Disclaimer #1: This is a futuristic Uber-Xena work of romantic fiction. The characters of Xena, Gabrielle, Ephiny, Iolaus, Solari and, oh yes, Argo, belong to MCA/Universal, and are used without intent for commercial profits. Author's copyright does not extend to said characters. The author retains all rights automatically attached to the creation of this work and to the independently created characters. In other words, they're all MINE!

Disclaimer #2: This story depicts a love/sexual relationship between two consenting adult women. If you are under 18 years of age or if this type of story is illegal in the state or country in which you live, please do not read it. There are references to the thoughts of a child molester necessary to plot development, however no graphic depictions are portrayed.

Disclaimer #3: Apologies and acknowledgment to Gene Roddenberry for the unauthorized loan of food replicators and holo suites. I found them to be rather useful home appliances. To get yours today, call Ronco at 1-888-555-1212.

Also many thanks to my beta reader, Benet, who tactfully smoothed out all the rough edges.

Special thanks to Barbara Maclay and Miguel Cura for their dramatic renderings of Commander Xandra Lawless and Dr. Brie O'Conner. Their artwork has been inserted into the text of the tale where appropriate. Be sure to visit Barbara's Home Page at http://geocities.com/Hollywood/Bungalow/2591/graphics/, and Miguel's Home Page, GabWhacked for other great Xena artwork.

I welcome all constructive feedback, all bigots will be sent to the great recycle bin in the sky.

Part 1

Brie sat patiently waiting for her appointment. As always when she had to wait, she made an extensive study of her surroundings. She struggled to find the right word to describe the atmosphere of the waiting room. It was neither elegant nor shabby. It was um... efficient.

On one wall she noticed a food replicator, set to provide snacks and drinks. Next to the replicator was a large monitor set in the wall, tuned to SNN, the Satellite News Network. "All the news, all the time!" Two of the other walls provided space for comfortable seating. A few seats were equipped with computer monitors and old-fashioned keyboards rather than the voice activated equipment she was used to. She supposed that was for privacy in a public waiting room. The last wall was taken up entirely by two entrances to the room. One was an open access passage through which she had entered the room, but the other required a DNA scan for entry.

Although Brie had unsuccessfully applied to many colonial expeditions over the last three years, she had a feeling that this time it would be different. In preparing for today's interview, Brie had chosen her attire carefully. She wanted to look perfect, just the right combination of competent professional and bold adventurer. Her forest green jumpsuit hugged her body in all the right places, accentuating her muscular physique, suggesting something just short of the sensual. On her collar, she proudly displayed the badges that marked her as an empathic healer and a historical archivist. This was the most important interview of her young life to date. The outcome of this meeting would determine the quality of her future. She wanted to be included in this expedition so bad she could taste it.

Lost in thought, Brie was startled when a blonde woman in crisp blue uniform stepped into the room from the coded entry way. "Please come with me Dr. O'Conner." The woman turned her back and walked into the passage without looking to see if the applicant was following.

Brie rose from her seat and followed the woman into the secured hallway. They walked through the compound, and after several turns, the woman stopped and motioned to a door on the left.

"Go right in Dr. O'Conner."

Brie stepped into the room, her eyes quickly taking in the collection of antiques and historical artifacts. She was so surprised by the precious items displayed in various cases throughout the room that she barely noticed the woman seated in the high back leather chair behind the enormous wood desk. In fact, the presence of wood and leather in the room were more of a curiosity at the moment. These natural materials had long been depleted from the planet. Only the very wealthy could afford to acquire furnishings of this quality.

"Come in Dr. O'Conner, please sit down."

Brie found her attention drawn to the woman seated behind the desk as she lowered herself into a chair, her hands unconsciously stroking the smooth texture of the wood arms. Finally she was meeting the infamous Commander Lawless. Colonization professionals around the world both envied and resented her genius. Xandra Lawless seemed to operate outside the boundaries that limited others. Hmm...seems her name and reputation fit her appearance.

The woman seated across from Brie was tall and statuesque with midnight hair that she would have bet felt like fine silk. Dark brows arched dangerously over thick dark lashes, which only served to enhance the blue of her eyes. Their color reminded Brie of a summer sky that she had once seen in a photograph of Texas from before Earth's environmental collapse. The aquiline nose drew attention to full lush lips that at the moment were drawn up into a half smile.

