Sang the Stray (Completed)

64.Cat and Lab Rat

He swayed closer to me, eyes zeroing in on my lips.  I leaned closer, closing my eyes.  Kissing Kota seemed like such a perfect thing to do right now.  He must have thought so, too.  He first nuzzled his nose against mine like we'd done before and just as his mouth was about to press against mine, a loud signal rang out and caused us to jerk apart.

The aether quickly vented away and Tsur Buble marched in with Jimmy in tow.

"You are dismissed, Tsen Lee. Return to your quarters.  Tsa Carlson, you have adequate data," Tsur Buble crisp voice cutting straight through the aether effects. 

I was so embarrassed.  I was pretty sure Kota felt the same.  His shocked expression morphed into a bright blush.  He couldn't disobey a direct order and flashed me a longing and apologetic glance as he left. 

Jimmy didn't say a word, just removed all the sensors and gathered his stuff as quickly as possible.

Tsur Buble stood surveying the room in silence.  He waited as a purple-suit came and reported that my vitals were normal.
When the room was clear and only the two of us remained he finally cleared his throat to speak.

Dread bubbled up as I thought about what he was going to say. 

"Tsen Sorenson....Sang, are you alright," he asked in a softened tone.  I was so surprised that I didn't answer at first.  The last thing I expected was for him to ask that.  A lecture...a rejection from KOTIS....I had braced for those.  His brow furrowed and he came closer.  "Should I call Ista Phillips?"

"No! I mean, I am fine...just a little....um..." I struggled to admit my embarrassment.  I should have remembered all his Sight talents.

He waved off my explanation, saying, "No need to apologize or feel embarrassed.  Your description of inebriation when exposed to aether was quite accurate.  We simply did not account for the varied responses that individuals have to such conditions. It was my error in using Tsen Lee, with whom you share a close connection." I was blushing even more brightly now. "Please, take a few joden to collect yourself.  Tsa Carlson will not return for at least another kai to conduct any further tests.  You should rest."

I nodded meekly and he left.  I breathed a sigh of relief when his departure carried away the awkwardness.  I didn't think I'd ever be able to look Tsur Buble in the face again.  Oh, Mylanta! I had almost kissed Kota during a recorded session...in front of an audience...Tsee Blackbourne's uncle, of all people! 

It took me some time to settle my churning emotions and even longer to fall asleep.  When I finally did drift off, my dreams were tormented by all the almost-kisses I had shared with guys before any real kisses had happened. 

Waking up to Ghost's purring on my chest was a relief.  She had stayed invisible so far and since I had not actually "seen" her, I hadn't broken my promise to report her. I petted and cooed to her, enjoying the comfort it brought to me.   Unfortunately, she chose to fade into visibility and the proverbial cat was out of the bag. 

"Oh, Ghost, I have to tell Victor now," I said.  I have her soft fur a few more strokes before sending the message.
*****
Interface Channel: Private
Users: S💝, V🎼tor

S: Are you busy?

V: Working on a programming project.  What do you need,Princess?

S: I have an unauthorized visitor. *image attached* What will happen to her?

V: Well, keep it there if it will stay still. I will send someone to retrieve it and then I will have Nathan or North go with me to release it back in Maze Space.