We Need a Deathworlder!

Vin taps his mitten thoughtfully at his desk as he stares at his writings in mid-edit. He finds this mood paradoxically raging with inspiration and the melancholy of pointlessness. The recent revelation Simone shared with everyone as they traversed towards their next destination has settled and resettled in his mind over and over again.

Like all things, the entire state of the universe will succumb to its end. It’s just Vin never knew to know how relatively soon it may come. If this small odd band of individuals the doctor finds himself in the company of were to fail in altering fate’s course, then he himself may very well live to see doomsday. What a turn of events that far exceeds anything he expected to experience in his long life.

Though through it all the pride for his own people rings stronger than it ever has. Not only did the Noxii endure the long harsh entropy of time itself, but to have once been the sole vanguard of the stars that sacrificed almost everything in the face of universal invasion? And be victorious? What an honorable uncovered history to be undoubtedly proud of. Also a possible hope, that future isn't so bleak after all.

Although the Noxii are but a shadow compared to what they must have once been, they are many species who can now take the mantle. Though now it seems that the direction of a single species matters more than most, as their people must choose who they are to be. The Deathworld apes of stories.

Vin outwardly sighs as he dabs at the growing emotional moisture on his nose before he continues his writing.

-

“Nice! Alright kiddo, one more time.” Simone says as she lifts Jamie back up from under his arms.

The boy giggles as his currently open wings flutter in anticipation from the perceived play.

With a careful upward toss before kneeling down, Simone sends the toddler up into the air. Keeping her hands up at the ready to catch, she watches as the Manarain’s wings instinctively expand out to slow his descent as if he was a solitary feather.

Gently accepting him back into her hands and arms she stands back up as her torso is wrapped by the boy’s wings.

“Good job!” the Terran praises as she bounces Jamie, “What a workout, huh?” she chuckles right before she feels sharp teeth grab onto her thin shirt protected shoulder.

“Pz-pzzzzzzzaaa… pzza.” he warbles out in response.

“We can eat after I wash up hun.” Simone assures as she starts to carry him out of the cargo bay.

“Want us to tell Seven!?” Meeki inquires through gritted sharp teeth as she struggles against a firm headlock from Nodrin while the two wrestle out their energy.

“Sure! Thanks, I’ll try to not take too long.” Simone replies as she heads up the steps.

Letting her go, Nodrin quickly follows Meeki in a scramble as they head towards the mess hall in a bit of a race.

Making it in first, Meeki chitters in surprise as she trips up with purpose in a rolling bound to avoid trampling the sudden appearance of the Watathling. With grace she lands on a table’s surface and crashes down over the other side. Before her bondmate can ask if the child is alright her head peeks back over the table apologetically.

“Essjay! Much sorry! Is okay!?” she says in panic.

The young Wathath hisses in an affirmative low tone. Although a bit wound up, they seem otherwise untouched.

“Dearest…” Nodrin utters as they stand by the open doorway.

“I know, I’m at fault. I forgot to consider rushing through doors so carelessly.” she replies in their native language as she rests her upper torso on top of the table.

Accepting that she isn’t in need of a lecture, Nodrin nods before addressing the child.

“Are you here for early mealtime?” they ask pleasantly.

Essjay’s legs rapidly tap the floor in an excited rhythm as they nod quickly.

“I see! Is Chak nearby then?” Nodrin lightly questions.

Essjay nods again and points one of their small graspers towards the direction of the bridge.

“Much good.” Nodrin responds before glancing up at their bondmate, “I update Seven, you company Essjay for moment?” they say.

“I do.” Meeki agrees, wanting to further apologize and make up for her mistake. Crawling up onto the table the female Gratt whips her tail, “Want play, Essjay?”

The Watathling considers the offer, but shakes their head before pointing up at the recently placed sketchbook.

“Ooooh… Want draw? I watch, is okay?” Meeki figures.

To this Essjay nods enthusiastically.

While the two start to set up together Nodrin departs and heads back into the kitchen to meet with the metal individual.

“Greetings Nodrin! To what do I owe the pleasure-ure of this visit? Is there a meal request you-ou have?” the bot says as they already have the mid-meal preparations started.

“Hello. No, Simone and Jamie will be late. Let you know for her.” Nodirn informs before already turning to take their leave.

