“Good evening, everyone, and welcome aboard.” A female voice came over the speaker of the shuttle. “My name is Allanna, and I’ll be your pilot today.” Triara looked up as she heard the name; there was no mistaking that the name was of Zaltaen origin. “We’re just about ready to take off, so I’d like to go over a few important details before we get underway.
“Please ensure that your seatbelts are securely fastened, your seatbacks are in the upright position, and all carry-on items are safely stowed either under the seat in front of you or in the overhead compartments.
“In a few moments, the cabin lights will be dimmed for takeoff. There are individual reading lights located above your seat if you need them.
“For your safety, we ask that you remain seated with your seatbelt fastened during the entire flight, unless the seatbelt sign is turned off.
“In the unlikely event of an emergency, follow the illuminated signs to the nearest exit. Oxygen masks will deploy from the panel above you; pull the mask towards you, place it over your nose and mouth, and breathe normally. Make sure to secure your own mask before assisting others.
We’re expecting a smooth flight today, but as always, if there’s anything you need, don’t hesitate to let one of our crew members know. Thank you for choosing Siriusian Spaceways. We’re glad to have you aboard, and we hope you enjoy your flight.”
Triara glanced down at her lap, checking her seatbelt as Michael took hold of her hand. “Did you have a nice time?” he asked, his voice soft.
“Yeah,” she smiled, giving his hand a gentle squeeze. “I did. Thank you for everything.” She sighed contentedly, savoring the moment.
As they shared a smile, Triara noticed someone across the aisle watching them intently. Michael, initially ignoring the rude gaze, finally had enough.
He leaned forward, speaking loud enough for those nearby to hear, “Would you mind? Can you please stop gawking at us?” The other passengers around them turned to look, and the atmosphere shifted. “Yes, we’re married. Get over it.” The murmurs from the surrounding passengers effectively embarrassed the onlooker into averting their gaze from them.
“There,” Michael said, turning back to Triara with a reassuring smile. “All taken care of.”
Before Triara could respond, a voice came from the seat in front of them. “When did you two get married?” Triara looked up to see another Zaltaen woman, much younger than her, turning around in her seat. “I’m sorry,” the woman said, placing a hand on her chest. “I’m Allanna, and this is my husband, Steven,” she added as her husband looked back with a friendly smile.
Triara returned the smile warmly. “We just got married a week or so ago,” she began, as Michael added, “We were on our honeymoon.”
Allanna and Steven nodded in understanding. “That’s what we were doing as well,” Allanna said with a warm grin. “Steven and I got married a month ago, so we’re much like the two of you. We spent our honeymoon here on Sirius as well.”
“Where did you two stay?” Michael asked, curious.
“The Four Seasons,” Allanna replied.
Michael chuckled, a spark of surprise lighting his eyes. “Really? That’s where we stayed too! What are the odds? I’m surprised we didn’t run into each other.”
Allanna laughed softly, sharing a glance with Steven. “It’s a big place, I suppose. Plus, we were probably too caught up in enjoying each other’s company to notice much else.” She turned to her husband and smirked.
As if on cue, the captain’s voice crackled over the PA system. “Ladies and gentlemen, we will be taxiing to the runway shortly. As was stated before, please ensure your seatbelts are securely fastened, your seatbacks are in the upright position, and all carry-on items are safely stowed either under the seat in front of you or in the overhead compartments. Thank you.”
Triara felt the gentle lurch as the shuttle began to move. She glanced at Michael, who gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. The moment felt cozy, almost intimate, despite the bustling atmosphere of the shuttle around them.
“So,” Triara began, shifting her focus back to their new acquaintances, “where are you two from?”
“Mars,” Steven replied with a casual shrug.
“Mars?” Michael echoed, cringing at the thought of living on that dusty, barren planet.
“Oh, I know,” Steven chuckled, waving his hand dismissively, “everyone thinks Mars is some dirty, inhospitable place, but with the help of the Zaltaens, the planet has been transformed significantly. You can even step outside of the domes without a spacesuit now.”
Both Triara and Michael exchanged shocked glances, clearly taken aback. They had no idea such progress had been made.
“Yeah, most people react like that when I say it,” Steven continued. “Everyone still imagines Mars as that harsh, red wasteland, but the terraforming efforts have surpassed even the wildest expectations. They’re saying that within the next five years, it’ll look like any other M-Class world.”
“Wow,” Michael murmured, astonished.
“But anyway,” Allanna chimed in with a warm smile, “I met Steven while we were both students at the University of Mars. My mother and I moved there when my mother was assigned as part of the diplomatic attaché to the Martian local government. We lived in the Zaltaen compound.”
“Compound?” Michael asked, interrupting Allanna, curiosity piqued. “What’s that?”
Triara explained, “It’s like a small Zaltaen community within a city, a place where our people can live among their own kind while learning to integrate into a new society. It’s a city within a city, like the purple sector on the station.” Michael nodded in understanding.
Allanna nodded. “Exactly. We’d been living there for some time, and honestly, I was quite content with just staying within the compound, not really engaging with human society since I heard so many negative things about humans.” Both Michael and Steven rolled their eyes. “However, my mother had other ideas. She had insisted that I do something with my life instead of just sitting around and otherwise pouting about how she had dragged me off-world. So, much to my annoyance,” she added with a playful roll of her eyes, “she forced me to enroll in the University of Mars or she’d kick me out of the house.”
Steven chimed in, “And that’s where I come in. I was just another student, totally clueless about Zaltaens. All I knew was what I’d seen on the news, which, as you can imagine, wasn’t exactly helpful when it came to understanding them.” He chuckled softly, a hint of nostalgia in his voice. “So, when I found myself paired with Allanna for a project that stretched across the entire year, I wasn’t prepared at all. Meeting her in person was something else entirely. But I digress,” he added with a smile. “I had no idea what to expect when I first approached her desk…”
He paused, his smile growing as the memory became more vivid. “Oh sure,” he waved his hand, “I saw her in class, and she even sat in front of me a few times, but this was the first time I really saw her, you know?” He looked over at Michael, who nodded in understanding.
“I stood there, waiting for her to look up at me and when she did, let me tell you… I was floored. She had these stunning purple eyes that for a second took my breath away.” He chuckled. “It was like time slowed down for a moment. I remember that as she looked up at me, she casually reached up to brush a strand of hair out of her eyes, and in that moment, I remember mouthing the word ‘wow’ without even realizing it.”
He chuckled once again, shaking his head slightly as if still amazed by the memory. “I was just standing there, probably looking like an idiot to her, but all I could think about was how beautiful she was.”
Allanna blushed much like how Triara often did when Michael complemented her.
He smiled, his voice softening with the weight of the realization. “In that moment I saw her not as an alien, but as a person and I could tell that she was just as nervous as I was.”
Allanna spoke up. “I remember protesting the pairing, but the professor insisted that the groups were final and that there was no one else for me to work with. I sighed, resigning myself to the fact that Steven and I would have to work together.
“In the beginning, I kept our meetings in public places — the library, the campus coffee shop, those sorts of places — because I wasn’t comfortable being alone with him,” Allanna recalled, her voice tinged with nostalgia and amusement at her old ways of thinking. “I was cautious, uncertain of myself around him. I thought I knew humans, but Steven defied everything I believed about them.
“As the weeks went by, things began to change. I found myself looking forward to our time together, not just for the class project but for the moments we spent together. I started to feel more at ease and comfortable around him, and that’s when we began meeting at his parents’ place on the weekends.”
She paused, her eyes distant as she relived the memory. “Then, one evening, while we were working on the project, he reached for my hand. It was such a simple gesture, but it took me by surprise. I remember freezing for a moment, feeling the warmth of his touch, and just how natural it felt. He must’ve sensed my hesitation because he quickly pulled back and apologized.”
Allanna smiled softly, her voice lowering as she continued. “But I didn’t want him to pull away. I told him he didn’t need to apologize, and that’s when I reached for his hand and held it. It was like everything just clicked into place. Without even thinking, I leaned forward and kissed him.”
Michael and Triara exchanged a smile, recognizing the familiar rush of emotions in Allanna’s voice — that moment when everything changes.
“It was just a quick kiss,” Allanna continued, her voice softening as she lingered on the memory. “Nothing special, or so I thought at the time. I, of course, apologized for being so forward since I knew Zaltaen and Human relationship dynamics were different; I was worried I’d crossed a line and that I’d misunderstood the signals. But then, to my surprise, he kissed me back, and it wasn’t just a quick kiss. It was… more, much more. It was tender, meaningful, like he was telling me with that kiss everything he couldn’t put into words. And in that moment, everything changed between us.”
Her eyes shimmered with the emotion of the memory, and she glanced at Steven, her hand tightening around his. “That kiss was the beginning of something real. It wasn’t just about the project anymore. It was about us, about what we were becoming together. That evening, we became more than just classmates working on an assignment. We were two people, from two different worlds, discovering something that felt… right.”
Steven spoke up, continuing the story. “As Allanna alluded to, everything changed. We started finding excuses to see each other outside of classwork, any little reason to spend more time together. She’d ‘forget’ things at my place — things like her jacket — just so she’d have a reason to come back the next day. And of course, I’d play along, holding onto those items, eager for the moment she’d return.”
He smiled, a hint of nostalgia in his eyes. “We began going out for dinner, trying new places around the colony. I remember the first time we went to an Earth-style restaurant. The way she lit up when she tried certain dishes was priceless. It was like she was experiencing a whole new world, and in a way, she was. Then there were the movies. I’ll never forget her reaction the first time we went to a theater. She was amazed, almost childlike in her wonder, at the sights and sounds of it all. I remember her leaning over and whispering that they didn’t have movies on Zalta, that the concept itself was foreign to her. Watching her eyes widen as the screen lit up, seeing her laugh or gasp at the scenes — it was all so incredible. Those little experiences were so ordinary to me, but to her, they were extraordinary.”
His voice softened as he continued, “As time went on, we grew closer, and it wasn’t just about exploring new experiences anymore. We began to understand each other on a deeper level, sharing our hopes, fears, and dreams. There were moments of laughter, of comfort, of simply enjoying each other’s company. With every passing day, I found myself falling more and more in love with her, and I knew — I just knew — that I wanted to spend my life with her. It wasn’t just a fleeting feeling or a passing infatuation. It was something real, something I couldn’t ignore.”
Steven looked over at Allanna, his expression filled with love and certainty. “I wanted to be there for her, to share every part of my life with her, and to be a part of hers. The fact that she was an alien didn’t matter. The more time we spent together, the more I realized that I couldn’t imagine a future without her in it.
“And that’s when I asked her to marry me,” Steven said, his voice tinged with nostalgia. “She was completely shocked, as you can imagine. When she didn’t immediately respond, I thought I had ruined everything between us. But then she just hugged me.”
Allanna interrupted, her expression softening. “I didn’t know what to do. Nothing I knew about humans had prepared me for such a situation. I had only heard about proposals and seen them in films, but the real thing was so much more overwhelming. I was so nervous, feeling completely out of my element. I apologized profusely, and we ended up laughing about it, which was a relief to me.”
Steven continued with a smile, “I asked her to give me her hand, and then I slipped the ring onto her finger, officially proposing to her. I remember watching her admire the ring, her eyes wide with a mix of wonder and uncertainty. When she looked back up at me and hugged me once more, it was like everything fell into place.”
Allanna’s voice grew a little shaky as she recalled the next part. “I knew things had changed between us, and I needed to tell my mother. I was terrified that she wouldn’t understand or accept our engagement, given how different our customs were. I remember bringing Steven home, my heart pounding in my chest, each beat echoing my anxiety. I expected her to be upset or disappointed with me, but instead, she was overjoyed. She embraced Steven with open arms and told us she had always hoped I’d find someone special during my time on Mars. Her support and acceptance meant more to me than I can express. It was a moment of profound relief and happiness, realizing that despite the vast cultural differences, love and acceptance could bridge any divide.”
She looked at Steven, her eyes shimmering with emotion. “And now, here we are, married and we’re sharing our stories on a shuttle bound for our next adventure in life.”
Moments passed in silence between the four of them, each contemplating their respective futures together.
Triara, breaking the silence, asked, “What do his parents think of you?” There was a hint of apprehension in her voice, reflecting her own concerns. She was about to meet Michael’s family for the first time in a few hours and hoped for an encouraging answer.
“Oh,” Allanna smiled, recalling the moment with Steven’s mom while helping with dinner. “I was in the kitchen with Steven’s mom, Amy, stirring a tall pot of spaghetti sauce. She told me it was an old family recipe handed down through the ages.” She glanced at Triara. “This was before we got married, by the way.”
Triara nodded, listening intently.
“I paused for a moment and looked at Amy. That’s when I asked her if she was really okay with me marrying her son, considering I’m an alien woman from another world. Amy turned to me, put her hands on my shoulders, and simply asked if I loved her son and if he made me happy.”
Allanna’s voice softened as she continued, “I told her that I did, that I loved him very much and that he truly made me happy. That’s when she pulled me into a hug and said that’s all that mattered — that it didn’t matter to her what or who I was, as long as I loved her son.”
Steven chimed in, “As for my dad, he was just thrilled that I was going to have a beautiful wife to love and cherish. That’s all that mattered to him. And yes,” he turned to Triara, “I asked him too, and like Allanna said, all he wanted to know was if she loved me. And that was that. She’s become part of the family, and so has her mother.” He turned to his wife with a warm smile. “Every weekend, no matter what’s going on, we make sure to come together for a family dinner. Her mom’s always included.”
Just then, the captain of the shuttle came on the PA. “Attention passengers. We’re currently sixth in the queue for access to the jumpgate. We don’t expect the wait to be long, but in the meantime, please ensure your seatbelts are securely fastened and your seatbacks are in the upright position. Thank you for your patience.”
“Speaking of jumpgates,” Michael said, his curiosity piqued, “it’s pretty well-known that Zaltaens gave humanity jumpgate technology, but I have to ask,” he tilted his head slightly, “did Zaltaens actually invent them?”
“No,” Triara replied, a hint of amusement in her voice as she watched their astonished expressions. “Believe it or not, we didn’t invent jumpgates.”
“Then who did?” Steven asked, clearly intrigued.
“We don’t know,” Triara shrugged nonchalantly. “It all happened around fifteen hundred standard Terran years ago.”
Michael’s eyes widened. “Wait, you’re telling me that your species was out among the stars while humanity was still in the Middle Ages building castles and shit?”
“Exactly,” Triara confirmed, a playful smirk on her face. “We are much further along technologically than humans. I’ve often heard that if it weren’t for the burning of the Great Library of Alexandria and the Dark Ages, humanity might have advanced more rapidly. Perhaps instead of Neil Armstrong’s famous words on the moon, he would have been declaring them on Mars instead.”