"Glad you could come, Dr. O'Conner. We are in the last stages of planning our colonization mission, but we still have a few spots open." The commander leaned forward, her sleek feline body long and lean, but deceptively powerful. "Why don't we begin with your reasons for wanting to join the Amphipolis Expedition."

Brie struggled to pull her attention from this woman and her surroundings in order to give a somewhat intelligent answer. After a few moments of thought, she settled on the absolute truth.

"I have no one left here Commander, and I can't imagine spending the rest of my life on this overcrowded, over regulated ball of pollution. I want to see trees, grasses, animals, food growing...and I want to hear the laughter of children, not their cries of hunger and despair."

Xandra was surprised by this impassioned response. "That's quite an emotional answer for a scientist."

Brie blushed and lowered her eyes. "I don't know what made me say that. I mean it's true, I've just never told anyone before. I was always sure that I'd be laughed at. I guess it's the empath in me speaking."

Xandra smiled, becoming more intrigued by the young woman every minute. "Well, no matter. Honesty and integrity are important qualities in selecting expedition members."

Xandra glanced at down at the slim monitor on the desk in front of her. She raised her eyes to meet Brie's. Blue bore into green as the Commander asked her next question.

"Your application states that you wish to be appointed the expedition archivist, with your healing skills as a secondary talent. What makes you think need an archivist?"

"I can only believe that the leaders of the colony would want their history preserved for future generations. I realize that the technology we take with us will eventually fail, and without the proper replacement parts we will become entirely dependent upon our own devices and the natural resources available to us. I'm not just a computer librarian. I can write with pen and paper. I am skilled in the art of paper making and deriving ink from natural dye sources, and I am also a story teller. Many ancient societies kept their history alive only by oral tradition. I hardly think this expedition will have to resort to that, but it could be done."

One dark brow raised over a bright blue eye as Xandra tried to conceal her amusement at the woman's intensity. She was beginning to think that this was the one she had been waiting for. Her intuition had told her that the expedition would not be complete without one special individual, a foil for Xandra herself, someone not afraid to speak her mind. This Dr. O'Conner showed all the signs of being able to do just that.

"Don't you think that your healing skills would be of greater value to the expedition?"

"Perhaps you will find them equally valuable."

Xandra paused as she prepared to ask the personal questions that, although necessary to the selection of a well-balanced colonial population, seemed an invasion of privacy. "I agree that your skills recommend you to the expedition, but I'm afraid I must confirm some of the responses on your application."

"Dr. O'Conner, you have applied to the expedition as a single citizen. I presume that you are not currently bonded."

"No, I am not."

Xandra continued, "I see that you do not have any children Doctor, are you capable of bearing children?"

Sensing that she was almost there, Brie answered, knowing the most dangerous question was coming soon. "Yes."

"Will you commit to bearing three children for the colony, as long as you remain able?"

"Yes"

"Dr. O'Conner, what are your sexual preferences?"

Brie sighed and sank back into her chair. "I prefer romantic relationships with women."

With that response, she knew she had just lost her place on the coveted expedition. Desperately she interjected, "But, I am willing to forgo that and accept a heterosexual pairing in order to be included in the colony."

Xandra could see the despair hovering behind the beautiful green eyes. Smiling warmly she answered, "That won't be necessary, Dr. O'Conner."

Brie straightened her shoulders and rose from the chair, preparing to leave the room. "Thank you for your time Commander, I just had to try."

It took a moment for Xandra to register what the young woman thought, so Brie was halfway to the door before the Commander could speak. "Wait Doctor, please, I think you misunderstood my intent."

Brie cautiously turned back, afraid to be hopeful, and waited for the powerful woman to continue.

"I just meant that you would not be required to ignore your sexual preferences in our new colony. We are founding this new civilization on principles of tolerance and acceptance. As far as we are concerned, everyone is equal and will have equal rights under the laws. We will not accept chaos of course, but there will be no such thing as deviant sexual behavior as long as both parties are consenting. I expect that there will be quite a few other women in the colony who will share your preferences" adding silently myself included.

Brie released a breath she didn't even know she was holding and sank back into the chair she had just vacated. "I'm sorry for my reaction Commander, but you must realize that I have been rejected from other expeditions for this reason before. I thought about lying this time, I just can't stay here anymore. But after your remark about honesty, I simply couldn't do it. I probably wouldn't have been very convincing anyway. I don't get much practice at lying." She smiled sadly, shaking her head.