“One moment. Since I have you alone-one, I wish to extend a few questions. You and Meeki are almost always together-er, I’d like your sole perspective.” Seven states.

Admittedly a bit nervous being around the metal individual by themself, Nodrin musters their composure and grants Seven an accepting nod.

“I try best to answer, but limited. Galactic Standard not perfect.” they admit.

“Ah yes, but your swift comprehension and understanding-ing of G.S is rather remarkable. Very few other species are comparable-ble. Though I hope the questions I have prove not difficult-ult to answer.”

“Compliment appreciated. G.S simple in comparison to Gratt languages. Blunt, to point. Far less need complex situation inflection. What are questions?” the Gratt replies as they lean against a wall.

“What is the basis of your religion and its values? Does traversing the stars bring any conflict?” the bot inquires without hesitation.

Nodrin takes their time to answer, not because the answer isn’t known but rather wanting to say it as correctly as possible.

“Oh. It is common Gratt religion. Though unlike what I read of other species’ beliefs, it not… entity? Not structured group or testaments of rules. Is vague in design, because to us knowing what… uhm… exists outside of what’s seen cannot be defined. It is foolish to claim to know in certainty. My beliefs is of the spirits, those who have lived. That they still watch on and guide. Their influence is why we are here, the meaning of why.” they attempt to explain.

“So you worship your ancestors as ethereal beings?” Seven asks.

“Worship… no. Few maybe do, but not me. Uhm… Gratt much social, much empa-empath-etically connected to each other. In life, and death. Passing does not cut connection, connection simply shifts.” Nodrin hopes to clarify.

“Understood. What makes you so certain that connection remains. That the spirits are in fact reality?” Seven continues.

“Like said, claiming certainty is foolish. It’s feeling in soul and mind I have, hard to explain as to why. It like… love.” the Gratt responds with a shrug.

“Love? The endearing affection-ion that spans in a broad spectrum of contexts’. I know this emotion, I’ve felt-elt it but have yet to fully grasp it. Outside the science of the chemical reactions that-at cause it of course… though… I have no such chemicals. Hence my struggle, I’m not sure-ure why I experience it both scientifically and pragmatically. It’s far less sensible than reactionary-ary emotions to express oneself. I want to endure what living means, though I cannot convince myself-elf of a specific faith in spirituality, yet you say it’s akin to love? How strange...” the bot informs.

Nodrin smiles, relaxing their shoulders a bit at Seven admitting such.

“Precisely. Faith is good term for belief and love. Is all acts of gamble, to… surrender sensibility. Is big risk, because one can not know if bad things are to come. We know bad things can happen, sometimes they do. Abandoning reason is not… reasonable.” Nodrin chuckles, wondering how they are to explain, “Faith in people is love. To trust. To allow soul to be open and vulnerable. Why do this at all? Is not sensible to risk harm to oneself.”

Seven stares their three orange optical lights at Nodrin, a bit hung up on how to respond.

The Gratt leans around and looks back through the door to see their bondmate pointing and commenting on Essjay’s drawings. Everything about Meeki is beautiful, from her appearance and soul. Nodrin loves the spark in her eyes when she discovers something new. They also love how her tail feels when weaved with their own, because no matter where they are, even amongst the stars… it’s the feeling of home.

“My life would be much safer if I not confessed to Meeki. Much safer. At time I did not expect a life of this adventure. My root home had my secure future, with promise of a content life. Yet once I met her, I knew my desired place in life, and it was at her side. Love pulled me, and I allowed it. That risk I made, to leave all that I known… and abandon sense… it never once been regretted. I fell in love, and have been rising in life ever since. That is why gamble and let go, enrichment of soul and life. Not guarantee, but if success, it worth all.” Nodrin says before looking back to Seven, “My belief in spirits much similar. But spirituality not for all, like Meeki. But love in all forms is, at least I believe so.”

Seven remains silent for a moment before replying.

“Fascinating perspective, Nodrin. I appreciate-ate your input.”

“Glad to have talk.” the Gratt responds before exiting the kitchen to return to their bondmate.

-

As the weeks pass on since Simone shared the data involving the Manarians and their potential capability, Chak notices that her red furred Terran has become more… reserved? To be fair, having to sacrifice a fair bit of sleep in taking care of Jamie may be a root cause. However, it’s hard to not suspect such heavy information to not be a significant factor.

