“I like you clothing of head!” Meeki speaks in broken galactic standard to Simone.

In response the redhead flicks the bill of her newly attained dark gray Terran cadet cap. Adorned on it is a pair of flash-protective goggles.

“Thanks. Haven’t actually worn one of these in a long while. But since we’re flying right on the border of Terran Union space it’s best for me to blend in as much as possible. These are the most common headwear for colonists far out in these parts, in fact most clothes we got were military hand-me-downs and surplus.” she explains as she shows off her light gray coveralls with dark blue accents.

“You… not welcome?” Meeki inquires confused, “Old home, yes?”

Simone’s smirk falters as she scratches behind her ear.

“I don’t know. Despite the handouts, official Union’s presence is… thin out here. And I wouldn’t really call these folks patriotic… but I’m not on good terms with my people’s government and a lot could’ve changed. Haven’t been here since being shipped out to the academy. People are really loyal to each other out here, but it just takes one person recognizing me and reporting it to bring this whole thing into a shitshow.” the Terran replies as she turns and fits her plasma colt and holster.

“What do? If I can ask?” Meeki presses curiously.

Simone bit at her inner cheek. She still can’t help but continuously extract guilt from what happened. Although she has gained an incredible amount of perspective, the genuine moments everybody and her shared before that operation… still felt so very real. They were monsters, but still people. Were they just as used as she was? Just further along? Did any of them have any hope at all of seeing the horrible path they were on? Well in any case, it’s too late now.

“I did what was right.” the Terran finally whispers. Though for once, she fully believed it, “Even though there was nothing right about it.”

Feeling the gravity behind the Terran’s vague words, Meeki respectfully relents.

“I much understand. Nodrin and I see Terran colony too?” she asks hopefully.

“Sorry, but this is going to be a solo mission. I’d rather not risk gaining too much attention. Maybe next time. You’re catching on to G.S real quick by the way.” the Terran chuckles before patting the disappointed Gratt on her back and stepping out of the gym-armory.

Simone makes her way to the front of the ship, hearing Chucknuq’s boisterous laughter long before she makes visual contact. But when she does, she stops and leans against the wall to witness what's playing out.

"-and these are the fun controls! At a moment's notice this indicator will send concentrated cannon fire directly at your target! Bwahaa!" Chucknuq points out for the Watathling on his shoulder.

Essjay sits observant to all the dazzling lights and flashes of moving hardlight panels. They release low excited hisses as something new or flashy comes up and even follows a panel around the back of Chucknuq's shoulders as a panel is swiped around.

"Perhaps we'll find the time to have you shoot at an asteroid somewhere, eh? Heheheh…" the old man whispers secretly.

Simone smirks while silently shaking her head. To her, this was fucking adorable.

“Got any updates for me?” she asks, surprising the Captain.

"Ah! Simone! Heheh… We should be approaching the Lonth system within the standard hour! And perhaps some good news? Checking the updated charts it appears that the Terran Union has relinquished naval protectorate responsibility to the Mikks. So the likelihood of Terran vessels bearing down on us is minimal.” Chucknuq informs.

“As if they had any real presence before…” Simone mumbles as she rolls her eyes, “It’s still a joint colony though, right?”

“In theory, yes. Though it seems their actual authority is-” the Captain starts to answer before the redhead finishes the sentence.

“Next to none-existent. A damn joke.” she says while shaking her head.

“A bit harsh, don’t you think?” Chucknuq asks.

“Our people may be slowly dwindling, but we have the fleets to spare. The only navy bigger than ours is Central Galactic’s. They can spare one warship to safeguard a colony. Even a joint one.” Simone points out.

“Is there a known reason as to why they won’t?” the Captain asks.

“The High worlds, tense borders and valuable trade routes take priority. Sounds reasonable, right? But they want to keep presenting a show of force where it matters most. The galaxy sees us as the war-hounds, and it’s that image which ensures the Union gets their fair share of the economic pie. And yet smuggling and piracy runs rampant in the outer colonies, the very places where the majority of other peoples get their first impressions of us. Maybe they want the ‘Terrans are to be feared’ narrative to propagate, which wouldn't surprise me.” the Terran answers in rant.

“Absolutely unfortunate. But I wonder what state the Union would be in if their military might was put into question.” Chucknuq poses to get Simone’s honest thoughts.

