The Eyrie

[Iestyn Nova]

[member="Veronika Nova"]

"Hmm Ryan, I think the paper needs a few more tweaks," Iestyn said thoughtfully.

"Why don't you make the comments and let Ryan do it instead of yourself?" Ellis suggested. As the oldest of the team she saw herself as the defender of the junior researcher.

"Oh very well," he said, rolling his eyes at her. He was able to convey a few human expressions now, having been around them so much. He could read them quite a lot of the time too. For instance he saw how fondly Ryan looked at Ellis at that moment.

It must have been odd, to be distracted by base emotions all year round. Humans could breed at a fantastic rate, having spread to every corner of the galaxy. So much so they used contraceptives just to avoid making another child every year. It did vary through the year. One good thing about being in the field was avoiding undergraduates. Horrid little disease spreading beasts. Spring term on campus had been horrific. He'd had to give talks about the dangers of STIs. How positively horrific.

They were just a different culture too. Many of them saw life partnerships as outdated and would sire children with several different mates through their relatively short lives.

But yes, Iestyn could read Ryan easily enough. The young man had "wondering eyes" but Ellis didn't reciprocate. That had been how he'd felt his relationship with Veronika had been in those early days.


The premise has merit, the results intriguing. However it should have been apparent that the statistical tests used to draw conclusions are not appropriate for the sample size. The methodology is novel and well thought through. This should be repeated with a much greater sample or with a more appropriate test, such as Hoftell and Sindell. I am certain that such a test would show a much less significant trend and potentially undermine the conclusions. If the authors would share their raw data I would be happy to assist.

Yes, that should do it, he mused. To the point, right to the heart of the matter. Surely she'd be impressed? No, no that wasn't why he was doing this. It was for the scientific method. Though scientific method wasn't why he was thinking about those glowing stripes.

 

[Veronika Nova]

[member="Iestyn Nova"]

Veronika’s base skin color would ripple in a soft pink shade of pleasure. She was quite pleased with herself, having set up the platter of fruit nicely. It is attention to detail that she prided herself in. A small rotation of the plate at a night degrees would allow her to inspect it further.

Yes. perfect!

Lovalla were rather particular about the details. That is why Veronika had taken more than a bit of offense when Professor Villiam’s commentary on one of her earlier works had put that into question. In hindsight, she really shouldn’t have taken such an affront to it. Yet the combination of her approaching Red day, the embarrassment of pointing out a flaw and potentially undermining her work, most of all by the Professor that she held in high esteem in such a public forum really struck her where it hurt the most. He had found a clink in her armor, and he had drawn blood.

---

At first, Veronika wasn’t sure if she was reading it correctly.

Honestly it took a couple of minutes of blinking at the holographic screen for it to really register. The Lovalla had cloistered herself within the sanctuary of her shared flat with Tatiana. The Zelosian and she had been roommates ever since their early graduate work, and Tati, well, understood far more about Lovalla biology than she likely wanted to.

Female Lovalla were, after all, rather feisty creatures near their Red days.

It all began with excitement really. After all, when one sees the name ‘Iestyen Villiam, Ph.D’ as a commenter on one of your early works, jubilation is what follows. A renowned subject matter expert of his field, seeing him take the time to review and comment on her research was thrilling. Nevermind that the extra bit of rush was due to the fact that the Lovalla couldn’t seem to get him off her mind.

Perhaps, one might say a little bit obsessively. Tati had teased her ridiculously about her ‘crush’, insisting on calling it for what it was. Veronika, on the other hand, would state that she simply holds Professor Villium’s research and work in high regard, and that his tenure within his field of study has certainly impacted several important and pivotal findings. She just didn’t mention that watching him present on stage, the way he would speak so concisely and to the heart of the matter.

To a point, one could say Iestyn reminded her a bit of her father. He was soft spoken, but when he spoke, everyone would listen. Brilliant beyond compare. Iestyn was like that, and she admired him for it. That he was Si’nesh didn’t even register for the Lovalla. No, what had drawn her to him were his discretions and the plethora of peer-reviewed journals on his research. Discovering that he was a Lovalla only managed to cross the line from admiration to attraction.

Lovalla were not at all interested in any other species beyond their own. As most simply were content to stay on their homeworld, finding any Lovalla that had left the ‘nest’ so to speak, was rare. Pairings were more common, so to discover Professor Villiam was of the same covey, Veronika was elated.

An elation that quickly descended into chaos as she read for the umpteenth time the seemingly cutting remarks that made her skin shift to a vibrant emerald hue with bright pink stripes.

