Page 31 of Obsessed

She huffs but doesn't protest further, just holds her precious specimen closer. "My hero," she mutters sarcastically.

"Don't get used to it." But I'm grateful for the growing darkness that hides my smile as I carry her home.

Safely back at the station, I set Alice down gently on the couch, propping her injured ankle on a cushion. "Stay put. I'll make dinner."

"I can help-" She starts to get up.

"Stay." I point at her firmly before heading to the kitchen.

A familiar blue light flickers to life from the kitchen counter. I forgot I'd left Navi there after breakfast, and I'm sure she's not happy about it.

"Welcome back, Captain. Your heart rate is elevated. Did something exciting happen?"

"Alice fell in a pit," I say, pulling ingredients from the storage unit. "She's fine."

"The human researcher? Is she here? I'd love to finally meet her. My databanks on human behavior could use updating."

"Navi, no-"

"Did someone say meet?" Alice hobbles into the kitchen, using the wall for support. "Is that your ship's AI?"

I sigh. "Alice, this is Navi. Navi, this is-"

"Dr. Alice Watson, xenobotanist. Your research on adaptive plant evolution is fascinating." Navi's hologram brightens. "Though your safety protocols could use some work."

Alice laughs, easing herself onto a stool. "You've read my papers?"

"I have access to multiple scientific databases. Your theory on chemical communication between native species is particularly intriguing."

"Really? Most people find it boring." She leans forward, eyes bright. "Or worse, reductive."

"The peer review was obviously biased against your humanity, as per usual in the scientific community. But, as I lack any species whatsoever, I also lack such biases. Your work was perfectly coherent and passed my professional scrutiny."

"What do you think about the potential applications for-"

"Don't encourage her," I interrupt, chopping vegetables with more force than necessary. "She'll talk your ear off about science all night."

"Technically, I don't have ears," Navi points out. "And unlike some people, I appreciate intellectual discourse."

Alice grins. "I like her."

"She grows on you," I admit. "Like a fungus."

"I prefer to think of myself as a highly evolved artificial intelligence, but whatever helps you sleep at night, Captain."

The kitchen fills with the sound of Alice's laughter and the sizzle of cooking food. She and Navi dive into a discussion about something scientific I can't follow. The familiar rhythm of cooking, the warmth of the kitchen, the way Alice's eyes light up as she gestures enthusiastically – it feels like home in a way that scares me.

I could get used to this. Her presence on my ship, exploring the galaxy together, showing her all the wonders I've seen. Butthe weight of my cargo and what I do sits heavy in my chest. This isn't my life to keep.

Still, her eyes sparkle with gratitude as I serve her plate of food. And for a moment, everything feels right again.

But only for a moment.

CHAPTER 17

ALICE

The microscope whirs as I adjust the focus, squinting at the peculiar specimen. My ankle throbs, but the excitement of discovery drowns out the discomfort. The tiny red petals almost seem to pulse under the lens, their surface unlike anything I've documented before.

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