Vexx

He had met a Quixalar once when he went to trade into human space before being dragged into this version of the depths of the Great Hunt, where only mice and vermin reside.

He watches them, standing a little lower than himself or the others present, their slender yet muscular physique.

Their bodies are covered in a fine coat of soft and lustrous fur, the one on the right of the human armor has an earthly brownish hue while the other is a vibrant, deep, and mesmerizing blue.

They both wear the attire of Claye’s men if it wasn’t clear by the human that accompanies them clad in his or her exosuit.

The right Quixlars' eyes are mesmerizing and deep and are of a warm amber color while the other, are of piercing icy violet.

A pair of sharply pointed ears emerge from the sides of their head and vibrates as they try to catch any unusual noise in his shop.

Atop their heads, elegant and curved horns, they walk on hooves rather than feet and their legs feel weird to him with an additional articulation.

But he can’t marvel at their presence nor wonder what exactly brought them here, he has to focus and try and stop the situation at hand from going out of control.

His eyes shifted from one of his former guards and torturer to the other, before settling on the Versel that spoke the words of the ancient horror.

He doubted that the ancient machine viewed fondly humanity considering that the planet the thing originated from was damaged by humans.

Still, that thing had a human arm had it not?

He couldn’t risk it so he stroke Xira’s tail conveying a quick “cover me” as he moved forward to attract the newcomer’s attention.

-Please no violence! There’s no need- He started hoping to defuse the situation -To whom am I speaking?-

-Chief Petty Officer Thorne- Said the suit, but he luckily knew the name of that particular human.

-Garrett? Come on pal do you think you need to come fully suited up to my shop?- He asked, he could hear the human scoff from the depths of the suit but he managed to move himself between the suited human and the drones.

He knew Garrett, he came to barter from time to time, and he could generally get a good amount of leashes for the things he got.

-Vexx if ya didn’t catch on this ain’t a courtesy call. Cut the crap. What the hell is Dexton up to?-

-What if wasn’t Dexton?-

Crap! The Versel had to speak up of course, could they all still act as they used to?

That would be like digging a hole to get deeper in the Great Hunt knowing there was nothing to hunt! Not even worms!

He had to think, and fast!

-But of course, it is! Come on what does happen under the sky of this planet that Dexton doesn’t know? How was what you people said? He operates in mysterious ways. - said Xira coming to his aid.

He attempted his best salesman smile, but of course, his mouth wasn’t really made to smile, he simply showed his fangs hoping the human understood.

-Vexx, Xyra the hell is happening here? Who is this lady?- Asked Garrett clearly not buying what they were trying to sell him.

-I am Lemela, of the spacecraft Xalaxion, it is a pleasure, Chief Petty Officer Thorne.-

The Xalaxion? What craft was that? What era that craft was from?

Vexx had no time for those questions, he saw the female-looking Versel machine straighten up, standing tall and erect, positioning her feet together.

Her arm extended naturally and slightly to the side, forming a crisp angle at the elbow.

Her right paw is positioned flat against the temple, just above the right eye her eyes fixed straight ahead, maintaining a focused and forward gaze.

Her head slightly tilted forward, for a brief moment, nothing moved in her, not even her breathing.

Did it even need to breathe?

It was all executed smoothly and swiftly, with precise movements and synchronized timing probably due to the mechanical nature hidden beneath.

-Oh you served in our fleet for a time miss Lemela? What rank did you hold?-

Asked Garrett making Vexx quiver.

He was cautious around humans, they were generally unpredictable, he had experienced both ends of the spectrum after all.

The fact that Vexx understood that somehow the relationship with humans changed people.

If that thing, that abomination had data on the human military how exactly would it change?

How much more dangerous would it be?

He quivered again, praying to the great hunter himself that no human knowledge had passed to the abomination from the depths.

-Well I am happy that you got to serve on this human vessel...- He tried to interject himself into the conversation desperately trying to avoid the machine interacting whit the human directly.

-Vexx, shut up. We don’t use such names for our military vessels. The Xalaxion was a ship lost in the fringe about 10 months ago. Unsurprisingly we find a survivor here. If you want I can have you return to Vyresta.-

Vexx had already heard of that name, it was the homeworld of the Versel if the memory didn’t betray him.

