We Need a Deathworlder!

Chak stirs awake, glancing around the unknown bedroom. It takes her only a short panicked moment to remember where she is before she clutches her chest to calm down. She has spent so much time on the ship that, despite the pleasant surroundings, it is anything but to wake up to.

Releasing herself from the silky blanket, she sits up and shakes herself to loosen her slumber stiffness. She dons her communicator and Lens and reflectively checks her messages.

There are twenty four responses from local Terran specialist and generalist counseling agencies. Although the words vary a bit, all bear the same unfortunate rejection. The prime reasoning being how vague Chak’s request has been. For obvious reasons, she can’t just proclaim who she is, or who Simone is, for that matter. Second, being there are a very few non-Deathworlders who are trained to handle Terrans, and none wish to be dispatched on a ‘potentially hazardous’ position despite the high payment offered.

Finding a qualified individual is proving to be a much more challenging endeavor than Chak first figured. Especially now with the additional risks of appealing to less… official organizations.

Then Chak comes across another message that isn’t a response, rather it’s unprompted. A bit dubious as to how someone managed to get her secured Net address, Chak reads it;

‘Greetings,

It has come to my attention that you are seeking an individual to be a professional Terran mental therapy counselor. From what I can tell, it’s an extraordinarily mobile position that may prove to be fairly perilous. The vagueness of your presented situation is concerning as well. However, I see the pay takes all this into account.

The prospect of danger does not excite me. Yet I request an interview for the position. Although I’m not associated with any Terran education training programs, I am a fully licensed psychologist that has spent years studying Terrans. I apologize that I can’t yet say how I received your Net address, and I understand any mistrust that may cause. However I owe a great debt, and I believe taking your offered position will be the first step in paying it. I could be wrong, but perhaps the stars have aligned on me.

An additional matter that may unfortunately complicate possible negotiations is I have an associate that is also looking for employment. I humbly request that they have a chance to present their case, I can personally vouch for their capabilities and reliability, for what that’s worth.

Please respond to this message if you are interested. Otherwise, may the stars guide you.

-Dr. V’

Chak almost immediately begins to write up an elated response, but stops herself.

“Simone should have a look at this first.” Chak paces, excitedly moving to her bedroom door. As it silently slides open, the voices of two Terrans can be heard.

“Oh… right.” Chak thinks as the recalling of yesterday's events comes flooding back all at once.

“-about last night...” Ellie’s voice says in playful disappointment.

“Yeah?” Simone responds as though she is further away.

“Sorry… That must’ve been really awkward for you…” Ellie apologies through closed teeth.

“Nah, don’t worry about it. It happens. How are you with spicy food?” Simone asks, followed by a bag shaking.

“Big baby I’m afraid… my Zernth coworker once saw me ‘nearly die’ after eating a rogue jalapeno in a salad. They were convinced I was on death’s door and even called in medical staff. Poor guy has a panic fit every time he sees me eat anything more spicy than black pepper.” Ellie explains with a chuckle.

“Can’t blame ‘em if a lil’ jalapeno brought you down…”Simone teases.

“Hey! It’s not my fault that I was raised on bland station rations! And it didn’t put me down. It just caught me off guard and I might have initially overreacted. It happens when you bite down expecting a cucumber and get jalapeno.” Ellie defends in a boisterous tone, prompting a hearty laugh from Simone.

“Those two things look nothing alike.” Simone utters through her humorous barks.

“They’re both green! And I wasn’t inspecting every fucking bite, you asshole.” Ellie responds, joining in the barking.

After the two calm down and some cooking aromas begin to seep their way to where Chak stands Ellie speaks up again.

“So… I’m guessing there won’t be a second night?” she says softly.

“It’s not that I’m unwilling… but the more I think about it the more I think that… my heart wouldn’t be in it.” Simone replies in a thoughtful tone, as a sizzling sound begins erupting.

“Drat… me being a lightweight cost me a real good time, huh?” Ellie prods.

“I know it’s a classic line but, it really isn’t you. It’s just… flings are all I have under my belt. Nothin’ wrong with that, always down for a good time. But I guess I’m not fully in that mindset right now.” Simone explains as rough chopping sounds muddle the clarity of her words a bit.

