We Need a Deathworlder!

“I’m sorry I lied…” Simone says softly in a genuine tone.

“Hush…” Chak chirps as she moves up and presses her forehead against the Terran’s, “I lied too. We both did what we thought would save the other. Although it was a close call, we both made it.” she adds before kissing the space between the redhead’s eye tufts in several loving pecks.

Fresh tears leak down the sides of Simone’s face as a smile of revelry crosses her face. For several standard minutes she and her wife take in the reality of such an outcome.

“So… how bad was I? And where are we now?” Simone eventually inquires.

Chak’s bright glowing eyes fade into a gray upon thinking back to the worst of it.

“Oh, uhm… well…you… died. Your heart stopped beating while you were in my arms.” she reveals, “I thought… our luck and time together had finally run out.”

Simone tries to move her arms, but only one fully complies, revealing it to be a still robotic one. Intending to hug, she instead presses the prosthetic hand up against the side of the Cali’s face.

“I’m so sorry, hun.” she whispers.

Chak lets out a chuckle with a light shaking of her head.

“You are the one who died, love. I think you wouldn’t have been put in that position if I hadn’t charged after my father so brazenly…” the Cali replies as she pulled the robotic hand away from her face to inspect it solemnly, “If anything I’m sorry… my reckless actions hurt you and-”

Simone purposefully coughs out to interrupt her wife so that she can speak her assurances, but before her voice can manifest, a metal straw is brought to her lips.

“Here’s some water.” Chak insists.

More than happy to undry her mouth, Simone takes a long slow draw from the absurdly refreshing cold fluid.

Nodding when she’s done, Simone clears her refreshed throat.

“We both did a lot of stupid stuff. But I’m willing to call it even, considering, you know, we’re both here and did what we set out to do. Besides, we’ll hopefully have the rest of our lives to mutually make up for each other, right?” she says with a broadening smile.

The light returns to Chal’s eyes.

“Certainly, we will.” she agrees before perking up slightly, “Oh, right, there’s someone you need to meet!” she then activates her comm, “She’s awake.”

A few moments later the room’s only door opens.

Simone is initially confused to see a scuffed up Seven roll on in, however it takes less than a second to see what’s attached to their front.

“No way…” she chuckles.

“Yes-way! Behold, Dave is now awoken and hanging like the most radical bazoongaz in this half of the cosmos!” the spherical bot declares.

“It is a temporary arrangement that Devin has promised-sed to address once we reconvene with Troy and the Gratt.” Seven states deadpan before perking up to address the redhead, “But I am willing to be as patient-ent as is required, since this arrangement with Dave is what allowed-wed him to bring you back from the brink. It is good-ood to see you still with us. Are you feeling-ing well, Simone?”

“I feel like I’ve been thrown through a woodchipper, but… yeah, I feel good. I think my galaxy-saving days are over though.” she chuckles in response, “How’d you guys even make it through that hot mess to us though?”

“By the power of VNM Squad, brah!” Dave responds as he extends tentacles out his sides and flexes them as if they were arms.

Simone raises an eye tuft.

“Who? Is that one of the Warthog squads?” she inquires.

“Nah, bruh! It stands for Vegan Nut Milk, you see-” Dave starts to explain before Seven interjects.

“Sonla and Zecrozz aided us in terms of navigating-ing through the conflict to your location. Sonla… was especially-lly effective in the efforts.” They inform, “Dave, perhaps you can elaborate-ate on what procedures you needed-ded to perform? It was quite the unorthodox-dox process.”

“That’s, like, understating it to the max dude… Okay, so, here’s how freak’n wild it was; first, we come rooooooolin’ up like a primo doobie, right? And little Bo Peep is justly mourning her last sheep before see’n us. Right-away as Nut secured the hallway, Vegan brought me, Milk, up to see if I couldn't get ya stabilized. But even with all my awesomeness, I wasn’t going to be able to do that before your brain ran out of oxygen, so, I kinda used Sharra’s apparently vacated brain growth to temporarily store everything we love about’cha nice and safe away from certain doom. It seemed to be good at not needing to breathe brain juice. Then, after reinforcing your cracked spine, as Vegan and Queenie carried you I stopped the worst of your bleed’n and manually got your heart pump’n harder than your honeymoon. Though probably just like whenever the Cali-dom is done with ya, you were drained and not lookin’ good. Then, Mr. steamed hams himself, Seymour informed us of a more local medical facility that was clear of assholios. We gunned straight there, set ya down, plugged me in, and with some GNARLY tools at my disposal I played the opposite of jenga with your shredded insides. The bad guys are bad, sure, but damn did they have the coolest shit! Like, I flash-cloned you fresh organs within ten minutes! Sure, we had to replace them later when we got to this ship, but they got the job done so whatever. Anyway, once your brain was ready, there already was some… damage… you see brain stuff can be stem-healed like other flesh-stuff, but info and passages between info does not come back, like a harddrive wipe. So I was think’n ‘Oh boy, she’hulk is gonna lose a lotta memories and shit on her head for the rest of her life’, but THEN, the epic CHAD that is Vermis was making its rounds helping the good guys clear the station of hostile bitches. Like, they delved into your brain case and RECONSTRUCTED YOUR BRAIN! At least they replicated how it used to be, and then since they’re the ‘consciousness experts’ I let ‘em handle transferring ya back into your proper skull meat while I finished putting your humpty-dumpty-ass back together. Your spine especially really needed some tending to. So like, we were gonna bring you back to the Kwip-chap, but then the Union got all ‘Bring her here, bring her here!’ and we were like ‘Nah, we got this!’ and they were like, ‘Oh god I just creamed my pants, it’s the coooool doctor who’s so fucking awesome and radical for awaking to save his dear friend, you know we got state of the art shit for putting Terran’s specifically back together though, right?’ and Chak was like, ‘That sounds good, sorry Dave, you’re the bestest best doctor brah, but you’re kinda separated from the Kwip-chap systems at the moment so like, take a seat on the bench for now.’ and I’m like, ‘You’re right, I am radical as fuck, but as humble as I am knows Simone needs someone else’s speciality right now.’ and then they pretty much undid a lot of my work and replaced most of your damaged organs with a more ‘longterm’ mindset while doing it. And like, now we’re here aboard a Terran Union med-ship. While we were waiting on ya to wake up, Vegan has been helping out the staff and I, Milk, have also been helping by not getting in the way, which ain’t easy for this epic existence of tiddy I now live, and… I’m not sure where Nut ran off to, probably living up to their namesake in a broom closet or somethin’.” Dave says in a constant stream that feels like a breath is needed at some point, but of course none come.

