Page 22 of Testing the Kot'oll Officer

Without a second thought, I head toward the location, swift and determined. Four arms can maneuver more effectively, and I’m thankful for it as I wearily navigate the chaos ahead.

As I approach, the shapes clarify. Two vehicles are entangled at an intersection, sparks flying where a wing got caught on another ship. My instincts take over. I stride forward, the glaring light blaring from my officer badge reflecting off the metal surrounding me.

"Alright, everyone back!" I command, assessing the scene quicker than the thought itself.

Drivers and onlookers begin to back away, giving way for me to get to the two drivers who are about to punch each other.

I ask, “What happened here?” I walk around the crashed spaceships, assessing the damage; both to the ships and the egos involved.

Both parties begin to bicker, their voices rising amid the bustle, neither willing to concede an inch.

"He was in my lane!" one shouts.

"No! You're the one who didn't signal!" the other retorts, flailing wildly.

“Silence!” I boom above the din, instinct kicking in once more. “Both of you are reckless. It looks like neither of you was paying attention. We have procedures for this. You need to follow them. And,” I glance toward the curious crowd trying to peek in, “no spectators.”

Stepping into the fray, I use my communicator to call for backup. “This is Vatok, I need a tow unit at North Crescent. We have an accident."

Maybe this is my world and what I should be focusing on... even though being with Julie is pleasant. Maybe I've been creeping her out anyway. Maybe she asked for help for that one time, not forever.

Chapter 10

Julie

I sit back on the couch, letting out a breath as it finally feels like the day is over. It has been a long one. "Vatok... Are you here?"

He isn't in the living room, but he may be in the bedroom. I miss him. He's a strong guy, he can just carry me to him instead of otherwise.

The apartment feels unusually quiet, each tick of the wall clock echoing like a reminder of my loneliness. I pad softly down the dim hallway, my heart picking up a little at the thought of just seeing him. "Vatok?"

As I approach the bedroom door, I half-expect to see him lounging on the bed, his broad frame sinking into the blankets. Instead, the room is shadowed, the curtains drawn tightly, leaving only a sliver of dusk-colored light to spill across the floor.I hesitate before peeking in, feeling like an intruder in a space where I should feel safest.

There he is, sitting on the edge of the bed, his head bowed as if he’s contemplating the weight of the world.

"Is something wrong?" I ask, my voice nearly swallowed by the air around us.

He glances up, his eyes tired but glimmering with something unreadable. "I just need a moment. It's been... a lot."

I can’t help but notice how his shoulders slump, the very essence of his usually commanding presence dimming. My heart aches. This isn’t the strong, resilient Vatok I know. Something has to be wrong, really wrong. Is that with his job?

I step closer. "I had a rough day too. Tell me what’s on your mind?"

But instead of opening up, he shifts slightly, as if my words had pushed him back further into his thoughts.

His silence feels like a wall, and for the first time, I can’t quite reach him. The playful echo of our laughter from earlier in the week feels like a distant memory, one that I grasp but cannot hold.

I sit by his side and wrap my arms around him. I enjoy my time with him, even when none of us talk. It happens sometimes, when our days can be rough, and there's no telling what willhappen every single day. But tonight, the peace we usually find in shared silence dances on the edge of discomfort. I lean against him, resting my head on his shoulder, hoping to draw him out of his brooding. “Remember that time when I didn't park well?"

He chuckles softly, a half-hearted one. The warmth of his body next to mine gives me a flicker of hope, but the heaviness lingers.

He has been this way recently. Maybe work has been rough on him and he gets tired. I just wish I could help.

“Vatok, you know you can talk to me about anything, right? I’m here.”

He shifts, his hand resting over my own as if he’s searching for warmth in my touch. “I don’t want to burden you. You’ve had a long day. You don’t need my rants.”

“Everyone needs to rant sometimes." I squeeze his hand. My heart hammers with concern.

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