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Page 1
Dr. Anne Patterson stepped from the ship with reticence. After a three-month
journey, they'd finally arrived. She hadn't been sure what to expect, but it certainly wasn't the beauty that greeted
her. Where Earth had so long been covered with smog, filth, and an over-abundance of industry, the planet Aglaia
was the complete opposite, and it was almost frightening in its freshness.
It was bright, clean, and new. The two suns could be seen when glancing at the sky, and the single moon was easily
visible at night. Ann couldn't remember the last time she'd glanced up at the sky, because on Earth, there was
no need, no point. The only thing visible was smog and buildings.
Dr. Patterson felt almost giddy with the newness, and had to push down the urge to run around, mucking it up like
a small child. There were so many possibilities, so many options.
As she exited the ship, the first thing she noticed was the quiet. There were faint sounds in the distance; noises
she recognized as birds and wildlife from the historical files, but the noisiness of city bustle was missing. There
were no motor noises, or yelling, or explosions. She'd studied the archives before leaving in an effort to prepare
herself, but it was still a shock.
"Dr. Patterson?"
She looked towards the voice and watched as a man who stepped forward out of the small group waiting to greet the
visitors from the transport.
"I'm Dr. Linder," he said. He wasn't a large man, or an overly attractive one, but he was pleasant enough
with slightly tanned skin, thinning hair, and a soft build. She shook his offered hand, her brow knotting with
concern when he seemed so intent on staring at her.
She finally pulled her hand away when he'd held it too long, and he blushed; "I'm sorry," he stammered,
"It's just, we have so few women here that I'd forgotten how beautiful a woman can be."
Dr. Patterson immediately forgave him and smiled beautifully. She was an attractive woman. She had smooth, skin,
dark hair, and a pleasing figure. If some men didn't find her curves attractive, that was fine with her. There
were plenty of others that did, and one was standing right before her.
He recovered his composure and went straight to business. "Now then, we may as well get going. You only have
a day and a half to see everything."
She immediately agreed; "I appreciate your assistance. After examining so many reproductive issues at home,
it's thrilling to visit a facility that has so many of the same problems solved."
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