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The AI had let that much slip, and I wasn't about to complain about receiving one small piece of information. My mate was male, and that was enough to give my imagination something to work with without handing it a complete profile to obsess over. I would meet him soon enough, and until then, I had a promise to keep.

I wasn't going to spend the remainder of my journey pacing my cabin, rereading the colony laws until my eyes crossed, or pestering the medic for details he wasn't permitted to share. I had work to do, muscles to keep loose, and plenty of energy that needed a useful outlet. The ship's workout facilities seemed like an excellent place to start. For the next hour, I intended to concentrate on footwork, timing, and the satisfying challenge of matching strength and skill against another trained opponent. Then I'd shower and find a vid to lose myself in before going to sleep.

I had fifteen days of travel ahead of me, a new life waiting on New Haven, and a mate I would meet soon enough. I could afford to keep myself busy having fun and working out until then. Besides, if I was going to start my new job as sheriff in good shape, there was no time like the present to make sure I arrived ready for it. I changed into training clothes and headed to the workout area, letting the familiar rhythm of the ship settle around me. It was busy enough to offer a choice of equipment and a few people willing to spar.

I found someone who looked interested in a bout, checked that we were both prepared, and stepped onto the mat.

9

DARREN

Iwatched the school bus pull away with the boys safely aboard, then headed toward my car. I was almost there when the motel manager called out to me.

“Mr. Brooks, a quick word?”

I stopped and turned toward him, wondering what I’d done now. His expression was polite enough, but I’d learned that didn’t always mean good news.

“I just wanted to remind you about the maintenance man who came by your room the other day,” he said. “Your dog was rather vocal about having a stranger outside the door. I’d appreciate it if you made sure she didn’t cause a disturbance while you’re out.”

I glanced toward my car, where Skye was still sitting after coming with us to see the boys off. I hadn’t planned on taking her with me to the testing centre, but I didn’t want to give the manager any reason to complain. Besides, leaving her behind when she might bark at someone passing the room could create more trouble than it was worth.

“Of course,” I said. “I’ll take her with me.”

The manager nodded, apparently satisfied, and went on his way. I turned back toward the motel room, already revising my plans for the morning.

Once I was back inside, I checked on Laura before gathering what I needed. My baby girl was settled and content, and I made sure I had her supplies before getting her ready to go. I lifted her carefully into her car seat, secured the straps, and checked them twice. Then I folded the stroller and fitted it into the car.

Skye climbed in after me and settled happily on her doggie seat cover. She stayed still while I clipped her harness to the seat-belt attachment, her lolling tongue and wagging tail making it clear how pleased she was to be coming along. I gave her a quick scratch behind the ears before settling behind the wheel and setting off for the testing centre.

I hoped the appointment would be straightforward. The Mylos mate-matching service was required as part of the New Haven settlement arrangements, and I’d decided there was no harm in it as the odds against a match were literally astronomical. The testing centre was easy enough to find, and I was met at the entrance by two officers. One was a Mylos named Pellan, while the other was a Dragonii named Rhovan. Both greeted me warmly, and their attention immediately shifted to Laura and Skye.

“Well, aren't you a little sweetheart?” Pellan said, peering down at Laura with an expression of delighted interest.

Laura regarded him solemnly for a moment, then waved a hand in his direction. That seemed to win her his heart.

Rhovan crouched to greet Skye, holding out his hand for her to sniff before giving her a gentle rub behind the ears. She wagged her tail enthusiastically, apparently deciding that this was a place full of people who understood the importance of appreciating a good dog.

“We've arranged a comfortable area for you,” Pellan told me. “You can take your time with the questionnaire, and we'll explain everything as we go.”

They led us into a pleasant seating area with a couch, a couple of armchairs, and two small side tables. It was considerably more welcoming than the clinical room I’d half expected. I could see a coffee station nearby, along with a selection of refreshments.

“Would you prefer tea or coffee?” Pellan asked. “We have lattes, cappuccinos, flat whites, Americanos, and regular brewed coffee. We can also add vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut syrup if you like.”

I stared at him for a second. “You have all that available for people taking a mate test?”

“Of course. We want everyone to be comfortable,” he said with a grin. “Besides, we've developed quite the taste for human coffees and foods, so Rhovan and I will also be having one.”

“Well, in that case, coffee would be wonderful. Just a regular one, please.”

“Coming right up.”

They’d also provided doughnuts and danishes, and I gratefully accepted a little of both. Laura had already managed to get herself a bit sticky from a doughnut of her own, but she seemed perfectly content with the arrangement. I settled into one of the armchairs with my coffee and a plate of refreshments while Pellan brought over a data pad.

“This is yours to use for the questionnaire,” he explained. “Place your thumb here, then look into the scanner so we can complete the retinal identification. That will lock the device to you and protect your personal information.”

I followed his instructions. A small icon flashed on the screen once the identification process was complete.

“Just tap that icon to begin,” Pellan said. “You can take as long as you need. If you have any questions, we're right here.”