"Standard follow-up questions. Nothing to concern yourself with."
I stepped from the greenhouse before Redmon could respond. "I'm here."
Verek's eyes lit up when he saw me, a gleam of interest that made my skin crawl. "Ah, Kalyndi. Excellent. We have some questions about your adjustment to mated life."
Dr. Soren began unpacking equipment onto our dining table, blood sampling kits, scanners, and other devices I didn't recognize.
"What is all that for?" I asked, gesturing to the equipment.
"Just routine monitoring," she replied smoothly. "Now, tell me about your daily routine with Commander Razak."
The questions that followed were anything but routine. How many hours did we spend together? Did we share meals? Sleep arrangements? Had we engaged in physical intimacy? Each query was more invasive than the last.
"These questions seem rather personal," I said finally, crossing my arms.
"The success of the matching program depends on detailed data," Verek explained, his tone condescending. "Especially for high-compatibility pairs like yourselves."
"High-compatibility?" Redmon echoed, moving to stand beside me.
"Ninety-eight percent is unprecedented," Dr. Soren said, eyes bright with scientific fervor. "We're particularly interested in how that manifests in your daily interactions."
"And in your physical relationship," Verek added bluntly. "Have you consummated the match?"
Heat flooded my face. "That's none of your business."
"Actually, it is." His smile didn't reach his eyes. "The matching program has specific timelines for physical integration. According to our records, you're well behind schedule."
"We progress at our own pace," Redmon growled.
Verek's expression hardened. "The program isn't designed for individual preferences, Commander. It's about optimal outcomes."
"Optimal outcomes?" I repeated. "You mean children, don't you? That's what this is really about."
A tense silence followed my accusation. Dr. Soren looked uncomfortable, but Verek merely smiled thinly.
"Hybrid offspring from high-compatibility matches are of significant scientific interest," he admitted. "Now, we'll need to conduct physical examinations of both of you."
"Absolutely not," I said firmly.
"It's standard procedure… "
"I don't care what it is. You're not examining either of us."
Verek's expression turned stony. "Your cooperation isn't optional, Ms. Kalyndi. Perhaps I should remind you that your sister's placement here is contingent on your compliance with program requirements."
My blood froze. "Are you threatening my sister?"
"Not at all," he said smoothly. "Merely reminding you of the conditions of your arrangement. Commander Razak's challenge of the Fanghorn matching was... unprecedented. The Council made an exception in allowing your sister to remain here. Exceptions can be revisited."
Redmon stepped forward, his big body looming over Verek. "You will not threaten my mate or her sister."
"This isn't a threat, Commander. It's policy."
"Then your policy can go to hell," I snapped. "We won't be examined, questioned, or monitored like laboratory specimens."
Verek's eyebrows rose. "Is that your final position?"
"It is," Redmon confirmed, placing a protective hand on my shoulder. "As leader of the Eastern Mapinguari Clan, I formally reject these invasive procedures as violations of the MatchingTreaty, Article Seven, which guarantees privacy and dignity to all matched pairs."