“We’d become a more integrated member of Central Galactic. We would be better understood. Our enemies would cease their aggressions because Central would bear down on them otherwise. Our failing populations wouldn’t be so restricted to Terran space. But… that’s not gonna happen. Terrans are too stubborn and resentful to embrace trading some governmental power to others. Especially when those others used us as toy soldiers, putting us in this situation in the first place. As if they didn’t save our asses before that. Don’t get me wrong, I have my own shit against Central Galactic as a government… but at least they have maintained genuine unity of the most diverse citizens of species and cultures. Exactly what my people have struggled to do without the idea of conflict threatening our very existence.” the redhead says as her eyes begin to stare out into empty space.

“I truly hope for the best regarding your people’s future, Simone. Although it’s uncertain to most, I earnestly hold the belief that one day the Terrans will stand proud among every other species in equal measure.” the Captain responds with a slow nod.

Simone shakes her head to refocus.

“It will be long after my time if it does happen. But yeah. Just dreams right now. Anyway, Essjay having fun?” she redirects the conversation while leaning down towards her kid still perched on the Captain’s shoulder.

“Ha! Indeed! They will be a capable vessel pilot in no time!” Chucknuq says with a jovial swing of his grasper.

“Well great! I hope you don’t mind keep’n an eye on ‘em while I’m ashore? Until Chak comes around for ‘em.” the Terran asks as she gives the Watathling scratches.

“Of course, of course!” the Captain assures, “Essjay has proven rather astute in vessel operations!”

“Hm. And in our available arsenal soon from what I hear…” Simone adds with a wink before she turns around, “Alrighty, I’m gonna wait in the cargo bay. Remember to completely lock down the ship when I step out, the Gratt are in charge of security while I’m gone.”

“Aye-aye! May your triumphant return to your spawning grounds prove fruitful, ms. Thatch!”

“We’ll see. Be good, Essjay!” Simone farewells.

-

“I would very much like to join you!” Chak insists in excited bounces, “Seeing where you grew up sounds amazing!”

Simone scoffs and shakes her head at the Cali’s audacity.

“Chak, we are literally landing in a few minutes! You can’t just spring this up on me at the last second!” she replies in a baffled chuckle.

“I know… I know… but when will I ever have another chance? I’d very much like to meet the people you gre up with.” Chak points out while pressing herself up against the Terran in plea.

“This isn’t a social visit- okay it sort of is- but I need incognito. I need to reduce any eyes on me, and a pretty little Cali like you is just gonna do just that.” Simone argues.

“Well what if we make a cover story!? I can be nothing more than a prospector looking for asteroids that would be suitable for a start-up mining company. And I’m here to meet with my future potential neighbors! Oh! And you can be my trusted rugged lead engineer! Yes, you seem a bit rough around the edges but deep down you have a burning passion to revolutionize mining technology and dream of enriching the universe, becoming a legend in your own right… However… you’ve recently become distracted with your work. Against your driven passions your heart has been also claimed by your wonderfully bold and daring prosecutor. Standard day by day… the tension between us became tighter and tighter until one night we both gave into our feelings… It was a glorious night of passion, but since then there has been an awkwardness between us… Was it our hearts singing? Or a one night experience to simply settle our urges? Are we to do it again? Or continue on never knowing-” Chak’s fantasy is interrupted by a gently cupping Terran paw over her mouth.

“Chak. What fucking movies have you been watching?” the redhead inquired with an amused shaking of her head.

The Cali’s eyes widen and flash continuously.

“R-research…” she chirps softly.

Simone stares at her for a good long moment, trying to process how to respond.

“I think you’re starting to discover things about yourself, hun. And I’m all for it, can’t wait to hash that out later, but that ain’t gonna fly in public.” she whispers as she places her hands on the Cali’s shoulders, “It’s important that no one other than the person I’m here to see, knows I’m here. Alright? I’m not wearing this getup for a roleplay sesh. I’m sorry, can you please stay on the ship?”

Chak’s eyes fade a bit in disappointment.

“If you really think it’s best.” she concedes.

“Thank you.” Simone says as she brings the Cali in for an appreciative hug.

The floor trembled as the ship presumably made its landing.

“Opening the cargo bay doors!” Chucknuq announces over the intercom.

