Transport Tales, Volume 1: Novan

By PJ Port

Futuristic Romance-Fantasy Love Story in Space: Selena is obsessed with the Shoxnan. Mecha is obsessed with Selena. Maggie is hopelessly in love with Mecha. Kent and his lady both like bedding the Fleesor Ambassador. ~Never mind Chiela's antics, the trouble with colonizing Floura, Shoxnan venom, Mecha's temper, the Kent-Selena connection, or that Selena & Mecha share a son ... who's not exactly the innocent little kid he appears to be.
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mostly polite language

• Language: English
• Publisher: UnicornPanther Books
• Release date: Dec 21, 2012
• ISBN: 9781301288663

PJ Port

~ dreamer, writer, gramma ~ I mostly write Happy-Ending Love Story novels -- sappy, trashy, past, present, futuristic, and otherworldly -- though not usually of any one specific category. My short stories, on the other hand, seem to be an unrelated assortment of speculative/fantasy musings. I like to read hybrid combinations of mystery, paranormal, romance, sci-fi/fantasy, and humor. (But try to avoid horror, suspense, and thrillers.) *My favorite teacher advised me to "specialize," so as not to be a "Jack of all trades and master of none (like her)." But the Jack sounded like so much more fun, and I admired 'her' versatility so much, that I didn't listen. From Algebra classrooms to Massage and Reiki tables to Writing pads, my professional interactions have been as varied as the seasons. And alas, my stories follow suit ... mixing genres and being none.* ~~~~~~~~~~ Life circumstances have delayed my next release. But I haven't given up! Hope to be be back in gear soon. ~~~~~~~~~~

Book preview

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Transport Tales

Volume 1

Novan

by

PJ Port

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Copyright 2011 PJ Port

United States Copyright Office

all rights reserved

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published by

UnicornPanther Books

Smashwords Edition

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Smashwords Edition, License Statement

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This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient.

If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please go to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy.

Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

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dedicated to

my children

The universe awaits you!

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at the time Novan was written,

and dedicated,

my children were tiny

but the sentiment still holds

and extends now to their children

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contents

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glossary-note

Novan

author's notes

preview of Sapphire Wolf

sample of To Touch Ice

definitions & stuff

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disclaimer

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This author is a fanciful soul with a casual-talk ear who prefers imagination over fact, and normal flow-of-thought over being grammatically correct.

Therefore, she makes no claims of historical, social, fashionable, grammatical, or scientific accuracy.

This story and these characters are purely fictitious products of said author's off-beat imagination, and in no way represent any actual events, situations, or persons — living or dead.

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new futuristic terms are linked to, & from,

definitions & stuff

located at the end of this book

if these links do not work properly on your device,

or if you would like a subsequent-use reference,

the terms are also defined

in a note on the Transport Tales

facebook page

and

at this additional internet location

www.pjportdictionary.wordpress.com/v1

the PDF version at

smashwords.com

is also an option

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~0~

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A definite tingle crawled up JaReese's spine ... distracted him from sorting the contents of several med-supply baskets ... turned his attention to a lift opening across the hall ... and spread. —Standing hairs as it crawled on up his neck.

Good Lord!

The Fleesor wore his usual shepherd-like garb. Simple yet distinct. But the Shoxnan had taken on the neutral gray uniform specifically designed to make Ship Sensors less noticeable. Even that attire, 'he' made look impressive.

Definitely not a pair one would expect to catch sight of. Separately, much less at the same time.

Well. Not on a 'Human' ship, anyway. Not even Novan with her resident Diplomat occupied elsewhere.

The two seemed to be sharing a joke. In a Fleesor dialect of some sort. Both had been laughing with casual ease as they chatted alone, but formalized noticeably in stepping from the lift.

As one, they nodded polite salute in JaReese's direction. Voicing, Doctor, in Earth Standard.

JaReese returned salute. "Ambassador. Ah, Sensor." But stared with what would be considered rude curiosity as they headed further down the corridor.

His assistant arrived in time to see him actually lean around the doorframe to watch them turn a corner.

JaReese. You all right?

Just a little rattled, Maggie dear.

"You? 'Rattled'?"

Does happen on occasion, you know.

Takes a lot, though. She glanced about an empty corridor. You see a ghost or something?

