We Need a Deathworlder!

“Alright… everyone’s here.” Chak speaks up, both crews sitting along two conjoined tables. Most of the non-deathworlders found themselves sitting further away from Simone, who still held the Manarian toddler in her arms.

Except Chak, who sits in between the two Gratt right by Simone. She feels incredibly guilty for needing the Gratt there, but the Manarian’s presence alone instills such a deep unfair fear within her. She has to routinely remind herself that the fear is induced by genetic tampering, which thankfully helps combat it a bit.

“Quite a lot happened, but first things first. How did they follow us?” the princess inquires.

“Chucknuq and I have scanned both our ships up and down, no trackers, no nothin’.” Thorn informes, “I’ve also taken the liberty to scan everyone here individually. All clean. So, my best guesses are that someone in the Seekers got sloppy, or more likely someone involved with Gaia spotted y’all on the Noxii asteroid.”

“It would be smart for them to have agents in high traffic locations.” Vin agrees.

“Still, I’m not sure we can know for sure quite yet.” Brandy points out, “We’ll have to be extra cautious with where we go.”

“The problem with that is we can’t go anywhere without risk. On two fronts. The Children of Gaia and the Cali Territories may together cast a wide net.” Chak says.

“Perhaps if we link up with your brother’s forces? It would provide significant protection at the very least.” Vin proposes.

“That may be true, but that puts the two remaining Cali royalty in the same place. If his forces are ever ambushed in batte, we risk losing both of us in one swoop.” the princess counters, “Unless we find ourselves having little other option, I’d prefer to avoid it.”

“Seek sanctuary? Nation help?” Meeki says, “Gratt world not strong but protected and in public eye.”

“That’s… not a terrible point.” Thorn grants, “It could risk guaranteeing people knowing where you are, but probably remain fairly safe. Though it could get politically messy real quick if anything were to occur.”

“And it would mean we would be stuck in place. I’d prefer mobility if possible.” Chak inputs.

The room is silent for a short while as everyone is considering alternative ideas.

“Princess. Mind if I speak plainly?” Thorn addresses.

“Oh, of course.” Chak answers.

“You’re running out of places to run to. Unless you want to spend the rest of your life cooped up in this ship, I think we need a plan for tackling the bullshit head on. Your father, Gaia, and-” he holds up a hand to the fuzzy child, “the Manarian threat. They are all connected in some way. From what Simone has told me, the Gaia nutcases are tied to the Manarains and Gaia are very well aware of your father’s actions. We need details to know where to hit. If it’s all connected, perhaps kicking one domino is all we need.”

Chak manages to briefly look over at Simone before her gaze gets thrown off by the Manarian presence. Having been quiet up to this point, Simone nods and digs something out of her back pocket.

“I think I can help with that.” Simone says, revealing an ancient triangular device, “Managed to grab this from the station before hell broke loose. It’s like a Lens, but more capable with data storage. I can’t say for sure, but it may have answers regarding the Manarians and their whole thing. Since I already have bits of its previous owner in my head, I think I can use it.”

“Or I try to extract the data first, before you do something that stupid.” Devin bluntly offers.

“You needed my help with a damn pod door panel.” Simone argues.

“Sure. But just because I don’t understand the data doesn’t mean I can’t extract it. I can make sure it’s safer and secure in our own hardware, then leave it to you to sift through it.” Devin says with an eye roll, “Even if that device isn’t meant to fry your brain, it’s old. So old you have to account for unintended malfunctions. That simple.”

Seeing his point, Simone bites her cheek and nods.

“You’re right. Here.” She says before holding out the device towards the man. Though she has to avoid the curiously prodding tail grasper of the child she holds, playing a brief game of keep away.

Devin quickly takes it and looks it over in his hand.

“I’ll get it done asap.” he assures.

“Then in the meantime we’ll shelve plotting to strike until we have that data. Now I say we move on to the other discussion at hand. The lad.” Thorn gestures to the warbling child.

