CHAPTER SEVENTY-THREE

Mike and Joe lay in their own suite on Admiral Pav’s ship. It was the night before the Senate meeting.

They were naked in each other’s arms except for a small crystalline vial that Mike kept around his neck. In it was a bit of a drop of liquid zukoh. A last defense if anyone tried an attack, and the only souvenir Mike had requested.

Mike asked, “Do you think I’m making the right decision?”

“Yes,” was Joe’s immediate answer.

“You don’t think I should stay here and use all this to protect gay people?”

“We already are protected. You’ve seen to that.”

“Would you like it all? You could stay and make sure nothing goes wrong.”

“No. That’s a kind thing to offer. We’ve got a structure that’s in place.” Joe pulled Mike in closer but leaned his head back enough so they could look at each other’s eyes as they spoke. “I want to be wherever you are. To me that’s been the point of this whole thing. Us being together.”

Mike said, “For me too.” He pulled in a deep breath. “I love you.”

“I love you too.”