We Need a Deathworlder!

“Simone?” Chak speaks tenderly.

The Terran opens her eyes, drenched in sweat and shaking. She sits up, tightly wrapped in the bed’s blanket. Rubbing her face against her shoulders she cleans her wet face.

“What happened?” she asks before her vision can fully focus.

“We boarded the ship, remember? Dave gave you some medicine to help sleep. Are you feeling alright?” Chak’s voice informs.

“I… I just remember sitting down in the elevator. Did that… person didn’t chase us?” the redhead says as she looks around, seeing no sign of the Cali. Just before she asks what’s going on, the room’s door opens.

Chak walks in carrying in a tray, blowing Simone’s mind for the briefest of moments. Until she remembers that she is wearing a comm… right.

“Chucknuq made certain that we departed as soon as we boarded. How are you feeling? You were… vocalizing in your sleep.” the Cali informs as she draws close to the bedside.

“Need a shower, but otherwise fine. What did I say?” Simone replies.

“Well… you didn’t say words really… Just some loud… screaming I suppose.” Chak admits as she sets the tray down on the bed.

“Ah… yeah, sorry that must’ve scared the shit out of ya.” Simone shrugs embarrassed.

“Certainly threw me into a bit of a panic… I woke you up, and you said something about it being a bad dream? Then you fell right back to sleep. I asked Dave about it and he said it was unfortunately expected, but he will attempt to modify your medication to perhaps help. I have a dose for you here and I brought you some breakfast with it! Seven made you some scrambled eggs, brown hashes, sausages and your caffeine coffee!” Chak informs before tapping her lower appendage on the tray playfully.

Simone gives the provided sustenance a quick look before returning her sights on Chak, who is now walking around to the Terran’s side of the bed.

“Did... I thrash around at all? Didn’t hurt you did I?” She asks, although the Cali is visibly in perfect health.

“Oh, no! No-no! You did steal the blanket and tightly curl up.” Chak answers as she sits herself right next to the bundled redhead, “And don’t worry, my people are very alert sleepers. We don’t require such a deep state of unconsciousness, so I can be out of harm's way very quickly.”

The Terran wants to ask if it’s still worth the risk, but she knows the answer. So she instead unwraps herself and carefully lifts the tray onto her lap.

“Thanks.” Simone says softly with a small smile forming.

“Anything for you, chinan’nea.” Chak assures before giving the redhead’s temple a kiss. The translator kicks in for that last word saying; “life companion.”

Leaning a bit into the princess, Simone’s smile spreads as her inner tensions unwind.

“Hm… I don’t think I’ve been served breakfast in bed since I was a kid.” she reminisces aloud before taking a sip of the hot bitter tar of goodness.

“Oh? From your father I assume?” Chak says.

“Yep. I had something that was going around the colony at the time and we didn’t really have the boosters to go around. For a week that man woke me up with burnt bacon, burnt toast and burnt eggs all drenched with cheap banana ketchup. The only thing not burnt was the surprise sodas, each day a different flavor. And I loved it.” Simone confirms, stuffing her mouth with hashbrowns, “I know I talk him up a lot… but that man… he was a single parent that did the lifting of ten. Despite me being a lil’shithead half the time, he always knew exactly what to say, what to do, and how to be. I don’t say this lightly… but the whole universe is lesser without him.”

“I believe it. But he did give the universe you, something I will be forever grateful for.” the Cali adds as she comfortingly rubs circles in the Terran’s back.

“I guess… but… my mother was somehow involved with those Gaia fucks. And possibly everyone I considered family… the ones I killed. There’s a part of me that thinks my dad knew something about it all. But he raised me to be exactly the opposite of what they wanted to conform me into. Was he preparing me? Or was he just some guy my mother chose to use? And I just… lucked out?” Simone says, her tone more confused than angry.

“Perhaps… Dave will figure out what’s exactly in your head, and we’ll find answers.” Chak poses, unsure of a better answer.

