“Mathematical computations of the exact genome configurations are determined immediately,” Re-lee explained. “As soon as they are, they are deployed through our network. When the right genome develops, we bring them through.”
Jana exchanged a glance with Polly and Tori, her skepticism clear. “Still sounds like slavery.”
Tori, arms crossed, tapped her nails in a rhythmic pattern, embodying the trio's growing apprehension and resolve to figure out the truth behind this intergalactic matchmaking.
Polly couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by the bizarre reality of being matched with aliens from another dimension. Perfect matches, huh? From across the galaxy? What were the odds? Her mind was spinning with questions about the logistics of inter-dimensional matchmaking and the sheer coincidence of their genetic compatibility.
“I am not interested in a slave,” Phares stated firmly, his voice carrying an undertone of distaste.
Erzo’s gaze slid over Polly again, causing an inexplicable shiver to run down her spine. How did he do that? He was undeniably alien—green skin, tail and all—yet the way he looked at her stirred something she couldn't quite name. Was this some unknown alien attraction? Was she into tails now?
Re-lee’s voice was a soothing balm to the confusion. “This is not slavery. The Intergalactic Dating Agency is all about precise matches. And remember, you have a thirty-day trial. If it doesn't work out, you're free to go back to your world with no obligation.”
Polly, ever the practical one, raised a question. “What if I change my mind at the last minute? Like, on day twenty-nine? Can I call a do-over after I'm back on Earth?”
Re-lee raised an eyebrow in a look of amusement. “What is done is done. There is no quick return. That is why we have the thirty-day trial for the couple to make sure that they are compatible.”
Polly nodded, absorbing the finality of the decision. No pressure, just the rest of her life on the line.
Re-lee continued, addressing Jana and then the group. “During your trial, you don't have to stay on the station, but you must stay with your matched mate.”
Jana's voice trembled with apprehension as she asked her question. “So we're living together? Here?”
“In the same residence, yes,” Re-lee confirmed.
Polly's gaze flickered to Erzo, a lump forming in her throat. Looks like she had got herself a very green, very alien roommate. Polly gulped. The thought of sharing a living space with him, under the scrutiny of his intense gaze, sent a jangle of trepidation and excitement coursing through her. She couldn't help but wonder what Erzo thought about this arrangement. This was going to be one interesting trial period.
As Re-lee guided them through the station, Polly noticed the hallways becoming narrower, contrasting with the bustling vendor-filled corridors they had left behind. The setting felt eerily similar to any typical office building back on Earth, with its long, mundane hallways.
Tori and Jana kept close to Re-lee while Polly lingered a step behind, her eyes fixed on Jana, half-expecting her to make a sudden dash for freedom. Behind her, the heavy footfalls of the males echoed through the corridor, a rhythmic clunking that reminded Polly of a malfunctioning pitching machine.
Polly’s thoughts swirled with worry and speculation, predominantly about her family. Had they noticed her absence? Were they searching for her? Explaining her outlandish experience to her mother and her family seemed daunting. How could she make them believe in a tale so fantastical, so unbelievable? Her credibility, especially regarding the Stefan debacle, hung precariously in the balance.
Erzo’s deep voice broke into her reverie. “You seem lost in thought.”
Startled, Polly offered a quick, forced smile. “Just trying to make sense of all this.”
The depth of her apprehension was the last thing she wanted to show, but her fraying nerves betrayed her.
“And what aspect of 'all this' occupies your mind?” Erzo inquired, his tone curious yet gentle.
Polly gestured vaguely. “Everything. The whole idea of us being here, together, in this situation.”
“We shall have plenty of time to discuss our expectations,” Erzo said, a hint of something intriguing in his voice.
Polly quirked an eyebrow, her mind racing with possibilities. “Does that include special care for your tail? Like daily massages, perhaps?”
A hint of amusement flickered in Erzo's eyes. “If that’s a service on offer, I wouldn’t object.”
Polly noticed how Erzo adjusted his pace to match hers, his movements almost cautious. His tail, a living entity of its own, swished gently behind him. She wondered about their walking arrangement, whether their synchronized steps were part of some alien custom.
“Do we need to walk side by side like this?” Polly asked.
Erzo slowed his pace slightly.
“No, it's not necessary,” he responded, allowing her the space to lead their way.
Polly paused, suddenly aware of how her question might have sounded. Rushing to clarify, she added, “I mean, is it a cultural thing for us to walk together like this?”
