Paterae City, Ganymede, Feb 27, 2372, Earth calendar
To Mr. William P. Denefore
My name is Agnes Julia Walshire. I am writing to you in response to your advertisement seeking a proper young lady to wed. Your post requested the lady be of refinement, not older than twenty-four, and of healthy mind and body. I meet these requirements and so am writing to offer my hand in marriage.
Strange though it may sound, I do not have the means of attaining a current photograph, so I will attempt an adequate description. I am twenty-three Earth years old, one-hundred, sixty-four centimeters tall, weighing fifty-two kilograms and of healthy constitution. I have blue eyes and bright, red hair that would put starship thrusters to shame. However, I do not attain to the level of temper with which so many women with my shade of hair are stereotyped.
I am the only child of Ander M. Walshire. My father was a wealthy businessman here in Paterae City. Unfortunately, he lost his life during the riots which plagued this city last year. Data thieves swindled away his fortunes which were to be mine, leaving me nearly creditless. I retained some of the wealth, enough to live for the past year on meager means. That is coming to an end, however, as my funds have already been depleted. I have been forced to scrounge for the past month, working where I may in order to earn enough to live by. Even still, work is scarce. I happened across your advertisement and saw an opportunity. I am of marrying age and, though not seeking a husband, am in a unique situation as to need one with suitable means to support himself and I.
I do not write this to arouse your sympathy. I wanted you to know the state of the woman who solicits you. My father raised me as a proper young lady. I will be both obedient and submissive. I am not afraid of hard work and, though not the best of cooks, will endeavor to fill any role you have of me for a proper young wife of a Marsian nobleman, including the bearing of children.
Please send correspondence if this arrangement is to your liking.
Sincerely,
Agnes Julia Walshire
Mars City, Mars, Feb 29, 2372, Earth calendar
Dear Ms. Walshire,
First, allow me to offer my condolences on the loss of your father and your fortune. You may not have sought my sympathies, but you have them nonetheless. I saw the news of the riots when they occurred, truly a tragedy. I find it remarkable you survived at all, as I heard many aristocrats were killed in those awful dealings. Let me assure you, no such instability exists here on Mars.
I have looked up your father’s estate as it was before the riots. While I cannot pretend to his level of fortune, I am a successful business owner. My investments are not locked in to one place, but widely diversified with different levels of security and in different holdings so bankruptcy by a single individual or group would be quite a task. What I mean to say is I would be able to provide a stable home and lifestyle for you, were we to mutually agree on our matrimony.
I am including a picture of myself, but as pictures can often deceive and you have so generously described yourself, I shall do the same. I am thirty-one Earth years old, one-hundred, seventy-two centimeters tall, and sixty-four kilograms in weight. I have short, brown hair and a mustache that elicits many a jibe and jest from my contemporaries, often in reference to something for a woman to grab hold of so she may “lay one on me.”
My mother said I should seek a lady of refinement for a wife. Of course, mother knows best and she insists I find a woman not constantly smattered in dirt or in a tattered state of dress. She is forever concerned she will not live to see her grandchildren, though she is in fine health. Do not let her presence in my life deter you. She is opinionated, but by no means does she decide my life, nor my choices. Those are solely mine. And on that note, I find your proposal, thus far, most agreeable.
However, there is an absence which I would like to address: you have made no conditions for yourself upon our matrimony beyond my provision for your well-being. Do you require no further assurances?
I prefer all pretense dispensed with so there may be as little contradiction in our marriage as possible upon commencement. Please speak plainly. I should like to know the woman I am to marry.
Sincerely yours,
William Paul Denefore
[visual data available for download]
Paterae City, Ganymede, Mar 1, 2372, Earth calendar
Mr. Denefore,
I thank you much for your kind words concerning my late father. He was a good man, though he could be cold at times. He would not so readily jump to humorous descriptions of himself as you have so done. I must admit, I laughed when I read your mustache comment, which received to me an odd look from the other data station patrons. And your desire to know my wishes, not just immediately accept my proposal, is most honorable and straightforward. That is something rarely seen in men today and I commend you for it. It commends me all the more toward you as well.
