Page 9 of Alien on the Moon

Rylan frowned. “I see. Well, that won’t be the case here. We need all hands on deck, and I look forward to hearing your ideas. I looked up your qualifications,” he added a bit guiltily.

Elena grinned.

“Same. Impressive history,” she teased. She wanted to face-palm for not looking at any of his photos.

“How about a tour?”

“That sounds great. I wouldn’t mind freshening up, too.”

“I’ll show you the common areas and your room. Then we can grab some breakfast and head out to the fields. Does that sound good?”

At Elena’s nod, Rylan led her through the compound. He described each part of the facility and how they all worked together. Elena couldn’t help but steal little glances at him as they walked.

He was serious, a small frown on his brows, but a glint of mischief in his eyes hinted at something more. The way everyone they passed smiled or nodded went a long way to showing his leadership.

“This is your room. It’s not the royal palace, but I hope it’ll do.” Rylan pushed a door open and led her inside. The room was small, with a plush-looking bed and a desk. A built-in wardrobe was already stocked with the standard work-suit, and a few bookshelves stood ready for her to fill them. Her pack had been delivered and sat waiting on the bed.

“Your private bathroom is just through here.” Rylan pulled open one of the wardrobe doors, exposing a hidden ensuite behind. Elena peeked in.

“What is this, a bathroom for ants?” she said in her best Zoolander impression. She couldn’t help but snort at the expression on Rylan’s face. Somewhere between confused and offended, his mouth opened and closed as he tried to figure out what to say.

“I’m just kidding. It’s a thing from a movie back home, where this guy…” Elena waved a hand. “Never mind. This is perfect, thank you.”

Rylan shook his head, a small smile tugging at his lips. “I have a feeling there will be many of these moments,” he said.

Elena grinned.

He wasn’t wrong. A few hours later, they were crouched down, fingers deep inside the Kheros soil.

Elena grinned at him through her oxygen mask. “So, come here often?”

Rylan laughed. “What does that one mean?”

“It’s a really dumb pick-up line. You have pick-up lines. Right?”

As he pulled the stalk of a wilting plant from the ground, Rylan snuck her a look. “Are you trying to pick me up?”

Elena’s face reddened. “No, I mean, it was…”

She narrowed her eyes as Rylan burst out laughing. “Oh, now you’re making fun of me?” She shoved his shoulder playfully. It didn’t escape her notice that he barely budged, his lean frame strong and solid.

Rylan’s laughter tapered off as he inspected the root of the plant he’d upended. Elena sobered, scooting closer to him to inspect it.

“See this blue bit?” Rylan asked, pointing to an area of pocked marks filled with indigo sludge. Elena grabbed a sample jar, holding it open for Rylan.

“We haven’t been able to figure out what causes this, and we haven’t collected a viable sample. I think you brought good luck with you.” He smiled at Elena, though it was strained.

“You’re worried about what it means,” Elena said, studying his face. He nodded, his eyes downcast. “Well, let’s get it back to the lab. What do you start with?”

“What would you recommend?” Rylan asked, seeming genuinely interested. He placed the sample carefully in the glass jar Elena held out.

Elena stared at the sample, her mind running through the various tests they could do, cross-referencing them with the equipment she’d been admiring in the lab.

“I would start with a microscopic analysis of the secretion, the surface of the root, and where the two interact,” she replied slowly. “A chemical analysis next, and—do you have DNA samples and testing equipment?”

She pushed her glasses up her nose as Rylan nodded. “Finally, checking for fungi or other microorganisms. Longer term, we could do stress testing on this sample and some healthy ones under different conditions.”

Rylan studied her thoughtfully. Elena thought she saw a flicker of something pass through his eyes, but it was there and gone before she could make it out. Admiration? Annoyance? She wasn’t sure.

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