by Tracy Lauren
“Please do—” I start. But then my door chimes and I yelp, jumping to my feet and straightening my dress. Someone outside physically knocks on the door.
“Ayo! We’re here to get you guys!” I hear a muffled shout coming from outside.
Valens looks to me, waiting for my permission to open the door. I check my dress one last time and give him a nod. The door whooshes open and his friends pour in—Renzo, Odo, Kayla, and Vesi.
“There she is!” Renzo exclaims when he sees me, opening his arms wide as if he intends to hug me. And it seems that’s exactly what he intends to do, because he wraps me in a bear hug that literally takes my feet off the ground. “That’s the girl that stole our android!”
“Hi,” I say, blushing. “I’d apologize but I’m not really sorry so…” Renzo laughs and gives me a gentle clap on the shoulder.
“I like you already, Andrea. We’re going to have fun tonight.”
“I was under the impression we were meeting on deck seven,” Valens points out.
“Renzo was too excited. We tried to contain him as long as possible but you know how he gets,” Kayla offers in explanation.
“They’d have been another hour at least if we didn’t come get them,” Renzo argues, shooting me and Valens a meaningful wink. Again, I find myself blushing and I move closer to Valens’s side. And, the perceptive boyfriend that he is, he links his fingers with mine. I see everyone eye the physical connection between us, but I’m relieved to see that they all seem happy about our bond rather than judgmental of it.
“You look nice tonight, Andrea,” Kayla tells me.
“Thanks to you guys. I appreciate all the clothes you picked out for me and the makeup.”
“Should we pre-game?” Renzo asks. I snort out a laugh and everyone looks at me.
“Are you talking about having a drink before we go?” I ask.
“You interested?” He grins.
“Sure, it’s just funny. That’s what my friends and I used to say when we’d have a drink before stepping out.”
“Some things never change,” Renzo notes, going to the synth machine. Everyone gathers around and shots for each of us, with the exception of Valens, suddenly appear. Not long after that, we are out in the corridor, heading for deck seven.
Odo is the quietest of the bunch, tied perhaps only with Valens, but both of them are fast with their quips—which are usually directed at Renzo. And Renzo, he’s the ball buster of the group and he’s definitely got his sights set on me. But I can tell that all the attention he’s giving me is an effort to make me feel comfortable, like I’m already one of the group. Then there’s Kayla and Vesi, who wrap their arms around me and tug me away from the men—protecting me from Renzo and his ribbing.
The entire way to the bar my gaze keeps connecting with Valens’s and he shoots me soft smiles. I miss his touch. So much so, that when we find a table in the bar I climb onto his lap. His hand falls naturally on my hip and I revel for a moment. I’m pretty sure this is boyfriend-girlfriend territory. It certainly feels very official, even if we haven’t claimed a title yet. Odo passes me a drink, but I nurse it. I want to have my wits about me when Valens and I go back to our room. I’m hoping to pick up where we left off when his friends showed up.
“You know, I called this,” Renzo tells me. “The second Valens opened that stasis chamber I knew something was starting. Saw it coming from a mile away.”
“Is that right?” I scoff, not believing him for a second.
“It was out of a fairytale, you looked up at Valens and—what’d she say again, Odo?”
Valens cuts in with his perfect android memory. “Now this is a much better dream.”
“Shut up, I said that?” I ask, feeling a little surprised.
“Right before you puked,” Renzo points out. “But up until that moment—pure fairytale.”
“I puked? Geeze, did my rescue get any more embarrassing or was that the highlight?”
“It was definitely one of the highlights,” Vesi jokes and I groan, remembering that she saw me naked.
“Hey, we’re going to hit the bathroom—want to join us?” Kayla asks.
I laugh and give Valens’s hand a squeeze. Two thousand years into the future and girls still go to the bathroom in packs.
“Yeah, I’m in. Lead the way.”
