“Right? I know that Earthlings have begun developing some of their own remote educational programs, but institutions of learning across the universe have been doing this kind of thing for centuries. The reality is, many folks who wish to complete certain programs or degrees are not always able to physically be present at a location that could be ridiculously far away from their home worlds, their families, and so on. Some species, like aquatic ones, can’t even travel in outer space, or at least not easily. But anyone can complete a remote education and stay in an environment that is critical to their health and well-being or simply way more convenient.”
Gemma nods slowly. “I can see the thinking behind that. The rationale for a lot of online education back home is quite similar.Accessibility is a key component, and remote learning can put education in the hands of those who might not otherwise be able to access it without difficulty, particularly folks with disabilities, illnesses, or other personal responsibilities that make it difficult to be away from home with any regularity.”
“Precisely,” I say, my tentacles doing a happy little shimmy around me.
Gemma surveys everyone around the table again. “I won’t be able to do all of this on my own, so I’m counting on your help and support, and I’ll give you mine in return.”
Felix gets up and comes around the table to hug her from behind. “That’s what family does, Gemsy. I’ve got your back all the way.”
“And so do we,” Kheph chimes in, “because we’re all family now.”
Gemma sniffs back tears and I have to do the same. By Thekmis, we’re so damn lucky to have each other.
Kheph clears his throat and gives me a meaningful look. “Speaking of family, Luna, your bio fam sent us a transmission last night. They want to speak with you, the sooner, the better.”
I still. Could it be bad news? It has to be bad news. I haven’t talked with them in several months, and usually I’m the one to reach out to them, not the other way around.
Gemma pets my tentacle wrapped around her waist. “You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do.”
I sigh. “It’s okay. I should probably talk with them. They don’t reach out to me very often, and since they have, I can’t help but worry about what they want to tell me.”
Gemma nods and pats my tentacle. “Okay, then we’ll get in touch with them today.”
My eyes widen. “We?”
“That’s right, sweetie pie. We’re a dynamic duo now, and I think we ought to make it official with your parents.” She rubsher hands together, a slightly dangerous look in her eyes. “I’m looking forward to meeting the in-laws and giving them a verbal ass-whooping if needed.”
“So fucking hot,” I whisper.
She bats her eyelashes at me so ridiculously that I can’t help but laugh. I love her so damn much.
A short while later, Gemma and I are standing alone on the bridge of the ship. Kheph and the others have given us privacy to video conference with my family. My fingers are shaking when I tap the command screen to place the transmission. After several long, tense moments, it picks up and the screen flickers, then fills with the image of my parents and my sister, Nova. Only my brother is missing. They look the same as always, no injuries or illnesses to be seen, and I let out a relieved sigh.
“I got your message that you want to talk, so here I am,” I announce.
Nova speaks first. “It’s good to see you, Luna. It’s been far too long since we last talked.”
She’s five years older than me and we share the same green-hued skin tone, although hers is a lot darker than mine. Her hair is cut in a short style that ends at her chin.
“It has,” I agree. “How is everyone doing? You almost never reach out to me, so I had to assume there was potential bad news.”
My parents have the good grace to look somewhat ashamed. Good, they ought to.
Nova shifts awkwardly in her seat and clears her throat. “We wanted to let you know that you’re going to be an aunt again. It’ll be a niece this time.”
I wasn’t expecting this, but good news is always better than bad.
“Wow, that’s awesome. Congratulations, you and Bromar must be thrilled.”
My sister smiles brightly. “We are. We’ve been trying for a second for a while now.”
I clear my throat. “I notice Sirius isn’t with you. How is he doing?”
“Your brother wanted to be here, but his unit’s been deployed to the Southern Rim. There’s been a lot of skirmishes along the border of late,” my father explains.
My brother’s often away. It’s the reality of most Dravethian warriors.
“How are you, Luna?” my mother hesitantly asks. “And who is that next to you?”
