“Wh-wh-...” Chak stammers as her mind races over whether or not she heard what she just heard, “What?”
“Like I said… we’re in this together for the long haul, you know… and… it occurred to me that… you know… uhm… might as well right? That is if.. you want…” Simone shrugs, trying to brace herself for a ‘no’ or at least a ‘that’s something I can’t consider right now’.
Chak’s twin hearts race to the point where her legs become numb and her head gets a bit dizzy.
“I… Oh… ohhhh…” she says as her breath becomes difficult to catch, “W-what is Terran marriage like?” she manages, hoping to get perspective.
“I’m not asking a Terran…” Simone counters, bringing her knees up to her chin to cover her reddening face, “I just… fuck… remember I said ‘home is where the heart is?’ Well sure I live on this ship, and have a room in it… but it’s the people here that make me feel like it’s home. Especially you. You know… I want to be with you… as a forever-partner… whatever that ultimately means.”
Like stimulated embers being blown into, the princess’s eyes glimmer in a bright glow.
“Simone…” she whispers softly.
“It’s okay if you don’t want to… like in any official way… I know being royalty makes it complicated, and I don’t want to disrupt what you have- cuz of what I am and- I know I’m not exactly ‘marriage’ material but-” Simone starts to panic, starting to regret proposing as her mind attacks itself.
Then there’s a hand cupping the side of her head, guiding the redhead to meet face to face with the Cali.
“I certainly wasn’t expecting this…” Chak admits.
“You can say no for any reason. But… lemme try this again… Chakalata’motaas, will you make this dumb idiot your dumb idiot partner in life?” the Terran asks with a warm nervous smile.
The Cali stares mesmerized at the prospect. Though millions of complications force their way into her mind. Especially for someone in her position, but despite that… she knows exactly what she wants.
“Nothing would make me happier… yes! Yes-yes-yes! Every yes!” she chirps in thrilled cries before embracing the Terran.
With great restraint to not accidentally squeeze the Cali in twain, Simone hugs her back as tightly as she dares. She can’t think of anything to say, but perhaps nothing needs to be said. Instead she basks in a happiness she thought was unfit for someone like herself. All it took was an alien princess to save and fall for, in order to bring this bliss. Such a prospect makes her chest confulse in held back laughter.
“Are you okay?” Chak asks as she pets her Terran.
“You were right… This is a goddamn fairytale…” the redhead snickers through tears, “But better…”
“Oh, I concur…” Chak agrees before kissing Simone on her neck, “So… How should we do it? Customs I’m certain are very different…”
“Right… uhm… well Terrans have a lot of ways to do it… colonies tend to be big parties that are to the point. Traditions being stuff like; exchanging gifts, drinking, eating, gambling and sometimes the couple goes for an EVA walk or take out a rover for a few days as a honeymoon.” Simone explains, pulling away.
“Oh… honeymoon? My people have many marriage traditions regarding moons as well! Such as dancing to celebrate our mother moon.” Chak replies before looking up the term in her lens.
“Uhhh-” Simone attempts to warn.
“Oh! So it’s from the practice of consuming fermented honey during the first month of the union, which was measured by the Earth’s moon cycle! All this was to- increase… chances of… conception. I see…”
“Yeah… these days it just means go off and do a celebratory shag away from everyone else.” Simone informs with a wink.
“Does… does fermented honey actually help?” Chak asks, now just curious.
“Doubt it, and even if it did… it was never an option for me.” Simone says with an amused shrug.
“I don’t understand… I thought you eventually desired offspring?” Chak points out.
“I said I wanted kids, don’t have to be homegrown. It’s a little hard to conceive after this lil’ number;” Simone pulls down her briefs on her side a bit to fully point out a small but now obvious scar, “Took a shot in the very first engagement I was deployed in. Shredded parts of my lower gut into a smoothie. After the surgeries… let’s just say I was no longer equipped.”