“I never considered it that way,” Michael said, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. “The Dark Ages really did set humanity back. It was a period in our world’s history when scientific inquiry and progress were not only mistrusted but condemned as heresy. That cultural setback effectively stalled our advancement for centuries.”
“Uh-huh,” Triara agreed with a nod. “But let’s get back to the jumpgates. We were exploring just beyond our home star system of Zalta when we stumbled upon this derelict structure, situated off the ecliptic plane of our star system. We sent one of our scout ships to investigate. At first, we had no clue what it was, but the onboard reactor seemed to possess an ability to generate an incredible amount of power — more than anything we had ever seen.”
Triara’s eyes sparkled with the excitement of discovery. “After much investigation, we found a series of pylons forming a massive ring. It took years to decipher how to activate the structure, but when we finally succeeded, we realized we had uncovered a gateway. An unmanned probe we sent through revealed that it connected to a star system nearly two hundred light years away.”
“And you still don’t know who built them?” Steven asked, his voice tinged with wonder.
“No,” Triara replied, shaking her head. “We still don’t know. The best we can deduce is that they were created by a long-extinct species, whose presence is now lost to the annals of time. Their legacy endures in the technology we’ve harnessed, connecting distant worlds and people.”
“Attention passengers,” the captain’s voice crackled over the PA system, “we’re next in line to use the jumpgate. Our destination has been set, and the jumpgate is powering up.” An electric hum filled the cabin as the shuttle approached the towering pylons of the jumpgate, and a collective murmur of excitement and apprehension spread through the passengers.
“Attention passengers, the jumpgate is active, and we’re ready to depart.”
As the shuttle glided closer, the massive pylons loomed ahead, their intricate latticework glowing with pulsing energy. The shuttle slipped between the pylons, and in a breathtaking instant, it seemed as if the shuttle had simply winked out of existence as it left its previous location in the galaxy.
Mere seconds later, the shuttle reappeared in the vast emptiness of space at the other side of the jumpgate, over a hundred light-years away near the space station Genesis.
—
As the docking collar made a confirmed seal with the shuttle’s airlock, the red light at the top of the door changed to the color green and the door to the gangway leading to the colony opened.
Triara stood up from her seat, reached up to the overhead cargo bin, grabbed their bag and swung out into the gangway, and began to float her way down effortlessly and gracefully to the other side without so much as touching her foot or hand any surface even though she had their rather heavy bag in her hands. And if that wasn’t surprising enough, as she came to the other side of the gangway, she turned about on the toes of her left foot in one quick and smooth motion to watch him come down floating down in front of her.
Triara looked up the gangway and just like she gracefully glided down the gangway, Michael too gracefully floated down the zero-gravity gangway.
“Well now,” Triara held her hand out to him as he took hold of it, “I have to hand it to you, that was quite amazing; graceful even.”
“You know I’ve been in the Space Force for some time,” Michael said as he came up beside her and put his arm around her waist as several people come walking towards them, “I’m used to dealing with zero-gravity.”
“Good point,” he said as he nodded to several people walking by, and they just nodded their heads in return without so much as a word between them. Meanwhile, Triara was rather surprised that nobody had said anything about them being together like they were, and it was obvious to anyone who looked at them for he had his arm around her, and they were walking together rather closely.
“You know,” she looked at him out of the corner of her left eye, “I’m rather surprised really.” He looked at her wondering what she was talking about. “Not one person here in the colony has said anything about us being together unlike on the station. I’ve not even picked up on any stray negative thoughts about us. Why is that?”
Just as she said that another couple walked by; a Human woman and a Zaltaen male walking hand-in-hand.
“Colonials, like me and of course, Richard, are a more shall we say,” he looked up at the ceiling, “accepting bunch of people.” She turned to him. “You have to remember, a lot of people back on Terra can’t stand us out here in the colonies so as far as us Colonials are concerned, us Colonials have to stick together.”
Once again, another mixed species couple walked by; a Zaltaen woman and a Human male just like them.
“I never thought about it that way,” she said, nodding slowly. “If I ever leave the service, I’m definitely coming to live on a colony like this. You couldn’t get me to live planet-side.”
“I’m glad to hear that,” he replied with a smile, kissing her cheek. “Because that’s exactly where I plan to buy a house after we get out of the service. Picture this,” he extended his hand, painting the vision in the air, “a great big house. Room for everyone. Jessie can have her own bedroom; I could have my Fortress of Solitude.” He grinned as she gave him a curious look. “What? A man needs a private place to decompress, have a drink, sit down and read, smoke a cigar, that sort of stuff.”
She thought about it and realized it made sense.
“We’d have a big dining room where we can entertain guests,” he continued, his enthusiasm growing. “And most importantly, we’d have plenty of space to raise a family no matter how big it gets.”
“Sounds like you have our future all planned out,” she said, smiling at the idea that he was already planning a life with her.
“I’d like to think so.” He beamed. “I look forward to living a long life with you.” He kissed her once again.
“You know,” she sighed contentedly, wrapping her arm around his waist, “that sounds wonderful.”
—
As they drove up to his aunt’s house in a car they had rented for the weekend, he turned to her. “You wait here,” he put his hand on her knee and patted it, “let me find out if my aunt is even home. If not, we’ll go grab lunch.”
“Ok,” she patted his hand that was still resting on her knee.
As he approached the door of the house he heard a familiar squeal, it was the sound of his daughter’s voice when she was happy and excited. It didn’t take long at all for the door to open for just as he mounted the first step the door flew open and out came running his daughter, Jessie. “Daddy!” she exclaimed as she jumped into his arms, and he brought her close and hugged her closely. “You’re here!”
Upon taking his daughter up in his arms, he couldn’t help but cry as he held his daughter close and lovingly rubbed her back.
“Yes, my little princess,” he said, lifting her into the air and looking up at her with a smile. “Daddy’s here.” Meanwhile, Triara watched the interaction, her heart swelling as she saw the tenderness in how Michael held his daughter close. She found him even more attractive, deeply moved by the love and care he showed his daughter.
“Michael,” Heather, his aunt, came up to him. “It’s been too long, it’s so good to see you!” Michael put his daughter on the floor only for her to latch onto his leg while he hugged his aunt. “Yes, yes it has been too long; too long indeed. I’m sorry, work has been hectic ever since I took my new position.”
“How long can you stay? Your daughter misses you a lot.” He looked down at her and how she was clinging to his leg. “Unfortunately,” he turned his gaze to look at Triara who was still sitting in the car and motioned for her to follow him as they walked into the foyer of the house, “I can’t stay long. I’m only here for the weekend, maybe until Sunday or Monday night.” His daughter looked up and was instantly devastated, he could tell that she was hoping she’d have her father back in her life permanently. “But that’s why I’m here,” he looked down at her and patted the top of her head, “I have plans to take you with me.”
“Back up a parsec! Put the thrusters in reverse!” Heather yelled startling Jessie which sent her running for the couch. “Jessie,” she looked to her who was cowering on the couch, “leave the room. The adults have to talk.”
Jessie sheepishly walked out of the room with her head hung low leaving Michael and his aunt to argue over her future and as she walked out of the room, she noticed Triara. “Who are you?” Jessie asked as she looked Triara up and down. “Why is your hair blue? Are you a Zaltaen?”
“Yes, I am a Zaltaen,” she crouched down to meet her gaze and pointed at herself, “my name’s Triara.”
“But why are you here?” Jessie asked.
“Because your daddy wanted me here, he brought me here.”
“Why?” Jessie asked. “Why did my daddy bring you here?”
“To meet you, of course,” she smiled. “I have to tell you something.” Jessie looked at her with an inquisitive look on her face. “Your daddy and I got married. See?” Triara pointed at a ring on her finger.
“Hi,” Triara looked up at the sound of another person’s voice, “my name’s Amy.” She came up to her and extended her hand. “I’m Jessie’s cousin.” Triara turned her head and looked up at Amy. “Hi Amy, I’m pleased to meet you.”
“Pleased to meet you as well,” Triara stood up to meet Amy’s gaze. “I’m Triara, Triara Whitfield.”
“Did I hear that you and Michael are married?” Amy asked while Triara stood up and showed Amy the ring on her finger. “Damn,” she gasped as she clasped her hands across her mouth, “My God… it’s beautiful.” She put her hands down. “That ring must have cost him a fortune.” Triara looked down at the ring on her finger and admired it once again. “He must think a lot of you to give you such a ring.”
“Yeah,” Triara smiled, “that he does. He means a lot to me as well.”
—
While Amy and Triara were talking in the hallway, Heather continued her ranting in the living room. “You can’t be serious!” Heather, Michael’s aunt, folded her arms across her chest. “Taking your daughter to a military base? That’s no place for a child! How will you care for her? What if you’re on duty? Who will look after her? You can’t just leave her in the barracks to fend for herself. She’s five, going on six years old, Michael! Think this through. She’s better off here with me. She needs stability in her life.”
“But my daughter needs her daddy,” Michael pleaded. “And I need her. I need her in my life again.”
“Then quit the damn Space Force already! It’s taken one of her parents already!” Heather exclaimed, then immediately regretted her words. She looked down, taking a deep breath. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean that. It just came out.” She stammered. “I know you can’t quit the Space Force, it’s your job. I get it.” She sighed heavily. “But you have to see it my way, Michael. A military base is no place for a little girl to grow up.”
“But this place is different. Have you heard of Genesis?”
Heather thought back to when it was being talked about on the nightly news. “Are you talking about that new space station that was constructed right here in this star system?”
“The one and only!” He raised his finger in the air. “Genesis has become a major hub for so many people, a central trading post for this sector and several others around it. Every day, there’s bustling commercial activity, with ships constantly coming and going. We even have weekly diplomatic envoys from the Zaltaens and many of their allies. People are arriving and departing at all hours, and most importantly, there’s a significant civilian population on the station.
“It has restaurants, stores, and various businesses. And because there’s so many civilians that live there, there are schools, daycare centers, and so much more onboard. We even have an arboretum where you can enjoy flowers and plants from Terra, Zalta, and many other human planets along with a movie theater and a bowling alley. It’s far more than just a military base, it’s more like a gigantic city in space.”
“I see,” Heather rubbed her chin, she had no idea that Genesis had become so built up. She had only heard about it as a sort of transit point for the system.
“And not only that but I have friends that can help with taking care of my daughter. I’ve also recently got married.”
“Married?” Heather asked in shock. “When did that happen?” She threw her hands up in exasperation. “For God’s sake, nephew, I’m your aunt. I could’ve been there at your wedding. Why am I just now finding out about this now?”
“Well,” Michael said, reaching up to nervously rub the back of his neck, “it was a bit of a last-minute thing. We had to get married because of the regulations.”
“Regulations,” Heather shook her head in frustration, “always the regulations.”
“For better or worse, it’s part of living the military life,” Michael said with a resigned sigh.
“Well, where is she?” Heather asked. “Where’s your new wife?” She asked, anxious to see the new woman her nephew’s life knowing how the loss of Mary had been so devastating to him.
Michael turned around. “Triara?” he called out to his wife. “Come here, my darling.” Meanwhile, Heather couldn’t help but wonder about the name because it didn’t sound like a human name. Her confusion quickly turned to shock as she watched a Zaltaen woman who appeared to be about the same age as Michael, walk into the room.
“Triara?” Michael took her hand. “Meet my aunt, Heather.”
Heather stared, her eyes wide. “But she’s…” she began to stammer. “She’s not… she’s not…”
“Human?” Michael finished for her, his voice firm.
“Yes!” Heather exclaimed. “She’s not human!” Michael saw a flash of hurt and disappointment cross Triara’s face before it quickly faded. “Does she even know how to love someone?” Heather added skeptically, seemingly in disbelief that she, a Zaltaen, could ever love someone let alone a human.
Amy, standing nearby, scoffed at her mother’s reaction. She couldn’t help but wonder if Heather would respond similarly when she introduced her own Zaltaen boyfriend. That whole interaction was proof enough for her that waiting was the right course of action.
“Of course, she knows how to love someone!” Michael’s voice rose. “How can you even ask that? I know in my heart that she loves me!” He stepped behind Triara, wrapping his arms around her waist. “We’ve been together for nearly a year now. I know what she feels for me, and I want her in my life just as much as she wants to be in mine. That’s why I asked her to marry me. I love her.”
Triara looked down at his hands around her waist and gently held them, a small smile appearing on her face despite the insult she had just endured.
Heather felt a wave of embarrassment wash over her as she looked at the floor. She realized she had made a mistake in questioning whether a Zaltaen could understand love. Watching Michael and Triara holding each other, it was crystal clear that they shared a deep connection. There was something undeniably special between them, and Heather felt humbled by her earlier doubts.
“I’m sorry,” Heather apologized, her voice trembling with regret. “It’s just that I never thought this was possible. I didn’t know Zaltaens had the capacity for emotions like this. I’ve always known them to be rather closed-off, distant, and… well, alien. It doesn’t help that they always seem to keep to themselves.” She looked up at Triara, her eyes filled with a mix of remorse and newfound understanding. “Seeing the way you and Michael are together, the way you look at each other, it’s clear that I was wrong.”
“Yes, Zaltaens do tend to be rather closed off,” Triara acknowledged, looking up at Heather. “But as you can see, I’m not your typical Zaltaen. If you take the time to get to know me as Michael has,” she glanced over her shoulder at him, “you’ll understand why we feel the way we do about each other. You’ll understand why we got married.”
Heather shifted her gaze to the floor. “I guess I have some things to learn about you. As for what I said, I’m sorry. I never meant to insult you. I just want the best for my nephew, especially after everything he’s been through. I don’t want to see him get hurt again.”
“And I would never want to hurt him!” Triara exclaimed at which Heather could sense the truthfulness in her voice. “He means so much to me, he’s my…” Triara closed her eyes briefly, “he’s my everything.”
“Please,” Michael interjected, “give her a chance. Take the time to get to know her as I have. I know that in time you’ll see what I see in her and why I’ve come to love her like as I do and why I wanted her in my life.”
“Alright,” Heather sighed, “I’ll give her a chance. In the meantime, I better get dinner started. You two can sit down and take a load off. I’m sure you’d like to rest after a long shuttle ride.” She turned to her daughter. “Amy, would you mind getting them something to drink?”
“Yes, Mom,” Amy rolled her eyes, earning a pointed look from her mother. “I saw that. Now get your uncle and his wife something to drink.” Heather walked into the kitchen, leaving Triara and Michael on the couch.
“What would you two like to have?” Amy asked.
“Coffee would be nice,” Triara said, settling in next to Michael.
“And you, Uncle?” Amy inquired.
“The same, thank you,” Michael replied.
—
Later that evening, after dinner and helping to clean up, Heather led Triara into the living room. Triara glanced around, searching for Michael.
