I thought signing up to work directly for the G.E.C.O.M. program would bring me adventure and a chance to see new worlds.

Instead, got stuck with a desk job and the galaxy's grumpiest boss. Thovin, an Ashanthian with giant wings and pitch-black eyes, always manages to find some last-minute work that makes me stay late. Good thing he's easy on the eye.

One day, he tells me the council overseeing our work has been spying on my conversations with other human abductees. They've read our messages coordinating this cycle's cross-galaxy Secret Santa (Is nothing sacred?!) and want me to teach the office how to play as a way to highlight Earthen culture.

It's the last straw. I quit. There's got to be something more meaningful out there.

Then Thovin shows up at my apartment, all dressed in red and claiming to be my Secret Santa. He wants to take me away from Osmatti Central Station overnight so I can help him "find my gift," whatever that means. A little adventure is awfully tempting, even if it involves my hot ex-boss.

It's just a quick trip with a handsome Ashanthian dressed like Santa. What could go wrong?

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