“Oh… You say that as if it doesn’t bother you.” the Cali says with caution, unsure of how truly sensitive the situation is for Simone.
“It does a bit, not having that option. I mean… there are replacement surgeries I could theoretically do, but honestly? I’d be just as content parenting any kid who needed it. Delivering the Watath babies really hammered that home. But of course that’s not a real discussion to have until we make it out the other side. Right now, this is more than enough.”
Chak nods and continues to look up other Terran marriage traditions. She giggles in amusement as she comes across one she likes.
“Chakalata’Thatch… I think I really like that…” she notifies.
“Heh… you’d want a name like that?” Simone teases.
“Oh, very much so… though Simone’motaas also sounds very good…” Chak offers in a sly tone.
“Does that mean I’d be Cali royalty too?”
“Perhaps… though I’d have to throw away our entire government and traditions to make it official, and seeing that’s what my father did… and having to deal with all the rioting.. I’m not inclined.”
“Darn.” Simone says as she sarcastically snaps her fingers, “My long term plot to seduce a princess and become a monarch has been foiled once again…”
“Apologies Simone… but if it brings you comfort, my own plot to seduce my gorgeous Chief of Security for special perks has been coming along very nicely…” Chak replies as she rubs her whole body up against the Terran’s.
Who then promptly pushes the Cali down on the bed and rotates herself up and over to loom menacingly.,, very careful not to press any of her weight down on the princess..
“Special perks, huh? Wanna rephrase that?” Simone breathfully plays, narrowing her emerald eyes suggestively.
Though her hearts are racing like a herd of galloping colllai, Chak keeps a cool demeanor and runs her lower appendages down the Terran’s bare torso.
“Nope… and I know you’re gonna do nothing about it.” she challenges, “We both know who’s in charge here…” she says before craning up to kiss and bite at the redhead’s neck.
Simone closes her eyes, leaning into it. A craving hum escapes her.
“Yes… ma’am…” she whispers, preparing to start an early honeymoon.
Suddenly there’s a boisterous knock at the door, causing the two to freeze in place.
“Pardon, are you two awake? The vessel’s captain has informed us that we’ve landed!” the translated voice of an excited female Gratt comes through.
“Oh… right…” Chak grumbles, scratching the sides of her face, “Completely slipped my mind.”
Simone leans down closer to the Cali’s face, looking at the door.
“We can pretend to be sleeping in…” she poses in a whisper, as if a normal speaking voice wouldn’t have sufficed.
“Tempting… but no… this is too important. Teaching them about habitating stations is imperative…” Chak says, a bit disappointed.
“Ten minutes?” Simone teasingly presses.
“Simone…” the Cali scolds in a giggle, before tapping her lowers at the Terran’s chest to request that she move.
With gentle movements Simone concedes and rolls over, releasing the Cali from the Terran love cage.
“I’ll get my gear on.” the redhead informs, standing up from the side.
“And I’ll retrieve your things from my room.” Chak responds, pulling up her loosened bottom sleepwear. As she makes it to the door, Simone speaks back to her while fitting on a black shirt.
“Old room.” the redhead corrects without looking back.
The Cali’s eyes flash before opening the door, and she practically skips past the two awaiting Gratt.
“Your highness I apologize if you were disturb-” Nodrin begins so say before the Cali seemingly in her own world moves a door over to another room.
“Hello Simone, how are you feeling?” Meeki inquired, very obviously taking a peek at the Terran’s room. Admittedly still getting used to addressing the once ‘cave-folk’ by an actual name.
Zipping up her orange jacket and rustling her head fur as to even out the wildness, Simone turns to approach the female Gratt.
“Sore as fuck, but I’m… doing real good. Settling in alright?” she replies as she steps out into the hall.
“Ah, yes! The individual made of metal, Seven, has been very accommodating with their meals. And we have refrained from running around the vessel while making due with releasing our energy within our room’s premises. We believe we are starting to get used to the lighter weight.” Meeki answers, “I want to thank you again for allowing us on board, we understand it’s an incredible opportunity and extension of trust on your part.”
