Calysta made sure Illya had his soup and he grinned at her, happy to have something that wasn’t a fruit smoothie. She’s noticed the last night they were at the ranch that his face was looking a little different. His square, blocky jaw looked more defined, and she dared to think it looked thin. His all liquid diet was starting to show and she wished there was a way to give him more food. She’d ordered him two bowls of the roasted tomato and red pepper soup, but he sucked through those like a camel to water, then had the glint in his muddy hazel eyes that he secretly wanted more. He only had a week left and barring any accidents or problems on the way back to Pyrta, he could have them taken out by the Ehaui. While Illya ate, Calysta ordered another meal to be brought up and when it arrived held it out to Dora. The plump woman gave a timid smile and then took the bowl of pasta. “Oh, thank you…um…” The woman seemed a bit clueless but altogether very sweet, and Calysta gave her a gentle smile. “Ariel.” Dora nodded happily and then proceeded to gobble down the pasta with a gusto that reminded Calysta of her son. It was obvious where the guy got his appetite from.

As they all grew tired, it became obvious that the sleeping arrangements were going to be awkward. IIlya’s suggestion seemed fair enough and Calysta felt like it might be better if she went into the bathroom with Illya. They had seen each other plenty of times and it was going to be a long trip home without much time to themselves too. Michelle looked to Dora and the rotund woman looked back with a curious gaze before introducing herself. The newly dyed red-head scowled a little at the introduction and picked up her bag. “I know who you are, Mrs. Yarbough,” Michelle said with distaste. The obvious dislike made Dora shrink back some and Michelle picked up her bag before heading toward the bathroom. “I don’t like changing in front of other people.”

Calysta frowned at the exchange between the two. It made sense that Michelle would dislike Dora if she assumed the woman had anything to do with her husband’s activities. Still, she wondered if the woman was going to be a bit of a pill on the way to Pyrta. “Then we’ll all just change separately,” Calysta said firmly. That comment along with the knowledge that they wouldn’t be sharing a bed the entire way, seemed to smooth things over for the time being and Michelle took her time showering and changing into pajamas, then Dora shuffled into the bathroom only emerge in a tent-like gown with a pink bow at the neckline. Calysta showered and slipped into her fuzzy pajama pants and tank top before walking out to find Illya half dozing on their bed. She brushed her fingers gently over his elbow and he sighed a little before getting up to go get ready for bed. When he came back, he crawled into bed beside her, and though the sheets and blankets were made of a fine material the sound of his scabbed back picking over the bedding set her teeth on edge. The sounds itself was a bit chilling to her, but he could help the shape of his back in the slightest and it was okay.

Her sleep came and went in small snatches of unconsciousness. She had started out laying close to Illya, her head close to his, but through the night her Chip and turned, waking her up with some regularity. He was moaning a little in his sleep, but it was hard to tell if it was conscious frustration, unconscious pain or the threat of an impending seizure. At one point, Calysta slid out of the bed, during one his little sleeping moments and put the seizure medicine by the bedside table within reach. As she crawled back into bed, she stole a glance at the other two women. Dora was on her back, mouth open with growling snores coming from her nose, while Michelle was face down in the mattress and a pillow wrapped tightly around her head. It would be a long trip if those two couldn’t get along. She slid into the covers and then pulled the sheet over Illya’s shoulders which were bare. He didn’t like to be cold, but the touch of the light material made him shudder. He didn’t wake up though and Calysta laid beside him just listening for a long time before coming close to sleep, only to feel the bed shift as he gave up and shuffled into the bathroom.

**

Calysta had been in markets and bizarres all over the galaxy but the concept of the Terran mall was a bit fascinating. There were so many shops and booths, all in doors and an entire cafeteria with colorfully marked places to sample all kinds of Terran foods. “Free sample?” asked one of the workers, offering her a small bite on a stick. Calysta was a bit hesitant to try the offered bite, but her curiosity won out and she took the tiny bite as they walked on. While she nibbled on the sweet bite of meat, another worker stopped her, offering her something else. This looked like a fried dough of some kind and Calysta shrugged before taking that one too. With the two samples in hand and Dora following behind her, they kept going through the cafeteria. Yet another offered her a small bite, then another. By the time they reached the main corridor her hands were full of small samples on pointed sticks and she was trying to juggle how to eat them all. Each one was tastier than the next and she could see Illya leaning over trying to look at the nibblets. "Oh that one is good...this one is too." As she and Dora snickered, trying to eat all of the snacks, Michelle who was leading them, turned back to see them with their hands full and rolled her narrow green eyes.

She finished up the samples quickly and they came to a moving stair case of sorts that lead to the second level of the mall. Calysta had seen them before and hopped onto the stairs as the zipped upward. Illya followed too close behind her though and his chest bumped into her back from the stair below and pitched her forward into Dora's rump. The woman glanced back and tilted her head a bit in confusion. "Sorry about that," Calysta said quickly. Mrs. Yarbrough simply gave her a smile and then nodded. Michelle brought them to one of the larger stores and to Calysta it almost looked large enough to be a warehouse, with wall to wall clothing. There were too many choices sitting out on the racks and she almost grew a little nervous All she needed was to get a few item to wear and that was it, but when Illya handed her some of the money, she started browsing through the racks on the opposite side of Dora with growing excitement. Terran's could wear so many colors and the hanging clothes came in every tone and hue imaginable.

Calysta picked out a tank top shirt with a v-neck and a little lace on the trim, holding it up uncertainly, "That's pretty," Dora comments, "You should try it on, love." Feeling happy that her choice looked like a good one, she fluttered from rack to rack, picking out several tops, jeans and a few skirts before scurrying off the dressing room. Dora was a bit slower in her selection. She wanted something that made her look trim and settled on a black, one piece jumpsuit with flowing pants to try on. William had always had her clothes made the way he wanted and tailored to her, so shopping for them was something she hadn't done in years. Waddling into the dressing room she tried to squeeze into the suit, only to discover there was no way it would fit. The plump woman left the dressing room feeling a bit down, considering she hadn't realized a greater size was needed, she had just guessed by the look of the garment. Calysta came out carrying a pair of jeans and spied Dora pink cheeked, as she returned the jumpsuit to the rack. "Didn't find anything you liked?" The woman shook her head. "No, that one didn't fit I'm afraid." Noting the disappointment in her voice Calysta put a hand on the woman's shoulder. "Well, lets try a different store then." That seemed to perk the woman right up and off they scampered into the depths of the mall, leaving Michelle to brood over which pair of jeans to get. Dora seemed just as excited as Calysta was and they took turns picking things out for one another. The sight of the bruises on the woman's arm didn't go unnoticed by Calysta and it made all the more glad she came. "I've never really done this before," Calysta admitted, picking up a very slinky dress with a giggle. "Me either," Dora laughed back as she held up t-shirt with some sort of cat on it.

Their spree took them from one store to the next and by the time they reached the last store Illya's arms were draped with bags and his eyes were wide. Seeing him looked quite so overwhelmed made Calysta slow down from the rush of shopping with Dora and she turned into one of the more large stores. "I need one more thing. I'll be right back." Leaving the others at the door, she slipped into the aisles and roamed the store hoping to find something good for her Chip.

**************************

Once the shopping was complete Michelle lead them back to the food court again and bought them their lunch. Calysta received a paper bag with a golden M on the front. "McDonyalds? What kind of food is it?" she asked, curiously. Michelle sat a clear cup with a chunky greyish goop in front of Illya and then sat down next to Dora. "It's McDonalds. If you're going to try to pass as a Terran, you might as well know how to say it right," the woman grumbled, "I got you a cheeseburger with fries."

Calytsa had heard of a burger and remembered it was made from animal called a cow, but had never eaten one because beef was expensive on Kaereal and on the outposts. A little excited to try the food now, and glad hers didn't look like Illya's, she unwrapped her cheese burger and inspected the thin little patty stuffed haphazardly between two buns. Dora had already started in on hers without complaint, so it must have been good. Taking up the food in her hands, she took a bite and started to chew. With each passing chomp, her mouth puckered increasingly tight. It was not good. It had a greasy, rubber texture and there was some sour taste roaming around in it, that made her lips draw. This tasted good to Terrans? She felt slightly sickened. Grabbing a napkin, she quick wiped her mouth and spit out the bite at the same time. She would just be hungry until they were able to get some real food. A meal that Michelle wouldn't be picking.

************************

Getting aboard their new ship was easy enough, though the insulated boxes were boiling hot on the inside. By the time Illya found Dora she was covered in sweat with a deep red face, and Michelle was burning up. Calysta was glad to feel fresh air on her red cheeks when he popped the lid on her crate and helped lift her out. As soon as her feet hit the floor though, she was ready to work making dinner in the kitchens. "Oh, I can do that dear," Dora said. Everyone glanced at the woman and she gave a timid shrug. "I like to cook." Michelle stated that she needed to do some organizing with her group on Terra, and with Dora occupied in the galley, Calysta went to the cockpit and started to work on the next task. Creating false papers was a tedious process, but copying her fake ID to make one for the two rescues was a bit easier. Dora became Delores and Michelle became Mary. It took an hours worth of adjustments on tweaking to get a semi-decent looking paper for each woman, but Calysta was rather proud of her work.

Just a she was going to deliver their new identities, the ship gave a metal on metal sound and the power flickered out. Dora squeaked and the sound pots and pans crashing came from the kitchen while Michelle's voice called through the hall "What was that?" A sinking feeling settled into he stomach because she knew it sounded like a stripped gear inside the drive chamber. The power would cut off to prevent loss of life support systems in the event engine failure of this type occurred. "I think it's a stripped gear," Calysta called, pulling out the flash light from her pocket. She could hear Illya's heavy foot falls coming down the corridor behind her and she turned, lighting up his chest with the flash light. "Lets go check it out."

Sure enough, the smell of burning oil and a quick inspection inside of the jump drive panel revealed the shattered gear. Looking to Illya with the flash light between her teeth, she gave the Chip a nod. "Can youb go chekd the spare 'arts? Neeb a 2ft sprocke'." While he rummaged around, Calysta removed the old broken gear portions, grabbing at them quickly. It only took two seconds of holding the metal to realize it was burning hot. "Dambit!" Tossing the old spocket piece to the side, she waggled her hand in the air trying to cool the sting. There was no reason for that piece to be scalding hot unless it was so lacking in lubricant the friction destroyed it. "I dun thinkf they'b eber changed the oil inf thifs engine," she hissed. Illya hauled the new sprocket over and she pointed to another panel. "Go in through there and hold it in place and I'll screw it in."

Crawling through old, burnt chunks of black oil, Illya held the new gear into place while Calysta tightened it down with the socket wrench. "Alright, you can let go." The Chip let the piece hold steady on it's shaft and then she started spraying all of the inner workings of the jumpdrive down with lubricant. When that was done she, crawled out and hit the manual restart. It took a second delay, but the lights flickered on finally and the engine roared to life. "Reset our course and I'll do an inspection down here," she said to Illya with a smile.

**********************************

Calysta saw Illya as he was headed toward the bathroom to wash up before bed. They both were both still covered in engine grime, even after wiping down for dinner, by the end of the day. While Calysta was merely tired she knew Illya would be more sore than anything else and should go get cleaned first. He would be very stiff even after laying down to relax. As he retreated down the hall, she remembered one of the items she'd gotten for him at the large retail store in the mall. "Wait, there!" She called after him before ducking into the bunk room. Pulling one of the unopened bag from the closet, she dodged out into the hallway and caught up to the Chip with a smile. "I got you something on Terra," she said, opening up the bag. With some effort, her little hand clasped the larger item and freed it from the paper cover. It was a small decorative bucket with a globe pattern map printed on the side. She was fairly sure it was meant to be a waste bin, but it had been the only bucket type item the store carried. He liked bathing with a bucket better and it might make him feel more at ease than just the plain shower hitting his tender back. "It's the only bucket they had, really. Hopefully it's big enough."

The Chip turned slightly when he heard Kalizda call to him. Illya couldn't help the quizzical frown that came to his face. What could he possibly need or want? She got him something and he wasn't particularly fond of gifts and she knew that. So it had to be something he needed. He watched as Kalizda's little arm and hand disappeared into a bag and he heard her fingers brush against something. Based on the deep thud sound he guessed it was hollow. When she pulled the bag off he saw a black bucket with gold star maps printed on it. "Oh." Illya couldn't really hide the surprise in his voice. "Aye ets big enough." Gently taking the bucket from her hand he lifted it up to examine the pattern. "Fancy one eh....I like et." Holding the bucket in one hand he gave her another one of lack luster kisses. They just weren't as good with the wires in his jaw, but at least he tried. Chuckling a little he stepped into the bathroom still admiring the bathing bucket.

He seemed surprised at first but then pleased as he examined the bucket. When he graced her with a wobbly lipped kiss, she ran a hand over his arm and smiled before he pulled too far away. "Good. When you're done, come find me and I'll put some oil on your back before the other two are done doing the dishes, yeah?" She said as he stepped into the bathroom. Turning quickly from the door, she set off back to the gally and set up some hot water to boil for coffee. "Oh is that coffee, love?" Dora asked as she leaned over to the cabinet from the sink. Calysta nodded. "Aye, for my husband, but there's plenty if you want some." The plump little woman smiled and then dried her hands before stepping over to the counter. "That would be lovely, there's not very many grounds in the filter though. He drinks it weaker?" Calysta nodded again. She had been making it weaker to make the bitter taste palatable for him. Dora gave her a sweet little smile and motioned for her to add more, then the woman put a pinch of salt. "Just a little salt will take out the bitter." Calysta had no idea, but she would try anything if it helped Illya sleep. "Thank you, Dora." With the experimental coffee in a large cup armed with a straw in one hand and a bottle of pain pills in the other, Calysta went back to the bunkroom and found Illya already sitting on his bunk. "Coffee," she said, holding up the mug to him, " And these will help your back. Take two."

It was good to be taking a bath like a real person again. Illya filled the bucket with water and his oils. Washing himself down he watched the grease from the engines run off his arms and into the drain. When he was finally cleaned up he dumped the rest of the water down the drain and rinsed the walls off. At the last he dumped some mint oil into the bucket and ran some water to make sure it was clean before he set it aside to dry in the shower. Just as long as no one used it for a garbage can he would be fine. Otherwise he would have to clean it again. Slipping into a pair of pants he shuffled out of the bathroom and back to the bunk room. He forgot to go find Kalizda and instead he settled onto his bed and started to flip through some of the books he had saved in trader's tongue. Maybe he could try to listen to some of the Terran history to find out a little more of the area. Though he wasn't particularly fond of history it was becoming increasingly important to understand all the different peoples that he was dealing with. Only a short while into one of the chapters he saw Kalizda come in with a cup and in her hands some pills. Illya paused the book and he sat up. "Sorry I forget." She probably figured he had. Taking the pills from her he took them without question and swallowed then started to sip on the coffee. "Ets better dan usual. What yah do to et?" While she answered he moved over in the bed to make space for Kalizda to sit next to him. "Sit wit meh huh?" Passing the cup to Kalizda he offered just in case she wanted some.

To her surprise he didn't even ask what kind of pills they were before swallowing the down with a swig of coffee. "It's alright. It's been a long day," she replied. She was glad to hear the coffee really did taste better than her normal brew. The salt trick actually worked and when she thought about the spectacular dinner Dora had made, it made sense that she would know about how to fix up a little plain coffee too. With a coy grin she held up her hand, motioning for him to keep drinking it. "I learned a few secrets," she chuckled, "I'm still pretty dirty from the engine, if that's okay." She kicked off her dirty boots and shirt to her undershirt before crawling in beside him. His info pad was out in his tan hands with a page on Terra, most of it written in a mix of traders tongue and plain Terran. It made her glad to see he was reading more on his own again because it had been something he enjoyed but she was curious to know why he had chosen Terra for the night. "What are you reading about? " she asked, leaning against him just a little.

It didn't matter much to Illya if she was still dirty and he just grinned at her. As soon as she crawled into the bed she began to peer over his shoulder and at the pad sitting in his lap. "Terra." Giving her the clearest and most simple answer he took another sip of his coffee only to see that she was giving him that look. One of those that said she wanted him to say more than he did. "I read about wars before Alliance forms." That should give her an idea of the time frame. Mostly he wanted to know how their political system and developed and approximately what he could expect from the people. So far it seemed that they were repeating their history and it he found it a little ironic.

"My father taught me Terran history along side Kaerelean history when he home schooled me," Calysta replied, leaning even closer. Her eyes scanned over the page and she noticed he was focusing on an ancient global war. "Terrible things happened in that war. Not too different from what was being done to your people. They selected a leader not too unlike Yarborough in some ways and he lead the entire planet into a bloody war." Scrolling down she showed him a few other wars, then she grinned coming to the 'Summer of Love' and then even further to the Great Fall. " A major country that took up an entire continent went to civil war and took the economy of the planet with it. They were already colonizing another planet in the area at the time but that entire city died out with chaos and resource wars breaking out all over the planet. Some places are still uninhabitable. After enough fighting a global republic was formed. They have been fairly peaceable for hundreds of years after that. Some small spats but no intersystem wars till now." Pausing over the image of a tall man in a Terran suit and a woman with short brown hair wearing a jumpsuit with Kaerelean markings. "First contact with the Terrans," Calysta chuckled, "Audio recording has their leader yelling into the microphone. He seemed to think the langauge barrier was more of a hearing problem." A moment passed and she looked to Illya, "How did the Chips meet the Ehaui?"

The faster scroll through the information was a little frustrating since he had been spending a long time trying to read it. Illya still took much longer than he liked to when he read and some words were difficult, but he would have enjoyed it a little more if she hadn't spoiled all the upcoming events in his reading. All the same he listened and waited till she was done. Naturally she turned to ask him about the Ehaui and Illya shrugged. "Ehaui tink dey expand ta further planets. Maybe we backwards and live our way, but dey couldn't kill us so easy." A broad grin came to his face. "Dey still tink we backwards." Since it seemed she was waiting for the story Illya adjusted the blankets on his legs and settled in to tell her the story while the other women were still busy. "Ehaui land in lowland area. Forest and trees. Tink dey have new land and savages. Only dey meet light Chippequoti and dey drive dem into da desert. Didn't know dat dey about ta meet meh ancestors. Meh family always warriors. War erupted and dey could not navigate desert mountains well enough ta find all Chippequoti. When we conquer dem and push dem out of our land dey make pact and we get technology and help expand territory. Since den Chippequoti and Ehuai always hate another, but we work togeter to defeat who we must."

He gave her a slightly disappointed look and she wasn't entirely sure why. She had just been talking with him, but maybe he just didn't like her mentioning what the Federation did on Qouti. She wouldn't blame him and decided not to mention it again unless she had to. Shifting a little next to him, Illya started telling her about the Ehaui, one of the first answers she hadn't had to pull tooth and nail from him. He chuckled and grinned when he explained that the Ehaui thought they were backwards and still thought so. The Ehaui had been stubborn and haughty conquerors while the Chips had been equally stubborn and smart. She thought of the differences between the two races and it made her smile to think of them finding a way to work together, living in the same system. Leaning in to his ear Calysta, giggled. "Well they do manage to get hard-headed Chip to listen sometimes." Thinking more about what he said, she wondered what he thought about the Kareleans but she thought the better of asking. Given how he thought of outsiders before his memory loss, she imagined he thought of them like the Ehaui now. "I didn't know your family were always warriors though. Is there a reason why? And when the Chips began expanding with the Ehaui., did they become tired of conquering or did you run into a rogue?"

"Some always study war and ets better if a general raises his son or daughter to be next general. Dere es more understanding. Sometimes Chippequoti change dere family job, but not much." Illya glanced at her for a moment. He had thought that this is something they would have talked about before. "I get meh work and I must do as well as meh fater or et es disappointment." There was always a certain level of ambition in anything that they did and he shrugged. "Chippequoti dun get tired of conquering, but dey decide when ta stop and den dey are done for time." Only rogue es when dey choose nut ta live like Chippequoti and adopt outside practice or fight dere own. Sometimes we have rogue and when we do men like meh must find and kill dem."
"Hmm."Calysta listened to him and wasn't entirely sure how to feel about what she heard. First there was the comment about his work and how he had to do as well has his father. She didn't like the idea of Cypher becoming a military man unless that was what he wanted. Not only that but it sounded like Illlya was almost wondering why he if he could not only fill his father's shoes but do even better than that. Who was to judge if he did better than his father? How did one measure that? "I think...I think Cypher and Rose should decide for themselves...so long as they don't want to become pirates or exotic dancers or something," she said honestly, "You shouldn't have to be better than your father...I'm not sure how anyone could even measure who was better. " Laying her head against his shoulder she closed her eyes, and thought of the other part of what he said. The Chippeqouti dun get tired of conquering. "Maybe the Chippeqouti would have conquered the Kaereleans once not too long ago."

Like usual Kalizda was trying to be diplomatic and Illya shook his head with a playful roll of his eyes. She was talking about measuring and trying to make him feel better about himself. It wasn't like there was a whole lot to do to erase what he'd done or even determine how he would do. Illya would just do his best and hope that it was enough. However, she did surprise him when it came to the children and their choice. "Why? Yah people choose what dey do?" Turning slightly he peered into her eyes and she posed another little statement. "Ef Chippequoti conquer yah people I tink yah would never have considered meh for agreement."

Her eyes opened and she titled her chin up to meet Illya's gaze. He was still wearing this contacts and it though she had gotten used to seeing the hazel, she missed those bright green eyes. "You wouldn't have given me the chance," Calysta replied quietly, "And we do. My father was a navigation officer and then a professor. I liked exploring and chose a commission with Skycorp because I wanted to see things no one had seen before. Meet people no one ever had before. It's thought that people are more efficient and even happier pursuing something they enjoy and can decide their strengths for themselves."

"Happy because of work?" Chuckling a little he shook his head. "Efficient doesn't come wit happiness. Yah learn work and do et well. Happiness es what yah look for wit yah family." Illya didn't understand how they could put so much weight on their work in regards to happiness. "Besides ef yah nut happy inside den yah work never make yah happy and nut yah family either. I dun like meh work, but I do et well and I still happy."

Calysta heard him chuckling over the idea of working being enjoyable and being fulfilling. She disagreed in part and actually agreed in part. "Why not be happy in both?" she mused, "But I think you're right. If you're happy inside nothing will ever make you happy. Not work or family." When he mentioned not liking his work but still being happy she blinked up at him in surprise. That had really been the first time he'd said something like that and she smiled probably more than she should have, but she couldn't help it. Leaning up, she kissed his cheek and squeezed his hand. "I'm glad you're happy, Illya." It felt good to say his name and she leaned back against his shoulder.

She seemed to be far too surprised at the statement that he was happy. Illya blinked a few times after she laid a very deliberate kiss on his cheek. "Why wouldn't I be happy? I have beautiful Kalizda. We have daughter and son. Meh Kalizda es good to meh and I love her."


It was hard to tell if that was an actual question or if he meant it as a more rhetorical question. The truth was, she had been worried if he had been happy with her since he lost his memory. Not that his unhappiness would have been her fault, but that all of the confusion, changes, and occasional rush of memory might have made him be happy more difficult. It seemed that he was happy though, underneath the more stressful moments and knowing that was incredibly relieving to hear out loud even if his actions had said it too. "It was just something I worried about when you lost your memory," she shrugged, with a little smile, " I love you and want you to be happy. "

Wrapping an arm around Kalizda's shoulder he nodded. "I want same for yah. When I see how hard yah work to be good wife when I dun remember yah I know yah better den if I agreed wit a woman born Chip. Meh little bird es faithful and I am happy for her. Meh woman, meh friend, and meh love." Even if he wanted to say more he knew there wasn't much time left. The other two women were likely to be coming out of the kitchen soon. "Yah meh closest friend I tink of yah everyday."

His arms were warm and though these were stolen seconds from the others, she sank into him, smiling in contentment. This Chip man was her best friend, by whatever design or happenstance, and she loved him with all she had. Wrapping a gentle arm around his waist she hugged him close. "You're my best friend and more." With a little squeeze, she let him go and met his gaze, giving him a wink. "And best at a few other things too." The door to the bunk room opened revealing a grumpy looking Michelle and a more or less pleasant Dora. Dora's eyes scanned them over with curiosity and she hesitated before being ushered into the room by her travel partner who did seem to care if they were interrupting. "I should probably go get cleaned up," Calysta said, giving Illya a quick kiss before inching off of the reluctantly. Leaving Illya with a bit of playful smile, she scurried out of the room with her pajama's in hand, headed to the bathroom.

Michelle announced that she would go change clothes in the small communal room while Dora gathered up her night gown. She kept stealing glances at the Chip man, she couldn't help but think back to the way he acted around his little woman, especially the way he looked at her. Finally she said something. "You are always so kind to your wife," she commented in a little squeak, "You are just like Brandon Guapo." The man looked confused and she had forgotten he wasn't exactly from Terra. "Oh. I'll show you." Putting down her pajamas, the plump woman picked up her pad and used her thick fingers over the screen till she pulled up a video stream. " He's the most handsome and brave man on 'And the World Spins Madly On.'" Holding up the info pad for him to see, Dora pressed play on the video. On the screen a tall, dark skinned man with flowing hair walked on screen, chin held high and started talking to a woman. "That's Brandon Guapo right there." A man interrupted them and there was a fist fight between the two with Guapo coming out on top as the winner. As soon as he won, he returned to the woman, and immediately swooped her up for a kiss.

When the video ended, Dora gave Illya an apologetic look. "I used to watch this story every day at home and its one of my favorites to see. If you want we can watch more. Oh and that reminds me. Aaron sent something for you. I didn't even remember it till now." Putting down the pad, the plump woman jiggled over to her bad and pulled out a small hologram coin and a external hardrive no bigger than her thumbnail. "He really wanted you to have this," she said shyly as she offered them to Illya with her palm open.

*****************

When Calysta came back from the bathroom all fresh and clean, she found Illya asleep on his bunk with his info pad in his hand. She walked over and gently slid the device from his big fingers and put it on the beside table, then covered him up. Dora was already snoring away and Michelle was up reading still. With Illya well on is way to a good night's rest, she started to climb up the ladder to the bunk above his. The bunks were simply too small to share, though she wished that she could share with her Chip. On the way up her toe caught on the rung and let out a loud, painful pop. "Ouch!" Half collapsing on the bunk, she held up her big toe and rubbed it until the pain went away some. It had been a long day, and all she wanted was to close her eyes and sleep. She burrowed under the covers sighed, feeling the lack of Chip beside her totally strange now that she had grown spoiled from snuggling. The bunk room was wonderfully dark and quiet. Perfect for sleeping. With her head buried in the soft feather pillow, she relaxed enough to drift off.

What time the auto pilot dinged for their first refueling stop she didn't know, but Illya didn't budge from his bed and everyone else was still asleep in some way. Calysta stumbled from her bunk, missing the bottom rung of the ladder and landing hard on the floor. "Augh!" A sharp sting went up her rump, but she rolled to her feet then stumbled into the cockpit, rubbing at her bottom.

She would bring them into port and then go bed again once they were docked. It seemed like a good plan, except there was no dock. The offboard cameras zoomed in on the planet surface and there wasn't much left of Alpha Centauri except for fires from bombs and crumbling buildings. What had done this? Had it been the Federation or the Cirellants? It didn't matter, the bottom line was that landing there to refuel was out of the question.
 
Last edited:
After Kalizda slipped away to get herself cleaned up Illya picked his pad up to continue his reading. It didn't seem that there was going to be much time for this since the little plump Terran woman toddled right over. Setting the pad aside again he gazed at her for a long moment. Dora was making a statement about the way he treated his Kalizda and he just nodded. For the most part he figured he treated her the same as what Dora had seen. There wasn't too much that he had done that he thought should have rendered such wild admiration from the woman. What was more embarrassing in a way was the little hologram clip that she showed him. Slowly Illya's eyebrows raised. He looked nothing like that guy and it was overall a terrible looking little fight. This show wasn't even realistic in the least.

As the woman described her reason for it Illya blinked a few times and nodded his head. "Hmmm sometime yah show dis to meh. Tonight I'm too tired." He didn't want to be rude, but he was feeling tired. Now that he was alone on his bunk he shifted to take it up again and he laid back on his pillow while he began to read the history again. Kalizda had spoiled most of it, but there were still a few highlights that she missed.

Illya didn't even know when he fell asleep. The lights in the room were still on and his shoulders went slack. His fingers barely held the pad and the blanket was pulled up past his knees. He was still wearing his pants and his green shirt showed where he'd pushed the blanket under his armpits. He never felt Kalizda pull the pad from his fingers. Instead he rolled to his side and let out a big sigh. With one hand he shoved the pillow underneath his face and he snored loudly until he adjusted his position again and then his breathing stayed at a steady even pace. The ship slowed and the momentum almost seemed to drive Illya into a deeper sleep. He hadn't been resting all that well, but the coffee and the medicine had knocked him out and he didn't notice that they had stopped moving. After several minutes he began to stir and he sat up in the bunk. They must have landed for refueling, but he could still feel the rocking of the ship as if they were suspended in space. There had to be something wrong. Rolling out of the bed he stumbled a toward the navigation section and then he saw Kalizda. She was staring out the window and examining the feed from the camera.

Illya rubbed at his eyes. He hated how the contacts felt and he wandered through the door. "What happened?" It was easier to ask than it was to actually look for himself. When Kalizda answered he stepped over to the feed to look at what the camera's were showing. "We need fuel or we dun make et. Maybe solar eh?" That was something they had been able to do in the pat and the heat in combination with light would be enough to get them home. Not fast, but it would do just fine.

"Kaerelean ships have solar capability or can be modified to run that way, but Terran ships are not usually compatible," Calysta replied as she sat back in the captain's chair in her fuzzy pajamas. It was hard to believe Alpha Centauri was nothing but a pile of debri and ash on the barren surface below. There had been so many people down there. It caused bigger problems for them though. This was the only out post for 2 days and they needed the fuel, plus fresh water supply. Fuel was easier to deal with than clean water at least. "I could try to rig it with some panels. I'm sure of it, but I don't know what the results would be. It could work and be a bit slower or, it could blow us up if the engine isn't able to convert the stored energy properly."

"Dat doesn't leave much choice." Taking the copilot seat he took control of the scanner and set it to scan for any other ships in the area. There was one, but the signal it gave off was different than Federation. "Dis es Cirrelant?" Illya looked to Kalizda for a brief moment and then he sent out a signal in return. A distress signal. "Dey only send one scout ship when we're so small. Like dat." Pointing to the screen and one small ship that peeled off from the others he grinned. "We have fuel and water soon. I get ready."

Calysta could see the Cirellant hub ship sitting out past the Centauri moon, no doubt waiting for other ships to take or raid. It gave her good bumps to see it just waiting for them with far more armaments than their little civilian ship could ever carry. "Aye, it is. We should probably get out of range.I think if we maybe found a -" Before it was even discussed, Illya was sending out a distress signal and Calysta's mouth fell open a little. "Illya!" She had totally forgotten to use his fake name and she didn't care to right now as a scout ship was dispatched from the open hangar of the hub ship. He had done it without even discussing it! "One scout ship with dozens of Cirellants. If we attack that hub ship will come with a thousand more."

"We dun attack. Dey board and we kill dem den take all supplies and fuel up and hyper space jump out of area ta next port." Illya already had a plan going and he began popping the contacts out of his eyes. If he was going to be in a fight he didn't want to have these things in. "I get meh armor and a few weapons." Illya stood up and he started for the doorway. "Yah lock yahself and ladies in dah bunk room."

He was already off and going, but Calysta had more than a few concerns. She didn't know Federation but she knew some of the Cirellant tactics because she had studied them before the diplomatic mission on G'koe two years ago. Launching out of her seat, she marched after him with her little hands already clenched into fists. This plan was good....if everything went right. But she knew that the chances of perfect execution were slim. "The scout ship will need to report back and they will follow once they see we commandeered their resources and killed the crew. We need to jump somewhere remote first so we don't drag another port into a fight if that happens. Plus, how are you going to kill the crew, get the supplies and make the jump nearly simultaneously? I can pilot the ship and take care of anyone who follows us."

"We have enough for jump." Illya shrugged his shoulders. "Yah signal meh pad with information and I make jump ta follow." He figured that in this case he could make a slight modification. They were sitting ducks otherwise and he didn't like that so he figured that they may as well put up a good fight. "We get out dat way. I get on board and disable communications and den yah only communicate through meh pad." He was almost to the bunkroom and he lowered his voice. "Dun worry I kill dem before and I feel worse den. I feel good right now." Tilting his head to the side he gave her a lopsided grin and pushed the bunkroom door open. Kalizda was right about one thing. She would need to be moving the ship with what was left of their fuel and he would move the little ship with theirs and cut communications would work just fine to lose Cirrelants long enough to make their exchange and get out to the next port.

At least he was somewhat listening to her and if they jumped both ships with communication disabled the hub ship couldn't track it. " I'll send the coordinates for a Nebula nearby, if we jump to the center, no one can even scan for us. There will be too much interference." She liked this plan better, but it still left a lot of harder tasks on Illya and she gave him a concerned look as they came to the bunk room, thinking of his back until he talked about feeling better than the last time and flashed her a saucy grin. A little shock ran through her and she couldn't help but smile back some. He remembered something . "Aye, you did. Many more than this too," she chuckled. Giving him a quick kiss she opened the bunk room door. "Don't get hit with any of those barbs, yeah? I'd hate for you to be numb for the next kiss." With a little laugh, she jumped into the bunk room to throw on her gear and ready the other two for defense.

A broad smirk came to Illya's face. "I tink da next kiss will be good one." He wasn't sure he wanted the last week to take the wires out. In fact he was highly considering pulling them out himself. What would be worse was if he took them out and injured his jaw and started the process all over again. Walking over to his bunk Illya pulled his bag out from underneath it. Pulling out a small slim piece of armor he slipped it over his shoulders and then strapped the sides together. It would at least protect him from common bullets and barbs. The next piece to his armor was the chaps that covered the front of his legs and most of the back of his legs too and finally he put on the arm guards. "I see yah soon." Pulling Kalizda close to himself he winked at her and ignored the stares from Dora now that his green eyes were no longer covered by the contacts.

The little ship came and sidled up next to theirs. Illya waited in the main bay. It was always where an enemy would dock as it was the only place stable enough on a ship to make the connection and the most logical place for it to happen. Holding a gun and a long machete at his side Illya nodded to to Kalizda. She needed to seal him off so that the Cirrelants wouldn't get loose inside the ship.

As the doors closed behind him Illya took a deep breath. He wasn't feeling quite so sure that he could fly their ship. There was a chance that he wouldn't recognize symbols on it. The ship began to tremble as the little scout vessel drew nearer. It was apparently a bit larger than their small cruiser. Personally Illya thought it was more akin to a shuttle, but somehow it got marketed as a cruiser. Must have been the fact that it had a full kitchen and a very small shower included. The light began to show on the wall of the ship and Illya braced himself. Anytime the Cirrelants would be coming through the forming portal and he would have to take advantage of it coming open.

When the light began to expand Illya stepped directly in front of it and he drew the knife. It would be his best option for the tunnel leading between the ships. A pair of barbed legs appeared and he slashed at them until the creature hit the ground and then he reached in and tore the head off while clawing for the next creature. Illya could hear the Cirrellants chirping and scrambling. One of them shot hook toward his hand and he moved it barely in time. As soon as the portal opened a little further he thrust his blade into the space between the plates that covered their torso. Cranking the blade to the side he heard a sickening pop as the rib cage on the creature was pried apart and thick greyish goop began to run freely down the blade.

About that time a spot large enough was made that Illya could crawl in with them and they were backing away. There was more than enough space and Illya took all of it up as he thrust himself into the portal and began his slaughter of the Cirrelants. In close quarters the fly type bugs were left with hacked limbs and deep gauges that thrust through their eyes and into their brains. One Cirrelant snapped at Illya's arm with his mandibles as he fell against the wall of the portal. The weak mandibles clacked against Illya's arm guard and he shoved it roughly into the apex the creatures jaw and twisted. A loud crack sounded as one of the mandibles twisted and shattered into brittle pieces. The creature screamed loudly and fell to the floor reaching with the nubs of what used to be arms toward its face with oozing goo covering its neck and chest. Turning toward the opening into the other ship Illya approached it cautiously. Chances were the Cirrelants already knew that he was on his way and then he heard the portal beginning to disconnect and that was going to make a last minute rush.

Getting caught between the ships wasn't an option and so Illya made a leap and kept himself as close to the top of the opening as possible. If he could keep high they would likely miss him. One of the little barbs flew just under him and it caught in his shirt. It was a close call and when Illya landed he rolled with the blade held out and he heard a sharp chirp from one of the enemy. Rising up again the Chippequoti sliced his way through the two Cirrelants on this side of the portal and raced into the main cab. There was only a captain sitting inside and he didn't have time to turn before Illya grabbed it by either mandible and tore the face and skull wide open.

Illya pushed the Cirrelant body over and he wiped the goop off his hands before digging into his pockets and sending Kalizda a message. "Send coordinates." As soon as she gave them he looked over the controls and gave his best guess. The first one sent him flying off and he was headed back for the mother ship and then he hit another button and the little scout ship took a sharp turn and started after hers. Apparently they had a little different system and he saw a horde of ships coming after him. Flicking another control he watched in his monitor as they disappeared. He must have quit transmitting signal and the only one was the ship ahead of himself and that one he knew was Kalizda's.

When they finally reached the agreed on destination he linked with her ship and hooked up some hoses to run to her ship. Meeting Kalizda at the carnage filled portal he nodded. "I got hoses hooked and I'll send them out through the ports so you can hook them to our ship and get through. Then you tell me when you're close to done and I'll disconnect portal and then wheel you in." The ship would start to lose power and it could be dangerous for them to leave the portal connected otherwise.

By the time they finished with the refueling and fresh water Illya was more than ready to get himself cleaned off and his gear. Walking slowly through the miniature hall of their ship he caught glances from both Dora and Michelle. "I jes wash up eh?" Taking himself into the bathroom Illya started with washing his gear off with hot water and some gentle oils before laying it out over the floor of the bathroom and then he plucked the barb out of his shirt and pushed it into the waste valve to let it float off into space. Finally, he washed himself up and then wrapped up in a towel to head back to the room to get some clothes to wear. Now that they knew he was Chip it didn't really matter and Illya decided it didn't matter if they knew his back was an ugly scarred mess either. Eventually they would find out anyway.

For the last of the journey Illya remained mostly quiet and he slept when he could to avoid thinking about having to visit the Ehaui. His back wasn't really any better than it had been a few days ago and that meant it wasn't isolated and he would for sure have to see them.

***********************************************************

After Michelle and Dora were given a spot to stay Illya suspended all news for at least 2 days. Looking to Maks he sighed. "Just hold it. I know something probably needs help right away, but I can't do anything till I get my back fixed." The two of them were hissing to each other in Quoti and then the man gave Illya a strange look and the general turned and lifted his shirt.

Maks frowned and he took a deep breath. "Looks bad. You got deep bruising too. Seeing the Ehaui for that?" He couldn't blame the general for suspending news. From what he could see this was something that should have been taken care of weeks ago and his jaw being wired shut was bad too. "Henaiah is...we don't know if she'll make it. I'll just keep this part of things quiet for now and I'll tell the people you're looking into matters." With that he parted and left Illya to get prepared for his visit to the Ehaui and the possibility that he would have even more to do than he already did.

Once he was alone for a few minutes Illya stared at the medallion and decided that while he was alone in the house he could see what was on it. Inside was everything that Henaiah had asked for, but there was no telling if she would even be around to see it. Shutting the medallion he stared at the space which had held the hologram full of information and shoved it back into his pocket. Kalizda would be wanting to get the kids from Thomas and it was probably just as well that they did. The man was more than likely sick knowing that his agreed was somewhere between life and death. Wandering down to the main part of the house he found Kalizda busily making ready to get the kids and he sighed. "We get Rose and Cypher and den I go to Ehuai. Meh back es hurting too much. Should be better now den et is."

As much as he hated to add more weight to her he knew that Kalizda would be more upset if he just randomly disappeared and she later found out he went to the doctor. Quietly he walked with her to pick up the kids. When Thomas answered the door Illya nodded slightly. "I am sorry for yah difficulty." It wasn't so much that he could say he was sorry that the man's agreed had died yet, but he wouldn't have wanted to say that even if it was true. Even if he could understand the pain Illya didn't know what to say and so he left it simply at that.

Cypher gave them both gummy grins and he growled merrily when Illya picked him up. He was at the age that he liked to switch arms and he reached for Kalizda and then for Illya all the way to Mak's house. Mak and his agreed happily took the kids and Cypher gave them both a confused look before he started to cry. Illya felt badly having to hand the boy over so quickly. Rose was scowling deeply at them and Illya knelt in front of her and grabbed one of her little hands. "I need ta see doctor. Pirates hurt meh and I want ta come home and play wit yah, but first Ehaui fix meh back and mouth eh?" Pulling one cheek to the side he let her peer at the wires. "How about dat?" Reluctantly the girl nodded, but she didn't seem to be completely convinced.

******************************************************

The Ehuai stared at the scan he had taken of Illya's back and jaw. "So far the jaw is fine. I can remove that wiring today as long as you don't do anything more than eat soft foods for another couple of days. I'll just give you a little bone boosting injection."

Illya frowned at mention of the bone boosting injection. He hated them. Most of the time it hurt and his bones would ache through his whole body for a day or two. "Eh, what else?"

Sighing a little the Ehaui held up the portion with his back on it. "I'll need to cut in again and this time use a little paste to repair the bone sheath around the spinal column." Looking to Kalizda he started to explain. "Chippequoti have an extra layer of bone around their spinal column. He must have hit something pretty hard because it jolted one vertebrae out of place and the force of it impacting with the spinal column splinted a part of the bone sheath around it and a little shard has been cutting it with certain movements. There is no significant damage that can't be undone, but it will need to be fixed. Some of the cartilage between the vertebrae needs to be bolstered a bit to withstand everyday pressure without causing pain and then I can sew him up and inject the anti scar tissue treatment into his back. There will be about 7 needles full to cover the entire area of his back. It is basically a cream of sorts that we inject into the various areas and then work in with massage and it will help dissolve unhealthy scar tissue over the course of about a week."

All the while Illya frowned at the doctor from where he was laying on the bed. It didn't sound like he'd be having much fun, but it certainly wasn't the worst surgery he was ever going to have either. As far as he was concerned the metal in his leg was the worst one that he'd ever encountered and it was painful getting it in and out. Picking at his back wasn't so bad as long as they didn't include any implants. "That's all?"

"No, then you have to stay with us for two nights and then we'll send you home with 1 week bed rest and 2 weeks of light duty." The Ehuai emphasized the word light because he knew better than to assume that taking it easy would be enough of a description. "With your consent I'd rather get this done now before you do something catastrophic to your back that we can't fix."

Since there was seemingly little choice or option that was better than the current one Illya nodded and started to strip down. He took the wash rag and the special soap from the Ehaui and disappeared around the corner to shower up and when he returned Illya was wearing a gown that had been set out. Getting onto a large surgical bed he let out a long breath and pulled the blanket over his legs and up to his waist. Glancing at Kalizda he gave her a little wink. "I be back ta normal soon eh? Den I can give yah a real kiss and maybe we can get back ta oter tings too eh?" There wasn't a lot of time since the Ehaui usually had a surgical room ready to go. They knew that their Chippequoti allies didn't often come to them unless it was serious and it was better to just do the surgery right away because the Chippequoti expected a fix almost as soon as they arrived at the office. Only about half an hour later Illya was fitted with a mask and he fell asleep before they wheeled him away into the surgical room.
 
Last edited:
Dora and Michelle were woke by soft shakes from Calysta. “C’mon. Wake up and get dressed. Hurry.” Michelle grumbled and waved her off at first, but a few more insistent nudges, the woman woke looking grumpy. Dora rolled over in her pink night gown and mumbled her husband’s name before opening her eyes and setting them on Calysta’s face. “Time for breakfast?”

“No,” Calysta whispered, “I need you to get up and get dressed. It’s urgent.” If something went wrong she needed both of them fully dressed and ready to move as fast as they possibly could.

The two of them sat on their bunks and watched their guides strap on some sort of body armor. Shepherd seemed almost professional at it while his wife was more than proficient, though her set was comparable to that of a dolls. Without a word, the big man left the bunk room and Ariel turned to them both as she battened down a forearm guard. “You two stay here,” she said quickly in Terran, “Lock the doors and Michelle keep that pistol of yours ready just in case.”

Dora’s eyes went wide while her red-headed counterpart scowled. “What’s going on? You can’t just come in here, wake us up, and not tell us why.”

Calysta’s eyes flicked up to Michelle as she strapped her pistol around her hips. “Actually I can since I’m the co-pilot and these are orders.” She didn’t want to say much more because Dora looked wide eyed and already half panicked. “We ran into trouble at Alpha Centuari. Cirellants. Just stay in here and don’t open the door unless its Shepherd or myself, got it?”

Without saying another word Calysta left out to the cockpit. Michelle grumbled and slipped out of her bunk to lock the door behind the tiny woman. “Do you think they’ll be alright?” Dora asked nervously as she flipped back the covers to get dressed. “The Cirellant’s are terrible. I’ve seen holograms of Veyna4 and G’koe. If we’re-“

“I’d be more concerned about the Cirellants surviving,” Michelle replied dryly, as she check her pistol, “Chippeqouti are nearly indestructible from what I’ve seen.”

The comment made Dora’s brow knit together in a blend on confusion and terror. “C-chippeqouti?”

For someone so close to Yarbrough, the woman was so ignorant. She didn’t realize that Michelle was the won leading the alternative campaign against her husband or that David Shepherd was really Illya, the infamous Chippeqouti general. “What do you think David is? He’s definitely not Terran,” she scoffed.

The plump woman blinked several times, going through everything that William had told her about the Chippeqouti. Big, tall, bright eyes. Vicious and absolutely violent. They would cause chaos for no reason and kill for the fun. “Mr. Shepherd isn’t anything like one of them!” Dora squeaked.

Michelle rolled her eyes and shook her head. This wasn’t the first person she’d had to correct by a long shot and it wouldn’t be the last. “Maybe you should stop believing everything someone tells you, Mrs. Yarbrough. David isn’t his name and he’s a Chippeqouti. Welcome to the real world.”

***********************************
Calysta met Illya at the portal as he stepped over the still oozing bodies of the Cirellant scout group. It hadn’t taken him long to gain control of the ship and to take the jump with her into the Vega Nebula. A swirling mass of gasses, ice and minerals which created a brilliant reflectivity and arc storms. The bodies of the unfortunate bugs lay shattered in bits and pieces, like flies who had who had met the unfortunate rolled end of an news paper. She’d seen Illya’s more gruesome work before, but some how the Cirellant’s scene seemed a just a little worse. He hadn’t cut or ripped the limbs from the Federation men at least. Swallowing hard, she averted her eyes to see his green ones looking back at her as he gave instructions. “Aye, once the power starts to go off, come back over and we’ll disconnect.”

It didn’t take long to get the job done and they set the Cirellant cruiser adrift inside the nebula as a frozen tomb. Unless someone went into the nebula looking for it, the craft would never be found and would deteriorate over time.

The rest of the trip was uneventful for which, Calysta was grateful, though she was concerned for Illya. He had grown quiet and she could tell he was hurting. She made sure he had coffee every night along with two of the pain pills to help him sleep, then conducted their scheduled stops with him at the navigation panel. Any trips into the ports were met with a certain degree of suspicion, even in Kaerelean space. Everyone knew that those who hadn’t declared for the Federation were being attacked by the Cirellant’s now and it was producing one of two reactions. Declare or join the Alliance. Some did side with the Alliance, seeking out their help only to find there was no reply, and others did not. The silence from the Allied forces was strange. Henaiah would not ignore those in need or wanted to reaffirm their alignment. Whatever the reasons, they wouldn’t know until they reached Pyrta.

Calysta thought it was going to be a long trip with Dora and Michelle, but it seemed the two might be getting along a little better. She’d actually seen them engaged in a conversation while Dora cooked. At one point, the chubby woman poured a cup of coffee for her after dinner and Illya had his own cup in bed. “Thanks,” Calysta said taking a tentative sip. It was so much better the way she made it with her little kitchen tricks.

Dora nodded with a pleasant smile and started dumping in several spoonfuls of sugar in her own cup, giving it a little stir each time. There had been many things to think about. She had seen the man she now knew was a Chip behave in a way that was not how the experts describe. The red-head told her to start looking into things herself and at first that seemed a bit nerve wracking. Her husband didn’t like it when she read on her own or questioned him, but Michelle was quick to point out that William wasn’t there. “May I ask you something, Ariel?”

This was the first time Dora had really asked her something on her own initiative and it caught Calysta off guard for a moment. “Oh, um. Sure?”
“How did you meet your husband?”

Out of all the questions she thought would come out of the woman’s mouth, that particular query was not one of them. Why would she ask that? “Well, that’s a bit of a long story. “ The look of disappointment on her face was evident and Calysta tried to think of a way to make it shorter. “I am a pilot and crashed on his planet. It took us awhile to get along but eventually we became friends.”

“And he never acted like they say? You know, like the experts say? Violent?”
It was hard for Calysta to think of Mrs. Yarbrough as William’s wife. She was so timid and yet curious, the total opposite of her husband. “Rough around the edges,” she admitted, “But never violent unless he had an understandable reason to be. “
“Oh.”
A silence fell between them and Dora stared into her swirling coffee mug, her bruised hand encircling the cup gently. Calysta watched her for a moment and decided to ask a question of her own. “How did you meet yours, if I can ask?”

Dora’s eyes grew distant for a moment and then finally she met Calysta’s gaze. “Oh, we met at a charity gala organized by my parents. He was very sweet and charming when we danced. We sat with each other and he talked about wanting to help people. His goals were admirable and he was so brave to stand in front of people to give speeches and travel all over. We went on a few dates and then that was it. We married and a few years later had my sweet Aaron. Spitting image of his father.”

They talked a little more and Calysta learned that Yarbrough had in fact started out running several non-profits, most of which went under and were dissipated. “It was a hard time for him, but he got right back up and then went into the trading business.” He had been expanding his business ever since, growing in power and influence all over Terra. It was strange hearing all of this coming from Mrs. Yarbrough herself. It almost sounded like William had started out with good intentions and had gotten lost somewhere in the mix. It didn’t excuse the things he’d done, but his path to becoming what he was seemed clearer now. They chatted for a while longer and finally Dora let out a yawn before finishing up her coffee. “I think we should get some rest, dear. “

“Aye,” Calysta sighed as she put her cup in the sink with Dora’s. As the woman walked toward the door, she glanced up with another question on the tip of her tongue.

“Mrs. Yarbrough? Can I ask you something?” The woman turned and nodded with a sweet little smile. “Ayrn…how did he…what happened to his eye?”

Hesitating for a moment, Dora bit her lip thinking of how to reply. “He doesn’t really like to talk about it, but when I picked him up from the hospital, he told me he had been in a fight and won. Of course, the story changes from time to time.”

*******************************************
The 5 day lull between Alpha Centauri and Kaereal was almost like a vacation compared to the news they received when they landed on Pyrta. They were met by Maks and some of the Pyrtan men as an unrecognizable ship on the docks, and only when it was confirmed who they were did things began to hit home. Fayn was there, but was surprisingly quiet as Kirit explained to them about Henaiah and Maks talked to Illya. Hearing about Henaiah sent her stomach to the bottom of her toes. Poisoned on a mission on Yuria and in critical condition? Kirit told them what happened with an even tone, but a look of guilt in his eyes. He had been trying to help Thomas with the kids while Henaiah was being treated by the Ehaui for the last week but it had been hard. “It’s not your fault, Kirit,” Calysta said, looking him in the eye, “Thank you for helping with the children.”

Michelle was hesitant to be houses with some of the Pyrtan’s given how she felt about Kaereleans, and asked to see Henaiah immediately. There was far too much going on for Calysta to deal with the soured Terran for the moment. “Look, just go with Mrs. Fliya for a few days, alright?”

The Terran red-head looked like she might argue with her and that would have been a mistake. To keep a greater issue from popping up, Calysta held up her hand. “I know you want to talk with her, but right now, I am going home to see my children. Go with Mrs. Fliya and I’ll come by in the morning.”

