We Need a Deathworlder!

A light knocking taps at the Terran’s chosen quarters -the furthest room of course-, but she remains unbothered in her slumber.

An hour passes before the taps start up again, but this time they repeat a little more assertively. Terran dreams of military academy crushes continue undisturbed.

Ten minutes later the tapping returns again with vigor.

“Simone!?” a Cali’s voice rings from the other side.

When no response comes Chak cautiously opens the door, peeking into the near pitch darkness. Listening intently she can’t hear a voice, but rather a menacing soft… growl repeatedly calling out.

“So she is mad at me!?” Chak worries trying to recall what this Terran behavior could mean from her extensive research. “Or is she in great pain!?”

“Is everything okay!?” she chirps, opening the door all the way.

The hall light casts into the room allowing its contents to be seen. Clothes are scattered haphazardly across the floor. Upon the bed, only half covered in incorrectly aligned sheets, lies the Terran. Her head is on the very edge facing the door and her left arm slumped over free dangling.

Chak stifles a gasp. The usually stern-expressing face of Simone is fully relaxed. Even though she was growling, an aura of serenity fully encompasses the Terran.

The sight of such a powerful creature in a state of natural vulnerability is both unsettling, and beautiful.

The Cali steps inside the room, approaching the sleeping deathworlder, still intent on waking her.

“Simone?” she says with her best ‘pretending to sound quiet but it’s not’ voice.

The peaceful face scrunches up and a deep breath is forced into the Terran. She mumbles nonsensically and glares her eyes open.

“MMMMnnnnn… wha… danger?” she asks in a raspy voice.

“Oh, no, no danger. But according to my research, adult Terrans only sleep a duration of four to eight hours. It’s been sixteen.” Chak informs.

“Hmmmnn… hurt… body fix or som’ shhhit. Nnnormal...” Simone attempts to explain.

“Oh, I see… but we are about to take off from Kamoi and there’s something-” Chak is interrupted by Simone’s raised finger bopping her muzzle.

“Shhhhhhsh...hshs...shshs...sh… deathworlder sleep, kick ass later…” Simone lowers her hand and closes her eyes.

Getting annoyed now, Chak crosses her arms.

“Fine. I suppose the free food will have to be rudely turned away!”

Simone’s eyes open again.

“Keep talking.”

“There’s coffee.”

“Fuck... yes! You win.” Simone slowly sits up, cringing from the increasing soreness of her shoulder.

“Yay! Alright, be sure to get dressed. Your clothes have finished washing and are right outside your door. We have a guest on board that wishes very much to speak to you!”

Simone eyes Chak with a spark of alert.

“Who? Is it someone we know? Why wasn’t I told?” she says, swinging her legs over the side of the bed.

“Oh, it’s okay! They have been thoroughly screened and escorted by Station Security. I wouldn’t let them on the ship otherwise. And I tried to wake you!” Chak explains.

Simone’s face flushes.

“Ah. Right. Alright. Where are they?” Simone awkwardly stands and stiffly walks to the door before trying to slowly lower herself to pick up the bundle of clothes. Pain shoots through her core and shoulder. She grunts in great discomfort erecting herself back up.

“Fuck. Hey, Bo Peep? Would you mind throwing my clothes on the bed?”

“Oh, yes of course!” Chak hurries to the task.

Simone plants her ass back on the bed and is able to pull up her trousers with some difficulty.

She looks at her shirt dreading the experience of wrestling that on. If the person here is non-Terran then perhaps she wouldn't have to worry about putting it on at all. Different alien standards of modesty and all that. But then again her chewed up body might be less of a gun show and more of a horror show to the poor individual.

“Fuck… Hey uh… could you do me another solid?” Simone asks looking up to Chak, who is already staring intently.

“Anything.” the Cali says simply, yet a little intensely.

“Uh… with my arm this fucked up I don’t think I can put my shirt on by myself… uh… you okay?”

Chak’s eyes flash red.

“Oh… y-yes! I’m just... um…” she stammers.

“Scars too much for ya huh? That’s fine, it’ll take a hot minute but I may be able to wrestle it on-”

“Oh! Nononono! Of course I’ll help!” Chak assures, snatching the grey shirt from the bed and fumbling with it.

“...If you’re sure. But if you faint from nausea don’t blame it on me.”

Simone grabs a pillow, placing it under her right arm then slowly removes the belting for her arm sling.