As for my own desires, I ask only you treat me as a lady. I will not stand for abuse, physical or otherwise. Please understand I say this with the most humble of hearts. Bullying and strong-arming are things I cannot abide. If you would know my desires further, let us call them requests. I shall abide happily in your home even if they are not met.
There are times when I have…urges to act rather un-ladylike. Oh, nothing scandalous. However, taking action is not something foreign to me, especially when there is no one else to do so. If I see a need, I act on it, heedless of my own well-being or reputation. I have been reprimanded by my father time and again for this and have mostly learned to tame this desire except in the most dire of circumstances, in which case I would not suppress it for all the gold in the asteroid belt. I will attempt to restrain this impulse, but do not think less of me if I am given to it now and again.
Also, though I am not boisterous, neither am I content to sit quietly while things happen around me. I love to be engaged in the goings-on of my world, tempered of course by manners, kindness, and all, well, most behavior becoming a lady of my former stature.
I should like the ability and opportunity to learn, to better myself. My mind can become somewhat restless and must find things to occupy it. I would prefer this to be open and free, but if not, I may still find small ways in which to satisfy this compulsion within me. I dare say it is necessary for my mental health to have an active mind. I will, of course, temper this as much as possible so as not to interfere with our marriage or your daily life and business dealings. I can keep it quiet, if need be.
Lastly, I would ask that I be allowed to speak my opinion and you would consider it as counsel to your dealings, be they business, social, or otherwise. Please understand, I do not seek to impress my will upon you, only to be considered an equal with as sound a mind as yourself.
Once again, if I am relegated to a quiet housewife, I will take such duty with thankfulness and without complaint so long as the first condition is met.
My thanks for your request and your indulgence. I await your reply.
Sincerely,
Agnes Walshire
Mars City, Mars, Jingzhe 11, 2372
Ms. Walshire,
I thought it best to start using Martian reckoning of dates and time if we are to proceed with our matrimony. Yes, I intend to move forward with our arrangement. Do not fear your requests. They have not rebuffed me, but endeared you to me all the more. A wife is surely a good thing to have, as the Lord has said. But to have an equal, a partner, a friend, that is truly my heart’s desire. Never would I have imagined having found such a one as you in such a cold business as a bride service. It may indeed come to that our personalities do not connect, regardless of your tendencies, but if so, we will make the best of it. And what I have read thus far encourages me greatly.
I am a man of passion myself. I have desires I too have learned to control for the sake of my station and propriety. Conscience must always temper these desires to be sure. But know I will never stifle you in your pursuits. Rather, I will encourage them. Come alongside me in mine and I will gladly come alongside you in yours.
As for that which you cannot abide, you need not fear. I have laid a violent hand on an individual only once. The incident was against a man double my size who attempted to lay his hands on a woman. You will be a lady and treated as such in my—our household.
I have purchased a cabin for you on the next transport bound for Mars City. The ship is called the Persephone and leaves port in seven Earth days. That should be sufficient time for you to gather any necessities and prepare for the trip. It is long, so please avail yourself of all you need. I have transmitted funds for you to do so as well as to sustain you while you wait to leave Ganymede. Please let me know if there is anything else you need. I look forward to meeting you in person.
Sincerely yours,
William Paul Denefore
P.S. If you would, from this time forth, please refer to me as William.
Paterae City, Ganymede, Jingzhe 14 (?), 2372.
William,
It is very strange and feels somewhat scandalous calling you by your first name. I am happy to oblige, however. Thank you for your encouraging words. I must admit to some apprehension as to their believability. You know what they say about things being too good to be true. Nevertheless, I thank you and will take you at your word until you prove it false.
I thank you as well for the funds you transmitted. They have been an immense help. I used a portion to obtain a personal datapad, nothing fancy or expensive, just a simple device with a com identifier so I may write to you while I am in transit. I have been using a public data station up to this point.
I purchased food and other necessities I lacked as of late, a change of clothes, and a suitcase. I also purchased a tranquilizer round for a rifle. I heard these trips can be dangerous and wanted some protection, just in case. A gun will not be permitted and deterrent spray might not be effective if I am attacked. Hopefully, I will not need it.
The most expensive of my purchases was a dress. There was plenty of money for it and I still have plenty left over. I did my best to be frugal while purchasing a dress, which would be appealing to your eye. Not knowing your tastes, I went with what matched my skin, hair, and eyes. I want to be beautiful for you when first we meet in person.
