“Still, out of a gigantic list of diverse movie options, you happened to pick this one. One that’s especially popular among young women. Looks like our little Kitty’s got some... particulartastes,” he chuckles, raising both hands and curling two fingers into air quotes. “How curious...”
“I didn’t pick it. It was random selection. Helps me get a better feel for Human customs. But what’s really interesting is that you recognized the title out of, I quote, ‘a gigantic list of diverse movie options.’ Which means not only have you seen it, but you remember it quite well.”
Boom. Looks like I just won that round too.
We keep watching a little while longer, though the conversation shifts to more serious things. I’ve noticed Kiran keeps a lot from his sister—probably to protect her. According to him, lying is deliberately distorting the truth. What he does is just... withholding certain troubling realities from Neela and his partner, who he sees as too fragile to handle them. Withholding isn’t the same as lying, apparently.
Still, there’s a balance to strike between honesty and protection.
Personally, I don’t think Neela is fragile. She’s strong, resourceful, and smart. She can handle the truth—even the doubts her brother has about some of the people in their community who’ve mysteriously moved away without a word. Kiran and a few friends found it odd, but didn’t dig deeper.
In light of what I revealed about Bully, a whole pile of alarming details have started surfacing.
“I haven’t met your wife, so I can’t say how she’d take it. But your sister is strong. She’s sharp, independent, and resilient. She can handle your doubts without falling apart.”
“I’ll think about it,” Kiran says, then turns back to the screen.
And just like that, both of us freeze. The man has tied up his partner and is spanking her before moving on to more tender acts.
“So, let me get this straight,” I say slowly, “you Humans feel the need to tie up your females just to make sure they don’t runoff before you’re done? I’ll have you know, back on Sadjim, a male who tried that would quickly find himself de-balled by a well-placed claw swipe.”
“That’s not what’s happening!” Kiran protests, straightening up. “It’s just a game. They’re both into it. It’s... mutually agreed upon. If I’m hearing you right, sounds like things are a little... dull in the Sadjim bedroom?”
“Define ‘dull,’” I say, narrowing my eyes, pretty sure that’s not a compliment.
“It means boring. The same old, same old. Humans like to... spice things up.”
“I’m not going to have a deep discussion with you about Sadjim sex lives. But I’ll make a mental note that Human females enjoy being a little roughed up.”
“I FORBID it!” he shouts, instantly bristling. “Don’t you dare try any of that with my sister! I swear, I’ll cat-saw you into pieces and cat-strate you!”
“You forbid it?” I purr sweetly, ignoring his absurd puns that keep scrambling my translator. “Shouldn’t she be the one to decide if she wants to have a little fun with a proud, virile Sadjim?”
Have I mentioned this before? I love playing with this Human. He’s quick to react, easy to rile up. Though... in this case, I’m not exactly bluffing.
Should I tell him how Neela’s hungry stares are making my pants feel a little too tight lately? Or how, even if she turned me down a few days ago, I’m not convinced she’d say no next time?
Because let’s be clear—there will be a next time.
This Human woman moves me. Her integrity, her loyalty, her intellect, her fierce devotion to her community... Sure, she’s naïve in some ways, but not in a bad way. She simply pours her energy into her beliefs instead of doubting everything.
Her bright innocence makes me want to shield her and care for her. Her strength tells me she doesn’t need me at all. But I want to be part of her life—whether for a while or for good.
No matter what warnings or threats Kiran throws my way.
“You can shove that prohibition where the suns never shine,” I say calmly.
Two seconds later, Kiran launches himself at me, diving into a wrestling match he has absolutely no chance of winning.
12-Neela
My day has been exhausting. There’s a virus spreading through the colony, and I haven’t had a single minute to breathe. Seriously, what was the point of bringing Earth viruses to Mars? Who thought that was a good idea?
And just when I thought I was finally done for the day, Francine called while I was still in the center of Cydonia. According to her, Armand was unusually tired. So I took a detour to their place. Turns out, her husband wasn’t all that exhausted, but both of them have been feeling a little lonely since their daughter left. It’s not the first time they’ve called me—less out of concern for their health, and more because they want some company. I’m always happy to oblige.
But today, I’ve got Prax waiting for me at home. Granted, they don’t know about my mystery guest, so I can’t really blame them. Still, I politely decline their offer to stick around and chat, and head back to my place.
I’m almost certain I’ll find Kiran there, just like every night this past week. That little rascal talked Meghan into keeping Sanjay all week so he could “keep an eye” on Prax. I have no idea what’s driving him to do that. What could this Sadjim possibly do that might hurt me?
