Ark: A Scifi Alien Romance by Lucy Snow

smile growing across my face. “We still have some time together alone.”

    Ark didn’t return the smile, but he nodded. “You are factually correct, Melissa Crane of Earth. Admiral Kaalax and Ambassador Fuller are not here yet.”

    I winked at him, before wondering if an alien such as Ark would interpret that gesture the right way. For all I knew, it was a grave insult on his world, and could spark a war; a war that Earth would no doubt lose, and lose badly. “Factually correct is the best kind of correct, Ark.”

    Ark nodded. “I have often said the same thing to my men.” He seemed pleased that we had at least something in common, and I guessed from his nod that he was serious and had missed the point of my joke. I briefly wondered whether Kreoss even had a concept of humor. There wasn’t even the hint of a smile on his face, so I could only conclude that they didn’t. “What shall we do with the brief time alone we have left?”

    I studied his face again for some hint that he was thinking something amorous, but Ark was as unreadable as a sphinx. If he were a human man, I would take that as a clear sign, but I definitely didn’t know how to proceed with an alien man, even one as hunky as Ark. I went along with it, though - my senses hadn’t been on fire like this in a long time. Whatever this alien was, he was intriguing. “Tell me more about how your people experience love.”

    “That would take longer than the time we have, Melissa Crane of Earth, and would require a Kreossian far more eloquent than I am.”

    That seemed like as close to a shut down as could be. I stiffened, chastened by the rebuke. “Tell me something about your species, then, or somewhere you’ve been that was exciting.” This was like pulling teeth from a rhinoceros.

    “I have seen many worlds, fought in many battles all across the empire. Eventually they all begin to look the same.”

    “Has anyone ever told you how much of an amazing dinner companion you are, Ark?” I tried not to sound too sarcastic, but as soon as the words came out she knew I had crossed a line. She could only hope that Ark wouldn’t notice.

    Ark nodded again, without a hint of acknowledging my sarcasm. “I have often heard that. When I am not on a campaign I am invited to many dinner engagements, presumably for my company.”

    I sighed, and was about to open my mouth again when the door to the anteroom opened and Ambassador Fuller and Admiral Kaalax came out, Kaalax with his arm around Fuller’s shoulders. Ambassador Fuller himself looked tiny and tired compared to the gigantic, hale, and hearty Admiral Kaalax, but even I could see the happiness etched across Fuller’s face.

    It must be amazing, to meet the man who changed your life and the entire trajectory of your species after 50 years. The stories they must have to tell each other! It was too bad the conference was only scheduled to last a couple days - they could probably catch up on each other’s lives for months given half a chance.

    “Melissa,” Ambassador Fuller called out as I stood up, “it’s been a wonderful dinner, but I think it’s time for me to rest now.” I went to his side immediately and helped him, stepping gingerly toward the dining room’s exit toward the sleeping quarters.

    “We will talk again in the morning, Fuller,” Admiral Kaalax called out from behind them. Fuller turned around, resting against me, and I turned with him. Ark had stood up and moved both their dishes to the recycler before taking up his position next to Kaalax, a good head taller than his commander.

    Fuller waved back. “Indeed we will, old friend. But for now I must rest. You’ve taken the wind out of me.”

    Kaalax laughed, the booming sound echoing over the small dining room. Fuller flinched, and I helped him back to his room. Just before Ark left my sight, I thought he saw him smile for a moment.

    So he does know how to smile after all.

    Intriguing didn’t even do him