"Can you take us here next?" Simone asks the Captain as she holds up the datapad with Denver's collected info.

One of Chucknuq’s dark orb eyes glance down at the pad.

"Of course! It is relatively nearby in fact!" He replies as he begins inputting coordinates, "What sort of business are we looking to stir there?"

"Hopefully none that buys us trouble. Just hoping to find someone who can help track down a place from my nightmares…" the Terran answers with a tired voice.

"I see… Sounds about right these days! Haha!"

"You can say that again…" Simone chuckles before popping her lower back, "Thanks, as far as I can tell it's gonna be a bit of a rough place. Not too bad, but enough to keep our guards up. It's a freight yard station where deliveries get picked up and exchanged. Legal or otherwise…"

"Understood!" The Captain acknowledges with a nod.

“Good man.” Simone says with a pat on the side of the Captain’s seat.

-

Chak sits down on a small crate in the cargo bay as she observes the Gratt couple playing a keep away game with the excited skittering Essjay. Half of the entire bay has been converted into a shin-high maze of obstacles. Despite being an impressively speedy creature, the two Gratt have little issue keeping at just the right distance away.

The child attempts to counter weave around a bundle of cylindrical canisters, but the unfair viewpoint of Nodrin ultimately ends in a near miss of a leap. Their limbs spread wide like a sweeping net, but in their landing Essjay rolls up into a ball and somersaults back into the chase.

The viewing Cali giggles as the undeterred child resumes pursuit. It’s wonderful to see the watathling fully recovered from the recent stressful events. Chak doesn’t know how much they understand the dire circumstances they were in, but ‘Deathworlder’ or not a child should exist in their blissful youth for as long as possible. It’s a limited experience, soon to be gradually stifled by the heavy realities and burdens of the universe. A galaxy so full of color and wonder, somewhat coated in a sheen of gray.

What Essjay has now is so precious, and Chak worries of how long they will be able to keep a hold on it. Their lives are currently in constant turmoil, and very much lacking in a child’s wellbeing.

The Cali for the briefest of moments considers finding them a new home, a temporary one at least. Somewhere where they can thrive until all of this insanity comes to an end.

But she shakes her head, Finding such a place would be a possible turmoil all on its own. Also according to Simone and Chak’s own research, a Watath’s imprinting on their parent is something that should never be severed lightly. The distress of a young Watathing after losing their caregiver is immense and long lasting. Even fatal in some cases. As they could begin to refuse to eat or move.

Chak shudders at recalling several unfortunate stories in her research. No, Essjay is to stay. Yet another cause to fight for.

Simone steps out from having her discussion with the Captain, and walks up to Chak. In her paw is a medicine injector.

“Oh, you stop by the medbay as well? Are you feeling well?” Chak asks.

“Dave set me up with some strong stuff. After what happened, he expects that I might have some really bad episodes.” Simone explains, presenting the injector up in a casual manner.

“Would you like to talk about it?” the Cali offers, taking hold of the Terran’s free paw with her lower limb.

“I’ve already had multiple with Vin. Kinda tired of talking if I’m being honest.” Simone chuckles before on a whip, sticks the injector into her exposed neck.

The Cali jumps at the action.

“Simone!” she warns lightly.

“Sorry, feeling a bit off. I think it’s stress.” Simone explains apologetically.

Her eyes close and as a few short moments pass her tight shoulders drop.

Chak can tell immediately that the compound indeed hit the Terran hard and fast, though thankfully not in a negative way as of yet.

“Gets me all riled and angry just thinking about it. Though… I guess I’m more sad than angry. She was a good person once. To become that thing… it just hurts to see. It hurts so bad.” Simone admits, her eyes gradually becoming more and more zoned out.

“I’m sorry, love. You don’t deserve the past digging its way back to you like that. I’m certain she was once a pleasant person. But she made her choices, and allowed herself to fall down that path. She also chose to keep that part of herself away from you, until it was too late.” Chak assures as she squeezes the Terran’s paw.