Something, for sure. Just not sure what. You heard of any special meetings this haul?

No. Why?

Ambassador Rreeve just walked by.

"Oh, my! But Amb Rreeve wouldn't rattle you."

No, not usually. Unable to elaborate, JaReese turned back to resume sorting.

That would explain Selena, though.

Selena? What about Selena?

"She was exercising alone early-morning. Systematic routines, the way she does without Kent. Hard to believe those two aren't actually 'blood' twins."

More like the same person. In two bodies.

Maggie giggled. But tugged on his chin for a clear view into his eyes. No one else knew her steely-blue stare could gauge vitals better than a full-chest monitor. How many baskets have you sorted?

"Not even half. And with Mecha gone, Kent would be occupied with the Ambassador."

Not that he'd mind. Have you seen 'them' together?

I have. Actually, he'd seen far more than he could say. —Even to this most trusted of colleagues. More like a daughter, this one. Treasured as well as trusted. Still. A confidence was a confidence. But Kent wouldn't neglect Selena for long. Not even for Amb Rreeve.

True. Please tell me there's another batch of wound gel in there.

"At least one, I think. But he drew a deep breath and scrubbed hands over his face instead of handing it to her. Maybe I'm just imagining things."

"Or maybe you've just stared at enough supply codes for one cycle. Go eat or something."

"Ship has been unusually quiet of late."

Just the way we like it.

Usually. Except ...

Don't tell me you feel a 'storm' brewing.

Not a storm, exactly. But that 'particular' ghost definitely has my intuition tingling.

"Then you did see something. Something else."

Just being figurative, dear. Suppressing an urge to explain, to share every scrap of useful information with his young protégé, JaReese handed off the wound gel and reached for another item.

"You never tingle without cause."

"True. But my mind does have a habit of wandering off in odd directions. Boarding list summaries still make me wonder how so many vastly different species ended up bipedal."

Probably the same way so many grazers, climbers, and chasers ended up quadrupeds.

"No doubt. Think I will take a break, before my brain rattles any louder."

And I'll pack a few more belt-kits. Just in case.

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~1~

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Lt Selena's relationship with the Shoxnan began innocently enough. This one had accepted the duties of Sensor in exchange for passage from an outbound Shoxnan Transport back to his home planet.

That practice was common. Members of his race had difficulty traveling among Humans otherwise. But a Sensor was badly needed on a Transport Ship. On any ship.

No instrument could yet equal the visual perception of a Shoxnan. Only their eyesight could detect the overload glow emitted by engines about to malfunction. Only they could provide advance warning, preventing disaster in space.

Yet they were never allowed official assignment to a Human vessel. Selena thought it a ridiculous flaw in her kind's social system. A Sensor was necessary, but had to be constantly replaced because they were always merely trading for passage.

Better to Train and maintain a permanent one. —Train for life among Humans, of course, their required function being innate. Constant isolation among members of other races was what they seemed unable to adjust to. And vice versa.

Sensors were usually plentiful, nonetheless. Even in space frequented by Shoxnan Transports, they signed on easily. Maybe they had trouble arranging passage otherwise.

And. That was the extent of the thought Selena had given it previous to her acquaintance with Vozna.

He, himself, seemed of no particular interest to her at first. Aside from noting that his disposition was noticeably less distasteful than his predecessor's. The previous creature having been neurotic.

This one proved barely noticeable at all — gliding from one destination to his next. Passengers aboard Novan were rarely even aware of his having walked by them. SPs either, for that matter. And he was punctual. Performing his inspections hourly. Without fail.

Everything ran smoothly through his first week on board, and well into the second. Novan orbited her second stop under his care when the Sensor approached Selena as officer on duty.

The fifth cycle turbo overloads, he informed.

What? His speaking at all had been a surprise. Oh! Yes. Thank you, Sensor. What type problem would you suspect?

Charge not cycling properly.

Good. She sighed her relief, and touch-coded an IR channel to the Engine Room.

Click. Kyle here.

Our Sensor reports a fifth cycle turbo overload in progress. Charge not cycling.

I'll see to it immediately, Lieutenant. Click.

You perform your duties exceptionally well, Sensor.