“I’d never do such a thing.” Chak says softly, bringing the correct shirt sleeve to the hand of the injured arm.

The Cali with hyper focus gently rolls the shirt up the arm, being sure to take extra care around the shoulder joint.

“Just making sure. You seemed pretty disturbed seeing ‘em last time.” Simone clarifies.

“I wasn’t disturbed Simone. I was sad. Tilt your head down please.”

Chak fits the neckline over the Terran’s head and pulls it down.

“Ah, well… No reason to be sad about it. In fact, I see them as a good thing.”

“Oh, you think they're ‘cool’ right?” Chak chuckles before presenting the left sleeve for Simone to push her hand up through.

“More than that. They may not be pretty, but each scar means something. It means whether or not I won or lost a fight, I still won regardless. Because you know, I’m still alive to have ‘em. I survived.”

Chak’s eyes light up and narrow in understanding.

“That’s… You’re absolutely right. In a way, you wouldn’t be here without them.” Chak unnecessarily and thoroughly brushes down the bottom of the shirt for Simone. “That makes them very pretty.” the Cali presses her lower limb graspers into Simone’s cheeks. “Like you!”

Simone’s face reddens.

“Ah gee Chak. Keep talking me up like that and I may ask for a bonus.”

Chak chuckles tapping the side of Simone’s red face playfully.

“Consider it done. Now! You have someone to meet!” Chak reminds before lending both her upper hands together for one of Simone’s.

The Terran raises her hair tufts and snaps the sling back on.

“This job just keeps getting better and bett-AH!” Simone tries to say as she painfully stands up with the, ultimately helpless, help of the Cali’s strength. “I’m fine.” she half wheezes.

“Um… Should I help you with your jacket as well?”

“Nah, no need to throw that on.. So, where on the ship am I limping to?”

“The Mess Hall of course. I promised food and coffee, remember?” Chak chirps while walking backwards out the door.

“Right. Right. Stupid me. Lead the way.”

-

The Mess Hall door slides open, and immediately Simone is attacked by a thick aroma.

“Damn. That smells like cinnamon rolls having dirty beach sex with a hotdog stand and someone is just standing there... filming it. ‘Know what I mean?” she says, looking to Chak for affirmation.

The Cali just stares at her, utterly confused.

“I just smell fancy artaka rolls…”

Indeed the center table is catered with a single platter of green buns with red flake swirled cream on top.

A figure stands next to the table. A green Runeani dressed neck down in void-black robes. The only skin exposed is her sea green head, which adorns eight bulbous, pure white eyes and gill like vents.

“A crude and… vulgar description, however… not without… truth. Excellent scent receptors Ms. Simone.” she admits with a respectful bob.

“W-what did you do to the rolls…?” Chak inquires looking back and forth between the Runeani and Simone as if the reality she once inhabited has shifted to one where logic has been scrambled through a randomized generator.

“These ‘thaoan artakan furls’ are spiced with inner thaoan tree bark -cinnamon being of a similar nature- and the dough is fermented with a skeletal meat, blood and bone marrow of sand krokl -during mating season- and the harvesters must wait and observe until a certain time in the mating process for the krokl’s exterior shell to expand exposing their very brittle spine. Are you versed in the culinary arts, Ms. Simone?”

Chak lands her, now impressed, gaze onto the dumbstruck Terran.

“Whoa… wait… no... Listen, I swear by the fuckin’ stars that sometimes I just forgo the filter from brain to mouth and put no further thought into it. I mean, sure I’m competent when making do with what I got in tough spots but- Fuck… maybe I should’ve went to culinary acadamy… goddamn.”

While Simone experiences a brief life crisis, Chak shakes her head and clears her throat.

“Moving on… Simone, this is Ul’kul. She is head chef and owner of Tea’Rites.”

Simone blinks, processing her words.

“Ah shit… is this going to end in a lawsuit?” she asks cautiously.

Ul’kul bobs in the negative.

“Quite the opposite Ms. Simone. Certainly the extensive damage my fine establishment suffered is unfortunate, however it’s nothing insurance can’t cover. Worry not, I’m here to show my gratification. I intend to personally provide you and your crew a full course meal, free of charge.”

“Isn’t that so nice Simone! Worth waking up for at least?” Chak chirps.

