Lopez says nothing as she swiftly walks with her laptop and notes. Hancock stays close as she walks swiftly, but not so quickly that he can’t keep up. She’ll head to a hiding spot or the shuttle, depending on where she wants to be.
Judging by their path, it’s not the shuttle, since she’s headed away from the hangar. But, she’s deep in thought as well, so it could always change. He normally doesn’t try to talk to her when she’s like this, since she needs time to collect her thoughts, or she stresses about losing her train of thought.
So, Hancock is understandably surprised when he rams into Lopez’s front -especially so, her front- when she whirls in a sudden stop. Hancock manages to catch her as she flinches, clutching only her laptop instead of balancing herself. He steadies them both, only barely starting to say, “Whoa! Are you…?”
“WHY WOULD HE SAY THAT!?” She looks up at him, straightening her glasses. It’s clear this is what she’s been pondering, which is unusual. She flies under the radar where she can, so many don’t have anything but praise to say about her. But, Lopez’s mind is elaborate. Even with whatever’s bothering her, she’s halfway through her first five hypotheses on her newest project. And, being called a ‘heroic genius’ is more likely to bother her than ‘antisocial robot’. Insults, to her, are human. Praise is surprising. But, no one really had a chance to talk to her in the meeting, so who is she talking about?
“Wait… Who?”
Lopez looks down, whispering, “Yarjen Jor…”
Confused, Hancock says, “I’m… sorry, I don’t understand. He answered your questions to the best he could, didn’t-...”
“NO! H-... Why would he apologize to me?... W-... Why wouldn’t he hold a grudge? H-How could…?”
She sniffles, rubbing her eyes. She adds softly, “I… I ruined his life… his career… He’s a prisoner because of me…”
Hancock pauses. Maybe she doesn’t know. He obviously spends most of his time on the Providence with Lopez almost entirely, but he still gets emails from Fisher, especially, who likes to keep him up to date. And, it’s pretty common knowledge because both Grey and Jessica Long know the details.
Hancock chuckles, which causes her face to twist slightly, but he quickly adds, “The Yarjen might be a prisoner, but it’s to this thing called ‘love’.”
Now it’s Lopez’s turn to cock her head to the side in confusion. Hancock nods, “Yep. Supernova was ready to let him go back with Craw. He CHOSE to stay. Forcefully so.”
“B-... But… He didn’t have a choice…”
“He did. Craw, I guess, was ready to lie up and down to protect the reputations of all of the prisoners. EVERY Grodrrn on the Polonia CHOSE to stay here. And Jor, not so subtly, because of Supernova. I believe he meant everything he said today. He’s never spared feelings before.”
“I… I just… H-How… How could it be so simple for him…?”
Hancock smiles, “Would you like to go ask him?”
She quickly shakes her head.
The young Ensign softens his expression. “We should go talk to him.”
She shakes her head more vigorously.
He scoffs, adding confidence to his next statement, “We’re talking to him.”
“N-No! Rex, no… I… He’s…”
“He’s a soldier, Levi. Didn’t you sense it, though?”
She looks down again, “He’s… different… than then…”
He nods, “Mm-hmm. Let’s go find out why.”
“I can’t… I’m still… afraid.”
“He’s nine feet tall and five hundred pounds of muscle -after losing weight as a prisoner-. I’m nervous, too. But, c’mon. Let’s get past this. You and me. Let’s ask him how he really feels.” He offers his hand. He adds, “Plus, I’d wager you have more technical questions for him.”
She blushes. But, she asks cautiously, “W-... What if I make him mad…?”
“Then, we fight him off like last time.” Hancock says it with a confident smile, but this only makes Lopez uneasy. Marvoni is probably the only reason Dzor was beaten that day, but nevertheless, Hancock takes Lopez’s hand and pulls her back the way they came.
He’s headed back to the conference room, so it’s only dumb luck that the young ensign notices as they pass medical. Dzor lost his Fievegal uniform during the fight with the Zarakyssns, so now he’s the most distinct Grodrrn for the humongous green tee shirt and form-fitting pants he’s wearing. True, many of the other Grodrrns have been given similar changes of clothes, but most of them wear either the neck collar thing they wear, their military head dressing -more commonly worn by pilots-, or their decorative boots. Dzor is the only one who looks entirely like a giant alien wearing human clothes.
