“There we are…” Simone mumbles as she lifts her hands free from Jamie.
The boy reaches up to his face to touch his face where a recently crafted fabric mask covers his features. Troy had helped with depicting a dinosaur’s face as the mask’s theme and is currently working to make others for the kid to choose from.
Turning to Chak, Simone places her hands on her hips.
“So, does that help ya with your encoding?” she curiously asks.
The princess hooks her lower limbs together and stares at the covered face of the child.
“I believe it does, at least a little bit.” she says, “Though… it’s still very much in effect. Maybe it’s just because I already know what his face looks like? Someone who hasn’t seen a Manarian face might be even less affected? But I can’t be certain of that.”
Simone lifts her eye tufts and gazes back at the kid with a small smirk.
“Well it’s a start, isn’t it kiddo?” She says as she suddenly reaches down and tickles Jamie’s sides, causing him to squeal out in laughter and hastily wrap himself up in a wing cocoon.
The redhead chuckles endearingly as the toddler hid from her. After a few moments of not being tickled, his triceratops face slowly peeks out between his parting wings.
Staring at him, initially glad for the small step of progress, Simone’s smirk sinks away as knots start to twist in her chest and gut.
Noticing the change in her fiance right away, Chak moves one of her lower arms to press on the small of Simone’s back.
“What’s wrong?” she asks gently.
In immediate response, the Terran’s expression shifts into disgust before leaning down to the giggling boy.
“We’re not doing this.” Simone states as she removes the mask from the boy’s face, but allows him to take it in his hands because he likes the dinosaur, “This was a bad idea, sorry kiddo.” she adds while rustling Jamie’s head fur.
“Oh, alright… what changed your mind? It did work a bit, honest.” Chak questions.
“I don’t want him growing up to think that he should be ashamed of or resent what he is or what he looks like.” Simone answers before planting a kiss on Jamie’s forehead, “Because he shouldn’t.”
“Oh…” Chak nods slowly in understanding, though she feels she needs to explore this topic further, “But as unfair as it is, we need to keep him safe. Right? What if this becomes necessary in the future? I agree he shouldn’t need to, but…”
“I know… but right now if there was a need for him to hide I’d rather just wrap him up in a swaddle blanket or something. When he’s older and able to understand his situation better, then we’ll decide what to do. For now we’ll use the masks as bibs, cuz he’s a messy boy!” Bearing her teeth in a reinvigorated smile, she goes in the tickle attack one more time with a vengeance.
Catching Jamie off guard once again he attempts to hide again, but his mother’s hands are already past the barrier of wings. Squirming and screeching in laughs he attempts to roll and crawl away, but the redhead easily flips him back over and drags him towards her along the bed sheeting.
Trading off her tickling she lowers her head and begins making aggressively playful ‘omnomnomnomnom!’ sounds, pretending to eat at his exposed belly.
Screeching in even louder laughs Jamie presses his hand against Simone’s forehead and uses his tail grasper to grab at the back of her head to pry her away to escape.
Still not at all used to a Terran’s method of playing with their young via ‘pretended cannibalism’, Chak’s concerns are placated by her research on the topic. It’s simply one of those things Terrans do sometimes with things they find something overwhelmingly cute. It’s a bit disturbing, but endearing in the sense of seeing Simone experience those feelings.
“Heeeealop! Heeealllp!” Jamie squeals, his desperate gaze now looking at the Cali parent for assistance in this matter.
Eyes flashing in recognition, Chak scratches the sides of her head as she panics as to what to do. Her mind wants to talk Simone out of it, but despite the plea the Manarian seems to be enjoying the playtime.
Jumping into action, the princess wraps all of her arms around Simone from behind and pulls. To her great relief, Simone clearly allows her to do so while making ‘menacing’ defeated sounds.
“No! The tickle monster is still hungry!” the redhead bellows.
