erection, guiding it into her. He just about died from pleasure there and then. She lifted and moved over him, with her breast so temptingly close to his mouth. His tongue reached out, he wanted to lick her, to suck her until she cried out in another climax, but the air dried his tongue. She didn’t accommodate him. “I like having control, Jack. How does it feel?” Was she mad? Hell, it felt wonderful. He groaned. “It feels great, keep doing that, stunner.” A groan followed his words. “No, I mean not being able to be in control.” Did he just pant? He closed his mouth, and felt her pumping her sweet bottom against his erection. If she continued, it’d be the end for him. He didn’t give one shit that he didn’t have control, as long as she kept up the intense torment, he’d persevere. A stream of sweat worked its way down his forehead and into his hair. Jack moved his butt in rhythm with each of her downward thrusts. Ginger quit her movements and pressed down on him. She cried out as another orgasm took control. He grinned. She had little control over what was happening, too, and for some reason that made him happy. Assisting the orgasm, he thrust hard against her, bucking like a wild stallion. Her hair tickled his chest as she leaned forward and mumbled his name repeatedly. After a few minutes she regained her composure. “Damn, Jack. That was...amazing.” He chuckled, then sat upwards, placing his arms around her waist. He nuzzled her neck, still inside her, wanting and needing to feel his length penetrating her. Scooting toward the end of the lounge, he lifted her and settled her once again on her back. She pulled his face forward and kissed him. He let his lips slide over hers, then used his tongue to taste her breath. Shaking now, Jack’s muscles clenched, trying to rebuff the end. He didn’t want it to end, because he was having too fine a time making love to her, but his body wouldn’t be sated until he reached the climax. Damn, he really did try to hold off. Every part of him shook, his arms, legs, even his torso. He pumped his body in rhythmic strokes, he got his wish and was able to feel the sensation of penetrating her warmth again and again. Using the tip of his arousal, he toyed with her, gaining moans of her uncontrolled desire. How was that for control? He kept at the task and then drove into her with a need beyond his ability to understand. He repeated the driving force again and again, knowing he only had a matter of a few solar-seconds left. His serum spewed forth, and everything inside him ceased to exist in that moment. All his being was centered on the madness of climaxing. The only thing he could manage was a deep groan. Or was it a shout? As he did so, he heard her shout mingling with his, and her culmination joined in. They peaked together, rising to the top of euphoria. Never had he had such an experience. Even their previous encounter in the hygienic chamber wasn’t as grand as what they’d just experienced. His breath played harshly through his lips as he tried to calm his racing heart. Never mind that, he had to move before he fell on top of her—so depleted of his strength. He leaned forward and cuddled against her. “Jack...I, ah...” He tasted the saltiness of her skin as his tongue licked her neck. Never mind speaking,

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he just wanted to hold her for a few more solar-minutes. “Are you all right?” “Yeah,” he whispered. He’d never expected a female such as she to do him in, but she had. She’d met him thrust for thrust, stroke for stroke, never refraining from her desire. Damn, she really did please him. Maybe having an older woman wasn’t so bad. Heck, he’d probably die in a solar-week if they made love more often. The thought of that made him grin broadly. “Jack, you’re crushing me.” He leaned up and smiled at her. “Sorry, stunner. You all right?” She nodded, but didn’t elaborate. “Let’s go for a dip.” Ginger followed him to the moisture-environ and stood at the steps watching him. He made it to the deep end and dove under the water. When he rose to the surface, she waded into the water. She looked like an enchantress from medieval times of ancient Earth. I love her. That confession made Jack smile, happiness rushed through him. Blue-blazes, he really did love her. “Ginger, do you realize what just happened to us?” “Yes, I do, Jack.” “Then, do you mind telling me...because I...” “I just used you for sex. How does it feel?” Jack’s brows knotted in less than a solar-second. What? He shook his head disbelieving her. Surely he hadn’t heard her accurately, he must have misunderstood. What had she said? That she used him for sex. No, she wouldn’t do that, not Ginger. “Yes, I admit it. I used you, Jack. I won’t take back those words, because that’s what happened. I needed to have sex, and since you were available, I figured...” His anger turned him rigid, as rigid as a statue. Any happiness he’d felt faded as though all the energy within him died. Water lapped at his chest, and the night sounds all dissipated. All thoughts stopped abruptly in his brain. As his anger lessened, a sadness took its place. “Ginger, I think that’s the most horrible thing you’ve ever said to me. I...thought what we just shared was...pretty damned terrific...and special.” “Jack, I know how you feel about sex. It’s just sex, right?” “No, Ginger, damn you, it’s not just sex to me, not with you. Got that? Why can’t you understand that?” Ginger moved the strands of her hair behind her ear, frowning at him. Her blank face didn’t show what she thought of his declaration. “I...don’t know what to say.” “Don’t say anything, because I don’t want to hear it. I was wrong about you. How could I ever have a relationship with a female like you? You think you’re so special because you’re a physexian? That you have complete control of yourself? I just got a sample of your control, darlin’. You’re as sex-crazed as I am. Maybe I did like having sex with all those females. Maybe it was fun at the time. But when I met you, Ginger, it wasn’t fun anymore. There seemed to be something more important in the act.” Ginger scoffed. “Oh, really? Like you didn’t enjoy having sex with Valeen’s guards

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when they were here? Tell me you thought about me while you had sex with them, Jack, and I’m libel to sock you in the nose. Bastiche.” Jack moved toward her. He stopped, and couldn’t help watching the water fondle her breasts. They floated on the surface, wanting to be touched, calling his hand to caress them. Well, dammit, if she thought it was just sex... He covered a nipple with his mouth, sucking gently. Relishing the idea of making love to her again, he wanted to continue. But no, he couldn’t—not as angry as she made him feel. She’d just used him, and he felt like fifty kinds of fools and worse than the scum on the refuge station on the deadened planets close by, where beings send their trash. “Well, there’s something you should know then.” He straightened his body, and stood close to her. Ginger pushed his shoulder away. “What?” “I did not have sex with the minions that night.” He stepped out of the moistureenviron, and began putting his shorts back on. She stood watching him, speechless. Good, she didn’t know how to react to his statement. Jack saw her startled expression, but he didn’t expand on his confession. He’d let her wonder and believe what she would. He walked away and reached the stone wall in no time, and grabbed his towel on the way inside. She’d completely ruined any possibility of a relationship with him.

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Chapter Fourteen Jack had sunk as low as he could possibly sink. He walked into his bedroom, closed the door panel with a punch to the button. He wanted to lie down and let his heartache fade. Their sexual experience was unlike anything he’d undergone before. How could she feel that way? Maybe he was too young for her—maybe she’d never matured. Hell if he knew. But now his heart ached, and he suffered knowing he had no place in her heart or her life. She could never love him. “Good evening, guy. What may I do for you?” Jack stared up at the ceiling speaker system, hearing MAX chime in. He didn’t feel like dealing with the moderators at that moment. No, he wanted to punch something, or to burn the breeze on one of his horses and ride over his range until his anger dissipated. What he needed was to get Ginger out of his system, out of his blood, out of his house, and out of his life. He felt too tired to go riding. He couldn’t use the minions to get her out of his blood, and she couldn’t leave his house, but he could do something about getting her out of his life. He could just leave her here. What a reasonable solution. He would leave. She’d be safe, and he could get back to being normal. “Hi, MAX. What do you want?” “Is there anything I can do for you, guy?” “Yeah, leave me the hell alone.” “Guy, you don’t sound happy. Let me play some tunes for you, while you relax. I will check back later.” MAX chimed out. “Whatever,” Jack grouched. At once, music floated in the air around him. Jack threw himself on his bed, and saw Fluffy sitting nearby watching him intently. “What do you want?” “Meow.” “Aw, come here, Fluff.” Jack reached for her and stroked her fur. At least, Fluffy liked him. She didn’t think he was an immature, sex-crazed, waste of a being. But heck, she was just a cat and her opinion of him didn’t count for anything. The male voice of the singer gained Jack’s attention. John Hiatt’s voice sang the lyrics to a song he’d heard before, Have a little faith in me. The words tugged at him, sending him into deeper sadness. As he listened to the words, he spoke out loud. “She doesn’t have any faith in me. Right, like I’d want to hold her now.” The romantic words tore at him and increased his tension. Jack never felt so dispirited in his short life. She’d drained every loving solar-ounce out of him. Damn her for making him feel that way. He called out to MAX. “MAX.” “Yes, guy. What may I do for you?” “Connect to Chance and turn that druking music off.” The music died, leaving him in complete silence. A solar-second later, his brother’s voice came over the wristband. “Hi, Jack. What’s up?”

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“Listen, I can’t do this anymore, Chance. I know you needed me to watch over Ginger, but I can’t take another solar-day in her presence. You need to get her the hell out of here.” Chance laughed. “She’s gotten to you, has she? Well, bro, I’m sorry, but she has to stay there. Until we figure out how to get this Con fellow to stop pursuing her, she’s not safe anywhere else. If she comes here, it could be dangerous for Valeen and Vance. I don’t want to bring that kind of trouble to my home.” “What will it take?” “What do you mean?” “I mean,” Jack shouted, “how many links are we talking about here? I’ll pay anything to get her out of here. I can’t take it. I really can’t.” “Damn, Jack, you really sound...upset. What happened?” “She thinks I’m a youngling. She believes all that I’m interested in is sex.” “Well, aren’t you?” “If I were there with you, bro, you’d feel my answer to that.” Chance laughed in a mocking tone. “She really has put you through the wringer, huh, Jack? Got your spurs all twisted? Her father owes her uncle two million links. It’s too much, Jack. You can’t afford to pay that. Hell, neither can I, otherwise I would have paid it solarweeks ago.” Jack laughed. “Chump change. I’ll have the links sent to you today. All I want is for you to come and get that damned female off my planet and gone. Got that.” “You’re serious?” “Yeah, bro, more serious than I have ever been in my life. I’ll have MAX contact my accounter, and get the links to you. So, when will you come to get her?” “Ah, I have a few IL meetings tomorrow. I’ll try to come the solar-day after. It’s only four more solar-days, Jack. You can get through four solar-days with her can’t you?” “Not without strangling her, I can’t. All right, but don’t delay. The sooner she leaves, the happier I’ll be. I’ll talk to you later.” “Jack, wait.” “What?” He swung his legs off the edge of the bed and listened. “I’m sorry, bro. I didn’t know this was going to become so...complicated for you. But you know that I really appreciate what you did for her.” “Yeah, I know. See you later.” Jack gripped the wristband and pulled it off his wrist, throwing it onto his bed. He put a pair of denims on and decided to take that ride after all. At least now, he knew her solardays were numbered, and soon she’d be gone, then he could return to some kind of normalcy. After he contacted MAX and instructed him to transfer the two million links, he went to the stable. Night had fallen, and it had grown dark. Just the perfect essence to match his mood. Riding out into the darkness, Jack’s muscles relaxed. The expanse of the atmosphere flickered its stars, and he could see the brightness of a planet that seemed to be a bright speck. This was just what he needed to forget her. ***** Ginger sat by the moisture environ, feeling confused and ridiculing herself for what she’d done. How could she be so heartless? He laid himself out there, telling her how he felt, and then she practically stomped on his heart. Nothing made any sense to her at all. All right,

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so admitting he had more on his mind than sex had really sunk in. Was she too late? He wouldn’t want to hear any of her excuses or lame ideals. How could she make it up to him? Nothing she thought of made any sense. Short of groveling at his feet for forgiveness, that is. How could a female of her solar-years get so entwined with a younger man, and then screw it up so royally? She’d acted foolish, and now she’d lost him. Not to another female as she considered she might have, but because of her own stupid actions. She should search him out right this minute to apologize. Definitely, even if she had to plead with him to listen to her. Ginger left the moisture-environ and entered the house. After searching thoroughly, she realized he wasn’t there. He’d left. She heard Mitch in his bedroom, and music played in the background. She moved past his room to her own. Snap jumped on the bed. Ginger sat next to her and picked up Snap. Her sweet pup licked her face, and Ginger kissed her head. Snap didn’t much care for the attention, because all she wanted to do was snooze. Ginger set her back on the covers, and moved to a more comfortable position. Even though she’d been sexually satisfied, her body felt tight, as though the tense feeling would never leave her. The pressure of her wrongdoings played havoc with every part of her, even her sexually disturbed brain. She needed to hear a friendly voice, and with that thought she called Dynah. Her wristband chimed, and then that friendly voice she’d always adored came. “Hi, Dynah, here.” “Hi, Dy, it’s me.” “Ginger, girl. I’m so happy to hear from you. How’s it going?” “Horrible, but I don’t want to talk about my problems. How are you doing?” “You sound terrible, hon. Tell me, what’s going on.” Could Dynah hear the desperation in her tone? Probably. Her heart wasn’t in on sounding like her chipper self. “I just did something so stupid. If you were here, honestly, you’d smack me.” “Oh? Come on, spill it, Ginger. I’ve never heard you this low before. A male is involved isn’t he? Is it that Jack guy, the Jack of hearts?” Ginger giggled at hearing that name. “Yeah. I ah, well...we had sex a few times, and...” “Great. You really needed it.” Dynah laughed. “No, but it’s just...he’s young. Really, young. Jack is the guy we met at Divine’s Disco Den. Remember, him? He’s the one that asked me to dance.” “Him, you mean the pyretic? Oh, baby, you’re kidding?” “No, but he tried to tell me that he had more than sex on his mind, and I didn’t listen. I just hurt him—hurt him badly, Dy. I don’t think he’ll ever forgive me. And all I want to do is hold him.” “Sounds like he’s the one.” “Yeah, but the sad part is...I didn’t find that out soon enough. There’s nothing left for me to do, and no way to fix this. He’s pretty angry.” “I’m sorry, hon.” “Hey, thanks for listening. How are you and the Mach doing? And the kids?” “We’re all fine. When are you coming home? I miss hanging out with you.” “I don’t know. It may be a while. I’ll come to see you, when I get home, okay?”

