Robert Sawyer - Hybrids

Mary squeezed Ponter’s hand, and turned back to Bandra, who repeated the same vows Mary had made to her, then added, again in English, “I love you.”

Mary kissed Bandra again. “I love you, too,” she said. And then she turned and kissed Ponter, long and hard. “And you know I love you, big fella.”

“They’re bonded!” said little Mega, clapping her hands together.

Adikor moved in and hugged Ponter. “Congratulations!”

And Louise hugged Mary. “ Felicitations, mon amie! ”

“And now,” exclaimed Ponter, “it’s time for the feast!” He went over to the cubical containers he’d brought with him and opened them up. The lids were lined with reflective foil. Ponter pulled out large paper bags from one, and then the other, and Mary saw on them the familiar drawing of a white-haired Gliksin with glasses and a goatee.

“Astonishment!” exclaimed Mary, in good Barast fashion. “Kentucky Fried Chicken!”

Ponter was grinning his foot-wide grin. “Only the very best for you.”

Mary smiled back at him. “Oh, yes, indeed, my love,” she said. “The very best-of both worlds.”