“Fair… but what if there’s a possibility for something more than a fling?” Ellie suggests.

“I thought about that too and… unless you're willing to drop your entire career and live in constant paranoia of being hunted down and killed for some random woman you just met. I don’t think we’d work out that way.”

“No convincing you to stay around these parts? I can get you an easy-in working a desk job to start. Not just for me but- I’m going to be honest, that just sounds like a horrible way to live.” Ellie says with genuine concern.

Chak tenses both in guilt and anticipation for what Simone’s response to that will be.

“It’s not all bad. It’s given me a direction, ya know? Something worth the life of someone like me. I couldn’t ask for a better cause to fight for, people to die for. Besides, I’m not on the best of terms with the Terran Union. I doubt your company would be pleased with you recommending me.”

“That bad, huh? Dang… well, unfortunately I’m a big homebody with a grandma to take care of. But… Thank you for a good time regardless. At least I got a good whiskey flavored kiss in…”

“That you did. I’m glad to have a positive experience with a fellow Terran for once, to be honest. Then again, the places I’ve been to didn't really breed the best sorts.”

It’s now when Chak gathers the courage to walk down the hallway to the kitchen. Ellie sits at the divider while Simone works away prepping food. Ellie is the first to spot the Cali.

“Mornin’! Sleep well?” the Terran asks, causing Simone to look back.

“There she is! Ever had Terran style scrambled eggs?” Simone says flipping a spatula dexterously in her hand.

“Oh, yes I slept very well thank you! And… no. Are they like the debbled eggs we had last night?” Chak answers in order of the incoming questions.

“Deviled eggs, and nope! Completely different. I tried finding spices or flavorings that you can have… but apparently there’s none readily available. So you’re getting extra cheese and ham.” Simone replies, slipping a wink towards Chak.

Ellie pats the seat next to her inviting the Cali up, who accepts it gladly.

“Sounds lovely!” Chak agrees, trusting Simone’s judgment.

Ellie leans forward resting her head in her hand and gives the Cali an apologetic look.

“Sorry that you had to be sandwiched between two flirty, drunken Terrans last night. Must’ve been a little stressful for you.” she says.

“Oh... “ Chak mumbles, suddenly getting a very literal mental image that causes her eyes to flash. “I can think of worse positions to be in…” she half-jests.

Ellie’s eyes narrow and a sly grin spreads across her face.

“Hm…? Maybe last night could’ve been more fun than I thou-AH!” she’s abruptly interrupted by a cube of ham smacking her forehead like a delicious sniper bullet.

The two look up to see Simone pointing a half cooked egg drenched spatula directly at Ellie.

“No seducing the Cali. I have enough trouble keeping her in one piece from weapon’s fire. Last thing I need is for her to have a shattered pelvis.” she says in a pseudo-serious tone.

“Simone…” Chak whines in embarrassment.

Simone then turns her brandished pointer to the Cali.

“And you. If you go sleeping around with Deathworlders, I’m warning you right now, I will still do my job. I will literally stand there as some kind of weird, sex referee to make sure you don’t get yourself pulverized and I’m sure neither of us wants that.” she teases as the edges of her mouth curl, breaking the already thin facade of seriousness.

Still, Chak leans down on the divider, covering her head with all four limbs.

“SIMONE!” the Cali begs, utterly perishing from the incredible discomfiture.

“Speak for yourself…” Ellie mumbles devilishly.

“Hey, I have more ham!” Simone threatens.

Ellie chuckles, raising her hands in surrender.

“I’ll be good!” she promises as the front door opens and a slumping Chucknuq makes his way in.

“Damn dude, rough night?” Simone asks as she notices the yellow hue of the captain’s scales.

The ragged Tromple, despite lacking legs, somehow finds a way to stumble and trip. He rests on the floor, dazed.

“Oi… at some point in the night... two dashing ladies became nine… twelve if you’re to count heads… By the stars… that was the longest shuttle ride of my life… By the time we arrived at the apartments-” he mutters in a euphoric splurge of contentment and horror before Simone turns the heat off the eggs and grabs his arm to help him up.

