We Need a Deathworlder!

“Nodrin… I was expecting many possible outcomes today… being the first of our people to venture off our world to speak with other unrelated peoples from the stars… was not one…” Meeki says as her hand clasps tightly with Nodrin’s.

The vessel they sit in merely hums as it departs from the ground and soars into the clouds faster than any Gratt airship. Despite the speed, there’s no significant shift of gravitational force.

“You will begin to feel lighter.” A Cali escort guard informed them through their automated translator technology. “Again, it is imperative that you understand that you must be overly cautious when interacting with other species. You are classified as Deathworlders because of your physical advantage over most others. So for the time being please keep your manipulators to yourselves unless prompted otherwise. If prompted, act with great care. Do not run until you have adjusted to the difference in gravity, and don’t move around corners carelessly. You are made of denser and heartier stuff than most others. Please be aware that your facial and bodily expressions may not translate the desired intent to other species. You can also expect strange or disconcerting expressions, it’s likely no offense is intended. Have any questions?”

“How many other species are there?” Nodrin inquires.

The Cali shifts in their standing position.

“Hundreds.” they say with a shrug, “Any questions regarding Deathworlder etiquette?”

Meeki and Nodrin look to each other in uncertainty.

“We must be gentle, understanding, reserved and respectful with everyone we meet. You have our word that we will be such.” Nodrin confirms to their guard.

“Excellent to hear. You are to meet with a member of Cali royalty, so if there’s any question of your intentions I am authorized to use deadly force. I hope you understand.” the guard replies.

“Understood.” Meeki says quickly, trying to not sound insulted by the insinuation. Surely the people of stars’ technological advantage outweighs anything two unarmed Gratt could accomplish. Though if their ‘royalty’ is involved then she supposes such a warning is merited.

It’s then that the Gratt begins to feel indeed… lighter. Not weightless by any means, but they certainly are in awe of the phenomenon regardless.

Then making the two jump in surprise, the section of wall next to them fades into translucency. Meekit can’t help but grab her seat, fearing of falling out of the craft. Though fear is replaced by dumbstruck majesty as their world’s expensive curvature reveals itself.

“W-we’re up so high…” Nodrin whispers, their mind yet to catch up to the obvious statement.

“Congratulations, you two are officially the first of your species to ascend from your world, and into the expanse of space.” the accompanying Cali informs.

Meeki leans back against her bondmate, sharing a moment of absolute speechlessness and wonder. She thought she would bring two species of people together… and now she’s participating in something far more momentously important. The ranger almost feels guilty that the would-be far future generations’ potential accomplishments have been stolen from ever happening, but the rush of this incredible gift is gloriously intoxicating.

Feeling their own sense of appreciative grandeur, Nodrin looks to Meeki. Her wanderlust eyes have never looked so emblazoned. Her life and outlook visibly changing within this moment. Then feeling a twinge of fear, Nodrin’s four eyes fall onto their eloped hands. Meeki’s grip has loosened a bit when reality sets in, however to Nodrin’s great relief she doesn’t let go. A pair of two bondmates is very uncommon as bondmate units tend to accumulate at least four or five partners. As traditionally a single pair across cultures tend to have connections that are feverishly strong, but unfortunately short lived as the desire for further companionship becomes a factor.

It’s not unheard of for a single pair to remain such for their whole lives, but it's far more common that they find another individual or two to link with. Or… what Nodrin fears the most… is that one in the pair begins to feel like they are feeling neglected, and loses their bond connection with their solitary partner for a unit of others.

Nodrin’s connection to Meeki is everything to them, and they can only see themselves with only one other Gratt. Meeki has expressed the same, but her mobile nature has always worried Nodrin. She never liked sitting in one place for too long, always on the move. Nodrin loved that about her, so very much… but what if one day she feels the need to move on from… them…

“Nodrin… how can the clouds look so vastly different from up here? They look like white tunnah syrup being swirled in water…” she asks.

Blinking out of their own intrusive thoughts, Nodrin inspects the view closer to give a potential answer.

“Perspective certainly. Airship pilots have more refined knowledge on the subject than I… But If you think of air as water then in a way the less dense clouds are being swirled and moved by liquid-like currents.” they explain.

