Free Freehold by Michael Z. Williamson

didn't, you weren't trapped. Although," he tossed his head and looked at her, "I'd be delighted if you accepted."
    She smiled back, feeling slightly threatened. How to politely decline? What were the rules here? She decided he knew she was a stranger and to be direct. "I'm flattered, but no, thank you. I'm not ready for sex my first day here."
    Nodding, he said, "I didn't think so, but it never hurts to ask. Don't feel obligated to anyone, even if there's a misinterpretation of signals." The advice seemed genuine.
    "Is casual sex really as common as it appears to be?" she asked.
    "It's not casual," he denied, with a shake of the head. "It's as serious as anything else, but very common. If you recall, the only health concern at Freehold System Entry is venereal and bloodborne pathogens. Everyone, every time, including diplomatic personnel, gets tested. There is no risk of infection here."
    "That's . . . amazing," she replied, stunned. Then a thought occurred to her. "What about smugglers?" she asked.
    "Who would smuggle when there is no restriction on merchandise and no duties?" he asked rhetorically. "Everyone goes through Orbital because it's cheap and easy."
    " No one ever tries to skip in unreported?" she asked incredulously.
    "Occasionally," he said. "And they wind up as ashes before touchdown. Since there's no reason to blow System, anyone who does is assumed to be an enemy invader and gapped by Defense. I got called to nail one they missed when I was on active duty, just as they hit the swamps in the Hinterlands, but Orbital dropped the bar on them and all I had to do was recon the crater."
    That was a startling discovery. Bring in anything you want openly and freely that's fine; try to do it clandestinely and wind up a wisp of vapor. And a planet where all sex was safe.
    On Earth, even rapists wore barriers against infection.
    * * *
    They reached their building again, Kendra wobbly from gravity and fatigue and alcohol. She found herself leaning against McKay as they climbed the stairs. She was beyond exhausted; she was drained.
    At the top, they were greeted by a large black cat. "Hi, George," McKay replied, reaching down to scratch the creature's ears as it buzzed and bumped his ankles.
    "No pet licenses either, I assume," she said, reaching to scratch George's shoulders.
    " Pet licenses? " McKay exclaimed, shocked at last.
    They continued to his door, which was closed but not locked. He walked in, dropped his extraneous gear and escorted her next door.
    She unlocked her door and the cat headed inside. "Oh, damn!" she exclaimed.
    "Don't worry about it," McKay advised "Unless you're allergic?"
    "No."
    "I recommend fresh air, despite the chill. You take care and I'll see how you're doing in the morning."
    "Okay," she agreed.
    He put his arms around her again and stared levelly at her eyes. She stared back. His were a curious sea green with flecks of gold foam. She wondered what his heritage was besides Scottish. He really was attractive. Still, the attention was unnerving. "Look . . . why are you being so nice?" she asked, and was embarrassed by asking.
    He withdrew from her space a few centimeters and moved his embrace to a simple light grip on her forearms. "I'm interested in you," he said, honestly. "But you're not obligated for anything. If all you want is advice from a neighbor, that's fine." He looked faintly disappointed at that prospect. "But we do try to help guests, and strangers here, and it never hurts to have friends. I'm sorry if I'm encroaching too much." He cocked his head and looked at her, waiting.
    Nodding, she leaned forward and kissed him briefly and lightly. He broke it before she got too uncomfortable and she felt less intruded upon. She'd have to consider this, among hundreds of other cultural issues.
    "Later," he said, stepping back.
    "Uh-huh," she agreed, distractedly, and went inside. The whole exchange had felt odd and a bit forced.
    She closed and locked the door, felt the heat of the