“Maybe. Or maybe it will just complicate things even more with additional bullshittery questions. I’m already drowning in ‘em. Like, who the fuck was that asshole on the station?” Simone asks.

“Oh, I believe it was some bounty hunter. They must have noticed who I was and made an opportunistic attempt.” Chak reasons, “Unless you think otherwise?”

“Nah, that makes sense. Guess I’m just a bit paranoid. We did have eyes on us the whole time being there.” the Terran agrees with a shrug, “Sorry for losing my cool with cart-fuck by the way. Dude deserved it, but it was stupid. Very stupid.”

“You’ve been through a lot recently Simone, I understand.” Chak immediately assures, brushing her claws through the Terran’s fur.

Simone’s initial reflexive reaction is to press the issue, but the stored away thoughts about it all start coming to the forefront of her mind. Her mouth opens, and she speaks them outloud to finally make sense of all these bubbling feelings.

“Having my past flipped on its head… Is all that shit I went through pointless? All those times I endured an episode… reliving all that pain… all that self hatred… questioning every aspect of why it happened. All because it was all a lie? All those people I would’ve gladly died for, just wanted to indoctrinate me? I know this now… but the scars are still there. I still feel like I knew them. That they were my family, and all their looks of betrayal were real... How can I be both relieved that they were monsters, and still feel this way? Why can’t it go away now? I still feel like a murderer… why?” she rants, her food utensil in hand shaking free the recently added clump of eggs.

Embracing her fiance from the side, Chak hugs as tight as she can manage.

“Because you loved them fiercely. You hold so much love, just like your father. They betrayed that love, and you couldn't simply turn it off.” she states without a scrap of doubt in her words. The Cali guides Simone’s face to look at her, and wipes away the leaking eye water, “Simone. It wasn’t your fault. And we will help you fully believe that someday, I promise.”

The redhead has no words. ‘Thank you’ doesn’t even cover the feeling of trust and awe she has to be in a genuine family. Even the parts in her head that argue that she will get hurt again are ineffectually bluntened. Never has she wished so hard to give this woman a real Terran-grade hug in return. Instead, she nods and presents a sausage in offering with a lighthearted smirk.

The Cali accepts it a bit confused.

“I think I know what the main topic for my next session with Vin is gonna cover.” Simone muses in an accepting sigh, “Wanna watch a show or something with me? I think I’m going to just stay in bed today. I’ll fuck’n shower tomorrow.”

The Cali’s eyes flash before she excitedly bounds over the Terran’s legs to cuddle up on her other side.

“Absolutely!” she declares once all nestled up. Chak then takes a nibble from the sausage as she activates her Lens and begins scrolling through their favorite shows.

-

After a week of traversing into Watath Territory, Chucknuq makes sure to remain on designated traverse lanes. Although traveling straight to a Watath outpost or station may have taken a far shorter timeframe, the Watath are severely strict with where incoming vessels are allowed to go. Thankfully the first military checkpoint is theoretically all they need to reach, and now they are coming up to it. After such a significant detour, the finish line is now in sight.

Several patrol warships take preemptive aim at the significantly meeker lone retrofitted Cali yacht. Between them is a small habitation network station for incoming ships to check in with.

“Vessel marked as ‘Kwip-chap’, please disable all forms of armaments and state your business.” a communication line comes in.

“At least they said ‘please’...” Chucknuq muses as he deactivates the Kwip-chap’s weapons and opens the line, “This is the captain of the Kwip-chap. We have a vital transport of Watathlings that we intend to return to their uncles, by request of their mother.”

There is a pause before the reply comes in.

“Please send any available verification and sail your vessel to these coordinates. Expect further instructions after we verify your claim.” the response finally orders.

“Affirmative.” Chucknuq agrees as he allows the autopilot to guide the ship to the precise position where the Watath communicator commanded. As it does so, the captain opens his comm to the princess.