The room’s focus then centers on the Manarian, who upon feeling the gazes -and attempted gazes- lowers his ear plumes in concern. Not liking the sudden attention one bit he turns away and bites down on Simone’s shoulder.

Simone wants to say something, but she understands that everyone knows the situation well enough that there’s nothing worth mentioning.

“Everyone is getting that unnerving tickle in the back of their head right?” Troy inquires, “It’s like, really weird.”

“Observant as ever…” Brandy mumbles, “But yeah, it’s like that feeling of seeing a spider out of nowhere. I know I shouldn’t be bothered… but…” she visibly shivers.

“For me… it’s initially like standing in a room where the looming dread of death is present. Irrational, but I believe the encoding depends on that.” Vin adds.

This makes Simone’s eyes drop to the table surface. The guilt swelling in her chest like a straining knot of rope.

“I’d say I share that sentiment, Doctor, quite strange.” Chucknuq agrees, “Though I’m curious, what of you Meeki and Nodrin?”

The Gratt couple give the child a long look.

“Like… in presence of spore flower. Must be cautious, or it get you with surprising pop.” Nodrin explains.

“Yes, same.” Meeki nods.

“So Deathworlders so far seem to be less affected?” Thorn thinks aloud as he scratches at his stubble, his cyan eye twists to the bot, “I highly doubt you're affected at all.”

“Indeed. I find the child to be absolutely-ly adorable.” Seven confirms, “I hope he likes my cuisine!”

“Well… unless the majority of the Kwip-chap crew wants to deal with the encoding all day everyday, I’ll extend the offer to house him in our ship.” Thorn puts out.

“Oh yeah! Of course anyone can visit any time!” Brandy adds a little too quickly.

“They’ve already discussed this…” Simone internally realizes, not all that surprised, “Maybe… that would be best though. The encoding isn’t his fault, and my family shouldn’t have to live in constant paranoia that they can’t help either. It’s a fair compromise.”

However, her thoughts then dwell on the future. If they somehow actually manage to come out of this in one piece… then what? Living the rest of her life with Chak would be torture for the Cali if Simone took in the Manarian.

So, although it starts to tear her heart to shreds… in the end, she has to pick one. Best if… she makes that decision now, as to face the hurt now rather than later.

“That won’t be necessary, but we appreciate the consideration.” Chak chirps, causing Simone to look up from the table.

The Cali directs her attention to the crew down the connected tables.

“The encoding may be troublesome, but that’s exactly why this child will need all the support we can provide. He will already be so alone in this galaxy, who are we to push him away too? He’s innocent in all this and needs our help. That’s all that matters. Is everyone in agreement?” Chak says.

Simone eyes the rest of the crew.

“Ha! Without a doubt! The encoding is nothing compared to the horrors I’ve seen in my service! Nothing I can’t handle!” Chucknuq proclaims with gusto.

“Indeed. In fact I’d argue it’s vital he remains on this ship. I suspect that simple and gradual exposure therapy may be the best solution to nullifying the instinctual effects the encoding presents. Using our rational minds, I’m certain it will be overcome.” Vin agrees.

“We do more sitbaby! We tough like Simone!” Meeki squeals, shooting up in a standing position.

“Babysit, yes.” Nodrin agrees with an amused chuckle.

Chak then turns to look at Simone who meets her gaze.

“Then it’s settled.” the Calis speaks with a countancance that exudes knowing comfort, “Essjay officially has a brother.”

Hearing their name brought up, the young Watath peeks out from behind their Cali parent’s back. Having been hiding up to this point, they look at the Manarian’s back and tilt their head curiously.

Wiping her dampening eyes with her sleeve, Simone shutters out breath that she doesn’t realize she had been holding tightly to.

“Sweet! Watcha gonna name him!?” Troy outbursts.

Taken a bit by surprise, Simone clears her throat and pets the back of the child’s head.

“Ah… well uhhm…’ she stammers in thought.

“Does the lad not already have one?” Chucknuq inquires, “Seems old enough for that to be the case.”

Furrowing her brow, Simone tilts her head back to get a better look at the kid’s face hoping for some sort of recognition to kick in. But other than her layered parental feelings, there’s nothing.

