Page 22 of Technically Abducted (Nereidan Compatibility Program #4)

Finn

We're back in Tev'ra's quarters after the swimming lesson, and I'm sprawled across his impossibly comfortable seating platform while he works at his research station.

The post-swimming exhaustion is the good kind—muscles pleasantly tired, skin still tingling from the mineral-rich water, mind clear in a way that only comes after physical activity I actually enjoyed.

But as I watch Tev'ra work, reviewing data about human technological innovation patterns, my thoughts keep drifting back to Earth.

To the clients who are probably wondering why their usually hyper-responsive tech support has gone radio silent.

To Alex, who's covering for me without really knowing what he's covering for.

"Do you think Alex is handling everything okay?" I ask, breaking the comfortable silence.

Tev'ra glances up from his display. "Your backup support contact appeared highly competent during your communication. His technical knowledge seemed adequate for routine maintenance tasks."

"Yeah, Alex is good at what he does. Just..." I run a hand through my still-damp hair. "I've never left anyone to handle my clients before. I keep thinking about all the things that could go wrong, all the ways my systems could fail while I'm not there to fix them."

"Is this causing you significant distress?" Tev'ra asks, turning fully toward me with that focused attention he gives to problems that need solving.

"Not distress, exactly. Just... awareness." I shift on the seating platform, trying to put the feeling into words. "Like, I had incredible sex with a hot blue alien, and I can't even tell Alex about it because he'd think I've completely lost my mind."

The moment the words leave my mouth, I see Tev'ra's bioluminescence flare with what looks like alarm.

"Finn, you cannot—the disclosure protocols are quite specific about—"

I start laughing before he can finish his sentence. "Relax, Blue. I'm not actually going to tell Alex I got abducted by an alien and had mind-blowing empathic sex. That would sound insane even by my standards."

Tev'ra's posture relaxes, though his skin is still pulsing with residual concern. "The security implications would be considerable if human authorities became aware of the program prematurely."

"Trust me, 'I banged an alien' is not a conversation I'm planning to have with anyone. Alex would think I'd finally snapped and have me committed." I settle back against the cushions, amused by how quickly Tev'ra went into crisis management mode. "Besides, who would believe that story anyway?"

"Several governments on your planet have extensive files regarding potential extraterrestrial contact," Tev'ra says seriously. "The risk of investigation—"

"Tev'ra." I interrupt his spiral into worst-case scenarios. "I'm not going to tell anyone. I promise."

He studies my face for a long moment, apparently assessing my sincerity, then nods. "Of course. I apologize for the overreaction. The Council has emphasized the importance of maintaining operational security."

"No need to apologize. You're just being careful." I pause, struck by a thought. "Hey, tell me about your parents."

Tev'ra looks surprised by the subject change. "You want to know about them?"

I shrug. "Sure, why not? I mean, I know basically nothing about your life outside of this assessment thing."

Something shifts in Tev'ra's expression, the formal tension melting into something warmer, more personal. He moves from his workstation to settle beside me on the seating platform, close enough that our knees almost touch.

"They're researchers, like most of our family line. Creator-parent Vel'tha specializes in nutritional science, Creator-parent Mor'en focuses on technological integration methodologies." He reaches for a small device from the side table, turning it over in his hands absently as he talks.

"So you come from a family of scientists?" I shift to face him more directly, tucking one leg under me.

"Seven generations of researchers and educators," Tev'ra confirms, setting the device aside and focusing on me fully. "It's a respected family tradition."

I can see his bioluminescence brightening as he talks about his family, the patterns becoming more complex. "Are they proud of you? Getting this assignment?"

"Yes, quite proud." Tev'ra's skin shifts to distinctly warmer patterns, and he seems to relax further into the cushions.

"This assessment represents a significant advancement in my career trajectory.

" His expression grows more thoughtful. "Though they were also concerned about the unknown variables involved in human contact. "

"Concerned how?" I lean forward slightly, watching the way his bioluminescence responds to the topic.

"Our research had significant gaps, as you've clearly demonstrated." Tev'ra's bioluminescence dims slightly, and he looks down at his hands. "They worried that the assignment might prove more challenging than anticipated."