“Chakalata’motaas, we are at the Watath checkpoint. Would you please forward me verification of the Watathlings’ mother’s final request?” he asks.

-

“Oh, of course! Sending copies to your console now.” Chak says, doing so as fast as she is able.

“What’s up?” Simone says as she sets her weights down.

“It seems we are very close to handing over the Watathlings.” Chak notifies, bouncing excitedly on the desk she sat upon while watching the Terran exercise.

“Shit, that’s awesome! Bout time too. Fingers crossed it's a smooth transfer.” the redhead replies as she starts to wipe her sweaty face with a towel.

“Crossing digits… is a good fortune ritual for Terrans?” Chak inquires curiously.

“Yeah… but it can also mean that you don’t keep promises… Weird… but honestly sounds about right for us Terrans.” Simone explains before she steps out of the pseudo-workout room with Chak close behind.

“Well you keep your promises! So I’m not worried in the slightest.” the princess says, pressing up against the Terran’s side as they walk.

“Mhmmm?” Simone responds with a smirk, “At the very least we’ve managed to get all those kids here. Right before they’re supposed to leave the canister too. Hm… I guess Kiarras was right… we have a thing for timing.”

“Indeed… I’m glad her children will be okay.” the Cali agrees.

As the two move from crew’s quarters hallway and around to the opposing hallway they look down to the cargo bay to see the two Gratt wrestling away. Despite Simone helping them workout, they still have quite a bit of unspent energy afterwards. So they’ve been permitted to use the cargo space as a play-space at certain times to help.

Thankfully there haven’t been any incidents thus far, and they are very mindful if anyone needs to cross.

They watch as Meeki is able to pin Nodrin and chitter in victory. As she does so she peeks up at the audience and exposes her sharp uniform teeth in a smile.

“Simone! Feeling better!?” she calls up, her bondmate still squirming under her.

“You bet! Not at a hundred yet, but gettin’ there!” the redhead responds.

“I challenge you then! Come down! I want to see how I can contend with a mighty Terran!” Meeki summons in great bravado, “It will be fun!”

Chak looks up to Simone who seems to consider it for a brief moment. Then the Terran holds over the soiled towel.

“Hold this for me while ya watch?” Simone says.

Not even hesitating for a standard second Chak snatches the towel and nods rapidly.

Giving the Cali a wink she lunges over the railing and superhero-lands down into the cargo bay.

“Fuck!… My fuckin’ knee!…” Simone curses under her breath before she springs back upright, keeping her cool otherwise, “Remember you asked for this.” she addressed the female Gratt who finally released an amused Nodrin.

“Simple rule, first to pin and grab the tail of… oh right Terrans don’t have one… uhhhmm... “ Meeki trails off looking over the Terran for something equivalent to grab, but isn’t satisfied with anything apparent.

“Tell ya what, pin me for three standard seconds and you win. How’s that?” Simone offers in a chuckle.

“Agreed!” Meeki says before charging the Terran without warning.

Genuinely impressed by this, Simone reached out a hand snatching the Gratt’s chest. Using the momentum against her friendly opponent she rotates and slams her to the floor. She may have done it harder than intended, but is incredibly relieved to see that other than being a bit shell-shocked the Gratt continues the match with excited wild eyes.

Meeki attempts to twist away from the Terran’s grip while trying to trip her up with kicks. However, as soon as the match started, it has ended with a tug on her tail.

“I’d like a rematch!” she immediately demands.

“Alright.” Simone shrugs before stepping away.

This time the Terran is ready for a sudden rush, but the Gratt takes her time. Using her four eyes she attempts to pick out any sort of weakness to exploit. She is outmatched in strength alone… but perhaps she could…

Moving up she concentrates this effort to tripping the Terran by hooking her foot behind the redhead’s ankle and sharply pulling. It does absolutely nothing, for Simone’s well balanced stance is firmer than stone. Before there can be a counter attack Mekki lifts both her hands in the air and steps away.