“If he was given one… I don’t know it.” she admits.

“Maybe in the data I pulled from the pods?” Deven offers as he pulls out a data pad and slides it to the redhead.

Catching it, Simone turns on the screen and gives it her full attention.

“Alright… Uhm… the only name I see is… ‘Heenza’.” Simone pauses to remember the dream-vision of how Sharra and Heenza met, “But that is of the adult male that was next to him. His blood-father. I… I don’t think Manarians traditionally receive names till later in childhood… At least that’s the feeling I get. Everything only refers to him as ‘adolescent male’.”

“Oh, then perhaps we can name him after his father?” Chak proposes.

“Maybe…” Simone muttered before feeling a background thought of absolute disgust, “Uhhh okay… never mind… The Manarian bits in my head really don’t like that idea…”

“How ‘bout something rad like, Drax or Mavrick?” Troy inputs.

“No.” Simone sheets down.

“What if you named him after your old man?” Thorn says with a shrug.

Not hating that idea the redhead gives the kid’s face another look.

“Robert…” she whispers, trying it out. But… it just doesn’t fit right to her, “Perfect middle name!” she grants, “any ideas hun?” she then directs at Chak.

“Oh, I’m afraid not.” the Cali answers honestly.

Biting her inner cheek again, Simone contemplates through all the names that come to mind and waits to see which fits this little guy’s adorable face.

Then, she finds it.

“Jamie.” she says with a soft smile.

At this, the Terran crew of the Bust’s Blunder all look to one another. That name strikes a chord with each to varying yet moving extents.

“I think…” Brandy starts to say, matching the redhead’’s smile, “That’s a wonderful name.”

“Excellent! We officially welcome Jamie Robert Thatch aboard the Kwip-chap! Bwhahaha!” Chucknuq salutes.

Simone bounces the child in her arm gently, causing his wings to flutter out slightly.

“Welcome, Jamie. I’ll do my best.” she promises in a tender whisper.

“I’ll cook in celebration!” Seven announces, “Are you aware of the Manarian-an diet?”

“Uhhm… I’m pretty sure they’re omivourous. I had a vision of his mother enjoying something much like quiche… so that may be a good start. I’ll have to check in with Dave to see if we can’t work out his specific needs.” Simone answers.

“Very well!” the bot replies as they wheel quickly into the kitchen.

“Anything else from the pod data since we’re here?” Devin inquires.

Drawing her attention back to it, there was something Simone noticed that she wanted to get back to.

“Right. Uhm… yeah. There’s a basic log… It seems after the station was destroyed there’s a customly placed protocol procedure. Every few hundred years or so Heenza would be temporarily taken out of stasis to evaluate the situation. Damn…” she says as she starts scrolling.

“Did he leave any messages in the logs?” Chak asked, rather intrigued.

Simone shakes her head in the negative.

“Unfortunately no. The system filled out the logs based on his input. Like most of these are translated to something like… ‘Local emergency power level deemed sufficient by guardian, continuation approved’. But the last one…” she trails off while starting at the words, her heart feeling a mix of mourning and pride.

“The power for Heenza’s pod ran out?” Vin guesses.

Instead of giving a direct answer, Simone reads the last log entry outloud.

“Local emergency power level deemed insufficient. Estimated one hundred and thirty two years remaining. Authorizing order to divert power to prioritized stasis pod. Power diversion Approved. Remaining pod emergency power now estimated at three hundred and two years.” With surprising ease, she makes sure to convert the time from the Manarain standard to the Galactic Central standard, “That last log was two hundred and fifty three standard years ago…”

The room goes completely quiet as the implications settle.

“Good dad.” Thorn says to break the silence.

“Very…” Simone agrees before looking back to the kitchen doors, “I’m… going to give this guy a quick bath. He smells a bit funky, no doubt from the long stasis stay. Message me if the grub’s done before I get back.” she says as she starts to stand up.

“Oh, do you have spare clothes for him?” Troy asked, pointing at the kid’s stasis jumpsuit.

