Suddenly, our little concierge starts making soft, almost chiming tones as it lights up even more colorfully.
You big showboat!
Wide-eyed, Gemma points at floating bubble-text projections flowing out of one of the creature’s glowing limbs.
A computerized voice that seems to be coming from the jelly intones:Welcome to the Conversation Nook District’s nook C-12. I’m your communication concierge, Chlyra. Nooks like ours are ideal for important relationship recalibrations, genealogical reunions, emotional decompression, and the occasional healthy dose of conversational catharsis. I’m here to help facilitate that process.
“Dude, I know I’ve said it already, but Toto, we’re not in Kansas anymore,” Gemma whispers to herself.
Note to self: have a Wizard of Oz date night with Gemma!
One of my tentacles gets to work stroking her back in soothing motions. No doubt this is a mind-blowingly bizarre experience for an Earthling, but I’m so proud of her. She’s been taking most things in stride and adapting like a fucking pro. That’s partly why I know we can make our relationship work for the long term. Not every human could easily adapt to a situation like this without losing their ever-loving mind.
The welcome text bubble fades away to be quickly replaced with a new one, accompanied by a chiming sound. Then the computerized voice vocalizes the text aloud once again.
Let us review the Rules of Engagement before we begin!
Rule Number One: Maintain soft, nonaggressive voices whenever possible. High emotions are valid but can still be expressed gently.
Rule Number Two: Take turns talking. Do not let one voice dominate the conversation. All are equally valid and deserve equal time.
Rule Number Three: Kindness and honesty are key. We are here to build or rebuild connection and rapport. Let us treat one another the way we would like to be treated.
Rule Number Four: Appropriate physical gestures are allowed and encouraged so long as they are consensual. Hugs are especially recommended, but only if all parties involved feel comfortable with such physical connection. Be sure to ask first and hug second! I will be here to help guide the conversation as needed and keep everything moving smoothly and comfortably should you encounter difficulty.
Another chiming noise fills the air, and a new bubble appears followed by that same voice.
Let us start by taking a moment to express gratitude for everyone taking this important step closer to each other.
My parents share a look, their tentacles swaying a little uncertainly, which oddly makes me relax even further. After all, this is about them making amends to me. I’m not claiming I’m perfect or that I never responded with hurtful words, but I feel like those were pretty damn justified.
“Luna and Gemma,” my mother says after a long moment, “we’re so happy that you agreed to join us for an in-person meeting. While your father and I were able to get the ball rolling in our video conference earlier, there’s something morepowerful and intimate about meeting one another tentacle to tentacle. We appreciate your willingness to meet us partway in that.”
Gemma nods appreciatively. “I agree, and from what I understand, this meeting is long overdue.”
My parents both nod, faces noticeably contrite.
A new bubble appears, courtesy of our jelly friend, followed by the automated voice.
Share one thing you missed about each other.
Not a bad icebreaker, I admit to myself, and it doesn’t take me long to have an answer. “I volunteer to go first. One thing I miss is my dad’s home-cooked meals.” I cast a wry glance at my mother. “Mom, I’m a lot like you, utterly disastrous when it comes to cooking anything for myself. Thank goodness Kheph installed a food generator on the ship, or we all might have starved. Turns out none of us are particularly talented in that department.”
My dad chuckles. “Too true. It’s fortunate I happen to enjoy cooking and am moderately talented at it, if I do say so myself. I would say that one thing I miss is being able to cook for you. You’ve always been an enthusiastic eater with a large appetite. That’s why your mother and I have a whole refrigerated chest of food waiting to be loaded onto your ship. It’s got a number of precooked meals I made and some of your favorite Dravethian snacks from back home.” His features soften. “We figured you might be missing the taste of home and wanted to provide you with some food you can enjoy as you travel.”
It’s my turn to gasp excitedly. “Ooh, did you make starfire dumplings? And maybe three-moon flatbread?”
Dad’s lips twitch. “Of course. Those have been two of your favorites since you were five years old. As if I would ever forget that.”
They give me a little rundown of some of the items they had procured, and I have to stop myself from drooling. A lot of my dad’s comfort meals and some snack favorites like savory leaf jerky, sand-spice loaf, and prismfruit. I can’t wait to introduce Gemma to some of the best foods from my planet that are also particular to Dravethian culture.
My mother clears her throat and says, “I’ll go next. I miss having you around to challenge me in how I think and how I see our world and beyond.” Two of her tentacles twist with nervousness. “You’ve always had the ability to force me to open my mind to new or unknown things, even when I stubbornly don’t want to.”
That’s a bit of a shock to me, but a pleasant one.
My answering grin is indulgent. “Don’t worry, Mom. We have stubbornness in common along with our inability to cook.”
My father coughs to cover a laugh.