Dora was much easier to handle, given she became very quiet at the sight of Maks a few other Chippeqouti men. With wide eyes, she nodded to anything she was told and was whisked away by Kirit who would arrange a place her to stay. Most of the families already houses Chippeqouti in their homes so, Dora would be more than likely sharing with someone.

They went to the house first to drop off all of their things and Calysta made sure there were fresh sheets on their bed, as well as Rose’s and Cyphers. She was eager to hold her baby boy and hug her daughter, but they had to make sure the house was ready after being gone so long. Illya came around the corner from their bedroom and announced that they should pick up the kids and then they needed to go see the Ehaui. He mentioned his back, and she immediately agreed. If his back was feeling bad enough that he would voluntarily go see the doctor, he truly was feeling awful. Of course, some of that was due to Elian and a larger part was probably from the fact he decided wrestling a bull was a good idea.

It was only a two minute walk to Thomas’ place where her son and daughter were waiting. Rose started to run at Illya, expecting to be caught in his arms like she always did, but Calysta side stepped and scooped her up playfully so the girl wouldn’t jerk on her father’s back. “Aha! There’s my Rose,” Calysta crowed in victory, before kissing at the girls neck. She giggled and accepted the tickling kisses until she was ready to get down and see Wolf. Cypher was all smiles and Calysta was shocked to see how much he had grown. His hair was coming in curly and dark, and his eyes were more alert than she had ever seen them. How had so much growth happened in one month?!

She picked up her boy and held him in a close hug to her chest. He laughed and his little fingers searched for her hair, so he could tug on it like he used to. “No hair there, little man,” she cooed. Cypher had grown so much heavier too, with hard blocky fists. He definitely had his father’s bone structure. Thomas stood by with rings under his eyes and a tired smile on his face. He was glad to see his daughter returned home. Calysta pulled him into a hug with Cypher between them and gave a gentle squeeze. “Dad, I’m so sorry. We have the kids, go see her.”

Thomas nodded and kissed the top of his daughters head. “I’m glad you’re safe, Caly. Illya too. We’ll talk in a little while.”

They left to drop the children off with Maks family. The entire way, Cypher would see his father and hold out his arms for him, only to be swapped over and see his mother walking beside him, then ask to return. Hearing him burst into tears as she and Illya left again, broke her heart. All she wanted was to hold her two boys and her daughter for a good long time and then go to sleep, but there were things to be done. “Shhh….It’s okay,” Calysta said, kissing the top of her boys head. How was it that baby’s had a sweet smell to their skin all of the time? “I’ll be back, I promise.”


*************************************************

Hearing that Illya could have the wires taken out of his mouth was relieving. Calysta smiled when the Ehaui held up the image. Now, Illya could eat normal food again and a few more things too. The news about his back was far more intense. She had no idea Chippeqouti spines were so tough to break, but there it was, the image of the bone sheath splinter on the info pad. It was like they were built to withstand almost anything and seeing what his body could go through still amazed her. Knowing that he would have to face another surgery was tough, but he would feel better afterward, and this cream the Ehaui spoke of would help his back from the whipping.

The good thing about the Ehaui is there was never any run around with what needed to be done. They just did it without asking a million questions and got the medical issue resolved. When Illya returned from washing off for the surgery prep, and climbed into bed, he gave her a little grin. "I be back ta normal soon eh? Den I can give yah a real kiss and maybe we can get back ta oter tings too eh?”

Calysta’s cheeks turned a little pink at his suggestion, but she couldn’t help but rise to the occasion. “There are a few things we need to catch up,” she managed to say, pulling the blanket higher on his waist. It was supposed to be sanitary conditions so touching him was out of the questions, so she settled for a sly wink. The Ehaui doctor came in about time and raised a brow at them, but he wasn’t surprised. The woman was always sneaking into his bed when he was ill, but they didn’t mind so much. I kept the General nice a calm for the most part and a calm Chip was all the easier to deal with.

Once Illya was under, Calysta left the doctors to their work. There wasn’t much she could do, and it wasn’t necessarily a life threatening issue. While Illya was undergoing his procedure, she walked down the hall to the room the nurse had told her Henaiah was being kept in.

Poking her hear into the room, she found her father hunched next to the bed and crammed between two machines. The ones keeping his wife’s lungs moving and her body functions going. Henaiah herself was unconscious, mouth open with tubes running down her throat. Her skin was a sickly grey color and a blackened spot from her arm stretched all the way up from her forearm to her neck. A deep cut was sliced up the length of her wrist as well.

Calysta didn’t have to ask what sort of poison it had been. The neurotoxin came in the form of a small needle and would shut down body functions quickly depending on dosage and the victim. Looking at the woman lying in the hospital bed, it was obvious the dosage had been extreme enough to nearly kill her within 45 minutes and continue shutting down her body even after Kirit cut out the needle. The Yurian government had done this? A spot of rage welled in her stomach, thinking of what happened. They had called her there under the guise of peace and done this. Just like what happened to the Cirellants on G’koe. Had the Federation been responsible for that mess too? The similarities were too close not to see the connection. Had she and Illya been there on Pyrta, it would have been them going to meet the Yurians instead of the Alliance leader herself.

Calysta slid in next to her father and put a hand on his shoulder. “I’m sorry I wasn’t here, Dad.”

His hand slid to hers and patted it gently. “She’d be glad it was her and not you like this, Caly. What happened back when you were a kid-“his voice cracked a little and cleared his throat- “Well, she did really care.”

Calysta squeezed his shoulder and nodded. “I know, Dad. What will the Alliance do now, though? People are looking for her.”

“The Chief Airman Keyl and Chief Tikan have taken over most of the work for now,” Thomas replied, “It’s just been harder moving people around with the Cirellant’s attacking smaller outposts. You saw the fleet protecting Kaereal on your way in.”

“Aye, but Henaiah...she...”

Thomas looked over his wife and swallowed hard. “She is good at what she does and there’s not a soul who could ever replace her.”

*******************************

With Illya through the surgery and still asleep under the anesthesia Calysta picked up the children and headed home for a bit. It was good to have the children with her again. Cypher was sweet and good natured as ever, while Rose wanted to know all about their trip. Illya had said something to her about the pirates and the story was much too interesting not to hear about. “I’ll tell it to you while we unpack, hm?”

Calysta sat Cypher in his crib and Rose bounced onto their made bed as she watched the unpacking process. While they were on Terra, Calysta had gone into the big store in the mall looking for Illya a proper bucket. It had taken her awhile to find anything remotely resembling a bucket, but on the way she had found a few other things he might like and picked them up on her search. “The pirates were mean,” Calysta said, as she studied their closet. There wasn’t much room in the little closet and it would definitely need to be cleaned out.

"They captured us and the Captain made us work very, very hard. But Wolf was brave and fought them so we could come home."

"So, Wolf kicked the pirate captain's ass?"

Calysta stopped pulling a ragged shirt from the closet and turned to her daughter with wide eyes. "Rose! Don't use that word."

The girl shrugged, "Maks and Papa Thomas say it."

"That doesn't mean you should. It’s not lady-like," Calysta replied. The girl gave her a wiley look and she caught on fast. "In any language."

Grumbling, Rose flopped back on the bed and sighed before asking more questions, even a few about Terra. It seemed the girl remembered little from her life there before landing on Nuen. “Did you bring me something back, like you promised?”

“Yes, for you and Cypher both, but I’ll have to give it to you when Wolf is home so he can see too.”

Calysta finished cleaning out Illya’s old clothes, which were full of holes and muds stains. He would be happy to have some nice new things and they could donate the old ones, though she wasn’t sure anyone on Kaereal could wear a 36’ inch inseam. Calysta and started unpacking his new ones. There were pairs of jeans, slacks, button up shirts of every color since he was adamant about not caring about that particular tradition in her culture. She bought him new t-shirts and under shirts, along with a pair of leather boots with buckles and a nice leather belt. Hanging those alongside his sleek leather jacket, made her feel proud to know she had done so well picking out some things. She might even add in a few Kaerelean tunics if she could find some big enough. Illya looked good in everything, but his clothes would look as good as him now.

“Hey, Kalizda,” Rose giggled from behind her on the bed, “What’s this thing? ”

Calysta turned from admiring the closet to see Rose kneeling on the bed holding up the green lace corset over the open bags. She turned pink and took scrambled over to get the naughty little garment. “It’s uh…special armor. Made for girls when they get older.”

“Will I get some armor one day?”

Calysta took the corset and stowed it in the closet before shutting the door quickly, her face still burning. It suddenly occurred to her that one day these were things she would have to explain. Maybe Illya could do it? No. He hadn’t even known how all of that really worked until she’d read an anatomy book to him…all information he didn’t remember. It was far too early for that talk though. Far, far too early.

“Uh, maybe. I’ll tell you what…I’ll give you your present now, huh?” Calysta dug through one of the bags desperately as Rose bounced on the bed, and pulled out a wrapped up item. With quick fingers, she unwrapped the gift to show off a pretty blue teacup with a tiny saucer. “ For being so good while we were gone. You can add it to your collection, yeah?”

Rose grinned and took the gift with her robotic fingers before scooting off the end of the bed. “I like it Kalizda. I’ll go make some tea for it.”

“Okay, that sounds perfect.”

The girl ran off down stairs to make tea and not too long after that, Calysta heard the front door open followed by an announcement from Rose. “Carrot’s home!!!”


***************

Illya came home after his surgery to a freshly made bed, coffee and renewed instructions from the doctor about 5 days of bed rest and two weeks of light duty. Calysta had remembered what herbs Yvonne had showed her for his skin after his surgery removing the metal from his body, and had a vial of that ready and waiting too. She helped him lay on his side and he gave her a groggy smile as she pulled the blankets over his shoulder. “A few days and back to normal,” she said, kissing him gently. Calysta started over to the rocking chair, checking on her snoozing baby boy on the way.

Illya propped up on his elbow as she started to sit into the rocking chair, giving her a confused look. “I was going to stay in the rocking chair until your back was better,” she explained.

He patted the bed beside him anyways. “ Its easy. Just don't crawl over meh when I'm sleeping.”

“I wasn't planning on it, I just didn't want to bump your back,” she replied, feeling lonely already from her chair. Well... maybe if you're big spoon, yeah?”

Illya smiled as she wandered over and got into bed with him. His big arm wrapped around her waist, while she settled in close, tucking her head under his chin as the little spoon. “I love you,” she whispered sleepily, as he held her. After while Cypher began a little cooing, and Calysta sat up, and reached to the end of the bed to pick up her hefty boy. It still amazed her that her once tiny man was growing so fast now. “Just a little gas I think.” She laid him on his belly between her and Illya, rubbing his back until he quieted again. Her eyes followed between her son’s and her husband’s for a long time, until the bedroom door creaked open. Rose padded barefoot and wild-haired into the room with a sleepy look. “I had a bad dream.”

Rose occasionally still had dreams about the crash and it scared her every time. “C’mere. Just don’t touch Wolf’s back, okay?” Calysta motioned her over and the girl crawled on top of her, flopping down with her chin squarely dug into Calysta’s chest. She wrapped an arm around her girl, and stroked her hair, then looked up to Illya with a smile. There had once been a time when she couldn’t imagine wanting anything but to explore, but being surrounded by her children and wrapped up with her husband made it all the more she could ask for. “It’s good to be home,” she whispered to Illya, “Maybe we can all spend some time together once you’re off bed rest. Maybe go out to one of the other continents for a bit? What do you think?”
 
Last edited:
After the surgery Illya laid in the Ehuai hospital for a while. Sometimes it felt he was sort of floating along and then other times it was very obvious that his back hurt. Between the short spells of consciousness he slept. On the second morning he felt the Ehaui doctor come in and shove a needle under his skin on the back and then begin to rub. While Illya was still on sedatives he wasn't quite as fiery feeling and he just frowned when he saw the doctor grab another needle. After about 7 shots and the mostly uncomfortable massage he went back to sleep.

The Ehaui rubbed in gentle circles until he could see the yellowish tint from the gel begin to disperse under the skin. It made the Chip's entire back look like one massive discolored bruise. It was the second round of the treatment to help diminish scar tissue and he fully intended to make sure that the scars were not going to be inhibiting movement or causing future issues. Chippequoti healed amazingly fast and they had good regenerative qualities, but sometimes that regeneration could turn into horrible deformity and awful disfigurement if it was left alone. While Illya slept the doctor prepared a few little packets of medicine for Illya's first five days at home and then he took them out to Kalizda. "Give him a vial every night before bed and bring him back after two weeks. I'll check on the back and run a quick scan to make sure everything is ok." Since she was still new to how some of this worked with Chippequoti and their healing process in the body he explained the shots that he gave to Illya and what sort of pains to look out for. "If he starts having sharp pains or tells you it feels like he's cutting up inside then you need to bring him back right away. Otherwise the gel will dissolve bad scar tissue and should help his body regenerate faster. It won't ever completely eliminate the scars, but they will be less."

Waking up in the house Illya frowned a little. He didn't remember getting here and his back was sore, but it was just the general throb and an occasional burning sensation. Still it wasn't so bad as it had been. Kalizda was still in the bed with him and he moved a bit closer to her. It was good that she wasn't afraid to sleep in the same bed. He hated that she thought he couldn't stand to have her in the same bed the first day. Illya had barely wrapped an arm around Kalizda's waist and then he felt the little mound she was curled around. Cypher it seemed still insisted on sleeping with them and Illya scooted in further so that he could rest his hand on the baby.

Cypher made a little squeak when the big hand came to rest over his body. The boy squirmed a little bit and then lifted his dark little head. When pushed himself up on one elbow he looked over Kalizda's shoulder and met the boy's gaze. Both of them stared at one another for a moment and then the baby laid back down and decided to go back to sleep.

By morning Illya was more than ready to get up, but he still had 2 days to go. Rose came in like usual with some breakfast and she plopped onto the bed with him. "You have pancakes and tea." Setting it out on the tray she tried to be professional and ended up looking like a very cute little kid instead of being grown up. "Then I have a list of things for you to choose from." Lifting her chin a little the girl pointed to a list that was mostly little scribbles on a paper. She wasn't so good at writing yet. "Papa Thomas helped me. I made a list for you. These are things I want to do when you get better. 1. We hunt for rocks. 2. We have a party. 3. Kalizda makes a cake. 4. I wanted a present, but she already gave it to me."

Taking the little note in hand Illya chuckled. "Dats a big list." The Chip straightened his face and tried to appear to study it intently. "I tink we hunt for rocks in 2 days eh? Den we talk ta Kalizda about rest of dese tings eh?"

*******************************************************

Illya pushed aside several piece of the clothing and dug into the back. Where was his clothing! He just wanted to wear his usual green button up cargo pocket shirt. Usually he rolled the sleeves up because the forearm on them had holes, but it didn't look bad if he had the sleeves rolled on it. Pulling all the clothes to the front he dug through to the back and it still wasn't there. "Kalizda!" Yelling into the closet he still braced himself against the wall while he dug through the shelves on his end and pulled out t-shirt after t-shirt that still weren't his. "I can't find meh clothes."

Calysta stepped out of the shower and wrapped the towel around her, before catching a glimpse of herself in the mirror. At least her hair was starting to grow back just a little and all of the bruises from their run in with the pirates had faded awhile ago. She brushed her teeth, and then left the bathroom, careful not to trip over Illya's fancy bathing bucket. As she dripped down the hall and came into the bedroom, Illya shouted her name, making her dash inside. What was wrong? He was standing by the closet looking frustrated and almost slightly panicked, announcing he couldn't find his clothes. "Oh, I got you new ones while we were on Terra. You needed them and I wanted to surprise you," she said cheerily, walking over to the closet, "I thought you'd like some too."

Turning slightly he looked at her and his jaw dropped slightly. "What about meh green shirt?" She had to have kept at least one of his shirts. It didn't matter that almost all of his shirts were green, but he had a very specific one in mined. "Yah know dah one where I roll dah sleeve up." Peering deep into the closet again he stared at the pile of shirts that he'd pulled from the shelves and then leaned over to pick them up. "I dun need dis many new clothes. Maybe yah get wild shopping. Only 2 or 3 shirts I have were bad."

Calysta raised a brow and crosses her arms to keep her towel from falling. Why was he acting so panicked? They were only clothes and he had made sure she had nice ones. Why couldn't she do the same since they were needed? Plus, she hadn't gone wild shopping! Only a little bit..."All of your clothes had worn holes with patches or bullet holes. Pants and shirts, including that green one with the sleeves. Why are you looking at me like that?"

Staring into the closet and then back to Kalizda he sighed a little and then picked a blue shirt out of the heap that he had gathered from the floor in his wild attempt to find his clothes. "I dun know." He really couldn't say exactly why he was looking at her like that whatever the look was. "I uh." Throwing the shirts onto the bed he wandered over to it and began to refold them nicely. "Yah didn't throw away all meh clothes did yah?" Part of him hoped that she had kept them. He could have worn the clothes for a while longer. Most of them were still good and he really didn't think he needed new ones yet.

At least he was refolding everything he'd torn out of the closet, but he seemed less than thrilled about the new clothing. Not that she needed him to say thank you but she had hoped he would have liked them more. Instead, he just asked about the old clothes. Sighing, Calysta pulled a tunic from her spot in the closet and laid it on the bed next to his quickly wrinkling like. "No, I donated them for someone else to have a few days ago. Someone on Kinte will be glad to have them come the rainy season."

The blue shirt was the only one that Illya hadn't folded and instead he put it on and then walked back over to the closet in his boxers and shirt to pick through the pants. "I guess ets alright. I jes...." Illya slipped one leg into a new pair of jeans and then another leg. "Now I dun have any vents in meh clothes. Maybe I run tru some wire and cut hole in back of dese pants so I feel breeze when dah wind blows." Despite trying his best to keep a serious face he started to laugh and then stepped over to check himself out in the mirror. Somehow he felt like he had to try and tame his hair if he was looking that nice and he grabbed the brush that he hadn't used in months and started to pull at the wild curls that only rumpled up again. "Now I have ta look nice."

She couldn't tell if he was kidding or not about the vents or purposely putting a hole in the back of his pants. All she knew was that if he did, she'd find a way to make sure he didn't anymore. Calsyta dropped her towel and started putting on her tunic as Illya tugged on the new dark wash jeans. She couldn't help but let her eyes wander over how well they fit on his hip and from behind as she tied up her tunic. He tried combing through his thick curly hair and then laughed about having to looking nice. Smirking a little, Calysta sidled over and wrapped an arm around his waist before slowly sneaking her fingers into his back pocket just a little. "Aye, you do look nice. You always look good and now you have the clothes to match too."

"Isn't dat convenient?" Illya started to smirk when she wrapped her arms around him. He didn't mind so much now that he figured she liked the way he looked in these new clothes. If she liked him wearing new clothes and it meant she'd get all excited then he'd gladly wear new clothes. "I tink ef et makes yah anxious ta get close I wear new clothes more. Maybe everyday till yah decide I need new ones. I won't boter wit finding meh old ones." No matter how much he cracked jokes about the old clothes he wasn't sure if she caught the humor or not. Reaching around her waist Illya simply rested his hands on her rear end. "Yah pockets too small so I settle for jes a nice grope." Chuckling a little more he leaned in and kissed her.

Calysta chuckled a little and felt a little thrill of success. He had been upset about losing his old clothes but with a little smile and an admittedly enjoyable hand placement, he seemed all too happy to wear the new ones now. Even going so far as to suggest she could buy him more. Her smile only broadened when he turned to wrap his arms around her, with his big hands settling over her small rump. "Oh, I think that's a fair idea." Calysta laughed and pulled him closer into the kiss. It felt so nice to be able to really kiss him again and she had the temptation to get undressed all over again.

Shuffling a little closer Illya let her grip him a bit tighter and he kissed her again. It was good to be able to give her something besides the flat tire version of a kiss. "I was tinking about yah and den...." Illya paused for a moment and then he let go of her suddenly. "I forget I tell Rose dat I help her find special rocks today. Maybe later yah put on dat green ting and I uh...help yah take et off again." Searching around for his belt he found that it was missing too and was replaced with a new one. "Hmmm..." Sliding the belt through the loops he dug into the closet and instead found new boots too. "Really meh boots weren't dat bad." It was a bit overwhelming to find himself wearing so many new things all at one time.

Calysta was halfway to melting against him when he mentioned something about thinking of her...before suddenly moving away, leaving her half hanging between kisses. Her eyes opened as he started talking about finding rocks with Rose, then hurriedly mentioned the corset. Had she done or said something wrong? Or had he remembered something? He strapped on his belt and and boots, humming about how his shoes hadn't been all that bad. "I suppose? " she replied, feeling confused, "And the boots have a special gel in the bottom meant for good back support. I thought it might be helpful." Calsyta sat down on the bed and started pulling on her own boots trying to decide whether or not to ask. Her mind went back and forth until finally she determined is was better just to be out with it. "What did you mean, thinking about me and then...then what?"

"What?" Illya looked up at her slightly confused while he laced the boots on. They did feel nice. Probably a bit better the ones he wore. After a millisecond it occurred to him that she wanted him to finish his thought. "Ooooh." Grinning broadly he winked at her, "I was tinking about how good yah would look in dat uh...green ting. Maybe yah try et nut drunk and meh jaw works dis time. I jes forgot dat I tell Rose I help her find rocks. Yah wit us please?" Illya wanted her to come along because he hated the idea of leaving her behind at the house. There was no point in leaving her all alone when he didn't have to. "Maybe Cypher get some time outside eh? Good for him."

"Oh," Calysta chuckled. It was strange to think she had been worried for so long about him, that when he joked or acted a bit odd about other things that she immediately thought something was wrong. Now, things seemed to be settling between them and it felt new, and yet familiar all at once. Finishing up her boots. Calysta looked up and grinned at Illya. He still wanted her with him, even on the simplest things, out exploring and being with the family. "Of course," she replied, "We can make a day of it...and then a night of it too."

Flashing Kalizda a quick smile Illya got up from his seated position infinitely slower than he had wanted to. Rolling forward from his heels to the ball of his foot he stood on his toes for a moment and then gradually lowered himself to his heels again. "Hmm....nice boots." Slowly walking toward the bedroom door he put a hand on the doorknob and then leaned over to give Kalizda a quick kiss. "Now we go. Yah go first eh? I jes walk slower." For the time it still hurt a little bit to walk, but that would fade with time and Illya saw Rose raise her little head and the girl immediately began to dash about the house trying to get her coat and shoes on. By the time he reached the bottom stair Kalizda had Cypher wrapped up and the boy was holding his little arms out wanting to be held by dad.

At this point the newness of being with his mother had worn out, but he still didn't want to let her or his dad out of his sight. He was afraid that somehow they would leave him again and the baby had become hyper attentive to the whereabouts of his parents. Illya held Cypher while Kalizda got herself ready to go. The baby's fat little fist gathered up a portion of his dad's shirt and he held it tight while he tried to turn watch Kalizda. In a bumbled effort to turn a little further he fell into Illya and bopped his head on the Chip's jaw. Wincing a slight bit Illya turned toward the baby and he grinned. "Well yah jes so busy yah didn't watch where yah go." Hearing the friendly voice and the great big grin on his father's face was all the more Cypher needed to get excited. Giving a squeal of joy he bounced himself on Illya's arm and pounded at his chest with the other fist. It was impossible not to laugh a little bit and Illya readjusted his grip. "Ooh yah jes wanna go outside and play?"

Cypher began to try talking. It was mostly gummed words and slobber that ran down his chin while he alternated between grunts and squeaks. Finally the baby burst into laughter. He loved it when his dad made faces at him. In the middle of the game Rose came running over and grabbed Illya's spare hand. "C'mon Wolf, we're going rock hunting!"

"Ok I jes bring meh best lady." Illya glanced over his shoulder at Kalizda and he grinned. "Yah come wit us." As soon as she was at his side Cypher began to reach for Kalizda again. During the afternoon outside Rose would dart over the fields and gather rocks. Her special collection didn't make much sense till she stopped part way through with a defeated look on her face. "Its not enough." She stared at Illya almost like she was disappointed and then flopped on the ground next to her pile. The girl let out a long breath and looked at Illya. "I told the other kids I would have a fort built. They didn't believe me and I told them Wolf would help. You're not helping you're just holding the baby and kissing Kalizda whenever I turn around."

The girl was being so serious about it and Illya knew he was half guilty of what she said. "All rock fort esn't good. I tink rocks for dah base are good and den we build a wood top for et and yah can paint yah fort too eh?" At that suggestion the girl almost went ecstatic. "I tink we load yah rocks up in a ship and we fly dem to a good spot eh? Den I help yah build top for et." Illya was already starting to feel tired, but he didn't want to disappoint the girl either. "Move rocks first and den we go back home and I help yah build rest of et tomorrow or day after."

"But I want to do it today," Rose complained at Illya. "I want to finish my fort."

"Not today." Illya pushed a few of the rocks closer to the pile. "I tell yah tomorrow or day after dat es when et will be done." In good Chip style the girl threw her head back and screamed. Illya stared at her without saying a word. When she flopped onto the ground in display of her displeasure he let her flop and throw her little limbs in every which direction. It almost looked like Kalizda was going to be embarrassed, but Illya didn't care who saw it. When the girl looked like she was getting quiet enough to hear Illya spoke in his usual calm manner. "I see yah very displeased, but et doesn't change meh mind." She'd likely determined that somehow being noisy was going to change his mind and instead Illya yawned and took Cypher from Kalizda then started to walk back toward the house."I tink yah jes need time. Maybe we move rocks tomorrow or day after. I dun have time for yah fit."

Rose wailed and threw her fit for a few moments longer, but when she realized the only audience she had were other children and they were snickering with their parents and every other adult ignoring her, she suddenly felt the need to rush and get herself to the house. Brushing her little dress off she caught up with Kalizda and Illya. "Wolf I want to finish picking up rocks today. Please...."Stepping in front of him she tried to stop Wolf, but he kept on walking and side stepped.

"We finish tomorrow. I tink yah remember better nut ta be rude when someone helps ef I be done for today." When she scrunched up her face he glanced at her spoke quietly. "I love yah anyway, but yah faces dun change meh mind."
 
Calysta smiled at her drooling boy and took him back from Illya as his little fists reached out for her. She would carrying him as long as he wanted and even brought the little cloth harness Illya had designed for him ages ago so he could ride along. Settling him into the fabric, Cypher gazed up at her and Illya then his brow furrowed in confusion, before a fussy squall erupted from him. He wanted nothing less to be held by them where he could clearly see everyone. "Okay, Okay," Calysta chuckled, "Back into the arms then." She plucked Cypher from the sling and passed him to his father, before taking it off and abandoning it on the couch. As soon as he was held up to his father's chest the tears stopped and he gave her a contented look. "Alright," Calysta chuckled, "Let's go." Rose squealed as she ran out of the front door ahead of them, brown curls bouncing. This would be a nice quiet day. The kind that they hadn't had in a long time out together between the family and never with Cypher along for the fun.

The day was bright over Pyrta as they walked through the fields. With the harvest done a few months ago and the seed pods dispersed after that, the red tips of the grasses were starting to peak through the soil once again. In the distance a thunderstorm rolled through, leaving a few rumbles out in the air along with the light scent of rain. Soon it would be the rainy season on the hemisphere and the whole continent would be drenched in water for a few months. She would have to make sure everyone had a rain slicker and boots to go out anywhere. The thought of finding a tiny raincoat for Cypher made Calysta smile a bit gleefully.

For now the sun was out and it was warm as they walked through the fields. Cypher kept at his babbling, and seemed to have discovered that he could make spitting noises through his lips now. He was puff out little buzzing raspberry and then giggle at his own sounds. It was amazing to think that he was already trying to talk. What would his first words be? It was exciting to think that they might be 'Mom.' Calysta slipped her free hand into Illya's and laced her tiny fingers between his as they strolled through the fields.

There were other families out enjoying the last few days of sun too and Rose ran around talking to all of her friends, mostly Chip children, before dashing off to collect rocks. "We haven't done this in awhile," Calysta said, happily, "I missed it." He leaned in and gave her a kiss with that look he always used to give before the memory loss. The look like nothing else mattered and there was nothing better than what was happening in that moment.

It wasn't long before Rose had a small pile of rocks growing in the field. Normally, this would have made her excited. Rose loved her collection, and though Calysta had limited her to only keeping a few in the house, she was very much aware the girl had a secret stash under her bed. Rather than looking, pleased though, the girl's brow was furrowed in disappointment. "What's wrong, Rose?"

The answer came about there not being enough rocks for a fort she wanted to make and then fussed because Illya wasn't helping her. Calysta started to tell the girl that Wolf wasn't feeling up to doing all of that just yet but before she could even speak, he had her excited about the possibility of an even better fort. Rose's face lit up when she heard the Chip's idea, until he stated it would have to be done tomorrow or the next day. It was a bit relieving to hear Illya delay the project himself, rather than trying it and making her insist that he stop. Her daughter wined a bit over it, but Illya didn't melt this time, staying firm in his decision. About the time he finished his sentence, Rose wrenched her head back and let out an unearthly, whining scream before flopping to the ground. Calysta had seen Chippeqouti children act out like this often while living on the Ekram and on Nuen, but this was the first time she'd seen Rose act that way at all. It was also the first time she'd ever dealt with a true fit as a a parent. A sense of urgency rose up, as the girl wailed and screeched, tossing about in the grass and covering herself in dirt. Other people were staring at the scene. Shouldn't they stop her? Had she acted like this in front of her father, he would have picked her up, marched her home, and sat her in the corner with lines to write as punishment.

Glancing at Illya, she looked for some sort of reaction from him. The man's tan face was stoic as ever as he watched his daughter scream in dissatisfaction. He was just going to let this go? This was the man who had pitched her wild mother over his shoulder and smacked her on the bottom to make her behave! Calysta opened and shut her mouth several times, trying to figure out what to do or say, but Illya simply stood his ground, and picked up Cypher as he turned back toward the house. She looked from Illya, to his screeching daughter, and then to his retreating back. There wasn't much to do, but follow Illya into the house since she agreed with him on this point.

"Rose, we're going inside," Calysta said over wails. She wasn't going to reward bad behavior by allowing the girl the ability to keep playing outside. The fit continued and Calysta gave her one final warning. "Rose, I'm leaving if you don't get up now." The girl ignored her and Calysta shrugged before walking away to follow Illya. She had no idea if that was the right thing to do, but dragging the girl through the mud wasn't an option.

With every step further from her daughter, Calysta felt like she should turn right back around and haul her up, but after a mere few seconds of being left, Rose was flying past her. The girl ran over to Illya's side and hung off of his hand with a pleading look, using her extra sweet 'pleases' but to no avail. When it was clear she wasn't going to get her way, Rose stomped her way back up to her room, and sniffled a little bit. She was going to pout and that was her prerogative so long as she wasn't destroying things. As soon as they were inside, Calysta felt a little flood of relief not to have judging eyes staring at her daughter. She knew that the Chip parents would probably approve of what Illya did, but the Kaerelean parents out there would have watched on and some of them would say it was an example as to why half breeds made terrible parents. Maybe if she put Rose back in school when the time came, with the Kaerelean children as well as the Chip, it might focus some of the energy and teach her more social skills? The girl needed to be in school anyways to get her basic education at the least.


Plopping down on the couch next to Illya, she gave her Chip a little smile before tickling at Cypher's legs while he sat in his father's lap. He was starting to get chubby finally, with little rolls just peeking over his knees and elbows. Making her son giggle and kick, she realized it was time for a diaper change. " Better change him out really quick, yeah?" Illya laid him on the couch cushion between them and started unbuttoning the boy's outfit while she went to get a fresh diaper and wipes. It didn't take but a second to run up the stairs and retrieve them, then come back to behind the couch to give them to Illya. The Chip was removing the old diaper as she voiced her thoughts on Rose. "The rainy season will be here within the next week or two and since there wont be much outside time. School on Pyrta will be back in session. I think Rose and the other Chip children should go. It would be a good learning experience for them all, and Rose needs to get back to learning the basics. What do you- AHG!"

Cypher let out a happy laugh and started spraying them both down with a sudden urge to pee without his diaper on. A perfect fountain arched over the couch and onto Illya's lap, which splattered Calysta. "Illya, grab the other diaper!" The Chip had taken the brunt of the watery attack and would have more. Calysta snatched up the new diaper and tore it open before using it as a hyper absorbent shield. At his parent's sudden movements, the boy thought it was a game and just squealed with delight since everyone else was yelping too.


**********

Calysta stirred the delicious smelling pot of snake stew over the stove. She had done it just the way Illya liked it, by frying up the fresh meat with herbs and spices, then pouring the cream and stock over that. Rose had come down from her room after about an hour of self-pity and decided she liked the idea of learning to make bread. "It's not a cake, like on your list, but it's still fun, huh?" She brought the little step stool from the closet and showed her daughter how to measure, then combine the wet and dry ingredients. When it came time to punch the dough, Rose gave her a broad smile. "I like this part the best."

"Well, just make sure not to use your-"

It was too late. Rose reared back and stuck her mechanical hand into the puffy dough. Calysta winced when she saw the girls prosthetic retract, it's joints full of pale goo. Rose just looked up at her with a sheepish grin and wiggled the metal digits. "Oops." It would have to be cleaned out before she could do anything else or it might ruin the hand. "Go take your hand to Wolf and have him clean it out while I finish up in here," she told the girl quickly.

An hour and a half later, Calysta scooped up a bowl of snake stew and put it in front of Illya who had just finished cleaning out Rose's hand. She felt a little bad that his first day out of bed had involved so much cleaning, between Cypher's sudden shower and Rose's tedious joints. Of course, she found some of it a bit funny and had half the mind to crack a joke about Illya being lucky his son did pee more or he'd have drowned in the puddle. Luckily, Illya just seemed happy to see an unblended batch of fresh snake stew. After serving Rose and Illya, she picked up Cypher and fed him his bottle, which he sucked down greedily as always in just a few gulps. While she fed the baby and watched the other two eat, she noticed Illya cleared his bowl in record time and was heading for second. It was too quiet simply sitting there and she was in a playful mood now. "Oh wait, you have something right here." She pointed vaguely to her mouth, and the Chip gave his a wipe. Shaking her head, Calysta kept her serious face. "No, still didn't get it. A little to the left."

Rose took a sip of her soup and the decided to pipe in. "I don't see-" The girl caught a pointed look from Calysta and then giggled. "Oh there it is. On your chin!" The laughter from the girl was a dead give away to the plot and both of them started to grow silly grins until Illya caught on. "I couldn't resist," Calysta chuckled.

***********

Calysta stood a the sink washing Cypher's bottle with the wirey brush and plain hot water. It was best not to use soap in case you didn't get all of the stuff out before filling up the bottle again. Luckily, there wasnt much to clean. Cypher guzzled down formula like water and defintely had his father's need for a full stomach at all times. Illya walked in carrying Cypher after a fresh diaper change and immediately his eyes zeroed in on her before he held out his plump fists. "I'm almost done," she said to both of them. Cypher started to cry a little while she rinsed the bottle and Calysta knew she couldn't be done soon enough. Setting the bottle to dry, she wiped her hands and offered them out. Cypher kicked out from his father's chest and dove toward her. "Hey, easy on Dad, yeah?" She kissed his dimpled cheeks and then looked up to Illya with a smile. "He's grown so much while we were gone, I can hardly believe it. Soon he'll be needing a proper middle name and some Kaerelean records when its safe again."

There was no stopping the baby from knowing who was the great food person. Cypher had figured it out during the time Illya had been laid up. By now and from here on out he would think that Kalizda was always the source of food in whatever form it came. A grin came to his face when Kalizda quietly told the boy not to kick him. "Eh, he's nut strong enough ta hurt meh yet." While she held the baby Illya wandered over to the kitchen counter and sat on it. Then she started to talk about names for the baby and Kaerelean records. "He dun need middle name yet. Et comes in time. When he follows first animal den we give him middle name." What he found the most confusing really was the mention of the records, but Illya was going to worry about that later.

Calysta listened and remembered that was how Chippeqouti chose their names, but it did prove a bit problematic if they stayed on Pyrta for any length of time. " Maybe," she said, keeping things neutral, "There just arent many animals on the continents and the ones that do live here aren't exactly nice. He'd end up with a name like 'mouse' or 'alley cat." Swapping Cypher from one hip to.the other, she looked at her boy's eyes and they locked with hers before he broke into peals of laughter. He was so joyful and it always made Calysta smile. 'I was thinking maybe we might follow the Terrsn tradition and name him after an ancestor?" She'd been giving this some long and quiet thought, and had no idea what he would think about it. "I liked the sound of Cypher Markus."

The point that Kalizda made about the animals being a little less spectacular was only a minor detail. There was nothing wrong with names such as cat. You would describe the kind of cat then. "Ets nut such problem. Maybe cat es firey color." Illya shrugged a little and he thought the conversation was over until the woman mentioned a tradition of her kind. At first h looked at her with some interest and then he heard the idea. Momentarily Illya's eyes widened and then he spoke between clenched teeth. "No. We talk about dis some oter time."

Calysta listened to his answer about naming her son a flaming cat. It just sounded awkward and she had to admit that this was one Chippeqouti tradition she wasn't sure she liked. Not that Illya's middle name was bad, she liked it, but the idea Cypher would have such a name based on happenstance wasn't appealing. As soon as she offered her suggestion, he immediately shut her down though and that was irritating. He didn't consider it at all, not for a moment and then tried to shut the whole conversation down. Even if he didnt like the idea, he should at least explain the reasoning. Maybe it was a religious issue? "I think we should talk about it," she said, evenly, "Why? Is it because of the gods?"

It was semi predictable that she would want to talk about it, but Illya didn't want to. In a way he half expected that she would push this one too and he wasn't going to talk about it no matter how much she pushed. There were a lot of things that she got and he didn't usually put up much resistance, but he wasn't giving on this one today. "No ets nut dah gods. I jes nut talking about et. We talk anoter time."

It was obvious he wasn't going to engage in any sort of discussion about this. Maybe it was because it was his father's name or maybe he simply didn't want to do the Terran tradition. She wouldn't know for sure because he wouldn't tell her. Was this something she should push like the Ehaui said to? Or did she let it go? She didn't want to let it go with good reason. Gritting her teeth, she shifted Cypher to lay over her shoulder. "Okay, then," she sighed, before walking toward the stairs with Cypher gumming on her shoulder. It was taking everything she had not to say what she really wanted, but a little nerve snapped and she turned around. "You know, we were just captured by pirates, escaped from Terra and Cirellants...this war is out there. Every time we step out there. Did you ever think that there might not be another time to talk?" She said it firmly, but evenly and then started up the stairs. He didnt want to talk and it was time for Cypher to have a bath.

Usually Illya considered himself to be fairly calm, but this time he couldn't have said that about himself. He was already on the edge of his patience. His back was a little sore, she was bringing up a difficult subject and he didn't want to talk about it now. Normally there were good reasons, but she didn't always have to know the why. Then she'd immediately thought it had to be about the gods and she couldn't have been further off. To make it worse she was throwing a little tantrum of her own and he growled. "Yeah I tink about dat! A middle name wasn't on meh list when we in trouble."

He was acting ridiculous and this was the first time he had yelled at her in a very long time. Cypher's started to whimper when his father raised his voice and Calysta worked her jaw. This wasn't about the name. This was about moving forward and it wasn't easy. She knew that, but it didn't mean he had to yell. "I know that, but we are home now and it should be discussed, not avoided. Your problem isnt with the middle name, it's something else. It's because of your father," she replied, trying not to raise her voice, "But don't yell at me for saying what I think."

"Den why yah ask ef yah already know why I dun want ta talk about et?" For the time he kept his voice lower, but he didn't bother responding to the part about not yelling. "What do yah want? I tell yah we talk about dis some oter day, but yah push and yah fuss." For whatever reason it felt like he'd been wound too tight after the last round and he had to go back in just a few weeks. There was a certain danger in unwinding, but at the same time it felt like he was going to break if he didn't unwind a little and she was pushing him dangerously close to both.

Calysta let out a long breath and she almost deflated a little. What was the right thing to do here? She didn't know, but she did know that he was tired and sore. Cypher gnawed at her shirt again creating a large, drooly wet spot on the shoulder. "Illya, I just wanted to talk about a middle name for Cypher now that we have a moment to be altogether for once. I thought of Markus because I thought it might be good for him to have a little part of a grandfather he'll never get to meet and its a Terran tradition. The chances are he won't get to grow up in a purely Chippeqouti place like Qouti or Nuen and I wanted him to have a bit of his other half too." She bit her bottom lip and looked Illya over, trying not to feel hurt. There was no reason for it. " I'm not fussing. I'm just...trying to talk about our children."

At this point Illya was too angry to speak reasonably and he knew it. "I jes go outside for a while. We talk when I come back inside." She was right. The request hadn't been unreasonable and no matter how hard he tried to calm himself and just try to be nice and logical about it Illya was finding himself feeling more and more upset. He didn't know why his emotions had seemed a little more tumultuous lately, but they were and this wasn't how he remembered himself. Perhaps when he first came back after he'd been blown up. That was different. Turning sharply he marched himself outside and laid outside while Cin walked around and would occasionally try to say hi. Innocently the bear would amble over and prod Illya till the man growled at him and then the bear would start to hop up and down planting his front paws on the ground next to Illya as if to challenge him to a game of sorts. Finally Cin gave up and settled with the idea of rolling over Illya. When the Chip started to yell the bear opened his mouth wide and gave a grunt of contentment. Illya pushed, shoved, and kicked until he came out from under the bear. He felt better in part for having a small fight to get out his frustration and then the bear immediately got up and tackled him with a loving maul that left strings of slobber clinging to Illya's hair. On the tips of his curls there were little droplets of drool and Illya wandered back into the house a bit disgruntled, but slightly better humored.

Calysta let him go without a word. He had some things to think about and she was just about at the end of what her patience could take for a moment. She had just started to come down from their trip, and there were other things on her mind too, that Illya didn't need put on his shoulders. Continuing up the stairs, she went into the bathroom where the bath tub waited with a little laid back seat for Cypher who couldn't quite sit up on his own yet. She unstrapped him from hi s onsie, a charming thing her father had picked out which read , "My grandpa calls me Stinker" in Terran, and then started to run the bathwater, checking the temperature with her wrist until it was just warm enough to be pleasant. "There we go, little man," she sighed, sitting him into the seat, "You take bath's like dad, but I wonder if you'll be as terribly stubborn." Taking a gentle wash cloth and baby soap, she began washing him down, even stopping to make little mohawks out of his dark, wild hair. He laughed while she worked, kicking at the water until he managed to spalsh his mother then giggled some more with toothless grins. Calysta hummed to him, but her mind was with Illya. Why did he have to just shut her down because he didn't like to say he didn't like something? She knew it had little to do with her or Cypher, but if what he was not saying was going to keep him from having simple conversations, he needed to get it off his chest. At least he'd gone out to cool off rather than yelling again. It had upset Cypher and Calysta didn't like they had argued in front of the baby. When the baby was all rinsed off, Calysta dried him down and brought him into the bedroom to dress him into his little footed pajamas. As she was wrangling a wayward foot into the clothes, Illya appeared in the door way, but she didn't say anything. If he wanted to talk this time after his show out he could approach her about it for once.

Since Kalizda wasn't in the living room when Illya came back into the house he wandered through the kitchen first and then remembered that she was upstairs giving Cypher a bath. Slowly Illya made his way up the stairs and into the bedroom. Kalizda was there with a mostly naked Cypher rolling on their bed and cooing as he plucked at the colorful bedspread. It was about time Illya washed up too, but he needed to say a few things. "Kalizda, I'm sorry. I lose meh temper and ets nut such big deal ta yell about." Almost flopping into a chair he slumped a bit further with each second until he was at an uncomfortable angle for his back and then he straightened himself out again. "Maybe yah tell meh why yah wanna name him with meh fater's name. Ets difficult for meh ta tink about dis, but I want ta know yah reason."

Illya came into the room and immediately apologized, which surprised her a little, but also made her feel a bit better. He had only ever apologized once to her and the fact that he was doing it now, she knew, meant he truly was sorry for acting as he did. She nodded in acceptance to his apology, just taking it in without saying anything. He was sorry and that’s all there was too it. Illya sank into the rocking chair in the corner as she wrangled Cypher’s other foot and then snapped him up into the pajama’s, nice and snug. He liked the feeling of being so tightly wrapped, and gazed up at her with a grin as he wobbled on his back like a cute little turtle, unable to roll over. Chuckling, Calysta slipped a hand under him, supporting his neck and flipped him over so he could sit up on his elbows some to look at his father. Illya wanted to know why she wanted to name him Markus. She’d already given the short version of her reasoning downstairs but it seemed he hadn’t been paying attention while he was angry. Still, if he was willing to listen, she had to be willing to speak.

Rubbing at Cypher’s back, she settled onto the end of the bed and gazed at Illya. “Well, I think it’s important that Cypher, and Rose to, have a chance to know both our ancestors and ways. They aren’t growing up in a purely Chippeqouti place like Qouti or Nuen, so it’s good for them to know these things. The middle name is a Terran tradition. My middle name, Marie, is one from my grandmother and her middle name was Marie from hers. It’s a way to honor those that went before us. Seeing as it is considered an honor, I couldn’t think of anyone more deserving of that than your father. Being honest, he terrified me at first…I thought he hated me, but we talked one day, and he was kind ever since. Brave and a good grandfather. It’s someone Cypher will never get to meet and I just wanted him to know that it a good man passed it down to him. That’s why I chose Markus.” Beyond that there was little else she could say now that he had at least listened to her. If he didn’t like the idea, that was fine, but now he knew why she did.

As hard as it was to sit still Illya tried his best. Kalizda was speaking so quietly at first that he could barely hear what she was saying. It wasn't like Illya had bad hearing, he normally heard things that she didn't. When she finished he had a deep frown on his face, though it was not a look of complete disapproval. Instead he was thinking deeply on what she said and it wasn't half as bad as he'd thought. "Oh." Leaning back into the rocking chair again he stared ahead for several minutes and then abruptly stood up. "I bathe den I tell yah what I tink." Stripping off his shirt he noticed a little tear in it from the bear's claw and he tried to hide it. Kalizda would be shocked to know he already had a little hole and a blood stain and he'd barely worn the shirt. Crumpling the shirt he tossed it to the laundry basket and then pulled his pants off. They had grass stains on them and his eyes widened slightly. There wasn't much he could do about that either. Strategically balling the pants up to hide the stains he threw them into the basket too and finished stripping before wandering into the bathroom to wash up. When Illya came out he had a towel wrapped around his waist. Whenever he wandered over to the closet he opened the cabinet door that had the mirror hanging on it and let the mirror face the wall instead of the closet. He hated seeing his back when he looked over his shoulder. While he picked out a nice green shirt and a new pair of pants he started to talk. "I tink yah have good idea. We make his middle name Markus."

Again, she let him go to bathe. It wouldn't do any good to push him, and she didn't want Cypher to have a name his father hated. It was something they had to agree on together, now that he was trying to understand. Calysta heard him filling up his bucket, and decided it was time she change clothes too. She had intended on wearing the corset but she wasn't sure how Illya would be feeling once he came out of his bath, so she slipped into a pair of shorts and a tank top before joining Cypher on the bed. When Illya came back with a towel wrapped around his waist, and headed towards the closet, she watched him patiently, knowing eventually he would say what his decision had been. To her surprise, called it a good idea. Calysta blinked at him for a moment from her perch, unsure of what to say. He had agreed with her, and yet had said nothing about the actual root of the problem he was experiencing with the name itself. She'd won technically, but in reality this was a draw at best. It would have to do for the night. "Then Cypher Markus it is," she smiled, stealing a glance at her baby boy. He was gripping at the blankets and trying to sit up a little more to see his daddy. Calysta scooped him up and walked over to Illya with her free hand slipping around his waist lightly before drawing him into a little hug. She didn't say anything. just hugged him with her cheek on his damp chest and Cypher beside them.

After a long moment Calysta let him go, and her eyes caught on the fresh clothes he pulled out from the closet. "Put those back, yeah?" The Chip gave her a confused look until she gave him a playful little smile. Putting Cypher do bed, she put a blanket on the bed facing side of his crib so he couldn't see anything and then wandered back over to her Chip, who was still standing there in his towel. Calysta walked right up to him and slipped a hand around the back his neck, her grey eyes locking with his. "I love you, Illya." With that simple message of reconciliation delivered, she pulled him into a kiss and walked him backwards toward the bed with a little finger hooked in the top of his towel. They had been waiting a good long while to be this close again and she wasn't about to disappoint.

*****************

Kirit came home from another day of training and found the family scattered throughout the house waiting or dinner to be done. He had been living on the couch all this time and he was certain they didn't notice it at all, other than when Rose announced to the world that her Carrot was home. Slipping off her his war scythe, the young warrior propped the weapon by the door, and then stripped off his other weapons and armor before leaving those by the door as well. It didn't take long for Rose to make her usual announcement as she came bounding into the living room and wrapped an arm around him tightly. "Carrots home!" Nobody ever really answered, and that was fine by him, but today he actually did need to talk. "Ye take'm 't the General, yeah?"

Rose nodded and dragged him through the house to the back porch where Illya was wrestling with the bear. The large creature grunted and stopped at the Chip insistently before trying to tackle him to the ground. Apparently, he had come at a bad time. He stood there watching awkwardly for a minute, before turning back toward the house. He needed to talk but he didn't want to make a big deal....but it was also tradition. Kirit zig-zagged back and forth until Rose stomped at Illya and informed him that the young first warrior was there. Illya stopped playing, tossing of the bear as if he were a rag doll.

Kirit froze to the spot and rubbed the back of his closely shaved head. "I' uh....Came t' ask something." The Chip stared at him as if it was obvious he should continue though, he was feeling more and more like he hadn't. It was awkward and Illya wasn't his father, nor was this Reylia but this was important and neither of his fathers could come along. "Ye see there's this tradition on Reylia when a warrior comes t' this age, an' I want t'do it with m'd dad, but m' father is dead an' my step father is on Reylia. I thought if ye didn't mind m' asking t' take part?"
 
Last edited:
Illya got up the next morning and he decided that mid-morning was far too late to be laying around. After eating a large breakfast he took himself into the living room to clean a little bit. There wasn't all that much to do and Rose was busy playing with her tea set or something. Being stuck in the house meant that he was finding less and less to do. Cypher was busy eating out of a bottle and he'd decided that Kalizda was the only one worthy of feeding him. Illya shuffled out the back door and decided it was about time he wrestled the bear a little more. Technically the bear was too heavy, but if he laid down on his back it would be supported and then he could do a little more. At leas in theory that was how it worked. Cin was more than happy to play along and he ran and jumped over Illya and then on him. It was a small bear, a bit of a runt and it weighed almost as much as Illya. While they were playing Rose came out to announce Carrot's arrival and Illya tried to sit up, but he got bull dozed over by the bear. Laying back he pulled his legs in tighter and tossed the bear off himself. Standing up he wandered over a bit closer to Kirit. "Yeah?" Whatever it was the warrior was delaying and Illya waited. Finally Kirit said what it was that he wanted and Illya started to chuckle. "Ets nut so complicated as yah make et sound. We bring yah step dad here and I still help wit celebration eh?"

Kirit swallowed as the Chip General spoke and then suggested they bring his step father here which made him wince a little. He hadn't wanted to say so, but his step father wouldn't do well in this tradition, or at least the important parts, because he was a good man, but not a warrior. It would be hard enough even to suggest him getting on the transport. "I uh...may'be. M'step father may not want't come though," the young warrior admitted quietly.

For whatever reason the man was terribly hesitant to speak about his step father and Illya waited before saying anything. "Den yah tell meh what we do ta get ready and yah tell meh in day or two ef yah still want meh ta take part eh?" Illya hated to take the part of the father if it wasn't his place to do so. "No matter how et turns out yah have yah custom and Chippequoti make sure." Why the father wouldn't want to be there Illya didn't know. It was just as well to give Kirit the opportunity to ask his father rather than assume that he wouldn't want to take part.

Kirit felt a little relieved at hearing the Chippeqouti would help with the Reylian traditon. They were a little funny about outsiders unless you happened to become a friend and then they just sort of take you in like you always belonged to begin with. Not too unlike his own culture in some ways. "I ask an see," Kirit nodded, "We go t' th wilderness an hunt with blade only. No food, no water t' bring. An' come back with th' meat. Then the games an' th' party with food...I uh..supposed 't dance with th' women too." His face turned a little pink and then he mumbled a little bit before getting to the best part. "An' then I make m' last challenge."

