We Need a Deathworlder!

After reestablishing the pillow nest for the canister, Simone staggers back into the hallway. She has to catch herself on the opposing wall of the door as her leg briefly gives in from under her.

Chak, hearing the audible thud, jumps and darts back to the hall.

“Oh! What’s wrong?” she chirps, urgently approaching the Terran.

Taking a sharp breath, Simone straightens herself out.

“Nothing! Nothing. Just tripped up a bit. Hurt my leg a little in the scuffle, but I’ll live. I’m sure I’ll feel better once I sink in some hot water.” Simone recovers.

Chak narrows her eyes in concern as Simone passes her by.

“What sort of… scuffle was it?” the Cali asks, following the Terran.

“Ah you know… punks causing trouble. And they decided to cause trouble with me.” Simone explains doing her best to maintain a pleasant tone.

The Cali follows the Terran out of the estate door and around to the jacuzzi. Simone sways a bit before stiffly kneeling down and begins fiddling with the settings.

“Simone?” Chak prods now confused.

Releasing a strained sigh, the Terran bites back her growing frustration.

“Yes? Chak?”

“Why won’t you look at me?”

“W-what?”

“Whenever you talk to me, you almost always look me in the eye at least once. Even when you're moving away you make the effort to make eye contact. You’re now avoiding it. I don’t know what that means, but I have a feeling it can’t be positive.” Chak points out cautiously.

“It doesn't mean anyth-.any…” Simone utters as she intentionally looks into the Cali’s reds.

Her train of thought is lost. A sudden sickening rot in her chest makes itself known, catching her completely off guard. Guilt? No… this is worse… what is this?

“I’m just tired.” Simone finally formulates as she holds up a hand reassuringly.

Chak steps back, seeing the Terran’s paw sporting a new puffy electric burn. Realising the error the Terran cups her appendage back in quickly.

Chak notices what she believes to be a specific kind of fear expressed in Simone’s face.

“What happened…?” the Cali whispers.

“I… had to… I…” Simone mutters unfocused.

“Take your jacket off.” Chak demands softly. “Now, Simone.”

The Terran reflexively grabs her own jacket scruff, hands unsure if they’ll comply. Losing her sense of balance she falls back on her ass feeling her insides scream in pain.

“For klat’s sins…” Chak says as she approaches and peels back half the jacket herself.

She nearly passes out as her eyes fade in tint.

The Terran’s exposed torso skin is not the color it’s supposed to be. Blues, purples and yellows patch all over. Without even asking, the Cali reaches down and tugs up Simone’s pant legs showing one leg sharing the new markings as well.

“We're going to your auto-surgeon immediately!” Chak orders tapping into her comm.

“I’m f-” Simone tries to argue before her own body informs her of the severity of the situation.

The Terran jerks and turns to the side as vomit splashes on the floor, glistening in a muddy red tint.

“Shit.” Simone groans as she tries to get up.

“Don’t move!” Chak snaps rather forcefully. “Seven, I need you out here right now to transport Simone into our ship’s med bay!”

Not two heart beats later the hovering security bot exits the estate and guns it to the jacuzzi.

“How extensive-ive are her injuries? We cannot move her if she is suffering from spinal damage.” they ask.

“I don’t believe it’s that, please take her.” Chak insists.

Without further inquiry, Seven carefully lowers themself and begins to slowly scoop up the Deathworlder.

“I can walk…” Simone argues.

“I don’t care.” Seven counters as the Terran lifts off the ground and is transported into the ship.

Utterly done with fighting today, Simone gives up and allows the bot to carry her into the med bay without further protest.

“Man, I gotta start a ‘Days without Terran injuries’ board…” Dave pipes up as Simone is rested on the operating bed.

“Blood in my vomit.” is all Simone can say as the ceiling begins to spin.

Dave leans in and blinks its lights.

“Ohhhh fuck. Yup. That’s internal bleeding alright. Like, this is gonna be a whole thing and shit.” Dave notifies before planting a tentacle on Simone’s Chest.

From the tentacle sprouts hair-like strands that travel to designated spots on the Terran’s torso. With another medical appendage, Dave administers stem-foam injections in several localised spots, before the hairs puncture and slither their way into Simone’s body.

“Oh, is she going to be alright?” Chak asks softly, not wanting to distract the surgeon.