“I know… but… she was the love of my life at the time, and we’d always be straight up with each other. Sometimes a bit too much. Did she really think I would go along with it? Did she really think I would be capable of being that kind of person? I mean, if she could-” Simone starts to ramble before Chak interrupts with a gentle headbutt to her arm.

“You’ve proved over and over again who you are. Even when you were taken away from us, and manipulated…” the princess tilts her head to the Gratts playing, “You still didn’t compromise who you are. And I have full confidence that you never will. You’re so strong, Simone. A pillar with an unbreakable core.”

Face flushing from the compliment, the Terran shrugs.

“Feels more like being a lump of mud. No matter how hard you punch mud, it’s still mud.” she countered in jest.

“If so, you are the prettiest mud I’ve ever seen.” Chak chirps while rubbing her head against the redhead.

“And you are just pure sugar sometimes…” Simone replies with a joking wink, feeling the constant sweetness this woman excluded towards her.

“Thank you!” Chak giggled before seeing Simone wobble a bit, “How are you feeling?” she asks.

Simone breathes in and out before nearly flopping over to the floor.

“Shit… Dave may have overcorrected…” Simone utters in a drowsy snicker.

A tad annoyed and amused by her Terran’s lack of forethought, Chak stands up from the crate still holding Simone’s grasper.

“Come on. I think someone needs to lay down.” Chak informs gently.

Not arguing, Simone is guided by the hand back up to their room and settled on the bed. Chak put on one of their favorite Terran shows, and stuck by her until the redhead’s sleeping growls started.

Even now, Chak’s instincts tell her to fear the sounds. They come off as so aggressive and predatory, but seeing the pure calmness and peaceful on her fiance’s face is more than worth sticking around by her side.

-

Simone slept for a long, long time. Breaking her initial records when first coming aboard. Chak does her best to remind herself that it was fine before, especially when noticing the Terran wasn’t experiencing any sort of nightmares.

It must be the medicine, that’s it. Perhaps Dave can explain.

“Oh… my dude… The stuff I tossed her way shouldn’t be that gnarly. Like, she should have gotten the munchies and shit, buuuut… sleeping for twenty hours… that ain’t right bruh… I think it’s best you get ‘er to me asap.” the medical machine says.

“Oh! Oh, okay… I’ll get her!” Chak agrees before bolting out and straight down through the ship to their quarters.

She finds the Terran unmoved and shallowly growling. Not wanting to bother her, she hadn’t tried to wake the redhead. As the Cali places her lower limb on Simone’s face to coax her awake she recoils in shock.

The Terran’s skin temperature is incredibly hot. Not to a physically burning extent but still incredibly abnormal and concerning. Not only that, but she is very to the touch. The closest experience to this state that Chak could compare it to is right after Simone wraps up her workout or after… romantic activities. But even then those cases weren’t near this drastic state!

“Simone! Simone, please wake up!” Chak pleads as she peels the wet blanket free from the Terran’s body, revealing that this condition in fact affected all of Simone.

The Terran opens her dry cracked lips in an airless mumble. Her eyes only flutter slightly, unable to maintain any form of focus.

“Something is very wrong, we need to get you to Dave!” Chak informs on the brink of terror.

But this time Simone barely shifts, still stuck in a form of unconsciousness.

Panicking, the Cali tries to pull the Terran off the bed. However the deadweight of her arm is the most she can accomplish. Looking about she paces and scratches at the sides of her head, trying to come up with a plan of action. Her mind first considers her power suit, but that gets overwritten by a far more obvious solution.

Dashing free from her room, Chak knocked rapidly on the Gratt’s door.

Meeki answered quickly and curiously. But before she can ask what this is about, Chak is quicker to the draw.

“I need your help to move Simone! She needs to get to the medbay right away!” the Cali orders.

“We help! Yes!” Meeki confirms before waving over Nodrin to follow.

Quickly filing into where the Terran still shows no sight of awareness, Nodrin taps the back of their hand on to Simone’s chest.

“Illness. Yes. Need Dave.” they affirm before nodding to Meeki to get on the other side to assist.

