Page 85 of Alien's Eternal Mate

Dowron's eyes narrowed, a hint of curiosity in his gaze. "You've changed, Reed. The man I knew wouldn't have recognized the term, let alone appreciate its significance."

I let out a bitter laugh, the sound harsh even to my own ears. "Yeah, well, living an entire life as an alien tends to change a guy's perspective. Funny how being trapped in a body that isn't yours can make you reassess your priorities."

"So it seems," Dowron rumbled, his scaled face unreadable. He leaned back in his chair, the metal creaking under his weight as he studied me with those piercing eyes. "Tell me, what would the old Carter Reed have done in this situation?"

I didn't hesitate, the truth spilling out before I could even think to filter it. "He'd have tried to manipulate you. Probably would've lied through his teeth to save his own skin. Hell, he might've even tried to find a way to turn this whole mess to his advantage."

"And now?" Dowron pressed, his clawed fingers tapping rhythmically on the arm of his chair.

I shrugged. "Now? I just want the truth out there. Whatever happens to me... it doesn't really matter anymore."

Dowron's expression softened, almost imperceptibly. "That's a dangerous attitude, Reed. In my experience, those with nothing to lose are often the most unpredictable."

"Maybe," I conceded. "But I'm not here to cause trouble. I just... I need to honor their memory. The Masari, my family... Arael." My voice cracked on her name.

The general stood up, his massive frame casting a shadow across the room. He walked to a nearby viewport, gazing out at the stars. "You know, Reed, I've seen a lot of strange things in this galaxy. But your story... it's something else entirely."

I joined him at the window, the vastness of space stretching out before us. "Trust me, I know how it sounds. But every word is true."

Dowron turned to face me, his expression unreadable. "And that's what worries me. If what you're saying is accurate, we're dealing with technology far beyond our comprehension. The implications are... unsettling."

"So what now?" I asked, meeting his gaze.

The Vakutan general was silent for a long moment. Finally, he spoke. "Now, you need to somehow disappear into the galaxy. For a broken man whose lost his soulmate, it shouldn't be too hard.."

TWENTY-SEVEN

CARTER

Chapter 27

Inever thought I'd end up here, light-years away from everything I'd ever known. After those damn high-profile trials splashed across every holo-screen in the galaxy, my face became too recognizable for comfort. Witness protection, they called it. Exile, is what it felt like.

No more Earth, no more Arc Royal. Just me, shipped off to some planet, expected to start a new life with a new identity. Fucking fantastic. As I stared out the viewport of the transport ship, watching the stars blur by, I couldn't help but wonder if I'd made the right choice in testifying. But what's done is done, and now I'm stuck dealing with the consequences of my actions. At least I'm still breathing, I guess. That's more than I can say for some of the others involved in that shitstorm. The powers that be, in their infinite wisdom, decided to make me an accountant at a Glimner casino. The irony wasn't lost on me – from scientist to alien chieftain to number-cruncher. Life had a sick sense of humor.

"Hey, Reed! You gonna stare at those screens all day or actually do some work?" my supervisor, a portly Glimner named Zax, bellowed from across the room.

I sighed, turning back to the holographic displays floating before me. "Just double-checking the numbers, Zax. Wouldn't want to miss a single credit, would we?"

Zax snorted, his multiple eyes blinking in rapid succession. "That's what I like about you, Reed. Always so... meticulous."

As I dove back into the sea of figures and transactions, my mind wandered to my true passion – documenting the Masari culture. Every night, after my shift ended, I'd rush back to my cramped apartment and lose myself in memories.

"Computer, continue personal log entry," I said as I collapsed into my chair later that evening. "The Masari celebration of Jhalshagar isn't just about finding a soulmate. It's a recognition of the interconnectedness of all living things..."

Hours passed as I spoke, my words painting a picture of a world and a people that now existed only in my mind. When I finally finished, exhaustion settling into my bones, I couldn't help but wonder if anyone would ever believe me.

"End log," I muttered, rubbing my eyes. The computer chimed in acknowledgment, and I found myself staring at the wall of data I'd compiled over the past months.

I leaned back in my chair, the hum of the computer fading into the background as my mind drifted to Arael. God, I missed her. The ache in my chest felt as fresh as the day I'd woken up in this world, realizing she was gone.

"Fuck," I muttered, running a hand through my hair. I could almost smell her scent, that strange mix of spice and something alien that I'd grown to love.

I closed my eyes, and suddenly I was back there, in our home on the Masari world. Arael's scales glimmered in the soft light as she moved around the kitchen, humming a tune I'd never quite managed to learn.

"Gro," she called, her voice a melody I'd give anything to hear again. "Are you just going to stand there, or are you going to help me with dinner?"

I chuckled, the sound catching in my throat. "Sorry, love. I was just admiring the view."

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