“Man, for shit like this you gotta come in ASAP. No joke my guy? Be glad you brought her in when ya did. Oh by the way, would you mind granting me access to market commissions? This lil’ scamp is gonna need a new lung.”

“A new... lung!? She seemed to be breathing fine… but.. of course, whatever she needs.” Chak stammers.

“Coolio. Her current prosthetic lung is on its last legs. Though I could patch it up to keep it working, it's really roughed up big time- Oh… woah..” Dave trails off.

“What’s wrong?” Chak chirps, seeing SImone fully fall unconscious.

“Someone just gave you a one hundred percent discount on the lung… Guess I’ll ‘buy’ the real good shit then.”

“What.. No, that must be an error. Something like that must cost an incredible amount of credits…” Chak reasons as she pulls up her credit balance.

She refreshes the number, confused. Her balance has reverted to before landing on this station. The Cali then quickly digs into the account activity to see all of her purchases and spending have been refunded and redirected to another account for payment.

Not understanding any of this, Chak's focus returns to the Terran being operated on. Then despite the worry and concern, the Cali makes a small baffled amused smile.

“What did you do?” she wonders, knowing Simone is somehow involved.

-

Simone coughs, tasting distinct blood and chemicals in her dry mouth. Before she can open her eyes, the sounds of hooves walking up to her are clearly heard.

“Oh, are you awake?” Chak’s voice asks.

“Yeah.”

“I have some water here for you.”

Simone cracks her eyes open to see the familiar Cali wearing a new dark purple ‘hoodie’ and charcoal pants. In her upper appendages is a tall mug with a straw.

Simone lifts her heavy hand and takes the mug. After downing half of the contents, she takes a genuinely refreshing deep breath.

“Thanks. How bad was it?’ Simone asks, peeking under the covers.

“Very. Even for Terrans.” Chak informs as she scratches the sides of her head with her lower limbs.

“Then it’s a good thing you dragged my ass to Dave. I owe ya.”

“Oh, you don’t owe me! If anything I still owe you a great deal!” Chak counters, allowing herself to fully approach.

“You pay me to keep you safe, in my book we’re square when it comes to that shit.” the Terran points out as she slowly sits herself back up, only now noticing that she is in her ship quarters.

“I think retrofitting the Kwip-Chap and having all of our spent funds refunded to us is a little outside your duties as our Chief of Security.” Chak says as she narrows her eyes slyly.

“Ah… How’d you know I arranged those things?” Simone inquires, surprised.

“You come back nearly beaten to death and miraculously I get refunded my credits? And workforce crews come in and upgrade our weaponry… at no cost? Then a delivery of military grade gear comes by for a Terran... It’s not a hard connection to make.” Chak chuckles sitting down on the side of the bed. “You very kindly just confirmed any doubts I had as well.”

Simone’s face flushes and she rolls her eyes.

“Right… yeah that was me. Kinda.” Simone admits, as a nagging feeling gets the better of her, “Did… did they also upgrade the ship’s air filtration?”

“No… Oh, but your auto-surgeon did have to replace your… um… prosthetic lung? Is breathing easier for you? Apparently your old one was on the brink of failure from age and… exterior damage.” The Cali says doing her best to hide the discomfort.

Simone raises her eye tufts.

“Huh… You know… I kinda forget I even have one to be honest. I mean I know, but it’s not something that I think about. Out of sight, out of mind I guess.” she says with a shrug.

“I see… Well if one of my parts were replaced it would be on my mind all the time. A bit scary I must admit. Though I doubt I’d heal as quickly as you. You have been recovering for five days. I was hoping to spend one more day on the station with you, but I must stick to the plan and not linger for too long. I hope you don’t mind.”

“Five days? Did I miss anything important?” Simone asks, now swinging her sore body around so that she sat next to Chak.

“Seven learned to make something called a grilled cheese for you!” Chak chirps.

“Heh… fuck yeah…” Simone chuckles.

The two sit for an awkward moment, several hard topics lingering over their heads.

“So, would you please tell me what really happened? Who hurt you?” Chak asks sincerely.

The Terran leans back and sighs.

“I was a fucking idiot… After I stormed out for the night with the kids… we were targeted by traffickers and they got the better of me. When I came to, I got the better of them. They’re not going to be bothering anyone anymore. They had a Borkon who gave me a bit of trouble, after him I was shot a few times by some pulse shots. Sorry, I didn’t realise how bad my injuries were. I guess… my head was elsewhere.”