Chapter 24
Andrea
“So…you and Valens…” Kayla says once the guys are out of earshot.
“Yup,” I agree, but I notice the women are staring at me expectantly as if waiting for more.
“Okay, I’m just going to say it. What the heck, girl? How does that even work?”
I laugh at that. “What do you mean?”
“Now we aren’t ass backwards like all those people who think androids aren’t much more than computers, but before you, Valens never expressed any kind of interest in sexuality, romantic relationships, or anything like that,” Kayla rushes to tell me, but she catches herself and blushes in embarrassment.
“Be cool, Kayla, you’re going to scare Andrea off,” Vesi chides as she pretends to check her makeup in the mirror, but I can tell that both women are equally curious about what’s going on between Valens and me.
“Am I being too invasive? I don’t mean to make you feel weird, Andrea; I swear. It’s just that we’re scientists, we’re curious by nature, and we’re even more curious about this because Valens is one of our closest friends.”
“I mean, I didn’t even know Valens had sufficient equipment for…uh…” Kayla starts, before trailing off.
“Oh believe me, his equipment is more than sufficient,” I assure them. Their jaws drop open at my admission.
“So you guys have…”
“Not yet, but I think we will be soon.” I smile, feeling strangely giddy to have women to talk with about this new relationship I’m delving into. Even though this is our first time really hanging out, I feel like I know Vesi and Kayla through Valens at the very least.
“To be honest, I’ve been curious about the whole android thing. I probably have more questions than you guys do. I mean, I’m not from here. Literally everything is strange to me—spaceships, aliens, androids…it all blows my mind. Hell, at this point if you told me you ride around on unicorns I’d just smile and nod.”
“Is it strange for you then? Dating an android?” Kayla asks.
“Dating Valens? No. It’s not strange at all. It feels like the most natural thing in the world. More natural than anyone I ever dated in my own time. But I do wonder sometimes what being an android even means…like for me and Valens in the long term?”
Vesi and Kayla look at one another. “I hate to break it to you, Andrea, but there’s really no precedent for this. Only a fraction of the androids left their home world, and while the ones who did integrate into civilization have found purpose, I don’t think any of them have found girlfriends. When it comes to love and androids, you’re treading in all new territory. Your guess is as good as ours, if not better. You’re the only one who knows Valens in this way.”
“Do you think…are androids capable of love?” That’s the big question I guess. I can see myself giving my heart to Valens, but would our love be one sided?
They shrug, but the looks on their faces are sincere. “We know he’s capable of friendship. So why not love?”
Chapter 25
Valens
Andrea began her time on the Salutation so frightened and confused, but in a matter of weeks the depth of her resiliency has shown through. Watching her laughing with my friends—fitting in so easily when her greatest concern was feeling like an outsider—it brings me more joy than I could have realized.
All my waking life, I have been drawn to the intricacies of life—to friendship, and work, socialization, and laughter—and suddenly, when I look at Andrea, I realize there is even more to enjoy.
When she returned from the restroom with Kayla and Vesi, she slid into my lap again, despite the abundance of chairs in the bar.
I understand this is because she finds pleasure in physical contact with me. When it comes to this we are in total agreement. There is nothing I enjoy more than touching my…my Andrea.
“Microbial life isn’t all that we study,” Odo is assuring her.
“No, but it’s certainly the most boring. I signed on with the ATR to visit new worlds—I didn’t mean this new. The best thing though is first contact, now those missions are exciting,” Renzo puts in.
“It all sounds exciting to me—or maybe it all sounds mind boggling. Is there a difference?” Andrea asks, laughing. She tucks her hair behind her ear. While she seems to be having fun, I notice she doesn’t drink nearly as much as my friends do. Concerned, I lean close to her exposed ear.
“Do you not like your drink?” I whisper.
She turns to me with a warm smile. “It’s fine,” she replies, her voice quiet.
“Will you let me know if you get tired?” I touch the loose strands of her hair, enjoying the feel of her.
