Page 9 of Testing the Kot’oll Officer (Dating the Kot’olls #3)

Chapter 9

Vatok

Being with Julie more is great, but...

I open my eyes to chuck down another mug of coffee. I think something's wrong with my eyelids; they keep closing on me.

A fellow team member elbows my side. "Are you fine? You seem to be falling asleep."

I stifle a yawn. "I'm fine."

"You haven't been on your A-game recently."

I shake my head. "No, everything's the same."

He watches me for another moment before he leaves for his shift. There is still some time before my shift starts. Maybe I can take a nap.

No, no naps are allowed even before my shift officially starts. When I'm in the office, I'm still at work and should... remain... awake... and...

I blink heavily, attempting to shake off the exhaustion that clings to me like a sticky web. The remnants of last night's joy at Julie’s bar still flutter at the edges of my mind, but my body is proving uncooperative. I stretch my arms out, feeling the tension snap like a rubber band, registering the pull of muscles that loom with fatigue.

“Get it together, Vatok,” I mutter to myself, leaning back in my chair, trying to catch a whiff of the bitter coffee that’s supposed to fuel my day. Instead, it leaves me with more of a bitter aftertaste.

The station is busy—alerts pinging on the comms, fellow officers scuttling around with urgency, a symphony of shouts and barks buzzing like flies in my head. The chaos mirrors my experience at the shelter and the bar—that joyful whirlwind—but this is noticeably more chaotic, and the stakes feel higher.

With a sigh, I pull myself to my feet. Maybe a walk will clear my head. The bright lights and sterile scent of the station wash over me as I move through the bustle.

As I step outside, the cool evening air greets me, stirring something dormant within. I take a moment to breathe, letting the crispness ground me. The city's neon skyline glimmers like gemstones against the star-studded backdrop, inviting me into the rhythm of night—a rhythm that somehow seems more alive than the day.

“Vatok!” a voice calls out, interrupting my solitude. I turn to see Ral, my boss, hands on his hips, eyebrow arched with concern. “You look like you've seen better days. Are you alright?”

“Just had a rough night." I force a grin that feels more like a grimace. “Nothing I can't handle."

Ral narrows his eyes, unconvinced. “You do know that if you’re off your game, it’s not just an inconvenience. It could lead to accidents. We can't afford mistakes.”

“Thanks for the concern. I’ll pull it together,” I assure him, the weight of his words settling on my already heavy heart.

But deep down, I know it isn’t merely a lack of sleep. Maybe I've been distracted by Julie's beautiful face and the chaos she can create, which all makes me smile. And... I wish I could be with her instead of on my shift. Who knows what can happen in the bar right now? Is she safe?

He watches me for another second before he says, "Rumor's that you've been in the bar street a lot lately."

My heart skips a beat. "I'm only there when my shifts are over."

"I don't mean to say you're slacking off, but... Do you think there's a reason for your... performance lately?"

I swallow. Recently, unless I have an evening shift, I'd be in the bar with Julie, making sure no one bothers her. I'd stay there until she can leave work and I drive her home. And when I don't have evening shifts, it means I have early morning ones, so...

"No, captain, I just didn't have a good night yesterday."

He narrows his eyes at me. "Are you sure about that? As the leader of the team, I have to remind you that our job is risky and you need to be fully alert in order to protect yourself and those we serve, also the innocent beings in the city, and also our loved ones, and also..."

I nod and nod, pretending to be listening. While Ral is a good boss, he tends to go on and on and on and on some more... This won't be easy when I'm tired before the day begins.

Eventually, he's done with his speech. He looks me up and down. "So, do you understand? I want to make sure the team is well. And I don't remember having to give you this speech like ever. You've been a good performer."

"I'm still a good performer, don't worry about that."

He lifts his brows and doesn't seem to be convinced. "I'm going to keep a close eye on you, Vatok."

The way he says my name sends a shiver down my spine. Now, I'm alert and awake. I salute him. "I understand, captain. I'll be off to my shift. It's about time to take off."

He nods and rests his hand behind his waist, heading back into the building.

I shove my hands into my pockets, pacing the narrow concrete path outside the parking lot. I can’t let my feelings for Julie affect my work. I’ve always been dedicated and disciplined. I’m one of the top officers in traffic control, known for my meticulous attention to detail and swift reactions. Yet here I am, feeling like a mess because of a smile, a laugh, and that first kiss that lingers on my lips.

"Pull yourself together," I mutter, vaguely aware that I'm speaking aloud to no one. The cool wind rushes past, but it does nothing to cool the heat gathering at the back of my neck as troubling thoughts spiral around.

Making it worse, she and I aren't even mates. We may be friends, and that's about it. Am I doing too much? Going too much out of my way to help her?

But I don't mind helping her and I want to help her, yet...