“Where’s Michael?” she asked, about to open her mind to sense his presence. Before she could, Heather spoke up.
“He’s upstairs with his daughter, Jessie,” Heather pointed toward the ceiling. “She hasn’t seen her father in so long; I thought it would be good for them to spend some time together.”
“That’s understandable,” Triara replied, her voice softening.
Heather gestured to the couch. “Please, sit down. I’d like to talk with you.” Triara accepted Heather’s invitation, sitting beside her. Amy walked in and settled into a chair across from them, hoping the conversation would go well unlike when Triara had first walked in the door.
“Anyway,” Heather began, her hands wringing in her lap, “I never wanted to sound like I didn’t trust you, but you have to see things from my perspective.” She placed a hand on her chest. “After everything my nephew has been through these past few years, I don’t want to see him get hurt as again. You understand that, right?”
Triara sat there blinking her eyes, she had no idea that Michael had lost his parents as well. It, however, didn’t take long for her to recover from her shock.
“Of course, I know!” Triara exclaimed, her eyes earnest. “But you have to know that I’d never want to hurt Michael. I love him, I love him very much.”
Heather sighed. “You do know what happened to him, right?” Heather asked, her voice softer now. “You know his wife, Mary, died. Right?”
“Yes,” Triara nodded, crossing her legs. “I’m very much aware of that. In fact, he told me himself.”
“So, you can understand why I’m looking out for him, why I’m looking out for my nephew. Losing his wife and mother of his child was devastating for him. Mary and Michael were childhood sweethearts; they were nearly inseparable while growing up. And to add to all of his loss, he lost his parents at the hands of Bernard Hernandez and his band of terrorists a few years back.”
Triara was shocked that he had lost his parents as well, however, it didn’t take long for her to recover.
“I know that,” Triara said gently. “When I first met Michael, he was in a very dark place.”
“As in?” Amy asked, her voice tinged with concern for her cousin.
“He was very broken inside.” Triara attempted a small smile. “Oh sure, he tried to put on a brave front, but inside, he was anything but.” She watched as Heather and Amy exchanged worried glances. “As scary as it sounds, and as much as you might not want to hear it, he was thinking of taking his own life.” Heather gasped, her hands flying to her mouth.
“My God,” Amy whispered. “He never said anything about feeling like that.”
“Probably because he was scared to tell you,” Triara explained. “I could sense that he often thought he was too broken inside to care for his daughter and that she might be better off without him.”
“Sensed?” Heather asked, puzzled. “What do you mean by that?”
Triara tapped the side of her head. “I’m a telepath. I can sense people’s thoughts and feelings.” Amy and Heather exchanged glances again. “In many ways, he wouldn’t be alive today if it wasn’t for me.”
Heather looked around the room, processing what Triara had said. She had no idea her nephew was in such pain. Guilt gnawed at her, wondering if she could have done more for him.
“You know,” Triara continued, “he once told me that when he lost his wife, he didn’t think he’d ever be able to love again. But when he met me,” she placed a hand on her chest, “something inside him was rekindled. He told me during our marriage ceremony with the captain that I had taught him how to love again and that I had reopened his heart and that I was the best thing that’s happened to him since he lost his wife.”
Heather closed her eyes, tears falling. She felt incredibly remorseful for how she had initially treated Triara.
“So no,” Triara continued, “I would never hurt him. He’s given me so much and has never asked for anything in return except my love for him.” She looked down, her voice dropping to a whisper. “And I do love him.” She choked up, reaching up to wipe her eyes.
“You know,” Triara sniffled, “it’s funny. When I first came to live among humans, I never imagined I’d find love among them. I didn’t think humans were ready for interspecies relationships.” She raised her head. “Do you remember when all of us Zaltaens first revealed ourselves to humans so long ago?” Both Heather and Amy nodded. “I was friends with two humans while I was undercover, Richard and Rachel.” Heather’s eyebrow rose; she had heard of Richard through Michael. “They were the best friends anyone could ever have. In fact, Richard was the one I first revealed my true self to.” She extended her hand forward. “And Richard never once cared about what I was, who I was, or what world I came from. He and Rachel even defended me when other officers aboard out ship were less than polite towards me because of well,” she shrugged, “you get the idea.”
“I know,” Amy spoke up, “I’ve heard the same thing. Many Zaltaens have been treated quite badly for no good reason other than because they’re different.”
“Exactly.” Triara nodded. “But as I said, Richard defended me, and in some ways because of that, I fell in love with him. But his heart was destined for someone else, namely Rachel.” She shook her head. “But you know what?” She smiled as she wiped a tear away. “I’m happy for them. Richard was, even by Zaltaen standards,” she chuckled, “hopeless when it came to women and kind of still is.” Amy chuckled. “Yet, they still fell in love.” She smiled. “And Rachel asked him to marry her!”
“Wow,” Amy sighed, “Rachel must have thought a lot about Richard to ask him to marry her.”
“Oh, I know,” Triara smiled. “It’s kind of why I fell in love with Richard. He was so kind to me despite me being what I am… an actual extraterrestrial alien from another world.” She looked up. “But you know what?” A smile came to her face. “I now have Michael in my life, and he’s everything I could’ve ever asked for since coming to live among Humans. He, like Richard, has never cared about what I am or where I came from or even that I’m a telepath. Hell,” she chuckled, “he even found the whole concept of me being a telepath intriguing. He compared me to the telepaths from Babylon 5.”
“Sounds like you really do love him, don’t you?” Amy asked.
“Oh, Great Maker, yes!” Triara exclaimed. “I do. I love Michael very much.” She teared up once again. “He’s my everything.”
Heather felt another wave of guilt for her earlier behavior towards Triara. “You know,” Heather reached for Triara’s shoulder, “I’m sorry. You didn’t deserve me treating you with such suspicion when you first showed up. Please,” she pleaded, “please forgive me for being so stupid.”
“Apology accepted.” Triara shrugged. “I’m used to it, really. I’m used to people treating me like that because of what I am.”
“That doesn’t make it right,” Amy spoke up, her voice firm. “None of this is right. Who cares what you are or where you came from?” Amy asked as she put her hand to her chest. “I certainly don’t! I mean come on; we were bound to find some alien species out there among the stars.”
“True.” Triara said as she thought about how it was lucky that the Humans had met them and not the Vonosh. She couldn’t help but think that that would’ve been a disaster. “However, we did hide among Humans for nearly 300 of your years.”
“Ok,” Amy shrugged, “but it’s not like you were responsible for the whole situation.” Triara shook her head. “So, why should you be personally blamed for it? You had nothing to do with it, you’re just as much of a victim as Humans were.”
“That’s a rather enlightened way of looking at it.”
Just then, Heather’s husband called from the attic. “Did you pay the bill for the…” His voice dropped to an unintelligible level, too quiet even for Triara with her enhanced Zaltaen hearing to understand. “God,” Heather stood up from the couch, “let me take care of this.”
As Heather walked out of the room, Amy looked up. “What’s Rachel like?”
“Oh,” Triara smiled, “she’s wonderful.” She sighed. “If it weren’t for her, I’d never have even met Michael.”
“How so?” Amy asked.
“Do you know anything about Zaltaen culture?”
“Oh yes!” Amy exclaimed. “I know a lot about your culture. I’ve learned a lot in the time that I’ve been with my boyfriend, Narin.” Triara slowly nodded. “I’ve been over his house many times for dinner.”
“What’s this about being over at someone’s house for dinner?” Heather asked as she walked back into the living room where Amy and Triara were. “And what’s this about a boyfriend?” She watched as her daughter’s face figuratively turned as white as a sheet.
“Um,” Amy began to stutter as she reached up and nervously rubbed the back of her neck, “I was eventually going to get around to telling you.”
“And by eventually?” Heather asked her daughter with a thick sense of annoyance in the tone of her voice. “When exactly was that going to happen, young lady?” She put her hands upon her hips. “I’m your mother, I have a right to know what’s happening in my daughter’s life. And that includes,” she pointed at her daughter with her index finger, “boyfriends.”
“Uh,” Amy once again stuttered, “it’s just that I was afraid to tell you.”
“Why?” Heather asked, her tone of voice softened. “Why would you be afraid to tell me? Honey,” she knelt in front of her daughter, “why would you be afraid to tell me? You have to know that I’d be happy for you, right?” Amy nodded. “So, tell me.” She reached for her daughter’s hand as her daughter looked away. “Who’s the lucky guy?”
Amy sighed as she looked back at her mother. “His name is Narin.”
“Narin?” Heather blinked. “That doesn’t sound like a human name.”
“That’s because it isn’t.” Amy nervously bit her lower lip. “It’s a Zaltaen name. Narin is a young Zaltaen man that goes to my school.”
It then dawned on her just why her daughter had been so hesitant to tell her; her reaction to Michael bringing Triara to their house was all that was needed to explain her fear.
“Shit,” Heather cursed, “you were afraid to tell me because…” Amy spoke up. “Because I knew that you’d react just like you reacted to Michael being married to Triara.” She watched as her mother closed her eyes in shame. “I knew that you’d…” She was interrupted by her mother. “I know, and I now know it was wrong. I should never have reacted like I did with Triara and I’m so very sorry that I ever gave you any reason to fear telling me about Narin.”
Triara, meanwhile, watched as the mother-daughter situation unfolded before her eyes.
“Can you forgive me, my daughter?” Heather pled. “Again, I’m sorry. I was wrong.”
“Yeah.” Amy nodded. “I can.” She paused. “Just please be more open to things like this. You can’t just judge all Zaltaens like that. Many of them are good and decent people who are just trying to fit in while trying to make a new life for themselves.”
Heather hung her head low. “I know.” She sighed. “I understand.” She stood up and walked back to the couch and sat back down next to Triara. “So,” she crossed her legs, “how did you meet Narin?”
“Narin was new to our school,” Amy began. “Hell, his family was new to our neighborhood. As you could probably imagine, the other students in my school made his life an absolute hell.”
Heather nodded, her expression softening with empathy as she considered the challenges Narin must have faced. She had seen the cruelty that children could inflict upon one another, the merciless teasing and exclusion that often came with the territory of young adulthood. But to add the complexity of Narin’s non-human status to the mix… she could only imagine how much more difficult his experience must have been.
“Anyways,” Amy continued, her gaze drifting to a distant memory, “one day I was eating with my friends in the school cafeteria, and I watched as Narin sat down at a table all by himself. As I watched him, I could tell that he looked so… so very lonely. And the bitch of it all was that he was just trying to fit in, but nobody even gave him a chance.”
Amy remembered how the overhead lights cast a harsh glow on the scene, highlighting the isolation etched in Narin’s features. His posture slumped; shoulders hunched as if burdened by the weight of his loneliness.
“I got up from my table and walked up to his, much to the shock of my friends,” Amy recounted, a hint of defiance in her voice. “I asked if he’d like someone to sit with him. He, of course, looked up at me, and I could tell that he had been crying. He insisted that he wasn’t, but I didn’t buy it.”
She remembered Narin’s eyes, a shade of purple, reflected a mixture of surprise and uncertainty as Amy extended her offer of companionship to him. She remembered his lips parted, as if on the cusp of speech, yet no words emerged.
“I asked him again if I could sit down,” Amy continued, her own memories flooding back, “and he nervously said yes.”
As she settled into the seat across from him, a tentative smile graced Narin’s lips, a glimmer of gratitude shining in his eyes. It was a moment of connection amidst the noise of the bustling cafeteria, a silent understanding shared between two souls seeking solace in each other’s presence.
“It took him about a week to come to trust me,” Amy recalled, the passage of time marked by subtle shifts in Narin’s demeanor, “and to open up to me. But I don’t blame him, really. If I had been treated like he was, I’d be distrustful of others as well.”
Each interaction was a delicate dance, a gradual unraveling of barriers erected by past hurts and societal prejudice. Yet, through patience and empathy, Amy found herself welcomed into Narin’s world, a sanctuary of shared laughter and whispered secrets.
“We quickly became friends,” Amy reminisced, a fondness tingeing her voice, “and eventually we started dating. And we’ve been dating for the last year and a half.”
From the tentative steps of friendship to the blossoming of romance, their journey was marked by moments of laughter, vulnerability, and unwavering support for each other. Together, they navigated the intricacies of high school life, finding solace in each other’s presence amidst the tumultuous sea of young adulthood and their cultural differences. Meanwhile, Heather had to wonder how her daughter had kept a secret from her for so long.
As Amy concluded her tale, a sense of warmth enveloped the room, the echoes of her journey resonating with each listener.
“I would really like to meet this… this Narin,” Heather remarked, her curiosity piqued by the mention of Amy’s significant other.
“Well,” Amy considered, her brows furrowing in thought, “as long as you promise me that you won’t react to him like you reacted when Triara,” she glanced over at her, a hint of tension in her voice, “showed up on our doorstep, then I’ll be more than happy to bring him over to meet you.”
“I promise, Amy,” Heather replied, her voice gentle yet resolute, “I won’t react like I did with Triara. I understand now that my reaction was unwarranted and unfair. Narin deserves a chance to be seen for who he truly is, just like Triara did.”
Amy’s shoulders relaxed at her mother’s reassurance, a relieved smile gracing her lips. It was clear that she had been holding onto her fears and was afraid of history repeating itself and her relationship with Narin being met with the same skepticism and prejudice that had greeted Triara.
“Thank you, Mom,” Amy said, her voice tinged with gratitude. “I know you’ll like Narin once you get to know him.”
Heather nodded, a sense of determination settling within her heart. She may not fully understand what lay ahead, but she was committed to embracing Amy’s relationship with open arms, to welcoming Narin into their family with the same acceptance that she would offer any of Amy’s friends.
“Have you been to his parent’s house?” Heather asked. “What do they think of you?”
“Oh yes!” Amy exclaimed. “I’ve been to his parents’ house many times and sat down to have dinner with them. In doing so, I’ve sampled Zaltaen cuisine. You have no idea how elated they were to see a human who was willing to so easily put aside our obvious differences along with potential distrust and give them a chance.
“Since then, I’ve been over to their house frequently. His parents are wonderful people, always welcoming and warm. One evening, I had a long conversation with his mom; she told me that she had seen a marked improvement in her son’s outlook on life ever since we started dating. She told me that he had seemed happier.”
Amy smiled, a hint of amusement in her eyes. “His mom really likes me, though she sometimes teases me about my clothing choices.” She gave a light laugh, tugging at the hemline of her jean shorts. “Even when I wear something like these tights, she’ll suggest I go for something a bit more modest.” Amy shrugged with a grin. “But it’s all in good fun. We’ve turned it into a running joke. Every time I visit, she’ll pretend to give my outfit a little inspection, just for laughs.” Triara chuckled, imagining the playful interactions. “But Narin doesn’t seem to mind at all.”