Simone blinked with wide open eyes before breaking into a rasping laugh that caused some pain in her torso.

Grunting out a dying chuckle, the redhead shakes her head at the adventure her body had been in.

“Thanks Dave…” she says genuinely, “You really pulled through for me again. If there’s anything you want or need, I’ll do what I can.”

“Bah, just do’n what cool doctors do. I mean, Chak kinda already promised to commission a new SEXY body for me, so I’m all good in any case.” the sphere replies.

Nodding Simone looks to Seven.

“That goes for you too, friend. I owe ya big time.” she says.

“I only ask for one thing-ing in return.” the bot says before rolling up closer, “Live the rest of your days as happy and content as you are able.”

Eyes threatening to cry again, Simone nods and finally looks to her wife.

“That’s the plan.” she hummed, “Is there anything else I should know? How are Thorn and the gang? They make it out okay?”

“They are a little roughed up as to be expected, but are fine. Last I heard Thorn recovered Ember’s body before ‘the Union can get to it’.” Chak updates, “I believe he intends to cremate the body and dig through her headgear software for any more surprises to know about.” she adds before taking the Terran’’s flesh hand into hers, “There’s… one other big thing… before I tell you, just know Jamie and Essjay are okay. In fact we are to depart to meet with them soon.”

Simone shifts her heavy body in concern.

“What happened?” she asked.

“Apparently the Children of Gaia attacked and invaded the colony while we were away. But they were repelled relatively quickly and although there were casualties, we are lucky in that our friends and family weren’t among them. Donna was hurt, but is recovering. Zrume was hurt really bad, but she’s okay too. Though… there was recovered footage of the incident… You can watch it later, but to summarize, Kole tried to… eliminate our children. He had Manarian animals with him to do it. But Zrume stopped them and tried to stop him. Uhm… then someone else came and tried to stop Kole…” Chak explains before drifting off in hesitation.

“Who was it? Donna?” Simone presses for details.

Still uncertain how to say it in a way that would not put too much stress on her wife, Chak takes a deep breath before being completely honest.

“It was Sam. She seemed to have a change of heart and fought Kole. She lost, but then Zrume attacked him and then…” Chak hesitates again, but pushes through it without the need of the redhead’s insistence, “Essjay bit Kole and ended him quickly. I’ve been told that Essjay isn’t stressing over taking a life, and in the calls I’ve had with them it seems they are okay. I’ve conversed with their uncles and confirmed that Watath are innately mentally equipped for such things, but I think we should definitely schedule meetings with a professional, to ensure that they are going to be okay.”

It’s Simone’s turn to take in a deep breath, recalling her own recent run in with Kole.

“That’s a good idea. Considering how stressful that whole situation must have been. Poor kiddos… I assume Jamie’s alright too?” she asks.

“Oh, Jamie is in very good spirits. Having no fear whatsoever seems to have some benefits. Speaking of Manarian business… what happened to Sharra?” Chak responds,

Simone looks down at her own laying body.

“She… well I lost first of all, got shit kicked in real fuck’n bad by some Manarian prick before they gave her full control of me. But before I was… gone… She killed the dude, told the Manarians that now’s not a good time to consider invading and… she then reverted the consciousness switch, putting me back in control… I guess she wasn’t able to go back into the glorified tumor she was growing in.”

“Why would she do that?” Chak questions in astonishment.

Simone slightly shrugs.

