Page 10 of Technically Abducted
"Finn Sullivan," he says, his voice shifting back to that official tone, "I must clarify the parameters of our agreement. The Council has authorized this field observation with the understanding that you will return with me to complete the full assessment after the twelve-hour period."
I blink at him. "Wait, I thought this was the assessment."
"This is merely the initial observation phase. The full assessment protocols must be completed aboard the research vessel."
For a moment, I just stare at him. "So I still have to go back? After helping all my clients and proving I can do my job here?"
"The transportation cycle will return us both to my vessel in eleven hours. That was the agreement reached by the Council."
I should have known it wouldn't be that simple. Aliens don't abduct you just to decide you're too busy to be abducted after all.
"Right," I say flatly. "So I get to fix everyone's problems, and then I still have to abandon them again."
"Indeed." Tev'ra glances around my apartment again. "I will conduct my observational study of your work methods during the remaining time, then we will continue the assessment aboard the vessel."
"Wait, what about my clients? Their systems? I can't just disappear again."
His glow flickers. "Our assessment protocols were not designed to accommodate subjects with your level of... professional entanglement. Your dedication to these service relationships is unusual."
"It's not unusual, it's responsible," I counter. "These people depend on me."
"I suspect my report will indicate that such dedication is incompatible with Nereidan methodologies. Our research approaches value detachment and objectivity rather than personal investment in outcomes."
I study him for a moment, the implications sinking in. "So you're already judging me by your alien standards. That dedication to helping others is somehow a flaw in your eyes?"
"Not a flaw," Tev'ra clarifies, his tone careful. "Simply a divergence from established Nereidan research methodologies. We prioritize observation over intervention."
"Well, I prioritize fixing problems over watching them get worse." I turn back to my monitors, scanning for any new alerts. "And speaking of problems, I'm still going to have a dozen clients in crisis if I disappear again for your assessment."
I lean back in my chair, focusing fully on Tev'ra now. "Let's be clear about something. You brought me here to fix my clients' systems, but you still expect me to abandon them again when your twelve hours are up, right?"
"That is correct. This is merely the field observation portion of the assessment."
"And if I refuse? If I just decide not to go back with you when your time is up?"
Tev'ra's formal composure wavers slightly. "Then the assessment would be incomplete. The project would be considered... unsuccessful."
"And what happens to you when a project is unsuccessful?"
His glow dims. "My suitability for field research would be questioned. I would likely be reassigned to laboratory analysis rather than direct assessment projects."
"So basically, if I don't go back with you, your career takes a hit."
"The Council values successful completion of assigned tasks. Failure to convince you to return voluntarily would reflect on my persuasive abilities and cultural adaptation skills."
I run my hands through my hair. "Jesus. No pressure, right?"
"I did not intend to burden you with this information. I simply thought transparency would be appropriate."
"Right." I spin my chair slowly, thinking. On one hand, I don't owe this alien anything. On the other hand, I know what it's like to have your livelihood threatened through no fault of your own. And there's something almost... refreshing about how straightforward he's being about the whole thing.
"Look," I say finally, "I've got work to do, and you've got your observation to complete. But first, I'm starving." I point to the stack of takeout menus. "Grab the one on top—the Ming's Palace one—and I'll show you how food ordering works on this planet. If I'm going to be stuck with you for the next eleven hours, I might as well not do it on an empty stomach."
Tev'ra blinks at me, his golden eyes widening slightly. "You wish me to... procure sustenance for you?"
"I wish you to hand me the menu so we can order some food. Then you can watch how I multitask eating and fixing people's tech problems. It'll be educational."
He hesitates, then carefully approaches the stack of menus, reaching for the top one with an expression that suggests he's being asked to handle something potentially dangerous.