“I’m sure he doesn’t.” Heather spoke up. “He’s a guy, regardless of species.” Amy, meanwhile, rolled her eyes as she dismissed her mother’s rather sexist comment.
“That being said,” Amy continued; her voice filled with affection, “they’ve shared so much about their culture and traditions with me and in that time, I’ve learned a lot about Zaltaen customs, values, and even some of their recipes. They’ve come to treat me like family, and it’s been an incredible experience. I feel like I’m not just dating Narin, but also becoming a part of his family. His parents’ acceptance and kindness have made our relationship even stronger.”
Amy’s face softened with a nostalgic expression. “There was this one time when his mom invited me to help her in preparation of a traditional Zaltaen meal one evening. It was an elaborate process, and I was so nervous about messing it up. But she guided me through every step with such patience. By the end of the evening, we were all laughing and enjoying the meal together. It felt like I was at home at their dinner table.”
Triara nodded, her respect for Amy growing. “It sounds like you’ve really embraced Zaltaen culture.”
“I have,” Amy said, her voice resolute. “And in doing so, I kind of found a second family. Their acceptance has meant the world to me, and it’s made me realize how important it is to be open-minded and willing to learn from each other.”
“Do you like him?” Heather asked her daughter. “Do you like Narin?”
“Yeah,” Amy sighed, her voice tinged with a hint of fondness, a soft smile spreading across her face like sunlight breaking through clouds. “I do. I like him a lot. He’s a great guy.”
Heather glanced across the room at her daughter, her eyes filled with a mixture of affection for Narin.
“As you know, I’ve dated a few guys in the past,” she said, her tone thoughtful as she recalled past experiences, “but they always did something or said something that made me feel uncomfortable. You know what I mean?”
Heather nodded empathetically, her own memories of youthful romance resurfacing. “Oh yeah,” she shook her head ruefully, a wistful smile playing at the corners of her lips. “Been there, done that; experienced it firsthand. A lot of guys I dated before I met your father always wanted to go too fast.”
She chuckled softly, the sound carrying the weight of years gone by. “Don’t get me wrong,” she continued, her laughter tinged with a hint of nostalgia, “a little spontaneity is good, but there’s a thing called reading the room. You know, being able to tell if making such a move is a good idea or not.”
Amy laughed. Meanwhile, Triara couldn’t help but wonder how anyone managed to get together, date, and eventually marry in human society. It all seemed so complicated to her. On Zalta, if a Zaltaen woman wanted someone, she simply claimed that person as her own. There were no intricate dances of courtship, no confusing signals to interpret, and no societal pressures to navigate. A Zaltaen woman’s desire was direct and clear, and the relationship began with mutual understanding and respect from the outset. The idea of humans tiptoeing around each other’s feelings, often misunderstanding intentions, and dealing with the uncertainty of whether or not to make a move felt unnecessarily convoluted to Triara. She found herself marveling at the resilience and patience it must take for human relationships to flourish under such conditions.
“But anyways,” Amy continued, her voice softening with reminiscence, “when I was talking with Narin’s mother, I told her that I had wished Narin would be a little more forward at times, you know… show a little more confidence in himself around me. That was when she told me that wasn’t how Zaltaen men acted and that women were the ones who initiated such kinds of behaviors.”
Heather leaned forward, intrigued by this insight into Zaltaen culture. “That’s fascinating,” she remarked, her curiosity piqued. “It’s quite different from human customs, isn’t it?”
Triara, ever the observer, interjected with a nod of agreement. “Indeed,” she affirmed, her tone thoughtful. “In Zaltaen society, the dynamics of courtship are deeply ingrained in our cultural fabric. Zaltaen men are conditioned to defer to the lead of women in our society.”
Heather nodded in understanding, marveling at the nuances of Zaltaen customs. “So, it’s essentially the opposite of human gender roles,” she mused, her mind racing with questions.
“That’s what Narin’s mother told me as well,” Amy added, her voice tinged with admiration for the traditions of her boyfriend’s culture. “She told me that it has to do with how they believe that since women endure pregnancy and ultimately childbirth, it should be up to the woman to choose who they want as their mate.”
“That’s right,” Triara interjected.
“Well now,” Heather rubbed her chin thoughtfully, “that’s interesting.” She paused, taking in the cultural nuances Amy was sharing.
Before Heather could say more, Amy continued, her voice eager to elaborate. “Narin’s mother went on to say that if I wanted Narin to be more forward with me, I’d have to give him permission to do so.”
Heather’s eyebrows raised slightly; her curiosity piqued. “Permission?”
“Yes,” Amy nodded, leaning in as she explained. “In Zaltaen culture, it’s seen as respectful and considerate. Zaltaen men don’t take initiative without clear consent because of what Triara alluded to.”
“I see.” Heather considered this for a moment. “So, basically what you’re saying is that Zaltaen society is based upon far stronger base of mutual respect between the genders.”
Amy’s eyes lit up, pleased that her mother was beginning to understand. “Exactly!” Amy exclaimed as she pointed at her mother with her index finger. “Narin’s mother said that once I expressed my feelings and gave him the green light, he would feel more comfortable being open and forward with me.”
“Then am I to assume that you’ve given Narin your permission?” Heather asked, her curiosity evident as she leaned forward slightly.
Amy blushed, a soft smile playing on her lips. “Yes, I have. It took me a little while to fully understand what that meant and to feel comfortable expressing it, since you know… it’s not something I’m accustomed to doing. However, once I did, things changed between us.”
Heather raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Changed how?”
“Well,” Amy began, her voice tinged with both excitement and a hint of shyness, “Narin’s became much more confident around me. He started sharing more about himself, his hopes, his dreams and in doing so, we became closer. It’s been amazing really. He’s even become more comfortable with physical contact.” She blushed. “He was so afraid of touching me, even in the slightest bit but eventually I was able to convince him that it was OK for him to be able to touch me and that I even wanted him to do so.
“I remember when we kissed for the first time about a year ago.” She thought fondly back to when he had kissed her, a soft smile gracing her lips. “Oh sure, he was nervous as hell kissing me for the first time and to be honest, I was nervous as well. However, it felt so incredibly right.” She sighed as she looked up at the ceiling. “Mom, I think I love him.”
“Have you told him?” Triara asked. “I’m sure he would be delighted to hear that.” Meanwhile, Heather had to wonder if her daughter really knew what she was getting into.
“Oh,” Amy smiled, “I think he already knows.”
“Amy, my daughter, I don’t want to sound like I’m questioning you, but do you understand what you’re saying?” Heather asked. “You’re saying that you love him, right?”
“Yes, at least I think I do.” Amy sighed. “I’ve never met anyone that’s made me feel like I do about him. He may’ve been a bit shy at first and who could blame him, but we’ve really connected. He’s made a lot of efforts in being more confident about himself and he’s,” Heather watched as her daughter once again smiled about him, “you really need to meet him, mom. I know you’ll understand why I’ve said what I said about him once you get to know him like I have.”
“I’d like to meet him,” Heather said, her voice filled with genuine curiosity and a hint of eagerness to meet the young man that her daughter thought so much about.
Amy smiled, pleased by her mother’s openness. “I will,” she promised, a note of excitement creeping into her tone. “Maybe tomorrow?”
Heather nodded, her eyes warm with approval. “Tomorrow sounds perfect.”
“I have to ask,” Triara began, curiosity clear in her voice, “what do the other students in your school think about you dating a Zaltaen? What about your friends? What do they think of him?”
“My friends have come to see Narin for who he is… a kind, intelligent, and caring young man, and they’ve come to support us. They’ve even welcomed him to sit with us at our table at lunch,” Amy explained. “He’s really become part of our little circle of friends now that they’ve come to see him like I do.”
Heather interrupted her. “I take it that not all students are open to this relationship and that you’ve faced some negativity. Right?”
“Unfortunately,” Amy sighed, her smile fading slightly, “you’re right. It’s been a mixed bag. Some students have been supportive like my friends have been, but others… well,” she closed her eyes, “they’ve been less than understanding, if you know what I mean.”
“Have other students said things to you?” Heather asked gently.
“Yes,” Amy nodded, “they have, and some of it has been quite hurtful; not only to me but to him as well.”
“Does Narin know about what you’ve been experiencing?” Heather inquired.
“Yes,” Amy replied, “I’ve told him, and he was worried that I’d give into peer pressure and break up with him. I assured him that I wouldn’t and that I wouldn’t let fear and ignorance drive us apart.”
“Amy,” Heather said, her voice filled with pride, “I tried to raise you right, I tried to raise you to stand up for the right thing and hearing this makes me so proud of you. I’m proud of you for standing up for your convictions and, most importantly, for standing up for Narin. Because if you don’t stand up for your convictions, you won’t stand up for anything. It takes a lot of courage to face criticism and stay true to what you believe in, especially when it comes from your peers.”
Amy smiled softly, a hint of relief in her eyes. “Thanks, Mom. It hasn’t been easy, but I know it’s the right thing to do. As I said before, Narin means so much to me.” She closed her eyes, and Heather, sitting on the couch across from her, swore she saw a tear drop down her daughter’s face. The sight tugged at Heather’s heart, making her lean forward slightly, her hands clasped together in her lap.
Amy took a deep breath, opening her eyes and shaking her head. “I just wish more people could see him the way I do,” she continued, her voice trembling slightly. “He’s so kind and understanding, it’s why I’ve fallen so hard for him. He doesn’t deserve the criticism he gets.”
Heather felt a pang of empathy and frustration. “I know, sweetheart,” she said softly, reaching out as if to bridge the distance between them. “It’s hard when people don’t understand. But what matters is that you see him for what and who he truly is, and that you stand by him.”
Amy looked up, her eyes meeting her mother’s. “I just wish they could see beyond their prejudices,” she said, her voice filled with emotion.
Heather nodded, feeling a mix of pride and sorrow. “It’s their loss if they can’t see what a wonderful person he is,” she said, her voice firm. “And I’m so proud of you for standing by him and showing everyone what real acceptance look like.”
Triara spoke up, her voice gentle but firm. “I wish more people were as understanding and accepting as you are, Amy. If they were, perhaps my time among human wouldn’t have been so difficult.”
Amy looked at Triara curiously, her brow furrowing slightly. “Then I take it that…”
“Yes,” Triara interjected before Amy could finish, her expression softening. “Your uncle and I also face similar criticisms. People often judge us without understanding the depth of our relationship and why we’ve come to love each other the way we do.”
Amy nodded, her eyes reflecting a mix of sympathy and solidarity. “That must be really hard. I can’t imagine how hard it has been for both of you.”
Triara sighed, glancing at Michael who was still upstairs. “It’s difficult, but we’ve learned to focus on each other and the love that we share. Like you and Narin, we’ve both chosen not to let others change how we feel about each other.”
Heather, who had been quietly listening, leaned forward on the couch. “It’s a shame that people can’t see past their biases. You both deserve happiness just like anyone else.” She turned to Triara. “And again, I’m so very sorry for treating you like I did; you didn’t deserve me treating you like I did.”
“Speaking of you and Michael,” Amy spoke up, her expression thoughtful, “as I understand it, Zaltaen women choose their mates. Have you,” she hesitated, “chosen my uncle to be your… mate?”
“Yes,” Triara interrupted gently, a serene smile gracing her lips. “I have chosen Michael to be my mate, my lifelong mate; I chose him to be my mate long before he asked me to marry him.”
Heather bit her lower lip, processing the depth of Triara’s commitment. “Michael has expressed that he wants to have children with me, and I want that as well,” Triara continued, her voice filled with quiet determination. “I want his daughter, Jessie, to have someone to grow up with; a sibling to share her life with.”
Heather’s eyes softened, a mixture of emotions flickering across her face: concern and perhaps a touch of lingering apprehension. “That’s a big step,” she said slowly, her voice tinged with cautious optimism. “But if it’s what you both want, and if it brings happiness and stability to Jessie’s life, then I support you.”
Triara’s smile widened, relief evident in her eyes. “Thank you, Heather.” She reached for Heather’s hand. “It means a lot to have your support. I know it’s not been easy for you to accept me, an alien, into your family, but I appreciate your willingness to understand and accept our relationship. It’s not been easy, but as I’ve learned, no relationship ever is.”
Heather nodded, a sense of resolve settling over her. “It’s important to me that Michael and Jessie are happy. They’ve lost so much in their lives and if you can provide that happiness, then I support you both.”
“I too have lost a lot as well,” Triara began, her voice soft but steady. “I’ve lost friends and family, people that I once held dear to me. I think that’s why Michael and I came together so easily; we both know how it feels to have experienced loss in our lives and most importantly, we’ve come to help each other in our own way.”
She was, of course, talking about how she had been cast out of her House; something that she had revealed to Michael in a very intimate way while they were on their honeymoon on Sirius.
“But when I look around this room,” she looked between Amy and Heather, “I can see that I’ve found a new family and new friends; a new sense of belonging.”
Heather’s eyes filled with empathy as she reached for Triara’s hand. “Yes,” she said warmly, her voice full of sincerity, “yes, you have.” She paused for a moment, her curiosity getting the better of her. “I do have to ask; how did you reconcile the differences between Zaltaen and Human culture when it came to the beginnings of your relationship with Michael? Who asked whom?”
Triara smiled gently, recalling the early days of their relationship. “The three of us, myself, Michael, and Richard, had met up in the Officer’s Lounge one afternoon. What Michael and I didn’t know at the time was that Richard was going to see his wife, Rachel. Michael, of course, thought that with Richard leaving for the weekend, it meant that we’d be going our separate ways.
“I could see that Michael was disappointed, so I suggested we hang out together without Richard. I remember joking that I don’t bite.” Amy chuckled, and Triara joined her. “So, Michael and I sat down at a table, and it was there that he asked me if I wanted to go out on a date with him. I was shocked and asked him if he really meant it. He confirmed that he indeed wanted to go out on a date with me.
“Great Maker,” she sighed, “it was then that I very nearly threw everything out the airlock. I admitted that I didn’t know how human dating worked and that maybe it wasn’t a good idea. But Michael told me that I was being way too hard on myself.”
Amy spoke up. “Narin told me the same thing, but I assured him that it didn’t matter to me and that I would take things slow with him until he got a handle on how human dating worked.”
“Michael told me that same thing. However, I still had my doubts and so I asked him why he was willing to take a chance on me. He went onto tell me that all relationships involve taking a chance. He said he didn’t care where I was from or what species I was. He thanked me for all the help I had been to him.”
Triara continued. “During our first date, I was so worried about telling Michael about my special abilities, but he assured me that he wasn’t worried and that he found the whole idea of me being a telepath rather intriguing. As time went on, we became closer; closer than I’ve ever been with anyone, human or otherwise.”
