Page 23 of Technically Abducted
"I can be very efficient when I need to be," I joke.
Tev'ra's skin flares with light again, that now-familiar response to anything that could be interpreted as innuendo.
"Nereidan motor control is optimized for precision tasks," he says stiffly, but I catch the slight smile he tries to hide.
"Good thing, because—" I start to say, then catch myself. Maybe I should ease up on the guy. Instead, I lean forward to examine the control panel more closely. "This is actually really interesting."
"What are you observing?" Tev'ra asks, moving closer to see what I'm looking at.
"This diagnostic pattern—it's running background optimization routines."
"The ship's systems continuously adapt for optimal efficiency, yes."
"But look at the way it's processing the calculations." I trace the data flow with my finger. "It's not just optimizing—it's learning. Adapting based on usage patterns, environmental changes, even crew behavior."
Tev'ra leans in beside me, close enough that I can feel the warmth radiating from his skin. His bioluminescence brightens as he focuses on the display.
"The adaptive algorithms are standard Nereidan technology," he says, but there's something in his voice that suggests he's seeing it differently now.
"This is incredible," I say, genuinely impressed. "On Earth, we're still arguing about whether true adaptive AI is even possible, and you've got it running your ship's basic systems."
"It is merely efficient resource allocation."
"It's artificial intelligence that's actually intelligent." I look at him. "Do you realize how revolutionary this would be for human technology?"
Tev'ra's skin shifts to that golden-edged pattern I'm starting to recognize. "You find our technology... interesting?"
"I find it fascinating." I turn back to the display, watching the data flows. "The way it balances competing priorities, adjusts for unexpected variables—it's like watching an organic mind work, but with perfect precision."
"This is not how I expected you to respond to systematic optimization."
"Why? Because I prefer intuitive approaches?" I glance at him. "That doesn't mean I can't appreciate elegant engineering when I see it."
Tev'ra is studying me with that same expression I've seen before—like he's trying to solve a puzzle. "Your chaotic methods and our systematic approaches should be incompatible."
"Should be," I agree. "But look at this diagnostic we just ran. Your systematic approach identified the problem parameters, my intuitive approach provided the solution path. The system adapted to incorporate both methodologies."
"That is..." He pauses, watching the display. "That is not how the protocols predicted human integration would function."
"Maybe that's because the protocols didn't account for actual collaboration." I lean back in the impossible chair. "Your system didn't just tolerate my approach—it learned from it. Incorporated it."
Tev'ra's bioluminescence shifts again, more complex patterns flowing across his skin. "The implications for technological integration..."
"Would be significant," I finish. "If humans and Nereidans worked together, instead of just one side adapting to the other."
He turns to look at me fully, his golden eyes intense. "You would be willing to collaborate on technological development?"
The question catches me off guard. Not just the content, but the way he asks it—personal rather than clinical, like the answer matters to him beyond the assessment parameters.
"I..." I hesitate. The systems are impressive, sure, but I'm not about to sign up for some long-term alien internship. "I mean, it's fascinating technology. But I've got responsibilities on Earth."
His skin dims slightly. "Of course. Your clients."
"It's not just that." I lean back, putting some distance between us. "This is all theoretical anyway, right? It's not like I could take any of this back with me. Your people aren't exactly sharing advanced AI with humans."
"No," Tev'ra admits quietly. "That would not be... permitted."
"So we're talking about me leaving my life behind to work on alien tech that I could never use to help the people I actually care about." I shake my head. "That doesn't sound like collaboration. That sounds like brain drain."
