We Need a Deathworlder!

Chak perks up as the door slides open. Her Terran friend stands there leaning up against the doorframe in a state of unease.

“Oh, are you feeling well?” the Cali inquires..

Simone raps her fingers on the wall in thought.

“Yeah, uhm… hey… you know I wouldn’t ask you for a huge favor if it wasn’t important right?” Simone asks in a serious tone.

“Of course… What’s wrong, Simone?” Chak says, concern growing further.

“I have someone here with me, and she needs a little help. Well, a lot of help. I was hoping you could hear her out and see if there’s anything we can do?” the Terran responds.

“Certainly!” Chak agrees, though a bit confounded by Simone being gone for not even ten minutes and is already caught up in something.

With an appreciative nod, Simone motions for someone to approach and walks in to stand by Chak.

A Watath makes her way in, keeping a respectful distance from the Cali seemingly in charge. Her expression is of surprise, seeing a Terran appeal to a mere Cali isn’t expected. However, if this individual has the ability to save her children, her species is of little importance.

Chak looks back in absolute shock, out of all the potential people Simone could have brought in… of course she brings one of the few species that specifically Terran’s have great trouble with in combat. The Cali didn’t doubt Simone’s capabilities or distrust her judgment. Yet the situation still had her survival instincts kick into overdrive. It takes nearly all of her willpower not to run and hide behind her Chief of Security then and there.

“Oh, greetings! I’ll help to the best of my abilities! That is… if I can… What is it you need?”

The Watath lowers her head meekly, many of her legs tapping at the solid floor in anticipation.

“This vessel’s time in life's seas draws close, as it’s her children’s time to set sail. However, their father cannot raise them, for he has passed. So they must be safely transported to our homeworld, where they can be raised by my brothers. This vessel has exhausted all other options, and stands before you begging for your help. It does not matter how, just as long as they make it there safely.” the mother says humbly.

Chak blinks, taking in the request while recalling as much as the Watath culture she knew without a Lens to reference. Though she didn’t know much, the message is clear. Chak stands, and to the twitching of the Terran, she approaches the mother face to face.

“I see… I must admit I’m not very familiar with your people. However, as someone who has lost her family, I won’t stand by as another’s is in peril. I’ll need to make preparations and research exactly what will be required... but on my word and the stars above, we will personally ensure the safe transport of your children.” she promises with a respectful bounce.

Looking up to Simone as if witnessing a holy miracle the mother releases a low hiss, unable to believe what she is hearing.

“This Vessel… can pay you very little… but you can have everything-” she utters.

Simone raises her hand, shaking it side to side.

“Save it for the kids. Don’t worry about paying a damn thing.” the Terran reassures.

The Watath’s slit irises settle back down on the Cali. Hisses of great emotional relief bubble up, making her speech slightly disrupted.

“A million… appreciations… to you, young Cali… this is… this vessel can pass and join her ancestors in the void… and sail on with pride…” she hisses softly. “The hospital must be informed… that you’ll be taking custody… please excuse this vessel as she must make arrangements immediately.”

“Of course, we are in Bay 330PA if you need to contact us. And if you’re able, please stop by later so we can discuss any further details.” Chak informs with a courteous bounce.

Giving them no time to possibly reconsider, the mother leaves in a rush. Chak slowly turns to Simone and tilts her head. The Terran rubs the back of her neck and shrugs.

“Sorry to spring this up on y’all… but kids are involved you know…” Simone apologizes.

Remaining observant and silent for the whole encounter, Chucknuq clicks his chuckle before leaning his head back on the rim of the tub.

“Haaha! By the stars if I had spawn I’d trust you to carry them on your back as a keeper!” he notes.

“...Thanks?” Simone replies unsure of the implications.

She turns back to Chak who is still giving her a very peculiar look. Although it’s not seemingly negative, the Terran is still unsure of the exact intent behind the Cali’s eyes.

“You okay?” Simone asks.

“Absolutely… I’m just recalling when you told me that you're really good at hurting people. You’re really good at helping them too.” Chak says softly, her eyes flashing.