He'd been about to leave. Her addressing him halted his exit, but he turned calm features in her direction.

Ma'am?

Selena smiled. You heard me. Sensor ...?

Vozna.

Vozna, then. I suspect your hearing's nearly as keen as your vision. At least by Human comparison.

Then you suspect more than most Humans.

One of our Sensors slipped once and reported hearing an inappropriate hum. Since your kind don't generally volunteer information, I suspect your audible detections are merely reported as visual ones to fit our expectations. Some prearranged code you Shoxnan follow, maybe?

She thought he almost smiled.

Tell me, Vozna. Have you eaten this shift?

Not yet. I was on my way, if it be of importance.

Would you consider my presence offensive during your meal?

It would be you who should be offended. By mine.

Then I shall impose myself on you. I hate to eat alone, and my usual choice of company's been distracted elsewhere.

As you wish.

For some reason, she laughed. No need to patronize me, Shoxnan. Your accompaniment will suffice.

A mere attempt at conversation.

No need for apologies, either. Selena touch-coded her break signal and stood to await a temporary duty officer. I'm not particularly sensitive to my kind's social protocols.

Please forgive my saying so, Lieutenant. But you seem to be ignoring them altogether.

Her amusement bubbled again, but a replacement arrived. They nodded salute in passing.

Humor's rare in Shoxnan, Selena commented, moving at a respectable distance alongside him down the corridor.

Possibly. Pause. Do you generally invite Sensors to meals?

God, no! Your kind offend so easily! But, I'm unusually lonesome this evening for some reason, and you seem courteous enough.

I see.

The nearest chow hall proved vacant, but there were always ample selections of food in both coolers and warmers. Selena moved absently ahead, at his polite indication for her to do so, and set about filling a tray. Until reaching the cooked section.

Geez! What a bland choice this evening. She sighed, feeling her appetite fade. "I do wish we could wangle a few spicy items."

Possibly the dietician be blessed with a gift for subtle taste.

She giggled. "'You' are definitely blessed with a gift for subtle humor, any rate."

The stewed Flynn apples looked fair. Maybe one ... but Vozna's hand, moving to collect a coarse-grained bread, caught her eye. The hue of his skin baffled her, having changed only vaguely under the light from the warmer.

Her eyes moved to his face, slightly higher than her own. She'd never really looked at one of his kind before.

He paused to return stare. Brownish-red eyes — all iris with no white, slitted in a way that resembled an eye within an eye — gazed back at her from amid 'otherwise' very Human-like features. What shade was he?

"You're blue!"

It would seem so, yes.

Selena regained control of herself. I'm sorry. I, ah. Ahum, well, I'd just assumed you were purple. I suppose I hadn't noticed before.

"Purples being common among my kind would make that a shade more familiar to you."

I can't see that as an excuse. Not in view of the variety of aliens I'm constantly exposed to. Especially Shoxnan.

Yes, his skin was definitely blue. A deep, rich, velvety soft, dark blue. The contrast produced at his hairline confirmed it. His short straight toe-length hair being of black — a shiny stark black way darker than her own — offset the hue of his skin. Even the Sensor gray of his tunic served to confirm her error.

"Not when you're so obviously blue."

He seemed to be studying her, as well. She suddenly felt warm. As though a mass of heated air had settled about her.

And so obviously Shoxnan, he stated. This, do not forget.

Selena drew herself politely away. Moving on down the chow line and to a table in an effort to compose herself. For one unaccustomed to overlooking details — well, important details, anyway — discovering an oversight proved unsettling. And though she'd never seen a Blue before, why should one surprise her? They came in several 'shades.'

Her eyes kept wandering back to him still moving slowly down the line of foods. He was lean beneath his standard garb, with not unpleasant features.

For some reason her mind summoned forth Mecha as a comparison. Mecha, with his muscled five-foot frame, vivid green eyes and rich dark-brown curls. A choice specimen of the Human male — even to his masculine dominating personality, and wild craving for adventure ... among other things.

Ha! There was no comparison.

Vozna seated himself across from her. He seemed to neither enjoy nor not enjoy the food he began consuming.

They ate in silence. She noticed he did appear to be in a thoughtful mood and allowed herself to be likewise. Being Novan's second in command certainly provided enough charts and reports for her mind to review.