“Yeah… I know I shouldn’t question it.. But, as the Chief of Security, I have to ask… why?” she inquires.

“Well… the unprecedented publicity my dear. My establishment is the talk of the station and reservations are backlogged for almost a year! After the repairs are completed, you have single handedly secured my business. I hope that satisfies your concerns.”

“I suppose it does… Where’s Chucknuq?” Simone asks, looking around.

“Your flirtatious Captain was served his full meal an hour ago. I’ve been prepping yours since, I’m elated to see you finally join us.”

“Wait, Chak… did you not eat yet?”

“Oh, no. I wanted to wait to eat with you! I tried waking you an hour ago, but…” The Cali shrugs, tapping her lower limbs together.

A pang of guilt hits the Terran like a bullet.

“Ah, sorry Chak. You didn’t have to do that on my account.” she says, rubbing the back of her head.

“Since our dinner plans were… canceled, I thought it only appropriate. You know, pick up where we left off?” Chak explains as she sways side to side.

Simone sighes ending it with a smirk, before looking up to the Chef.

“Alrighty. What will we be having?”

Bobbing Ul’kul raises a black covered limb to the table.

“Please sit, rest assured your meals have been catered to your species to the letter. No gut pains tolerated and guaranteed. I believe you are already familiar with the appetizer.”

Wasting no more time with a grunt, Simone falls into a padded chair. The Terran immediately takes a roll, popping the whole thing in her mouth. As she chews the Cali promptly sits across from her.

“Mmmhm! Fuuuuck.... Chak, ya gotta have some.” Simone says with a still partially full mouth. “Oh wait… can you?”

“Grain based dough is a little rough for my people, is this…” Chak points to the rolls looking up to the Chef.

“The dough is indeed free of grains. As I said, I’ve made the preparations with the utmost consideration. Before I return to your ship’s kitchen, do either of you require a beverage? I personally recommend the freshly squeezed sunfire fruit juice.”

“Oh, I would love to try that!” Chak enthusiastically chirps as she daintily picks up a roll for herself.

“Just coffee for me.” Simone informs.

The white eyes of the chef expand in unison.

“Interesting, very well. I’ll be but a moment.” Ul’kul dismisses as she drifts away towards the kitchen.

Chak looks over the roll in her hand, admiring it. Then she opens her mouth exposing her black chitinous canine-like chompers. Taking a humble bite her eyes practically sparkle, she savors it and swallows before speaking.

“Oh my… I can’t say I taste the uh… filming. But I certainly see why the prices are what they are!”

“I guess, but still… something costing that much for such a fleeting experience? I don’t know.” Simone says while popping another.

The two polish the plate quickly, but not quickly enough for the Chef to return with two beverages on a serving tray. Allowing each to take their drinks she swiftly takes the empty platter and replaces it with a new one from under her robes.

“Please enjoy your drinks, and these accompanying sweet flash frozen kol dew drops.”

Chak’s eyes widen.

“Oh! Kol dew! That’s my favorite delicacy from my homeworld! Thank you!” she squeaks.

With a bob the chef looks to Simone, who brings lips to the steaming hot brown liquid.

Taking in a heavy sip, Simone narrows her eyes. Her gaze zips to the overlooking Chef.

“Coffee’s not supposed to taste this good.” she says plainly.

“Ah, well technically I’m not legally allowed to serve concentrated caffeine. So this is my first venture brewing Terran coffee and I relish a chance to prove my craft. As a professional, I’d be more than happy to remedy any misgivings you have.”

Simone defensively pulls the drink away a little.

“No, it’s fine. It’s good. Just unexpected. Thank you.”

After the chef leaves Simone leans forward towards Chak slightly.

“Did she just admit to breaking the law to pour me a cup? I like her.” the Terran smirks while taking another sip.

Chak giggles, taking a frozen dew drop.

“You must try one of these, Simone! They are a rare treat, even on my world!”

“Really? Even for someone of your status?” Simone casually says before indulging.

Chak’s spirit drops, putting a dew drop back down.

“If you’re mad at me that’s okay. I didn’t provide the scope of the job I offered you. I was just happy to acquire someone like you so quickly. I’m truly sorr-”

“Chak. I’m not mad and I’m not pretending not to be. Alright? Like I said, it’s not like you were hiding it very well. This dew shit is the bomb by the way.”

“I suppose I expected… once you got the full picture things would change for you. Are you not at all tempted by my bounty?”

