Page 20 of My New and Improved Alien Lovers

We do happen upon a few members of a mated triad in storage, whispering aggressively in the corner to each other. They stiffen when we enter the area, remaining quiet as we type in the codes to access our ship. We offer them a friendly wave, trying not toseem threatening. But they might be exactly who we need to talk to.

I tug on Adeema's hand, indicating we should approach them. They were mated shortly before we left for earth rotation, so they would have been here at the height of the new rule implementation.

“Greetings, Triad,” I offer when we get in range. One of them is hiding something behind his back, and I'm curious, because overall they seem to be a bit secretive; it's difficult to know if we can trust them or not with what we really need to ask.

Saving me the anxiety of starting the conversation, Adeema takes over. “We wonder if we might ask you a few questions. Our mate is having a little bit of a difficult time adjusting to her new life here, and we seek advice. It is good luck we find you here.”

Tonriir, the triad’s head, is quick to respond, if not slightly irritated. “Of course, Triad. How may we assist you?”

Adeema reaches for words, and I stand there like an imbecile, being no help to him. “I suppose,” he finally says, “we’d like to know how you are finding the new…restrictiverules for humans, and how your mate is adjusting to them. Has she found ways to ease the strain of them? Has she found fulfillment here? If so, do you have any advice we can pass on to our mate? We very recently arrived back, and Margaret hasn't received the best impression of our home.”

Tonriir takes stock of us, eyes scanning us up and down, trying to read the subtext of our words. “That's right, this is all new to you, isn't it? You wouldn't have been aware of these rules when you set out to find your mate.”

We both shake our heads, affirming this assumption.

“If I may,” his partner behind him pipes up, interjecting, “have you finished your bond yet? I know you said you just got in last night, but I'm unaware of how long you were in rotation before arriving back here.”

I think all of us are playing a game of subtlety, trying not to say something offensive that would implicate each other if it were to get back to the kruul, but we are all Violetians here, all subject to the same way of life and I firmly believe we need to help each other out.

“May I speak plainly, Triad? I wish not to speak ill of our kruul, for he has given us so many great things, but this matter is highly sensitive and is specifically in regard to our mate. We do not wish you to think ill of us for having... different opinions on rules that have been introduced lately.”

Tonriir’s face relaxes along with his body. “We were just about to retrieve something from our ship that we need for our home. Would you care to follow us? Perhaps you'd be interested as well to see it.” He does not wait for us to answer; he simply begins to walk to a different corner where his ship must be stored.

Adeema weighs the situation and looks to me for input, but all I can offer is a shrug. We wanted answers, perhaps this is the best way to go about getting them.

I follow behind Tonriir, tugging Adeema with me.

I am surprised to walk onto a ship that is not in hibernation mode. In fact, all the lights are on and warm with the engines running. Tonriir stops suddenly as we cross the threshold, eyes widening as he pulls us into a secret. “We are fleeing,” he whispers. “This station is no longer conducive to a happy mating life; they've already mutilated our beautiful mate, and we could not stop them.

“They introduced the rule shortly after our bond had completed, and they took her during one of the morning meetings that are required. We thought they were merely for information. When we went to retrieve her, we were told we could find her in the infirmary in a few hours’ time. She's much changed now and is in a near-constant state of depression. We fear it is our fault for bringing her here.”

“What about yourselves?” Adeema asks. “Have you noticed any changes? We've been trying to figure out what's happening, and we found some information hinting there’s a possibility that male Violetians might be affected in some manner.”

“All I know is our heads feels clouded,” Tonriir’s partner says. “I find it hard to remember certain details, and it's not uncommon for any of us to remain quiet for many hours at a time. Something has definitely been happening to us, and the closer we get to our mate’s possibility of conceiving, the greater danger we are in.”

I’m confused. “What do you mean? Why would she be in greater danger because of her likelihood of getting pregnant?”

Tonriir looks around, rocking back on his heels. “We find it odd that no triads have had young in a while. There is talk, rumors we can't confirm or deny, and we fear they might try to do something else with our mate when she's in a required meeting. What if they decide it is in the best interest of the ship that she's sterilized, and we are unable to stop it? Our mate has always wanted a baby. We will not take that from her as well. Without her mammary glands, feeding will be a trial, but that's why we're going to station Trial Two. Everything we've heard says they have a high human population and are able to care for them during pregnancy.

“We cannot tell you what to do, but do not let your guard down when your mate is not with you. The kruul’s mate has strong ideas about our human mates, and it is being said that the kruul tires of his job. He will not rein her in, so we are leaving.”

I take in the running ship again, understanding dawning on me. “Now? You're leavingnow?”

“We are,” Tonriir’s partner says. “We had to sneak our mate through the halls due to the time of the day, because we cannot remain here any longer. We wish you well.”

“Safe travels,” Adeema offers, stepping back off the ship and pulling me with him.

The doors close in front of us, ending the conversation with a heavy note of finality.

“I suppose that answered almost all of our questions,” I say uselessly.

“Indeed. We have much to consider. Let us get the water and return back so we may talk to our alpha.”

Margaret

I sleep restlessly while alone in the spare bedroom, intrusive thoughts plaguing me.

I wanted so badly to believe this would be a great new start for me; instead, I seem to have found myself in another, even bigger mess. Sure, maybe my partners treat me better, but this space station is far from ideal.

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