Face thoroughly flushed, Simone sits down at the table.

“Well… we haven’t saved her kids yet, right? Anything can happen.” she dismisses.

Chak wanders up and settles down next to the Terran.

“Maybe, but you’re trying anyway. That’s what matters.” the Cali affirms as she taps the side of her head into the Terran’s shoulder.

“Thanks for agreeing to help. I knew you would, but still… thanks.”

“Oh, of course. You followed me on a mission with many unknowns, it’s only fair that I do the same.” Chak reasons.

Before Simone can respond, the door opens and a cart is rolled in by a familiar Northa.

“Your meals have arrived, please allow me to serve you. Sir, would you prefer to eat by the tub?” he inquires, aiming his primary focus to Chucknuq.

“Indeed! Bwaha!”

“Very well sir.” the staff acknowledges before taking each covered black platter to each of the treasured guests and sets two tall narrow bottles with accompanying glasses on the center of the table. “I sincerely hope you enjoy your meals, if anything isn’t to your liking don’t hesitate to notify me.'' The Northa then escapes, not waiting for a single tray to be uncovered.

Chucknuq is the first to uncover his fishy food and smells it deeply.

“Ahhh… yes, very good…” he mumbles contently.

Chak removes her’s and nearly squeals from the sight of the kol dew braised thuck-bugs.

“I know I said anything, but I was really hoping for something like this!” she cheers before digging in.

Simone waits and pours the others their shares of sunfire brew, passing them out.

“Alright, let’s see how they did.” Simone utters as she frees her burger and fries.

Other than the off-yellow coloring of the buns and fries it appears like the genuine article. A bit suspicious, she picks up a thick crispy fry and takes a bite. Her face scrunches confused for a moment until it clicks.

“Sweet potato…” she mutters.

“Oh, Something wrong with your food?” Chak asks, noticing the Terran's strange expressions.

“Nah, I like sweet potatoes. It’s on me for not being specific I guess. I’m just curious what crazy person would go for sweet potatoes to pair with a burger. Speaking of which…” Simone says as she picks up the burger and takes a big messy bite.

The meat is the lab-grown stuff and the buns are oddly nutty, but everything else at least tastes genuine.

“This. This is a burger.” Simone grants before drinking some peps’rac straight from the bottle.

-

After their meals and hanging out for a short time afterwards, Simone and Chak decided to head out to the markets. Leaving a mirthy captain in his black tar tub, they all agree to meet back up in two hours at the estate.

Then enduring a Cali-specific shuttle once more, Simone is relieved once they come to a stop in a drop-off area. The two step off to see a grand market that easily puts the one on Kamoi to utter shame. Several circular levels of ring walkways jammed with storefronts like a Terran mall on steroids.

“Where the fuck do we even start? It’s easily gonna take us more than two hours to cover half this place.” Simone asks in awe, genuinely impressed.

“Well, let’s prioritize our list. That way we can get what we need today, and save what we can’t get for tomorrow!” Chak solves quickly, making Simone chuckle.

“Yeah, good point. So are we getting Lenses first?”

“Yes, with easy access to the Net we can navigate much easier!”

“Cool, lead the way.”

Chak shakes her head and grabs Simone’s hand.

“We will-” she begins to say before a voice rings out, catching both of their attentions immediately.

“Wait! Excuse me! Redhead with the Cali!” A Terran’s voice calls out.

Simone looks in the direction, rotating herself around Chak to get in the way of whoever is incoming. To her surprise it’s the mousy woman that was roughed up by the Watath.

Simone’s hand rests on her sidearm as the woman draws close.

“The Watath is currently heading to the hospital.” Simone informs coldly.

“Good! I really hope she gets the assistance she needs. But actually I’m here for you!” the woman responds with more vigor than Simone’s first interaction with her.

“Me? Why?” Simone inquires, confused.

“I didn’t get the chance to really thank you for your help back there. Oh, and you dropped this!” the lady lifts a necklace out from her pocket and holds it up.

