Page 30 of Reluctantly Abducted
"This is..." he pauses, searching for words. "Unexpectedly complex."
I grin, recognizing the scientist-speak for what it is. "That's scientist-speak for 'delicious,' right?"
A small smile forms on his lips, one of the few I've seen during our time together. "It is quite good," he acknowledges. "Though extremely sweet by Nereidan standards."
"Try it with the drink you made," I suggest, taking a sip from my cup.
The flavor hits me immediately, unlike anything I've tasted before. Light and creamy, with an almost effervescent quality that dances on the tongue. There's a sweetness to it, but not cloying, balanced by something I can only describe as crystalline. "Whoa. That's amazing."
Ry'eth takes a sip of his own beverage, then another bite of pancake. "They go well together," he observes, and I can tell he's genuinely pleased by how our culinary contributions complement each other.
"No kidding," I agree, alternating between bites of pancake and sips of the drink. "We should open a restaurant. 'Cosmic Cuisine' or something equally tacky."
The joke slips out before I really think about it, and I notice a flicker of discomfort cross Ry'eth's features. Of course, I've implied a future beyond these three days, something we both know isn't happening.
We eat in comfortable silence for a few moments before I try another line of conversation. "So, what about your family? You mentioned your brothers, but what about your parents?"
"My creator-parents," he corrects automatically. "They are both researchers in different fields. One specializes in aquatic ecosystem management, the other in biochemical engineering."
"Creator-parents," I repeat, intrigued by the term. "That's an interesting way to put it."
"It is more accurate than 'mother' or 'father,'" he explains. "Nereidan reproduction does not involve pregnancy.Genetic material is harvested from each parent, then modified and combined in an artificial gestation chamber."
I pause mid-bite, genuinely surprised by this revelation. "Really? That's... huh. So no one gets pregnant? Ever?"
"It would be highly inefficient," he says, as if this should be obvious. "Our current method allows for optimal genetic selection while eliminating the physical risks and limitations of biological pregnancy."
"That's fascinating," I say, meaning it. Despite everything I've seen in the past two days, there are still aspects of alien life that can completely surprise me. "So both parents contribute genetically, but no one carries the baby."
"Correct. The gestation chamber provides ideal conditions for development, monitored continuously by medical specialists." He takes another pancake, choosing a chocolate one this time. "The process also allows for minor genetic modifications to correct for potential health issues."
"Designer babies," I say, nodding. "We've been debating the ethics of that on Earth for decades."
"It is not 'design' in the way I suspect you mean," he clarifies. "We do not select for appearance or arbitrary traits. The modifications are strictly health-related."
"Still pretty advanced compared to human reproduction," I point out. "We're still doing it the old-fashioned biological way, for the most part."
"An inefficient and physically taxing process," he observes.
"But a pretty intimate one," I counter with a small smile, enjoying the immediate flush of luminescence that spreads across his skin.
He focuses intently on his food, clearly flustered by the direction of the conversation. "What about your parents?"he asks, obviously trying to shift focus. "You mentioned your mother made these pancakes."
The question brings me back to thoughts I generally prefer to avoid. "Yeah," I say, measuring my words. "Mom was around when I was younger, but got more career-focused as I got older. Dad was always working. Standard middle-class American upbringing, parents who provide financially but aren't exactly present emotionally."
"That sounds... difficult," Ry'eth says, his tone suggesting he's uncertain how to respond.
I shrug, not wanting to make a big deal of it. "It was fine. Lots of kids have it way worse."
"Still, the absence of emotional support during development would have effects," he points out with scientific precision.
"Probably why I joined the military," I say with a short laugh. "Looking for structure, purpose, all that psychological stuff."
I take another pancake, dipping it more carelessly now as memories surface. "We don't talk much these days. Not since I came out."
"Came out?" he repeats, clearly unfamiliar with the term.
"Told them I was gay," I clarify. "That I'm attracted to men, not women."