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“Yeah. Hey, forget him, Ginger. You can find someone else. Heck, you’re beautiful, and if that guy doesn’t know it then...” Ginger giggled. “Oh, Dy, I miss you so much. I’ll talk to you soon, and make sure you give the kids a kiss for me. I’ll call you soon.” “Okay, bye, hon.” Once the silence hit her, Ginger lowered her gaze to her lap. She might as well wait for Jack on the porch. If he went out, he had to return. Numbing Neptune, she hoped he would come back. ***** Jack sat on the horse’s back, looking upward into the blackness of space. The vast universe seemed infinite and spellbinding. It made his tract of land seem like a speck of sand in an hour glass. His eyes moved through the stars, studying each one. Planets steady light brightened the space. If he had any sense at all, he’d board his ZeChev and take off for one of them. Maybe that’s what he should do. He needed time, a lot of time to get over her. Flying to other planets would give him the opportunity to do some business, and he’d get away from Ginger. As he rode back toward his ranch, the sky became a spectacle of shining light. He kicked the horse’s flanks to get it moving so he could watch it from the porch. The sight of a meteor shower always amazed him, and it looked like this night, it would be magical. He released the horse inside the coral and let it graze, after their long ride. Walking toward the porch, he noticed Ginger sitting in one of the chairs. He sat on the top step and watched what most would consider shooting stars graze the sky. He sighed, removing his hat, and leaned on his knee, releasing his mind from any thoughts. “Jack?” Ginger moved beside him. She came down the steps, but then sat next to him. He could feel the warmth from her body. Why did she have to sit so close? His eyes stayed on the spectacle when he shushed her. “Shhh.” “What’s going on?” Jack pointed to the sky. He didn’t take his gaze off the sight. Usually the shower would last only a few solar-minutes, but he hoped it would go on for a long time. He kept his focus and swore he wouldn’t look at her, but he wanted to take her in his arms and forgive her for being such a bastiche. His dejected heart wouldn’t let him. Ginger’s gasp sounded. “Oh, Jack, it’s beautiful. I have never seen such a sight. There must be millions and millions of them.” The shining streams seemed to rain over them. Beautiful rays of lights basked them in a glow. He looked at her briefly. “Shhh. It’s better not to talk, darlin’, just watch.” Ginger nodded, then moved closer to him. Near the end of the meteor-shower, she leaned against Jack’s leg, and he’d placed his arm around her shoulder. He was content to hold her, even though he was angry. Well, maybe not so much now, his anger had left him. He wondered if it was due to the miraculous event they’d just witnessed, or because he just couldn’t stay angry with anyone. Another hour later, the last flashes of light streaked the sky. It was over. The magical aura the gods had created faded away and the sky darkened. Ginger had fallen asleep in his arms, leaning into him. Jack tilted forward and kissed her cheek. She sighed.

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“What am I going to do with you? Why can’t you love me?” Jack took Ginger in his arms, she snuggled against his chest, and he carried her inside the house. He went to her bedroom and set her on her bed. He stood watching her for a few solar-minutes, then turned and left. Jack stripped out of his clothes, then went to take a cold shower. Cold enough to make his body accept his decision—that he wouldn’t put himself in such a position ever again. The chilly water washed over him, but he ignored his skin’s reaction to it. Quickly going about the bathing ritual, he stepped out of the shower and went to brush his teeth. He grabbed the brush from inside the cabinet and looked at himself in the mirror. He didn’t like who looked back at him. No matter what she felt about him, he couldn’t be so heartless to make her leave. He’d tell Chance, first thing in the morning. Jack spent the rest of the night lying in his bed, watching the color of the atmosphere change from dark to light. Sleep just wouldn’t come, no matter how hard he tried, and even though he had closed his eyes a hundred times willing himself to get rest. But all he could see when he closed his eyes was Ginger’s face when she said, I used you for sex. How does it feel? It felt like he’d stood inside a sinking crater, which had swallowed him whole. Did she think only the names changed when he had sex with women, or that he didn’t care who he druked? Probably, but that wasn’t how Jack thought of the females he’d been with. She likely presumed that he went on the prowl too, like some of her patients did. Yeah, as though he walked the thoroughfares in a sex-crazed state, looking for anyone with a vagina so he could use them to get off. Man, she really had a warped view of him and of sex. Jack laughed harshly. Noises from the kitchen told him that someone was awake. Either Mitch or Ginger. Might as well get up, he wasn’t going to get any sleep. Jack drew on his crumpled denims, and didn’t think to put a shirt on. As soon as he opened the door panel, Fluffy ran past him, in her obvious hurry to get to the kitchen before him. Jack entered and went straight to her bowl. He fed his cat, patted her a few times, then went to the coffee pot. Thankfully, someone had made a full pot. He poured himself a cup and turned to go to the hub. Ginger stared at him. Act normal, he told himself. Pretend nothing happened between you. You can do that, can’t you, guy? Look at her, she’s so beautiful. No, on second thought, don’t look at her. Okay, so you have to look at her. Act normal. His thoughts made him want to laugh like a crazed being. “Oh, hi, stunner. You’re up early.” “Jack, can we talk? Please, I need to say something to you...about last night, about what I said—” “I can’t do this, Ginger. I, ah, need to get moving, there’s work to be done. We’ll talk later, okay.” Jack left and he took his coffee with him. He wasn’t ready to hear any more of her wonderful thoughts of his character. Besides, he already knew what she thought. His quick stride took him into the stable, and he set his cup down on one of the stall posts. He reached for the pitchfork and decided to get right to work. He jabbed the fork into the hay, and kept shifting the pile in a maddening rush. It was the perfect chore to work off his aggression. After several solar-minutes at the task, Mitch walked in whistling. “Hi, Jack, I just rode out to the range. The guys are going to start bringing in the herd today, so we can get them ready for the auction. Mind telling me why you’re moving that

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pile? If my eye isn’t deceiving me, I think that’s the pile you had me move yesterday? Here, give me that pitchfork.” Jack laughed low. “Oh, I guess I forgot. Do you want to get started? You should take the four blacks out to the pasture and run them through the paces. That way, they’ll be ready for Mr. Preston, when he comes.” Mitch started off for the stalls. “Are you sure it’ll be the right Mr. Preston this time, Jack?” “Very funny, Mitch. I’m not laughing.” “Not laughing about what?” Ginger came through the stable doors. Jack turned quickly, knocking his cup off the post with the pitchfork. It broke into two pieces. He bent to retrieve them and made sure there weren’t any pieces of glass. “Nothing, Mitch just told a joke. What do you want?” “Jack, I’m sorry, but we have to talk.” “Just what every guy wants to hear. Look, stunner, I have a lot of work to do. I don’t want to hear any more of your thoughts. You said enough last night. Just go back to the house and leave me the hell alone.” Jack started to move away, until she grabbed his arm. “I only said what I thought was the truth. Please, just listen for one solar-second.” Ginger’s face looked downcast. He leaned against the wood of the stall, folded his arms over his chest and frowned at her. He was in no mood to hear her, but her pretty face and dejected look made him give in. “Who’s truth? Yours or mine? All right, Ginger, you have one-solar second.” “I shouldn’t have said those things about you, to you. You’re one of the most grown-up beings I’ve ever met, Jack. I had no right to treat you that way. I realize now that sex is not just sex to you. It’s always meaningful to you, isn’t it?” He didn’t answer, because he didn’t think she expected him to. She looked sad, and his heart wrenched with his conscious. She continued in a softer voice. “I would hate for what happened to ruin any chance of us...being...friends. Can’t we at least be friends, Jack? It would hurt me so, if we couldn’t?” “Let me get this straight, stunner... Now you want to be friends?” Ginger looked like she’d cry. He scoffed, disbelieving she had the nerve to suggest that they be friends after the great sex they shared and the connection they had established. Well, if that’s what she wanted, it didn’t much matter to him now. Besides, she would be gone in four solar-days. The time-continuum transmitter ticked away. He’d forgotten he was going to tell Chance to let her stay. Once again, he changed his mind. He couldn’t be there at the Stardust Ranch while she was there. At least he could go off to the rodeo and be a good deal away from her. “Yes, Jack. If we can’t be more than that, I understand. At least we could still be friends. You’re a really nice guy, and...” “Nice guys, finish last...darlin’. Haven’t you ever heard that ancient saying? Look, no problem, if you want to be friends, that’s up to you. I gotta get back to work.” God, he wanted to pull her in his arms. He wanted to kiss her, wanted to tell her that he loved her. Ginger stared at him, unmoving. Didn’t she hear him? He still held the broken glass in his hands and needed to throw it in the receptacle. “I would be happy to help you out here. I know Mitch is here, but I can do something.”

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“Ginger, I talked to my brother this last night. He’s coming to get you in four solardays. Do you think you can just keep your distance? I’m sorry, stunner, but as much as you’d like to be friends, it just isn’t in me. If you want something to do, ask Mitch. He knows what needs to be done. I’m leaving tonight and will be gone for a few days. I won’t see you again.” “Where are you going? And why is Chance picking me up? Has Con given up? Is everything back to normal?” Normal? Jack wanted to laugh, and not joyfully. “I need to...handle some business matters and I have to attend a rodeo. Chance decided it would be best for you to stay somewhere else. So, no, the threat from Con still exists.” Jack couldn’t tell her the truth, but he should have told her that he asked Chance to take her away, and that he’d paid off her father’s debt. He just wanted to be gone, away from her and all the rejection. At least at the rodeo, he could collect himself. There, he’d be able to think and concentrate on himself, without her interference. “Do you want me to come with you?” “No. Mitch will be here, and he will keep you company.” Jack walked off. He went to throw away the glass and to keep his distance from her. As long as Ginger was around, he wouldn’t be able to concentrate on work anyway. When Mr. Preston left, he’d board his ZeChev and get the hell out of there. Mitch held the tether of the horse he was training. He rounded the corral and came to a stop as Jack approached. Jack took his time assessing the horse, and then lifted the foreleg of the animal to make certain his hoof was free of debris. “How’s he looking?” He checked the other foreleg, then the hind legs. Mitch smiled. “Looking good, Jack. I already checked the hoofs. This is one hell of a horse. Mr. Preston will want him, don’t worry. I just ran him through the paces. He’ll be ready to showoff when Mr. Preston gets here.” “Thanks, Mitch. Listen, I’m going to the rodeo with the ranch hands after Mr. Preston leaves. Can you give me more time? I know you probably want to get back home.” His friend smiled, walking toward him. Mitch released the tether and stood next to him, on the other side of the corral fence. “Jack, wild horses couldn’t drag me away.” He laughed. “What do I have to go back to? The other side of the planet is crowded. I’d rather stay here. I’m a divorced, unemployed slouch, with nothing going for me. I’d stay here if you’d let me. Need another ranch hand?” “I wouldn’t call you a slouch, Mitch. Maybe jobless and free.” Jack laughed. “Really, you’re serious? If you want to stay, you can build your own house. There’s plenty of room. I was thinking of hiring more hands and expanding things a bit. I could use the company—the ranch hands stay to themselves, and Ginger is leaving in a few solar-days. I’ll pay you a decent salary. You won’t regret it.” “Nah, I won’t, Jack. Great, I’ll have my stuff delivered here.” “I’m going to enter some of the events at the rodeo. It’s been a while since I did the rodeo circuit. I need time, Mitch.” Jack couldn’t keep the sadness out of his voice. Mitch didn’t notice it. “Time for what? Is something going on between you and that looker? I saw you two last night, remember? She’s a beautiful woman, Jack. But you’re used to having beauties surround you, aren’t you?”