“I cannot best you. Not yet that is.” she forfeits.

“Aww… just when it was getting fun…” Simone teases with a wink, “Unless… you both wanted to team up?” she offers looking back to the observing Nodrin.

“Wouldn't it be difficult to pin us both?” Nodrin inquires, clearly interested.

“Maybe… But honestly I just wanna see if you can pin me at all.” Simone provokes with an exaggerated shug.

“Of course we can!” Meeki declares as she runs up at the Terran, taking that as confirmation of the match.

Simone stands in place as the female collides into her front. Like a football player she tackles at the Teran’s midsection in attempts to knock her over. From the impact alone Simone staggers back a few steps to then suddenly have Nodrin leap up on her back and pull in reverse. The Gratt on her back makes her top heavy enough to nearly send her down. Nearly.

The redhead grabs at the piggyback rider and thrusts in a forward lean, casting them free from her. For the one still pressing at her front she does nothing but stand in place with her hands on her hips. She lets out a laugh as Meeki pressed on with wriggling jolts. She’s certainly just as strong as a Terran her size, but Simone’s broad mass and training prove the superior.

At least until one on her legs from behind is unexpectedly pulled out from under her. Being so caught up she fails to see Nodrin sneaking back around to go for her leg. Simone attempts to catch herself as she falls back, but the persistence of Meeki makes that near impossible. Her back slams into the floor and before she knows it, each Gratt pressed down together on both of her shoulders. For a moment it seems the couple are victorious, but they severely miscalculated something. Thick Terran arms.

Curling them together in a simultaneous fast motion, Simone insares each Gratt in a crushing bearhug from each of her arms. They both squeal and chitter maddeningly as they resist to break free. However it’s in vain as Simone only squeezes tighter.

“Better surrender!” Simone laughs out.

“Never!” Meeki retaliates in great strain, squirming all the more.

But it becomes apparent that the two Gratt’s boundless energy does indeed had it’s limit. After a straight standard minute of attempting to free themselves, both Gratt go limp from exhaustion.

“Victory… is yours…” Nodrin confirms for the two of them.

Like two uncoiling snakes, Simone’s arms unwrap from the two leaving the three sprawled on the ground in recovery.

“Better luck next time.” Simone snickers as she sits upright and grunts out as she pushes herself to her feet.

“I look forward to it… We have learned…” Meeki vows in a sporting huff.

Simone gives the two a casual salute before ascending the stairs back up to the Cali’s location.

“Somehow... it’s more scary to watch when you are not trying to kill one another.” Chak informs the Terran as she walks her to the sap door.

“Princess, Simone…. we may have a problem.” Chucknuq suddenly calls in.

The two share a concerned look before responding.

“What’s wrong?” Simone asks.

“The Watath checkpoint is requesting confirmation for any Terrans aboard. And to send over any extensive records of said Terrans. Considering your history ms. Thatch… I’m uncertain of what sort of reception your record may bring.” the Captain reports.

Simone bit at her cheek, though this wasn’t expected, it's no surprise.

“Perhaps I can take the Watathlings in the shuttle with me and meet them on my own?” Chak offers.

“No. They’ll just see that as suspicious.” Simone dismisses. She considers the very real possibility that those stationed at the checkpoint may not take kindly to her presence.

“Then what should we do?” Chak asks, looking up to the Terran with trusting eyes.

“Send them everything, Chucknuq. Better to be crystal clear with them. If they think we’re trying to hide something… it won’t end well.” Simone grants, before turning into the spa, “I’ll wash down real quick, get your armor ready to throw on at a moment's notice.” she directs at Chak.

“Oh… alright.” the Cali replies, the nerves in her voice all too apparent.

-

Chucknuq’s throat clicks after the long radio silence after sending all the requested information. The warships’ weaponry has not shown any sort of activity, so at least there’s that. Though considering the high tensions between the Watath and Terrans this should have been a foreseeable concern. Any Terran Union military personnel operating within Watath territories could very easily spark another form of conflict between the two peoples.

