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Jennette

That weirdo watches us for the next two days.

And I make sure that Seeker appears human the whole time.

I’m not sure how the tech works, but to me, Seeker always looks the same when he’s passing as a human.

Hopefully, that’s the case with everyone.

That way, his stalker can see and hear him enough to start thinking he was simply mistaken in his conviction that Seeker’s costume was too good to be fake.

I’ve had a blast this week, but I’m ready to go home, more now than ever since Seeker is going with me.

I miss Scotty and Spock. I’ve been checking the nanny cam I left with them, and they seem fine when I check on them.

Nancy says they’re eating fine, and since she’s an angel, she’s scooped their litter boxes a couple of times.

The favor goes both ways. I take in her toy poodle, Mr. Snickers, whenever she travels.

Scotty and Spock get along with him well enough.

He’s an elderly dog who huffs more than barks.

It’s wild to think that Seeker will soon intersect with the minutiae of my daily life, meet my family and my neighbor/landlady, Nancy.

The prospect simultaneously fills me with exhilaration and concern, but I don’t regret extending that offer.

I can’t wait to discover what our life together will be like.

We’re driving home later today, and I’ll be honest; I’m absolutely conned out.

Normally, I’m an introvert, and this much face time has worn me out.

If we hadn’t promised the group that we’d swing by for one last wander through the fairgrounds, I’d have probably asked Seeker if he was ready to take off.

But I prefer to say goodbye in person, especially considering what I’ve learned about half the group.

This morning, we pack up the car with my suitcases and Seeker’s one small bag, then check out of the Rellows Inn.

A bit later, we meet up with the others in the parking lot, and everyone is on time.

Poppy is dressed as Mantis without the paint since it’s a travel day for most of us.

Jaz, Ravik, and Seeker appear completely human, not even a hint of cosplay, while Tad stuns me with an utterly on-point Kraglin costume.

“You look awesome,” I tell him, giving two thumbs up.

“Tall and bald? It’s one of the few costumes I can pull off.”

“Pinhead?” I suggest.

Tad laughs and shakes his head. “Not for Space Con.”

He’s got me there. It’s bittersweet knowing that our time together is coming to an end, but I strongly feel that I’ve found my people. And we’ll hang out in person again.

“What are we feeling today?” Poppy asks.

I speak before anyone else can, knowing Tad will always vote to scavenge for rare comics. “I’m tired of wandering around, and there are no panels I’m interested in. I say we do some tabletop gaming.”

“I’m curious to try it,” Ravik says.

It’s rare that they express interest in anything, so now I’m doubly committed. I glance at Tad and Poppy.

She nods after a moment of reflection. “I haven’t played since college. Sounds fun!”

“I’m in,” Tad adds.

Seeker offers no objection. “I am unfamiliar with the concept, but I’m sure I can pick it up with sufficient guidance.”

“I want to spend time with everyone,” Jaz says. “So I’m willing also.”

I lead the way and get us signed up. Since we’re a large group, they split us into two tables, each with our own volunteer guide.

I’m with Seeker and Ravik while Jaz goes with Poppy and Tad.

I’ve never played Starforged before, but the team provides ready-made characters to jump-start the fun.

Once the overview is complete, we get started.

I roll a d6 to seal my vow, getting a strong result. Seeker monitors everything I do, preparing to take his turn. Ravik seems intrigued by the storyline, and their approval is hard-earned, worth more than any treasure we might loot in our fictional escapades.

“Seeker, plot our course. Ravik, prepare to board the enemy craft.”

The guide checks the result and shakes his head. “They’ve chosen to flee, not fight. The man who murdered your grandmother may be onboard. What do you do?”

I confer with Seeker and Ravik. “This relates to my vow. There are consequences if I don’t fulfill it.”

“We give chase,” Ravik says at once.

“On it,” Seeker replies.

We roll the dice and this time get a favorable result. The guide gives us a thumbs-up. “You’ve managed to catch up, and you’re within firing range. What do you do?”

“We need to board,” Seeker says. “Otherwise, Jen—I mean Captain Flynn—cannot confirm that her target is on the vessel.”

“Ravik, is the boarding party ready?” I ask.