Sure enough, it’s the gunmetal chain and red gemstone trinket Chak had given her during their first day working together. Simone feels her jacket pocket where she usually keeps it to find a hole.

“Ah shit. Thanks.” Simone accepts the necklace and properly fits it on her airpipe.

“No problem! Thought it was fateful to help you in return! Though maybe not to the same extent heh…” she trails off scratching at her short dark curly hair. “If there’s anything else I can help you out with, I have the rest of the work day off. I was kinda called in on my weekend to deal with that whole situation.”

Chak peaks around Simone.

“Yet another person Simone has helped?” she teases, nudging her Terran in the side with a lower limb.

The new Terran smirks.

“Simone huh? A strong and pretty name! Well that fits you perfectly. My name is Ellie, a pleasure to meet you!” she says as she reaches a hand out to Simone.

Simone smirks back with flattered cheeks and accepts Ellie’s hand.

“Yeah…” is all she can respond with.

“Hello! My name is Chak. Thank you so much for retrieving her necklace!” the Cali introduces, meeting Ellie eye-to-eye in height.

Ellie smiles widely at the Cali.

“I apologize if this comes across as weird, but oh my goodness you’re adorable!” Ellie compliments as she attempts to get closer, but is heartily blocked by the meaty arm of Simone.

“Simone! It’s fine I’m not insulted at all!” Chak reassures her in a low voice.

“Not the problem. Sorry, but it’s kinda my job to keep this little lady in one piece. Can’t allow any random Deathworlder to just approach ‘er like that.” Simone explains with a raised eye tuft.

“Oh my goodness that explains a lot. Understood and... dang! You must be pumping iron like crazy!” Ellie says, respectfully feeling Simone’s bicep. “Impressive!”

“I mean, yeah. Fitness is a bit of a hobby of mine, but after getting a shoulder dislocated a while back I’ve been in a bit of a workout slump.” Simone admits, her mood dramatically shifting from cautious to boastful.

“Ouch… Sounds like you have a pretty dangerous job.” Ellie says, hand still on Simone’s arm.

“Yeah, hm. Well we should probably get going...” Simone suggests, yet she still stands there, admittedly enjoying the admiration of her bodily efforts.

“Oh, you wouldn’t happen to know of a respected Lens shop would you?” Chak asks hopefully.

This Ellie seems to be very kind and pleasant to be around! Perhaps she could be a new ally or friend! It may even be good for Simone to make another genuine friend, especially one of her own species.

The shorter Terran tears her exploratory gaze away from Simone and lifts her eyes upward in contemplation.

“Hmmm… I’d say all the shops around here are respected, doubt they'd be allowed here if they weren't.” her eyes land back on Simone. “But I do know a place near here! It’d be my pleasure to escort you if you’d like to tell me all about your workout routine! I usually do cardio, and would love to learn what it takes to get this.” Ellie says as she playfully squeezes the bicep.

“Oh, Simone is an amazing teacher! She is currently instructing me on how to shoot a pulse rifle! For self defense of course!” Chak promotes in excited chirps.

“No kidding? I bet she can teach me a few things too. How ‘bout I show you two to the shop? It’s called Favics, just a short walk around and down.” Ellie informs gently yet persistently tugs Simone forward.

Wide-eyed and beet red, Simone nods and mechanically begins moving forward. This lady is laying it on so thick that even the normally dismissive Simone is picking up on the blatant flirting. Definitely not the first time, however she needed to rein in her behavior. Chak is right there, and the thought of making a scene in this context in front of her doesn’t sound appealing.

What Simone can’t fathom is why the Cali is playing up the wingman role to the extreme right now. The support is nice and all, but damn the strange growing awkward feeling in her chest is... stirring.

While making the trek on foot Simone resists and avoids any flirtatious conversations by entailing her company the daily workout routine she abides by in brutal detail. For once pretending that she was just too meat-headed to understand the intentions of this... woman of… beautiful dark skin… and bold hazel eyes... and...