Hancock pulls the mostly-resistant scientist into medical, following the direction he saw Dzor heading.
The big Grodrrn commandant is in a small medical bay, doing his best to stay out of the way as a human nurse ultrasounds a much smaller Grodrrn female. Though, Helmdraavv Khla is easily much bigger than Hancock as well.
Still, Khla is resting contentedly on a medical bed as the nurse explains, “Shell thickness is looking rather consistent and smooth, and we’re seeing good symmetry on all of our scans. All speculation, of course, but we should be seeing the next step in a couple days or so.”
Khla replies softly, “Good. I had no idea of cramps. And bloatedness. Saurmynnyka must be quite miserable always.” The nurse chuckles, and Dzor scoffs.
The nurse continues, “We’re getting a lot of reflection from the shell, but the doctors are rather confident, given the shape, that this shadowing here is the embryo already starting to form.”
Khla smiles, looking up warmly at Dzor. The Jardzen replies quietly, “Far from hotch yet.” His gaze shifts though, only barely obscuring his thoughts. He’s excited. He truly is different than he was.
Khla notices the two first, and she smiles, “Ensign Hancock. Doctor Lopez. Good afternoon.”
Hancock nods, “Afternoon, Helmdraavv, Yarjen, Nurse. Apologies for intruding.”
“Not a little. Daily check-on of egg. Exciting time. I am happy to share.”
“I’m honored, Helmdraavv. If we could, though, we were hoping to talk to the Yarjen briefly.”
Dzor states bluntly, “I omm only donor. Check if Grodrrns safe…”
Khla’s eyes narrow, and she shows a surprising level of sass, “We talked about this, Yarjen. This is NOT old way. And…” She glares at him more skeptically, “You never check on others.”
Dzor snorts, looking away with crossed arms. She grins, adding, “I am honored, Yarjen. Truly. We will make best Chulm’chns ever, especially with human help.”
His mouth twitches in the faintest smile. It’s amusing to watch the guarded Baskylla Jardzen, over two hundred years of aggressive combat experience, independence, and professionalism, worrying about something so innocent, and even seeming excited.
Dzor looks at Hancock, asking plainly, “What is it, Hoomin?”
Hancock steps so Lopez can no longer hide behind him. She doesn’t give up without a fight, trying to keep his back directly in front of her. He manages to catch her, shoving her gently but forcefully out front. She shakes, clutching her laptop lightly.
Dzor looks at Lopez, and then at Hancock. He says quietly, “I oonderstond. We talk privately.” He looks at Khla and bows his head.
However, the female Grodrrn says something in their tongue, “{Remember, Yarjen. You are VERY intimidating.}”
The Jardzen nods. He says to Lopez and Hancock, “Come.”
Hancock guides Lopez to follow him. He understands why she’s scared, but she can’t be forever. It’s too important for her to be able to call upon any resource she needs, even the alien conquerors who once terrified them all.
Dzor leads to a barracks room, and it’s quickly apparent by the other handful of Grodrrns speaking nearby, that this is the section Long set up for them. While it’s a tragedy in and of itself, the lives lost during the battle with the Zarakyssns has freed up room, a fact the Grodrrns purportedly have not overlooked. Though, neither have the protestors onboard.
Dzor shares his quarters with Khla, given the Helmdraavv uniform on the other bed. The Jardzen steps inside, turns around, and takes a seat on the floor. He states, “You may close or open door. Be calm ond comfort.”
Hancock holds Lopez’s hand, and her grip tightens. He starts off gently, “You’ve known who we are all along, correct, Yarjen?”
The huge reptilian nods. “I find you, hoomin Chief Marvoni, ond hoomin Doctor Lopiz een mih hongor. We were enemies then.”
Hancock nods. He then looks to Lopez, and Dzor’s gaze turns to her as well. The scientist looks down. The young ensign nudges her, and she squeaks.