“Run Jamie! Run! I’ll hold her for as long as I can!” Chak calls out in a dramatic giggle, to which the boy wastes no time scrambling away.
He flaps off the bed and rapidly crawls out of the door laughing the entire way.
Breathing slightly heavily Simone straightens out her posture and gives a loving glance back at Chak.
“You’re lucky Cali aren't ticklish…” she teases.
“I’m immune to the tickle-monster’s tricks!” Chak giggles back as her ‘holding back’ turns into an adoring embrace.
“Not all of my tricks…” Simone counters with a sly wink.
Chak’s eyes go wide and glow brightly.
“But double lucky for you, I should follow Jamie to make sure he doesn’t hurt himself.” the Terran points out.
“Oh, heh… of course. Right.” a flustered Chak responds as she pulls herself from the Terran, dragging the ends on her limbs as she does so.
Turning her upper torso more around Simone gives her fiance a tender kiss before dramatically stomping out of the room.
“Ha-hah! I’m gonna getcha!” the redhead evilly announces, followed by a more distant fleeing toddler squeal.
Once alone in the bedroom, Chak sees that Jamie dropped his mask while making his great getaway. Picking it up from the floor, the Cali looks it over while becoming slightly somber.
Simone is right, but… one day they will have to sit down with Jamie and tell him that the galaxy by and large won’t accept him. Especially after the horrendously terrifying Manarian plot is made well known. Simone knows first hand how it can feel to be an outcast amongst other species, but in her case the stars aren’t maliciously genetically programmed to be afraid. Natural instinct of people can be overcome with education and exposure, but this encoding is a whole other level to tackle. Even she, who lives amongst a Manarian and is his adopted parent struggles at times to not be so afraid of him. And even if she herself manages to almost fully overcome the encoding’s effects… how can she expect the galaxy to do the same? How can she look the poor boy in the eyes and tell him that he may never live a ‘normal’ life? That if he makes any friends they will likely be very few in number to no fault of his own?
Then there’s the question as to whether Simone and her will be enough to raise him well adjusted to this reality. What if he grows resentful of the stars? What if he locks himself up away from everything and rejects any notion of trying to have an enriching life?
There is so many ways that raising this innocent boy can go very, very wrong.
Folding the mask, Chak sets it down on the bed in contemplation. There has to be a way to show him that he has a chance to live happily. They can’t possibly hope to render the encoding inert, at least in any effective time frame. Perhaps if the peoples of the universe worked together to establish a ‘cure’, then maybe in the boy’s future he may more easily find his place.
Yet for the here and now, Chak decides to do whatever she can for him. There are indeed many ways Simone and her could mess up and accidentally send him down a poor path. But by the regret of Klat’s sins, he couldn’t have been more lucky to have fallen into their care.
Both Chak and Simone will stop at nothing to save the galaxy and ensure that noth of their kids have a bright future to look forward to.
Sitting down at the desk, Chak activates her Lens and comm, preparing to make a few calls. They will be incredibly risky calls, but ones that need to be made.
She has a theory and better yet a plan that will hopefully be critical in proving Jamie will have a long term chance.
-
The Kwip-chap drops out of FTL at a designated meeting zone. This being the last stop until they reached their planned destination.
Captain Chucknuq eyes his scanner a tad nervously, seeing what seems to be a large oblong shape nearby.
“Is that… an asteroid?” he mutters aloud as a visual comes back. It indeed appeared to be of organic shapes rather than metallic construction, but before he can attempt to contact SImone regarding what he’s seeing his scans light up with enormous energy signatures, “That’s no asteroid…” he utters.
Well hidden constructed engines come to life from the ‘asteroid’, revealing that it is in fact a spacecraft vessel. A small crack breaks from its portside, before birthing a small propelled ‘rock’ towards the Kwip chap at a non hostile speed.
It’s then a message of text is received by Chucknuq’s console from the other odd vessel.
‘We will meet with Thatch between us. Send her on a shuttle.’
