Through the blue dome the moon was sea foam rising from a magenta sky. Myrtle watched her little brothers led the horses into the barn. Lithe and strong, her brothers were always babies in her mind. Myrtle’s smile thinned as footsteps came up behind her.

“You know we aren’t against your young, umm man. We support Android rights but we have our own ways,” Winona said. Myrtle didn’t turn to face her mother.

Taking slow breathes, Myrtle TwoAxes watched the reddening sky. Mars had always been her home. This ranch this community steeped so deep in traditions Myrtle thought some days she would drown. The jaunty guitar of La Mer played softly from the main house. She remembered her promise to Benji to be patient.

“So much has been lost. After Corona returned and decimated Old Earth we are the last of the First Nations.”

“I know our history our family,” Myrtle answered and began to walk back to the house. “Benji wanted me to talk to you and Dad in person. I didn’t come here to get your approval. Benji is my family.”