Proposing Space

Running a little short of time, so, text wall.

a TranscriptColumbia
Has anyone told you about how welcome Terrans are in The Empire? It's not just because we need the genetic diversity, but we're also a little nuts for your culture. Being Korean and Japanese, I think the academies and universities would clamor to have you as an Education Consultant. I know it's rushing things, but you could stay with me. I've never met anyone else I would want to pair-bond with.

Kimi
Pair bond?

Columbia
Two people agreeing to be together, pool resources, maybe rear children"

Kimi
Like marriage?

Columbia
Not exactly, but then I understand that Terrans don't have an exact interpretation of what constitutes marriage. A pair or group bond is a contract that spells out the legal responsibilities of its participants.

Kimi
Oh!

So flattering. But I am not into girls.

Columbia
Right. I forgot. Terrans think marriage, love, sex, and starting a family are all tied together. For what it's worth, while I do find you attractive, I'm not really "into girls" either. It's generally thought that a good bond does include at least a few of those elements, but it's not required.

I like men, but the good ones really are taken, or not interested in settling down. If I don't want to spend my life alone, it means finding a compatible partner, regardless of gender. Intimacy between bondmates isn't unusual. And what happens, happens. We love whom we will. And the few of us that can have children usually barely know the other parent. The rest of us foster children for a relative or friend, if we're lucky, and have a stable bonding.

I'm completely sterile. I admit that your likely fertility, and relationship with Just Ace, did cross my mind. Being a bond-mother in the near future is my dream.

Well, and making full Commander soon, too