A Magic Beyond - Karri Justina Shea

While Megagirl did not need to indulge in the inefficient human process of eating food to produce energy, she was a fixture at mealtimes in the mess hall aboard Starship 15A-2. She called it research, a part of her ongoing project to understand just what it was that made humans function the way they did. Tootsie called it “trying to fit in.” Either way, she was there each morning, 700 hours sharp.

Today she was frowning. Her crewmates’ behaviour was not following expected patterns at all. February was gigglier than usual. Taz surlier. Specs unusually red-faced. And the men of the starship – Up, Krayonder, Bug – they all seemed a little – subdued.

Only Tootsie attacked his corn flakes with his usual gusto.

“Tootsie,” she hissed, taking her volume down a few degrees. “Is there something I have missed? Some event taking place today? The crew’s behaviour is not consistent with my standard observations.”

“What’s that. Megagirl?” her husband asked loudly. “Ya see, I started listenin’ but then the talk got all technical and I got distracted by yer big beautiful eyes.”

“Optical sensors,” she corrected him softly, but she smiled anyway.

“Anyhoo, I’ve got to see to this leak the Commander found in the holodeck – see you at lunch, darlin’!”

Tootsie gave her a great smacking kiss and took his leave. Megagirl took a moment to collect herself.

“Like, you two are just the cutest, I can’t even – any big plans for today, Megs?”

“I do not understand what is so prominent about today,” said Megagirl. “And please do not call me that.”

February gasped. “You don’t know! Oh, this is a tragedy!”

Megagirl waited.

“It’s Valentine’s Day!”

Megagirl accessed her database. “An ancient human holiday celebrating a saint who died millenia ago? Why should that matter to me?”

“What, no, V-Day’s not about dead people, yuck, Megs, I don’t know where you come up with this stuff. V-Day’s about love… showing how much you love someone by showering them with expensive presents! Like diamonds,” February said loudly, with a significant look in Bug’s direction. Bug gave a weak wave. “Specs already got flowers from a secret admirer. And Taz is cranky because Up didn’t give her anything yet.”

“No,” said Taz quickly. “I just think this holiday is estupido.”

“Does that mean I should expect a gift from Tootsie today?”

February pursed her lips. “I’m not sure if they celebrate Valentine’s Day on Farm Planet. Maybe you should do something romantic for him instead!”

“Romance is not among my accountable skills,” said Megagirl. 

“Oh, but I can help you!” squealed February. “It will give me something to do while I wait for my gift.”

Bug sank a little lower in his seat.

***

To be continued…