~

A soft voice eased into her thoughts. She'd failed to notice the texture of it before. A soft deep bass.

It be time for my next inspection. Do you wish me to remain in your company, or see to my duties, Lieutenant?

Her senses returned somewhat. Selena realized her mind had been wandering. That she'd been eating far too slowly. And for far too long. Am I trying your patience?

Not at all.

I'm sorry for daydreaming over my meal. Please be patient a bit longer and I'll return to the Control Room with you.

Would something be troubling you?

Not that I know of. She applied herself to completing her meal.

Forgive my saying so, Lieutenant. But extending my presence might not be wise.

Why so?

Are you at all familiar with Shoxnan social behavior?

No.

Then, possibly you would not understand our nature.

Not unless you brief me, no.

Our biology makes us sensitive to emotions. And highly emotional.

Such information, arising from such unemotional features, struck the Lieutenant as extremely funny. So she laughed.

"One should never mistake Discipline for lack of its need," he advised.

I'm sorry. She managed to sober herself. I didn't mean to offend you. If, indeed, I did.

I shall overlook it.

Ahh. I must be tired. Sniff. I really didn't mean to laugh at you.

I thought not.

You think a great deal more than you say, don't you?

Probably.

Selena stifled another laugh. Okay, Vozna. I'll not probe. She moved to get up. Duty calls, after all!

He was close behind when she paused before the disposal. But waited so as not to brush against her.

Do you find my curiosity offensive? she wondered aloud. Without moving aside.

Not offensive. No.

Why do your kind avoid conversing with Humans?

Would it not be Humans, who avoid conversing with us?

Yet when I attempt, you back off.

Out of courtesy, Lieutenant.

Selena. Lt Selena.

Do you taunt me, Lieutenant?

No. Not knowingly, at least. Why?

I thought not. Please step aside.

Oh. I'd forgotten. She moved from before the disposal. Forgive me.

Would that not be an unlikely sentiment from one of second rank towards a lowly Sensor?

Courtesy would seem appropriate both ways, don't you think?

Most Humans would think not.

Shoxnan are good at evasive answers.

Possibly.

She noticed he'd disposed of his tray and stood waiting for her to move into the corridor. I really must be tired. Maybe I shouldn't go back on duty. But failed to notice she mumbled to herself. I must be hosting a virus. Maybe I should report to the infirmary. This doesn't make any sense ...

Lieutenant.

Wha ... yes?

Possibly my presence affects you.

Nonsense. Why would it?

Forgive me. I have not been guarding.

She felt her head clearing. Her body moving into the corridor.

I usually find it unnecessary with most races, he explained, though he'd not explained, and fell into step with her.

As they walked, her senses drifted toward a normal state. Once her replacement left, Selena studied the Shoxnan a moment. Her mind Service-sharp once more.

He stood calmly before her, giving no indication of how he felt about such scrutiny.

Forgive my detaining you, she voiced. Feel free to go about your duties.

You have not detained me.

She studied him with an even sharper eye.

The controls appear fine, he reported. Without having moved.

You can tell that easily?

Yes.

Thank you for tolerating me.

Thank you for allowing me to accompany you.

She giggled. "You are a most courteous beast."

In truth, Lieutenant. A 'courteous' Sensor would have declined your request.

His turning to leave stirred the air, sending a subtle fragrance to her nostrils. A pleasantly fresh scent she'd never encountered before.

Vozna?

He halted, and turned. Ma'am?

But the thought eluded her. Never mind.

Even he seemed puzzled, but turned and left.

An hour's time brought him gliding quietly back.

This time, Selena noticed his entrance (actually, it was only the barely-audible swoosh of the door she heard) and turned to see him glide his eyes over the controls lining the room, and depart.

Another hour brought him back.

Are you in a hurry?

Her voice stopped his departure. Brought his alien eyes to hers. Not really.

Then come share the view with me. This late duty can get quite lonely.

It must, if you be desperate enough to request the company of a Shoxnan. Yet a 'second' time.

She felt her humor stirring again. Have you spent much time looking through this screen?

Such an opportunity has been lacking.

Selena watched him glide toward the console chair she indicated. The stars must really be spectacular with your vision.

