I left Amara behind in the lab, my mind racing. Our kiss had awakened something in me that I didn't know was possible. As exciting as it was, I also felt a twinge of guilt. Amara didn't know my whole story yet, and I owed her to come clean before we went further.

But first, we had to deal with these encrypted files. Who could I turn to for help decrypting the data crystal without raising suspicion? At best, the colony's leadership was unaware of something in our relative past or, more likely, clearly trying to hide something, so involving any officials was out of the question. I considered turning to my friend and fellow writer, Diego. He was trustworthy and discreet. But this encryption looked highly complex - beyond Diego's skills.

My thoughts turned to my acquaintance, Jai, an engineer who had designed many of the colony's systems. Jai had a brilliant mind for machines and systems. However, Jai was a stickler for rules and was likely to ask too many questions.

As I walked home, weighing my options, I decided the only option was Tavon. He was my best bet; though I don't know him that well and can't attest to his confidentiality, I have a feeling that he is trustworthy. I would appeal to his intellectual curiosity - the lure of solving a complex puzzle. And I could subtly emphasize the historical significance, knowing Tavon had a soft spot for the past. It felt risky approaching someone I barely knew with such sensitive information. However, the encrypted files seemed crucial to understanding the colony's origins and current issues. I had to take the chance.

Tomorrow, I will seek out Tavon, share a few tantalizing details about the data crystal, and gauge his interest in decrypting the files. I need to stress utmost discretion, making it clear that no one else can know. Hopefully, his engineering skills and discretion will prove the key to unlocking the crystal's secrets without jeopardizing our safety.

I have some personal truths to share with Amara before we go any further down this path together. I returned home full of hope and apprehension, the kiss still lingering on my lips. So much was uncertain, but I knew Amara would understand and support me just as I would help her on the journey ahead. Our destinies felt intertwined now—for better or for worse. I suppose I could email her about meeting up:

"Hey Amara, I wanted to let you know that I can't stop thinking about what happened between us earlier. That kiss was… well, I didn't think it was possible.

However, before anything else happens, I need to share some personal things with you. I want an open and honest conversation so you can fully understand me. There are parts of myself that I have kept private, even from my closest friends.

I think it's time I shared the whole of who I am. Please know that I care deeply for you, Amara. I hope we can talk in person soon. Will you meet me tomorrow evening for coffee?

I look forward to continuing to get to know you and letting you get to know the real me. You've helped me find the courage to embrace my true self. No matter what happens between us, I'm grateful to have you in my life. Even if we can only be friends, I am still happy."

"There," I thought, "That sounds nice and not too desperate," I thought to myself as I hit send and headed to bed. Hopefully, things will be okay between us.

I woke up early, my mind still buzzing with the previous day's events. The encrypted files, the kiss with Amara, the weight of my own secrets - it all swirled together in a dizzying mix of excitement and apprehension. I checked my messages, hoping for a response from Amara, but there was nothing yet, though she had opened my message late last night while I was sleeping. I tried not to let that worry me as I prepared for the day ahead.

I headed to the Technology Market District, trying to appear casual as I made my way to Tavon's shop. My mind was spinning with how to approach this, but I knew I had to at least try to gain his help.

I found Tavon tinkering away at a gadget, his brow furrowed in concentration. He glanced up as I entered, flashing me a grin.

"Eliot! New Eden's most notorious storyteller. What brings you to my little shop today?"

I chuckled, hoping I didn't look as nervous as I felt. "Well, Tavon, I was hoping to pick your brain about recovering some corrupted data files. You see, I'm documenting the colony's fifth anniversary, and some of my historical records seem to have become encrypted. I can't access them at all now."

Tavon raised his eyebrows, setting down his tools. "Encrypted files, you say? That's quite curious. I'd be happy to take a look and see if I can dig up those lost records for you."

"I'd really appreciate that," I said, trying not to sound too eager. "I brought one of the crystal drives with me if you have a minute to examine it."

I showed Tavon the data crystal I had found in the archives, holding my breath as he inspected it,

Tavon turned the small crystal over in his hands, examining it closely. At first glance, it appeared to be an ordinary data storage device, but the markings indicated it was from the earliest days of the colony. Tavon's brow furrowed as he puzzled over the outdated tech.