“Ah… shit…” the Terran internally moans realizing how screwed she really is in her endeavors to hide her genuine attraction.

“Two hundred pushups? Dang, I can barely handle twenty!” Ellie jests before chuckling.

“Well that’s just the first set you know…” Simone says before clearing her throat.

Damn, even this woman’s smile is starting to mess with her head.

“Oh, is that the shop?” Chak perks up, pointing a lower limb down the curving walkway to an establishment with Lenses proudly presented without any need of protective coverings.

“That it is!” Ellie confirms.

“Say Chak… why don’t you go on ahead. There’s something I need to discuss with Ellie here. Terran stuff. Just don’t break my line of sight.” Simone says as casually as she can.

“Oh... yes of course! Umm… yes… alright.” Chak replies in a confused but understanding tone.

The Cali trots forward giving the to Terrans space doing her very best not to glance back as to not seem snoopy.

“She seems so-” Ellie begins to say before a firm hand snatches her by her necktie.

Simone locks her barely contained fury of a gaze onto her fellow Terran. Same species of Deathworder or not, Ellie knows she stands no chance… that is… if this was a threat at all? One can find it hard to tell with these rugged types if they are threatening or flirting with you.

“I-I’m sorry, did I say something I shouldn’t have?” Ellie speaks genuinely, not even attempting to raise her hands up defensively.

Simone’s grip tightens.

“Listen, very carefully. I don’t know what your deal is, but if I get the slightest inkling that you’re gunning for that Cali I won’t hesitate putting you down. Station security ending me shortly after or not. Do I make myself clear?” she says in utter conviction.

Ellie nods quickly.

“Absolutely! You have nothing to worry about! I’m sorry if I gave you bad vibes, I must have come on too strong? I was just excited to meet you again, that’s all!” Ellie assures her.

“See, that’s what's not adding up. I understand returning the necklace, but buttering up a Chief of Security in front of her client? In my line of work-” Simone explains before Ellie interrupts.

“Oh nono! I’m sorry, yes that looks bad. But I swear I’m just an idiot! I was hoping to… you know… talk to you. Maybe get your Net address? If I was lucky, I would ask you out to dinner…. Guess I botched that possibility huh?” she chuckles a bit defeated.

Seeing no apparent deception in the woman’s eyes, Simone smirks before releasing her and casually readjusts her tie back into the proper place.

“I may need a bit more convincing, but I like your spunk.” Simone admits with a wink before catching up to the Cali.

Releasing a breath of both relief and thrill, Ellie takes this as a green light to remain with this strange duo.

Chak scratches at the sides of her face as the store clerk advertises model after model of Lens to her.

“This 1150LN series is perfect for causal screening of your business stocks while still being discrete enough to wear in meetings! It also comes with a five year warranty!” the clerk declares holding it out with a translucent red facial tentacle.

“Oh, that won’t be necessary. My business is rather mobile and independent. Do you have anything basic in function but perhaps… uhm… resistant to EMP devices? Or at least have a disconnect failsafe if one were to occur? So that my neural network won’t be negatively affected?” Chak requests knowing the illegal implications she is making.

“That I do! At least a failsafe model. Military grade EMP resistant Lenses are more of a custom job that lies outside my wheelhouse- ah! Madam Ellie! I’ll be with you in a moment!” the Clerk says as the two terrans approach.

“It’s all good Shhhakii! These two are here under my recommendation actually, your hotfix on my faulty Lens really saved my butt after all.” Ellie replies, completely recollected from the interrogation.

“Glad to hear my work is so appreciated!” their attention returns to the Cali. “Now, I believe the S1337 model is exactly what you need. Comes with full standard functionality, with a failsafe that not only protects you from EMPs but hacking attempts as well!”

“Oh, that sounds perfect!” Chak agrees. “May we get two, one for me and my Terran crewmate here?” she says motioning to Simone.

“Actually…”the redhead corrects as she pulls out her defunct old Lens from her pocket. “Would it be at all possible to get this one repaired? Maybe even add those additional failsafes?”

