We Need a Deathworlder!

"You know… In all the action movies and games and shit… they- ahh fuck- never really show the ffffuck'n cleanup…" Simone grunts as she drags end of the Dillo's corpse closer to the growing pile of collected vanquished foes. Thankfully despite being cracked, the Dillo's fringe made a more than suitable handhold to haul it along a painfully long path down the stairs and into the cargo bay.

Satisfied with the eventual position she drops the head down with a meaty thud.

Bending over to place her hands on her knees, the Terran takes a breather.

"Oh, how about you take another break?" A worried Chak insists as she approaches with a canister of water.

"Nah I…" Simone starts to respond before shaking her head, more than noticing her current dizziness, "Yeah, okay…"

Accepting the water, Simone slowly walks to a nearby crate and lowers herself to sit against it on the floor. She takes a deep drink before pressing the cold container against her forehead.

"Guess I don't have my usual stamina back yet…" she comments with a tired smirk, trying to lighten the mood a bit.

Chak sits down next the Terran, feeling the expelling body heat from her.

"This was… a terribly close call." The Cali says somberly, wrapping her lower arms around herself.

"The closest yet…" Simone agrees, "They couldn't have chosen a more opportune time. Just glad we had the Gratt duo with us. And hey, you held yourself pretty good from what I've heard! Took facing a Dillo who ate his wheaties one-on-one to give ys trouble. Proud of ya!"

Chak eyes flash lightly, turning to look at Simone genuinely.

"I've come a long way because of you, and yet I still needed you to save me. Always my hero." She smiles, brushing an upper hand against the redhead’s cheek. Making them flush even more than they already were.

"I'm… just glad I still have it in me. Not being at my best and all…" Simone chuckles bashfully.

It's then Chak notices how painfully haggard the Terran’s breathing is in this moment and that her posture is so… slumped.

"Maybe you should rest in bed." Chak blurts out, her internal thoughts leaking into words.

Simone looks the Cali concerned, damn near insulted even. Though, she knows Chak comes from a place of love.

"I'm okay Chak… I'll get better." She reassures, putting on a bigger smile, "I've been put down far worse than this in my time in the military. Maybe not for this long, but I'll be back to a hundred percent in no time!"

Despite the Terran's words, the princess doesn’t seem to gain any sort of comfort.

"But… what if you don't?" Chak replies softly as she buries her face in her upper crossed arms, "What if… things like this keep happening? And you keep getting hurt to the point where you become sickly? I can’t protect you like you protect me-"

"Hey!" Simone sharply interjects, causing the Cali to jump in surprise, "Who is the biggest, meanest bitch out there!?"

Chak’s memories of the Kamoi incident are brought forth. It really wasn't all that long ago, nearly a standard year, yet it feels like she's lived a lifetime since.

"Y-you…" Chak answers.

"Wrong!" Simone corrects to the Cali's utter confusion.

"But… You told me-"

"I 'was' the biggest, meanest bitch. But then you decided to rain hell itself upon the sorry fucks who nabbed me. Me, a grumpy smart-mouth asshole Deathworlder. You did all that… for me. I'd hate to see any poor bastard get in your way. I couldn't be in safer hands." Simone says before leaning to kiss the side of Chak's head.

The princess's eyes flash much brighter this time, a chirping giggle finding itself freed from her smiling mouth.

"Only you can call me a 'mean bitch' and still somehow make me feel so much better…" she comments before rubbing her head against the Terran’s.

"It's part of my rustic charm." The Terran smugly replies with a wink.

"That’s certainly one term for it…" Chak teases as she mimics a Terran-eyeroll.

"Call it whatever you'd like, Princess. You’re a huge horndog for it…" Simone counters slyly, sending the Cali into another giggle-fit.

"Are you two seriously flirting in front of a pile of the deceased!?" Vin calls out from above by the railing.

"Sup doc! How's our lil' chef doing?" Simone responds, ignoring Vin's admittedly justified question.

"Seven is lamenting that they are unable to assist. And is dealing with taking life for the first time -an ordeal to which I can relate- but otherwise fine. Though they will need proper repairs, and unfortunately we lack anyone who can conduct them." The doctor answers.