"They were worried about you," I realize, reaching out to touch one of the brighter patterns on his forearm. "About you getting hurt."

His skin flares under my touch, and I can feel that familiar empathic flutter between us. "Creator-parents experience protective instincts regarding their offspring regardless of age or competence level. It's a biological constant across most species."

The clinical way he describes it doesn't hide the affection in his voice. "Do you talk to them regularly?"

"Several times per cycle, yes. We maintain close communication despite geographical distance." Tev'ra's expression grows warmer. "They were quite concerned when I received this assignment, though their worry was balanced by genuine curiosity about humans."

"Curious how?"

"Creator-parent Vel'tha specializes in interspecies nutritional compatibility—they find human food preparation methods fascinating.

Creator-parent Mor'en focuses on technological integration, so your innovative approaches intrigue them considerably.

" Tev'ra pauses. "I sent them a message earlier while you were sleeping. "

"You talked about me to your parents?"

"I mentioned that you beat my score on the assessment scenario, and that your technological methodologies require significant revision of our standard parameters." He hesitates, his skin brightening with embarrassment. "That you've been... educationally challenging in ways I didn't anticipate."

I smile. "Educationally challenging?"

"You have required considerable adaptation on my part," Tev'ra says seriously, though there's warmth in his tone. "My creator-parents found this... noteworthy."

"Wait, you held the record on that test?"

"It was... a respectable completion time," Tev'ra says, clearly uncomfortable with the attention.

"How respectable?"

"I held the record for several years," he admits quietly.

That stops me cold. "And I beat your record? By how much?"

"Considerably," Tev'ra says, and there's something that might be pride in his voice alongside the embarrassment.

"Damn," I say, not sure how to process that information. "Would I ever get to meet them? Your parents?"

Tev'ra's expression brightens considerably. "Would you want to meet them?"

"Yeah," I say, surprising myself with how quickly I respond. "Yeah, I think I would."

"They would be honored," Tev'ra says, moving to his communication console. "The communication delay is minimal, and I suspect they would have numerous questions for you."

I consider this. Part of me is terrified by the concept of meeting parents—any parents, but especially the parents of someone I'm sleeping with.

But a bigger part of me is curious about what a supportive family actually looks like, what parents who are proud of their adult child and genuinely interested in his work sound like.

"Yeah," I say finally. "I'd like that."

Tev'ra's smile is brilliant, made even more so by the gentle pulse of bioluminescence beneath his skin. "Are you ready to speak with them now? Or would you prefer to wait?"

"Now's good," I say, feeling surprisingly nervous. "Before I lose my nerve."

"There's nothing to be nervous about," Tev'ra says gently. "They'll be delighted to meet you."

He activates what appears to be an advanced interface and after a moment, a large screen materializes on the wall.

Two Nereidan faces appear on the display—clearly Tev'ra's parents.

I can see the family resemblance in their bone structure and the way they carry themselves.

They're older, their skin showing subtle patterns that suggest advanced age, but their bioluminescence is warm and active.

"Creator-parents," Tev'ra says, "I would like you to meet Finn Sullivan, the human subject of my assessment."

"Finn Sullivan," the slightly shorter one says, their voice carrying genuine warmth. "How wonderful to meet you. I am Vel'tha, Tev'ra's creator-parent."

"And I am Mor'en," the other adds, their expression kind and curious. "Our offspring has spoken of you with considerable enthusiasm."

I glance at Tev'ra, whose skin has brightened with what is definitely embarrassment. "Has he?"

"Indeed," Vel'tha continues. "You beat Tev'ra's score on the assessment scenario, and he held the record for years. Innovation requires adaptation. We are quite impressed with your capabilities."

"We are quite curious about human culture and technological approaches," Vel'tha adds. "This kind of direct cultural exchange represents unprecedented research opportunities."

"We wish we were young enough to participate in such fascinating work ourselves," Vel'tha says with genuine wistfulness.

"When we were Tev'ra's age, interspecies contact was purely theoretical.

To actually meet and converse with a member of another species.

.. it's the opportunity of several lifetimes. "

"Though we're quite proud that our offspring was selected for such groundbreaking work," Mor'en adds warmly.