We were to do a preliminary survey to see if we could spot the reason the planet was now deserted. Just to be on the safe side, we were going in armed...with energy weapons. We would also have a knife and other survival gear, but that was a routine precaution for expeditions to previously unexplored planets. We were going in on our own. There was no need for experts at this stage. Our AIs could process the kind of data we were looking for. The experts would go in later when they could be sure. Fight or flight. What am I even doinghere? The guy next to me finished, and the attention of the class justturned to me."Umm," I said. "I’m Nic-" I froze. No. That’s my name. That’s not.. Shit.What’s my name supposed to be?"Hi Nick," the professor said sensing I was having stage fright. "What’syour major?"Arg. I don’t know Victor’s major. "I’m a Marketing major," I said, usingmy own major to just get through this awkward moment."Do you have any favorite performances?" I uh," I’m sweating. "I. It didn't matter right now how terrible a person I was, how the God Luben must despise me for making mockery of his marriage vows. It didn't matter that I was the lowest avian ever born. My inability to fly, my adulterous ways, proved how filthy I was. But I couldn't worry about that. Not when I had to protect us.I didn't understand why Faoril's magic failed. I only hoped mine faired better. The trembling in my fingers stilled. I held my air totem, gripping the light balsa wood carved with. We are like two peas in a pod. When she meets Andrew perhaps she will be able to tell where physical attraction ends and emotional attraction begins. I’m afraid. Andrew made love to me. I don’t swear very often. Momma and Daddy would die if they heard some of the things I’ve said to Andrew. I don’t think I’ve used the word ‘fuck’ a dozen times in my life, and yet here I am, thinking the word ‘fuck’ because that is the only word that applies. Yes, Andrew made love to me, but first he fucked me..