Now we learn to live between worlds. Human enough to remember where we came from, alien enough to understand where we’re going.
I watch the Zephyrian delegation leave, then turn to my crew. They look back with expressions of curiosity and growing understanding—minds touched by the same transformation that’s claimed Zylthar and me.
“All right, people,” I say. “Let’s figure out what we’ve become.”
CHAPTER 8
SELENA
Peace settlesover us like starlight on water.
I lie in Zylthar’s arms in the soft glow of the observation deck, watching distant stars wheel past the viewport while our consciousness drifts together in ways that still seem like magic. The station hums around us with the quiet efficiency of a ship at rest, crisis averted, immediate dangers passed.
Through our bond, I experience his contentment—deep and warm and tinged with wonder at the simple pleasure of existing without fear. For the first time since he arrived on Halcyon, he’s not calculating diplomatic angles or maintaining cultural facades. He’s just... present.
This is what peace feels like,his mental voice whispers through our link.
Strange how unfamiliar it is.
My people spend so much energy suppressing emotion that we forget how beautiful it can be.His fingers trace lazy patterns across my skin, and I sense his amazement at the simpleintimacy of touch.Being with you, feeling what you feel—it’s like discovering color after a lifetime of grayscale.
I turn in his arms, studying the way starlight plays across his features. The markings along his temples have settled into a soft blue-violet that matches my eyes, a visible sign of our joining. He’s beautiful in the way that takes my breath away, but more than that—he’sminein ways that transcend possession or romance.
And you’re mine,he responds to my unspoken thoughts, mental voice warm with affection.
The crew is adapting well,I observe, letting my enhanced awareness extend through the station. The psychic changes that worried Jorem have stabilized into something that is natural rather than imposed. Enhanced empathy, better coordination, a subtle sense of connection that makes the entire crew function like a single organism.
Better than well. They’re becoming something new.His wonder colors our shared consciousness.Selena, do you realize what we’ve done? We’ve created the first truly integrated human-alien community in known history.
Accidentally.
The best discoveries usually are.
The comm system chirps softly, and Williams’ voice drifts through the observation deck. “Captain, sorry to interrupt, but we have an incoming transmission from the Zephyrian ship. Ambassador Jorem requests one final audience.”
I sigh, reluctantly pulling away from the warmth of our connection. “On my way, Lieutenant.”
He won’t give up easily,Zylthar warns through our bond.Jorem represents everything rigid and fearful about current Zephyrian culture. Our existence challenges the fundamental assumptions he’s built his life around.
Then he’ll have to learn to live with disappointment.
The bridge is charged when we arrive, my crew operating with the enhanced coordination that’s becoming their new normal. Williams manages three communication channels simultaneously without apparent strain. Blaine coordinates with engineering while running tactical analysis. Everyone moves with fluid precision that would have been impossible before the Matrix exposure.
“On screen,” I order, settling into the command chair.
Ambassador Jorem’s face fills the main viewer, his expression cold as the vacuum between stars. Behind him, I see the sterile perfection of his ship’s command center—all crystalline surfaces and harsh lighting designed to discourage emotional responses.
“Captain MacGray,” he says without preamble. “I’m departing this system, but I wanted to ensure you understand the full implications of your choices.”
“I understand them perfectly, Ambassador.”
“Do you?” His violet eyes narrow. “Because I’ve just completed my report to the Zephyrian Council. Your actions will be reviewed by our highest authorities, and appropriate responses will be determined.”
“Appropriate responses to what? Saving lives? Preventing dimensional collapse? Creating successful interspecies cooperation?”
“Creating abominations.” The word carries disgust that makes several bridge officers stiffen. “Captain, you and your crew are no longer purely human. More disturbing, my subordinate is no longer purely Zephyrian. The genetic contamination you’ve spread violates fundamental principles of species integrity.”
He’s trying to provoke you,Zylthar warns through our bond.Don’t let him see your anger.