“I’m not tired, but maybe we could get going soon?”
“You are not enjoying yourself?” I ask in surprise. Everything about Andrea is indicating that she is having fun.
She fingers the neckline of my shirt. “This is great. But I was looking forward to some alone time with you before it got too late.”
“I see.”
I rise from my seat, keeping Andrea in my arms as I do. “We are leaving,” I announce. My friends fall silent and stare at me with wide eyes. “Andrea and I would like to be alone.”
Renzo snorts out a laugh and the look of surprise on everyone’s faces morphs into amusement.
“Looks like it’s time,” Vesi says meaningfully to Andrea, who blushes at the statement.
Andrea taps my chest lightly. “I think I’ll just walk from here, Valens. We’re starting to get some stares,” she notes, nodding to the surrounding tables. Reluctantly, I set her down.
“It was great having the chance to get to know you guys,” she tells my friends.
“You make a great addition to the group, Andrea,” Odo says, lifting his drink to her.
“Don’t let us keep you,” Renzo adds, winking as he does.
We say our final goodbyes and Andrea links her hand with mine. Together we make our way to the exit.
“Was that a difficult experience for you?” I ask.
Andrea laughs softly. “Not at all. I was nervous about it at first, but in the end it made me realize that people in the 39th century aren’t all that different from the ones back in the 21st. It actually made me feel more at home.”
“The Salutation is your home,” I note. It’s my home too and I hope that Andrea can eventually feel as comfortable here with me as she did in her own time.
“Speaking of which… Ever since I’ve been here you’ve been staying in my room with me.”
I nod, acknowledging this truth.
“Do you miss your own quarters?”
“Why would I miss a room, Andrea?”
She smiles, seeming happy with my response. “I don’t know. I was just wondering if you missed having your own space.”
“I find sharing a space with you far more pleasing. I would miss that, if it were ever to come to an end.”
Andrea suddenly looks nervous and she averts her gaze to the ground.
Then it dawns on me. “You would like me to return to my room?” I say, realizing what she is suggesting. There is an ache in my core that brings me great pain. I nearly stagger with the weight of it.
“What? No! Actually, I was going to suggest the opposite. I’ve been thinking and wouldn’t it make more sense if we had just one room? That way you wouldn’t have to go back to your place all the time to grab stuff or change clothes. I don’t know, maybe I’m rushing things. Forget I said anything.”
I stop Andrea in the hall. “I want to be in your room with you. I will get my belongings.”
The tension eases from her face and she laughs. “Really? Just like that?”
“Yes. Just like that.” I turn down a different corridor and begin heading to my room. I do not own much; it will be an easy task to make the move this evening.
“Do you want to talk about whose quarters we should be in?”
“Yours is the only room with a bed—” I catch myself, cutting my words short. I hope that it wasn’t too late.
For some reason, Andrea fears using her bedroom. Up until this moment, I have not pressed her on the issue and I did not mean to do so now. It’s just that I know most of the other crew members all sleep in beds. I wanted to be near one in case she eventually changes her mind on the subject.
“Why don’t you have a bed?” she questions, her brow drawn in confusion.
“I replaced it with a desk to maximize my workspace. But if we are to live together we should have a space for you to be comfortable—when you are ready to of course.”
She smiles up at me. “I’m ready.”
Chapter 26
Andrea
I was surprised by how little Valens had in his room. There were just a few spare uniforms and some exercise gear—which was another shock. Do androids even need to work out? Regardless, we don’t even need a box to help him move, let alone a friend’s truck. The thought leaves me a little unsettled. Isn’t there anything that Valens has that makes his space feel home-y? And when we get back to our room, I ask him just that.
“What would make this space feel more like it’s ours and not just mine?”
He considers my question thoughtfully. “I do not wish to push you or make you uncomfortable.”
“You asking for a sex swing or something?” I tease.
