Page 30 of Accidentally Abducted

"The sky," I begin. "It differs from Earth's. The atmospheric composition creates sunset colors that have no equivalent in your language. Purples deeper than your oceans, golds more vibrant than flame."

Jake makes a small sound of appreciation. "I'd like to see that someday."

The casual statement sends a ripple of longing through me. The image of Jake witnessing our sunset, standing beside me as the twin moons rise over the western sea, it creates a vision so perfect it almost hurts to contemplate.

"The cities are built both above and below the water," I continue, allowing myself to indulge in the fantasy that he might someday see them. "Some structures rise from the ocean floor to break the surface, while others float on massive platforms that can be submerged during storms."

"Do you live underwater or above it?" Jake asks, his fingers still tracing idle patterns on my skin.

"Both. My dwelling has chambers in both environments. Most Nereidans prefer to sleep underwater, though."

"Is that why you were so comfortable in my bed? Because it's not your usual sleeping arrangement anyway?"

The question contains a level of perception that continues to surprise me. "Perhaps. Though I found I... enjoyed the weight and warmth of you beside me."

Jake smiles against my shoulder. "Good to know. Do you have family there?"

The question seems innocent enough, but it leads to territory I have been avoiding. "Yes. My parent-creators still live in the city of my emergence. Both are researchers, though in different fields. And I have a younger sibling who specializes in environmental restoration."

"What about siblings closer to your age? Anyone who would threaten to beat me up for messing with their brother?" Jake's tone is light, but I sense genuine curiosity beneath the humor.

"I have one older brother," I admit. "Kav'eth. He is... my superior in the Research Collective."

Jake's eyebrows rise. "Your brother is your boss? That sounds complicated."

"It is not uncommon in Nereidan society for family units to work within the same field. But yes, our relationship is... complex."

"Complex how?" Jake shifts to face me more directly in the water.

"We were never particularly close, even as juveniles. Kav'eth has always been exceptionally devoted to protocol and duty. He was considered exemplary by our instructors, while I was often criticized for asking too many questions."

"Shocking," Jake says with a small smile. "You, questioning things? I can't imagine."

His teasing lightens something in my chest. "My tendency to seek understanding beyond established parameters was not always appreciated."

"And now this questioning brother reports to the rule-following one. That must be fun at family gatherings."

"We rarely attend the same social functions," I admit. "Kav'eth considers it important to maintain professional boundaries."

"So he's basically the opposite of me," Jake observes. "Mr. Protocol and Proper Procedures."

The assessment is more accurate than Jake could possibly know. I recall Kav'eth's stern warnings about maintaining emotional distance, about remembering my duty to our people, about not compromising the mission for one human.

"He would find you... challenging," I say carefully.

Jake grins. "I tend to have that effect on authority figures. So what would your brother say about this?" He gestures between us. "About us?"

"He would disapprove," I say honestly. "He has already expressed concern about my... objectivity regarding this assignment."

"Wait, you've talked to him about me?" Jake looks surprised. "When?"

"Last night, after you were asleep. All field researchers are required to submit regular reports to their supervisors."

"And you told him about us?"

"No," I clarify quickly. "But Kav'eth is perceptive. He sensed my... attachment through our neural interface."

Jake processes this information, his expression thoughtful. "And he warned you to keep your distance."

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