“How did you react when he asked you to marry him?” Heather asked.
“Oh, Great Maker,” Triara smiled, her eyes sparkling with the memory. “I was overjoyed, I tell you.” She sighed, the weight of her past emotions surfacing briefly. “Ever since I saw the kind of relationship that Richard and Rachel had together and how happy they were, I longed to have the same experience in my own life. While watching Richard and Rachel these past few years, I saw a partnership filled with mutual respect, love, and unwavering support for each other despite the distance they have often had to endure. It was always something that I admired and that I had always dreamed of having but always thought was impossible for me.
“For the longest time, I had resigned myself to the idea that I’d never have that kind of life being that, you know,” she pointed at herself, her voice softening, “I’m an alien and all. I thought the cultural, biological, and physical differences along with the lingering mistrust between our two species would be too much to overcome, that no one could ever truly see past them. But when Michael asked me,” she looked up at the ceiling, her eyes glistening with tears she quickly wiped away, “I knew that I had a shot at having the kind of life that I had dreamt of having.”
She brought her gaze back down, her expression one of contentment and joy. “And now here I am, married to Michael, and I couldn’t be happier. He sees me for who I am, not just as a Zaltaen but as Triara, his life partner, his equal… his wife. He accepts and loves me for me. We trust each other like no one else can.”
“And Michael seems happy as well,” Heather added, a soft smile playing on her lips. “I’ve not seen him so happy since he lost Mary.”
“I know,” Triara nodded, her eyes meeting Heather’s with a shared understanding. “He’s never been happier. It’s not just that we’ve found love; we’ve found a way to blend our lives and our different cultures in a way that enriches us both. Michael has taught me so much about human love and resilience, and in turn, I’ve shared with him the depth and intensity of Zaltaen relationship bonds. Together, we’ve created something uniquely ours.”
Just then, Michael came down the stairs into the living room with Jessie in his hands.
“Hey there,” the three of them looked his way, “what are you three talking about?”
“We were talking about how you and Triara got together, that’s all,” Amy replied with a smile.
“Really?” Michael asked as he put Jessie back down on the floor, after which she ran for Amy who scooped her into her lap. “So,” he sat down next to Triara, took hold of her hand, and interlaced his fingers with hers at which his aunt watched, “does everyone have cooler heads now?”
“Yes,” Heather began, “Amy and I had a rather long discussion about how you and Triara came together.” She glanced warmly at Triara. “Triara and I have come to an understanding. I was stupid to question Triara’s intentions with you, and…”
Triara spoke up. “I’ve forgiven Heather. She didn’t mean anything bad. She, as your aunt, just didn’t want to see you get hurt. I, of course, assured her as well as Amy,” she glanced in Amy’s direction, “that I’d never dream of hurting you. Isn’t that right, my love?”
“I know you wouldn’t,” Michael affirmed, turning to kiss her on her cheek.
Heather, meanwhile, watched as the two of them interacted like any other married couple would complete with public display of affection for each other.
“Not only that, but we’re not the only interspecies couple,” Triara added, motioning towards Amy. “Amy, your niece, is also dating a Zaltaen; his name is Narin.”
“Wow,” Michael nodded slowly, “that’s great.” He looked back at Triara. “Getting to know Triara and learning about her people’s culture has been one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had in my life. Isn’t that right, honey?” he asked as Triara smiled.
“Yes, indeed,” Triara agreed warmly.
Michael turned back to Amy. “I wouldn’t trade the relationship that I have with Triara for anything.”
“I’m hoping that one day,” Amy spoke up, “Narin and I will have a relationship like yours.” She paused for a moment, recalling Triara mentioning how Rachel had helped her adjust to human life. “I do have to ask something,” Amy turned to Triara, “you mentioned something about Rachel helping you. What did you mean by that?”
“Rachel,” Triara explained, “helped me adapt to living among humans. She assisted me in creating a wardrobe that would allow me to better fit in with humans.”
“Ah,” Amy hummed thoughtfully, “it’s the same thing that I did with Narin. I helped him by taking him shopping. That was part of the reason why he didn’t fit in at school, he always came to school wearing those Zaltaen robes that set him apart from the other students. Getting him into some human-style clothing went a long way in helping him to fit in with others at our school.”
As they continued to chat, the living room filled with warmth and laughter, echoing with the promise of supportive family ties and hopeful futures.
Some time passed until Michael stood up from the couch and offered Triara his hand to help her up. “Well now,” he yawned, stretching his arms, “it’s getting late and I’m getting tired. We should think about finding a hotel for the night…”
Heather abruptly spoke up, her voice filled with determination. “Oh no!” she exclaimed. “No nephew of mine and his wife are going to stay in a hotel tonight! We have more than enough room for the two of you to stay here.” She placed a firm hand on Michael’s back, guiding him gently. “We have a bedroom upstairs ready for you.”
Michael looked at his aunt, touched by her insistence. “Are you sure? We wouldn’t want to impose.”
Heather smiled warmly. “You’re family, Michael. It’s no imposition at all. Besides, it’ll give us more time to catch up.”
Michael turned to Triara, his eyes meeting hers with a question. “What do you think?”
Triara returned his gaze with a soft smile. “Sounds good to me. I’d love to stay.”
Heather clapped her hands together, pleased with their decision. “Great! Let me show you to your room.” She led the way, her footsteps light with excitement.
As they followed Heather upstairs, Michael squeezed Triara’s hand. “Thank you,” he whispered. “It means a lot to stay here with family.”
Triara squeezed his hand back, her eyes reflecting warmth and contentment. “It feels right. It’s like we belong here.”
“And you do,” Heather looked back, “you’re always welcome here.”
—
Later that evening, as Michael climbed into bed while Triara was in the shower, he heard a soft knock at the bedroom door. The door slowly opened, and his daughter peeked inside.
“Hey there, my baby,” Michael said, getting out of bed and scooping her up into his arms. “I thought you’d be asleep by now.” He watched as she yawned, her eyes drooping with exhaustion. “Aren’t you tired?” She nodded sleepily. “Do you want me to tuck you into bed?”
She shook her head, clutching him tighter. “I want to sleep with you.”
He couldn’t blame her. After all, she had been away from her daddy for a long time and missed him terribly. “Alright, honey,” he said, hugging her close. “You can sleep with Triara and me tonight.”
He carried her to the bed, gently laying her down and tucking her under the covers. As he settled back in, the bathroom door opened, and Triara appeared, her hair damp and a towel wrapped around her.
She was about to get into bed with Michael when she noticed Jessie already snuggled up beside him. Triara hesitated. “Uh,” she voiced, “do you want me to sleep on the couch?” She pointed to the couch that was in the room.
“Nonsense!” Michael exclaimed as he reached over his child to the other side of the bed and pulled back the covers for Triara. “Get in.”
As Triara got into bed, Jessie looked up at her with wide eyes. “Are you going to be my new mommy?”
“Uh,” Triara hesitated, “I can be.” She glanced at Michael, seeking reassurance, to which he nodded encouragingly. “That is, if you want me to be.”
Jessie immediately latched onto her, wrapping her small arms tightly around Triara. Michael smiled warmly. “I think you have your answer there, Triara.”
Triara hugged Jessie back, her heart swelling with emotion. “I know I can never replace your real mommy, but I’ll try; I’ll try my best to be as good of a mommy to you as I can,” she whispered, kissing the top of Jessie’s head, “you deserve it, little one.” As she said that, Jessie hugged her tighter.
“That’s all we can ask for,” Michael said, reaching for Triara’s hand. “My love.” He turned off the lights, casting the room in a gentle darkness. “Good night, my little angel,” he added, his voice filled with tenderness.
“Good night, Daddy. Good night, Mommy,” Jessie whispered, snuggling between them.
Triara’s heart fluttered at the word “Mommy,” feeling the warmth of this newfound family. “Good night, sweetheart,” she replied softly, her voice full of love.
—
The next morning, Heather was down in the kitchen preparing breakfast with the help of her daughter.
“You know,” Heather turned to Amy, “I was thinking.”
Amy looked up from cutting the potatoes, curiosity piqued. “What’s on your mind, Mom?”
Heather set down the dish she was drying and leaned against the counter. “Going to the station is going to be a big change for Jessie. Even with her dad there, it’s going to be different for her.”
Amy furrowed her brow, confused. “What do you mean?”
Heather continued, “I think it would be a good idea for you to go with them to the station, at least until Jessie gets used to being around Triara. It might help her adjust more smoothly.”
“But what about Narin?” Amy asked, concern evident in her voice.
Heather smiled reassuringly. “You can keep in contact with him, right? It’s not like you’ll be completely out of touch. Plus, it’s only for a little while, just until Jessie feels more comfortable.”
Just then, Michael and Triara walked into the kitchen with Jessie in Triara’s arms.
“Uh, Mom?” Amy pointed at Triara, a hint of amusement in her voice. “I don’t think Jessie’s having any issues adjusting to Triara being around.”
Heather turned to see Jessie comfortably nestled in Triara’s arms, looking content and relaxed, without any signs of nervousness.
“Well,” Heather said, a smile spreading across her face, “it seems like I might have been worried for nothing.”
Michael chuckled, wrapping his arm around Triara. “Jessie’s taken to Triara quite well. In fact,” he smiled as he looked at his daughter, “she joined the two of us in bed last night. Isn’t that right, sweetheart?”
“Yes.” Jessie answered. “I wanted to sleep with my daddy.”
“And not only that but little Jessie has taken to Triara very well.” Michael turned back to his daughter. “Tell Heather and Amy what you said last night.”
“I asked Triara if she was going to be my new mommy.”
“I,” Heather stuttered, “I didn’t expect that to happen.” She let out a sigh. “Then again, I shouldn’t be shocked. I mean,” she put the spoon she was holding down, “I should’ve expected this to happen at some point. Jessie’s been wanting a new mother figure in her life, and as much as I’ve tried to be one for her, I’m not.”
She closed her eyes, a wave of emotion washing over her. “I’m going to miss you.” Heather walked up to Triara and gently took Jessie in her arms, kissing the top of her head. “You’re such a brave little girl,” she whispered, her voice trembling slightly, “you’ve been so very brave.”
Jessie snuggled into her aunt, a look of contentment on her face. “I love you, Aunt Heather.”
Heather hugged her tightly, then looked at Triara with a mix of gratitude and sadness. “Take good care of her,” she said softly. “She’s been through a lot, a lot more than anyone her age should’ve been through.”
Triara nodded, her eyes shining with sincerity. “I promise, I will.”
Michael stepped forward, placing a reassuring hand on Heather’s shoulder. “We’ll visit often, and you’re always welcome to visit us. We’re not going to be that far away, we’re in the same star system.”
Heather nodded, wiping a tear from her cheek. “I know. It’s just hard to let go.”
Triara reached out and took Heather’s hand. “Thank you for everything, Heather. I know how much you’ve done for Jessie.”
Heather squeezed Triara’s hand, a small smile forming on her lips. “You’re welcome. And thank you for being there for them.”
Amy watched the exchange, feeling a deep sense of gratitude for the bond her family was forming. “We’re all here for each other,” she said softly. “That’s what family is all about.”
Heather nodded, pulling Jessie in for one last hug. “Yes, it is,” she agreed, her voice filled with warmth. “Yes, it is.” She hugged Jessie closely before handing her back to Triara. “However,” she continued, “Amy and I better get working on breakfast if we’re going to have anything to eat this morning.”
She wiped a tear away as she turned back to her daughter. “Let’s get started.”
Heather then turned to her nephew. “In the meantime, you three can settle in the living room while Amy and I cook. Make yourselves comfortable.”
Michael smiled and nodded. “Thanks. We’ll do that.” He glanced at Triara and Jessie. “Come on, let’s give them some space.”
As they moved toward the living room, Jessie nestled comfortably in Triara’s arms, Amy and Heather turned their attention back to the kitchen. The comforting sounds of breakfast preparation filled the air, mingling with the quiet murmur of conversation from the living room.
Meanwhile, in the kitchen, Heather turned to her daughter. “Do you think that perhaps Triara may have used her abilities to influence…?” She was stopped cold by Amy. “Not a chance in hell, and you know it, Mom!” Amy’s voice was firm, her eyes flashing with determination. “Triara genuinely cares about Jessie and Michael. You can see it in how she treats them, in how she looks at them.”
“It’s just that we know Triara’s a telepath,” Heather said, her voice wavering slightly, as if she herself didn’t want to believe it.
“Mom, I get it,” Amy replied, softening her tone but keeping her resolve. “But being a telepath doesn’t mean she’s manipulating Jessie. Triara loves Michael, you saw it last night.” She watched as her mother nodded her head; that much was obvious to Heather. “Do you honestly think for one second that Triara would do anything,” she pointed down at the table with her index finger to add emphasis, “to jeopardize that relationship with Michael?”
“I guess not.” Heather shook her head. “I didn’t think about it that way.”
“Exactly.” Amy went back to cutting the potatoes. “If Michael were to ever find out that she had done so, everything that Triara had worked so hard for would be lost in a split second. So no, she wouldn’t have done that and from now on, we don’t speak of this again.”
“You’re right.”
Luckily for them, Triara heard nothing of their conversation in the kitchen despite her enhanced Zaltaen hearing, as she was far too busy playing with Jessie on the floor of the living room. Between her simply playing with Jessie and the sounds of her playful screams and laughter, she heard nothing of the conversion that took place in the kitchen.
—
Later that evening, Narin stood outside of Amy’s house, shifting his weight from one foot to the other. His usually confident demeanor that he often displayed while with Amy was replaced with visible nervousness, his eyes darting to the front door and back to his feet. Amy could see the unease on Narin’s face, and she smiled softly, trying to help alleviate his nervousness.
“What’s wrong honey?” she asked gently, rubbing his back in a soothing motion.
He smiled at how she had once again used a term of endearment towards him. He loved it when she used such words; it was like she knew exactly what to do and say when he felt nervous. As she continued to rub his back, the nervousness seemed to melt away.
“You always know how to calm me down,” he said softly, his eyes meeting hers.
Amy grinned, giving his back a final, gentle pat. “That’s because I know you so well. You’re going to do great, Narin. Just be yourself, be the person that I’ve come to…” She paused, lost in thought. Did she really love him? The realization struck her as she looked at him, seeing the anticipation in his eyes. “Just be the person I’ve come to love.”
Narin’s eyes widened, his heart skipping a beat. Love. It was the word he had been waiting to hear from her for a long time. “Do you really mean that?” he asked softly, searching her face for any hint of doubt. “Or are you just saying that to encourage me?”
Amy nodded, her cheeks flushing slightly. “I do.” She slowly nodded. “I mean it, Narin; I love you.” She took him into her arms once again and hugged him. “I’ve loved you for some time; it’s only now that I know for sure.”