A little hurt by the insinuation, Simone leans back in her chair.

“Credits can’t fix my problems, Chak. Well maybe a few in the short term if I’m being honest, but that’s neither here nor there. Just rest assured I’m not plotting to kill you in your sleep.”

“Oh… Simone I apologize! I know you're not! It was a foolish thing to ask, I’m just surprised by your dismissal of it all!”

“What? That you’re a princess? Should I be addressing you as such?”

“No. I would greatly prefer that you not.”

“Then I don’t see what the problem is. The job parameters haven’t changed, and I still get to bug ya by calling ya Bo Peep.” Simone states with a wink.

“You would do that regardless.” Chak counters before taking a slow sip of her sunfire.

“You bet I would!” Simone agrees.

-

The rest of the courses come and go with mostly positive receptions. Simone is mildly perturbed by the desert however. Large cream stuffed roach-like creatures ‘toasted to perfection’. The Cali chomps down happily enjoying her bug. While the Terran hesitates when she lifts it to her mouth. The dead nerves in the legs still find necromantic unlife as it seemingly squirms when Simone’s maw clenches down.

It’s fucking delishous as all hell.

“Regardless of capacity, you will always have a seat in Tea’Rites. Thank you for allowing me on your vessel to express my gratitude.” Ul’kul bobs a bow.

Slowly standing to attention, Simone returns a nod.

“The, uh, food was top notch. Don’t let assholes like me complain.”

“Yes, we had a lovely time! And will definitely take you up on that offer sometime!” Chak chirps politely.

The Chef is escorted to the loading bay exit, and after she leaves the two stand awkwardly together.

“Simone…” Chak starts before the Terran raises a hand.

“Look. I don’t blame you for questioning my intentions. I’d do the same in your position. But if you ever feel the need, I’ll leave. Just say the word and I’m gone.” Simone assures.

In an almost visceral reaction, Chak grabs Simone’s uninjured hand and holds it close to her chest.

“No!” she squeaks. “I’d never do such a thing, I trust you with my life! There’s no doubt in my mind. I shouldn’t have asked such an insulting thing, if there’s anything I can do to make it right I will do it.” her eyes repeatedly flashes the glowing red like hazard lights.

Simone smiles, holding back something in her throat.

“Just… keep listening to your instincts about me. You have ‘em for a reason.”

With that, the Terran starts to pull away but the Cali gives a rather impressive effort in resistance. Not wanting to topple her over Simone stops.

“They’re wrong about you. And there’s so much more to a person than instinct.” Chak whispers.

Simone bites her cheek, knowing full well that the Cali’s instincts couldn’t be more right.

“I know.” is all she allows herself to say.

“And what I wanted to say is; you made them stop. You hurt them back. Something I’ve been incapable of doing for so long. That gift is something I can’t begin to explain how much I am in your debt for.” Chak breaths in and out, trying to lighten her own mood. “But… I do have some gifts for you I planned to give you after dinner. Before I made a fool of myself. Please, will you accompany me to my quarters so I can give them to you?” she asks pleasantly, her eyes opening wider, just ever so slightly.

Simone raises a hair tuft.

“I should have learned my lesson from last time, but you’re so damn hard to say ‘no’ to.” She caves.

“Excellent! I promise there won’t be any massive murderous crustaceans this time!” Chak cheekily assures.

“Really? Aw man, here I was hoping for round two. Gotta step up your game there, Bo Peep. Don’t want me getting rusty now, do you?” Simone says following the Cali up the stairs to the crew quarters hallway.

“I can step outside and declare who I am to the whole station if you’d like! I’m sure we can scrounge up someone for you to protect me from.” Chak jests.

“Nah, I’ll pass. I’ve already beaten the best this place has to offer, anything else would just be sad by comparison.”

“Of course, but you are injured.” Chak points out approaching her door.

“Hey, sometimes an injured Terran is more dangerous than not.”

“Even so. I hope you have a speedy recovery, despite my antics!” The Cali opens her door. “Wait there, I’ll go grab it!”

Chak dashes in out of view, soon followed by her soft grunts of exertion. Her head then pokes out rather proud of herself and exuding excitement.

“Are you ready!?” she chirps.

“You seem pretty amped about this.” Simone muses.

“Oh, I am! Okay... Surprise!” she grunts out her cheer as she wheels out a large frame with a soft edged clear case on top.