They incline their head ever so slightly. There is no shift in facial expression; now that I’m cognizant of that detail, their tech disguise seems faintly unnatural, just the vague hint of uncanny valley, a resemblance that’s almost—but not quite—perfect.

Ravik’s character, a notorious space marauder, is poised for the attack. “I’ll hunt down that murderous rogue, Captain.”

Whoa, they’re really getting into it. How fun.

A couple of hours later, we wrap up a successful mini quest. It looks like Tad, Poppy, and Jaz are finishing up too. I stand up, gather my things, and stretch. Sitting on a folding chair for that long was rough, but I had fun. Hopefully Seeker and Ravik did too.

“How was it?” I ask, as we reconvene outside the tent.

Before the others can reply, Seeker nudges me. “Isn’t that Ponytail?”

I spin around with a scowl. “For fuck’s sake…”

Tad follows my gaze. “You know, some people find my height intimidating. I’m not really a scary guy, but I’m getting tempted to see if I can pull it off, just once.”

“Dressed as Kraglin?” Poppy snorts.

Ponytail is joined by…oh shit. That’s the guy from the museum. And they’re definitely comparing notes. If they managed to snap any photos, they won’t show an image. I tested it myself, and it’s just a blur. That will only invite more questions.

Jaz watches until they move out of our line of sight. “I was never uneasy until right now. I’ve been here for ten years, and this has bothered me the most.”

Ravik inclines their head. “I have dwelled here the longest, but I never lose the sense that my safety could be compromised at any moment.”

Poppy takes a step toward them, lifting a hand as if she wants to offer a comforting touch, but then she lowers her arm. “I’m so sorry you live that way.”

“It’s not simply being here,” Ravik says quietly. “My sense of personal security was decimated long ago.”

Tad sighs. “I guess it’s getting to be that time.”

I nod. “We need to get going. The car is already packed.”

“This has been epic,” Tad says.

“Best con ever,” Poppy agrees. She pulls out her phone, taps on the screen, and grins. “But we’ve got the group chat. We’ll keep the spirit alive until next year.”

“Or until we crash at each other’s places,” I suggest.

While Seeker remains quiet, Tad nods at once, like he’s already planning a road trip in his head. Jaz and Ravik both hesitate, probably for different reasons.

Then Ravik says, “I have a large residence. I could host everyone.”

“Where do you live anyway?” Poppy asks.

“The mountains of Tennessee.”

Seeker stills. “That’s where I was supposed to…” He stops speaking.

I can fill in the blank, though. That was where he was supposed to get on a shuttle from the tourism agency. And leave Earth forever. The shuttle that never arrived.

“Interesting coincidence,” Tad says.

I don’t know if that’s the word I’d choose.

The difference between coincidence and fate is unclear to me.

In the end, I’ll take whatever I can have.

I care about him so much; I’ll make the most of the time we have together.

Not everyone gets to live their dream this way, meeting a love from beyond the stars.

“Group hug?” I open my arms, conscious of a poignant tug.

Everyone piles in at once, even Ravik. Tad is the tallest, towering over the rest of the group, and he wraps his long arms around everyone from the back. Poppy lets out a happy sigh while Seeker glances at me for confirmation that we’re doing it right, like there’s a wrong way.

Jaz steps back first. “This was something I needed so much. Thank you all.”

She doesn’t need to articulate what she’s thanking us for. We all know. It’s for believing in them and our friendship—for learning something wild and extraordinary and keeping our cool. Keeping their secrets.

But that’s what friends do. It feels amazing to have real-life friends again. I’ve been lonely for a long time, but it’s better now. I still miss Nina, but she made her choice years ago. And I do hope she’s happy.

“Talk to you soon,” Tad says, tapping his phone.

With final waves all around, the group parts ways, each heading to their own vehicles.

I realize then that I don’t know how Ravik or Jaz got here.

It’s impossible for them to get a driver’s license; they can’t get photos taken on-site.

Maybe they have fake ones? Ravik did mention having flirted their way out of a speeding ticket, but that doesn’t mean they have a license.

Possibly Jaz uses ride-sharing or public transportation to get around?

Seeker seems to walk everywhere if he’s not with me.

“Home?” Seeker cuts into my thoughts as we reach the car.

It’s amazing that he’s already using that word. He hasn’t even seen the place. I hope the accommodations—and I—live up to expectations.

“Home,” I agree.