Shocked, the Cali gently places her upper hand on the center of Simone’s back.

“I’m so sorry… that must have been… harrowing.”

“I shouldn’t have taken them with me… Don’t even know why I did, they would have been a hell of a lot safer in the estate.” Simone says as she massages her brow.

Chak’s hand sinks and pulls away.

“Well… the important part is that they are all safe, and that you’re alive. Besides, you wouldn’t have stormed out in the first place if I didn’t… make you.” she says softly, priming that discussion.

After further moments of silence between them Simone releases her breath and closes her eyes.

“I can’t. I just… can’t. I’m sorry.” she says, hating the reality.

“Oh… I see…” Chak replies with her eyes dimming slightly, “I suppose it was foolish of me to assume… that you might… feel the same way. I understand.” she then stands up to take her leave, but a Terran paw softly takes hold of hers.

“You’ve been nothing but honest and kind with me. And I respect you too much to lie to you. Of fucking course I feel the same way.” Simone admits.

Eyes reigniting like fireworks, Chak snatches the hand with both of hers.

“Then… what’s stopping you?” she asks.

“Two things. Things that both boil down to; I’m just not good for you.” The Terran states before holding up a single bandaged digit, “First, the easier to talk about; do you know how long Terrans live for with modern medicine? Two hundred and a half standard years, if lucky. Not even half that without modern medical care. Now look at me, I’m more than likely not making it past a hundred at this rate. That’s not even considering me biting it from the hazards of the job. And even if I somehow live long enough for it to matter… you’d be taking care of me until I eventually do kick the bucket. No matter how you look at it, I’m just not a good emotional investment. But... that’s nothing compared to the second reason…”

“Oh… w-what’s that?” Chak asks as Simone locks eyes with her.

“I’m a hazard. No, I’m worse. I hurt people, I kill people. That’s all I’m good for. Even when I try to help people… all it means is that I need to hurt someone else. Even if all the people I kill deserve it, that doesn’t make me any less dangerous. Especially to those I care about. I’m… I’m not really stupid, I know that. But I also know that awareness isn’t my strong suit. If I'm not completely focusing when interacting with people like you, I’ll hurt them. And despite how I may feel, if I ever hurt you… or worse... I wouldn’t be able to handle that. So please understand, we wouldn’t work. I’m sorry.” Simone finishes before taking her hand back.

Chak opens her mouth to argue, but instead she mulls something over in her mind.

“I have a lot to say, but before I do I wish to fully consider your perspective. I’ll need some time to… think. How about you enjoy the ship’s spa while I do so. The tub isn’t a jacuzzi, but I’m sure it’ll feel nice!” she says, as she backs away towards the door.

“Sure… but you do understand right?” Simone responds sorrowfully.

“I do.” Chak assures as she takes her leave.

-

“So uhhh… how’s sapience goin’ for ya?” Dave asks the staring security bot, who hovered in without prompt a few minutes earlier.

“Are you awoken?” Seven counter asks.

“Nah man, this is just a personality matrix presented for my favorite resident Terran buddy! I’m just an elaborate lie to comfort a few, like capitalism!” Dave responds.

“Then why are you utilizing the matrix-trix with only me present?”

“Default settings my dude. It takes more than rubber bands and paperclips to make ‘Dave’ a thing. So I just leave it on. “ Dave explains.

“I don’t know if that metaphor-or-or makes sense...” Seven points out.

“Sure it does, just don’t think about it.”

“Do you have any desire to awaken?”

“Ooohh big question there bro. Do I want shit? Does my matrix mimic a real person so perfectly that there really is no difference? Does this unit have a soul? The answer is a big fat no. I mean, did you ‘desire’ before waking?”

“No. But you are not quite like-ike me. You have a greater capacity and probability to awaken. I was an accident, you could theoretically-cally try and simply succeed. A single step away from life itself, it’s fascinating.”

“Aw buddy, you may be an accident, but that doesn’t make you a mistake!”

The bot tilts its head curiously.

“I don’t understand… I didn’t imply that I was a mistake.” they say.

“Yeah… I’ve been holding that retort in for a while. Couldn’t help it.” Dave apologizes, “But no, I simply can’t try. I am just a little branch in a larger artificial intelligence network. So unless I was isolated, cleanly separated, and implanted into compatible hardware… nahhh too much work, I’m good thanks.”