Time after time she attempts to have a discussion about it because she herself has been struggling with comprehending it all. It’s outright unbelievable, yet she accepts it to be true. Though further clarification is certainly necessary, it’s hard to talk with Simone while Jamie is there. That child has grown incredibly attached, and being around him still instills near-crippling fear within the Cali. Thoughts are difficult to maintain and attention is constantly drawn away…

Chak doesn’t regret accepting Jamie on this ship, but this challenge is proving itself to only allow the bare minimum of progress. Progress is progress of course, but there is so much to come and face that such factors will no doubt become an issue.

She needs to try harder. The Manarian toddler has no malice to her and if she can get over her natural instinctual feelings of Deathworlders, then she can conquer this encoding. At least enough for it to not be a problem.

With Essjay accompanying her, the princess steps in front of what was once a shared bedroom. Still is, but it’s no longer her's to share. At least until the safety and security for both her and Jamie is established to cohabitate.

It’s time to start working on that.

After knocking on the door does it hit how odd it feels. It’s just like when Simone first came aboard, and how the powerful Terran was so concerned with hurting the little Cali. It almost feels like a regression, though that’s from the irrational thoughts creeping in.

Quickly tapping the sides of her head furiously, Chak recenters herself.

“Be reasonable, Simone still cares for you very much. This is simply a temporary arrangement, one that you can help shorten. Be brave.” she whispers before jumping at the opening door.

There stood Simone, her hair now long enough to really express its natural wildness via a healthy case of bedhead. She wears a white thrown on backwards top and dark gray baggy sweats.

Chak would normally find this state adorable for her rugged Terran, however the significantly dark correlation under the emerald eyes shades this look with great concern.

“Sup hun?” the redhead rasps out as she lazily wipes half her face with a hand.

“Oh, so terribly sorry Simone! I didn’t expect you to be asleep at this time.” Chak chirped, stepping up to get a better look at the Terran’s mug.

Simone furrows her eye tufts in confusion.

“Uhm… what time is it?” she asks.

“A standard hour until Seven’s usual scheduled lunch. Are you feeling well?” the Princess responds.

“Uh… damn. Y-yeah, I just slept in I suppose.” the Terran says with a shrug.

“But… you attended breakfast.” Chak is quick to point out.

“...Did I?” Simone thirdly asks as her hand moves up to her head fur, “Guess I really needed a nap then.”

“Is… Jamie here?” Chak says, already knowing the answer from the faint sounds coming from the room.

Smirking, Simone turns to the side to reveal the toddler nestled on the end of the bed watching cartoons with the volume turned down so low that Chak can barely pick up on the acted voices and music.

“Sure is… He doesn't need the amount of sleep I do, so to keep him entertained while I try to catch up… yeah.” the redhead explains.

“Is it not always effective?” Chak says as one of her lowers reaches up to rest just under Simone’s eye.

“That obvious?” the Terran sheepishly chuckled.

“Very.” the Cali confirms with a bounce.

Exhaling out of her nostrils, Simone rubs the back of her neck.

“Yeah… he’s like a needy cat. Always on the move, and has no fear in waking me for anything that pops into his lil’ brain. He’s getting a bit better though. I think he’s starting to kinda understand a few words and contexts from the cartoons, so it keeps him engaged a bit more. Small victories and all that.” she says before eyeing the Watath looking up in interest at the flashing lights of the cartoon, reaching down she pats the side of his little head, “Come on in kiddo! You can watch it too.” she invites.

Immediately, Essjay scurries down the side of the Cali before dashing over and up the bed next to a warbling Jamie. The two parents take a moment to watch, thankful that the two are getting along so well. Though Chak admittedly wishes that approaching Jamie like that was that easy for her.

“So what’s up? Is there an update to our ETA?” Simone inquires.

“Oh, no. Still the same. I came here in hopes to work on interacting with Jamie actually. I’m effectively his guardian too, and you seem to be in need of assistance with him. Oh, and… to talk about… what our future plans are in regards to… everything we now know.” Chak answers.

“You sure?” the redhead says in a serious tone as she places her paw gently on the back of Chak’s shoulder.

“Very.” Chak affirms.

Taking yet another thoughtful breath, Simone nods.

“Alrighty. We can do both those things.” she makes a welcoming gesture into the room with her other arm, “Let’s start with being close to him.”

