Morris checked his suitcases one more time. Just what did one take when one was moving to another planet? Circling another star, light years away. Luberta has made suggestions, but told him to take what he needed and wanted. He would have all the necessities provided. A few surplus Terran item, useful as gifts, would be welcome. 

This brought him to a stop. What would people who traveled the galaxy find interesting or useful from the planet they called Terra? Plants and animals and other living things were not allowed to passengers. After some thought, and discussion with Luberta, he brought rocks of several types, picture books, harmonicas, tambourines, and other small percussion instruments. "They'll find those interesting on Tanencha," Luberta said. "We don't have those there."

"Are you ready," she said. "The Canava is leaving at 5 P.M." She examined her ring finger. She wore the small diamond that had belonged to Morris's grandmother. "So your men give their...fiancees... stones in metal to signify they will vow?"

"Yeah," said Morris. "It's a sign you're not looking for a partner."

"And it works?"

"Mostly. I hope."

Luberta laughed. "We send up lights so all who see know two have partnered. Colored by day, ususally. White or colored at night. Mostly, it works. We sometimes leave our partners, too."

They looked up at a knock on the door. Morris opened it to see a lieutenant and some privates from the Canava. "Captain da Xalri, said the lieutenant, bowing..

"Yes," said Luberta. "Come in."

The men entered. The lieutenant said, "I am here to transport Wo Nelsoni's belongings to the Canava, and witness your wedding. Did I say that right? Wedding."

"Yes, Helbu. Wedding. We are ready. She pointed to the luggage. They followed the lieutenant out to the elevator and took it down to the waiting room. Many Tanenchan were there, helping the Terrans selected to travel to Tanencha. Three of the Terrans, in addition to Morris, would marry their Tanenchan fiancees before departure. The first three weddings, officiated by a Tanenchan priestess and a Terran notary, went quickly, to cheers from the assembled Tanenchan and Terrans.

Then Morris and Luberta married. The priestess asked, "Luberta Tanancha da Xalri, to you vow to partner this Terran, Morris Terra wo Nelsoni?"

"I so vow," said Luberta.

"Do you, Morris Terra wo Nelsoni, vow to partner this Tananchan, Luberta Tanencha da Xalri?

"I do," said Morris. Then remembering the proper response, "I so vow." The priestess blessed them. The notary repeated the ceremony by Earth law, and Morris placed a plain gold band on Luberta's finger. She seemed pleased with it. The ceremony over, refreshments were served.

"We board in an hour," said Admiral Wancha. "Congratulations to the newlyweds, and to those coming with us, welcome."

Morris said goodbye to his parents, while Luberta stayed to talk with them, he took leave of other friend and acquaintences. Leon, a coder from his group, was going with the Tanenchan, along with the newly married, and several diplomats and military who had been selected from a mass of volunteers.

At last, Morris spoke to Carola. "I'm going to miss you, boss," he said. "You were incredible during the breakdown. We're getting back on our feet here on Earth, thanks to the Tananchan."

"Yes, we couldn't have made it back without them. "Did they say the Civil War is over?"

"On Tanencha. There are rebel groups that the Union is searching for and shutting down. The worst is over there. The Tanenchan will protect the Sol System."

"I wish I could go." She smiled sadly. "I'm too old. This is for younger people. Have a good life, Morris. What did they call you?

"Morris Terra wo Nelsoni. Morris for my name, Terra for my planet of birth and origin, wo, meaning my family is scientists, and Nelsoni for Nelson. All their clan or family names end in vowels, so they stuck one after Nelson."

"We are boarding, Morris," said Luberta, who had come up while he was talking. "Goodbye, Carola. Are you going to watch the Canava depart?"

"Of course," said Carola. "I wouldn't miss it."

Luberta and Morris boarded the shuttle and soon docked at the Canava, in orbit. They settled in their cabin. The ships lights dimmed.

"We departing," said Luberta. She pointed to the viewscreen. "You can watch there. She sat next to him, running her fingers through his curly hair. She seemed to like the Afro, and told him he didn't need to cut it close.

Morris watched intently as the ship moved out from Earth. The planet shrank in the viewscreen. It's angle blocked the sun, and yellow and gold rays lit the clouds in a glorious sunset.

The ship moved, plasma engines kicking in as the pilot prepared to enter the wormhole.

Morris sighed, watching the last sunset as it ended day somewhere on Earth. "This is the end of Earth alone in the Galaxy," he told Luberta. "We begin a new era of fellowship with the Union. My last Earth sunset, at least for a while." He placed a hand on the viewscreen as the sunset dissolved into the starfield of the wormhole. "Next up, sunrise on Tanencha."