“I don’t think she can be forgiven for what she’s done to the universe. She was a monster, granted, she had little choice in the society she was raised in, but she was still very much cool with the Empire enslaving the entire galaxy so fuck her in that big regard…. But… she genuinely loved Jamie over everything else. She believed Jamie wouldn't do well in a galaxy where the Empire’s in charge, so she did what she did. Terrible person, but a hell of a mother. Far better than Ember ever was in any case.” she says with a slight shake of her head before looking at her robotic hand before glancing down at the rest of her covered body, “So… Dave?”

“Sup she-hulk?”

“I really overdid it… I can barely feel my body and my spine was fucked up… So how am I look’n now?” Simone asks.

“Bruh… You don’t understand… you got the top tier treatment. In fact you are literally laying in the President's personal suite. These Union docs REALLY didn’t want you to bite it. Your new insides are gonna last a lot longer than the one’s you were born with. Your body is just in a deep state of recovery, don’t worry. Your spine was repaired, just don’t go doing back flips or mount on any crazy sex swings the Cali gets ya for next year or so.” Dave assures.

Simone raises her eye tufts in surprise.

“You’re yanking my leg, the President’s suite?” she questions skeptically.

“You’re wifey can confirm if you don’t believe me! Pretty sure with a ring of a bell they’ll do just about anything you need! A newly fluffed pillow, head massage, music, vegan nut milk latte, an assistant with a pretty face to have a secret affair with, oooh! Maybe even a fancy mint with gold wrapping!”

“Must you keep squeezing that joke out every-ery chance you get?” Seven inquires

“How else do you think nut milk is made, bruh!?” Dave counters in a cackle, “And you consider yourself a chef…”

“I am a chef. A chef who knows they will never-ver be able to fully know the joys of consuming the food I craft. You, on the other-her circuit board, have not come to the realization-ion yet, have you?” Seven responds in a flat tone that somehow oozes of evil mockery.

“Y-you bastard…” Dave gasps upon the unfortunate reality, “Why would you do this to me, bucko? When did you become so, like, cruel!?”

Seven leans their cranium down closer to the orb on their chest.

“Life is cruel, welcome-ome to it, Dave.” they say as a long silence follows, before then erecting their posture in a more pleasant manner, “But of course life is also wonderful! The fact that you have-ave the chance to strive for the impossible and achieve-eve what you desire is miraculous. And even if you don’t reach-ach the heights you intended, you can still find yourself-elf landing in the most interesting places. Perhaps you may very-ery well know what it’s like to have taste buds Dave, it’s certainly-nly a goal to strive for.”

“You know, you’re right. I’m gonna be able to enjoy the sensation of eating one day! I’m gonna taste a dripping taco! Choke on a juicy sausage! Suck out a cream filled donut! And you know what!? I’m gonna be high as fuck while doing it! I donno how! But it’s gonna happen! You hear me universe!? Dave’s coming!”

The three lights on Seven’s face blinks in a circle for a few moments.

“Choke?” they start to question

-

“Simone…” Chak says as she looks into the room while the redhead is being helped into a hoverchair by a nurse.

“They here already?” the Terran asks in a grunt as she slowly sits down.

“Oh, not quite… But uhm, there’s someone else here to see you. Can I let them in?” Chak replies.

“Uhh, yeah sure.” Simone permits as she adjusts her temporary clothes.

Chak nods and steps away for only a moment before the door fully opens revealing not only her entering by the Union Terran President Bernal herself.

“Madam President.” the redhead says, not too terribly surprised by the visit.

“Simone Thatch. I hear you are recovering well.” Bernal responds in a pleasant almost casual voice.

“So far so good. What can I do for ya?” Simone asks as she leans back into her seat to get more comfortable.

“Well, actually I’m here to practically ask you that very question. I have it on good authority that you personally halted an impending invasion. I’m inclined to believe that’s true, especially because of the evidence at hand. To get to the point I wish to invite you to join me in my next address to the Union. The Galaxy wants answers, and I believe it’s due time you receive the wide recognition you deserve. To be frank, you’re the hero of-” Bernal says before Simone interrupts her as though she wasn’t the Union president.

“I’m good, thanks for the offer though.”

Bernal raises her eyebrows, genuinely not expecting that response. Even Chak bounces in slight surprise.

Seeing them both struggle to come up with words to respond, Simone softly smirks.

“With all due respect, Madam President, just because I lift weights for fun and married a literal Princess doesn’t mean I’m seeking attention.” she chuckles, “I… don’t really want my face to be known more than it already is. I don’t want fame, I don’t what credits, I don’t even want to be recognized on any random street. I didn’t ‘save the universe’ for any of that crap. I did it for my kids, my wife, and the life I hoped to be able to live with them. I know I don’t look it, but I just want to be a mom. Particularly a mom that doesn’t have to worry about her kids growing up in a hellscape of a galaxy. I don’t really want a quiet life, but I… I think I earned the happiness I want to pursue. So I’m going to have to decline your offer, madam.” she elaborated.

Bernal takes a deep breath through her nose before nodding.

“I dare not strip away what you’ve earned. But your actions will make you well known, regardless. You understand this, correct?” she reminds.