"Oh, I will personally ensure they receive the best care possible!" Chak says.

“As I expected, you have my thanks Chakalata’motaas. I’m rather glad that our luck held up in this grim circumstance. Do we have any update on when our tow party will arrive?” Vin inquires.

“It’ll be a few days, but they’re on the way.” Simone replies with an affirming nod.

“I see. Suppose I should be grateful that we have aid coming at all…” the Noxii says before turning his way back to his quarters.

The two sit together for a while longer. The Terran’s breathing gradually becomes more clear and smooth. Feeling her third wind kick in, Simone musters herself up into a standing position.

“Alright… time to eject these bastards.” she notifies before turning back to the stairs, “I’m gonna suit up. Make things a bit easier for me.”

“Wonderful idea. Do you need help putting your suit on?” the Cali inquires, standing up herself.

Simone looks back at the Cali with a knowing glance paired with a smirk.

“Nah, shouldn’t be a problem.”

“Oh, very well. I’ll go check on the Gratt.”

-

“I adore you more than the spirits can provide dearest…” Nodrin chitters lovingly as they combed Meeki’s head fur with their claws.

“And I you, love.” Meeki whispers in a relaxed drugged haze as she nestles closer into her bondmate’s form, allowing herself to be bundled up like a sick child.

“Careful, dearest. Your wounds still require time to heal properly.” Nodrin cautions, checking Meeki’s bare bandaged chest once more.

The Gratt’s weaved tails thwap the bedding together in their mutual gratitude for one another.

“That was quite the adventure, wasn’t it?” Meeki says, “It was almost as frightening as the day the stars fell on our world. But so exciting! Like the heroes of ancient times.”

Nodrin stares at the face of the high female Gratt, her long pointed ears twitching from the medicine’s effects.

“Indeed. Though I believe you are more fond of this sort of thing.” Nodrin admits.

“And yet you are there… with me always… always and always and always.” Meeki mutters as she grazes a hand along Nodrin’s cheek.

“Always and always.” They agree earnestly, “I can tell, this is what you’ve been searching for, isn’t it?”

“Yes! I feel like I am still moving forward, but I do not need to leave. It’s absolutely wonderful, love!”

“I can see that, and I am so very much happy to see you find it. I know you don’t believe it, but I see that the spirits have granted your wish… because you are extraordinary.” Nodrin responds as they continue to brush Meeki’s fur.

“Perhaps not… but I do believe it was you who gave me the life I now live. Without you, my most adored Nodrin, my path would have been far too short to be here. You pathed my future, stone by stone. No matter how far I needed to wander.” Meeki informs, her four pupils expanding.

“In spirit and mind, you make me brave. Like a glorious blazing fire, leading through a forest so dense that no light comes through from the skies. Because of that, I go wherever you go. I fear no darkness, no steep cliff, no monstrous demon… nothing. Not for as long as you're there.”

“Nodrin…” Meeki whines, breaking into a soft affectionate cry, “You make me feel guilty, to have you to myself alone… many bonding families would greatly-”

“You are more than enough dearest. You are the only Gratt I ever wish to share this bond with. I desire only you, and to see your spirit thrive.”

Before Meeki can continue the Gratt-sap exchange, there is a light knock on their door.

“Enter, yes.” Nodrin speaks up in GS.

The door opens, revealing a lone Cali who simply leans in to see the cuddling mass of raw Gratt laying on the bed together.

“Oh, my apologies! I was just coming to check up on you and ask if you would like me to bring you anything. Are you hungry? Thirsty? I came now because I may be unavailable for some time.” Chak inquires.

“Much thanks. Cold drinks yes.” Nodrin replies gratefully.

“Of course. Are you two feeling well? How are your wounds Meeki?”” Chak says.

“Drugs much lots. Much no stand. Pain no moment.” the female Gratt answers.

“I see. I must thank you again for what you did. You without a doubt performed tremendously well. I’ll be right back with some cold water.” Chak farewells before resealing the door.

-

Simone lazily kicks the final corpse into a compartment to be incinerated and ejected into the cold void of space as nothing more than ash.

