Page 95 of Shadows of Stardust

“I want to know what brought her here,” I say finally. “I want to know that she’s okay, and if there’s anything I can do to help her. I want… I want to know if there’s a way to get her off this planet, for the two of us to go somewhere and start over now that my enlistment is up.”

Zan murmurs in understanding, and we both fall silent for a few long minutes, lost to our thoughts.

When we catch sight of a few more contestants venturing out of their bungalows to start the day, however, it’s clear we should do the same. More camera time, more appeasing the producers, more pretending.

After last night, I’m sure we’ll be under even closer scrutiny.

We head back inside to make ourselves presentable, and just as I’m putting the finishing touches on my makeup, the metallic chime of the comms screen next to the front door rings through the bungalow.

Stomach dropping, I hurry out into the living space to see what it is, only to be blocked by a solid wall of Revexoran male obstructing my view.

“What is it?” I ask, nudging him aside so I can get a look, too.

My stomach drops even further, deja vu curdling low and sour in the bottom of it as I read the message once, then again.

“Well,” Zan grumbles. “I guess we’re finally getting our date.”

26

Zandrel

Mate Match Transcript: S24 E6 INTERVIEW 9

Contestant: Zandrel|Producer: Sella

S: How are you feeling today, Zandrel?

Z: I’m feeling fine.

S: That’s all you’re going to give me?

Z: Is there anything in particular you’d like to hear?

S: Can you tell us what you’re expecting from tonight’s date?

Z: No. They didn’t give us any details.

S: You’re killing me, Zandrel. I mean, with Roslyn. What does this date mean for your relationship?

Z: [inaudible]

S: Pardon? Could you say that again?

Z: I hope… I hope we’ll be able to enjoy some time to be… us. Away from the bungalow and off the beach, just the two of us. I look forward to having her all to myself.

Late in the afternoon the day after Ros and I received the comms message announcing our date, I’m alone in the bungalow.

Roslyn was kidnapped hours ago.

Well. That’s what it seemed like to me.

Juni showed up like a heat-seeking missile and whisked Roslyn away before she could protest, the two of them retreating to Juni’s bungalow where she’s no doubt employing her considerable skill to get Roslyn ready for our date.

The production team pulled me in for an excruciating half-hour of interviews, but once that nightmare was over, I’ve had the rest of the day to myself.

It’s left me here, in front of the mirror in our bathroom, giving more attention to my appearance than I’ve ever done in my life.

I could try to tell myself it’s for the cameras, but I know that would be at least half a lie.

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