Xandra rose from her seat and rounded the desk. She extended her hand and flashed a brilliant smile. "Welcome aboard Dr. O'Conner -- that is if you can pass all the physicals."

Stunned, Brie was slow to take Xandra's hand. When she did, she was startled by the spark she imagined passing through her body at the connection. "Th...Thank you Commander Lawless, ah...what do I do now?"

"Stephanie will show you to temporary quarters within the compound. Tomorrow you will begin testing. If all goes well, you will start your training after that."

As if she knew she was needed, Stephanie stepped into the room and guided Brie toward the door. Brie cast a confused look over her shoulder at the mysterious Commander Lawless.

Meeting Brie's bewildered eyes, Xandra remarked with a mischievous grin, "Oh, and Dr. O'Conner, honesty is always the best policy."

For several minutes Xandra sat motionless as she replayed her recent encounter with the lovely doctor. A satisfied smile slowly spread across her face as she sensed that this must be the one she had been waiting for to complete her mission. Then a chill ran up her spine as she realized that this woman could potentially mean much more to her than just another colonist.

Brie awakened slowly to the persistent voice of her in-room monitor stating the hour. Agh...5 A.M., what an ungodly hour to have to get out of bed. Not that the bed was all that inviting, just a pallet and air mattress typical of institutional living. She had been so exhausted from her interview the day before that she had simply used the ion shower and fallen into bed. She hadn't even eaten, a fact which her protesting belly sharply reminded her.

"Well, I guess I'd better get to it!"

She quickly dressed in the same green jumpsuit she had worn the day before. Not having anticipated acceptance into the colonial expedition, she had not packed any personal effects. She would send for the rest of her minimal belongings later in the day. Stepping into the hygiene cubicle of her room, she cleansed her face and teeth, and ran her fingers through her red gold hair. Giving her appearance one final inspection in the mirror, she decided that it would have to do. No one would be interested in the way she looked today anyway.

Stepping into the main portion of her small room, Brie reviewed the messages on her monitor. It seemed that she was expected to get breakfast and then report to the med lab for physical testing by 0600 hours. That gave her little time to find the dining facilities, eat and then find the med lab. The hand-held monitor she had been issued the day before supposedly held the schematics for all levels of the compound, but Brie had never been any good with directions. She could only hope that the maps would help. Calling up the location of the dinning hall, she left her room in what she believed to be the right direction.

Luckily, Brie found the dining hall without incident. As she entered, she noticed the wide array of people in various stages of their meals. Glancing around the room, she quickly located the food replicator and stepped forward deciding what she should eat. Nothing too heavy, I don't know what they'll require of me in these tests. Finally deciding on dry toast, fruit and herbal tea, she sat and ate as her thoughts ran wild. She couldn't believe that she hadn't been rejected again. She really had a chance at this one, a chance to escape this dying planet. All she had to do was pass their physical testing. That shouldn't be too hard for her. She had kept in prime shape over the years in anticipation of just such an opportunity.

Lost in thought, she was surprised to find her meal gone. Abruptly she stood and found the recycle station. Disposing of her tray, she promised herself a more satisfying meal at the end of the day. Once again she consulted her schematics, entering her chosen location as the med lab and left the dinning hall.

After a few wrong turns and a bit of back tracking, she arrived in the med lab at exactly 0600 hours. As she stepped into the sterile medical suite, she was met by a short dark woman dressed in a pristine white jumpsuit so form fitted that it left nothing to the imagination.

The woman approached her with a wide smile saying, "Good morning, I'm Sara. You must be Dr. O'Conner. I've been expecting you. Your medical records have already been downloaded, so testing can begin immediately. Please follow me."

Sara led Brie into a private cubicle where she was asked to disrobe and lie on the exam table. Sara did not leave the room while Brie undressed as body taboos had long since disappeared from their society. Once in place on the table, the device began to enclose her body to begin extensive scans.

As Brie was slowly isolated from the outside world, Sara smiled and said, "This will only take about two hours Doctor."

