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Electric things? Zenth would never say that. I study his face, looking for some sign of recognition—anything. Even if Zenth was shutting down, he wouldn’t do it like this. At least, not if I cornered him like I am right now. He’d tell me we’d talk about it later, or he’d try to make a joke. At the very least, he’d be scowling.
There’s no scowl. No apology. No pushing things off. He’s just wearing a blank, pleasant smile, like nothing happened. I know him. Last night meant something significant.
Even if he’s second guessing things, there should at least be some acknowledgment in his expression. There’s just nothing.
This isn’t like him.
Did something happen to him that made him forget? That can’t be it. If he lost all his memories, he’d be disoriented. He wouldn’t even be here on the ship. He’d act confused. No. This is something different.
“When is my birthday?” I ask.
His expression is incredulous. “I don’t make a point of memorizing the birthdays of all of my crew mates. I have to get to work, so if you’d kindly let me go.”
This isn’t Zenth. I know it in my gut. This isn’t my Zeny.
“Sorry, I’m acting weird. It’s just my birthday’s today, and I thought you’d remember.” I act as nonchalant as I can, but my heart is racing. My birthday isn’t today and Zenth would know that. We’ve celebrated every birthday together since we were toddlers.
I need to think. I don’t know how someone could look this much like Zenth, sound this much like Zenth and not be Zenth. But there’s no doubt in my mind. This isn’t my Zeny.
“I’ll help you with the pre-flight check,” I say, heading towards the back of the hanger bay.
There’s a storage room there. It’s not as secure as the brig, but it’ll be easier to trick him into it. Now, I just have to do it without raising suspicion. Whoever this is, he’s still stronger than me and there aren’t a lot of other people around. Everyone is busy getting ready for launch.
Shit. I have to stop the launch. If this isn’t Zenth, that means he’s still out there somewhere. Maybe hurt. Maybe… No. I can’t think like that.
One step at a time, I walk to the back of the room. Not-Zenth follows me, just like I expected. When we pass by Ada, who’s punching in codes to raise the ramp, my panic rises even more. I have to do something to let her know what’s going on without signaling to this imposter that I’m onto him.
“Hey, Ada, before you close up. I noticed the left engine looked a little crooked. You should check it out before we leave.”
She knows there’s no left engine. The ship’s propulsions are on the top and the bottom. And I’d never call them something as archaic as an engine. She gives me a tilted look, but when Zenth says nothing to correct me, her eyes widen. Zenth would definitely say something if I made such an asinine comment. I give Ada the slightest nod I can without tipping off Not-Zenth.
“I’ll go check it out,” Ada says.
Thank the suns. This will at least delay launch, and if she’s smart—which I know she is—she’ll com the captain and tell him something’s up.
When we get to the back storage closet, I key in the code and the door opens.
“This doesn’t look like—“
While Not-Zenth is still talking, I shove him in the room as hard as I can. He stumbles and I have just enough time to close the metal door and punch in the lock code. The real Zenth could unlock it, but I’m betting this one can’t.
“What the fuck! Why the fuck did you lock me in here?”
Again. Definitely not Zenth. He wouldn’t cuss like that.
I com security and quickly explain the situation. I can tell that Oberon, the Security Officer, doesn’t believe me, but within seconds, someone from the security team arrives. They take over guarding the door, while I sprint out of the ship as fast as I can.
I have to find Zenth.
Zenth
Icouldn’tsleep.Verawas in my arms, and I wanted to savor every moment. I memorized the curve of her back, the swell of her breasts, the feel of her skin, the way her eyes fluttered softly in sleep.
Halfway through the night, I had an idea. It was probably silly, but it felt like a way to prove to Vera that I was committed to us more than to finding my True Mate. I’d get her a ring and propose in the way humans do.
A glance at my com tells me it’s half-past two rotations by Mookon 5 standards. Still early, but in a place like this I doubt the shops ever close. I slowly lift Vera’s hand off my chest and tuck it under her head as I ease myself out of bed.
I hate leaving, but this shouldn’t take long. Hopefully, I’ll be back before she wakes up. I leave a message on her com just in case I’m not.