Nodding, Chucknuq activates his comm.
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“Simone, board our shuttle. Vermis wishes to make the exchange between our ships.” he informs.
“Got it. Be back soon.” the redhead replies.
The old Captain then sits back in his seat and readies everything for the shuttle to disembark.
After notifying everyone else Simone soon found herself in the lone shuttle parting to meet with her ally. She doesn't feel threatened, but she still wore her new armor in its completion for the sake of her family’s ease of mind. Meeting up with a potential galactic threat like a swarming mind-zombie-making-worms tends to set tensions to a certain level.
After approaching the other ‘shuttle’ that looked like a off-color rock with protruding stabilizers and propelling engines she starts to wonder how the mutual docking will work out. Though this is soon answered when the front of the ‘rock’ cracks into what looks like a ravenous maw, which takes little time in biting itself over the shuttle door.
‘You may open the door to us. It is safe.’ reads a message that then comes to Simone.
Checking her power armor’s seals once again, Simone reaches over and opens her shuttle up. She expects to see some twisted interior of lovecraftian nightmares, but instead she is met with a whole different kind of disturbing.
It’s a wall of amalgamated reinforced dehydrated Vermis husk material. In a moment that causes the Terran to jump slightly in surprise, a crack splits and opens a section of the wall. Immediately Simone can see swarms of worms and softer more malleable husk components of various creatures. None of which she recognized from any sapient being.
A husked face of some ape-like animal then appears from the crack. Its eyes thankfully sealed over as it begins to speak in a hollow gasping voice.
“Thatch. We hope this method of communication is suitable for this meeting.” the ape face says in pure function with no discernible emotion.
Feeling a shiver traverse down her spine, Simone nods.
“It’s honestly nightmare inducing, but that’s fine.” she confirms, “So, uuuhm… How have things been?”
“Our joint efforts with the Terran President have been fruitful. We have been hunting down the roots of the Manarian sympathizers and ‘interrogating’ those of suspect on the Union’s behalf.” Vermis responds.
“Oh… that’s actually fantastic. You probably make the world’s best lie detector huh?” the Terran responds, “Anything uncovered about these terrorist freaks?”
“Only that they call themselves the ‘Rebirth Combine’ and they are on the move with new unknown intent. Our mutual efforts have them reeling and squirming, so we must be swift if we are to halt their reactionary efforts.
”Hopefully they are stuck in scrambling mode for some time. That grip on the Union was their big ace in the hole, without that… who knows what they’ll resort to.” Simone agrees.
“Precisely. Now, for the intention of this meeting.” Vermis says before an insectoid arm reaches out from the crack, holding an opaque fist-sized container, “This is filled with us. Mainly to remain in direct contact and assistance. Rest assured, we intend to not interact with any others aboard your vessel without explicit direction to.” it assures.
“Appreciated…” Simone says as she accepts the container, “Cool to see that you’re already traversing the stars in your own ship.”
“It is one of many. For we have constructed a fleet in our plans for war. Even if stalled, the Manarian Empire will one day invade this galaxy. When that day comes, Vermis will be ready.” the ape face says with a hint of conveyed emotion.
“Glad to hear it. The stars are gonna need ya for sure.” Simone replies.
“Peace is our ultimate goal. Thanks to your intervention, that no longer requires us to be the sole traverser of ‘the stars’. We only hope Central will feel the same, but when the Manarians come… we have an inclination that we will become eager allies.” Vermis responds.
“I have no doubt of that.” Simone chuckles, “So… uhm… before this meeting ends… there’s one last thing I wanted to talk to ya about. The Manarian encoding… you wouldn't happen to be able to dig around in people’s heads and ‘erase’ it?” she asks.
Vermis is silent for a moment as though in consideration.