So far it all sounded like a good tradition. There was nothing ever so much fun as a good hunt and then a party. "Et all sounds good." Illya was finding himself somewhat excited for the tradition. In many ways it sounded like a good old fashioned party. "What yah final challenge?" Somehow of all the night it was probably the best part and here Kirit was so nervous about things that were easily enjoyable.

Kirit straightened a little, feeling far more confident in the last challege. "Ah, part through th' night we have a tournament. Three parts...scythe, range, an' wrestling. The final challenge is m' last challenge before I full adult. I challenge man who was m' hardest fight. M' greatest challenge. I fight'em again an I must win."

The last challenge was indeed going to be difficult. Illya didn't know who the Reylian thought he was going to fight. Any of the Chippequoti had studied war and tactics much longer than he had and they could easily over power him they decided to use their weight and brute strength rather than their skill. Quietly Illya nodded and then he looked at Kirit. "Who yah challenge?"

It was a natural question that everyone asked a upcoming warrior and usually there was always a fair amount of talk and rumor as to who the man or woman would pick. There would be several supposed candidates over the years of training. Not for him however. Everyone knew his greatest challenge had been and he would do himself no justice to choose someone else. "I challenge Ehvan if he can come if not yeself or Maks as a stand in," he nodded firmly.

"I uh..." Illya paused for the moment. He was a little nervous about that. Ehvan wasn't one to mess with or challenge lightly. If it was a true challenge Illya was thinking that he may have a small chat with the man before he came to wrestle. "Ehvan would come, but yah sure yah wanna wrestle him. I tink dat maybe ef yah dun beat him dat ets bad for yah tradition."

The doubt in the man's voice was evident even if his words were polite. The young warrior had no room for doubt though, especially against Ehvan. "I stand undefeated till I fight Ehvan on Reylia. Everyone know he m' hardest fight. T' choose less be t' cheat. Dishonorable, ye see?"

No matter what the lad said Illya was still concerned. "Ehvan does nut go easy. I tink maybe he break yah bones dis time. What happen den?" Parties were not supposed to go like this. There was probably very little that he could do to actually change Ehvan's mind, but still he was a little concerned. What a way to end a party.

Kirit actually smiled a little and let out a slight chuckle. Now that he knew Ehvan better he could see the man being that vicious without a care in the world. "Ehvan show no show no mercy an' neither will I. We fight an' I will win. If he break m' bones I hurt, but I live, yeah? All men must try t' be better than 'th past self. M' father taught me that. I learn like a warrior."

Nodding slowly Illya let the young man make his statement. "I can make arrangements, but yah jes be sure dat yah be ready for da night. Anyting else I need ta get ready for yah?" There was going to be a little planning, but it wasn't so hard to plan alcohol, food and fun. Those things all went hand in hand and he liked that idea.

"I be ready. Ehvan like th' rematch, yeah?" He smiled as he shifted his weight from one foot to the other. "Just' partner for th' hunt. I allowed 't take two only," Kirit said, "I supposed to wear m' warrior's formal uniform but eh...It's t' small now." He hadn't realized how much height or breadth he had gained over the past year. He was still skinny in the middle but his shoulders had broadened a bit and he'd packed on enough muscle to make his sleeves too tight. His pants had an inch gap at the bottom from growing even taller.

"Yeah Ehvan like rematch." Illya couldn't quite tell the lad that this was a horrible idea, but if Kirit wanted to do this by tradition than he would. In some ways Illya was tempted to be a stand in because Kirit would at least have a chance with Illya's back healing, but at the same time it wasn't any good for his back and he hated that idea. His back was still sore and it was just starting to feel halfway decent. "Yah take uniform ta Chip woman and she help yah find someone ta fex et. Den yah ready ta become man eh?" Chuckling a little he slapped the man on the back and winked. "Dat's all good. Et will be good party and I have Ehaui ready on side ta help whoever loses da fight."

"Yessir. Maks' agreed help, I think." Kirit let out a little puff of air when Illya slapped him across the back. Chips always hit so heavy handed, and the general was no exception. He quietly sucked back in his breath, the young warrior grinned and gave his commander a nod. "I think I'm ready. We party, we fight an' then I wear m' injury with pride." He was starting to feel a little excited at the idea of hunting and being in the tournament. He only had one other problem he would have to ask Kalizda for help with now.

Illya nodded to Kirit and waited for the warrior to go away. Once the young man was out of sight and hearing range Illya chuckled and shook his head. He was in part worried, but that wouldn't do him any good. As long as they had the party arranged it would be good. Kirit had to have his tradition to be a man and then there would be no more concern for him as a warrior. Illya hadn't known that the man wasn't actually a man yet. Did he know when they went into battle on Reylia? For the most part Illya remembered events, but not conversations. There were a few concerns one of them being he wasn't sure how he'd ended up with Kirit here to begin with. Not that he didn't like the boy/man, but he needed to know if there was such a thing as returning him to his father.

Going back inside the house Illya decided the first order was to send a message to Ehvan and get a report as well as make the request. For the most part Illya didn't expect that it should take so long. As soon as he finished Illya went to find Kalizda again. Cypher had finally finished eating and the baby was busy filling his pants. "Yah can always tell wit him. Gets dat grin on his face." Chuckling a little Illya turned his head away from the baby and looked back to Kalizda. "We have party soon and I want ta ask yah someting." Since the head injury everything party wise had seemed a little low key and he didn't know how she felt about them. In the past he knew she was present for some parties with him. However, since they had arrived here the parties had all been very quiet. There wasn't much if any drinking, no dancing, and certainly limited music. "I want yah ta come ta party wit meh." Meeting her gaze he wondered if the look on her face was a good or bad surprise. "Et might be wilder den da last few." Pausing, he stared at her as if he didn't know her for just a few seconds and then recognition came back to his eyes and he corrected himself. "Et will be wilder den da last few. Drink, games, music, and I tink dere will be dancing. Yah dah only woman I tink I like ta take wit meh. Please yah come?"

********************************************

"We have a report." The man walked into the room and laid a small pad in front of the secretary. "It is to be delivered to Kent right away." Nodding carefully the woman at the desk picked up the pad and took it to Sasha Kent.

Sasha glanced up from her maps and she took the report from her secretary. "You may go now." Looking over the data she smiled. It looked like they were about to make their move. Making the forest in Uria a no fly zone had been a good choice. They had data showing that there were indeed still people hiding there. Occasionally there were sightings of people going out over the woods and what remained of them. Little drones were flown overhead and anything larger than a drone was shot down. "I would have been disappointed if the first strike killed all of you." Speaking to herself she began to chart out the approximate range of the sightings. It was in a neat little triangle shape if she included the old moonshadow that had been destroyed.

Starving them out was the only way to win this part of the war. Sending a man inside hadn't done as much good as she thought it would. So there were indirect methods to work through this. In the last week she had deployed soldiers and anti aircraft guns. The report showed several of them seeing activity. One ship was shot down and others evaded, but didn't make a successful drop. Eventually the Chippeqouti and whoever they were harboring had to come out. Then she would kill them.

As for the other half of her report there was a little more to do. Already the Cirrelants had discovered a problem. They were expanding, but a small singular ship had escaped them. It was non alliance and they described losing an entire scout ship. It was uncommon to find that happening. There were few reasons that she could think they would experience such a loss. Chippequoti usually ran in groups and if they were spread out like this it would be very uncommon practice. It made them more difficult to eliminate from this part of the system, but at the same time killing them when they were in smaller numbers was easier. A separate report showed that Terra may have had some sightings of a Chippequoti trying to pass as an average man. These were interesting developments and that meant it was time for the next phase of her plan. Tapping a few notes into her pad she sent the information to her secretary. Send out orders. 1 It is time to expand territory. 2 Begin active hunt of all Alliance forces. 3 Any Alliance sympathizers will disappear. 4 No examples to be made of them, we cannot afford any sympathy for them. Ending the message to her secretary she decided to then check on the other side of the war.

Stepping away from her desk she wandered into the black room behind her office. There were no feeds or any methods currently devised that could feed into this little room of hers. As soon as she stepped inside the room flickered with just a few gold hologram lights. Most of them were not gold except those from the ancient world. Some thought that the gold hologram was far less advanced. What they failed to notice was that they had changed frequency to use the blue and now the gold was untraceable for any of the 'advanced' societies.

An average sized man stood at attention through the hologram. "General Eames." Bowing slightly she raised her head again. "How has the war advanced in the other system? Are you ready to begin the siege?"

"Aye, we are standing at your command. We have waited a long time to step out of the fringe milady. When will the Tannas take their rightful place again?"

Sasha carefully nodded and then glanced at her general. He was asking more and more in the last 50 years. They had waited a long time for this. "We will take our rightful place soon. I want you to take the fringe. The war for 6th galactic system has begun." Bowing slightly she made her way toward the wall of the room and stepped through it again. There was no need for a door. It was all a manipulation of the molecular level. Tannas contained the fifth element in their cells and it created an unstable body form, one that could step through a solid object if need be. Sliding her bracelet back on she felt her body pull together tightly again.

Taking a seat at her desk she turned her head a few times and the distinct pop sounded. It was time that the Cirrelants tried to take the mines near the Reylians. One of them held the fifth element which was still having a use developed by the 'advanced' society. Just another small cleansing and she would have some of her men come to the defense of the Alliance. It was all they needed to get a foot in the door. The fringe would declare allegiance to the Alliance and that was the first step. Eames had his orders and while it appeared there would be conflict and a chance there was only a time that the Alliance would succeed. The Federation was a greater problem as they held the mines and created a greater resistance. All it took was a simple engineering and dismantling of the organization and the newly formed Alliance would crumble in a matter of weeks. Meanwhile the Tannas would be infiltrating wherever they could and the races would almost completely destroy themselves. It was so easy if you waited and time was something that the Tannas had.

Kent for centuries had run the company, a tiresome cycle until now. The woman stared at the bracelet on her wrist and then down at the box on the desk. A special order from the labs. They were testing the fifth element after all. Opening the box she peered into it and then slipped the bracelet off. A deep sigh sounded as gas type formula spread into the room and Sasha absorbed it. Gathering near the bracelet again she forced herself into a singular form and then separated the bracelet into its two separate pieces. Tossing the other portion to the floor she grimaced as half of her divided. A young man formed and he was like herself not quite as stable in form since he'd been divided several times. It was the last portion of the bracelet, but he would appear and feel fully humanoid. Nodding to himself he slipped the metal bracelet off momentarily and slipped through the wall before placing it on his wrist again. It was time he visited the moonshadows. He needed a little more information than what his underlings could provide.

********************************************************

Illya stared at his pad for a long while. News came in. The fringe was declaring their allegiance to the Alliance. It was estimated that they would since the Alliance was closer to their territory, and it was a relief. That was one less front they would be fighting on. A group of rebels had offered their services for Reylia and it was something that Illya would have to pass onto Tikan. Hopefully the forces would be decent to train and they would have some much needed relief. The next message was one of panic. None of the supplies had reached the moonshadow in weeks and they were going to be running out of supplies.

Rolling over in the bed he saw that Kalizda was still awake. It was late, but neither of them were tired enough to sleep. It was frustrating cause Cypher would get up anyway. "I tink we maybe make anoter trip soon." Handing the pad to Kalizda he let her look it over. "I need yah ta write dem back for meh." When it was something this delicate he would often times have her write and encrypt it because he couldn't keep all the letters straight when he wrote and it would mess up the encryption codes. When he finished dictating the message to her Illya took the pad back and set it to notification only. They were sending the Kaerelean air-force to pull the people from Uria. It was better to get them out while they could and then they would pull back to hold the ground they knew belonged to Alliance. As for the party, it was happening in two days time and Illya had to stay here. He had made a promise to the lad that he would act in the stead of his step father.

For whatever reason Illya couldn't remember why the lad had a step father, but he figured he had to been told at one point. Regardless of his parent's choices Illya was going to take Kirit at face value and he liked the boy/man. Wrapping an arm around Kalizda's waist he pulled her a little tighter and kissed her on the lips. "Mmm...I love yah." Even in the dark he could see the little sliver of light from the window reflected in her eyes. "Yah beautiful." Sneaking one hand behind her head he played with the short waves in her hair. "Sometimes I tink yah secretly like having short hair. Jes keep getting et cut off." Chuckling a little he moved his hand from her waist to her legs and squeezed gently.

They were close to the first week of light duty being done and Illya was feeling restless. By the next morning he was awake a little bit before Kalizda so he moved closer to her. Even in her sleep she would gravitate toward him if he got close enough for her to feel that he was there. Despite his effort to be quiet the baby woke up anyway. A little whimper sounded and Illya pushed up on one elbow to see Cypher was looking around from his crib with little bleary eyes. Illya tried to duck again so the baby would think that it was still time to sleep, but he wasn't quite fast enough. Cypher gave an excited squeak when he saw his father duck out of sight. It was a game and he was thrilled to have someone wanting to play this early.

"I get him." Illya whispered to Kalizda before he got out of the bed and lifted Cypher from his crib. Taking the baby back to their bed Illya set the boy on his chest. With the baby laying on his bare chest Illya rested one hand on Cypher to keep him in place and took a deep breath. Cypher's eyes widened slightly and he looked down at his dad's chest and then wiggled his little fists in protest to the motion. When he dropped back down Cypher garbled and cooed at his dad. A string of drool came drizzling down his chin and he buried his little face in his dad's chest before gurgling again. After a moment he lifted his face again and made a gummy snarl. He was obviously disappointed that dad didn't have a soft chest like mom.

To keep Cypher distracted Illya lifted the boy up above himself and gave Cypher a slight toss then caught him again. "Yah learn ta fly like bird." Squeal after squeal erupted from Cypher during his exciting morning of play. Stuffing one set of fingers into his mouth he giggled and then stuck his hands out part way through the flight. After a few tosses Illya held him close again and he smelled something terrible. "Eugh....Yah make poop again." Gingerly rolling out of the bed he got Cypher changed and took him down stairs to get a bottle. At first Cypher refused the bottle and then after several tries Illya got him to take it.

They were barely up stairs again and Cypher spotted his mom while he was eating. Illya sat down in the bed next to her and nudged Kalizda. "He wants yah ta feed him." She got a few more minutes to sleep, but Illya already saw the look on the boy's face that said he was going to scream if his mom didn't hold him while he ate. While Kalizda was busy feeding Cypher Illya leaned in to kiss her and the boy detached from the bottle long enough to scream at Illya. At first the Chip was taken back and surprised. Just to see if it really was about the kiss he leaned in and Kalizda turned her head to kiss him and the baby screeched again. "Ooh I guess only enough room for one man ta have yah attention." Laughing a little Illya tickled Cypher's toes to distract the boy while he stole another kiss from Kalizda.

*********************************************

Finally the day arrived and there were a few more details to finish up, but Illya had to get going with Kirit. Wandering down the stairs in a plain shirt and pants Illya had just a knife on his side and he glanced to Kirit. "Yah ready?" He assumed that Kirit was supposed to do the hunting, but it wouldn't hurt to have some weapon of his own.
 
Calysta had been in the kitchen feeding Cypher when Rose’s announcement that Kirit was home came thundering through the house. The girl had half dragged the man through the kitchen and out of the back door where Illya was outside spending some time with Cin. The bear wanted constant attention from the Chip whereas Keysha was content to lope around the yard and come inside to visit Calysta when she felt like it. She’d asked for Illya to take it easy with the bear, considering his back was not fully healed, but there were a few tackles from the animal that had already made her wince as she watched from the window. When Kirit started talking with Rose hanging off his arm, she was relieved to see it was enough of a distraction to halt the man versus beast wrestling match.

With Cypher all fed, she wandered into the living with the boy over her shoulder and patted his back to get all the burps out. He ate so fast that he tended to breath in a lot of air in the process and his burps were loud and proud as baby’s could be. With several, long and windy belches out, Cypher giggled and went back to blowing raspberries. Calysta sat long ways on the couch and rested her shoulders on the arm rest then bent her knees up like a little prop. She laid Cypher down over her legs so he was sitting up and looking at her. He had such chubby little cheeks now that made his eyes go to half moons when he smiled. Picking up his little hands, she laughed as he grinned at her. “The winds are a’rollin’ ,” she recited the Kaerelean rhyme as she held out his arms a little, “Come fly with me, come fly with me. The breeze is a’callin, Come fly with me, Come fly with me. There is so much to SEE!” One the last word she lifted him up by his little under arms so he could see the whole room and he erupted into fits of giggles which turned into a merry laugh and the distinct smell of a filling diaper.

"Yah can always tell wit him. Gets dat grin on his face."
She hadn’t heard Illya come in, having been wrapped up in looking over her boy and tilted her head back to see him chuckling. “Aye,” she replied with a giggle, “Happy when it’s going in and happy when it’s on the way out.”

They laughed a little more and suddenly Illya became serious. Calysta looked up to Illya, feeling the worry rise up until he started into a sweet but disjointed invite to a party. He almost seemed worried she might not like it or that she didn’t like to be a little wild herself sometimes. Smiling, she nodded. “Aye, I can’t think of anywhere I’d rather be or anyone I’d rather be with.” If he didn’t remember at the moment, he would soon find out she could nearly keep up with the Chippeoquti and Reylian’s on almost everything party related. The idea of maybe surprising him made her smile to herself.

Later that afternoon, Kirit came in and asked her if she would mind helping with his coming of age party, namely giving him a decent haircut . He had learned from seeing Illya’s hack job not to let Maks, Jonas or the General himself anywhere near his head with a set of clippers. Calysta retrieved the clippers and started buzzing the listened while he talked about what the party would entail. When Kirit mentioned trying to find a good place in the Wilds to go hunting, she gave him a little smack in the back of the head. The young soldier stiffened at the smack and blinked at Calysta in surprise. “You are not going to hunt down there,” she said sharply, “We’ll find you an island to use for the hunt.”

With that firm answer Kirit went quiet for awhile until he remembered one other thing he wanted to ask Calysta if she would help with. “Kalizda?” he asked tentatively.
“Aye?” she asked, making another pass with the clippers. There was a long silence and Kirit shifted in his seat uncomfortably. “What’s wrong?”
The warrior’s shoulders slumped a little and he sighed. “Do ye know how t’ dance?”

Calysta chuckled, making the connection from the young man’s question. She’d seen him shy away from girls on Reylia and Uria with consistently. “I know how. It’s a skill everyone should know a little about. I can show you if you want.”

Relief flooded through the young warriors face and Calysta chuckled. “We’ll practice after I take Dad dinner tonight, yeah?”

****************
Calysta laid next to Illya with her mind wandering over all the details of the party she had helped organize and also thinking of visits she’d made throughout the day. Her father had been happy for a spam sandwich for dinner. She had stayed and talked with him until the Ehaui nurse came in to change out Henaiah’s drip lines. The woman looked worse than even the night before and it made Calysta’s stomach churn to think of her father there alone. There wasn’t much she could do though. After taking her father his dinner, she had stopped by where Dora was staying to make sure she was alright. The woman was still shy, but thankful for the visit and offered her a cookie before she left which brightened Calysta’s mood back up. Michelle on the other hand was fuming mad when she came by.

“I’ve been hiding out here for nearly a week!” she snapped crossing her arms, “And I have yet to see the councilwoman. Does she even know I’m here?”
Calysta merely shook her head. She couldn’t very well have the woman running around talking about how the councilwoman is probably dead. “Henaiah isn’t able to meet with you right now. She isn’t feeling well. Try to relax, and enjoy the fact you’re not being hunted by the Federation for a bit, yeah?
The Terran woman huffed and puffed but Calysta left her to grumble alone in the small attic she was calling home.

With all the things running through her mind, she had found sleeping hard and was glad when Illya rolled over to face her. She had the urge to curl up to him, but she was intercepted by his info pad. It wasn’t uncommon for him to still want her to help him read or write something, despite his improvements and especially if it involved making an encryption. She read the original messages first and blinked in surprise. The Fringe had shifted toward the Alliance? It was good news, even if it seemed odd. The fringe would have relied the Federation most of all for their supply lines, and it would be hard to deny those. Maybe the pull back from the frontier had caused enough issue to make the fringe colonies shift toward the Alliance after all. The second message about abandoning the moon shadow was more concerning, but if they did as Illya ordered, they would be out in time. Not only that but everyone would be together again, including Ehvan, Haza and Ehud. That thought over ran the disappointment over losing the moon shadow. When he mentioned having to make another trip, Calysta nodded. She wished she could take the children but it was far too dangerous no matter how tempting the idea of them being close was. “Aye I think so.”

Illya dictated his messages and she wrote them in code as requested before sending them off. “Done,” she told him, passing the pad back. He took it and flipped of the ring sound before putting it to the side and pulling her close. Giving her a gentle kiss he began whispering sweet things to her, his eye gazing at her intently even in the dark. It was so strange how he could look at her like that and make all the world disappear. He chuckled and mentioned her hair as he held her close, stroking her chopped, wavy hair. “It gets cut and then I get to enjoy growing it out all over again.” As his other hand drifted down to her legs and massaged Calysta drew him into another kiss. As soon as that one started, another long one followed and she slipped a hand to his smooth chest. They had already had a fair bit of fun that night, and she was half tempted to start another round and wear them out completely, but the longer he held her, the more she relaxed. Eventually sleep crept in and her eyes closed. “Love you, Illya.” The words came out a sincere, but sleep driven mumble.

It wasn’t until Calysta felt a little nudge that and heard Illya’s voice that she woke, and stretched slowly, before rolling over. The best good morning was waiting for her. Her baby boy was grinning at her with an expectant gaze and Illya held out a half full bottle of milk. “Well, good morning gentlemen,” she yawned as she sat up and took Cypher in her arms along with the bottle. As Cypher began to suck down his breakfast, Calysta leaned her cheek against Illya’s shoulder. A feeling of contentment that she hadn’t felt in a long time settled over her, and if it would be short lived, she would enjoy it. Illya leaned down, aiming for a kiss, and she shifted to reach him all the faster. As soon as their lips touched, Cypher let out an unhappy squawk and made her jump in surprise. Contentment short lived indeed. “What was that all about, hmm?”

Illya tried for another kiss, only to be warned with another angry cry from his son. The response made her father laugh then tickle at his boy’s toes. . “ Ooh I guess only enough room for one man ta have yah attention."

Calysta’s lips curled into a smile under Illya’s and she giggled. “Hmm…that’s okay. Sometimes stolen kisses taste sweeter.”

***********************************

It didn’t take long for Kalizda to drop them off on the little floating island not too far from Pyrta. The wooded island was no more than 3 square miles and was probably a broken remnant of the shattered Hyrole. It was nice to have ridden in a four seater craft this time, rather than stuffing himself into the back of a two seater with his large Chip comrade. Kalizda wished them luck as he strapped his scythe to his shoulder and checked for his multiple back up knives while Illya checked his own. They had come without food, water, and carried no armor or ranged weapons. This was a task of skill, and cunning.
Taking in the terrain, Kirit took a deep breath and then turned to the man beside him. “I hunt on m’ own, but ye find camp an’ I come back with the prize.” Making sure that all was in order, the young warrior slipped off into the trees to find the trail.

The track marks from the nyte beast weren’t hard to find, they were dark marks in the soft soil and the leaves had yet to cover them up. Judging by how deep the prints were, he figured the beast to be a fat one. As he followed the meandering trail, he found more signs of the creature in the forms of broken branches and fresh scat. It wasn’t until he heard snorts and grunts from the trees, that he knew the beast was close enough to kill though. He climbed the nearest tree with ease and waited in one of the lower hanging branches until it came into sight. Sure enough, his pray was monstrously sized. A low hanging pot belly full of fat, and a head sporting 8 sharp tusks was digging in the dirt below him.

Kirit slipped his scythe out of it’s sheath and gripped it over his shoulder like a spear. He would have make his first strike count. With a deep breath in, the young warrior aimed his weapon and sent it hurtling down onto the creature. The scythe sank blade deep in his shoulder and let out vicious squeal as it stumbled. Kirit felt his first strike was successful and pulled his largest knife him his belt, then leapt down onto the creatures back. The sudden spur of an enemy landing on it’s back made the nyte beast snort wildly, and rocket forward with squeals of pain. Kirit lost his grip on the animal’s back and went flying off to the side. The creature was far stronger than he thought and it wheeled around to charge him with the scythe sticking from his shoulder pouring blood. Curing in Kaerelean, the young warrior scrambled to his feet and side stepped the strike. The things sharp tusks barely breezed past him and it was then he realized he had dropped his big knife when he fell. Whipping out his secondary blade, Kirit waited for the beast to turn its massive, jiggling body around to charge him again. This time, he juked to the left and pivoted to drive his weapon into the beasts skull. He had originally jumped on the creatures back to avoid his tusks, but from this side angle they were impossible to avoid, biting into his arms and tearing at the skin as the beast kept trying to run with him attached. “Ahg!” He twisted the knife and drove the tusks deeper into his arms until there was a final squeak sounded and the creature collapsed.

He sat there for a moment, heart pounding from the fight and ran a hand over head. That had been a close call and he wasn’t sure he ever wanted to hunt a night beast without a rifle again.

Later in the night, Kirit sat by the fire weaving a strong rope together from vines with Illya across from him and the slain nyte beast a few paces away. The rope would do nicely to hoist the creature by the legs up into a tree to let the blood drain before their ride in the afternoon came to get them. The young warrior wasn’t exactly sure how long they had till sunrise on the mother planet. Had they been on Reylia he could have predicted sunrise within five minutes, but Kaereal was different than home. Finishing off his braided rope, he nodded to Illya. “We get’em hanging, now.” Rising to his feet, he coiled up his handmade tether and walked over to the beast. With a sturdy slip knot, he tied the massive creatures two back hooves together at the tendon and then tossed the coiled up rope over the branch above them. It was far enough away from camp to be sanitary but close enough to keep an eye for the small, native birds trying to peck at the carcass. “Ye hunt beasts like this on ye home planet?” the warrior asked, curious for once.

Wandering along for the hunting trip was a fine way to spend a night. Illya missed just going outside and hunting without any sort of pressure to talk or perform. It was just about blending and hunting. After Kirit had killed his beast Illya helped the man gather some vines and the two of them sat down across from each other to begin twining it together and prepare to hang the beast. When Kirit had the carcass strung up Illya moved over to their small camping space and leaned against a tree. "Ef we have beasts like dis I hunt dem. Chippequoti hunt and eat anyting dat da land provides." There wasn't any particular discrimination in their minds against foods. Most generally Illya found that other peoples had a more discriminating taste than himself. "Yah kill beast like dis at home?

Hoisting the beast up was the harder part of all of this in Kirit's opinion. It opened up the gashes over his arms from the tussle more, and he could feel the oozing wetness on his torn sleeves again, but that was a small matter. Kirit joined the Chip at the fire again and leaned against a tree opposite of his, sitting comfortably in the crevice between two large roots with a satisfied grin. "Aye, we hunt all 'th time. Th' beast is native t'Kaereal an' when Rey's move 't Reylia, we took some with us. Forests of Reylia full with them. M'father an' went many times." The young warrrior grew quiet for a moment and bumped his head against the tree trunk behind him .
There wasn't much they could do about it and Illya figured that the ship would be coming to pick them up soon. So for the time he just listened to Kirit talk. Sounded like they enjoyed hunting quite a bit and Illya figured that it was as good a time as any to talk to Kirit about a particular issue. "I need yah ta know dat yah man and yah nut bound here. Yah can go home whenever yah feel need. Dun take dis wrong. I like having yah around, but I dun want yah ta tink dat yah have to stay wit meh and da oter men."

Kirit lifted his head a little from the tree trunk and looked at the Chip a little quizzically, with his dark brow raised. He wasn't exactly sure what the man did or didn't remember and he tried to treat him normally. "I came t' Uria and Pyrta with m'new unit t' learn from 'th Chippeqouti. M' Chief knows it takes time t' train, even 'f First Warrior. He has not ordered a recall an' I stay because ye m' unit an' ye all m' friends." The last bit of his reasoning popped out of his mouth, sounding far too personal and his mouth twitched a little into a smile again before he let out a chuckle. "An' I don't think ye Rose forgive m' if I leave. She follow me with tea cups an' rocks all day." The girl had grown attached to him and he looked after her like a big brother would, which was often a challenge in itself.

At least Illya hadn't made such a serious blunder so as to suggest that the man should be going home. It seemed that this was some sort of mutual agreement. "Den in dat case I hope yah learn well. I tink so far yah do well and..." Stopping short he paused for a long moment and then resumed in a semi garbled though process. "Maks says yah train hard and uh...Oh yeah." Finally he remembered where they were at and Illya continued. "Ehvan be here for yah tonight. Dere are many oters dat will be watching too. We lose moonshadows." That was to be expected, but it didn't make losing them any easier to deal with.

Kirit blinked at the general trying to decipher exactly what he was talking about all at one time. He was glad that he seemed to be doing well, considering the reputation of the Chippeqouti, but Ehvan wouldn't be there until tomorrow and losing the moon shadows was new information, though it was a bit scrambled in the delivery. He wondered if the long pause was because the man was having trouble with his brain injury or going to throw himself into one the fits. Kalizda knew how to handle those, but he didn't. If the man went into one, he would have to cut the evening short and call his wife. Pushing that little worry to the side, he thought of what the Chip had managed to say. The moon shadow location had been compromised and obviously a massive relocation would need to happen. It also meant that all of the Chippeqouti would be watching him take on Ehvan. Rather than appearing nervous at the prospect, Kirit nodded quietly. "I didn't know that. They all come to Pyrta? Many for men t' cheer for Ehvan, eh?"
Shrugging a little Illya glanced at the warrior. "Nut all dem know Ehvan so well. Good chance some cheer for yah." A smirk came to his face and he thought of Tabit for a moment. "Ef yah really want a good dance I know woman for yah. Long gold hair, blue eyes, about yah height and jes as wide." Kirit seemed to get so nervous about women and it made Illya want to laugh. "One day yah kiss a woman and den yah never want ta stop. Ets good ting."

The young warrior shifted awkwardly in his seat against the tree. He wished it wasn't so obvious that he had little experience when it came to women. It had been hard enough trying to learn to dance from the man's little wife. How many he times had he stepped on her toe? Enough she had taped a few of them up after one practice and she forced him to dance without his boots on the next time. As far as the woman he described, she sounded pretty, though she was undoubtedly Chippeqouti if she was was wide as himself. Chip or Kaerelean, he wasn't sure he understood them entirely no matter how much he watched. "Women are...strange...in a nice way," Kirit mumbled before his curiosity took hold, "This woman...ah...she like t' dance?" It seemed all women liked to do that and liked a man who could too.

Adjusting his position Illya brought one knee up and rested an arm across it. Sounded like Kirit was getting nervous just at the idea. "I dun know ef she likes dancing." Shrugging some Illya chuckled. "Only way ta find out es ta ask her." Just because he suggested a nice woman to dance with didn't mean he knew much about her. "Kirit yah man now. When I was yah age I already have woman picked out and two days after meh age change I help her move into meh house I build and we share bed first time. Yah a man now and dese tings are good." In a way Illya thought that the younger a man was agreed the better. It kept him from getting to wild or seeing more women and wanting others. "When es et good time for Reylian's ta agree?"

Kirit's mouth fell open a little and he blinked at the Chip. Married at this age? Already had a house?! Sharing a bed...Blinking again, Kirit rubbed the back of his head, feeling the short, bristling hairs Kalizda had just shaved off for him. Then it struck him that he had done all of these things and Kalizda hadn't been the one he had done them with either. The General had managed to get a woman not once but twice. He was so shocked that he went quiet for a moment staring before he could muster a response to the man's question. "Agree...agree. Aye, uh, once I recover from m'challenge if I win or lose. I take 'a wife if I like. We like t' choose one an' only once. Same vows as ye an' ye Kalizda took," he rambled.

For a moment Illya had no idea why the warrior looked so flustered. He knew he was shy about women, but this was a little over the top. Then it got even more quizzical when his tone of voice seemed to suggest that it was news a man should only agree once. "Chippequoti are same. We only have one agreed. Never more den one. Yah do well ef yah find woman dat yah like as best friend. Ef yah dun know any like dis den yah better start spending time wit some women till yah know which one yah like company of and den yah ask her."

Kirit thought about his words for a minute, finding them to be good advice. He didn't want someone who was pretty but didn't like to do things with him. The problem was he didn't exactly know how to approach women. There was Kalizda who was easier to approach but he didn't see her in that sort of way. He could see in the way she looked at the General that he was her best friend through and through. Even when he didn't know her. "Ye best friend, yeah? I think its good...to make 'th woman ye choose be ye best friend. Ye teach m' family gives a man something t' fight for an' ye teach m' ye woman is ye best friend too. I learn more than fighting an' it's good. " Pausing for a moment, the young warrior took in a breath and resolved himself to a few thing, before letting a little smile curl at the corner of his lips. Out of all the things, even fighting Ehvan, it was the fairer sex that made him nervous, but this was about becoming a man, and that naturally included wooing women. " Ye show me this woman an' I ask her t' dance first. Maybe we become friends, like ye say. If not, I try again."

"Aye, I show dis woman. Her name es Tabit." The smirk on Illya's face only grew wider. "Ef she likes yah et will be easy ta guess. Chippequoti women nut so secret wit dere toughts." Looking to the side he made sure the ground was clear before he laid back and stared at the trees above. "I dun tink I teach yah so much. Yah learn dis watching oters too." For the most part he still wasn't sure how long Kirit had been around and it was a little strange to think that the young man had been watching him this entire time. "Yah have dark eyes. Chippeqouti woman like dis. Tink yah handsome and uh....how yah say et. Exotic?" That was the only word that Illya could think of to describe the appearance and he wasn't so sure it was the right one when he saw how red the man's cheeks got. Maybe it was the right word considering how easily flustered the man was when it came to these sorts of things.

Kirit settled further back into the tree, preferring to sit up if he was going to doze off at any point, and stared into crackling fire light. Hearing that Chippeqouti women weren't so secretive was helpful. Women on Reylia chased him with affection when he became First Warrior and he didn't like it. They all said they liked him, but he was sure the title had more to do with. Every woman wanted on the arm of the First Warrior and he had run from them all in near panic on the inside. The second part of the man's statement made his cheeks turn to red when he heard the word 'exotic'. On Reylia he was adequate with his dark hair and eyes, which were more common. It would be better to be exotic than chased by women who liked only the laurels that came with his position, though he wasn't so sure a Chip woman would like him. "They not mind I am not Chippeqouti?" He had noticed some were stricter when it came to non-Chippeqouti's than Illya was or even Ehvan who was still more traditional yet.

Sometimes it was strange how uptight the little man got and Illya turned his head toward Kirit. "Ef she dun want yah she say so." After a moment he realized that wasn't quite what Kirit thought. "Tabit es light Chippequoti. She es nut so traditional. She likes some tradition, but she grow up living in Kaereal and I tink dat maybe she wouldn't mind. Besides yah make up yah own mind. I can't tell yah who yah like anyway. Jes start looking around for pretty girls eh?" It was so hard not to laugh when Kirit sat there with a serious expression on his face. "I say pretty women because I admit dat I didn't look at women I tought were ugly when I look for meh agreed. Kalizda I tink was different. She es beautiful, but I dun like her when we meet."

The young warrior felt more confident yet, hearing this Tabit had grown up on Kaereal. They would at least have that in common and he wouldn't be making her uncomfortable as an outsider. Hearing Illya hadn't liked his wife when they met was both surprising and yet some how not so surprising. It did a illicit a smile and a laugh from him though, as he looked over to the General. It seemed so backwards, but then again it had worked out well for them, even with the memory loss. "Ye like her plenty now," he snickered, "Kalizda is a good woman. She trains an' keeps up, she is strong an' smart." Resting his head against the tree again, he looked up into the canopy letting the floating lights left over from the fire dance in his vision. "When ye know, ye want her even when ye don't like her at first?" He'd asked his stepfather the same thing and the man's answer had been vague at best.

Illya sat up slightly when he heard Kirit snicker. "Of course I like her." Snorting the words he laid back down again and listened to the man talk a little. Kalizda was a good woman and Illya nodded carefully in agreement. He started to relax and then Kirit had a question for him. In some ways Illya felt like Kirit hadn't heard any of these things before and it seemed so strange. A man should have told his son these things long before now. "Hmmm...Dere was no day when I jes wake up and decide I like her. I tink et was time. We work togeter a lot. She brave, work hard, smart, and I see dese tings every day. Soon I start tinking maybe she nut so bad and den I tink she's beautiful too." Illya frowned a little while he tried to remember anything at all that he could pick out as a specific memory."I buy her red dress ta be nice. Maybe I dun know at time dat et es color of wedding. Extra money and I dun give her gift. Chippeqouti forbidden from giving gift. So I hide dress for her. She have red dress den and I like ta see her wear et." A grin came to his face. "Ef yah like to know den dis how you come ta find yah like woman. First yah like how she does tings and den yah find yahself tinking about her and turning into a dumbhead until yah get yahself agreed. Once yah agreed ets good practice dat yah have sex everyday. Very good for man and woman."

The answer he received was more coherent than the one his stepfather had given him, though some how it was still a little confusing. He was going to turn into a dumbhead for a woman and better yet he was going to like doing it with no idea it was happening some how. Maybe it would be easy to get to know a Chip woman who was more clear in what she wanted. The second part of the Chip's statement made his face turn pink again. He had known sex was important, but he figured that was for the fun and the exercise when it came to the male half. He hadn't thought of it as being good for the woman and it made him almost ask, but he didn't really want to reveal anymore about how little he knew about them yet. Instead, he gave a nod of approval like any good man would. "Everyday is good," he said, clearing his throat some, "Maybe even twice if she likes, yeah?" He tried to pull it off casually, but he wasn't entirely sure he had been successful. "I learn t' be good husband...an' everything that goes with it."

Sometimes it amazed Illya how shy people could be about natural parts of life. Chuckling in response he nodded his head. "Twice a day es good to. Sometimes et happens and sometimes not. Some days dere es no sex and dis es more difficult, but yah jes be patient and in time yah have sex regular again. Ef yah be good husband yah jes learn ta be patient and when yah lose patience yah learn ta take yahself outside ta yard or anoter room. Never go where she doesn't know where yah are. Jes be patient."

The young warrior tilted his head a the advice but it made sense in someways. He had seen the Chip do this on several occasions with Kalizda at this point. He would get frustrated and go cool off, but never far, then return when felt better. Keeping patience with women seemed to be the key, and that could be difficult, but what was a warrior who liked the capacity to wait? He would lose it like any other man, yet he had seen the Chip return to his wife time and time again, and things got better. "I learn to wait out an opponent, I learn t' be patient with m' wife too," the young man replied, "Not too different than with combat. Except I don't like t' see them cry. That happens anyways though an I learn t' be patient through that too. Ye give good advice."

Illya busted out laughing when Kirit equated being patient with a woman like being patient with an opponent. "Yah close enough. Ets nut like dat, but close enough yah do fine."

**************
The party was already in full swing by the time Kirit arrived in the fields wearing his full, and newly tailored dress uniform along with his red cryn feather cap. The group from the moonshadow was interspersed through the their unit and their families along with the Pyrtan’s and the visiting Reylian’s. The air smelled of roasting night beast while a fast tempo drum drowned out most conversation. The drinks were flowing too. He passed by Illya and Calysta who were dancing along with many of the others. The little woman’s cheeks were rosy and she was beaming up at the General with such a look he’d never seen. When the song ended, the two came away from the other dancers and wandered over to a nearby barrel where two cups of alcohol were waiting for them. Kirit to the moment and walked over.

As soon as Calysta laid eyes on the young warrior, she gave him an enthusiastic wave. Illya was grinning at him and motioned to the crowd behind him. Turning, Kirit scanned over the milling crowd until he spied a tall woman blonde hair and blue eyes. He glanced back to the General, then to the woman, and back again. This must have been the woman he had been talking about. Kirit had to hand it to the Chip, he did know what a pretty woman looked like . Tabit was beautiful, and carried that strange grace most of the Chippeqouti women seemed to have naturally. Just thinking about asking her to dance made his palms sweat a little, but now his commanding officer was watching and he couldn’t escape now. With a deep breath, the young warrior squared off his shoulders and walked up to her.

Her blue eyes focused in on him with a mild curiosity as he stepped up to her. At first he wasn’t sure if he could remember the words Kalizda told him to say when he asked a lady to dance. The exact phrasing escaped his mind and replaced by nerves. “Ye like t’ dance miss? I honored if ye join me in one.” The words finally came out and he held out his hand to her. To his surprise, she nodded and put her hand in his. A little thrill of victory struck him and he smiled as she asked for his name. “M’name is Kirit. What is yours?”

“Tabit.”

Kirit lead her out to the dancers and slipped his hand around her waist as Kalizda had shown him. “Tabit is’a beautiful name.”

*************

The night wasn’t even done and Calysta was having a fun. She drank a little here and there, then danced with her Chip until both of them needed a small rest for a moment. There were so many people out in the field, milling between the wrestling ring, the dance area, and the tournament going on that it was hard to tell everyone apart. The Chief Airmen Keyl came by and spoke with them, having been invited along with his officers to join the festivities after retrieving the Chippeqouti from the moon shadow. He shook Illya’s hand and exchanged a few pleasantries before wandering off into the crowd. Another familiar face suddenly emerged from the crowd and came stalking toward them with a great grin plastered on his lips. Tikan was excited to see his friends after such a long year and walked over with his wife hanging from his arm. “It’s good t’ see ye General!” He wrapped his knuckles over his chest and offered them to the Chip but Calysta returned the gestured first for some reason. “It’s good to you too Chief Tikan. We’re glad you could come see Kirit today.”

“Aye, I woudldn’t miss m’ First Warrior’s coming of age, eh?” the chief chuckled. The he glanced to Illya, his grin never wavering. “I need t’ find him and say congratulations. B’fore I leave Kaereal ye and I talk, m’ friend. We have much t’ catch on.”


**************************
Calsyta slipped her hand around Illya’s arm, mostly to keep herself upright while Illya and Tikan spoke. She couldn’t remember if he would know the Chief or not but they had been friends before, surely it wouldn’t be so hard to be friends again. She knew Haza and Ehud had to be out there somewhere, and she wanted to go find them, but letting go of her Chips arm seemed like a bad idea. He might wander off or she might fall over. She also had to use the bathroom though, and he couldn’t exactly join her in that. With a little giggle, Calysta leaned into Illya and kissed the back of his hand. “I’ll be right back.”

Wandering away from the two men, she walked across the open field and saw something appear at her feet. It was long and narrow with a tuft of feathers at the end. Odd. She plucked the object from the ground, only to realize that it was an arrow. Calysta was terrible at archery and someone was yelling at her from somewhere so she tossed the thing to the side and kept walking toward town, only to find another and other. Where were they coming from? She looked up to the cloudy, black skies and saw nothing before continuing her stroll to find the rest room.

When she returned feeling much better, but also a little sad she hadn’t found Haza or Ehud, Calysta took her Chip’s hand and smiled. “Ready for another drink?” About the time she asked, a great sound rose up in the crowd as a earnest drunken fight broke out between the a Pyrtan and a Reylian. They pushed and shoved each other until the Reylian warrior got tired and forced the other into a head lock. The Pyrtan squealed until they both collapsed into a wobbly heap of hearty laughs.

***********

Kirit stood in at the edge of the dirt ring that the Prytan's had sewn just for the event and shirked off his leather tunic. He handed Illya his dress tunic and took the bottle of oil offered by Kalizda who was an encouraging smile, but he could tell she was nervous for him. "Thank ye both," he nodded, as he oiled up his torso. The slicker the better in this case. With that task done, Kirit turned his chin side to side with the heel of his hand, loosening his neck with two cranking pops. Being limber had helped him immensely last time, but Ehvan would expect that of him this time. Ready to fight, the young warrior stepped further inside the ring and the chattering crowd cheered before Kirit raised his hand to quiet them. Bringing them all to buzzing silence, the man made his selection, saying first in old Reylian as tradition had it, then Kaerelean, and then as best he could in Qouti. "A boy faces trial and a man learns from them. I am of age an take my place among Reylia, among Kaereal, and in my own life., owning the work of my hands with the rewards as well as the consequences. I Kirit, First Warrior and Reylian Elite Warrior, challenge my comrade and my most difficult opponent, Ehvan Elite Warrior of the Chippeqouti." Some of the crowd seemed to know this would happen and cheered loudly, while others looked around and clapped but seemed more shocked than anything. Kirit ignored it all though, and waited for the man to answer the call .

The Chippeqouti had gathered around quietly. All of them nodded and listened with approval as the man took his place in the ring. It was obvious he was going to fight someone, but no one knew who it was besides Illya and Ehvan. When he announced his opponent Ehvan nodded and began to take off his own shirt. He caught Illya's eye for a moment and he knew it was half in warning to be careful not to seriously hurt the young man. None of them would want to see Kirit seriously injured during this round. He was a friend of theirs. He didn't really know if there was a response, but it seemed that there should be. Ehvan called back to the lad in the ring while he handed his things off to his agreed. "It would be honor to face a brave comrade again." When he reached the ring the tall dark man took a little oil for himself and rubbed it over his torso. He noticed that Kirit had used a liberal amount and it would do him both favor and disfavor. That much oil would make it equally difficult for him to maintain position since he would slide much easier.

Calysta glanced up to Illya her eyes going a little wide. She had expected him to call a Reylian or a Kaerelean, but Ehvan had nearly broken the kids arm and hip last time they wrestled. There was something to be said for tradition, but even should would be nervous getting into the ring to wrestle with a Chip who intended on grappling back. Kirit looked at the tan man and nodded in silent respect to his words. Truth was, he was rarely nervous about a fight and an audience didn't bother him, but he knew what to expect from Ehvan and this match would be his hardest to date. Stepping closer to the center of the ring he took his stance and squared off with the Chip before their games master looked to both of them. "Begin!" As soon as the first words were spoken Kirit didn't hesitate this time. He threw himself forward and slid in the dirt under the Chips tall legs with ease, getting his hands nice and gritty before popping up behind him. Springing to his feet, he leapt to the Chips back and locked his elbow around his throat, using his other arm to bar the submission hold in while his dangling legs wrapped around Ehvan's middle.

This time the little man was far more aggressive, but he left himself open to an alternate attack. Ehvan could tell that the man was trying to choke him with one arm and control an arm with his other. He let Kirit have the control for the moment and instead dove into a roll. He could hear Kirit's head make contact with the ground and when he came out of the roll Ehvan was free again and Kirit was momentarily plastered to the ground. He had to learn that control had to be complete. He left 3 operational limbs and that could be a fatal mistake. Diving right back toward the Reylian he grabbed the man by his legs and drug him a few feet before tossing his legs to the side and rushing in to pass Kirit's guard.

Kirit's head pounded and he had definitely split open his gashes again, the new scabs coming right open, but he registered very little as Ehvan dragged him by his legs a little ways. Kirit relax into it some rather than wasting his energy struggling for the moment. The man was far stronger and getting out of that would be impossible. When the Chip tossed his legs to the side and then dove into an attack, Kirit threw himself into roll, tumbling to the side, letting Ehvan steam roll into empty space. Kipping up to his feet, he square off again. He would have to do better than a simple choke hold and he knew it. Gritting his teeth, Kirit looked for an opening as the man recovered from his attack and found one, taking a shot at whipping around him again before making a firm knee into the back of the Chips knees, enough to break a normal 's leg or make a Chip kneel if he was lucky.

It was a little surprising to get caught in the back of the knee and and Ehvan went with it when he felt his leg give out. Tipping straight forward he rolled over one shoulder and reached between his legs as he rolled and grabbed hold of one of Kirits and pulled him down with. Once they were on the ground together he had an advantage and he knew it.

Kirit intended on bringing the fight on home but Ehvan was far took quick. Rolling out of the blow he took Kirit into the dirt with him. The young warrior knew he couldn't get pinned down, because he would never break the hold. Tumbling into the dirt, Ehvan held tight to his legs and they began to grapple The young warrior wanted to make sure he stayed on top. He wrestled with the Chip but ended up penned into the ground due to the man's superior size and strength. Tyring to escape by any means, Kirit kicked his feet up and out.

One sharp little foot caught Ehvan in the groin and he grunted. Moving himself up Kirit's body he reached one arm behind the man's neck and rolled with him so that Kirit was on top, but Ehvan still held control of his neck. He knew what he wanted the warrior to do and if he tried to pull away it would end the fight quickly.
Ehvan had him bound at the scuff of the beck and was pulling him down. Fighting against the hand wouldn’t do much good so instead of pulling away, he slammed his forehead forward into the man's nose. The blow left his head ringing and stars appeared in his vision

A growl sounded and Ehvan felt a stream of blood start to run from his nose. Chippequoti or not, he still had a semi tender nose and it hurt. His eyes watered briefly, but he took his chance and arched his entire back and lifted his hips at the same time. Kirt was forced to throw his arms out to catch himself and Ehvan bucked his hips again and grabbed Kirit by the hips and held him suspended in the air bent in an A frame. Bringing his knees between Kirit's he stretched them out and caught Kirit just under the armpits. With the momentum he rolled and then got up off the ground and prepared to attack Kirit again.

With a few sudden movements Kirit was rolling with the Chip and then found the man our his grasp again as he rollled tp feet. Blood was flowing freely from his nose, can Kirit to the briefest of moment to size up his opponent again. Ehvan dove for his middle just as he was standing up, sending them both back into the dirt. All the young warrior managed to do was bring his knee into Ehvan's chest as they fell.

Ehvan slid to the side to avoid getting hit and as soon as he saw Kirit try to roll over he attacked again and slammed the other man into the ground this time he grabbed one of Ehvan's arms and he pulled it between his legs and laid back quickly while he threw his heels over Kirt's shoulders. Pulling a little harder he heard the snap of a broken bone and released the arm before he lunged to crawl over Kirit again.

The young warrior yelped in pain from the ground as his arm snapped near the elbow. Sharp and clear pain leaked through his adrenaline fueled focus and Kirit grit his teeth, unwilling to give in. He wasn't strong enough to break Ehvan's bones and he was down an arm which was making his eyes water with waves of pain, but he wouldn't quit. The only way to really take down Ehvan was to render him unconscious. If this didn't work he would lose and he knew it. Growling in pain, Kirit waited for the man to crawl on top over him then used all of his reamaining strength to rear back his secondary hand and smack the man in the side of his neck with his wrist at the carotid artery.

As Ehvan scrambled over top of Kirit he felt a sharp smack to his neck and he saw black for just a second before he caught site of the lad scrambling out from underneath him again. Ehvan lunged forward and grabbed Kirit around the ankles. As soon as Kirit hit the ground he threw his legs over the lad and planted his feet on either side of Kirit's shoulders. There was some room to move, but it would make most movement a compromising position.

Kirit took his chance to scramble away at Ehvan's momentary loss of consciousness , but it wasn't long lived. He barely had a chance to climb to his feet with his broken arm dangling awkwardly when the Chip was at him again. The fall the jarred his arm and he let out a yip of pain before he was bound up in the Chip again. Ehvan weight alone was impossible to work around, but with his wait distributed like it was, Kirit tried one last effort. With as much strength as he had, the young warrior spread his ankles across the dirt forcing Ehvan's weight to shift apart and forward. The sudden move left his shoulders loose enough to escape the lock and he tried to twist away while he kicked, throwing Ehvan even more off balance.

Ehvan grabbed a leg as he lost balance and simply rolled over with the leg tight in his grasp. They were going opposite directions and he thought he felt a pop of sorts in Kirit's leg. He hoped that he hadn't caused too much damage. This was one warrior that he had to admit did have a bit of pluck. While it was admirable it was also a bit distressing. The man wouldn't give up and Ehvan didn't want to hurt him like this, but he wasn't giving in when he should have. As soon as he found himself in a dangerous arm bar he should have tapped out.

The pop was a joint in his ankle that popped regularly, but while it normally felt relieving this time it sent an ache up his leg as he Chip's grip tightened. Between his leg hurt and his opposite arm useless, Kirit had no other option but to tap for the second time in his career and against the same man. He had shown himself the superior and while that was frustrating in one way, it was also good to know he'd fared better than the last time and that was technically the point of the challenge. Since his good arm was pinned under him and the broken one didn't want to work, he looked up to the games master, panting in pain and from the fight and gave him singular nod. The games master called out and called the fight to an end, tapping on the Chips shoulder to release the boy while the crowd cheered.

