Page 14 of Swipe Right for Stardust

“What is that?” I asked, peering closer.

“A Nebula Nursery,” Klix explained proudly. “It’s the perfect habitat for a Cephalox. The liquid mimics their natural environment.”

I reached out to touch the sphere, marveling at its cool, smooth surface. “It’s beautiful.”

“Shall we transfer Taffy?” Klix asked.

As I lowered Taffy into the sphere, a twinge of sadness caught me off guard. The creature’s tendrils wrapped around my fingers before releasing, disappearing into the swirling liquid.

“There,” Klix said softly. “Taffy will be quite comfortable here while you’re at dinner.”

“Thanks, Klix,” I murmured, watching Taffy explore its new home.

With one last glance at the nursery, I stepped out of my quarters and into the station’s corridors. The architecture was stunning - sweeping arches of metal and glass, pulsing with soft bioluminescence. I trailed my fingers along the wall, feeling the subtle vibration of the station’s systems.

I continued on, following Klix’s directions to the restaurant. My stomach fluttered with nerves as I approached “Celestial Fusion.” And then I saw him.

Zarnak stood by the entrance, his towering frame unmistakable even among the diverse alien clientele. He wore a sleek, dark suit that complemented the icy blue of his fur. And then his gaze met mine.

I smoothed down my shimmering dress, suddenly self-conscious. “Hi,” I said, my voice coming out breathier than I intended.

“Vanessa,” Zarnak rumbled, inclining his head. “You look... radiant.”

Heat crept up my neck. “Thanks. You clean up pretty nice yourself.”

An awkward silence stretched between us. I searched for something clever to say, but my mind went blank.

“Shall we?” Zarnak finally asked, gesturing towards the entrance.

As we stepped inside, I gasped. The restaurant was unlike anything I’d ever seen.

Tables floated in mid-air, their surfaces shimmering with holographic displays. Chairs morphed and shifted, adapting to each patron’s unique physiology. Above us, the ceiling displayed a real-time view of a nearby nebula, its swirling colors casting an ethereal glow over everything.

Soft, haunting music played from no discernible source, enveloping us like a living thing.

“Wow,” I breathed.

Zarnak’s lips curved in a slight smile. “It is quite impressive.”

“Zarnak! Vanessa!” A familiar voice called out. I turned to see Jake and Silla waving us over from a nearby table.

As we approached, Jake whistled appreciatively. “Looking good, you two! That dress is stunning, Vanessa.”

Silla nodded enthusiastically, her iridescent skin shimmering. “Yes! And Zarnak, that suit complements your fur beautifully.”

I felt myself relax a bit. “Thanks, guys. You both look great too.”

Before we could chat more, a pair of figures brushed past us. Ethan and Nala, looking irritatingly perfect.

“Well, if it isn’t our last-place finishers,” Ethan drawled. “Enjoy the view from the back of the pack?”

Nala snickered, her tail flicking dismissively. “At least they made it to dinner. I half expected them to get lost along the way.”

I clenched my fists, ready to snap back, but Zarnak’s steady presence beside me kept me grounded. “We’re exactly where we want to be,” I said coolly.

They moved on, but not before Rachel and Tarnox passed by, giving us condescending looks.

“Amateurs,” Rachel muttered, just loud enough for us to hear.

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