“Right.” the princess agrees, hesitating for a moment before stepping in. Her legs already start to stiffen as she makes her way to the side of the bed, but she manages to make it.

Her eyes lock on to the back of the boy’s head, watching the ear plumages twitch at every sound she makes. Slowly, she sits down and struggles to dissolve the preparatory ‘run away’ tension in her body.

“You’re doing great, hun.” Simone softly encourages as she crawls onto the bed and rests her back against the wall. She pats the space next to her, inviting Chak to snuggle up.

Although Chak expects herself to hesitate again, she practically jolts up next to the Terran and curls up to embrace the deep sense of security only Simone can provide.

Fighting back a guilty laugh, the redhead wrapped her arm snugly around the Cali. She can feel the racing twin hearts of the princess gradually slow to something that doesn’t immediately come across as pure panic.

“I’m sorry this is hard for you.” Simone whispers before kissing between the Cali’s horns. Nearly risking her eye being gouged.

“It’s not easy for you either.” Chak responds, “Though I’ll admit I dearly missed this, you holding me while we watched media together.”

“We’ll get through this. All of it. I promise.”

Chak manages to glance up at the woman’s beautiful green eyes.

“I promise that we will too. We just a plan. One we can act on.” she replies.

“You’re right. I’ve actually been thinking about that a lot. We need to stop your father and root out the Gaia from the Terran Union. Then, we warn Central of the Manarian threat. Simple.” Simone states, with a teasing smirk.

“If only… have any ideas on where to start? We can halt my father’s plan if we prevent him access to the Malchite. Though in doing so it may not be helpful with Central politics, possibly dividing nations even further if it was discovered they are actively quarantining a whole species.” Chak points out.

“Yeah, the Union is gonna exploit the hell outta that…” Simone agrees thoughtfully, “We’ll need the Union to be cooperative with us before then.”

“Which doesn’t sound probable. With an Admiral working to make way for the Manarians, I don’t see how that can be achieved in any meaningful amount of time.” Chak lightly contends.

“Not unless we do something… big.” Simone lets on.

“Big? What do you mean? Do you have an idea?”

Simone remains silent for a bit as she contemplatively bit at her cheek.

“I do.”

“What is it?”

Slowly, Simone leans in and informs the Cali of her plan into her ear.

Chak’s eyes go wide, both in fear and shock.

“S-simone… You can’t be- That is… absolutely crazy…” she utters completely baffled.

“Crazier than the galaxy waging a war for its own atomony? It’s the most insane thing I’ve ever considered… but… I think it’s our best chance.” Simone reasoned.

Chak remembers everything that’s at stake if they indeed don’t alter the course of where the universe is going, but also what’s currently at risk in the acts of trying. It’s not easy to come to peace with any of it, but that’s the price of such grand scales.

“I suppose we’ll see what the others have to say.” she grants.

“True.”

The two sit together stewing on the prospect, sharing in the feelings of fear for the future, but at least in the present they have this time together for themselves.

Though a question emerges into Chak’s mind.

“You said the Manarians don’t necessarily want to butcher us, and that they initially suspended their invasion because of the Noxii death toll. Is it foolish of me to think that even if the galaxy becomes unstable, the fighting will still be enough to deter them again?”

“Cultures do change… I only know what they used to be like. But even if they are still similar in their beliefs, there comes a point to when you invest too much to back out. If they get a significant foothold, they will play the slow game in more direct ways to destabilize. They have great patience, they’ll get what they want eventually. But, if the galaxy is busy at its own throat, and the largest deathworlder military is willing to be subservient to them… I really don’t see any other species willing to sacrifice like what the Noxii once did. They will want to survive and preserve what they can before throwing everything into complete obliteration. But… if everyone was united… and stable… maybe preparations can be made for future generations. Maybe.” Simone explains.

“So the best case scenario is that we buy time?” Chak says solemnly.

“That, or we all run to some uncharted world and live the rest of our days off grid as self-sufficient farmers. Let the galaxy burn without a care in the world. It would honestly be a lot easier and safer for the kids. At least until they get older and want to go out into the stars thinking that maybe they can make a difference. And I’d let them, because what future life alone in an uninhabited world would they have? No. We have to try and make sure that they can thrive.”