Ehvan could feel the man tap on his shoulder and he slowly got up. Once he got himself off the ground he helped Ehvan to his feet and held his good arm in the air. Another round of applause went up and there were roars and cheers from the men that had been training with Kirit. They all knew he didn't stand much of a chance, but he put up a valiant effort. In the place of a father Illya went down into the pit and helped get Kirit to the Ehaui. "I wait for yah and den Ehvan help meh get yah to da house." Illya had already had Rose move out of her room in anticipation of the injuries and he moved her to the living room with a little fort for a bedroom. When they got home Kirit would be staying in the girl's room and he was sure Rose would be a nearly constant companion if they didn't watch her.
 
Calysta’s eyes cracked open and immediately she realized that she had no idea where she was. Sitting up took some effort but she forced herself to rise, looking around the room. This was her bed, and this was her room, but how she had arrived there laying next to a handsome man she didn’t know. Staring at the handsome man, a shock of pure panic arched through her nerves until she saw that it was Illya. What had happened? How had she ended up here? Try as she might, Calysta couldn’t remember. She felt alright though. Yawning, she laid back down and shimmied up to Illya’s warm back, slipping her cold toes over his leg to thaw them out. Whatever had happened it must have been fun, because all she did remember was dancing with her Chip and kissing him in the dark. They had a few days left before Illya’s light duty ended and sleeping in just a little, so long as the children weren’t awake, sounded like just the thing to do.

****************************

Over the next week, Kirit sat in Rose's room with his fractured ankle propped on a pillow and his broken arm plastered into a cast. He had told Illya he didn't mind taking up his usual spot on the couch. He didn't want Rose to be without her room. It didn't seem to bother the girl much though as she liked to join him on the days when the rain began to fall non stop. She would serve him tea and cookies or bread to go along with it, then show off her rock collection. He'd seen it many times before, but always pretended to never have seen them and just let her talk his ear off about it. At one point he dozed off, only to feel something tickling at his broken finger tips, swollen as they were. He twitched them, and winced in his sleep from the movement, but couldn't escape the feeling. Something wet and cold oozed between his knuckles and finally he opened his eyes.

Rose was bent over his arm with a bottle of bright pink fingernail polish, dabbing globs of the stuff over his nails with determination. Not only had she decided to paint his nails, but she had taken it upon herself to decorate his cast by painting it with pink polka dots. "Your cast looked boring, so I fixed it," she hummed proudly, "I used the best color pink on it too."

******************************

Thomas sat at his usual post next to Henaiah's bed, stuffed between two of the life sustaining machines as he read his Bible. His wife didn't prescribe to the faith, but that was all the more reason for him to read and pray. After a passage or two, the old professor would glance up to her, waiting to hear that next breath puff out. It seemed like every other breath was slower, and required more effort. Then again that could have been his mind playing tricks. She looked awful. Her body was slowly shrinking to that of a skeleton and her skin where it wasn't black, had an sickly grey color to it. Even her Kaerelean cells couldn't keep up with the atrophy done by the potent nerve agent. Still, the Ehaui were trying several regenerative treatments to enhance the recovery. He prayed one would work, or just show some kind of improvement. At this point he left only to bathe, eat the meals his daughter brought, and go to the bathroom. Otherwise, it was himself, the hum of the machines and his Bible to wait and watch. Scratching at his now fully grown beard, Thomas went back to reading until another sound caught his attention and a shadow fell over the bed. He looked up to see Illya standing there and sat up a bit, motioning him inside. "Come on in." The words came out a croak before he cleared his throat. " I havent seen you since you left."

It was a quiet afternoon and Kalizda was busy or napping. Illya wasn't sure which one since she was upstairs now for a while. Stepping out the front door Illya looked around and then decided he should go see Thomas. He hadn't seen the man since he got back and he assumed that the Thomas would be with Henaiah. When he arrived at the Ehaui hospital he wandered down the narrow corridor till he found the room where Thomas sat hunched over near the bed. Illya paused in the doorway momentarily and then stepped in when Thomas welcomed him inside. Perching on one of the small chairs Illya gingerly tested its ability to hold him up before he seated himself on it fully. "Dah trip was difficult. I hear what happen and I uh..." These situations were always strange feeling and he really didn't know what he could do or say that would help. In fact there was nothing, but he knew there were a few things that were comforting when he was in this position. Pulling a blanket out of his side bag he handed it to Thomas. "Tought yah might need someting more den da scrap dey give yah in here."

Thomas folded his Bible closed and slid the book underneath the thin sheet of Henaiah's bed. He didn't care who saw him reading it, but he didn't need anyone seeing Illya close to one considering the consequences. Nodding to the Chips comment he sat back a little further in his seat, adjusting his back some, and then took the blanket gratefully. The hospital kept things chilly and the cold sunk into his false knee something terrible, especially from sitting so long at a time. "Thanks," he replied, taking the blanket. His eyes settled on Henaiah for a moment, and he went quiet, before realizing he'd even slipped into silence. "Calysta wouldn't say much. Henaiah the two of you ran into some trouble with the Novas, but wouldn't tell me much more than that. I ran into them in my time as an officer. Rough bunch," he continued, tapping his knee.

The silence didn't bother Illya. He knew that sometimes it was hard to think about much else besides the one that you loved. Quietly he waited for Thomas to say anything. If the man felt like talking he would and if he didn't then there was no reason to make him feel that he should. What he did want to talk about was a subject that Illya wasn't so sure would be a good one. "Dere wasn't much ta say about dem. Dey take our ship, but I get rest of our tings back and we get out. Nova are tough men, but I tink dey are better for Alliance now."

"Aye, Henny mentioned that as well," he replied. In reality he knew that his wife wasn't supposed to be telling him things like that, but given he was worried sick over the sudden silence of his daughter and his son in law, she saw fit to tell him the most she could do safely. The councilwoman gave a shuddering sort of breath and Thomas froze, waiting to hear the next inhale with the machine. When it finally came, the professor let out his own breath and rubbed at his knee again, trying to get some of the stiffness out. "The Alliance..." Thomas thought aloud, "She is dedicated to it and she went to Yuria to bring it back together. Then this is what they do." The last portion came out a bit of a growl, and his fingers clamped down on his sore knee.

Illya waited while Thomas spoke. He was a little scattered a bit less insistent than usual and that was alright. Last thing Thomas needed was to know that the Nova was close to selling off his daughter and that the war nearly took everything. As it was it probably felt that way while he was watching Henaiah die. "War es dis way." As badly as Illya wanted to say this was why they sent generals to do their bidding during war he didn't. Usually Illya didn't let folks get close enough to stick him with a needle and he wished he had been the one to stand in her place that day. "We know what we must do when we deal wit Yuria now." Quietly he glanced at Henaiah and then back to Thomas. "Ef dey say bone marrow would help den yah know I would be willing. We all need her. She es good woman."

"Aye, we do," Thomas replied. He could feel the anger rising up over the entire event. Betrayal was the worst form of sin and he had to keep himself from wishing a Judas death on the Councilmen who orchestrated it. At the offer to give the bone marrow, Thomas' anger quelled a little enough to think of the idea, but it was put against the stark reminder of her diagnosis. Still, it might not hurt to ask. He only knew a little about how the bone marrow of the Chippeqouti worked. "The poison is an extremely concentrated form of the neurotoxic gas filling the Wilds. It spread so fast when it dissolved into her bloodstream it started killing her nervous system at a much more accelerated rate," Thomas said, trying to keep his voice even. It was hard for him to say his wife may not even be the same person if she ever woke up at all. "The machines keep her alive and the Ehaui are hoping to find something that will reverse the damage. Maybe the marrow would work with her own regenerative DNA sequence" His hand came to rest over hers and he nodded, "I would try anything at this point. She is a good woman and this kind of death is not what she deserves."

"Ehaui do all dey can." They all knew that she was likely going to be big part of their survival. Sitting back in the chair a little more Illya momentarily winced. Occasionally his back would hurt if he hit the wrong spot. Wiggling on the seat a little he readjusted his position. "Maybe I bring Cypher ta see yah next time." At least the baby would be something that Thomas could hold and love for a few minutes without having to leave Henaiah and when he was done Illya could take Cypher back again. "He getting big now."

The thought of his grandson made Thomas' mood lift some. He had fun spoiling the baby and his granddaughter too while their parents were gone and nothing was better than seeing them smile. "That'd be good. Calysta brings them sometimes when she stops by with dinner. There's much room in here, but maybe you could all come for a bit." Chuckling a little he thought of holding his grandson. The kid loved to tug on his beard and gave the same wily looks his father did on occasion. Those two would be spitting images. "He's going to be as big as a Chip, I think. It felt like he was growing a pound a day with an appetite to match, while you two were gone. The boy can't stand an empty stomach and he lets you know it."

It was hard not to laugh a little bit when Thomas talked about the kid being as big as a Chip. "Aye, maybe he get taller den meh. I never know where I get da shortness. Barely taller den meh moter." A nearly guilty look crossed his face when Thomas said that Cypher couldn't stand to have an empty stomach. "Well, he growing and he get dat from meh only I dun have excuse anymore. I jes get hungry and dats et. Willing ta eat almost anyting dat crosses meh pat ef I get hungry. I tink he dah kind ta eat roaches off walls of house ef et suits him.

Thomas had never noticed Illya shorter than other Chippeqouti. All the professor saw was tall Chip and then towering Chip. At the comment over Cypher's need to feed all of the time, he grimaced just think about anyone plucking a roach of the wall and eating it, much less his grandson. It was disgusting and not only would he feel sick, his daughter would be horrified to see her son do that. "I hope not," Thomas swallowed. He knew that Illya ate all kinds of creeping and crawling things, but he couldn't stand the idea of it. He was just lucky Calysta had never picked up on that particular feature of desert living. She had kept her minimal cooking skills to serving him chicken and beef. "Calysta would probably turn green. She doesn't like bugs."

Momentarily Illya had forgotten that Thomas seemed to have a more squeamish stomach. "Oh she never tell meh dis. I uh guess I tink ets normal kids might do dis. I did when I was little. Dun worry I try ta teach him safe tings ta eat." Illya was trying very hard to stay away from saying specifically what it was he thought was safe to eat. "Maybe he grow up on planet wit more dan desert." Smirking slightly he glanced at Thomas. "So next time I pack Kalizda and kids in here eh? What else yah like meh ta bring?

Thomas nodded in a approval and sat back in his chair again, trying to stretch his back. He was in such a position where if he leaned forward in the limited space, his knee was comfortable, but his back was stiff, and if he leaned back it tended to put is knee at an odd angle under the bed. Still he felt a little relief in his shoulders and sighed some, trying to think of what , if anything he might like from home. There was only one thing he could think of, that would make things a bit easier. "If you can, I'd be grateful for a pot of coffee. All they serve is herbal tea around here and the one brew they made tastes like mud water. A cup of coffee and the children would be good."

"Sure I have Kalizda make yah coffee. I dun know how." It was best to specify who was making it since Illya figured he couldn't make coffee taste much better.
 
Last edited:
When the party was finally ready to start Illya went back to the house. The kids were going to be staying with the others in a nursery. Some of the Chippeqouti women had set up a tent for all the children to have their own party and they would rotate out through the evening until all the children were asleep and then someone would stop in to check on them. Eventually parents would come to collect the children and that was the extent of child care for the night. Thankfully little Cypher knew one of the women and he didn't cry too much. The boy seemed to like the Chip women very well and he would nestle into their bosoms with no protest. Illya had dropped the kids off. Rose was thrilled with the idea of a party with her friends.

Returning to the house again Illya waited at the base of the stairs for Kalizda. She would eventually come down, it was just a matter of when. The general let out a long sigh. Kalizda was taking a long time and Kirit was taking even longer. Then again he could forgive the man because the party was all about him coming of age and he was going to be dancing with a woman. So it was better that he took his time. "Kalizda are yah ready yet?" Shifting his weight from one foot to another Illya glanced up the stairs again. Finally the door swung open and he saw her wearing a dress. "Wow." A half nervous snicker came out of Illya's mouth immediately following his statement. There wasn't a whole lot he could do or say to express how she looked. Walking up the stairs he held out his arm to her and then leaned in for a kiss. "I have best looking woman at party." She gave him a look and he shrugged. "I dun need ta see oters ta already know yah best looking. Maybe so good looking I bring yah home wit meh and take yah to meh bed too." It was of course only the natural thing to do, but he liked to see that little grin on her face.

In a way Illya was still concerned that Kalizda may not be able to keep up with the party and he decided the best thing to do was to start slow. "We get a little drink and den we dance." Taking Kalizda over with himself to the barrels he got one started for Kalizda and then took himself to his side where there were drinks for the Chippequoti. It was starting to fill up in the center of the town and Illya watched with Kalizda for several minutes. He glanced at Kalizda every now and then. Finally a good song came up and Illya set his mug aside. "Hurry we dance now."

Regardless of the fact that his announcement was probably a little unexpected he found that she was more than ready. Surprisingly she even seemed to know the dance. The general swelled with a little pride to know that she was his little woman. There was a look in her eyes that he didn't recall ever seeing before, but it was one that he wanted to see again. For that time it was as if he had given her the world. Kalizda had the look of pure joy on her face. Finishing the dance with her he stepped off the side with her and they both got their drinks to sip on a little more. Kirit had arrived after some time and it was loudly announced by the Chip men that saw him.

A loud round of "Hut" sounded and the men began chanting it for a few seconds before they all ended the eleventh call with a cheer. Illya turned with Kalizda and the two of them spotted Kirit. Not too far from him was Tabit and Illya motioned to her and waited for the man to notice. He was a bit slow on the recognition of who it was and Illya started to laugh when he finally approached the woman. Tabit was a fine woman to look at and a fine woman to talk with and spend time with as well. However, she was a bit of a firecracker and Illya knew it from rumor of those that worked more closely with her. It wasn't such a bad thing, but he still figured she would be a kind and gracious woman for Kirit to dance with.

While those two were busy dancing Illya turned to look at the children's tent. Little black shadows leaped, crouched, and bounded across the length of it. Some Pytran's had seen it fit to put their children in a different set of accommodations and Illya didn't see why. Pytran kids looked like they were having far less fun as their tent was quiet and filled with little tables where the children played odd games or simply drew and made crafts. Why would anyone do that to their children. A foreign couple began walking with their child along the tents and stopped at the Pytran tent first. Their boy peered inside and looked at them with pleading eyes and then he pointed to the Chip tent. The two parents looked at one another and the man nodded before they took the boy to the other tent. Illya couldn't help grinning a little when he saw how the boy's face lit up to see the other children dancing and wrestling. The little foreigner charged in like a bull and then the tent flap closed. Neither of the parents looked concerned, but they did seem to be headed in Illya's general direction.

When the man presented his fist Illya stared at him for a moment and Kalizda took over. Watching Kalizda carefully he sort of followed suit for the moment though it was delayed. Was this how they greeted people or something? By the way the man spoke it seemed they were friends and Illya didn't recall much of that. Almost as soon as they'd finished whatever ritual this was Kalizda excused herself for the bathroom and Illya was left with the man. "We catch up on what?" Illya wasn't even sure if he knew what it was that they talked about with each other.

Tikan took the odd fist bump and gaze from the Chip in stride and kept his jovial grin. "What's happened since ye left Reylia! It's been busy keeping up with th' front an' restoring th' mines f'Alliance use. An' now I run missions an' diplomacy in Henaiah's absence." Hearing what happened to the councilwoman had been hard to deal with . It wasn't just that he had some of her responsibilities now, but she had also been his friend. "I like t' see her b'fore I leave, but it's not just th' war. I like t' see how ye family faring. M'wife said ye were expecting a little one last we talk."

Keeping up with the time frame was so far the most difficult part. Illya was trying to work his brain through the reports and gather his scattered memories on the events that may have happened on Reylia. He had been there and he knew that. Injured there and ran several other small operations. Thankfully the man was chatty enough he kept right on going and Illya had a chance to nod and then internally make the desperate scramble to find what it was he should say. At the very end Tikan asked about Cypher instead and Illya let out a short breath. "Oh I tought yah ask someting much harder. Eh....Yeah we have little one. Left him in tent wit dah oter kids. Cypher, a boy. He's got good appetite." It was a bit vague, but Illya wasn't quite sure what to say. Finally he gave up because it was getting to be a strange conversation and he felt like they were perhaps noticing he wasn't quite as conversational as they had expected him to be. "Umm...I uh have bad head injury and I dun remember anyting about yah outside reports. Nut much anyway. Like what I read."

Tikan watched as the man seemed to be having some sort of internal struggle with something he was thinking or something he ate, as his brow twitched and knitted together. It was obvious something wasn't quite right, but neither of the Reylian leaders could tell what it was. Had they said something insulting perhaps? Eventually, he spilled the news about his baby boy and Tikan chuckled. "M' congratulations for ye son. Ye must be proud. When he grows ye welcome t' send him t' Reylia an he run th' Crynalia t' earn his warrior status too, eh?" At that comment the man looked utterly confused and an awkward silence sank in between them before the truth came out. Tikan exchanged looks with his wife and Lyra patted his arm in return. He wasn;t sure how it happened, but apparently a lot more had gone on than the Chief had been informed of"Ah, I see. We'll I'm sure ye reports not include m' skills with a throwing knife," Tikan replied, trying to ease the tension, "Maybe we make a challenge of it, eh?"

The man was certainly as pleasant as his reports seemed. Illya liked the idea of a challenge and he nodded. "I tink I will test yah knife trowing. What yah willing ta bet?" Surely if the man had a good sense of game he would have a good sense of betting as well and Illya couldn't help grinning a little at the prospect.

The fact the the Chip took him up on the challenge was encouraging. No matter how scrambled hi s head was, he was still the same man who liked a good bet. Tikan's smile grew as he thought about what he wanted to bet. "I bet ye two'thousand credits an' a m' war scythe ye not beat m' at th' knives," the chief replied confidently, as he removed the hand crafted weapon from his back to show the Chip.

"Oh..." Illya chuckled. "Ets good ting Kalizda nut here. I tink ets good bet. One of us gonna lose and ef ets meh I tink I need ta get her more drinks tonight before we go ta bed." At the time he didn't have his scabbard or sword on himself, but he could get another one and this was considered diplomatic relations anyway so it wouldn't hurt if he had to get a new sword and the money was only his own so the only one to contend with on that level was Kalizda.

Tikan thought of the man's little wife. The image of her facing down her enormous husband made the Chief let out a deep chuckle and nodded. "I'll go get her a round m' self," he replied, as he slipped the scythe back to his slot on the harness. "We have a bet then! Ye take us t' a target or we choose targets around here?" He wasn't sure what the Chip had in mind for that, but chooseing objects around them would be a bit dangerous with all the people stumbling about.

There was a little bit of Chippeqouti influence in the party and it couldn't be helped. Illya nodded to Tikan when the man said he was going to get a drink. At least they would be on semi even ground unless he got the wrong alcohol. It was clearly marked as higher content though. When Tikan returned Illya walked with him over to a small section laid out in a field for throwing knives and other dangerous games. "We play here." Stepping over to his side of the slots Illya pointed to the kinves. "Five trows each." While the two of them tested the weight of their knives to be sure they were comfortable Illya tried a little small chat. "Kirit es good man. Meh men like him and I like him. Good warrior he learn fast and even speak some Quoti now."

Tikan left the man to chat with Lyra and went in search of a good drink, as he walked over to the barrels, his eye caught on Kirit on the dance floor with a tall blonde woman. He'd never seen Kaerelean woman with such a stature, but Kirit did always surprise him. Grinning at the sight of his First Warrior trying his hand with the ladies, Tikan let out a long whoop which was replied to by the other Reylian's nearby. Laughing, he retrieved his drink and returned to the general for the contest. They a had a nice field set up just for throwing knives and he was surprised the Pyrtans had thought of all this, being they were farmers. The Chip pointed to the knives and Tikan picked one up. These were meant for throwing, and were weighted to make the throw nearly flawless. As he fiddled with the knives, he heard the man mention Kirit. "Aye, he's a good lad. He's th' youngest First Warriors in Reylian history so he must be a good example f' me people. He always learned fast, except for women maybe. I see that has changed too."

When Tikan mentioned the women Illya started to chuckle. "He ask meh and I tell him. When I become man at 17 I have house and I already have woman picked out. We agree 2 days later and she move to meh house and we share bed. I tink he jes need encouragement. Nut many men I know need encouragement ta find woman. He es odd sometimes, but good man." Taking the first blade in hand he glanced at Tikan. "Two trows wit right and two wit left and den last es yah preference eh?" With that agreement Illya threw his first knife. He could feel a little spark of pain in his back from it, but he could probably make a few more without too much trouble especially since he had it evened out over both sides.

"He is like his father in some ways an' then like his step father in others," Tikan replied, as he plucked his first knife from the table, " Both good men. His father was elite on Reylia an' sent t' an' out post where he became sick. He died an' his mother found another, a quieter man, eh?" In truth the boys step father was skittish and mild mannered. Kirit had invited him, and he wanted to come but the transport ride over was a mortifying ideas for him. Instead, he asked for a live hologram feed for the challenge, which Tikan would oblidge. He didn't see why a man couldn't face his fear, grit his teeth and just do whatever it is he didn't like, but it wouldn't have done any good to order the man to come. That would have been embarrassing to the First Warrior. Tikan clamped the knife between the fingers of his left and then arched back for his throw. The knife sailed end over end until it hit the middle of their target. "Th' day I make m' challenge, m' father was there while I hunt, an' wrestle in th' tournament b'fore th' fight, just like he did. I met m' wife, Lyra, that day too," Tikan chuckled, " She wrestle me an' win." The Chip tossed another knife down the alley and the Chief picked up his second blade. "We wait longer than ye an' your first woman t' marry though. Mostly because she liked t' make m' chase, I think. " With another expert cast, he sent his second knife into the middle of his target. "If ye good t'em an learn t' wait, th' chase is worth it. Kirit will learn it."

Illya listened while the man talked about Kirit's fathers. It sounded like the last one was precisely as Kirit had described him and it was too bad. The man should have been able to swallow his fear and come to at least one small event for his son. This was something that was relatively small on the scale of inconvenience and yet a very big deal to Kirit. "Aye." Taking his second blade Illya tossed it toward the target with his left hand. So far they were tied on skill and Illya was starting to wonder if he would lose and have to explain it all to Kalizda or if he could keep the aim even though his back was smarting some. "Oh dere was plenty chasing for meh. I spend 3 years working ta be man dat she would accept. Asked her when I was 14 ta wait for meh and she gave meh big tings ta complete." For whatever reason Illya wasn't sure why people seemed to get an immediate idea that his first agreement was sudden. He'd prepared for it for years and months before he got there.

Tikan raised his brow a bit in surprise at how young the General had been when he asked his woman to wait. When he was that age he was studying under his mother to become the next Chief and while he pursued women with vigor, he'd had a few lessons learned before meeting Lyra. He couldn't imagine being flat out married at 17. That was prime courting age and it was perfectly acceptable to spend platonic time with a few candidates before investing further into a single one. "All Chippeqouti choose so young? Ye don't go out on dates?" The question was onenof surprise and genuine curiosity, as he selected another knife and flicked it to the target. It landed squarely between the first two with a heavy thunk.

Sometimes the Reylians were similar and at other times they seemed to be so strange. This was a moment when Illya wasn't even sure that they were as similar as he thought. "Yes, most Chippequoti agree at 17. We all know each other. I know Isla since I was little and running in fields. She helped meh sometimes and I liked her. Den I grew older and I still like her. Sneak into her window one day and I kiss her. She slap meh of course because I only 14, but I get kiss."

Tikan could see the way of it easily enough. Sometimes women crept up on you like that. He saw them and time went by, then he really started seethem. At the story about jumping into his first wife's window, the Chief let out a laugh. He'd been on the receiving end of a woman's wrath before. Sometimes it wasnt their palms across the face, but the look their eyes that got him, though it had taken awhile to learn that lesson. "Ah, fourteen alright age, f' a lit'le hand holding an' kissing when ye courting a woman but not much else," he chuckled, "Ye wait till ye choose a wife b'fore sharing a bed. It's good an' simple like that an' Reylian's like to keep it that way." Some Kaereleans, like the Urians, made things far mor complicated than they needed to be with women ruling the roost alone and having multiple men as subordinates. At least the Chippeqouti had the right idea of it in the end.

The Chip general chuckled a little. "Ets nut good for Chippeqouti ta kiss before dey agree, but we do et anyway." Some of the traditions were rather impossible. "She give meh more den slap. Beat meh rear end whole way back out window and den she kiss meh next day when no one know about et. I tink she hit meh more because et was bet and meh friend was outside waiting. He laugh dah whole time." Smirking a little he threw his third blade and the throw wavered slightly. The blade still hit, but it wasn't quite perfect. At this rate he was going to lose and Illya knew it. When Kalizda arrived again Illya only smirked. "Yah good opponent." It was time to stop all talk of the past and live in the present again. Sometimes it was nice to just talk about the past and traditions, when times were simpler and Illya had thought that his tasks would have been different.

Tikan snorted a little at the man's story and nodded in agreement. "Aye, I think any woman would give some extra fury f' that. Lyra would have hog tied m' in m' hammock and left m' hangin' over the lake water." Glancing at his wife, she gave him a grin and he knew she'd still do it too if the occasion struck. Tikan sent his last two knives using opposite hands into the target, making a circle of blades and looked to the Chip with a satisfied grin. The man sent his third down the lane with less force and it wobbled in the air before stabbing haphazardly into the wood. When his Kalizda reappeared he gave the woman a smile, and nod then looked to the Chip. "Aye, yah good match t' knives too. Let's if ye beat me, eh?"

The last throw didn't seem to matter even though Illya had hoped one side would be better than the other. Even his left wasn't as good and he lost mainly because of the third throw that was mildly terrible. "Well et looks like yah win." Grinning a little he headed toward the targets to pull the knives out and then he went back to the start of the line to put the knives back in place. "I bring yah dah bet tomorrow at main table when I get up for breakfast." A grin came to his face. "Now we drink rest of night and have party."

**********************************************************

When they finished the knife throwing there was a time for food and Illya had Tikan come join him. This was a good man to make friends with and it seemed that they had been friends at one point. Illya's back was a little sore from the throwing. He hadn't exactly been cleared for anything that ambitious yet, but he wasn't going to let a good bet pass him by. The meal was full of various dishes. Some of them were Reylian to honor the tradition and there was a little mix of Chippeqouti to avoid the corn products since none of them relished being horribly sick the next day or even in a few hours. Illya tried a little of both, but he did have seconds of the snake stew that was boiling in huge cauldron. Serving a large bowl on the second round he breathed it in deeply. Glancing at Tikan he grinned. "Yah sure yah dun want some?"

Kalizda seemed to be more comfortable with all the food. Even some of the Pytran dishes she tried and that was a bit exciting in itself. For those Illya would reach over and stab a small chunk on her plate to try. He wasn't feeling adventurous enough to try too many new foods. He was still enjoying just good plain food since having the wires removed.

The real fun started after the party. Some of the men began to challenge each other to wrestle and Illya yelled to the Pytran. "Go for dah legs!" Still the man didn't seem to get it and he bumbled along like a drunk. He was probably drunk already, but it was pathetic to think that he was supposedly trained and still making this sort of mistake.When the Reylian grabbed him they both fell in a heap and Illya threw his hands in the air before yelling in Quoti. "Yah earn extra drills for yah unit." If they couldn't fight any better than that when they were drunk then they needed a little more work. Training farmers had to be one of the least rewarding experiences because they didn't seem to see the value in it. Illya wanted them to see the value now so that they didn't have to be attacked before they took it more seriously. He could care less if they thought they hated him for all the training.

Getting another round of drinks for himself and Kalizda Illya watched until it was Kirit's turn to wrestle. This time he watched more intently and Illya became quiet. He had determined that he would not say anything about this even if he didn't agree with the tradition in its entirety. There were times for this and in his opinion this was not one of those times. It would only serve to injure Kirit or Ehvan and it was not how you proved manhood. It was proved through deed and everyday performance. That was something that Kirit had already proven and this should have been only a feast and celebration. Kirit should have prepared a home for himself and been independent as a man by tonight. Instead he was going to fight and he still had not built a home or made himself independent. That would come in time and Illya was going to have to respect the culture.

Finally the fight was over with and Illya gave his drink to Kalizda to hold. "I be back in a bit." It would only take about half an hour and the Ehaui would have Kirit patched up and ready to go back to the house. Illya waited inside the small corridor for the doctor to say that Kirit was ready to go back to the house. With the help of Ehvan they got Kirit settled into his bed. It was too bad he was going to miss out on the rest of the party. Before leaving Illya placed a few extra blankets over the lad and then handed him a hand held wide mouthed jug. "Jes in case yah gotta piss. Easier ta do et in dere instead of getting up. Ef yah gotta poop... well uh....send a blank message to meh pad and I come back." With that Illya figured the man should be fine. "Yah got water dere on dah stand and yah medicine from Ehaui ef yah leg or arm start hurting too much." Ehvan and Illya started out the door after that. There was still plenty of night left to enjoy.

With the main events for the night done a few of the less adventurous folk had gone home, but the Chippequoti were pulling out the maze of drunks. It was a game of mixed tricks and agility that a man or woman had to make it through to get the next drink. Illya made it to the slippery rocks in the stream and he fell twice. He was soaked and still determined. When he got to the metal pole across a little pebble infested stretch of ground he took his shirt off wrapped it underneath the bar and then wrapped the sleeves around his hands. It helped to minimize the chances of falling off. He made it across that and then there was the true part of the maze that was stacked hay bales. Illya wandered through the maze twice and he finally got the the end for a drink and then had to walk back around to do it again. Laughing mostly to himself he swayed over to where Kalizda was. "Yah come wit meh?" She was mostly a pile of giggles and he laughed with her as she tried to clumsily crawl on top of his back for the maze. "Ok yah tell meh where we go." Slurring the words he swerved several times before he even reached the first obstacle.

Kalizda would try to steer him every now and then by his hair or she would turn his head and point to something. They made it through the stream alright and then Illya started across the metal bar with Kalizda on his back and she held on even when he tipped upside down due to the extra weight. Shimmying across the rest of the he felt her push off his shoulders with her feet when she moved away so he could get off the bar and then she sat on his shoulders and tried to direct him through the maze. It would have worked better if he could hear what she was saying, but there was no telling when they were both laughing and he stumbled and bumped her into numerous hay bales. At the end of the night they reached the alcohol together and then Illya danced with her clumsily. There wasn't any particular song playing, just the inaudible one in his head. Swaying and dancing with her most of the way to the house he half dropped Kalizda when she flopped into his arms. Dragging her into the house he stumbled up the stairs and put her in bed before he went to collect the kids.

Rose was tucked under one arm and Cypher the other. Neither of them woke despite his miserable attempts to get them into their little beds. Finally Illya crawled up the stairs to his and Kalizda's bedroom before he drug himself into the bed. Kalizda rolled over and mumbled something at Illya. Chuckling a little he leaned over her and kissed Kalizda a few times. As badly as he wanted to have some fun he was a little too drunk for it and his coordination had placed his kisses anywhere from her shoulders to her eyes and the top of her head including her nose and only about one or two actually made it to her mouth.

Despite all his best attempts Illya couldn't even get the buckle undone on his pants. "I can't do et." Chuckling a little more he met her giggling little face and tried to kiss her again, but she turned her head and he missed. Instead Illya planted his face on the pillow next to her. "Yah running evasion on meh." Clumsily attempting another kiss he finally satisfied himself with just being close and drunkenly kissing the side of her face from time to time.

The next morning was the point that Illya should have known would be the worst part. His head was practically exploding with the sound of Cypher crying, his back was a circus of different pains running through it and he had the horrible after taste in his mouth. Illya could only figure that he'd drank enough to dull the pain and that had been the reason he felt a little less than chipper this morning. Groaning a little bit he pulled himself away from Kalizda's fingers. She looked like she was still half passed out. Once he was sitting on the edge of the bed he took a lozenge and then went to get the baby up. It had turned into his part of the job. First thing in the morning he got to play with Cypher and change his diaper then Kalizda would feed him. It was a routine that in some ways Illya looked forward to.

A happy little coo sounded when Illya gingerly placed one hand on the edge of the crib and the other reached in to pull the baby out. The room felt a little bright and Illya was still squinting when he walked with the baby over to the bed. Setting Cypher on the bed Illya rolled to his side just to avoid laying on his back for the time. He could feel the lozenge was starting to relax some of the muscles and that was all he needed to get the day started.

Cypher looked up at his father with the big bright eyes and he pushed against Illya's chest. He wanted his dad to lay on his back and let him play. Laying between his parents meant he had to go back to sleep and he didn't want to. Pushing on Illya again he looked at his father's face and then his little lip curled slightly and his chin started to quiver with the disappointment.

"Ugh." Illya winced a little and turned to his back before pulling the boy onto his chest. For something so small to Illya it was obviously a very big deal to the boy and the giant watery tears started to clear and the boy made little gurgling sounds. He was content just to lay on his dad's chest and play for the time. Cypher pushed himself up and kicked with his feet as he stared at his dad's face. With a loud squeak he started off talking and Illya just nodded and answered every now and then. Gradually the baby became discontent with just talk and Illya lifted him up and played the toss game a little bit. When that wore off it was time to go get Cypher's diaper changed and then they would get some breakfast. While he was at it Illya grabbed the money from one of the drawers and his sword. Shaking his head slightly he toted the money, sword and baby down the stairs. Setting the sword and money aside he wandered into the kitchen to get Cypher fed. Surprisingly after all these weeks the little guy finally decided that eating with dad was alright and Illya held him through the feeding before heading back up stairs to get changed. "I need ta meet wit Tikan and I take Cypher wit eh? Yah have Rose."

As far as Illya could tell Kalizda still looked a little hung over and it was wearing off for Illya. He got himself washed and changed in less than 15 minutes and then he stuffed Cypher into one of his little outfits. It was a basic pant and onsie. Still the baby looked pretty cute. Illya put the boy into a jacket and put some socks on him before he gathered a blanket from the crib and wrapped Cypher in that too. It wasn't particularly warm outside for a baby to go out without a blanket and especially not a Chip baby. They needed it to be a little warmer.

Gathering up the last of his things in the downstairs of the house Illya went out to the main table where Tikan was sitting and already eating with his family. "I bring yah dah winnings." Chuckling a little Illya sat down across from them and slid the money and sword toward the Chief. "Yah play good game. I nut lose in long time." Illya got a little breakfast for himself. Breakfast consisted of a plain sort of pudding with flecks of fruit and some nuts in it. Quietly he ate and he let Cypher dig his little fingers in from time to get so he could get a taste. Everyone watched as the first taste put a massive frown on the boy's face and then he looked up to see his dad was still eating it so he tried it again. The little boy bounced a little on his dad's lap and squawked. He wanted to be like his dad and eat it, but he didn't like it and his face showed it with every little taste. "Eh yah dun like et?" Illya laughed a little and he dug into his pocket for the boy's favorite toy he'd packed along. A squeal of excitement erupted as Cypher saw the stuffed snake appear and he reached for it with his gummy little fingers. Taking the toy from his dad he grinned and gave a vicious baby growl before biting on the toy snake and pulling on it.

Illya could see that the others were watching with an amused face. "I show him how ta hunt snakes soon. When he start ta walk I show him how ta catch snakes." It was just a part of being a Chip and Illya knew that he wanted his boy to enjoy hunting as much as he did.

*****************************************************

Most the following days went by slowly and while Illya liked having the time with Kalizda and the kids he couldn't help getting more anxious. There was so much that needed to be done. Illya paced the house on the his last day off. He checked on Kirit off and on and stressed a little bit. What would they do with the lad if they left? Maybe Kirit would move in with Ehud or he could move in with Maks. That was a problem that he had yet to determine and he needed to make a quick round about on the space surrounding their territory and get at least a minimal report from the Nova. They would know more about the fringe and he wanted to get a feel for what was really going on.

Stepping outside for nearly the tenth time that day he almost ran into Tabit who was standing patiently nearby the door and almost ready to knock. She was one of the Chippequoti that were better informed on the other cultures and she did use doors to knock rather than barge through. Something that in a way was nice. Illya liked that strangers didn't come through his house door unannounced. At home it was not a problem because they all knew each other.

"I wanted to know if it would be acceptable for me to bring Kirit something? Would he accept visitors?" Tabit queried softly. She knew that the general had a better idea than anyone. The man had after all taken the young warrior under his own roof.

Illya paused and he thought for a moment. He hadn't thought to ask if Kirit even liked the woman. She was pretty though and Illya figured it wouldn't hurt. "Eh yah go inside and dah second room es Kirit's. He's uh...staying in Rose's room for now." Opening the door he let her inside and then decided he should probably go in with her. Stepping back into the house he walked ahead of her to the room and then peered inside. Kirit was awake and Rose was pestering him again. "Rose yah come out. He has visitor."

The girl made a little face and she stepped out only for her eyes to widen when she saw Tabit. It was a moment of pure jealousy. She was being excused just so some other woman could sit with her Carrot. Shooting Tabit a deadly glare she then scowled at her Wolf. Illya knew he would be sitting down to talk with the girl. Perhaps he should have spoken with her about this earlier, but he hadn't seen much harm in it. More than likely because he didn't know she was so serious about having Carrot as her man. They were not possible for the way they were spread in age.

Tabit stepped almost shyly into the room and she held a small plate of cookies. "I make something sweet for you." Quietly she took a seat near the bed and unwrapped the plate for him. It would be difficult for Kirit to do it when his one arm was wrapped up in the cast. A smirk came to her face when she noticed the pink polish all over his nails and his cast. "Hmmm.....You have turned into a canvas for Rose." Chuckling a bit she took one of the cookies off the tray and handed it to him. At least he had one hand that worked. "You're a brave man to fight Ehvan. I think I will come see you in a few days. Maybe bring you something sweet to drink while you heal." She was still perched on the chair. She could pursue, but she needed to know that he didn't mind her presence. Perhaps he would want to talk and then she would stay for a bit longer.

***************************************************

Illya sat up staring at the map in bed. It was the one that he gave Kalizda. Depending on what he found would fully depend on what he chose to do with the future. It would be risky, but it was a chance he had to take. When she came in he closed it and handed the box back to her. "Someday we go dere eh?" One thing that they could both talk about was the future they hoped for. "Tomorrow we go back to Terra and I deliver necklace and take one more person from planet. Michelle give me name of man dat very helpful to da cause. Dat es all we do. I make et fast and I dun see Mike in person. Too dangerous. He will get used to receiving packages when I choose ta deliver or he get nothing." That was the best that Illya was willing to do and he would know soon enough if the man was really going to work with him or if he'd found out.
 
Calysta rolled over and groped Illya's side of the bed, only to find the dip in the mattress rather than the man himself. How late was it? She didn't hear Cypher crying, which meant that Illya had probably gotten up and taken care of him.

Sitting up was a challenge in and of itself. Her head throbbed with every little movement and her entire body was actually sore. It almost felt like she had fallen at some point, which given how much she had to drink was highly likely. The bruises dotting her arms and even her legs seemed to indicate she had fallen more than once, maybe even into something judging by the scratch marks all over her skin.

Crawling out of the bed slowly, Calysta had to hold on to the side of the bed as dizziness waved over her. She still had a touch of the spins and it was making her a little nauseous. Her stomach felt very tight too and she realized that she still had on the form fitted silver dress from the party. That had to go.

She reached to the side and started unzipping only to reveal a second black and green layer. "Oh yeah.." she croaked. Wearing the naughty little corset underneath had meant to be a surprise but here it was still laced to her. It had taken forever to put on too. She remembered dancing and kissing Illya while laughing alot because his lips tickled, but anything further was gone.

Wobbling up to her feet, Calysta shuffled her way to the bathroom and slid off the dress as she went. Bits of straw dropped out behind her in little trails and one swipe of her hand through her hair, told her there was hay stuck in her waves too. How had that happened? A flash of memory, the feeling of being very tall, came to her.

Sighing, she sat on the toilet for her business and found that getting back up was going to be a challenge with her head swimming. With a hand on the counter, she hauled herself up and then started working on the corset. No matter how much she fumbled her tired eyes couldn't unhook the eyes to the garment. Some how some of the hooks had jammed closed and had to be bent open one by one, but the more she focused, the harder her head started to pound. It was almost a distinct and rhythmic knocking.

"KALIZDA! Are you in there?!"

It was Rose's fist bopping against the bathroom door. "Aye, I'm up. Go get dressed."

"Okay!"

She heard the girl's footsteps pattering away, and Calysta gave up on taking off the corset. She would just put her clothes on and after they came home for the night, Illya could help her undo the hooks in the back. With a quick brush of her teeth and fast clothes change, Calysta poked her head into Rose's room to check on Kirit. The young warrior's arm and leg were casted up and his head was lolled to the side as he snored. The poor guy was out cold, probably from the pain meds. She would bring him some breakfast once she got Rose out and about.

It didn't take long for Rose to get ready and they walked out to the tents together, the girl running ahead, only to double back to let Calysta catch up.When they made it to the long tables, it wasn't hard to find Illya sitting with Tikan and Lyra. Her baby boy was bundled up in his daddy's lap happily chewing on his favorite toy. Calsyta wandered over and said good morning, earning a pleasant smile from Tikan and his wife. Her hand brushed across Illya's back as she leaned in and kissed his cheek. The Chip tensed at the touch. His back was sore? Maybe he fell too. "Good morning," she whispered to him in Qouti. She doubted her head would allow her to get much louder. At the sight of his mother, Cypher squealed, sending a searing pain in one ear and out the other. "Ooh....good morning to you too Cypher."

Lyra commented on how beautiful he was and seemed highly satisfied she had been right on Reylia. Tikan talked more about Akten, and telling Illya his son was only a little older when he started teaching him hunting. Rose, who had plopped down next to Calysta, was staring at Tikan as she stirred her food. "I have a feather just like that in my felt hat. It looks better in mine. " Calysta froze and turned to look at her daughter. Not only was her Cryn feather not supposed to be a toy, but Rose was getting to a point where she needed to learn what to say and when to say it."Rose, that's rude," Calysta said in Qouti.

"It's true though," she replied pointedly.

"That doesn't matter if its true. This not the right time for talk like that." Illya cast them a glance, and Calsyta wasn't sure if he had anything to say about it, but she felt the girl needed correction. Rose scowled and stabbed into her bowl of oatmeal with her spoon. Giving Tikan and Lyra an apologetic look, Calysta saw they were both chuckling. "Just like our Akten," Lyra laughed, "Children always have a mind of their own."

Later in the morning, they returned to the house to change Cypher's diaper and to check on Kirit. The entire walk back, Calysta kept feeling something poking her inside the corset, it was making her back itch with every step. She reached bag and tried to pat the spot that was stinging, but felt little relief. What was in there? More straw? Either way, she wouldn't make it till the evening with the thing on. Quickly checking on Kirit, she saw the man was still snoring soundly. As soon as Cypher was all cleaned up and Rose was out to play for a bit. Calysta pulled Illya into the bed room and began stripping off her tunic as fast as she could. Whatever was in there, was making her skin prickle with the insane urge to scratch. It needed to come off. Now.

The Chip's eyes grew sparkly and a mischievous grin spread over his lips as he saw the corset she was wearing. He was wanting to have some fun in the middle of the day! Not the idea wasn't altogether a bad one...but she was too itchy to think right now. In a gasp of desperation to take the corset off, she pulled Illya closer to her. "I have been wearing this since last night. Help me get it off."

Illya started working on the hooks immediately and it seemed to take forever, until the tight garment fell away, leaving her whole top half bare. Once it was released, hay along with a fat little flytr bug came tumbling out with it. Calysta felt relieved from the pressure but the itching from the bug still remained.The pest and bitten her all the way down her back. The bites would glow for days! She couldn't reach it on her own and danced around awkwardly try to for a moment until she realized Illya was giving her an odd stare. Ignoring the look, she took up his hands, pulled them around herself and made the strangest request she'd ever done in the bedroom. "Please...scratch..."

His fingers started scratching her back, though it was more like a rubbing than anything because his nails were too short to do much else. It wasn't much relief until he brushed over one of the bites and she shuddered a little, arching her back into his hand a bit more. "Right there...no to the left...down. Yes." She half-melted against him, when he finally got just the right spot. Illya glanced over her back, and raised a brow at the little bumps tracking down her skin. "Flytr bug bites," she sighed, "I don't suppose there is a good herb for these?" Apparently, there was because Illya laid her down on the bed and went down to the kitchen. He was gone long enough for her back to start driving her crazy again, and she flipped over to use the sheets as a back scratcher for a moment. When Illya returned, he was carrying a container with some sort of cream inside. As soon as he dabbed it on her back, a cooling sensation took over and the bug bites stopped complaining for the moment. "Ah. Thank you "

Illya rubbed at her shoulders and lower back for awhile, as she stretched across the bed, half laying over his stomach in relief. It wasn't until she felt better that she looked up to him and sat up to kiss him slowly as they laid together. "That wasn't exactly how I imagined taking that corset of when I put it on," she chuckled, "Maybe I can make it up to you." She inched further on top of his and nibbled at his ears, still laughing between her little bird pecks.

************************

When Calysta brought a bowl full of food to Kirit who was sitting up, obviously in pain but also looking quite happy at the same time. The young warrior was now a man and not only that, but he had danced with a pretty woman. Tabit had been quiet when they danced, and by some miracle, he had managed not to step on her toes at all. He'd been too busy looking into those bright blue eyes of hers. He was glad she didn't talk too much. Not that he minded it, he hadn't been entirely sure what to say. The more he'd danced with her, the more comfortable he became until it was time for him to go fight Ehvan. "Thank ye for th' dance, Miss. Tabit," is all he'd said, before giving her a respectful bow and heading of to the arena. Now, despite the fact that his arm throbbed and his ankle had shoots of pain, his mind kept wandering back to her. Though, he may not ever see her again, depending on what happened, the more he looked back on it over the next few days, the more fun and less terrifying it had been to dance with a woman.

Kirit was listening to Rose talk about the newest game the children had learned to play called 'King of the Mountain." She had been playing it day in and out when the weather permitted and couldn't wait to show him how to do it. "You'll play it with me when you feel better," she grinned from the edge of the bed ," I'll show you how." When Illya came to the door announcing a visitor, Kirit figured it was Maks or Ehvan and sat up a little straighter in the bed so the men wouldn't see him so slouched. Instead of either of his comrades, a tall and graceful woman with blonde hair and blue eyes walked through the door. Kirit's heart leapt to his throat and he swallowed it back down before inviting her in. What was he going to do? He couldnt even get up without help yet and he was fairly well cornered. She down beside him and uncovered a plate of cookies before commenting on the nail polish. Kirit had forgotten words existed for a moment and then finally a smile crept to his lips as he held the cookie with his pink nails. "Aye, she is' always creative with th' painting..lucky she hasn't found m' toes yet." Taking a tentative bite of the cookie, a few crumbs fell down into his shirt, but he ignored the tickle as he chewed. They tasted like a spice he knew Kalizda used when she baked but he didn't know what it was called. It was delicious though, better than Kalizda's. As for him being brave, he wasn't quiten sure how to respond. " I just face m' challenge an' work hard t' over come like I should," replied earnestly, before taking another bite of the cookie, "Thank ye for th' sweets. They are good. Ye cook as good as ye dance, Ms. Tabit."

At least the man wasn't so shy that he couldn't speak. He was a bit quiet, but she didn't mind. In a way Tabit had a feeling that silence was only till you got to know him. She couldn't help feeling proud when she watched how he savored the first bite and then promptly helped himself to a second bite. "I have a few years of practice." Smiling quietly she set the plate on the night stand and re-arranged it to be a little easier for him. "If you eat this cookies too fast I'll have to make more." The grin on her face got a bit wider. "I don't think I would mind that too much. Could be an excuse to see if Rose found your feet yet."

He watched her smile a bit more and that was encouraging. It was always good when a woman smiled and it had been easy to do. All he had done was been honest and that wasn't so hard. In fact, he rather liked the fact that she smiled at him that way. It made her eyes seem an even more brilliant blue. At the comment about her making more cookies to bring over his own grin broadened. "Aye, it's only'a matter of time till she does. Maybe even tomorrow. Ye might stop by just t' see t'morrow an' I save a cookie for ye visit?"

It seemed the man was eager and she chuckled. "You are an ambitious man. Eating the whole plate so fast?" She knew that wasn't quite what he meant, but she loved to see the look on his face. "Oh I think I'll come by. Maybe I cook a special lunch for you. The kind my mother would make when I was in bed for a few days."

Kirit blinked at her and it took him a split second to realize she was joking with him about eating the whole plate, as tempting as it was. The idea of her cooking a meal only for him was odd to think about. He'd like it if she decided it would be nice to eat together, rather than just him alone. He was also curious about what Illya had said about her living on Kaereal. But it would be strange to come out and ask that. Wouldnt it? "I would like that. Is it somethin' from ye home planet?" He asked curiously.

The woman looked at Kirit for a long time before she said anything further. "No...I was not born on the Chippequoti home planet. I was living abroad after the war with my parents. They lived quietly." There was a bit more to the story, but she didn't want to say too much more. "I am still learning Chippequoti way of cooking. Don't worry we'll both eat the food. That way I can admit it is bad if you don't like it." Taking one of the cookies off the plate she took a bite out of it. "That way you don't have to save it for tomorrow. Terribly distracting to have one left and just stare at it all night.

Kirit felt like the question might have been a bad one, despite how harmlessly he'd meant it. Her blue eyes bore into him for a long time and the longer she gazed the harder his heart started to pound. Then she finally explained and he relaxed just a little. Her parents weren't alive and in part, he could relate to that. "Aye, I understand." He laughed a little when she talked about the cooking possibly being bad and stole the cookie. "If ye special dish is like ye cookie, I think we will eat good 't morrow," he replied with a grin, hoping to move away from the subject of her home for now. "Ye claim the cookie an save me from temptation all night long. Now ye must come back t' finish it."

Setting the little bit cookie on the plate she smiled. "Maybe it would be easier if I finished it all now. I still have to come back to get my dish. Providing you don't choose to run away with it." Rising from her spot she picked the cookie back off the plate and took another bite. It was too tempting not to finish it. "Now," swallowing what was in her mouth she grinned at Kirit "You eat all the cookies and if you don't steal the plate I'll fill it up again." Kirit watched her finish off the cookie and tried to sit up a bit more. The pillows tended to flatten out, making him sink further into the bed. "Aye ye do have to come back," the young warrior replied, nodding to his leg, "I think I can guard ye dish well, I'm not goin' anywhere." If she came by to fill it up again, maybe he could learn more about her. She made him wonder what she was thinking behind those bright eyes . There was definitely plenty of wit and he liked it.

When Tabit left, she stirred up the scent of the cookies as she did and Kirit couldn't stop smiling. Why couldn't he stop smiling? Then it occurred to him, that this was probably the first symptom of turning into a dumbhead. All the same, he was looking forward to his special lunch with Tabit.

**************************

Rose had gone with Illya in absolute resent over the fact at being ousted. She marched out the back door into the misty rain, and picked up a mud clod in her real hand, before hurtling it at the omne tree trunk. It exploded on the trunk with satisfying wet thunk and Rose picked up another. That woman was upstairs with Carrot, talking to him and probably hearing all the stories he had told just for her. " I don't like her, Wolf," she hissed, "And Carrot wont like her either. She doesn't know how to make his tea and I already claimed him." Running out of ammo, she turned to her father and crossed her arms with a wild look in her eye. The rain had clung to her curls, making her hair damp and covered in mud now. "I'm already his special girl. She can't be. Isn't that how it works?"

***************************

Later in the week, Illya mentioned having gone to see Thomas and his request for all of the children to come see him, and if possible a good, strong cup of coffee. Calysta agreed that it would be good for him to see the kids. It would brighten his days which were all too long and dark at the moment. Within a few minutes, she had Cypher ready to go, and brewed an entire pot of coffee for her father, the last of their reserves. "We'll have to get some more next time we're on Terra," she said to Illya as he helped Rose into her coat, "That and we'll be needing to pick up a few books for Rose's school too. It will be starting in about two weeks. We can get those on Kinte. There should be plenty of money in the drawer for that, yeah?" Dressed in their rain coats, and rubber boots, the entire family made their way to the hospital. It was a long, muddy trip and it was hard to keep Cypher dry while Rose bounded into every puddle she saw.