Simone is right, if this is to all go smoothly then transparency is absolutely key. Though of course there’s no guarantee of no hostilities regardless. So as he waits, Chucknuq prepares several potential routes of escape in case weapons are discharged.

Though to his relief, the checkpoint eventually does make contact again.

“The related guardians have been informed and have agreed to take in the children of Kiarras. However they wish to accept them personally from the courier, as is their right. You have been granted temporary permission to meet at Checkpoint Three. But be warned, you will be marked as a potential liability to the security of the Watath Star-Navy. Thus your ship and all who dwell within will be terminated if deemed a threat. Comply with all instructions and no harm will befall you. Do you accept these terms?”

As if the trained warships give him much choice, Chucknuq promptly answers.

“The terms set forth are indeed acceptable.”

“You are free to sail onward to Checkpoint Two. Sending verification codes for your arrival.”

With that, Chucknuq allows the ship’s navigation systems to direct the ship into FTL along the designated lane.

Decompressing from that tense wait, he sulks into his seat a bit. This could still end badly, but at least they are moving forward in their objective.

-

By the time the Kwip-chap exits out of faster-than-light-travel on it’s second jump and Checkpoint Three is in view, the Captain drops his newly attained brew. At the fluid spreads across the floor under his seat, he sits in shock as an entire super-carrier vessel with hundreds of preemptively deployed fighters awaits like a wall of death. More weapons are trained on the Kwip-chap at this moment than all before combined.

Fleeing would be a hilariously pointless effort, as the yacht can be reduced to atoms in seconds. So the Captain quickly sends the second batch of verification codes to the small station and makes damn sure to keep his graspers clearly avoiding any sort of weapons system of his own. Though he doubts they can visibly see him, the effort is still made.

There’s an awkward span of time as he awaits any manner of communication, almost missing the meager tension from the first checkpoint.

“Kwip-chap, your codes have been verified. Keep your ship stagnant right where it is. We are now sending the envoy and guardians. Prepare to host them.”

“Understood.” is all the Captain can say in return, still utterly flabbergasted.

He jumps in his seat as a fully armored Terran grasper rests on his shoulder. He looks up at Simone who eyes the ships ahead with no fear, just simple confusion.

“In all my years ms. Thatch… Never have I seen such a show of force for something so comparatively insignificant. All this for a single cluster of children?” the Captain says, finding it hard to wrap his mind around.

Simone slowly shakes her head.

“You haven’t dealt with the Watath Navy much have ya? This isn’t a battle formation… It's a ceremonial one.” she points out, “See how the fighters are arranged? Connect the dots and it makes their symbol for ‘the crossing’ into the afterlife.”

“So it’s a warning is it?” Chucknuq asks.

“A bit… but not really. They are basically saying ‘We present you the gateway into the afterlife, may our ancestors on the other side watch over this meeting’. It’s also implied that they could send us there if needed… so… let’s play it cool. Don’t piss them off, and they will have no reason to blow us the fuck up.” the redhead says, carefully patting the Tromple’s shoulder.

“But… all this for such a transfer?” Chucknuq reiterates.

“Yep. They take their ceremonies very seriously. In a way they are also saying they won’t do anything dishonorable before their viewing ancestors, so we’re in the green for now. I’ll go wait with Chak in the cargo bay to hand over the kiddos. I’m having everyone else wait in their rooms until we’re fully clear.”

“Aye… Good luck Simone Thatch…” Chucknuq farewells as the Terran takes her leave.

-

Chak holds the canister with the eight Watathlings in wait, already set in the cargo bay. She is adorned in her golden armor, but for diplomacy’s sake does not have her helmet on. She does not wish the incoming Deathworlders to mistake her as any sort of threat.

“Oh, it seems you are to be with your family soon!” she speaks to the young, as if they can understand. Though she’s certain her tone of voice may provide the context behind her words as they all begin to swim about with renewed eagerness.