It should have been apparent, he said, putting into question her attention to detail and stating for all to see that her research should have been conducted with a greater sample or a more appropriate test.

That such a test would potentially undermine my results.

Heat flared on her face, a bright shift of colors that detailed her mortification. Made all the worse by the knowledge that it was Professor Villiam who had written it.

 

[Iestyn Nova]

[member="Veronika Nova"]

As usual, he sensed her approach before she returned. A slightly pink flush reached his skin as she walked in. There was a slightly darker red tone to the usual salmon of pleasure, on account of the slowly building hormones. A silver wave rippled over his mottling as she placed down the plate.

Before she could escape he snatched her waist and pulled her down to straddle his lap.

"[Thank you love,]" he said softly in their native tongue, nuzzling into her. She'd clearly put some effort into preparing the spread and he appreciated it. "Do you think the abstract is too long?" he asked, nodding towards the screen. His hand hovered over the platter before picking a small, sweet fruit.

Ryan and Ellis were on the university chat service typing to each other.

Are they always like this?

Yes

Really?

It becomes background noise after a while. Don't be so insensitive about other cultures. j/k. Your go on holopool btw, but wait til the novas aren't looking.

---

She hadn't replied. Why hadn't see replied? This perturbed him. Surely she would get back to him soon. Perhaps she'd suggest a collaboration for another piece of work...

 

[Veronika Nova]

[member="Iestyn Nova"]

The nuzzle sent her mottling into a soft teal hue of pleasure, a striking contrast against the deepening coral of her skin. Hearing the appreciation in his voice and through their bond. The soft sweep of her palm rose, cupping his cheek as she held him close. They were always constantly displaying some manner of physical affection, be it public or not. Most would deem it to be rather bold in such public displays. They would never cross the line of modesty - they were, after all subject to their biology - their caresses, kisses, and lingering touches were just how Lovalla reinforced their bonds.

[ My pleasure. ] came the low trill of her voice, murmured softly so that any audience would strain slightly to discern what they were discussing. However, the tone made the love language clear enough. If a full grown near humanoid could preen with pleasure, that would be the descriptive for Veronika.

“Hrm?” Her indigo eyes grew curious, the sentiment matching the shift of her stripes from an amber to an ocher hue in contemplation. Her torso went leaning forward a bit, the long length of her bright magenta and crimson streaked hair falling forward. At their close proximity, wayward strands would cling to his clothes and to his cheek. The faint scent of hibiscus and rose-hip tea wafting from the soft locks.

Truth be told, Iestyn had written the perfect abstract. He had a gift when it came to such things. Give him one night and he could complete a twenty page paper if so inclined. Where he was normally soft spoken and reserve, when it came to the written word, he could be quite verbose.

Although, just because her lifemate was so skilled didn't mean she couldn't have some fun with him.

"Perhaps in the word choice." she'd start, inching forward to scroll. One hundred and fifty to two hundred words at best for a well written abstract. "Tone is important after all..."

---

Ten minutes later...

// Subject: Fecal Microbiota and Felucian Fungi Restoration

Doctor Villiam,

I thank you for your observations in this scientific journal. After all this time since its publication, one can only be so humbled by your interest in Fecal microbiota. From the notes provided, one can also notice the amount of time and depth you spent on it. Rest assured, I will take your recommendations under consideration.

Sincerely,

Veronika Nova, Ph.D.

 

[Iestyn Nova]

Iestyn caught the look in Eliis' eye. "Perhaps if it looks reasonable Ryan can finish it off then, his name is on the front of the paper after all," he said. Ellis gave him an approving nod.

Veronika might sense his brief consideration and then acceptance at being chastised. After all he didn't have the best track record for providing feedback to up and coming scientists. His stripes shifted to a lighter blue, his mottling flashing silver.

[And some are experts at conveying rather emotional responses in a very dry messages] he said softly. His right happen tapped a few holokeys to check the document back in for Ryan to finish off. Though he'd give it another examination before it went for peer review of course.

Then it plucked free another morsel of fruit and offered it up to his lifemate. Then he'd rest that hand on the flat of her belly.

"What was the site today?" he asked. Time to get suited up soon.

---

"Sit still," came a curt whisper from the side.

"What?" Iestyn asked, but he stopped fiddling with his pens. He shuffled in his seat and tried to sit back, relaxed. Again he failed and ended up leaning as far forwards as he could. She was up next. He'd heard on the grapevine that she had not been best pleased at what he had thought was a perfectly helpful message.