Two hours . . . might as well be an eternity. Brie decided the best way to get through this was meditation and so began her deep trance routine. She slowly built her fantasy world around her, her peaceful inner place. It was filled with forests and meadows, rife with wildlife that Brie had only seen in photographs and holo images. At the edge of her meadow flowed a clear, clean stream, filled with all manner of fish. In her mind she could smell the wild flowers and hear the cheerful song of birds all around her. She inhaled deeply of the clean crisp morning air and felt the dew on the grass beneath her bare feet as she walked toward the stream. Leaning down, she cupped her hands and took a drink from the cool fresh water. Refreshed, she continued to wander the meadow to the edge of the forest and sat enjoying the freedom this fantasy afforded her. After a time, Brie heard her name being called from far away. As the sound came closer, her peaceful place began to dissolve into darkness, her return to the real world imminent. She blinked several times as her eyes adjusted to the harsh lighting of the med lab.

Sara looked a bit concerned. "You're all done Dr. O'Conner, how are you feeling?"

Brie opened her mouth to speak and found that she had to try several times to get the words out, "I'm fine, just meditating to pass the time. How did I do?"

"Just fine Dr. O'Conner, one of the best evaluations I've seen."

Brie grinned as she rose from the table and began to dress. "So what's next?" she asked Sara.

"Well, first you get to have lunch and then you'll report to the holo suites for the field test."

Hmm...field test, wonder what that entails? Brie pondered as she finished dressing and made her way back to the dining hall. Once again the room was filled with a wide variety of people she could only assume would be part of the colonial expedition. As she made her meal selections, she wondered who they all were and why they were here. Again she chose carefully as she didn't know what demands the field test would make upon her. Finding a seat in a corner with her back to a wall she slowly ate her sashimi and plain rice. She remembered the old wives' tale about fish being brain food. She had a feeling she'd need all the brain power she could get in the next few hours.

As she ate, she listened to conversations around her. Mostly, the colonists were chatting excitedly about the expedition. This would be their chance to build a 'brave new world' free from prejudice, corruption and crime. Instead it would be filled with tolerance, acceptance and a sense of community. Brie smiled inwardly, recognizing that the society they envisioned would only evolve with deep commitment and sacrifice from all of the colonists. Brie, a student of human nature, realized that there would be at least one self- serving person slipping through the very tight screening process. She wondered if the Commander recognized this inevitable situation as well, deciding that she probably did.

Finished with her lunch, she consulted her schematics to find the holo suites and

proceeded to face her next challenge.

When she arrived at the holo suite station, an attractive blonde man greeted her. Handing Brie a data card which evidently contained the field test specifically designed for her, he guided her to the holo suite reserved for her use and wished her luck. "Just be yourself and everything will work out for the best."

Brie, skeptical of the young man's reassurances, faced the entry of the holo suite. With a deep breath, she inserted her card in the reader. The door of the suite opened and as Brie stepped through, the field test began.

The world Brie stepped into was amazingly similar to her meditation world. She fleetingly wondered if their computers were able to tap into her meditation routine, then dismissed the similarities as mere coincidence. This scenario was filled with forest and meadow, teeming with the wildlife that Brie so loved. As she moved further into the forest, she came upon a camp site equipped with only the most primitive gear. It was early evening and a campfire was burning brightly at the center of the site. Two bed rolls were carefully placed side by side near the fire. A plump trout was slowly roasting on a spit over the fire and a pleasant smelling herbal drink was brewing in a clay pot at the edge of the hot coals.

Off to the side of the camp stood a magnificent golden mare, leisurely feeding on wild grasses. Occasionally, the mare would flick her tail to rid herself of an annoying insect. Wow...this is very realistic, I don't have insects in my meditations. Perhaps I should add them for effect.

Just as Brie was wondering what to do next, a tall dark woman stepped into the clearing. She was dressed in the leathers and intricately formed armor of a warrior. Her midnight hair and lapis eyes immediately reminded Brie of the Commander. The striking woman smiled and spoke at the same time, "Gabrielle, are you going to check the fish or just stand there and let it burn?"

Startled into action, Brie simply nodded and bent to check the succulent fish. "Looks about done to me! Ready to eat?"

Before the woman could reply, the clearing was overrun by a small army of dangerous looking men. They appeared intent on ruining what started as a pleasant interlude. Rushing forward, the men attacked the warrior with shouts of "That's her! Its Xena, kill her!"

