As a mighty-fine banquet of everyone’s favorites all at once draws to a close, Simone feels a tug at her sleeve. Looking to her side she sees Essjay releasing their jaws from her jacket.
“Sup kiddo? The redhead asks.
A bit nervously, the little Watath lifts up a datapad with a message.
‘I’m happy you are back mom.’
Simone puts a hand on her chest and stitches at the back of Essjay’s head with the other.
“Me too, kiddo. Wish I didn’t have to go like we did, but it was important.” she replies sweetly.
Essjay nods, but their nervousness doesn’t dispel, causing Simone to lean closer in concern.
“Something wrong?” she asks softly.
Turning the pad Essjay types up a new message rather quickly, but hesitates a few seconds before turning it back around for Simone to see.
‘I want to say you something, but I do not want to be in trouble.’ they admit, hiding their face behind the pad.
Feeling a slight sinking feeling attached to the weight of parenthood takes Simone’s heart. But she smiles and nods before scooping them up in her arms. Standing up she looks to Chak.
“Essjay and I will be right back, hun. If you guys need help with Jamie before then shoot me a message." She informs.
"Oh, alright. Thankfully Seven seemed used to keeping our son distracted." Chak chirps in response thinking Essjay needs to be rushed to a lavatory.
After a quick glance around to make sure nothing was about to fall into potential chaos, Simone quickly steps out and moves towards the front of the ship to sit in Chucknuq’s pilot’s seat. To provide some privacy she also closes the wide bridge doors.
Clearing her throat, Simone internally prepares herself to hear just about anything that her child needs to say or admit.
"Okay kiddo. I'm ready to hear you out, and whatever you need to tell me I promise that I'm not going to be angry with you. You can talk to me about anything, and even if it's bad I'm still going to be on your team. We may need to sit down and figure things out in some cases, but I'm here for you." She reassures in a tone that she hopes is at least a fraction as comforting as the one her own father used.
Essjay shallowly nods before slowly flicking at the datapad to an already written message that unbeknownst to Simone was rewritten several times and crafted with the eventual requested help of a certain resident Tromple.
Staring at their message for a short while Essjay slowly turns it for the redhead to see, once again hiding their face behind it.
'Dear moms, I know what you do is super important. I know too that Jamie is my brother and needs my help when you are gone. I want to help and do it good. But grandpa said I need to be honest about how I feel and tell you if stuff is too much. So that is what I’m doing. Jamie isn’t bad and does not do bad things, but he is really loud and does not sleep as much as me. He doesn’t know that my stuff is mine and has almost broke my things a lot. I want to help but I don’t sleep as much as I need and I don’t want my stuff broken. Sharing is okay and I do it, but some of my stuff is just for me. I do want to help but I need my time and stuff alone. I’m really really really sorry and still want to help.’
Simone reads it all twice over, after the first time she bites onto her middle knuckle with slightly trembling teeth as she goes through it again.
“Oh kiddo…” she whispers in a disappointed tone to the child’s fear, but upon noticing the redhead course corrects before Essjay can get the wrong idea, “You’ve done nothing wrong kiddo. I’m so sorry, come here.” she gently invites to hug the kid with both of her arms.
Essjay is initially tense, unsure why their mom was being apologetic, but relaxes as the tenderly secure arms envelop them.
Once she feels the tension leave, Simone then pulls up her legs to emphasize the embrace as she fights back tears.
“You’re already growing up so fast, and you are so dang responsible for your age. But that doesn’t mean what I asked you to do was unfair. I guess since I didn’t grow up with any siblings I just thought… well… Growing up where I did we took care of each other like family, but we didn’t have to exist and share all our space. So I thought asking you to watch out for your brother was the right thing to do. I still want you to watch out for him of course, but you’re still a young kid too and need your own time and space to be one. Parenting is my and your other mom’s job, not yours.” she affirms before adjusting herself so that she could look Essjay directly in one of their eyes, “You are our kid too, and your needs need to be met just as much as your brother’s. I’m so sorry if I made you think otherwise. I love you kiddo and I hope you know that I’d do anything to make sure you’re safe and happy. I’m not going to be the perfect mom and despite giving my best I’ll make mistakes. But you’ll always have my best, and you can always talk to me. Especially if I’m slipping up like I did. Okay?”
Rubbing their face into Simone, Essjay sheepishly nods in sincere relief and appreciation.
