"Alright… I'm not gonna lie to ya, this is gonna suck." Simone informs as she sits cross-legged in front of Essjay's canister.

The Watath child stares back through the clear barrier separating them from the outside world.

"It's going to feel as though you are breathing in fire, and you're going to want to fight me to get back in the canister… but it's gotta be done or you'll slowly drown as you get older. So... no hard feelings on my end for what's coming."

Confused, Essjay swims in a circle as if they picked up on the topic as the canister, but doesn’t quite understand to what extent.

The Terran sighs, alone in dreading what's to come.

"At least I tried to warn ya, kid." She reasons outloud before reaching out and opening the top of the canister.

Essjay twitches, and looks up curiously. Their mouth silently warbling.

Slowly Simone sinks her hand down, displacing a little of the fluid on the Medbay floor in trickling splashes.

Essjay hesitates for a few moments, but soon comes up to brush their entire chitin body across the Terran's paw like an affectionate marine cat.

"Aw… hawww..." Simone lets out, feeling a bittersweet dagger plunge into her heart, "Hope you learn to trust me again…"

With that she takes this prime opportunity to wrap her grip around the Watathling, and pull them up.

Although clearly wary, Essjay allows their parent to draw them forth from the safety of the fluid. They instinctively hold their breath waiting to be placed either back in, or into another fluid space.

But that doesn't happen for longer than expected. Instead their parent holds them facing the floor and do nothing else to remedy the situation. Holding in the fluid becomes harder and harder as all the oxygen reserves are gradually sapped out.

Very uncomfortable now, they start to shift and twist trying to convey that they need to be returned.

"Let it go kiddo… I know your body is screaming at you to not do it… but it needs to happen." Simone gently instructs, now preemptively holding the child with both hands.

Indeed the Watathling squirms, desperate to hold the now useless fluid in. But the fluid is safe, the fluid is life! This is all they know.

Panic setting in, Essjay attempts to wrestle free from Simone’s grip as suffocating pain fires throughout their body.

However, despite the sleek slippery chitin, the Terran's hands remain bound like a straight jacket.

"Come on kiddo… come on… let it out…" Simone encourages softly.

She keeps her composure, yet on the inside she is begging to the stars that this runt of a Watath's equivalent to lungs have grown in properly. Dave told her that his scans showed they had, but just because the organs are there doesn't mean the biological and neural connections for them to work is.

Simone has heard a many a time of children not 'surfacing the tides' for one reason or another. Anything can happen, especially the worst.

Self preservation instincts overrides everything else in the child's brain, causing them to lash out their many sharp legs to puncture the flesh restraining them

Though there's a few streaks of Terran red dripping to the floor, the hold on Essjay remains unwavered.

Finally, the Watathling expels from their maw. They had no choice in order to effectively bite the paws restraining them.

"Fuck!" Simone curses as her hands are bit to shit, "You better not be an early-venom-sac-bloomer I swear to the fuck'n stars!"

"Hate to be that guy, my dude… but I told you I got gizmos an' shit that could hold the lil' scamp…" Dave reminds.

"For the last time tinhead, I have to do it!" Simone argues, admittedly a bit pissed she couldn't simply just let the machine-bro do it. But it truly has to be her.

Thankfully Simone’s now numerous bite wounds don't start to swell from any potentially fatal liquid Watath-spice.

Essjay's insides begin to erupt in expansive burning as open air involuntary makes it way in from their thrashing and biting.

In a panic from the shocking raw pain the child attempts to expel the air, but their insides completely betray them by reflexively inhaling back the fire tenfold.

"There you go bud! There you go!" Simone encourages, before pressing Essjay against her upper chest, risking bites to her face, "Come on hun, again, with me…"

Essjay does manage a snap into Simone's jawbone, but the redhead doesn't so much as flinch. Instead she holds the kid against her and takes in a slow, measured breath for them to feel.

"Breathe… hun… breath…" she whispers gently before continuing her demonstration.