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“Yeah, they can’t resist me.” Jack grinned. Now that was something the old Jack might have said, before he’d met Ginger. It felt good, damn good, to feel more like himself. “I’ll see to things here while you’re away. You want me to make a couple of communications and hire some more hands for the ranch? We could use the extra help.” Jack reached over and slapped Mitch on the shoulder. “See, that’s exactly why I need you here. Yeah, that’d be great, but wait until Ginger leaves. I don’t want strangers here while she’s still here.” “All right, I’ll wait. Hey, it looks like Mr. Preston has arrived. I’ll get the horses ready for his inspection. And Jack, thanks.” Jack turned around and saw that Mr. Preston’s craft had arrived. This time, he vacated it alone, and looked nothing like the false Mr. Preston. “Mitch, I should be thanking you.” He walked off and greeted Mr. Preston. “Thanks for coming.” Jack held his hand out for the customary greeting, feeling awkward about their prior meeting, which hadn’t actually happened. “Jack. Good to be here. I need a fast horse. What have got you for me?” He showed him to the corral, where Mitch quickly saddled the horse Mr. Preston wanted to see. “Mitch, you’re smaller than me. Why don’t you run him a bit?” Mitch did as he asked, and he and Mr. Preston watched the horse fly over the field. “Impressive horse, Jack.” After a thorough inspection of several horses, Mr. Preston agreed to buy all three blacks. Jack made the arrangement to have them delivered by the animal transport company he’d used in the past. With all the details of their deal taken care of, Jack went inside the house to get ready to leave.

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Chapter Fifteen Ginger couldn’t believe Jack had left, and he’d done so without even saying goodbye. It was a good thing Chance was coming to get her in a few solar-days. She’d thought about leaving herself, but decided it might be best to wait for him. She didn’t know where she would go to, maybe Kiumbria, maybe not. As she made the morning pot of coffee, she fed Fluffy and Snap. Both had become friends, and actually ate out of the same bowl. Amazing. If a cat and dog could become friends, why couldn’t she and Jack? Numbing Neptune. She was comparing her and Jack’s relationship to their pets. “Morning, Ginger.” Mitch came into the kitchen. “Hi, Mitch. You want some coffee?’ “Yeah, that’d be great. You want to go riding today?” “Sure, I’d like that. I haven’t gone riding in a long time.” Ginger placed the cup of coffee in front of him and smiled. She sat at the hub and finished her own cup. “I know there’s something going on, isn’t there? Is that why Jack left so quickly? He didn’t even wait for the ranch hands, who are delivering the cattle to the rodeo. Jack was pretty tightlipped. You need to talk, sweetheart?” Ginger looked at his one eye, trying to assess if he was making fun of her. His tone seemed playful. Damn, the male was handsome. She felt ridiculous being questioned about her relationship with Jack. What relationship? The one she wished she had? “We had a complete fallout, that’s all. We both had misconceptions of each other. I made a mistake and said some things that I can’t take back.” “He’ll get over it. Jack’s easygoing and never stays mad for long. I’ve known him for solar-years and believe me, sweetheart, he really likes you.” Mitch’s eye crinkled and he laughed. Ginger laughed, too. “Oh, I know he likes me. It’s just that...well, look at our age differences. I’m eleven years older than he is. He’s twenty-four, right?” “Yeah, so. How old are you?” Mitch grinned in that rascal way of his. Ginger chuckled and wrinkled her eyes in a teasing manner. “A female never reveals her age, Mitch. It’s been that way for solar-centuries. Don’t you know that? But I’ll tell you, thirty-five years. I’m way too old for him, Mitch. It’ll never work between us.” “If it’s a maturity issue, Jack’s not your typical twenty-four year old, Ginger. You know that, don’t you? Is it?” Ginger leaned head to the side questioning herself. “Yeah, Mitch, it is a maturity issue. Mine. I was stupid to think that he was just a youngling and immature. I’ve acted more childish that he ever has. Now he’s gone, and he didn’t even say goodbye. I’ll be gone by the time he returns. It’s what he wants. I guess that’s why he left so quickly. None of it matters now.” “He just went off to think. He’ll be back, and if I had to wager any links on it, I’d say it would be before you left. Don’t worry about it, sweetheart. Come on, there’s lots of work to do. The horses won’t wait all solar-day.” Ginger placed their cups in the sanitation device and followed Mitch to the stables. She worked beside him, feeding the horses. Then he asked her to feed the other livestock.

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Makeshift pens beyond a copse held various animals: sheep, goats, and there was even a chicken. She’d been told to stay away from the bulls because they tended to be ornery. Ginger agreed, and was happy she didn’t have to feed them. Four bulls stomped their hooves and snorted. She gladly rounded their pens. Hopefully, the wooden rails were strong enough to keep those beasts inside. Mitch had told her to be careful while feeding the goats and sheep, because if they knew she had food, they’d bombard her. She walked along the troughs and poured the feed into them. Then went about throwing fresh hay inside the pens as Mitch had directed. She thought she heard a craft land and went to see who had arrived. They weren’t expecting anyone. Maybe Chance had arrived early or Jack had returned. She smiled to herself and became excited that he might have returned. There was no sign of anyone outside the house or inside. She wondered who it could be. Perhaps Mitch had a visitor. Walking toward the stables, she turned back and looked at the craft. The shiny space material reflected the supernova and gleamed. She shielded her eyes and didn’t see anyone near it, nor could she see through the viewers. She entered the stable and walked past the stalls, stopping every few stalls to pet the horse’s noses and speak to them. When she got near the end of the row, which had taken her many solar-minutes, she didn’t think anyone was inside. Then why did she feel as though she was being watched? Her skin prickled. A danger sign in bright neon colors flashed in her mind. She hadn’t worn her phaser-ray and was completely unarmed and defenseless. Preparing for the worst, she picked up a pitchfork and decided to get it over with. The wait was killing her. She’d rather find out who her enemy was than wait for a surprise attack. “Come out. I know you’re in here. Who are you and what do you want?” Her voice sounded remarkably calm for being so nervous. “Turn around, bastiche.” Ginger heard that familiar voice. Con the Coroner. He’d found her. Well, actually he knew where she’d been all along, and it was only a matter of solar-time before he would come and collect her. She turned around and saw him step out of a stall. Holding his phaser-ray against Mitch’s neck, he jerked him forward. “Tell your boyfriend why I’m here, love.” “Con.” “Ginger, don’t worry about me. Just get the hell out of here. Run. Now.” Mitch pleaded with her, but she shook her head. “No, Mitch. Just be quiet. I should have known we’d meet up, Con. So, you intend to kill me? Well, go ahead and push the tab.” She lifted her chin, trying to seem confident, determined not to back down no matter what he did. He was going to kill her. “Ginger, shut up, don’t tell him that,” Mitch shouted. She ignored Mitch’s outrage. Confidently, she walked closer to Con. She had to do something to get the phaser-ray pointed at something other than Mitch’s neck. “Look, Con, this has nothing to do with him. Let him go. I’ll do whatever you say. He’s just a ranch hand of the guy who owns this land. He’s not supposed to be protecting me.”

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Con laughed bitterly. “Oh? What do you take me for, love? An idiot? No, this guy goes with us. You’re coming with me.” “To where? Why don’t you just kill me if that’s your intention?” Ginger stopped a solar-foot from him. “I’m taking you to my home. No one knows the location. I’ll wait until the links are paid in full, then you’ll be released.” Con waved the phaser-ray at her, indicating she should turn around, but she shook her head. Ginger knew the links would never be paid. There was no way her father could afford to pay him two million links, not now, not ever. She was a dead female. But what saddened her was that poor Mitch would be taken along for the ride and maybe killed too. “I don’t want to go with you. If you’re going to kill me, Con, why don’t you just do it now and get it over with? Let the ranch hand go.” “Hmm, a brave one, huh?” Con laughed derisively. “You’re not bad looking either. No, no, I’m taking you both with me. Now come along. We need to get inside my transport. When your father pays, Physexian, I’ll release you.” “You’re a physexian?” Mitch sounded astonished by Con’s announcement. “No wonder he—” “Not now, Mitch. Con, my father will—” Snapping at her, he shouted, “Will pay soon. Now stop arguing with me. Let’s go.” Con waved the phaser-ray at her to get moving. Ginger did as he asked, she left the stable and walked toward the vehicle, trying to figure out a way to help Mitch. When would this nightmare end? The end was near, at least she wouldn’t have to deal with the constant threat of Con’s hit after he killed her. Ginger entered the transport and sat in the seat farthest from the cockpit. Mitch was placed in another seat and consequently tied to it. Con didn’t bind his mouth, thankfully. But she had thought that too soon, because he placed a gag around Mitch and tied it tightly. Now she couldn’t communicate with Mitch. The craft took off, and she looked through the viewer as Appaloosa became a small dot in the center of blackness. She wanted to cry, but wouldn’t. Never would that bastiche make her cry. Con told his driver their destination in an alien tongue. She held her wristband and tried to shift it under the material of her top. If he didn’t see it, she’d be able to communicate with PAM. “Where are we going?” “Since you’re so interested, Physexian. A place where you might find some patients to add to your list. I’ll take that.” Con pointed to her wrist, and Ginger reluctantly slid the wristband off. He motioned for it, and she handed it over. “Oh? And where exactly is that?” She kept her voice in the same mocking tone of his. “Planet Laguna. I have a house there. You’ll be most comfortable.” “You’re a bastiche, Con. I have nothing to do with my father’s debt. How can you hold me accountable? What right do you have to kill people when they are not at fault?” Con leaned forward, his dark eyes bore into hers. If she hadn’t considered him the enemy, she might have thought him handsome. He wasn’t as aged as she’d thought he’d be. With dark-brown curly hair ended just above his brows. She guessed his age to be near thirty solar-years. Growing restless at his stare, she turned her eyes away.

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“No one escapes punishment, no matter what the consequence. Your father owes a debt, and you are the payment. Every being that has been placed on my list has met their end. I have never failed, and I don’t plan on failing now. It’s something I pride myself on.” Con chuckled and actually winked at her. His chuckling made Ginger want to smash his face in or vomit with disgust, but she decided she’d end her life with more dignity. “Well, it’s nothing to be proud of, I assure you.” “Be quiet, lovely. I understand you killed Lexi on Mars. Too bad her partner wasn’t with her, or I wouldn’t be talking to you right now. You’re a brave one, huh? I need to rest, so don’t try any funny business. I don’t have any qualms about disintegrating you here on board my craft, and my driver and guard are watching you.” With that, Con closed his eyes. Ginger watched Mitch for a few solar-seconds. His eye watched her in return. She had no idea what to say to him and kept quiet as Con had directed. She closed her own eyes and envisioned Jack, his beautiful smile and dreamy eyes. In her mind, she saw his mouth moving so sensually when he spoke to her while they made love. Her dream filled with his essence, and as if her subconscious knew she’d never see him again, she held him close. Someone shook her shoulder and chased the fantasy away. Ginger opened her eyes, and she found Con standing beside her. She lunged away from him, but he pulled her to a standing position. Con jerked her toward the exit of the craft. “Come, we’ll disembark.” Con led them out into the sunshine of Planet Laguna. She’d heard of the planet, but had never visited. It wasn’t her kind of place. Apparently, sex ran rampant among the beings that lived and visited it. It was a shame really, because the planet was beautiful with a tropical aura, the perfect place to get away from it all. Released from Con, she walked toward the whitewashed house. Ginger looked at the tall palm trees and floral shrubs hedging his property. She entered his home, and the inside appeared elegantly furnished. Of course he had earned a good amount of links for killing people. He didn’t appear to be the type of person who would care about his home, but then again, she’d been wrong about appearances recently—mainly Jack’s. Two males approached them in the main unit of Con’s house. They looked to be thugs, likely his henchmen. If ever there were two disgusting, dangerous, males in the universe, she’d found them. They didn’t speak in the universal language, but in the alien tongue Con had spoken in while on the transport. After a brief conversation, the males grabbed Mitch by his arms and guided him away. “Where are you taking him?” “He is unimportant, Physexian. You will be taken to a unit where you cannot escape or cause trouble. Remember, I can be kind if I choose to be.” “Hah, you’re nothing but a bastiche killer. My father won’t be able to pay you, Con, so I don’t know why you wait. He has no links to swap for my being. This is a waste of solartime.” Con reached out and petted her hair. Ginger’s stomach flipped, then she gagged with nausea. She stepped backward to get out of his reach. “You are eager to die?” She shook her head.