“I think Dave can whip up some quick custom white temps. They’re for medical visits but I’m sure it’ll work till we find somewhere to buy actual clothes… and diapers… oooooh boy.” with that, she puts her face closer to the child’s, who looks at her curiously, “Are you smelly!? Is Jamie smelly!?” the redhead coos in a goofy voice.

The neutral expression on the boy’s face squishes into an entertained smile as he releases his bite to rub his face into Simone’s shoulder.

“Yeah you are! Smelly boy!” she snickers.

“Te-eehbah!” the child verbally protests in a giggle.

“Smelly!” Simone teases before she stops at the mess hall doors and looks back to the enraptured audience. She wants to thank them, to say something like ‘I couldn’t ask for better people to support me’, or ‘What in the stars did I do to deserve this’. But her honest wordless expression does all the speaking required.

Chak scritches at Essjay’s head to their ‘firstborn’s’ comfort while waving to her fiance.

-

“Okay…” Simone mumbles as she pulls her hand out to the spa tub to check the temp. It isn’t necessary, as the indicator screen on the floor next to the tub’s rim is extremely accurate. But you know, it felt right to do.

Gazing back she doesn’t see where she left Jamie to waddle around. In fact looking around she doesn’t see him anywhere. Her heart skips a beat thinking that not even ten minutes into taking in a toddler she has already lost track of him. She only looked away for not even five standard seconds! She didn’t even hear the spa door open and close!

Fearing what he could be doing all by himself she started to hurry to leave the spa.

“Eeeet! Eeet!” Jamie’s voice calls out from… above!?

Quickly turning back around and looking up Simone sighs in relief to see the toddler letting go from his crawling position to hang upside down from the ceiling. An odd thing to be relieved about to be fair.

Jamie swings from his tail, the grasper claws holding onto one of the many ceiling vents. His wings open to show off his moth-like patterning.

Simone walks up to him, almost face to face.

“Think you’re sneaky huh?” she asks him before shooting her hands out and ticking his sides.

Immediately screeching in shock and laughter he attempts to rock himself away, but to no avail.

Easily catching and rotating him, Simone holds out the giggly huffing child.

“You’re gonna be trouble arentcha?” she remarks in a snicker, “Alright kiddo, let’s get ya washed up.”

Thankfully Manarains apparently enjoy water as Jamie takes playful pleasure in dunking his head and holding his breath.

Simone is surprised to see that his ear plumes are damn-near water proof. Despite feeling incredibly soft and so fine that a single strand can’t be made out by itself, they appear nearly unaffected as the kid resurfaces. Then Simone is further surprised as she reaches in to brush his head fur out of his face, as the thick fur fuzz that covers most of his skin also feels near-dry.

“Is that an aerodynamic thing?” she mumbles to herself, “I hope chinchilla rules don’t apply with you either…”

Not wanting to risk using potentially harmful soaps, Simone holds off until she and Dave can get a good idea of what best suits a Manarian. She just settles on just a good rinse for now.

When she’s satisfied she scoops him up and out to his visible pouting disappointment. His wings stretch out and flap vigorously sending water particles everywhere like a shaking dog.

“Sorry buddy, but we should get food in ya.” Simone says before taking the prepared towel off her shoulder.

Without thinking she starts to fluff the sides of his head, to which he screams in distress so loud that the redhead’s ears start to ring.

Immediately her Lens is flooded by everyone asking if everything is okay, to which she quickly responds in the affirmative.

Covering his ear plumes with his wing graspers, Jamie’s borderline crying face cringes.

“Oh honey I’m so sorry!” Simone apologizes, feeling incredibly guilty, “You’re ears really sensitive kiddo?” she asks in more of a note to herself.

Jamie plops down to the floor, not at all pleased.

“Rrrrronon…”

Though making grumbling snarls, he lets Simone carefully towel off the rest of him. When it comes to his head fur she slowly pats down and allows the towel to soak in moisture.

His mood does improve slightly after a short time to recover.

“No messing with your floofy ears, I hear ya.” Simone promises, “Let’s get you dressed.”