Oh, but I felt so lovely when I put it on and looked in the mirror, I nearly burst into tears! You don’t know what it means to me to wear such niceties. I sold all that was in my father’s house to survive this past year and I have not known such things in some time.
Thank you again. Here is a photo of me taken with the datapad your funds have provided. I do hope you see the sincerity of my smile. It is because of you. You have given me hope and a future again. Thank you.
Yours sincerely,
Agnes
[visual data available for download]
Mars City, Mars, Jingzhe 15, 2372
Agnes,
I do hope I am not being presumptuous in using your first name. If I am, I beg your forgiveness and assure you I will do it no further. Please inform me which is the case.
Your frugality impresses me as your desire to please me makes my heart glad. I am happier still you found something pleasing to you. I noticed you did not include a picture of the dress. I suspect it is to show me when you arrive. I must say, you have the most stunning blue eyes. Your face is quite lovely and your hair! My, but the brightest meteorite could not outshine your locks!
Yes, I neglected to mention anything about me. Let me see. Red and white are my favorite colors, especially when combined, though I do not include those in my clothing choices. Floral patterns are nice on a lady, but not necessary. Short hair is not unbecoming of a lady, though I rather prefer long hair. I prefer organically grown foods rather than those made in genetic assemblers, though the former is scarce here on Mars. I like a good play as opposed to a digital production. In fact, many of my tastes harken to humanity’s past rather than her present or future. I invest in the future, but I indulge in the past, if that makes sense.
But what of your tastes? What do you like to see on a man? And what do you prefer for yourself? I should like to know you more.
Sincerely,
William
Paterae City, Ganymede, Jingzhe 17, 2372
William,
I am positively bursting with excitement! The transport leaves tomorrow and I cannot sleep. I am in a temporary shelter near the starport. I wish to board as soon as possible. I have confirmed my cabin (oh, bless you, you got me a private one!) and where I am to be when the boarding commences.
I am not at all scandalized by your use of my first name. Are we not to be husband and wife? That sounds so strange. I can scarcely believe this is real. I used the datapad to look up the Martian calendar and believe I have the date right. I have also looked up Mars City. Can you tell me where our residence will be? I should like to learn as much about the city as I can before I arrive. It appears the starport is on the outskirts. I hope you do not have to drive too far.
I love old-world things. I used to own a few of them. I had an analog telescope made of brass and real glass. Oh, it broke my heart to part with it! I even had some physical data streams once called books. Have you heard of them? It amazes me humanity used so much paper and ink. Where did we get it all?
On a man, my tastes are not so much in looks, but in heart. I like bravery and control in a man. If one cannot control his own spirit, he cannot order his life. Likewise, he must have the courage to do what is right, even if it scares him. From your correspondence, you seem to be of that temperament.
It is strange. One side of me feels like I know you already. But the logic side tells me you are still a stranger. I suppose both are true. I am rambling now. Boarding is in a few hours and I must sleep. I will write again when I am settled on board. Goodnight, Dear William.
Sincerely,
Agnes.
Transport ship Persephone, in transit from Paterae City, Ganymede to Mars City, Mars, Jingzhe 19, 2372 [Transmitted Jingzhe 23, 2372, Mars calendar]
William,
My apologies for not writing to you the next day. I was exhausted and after receiving orientation with the other guests, meal, and settling my cabin, I collapsed onto my bunk. I do not know when this will reach you. The captain says this will be a three-week journey and correspondence can only be sent when we pass near a relay satellite. Until then, any outgoing messages will be in the ship’s que. Any incoming messages will likewise have to wait until we pass by. The other passengers and I were told to inform anyone writing to us to be sure to address any correspondence to us with the prefix of Persephone Transport. Our ship will upload and distribute any message waiting for us at the nearest satellite to our current position toward which we are bound whenever we pass close enough to receive the signal.
To answer your question, I enjoy astronomy and hunting if you can believe it. My father instructed me well in the latter and I found a natural aptitude for it, though I insisted we give away the meat from anything we killed to those less fortunate. I even became proficient in tranquilizer rounds and learned how much to use for what size of a beast, though I didn’t see much point to it.