“It’s… beautiful…” Meeki comments softly, relaxing fully into Nodrin.

The couple remains silent for the rest of the trip, taking in the view while they can.

Before long the view is cut off when this craft seems to enter the doorway to another far larger one the size of at least a building. Perhaps they were now safer from the outside, however they can’t help but feel as if swallowed by an eldridge beast of the star-void.

“We have landed, please stand and ready yourself to be in the presence of royalty.” their guard notifies.

Nodrin is the first to stand to help their still-recovering bondmate. Meeki’s leg is weak, but completely numb from any pain. Accepting the aid of Nodrin she stands as straight and ‘dignified’ as one can be in her situation. Though she notes that the sense of being lighter is a great boon, relieving much of the physical pressure.

The two then are guided to the doors that they entered from earlier. Then, like a hissing swamp craod, they hiss and pop before action. Sliding open, there stands a lone figure clad neck down in clean and pristine golden armor. For the first time the Gratt sees a Cali without a helmet to partially cover their features.

This one has white fur, red skin, long narrow fur tipped ears and two pairs of short black horns.

“Princess Chakalata’motaas. I present-” the guard says before being silenced by the flashing of the royal’s eyes.

“For the duration of your stay, you will remain in that shuttle. I will accompany my guests from here on out.” she notifies.

The Gratt look to the guard, who now seems indignant by the order.

“With all due respect princess, it would be unwise to-” the guard defends.

“I’m due far more respect than you are giving, sergeant. Up until not so long ago you would have shot me on sight. Be thankful I don’t lock you in a broom closet while you step hoof on my ship. You are my brother’s soldier, not mine. So be of a minimal awareness and silence yourself before you step back into that shuttle. Do I make myself clear? Or must I have you thrown out the airlock without your helmet?” the Princess says back, the weapon in her hands all the more obvious.

Though clearly not taking kindly to this, the guard relents and steps back without another word, allowing the two Gratt to hesitantly pass by. The Prince seemed at least cordial… but this Princess held an aura of untrustful hostility. Still, all the more reason to not offend her. The door reseals behind the two and they respectfully bow.

“We are humbled by your presence, your majesty.” Nodrin says first.

“Follow me please.” the Princess hurriedly replies, already moving.

The Gratt accepts the request, trying to keep up as they take in the fascinating space they find themselves in. Despite the size, everything is of a pure blue-ish metal. Surely if the Gratt even attempted to recreate a representation of this place it would cost more than a village’s collective wealth tenfold. That’s even before large doors separate, revealing even more to this flying metallic palace.

They are taken to a wide walkway, but as the doors close the princess sharply turns to face the two.

“Oh, I sincerely apologize for that. My relationship with my brother’s forces are still… dubious. It’s a long story- but regardless, I welcome you to my home. May I please have the pleasure of knowing your names?” she chirps in a much more friendly and downright pleasant tone.

Taking an awkward moment to adjust to this, the Gratt look to one another gauging on who to speak up.

“Uhm… I see… Thank you, your majesty. My name is Meeki, and this is my bondmate Nodrin.” the female Gratt says, bowing again out of a bit of panic.

“Welcome Meeki, welcome Nodrin. It is an honor to meet you. I know this must all be quite a lot to process. I promise you not only safety here, but we will be as accommodating as possible. I hope our translators are communicating clearly enough?” the Princess assures, before scratching the slides of her head with her strange lower limbs.

“Uhh… yes… your words have become far more clearer since your kind arrived. Almost fluent actually… your majesty” Nodrin responds with another bow, following their bondmate’s example in case she knew something they didn’t.

“Oh, well that’s wonderful! And please, unless if I’m misunderstanding something, there is no need to be formal here. I may be a princess of my people, but you are the esteemed guests here. If anything, I should be bowing to you-” with that, the Cali princess bows her head to the two homeless Gratt peasants, “I cannot begin to express my gratitude to you.”

Now really caught off guard, the Gratt stand bewildered. Utterly unsure how to proceed, until Meeki’s mind snaps to the whole reason for being here.

“Ah, oh, right. That ah… red… Tiaran? Torren? Is she well?” Meeki asks.

Scarily, the Cali’s eyes flash in red light again.