“Good to hear. We’re gonna renovate Chak’s old room into a place where we can burn off some steam. Hopefully that helps with any restlessness ya get.” Simone notifies as she wanders down towards Vin’s door.
“How… how does one burn steam?” Nodrin asks, as both Gratt trails behind the Terran.
“Ahh… It’s a phrase. It just means ‘releasing energy’ as you put it.” Simone clarifies.
“Is it true that stations are entire cities constructed within the void? Like this vessel but much bigger?” Nodrin continues to question.
“Bingo.” the redhead answers plainly as she stops at Vin’s door.
The Gratt couple looks up at her, confused.
“I’m… not sure that translated correctly… What is bingo?” Meeki says.
“Sorry. I mean yes. That’s pretty much right. Though they can vary a lot. Especially with how many Deathworlders there are and how accustomed they are to having them there.” Simone explains before giving a light knock on the doctor’s door.
“Are Deathworlders not common?” Nodirn asks.
“Depends how close to Central Galactic you are. Also… Deathworlders are socially encouraged to keep within their respective nations… which means the more… troublesome of us are the most oftenly seen and interacted with. Which then compounds the stigma and distrust. So don’t be surprised seeing folk avoid you like the plague when your people are more well known.” she details before the door finally opens.
“Simone, do you wish to start a session?” Vin inquired.
“Nah, kinda tight on time at the moment. I was just hoping to get the kiddos for a lil’ station walk. Figured they’d appreciate a change of scenery.” the redhead responds.
If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.
“Ah, splendid idea! I’ll retrieve them right now.” the doctor agrees.
“Thanks for taking care of ‘em while I recover. They don’t get too rambunctious I hope?”
“A bit, but thankfully Seven is the one who feeds them so I don't have to worry about being snapped at.” Vin responds as he brings up the canister with the eight small occupants.
.Simone accepts it, twists it to expose the see through section. Them she holds it up to her face. One of the bolder Watathlings pecks aggressively at the clear barrier in a show of fearlessness.
“You are getting a bit bigger… good thing we almost have you lil’ buggers home.” she remarks with a smirk.
“I fashioned this, it’s usually meant for Seven to carry them around so they aren't cooped up.” Vin says as he lifts up a sort of harness.
“Nice.” Simone approves, taking that as well, “You coming station-side as well?”
“I will not. No offense, but I do not wish to get in the way with you teaching our newest crewmates about how life is out here in the stars. Perhaps at a later time.” Vin responds with a respectful squat.
“Gotcha, can’t say I blame ya. Thanks again Vin.” Simone farewells, moving past the Gratt.
“Best of luck, try not to get into more scraps.” the Noxii replies before returning to his room.
Chak then emerges with a satchel in her grasper, meeting up with the other three in the hallway.
“Oh, we’re taking the Watathlings with us?” Chak asks, as she holds out her upper graspers to receive the canister.
Handing them over, Simone adjusts the harness to fit her own frame and fastens it on.
“You bet.” she responds before accepting the canister back and securely fits it to her front.
“How old are they?” Meeki asys as she inspects it, jumping when several of the young snap at the barrier.
“Almost three months...” Chak answers softly.
Simone shifts on her feet, a bit surprised.
“Has… has it really been that long…?” Simone says aloud, kinda taken aback, “Man… time flies when you're kidnapped by a crazy caveman cult.” she attempts to play off, but the hint of sadness leaks through.
Chak maneuvers around to the redhead’s side to comfort her.
“How about we depart?” she offers to her girlf- betrothed, while holding out her satchel.
“Right.” the Terran agrees, first picking out her gold-plated plasma colt. Although looking absolutely ridiculous, Simone is moved to be holding it once again. Taking a moment to look it over, she holsters it feeling a punch of satisfaction. She then picks out her two small devices, a Comm and her Lens. To be honest she is a bit apprehensive to plug something into her brain so soon after freeing it. But she pushes past that potential mental crisis before her thoughts could dwell, pressing each into her temple.