“Enjoy returning to stardust you stupid fucks…” she mutters as she slams the compartment closed and hits the incinerator activation.

As she makes her way towards the front of the vessel she grumbles to herself about not putting the suit on earlier. Moving the bodies into the initial pile would have been so much less taxing.

“Chucknuq?” the redhead asks as she enters the bridge.

However, she sees that the floor opening to the Captain’s quarters is currently exposed. She steps on down to see the Tromple resting on a couch-like piece of furniture. He’s reading from a datapad before looking up at his visitor.

“Ah. Ms. Thatch.” he greets in a soft tone before pointing at the chair across from him. Upon it is a curled-up Wathath child sleeping peacefully.

Simone clutches at her chest at the sight, resisting the urge to let out a drawn ‘awwww’.

“I’m happy to report that the little rascal seems to be doing quite fine despite the earlier events.” Chucknuq updates before setting the datapad down gently.

“That’s so good to see. I um… finished cleaning up the chunky bits. Still needs a good mopping, but even in this suit I’m tapping out for now.” Simone responds in a near whisper, wondering if she should pick up her child and carry him though the ship.

“You’ve done more than enough Simone. Enjoy a reprieve. In fact I’ll continue to keep watch over Essjay while you relax.” the Captain assures.

“Really? Thanks. Though I’m starting to think you’re acting more like their parent at this point.”

“That’s the job of a grandparent is it not?” Chucknuq counters with a small throat chuckle, “You have been rather busy as of late, a job of the utmost importance.”

“I suppose. Uhm… Thank you, for keep’n ‘em safe. You really had us worried there.” Simone says as she scratches the back of her head.

“Bah, of course. Being convincing was imperative. I always have a backup plan in mind, I assure you.” the Captain waves away.

“Right… still, thank you.” Simone reiterates before turning to take her leave.

“Ah, Ms. Thatch.” Chucknuq says, before she can leave earshot.

Turning around she glances back curiously.

“In my long life, one thing that I can say elevates it as we lose those we care about is this; Do not just mourn the loss, but celebrate the life they lived. Being sad is only natural, but honoring the time that someone existed? That’s what makes the future not so bleak, even in the face of doom. One day, this old man will pass on. And he wants you to live and be merry knowing that his life was so rich and fulfilled. You understand me Ms. Thatch?”

A small smile forms on the Terran’s face, before she meets the Tromple’s dark eyes.

“I do. And that’s a promise.” she answers before exiting.

-

Satisfied with the temporarily repurposed shower curtain over the spa’s entrance. Simone enters with a towel over her shoulder. Granted she was in here not too long ago for a quick hose-down, but being drenched in blood in such a brutal engagement requires an additional thorough scrubdown.

No drug induced vision dreams into her own psyche this time either.

After this, she can lay down and sleep off the exhaustion and sort out all the upcoming business.

She wanders over to a shower, but decides against it. Her legs are screaming to sit down and the floor tub feels too appropriate to pass on. Though she needs to wait until it drains and refills from it’s last use.

While she waits, she lays down on the cool smooth floor. Her back rumbles with many minor pops as it’s allowed to stretch and rest.

The lights are low, but not quite what they were for Nodrin’s spirit journey. Closing her eyes, the Terran listens to the movement of draining fluid and eventually the pouring refill of it. It’s wonderfully relaxing, all that’s missing was some soft melodic beats in the background.

So relaxing in fact, that she nearly falls asleep then and there. But jolting from nearly slipping into dreamland, she rotates herself and feet first sink into the warm bath. All her minor cuts ignite in sharp pains before almost as quickly numbing from whatever soothing chemicals are added into this special bathing liquid.

She can feel the remaining filth on her be eaten away and filtered, no need for an actua scrubbing. Though she does dip her head and run her hands through her short fur to expedite the process.

When she breaches air once more, she picks up the sound of approaching hooves. Though they are not as distinct as she recalls from before. Turning her head quickly around, she sees her Cali. Dressed in the underlayer of modified Cali power armor.

