Page 3 of Baby For the Mosaic Med Chief

Against her better judgment, she heard herself say, “Okay. I’ll come with you.” For now, at least. She would figure out how to escape later.

His relief was palpable as he took her hand and led her from the MedBay. They hurried down a dim corridor, Quillin leading the way with long, swift strides. Her nerves jangled with each step and her breathing was loud in her ears. Suddenly, he pulled her into a shadowy alcove, pressing a finger to his lips. She froze as heavy footsteps approached. Two enforcers walked by, conversing casually.

She sagged once they passed, but he stiffened, peering around the corner. “More coming,” he whispered.

Sure enough, two more enforcers appeared, coming their way. He took her hand and boldly stepped out of hiding. She stared at him in alarm but didn’t dare make a sound.

“Good evening, officers.” Quillin greeted them calmly. “Just taking my proxy home after her exam.”

One officer glanced between them curiously. “Bit late for an exam, isn’t it?”

Quillin laughed. “You know how the schedule gets backed up. I appreciate you gentlemen keeping the Embassy safe.”

The enforcers nodded and continued on their way. She stared after them in disbelief. How had he appeared so confident?

As they descended the Embassy steps, she made an impulsive suggestion. “My POD isn’t far. We could hide out there tonight.”

He agreed at once. Ducking through the streets and foot traffic, Briana led Quillin to her modest POD. The small space held a hint of comfort amidst the uncertainty that hung in the air. She locked the door behind them, her hands trembling with a mix of anticipation and unease. They were alone now, hidden away from the watchful eyes of the Embassy.

Quillin looked around the POD, seemingly taking in its simple furnishings and the traces of Briana’s life scattered throughout. The air was thick with a blend of nervousness and curiosity. He turned to her. “A provisory occupant dwelling is smaller than I’ve heard.”

She let out a startled laugh. “It was even smaller before my assigned roommate matched with a Tark last month.”

He nodded. “I probably met her.”

“Along with dozens of others by now,” she said with a hint of bitterness, feeling like just a number to the Faction and even Earth’s government, who’d signed the treaty on her and every other young woman’s behalf.

“More likely hundreds.” He seemed ill-at-ease with the admission.

Silence reigned for a moment until a rumbling sound filled the space. He put a hand on his stomach and chuckled awkwardly. “I missed lunch.”

Briana watched him closely, her heart pounding in her chest as she managed a small smile. “You know, there’s a synthicator in the kitchen area.”

Quillin’s gaze met hers. “I could eat.”

Why did she have the unnerving and slightly arousing image of him eating something entirely different from food suddenly in her mind, making her breathless?

They moved to the kitchen area, a compact space adorned with a small dining nook, a sink, and the synthicator. He examined the controls, his fingers hovering over the holographic interface. Briana noticed the contrast between his imposing figure and the gentle way he handled the technology. She wondered how it would feel to have those long, lean fingers touching her and shivered.

With a few deft gestures, he programmed the synthicator, selecting a recipe from the database. The device hummed to life, the soft whirring sound filling the air. A delightful aroma soon enveloped the room, tantalizing their senses.

Briana’s eyes widened in surprise upon smelling only familiar scents. “You eat Earth food?”

Quillin turned toward her, a hint of amusement in his voice. “A Mosaic must be resourceful.” He winked. “I observed your favorited requests and chose a dish you enjoy.”

He lifted the lid of the synthicator, revealing a large bowl of steaming chicken and dumplings. The sight brought back a flood of memories for Briana, the scent triggering a sense of nostalgia that tugged at her heart.

“It’s chicken and dumplings,” said Quillin, his voice filled with warmth. “Your most requested meal.”

Briana’s breath caught in her throat as she stared at the chicken and dumplings. The aroma filled the room, mingling with the memories of her mother’s cooking. Quillin’s gesture touched something deep within her.

She blinked back tears, realizing he’d taken time to understand her preferences and had gone a step farther, replicating a dish that held a special place in her heart, though he couldn’t possibly know that, or why she was teary-eyed. “This is my mother’s recipe. Mostly. I programmed it in by memory.”

His golden eyes widened with surprise, and a soft smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. “I had no idea. I’m honored to have brought back a small piece of your past.”

Her heart swelled with emotion, and she found herself opening up to him, sharing the bittersweet truth. “It’s never been quite the same since...since I lost my family. I loaded the recipe into the database myself, trying to recreate the taste from memory, but it’s not quite right. It’s just close enough to always be a reminder of what I’ve lost but remains comforting.”

His expression softened, his gaze filled with empathy. “I know the pain you’ve endured, and I understand the significance of holding onto those precious memories. Food has a way of connecting us to our roots and to the people and moments that shaped us.”

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