-I am sorry, Chief Petty Officer, but I am no longer worthy of being on Vyresta.-

Replied the machine wearing the now metallic silver fur of a Versel named Lemela, making him doubt himself for a second.

He knew some Versels, they talked exactly like that when they were disgraced by a thing such as failing so badly to end up in a prison like Taboo.

-I understand- Replied Garrett – Do you need help exiting this facility? We could arrange that at least.-

-Why would she need such help? She’s not in danger here! This is the safest shop in Taboo!- Vexx knew he was overselling himself. By much more than usual.

But this wasn’t the moment to falter! The fate of himself and Xira was at stake so he’d better manage to distract and defuse as best as he could.

-Come on, Garrett! You know me! I would allow nothing bad to happen to a paying customer!-

Garrett heavily sighed in an audible way from the speakers of the exosuit.

-Vexx for the love of all that is sacred, shut the heck up! She can speak for herself! And besides you sold recycled proteins! We analyzed those, they came from people all over! Come on you were turning people into cannibals here! Did Dexton finally put you in charge of one of his ranches?-

Vexx knew what those were, legendary places where animals were born and bred to provide milk, cheese, and meat for the richest people on Taboo.

That was a hop in a career that Vexx heavily desired.

-What if I told you...- began Lemela -We met resistance down in the tunnels! Listen I was just happy with the catch! And to be alive! Celebrate my luck ok!?- his interjection was quick and desperate, but he managed to interrupt Lemela, he had to avoid any interaction between the abomination from the depths and the humans!

Lemela

This was getting annoying.

Why was this overgrown lizard trying to get between herself and the human!?

“Hey Ethan, do you really need him alive?! We could extend the offer we made him to his wife!”

She conveyed through her link to the human, a link she started to see the convenience of.

“Temper, temper” Replied Ethan

“I understand where you stand on this one and yeah he’s getting annoying as fuck! But killing him would serve nothing. I am guessing he’s trying to avoid an armed confrontation by lying.

I don’t see why Chief Petty Officer Thorne’s interest would align with Dexton’s. Especially since he came guns ready to inquire about the reason we dropped meat at a random camp of his faction.

This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

If I was in his position I would do the same, the meat could be poisoned or laced with chemicals for all he knows, and Dexton aiming at them through their empty bellies.”

Lemela calmed a bit, she sort of knew this could be a human tactic, a tactic of the old shunned by their society at large.

Humans, however, were individuals down to their core and she knew it wasn’t a tactic low enough for an individual such as Dexton to consider.

“Tell them the store is under new management. Uncle Sam’s orders.”

Again that weird sensation of purpose, that weight she would gladly carry for a reason she herself couldn't explain to herself.

-Vexx- Began Chief Petty Officer Thorne with a scolding tone and she raised her paw to stop his speech.

-I can speak for myself.- She stated. -You are under the stars and stripes now, you don’t want to anger Uncle Sam right?-

She asked Vexx as his eyes went wide with panic as he struggled clearly trying to distance himself between her and the human.

-Uncle Sam? Stars 'n stripes? Really Miss Lemela?!- Asked the human, the speakers of the suit clearly carrying a tone of disbelief.

The clearly panicked Vexx looked around and put all four of his clawed paws on his head in the hope to shelter himself.

He clearly peeked at the avatar of the three-headed beast that loomed overhead.

-Cerberus, deactivate yourself there will be no trades- said Xira, and the glitching apparition faded out of existence.

At least his wife was a bit more active and cooperative.

-Mistress Lemela was it?- She asked her – Are you sure your uncle can really protect us?-

-Ain’t really a real uncle ya know Xira?- Said Chief Petty Officer Thorne – ‘t was a ...avatar of sorts? Of one of our old nations. ‘nited states of ‘merica. Quite the ol' cartoon figure to bring up Miss Lemela. This is to tell me there is a human somewhere that wanna tackle with good ol’ Dexton I imagine? I dig that! Tell him to come and meet General Claye-

The human in armor laughed jovially before pointing out to one of the former members of the dogs present among the drones. -If only I was born yesterday! Come on ya take me for a fucking dolt!? What the hell are those…. Wait a minute ...-

Garrett clearly realized something mid-sentence.

“Congrats on the performance, you got him to use his brain a little.”

Toted Ethan through the link making her feel weirdly accomplished at the compliment headed her direction.

