Birdsong

"I couldn't figure out to activate the recording blocker software you created, so I just manually disabled the cameras," Ariane explained. It was extremely against Traxis Enterprises regulations for employees to fall in love with each other, but it was an open secret that these things happened. Nevertheless, things went smoother when they didn't openly broadcast their romance on a direct, faster-than-light communication link to headquarters.

Jahtis made a rumbly humming noise which sounded rather like a generator running out of fuel. "It's running on safe mode! For a spaceship pilot, sometimes you really don't seem to understand technology."

"Yeah, that's what I've got you for. What would I do without you, birdy?" Sneaking up from behind, Ariane grabbed Jahtis in a hug and picked him bodily. With all his feathers and his hollow bones, the pterix weighed perhaps half of her weight—it wasn't overly difficult for her to carry him. "Come here, you."

"Awwwk! I'm being kidnapped!" Jahtis exclaimed, squawking in mock discomfort as Ariane grabbed him with both her arms and carried him away.

"Yeah, you are." Ariane laughed. "Hehe. It's time for my shower, and I could use a bird bath."

Jahtis made a warbling sound which was his equivalent of a laugh. "Drmm, hmm! That doesn't make any sense!"

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END