He paused in mid sit-down. Turned his eyes to study her for a second. And straightened himself.

My company might not be a wise choice, Lieutenant.

Why not?

Your reputation, for one thing.

Excuse me?

You should not be caught conversing with a Shoxnan. A matter of respect.

That can be easily fixed. Her voice took on the monotone language reserved for Security systems. Lock Security. It clicked in obedience of her command. Anything else?

Even less wise for you to be alone with me.

Why? You'll not rape me, will you?

I might.

His calm, serious, reply to her casual comment paused the Service-Trained core of her.

You have more depth than most Humans, he volunteered. I must guard against you.

You're not serious?

And you be unfamiliar with Shoxnan social behavior.

"Then maybe you should brief me."

Another time, possibly.

He turned to leave, but she caught his lower arm, quite automatically, only to jerk her hand away. The look he turned on her betrayed his equal surprise. Shock even. —Muscle-clenched shock.

Flushing hot, the Lieutenant looked at her hand. Unnerved by strange heat-sting sensations reverberating there. A feeling he was about to touch, in turn, drew her eyes back to his.

"That was MOST unwise," he whispered, his voice laden with regret. And restraint. Then he glided toward the door.

Release Security, Selena voiced automatically. She retained only enough logical thought to voice a relief code.

Another Lieutenant soon entered.

I don't feel well, she informed him, and departed.

Actually, she felt drugged.

And 'scorched.'

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~2~

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The door buzzer echoing in Selena's head woke her.

Wait please, she mumbled, having touch-coded the talk panel by reflex.

Effort pried her groggy eyes open to dim light and the sight of herself still in duty garb. Geez! Nothing like wrinkled Service blue. Or stiff muscles.

Sitting up, she collected herself before coding the door. Open. But almost gasped, for it was Vozna it opened to reveal.

Forgive me, Lieutenant.

Ahum. Well. Selena straightened herself to stand before him. What can I do for you, Sensor?

You desire an explanation?

Are you offering one?

I have decided not to object. You be entitled. If you wish to know.

I wish. Please, come on in. Have a seat. She indicated the two chairs at a small worktable bolted against the wall to his left.

He stepped inside but nodded, waiting for her to sit first.

She did. Are you offering a direct explanation or an evasive one?

As direct as possible. He sat as casually as she did. Back straight, with arms draped along the chair-arms. —Casual-formal. Yet, at ease.

Proceed.

"You have more depth than most Humans. My depths prove highly receptive. And, at present, highly charged. Even so, I tend to relax my guard among non-Shoxnan. To enjoy natural flow being a rare indulgence. In your presence, however, it proved unwise."

Because I intercepted your emotions?

And heightened them.

That wasn't my intention.

As I be aware, Lieutenant.

Well. You certainly had an effect on me.

"Also unintentional. And. Your being Human, and highlyTrained, quite unexpected."

You don't surprise easily, do you, Vozna?

Not usually. No.

My touch surprised you.

That it succeeded, yes.

Why did it offend you?

It did not offend, Lieutenant.

What then?

Possibly that would be best left unsaid.

You clenched up like a Red. I'd like to know why.

It took great effort to resist you.

Excuse me?

You be Human, unfamiliar with Shoxnan social behavior. Behaviors, like most creatures, heavily influenced by our biology.

And?

Your lesser invitations were numerous, Lieutenant. And tempting in themselves.

"Then I was taunting you?"

Quite severely. Though my presence likely provoked you.

You really should've explained when it began, so I could've conducted myself properly.

Forgive my oversight, Lieutenant. Proper control eluded me, as well. —Your presence being equally distracting to me. Still. I should not have allowed it to progress.

I'd always assumed our races weren't to touch merely because of social offenses.

The courtesy serves that purpose, as well.

You're not affecting me now.

I now know to guard well against you. I walk in Discipline.

You still intrigue me, Vozna.

A Shoxnan would be flattered.

She laughed. "But you're not. You conduct yourself well enough, though."

I walk in Discipline.

Would you object to conversing with me again?

For what purpose, Lieutenant?

You're pleasant company. When my head's not fogged.

You should beware Shoxnan, Lieutenant.

So I've learned. But is that a 'proper' objection or a personal one?

Personally, I would not object.

