Page 20 of Accidentally Abducted

"And you did not think to verify the identity before proceeding with the assessment?" Kav'eth's voice has taken on the dangerous calm that indicates he is furious. "You have spent over forty-eight hours with the wrong human, Zeph'hai."

"I am aware of the error."

"Are you?" Kav'eth leans forward, his bioluminescence flaring briefly with suppressed anger. "This program represents our species' best chance at survival. The Council authorized significant resources based on my personal recommendation of your capabilities. And your first action is to abduct the wrong human."

The accusation stings, particularly because it is accurate. "The research team provided incorrect location data. The humanJake Morrison was in the exact coordinates designated for retrieval."

"A mistake that should have been identified and corrected immediately." Kav'eth's hand slams down on something off-screen, his frustration finally breaking through his composure. "Instead, you proceeded with the assessment. With a human who was never vetted for compatibility."

"Preliminary results with the alternative subject are... promising," I say, trying to sound objective despite the defensive heat rising in my chest.

"Promising," Kav'eth repeats, studying my face with the kind of scrutiny that always made me uncomfortable as a child. "Your vital signs suggest elevated emotional investment well beyond normal research parameters. Your bioluminescence patterns indicate attachment. You are compromised, Zeph'hai."

"I am conducting the assessment according to protocol," I insist, though I can feel the telltale warmth beneath my skin that will betray me.

"Protocol would have been to terminate the assessment immediately upon discovering the error." Kav'eth's voice drops to a dangerous quiet. "Instead, you have spent two days engaging in... what, exactly? Because your reports have been minimal at best."

I do not respond immediately, unsure how to explain what has transpired without revealing the extent of my attachment to Jake. The silence stretches between us, and I can see my brother coming to his own conclusions.

"You've engaged in physical intimacy with the human," he says flatly. It is not a question.

"Physical compatibility is part of the assessment protocol," I respond stiffly.

"With an approved candidate, yes. Not with a random human you accidentally transported." Kav'eth rubs his temples,a gesture I recognize from our childhood when I had particularly tried his patience. "This is worse than I thought. I should come there myself, extract the human, and reset the assignment with the correct target."

Something cold and fierce surges through me at the suggestion. The thought of Kav'eth, or anyone, taking Jake away triggers a protective response I did not know I was capable of feeling.

"That would be inadvisable," I say, my voice dropping to a register I barely recognize.

Kav'eth stills, his eyes narrowing at my tone. "Excuse me?"

"Jake Morrison is under my protection for the duration of the assessment period," I state, the words emerging with a certainty that surprises even me. "The transportation cycle cannot be reversed for another twenty-four hours. Any attempt to extract him prematurely would violate our own protocols and potentially traumatize a subject who has been nothing but cooperative."

"Cooperative," Kav'eth repeats, his expression calculating. "Or manipulative? Humans are known for their adaptability, Zeph'hai. How certain are you that this human is not simply telling you what you want to hear? Playing to your obvious inexperience to ensure his own comfort and safety?"

The suggestion that Jake might be manipulating me is so absurd that I almost laugh. The Jake Morrison who called my research "aspirational bullshit" and critiqued every aspect of our protocols would hardly be concerned with manipulating me for comfort.

"And yet you claim promising results."

"Yes."

"Explain."

I choose my words carefully, knowing that whatever I say will be scrutinized for signs of inappropriate attachment. "The human demonstrates exceptional adaptability to unfamiliar environments. He has shown curiosity about Nereidan culture and technology without fear or prejudice. His problem-solving abilities are creative and effective. Physical compatibility is..." I hesitate, then settle for, "Well within acceptable parameters."

"Acceptable parameters," Kav'eth repeats, and there's something knowing in his expression that makes me uncomfortable. "Zeph'hai, your own bioluminescence is visible even through the neural interface. Whatever is happening between you and this human goes beyond 'acceptable parameters.'"

I do not respond, unwilling to confirm or deny his suspicion.

Kav'eth sighs, a sound of deep frustration. "Listen to me carefully, Zeph'hai. I understand this is your first assignment, and I know the pressure you feel to succeed. But you cannot allow personal attachment to compromise your objectivity. This human, Jake Morrison, he is a research subject. One individual among billions of his species. Your responsibility is to assess his people's compatibility with ours, not to form emotional bonds with him personally."

"And if I determine that humans are compatible? What then?" I ask, already knowing the answer but needing to hear it spoken aloud.

"Then we expand the program. We bring more humans to our world, establish cultural exchange protocols, begin the process of integration." Kav'eth's expression softens slightly, perhaps sensing my internal conflict. "But Zeph'hai—" His voice grows stern again. "—your role is as a researcher, not as a potential mate. You are evaluating his entire species, notselecting a personal partner. Not with this one, not since he is not Derek Cross."

The words hit me like cold water. Because the truth is, I have been thinking of Jake not as a representative of humanity, but as... Jake. Unique, irreplaceable, fascinating Jake who makes me laugh and challenges my assumptions and responds to my touch like he was created specifically for my hands.

"I understand," I say, though my voice sounds hollow even to my own ears.

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