“To what do I owe this pleasure, warrior princess?” Simone remarks, lifting her tired arms out of the tub to rest on the floor.

Chak’s eyes flash brightly, causing the surface of the liquid to reflect a soft red.

“Get in here.” Simone permits with a willing wink.

Practically falling to the tub, the Cali maneuvers to rest herself atop the redhead’s lap.

“What brought this on?” The Terran asks, already knowing the answer.

The princess takes hold of the redhead’s face with her upper arms, locking eyes so close that Simone begins to question if this is unhealthy for her own optical organs.

“Today reminded me of how dire our situation still is. I wish to feel alive and intimate with the woman I love to the fullest extent. While we still can. If… you are up to it I mean.”

Simone smiles, letting out a single huff of a laugh.

“Weren’t you the one telling me to take it easy, hun?” she points out.

“With this suit on… you very much still can…” Chak replies as her freckles and fur gradually begin to illuminate, turning the tub into a magical ethereal pool of fantasy, “I’ll take the lead… if that’s okay?”

Leaning forward, Simone kisses her love without breaking her signature smirk.

“Hell yeah, it is.”

Almost immediately, Chak moves back and fits herself in a standing position between the Terran’s legs. With aid from both the suit and pool of liquid she lifts up the lower half of the redhead with ease. She has rehearsed a maneuver like this in her mind before, however her confidence is mostly a front.

Having made love to this Terran on enough occasions to know her body fairly well. But this time she was fully ’at the helm’ so to speak. This was so different than Simone simply laying still and being careful. This was Chak lifting and moving her lover with her own -albeit augmented- strength and physical direction.

Although she does miss the feeling of her bare body against Simone’s, this new experience is absolutely thrilling and ever so terrifying.

The thought of her pulling too hard and too fast causing the back of Simone’s cranium to smack into the tub rim crosses her mind. Such an alien notion alone of accidentally causing physical harm to her Terran in such a manner baffles her mind.

“Oh…” Chak mumbles in awe as she freezes up.

“You alright?” Simone asks, face reddening from pausing in such a position.

“Is… is this how you feel all the time? I feel like I can accidentally cause you harm, and starting to realize I have to pay more attention because I can’t just casually assume that-” Chak tries to explain before being cut short.

“You’re doing fine, hun. I’m still a dense Deathworlder, remember? You got this.” Simone assures, trying not to think of how awkwards she looks in the present moment.

“Oh… right! Right… Alright…” Chak responds, getting back into her intended plans.

Both of her lowers move in, each taking turns to massage.

Simone closes her eyes and bites her lip, feeling her core warm up in an amazing way that doesn't necessarily involve temperature.

It’s then something strange pinches in her mind, not in a painful way, but rather when you're on the verge of recalling something important. Something familiar… but just out of reach.

This distraction is enough to make her twitch a bit as she feels a pressing against her, followed by circular dragging motions.

“Dumbass! Sex time! Focus on her!” the Terran internally scolds herself from being drawn out of this intimacy.

“Something wrong? Did I press too hard?” Chak asks, clearly noticing Simone’s shifting of expressions.

“No-no! Sorry, my head is just laggin’ behind a bit. You’re doing amazing.”

Pressing solidly now, Chak lowers her face to look at Simone with devious narrowing eyes.

“Perhaps then this will help your mind catch up…” she whispers before backing away

just enough to freely open her groin chitin plates. Then with a bit of extra enthusiasm thrusts herself back into pressing against the Terran.

Latching on snugly, Chak resists curling forward at the rush of marvelous spiking feelings being sent through her body. But after a moment of recovery, she utilizes her augmented strength to firmly press more to the golden zone for both parties involved.

Terran legs wrap around her waist as their owner gasps.

“Oooho-ho… woah… hhhmmnnmn…” Simone utters as the Cali internal instruments start working away.

It’s a wonderfully familiar feeling that she has grown rather acquainted with. Yet it’s so strange to not be the one doing the pressing to reach this state. With this method, Chak can maintain where she is most comfortable without worrying about being squished.

