Free Shadow Force 1: the Garden Planet by J.R. O'Neill Page A

get out before we start this odyssey.”
    “What is it?”
    “It’s hard to put into words, but I must, or go crazy trying to suppress what I have to say.”
    “Just spit it out.”
    “Okay, here goes. Ever since I was rescued, I’ve never been even slightly attracted to a man. It goes without saying that I have been totally celibate, and then you come along. I have been trying to hate you along with all men in general. Only I don’t hate you, as a matter of fact I think I’m falling in love with you.”
    Sweeter words I couldn’t have imagined. Had she really just said that? My dreams were coming true. “I feel the same way.” I said finally then asked “why me?”
    “It started the day at the beach. I purposely stripped and teased you, just so I could prove to myself that you were a pig just like all the other men I’ve been with.”
    “Is that so?” I asked not sure where this was heading, as I had felt like a pig, staring at her that day.
    “Yes, it is so. You looked at me as though you were looking at a beautiful painting. No derogatory remarks, you treated me with respect. That has never happened to me before.”
    “Sara, everyone respects you.”
    “Now people respect me, due to the professional that I have become. And I respect others for the professionals they are. Yet I’ve never stood naked in front of a man and felt respected, never.”
    “Well, that must have been some enchanted beach.” I said.
    “Why?”
    “Because that’s where I first realized that I was falling in love with you.”
    It took her until then to realize that I had said I was falling in love with her.
    “Why didn’t you say anything?” Sara asked looking deliciously vulnerable.
    “Well, since the death of my wife I have seen dozens of women in many different situations naked. Yet I never felt anything. That is until you. That was completely different, I wanted you. More than that, I wanted all of you. Not just your body, but your mind and your heart. Still I was certain that you didn’t feel the same way. And you were right, I respected you. So not wanting to jeopardize our budding relationship I kept my feelings to myself.”
    “Do you still want all of me?” Sara asked as she unfastened her jumpsuit.
    “More than anything.” I replied and helped her.

Chapter Seven
    Sara and I were sitting in the room that in less than two hours would become her cell.
    “Sara I don’t know if I can let you go through with this.” I stated my stomach in knots.
    “Why, Jon?”
    “I just can’t bear the thought of you doing with another man what you just did with me.”
    “Listen, I could never do what I just did with you, with another. Don’t you realize what last night meant to me? I just gave my virginity to you. Maybe not physically but mentally, yes. This was the first time I’ve ever made love in the true sense of the word with my mind, not just my body. So no matter what happens, no matter what I have to do, nothing can change what we have accomplished together. The joining of two minds two spirits into one.”
    “You make it sound so simple.” I responded.
    “It is. I will do what has to be done, so will you. Then when this is over we can finally put our pasts where they belong, in the past. We will be able to live for the future.”
    Max and Izzy came in before I could reply, effectively ending my argument.
    “Are you alright Sara?” Izzy asked.
    “As alright as I can be given the circumstances.” She replied.
    “Listen, why don’t you guys leave Sara and me alone for a while so we can get ready?” Izzy asked.
    “What’s to get ready?” I asked.
    “Just trust me, okay?”
    Boy, I hate it when someone says that to me. It invariably means that I am not going to like the result. Still in this situation, what choice did I have? “Okay.” I said.
    Max and I went up to the bridge to prepare for landing.
    “What exactly are you planning Max?” I asked.
    “Well, once we land we will contact Harrod and