Simone then appears through the forward walkway.

“They should be here soon. All set?” the Terran asks as she approaches, noting the still damaged seal on her helmet.

“I believe so! I’m surprised you decided to not be at all armed. I mean… I’m glad, but… well surprised.” Chak replies.

“I doubt we’d be able to fight out of this regardless, and provoking them isn’t on my to-do list today. The armor is more to show that we are taking this as seriously as they are. A sign of respect.” Simone explains as she reaches out and takes the Watath canister from Chak.

“Is there a risk of conflict? Even if we do everything correctly?” the princess asks.

“Normally I’d say no. But they have my record… so… can’t completely rule it out.”

After some time, the rattling sound of another vessel attaching to the Kwip-chap’s side rings out.

“All doors are sealed and locked. Opening loading doors now.” Chucknuq notifies over the comm.

Simone releases a slow but long breath in preparation.

“Here we go…” she whispers as the door clicks and begins to part ways.

Before the door can completely open, two pairs of fully armed Watath soldiers skitter in and scan the inside of the cargo bay. Thankfully none raise their weapons directly at the two standing in wait.

The pairs then part and stand fully at attention for the rest to follow. More soldiers pour in to create a parallel barrier for the actual guests to walk through. Eventually four unarmed individuals march in. Despite the presentation entrance, two are clearly not of any notable status. Their garments are formal but far from wealthy. The two trailing them are dressed a fair bit better, but Simone recognizes them as spiritual leaders of sorts. No doubt here to witness the hand off and commit the children to their new guardians. All four stop within ten feet of the Cali and Terran.

The taller of the two more meager Watath eyes the canister with a soft expression, his mind finding itself elsewhere from the sight.

The shorter of the two takes the initiative to speak first.

“I am Queall. This is Weala. He is the brother of Kiarras, as I am the brother of Utials. We are here to accept their children into our care. But we first request that if Kiarras left any personal wills, send those to us first, so that we may properly commence the transfer of custody.” he says in an obviously rehearsed manner.

Chak bounces in respect.

“Of course. The hospital made sure her final will and testament were recorded and logged on this data pad. You have our word and the data pad’s history to prove we have not witnessed it’s contents.” the Cali replies as she pulls the pad out of her satchel and carefully holds it out to the two.

Queall temporarily moves forward, accepting the pad. He activates it and holds it up for Weala to see as well. Both of their postures slump as the words of Kiarras softly speak.

“Brothers… it is a great shame that this vessel cannot cast her children into the seas of life without her dear Utials to carry them on for her. But this vessel hopes she has redeemed her standing with the family's ancestors by finding a path for them to drift to you. It was not easy, but by the greatest of fortunes this vessel was rescued of her plight. A Terran warrior, if you could believe it, has secured their passage to you. Please treat her as well as she has treated this vessel and her children. This vessel knows many Watath souls weep at the cost of war, but so does hers. She is honorable, and no harm must befall her or her companions. For the shamans, the hospital agreed to record the birth for you to witness. It should play after these words, as should what this vessel wishes for her children. She promises to help guide you when you sail to the crossing as well. It is all this vessel can offer in return for your aid. Thank you.”

What follows is very familiar to Simone. From her entrance into the hospital room, to her talks with the dying mother, and her butchered words of guiding Kiarras past the crossing.

“She is sailing with the ancestors. They found her.” One of the shaman annonces to the two brothers, who in return hiss in profound relief.

The two briefly embrace, both shaking while still watching the pad. Weala however looks directly at Simone.

‘’Are you this same Terran?” he asks in a crying hiss.

Simone nods before carefully removing her helmet with a single arm, the Wathathlings still in the other. She drops the helmet to the floor so she can hold the canister in both secure hands.

“Yes. I’m sorry we couldn’t be here sooner. We ran into… unforeseen circumstances.” she states, blinking away at the built up moisture in her eyes.