"Sit. Still."

 

[Veronika Nova]

[member="Iestyn Nova"]

Feeding one life mate was another small way to reinforce bonds, all the more with the creeping hormones of their Red Day rearing in. She opened her mouth, taking the bite of sweet fruit, the jade green scattered spots shifting to silver as the lines that painted her face, neck, and décolleté bloomed into a lovely pale blue.

She snuggled close, her free hand coming to rest right over the one where he cradled her belly. A thought came to her, idle in her musing while she softly chewed. They were relatively young for their species and certainly, with the field work they conducted, had active lives. However, that did not stop the Lovalla from wondering when they would have a Kyckling of their own. It was difficult for their species to reproduce to begin with, but that didn't mean that the possibility of conception was unlikely. Their biology ensured that those Red Days were well filled with vigorous sessions to promote a higher chance of successfully reproducing.

[ Site Twenty-Three. ] she told him, reaching forward to pluck a piece of fruit and feed him in turn. Her spare hand gave a small tap of the keys, drawing up an image of their objective. A ridge-line with a terrain similar to what one may find with a ravine bloomed upon the screen with the aerial holopictures. [ We have a day of data sample collecting and to check the levels of the local water sources. The initial data scans suggest a high concentration of water. As the rest of Xesh-Osk- Nine- Three-Seven-Two is dry arid desert, I expect an increase in flora and fauna. ]

While one may not quite catch the excitement in her voice, her markings were rippling in brilliant chromatic hues. Veronika often reacted so when she became excited, and with the hormones already growing in her system, it only emphasized the glow.

Much like that second conference…

---

---

The subject continued along the vein of her previous presentation. It was evident that the Lovalla was very passionate about reconstruction efforts and adaptive fauna for colonization. Most notably, for the world of Togaria.

The world had been razed in the wake of several wars, and rehabilitation plans had been put forth by the Republic. Doctor Veronika Nova was at the helm at researching ways to bring the planet to its former glory.

“The session is now open for questions.” The conference moderator informed the audience, the light only emphasizing the vibrancy of the Lovalla’s coloring. A simple amethyst dress hugged her curves, sleeveless with a modest boatneck bodice. Most of her kind had a tendency to wear less, but for modesty sake, made due with what they could.

It didn’t meant that it would deter their love of color any less.

 

[Iestyn Nova]

“Xess. Osk. Nine. Three. Seven. Two,” he repeated slowly as he typed it into his second terminal. The display showed the surrounding region from recently orbital scans. Imagery was overlaid onto base geo data. “Diverting a drone now,” he said. There was a slight look of concern to his skin as his stripes went a pale yellow. Unattached Lovalla subject to wonderlust could be quite bold, but as a prey species they were generally quite apprehensive and especially so when potentially putting their mate near a dangerous predator. He gave her waist a gentle squeeze and the expression was gone. His colouring shifted back to more closely match her excitement. Square by square the region started to be filled out by drone scans looking for thermal and life signatures.

“If we’re going to use full evo suits to reduce the risk of microbe contamination we probably shouldn’t tarry,” he said. Though for now he was content to stroke the back of his mate whilst he watched the drone update the region.

---

Kark, questions! Iestyn broke from his reverie. He’d been watching her, rapt by the performance. His colleague was, for some reason, watching him rather curiously instead. At one point in the talk Iestyn’s colouring had reflected the passion that played out over Veronika’s skin before a flare of green and deep pink stripes heralded a return to his base colouring.

Fortunately this time he had a list, having reviewed as much of her publically available work beforehand. Why did I hope she hadn’t seen me mirror her colours? He wondered to himself. She probably would have been pleased to see his enthusiasm. If he’d been slightly removed from the subject, he would have realised he was making the same mistakes when he previously showed a potential mate some attention. He really wasn’t very good at making it clear when he was interested.

“Have you fully taken account of the changing composition of the Togorian atmosphere for the simulations and did you vary the composition over time as you introduce new fauna to the ecosystem or assume a flat baseline?” Iestyn asked. He knew they’d done the second. It made the simulations far quicker, but could miss some sensitivity. It wasn’t the most obvious weakness in the work, they’d already acknowledged that one in the talk. It could be argued that it would waste valuable computational time when there was essential restoration work to do, but at least he’d start what was - in his mind - an interesting intellectual conversation with the young doctor.

