Page 46 of Accidentally Abducted

Congrats. Sounds like an amazing opportunity. Hope it gives you everything you're looking for.

I hit send, then toss my phone aside, unable to bear the thought of his enthusiastic reply. I pick up the communicator instead, holding it against my chest like a talisman.

"Come back," I whisper to the empty room, to the fading empathic bond, to the vast distance between worlds. "I'm still here waiting for you."

The silence that answers is deafening.

Chapter Fourteen

Zeph

The Council Chamber's architecture has always been designed to inspire humility. Soaring ceilings that capture and amplify sound. Walls embedded with bioluminescent coral that pulses in synchronization with the collective emotional state of those present. The seven curved seats arranged in a perfect arc, elevated just enough to require speakers to look upward.

I have presented research findings in this chamber seventeen times over my career. I have never before struggled to maintain professional composure.

"Your bioluminescence patterns remain irregular," my attendant observes as she adjusts the formal attire required for Council presentations. Her tone is clinical, but I detect the faintest note of concern. "Shall I request a metabolic stabilizer?"

"That will not be necessary," I reply, though the evidence suggests otherwise. My skin's natural glow has remained dimmed since Jake's departure, pulsing erratically whenever my thoughts drift to him. A metabolic stabilizer would create artificial luminescence patterns, masking my compromised state.

The Council would see through such deception immediately. My brother certainly would.

"As you wish." The attendant steps back, giving me a final assessment. "The Council has convened. They await your presentation."

I check my appearance one last time in the reflective surface before me. My formal attire, deep blue with silver detailing that normally complements my bioluminescence, seems to emphasize the unnatural dullness of my skin. Even my posture, despite conscious correction, reveals tension in my shoulders and neck.

I look exactly like what I am: a Nereidan in emotional distress.

"Proceed," I instruct the attendant, and the doors to the Council Chamber slide open.

The seven Council members are already seated as I enter, their own bioluminescence regulated to the precise formal intensity expected of their station. My brother Kav'eth sits third from the right, his expression revealing nothing as I approach the center of the chamber.

At the center sits Elder Va'ril, the most senior Council member, her silver-blue skin bearing the distinctive patterns of age and wisdom. Her eyes track my movement with the keen assessment that has made her legendary among our people.

"Researcher Zeph'hai," she intones, her voice carrying the harmonic resonance of authority. "You come before the Council to present findings on human compatibility assessment. We acknowledge your service and await your report."

I bow in the formal manner, straightening to my full height before beginning the prepared presentation.

"Esteemed Council, I present the comprehensive findings of the initial human compatibility assessment. As requested, I have compiled physiological metrics, cultural adaptation indicators, psychological stability factors, and genetic diversity potential." My voice emerges steadier than expected, the familiar rhythm of scientific reporting providing structure I desperately need.

The holographic display activates at my gesture, projecting detailed charts and analysis into the center of the chamber.

"Human physiology demonstrates 87% compatibility with Nereidan biological systems, exceeding our threshold for viable partnership. Respiratory, circulatory, and neural systems show significant potential for adaptation."

I move through the technical portions of the report with methodical precision, detailing genetic diversity benefits, resource-sharing potential, and cultural exchange opportunities. The Council listens attentively, occasionally making notations on their individual interfaces.

Only when I reach the section on psychological compatibility does my voice falter slightly.

"Human emotional processing exhibits remarkable similarities to our own, with several notable differences that appear complementary rather than contradictory." I pause, fighting to maintain professional distance. "They demonstrate exceptional adaptability to unfamiliar environments and concepts, often incorporating new information into their existing frameworks with minimal resistance."

I can feel Kav'eth's gaze intensify at this claim. He shifts forward in his seat, a subtle movement, but one I recognize from childhood as preceding skepticism.

"This adaptability extends to interpersonal dynamics," I continue. "The subject demonstrated rapid acceptance of physiological differences and was able to establish meaningful communication despite significant cultural barriers."

"You speak of the human Jake Morrison," Elder Va'ril interjects, her voice cutting through my presentation. "The incorrect acquisition."

It is not a question, but I answer anyway. "Yes, Elder. While the subject was not the intended target, the assessment provided valid data nonetheless."

"Yet your report contains no reference to the intended subject, Derek Cross," says Councilor Eth'nor, whose specialty in cultural anthropology makes him particularly interested in selection criteria. "What comparison metrics can you provide between the intended target and the accidental subject?"

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