Meeki steps up onto the bed and crouches low to help lift the massive Terran into an upright sitting position before slinging their shoulders under the red furred friend’s arms as support. Then with careful coordination they lift and rotate with some exerted effort. Stepping back down from the bed, Meeki winces as the Terran’s raw weight proves bearable.

“Okay we go?” she asks her bondmate.

“Yes.” Nodrin confirms as they begin to move the slouching Simone.

Although they are not as tall as the redhead, and her feet drag along the floor, they are able to get to a reasonable pace once out in the hallway.

Chak closely follows along, coming up with another idea that may aid the situation further. Activating her comm, she connects directly to Seven.

“Yes Chak?” they answer.

“Simone is… ill… Meeki and Nodrin are carrying her but we would very much appreciate your assistance!” The princess says.

“On my way.” the bot responds immediately, the sound of their hovering body clipping the mess hall door rings out.

Carefully dragging Simone down the stairs and into the cargo bay, the Gratt meet up Seven.

“Take fast!” Nodrin says as they and Meeki lift the Terran higher up for the bot to scoop up.

“Indeed her temperature is in lethal-al range.” Seven informs as they princess carry the Terran back towards the medbay at thrice the speed the Gratt managed.

Obviously not comforted by this in the slightest, Chak runs right behind the bot at a matched pace.

Turning into the medbay itself Seven is quick to lay the Terran down on the same medical bed she has grown quite used to.

Dave doesn’t say a word, instead finding it necessary to jump into action before Seven can fully pull away. Whatever his initial scans see, it’s not worth wasting the minute processing to verbalize.

He starts by dropping the temperature of the bed and placing connective cooling pads at all the sections of the body that have vital veins pulsing close to the skin. The goal is to lower the increasingly critical temperature.

“Surgery’s needed. Please evacuate.” Dave finally spoke to the group witnessing.

Not wanting to leave her fiance alone in this dire situation, yet knowing she mustn’t interrupt the machine, she hesitantly backs out last.

“You’re going to be okay Simone! I’m right here!” she chirps with graying eyes before the door seals itself shut.

Even the clear walls tint to the point where nothing can clearly be seen through them. But the muffled sounds of what can only be drills can be distinctly heard.

“Sh-she was fine… she was just fine earlier…” Chak mutters in distress.

Meeki gently steps up next to the Cali and places a grasper on her back.

Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.

“Simone has illness, metal doctor treat. All okay.” she tries to comfort.

-

After what must have been several standard hours, the wall of the medbay clears back up.

Having never left, the crew rests along the mess hall wall. Though Chak is the first to stand back up and rush the door, thankfully it opens to her.

Coming in, she see’s that Simone’s bed has been replaced by a padded shallow specialized cooling tub. Her head is purposefully elevated and covered in a cap.

Machines pump behind her, and a data screen shows that her vitals are stable.

“Is she okay!?” Chak still asks, running up next to the unconscious Terran “What happened to her!?”

“Brain infection. Her thinker was so swollen it nearly burst its casing! Had to get ‘er venting, like, real quick. Nearly lost her.”

“Is there any damage?” the Cali pressed as she hooks her lower limb on Simone’s now cool arm.

“It’s… possible. But I’m like, preeeeety sure she won’t have any long term issues. Probably. The swelling is down and her fever is stubborn but in con-trol. Dave kicked the reaper’s ass once again! BOOYAH!”

“Dave, please. What… what infected her? Was it something to do with the encoding?” Chak inquired, barely holding herself together.

Taking the hint, Dave reels back the personality a bit.

“Yes, and no. The extra bits blooming throughout her head was not the source, but it was the target. I extracted a sample of the virus, and… well it’s something that I’ve never seen before. There is nothing quite like in on file, Terran viruses or otherwise. Calling it a mere ‘virus’ is… well it’s completely synthetic. Almost like a nanobot, but smaller and more basic in design and function. It is my professional opinion that it was purposefully made for our she-hulk here. To destroy not only her head, but everything in it.”

Chak turns to look at Simone’s slumbering face, true anger striking at her two beating hearts.

