She thought for a moment. “I’ve heard Terra or Gaia. Oh, and The Blue Planet.”
“Why ‘The Blue Planet’?” Solkan asked, chiming in.
“Because of all the water. From space, Earth looks mostly blue, given it’s about two-thirds ocean,” Polly explained.
Solkan eyed her curiously. “But you don’t look aquatic.”
She grinned. “Nope, we’re definitely land creatures.”
Addy playfully elbowed Solkan. “Be nice!”
Solkan shot her a look that was almost a smile, softening his cyborg demeanor. It was a slight gesture, but Polly could see it meant the world to Addy. The conversation lulled into a sweet silence for a moment, with Polly finding the couple’s dynamic endearing.
Erzo broke the quiet. “Didn’t you mention there are others from Earth here?”
Addy leaned back, her attention shifting. “Yes, two others. They’re currently on Sol with their partners.”
“They seem quite content,” Solkan added.
“That’s great to hear,” Polly said, her spirits lifted. “I’d love to meet them someday.”
Addy’s eyes sparkled with the possibility. “Maybe we can arrange a trip to Sol for you and your friends. Sol-1 is a pretty nice place to visit.”
The prospect of meeting other people from Earth out here in the cosmos intrigued Polly. It would be comforting to share experiences with those who understood what it was like to be thrust into this alien world. Though she had to give credit where it was due—both Erzo and Addy were going out of their way to make her feel at home.
Erzo was such a puzzle. Initially, she had been a bundle of nerves around him, his presence intimidating. But as they spent more time together, he became less of a daunting alien figure and more... well, intriguing. Comfortable, even.
Yet, despite this growing ease, Polly couldn’t shake this niggling sense that something was off. She found herself repeatedly scanning the restaurant, her eyes searching for any sign of Tori or Olmed. Nothing yet.
She tried to tune back into the table’s conversation, where Erzo and Solkan were deep in a discussion about engine mechanics. Addy seemed to keep pace with them, chipping in with her own insights. Polly, on the other hand, felt lost in their technical jargon. Her mind, instead, wandered back to Tori and Jana, hoping they were safe and sound.
Could her feeling of being watched be because she was constantly on the lookout for her friends? Or was she unknowingly stepping on some cultural toes? In a place where every norm was foreign, the last thing she wanted was to accidentally offend someone with a misunderstood Earth habit. The thought made her more cautious, her gaze flitting around the restaurant as she tried to blend in.
But Polly, feeling a growing unease, couldn’t hold back any longer. “We still haven’t heard from Tori,” she blurted out. “Is it time to start worrying?”
Erzo gave a reassuring shake of his head. “Olmed is with her. She’s in safe hands.”
“But you trust him?” Polly needed that extra assurance.
Erzo’s gaze met hers, unwavering. “With my life.”
That simple statement somehow calmed the storm inside her. Despite her earlier resolve to stop her vigilant lookout, Polly’s eyes couldn’t help but stray across the restaurant. She half-expected to see Olmed’s towering, red figure and Tori by his side at any moment.
Her gaze drifted around the crowd. The place was a cosmic fashion show, with attire ranging from casual chic to what looked like interstellar haute couture. Polly had donned a dress that felt both elegant and a tad out of place on her at Erzo’s suggestion.
Erzo looked like he’d stepped out of an intergalactic GQ magazine. His formal tunic, adorned with intricate embroidery and gold trim, suited him perfectly, enhancing his already imposing presence. He’d give any Armani model a run for their money—tail and all.
Her eyes wandered, taking in the varied styles of the other patrons. The clothing here defied any singular fashion trend, each outfit accentuating the unique features of its wearer. It was like an Earthly high-end restaurant, but with floating tables and a far more eclectic clientele.
Breaking her fashion reverie, Polly voiced the question nagging at her. “Why am I even here, on this space station, across the...”
“Universe,” Solkan interjected helpfully.
“Right, universe. Why here and not on Earth? We’re not exactly a spacefaring species,” she said, leaning on the table, amused by its buoyant response.
“Well, the portals…” Addy began, but Polly interrupted.
“I get the portals part. What I mean is, why was there a portal on Earth in the first place?”