 

[Veronika Nova]

It was perhaps a silly thing, but Veronika did derive pleasure at the concern she felt through their empathic bond. Their species was sexually dimorphic, with females larger and often more colorful than the males. They were also more apt to be territorial and express more aggressive behaviors when specific triggers. By all intents, Veronika had a wealth of experience out in the field, not only during her own professional career but when she traveled with her parents as well.

Running data sample collections was a typical outing. Relatively safe. Yet nothing compared to the joy she felt when Iestyn worried over her. It made her feel cherished. Loved. Adored. A soft red glow highlighted the sea of teal marks across her skin.

Her hand would gently squeeze over his own, snuggling close. [ We typically run for about two hours. We can cut it down to one for initial gathering. ] Veronika was excited about the new site, but she wasn’t going to be reckless.

They were quite distracted in one another and the upcoming site visit that Ryan was able to sneak in his turn in holopool. Showing interest and finding ways to continue conversation and prompt more interaction was the general basis for standard protocol when interested in a potential partner. Ryan, although awkward in his attempts and despite being turned down, didn’t seem to let it get him down.

His interest in Ellis was obvious. Everyone around him could see that.

---

---

It had been difficult to keep her attention from panning back to Doctor Villiam.

He sat in the front again, and there was no mistaking the rapt attention he was giving her throughout her presentation. The Red Day had come and passed, so the Lovalla was a bit more in control of herself. In the wake of his commentary on her journal article, other peers had brought up the subject that the Professor had a tendency of using cutting, direct questions to seemingly tear apart their research.

It wasn’t the first time Veronika had heard such tales; Doctor Villiam in his own presentations appeared to be soft spoken and fairly reserved. Then again, things are different when one is on the receiving end of the questions. For a moment, the Lovalla believed she might have caught a flicker of interest from the professor. It would be a lie to say that it did not influence the vibrancy of the shifting hues across her skin.

“As stated, we have acknowledged that the baseline for the simulation did not account for a shifting atmospheric composition. Typical research on restorative efforts like those of the Ithorians or even during the late New Galactic Restoration project suggests that it still would take a relatively long period of time for a planet the size of Togaria.

However, we have plans to continue our research and continue data sampling. My desire is to be able to transfer this from theory to practicum within a small section of Togaria to discern typical growth and what methods may we be able to utilize to speed up the process. From there, we would be able to take into consideration atmospheric changes.”

 

[Iestyn Nova]

[member="Veronika Nova"]

“Right, no sign of any big nasties,” Iestyn said. “I’’m going to have the drone hone in close on our position though. Let’s not spread out too far, keep the drone in sight. A quick aerial isn’t foolproof.” The large drones were only armed with a stun weapon, but their bulk and powerful repulsors were generally more useful to simple barge predators away until they found something else to try and eat.

It was with a great reluctance that Iestyn shifted his weight just enough to let her know that they should get up. Hand in hand they meandered towards the rear of the ship to enter the transport shuttle and suit up in the exit suite. There were three levels to the entrance and exit. A first chamber allowed them to suit up and gather their gear. A middle chamber sterilised and then the final chamber acted as the airlock and would be exposed to the external atmosphere. It protected both the Eyrie crew from the planet, and it from galactic microbes. Isolated ecosystems could be utterly devastated by exposed to such things if proper precautions were not taken. Ellis would fly the group in and stay at the helm and direct. Neither Ryan or Howell could pilot worth a damn. If Howell woke up in time, he’d start doing some remote analysis of the results as they came in.

---

Iestyn canted his head from side to side as if considering this. “Perhaps a small scale simulation, following a convergence test to ensure accuracy, with variable atmospheric composition as a sensitivity test to ensure the results are valid first?” He was trying to be helpful, whilst seeming intelligent of course, but he’d come across a little terse.

 

[Veronika Nova]

[member="Iestyn Nova"]

At the first chamber, Veronika wiggled herself into the pants of the evo suit. With how hot the evo suits would get, the Lovalla would take to wearing a snug shirt and shorts crafted out of a sweat wicking fabric produced by Browncoat Arms & Industries.

"We will start at the northside, then follow the scans from the drones. " Veronika told her lifemate over her shoulder, the length of her long magenta hair swinging along her back. Dressed as she was, her mottled stripped skin was a stark contrast against the muted gray of the underliner shorts and shirt. Hands rose, fingers threading through the thick mane as she tied the rest into a ponytail.

The Evo suits were a two person affair to ensure they were suited properly. Veronika and Iestyn took extra precautions when it came to ensuring each others' suit was secured.

"Ready to slip it on?" she asked him, referencing the coat of the Evo suit that she'd help slip over him. Their cooperation only grew with every cycle, their bond allowing them a liquid movement between them.