Brie could only assume that her partner in this scenario was called Xena and grabbing the staff set nearby, moved to cover the warrior's back. Remembering her considerable self defense training, Brie spun the staff in intricate patterns, catching their arrogant attackers completely off guard. Behind her, she could sense the warrior Xena doing critical damage with her blade. As she became more accustomed to the feel of the staff in her hands, she began to enjoy the exhilaration of defeating her enemy. Time seemed to stand still as the pair disposed of the attackers.

Finally, there were no more raiders facing Brie. Her heart still pounded as she tried to calm her rapid breathing. Slowly relaxing, she turned to face the woman who so reminded her of Commander Lawless and was met with a brilliant smile. "We did it again Gabrielle. You're getting pretty good with that thing."

With that, the holo images dissolved and Brie found herself looking at bare holo grid. Almost disappointed that the test was at an end, she turned toward the door and left the suite.

The young man who had escorted her to the suite was intently reading the monitors, his wide grin attesting to his approval of her performance.

"I've seen 'em all, and a lot of them were good, but you are the first to get a perfect score!" He looked at her with a new respect. "Welcome to the Amphipolis Expedition Dr. O'Conner. You will most certainly be an asset to the colony."

Brie felt somewhat uncomfortable with the lavish praise and, looking for a way to change the subject, asked "Great, now what?"

"Well, first you attend the reception this evening. Then tomorrow your training begins. I have a feeling that you're going to fit in just fine. Bye the way, I'm Arthur. I don't bother telling applicants my name until after the field test. Most of the time it's just a waste."

Inwardly Brie wondered just how many applicants failed this portion of the testing. "Thanks Arthur. I guess I can see your point."

Brie broke into a satisfied smile as she left to return to her room and prepare for the reception. Her day had been more successful than she could have ever hoped for and now, she might finally get to eat enough to satisfy her continually ravenous appetite.

Apparently the news of her success was entered on the system instantaneously. By the time she got back to her room, her monitor was flashing congratulations along with instructions for attending the reception. Glancing at the time, Brie noted that she must have been in the holo suite for at least two hours. That didn't leave her much time to get ready. She had exactly one hour to shower, dress and make it to the main hall. Not that there was much she could do to improve her appearance since she still had not sent for her meager belongings.

Turning to head toward the hygiene cubicle, she stopped short, noticing two packages on her sleeping pallet. Opening the larger one, she was surprised to find all her personal effects. With a sigh of relief, she realized that the expedition staff must have taken care of this task for her. Not taking time to examine each item, she retrieved only what she would need to make herself presentable for this evening. Daunted by the task of selecting from her scant wardrobe, she turned to examine the second, smaller package. This one had a card on it, made of paper. Reverently, she removed the card from the package and opened it to read the hand written message.

Dr. O'Conner,

Please accept this congratulatory gift from me personally. Never have I seen a more qualified candidate for this expedition. Also, I thought you might enjoy having new attire for this evening's festivities. I look forward to seeing you there.

Xandra Lawless

Brie read and reread the card. The handwriting was graceful and the message warmed her from the inside out. The last line left her wondering if the enigmatic Commander was

conveying a deeper meaning.

Carefully she tucked the card into her personal effects and turned her attention to the contents of the package. She was overwhelmed to find a simple emerald green silk sheath, cut very low in the back, but modest in the front. The cut of the sheath would not allow her to wear any undergarments, but she rarely bothered with that anyway. Beneath the sheath were a pair of gold colored flat sandals and a simple gold neck chain. She smiled, thinking this the most elegant clothing she had ever owned.

She shook herself from her reverie and seeing the lack of time, rushed into the ion shower. Although she hurried with her preparations, she unconsciously took extra pains with her appearance, making sure that her hair was brushed until it gleamed and swung freely over her shoulders. She even used some of the precious Tea Rose scent that her mother had given her just before she died. Slipping on the sheath and sliding her narrow feet into the sandals, she was surprised to find that both were a perfect fit. Smiling to herself, she realized she should have known that anything the Commander did would be done precisely, with no margin for error.

The final touch was the simple gold chain Xandra had given her. She paused before opening the clasp and made a quick decision. Rifling through her personal effects once more, she found what she was searching for. The Chakram. Her mother's charm. Actually, it was very old, having been passed from oldest daughter to oldest daughter as far back as anyone could remember. It was the only thing of real value that Brie owned.

She slipped the delicate Chakram charm onto the gold chain and fastened them both around her slender neck. The charm fell perfectly at the hollow of her throat, just above the demure neckline of her dress. Turning to leave her room, she stopped to view the effect in her mirror and was pleased with the results. She found herself hoping that the Commander would like what she saw as well.