“Yeah, but the thing is… I suspect there’s going to be a lot of shit going on as the galaxy adjusts to the new reality they’re finding themselves in. With rebuilding from the Malchite infestations, political shifts with the FSA present, study of the left behind Manarian tech and all that jazz… I think people will broadly forget about the stuff I did. And I think I prefer it that way.” Simone explains before looking down,

“I’m ready to live my life’s next adventure.”

-Five Years later-

“Moooom! Essjay doesn’t wanna play with us!”

Simone turns from the outside counter where she was helping prep the fixings for Seven’s grilled burgers to see Jamie and Avery armed with water squirt guns. Both are already half drenched yet only wish to escalate the fun.

Kneeling down Simone picks out a remnant of a water balloon from Jamie’s head fur.

“Well kiddo you can’t force ‘em to play with ya if they don’t want to. What are they doing right now?” she asks.

Jamie’s plumes sink in annoyance.

“They’re still drawing…” he answers in a frustrated thrum.

“Yeah? Well drawing is really important to Essjay, remember? They have to study very hard so they can make some awesome cartoons someday.” the redhead reminds.

“I know… but… I still wanna play with ‘em… The teams are uneven, and uncle Troy is too good to ask to play…” Jamie says, to which Avery nods in agreement.

Three more children consisting of a tiny female Gratt and two Z’ah’tucks sneakily peer around the house’s corner to spy on their enemy. The grilling patio is the safe zone, but that doesn't stop them from gaining reconnaissance.

As Simone’s playful emerald eyes lasers in on them they all squeal and dramatically run for it, their imaginations amping up the flight to the max.

“Ahhh I see. That’s quite the dilemma… hmmm…” Simone grants as she bites her cheek in thought, “Tell you what, Kiddo. The burgers and stuff are almost done, so how about you two collect all the soldiers for dinner and I’ll ask if Essjay can take a small break and play with you after y’all eat? Sound good?” she proposes.

A little disappointed, Jamie nods.

“Yeah… okay…” he agrees.

Simone smirks and ruffles his damp hair.

“Thanks kiddo.” she says before the little Manarain turns to Avery in a super-serious manner.

“We have to declare a truce! We’ll charge and tell them! Hahaha!” he says in a tone and inflection that soften Simone’s smirk momentarily before it deepens twice-fold.

“Flawless plan, good luck soldier!” Simone says as she stands back up and gives the two a salute.

The two poorly salute back before dashing off on their epic mission.

Rolling her eyes, the redhead turns to look at Seven.

“You got it from here?” she asks.

The bot turns their cranium towards the Terran with happy blinks of their face lights.

“Indeed! And do not worry, I will be sure-ure to keep your roasted-ted chilies safe from the other Terrans.” they jest.

“Appreciate’cha!” Simone chuckles as she moves down the side patio to overlook the yard of the Central rented ‘summer’ house to see Thorn and Brandy shooting the shit with beers in hand while sitting by a heat-pit, on the other side was Bree with Ellie sitting in her lap. As they were engaged with conversation, Ellie was absentmindedly rubbing her protruding belly.

Troy was in the middle of running on his prosthetic legs before jumping to catch a ball before tumbling down into the grass in a roll.

“Touchdown!” Meekie cheers in a proud chitter as she and Nodrin come running to tackle the already downed Terran.

“Ah-hah!” Troy cackles as he trades his grip on the ball for the Gratt for a counter tussle.

The two Gratt chitter out in playful distress as they work together to overcome the ape.

“Not this time!” Nodrin laughs in victory as they manage to pull away and go for the arm holding Meekie.

“Ay! Food’s ‘bout ready!” Simone announces with a cupped hand.

Everyone gives her a semi-unified glance up in acknowledgement.

“Everyone must try Nodrin’s egg salad! They used ingredients from our homeworld!” Meekie insists gleefully as she’s freed from Troy’s loosening grip.

“It’s actually really damn good. Cera and I may have eaten the entire first batch…” Troy admits as he sits up, “She still playing with the other kids?” he asks Nodrin.

“Already sent Jamie and Avery to get her and the twins.” Simone informs before turning around and picking up the pace to enter the house’s back door which leads into an entertainment center lounge.

“We heard ya.” Devin informs softly with a nod as he, Sonla and Zecrozz intently watch as the galaxy championships of a robot-battling tournament is playing out on the main screen.

Laying aside of them near the door, was Zrume and the two Manar beasts sharing a huge bone with fresh chucks meat still attached.

“Such a good girl for sharing.” Simone utters as she pets the dog’s head.

“Come on Destruct-ass! Come on!” Sonla cheers on the red robot, “Use your bomb! USE THE BOMB!”

“No!” Zecrozz utters as a laser cuts off one of the robot's many legs.

The two reptilians are both wearing matching red shirts with the robot’s name unapologetically stamped across both the front and backs.

Rolling her eyes, Simone moves around behind the trio allowing them to continue watching their show.

“FUCK YES!” Devin shouts out in victory to the reptilian's great dismay before SImone can even leave the room.

Picking up her pace, Simone ascends up a staircase to the second floor and walks up to the Watath’s closed room door.

She gently knocks.

“Hey, hun? Food’s just about ready.” she notifies.

“Okay…” a muffled Watath responds.