Dzor starts to say, “I apology, hoomin Doctor Lopiz. For freeten, for…”
“NO!” Her tone shifts to a whimper, “No… How can you feel that way? I… I destroyed your life… Me… I’m… I’m s-... I’m SORRY!...”
Lopez sinks into sobs, and she slowly lowers to her knees. Her precious laptop falls from her hands, sliding down her thighs to the floor. She buries her face in her hands. “I didn’t want to! I swear! I’m… I killed… I…” Her words escape her, and she cries.
“You do right theeng. Een war, you cannot predik future. You only feet. Fievegal believe our way only way. Boot, we wrong. I see that now. Hoomins praise Doctor Lopiz ozz hero. Above ond beyond. Boot, I see one who do duty to protect. Require of you. Eef you fail, none of ooss be here stroogling boot free… FREE.”
He emphasizes ‘free’ tenderly, adding, “Free to feet for beliefs. For friends ond family. Same ozz you feeted for.”
Lopez sniffles, still staring down. “B-... Before that day… I had no one left…”
Dzor nods, “Me ozz well.”
She looks at him, and he looks up, scratching his neck scales gingerly. He adds, “Yarjen Craw rival at best. Deescovered hard way, crew wanted dead. Also, Yarjen Murf… relay message. Bondmate leave… She… disappointed eegg reets… Saurmynnyka gone.” He looks at Lopez, adding, “This fleet… blessing…”
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He suddenly turns stern, his voice deepening, “No tell Copton Long.”
Lopez squeaks. She shakes her head quickly. The big Grodrrn nods, grunting, “Good.”
Hancock offers gently, “I’m sorry your bondmate left you, Yarjen.”
“Mm… Was distant alreadih. Not leek hoomin relashins.”
He scratches his chin, saying, “Copton Long no need know. She worrih too much.” He then says to Lopez, “I forgeev. Ond, I omm sorry. Lost notheeng boot teetles. Gained much more. Took much more from you.”
Lopez sniffles, and she bows her head humbly, squeaking, “I… I forgive you, Yarjen. I… I want us to work together, too. To- To survive together.”
He nods. “Oggreed.”
She squeaks softly, “But… H-... How is it so simple for you? To forgive me so easily? I… I thought Grodurns are very proud.”
“I osk hoomins that…”
He straightens up a little, though, saying, “Pride not opposeet of humility. Grodrrns proud, but must know what comes first.”
He scratches his chin, “Seempul? No. Boot, every day preeznor, I learn. Learn Fievegal nivor reinforce Craw. Learn hoomins rispick enemies, let alone friends. Learn pride does not make life. Eez seemply hope death weel be remembered.”
He looks more directly at Lopez, “You best I een combat because I oonderestimott an enemy prepared to face me. Then, I oonderestimott compossion ond loyalty of my captors. Not seempul. Boot, worth eet.”
Lopez sniffles again. She wipes her eyes, replacing her glasses on her face when her tears are under control. She says softly, “Thank you, Yarjen…”
He nods. “You are teemid, boot not coward. No need troost, but you can count on my all.”
The timid scientist collects her thoughts in silence for a moment. She finally asks, “Is… it okay if I ask more about the phase shifter?”
The Grodrrn commandant nods. “I weel onsorr all I can.”
Lopez asks questions, eventually opening her laptop and moving closer to the Jardzen to try to get a better idea of what he’s talking about from his ship’s design, which she has pretty thoroughly translated and cataloged into sections. The Grodrrn, true to his word and showing no signs of irritation, impatience, or inconvenience, answers every question he can to the best of his ability, and even telling her that there are coded technology encyclopedias and tech manuals on all Grodrrn ships for any ship assigned in a fleet, in case one ship’s data storage was wiped or corrupted, they still had copies. He even offers to show her how to access them on the seized shuttle, as he’s confident no human has found the secret connection location or the small storage drive itself.
