Page 24 of Accidentally Abducted (Nereidan Compatibility Program #1)
Zeph
The Council Chamber's architecture has always been designed to inspire humility.
Soaring ceilings that capture and amplify sound.
Walls embedded with bioluminescent coral that pulses in synchronization with the collective emotional state of those present.
The seven curved seats arranged in a perfect arc, elevated just enough to require speakers to look upward.
I have presented research findings in this chamber seventeen times over my career. I have never before struggled to maintain professional composure.
"Your bioluminescence patterns remain irregular," my attendant observes as she adjusts the formal attire required for Council presentations. Her tone is clinical, but I detect the faintest note of concern. "Shall I request a metabolic stabilizer?"
"That will not be necessary," I reply, though the evidence suggests otherwise.
My skin's natural glow has remained dimmed since Jake's departure, pulsing erratically whenever my thoughts drift to him.
A metabolic stabilizer would create artificial luminescence patterns, masking my compromised state.
The Council would see through such deception immediately. My brother certainly would.
"As you wish." The attendant steps back, giving me a final assessment. "The Council has convened. They await your presentation."
I check my appearance one last time in the reflective surface before me.
My formal attire, deep blue with silver detailing that normally complements my bioluminescence, seems to emphasize the unnatural dullness of my skin.
Even my posture, despite conscious correction, reveals tension in my shoulders and neck.
I look exactly like what I am: a Nereidan in emotional distress.
"Proceed," I instruct the attendant, and the doors to the Council Chamber slide open.
The seven Council members are already seated as I enter, their own bioluminescence regulated to the precise formal intensity expected of their station. My brother Kav'eth sits third from the right, his expression revealing nothing as I approach the center of the chamber.
At the center sits Elder Va'ril, the most senior Council member, her silver-blue skin bearing the distinctive patterns of age and wisdom. Her eyes track my movement with the keen assessment that has made her legendary among our people.
"Researcher Zeph'hai," she intones, her voice carrying the harmonic resonance of authority. "You come before the Council to present findings on human compatibility assessment. We acknowledge your service and await your report."
I bow in the formal manner, straightening to my full height before beginning the prepared presentation.
"Esteemed Council, I present the comprehensive findings of the initial human compatibility assessment.
As requested, I have compiled physiological metrics, cultural adaptation indicators, psychological stability factors, and genetic diversity potential.
" My voice emerges steadier than expected, the familiar rhythm of scientific reporting providing structure I desperately need.
The holographic display activates at my gesture, projecting detailed charts and analysis into the center of the chamber.
"Human physiology demonstrates 87% compatibility with Nereidan biological systems, exceeding our threshold for viable partnership. Respiratory, circulatory, and neural systems show significant potential for adaptation."
I move through the technical portions of the report with methodical precision, detailing genetic diversity benefits, resource-sharing potential, and cultural exchange opportunities. The Council listens attentively, occasionally making notations on their individual interfaces.
Only when I reach the section on psychological compatibility does my voice falter slightly.
"Human emotional processing exhibits remarkable similarities to our own, with several notable differences that appear complementary rather than contradictory.
" I pause, fighting to maintain professional distance.
"They demonstrate exceptional adaptability to unfamiliar environments and concepts, often incorporating new information into their existing frameworks with minimal resistance. "
I can feel Kav'eth's gaze intensify at this claim. He shifts forward in his seat, a subtle movement, but one I recognize from childhood as preceding skepticism.
"This adaptability extends to interpersonal dynamics," I continue. "The subject demonstrated rapid acceptance of physiological differences and was able to establish meaningful communication despite significant cultural barriers."
"You speak of the human Jake Morrison," Elder Va'ril interjects, her voice cutting through my presentation. "The incorrect acquisition."
It is not a question, but I answer anyway. "Yes, Elder. While the subject was not the intended target, the assessment provided valid data nonetheless."