“You have our eternal gratitude regardless. I have read your records… and feared who I was to stand in front of… but your care for Kiarras and her children have eased my soul. Thank you Simone Thatch, warrior of Terrans.” he responds.

Knowing how much that actually meant coming from a Watath Simone nods again, not trusting the tightening in her throat.

Weala returns his eyes back to the pad, and reads along with Queall. There is a flash of confusion in their demeanor, but that quickly fades away as the rest of the finalizing text completes.

They turn and begin to whisper to the two shamen, who take what they have to say a little less acceptingly.

“That is a big risk.” one responds, not so quietly.

“A risk Kiarras deems acceptable. If she sails with the ancestors, then her judgment is final.” Queall asserts.

The two shaman hesitantly agree, though their demeanor shows that they are not proud of what’s to come.

“Oh, is there an issue?” Chak inquires gently.

“Step forward, Simone Thatch. Terran warrior.” a shaman directs, ignoring the question.

Taking a short inhale, the redhead complies. She mindfully steps up to the two caretakers and holds up the canister for someone to take. Both do indeed take hold of it, but their manipulator appendages press on top of both of Simone’s hands to signify for her to remain in the transfer ritual. Two additional and far larger canisters are hovered in by the shamen. One opens them up at the top, while the other comes up to open the one held by three individuals.

“By the will of the honorable vessel Kiarras and decree by the speakers for the ancestors… Three children are to be under the care of Queall. Do you accept this, and swear before the ancestors that they will grow and learn the waves of the great sea under your guidance?” the closer shaman anoints.

“Under my sails, they shall be strong.” Queall answers.

“Your guardianship is hereby granted.” the shamen proclaims before darting their appendages like spears into the canister. Snatching a selected three, they are handed off to the other present shamen to place into one of the large containers.

“By the will of the honorable vessel Kiarras and decree by the speakers for the ancestors… Four children are to be under the care of Weala. Do you accept this, and swear before the ancestors that they will grow and learn the waves of the great sea under your guidance?” they repeat to the other brother.

“Under my sails, they shall be strong.” Weala agrees.

“Your guardianship is hereby granted.”

Simone narrows her eyes as four more are taken in an identical precision fashion to the opposing container. Leaving… the runt…

“By the will of the honorable vessel Kiarras and decree by the speakers for the ancestors… One child is to be under the care of Simone Thatch, Terran warrior. Do you accept this, and swear before the ancestors that they will grow and learn the waves of the great sea under your guidance?” the shamen asks in the same manner towards Simone.

She feels her mouth go dry instantly. Never had she felt more put on the spot in her entire life. Glancing around to the Watath before her, the redhead’s heart begins to panic.

“I… I’m sorry… what?” she says.

“Kiarras wishes for you to take care of the one she gifted your name to.” Weala informs.

“That’s… that’s really not a good idea… I don’t exactly live in the safest conditions for a kid!” Simone starts to argue.

“Kiarras saw you fit, and strong enough despite that. So neither of us can accept the child.” Queall explains in an almost pleading manner, “This is not something we can defy… reject the child… and no one can claim guardianship, for they will be rejected by the ancestors.”

Simone is a breath away from calling out an entire species’ religion and culture as bullshit if that meant utterly abandoning a helpless kid… but she feels a pressure on her hip.

Looking to the side, she sees Chak pressed up against her. She speaks no words, but her expression is one of full acceptance and granting of permission.

The Terran then refelivly turns her eyes to the remaining Watathling, who was -of fucking course- gazing up at Simone directly. Perhaps she should’ve given their understanding capabilities more credit…

“Fucking damn it all… Fine. Uhm… Under my sails, they will be strong…” she speaks, knowing that she really has little choice. No way in hell is she gonna abandon a kid like the others would.

“Your guardianship is hereby granted.” the shamen says as they seal the canister back up.

The two other guardians then release their grips on Simone and the canister, surrendering the final child to her.