I grew up on finer foods, of course, but have since become accustomed to eating more meager meals. The food on the Persephone is a grand feast compared to what I have eaten lately. I have taken to hoarding some away for later. A foolish habit I am attempting to overcome. I am not a glutton, I assure you. I love cheeses and am used to Ganymede cuisine. I am open to other types of food, however. I am sure whatever is within our household, I will become accustomed to. I hope to make you some meals you will truly enjoy.
My, but all this talk of food has made me hungry. I really shouldn’t skimp on the meals while I have opportunity. I shall end this letter here and fetch more food. It is free within limits and I have certainly not exhausted my daily provisions. I will write to you again soon.
Sincerely yours,
Agnes.
[Persephone Transport] Mars City, Mars, Jingzhe 18, 2372 [Received Jingzhe 23, 2372, Mars calendar]
Agnes,
I am happy to hear you are prepared to board and are so excited. I find myself rather the same. I must admit to a bit of nervousness. I have included a map with location markers signifying our home and the starport. It is a bit of a drive, but one I will happily make. In addition, the scenery is nice if one takes the long way around. Mars has terraformed nicely. Even those parts with little or none are stunning to behold.
If you like physical books, then you are in luck. I have a small collection gathering dust as none, but myself have been interested in them until now. I must keep this short. There are some major financial goings-on I must attend to. I do desire to share more. Know if I do not respond right away, it is only due to this and not because my desire is not there. I will endeavor to keep writing to you, if only to let you know I am here.
I must away from this letter, but I confess to struggle with it. The more I read your words and look at your smiling face, the more I believe I am falling in love with you. I desire to hear your voice. Write back swiftly, my love. I eagerly await your correspondence.
With a full heart,
William.
[visual data available for download]
Transport ship Persephone, in transit from Paterae City, Ganymede to Mars City, Mars, Jingzhe 24, 2372 [Transmitted Chunfen 1, 2372, Mars calendar]
William,
My heart is full as well and my eyes are filled with tears as I write this. But fear not. These are happy tears. I am of the same mind, falling for a man I have never met. Oh, don’t be so eager to hear my voice. It is a timid, soft thing. My father would say if I spoke low enough, not even a sub-sonic microphone could pick up my voice. I miss him.
Please, do not worry about me. Respond when you can. I am bound for you, my love, and shall see you soon. Despite my claim, I have included a voice recording. It must be brief, as there are data limitations aboard this vessel. However, I wanted to send you something. I hope this warms your heart. Take care, my love. I look forward to your reply.
With love,
Agnes.
[Voice message available for download]
Transport ship Persephone, in transit from Paterae City, Ganymede to Mars City, Mars, Chunfen 7, 2372 [Transmitted Chunfen 8, 2372, Mars calendar]
William,
How are you, my love? I am sure you are busy with your business endeavor. It has been thirteen days since your last correspondence, and I miss you. I have attempted patience and to keep busy by getting to know some of the other passengers. Did you know there are two other brides-to-be on board? They seem as nervous as I, but lacking that joy I feel, and they are not in regular correspondence with their to-be husbands. Are they not in love with their betrothed? It would seem more likely than our situation. I am truly blessed to have found you. Write back soon. I love you.
Agnes.
Transport ship Persephone, in transit from Paterae City, Ganymede to Mars City, Mars, Chunfen 8, 2372 [Transmitted Chunfen 14, 2372, Mars calendar]
William,
You have not written me. We have passed two satellites and still no word from you. Are you well? Have I said something to offend you? Please know whatever it was, I did not mean it. Please write me back.
With love,
Agnes.
Transport ship Persephone, in transit from Paterae City, Ganymede to Mars City, Mars, Chunfen 15, 2372
William,
I miss you. I cannot imagine what is keeping you from writing me. Just a simple note to let me know you are all right, that you are there. It would only take a moment, would it not? It is lonely here and I am getting cabin fever. The other passengers and crew seem nervous about something and are mostly keeping to themselves. I have tried to question the crew, but they will say nothing.
I feel some sense of madness creeping up on me, being locked in by these metal walls and this metal floor. I long to hear from you. Please write to me so I may know I have not imagined you. That I have not gone mad with grief and longing over the loss of my father and spent the last of my money on a fantasy made up by a distraught mind. Please write me. I love you.