Granted, such cooperation didn't always run so easily...

---

His suggestion had merit, but the laconic manner by which Professor Villiam had delivered it made it seem as if he was being trenchant. It didn't help matters that there was no color hue to suggest a positive spin to his emotions. Lovalla were a visual species, and color cues along with empathic bonds allow them to discern emotional tones.

Veronika's stripes would lighten from an amber of contemplation to a light yellow hue in confusion, her mottled spots joining her in a ripple of canary indicating the subtle increase of chagrin. Did he really mean the suggestion to aid, or was he doing it for another reason? It bothered her that she couldn't tell. That the professor of zoology remained an enigma to her despite being one of her kind.

The young Lovalla post doctorate was struggling with the admiration she felt for the professor and the unknown variables presented to her.

"That would be an ideal solution. We will take the suggestion and move forward from there."

 

[Iestyn Nova]

"Yes please," he replied softly, turning his back to her and holding his arms back and down. When her slender digits brushed against his neck as the outer suit was drawn up he naturally inclined his head towards them.

He found human couples really very strange. Some of them seemed almost independent of each other. They talked some, the lived in the same abode, but other than mating every night they just didn't seem to do very much together. He tried to imagine what it would be like to swap the emphatic bond he held with his mate for constantly being a slave to his hormones. He shuddered.

The pair checked each other's seals and then stepped into the decontamination chamber. Once the doors were shut there was a faint buzzing sound. Even through the suit he could feel the warmth of the cleansing rays. It was actually better in the suit. Yesterday they'd gone out with simple face masks and he'd felt the heat right on his skin.

"Hopefully Howell is up before we finish so Ellis and Ryan can do the next shift," he said. "What do you fancy for dinner?"

---

For the first time there was a flash of colour. His base hues had been exceptionally bright through the discussion, but he'd managed to keep them from changing too much. A purple glow lined his stripes for a moment, before his colour shifted to a very particular combination. A very pale magenta base, overlaid with orange stripes and red spots. It held for just a fraction of a second.

"I very much recommend that you do," he said rather curtly. His stripes flared red, accompanied by yellow mottling. Anger. But anger at himself. Why had he suddenly been so rude? Get a grip on yourself, he chastised himself. Bright colours swirled as he sat back in his chair, indicating strong emotional confusion. Slowly they settled back down.

 

[Veronika Nova]

[member="Iestyn Nova"]

A small beep would indicate the completion of the cleansing rays, followed by the small red to green indicator light by the hatch that signaled they were cleared to open it.

"How about some Zucchini pasta with Arubanut balls?" Veronika would suggest, reaching for console by the hatch to press the button to open the door. As Lovalla, they were strictly herbivores. Their diet consisted on grains, flora, and nuts. Most of it was eaten raw, and processed as minimally as they possibly could. One can account that it was not just their biology that kept them naturally svelte, but their healthy lifestyle as well. The species were quite observant of their meals, not due to any sense of keeping their bodies fit, but more due to the nutrition content.

"Or Ukian Spaghetti squash?" another small beep, then a hissing sound came as the hatch slowly slide open. "They are ripe for harvest if you like for me to make that for dinner." The bright sun hit her visor, instantly polarizing it to protect her eyes from the brightness. Veronika, being a Varnesh, did not have the protective nicitating membranes that the Dresh of the Eastern North had. No, her subspecies did not evolve the thin membrane to protect her eyes against debris or the cold.

Iestyn was the same; being a Si'nesh gave him different qualities that were unlike her. One of which the mere thought brought a small flush of pleasure to the post doctorate, the increasing hormones stirring a growing sense of awareness and sensitivity when it came to her lifemate. Si'nesh had a single quality that would stand them apart from the Varnesh and the Dresh; they could sing. Not just sing, but they could quite literally rival songbirds with the distinct pitches their vocal chords produced. It was enchanting really, as if their voice was the embodiment of music itself.

Her mate had taken to singing to heras they drew nearer to their Red day. He'd hold her in his arms, the soft tenor of his voice cooing in the most hypnotic of melodies beside her ear. He'd stroke her as he did so, caressing and soothing the restlessness that came to Veronika, which in turn through their empathic bonds, would calm Iestyn as well.

Truthfully, she never felt as connected as she did to her life mate as she did then. There was nothing that was kept from the other, they were indeed one. His emotions affected hers and that sensitivity coupled with the display of their shifting hues, made for a seamless method of communication.

