In a future where science has unlocked secrets once thought impossible, Earth's most ambitious project is an experiment shrouded in mystery-and ethical gray areas. Dr. Aria Voss, a brilliant geneticist with a mind like no other, is brought in to study an extraordinary alien specimen. She's a woman of science, grounded in logic and precision, yet challenged by the world's view of her autism, which has isolated her from colleagues and any real connections. But her work offers her purpose and control in a life that often feels anything but.
Her newest subject, known only as "Specimen X," is like nothing Aria has ever encountered. With a striking humanoid form marked by bioluminescent skin, intricate markings, and eyes that seem to hold a universe of secrets, he is a being from a world humanity can barely imagine. But as she delves deeper into her study, Aria begins to suspect that he is far more than just a research subject. Underneath the cold detachment of the laboratory, there's a fierce intelligence-and a sorrow that resonates with her own.
As Aria uncovers the dark truths hidden within her organization, she finds herself torn between her loyalty to science and her growing empathy for the alien who has become her closest ally. When she learns of a sinister agenda threatening not only his survival but also her own, Aria must choose: stay silent and remain complicit, or risk everything to set them both free.
Experiment X is a tale of love, sacrifice, and the courage to break free of society's bounds, even if it means defying the very foundations of science and humanity.
Why Is There An Alien Princess In My Room? (ONC 2023 - Alien Romance - Complete)
26 parts Complete
26 parts
Complete
Tristan is a Quiz Bowl star. Vyrsa is from the stars. But is their interstellar romance written in the stars?
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Following a successful heist on a rival planet, Princess Vyrsa just needs to step through the Portal of Wishes to be brought straight back to her home planet Isola. But when Vyrsa steps through the portal, she finds herself on Earth, a primitive planet in a forgotten corner of the universe, with no means to return home.
After having spent the night studying for an upcoming Astronomy test, galaxies, planets, and asteroids are on Tristan Conway's mind as he drifts into dreams. So he's unfazed when a strange glittering woman suddenly appears in his dorm room, convinced she's nothing but a figment of his imagination. When he finds her in his kitchen the next morning, eating his textbooks and befriending his cat, he's not so sure anymore.
With no fancy alien tech at her disposal, Vyrsa will need Tristan's help to return to her faraway home planet. Ecstatic to be part of a plot reminiscent of the space movies he loves, Tristan throws himself wholeheartedly into the mission.
After studies of possible fuel sources turn into Netflix binging beside her endearing host, Vyrsa's resolve to leave weakens. Maybe she'll just stay with Tristan a little bit longer... Surely nothing bad could come from it?
Unless the owners of the artifact she stole figure out where she went and decides to obliterate the whole planet where she's hiding just to punish her, of course.
***
This is an ONC Novella using prompt #18: You step through a magical portal thinking it's the way back home, but what you find isn't what you expected.
This story is completed.