We were in my lab, a small room in a pentagon shaped building with a small open garden in the center on the south-western section of the university. There were five labs altogether in this building. The roof was domed with clear glass, and the grass was razra grass, which is my favorite. The outer walls were one way glass, providing us with the illusion of open space. I don't think I could have worked in one of the older labs. I hated confined spaces.

I led Zoran over to a small circular metal pad, about a meter in diameter, on a circular table in the center of the room.

I flushed, turning my eyes away from Zoran's face and down to the table. He was looking at me differently than he had before, his eyes warmed with intention as he peered down at me.

((This device works by rearranging subatomic particles, to form new molecules.)) I could still feel his eyes on me. ((It is only a prototype, but I believe we have almost perfected the final program.))

I peeked up at him with my stalk eyes as I absentmindedly ran my fingers over the smooth surface of the table. Zoran was nodding, and he slowly made his way around the table. He leaned close, running his hand gently over the device and examining it.

I found my eyes lingering on his form much longer than I should have. I quickly turned my stalks toward the grass. Something had changed between us lately. I knew anything between us to be impossible since I was the daughter of Alloran. I shoved the thoughts away and composed myself.

Zoran was peering up at me now, both hands placed gently on the table. Had he noticed me staring? He smiled at me, his expression was curious, warm even.

((Um.)) I stammered. ((By deconstructing bulk material or waste, it is possible to recycle the particles on a subatomic level into a more useful form.)) I continued as Zoran came around the table, stopping quite close to me. ((However, I have been unable to create alumyelite or citaxite. Or any complex lifeforms... But...))

((But?)) Zoran said, turning his main eyes to mine. His eyes were a startling shade of sapphire blue, and I doubted if I looked my entire life, I knew I could not find that exact shade in all of nature.

I shook my head, trying to shake off my stupor. It was hard to think with him standing so close. I cursed inwardly at my behavior.

I laughed nervously. ((I am rambling. I apologize.)) I turned my eyes away and scuffed my hoof against the grass.

((I find your work very interesting.)) He said earnestly. He placed a hand on my arm and my hearts quickened. ((How is it operated?))

I smiled and looked up at him. ((It responds to direct thought-speak, or you can select from here.)) I managed, giving the command and access codes to the relay so a holo of the interface appeared in midair.

((Just tell it what you would like.)) I told Zoran as he raised his hand, swiping through the sections in midair. ((If it is programmed, the device will create the object.)) I explained.

Zoran closed the interface and the holo cut out as the molecules above the device began to shimmer, becoming opaque as the molecules rearranged themselves. A small korari flower lay on the top of the pad. Zoran picked it up and handed the gold and light purple flower to me. It was my favorite.

I looked down at the flower and smiled. My breath caught as Zoran reached up and brushed my temple with his fingertips. I closed my eyes and my hearts fluttered at the brief kiss. I had to remind myself to breathe. He seemed pleased at my reaction.

((Inara this is incredible.)) Zoran said excitedly as he lowered his hand. ((This device will change the lives of our people. Do you realize that?)) He paused for a moment, his eyes widening. ((Can this device create shredders and ship components?))

I laughed at the expression on his face. He was looking at me expectantly, excitement still filling his eyes.

((Always thinking like a warrior, Zoran.)) I said. ((If a larger version of this device is manufactured, yes it can. However, if this device is to become common, we should have restrictions and safety measures added.))

((What will you call it?)) Zoran asked as he stepped out of my lab into the small corridor.

I stepped out after him, pressing my hand against the interface panel on the wall, confirming my thought-speak and DNA security access to lock the lab for the day.

It was Alinar's idea for all the security, even though I felt it was pointless. Only I had the codes to access any of our files inside.

((I haven't thought about it much. I was thinking of calling it a conversion matrix.))

I frowned, seeing that Estrid's lab was empty. Alinar was not here either, which was unusual for him. I would tease him often of the fact that he practically lived here.

((I did not realize what you had been working on these past months. It is incredible. This could change everything. We could have twice as many ships within a few months!)) Zoran said as we trotted side by side across the blue-green grass.

His eyes were considering me carefully, and he seemed lost in thought for a moment. It was as if he wanted to say something, but wasn't sure how to. I couldn't help but notice how his powerful muscles moved as we ran. I shook my head. I needed to stop doing this to myself.

((Did you know my mother wanted me to be a morph dancer?)) I said, trying to distract myself. ((She even had me use the Escafil device.))

Zoran laughed as we approached the mag-hover train, keeping his main eyes on me. He waited politely, gesturing for me to board ahead of him.

((And what a waste that would be, you have a brilliant mind.))

I flushed at his compliment as I leapt nimbly onto the craft, turning to Zoran as I heard him clop in behind me.

Morph-Dancing is an art form. The dancers change into different creatures in beautiful and artistic ways. I found it entertaining, but I was not interested in becoming an artist. I wanted to be a scientist and a warrior. I knew I could help on board a ship just as well as a male could. If only they would give me the chance.

FWOOSH!

The craft took off, and I planted my hooves carefully. Zoran placed a hand on my arm to steady me and I trembled at his touch, cursing myself inwardly for reacting as I did. I began talking again, a habit I picked up when I was nervous.

((My mother used to take us to the Laustral Festival each year. We would watch the dancers and Zamir would beg to see the tail fighting matches. Do you think you will compete this year?)) I asked.