Although, such a pairing takes time. Things are always difficult to discern in the beginning. Perhaps that is why Veronika did not pick up on Iestyn's interest. She was too busy attempting to decipher the confusing display of his anger and curt tone.

 

[Veronika Nova]

Veronika was lost.

Her mind was wretched in confusion. For a brief second, the Varnesh could have sworn she saw a glimmer of interest flow across his flesh. It could't be. Her eyes as a Lovalla were biologically adapted to view in wavelengths. The most subtle of color and hue changes would be picked up by a Lovalla, as a large part of their culture and biological necessity depended on it.

Throughout their conversation, Iestyn's stripes and mottled spots grew with noticeable vibrancy. It had the same mirroring effect for the young post doctorate, her own stripes and base hue becoming even brighter than before. Was he truly interested in the research? There was a small kernel of hope there. Being able to finally gather tidbits of information about what was going within that mind through those color hues was a relief.

One that quickly died as Iestyn's terse statement cut through the space between them with the accuracy of a well struck blow. Veronika blanched, her base color a pale silvery white that was stark against the deepening yellow of her mottled spots. It hurt. His breviloquent manner visibly distressed her, embarrassment flaring as silver melted into green and yellow into a rosy pink. The color shifts were quick and mercurial in nature, and just as quickly as shock, embarrassment, and confusion rippled over her svelte figure, so did pride and anger.

"We shall, Doctor Iestyn." she was succinct in the delivery.

"Thank you." those full lips would state, the overly cordial tone indicating a Varnesh method of telling Iestyn off.

 

[Iestyn Nova]

Beneath his suit his skin shifted to hues of excitement. Iestyn knew it was mostly a reflection of Veronika’s emotional shift. Not entirely, he'd learned to appreciate fieldwork himself, but it had always thrilled her to go to unexplored locations and map them as no one had before. As they grew closer what one felt the other was subjected to.

As they stepped out into the arid climate he reflected on a paper he'd once read. It had caused quite a stir back at home when the media had done their usual job of misinterpreting the results. It had been on the biological co-dependence of mated Lovalla. They'd tried to do something that hadn't a actually been done before and map out all the hormonal exchanges between partners. They'd failed, but they'd shown that there was definitely a dependency that suggested the pain suffered at a loved one was at least a part biological. Obviously the topic was a sensitive one for the people, no one wanted to hear that the pain one had suffered from losing a partner was due to a sudden chemical imbalance.

“Ellis, you got eyes on us?” he asked into his comm unit.

“Yeah I'm watching you both, Brian is coming down too.” she replied into the comm. Turning to Quarm who had come to join her up in the cockpit she added. “At least when they're suited up they're less touchy.”

“Hah!” Quarm laughed, pointing to one of the holocrons displays that showed Iestyn wrap an arm around her waist before heading towards an outcrop of Coral-like protrusions.

Outside a rectangular object descended from the sky and came to hover dead still a few feet from the ground. Brian had been crudely written down the side in white paint. Technically it was drone B2. Each drone had a range of scanners and also carried field research equipment. Iestyn moved up to Brian and slid open a panel on the side before removing a few vials to take samples. The coral-like lifeforms interested him. He hadn't quite worked out what they drew upon to survive.

 

[Iestyn Nova]

“So what on earth was that between Veronika and Iestyn?”

“I'm just going to assume that male Lovalla are just as stupid as humans. Do I need to have a word with him about his behaviour?” one of Iestyn's colleagues asked Veronika’s supervisor.

“Perhaps. We all know what he's like. Problem is I think, well I think if I'm reading her right - you'd know better I've not worked with a Lovalla before - I think she'd have quite liked it if Professor Villiam had given her a pat on the head and told her how clever she was. Liked it an awful lot actually.”

“Ah. Well for him…”

“Yes for him that was pretty complementary. I'll try and explain, but I'm not sure we should really get involved.”

“Agreed. Let them sort themselves out unless it all becomes unprofessional.”



Iestyn was all over the place. He'd been stupid before when Veronika had finished her talk. The pain at his overly curt final remark had been clear to see. He was well know for putting postgraduates through something of a baptism of fire, but he wasn't normally…well…she'd seemed really quite put out. He was bouncing all over his slides, missing key points.
“And that's…Erm…yes that's all. Any questions?”

 

[Iestyn Nova]

The day he finally confessed his feelings:


She was so bright and colourful. Stood at the bar with Dr. Stempson and talking about the day's talks. Her research career had come on so well over the last three years, with six papers submitted to her name in the last year. He knew, he'd commented on most of them on the holoblogs. In fact on the last two he'd tried really hard to phrase suggestions in a more positive manner as her supervisor had rather sternly told him to do and several had actually been incorporated in the final version. She'd said ‘thank you’ for that and he'd gone a very pale shade of green.