“Wish me luck.” Simone says as she pulls away and flips up her collar and lowers her goggles to better hide her face.

“May the stars guide you!” Chak nods right before the popping of the doors opening occurs and the ramp extends down.

Immediately Simone is hit with the scent of pure nostalgia. It’s hard to describe, like a unique cocktail with a very distinctive blend of smells. It’s what she once associated with home, and in a way it still does.

The Terran rolls her shoulders and begins her steady steps down the ramp and into a fairly large visitor docking bay.

Faded yellow paint marked rectangular floor sections for ships to park. Most are empty, but at a quick glance Simone sees a herd of kids using a very familiar section as a baseball field. Some traditions don’t die…

Down the other way she sees a few circular clustered shuttles with tarps tented in between to create a sort of abode; the strong smells of barbeque indicate that the not quite legal rustic restaurant was still in business. Ol’ Ted must still be kicking.

Simone can’t help but to stop and stare. Already she can tell that almost nothing has changed. That alone brings her so much peace of mind and heart. Despite all the insane turns her life has taken, there can be this constant.

“Hey! We don’t get such fancy ships flying though these parts often! Though she’s definitely seen better days….” A man cheerily speaks up, “Lookin’ for some patchwork to be done or do you need a restock? If you have the time I’d recommend you and your crew to head right over there to Ted’s shack. Best brisket burgers in all the Lonth system! Got killer salads too for those inclined!”

Simone looks over to see the approaching man in far dirtier well-worked coveralls. In his gloved hands is a flickering tablet with a check-in procedure already half filled out. His dark five-o'clock face is riddled with a speckling of tiny healed over burn marks. Of course he would follow in his father’s footsteps in being a check-in greeter inbetween repair work. Simone immediately recognizes his still glowing charismatic smile paired with the fact that he has his dreadlocks in the exact same ponytail since she last saw him as a teenager.

Clearing her throat, Simone panics and attempts to speak in a higher pitch.

“Yeppers! We’re just running some uhh… prospecting trips! Yeah, we may order in some rations later, but I’m just here to meet up with someone who may know a bit more about the area. Need me to sign for anything?” she says, dying a bit inside from the horribly executed accent she ended up using.

The man slows his gait, and eyes narrow.

“Holy shit… Simone Thatch!?” he proclaims way too loudly.

Simone’s jaw drops and her mind freezes up. She didn’t account for one of her childhood friends being the very first face to see.

The author's content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

“No?” She attempts to recover in a confused voice, but from the look in the man’s eyes she knows her discrete mission is over before it starts.

“Like hell you’re not! How’s it been!?” the man greets with open arms and a wide excited smile.

Simone’s shoulders slump as the man gives her a welcoming hug with healthy slaps on her back. She grants a returning slap on his and shakes her head.

“For crying out loud Jackie… Can’t you fuck’n see I’m not wanting an annoncement?” she scolds before pulling away.

“What? You thought you were pulling a fast one? Girl, you were always built like a damn tank. The hat and coveralls can’t hide that.” Jackie chuckled with a hand still on her shoulder, “What was with that voice?”

“Noth- just- damn it. Look, I’d appreciate it if you kept this more on the down low. I’m not sure what you heard, but I have some real heat on my back. Government heat.” she explains, catching sight of a few of the playing kids stopping to curiously watch.

“Pffft… as if anyone cares. Who’s gonna snitch? Ted? Old fart wouldn’t risk his little shack for any stack of credits. Besides, we’re an independent colony now! No love here for the Union’s bullshit.” Jackie replies with a wave of his hand.

“No, I’m ser- wait… independent? Since when? Aren’t the Mikks in charge around here now?” Simone asks.

“I mean, technically? But with what enforcement? The Union pretty much cut us loose. They barely even offered relocation to other colonies. As if. For all intents and purposes, we pretty much run full independent outside of the tax we send the Mikks way.” the man clarifies with a proud smirk.

“Okay… wow. But I still can’t risk someone tossing a message to the Union. It will be trouble for everyone. Understand?” Simone states with absolute seriousness.

Jackie shakes his head and holds up a pointer finger before activating his Comm.

“Hey, Tavish. You’ll never guess who I spotted exiting the fancy ship! Oh, you already got us on camera huh… I know right… she’s almost as broad as her dad now… yeah she says the Union is look’n for her. Thanks bud!” he then shrugs and smiles at the shocked woman, “We’ll be filtering all communications off this station until you leave. If Union comes later, we play dumb.” he updates.

