Binary Love (18+)

Homo Homini Lupus

"Ms. Williams, I have decided." Mark exclaimed towards an open hole in the ceiling.

"Sweet hell, Mark! Don't sneak -" The clang of metal and mumbled exclamations followed for a short while before Nova's face, covered in oil, muck and protective goggles shoved itself through the hole. "Wait, you've decided? Hasn't it only been three days since I gave you those draft sketches?"

"Three days was more than sufficient for me to make an analysis," Mark retorted, "I would also not define those blueprint as sketches." Nova quickly covered her blush of satisfaction by rubbing her face with her sleeve, rubbing more oil across her skin and clothes. She stared at Mark, standing below in the workshop, with his usual too small overalls on and black shirt. He was quietly looking up at her, a calm expression on his face. They stayed like that for a few more moments. After a while, Nova ran out of patience for Mark to realise that she wanted him to tell her his choice.

"Well then!" Nova chided him, "Stop just standing there and tell me!"

"Homo Lupus." Mark's face broke out into a huge grin; he seemed rather chuffed with himself.

"Ah, the lupine based species." Nova nodded down to him, "What made you decide that one in the end?"

"They have superior senses in comparison to most other species; their sense of smell in particular. They have recently started to accept bionic additions to increase photo receptors, so they now no longer are colour blind. They naturally have night vision and their hearing capabilities are superb."

"Well, I know that physically they have more benefits if you're comparing them to humans, but there are other species that do as well." Nova peeled off her goggles and dropped them down to Mark, who caught them easily.

"True enough, but culturally I think they will also match my needs." He placed the goggles on the worktable next to him, then reached up with his hands to grab the rest of her tools. "They feel that finding a mate is of great importance and encourage family units. If I also choose a genetic splice with Alpha characteristics, my chances of a family greatly increases. They can breed with their own species as well as others, so the selection pool in which I can find a mate is large and varied."

"Oh, well I guess I can't fault your logic." Nova sighed, then swung her legs through the hole.

"Of course not. I have thought of every characteristic a species would need to help me achieve my goals." Mark carefully reached up to grip Nova's thighs, letting the bottom of her legs rest against his chest for now.

"Ready?" She called from above.

"Yes, I have got you." He replied. Nova rested her hands on his shoulders, then let Mark slowly bring her feet to the ground. He let her go, then stood formally to one side, letting her quickly shuffle her clothing before collecting her tools again.

"Your response to my decision seems unenthusiastic, Ms. Williams." She noticed that his voice was calm and polite when addressing her, as always.

"Sorry, I don't mean to come across that way. I'm glad that you've found a species that suits you."

"But?" Mark said, while helping her carry her tools across the workshop, ready to put them away.

"But... well," Nova sighed, then faced him, "The way you explained it seemed so clinical." They both paused for a moment while Mark thought over what Nova had said. He looked to one side, with a slight frown, before responding.

"They also have the capacity to dream." He shrugged. "I did not mention it before, as a lot of the species also do this, but..."

"But?"