The fuzzy feeling occurs, and thankfully no strange cave man or corrupted admiral appears to her. Sighing, she fully activates her Lens and looks up the station they found themselves in.
Seria Station. Bordering near Watath space, it is a popular trade destination, especially when it comes to scrapped military hardware. Despite its proximity the population of Watath is very low, outside of specific trade companies.
“Good. Last thing I need is to accidentally start a quarrel with the most venomous species in the galaxy. Not the ideal training wheels for these Gratt, but better than most out in these parts.” Simone internally figures as the group makes their way down into the loading bay.
This station having exterior landing pads, a sealed connecting tunnel rises up and latches on the ship’s bay doors.
“Alright guys.” Simone speaks up as she plants her hands down on each of the Gratt’s shoulders, “You’re gonna stick by me unless I say otherwise. You do not touch another individual if it can be helped.” she reminds, “And although you may not be known Deathworlders yet, you will be an unknown species walking around who don’t speak galactic standard. So you’re gonna get strange looks, and hear some very rude comments. Just ignore them, and don’t try to engage. Trust me, it’s almost never worth getting security involved.”
“Understood.” Nodrin says first.
“We appreciate your guidance Simone.” Meeki agrees.
“From an experienced Deathworlder, to you newbies… hopefully you won’t need me for all that long. You two have good heads on ya.”
It’s then the bay doors open to reveal an elevator that is to take them down within the station. Marching the group in, Simone presses the indicator.
After the doors reseal, and the Gratt experience the strange falling sensation, a broadcasted voice presents itself.
“Today’s top news topic; a new species is to join the galactic community! After their newly discovered planet was attacked by Terran pirates, a private Cali business venture took it upon themselves to remove the threat. The Cali Monarch Lovia’motaas has yet to claim any association with the organization, though many speculate it to be so. However, Terran Union leader Valeria Bernal has spoken out against these pirates and has already extended a courting relief branch to aid in the new species’ uplift to show good faith. Who are our new neighbors you may ask? Well so far it is known that they are called Grattz. Oh, ‘Gratt’, excuse me. They are generally green skinned with fur on their heads and tails. Be sure to greet our new citizens of the stars, with open arms! But at a distance! Although they have yet to be officially registered, they are speculated to be Deathworlders. Very comparable to Terrans in fact, so please be understanding and exercise caution. Welcome to the stars Gratt, may your species find your place peacefully within our shared galaxy!”
“Well shit…” Simone says, unsure if this is a boon or not.
“That was… fortuitous…?” Chak chirps, equally uncertain.
“No doubt the news got out by the Terran Union… wanting to look like the good guys before anyone can look too much into the ‘pirates’.” Simone grumbled.
“What does this mean exactly?” Meeki asks.
“For you? Expect even more looks and gossip. Same rules apply.” the Terran answers, hoping to come across as confident.
The group then falls into an uneasy silence as the elevator continues on and on.
“This is quite the long ride…” Chak qwips, hoping to ease the room a bit.
“Yeah, it’s because of a lot of redundant armor plating to travel through. This used to be warring-space not too long ago. Kinda weird that they’d only play one news story for a single trip though…” Simone replies as she casually pops her neck and shoulders.
This catches the Gratt’s attention.
“I didn’t realize… You’re of the elderly?” Meeki speaks up to the Terran.
“Excuse me?” Simone replies, surprised by the insinuation.
“You’re joints are making aged sounds, that must be quite painful for you.” Nodrin attempts to clarify for his bondmate.
“What? This?” Simone says as she rotates her spin back and forth, sending out rapid crackles.
The Gratt almost lift their hands to stop her from causing the horrendous pain their empathetic nature tells them of. But falter when the Terran starts to chuckle at their horrified expressions.
“We Terrans just make those noises. Actually feels good, I assure ya.” she snickers before cracking her fingers as further evidence.