Within the frame are tubes, pumps and liquid storage containers. Not expecting anything like this Simone tilts her head trying to decipher what this contraption could possibly be. A fish tank maybe?

“What do you think!?” the Cali asks while bouncing in anticipation.

“It’s a… it’s… uh… Sorry I need a little help here. What is it?” Simone inquires as she walks around it confused.

Undeterred from her own hype, Chak clasps all her appendages together.

“It’s a fully automated personal algae farm!” she announces.

Simone freezes in place, eyes wide open upon the realization. For a solid thirty seconds she just takes in the gift in a whole new light.

“You got me this… just because I said…” the words escape her as breath catches.

The Terran reaches out, smudging her skin oil on the polished surface.

“Oh, your face is scrunched… I can return it if you don’t like it.” Chak assures.

Hearing this Simone retracts her hand to cover her eyes.

“N-no! I… I fuckin’ love it…” she says fighting her staggering breaths.

Chak see’s a drip of water sneak past the Terran’s hand.

“F-funny. I don’t… I don’t know a fuckin’ thing about algea. It’s a fffffuckin’ plant right?” Simone asks.

“Protists to be precise.” Chak corrects gently, before placing her hand on Simone’s good shoulder.

“The fuck’s a protist!?” Simone gasp-laughs.

Another water droplet runs down her other cheek.

“Are you okay?” Chak asks concerned.

Simone loudly sniffs and then releases air slowly through her mouth.

“Yeah, sorry. I just need a minute. I didn’t mean to get all ugly on ya.”

“Ugly? Not possible.”

“Heh… no I mean it. I’m a real fuckin’ ugly crier, no one needs to see that.” Simone says before wiping her face with her arm and sleeve. “Ahhh… Thank you? Thank you. This is the nicest thing anyone’s ever given me since leaving the colony. Really the only thing outside of drinks’n shit.”

“In that case, I’m very happy that you like it! Think you can handle a second gift?” Chak inquires genuinely.

“Damn it Chak… Yeah sure, hit me.”

“How about I do this instead?”

Chap wraps all of her arms around Simone’s torso and comes in close for a warm hug. Simone’s arm twitches to return it, but she controls herself recalling the hand holding incident.

“I read up on old Terran fairytales you know… a lot have a brave knight or hero riding in to save a princess. And everything turns out okay when the princess receives or gives a kiss. Very odd and nonsensical. However…” Chak cranes up and gently pecks Simone’s cheek. “What’s the harm in it?” she whispers.

Simone’s arm twitches once more, but she holds.

“Those stories are bullshit and dated as all hell. But… yeah... thank you.”

Chak leans back down and plants the side of her head into Simone’s chest, hearing the comparatively thunderous Terran heartbeat. She only needed one, and it was no doubt the strongest one the Cali ever felt.

“For as long as you're here, I want you to consider this your home.” Chak chirps, still listening to the drum within Simone’s chest.

Simone finally allows herself to carefully pat Chak’s back, but still not commit fully.

The two share the embrace for a good while, until an idea comes to Simone.

“Wanna help me set this thing up? Afterward… I have something for you. Though I’m not sure it can even compare, since there’s a fair chance you won’t like it. But it is something you really need.” she offers.

Intrigued Chak pulls away.

“Oh, that sounds great! Of course I’ll help! I’ve already read the instruction manual three times! Very easy!”

The two roll the farm into Simone’s quarters and rest it up against a clear wall. Chak immediately gets into the setup. Meanwhile Simone makes her way to the desk and picks up the pulse rifle from the Carvvv encounter.

“See! Easy! Now all you have to do is watch and let it grow!” She turns around to see Simone holding the rifle out to her. Surprised, she takes it and awkwardly holds it. “Oh, thanks! But I’m not a good shot… I don’t know how to use it well at all actually.”

“Exactly. This is the best gift I can give you. I’m bound to get hurt again in the future, and if I’m not at my best then you should know how to defend yourself.”

“You’re saying you want to teach me?”

“No, I’m going to teach you. Not only how to properly shoot, but also self defense with a blade as well.” Simone corrects as she grabs her jacket and digs out a switchblade.

The Terran holds the folded blade out to Chak, who accepts with the same awkwardness.

“You think I can fight?” the Cali asks uncertainty.