“How old are you Iestyn?” came a gruff voice from behind him. Professor Aldridge, a Zabrak from the university of Coruscant had slipped into the seat beside him. Everyone from the conference was gathered in the hotel bar where they were all staying. Soon they'd all go out together for the main conference dinner.

“Fifty three.”

“Damn, what's the equivalent to for a human? You look so young you bastard!” Aldridge had that ‘I'm a tenured professor emeritus and I don't give a shit what you think’ attitude.

“Well about mid twenties I suppose.”

“And your kind, you mate for life right? That's a big thing, just one partner.”

“Well, yes…”

“And you've never had a partner before, never wooed a girl?”

“No and not really I suppose.”

“Right, right. So that's why you're about as useful as the average twelve year old when it comes to expressing your feelings for the girl?”

Iestyn went pale green again. “Well I mean…how do you…”

“Oh for goodness sake Iestyn we all know and we're all bored of the routine.”

“But…”

“Everyone.”

“Oh. How should I…”

“Seriously? Go over there and talk to her! I'm actually going to talk to the head of department and have you fired for all our sakes if you don't.”

“And say?”

“I've been madly in love with you for three years. Please have my children.”

“Really?”

Aldridge looked at him with shock. “No, no, Iestyn. Don't say that. Just…right look. Go over there compliment her on the talk she gave today and ask if she'd like to blow off the conference dinner and go somewhere else with you.”

“Okay.”

“Now Iestyn.”

Almost as soon as Iestyn left his chair, another academic occupied it.

“You know, if you interfere you're bet isn't valid anymore!”

“I have three Fastern Prizes, think I need the bet money?”

“I didn't see you so keen to interfere last month, which was mine in the pool!” Dr. Jackles complained.

Aldridge chuckled to himself. He didn't know what the pair were saying, but it was all very colourful all of a sudden. The pair didn't seem to notice how many were pretending not to watch them from behind their drinks.

“You know when Mearns put twenty down on eight years, three years back, we thought it was a ridiculous bet. I was starting to think he had some inside info on Lovalla courtship and he was making a masterstroke.”

“Nah,” Aldridge countered. “Boy was just thick as two short plants. My word, they can actually glow can't they? Would the bloke behind the bar turn to lights down you think?”

“Oh leave them to it Aldridge!”

“Did Aldridge interfere? I saw that!” a third voice chimed in.

 

[Veronika Nova]

[member="Iestyn Nova"]

Drone B2 worked in conjunction with her mate while Veronika slowly ambled her way around the large spiky protrusions. Her wide, lavender eyes were sparkling with excitement as she came to get a closer look.

"Reminds me of Anthozoa," her voice stated with curious wonder, " Of the phylum Cnidaria. " Coral, but not underwater. She gave a slight frown, taking from her belt the holocamera for recordkeeping.

"Or maybe a eusocial insect?" that would make more sense. Her thick gloves carefully positioned the holo-camera to commence with the recording. Around them, the sound of trickling water could be faintly heard. This ravine was like a rare oasis in the desert. It made sense why there would be such an abundant wildlife here. It also made one wonder what sort of adaptations the fauna and flora had developed in order to survive.

“With as much sunlight as those two suns produce… it is a wonder if --” a sudden scurrying sound to her right interrupted the Lovalla. She gave a small start, panning the large egg shaped visor towards the direction. It seemed to come from deep in the ravine, having scattered a bit of dirt before slithering for cover.
“What was that?” Pausing, Veronika began to take a few steps towards that edge.

 

[Veronika Nova]

Almost seven years ago...


The slow click, click of Veronika's heels seemed to swell between the growing awkward silence between the two Lovalla. In the minutes between the time that Doctor Villiam had abruptly inquired if she would like to leave the conference dinner to where they were now, overlooking the twilight of the approaching night upon the exposed velmstone balcony, Veronika felt a bit trapped in a mild state of surrealness.

To be frank, when Villiam had approached her, interrupting her conversation with Dr. Stempson, the Lovalla was fully expecting him to start another confrontation. Indeed, when the quiet call of, "Dr. Nova" came, Veronika immediately bristled, the hue of colors rippling in silver, coral, and golden mottling indicating her reserved state of defensiveness.