Nodrin looks over to Meeki, wincing from the sounds.
“I must admit that is baffling to comprehend.” Meeki says.
“Still sounds like you're breaking yourself apart to me…” Chak quietly agrees, not enjoying the sounds either.
Before the alpha Deathworlder can torture the other occupants further, the elevator finally comes to a stop. The doors lift open to expose a circular bustling crossway. And as soon as the party steps out, many visual organs are upon them. Then, like a haunting domino effect, more and more begin to slow if not stop at the unexpected arrival of two freshly arisen Deathworlders.
Nodrin and Meeki clasp hands tightly from the sudden attention from all these strange beings. The air itself feels as though it thickens from the miasma of curiosity, fear and speculation from the solidifying crowds.
“I… wasn't expecting this many stares…” Meeki says to Simone, “Should Nodrin and I remain on the ship?”
“If we’re gonna shop for ya it’s best that you’re with us. If you wanna turn back, no problem. But you’re gonna have to face the music sooner or later. My advice? Make the best first impression you can, while you can.” the redhead replies.
Though not sure what music has to do with this, the Gratt couple sees the wisdom in her words.
“Then we press on.” Nodrin confirms.
Simone nods and leads the group forward.
“Most are more scared of you than you are of them. And those who aren't, they’ll be plenty scared of me.” she reassures them as they venture on.
To Simone, her own record of how much space is granted by a crowd is shattered. She can even see quite a few terrified people squirming to get further away.
“Guess the Gratt rumor-mill has already begun grinding away…” she thinks as they exit the other side of the crossway and into a walk lane with vendors implanted along the parallel walls.
“They are truly fearful of us…” Meeki whispers to her bondmate as she watches a vendor duck out of her gaze.
“Is this better than fearing everyone else?” Nodrin points out.
“I… I don’t know…” the female Gratt replies somberly, “I’ve been looking forward to speaking with more different people… they all look so strange and fascinating…”
“Perhaps a later time when our people are better recognized. The Cali treated us very well, and so did our new crew. Once they see what our people are like I have no doubt many of their fears will greatly subside.” Nodrin comforts, entwining their tail with hers.
“I hope so.”
“Excuse us! Excuse us!” a voice calls out.
The group then spot a pair of individuals approaching with a recording drone hovering alongside them.
Simone moves to block what she initially sees as security, but she hesitates when she notices the universal media symbol on the drone. This may be even worse than security.
A panting Noxii and and an oddly bold Northa get within ten feet of the group before stopping. Seeing the drone, Chak lifts her hood over her head to obscure her face.
“Local Seria Station News. I am correspondent Lackle and my drone assistant Terro. It is a pleasure to see the Gratt already making their way out to these parts!” the Northa introduced.
“Hey.” Terro added.
“Look bud, we are on a tight schedule. We really can’t stand around for biased questioning.” Simone tries to deter, but to her surprise this Northa was made of heartier stuff than most she’d met. As he waves the big-bad Terran away dismissively to focus on the newcomers.
“We would love the opportunity for an exclusive interview! Share your people’s story to the entire universe and answer the plethora of burning questions it has for you!” he says.
Simone begins to approach the man with more intent, but Meeki holds up her hand to halt her.
“You wish to learn about our people?” she asks, excited to see a friendly disposition.
“Absolutely! We would be happy to take you to a more private venue and will even cover the credit charges for a welcoming meal!”
Meeki and Nodin look to each other and then at Simone.
“This could be a good thing?” Chak poses.
Simone looks at all of her companions as if they are crazy.
“Guys. No. We have to-”
-
“Drone is recording?” Lackle asks as he sits across the two Gratt in a private side room of a restaurant.
“Yep.” Terro affirmed.
“Excellent! And you two, tea good? I hope you don’t mind it being a Terran product.” Lackle addresses the two.
“It’s just fine, thank you.” Nodrin says as Meeki takes a long sip from her warm drink.
“Very well, then let’s get this started.”
