Page 21 of Testing the Kot'oll Officer

Eventually, he's done with his speech. He looks me up and down. "So, do you understand? I want to make sure the team is well. And I don't remember having to give you this speech like ever. You've been a good performer."

"I'm still a good performer, don't worry about that."

He lifts his brows and doesn't seem to be convinced. "I'm going to keep a close eye on you, Vatok."

The way he says my name sends a shiver down my spine. Now, I'm alert and awake. I salute him. "I understand, captain. I'll be off to my shift. It's about time to take off."

He nods and rests his hand behind his waist, heading back into the building.

I shove my hands into my pockets, pacing the narrow concrete path outside the parking lot. I can’t let my feelings for Julie affect my work. I’ve always been dedicated and disciplined. I’m one of the top officers in traffic control, known for my meticulous attention to detail and swift reactions. Yet here I am, feeling like a mess because of a smile, a laugh, and that first kiss that lingers on my lips.

"Pull yourself together," I mutter, vaguely aware that I'm speaking aloud to no one. The cool wind rushes past, but it does nothing to cool the heat gathering at the back of my neck as troubling thoughts spiral around.

Making it worse, she and I aren't even mates. We may be friends, and that's about it. Am I doing too much? Going too much out of my way to help her?

But I don't mind helping her and I want to help her, yet...

I eye the path in the sky and the spaceships that travel on the paths, making sure everything's in order. Dozens of flickering lights compete for attention—each spaceship a different hue, slicing through the sky, almost like in the bar. It’s intoxicating and chaotic. Yet, watching that keeps me calm. While my honorrequires focus, I can't help but wonder how Julie is doing. Could she be holding her own with those relentless suitors who have a zero sense of no?

Just then, a blaring horn yanks me from my musings. I glance towards the crosswalk where the lights have changed to allow for another direction of passage, only for a spaceship to zoom dangerously close in the reverse direction, nearly colliding against the one who's doing the right thing. My instincts kick in. Without thinking, I spring into action, my four arms moving fluidly as I position myself to direct traffic, wearing my expression of authority.

“Hey!” I shout, waving the instruction baton with blinking lights. “Slow it down! You’ve got no idea who’s behind you!”

The flyer screeches to a halt, skidding sideways in a shower of sparks. My muscles engage fully, adrenaline pumping through my veins as I steer my patrolling ship toward the offending spaceship.

“You trying to get yourself killed? You have to obey traffic laws. This is a busy road!”

“Sorry, officer! We didn’t see you. It just—”

“Doesn’t matter; that’s not an excuse! If you want to fly around recklessly, do it somewhere else! Your license!”

The driver fumbles, hands trembling as he produces his identification, clearly shaken by the close encounter. I take astep closer, the glare in my eyes reflecting the urgency of the situation. A deep breath settles my mind for a moment, allowing my instincts to take the lead.

“Name,” I demand, scanning the contested airspace for other potential hazards.

“Uh, Zandar, sir. I was just—”

“Just what? No one gives a flying star about your excuses! What’s flying through that head of yours?” I take a moment to steady my breath and firm my posture. Anger alone doesn’t solve anything.

I check Zandar's license against the record with my machine. "Your record looks clean, I’ll issue you a warning this time." I hand the license back stiffly. The driver squints at me, mouth hanging open as if having trouble processing the relief wash over him.

“Thank you, sir! I swear it won’t happen again!”

“Make it so, Zandar. Focus on the road.” I watch as he nervously nods, then darts away, eager to put distance between us.

Except I may be the one who can't focus on my job. Am I trying too hard with Julie? Digging my heels in too deep?

As Zandar takes off into the bustling sky, I can't shake off the weight in my chest. The momentary rush of adrenaline fades,only to be replaced with the nagging feeling that I've been holding onto too many distractions lately.

What does that mean though? That beings have been following the rules? Out of nowhere?

Pacing the edge of the street, the rhythmic hum of the city wraps around me like a comforting blanket. The glow of nearby star drones adds to the chaos of my thoughts, dancing in opposition to the stark reality of my demanding job.

I can’t help but run a hand through my hair, feeling the weight of the decisions I’ve made lately. Have I truly let my personal life intertwine with my professional duties? Moments with Julie, the laughter, and the delightful mayhem of our encounters linger in my mind like a sweet, intoxicating melody that refuses to fade.

But uncertainty chokes me. I'm supposed to be a steady pillar of order; instead, I'm wobbling like a malfunctioning starship. I can’t afford to keep slipping up, especially when my role requires every ounce of my attention.

A distant sound pulls me from my reverie. A series of loud crashes echoes down the street. I blink, suddenly aware. “What now?” I whisper, turning to see a flash of lights in the distance, followed by the outline of multiple ships swerving erratically.

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