Thomas smiled as Calysta handed over Cypher who had no problems being passed to his grandfather. He had Cypher had spend a lot of time together while his parents were away and his grandson knew him well. "You are getting heavy," he chuckled as he took the boy under the under the arms and sat him on his good knee. Cypher laughed and his chubby fingers made a quick grab to his grandfather's beard. "Oof...not the beard, son. Not the beard." Thomas reached up to untangle his grandsons fingers, only to find the boy thought it was a game and ripped a few good chin whiskers out with his fat fists., making he professor wince. Not to be left out, Rose came over and plopped down on his metal knee, causing it to get a loud pop. "And how is my Rose?" The girl launched into a full story about a party, Carrot, and a mean lady while Calysta held up a thermos to her father with with an encouraging smile. "Illya said you'd like some coffee." Thomas nodded and then gave a grateful glance to Illya. "Aye, thanks Caly. The cups are in the cafeteria though. Maybe you and Rose can bring back enough for us all? She's the best at pouring the drinks." Rose beamed with pride and Calysta motioned her to follow along. It wasn't that Thomas didn't want to see his daughter or granddaughter, but he had something he wanted to ask while they were gone. It would just be easier for the moment. Shifting with Cypher on his lap, he looked to Illya and took a deep breath. "I need to ask you something," he started, "The treatments....they aren't working. They aren't accelerating Henny's regenerative cells, they're just keeping them the same at best. I know you offered before and I talked with the Ehaui about maybe giving her some Chippeqouti bone marrow. They seem to think it might improve her. If the offer still stands, would you be willing to donate?"

The fascination with a beard had been something almost had to laugh about. He managed to keep his face straight. For as often as he'd heard passing comments about the bald faced Chippequoti Illya couldn't say that he didn't mind it when it came to kids. At least he didn't get hair ripped out of his face. Chaos seemed to build in the room as Rose babbled long and loudly about her little story. Mostly Illya took note of the mean woman. He really was going to have to talk with her about that one. She couldn't be thinking that Kirit was only for her and that he had agreed to this sort of idea. At the end of it all Illya sighed and took a seat before he thought better of it. His back was still a little sore and he didn't like to sit all that much. When Thomas sent Kalizda and Rose to get cups Illya didn't think much of it. Then a more serious tone took over and he listened carefully. "Aye, dah offer still stands." He had no idea if it would work or not, but it was worth a try.

Thomas gave him a grateful nod. "The Ehaui said to come by tomorrow if you were willing, and they would have everything ready."

Calysta returned with small plastic cups for all the adults and started pouring up the coffee. She put her father's cup on the table next to Henaiah's bed, since he was holding Cypher and Rose had taken up residence in his lap again. Her boy was already tugging on his grandfather's beard again, cooing happily, but Rose was looking over Henaiah. "Grandma Henny is still sick. I could bring her some tea next time. There's a kind that makes Wolf feel better and it might work for her too."

Thomas smiled down at his grand daughter and kissed the top of her head. "I think she'd like that, but she'll have to wake up first, yeah?"

*********

Calysta sat on Illya's bedside and smoothed down a fly away curl from his forehead as his bright eyes cracked open. Her father had told her that he had been willing to donate some of his bone marrow to help Henaiah recover and it had been a long day of waiting. He would be a bit bone sore and the arm would hurt, but they hadn't taken near as much from him as they had for her own surgery. "Hey there," she smiled. Illya took a moment to focus on her and then tried to move. Calysta put a hand on his chest and tilted her head. "Give it a minute." It had worried her that he would be having surgery yet again, when his back had just finished healing up, but he had done this to save Henaiah. She couldn't fault him for trying to save her. They needed her for the Alliance, but she was also a friend and her father's wife too.

Thomas was sitting nearby, having come from Henaiah's room to check on his son in law in time for him to wake up and to also hear what the doctor had to say. The Ehaui physician came in and looked over Illya's vitals, clearing him to go home, barring any major side effects like a fever, then he turned to Thomas. "We'll cultivate the marrow from the General with a sample of the Councilwoman's to ensure compatibility and reduce the risk of rejection. Growing enough will take approximately two weeks and then we will implant the hybrid into her femur. Combined with a high level booster, we hope to start seeing some improvements."

If all went well, Henaiah's surgery would occur roughly at the time they came back from their mission to Terra and everyone could be there for her. Getting Illya home was easy once he had a chance to wake up, though she was sure his back and his arm was hurting him. Calysta got him upstairs to the bed, and laid him back on the pillows to sleep a bit, with his arm in a sling tucked to his chest, then went to go collect Cypher and Rose from Maks.

As she walked through the rain in her black slicker, Calysta's mind wandered. How much had changed in just a couple of years. There had been peace, and now there was war. She had been alone and now she was not at all. When she thought of the war, the wide expanse the Federation held and the betrayal from their own made it seem impossible to win. In reality there was no 'win' and she did believe what she told the Chippeqouti elder that day still. War only begets war. The only problem she found with that, is this war had been a long time coming, hiding under the guise of peace. Henaiah was a perfect example of something that had occurred on such a broad scale all over the system . They couldn't simply lay over and let the Federation do as they pleased, even if negotiation was possible. The organization was guilty of so much suffering and death, it was impossible to fathom. They had to fight, but now they were running out of places to seek sanctuary and it felt like the war would soon no longer be fought from the shadows. It was a fact that, deep down, terrified her. She had to hope that the war would end, though, and that they could live in peace. If not them, then their children.

Collecting Cypher and Rose, she made her way back to the house. Rose was busy making tea and Cypher was snoozing happily in her arms as she scaled the steps and went into the bed room . When she opened the door, Illya was sitting there with the map box staring at it pensively. His eyes shifted to her and he closed it before handing it back to her. He sounded tired, and a bit worried as he spoke about going to where the box described and then about their trip to Terra. He wanted to go tomorrow? She knew he was anxious to get back work and in some respects she understood. They had lives to live, but the war was always looming over everything they did. "Aye, it will be dangerous, but I'll plot us a route that will take us around most of the rumored hot spots. We'll get in and get out."

She had said the words calm and confident, but she could tell something was still weighing on his mind. Calysta placed Cypher in his cradle and walked over to Illya, slipping a hand to his cheek, looking him in the eye. After all this time, she still struggled with words and how to say how she felt. 'Dont worry' felt flimsy and anything else seemed like a farce. This was still their life though, and she was determined to live it. She sat down beside him and slipped her hand into his palm before kissing his cheek. "Aye, we'll go there some day. Someday soon and that will be a trip we can take the kids on too, hm? I was thinking once Cypher is old enough maybe Rose would like a sister too."
 
Last edited:
Little Rose was fuming and Illya let her. She should feel free to say what she thought. In time she would learn when it was wise to speak and when it was not. If it was a severe situation he could always stop her. However, at this point it was better to know why she was upset. Finally, he sighed, "No ets nut how et works." Illya could see hat Rose was getting even more upset and she was about ready to squeal murder. "Yah meh special girl too. I already have Kalizda for meh agreed. Et es time for Kirit ta agree and yah nut old enough."

Rose took her little hand and shoved at Illya. "Its not fair!"

When the girl shoved at him Illya placed one hand on her forehead and gently pushed back till the girl fell on her rump. "Lots of tings aren't fair and yah remember who yah push eh?" The girl's eyes got wide as a dinner plate and she stared at Wolf. He had never done anything like that with her before. She'd never tried hitting him or pushing him either. Illya knew the look of shock. Every Chippequoti child had it at some point. "Remember whenever yah push somebody dey can push yah back and ef yah hit dem dey can do da same. Ets nut good."

Getting off her rump the girl glowered at Wolf for a long moment. "I hate you." With a little stamp of her foot she made her declaration good and clear. It should serve him right and he should feel sorry. Rose just knew that Wolf would be upset by that.

Illya nodded when the girl made her little statement with her tear stained face and her fists clenched. "Dats alright. I still love yah. I tink ets time ta go inside." Holding a hand out for the girl he waited for her to put her tiny little fingers into his palm. If she didn't that was up to her, but he knew that Rose usually wanted to be held or at least rocked in the living room when she was upset. After a few moments the girl hesitantly rested her little fingers in the center of his big hand and Illya walked with her to the front door. When they got inside he grabbed a large blanket and wrapped it around Rose. Her little curls still dripped water and she rubbed her red rimmed eyes off and on. Taking a seat in the larger rocking chair he motioned for her to come sit with him. "Yah jes come sit wit meh."

Nodding her little head she shuffled over to the chair and set one hand on his knee and jumped up into his lap. Leaning her little head against Wolf's chest she sniffled and cried a little more and Wolf just kept on rocking and holding her with one arm wrapped around her. Eventually Rose decided that she was going to be ok and she pushed away from Illya's chest. Though she was far more calm it did not lessen the sting of losing Kirit.

The girl was determined to redouble her efforts and she wanted to make cookies for Carrot too. There was a lot of work to do if she was going to make cookies more fabulous than the ones that the other lady brought. Surely Carrot would wait for her. It wouldn't be too long. When the other woman left Rose watched her and then stuck her tongue out as the woman closed the door behind herself. Quickly hiding her tongue again the girl waltzed into Carrot's room. "How old are you?" When she had the answer she beamed. "I will be 17 soon too!"

*********************************************************

Even though Illya had offered his bone marrow he was a little hesitant feeling when the surgery day came. This one was going to be a little more complicated because they were pulling from his arm and they were going to try and make the incision smaller which meant that they would only drill a hole in the bone and run small tools through that hole and pull out a strip of marrow that they would cut from inside. Based on Kalizda's reaction to the news he made sure he didn't show any of his own concerns for the time.

The level of possible complications were far higher for Henaiah and it was a different sort of surgery. The doctor pulled the section of marrow out through the small incision. So far he had been able to keep it under an inch and that was a benefit. Taking a syringe mixed with the bone boosting shot and some sealant he pushed the large needle into the hole in the bone. An assistant took the marrow strip and sealed it in a box with a thin layer of a gel solution. A small strip of Henaiah's bone marrow was planted with the sample in the gel just a few feet centimeters apart. Eventually they would grow together and then they would see if the Chip marrow had the ability to work with hers. There was a chance that though the sample they took from Henaiah was strong enough it might not reverse the condition. Otherwise they were hopeful that the Chip sample would reverse the damage and grow quickly. If it could do that then the council woman would have more than just a fighting chance.

Once the doctor finished pumping the syringe full of the booster shot for Illya he sewed the general's arm back up and sent him to a recovery room. Before he even opened his eyes Illya could feel someone picking at his hair. Why did people always feel the need to straighten it out? Slowly he opened his eyes to see Kalizda was the one picking at him. Considering who the attention was from he didn't mind quite so much. Kalizda could play with his hair all she wanted.

Half groggy and feeling certain that he would need to move Illya started to sit up. When Kalizda pushed him back into the bed he let out a sigh of frustration. From what he remembered Cin was making a mess in the house. "We need ta get da bear out of yah kitchen. Got mess all over." Mumbling a little he shifted himself on the bed to lay on his left side and started to doze off again. While he was dozing the breathing got slower and slower and he began to relax. It felt good and he heard a distant voice asking him to breathe. Opening his eyes again he took a deep breath. Somehow it felt like he'd run out of air. It was impossible. He'd just been resting so good. Drifting off to sleep again he heard a voice telling him to breathe again.

An Ehaui nurse wandered into the room every now and then. Looking at Kalizda they shrugged. "Sometimes sleep apnea can accompany the anesthesia when it starts to wear off. If it gets too bad we'll just hook him up to a mask for oxygen." Standing in the room he noted that the woman looked a little worried. "I'm not too worried about it. This isn't rare or anything to be alarmed about." When the monitors started to beep again he told Illya to breathe. After about a half hour of waking the general intermittently the man finally started to breath regularly. "We'll just let him rest for a little longer before you take him home." There was no point in rushing the man out the door. Everyone knew how Chippequoti loved to sleep off any pain or injury. That was the one benefit of treating them. As long as they were asleep they weren't complaining about the pain in their bones or anywhere else.

*******************************************

A few days of rest had put Illya back on his feet. The left arm still hurt and he still had to wear the sling to help remind him to protect his arm for another week. His humerus was a little weaker in that arm because of the surgery. So far it was all going fine and then Rose came in with a complaint. "Wolf, Akten threw my ball up in the tree and I can't get it out." Pointing outside she showed him the window and Illya tilted his head to see how far up it went. He couldn't see the ball no matter what angle he stood at by the window. Obviously the best way to see it was going to be stepping outside. Illya pushed the door open and saw that it was a branch overhanging the roof and he sighed. "Alright I go up top on roof and knock da ball out of tree. Yah two shouldn't be trowing ball at house anyway." Wandering up the stairs he pushed the bedroom window open and started to wiggle his way out the window. Rose called from beneath. "Kalizda! Wolf shouldn't be crawling out the window." She knew better than that and watching him break such a big rule was terrible. Illya glanced over his shoulder at the girl and shook his head. He wasn't going to go get a dumb ladder just so he could take twice as long. He'd crawled out of this window a few times and been fine.

Calysta was carrying the shamefully full dirty laundry basket to the small washing closet. Between herself, Illya, Rose, Cypher, Kirit, and taking on her father's laundry too, the basket had gotten fatter and fatter until it became obvious laundry was a near emergency before the bin started over flowing. Rose passed her by, flying up the stairs in a huff and nearly knocked the heavy basket out of her hands along the way. "Whoa, easy there." She started to ask what was wrong, but her daughter was in such a hurry than she was gone before anything else could be said. Whatever it was, Rose would figure it out, or they would hear about it soon enough. Shaking her head, Calysta puffed out a heavy breath, and dropped the hefty basket onto the floor with a thud. Just as she reached into the basket to start filling up the sanitizing machine, a shrill cry came from the bedroom. A call for her and something about Wolf and...a window? Her eyes grew wide, and she flopped the shirt back into the basket before running up the stairs. Flying into the bedroom she saw Illya, hanging halfway out of the window behind the bed, his mending arm posed at an awkward angle, and Rose standing there with her arms crossed. "Illya! What are doing?!" Calysta yelped. He couldn't even climb properly like that!

There was no point pulling his head into the house while he was busy retrieving the ball. "I'm getting ball out of tree. Nut gonna waste meh time wrastling dah ladder out and set et up." He was straining a little bit and he pushed with one foot to move himself further out the window. "Almost got et."

Out of all the stubborn, stupid ideas he'd had. climbing on a roof with only one good arm and a still questionable back was one of the worst ones he'd had in a long awhile. Casting a glance at Rose, Calysta was a bit annoyed to see the girl looking so satisfied. The girl had known Wolf was meant to be resting, but she had still come up there to ask him for the ball back rather than asking her mother. Illya grunted a little and she could see him straining as he wiggled further and further out of the window. "You didn't think to call for me? I could have gotten it without you having to climb out there like that!" she told him firmly, "Come back in and I'll get it."

The tone of her voice really didn't seem to indicate that she was going to let him do this by going through the window and he growled a little. "No, I get et. I jes sit here all day an do naughting." He hated that more than anything. Wiggling back inside he squeezed himself through the window again. "Ef et makes yah feel better I go get ladder and I jes carry stick so I go top of ladder and den knock dah ball out." Wiping his wet hand off from his pants he grumbled a little and started for the doorway of their room. It was wet outside anyway and probably a better idea not to be crawling around on the roof.

Calysta rolled her eyes a bit as he came back inside. He was always antsy and a bit grumpy when it came to resting after an injury, and she had no room to judge when it came to that. She could be just as over eager, but she would like to think she wouldn't get so stir crazy as to climb out on the roof with only one good hand. Even Illya knew better than that. "That's what you're supposed to do when you rest...rest, and it does make me feel better. Go get the ladder," she sighed, trying to find a compromise. It was safer and it would make him feel less stir crazy at least, though she wished he would have just let her get the ball.

On his way down the stairs Illya took the time to tell Rose again not to throw stuff on the roof. Only a few days before the surgery she'd lost one of her dolls in the gutter. Apparently that was Akten's fault too. The boy helped her catapult her doll because they were trying to send her to the moon. Whatever the exact reasoning was Illya couldn't remember, but it was something like that. "Rose yah be done trowing tings over dah roof. Ets nut good and next time yah lose yah toy up dere I leave et." Since it was only a short trip into the rain Illya decided that he wouldn't bother with a jacket. He didn't need one anyway. The ladder was thankfully stored along side the house. It was just under the eave and so it was dry at least. Taking the ladder out to the side of the house he leaned it on the wall since that was the best option for the time. At least he wouldn't have to worry about the ladder falling or anything stupid. Illya tucked a stick underneath his arm that was wrapped in the sling. He could at least hold the stick that way and when he reached the top he knocked the ball out of the tree. "Stay out of dah way Rose." Dropping the stick to the ground he then started down. Holding onto the ladder with his good hand he froze in place when he heard a grunt. Cin came barreling along side the house for some reason that Illya didn't know. When the bear hit the ladder the legs snapped together and crushed Illya's thumb. As the ladder tipped over Illya let out a yell and then he hit the ground with the ladder clattering over top of him.

Calysta followed then down the stairs and grabbed her rain slicker by the door since there was a drizzle coming down outside. Rather than stopping for his coat, the Chip marched straight outside into the wet as he scolded Rose. The girl looked penitent enough, but Calysta had a feeling that would only last until Akten suggested something else to throw over the house. Pulling her arms through her coat, she followed behind him into the sodden backyard and he retrieved the ladder before setting it up next to the tree and climbing up. Rose was standing too close, so Calysta pulled her back from the ladder some and ushered her back to the door. "Just go inside Rose, you don't need to be out in the rain right now anyways." The girl wasn't like a Chip child with a near invincible immune system and could catch a cold or worse without a coat in this weather. While she rolled her eyes and started toward the back door, a splattering sound came from the side side of the house and Cin appeared romping through the mud with a bellowing cry. " Cin! Dont!" The senseless bear slammed head first into the base of the ladder, making it fold with a snap and taking Illya down with it. Calysta squealed a little as he tumbled down and grimaced at the splat sound into the puddle below followed by the crash of the ladder. "Shit!" Calysta launched forward and immediately took one side of the aluminum ladder and flipped it over off of him. Cin was already turning back around and trying to wrestle his 'momma -bear Chip'. "Oh move over Cin!" Calysta had to push the bears nose out the way and kneel in the water to check on Illya. If he was unconscious, she'd have to get help getting him up, but if his back was injured she shouldn't move him at all. "Illya?!"

Hitting the ground wasn't quite expected and Illya lay stunned under the ladder for a few seconds. It only lasted a few seconds though. The entire spectacle had been in front of Kalizda. "Ugh....Meh tum." There were a few other aches, but none compared to his thumb and he tried to sit up. Pushing himself up he felt something grind and move around inside his thumb and his eyes started to water. Laying back on the ground he groaned and kicked the bear away from himself.

He didn't say anything at first and her heart pounded in her chest, until a few seconds passed and he groaned. His tum? Puzzled, she wondered if he ha d hurt his stomach, but then he sat up and glanced at his thumb only to flop back down, spraying her with mud. Looking over his hands, she saw that his thumb was bent at an awkward angle. Extreme enough to be broken. "Ooooh..." she winced. The rain started to pour a little harder as she offered him a hand up. "C'mon let's get you inside and see about that thumb." There wasn't much to be done about it other than splint it with a couple of Popsicle sticks and some gauze but she would set it right.

Even if Kalizda was trying to be helpful when she offered Illya a hand up he looked at her and rolled his eyes. He wouldn't want to take her hand for a few reasons. His right arm was still in the sling and his left thumb was certainly feeling broke. After a few seconds he followed Kalizda into the house and while he was sitting in the kitchen dripping water and mud everywhere she was wandering around the house looking for stuff. Eventually she came back and she grabbed his thumb. The first sound that came out of Illya's mouth was a little less than manly. At first the sound came out like a high pitched man squeak and then his voice lowered. "Ow." Pushing her hand away he clenched his teeth together and took a deep breath all the while with a few more tears springing to his eyes. "Et hurts."

Calysta lead Illya into the kitchen and ushered him into a kitchen chair as she took off her mud caked rain coat and flopped it into the sink, the removed her boots too. "Stay here." It didn't take long for her to retrieve a towel, gauze, and a splint from the first aid kit tucked in the bathroom cabinet. She also thought to grab his a pain medication from the surgery while she was at it. Coming back to the kitchen with an armful of supplies, Calysta put them down on the table and gently picked up Illya's hand to look over his thumb. By the way he squealed, one would have thought she had just tortured the man. When he pushed her hand away, Calysta shot him a look. For a moment she was tempted to point out the fact that he shouldn't have been on the ladder in the first place. "Aye, I'm sure it does, it will have to be looked at. It's not a terrible break,I can splint it up and give you some of your pain meds. Nothing else is hurting right?"

"What yah mean? Ets awful." Illya gave her a look of complete horror. The fact that she would even suggest trying to touch his thumb again without something to numb his entire hand was next to cruel. When she reached for his thumb he held his other hand over it protectively. "I swear ef yah touch meh tum again I piss meh pants." It was still throbbing and Illya couldn't focus on anything, but his thumb. "I tink we need ta see dah Ehaui. Kalizda meh tum hurts bad."

"I wasn't that rough with it,"she grumbled, at the empty threat, "I wouldn't be able to go with you because there's nobody to watch the kids right now if I do." She didn't want to drag the kids out into the cold and wet either. Rather than reaching for his hand a gain and causing any more than a scene than was already being made, she held out her hand to him so he could make his choice.

Illya knew it looked pathetic. Here he was trying to protect his thumb and she held her hand out. He knew he couldn't leave it alone, but it really did hurt. There was the valid point that there wasn't anyone to stay with the kids and he was half tempted to take himself. Then again it might be simpler if she just took care of it here. More than likely it would be about the same if he went to the Ehaui, except that they would numb his hand. Carefully he placed his large hand in her tiny one and as soon as she even did so much as touch his thumb he pursed his lips. "Mmmmmmmhahahaha." Tears streamed down his face and he tried to hold them back, but it was coming anyway because she was moving his thumb around and he ended up gradually getting closer and closer to her, just out of instinct and for the fact that it felt like she was ripping his thumb off.

Calysta could hardly believe Illya. Her big Chip who had broken concrete to get to her, wrestled prized bulls, and weathered a vicious whipping from a pirate captain was sitting in front her with a set of trembling lips and water eyes over a broken thumb. She hadn't even really touched his thumb and he was already whimpering a little. She knew how sensitive their bones were but the scene was almost too much. "Just hang tight, alright?" Maybe a little distraction might help while she worked. "Hmm..this reminds me of my first flight," she mused, as she s et his hand on the table over the gauze, and delicately began easing his thumb back to its rightful position . "I was sick, very sick but Dad had just gotten me my very first flyer for christmas. I wanted to try it so badly I couldn't stand it." With the thumb in place, she quickly but the split beside his finger, keeping it on his palm as an anchor. "I snuck out....and...-she paused to start wrapping his finger- started up the flyer all by myself in a field. I got into the air perfectly fine and saw the moons, the stars, and even flew close to the edge. Seeing Fayn's field was the last thing I remember....hold still.." His thumb was tightly wrapped and she could here him whimpering some, as she reached for the medical tape. "Dad panicked and found me an hour later, nose first in the roof of Fayn's barn. My fever had spiked again and I passed out apparently. Couldn't remember a thing about mowing down half his field and crashing into the barn," she chuckled. Ensuring that the splint was finished, Calysta picked up the bottle of medicine and opened the cap for him. "All done. Take some pain meds and we'll go upstairs?"

Even when she was done his thumb was still throbbing and he could see some swelling had taken place in his hand. Illya managed a slight nod when she mentioned the pain meds. It was all fine in theory till he realized he couldn't really move his arm in the sling and he wasn't permitted to move outside the sling yet and he couldn't really use his left hand. He probably could use the left hand, but it hurt too much with his thumb broken. A brief moment of dignitary was the only reason that he held out his hand with the broken thumb for her to put the medicine in and then he took himself to the room. Once he was in the room he made sloppy efforts of getting the pill to his mouth without anything touching his thumb. Mostly he looked like a two year old trying to feed themselves, but he got the pill in his mouth before Kalizda came upstairs.

Calysta cleaned up the kitchen from the sopping mess and put away the first aid items, before filling a water bag with cool water and a few chunks of ice.Sealing off the bag, she went upstairs to find Illya who was still sitting on the bed, sopping wet. She'd forgotten, he literally couldn't strip out of his clothes with both hands messed up. "Let's get you some dry clothes, or at least out of the wet and in a blanket, hm?" Calysta put down the ice pack and started unbuttoning his muddy shirt. Her fingers were fast at the buttons and she had him out of the shirt in now time, peeling the wet material off of his back, then going for his pants.

If there had been another reason for her wanting to strip him it would have been far more exciting. Illya winced when she pulled the shirt over his hand with the broken thumb. "Eh...Meh tum." She gave him a look and he'd seen it with the Ehaui a few times. They really didn't understand how painful a broken bone was. When he was finally sitting on the bed with a blanket and at least dry boxers he was ready to just go to sleep and try to forget the less glamorous details of the day. Sleep would have been fine all except for the fact that his thumb was hurting. As soon as she handed him the ice Illya tried to set it on the pillow and just rest his thumb on the ice. After a while it hurt and Illya propped his hand against the headboard in an effort to control the swelling. By that night after the kids were in bed he was shifting restlessly and he didn't get any rest. Kalizda looked at him and he groaned. "Dun even ask." She should know by now what his answer would be.

Calysta propped up in bed and looked him over. He was ill and grumpy from both of his hands and she thought to ask if there was anything else she could do. The short answer came when he cut the question off early, so she kissed him on his cheek and laid back. "We can just go see the Ehaui in the morning if its still that bad, alright?" With that, she laid back and tried to close her eyes. She didn't want to get to close to him, in case she bumped his thumb which would send up a whole new flurry of wails and moans.

Turning in the bed to his left side Illya was facing Kalizda, but he cautiously moved his hand out of the way. His thumb felt like it was as big as his leg. It was too easy to bump it and far too difficult to keep it protected. By the next morning Illya was wore out. He had dozed off and on through the night and he doubted that Kalizda slept any better. It was hard to sleep when the person next to you was restless. Shifting in the bed a little he glanced at his left hand. The thumb was swollen and fat like a sausage. Some of the swelling in his hand had increased to the point that he couldn't quite bend some knuckles. Illya could feel the support wrap on his right arm had shifted a little bit. He usually had to loosen it a bit at night just so it wouldn't feel like it was squeezing his arm so much. Before he got up he would need the support to be wrapped a bit tighter again and then he would have to put the sling on again.

Even if his arm should have been more concerning he turned onto his back and held his left hand. It was hurting and he wasn't going to even try getting Cypher out of his crib. The boy looked at his father and cooed merrily. He just knew that his dad was going to come pick him up and then they would play like usual. When Illya didn't come to get him and instead walked passed the boy gurgled a small reminder and then started to cry. Giant crocodile tears rolled down his face and he made sad chortles until a pair of hands lifted him out of the crib. Even if mom had him he wanted to play with dad. It was the special time when he had dad all to himself.

Illya collected a pair of pants from the closet and one of his favorite new shirts. It was a bright red and he liked that color, but it was also a soft shirt. Even if he wasn't supposed to use his right arm very much right now he used it to get himself dressed and then he started for the bedroom door with his shoes untied. "I take mehself tah Ehaui. Meh tum, et jes hurts."

******************************************************

The Ehaui doctor looked at Illya when he arrived in the office for the third time in a six week period. "Just go sit over there and I'll run a scan on it." When he finished with the scan he sighed. "You'll get a cast. What color do you want?"

"I dun care." Illya grumbled and held his hand on the small table. It was still hurting long after the little splint Kalizda made had been removed. In some ways Illya figured that the doctor was just taunting him when he held up a bright yellow bandage. "No, jes give meh someting red." It could match his shirt and that was fine because it was the only color he could think of for the moment. When the doctor finally slid a needle into his hand and numbed it Illya started to relax a little more.

It was annoying to have the general in here when it was obvious that he had to be up to something he shouldn't have been. He hadn't even properly wrapped his arm up, but it was looking surprisingly good. "I would ask you did this, but it would just infuriate me. Why can't you backward people ever get this straight? We brought you technology that didn't require you to bathe out of buckets and you still do. We gave you medicine and you still insist on your herbs. I don't know why we even bother to help you."

Most of what the doctor said was a common complaint that Chippequoti heard when they were in the presence of the Ehaui for long. "Maybe cause yah need us." A smirk came to Illya's face as he watched the doctor look up from his work.

Taking the needle out a little more roughly than usual the man threw it into a bin and waited for a few seconds before grabbing Illya's hand. "I should have added that you're all stubborn, and the proudest bastards we've ever seen too. You can tell a Chip, but you can't tell them much. Traditions are just your way of burying your heads in the sand."

Illya winced a little when he heard a pop sound. His thumb was looking a little more normal, but he was sure it had to hurt even worse now. The doctor wrapped his thumb, hand and half way to his elbow. "Dats a lot of wrapping. Little extreme for jes a tum dun yah tink?"

"And you try to tell us how to do our work." Grouching at his patient he added a little plaster and then started for the next layer. "Maybe I need to immobilize more than your thumb." When he finished with the plaster cast he handed Illya a small bottle. "That's just for the first two days and whatever else you've got at home will have to be enough for now. Only giving you the damn medicine cause I have a feeling you'll moan about your thumb all the night long otherwise." Despite his disgust with the Chippequoti at times there were a few that he liked and Illya wasn't a bad man. It was just unfortunate that he had to see the Chip so often on official business. "One other thing," Nodding to Illya he made sure the Chip stopped before he continued, "You'll be wanting something besides those pants for a week or so. Might be hard getting clothes on or off. I know your little Kalizda will make sure you don't take that arm out of the sling and I doubt you can get yourself to the bathroom or even feed yourself without some help by now."

When he turned and heard the additional news Illya's eyes widened. He hadn't really thought about that part. Yesterday she helped him and it hadn't clicked. This could be the regular for another week and he didn't want to have to call her every time he needed the bathroom or wanted to eat something. What was he going to do? On the way home he thought about that issue.

Arriving at the house a little bit after breakfast Illya raised his arm with the cast for Kalizda to see. "I should have crawled out window instead of using ladder." Passing the kitchen he took himself up the stairs and into the bedroom where he fought with the belt on his pants for several minutes and when he finally got it undone he fiddled with the button. He couldn't even get it undone before Kalizda came upstairs and undid it for him. "Tink maybe I jes wear meh boxers and shirt in house until I can use meh right arm." When she gave him a funny look he shrugged. "I dun want yah ta have ta help meh get to da batroom." Even if she thought it was funny in theory he didn't.
 
Illya turned over for the hundredth time that night and Calysta was keenly aware of every grumpy sigh he made. His weight made the whole bed shake with each movement. At some point in the night, the rain stopped for a few brief hours and things settled down for just a few hours before the sounds of her baby boy stirring started to fill the room. The Chip rolled again and then she felt the bed groan a little as it was relieved of his weight. He was getting up and Cypher started to cry for him, first with a few whimpers and then with gargling wails. The boy knew his routine and wanted his early morning play before breakfast. Illya couldn’t his boy up though, and Calysta couldn’t stand to hear him crying or see the thick tears rolling down his cheeks. Sitting up, she rubbed her tired eyes and then crawled to the end of the bed to comfort Cypher. The boy sniffled and brought in a few, pathetic shuddering breaths as she put him in her lap. “C’mere…shhhh…” His little feet kicked, unsatisfied to have mom while dad was fully in sight getting dressed.

He was determined to go see the Ehaui for his thumb and maybe it was before the best, it looked fat and bruised even as he rewrapped in the gauze. Calysta wished he hadn't hurt himself. It had only served to make him more miserable after giving the bone marrow. She nodded and held Cypher close as he squirmed unhappily. It was worse than she had originally thought, and as much as she wanted to go with him, someone needed to stay and watch the children. Kirit could help now that his foot was better but his arm was in worse shape than Illya’s arms at this point too. “Alright, go see the Ehaui before the rain comes in again.”

As soon as he left, Calysta got up and changed into a grey tunic before turning to her boy who was laying on the bed. He was still fussing over being left behind, his feet just wiggling and kicking out in displeasure. It was making changing his diaper and putting him a fresh outfit a challenge. “He’ll be back,” Calysta sighed, as she trying to catch on of his flyaway feet. “He didn’t leave you forever.” The little foot slid right out of her hand as he gave another angry wail.

Rubbing at her temples, Calysta tried to think of a way to calm him down. Her eyes fell on the little stuffed snake in his crib, a toy Illya picked up on Terra for him which had quickly become his favorite. Grabbing the stuffed snake from its hiding spot, she held it up to Cypher so he could see it. The creature had a floppy, pink felt tongue sewn to its mouth and Calysta shimmied it over his cheeks. Cypher broke out his crocodile tears as is fat fists reached out for the toy. “You just get some extra time with mom this morning, hm?” she cooed, tickling him with the stuffed toy. The more she tickled, the more he began to laugh until he was looking up at her in such a fit of laughter his eyes were little slits from his gummy grin. His tears dried and she used a wipe to clean up his snotty nose, before playing with him some more. It became a game of tickle-and-grab. She would whisk the snake over his bare tummy and he was try to grab the toy before she pulled it away again. “Oooh you have to fast,” she chuckled, “Fast to catch the snake.”

The game was done when his pudgy fingers finally wrapped around the toy and he pulled it close before slinging it around in victory. By that time Rose was awake and calling outside the bedroom door. It was time to cook breakfast for everyone. Calysta went downstairs to find Rose already bringing Kirit his tea in the kitchen. He took it in his uncasted hand and took a sip with a smile. “Thank ye, Rose. M’ favorite.” The girl looked more than pleased to hear it and set about the countertops to make another cup. Calysta made one handed pancakes while holding Cypher in the other arm. The boy was more than happy to sit over her shoulder and chew on the snake toy. Every now and then, he’d let out a squeal and giggle because Kirit was making funny faces at him behind her back. He was always so sweet but the rate he was growing it almost scared her. Soon he would be walking around, figuring out the world, and right now it wasn't the best of places.

Once the pancakes were done, she served them up to Kirit who thanked her, and to Rose who dug in without needing to be told twice. She noticed Rose kept casting glances at the young warrior, and it didn’t take much to figure out what the issue was. Kirit had been visited frequently by the light Chippeqouti woman Tabit, which was a bit surprising, but a good thing for the newly dubbed man. The only problem was that for a year now he had been the apple of her daughter’s eye, her first crush, and that was always something a girl never forgot.

Shortly after feeding the baby, Calysta left him in the crook of Kirit’s arms long enough to go back upstairs and finish the laundry which had been abandoned when Illya had fallen off the ladder. She tossed the clothes into the sanitizer bit by bit, checking the pockets as she went. Coming the last pieces, Calysta picked up one of Illya’s blue button ups from the basket, and started to fluff it out to loosen up anything that might be hiding. There was no telling what could be hiding inside. When she held up the shirt, a spot of red caught her eye and a very distinct hole along with it. This was brand new and it already had a hole! He hadn’t even been that active as of late because of his injuries. She stuck her finger through the ragged spot and shook her head. There was no telling how that had happened and she was positive she didn’t even want to know right now.

It wasn’t long after breakfast that Illya returned and marched himself into the kitchen with a bright red cast. She started to ask how he was feeling, but he cut her off, holding up the cast as he started upstairs. "I should have crawled out window instead of using ladder."

At the words, Calysta’s eyes widened. He had made it a point to tell her that he thought she was wrong. She had been nothing but patient, and that bit of attitude was uncalled for, no matter how he felt. With a set jaw, she walked up the stairs behind him. When she came into the bedroom he was trying to undo his pants. He fumbled over the metal button and hissed at it grumpily. The man looked ridiculous with two wrapped up arms and fighting with his own pants. Despite the fact that she was angry, Calysta walked over to undo the button for him with a simple flip of her fingers. "Tink maybe I jes wear meh boxers and shirt in house until I can use meh right arm. I dun want yah ta have ta help meh get to da batroom."

Calysta raised her brows at him, determine to make her point. “ You should have stayed put and I would have gotten the ball to begin with,” she pointed out, “I’ll find you something easier to wear while I’m out on Kinte today. I was already going to the book store because school starts in two days and Rose needs the books. I tried to get them shipped but they won’t arrive in time.”

He was giving her a look as if he everything she’d said he disapproved of in one way or another. That was to be expected but it didn't change the circumstances. “Ehvan is going with me. and I’ll take Cypher too since it will be difficult for either you or Kirit to change him with your hands,” Calysta continued, “I’ll only be gone for a few hours.” In fact, she had already messaged Ehvan and had bundled up Cypher for the little day trip.

She guided Illya backwards on the bed, and pulled the blanket over him gently. Even she was mad, Calysta would try to make sure he was taken care of. With the Chip tucked in, Calysta reached into their money drawer to remove a few hundred credits from the little pouch inside. The velvety bag had been much thicker before. Furrowing her brow, Calysta turned to Illya, holding their cash stash. “I was thinking more than this in here. We haven’t-“

“KALIZDA! UNCLE EHVAN IS HERE!”

Rose’s announcement echoed through the house and Calysta put the pouch back into the money drawer quickly. Ehvan would be wanting to get to Kinte and back quickly before the rain hit. He wasn’t a fan of the rainy season on Kaereal. Picking up her bag, she kissed Illya on the lips. “Don’t go climbing any ladders while I’m gone, alright?”

Halfway down the hall, Calysta shook her head before turning back toward the bed room. “Or anything else for that matter,” she added with a little smile. It was better to have all the bases covered before she left.

********
No sooner had Kalizda stepped out of the door, did Rose come out of her hiding spot in the bathroom and scurry down the stairs. She would be gone for a long time and Wolf was upstairs with his hands all messed up. The girl bounded down to the kitchen, and snagged her mother’s info pad on the way. This was the perfect time to do what she had been planning.

It only took a moment of searching on the network to find what she wanted. A recipe for sugar cookies looked easy enough and she had seen Kalizda make them before. It wouldn’t be hard. The little Terran girl pulled the eggs, butter, and milk from the fridge, then pushed her step stool over to the counter top to get the flour and sugar. Some of the instructions were pretty easy. A few cups of flour went into the bowl first, with a powdery plop, then the sugar. Looking at the sugar, she decided for her cookies to be better than Tabit’s they would need extra sugar and a few other things too.

Rummaging through the cabinets, Rose’s eyes settled on a box Kalizda kept in the back just for chocolate. Sometimes, Kalizda would pull the box down and give her a piece while taking a bite for herself. Kirit liked chocolate too and that would surely make her cookies better than that other woman’s. Grabbing the box, Rose opened it up to see all the glossy looking bites of chocolate then began plucking them out of their spots. No matter how many she put into the bowl, it didn’t look quite enough though, so she upturned the box and dumped in the rest. Kalizda wouldn’t mind if she knew how it important it was. She was always taking care of her special man, Wolf, and that’s what Rose was trying to do too. Take care of her Kirit. Wolf would see she was grown up just like Kalizda and she could be Kirit’s special girl.

Next, came the milk which was a harder task. The jug was heavy to lift and even more difficult to tip in the bowl, but with a few grunts and determination, Rose got the creamy liquid into the batter. Some splashed out on the counter top and began running over the edge on to the floor, but Rose kept on pouring. Cleaning up later would be easy. Once, she was sure that she had poured enough, but Kirit liked milk in his tea sometimes so she added a little extra for him.

“What’ya doing?”

Rose nearly fell off the stool when she heard the voice and whipped around with a scowl, at having been caught to see Akten standing in the door way. He had come over to play, but Rose didn’t have time if she was going to finish the cookies and then go put on some of Kalizda’s makeup to look prettier than Tabit. “It’s not nice to sneak,” she huffed, crossing her arms, “And I’m making cookies.”

“Why?” Akten brightened at the word cookies and came over to the cabinet to inspect the bowl. The dough was watery and lumpy, not at all like what his mom would make. “They look gross!”

That comment earned him a look from the girl. “They do not! Kirit will like them.”

Akten stuck his finger into the bowl and sent the sludgy dough splattering to taste it. Rose yelped in anger at being splashed and her cookies being invaded, then pushed the boy away. “Don’t touch!”

“Whatya do that for?” he demanded as he shoved her back, “I was checkin’ them!” Rose fell from the stool and caught herself with the strong prosthetic arm, bouncing back to her feet. She was angry now that Akten was there ruining her cookies and her chances of getting her Kirit back. Pushing the Reylian boy again, the two began to scuffle until she reached for one of the eggs on the counter and smashed it over his head. He froze as the goo rolled down his dark hair, flecked with white and green shells. The hit was a challenge in the boys eyes and he was very good at winning them.

With a war cry, Akten grabbed their nearest container his hands could find and dumped it over Rose’s head. Flour exploded everywhere in a white dust bomb, filling the kitchen with a haze. The fine powder stuck in Rose’s hair and plastered to her face, making it look like she had painted it a fine white color, except for her eyes which were reduced to two slits of vengeful rage aimed right at the Chief’s son. “Uhg!”

A container sugar went slinging at Akten and the boy dodged before snatching up the rest of the eggs. “Aaaaaah!!!” The gooey grenades made crunching sounds as he ran across the kitchen and tossed them at Rose. “AKTEN!” The girl chased after him with a wooden spoon raised high in her flour caked prosthetic hand. She meant business and he was going to win no matter what. Soon all his eggs were gone and he turned about face to meet her head on, tackling her to the gummed up floor.

******************

When Calysta came home, she was carrying a few bags along with a snoozing Cypher. He had knocked out somewhere over the Wilds and his little snores were getting him the doughy eyed looks from every woman on the transport. She’d even caught Ehvan giving the boy a few playful smiles, tickling his feet. The trip hadn't taken nearly as long a she had expected as not many people were traveling as there used to be. The most difficult time they'd had was getting past the security on Kinte and then getting out before the continent wide curfew fell, She had been successful in getting Rose’s books, thoughmany of the shops had closed. It had taken a little longer than she’d expected to find a ‘big and tall’ store, but on the edge of Kinte in a small shop, there had been a section of clothing for men with Illya’s stature.

Calysta picked out a few pairs of soft pants with an elastic waist and little pocket holes in the front for other purposes, alone with some nice long sleeves shirts. He would be warm for the rainy season and able to do everything he needed to. Stepping into the living room, Calysta had expected to see everyone reading or on their info pads, given that it was pouring rain again, but she found a very different scene.

Tikan’s son was sitting on their couch in one of Illya’s oversized shirts and sporting a wet head. The boy’s lip was stuck out and his arms were crossed defiantly while Kirit stood nearby. Rose was on the opposite side of the living room, also in pajamas and with wet curls stuck to her forehead. She looked absolutely livid, her eyes were rimmed red.

Obviously she had missed something while she was gone . Cypher let out a sleepy coo from his little pouch on her back, just as Illya appeared at the top of the stairs. Looking at him in confusion, Calysta put down the bags. She was going to have to ask at some point and she might as well hear it from Illya himself. “So, what did I miss?”
 
Last edited:
Tabit made a small cookie, dessert, or meal every couple of days. So far she'd seen Kirit almost 5 times since the injury and he remained quiet for the most part. Mild tempered and usually good mannered. He still hadn't said much and this time she was going to see if he would at least say a little something for himself. Stirring a pot of meat chunks and thick gravy she breathed in deeply. It smelled good. This wasn't anything she'd ever tried before. It was a pot roast and it was some sort of dish that was often served as a comfort food.

When she finished serving the entire roast into a bowl with the gravy and vegetables she decided that cutting the meat now would be better. Finally, Tabit was satisfied with the food that she was taking to Kirit. Dipping a little spoon into the meal she gave it a quick taste test and it tasted like a rich meal. Something far richer than what the Chippequoti usually ate and in a way she liked that. As much as she had enjoyed learning about her people she was also missing some of the finer living that she had become accustomed to and some of the richer meals. Since the dish was still hot Tabit set it carefully into a box and then carried it to the house. Knocking on the door she waited for someone to answer and she noted a very sour looking Rose, but chose not to say anything.

Heading straight for Kirit's room she knocked gently once more. When she heard him give permission to enter she pushed the door open. "I brought you something to eat. I thought maybe you would like to have some pot roast?" If he didn't know what it was then she wouldn't be entirely disappointed. It did seem to be a bit of an exotic dish, however it smelled good. "It's a specialty. I found something about it being a comfort food and I decided to try making it."

The Chip woman served a massive portion into a bowl and passed it to him. "Tell me what you think." Serving another bowl for herself the woman took a seat on the small chair in the corner. Holding the bowl in one hand and the spoon poised in the other she waited for him to take the first bite and then she had one. It tasted fine to her, in fact it was very good in her opinion. It would be somewhat important to know if he had a taste for rich foods or not. So far based on his hearty consumption of all sweets that she brought for him and any other food she assumed that he liked almost anything as long as it was fresh.

********************************************************

When the little woman came up the stairs after him Illya only frowned at her. Kalizda seemed about as hostile as he felt. It was disappointing that she was leaving too and he wouldn't get to go with her. He could have piled into the ship and just sat there. Rose could have come too and Kirit would have been fine by himself. Maybe this was her way of running off for a little bit of time to herself. Not that he blamed her, but Illya would have rather gone with her. Instead she was tucking him into bed like he was a sick child or something.

Keeping his mouth shut for the time he watched her leave out the bedroom door and then he turned over in the bed. Illya was too tired to do much more for the day and he hadn't slept worth peanuts. Just as he was starting to doze off the Chip heard an unearthly little screech in the downstairs. "Rose!" Yelling from the room he nestled into his pillows a little more. "Dat's enough!" A few more seconds went by and he heard shuffling and little yells from the downstairs. What in the world was she doing? Still he didn't want to get up yet. It felt like he was just starting to doze off and then he heard another crash. Illya was so tired, he just wanted to scream and make her be quiet so he could get a little bit of sleep. However, that wasn't going to change because the noise only got louder and then he heard something break.

Pushing the blankets back on the bed Illya sat up. Raising his left hand he rubbed at his head carefully and tried to avoid hitting his thumb. It was still sore and he still had to wait a little bit before taking the next dose of medication to get the pain under control. It really was a miserable thing when the pain got ahead. Illya gingerly made his way toward the top of the stairs and he didn't see anything except Kirit staring at the kitchen with wide eyes.

Since Illya's legs were still working better than the Reylian's Illya raced down the stairs and he stood next to Kirit for a moment. Instantly the Chip's blood started to boil and he had to put himself in check. They were only kids and he was tired. Akten was dripping with egg that was dusted with a powder mixture of sugar and flour and who knew what else. To make it worse little Rose's curls were full of flour. That would be no fun trying to wash out and Illya knew it would turn to a thick gum in her hair. It would take a long time to get it clean and he pointed to the door with his broken hand. "Out in backyard now. Bot of yah!" Irritably he watched the kids go out the door bickering the whole way. Glancing to Kirit he shook his head. "Why didn't yah do anyting?" Sometimes it seemed that the guy was clueless and a bit dense when it came to having children around. Somethings were a given. "Come outside and turn dah hose on. We wash dem off before dey come back inside."

If the kids wanted to act like little animals and throw fits and waste food then they could go outside and get hosed off like a bunch of little animals. It was hard to tell what Kirit thought of all this, but it needed to be done. Illya held the hose loosely in his left hand and transferred it to the right one even though his arm was still in the sling. When the water turned on he sprayed both kids down till their hair was soaked and the clothing didn't have anymore chunks of food on them. Both Akten and Rose danced around the yard trying to avoid the cold water on a day that wasn't quite warm enough. Illya didn't mind that they were running around because it meant he got almost every angle of their little heads and shirts, legs, and feet washed off. At last he nodded to Kirit for the man to turn off the water and Illya yelled at the kids. "Get in house. Rose yah go shower in meh and Kalizda's shower, Akten yah go ta oter batroom."

When the kids finished showering Illya had them change and he put Akten in a shirt. Illya's shirt almost looked like a dress on the boy. "Now," looking from one to the other and back again Illya pointed to the kitchen. "Yah clean et up. All of et and den when Kalizda gets back she inspect and ef yah work esn't good enough yah do et again." Going into the kitchen with the kids Illya ran a sink of hot water and filled it with some oils and soap to start washing some things down. He didn't really focus too much and instead had Rose squeeze out the rag and then Illya swished it around with one of his feet.

Pausing in the middle of the floor cleaning he stared blankly at the rag for several seconds with a look of deep concentration on his face. After several seconds he started to mop the floor again. Illya made through the floor and he had the kids stack the dishes in the sink. "We finish later. Yah two go sit down and rest a while." Mostly he wanted to get a little nap cause he wasn't feeling good and he kept spacing out. Illya didn't want to seize so he took himself upstairs to the room again and got into the bed. After laying in the bed several minutes he felt his back start to tighten and his legs seemed to move on their own before he passed out. Whenever it was that he woke up Illya didn't know, but he was tired out and he decided to just keep on sleeping for a little while longer.

The door downstairs creaked and Illya lifted his head off the pillow lazily. It was about time he got up anyway. Looking at the clock he saw it was only half hour since he'd come to bed and he was still exhausted. After some sleep and a seizure he felt a little less ambitious and not quite as furious about the mess that the kids made. However, he hadn't got the kitchen any cleaner, but he wasn't going to tell her he had a seizure. It would just stress her out and there was nothing to do about it now.

Naturally she was going to come home all too early. Illya heard the front door open and he stepped out of the room. When he reached the railing Kalizda looked up at him and Illya knew she looked far too calm to have seen the kitchen. "Yah jes miss a small battle. She learn Chippequoti ways alright." Grumbling a little bit he made his down the stairs. "Dey get in fight and dey help meh clean up after dere fight. Den bot of dem have ta shower and I make sure ef dey act like little animals den dey get washed like little animals. Dats all yah miss."

Calysta tilted her head a little and her eyes looked to the sullen Rose and the onery looking Chief's son. Neither of them looks as though they had been in a fight. There were no blackeyes or bumps on either of them, neither was the living room carrying any evidence of a scuffle. Illya was acting like this was some small thing, but between the two children it didn't look that way. "A fight? What sort of fight, and what do you mean clean up?" She asked as she began unclipping Cypher's backpack from her shoulders.

So far it appeared that Kalizda was taking this surprisingly well. There was no telling if it was because she really was so calm about these things or if it was because she hadn't looked at the kitchen yet. Illya knew the clean up job wasn't so great. "We clean up kitchen so well as dey could and I help dem. Kirit go outside wit meh after and turn on hose. I wash kids outside. Dey were filthy and den we send dem inside ta shower one at time. I have dere clothes hanging in batroom. At least dere no more chunks on clothes. Et all wash off wit hose. Kitchen is eh...." Wincing a little he came down the stairs the rest of the way. "Ets nut good."

Calysta finished unclipping the backpack and slipped it from her shoulders with one hand holding up Cypher. His head lolled to the side some, still fast asleep as she swapped him to her other hip and freed the other arm while Illya spoke. A fight in the kitchen? He hosed the kids down? Blinking up at him in surprise, Calysta stepped between the two children and over to the kitchen doorway. The space had been spotless when she left it but one glance told her it wasn't anymore. Bits of white splotches still clung to the walls, the cieling and even the fridge,while the gleaming floor was dull and sticky. There were gummed up dishes in the sink with some sort of goop dripping from then. Was that...egg on the hanging light? What in the hell kind of fight was this? Turning on her heels and looked hard at the both of the children, her jaw working. "What in the Wilds were you fighting over?" she demanded to know.

No matter how hard Illya had tried with the kid's help there wasn't much to do for the kitchen. Neither of his arms were that great and he had scrubbed the floor with a rag and his foot. As best he could anyway. None of it looked good even now. "I tell Rose and Akten dey stay and yah tell dem how much more work dey do. Whatever dey do et will be togeter." Illya glanced back to the living room and saw the kids glower at one another. "I tink ets good idea dat maybe dey spend more time togeter." It would help them learn to get past whatever the issue was. As for the real reason of the fight he didn't know and hadn't asked. Rose hadn't answered Kalizda any differently than she had Illya. It was still an argument over how her cookies tasted bad.