I love you.
Agnes.
Transport ship Persephone, in transit from Paterae City, Ganymede to Mars City, Mars, Qingming 1, 2372.
Dearest William,
As I write this, I am sitting in one of the many piloting chairs on the bridge of the Persephone. I must relate to you what happened with what little time I have.
On Chunfen 19 pirates attacked us. They hacked one of the transmission satellites to know our location and set an ambush for us when we passed by. They attacked and boarded with such swiftness, they completely overwhelmed the crew. All us passengers were robbed and sealed in our cabins. The one who sealed me in took away all my possessions, save my dress which he ordered me to wear after he’d torn my clothes. I had no choice. I had to comply. The disgusting smirk on his face as he watched me left little doubt in my mind as to his intentions. After I changed, he left. For an entire day, I was locked in my cabin, not knowing what was happening.
My bad habit of hoarding food worked to my advantage, for I did not go hungry while waiting. I think it was their strategy to weaken us through lack of nutrition. I heard some women screaming. It still makes me shudder what those women had to endure. I knew they would come for me next. Then I remembered the tranquilizer round. I’d hid it beneath my mattress where I could get to it in case of an emergency.
When the brute returned…oh, William, do not think less of me for this. I laid back on my mattress in a feigned invitation, my hand gripping the tranq round beneath my pillow. When he was on top of me, I tried to stab him. But he was too quick and caught my arm. Fortunately, my legs were still between his and I hit him there with my shin over and over until he collapsed and I had to push him off me. Then I tranqed him. I took his gun and a wicked blade he carried and left him in my room.
I didn’t know where the crew were being held, so I wandered the corridors, trying to unlock doors and free other passengers. I managed to save one woman who was being set upon. She wouldn’t come with me. I took the rifle of the man I killed. Yes, I killed a man. It fills me with such sickness even now. Later, when I am alone, I will break down, if there is a later. For now, I must write.
I freed another passenger from his cabin who walked me through unlocking his door. Thankfully, he had a better head than I. Together, we found the crew locked in the brig and freed them. I was forced to kill more men, which I do not relish.
From there, it was chaos. The crew and the pirates fought a pitched battle. The man who had joined me and I were sent with some crew to the engine room while the rest fought their way to the bridge. The pirates tried to seal us out. We slipped in, the door closing on my hair. I am sorry, William. I had to chop it off.
I won’t go into details. Suffice it to say, we took the engine compartment. The pirates left us no choice. We had to kill every last one of them. We received word the crew re-took the bridge and killed the pirates, at the cost of many crew members. They needed any passengers able to keep their wits to help in the piloting. They chose me in light of my participation in the fight and freeing the crew.
Before they died, the pirates sabotaged our systems and knocked out most of our navigation. We were able to ping a distant satellite and so get back on course. At least we managed that much. So many systems are inoperable. The three remaining crew tell me it will be a crash landing on Mars.
I found my datapad cracked and lying in a dead pirate’s belt. And now here I sit, about to do what I can to help us not crash into anything habitable as Mars draws ever closer.
I do not know if you will ever read this. I want you to know I love you. I do not regret my choice to come to you. I am happy, happy I could know you and am only sorry I could not fulfill the role of a wife for you. I think I would have been happy with you. Take care of yourself, my love. Thank you for all your kindness to a woman you have never met. I wish you all the best.
We are about to enter the atmosphere. I must go. I will send this out when we are close enough for the signal to get through.
Love with all my heart,
Agnes.
~ * ~
William’s datapad chirped just as the small dot in the sky turned into a blazing fireball. It angled away from the starport and William ordered his driver to follow the emergency vehicles chasing after it.
A terrible boom vibrated his chest as the ship slammed and skidded into the undeveloped, red soil. They stopped half a kilometer away and William hopped out, getting as close as the emergency workers allowed him.
It took some time for the dust to settle. He saw ghostly phantoms through its misty presence as emergency workers rushed in. He read as he waited, pacing back and forth and looking eagerly to the settling cloud. Eventually, the shadows resolved into people, ragged and injured, being pulled from the wreckage.
