AllFreeNovel
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"How do I put it on?" She turns the device over in her hands.
"Like so." I demonstrate by clicking the collar around my neck. "Then you tap these indentions to scroll through the various species."
Her eyes go wide as my face changes from one species to another until I settle on the Gruh, a fierce race known for their fearsome tusks protruding from their lower jaw.
"Why him?" She reaches up to touch my new face.
"The Gruh is what's on my membership card," I explain and help her clip the collar around her slim throat. "Your turn. First, let me adjust it for female species."
I take her hand and guide her to the reflecting panel over the basin in the cleanroom. "Touch these indentions in the metal and decide which species you want to be."
Tasha scrolls through a variety of alien species, each one more bizarre and fantastical than the last. Some have multiple eyes, while others are covered in iridescent scales or fur. One even changes color depending on its mood. My mind races with curiosity as I wonder which form she will ultimately decide upon.
"It's like SnapChat lenses," she says, stopping on a brightly hued Nimbus with tiny horns and bulging blue eyes.
"What is a snap chat?"
"An app for your phone where you can talk to friends, but it also has these lenses and filters where you can change your face to be funny or flawlessly beautiful," she says.
"Like a comm?"
"Something like that."
"Well, you have no need of the flawlessly beautiful filter." I step behind her and settle my arms around her waist, pulling her close.
"Well, thank you, my gallant Star Maverick." Tasha reaches back to touch the face of the Gruh. "Too bad we can't go as who we really are. I already miss your face."
I slowly spin her around and disengage both of our hologuises so we are us again. "I know exactly how you feel. Yours is the only face I ever wish to look upon."
I press my lips to hers, savoring the taste of her sweet breath. But before I can fully lose myself in the moment, the proximity notifier interrupts.
"We're nearing the Wjyt Galaxy." I grasp her hand and lead her to the command deck where we take our seats, and I switch off the autopilot and fly us toward the planet, Drus.
"Oh, wow!" Tasha sits forward in her seat as we approach the Gilded Orb.
"I told you so," I boast, a grin spreading across my face.
The orbiting space port's shimmering gold facade radiates a hypnotizing glow under the distant starlight. The orb seems to pulsate with energy, drawing in all who gaze upon it with its enchanting aura.
And I get to share it with my mate.
TASHA
My heart races with anticipation as we descend the ramp of Qhix's spaceship. Normally, I can't stand something up against my throat, but the cool metal of the hologuise circling my neck is a small discomfort compared to the adventure that awaits.
Reminiscent of an airport, we make our way through a long skybridge. Instead of an accordion style, boxy tunnel bridge between an airplane and the concourse, this one is all sleek alien architecture lined with shimmering lights that appear to float along as we walk.
My attention is drawn to an imposing figure standing at the end of the skybridge with elongated limbs and purple skin. He approaches us with graceful strides, and silently scans the wristbands both Qhix and I wear, using a slender device banded around his two fingers. His expression is unreadable behind a mask-like face. Satisfied with the verification, he nods, opens the gate with a tap of the controls, and with a sweeping gesture of his whip-thin arm, grants us entrance.
I suck back a gasp as the docking level is revealed. It's like we've stepped onto a different world, and I guess we have. The interior of the Gilded Orb is even more breathtaking than the exterior. Glittering chandeliers hang from the ceiling, casting a warm glow over everything. The air is filled with the scent of exotic spices and the sound of lively music.
Qhix takes a hold of my hand. "Stay close to me," he says as we navigate through the bustle of arriving and departing crowds.
I try not to gawk like a tourist at the variety of aliens milling about with their unique features, some possessing strikingly beautiful skin tones that seemed to radiate light, while others have features that are both fascinating and terrifying. Shimmering jewels adorn some, adding an extra layer of allure, while others wear intricate headdresses that seem to defy gravity.
And I wonder how many are like us, wearing a disguise to hide their true identities.
The atmosphere is alive with energy; the hum of conversations in different languages adding to the exotic feel of the place. There's almost too much to take in at once with all the sights and sounds, a sensory overload I'm having trouble absorbing. Qhix's grip on my hand tightens as we navigate through the bustling crowd, his excitement palpable.