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“There was contact this solar-day. Links will be swapped for you, Physexian. You are important to too many. I heard the Governor of Celtaxy has even put up some links for you. Doesn’t that make you happy to know that so many care for you?” Ginger frowned. She didn’t know about that. “I don’t believe you. That’s not likely. Who contacted you?” “The king of Kiumbria. His agents made contact earlier and said that they were gathering the amount requested. Now, I’d love to chat with you, Physexian, but I am a busy male. Come.” Ginger was taken to a light-blue room with carpeting the same cool color as the walls. She moved to the bed, which was covered with a soft white blanket. Sitting on the edge, she waited for Con to leave. He checked the room, making sure everything movable had been removed. How she’d guessed that was by him taking a chair out to the hallway. She almost laughed at how ridiculous that was. As if she’d be able to break the viewer. “I will have someone bring you food. Be a good female and don’t cause trouble.” The door panel closed after he walked through it. Ginger expelled a harsh sigh. As soon as he left she ran to the viewer, hoping there was a way to escape, but the viewer was sealed closed due to the air controlled system. Not only that, but the viewer had to be over an inch thick. No matter what she threw at it, it probably wouldn’t break. Looking out, she saw her freedom in the form of a palm tree close enough to the house. If only she had a way to get through the viewer. She moved back to the bed and worried for Mitch. If Con hurt him, she’d really lose her temper, and the All-being help him then if she got her hands on a phaser-ray. She wouldn’t have any qualms about shooting him—not one single qualm. ***** Cattletown, the farcical name given to the town located on Appaloosa fit the appearance of the activity that went on there. Jack exited his transport and checked in with the rodeo management office. He also went to inform the auctioneers that he had about thirty steeds arriving in three solar-days. Much would be gained from the sale, not that it mattered to Jack. He put his name on the lists for several rodeo events and went to an entertainment station that night. As he sat there, he kept thinking about Ginger and his ranch. He ignored the three females who attempted to converse with him. His mood soured, and he wasn’t up to being his usual self, no matter how attractive the females were. For two solar-days, he practiced in the rings for the events and tried his best not to think of Ginger, but was unsuccessful. Her hurtful words kept repeating in his mind, and he kept envisioning her as he’d seen her while they made love on the lounge. Jack woke early on the third solar-day, the morning his cattle and ranch hands would arrive. He was never so happy to see Jon, Marc, Luc, and Zane. They were filthy from the travel, but were glad to finally arrive. Jack went with them to the auctioneer and received twohundred-thousand links for the cattle. It was really more than he’d thought he’d get, but lately the price of beef had gone up considerably. “Hey, Jack, what time does your event start?” Luc moved to stand next to him. Jack hunched his shoulders at the brown-haired, blue-eyed cowboy. “Hell if I know. Guess I better get over there. You guys coming to watch?”

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The ranch hands nodded. Jon said, “Yeah, we wouldn’t miss it for the universe. I haven’t been to an old-fashioned rodeo in solar-years. This ought to be good.” Jack neared the corrals and saw that the other contestants were given their numbers. He reached the coordinator and gave his name. The man handed Jack a packet with numbered stickers he could place on his back for the various events he’d entered. It was time for the first event, the one event Jack was best at. He stood in line with the rest of the cowboys and waited his turn. Man after man was unseated by the unruly horses. His turn approached, and he was next to have a go at it. Jack climbed the rails and waited for the signal to enter the enclosure where the stallion’s agitation sounded with kicks of his hooves against the pen. He studied the horse for a few minutes, until he was given permission to enter. Jack spoke softly to the horse, touching him lightly, trying to get the beast to remain calm. No sooner had he sat on its back, than the beast began snorting and bucking. A bell sounded and the gate was opened. Jack felt the horse shoot out of the stall, and he held on for dear life. His life force pumped quickly, and he held his breath. He forcefully grasped the reins as the beast charged and stomped, then began trying to unseat him. Jack could see the digital time-continuum clock ticking away. Thirty seconds and counting. He’d stayed on as long as he could, and the horse’s bucking became wild. Jack felt his hold slipping, and then he crashed to the ground. His back struck the hard surface, but he didn’t hurt himself. The crowd’s cheers roared, and Jack never felt so proud. He quickly got to his feet before he was stomped by the horse and saw that the beast had been reined in. A score of eighty flashed on the board. “Damn, Jack, that was some fancy ridin’,” Zane said. The others nodded. “Yeah, but there’s just one thing.” “What’s that?” Marc grinned when he noticed Jack rubbing his behind. “My ass never hurt so much.” Jack laughed. “Come on, let’s get some grub and wait for the next event.” He walked toward the food stands and got himself an old-fashioned burrito and a bowl of beans. He carried his food to the table his ranch hands sat at and took his place. A woman that resembled Ginger passed by. For a solar-second, he watched her. Jack sighed, and decided to contact his brother. Chance didn’t answer the communication, but then he remembered his brother was attending IL conferences. “The next event starts in five minutes, boss,” Luc said, before shoving a fajita in his mouth. Jack nodded and finished off his beans. “All right, lets get over there. This is my worst event, but my favorite.” “I should’ve got in on this event. I’m pretty good at it if I don’t say so myself.” Marc laughed when Jack looked at him as if he were shocked. “Yeah, well, I’ll be lucky not to get myself killed.” “So why you doing it?” “For the adventure, what else?” The men laughed, and Jack’s expression grew serious. He didn’t know why, but the thought of bull riding made him feel tense. Was it a premonition to come? He shook off the tenseness that had overcome him before he reached the corral. Luc handed him his number, five, and he placed it on his back. Jon slapped his back a few times to make sure the number

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wouldn’t fall off. After the first few men set out to win the day, Jack realized it was going to be tough. These bulls seemed even more aggressive than the ones he had on his ranch. He heard his number being called and walked toward the enclosure. He’d gotten saddled with the most onerous bull of them all—Big Red Buckeye. Just his rotten luck of late. The bull’s snorts and several kicks at the wood showed this bull was in a pretty foul mood. Horns poked through the wood, jabbing, as if the bull wanted out and now. Jack stepped backward, and the thought of backing out entered his mind. “All right, cowboy. You ready?” the organizer asked, while writing on his DNS. Jack nodded, shifted his Resistol back, and took a good long look around him. If he was going to die this solar-day, he wanted to remember everything about it. Why in the druk had he been stupid enough to sign up for this event? Too late, he couldn’t back down now. Not without appearing like a coward. He climbed the wood and threw his leg over the top rail. As he sat on the top of the enclosure, the bull made such a ruckus, snorting, kicking and just about crashed through the wood rails. A man on the other side of the enclosure spoke to the bull, but it did no good. “We’re just waiting for you, guy. You ready?” “I’ll let you know when I’m ready.” Jack became irritated. He jumped onto the bull’s back and shouted, “I’m ready.” The gate opened and a blur of people in the distance swirled as the beast bucked and moved around. Jack gripped the rope as firmly as he could. He knew he wasn’t going to last long. Heck, if he made it a few solar-seconds, he’d be happy. Jack began slipping toward the bull’s horns, and he knew it was dangerous. All he needed at that point was to get speared by a rowdy bull. Jack saw the sky as he was thrown from the beast’s back. He landed on his back and saw the bull charging him, but he couldn’t move. Not that he didn’t try, but he couldn’t move a muscle. The beast stepped on him, and Jack didn’t feel it. He saw men run toward him, but then everything faded, blurred, and became dark.

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Chapter Sixteen Chance left his transport parked on the thoroughfare outside of the address he’d been given. He never thought he would visit Laguna again, especially without Valeen. When he’d learned where Ginger was taken, he was surprised, but then not really. It was the perfect planet for a deviant such as Con to live. With so many vacationers and visitors, it would be easy for him to be elusive and to avoid the IEA. But it was an IEA agent who had given him the location. Tyne communicated that she’d kept surveillance on Con’s residence since he’d brought Ginger inside. He’d met her down the thoroughfare, and she told him she would keep watch and rescue him if needed. She gave him the voice-link and told him she’d be able to hear everything that was said. Chance assessed the building before he walked up the steps. He didn’t have to knock, because the servant woman answered and let him inside. “Mr. Con will be with you in a minute. You will wait here.” She showed him to a room just off the entrance. Chance placed the briefcase beside the chair he sat on. He didn’t let his guard down and listened intently for the bastiche’s arrival. “I hope you can hear me,” he whispered to the voice link. He didn’t have to wait long before Con made his appearance. “I see you arrived on time. Did you bring the links?” Chance turned to see the bastiche in question. “Yes, I have the links. Where’s Ginger?” “She is here. Are you in a hurry?” “What do you think? Yeah, I am. Don’t try anything funny, Con. I have the entire IEA outside your damned door ready to come inside and haul your ass off to prison.” “I told you to come alone. For that, I shouldn’t give you the physexian.” “I don’t trust you. Get her, and we’ll leave quietly. I won’t involve the IEA unless you force me to.” Chance folded his arms over his chest and waited for him to agree. “You better not have hurt her.” Con snapped his fingers and at once, another male bastiche stepped inside the room. “Get the physexian.” “And the ranch-hand,” Chance said. “I should never have told you about him, but all right. He is of concern to you?” “He’s my brother’s employee, so yeah he’s a concern. Bring him too. Look, Con, all I have to do is press this button and this place will be invaded by a hundred IEA agents in a matter of solar-seconds. Neither of us wants that. I don’t want to risk Ginger’s safety, and you don’t want to risk your neck. Be agreeable for once.” Con nodded at him. The other male left. ***** Ginger’s door suddenly flung open, and the male who brought her food daily came inside. She backed away from him as usual, but this solar-day he seemed different. His face seemed angrier, perhaps even repulsed by her. “What’s going on?” “Come, Con wants to see you.” Ginger walked out of the room and down the hallway to the room where she’d been

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shown to by the guard. When she saw Chance, she ran toward him and hugged him. “Thank you for coming to get me. Have you paid the links?” “Mr. Con has just finished counting them. Are you ready to get out of here?” “Yes,” Ginger said quickly. “But we must get Mitch.” “Con,” Chance said with a sneer in his tone. “Where is he?” “He’ll be here in a minute. I didn’t know the king of Kiumbria was so wealthy. Perhaps you need a being to help you keep order on your planet?” Chance laughed at Con’s question. “Right, as if I would allow a being such as you on my planet. Not likely, Con. Actually, my brother paid the links for Ginger’s release. That is another reason why I want his employee released.” “Very well. Bring the male forward,” Con shouted. Ginger kept her mouth shut, but couldn’t believe what she heard. Jack paid for her release? She had no idea he was so wealthy. How would she ever face him again? There was no way she’d be able to repay him. Mitch stepped inside the room and stopped a good distance away. Ginger could see that he’d been abused while they’d been there. She turned a nasty look at Con. Con walked toward them, and Ginger could tell he had something hidden behind his back. What was he planning to do, kill them all? She had to make a quick decision. “Well, I’m leaving this foul place.” She went to the doorway and moved as if she was going to continue through, but she turned quickly and grabbed hold of the phaser-ray that the guard held. She snatched it from him before he realized her intent, then she motioned with it to him, and he moved inside the room. Before she could aim the phaser-ray at Con, he lifted his own weapon and aimed it at Mitch. “Don’t you dare,” she shouted. “What are you going to do, lovely? Shoot me?” He laughed sinisterly. “None of you will leave here alive.” She didn’t reply, but pressed the red tab on the phaser-ray. But before her beam reached him, Con had been hit by another ray. Ginger was afraid to turn around to see who had given aid. Con crumpled to the floor, his cohort shouted and ran to his side. Ginger didn’t flinch, she pressed the button again and shot the guard. “Let’s get the hell out of here.” She turned and saw her friend. “Oh, Tyne, you...you’re here. I’ve been so afraid. I...thank you.” Ginger hugged Tyne to her with all her might. Tyne pulled Ginger’s hands from around her, and she raised a dark eyebrow. “I couldn’t believe you got involved in this... Just when I think you can take care of yourself, look what a tangle you get into.” “Believe me, I would rather be sitting in my clinic.” Ginger saw the laughter in her friend’s dark eyes. She smiled and hugged her again. “Ladies, we need to get out of here.” Chance moved toward Ginger, and seemed intent on getting the phaser-ray from her, which she gladly handed over. But before Chance made her leave, she ran into the room and grabbed the briefcase. She didn’t want Jack to lose his links, and she’d be damned before she’d leave his wealth here for these bastiches. Tyne kept her phaser-ray at the ready, looking for more of Con’s henchmen. Chance helped Mitch, who couldn’t seem to manage more than limping walk. Once outside, she saw Chance’s transport parked on the thoroughfare.

