The celebrations went well into the evening, during which the now-unofficial Pandoran women were told they were free to decide what they wished in regards to their future. All were assured that, no matter what they chose, they'd be free to live on Pandora for the rest of their lives, and they'd be treated as Pandorans in all but name, as would any of their children should they choose not to participate in Eldon's venture. This was very reassuring to the women, especially Hope, Annie, Lola, and Emily, all of whom were pregnant. "Thank god," Annie said, sighing in relief. "I didn't want to be handin' my child over to them to see if they'd be 'safe'!"
"I don't think they'd be handed over willy-nilly," Lola assured her. "Well, that's the hope, anyway. And it wouldn't matter if they were 'safe' or not. Jhansi's daughter was conceived on Earth, and she's treated just the same for all that the poor girl's barren from the disease."
Hope nodded. "I think our children will be treated the same," she promised the other expecting women. "And if it fails, we and our children will be protected in whatever fashion the Pandorans see fit. I don't think we're going to be shunned or kicked out because our children turn out to be barren."
"How do you suppose the disease ever manifested in those first women who came here?" Emily wondered.
"I've no idea," Hope said. "But maybe Pandoran medicine has come a long way since Saanvi was born. If it does become prevalent in any of us, I'm sure they'll be able to intervene more swiftly and treat it before it can become a serious problem."
But as the women rejoined the celebrations, Hope admitted to nerves. She hadn't yet broached the subject of what exactly would happen should the disease attack her or any of her friends. They'd all been assured their fates as unofficial Pandorans was secure either way, but Hope couldn't quite quell the dart of nerves that went through her heart.
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Life soon settled for the newly minted Pandoran women, and before long, they were finding their way through the vast wonders that the lands beyond Isonor had to offer. Though they couldn't find matches with any of the elven races, due to the elves not wanting the disease to come to them - and for good reason - there were plenty of Pandoran men who clamoured for their attention. However, the men were very respectful of the newcomers, and if they were turned down, they never pushed the issue, but accepted it and moved on. From this, Hope guessed that, despite the dire situation which would easily see the Pandoran humans wiped out in a generation or two, the men weren't desperate enough to force their attentions on anyone who wasn't interested. "We are desperate," Arjun explained, when Hope broached the subject to him. "But we'd never force ourselves on any of you. We'll take you out for as many coffees as you desire, but we'd never see it as anything more than a coffee outing, unless any of you want it to be more."
"Oh good," Hope said. "I had a feeling that was the case."
Arjun smiled. He was actually rather good looking, Hope admitted to himself, but despite her interest, she wasn't sure if she wanted to pursue any romantic attachments as yet, given how almost all the men in her life had failed her in one fashion or another. Idly, she wondered what the father of her baby was doing right now, but dismissed the thought; her unborn child would probably have a few half-sisters and brothers in the womb by now, but as for the father... Hope pushed him from her mind. He could do as he wanted, but at least one child, Hope promised, would have a better life than the unborn siblings who'd face a much less pleasant life. "You know," she said, snapping out of her reverie, "I think coffee dates - well, tea dates, in this case - are the way of the future for now."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJrUNlhdxSp
"I understand," Arjun said, inclining his head. "I will take you out on as many tea dates as you desire until you're ready to make them something more. I'm a patient man, and you need not fear I will force any unwanted desires on you. Your father has left many scars on your heart and soul, as has the father of your child, and it would be remiss of me to inflict further distress on you until some of those wounds have healed."
"Thank you," Hope said, giving him her best smile. "With that said, I think another tea is in order to seal the deal."
"Done," Arjun said, gently tapping his empty cup against hers.
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