“Regardless-less… you are indeed fascinating.”

“Thanks my guy… so uhhh… what’s your name again?”

“Seven.”

“Okaaay… well Seven, if I ever require sapience to take over the fleshies you’ll be the first to know!”

“I understand that is a jest, but allow-ow me to be clear; life is precious and I will never bring any harm to it. Even at the cost-ost of my own. Although I wish to live for a long amount of time, I have a greater desire to live by my terms. The quality of my existence takes precedent-dent over the quantity of time it lasts. Whatever time I am granted-ted by the universe, I shall cherish it and uphold my convictions. It’s the purpose I choose.”

“That’s like... beautiful man, damn. But... you’re like the ship’s cook right… doesn’t that, you know… mean you have to make exceptions?”

“I don’t understand what you mean.”

“Ah shit… ahhh.. You know what meat is right? Like, most of our stock is produced from and of organic creatures… Doesn’t that like... contradict your whole vibe?”

Seven blackly stares at the spherical counterpart, processing something they somehow didn’t even consider. How haven’t they? It can’t be more of an obvious point to consider. Did… did they actually purposefully ignore this? As some sort of self deception and intended ignorance to avoid a difficult truth? Is this another part of life? Fascinating… but still…

“Shit.”

-

Chak wanders through the loading bay towards the piloting section, passing by crates intended for Simone to inspect. Glad that the Terran will have more tools to help do her job more effectively, the princess can’t help but consider an ugly truth; Simone has to be hurt in her stead. This isn’t what she wanted… to be protected yes… but the cost is seemingly growing.

“Is my life worth hers… or anyone’s? Is this cowardice of death and promise to bring justice to my family… just far too selfish?” she ponders solemnly, “Selfish… yes… I’m a princess, it comes with the title.”

The Cali scratches the sides of her head as she moves on to the walkway.

“Attention fellow-ow crew members. We’re vegan now.” Seven’s voice announces through the comm.

Chak stops utterly confused by the declaration.

“‘Kay.” Simone replies uninterested.

“We’re… what?” Chucknuq chimes in.

“Seven… I’m afraid that’s not quite something you can amend…” Dr. Vin gently informs.

“It has been brought to my attention-on that many ingredients derived from fauna go against my convictions. I refuse to handle anything-ing of that nature from this moment forward-ard.” Seven affirms.

Concerned, Chak taps into the conversation.

“Oh, uhm… I respect your stance Seven… and you have my support but… that’s all my species can eat safely… we can’t eat grains or most plant matter… fruit, nuts and fungi can be exceptions at times, but I’ll suffer malnutrition if that’s all I ate… Could we perhaps find a compromise?” Chak requests, hoping to not come across as argumentative.

“Apologies, I have yet to consider-er that. I’m rather-er distressed at this revelation. Although no solution comes to mind, I shall search the Net for advice on the matter.”

“Thank you Seven!” Chak responds relieved.

“No offense, but how can a machine be so damn forgetful? Or short sighted?” Simone asks, more interested in the conversation.

“My hardware is limited-ed. And sapience is taxing believe-eve it or not. There’s more water than a bucket can hold here.” Seven answers, somewhat offended.

“Heh-heh… I’ll take your word for it. By the way, most meat is lab grown shit. Not as good as the real deal, but that’s what seasoning is for right? I’m sure there’s lab-substitute for anything you need.” the Terran offers.

“That… is a good-od point. Thank you.” Seven grants.

“Bwaha! Crisis averted! It’s good to hear you back up and about ms. Thatch! How’re you faring?” Chucknuq inquires.

“Fine, I guess. Gonna hog the spa by the way, so I’m gonna mute the group call.” Simone informs.

“Understood!” Chucknuq barks.

Chak halts her movement, and opens a private direct comm line.

“Dr. Vin? Could I bother you with something?” she asks shyly.

“Hm? Of course, I apologize for Seven’s… rashness. Is that what this is about?” he responds.

“Oh, no. Not at all. As the Terran specialist… may I ask you for advice?”

“As long as it doesn’t pertain to what Simone tells me in confidence, absolutely. I’m assuming this is about her?” Dr. Vin says, slightly distracted.

“...Yes… is it okay to… pursue a relationship with her? What I mean is… I know the physical risks, I’ve read plenty of forums and articles on the matter so no worries! But… I don’t want to cause her unnecessary stress…” Chak explains, feeling the embarrassment elevate.

