Page 2 of Swipe Right for Stardust

My heart raced as I opened my eyes, a decision crystallizing in my mind.

“Why not,” I said, grinning at Jess. “I’m in.”

Her mouth dropped open. “Really?”

I nodded, a giddy laugh escaping me. “Yeah. Why not? Life’s too short to play it safe, right?”

Jess squealed, pulling me into a tight hug. “Oh my god, Van! This is going to be amazing!”

I hugged her back, my mind whirling with possibilities. What would space be like? What kind of aliens would I meet?

“I can’t believe I’m doing this,” I said, pulling back from the hug.

Jess beamed at me. “I’m so proud of you, Van. This is going to change your life.”

I picked up my phone, my finger hovering over the ‘Accept’ button. Taking a deep breath, I pressed it.

A new message popped up: “Welcome aboard, Vanessa! Pack your bags and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime. A shuttle will arrive to pick you up in 48 hours. May stars and hearts align!”

“Holy shit,” I whispered. “It’s really happening.”

Jess raised her wine glass. “To Vanessa Wilson, soon-to-be intergalactic heartbreaker!”

I clinked my glass against hers, laughing. “To new adventures and hot aliens.”

As we sipped our wine, my mind raced with possibilities. In just two days, I’d be leaving Earth behind, venturing into the unknown.

Whatever happened, one thing was certain – life was about to get a whole lot more interesting.

ZARNAK

Ishifted uncomfortably, my broad shoulders hunched as I tried to make myself smaller in the crowded reception area. The cacophony of voices, laughter, and the clinking of glasses grated on my sensitive ears. My fellow scientists had convinced me this would be an excellent opportunity for “personal growth,” but I suspected their motives were less than altruistic.

A group of humans nearby cast furtive glances in my direction, their eyes widening as they took in my imposing stature. I suppressed a sigh. It was always the same – one look at my muscular frame and icy blue skin, and they assumed I was some sort of intergalactic warrior. If only they knew I was more comfortable with a microscope than a blaster.

As I scanned the reception area, I noticed a short, wiry alien with glowing blue patterns across his skin darting between contestants, offering assistance and answering questions. His nametag read “Klix Fen - Contestant Liaison.”

Near the bar, a tall, striking figure with shimmering silver skin was deep in conversation with the event staff, gesturing animatedly. I overheard someone nearby whisper, “That’s Caelan Solis, the co-host. I hear he and Lysandra used to be an item.”

Perhaps I could approach this as an anthropological study. It wasn’t my area of expertise, but any port in a cosmic storm, as they say.

A high-pitched laugh drew my attention to a striking redheaded human nearby. She tossed her hair over her shoulder, green eyes sparkling as she regaled her audience with some tale. I decided to make my first foray into “mingling.”

As I approached, the redhead turned, her smile faltering before widening unnaturally.

“Well, hello there, big guy,” she purred, running her eyes over me in a way that made my fur stand on end. “I’m Rachel. And you are?”

“Dr. Zarnak Thal,” I replied, extending my hand. “Pleased to make your acquaintance.”

Rachel’s eyebrows shot up. “Doctor? What kind of doctor? Strength training?”

I felt my jaw clench. “Xenobiology, actually. I specialize in the study of extraterrestrial life forms and their ecosystems.”

“Oh,” Rachel said, her interest visibly waning. “How... fascinating. You know, I think I see someone I need to talk to. Excuse me.”

She brushed past me, leaving me standing alone. I watched her saunter away, feeling a mixture of frustration and relief. So much for my first attempt at socializing.

I made my way to a spot by a pillar, my ears picking up snippets of conversation as I moved.

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