One person, a woman, was helping passengers out through a hole in the hull, redirecting any help the emergency workers tried to offer. She wore a ruined dress, torn raggedly off at the knees, her face smeared with dirt and blood, her dirty, red hair chopped off just below her ears. Then her blue eyes found him and he saw through the layers of dirt and trauma the woman he had so longed to see.
Attempting in vain to smooth her dress, she marched towards him.
~ * ~
William stood his ground as she approached. She knew it was him from the moment she saw his face. The brown suit of a gentleman. His mustache, long and elegant, was unmistakable. What troubled her was the look of astonishment on his face. Agnes stopped half a meter from him, hoping, praying his shock was not for her ragged countenance. The dried blood on her face itched. She ignored it and made a perfect curtsey.
“Mister Denefore.” She folded her hands before her. “William.”
William said nothing, his brown eyes fixed on her. Agnes fidgeted, not meeting his gaze.
“I must apologize for my state of dress.” She attempted in vain to smooth her mussed hair. “I assure you I am not normally like this. Battling pirates is not a habit of mine.”
She attempted a nervous laugh, but it died away in the face of his silence. Why wouldn’t he speak? She’d disappointed him. She must appear counter to everything she had told him of herself. He would reject her. She would be creditless again and a stranger on a strange world. No. It was more than that. She couldn’t stand the thought of losing his love. She did love him and she wanted to be loved by him. Tears wetted her eyes as panic and despair set-in.
“William, please forgive me,” she burst out, her voice soft and timid, tears trickling down her dirty cheeks. “I’ve ruined your dress. I butchered my hair. I wanted to be the kind of woman you wanted. I didn’t want to disappoint you. If…if you no longer want me, I…I—”
With movements both swift and gentle, he stepped to her, leaned down, and laid his lips upon hers. His kiss, warm and soft, told her he still wanted her. Still loved her. She melted into him, her tension fleeing. He pulled away and stared into her eyes, gentle hands on her smattered face.
“You are an amazing woman.” His voice, like a warm pool, buoyed her soul. “You are brave, selfless, and I would be a fool not to take you as my wife. More than that.”
Releasing her, he retrieved a long case from his hover car and bent down on one knee before her. He pressed a button and the lid retracted, revealing a brass telescope, obviously old, and well maintained. A gold ring lay atop mounted with a diamond glittering more beautifully in the Marsian air than any jewelry Agnes had ever owned. For it was full of his love for her.
“I would be honored to take your hand in marriage.”
Agnes burst out with a brief laugh, delirious with joy. Covering her mouth with one hand, she offered the other, gaining back enough control to say, “And I would be honored to be yours.”
William laid aside the telescope and fit the ring on her finger. It slid on smooth, a promise made and kept, a moment signifying the end of an interminable heartache. William stood and she embraced him, her tears of joy flowing freely.
She found in the warmth of his embrace she could hold herself together no longer. The strength that helped her survive for the past year at last failed. Her body shook, her legs buckling. But then William’s arm was beneath her legs, lifting her into his arms. She wept into his shoulder, grateful, so very grateful, as he carried her away towards her new home.
~ * ~ * ~
Luke T. Barnett grew up on a steady diet of Sci-Fi. As an awkward kid with ADD, good stories, and deep characters were his great escape, be they in movie, TV show, book, or video game. Star Wars, Star Trek, Firefly, and Cowboy Bebop are among his favorite space adventures.
With all these good stories rolling around inside his brain, he longed to tell his own stories and began writing fanfictions and original works in grade school.
His first works, which were school assignments, were praised by his teachers. By adulthood, he had discovered anime and the world of pen & paper role-playing games. He wrote several short works based on his characters and fanfictions based on the video games and tabletop games he played.
His first publication was in a local gaming newsletter which featured an early version of his Cryos & Jade series.
In 2021 he began work on a sweeping sci-fi epic called Galactic Core. It is inspired by the many sci-fi and anime movies and TV shows he has enjoyed over the years.
Luke currently lives in Mentor, Ohio where he spends his days working a day job and caring for his family while writing at night and on the weekends. He has a beautiful, no-nonsense, Star Wars loving, writer wife, two slow-motion loving, story-telling-addict boys, and one dragon-slaying, unicorn-loving daughter. He regularly reads his stories to his boys who are constantly begging for more. He is happy to provide.