“Me too, Amy,” he whispered against her shoulder, “I love you too.”
They stood there for a moment, the world around them fading away as they basked in their shared confession.
“You don’t know how long I’ve wanted to hear those words from you,” he murmured into her hair.
Amy smiled against his shoulder, feeling a weight lift from her heart. “I’m glad I finally told you because you mean a lot to me, Narin.” Amy blinked, her eyes moist with unshed tears. “I’ve never felt like this about anyone,” she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. “I was talking with my mom and my uncle’s wife about you, and it was then that I realized what I really felt about you.”
The gravity of her confession settled over them, profound and real. Narin pulled back slightly, just enough to look into her eyes. “Neither have I, Amy. You’ve become such an important part of my life. I don’t know what I’d do without you. I’m so grateful that I met you. You changed my life that one fateful day.”
“Me too.” She nodded, her own eyes shining with emotion. “I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again, I promise I’ll always be here for you Narin. No matter what happens, no matter what anyone says about us, I want you in my life.”
He once again took her into his arms and held her tightly, at least tight enough so as to not hurt her. They stood there, wrapped in each other’s arms, feeling the strength of their newfound bond.
Feeling reassured, Narin took a deep breath and let go of her. “Okay, I’m ready.”
“Alright,” Amy smiled, looking down as she took hold of Narin’s hand. “Let’s go.” They walked up to the front door, and as they stepped inside, Heather was standing right behind it.
“Narin,” Heather said, her face lighting up with a warm smile as she held her arms out wide, “it’s so good to finally meet you.”
Immediately upon hearing her voice, Narin could tell it was filled with genuine warmth and excitement, a stark contrast to his earlier expectations. As he stepped forward, Heather’s arms enveloped him in a genuine embrace.
“It’s wonderful to meet you too, Mrs.,” Narin responded, his voice steadying as he relaxed into the hug. “Please,” Heather said, letting go and stepping back slightly, “call me Heather.”
Narin smiled, appreciating the informality. “Thank you, Heather.” He glanced at Amy, who stood beside him, her eyes shining with happiness.
“As I told you before,” Amy spoke up, “I was talking with my mom about you, she said she wanted to meet you. She’s heard so much about you.”
Heather nodded, her smile widening. “It’s true.” She put a hand on Narin’s back and led him into the living room. “Amy’s told us all about you. Though I do have to admit, I was a little bit skeptical at first. You understand that, right?”
Narin nodded, appreciating her honesty. “I understand, Heather. It’s natural to be protective of family, especially since…” He stopped mid-sentence as he realized that he wasn’t the only Zaltaen in the room. “Uh,” he paused as he watched the young Zaltaen woman who was sitting on the couch stand up, “who are you?”
Triara stepped forward gracefully, and Narin noticed that her outfit was quite similar to Amy’s usual style. She was wearing a comfortable V-neck blouse paired with a denim jean skirt, black tights, and white athletic shoes. Her attire had a casual yet put-together look, different from the more traditional Zaltaen fashion.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Narin,” Triara came forward, her voice calm and soothing, “I’m Triara.”
“And I’m Michael,” he stood up from the couch, “I’m Amy’s uncle. Triara is my wife.”
Narin watched as Michael put an arm around Triara and brought her close. “Uh,” Narin hesitated for a moment, his eyes flickering between Triara and Michael, “did you say… wife?” he managed to say, surprise evident in his voice. “You mean to tell me that you’re married?”
“Yes, yes we are.” They both said in unison.
Narin watched as Michael kissed Triara’s cheek. “Triara and I just got married, we got married a few weeks ago.” Triara spoke up. “Though, we’ve been together for much longer than that. Anyways,” Narin watched as Michael extended his hand forward, “I’m pleased to meet you.”
Narin carefully took hold of Michael’s hand and shook it. “I’m pleased to meet you as well.” He then turned to Triara. “What House do you come from?”
“Uh,” Triara lowered her head, “I don’t come from a House.”
“Oh,” Narin sighed in embarrassment, “me too. Or at least, we once did but no longer. We used to be part of the House of Moonbeam before my parents were cast out a number of years ago. This happened before I was born, so I have no memory of what happened.”
As Triara overcame her shock, she perked up. “Did you say that you were once from the House of Moonbeam?” she asked, her eyes widening with surprise.
“Yes,” Narin nodded, watching her reaction closely, “although it’s a part of our past that my family rarely talks about. I remember something about an arranged partnership, but my parents wanted nothing to do with it.”
Triara took a step closer, her expression softening as she put her hand to her chest. “I was part of the House of Moonbeam too, that is, before I was cast out.”
“Wait,” Amy spoke up in confusion, “arranged partnerships? What are those?”
Triara spoke up, looking her way. “In many of the noble Houses of Zalta such as the House of Moonbeam, partnerships are arranged by the matriarch of the House.” Heather hissed as she heard that; she had a feeling where the conversation was going. “They’re often made to solidify political alliances between the Houses to gain votes in their favor in the House of Lords.”
“So,” Amy bit her lower lip, “if I’m understanding all of this correctly, Narin’s parents were probably destined to be paired off with someone else, perhaps someone from another House. Right?”
Narin spoke up. “As I understand it, yes. My mother once told me that she was supposed to be paired with someone from the House of Duskmoon. I believe she called it a genetic pairing.”
“Oh yes,” Triara spoke up, “the House of Duskmoon; another powerful House of Zalta.” She could tell by the look of confusion on Amy’s face. “What he means by a genetic pairing is that there’s a good likelihood that Narin’s mother is a telepath and that she was paired with someone else that has telepathy in their lineage so as to increase the odds of having another telepath.”
“Indeed,” Narin concurred, “my mother is, in fact, a telepath. I take it that you’re a telepath as well?”
“Yes,” Triara confirmed, “I am.”
“And since your mother and father defied the orders of your matriarch, your family is no longer part of the House of Moonbeam. Right?” Amy asked.
“In a nutshell,” Triara spoke up, “yes. That basically explains it. Narin’s mother and father were cast out of the House of Moonbeam much like I was to allow the House to save face.”
“But why the focus on telepaths?” Amy asked. “Why are telepaths so important? And for that matter, what’s this about saving face.”
“Because telepaths like me,” Triara put her hand to her chest, “and Narin’s mother, can be used for all sorts of things like intelligence gathering and…” She was about to continue when Heather spoke up. “Political blackmail.”
“Exactly!” Triara pointed at Heather. “Before I joined the Royal Space Navy, I can’t even tell you the things that I was ordered by my matriarch to do and much of it I’m not proud of.” She shook her head and closed her eyes in shame as she remembered the things that she had done in the past. “I’ve ruined people’s lives because of the things that I did.”
As Heather saw the look of absolute shame on Triara’s face, guilt washed over her, making her feel sick to her stomach for once again questioning Triara’s motives. She put her hands to her mouth, trying to hold back the bile that had risen in her throat. Unable to contain it, she quickly ran to the kitchen and threw up in the sink.
Triara continued, her voice trembling with emotion. “Once great powerful Houses were brought down because of me or those like Narin’s mother.” Meanwhile, Amy mouthed the word ‘wow’ as she had said that. “And as for saving face, it all comes down to politics and prestige in the House of Lords. If a House doesn’t have the political power, they can’t push whatever measure they want passed.”
“So, no better than us Humans,” Amy spoke up, her tone a mixture of realization and sadness.
“In a way, yes.” Triara looked her way. “For all our talk of being better than Humans, we’re no better than you. We can backstab and scheme up the political ladder with the best, or worst,” she chuckled mirthlessly, “of your politicians; probably even more so because of people like me and Narin’s mother.”
Amy nodded slowly, processing Triara’s words. “It’s sobering to realize that. But also, it’s comforting to know that we’re not so different. It means we can understand each other better.”
By then Heather had come back into the living room. “Your honesty and willingness to make amends speak volumes about your character. It takes a lot of courage to face your past.”
“And I have, I have tried very hard to make up for my past,” Triara said, her voice filled with conviction. “I’ve been trying to make amends for the mistakes of my past ever since.” She turned to Michael, her eyes softening. “And it’s why my relationship with Michael means so much to me. I see it as a new beginning, a new life absent of the things that I did in my past.” She turned back to Heather. “Despite what you may’ve thought, I wouldn’t have ever done what you suggested.” Heather’s face flushed with embarrassment. “I wanted my relationship with Michael and Jessie to be real, not forced.”
Amy glanced at her mother, noticing the embarrassed look on her face.
“I guess there’s no hiding secrets around you,” Heather said as she regained her composure.
“No,” Triara shook her head, “there isn’t.” She turned back to Michael and took hold of his hand. “And that’s the way we like it.” Heather watched as a smile came to Michael’s face. “Michael and I have been intimate with each other in ways that transcend physical intimacy.” She looked down at his hand. “Isn’t that right, my love?”
Michael spoke up, his voice filled with affection. “Yes indeed, my love.”
Triara smiled, her eyes locked with Michael’s. “Our bond is deeper than just physical,” she explained, turning back to Heather. “It’s about understanding, trust, and being completely open with each other.” He turned to Jessie who was in his arms. “I know that Triara only has the best of intentions with Jessie and that she does indeed want only the best for her.” They all watched as Triara nodded. “I wouldn’t have brought Triara here to meet Jessie if I didn’t truly trust her like I do.”
“And like you care about Michael,” Narin spoke up as he turned to face Amy, “I also care about Amy. She means a lot to me.”
He was about to say something more when Heather spoke up. “I know all about that. Amy told me how she and her friends have welcomed you into their circle.”
“Yes,” Narin smiled, “that she has. When I first came here to live in this community, it wasn’t easy, but Amy and her friends have made me feel at home. They’ve made me feel… welcome.” He turned to Amy and reached for her hand. “I appreciate everything you’ve done for me.”
“Aww,” Amy hugged him tightly and kissed his cheek. “It’s been my pleasure.” She turned to the rest of her family. “This is Steven, my father.”
“Pleased to meet you,” Narin extended his hand to shake Steven’s hand.
“Likewise, Narin; Amy’s told me so much about you.”
“And this,” Amy added as Jessie squirmed in Michael’s arms at which he let go of her and put her on the ground after which she ran up to Narin and grabbed hold of his leg, “this little one is my niece, Jessie.” She looked down at Jessie, who looked up at Narin and smiled. “Aren’t you going to say hello?”
“Uh,” Narin hesitated as he looked down at the small child that had her arms wrapped around his leg, “hi little one.”
Jessie giggled, still holding onto his leg. “Hi!” she chirped, her eyes sparkling with curiosity and excitement.
Narin smiled, bending down slightly to be more at her level. “It’s nice to meet you, Jessie.”
Jessie beamed and hugged him tighter. “Are you Amy’s friend?” she asked innocently.
“Yes, I am,” Narin replied, glancing at Amy, who gave him an encouraging nod. “I’m Amy’s friend, and I’m really happy to meet you.”
Jessie’s smile widened as she looked up at Amy. “He’s nice!” she declared.
Amy laughed, patting Jessie on the head. “Yes, he is. And I’m glad you think so.” Meanwhile, Jessie continued to hug Narin while Narin couldn’t help but feel like he was once of their own.
“You know,” Narin looked up from Jessie, “it’s amazing how our paths have crossed. Maybe later, after dinner, I can take you to see my parents.” Narin thumbed over his shoulder. “They live a few houses down from here.”
Triara’s expression perked up, a smile spreading across her face. “Perhaps I’d like that. It would be wonderful to meet them.”
Amy, standing beside Narin, squeezed his hand and smiled at Triara. “I think they’ll be happy to meet you too. It’s amazing how our families are coming together.” He paused for a moment. “If you don’t mind me asking, how did the two of you meet?”
Triara went onto explain how the two of them met. That conversation went on for several minutes until Heather called from the kitchen.
Heather poked her head into the living room, her eyes twinkling with warmth. “Alright everyone, dinner is almost ready,” she announced with a cheerful smile.
The group stirred from their various conversations and activities. Narin felt a flutter of anticipation in his chest. This dinner was more than just a meal; it was an opportunity to solidify his place within Amy’s family much like Amy had solidified a place in his family.
Amy gave Narin’s hand a reassuring squeeze. “You’re going to love my mom’s cooking,” she said with a grin. “She makes the best meals.”
Michael, Triara, and Jessie rose from their seats, heading toward the dining area. Michael looked back at Narin and Amy, nodding encouragingly. “Come on, let’s not let dinner get cold; my mother is the best cook!”
“What about my mom’s?” Narin asked, asking playfully for he knew what she thought about his mom.
“Oh alright,” Amy chuckled, “she is too.”
—
Later that evening, as the five of them were approaching Narin’s house. Narin glanced back at Amy, Triara, and Michael, who was walking beside Triara with Jessie nestled comfortably in her arms.
“Come on,” Narin called out, motioning for the three of them to walk faster, “it’s just a little bit farther.”
“Yeah,” Amy added, running ahead of Narin and turning back to encourage Michael and Triara, “we want some time before it gets too late.”
The group quickened their pace, laughter and light conversation flowed among them. As they passed by neighboring houses, a few curious onlookers peeked out from their windows and porches, observing the unusual group with interest. It wasn’t every day they saw such a diverse gathering, especially with two aliens among them. The sight was made even more intriguing by the fact that one of the aliens was holding a young human girl in her arms while also holding hands with a human.
One of their neighbors, Mrs. Carter, gave a friendly wave. “Evening, Narin! Who are your friends?”
Narin smiled and waved back. “Evening, Mrs. Carter! These are my friends, Amy, Michael, and Triara. And this little one is Jessie.”
Mrs. Carter’s eyes twinkled with curiosity. “Well, it’s nice to see you all. Have a good evening!”
“Thank you!” They all chorused while continuing on their way.
Triara adjusted Jessie in her arms, giving the young girl a gentle kiss on the forehead at which Jessie snuggled up closer to Triara. “This is such a lovely neighborhood,” she commented, glancing around at the well-kept gardens and friendly faces.
Amy nodded in agreement. “It is,” she said, waving to another one of her neighbors. “The neighbors are quite nice to us.”
“Yeah,” Narin added, taking hold of Amy’s hand. “They’ve been welcoming to me and my parents, even though, well… we’re aliens.”
Triara nodded as she thought about what Michael had said when they had first arrived in the colony and that he had wanted to buy a home in the colony. As she looked at him, he smiled; it was as if he knew exactly what she was thinking.
Triara took hold of Michael’s hand. “I can tell why you want to buy a home here.” She looked around the neighborhood again. “It’s nice, very welcoming. The people are nice.”
Michael heard the sound of her voice inside his mind. “Yes,” she heard his voice inside her mind, “it’s very nice indeed.” He waved to another person as they passed by. “It’s a perfect place for us to raise a family.”