"Hmm, this is quite an ancient little gadget you've got here," he murmured. "I haven't seen crystal data drives like these in years, mostly older people trying to print photos of their great relatives. They were phased out long before either of us were born."

Tavon's mind raced as he tried to make sense of why Eliot would have such an antiquated device. As a tinkerer and inventor, he was intimately familiar with the colony's technological timeline. This particular crystal drive pre-dated the current digital storage methods by at least 4 generations. He glanced up at Eliot, who was watching him closely. What wasn't he saying about where he got this relic?

Tavon turned the crystal over in his hands once more. He had to admit his curiosity was piqued. It seemed unlikely that Eliot had stored his records on such an outdated medium. Tavon wasn't even sure computers that could create such media still existed. The whole situation raised more questions than answers. He contemplated pressing Eliot for more details but held back for the moment. Clearly, there was some sensitivity around these files if they required encryption and were stored in this unconventional way. Tavon was no stranger to secrets. It seemed he thrived in them.

For now, Tavon decided to play it cool until he better understood what Eliot was really after. He didn't want to spook him when he seemed so intent on recovering this data. And if Tavon was being honest, the mystery and challenge intrigued him. Cracking encrypted files from a decades-old crystal drive was not an everyday task, after all. Maybe once he dug into the technical work, some of these puzzles would start coming together.

"Well, it's certainly been a while since I've worked with one of these," Tavon finally said, handing the crystal back to Eliot. "But I'll see what I can do..."

After inspecting the input port needed, he carried it over to a terminal and inserted it. Lines of code flashed across the screen as he tried accessing the files. Looking critically at his computer, Tavon began typing lines of code rapidly.

Glancing at me through the corner of his eye, Tavon said, "You'll have to give me some time, as I need to let my system set up an emulator that can read the data. Honestly, the drive is too outdated, and a modern computer can't even read the data type. It's unrecognized."

I looked at Tavon blankly, conveying that my technical knowledge stopped at recording devices and sending emails.

Tavon sighed exasperatedly, "Okay, look. An emulator is like a fake computer inside another computer. They are really common. If I wanted to play an old console game on my computer, I would run a program that could emulate the hardware inside the console to play the game. Then, I could plug the game in, and the emulator would run it just as if it were plugged into the original console. Hence, why it's called an emulator."

"I think I understand," I said, "you made a program to act like an old computer."

"Exactly"

I nodded primitively and asked him how much the service would cost me. This was when Tavons eyes seemed to light up. "Oh right, payment!" he said, "how about this, if you let me keep the drive after we have recovered the data, well, call it even. I haven't seen such old tech in a long time and I'd love to study it more."

I looked at Tavon suspiciously, thinking it seemed too easy and that nothing was ever that simple. However, I agreed and started heading to the door.

"hold on," he said, "I just have to set the system up to run a few things, and then it's just a waiting game, but it will only take a few minutes if you want to hang around."

I turned back, having nothing else to do but wait.

As we waited for the emulator to finish loading, Tavon made some small talk to pass the time.

"So, Eliot, how have you been? I feel like I haven't seen you around the market much lately. Working on any new stories about our fair colony?"

I smiled. "Oh, you know, the usual. Documenting the mundane day-to-day happenings around here. New Eden is many things, but never boring."

We chatted amiably about my writing and Tavon's latest projects for a few minutes. But soon, our conversation drifted to more personal matters.

"And what about you, Tavon? Any new relationships on the horizon?" I asked.

Tavon chuckled. "Nah, you know me. My one true love is technology. Although..." He trailed off, looking thoughtful.

"What is it?" I prodded.

"Well, to be honest, there is someone I've had my eye on. But I don't know if they return my feelings."

"I'm sure you'll never know unless you put yourself out there," I offered.

Tavon nodded slowly. "You're right. Rejection is a part of life. I should take my own advice and be honest about my feelings."

His words resonated with me, sparking an internal debate. I had my own relationship dilemma weighing on me, which I had told no one about. But something in Tavon's earnest expression made me want to open up.

