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So let them choose, Naloni suggested. They can submit to Fedoran justice or
accept punishment according to the laws of the city they created.
Genetic modification or death by gladiator. Sineth shivered. That s not much of
a choice.
It is more of a choice than their victims were given, Max pointed out.
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Secrets
True. He smiled at Naloni and said, You two make one hell of a team. He
kissed her on the cheek then took his leave. His guards followed him from the lounge
and Naloni flew into Max s waiting arms.
Is it really over?
He lifted her against his body and smiled into her eyes. No, my love, our future
together has just begun.
She wrapped her legs around his waist and kissed him with all the love bubbling in
her soul.
Am I interrupting? Caleb s amused tone drew them apart, and Max lowered her
feet to the floor.
We were celebrating our victory, she told him.
So I saw. He strolled to them, his stride relaxed and slightly rolling. What is the
outcome?
The founders have all been arrested and it s up to us to assemble a new council
made up of inhabitants.
That sounds like a damn good start. Will the barrier be deactivated?
Eventually.
Max s answer shocked Naloni. Eventually? Why not as soon as we return to the
city? Why would we delay?
How are we going to explain it? The people must be transitioned gradually. It s
not fair to flip on the lights and say, Surprise, your entire existence is a lie .
He s right, Caleb nodded. The inhabitants must be given a choice on how to live
out their lives, but maintaining the integrity of the original city should probably be one
of the options.
We can t leave New Pompeii the way it is.
Caleb shook his head. That s not what I m suggesting. Some people don t adapt
well to change. Why not make the noninterference clause a voluntary guideline for how
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life is to be lived inside the city. If anyone wants a life free from technology, a life
focused on the simpler things, they are welcome to settle in New Pompeii. But if they
enjoy the conveniences and the faster pace of a technologically advanced society, then
they are free to leave and assimilate with the rest of Fedoros.
A simplistic existence is not what drew people to New Pompeii, Max argued.
They came for sexual freedom and the Gladiator Games.
Would that need to change, if everyone participating in any event were willing?
Both men stared at her, speculation twisting their expressions. The fact is, we can t
make these decisions alone or we are no better than the founders. We must ask the
people what they want and let them decide what to do with their city.
I bet many would be willing to entertain tourists if they were benefiting from the
trade, Max mused.
The possibilities are nearly limitless. Caleb slapped Max on the back. I don t
envy you two this task. I ll stick to smuggling.
Thank you for your assistance, Naloni said as Caleb turned to leave. You were a
godsend.
Anytime, Your Highness. My ship is always available to you. He motioned to the
door. There s a shuttle on standby. Just head to shuttle bay two as soon as you re ready
to depart.
Naloni looped her arm through Max s as he led her from the lounge. So what will
you do first, Governor Max?
Appoint a council. Any ideas, Your Highness?
Laetif Xyell. You know you can trust her and she has a wonderful head for
business.
He considered the possibility then looked down at her and asked, Do you think
she ll stay in the city once all this comes to light?
With Mikko gone, I think she ll be happy as a lark.
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With her bodyguard to keep her warm?
And occasional visits with Captain Thrax to keep things interesting. They both
laughed and moved into the airlift.
Felicia must be part of this council, Max said as the lift began its descent.
The high priestess?
Yes. She has been the backbone of the resistance from day one.
Will she accept the position?
I intend to find out.
They walked along the corridor in silence, each lost in speculation. Suddenly Max
stopped and faced her, his expression inscrutable. I don t even know where we re
going. Where will we live? I have nowhere to take you.
She smiled and took his hand, interlacing their fingers. You can take me anywhere
you like, but it s customary for a governor to be allocated an official residence. You
should be given your choice of the guest villas.
This seemed to put him at ease. They walked into shuttle bay two and waited for
the pilot to open the hatch. Max leaned down and whispered, his voice hushed with
wonder, Is this really happening? I m afraid I ll wake up in the ludus and this will all
have been a dream.
This is no dream, my love. She squeezed his hand, her heart nearly bursting with
joy. As you said in the lounge, this is the first day of our future together. Welcome to
reality.
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About the Author
Aubrey Ross writes an eclectic assortment of erotic fiction. From power struggles
between futuristic clans to adventurous mystic guardians, her stories are filled with
passion and imagination. Some of her recent awards include an EPPIE finalist, two
Passionate Plume finalists and a CAPA nomination from the Romance Studio.
With a pampered cat curled on the corner of her desk, Aubrey dreams up
fascinating words and larger than life adventures and wouldn t have it any other way!
Aubrey welcomes comments from readers. You can find her website and email
address on her author bio page at www.ellorascave.com.
Tell Us What You Think
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Comments@EllorasCave.com.
Also by Aubrey Ross
Crimson Awakening
Crimson Carousel 1: A Taste of Twilight
Crimson Carousel 2: A Taste of Midnight
Crimson Carousel 3: A Taste of Oblivion
Crimson Carousel 4: A Taste of Dawn
Crimson Prey
Crimson Thrall
Dream Warriors
Ellora s Cavemen: Flavors of Ecstasy IV anthology
Enslaved Hearts 1: Captives
Enslaved Hearts 2: Pleasures
Intimate Invasion 1: Forgotten Hope
Intimate Invasion 2: Forsaken Desire
Intimate Invasion 3: Forced Alliance
Sensual Captivity 1: Shifter
Sensual Captivity 2: Seducer
Sensual Captivity 3: Sorcerer
Sensual Captivity 4: Specter
Sensual Captivity 5: Seer
Soul Kisses
Velvet Deception
Discover for yourself why readers can t get enough of the multiple award-winning
publisher Ellora s Cave. Whether you prefer e-books or paperbacks, be sure to visit EC
on the web at www.ellorascave.com for an erotic reading experience that will leave you
breathless.
www.ellorascave.com
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