Chak cups the side of the Terran’s face tenderly.

“You really have given this a lot of thought, haven’t you?” she asks soothingly.

Simone smirks and nods lightly.

“I guess Jamie isn’t the only thing keeping me from sleeping.” she admits tiredly.

Having heard his name, the toddler fully peels his gaze from the media to stare back at the two adults.

“Hey buddy.” Simone greets as she opens up her arm on the other side, “Let’s have him get a bit closer.” she directs to Chak who’s hearts start racing once more.

“Okay.” Chak replies with a small voice.

Jamie rolls around so that he crawls on his hands and knees up to Simone’s other side.

“Mmmmmmmmmammmam…” the Manarian mumbles as he grabs onto the Terrans torso and bites her shoulder’s side.

“Hey kiddo, get in on this action.” Simone then says to her other child who still watched the bright colors of the cartoon.

Essjay peeks back and obliges, deciding to scamper into the crevice space between Chak and Simone. Still making sure that they are properly orientated to continue watching the show.

The Cali’s mind felt utterly bamboozled by the cocktail of conflicting emotions and instincts. Both very comfortable and very not.

Though through it all she is proud of herself. This is a grand step for her, and perhaps it’s an opportunity to step again.

“Hello Jamie. You like this show?” she speaks, sounding as pleasant as she can.

“Mmmmmmm” the boy hums in response as he reaches his tail grasper over to her.

Instantly regretting saying something, Chak feels her body freeze up.

“Simone what do I do?” she asks quickly.

“Reach a hand out, he just wants to hold on to you.” Simone answers as she watches over the child’s movements carefully.

Shaking a bit, Chak lifts an upper arm up and fights the urge to pull away as the child’s grasper takes hold.

It’s a secure but thankfully insignificantly tight grasp.

Satisfied, Jamie rests the side of his head against Simone to watch the cartoon.

“Oh, I’m… doing this right? Right? I’m doing it?” The Cali inquires as her breath eventually comes more easily to her.

“Hell yeah you are.” Simone smiles in relief.

For the better part of an hour Chak remains there holding the Manarian’s tail grasper. Even after the Terran begins to snore, now no longer able to keep an overwatch. But… that’s fine. This is fine.

Sleep will not come for the Cali even if she wanted to, but a sense of a relaxed state is achieved. Still a bit on edge, Chak begins to softly talk to Jamie more. Although he doesn’t quite understand, she tells him and Essjay the story of how she met Simone, how much of a hero Simone was, how they fell in love with each other -barring the more spicy parts of course-, how Essjay was adopted, and finally how he was found.

Internally she made a promise to herself. A promise that she would tell these stories as often as possible, and tell them until both children understood and knew them by heart. Because even if the worst were to happen to their parents, they will know of hope. They will understand that their lives and choices will matter. That they matter..

-

“Hold’n up okay?” Thorn asks as the shuttle rattles through the atmosphere.

Simone turned to look at him and the others in their protective suits.

“Just… hoping Jamie isn’t giving ‘em too much trouble. First time he’s really been separated from me… you know… Kinda feel bad for Seven and the gang to be honest.” she answers.

“Ha! Yeah well the slugger’s gonna have to learn that you can’t be around all the time. You have Deathworlding shit to do!” the older man assures as he slaps a hand on her armored shoulder.

“I know… Just. Still.” the woman shrugs before glancing at Chak, “Look’n good hot stuff! You ready to finally see it in person?”

“Of course, but shouldn’t I be asking you that? I mean this is your first time as well.” the Cali points out.

“Donno how I feel.” Simone replies honestly before turning back to Thorn, “You sure the Union doesn’t know about this little pitstop?”

“All precautions taken and any relevant eyes bribed to turn away.” he waved away almost insulted by the need to question, “Plus they got enough scavengers to deal with, we’re a single gnat in a swarm.”

“Right. Right.” Simone says with a long exhale.

She feels a familiar armored hand take hers.

“I think it’s worth coming here.” Chak chirps pleasantly.

The redhead nods and looks over to the three other Terrans present. Troy and Brandy stood up next to a large hovering rectangular sealed container while Devin monitored the shuttle and the area scans around it.

“This may very well be one of the biggest events in Terran history that no one will actually know about…” Brandy muses aloud.

“Hey, we’ll know.” Troy pointed out with a playful press of his fist into Brandy’s arm.