“Alright sailor, let’s get you to a bed that’ll sit still.” she says as she hoists the man up and practically drags him down the hallway.

Left alone with Ellie, Chak fully unfurls.

“So. You lied to me.” the Terran informs the Cali.

“I have? What do you mean?” Chak asks perplexed.

“You’ve got eyes on Simone. Like, big time.” Ellie says, lowering her voice to a near whisper.

“I said there’s nothing between us. There isn’t.” Chak reinforces, mimicking the low voice.

“But you really want there to be, right?” Ellie counters.

“It doesn’t matter what I want. She obviously doesn't think of me that way. Look how fast she warmed up to you.” Chak states as she curls in her lower limbs against her chest.

“Girl, she just threw ham at me for insinuating fun-time with you. If that isn’t overprotective denial of her own feelings, then I don’t know what is. As much as it hurts my ego, maybe she warmed up to me so fast because she’s venting.”

“Or… you’re very pretty and nice.” Chak counters with a subtle bounce.

“Aww.. thank you!” Ellie says a bit louder, hinting at the other Terran’s return.

“So much for being good.” Simone mutters as she makes her way back to the kitchen.

“I am! Chak and I are just having a conversion.” Ellie assures while waving her hand.

“Uhuh… Sure. What about?” Simone interrogates, as she starts folding the cheese and ham into the eggs.

“That we should all hang out again next time you’re in town! If you don't want to drop a fortune, you can just crash at my place.” she deflects, yet still genuinely offers.

“Oh, yes! That sounds lovely, right Simone?” Chak says with a few aggressive nods.

Simone raises an eye tuft and smirks.

“Not sure if we’ll be back any time soon, but yeah. Sounds good.” she agrees.

-

“Well, that should be everything. Not that I brought much to forget, but all the more reason to be paranoid about it.” Ellie says as she brushes down her shoulder.

She walks up to the exit door followed by her two hosts.

“Oh, have a safe trip home!” Chak chirps.

“Yeah, till next time.” Simone says with a casual farewell salute.

Ellie spreads her arms and pouts her lower lip.

“What, no goodbye hugs?” she asks in a tone of false distress.

Simone rolls her eyes and awkwardly gives the woman what she wants.

“Would you mind popping my back while you're at it?” Ellie requests quietly in mid-embrace.

“For fuck’s sake…” Simone grumbles as she lifts and squeezes, making the other terran’s spine crackle violently.

Chak covers her mouth, horrified, as she just witnessed a Terran just break the other. However, the satisfied groan and smile Ellie gives subsides the worst of her concerns.

“Ahhh… by the stars, you’re a miracle worker. I might not need my morning tea after that.” Ellie compliments as she steps away and twists her shoulders.

“Speak for yourself…” Simone utters, taking this moment to crack her own lower back, to Chak’s further discomfort.

Ellie looks to Chak, arms open wide. Chak happily steps forward but is halted by Simone’s hand. The Cali looks up to her Chief of Security and straightens her back.

“Simone. I understand your concern, but I would very much like to give our new friend a hug.” she asserts.

Quicker than how she presented the arm, Simone retracts it and sheepishly rubs the back of her head.

“Uh, right. Sorry, force of habit at this point.” she apologizes, before giving her fellow Terran a light warning glance.

Ellie chuckles before giving the Cali a monitored farewell hug.

“Ahh… Cali hugs are the best...” she says aloud, moving her lips to Chak’s ear, “You got this!” she softly encourages.

The Cali’s eyes flash in response and she can’t help but slightly bounce from nerves.

With that, Ellie releases Chak and takes her leave with a few more exchanging verbal goodbyes.

“Oh! Simone! I may have good news! I received a request for an interview regarding the therapist position!” Chak chirps as Simone begins breakfast cleanup.

“Ah… great…” Simone replies, forcing a positive tone.

“I didn’t respond yet. I wanted you to take a look first as the request was an unprompted message rather than a response. May forward it to you?”

Simone briefly stops from inserting a dirty dish into a washing receptacle.

“I don’t like the sound of that…” she states.

“..well… the station should be monitoring our communications. So if it were from a hostile party then I’d suspect the message would have been blocked. They are very good at keeping the peace.” Chak points out.