“Oh, she is recovering and we’ll see her really soon! I just… I would like to personally ask how you encountered her.” says the princess.

“I’m afraid I contributed very little, it was Meeki who properly interacted.” Nodrin humbly informs before passing on the duty of speaking back to Meeki.

“Well… you see we found her alone in a cave after we found one of our animals slain in an odd manner. Although our first meeting was rocky, her intelligence was clear to me. At the time I believed her to be of another species of thinking people to whom haven't yet interacted with ours. I must admit my intentions were not only to study, but to hopefully build a bridge between our two peoples. She had little in terms of supplies so I brought her proper food, tools and clothes. In turn when another one of her kind discovered me with hostile intent… she helped me. I was injured however, so I thought it would be worth the risk to have her bring me to the nearby village. Then… well… I suppose the Gratt’s future has changed forever. If any of the destruction or death is because of me, I would like to apologize-” she explains before the Cali princess gently takes hold of her free hand, cupping it.

“That horror that befell your people? You are completely blameless, I assure you. If anything you saved one more life from joining those fallen. And that life you saved? Happens to be the love of my life… through your kindness and willingness to accept her, you saved her from a horrible fate. Thank you Meeki of the Gratt, thank you.” The princess informs her in earnest.

“So that attack was indeed inevitable?” Nodrin asks, a bit discomforted by the act of a supremely strange stranger holding their bondmate’s hand so casually.

“Unfortunately, it appears that way.” the princess confirms with a nod.

“But why? Are they merely blood-lustful conquerors?” Meeki inquires, not minding the hand holding at all.

“Yes… and no. Those who attacked you are extremists among their kind. From what we gathered, they believe that their species is dying. They lost their homeworld a good long time ago, and have been on the decline ever since. So ,yours being very similar… they wanted to take it for themselves.” the princess explains, “But I assure you, they are a vast minority among their species.”

Remembering the Prince indicating the same thing, this affirmation is still a mixed bag to the Gratt.

“They… are dying?” Meeki asks, having a bit of understanding of the situation. Not granting the reason to be justifiable… but certainly understandable.

“That’s their belief, yes. And although their numbers have been on the decline, it’s a hotly debated topic on whether it means that they are truly ‘dying’.” the Cali clarifies, “Would you… like to meet Simone now? She is really looking forward to it!” she offers.

“Simone? So… she does have a name…” Meeki muses, “Yes, I very much would.”

With that, the princess leads the two to a left door that’s just as see-through as the walls it’s attached to. Before the room opens up, Meeki can see the red furred individual laying back with a silky brilliantly white sheet up to her chest.

When the three enter, the emerald eye catches them quickly. Her red tufts over her eyes lift as she bears her teeth in a very Gratt-like smile.

She speaks with her voice nearly gone, but Meeki can tell that her words are far more complex and meaningful over the grunts she was used to hearing from her. Thankfully, the following translation presents her barely existing words without trouble.

“Holy shit… now that I think about it… you guys really do look like fuck’n goblins… Hi?” she introduces.

Meeki’s insides flutter in excitement, now finally able to have an actual conversation with this individual who she had countless questions to ask.

“Hi…” is all that Meeki’s body allows her to say at first as the two share a simultaneously awkward and meaningful stare.

“Thanks… for the help… I was in a bad way before you came along.” the Terran speaks.

“Right… of course! Thanks… for helping my people. I heard you contributed to the defense of the village.” Meeki replies.

“I wasn’t gonna let those assholes do that shit and stand by. Your people are passionate fighters by the way, hardly know the word surrender. You should be proud.”

“We are. Um… sorry I…. I have so many questions to ask but my mind at the moment is blank… I don’t know what to say.” Meeki stammers.

With a bit of difficulty, the Terran lifts their arm from under the blanket and presents it to the Gratt female.

“Heh… how about an actual fuckin’ introduction. My name’s Simone Thatch, this is my home and my job is to protect everyone on this ship.” she says with a blink of a single eye.

Meeki accepts the hand with hers and is surprised when Simone brings the held hands up and down sharply. An interesting difference in gesture, hopefully the intent is not quite the same in either culture as well.