The tone used pulls at Simone’s heart in a very concerning way.

“Can I come in for a sec?” she asks.

After a few moments the door slides open.

Simone steps in cautiously to see the young Watath is in their bed, coiled up in a big roll. Their drawing pad and setup sits not recently used on the desk across the room.

“Hey kiddo… what’s up?” Simone says in a gentle tone as she closes the door behind her.

The kid shifts slightly as they expose their face.

“Mom… I can’t draw anymore…” their speech falters into a hiss of despair before they bury their face in a blanket.

“Really? Whatcha mean by that hun?” Simone asks as she sits down on the bed corner.

“I don’t know… I got really bad lately and I don’t know what’s wrong. I think I’m getting worse.” Essjay tries to explain.

Simone looks at the drawing pad.

“Gotcha… Do you still like to draw? Think it might be a bad burnout?” she questions.

The Watath shakes their covered head.

“No… this is different… It’s like I keep messing up and even though I know what’s right I can’t fix it.” they elaborate.

Simone places a reassuring hand down on her kid’s self-painted back plates.

“You know… when I started working out with my dad, whenever I would try something new I'd get used to it for a while. But when I understood it and went back to a method I used to know really well, I would sometimes lose all confidence because I would suddenly realize that I’m not used to the old thing anymore. I know your school has you expanding on stuff, do you think it may be something similar?” she proposes.

Essjay raises their head, though they don’t seem fully convinced they nod.

“I’m trying to draw something like I used to… But…” they trail off before their back plates shutter in a sad ‘shrug’, “I’m not good anymore…”

“Hun…” Simone whispers as she takes her kid’s head in her hands, “Your understanding in art is growing so fast, but your applying skills need a little time to catch up. That’s all that’s happening, I promise. You’re not ‘not good anymore’, you’re just too awesome for your graspers to keep up.” she assures with a big smile, “But guess what?”

Essjay blinks as their breathing quickens, uncertain if giggles or crying is on the horizon.

“What?” they ask softly.

“You’re so frick’n awesome that when your hands do catch up to what you know, your brain is going to be ready for the next goal to strive for.” she informs, “You are so talented and amazing, I really think you’re going to do some really awesome stuff! You’ve already done awesome stuff! It’s only going to get more awesome! You just got to keep at it, okay?”

Bashful hissing giggles erupt from the child.

“Okay, mom.” they agree before giving her a circling hug.

Hugging back, Simone shakes her head at how big Essjay is now. Days of shoulder-riding are long gone, but at least she’ll always have the memories of those days.

“I love you kiddo.” she says warmly, “Can you do a small favor for me?” she then asks.

“Sure, what?” Essjay says as they pull away.

“After dinner, do you think you can help your little brother? He and Avery are being destroyed out there. Just for a little while, if it goes beyond an hour I’ll give ya an extra hour before bedtime.” she requests with a wink.

Essjay’s plates rattle in contemplation, but he nods.

“I need a break.” they agree.

“Thanks kiddo.” their mom thanks before she gets up.

Essjay skitters past her as they both descend the steps back to the first floor.

Serendipitously, the front door opens as Simone crosses in front of it.

“Sorry we’re late! You’d think burger and hotdog buns wouldn’t be too hard to find-” Chak says in exasperation before her wife comes up and in a smooth motion takes the grocery bags from her grasp and plants a welcoming kiss on her lips.

“Just in time…” Simone chuckles softly as she places her occupied hands against the Cali’s rear end and rocks her side to side in a loving dance.

“Uhg… always deviants…” Vin remarks as he sneaks on by them, “Come on Dave, Seven won’t stop sending me urgent updates.”

A silvery humanoid shaped android then steps in, adorned in the very things Simone saw in her near-death experience.

“Can’t even keep your mitts off each other for a second? Niccce! Hey Simone in that left bag is a refill of your prescription.” Dave notifies as he tilts his head down at the bag in question as he passes by.

“Thanks, Dave!” Simone calls back before focusing on the Chak, “I missed you…” she coos.

Chak’s eyes flash a bright red.

“I was only gone for fifteen standard minutes, love… but I missed you too.” she chirps warmly.

“I cherish every minute I’m with you, hun. Every damn second.” the redhead says in a chuckle, before planting another kiss on the Cali’s forehead.

Chak leans in snuggly to listen to her Terran’s powerful heartbeat.

“As do I…” she whispers.

-One Hundred years Later-

“-and in their final days as official royalty, Cali Queen Kree’Laom and King Bromalata’Motaas have handed down their ceremonial positions within the Cali government to their eldest Child Prince Chuck’Loam. By the end of the festival, he will be officiated as King-”

Chak turns off the week-old recording of the festival she had personally attended, though she wants to be sure she saves the media recordings and takes pleasure in seeing it all play out from such an official manner. Little do the media know of her sister in law’s ‘partying’ the night earlier and how hungover she was for that whole festival.

Simone would have loved it…

Scratching a lower arm behind one of her ears, Chak initiates her shutte’s automatic landing sequence.

Her chitin is weathered and fur slightly thinner, but not quite far beyond middle aged yet.

