Page 16
“It’s also interfering with my work. The algorithms on the matchmaking database are completely out of kilter. The last few days, we’ve had terrible matches I wouldn’t dream of putting together. That’s never happened before. I helped program some of the algorithms. There is definitely a problem with our systems.”
“You can program algorithms?”
“Only when it comes to love.” Heather grinned. “It’s easy when you know how.”
“I would not know how to do that,” Loka said. “You are smart, Heather Roberts.”
“You know my full name.”
He scratched a horn. His hand went to his pocket, where a small lump of coal rested. “Yes. I know your full name. It is a nice name.”
“Thanks. I like it. I only know you as Loka. You don’t have a second name, do you?”
“We don’t. We take our ancestor’s name. We are not a heavily populated planet. There were once more of us, not so much now. The war has taken its toll on our population.”
Heather nodded, her expression serious. “Picars are known as adventurers and scientists. What you do sounds amazing.”
“I’m glad you think so.” Loka wanted to impress this tiny human. The more he got to know about her, the more he liked. She was hard-working, resourceful, and not afraid of a challenge. “Perhaps, one day, we can go on a space adventure together?”
Heather’s eyes widened. “We could?”
Loka took a quick step back. “Of course, that is not appropriate. You barely know me. We don’t know each other. You might get sick on a spaceship. I don’t even know if you’ve been through a wormhole. And, of course, you have your work here. I mean, you can’t abandon this facility or your important work matching aliens and humans.”
The look of surprise on Heather’s face morphed into a smile. “Well, I wouldn’t say it’s completely appropriate, but it’s sweet of you to ask. And you’re right. I don’t know you, but I’d like to get to know you. And yes, the only space flight I went on made me super sick. I couldn’t keep food down for two days after we landed. But that could change with practise. And no, I’ve never been through the Glory Hole.”
“Glory Hole?”
“Oh, yes! You might not know the wormhole by that name. It’s a silly name we call it on the space station. Because, well, you know, aliens come through the hole to find themselves a mate.” Heather blushed. “It’s a bit smutty, now I’m trying to explain it. And, as for my work, no, I’d never abandon it.”
“As I thought. My idea was not considered.” Loka surprised himself by how easily he’d offered a trip through the stars with Heather. He usually preferred to travel alone.
“We are creating outposts for My Single Alien in other galaxies to make it easier for aliens to reach us. I’m interested in running an outpost. It could be exciting. If we did ever want to go on a space adventure together, I can tie in my work with our adventures.”
A warm glow spread from Loka’s stomach. “I would like that.”
“As would I, once we figure out the problems with the station.”
Loka found himself unable to stop staring at Heather. His instincts had been right. Even though he was focused on his work, something had called to him when he met her. He wanted to pursue Heather. He would like her as his mate.
“Loka. Are you okay?” Heather took a step toward him. “You’ve got a weird look in your eyes.”
He shook himself. “I am well.”
“Did you hear what I said?”
“No. I mean, yes. A problem.”
She nodded. “We have a malfunctioning space station to deal with. We need to find out what’s going on and fix it if we can.”
“Of course. We can work together on this. Between us, we will solve this problem.”
Heather grinned. “I hope so. Come on. Let’s get to engineering and see what’s going on.”
Loka grabbed his tablet to give them a source of light and followed Heather out of his quarters.
Despite the problems with the station, happiness bloomed inside him. This was his mate; he was certain of it. All he needed to do was convince her. He hoped he had a big enough supply of coal to do just that.
Chapter 5
