Sang the Stray (Completed)

23. S4-Report

Oy! Ista Phillips called me down to help with a project. I thought I was finally getting to paint a mural, or at least an accent wall, in MedBay. The place was fucking depressing. I didn't expect to meet my Muse.

I just wasn't sure if it was art or stupidity that she inspired in me. Today, I had mentally face-palmed several times. Though, there were also some bright moments. I don't think even North has ever gotten ahold of a girl's panties that fast. Poor thing. After she threw them to me I was too in shock to tell her I was joking, then later just didn't have the heart to embarrass her further.

We ate an uneventful dinner. Kota had been right, we were the only ones there. Sang was relieved. Afterwards Kota and Vic had swept Sang off back to their place, since Kota had the containment room. Sang had tried to offer sleeping on the roll-away, but Kota wouldn't let her. Lucky bastard. Of course, if it was me I probably wouldn't have mentioned the other bed....so sorry, Sang...we'll need to share...move that cute ass over... We all knew he isn't a perfect gentleman, though. He could have taken Nate's room. I wasn't sure why he hadn't called Dibs yet...Fucker was obviously into her. If he doesn't, one of the others will. I know I don't have a shot at more than the friend zone....but whatever...Fuck, every time I think about her in that nanosuit without...

***** Transmission Interruption******

Si: Gabe, I am taking over this S4-Report.

G: No you're fucking not!

Si: Yes, I am...Author's orders...

G: What!? Why?

Si: You have to go on Luke Duty....North is about to kill him.

G: No fucking way....why don't you just distract North?

Si: All the oceans of Tare couldn't cool his temper now....you need to go get Luke...you're the idiot's bff

G: Ok...fucking fine...but I get another S4-Report later...You hear that Author!

A: Ok Gabe....but really....you have to go now

G: Fucking...shit....mumble...mumble...

A: Floor is yours Silas...go ahead.

*********
I spent the night reviewing the report and footage of the enhancement testing sessions that Kota sent. Really it was incredible...she was incredible. I could tell she was quiet but observant like me. I had learned Taren as a second language, as well, so I understood the challenge and frustration of not saying things just right. But I think she is just quiet normally. Her pretty green eyes drank everything in. Kota and Victor's squabble over some physics study, Gabe stuffing his foul mouth with shellfish wraps, and even taking notice of my South Kolarian accent.

"You speak little different," she pointed out as we sat together when the others had wandered away from the dining table.

"You picked that up? Yes, I am from South Kolar," I replied.

"How you come to Tare?" she asks.

I sigh mentally. That's a long, sad story I don't necessarily want to tell right now. I try to deflect. "On a Taren space ship through a rift gate." She just gives me the 'you know that's not what I meant' look. "Ok, I will tell you the short version. Luke's father was separated from his squad and ended up going through a temporary gate to Kolar. He didn't even know Luke's mother was pregnant, since they'd just gotten parental approval before that mission. He thought he wasn't going to make it back and ended up with North's mother. When the rift gate opened free travel between the two worlds, Uncle, their father's brother, finally made contact. However, Tset Taylor was already involved in developing the Kolarian Setari program. Ionoth are a problem there too. He stayed but wanted North to go back to Tare with Uncle. North and I were friends and he refused to come to Tare without me and my family. Since I tested strongly for hydrokinesis, KOTIS granted us Taren citizenship and full Interface access."

I was afraid she might ask about my family, but instead she pointed to my rank chevron and said, "Blue for water talent."

I nodded.

"Luke's mother still alive?" She then asked.

I cringed and shook my head. "After Luke was born she suffered depression, and combined with losing their father, she couldn't handle it. Uncle feels guilty that he didn't intervene sooner. However, she hid it really well and went to great lengths to prevent the Interface from setting off any alarms. Uncle ended up with custody of Luke. I normally wouldn't tell someone else's story, but the Taylor brothers don't ever talk about it."

I paused and hated the dour turn of mood. This is why I didn't want to talk about my family.

I tried out a few of the jokes that had helped me learn Taren idioms. Her laughter and radiant smile reminded me of creatures from a myth back home. A yawn followed that she tried to cover.

"Time for bed soon, Aggele Mou," I said as the others returned to the table. She tilted her head, clearly not getting a translation .

"Oy, what's this Kolarian nonsense?" Gabe interrupted.

Really, what was he complaining about. Not exactly smooth to nickname a girl Trouble. You'd think some of my charm would have rubbed off on him by now. Guess he still has a lot to learn.