Though she makes sure to bundle up all the same as the sight of snow is all too prevalent outside the viewports. Cali don’t do too well in the cold, especially as they get up in years.

Getting up from her seat as soon as the landing pad is met, she strides to the door and waits a few moments before it zips open with a slight pop.

The area around is of a beautiful property experiencing a late afternoon heavy snowfall. It is surrounded by forest and settled in the center is a humble solitary house.

Home…

Before she heads to go in, she leaves the shuttle and makes her way silently to a memorial garden with a Terran-style gravestone as its star attraction.

With a gloved hand she brushes it off from the heavy gathering of snow atop it.

Looking at it, she can’t help but smile despite her graying eyes.

“I still miss you so much… I know I’ve said it before, but I really wish you were still here to see all that has happened… What Jamie and Essjay have accomplished… you’d be so very proud.” she takes a moment to collect herself, even as the years pass the memories are so fresh in her mind, “Thank you again… for helping me achieve this wonderful life.”

“Welcome home, Bo-peep!” A raspy voice of an elderly Terran woman calls out as she steps out of the front door.

Chak’s eyes light up as they turn to see Simone already stepping down the porch steps.

“Oh, love, careful of ice!” Chak cautions as she steps away from the gravestone, revealing a engraving of a proud Tromple saluting at a prestigious angle.

Above that, there’s an attached plaque which reads:

‘Captain Chucknuq, Not only a legendary hero of the galaxy, but a dear friend, comrade, and loving father and grandpa, may the stars guide him to another adventure’

“I didn’t save the damn galaxy just to go out to a bad fall, now come here.” Simone counters as she extends her arms up allowing Chak to come in for a hug.

The Cali does so happily, but she widens her stance to help the Terran keep some extra balance.

“I missed you, love.” Chak coos softly as the two are slowly covered with large flakes.

“Missed ya too. Sorry I couldn’t make it to Brom’s… thing.” Simone replies.

“It’s alright! You needed the rest after Essjay’s award ceremony. That was quite hectic, wasn’t it?” Chak points out with a soft giggle.

“All these damn things happen’n at the same time, you’d think the galaxy would slow down for a fuck’n second.” Simone chuckles as she pulls away.

Chak looks up at the Terran, though the once-redhead isn’t as tall or imposing as she once was, she still sees the beauty she fell in love with all those years ago.

“Speaking of which, are you ready for Jamie’s big ceremony?” Chak asks.

“Oh yeah, Dave won’t let me carry my own shit, but it’s packed.” Simone grumbles as she looks back to point out the android stepping outside carrying suitcases.

“Not my fault that you’re past your prime ol’lady!” Dave quips as he moves to load the shuttle.

“Bah…” Simone waved him off angrily, though her gravity affected skin revealed a smile.

Chak shakes her head and loops an upper arm with the Terran to help guide her to the shuttle.

-

Simone and Chak met up with Essjay before sitting together in secluded ‘special VIP’ seating within the FSA public announcement function chamber as important business is shared with both a crowd of seated representatives and hovering public media recorders.

They are positioned on the same level as the main stage, and fairly close despite being just out of sight of all others.

“When are they gonna get to Jamie’s thing?” Simone grumbles after a few hours pass, her hand tapping a box in her lap.

“It’s soon.” Chak assures as she snuggles closer to the Terran.

True to her word, not ten minutes later an elder Mikk steps onto the stage. He begins a speech, but honestly Simone doesn’t pay much attention until;

“It is of great honor that today marks my final one acting as High Admiral. I’m proud of my record, my career and whom I am to pass the torch to, Rear Admiral Jamie Thatch.”

He turns back with a presenting hand to the uproar of welcoming applause.

A Manarian man, dressed in an identical uniform proudly steps out and walks to his previous superior.

The Mikk takes his hand in his, and offers a firm shake before then handing him a medal to signify Jamie’s pass of authority.

Simone claps with vigor, her eyes starting to water already. Though, despite the speech, she felt as though this was going by kinda fast. She guesses they really streamlined this stuff since her time in the military.

The Mikk then stands aside, allowing the Manarian to take the place to speak to the galaxy.

“It goes without saying that I’m beyond honored to be standing here today, on the anniversary of when the galaxy said ‘To those you deem us your enemy, we are united. We are not afraid. And we will face you.” he pauses, allowing the crowd to applaud, “I’ve been asked many times how I feel about ‘my’ people, and how it feels to be solely separate from them. And unfortunately, many times my character has been brought into question. I know only what my adopted parents have uncovered regarding the Manarians. I’ve seen their plans, their capabilities, and previous transgressions. And no, I don’t hate them. I hate those that lead them, but I am proof that Manarians are just people like all others roaming the stars. I hope to live to see the day where like the Malchite, Manarians can be understood and peaceful integration or coexistence can be achieved. That said, I will lead the defense of this galaxy if -stars forbid- I am acting Admiral for when the Empire returns in force.” Jamie smiles as his shoulders slouch slightly, “But you’ve already heard this speech… and that I’ve gone through a private ceremony to achieve this rank…” he reveals suddenly, which greatly confuses Simone.