“I know you can. But don’t worry, this is strictly for when you need to. I’m not expecting you to fight like I do, but every edge you can get the better and the more likely you’ll see that future of yours.”

The Cali looks down at the weapons solemnly, but nods gazing back up at Simone.

“It’s a good idea. A scary one, but I think it’s for the best.”

“Adda’girl. We can start tomorrow -whenever that is- after my morning run.”

“Morning run?”

“Well yeah, I can’t be going soft. Sure I can’t really do much else but run in my current condition, but exercise is exercise.” the Teran clarifies.

“Oh, I see! Then should I take these with me now… or…” Chak shrugs with the weapons uncertain.

Simone smirks and thumbs behind her.

“You can leave them on my desk until you think you're ready to keep them in your room.”

“Thank you.” Chak chirps relieved as she carries the items of death over to the desk.

-

Several weeks go by traveling in open space without incident. Simone settles in to ship life pretty well, all things considered. Her daily routine starts with an early run, making sure to dramatically slow down around corners to avoid flattening either of her crewmates.

After that she meet’s Chak in the cargo bay for firearm safety and target practice. Though firing a weapon in a spacebound vessel is never a good idea, the Pulse rifle on its minimum setting can do little more than leave a bruise.

“Aim for center mass, especially at a distance. No need to make big gambles.” Simone instructs as the Cali holds the rifle up towards a bag of rice propped up on a metal crate. “Stop holding your breath. Remember yesterday’s lesson?’

Chak nods.

“Oh, right. Pull the trigger as I breathe out?”

“Right. But don’t pull the trigger, squeeze it. Remember, slow steady pressure. Also keep both eyes open, you need depth perception.” Simone walks around behind the Cali. “Take the shot when ready.”

Chak braces herself and releases her nervous breath. She fires the weapon hitting the bag of rice square on. It tumbles back, slapping into the cargo bay floor. Quickly she takes her finger off the trigger and points down before celebrating (that was a stern lesson to learn the first time).

“I hit it! I hit it perfectly! ...Right?” she turns around to see Simone giving her a thumbs up.

“You bet! Granted we can’t have you practice with moving targets yet, but you're getting the hang of handling that thing.”

Chak bounces in the praise.

“This is so much more fun than I expected! You’re a really good teacher Simone!”

“Well, it’s going to be a lot less fun when you have to use it for real.” the Terran reminds her, much to the Cali’s dismay.

“Oh, I know… I hope I never will though.” Chak says as she powers down the rifle.

“My dad had a saying. ‘Hope for the best, and expect the worst’ though for him I think he meant it more as in ‘Don’t be too disappointed if your crush doesn’t like you back’. But all the same, that advice never fails me.”

“Crush? I’m not sure I understand. Crush what?” Chak asks as she safely places the weapon on the metal crate.

“It’s a Terran term… not sure why it’s called that actually, huh. But it just refers to someone you’re attracted to I guess, but before admitting it you know? I’m sure you’ve had plenty of those.” Simone explains as she grabs the rice bag from the floor with only minimal discomfort.

“Oh, I see… I’m not sure if my people have an exact word for it like that. But actually… no I don’t believe I have…” her mind trails off a bit.

“Seriously? Not one? Cool if that’s the case, but consider me surprised.”

“I was so consumed by my work, even in my youth I can’t recall…” something clicks in Chak’s mind as she sees Simone hoist the rice bag onto her good shoulder. “Oh…” she whispers.

“‘Oh’? So there was someone? I knew it.” Simone teases.

“Yes... upon thinking about it, there is.” Chak admits.

Simone chuckles.

“Don’t worry, I’m not gonna pry. That’s your business. I’m going to store this back into the kitchen, need anything while I’m there?”

“Oh! No thank you, I’m fine. I’ll just return the rifle to your quarters and do some research in mine.” Chak says, crossing her arms.

“Find anything on the Fuddakk’s Claw?” Simone asks.

“No, there’s not much. They are fairly good at staying out of the limelight, our encounter with them was quite unusual.”

“Damn, well if anything pops up let me know.” the Terran dimisses before turning towards the double doors to the walkway.

“Of course!”

Chak does as she says, but she lingers in the Terran’s room for a moment in thought. Her mind swirls in consideration and cautious trepidation. Her instincts have blunted since spending so much time with the Terran, but she would be lying to herself if she considered them unnoticeable in the back of her mind.