The clerk takes it from Simone and inspects it with several professionally tested tentacles

“Hmm… I’m capable of doing so. However it will no doubt cost double my recommended model to get it done. As this would require my full attention.” the clerk warns.

Chak glances up at Simone briefly, utterly confused as to why she would want to keep such an older model. Though the disappointment from the news is apparent enough on the Terran’s face that the Cali is spurred into action.

“That won’t be a problem, please do as my crewmate requests. It’s important.” Chak assures the clerk to Simone’s uncertain surprise.

“As you say, will there be anything else you require?” the clerk confirms, happy to make more of a profit.

“Yes, two communicators for us as well. They will be used in a closed ship network.” Chak adds.

“Consider it done, I will be but a few moments. Please remain in front of the shop.” The clerk informs before delving into a back room.

“Holy cow… that was really cool of you!” Ellie says with both eye tufts raised.

Simone looks to Chak a bit bashful.

“Yeah… but why? You really didn’t have to do that…” Simone asks, crossing her arms.

“Oh, I’m not certain as to why, but it’s obviously important to you!” Chak responds as she pats a upper hand on Simone’s shoulder.

“I guess, but my attachment to it isn’t worth that many credits…” Simone counters.

“Attachment? What sort of attachment?” Chak asks, now curious.

“You know… it was the first thing you gave me. It’s kinda like this…” Simone explains as she cups the stone of her necklace.

Chak’s eyes expand in understanding and she bounces happily.

“Then I’m very glad I insisted on fixing it!” she chirps, barely able to contain herself.

“Thanks…” Simone chuckles as her face flushes in embarrassment.

Ellie eyes her and can’t help but love seeing this big tough lady showing the even bigger softy inside.

“Of course! With these Lenses we will be able to properly research for someone to be your therapist!” Chak says with good intentions, but the result is Simone shifting from embarrassed to damn near mortified.

“Damn it Chak…” Simone whispers, avoiding eye contact with the courting Terran literally right next to her.

Ellie’s face is concerned for a moment, but she smiles.

“I… think I wasn’t supposed to hear that.” she says looking to the Cali with a lightly reproved tone.

Chak’s eyes widen again in worry.

“Oh… is that a very private matter for your people? Simone, I’m so sorry!” the Cali apologizes deeply.

Before Simone can respond, she is nudged by Ellie’s elbow.

“A bit, but hey it’s nothing to be ashamed of. I meet with mine every wednesday, if you’d like some recommendations from them I’d be happy to ask!”

“Nah, I mean… I’m hoping to find someone who isn’t a Deathworlder, you know… security reasons.” Simone utters, still embarrassed as all hell.

“I see, well I’ll ask to see if they know of anyone. For now, how about the three of us walk around for a bit? Is there anything else you need while we’re in the market?” Ellie asks.

“Clothes! We need clothes.” Chak insists, wanting to move on from her absolute blunder.

“Oooo… an old fashioned shopping trip for some outfits? Heck yeah, there’s a Terran specialty place four rings up. As for Cali… I’m sorry, I’m not sure about that. Haven't really had a reason to look for one. However, I’ll start looking with my Lens right now!” Ellie says with a thumbs up and an activation of her eye device.

“Oh, thank you! You’re so kind! Say, afterwards would you like to join us for dinner? I’m thinking we can retire to our estate and order in!” Chak invites with an appreciative bounce.

“Ah… well… that sounds like a great time but…” Ellie glances over to Simone who finally returns a look. “Only if everyone is okay with that?” she implies as her voice thins and slightly squeaks.

Simone smirks, and huffs out her nose in amusement.

“Fuck it. It’s been a while since I did the midnight rock concert with another Terran.” she internally figures.

“You know what? Yeah. That sounds… good. In fact, how about I cook dinner for all of us? I’ll order some groceries to be delivered and I’ll whip something up special for ya when we get back.” Simone offers, giving Ellie a prolonged stare before focusing on Chak.

“Oh, really? That sounds lovely…” Chak agrees with another bounce.