“We know it may be unfair, but that’s how the waters can be. It is something we all must weather. Thank you.” Queall says in appreciative relief.

“Yeah…” Simone responds, pulling the canister up close.

“But you are not alone. From this moment on, we consider you sister. If you are to sink beneath the waves, one of us will come for the child if needed. Regardless, you are family. And will be welcomed in our homes. Our family verification codes will be sent before your departure. I’m sorry, that’s all we can offer in return.” Weala assures.

“Has… has this ever happened before?” Chak finally speaks up, now that the ritual seems complete.

“It’s rare for another species to be officially granted guardianship, but not unheard of. For a Terran however… this is a first.” a shamen informs before taking their leave.

Weala then picks out a small tube and sticks one of his fangs into the cork-like seal. Within a standard second it’s filled with a clear fluid. He ensures the top reseals properly before holding it out to the Cali.

“So that you may produce a precise antivenom for when the child has grown from the waters. Children won’t bite unless their life is threatened, but accidents are not out of the realm of possibility.” he explains.

Chak accepts it gratefully.

“Thank you, Weala. Rest assured that the child is in the safest Terran hands in all the galaxy.” she replies.

“I believe that to be the truth. Farewell, may our tides cross again.”

All the Watath then exit the Kwip-chap in a near-reverse presentation. The first to enter, now the final to leave. As the door’s seal clicks shut, Simone still stands in disbelief.

“Holy shit…” she mutters as reality fully sinks in.

-

“Congratulations! Haha!” Chucknuq declares as he raises a mug of brew to the new parent.

The whole crew now reconvened in the mess hall to celebrate not only a successful transport, but also an unexpected adoption.

“What is its name?” Meeki asks, putting her face up close to the clear canister. The now lone child within presses their face back in playful mimicry.

“Simone…” the Terran answers with her face in her hands.

“Same name as you? Is that normal for Terran offspring?” Nodrin inquires.

Sighing, Simone drags her face up and out of her hands to address the rest of the crew.

“Sometimes. But to avoid confusion, I’m gonna call them ‘Junior’. Or maybe ‘S.J’. Whatever sticks.” she clarifies.

“Essjay? I like it!” Meeki says as she taps the canister.

“Do you think you are ready for this sort of commitment?” Vin pipes up.

“Shouldn’t I be asking you if I am?” the redhead shoots back in jest, “Well… Not like I have a choice. But… yeah. I think I am.” her eyes move to the Watath to her fiance, “Does that… change anything?” she asks.

In response the Cali scoots even closer and hugs the Terran.

“Not a thing.” she chirps pleasantly.

Simone nods with a warm smile, and stands from the table.

“Alright… I guess I’m doing this… alright. I’m gonna go check and see if Seven needs any help with the grub.” she dismisses herself.

Chak endearingly watches her leave before feeling a super light tapping on her shoulder from Meeki.

“Could I ask you a personal question?” the Gratt says.

“Oh, depends on the question… but I’m open to hear it!” the princess replies.

“Simone is… like your bondmate, correct?” Meeki asks, though clearly further questions are primed.

“I believe that’s accurate to say. Yes!’” Chak answers.

“So… you are intimate? I’m curious how that would work… Is it not physical for your species? If it is… how are you not harmed from the experience?” Meeki questions.

“Oh… uhm… it’s certainly… physical… we are just… very careful.” the Cali attempts to explain through her shyness.

“I see… I’m sure you may have already considered this… but it bothers me. Is there a reason why you can’t modify your make-yourself-stronger armor to make the experience safer?” Meeki blunty points out.

“Oh… no you see- Well, we would need to- I’m certain it- We…” Chak’s voice trails off as her eyes grow brighter and brighter.

She stands from the table.

“Excuse me please. Simone!” she calls out, practically prancing to the kitchen door.

Meeki then slyly turns back to Nodrin with a devilish grin.

“Told you…” she snickers.