“They can’t keep doing this to her… They will never leave her alone… Not until she is extinguished.” the Cali bitterly says, “Hasn’t she been through enough?”

Knowing the feeling of so many wanting to see her dead all too well, she hates the fact that the one she cares for the most is experiencing something so similar… it makes her more furious than anything that can be done directly to herself.

Evil people stole her family from her once already and now threaten to do it all over again.

Simone didn’t deserve this. Any of it.

-

“Sit down.” a female voice orders.

Before Simone is a plane chair of simple and cheap quality. She immediately recognizes it as the same kind she used to sit in during highschool classes.

Seeing nothing else but dark void around her, she complies.

“Hello?” she says, her voice feeling as though there’s nothing in the air to carry it.

“We almost died…” the voice informs from all around.

Simone feels as though she knows it, but in her current state of confusion can’t quite place it.

“What… what is this? Who are you?” she demands out into the void.

“Before you die. You need to get there.”

Looking around again, Simone feels as though the presence is all around her. As if the void itself is speaking.

“Get… where?”

“Find it.” the voice responds.

“Find what!?” Simone shouts, now starting to get frustrated, “Vermis? Is that you!?”

The Terran clutches her head as a squeezing pain makes itself known.

“Find it!”

“What!? Find fucking WHAT!?” the pain is now unbearable, causing her to slouch down.

“My… tomb…”

-

Eyes opening in a flash, Simone stares up at the medbay’s bright ceiling.

“Morn’n sunshine!”

“What did I do this time? I don’t… remember…” Simone forces out in a whisper.

“Nothing! Pinky promise! No… I’m sorry to say that someone really wanted to turn your brain matter into an indistinguishable smoothie of dead mush with a manufactured synthetic virus. Must have been your ex’s farewell gift!”

The imagery of Sam flashes into her dizzy head. Of course…

“I can’t feel… much of anything…” Simone says, trying to flex her legs and arms..

“Your fever has been a stubborn prick, even after I cleansed the visus bitch. So I've been counteracting it the best I can. But you’re gonna survive my dude! Though… you’ve been out for nearly a month… so you’re gonna need to take your time in recovery.” Dave informs as gently as he can.

“A… month? I’ve been out cold for… that long?” the Terran replies in shock.

“Well, you’ve briefly woken up a few times. I tell ya man, your brain signals were going crazy. Have any fun dreams with the miss princess?”

“I don’t remember… waking up.”

“Dude, considering the ringer your thinker went through… not surprising. What’s the last thing you remember?”

“I… picked up a Cali in a bar… She almost got herself killed… I-”

“Nice try, but seriously my guy. Doc needs to know.”

Simone broke a curling smirk.

“We all took a photo… and… I think I talked to Chucknuq… gets a bit fuzzy…” she answered honestly.

“Glad to see you still got your signature sense of humor! Jerk. But I had to shave your head so… like, even-steven bitch.”

Simone huffed a shallow laugh.

“Got me good… Where’s… everyone?” she inquired, finally moving her eyes to glance around.

“Ouch. Good ol’ constantly-saving-your-ass-from-the-brink robot Dave not good enough? My artificial feelings bruh… will I ever recover?”

“Thanks Dave… But…”

“I know, I know. You’re looking forward to see’n your lady with the wide egg-bearing hips. She’s… well she’s on a station right now.” Dave answers.

“What…? What station?” Simone asks more alert.

“The very same one we’re parked at! Don’t worry, the green spaz-simp duo is with her.”

That… did make her feel a bit better. Though…

“Can you put my comm back on? So I can talk to her?”

“Noooooot the best idea, since it uses your brain to… ahhh… fuck it. Cool-doctor to the rescue! Not too long though, still not the best idea.”

“You’re the best… Dave…”

-

“Is place?” Meeki inquires, pointing to the establishment entrance.

Chak nods before checking down at her datapad with this ‘Denver’s’ copied info.

“Indeed! A Terran ran… club? Not certain why it’s called that, from what I can tell it’s a bar that has performed music. But that’s the place.” she confirmed, “‘The Nomad’s Respite’ I like the name!”