“Theoretically, it is possible. But even with our extensive capabilities, we doubt we would be able to succeed without potentially causing catastrophic genetic damage to not only individuals, but to their offspring. It is woven into your genetics in a way that only a precise and well manufactured cure could possibly safely rid you of it. In fact each and every species would need their own specially crafted cure tailored to them. For the encoding differs in specific construction from species to species.” it finally answers, “We may be able to ‘remove’ specific fear responses as a workaround, but that would need us to gain willing entry to all minds and may still prove ultimately ineffective.”
“I see… But… What if you had access to the person who developed the encoding? If we managed to put Sharra together enough to-” Simone starts to propose before being interrupted.
“That would risk bringing tremendous harm to your mind. Sharra is divided and spread so thin that there is no chance of her consciousness coherently forming. You feel her vague influence and emotions, but if we were to attempt to reconstitute her, even partially, your mind will begin to struggle for who would be ‘in control’. She will want to assume your being, she has a myriad of motivation to do so. Even if you remain aware and mostly yourself, the influence on your mind will be far more significant as she overwrites ‘you’. Sharra was steadfastly loyal to the Empire and it would be likely that you may find yourself being so as well, regardless of your current status. So in the interest of not terminating you, we decline any such proposition.” Vermis firmly explains.
“Is there really no ‘safe’ way? I mean, could you… I don’t know.. Extract her from me and then rebuild her?” Simone questions to be sure.
“Do you not recall the effects upon your brain when we accessed sorted through specific memories? Such a process that you propose would take years if the intent was safety, and even then there would still be risk of removing parts of you along with her. Effectively in the state that you are currently in, she is you and you are her. Both of you are woven in the same matter exchanging the firing of synapsids. Imagine removing trillions of very specific strands of thread from an enormous tapestry without damaging or compromising it. Tedious and as capable as we are, we are not weavers. We merely inspect the tapestry, and when needed we carefully pull out or splice in a thread or two. However even this metaphorical explanation is simplifying what we experience in an insultingly simple manner. Consciousness in flesh is far more delicate than any woven tapestry. So once again, we decline. Do you understand?” Vermis affirms.
“Yeah. Gotcha… worth asking though. Damn it…” Simone responds in an accepting disappointment.
“We understand why you desire the encoding to be erased, but as it stands there’s nothing that can yet be directly done. However, once the Empire is hopefully delayed we will assist in curing efforts in however manner we can.” Vermis assures.
“Thanks for that. But if something ever comes to you, or if I have another possible idea for you to shoot down, can we still discuss it?” Simone asks.
“We wish to not bestow any false hope. But that is agreeable.” the ape face acknowledges.
“Thanks. Talk to you soon then?” Simone nods while gesturing with the gifted container.
“Hopefully not too soon. Farewell for now, Thatch.” Vermis replies as the ape's face backs away as the crack reseals. The material immediately fuses back together into a solid wall as though it hasn’t been disturbed at all.
Reaching over Simone closes her shuttle door and once the seal locks the other chomping craft parts and turns to be reclaimed by the asteroid lookalike.
Sighing in a bit of defeat, Simone instructs her shuttle to return to the Kwip-Chap. So unless there’s some extra element to act as a safeguard… neither Vermis or by extension Sharra can be of immediate use to cure the galaxy’s bestowed affliction. It frustrates her to no end that she quite possibly holds the solution for it in her noggin, but it is still unattainable.
At least, unless she ‘heroically’ sacrifices herself to attain it. Which she would do for Jamie and the galaxy in a heartbeat, if it wasn’t for being needed here by everyone else in her life. Especially herself.
-
“Well… We’re here…” Simone nervously says after Chucknuq announces that he has begun the docking sequence.
“That we are!” Chak chirps as she lists through the prepared supply crates in the Kwip-chap’s cargo bay, “I’m so excited to be back! And with two standard days to set everything up! By the stars I’m glad we made good time.”
“Yeah… I’m excited too, but…” Simone turns to look at Seven who held both children, specifically eyeing the one with fangs and wings.