"Funny you say that. I'm actually dealing with a similar situation myself," I began hesitantly.

Tavon raised his eyebrows in surprise but stayed silent, letting me gather my thoughts.

I took a deep breath. "I haven't told many people this, but...I was born biologically female. I transitioned genders as soon as I left school. I wasn't super popular, and most people didnt even realize."

I studied Tavon closely, bracing for his reaction. But he simply nodded thoughtfully.

"I appreciate you trusting me with that truth, Eliot. I honestly would have never guessed if you hadn't told me."

I let out a sigh of relief at his calm, accepting demeanour. It gave me the courage to continue.

"There's this woman, Amara. We've grown close recently. But she doesn't know about my past yet. I want to tell her, but I'm worried how she'll react."

Tavon considered this dilemma for a moment before replying. "It's a tough situation. But honesty is always the best policy in matters of the heart. Hopefully, this Amara person will care for who you are now. And people deserve to be loved for all of who they are."

I smiled gratefully. "You're absolutely right. Thank you, Tavon. I feel better having gotten this off my chest. Your support means a lot."

Just then, the terminal beeped, indicating the emulator had finished loading. Our conversation would have to wait. But I felt a new sense of resolve about coming clean to Amara, thanks to Tavon's sage advice. His empathy had proven him a true friend.

Looking at the screen, Tavon frowned. "Hmm, this is no ordinary encryption," he murmured. In fact, it seems someone went through a lot of trouble completely locking down these files. I'm guessing this data must be pretty sensitive."

He looked at me then, a new curiosity in his eyes. I shrugged, aiming for nonchalance. "I have no idea what could be on there. But if you can recover anything, it would really help my work."

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Tavon grinned. "Well, you've certainly brought me an interesting puzzle here. I can't guarantee anything, but let me convert the file type to something more manageable and see what I can do. My emulator can only do so much."

I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding. "That would be incredible. And, of course, utmost discretion is appreciated. This is just between us."

Tavon nodded, his expression turning serious. "You have my word. We'll get to the bottom of these encrypted files, my friend, but this is going to take a lot longer than just a few minutes. I'll message you if I can get anything or if it's a dead end."

I thanked Tavon profusely before taking my leave, the data crystal remaining in his capable hands. I headed home, hardly believing my luck. Now, all I could do was wait and hope Tavon could decrypt the mysterious files. Whatever secrets lay hidden beneath that encryption, I was one step closer to uncovering the truth about New Eden's past.

* * *

I left Tavon's shop with a nervous excitement thrumming through me. Walking briskly back home, I heard a familiar beep from my wrist comm. Glancing down, I saw a new message from Amara. She agreed to meet up for coffee later that evening.

My heart leapt into my throat. This was my chance to come clean, to tell her my deepest secret. I typed back a quick confirmation, my fingers trembling slightly. Amara responded with a smiley emoji that somehow calmed my nerves. I trusted her; I had to believe she would understand.

Several hours later, I entered the cozy coffee shop, the rich aroma enveloping me like a warm hug. I spotted Amara already seated at a table tucked into the back corner. Two steaming mugs awaited. As I approached, Amara looked up and smiled. But there was something more reserved in her expression than usual.

I slid into the seat across from Amara, my nerves making my movements stiff and awkward.

"Thanks for meeting me," I started hesitantly. Amara's expression was hard to read.

"Of course," she replied, not quite meeting my eyes.

An uncomfortable silence descended. I took a sip of the coffee to buy myself some time. The usually cozy shop suddenly felt stifling.

"Eliot..." Amara began, then paused. She took a deep breath before continuing. "I need to ask you something. And I need you to be honest with me."

My heart sank. She knew. Somehow, she knew my secret.

"Are you...involved with someone else?" Her words came out in a rush. "It's okay if you are. I just need to know."

I gaped at her, completely blindsided. That was not at all what I had expected.

"What? No!" I said hastily. "There's no one else, Amara, I promise."

She studied my face as if trying to detect any hint of deception.

"Then why? Why did you want to meet me here? Why did you say it was okay if we were just friends?" She trailed off, looking confused.

It was now or never. I steeled myself and met her gaze directly.

