Page 86 of Technically Abducted
Finn's eyes grow slightly bright, and he has to clear his throat before responding. "You did. I just... I'm still getting used to it. But yes, I'd love to attend. Though Tev'ra mentioned it involves water?"
"Observation platforms are available for those who prefer to stay dry," Vel'tha assures him with gentle understanding. "We remember your concerns about swimming from our earlier discussions. No one will pressure you to enter the water if you're not comfortable."
"Though our offspring mentioned you've been making progress with your water comfort?" Mor'en asks carefully.
"Some," Finn admits. "We, uh, spent some time in Tev'ra's hydration pool earlier."
The slight flush that creeps up his neck tells my creator-parents more than his words do, and I see them exchange an amused glance.
"The hydration chambers do provide a unique experience," Vel'tha says diplomatically, though their patterns suggest they understand exactly what kind of 'progress' was made. "We're glad you're finding ways to adapt to our aquatic environment."
"At your own pace, of course," Mor'en adds. "There is no rush. You have all the time you need now."
"All the time in the world," Finn agrees softly, and through our bond I feel the wonder in that statement—the reality of permanence still settling into his consciousness.
"Speaking of time," Vel'tha says, "we should discuss your friend Alex's situation. Unauthorized contact with a human child is a serious violation of our protocols. Do you know any details about the incident?"
Finn glances at me before responding. "He was sixteen years old and he was taken by someone who clearly didn't know what they were doing."
"Sixteen years old," Mor'en repeats, his patterns darkening with disapproval. "No researcher should have made contact with a minor, regardless of circumstances."
"The Council will investigate thoroughly," I assure them. "Alex deserves answers about what happened to him."
"And in the meantime, he's staying with you?" Vel'tha asks.
"For now," I confirm. "Until proper accommodations can be arranged. He seems to be adapting well—he's particularly drawn to the underwater chamber."
"We'd like to meet him as well," Vel'tha says. "When he's ready, of course. Any friend of Finn's is welcome in our family circle."
Through our bond, I feel Finn's emotional response to their easy acceptance of Alex—gratitude mixed with that persistent wonder at being included so completely.
"He'd like that," Finn says.
"Then perhaps he'll join us for the illumination gathering as well," Mor'en suggests. "The celebration is meant to strengthen community bonds. All are welcome."
"I'll ask him," Finn promises. "Though knowing Alex, he'll probably want to experience the full submersion parts. He's much braver about water than I am."
"Bravery has many forms," Vel'tha says gently. "Facing one's fears, as you've been doing, requires tremendous courage."
Finn leans into me, and I feel his embarrassment at the praise through our bond, along with a warm pulse of affection.
"We should let you rest," Mor'en says, correctly interpreting our closeness. "The integration procedures tomorrow will be demanding, and you both need to recover from the emotional strain of recent events."
"But we expect regular communications going forward," Vel'tha adds with gentle firmness. "No more fourteen-attempt delays, offspring. We worry."
"I promise," I tell them. "Regular updates as we navigate the integration process."
"And Finn," Vel'tha addresses him directly, "please know that you can contact us independently if you need anything. Our communication codes are open to you."
"Thank you," Finn says, his voice thick with emotion. "That means... that means everything."
"It means family," Mor'en corrects gently. "Which is what you are now. What you've always been, since that first conversation. Rest well, both of you. We look forward to seeing you at the gathering."
The projection fades, leaving us alone in the deepening twilight of the communal space. Finn is quiet for a long moment, processing the conversation.
"They really mean it," he says finally, wonder still coloring his voice. "The family thing. They really consider me family."
"Of course they do," I tell him, turning him to face me fully. "You are my bonded partner. In our culture, that connection is as significant as any biological relationship. More so, in some ways, because it's chosen."