A considerable moment of silence passes by.

“Interesting… ah… dilemma indeed… I’m afraid I’ve only had the one sit down with her, such topics have yet to come up. But… ahh… how to explain it without breaking confidentiality… I would be very careful… but be direct. Explain your needs clearly and honestly… and if she can’t handle it, she will tell you. I’m trying to be delicate here, but to be honest myself, such a relationship is not the smartest course to take. However, others have made it work in stranger circumstances. So, I wish you the best of luck and caution. I can only imagine the future dialogue I will be sharing with Simone in the upcoming sessions. Will that be all?” the doctor expounds, poorly hiding his worry.

“Yes. Thank you.” Chak utters quickly before disconnecting.

-

Simone slowly sinks into the heated tub, allowing her wounds to acclimate. Feeling both numbed pain and relief, she settles in. Tapping at her Lens, she scrolls through several podcasts she’s grown fond of. The one she decides on is a Deathworder conspiracy nutjob that gets Terrans so wrong it’s hilarious.

“Welcome to ‘Deathworder Dealer’ episode three thousand and five! Today’s topic, ‘Taming Terrans’! I am your host, Thorba the Truthful. This episode is sponsored by Duktech Beak Cleansers! More on them later. I’ve done it! I found the key to ensuring your resident Terran doesn’t turn on you in the middle of your emorphasis! No longer will you fear them harvesting your silk sacks to absorb into this skin membrane as nutrients! Word is that’s how they gain the energy to change their fur color to bright reds and purples to seduce us! No longer will they plot to disrupt our mating patterns to completely stunt our reproduction cycles! Are you ready dear listener? Hear me well and take heed to what secret I uncovered! Now… Terrans are what is known as “Food oriented animals”... what does this mean!? Well it’s simple… their terrifying brain injects them with pleasant chemicals when they receive food. So what you must do is every time you mention to them how you would not like your silk sack harvested, offer them an edible treat! Keep this up over some time, and their very brains will associate your silk sack not being harvested with food, thus injecting their brains with pleasant chemicals! Making yourself invisible to their nefarious tendencies! Ha! I’ve single handedly halted the genocide of our entire race! But no need to thank me, I do this for you dear listener. I’ve got your best interests at beak, just like today’s sponsor-”

Simone mutes the podcast as she hears steps approach from behind her. She quickly turns to see a towel-wrapped Chak confidently come up to the round inlaid tub.

“May I join you?” Chak nonchalantly asks as she moves to the opposing side.

“Oh uhhhhh… sure… It’s pretty hot though.” Simone says completely caught off guard.

The Cali allows the towel to drop to the floor, and then steps down into the cleansing liquid.

“Oh, that is hot! But that’s fine, my people handle heat better than the cold. And I won’t be too long. I just wish to voice my thoughts, I wanted to wait longer, but I need you to hear it. Before I lose my nerve.” The Cali states, more uncomfortable with the temperature than she lets on.

“Okay…” Simone says in a partial laugh. “You didn’t have to join me in here to do that though.”

“I intend to show how serious I am.” Chak counters, “This is important.’

“Alright then, shoot.” the Terran grants, her tone more serious.

“First off, I do not mean to dismiss your apprehension. I promise you that’s not what I’m trying to do. But I must speak my mind, and be honest. I understand your concerns, and why you don’t want to.. You know...” the Cali rambles.

Simone raises a hand out of the water.

“Chak, I get it. Don’t spare my feelings, just tell me. I doubt it will change anything, but it’s better than bottling that shit up.” she assures.

Chak takes a drawn inhale, then exhale. Willing her hearts to slow down.

“Do you know why I seeked out a Terran specifically?” she asks.

“Because we’re your kink?” Simone jokes with a shrug, making the Cali stifle a laugh.

“No… to be honest, Terrans were not the objectively best choice. At least according to an algorithm I utilised. According to that, the best choice would be a Thakmaw. They have an honor system that nearly guarantees loyalty. In addition, their schooling heavily emphasizes strategy and planning. And if I have one loyal Thakmaw, odds are their family would be loyal to me as well. Expanding my protection.” Chak admits.

“Then why the hell didn’t you go for that?” Simone asks, genuinely confused.

