The Vey’Lun’s mess hall was a strange blend of sterile functionality and quiet efficiency. Unlike human cafeterias, where voices mingled and laughter filled the air, the Lumenari preferred a more subdued atmosphere. Conversations were spoken in hushed tones, their bioluminescent markings pulsing in subtle rhythms as they communicated in ways beyond verbal speech.

Elara sat at a corner table, her lunch tray in front of her, regarding the meal with suspicion. The protein paste was an unappetizing shade of beige, and the synthetic vegetable mash beside it looked like something out of a lab experiment gone wrong. She prodded it with her fork, watching it wobble slightly.

“Please tell me this isn’t what I think it is,” she muttered to herself.

A soft laugh came from a table nearby.

“That depends,” a warm voice replied. “What do you think it is?”

Elara glanced up to find two human women sitting just a few feet away, both watching her with amused expressions. One had a head full of dark curls and warm brown eyes that sparkled with mischief, while the other had sharp Nordic features, her ice-blue gaze assessing Elara with curiosity.

“I think it’s something that used to be chicken but lost a fight with a food processor,” Elara quipped.

The blonde smirked. “Then you’re probably right.”

Elara set down her fork, eyeing them with interest. “I don’t think we’ve met.”

The dark-haired woman extended a hand. “Sienna Vasquez.” She nodded toward her companion. “And this is Ingrid Nyholm.”

Elara shook both their hands. “Dr. Elara Quinn.”

Sienna’s brows lifted. “Oh! You’re the geneticist. The one working on the cure.”

Elara nodded, surprised. “Word travels fast.”

Ingrid smirked. “There aren’t that many of us humans here. When a new one shows up, it’s hard not to notice.” She gestured toward Elara’s tray. “Also, if you’re eating that, you must be new. We learned pretty quickly to stick to the fruit rations.”

Elara sighed. “Good to know. This ship has advanced interstellar travel, but they can’t make decent food?”

Sienna laughed. “To be fair, the Lumenari don’t eat solid food the way we do. Their nutrient extracts are way more efficient, but they taste like drinking liquid metal.”

Elara winced. “Hard pass.”

“So,” Sienna leaned forward, propping her chin on her hand. “What made you sign up for this gig?”

Elara hesitated for a moment. “I didn’t exactly sign up. The government picked me for the job. Genetic research, specialized skill set. Apparently, I was their best option.”

Ingrid arched a brow. “So you didn’t volunteer?”

Elara snorted. “Not exactly.”

Sienna and Ingrid exchanged a glance, as if they found that answer particularly interesting.

Ingrid tilted her head. “Most of us are here by choice.”

Something in the way she said it made Elara pause. She looked between them. “What exactly did you volunteer for?”

Sienna grinned, a slow, knowing smile. “We’re part of the Breeding Initiative.”

Elara nearly choked on her water.

“The what?” she coughed, setting her glass down.

Sienna laughed. “Yeah, that’s the usual reaction.”

Elara blinked. “You mean—wait. You volunteered to—” She gestured vaguely, still struggling to process the revelation.

Ingrid smirked. “To help ensure the survival of the Lumenari race? Yep.”

Elara stared at them. “I—wow. Okay. I did not see my lunch break going in this direction.”

Sienna chuckled. “Most don’t. But it’s not as weird as you think.”

Elara gave her a skeptical look. “You’re volunteering to—”

Ingrid rolled her eyes, smirking. “We’re not just breeding stock, if that’s what you’re thinking. The Lumenari can’t reproduce naturally with humans, not yet. That’s what your research is supposed to fix.”

Sienna nodded. “Once we’re genetically compatible, humanity and the Lumenari can form permanent alliances. Strengthen both species. Expand the population.” She shrugged. “And, honestly? They’re not bad company.”

Elara raised an eyebrow. “You mean they’re hot.”

Sienna grinned. “I mean, yes, but also, they’re fascinating. Their culture, their intelligence, their loyalty. They’re not like humans, but that’s part of the appeal.”

Elara shook her head, still trying to wrap her mind around it. “So, what? You’re just going to pair off with a Lumenari and hope for the best?”

Ingrid smirked. “It’s a bit more structured than that. Compatibility testing, genetic matching, social acclimation. It’s not just about reproduction—it’s about integration.”

Elara leaned back in her chair, exhaling. “I don’t know if I admire you or think you’re completely insane.”

Sienna laughed. “A little of both, probably.”

Ingrid studied her for a moment, then smirked. “And what about you, Dr. Quinn? You’re surrounded by Lumenari men every day. Have any of them caught your eye?”

