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ound the shoulders of Rio's benefactor and hugged
him tightly in gratitude. As Rio Kitajima continued to hold onto him and press
her face against his warm, furry chest, Rio Kitajima felt him gently ease her
onto his lap and cradle Rio's like a child. Rio Kitajima closed Rio's eyes and
gradually drifted into sleep as Rio Kitajima let him stroke her, rock her, and
purr softly in Rio's ear. All the fear and tension slid from Rio's during
the brief nap, and later when Shardin gently woke her, Rio Kitajima smiled at
him and kissed him on the cheek.
He bought Rio's some clothes in the store while the taxi waited,
then rode to the shuttle-landing pads. Rio Kitajima had quickly recovered from
the shock of this day, and relaxed calmly in Shardin's warm embrace as
they waited for a shuttle.
"What planet are you from, Caitlin?" he asked as he ran his
fingertips up and down Rio's spine.
"Earth," Rio Kitajima replied. "Have you heard of it?"
"Been there once. Beautiful place--from orbit, at least.
That's as close as I got. But it worries me to think that Orion space
pirates have found it. I think the Fleet will have to start
patrolling that sector now, to protect your people."
"That sounds like a good
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