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“Ginger, I have to stay here and wait for the other IEA agents, then I have to file all kinds of reports. Then, I’m going after your uncle. He’ll be charged with piracy for trying to steal SOPS’ links. You’ll be safe once I get him incarcerated. I’ll call you later.” “Okay, Tyne. Thanks for helping me.” “King Chance, nice to see you again. Take my friend home.” She tapped the VeBus and lifted her communicator, contacting the backup of IEA agents that waited nearby. They climbed aboard and immediately, and the VeBus set off. Ginger’s breath still hitched from the excitement. She couldn’t believe she actually had the courage to shoot another bastiche. She continued to shake, and was finally able to breathe normally. “Are you hurt, Ginger?” “No, I’m fine. We should get Mitch inside an RC. Is there one on board?” “No, there isn’t, but Kiumbria is not that far away, and we should reach it in a solarday.” “Good. Are you all right, Mitch?” “Yeah, I’ll be great once we get out of here. I just have some bruises, that’s all. I thought they were going to kill me, and had already killed you. I worried that they... They didn’t hurt you, did they?” Ginger shook her head. “No, they wanted me in one piece. Is it true, Chance?” Chance fiddled with the controls and gave the message that the IEA should send more agents to help secure Con’s house, until the danger passed. He also reported that Agent Tyne had killed Con, and that he’d gotten Ginger and Mitch out of there. “What’s that? Is what true?” “Did Jack really pay two million links for me?” When Chance didn’t answer, Ginger knew the truth of the matter. “It was you then, wasn’t it, and the Governor?” She slumped in the cockpit seat, dejected and not knowing why that bothered her. “Ginger, I have to tell you something.” “Whatever it is, it can’t get any worse. What?” “He did pay the links, they’re his. Jack contacted me and asked me to pay the links so you could leave Appaloosa. He didn’t want you there any longer and made me promise to take care of it.” Chance lowered his gaze, and she could tell he felt uncomfortable telling her. “I see.” She couldn’t manage to say anything more. His brother paid a great deal to have her removed from his planet, and that spoke volumes. Jack wanted nothing more to do with her. “What happened between you two?” Ginger looked out the viewer and didn’t answer him. What could she say? She should tell him how she’d hurt him, and how she had ruined the poor male for any possible relationship. Okay, so maybe not totally ruined him, but she knew he’d be hesitant to be so open in the future, and it was all her fault. She just wanted to go home, and forget everything that had happened since that fateful solar-day when her dad had told her she’d been put on a hit list. Most of all, she wanted to forget how much she missed Jack, and how much his rejection hurt. “Is it really over? Do you think he’s dead?” “Yeah, it’s over, Ginger. Con is dead, and he won’t be bothering or killing anyone ever

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again. You’re a brave female.” Good, Con was dead. Ginger closed her eyes and relaxed. At least now she could return to her normal existence. During their space travel, Ginger dreamed about her father. A voice kept telling her to forgive him, and that voice was Jack’s. She wanted to forgive her father, but could she do that? When she woke up, she noticed that Chance and Mitch slept. “PAM, are you on board,” she called out. “Yes, doll. I’m glad to hear your voice.” “How much longer?” “We near Kiumbria. I have already contacted Valeen. She has the RC ready for Mitch as my handsome king directed.” “Great, PAM. Thanks.” “Is there anyone I can contact for you?” “No. I’m not staying long on Kiumbria, just long enough to get in my LOC.” PAM’s snicker sounded. “Are you going where I think you’re going?” “Where’s that?” “To Appaloosa? Ohhh, Jack must be concerned about you.” Ginger ran her hands through her tangled hair, and she seriously doubted that Jack gave her thought. Not since he’d left that day. “I really don’t think that’s true, PAM. I’m going home. I just want to get back to what I know.” “Right, and I’m an ordinary computer chip.” Ginger laughed. “Oh, you are beyond anything ordinary, PAM. Have you communicated with MAX lately? Just what were you two up to on Appaloosa?” PAM’s digital snort sounded. “I can now communicate with MAX whenever I want. My Queen had me upgraded and my reach extends to Appaloosa now. MAX and I were working on a secret project.” “What sort of secret project?” “I can’t tell you that now, doll. Maybe some day. We’re here. Why don’t you wake up the males and let them know we’re home?” Ginger did as she asked, and they disembarked the transport. Valeen met them by the entrance and whisked Mitch away. Chance greeted his son, lifting him into the air. Vance squirmed until he released him, and he ran to Ginger so he could ask about Snap. “Oh, I forgot about her. She’s still on Appaloosa. Can you get her for me, Chance?” Chance smiled. “Yeah, but it’ll have to wait a while. I have some matters to see to first.” “All right, but you’ll bring her to me on Celtaxy? I’m going home.” “Right now?” “Yes. I just want to get home. You understand, don’t you?” Chance nodded. Vance hugged her legs. Ginger ruffled his hair and caressed his face. “I promise to come and visit more often, Vance. I’ll bring Snap too.” “Bye, Ginger.” As Ginger left the palace, she felt a great sadness at leaving. It was as if she didn’t expect to see them again, even though she was less than a solar-day’s transport away. She entered her LOC and sat back in the familiar seat. The scent of her transport comforted her. She really needed familiarity right now, which would help her get over Jack and everything

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that occurred in the last solar-weeks. The ride to her home took longer than usual because of a meteor shower, which she had to veer around. During the travel, she didn’t listen to music, only concentrated on the silence. Left to her thoughts, she became even more depressed. She thought about what had happened between her and Jack. She also considered her relationship with her father and brother. When she arrived home, she was going to set down an ultimatum for her father and for her brother. Yes, a severe ultimatum for both of them. Ginger lowered her craft and smiled when she saw her home. Everything appeared normal from the outside. She wondered if her father had a chance to fix the inside. The viewers were no longer broken, and the plastic panels had been replaced. She left her transport and walked inside. “Miss, you’re home.” “Hi, Gerty. How are you?” Ginger looked her over and saw that she had gotten over the ordeal of when the bunker had been wrecked. She smiled at her and looked beyond her, listening for noise. “Fine, just fine, Miss. How was your vacation?” Ginger laughed. Vacation. “Oh, it was much more than a vacation, Gert. Definitely, a life altering never-want-to-go-back-there vacation.” Gerty laughed. “Should I get your baggage? Is it in your LOC?” “No, I lost it. Where’s Dad?” “In his office with Sal.” Ginger put a spark in her step and hurried toward her father’s office. Before she entered, she could hear them talking. “That’s a great venture, Dad. I’ll look into it and we’ll get some men to work on making it happen.” Ginger burst into the room. “Just hold your horses.” She waggled a finger at them. Her father and brother looked stunned by her abrupt entrance. She almost laughed out loud at what she’d said. That phrase reminded her of Jack. “Neither one of you are going into any venture. Do I make myself clear?” “But—” “No buts, Dad. I am tired of worrying about you two. I’ve had to shoot several males with a flibbing phaser-ray because of you two. Do you really think I want that on my conscious? Well, do you?” Both her father and Sal shook their heads. “If it wasn’t for King Chance and Tyne, I would probably be dead right now. Does any of that matter to you?” Sal nodded, and her father followed suite. “Tyne?” Sal asked at the same time her father spoke. “Yes, Honey Graham, but—” Ginger held up her hand for silence. “Now that I am back, I insist you both give up the ridiculous careers in the Marian mafia. Do you understand?” “Ginger.” Sal stepped toward her. “That’s what Dad’s been trying to tell you. We just started a new business venture.” “Oh no, you’re not.” Sal stopped her with a touch to her lips. “Dad and I decided to use all the transports we own in a business venture. It’s an honest living, Ginger. We’re going to chauffeur beings

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around Celtaxy. We talked King Chance into letting us stay on this planet and promised that we would be honest citizens.” “Well, that would be a good use of all the luxury transports you both own. Really? I’m amazed at your turnabout. Shocked, actually.” Her father approached and took her in his arms. “Ginger, I’m so glad you weren’t harmed. I never would have been able to live with the guilt. How are you, Honey Graham?” She burst into a sob and cried all over her father’s suit coat. What in the universe was wrong with her? Here she was, a grown female, at the age of thirty-five solar-years, and she was crying like a youngling. “What’s wrong with her?” her father asked Sal. “She misses someone, I’m guessing.” “Who?” “Never mind, Dad. Ginger, stop crying. Crying over Jack won’t make you feel any better.” Ginger sniffled and wiped her tears away. “Yes it will.” “You got a call earlier. It was one of your patients. A Stephen something or other. He said that he really needed to talk to you, but I didn’t know how to get in touch with you. I knew Chance was on his way to get you, but I wasn’t sure if you would come home right away.” She sighed. “All right, thanks, Dad. I’m going to my room and I’m taking a refreshing solar-bath, then I’m going to bed. If anyone calls, I’m not here. I’ll contact Stephen tomorrow.” Ginger went directly to her unit and missed seeing Snap there. She hoped her little dog fared well on Appaloosa. Jack cared for animals. He wouldn’t let her starve. Ginger undressed, entered her solar-bath, and felt the exquisite rays move over her skin. Her machine washed away the stench of all the bad things that happened recently, but it couldn’t do anything about how she felt inside. Had she made the biggest mistake of her life?

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Chapter Seventeen Chance was worried. He hadn’t heard from Jack since he’d spoken to him before he left for the rodeo, which was over two solar-weeks ago. Mitch had healed and traveled back to Appaloosa, and when he arrived, he contacted Chance and told him that Jack hadn’t returned. Now, Chance didn’t know what to think. Had something happened to his brother? It wasn’t at all like Jack to avoid contact with him, but considering he knew something happened between him and Ginger, Chance didn’t question it. But too much time had passed. Valeen entered their unit and crawled over the massive bed, then lay her head on his lap. She smiled, and smoothed her hand over his stomach. “Something wrong, hunk?” “I’m worried, Valeen.” She moved upward, until she could hug him. “I know you are, Chance. Why don’t you go to Appaloosa and find him then? Do you think he’s hurt? He was at a rodeo.” “I sure as hell hope not. Why does he do this stuff? Druk, it’s too dangerous. Those beasts can kill a being without using much force. Doesn’t he realize that?” Valeen shook her head. “Don’t ask me. I know how much he likes being a cowboy. Maybe his ranch hands know what happened to him. Do any of them know where Jack went?” “Mitch said no one returned. Jon, Marc, Luc, and Zane were supposed to meet Jack at the rodeo, and none of them returned to the ranch.” “This is really strange. Maybe you should send some of your agents to search the other rodeos on Appaloosa. Perhaps they decided to go to another.” “Did I ever tell you how smart you are?” Chance leaned forward to kiss her and smiled. “Yes, you tell me every solar-day, hunk. Now go and find him. I spoke to Ginger earlier.” “Oh yeah? How’s she doing?” “I guess as good as can be. I feel sorry for her. She won’t let me speak Jack’s name, let alone ask what happened between them. I’m sorry, I really tried to find out.” “It doesn’t matter now, beautiful. I’ll go find Jack and return him to his ranch. I’ll miss you while I’m gone.” Chance gripped her shoulders and pulled her forward for a lengthy kiss, one that showed just how much he’d miss her. ***** Just how many druking rodeos were on Appaloosa anyway? Chance entered his craft, after checking the third one that day. His agents reported nothing. When he sat in the cockpit seat, he leaned his head back, disheartened. Maybe Jack went somewhere else? Had he left the planet? MAX would know if he had, but the moderator had said that he wasn’t informed of Jack’s whereabouts, and that Jack hadn’t communicated with him in solar-days. Chance closed his eyes, feeling tired from traveling so much in the past four solar-days. He still hadn’t found any trace of his brother, but he wouldn’t give up. “PAM, please transport me to the Star Dust.” “Oh, yes, my king.” Immediately, the transport shot off. “You have a communication from Banrick. He says he has information.”