Elara huffed a laugh. “If they have, I’ve been a little too busy altering their genetics to notice.”

Sienna gave her a knowing look. “Give it time.”

Elara rolled her eyes but couldn’t help the small smile forming at her lips.

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Somehow, she had a feeling this wouldn’t be the last conversation like this. Elara shook her head, still absorbing the unexpected turn in conversation. She picked up her fork, stabbed at the mystery protein again, and sighed before setting it back down with finality.

“So, let me get this straight,” she said, crossing her arms. “You two signed up to… essentially play intergalactic matchmaker with an alien race?”

Sienna smirked. “Matchmaker, diplomat, genetic pioneer—depends on how you look at it.”

Ingrid chuckled. “It’s a lot more than just romance. The Lumenari need a future. We’re here to help build one.” She leaned forward slightly, her ice-blue eyes glinting with curiosity. “And you? You’re here playing god with their DNA. Sounds like you’re more invested than you think.”

Elara exhaled. “I’m here to solve a problem. Their population is declining because of a genetic virus. If I can fix that, maybe they won’t need an initiative like yours.”

Sienna rested her chin in her palm, her expression thoughtful. “But if you do fix it… what happens next? Do you just pack up and go home?”

The question caught Elara off guard. She hesitated, glancing around the mess hall. The sterile walls, the quiet hum of alien technology, the strange but oddly beautiful glow of the Lumenari’s bioluminescent markings in the distance—it had all felt temporary. A mission. A job to be completed.

But was that all it was?

She looked back at Sienna and Ingrid, who were watching her with knowing smiles.

“I… don’t know,” Elara admitted.

Sienna arched a brow. “You like it here.”

Elara scoffed. “I like the science.”

Ingrid grinned. “Sure. Just the science.”

Elara rolled her eyes, but a small part of her knew they weren’t entirely wrong.

Before she could formulate a response, the sound of heavy footsteps approached their table. The air shifted slightly—a presence she’d grown familiar with over the past few weeks.

Commander Zhukov.

Elara didn’t need to turn around to know it was him. There was a quiet authority in the way he moved, a weight to his presence that made the space around him feel subtly charged.

Sienna and Ingrid straightened slightly, exchanging a glance.

“Dr. Quinn.” His deep, smooth voice carried a hint of formality, but there was something else beneath it.

She turned in her seat, looking up at him. “Commander.”

Zhukov’s silver eyes flickered to her untouched plate before settling back on her. “You are not eating.”

Elara gestured vaguely at the food. “I tried. But my taste buds filed a formal protest.”

Sienna snickered.

Zhukov’s bioluminescent markings pulsed faintly, an indication he was processing her response. “Your body requires sustenance. I will arrange for something more… palatable.”

Elara blinked. “Wait—you’d do that?”

Zhukov tilted his head slightly, as if the answer should be obvious. “You are valuable to this mission. Your health must be maintained.”

Sienna covered her mouth, but Elara could feel her amusement radiating from across the table. Ingrid merely smirked.

Elara sighed, shaking her head. “Alright, alright, I’ll eat something.” She eyed him. “But if you’re offering, I’d kill for real coffee.”

Zhukov’s gaze flickered with something unreadable. “Noted.”

Sienna muttered under her breath, “Oh, she’s so doomed.”

Elara shot her a look. “I heard that.”

Zhukov’s gaze shifted briefly to the other two women, as if acknowledging their presence for the first time. He studied them for a moment before returning his focus to Elara.

“I require your presence in the lab later. There are new genetic markers that require analysis.”

Elara nodded. “I’ll be there.”

Zhukov gave a curt nod, then turned to leave. But just before he walked away, his voice lowered slightly.

“And, Dr. Quinn… I will see what can be done about your coffee.”

Then he was gone.

The moment he was out of earshot, Sienna leaned across the table, eyes wide with barely contained glee. “Oh. My. God.”

Ingrid smirked. “Well, that was interesting.”

Elara groaned, rubbing her temples. “Don’t start.”

Sienna ignored her. “Do you know how rare it is for a Lumenari—especially him—to take personal interest in a human’s well-being?” She wagged a finger. “That man just offered to procure you coffee. Do you understand the significance of this?”

Elara rolled her eyes. “Yes, yes, grand romantic gesture via caffeine procurement, got it.”

Sienna grinned. “I told you to give it time.”

Elara sighed, picking up her fork again.

She suddenly had a feeling that time wasn’t the problem.

