Zoë sighed. They finally made it.

They waited nearly five hours to see the Justice of the Peace. The officials had daggers in their eyes, on account of Mal and Zoë wearing coats that were kind of a brownish color. But in the end, they got what they wanted. It was official. Mal and Zoë Reynolds. They both held it together, not getting emotional when all was said and done. They knew they would have their moment later, in private.

In prison, Mal had gotten word of a safe house for former…current Independents. The newlyweds boarded a train and spent the next hours holding each other close until they reached their destination. It was when they pulled up. The building had no special or distinguishing markings. It was a large motel, near the outskirts of the city. Both Zoë and her husband entered cautiously, noting all possible exits and the number of people in the lobby, as was their way. With few words exchanged between Mal and the desk clerk, a key and directions were given. They were granted 2 weeks free stay and 2 meals a day until they could find work. The extra week was on account of their just getting hitched, the clerk said. Even gave them a half a bottle of real whiskey.

The room was small and stark. It held a bed, a dresser and a cortex screen. As Mal checked the windows, Zoë investigated the bathroom. She fell in love. An enormous sunken bathtub sat in the middle of the room. Four faucets lined the tub and it was complete with built in seats for…relaxing. She started to strip off her clothes immediately. The water gushed out of the jets, steaming hot.

Mal had secured the room. Old habits die hard. He had scoured every nook and cranny of the tiny place, checking for anything from bugs to explosives. The bed squeaked a little when he sat down. He finally felt like he could rest. He and his wife were safe. Speaking of his wife…

“Husband…”

Zoë called for her partner. Mal walked into the room and caught his breath. Zoë stood in the bath like a roman goddess. Her dark skin glistened with drops