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“Put it through.” “Chance, I just heard from our agents and—” “Where is he, Banrick?” Impatient to hear news, he didn’t wait for the information. Chance heard the relief in his commander’s voice. If anyone could find Jack, Banrick could. “I put our most talented agents on it, and they traced Jack’s movements through the data in the rodeo’s moderators. There doesn’t appear to be foul play at work. He’s at this strange place, called a Care Facility. Our agents are there now. I just had the location plugged into the system for PAM.” “I’m on it, handsome.” The craft veered in the opposite direction at her control. Chance hesitated asking the question he most wanted answered. “Banrick, is...he all right?” “I don’t know, Highness. I spoke to some of the rodeo administrators and they don’t know what happened to him. Something about him being hurt during a bull riding event, but they said he was taken away. Our agents said they couldn’t get his status, because the facility wouldn’t give it to non family members.” Banrick’s tone changed from relieved to severe. “All right, I’m on my way.” Chance didn’t like the sound of it. If Jack was well, then his agents would have spoken to him. “PAM, can you please hurry.” “Going at hyper-four speed, handsome. I’m hurrying.” A half-a-solar-hour later, the transport arrived at the facility. Chance stood beside the exit of his VeBus before the doors even opened, so anxious he was to get inside to find Jack. He ran out and toward the entrance of the Care Facility. He spotted his agents standing in some kind of waiting area and stopped when he reached Nelson. Nelson looked as grim as Banrick had sounded. He leaned back against the wall and flipped his blond hair away from his eyes. “What’s going on?” “They won’t tell us a thing, your highness. You can ask over there.” He pointed to the desk where a female spoke on a communicator. Chance walked over and waited for her to notice him. When she finished her conversation, he said, “I’m King Chance of Kiumbria. My brother Jack is here.” “Yes, come with me.” Chance felt a lump form in his throat, and he didn’t know why, but he thought Jack was dead. No, he wouldn’t consider something so heinous, not yet. Until they told him, or he saw his body, Chance wouldn’t believe it. He followed her down a hallway, until she entered a room. “He’s in here.” Chance approached the bed and stopped beside it. “Jack, what the druk did you do to yourself?” A knot the size of a moon rock lodged in his throat. Chance looked him over, seeing nothing outwardly damaging except for all the tubes. From what he could see, Jack’s eyes crinkled as though he grinned at him. He couldn’t speak because of the blasted tubes stuck down his throat. Chance pressed the button on his wristband and communicated with PAM. “I need the RC set up right away, PAM.” “I’m on it, handsome. It’ll be ready when you board. Is my handsome male all right?” “Yeah, he’ll be fine once I get him in our RC.”

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Chance had never seen his brother looking so bad. The Care Facility didn’t even bother to have him placed in a hygienic chamber. He turned, hearing someone enter. “Oh, sorry. I was just checking on my boss.” “Who are you?” “Zane, I work for Jack.” “Oh, yes, Zane. Can you tell me what happened?” He recognized the name of Jack’s ranch hand. “Yeah, he had a really nasty encounter with a bull and got the bad end of the deal. We had him put in an RC, but it wasn’t advanced enough to handle some of his internal injuries. The Care Facility says it’s a touch-and-go situation.” “Like druking hell it is. I’m taking him out of here right now.” Chance shouted, causing the young ranch hand to step backward. “But he’ll die. You can’t move him.” “Yes I can. I have a very advanced RC on my transport, it’s ready for him, even now. Get my agents in the waiting area. We’ll move him right now.” Chance paced the side of the bed, hoping he was right. Could he get him to the RC before he died? Zane quickly left and returned with several men. Chance leaned close to Jack. “Can you handle a little more pain, Jack? I need to move you, but I can’t do it with all this stuff plugged into you. I can’t believe how old-fashioned this place is. They’re still using inventions from the Twenty-first century. Even a Robodoc 3000 is more advanced that what they have. It’s unheard of.” Jack blinked his eyes and Chance took it as a sign of Jack’s agreement. He began removing the cords and tubes. Machines began blaring and when he removed the last attachment, his motioned to his agents who moved in. They carefully lifted Jack and moved out of the room. “Quickly, get him to the RC immediately.” Chance followed behind them and went to the transport. The Care Facility staff chased after them, insisting they return their patient. He ignored them. The agents blocked the facility staff from intercepting them. Once inside, Jack was placed in the RC. PAM instructed his agents to remove his clothing and to step back. Then she began the health repair as soon as the confines of the RC closed. “What’s the damage, PAM?” After a few solar-seconds, PAM answered. “The poor male. He has a punctured lung, several broken bones, and a major amount of internal bruising on his back and chest.” “Is he going to be all right?” “It’ll take a few solar-hours, my king, but I think he’ll be fine. By the time we reach the Star Dust, the healing should be completed.” Since they were on the other side of Appaloosa, he knew the transport would take some time. Chance expelled his sigh of relief and paced beside the RC. He turned and saw his agents and Jack’s ranch hands staring at him. What, hadn’t they ever seen a brother concerned before? If they weren’t all standing there, he just might have broken down and cried. “What are you all doing standing there?” At once, they all began exiting the transport. Luc didn’t move, but stepped forward to look at Jack. “Can you give us a lift back to the Star Dust?” “Yeah, sure thing. I’m taking Jack home.” To his agents, Chance said, “Return to

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Kiumbria and inform Banrick what happened and that Jack’s alive. He’ll be concerned.” When the last agent left the transport, PAM set off for Jack’s ranch. Chance didn’t leave the back cabin of the VeBus, but watched his brother’s unmoving form. If it was the last thing he ever did, he’d insist that Jack not participate in such events again. Even though Jack didn’t care about what could happen to him, Chance and Valeen did. Time whittled away and they continued toward Jack’s ranch. As tired as he was, Chance couldn’t rest, not until he was completely sure that Jack was going to be all right. He did manage to close his eyes, but he listened to the sounds of the machine doing its work. After a several minutes, he heard PAM calling him. “Handsome, your brother is healed. The RC should open any solar-second. All the injuries Jack had are now repaired, excerpt for one.” Chance leaned forward and watched Jack open his eyes. His brother smiled and placed his hands on the panel of the RC. “What couldn’t be fixed, PAM?” “The poor male’s broken heart.” Chance laughed at the way Valeen’s moderator said it. “Well, there’s nothing we can do about that, is there? Have I ever told you that you’re an amazing moderator?” “Oh, stars, handsome, yes. But you can say it again and again. PAM likes hearing it. So what are we going to do about our guy’s broken heart?” Chance grinned as he stood up to approach the RC. “I’m sure that can be fixed, PAM, it just might take a while longer.” ***** Jack lay as still as he could. He was afraid to move for fear that he couldn’t like when he’d been lying on the ground near the bull. He wasn’t able to move a muscle then, and he didn’t want to know the disappointment of being a complete invalid. What if he was? “Jack, say something.” “Was that a bull that threw me or was I hit by a transport?” Jack laughed and felt the rumble in his chest. “That’s not funny at all, Jack. What the hell were you thinking by riding a bull? Were you trying to get yourself killed?” Jack tested his leg and moved it a few solar-inches until he could feel it moving off the platform of the RC. All right, so one leg worked, how about the other? He repeated his movement and realized he could feel all the blood rushing inside his leg when he positioned it downward. “Are you going to answer me?” Jack groaned when he saw his brother’s angry frown. Druk, Chance wasn’t in the mood to be teased. “Yes.” “Why the hell would you want to get yourself killed? Don’t you know how much you mean to me, to Valeen and to Vance? If this damned machine didn’t just heal you, I swear, Jack, I’d give you a few more injuries.” “I said yes, that I was going to answer you, not that I wanted to kill myself.” “Oh. So you weren’t trying to get yourself killed?” “Hell no. Hey, thanks for coming to get me. I thought I was going to die at that place. I remember laying on the ground, seeing the bull coming at me, and all I could think of was that it was the end. The next thing I knew, I woke up in that care facility. It was creepy, like they

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were mad scientists performing experiments. I couldn’t speak, to tell them to get me home.” “How did you ever survive?” “I owe my ranch hands big time. They did put me in an RC, but it wasn’t working. Are they here?” Jack stretched his arms and tested his abilities. “Yeah, two are in the front cabin and two are sleeping over there.” Chance pointed toward the bunks inside the compartment. Jack lifted his head and saw Marc and Jon sleeping. “I should give them a raise. Ah, hell, I don’t have that many links now. At least, not until Mr. Preston pays me for the horses.” “Jack, I do have some good news. I went to pay the links to Con, but only he had taken Ginger and Mitch. He held them for ransom, sort of.” “Damn it, was she hurt?” Jack tried to stand up, and Chance helped him. “I ransomed her back, but on the way out, Con raised his phaser-ray at Mitch.” “Druking hell, was he killed?” “No, she saved him.” “Who, Ginger?” “Yeah, man, you should have seen her. She shocked the hell out of me, Jack, and you know that’s not an easy thing to do. She pretended to leave and on the way out, she grabbed a phaser-ray from one of the guards and was going to shoot Con with it. When his guard moved forward, an IEA agent friend of hers shot Con and Ginger shot the guard. Those females amazed me. I didn’t think Ginger was so courageous, but I should have known better.” “Why do you say that?” “You wouldn’t be interested in her if she wasn’t. All I could think to do was to get out of there. Ginger grabbed the briefcase with your links in it and left it on my transport. So you didn’t have to pay the links after all.” “You’re kidding me. I always thought she was a strong-willed filly. Where is she?” Chance laughed. “She went home.” He didn’t know how to react to that. It was just as well that she’d gone home. At least now he wouldn’t have to see her at his ranch. Jack moved his arms and stretched, working the tension out of his muscles. He didn’t realize he was naked until he looked at his thigh, but he didn’t see the usual scar there, the machine had healed it, and no indication that he’d been hurt there showed. “I need some clothes.” “I’ll get you some clean clothes as soon as we land. We’re headed back to the Star Dust and should arrive in a few solar-minutes. While we’re waiting, maybe you can tell me what happened between you and Ginger.” Jack rubbed his eyes and nodded. “All right, since you’re so dag-gone interested. I met Ginger at an entertainment club, Divine’s Disco Den, of all places, before she even came here. I didn’t know she was a physexian. Honestly, Chance, she...she makes me feel things other females have never...” Jack discontinued, because he couldn’t believe he admitted that to Chance. “So, is she life-partner material? Is that what you’re saying?” “I thought she was, but she just considered me a youngling, and thought I was sexcrazed, like her patients. Our last time together was amazing and afterwards, she... Well, she said that she used me for sex. Basically, bro, she ripped my heart out and shoved it up my ass.

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I guess that’s what I deserve for how I’ve acted in the past.” “Jack, I wouldn’t say that. You were just having fun. She said so, herself.” “When did she say that?” Jack scowled at his brother, but Chance pretended to be interested in plucking lint off his pants. “When?” “Right before I sent her to you, the solar-day before you visited, I stopped by her office on Celtaxy. I was worried about you and asked if maybe you needed a physexian.” Jack laughed, not so lightly either. He couldn’t stop laughing. “Oh man, you’re kidding me, right? You went and asked Ginger if she thought I needed a physexian. What did she say?” “She asked a few questions about you and said that she didn’t think you were in need of one. That you were having fun, and that if sex ever overruled your life, or came between your commitments and family life, then you might.” Jack grinned mischievously. “This happened the solar-day before I saw you?” “Yeah, I just reached home that night from investigating a matter for the IL, remember? Why?” “I met Ginger that same night at Divine’s Disco Den on Celtaxy.” Change laughed, and Jack joined him. “That is really quite a coincidence. So what are you going to do?” “I don’t think she knows what she’s talking about, but maybe she’s right. Maybe I do need help. I’m going to make an appointment with a physexian.” Jack wouldn’t let her get away so easily—it was time the physexian understood a few things about him. Chance returned Jack’s grin. “Is this a physexian on Planet Celtaxy by chance?” “Maybe.” His brother laughed, and drew him forward for a bear hug. Jack grunted. “But I think I’ll take care of a few matters first.” “Like getting dressed?” Jack smiled. “Oh, yeah and getting dressed. She didn’t like it when she showed up to find me standing naked on my porch.” “She didn’t?” Chance mocked. Jack laughed. “No, from what I remember, she called me, Mr.-I-don’t-ever-wearclothes. I’m glad to be going home. Thanks for coming for me, bro.” “I’m just glad you’re all right.”