“Seriously?” Simone responds, feeling a bit jarred by the worst case scenario spinning into the best base so quickly.

“Jeez Simone, I know you’ve been off doing who knows what, but surely you remember we take care of our own around here. So, who’s the Cali? And the… uhm… green ones?” he inquires, peeking around the redhead.

Simone turns back to see Chak, Meeki and Nodrin all standing by the doors to get a glance around. She sighs and waves them over.

“Jig’s up guys. You’re free to come out.” she grants.

The two Gratt springs down the ramp looking every direction with burning curiosity. Several of the far-off kids begin to point and speak amongst themselves in awe of the new green species, though one in particular is convinced that they are just overgrown Noxii. In any case their practice game has come to a complete halt.

“I’m Chief of security for this vessel, and these two are my subordinates Meeki and Nodrin. Guys, this is one of my childhood friends Jackie.”

“Greetings! I am aroused to meet you!” Meeki blurts out.

Both Terrans turned to her with raised eye tufts.

“Excuse me? I’m afraid I’m a married man…” Jackie responds with a flushed face.

“Meeki, you mean say ‘excited’. Used wrong word.” Nodrin quickly informs

“Oh! Mistake! Still learn Galactic Standard! Excited to meet you!” Meeki corrects.

Jackie leaned back and let out a hearty laugh.

“Ooooh boy, thank the stars! Donna’s a sharp woman, but last thing I need is rumors circulating. Good to meet’cha!” he finally says, wiping moisture from one of his eyes.

“Wait… seriously? You and Donna!?” Simone cuts in, “You hated each other's guts…”

“A lot changed while you were off galavanting through the stars. We have twins now if you can believe it.” Jackie replies with a smug shrug.

“No kidding… the thought of kids with your silver tongue and her piercing bitch face sounds like a terrifying combo.” Simone grunts out, crossing her arms.

“Tell me about it. Not even six years old yet and they are a handful. Good kids though, couldn’t be prouder.” the man chuckles with a much softer and warm smile, “How bout you? Not one to settle down I’d imagine.”

“Fuck, I tried not to… believe me. But…” Simone gazes at the approaching Cali, who was taking her time to absorb this new place, “...this one reeled me in good.”

Jackie’s eye tufts lift up once more towards the Cali and back at Simone.

“How have you not broken her like a twig?” he half-joked.

Simone rolls her eyes and slugs his arms half-heartedly.

“A lot of smooth jazz and sheer fuck’n luck.” she answers sarcastically, causung another burst of laughter from the man.

Finally giving the two Terrans her full focus, Chak came up with flickering eyes.

“Oh, hello! Jackie is it? My name is Chak. It is a pleasure to meet you!” she chirps in a bounce, “I’m… uhm… a prospec-”

“Fiance! Chak’s my fiance.” Simone interrupts before the Cali can present her fantasy, “She is also the ship’s custodian.”

“Ahhh… dipping your pen in the company’s ink I see…” Jackie teases with a shoulder jab, “Glad to see somebody wrangled this one. Happy to meet ya.”

“Hey, she’s the one who hired me in a dingy bar’s side alley. Besides, I was more of a contractor sort of deal.” Simone defends as she turns to take hold of the Cali’s waist from the side and pulls her close, causing Chak’s eyes to flash excitedly once more, “Not my fault she couldn’t resist these goods!”

Chak bashfully begins to tap her lower appendages together, very much enjoying being held in this manner.

Jackie smirks and shuts off the data pad in his hand.

“So why are you here really? Come to dig out some stashed away Coco-slap-pie treasure? They last forever so you may be in luck.” he asks.

“Nah, I still carry my supply with me. No… I was actually hoping to speak with Denver about… something.” the redhead informs.

“Oh… Denver… uhm… I’m sorry, but he passed on about two years ago now. Heart problems, and we couldn't get a replacement in time.” Jackie says apologetically.

“No shit…” Simone mumbles, both saddened and annoyed that her plan was completely in vain… Unless, “You wouldn't know if much of his stuff is still stored away? Like a contact book, or a journal? It’s important.”

“Some of his stuff from his old unit should still be in storage I think… If you’d like I can send somebody to check it out.” the man offers.

