Page 28 of Accidentally Abducted (Nereidan Compatibility Program #1)
Zeph
"Hold still," I say, adjusting the ceremonial collar of Jake's formal attire for the third time in as many minutes. "The Council is particularly attentive to proper presentation."
The deep blue fabric shimmers against his skin, the silver accents catching the light with each movement. The colors complement his human coloring in a way I find unexpectedly striking, the blue bringing out the warmth in his complexion, the silver highlighting his eyes.
"How do the garments feel?" I ask, smoothing a barely perceptible wrinkle from his shoulder. "They were synthesized to accommodate human physiological requirements, but if there is any discomfort—"
"They're incredible," Jake interrupts, running his hands along the sleeves with evident wonder. "I expected them to be heavier, but they're so light. It's like wearing nothing at all, but somehow still warm." He moves his arms experimentally. "And they move with me, no restriction at all."
"The fabric responds to body temperature and motion," I explain, pleased by his appreciation. "It will adjust to maintain optimal comfort regardless of environmental conditions."
Jake catches my hands, stilling their nervous movement with a gentle but firm grip. "Zeph. It's fine. I'm fine. The clothes are fine." His eyes meet mine with that particular mixture of amusement and affection that has become achingly familiar over the past fourteen days. "You're fussing."
"I am not fussing," I protest, though I know he is correct. "I am ensuring compliance with cultural protocols."
"You're fussing," he repeats, a smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "And it's adorable, but unnecessary. We've gone over everything at least a dozen times."
He is right, of course. In the past two weeks, we have discussed every aspect of Nereidan culture, Council etiquette, and formal presentation protocols.
Jake has proven to be an exceptionally quick study, absorbing information with a capacity that would impress even the most skeptical members of the Research Collective.
Still, I can't help feeling a certain tension as the ship prepares for atmospheric entry. This is not merely another assignment or research excursion. This is Jake's first time on my world, his introduction to my people. More importantly, it is the beginning of our official life together.
"The Elder will extend her hand palm-up if she wishes physical contact," I remind him, unable to stop myself. "And remember, Councilor Eth'nor tends to—"
"—ask deliberately provocative questions to gauge emotional stability," Jake finishes for me.
"And Councilor Myr'esh values direct eye contact as a sign of sincerity, while your brother will likely maintain formal distance throughout the proceedings.
" He gives me a look that manages to be both exasperated and fond.
"Zeph, I've got this. I've memorized the Council profiles, the greeting protocols, and the cultural taboos. I'm as prepared as I'm going to be."
The ship's gentle vibration shifts in frequency, indicating our descent into Nereidan atmosphere.
Through the viewing portal, the deep blue of our oceans is becoming visible, interspersed with the crystalline structures of our floating cities.
In moments, Jake will have his first real view of my world, no longer just stories and descriptions, but reality.
I watch his face as he turns toward the portal, his expression shifting from reassurance to wonder. The sight strikes me with unexpected force, this human, dressed in the formal blue and silver attire of my people, his face illuminated by the light of my home world.
"It's beautiful," he breathes, moving closer to the portal. "Those structures rising from the water, are those the cities you told me about? The ones that float during calm weather and submerge during storms?"
"Yes." I move to stand beside him, following his gaze. "That largest formation to the north is Mer'athis, the Central Council city. The crystalline towers house our research facilities and governance chambers."
Jake's hand finds mine, fingers intertwining in a gesture that has become as natural as breathing. "And where is your home? Where you grew up?"
"There." I point to a smaller cluster of structures to the east, partially submerged in the deeper waters. " Vir'athel . My family dwelling is in the underwater section."
Through our empathic bond, I can feel the complex mixture of emotions flowing through him, excitement, nervousness, wonder, and beneath it all, a steady current of certainty that surprises me with its strength.
"Are you... apprehensive?" I ask carefully.
Jake turns to me, his expression thoughtful. "About meeting the Council? A little. About being on an alien planet? Definitely. About being here with you?" His hand tightens around mine. "Not even slightly."
The ship's communication system activates with a soft tone. "Atmospheric entry complete. Landing sequence initiating at Central Council Docking Port. Arrival in approximately seven minutes."
Seven minutes until Jake officially sets foot on Nereidan soil, or more accurately, onto a Nereidan docking platform. Seven minutes until we face the Council together. Seven minutes until our shared life truly begins.
"I should review the formal greeting one more time," I say, reaching for the data tablet, but Jake gently pulls it from my grasp.
"No more reviews," he says firmly. "If I don't know it by now, I'm not going to learn it in the next few minutes.
Besides..." He steps closer, his free hand coming up to rest on my chest, directly over the brightest point of my bioluminescence.
"I think there are better ways to spend our last few minutes of privacy. "
The gentle pressure of his hand sends waves of warmth through my skin. "Such as?"
"Such as you telling me what you're really worried about." His eyes hold mine, and as always, I find I cannot dissemble beneath that direct gaze. "This isn't about the Council protocols, is it?"
I hesitate, searching for the right words. "I want them to see you as I do," I admit finally. "I want them to understand why you are... essential."
Jake's expression softens. "You're worried they won't think I'm good enough."
"No," I correct him immediately. "I am worried they will fail to recognize how exceptional you are. The Council thinks in terms of species compatibility and genetic diversity. They cannot possibly comprehend what exists between us."
"And what does exist between us, Zeph?" Jake asks, his voice quieter now. He knows the answer, I can feel that he knows through our bond, but he wants to hear it spoken aloud.
The ship begins its final descent sequence, the gentle pressure change making my ears tingle slightly. In moments, we will be surrounded by officials, by formality, by protocol. This is our last moment of true privacy before stepping into our new life.
"Love," I say simply, the word both foreign and perfect on my tongue. "I love you, Jake Morrison."
His smile is brighter than any bioluminescence. "I love you too, Zeph'hai of the Nereidan Research Collective. Even when you're fussing about my collar."
"I was not—" I begin, but he silences me with a kiss, soft and sweet and lingering.
"We're going to be great," he whispers against my lips. "The Council is going to love me almost as much as you do. And if they don't, well... it's their loss."
The ship settles with the gentlest of impacts, indicating we have docked. Outside the viewing portal, I can see the reception committee forming, Council representatives, research staff, and at the center, the unmistakable figure of Elder Va'ril, her ancient face turned expectantly toward our ship.
"Ready?" Jake asks, straightening his collar one last time.
I take a moment to truly look at him, this human who was never supposed to be mine, dressed in the formal attire of my people, standing on the threshold of a new life neither of us could have imagined two weeks ago. His presence here defies every protocol, every prediction, every logical outcome.
And yet, nothing has ever felt more right.
"Ready," I confirm, reaching for his hand one last time before we must adopt the formal postures required for the reception.
As the ship's exit portal begins to open, Jake gives my hand a final squeeze before releasing it.
He stands tall beside me, his posture perfect, his expression composed yet open.
Through our bond, I can feel his determination, his excitement, and beneath it all, that steady, unwavering love that still astonishes me with its certainty.
The portal completes its opening sequence, revealing the formal reception party.
A breeze carries the distinctive scent of the Nereidan atmosphere, salt and minerals and something uniquely home.
Jake takes a deep breath, his eyes briefly closing as he processes this first sensory experience of my world.
When he opens them again, there is only certainty in his gaze. He glances at me once, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth, then steps forward to meet his new life.
I follow, my heart fuller than I ever imagined possible, ready to begin our extraordinary journey together.
And to think, it all began with an accidental abduction.