Page 63 of Return to Sender
“According to my preliminary research,” he says, reaching for his datapad with one hand while keeping the other arm securely around me, “Joid'orian crystal bonding ceremonies require couples to achieve... synchronized energy resonance through intimate physical contact.”
“Synchronized energy resonance,” I repeat slowly. “Which means?”
Wi’kar’s patterns pulse with barely suppressed excitement as he calls up the mission briefing. “Which means, my dear wife, that we may be required to demonstrate our partnership compatibility in ways that will test every skill we’ve developed over the past year.”
He pauses, looking at me with an expression that’s equal parts academic interest and masculine anticipation. “Are you ready for our most challenging assignment yet?”
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Synchronized Research Protocols
Wi’kar
EpiloguePart2
I observe the precise moment when comprehension dawns across Dominique’s features, her expression shifting from post-coital satisfaction to incredulous understanding. The patterns across my skin pulse with anticipation as I await her response to the Joid'oria Prime mission parameters.
“Let me get this straight,” she says with characteristic directness. “You’re telling me that Mother Morrison has arranged an assignment that requires us to... perform... in front of crystals and witnesses?”
“Not perform,” I correct with scholarly precision, though my patterns are undoubtedly betraying my enthusiasm for the assignment. “Demonstrate authentic partnership resonance. The Joid’orian crystals are psychically sensitive—they can detect false emotional connections with ninety-seven-point-four percent accuracy. Any attempt at deception would result in immediate mission failure and potential diplomatic incident.”
The scientific implications alone are fascinating. Psychically sensitive technology capable of objectively measuring emotional authenticity represents a breakthrough in inter-species relationship verification. The opportunity to have our bond validated by such advanced systems would provide empirical proof of what I already know to be true: we are statistically extraordinary.
“So we have to... what exactly?” Dominique demands, though I note with satisfaction the way her pupils have dilated slightly. Her physiological responses suggest intrigue rather than concern.
“According to the cultural briefing,” I continue, accessing additional files on my datapad while maintaining careful observation of her reactions, “the bonding ceremony requires participants to achieve complete emotional and physical synchronization while in direct contact with the sacred crystals.The process typically involves intensive intimate connection while the crystals monitor and amplify the bond between partners.”
My voice roughens slightly on ‘intensive intimate connection’ because the technical specifications are remarkably detailed. The Joid’orians have refined their ceremonial practices over millennia, developing precise methodologies for measuring partnership compatibility. Heart rate synchronization, neurochemical resonance, coordinated breathing patterns, simultaneous climax—all monitored and validated by crystalline technology that makes our most advanced sensors appear primitive.
“Intensive intimate connection,” Dominique repeats slowly, and I can already see her mind processing the implications. “While crystals watch.”
“While crystals observe and validate,” I clarify, noting the way her breathing has subtly changed. “The Joid’orians consider it the highest honor. Couples who successfully complete the ceremony are granted diplomatic immunity and permanent trading privileges throughout their sector.”
I study Dominique’s face carefully, noting the telltale signs that indicate her analytical mind is processing the implications—and that her body is responding with interest. “You’re excited about this,” she observes with growing amusement.
“I find the scientific implications fascinating,” I admit, though ‘fascinating’ hardly captures the depth of my competitive interest. “The opportunity to have our partnership objectively verified by psychically sensitive technology could provide valuable data regarding the quantifiable nature of optimal compatibility.”
The truth is more complex and primitive than my scholarly enthusiasm. I want to prove—to the galaxy, to OOPS command, to anyone who doubts—that what Dominique andI have achieved transcends mere convenience. I want external validation that our bond represents something extraordinary.
“Wi’kar,” Dominique interrupts with that particular tone that suggests she’s seeing through my professional facade. “You want to show off our sex life to alien crystals.”
The accuracy of her assessment is both embarrassing and arousing. “I want to demonstrate that our bond is authentic, profound, and worthy of recognition by the most advanced psychic technology in this sector.”
“Because you’re competitive,” she realizes with obvious delight.
“Because I am confident in our compatibility,” I correct, though her assessment contains uncomfortable accuracy. “And because the statistical probability of finding another couple capable of achieving the level of synchronization required is approximately zero-point-zero-zero-three percent.”
“Don’t give me statistics,” Dominique interrupts, rising to straddle my lap with fluid grace that immediately redirects my cognitive processes toward more primitive functions. “Tell me what you really want.”
Her positioning creates immediate physiological responses that compromise my ability to maintain clinical detachment. My hands settle on her waist with automatic possessiveness while my patterns shift toward deeper blues indicating heightened arousal and emotional engagement.
“I want,” I say carefully, choosing my words with precision while my body responds to her nearness with embarrassing enthusiasm, “to prove that what we have is extraordinary.”
“To who?”
The question cuts to motivations I prefer not to examine too closely. “To everyone,” I admit with unprecedented honesty. “To the galaxy that sees us as a statistical anomaly. To OOPS command who still questions whether our partnershiprepresents optimal operational efficiency. To everyone who believes our bond resulted from convenient circumstance rather than genuine compatibility.”
“Oh, my brilliant, competitive, secretly insecure husband,” she murmurs, cupping my face with gentle hands that make my patterns pulse with golden warmth. “You want to prove we’re perfect together.”