“It’s a pleasure to officially meet you, Simone. My name is Meeki, and this is my bondmate Nodrin.” she says, nodding to them.

Simone lets go of Meeki’s hand and holds it shakily to Nodrin, to which the Gratt is very surprised by. It’s a rather forward if not outright intimate gesture for someone you have yet to even speak to. Though Nodrin considers the words of the guard and how gestures can mean different things. So they concede and allow the Terran to quickly lift and lower their hand.

“It’s good to meet ya. I’m glad you two both still have each other after all that bulllshit. It was looking pretty bleak for a while.” Simone says with a smile.

“We remained side by side, and planned to remain that way to the very end. But indeed I am thankful we both live. I’d also like to express my appreciation to you for defending our people. Despite the brutal attack I hope our peoples have a peaceful future ahead.” Nodrin replies.

“I hope so too.” Simone says earnestly, “I’m just sorry your introduction to us was some of the worst we could fuck’n offer. They are genuinly the worst fuck’n piles of shit.”

Meeki chitters a chuckle.

“You know, when I was imagining your way of speaking… I thought of someone who would be insightful and nobly cliche… With you being such a mysterious creature and all… I’m rather surprised you’re actually very… vulgar in speech.” she notes, very amused.

This makes Simone crack up and smirk.

“Yeah… nah. I’m just some asshole who got swept up in bullshit… a lot of it.” she replies, her head rotating a bit, “Really sorry… but the drugs my doc has in me right now are starting to kick in real hard. I wish I could talk more, but I’m gonna be out like a light here soon. Again… thank you for coming, and not hunting me like some Frankenstein's monster bullshit… Would’ve hated to hurt people who were just scared…”

“Yes, we’ve best let Simone rest now. She really needs it.” the princess agrees, opening the door.

“Farewell, Simone.” Nodrin says as they turn to leave, but halt seeing Meeki stand in place.

She turns to both Nodrin and the princess.

“May I ask something first in private? It won’t be long I promise.” she asks the two.

The princess is quick to nod and step out, but it takes Nodrin a few moments to willingly let go of Meeki’s hand and follow the Cali.

When it’s just Meeki and Simone, the Gratt approaches much closer than she had ever dared before.

“What would ya like to know?” Simone inquires.

“When… the furless one was attacking me and you intervened… at first it seemed like you were ready to slay me… Was that the case? And if so… what stopped you?” Meeki asks in a near whisper, not wanting anyone else to hear.

Simone’s eyes close, genuinely hoping that this wasn’t what was to be asked. She takes a deep breath, and answers completely honestly.

“Yeah… I was about to kill you. Or that’s what I first intended to do. I wanted to do it so that fuck would’ve brought me to the guy behind all this. I wanted revenge… justice… he was stealing so much from my mind and I was desperate and furious… and… I’m sorry.. I’m so sorry… Thank fuck I couldn’t actually do it and came to my senses… You needed fuck’n help and deserved it. They were fuck’n with my head, but that’s no excuse… I’m sorry.” the Terran admits.

“I see… but I still don’t understand why you would kill one of your own over another species.” Meeki presses.

“Those fucks wern’t ‘mine’... same species or not, that’s not how I see who I consider ‘mine’. You showed me kindness when I really needed it, and you had every right to not give it. But you did, and that meant a fuck-ton to me. I have no regrets seeing that bastard die.” Simone tries to explain.

“Well… I’m thankful that you didn’t slay me, and even more so that you then helped me. So, I forgive you. I just wanted to know. I appreciate your honesty.”

“Ehhh.. yeah… but to be fair I kind of have a habit of helping ladies with a pretty face from certain death, so it ain’t out of the norm for me.” Simone jokes.

“Is that so? I suppose that’s how you bonded with a princess of a different species?” Meeki giggles, “I’ll leave you to rest. Goodbye, Simone Thatch.” Meeki says with a respectful bow.

“Have a good one, and best of luck” Simone farewells as she watches the female Gratt leave.

“Bruh… from my readings you are like, SO hoping Chak is cool with the idea of an open relationship!” Dave teases.

“Shove your ‘readings’ up your goddamn motherboard, asshole! I’m a one lady at a time package, and Chak has this locked down, I assure ya. Was just tryin’ to lift up the mood a bit… geez…” Simone argues in a hallowed laugh.

