Page 28 of Klora (Mates of the Mylos #6)
CHAPTER 28
ADRIAN
“Hello!” The scholarship administration officer had a million megawatt smile. After meeting so many Mylos recently, I was beginning to sink in that Mylos came in different flavors, so to speak. While the Mylos genes were dominant, often some traits from their non Mylos parents seemingly expressed themselves. I would be willing to bet at least ten M and M candies that this guy’s mother came from the same world as Korah and Oshar. He was every bit as pale, had a red tint to his eyes, had hair with a purple tinge, and obvious fangs when he spoke.
“I’m Jorah and Xeranos said you wished to take the matching test as a job applicant even though you’ve already completed your bond.”
I nodded. “Yes. Just to cover all the bases in case anyone tries to contest the legalities.”
“Mm, I’d like to say that was unlikely, but that would be tempting the stars.” He picked up a datapad he had sitting on top of his desk. “If you’ll just fill in the employment screening form, tap the screen where it says next, and begin answering the matching test questions. Once you’re done with all of that, I’ll take your cheek swab,” he winked at us both. “I believe we both know what the results will reveal.”
“If not, my hormones really have gone haywire,” Klora said and I looked at him in surprise. I was pleased to see he was grinning, his posture looking happy and relaxed.
I felt warm and gooey inside, like a warm Toll House cookie fresh from the oven at the sight. He was feeling positive enough about the two of us that he was already cracking some of his jokes about it.
“Um, excuse me, I hope it’s not rude to ask, but you bear a strong resemblance to friends of ours we came to a wedding for.”
“They are Clan Drani,” Klora informed him and Jorah began nodding excitedly.
“I see! The bonded pair that joined the Fleet a few months before I did. Yes! My mother is also Sanguinii. You are very observant indeed. We are not related, however. I am Clan Harka and unfortunately, not blessed with a bonded clan mate. Some of us are blessed with a brother to share a mate with, but not all.”
“Could it be two humans instead of two Sanguinii?” I asked, already filling in the first part of the form, which was a detailed job application form of sorts.
“Mm, yes, it could, I suppose. Until the Mylos, my mother’s people did not marry offworlders, so who knows? Now, would either of you like a beverage or a donut?”
“We just came from the diner, so no thanks,” I replied absently.
“I’m good,” Klora replied and I tuned them out as the two of them began idly chatting about local beaches and food trucks.
I finished at last, my mind numb from the probing questions which had seemed like they’d never end.
“Great! Thanks!” Jorah said, taking the tablet from me. He quickly located a sealed swab in a nearby drawer and deftly took a sample from inside my cheek before placing it in the machine at the back of the office space.
“This will only take a few minutes, I’m sure. In the meanwhile, let’s see how you scored in the job sector.” He tapped on his computer and blinked in surprise.
“Ah. Well, based on your experience teaching elementary school students, which included two years teaching first grade in addition to the more recent time teaching your current level, the Fleet is happy to offer you the position of Educational Consultant and set teacher.”
I was about to ask him to explain the offer but bells began to sound and Klora’s wrist began to chime right along with it.
Both men grinned at me.
“Congratulations,” Klora said. “We are officially matched.”
I snorted. “Like we hadn’t figured that out already.”
“We were the last to know,” he pointed out and I laughed.
“Okay, fair.” Then returning my attention to Jorah, I asked, “Set teacher and educational consultant? What is that exactly? It doesn’t sound like I’d be teaching in a regular school.”
He picked up the data pad I’d used and tapped the screen a few times. “Here is the offer. It explains all the duties.”
I took it and began to read, my eyebrows going up. “Wow. And you guys think I’m qualified for this? I’ve never worked in TV. Teaching the kids who will be filming, that I can do. It's helping design the Earth-centric educational materials I’m unsure about.”
He shrugged. “If they were not certain, the offer would not have been made. I believe there will be a few more curriculum specialists hired who will be part of your team for that part of the project.”
Did I want to do this? It was a very exciting proposition, the chance to help teach human and Mylos children about Earth, our solar system, and human cultures, as well as literacy and basic math skills via the first of its kind Mylos children’s educational program here on Earth. Fuck! Why was I hesitating? I’d mated Kora and there was no going back from that. I couldn’t ask him to come find a job working mall security or to become a member of the NYPD while I kept my current teaching position. I’d applied thinking I’d slip into a similar one, only aboard one of their ships. If this turned out to not be a good fit, I could always see if I could still do that.
Mind made up, I scrolled down to the very bottom where I’d seen the start of the section for me to digitally sign my name and place my thumb for a scan. I did so and handed it back.
“Welcome to the Fleet,” Jorah said. “I am so very excited for you! A mate and such an exciting new job that is the first of its kind!”
I nodded. “What can I say? I’ve always been a fan of educational TV and now I get to help make it.”
I couldn’t wait to call my mom to tell her.
“Shit!” I exclaimed. “My mom! I bet she and the rest of my family are freaking out right now!”
“Xeranos would have had them notified of your safety,” Klora said, trying to reassure me.
“Yeah, not going to cut it. She’s Irish-Italian American! She’s not going to rest until she hears from me personally.”
“Oh my,” Jorah said. “Shall I set up a video comm for you to contact her now? I’m not sure what time zone she is in, so it might not be the best time -”
“Yes, please!” I begged. “She won’t care what the time is.”
She was, most likely, going to be pissed that I hadn't called her last night, though perhaps she’d get over it quickly when she realized she was about to attend my wedding along with the whole family while getting a free vacation in Hawaii.
“Very well.” Jorah hustled to set it up, stopping only to ask me my mother’s phone number.
“You’ll have to tell her to turn on her computer or tablet and click the Flying saucer icon she’ll find Xeranos has placed on her system.”
I decided it would be a good idea to talk to Klora later and discuss how that was hacking and putting software on others' systems without their explicit permission was a big no no. Later, though. First, I had a mama lion to tame.