Why was she that happy about a side comment!?

Then something else hit her, she felt something scanning her.

She felt a scan!?

She had been told she had been scanned time and time again and she had never felt a thing, why was this time different!?

Then it dawned on her, the machine that was in her made the difference, giving her the awareness of the thing she lacked.

-What the fuck … Vexx!? The hell happened down there!? Guys this might be a little above our pay grade we retreat!-

The two Quixlars closed ranks bringing their weapons at the ready position, one of them inquired about the results of the scans.

-What was that thing about privacy earlier, Chief Petty Officer? - she said chuckling as if to humor him a bit and to signal she wouldn’t want the results disclosed here in the open.

-Listen… please… I just… I want to live ok!? At least let Xira live, please!-

Vexx went begging to them trying to interject again.

-Ya wanna live!? Seriously Vexx!? Geez what the heck would I have to say then ?! And I am on fucking leave! The guy behind this is nuts! -

Lemela couldn't hold a laugh at hearing a human calling another human crazy, it was after all a rare occurrence.

“Convey to him that if they want to free slaves and bring relief to the people we’re on the same side. “

Lemela didn’t need the positive feedback for this, but it felt nice anyway.

-Stand down, Chief Petty Officer, there’s no need to cross the t here. You and Uncle Sam are on the same side when it comes to rescue.-

Why exactly had she expressed herself that way? Oh right, this was Ethan’s knowledge leaking out a term the other would understand.

-Listen, I have no idea of what rank you held back in the fleet, but … listen man to use bodies like this... it's wrong!-

-Hey! I am still here- She replied sincerely – You aren't talking to Uncle Sam, but he's listening. And watching. -

She couldn’t see the human’s expression behind the thick shield provided by the exosuit he was wearing, but Vexx sure didn't look doubtful of the statement.

-Look … I am just a soldier, and so was he. Do you think me and my men can retreat without a fight here? I need to talk this over with my superiors.-

She sighed, simply nodding and pointing at the door.

The three left, walking backward, weapons at the ready before leaving the area.

Vexx sighed audibly -well... now Claye will find out... we’re fucked. -

Lemela looked at him and sighed, shaking her head.

“Let him at the shop with the former slaves drones. Bring down his wife, I wanna have a chat with her. Tell him we’ll be protecting her.”

Lemela felt that separating those two again was a bit cruel, but in the end, she had her duty to execute.

-I have to return to the depths, and I will take the former pirates down with me. You will help me choose among the slaves that were dead, to begin with. We will escort Miss Xira down with us. You may instruct the ones I will leave as if they were your former slaves. If needed they will protect you with their life-

The two looked at each other clearly panicking a great deal, she watched them hug and stroke their tails together as to bid themselves a last farewell.

Lemela sighed, if she ever had a mate would she have a similar relationship?

She wanted a wife like the one Ethan had or the one Vexx seemed to have, but she was always too awkward to ask any female that attracted her and now she wasn’t even sure to be a female any longer.

People like her that craved a same-gendered relationship composed a minority of the Versel population, and some within the majority went as far as to declare their existence a result of the human’s presence in their society.

There were plenty of historical records to confute them, but it mattered little, the military caste was quite pragmatic on the matter: as long as it didn’t hinder service one could love whoever.

It was just that she was timid, awkward, and now tainted, even if she possessed the memories of a warrior that meant little.

She feared the reactions of her family and her friends, but she had no longer any of those did she?

Worst still, a warrior knew her deepest secrets now.

She knew full well he didn’t belong to her society nor to her warrior caste, still she felt a wave of regrets and doubts she had to push back, breathing deeply.

She had to concentrate on the task.

Luckily Xira and Vexx didn’t oppose any resistance and quietly began sorting the drones so she could entrust her body to the machine a bit and concentrate on the virtual world while the sorting process actually took place.

-Ethan...- She began -… what do you think about me?-

Ethan rose an eyebrow looking up from the multiple monitors to her.

-I think you did a mighty fine job overall Lemela.-

He answered sincerely, making her feel that weirdly prompted a sense of accomplishment that made everything feel more complicated.

-As a side note, I owe you some apologies, I likely forced you to make things. I was in a hurry.- Added Ethan, much to her surprise.