“How about we set up a space just for you. I know we were going to retrofit and give ya the big closet at the end of the bedroom hallway while you’re still small. We can put all your personal stuff that you don’t want Jamie access to in there and even get a cozy bed for when you want to sleep by yourself. When you get a bit bigger we can move you into your own room. But I’m going to run it by grandpa first and make sure that you can’t get stuck in there if something were to happen. That sound like a good plan to start with?” Simone proposes.
Essjay nods again with more excitement and begins to type on their pad in view for their mother to see.
‘Can I have a beanbag bed??? Please!’
Simone’s upper torso rocks as she lets out a quiet laugh.
“You bet you can, kiddo.” she chuckles as she rubs under one of her eyes with a free arm, “We’ll take you out shopping next chance we get.” she promises while hugging the Watath, “Get you some cool-ass decor. Can’t promise vid game stuff… But I’ll try to convince your other mom.”
As her child revels in glee at that prospect, the redhead recalls the day that she drew the Watathling from their liquid-filled canister. They were so tiny back then, and it really hasn’t been all that long. She remembers the feeling of finally becoming a parent, something she always wanted but never thought would come to pass. Essjay gave her that incredible gift and now she is the mom of two. Both a wonderful and terrifying thing.
Jamie needs specific attention and will likely have to face a lot of isolating hardship in his future. But she resolves to not let that fact distract her from her first kid and their needs. The grand crisis that looms over the galaxy is beyond important to face, but that doesn’t mean she will miss raising either of her kids. Not only will they grow up and live in a more peaceful universe, but they will have been given the best childhoods the Terran and Cali can provide.
“Now… as to make your job as the older sibling easier when we’re gone… I have an idea for that too.”
-
Zrume loyally sits like a statue at Chak’s side in the bedroom quarters hallway. Sitting cross legged across from the dog and Princess is Simone with a child on each knee. She also has to keep a certain little Manarian’s tail wrapped around one of her arms to keep the curious boy from prematurely prodding at the animal.
“Alright you two…” Simone sighs in preparation as she points at the dog to gain her children’s attention, “Her name is Zrume. She’s here to help keep everyone on this ship safe. And although she’s very smart, she’s an animal who doesn’t talk or fully understands things. So you two have to be nice to her, okay? Although you can play with her, remember that she’s not a toy or a plaything and still has feelings and boundaries. We respect those under this roof.” she informs them.
“ZZZzzzzzzzzzzzuuumeeee…” Jamie confidently states as he reaches out a small clawed pointing hand.
“Yes! That’s Zrume, can you say ‘Hi, Zrume!’?” Simone encourages the toddler as her point changes into a friendly wave.
“Haiiiizzzzzzzzzzuuuuumeee!” Jamie cheers all in a single word before twisting his open palm in a more stiff wave. His tail initially attempts the same, but the redhead’s hold on it keeps it from extending out.
Giving a smiling nod Simone then looks at Essjay.
“How bout you, kiddo? Wanna try saying ‘hi’?” she invites.
Essjay seems to experience a bit more trepidation about meeting the animal. Their plate flick in uncertainty as they mimic the waving gesture with one of their graspers.
“Hhh-huh-hhhhye… Zzzzruumye…” they release from their maw. Their current voice capability was very hoarse, but it came through the hollow hissing.
“Does that count as Essjay’s first word!?” Chak chirps in sudden excitement.
Simone lifts an eyebrow.
“Damn close enough.” she grants in a laugh before scritching the back of the Watath’s neck, “Great job, kiddo!”
Spirits rising, the proud child clicked their back plates in a flowing pattern.
“Very good job indeed!” Chak agrees, “Is it okay if I bring Zrume to you? I promise she is very nice.” she asks the less dog-eager Watath.
Essjay looks at the dog and their parent’s nervously before snuggling closer to the Terran. After a moment of consideration, they nod.
“Ysssssss…” the Watath permits.
Chak begins to walk forward with the working pooch at her side. As they get close up the nostrils of the canine flares but doesn't show signs of aggression.
“Zrume, at ease. Gentle.” the Cali instructs aloud.
Posture relaxing and mouth opening the dog immediately leans her excited sniffing right up to Jamie’s face in repetitive ‘snif-snif-snif-snif-snif-SNNNIIIFFF’ huffs.
Jamie squeals in a laugh as he turns his head away when the dog’s sniffs become licks, tasting the pizza the boy recently indulged in.
“Okay-okay…” Simone says, disappointed to cut the adorable short she carefully lifts a hand between two, “Zrume can’t have garlic and your face is covered in it.” the redhead explains as the dog changes targets completely and moves over to inspect the other child.