As long as I don't tempt you?

I shall strive to overlook it, any case.

Of course. Well, for now, I'd like to clean myself up a bit. I feel a mess!

On the contrary, ... He caught himself. Forgive me.

No. What were you gonna say?

I spoke too freely. Having already said too much. He stood to leave, but waited for her to rise.

She remained seated. "My curiosity is highly aroused. What were you gonna say?"

That a ruffled appearance becomes you.

Selena studied his expressionless features. Firm jaw. Soft, vacant eyes. Distinctly Humanoid, despite the eyes. You're certainly a fascinating man.

Possibly 'man' be not the proper term.

Does it offend you?

"More likely your kind who would be offended."

"And what about your kind, Vozna?"

In truth. 'Devil' would be a more appropriate translation from my language to yours.

Well, since you've no horns or tail, we can ignore accurate translation in this instance.

She thought he masked a smile.

Very well, Lieutenant.

You find me amusing.

Pleasantly so.

Selena smothered a laugh of her own and stood to nod formal dismissal. But she stumbled, over nothing, as she gained her feet.

The Shoxnan stopped her fall. Catching her by the upper arm.

His touch proved more baffling than her fall. The way he gazed at his hand about her sleeve, more unnerving than the spine-tingling sensations 'flowing' from him.

He seemed to struggle with himself to release her, but the room grew hot. Desire stirred in her. Then amplified as his soft voice caressed her mind, ever so gently.

"You accept me, Human?"

Yes! she whispered, and welcomed the swirl of lust-infused electric charge that surged through her ... enthralled by sudden awareness of his fragrance, the velvety texture of his skin, and fine strands of hair sliding silkily between her fingers as his kiss closed in on her. The heat. And his arms.

What followed was a literal orgy to her senses. All synapses firing in a burst of adrenaline like a shuttle launching at top speed, screaming its exhilaration through every cell. Struggling to breathe in the searing heat. And then ... freefall, wrapped about a living breathing pulsing embodiment of sensual pleasure beyond reason.

Somewhere in the midst of forever, her mind cleared briefly.

We have been together many hours, Selena. Might you be sorely missed?

"Novan flies like silk, she mumbled. Doesn't require much skill through open space."

My desire still burns for you. With too much charge. His voice echoed, sapping away reason with the returned pressure of his embrace ... and the exotic mind-numbing way he kissed.

~

Controlled, yet groggy, awareness returned to find her still in his arms. On her bed. The room dark. His skin, cool now against hers.

Mild light. She wanted to see him.

The walls glowed slightly — allowing her to gaze at his features for a time. Definitely those of a man. And lean. But with firmer muscles than had been detectable through his clothing. More sinewy. Lean and sinewy like her own. And Kent's.

I regret my duties cannot be delegated, as well, Lieutenant. Even he sounded groggy. A bit drunk, actually. Already have I lingered far too long in your arms.

Does the maintenance of our engines really concern you?

I be on board. With this vessel the means of reaching my destination. Since no one else can perform my function, would it not be wise of me to do so?

His speaking brought his mouth to her attention.

So she thumbed aside a portion of lip for closer inspection. He let her. Even relaxed his jaw — with the attitude of one having been examined this way before — when she tugged on his chin.

The lips, and tongue, were Human-like. Except for outer lips being the same rich shade of blue as his skin, with inner walls and tongue the same deep brownish red as his eyes. And velvety soft.

But the teeth were another matter.

What served as incisors were actually more like solid tooth 'ridges.' Mildly serrated, and tapered, with no apparent gum-line.

On either side of these, were what looked very much like Human canines. Until he hissed for effect, and they spiked out like the snake-fang daggers they were rumored to be.

Selena smiled, intrigued. And quite sure that, had it not been a lazy flirtatious hiss, it would've proven far more impressive.

Beyond these — which retracted with fascinating stealth into what now seemed more like sheaths 'masking' as teeth — were longer wider flatter tooth-ridge plates. Which, no doubt, functioned more like Human molars than their solid ridged surfaces might suggest.

Mouth closed, however, he possessed a decidedly 'Human'-like frame and set of jaw. So much so that her mind searched back, trying to recall ever having seen a Shoxnan who didn't. None came to mind. —Nor could she recall one so intensely attractive.