Brie made her way to the main hall by following others headed that way, not wanting to carry her monitor around all evening. She found herself amazed by the colorful variety of the clothing chosen by her fellow colonists for this occasion. Some had selected costumes native to the part of the world they came from. Many were dressed in the high fashion of the day while others had gone for simple elegance. Smiling to herself she thought Well...I couldn't possibly be under or over dressed in this crowd.

Following the flow of traffic eventually brought her to the main reception hall. As Brie entered the room, a uniformed man took her DNA scan and instructed her to take a seat in the gallery. Finding a seat up front, but to the side, she settled in to watch and wait.

The room filled quickly. Brie had been told that the expedition would take two hundred adults and seventy-five children. The children had an orientation of their own earlier in the day, so this group would consist of the two hundred adults. There appeared to be a mix of all races, but the women seemed to slightly outnumber the men. Brie supposed that the need to populate the new planet required having more women.

Suddenly, the room got quiet and everyone quickly found a seat. The Commander stepped up to the podium in full dress uniform. Her crisp white uniform was adorned with lots of gleaming brass and colorful ribbons, no doubt attesting to her many skills. She had elected not to wear the uniform cap, allowing her hair to flow about her shoulders like the dark wings of a raven.

At this moment, Xandra was the ultimate military leader, capable of inspiring both fear and respect. Brie could only stare as she attempted to regain her breath. She listened intently as Xandra began to speak.

"Congratulations colonists! Of thousands of applicants, the Amphipolis Expedition has been privileged to choose you to join our quest for the future. We are pleased that you have chosen us. As you know, our colony will be founded on the basis of absolute equality and a desire to preserve the natural environment we have been gifted with. Our destination is an M class planet located in the Orion sector. This planet is orbiting a yellow star, similar to our own sun. Since our destination is many light years away, all of us will enter cryosleep for the duration of the journey."

"Over the next few weeks you will receive training in survival techniques as well as classes in the geography, biology and meteorology of the planet. Additionally, you will receive an overview of the political and governmental processes we will follow in our new home."

"In essence, you will learn everything we can think of that will help each of you to become a valued member of our team. All this begins tomorrow and will be an exhausting process. I suggest you spend this evening enjoying each other's company and these culinary delights that we may never see again!"

With that the Commander stepped away from the podium and headed for the bar, where she quickly downed a glass of what appeared to be water.

The newly accepted colonists were so moved by Xandra's speech that they broke into deafening applause. As the sounds of their appreciation began to fade, they started to rise. Unsure of how to proceed, they milled around for a few moments before drifting toward the bar or the buffet.

Brie had already decided that food was her first priority and made a dash for the buffet. Several minutes later, having loaded her plate to overflowing with long missed favorites, she found a seat at an empty table. Almost immediately, the Commander appeared at her side asking, "Good evening Doctor. Mind if I join you?"

Brie was glad her mouth was not full yet and invited the dark woman to join her. Xandra sat with another tall glass of clear liquid in her hand, but no food.

"You look lovely this evening Dr. O'Conner." Xandra smiled her appreciation as she gazed at the beauty seated across from her, eyes briefly resting on the charm Brie had added to the gold chain. Hm...that symbol is very familiar, but I can't quite place it.

"Thank you Commander. Both for the compliment and for your lovely gifts. I really didn't own anything that would have been appropriate for this evening."

Uncomfortable with the reference to her uncharacteristic generosity, Xandra changed the subject. "How is the food?"

"Everything is delicious. Aren't you going to eat anything?"

The Commander smiled and answered, "Sure, but I think I'll wait until the line is shorter. I can't imagine how you got so far in front of the line. You must have made a run for it."

Brie blushed with embarrassment since that just about described what she had done. She looked up from her plate and her eyes met her companion's crystal blue ones. Xandra's amusement was plain on her face, her expression not guarded as it had been the day before.

"I guess I did hurry a bit" Brie admitted with a grin. "I didn't eat much earlier because of the testing. I wanted to be sure to do my best."

Xandra leaned back in her seat, smiling warmly, "Well, you certainly did that." Looking around the room the Commander asked, "Do you realize that your combined score was higher than any of the other applicants? In fact, the only person who matched your score is me."