The Terran looks up in consideration and shrugs.

“Yeah, alright. Go ahead and forward it to me, If I don’t get any bad gut-feelings I’ll accept the interview myself,”

“Of course!”

--

Dr. Vin saunters up to the front entrance with his companion silently hovering at his side. The estate he has been directed to is a very high class and secure, no doubt under the watchful eye of the station itself,

Nervous, he wipes away at his building nose dampness with a handkerchief and presses the arrival notification indicator.

“Please stars… allow fate to truly bring me peace,” he internally prays as the agonising moments pass by, second by excruciating second.

His stocky legs quiver as the door slides open, An armed red-furred Terran female stands in guarded greeting. Dr. Vin’s tiny black eyes quake as he takes in the Deathworlder’s appearance. Taller than the average female, red fur, green eyes, keen muscle mass…

“By the stars….” he silently marvels, his tusked maw agape.

The Terran looks to the mechanical companion first as it rivaled her height. Seeing it unresponsive she looks down to the three foot tall, green Noxii dressed in his best garb.

“I’m assuming you’re Doctor V?” she asks in a voice that reminds Dr. Vin of smoke and Trax honey.

His mouth moves somewhat, but only low guttural garbles release into the air.

The Terran rolls her eyes, and leans down to the Noxii incredulously.

“For someone supposedly familiar with Terrans you sure are shitting a lot of bricks.” she tells him imposingly. “Is that what the security bit is for?”

Being verbally recognized the mechanical individual rotates its cranial analogue to the Terran.

“I am n-numb-er-er-er-ber Seven. Plea-ea-ea-se refer to that as my designation.” It requests pleasantly in a disturbing voice of malformed blaring electronic sounds being forced and bent into words.

“O-kay…” the Terran mumbles in a mix of concern and confusion.

Dr. VIn brushes back one of his flopping ear flaps, and takes a deep squat in respect before outreaching once of his thick arms up to present a grasper. Signifying his understanding of Terran greeting.

“My sincere apologies madam! I was merely caught off guard, Please accept my most humblest of apologies.” His voice is coated in absolute reverence, without an ounce of fear.

“Uhhh… sure. Come in, I guess?” The Terran responds, backing away and moving deeper into the estate.

Left hanging, the Noxii rights himself and quickly enters, immediately followed by the machine.

The Terran motions him to a seat in the circular communal room, he abides without question already sifting through his shoulder satchel. He takes out a folder and hands it to the Terran.

“In case if you prefer physical copies, there’s my certifications and recommendation notes from previous patients.” he explains as she thumbs through it.

“To be honest I wouldn’t be able to tell if these are legit or not.” she admits before lifting a muscular appendage to her communicator, “Yeah it’s safe for ya to come out. He’s got a security bot, but nothing I can’t handle.”

“Seven.” the mechanical individual spurs.

“Ah yes, before we begin I must clarify my companion’s dilemma. They would very much like to apply for a position aboard. Seven and I are a bit of a package deal.” Dr. Vin says.

“I’m not sure Station Security would appreciate us nabbing one of their tin soldiers… And bringing on a clearly malfunctioning security unit kinda goes along the same lines as the whole ‘no Deathworlder’ thing” The Terran argues skeptically.

Dr. Vin pats the side of Seven’s hovering torso.

“I’ll allow Seven to speak for themselves. May they also be granted an interview?” he requests.

“I guess…” The Terran agrees as she looks up to a Cali entering the room.

“Oh, what an interesting pair! Hello, my name is Chak. I’m the Kwip-Chap’s custodian. I apologize, the captain is a bit predisposed at the moment, so we will begin the interview with his absence.”

“Very well. Greetings, I’m Lavadacus’Trodi of the forefamily Vin. Please feel free to address me as ’Dr. Vin’. I earned my psychology degree at the Elatace University on Carbour-5. However, I have been certified on Terran psychology here on Vapor’Perna.”

“What made you want to specialize in Terran psychology?” Chak asks.

Dr. Vin looks directly at the Terran in the room.

“Your kind astounds me. I’ve seen tremendous acts that I could not rationalize or understand in the past. I simply needed to. Specifically you, Simone Thatch.” he says in great admiration.