Family. There was that word again. Triara almost choked up as she heard it inside her mind. He really did want to have a family with her. As she looked at him, he once again nodded, his eyes filled with sincerity.
Triara hugged Jessie against herself at which Jessie giggled and once again kissed the top of Jessie’s head.
“And here we are.” Narin extended his hand, pointing toward his house. He began to walk up the small walkway. Triara, Amy, Michael, and Jessie followed closely behind, their earlier conversation lingering in the air.
As Narin opened the door, he stepped into the house and announced that they had visitors. Triara, with her enhanced hearing, picked up the rustling and footfalls of two people inside.
“Mom. Dad.” Narin called out as they approached the door. “I’d like you to meet some new people I met when I was over at Amy’s house. This is Michael and his daughter Jessie. And this is…”
He was interrupted by his mother’s sudden exclamation. “Triara?! Is that really you?”
“Yes, I’m Triara.”
Before Triara could say anything else, Narin’s mother came bounding down the porch steps toward her and caught her up in a hug.
“Triara,” Narin’s mom hugged her tightly, tears welling up in her eyes, “oh Great Maker, it’s you; it’s really you.” Narin’s mom stepped back, still holding Triara’s hands. “It’s been so long,” she said, her voice trembling with emotion. “How have you been? Where have you been? I’ve tried to contact you.” She looked down at the ground, her shoulders slumping slightly. “I can’t tell you how many times I tried to reach out. Unfortunately, I gave up.”
“Yeah well,” Triara said, nervously rubbed the back of her neck, “after I was cast out of our House, I kind of cut all ties with anyone I once knew. It was too painful.”
“Yeah,” Narin’s mom sighed, “I know.”
“Triara?” Michael came up behind Triara. “Do you mind introducing us?”
“Oh!” Triara exclaimed. “Michael?” She turned about and put a hand on her husband’s shoulder. “Meet Faelya, my friend from a long time ago.” Faelya spoke up. “And this is my partner, Peldos.”
“Pleased to meet you.” Michael stepped forward with Jessie in his arms. “I’m Michael.”
“Pleased to meet you.” Faelya bowed before him in typical Zaltaen fashion. “Please, come in.” She motioned for them to come in.
As they all settled in, Triara and Michael sat down on a couch in the living room. Jessie, full of boundless energy, bounced about in Triara’s lap. Narin’s parents took their seats opposite them, their eyes filled with curiosity and warmth.
Narin’s mom leaned forward, her gaze softening as she watched Jessie. “She’s adorable,” she said with a smile. “How old is she?”
“She’s six years old,” Michael replied, his voice filled with pride. “She’s the light of my life.”
Jessie, meanwhile, giggled while reaching up to play with Triara’s hair.
Narin’s dad cleared his throat, drawing their attention. “So, Triara, tell us more about yourself and how you came to know Michael and Jessie.”
Triara took a deep breath, her fingers gently smoothing Jessie’s hair. “Well, after I was cast out of our House so many years ago, I joined the Royal Space Navy. It was a way for me to start over, to find a new purpose. Years later, I was posted among humans and while we were still under cover, I got to know two humans: Richard and Rachel. It was Richard and Rachel to whom I revealed my true self.” She watched as Faelya and Peldos nodded. “The three of us became fast friends. Years later, I was posted to the Genesis space station here in the system, and it was there that I met Michael, one of Richard’s friends.” She looked fondly at Michael. “To make a long story short, we eventually started dating, and now we’re married.”
“Married?” Faelya asked. “As in?”
Triara nodded. “Exactly.” Faelya watched as Michael put an arm around Triara’s shoulder and brought her close. “Michael and I are husband and wife, and,” she looked down at Jessie, “I’m Jessie’s new mother.”
“If you don’t mind me asking,” Peldos said, “what happened to Jessie’s mother?”
“Jessie’s mother, my late wife, died during the war between the Human Federation and the then ACF.”
“Oh,” Peldos looked down in embarrassment, “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be,” Michael spoke up, “you didn’t know.” Peldos looked back at Michael as he squeezed Triara’s hand. “But I have Triara in my life now, and as you can see, Jessie’s taken to her quite well.”
“I can see that,” Faelya said as she watched the child hug Triara. She turned to Michael. “You do know that Triara’s a telepath, right?”
“Oh yes!” Triara exclaimed. “It was the first thing I told him when we first started dating. I felt he had a right to know about my special abilities before things got serious between the two of us.” She was about to continue when Michael spoke up from where Triara left off. “You should’ve seen her, she was so nervous about telling me about her abilities but as I told her, it didn’t matter to me, and it still doesn’t. Isn’t that right, my love?”
Triara blushed as he once again called her that. He turned to look at Faelya and Peldos and shrugged.
“It probably didn’t hurt that I was already taken with her.”
“Taken?” Peldos asked, obviously confused.
“Smitten.” He saw that both Faelya and Peldos were still confused. “What I mean is that I was already rather attracted to her.” He watched as Faelya slowly nodded her head. “I had gotten to know Triara for some time before we started dating. We were friends at first. And to be honest, if it wasn’t for Triara, I probably wouldn’t be here talking with the two of you.”
“How so?” Faelya asked.
“When I lost my wife and the mother of my child, I was in a rather dark place. I was having the kinds of thoughts that no one should have.” Michael looked down and patted Triara’s knee. “If it wasn’t for Triara here, I wouldn’t be alive today. She saved me from making a very big mistake.” He looked back up at her. “And I can’t thank her enough.”
“Wow,” Peldos whispered.
“And did you claim Michael as your mate?” Faelya asked.
“As a matter of fact,” Triara turned to Michael, “yes, I did. I told him that I claimed him as my mate right before we,” she blushed, “well, you get the idea.”
“How did he react?” Peldos asked.
“Well,” Triara began, “as you can probably imagine, he was rather shocked. He had no idea about that aspect of our society. But he quickly got over his shock and we went to his bedroom and…” Michael spoke up, interrupting her. “Alright Triara, they don’t need to know what we did that night.”
Meanwhile, Amy’s mind was racing with thoughts about how Zaltaen women claimed their mates. She had learned about the custom from Narin and other Zaltaens she had met. The idea of formally claiming Narin as her mate was both a thrilling and terrifying concept. However, she knew that she had to have him in her life; she loved him after all.
But how would he react? Would he accept her claim on him?
Those questions nagged at her, creating a swirl of doubt and excitement within her. She had nothing to lose and everything to gain. Their relationship had grown so deep, and she felt the time was right to take this significant step.
Taking a deep breath, she spoke up.
“Speaking of Zaltaen women claiming their mates,” Amy coughed, drawing everyone’s attention, “I want to say something.” She took Narin’s hands into hers, feeling her heart race. “Narin,” she began, her voice trembling slightly, “I love you; I love you so very much. I hope you know that.” He nodded, his eyes locked onto hers, filled with curiosity and warmth.
“Getting to know you and your family and learning about your culture this past year and a half, has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. That’s why I want to tell you something important.” She glanced down at their joined hands, giving them a gentle squeeze before looking back up at him. “I’ve given this a lot of thought, and… Narin, I claim you as my mate.”
Narin’s eyes widened in surprise. He glanced over his shoulder at his mom, who smiled and nodded her head encouragingly. Turning back to Amy, he found himself at a loss for words. The depth of his emotions left him speechless.
Instead of speaking, he pulled her into a tight embrace, his heart pounding with joy. He leaned in and kissed her, pouring all his love and gratitude into that kiss. Amy responded with equal passion, wrapping her arms around him.
Meanwhile, the others in the room watched the scene unfold, smiles spreading across their faces. Faelya and Peldos exchanged knowing glances, while Triara and Michael held hands, their own bond strengthened by witnessing this declaration of love.
As Amy and Narin finally pulled apart, they rested their foreheads together, breathing heavily. “I love you,” Amy whispered, her eyes glistening with tears of happiness.
“I love you too, Amy,” Narin replied, his voice choked with emotion. “You’ve made me the happiest man in the universe.” He closed in for another kiss.
“Well now,” Triara spoke up, breaking the tender silence, “I guess this family of ours has forged another link.” Her voice was warm and filled with affection as she watched Amy and Narin, their hands still entwined.
Faelya smiled, her eyes reflecting a mixture of pride and joy. “It’s wonderful to see such love and commitment. Welcome to the family, Amy.”
Peldos nodded in agreement. “Yes, welcome. We’re honored to have you.”
Amy blushed, her heart swelling with happiness. “Thank you, all of you. I’m so grateful to have been welcomed into this family.”
Michael chuckled softly. “It’s a beautiful thing, seeing love blossom like this. We’re all very lucky.”
Jessie, who had been quietly observing everything from Triara’s lap, clapped her hands and giggled. “More family!”
Everyone laughed, the sound filling the room with warmth and camaraderie. Narin reached for Amy’s hand, interlacing his fingers with hers. Amy looked down and smiled, then met Narin’s gaze with eyes full of love. She leaned against him, cuddling closer as they enjoyed a tender moment together among family. Their closeness was a testament to the deep connection they had built, marked by mutual respect and affection.
Meanwhile, Faelya looked at her son as he enjoyed the company of his newfound mate. She knew that coming here to live among humans hadn’t been easy for him, yet as she watched him kiss the top of Amy’s head, she felt a glimmer of hope for the happiness he deserved.
Curious and concerned, Faelya opened her mind, bringing down the mental walls and barriers that any telepath would carefully construct inside their mind. She concentrated on the thoughts and feelings of her son and Amy. It was obvious they both felt a great deal of affection for each other. As she delved deeper, she sensed that many of their feelings had turned rather sexual in nature.
“Narin,” Faelya began gently, “you know that we Zaltaens don’t…”
“Mom,” Narin interrupted, shooting his mother a glare, “stay out of my mind.”
Meanwhile, Triara chuckled for she knew all too well the kinds of thoughts that Narin was having about Amy. They were, after all, the same kind of thoughts that Michael often had for her.
“What?” Amy asked, looking between Narin and Faelya.
“She’s,” Narin thumbed over his shoulder at his mom, “using her telepathic abilities again.” He stood up from the couch and extended his hand to Amy. “Come, honey,” he said gently, “let’s go somewhere more private.”
Amy looked up at him, a small smile playing on her lips as she took his hand. “Alright,” she agreed, standing up and following him out of the room.
“Narin,” Faelya called out to him, “please come back.”
Despite his mother’s protests, Narin and Amy left the room.
“I was just…” Faelya started, her voice trailing off as she searched for the right words. She felt a mixture of confusion and concern, unsure how to express her feelings about the changes she was observing in her son.
Triara interrupted her, her tone gentle but firm. “You had to know that with your son being involved with a human girl, his thoughts would naturally change about certain things, right?” She softened her expression, meeting Faelya’s eyes with empathy.
Faelya sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly. “I mean, yes, I,” she stuttered, “I guess so.”
“And then there’s the fact that he’s been immersed in human culture while at school. It’s only natural that he would start to see things differently, especially when it comes to relationships and sexuality. But that doesn’t mean your son has lost respect for our traditions.”
“I just,” she paused once again, “didn’t think he would change so quickly. I’ve tried so hard to raise him right, to instill our cultural values in him.”
“And you’ve done a wonderful job,” Triara reassured her. “Narin is a kind, respectful young man. He’s taken the best of both worlds, our Zaltaen traditions of respect towards the opposite gender and the openness of human society and made them his own. That’s not something you should fear, that’s something to be proud of.”
Faelya’s eyes softened, but the worry was still evident. “I know he’s a good person, but I just didn’t expect him to be so open to things that are so different from our ways. It’s like he’s embracing a completely new set of values.”
Triara nodded. “It’s understandable to feel that way. But remember, Narin is forging his own path. He’s combining the lessons you’ve taught him with the experiences he’s had among humans. It’s a sign of growth, not rejection of his heritage.”
Faelya looked down, her thoughts in turmoil. “I just want him to be happy, but I also want him to remember where he comes from.”
“And he does,” Triara said softly. “He wouldn’t be as respectful as he is towards Amy if he didn’t regard our Zaltaen traditions as highly as he does.” Michael spoke up. “You can see the difference. Many young human men don’t have the same level of respect and consideration that your son has for Amy. Narin stands out because he’s balanced your traditions with what he’s learned from humans. He’s attentive, caring, and genuinely considerate towards Amy and it’s something that Amy really appreciates.”
“I didn’t think about it that way.” Faelya slumped her shoulders once again.
“A lot of young human men would be quick to take Amy to bed if you know what I mean.” Faelya nodded, showing that she knew what he meant. “However, your son hasn’t done that yet despite his attraction to Amy. He understands the importance of building a strong emotional foundation first. He respects Amy’s boundaries and values the deeper connection they share.”
Faelya nodded thoughtfully. “I suppose you’re right. It’s just hard to let go sometimes.”
Triara smiled gently. “It’s natural to worry, but you’ve given Narin the tools he needs to navigate both worlds. Trust in the values you’ve instilled in him and know that he’s finding his own way with Amy.”
Michael added, “They have something special, and it’s because of the way you raised him, Faelya. Again, you should be proud of the man he’s become.”
—
Meanwhile, on the back porch, Narin paced back and forth, his frustration evident in the tension of his shoulders and the sharpness in his voice. “Sometimes she makes me so angry!” he growled, his steps uneven and restless. “Why doesn’t she trust me?” He continued his agitated pacing, feeling trapped by his mother’s concerns about his changes.
“Amy,” she said softly, her voice gentle but firm, “honey. Please, come sit down.” She patted the steps beside her, her eyes full of concern and understanding.
He followed her lead, sitting beside her with a heavy sigh. Amy reached over, her touch warm and soothing as she gently caressed his back.
“Narin,” she began, her tone steady and calm, “I understand you’re frustrated. But it’s not that she doesn’t want you to be happy. I believe it’s more about her concerns over how much you’ve changed.”
He turned to her, his eyes reflecting confusion and hurt. “Changed? What do you mean?”
“Think about it,” Amy continued, her gaze soft but insightful. “You’re not the same person I met at that lonely lunch table a year and a half ago. You’ve grown so much since then.” She paused, letting her words resonate. “You’re more confident, more focused on your future and what you want. You’re taking advanced AP courses in school, and I know that you’re receiving offers from prestigious colleges and universities. That’s a lot of change in a short time.”
Narin looked down, considering her words. “I guess I see what you mean.”
“And it’s not just about your academic growth,” she said, pausing to let the words settle. “There’s also your personal growth. You’ve changed in our relationship.” She glanced down at his hand resting on her thigh. “You’ve become more assertive and open about expressing your feelings and desires.” Her gaze returned to his face. “The Narin I first met wouldn’t have been so forward or open about intimacy.”
“I understand,” he replied softly, his voice tinged with reflection. “It’s not my people’s way. On Zalta, women typically take the lead in such matters, especially in matters of intimacy.”
