to find out if the med pod would work on a human.” He shook his head. “Nature played a dirty trick on her like the Xenos did to us.”
A master species, Xeno Consortium had created the ’Topians. They collected DNA from across the galaxy then diced and spliced, mixed and matched the genetic material in laboratories to create life, which they implanted on terraformed planets. Not all the combinations benefited the organisms. Chameleon, a former member of the High Council, a rare Xeno with a conscience, had confirmed what they had suspected: the consortium programmed hardships and defects into their creations.
Some of the most intelligent beings had the shortest lifespans, while some who lived the longest had been afflicted with painful physical ailments. Vaporians died if they didn’t mate soon after adulthood. And to reproduce, all ’Topians had to find and bond with a genmate.
The Xeno Consortium hadn’t anticipated they would evolve and advance at lightning speed and develop scientific technology to counteract many of the congenital afflictions. The med pod could cure almost any disease or injury befalling them.
Whether it could cure a human remained the big question. Humans and ’Topians did share some of the same DNA. Would it be enough? And if not, could the med pod be calibrated for a human?
“Your heart is in the right place,” Kevanne said. “But you need to give her time to cool off. Then you have to mend fences, and, from there, take it slow for a while. Don’t say anything about the med pod! Get to know her better; let her get to know you.”
The picnic items had been stowed away, and, after Chameleon dragged a cart to the gazebo, Psy helped him load the plastic tote boxes. “Thank you both for all your help setting this up. Even though it didn’t end the way I’d hoped—”
His phone booped with a text.
I’m sorry. I overreacted. I hope I didn’t ruin things.
He broke into a wide grin of elation and relief.
“Cassie?” Kevanne asked.
“Yes.” He nodded as his thumbs flew over the mini keyboard. It was my fault. Nothing ruined! I’d like to see you again.
I would like that, she replied immediately, punctuating her text with a big smiling emoji.
Tomorrow night? I’ll pick you up.
After long seconds, she answered. Perfect. But, pick me up at work? I get off at 6 p.m.
OK! I can’t wait to see you.
Me, too. Again, I’m so sorry for acting like an idiot.
They exchanged a few more comments before signing off.
“All is well?” Chameleon asked.
“All is well. We have another date tomorrow night. I’ll meet her at the antique store.”
“You still need to send flowers to the shop. She can put them on display so the customers can see them.”
With Kevanne’s help, he ordered a huge bouquet of red roses and had them scheduled for delivery the next day.
* * * *
“Good morning!” Psy boomed as he bounded into the kitchen. He had a date with Cassie, and he’d awakened this morning to the best omen ever. Today was going to be a great day!
Sipping from his cup, his housemate turned from the coffee pot. “Good morn—” Inferno spewed coffee all over the floor. “What the herian happened to you?”
“My mating glands have activated.” His happy grin felt twisted.
“Your face and neck have ballooned. You don’t even look like yourself.”
“Isn’t it wonderful? Cassie is my genmate!” The ease of establishing the mind-link had made him fairly certain they were genmates, but it was wonderful to have physical proof. He’d awakened with achy joints, a headache, and extreme tenderness in his face and jaw. A check in the mirror revealed his face and neck on both sides were extremely swollen. Elation had given him a burst of energy, helping to mitigate the odd fatigue.
“Congratulations!” Inferno cocked his horned head. “I thought Veritals only got mild glandular action—if any. I’ve never seen anyone with mating glands as swollen as yours.”
He shrugged and moved to the coffee pot, his joints aching with the movement. “Although reactions usually are mild, they can be extreme. She’s worth it though.” He filled a cup and sipped the brew.
“Of course she is. There isn’t anything we wouldn’t do or go through for a genmate.” Inferno leaned against the opposite counter of the galley style kitchen and studied Psy’s face. “Seriously, though, you look awful.”
“You flatter me.”
Inferno’s red face turned serious. “I’m happy for you but envious, too. I know I need to be patient, but I crave what you have, what Chameleon has,