Essay hisses out for the first time as they press the air out. It hurts… it hurts a lot… but they are so tired… and resisting to inhale is too much of a demanding biological function to suppress.

So, having no other option they retire their aggression for acceptance of what's to come. If this brings death, then so be it.

Essjay presses themselves against the warm creature holding them and tries to breath along in earnest.

It's a struggle... like charging up a steep hill, although their parent's guiding breaths are slow the burning keeps cutting off their own inhales prematurely. But like any hill, there's a peak, and after that… is the way back down.

An hour drags on by, to which Essjay is finally fully convinced that they won't perish. Though this new usage for their insides is still not comfortable, it becomes gradually bearable and they find themself breathing along Simone with little issue.

In fact, the little creature finds itself clasping tightly against the mammal taking in scents as they breathe. All the distinct scents that make up the person holding them. The oils and sweat of her skin. Even the bit of blood she lost. Everything.

The child's instincts hardwire the association of being their direct caretaker with this red furred ape. Despite the difference in species and that they have evolved in completely different solar systems, the imprinting is a complete success.

"Congrats my dude! Lil' scamp is golden." Dave says as his scans show no signs of concern within the child.

Simone nods, wanting to sigh in relief, but she wills herself to keep her breathing steady.

After another healthy chunk of time goes by, she allows herself to breath at her normal pace, but massages Essjay's flexable side chitin plates to help with circulation.

"You did amazing…" Simone says to the child -no- her child.

She's holding onto what in every possible regard now is her kid. Another life that she not only needed to protect… but raise.

The redhead oftenly fantasized what this moment would feel like and although she presumed correctly in a lot of ways, she never accounted for the fear.

The life she leads… isn't equipped to raise a kid in… the danger of being hunted by the universe with all this crazy bullshit thrown in for good measure. Is she even mentally ready for this? If this kid ever sees her in one of her bad episodes…

Essjay shifts a bit, concerned by the uptick in their parent's insides pounding faster and faster.

"You are such a fucking BOSS dude! Look at'cha! Like, damn. If I was a tiny organic being with a self-aware think-box I would consider myself lucky as fuck! You're gonna let 'em play like, ALL the violent video games right bruh?"

Then again, she has access to a top of the line medical care…

"You bet your binary-brain I will…" Simone sofly laughs, trying to relax.

The Terran then looks to the side to see literally everyone else on this damn ship observing through the transparent sections of the medbay wall.

She finds the set of glowing reds, and gives them a permitting nod.

Chak slowly walks in, maintaining a safe distance.

"Oh, everything seems okay? No noticeable issues?" She asks to both Simone and Dave.

"They made a bloody mess on my clothes and the floor, but other than that, yeah. Essjay’s troop’n through it. Wanna say high?" Simone responds with an inviting tilt of the head.

"Is… is that really alright?" the Cali asks, both in concern for her well being and the child's.

"Don't worry I got 'em and this is actually the best period to approach. Let Essjay take in your scent and get familiar. Hell, everyone should come by. One at a time though. Definitely don't need a crowd around 'em." Simone responds confidently.

"Oh… okay." Chak replies, still a bit uneasy due to the concerning amount of Terran-red fluids everywhere.

She steps up, keeping her eyes fixated on the small potato-sized wheezing creature resting against Simone’s chest.

“Hey kiddo… look who’s here. It’s Chak, you know Chak.” the redhead informs as she carefully pets Essjay’s back chitin scales.

Of course the child says nothing, but their eyes do lock onto Chak’s with instant recognition.

“Hello Essjay! I’m very glad to see you have done so well!” Chak greets, not quite knowing what to say.

The child releases a low pant of a hiss, causing the Cali to twitch back a bit.

“Low hisses are good, don’t worry.” Simone assures in a chuckle, “It’s the intense higher pitch ones you should watch out for.”

Chak nods, though her racing hearts make it hard to get closer again.

“Oh… that is certainly good to know! Since it looks like there needs to be some cleanup soon I will step out and send someone in one at a time. Give everyone a chance to say hi.” Chak says with a bounce.