Hancock knows Lopez quite well at this point. At least a quarter of her anxiety picking his brain earlier was the fact that she doesn’t do well at all in groups. And, with the air cleared with the Jardzen, she is able to push past her residual nervousness and conduct important business. Dzor is not small. Even sitting, he’s almost as tall as Lopez standing. But, she sits next to him, holding her laptop so he can point or translate as needed. Not every word translates as simply as ‘A=(Grodrrn A)’ and ‘B=(Grodrrn B)’, further lending evidence to her biggest frustration with Grodrrn technology; that everything seems to have been developed over generations and kept that way. And, given the ease with which Dzor can read ANY word, even words Lopez thinks are ancient, it seems Grodrrns -gifted linguists at comprehension if nothing else- are content knowing a few more words and their meanings.
Then, the truth. Not all Grodrrn technology is exclusively Grodrrn. Like the humans, at least one system on Grodrrn ships were developed by races prior to conquest, and they were adapted into the Grodrrn systems, just like the humans did with the Grodrrn FTL; almost exactly as is, language and all. It still feeds Grodrrn pride, since it’s all ‘technology of the Fievegal’, but Hancock watches the expression on the Jardzen’s face.
The young human officer is a little surprised and astonished. He’s pretty sure he just watched a small piece of Dzor’s soul withering away. The experienced Grodrrn has formed many new conclusions and come to a new perception of the universe he lives in during just the few months he’s been with the humans. But, some naive remainder of his Grodrrn pride for the Fievegal -supposedly proof that all other races are lesser than Grodrrns- just dissolved away. Or, perhaps it is simple resignation; a quiet, indignant acceptance of what Captain Long worked so diligently to explain to him. He’s not upset she was once again right. He just had it reconfirmed.
After all, he served the Fievegal for decades, if not a couple centuries. He’s seen things few humans could likely imagine, let alone fully envision. And so, he KNEW no Grodrrn ship is one hundred percent Grodrrn design. And yet, he never really realized it. Long has reported -in limited fashion when he was prisoner- that he and other Grodrrns all are extremely proud, generally of self most of all. So, while they have vast ambitions, they have little concept of the big picture -for the most part-.
Dzor says distantly, “These words are Kreshgur… The Kreshgurnatari developed the phase shifter…”
There’s a pause. Hancock asks softly, offering an ear to the Grodrrn, since Lopez is likely too nervous to ask or continue with her current questions, “What’s a Kreshgur… tari?”
“Kreshnurgatari,” corrects Dzor softly. “Humans aren’t the first race to assassin a important Grodrrn. Though, was long teem ago. Kreshnurgatari assassin attempt keel Saurmynnyka, boot, keel Haeroshaw instead.”
The Jardzen snorts dryly, instructing, “Eez why Fieve- GRODRRNS learn ALL about conquist targets. Longweej, leaders, ticknology. Embarrassed eef…”
The Grodrrn commandant halts himself. He must’ve realized the course of his thought. Instead, he says, “Eeroneek Fievegal nivor translate Kreshgur words… Boot, then, all longweej becoom Fievegal’s.”
Suddenly, a heavy but gentle footstep approaches from behind Hancock. It’s Helmdraavv Khla, and she asks gently, “Am I interrupting?”
Lopez quickly closes her laptop and stands up, saying quickly and nervously, “I have enough for now. My apologies for intruding.” She bows at Khla, and then at Dzor.
The Jardzen says patiently, “No need. I tell you; osk, ond I weel onswor to best of ability.”
The timid scientist nods, whispering, “Thank you… Y-Yarjen.”
He nods. Hancock climbs to his feet, saluting Dzor for an amused snort and dismissing wave. The Jardzen hasn’t been granted a formal rank yet, and he doesn’t seem to concerned about it. He now prides himself on being the strongest warrior on the ship, but also a friend to the humans who aided him in battle. He even partook in a mock battle with the marines as the Grodrrn enemy, though he was FAR more effective than Fisher could have ever hoped to be. A being that can hear heartbeats most of the time is actually incredibly difficult to sneak up on, specifically when he’s not wearing a helmet. Like the Cave Queen, helmets dull a Grodrrn’s keen senses in exchange for protection, and Dzor’s senses are still very keen. His body is a little stiff and slowed; a drawback of the muscular exertion he applied to himself in order to not only affect his own escape, but also defeat the Zjikha. But, he is still a formidable warrior, and he takes great joy in defeating marines in mock battles.
