Zarnak

ZARNAK

I shifted uncomfortably, my broad shoulders hunched as I tried to make myself smaller in the crowded reception area. The cacophony of voices, laughter, and the clinking of glasses grated on my sensitive ears. My fellow scientists had convinced me this would be an excellent opportunity for "personal growth," but I suspected their motives were less than altruistic.

A group of humans nearby cast furtive glances in my direction, their eyes widening as they took in my imposing stature. I suppressed a sigh. It was always the same – one look at my muscular frame and icy blue skin, and they assumed I was some sort of intergalactic warrior. If only they knew I was more comfortable with a microscope than a blaster.

As I scanned the reception area, I noticed a short, wiry alien with glowing blue patterns across his skin darting between contestants, offering assistance and answering questions. His nametag read "Klix Fen - Contestant Liaison."

Near the bar, a tall, striking figure with shimmering silver skin was deep in conversation with the event staff, gesturing animatedly. I overheard someone nearby whisper, "That's Caelan Solis, the co-host. I hear he and Lysandra used to be an item."

Perhaps I could approach this as an anthropological study. It wasn't my area of expertise, but any port in a cosmic storm, as they say.

A high-pitched laugh drew my attention to a striking redheaded human nearby. She tossed her hair over her shoulder, green eyes sparkling as she regaled her audience with some tale. I decided to make my first foray into "mingling."

As I approached, the redhead turned, her smile faltering before widening unnaturally.

"Well, hello there, big guy," she purred, running her eyes over me in a way that made my fur stand on end. "I'm Rachel. And you are?"

"Dr. Thal," I replied, extending my hand. "Pleased to make your acquaintance."

Rachel's eyebrows shot up. "Doctor? What kind of doctor? Strength training?"

I felt my jaw clench. "Xenobiology, actually. I specialize in the study of extraterrestrial life forms and their ecosystems."

"Oh," Rachel said, her interest visibly waning. "How... fascinating. You know, I think I see someone I need to talk to. Excuse me."

She brushed past me, leaving me standing alone. I watched her saunter away, feeling a mixture of frustration and relief. So much for my first attempt at socializing.

I made my way to a spot by a pillar, my ears picking up snippets of conversation as I moved.

"...can you believe the nerve of that Ethan guy? Strutting around like he owns the place..."

"...heard the Celestial Station has some wild nightlife. We should check it out later..."

"...wonder what kind of challenges they'll throw at us. I hope it's nothing too physical..."

I found a relatively secluded spot near a large viewing window, the vast expanse of space stretching out before me. The sight was breathtaking, reminding me of why I'd fallen in love with xenobiology in the first place. There was so much out there to discover, to study, to understand.

My moment of peace was short-lived. A muscular human male with short brown hair and a cocky grin swaggered up to me, a feline humanoid draped over his arm.

"Hey there, big blue," he said, smirking. "I'm Ethan. This is Nala. We were just wondering – what's your deal? You a bouncer or something?"

I reminded myself that patience was a virtue. "Actually, I'm a scientist. Dr. Thal, xenobiologist."

Ethan's face scrunched up in confusion. "Xeno-what-now? Some kind of workout routine?"

Nala giggled, her amber eyes gleaming with mischief. "Oh, Ethan, you're so funny. I'm sure it's very... intellectual." She turned to me, her voice dripping with false sweetness. "It must be hard finding clothes that fit, with all those... muscles. Do you work out a lot?"

I felt my fur bristle. "My physiology is natural for my species. And no, I don't ‘work out' beyond what's necessary for my field research."

Ethan snorted. "Field research? What, lifting heavy rocks or something?"

I closed my eyes briefly, counting to ten in my native language. When I opened them, I fixed Ethan with a level stare. "My work involves studying the intricate biological systems of various alien species and their environments. It requires a great deal of mental acuity and careful observation."

Ethan's eyes glazed over halfway through my explanation. Nala yawned dramatically.

"Wow, that sounds... really boring," Ethan said. "Come on, Nala. Let's go find someone more fun to talk to."

As they walked away, I overheard Nala whisper, "What a waste of a perfectly good body."

My reflection stared back at me from the window. My white mane seemed more disheveled than usual, my yellow eyes tired.

A flash of movement caught my eye, and I saw a young woman with flowing auburn hair making her way through the crowd. There was something about her that drew my attention – a spark of genuine curiosity in her green eyes as she took in her surroundings. Our gazes met, and I felt an inexplicable pull.

Before I could consider approaching her, she was swept away by the crowd. I shook my head, trying to clear it. I was here as a scientist, I reminded myself. This was an opportunity to observe and learn about interspecies social dynamics.

With renewed determination, I turned back to the room, ready to continue my "anthropological mission." If I could survive expeditions to hostile alien worlds, surely I could survive a dating show.

Couldn't I?