This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

“Sure thing. But… there’s something I want to talk to you about real quick.” the redhead responds, her face a bit flushed..

“Of course! What is it?” Chak agrees.

“You’ve already done so much to help with Essjay, it’s… it’s frankly incredible. You’re incredible. But, I don’t want to assume anything. We’re plannin’ on getting hitched, and you said you consider Essjay family. I guess I’d just like to know where you’re at… like as in… you know… I’m gonna raise Essjay to refer to me as ‘mom’ you know… so I’m just wondering what you would like to be referred to for ‘em.” the Terran explains bashfully.

The Cali’s eyes flash at what Simone is asking for.

"Oh… uhm… that is a fair question… If… you'd think it would be appropriate, they can call me 'Chin'na'... it’s my people’s title for a caregiver. Some even use it to refer to a… uhm… parent." Chak answers tentatively.

The Terran smiles, partially exposing her teeth as many predatory animals do.

"You really want to be a co-parent? You don't have to feel obligated on my account. If you're not-" Simone says before the Cali struts right back up to her, placing a hand on her back.

"It's certainly something to get used to. But I meant what I said. Essjay is family, and family means the universe to me. Being a parent wasn't part of my goals in life -let alone being a parent of a Watath- but I’m not against it. Especially if my partner is you. Though of course I will lack in a lot of the things Essjay will need, I will provide everything within my power to ensure they are raised well."

"Alrighty… Chin'na." Simone says with a wink, "You know… it's a Terran-tale as old as time: get picked up at a bar one minute, the next you have a kiddo in your arms. Bit of a roundabout way… but here we are." She muses.

"Indeed. We are." Chak giggles before affectionately pressing her head against the Terran’s.

Simone leans against Chak while her eyes look to the others waiting their turn to enter and greet the child.

"I think we qualify as the weirdest fuck'n family in the entire galaxy…"

-

"A broom closet!?" Simone states as she and Chucknuq stand before the walk-in hallway utility closet.

"Haha! Yes I know it may not be an actual bedroom, but I'm afraid there's nowhere else the youngster can go. We can move the equipment to the Spa storage, and then procure proper furnishings suitable for a freshly out of water Watathling!" the Captain explains.

Simone eyes the kid resting on her shoulder like some sort of pirate's pet.

"I suppose that'll be fine. They're gonna bunk with us for a bit, so it’s not like there’s a rush." Simone reasons before scratching between Essjay's back plates. Causing them to lowly hiss in satisfaction, "But these guys have a killer growth spurt after entering the world of us air-breathers, so our time frame does have a limit."

"Of course! But in the meantime if you two ever require a night to yourselves, grandpa Chucknuq will always report for sitting duty! Bwahaa!" The old man offers.

Genuinely surprised, Simone looks to him touched.

"Wait, really? Grandpa?" She asks.

"That is the Terran word for it correct?"

"Y-yeah… but, are you sure?"

"Well who else is going to teach the rascal about the intricacies of command and vessel upkeep? With my expertise, they will be a master at Battleprow before they can speak! Hahahaa!" The Captain cheers before closing the door and leading the Terran back down the hallway, "But fear not, I may not have raised spawn of my own, but there have been many a time in my long service when I watched over the young brought aboard. Our fine Princess here being a prime example! Although astute in her schooling, she was a little mischievous one she was! Bwaha!"

Smiling, Simone rolls her eyes.

"Oh... I believe it." She snickers, "What was the worst thing she got away with?"

The Captain puts a graper under his chin in thought.

"Hmmm… There was this one time she nearly got herself incinerated by climbing up into one of the exterior drive engine exhaust ports. Thank the stars I noticed the 'potential blockage'! Ha!" Chucknuq says.

Simone draws out a whistle that breaks into a laugh.

"Daaamn… what the hell was she even doing there?" She questions.

"Ahhah! I would leave little treats in hidden areas around the ship for her and her siblings to hunt down. To have them be preoccupied with something engaging while on longer trips you see. I even told them there was a grand treasure stowed away somewhere."

