Page 19 of Grumpy Alien Boss

"You've already proven invaluable." The words come out in a guttural rasping, my true voice rougher than my human one. "For now, continue as you have been. The business empire funds our operations, and you've shown remarkable aptitude for managing it."

Her smile doesn't quite reach her eyes. Something troubles her - the slight furrow between her brows, the way she worries her bottom lip with her teeth. Perhaps the weight of what I've revealed finally sinks in.

"This has all been a huge shock," I say, softening my tone. "Why don't we go to breakfast?"

"Breakfast?" She blinks. "Like this?" She gestures at my true form.

"I can shift back." My scales ripple, ready to take on my human guise again.

"The image inducer creates a photonic field that mimics human features." I tap the device at my throat. "Advanced holographic technology."

"So when that guy shot at you last month..."

A rumbling laugh escapes me. "The inducer didn't stop the bullet. Vakutan scales are naturally resistant to your primitive weapons."

"Primitive? I'll show you primitive." She pokes my chest playfully. "But seriously, that tech is amazing. Think how much time I could save in the morning! No shower, no makeup, just roll out of bed and flip a switch."

"Not quite that simple." My talons click against the device. "The power requirements are substantial. The smaller the disguise area, the more efficient. That's why I still need human clothing to cover most of my body."

"Still sounds pretty convenient." Olivia runs her fingers over my scales, sending shivers down my spine. "Better than spending an hour on makeup every morning."

The touch of her hand makes it hard to focus. I clear my throat. "I'll requisition a personal unit for you from Veritas. Captain Pyke owes me a favor."

Her eyes light up. "Really?"

"Consider it a signing bonus for joining the organization."

"Best job perk ever." She grins. "Now, about that breakfast?"

"Ray gun?" A deep chuckle rumbles in my chest. "One step at a time."

"Strap in." I gesture to the safety harness. "We're heading to breakfast."

"I thought we were going back to the office?" Olivia fumbles with the alien buckles.

"Tokyo has better sushi." I tap the navigation console, plotting our course through the stratosphere. "We'll be there in eight minutes."

Her eyes widen as the ship lifts vertically, breaking through the cloud cover. The curve of Earth spreads below us, a breathtaking vista of blue and white. Olivia presses her face against the viewport, drinking in the sight.

"This is incredible!" She traces patterns on the glass with her finger. "Look at those colors!"

Her childlike wonder warms something deep inside me. After centuries of space travel, it's easy to forget the simple joy of seeing your world from above for the first time.

The ship accelerates smoothly as we reach the upper atmosphere. Olivia's delight is infectious, her enthusiasm pure and unrestrained. But a shadow crosses my thoughts.

The memory of Agent Chen's death last month still haunts me. The Grolgath had torn through his combat armor like paper. If Olivia ever encountered one... My talons dig into the control yoke.

No. I won't let that happen. She'll stay far from the front lines, safe in her role managing the business empire. I'll make sure of it.

"Look, we're already over the Pacific!" Olivia points excitedly at the vast ocean below. "This is way better than first class."

The ship transforms with a whisper of hydraulics, folding into an elegant black Mercedes van. Perfect camouflage for Tokyo's crowded streets. I activate my human guise as we cruise past the neon signs of Shibuya.

"This is surreal," Olivia says. "An hour ago we were in New York."

I park near a quaint café with outdoor seating. The scent of grilled fish and miso wafts through the air. Even in human form, I tower over the locals. Phones appear, snapping pictures.

"Sumimasen," a young woman approaches. "Photo please?"

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