Zamir-Semitur-Gahar is my older brother. Zoran and Zamir had been good friends in the academy. He always worked so hard to prove himself. He was a half a year older than I am, and I think he felt the burden of my father's capture more than I did.

Zoran and Zamir were on the same Tail-Fighting team, with one other male, Ajaht-Litsom-Esth. He was Estrid's brother. They had never lost and were considered legends at the academy. Zamir was currently serving aboard the dome ship ValorBlade as a fighter pilot. The ValorBlade was guarding Earth, a planet we had liberated from the Yeerks less than a year earlier. I did not know where Ajaht was now.

Zoran laughed, his eyes smiling as he pulled his tail forward, running his fingers across the dull edge of his impressive blade. It made me envious as I peered down at my much smaller blade.

I sighed.

((I don't think so. It would not be fair to the new Arisths.)) He winked at me, pulling me out of my own thoughts and making me laugh. He relaxed his tail, still smiling at me.

((Would you spar with me this evening? It helps clear my mind.)) I asked hopefully.

His easy playfulness disappeared and his face turned somber. ((Perhaps.))

Zoran stayed silent for the rest of the trip home. I kept stealing glances at him, trying to ascertain his thoughts. I was dying to know what he was thinking of, but his expression became unreadable, dark and mysterious.

He had stopped sparring with me about a month ago, making up various excuses. I had to spar with Estrid instead. She was very good but did not have the talent Zoran, Zamir, or Ajaht did.

I jumped nimbly down from the Mag-Hover-Train and headed towards my family's feeding grounds. Zoran followed just behind me. I stopped by the derrishoul trees that lined the meadow and I ran my hand along the familiar bark.

((You aren't going to spar with me again, are you?)) I said, annoyed.

The wildflowers had overgrown this part of the meadow, leaving a sweet scent in the air. The warm season was ending, leaving the air colder, and the days shorter.

((No, I am not.)) Zoran stated plainly.

I turned to him, anger burning across my features. ((I do not understand! I was improving.)) I complained.

((Inara.)) Zoran clopped lightly over to me, and I turned back to the trees, not wanting him to see the embarrassment in my cheeks. ((Please do not be angry with me.))

Zoran had accidently cut me last time we sparred. The small light blue line on my shoulder was barely visible. It would not even leave a scar.

((I am stronger than you think. Have you given up on me because you think I am too delicate? Like all the other males?))

I was angry. It was not fair. I turned my main eyes down to the grass.

((You are delicate.))

I felt anger threatening to build up inside me. I could not help it. I was not weak and he knew it. I turned back to him quickly letting my anger get the best of me. I was furious. I did not like appearing weak. Mother says I have trouble with my temper sometimes.

Zoran held up a hand, seeing my face and letting me know he was not finished.

((When I spar with another male.)) He said, pausing. He lifted his main eyes to mine. His sapphire blue eyes warmed as they held a hint of pain, and something more. ((I look for all their weak points. I am trained to find ways to kill my opponent.)) He placed both hands on my upper arms. ((I cannot look at you that way anymore. I cannot search for ways to...)) He shook his head.

I was left shocked. I did not know Zoran felt this way. It made sense now, but I had never expected…

((This past year has been difficult for all of us. With your father returning, and the war ending. But I wanted you to know I have deeply enjoyed your company.)) He paused. ((I now look forward to returning home. And it is difficult for me to leave each time. Do you understand?))

I smiled warmly up at him, my anger dissolving instantly at his words. I missed him when he was gone as well, but I knew it was part of being a warrior.

((Yes. I feel the same way.)) I said, still surprised.

I relaxed, curling my tail around my forelegs. Zoran and I understood each other. Everything felt easy when we were together.

He looked at me hopefully. ((However, I have been requested by the Dome ship Farsight. We are to relieve the StarSword from its position in the blockade around the Yeerk home world. I leave in a week.))

So soon?

I sighed and I lowered my eyes. ((We have seen what the Yeerks are capable of.)) I said. ((But, I have hope. I know if I can optimize the Matrix, it would mean the remaining Yeerk threat would be over.))

((Yes they are an evil species. But we are mighty.)) He lifted my chin to look at him. My hearts fluttered. ((You are strong. You are intelligent, brave. You are beautiful.)) He paused to ascertain my reaction. ((When my mission is completed, and I return home. I hope to do so with you by my side.))

I sucked in a deep breath, too shocked to answer. I was not naive. I had seen his eyes on me many times. Other males would look as well, ever since I had matured. But I had shrugged it off. No one looked at me that way. I was the daughter of the abomination.

But Zoran looked at me differently. I felt something for Zoran. I knew that in my hearts. I could see myself with him.

Zoran raised his hand from my chin, and for a moment it stayed there, inches from my face.

He was giving me a choice. I could reject him if that was what I chose.

I raised my own hand to cover his.

Zoran's expression turned pained, misunderstanding my intentions. I looked into his main eyes and placed his hand on my cheek lightly.

His eyes warmed and he caressed the side of my face gently. His fingers were so soft, something I had not expected from a warrior. Warmth spread slowly through my body and I closed my main eyes, leaning into his hand. He slid his tail around mine, curling his into my own.

I reached for him too, placing my hand gently against the side of his face. I traced his face with my hand, memorizing each curve and line.

((Inara.)) Zoran closed his eyes. Our hands dropped and he entwined our fingers. ((You don't need to answer now. I would speak with your father this evening.))