Page 28 of Technically Abducted
The genuine amusement in his voice, the complete lack of judgment or discomfort, allows something tight in me to relax. Despite every protocol violation I've just committed, I find myself smiling in response.
"I should retrieve alternative clothing for you," I say, though my voice sounds far less strained now.
"Probably," Finn agrees, but he doesn't seem particularly urgent about it either. "Though I have to say, the temperature in here is pretty comfortable. Your environmental controls are really well calibrated."
The casual comment somehow feels loaded with additional meaning, though I can't determine whether that interpretation is accurate or merely a projection of my own compromised mental state.
"The systems are designed to maintain optimal comfort for all species," I reply, acutely aware that my bioluminescence continues to pulse in patterns that definitely indicate non-optimal comfort levels on my part.
Finn steps closer, ostensibly to hand me his stained shirt. "Could you show me where those cleaning systems are? I'd hate to ruin this completely."
The proximity sends another wave of light cascading across my skin. He's close enough that I can observe the finedetails of his skin texture, note the way his pupils have dilated slightly, catch the subtle scent that seems uniquely human and specifically Finn.
"Of course," I say, accepting his shirt with hands that remain steady through years of diplomatic training, even as my bioluminescence betrays every other aspect of my composure. "The cleaning facility is located adjacent to this section."
As I lead him toward the cleaning systems, I'm intensely aware of his presence behind me—shirtless, comfortable, apparently unconcerned about the effect his state of undress has on my ability to maintain professional detachment.
This wasn't part of any assessment protocol.
And I find myself significantly less concerned about that deviation than I should be.
"Thank you," Finn says as we reach the cleaning facility and I start the process on his shirt. "For the soup, the grilled cheese, the conversation. All of it."
"Thank you for sharing your perspectives regarding family development and care demonstration," I reply, then realize how formal that sounds. "I mean... thank you for helping me understand."
"Anytime, Blue." Finn's smile is warmer than any I've observed from him previously. "So, about those swimming lessons?"
The return to our earlier conversation topic creates an unexpected flutter of anticipation. The formal assessment has evolved into something more personal, more genuine than our protocols anticipated. And despite the complications this creates for my reporting requirements, I find myself eager to continue this exploration of connection beyond systematic parameters.
"The hydration chamber pools would be optimal for instruction," I say. "If you're prepared for aquatic environment exposure."
"As ready as I'll ever be," Finn says, and I notice he makes no move to request replacement clothing. "Lead the way, teach."
As we prepare to leave the nutrition center, I realize that something fundamental has shifted between us. We're no longer simply assessor and subject, researcher and data point. We've become something more complex, more personal.
Something that definitely requires documentation adjustments in my final report.
But as I lead Finn toward the hydration chambers, I find myself less concerned with protocol compliance and more focused on the prospect of teaching him something I've never shared with another being. The thought should disturb me.
Instead, it fills me with anticipation I can't entirely suppress.
Chapter Nine
Finn
Back in the hydration chambers, the warm, humid air hits my bare chest immediately. Tev'ra moves with obvious comfort here, still in his formal attire. In this environment I can see his bioluminescent patterns even through the fabric, pulsing gently beneath his skin like a preview of what's to come.
Which, I suppose, it is.
"For swimming instruction, we'll use the intermediate pool," he says, indicating a section that's maybe chest-deep on me, deeper on the edges. "The depth allows for proper instruction while maintaining safety parameters."
"Right," I say, trying to sound more confident than I feel. "Safety parameters."
The truth is, I'm nervous as hell. Not just about the water—though that's definitely part of it—but about being here with Tev'ra, both of us about to be wet and mostly naked. The meal in the nutrition center shifted something between us, and the way he's looking at me now...
"You'll need to remove additional clothing," Tev'ra observes, and I notice his gaze flick down to my jeans before quickly returning to my face. "Water-appropriate attire is recommended."
"Water-appropriate attire," I repeat. "You mean my underwear."
