A war hero in search of safety for everything she loves, and the man who would forsake the universe to have her with him. Humanity has a shaky membership within an intergalactic conglomeration of species and planets. Only a small portion of the population of Earth is capable of the telepathic and intelligence requirements it takes to become a full citizen and the associated higher purpose comes with the cost of oneness. The Reeva share a common ancestor with the humans from a time when the Reeva once visited the blue planet and colonized it, and they have become the ambassadors between humanity and the rest of the universe. Humanities interests are translated and conveyed by a select group of politicians to the Viceroy of Earth, a Reevan dignitary who lives in the elite colony on the moon. Maiara values her independence and resists the aptitude testing that would connect her to advancement beyond mandatory service. But after University and before she can deploy to the Corps, she is selected to attend the Reevan Gala. Viceroy Alreiks, provides representation to the Universal Council for Humanity, as a higher order species. The Gala is an event that is mathematically calculated to pair genetically beneficial matches between humans and the Reeva, though built on a framework of anonymity and consent for the human participants involved. A few hours of pleasure build a connection between them that will alter the course of the universe in years to come. Alareiks knows Maiara is the other half of his soul, but her battles will take her further from Earth and closer to the enemy than either can imagine. Please note, there is plenty of Skoosh. But there is smut in here too. It's woven into the story, but the chapters with it will have *'s on the title, so be forewarned.