The Terran turns to look at Chak, seeing nothing but excitement in the Cali’s eyes looking at her.

“This ceremony is for someone else, I hope she can forgive us all for being deceitful… but she would not have come otherwise.” Jamie says before he turns to face the sitting terran before extending his tail out to her, “Mom, may I borrow a little extra trust with this. I promise you won't have to make any speeches.”

“Shall we?” Chak asks gently yet encouragingly.

Raising an eye tuft at her wife and children, she nods once. With Chak’s assistance she stands up and moves forward to accept the tail grasper in her hand.

Once she accepts it, Jamie guides her next to him before giving her a big enveloping hug.

“You’re lucky I’m in a good mood… what’s this about?” Simone grumbles before realizing something, “Wait, hold on. We’re doing my thing first if you’re gonna throw this old lady for a loop.”

Jamie pulls away and smiles before eyeing the box. His brow furrows slightly, but not in a negative way.

“What’s this?” he asks.

“Something every Admiral needs.” Simone says before clicking the box open.

Inside, is a Tromple’s Captain’s hat.

Jamie’s wings tremble slightly in shock.

“Mom… that was in a permanently sealed glass case…” he utters.

“Hammer. Now put it on, grandpa would have hated seeing it sitting around do’n nothing.” Simone smirks as she holds the box a bit higher.

Jamie’s shocked expression shifts into endearment as he laughs and picks it up and orientates it over his head.

It’s a perfect fit.

“Did you… have this fitted?” he asks.

“Yep. Now there’s a dashing Admiral, don’t you think hun? Essjay?” Simone said as she looked over at them.

“Oh, I agree. It’s perfect.” Chak nods.

“He looks like a dweep.” Essjay hisses out in a teasing chuckle, “In a good way.”

Rolling his eyes Jamie adjusts it proudly on his scalp before turning to the crowd of onlookers.

“Alright, let’s get this started!” he announces to another applause.

Still confused, Simone turns to look out as well as a Gratt stands from their position.

“Simone Thatch, for your heroic deeds one hundred years ago, you have the eternal gratitude of the Gratt people. You helped ascend us to the stars, and forged a new home among them.” she declares.

Then, Vermis within one of their advanced construct forms stands.

“Thatch, we have told you of how grateful we are to you on many occasions and we are elated as ever to do so again. Upon our first meeting when you spoke a dream of peace within us and then helped guide our path ahead, we have achieved it. There may be peril ahead, but we are ready to stand amongst the stars as allies and friends. As our first true friend, thank you.”

Then a Cali stands.

“Simone Thatch, a century ago you not only saved our royalty, but also ensured our honorable path ahead was restored, we will be forever in your debt.”

One by one, representatives of every FSA nation stood to offer their ‘thank you’ on behalf of their people. Then, when FSA species ran out, screens began to appear of Central species fluidly continuing the chain directed at this single elderly Terran woman.

Simone tried to keep her composure, but her eyes couldn’t hold back the tears and her nose threatened to leak everywhere.

Having expected this, Chak presented a handkerchief before kissing the wrinkle-covered cheek of her beloved wife.

By the time every species had their say, Simone is hunched slightly with her face covered.

“Mama Chak told us you never wanted to address the galaxy after saving it. So I thought it would be fitting for the galaxy to address you, now that they lived in the future you gave them.” Jamie said, fighting back his own streaming tears as he hugs her.

“You saved all of us, mom.” Essjay adds as they join in.

Chak didn’t need to say anything, instead she just held on to her sobbing wife and children.

After a few moments, Simone looks up, her makeup a mess. She gazes at all the standing individuals and screens regarding her with looks of pure admiration and gratitude.

She almost wants to say a speech, but instead she gives them all a thankful smirk and single silent nod.

-

As the shuttle descends back to their home, Simone clears her throat of gunk and spits in a nearby bin.

“Can’t believe I can still be surprised after all these years…” she chuckles as she relaxes back in her seat next to Chak.

“Anything is possible with you involved.” Chak chirps sweetly.

Simone partially rolls her eyes, but stops as a familiar feeling sinks in.

“Hun?” she says.

“Yes, love?” the Cali responds.

The Terran takes a few moments to collect the courage to ask her question.

“Are you going to be okay, when I’m gone?” Simone asks.

Chak is silent for a while, even as the shuttle lands.

“No.” she finally answers honestly with gray eyes, “I don’t know how I’m going to live the other half of my life without you in it. I’m going to be so devastated…”

Simone feels the burn in her eyes as she holds the Cali closer.

“But…” Chak speaks up again, “I’m going to do it. I didn’t know how I was going to live after my father did what he did… but then I found you and… you taught me how to live through all that. So, love…” the crying Cali turned her head to look at the aged Terran directly in the eye, “I’m going to find a way to still be happy after I mourn you, I promise. You gave me a family to lean on. I’ll eventually be okay. Okay?”

Simone smiles with renewed tears already hitting her peach-fuzzy chin.

“Hell yeah… That’s my girl.”

The two kiss deeply, like they are young again.

Pulling away Chak pecks even more kisses all over the Terran’s face.

“Now… let’s hurry… Seven’s show is starting soon.”

