Page 80 of Technically Abducted
The transport field begins building around us, blue light filling the apartment one final time. But unlike our previous separation, this transport represents beginning rather than ending. Through our joined hands, I feel Finn's excitement overtaking his lingering anxiety, his mind already racing ahead to possibilities neither of us had dared consider three weeks ago.
As reality dissolves around us, I feel Finn's hand tighten in mine and the empathic bond humming with contentment and anticipation and love—a symphony of emotions so complex and beautiful I can barely contain them within my bioluminescence.
The blue light intensifies, wrapping around us like an ocean current, carrying us away from the life Finn has known and toward something neither of us fully understands yet. But this time, we face it together.
This time, when the blue light fades, we'll be going home together.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Finn
Later that day, on Tev'ra's planet, the transport field dissolves around us, and my first thought isblue. Not the artificial blue of transport energy, but something richer, deeper—a living color that fills the sky above us, broken only by the two suns hanging at different heights. Their combined light casts everything in a golden-violet glow that makes my breath catch.
"Holy shit," I hear Alex mutter beside me.
We're standing on some kind of arrival platform, a circular area that glows faintly with residual transport energy and hovers a comfortable few feet above the water's surface. Beyond it stretches a coastline dotted with structures that remind me of high-tech houseboats—elegant buildings perched on platforms above the water's edge, some extending partially over the water, others with visible sections below the surface. Crystal formations rise from the terrain, capturing and reflecting the light of the twin suns. In the distance, an ocean shimmers with colors I don't have names for.
I appreciate the beauty from our safely elevated position, though I can't help the instinctive tension that comes from being surrounded by so much water. Still, there's something undeniably stunning about how the twin suns reflect off the ocean's surface, creating patterns that seem alive with light.
"The atmospheric composition is compatible with human physiology," Tev'ra says, misinterpreting my stunned silence. "Though you may notice slightly higher oxygen levels than Earth standard. Some humans report a mild euphoric effect during initial adaptation."
"It's not the oxygen," I tell him, unable to look away from the horizon. "It's... everything."
His hand finds mine, our fingers interlacing automatically. Through our bond, I can feel his pride, his pleasure at my reaction—he wanted me to be amazed, and I am. But there's anxiety too, an undercurrent of uncertainty about what happens next.
"The Council has arranged temporary accommodations while your integration status is processed," Tev'ra explains, addressing both me and Alex. "But I was hoping..." He hesitates, his bioluminescence shifting to patterns I've come to recognize as nervousness. "I thought perhaps you might prefer to stay with me. Both of you," he adds quickly, looking at Alex. "My dwelling has adequate space."
Alex glances between us, clearly reading the subtext. "I can do temporary accommodations if that's easier. I don't want to impose on your reunion."
"No," Tev'ra says firmly, surprising me with his decisiveness. "Finn considers you family. You will stay with us, for as long as you wish. If you agree."
I smile at how he says "us," so casually, like it's already settled that we're a unit. And at how easily he includes Alex, understanding without being told that I wouldn't want my friend relegated to some impersonal government housing.
"Thanks, Blue," I say softly, using the nickname that always makes his skin brighten. I turn to Alex. "It'll be better this way. We can face the adjustment together."
Alex nods, his expression showing relief beneath his attempt at nonchalance. "As long as I'm not cramping your style."
"Nor'em and Yth'al will escort us to the dwelling," Tev'ra says, gesturing to the security specialists who have maintained a respectful distance since our arrival. "There will be official integration briefings tomorrow, but the Council has granted us the remainder of today for... acclimation."
The way his voice catches on the last word, combined with the pulse of anticipation I feel through our bond, makes it clear what kind of acclimation he's thinking about. Heat crawls up my neck, and I notice Alex fighting a smile.
The journey to Tev'ra's home involves a transport platform similar to the ones on the assessment vessel, but larger and clearly designed for public use. Like the arrival platform, it hovers securely above the water, which helps ease my instinctive tension around large bodies of water. As we step onto it, I realize we're attracting attention—subtle glances from passing Nereidans, their bioluminescence patterns shifting in what might be surprise or curiosity.
"They're not used to seeing humans outside of the integration center," Tev'ra explains quietly. "There are only three others permanently residing on our world, and they live in different regions."
"So we're celebrities," Alex quips, but I can sense his discomfort at being stared at.
"Temporary curiosities," Tev'ra corrects. "It will fade as integration progresses."
The platform activates, and the landscape blurs around us. When it stops, we're at a waterfront area with elegant dwellings that rise above the water's surface on stable platforms—some fully above water, others with sections that extend below the waterline. They remind me of upscale houseboats from Earth, but with alien aesthetics and far more advanced technology.
Tev'ra leads us toward one of these structures, set slightly apart from the others. Its exterior reminds me of opal—iridescent blues and greens shifting across the surface as we approach. A walkway connects the shore to the entrance, elevated a reassuring distance above the water's surface. Thedoor opens as we near it, responding to some cue I can't perceive.
"Welcome to my home," Tev'ra says, and I detect a note of uncertainty in his voice. Is he worried I won't like it? Or that it's too soon to call it "our" home?
We follow him inside, and I'm immediately struck by the blend of familiar and alien. The layout is open, with fluid spaces rather than distinct rooms. Surfaces that might be furniture curve organically from walls and floor. Large windows provide panoramic views of the coastline and ocean. A hydration pool occupies a prominent space in the main living area.
I can see stairs leading downward, presumably to a section of the dwelling that extends below the water's surface.