“In my room I enjoyed keeping the window coverings open so that I could see the stars. What is a sex swing?”
I laugh. “Let’s just focus on windows for a second. My room doesn’t have any.”
“You have windows, but the coverings have been closed.”
“Seriously?” How did I not notice I had windows? Do you want to open them?”
“Do you? I noticed you had a strong negative reaction to the view from Captain Nilsson’s conference room.”
“That was an overwhelming day,” I point out. But my anxiety does prickle at the idea of having a constant view of space. When we were in the garden, the windows were all overhead. I could easily pretend I was on a planet looking up at the night sky. But if we open the curtains here—all I will be able to see is the endless void of space. What if it reminds me of the void I have inside? What if it shows me the distance I’ve travelled and everything I’ve lost in between?
But then again—what if it’s just stars?
“Let’s try.”
Valens moves to the wall by our door and touches a little screen there, which I always assumed to be an intercom or some such device. There’s a soft hum and panels retract from the entire length of the far wall. Slowly, it reveals an infinite sea of sparkling lights—lights that shine down on countless worlds, sparking life. Life, like the one I left behind. And life, like the one I have here.
“I like it,” I say, looking at Valens. “Let’s keep them open.”
He nods, but I notice him scrutinizing me. I imagine if he sees any sign of an emotional struggle on my part, he’ll close them right back up and never speak of it again. He’s considerate like that.
“I really did have a good time with your friends.”
“They are our friends now.” He moves closer to me until his solid arms wrap me in an embrace. Then he begins pulling me toward the couch.
“Actually…” I stop him. Taking his hand, I lead him to the bedroom instead. Inside, I see the wall here has also opened up to reveal another long line of windows.
“Wouldn’t you rather be on the couch?”
I shake my head.
“Andrea, I know you avoid this room—” he says, hesitant to even cross the threshold.
“You’re right,” I explain. “I was avoiding it.”
Valens doesn’t press, despite the
fact that I can see the curiosity written plainly on his face. Instead, he gives me time to sort through my emotions. “You know, there’s always been something about this room that’s seemed so final to me. Like if I really moved in and started living here, it would mean I accepted the fact that the past is gone.”
“The past is gone. By very definition—”
“I know,” I say. “I know it’s gone. It’s so far gone there’s no going back. There’s nothing left to go back to. Not even my family home would be standing after 2,000 years. I know this. Accepting it is another thing.”
“You are unhappy here,” he says, trying to surmise my meaning.
I smile and shake my head. “No, Valens. Surprisingly enough, I’m not. There are no villains here. No bad guy who abducted me. I’m safe. I’m with good people who care about what I’m going through. But most importantly—there’s you. And the more I let myself live here, the happier I realize I can be. I’m tired of holding back.”
Valens pulls me close, his silvery eyes watching me with such solicitude, it’s as if my emotions could break him. “Tell me what you want. Tell me everything, so I understand what this is,” he begs, and I know he’s talking about our relationship.
My heart starts racing in my chest and I’m suddenly filled with clarity. I’m falling for this guy. Like really, truly, deeply, head over heels, forever in love…
“I want to live here—with you. Not just in these quarters, but in this century.”
His gentle hand brushes the hair from my face. “What are we, Andrea? What am I to you and you to me?”
A soft chuckle escapes me. “I don’t know, Valens. Friends? Boyfriend and girlfriend? Partners? Lovers? All of the above if that’s okay with you.”
“It is, Andrea. It is.”
Abandoning any apprehension, Valens backs me up until we tumble down onto the bed. Eagerly, I’m tugging at his shirt. One of his hands is hiking up my dress and the other slips a shoe off my foot and tosses it aside. Messily, we undress—too greedy for each other’s bodies to be graceful in the least. And soon he’s kneeling between my legs, his hands roaming, desperate to bring me pleasure. But just like every other night, he’s trying to make this all about me, when I’m ready for this to be all about us.