“You bet.”

-Excerpt from Central’s Best-selling novel ‘We Need Deathworlders’ by author Lavadacus’Trodi of the forefamily Vin:

So as you depart, please leave my writings with this deceptively simple message; Whether it be of the micro or macro scales, forward will always still be there. No matter how far you’ve fallen, no matter how dark the universe becomes, even if you’re the only soul within voids of seemingly impenetrable darkness, you still have a path forward. Perhaps there’s yet more horrid trails ahead, but forward is where you find ascending stepping stones. You may trip more than once, and you have permission to rest, but don’t concede to stopping.

Because no matter how dim, there is a light inside of you. And despite what you may think, it doesn’t die when you do. It remains, and without you harnessing it all it can do is leave its mark.

Does that light leave and in its stead a painful burn on those who cared about you for many years to come? Or, does it light the way for others, aiding to forge their own paths onward? Both can and likely will occur, but if you leave it to only burn… is your legacy only meant to harm? I don’t think so. I see within all people the capability to become glorious beacons, blazing a lane for all those who still wander in this life.

‘But what would be the point?’ You may ask. ‘What does it matter if I’m gone to never witness what my departure may cause?’

Well dear reader, because you will be there. Take note that I don’t speak specifically of religion or spirituality. I won’t claim a truth that I can not know and have no interest in soliciting such. However, what I can tell you with absolute certainty is that you do impact the universe, regardless of the life you lived.

Perhaps a little perspective is in order: A dear friend once told me that Terrans are ‘fairy tales’. Stories, to be more encompassing. Although skeptical, I’ve had quite the time to consider this, despite the nature of it sounding so… outlandish.

But she was right. Terrans are their stories. From their cultures, hopes, dreams, memories, fears, truths, lies, and down to their very individual and broad identities.

Think back to the ages where they sat around their harnessed fire to speak of previous years' hunts and traveling trails for the youth to learn and imagine from. The paintings within caves depicted what they saw to then endure the passage of time. Not only for them to recall what once was, but so that those who follow in future generations may experience them and learn as they did.

All the way up to now, where they are creatures filled with more narrative than their very blood. I’m honestly amazed it needed to be pointed out for me to see it. It’s nearly blinding to my more critical analysis now, I must admit.

One particular Terran I spent a significant time with showed me that their narratives do in fact bleed into the universe, into reality. With every breath, with every choice, and with every refusal to give in… she molded the universe like a god into something greater. She is not a god of course, no one is, but even the most simple of choices in life can have the power of one. Even if you don’t live long enough to see them bear fruit.

Like eternal ripples in water, any sort of manipulation of reality’s weave can carry on to bring about change of all kinds. In other words, to put it a bit more simply in a Terran term, the acts of even one can enact grand change through the cosmic ‘butterfly effect’.

Through this phenomenon, your words and your actions will carry on to the very end of the universe.

Bold of me to say so? Perhaps, but I truly believe it.

Think about it, whether you decide to move left or right may completely alter the total arrangement of atoms as they scatter in the final breath of existence. Because the chain reactions multiply and echo into infinity, shaping everything from the practical past, present, to the future.

It’s not something you may think about all that often, but I certainly encourage you to. In the end, we are all the universe by any metric. And when it ends, it will be the last vestiges of everything and everyone that was… singing our story into the darkest void there is; true nonexistence.

Humor me, before I draw this to a complete close, please. I know you may still feel that it’s all pointless and I can’t fault you for that. There are days that I feel the same meaninglessness and wonder for a reason to carry on, but just hear me out.

Even when your name is forgotten and everything you’ve done is no longer recognized in form or concept, your existence altered the course of everything that will transpire in the grander narrative.

Especially in its end.

Because even as every world decays, each of the countless stars burn out, and every atom is reduced to the realm of empty cold oblivion, you’ve played a part in it. You are still in that ending even if the illusion of time has seemingly left you behind. This is the truth for everyone that has ever existed and will come to exist.

That is what ‘meaning’ is, dear reader. It’s not something we are given, it is something we live and something that we create for ourselves.

It’s often said that the universe is an infinite unfeeling, cold, dark place that completely lacks meaning. This simply isn’t true in my view.

As I’ve stated, we are the universe and such a small yet beautiful part of it we are. Even as our part fully fades away, the universe itself still gives itself that meaning and will carry the echoes until the ultimate conclusion.

What of ‘after’ the end?

Well dear reader I can’t say, nor do I really think it matters. Will there forever be nonexistence or perhaps a start to a new beginning? Impossible to know.

Regardless, would it be fair to say that the next story written should allow us to rest satisfied with our own? I’d certainly be satisfied if I were given the impossible consciousness to perceive such. But that’s just me.

This was quite the adventure to write, and has helped me grow as an individual as I put text to document. I have minor regrets and acknowledge the mistakes I’ve made along the way. But I don’t regret the beginning, the journey, or the ending.

May the stars guide you on this adventure of life, where you shape your meaning to yourself and the universe at large. I encourage you to enrich it with empathy, understanding, love and when necessary resistance to those who promote harm against the harmless.

And of course, thank you so much for reading.