“Yeah, that would be great. Thank you. I’m not gonna take anything, just need info.” Simone nods gratefully.

“No problem! We’ll get someone on it right away. In the meantime, feel free to treat yourself. But first I’m dying to see Ted’s face when he spots you.” Jackie says as he starts to lead the group away.

“Don’t you have a job to do?” Simone jestingly pesters.

“I’m already working overtime, dad can deal if I take an extended break.” Jackie waves away.

Simone steps to follow, but looks back at the three others next to her.

“Don’t venture far, but if you two would like to take a look around… that should be alright. Just… be careful.” she allows.

Meeki’s four eyes expand and she rapidly nods.

“I wish to learn game! Child game! Look fun!” She says, pointing back at the gaggle of kids still curiously overwatching.

The redhead smirks.

“Suppose it’s better than them trailing you all over the place. Just be a bit more careful around the Mikks. They are Deathworlders, but they aren't quite as durable as Terrans.” she grants.

“Thank! Come Nodrin!” Meeki cheers pulling Nodrin back to scamper towards to where the sport ‘field’ is.

“What about the others in the ship?” Chak pointed out.

Simone bit at her cheek and scratched the back of her neck, but admits they’ve been cooped up for quite a while. So she opens a line to Chucknuq, Vin and Seven.

“Hey, you three can venture out as long as you stick together. I’d still recommend locking down the ship though, Chucknuq.” she says.

“Excellent! What of Essjay? Wish for me to keep a watch?” the Captain responds.

“Actually I’ll take ‘em off your hands. I’m right at the bottom of the ramp.” the Terran decides.

“Very good!”

After a short wait, the four remaining onboard pour out together and the ramp recedes back up into the ship.

Simone rests a hand on the Tromble’s shoulder, allowing her child to scitter up her arm and rest against the side of her neck.

“Good kiddo…” Simone coos, “I’m sure you’re hungry huh?”

In response, the Watathling hisses excitedly and crawls to the other side of Simone’s neck.

“Hold up… not only are you hitched with a Cali, but you’re saying that you’re the parents of Watath!? How the hell did that happen!?” Jackie inquires in disbelief.

“I got lucky.” Simone simply replies as Essjay rubs their small head against the corner of her jaw.

“You’re living one hell of a life, Simone. Damn…” the man remarks as he continues towards Ted’s BBQ Shack.

“More than you’ll ever know.” the redhead whispers under her breath before moving her fiance and kid to follow.

The entrance to the ‘shack’ is a simple parting of tarps. Within are tables and ‘decorative’ lighting consisting of modified floodlights. All except one of the shuttles are closed off. The odd one out has an entire custom horizontal opening where cooking smoke, smells and sounds plume out. There are a few workers eating in what’s probably their usual spots, thankfully only a few give the newcomers a curious glance.

“Hey! Ted! Take five and get your old-ass out here! I got a surprise for ya!” Jackie calls in though the opening.

“For all that is holy Jack! This better be good, I have several to-go orders to wrap up before mid shift at the mines-” A strained voice rasps back, soon followed by the appearance of a grumpy husky Mikk with snow-white scales and a thick drooping mustache-like feelers peers out. His red squinting eyes take in the new patrons.

“What? What is it? Want me to roast up some Cali rump? Heheheh!” he said in a teasing jest.

“Oh, excuse me?” Chak responds a bit offended.

Jackie rolls his eyes and signals for Simone to lose the hat and goggles. She does so, freeing her mane of wild red fur.

An instant flicker of recognition comes across the old Mikk’s flat face.

“Oh… my…” he utters as he moves down the shuttle and out of the sliding door. He hovers on a chair device, revealing atrophied legs and limbs mostly covered by an oily old apron, “Is that Robert’s little spitfire I see!?” he asks sweetly, demeanor completely flipping.

“Hey Ted. Still feeding the troops?” Simone replies with a big dumb smile on her face.

“What else would I be doing? Now lean down, let me get a good look at’cha!” Ted says reaching both his graspers and face feelers upwards.

The redhead removes her kid in her hand and does as requested. Dry and cracked graspers clasp the sides of her face and leathery feelers gain a clearer image of the Terran’s now-grown features.

