“Perfect mates, just like that?” Erzo scoffed, raising an eyebrow at Re-lee. They were in the medical wing, getting scanned for this mate-matching. The idea of a fated mate seemed too good to be true, especially for a Charro like him.
Re-lee, ever the optimist, assured him with a knowing smile. “Trust me, Erzo. We’ll find the right one for you. We’ll find the right one for all of you.”
Olmed and Phares were right there with Erzo in the medical wing, all hooked up to the high-tech scanners, getting zapped and analyzed to track down those fabled mates the staff raved about.
Erzo wasn’t entirely convinced, but played along. Soon, they found themselves in a bar on the station, waiting for the Intergalactic Dating Agency to work its magic. Holograms flickered with the news while Erzo, Olmed, and Phares exchanged wary glances.
Phares couldn’t help but share how impressed by Disguised Serenity he was. “You know, this place is something else. Started off as just a graveyard for busted-up ships. Then, someone got the bright idea to piece them all together. Now, look at it—a bustling port right on the edge of Terran and Neville space.”
Olmed glanced around, taking in the sights and sounds of the diverse crowd. “It’s like a crossroads here. Some folks are just passing through, grabbing supplies, while others are setting up shop, making a whole new life on this floating jigsaw puzzle of a station.”
Erzo nodded to himself, understanding the appeal. “Makes sense why the dating agency planted roots here. The place is teeming with possibilities.”
While Olmed and Phares fidgeted, Erzo leaned back comfortably. “Let’s see what the agency comes up with. Honestly, as long as she’s got a decent head on her shoulders, I’m good. It’s not like I’m looking for a love match. Just someone who can play the part well enough.”
Olmed snorted, rolling his eyes. “Oh sure, Erzo, as long as she can breathe and nod politely, you’re all set, right? Setting the bar high as always,” he quipped, his tone dripping with playful sarcasm. “Maybe the agency has a nice, civil robot in their catalog for you.”
“A robot, huh? Now there’s a thought,” Erzo said with a playful smirk. “At least it wouldn’t complain about my tail or charming personality. Efficient, obedient, and no drama—might be onto something there, Olmed!”
Phares’s laughter joined Erzo’s. Wiping a tear from his eye, Phares leaned in with a grin. “Yeah, and imagine the upgrades! ‘Robot partner version 2.0 now with enhanced empathy chip and a sense of humor setting!’ You might find that more appealing than the real deal, Erzo!”
Erzo, still chuckling, turned to his companions. “So, what about you two? What’s on your wishlist for these supposed perfect mates?”
Olmed scratched his chin thoughtfully. “Well, she has to have a sense of adventure, that’s for sure. I can’t deal with someone who faints at the first sign of danger.”
“And you, Phares?” Erzo nudged, his curiosity piqued.
Phares paused, a far-off look in his eyes. “Someone who gets me, you know? Someone who doesn’t mind my quiet moods but can ride the wave when I’m all fire and energy.”
Erzo nodded, impressed by their answers. “Sounds like you guys are after more than a pretty face.”
He leaned back, a picture of calm compared to his companions’ restlessness. He was content to let the agency work its magic. The who they matched him to wasn’t his major concern. Erzo was more interested in how well she could play her part. A touch of grace, a hint of poise. That’s all he needed.
As for the physical connection, well, that was a bridge he’d cross when he came to it. If his Charro features put her off, so be it. The crucial part was the illusion of a deep bond, a convincing performance to satisfy his father’s expectations. Anything beyond that was just a bonus.
5
Polly and the others stood surrounded by futuristic gadgets in the medical room, which looked like they had jumped out of a high-budget sci-fi TV show. Beds hovered above the floor, and strange devices hummed and whirred, operated by alien medics with skin hues that ranged from the mundane to the exotic.
Tori, her usual fiery self, eyed the medical paraphernalia warily. “I’m not exactly thrilled about being a pincushion for alien vaccines,” she declared, clutching her backpack like a shield.
Polly watched Duke, their less-than-charming medic, fumble over his words, trying to explain. “These are just routine shots. Surprised your planet’s still in the dark ages about genome repair,” he remarked, glancing at his colleague.
Rubbing the disc behind her ear, Polly marveled at the technology that made their communication possible.
“Genome-repairing vaccine? That’s like sci-fi magic,” Polly mused aloud.
Duke nodded. “It’s standard practice here. Fixes any genetic hiccups, like insulin problems. Like that other Earth girl with the insulin thing?”
“Diabetes?” Tori interjected, a glimmer of understanding in her eyes.
“Yeah, that’s the one,” Duke confirmed.
Tori suddenly extended her arm. “Well, shoot me up then. If this is real, I’m all for being disease free.”
Polly raised an eyebrow at Tori’s sudden bravery. “Feeling bold, are we?”
Having already gotten her shot, Jana rubbed her arm, looking less convinced. “What if this is all a dream? Or we’re dead? Or in a coma?”
