Page 74 of Technically Abducted
"No," I manage. "He believes all assessment subjects are returned to Earth. He has no awareness that integration is even possible."
"Well, that explains the security breach," Derek mutters. "He's probably pissed and missing you."
"Security breach?" I look around the chamber, noting again the emergency status indicators, the formal composition of the Council session.
"Your Finn and his friend have been quite... emphatic in their demands for answers," Elder Va'ril explains with what might be amusement. "They've managed to spread a message across significant portions of Earth's digital infrastructure claiming knowledge of our programs and specifically naming you as the researcher involved in his assessment."
"They mentioned the empathic bond specifically," Councilor Myr'esh adds. "Along with allegations about unauthorized contact with a minor ten years ago. Very detailed information for humans who should have no knowledge of our operational procedures."
I close my eyes, feeling the weight of catastrophic failure settling over me. "He's trying to get your attention."
"Successfully," Elder Va'ril confirms. "Which brings us to the immediate issue: we have a bonded pair separated by ignorance rather than choice, a security situation that requires resolution, and a human who has demonstrated remarkable innovation in forcing contact with our operations."
"What do you recommend?" I ask, though part of me already knows the answer.
"Emergency integration protocol," Jake says immediately. "Bring them both back, explain the situation, offer them what should have been offered weeks ago."
"Both?" I question.
"Finn and his friend Alex," Owen clarifies. "From what we can gather, Alex was the minor who was taken years ago. Another situation that needs resolution."
The hope that flickers in my chest is almost painful after weeks of resigned acceptance. "You would authorize retrieval?"
"Tev'ra," Elder Va'ril says firmly, "you are bonded to that human. Keeping you separated serves no purpose beyond causing unnecessary suffering to both parties. Of course we're authorizing retrieval."
"Immediately," Councilor Lyr'tha adds. "This situation has gone on far too long already."
I stare at the Council members, then at the three humans who are living proof that everything I believed about assessment outcomes was wrong. The possibility that Finn might return, that our separation was never necessary, that the empathic void I've been enduring could actually be healed...
"Thank you," I say, my voice breaking with emotion I can no longer suppress. "Thank you."
Jake steps forward and, to my complete shock, places a hand on my shoulder in a gesture of comfort that would have been unthinkable weeks ago.
"Welcome to the family," he says with a grin. "Though next time, maybe ask about your options before sending someone away, yeah?"
Despite everything, I find myself almost smiling. "I will remember that for future assessments."
"Future assessments?" Derek laughs. "Buddy, once you're bonded, your assessment days are over. You're moving into the domestic partnership track now."
Domestic partnership. The phrase sends warmth through my bioluminescence for the first time in weeks.
"Transport authorization is already being prepared," Elder Va'ril announces. "You'll depart for Earth within the hourto retrieve both humans and provide proper explanation of integration procedures."
An hour. In one hour, I might see Finn again. Might have the opportunity to explain that our separation was never necessary, that the connection we formed can be permanent rather than a painful memory.
"One more thing," Owen says, his expression serious. "When you see them, you need to understand that they've been fighting for answers. They've risked everything to get your attention. That kind of loyalty, that determination to fight for what they want... that's exactly what makes humans perfect partners for you all. We don't stop and we don't back down."
I nod, understanding flooding through me along with profound gratitude for the humans who have taken the time to help me comprehend what I nearly lost through ignorance.
"I won't fail him again," I promise.
"Good," Jake says, his expression growing serious. "Because any human brave enough to hack their way into forcing contact with an alien species deserves someone who'll fight just as hard for them."
As the Council session concludes and transport preparations begin, I feel something I haven't experienced since Finn's departure: hope. Not just for reunion, but for the possibility of building something permanent with someone who chose to fight for answers rather than accept dismissal.
In one hour, I'll discover if the human who called me Blue still wants to see the stars.
Chapter Twenty-Five
