Xe by Elizabeth L. Brooks
Dova was in the forward lounge again, standing transfixed in front of the viewport. Farol watched from the hatchway for a long time, but xe didn’t move, xir thin, tall frame limned in starlight as xe stared, unmoving, at the scene. Finally, Farol crossed the dim room and put an arm around Dova’s waist. Xe startled at the touch, then leaned into it, sliding xir own arm around Farol’s shoulders. “Am I late to dinner again? Sorry. It’s just so beautiful. I lose track of the time.”
Farol smiled and kissed Dova’s hand. “I find it more terrifying than beautiful, if I must be honest.”
“Terrifying?” Dova said, astonished. “Farol, look at it!” Xe pointed at the viewport, at the planet below them, its surface neatly bisected by the light of its sun, the lights of its cit