It was everything that came after.

Elara sighed, staring at the sad excuse for a meal in front of her, suddenly feeling as though she’d walked into a trap of her own making. Across the table, Sienna and Ingrid exchanged glances, their smirks practically synchronized.

“Alright,” Elara said finally, resting her chin in her palm. “I’ll bite—why is Zhukov getting me coffee such a big deal?”

Sienna leaned forward, eyes glinting with barely contained amusement. “Because, Dr. Quinn, Lumenari do not go out of their way for humans unless there’s a very specific reason. And Zhukov? That guy barely tolerates unnecessary interaction. Yet here he is, making sure you eat and—let me repeat this—personally arranging to get you coffee.”

Ingrid tilted her head. “It’s a display of consideration. In their culture, it means something.”

Elara scoffed, waving a dismissive hand. “Oh, come on, it’s just coffee.”

Sienna smirked. “Sure. And the sun’s just a star.”

Elara shook her head, picking up her fork again just to have something to do with her hands. “You two are reading way too much into this.”

“Uh-huh.” Ingrid’s smirk deepened. “So, what’s your take, then? Commander Zhukov—the most disciplined, hyper-focused Lumenari on this ship—just happens to be concerned about your nutritional intake for no reason?”

Elara exhaled, setting down the fork with a soft clink. “Look, I work with him a lot. We’re trying to solve a genetic crisis, and I’m an essential part of that process. He’s just… ensuring my efficiency.”

Sienna snorted. “Right, because nothing says ‘strictly professional concern’ like personally arranging for a food alternative and securing your Earth-native caffeine dependency.”

Elara groaned, rubbing her temples. “Okay, fine. Maybe he’s being… thoughtful. But that doesn’t mean anything romantic.”

Ingrid arched her brow. “Doesn’t it?”

Elara hesitated.

Sienna leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms. “You’ve noticed he looks at you differently than the others, haven’t you?”

Elara frowned. “What?”

“Oh, come on,” Sienna said. “Lumenari are subtle, yeah, but they’re not that hard to read. He’s always aware of you when you’re in the room.”

Ingrid nodded. “I’ve seen it too. The way his bioluminescence shifts when you’re around—pulses slightly brighter. That’s an instinctive response.”

Elara suddenly felt hyper-aware of every interaction she’d had with Zhukov up to this point. The way he would step just a little closer when they reviewed data together, how his piercing silver eyes lingered on her a little longer than necessary, how his deep voice softened—just slightly—when he addressed her directly.

She shook her head. “He’s just… analytical.”

Sienna gave her a look of pure disbelief. “Elara. Sweetheart. You’re the scientist here, but you’re missing all the data.”

Ingrid smirked. “Bet you anything he’s the one who personally delivers your coffee later.”

Sienna nodded eagerly. “Oh yeah. If he does, you have to admit we’re right.”

Elara rolled her eyes. “Fine. Whatever. You two are impossible.”

Before they could respond, a soft chime echoed through the mess hall—a signal that marked the start of a new work cycle. Around them, Lumenari shipmates moved with effortless efficiency, rising from their seats and departing with smooth, fluid motions. The quiet, orderly atmosphere remained intact, even as the space emptied.

Elara stood, gathering her tray. Sienna and Ingrid followed suit.

As they made their way toward the disposal station, Ingrid nudged Elara lightly with her elbow. “So, when’s your next lab session with Zhukov?”

Elara shot her a dry look. “In about an hour. Try not to read into that too, will you?”

Sienna grinned. “No promises.”

Just as Elara was about to respond, she felt it again—that subtle, almost electric awareness pressing at the edges of her senses. She turned her head slightly, and sure enough, across the hall near the entrance, Zhukov stood in quiet conversation with another Lumenari officer. His posture was rigid yet composed, his hands clasped behind his back as he listened intently.

But the moment she looked his way, his silver eyes flicked toward her, locking onto her gaze with unnerving precision.

Elara inhaled sharply, her pulse skipping a beat.

For a fraction of a second, neither of them moved. The mess hall bustled around them, but the space between them felt charged, suspended in an unspoken exchange.

Then, as if nothing had happened, Zhukov gave her a brief, measured nod before turning back to his conversation.

Elara exhaled, blinking rapidly.

Ingrid chuckled beside her. “Uh-huh. Just coffee, right?”

Sienna nudged her. “Told you to give it time.”

As they exited the mess hall, Elara couldn’t help but feel that things aboard the Vey’Lun were about to get a whole lot more complicated