Dr. Boyd’s escape craft is the first to roughly land on the surface of the planet V’Daha. Teresa smiles inwardly as she remembers the last words whispered in her ear by the departing Mau-Nis.
“I know how much it would pain you to watch so many innocents die,” Mau-Nis whispers, pulling Teresa close. “I have gathered up all of the ooman females who are heavy with descendants, or with young childlings. They will be allowed to accompany you to V’daha. It will be a one-way trip. I cannot risk my own kind to save yours. Each of the ooman craft are set to self-destruct an hour after touchdown. Be sure that you get them away from the craft before that happens. I will see you soon. You have my word.”
-
-
Teresa goes to Vor’taalnis’ stasis pod in order to wake him from his months-long slumber. The toddler is quick to reanimate. As soon as his eyes open, Vor’taalnis yawns and reaches for Dr. Boyd. She grabs him up and hurries to get their belongings. The other escape craft, carrying the other women and children, will be arriving soon. She must be ready when they come.
Teresa steps out of the escape craft and enters an alien world. Enormous trees, of unknown kind and origin, grow in sporadic clumps to the right and left of the craft’s position. A river winds its way through the trees, the soft gurgling of water reaching Teresa’s ears. The colors of this world are unlike any Teresa has ever seen. Vibrant greens, brilliant yellows, numerous shades of purple and pink, and the bluest of water. Teresa takes in everything with awe and a touch of fear. This is definitely not a human world.
The escape craft has landed near the crest of a steep hill. A large settlement lies at the foot of the hill. Teresa is able to make out several beings moving to and fro. Most appear to be female, and a few children. Teresa leads Vor’taalnis a good distance from the ship and sits him down.
“Stay here,” Teresa says. “I’ll be right back. I have to get the rest of our things. Be good for Mommy. Stay here. Okay?”
Vor’taalnis nods and offers Teresa a big smile. He moves his feet from side to side with excitement, the makeshift clothes on his body making him look like an otherworldly caveman. Teresa kneels and kisses his forehead and then rushes back to the ship. Less than thirty minutes until self-destruct.
-
-
You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.
Teresa drags their belonging on a tarp, Vor’taalnis helping as best he can. As they approach the settlement, a hybrid female exits her cabin and walks in their direction. The female grows excited the closer she gets to Dr. Boyd, her eyes falling on Vor’taalnis. She hugs and kisses Teresa, rubbing her hands through Teresa’s hair.
“You’ve come to join us?” the yautja-ooman hybrid says in a strange voice, her eyes shimmering.
Teresa studies the female’s face, staring deep into the pools of her eyes. She nods emphatically and hugs the female back.
“Yes,” Teresa says. “I have come to join you.”
The hybrid female bends to grab one end of the tarp.
“I am Yau-tala,” the female says. “We have room for you. Follow me. This is your son?”
“I am Teresa. And…Yes, this is my son. Vor’taalnis,” Teresa says with uncertainty. “There are others arriving soon. Other ooman females. Their childlings are not hybrids. Will they be permitted to stay as well?”
“V’Daha is a world cast away from all worlds,” Yau-tala says solemnly. “We do not turn away anyone. When the others arrive…We will accommodate them. All who come are welcome on V’Daha.”
“My craft…It’s set to self-destruct,” Teresa confides. “Be sure that no one goes near it. Are all of your childlings accounted for? We cannot risk any of them wandering near the craft.”
Yau-tala laughs softly and nods her head.
“We are quite accustomed to this,” Yau-tala says. “The childlings were rounded up as soon as we saw your craft land in the hills. I was once a curious childling. I have seen many craft such as yours. We have learned our lesson. We keep the childlings close whenever there are new arrivals.”
Teresa’s brow furrows.
“How often does that happen?” Teresa inquires. “How often do new females arrive on V’Daha?”
“Not as often as they used to,” Yau-tala says. “You are the first in over twelve ooman years.”
As Yau-tala leads Teresa and Vor’taalnis to their new home; a tall male hybrid steps out from a nearby cabin. He observes the new arrivals with intense curiosity, his eyes falling to Vor’taalnis. After studying the toddler, the hybrid warrior returns his gaze to Teresa’s face. Teresa averts her eyes, trying not to study him back.
Yau-tala pipes up excitedly. She releases her end of the tarp and goes to her hybrid companion’s side.
“This is…” Yau-tala begins. She turns to Teresa for help.
“Teresa,” Teresa repeats her name to the female hybrid. “Teresa Boyd.”
The male hybrid steps forward with a large smile, his brown eyes shimmering above his humanlike nose.
“Welcome to V’Daha, Teresa Boyd,” the hybrid says. “I am Vildif. Yau-tala is my sister. We are leaders of this community. If you need anything at all. We are here.”
Teresa offers Vildif a kind smile. Beside her, Vor’taalnis chitters and bounces with nervous energy.
End Book Two: Story One