Bottoms are easy enough, but the modified shirt Is an odd experience as it requires a section under the wings to tie together. Not ideal, but it’s all she has to work with for now.

Picking him up she bounces him in her arm and heads out to hopefully make up for her drying error with food.

Stepping out of the spa she jumps at Troy who’s standing in the middle of the hall facing the door like a weirdo.

“By the stars Troy… what’s up? What’s that?” she asks, noticing the fair sized brown paper bag at his side.

“Ah! Yeah! So I went through some of my old things I’ve hung on to and thought the lil’ guy could probably use ‘em!” he bashfully answers, setting the bag down between his feet to dig through it.

“What things?” Simone says before Troy lifts out a stack of smaller shirts.

“While you were in there I cut out a long slit in the backs! I figure all he’ll need to do is step on through the back slit and out the bottom, then pull it up like pants you know? Just then gotta put his arms through the sleeves and head through the… head hole? Head sleeve? Shirt collar? But yeah these are my smaller shirts that I’d wear for like photos and crap, so he can have ‘em! A bit baggy on him but he’ll grow. I think.” Troy explains as he shows off about six different shirts of various colors.

“Shoot Troy… that’s… very considerate of you! Thank you!” Simone says in earnest, realizing that this man made a shirt system even simpler than a medical machine’s attempt.

“Yeah! But check it, got one more thing for him!” the man states before pulling out genuinely toddler sized green pajamas, “Got freak’n dinosaurs on it!” he proclaims.

“Where did you even get those?” Simone inquires, having never seen them before.

“Used to be mine! Managed to hold on to ‘em.” the man answers.

“And… why would you hold onto them…?” the redhead presses, still confused.

It’s then Troy’s boisterous smile falters into a shy grin.

“You know… grew up in a rough place and… yeah… uhm… They were the only thing Ma got me before she… you know how it goes.” he brushes off.

“Troy…” Simone says sympathetically, “You really don’t have to-”

“Nah-nah! Don’t want to hear it! I have no use for ‘em, obviously. And considering the work we do I’ve been lucky to hold onto them for this long. ‘Sides, Ma would love the idea too. Please, take it.” he insists, “And it’s practically tradition for us colony brats to give hand-me-down, right? Ain’t no biggie.”

In response, Simone turns and tightly hugs him with a single arm.

“It’s appreciated. Uncle of the year.” she whispers before giving him a squeeze before releasing, “But you know that means getting Essjay something too you know, no favorites on this ship.” she jestingly warns.

The boisterous spark instantly returns to the man’s face as he thumbs back down the hall.

“Well duh! While I was back on our ship I grabbed your other scamp one of my sketchbooks and crayon sets! They are freaking lovin’ it, they definitely got their passion of art from me.” he winked before filling the bag back up and handing it over.

Awestruck, Simone shakes her head.

“How am I not surprised you had a crayon set?” she mutters.

“They are a legitimate art form!” he calls back before disappearing around the corner.

“Ebba…duunaaaabab…” Jamie warbled nonsensically in a giggle as he watches Troy leave.

“Yeah. A real knucklehead…”

“Nuqahed!” the child says, trying to mimic the long word.

Heart exploding, Simone starts to dread for her health at this point. If Essjay starts learning to speak soon too… She's a goner.

“Yes! That’s right!” she encourages in her low goofy tone.

-

Dressed up in dinos and slit-shirt, Jamie is carried back into the mess hall where everyone is now spread out and eating in scattered groups.

Minding the others Simone navigates to an empty table, and before she can sit down Seven rolls up and places a pre-sliced cooled quiche down before her.

“Thanks Seven.” the redhead says as she sets Jamie down on her knee.

The child leans forward curiously, his tail reaching at the egg based pie dish.

“Hol’ up kiddo!” Simone chuckles as she quickly uses a fork to dig in and bring a manageable bite to Jamie’s face.

Clearly not familiar with using cutlery at his age, he bites down hard and scraps the cheesy egg free.