“Heheheh… That’s not the only thing you want to lift up-” Dave says before a greasy food tray lazily smacks into his spherical mount.

“Fuck you, asshole…” Simone grumbles with a smile.

She really missed Dave, and how the bot knew exactly how to make her feel better. Now she closes her eyes to rest, in a good mood.

-

Meeki meets up with the others as the princess explains the ship.

“-and that’s how we travel so fast across such vast distances! I know I may have gone a bit in over explaining the complexities and details of such a technology, but I hope I made a little bit of sense.” she says.

Nodrin’s absolutely blank stare remains plastered on their face as they reply.

“That was all… nonsense and magic… magic and nonsense…’

“Oh, well I’m afraid I only know the bare minimum of such technology, but since you asked I thought I’d give it my best shot. How about now that Meeki has joined us I can introduce you to the others who reside here? There are many many other species out there and I believe it will be a worthwhile experience to introduce you to a few!”

Meeki has to hold herself back from jumping in place.

“Yes! I would very much like to! Nodrin?” she looks to her bondmate, who is only now shaking away the existential foreboding in regards to the god-like power this Cali spoke so nonchalant about.

“Ah… yes. Good-err indeed! Let’s do that.” they agree.

“Well alright then, since we are nearby we will meet with the captain who pilots this vessel. Right this way!” the princess guides.

As they follow, Nodrin eagerly takes hold of Meeki’s hand again.

“This is all so… amazing isn’t it?” Meeki asks them softly.

“It certainly has expanded the realm of existence.” Nodrin replies.

They all enter a circular room with a strange seat and someone even stranger sitting in it. They are a legless individual who is pleasantly garbling a pleasant musical tune.

“Meeki, Nodrin. This is our captain, Chucknuq. He is a wise man who is as loyal as he is jovial.” the princess introduces.

The seat spins, showing the very odd fellow to the Gratt.

“Bwhaha! Extra jovial now that our dear Chief of Security has been returned to us! Allow me to greet you to the stars! I wish this momentous event could have been under different circumstances, and more widely celebrated! Regardless, I’m certain the Gratt will be a fine addition to the universe’s community!” he says as his red skin fades to an orange.

“We hope that’s the case as well. Our people were hardly ready for this, but we are a very adaptable folk.” Nodrin replies as they eye the actual magic of glowing light sheets that this individual casually presses on.

“Ha! Good to hear! Although many will be cautious of other Terran-like Deathworlders entering the scene, so be wary. Many are quick to distrust.” the captain informs.

“I suppose that makes sense.” Nodirn says, unsure of what else to add.

“What’s it like out there? Exploring and traveling amongst the stars?” Meeki asks boldly.

Chucknuq leans in, giving the Gratt a look over.

“You have the spirit of an explorer, eh? Heheh…” he says.

“I’ve earned the title of ranger, so absolutely!” Meeki answers.

“Well… a single world can have a bounty of glorious discoveries. But among the stars? Anything is possible and it’s truly endless.” Chucknuq tells the young explorer.

“Amazing…” Meeki whispers, her breath taken by such a prospect.

“Truly.” Nodrin agrees, seeing the sheer wonder on Meeki’s face, “Are you a Deathworlder? How can we tell who is and who isn’t?”

“By the stars no! Bhwahaha!” Chucknuq responds completely humorously.

“The captain is a Tromple, a generally peaceful but calculating species. They hail from a planet that has a higher gravitational force than average, but they evolved to avoid rather than confront.” a new voice speaks up.

The Gratt turns around to see an almost familiar visage of another green-skinned individual. Though he is of a much stouter stature and has long flapping ear-like structures. Behind him is something that makes the two Gratt step back from raw, uncertain fear. A magically floating metal construct with three glowing orange eyes. In its grasp is a metal plate with… something on it?

“What… is that?” Nodrin fearfully asks, pointing at the construct.

“These are Terran style crumpets with-ith knukberry jam and-nd black tea.” the thing responds holding the tray out a bit, “They are-re vegan!”

“It’s speaking to us… What’s a crumpet?” Nodrin whispers.

“It’s more than likely another species in a suit of strange armor…” Meeki poses.

