Page 34 of Technically Abducted
"Foster care," Elder Keth'var repeats. "This term does not appear in our cultural analysis."
"I admit I'm unfamiliar with the concept as well," I say. "Additional research will be required to understand its implications for human development patterns."
"Indeed," Research Coordinator Yil'neth says, making notes on her tablet. "We will require comprehensive analysis of this 'foster care' system and its effects on human subjects. Your findings should be forwarded to the Research Division immediately upon completion."
"Of course, Coordinator."
"Researcher Tev'ra," Elder Va'ril's tone shifts to something approaching curiosity, "in your preliminary assessment, would you characterize the human Finn Sullivan as representative of typical human capabilities?"
The question requires more consideration than I can provide in the context of a formal Council communication. Finn is unlike anything our research predicted—chaotic yet effective,resistant yet collaborative, afraid yet brave enough to trust me with vulnerabilities he's clearly never shared before.
"I would characterize him as... atypical," I say carefully. "His problem-solving methodologies deviate significantly from expected parameters, yet produce superior results. His background appears to have created adaptive capabilities that our standard research failed to identify."
"Atypical in ways that suggest broader compatibility potential, or atypical in ways that indicate he is an anomaly?"
That's the question I cannot answer. Not yet. Possibly not without compromising the very objectivity the Council expects from this assessment.
"Insufficient data for conclusive analysis," I say, which is true but feels like an evasion.
"Very well," Elder Va'ril says. "Continue your assessment according to established protocols. Document all deviations from expected behavioral patterns. We will review your preliminary findings in forty-eight hours."
"Understood, Elder."
Their images fade, leaving me alone in my quarters with the lingering awareness that this conversation has introduced complications I hadn't anticipated. The Council's interest in Finn extends beyond simple compatibility assessment. His exceptional performance, his unusual background, his apparent deviation from their research expectations—all of it marks him as significant in ways that create pressure I'm not certain how to manage.
I move to the wall interface to begin researching foster care systems, but before I can activate the search parameters, the door chime sounds. I activate the door controls, and it slides open to reveal Finn Sullivan standing in my corridor.
He's dressed now, in clothing that he must have brought with him. His hair is still damp from the pools, and there'ssomething in his expression that suggests he's been waiting here for some time.
"How did you find my quarters?" I ask, genuinely curious about the navigation challenge this must have presented.
"I asked the ship to show me the way," Finn says with a slight smile. "It lit up a path on the floor. Apparently your AI is very helpful."
"The ship's guidance systems are designed to assist with orientation," I say, though I cannot recall ever asking the ship for directions to personal quarters. "Was there something you required?"
Finn's expression shifts, becoming more serious. "You left kind of abruptly. I wanted to make sure everything was okay."
"Council communications require immediate response," I explain. "There was no choice in the timing."
"I know. I just..." He pauses, seeming to search for words. "In the pool, what happened between us—I don't want you to think I'm going to panic and run away now."
The statement catches me off guard. "Why would I think that?"
"Because that's what I usually do," Finn says with unexpected honesty. "When things get complicated, when they start meaning something, I find ways to sabotage them. Distance myself. Go back to just work and isolation." He meets my eyes. "I don't want to do that with you."
"The Council call had nothing to do with our... interaction. They reviewed the assessment scenario results and required clarification regarding your performance metrics."
"My performance metrics?"
"You completed the diagnostic scenario faster than any individual in Nereidan history," I say. "With zero simulated casualties. The Council finds this result... significant."
Finn's eyebrows rise. "Significant how?"
"I'm not certain yet. But they've requested comprehensive analysis of your background, particularly regarding this 'foster care' system you mentioned." I pause. "I'll need to research the concept thoroughly."
"Foster care," Finn repeats, and something shadows his expression. "What do you want to know?"
The offer is simple, direct, and completely at odds with formal research protocols. I should decline, indicate that proper analysis requires objective data sources rather than subjective personal accounts.