I eye the path in the sky and the spaceships that travel on the paths, making sure everything's in order. Dozens of flickering lights compete for attention—each spaceship a different hue, slicing through the sky, almost like in the bar. It’s intoxicating and chaotic. Yet, watching that keeps me calm. While my honor requires focus, I can't help but wonder how Julie is doing. Could she be holding her own with those relentless suitors who have a zero sense of no?

Just then, a blaring horn yanks me from my musings. I glance towards the crosswalk where the lights have changed to allow for another direction of passage, only for a spaceship to zoom dangerously close in the reverse direction, nearly colliding against the one who's doing the right thing. My instincts kick in. Without thinking, I spring into action, my four arms moving fluidly as I position myself to direct traffic, wearing my expression of authority.

“Hey!” I shout, waving the instruction baton with blinking lights. “Slow it down! You’ve got no idea who’s behind you!”

The flyer screeches to a halt, skidding sideways in a shower of sparks. My muscles engage fully, adrenaline pumping through my veins as I steer my patrolling ship toward the offending spaceship.

“You trying to get yourself killed? You have to obey traffic laws. This is a busy road!”

“Sorry, officer! We didn’t see you. It just—”

“Doesn’t matter; that’s not an excuse! If you want to fly around recklessly, do it somewhere else! Your license!”

The driver fumbles, hands trembling as he produces his identification, clearly shaken by the close encounter. I take a step closer, the glare in my eyes reflecting the urgency of the situation. A deep breath settles my mind for a moment, allowing my instincts to take the lead.

“Name,” I demand, scanning the contested airspace for other potential hazards.

“Uh, Zandar, sir. I was just—”

“Just what? No one gives a flying star about your excuses! What’s flying through that head of yours?” I take a moment to steady my breath and firm my posture. Anger alone doesn’t solve anything.

I check Zandar's license against the record with my machine. "Your record looks clean, I’ll issue you a warning this time." I hand the license back stiffly. The driver squints at me, mouth hanging open as if having trouble processing the relief wash over him.

“Thank you, sir! I swear it won’t happen again!”

“Make it so, Zandar. Focus on the road.” I watch as he nervously nods, then darts away, eager to put distance between us.

Except I may be the one who can't focus on my job. Am I trying too hard with Julie? Digging my heels in too deep?

As Zandar takes off into the bustling sky, I can't shake off the weight in my chest. The momentary rush of adrenaline fades, only to be replaced with the nagging feeling that I've been holding onto too many distractions lately.

What does that mean though? That beings have been following the rules? Out of nowhere?

Pacing the edge of the street, the rhythmic hum of the city wraps around me like a comforting blanket. The glow of nearby star drones adds to the chaos of my thoughts, dancing in opposition to the stark reality of my demanding job.

I can’t help but run a hand through my hair, feeling the weight of the decisions I’ve made lately. Have I truly let my personal life intertwine with my professional duties? Moments with Julie, the laughter, and the delightful mayhem of our encounters linger in my mind like a sweet, intoxicating melody that refuses to fade.

But uncertainty chokes me. I'm supposed to be a steady pillar of order; instead, I'm wobbling like a malfunctioning starship. I can’t afford to keep slipping up, especially when my role requires every ounce of my attention.

A distant sound pulls me from my reverie. A series of loud crashes echoes down the street. I blink, suddenly aware. “What now?” I whisper, turning to see a flash of lights in the distance, followed by the outline of multiple ships swerving erratically.

Without a second thought, I head toward the location, swift and determined. Four arms can maneuver more effectively, and I’m thankful for it as I wearily navigate the chaos ahead.

As I approach, the shapes clarify. Two vehicles are entangled at an intersection, sparks flying where a wing got caught on another ship. My instincts take over. I stride forward, the glaring light blaring from my officer badge reflecting off the metal surrounding me.

"Alright, everyone back!" I command, assessing the scene quicker than the thought itself.

Drivers and onlookers begin to back away, giving way for me to get to the two drivers who are about to punch each other.

I ask, “What happened here?” I walk around the crashed spaceships, assessing the damage; both to the ships and the egos involved.

Both parties begin to bicker, their voices rising amid the bustle, neither willing to concede an inch.

"He was in my lane!" one shouts.

"No! You're the one who didn't signal!" the other retorts, flailing wildly.

“Silence!” I boom above the din, instinct kicking in once more. “Both of you are reckless. It looks like neither of you was paying attention. We have procedures for this. You need to follow them. And,” I glance toward the curious crowd trying to peek in, “no spectators.”

Stepping into the fray, I use my communicator to call for backup. “This is Vatok, I need a tow unit at North Crescent. We have an accident."

Maybe this is my world and what I should be focusing on... even though being with Julie is pleasant. Maybe I've been creeping her out anyway. Maybe she asked for help for that one time, not forever.