“Who we look?” Nodrin says as the three begin their approach.

“The people we hope to find should be in the VIP area. It seems they are partial owners of this establishment and conduct business there.” Chak updates, “I’ve already attempted a remote call, but the only business they would discuss were performances. So I suppose an in-person interview is our best chance. Though I’m not very pleased to be entering another Terran bar...”

“We keep Chak safe. No harm!” Meeki assures her as they approach a large Terran dressed in black.

He steps in front of the entrance with his arms crossed, eyes covered by a tacky shaded strip of eyewear.

“Oh, excuse me. Is there a fee for entry?” Chak chirps up.

The Terran chews something in the back of his mouth, looking the trio up and down.

“Just checking for banned items. Welcome to Nomad’s.” he replies before side-stepping out of the way. Though he clearly still gives the Gratt a curious glance as they pass.

“Oh, thank you very much!” the Cali says as she practically skips on in.

To be completely and utterly honest with herself, she is impressed by the interior. The walls and furniture were all painted to resemble darkly stained wood, and although the lights were dim the atmosphere was pleasantly calm. Sure there are barking Terrans, but the mood is marvously relaxed. The air itself is artificially scented like a forest, and the well dressed staff courteously tend to the patron’s tables that reside along the walls and around a circular stage.

Upon it is a single Terran playing a somber melody on a stringed instrument with an odd bowed stick. She sits with it, telling a story without lyrics. It’s quite beautiful to the princess.

Nodrin rotates around Chak’s side to get in between her and an approaching Terran.

“Would you need assistance finding a table?” he asks in a soft, kind and professional tone.

Chak peeks around Nodrin, eyes glowing in this dim space.

“Oh, actually we were hoping to meet with some of the owners. We’ve very much tried to get in contact by other means, but were unfortunately unable. They claim to be called ‘History Seekers’?” she speaks, putting on her most innocent demeanor.

The staff member reaches up to their ear, where a discrete Lens hangs above.

“They are rather busy I’m afraid. However I would be more than happy to notify them of your request. Is there anything in particular I should mention?” he says.

“Oh, please mention the name Denver. And…” Chak trails off, very nearly tempted to give her full real name. Though of course that would be asking for trouble on a station like this.

“We have job.” Nodrin speaks up.

“Really? Apologies, I’m afraid I don’t quite recognize your species.” the staff member responds curiously.

“We Gratt, not speak G.S well yet. New to stars.” Nodrin explains.

“What an interesting job you must have then… Well you have been granted permission to ascend the stairs over there.” he points to the back corner where the bar itself is stationed. Coiling by it is a staircase that leads up to a second floor that overlooks the rest of the establishment, “Another server will be there to sit you down.”

“Oh, very well. Thank you so much.” Chak says with an appreciative bounce.

“Of course. We hope you enjoy the shows.” the Terran said before dismissing himself.

As directed, the three make their way past the bar, where all three pick up the intense aromas and musks from what’s served. Though the Gratt were the only ones to enjoy it.

As they march up and around the staircase, the Terran playing music comes to an end. Followed by both respectful and boisterous clapping of Terran paws.

By the time they reach the top, the Terran leaves the stage barren.

“Greetings! Please come right this way.” An awaiting female Terran staff member guides.

Having no reason to object, they follow and eventually settle at a table that holds a perfect view of the stage. The table itself already has three complimentary drinks awaiting.

“Nectar brew for our Cali guest, and soda cocktails for our esteemed Gratt visitors! We hope it’s to your liking! We made absolutely sure to research what you can have. I’ll be back for your food orders if needed!” the server announces before leaving to another table.

Quite impressed even more by the quality and speed of service, Chak takes a hesitant sip from her drink. It’s… amazing…

Nodrin and Meeki keep their heads on swivels taking in this mystical and magical place.

“It like… a theater…” Nodrin comments in awe.

“Much pretty…” Meeki agrees before testing her drink.

All four of her eyes expand as sugar and alcohol coat the inside of her mouth.

