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fought on the side of the Democratic Loyalists. And then there’s many who fought on our side that were thrown into debtors prison, and those that were banished to little known worlds for their part in the war. So, don’t preach to me about wanting to go back to Earth. We aren’t really wanted there so why would I want to go back?”
    Freya shook her head. “I’m obviously getting nowhere fast with you. I want to go home. I don’t care that home is a different sort of home than I’m used to … Earth is where I was born, and Earth is where I will live out the rest of my days.”
    “And die.” Talia turned her back on her. “I want you to leave my quarters now.
    I’ve done all that I can. If you ever do need a shoulder to genuinely lean on without playing out this pity party of yours then, I will always be here for you. In a few days time, we will rendezvous with many of our other friends. They too, will show you the error of your ways, in thinking you need to escape Lord Aries. He won’t hurt you. I can give you my word on that, and you might think a great many things about me right now, but I’m sure you know that my word is as good as platinum.”
    “I know. Or at least I used to know that. I don’t feel sure of anything anymore.
    Look at me! I’m a bloody mess. Twelve years ago, I never dreamt I’d find myself in this position. My life has changed so much, I don’t even recognize myself in the mirror anymore. I’m not Freya Kirkland, I’m some shadow of her that’s still managing to cling to the living world. Sometimes, I think I should have died back in the war, with all of our friends.” She looked down at her feet. Why had she decided to wear sandals today? She should have just worn her leather knee high boots. She swallowed. Her toes looked a funny color. Oh, yeah, she’d painted the nails last night.
    Doorway to the Stars by Marly Mathews 25
    She felt really out of it. That milky foamy stuff in her eyes kept nearly blinding her. It had to be a side effect of the vodka. Or worse. Perhaps, it was another symptom of the passion fever. If it continued to intensify, she’d be stumbling over things in her path because of her poor sight. Blinking her eyes rapidly, she moved toward the door to leave Talia’s quarters. “Are you sure that Gaian vodka is safe for us mere Terrans to drink?”
    “I’ve had a small sip of it … but never in the amount you just consumed. Maybe you should sit down.”
    “I don’t feel like sitting down.” She moaned, and leaned against the wall next to the door. “I feel like death warmed over.” Her vision blurred. She leaned over, trying to fight the wave of nausea that had just washed over her. In the next moment, it slid open to reveal Aries and Mathias. She closed her eyes.
    “Have you managed to sway her opinion in our favor, yet, Talia?” Aries question hit her like a fist in the stomach.
    “No.” She spoke the word in a soft whisper. “But I did manage to drink a whole damn bottle of your blasted vodka!”
    When she opened her eyes, she was met with a look of horror from Aries. He came toward her and put one hand on each shoulder. Staring deeply into her eyes, he shook his head. “Why did you do that silly thing? No one should drink an entire bottle of Gaian vodka, not even a Gaian male, and you’re a Terran female.”
    “I’m painfully aware of that, Aries.” She laughed. “Every time I think of your name I think of the Greek God of war, Aries.” She reached her arm up and patted him on his cheek. It was bristled with the slightest hint of shadow. “I think we should go back to your quarters. You promised me some food, and a hot shower. You do shower with hot water, right? I mean I’m burning up on the inside but I still want a nice hot shower to wash off some of the traveling dirt that’s on me.”
    “Traveling dirt?” He chuckled. “You look and smell clean enough to me.”
    “That’s great. Now you’re smelling me.” Snorting, she