“That’s right,” Amy agreed. “And your mother is struggling to reconcile the traditional values that she’s known all her life with the changes she’s been seeing in you. It’s not that she’s angry or that she doesn’t want you to be happy; she’s just concerned about how quickly things have changed with you.”
Narin sighed, leaning into Amy’s comforting presence. “I guess that makes sense. I never thought about it that way.” He smiled as he stared into her eyes. “I love you, Amy. And more than anything,” he interlaced his fingers with hers, “I want this life with you.”
Amy smiled warmly as her heart swelled with the sound of his words, her eyes reflecting his affection. “I love you too, Narin. And yes,” she closed in for a kiss, “I want this kind of life with you as well.”
As their lips met, the world seemed to fall away, leaving only their shared connection and love for each other. As the kiss ended, Narin smiled, his worries momentarily forgotten. “I want us to be together, I want to build a future together. I want it more than anything.”
“And I want that too,” Amy said softly, resting her head on his shoulder as he put an arm around her and hugged her close.
—
Meanwhile, in the living room, Faelya voiced her concern. “I’m worried about how much he’s changing since he started interacting with humans at school. For example, did you notice how he touched her?” Her gaze shifted to Triara, who simply shrugged.
“How can you just shrug it off like that?” Faelya asked, her voice tinged with frustration. She looked over at Michael, whose touch towards Triara was similar to how Narin had touched Amy. “How is it that you’re so comfortable with Michael touching you like that? Zaltaen men don’t usually act this way.”
Triara met Faelya’s gaze with a calm expression. “Faelya, I’ve come to appreciate this kind of physical contact,” she said, nodding toward Michael. “Humans often use it to show affection, and it’s something I’ve grown to like over time.” She reached for Michael’s knee and gave it a reassuring pat.
Faelya hummed thoughtfully, still unconvinced. “But what about how you’re dressed? How can you be comfortable in a skirt that short?” She pointed at Triara’s outfit as she watched her cross her legs.
“Like what?” Triara asked with a smirk, clearly unbothered by Faelya’s discomfort.
“You know!” Faelya exclaimed, her voice tinged with exasperation. “You’re wearing a skirt, and a really short one at that!”
“Oh, that,” Triara said with a lighthearted laugh, shrugging casually. “Just as my feelings about physical contact have evolved,” she patted Michael’s hand on her thigh, “so have my views on how I dress. I actually enjoy dressing like this,” she added, giving her skirt a playful tug. “And you should see the reactions from other Zaltaens on the space station where I’m stationed.”
Faelya hesitated, her gaze lingering on Triara’s outfit. “You… you really enjoy dressing like that?”
“Absolutely!” Triara’s smile widened. “It’s given me a new sense of freedom, a freedom to express myself in ways I never thought possible.” She watched as Faelya blinked in surprise. “I mean, think about it,” she pointed at the robe Faelya was wearing, “we all wear the same thing back on Zalta.”
Faelya’s disbelief was still evident as she gestured towards Triara’s skirt. “But it’s so short. How can you be comfortable showing so much of yourself?”
Triara chuckled softly, understanding Faelya’s perspective. “That’s what these are for,” she explained, gently indicating the tights she was wearing. “A friend of mine, Rachel, introduced me to them when I expressed an interest to blend in more with humans. These tights allow me to wear clothing that might seem revealing by our cultural standards while still maintaining a sense of comfort and modesty.” She paused, glancing at Michael, who offered an encouraging nod. “And over time, I’ve come to appreciate how they help me feel more confident and at ease with human fashion.”
Michael added, “I think they suit her well. They complement her outfits and reflect her unique blend of Zaltaen values with a human touch.”
Triara smiled warmly at Michael’s comment while gently patting Michael’s hand that was on her thigh in a gesture of shared support. “And I’m sure Narin feels the same way about Amy.”
Faelya’s expression softened as she began to understand. “I suppose so,” she admitted. “I’ve noticed Amy wears them often too. Perhaps there’s something to it after all.”
Triara chuckled at Faelya’s comment, sensing a growing acceptance from her.
“Remember, humans don’t have the same reservations about certain things,” Triara said gently, her voice softening with empathy as she addressed Faelya’s concerns. “For me, the way I dress isn’t just about fashion; it’s about feeling comfortable and confident in my own skin. That’s something I had to learn, especially after being raised with the belief that showing oneself was something to be ashamed of. Living among humans has shown me a different perspective — one where self-expression isn’t just accepted but celebrated.” She paused, meeting Faelya’s gaze to gauge her reaction. “And beyond that, my time here has made me reflect on Zaltaen society. I’ve begun to see its many issues and am concerned about its future. It feels like we’re on a path that could lead to our downfall, perhaps even extinction.”
Faelya’s eyes widened in shock, her voice barely a whisper as she repeated, “Extinction?”
Peldos, who had been quietly listening to the exchange, chose this moment to step in. His tone was calm but firm, as if he had been mulling over these thoughts for a long time.
“Triara’s right, Faelya.” He ignored the sharp look his partner gave him, knowing this was a truth that needed to be spoken. “Think about it — when was the last time our society truly innovated? Even at the height of the war between the ACF and the Human Federation, human society kept moving forward. They continued to create movies, music, and art; life didn’t just stop for them. But for us, in Zaltaen society, it all came to a halt. We’ve been on a war footing for so long, battling the Vonosh, that our culture has stagnated. We’re no longer evolving, no longer growing. We’re stuck in the past, and that’s a dangerous place to be. If we don’t change, we’re destined to fade away.”
Triara stood up, her expression resolute. “And then look at what happened to your family, Faelya. You were cast out of the House of Moonbeam for reasons that were as unjust as they were cruel. Can you stand by a society that allows such injustices to happen without question? Can you stand by a society that clings so tightly to outdated traditions that it punishes those who don’t fit the mold?”
Faelya’s posture slumped as the weight of their words pressed down on her. The conflict within her was evident, a battle between the loyalty she felt toward her heritage and the stark truths being laid before her. “But… it’s the way things have always been,” she murmured, more to herself than to them.
Triara knelt before Faelya and looked up into her eyes. “Just because something has always been a certain way doesn’t mean it should stay that way. Traditions are important, yes, but they shouldn’t become shackles that prevent us from growing, from embracing change. I’ve found a freedom among humans that I never thought possible. Dressing like this,” she looked down at herself, “being able to express myself without fear of judgment — it’s all so very liberating, Faelya. And it’s something I’d never want to give up.”
Faelya remained silent, processing Triara’s words. Her gaze shifted to Peldos, seeking some form of reassurance. “Do you really believe our society is dying?” she asked, her voice trembling slightly.
Peldos met her eyes with a steady gaze. “I do. And it’s not just about the lack of innovation, as Triara alluded to, it’s about the way we treat our people. Think about what happened to the both of us simply because we dared to go against what our matriarch ordered us to do.” He watched as his partner closed her eyes. “What happened to our family was a tragedy. So yes,” he turned to Triara, “I agree with you. Our society is dying.”
Amy and Narin walked into the room followed by Jessie, their hands intertwined in a united front. Faelya looked up at her son, immediately noticing the calm determination in his eyes. “Mom,” Narin began, his voice steady, “Amy and I talked a bit outside.” His words were measured, but the underlying tension was clear.
“I have to admit, I was quite angry with you,” Narin continued, his gaze unwavering. “I even questioned whether you wanted me to be happy.” Triara, seated nearby, subtly glanced at Faelya and sent a thought directly into her mind through her telepathy, “Do you see what I mean?” Faelya closed her eyes briefly, feeling the weight of her son’s disappointment in her. She had never intended to hurt him, yet here they were.
Narin’s expression softened as he turned to Amy, his anchor in the storm of his emotions. “But after talking with Amy, I’ve calmed down. She helped me see things from your perspective.” Faelya’s eyes met his, and she could see the sincerity in his words. “I understand now that my changes in behavior scare you, and to be honest, they scare me too sometimes.” Faelya started to speak, but Triara gently nudged her mind, urging her to let Narin finish.
Narin took a deep breath, his voice growing more resolute. “But Mom, ever since I’ve gotten to know Amy, she hasn’t led me wrong. She’s been there for me, helping me in ways I can’t even begin to describe, for reasons I deeply appreciate.” He turned to Amy, his gaze softening. “I can’t thank her enough for everything she’s done for me.” Then, facing his mother again, he continued. “She’s helped me fit in, make friends, and adapt to a culture that’s so very different from our own. And in the time that I’ve known her, we’ve become incredibly close.
“And then there’s the fact that when I’m with her, I’m happy — happier than I’ve ever been since you brought our family to live here in this colony. And deep down,” he placed a hand over his heart, “I know that Amy feels the same way.” He turned to Amy, his smile warm and full of affection for her. “Isn’t that right, honey?”
Amy’s smile broadened as she leaned closer to Narin, his arm naturally wrapping around her in response. “We want to be together,” she affirmed softly, her hand gently rubbing his back in a comforting gesture.
Faelya finally found her voice, her tone filled with regret. “I know, and I’m sorry for getting angry with you. I had no right to be. You’re right — I am scared of the changes I’ve seen in you.” As she spoke, Triara quietly sat back down and crossed her legs while she observed the unfolding scene all while Jessie settled comfortably back in her lap.
Faelya continued, her voice tinged with vulnerability. “I’m scared because I don’t want to see you get hurt. You’ve already been through so much, and I’m just trying to protect you. Can you understand that, right?”
Amy, sensing the sincerity in Faelya’s words, spoke up with gentle determination. “Faelya, please know that I only have the best intentions for your son. I want him — no,” she paused, catching herself, but Triara’s supportive nod gave her the courage to continue, “I need him in my life.” She turned to Narin; her eyes filled with love. “I love him,” she said, causing Narin’s smile to widen, “so I would never hurt him.” She leaned her head against his shoulder and continued, her voice just above that of a whisper. “I’d never hurt you.” She kissed his cheek.
“See?” Triara said, glancing at Faelya and Peldos with a knowing smile. “Sometimes, you just have to have a little faith that things will work out. Sometimes you just have to believe in the power of love.” She turned to Michael, her eyes filled with warmth. “I know I do.”
“Don’t be scared, Mom,” Narin spoke up, his voice steady and reassuring. “I’m not.” He turned to Amy and kissed her gently on the lips, a gesture that made his mother cringe slightly. Triara chuckled softly at the reaction, her smile reflecting the joy and confidence she felt.
Michael spoke up with a supportive tone. “I think it’s wonderful that your son has found someone who truly appreciates him, loves him, and wants him in her life. It’s not something to fear; it’s only natural for people to come together like that.” He turned to Triara, his eyes filled with affection. “Isn’t that right, honey?”
“Yeah,” Triara smiled, her eyes softening as she reflected on her words, “it is.” She turned back to Faelya, her expression thoughtful. “Human relationships are different from Zaltaen ones; there’s more emotional connection, more,” she glanced down at Michael’s hand resting on her thigh, feeling its warmth and the comfort it brought, “intimacy than what we Zaltaens are generally used to. It’s not just about partnership or duty; it’s about sharing every part of yourself — your fears, your dreams, your mutual love for each other — so deeply and openly.” She looked up at Michael, a tender smile forming on her lips. “But that doesn’t make it bad; it’s just,” she let out a small laugh, “different. That’s all.” She turned back to Faelya, her voice carrying a note of conviction. “And in the time that I’ve been with Michael, I’ve come to truly appreciate all of that in my life. I’ve grown in ways I never expected, and it’s made me see Zaltaen society, and myself, differently. I wouldn’t want it any other way.”
“Me too,” Narin spoke up, his voice steady but with a hint of nervousness as he glanced at his mother. “When I look at your… partnership with my father, there’s no,” he hesitated, biting his lower lip as he worried about how his mother might react, “no love there. At least, not the kind of love I’ve come to understand.”
Faelya’s eyes softened, a flicker of sadness crossing her face as she absorbed her son’s words. “It’s not that I don’t feel anything for your father,” she began, her voice carrying the weight of unspoken emotions, “it’s just that…” She sighed deeply, her gaze shifting to Peldos, who sat silently beside her. The silence hung in the air as she searched for the right words. “You’re right, Narin,” she finally admitted, her tone tinged with resignation, “there is… love, but not in the way humans seem to experience it. It’s more about respect, duty, and shared purpose. But it lacks that deep emotional connection, that passion that you’re talking about.”
Narin nodded, his heart heavy with the realization of the truth he’d long suspected. “But there is that love,” he said, his voice growing steadier, “in the relationship that Amy and I share.” He glanced over at Michael and Triara. “And it’s the same love that I see between Michael and Triara.” Turning back to his mother, he continued, “It’s different from what I grew up with, but it’s real, and it’s powerful.” He reached for Amy’s hand, intertwining his fingers with hers, drawing strength from their connection. “We share our dreams, our fears, our lives in a way that’s completely open and honest. And that’s something I never want to lose.” He looked back at his mother, hoping she could see the depth of his conviction. “It’s something I hope you can come to accept, because it’s what truly makes me happy.”
—
Later that night, as Triara, Jessie, and Michael walked down the sidewalk toward his aunt’s house, the cool night air filled with the quiet murmur of distant conversations. Michael turned to Triara, curiosity flickering in his eyes.
“So,” he began, “what do you think of Amy and Narin? Do you think they’ll make it?”
Triara smiled warmly. “I think they will.”
Michael’s gaze lingered on her, silently urging her to continue. Sensing his curiosity, Triara went on, “I’ve sensed her thoughts, her feelings — they’re genuine. She loves him, deeply I might add.”
Michael glanced away for a moment before meeting her eyes again. “Like mine?” he asked, his voice soft, filled with hope, seeking confirmation of how much she truly meant to him.
Triara’s expression softened, her telepathic awareness already tuned into the emotions swirling in his heart. She reached up, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. “Yes, Michael,” she whispered, her voice laced with affection, “just like I know what you feel for me.”
As Michael relaxed under her touch, Jessie, who had been quietly walking beside them, watched on with wide eyes. The six-year-old was fascinated by the unspoken connection between her father and Triara, sensing something special even though she didn’t fully understand it. Triara picked up on Jessie’s curiosity, her young mind buzzing with innocent intrigue.
Smiling softly, Triara glanced down at Jessie, her voice gentle as she spoke to both of them. “You see, love isn’t just something you say, it’s something you feel deep inside. And when two people care about each other, like your daddy and I do, you can feel it without even saying a word.” Jessie’s eyes brightened as she looked up at her father and Triara, her small hand slipping into Triara’s. She felt the warmth of their bond, a connection that Triara had gently shared with her, making her feel included in the special moment between them.
Last updated on Monday, September 9th, 2024 at 9:27 PM by trparky.