"And she got it in her mind that the freak'n motherload was in the fuck'n exhaust!?"

"Indeed! Haha! But of course I had to reel back a bit on my antics after that. At least officially. Heheh…"

The Terran nods, still utterly amused by the imagery. Though her smile softens into something warmer.

"Chak is incredibly lucky to have a parental figure like you." She tells the Captain, who is taken a bit by surprise.

"Parent? Bah, I'm just a loyal servant of her and the royal family." He deflects as his scales shift to an orange.

Simone plants a gentle hand on his shoulder.

"Nah. You really are more than that. Seriously. And as far as I'm concerned, you're perfect Grandpa material." She reassures, giving him a careful yet playful jostle.

"That… truly means a lot Ms. Thatch. Thank you." Chucknuq replies, doing his best to keep composure.

The two make it to the end of the hall, to which Simone leans back on the railing to face the Tromple.

"So… there's one more thing… uhm… we haven't told anyone yet… been a bit crazy with what's been going on. But you really ought to know." She addresses bashfully.

Chucknuq looks to her, curious as to what it could be.

"It has! Hasn't it? What should I know, do you have lingering health complications?" He asks.

"You could say that… but, not what I'm getting at. Uhm… I may have… proposed to Chak. And… you know… she said yes." Simone reveals.

It's the Captain's turn to lean on the railing, though he does it to catch himself from toppling over from shock.

"As in marriage!?" He spurts out in disbelief.

"Yep." The redhead confirms, "The whole dealio…"

"By the stars around us…" Chucknuq mumbles, his scales shifting from one color to the next as his feelings on the matter settle, "Heh..haha! That certainly was not what I was expecting!"

"Do… you think it's a good idea?"

"Certainly not! But I cannot approve of it more! Bwhahaha! Ohhh the Cali council will have a field day with this one! Hahaha!"

Relaxing a bit, Simone begins scratching at Essjay again.

"Good. I mean, I thought as much." She chuckles.

"Well it’s not about what I think, now is it? Though I will admit, I was encouraging the Princess to snag you when she first confided in me!” Chucknuq says as he stares down into the cargo bay.

“You know… convincing a Cali to pursue a Terran isn’t something most people would recommend…” Simone remarks.

“And yet look where you two are.” the Captain counters rather softly, “I may not be the wisest of the older generations, but I’ve lived long enough to know this: regardless of the time you have, it’s always too short to not take the worthwhile risks. Life is not an adventure, it is the adventure, for it’s the only one we have. Chakalata’motaas’s life has already been thrown into complete disarray in a cold, dark, hostile universe. Then she found you, a light brighter and warmer than any star. I’d be an incredible fool to not see that.”

Simone releases a huff of air through her nose.

“Funny… That’s exactly how I see her. I was only just scraping myself out of a dark place before I met her. Who knows where I’d be right now if I hadn’t been there in that bar that day. But like you said, here we are. Uhm… we don’t know how we’re going to go about the ceremony-stuff yet… but… I’d really like you to be a part of it.” Simone says.

“Hm? In what manner?”

“Well… in the colonies Terran parents have one role or another in marriages. Traditions and all that. Though I doubt our thing is going to look ‘traditional’ in any sort of way, I’d still like to offer that sort of role to you.” Simone puts out shifting from one foot to the other nervously.

Chucknuq glances up to her, seeing her face reddened and eyes darting in every which way.

“It would be one of the greatest honors of my life, Simone.”

-

“This reminds me of our radio shows!” Meeki chiters aloud as the visual moving drawing show concludes. Essjay sitting on her head like a brain leech still stares at the place where the projection faded away..

“The characters certainly acted… boisterous… is that truthful to how Terrans act?” Nodrin asks, turning around to Simone and Chak sitting on the back of the bed.

“Not… really. It’s a bit exaggerated to amp up things.” the redhead answers with a tired shrug.

