Page 59 of Reluctantly Abducted
"I see," I say, setting aside my equipment. "Would you like refreshment?"
"No, thank you." He hesitates, then adds, "I wanted to discuss your Council presentation."
My skin betrays me immediately, a pulse of blue light that I cannot suppress quickly enough. "My findings were thoroughly documented. If the Council requires additional data—"
"This isn't about your data," Kav'eth interrupts, his tone gentler than I'm accustomed to hearing from him. "Your research was, as always, impeccable."
"Then what aspect of my presentation concerns you?" I ask, though I suspect I already know.
Kav'eth studies me for a long moment, his golden eyes—so similar to my own—seeing more than I'm comfortable revealing. Finally, he says, "You miss him."
It's not a question.
I turn away, busying myself with organizing equipment that's already perfectly arranged. "The subject was returned to Earth as scheduled. The assessment is complete."
"Yes, I'm aware of the protocol," Kav'eth says, a hint of impatience in his voice. "I'm also aware that you haven't been yourself since your return."
"I'm perfectly functional," I insist.
"Functional, yes. But not yourself." He moves to stand beside me, close enough that I can see the concern in his bioluminescent patterns. "What you're experiencing," he continues carefully, "is not unlike what Zeph'hai and I experienced with our humans."
"I am not experiencing anything," I say, the words sounding hollow even to my own ears. "Perhaps some lingering curiosity about certain aspects of human culture, but nothing more."
Kav'eth sighs, a sound I rarely hear from him. "You've always been stubborn, little brother. Even as a child, you insisted on figuring things out for yourself rather than accepting guidance."
"An effective approach to scientific discovery," I point out.
"Less effective for personal matters." Kav'eth picks up one of my sample containers, examining it with professional interest before setting it back down precisely where it was. "When I met Derek, I was convinced our interaction would bepurely professional—a straightforward assessment of human-Nereidan compatibility for the integration program."
I look up, surprised by his candor. Kav'eth rarely discusses personal matters, especially regarding his human partner.
"I was wrong," he continues. "What began as scientific assessment became something I couldn't quantify or categorize. Something that didn't fit neatly into my reports or data analyses."
"Your situation was different," I argue. "You and Derek formed a bond almost immediately. Owen and I completed the entire assessment period without any indication of bond formation."
"And yet," Kav'eth says, his voice deliberately casual, "you spent much of your presentation explaining why this human would be valuable to our society, particularly because of his medical expertise."
"That was a factual observation," I say defensively. "His skills would indeed be beneficial."
"Undoubtedly." Kav'eth's expression softens slightly. "But is that the only reason you wish he had stayed?"
The question cuts too close to truths I'm not ready to face. My skin flares with involuntary bioluminescence, answering for me before I can formulate a response.
"I thought as much," Kav'eth says, nodding slightly.
"It doesn't matter," I say finally. "The assessment is complete. He's been returned to Earth. Protocol doesn't allow for—"
"Protocol," Kav'eth interrupts, "can be adjusted when circumstances warrant. The Council found your assessment compelling. Particularly the parts regarding the human's medical knowledge and its potential benefit to our integration program."
I look at him sharply. "What are you saying?"
"I'm saying," he replies carefully, "that as a Council member, I have the authority to approve one final assessment period. Seventy-two hours to determine if there is potential for an empathic bond."
"A final assessment," I repeat, my mind racing with implications.
"Yes," Kav'eth says, his expression growing more serious. "But understand this clearly, Ry'eth. This is not standard protocol. The Council is making an exception based on the strength of your presentation and the potential value of the human's medical knowledge."
I nod, trying to process this unexpected opportunity.
