Her own calculations told her that they hadbeen so close, it was at the next Portal beyond the turn back point forthe search and rescue mission six ye...rs ago.Two days out they finally had the portal readings on the HUD. A classnine dead planet. Wraith was down to less than half on all tanks, andthey had passed five other portals. Portals that had already beeninvestigated."Marlins, ping the Beacon," she ordered. "All hands assume yourstations."She didn't have to look to know that her veteran. On my tongue, the sensation was even more exquisite. A woman’s secretions were chemically acidic, a man’s alkaline in nature. When the two were combined, as ours were, they became chemically neutral. The point-counterpoint created by our distinct pheromones were indescribably delicious. My exhaustion fell from me like aging leaves in autumn and I was once more energized to continue our lovemaking with renewed passion. I arose from between Ruth’s legs and within my mouth held the passionate. I started quietly enough, just a few cures each month, each time buryingthe reading of the particular spell in some more orthodox religiousceremony at the church. Afterwards we would suggest that offerings wouldhelp our good work. I began to take a share of the revenue and then, asword got out, we began to get more and more clients, and richer onestoo.Several weeks later Baglietto took me aside after I had fixed a badlyscarred leg on a workman. "Guiseppe, there is something strange. I havebeen. Stop drooling over her," Martinez complained. "Take her to bed already, and stop making these pin-up fantasies."Quiet, Master Chief. They're my fantasies. I'm too damaged, and she's too young, and I care for her too much."You keep telling yourself that. Maybe someday you'll believe it."Oh shit! The orange juice is burning and the eggs need to be poured."Breakfast is served, wench. At your pleasure," I called to Arti.She plopped the DEA vest on the couch next to her and dropped the windbreaker.