Page 15 of A Treat For Her Mates

“There’s a slight problem with the fuel delivery tubes,” he says.

“Slight problem?” Miranda sits up straighter and looks between us. “What’s going on?”

H’Aart and I exchange a look. Neither of us want to alarm Miranda but there’s no way to avoid telling her with the alert repeating faster and the emergency lights flashing.

“If we don’t reroute the fuel pathway, we won’t be able to reach the speeds we’ll need to pass through spacegate after we drop you off. As it is, we’ll barely be able to stop the ship and restart it. There’s a big chance we’ll fail and be stuck here until we can fix it. With human technology.” He wrinkles his nose. “And, uh technically we’re not even supposed to be here.”

“Why not?” she asks.

“There is no travel or immigration treaty between our planets,” I explain. “Your leaders know we’re out there, but they’re resisting the whole ‘letting people know’ part very. It is most annoying.

H’Aart nods in agreement. We often discuss how inconvenient the humans’ decision to delay has been. Since we met Fancy, we’ve been eager to meet other humans. Maybe we sensed we’d meet someone like Miranda someday.

“So, it’s best if we can fix the problem while we’re in the air and still moving?” she asks.

“Yes,” I tell her.

“Alright then, let’s do it!” Miranda jumps to her feet and starts pulling on her leg coverings and adjusting her dress.

“You intend to help?” H’Aart asks slowly.

“Of course! Fix a flying saucer while it’s in the air? Amazing! Mechanic accreditation here I come! Of course, I can’t tell them about the flying saucer part. Damn. It doesn’t matter. Let’s get this baby fixed!”

H’Aart and are both frozen, admiration and worry warring in our brains. H’Aart recovers first.

“I’m not sure that’s a good idea. The fuel pathways run at a high temperature and pressure level. They require precision and strength to fix.”

“Miranda can do it, right?” I turn to her and see the determination blazing in her eyes.

H’Aart probably thinks I’m letting my feelings for her cloud my judgement but somehow, I believe in her. Maybe because she believes in herself.

“I can. Just tell me what to do!”

I look at her standing there, her lips kiss-bruised, her hair a mess, her eyes alight and my belief in her strengthens. I look over at H’Aart and he nods. We’re a team.

“V’Lor, get Miranda a work suit and toolset. I’ll open the panel and close off the valves. Then we can see what we’re dealing with together.

Chapter 11: Miranda

This is nothing like fixing a Camaro – it’s even better. I’ve had about a thousand moments of wanting to pinch myself or take a moment to squee, because this is so much fun. And of course, we’re racing against the clock to fix the flying saucer (!!!) and it’s all very important, and what if we fail? But between us, I’m having a blast!

I’m wearing my alien work suit (it’s shiny and blue) and using these funky ass tools to weld a liquid metal tube closed. Don’t think about it too much, goodness knows I’m not. My brain can barely keep up with the technology, but here are few things I do know: The guys trust me enough to do important work on the fuel delivery system. And their trust is well-placed. I’m doing a great job!

V’lor is very serious when it comes to “tube integrity” and he nods with approval whenever I seal one correctly. What a rush! He’s been nodding more and more as I progress. Meanwhile, H’Aart gives us instructions on what to fix next from his post. He’s complimented me several times on my speed and accuracy.

When I do make a mistake of angry bleeps and blurbs come out the robotic announcer thing. So, believe me, I’d know if I was messing the whole thing up. But I’m not! I’m helping. It’s obvious in the words they’re saying and the proud looks they’re giving me. Plus, I can just feel it flowing from them. I want to throw my arms around each of them and kiss them in thanks. But now is NOT the time.

Speaking of time, I’m not sure how much has passed since the emergency. I’m taking a break on the bench where we made out a few hours ago. At least that’s when I think it was. Since we’re orbiting quickly, the night has blended into day several times. Have we time traveled? Are all my co-workers and Jen old already. No, I don’t think so; we haven’t been going that fast. I’m going to need to figure out how the physics work here. Again, later. I think I may be getting a little lightheaded from lack of sleep, not to mention that earth-shaking orgasm.

The worst of the fuel delivery problems seems patched up. At least the alerts have stopped. I kind of want to rest my eyes. Before I nod off, I check and see where the guys are. I crane my head around. V’Lor is doing a final visual check on the area we patch while H’Aart runs a system scan from the captain’s chair. Does that mean it’s almost time for me to go home? The thought makes bile rise in my throat. Impossible. There’s got to be a way we can—

“It is good enough for now,” H’Aart says and V’Lor nods. They share a look and walk towards my perch on the bench. Their faces are serious. Are they getting ready to say goodbye?

“That means we can take you home,” V’Lor says quietly.

“I see.” I don’t know what to say next. Would be bad if I told them I didn’t want to go home? If they didn’t feel the same, it would be awkward, and they’d think I’m pathetic and lonely. But somehow that’s I don’t think that’s how they’ll react. No. That wouldn’t be like them at all.

“But there’s still a problem with taking you home,” H’Aart adds.

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