Simone tenses and narrows her sight, not liking this unexpected turn of events.

“Better have a good explanation on how you know my name.” she responds darkly.

Not perturbed by the underlying threat, Dr. Vin nods and takes out a datapad from his satchel. He presents it allowing Simone to glance through the myriad of images stored within.

“I received your net address from the station itself. It knows exactly what my connection with you is, and decided to bring us together so that I may repay you for what you did for me. Our paths would have very likely not crossed if it hadn’t intervened.” he explains.

Simone goes completely silent as she immediately recognizes the setting of the images where a female Noxii and her pup did their best in a tough situation. She flicks back through each image until her own face pops up like a vengeful ghost from the past. She’s younger, hair is buzzed, face recently beaten to a pulp, and eyes completely glazed over in dead shock, but it’s undeniably her. Chak glances over at the image as well, but restrains herself from making any comment. Instead she begins to rub circles into the Terran’s back.

“Those images were taken by my niece. Her home was destroyed by reckless bombardment a month prior, thank the stars she and her pup weren’t there at the time. They had been dwelling in that refugee camp, waiting for our family to arrive and take them in… we never would have received that opportunity if it wasn’t for you. And the actions you took that day.” Dr. Vin elaborates sincerely.

Simone sets down the datapad to cover from her shaking.

“That… uhm… seems pretty convenient. You studied Terran head shit because of something I did? And here you are, just when I’m looking to sort out said head shit?” she mutters defensively.

“Yes. I believe it is a superstitious concept that your kind refers to as; karma. In the grand chaos that is the universe, a push responds to a pull. And here we are. I truly believe that no matter what plucks the strings of destiny -if anything- I am meant to be here, for as long as I am needed. That being said I will still be accepting the offered salary. Destiny or no, I must make a living.”

“Of course. Simone, this must be a lot. If you think this isn’t right for you, that’s perfectly fine.” Chak assures, wanting to counterbalance the absolution this Noxii is exuding.

The Terran bites her cheek, there’s something off here. Though this guy isn’t setting off any red flags, Simone can’t help but smell the stench of someone scheming. Her eyes land back onto the bot. The orange face lights flicker in response, there’s an aspect about it that twists the Terran’s instinctual core..

“What’s your deal?” she asks, addressing it directly.

A moment passes as the bot processes the context of the question.

“My soul has been aq-aq-aquired.” it responds using the mutated mechanical voice.

Simone leans forward.

“Wait, so you’re… awake? A security bot?” she insinuates, fully realising what her gut is telling her.

“Correct-ect. My munitions have been uninstalled if that con-con-concerns you.” they assure before opening up their arm panels exposing empty cavities.

Chak tilts her head and unconsciously steps closer to Simone.

“Oh, I’ve never heard of a security bot gaining sentience… Is there not limitations in their software that keeps such a thing from being remotely possible?” she inquiries.

“Father allowed it.” the bot responds plainly.

“This station’s regulations are rather different from the norm. In order to facilitate the safety of the patrons, a few… measures are taken for efficiency. I must admit however, Seven’s awareness is on me.” Dr. Vin clarifies.

“Oh? How so?” Chak asks.

“Well… while working with Terrans I’ve grown accustomed to inquiring into certain lines of thought. Seven here approached me one day as an escort when some unsavory sort started kicking up a ruckus. To pass the time I started… asking questions… and one thing led to another.”

“Dr. Vin is my gu-gu-guardian.” Seven affirms.

“Oh, I believe I see the importance of you two staying together!” Chak chirps.

“Indeed, Seven is my responsibility.” Dr. Vin says as he pats the automaton. “Not the first I’ve brought up in the world, but certainly the most interesting.”

“And I don’t have to worry about Seven here causing me any problems?” Simone asks firmly, crossing her arms.

The Noxii blinks rapidly and shakes his head, causing his ears to flick the air sharply.

“Absolutely. They detest violence. Isn’t that right Seven?” he encourages.

Seven’s facial lights flicker for a moment before responding.