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Chapter Eighteen Ginger groaned at her misfortune. Well, at least this solar-day wasn’t as bad as the one when she’d learned that her father had her placed on a hit list, but it was close enough. She looked down at her foot, immersed in the puddle beside her transport. Then she sneezed so hard, she left her foot in the puddle while grabbing a tissue from her purse. If that didn’t beat all. The ancient saying made her chuckle. Not only was she having a bad day, but she also had a cold to go along with it. She shook the water off her foot as she was pelted with chilly droplets of water. The rain hadn’t let up for two solar-days and the dreariness added to her unhappiness. Earlier, she couldn’t find her transport keycard, then she’d learned that Snap had gone missing on Jack’s ranch, but Chance assured her that the ranch hands were looking for her. Chance didn’t even mention Jack or how he was doing. Still, speaking to him reminded her of Mr. Perfect and her unhappiness intensified. She’d forgotten to tell her dad that she was going into the office early, but he was already gone when she woke up. After burning the toast and spilling the coffee, she decided to just get on with the solar-day so she could return home and climb back into bed. She sneezed again, groaning at the intrusion that a cold would bring. She’d have to enter the RC as soon as she got home. The communicator chimed and she hurried to answer it. “Hello, Ginger, here.” “Yo, Ginger. What are you doing later?” “I’m busy.” She sniffled and felt her nose itching. At least this solar-day she had a believable excuse for ditching Dynah. “That’s what you’ve been saying for two solar-months. Come on, come out with me tonight. I miss hanging out with you.” “I really don’t want to, not after an entire day of appointments. I’m sorry, Dynah, and the thought of going to Divine’s really...you know that’s where I met... I just don’t want to talk about it, either. Besides, I have a nasty cold. All I want to do is go home, enter the RC, and spend the night under my covers. Listen, I’m late for work. I’ll talk to you later.” “Ginger, you can’t hide in your house forever, you know.” “I’m not hiding. I just know I’m going to be tired, that’s all.” Dynah laughed. “How do you know you’re going to be tired later, now?” “I just do, and I’m sick. I really have to go, I’m late.” Ginger disconnected the communicator and knew Dynah was concerned about her. Since she’d returned home, she hadn’t left the bunker, except for work. Her father had even commented on her sudden hibernation. Sal knew the truth, but he didn’t press her about it, and since he began working with their father in the luxury transport business, he didn’t have time on his hands to worry about her. Ginger’s steps increased as she rushed toward her office. She was already late for her first appointment—her first female patient. Her moderator greeted her enthusiastically. “Good morning, Physexian. Your appointment is in your office, and I’ve pushed back the rest to give you time.” “Thanks, moderator.” Ginger placed her briefcase beside the doorway to her office and

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went inside. She peeled away the metallic-shiny slicker she wore to ward off the rain and placed it on the hanger. Again with the sneezing. She stopped to wipe her nose at the entrance to her office. “Hello, Kawn, I’m so sorry I’m late. I’ve been having the worst solar-day.” She saw a beautiful, young, female being, who probably had to beat off the males with a stick. This was her first meeting with her and Ginger didn’t want to make assumptions. Something she’d learned the hard way. “Hi.” The perky blond-haired female watched her from across the room. “We should get started so you know what I expect from my patients. First of all, I need you to be honest with me, otherwise I can’t help you. I’ll try to give you the best advice I can. Now for the questions... How many lovers do you entertain each night?” The woman looked at her oddly, as if she thought that question laughable. “I never counted before. But you see, it’s more than that, this is my profession. How can I stop having sex, when it’s how I earn my links?” Ginger had never met another being that practiced the most ancient career of them all. “Are you saying you practice prostitution?” “Well, yes. Is that a problem?” The blond didn’t appear to be such a being, as welldressed, and well-spoken as she was. “No, not at all. I’m going to have to research this to better help you. Have you thought of changing your profession?” Ginger took her inkrod and wrote a few notes while she waited for the female to answer. Two sneezes later, Kawn handed her the box of Clolites and answered. “I have, but I don’t know what to do. It’s the only thing I’m good at. I’ve been doing this for solar-years. I’m not sure I even have the ability to stop.” Ginger took a Clolite from the box and wiped her nose, and continued to converse with Kawn. Their time was now up, and the half-an-hour flew by. Stephen was probably pacing the outer office, waiting for her. “It was a pleasure meeting you, Kawn. Make an appointment with my moderator for next solar-week and we’ll discuss this further. It’ll give me time to do a little research, and I’ll see what I can find out for you. In the meantime, think of a profession you might enjoy trying out, and I’ll see what I can do about getting you employment.” The female left her office, and her moderator announced that Stephen had changed his appointment to later in the solar-day. Ginger was glad, what with the way she felt. She also needed to get her briefcase and go over some of the new applicants for another physexian. Her client load was too much to handle lately, and she desperately needed another to help her. Several patients later, Ginger sat back in her chair considering the sex depraved beings that whizzed in and out of her office throughout the solar-day. Listening to them made her think about her own sex life, but only hers was pretty much nonexistent now. And pondering her nonexistent sex-life made her think of Jack. She grew depressed thinking about his beautiful body, his charming tug-at-your-heart smile, the way he spoke, using that sexy cowboy drawl. If that wasn’t bad enough, everything reminded her of him. “Physexian, Stephen is here,” her moderator’s voice came from the overhead audio. “Thanks, moderator, send him in.” “Hello, Physexian.” Stephen didn’t just walk in her office, he strolled in as if he

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belonged there. She could see how he’d believe that was true, considering the amount of time he’d spent there the last few solar-weeks. “Hi, Stephen, come on in and tell me what’s going on.” She leaned back in her chair and watched him move toward her desk. He seemed more restrained than he usually was, if that was possible. Stephen flopped into the chair and began filling her in on the details of the female he had been dating for the past two-solar weeks. Each time they had an appointment, Stephen told her every detail of their date, except that he left out any sexual references. Come to think of it, maybe he hadn’t had sex with her. Inconceivable. “I just had lunch with Janelle, and I invited her to go sailing this weekend.” Ginger sneezed and wiped her now rosy nose. “That’s wonderful news. Have you had sex with her?” “No, I’m waiting for you, sexy.” Ginger laughed and shuffled a few parpals on her desk. She teased him back. “I’m not surprised, but you know how I feel about that. Sounds like you’re really interested in this female, if you’re willing to hold off on sex.” Stephen somehow knew what she meant. “Yeah, our conversations are intelligent, fun, and I can’t get enough of it. When I’m with her, I don’t want to just have sex, you know? I like being with her. Do you think that’s weird, Physexian?” “No, I think you finally found the female of your dreams, someone who made you realize there is more to a relationship than just sex.” Stephen smiled, leaning forward, and placed his hand on Ginger’s knee. “I really have. How can I repay you, sexy? Want to have sex? I promise, you’ll have a good time. I could lay you on your desk and give you an orgasm that’ll—” Ginger held out her hand to stop him, and she opened her mouth to reply, but before she could get a word out, she sneezed. Someone opened the door to her office and burst in. She stood up, thinking it was an intruder, and she reached for her phaser-ray that she kept stored in the top drawer of her desk and aimed it. Stephen pressed the front of himself against her in an attempt to protect her, with his back to the door. When she saw that the intruder was Jack, she lowered the phaser-ray. “Jack, what are you—” “You son-of-a-bitch, get the hell off of her,” Jack shouted. He marched directly to Stephen, who was lifted by his lapels of his nice suit coat and pulled toward Jack. Jack suckerpunched Stephen. Ginger’s breath hitched at the sound of Jack’s fist hitting poor Stephen’s eye. Stephen grunted at the blow. “I can’t believe you’re interested in this guy, Ginger. What does he have that I don’t? He’s not mature, just look at him. What is he, twenty-one, two? He’s lower than a cowpoke.” Ginger started to answer him, but all she could manage was a forceful sneeze. He gripped Stephen’s lapels firmly, shaking him a bit. “Jack, please, release him. What do you think you’re doing? You can’t just barge in my office and strike a being for no reason. I’m not interested in him, he’s my...ahhchooo...my patient.” “Your what?” Jack lowered Stephen into the chair and smoothed his lapels before turning back to Ginger.

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“Stephen, are you all right? Can I get you some ice for your eye?” Ginger could see the redness already forming around Stephen’s eye. She turned to scowl back at Jack. “No, Physexian, I’ll live. Who’s this, your lover?” Jack didn’t move a muscle, but she saw his mouth move to a grin. “This is a friend of mine,” she said before sneezing, groaning, and flopping into her chair. “Who should really be ashamed of himself.” “Hey, look, I heard you talking to this guy at my house, and then again on the transport. You remember, when we rescued Sal. Now I come here to... Well, here he is again, suggesting that you have sex with him on your damned desk. What did you expect me to think, Ginger?” “All those times, Jack, I was talking to my patient. Stephen has been under my care for...well, you know. Did you believe that I would have sex with you, when I was involved with someone else? You must really think I’m a low being.” “I don’t think you’re low at all, darlin’. I just thought maybe he was trying to get you to...have sex with him.” Jack turned a heated gaze at Stephen. “And you should know, because you’re just like him,” Ginger shouted. Why did he so affect her? She tried her best to remain calm, but at this point she didn’t think that was possible. “I think I should leave,” Stephen said. “No, you still have a half-a-solar-hour left of your session. Sit back down, Stephen. Jack is going to have to leave.” Stephen sat. Jack shook his head. “I’m not leaving, and I am not like him at all. How can you say that, stunner?” Jack paced the five-solar-foot space of her office, between her desk and the door. “When you barge into my office and attack my patients...that’s when.” “I only came here to...” Jack turned to look at Stephen. “Does he have to be here for this?” “Yes,” Ginger said. “No,” Stephen said at the same time. “Ginger, I don’t want to discuss this in front of him. It’s personal. Can’t you reschedule him or something?” Jack implored her with his eyes, and Ginger decided to give in, just this once. “All right, Stephen, you can go. Have fun sailing with Janelle, and call my moderator tomorrow to set up another appointment, which I won’t charge you for. I’m really sorry about this.” “Don’t worry about it. Your boyfriend is the jealous type, huh? See you later, Physexian.” Stephen rose from the seat and started for the door. Jack moved out of his way, when he passed by. Ginger didn’t trust herself to stand, not with Jack standing so close to her. She waited for him to say what he came here for, and then he’d leave. Did she want him to leave? She wasn’t sure what she wanted, but she knew she was happy to see him. “What are you doing here?” “I made an appointment.” “You did?” Ginger pressed the communicator. “Moderator, who is my last patient?”