Brie almost choked on the food she was trying to swallow as she raised unbelieving eyes to the woman across from her. "Are you sure there wasn't some mistake? I'd never imagine that I could match your score."

Xandra leaned forward and answered with complete honesty. "Neither would I. I checked all the scoring myself and there was no mistake. I have to admit I'm more intrigued than ever. Who are you Brie? Where did you come from?"

The storyteller in Brie took over as she began to tell the Commander about her life. To her great surprise, she was not leaving anything out. Usually when asked about her background, she gave the sterile, socially acceptable version. Brie found herself telling the charismatic Commander about her happy childhood, her parents and sister, the closeness they all shared. Growing up in Northern California was as near to living with nature as anywhere on earth at the time. Air and water pollutants were slowly killing the redwoods around them, but the majestic trees were not giving up easily. Brie's father was a naturalist involved in research that was attempting to save these giants. That is before the plague came.

Brie was in her last year at the University in Berkeley when it happened. She wanted to go home, but the area had been quarantined and there was no way in or out. She wasn't even allowed to speak to her family before the end. She had simply received three perfunctory electronic notices as each member of her family had succumbed to the plague.

That was when she decided to find a new home among the stars. A place with trees and animals, a place where children could live and grow into healthy adults. Instead of grieving for her family, she threw herself into her studies and was able to graduate at the top of her class in both her specialties. Shortly before graduation, she began applying for every colonial expedition she heard about.

Over the last three years, she had been interviewed by no less than 30 colonial screening committees. Although they never admitted it, she knew her honesty about her sexual preferences had lost her admittance every time. It was illegal to discriminate on the basis of many things in their world, but people in power always found another way to exclude those they felt uncomfortable with.

By the time Brie applied for the Amphipolis Expedition, she was getting desperate. She had already decided that this time she would lie. Her desire to escape the dying planet around her was so great that she was willing to ignore the part of herself that so offended these colonial groups. After all, she had had sex with men and although she found it lacking, it had not really been distasteful. She knew that she would have to do it again, at least for purposes of procreation.

Pausing to take a breath, Brie realized that not only had she talked nonstop for the last half hour, she had managed to clear the plate in front of her as well.

Xandra watched the young doctor intently as she told her story between mouthfuls, and was moved more than she cared to admit. She found herself wondering if this woman had a deceptive bone in her body.

When Brie paused, Xandra could see that she was again embarrassed. Smiling warmly, Xandra reached across the table and brushed the back of Brie's hand with her fingers. Her voice filled with emotion as she spoke. "Thank you for sharing your story."

I'd happily share more than that with you Brie thought as she took several breaths to calm herself before responding, her thoughts about to take her into dangerous territory. "I, uh, I don't tell all that to many people. You are very easy to talk to."

They chatted more, moving onto less sensitive subjects. Their conversation remained animated into the night until Xandra noticed that the doctor was slowing down, her eyes now half lidded in an almost sensual expression. But the Commander knew that she was seeing exhaustion and not desire.

Xandra reached across the table to take the doctor's delicate hand. "You must be very tired, let me walk with you to your room."

As Brie rose from her seat, Xandra couldn't help but stare as the silken sheath slid down her body to settle in place. Not tight or revealing, the sheath seemed to drape itself artfully over Brie's sumptuous curves. Thoughts of what lay beneath the green silk were more alluring than anything Xandra had experienced before.

The dark woman struggled to put that image from her mind as she forced her eyes to look elsewhere, instantly colliding with sparkling green that nearly took her breath. The smile accompanying the exquisite eyes was sleepy and sensual.

Brie looked up at Xandra, feeling strangely content. "Lead the way Commander, I have no idea how to get back to my room."

They walked in companionable silence, Xandra leading Brie with a light touch at her waist. It took no time to arrive at their destination as Xandra knew every inch of the compound by heart. At the door, the two women turned, facing each other. Both were unsure of what to do now. Xandra solved their dilemma by brushing soft lips against Brie's forehead and whispering goodnight. Waving her palm over the scan panel by the door, she gently prodded Brie to enter her room. "Sleep well, the first day of training is very demanding."

Brie watched the Commander walk away as the door closed, slowly blocking her view. Turning away, she carefully removed the beautiful garment she had worn and stored it along with the sandals and necklace.

"Lights out" she requested, then fell into bed, asleep instantly.

Continued in Part 2.