Lemela nodded -Yeah, thank you. It felt… weird. Weirdly good thou. Listen, I am conflicted about bringing Xyra with us, it feels a bit cruel.-

Ethan nodded -I won’t hide it. The point is to be cruel. I mean he views me as a machine, let’s act like one.

Still, I want to ask her a couple of questions, and the first rule in espionage is going after one’s family. I sincerely don’t know if I can protect her in the shop along with Vexx, and I don’t wanna commit enough force to split.

I fear I will attract more attention if I move that many troops and I attracted enough attention as it is.-

Explained Ethan making an ample shrug.

Lemela nodded as she looked a bit at the selection process progression, certainly, Virgil was doing a lot of work since both she and Ethan were occupied speaking.

-...but seriously… what do you think about me?-

Ethan appeared a bit confused, he brought a hand to his mouth, scratched his head taking a moment to compose himself before answering.

-I am sorry if I will be answering this with a question first. Could you please clarify?-

Lemela appeared confused by the question.

-Don’t you get direct access to my mind? Why would you need to ask?-

Ethan laughed a bit, before answering.

-Well while maybe I could technically do it why should I? I mean it’s your mind. Would you really want me to know each and every thought you have?-

-NO!- she shouted, then she moved her paws to her mouth afterward in frustrated shame, making Ethan laugh out loud.

-Figured as much. See Virgil? No need to implement anything- He laughed a bit more

-So, do you want to clarify and have your answer?-

Why did he need to make this complicated?

He could have just ordered her, it would have been easier, and the machine would’ve compelled her to speak.

Now all doubts and worries in the known sectors were swarming her mind at once.

At the same time, she fully understood why Ethan didn’t order her, he was a soldier, and he knew that an order should never be as absolute as the machine made it to be.

Moreover, If she ever wanted to be freed of her fear she would have to take the matter on her paws like the humans would say.

-I saw your history, Ethan- She managed. - How people of your time felt about people like me… not aliens in fiction… people liking in real life...others of the… same gender. So... please... tell me. What do you think about me?-

Ethan

I sigh, so it wasn’t me after all, those were her memories and sensations fully, not mine mixing in.

-Well... that’s awkward.- I admit out loud to her – But I guess with me knowing it all, you might have had it worse.-

She simply nods confirming my suspicions.

-You know me too, don’t you? I never understood the kind of topic you’re bringing up, you should know. I still don’t understand it. Even after experiencing it.-

She nods apparently beat up, her ears falling on her head, her shoulder slumping a bit.

-Then I will ask you this: do I really need to understand? -

She appeared surprised, one of her ears perked up.

-I mean, did I ever stop thinking why I really fell in love with my wife Alessia?-

-Yeah you didn't...Wait a minute… she asked you dozens of times! And you answered her!-

She protested making me chuckle at her natural spring-up.

-Yeah and I always answered what I believed she wanted to hear from me. I really loved her and well, it was all of those answers, and none. I mean yeah she attracted me, and I fell in love. Wasn’t the first time I fell in love. Never thought it would work out after how it ended the time before her. But in the end, I proposed, and well… she said yes and you know the rest. I had people asking why her, of course, but… well in a different sense. She wasn’t born in America after all and...you know all the rest...-

It was a bit difficult talking about my past life, of what I lost, I sigh.

-I … am sorry if I brought back sad memories.- She says, I feel her worry in her tone.

-Don’t worry.- I reply – My point remains that you don’t need my approval to like somebody. Nor my understanding. I had a daughter and you know how I worried about her future. Same thing.-

-You would’ve ripped to shreds any person trying to harm her!-

She protest making me laugh a bit more dryly, I know this is not a joke.

-Well yeah, I would, navy seal style. But then I realized she would be her own person one day and all I could do was to watch from the sidelines. And I would do better to behave to be even allowed that. - I chuckle. -’cause, in the end, I raised my daughter like I would train one of the members of my squad. I raised her not to wait for a prince to save her but to even kick my ass if she ever needed to. Fully knowing she could ask for help whenever and I would be there.-

I sigh wondering what would have been, if I ever got to see one of my child's weddings, but in the end there was the accident.

“The biological entities seem to have ended the sorting.” chimes in Virgil

-Lemela, come back safely. If you’re up to we’ll discuss some more- This is an order I hope she will carry out.