Seeing her stunned reaction, Nodrin tries theirs… ending up with a mirrored expression.

Chak looks down to the stage, as a new participant strides to take it. She almost can’t believe it, a Truba… what may very well be the most physically delicate species to travel the stars, standing right in the center of a crowd of the most feared Deathworlders. Never in her life would she have thought to see such a thing, especially with how far from home this Truba must be. All to perform here?

The jellyfish-like humanoid from the waist up, moves along with delicate tendrils making her gait as smooth as silk. Her iridescent skin gleams of bright reds and purples like a walking lightshow. A Cali’s eyes might as well be a glowstick by comparison.

The Truba stops, invisible wind still carrying gentle momentum of her extremities.

“It’s a pleasure to sing for you all once again…” her chorus of a voice speaks out, not needing any sort of amplifying gadget.

It’s at this time that Chak realizes how severely silent all the Terrans are at this moment. No one dares utter a whisper of interruption to this performer.

The Truba then without the need for instruments, begins to sing a beautifully unparalleled symphony.

Hundreds of sound and voices emit from this single individual in a near-devine performance.

The three are so enraptured, they don’t notice the Terran taking a seat with them until he speaks up.

“Lookin’ to speak with the local History Seekers, eh?”

Chak jumps in surprise to such a degree, her legs go completely stiff. She clutches her chest as her twin hearts race as if in great peril as the man chuckles in amusement.

Meeki pops up from under the table taking in the space between the Terran and Cali, her expression is anything but amused.

Lifting a hand and scooting a bit back the man continues his entertained vocalizations.

“Can never help myself. Hi, the name’s Brad. I work for the lady in charge, best History Seeker outfit in the galactic quadrant. We hear you got a job for us?” he introduces.

“O-oh… uhm… greetings… yes. We were very much hoping to acquire your services.” Chak manages to speak.

“Well you caught our attention! What’s the job?” Brad asks.

Chak is unsure how to feel about this Terran. His demeanor is overly relaxed, almost uncaring. In addition, his partially balding head of dark fur and sharp eyebrows gives him an especially aggressive look. But he was acting friendly enough…

She opens her mouth to respond, but it is then a call comes in to the Cali’s comm. She almost ignored it, if it wasn't for the name of the caller…

“Apologies… One moment.” She states before turning and accepting the call, “Simone!?”

“Hey… guess who woke up in the medbay… again…” the weak but very much alive voice of Simone answers, “I hear you’re… walkin’ around the station… everything alright?”

“Oh, very much so. Conducting business right at this moment in fact. It is so good to hear from you though! How are you feeling, love?”

“Like shit… but better if Dave is telling me right… be careful okay? Please? I’m not there to drag you out if you stupidly prance right into a bar again…” Simone says.

Trying to resist informing her of her exact current location, Chak shivers.

“Don’t worry, I will be utmost careful! And the Gratt are doing splendidly in their duties I assure you.” she ends up saying.

“Good… Sorry to be out of commission like this…”

“It’s not your fault, love. I promise to be back as soon as I can, okay? I can’t wait to see you!” Chak states, noticing the Terran close to her taking a bit too much interest in her side of the conversation.

“Right… see you soon… and be careful… Bo Peep…”

“I love you too.” Chak finishes before closing the call and turning to the man, “Right, yes. We are looking for station debris from quite a long time ago. We have… personal value with it. We know of its original coordinates, and we hope that your expertise could help track it down. I would offer your standard rates, but from what I can tell from our contact’s information-”

“Denver, right?” Brad interrupts.

“Y-yes.” the Cali confirms.

“Last time I checked, the guy kicked the bucket a bit ago. How do you know him?” Brad presses.

“Oh, one of our crew knew him personally.” Chak answers.

“Who?” the man says as he leans forward.

“S-Simone. Simone Thatch.”

“Don’t know that name…” the Terran mutters as he leans back and brushes his paw through his shallow beard, “Guess you're gonna have to go through our boss, Thera.”

“Uhm… very well. When can we speak with this Thera?” Chak asks.

“When she’s done sing’n”