”Most races can’t do what you can. I’ve never heard of one that could, in fact.” Anara spoke.

”How many races do you know of?” Kes asked curiously.

”I…” Anara was silent. ”Around twenty-five, I think. I’m not sure.” She smiled to herself. ”But I suppose I would be sure if I were an Ocampa, wouldn’t I?”

”Mm, yes, I suppose…” Kes agreed absently, her thoughts back on what she would say next about Tae.

”Does it… bother you? That I can’t… that can’t do the same things – think, remember – the way one of your own race can? Do I seem… unintelligent to you?” Anara asked.

”What?” Kes was startled by the question. ”That’s… that doesn’t…” She sighed. ”Why would you ask that? I love you, Anara… I wasn’t lying when I said… that to me, you’re perfect. I find you very intelligent, and, like I said, I love talking with you… I love it just as much as I love… being with you… I do agree with Tresit though. I hate the word defective. I don’t even think it’s a real concept. I think it’s just another way for people who don’t like what’s different or new to try to shape the world around them into something… comforting. Something safe and familiar and known. It’s completely irrational… and more than that, it’s cruel. You’ve seen who I am, you’ve seen, felt, how I feel about you… You must know, I just… there’s no part of me that looks at you and sees those things. You’re perfect Anara, in my eyes you are… and I think, in reality you are too.”

Anara moved over and rolled Kes onto her back and kissed her soundly. So much so that Kes was a little dazed when Anara caressed her hair and looked down at her unseeingly with a shy smile on her lips. ”You are a miracle…” Anara told her, laying down beside her and cuddling up to her devotedly.

”…So are you…” Kes told her, her hands one playing through her hair and one tracing down her arm. ”You don’t have to worry about me with her. With Tae, I mean… I wouldn’t have married you if there was any doubt inside of me about that.”