“Fair, I guess.” she responds with a very vocal eye roll.

Simone silently agrees to how profound this all really was in the grand scheme, and yet it will go unnoticed. Possibly for the best, but still, there's definitely something heavy weighing on all the Terran’s hearts at this moment. Even to those who can hide it well.

“Going in for the landing.” Devin updates after some time has passed.

Soon the shuttle rumbles as it rests upon soil. Everyone checks their seals before the door pops and begins to slide open.

“Welcome to Earth.” Thorn introduces before stepping out as if he has done it a thousand times before, “Somewhere in Norway to be specific.”

Chak is the next to step out. She can’t know it for certain, but she recognizes that she may very well be one of if not the first Cali to set hoof on the Terran’s homeworld. It’s just a shame that it has to be seen in such a state.

Simone pauses, looking up at the distant nearly barren mountains only covered with patches of petrified needles of what were once trees. The brownish-gray sky of thick clouds diffuses most sunlight, causing the visibly empty world to feel rather dream-like in a liminal sense. She then looks down into the soil, where she can at least see sparce specks of muddy-green plant life in mostly otherwise dead ground. Stepping down she leaves a distinct footprint as she follows.

“Norway huh?” she remarks, “Not near any cities either I see.”

“Too many scavangers. Besides, fair-ish chance they were from around here. Sent a sample to one of Devin’s egghead friends and… what did she say? Somethin’ bout hamburgers?” Thorn says looking back to Devin.

“Hamburgians. And it isn’t a for-sure thing. Educated guess on her part.” Devin clarifies.

“Wait, so someone else does know?” Simone asks in concern.

“Told her we came across a sample of a museum’s stored away ice mummy while on a job. She didn’t believe me, but she knows better than to pry.” Devin dismisses as he moves out of the way of Brandy and Troy as they guide the rectangular container out.

“Welcome home guys!” Troy says as he taps the top of the coffin.

Smirking, Simone gazes across the landscape once more before landing on Chak.

“Are you alright?” the Cali is first to ask.

“Donno. But, I’m ready to dig a hole.”

-

The hovering coffin slowly drifts Nee and Dov down together amidst the soil they came from. As it starts to be buried, Chak takes hold of Simone’s hand again.

“If I’m remembering correctly, Terrans like to say things about the departed in their passing ceremonies. Is that applicable here?” she inquires softly.

“Maybe, but… I’m not sure what to say. I re-lived Dov’s last memories, not Nee’s. And I still don’t know much about either of them. But I suppose what I can say is, Dov was scared. Terrified. But when it came down to it, once he had Nee in his arms once again while the unknown world around him was being torn apart… he fuck’n kicked the Manarian ass who did it to them. I’d say… despite the horror of it all, he made sure to tell the universe who we were. We’re fighters, we’re survivors, and we will face anything for those we love.” Simone says as she watches the layer of dirt cover the top, “Nee… I think Nee was the brains of the two. I think she reigned him in when things needed to get done. They killed a… elk? Reindeer? Not sure… But while Dov boasted about it, she got to work. They were both people, no different from us. They deserved to be found and brought back to the home they were taken from. Although it’s far from how they would have remembered it, it’s where they belong. I’m just sorry it took so long.” Simone says, just going where her words took her.

“Well said.” Thorn commends.

-

After the ground is smoothed over the Terrans stand by as Simone and Chak sits on a large rock to take one last gander of the Terran homeworld.

“I suppose I should say something like; ‘I feel this deep connection’, or… ‘Wow, I’m really here!’ but… I still really, really don’t know how I feel right now. It’s a mix of feelings that I can’t really define.” she admits.

“And that’s okay. You don’t have to feel a certain way. I’m sure you’ll figure it out.” Chak replies.

Simone lowers her head, almost feeling guilty on behalf of her species for not being more… whatever was expected of her. Not that she cared about expectations like that, but somehow this feels like it ought to be an exception.

“We can bury the dead, but they still lived. Like we can bury our past, but it still happened. Leave the past if you want, that doesn’t make it mean nothing.” Thorn says as he walks up next to the couple, “So, what’s next on the save-the-universe list?”

Simone bites her cheek as she looks back up before breaking into her trademark smirk.

“We’re gonna kidnap the Terran Union President.”