Page 8 of Testing the Kot'oll Officer

"Am I?" I shake my head. "No, I'm not too drunk to talk."

She muses. "If you insist. But I don't want to risk breaking any rules with Mr. Rule-follower. I'll be behind the engine, just in case the system has errors."

Technically, she's right. She didn't drink anything and would be the better choice for our circumstances.

We get inside my spaceship. She sits behind the controller. "Here we go!"

"Wait..."

"Yes?"

"Now, there are only the two of us."

"I suppose unless you're seeing—"

"I'm serious."

"It's hard to—"

I hiss at her. "No one can hear us when we're in the spaceship. What's the deal with the ring?"

"Oh..." She lifts it and checks it against the faint light from the outside. "It's just a ring."

"Are you with someone already?" I hate having to ask that when I know the answer. The ring is pretty telling. But... She and her mate can't blame me for trying to help. I didn't start pretending to be her mate and I didn't invite myself over. She started it and—

"Vatok, are you listening?"

I blink. "What?"

"Look, I was saying, there's no meaning to this ring other than hoping it'll deter others. I want to sling drinks and make sure everyone's having a good time in the bar, not to find my mate. Most know that when they see the ring and won't bother me, but there are also a few loose ones out there who can't get a hint."

Somehow, the knot in my stomach eases. But she's attractive, it would make more sense for her to already be with someone.

I nod. "Is that all about that? I hope I didn't overstep. I was trying to help and didn't want to cause issues."

She squeezes my hand and starts the spaceship. "All's good. The ring really is just there to hopefully gain peace, and that works until it isn't. I'm single, not with anyone."

I grit my teeth to stop myself from talking. Maybe her pretense to be my mate is so good that she's fooling me even when I know clearly that this is just an act. But... she's still single, and that may mean I stand a chance.

The thought sends my heart racing and my gut agrees.

Yet... she also said she isn't looking for a mate in the bar. Is that a problem with bar-goers? Or is she referring to looking for a mate as a whole?

Regardless... I'm both of that, so...

She nudges me with her elbow as she drives. "Look, don't let it get to your head, okay? I know you're a nice and dependable one, so... I hope you don't mind. I really could use help."

"I don't mind for sure, don't be silly. It's my pleasure to help, even when I'm no longer in uniform."

She hums but remains silent. I've never been good at words, so I keep my mouth shut.

The ride is quiet, but comfortable. I stare out of the window, my mind still clear despite the drinks. What I had wasn't that strong after all. I enjoy a sip or two, but not getting drunk and waiting for the hangover that may catch up with me.

When we finally pull up outside her apartment, the silence between us pulses with sparks. She turns to me, her breath hitching slightly as she looks deep into my eyes. “This is my place.”

As I take a second to absorb the moment, my heart thrumming louder in my chest, I find myself saying, “I had a great time tonight, Julie.”

“Me too, Vatok. You’re... different,” she whispers, her voice almost reverent. The air around us feels heavy. Even though everything's fleeting, I... I can't help but imagine something more between us.

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