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“Is all that necessary?”
“Yes.” Fig led her out of the cockpit and through the shuttle.
Anna clasped his hand tightly, feeling nervous all over again. Fig had taken her belongings from Riddle Station after her death. All her clothing was slightly too big and ill-fitting since her new body was trim and a little taller. Age no longer stooped her shoulders or back.
She had on her nicest two-piece outfit. The top was oversized enough to fall to her hips with the matching patterned split skirt pants. “Floral prints always looked good on me before. Now I just look like I’ve borrowed my grandma’s clothing. Are you sure I shouldn’t change into something else? I want to make a good impression.”
That had Fig laughing. “You look beautiful. I like the pink flowers with dark orange centers.”
“These coneflower daisies were always my favorite. I grew them in my little backyard garden. It’s why I bought this outfit. I saw it in the store and thought I’d take a little bit of home with me on my travels.”
“Then it’s the perfect choice to wear.” He stopped in front of a big airlock door and lifted her hand, bent a little, and placed a kiss on it. “Take deep breaths, my love. They will love you as much as I do. Are you ready?”
Anna nodded. She also felt warmth spread through her chest at his words, catching that he’d said how he felt about her. It was always wonderful to hear him say it, and she’d never get tired of hearing him tell her that. “I’m as ready as I’ll ever be. Just don’t change your mind about being my husband if they don’t like me. Please.”
“Nothing, and no one could do that. You are mine forever.”
That helped her breathe easier. “Same. Let’s get out there.”
He released her and tapped at the controls. A pop and hiss sounded before the airlock door moved. It swung inward a little but then slid to the side. A well-lit massive area waited.
Fig grabbed her hand and led Anna out of the shuttle and into the biggest docking area she’d ever seen. Unlike the other stations she’d visited, this one didn’t have a long corridor to walk to reach the main area. A group of seven people waited. Three of them were couples, but one man stood apart.
Anna quickly assessed them. Two of the men looked similar in build. They were excessively tall and overly muscled, and both had black hair. She figured they had to be Blade and Big. Fig had told her that they had worked security on Clone World and were the tallest models created.
Two women were at their sides. One was a blonde, and the other had long, curly brown hair. The older couple had to be the human parents of one of the women that Fig had told her about. They had dark brown hair, and from the curls on the woman, she guessed who their daughter had to be. Hailey.
The man who stood apart from the couple was a burly, dark-haired man. Anna guessed that all male clones must have been built in super good shape. She also presumed that must be Rod. He wasn’t as tall as the other two, but he still had to be at least six feet. His expression wasn’t friendly as he glowered back at her.
“You’ve finally come home,” one of the black-haired tall men loudly exclaimed with exuberance. He grinned wide as he approached, bringing the blonde woman with him.
“Big.” Fig pulled Anna forward. “Meet my Anna.” He smiled at the blonde. “Hello, Gemma. It is nice to finally meet you in person.”
“Hello.” Anna resisted the urge to curtsey. Big had that kind of intimidating presence despite his obvious happiness that they were there. His gaze was friendly, and his expression was open.
Big released the blonde and suddenly lunged at Fig. Anna jerked away from him, letting go of his hand as he was swallowed up in a bear hug. The taller clone lifted Fig right off his feet by a few inches.
Fig laughed, hugging him back. “I missed you too.”
Big put him down, loudly patted his back, and then turned his full attention on her. “Welcome to our home, Anna. We are looking forward to getting to know you.”
The pretty blonde woman stepped forward, holding Anna’s gaze. “How are you doing? I’ve been where you are. You can talk to me about anything, and I’m here to help you adjust to the reality of being a clone. Whatever you need. I promise that it gets easier.”
A lot of Anna’s tension faded. “I’m adapting really well. Can I be one hundred percent honest?”
Gemma nodded. “Always.”
“I was eighty-five years old with one foot in the grave, down to just weeks left to live when I met Fig. Waking up as a clone was the best gift I’ve ever been given, besides meeting this wonderful, amazing man I’ve fallen in love with. I appreciate how worried you look, but it’s not necessary.”
“Good.” Gemma’s relief was obvious. “I’m so glad to hear that.”
“We were all worried about how you were fairing emotionally after waking as a clone with all your human memories intact. I’m Blade, and this is my Hailey.” He smiled at Fig. “It’s good to see you again.”
“You too.” Fig gave him a nod but then stared at the other man still standing back. “Rod. How are you?”
“I’m well.”
“Are you home for good too?”