“It will work out Simone, I promise.” Chak assures as she puts a hand on the redhead’s shoulder.
“You… seem real confident about that…” the Terran says as her eyes then glance to the Gratt and Troy helping move and rearrange crates to Chak’s requested specifications.
“That’s because I am. Love, everyone who’s is and will be here won’t cause a scene because of a scary toddler. They may need a short adjustment period, but we trust these people don’t we?” the Cali points out.
Simone bites her inner cheek, still unable to shake her nerves.
“We do. But we’re just dropping this on most of ‘em. You know?” she argues.
Chak simply shrugs.
“As I said, I promise it will work out.” she says while giving the Terran a side hug.
“If you say so…” Simone smiles at the Princess’s much needed optimism.
“I do say so. I know it’s not ideal, but we want both of our children involved, right? If it’s absolutely needed, Jamie can always be moved back into the ship for periodic breaks. But I genuinely don’t believe it will be necessary. Now… you, Brandy and Donna have been discussing your end of things, correct?” Chak shifts the conversation.
“Oh yeah… My vetting has been respected but damn with their powers combined they are relentless with throwing ideas, options and considerations my way… We should be able to settle on the last few things in the next two days though.” the redhead replies as she wipes a hand across her face.
“Yay! Oh, I can’t wait to see your outfit!” Chak says all giddily as she looks at her datapad, “Let’s see… We have a catering crew hired, with both Ted and Seven in correspondence with each other as leads.”
“A BBQ master and Vegan chef… quite the pairing…” Simone says slightly skeptically, eyeing back at the bot.
“Indeed. I’ve learned much from Ted and we’ve agreed-eed he will handle all none-cloned food items.” Seven informs.
“Best of both worlds then!” Simone grants with an impressed shrug as the ship slightly vibrates from landing.
In the bot’s limbs Jamie stirs, seeming to want to transfer his mother.
Standing up from sitting on a crate, Simone readies herself to walk through the doors and out to a very uncomfortable situation to work through.
Though before she can make it halfway to Seven to retrieve the toddler, Chak gets there first.
“Come here you two…” she encourages both the kids.
Simone lifts an uncertain hand before noticing Chak is already wearing her power suit.
Although not quite what Jamie initially expected, he has no objection and willingly jostles into Chak’s arms in a small flapping leap. His fangs biting down on Chak’s power suit to no effect. Although clearly very nervous about holding the Manarian for several reasons, Chak manages to keep her cool and leans in to let Essjay aboard her shoulders as well.
“Need me to…” Simone offers with her arms a bit outstretched, uncertain if Chak was in actuality handling the encoding fairly.
“Oh don’t worry, I have them.” Chak assures as she stamps her slightly numbing legs, “I’m ready for this.” she adds in a more direct manner.
Relaxing a bit, Simone nods as she places a hand on the back of Jamie’s head.
“Got it. If you need a break, lemme know.” the redhead replies before walking up to the cargo door with Chak at her side.
“Here…. We… Go…” Simone mumbles as the door starts to open.
Chak spares a lower limb to take hold of Simone’s hand and squeezes.
Once the three are exposed to the docking bay of Simone’s childhood colony, a small gathered crowd of very familiar people cheer and hold up various welcoming signs to the soon-to-be-weds. But instead of saying anything to the two women, they all say in practiced unison;
“Welcome Jamie! Welcome Essjay!”
At the sound of their names being called in such a way, Esssjay hides their face in a bout of shyness. Meanwhile the Manarian’s plumes flicks and shivers in surprise as they not only process their name being called, but also to take in the new strange area with completely new people present.
The boy then pulls himself from his Cali parent’s shoulder to look back at the people, granting them sight of his fearless and curious face.
Although some people seem to have a noticeable effect, Simone realizes they have been expecting it. Looking at Chak, she finds the Cali already looking at her to capture her reaction both visually and on recording.
“I may have given them all a ‘heads up... surprise!” she chirps as she bounces in place.