“Heck yeah! Strong, pretty, protective and a good cook? You are quite the catch.” Ellie says nudging Simone once more.

“Yeah, well… I never said I’m a good cook so keep expectations fair to low.” Simone clarifies.

“Regardless, I bet your hands know exactly what they're doing,” Ellie counters slyly.

“Guess you're gonna have to wait and find out huh?”

“Looking forward to it…”

Chak’s head ping-pongs back and forth as the two Terran’s conversation gradually becomes softer yet somehow more intense. This behavior catches her off guard as she begins to mentally thumb through her previous research and studies. What sort of interaction is this? Facial expressions, body language, tone of voice…

“Oh… oh no… what did I do…?” Chak panics in her mind as it begins to click.

-

Chak and Ellie sit down at a bench as Simone backs towards a changing room.

“Do we really need to do this? We already saw the projection of how the clothes will look on me. Those are like, super accurate these days.” Simone says hesitating.

“It’s more fun this way! Besides, it's not really an old fashioned shopping trip without someone changing like in some cliche montage!” Ellie encourages.

“Okay… but why me?” Simone argues.

“Because you're the prettiest! Right Chak?” Ellie replies, wagging her eye tufts.

The Cali nods aggressively, unsure of the right words to use in such a personally awkward situation.

“Whatever… But I can’t just-” Simone presses before being interrupted.

“As a fellow mighty Deathworlder you have my word that I’ll make sure nothing nefarious happens to lil’ Chak here.”

“We’re almost the same height....” Chak, rather bitterly, thinks to herself.

“I’ll be fine Simone! Safest place in the galaxy, remember?” she says aloud, still wanting to see how this odd Terran tradition plays out.

Simone eyes the two defeated.

“Fine. Fuck. But I’ll be quick!” she caves dashing into the changing room.

The two remaining share the bench in silence for a moment.

“So… uhmmm… sorry if this is a weird question. But are you and Simone… a sort of item?” Ellie asks sheepishly.

“An item?” Chak responds unsure.

“You know, like do you guys have a bit of a thing going on? No judgments here, it’s just… I don’t want to step in and be a bit of a homewrecker.” Ellie clarifies with a shrug.

“Oh..” Chak says, uncertain of what to say.

Her feelings towards Simone are not yet shared in any way that she can tell. She has yet to even confess them to the Terran. Did she have any right to derail other options for Simone, just to keep her to herself? No, of course not. If Simone has grown feelings for this very lovely individual, then support would be the only appropriate path to take. After all, Simone’s happiness is just as important. Besides, if Simone actually liked her back… she would have said something... right?

“No. There’s nothing like that between us.” Chak confirms, doing her best not to allow emotions to leak into her speech.

Ellie releases a drawn breath.

“Ah… good. Last thing I’d want to do is get in your way if that was the case. You gotta admit, she’s something else… Like, she just swooped in and saved my butt out of nowhere and asked for nothing in return. Not a lot of people around like that these days. Not only that, but she did everything she could to help that poor Watath. Hard not to swoon, amIright?”

Chak opens her mouth, but no words come to mind. Right before the silence becomes awkward, Simone saves her once again by emerging from the changing room still fitting on a new jacket.

“Alright, alright! You happy?” she pouts as she T poses and rotates around as she approaches.

Her new outfit consists of dark brown cargo pants, an ab-tight black sleeveless shirt and a new orange and grey faux animal hide jacket.

“Look’n good!” Ellie cheers and claps.

Simone blushes and rolls her eyes.

“I feel like an edgelord pumpkin on halloween.” she grumbles.

“Well sure, but you're killing it!”

“Uhuh… what do you think Chak?” Simone asks, facing the sitting Cali.

“You’re always pretty Simone… I… I like your shirt a lot!” Chak assures trying to shake off the previous conversation.

“Right. Well.. you had your fun Ellie. How ‘bout we start heading back to the estate? The groceries should’ve been long delivered by now.” Simone suggests, as she shifts a hand over her cold torso.