Illya had the right idea about making them clean it up. They surely would do it and they would do it by working together. Of course, now that meant she would have to sit there and direct them so they learn to do it correctly, and the kitchen would be out of commission for dinner. There was also another transgression to deal with as well. "Aye. You both will be cleaning it up starting now." Rose started to n her mouth in complaint but Calysta shot her a look. "Not a word. Every time you complain about cleaning the mess you made, is another day after this you'll help me clean after dinner. You also aren't supposed to be using the oven by yourself right now anyways. You know that was something I asked you not do without someone here." The girls chin began to waiver and she crossed her arms, flopping back in the chair in absolutely indignation. "So, not only have you made a mess with the fight but you went behind me and did something I expressly asked you not to do. You will be helping me with laundry tomorrow rather than playing outside for that too. Now, when I come back down here you two better be ready to clean." Marching toward the stairs, Calysta took them by twos and passed Illya toward the bedroom to put down Cypher in his crib. "I'll order out dinner," she added as she passed.

She was moving fast for now and Illya let her. Slowly he started up the stairs after her and got into the bed once more. "I jes sleep for a while eh?" When he checked the clock it looked like it was time for the next round of medicine. Illya took the medicine and he fell asleep until Kalizda came in to wake him up for dinner. Sitting up in the bed he stared at her for a long moment and everything paused. Shaking his head slightly he looked at her for a moment and tried to remember what she just told him. "Eh I come down in a minute."

There was years of practice in not looking like he had an absence seizure and instead letting people think he was spaced out momentarily or something else, but it seemed that it was harder to fool Kalizda. She seemed to know most of the time the difference between a regular space out or loss of train of though versus the absence seizures. There were slight differences such as the fact that his eyes would almost have a dead stare to them when he had an absence seizure. Getting himself out of the bed he wandered down the stairs and into the dining room to eat. Akten had been picked up by his parents at some point or sent home and it didn't seem to matter which to Illya for now.

After the meal Illya took his plate to the sink and set in. Leaning over he gave Kalizda a gentle kiss. "I jes go back ta sleep now. Sorreh I jes tired and I can't help." Normally he didn't tell her he couldn't help, but he was a little afraid that if he didn't get some good sleep he would seize up and pass out again.

In the morning Illya woke up feeling a lot better and he saw Kalizda had some strange pants sitting on the edge of the bed for him. "What?" Looking at them he noticed they definitely were a man's pant and certainly too large for Kalizda. They were at least something he could get himself in and out of. Surprisingly they were comfortable and he liked the shirt too. It was somewhat clear that they were not meant to be wore as public clothing, but he liked them. The pants were soft and loose around his legs and the shirt was warm and soft. Wandering down the stairs he found Kalizda in the kitchen and wrapped his left arm around her. He was still careful for his thumb, but he could somewhat hold Kalizda. "I feel like new man." Kissing down the side of her neck he nuzzled in and kissed a few more times till he got to her ear and gently nibbled on her earlobe. "I tink we maybe go for walk today or do someting safe." After a moment he realized that he forgot the whole reason for getting this close to her. "Oh yeah. I jes remember." Stepping back slightly he let her see the shirt and pants. "I try dem on. Vereh nice for house. I tink I like dese as much as I like meh new shirts and boots." The pants he was still getting used to. There was a pair that he thought was a little tight. Normally he liked to wear jeans that were primarily looser fitting and had a lot of pockets.

The week seemed to drag by with random little readings that Illya did. He was trying to keep up with the events and still plan for the next trip. It was still going to have to be fast and he needed to act on some of that information from Aryn. Each day that he waited to do anything about it made the chances of being effective less and less. Illya's arm felt much improved by now and he only had the cumbersome cast. Cypher was more than pleased to get his dad time and he loved gnawing on the bright red cast. While Illya was laying in the bed with Kalizda and Cypher he decided to start a new game. Holding the boy to himself he rolled to the side and then helped Cypher kick Kalizda. Illya was the one holding the boy's foot, but it made a good game. "Get her."

Cypher would squeal and giggle especially when Kalizda turned around. He loved to think he'd been so sneaky. Illya rolled to his back again while holding the baby and he let Kalizda roll back to her position and then the guys would roll over and Cypher would give his playful little kicks that if left unguided tended to just flail. "Kalizda." Illya whispered a little and he leaned over while helping the boy to kick his mother. "I love yah." Kissing her on the cheek he heard Cypher scream and begin to wiggle. "I tought he was distracted." Grumbling a little Illya rolled back and continued the game, but he still tried to sneak a kiss when he could.
 
Kirit was sitting on the bed, when he heard the little knock on the door. Tabit had promised to come see him again, and she had kept her promise time and again. Quickly sitting up, the young warrior tucked in his shirt and rubbed a hand through his short shaved hair, just in case.
"Ye come in, Ms. Tabit."
When the pretty woman entered she was carrying a pot of some kind and with it came a delicious smell. He welcomed her to sit, and she started explaining what she had brought while doling out the food between them like she usually did. Kirit's eyes grew a little wide at the massive portion of whatever sort of food Tabit ladled out into a bowl for him. Not that he had any objections. It smelled incredible and had hunks of meat swimming in sauce. He loved meat and would go out of his way to pick those bits out first. With the bowl tucked into the crook of his broken arm, he used his non-dominant hand to fish around for a nice meaty bit and speared it before taking a bite. It was savory and heavy, but delicious nonetheless. As he went for another bite, he looked up to Tabit in a bit of admiration. " This is great," he said with a grin, "I've never tasted somethin' like it. Thank ye. " He could easily get uses to foods like that and Tabit had been coming by so often with treats, and to keep him company, he began to look forward to her visits more and more. Still he wanted to see her outside the room. He didnt feel quite like himself there. " I wonder if ye like t' come outside with' me after? Ye like t' walk?"

It was pleasing to see that Kirit enjoyed the food so much. Tabit had saved a bit to try and buy the right meat for this dish. The meal was a little expensive, but she could still make several more good meals before her next pay came through. The woman smiled gently as Kirit complimented her cooking. "I would come outside with you. Walking is ok for your foot now?" She was slightly concerned about that part since it was still bandaged up pretty heavily though the swelling had gone down quite a bit since the first time she'd met with him here.

Kirit glanced down at his foot and gave Tabit a bit of a mischevious half smile. "Ehaui say a week or more, but Reylian's say fresh air good for th' spirit ," he replied, "Or at least that's what m' father used t' say. I walk with ye Miss Tabit, if ye like t' come." He scooped up another hearty bit and finished up the bowl with gusto, happy to have food, but even happier to be getting to go outside and with good company too. Reaching for a crutch at the side of the bed, he pulled his feet over, careful not to show the shooting pains on his face, and hauled himself up with the brace under his good arm. "Kalizda said th' rain would stop f' some sunshine t'day," he grinned, waiting for the lady to exit first like any good Reylian man would.

"Oh is that so?" Tabit liked the fact that he had a little spunk. The crutches seemed to be a good thing. Perhaps they would alleviate enough of the strain that it wouldn't hurt the man. That was the primary concern. There didn't appear to be any pain as he moved to his feet and Tabit took her last bite and hastily got to her feet. When he made way for her to go first she winked at him. "Let me go first so I can get the doors for you?" She was half jesting, because she knew he couldn't very well do it all right now anyway. It was still good to see if she could get a reaction out of him.

Kirit wasn't so sure if she was kidding or not, at first. It certainly hadn't been his intent for her to open up all the doors, though it was probably going to be neccesary. The wink clued him in, though that she was playing, but he was still unsure how to react. She didn't seem to mind being playful, so the young warrior smiled and laughed a little. "I can't deny th' help on that, but ye also dance with grace, I think ye must make openin' a door look like a moon's miracle." He was sure where all of that had come from and had no idea if the playful compliment was too far or not, but he figured he'd know it enough with her.
At first Tabit gave the man a confused look. A moon's miracle? She had no idea where that came from unless he was a moon worshiper or something. After a moment she chuckled. "Do you worship the moons and make dance for the new moon every season?" It was something she wouldn't have guessed looking at him. Then again a person never knew what people believed. Opening the door she let him hobble out and then joined him at the step to help keep him upright. "What do Reylian's believe?"

It was relieving to hear her laugh and not get offended with his forwardness and he started peglegging his way out if the room to the stairs. Her question caught him by surprise a little, asking if he worshipped the moons like the Yurians and Aeriktans did. "It's' a old saying," he replied as he followed her, "All Kaereleans see th' twin moons as gods in th' history. Reylian's say th' gods put th' worlds in motion an' after that, they let th' life below be as it will. No..ah... interference from them. Ye make what ye will of ye life by th' work of ye hands, yeah?" Making it to the bottom of the stairs was a challenge but he managed it, and kept following the beautiful blonde out the back door where the first spot of sun in a week was peaking through the clouds.

"I see." Tabit chuckled again. "Such a compliment that I have not ever heard before." She couldn't help a slight tinge of pink that came to her cheeks. "Tell me more about the Reylians. I like to visit there someday. So far what I see of your people I like."

It was easy to talk about his people. Easier than talking strictly about himself which seemed boastful to do. They entered the muddy yard and Keysha perked up from her usual perch high in the bare omne tree. Even though the sun was out, a cool breeze of an incoming storm was still buffeting against the branches, making them clatter against each other. In their brief conversations she had told him that she was a scout for the Chippeqouti, some thing he liked because it meant she liked to be active and outside. "I think ye would like Reylia," he smiled, "We come from continent here called Rey, an' most of us find life as warrior th' best. We train f' war an' during peace too, but always keep t' th' traditions, like th' scythe work, but also keep t' more...eh..modern.. ideas too. Th' land is good, an' ye can hunt forever, or build what ye like. If ye friend or ally, the Reylian's stand by ye. Always welcome t' all Reylia has." As they stepped into the muddy yard, his crutch sank into the sodden grass and he had a hard time pulling the thing out, before taking the next step. "If I can ask, Ms. Tabit, do ye also follow the Chippeqouti way, though ye not born on th' home planet?"

From what she could tell it sounded like Kirit was the one man that would be better suited for her if not a Chip, but there was still time to spend to know him before she made any such rash move. Part way through the walk she noticed he was unsteadily pulling his crutch from the muddy ground and wobbily continuing. Still he was trying to talk so she humored him for the time. "i was not born on Quoti or the home planet. I was born on another planet. Only after I was moved to Nuen did I learn more of the traditional ways. I don't like all the practices and so I only take the portion of the old customs."

“That's not s' bad," he smiled, "Some traditions are better than others, yeah?" He wasnt going to tell her that back in the days before they left Kaereal, it would have been an absolute must for him to bring her a birds heart if he was intent on continuing his courtship. "So, ye move t' Nuen with th' other Chippeqouti and learn ye people. It's good t' know where ye come from." For a moment they walked along and he walked by a patch of the quickly growing red grass and he ran his puffy fingers over the tops of it before plucking a few blades. There was one thing he was also curious about that would affect any move they made beyond their simple talks. It wasn't a pleasant subject, but an important one. "What d' ye think of th' war?"

The woman stared at Kirit for a long time. He asked her about the war and it was one thing that was obvious, but also difficult to talk about. "I don't want the war. My parents taught me all the ways to blend, to survive and on Nuen it was the first time I could safely learn about my people and I didn't have to hide." In a sense she had lived the life of a refugee and she was tired of it. "I just want to be free. If I could scout the woods without trouble, wake up in the morning and know that I was safe and it didn't matter that I was Chippequoti it would all be well. Even now I hear Pytran's speak about Chippequoti like we are the reason for the war, that we bring all this trouble. Indeed we do not, but it seems we would be the ones to blame anyway."

Kirit listened as he fumbled the grass blades between his fingers. He knew well enough how stubborn and backwards the Pyrtans could be, just by how they had treated Kalizda and he had heard that sort of talk in Kaerelean too. It didn't sound like she had ever had a real home and he didn't like the idea that Tabit felt like being a Chippeqouti was a bad thing, war or no war. "Th' Pyrtans not see th' world sometimes," he agreed, "Th' Chippeqouti not th' cause of this. This war come no matter what, I think. Reylian's don't see ye blood, they see ye will an' ye work. Trouble, like th' war is just a part of life. " Pausing for a moment, he looked up at her with a bit of a smile, then held up a small little circlet of red and gold braided grass, offering to put it on her wrist. "Ye not need t' hide on Reylia or with me, though. We stand by ye with pride."

It sounded like he was trying to be careful of the topic and while she appreciated it Tabit was finding it difficult to tell exactly how he felt about the entire war. "Then you consider only a person and not blood or is it custom among your people to consider person first?" When he answered she nodded and then returned his questions to her from earlier. "What do you think of the war?" It was quite plain that he did not have a problem with the Chippequoti and that was good, but she didn't know how he felt about the war in a personal way.

"Both," he replied, as his fingers fumbled with the neat braid. "Ye not judged by ye blood on Reylia an' I see no reason why any one should." When she asked about the war, his fingers stopped and he shifted on his crutch some. It wasn't something he liked talking about either, but it was a fair return on his question. "When ye take the warriors oath on Reylia ye choose a life of a shield. I learn th' arts an' study as I should but I don't like th' war. It brought pain 't the people I am honor bound t' protect on Reylia an' it has cost m' friends, like the General an' Ms. Kalizda too. Th' war is not good, an' th' killing is not good, but I do what I must t' protect m' people an m' friends until they are safe. There won't be a safe place till th' Federation is gone." The mood had gotten a bit dark, and he didn't like seeing her like that. "I think it's good t' live as we can until that happens though. If ye dont' not much t' fight for, yeah?" It was a truth he'd learned by watching Kalizda and Illya with their family for the past year, and it was hard to tell how Tabit would feel about that sort of statement, but he always tried to tell it as he saw it.

Tabit held his gaze while he spoke. It was important part of where they lived and she hated to admit that in many ways her interest in him would depend in part how he answered. At least he had an opinion and she nodded carefully. "I would rather keep company with a man that does what he feels is right rather than shrink away out of cowardice." Already he had proven that he would do what was right even if it was difficult or he knew he could not win. That fight with Ehvan was proof enough and now he had stated that he felt the same about the war. "I admire your courage to do what you know is right."

He didnt feel like he was particularly courageous. In fact for his battles and fights he'd been nervous, but he ignored that did as he had to. Anything less was not being a worthy man. Still he nodded in agreement and then gave her a smile. "I think any man in ye company might feel a bit braver, still, an' I'm lucky t' keep ye company." As they finished their first lap around the yard, he paused to adjust the crutch under his arm, it always made his pit sore, but there was no way he was giving up on the walk just yet.

It was becoming clear that the walk was a bit tiresome for Kirit and Tabit let him get half way through the next round on the yard before she pointed to the stairs. "We can sit and still be outside." To her it sounded like a good compromise. For a moment longer she thought before answering his last statement. "Men are not made braver by women. I think that if a man is a coward before he has a woman that he will be a coward when he has her. It is why I wait a very long time watching and waiting." In all honesty there had been very few that had the guts to even ask her to spend time with them and even fewer of those that were half desirable.

Kirit nodded in agreement and hobbled over to the stone stairs of the patio before easing himself down, and sliding over to make room for Tabit. He stuck the cumbersome crutch to the side rail but it slid down and plopped to the mud. What she spoke of was half true from what he had seen. Many men liked to show off in front of women and that came with a loss of inhibition and a sort of bravery in itself. An affect he had never felt, but had witnessed. The second half of what she said, made him pause in reaching for the run away crutch. She had been waiting a long time? He knew Chippeqouti aged differently and it was the first time he had considered that problem as well as something else. "Ye wait for a long time...." He considered for a moment, "An what do ye watch for?"

When the crutch slipped the woman leaned over and plucked the crutch out of the mud. It was easier for her than it was for him. "Well, you might say that I was watching for a man with real courage. Bravado and artificial bravery are hardly worth spending the time to foster." Tabit had a very specific sort of man in her mind and she knew that no one could meet every aspect of it, but there had to be a man that managed to meet the most important things on her list.
The answer she gave was a little less than helpful but he wasn't the kind to shy away from a challenge either. He'd wanted to know what she expected of a man trying to court her, and maybe she didn't tell him purposely because she didn't want him trying so hard. "Aye, it's not honorable t' do so. An' I think if ye man or woman, then ye should let ye actions speak themselves." He nodded a thanks to her as she picked up the crutch and propped it up again. "I think ye must be strong an' smart t' come so far an' work s' hard, Ms. Tabit. I hope ye don't have t' keep watchin' an' waitin' though.”

Since it sounded like Kirit made the first move Tabit figured it was about time to say something. "I watch you." The woman thought for a moment because it hadn't sounded quite like she wanted it to. "So far what I know of you I like. Sometimes I ask about you and I have heard nothing, but good. The general speaks highly of you as well. I think maybe because he grins like a troublemaker that he knows something." Illya did get that look from time to time and she couldn't help thinking the man had something hid behind that grin. "Does he know something?" Tabit was guessing that she was right because Kirit had a funny look on his face.

She had been watching him. The feeling of being noticed for what he did and not his title was a good one but it clashed with hammering of his heart at the thought of admitting it to her. Kirit inwardly cringed at the idea of her guessing anything from Illya's knowing grins, still the Cryn was out of the bag and flying away at this point. She was giving him this expectant look that made a sweat build in his palms again. How did women manage that? "He..ah...might know a few things," Kirit stammered finally. The answer he had hoped would be enough, didn't seem to cut it given she was still staring at him. "I might say after ye last visit, I like ye very much. An' maybe I say ye pretty an' not like th' others." At this point the braided ring in his hand was getting turned over and over in an endless loop, while he spoke.

Nodding carefully the woman kept a straight face while Kirit nervously twisted the little braid in his hand. She had gotten the idea that somehow Kirit hadn't been the one to tell her and instead he was telling the general. "You might have said these things?" Giving him a questioning gaze she finally broke into a smile and leaned a bit closer. While the poor man was still sweating it she kissed him on the cheek. "I think might have told him that I liked the man I saw and I wanted to know if there was anything to be wary of." There hadn't been anything that Illya knew of and he seemed to think that Kirit was a good man. "Maybe I like you to, but I wouldn't dare say you're pretty." Chuckling a bit she gave him one more fleeting kiss on the cheek. It wouldn't be right to be so bold as to kiss his lips just yet.

Kirit waited to see if she was going to be angry for having spoken about her to the General. Instead, she leaned forward and graced him with a kiss on the cheek. The act itself made him freeze for a moment. She'd kissed him on the cheek...and better yet..she liked him! He could feel a little heat spread over his cheeks but it was nothing compared to the smile spreading over his lips. It took him a moment to begin really thinking again as he tried to get his expression under control. The joke about calling him pretty made him chuckle, before another quick kiss made him forget any replies he had again. Clearing his throat, he let out a little breath of relief and looked to beautiful blonde. He didn't know what to say other than to nod at first. "I..uh.. think, if that's th' case then, maybe on ye day off, we go out t'gether, yeah?"

In many ways the thrill of getting to know someone new was always the best part. However, there was something to be said for the steady days or times that could follow. It would be a change of pace if the person was right, but it should still be good. "My next day off...." as in deep in thought she nodded her head and looked to the sky while she tried to sort out in her mind which day it would be."4 days from now and what would you have in mind?"

His mouth had opened, asking her out but in reality he hadn't thought that far ahead. It was just exciting to see she was interested and wanting to go. A trickle of panic set in, as he tried to think of anything she might like to do. "Ah, well maybe ye like to see the waterfalls on Ori'l?" He hadn't seen them yet and wanted to, but it dawned on him as he said it that she probably couldn't swim. "Or...uh... want t' go look at some of th' old Rey." There were bits that still floated, but they weren't large enough to merit inhabiting again. Of course, saying it aloud made that sound abit odd and she might find it boring.

Tabit nodded when he began rattling off ideas. "It is a man's job to decide the outing. I will be pleased to accompany you wherever it is you decide we should go." Smiling a little she added one last part. "I like surprises. Don't tell me what you've decided until we're ready to leave. The ideas sound good to start."
There was a sense of pressure building to make the outing a good one for her. Knowing she liked surprises was both helpful and yet terrifying at the same time, but he would figure it out. Apparently it was considered his job to figure it out. "Aye, I keep it a surprise then," he grinned.

They talked for a bit longer, but it all seemed like too short of a time before Tabit was leaving again. She left him with a smile, and he grinned back at her before escorting her to the door. "I see ye soon, yeah?" Once she was gone, Kirit hobbled his way toward stairs, but decided he needed to stop by the kitchen where Illya was reading for just a minute. "Ye tell on m', ye grinning bastard," he grumbled at the Chip general, tossing the the braided ring at him. The Chip looked surprised at first but then broke out into that same knowing look. Kirit couldn't stay so serious for long with that sort of look and he started to chuckle. "She kiss m' cheek. I think she likes me."


******

Calysta by in the kitchen and watched as the two children started cleaning again. Rose was taller than Akten, so she got the privilege of using the mop while the boy was asked to scrub the remaining spots on the walls. Occasionally, she would get a vicious glare from Rose, but Calysta ignored it. She was none too happy with her daughter. Once the floor was shining again, she set the two working together on the dishes with Akten washing and Rose drying. They were close enough that, any time their elbows touched, a small ribbing match broke out until Calysta had to put a stop to it with a stern sounding. “Work don’t fight.”
By the time they were finished, the food she had ordered from the restaurant in town had arrived. She had no idea where Akten’s parents were and her attempts to contact them had been fruitless at this point. Doling out two bowlfuls of rice and vegetables with meat, she made the kids sit down at the kitchen table. Rose was too tired to argue and Akten just looked happy enough to see a bowl of food sitting in front of him. “I’m going upstairs to get Wolf,” she announced, “I had better not hear a hint of an argument.”

“Yes’m,” Akten said, with a mouthful of food. He had met the Kalizda woman before but then she hadn’t been quite so scary. She reminded him of his mum and he knew better than to cross her. When the woman had gone, he looked up to Rose with a mouthful of food circulating in his chubby cheek. “Rose…Rose..”
When the sullen girl looked up from her bowl, Akten grinned and opened his mouth for her to see all the food sticking to his tongue. “Aaaaah.” It was fun to see how girls reacted to his gross sight sometimes. Most of them squealed and made faces, but Rose froze for a moment, and a gleam of stubbornness shone in her eyes. She would not be outdone by the short little foreigner. With a giggle Rose chewed quickly and then showed off her own mushy mouth full. “Bleeeeh.” Akten pointed and laughed at how ridiculous the girl looked with food hanging off her tongue.

Calysta took the stairs by two’s again, hearing the flurry of laughter coming from the kitchen. It sounded like they were starting to get along again, which was good news. It would be made even better if the kitchen was still clean when she returned to it. Stopping by Rose’s room with a bowl for Kirit in one hand, Calysta found the door was open. The man was sitting on the edge of the bed nibbling on one of the cookies Tabit had brought him earlier. When she spied him eating, the young warrior gave a bit of a sheepish grin before accepting the bowl of actual food. “Thank ye, Kalizda.” Calysta just chuckled and gave the man a nod, before retreating from the room. Tabit was a strong woman from she had seen and the young man was quiet, but strong in his own way. She had no idea what would happen between the two of them, but she knew the look in his eye was quickly becoming the same look that Illya gave her.
Smiling to herself, Calysta came into their bedroom and sat on the side of the bed. Illya was snoring lightly and she hated to wake him up, but he would be just as grumpy if he didn’t eat too. “Illya,” she whispered, rubbing his back very lightly, “Come get some dinner.” The Chip sat up at her touch, but his eyes were blank and he didn’t say a word. Was it exhaustion or another seizure? It was hard to tell, but she was inclined to think it was the latter. Even if he was tired, he would still answer her. All the same, she kept a careful eye on him, rubbing his back, until the cloud in his eyes lifted. “Alright, I’ll have it waiting for you.” She leaned forward and kissed him gently before going back downstairs to check on the children. However, when she arrived back in the kitchen, Rose was there eating but Akten was gone. The only evidence of his presence was the licked clean bowl.

“Where did Akten go,” Calysta asked Rose quickly. Not only was it storming outside but he was running around in nothing but Illya’s undershirt.

“Oh, Mr. Teepee came to pick him up and said he was sorry for the trouble. That Akten was supposed t’ be in lessons. Whatever that means.”
Calysta could only assume that Rose meant Tikan. At least the kid had been taken home, though she was sure his father would want the clothes back eventually. She’d have them washed and ready to returned for Lyra tomorrow.

Illya finally came down to join them, and they ate in relative silence for once. She was tired from lack of sleep and running around all day, and Illya was in no better mood than when she left. Rose was still in trouble and she knew it, so she kept quiet for the most part. When dinner was over, Illya handed over his bowl with an apologetic sort of look and a gentle kiss. "I jes go back ta sleep now. Sorreh I jes tired and I can't help." She kissed him back, and nodded. “Go rest. I have a good helper right at the table.” Rose made a bit of a face when she realized that ‘good helper’ was her, but Calysta ignored it. The girl would help whether she liked it or not.

Illya went back upstairs, and Calysta got Rose started on the dishes. She would wash them, while her daughter dried them beside her. Picking up Akten’s bowl, she started to scrub with soap, though the boy had pretty much done the work for her. As she worked, Rose crossed her arms over the edge of the counter and dropped her chin on top of them, her face half hidden by wild curls. As much as Calysta hated admitting it, Rose was growing up and she had an idea that the fiasco from earlier probably had more of a story to it.

“Rose, why did you try to bake without me?” Calysta asked, “I would have helped you.”

The girl frowned and fidgeted on her feet, not daring to meet Calysta’s gaze.

“Rose…”

“I wanted to make them for Carrot!” she said with a stomp of her foot, “My cookies would have been better than hers and I could be 17 and his special girl.”

With the truth of it out, the reasoning made sense and Calysta sighed a little before putting the bowl back into the water. How did she navigate this? She was hardly qualified to deal with lessons on a broken heart, even with her experience on the matter. Especially at a tender age such as hers.

Calysta dried her hands and brushed the curls out of her daughter’s watery eyes. “Listen, Rose...I think you will be someone’s special girl someday, but maybe you have to start out being friends first, huh? You want someone who likes to do a few things you do, yeah? Like collecting rocks, and playing with Cin…”

“And painting nails?” she asked, starting to brighten up some.

Calysta started to laugh a little at the thought of a man she chose wearing bright pink nail polish, and quickly turned it into a slight cough. “Well, some of those things, yes. You’ll find your friend and become his special girl. Just keep on the look out, and there’s no rush. You get to take all the time you want to do it, yeah?”
Rose nodded her head feeling a bit better. Kalizda was Wolf’s special girl and she would know how to be a good one, so what she said must have been true. She would look for the boy who liked the things she liked and one day become his girl, though she wished it could have been Carrot, he didn’t always want to play with her even if he was nice to her all of the time.

Calysta could see her daughter felt better about the issue though she suspected it might take some more time. Rose’s eyes were starting to droop a little by the time the dishes were done, so Calysta told her to go get into bed. The girl shuffled off and by the time everything was put away, the animals fed, and the doors locked, Rose was curled up in her tent in the living room fast asleep. Calysta knelt by her daughter and in clipped the artificial arm from her shoulder and set it to the side so she could find it the morning. Leaving Rose with a kiss on her head, she went upstairs to find Illya already asleep, his brow furrowed and his bottom lip poked out just so. He got the look when he was truly tired, so she tip toed around the baby while taking off her tunic and pants, then and slipped into the other side of the bed with deliberate movements. When she finally got settled, the urge to snuggle closer to him struck, but he was sleeping so well she knew he wouldn’t want to be woken up. Instead, she curled up with her pillow and drifted off.


************
The next morning, she felt better with sleep though it had been riddled with dreams of being alone on a flyer, and in the middle of the Terran ocean. She never put much stock into dreams, but it hadn’t been an the most pleasant of nights either. When she woke, the first thing she did while Cypher was still asleep was go down stairs and get the abandoned bags from yesterday. She put the pastries on a plate in the kitchen and then left a pair of the new pajamas at the foot of the bed for Illya.

By about that time, Cypher was up and cooing from his crib. He didn’t seem to mind so much that it was mom who picked him up first this morning again, and took him down stairs to change his diaper along with his clothes. She brought his new little play mat into the kitchen along with the pillow to prop him upright while she made breakfast. The item had been too nice to resist picking up when she was in Kinte yesterday. The mat was nice and soft, while the pillow was meant to help keep him upright and help strengthen the muscles he needed to sit up. Her father had recommended something similar earlier to her, but she had been under the impression she could hold him up right until he could on his own, not realizing exactly how heavy he would be at this age. All the same, he seemed to like being able to look around wherever he wanted to, sitting wedged between to the two sides of the pillow with his belly out like a little buddha bulge.
She started on breakfast which was going to be heartier one of sausage and gravy with bread this morning. Illya would be hungry and so would Kirit given their limited portions the night before.

As she worked on heating up the pan for the sausage, a red casted arm slipped around her and pulled her close while a pair of lips nibbled at her neck, making her chuckle just a little. For a wonderful moment, it was just the two of them enjoying each other. “Hmm..I think that would be a good idea,” she replied, leaning back to kiss him. He grinned at her and pulled away to show off his new lounge wear with pride. “I’m glad you like them. They look good on you too.”

He beamed at her and she drew him in for another kiss, before inviting him to cook with her. They made sausage and Illya personally oversaw the creation of the gravy, all the while slipping her little kisses.

The mood felt much better, and stayed that way for most of the day. It was Rose’s last free day before school and they spent as much time as they could outside walking and enjoying what little sun there was to be had. When it came time for bed, Calysta stripped down to her undershirt and shorts and half expected Illya to do the same. Instead he came out of the bathroom in his new flannel house pants and shirt. He was going to wear those to bed? Wouldn't he boil alive under the covers? No, this was Illya. He would be content to sleep in a sauna. She looked on in a little dismay as he crawled into bed all bound in so much clothing and picked up his info pad. There was no reason for her to want him to wear less, other than for her own selfish preference, and he was obviously much happier all cozied up in his pajamas, so Calysta stayed quiet and curled up beside him. “Maybe read with me for a bit?” she asked. He seemed content to let her pick the story, so she flipped through his info pad and found one he might like. “Oh the Count of Monte Cristo. You’ll like this one I think. A Terran classic, about an innocent man wrongly, but deliberately imprisoned and his brilliant strategy for revenge against those who betrayed him.”

She flicked open the book, and even though it wasn’t translated to trader’s tongue, she read the Terran with him, and occasionally there as a small illustration to go along with the pages. While she started to read, he tucked his broken arm around her shoulders and she turned to lay contoured to him though it wasn’t quite the same with him in the nice flannel shirt. She liked the feel of his skin, as odd as it sounded, and this was different. Shaking the thoughts from her head, Calysta laid her head on his shoulder, careful not to bump his thumb, and kept reading until they were both too drowsy to continue.

************
The next morning after, Rose went off to her first day back at school. The girl was excited to be going, but for Calysta it was a bit hard to see her off for so long during the day. Going to school had always been something Calysta dreamed about when she was a kid, but hadn’t been able to attend, so Rose would be in good company too. Not only would all the Pyrtan children be there but some of the other Chippeqouti families had decided to send their children as well. Rose would be accompanied by Maks’ daughter and Ehvan’s son among others she knew. It would be a good chance for them all to learn about Kaereal and the Alliance. At least that’s what she had thought.

Calysta had sat down to a breakfast of oatmeal across from Illya and just picked up her spoon for a second bite when her info pad buzzed with a message. “I’ll get it in a minute,” she smiled. If it had been urgent they would have sent out a request for a hologram feed. No sooner had she put the third spoonful into her mouth, did the the info pad vibrate again...and again...shimmying the device towards the edge of the table. Frowning, Calysta picked it up this time to find at least half a dozen messages. Some were from Fayn, others were from angry Chippeqouti parents, and another came in the form of an S.O.S from the school teacher herself.
“I think something happened at the school,” Calysta said with wide eyes, as she read over the flood of messages. “We’d best go sort it out.”

*************
The week went by quickly after a rough start. After getting Rose off to school early in the morning, Calysta wandered back to bed and buried herself into the mattress beside Illya. It wasn’t long before her tired eyes began to close again, only to be forced open by a nudge to her back. She rolled over and cracked her eyes open to see Illya laying on his back with her baby boy. Nothing out of the ordinary. Closing her eyes again she rolled to her back again, and this time received a little jab to the ribs. The culprit was the dynamic duo of her husband and son, kicking her awake. Illya leaned over and whispered her name, while stealing kisses, much to Cypher’s displeasure. The sight spurred him into kicking her more in the side as a fussy warning not to kiss daddy. Smiling playfully as they continued their game, Calysta trapped up Illya on one of his rolls by slipping a cool hand to his neck, before giving a good and long kiss on the lips. “I love you too, don’t forget it. Even after this.” While he was distracted, she snuck her toes down to the bottom of his pants leg and right up the end, wrapping her cold foot around his calf with a giggle.

Kalizda's hands were amazingly cold in the morning and Illya stiffened slightly, but he didn't mind the kiss. Then she ended with a quizzical sort of statement. The Chip stared at her until he felt her frozen feet sneak up his pant leg. "Ooooh...." Pulling his leg away he felt her little feet attack the next leg. "Kalizda yah feet too cold. Dun do dat." Scooting to his side of the bed he looked at her half in shock and half in jest. "So rude.”

He was actually retreating from her icy toe attack with Cypher on his chest. Smiling, she chased him across the bed and wrapped her leg around his, only on the outside of his pants this time. "I know they're cold, and you're so warm," she laughed playfully, "Can't blame a me for trying to warm them up."

"Aaaagh." Giving a playful sound of distress Illya laid on the very edge of the bed and Cypher giggled when his mom moved in for the attack. "She's gonna get us." Illya rested one hand on the baby and shook slightly. The boy giggled even more. It was a great game and he was the center of attention. When Kalizda got closer Illya frowned. "My legs were warm till you put your feet on them." He wasn't really upset, but he didn't know why it seemed to be a girl thing. They loved to somehow make a man's legs cold as if that was supposed to be fun.

"I'm going to getcha!" she declared as she leaned over Illya and nibbled at her boys tummy. The explosion of giggled and squeals was worth all the effort, until she had the boy breathless and kicking at his father's chest. Retreating, she sat up to see Illya frowning at her as if he was a little miffed at her. " It wasn't all that bad. I was only playing," she replied, drawing away some, "You keep me warm alot."

Somehow Kalizda hadn't read him right and Illya sat up. "I know I keep yah warm. Jes surprised yah play footsie wit meh like dat." Scooting in a little closer Illya chased Kalizda to her side of the bed and lifted one leg far enough to wrap it around her waist. " And now yah can't get away." When she tried to sit up and move away he wrapped the other leg underneath and hooked his ankles behind her back. "Now what yah gonna do?"

Some how not only had he turned the tables, but he had trapped her up with his heavy Chip legs while keeping Cypher all snugged up to his chest. His long legs nearly engulfed her as they hooked around her back. Some people would have thought this position by a Chip would have been terrifying, but when Illya did it, he just came across as a cuddly bear of sorts. Laughing, glanced at either leg and shook her head. "That's an excellent question...you've caught me well...hmmm..." She couldn't wrestle him too much with Cypher in his hands but she could always trap him like he did her. With a devious smile she leaned into him wrapped her arms around his waist, the only part she could really reach, and wiggled her cool fingers over his back. "I'll just capture you back," she grinned.

"Uh huh." Illya watched her lean in close and he could feel her chin press into his stomach. The bed let out a horrible screech as he turned with Kalizda caught between his legs and then unhooked his ankles so he could straddle her. "I still got yah trapped." Leaning in closer he kissed her, but it seemed every move he made now had the bed squeaking. Probably one of the headboard bolts came loose again. Chuckling a little he pulled away and the headboard creaked rhythmically with his laughter. It was sounding worse all the time and he couldn't help laughing about it.

Calysta let out a squeak as he rolled on top of her. Part of the squeal was in response to how awful the bedframe sounded when the moved. Though he was keeping most of his weight off so he wouldn't crush her, she was still trapped enough to be immobile of the most part. "Aye, the wolf has his little bird trapped," she laughed as he leaned down to kiss her. She kissed him back, but every little move they made caused the head board to let out a telling creak. The sound was funny enough to make her start giggling mid way through the kiss, and bust out into full on laughter when Illya pulled away. It sounded awful and yet hilariously so at the same time. She imagined the old busy body neighbor was up and trying to get an earful of what salacious deeds were happening in the Monroe household. Not that Calysta cared. She was having more fun, just playing around with her Chip. She wiggled till she could sit up, though she was still trapped and kissed him before she couldn't take the sound of the bed anymore and collapsed into a fit of laughing. "You win by headboard default," she proclaimed breathlessly.

When Kalizda started to laugh too it was enough that Illya couldn't help himself. It was almost like having the giggles. There had been so much stress lately that something as silly as this was just tearing through him and he couldn't seem to stop. Even after Kalizda gave up he kept on laughing. Eventually Illya laid down on his side of the bed and let out a long sigh. "Oh that was good."

Flicking her eyes over to the slap-happy Chip, Calysta couldn't help but snort out a bit more of laughter. "Aye it was good for me too." They hadn't simply played around in a long time, at least not sober, and it was good to know he still liked to do that. "I'll get you on the rematch," she added, kissing him on the cheek.
"Only if I let yah." Illya chuckled a little and leaned back into into the bed again. By now Cypher was starting to think it was time to eat and the boy whimpered a little and pulled at his dad's shirt. "I be back in a few and yah feed him eh?"

Calysta grinned at his cheekiness and laid back, just content to be with him until the hungry whimpers from Cypher met her ears. "Aye," she whispered. While Illya was getting up, Calysta took the moment to check her info pad, and her eye caught the date as she scrolled it open with her thumb print. It was exactly one year to the day since his injury. Realizing that made her pause for a moment and she couldn't help but stare at him in admiration when when he walked back into the room with the bottle in one hand and Cypher in the other. He'd worked so hard to overcome what had been done to him and she knew sometimes it was still hard, but it did brighten her day a bit to know how far they had come since that moment. He sat beside her and passed her Cypher before handing her the bottle, with each movement drawing a squeak from the headboard. Chuckling, she leaned her head against the Chip’s shoulder and tilted to bottle to her boys waiting mouth. “I love you,” she whispered to them them both as they sat together enjoying the morning.

***************

For Kirit the week passed by slow and yet fast at the same time. He had been trying to think of somewhere Tabit would like to go, based on what he knew about her. She liked the outdoors which was helpful, but probably couldn’t swim which probably made Ori’l waterfalls a bad idea. All he could see was Illya sinking like a stone in the lake water on Reylia and the idea of that happening to Tabit by accident was not appealing. The morning of their date, he finally made up his mind on what he needed to do, more out of sheer panic than anything else as he dressed in his usual uniform. When it came to his foot, he did have a debate however.
Technically, we wasn’t supposed to be on his foot just yet, but the swelling had gone down quite a bit, and it was only 3 days from being considered for activity anyways. A couple of days early probably wouldn’t hurt much. He unwrapped the annoying bandages and pulled on his boot, lacing it tight around his ankle for extra support, then stood up to test how well it felt. There was a little pain, but not enough to deter him from grabbing his pack and setting out to where Tabit was staying.

It only took a knock and a few minutes of standing at the door for her to greet him. “Ye ready t’ go?” he asked, with a smile. She nodded and they were off to the airfield. The early morning sun was bright over the continent, though it would be only a matter of time before the rains set in. When they made it to the airfield, Kirit made arrangements for a small two seater craft and filed a quick flight plan. He had been smart enough to ask for Calysta to plot out the coordinated to their location ahead of time, though he hadn’t been sure that was where he wanted to go until the morning of. As he handed Tabit a helmet, he gave her a little grin. “Sometimes th’ others think us Reylian’s don’t fly like th’ rest, but we fly just as well.”

It was a fact that they didn’t rely as heavily on flight, but it was still very much a part of of Reylian’s life. He had been trained as a pilot too, though he would never, admittedly, be as adept as others and certainly not as good at it as Kalizda was. Once she was all strapped in, he took the pilot’s chair and taxied them out onto the runway. It had been awhile since he was at the controls, but it was all fairly basic and it didn’t take him but a few minutes to get them into the air, albeit a wobbly ascent.

“Th’ world looks s’ different from here, yeah?” he chuckled into their comms, “Should be there in an hour.”

Sure enough, as Kalizda had charted, the tiny spit of floating land appeared on the horizon. It wasn’t but a mile long, perhaps a bit less and was partially taken over by thick trees. Also, as Kalizda had predicted there were some debris still floating nearby. Chunks of loose ore, trapped by overgrown vines, littered the air. The rocks had been shaken loose by the cataclysmic attack that had felled the entire continent hundreds of years ago. “What ye see is the last of Rey, m’ people’s home continent,” he said as he flew them over the site. “ We land an’ explore, huh?”

Taking them down, he landed them in a rocky bare spot close to the edge and cut off the main engines before climbing out to help Tabit down. Not that she really needed it, considering she was as tall as he was, but it was still courtesy and he wanted her to know she had his full attention. Once they were on the ground, the creaking of the old vines and the ore was evident. It gave a somewhat eerie feel to the place at first. Pink streaks of the leftover magnetic ore could still be see embedded in the rock below their feet. “No one has come t’ this place in a very long time,” he said, as his eyes roamed over the trees. He glanced at Tabit and motioned for to follow, hoping she was at least interested as he was.

They trekked into the trees, not finding much of anything. There was a few pieces of rusted scrap metal, a few holes in the ground left over from plumbing and some wire cable. Otherwise nature had completely reclaimed the area. A few chunks of the ore floated around, corralled from floating away by the thick trees and Kirit lifted his finger on a whim and poked one toward Tabit. It wobbled and spun over to her, grazing her shoulder, and when she turned look at him he laughed and sent another one her direction. She caught on to the game and sent one back a little harder and he ran and caught it with his uncasted hand. Another came at him and he tried for that one too, but as he ran, the toe of his injured foot caught on something hidden in the overgrowth and he smacked into the ground. The fall sent a twinge of pain up his leg and he grit his teeth before hobbling up to his good leg. Whatever he had tripped over was hard and rang like metal. He could even see where there was a glint of something shrouded in the leaves. “Ye see it there?” he nodded, still holding up his bad foot. The pain had definitely come back full force, but he wasn't about to let her know that.

Tabit bent down and brush away more of the leaves, revealing a long pole and a curved, serrated blade at the end. The more she uncovered the more excited Kirit became. “Ye find a scythe,” he grinned, “An old one. They make no more like that.” He had no idea if the was having fun but who wouldn’t love a discovery such as that?

*****************

Near the end of the week, the Ehaui determined that it was time to try implanting the bone marrow into Henaiah. The surgery itself wouldn’t take as long as Calysta’s had because it was less marrow going in, but the results would take longer to see, depending on how hard the hybrid had to work to repair the damage. There was still a great chance that the woman would not survive the surgery though, given how much weaker she had become, so Calysta sat with her father all through the surgery, listening to him whisper his prayers with Illya by her side in the other chair. She wanted to be there for her father in case something did go wrong. It seemed like ages until the doctor came out of the room with a blank look on his face. Thomas froze in his prayers and looked up to the tall man with wide, blood shot eyes.

“The councilwoman has made it through the surgery and her chances of survival will gradually increase of the next 48 hours The extent of the damage that can be repaired to her nervous system is unknown. If she lives past the 48 hour mark, there is a 30% chance she will regain consciousness in the next week as the bone marrow begins to work,” the doctor said in a matter of fact tone, “She still has recovery and if she wakes, will likely have difficulty remembering facts, particularly ones right before the poisoning occurred. For now, she will stay on life support systems until her body is showing signs of taking on these functions itself.”

Thomas visibly melted in relief and Calysta slipped a hand over his shoulders. “See, she just needs some time now,” she said, giving him a squeeze. The old professor nodded. It had been a long few months and he felt stretched thin, though this was not the first time he had thought himself to be on a loved one’s death bed. “Thank you...thank you both.”
 
The rest of the day seemed to go well. Illya didn't even want to think about the war and the trip he would soon have to make. Today was just a day of rest and that was it. Rose would be getting read to go to school the next day. Even if it wasn't the way Chippequoti did things it was necessary the girl needed to learn the ways of the people here. Kalizda's argument on that made sense. If they were on Nuen it wouldn't have been likely that the children would be needing any other influence and they could have grown up just fine in the Chippequoti tradtion. As it was they would need to know a little more diplomacy. On one end Illya didn't mind the idea of the children learning books and math at a younger age, but he still felt badly for them. Going to learn books when they should be outside was a miserable thing. He hated learning books when he was a boy and he remembered the two grueling years in which he sat for nearly 12 hours a day learning the math, language, and reading necessary for his position. Those were in many ways the worst days of his childhood. Then he spent the next 2 years training for about 15-18 hours a day to advance in rank to impress Isla. If he wasn't busy training he was building the house for himself and Isla.

Why these Pytran's thought they needed to force their children into labor at such a young age was completely backwards to Illya. Children should have fun when they were younger and enjoy being children before they had to grow up. However, when Kalizda got these sort of ideas in her head there was no stopping her so he agreed to have Rose start school. Breakfast went by fast and then they went outside for a walk. Illya caught Rose in a game of chase and while he had her he decided to give her a quick word of advice. "Yah remember what I teach yah and I want yah to be dah smartest kid in dat class."

If she was going to be in school it was best that she performed to the best of her ability. Getting to one knee he looked deep into her little eyes. "Do yah best and remember dat all dah oter kids want ta do better. So yah always work hard. We build yah fort when I get first report on yah grades. Make sure dey good eh?"

Rose hadn't thought that Wolf would be so serious about school and she only nodded after several moments. Tilting her head to the side she ran a tiny finger over the button on his shirt. "You were supposed to help me build the fort before you hurt your thumb." Giving him big sad eyes she hoped that Wolf would help her before her first report card. It felt like forever away and it wasn't fair.

After a moment of thought Illya realized he had told the girl they would build it another day, but he hadn't ever gotten around to it. "Hmmm...Yah right. We build fort after school tomorrow. Den I tink of way ta pay yah for good work." It was only fair that the girl would get some kind of pay for her work in school. It was labor after all even if it was labor of the mind. She would need something of value and he figured that he could sit down with Kalizda and determine what it was that she wanted or maybe get her some new clothes again. Rose did seem to love her dresses and it was an appropriate pay for the work. They could give her a few choices when the time came and Rose would learn to pick her wages carefully.

When it was time for bed Illya helped clean up the dishes from dinner and he helped get the kids ready for bed too. Cypher seemed to like bath time with Kalizda. His bright eyes followed her movements and her face when she poured the warm water over his body. Kicking his little feet he splashed some of the water and got himself in the face, but he didn't cry about it.

Rose on the other hand got to spend time with Illya. She sat in the living room with Wolf and they started to draw plans for her fort. The girl had some elaborate ideas and Illya frowned as he erased the bench he drew and started again. By the time he finished it seemed that the fort was practically a little house. "Maybe we put fort in yah backyard so yah can put yah extra tea set in it and make onleh yah friends get in eh?" He knew some children would be likely to go in and ruin some of her ornate decorations that she wanted or they would steal her precious rocks and that would be nigh the end of the world.

Eagerly the girl nodded when he suggested making the fort in the back yard. That meant she could sleep in her own house too. With that settled and the time finally came for bed she skipped over to her little den that had become her temporary home. She could always count on her Wolf to help her make things.

*************************

The next morning Illya stepped outside with Cypher in his arms and nodded to Rose. "Yah remember ta do well eh?" A little grin and wave was all he needed from her to know that she would do what she said. Rose was going to perform to the best of her ability. It was entirely possible she wouldn't be the best in the class, but as long as she kept striving for it she would get better with time and learn to make the most of herself.

Just down the street Ehvan knelt in front of his youngest son. "Amil, yah be dah best in dah class. Remember yah obey dah teacher and make sure yah prove yahself. I want ta be proud of meh son accomplishment. Learn from dah teacher well. Yah start behind some of dah oter kids, but dat's ok. Yah come home and study hard. I help teach yah so dat soon yah better dan deh oters." With that he placed a hand on the boy's shoulder and turned him around. "Hurreh up and get ta class." Already a group of the kids were forming to get there. Ehvan watched with pride as his son soon took the lead running all the way to the school. He was an eager lad and he would prove to be the best student n the first day if he wanted to be. Maybe he couldn't write yet, but if the boy set his mind to it he would accomplish it.

Ehvan's boy and Mak's daughter flanked Rose on the way to class. They were all going to school for the first time. It was different than having their parents teach them at home after they turned 13. Amil glanced to Rose. "What yah spose dey teach us?" He couldn't see any immediate use for the school since he already knew about living outside and some survival. His father, Ehvan had taken outside earlier in the year and taught him how to live if he ever got lost. Why his father wanted him to come to this school he didn't know, but it was going to be interesting anyway. He fully intended on having the best grades too. His father would be especially proud if he could come home the top of his class. It was going to be tough because he had been told the other kids had already been in school for a couple of years. Nonetheless Amil was determined to be the best student. Looking to the girls and some of the others he suddenly darted off and it started a frenzy of Chip children on their way to school. Burning past the first teacher at the door Amil wildly looked around the room till he spotted another teacher standing outside a classroom. Already the Chip kids had begun to push and shove to get into the classroom as fast as possible.

Mrs. Tywl stood in the entrance of the school house. Most of the children were divided by relative age from 4-6 and 7-10, then upwards into the teens. She was usually in charge of the 7 to 10 year olds and this rainy season was no different. As her assigned children came bustling in, she saw many familiar faces, some of which had just entered the level and others who would be sharing their last year with her. She spied Petyr pulling on Theya's pigtails already, making the girl cry out and all the rest of the boys laugh. "Petyr put down-" An explosion of activity came from the door way as a troupe of tan children and one pale, freckly one burst into room. Scrambling over one other, shoving and shouting until they collided into the group of other children already milling about the room. They were here. She had been nervous when hearing that some of the Chip children were attending, but had been assured they would be on their best behavior. "Slow down. Don't run!" She called in traders tongue over the din of children. As soon as they came into view Peytr let go of Theya's hair and grinned setting his sights on a new challenge. That freckly girl Rose had pretty curls and he was certain she'd cry when they were pulled. With a devious little grin he bounded fearlessly up to the foreign invaders and gave Roses pony tail and firm tug.

Hearing the woman call for no running the Chip children stopped running and instead set for themselves a brisk pace. Amil already saw the seat he wanted. If he was going to the best student he needed to sit in the front, directly in front of the teacher. There was some other boy sitting there and he figured the best way to get the seat was to shove the other boy out of the way. Amil was slightly shorter than the other boy, but it didn't bother him, he was here to learn and he intended to make his father proud. Eyeing the boy he waited for him to move and when he didn't the Chip boy shoved the other out of the seat and then threw himself on top of the other boy in a flurry of fists. There was only one way to win the seat and that was if he beat the other boy up. Rose was close behind Mak's daughter and then she felt the tug on her hair. Whipping around she slammed the stupid boy with her prosthetic arm. Wolf always told her to use every advantage when you were in a fight and this boy started it. She was going to use her arm cause it was a clear advantage.

Mrs. Tywl was relieved to see the children slow their pace to a minor scurry. There was nothing wrong with being eager to learn and find your place in the class. "Thank you," she said, careful to use traders tongue, "Now find a seat and- what in the Wilds?!" One of the tan boys came to a stop outside a seat. One already occupied by Gyltram a tall and skinny boy who had just turned 10. The Chip boy tackled Gyltram to the ground out of his chair with a war cry and started wailing on him. The unsuspecting Pyrtan boy screamed and began trying fight back, kicking and flailing wildly at the boy. His glasses went flying to the floor and slid under the foot of Peytr who was...being attacked by the diplomats daughter! The girl had already started backing Peytr into the corner as he grabbed at her hair and blood poured from his nose. Dek'l growled at seeing his friend suddenly attacked and lept to Amil's back. He would teach the weird foreign kid a lesson. Dek'l was bigger than all the other kids and he knew it. His arm locked around Amil's neck and he punched the boy with his hefty fist over and over in the ear. "Leave 'm friend alone!!!" Theya sat in the corner and continued to wail while the teacher bellowed over everything.