Seven watches rather intently for a machine individual as they keep a close focus on the little Manarian’s reaction.

In a surprising strike, Jamie’s tail grasps a huge indiscriminate chuck of quiche. Bringing it closer to him he uses his hands to tear free morsels to chive in his mouth.

Simone sighes.

“Alright. Just because it’s your first day.” she grants, though keeps a close watch in case the boy literally bites more than he can chew. Which in all honesty never even comes close to happening.

“I am very pleased you enjoy-oy it Jamie!” Seven says cheerfully.

While gnawing on egg the child looks up at Seven only briefly before returning to his meal.

-

“You sure? I mean, Jamie and I could-” Simone starts to offer before Chak gently cuts in.

“No-no! There are too many dangerous things in the armory for children to sleep in. I will be perfectly fine sleeping there until I am… acclimated to Jamie’s presence. Essjay is fine spending the sleeping hours with Chucknuq until the two are better introduced. Being very different young developing species we must be cautious with them. We can focus on that tomorrow. For now, Jamie should have a safe and comfortable place for him to sleep.” she assures.

“Okay, just… alright. Uhm… sleep well Bo Peep. I’ll miss ya.” the Terran replies.

“I hope you sleep well too. Goodnight Jamie! I’ll be right next door.” Chak farwells before fully stepping out and closing the door.

“Well, kiddo… hope this change of pace is temporary.” Simone mumbles as she sets Jamie down on the other side of the bed as her.

Jamie, seemingly very tired from the day, lays down on his side facing away from Simone. She tries to see if he likes blankets, but at least in this instance keeps ragging them back off with his tail. He becomes quiet, but just as Simone believes that he’s dozing off she notices the small Manarian trembling.

“You okay honey?” she asks.

In response Jamie wraps himself up with his wings like a fleshy cocoon, which only slightly muffles his following crying of screeches.

“Hey…hey… what’s wrong sweety? Come here.” Simone whispers as she sits herself up and carefully scoops the child back up in a comforting hold.

But his crying just worsens, and he wraps his tail tightly around the wing cocoon.

Simone listens carefully as she starts to pick up sloppy childish Manarian words between screeches.

“Hannn… berrrr… hannnnnnn-n-n… berrbrerr…”

He’s crying for his mother and father.

Holding him tighter, Simone doesn’t quite know what to do. Now that all the excitement has come to an end, the only thing this poor boy can think about are his parents. Which… he’s never going to see again.

The Terran allows him to screech his crying for a while until something pops into her mind.

Humming softly in the first song that came to mind, an old song that she once had a brief obsession with as a child. She listened to it every day during her rough spots growing up. Especially after her father passed. It’s corny as all hell, and a touch overly dramatic. In fact she recently had a vision of her showing it to her old man. She keeps humming the tune until the keen ears of the child take notice over his own despair.

Then she starts to softly sing in her soft raspy-sweet tone. Since proposing to Chak, she has been more committed to earnestly practicing her singing voice, hoping to make special moments all the more special.

Right now, she hopes it’s enough to be more soothing than anything else. Although Jamie can’t understand any of the lyrics, Simone puts her all in expressing the message.

Sometimes you find yourself at the bottom, and you feel alone. Like no one cares enough to understand the hurt you’re going through. Like you're abandoned in the worst pits of life.

But, despite feeling all this, you can make it to your next sunrise. It can be hard to see, but you are loved and once seeing that you can lift yourself up from almost anywhere. It may take time, but you can do it.

As a child, Simone felt the song to me a motivator. A manifested hand reaching out.

Now? She knows it’s telling a truth of life, one of the few hopeful truths. A truth she has now fully lived through. It’s a memory now, a message to pass along.

Over and over she sings the lyrics as the wings gradually part, revealing a wet red and gold eye. On repeat, she continues for what must of been over an hour. Until finally, Jame’s eyes close, and his breathing mellows into a slumberous rhythm.

“Ma’s got ya.” she whispers, carefully resting him by her side.

She doesn’t know it yet, but this will be her nightly routine for the next week.

And she won’t regret it one tiny bit.