Essjay lets out an involuntary hiss of concern as the sniffer gets close, causing her to perk her head back from them.
The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.
“Zrume, gentle.” Chak reminds, although the animal was doing well the last thing any of them want is to have a potentially venom-bite from Jamie.
Instead of leaning her face back in, Zrume takes a half-step back and folds down into a lying position. Her head rests down on her front paws and her eyes look up at Essjay directly.
“Would you like to pet her?” Chak asks the Watath as she sits down on her knees and runs one of her upper arms down the dog’s neck and back.
Seeing the animal assume such a submissive gesture, Essjay pulls away from their redhead mom with curiosity.
“You don’t have to do anything you’re not comfortable with, but we promise Zrume knows her job is to protect ya. She’s not going to hurt’cha.” Simone reassures Essjay as she guides Jamie’s tail grasper to the dog to show how gentle to be with her.
Working up the courage, the Watath child crawls off Simone and cautiously approaches Zrume from the diagonal side.
The dog takes glances at the skittering being but shows nothing but relaxed patience.
Once they are close enough to get into grasper’s reach, Essjay begins to scritch in the fur wearily and when nothing negative seems to happen they do it in earnest.
They get a minor spooking surprise however when Zrume plops down on her side and scoots to her back exposing her dark underbelly.
“Awwwhhh…” Simone says at the display while Jamie laughed thinking it is the most hilarious thing, “Rub her belly, trust me.” Simone insists to Essjay, as she lets Jamie get closer as well.
Unsure as to why they are given that instruction, Essjay approaches once again and starts scritching.
After a few standard seconds Simone points, to which sends Jamie into an even more entertained fit of laughter. Turning to look, the Watath immediately sees that the animal is thrashing one of her rear legs in the air in bouncy kicks.
Hissing a laugh as well, Essjay scritches faster hoping it would cause the leg kicking to go quicker. When it noticeably does, they are beside themselves with giddy amusement.
Smiling deeper as she releases Jamie’s tail Simone keeps an eye on things. Thankfully Essjay seems to be fully comfortable around Zrume and Jamie picked up on not being rough with her. The redhead’s gaze flicks up to find Chak’s already glowing her way.
The both share a mutual stare, at first brimming with being content, but then expands into something else. The very same thought enters their mind of doing something before the galaxy has a chance to be flipped on its head for the rest of time.
-
After several standard days of travel, Chak finds herself striding down the corridor between the med bay and mess hall. Not because of her sheer confidence, but rather deciding to just ‘go for it’ by Simone’s advice.
She’s not certain why she’s so nervous about this, perhaps even a bit guilty that she shouldn’t be nervous at all. Yet she is, very much so. But this has to be done, no way around it.
When the Cali enters the bridge she finds Chucknuq tapping away and adjusting the future course through the galactic lanes. With the recent events of the federation forming, the modified star charts the Captain used to navigate the areas where both Chak and Simone wouldn’t be safe are -outside of Cali territories- completely pointless now. The Union fully pardoned Thatch, and the Princess alluded to the universe that she was under this federation’s protection by going to that interview before leaving Central. Only the most mad, corrupt or desperate of bounty hunters will seek them out now. Also taking shortcuts through certain areas of space is now a more valid option.
“Captain?” Chak speaks up.
“Yes Chakalata’motaas? Is there another station you wish to stop at before we head to our final destination?” the old man inquires, “We can stop by Kamoi if you wish! Maybe you can enjoy that restaurant without shattering its floor this time, haha!”
“Oh… uhm actually… that doesn’t sound like a terrible idea. But that’s not why I’m visiting you… Uhm… may we speak in private?” Chak replies as she nervously bounces in place.
Turning to see the princess’s current state, Chucknuq scales pale slightly but he keeps up his usual jovial demeanor.
“Of course! Come I have tea in my quarters.” he invites as he remotely opens the floor door and slides off his seat.
Chak nods gratefully but only seems to be more uneasy as she follows and sits in her usual seat.
That Captain is swift to provide the warm kul dew tea and settle at his personal table’s side.
“Do you even like Kul dew? I realized I never really asked you.” Chak asks to break her own tension.
“That’s all you came to ask?” Chucknuq teases before chuckling, “No where near my favorites, but it does well enough in a pinch. Especially if I’m hosting a Cali Princess. Heheahaha!”
Chak eyes light up slightly as she smiles.