Maintaining their uniquely blissful rhythm, where time itself warps and bends into a state of unknown, eventually Chak’s breathing picks up as ecstasy nears its peak. Until her emerging rasps build up past and over it. This time she can’t help but lean over on top of her mate to cling on tightly to her climax.

It only takes a brief instance for her to press fully again and start to love-bite her lover’s neck the way she likes.

Simone, now having to use her arms to hold them both in this pleasure-giving position, braces herself.

“Yeah, yeah… Krulentah… krulentah… krulentah taveeen!!” she moans right before her body tenses and releases her own checkpoint.

Slumping down deeper into the tub, Simone wraps her arms around the Cali, holding her close in a tight embrace only allowed by the suit.

“Another round? Maybe we can-” Simone starts before Chak leans back, showing a genuine look of concern, “-What?”

“Kr-krulentah? Tavilson noriia ven? What’s that?” the Cali inquires softly.

Simone raised an eye tuft in confusion over the random question.

“Uhh… I don’t know… What do ya mean?” she says.

While catching her breath, Chak places her uppers on Simone’s shoulder and cheek.

“Simone?” Chak speaks up, the concern in her voice raising as her bodily glow fades back down.

“Chak, what? You’re starting to freak me out…” the redhead replied, which only freaked her out more by Chak’s further reaction.

“Simone! What are you saying!? Can you understand me?” the Cali chirps in fear, now clutching the Terran as if she's slowly disappearing into thin air.

“Yes! Yes!” Simone responded with annoyed nods to the weird questions.

“Okay…” Chak says only a little bit relieved, “But you just said ‘Reein! Reein!’. You’re speaking a language I don’t understand. Nor is the translator working!”

Simone’s face goes pale, wanting this to be a joke or a prank… but Chak wouldn't joke about this…

Trying to not panic herself, Simone clears her throat and contemplates slowly the sounds that she knew for a fact was galactic standard.

“H-how… ab-out… Nnnow?” she draws out.

Chak’s eyes flash before dimming to near gray.

“Oh… thank the stars… Say more! More!” she urges, nearly crying.

“You. Have. juicy-ass. Hips.” Simone states a bit more concisely.

The princess leans in to embrace the Terran in a rush of relief.

“Th-thank you…” she cries in a manner that involves a shallow laugh. “What just happened? What was wrong?”

“I-I don’t know. Fluke, hopefully. But I swear I thought I was speaking normally. I swear, no joke.” Simone promises, still freaking out a little.

“I believe you… Let’s get you to bed, okay? Right after Dave gets a quick look at you. Just to be safe.” Chak says, words still brimming with worry.

“You bet.”

-

“Well… the projectile markings are gonna need some work done. But I think that’s as clean as it’s gonna get.” Simone remarks as she leans up against her mop.

“Hopefully whoever we have fix the spa door can see to that as well.” Chak says as she disposes of used rags, “How are you feeling? It wasn’t as laborious as yesterday, but it was still a lot of work.” she asks redirecting herself to the redhead.

“Tired but… great, actually… like, really great.” Simone answers honestly, passing the mop handle back and forth between her two paws in a playful show, “Have I said anything weird yet? Well, you know, more than my usual weirdness.”

“I don’t believe so. You do seem to be… better.” Chak comments as she comes close to her Terran, the other day's language incident still fresh in her mind.

Simone turns the mop horizontal and loops it behind the Cali, before utilizing it to draw her in close. Chak’s eyes flash as she presses into the Terran, not unwelcoming to the gesture.

“Dave sees nothing different, so maybe my brain was thrown for a loop after such a wonderful night, eh?” the redhead teases.

“Oh… uuhm.. Maybe? But we really have to be cautious. If it gets worse we will need to plan accordingly.” Chak stammers, a bit taken aback by Simone’s brighter outlook on the troubling occurrence.

“You betcha! But regardless I’m riding this high. How ‘bout we go play with Essjay huh? Been too long! And we got nothing to do until our help gets here.” Simone frees Chak after a loving kiss, and sets the mop aside as she makes her way towards the bridge.

Chak follows, but can’t help but feel that this all seems rather odd. Simone can surely bounce back, but to this extent? Is it a front? Denial? Or is something deeper at play?