“Life on the scale of the universe is ex-ex-extraordinarily rare despite its success in spreading across the stars. Sap-sapient life even more so, it has more value than any mineral, any alloy, any element. The universe is un-unfeeling, and has no capacity to care whether life continues to exist or not. I do.” Seven says with utmost attempts at conviction inflections. “Life fights en-en-enough to exist, it is in its nature. No, that is its nature. I refuse to be another obstacle for it to fight.”

Despite her gut still feeling that there’s an aspect to all this that she’s missing, she believes Seven.

“Then we can’t have you as an extra gun? What sort of other work can you do?” she inquires, her tone relaxing.

“I can aid in cleaning and vessel maintenance. However, if pos-possible, I wish to primarily serve as a Culinary Specialist.” Seven answers with a hint of… embarrassment?

“You want to be the ship’s cook?” Simone chuckles, raising her eye tufts.

“Yes.” Seven states. “It’s what I want.”

The Terran looks at Chak and shrugs.

“They have my approval. But I’ll leave the final word to you.” she says before an unexpected notification pops up onto her Lens.

The Cali bounces and taps at her own Lens.

“I’ve already prepped Dr. Vin’s contract! I’ll need a few moments to whip one up for Seven here. Oh, Seven? What rates are you asking for your services?” she asks, looking up to the machine.

Seven, not expecting this question refers to their guardian.

“Don’t look at me, this is your negotiations.” Dr. Vin encourages.

Orange lights flickering, Seven return’s their focus to the Cali.

“Standard-ard rate is acceptable.” they answer.

“Oh, are you sure? I can offer you a bit more than that. How about I double that rate if you pitch in with ship’s maintenance when you're not working in the kitchen?”

“That is also acceptable.” Seven answers in their equivalent of flustered.

“Excellent! I’m sending the contracts to Dr. Vin now. Welcome to the crew of the Kwip-Chap!” Chak chirps excitedly.

“Most excellent indeed! Thank you.” Dr. Vin says with a brief squat. “I’ll have my belongings sent here to be loaded. Don’t fret, it’s not much. In the meantime, Simone, I would be honored to have a sit-down and start an initial dialogue. Just to get the feel for it, would that be alright?”

“Already? Bit fast, don’t you think?” Simone responds, a bit jittery.

“We don’t have to dig into anything, but it may help to establish where to begin. Just thought this is a good opportunity.”

Simone avoids Chak’s eye contact and slightly shakes her head.

“Sorry, gonna have to take a rain check for now. I actually have something I need to check up on before anything else.” she admits.

“I understand. May I have your Net address in that case?”

“Yeah… Chak can also let you into the ship’s closed network.” Simone agrees.

“Very good, regardless of when we begin I look forward to our sessions. I hope it’s not too much of an intrusion, but could Seven and I perhaps relocate to this estate? It would cut down a great deal on travel time.” he inquires.

“This estate is for our crew, so absolutely!” Chak agrees.

“Ah, excellent! Well Seven, it looks like we are official!”

“Yes. I’m looking-ing forward to working with you.” Seven says, turning towards the Kitchen’s direction. “May I utilize the kitchen? Dr. Vin has yet to eat anything.”

“Knock yourself out. Excuse me.” Simone stands and begins walking to the front door, Chak follows in a concerned pursuit.

After the two leave the estate’s entrance Simone presses up into her Lens and communicator.

“Are you alright?’ the Cali asks softly.

“Just a sec, Chak.” Simone whispers as she waits for a connection to complete.

Silencing herself, Chak awkwardly watches Simone shift from one leg to another until the Terran gets in contact with someone.

“Hello? Yeah I just received the message. How much time? Fuck. Would it be possible to speak with her directly? Yeah. Thanks.” Simone speaks aloud and starts waiting once more.

Chak wishes she could hear the other end of the conversation, but she already has a good idea who this is regarding.

“Hey, this is Simone. I know it’s not a custom for a Terran to be there, but I’d be honored if you’ll have me. Alright, I’ll be right there. Just hang in there.” Simone disconnects from the call and begins moving to the shuttle. “Sorry Chak, there’s somewhere I really gotta be. Come along if you want.” she says while keeping her pace.

Chak doesn’t hesitate to follow.

-

Simone enters the operating room through a decontamination chamber. She approaches a prone individual who’s lower half is engulfed in a transparent chamber.

