Page 45 of Technically Abducted
Something shifts in Tev'ra's expression, the formal tension melting into something warmer, more personal. He moves from his workstation to settle beside me on the seating platform, close enough that our knees almost touch.
"They're researchers, like most of our family line. Creator-parent Vel'tha specializes in nutritional science, Creator-parent Mor'en focuses on technological integration methodologies." He reaches for a small device from the side table, turning it over in his hands absently as he talks.
"So you come from a family of scientists?" I shift to face him more directly, tucking one leg under me.
"Seven generations of researchers and educators," Tev'ra confirms, setting the device aside and focusing on me fully. "It's a respected family tradition."
I can see his bioluminescence brightening as he talks about his family, the patterns becoming more complex. "Are they proud of you? Getting this assignment?"
"Yes, quite proud." Tev'ra's skin shifts to distinctly warmer patterns, and he seems to relax further into the cushions. "This assessment represents a significant advancement in my career trajectory." His expression grows more thoughtful. "Though they were also concerned about the unknown variables involved in human contact."
"Concerned how?" I lean forward slightly, watching the way his bioluminescence responds to the topic.
"Our research had significant gaps, as you've clearly demonstrated." Tev'ra's bioluminescence dims slightly, and he looks down at his hands. "They worried that the assignment might prove more challenging than anticipated."
"They were worried about you," I realize, reaching out to touch one of the brighter patterns on his forearm. "About you getting hurt."
His skin flares under my touch, and I can feel that familiar empathic flutter between us. "Creator-parents experience protective instincts regarding their offspring regardless of age or competence level. It's a biological constant across most species."
The clinical way he describes it doesn't hide the affection in his voice. "Do you talk to them regularly?"
"Several times per cycle, yes. We maintain close communication despite geographical distance." Tev'ra's expression grows warmer. "They were quite concerned when I received this assignment, though their worry was balanced by genuine curiosity about humans."
"Curious how?"
"Creator-parent Vel'tha specializes in interspecies nutritional compatibility—they find human food preparation methods fascinating. Creator-parent Mor'en focuses on technological integration, so your innovative approaches intrigue them considerably." Tev'ra pauses. "I sent them a message earlier while you were sleeping."
"You talked about me to your parents?"
"I mentioned that you beat my score on the assessment scenario, and that your technological methodologies require significant revision of our standard parameters." He hesitates, his skin brightening with embarrassment. "That you've been... educationally challenging in ways I didn't anticipate."
I smile. "Educationally challenging?"
"You have required considerable adaptation on my part," Tev'ra says seriously, though there's warmth in his tone. "My creator-parents found this... noteworthy."
"Wait, you held the record on that test?"
"It was... a respectable completion time," Tev'ra says, clearly uncomfortable with the attention.
"How respectable?"
"I held the record for several years," he admits quietly.
That stops me cold. "And I beat your record? By how much?"
"Considerably," Tev'ra says, and there's something that might be pride in his voice alongside the embarrassment.
"Damn," I say, not sure how to process that information. "Would I ever get to meet them? Your parents?"
Tev'ra's expression brightens considerably. "Would you want to meet them?"
"Yeah," I say, surprising myself with how quickly I respond. "Yeah, I think I would."
"They would be honored," Tev'ra says, moving to his communication console. "The communication delay is minimal, and I suspect they would have numerous questions for you."
I consider this. Part of me is terrified by the concept of meeting parents—any parents, but especially the parents of someone I'm sleeping with. But a bigger part of me is curious about what a supportive family actually looks like, what parents who are proud of their adult child and genuinely interested in his work sound like.
"Yeah," I say finally. "I'd like that."