“Just like your father… After they shipped you off to war, I worried I would outlive the last Thatch… Thank the stars…” Ted says as he releases Simone.

“Takes more than a few wars to kill me, too damn stubborn.” Simone chuckles as she pats the old man’s shoulder, “And they may not have my nose, but there’s another generation of Thatch…” she carefully brings Essjay to the front and center, “Be nice, Essjay.” she warns.

“Well look at that… How am I not surprised!?” Ted muses before giving the Watath child some back scratches, “Don’t suppose you’re staying long?”

“Unfortunately no. We have a lot on our plate right now, just a quick visit.” the Terran replies honestly.

“Ah, pity… Well then allow me to put a lot on another plate for ya! Heheheh! Can’t leave leave without Ted’s barbeque! The old usual? And for Cali friend here?” he offers.

“I wouldn’t dream of skipping town without it.” Simone says, “And this is my fiance, I think she’ll really enjoy your famous ribs. Just without the sauce.”

“Fiance? Ohhh my… she treat’n you good?” Ted whispers, though he is still clearly heard by all.

Simone blinks hard at tears that hit her out of nowhere.

“Yeah… she does…” Simone whispers back in a chuckle or cry… she can’t honestly tell.

“Wonderful! A usual, ribs and a special somethin’ somethin’ for the kid! Consider it all my wedding gift.” Ted declares before hovering back into his kitchen.

“I’ll go wrap up my work and meet back up with ya after you're done.” Jackie casually salutes before checking out.

“Thanks, Jackie.” Simone replies.

The three sit at the closest table, clearly hearing the old chef whistling a happy tune.

“You look very happy, Simone.” Chak chirps as she reaches and takes hold of Simone’s paw.

The redhead internally laughs, her body shivering.

“You know, I’m such a big idiot right?” she responds, wiping her face dry.

“How so?”

“I thought I couldn’t ever come back… And sure, maybe I can’t ever really stay here long… but… man.” Simone’s eyes fall onto Essjay who’s standing up in a ‘S’ stature on the table and locking in on the wondrous smells coming from the shuttle, “As a kid… you don’t really fully comprehend how many people actually care about you. Even after I got over my mean-streak, I thought this place would move on from me in a heartbeat. But it hasn’t, and I’m still worth caring about. I feel like an idiot for not realizing that sooner. I lost more than I thought, and yet, now I have more than I thought. I never thought I’d be so rich in life. It’s amazing…”

Chak squeezes the Terran’s paw supportively and leans in, kissing her cheek.

-

Stepping out of the elevator, it opens up to a walk lane. Simone, Chak, Essjay and Jackie step out.

“And this floor is where I’m livin’ these days!” Jackie announces as he shows off the windowed view of the walkway that overlooks the majority of the colony from above.

“First to get spaced if something goes wrong, huh?” Simone comments as she brings Chak and Essjay to the window.

“Whoa… It’s so… pretty!” Chak says as she peers out to the left-hooking connecting domes and tower structures, contrasting to the comparatively near-barren asteroid landscape surrounding it. Though even from up here the group can see many wheeled vehicles traversing the surface. Most in an orderly fashion, while a few went in their own rogue directions. The expanse of space above is crisp without an atmosphere to cloud it.

For Simone, this was all that reality had in store for her. Just this and piles of media from a lost age. Although it still strikes hard in her nostalgia, Simone can only see it as a ‘place’. She has seen so much in her time wandering the stars, good and bad. Many places are more grand, impressive, dangerous, awe inspiring, etc… It’s an odd mental place for her to be, but one thing’s for certain. She’s happy to be here.

“Hey… Simone. Can I ask you something?” Jackie says as he fits his hands in his pockets.

“Shoot.”

“Sam was shipped off to the academy too, right? What… What happened to her? Her family got her ashes back… but they said her death was ‘classified’ and seeing how you two were really close at one point… I was just hoping you would know.”

Closing her eyes, Simone bit at her cheek in somber consideration.

“She… she died following orders. When the dust settled… a lot of innocent lives were saved.” she answers vaguely, trying her best to hide the shaking.

“I see. Sorry that must have been a lot to ask. But I think her family will appreciate the closer. Thank you. Glad she went out a hero at least.” Jackie replies before moving down the walkway.

Pushing past the horrible imagery of betrayed eyes condemning her… Simone nods, not having the heart to correct him.