“I really liked the last one! The young shaman girl on the flying sweeping tool was such a relatable story!” Meeki says as she sits up as well.

“That one is my favorite!” Chak chirps in agreement, “I’ve seen it at least ten times!”

“One of the best coming of age stories…” Simone inputs before drawing in a deep yawn, “But I think we gotta call it here, I need to hit the hay.”

The Terran outreaches her arm at Meeki’s head allowing Essjay to hop over and scamper up the extended appendage..

“Awww… alright. Come on love, we can still practice our Galactic Standard before going to sleep.” Meeki says as she rolls over on top of her bondmate.

Nodrin chitters and snatches Meeki to continue rolling over the side of the bed. The two scuffle out of the line of sight even as they exit through the door.

“Damn doofuses…” Simone chuckles as she leans back and lays down. Essjay wastes no time moving to bundle into a ball on her chest.

Chak curls up and takes Simone’s paw in her lowers.

“Essjay really likes you, I’m glad.” she says softly, loving seeing the two resting together.

Simone tilts her head looking back.

“Of course, I’m pretty awesome.” Simone replies with a tired wink.

“You very much are… I hope you sleep well.”

“Doubt it… dreams are getting really weird. I keep seeing that bat-looking species… every time. I think… I think I want to try the worm-brain-thing again tomorrow. That okay?” the redhead’s tone shifts to a more serious one.

“If that’s what you need. But what if it makes your dreams worse?” Chak points out, worried.

“Then… that’s what happens. I’d rather deal with that, then not know the crap in my head.” Simone assures, “Will you be there?”

“I will.”

“Thank you, hun.”

“Absolutely.”

“You know… what…?”

“What?”

“I’m… happy… really…” Simone’s voice drifts into air.

Chak doesn’t respond, she just watches in silence as her Terran falls into unconsciousness with the Watathling following suit.

She wants to scoot closer, but doesn’t want to risk disturbing Essjay. It’s been a rough time for the child, with a whole new world to be fully exposed to.

In addition, she does retain a background fear of doing the wrong thing that could spook them. The last thing anyone needs is an accidental bite, venom or no.

Eventually she closes her eyes as well, preparing herself to drift. But before she does, she suddenly feels a pressure press up against her chest. Thinking it was a part of Simone Chak takes a peek, yet is utterly shocked to see a relocated Essjay curled up against her.

She doesn’t share the exact same strong parental pack-bond feelings that Simone seems to feel… but… this is a powerful feeling regardless… a wonderful one… if not a bit terrifying…

-

“Alrighty my buddy, we are all set for round two! Ding ding!” Dave says as the Terran is strapped down, sparing the hand with the worm.

Simone nods before giving Chak a smile.

“Everything’s gonna be okay.” she assures the Cali.

“I dearly hope so!” Chak chirps as she brushes Simone’s head fur.

The redhead sighs in preparation, and then plants her hand at the back of her neck. She then allows her final free appendage to be strapped as she feels the now familiar pinch and feeling of another presence entering her mind space.

“We will attempt to avoid damaging stress, but we are curious about a particular anomaly. We wish to investigate.”

“Go for it.” Simone responds.

“Very well.”

Much like the first time, Simone’s view of the world spins and melts into something completely different, the seams between Simone and the host of a time long gone are impossible to notice.

“Sharra. Get up.”

Bleeding… pain… anger…

A taloned leg smacked into Sharra’s side, throwing her at least a dozen feet into a ship’s wall.

A new wound rips open in her cranium, not that it adds too much more pain.

“Get up.” older sister’s commanding voice demands.

“Curse you, Marra…” Sharra groans as she pushes herself up to see her own reflection in the golden plated wall. Purple fur soaked with black blood. One of her red and golden eyes is swollen shut. Her fangs exposed in rage.

Ripping the barbed proving dagger from her guts, she grips it tightly… resolved in slaying her opponent with it… her sister will see she is more worthy… she will see… once her head is severed…

Mother and her fathers will see she is the rightful spawn.