Needless to say, confusion had burnished in gold the stripes and lines over her face, bare shoulders, and arms when instead of delving straight into dissecting her most recent work, Iestyn had done something else entirely. The tenured Xenozoologist instead had stood there for a moment, staring up at Veronika as he had vacillated in between a color blend of embarrassment in of green, pink, yellow and a flurry of a blanched yellow base with amber stripes; Indecision.

"Dr. Villiam?" Veronika had queried in growing concern, gold decorating her stripes and fading into a pale daffodil hue.

Hope had dangled on a string like slow spinning redemption. Armed with Aldridge's earlier encouragement, the male Lovalla suddenly displayed a dark orange ripple over his stripes and brief flash of a blue glow. Determination.

He had complimented her on her presentation. A genuine compliment. He meant it. It caught her so off guard that she had immediately flushed pink in embarrassment, a vivid display of a dawn-tinted emerald ripple that he mirrored in turn.

Nothing had prepared her for the invitation that came next, one that had the frequently impossible to read Dr. Villiam briefly shift into a different hue. A very light magenta base overlaid with orange stripes and red spots. It had held for just a fraction of a second.

That had caught her so off guard that the next few minutes had seemed a bit of a blur. Had she actually seen that correctly? Had she imagined it? Before she knew it, she had been well on her way in displaying that rare bit of bioluminescence that came with the glow of her skin. One Iestyn had matched as well.

Now here they were, away from the prying glances of scholars and the loud murmur of intellectual discussion. A twist of her stomach and Nova took a deep breath.

Now what?

​

[member="Iestyn Nova"]

 

[Iestyn Nova]

"Cheat!"

Professor Aldridge looked up to face his accuser. Everyone had been fiercely pretending not to watch the Lovalla's display. Not that it mattered; the pair wouldn't have noticed a brass band marching through the conference hall a few moments ago. They'd gone now. Hopefully to find somewhere to finally start admitting the truth to each other.

"I rescind my bet," Aldridge laughed.

"But what about my bet? I had next month!" Wurd, the postgraduate from Corellia lamented.

"Wouldn't have mattered," Alridge replied. "They needed a push. Poor fool had no idea. Thought I was being serious when I suggested he ask her to 'have his babies'."

Someone facepalmed. "Wasn't she a bit out of his league anyway?"

"I have a friend who's a Lovalla, she said Veronika wasn't that pretty by their standards."

"Hah!" Mears replied. He was considered something of an expert on the species. "The females evolved as the dominant sex and there are fewer males. They're fiercely competitive for males, even today. That's just the way they are. Outside of direct family female Lovalla don't tend to get on well. But this is why they're dying out, they're just useless at breeding. Few thousand years and they'll probably be gone."

"A shame," someone said.

"I wonder where they went? Will they be at the meal later?"

"I suggested he offer dinner somewhere else," Aldridge replied curtly. "I suggest we leave them be."

---

Now what?

He'd followed instructions so far. Compliment her presentation, asked her to dinner. Much to his surprise she'd agreed and now here they were. A very fine restaurant that was going to burn a nice hole in his wallet. The maître d' offered them both a warm smile. Iestyn had heard this place was exceptional, yet fairly relaxed.

"I can only apologise, but could you tell me what species you are?"

"Lovalla," Iestyn replied. "Table for two please."

"Of course, one moment. There we are," the Twi'lek typed away on a datapad and then picked up two more and tucked them neatly under one arm. "A table against the wall with the candles?"

"Please," Iestyn replied. Lovalla females were the dominant sex and typically in charge when it came to dinner arrangements, he'd almost certainly let her choose the wine. In this instance he was the one who had asked and it wasn't as if he was a terribly old fashioned love bird.

It took all his concentration just to keep his colours from constantly flaring between extreme emotions. It wasn't that easy of course to consciously control and he kept flaring the signal for interest.

He found that his menu had been customised for his species, the dishes instantly swapped around to cater to their specific needs. This was fancy. "So....you don't mind missing the conference dinner?" he offered tentatively.

 

[Iestyn Nova]

[member="Veronika Nova"]

"Could be either I suppose," Iestyn replied. He voice trailed off as he went into deep thought. He carried on taking samples and placing them into containers within the plain, military grey box that was the droid.

Before he could continue his thoughts he felt Vero startle before hearing her call. It sent a sudden surge of adrenaline through his veins, the instinct to protect a life mate strong.

Fingers clasped around her upper arm from behind and urged her back. "Drone B2 scan it."

It was always a designation rather than name whenever a drone was being sent into potential danger. The oblong floated forwards and started to scan the movement.