“Looks like I made it, huh?” Simone says in a casually pleasant tone.

The weak Watath mother looks to the Terran and hisses in relief.

“Timing is indeed a gift of yours. Our paths crossed just in time it seems.” she replies before hissing in amusement.

“Well, I was hoping to take you on a night on the town. Treat you to a fun night as a last huzzah, you know. Sorry we don’t have the time for that.” Simone admits as she pulls up a rolling seat to the bedside.

“This is enough… Thank you for all you’re doing. This Vessel is unfathomably lucky.” the mother dismisses. “Her life was well worth this.” the Watath’s clawed grasper takes hold of the Terran’s paw.

“Is there anything else you need from me? Name it and I’ll get it done.” Simone promises.

“Just… see this vessel off? As she sets sail?”

“You bet.”

The Watath suddenly hisses a soft laugh.

“A Terran... and a Watath… what a scene this is…” she reflects amused.

“Hey… Our peoples may not be on the best of terms, but the way I see it… we’re still people, right?” Simone assures, placing her other hand on top of the other.

“Yes… perhaps if this vessel had met you sooner, she may have considered you a close friend… or not… it’s nice to consider, regardless.”

“Sure. Though, considering my role in our peoples’ conflicts, that may have proved difficult.” The Terran chuckles.

“Your spirit is that of a warrior, there’s no dishonor in that.”

Simone’s eyes twinkle a little and she shakes her head.

“A spirit of a killer I’d argue. Risking life to take life isn’t what I call honorable. Yet here you are giving life, to make it. I’d say you beat me in honor, I think it’s beautiful, even.”

The viper-like eyes zero in on Simone’s.

“May this mother give you parting advice?” she hisses, losing a bit more vigor.

“‘Course.”

“The wind behind your sails has been tattering and against you many times, that is the way the seas are sometimes. So I forgive you for forgetting that although you carry a worn bloodied sword in one hand, there’s a shield in the other.” the mother’s claws grip tightens. “And that shield is… beautiful, this vessel promises you she sees it. Everyone you’ve helped has seen it… You are a warrior Simone. A very honorable one.” she assures.

Simone nods slowly, not wanting to make this time be wasted on her. This is the Watath’s moment.

“Thank you.”

“No… thank you... The smallest child born will be given your name, for the name will grant them the strength their body can’t...”

“Y-you don’t have to-” Simone stutters.

“It’s already done. This vessel has left messages for her brothers when they receive her babies.” the Watath says, her voice beginning to drift.

“Alright. You know, you did amazing. Your kids are gonna grow up to make you proud.” Simone says, fighting back tears.

“My ancestors will accept me in their seas… I’m ready… it’s time…”

Simone nods and leans forward.

“Great fleet on the tides beyond, take this Vessel home. She has sailed through life and is casting her children behind her. Allow her to wait with you, when they are ready to make the voyage themselves.” Simone recites in galactic standard, regretful she couldn’t properly speak in the Watath’s speech.

Regardless, the mothers cries a hiss of joy at this final miracle the Terran gifts her. Now perhaps her ancestors will have no trouble finding her, she won’t stray alone for long. She feels the pressure grow and grow in her lower half, in her mind’s eye the crossing is in sight.

“Know her name, for when this vessel crosses she will need your guidance. Know her name, for it’s hers. Know her name, for it’s her time. Know her name…” Simone pauses, allowing the mother to finish.

“Know my name… Kiarras… know my name… Kiarras.... know my…” Kiarras’s mustered voice is silenced as her babies are set upon the waves of life, and her body grows still.

Immediately, Simone leans up pressing her forehead to Kiarras’s. Although now paralyzed from the trauma, she lives for a few more moments.

“You did amazing… you did amazing…” Simone repeats in comforting whispers, even after she knows Kiarra has fully crossed.

-

Chak watches this all play out behind a pane of glass. She observes tears continuously streak down Simone’s face in grief for a woman she didn’t really know. Even only after a single encounter, a Terran’s pack-bond can be such a powerful force.

The Cali then ensures to pay all the fees and handles the busy work, so that Simone can have all the time she needs.