"Amara, I need to tell you something," I said quietly. "Something I probably should have told you sooner."

I took a shaky breath, willing my voice to remain steady.

"I'm not a man, not a real one anyway."

"what do you mean?" she asked, staring intensely into my eyes.

"I was born a woman." I blurted out.

The words hung heavily between us. Amara's eyes widened in surprise. I clenched my fists under the table, bracing for her reaction.

"Oh," she said softly. She reached out and gently covered my hand with hers. "Eliot..."

My breath caught in my throat as I waited for whatever she would say next.

I sat there silently, staring down at Amara's hand covering mine, hardly daring to breathe. My heart pounded as I braced for her reaction.

Amara let out a choked laugh, startling me. I looked up to see tears sparkling in her eyes even as she smiled. She gave my hand a squeeze.

"Oh, Eliot," she said, laughing and crying at the same time. "I'm not laughing at you, I promise. I'm just...relieved."

I blinked in confusion. This was far from the reaction I had expected.

Amara wiped at her eyes, still chuckling softly. "All this time, I've been so confused about my feelings for you. I'm normally only interested in women, you know? But there was just something about you that drew me in that made me want to spend more time with you."

She shook her head, grinning. "Now it all makes sense. You're a woman too. That's why I felt that connection."

I sat stunned, barely able to process her words. Amara wasn't rejecting me or angry with me. She was accepting me for who I was.

"You have no idea how scared I was to tell you," I said quietly. "I thought I'd lose you."

Amara squeezed my hand again, her eyes tender. "You're not going to lose me. I care about you, Eliot. I'm glad you told me. And one more thing: You are a real man, Eliot. I never want to hear you say that you're not again."

Relief washed over me in a dizzying wave. Amara knew my secret, and she still wanted me in her life. For the first time in years, I felt truly seen.

I let out a long, shaky breath as the weight of my secret lifted from my shoulders. Amara smiled at me from across the table, her eyes radiating warmth and understanding.

"I can't tell you how good it feels to finally tell someone," I said. "I've kept this part of myself hidden for so long."

Amara nodded, her expression open and accepting. "I'm honoured you trust me enough to share this with me, Eliot."

I smiled back at her. Something about Amara's calm, nonjudgmental presence made it easy to open up.

We talked for hours, the bustle of the coffee shop fading into comfortable background noise. I told Amara about my childhood and how I'd always felt different than the other girls. How I used to envy my brother's clothes and short hair. The first time, I cut my hair short, and my parents yelled at me, thinking it was just a rebellious phase. When they died right after high school, I took over as the colony historian and began to transition immediately.

Amara listened intently, asking thoughtful questions but never prying. She told me about realizing her attraction to women and the abusive reactions she faced from her father when she was caught as a teenager. I understood her story all too well.

Eventually, we moved from our pasts to our hopes for the future. I confessed my dream of being able to live openly as myself, without judgment or shame. I want to be respected as Eliot, not my birth name, Emilia. Amara said she hoped for a future where people could love whoever they wished, regardless of gender. A future of openness, empathy and joy.

I smiled wistfully. "Maybe that future is possible here; we just need to show others that it is possible to live without the conservative ideals of the past."

Amara reached across the table and squeezed my hand. "I believe it is," she said firmly. "With people like you, brave enough to live your truth, it will be."

My heart swelled with gratitude and tentative optimism. With Amara by my side, maybe anything was possible. I felt seen, known and accepted for the man I knew myself to be. It was the greatest gift I could imagine.

Amara and I tried to part later that night, ready to say goodbye, but my chest filled with warmth and affection beyond mere friendship. We both kept trying to exchange a few last words, our voices low and hushed, and before I could react, Amara leaned in closer, her gaze never leaving mine. Her lips parted slightly as she breathed in deeply, her chest rising and falling with each shallow breath. My heart pounded in my chest as I watched her, feeling a surge of anticipation coursing through me.

She closed the distance between us, her fingers tracing my jawline as she tilted my face towards hers. Our lips met in a soft, gentle kiss that ignited a fire. Her tongue danced with mine as our bodies pressed against each other, every inch of our skin tingling with sensation.

