I straighten, tightening my grip on Gemma’s hand, and she squeezes back in solidarity. “I’ve been good—great, in fact. This is Gemma Taylor, a human from Earth and my life partner.”
That stuns my entire family into a long, awkward moment of silence.
“How did you even end up meeting a human?” my father asks, bewildered.
I get where he’s coming from. Few beings in the universe have made contact with humans. There are a number of strict regulations the Intergalactic Alliance has laid down, mainly due to the fact that humans are still woefully behind in their overall evolution compared to other species and societies beyond their planet.
Of course, we basically ignored those regulations when we abducted Sasha and Felix—whoops.
I take a couple of minutes to fill my family in on the backstory of how the crew of the Sleigh Belle has grown, first with Sasha, who became partners with Kheph, and more recently with Felix, who has paired up with Najar. And finally, Gemma, who decided to join her brother for an intergalactic life among the stars.
As I draw to the end of my story, I smile. “It’s been a wild, whirlwind romance.” I hold up our clasped hands and kissGemma’s knuckles. “But I’m convinced that Thekmis brought Gemma into my life at the perfect time for us to fall in love.”
Exactly like a couple in a Hallmark Christmas romance, I think to myself with satisfaction. The goddess knows me well.
My parents don’t seem to know what to say, but my sister comes to the rescue.
“I can tell how happy you are. You’re practically glowing. I’ve never seen you quite like this… ever.”
My tentacles gesticulate wildly, full of so many feels. “I’m floating three moons above my orbit, as they say.”
Gemma chuckles softly.
My dad shifts awkwardly in his seat. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, er, Ms. Taylor.”
Gemma pipes up in a wonderfully sassy tone. “It’s Dr. Taylor, actually, and it’s lovely to meet you all too.”
My parents gape at her, no doubt amazed. Medical professionals are highly revered on Draveth, and the best of the best serve with our military.
Gemma flashes her biggest, brightest smile. “I’m very lucky to have met your daughter, and I’m eagerly anticipating spending the rest of my life with her.”
My mom lets out a soft gasp. “Are you two getting married? So soon?”
Nova interjects in a wry tone. “Come on, Mom. Remember how fast my courtship with Bromar was?”
I give my sister a mental high tentacle, then say, “We’re still undecided as to what recognized designation we want to attach to our relationship, but we’ll figure it out in our own time. For now, we’ve made a verbal commitment to one another that we both plan to follow through on.”
My father frowns. “There aren’t many humans who travel the universe, Dr. Taylor. How do you plan to assimilate to this new way of life?”
“Please, call me Gemma. After all, we’re basically family now. I won’t lie, adjusting to life among the stars has been a bit of a trip and not entirely smooth sailing, but I’m adapting surprisingly well—and Luna’s helping me every step of the way. I’m optimistic about the future. In fact, I’ve already begun making plans for how to use my expertise in a whole new intergalactic context.”
She proceeds to launch into a lively explanation of said plan and how all the members of the Sleigh Belle’s crew will be a part of it. When she gets to the end, she smiles smugly at the shocked looks on my family members’ faces. I have to bite my lip desperately trying to hold back a laugh.
My one true love is fierce and fiery in a way that never ceases to turn me on.
Eventually, my mother seems to find her voice again, her dark blue tentacles swaying uncertainly in the air. “That all sounds quite ambitious and admirable.”
“There’s a lot of need for the kind of services we intend to provide as traveling emergency responders, and it just so happens that the talents of every member of our crew can be used in a vital way to help in almost any imaginable scenario,” Gemma say.
I puff my chest out with pride. “In fact, I predict we’re going to become legendary!”
Gemma raises her free hand and we high-five. “Hell yeah, we are,” she agrees.
My father nods his head slowly, his dark yellow tentacles coiling and uncoiling in a contemplative manner. “I haven’t always understood the life choices you have made, Luna, but you’ve always been an independent Dravethian who knows her mind. You don’t allow others to sway you.” He purses his lips. “While that fact has proven inordinately frustrating at times, it’s also something I have come to deeply respect about you.”
I gawk at him in disbelief.
He continues, “Your mother and I have long been worried about your future, being so far away from home and your family.”
