Elizabeth blushed. “Will you be my steady boyfriend and e-mail me and give me a call whenever you have the chance?”

Tom’s answering smile outshone the sun. “Yes! Sure!”

Elizabeth smiled, blue eyes sparkling then dared to kiss him on the cheek, before racing away. Tom was struck speechless with shock and joy. He wished he could stay and pursue this new and delightful development, but unfortunately, it would have to wait. He picked up his bag and headed to his car whistling a cheery tune.

Since Tom was anxious to begin his search for Arrin, the three-week trip to Mars on the slow transport ship seemed like it took three years. He slept fitfully and when he was awake he paced the ship, frequently getting in the crew’s way. So when he disembarked in...

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