She slid the soft firm skin of his arm beneath her fingers. Growing curious over an elegant, finely-drawn, silvery, cobra-like design coiled about his upper right arm. It had an impressive glyph of some sort before its raised head, and seemed to 'frame' an emblem in the coil of body between head and tail. It somehow repeated this pattern in its entirety — front, side, and back — while still appearing to be one continuous coil of the same snake.

Brands speak volumes among my kind, he supplied. Duty and citizenship, as well as rank.

The left one's missing.

I remain unsealed.

What's sealed?

My kind's way of being mated.

Our last Sensor was red.

Vozna actually smiled. Its pleasantness surprised her as much as its having occurred at all. You probably found him not to your liking, then.

Why so?

Emotion in Reds often proves volatile. Difficult to Discipline. Distasteful to Humans.

I thought he was just neurotic.

"Quite likely. Shoxnan hue reflects the spectrum of emotion we amplify. A visual indication of what you might call 'personality.'"

How convenient. Do you get to choose?

Smiling again, he even seemed on the verge of a lazy snicker. It be fixed with the individual before birth. From the parents. In truth, Discipline proves far more important. Shading merely determines what range we amplify. And thus, behavior we be more or less 'prone' to exhibit.

Then Blues would be of superior quality.

More accurately. My kind respect power, and skill. How Disciplined an individual walks, with how much power and skill, overshadows all else.

Yet you tolerate, even encourage, prejudiced attitudes in 'my' kind.

As a courtesy. It serves a purpose.

She giggled. You patronizing beast.

"'You' have far too much perception for a Human. Though it has provided me considerable pleasure."

Not nearly so much as you've provided me, I feel sure.

He actually laughed! A soft combination of a sigh and a chuckle that caressed her senses. "That be only one of the many desirable traits in you, Selena. Possibly why I found you so irresistible."

What trait would that be?

Your tendency toward courtesy that dissolves into fiery passion as a lover. In your bed, there be no rank. No power games. A refreshing change.

What would rank have to do with sex?

His laugh emerged again. You do coax such delights from my depths. I be tempted to ... He caught himself.

Tempted to what?

A thoughtful sigh sobered him. "I speak too freely with you, Earth woman. I feel too freely with you. His fingers caressed her jaw-line in a now familiar way that affected her entire being. Ahh, such a lovely creature ... with eyes the gray of Fleesor skin. And hair that gleams like an eclipsing moon. His skin warmed. Possibly, I should indulge myself once more in your depths before I go, Lieutenant."

Please do.

When next her senses lulled into clarity, they sharpened to an alert state.

I regret having to leave you now, Selena.

Do you regret having been seduced by me?

Possibly it was you who were seduced by me. He moved then to leave her bed, unwrapping himself from about her with the attitude of regret he professed.

She too lifted herself up, sliding absently into a robe and leaning against the wall to watch him dress. A sadness seemed to possess him when he paused before her. It sank into her being with the intimate kiss he bestowed.

"I hope you have no regrets, Human."

I don't.

I mean later. When my presence leaves.

Will you?

No. Not even that you were Human.

Then I don't think I will, either.

Possibly not.

How long have you been with me?

Many hours. Far too long. And he was gone.

His departing, more silent than the vague swoosh of her door, seemed to take the warm air from her cabin with him ... until a distinct chill set in. She pulled the robe about her and slid back into bed.

Still, she grew colder. Her teeth chattered. She got back up to palm her vendor for hot juice, but could only feel its warmth pause inside her without spreading, and crawled back into bed shivering.

Neither was more cover of any help. She opened her mouth to request more heat in the room, but realized in her haze that it was her body, and not the room, which was abnormal.

An ache settled into her muscles. A sting into her bones. Her mind into a fog.

The swoosh of her door was far too loud. Who had overridden her Security?!

Her eyes flew open to find JaReese already beside her bed. The movement sent stings through her head.

What do you want?! she snapped.

Your monitors are flashing red on my wall.

I don't need a Medic! Get out!

The injection entered her vein, nonetheless. Its fluid flowed quickly through her body. Calming it. Returning thought. Easing the pain, the cold, the shakes. Though not completely.

He lifted her eyelids