Simone and Chak sit in the back corner -as per the agreement- behind the news team. Simone would hav her arms tightly crossed if it wasn’t for the Watath container strapped to her chest. But the free Terran burger in front of her was a begrudging positive.
“Thank you for sitting down with us! May the people of the universe have your names?” Lackle begins.
“I am Meeki. And this is my bondmate Nodrin.” the female Gratt informs.
“Welcome Meeki and Nodrin. Immediately curious, do your people only utilize a singular name per individual?”
“Outside of titles… yes. Just one name… why would we have more than one?” Nodrin throws back the curiosity.
“Many species have many differing naming conventions. Though I will say yours is easy to remember! Now, what was it like to be beset by pirates from the very stars themselves?”
Meeki briefly glances at Simone, recalling their little discussion alone before the interview commenced.
“Absolutely terrifying. We had no warning and struggled to hold our own. Thankfully we were aided in repelling the invaders.” she states.
“Ah yes by this mysterious Cali organization, do you recall what they called themselves exactly?”
“I’m afraid not. I believe they said something about surveying? I apologize. Regardless, we are incredibly thankful for what they did, and what they continue to do.” Meeki responds.
“No need to apologize! What can you tell us about your people and cultures? What are you out venturing the stars so early in the uplifting?”
Meeki nods to Nodrin.
“Well… we are a relatively peaceful species with many religions and varied cultures. Though we have endured war in our past, the disputes are rarely ever long form. For we are a very communal and community oriented people. You see it’s quite rare to see just two of us alone together. We tend to remain in larger communal groups, especially when on the move.”
“So you are pack predators?”
“Yes… I suppose that’s a way to put it. Though we have long-mastered agriculture, and no longer depend on hunting.” Nodrin says.
“Ah, so you are omnivorous! I must say, your sharp mouth-bones had me worried for a second!”
“Why would you be worried?” Meeki asked.
“Ah… ahem, well you see there is a rising concern that your people may be the next Terrans, but even more dangerous.”
“Why?” Meeki presses, “What’s so bad about Terrans?”
“You serious? Hm. You’re people were assailed by them, one would think you would have a firm understanding.”
Anger flickers across Meeki’s face.
“Well certainly, the ones who attacked us were terrifying. But are all Terrans pirates? Better question; are they the only people that would turn to such aggressive piracy?” she counters.
“Of course not. But Terrans have an unfortunate reputation of being aggressive bullies, you see. And they are contending for the most wars a single species has ever taken part in, mostly against themselves from their history. They even brought utter destruction to their own homeworld! The concerns I alluded to earlier are that your kind reportedly come from very similar Deathworlds. Your stature may not be quite as formidable, but you possess many of the traits Terrans possess, AND have the traits they actually lack. Such as claws and effectively sharp mouth bones.”
Meeki stands at attention from her seat, politely placing down her gifted tea.
“I may be new to the stars, but I can see where this is going. I’ll have you know I’ve already made a dear friend with a very honorable, kind and dependable Terran. And the very leader of their species from what I’ve heard is more than willing to offer us aid. I ask you, has anyone else besides the Cali offered us aid thus far? I’m aware of none. Is that because you classify us as something as threatening as a ‘Deathworlder’ from a scarily titled ‘Deathworld’? Titles you insist upon us? Perhaps our world is harsher than most, but that is our home. It has made us and I promise to you and all those listening, we are by and large a people who desire peace with the stars. We enrich our lives through our communities and our fellow beings. We are more than capable of love, understanding, charity, responsibility and unity. Are we all such? Of course not. But something tells me all peoples have their demons among them, regardless of a deathworld. The Gratt people will become allies against the foulest the universe has to offer, and all those worthwhile traits I hold so close to my kin… I have already seen in abundance within a Terran. So I will not let the actions of a few sour my view on an entire people, and I dearly hope the rest of the galaxy grows out of such a juvenile outlook. Because I’m certain my people will gladly teach you how. We’re done here.”