During the duration of a week everyone on the planet of Mars kept in doors and away from each other; it was a peculiar phenomenon to Crista. Even Tyr'ahnee had herself confined to her private chamber. However she didn't complain, the fear of seeing Marvin again was overpowering. Eventually activity slowly began to take its place and people were out and about again.

Feeling that it was the right time to question authority, Marvin boldly approached the throne demanding,

"Why did you choose me to serve that human?"

Tyr'ahnee, "Think about it Commander, you are second in command here. Why shouldn't I pick you to tend to the princess, the one who's second for the Throne. The people will think something is wrong if I didn't pick you. That could be shed as untrustworthy, incompetent, potentially misleading, and, in the media's view, can be seen as a conflict of interest."

Angry he left without saying a word, already knowing the answers she told him beforehand.

Crista didn't leave her room for the past few days even after the entire planet came out from hiding; she was still trying to sort things out from the "incident".

Crista, "Get over it, you don't feel anything. Or do I? And am I just thinking too hard about this? Is this a pickle or am I just over exaggerating? Goodness I hate math!"

When in doubt, always blame math.

Suddenly the door sounded with a resonating knock. She gave her invitation and walked in Marvin. Jumping off her bed she stood rigid.

Crista, "Hello Commander."

He glared at her, "Do to my responsibilities I must check to see if you are all well and fine." Looking her up and down he asked, "Are you?"

Crista, "Well I-"

Marvin, "That's good, now tomorrow starts your first test and it is public so come prepared."

She walked toward him gracefully and carefully. The way her hips swayed and the fabric swishing around her lower half threw Marvin into a daze. Then the dream that has tormented him flooded back causing his heart to race.

Crista, "Thanks for notifying me but, you didn't come all this way just to tell me that, or did you?"

He looked at her, wanting to speak, almost yearning to speak, but he became cold and abruptly turned and left.

Sighing she lowered her head.

…

Morning came quick and she was given a new set of clothes to wear. It consisted of khaki capris that were tied at the end and a white criss-crossed styled top. This is going to prove to be a very interesting day.

Out waiting at the gate of the palace stood peasants lined up on each side of the court; ropes holding them back and guards standing firm. Tyr'ahnee was standing patiently looking over at the steps leading into the palace while Marvin stood impatiently waiting for Crista's entrance. Finally she arrived by a large escort: four rows long and two wide was the band and out behind was Crista. With a gracious smile and friendly wave to the cheering crowd she humbly soaked in the praise.

Yet from the clearing of where he stood Marvin's eyes grew alight in wonder at the creature walking toward them. Her new clothing fit marvelously and what kicked it off was that her hair was in a long thick braid. How simple and beautiful. However, he caught himself and hardened his heart before he could explore the thoughts emerging from his male brain.

Crista looked around boldly and happily at the public, though her glance always returned to Marvin.

To herself, 'See you're over this, all you needed was fresh air out of your room and away from dream ground zero.'

The Queen made her way to the middle of the clearing and addressed the public.

"Today will start my cousin's Mix'va. Day one's event will be the grueling trek across the Martian desert taking on the full length and depth of the terrain until the path loops back around to the back of the royal palace."

Marvin gazed out into the desert, remembering the time Dodger's and him had made the same trek not so long ago; even then he still bested him.

Tyr'ahnee, "Accompanying her will be Commander X2. Each will be supplied with a ration of a weeks worth of food and water."

Crista and Marvin were being loaded with their supplies and were led to the gate that separated the kingdom from the wild dry land.

Tyr'ahnee, "Now I officially declare that Mix'va begins!"

Cheering erupted and tearful farewells were cast as the two left for their long walk around Mars.

…

Barely an hour had passed when Crista became overheated and tired. Marvin on the other hand trudged through the scorching sands without slowing his pace.

She began to pant, "Uh water boy give me my canteen. I'm dying of thirst."

Silence was met at her request.

Crista, "Yo Marvin! I demand water!"

He stopped, without turning around, he took the canteen and gulped down half of its value. She dashed at him but he simply pushed her aside, sending her back a little ways, scattering their food ration across the sandy ground. He kept forward while she lagged behind.

Hours slowly and agonizingly ticked by as the same thing occurred, Crista reaching for water but Marvin pushing her aside. In fact by the time the sun started to set she could do no more than crawl.

She looked up and pleaded, "Marvin, please…I beg..you…can I have water?"

He walked a little way and sat in a shelter of a randomly placed bolder. Seeing his cold demeanor her heart mourned and her body couldn't bare to keep conscious anymore, so, she gave up. He saw this and walked over gazing down at her now unconscious form. Could he really be that cruel to someone who saved his life? Sighing he gathered her up in his arms and propped her up against the bolder.

Grabbing the canteen he opened the cap, turned to her and popped her mouth open making her drink. The water tricked down her front. Setting aside the canteen he wiped away her hair and tucked it behind her ears and then wiped her face, cleaning off the sweat and grime.

He paused.

He took notice of his actions. With such care he fussed over her as if she was his, as if she was something delicate to him. Not to mention the dream was starting to come to life by their touch. He stood up and walked away to gaze out at the early coming stars, trying to fight what ever this was with all of his strength. His mind, his heart, a random dose of experimental drugs the doctors slipped him, he didn't know, all he knew is that he wanted it to go away.

Crista dizzily opened her eyes feeling the traces of fresh water in her throat and on her chin. She caught a glimpse of him standing looking toward heaven. Slowly he turned slightly and looked at her. They caught one another's eyes for a heartbeat and she smiled as she fell back to unconsciousness.