“You’ve been there for me since… well, most of my life.” Chak says, “Not just before the travesty but… you stepped up in a way that made sure that all of this was possible. I owe you my life Chucknuq. After our guards turned on me, you were the only person I had left. You traded a well earned retirement away for a life of being on the run and aimless. I don’t think I could possibly thank you enough.”
“And I’d do it again, and again. I may be a washed up Admiral with a life plenty filled with my own misadventures and experience… but I don’t regret the adventures you or your fiance have brought. I wish your whole family was still alive of course, but since this is where the stars find themselves positioned, then I’m beyond glad to see you find your stride and place among them.” Chucknuq says with the utmost earnesty.
Chak’s eyes gray as though on the verge of crying but they begin to flicker before she lets out a small laugh.
The Captain tilts his head curiously.
“Well don’t hoard the joke for my sake, hehaha!” he says.
Chak scratches the side sof her face for a moment before shaking her head,
“Oh, sorry, no. I genuinely appreciate that, it’s just… I just remembered us sitting here while I confided in you that I had feelings for Simone. You encouraged me to follow my feelings… It feels so silly that I needed convincing in the first place, considering me and her are about to be married.” she clarifies while feeling her own current nerves start to melt away, “Speaking of which… Simone and I have decided on how our wedding will go. There will be a few traditional practices from both our cultures, but some of it is just stuff we thought would just be fun. That’s… actually what I want to speak with you about. Something regarding the wedding itself.”
“Aye… I’ve been to quite a few weddings and mate-bonding ceremonies myself. Although my track record isn’t the best when it comes to attending weddings that I didn’t get a little… disordered with other attendees. Regardless, I’d be more than happy to provide my insight to your plans! Hehah!” the Captain replies before taking a deep sip of tea.
“Heh… yes, well… Your insight is always welcome, but that’s not quite what I was getting at. You see, a part of many Terran’s traditions in weddings involve some sort of ‘blessing’ by the parents of those being wed. Cali doesn't do that usually, as you know… but I really like the idea of sharing a part of our special day with someone who I by all accounts consider a father-figure to me. A genuine one, that did what any parent would do.” Chak says, fighting back any returning nervousness to finally ask, “Chucknuq, will you officially offer your blessings for me to marry Simone. Not that it’s ‘needed’ for us, because we’d marry anyway but… I mean… uhm… Not did you help us truly be together, but when I think of ‘father’ all I feel at first is rage and anger because ‘he’ first comes to mind for what he’s done… but then… I think of you, and all that anger goes away… because you’ve given that title something worth cherishing in my mind-” Chak is cut off as the Tromple pulls her into a warm embrace.
He pats her on the back comfortingly as she sinks her face into his shoulder.
“I watched you grow up. And in the face of unthinkable hardship and tribulations… I’ve seen you become an incredible woman. With the stars against you, again and again, you’ve stood strong and now hammer your horns right back at them. If you weren’t planning on surrendering the crown to your brother I’d think you’d make a marvelous Queen. But I’m so proud of the path you’re choosing to take, this is your life and the only one able to decide what you are to do with it, is you. That said, nothing would fill my old spirit with more honor than offering you and Simone my blessings. You’ve had them since the start, but I don’t mind declaring it again on your special day.”
“Thank you.” Chak’s muffled voice says in sincere love before fully hugging back.
-
“Whoa…” Sonla utters after she inspects the decimated smoldering target of an explosive that she set off.
“Told ya. Honestly you can get a similar effect with some quick ‘modifications’ to certain plasma weapons.” Brandy informs the Vorook, “Well… actually with the right know-how and desperate circumstance one can convert a plasma weapon into an array of things. A torch, cutter, stovetop… pretty versatile if you’re not afraid of the risk of blowing some fingers off. I’ve done all of that, even used one as a surgery tool a few times.”
“Wow! Can you show me!?” Sonla begs right away.
Brandy lifts an eye tuft and smirks down at her explosive-keen friend.
“How about we take apart a drained plasma gun and I’ll show ya what to look for when making modifications? As experienced as I am, those things are really for emergency situations with little other choice. Remember you're very likely scraping a good plasma weapon to do most of those things. And the danger it poses to not only yourself but the people around you alone is something to keep in mind before committing.” she says sternly.
“Ah… damn… but fair.” Sonla grants, “You sound really cool though! Do you have a mate? Not that I’m offering, I only want a big boyfriend, but you must have good advice on finding one!”
