We did not, of course, considering I hadn’tpaidfor the nanny bot before star hopping away from the scene of multiple murders.
Oops.
- Documentation destroyed during a skirmish with Stellarians.
Mentioning my kind usually frightened others enough to let the subject drop. It helped that a prevalent superstition claimed those who said our name three times resulted in us materializing like harbingers of doom.
And here I am.
:Proceed:
- One newborn, female.
:Species?:
Fuck.
- Unknown.
The ignorance tactic was a gamble, but, along with betting on the Eki being unfamiliar with Earthlings, I was hoping this highly intelligent species would grant us entry based on their deeply ingrained scientific curiosity.
As opposed to other species who eliminate potential threats without question.
Unfortunately, the lack of response stretched on so long, I began to question the merit of my strategy.
Perhaps I should mention Uulvin sent us…
The seer had actually cautionedagainstmentioning them—only because the Eki were notoriously suspicious—so I’d decided to make up a story about how we ended up here.
It’s easy enough to fool these lesser species.
“Tell them about my powers.” My mate appeared at my side, bundled in a puffy insulated coat for the impending cold, yet still flavoring the air with his familiar scent.
Mine.
“You’ll be activating your shields once we leave the ship, I assume…” I sighed as I dutifully typed, already growing agitated over the knowledge I’d be unable to smell him for much of our visit.
I hate it.
- Earthling adult male, 25 years, possesses similar powers to the Eki.
“No,” he softly replied, causing me to spin in my captain’s chair to face him.
“Micah…” I warned. Even if I was personally conflicted on his shields, his safety was my top priority. “If this is aboutothersnot being able to smell me on you?—”
“It’s not,” he brusquely interrupted, his gaze drifting to the communicator screen as it chimed with a reply. “But I think it will look weird if only one Earthling has a shield, and I would never want to… trap your tendrils like that.”
Oh, sunshine…
I grimaced. “Well, I would offer to change skinsuits, but I’ve already told them to expect two Earthlings…” I trailed off as I turned to read the message.
:Standby for Nuclei City hatch:
What in Stellaria’s name doesthatmean?
“Presenting ourselves as apairof Earthlings is a good cover, Zig.” Micah placed a hand on my shoulder and squeezed, drawing my attention back to him. “It will help sell the idea that we’re mates.”
Enough of this!
