When he could open his eyes again, he saw the alien female jump off the table and begin straightening her clothing. Her skin was changing, the purple fading, the light green creeping back.
“What...what happened,” he said, letting out a groan. “Why did you shock me?”
“I told you to stop. You wouldn’t listen.”
“You could have just talked to me,” he replied, trying to keep his voice level. The pain from her bioelectric warning was great, but her rejection hurt worse.
She stood there, staring at him. He stared back, wondering how everything had gotten so fucked up.
Suddenly there was a sound at the entrance. The membrane was opening.
In walked Major Ontarii, and Jeffrey’s blood turned to ice.
“Ah, I see we’ve resorted to violence to get our answers,” the major said as he moved into the room. “Good.”
Kat’Chinna glanced at him, and Jeffrey noticed the riot of emotions that crossed her face in the second before she could compose herself. Anger. Fear. And…embarrassment?
Rage flashed through him. She was embarrassed at what they’d just done. Why?
Because you’re a primitive human, remember?His inner voice gave vent to his frustration.You don’t deserve to touch her pristine body with your brutish hands.
Fuck that.
He shifted into a seated position, then made to rise.
“Stay where you are, human,” the major ordered, pinning him with a glare. Then he turned to his second. “Report.”
Kat’Chinna swallowed. “He says his mission was ordered by NASA HQ.”
“And?” The major wasn’t impressed.
“And…that’s all I know.”
Her cheeks flushed with some color, darker than green. Was it shame?
Major Ontarii grimaced. “I see.” He jerked his head at Jeffrey. “Continue.”
“Sir?” Kat looked confused.
“Continue your interrogation. I will observe.”
“I…I don’t understand.”
“What’s the matter, Lieutenant. Lost your nerve? Or was I wrong about what was going on in here?”
“No,” she hurried to say. “I was interrogating him.”
“Well then continue.”
Kat’Chinna drew closer to her commanding officer. “I don’t think there’s anything else to get out of him, Sir.” Her eyes were wide, belying her unease even as her words sounded steady.
“So you have lost your nerve,” Major Ontarii said, shaking his head. “A pity. I expected more from my senior officer.
The major moved closer to Jeffrey. “It seems you’ve compromised my lieutenant. That means I’ll have to take over.”
A sudden kick hit Jeffrey in the stomach, doubling him over.
“I’m not as kind as my second officer. I don’t have any more time to waste. Give me the information I want, or I’ll bring you more pain.”
