From a small rise, Brian Miller surveyed his farm. He had accomplished a lot in five years, but he still felt an emptiness that wouldn't go away.
During their last communication, his mother suggested that he should find a wife. The problem was there weren't many women that wanted to live on one of the frontier planets light years from home.
It was about six years ago, that Brian had spotted the government ad giving away free land to homesteaders on the newly discovered planet. At the time, Brian was working on his parents farm in Kansas and thought it might be a fun thing to do.
The new planet was named "Minerva" and the government would supply everything Brian needed on the condition that he stay on the land at least ten years.
Minerva was similar to Earth in most respects although it was slightly smaller and the atmosphere had a higher oxygen mixture. The wildlife was as varied as that of Earth. and there were even flying critters that resembled birds. The only truly dangerous creature so far was a bear-like animal. In his first year, Brian had to shoot one of them after it charged him, but lately everything had been quiet.
Brian continued to think about his mother's not so subtle suggestion about finding a wife.The next day, he posted an ad describing his situation on an inter-planetary classified site. He eventually received about a dozen replies. Most of the respondents were clearly not serious, but there were a couple that caught his attention.
One was from Earth and the other was from a planet called Xaga. Brian checked the web and found out that Xaga had recently been discovered by explorers and was inhabited by a human-like species. Formal diplomatic relations between Earth and Xaga had already been established.
On a whim, Brian decided to answer the reply from the new planet. A few hours later, he received an answer. "Lachla" gave a brief description of herself and her abilities. Brian was intrigued and decided to find out more about her.
Lachla's knowledge of English was limited, but they were able to communicate. After several months of corresponding via email (there was as yet no direct communication between Minerva and Xaga) Brian asked Lachla if she would like to visit him for a few days. She agreed, but arranging the trip was more complicated then Brian imagined. After several weeks of work, he was able to secure a berth for Lachla on a freighter.
Brian put on his best clothes the day Lachla was to arrive. He felt like a teenager going on his first date. After some cargo was unloaded from the freighter, the only passenger descended down a ramp. Lachla resembled a human female, but there was something exotic and wild about her. Brian thought she was beautiful.
Lachla attempted a smile as Brian came up to her, but it didn't quite come off. "How was the trip?" Brian asked. Lachla searched for the right word. "Long" she finally answered. "I'm sorry. I wish something else had been available." Brian said sincerely. This time Lachla did smile.
When they got to the farm, Brian gave Lachla a short tour of his land and then he started dinner. "On my world, the men never prepare the meal." she said. "What do the men on your world do?" Brian asked. "Give orders and compete with other men for status." Lachla answered simply.
After dinner, Brian showed Lachla photos of his family. "What does "Love" mean?" Lachla asked after she noticed the word on a
photo from his parents.
"Love is a strong affection that people have for each other." Brian answered. Lachla frowned "On Xaga there is no love. For the women, there is only work and pleasing the men.
After a few days, Lachla and Brian settled into a comfortable routine of working on the farm and sharing a dinner in the evening. One night, Lachla decided make one of her native dishes. Brian thought the meal was delicious and gave Lachla a light kiss on the cheek in appreciation. Lachla touched her cheek. "Why did you touch me like that? Brian smiled "That's called a kiss. Humans do it to show affection." Humans are strange, but I have to admit that it was pleasant." Lachla commented.
The next evening, Lachla looked up from her dessert and smiled at Brian. "I have been reading about this kissing custom of yours. There is a great deal of literature on the subject." Brian laughed. "I'll agree with that. Love and its various rituals are a big preoccupation of the human race." "What does love feel like? Lachla asked.
Brian thought for a moment before answering. "Most of the time love feels pretty good." Lachla looked miserable. "I have never loved anyone before. I'm not sure that I even can." she said." Brian took her hand. "There is no hurry Lachla. Let's just get to know one another and see what happens."
The next day, Brian was inspecting his crop when one of the bear-things came out of the forest and charged him. Brian shot at the beast, but missed. The bear-thing attacked and Brian fought back, but he was quickly overwhelmed by the superior strength of the animal.
In the barn, Lachla finished feeding the stock and then looked to the fields. She could see immediately that Brian was in trouble. Lachla raced to the unequal fight and pulled the animal off Brian. The bear-thing was strong, but Lachla had encountered much tougher beasts on Xaga and the fight was soon over.
Brian was badly hurt and Lachla carried him to the house and put him in bed. She immediately called the settlement Doctor, but he was over a hundred miles away on another call. Fortunately there were some bandages in the house and Lachla cleaned and dressed Brian's injuries.
Lachla stayed with Brian until the Doctor arrived hours later. The Doctor administered antibiotics and treated the deep cuts left by the Bear-thing, but Brian remained unconscious.
Day after day, Lachla nursed Brian and treated his injuries .A week after the attack, Brian finally woke up to see a very worried Lachla sitting by his bed. Brian smiled at her. "That was some fight you had with the bear-thing." he commented. "You saved my life." Lachla took Brian's hand. "I think I understand what love is now." she said. Brian leaned toward Lachla kissed her on the lips. "I think I do too."