“Right! Absolutely, I’ll have all the clothes you two picked out sent that way as well!” Ellie says as she activates her Lens.

“Are you sure you don’t want me to help pay for it?” Chak perks up.

“Don’t sweat it! Consider it my gift to you two for allowing me over tonight.”

Both of Chak’s hearts sink as the implication settles in.

-

“Wow… this place is beautiful. Though I personally like high ceilings, I suppose that’s a Terran thing so no biggie.” Ellie compliments as the three enter the estate for the first time.

“I like it, it’s deceptively cozy.” Simone comments as she strides to the largest circular room with a rimming couch.

“Oh, I suppose the size is more standard for folk like me.” Chak says as she sits down at the divider between the kitchen and dining area.

Curious, Chak uses her new communicator to contact Chucknuq.

“Chucknuq? Where are you? We just walked into the estate.” she says, hoping to no longer be the Terran’s third wheel.

“Ohohho! Your majesty! My sincerest apologies… I must have lost track of time. I just met these personable ladies that have invited me on a bit of a… multi species diplomatic relations effort-errr… B-but I can cancel and reunite with you at the estate!” he says, obviously in the middle of something.

Chak blinks, staring into open air.

“Enjoy yourself Chucknuq…” she dismisses, shaking her head.

“How is this happening!?” she screams in her head.

“The captain not joining us then?” Simone says as she sorts through the groceries.

“No.” Chak plainly states.

Simone looks over her shoulder noticing Chak’s somber mood.

“Hey, I uhh… found this. I thought you’d enjoy it since you can’t drink whiskey.” She says as she pulls out a bottle from the box. “It’s the dew stuff you like so much! But in tea form!” she plants the bottle down in front of the Cali.

Chak’s eyes flash softly as she reaches out and inspects it.

“Get over it Chak… She still cares about you… That should be enough…” she internally scolds.

Gazing up Chak forces a smile and bounce.

“Thank you! I actually never tried it this way!” she exclaims in a messy mix of genuine excitement and acting.

“You bet.” Simone smirks with a wink. “Now, I never made Cali cuisine before… but something I think you’d really enjoy is lobster! It’s a Terran crustacean that used to live in Earth’s oceans. Would you like to help?”

“Oh, of course! What do you need me to do?” Chak nods.

The Terran places two bowls down.

“I’ve decided to make some deviled eggs too, I’m going to boil some duck eggs and I’ll need someone with precise hands to peel the shells off. Don’t worry about making them too clean, even if you butcher them it’s better than what I can do. Think you can do that for me?” Simone offers.

“Certainly! You can count on me!” Chak accepts, rather determined to excel at such a trivial task.

When the hard boiled eggs eventually Chak wastes no time using her lower limbs to hold and rotate each egg while utilizing her pointy upper claws to crack, fit underneath, and peel the shells free.

“Damn… you’re really good at that!” Ellie comments from the side.

“It’s much like how my people peel chitin off our livestock.” Chak dismisses quickly, while still hyper focused on keeping each egg as pristine as possible.

After the eggs Simone doesn’t have too much more for Chak to do, but thankfully the meal consists of items that don’t take long to cook or prepare.

The three gather around as Simone presents creamy deviled eggs (spices on the side for the Terrans), broiled lobster tails (all but two are garlic drenched for Chak), mashed potatoes (Terran exclusive), and a bugmeal mash (Cali exclusive).

Drinks are poured and despite the lobster being a tad overcooked the meal is a hit with everyone involved. Resulting in Simone having further regrets of not attending a culinary academy. But hey, deviled eggs and whiskey make everything better.

However, as the Terran’s knock back more and more whiskey as the food gradually disappears Chak dismisses herself for the night. Not only were the two’s focus drawing closer and closer to each other, but intoxicated Terrans are not easy to communicate with.

Instead of heading to bed, Chak walks out to a balcony that overlooks the jacuzzi and ship. Her thoughts weigh heavily, and something tells her sleep isn’t going to come to her soon.

