Redsand Canyon Silver screen (shower scene).

She didn’t know about the taboo on premarital sex in Mereo, though something about his query made her hesitate. Had Aquene told her about banging Kallik in confidence? Towhee’s brow furrowed as she tried to read Germanicus’s facial expression better. Did he really not know those two were bumping uglies?

Uh, I think they fancy each other, Towhee said lightly. Even if they’re merely flirting—with their genitals—they’re still more established as a pairing, she mentioned, her own face growing contemplative. This is kind of an aside, but with this kind of growth potential, have we considered expanding into a second outpost? Maybe led by Arsenio and Tamar? Or even Kallik and Aquene?

But before Germanicus could even respond to that grandiose idea, Towhee hastened to say, Because I think I may want the opportunity to have kids, but I don’t want to leave Mereo. To speak very frankly, I won’t leave Rue or your kids.