The kiss deepened, becoming more passionate and intense as we explored each other's mouths. Amara's hands roamed my back, pulling me closer still as she moaned softly into my mouth. I wrapped my arms around her waist, feeling her curves pressed against me as we lost ourselves in the moment.

Our breath mingled together as we kissed hungrily, our bodies moving in sync with one another's rhythms. The world around us melted away until there was only Amara and me, two people lost in each other.

As we pulled away, our foreheads rested against one another's for a moment before Amara whispered huskily into my ear: "I want you." Her voice was thick with longing and desire. I knew then that this was more than just a romantic connection; it was more profound and more powerful than we had anticipated.

Amara's hand feels warm and soft in mine as we hurry down the bioluminescent-lit street. A thrill of excitement courses through me, both from her touch and the idea of what might await us back at my place. I glance over at her, taking in the way the glow of the lights plays across her features. Her eyes sparkle with mischief, and she grins at me in a way that makes my heart skip a beat.

We're both a little giddy, giggling as we bump shoulders playfully. Each touch, no matter how small, sends a tingle through my body. I don't think I've ever felt this electrically charged by someone's presence before. There's an undercurrent of tension in the air, building with each step we take.

Part of me wants to pull Amara into a shadowy corner right now, taste her lips again and let our hands roam freely. But I know that being caught publicly in an act against the colony code of ethics would land us in a heap of trouble. I squeeze her hand, running my thumb along her palm, and she shivers in response. We exchange a heated look, a silent promise of what comes next.

By the time we arrive at my front door, we're both a little breathless, though I can't say for sure whether it's from the brisk walk or our rising desire. I fumble to unlock the door as Amara presses against me from behind, her lips finding the sensitive spot on my neck in a way that makes me gasp.

Finally, the door swings open. Amara slips inside, casting a coy look over her shoulder that roots me to the spot. When she disappears further into the house, I take a steadying breath and follow, letting the door click shut behind us. We have all night, and I plan to savour every moment with her.

As the door closed behind us, Amara turned to face me, her eyes alight with desire. I could feel the heat radiating off her body as she stepped closer, her hands tracing a path up my chest, her fingers brushing against the scars where my breasts used to be. I shivered at the touch, a mixture of pleasure and nostalgia coursing through me.

"You're so beautiful," she murmured, her voice husky with longing. Her lips found mine in a searing kiss that left me breathless. I wrapped my arms around her waist, pulling her closer as our bodies melded together.

Her hands roamed freely over my muscular frame, exploring every inch of skin exposed by my shirt and trousers. She ran her fingers through my short hair, pulling gently as she deepened the kiss. I moaned into her mouth as she explored the sensitive skin behind my ears and down my neck.

Amara's touch was electric, sending shivers down my spine as she continued to trace the scars on my chest. She lingered there for a moment before moving lower, kissing each one reverently. I closed my eyes and let out a soft sigh as she pressed a tender kiss to my nipples, sending waves of pleasure coursing through me.

Her lips found mine once more as she continued to explore my body with hungry abandon. Her hands slipped beneath the hem of my shirt, sliding up under it to caress my waist and hips. I arched into her touch, wanting more of this exquisite sensation.

Amara's fingers danced lower still, tracing a path over the waistband of my trousers before slipping inside to explore further. My heart raced as she touched me intimately for the first time since I had transitioned fully into being Eliot. Her fingers were gentle yet firm as they explored every inch of me, making me feel desired and whole in a way I hadn't experienced.

She pulled back slightly and looked at me with a smouldering gaze that made me melt inside. "You are so beautiful," she whispered again, her voice thick with desire. "I want you so badly."

Her words sent a jolt of electricity through me as she leaned in to kiss me once more. Our bodies pressed together fiercely as we explored each other's mouths in a wild dance of passion that left us both breathless and panting for more. Our clothes came off piece by piece until we were both naked before each other, our bodies glistening with sweat and desire.

We moved towards the bed, our hands never leaving each other's skin for long as we explored every inch of one another's bodies in an ecstasy of sensations that left us both gasping for breath and moaning with pleasure. Amara kissed every part of me - from the sensitive skin behind my ears to the small patch of hair above my pussy- leaving no stone unturned in her quest to make every nerve ending sing with pleasure.