-

Simone, guided by a swaying Ellie, makes their way into a random bedroom, as long as it wasn’t inhabited it didn’t matter which.

“Y-you’re sssso fuckin’ hot.. Hehehe…” Ellie mumbles devilishly.

Simone closes the door behind her feeling her heart pound in drunken ecstasy. Ellie then sloppily removes Simone’s jacket and eagerly feels up and down the redhead’s torso.

“I… didn’ think this day woul’ en’ like this… Lucky mee..” Ellie murmurs before kissing Simone's clavicle and ventures up the neck.

In a burst of eagerness and a twist, Simone presses Ellie to the wall as their mouths lock together. Breathing and body motions exasperate. Fuck, she missed this. She needed this. Just a fling, right?

-

The Cali doesn’t know how long she stands up against the ledge of the balcony. Or how long her eyes have been grey. Or how long she had been silently crying.

If only she had said something earlier, anything. Even if she would be rejected at least it would spare her heartache in this moment.

“How selfish are you?” she whispers to herself. “You missed your chance and feel hurt? This is on you, you fool... “

“Fool? Heh, I’m honestly glad Chucknuq is getting some action, dude fuck’n needs it. Though He’s gonna have to deal with no leftovers.”

Chak stiffens at the Terran’s voice behind her. Quickly and silently clearing her throat.

“Oh, Simone? What time is it?” Chak says in a poorly veiled voice.

“Time? You have a Lens now, remember?” Simone reminds from behind her.

Chak shakes her head and checks the time, expecting it to be morning hours. Yet the clock dare states it is merely twenty minutes after dinner.

“Silly me. Indeed I forgot. Do you need something?” Chak asks, finally collecting herself and turns around to see Simone leaning against the balcony’s door frame.

“Nah, just getting some fresh air. Seems like you had the same idea.” Simone answers with a smirk and shrug.

‘What about Ms. Ellie? I thought you two were going to be.. Uhm… intimate.” Chak presses.

“Yeah, sorry about making the situation awkward for ya. But to be fair you were very encouraging from the get-go. She’s… uhh… well it didn’t feel right ya know? She seemed a bit too drunk and out of it, so I decided to call it quits. I’m horny, not opportunistic.” Simone explains, the smirk gradually fading.

“But… you poisoned yourself just as much as she did.” Chak counters, recalling her dinner observations.

To this, Simone shrugs.

“Tolerance I guess, still drunk. But aware enough to feel guilty” she says before chuckling. “She called me a ‘goodie-two-shoes’ then passed out on the bed. So I think I made the right call, regardless.” Simone pushes off the frame and saunters to the rail next to Chak.

“You’re a good person Simone.” Chak says, patting the Terran’s back.

Simone raises a pointer finger up.

“Nu-uh. No. You’ve been acting down today, so I’m here to make sure you’re okay. People don’t dramatically cry over a balcony for nothin’.”

Chak shifts from one hoof to another, looking down below.

“I’ll admit… I’ve felt rather… alone today… I know I’m not, it’s irrational.”

“I’m sorry, I tried to include you more when I noticed.”

“Oh, it’s not your fault. It’s mine.” Chak assures, wondering if now is the time to admit her feelings. Though, if Simone didn’t want to take an opportunity with someone who’ poisoned, she obviously won’t either. Not that Simone was the qualifier for such a thing, but she knew the effects of alcohol better than Chak.

Simone rocks a bit against the railing and pops her neck.

“I’m not super useful right now, but if there’s anything I can do. You just gotta ask.” Simone utters, hoping there’s a simple answer to helping the Cali feel better.

“Even… if it may be a little selfish?” Chak asks.

“You’re allowed to be a little selfish Chak.” Simone assures.

Chak immediately turns and curls up into the Terran’s front.

“Just… hold me… please? Make me feel safe and happy, like you always do... but hold me this time?”

Hesitantly, Simone slowly wraps her arms around the Cali and hints at a squeeze. Then, with the help of the whiskey’s effects, she rocks slowly back and forth.

“You bet.”