Xeno-Psychiatrist Zelana peered away from her terminal when the sliding door opened.

Captain Kaz entered her office.

“Do you have a minute to spare?” He'd arrived unannounced, just like the last time.

Memories of their previous strained encounter resurfaced in Zelana's mind. She concealed her annoyance, though she wished he'd notice her displeasure.

“Certainly.” She shut off the screen using a button on its bottom right. “Kindly, take a seat if you wish.” she said, gesturing at a nearby chair.

“I prefer to stand.”

Over time, Zelana's initial discomfort with the vast difference in their physical presence had mellowed. Yet, undercurrents of those feelings persisted.

“If you wish.”

Kaz hesitated a moment before continuing.

“You recall the subject matter of our meeting yesterday?”

Naturally I do. I don’t have Mevik memory, Zelana mused sneeringly. “Indeed.” She paused. “I gather this concerns our conversation from then?”

“Correct,” Kaz replied. “Ordinarily, your rank doesn't grant access to these types of meetings.”

That very subject had occupied Zelana's thoughts in the quiet moments after the meeting had ended.

“It was unexpected.”

“But not without reason,” Kaz said. “Your expertise is now urgently required.”

Zelana's nose gave a tiny twitch, so brief that Kaz likely missed it.

“What exactly is it you require of my skills?”

“Your expertise is needed to decode this mission’s ever-shifting parameters,” Kaz replied. “Last evening, you were quite adamant about this alien species contradicting our known logic.” He paused briefly. “We've come to a similar conclusion.” His tone turned serious. “Which is precisely why we require someone of your particular skill set.”

Zelana could take an educated guess where this was going, though she remained wary of the idea.

“You seek my insight into understanding this perplexing species?”

“Correct.”

Zelana hesitated, her voice showing clear doubt, before she spoke again.

“While I grasp the gravity, my expertise lies in the realm of the living,” she replied. “A deceased specimen provides limited data.” Her choice of words might've appeared crude to other Langa, but Zelana had discerned that the Mevik, perplexingly, valued this forthrightness.

“You seemed plenty willing to share your thoughts when you interrupted Okens last evening.”

Interrupting Okens had been terribly rude and something she regretted in hindsight. Zelana’s ears dropped ever-so slightly.

“My apologies for the most inappropriate etiquette.”

“Don’t dwell on it,” Kaz said, showing no sign of discomfort from the earlier incident. “Your points are valid. You'll receive every piece of information we have on this alien race. I'm counting on your comprehensive analysis, and all your findings are to be reported directly to me.”

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

“I lack the required clearance.”

Though Zelana’s position granted her considerable access to the ship’s data logs, her rank was mid-tier at best. She could not access high-level information pertaining to the alien discoveries.

“That's been addressed,” Kaz said. “Your clearance has been elevated to level four effective immediately.”

The revelation sent waves of disquiet through Zelana; her eyes fixed on him in sheer disbelief.

Langa were not known for gracefully handling unexpected changes, especially when they bore significant weight.

The mere thought of moving from a modest level two to an overwhelming level four - placing her in the echelons of power only rivalled by Kaz, Agozi, and Snikers - was a staggering concept, especially given its nonchalant delivery.

The weight of it all hit her, making her stomach twist.

After a brief pause, she found the clarity to respond.

“Captain…as much as I am humbled, I do not feel such sudden and, if I may say so, improperly considered—”

“The decisions we make over the next several cycles will impact the lives of billions of sentients,” Kaz interrupted, the seriousness in his voice clear.

There was now a near-nauseous quality to Zelana's tone.

“T-They will?”

“They will,” Kaz replied. “You'll possess all requisite authority to conduct your work unhindered. Once the mission's objective is met, your clearance will revert to its prior level.”

She found it hard to process.

“Very well, I'll do my utmost,” she eventually said with some reluctance.

*****

Kaz relished the last drops before lowering his glass onto the cantina table.

The place seemed strangely quiet.

By this time, it would typically be bustling. Had recent occurrences deterred the crew? But wasn't the purpose of such a place to soothe one's anxieties?

Kaz wasn't bothered by the tranquility. In fact, it provided a welcome respite from his demanding routine. Just as he considered another drink, a familiar warmth settled on his shoulder.

“Please don’t…” said a comforting female voice.

Kaz set the glass aside and looked over his shoulder.

Agozi stood closely behind him.

He was surprised to see her in the cantina, knowing she didn't like alcohol.

“Agozi…” A hiccup escaped his snout. “Care to sit down with me?”

Agozi gave Kaz a brief once-over.

Kaz stared back at her, perplexed by the silence. Reading her cues was challenging. Though appearing at ease, her sharp gaze and restless whiskers indicated more.

Agozi’s voice took on an alluring quality.

“There are better ways to relieve stress…”

Something about Agozi's attitude was off to Kaz. He took a breath before answering in a light-hearted tone.

“Compared to the experience I'm currently savoring?”

Agozi chuckled seductively.

“Yes…” Agozi replied before putting on a wide smile, whiskers jerking hectically. “Come with me.”

“And our destination would be?”

“I’ll show you.”

Kaz gave her a lingering look, wondering what she was up to, but eventually rose from the cantina bench.

The instant Kaz rose, Agozi forcefully seized his arm with both her hands.

Kaz was taken aback by Agozi's strong grip.

“Agozi?!”

With a chuckle, she yanked him closer, their eyes locking.

The expression in Agozi's eyes jolted Kaz.

“Mind telling me what’s going on?”

Without acknowledging his question, Agozi pulled Kaz toward the exit.

He now felt more than just a little uncomfortable not to mention baffled.

“Agozi!” Kaz said again, his tone sounding more commanding than last time. “I demand that you explain yourself—”

“Shut up,” Agozi interrupted as they departed out the cantina door.

Despite his puzzlement and interest, Kaz held back any objections. There had better be solid reasoning behind this, he mused.

Agozi led him through various hallways until they reached a small storage room.

“Now that I'm here, explain yourself.”

Ignoring the question, Agozi took out a keycard and unlocked the storage room entrance.

“These games of yours are testing my patience…” he voiced, his irritation palpable. “I must insist you tell me what about this is abou—"

Holding him firmly, Agozi drew him into the storage area. The moment they were inside, the door sealed, and she cornered him against the wall.

Kaz's whiskers flared dramatically.

“What's gotten into you?!”

Agozi brought her snout near his, her gaze ablaze with desire.

“Agozi! What are you—” Kaz’s eyes widened upon realizing what was going on.

It seemed stupidly obvious in hindsight and explained the cantina's uncharacteristic emptiness.

Although Meviks weren't bound to specific breeding periods, their libidos varied dramatically with the seasons. Females especially were prone to such fluctuations. Recent events had distracted Kaz from this detail.

Kaz's irritation melted, realizing the reason for Agozi's ‘strange’ conduct. “Are you in heat?” he asked bluntly.

Agozi tore at his clothing in a frenzy, her breaths deep and rapid.

“I’ll interpret your current behavior in the positive.”