Page 40 of Uprooted
“Did you see this?” Tai points his yuriOS at me.
Elowen found me this morning and warned me that her boss would be reaching out. My initial reaction was to deny the request, but Elowen explained the situation back on Earth. I found it impossible to tell her no.
“Apparently, she needs to do some field observations. I already approved it,” I say and go back to my work.
“And you’re sure about this?” he asks. I bristle a little at his tone. Now I know how Rialto feels when I second-guess him.
“It’ll be fine. A quick trip out of the dome never hurt anyone.”
“What’s the security arrangement? What team will be escorting her?” he asks.
“It’s just going to be Lugo. I can’t spare any other staff right now. He’s the only one who’s available.”
“He doesn’t have the experience. I’ll do it,” he offers.
“No, you have a shift tonight, and there’s no one to cover for you,” I say.
“You could do it.” It almost sounds like an accusation. I square up to face him directly. He needs to hear what I say next because I’m done having this conversation.
“I have another commitment.” I don’t go into detail. It’s none of his business what I’ll be doing instead, and he knows better than to ask.
“You have to be fucking kidding me.” He turns away and goes back to the security feeds across the wall of the hub.
“No, I’m not kidding. Lugo will babysit the human, as you like to say, and they will be back before breakfast.”
“I don’t like this,” he says, turning his head back to me but avoiding eye contact.
“You don’t have to like it. The decision has been made.”
I stomp out of the hub. Being around Tai is ruining my good mood. I’ve got a special night planned for Elowen. I did some research on courting customs on Earth. I am taking her on a human date. There are a few popular options, none of which are easy to pull off in a research facility. I’ve managed to patch something together and I’m pretty sure she’ll like it.
* * *
I’ve got a small office blocked off. It’s out of the way. We won’t be interrupted. I’m going to grab us dinner from the mess, set it up, and surprise her with dinner—just the two of us. Ordinarily it would be a nice restaurant or eating outside on a blanket, which sounds really uncomfortable to me.
We get… an empty office with the same noodles we’ve been eating for months. Now that I think about it, I’m less confident she’ll be impressed.
I balance the tray of food as I make my way through the halls. I take the long way through the dome, making extra effort to avoid running into anyone. I don’t want to answer any questions.
It doesn’t take long to set up. The noodles are ready. I keep a steel cover over the bowls to keep them warm. I spread some nano lights out over the table and look over the room over once more. It doesn’t look too bad.
I change into black trousers and a stiff black shirt. I fiddle with the neck clasp. I check the mirror and close the clasp, then open it again. I’m overthinking this. She’ll probably be wearing the same thing I’ve seen her in each day. I don’t think she has anything other than the coveralls that the humans wear. But I’m not complaining. I’m often distracted by the thought of what is under them.
She makes the bulky uniform look good. Every once in a while, she’ll tie the sleeves around her waist. I’ve spent far too many hours imagining myself untying that knot and pulling them off her.
27
Elowen
The door to my room slides open, revealing an Aro I haven’t seen before. He isn’t in his usual khaki pants and white T-shirt. He’s in all black and I practically beg my eyes to stay on his face, even though his crooked grin might actually kill me.
“What’s the special occasion?” I ask.
“We are going on a human date,” he says, sounding proud of himself.
“You missed one crucial step.”
“What? I did a ton of research. You don’t even know what it is yet!” he says.