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The digital voice came through loud and clear. “A new patient, Physexian. A, ah, Jack of hearts. Do you wish me to cancel it?” Ginger laughed. “No, moderator, thank you.” Her giggles flitted away when she saw Jack’s serious expression. “I can’t believe you actually made an appointment under that name. Flib, I’m shocked you even made an appointment at all. So where should we start? What was the earliest date you can remember having sex?” Ginger placed a parpal in front of her and waited for him to answer. “Well, first of all, that’s my name. Jack of hearts. On our planet, we never had a use for surnames. My mother called my brother game of Chance and me, Jack of hearts. Don’t ask. As for my appointment, I’m not here as a patient.” “So, why are you here then?” “I need your advice as a Physexian. I’m here because this older female took advantage of me and I can’t get over it or her.” Ginger squinted her eyes at him, wondering what he was up to. “That’s a big problem, Jack, but—” “She won’t get out of my mind. How do I tell her that? She’s making me into a crazedbeing.” Jack didn’t smile, and he didn’t let any expression show on his face to tell her what his mood was. Ginger’s smile faltered. “I don’t know what you want me to do about it.” “I want you to say that you love me. You do, don’t you?” She looked to her lap and felt her throat grow thick. Numbing Neptune, he was going to make her cry. “I...I—” She sneezed so forcefully, her chair swivelled backwards. “Because I love you so much, I can’t stand another solar-day without you.” “Oh, Jack, I don’t know what to say.” Venus, Mercury and Mars. Jack loved her. She wasn’t sure if she wanted to cry with joy, or find a bed to curl up in, as horrible as her cold made her feel. What she needed was an RC. “Say you love me.” “I do love you, Jack, but—” Jack moved around her desk, he helped her to stand, then sat in her chair, and placed her on his lap. “But what? If you love me, then nothing else matters.” “There are too many differences about us.” Jack moved his hands up her body and stopped at her shoulder. “What differences?” “For one thing, I’m eleven years older than you. Don’t you think that matters?” “It only matters if you let it. I don’t care how young I am, Ginger. Look, I might be a youngling in your eyes or everyone else’s eyes, but I’m successful and mature beyond my solar-years. I have more links than I know what to do with, but I don’t have anyone to share it with. I want that person to be you. That’s what matters to me.” “Jack, it’s not that you’re a youngling. It’s because I’m aged.” Jack cupped her chin and insisted she continue to look into his eyes. “I think you are the sexiest female I ever laid eyes on. I never thought of your age once when we had sex, hell, or even when I look at you.” “What about the fact that I’m a physexian? Won’t that bother you?” “Not if you can handle your patients from the Stardust. I don’t mind that you’re a physexian. I admire you for what you do, helping others. Some beings need guidance, not

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me. What I did mind was that you thought I needed one. I don’t, you know.” “Uh-huh, I know that now. Are you asking...” Ginger didn’t want to think it, her words trailed off as if they were captured inside a black hole. “All I know is that I haven’t stopped thinking about you since I left you...at the Stardust, and when I went back, it wasn’t the same without you. I love you, Ginger Graham. I couldn’t get over you after meeting you at Divine’s, and I can’t get over you now.” “Jack, I do love you. What if it doesn’t work? What if our differences are too much? What if it comes between us?” “Look, stunner, all I want is for you to love me, the rest is just superficial. We’ll take each solar-day as it comes.” Jack moved his mouth close to hers. “I want to unite with you forever, Ginger. I don’t want to exist without you. Will you become my partner?” Jack’s lips hovered over hers, and she could feel his warm breath tickling her lips. She wanted him to kiss her, but he didn’t make a move. A sneeze came to her, and she hurried to cover her nose with a tissue. “I really...want to, but...” “Are you all right?” “Yes, just a little cold.” Jack embraced her. “What’s holding you back?” he whispered against her lips. “Do you forgive me for lying to you?” He cuddled her cheek with his hand. “When did you lie to me?” “When I told you I used you for sex. I really didn’t mean it, Jack, but you made me angry. I heard you talking to Mitch about...well, you said that it was just sex and—” “I lied, too. I wasn’t honest with Mitch, because I didn’t want to talk to him about how I really felt about you. Then when we had sex on the lounge, I thought we really connected. I couldn’t believe you said that. So you lied about that?” “Yes. We did connect, Jack. I wanted to make you hurt the way I hurt. I’m sorry that I lied to you.” Ginger placed her hand on his neck and caressed his skin. Jack grinned. “Are you going to keep avoiding my question?” “What question?” He laughed when she smiled. “Say yes, and I’ll repeat it.” “Yes.” Jack didn’t tell the truth. Instead of repeating his question, he kissed her. Joy filled her heart when his mouth touched hers. His kiss turned sweet, so tempting, so heated. She leaned into him and moved her tongue against his, purposely increasing their fervor. Ginger never wanted it to end, but her next sneeze forced her to pull away. He pulled her back and touched his forehead to hers. “You know what would make me happy right now?” She moved her arms to better hold him. “What? Sex on the sex therapist’s desk?” Jack grinned. “Well, that does sound good, darlin’, but I was thinking to you get on my transport, so we could go home. Snap isn’t eating. I think she misses you. Fluffy has been trying everything to get her to cheer up.” “Oh, my poor little dog. All right, but can we stop at my house so I can get some of my things? I should let Dad and Sal know where I am so they don’t worry.” “Yes, but do you promise to hurry?” Ginger laughed and nodded. “You haven’t met my dad, have you?”

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“No, and I’m not sure I want to. He put you in danger, Ginger. I don’t know if I can forgive him, even if you have.” Jack now frowned. “He’s a changed man, and now runs a thriving luxury transport service. I’ve never seen him so happy. Please, Jack, don’t hold it against him. It’s all he’s known his entire life. All our ancestors were mafia males, even going back as far as when Earth existed. Try to understand that he never would have put me in danger. It just grew to be...” “I’ll try, but I can’t promise anything. How’s Sal doing?” “He’s fine. He and Dad run the business together. I’m happy they have an honest solar-day’s pay now. I won’t worry about them when I’m on Appaloosa.” Jack laughed. “Let’s go, stunner, I want to get this over with.” ***** During the twenty minute ride to her father’s bunker, Ginger was so happy. She and Jack couldn’t stop kissing, even after the LOC stopped outside her home. Jack actually had more control than she did, and he pulled away. When Ginger saw her father looking at her from the bunker’s entrance, she pressed the release on the door panel. “Come on, Jack, there he is.” Ginger greeted her father and explained who Jack was. Her father didn’t seem pleased by what she’d told him. She wanted to demand that he stop his overly concerned father bit, but then again, it was sort of humorous. “You’re Chance’s brother? So you want to unite with my daughter, do you? What makes you think you’re good enough for her?” Her father frowned at Jack, then turned to smile at her. He had the nerve to wink at her. She held off her laughter, knowing how her father liked to tease anyone who believed him a stern being. “What makes you think that I’m not good enough for her?” Jack returned crisply. “Our family is well-known throughout the universe. We don’t allow our daughters to unite with any old being from any old planet.” “Dad, he has millions of links.” “That’s good enough reason for me. Promise me you’ll communicate with us. Don’t forget about your father, Honey Graham.” Ginger laughed at her father’s quick turnabout. “I won’t Dad. We have to go. Jack wants to get back to Appaloosa.” Her father hugged her and didn’t seem to want to let go of her. She pried his hands from around her. “Jack will take good care of me, Dad. Don’t worry, okay. I’m really happy and love him.” “Isn’t he a little young for you?” “Actually, Dad, I’m mentally younger than Jack is. He’s a smart business man, and a hell of a cowboy.” “Well, I wouldn’t say that, not after my last go at riding a bull,” Jack said. “You ride bulls, young man?” Jack grimaced. “Not anymore, sir. I got trampled a few months ago and since I’ve given up trying to break a bull.” “Really, Jack? Are you all right? Were you hurt?” “Just a little, but the RC fixed me up right. Come on, darlin’, you need an RC, and I need some grub. I’ll eat on the transport. Nice meeting you, Mr. Graham.”

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“Bye younglings, keep in touch. I’ll have your things transported, hon.” Her dad waved to them by the bunker entrance. Ginger held Jack’s hand as they walked to his transport. When they entered, Ginger saw that he had the back cabin made into a romantic setting. Pillows galore lay on the bunk which had been widened. The colors of the fabrics were shiny shades of silver, gold and an unusual blue color. “Did you do this for me? You purchased a new transport?” “This is Chance’s VeBus. I borrowed it. How about some grub, I’m starving?” Ginger moved to the bed and flopped down, but not before another sneeze forced its way out. She heard Jack call out to MAX. “Yes, guy, what may I do for you?” She smiled, hearing the moderator’s voice, and had missed him—if such a thing was conceivable. “Position the RC, will you? Oh, and set the destination for Appaloosa, and don’t disturb us unless we’re in danger of being overtaken by a solar-flare.” “Yes, guy, RC is activated. Setting destination now.” Ginger entered the RC, and it took a little under two minutes for the cold to be zapped from her body. As soon as she exited the RC she called out to Max. “MAX, is PAM with you?” “Yes,” he answered in his deep digital tone. “Can you ask her to join us?” “Ginger, what are you doing? We don’t want the moderators here.” Jack settled her back against his chest and held her. “I just want to ask her something.” “Hiya, doll. MAX tells me that you asked for me. Are you with Jack?” “Yes, I am.” “Stars, really? I’m glad to hear that, doll.” “You’re such a sassy moderator. PAM, when I asked you what you and MAX were doing, you said you were working on a secret project, do you remember?” “Of course, doll. My memory banks are filled with my conversations. Do you wish me to play it back?” Her digital snort sounded. “No, no, what I want to know is... Well, you said you would tell me what the project is, and I want to know.” Ginger took a pillow and hugged it in front of her. Jack sat behind her and smiled when the silence continued. “I don’t think she plans on telling you, Ginger. Do you want me to command her to tell you?” Ginger snickered, then laughed. “As if she’d listen to a command. No, I think she’ll tell me.” PAM chimed back into the cabin, after her brief absence. “I talked it over with MAX, and we decided to share our news. But first, you must answer a question for us. Are you and Jack planning on getting hitched?” “Hitched? I think you’ve been on Appaloosa too long, PAM. By hitched, you mean married, I’m guessing.” Ginger looked at Jack, who nodded. “Yes, we do plan on uniting.” “Ooooh, good. I’m glad to hear you finally came to your sense, doll. And Jack, I’m glad you finally got over the fact that you thought Ginger was too young for you.”

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“Is that supposed to be funny, PAM? Because I think it is.” Jack laughed. “MAX and I have a wedding gift. Well, actually it’s more for your little beings.” “What are you talking about?” “I’m speaking of a module made for little beings. MAX and I created a wonderful module, we call it, LMAO, for Lunar Module Assistant One.” “PAM,” Jack called. “I don’t think that’s a good name. You better rename it, because LMAO stands for something else, and it’s not appropriate for little beings.” “Oh, really, handsome? Well then, we’ll just call it CAM, Child Accessory Module. What do you think of that?” PAM spoke with a touch of pride in her digital voice. “I think that’s creative, PAM. But why would you create a module for little beings?” “We wanted to give you a wedding gift you would always remember. Now don’t you think it’s time you two started to make some baby beings?” “You sound as touchy as a bull on rodeo day, PAM, or a grandmother who really wants a baby being.” Ginger laughed. “I’m shocked, Ginger, that I agree with PAM for once. It is time to make a baby being of our own. I can’t wait to get started.” “Ooooh, you two sound like you want to be alone. Have fun, and do everything that I would do, and do it well.” Before PAM chimed out, her digital laughter filled the back cabin of the transport. Jack began stripping, and then he helped her to remove her shiny space-aged clothing. “I think we should stop at a commodity base on the way home and get you some clothes appropriate for Appaloosa. I want to see you in an ancient pair of denims.” Ginger smiled thinking of it. Jack looked damn fine in his, and she thought she wouldn’t mind wearing them herself. She agreed by nodding, and then ran her hands over his hard chest. She touched him everywhere she could reach, missing him as she had. Taking in his beautiful body with her eyes, she concentrated on exciting him, but he wasted no time and had her on her back. “I love you, Ginger Graham. I could just eat you up.” “That’s the sweetest thing you ever said to me.” Jack leaned closer to her and nibbled on her neck. “Mmm, you taste good, like honey, but I need more samples.” His mouth made its way to her breast, where he stopped and nibbled some more. Ginger giggled at the foreplay. “Please, I haven’t had you in such a long time, just druk me, Jack, now.” “Impatience never got anyone anywhere.” Jack teased her by continuing the torment. He lifted a bottle of wine, and poured a good amount on her navel. Most of it slid off the curve of her waistline, which to her wasn’t at all slim, but rounded. Jack licked her skin, and then handed her the bottle. She chugged a few sips. “Are you trying to get me drunk, cowboy?” “Well now, darlin’, if I get to have my way with you...then yeah.” He took the bottle away from her, placing it aside, then moved into position. “You can have your way with me now. You’re a sex-crazed being, Jack. Did I ever tell you how much I like that about you?” “No, maybe you can give me some more advice. What should a being do, when all he wants to do is this?” Jack grinned as he entered her with a gentle thrust. He groaned, closing

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