"Yet your report contains no reference to the intended subject, Derek Cross," says Councilor Eth'nor, whose specialty in cultural anthropology makes him particularly interested in selection criteria. "What comparison metrics can you provide between the intended target and the accidental subject?"
"I have none, Councilor," I admit. "The assessment was conducted exclusively with Jake Morrison."
"A fundamental deviation from protocol," Kav'eth states, speaking for the first time. His voice carries the precise balance of professional criticism and personal disappointment that only a brother could achieve. "One that raises questions about the validity of your conclusions."
I meet his gaze directly. "The deviation was unavoidable once the transportation error occurred. I made the determination that conducting a thorough assessment with the available subject would provide more valuable data than none at all."
"Yet you exhibit signs of significant physiological distress following this assessment," Councilor Lyr'tha observes, her medical expertise evident in the precision of her analysis.
"Your bioluminescence patterns are irregular, your stress indicators elevated, your cortical activity shows atypical patterns. "
"I am functional," I state, though the evidence suggests otherwise.
"You are compromised," Kav'eth counters, leaning forward in his seat. "After merely three days of contact with this human, you return to us... diminished. Is this not itself evidence that humans may have deleterious effects on Nereidan physiology?"
The accusation sends a pulse of anger through me so intense that several Council members recoil slightly as my bioluminescence flares in response.
"With respect, Councilor," I say, forcing my voice to remain measured, "my current physiological state is not the result of any harmful human influence. It is the natural response to separation following intense empathic bonding."
A ripple of surprise moves through the Council. Empathic bonding between species is theoretically possible but exceedingly rare.
"You formed an empathic bond with this human?" Elder Va'ril asks, her tone sharpening with interest. "In three days?"
"Yes, Elder. An unexpected outcome, but one that suggests unprecedented compatibility potential."
"Or unprecedented vulnerability," Kav'eth counters. "If humans can so quickly establish emotional influence over Nereidans, perhaps they represent a psychological risk rather than an opportunity. Your current state could be evidence of manipulation rather than compatibility."
The suggestion that Jake somehow manipulated me, that what we shared was anything other than genuine, ignites something in me I can no longer contain.
"The human did not manipulate me," I state, my voice carrying an intensity that would have horrified me days ago.
"He adapted to our customs, learned our food preparation methods, showed genuine interest in our culture and physiology.
He demonstrated care, insight, and respect that exceeded every parameter in our compatibility metrics. "
I can see the Council members exchanging glances at my uncharacteristic display of emotion. Kav'eth's expression has hardened into concern mixed with disapproval.
"Researcher Zeph'hai," Elder Va'ril says carefully, "your emotional involvement appears to be affecting your scientific objectivity."
"My emotional involvement is scientific data," I counter.
"The capacity for cross-species empathic connection represents the most significant compatibility indicator possible.
Rather than dismissing it as a liability, the Council should recognize it as the very outcome this program was designed to discover. "
Silence falls over the chamber. I have violated protocol by challenging the Council directly, but I cannot bring myself to regret it.
Elder Va'ril studies me for a long moment, her ancient eyes seeming to see beyond my exterior to the conflict raging within. Then she does something unexpected.
"Approach, Researcher," she says, gesturing to the space directly before her seat.
I move forward, aware of the tension emanating from the other Council members, particularly Kav'eth.
"You claim an empathic bond formed," the Elder says quietly when I stand before her. "Would you be willing to share the experience?"
The request is unprecedented. Empathic sharing is reserved for family units or scientific demonstrations under strictly controlled conditions. To share such experiences with a Council Elder, in a formal assessment...
"It would be considered irregular," I say, echoing Jake's words from days ago.
"These are irregular circumstances," Elder Va'ril replies. "If humans truly offer the connection you claim, I would experience it directly."
I look to Kav'eth, whose expression has shifted from disapproval to alarm. Empathic sharing is intimate, revealing not just memories but the emotions attached to them. There would be no hiding the true nature of my connection with Jake.