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“I swear, this Forum edition will go down in history,” someone from behind her whispered. “Aliensandan arrest? I bet Jerry’s upset he chose to go on that cruise instead.”
Poor Jerry, whoever that was. He was missing out on a real show.
“Getting Dyson arrested right before the presentation, with only you and Nazyn in the room, was the best PR move in history.Andusing the technology we’re about to launch to do it? Genius,” Alissia whispered. “Kiara is celebrating as we speak. She sends her congratulations.”
“I didn’t do it for that,” Darcy said.
“Accept the congratulations, Darcy,” Alissia said kindly. “You deserve it.”
She did, didn’t she? For all the hard work she’d put into her career, for thinking ahead, and for using all the tools at her disposal.
As the Deruzians dashed around, the stage began to transform. Darcy couldn’t see much in the low light apart from shadows. Mounds taking form. A tangy, peppery scent wafted through the air. The entire room became hot and dry.
Finally, a gong rang. Darcy was so excited, she quivered in her worn boots, the same ones which had inadvertently led to her freedom a year ago. The same ones she’d worn on her first day at Alien Inc. and the night Nazyn had saved her. They were her not-so-water-resistant good luck charm, she just hadn’t known it.
As the lights flashed back on, a collective gasp erupted in the crowd. Nazyn stood in the center of the stage, but it was no longer barren. It was covered in orange sand, with small hills on the sides and jagged, angry-red rocks between them. His silver skin shined among the sand of his home planet, a much brighter luster than he had on Earth.
Universe, he was even more gorgeous.
He’d changed from his suit to the same unusual black shirt she’d first met him in. Still unbuttoned at the top, still with his sleeves rolled up. With the chain in his ear and his long hair, he looked like a sexy traveler facing the desert to find his fortune. Scratch that. He looked like a rockstar. Darcy was a few breaths away from shouting like she was at a concert.
“I know today hasn’t gone as everyone had expected. But we have one more surprise,” he said, and the room fell completely silent, clinging to his every word. This speech was so different than his first one. He looked more relaxed. More in control. That charisma of his shined through. Maybe because he stood between the rocks and sand from Deruzia and that brought him comfort. Or maybe it was because Darcy kept smiling at him. Or maybe he’d learned a few skills along the way this weekend.
Whatever it was, he was magnetic. Even Alissia sighed beside her.
“I didn’t open that portal because I could,” he went on. “I opened it because I knew what it could represent. A real connection between our worlds, which look so different, but are so alike when it comes to the things that matter. Loyalty, companionship, love.” He looked straight at Darcy as he said that and her heart flipped. If he kept doing that, shewouldstart concert-screaming, she just knew it.
“Those are universal emotions,” Nazyn said, voice commanding all attention. “Though our species communicate them very differently. And communication is the foundation toward progress and partnership, personal, global, or intergalactic. Without it, we cannot evolve.”
Anticipation surged in the crowd. Nobody said a word, but the energy shifted. Waiting.
“That is a lesson I am still learning,” he said. “I am used to working alone. But I have realized I don’t have to and I’m much better off without my self-imposed solitude. Before I reveal our newest technology, I want to thank everyone who has helped me along the journey to where I am now. My Deruzians companions, who I would bleed for.” He nodded at Zaryn, Deryg, and Ryar, who stood next to the stage. They gave a solemn nod back. “Alien Inc., for giving me the opportunity to explore my imaginations and innovate. And Darcy Taylor, who most of you have already met and who has proven herself invaluable to Alien Inc.’s cause.”
Darcy blushed as gazes swiveled her way. But she kept looking at Nazyn. He grounded her. Gave her comfort and strength to face all the curious eyes.
“Alien Inc. wants to aid in that evolution between our planets with a new technology. You’ve already gotten a glimpse of what it can do,” Nazyn went on. “And while it can be used in life and death situations–”
Awkward laughs resounded in the crowd. Nazyn looked surprised at the reaction–he hadn’t meant it as a joke, had he? He was so cute.
“I know Kiara sent a new speech for him after everything went down,” Alissia whispered. “But this was not part of it. I’d never thought I’d see the day when a Deruzian wouldimprovise.”
“We’re rubbing off on them,” Darcy whispered back. On them, against them–Darcy loved it all.
Alissia’s eyes traveled to where Rynar stood. “Yes, we are,” she said with a sigh.
“The main use for this technology is to bring our worlds together even more. To make communication easy and accessible for all, in a way you haven’t seen before,” Nazyn said. “Humans cannot visit Deruzia safely now. It’s too hot. Our sand absorbs moisture and would kill a human without protection.”
Hence the fifteen feet of safety between the crowd and the sand–and why Nazyn had brought it here to begin with. Sand that sucks moisture is a great way to deal with humidity. Universe, Darcy loved how smart he was.
“But today, we want to give you a glimpse of Deruzia.” Nazyn took out the small black box and set it on the floor. “And what our technology can do.”
He pressed the box and retreated in the background. Darcy’s heart jumped into her throat as the hologram flickered.
But only for a moment, before Elias’ hologram appeared on stage as if he were standing there himself.
The crowd applauded as Elias’ hologram smiled at them.
“Marvelous invention,” he said once the crowd quieted. “Right now, I am standing in my hotel room. But I can see you all as clearly as if you had invaded my bedroom. Don’t do that, by the way. My old heart can’t take it.”