“Oh I’ve had a few folks shoot their shot over the years, but I’ve never really been in their ‘markets’. So… sorry but I’m the last person you should get that kind of advice from. Glad you think I’m cool though!” Brandy chuckles.
“You don’t want a mate?” Sonla asks for clarification.
“Nope, and don’t really want what they offer. Honestly the idea of having another person constantly exist in my proximity sounds exhausting. I’m good to cuddle up with a good read or show all by my lonesome. But if you want some sort of advice from me… I guess I can say what works for other people around here is to be direct with your feelings, be conscious of the other person’s feelings and honestly communicate. I’m sure something will eventually spark for ya.” Brandy replies with a shrug, “Mind if I ask what you find so appealing about finding a big Z’ah’tuck guy?”
“I’m a sucker for pretty boys… and pretty feathers are bigger on bigger guys.” Sonla explains as she starts to sort through what to blow up next.
“Fair enough I guess. You go girl.” Brandy laughs as she shakes her head.
-
“We should have remained in Central. Our grasp in the Union is being picked apart every moment that passes now. If we would’ve invested in eliminating the Princess at the very least, this whole federation could have been avoided. It compromises everything else outside the Union. Not only that but with Harkon gone how do you expect to keep all the branches on the tree before our lords are ready to emerge?” Glada, the current reigning chief of the Children of Gaia says to a helmeted woman working away at several hardlight consoles at her desk.
“Very unfortunate losses to our goal. But our numbers are suitable even if we were to be fully exiled from the Union, we may not be able to pack the punch we hoped for, but that just means we need to hit somewhere else. The plan overall hasn’t changed, but there is a need to rearrange and refocus. It’s also clear that my personal project needs further refinement. Four have been dispatched already… hardly the ‘vanguards of humankind’ I’m shooting for…” Ember says, not even looking up at her guest.
“If you really think Terrans will look up to these cybernetic experiments while the Empire reigns… then I think your idea of great leadership isn’t widely shared.” Glada counters with unhidden disgust, “Why not invest in genetic perfection for these super soldiers? Aren't the Manarians masters of gene manipulation? Surely that would be more suitable for what you’re envisioning.”
“Exactly because they are masters of such. If Terrans are to be their highest of servants it’s up to me to preserve us while under their stewardship. They’ll want to ‘perfect’ us to their liking, but we must hold on to ourselves. If we suit their needs with cybernetics, our minds and identity will remain true. Then one day… we may be able to…” Ember trails off as she flicks a screen away and stands up, “Regardless. Have you succeeded smuggling the ships and arms to the Malchite homeworld?”
“Yes. The quarantining Central fleet has grown rather lax again. With the Cali King’s assistance the liberation efforts are in full swing.”
“Excellent. Hopefully the sheeple-king keeps his cool until he’s needed. But, as agreed for your continued service…” Ember says as she waved a hand for the Gaia chief to follow.
Leading her out, Ember strides through a hallway and into a nearby set of thickly armored doors. She pressed down on an indicator and stood by as she and her guest are thoroughly scanned. Once the security V.I found nothing of concern, the doors rumbled and scrolled open.
Within is a long expansive lab lined with vertical tanks, many of which are occupied and filled with a strange thick transparent fluid. Hundreds of researchers and scientists work away at each of their designated duties and roles.
While Glada eyes practically everything with curiosity, Ember only glances to the side once in her venture deeper into the lab. A partially occupied tank with a half developed spine and brain with the designation ‘Sam MK 3’ on the accompanying monitoring console. But this isn’t Ember’s intended destination. She continues marching on until she stops at the only tank with a completely formed Terran within.
“He should have his memory up to before he landed on the Gratt homeworld. But the knowledge of how he dies has been given as well.” she tells Glada without so much looking at her, “Minimal cybernetics, as requested. Though with the wiggle room granted he will have a few perks he didn’t have in his past life.”
Glada slowly walks up right to the tank, lifting a hand up and pressing it against the surprisingly warm surface. Staring up at the slumbering face of her reborn husband she starts to tear up.
“Kole… You’ll live to see our work completed. And I hope you can forgive me, clone or not… the Children of Gaia needs you… all of Terran-kind needs you. Please understand why I asked for this.” Glada says as though the man within can hear her, before she turns her head slightly but doesn’t remove her gaze from the man, “Is he… ready?” she asks.
“Just about. Don’t worry, my people are running final checks as we speak.” Ember informs before stepping back, “Now if you’ll excuse me, I have more pressing matters to attend to.”