Our bodies moved together in perfect harmony as we lost ourselves in each other's embrace, our hearts pounding in time with our ragged breaths and moans of pleasure that filled the room like music that only we could hear and understand fully. The world around us melted away until there was only Amara and me.

As Amara's lips found my nipples, I arched my back, a low moan escaping my lips. Her tongue flicked at the still-sensitive buds, sending jolts of pleasure through me. I ran my hands through her soft curls, feeling the silky strands slip between my fingers.

She moved lower, her tongue tracing a path down my stomach, leaving a trail of wet kisses in her wake. I held my breath as she reached the space between my legs, exposing my pussy to her hungry gaze.

Her fingers traced the length of me, sending shivers up and down my spine. She tasted me with reverence, exploring every inch with the tip of her tongue before sliding a finger inside me. I gasped at the sensation, arching into her touch as she explored me further.

I wrapped my legs around her head, pulling her closer as she continued to explore me with both hands and mouth. Her fingers found a rhythm that sent waves of pleasure coursing through me. I could feel myself getting closer to the edge, but Amara wasn't finished yet.

She pulled away from me for a moment and looked up at me with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "I love the taste of you," she whispered huskily before diving back in with renewed fervour. Her tongue explored every inch of me as if it were the most delicious treat she had ever tasted.

I could feel myself getting closer and closer to the edge as she continued to explore me with her mouth and fingers. Her rhythm became more urgent as I neared climax, and suddenly I was cumming harder than I could ever remember doing so in the past. I laid there with her smiling up at me, with her chin resting on my pubic area, thoroughly pleased with herself. I thought after such an intense orgasm I would need a moment to recover, but one look from Amara, and I grabbed her up to my face, kissed her deeply, tasting myself on her mouth, and then I flipped her onto her back so that I could crawl down between her legs and return the favour.

Settling between her legs as she lay back on the bed, her eyes heavy with desire. I traced the length of her body with my hands, feeling the curves and contours of her form. Her breath hitched as I brushed my fingers against her pussy, teasing the entrance with gentle touches.

I leaned in closer; my tongue darted out to taste her, flicking at her clit and eliciting a soft moan from her lips. She writhed beneath me, her hips bucking up into my touch. I continued to explore her body with my mouth and fingers, feeling the slick warmth of her arousal on my tongue.

As I explored further, Amara's moans grew louder and more insistent. Her hands clenched in the sheets as she arched her back, offering herself to me completely. I increased my pace, using both my fingers and tongue to pleasure her in a way that left me desperate for more.

Her body tensed as she neared climax, and I could feel the muscles of her inner walls clenching around my fingers. Her breath came in ragged gasps as she reached for the pinnacle of pleasure. I held on tight as she shattered into orgasm, squirting and gushing into my mouth as she cried out in ecstasy.

The taste of Amara's release was unlike anything I had ever experienced before. It was a flood of sweet and salty, a testament to the depths of passion we had shared. Her body convulsed beneath me as she rode out the waves of pleasure that coursed through her veins.

I continued to explore every inch of Amara's body with my mouth and hands until she begged for respite. We lay there together, panting and spent, our bodies entwined in a tangle of limbs and desire. The connection we shared was palpable - it seemed to radiate from our very souls - leaving us both breathless and exhilarated by the intensity of our encounter.

As we lay there recovering from our experience, Amara looked at me with a mixture of wonder and gratitude in her eyes. "That was incredible," she whispered hoarsely, running a hand through my hair as if trying to anchor herself to reality once more. "You're an amazing lover, and I am not sure what just happened, but I have never experienced anything like that in all my life."

I smiled at her words, feeling a surge of pride swell within me at being able to bring such pleasure to someone I cared about so deeply. "You were amazing, too," I replied softly, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face as we gazed into each other's eyes. "We make a good team."

Amara nodded in agreement before pulling me closer for another deep kiss, which left us both lost in each other's embrace once more—our hearts beating together like two synchronized dancers caught up in an eternal dance of love and passion that transcended time itself. And there together, we fell asleep in each other's arms.