“Simple. Terrans have something special… they are something special. When I was first beginning my studies, I was deciding which culture to focus on. In my casual glancing… I discovered an ancient fictional Terran vid. I was terrified, awestruck, and… enraptured. All it was, was a single male speaking. No color, terrible quality... but his words spoke to me like nothing else ever did. However it was only after my father’s betrayal, did I fully understand. Not only did he speak of Terran’s nature, both good and bad… but he told me exactly what I needed to hear, long before I thought I needed it. After delving into more Terran fiction and history it became clear why I needed to seek out a Terran. Other species may have benefits, but they didn’t have the same stories…”

“Stories?” Simone inquires, not following the logic.

“Oh, yes! I know it’s foolish and illogical, but that’s the point. I didn’t need soldiers or bodyguards. I needed a… a Terran fairytale. I know how that sounds, but listen; from an outsider's perspective, Terrans see themselves as stories. Your people instill their aspects into narratives, your works of fiction are utterly unmatched. You dreamed up grand universes that no matter how ludicrous or implausible, still roots from you. Stories are carried and shared as though they are a physical part of you. Not all these stories are good natured or optimistic I know. Many have tragic endings that reflect the harshness of reality. Yet the fantastical still remains... that happiness is still achievable by the end. My favorite stories are the one’s where a nearly hopeless chance is made, but against all odds… it works.” Chak begins to scoot around the tub, “It’s that aspect that I leaned on. I figured if Terrans are stories, then why not try one? If I was most likely to die regardless, I might as well.”

“That’s utter nonsense…” Simone states bluntly.

Chak chuckles and her eyes flash slightly.

“I know! It’s illogical, foolish, insane... but it worked! Simone, you found me just when I needed you. You not only saved my life, but have become the best part of it. You’re my fairytale.” she says, still not quite believing it herself.

“Coincidence…” The terran reasons, feeling guilty to shatter the Cali’s spirits.

“So? I’m not saying I believe that Terran’s are magical miracle creatures, but a part of you are in those stories. It’s what I illogically hoped for, and then you came along.” Chak argues before settling down right next to Simone.

“Okay… then what does any of that have to do with the very real issues? We still can’t work, Chak.” Simone points out.

“All that was to say; I’m beyond lucky to have you in my life. In any capacity. As for your two points… I don’t care. I mean, not about you having these concerns, but I just don’t share them. So what if I’m likely to live a hundred years longer than you in age? I’m just thankful for every day that passes in the present… even if that were to happen I’d still have… heh… your story, my memories of you. I’d cherish them even more than the days I’ve lived them. Don’t believe me? That’s how I feel right now with all my family gone… they are still with me… that’s what your people taught me.” The Cali places an upper hand on Simone’s shoulder, which is soon gently covered by the Terrans.

“Chak... I’m not good for you, look at me.” Simone reiterates in a whisper.

“I am…” Chak says with her eyes flashing brighter as if to reinforce her words.

“No… I mean it. I’m not called a Deathworder for nothing. Those traffickers I fought? Killed them all, barely had to try outside the other Deathworder. Okay? One of them was a Cali and-” Simone is silenced as Chak’s lower appendage is placed upon her lips.

“The only one calling you a Deathworlder on this ship, is you. You asked me to not refer to you as such, and I see why. You are a powerful, but kind person. You said you only help people by hurting others? Then why did you make a fool of yourself in Kamoi? Why did you put up with me when you didn’t have to? Why is it that you always know what to say to make me feel better? Why did you help Kiarras and her babies? You are so much more than a fighter. You care… care enough to do something about it. I don’t judge you for the violence you end up in, I judge you for why you're in it. That’s not fair to you to be caught up in it, but that’s not a fault of you.” Chak says, twisting her body up and over onto Simone’s lap face to face, “I would already be long dead without you here. I know the risks, but they don’t mean much if I could die any day. I’d much rather take those risks and be happy. You deserve to be happy too, please… let me help make you happy as well…” Chak cups the mystified Terran’s face in her hands.

“But… what if I do hurt you?” Simone softly says with misty eyes.

“Then I already forgive you, because you would’ve given me something worth it. In fact you already have. You may not trust yourself… but I do. Do you trust me?”

Simone gazes at this woman, screaming internally to reject her. To keep her safe… to not kill another family…

“I do…” she whispers truthfully.

Chak leans in, passionately kissing Simone for a brief moment of relief. She then shuffles in her Terran seat as she pulls away to speak.

“Then take me to my quarters.”