Either way, the first thing a marine learns in boot camp is that a salute is a show of respect, so no marine shies away from a genuine salute. He then turns to Khla, whose quick thinking during the battle with the Zjikha, among many other instances of honor on her part, have profoundly supported the fleet. He salutes again, and she smiles, returning a practiced and respectful salute of her own.
Khla says gently as Lopez slips nervously past, “Take care, Doctor Lopez.”
Lopez tenses and halts. She squeaks, “Th-Thank you. You, too.”
As the two humans depart, Khla enters the room, taking a seat on her bed. She says gently, “Thank you, Yarjen.”
He nods civilly. He does notice the golden pendant hanging from a golden chain that she didn’t have before. The pendant is egg-shaped, and engraved with Grodrrn lettering reading ‘{Khla’chn & Dzor’chn}’. The young pilot notices, and she smiles. “Do you approve, Yarjen? It is a gift from the Marines Grey, Fisher, Tachibana, Long, and the sisters Coulson. Long says it is good luck wish for our hatchling.”
Dzor stares at it, absorbing her words. It still feels surreal so very, very often. He can smell those named ever so faintly, and he can smell one missing name. But, knowing the Long named is the younger sister named Jessica, as well as the general smell, he suspects the Cave Queen hatchling touched it as well. Captain Long mentioned Jessica’s egg hatched, and the hatchling is incredibly precocial at birth, where Grodrrn hatchlings are like human infants, requiring diligent attention and care for the first years of their lives. The pendant is hollow in the middle though, like a void was left for something to be added.
Khla explains, “Even has place for egg tooth in resin, when time comes.” She gingerly strokes it, and Dzor climbs up to a knee to inspect it more closely. He remarks quietly, “Gold? Should hovv hoomins make one for war queen…” He suddenly halts, and his eyes widen.
Khla asks cautiously, “Yarjen? What is wrong?”
“Gold…” he murmurs. “Neewarryk… {Gold…}”
A question that never had an answer. A fact that never had a reason. A weakness that didn’t seem to pan out. Grodrrns don’t have much use for gold beyond decoration -typically only on Grodurra-. It’s too soft on its own to serve any real combat purpose, and they have alloys that serve as far better electrical conductors, heat shields, and catalysts than gold. It’s rather abundant on Grodurra and its two moons, but isn’t useful in space. Every Grodrrn officer, of course, is taught in command training about the fact that Zarakyssns HATE gold, but no one can figure out why. They’ve tried gold-tipped weapons, missiles, and armor, but basic contact doesn’t seem to harm the insectoid conquerors. While soldiers will give a golden-armored Grodrrn a wide berth, that’s fairly in-character for Zarakyssn soldiers whether the armor is gold or iron. But, likewise, they will not be deterred from fighting.
Grodrrns have tried to poison Zarakyssn soldiers and war queens alike with chaff launchers, which explode gold powder across the battle zone. Still no apparent effects. Worlds heavy in gold, however, have often been discovered inside Zarakyssn territory virtually untouched. The gold, especially, remains as it was. It is the only observed pure element Zarakyssns will completely ignore, and even avoid. And, not a single Grodrrn from the most colorless old warriors to the wisest and most learned scholars has any idea why.
Well, save for one. One Grodrrn does, influenced by a perspective shocked into his system by a tiny, frail-seeming, auburn-haired mammal who never cowered from him, by perspective flooded into him by seemingly unearned loyalty of former enemies in a true fight together or die scenario, and by hope ignited in his soul from the first new Grodrrn eggs soon to be laid since the Saurmynnyka’s passing… All thanks in big part to that same foolish auburn-haired Jukondzia. One Grodrrn has an idea, all his own, as to why Zarakyssns dislike gold. And, like all things worthwhile in his life, he had some help.
Dzor bolts to his feet, lunging to the door, and he bellows out into the hall, “HOOMINS!”