Amil took a few hits, but the boy didn't hit nearly as hard as other Chips. These kids were weak and he was going to prove to them who had the right to the front seat. Suddenly a weight fell on his back and he tucked his chin in time to be grabbed around the neck. Forcing his mouth open Amil bit the other boy in the arm and ducked out of his grasp as soon as he had enough space to do so. Once he was free he faced the other boy and charged right into him. Both of them hit the desk and toppled over it. A dull thud sounded as Amil's head made contact with the floor, but it didn't stop his flurry of fists. "I take dah seat!" Yelling loudly in Trader's Tongue he made his objective clear. In the mean time it mattered little to Rose that the stupid boy was still trying to grab her hair. She knew a few things from Wolf and one of them was that if the other was stronger you could use their force against them. Instead of pulling away she lowered her head and slammed the crown of it into the boy's face. More fights erupted as a few other Chip children had set their sights on particular seats. A few of the others found spots they liked and slipped in quietly. They were just waiting for the fight to be over so that all the seating would be determined and then they could start class. Oddly enough the teacher was bellowing like it was a travesty of sorts and none of them understood why.

While the Pyrtan children weren't as strong as the Chip children, those who were not crying from the scene lept to the aid of their friends. Dek'l was flanked by two other boys who chased down Amil. One tackled him by the ankles, shoving them both into a row of desks and causing everyone to scatter. Dek'l rounded on Amil and proceeded to sit on top of him, wailing on him again with his calloused knuckles. The boy had a hard head, but the Pyrtan kid was used to heavy farm work and the vicious bite mark on his arm was little deterrence. Gyltram stayed curled up on the floor wailing while Theya was in outright hysterics. Peytr was backed all the way into the corner, the blow to his mouth from Rose's head sent his two loose teeth flying and lost to the white tile floor. "Ye crafeh! Freakeh! Ye a freaaak!" He wailed at Rose. The teacher watched as the Pyrtan children and Chip children clashed in an all out war, her class room destroyed...a boy was missing teeth! She screamed and yelled until finally, she pulled a thin cane rod that she hadn't used in years from under the desk and wrapped it loudly across the table too. "THAT'S ENOUGH!"

Amil found himself surrounded by other boys and he was determined to win this straight. Calling on his friends would be pointless and he wasn't about to give in. Even when he got straddled he wiggled underneath the other boy to try and get out of the lock. He took several blows in the face and his nose started to bleed. Hauling one arm back he slammed his dark little fist into the other boy's stomach and prepared to hit him again when other kid came up and curb stomped his face. Amil turned his face and the other boy's shoe caught his ear and tore some of the cartilage loose. Even if it hurt and his eyes watered he was determined not to cry. Rose kept on throwing hit after hit on the trouble maker that grabbed her hair. "I'm not a freak!" Screeching back at the boy she threw another punch. Suddenly the loud snap sounded from the rod on desk and Amil stopped struggling. Rose turned toward the teacher and the other Chip children made a mad scramble for their desks. A few of them had to right the desk before they took a seat. It seemed this was the last call to take a seat and you got what you got. Amil darted for his chosen desk wiping at his bloodied nose and smearing the blood from his cheekbone to his ear that dripped blood as well. With his other hand he put the desk upright and started to wipe at his eyes all the while throwing angry glares at the other boys. He get them all one by one after school.

Mrs. Tywl watched the scramble of children return to their seats as if nothing had happened. Her usual students were still scattered in various states of pain and terror around the class room. Peytr was holding his mouth and bawling as blood oozed from between his fingers. Theya, Gyltram were in fits of tears while Dek'l was still puking up his breakfast over the floor and two other boys from the hit to his stomach. Blood, vomit, and tears filled the class room in a display of barbarism such as Mrs. Tywl had ever seen. Her hands trembled the rod clutched firmly in her hand. These little foreign children were worse than tyrei cubs! She couldnt conduct a class with half the students dripping blood and the others snot and tears, but she couldn't very well leave them unattended to go get assistance either. She wrenched open her desk drawer and fumbled with her info pad, sending a quick message to the school master, as well as the list of the childrens parents, including Fayn would have to know as well. In the mean time, she picked up Gyltram off the floor. The poor boy was blind and had a black eye, then she went in search of tissues and cleaning materials. There was vomit all over the floor with several kids covered in it. She handed a tissue to the vicious little chip child, Amil with hard look. "Put that on your ear. You're dripping everywhere." It wasn't long before the school master arrived flanked by several of the parents dripping wet. The school masters boot nudged something small on the floor and sent it spinning across the room. Peytr jumped up and wailed, before diving for the pearly object. "M'toof!!" The arriving Pyrtan parents were horror struck as they collected up their children, demanding angrily to know what had happened.

Amil took the tissue from the teacher and dabbed his ear before he stuffed it up his nose to stop the bleeding. "Tank yah." He figured he'd done well since he got his seat and the teacher still didn't look happy. Maybe they took to long? It didn't matter. From here on out Amil was going to take his seat and he would prove that he was the best student. Rose sneered at the boy that had grabbed her by the hair. He deserved every bit that he got and he should have known better. She had a job to do because Wolf told her to do well and he would pay her for her work. This was serious business and she didn't have time for this boy to play with her hair and taunt her. Instead of starting lessons the Chip children watched as the teacher began to type away on her pad. Amil still wiped a few stray tears and held a hand over his ear while he fumbled about trying to find his pencil. He needed to be able to draw what the teacher talked about. The boy couldn't read or write anything, but he did like to draw. Amil watched the teacher attentively waiting for the lesson and instead a bunch of loud angry parents came in. He didn't know the language, but he could tell by the way they stared at him that they were upset.

The school master was half over run with parents barging part him to get to their children. Gyltram's parents made it first, gathering up their boy in absolute shock. "Where are your glasses?! What happened?" Peytr's mother shrieked when she finally got her son to move his hands away from his mouth long enough to see the two gaping holes where his teeth should have been. "Oh my moons! Who did this?!" The nasty little boy pointed at the freckle faced Terran girl. Everyone knew who she belonged to and how she was under the impression she was one of the Chippeqouti. Theya's father shoved past the teacher and scooped up his mortified little girl. Dek'l's father huffed in and found his son teary eyed and covered in vomit with a distinct bite mark on his arm. "What happened?! Who bit you?" Dek'l wheezed and pointed at Amil. "That one! He started hurting Gyllie!" The parents rounded on Chip kids and the teacher with angry demands. Mrs. Tywl was on the verge of tears herself while trying to deal with the parents. "Don't yell at the children it wasn't all of them. Just a few came in and started a fight. They wouldn't stop until I brought out the rod!" The scene only became worse when a few of the Chippeqouti parents began to arrive. Gyltram's mother glared at Ehvan as soon as he walked in and pointed her little finger at the wild child. "Your...Your...son..just attacked mine. For no reason! I want him out!"

Breakfast was going on quite nicely except for the constant buzz on the pad. Illya was about to tell Kalizda to just check it, but she beat him to it. Instantly a surge of panic went through his entire body. Without waiting to hear the details Illya pushed away from the table and ran out the front door. It was a good thing he had his boots on from when he'd walked Rose outside earlier. People were already gathering at the school and it made him half worried something had happened to one of the kids. By the time Illya arrived Ehvan grabbed the woman's hand and pushed it down. "I make et right, but meh son here ta learn. Maybe yah boy..." The general could hear it coming and he was sure that a fight was about to start over whatever was going on. Ehvan had that tone of voice. Many of them were protective of their children and Illya barged into the room and stepped right in front of Ehvan. The two of them argued in Quoti for a moment and then Illya ordered the man out of the room. He was in charge at this point and he ordered the other Chip parents out before he faced the angry parents. "Tell meh what happen and den I make sure et made right."

Calysta barely had time to get a word out before Illya was pushing back from the table and gone out the door without her. Of course, she was going to follow him even though he was running top speed toward the school house. She was used to keeping up with him by now. Grabbing her coat, she dashed out the door behind him, hoping the children were alright. There had been a slight worry that the Chippeqouti children would be too rough with the Pyrtan kids, as several small scuffles had broken out during the harvest but she had assured the school master that when it came to study, Chip children were excellent and would be a good addition to the school as a cultural exchange. Judging by the messages, it seemed that things had gotten off to a less than pleasant start, she only hoped none of the children were hurt, least of all her Rose. Running out behind Illya, she dashed through the streets until she came to the suddenly very crowded school house. Parents were yelling and she could hear crying, as she shuffled her way through to the front where she found Illya arguing with Ehvan, and an angry woman glowering at them both. The woman and wrenched her hand away from Ehvan in absolute shock that he would even think to touch her until the arrival of the foriegn General. "That boy," she hissed, pointing to Amil, " Came in and started attacking my son! For no reason! He's half blind...his glasses are missing!" Peytr's parents stood up from their soon with their arms crossed. "Your wild child daughter knocked our sons teeth out!" "We were promised that the Chippeqouti children would be no trouble," the school master glared at Illya, "Now they've destroyed a class room and disrupted the entire session."

The list of accusations grew and it was all said in Trader's Tongue. Illya glanced at the parents and then to Amil, Rose and the two others that seemed to have caused the most trouble. It probably wasn't the best idea to bet on a nice 'civil' little classroom. There were differences in what the Pytran's and Chippequoti considered civil and Illya was going to have to spend a little time with Rose and probably the other kids to determine what happened. Since it seemed that Amil and the other children were causing a bit of a problem for the time he sighed. "Alright den." Speaking in Quoti he dismissed them from the classroom. Amil's eyes widened and more tears started to run down his little face, streaking the blood smears and showing some of the grime from the fight. Disappointment, fear, and confusion all very clear on his face. Since it wasn't safe to tell the boy it would be ok in Trader's Tongue he stopped him with one hand and spoke gently in Quoti. "I work et out and yah come back ta school again eh?" When Rose came up Illya had to contain himself. He really wanted to ask her why she hit the boy, but he had half a feeling he would be proud of her. Now that the children were out of the room Illya looked at the parents again and then Kalizda. "Dah children will repair dah classroom and volunteer 2 hours every day for week to help teacher. Dey will come back ta school tomorrow and I will be wit dem." Illya wasn't fond of the idea of sitting in a classroom with them, but he could see how things happened and make sure the kids followed the expected rules. "Give meh hand book and I learn what dey dress and how dey act. Den Amil will help yah son. Chippequoti learn gentleness for oters dis way and his grade will be part of caring for oters in class eh?" Since it seemed they were all fired up at Amil that sounded like a reasonable solution. Still when the parents seemed to protest Illya stopped them again. "Dey were very excited ta come. Let dem come back after I meet wit dem today and Kalizda will help meh teach dem how ta go ta school. Forgive dem, dey dun learn dis before. Et es different when we teach dem, but Kalizda es right. Dey need understanding of yah ways."

Her eyes settled on Rose first, checking over her daughter carefully to make sure she wasnt hurt. The girl was pink cheeked, but looked otherwise unharmed, though several parents were pointing to her as an instigator. When the Pyrtan parents gave their complaints, Calysta started to step forward to start trying ti sort out the mess, since it was her idea, but suddenly Illya began to speak. She listened to Illya, her eyes filled, with of all things, pride. He was offering to help repair the damage, learn, and teach the Chippeqouti children the ways of Kaerelean life. The reparations were more than generous, and it would help everyone start to build an understanding with one another. The Pyrtan parents didn't seem convinced yet, however and some shot her accusatory looks. " You set this up and after seeing this, you really think its a good idea?" Calysta took a deep breath and looked over the scene. She could feel judgemental eyes boring into her from all angles. "They're children and this is a good chance for them. No child starts out knowing what to do in a new place. Adults can't even do that. The Chippeqouti children should be given the chance to learn, the same as Kaerelean. We are allies and friends here, and this just a misunderstanding." The parents still looked affronted but began backing down till Fayn came bustling through. "Ye caused trouble in th' school, eh?" His beady eyes settled on Rose, knowing for sure the half breeds daughter had to be involved. "I told ye from th' start this was a bad idea."

At first it seemed that things were beginning to get settled and Illya let Kalizda have her say. It was only fair since it had been her idea. As her agreed it was his honor and position to stand with her on this in public and at home as long as others could see it. However, he agreed with her in private on this as well. Fayn immediately started to pick at Rose and Illya stepped over to stand next to the man. "She onleh act as she tought expected. I give order dat Chippequoti children come to dah school and dey still need ta learn yah ways. I take dem today and dey learn, and repair dis room. Et es last time any of dem act dis way in class witout more severe punishment." Gazing into Fayn's eyes he offered a cloaked challenge. "Yah want yah ally ta know yah customs so we dun disrupt yah ways dun yah?"

Fayn's jaw worked while he stared into the big man's eyes. He'd already been on the receiving end of the man's ire but he didnt like the idea of the Chippeqouti children teaching the Pyrtan children to run around like little wildlings. He'd already seen the general's daughter cause issue herself out in public, but the Pyrtan parents had agreed at the word of the half breed. "Ye learn th' customs an' ye don't have ye kids creating chaos," he grumbled, "Th' parents can decide." Calysta looked to the parents who were all casting glances at each other, what the Chip General said was agreeable in theory. They didn't like it, but the Chips were there to stay for awhile and...they were only children. Gyltram's mother picked up her son and looked to Illya. "Ye teach'm proper, yeah?"

The general knew there was hardly a way for Fayn to disagree and that was why he had stated things as he did. It was far more difficult for Fayn to disagree with a calm and logical argument that seemed more to side with him. When the man turned toward the parents it seemed that they were far more agreeable to the idea than Fayn and Illya only cast his glance toward the man and then back to Gyltram's mother. "I teach dem by yah book and I come wit dem tomorrow and make sure dey behave. Today dey clean up room." Walking over to the woman he knelt in front of the boy. "One day yah come learn how ta fight witout needing how ta see. I teach yah good way ta defend yahself." Taking hold of the one boy's hand he lifted it and had the boy hold it up. "Yah learn ta feel wit yah hands and body and den yah never get knocked ta floor again witout knowing how ta listen to da fight and feel et. Dun need ta see et eh?"

Gyltram had seen the large Chippeqouti from a distance in the fields and up close, as his family had taken in a childless Chip couple in their home some months ago, but this was the first time he had been this close to the one they all called the General. He was an enormously tan blur in his glasses-less vision, which wa intimidating at first until he knelt to his level, then took his hand, not in anger but in a firm gentle sort of way. Gyltram's mother stiffened, but let the General come close and raised a brow when he said he'd teach her boy to fight. Gyltram's lip was still trembling but he held up his hand like the General showed him and nodded, his pale eyes wavering over the man's face. "Ye show m'. I wont fall n'more." Calysta smiled as she looked over the scene. He was so good with children it amazed her really. She had been lucky Cypher was still asleep when this all happened, but he wouldn't be for long.

It was impossible not to chuckle a little. "Ets nut worry dat yah fall. More yah worry dat yah dun know what ta do or dun get up. Yah fall, but I teach yah ta get back up. Dis es more important. Many tings in life make et difficult, but yah dun need ta be afraid." Holding his own hand up he gave the kid a high five. "Now yah go home and be ready for school tomorrow. Amil will come to yah house and he will bring yah to school and yah will pick any desk yah like. Et's his duty ta make sure yah have everyting yah need at school until yah glasses fexed."

Gyltram's mother looked uneasy about the idea of the little attacker coming to walk with Gyllie on his way to school. She shot Calysta a look who have an encouraging smile in return. The woman relented and gave the Chip general a nod before hitching Gyltram a little higher on her hip. The boy glanced over his mothers shoulder as she left the room and gave the blobby general a tentative wave good bye. Peytr's parents pulled their boy past the General and out of the door, the entire impure family a wide berth. Dek'l's father helped his son up and gave him a rag to wipe his face before walking out past the other parents, giving a respectful nod to Illya on his way. The Pyrtan parents collected their children in peace more less, until Calysta motioned Rose over to her. The girl would have to be talked to later on but they needed to get the class room cleaned up first. "Help us and Amil get the classroom cleaned up, yeah?"

The two other kids that had caused problems were called back in and Amil with them. Illya hadn't taken too much note of those that obviously had tried not make contact. They would get used to it or just learn to ignore him, which so far they did quite well. If they had that strong of a disliking for Illya he rather preferred that they didn't spend time near him. It was his only hope that they would treat the children with some kind of care and that their children wouldn't taunt the Chippequoti children in this school. If it was not right he was going to have a school for them separate for the sake of their standing in the community.

The crowd began to disperse finally, giving them room to actually survey the damage. It wasn't all that bad really, over turned desks, papers, and books were the most of it. The puddle of vomit and the blood spots were the worst of it. Amil and the others appeared, and she could see the blood drying up on his ear with his eyes rimmed red. He'd probably given as good as he'd gotten, knowing he was Ehvan's boy. Calysta nodded to Rose and they began righting desks and chairs until Mrs. Tywil returned with powder to turn the throw up into a solid pile to sweep away. Calysta sprinkled the dusty stuff over the splatter and it took no time at all to soak up the ick so she could start sweeping. Once that was up, she looked to Illya who was with Amil and Rose picking up papers. "I should go check on Cypher. Kirit is there but can't change a diaper." Before she left, Calysta gave Rose a kiss on the head and Illya a gentle squeeze of her fingers over his hand. "I'll be back in a bit."

Illya nodded and watched Kalizda leave the room. He was in part angry about how the people and especially Fayn treated her. Still there would come a time when they would respect her for what she did. They would have to outgrow their petty belief in bloodlines. They were what they were and the Chippequoti considered her as one of their own. It was not often, but it was a great honor to give to one that had been considered an outsider by birth. Kalizda was a very impressive woman. Illya had been trying to read the files. The more he got to know about her work the more admired the woman that he had. It was easier to trust her and know that she had good ideas. Having the children attend the school was a fine thought and he would defend it as if it were his own idea no matter what the people here said.

One of Kalizda's reports that he had gained access to after his father's death was one that would have certainly ruffled the old general's feathers, but Illya could see the reason for it. She had suggested that the Chippequoti learning of their allies would help with future diplomacy rather than relying on one person for all diplomatic relations especially since they were recently in a position that required more involvement with their neighbors.

Most of the cleaning went by fairly fast and then Illya had each of the children introduce themselves and give an apology for their behavior. One by one he dismissed them and then nodded to the woman. "I will be back wit dem tomorrow. Dey will learn." Taking a booklet from her the Chip General nodded and stared at the odd letters. He would have to have Kalizda read it and he could help her tell the children attending school how they should act. "Dey will be some of yah top students soon and dey will obey yah rules when dey know dem." Heading back out the door he stood outside the house and waited for the kids to gather. The ones that hadn't known the rules. Along with them were their parents that were still fuming over the situation. Illya cleared his throat and explained the agreement made. Considering the school was only for 5 days and it was only 10 hours of labor for the children due to their misdeeds it was fair and an easy price. Ehvan and some of the others nodded in agreement, but there was still an overall dislike for the fact that they were not informed of these rules in advance.

*******************************************************************

Tabit could hardly wait for the time to arrive to go out on the surprise date with Kirit. In many ways the man was different than most and in some ways he was the same. He was the same with his awkward smiles and limited words when he got nervous. What was different was the way he talked to her and treated her. This was something that she liked. The man hadn't been concerned about her being Chippequoti. So many of the people here and elsewhere in the alliance seemed to dislike anyone they thought was Chip. Looking at the clock she realized he would be arriving any time.

Rushing back to the bathroom Tabit made a last little primping of her hair and touched up the color on her lips. A knock at the door sounded, but she hadn't quite checked to be sure her blouse was just right. Even if it was for exploring, she liked to have it tucked in because it would at least make her look better instead of sloppy. When she opened the door she couldn't help the grin that came over her face. Kirit was ready to go and she followed him out to a little flyer. It seemed that they were going on one of the trips that he had mentioned before and she almost wondered if it was going to be the abandon parts of Reylia. The haze began to clear as they got closer to the ground and based on the overgrown ruins she could guess that was where they were at.

Almost immediately into the incline portion of the trek Kirit tripped on something. Tabit noticed a little glint and she moved over to where it was at to start brushing it away. "Why don't they make blades like this anymore?" The woman was curious about it. If this was an ancient relic and it had a rare metal that Kirit described then she wanted to take it back to the Ehaui. They could test it and maybe it would be worth exploring this area more. If this was the ancient home then it would make sense that this metal was found here. "Are there any old mines here?"

************************************************************************************************

By the end of the day Illya was worn out, but he figured that he'd made some good progress. Even managed to make to make a mild advancement in his relations with the Pytrans. Maybe it wasn't an advancement, but they at least trusted him to keep his own people under control rather than immediately making the children suffer for what they didn't know. Then came the part where he had to ask Rose why she knocked that boy's teeth out. "So, why yah hit dat boy today?"

Rose knew that there wouldn't be any consequence from Wolf besides having to work for the teacher to pay for her misbehavior in school. "He pulled my hair." Putting on a little pout face she looked at him. "Its not fair I have to work when they didn't tell me the rules. He was mean and he deserved to get hit."

The Chip smiled slightly when the girl gave her reason. "Good. Yah should hit a boy dat does dat to yah, but nut in school house." As for the last half he sighed and glanced at Kalizda and then back to Rose. "Well, ets nut fair. Here what happens. Dey tink we know dere rules and we tink dey know our rules. So dey dun like et when we break stuff and mess up ttthere school. So yah work to show yah sorry and no more fights inside. When he pull yah hair slap his hand and tell teacher. Ef yah outside and he does dat, go ahead and hit him." A mischievous grin came to Illya's face. "Make sure teacher doesn't see et and be sure onleh friends see what yah do so when teacher asks what happen yah friends agree wit yah."

A broad grin came to Rose's face. She knew that he would have some kind of answer for her. "Wolf?"

"Yeah?" Illya glanced at her again.

"Will you sit with me at my desk tomorrow?" Rose gave him a bat of her eyelashes and she grinned broadly at her Wolf. Usually that look would get her anything.

Illya chuckled, "I sit on floor. Meh legs too long and I far too wide ta fit on desk. Maybe I jes sit in back." If he was in the far back he could always lay down if the sitting got to be too tiresome. However, that was something he knew he would have to keep hidden from the kids. The dark Chippequoti children would never know. They would study hard, but the others were not likely so disciplined and they would probably be turning in their seats.
 
Despite the fact that his foot was throbbing some, Kirit put it down and tested his weight carefully. The ankle sent sharp complaints up his leg but he ignored it and shuffled over to Tabit, holding his fingers under the pole of the weapon. "Th' met'als are rare. Two kinds forged t'gether," he said, pointing to the swirling pattern in the blade, "Only found in th' continents. One will never shatter, even in explosion. An' th' other is light and strong t' carry. The two t'gether make th' perfect blade." His eyes scanned over the weapon and he was so excited, that he's almost forgotten her second question. "Th' metals mostly used in early craft. Almost all gone, from the continents." He nodded to the ground where she found it. "Why ye ask about mines?"

Tabit admired the blade for a long moment and then she looked over at the young man. He was just as excited as she was, but for entirely different reasons. "Good." Quietly speaking under her breath she stared at the metal and shifted it in her hand from one side to the other. They would certainly like to know if there was more of this metal. A smile broke out on her face when the man asked about the reason to look for mines. "Whose to say that the mines weren't abandoned early? Besides the ground under the right circumstances will create the same minerals again. It has sat abandoned, but we could find this metal again." Her eyes were starting to light up a bit more as she thought about the potential of the this land being ignored, but fertile with a supposed lost material. Something that could potentially give them an advantage in the war.

The young warrior thought over what she said, trying to think back to his school days when they taught him of the ground and its resources on Reylia as well as the home planet. She seemed excited about the prospect and the smile she was giving him made him want to grin too as he nodded in agreement. "I think it not hurt 't look. I show ye, yeah?" Taking her hand, he walked her out of the trees and toward the open edge of the little island. His ankle was wobbling, but he would make it hold out long as he had to. "Ye let me see?" He said nodding to the weapon. She handed it over to him and he used the edge of the blade to scrape away some of the moss that had grown over time. More of the pink ore showed through as well as dark, chiseled spots where ancient tools had dug away the earth. "Th' one keep th' continents in th' sky. Once ye destroy th' rest falls. Here," he said pointing to the missing chunks, "Is where they mine th' other metal. Maybe more under, though after Rey fall, many came t' scavenge." Glancing at the weapon he looked at the razor thin blade and then up to her again, an idea forming in his mind. "Ye Ehaui know metal work?"

The two of them walked together as Kirit showed her to an old mine shaft. Tabit didn't mind so much when he asked to hold the blade. Chances were it meant a little more to him than it did to her. For the most part she didn't mind too much if he wanted to keep it. The blade would be a fine asset for a warrior to own. Especially if he was proficient with the blade. "They scavenge the land, but there were no metals left. Maybe they forget and the new metal grow back." The woman began to crawl into the cavern and peered back to Kirit. "C'mon." Her eyes narrowed a little when it looked like he was favoring his ankle. "And you are alright?"
There was a small opening where others has dug deeper into the ground, either by scavengers or an ancient mine. They would have to be very careful going down, he knew. The area wasnt exactly stable and occasionally the ores would crumble or seperate into smaller islands from what he had understood. Tabit lowered herself in and he couldnt help but wonder if he should have gone first to make sure it was stable, rather than risking her, but she was already ahead of him. She didn't seem afraid to discover and that was something he like about her. He dropped the long weapon into the hole and crawled in after her, swatting absently at empty flytr bug nests as he did. The moment made his ankle arch in pain, but a few deep breaths kept it under control. Pain was sometimes more a process of the mind than anything else. Still, Tabit seemed to notice he was keeping the weight off, and asked if he was alright. "I keep up," he said with a nod, not wanting to lie or exactly say the truth. He pulled a small, but powerful flash light from his pocket and clicked it on before aiming down the craggy corridor. The shining pink ore was strapped over the walls in thick veins. It was probably the reason this part of Rey hadn't fallen to ruin in the wilds. Along side it, were pockmarks where the other precious metals had been taken out. "We go deeper yeah?" He started walking, his steps becoming stiffer as they went down into the depths of old Rey. They turned one way and found themselves hanging off the edge of oblivion, the mines having been cut off to the open air. Back tracking quickly, he let Tabit decide the next path and she took them deeper still. They passed a room with glowing red crystal and Kirit grinned at Tabit in the dark. "Th' crystals are new growing," he said excitedly. Using the butt end of his new scythe he broke off a hunk of the geode and put it into his pack. Trekking farther in, he wondered if more of the metal would grow like the geode until they entered a more natural looking cavern and he shone the light inside.

The flashlight lit up the dingy cavern and sparkles seemed to scatter and dance about the walls. Quietly the woman looked around until Kirit took the front and led them to the edge. As they backed away she naturally ended up in the lead again. It wasn't much further in and they found some of the crystals beginning to grow. The growth was new and abundant. Slowly the grin on her face became broader and she wandered in till they found a strange brown room. It shouldn't have felt so strange, but it did after such a fantastical array of colors. Breathing in deeply she coughed. "Smells terrible, like...." Instantly her eyes widened. "We should move out of the cave slowly. I think something lives here."

The staunch smell wasn't one that was familiar to Kirit and his nose wrinkled against it. Falcons had their smells as did nyte beasts and this was neither. In fact, he could hear something brushing around toward the back where the light didnt reach. "Aye," he whispered, as he backed out slowly. As he stepped back, a zinging pain hit his bad ankle and he stumbled dropping the metal scythe with a loud clang and yelp. A screech echoed from the depths of the cavern and suddenly a fluttering rush of bird like creatures exploded to life in a panic to escape. The little feathered bodies were smacking against them and the young warriors first instinct was to try to protect Tabit. She had already dropped the ground and he set an arm over her, trying to keep them from her face and his too.
Tabit wasn't sure where the creature that inhabited this place lived, but she didn't want to put her back to it. There was a chance that the creature could be big. Instinctively she jumped when a sharp squeak sounded and then Kirit fell to the floor. Dropping down next to him she tried to search his face for any kind of pain. A flurry of little white bodies flashed in front of her face and then she found herself buried under the man. It was embarrassingly comfortable to have a man holding her like this. A small rush of blood tinted her face pink and she turned her face to the side to see if there was any reason that they should be moving right away.

The shrieking birds flocked out of the cavern into the mines, leaving it empty besides Kirit who was covered in white feathers and Tabit who was under him, her face half hidden. When the last of the screeching echoes faded, the young warrior moved his arm and quickly checked her over. She had feathers stuck in her blonde hair but he couldn't tell if she was hurt otherwise in the shadows created by the flash light. His casted hand came around and he used his working fingers to brush a few of the feathers from her face. "Ye alright, Miss Tabit?" His dark eyes searched hers, hoping none of the little pests had scratched her or worse.
With the man hovering over her, Tabit froze. She tried to sit up while he was plucking feathers from her hair. "Oh I think I'm just fine." All the while she nervously brushed at the feathers on her clothes. He could pick them out of her hair, but there were other places that would be more appropriate if she was the one picking feathers for now. Once she had the feathers off the front of her clothes she plucked a few from his short hair. "Now then, you're looking like you're ready to take flight."

The young warrior laughed and looked down at his black shirt littered with feathers both inside and out. Aye, they left th' half their fea'thers f'me t' wear," he grinned. As was looking her over, he suddenly realized how close they had been. He had covered her out of instinct, not thinking about how she might react to him being so close to her or how he might like it either. A pinkness crept to his cheeks and tinged his ears, as he started to get up. He would get up and then help her too. That plan was shortly ended by the fact that his ankle refused to work, and was throbbing again as he eased himself back to his good foot and attempted to put weight on the other. He wasn't ever one to complain, but just the attempt made him hiss between his teeth a little as a sweat built up on his forehead. Kirit looked to Tabit and offered his hand anyways. "Maybe we keep t' lookin' f' th' ore, yeah?"

Tabit could tell by the way the man wobbily got to his feet that his ankle was starting to give him problems. Taking his hand she only rested hers on it, but she lifted all her own weight. "I think we should go back to the ship." Glancing to the man's foot she frowned. "You can barely put weight on it and it would be a bad idea to keep walking."

Kirit didn't want to go back, he had an idea forming in his mind and he thought if Tabit was right about the ore that it would be useful to bring back the Ehaui , but given the fact that his foot was quickly swelling again, it was obvious she was right. The lightest of touches on the stone floor of the cavern were making from his toes to his ankle throb. Nodding reluctantly, he agreed they should go back. "F'now," he chuckled, though this time is was a bit unsteady. "We come back t' gether again, sometime." With that, he picked up the old scythe gingerly and started out of the cavern.

Getting out of the caverns was not nearly as easy as getting into them. His ankle was a hive of sharp pains with every step, especially on the sharp inclines. Occasionally, he would use the scythe to ease the weight off his leg. When they reached the surface, it was already in the afternoon, the sun edging toward the opposite side of the sky. How strange to be underground so long as to lose track of the time. Still he had not a single complaint as they made their way back to the ship. Kirit motioned for Tabit to get in first, while he did a quick preflight check and stowed the scythe in the storage compartment in the belly. The challenge was getting back into the flyer. He had to grab the sides of the cockpit and use his arm strength to pull himself up, which wasn’t so bad until he swung his leg over, knocking his ankle into the side. That sent a good jolt through him and growled a little before hauling himself inside.

The flight back seemed longer than the flight there, and he insisted on ensuring Tabit made it home first. “I have fun with ye t’ day, Miss Tabit,” he said, as random feathers kept dropping from his shirt. He’d looked like he was molting most of the way home and had given up trying to pluck them out. She stood there, with a concerned look on her face, and he both liked and didn’t like the expression in her blue eyes. “I see ye soon, yeah?” Smiling at her answer, he felt a bit emboldened and out of impulse he left a gently, but quick peck on her pale cheek, before he left.

If he could have run down the street with ‘huts’ and war cries he would have. Miss Tabit was adventuresome and pretty beyond compare. Reylian women were tough, but they weren’t graceful and strong, yet feminine like she was. A surge of excitement ran through him, which was dampened only by the fact that his next stop was the Ehaui. Still, he hobbled with a giddy, and slightly pained grin on his face to the infirmary with the war scythe in his hand, and plopped down into the waiting room. When the doctor came out, his grinned widened for some reason, though he knew what was coming. “I think m’ ankle not right again, Sir,” he admitted, “But I bring ye somethin’ f’ ye armor makers.” He offered up the old scythe and nodded. “I think we find solution t’ ye armor piercing rounds from th’ Federation. Ye patch m’ up an I take it t’them yeah?”

*********************************************

Calysta returned to the house to check on Cypher. Kirit was already holding her boy awkwardly on the couch, tucked under his good elbow. Cypher was chew on his fingers with his gums and trying to babble a bit at the same time. She had noticed he had started trying to talk more and more, swapping from repeated syllables as his mood suited him. The mornings chosen sound was, ‘baabaabaa’ and Calysta couldn’t help but smile at the sweet little attempts. Kirit offered the boy over as best he could and then looked as if he might ask what happened. “It was just a misunderstanding at the school. Nothing big.”

The young warrior nodded as Calysta picked up her boy and wrinkled her nose at the stench. “You’ve been busy while mom was gone.” Cypher just grinned and kept right on babbling. Laying him down on the sofa, she started changing out his diaper and thinking of what happened in the school house. She hadn’t expected things to go perfectly, but she hadn’t thought that a turf war would break out either. Mostly, it was just a culture shock for all the children, but in time they would learn. All of them. She had heard some of the Chip parents angry over not having received the rules beforehand as she left, but that had been the first order of business for the teacher when class got started. She hadn’t meant for trouble to break out before the rules were even read to the children. By the time she got Cypher all changed, and put into his little carry pack, the rain started again. It might chill him to go out, but she also didn’t want to leave Rose and Illya to the hounds at the school house either. In an effort to make sure he was warm, she took him out of the pack again, then gently guided his arms through his warm fleecy yellow coat, then bound him up in his tiny little rain slicker. By the time she was done he looked like a plump little ball wedged into the back pack and even Kirit chuckled. “What?” Calysta said, innocently, “He doesn’t like to be cold.”

The younger warrior shook his head and handed her an umbrella with his good hand. She smiled and opened it up as she stepped out of the door, then headed off back to the school where Rose and Illya were still cleaning. A few of the returning parents gave her wary looks, but she was surprisingly in too good of a mood for their usual judgment to bother her. She returning to the class room with Cypher who was curled up and pink cheeked from the chilly air outside, and continued worked with her boy strapped to her back. When they were done, Calysta lead Illya out to town and bought them lunch. “Good food after hard work, yeah?” Rose ordered her favorite grilled cheese sandwich while she suggested the nyte beast and gravy meal to lllya, translating the menu for him without batting an eye. Already word of what happened at the school was spreading around town, she could hear the waitresses in the restaurant whispering in surprise, but she ignored them and just listened to Rose talk about the fort Illya had promised to make her. It sounded like it was going to be quite a project, but now they had the rest of the afternoon off to do it. All the while, she kept giving Illya glances, her eyes briefly catching his, as he smiled and listened to his daughter too. She couldn’t help but gaze at him every now and then with a bit of admiration. He had done so well.

After lunch, they went home and Calysta watched as Rose picked puddle after puddle to leap into on the way. She wanted to know why her daughter had been part of the classroom melee. Had she just been copying the other Chippeqouti children? The girl had practically grown up around them and while they did tend to run wild, with a few less than amicable habits, they were good children. It did leave her wondering if she should have been trying to raise her more Kaerelean from the start? The truth was, she wasn’t altogether sure if she was right to worry about that or not. Rose could be obstinate but she didn’t pick a fight unless she was provoked.

A break in the rain, and small nod from Calysta provided all the encouragement her daughter and agreed needed to forge out into the backyard to started building. She took Cypher with her and the helped with small parts, like marking off Illya’s measurements for the house and helping hand over the tools. Rose’s part mostly included her standing and watching or pointing to where things should go, until Wolf beckoned her over and showed her how to use a hammer. Calysta cringed a little, thinking she might smash her thumb, but it was part of learning and if she did, they would deal with it.

At the end of the day, the fort was nearly complete and they scurried inside before the rain began again. She and Illya settled on the couch, while Rose brought out her rock collection to see which ones would be the best ones to put into her house fort. While the girl, examined each rock with meticulous eyes, Illya finally asked the question that had been rumbling through Calysta’s mind all day.

Rose admitted to hitting the boy because he pulled her hair. Calysta felt a little relieved to hear that been the reason. She hadn’t thought Rose would blatantly start a fight, and it sounded like it wasn’t due to the fact that her mother had lower standing in some people’s eyes. It had been simple teasing from a boy. Though, the reaction was a bit overboard for the class room, it was good that she had stood up for herself.

Illya’s solution was not altogether a bad one. Rose wouldn’t have to put up with boys, or anyone else teasing her inside the class room, and there would be fair warning to the perpetrator, plus witnesses to any trouble. If Rose truly was the instigator at any point, she and Illya would address it, but her daughter would not live being looked down on as she had. Calysta’s own father had always stood up for her but that was hard when you were one of the only foreign men in the community, which to some was already a sin. This time, they had their friends like the Reylian’s there and the entirety of the Chippeqouti. It was a strangely wonderful feeling to be on Pyrta and know she wasn’t alone.

Illya looked to her and she nodded her approval of what he said, unsure of what else she could add to make the point clearer, before Rose was off asking about school the next day. At that point, Calysta thought it might be a good idea to read through the hand book with both of them together. “It’s fairly short, don’t worry,” Calysta said, as she caught Rose’s eye roll, “You can even hold Cypher while you listen.”

The prospect of holding her baby brother made Rose perk right back up, and Calysta chuckled as she sat beside Illya on the couch. “Sit very still, and keep him up right. There you go.” Once Rose was settled with Cypher’s plump little bottom on her knees and her arms around his belly, Calysta picked up the pamphlet and started reading. Most of it was simple. “Be on time…be prepared with books and writing materials…raise your hand if you have a question and wait to be called on…do not make fun of other students…fighting of any kind inside the classroom is not allowed and my result in expulsion.”

Rose raised her hand tentatively and Calysta looked up from the paper. “What does explosion mean?”

“Expulsion,” Calysta said, gently, “It means to be banned. Not allowed to return.”

Rose clammed up, and her eyed darted to Illya, as if a secret was being passed between them. Calysta almost asked, but then thought the better of it and kept reading. When they were done, it was time for bed, and after a few assurances that school would be better tomorrow, Rose went to her little tent in the living room and went to bed.

Upstairs, Illya had already taken off his shirt and sat on the end of the bed to start taking off his boots. She stared at his tanned shoulders, lined with a few of the scars that had yet to fade and that same overwhelming sense of pride that the Chip man sitting there was hers, came over her. She slipped over her shoes and scurried into the bathroom, determined to try to impress him. It took a few minutes, but she managed to lash herself into the corset and put on some lip color as well as some dark mascara. It made her eyelashes so incredibly long they tickled at her brow. When she emerged from the bathroom, Calysta crawled to the end of the bed, before wrapping and arm over his shoulder. Her hand slipped down to his chest and she pulled him close while nibbling at his neck. “You are a good agreed and a good father. I’m so proud to call you mine.” With those frank words spilling out in whispers, she kissed his cheek, leaving a red mark from her lipstick.

**********************************

Gyllie stood at the edge of the street as the little Chip boy Amil arrived without so much as a hello. The Pyrtan boy’s mother, eyed the upstart foreign child with severity but she said nothing as the two set off to school. Gyllie was nervous, especially because the kid had just randomly started hitting him and he still had his nice, ripe shiner to prove it. He wasn’t in a hurry to get caught again. The boy didn’t jump at him though. In fact, he really didn’t say anything at all, besides to point out a hole in the road that his blurry vision couldn’t distinguish. Gyllie kept his hands on his backpack straps and padded around the puddled hole, following the Chip boy mostly out of necessity, until realized he didn’t even know the his name. Still he was too nervous to ask, and when he thought about it, he got distracted and stumbled into heavy hitting kid by accident. No sooner had he touched the tan boy than he was scrambling away half panicked.

The boy didn’t chase him though, and they arrived in the school, just in time for class. Gyllie squinted over the classroom, and spied one very large, tan blob sitting in the back. “Thas th’ General,” he whispered to himself. The Chip boy turned to look at him, but Gyllie couldn’t see if he was looking at him strangely or not.
When class started, Mrs. Twyl began by making everyone reintroduced themselves and say one interesting thing about themselves. They each stood up one by one, and did so. Rose announced that she had a fort in her back yard that she herself helped build. Dek’l stated that his father was teaching him to fly. Theya timidly managed to say that she liked to paint and Gyllie stumbled out of his chair and stared blankly at the electronic board. “M’name is Gyllie an’ I collect bugs.”
“Very good,” Mrs. Tywil said, “Now, today we’ll just go over some basics and see what you remember from last season.”

The first subject was a mixture of geography and history. The teacher opened up a holographic map and showed them all a globe of Kaereal and it many continents. She pointed out that there were 90 of them and passed out a paper list written in traders tongue and Kaerelean. “Do you remember the song to name them all?” The Kaerelean children readily started chanting the catchy tune they used to memorize all of the continents on their home planet, and Mrs. Tywil smiled. “Good, now we’ll just go over the first 10.” She had them repeat the first 10 continent names over and over in the song, point to each on the map as she went. They would add another 10 in a few days, and so on until all of them were known. Then they moved on to writing and grammar, using a work sheet to teach basic Kaerelean and traders tongue. A sheet was passed to Illya and Mrs. Twyil nodded to him. “Fill it out along with us and learn a few things, since you’re here.” When she collected the sheets, it was dismaying to see that the Chippeqouti children, particularly the tan ones, did not know how to write even in traders tongue. The General’s himself was barely legible, with mix matched words and scrambled sentences, with no attempt at all in the Kaerelean. “Well, I see where my focus will be.” She could tell simply by the papers that the eldest Chip in the room had some sort of disability, which was surprising, given his work.

The next hour was spent on teaching language, first the alphabets in Traders tongue and then in Kaerelean. A break was allowed for lunch and a little play time. She noticed that the Chip children seemed to be completely different from the day before. Not a single fist was thrown and the class room was actually quite civilized. Gyllie was showing a book about bugs to Amil, and the wild Chippeqouti boy carried a spark of interest in his eye that was absent in any of the other lessons he was learning. Once the break was done, she refocused them to sentence structure, and then to reading comprehension. When that was done, a lesson in math was given, to which she was surprised to see that the General scored perfect marks in. Raising a brow at his completed sheet, and nodded in approval.

As the end of the school day neared, Mrs. Tywil gave out homework assignments focusing on the Kaerelean language and on History. Each child received one, but to anyone wanting extra help, she was willing to stay and work with them on it. “This assignment is due in two days,” she said, before crossing the class room and handing a packet to Illya. “You aren’t technically one of my students, but I think learning the language would help you navigate in the Alliance. Plus, you’ll be able to read simple Kaerelean signs if you study. No more mistaken pleasure houses, hm? I made you a packet as a thank you for overseeing the children today.” Mrs. Tywil handed the General the folder off assignments and smiled, hoping he might think to look it over. Simply because they were long lived, and wilds only knew how old the man was, didn’t mean that was an excuse to stop learning.
 
Illya almost resemebled a mother hen as he ushered the children into the school house. Amil was in the front with Gyllie and he placed a thick brown hand on each of the taller boy's shoulders and guided him toward the front. "Yah pick any seat and ef anyone wants ta fight yah for et I bust dere head." Glancing behind himself he noticed that the general had a rather disapproving glint to his eye. The Gyllie remembered the talk about no fighting in the school. It was a rule that meant he could get kicked out if the teacher thought he was hurting other people.

Almost as soon as the kids were in the room Illya glanced to the teacher and then back to the little brown children. They were milling about in perfect silence as they tried to find seats. One of the boys kept consistently shifting from one seat to another just so he could keep the Chippequoti boy that wanted to sit down from taking a seat. When the little boy's hands started to clench Illya stepped in the middle of the aisle and blocked the way long enough for the Chip boy to scramble into a seat and get himself situated. Now that all the kids were settled and Illya was the only one left he took himself to the back of the room and stood perfectly still with his back to the wall. Ocassionally he would scan over the children and if any of them glanced back at him he would hold the gaze until it was too uncomfortable for them and then they would return their attention to the teacher. It seemed to be taking the woman an ungodly amount of time to get started and Illya half wondered if this was a training of patience or some strange rituatl in their education.

Mrs. Twyil turned on the hologram projector and gathered up her papers as the children settled in. She has seen the General come in and slip to the back of the class room as well. So, far all of the children had been well behaved but whether or not that was due to the Generals presence or the attitude adjustment from the chaos yesterday remained to be seen. Finally ready to begin, she straightened her tunic and patted down her hair before turning to the children. "Good morning, now that we're ready to start, I think its important everyone knows each others names and a little about them. We'll go down the row, when it comes to you, stand up, say your name and some thing about yourself. So, we're all going to start again, yeah? " Smiling to the tan and pale faces, she put a hand over her chest gently. "I'll go first. My name is Mrs. Tywil and I have been a teacher for 7 years." When she waa done, she motioned for the first child and the game began in turn until there were no children left. Then the woman's eyes fell on the General expectantly. If he was here, he would get a chance tl learn and participate too. "Everyone gets a turn, introduce yourself General."

Illya didn't expect that the teacher would decide to have him introduce himself. He was just here to help make sure the kids were going to behave. At first he blinked and then let out a long breath. What in the world was he going to say? Normally he would have yelled out his name, rank, and orders to a few men if they were asking who he was. In this case they were children and he hadn't addressed a group of kids or been in a goup setting where he wasn't considered a fellow leader or giving orders. "Eh....Meh name es Illya and...." Muttering a few words in Quoti he glanced at the cieling while he tried to think of the right words in Trader's Tongue. No matter what it was that had come to mind it ran out almost as fast and he decided to settle with the next best thing. "I have a pet bear."

Some of the children perked up at hearing the big man had a pet bear. Other's eyes grew wide in fear, including the teachers. Animals that big on Kaereal, were usually violent and would eat a man as soon as look at him. "D-do you really?" Dek'l stuttered from his seat. Peytr snarled and rolled his eyes, knowing the big foreign General had to be lying. Theya looked at him with big blue eyes, just peeking over the back of the chair. "Do you let it eat people?" The whole classroom was buzzing with questions.

Saying that he had a pet bear was equivalent and as harmless. It should have been enough and instead a stir went through the classroom. The general frowned slightly. Why was everyone around here so nervous of him having such an animal. It wasn't like he hadn't trained it and worked hard to be sure that it was fed. "I have bear." Calmly he confirmed though he couldnt' tell if the boy who asked him was afraid of the bear or him. However, it seemed the kids were afraid of the bear and Illya momentarily lost his child sense. "I onleh let meh bear eat Federation." A raspy chuckle sounded and then he grew quiet. The kids looked so horrified, all except Rose. Amil and a few of the other dark Chippequoti laughed too. It was common humor for them to curse or suggest killing Federation. "I have nice bear. Maybe I tell meh Kalizda tah let bear meet us after class eh?"

Mrs. Twyil's mouth fell open a little at the response from the General. He was a military man, which meant that he undoubtedly had killed people, but that kind of talk wasn't appropriate for the class room of smaller children. At his invitation, to let the children go see the bear most of the students kept their looks of horror, though some seemed genuinely curious. Peytr looked on with a bit horror and a bit of mischief in his mind. "Th' got killer bears an' they let th' halfie feed it kids an' Feds," he snickered behind Theya, making the girl shake. Dek'l shot him a look and told him to shut up and Gyllie raised his hand. "I wan' see th' bear!" Things were getting out of hand again, and Mrs. Tywil gulped before settling them down. "Peytr don't be foul. Dek'l shut up is not something we say either. ....ah..Theya...turn around...Alright...I...uh...that's enough introduction. We're going to start our first lesson." Quickly turning on the hologram globe of Kaereal, she tried to get them started on the Continent Chorale. The Kaerelean students chanted along as she pointed, but the Chip students would need a remedial lesson. At least going over it, was keeping everyone from talking. After that it was time for writing, she passed out the work sheets and made sure to hand one to Illya. "Give it a try, yeah?"

While the students should have been excited like Amil and a few others it seemed to have spread more panic in the room than anything else. Illya really didn't know what he'd said that could be wrong. It was natural for children to want to meet animals and experience part of the world that they were living in. Why the teacher should look so shocked he didn't know either. Perhaps they really needed to see the bear for themselves so that they could see having an animal could be a good thing. When the teacher started into a song Illya remained standing in the class until he was handed a paper. Staring at the sheet he glanced from her and then back to the sheet again. "Yeah." The woman even handed him a pencil knowing that he hadn't come prepared to be a student. Illya didn't mind because he wasn't here to get graded on anything and it would give him something to do in the meantime. At first Illya set the paper against the wall and he started to scrabble a few answers and then he hit the edge of a slat and poked a hole in the paper. Crumpling the edge of the paper in his hand he shifted to sit on the floor and then decided it was easier to lay on his stomach and place the paper on the floor so he could write. When it was finished. Illya folded the paper and watched the teacher collect the other students work. Amil and the dark Chippequoti looked at the woman expectantly. They wanted her to explain the importance of this exercise and what they had just done.

Mrs. Tywil watched as the students went to work, and paced the classroom trying to observe how they were doing. It was an assessment of sorts to see where their reading and writing levels were and to help her create a plan for the class in those subjects. As she walked, she nearly tripped over the boot of the General who was laid out in the floor scribbling away, then erasing furiously. He took up most of the aisle making it almost impassible. How did that Monroe woman deal with such a mountain man on a daily basis? She was so small and he was one of the largest men she'd ever seen. She would have to find him a seat after she collected the assignments so he could be comfortable and not taking up the row. When the children had enough time to finish she collected the sheets and looked over them, her heart sinking. Not one of the Chippeqouti children completed it. Some just drew pictures, and then general's was nearly as bad as a child's. "Well, this does help me some..." she said with a little sigh, "I wanted to see how much of your alphabets and your vocabulary base in traders tongue and in Karelean. I can see that we have some things we need to learn. That's alright though. We'll learn it together." She pulled out another sheet with each individual letter of both alphabets on lined paper. "We are going to start from the beginning, as some of us need time to catchup." She handed the sheets to the Chippeqouti children and the General, then directed the other students to partner with one of their new classmates. " Try writing each character and make the sound that goes with it." While the children got to work, Mrs. Tywil retrieved her desk chair and a lap board, rolling it in front of the General in the floor. "This is for you," she said, "How is the work coming along?"

The woman came by to collect his paper and Illya reluctantly handed it to her. He only gave it to her because the kids would be watching to see what they could or could not get away with. Next time there was going to be some sort of demonstration like this he needed someone else to come into the class. It was embarrassing to have someone see how badly he spelled and how much he struggled to get the words on paper. Eventually the woman came around with another sheet and he worked on some letters and the day seemed to drag as he turned in miserable paper after paper of nicely formed letters, but all out of order when he had to combine them. After what felt like forever the woman finally passed out something that made Illya sigh with audible relief. Math....he could understand that if nothing else.

Mrs. Tywil collected the papers and realized very quickly her work was cut out for her. Even the general the general's paper was strangely unrefined for a man of his position and it was obvious that he had some sort of learning disability, given how scrambled his sentences were. Though, to be fair his actual handwriting was not bad and he seemed to catch on to the phonetics quickly enough. How much schooling had the man had? How did his little wife even communicate with him for that matter? All of these things were mysteries, They left reading and writing behind to study basic math principles for a little while. Multiplication was a newer concept to the children on paper and she expect the general to do about the same. However, he finished quickly and his answers were all correct. Perhaps the Chippeqouti did have some sort of schooling system then? No one simply did large multiplication patterns without having been taught a little something early on. "This is quite good, a perfect mark. It explains why Rose seems to be doing so well in mathematics too. " Mrs. Tywil gave the general a nod of approval and then released the class for the day. Several of the children wandered up to the strange general, curious to see the bear. Even Theya, who was encouraged by Dek'l decided to approach the tall chip and ask if he would show her. Peytr kept to himself with his arms crossed and his brow furrowed. "I told ye he's going t' let it eat, ye!"