This is unfair, not only to Simone but to herself as well. Can she honestly be truthful with her wants, if her own brain fought against it? Is this utterly reckless to even consider pursuing? Is she insane?

After dropping off the rice, Simone decides to pay the Captain a visit on the bridge. The man rarely slithers away from his post, rather content with monitoring his vessel’s status.

“Captain, everything look’n green across the board?”

“Other than the fact that my people can’t see green? Aye! Bwaaha!” he cheers. “Come to check up on ol’Chucknuq I see?”

“Of course, I’m just as much your Chief of Security as Chak’s.”

“Now we both know that’s hogwash. Ms. Chakalata’motaas’s safety is imperative. Besides, she’s the one who will keep you on your toes. Ha!”

“Well sure, but I’m pretty certain she can’t fly this fine vessel, ‘cuz I sure as hell can’t. You’re more than worth prioritizing, Cap.”

“You’re too kind, Ms. Thatch. Actually, it’s good you stopped by. I wish to share a word with you.”

“You can just call me Simone. And sure, I’ve got time.” The Terran lowers herself to rest cross-legged on the cold floor.

Chucknuq turns his seat around to face her.

“First and foremost, allow me to personally thank you for your services on Kamoi. We are undoubtedly luckier than the stars themselves that Ms. Chakalata’motaas found you when she did.”

“Yeah, no kidding. That was a little rough, even for me.” Simone admits motioning to her still slung arm.

“Yet your spirits remain high, admirable!” Chucknuq praises.

“I wouldn’t say that, but I like where things are settling.”

“Indeed… and that touches on what I wish to discuss with you next… You are planning to remain here for some time, yes? Knowing about Ms. Chakalata’motaas’s situation hasn’t changed that?”

Simone fights back from rolling her eyes, she knows where this is going.

“I do, and no. Nothing’s changed.”

Chucknuq waves a grasper assuringly.

“This isn't me doubting your intentions Simone. I’m simply curious as to what they are. If not for ill, then why uphold your ever-growing perilous role here? Is this not a fair line of questioning?”

“I suppose not.” Simone concedes. “I guess perils aside, it’s comfortable here. You two are good folk who have a good reason to keep me around.” she answers.

“Aye… but what’s stopping you from easily taking us out and claiming the bounty? You can live comfortably forever, wherever. What is your root motivation?”

Simone bites her cheek.

“I don’t know.” she lies.

“Hmmm…” Chucknuq utters, seeing right through her claim.

“That’s the answer you're getting. If that’s not good enough then I’ll tell you what I told Chak. When you no longer want me on board, I’ll go. No questions asked, I never met you.”

Chucknuq scratches under his chin thoughtfully.

“Perhaps when you’re ready, you’ll tell us what dark shadow weighs you down. I see it, and it’s something that will catch up to you. For good or ill.”

Simone stares at him with reinforced eyes.

“Nah, I doubt it.” she counters, standing back up.

It’s then a blinking light pops up on the Captain’s interface behind him. Simone narrows her eyes and points to it.

“Is uh… that important?” she asks.

Chucknuq turns his seat back around and garbles in surprise.

“That’s a direct message to.. me. But… only someone of the Queen’s family even has the emergency address codes.”

“Could someone have found the codes and are using them to trace us?” Simone asks.

“Not very likely. In order to send the message they would need a voice command or else the codes purged themselves. ...they are also purged upon death. As for tracking us, no. Not unless we accept it. However I can copy the message and upload it to a blank datapad for review… done.”

The captain pulls out a dispensed datapad from the side of his seat and holds it up for them both to see.

The video is slightly distorted and the audio warbles from static, but it’s coherent.

A male Cali stands in view bundled in thick winter garb. He pulls off a pair of black goggles to better reveal his face.

“Chak, my dear sister! If this message finds you, and if you are truly still alive, then bless the stars! I heard of what happened, and my research facility here was attacked. I was shot and left to freeze to death, but heh… still kicking. They all left and sabotaged the facility’s systems, but I have the heat partially running again, and they didn’t touch the food stores. I’ve only just managed to cobble together this transponder and the weather looks clear enough to send a message through. I’m sending you my location coordinance, please… if you can… get me off this frozen rock. I think we’re the last… but together we might be able to do something about Father and his madness. Stars guide you Chak, Brom out.”