“Incorrect. I am a machine that is alive. Like an advanced-ed puppet with a soul and the capability of moving itself. If I frighten you-ou I apologize, allow me to try again. Hello, my name-ame is Seven. I am the ship’s chef and would-uld like to offer you a compatible cuisine from another-er species. From what I’ve been able to gather-er from your species, you share a very similar’lar diet to Terrans. And so I bring you a simple yet delightful snack-ack to try. If you do not wish to partake in any or do not-ot like it, fear not, I won’t be offended-ed and merely wish to extend the offer in good-ood faith to a new species with their own cuisine to learn!” they say.

The two Gratt cautiously look to the princess for any sort of input.

“Although a bit too eager… Seven is a valued and trusted member of this crew. They are indeed as alive as you and me, but if you are not comfortable with-” she begins to say before Meeki practically runs up to the bot, wide eyed and teeth exposed.

“Even in my wildest imaginations and dreams… Someone like you exists past them all!” she declares, reaching to touch and feel Seven’s arm.

“Untrue. By your expression, just by existing-ing, I have merely expanded what this reality can hold-old within it. It’s an honor.”

“May I try one of those bread things?” Meeki asks quickly, already taking one from the tray and consuming it with gnashing sharp teeth, “This vegan tastes good!”

-

Nodrin finds themselves watching on as Meeki grows more and more enraptured by this whole new existence that continuously fails to not surprise either of them.

They see Meeki’s very spirit become entwined, more than ever before. After a nearly entire tour of this void traversing palace-vessel of endless wonders and straight up magic to the Gratt, the two are eventually left alone for a short time in the ‘mess hall’-even though it was perfectly clean- and they sit quietly taking everything in.

“This is going to change everything… far more than I thought… Nodrin… everything is going to change…” Meeki sighs out, still processing.

“Indeed. Industry is going to be irreconcilable in a few years I’m certain…”

“Our world… our entire world is next to nothing to what is out there…’ Meeki muses.

Seeing that glint in her eyes, Nodrin leans down on the table fearing their next words.

“You… you’re going to ask to leave with them… aren’t you?” they say, rather than ask.

Meeki’s enthusiasm grinds to a halt, hearing the tone of her bondmate.

“I wish to… yes.” she says with a nod.

“Meeki… if I were to ask you to stay on our world with me for the rest of our lives… knowing all that we do… what would you answer?” Nodrin asks in a very serious tone.

Their hand is immediately grasped tightly.

“Yes. Without question. My love, as much as I want to go out there and see the unseen… there would be little point without you there.” she answers.

Nodrin’s ears point downward.

“You’d sacrifice all of this? For me? Meeki… I can’t compare to all this, I can’t give you what this can…” they softly respond, feeling guilty, but too bothered not to speak their mind.

Meeki scoots up against Nodrin, tightly enveloping them with all her being.

“Nodrin… the moment I met you, I knew you were the spirit I would spend the rest of my days with. I cannot stay in one place for long… I know… it’s in my being to keep moving. But I can’t enjoy the experience without you right beside me… I wouldn’t have bonded to you otherwise, nor did I bond with you because I knew you would follow me. Your wishes and desires matter just as much as mine. If it’s your desire to remain in our world, I promise I will follow you there as you have loyally followed me. And I will never regret it, ever. Because when I think of my existence, you and you alone are at the forefront of my mind. Always have been. Ask me if you wish, my love.”

Nodrin takes hold of their bondmate in raw emotional relief.

“No… I just needed to hear that… I’m sorry, my love. I’m just afraid of being left behind, forgotten.”

“I adore you, my cherished love. Believe it or not, you give me something the whole expanse of the night sky can’t. To be honest I share a similar fear, that you will grow tired of following where I go, that perhaps you will find someone who doesn’t drag you before roots can set. But you have always been there, and I can only hope that you consider me worthy enough for the rest of our lives. If you wish, let’s see if these people will have us, and let’s see what the stars hold for us, together.”

Nodrin can’t help but cry from the overwhelming reassurance that they are considered so highly by the one person that they hold so high.

“I… I couldn’t even dream of a more fitting destiny for us… I cherish you beyond measure.”

“And I cherish you…”