Understandably, every human for many meters in every direction halts in startled surprised, as well as the Grodrrns nearby, who all look nervously at the source of the powerful, thundering and intimidating voice. Of course, only two specific humans were his intended recipients, and he spots the timid little female scientist clutch her computer tightly to her chest in a terrified jump before she tries to hide behind the young male officer, who more alertly looks at Dzor.
Dzor thinks quickly. He mimics a human pounding their chest with coughs; what he believes to be a sign of awkwardness-breaking humility. He says, “Apology. Eegnore.” He steps broadly towards Hancock and Lopez, keeping his head low to avoid hitting anything.
Of course, his posture and speed look quite aggressive, but he’s too distracted to realize it until Hancock subtly shields Lopez with his body, guarding with his left arm as he asks, “Problem, Yarjen?”
Dzor slows, finally realizing how he looks. On his own ship, he never gave it thought. He INTENDED to intimidate his subordinates. The humans are different, though. Mutual respect goes very far, and no human -save protestors and their like- are trying to undermine him. He says, “Forgeev. Boot, urgent thought. Gold.”
“Gold?” repeats Hancock, confused.
Dzor nods, “Zarakyssns HATE gold. Boot, Fievegal have no eedea why. Only material they weel NOT harvest.”
Hancock can feel Lopez shift. She murmurs, “The reactor rooms… THAT’S why…” She peeks over Hancock’s shoulder, saying, “Th-The reactor rooms are shielded by a layer of gold. It helps conduct heat to heat sinks and photoelectric charges to the regen shunts, s-so stray heat and shocks don’t leave the auxiliary rooms.”
Dzor roars jovially, startling the humans nearby. He exclaims, “Eez eet! Eet has to be!”
Hancock cautiously says, “Pretend I’m a dummy. What’s the significance here? Is it poisonous to the bugs?”
Dzor lowers his head level with theirs, saying warmly, “Not een least!”
There’s a pause, and Lopez murmurs in realization, “It must naturally shield them…”
Dzor roars excitedly again, proud to have been the first one to a conclusion having stumped the Fievegal for hundreds of years, as well as the brightest human scientists, for a little longer than him. He exclaims, “YES! Eez seempulist onswor! We have tried weaponizing gold for centures, boot to no effect. Or, no KNOW effect!”
The huge Grodrrn bellows his warmest, proudest laughter.
Lopez cautiously asks, still hiding behind Hancock, “Can it really be so simple, though? If it cuts off their ability, wouldn’t it have killed the soldiers when you tried?”
“That eez een mih mind, too. Boot, I theenk. Ond, what I theenk eez not coot off, boot dull. Othorweez, we alreadih figure out. Zarakyssns can sorveev gold because they do not lose close war queen. War queen lose bond to queens beyond reach. Mmm… Not at bottle weeth them. Eef true, shield preeznor should coot off froom horde.” He scratches his chin, “Enough might even shield close ronj. Only one way to know.”
“How much is enough, though…?” asks Lopez. “I can kinda see maybe some sort of sink effect based on the presence of an element, but… it shouldn’t be that simple. For them to track her in real time… it HAS to be quantum entanglement. Just placing a brick of gold or even a box can’t interfere with that… can it?”
Dzor replies, “I can only offer what I know, ond I KNOW Zarakyssns avoid gold. Eet does not poison, eet does not eenhibit healing, eet does not react violently with them… Eez only logical conclusion why entire horde fear. Eet make queens eendependent, ond queens taught fear eendependence, according preeznor. We moost try, BOOT, you MOOST also keep working theess.” He points at Lopez’s laptop. “Eez only suspect. Ond, phase sheeft serve many more porpiss.”
He scratches his neck scales, looking up, “Tell I omm wrong how, ond I concede, boot othorweez, good start, yes? Worth try?”
Lopez thinks a moment. She smiles and nods, whispering, “I believe you, Yarjen. And yes, it is worth a try.”
He grins a big, sharp-toothed grin and nods.
Hancock chuckles, saying, “Whelp, I suppose this means we need to find Supernova again.”
Lopez grumbles softly, “Wasn’t a supernova…”
Dzor snorts in amusement, but says plainly, “Follow me.”
***