With the nearly torturous school day done and a packet in hand from the teacher the Chip was ready to get home. He never felt so tiny as an adult as he did now. His work was embarrassingly awful and the woman knew it. Not to mention he had homework to take and get done. It was almost embarrassing to find himself so incompetent when in all his life he had considered himself perfectly competent. He could read and most folks could read what he wrote. That was good enough. Speaking was more important with his work anyway and when he didn't know the language he had a translator. When he needed help with communications on his pad or anything written he could have his translator do it or a communications officer. Shyly hiding the folder behind his back Illya leaned down slightly when the little Pytran girl came to ask him about the bear. "I show yah da bear. Should I bring him school house?" Sometimes the bear got into his house and he usually had to push Cin out, but it wasn't like the bear actually hurt too much. "Meh bear likes ta try slide outside ef yah dun want him inside. He es almost as tall as meh." Chuckling a little he saw the kid's eyes go wide.

At the sound of the children actually asking to see this bear. "Please can we, Mrs. Tywil? Pleaase?" She wanted to forbid it, mostly because of what the parents would say, but they were supposed to be exchanging cultures as well. The general seemed amiable enough with the children and probably kept the thing on some sort of leash. That didn't sound so bad, though it was very intimidating, and she could go with them in case things became too much for the little ones. "Well, perhaps it would be alright to meet him in the play yard or go to the house to see it. I'll go with them," Mrs. Tywil said quickly," It is...trained...correct General?"

Having the children see how to get into the gate wasn't a particularly wonderful idea for Illya so he decided that it would be better to bring the bear to the school. "Oh I have Cin here at yard outside. When I come back I knock on door and den yah come out ta see bear." Of course the teacher was concerned about the animal being trained and Illya looked at her with a slightly offended expression. "Of dah bear es trained. Meh Rose plays en yard all dah time. He leave her alone because ef he didn't I would go out dere and kill et."

The kids murmured in nervous excitment as Mrs. Tywil stared back at the Chip man with wide eyes. He admitted his daughter played around this thing and made killing the creature sound so matter of fact. In truth, it was both terrifying and slightly impressive. "O-oh," she stammered, dropping her eyes away, "As long as thats the case, Mr. Illya." When the Chip left, the children all gathered at the window to wait for him to return. The slight misty rain falling over the continent made it hard to see much, but they waited while Mrs. Tywil put on her sweater and smoothed her hair nervously, having to remind herself it was a leaning experience for eveyone. Finally, a knock sounded at the door and the kids stampeded over, trying to out quickly. "Dont run!" Shr called to them.

Taking his coat off the hook behind the door Illya slipped it on and walked down the hall and toward the doorway. Already he could see the kids gathering. "I run and make et fast?" There were a few vigorous nods and he laughed before swinging the door open and shutting it behind himself then running through the rain. Illya stopped in the house long enough to drop the homework on the table and then step out the back door to get Cin. "C'mon." Calling to the bear he waited for the creature to merrily run up next to him and the two of them ran back to the school together. Why some of the folk in the town seemed to panic when they passed Illya didn't know. He went and stood outside the school house and knocked on the door. The kids started to pile out and he went over to stand with the bear. Cin was like most animals and he didn't like to be surrounded or assailed with many loud voices. "Yah all keep yah voices calm and quiet. Stay in one area and den I call on yah ta come meet dah bear eh?" Illya had no idea why the children looked so afraid or the teacher for that matter. "Dun worreh I train et mehself and I have bear since he little. He tinks I moter bear. When yah come up dun be afraid. He smell et and he dun like fear."

The children were starting to get nervous. The big chip man was talking like the animal was very sensitive and it made them nervous to do something wrong. Theya nodded with wide eyes, while Gyllie grinned and nudged Amil excitedly. Dek'l furrowed his brow in confusion, then sniffed at his armpit curiously. He didn't smell anything at all so he was safe. Mrs. Tywil looked around Illya to see the large lumbering shadow through the mist and swallowed hard. "Aye..one by one." Gyllie wobbled to the front with Amil and squinted up at illya "Can'we g' first?"

Having a group of nervous people wasn't great, but Illya figured he could maybe help them feel better if Rose showed them all what it was like riding on the bear's back. Oddly enough the blind kid was the one wanting to see the bear first and Illya couldn't help grinning. "Yah afraid of dah bear?"

Gyllie shook his head slowly, with his pale eyes trained on Illya. He was a little nervous, but he wanted to seen the bear too and he was willing to try. His mother would be scared for him, but she didn't have to know. "Nai. I g't see if th' bear is like what I read," he grinned. Mrs. Tywil steeled her nerves, and prepared herself to walk over to the beast with the boy.

"Good." Illya gave a broad approving smile though it was doubtful the boy could see it. Picking him up he walked him over to the bear and let Cin sniff a little bit. "Now I put yah on his back and Cin give yah ride. Yah tell people yah bear rider now." Momentarily it seemed that the boy had some fear, but Illya was confident and the bear took more cues from Illya and took a slow plod following the general until they made a nice little circle and stopped again. Illya helped Gyllie off the bear and then offered for the next kid. "Who ride bear next?"

Gyllie came running back to the group, tripping into a puddle along the way and at the sight of their friend making it back alive the other children grew more excited. Dek'l decided he would go next and then Theya timidly took Illya's hand. She was too scared to ride but giggled at Cin nudging her with his wet nose and prickly whiskers. Finally it came down to Peytr who looked at Illya with fear masked by defiance. "I'll go pet the dumb bear better than any of you," he grumbled, stomping over with Illya.

It turned into a sort of circus and this was something that none of the dark Chippequoti children were terribly rushed to touch the bear. Most of them had ridden it before, but they participated anyway. When the last boy came over to see the bear Illya held onto his hand and walked him over to Cin. The bear loomed over the boy and gave a grunt when he sniffed the air. He didn't like the smell much, but Illya put a hand on the bear's head. Looking to Peytr he nodded. "Yah nervous and Cin knows et. Jes be slow. Ef yah too fast he tink yah afraid like animal and attack him, den he would be upset."

"I'm not scared," Peytr replied back smartly. He reached out his hand and tried to pat the bear right on his head to prove it, but the animal snorted and tossed his head which immediately made Peytr panic. The kid yelped and dove behind Illya's legs faster than a mouse.

A chuckle sounded from Illya when the kid yipped. Cin startled some and snorted again in protest, but it didn't move toward the frightened creature. Now that all the children had gone through Illya looked toward the teacher. "Yah like ta ride dah bear? I tink yah tiny and yah nut so big dat bear mind." It was hard to tell if the wind affected her clothing so much or if the woman was that nervous.

Mrs. Tywil stood there, clutching the hem of her sweater more out of nerves than the cold, damp air, and her eyes grew wide when he suggested she could ride the animal. He wanted her to try to ride the thing? Her heart lept to her throat and she mumbled a bit, but all of the children were giving her expectant looks. They had all done it and it was expected that she try to too. It wouldn’t be so bad, so long as the strong looking general was there, right? She swallowed hard, then nodded, walking unsteadily behind the Chip over to the bear. It’s beady brown eyes stared up at her, while its black nose twitched at the misty air. “I-I-I’ll try,” she stammered. She reached out her hand painfully slow, her fingers shaking, and heart racing, just to touch the bear first. The creature suddenly closed the gap and bopped his nose into her palm with an loud chortle. It was so fast and unexpected, Mrs. Tywil stiffened, her eyes rolled back to head and her knees buckled.

This time Cin was much nicer. He seemed to like the woman better than the boy that had approached before. The bear had a good sense of attitude and he didn't like the way the boy smelled with fear mixed in with a pungent smell of cruelty. Fear was still very evident with this woman and Cin snuffled loudly as he came closer and then gave a chortle when he touched her hand. Illya grinned a little and he turned to look at the woman. "Ets..Whoa!" Catching one of her limp arms he ended up holding her in a sort of dangling position while he legs still slipped out from underneath her and she ended up with half her body in the mud. It was a little awkward to be left as the general with the group of school children, his bear, and holding the teacher. Putting one hand over the other he pulled her up a little more and then pulled her under one arm. "Eh, she wake up sometime I guess." There was no rhyme or reason to when a person would wake up after they passed out.

Dragging the teacher toward the school house he could hear the bear chortling and snorting as it followed behind him. "Kids yah get inside and open the da doors for meh. We take yah teacher inside." After a moment of thought he decided that though it was tempting to send Rose home with Cin it was probably better not to. She had never walked with the bear by herself and he didn't want her to have trouble or for Cin to decide he didn't want to follow her and wander off or come back to the school.

After a several minute hustle of getting the kids inside and the teacher laid on her side in the back of the class room Illya brought the bear into just the entry of the building. He couldn't have it wandering the village or even perched outside the school windows prowling about. Mostly because Cin was prone to do something stupid. When the woman finally regained her consciousness Illya offered a hand up. "Yah students already clean classroom and dey wait for yah ta dismiss class." Though a few had protested he was going to be ensure that not one of them left and they showed proper respect. It was only right that they wait for her to dismiss the children. "Den yah have dose dat will stay wit yah for 2 more hours. Dey clearn more and make sure ets all as yah wish. Maybe dey study longer ef dats how yah want dem ta pay."

The woman appeared to be slightly embarrassed and he couldn’t help wondering if she was sick, or had some sort of illness that would cause her to faint like that. Fainting wasn’t a normal response to meeting an animal. However, he wasn’t going to say much about the fainting either. Illya knew that any kind of condition that created a display in front of others could be embarrassing. He always hated that he had seizures and he had no control over them.

As soon as the class was dismissed Illya stepped into the main hallway and to collect his bear. “C’mon Cin, yah get out of here now.” Getting the bear out the door wasn’t so difficult since the animal was more than happy go outside again. The two of them walked back home and Illya put the bear into the backyard again. Now that he was done for the day with the class Illya snuck in and he took the folder off the table. It felt a bit odd and he didn't want Kalizda to see that the teacher sent him home with work to do here. It would be embarrassing for her to know that his schooling was so limited. Somehow he had never thought that his education would have lacked anything. What he knew had always been enough and some of it was far better than the outsiders. However, attending classes with the kids had been an experience he had not thought to encounter.

Once Illya was sure he was alone he opened the packet to discover an entire section of reading and writing. Most of it was going to be in Kaerelean at least form what he could tell and the general gaped at it for several seconds. He didn't want to do this. There were too many other responsibilities. Shoving the papers into the envelope again he stuffed the abominable thing underneath his side of the bed. Why would he want to do that when he should be using his time for other things? A general shouldn't be dabbling in this ridiculous pursuit and yet he knew it would be helpful. That nagging feeling was the worst part because he wanted very badly to ignore it. Since Kalizda was out with whatever it was she was doing Illya started to pack. Tomorrow he needed to get out now that he knew the children were on track. As for that homework he would leave it there and maybe get rid of it when he got home. The more he thought about it the more Illya figured that right now would be the best time. Rose wasn't here to see it and neither was Kalizda.

About time that Illya had prepared the homework to be destroyed he heard the footsteps coming up the stairway. Scrambling to shove the papers back into the envelope Illya cursed under his breath and his clothes were still spread out over the bed in a mess. He hadn't packed for himself in so long that he had to lay his clothes out and literally count the number of items for each outfit. There were socks, boxers, pants, shirt, jacket, and belt and shoes he was already wearing. It made a total of 7 items of clothing and if he packed the night boxers that Kalizda got him it was a little harder to keep it all straight in his mind. Of all things the general was still more concerned about the homework. The papers crinkled loudly and he dropped the envelope on the floor and kicked it underneath the bed only to slam his shin into it. "Ow!" Hissing loudly he leaned over and rubbed his shin while he desperately started to shove his clothing out of sight though it was too late.

Calysta finished up the final touches on her pan of the terran dish she had attempted to make. It was a heavier dish with flat noodles, meat, and several kinds of cheese layered together into a pan to bake. Dora had given her the recipe and called it lasagna. Calsyta had never tried to make it before and while the recipe called for Terran beef, there was none on pyrta to be had, so she substituted night beast instead. Despite her concerns about the swap, it smelled good and she had made soft bread to go along with it. Feeling proud, she put the hot dish on the table and then went upstairs to tell them dinner was ready. Kirit was already on his way down, which only left Illya in the bedroom. As she strode down the hall, she heard a heavy thunk and a distinct 'ow'. What was he doing? He had been up there for awhile by himself. Opening the door, she found him with an armful of clothes in hands. "What's all this?" She asked curiously. "Were you looking for the blue shirt or something else?"

It was surprising that Kalizda had moved so quickly and Illya blinked a few times. "Blue shirt?" He had been so focused on everything else that he wasn't quite sure what she was talking about. After a few moments of thinking it all caught up and he sighed. "No." There was a strong expression of guilt and a slight tone of defeat in his voice. "I was uh....packing ta go on a mission out tah fringe after picking someone up and dropping someting by for Mike." Dropping the clothes in a heap back on the bed he walked over to Kalizda. "I tink maybe I should talk about dis wit yah before packing eh?"

Calysta tilted her head a little, trying to understand for a moment. They had planned a trip out to the fringe but that had been delayed by Illya's donation to Henaiah and his thumb being broken. Now, that he was feeling better, the trip was still needed and she had intended in packing for them when they were ready. This time he was trying to pack for himself without so much as word. "Looks like you may have already started," she frowned, "We talked about the trip and I have my bag partially ready still."

Clearing his throat he nodded. "Ets dangerous and I tink dat maybe ets better ef I go witout yah." There wasn't really much of a chance of stopping her if she wanted to come with, but Illya didn't want her to. "Kalizda ets nut good dat yah risk yahself. I dun need translator except for fringe. Maybe I have yah travel for dat part and den I drop yah back off here and complete dah rest of meh journey alone?" There was no telling what she would say, but he could see that she was clearly not happy with the proposal.

Hearing him say she wasn't needed and it was better if he went alone struck more than one chord. Her heart sank to her stomach while her finger tips curls around her sleeves. "It's no more dangerous than what I've faced before. I've been a perfectly good translator and partner," she said, "Taking me out to the fringe would be helpful and to Terra as well. It's a hotbed right now and I know the language."

It was highly uncomfortable to have the conversation and Illya knew that sneaking off wasn't any better, but he couldn't help his own worrying. "Kalizda yah always good partner, and I would take yah, but ets so dangerous." Reaching out he placed a hand on each shoulder and peered into her little face. "I dun want ta lose yah. Can't make yah stay behind, but I ask yah to." She had a lot of authority in her position and a valid point that they might need her translation skills in Terra, but Illya hated to have her at risk. "Pirates scare meh Kalizda. Ef we hadn't been successful dey would have sold yah and I would have been looking for yah even now."

When he settled a hand on each of her shoulders, Calysta met his gaze with her grey eyes. His reasoning made her expression soften and a little hand crept up to cover one of his. She understood what he meant now more than ever. "Illya...I-I was scared too. The pirates and whoever they sold me to would have done awful things if you hadn't been there." Her fingers curled over his gently and she tookna breath, gathering her thoughts. "I also know we got through it together. The time that we weren't...you were hurt...and I couldn't stand to lose you. Not again, Illya. It will be dangerous no matter where we go or what we do, but I think we should stick together."

Reluctantly Illya nodded. "Den yah make up yah mind and yah come wit meh?" In a way he was worried about her coming with on the entire trip and at the same time it would be nice to have her. "I guess we ask Ehud and Haza ta watch dah kids. Yah know Haza has a new baby too?" Sometimes he forgot to tell Kalizda these things, but it was better late than never.

Calysta squeezed his hand as if it were never even in doubt that she was going with him. "Aye, I'm coming with you..." then a brief smile crept to her lips l, "Someone's got to do thr packing, hm?" At the mention of Haza and Ehud watching the kids, and the news of their baby, Calysta's gripped turned to a vice with excitment. "No! You didn't tell me and I havent seen them! When?! Is it a boy or a girl?" She was practically bouncing on her heels with a broad grin as then questions spilled out. It was wonderful news for their friends and just for the sake of life in general.

"Uh...." Illya stared at the ecstatic Kalizda and he narrowed his eyes in thought. Momentarily he went blank and then he stared at her in confusion. He wasn't really sure what they were talking about till she said something about the baby and then he nodded. "I dun know>" He had no idea how old the baby was or if it was a boy or a girl. Ehud hadn't said that Illya remembered. "I tink et was a boy or a girl." As soon as he said it Illya started to laugh because it was obvious that the baby was one or the other. "Yah want ta get busy and make anoter one or someting?" Since she was baby crazy lately he'd wondered about having another one with her.

It wasn't unlike Illya not to know details or not to have asked, though his eyes had gone blank for a second. Another seizure? Maybe. Then he was back to making jokes about making another themselves. The comment and the thoughts that followed made her cheeks turn pink. "I-Illya..." she stuttered, "That's...well I..was happy for them."

Somehow it seemed that Kalizda was a bit apprehensive about having another baby and he tilted his head slightly. "Yah nut ready for anoter baby yet?" It was the only reasonable answer. She would want another baby pretty soon and from what he remembered Cypher was tough, but he was the first and there were complications. Something that so far Illya had thought would not be repeated with the second baby. "Ets ok. We still practice some eh?"

She could hear the disappointment in his voice and wished she hadn't been the cause. Her feet shuffled closer and she slipped a hand around his hip and to his back. "I do want another baby, very much so. But Cypher is so young and when I am pregnant.. I have trouble keeping up." She was ashamed to admit how hard it had been on her and her eyes dropped while her grip tightened. "I know that I have duties. Even if I do want another right now." Her little fingers curled into his shirt, knowing how this must sound to him, but admitting that she was scared to be pregnant and alone or unable to protect them all at any point would be harder. "The practice is always good though."

Kalizda's little fist tightened against his shirt and he pulled her a little closer. Kissing the woman on top the head he answered her gently. "Ets alright. I ask cause we agree when ets time for baby. Maybe I get too excited. I tink when war es over we have maybe 10 babies." If they could have a lot of babies that would be great. "We have time yeah?"

Calysta let herself be brought in close and wrapped her other arm around him. We have time, yeah? The comment made her meet his gaze again, with his bright eyes locking with hers. "Aye, 300 years or so," she chuckled, "Though, I think at one point we settled for 3, hm? Though, if you want to really work at it...I might be convinced to go for number 4. "

Wherever she got the idea that they had agreed on 3 Illya would never know. Somehow he always thought that they had yet to talk about that. Four was actually a reasonable number and he wasn't so sure why she wouldn't want 10 babies. The more the better and he couldn't see any reason not to have that many. They didn't really get to finish the conversation either because Illya's stomach started to grumble and he grinned sheepishly. "Time ta eat?" Sometimes his stomach had horrible timing and this was no exception. The general followed Kalizda down and he stared at the odd dish for a moment. "What es et?" Lasagna didn't sound like anything that he knew to be familiar. "We ever eat dis before?"

Perhaps there was some comfort in the fact that he wasn't alone in trying it for the first time. Cutting into the food with a knife he found that the dish did not hold consistency. Instead the noodles slid off to the side and the whole thing spread out over his plate. "Hmmm." Illya shrugged and mashed the noodle apart with his fork and then shoveled what he could into his mouth. The food had an odd texture, but he decided to just try the next bite with everything in it. Scooping a bit of noodle, meat, sauce, and then some of the white curds onto the fork he chewed it slowly. All the while Illya frowned slightly. Rose sat to the side and she picked the meal apart trying to figure out what it was while Cypher squealed and reached for anyone's plate in reach. Kirit was cautiously taking the food in one bite at a time and perhaps little less skeptically than Illya.

Illya took the third bite with more gusto. "I like et." There was something about the sauce that he loved. It was mild, but full of flavor. "Yah make good food." Pointing to the dish Illya grinned and mushed off another bite of the lasagna with his fork. "Ef yah keep cooking like dis I get fat." There wasn't any complaint from Illya and then he grabbed a a piece of the bread. It tasted like she'd seasoned it and he widened his eyes slightly. This wasn't at all what he expected. Instead the flavor seemed to seep into every bit of the bite and he swallowed it quickly. "Yah change bread too. Ets still good, but I didn't expect et." Glancing at the bread he finally noticed there was some seasoned butter on the slice and he chuckled. "Maybe I look at oter side and I know."

By the time they finished dinner Illya would have liked to say that he wasn't feeling like there was an odd cloud hanging over them, but there was. It was as if the conversation hadn't really ended and he was going to hear the last of it in a fashion that he hadn't really prepared for. "I help clean up." Taking his dishes from the table Illya wandered over to the sink and started to rinse them off along with the others that were already stacked inside the sink. While he was starting to wash the dishes he braced himself for whatever sort of little explosion was sizzling underneath the surface. It occurred to him that he might have been preparing himself for something that was non-existent or perhaps he wasn't nearly prepared enough for what was about to happen.

**************************************

That homework had become a constant nagging in the back of Illya's mind, but he didn't want Kalizda to know about it. They were on the ship and he couldn't help thinking of the ridiculous papers he had bought with to work on. When Illya had gone to the classroom the next morning to see that the kids had indeed done their work he found that his name was on the list and he got an excuse to turn his homework in late and he got another large envelope. While Kalizda was checking the engine before bed Illya went to the navigation room to try and study his reading.

It was difficult and it took nearly forever for him to get through translating the first paragraph. Granted he knew it was partly due to mixing up the order of some of the words, but that symptom was becoming a little less severe and he found that if he held a book upside down or held a colored sheet over the page it helped. For whatever reason the sharp contrast of black on white was difficult. Colored sheets did make a difference and he didn't understand why. Holding a light blue sheet from the Ehaui and then a pale yellow over the pages he found that the blue one was the best and he read a little better with it. At least there were some things that were helping when he went back to the Ehaui to get some help.

Reading on the pad wasn't bad if he played with the settings and the background colors. After Illya had finished a good portion of the reading he wrote down a few words, but they were still highly mixed and difficult to make out. The general erased and scratched in the words so many times on the page that he almost wore it out in a few places and his pencil went through the paper.

Learning the Kaerelean alphabet was semi difficult since there were some words he couldn't remember the sound for and he had to go through the reading over and over to try and sort out the words, but they still weren't making much sense. Kalizda would know, but Illya didn't want to tell her that he was struggling so badly to get even a basic alphabet down. In time he planned to surprise her if he could work hard enough to write her a letter in her own language. Letter's weren't quite something that he liked, but he knew that she found them important. He still had the old list that they had made the first time they had agreed. A time when perhaps they had been in better times and he remembered stuff easier. It was obviously when he could read better too. Still, Illya was determined to improve. He wanted to do better.

It took long enough that Illya finally shoved the homework back into the envelope and flopped it back into his little cubby in the navigation room. Kalizda wasn't the snoopy sort of woman and he figured he could trust her not to go looking into his paperwork.

There was several days of just travel to get out to the fringe. Illya was supposed to be meeting many of the fringe supporters and he needed to run an evaluation on their ability to fight and prepare for training if they needed some. The first place they were landing looked like the port was narrow and Illya let Kalizda land, but there was something strange. A frown came to Illya's face when a strange, sweet smell came through the air filters. All he could think about was how familiar the scent was. Resting a hand over Kalizda's arm he shook his head at her. "Yah smell dat?" When she answered he carefully nodded, "I tink I smell dat when I was shot in head."

Why the entire air would smell like it did briefly before he was shot Illya didn't know. It was a strong memory and it was becoming a little more clear. Somehow the smell had triggered something, but he couldn't quite figure out where the bullet came from. He was in the room alone and the door was shut. There wasn't anyone else in the room with him.

Gradually the frown grew deeper on Illya's face and he thought for as long as he dared about it. There were already men gathering outside the ship and he still wanted to hold off for a moment longer. "I smell dah fringe when I get shot and et doesn't make sense."
 
Calysta headed down stairs with Illya to find that everyone else was waiting for the food to be served. Kirit was waiting at the table with hungry eyes and Rose was sitting next to him, her feet kicking back and forth with anticipation. It smelled good and the day had been long. Illya sat down and Calysta scooped up Cypher from his little mat on the floor to join them. The pan of Terran food was but mushy when she cut into it and ladled onto Rose’s plate. Was it supposed to look like that? She had no idea, but it at least the food smelled good. Calsyat went to work carving up a slice for Kirit and then to Illya, stringing cheese all over the place. Rose laughed at the webs of cheese before running her finger through them. “It’s like a grilled cheese only bigger!”

“Something like that,” Calysta replied, “I wanted to try it and cheese is one of my favorites.”

Sitting down with her boy on her knee, Calysta scooped out good sized portion for herself and then tucked into it one handed. The noodles were flimsy, sliding all over the plate, but the cheese combined with the sauce and nyte beast meat was delicious. She found herself digging around the awkward, flat noodles in an effort to uncover the cheese while stealing glances at Illya and the others from time to time. They looked uncertain about the meal at first. Kirit was pushing around the noodles, while Illya was chewing with a frown stuck firmly on his face. Was is not good? She had thought it tasted great for the most part. The savory herb sauce with the cheese was the best part.Finally, the Chip a second and then a third bite before determining that he did like it and then mentioned he might get fat. “Oh, I’ll just make sure you have plenty of hard work,” she replied with coy little smile. Only he would know what she meant and a look passed between them. It pleased her to see that he was enjoying the food and it wasn’t snake, scorpion, or spiders.

After dinner, she put Cypher back into his little mat and seat while she went to clean up the table. Rose had left a stringy cheese mess on her side, Kirit had left his placemat spotless and she was splattered in red sauce from Cypher deciding to slap her plate with his plump fist. As she started to take the dishes, Illya swept them away and headed toward the sink, announcing he would help. Any help was welcome, and he had both thumbs now, so she smiled and nodded to him.
Illya ran the water for dishes while she wiped up the table and the baby’s hand. “Silly Cypher,” she cooed, as she cleaned up his tiny fingers, “You just couldn’t resist.” He just smiled and kicked his feet excitedly, under the impression an entire bath was coming short after his hand was clean.

Chuckling at her boy, she kissed the top of his head and then went back to swabbing down the table. When that was all done, she sidled up to Illya at the sink to help him dry the dishes. She had come up beside him and bumped his leg with her hip, playfully and expected to see him smiling, but instead his eyes were a little wide. He looked altogether too tense and not in a ‘fun’ sort of manner. Titling her head, she gazed at him for a moment, trying to figure out what was going on. Had she done something wrong? The only thing she could think of was their conversation upstairs. Sure, he didn’t want her to come along because he was worried, but she had thought they were past that. She asked to come and he obliged, albeit reluctantly. Maybe it was the other part of the conversation about babies? He had been disappointed and she knew that, but he seemed to understand her reasoning even if it was only half of the truth.

He said little other than what was necessary and then started retreating upstairs, talking about sending some messages and work. “Alright, I’ll be there after Cypher’s bath,” she said, leaning up and kissing his cheek.

Cypher was a wonderful through his bath as usual. He may have had the bones of a Chip, but he loved the water, especially when he could kick his feet and splash her in the face. His feet would send the water flying and the sight made him giggle. The more he kicked, the more he made himself laugh until he was breathless with his merry squeals, cracking himself up. She tickled his feet to keep him laughing as she plucked him from the water and dried him off with a soft towel. “Who’s gotcha?” she laughed, nibbling at his belly, “You’re going to be good for Aunt Haza right?” The boy just giggled some more and chewed on his hand.

When it was time, Calysta rocked him a while and made sure Rose was in her bed, then returned to the bed room. Illya was stretched out on the bed in his pajamas reading on his info pad. Tucking the dozing Cypher into his crib, Calysta changed into her own shorts and tank top, then began to pack for them both. She was so used to packing, it was easy to get their bags together. “I’m packing two uniforms and some of the Terran clothes as well. Oh, and your pajama bottoms.” She started stuffing things into his duffle alongside his seizure medicine and any oils he might need. One shirt she picked up had another hole in it and she held it up, her eyes wide. “How?
The Chip glanced up at her from his info pad, his eyes landing on the holey shirt. Shaking her head at his answer, Calysta half-chuckled and half snorted before tossing the shirt into the closet. He still had enough clothes he didn’t have to wear ones with the holes.

Packing clothes along with their usual gear took no more than 30 minutes, and Calysta slid onto the bed next to her Chip propping her chin on her hands. He kept his attention on his task, whatever it was, and Calysta sighed, before rolling over to back. Their conversation from earlier still hovered in her mind. He wanted another baby so badly, but a lot of the time, he didn’t pursue the precursors to a baby. Not as much as he used to anyways. She had wondered if it was because he was still getting used to her, but he didn’t have a problem when she chased or initiated. What if he just didn’t have that sort of desire for her anymore? It was an interesting and somewhat disheartening thought. He liked the activity with her almost every night, or so she thought. Maybe she was coming on too strong, and there was nothing left to chase? Calysta rolled over and buried her face into the pillow for a moment to hide the pinkness on her cheeks. She could reign herself back a little to see if his interest in her might return some. If he wanted her, he was a bold enough man to make a move every once and awhile, right?

While Illya read, Calysta curled up on her side and started to doze, thinking of Illya, babies and other things with the only disturbance of her sleep being when her Chip pulled her close.

***********

Calysta went to go see her father while Illya dropped the children off at Haza and Ehud’s current boarding room. They had wanted to leave early as possible and this was the most efficient way to do, plus she had known leaving her children would be hard. Cypher was still asleep when Illya took him from her arms. She let him go slowly, reluctantly, and kissed the top of his head. His hair smelled sweet as always and no sooner had he left her arms, was she wishing he could be back. One day she would have to keep leaving him behind. It would be safe to take him everywhere. Rose tugged on her sleeve, half asleep, and Calysta hugged her eldest child. “Behave for Haza and Ehud like you would for me. Do well in school, help look after your brother, and we’ll bring you back something nice from Terra, okay?” The little girl nodded and squeezed her mother tighter before taking Wolf’s hand. “I love you.”

She went to the hospital with her bag and Illya’s on either shoulder. Her father was sitting along side a still unconscious Henaiah. As the Ehaui predicted, her body had started functioning on it’s own again but the councilwoman had yet to wake up. Calysta had been trying to check on her father as much as possible, and leaving him with Henaiah in such a state wasn’t ideal. Thomas was sitting in his usual chair, eyes closed, mouth agape, and snoring when she arrived. His Bible was tucked under one hand, open to Matthew and his grip was crinkling the thin pages. Calysta dropped the bags by the door, and tip-toed over to her father, then with deliberate movements, took the Bible from under his hand. He would be upset if his pages ripped on his book. Closing the holy book, she placed it on the bed at Henaiah’s feet and left the room, vowing to send him a message on his info pad.

Their ship was a standard Kaerelean cruiser meant for a crew of 6 on loan from the Ori’l fleet which was currently in orbit above the planet. She was familiar with the engines and the controls, along with the gunnery mounts on top of the bridge and underbelly. The most important feature was its extra water tank, and power grid with solar capability. It was take them to the Fringe with minimum stops while saving them fuel costs. When Illya arrived, she had finished her preflight checks, going over the engine specs, galley and med bay inventory as well as the tack rooms. Giving the clip board back to the hangar chief, Calysta looked to Illya, “It’s in good condition. I might do a little tweaking once we are in mid-jump once I see the read outs, but otherwise, the Wynry will do us just fine.”

**********

The flight out to the Fringe was quiet for the most part, other than the daily tasks and schedule of running a 6 man ship with two people. Lucky for her, Illya worked as hard as 4 men on his own when he needed to and she pulled double duties as well. When they retreated for the bedroom, Calysta let him do as he pleased, neither seeking intimacy nor rejecting it, with mixed results. Was it really something she was doing wrong? On one of his less interested nights, Calysta couldn’t sleep. She was restless laying next to him, her mind still buzzing over their conversation. She still felt like it was a problem, but wasn’t entirely sure why.

Trying to clear her mind, Calysta pulled out her pad and started flipping through Elian’s files again. She did liked to study it and attempt to decipher it when she had spare time. The code had been nearly impossible, but she had solved a little bit of it. The good thing about numbers is that they were always constant in value in any language you wrote them in. She had managed to decode most of the star chart, and noticed that some of the marked stars, when maneuvered correctly, matched up with systems in the Delta quadrant. Why had he marked these specific planets? The idea of a Terran pirate with an eye patch standing on a sand spot of buried treasure came to mind. Was it a treasure map? The idea of it was intriguing, but given how much description of Chippeqouti, and his focus on the ancient race was, Calysta doubted it lead to treasure.

A few scratchings on the paper, described a few rumors and mentioned a location in the Delta quadrant, but the rest was written in code. Had he been trying to locate Chippeqouti, and these planets were possibilities? None of these were anywhere close to planets she knew Chips had been guarding the in the previous war the Federation and she knew that all of them had been forced on to their desert home planet in the Alpha quadrant. All except for the light Chips. The idea of it had been working in her head for about a week and half now, and the more she looked over the information, the more intriguing a theory it became. However, it was just a theory and it felt too far fetched to say anything until she had more solid proof in deciphering the rest of Elian’s odd code. She didn’t want to bring it to anyone until she had more information on the subject. Things like this couldn’t be said lightly, and the Delta quadrant was far enough away that sending someone would be considered a waste of man power if she was wrong.

Calysta finished making her list of possible planets, and then put her info pad away. Illya had been shifting next to her, probably being kept awake by the light of her pad and she knew it was time to attempt sleeping. Fluffing up her pillow she laid back and closed her eyes. It wasn’t two mintues before her mind had drifted right back to the conversation about the babies, and the disappointed tone in Illya’s voice.

Why was it bothering her so much? In truth she really did want another baby, despite the fact that it was terrible timing, she had other duties, and Cypher was so young. Of course, when was a good time these days? Hadn’t it been her that assured Illya that living life normally was the best thing they could do on the night before their wedding? Calysta rolled over and shimmied close to Illya’s warm back. If anything, a baby should give them more hope for the future. It wasn’t just the war that had her hesitant. Carrying Cypher hadn’t been easy. The pregnancy had been stressful enough on its own, not even counting in the fact that her husband hadn’t really been able to help at that point either. She was scared to be pregnant again. Pregnant and alone.

Her and slipped up to Illya’s back and under his shirt ever so slightly to warm up her fingers. The scars on his back weren’t nearly as bad as they were before his surgery, but she could still feel them under her finger tips. She wouldn’t be alone this time though. Cypher and Rose were safe on Pyrta and Illya was there, knowing who she was. He could love his second child as much as the first that had nearly been lost to memory. “Illya, I want to have another baby. I want to try.” The words that slipped from her lips were more of a surprise to her than anything and a sudden shock zipped through her nerves, making her heart pound. What was she saying?

*******************
Calysta's gaze turned from the off board cameras to Illya sitting beside her. His hand was warm on her arm, but his green eyes had a distance in them. He he was present, but not all there. When he finally spoke, she frowned at hearing what he remembered. "You're right it doesn't make any sense," she said, her hand creeping up to his. "The air vents are filtering fresh air from outside. The base where you were shot was nowhere near here." Pausing for a moment, Calysta shifted in her seat and took his hand in hers. A bad feeling had settled into her stomach, the though there was no real reason for it other than his sudden smelly memory. "You remember a smell, is there a sound with it? A color?" Maybe if.she brought up simple things he might remember more.

Recalling the memory in its entirety had been difficult. Illya had never been able to remember enough to explain where the shooter had come from that got him. Illya's head lowered slightly and he clenched his jaw with concentration as he tried to think of exactly what else happened. "I dun hear anyting. Just meh men coming. Smell jes appears and den I remember too much dark. Can't see and I know I'm on a ship." When he'd first woke up Illya remembered being blind and he thought a little harder about the color. "Maybe et all jes melt and I dun see anyting. I dun know."

Calysta could see him struggling to remember something, anything at all, and she knee he was getting frustrated. It had to be maddening and somewhat terrifying to force himself to relive it. Her hand worked its way over his and gently began to rub. "Hmm...maybe think back further and take it slowly. You were with your men...you went ahead of the others into Kent's room right? Your gun was in your hand...and then you saw him...smelled him?" She was speaking quietly, just trying to walk him through what what might have happened. If a detail was wrong or out of place, Illya would know surely. Scanning his face, Calysta kept him calm and stayed quiet, letting him work it out. If there was a connection, it was important to know.

The way she was trying to help was semi efficient. Illya still didn't know exactly what happened, but he knew one part was wrong. "I dun go ahead of oters. We all split up ta clear rooms." While she was talking he kept his eyes closed as if he were in concentration. "Inside room he tell meh someting and I shoot him. I kill Kent and den I smell et." None of it was making sense. This wasn't the smell of excessive blood and he couldn't know why it was smelling like that. "I was alone en room and tell meh men dat Kent was dead. Dey already on way ta join meh and den I....I see metal?" That didn't make sense either. "Nut gun, I see someting else. Kalizda I dun know."
Another person was there and he saw metal but not a gun? Her brow furrowed thinking of what he might have seen. Body armor maybe? "You do know, you just have trouble remembering is all," she said, keeping her voice gentle, "You'll remember it." Keeping her fingers working over his hand, she tried to think of some other way. "If you already killed Kent, you werent alone in that room. And if you smelled the same smell, that person was from the fringe, Illya. "

"No." Illya said the word a little bit harshly. "I clear dah room and dere was no one else. Door was closed and et never open." Perhaps his brain had muddled details, but he knew he was alone in the room. "Kalida I know meh work. Dere was no one else in dat room. I jes smell dis before and den out of nowhere I see metal. Small and tin like a.....uh, like what yah wear around yah wrist?"

"Illya, you wouldn't have missed someone. I know that, but someone did shoot you. I don't know how. A hidden trap door maybe?" A metal trap door opening could have been a possibility. Seeing it open before he was shot? He started speaking of the smell with the metal again, and what he said made her tilt her head. "A bracelet? You saw a bracelet." Jewelry wasnt attached to thin air and that meant, some how had hadn't been alone. "A small bracelet...a woman maybe?"

The more they talked about it the more irritable he started to feel. "No, dere was no door." Pulling his hand away from Kalizda he pointed to his own wrist. "Et was a man wrist. Big and I tink he was nut so small." Reaching up he rubbed at his head out of frustration. "Ets impossible and I dun know how et happen. Ok? Meh head jes get blow open and I have strange memory wit no reason."

He was getting angry and in part she didnt blame him in part. It was frustrating and awful not to be able to remember something, especially some thing that could be important as this. With a deep breath, she tried foster more patience as he pulled away from her. "I disagree. It has to be possible, because it happened. We just don't know how yet," she said, "I do believe you, but I also know the Federation is full of tricks and has alot of resources at their disposal. I think what you remember is important. Especially considering we are actually out on the fringe after what happened to you and to Henaiah too, we should be careful."

If there was actually trouble here Illya wanted to get some kind of extra intelligence. He somewhat remembered there being a story about some sweet smelling danger when he was younger, but it was more of a legend and something he hadn't ever encountered. "Yah look up dah sweet smell an ef yah can't find et maybe yah send message ta Ehaui and Chip wise woman."

"I'll look it up and send the query at the same time. That way we'll know as soon as possible," Calysta nodded. Her eyes flicked to the off board screen as the crowds began to gather outside the ship waiting for them to disembark. "In the mean time, we stick together. Don't go off alone, and wear long sleeves to keep down contact, yeah?"
The general looked at her and he smirked. "We dun leave dis ship till we know." He wasn't about to accidentally step into a bad situation with Kalizda. "I dun care ef dey wait outside for us, we find out first what go on." Sometimes security meant foregoing little politeness's that Kalizda was probably a little more in tune to. Almost as soon as she sent it Illya leaned over her shoulder. "What et say?"

Calysta watched the screens, her grey eyes bouncing between the two, taking in both as much she could. It was a relief to know Illya didn't expect them to get off the ship without knowing what was going on first. "I sent a request for any information the Ehaui might have for 'sweet smelling gasses indigenous to the area' and also for any that may not be in the known areas in our database. I also am running a search through the Kaerelean databases, but all I see are known elements. Nebula gasses and what not, though some of the fringe is still being catalogued." Typing over her info pad again, she remembered to do something else. "I also sent a query to and warning to Tikan. He has those fringe militia men in training on Reylia. Told him to keep and eye out and report any odd smells too." The search came up with a list of known elements from the Kaerelean database but they were all elements she knew. "Search in our databases shows nothing particular." Another message popped up from the Ehaui and Chippeqouti, and she clicked it open. "Hmm...the Ehaui mention a few local gasses...and a few from other systems. Oh, and a..race of beings of some kind, though they aren't from anywhere I recognize."

So far there was nothing from the database and Illya started to shift in the chair. He had a feeling it would all come out sounding crazy and this was why he didn't want to say anything. How in the world could he have remembered a smell like that anyway. It seemed that there wasn't anything even from the Ehaui. Rising from his seat Illya growled to himself. "Well et seemed odd." A ding sounded with another message and then Kalizda read something about a race of people and Illya froze in place. He did remember that correctly from an old lesson in legend and history. "We need tah know ef dere es an smell like dat where other fringe warrior are. We need ta know now." Slipping back into his chair he started to prepare the ship to lift off. "We need tah get out of immediate atmosphere until we find out more. Ef ets dah Tannas we have greater trouble den Federation."

She started the message as he asked, but paused when Illya went back to his chair and started pre-flight checks. The people outside were too close now to take off safely, but the Chip was insistent so hopefully they would have the sense to move at the sounds of the rumbling boosters. She was still confused as to why they had to leave out of the atmosphere though. Whatever it was, had made even Illya seem on edge and was a greater threat than even the Federation. Two things that were hard to imagine. Calysta started preparing for lift off, but also needed to know whatnwas happening. "What is it? Who are the Tannas?"she asked quickly as her fingers flew over the keys.
There was a momentary hesitation from Kalizda, but Illya kept on working at his usual pace. "Tannas are dangerous. Dey kill many Chippequoti and Ehaui in old war. Den we make expansion and control mines tah be sure we keep dem under control. Wit some metals dey can dupicate demselves and take more stable form. Dey walk tru walls and we could have one in here now ef dey break form long enough tah come tru vent." Illya couldn't help feeling stressed. "We leave, but Tannas could already be travelling and only way tah control dem is some metals."

Calsyta's eyes widened as he managed to tell her quickly a little about what the Tannas were. Men who could walk through walls and siphon through vents? It wasn't impossible, in fact it made a few things make sense, which was even more worrisome. At the comment about one being in there with them, Calsyta immediately shut off the outside vents to prevent potential invaders and set the inside air to circulating through the scrubbers. "What about ship filter amd scrubbers? Would that slow them? Or is it only the metal?" They had to get off the planet and into the vacuum of space fast, even if they already had been infiltrated. Calsyta sent a hasty message to Tikan and as soon as the pre-flights were done, she pushed the thrusters and began taking them back into the air. The cross winds of the atmosphere made the Kaerelean cruiser shudder a little. "1 minute till we break through to the atmosphere." A little ding on the screen indicated that Tikan had replied. Her eyes flicked to the screen as she guided the ship out into space, seeing the only word she needed to see. "Tikan says 'yes'. They have smelled it as well."

Kaizda didn't understand. How could she? The woman was educated in her own history, but she didn't know about the ancient races. It was an entirely different world of fears and hopes. One that was converging with the new system and world. "No, et only move dem, but dey may be anywhere. Jes make sure yah say someting ef yah smell et before meh." When Kalizda red the next message Illya slammed a fist into the arm of his chair. "No! Yah tell him tah keep dah soldiers away from mines an dun engage. Tannas slaughter many peoples witout regard and he es in danger. Dey go where eyes cannot see and I tink dey invade all places and armies before dey strike."
Nodding, she kept her eyes on the screens. They were close to breaking free of the atmosphere. They could deal with any potential stowaways when they were away from the surface. At Tikan's report, Calysta paled actually jumped when Illya slammed his fist into the arm of his chair. These people, the Tannas were apparently vicious and now they were sitting in the middle of Reylia. "Aye, take the helm." A flick of her fingers sent control of the craft to her Chip and a seamless transfer was made between the two of them. She started typing out the orders in code, but the distinct feeling she was being watched made her skin prickle. Why would they come here? What could they do against an enemy like this? Pushing the thoughts from her head, she sent the message as they entered orbit. "What can we do now? We need to clear the ship." There was one sure way to do it, but it wasn't pleasant.

Illya took over the controls while Kalizda was trying to finish the order. She was looking to him and Illya couldn't help feeling slightly guilty. They were infiltrated because he didn't know and he should have. "I find metal and we use et ta pull dem into a box and box contains dem. We have ta be careful." A hint of the smell grew stronger and Illya set the ship to autopilot. "Et's close. Careful." Even if he couldn't see it, Illya could smell it and he could have sworn it passed him by and then he saw the look on Kalizda's face.

Calysta sent the message to Tikan with strict orders not to engage and to keep them away from the mines. No sooner had she the encoded orders did the sickly sweet smell touch nose again. It grew stronger and stronger, making panic rise up in her throat. There were any number of ways that this thing could kill them. She was practically breathing the creature in. Her hand clamped over her mouth and nose out of instinct, though she doubted that would do much good, then looked to Illya in horror a she lit out of her chair, the sweet smell sticking to her throat.

Some gasses were flammable, but that wasn't much of a choice and Illya immediately sent the ship into a spin. Sometimes it would make the victim puke and that could help dispel the gas from her mouth. While Illya was in the middle of the spin a figure started to take shape. It was being forced to, to keep from being thrown all over the place. The man twisted a bracelet on his wrist and he threw himself toward Kalizda. She would be the easiest way to control the general.

Calsyta couldn't decide if she should hold her breath to prevent more from getting in or cough to dispel what was already creeping down her throat. The decision was made for her when the entire ship jerked into a spin and she slammed into a side panel with a yelp. Coughing, she tried to get hear bearings, and saw a shadow forming nearby. "Illya-" It took only a second for it to become solid and launch at her. Calysta was already plastered to the panels from the gravity of the spin, and this creature in the form of a man, slammed into her, pinning her against the wall. She held her breath, and struggled against him, bringing a knee up with as much force as she could into its crotch. The weight of the spin made it hard to kick against, but she used as much force as she could. If the thing had any feeling there it would hurt.

The plan to make Kalizda vomit wasn't quite a success, but Illya was close to vomiting. Coughing a little he sprang out of his seat and threw himself into the middle of the unstable figure. "Kalizda open all vents." It was a dangerous move, but it would suck out any gas since the air outside would have a greater pull. It could effectively render this Tannas useless and possibly dissipate him. However, there was also a chance that Illya wouldn't make it. He held onto a small hatch door handle and then the figure slammed into his back and the Chip went limp. His whole body was numb with the impact to his spine and the nerve bundle.

The figure struggling with her shattered as quickly as it formed when Illya exploded through it and Calysta dared to take in a breath as the Chip ordered the air vents open. They were already in orbit and while turning on the vents would suck the creature into space it would suffocate them as well. The thing started to reform and then rocketed toward Illya, slamming into him as it did her. Only this time it broke over his back and the Chip dropped the floor. "No!" A surge of adrenaline pumped through her and she leapt for the control panel on her chair. Flicking on the vents, immediately the fans came on the highest setting , pulling at her hair and clothes as it sucked all the oxygen from the ship and forced it into space. The air became to thin to breath, she held her breath and looked for the creature. Was it gone? She didn't know. Instead, she held her breath, thankful for a Kaerelean lung capacity, and then scrambled to the med bay. She had to get to the oxygen tank there with the mask. It would be their only source oxygen for them to share until an emergency landing could be made or she could put on a space suit. She dragged the oxygen tank and mask out of the bay trying to fight the growing dizziness. Half collapsing next to Illya, she fumbled with the mask over her nose until she turned on knob to let it flow. Finally a few trickles of air came through and she took in a deep breath before ripping it off and sticking it onto Illya's face. He was still limp, but it was all she could do for now. With her breath held firm, she dove for the captains chair and cut off the vents, then sent them to the nearest moon with enough oxygen to refill the ship. When that was done, she wobbled back over to Illya, if he was awake or not she didnt know but tears were forming in her eyes and there was.no oxygen with which to cry.

Illya couldn't really talk for a few of the seconds. It all hurt and he knew that it hurt, but he couldn't feel his arms or legs or even make them move. Instead he laid on the floor and tried his best to think. Taking a deep breath he was about to tell Kalizda to do something. He could smell the thing standing close and if he had feeling he was sure that it was going to start slicing him up while he couldn't fight it. Then the Kalizda opened the vents and the smell started to dissipate. Gradually his lips started to turn blue and Illya did his best to try and hold his breath longer. A few moments later he could hear Kalizda messing around with something and she came out with an oxygen mask and slipped it over his face. Gasping for air he sucked in all the oxygen he could until he almost went dizzy from it. The Chip watched her even though he couldn't move until she was out of sight. The sound of the air being sucked through the vents finally stopped and when she returned he looked to her. "Ets ok yah take mask for a few." He was laying still and he wasn't using much oxygen. While the mask was on her he held his breath until she put it back on his face again and he winced some. He was starting to get some feeling back and it hurt. His entire body ached, and at the same time the prickling sensation like fire ran through his skin.

Calysta slipped the mask over his face and saw him wince. Did that thing hurt his back again? He looked completely limp, but if he was feeling pain that something. He was the one laying motionless an yet telling her it would be okay. It didn't look okay, and certainly didn't feel okay. Motioning for him to stay put, she stood and went as quickly as she could to the cargo bay. The space suits were already there waiting on the racks. Each came with light oxygen pack and air filters. She could use it as long as necessary and not waste the only air illya had. Dragging the suit from the shelf, Calysta pulled it on, trying to work fast before she ran out of air. By the time her fingers fumbled over the the helmet seal she was dizzy and near desperate. As soon as the seal initiated the pump sprang to life and precious air began flowing. Calysta gasped ragged breaths and stayed on her knees until she could stand again with shaking knees. Feeling better, she walked back to Illya. It had been nearly 10 minutes and she needed to make sure he was breathing. She found him still on the floor and knelt beside him, looking him over through the tiny helmet. He looked like he was in pain and it made her chest ache to see jt. "Keep that oxygen on alright?" She said, "I'm going to turn off the gravity and move you to the med bay. We have about 20 minutes before we can make it to the moon with enough air to resupply the ship."

The little woman wandered around and Illya didn't know why. She was confusing in that way. Sometimes she was just too busy with her own thoughts, but she knew this sort of thing better than he did. When she came back in a suit and mentioned going with no gravity he caught his breath. "No!" His voice was muffled behind the mask. "I'll be fine. Just leave me here for a few more minutes." He could move if he wanted to, but if she grabbed him it would hurt. Everything had moved from a ache to a deep throbbing and knife type slicing running through all his major nerves. "I'll get up when I'm ready."

She blinked at him in surprise when he yelled at her about moving. "Alright! I wont! You just collapsed and I know your back was just now healing. I didn't want to leave you in the floor." In truth, her heart was still pounding and she still had her own adrenaline high to come down from. The ramifications of what they had just discovered were so far reaching, her brain couldn't process it. "I'm going to check the jump drive," she said, her voice wavering more than she intended. Rising to her feet, Calsyta went to the captains chair and pushed them into a faster speed, before ensuring they werent being followed until they arrived at the moon. It circled a gas giant and was uninhabited, as far as they knew. "We're here. Do you think is its safe to let in some air now?"

Kalizda was yelling back at him and Illya let her. He hadn't thought that he was that loud with the mask on, but obviously they were both running on a little stress high. He was too sore to do much besides agree with her when she said she wanted to check the jump drive. It sounded like she was scared, maybe close to crying and he couldn't do anything about it. This was one of those situations when he would have felt better about her possibly staying at home and yet he wouldn't have made it if he went by himself. He might have done just as well if he had one of the other men with him. They needed to travel in groups of at least 2, but it didn't mean that he liked the fact that she was the one travelling with him right now. The thing attacked her first and he would have done almost anything to get her back. When Kalizda asked about the air Illya moved his mostly numb hand up to his face and pulled the mask off. He couldn't tell how hard he was gripping and so it turned out to be more like a sloppy shove to get the mask off his face. "I smell air and tell yah." The only bad thing was that he couldn't quite get his hands to be nimble enough to get the mask back on. At first he couldn't smell anything and he kept on trying to breath in even when there wasn't quite enough air and he started to turn blue in the lips. After a few more seconds he finally started to get enough air and he nodded to her. "Its fine."

She didnt bother to land them completely, but let the vents slowly repressurize then cabin when Illya gave then okay. Watching the digital climate control O2 gauge rise, she waited until the levels were safe and then unsealed her helmet. The sickly sweet smell still lingered in her nose and mouth, but that probably had more to do with her own mind than anything. Though everything was fine with her physically, she felt like she needed a shower after all of that. Her hair was a fly away mess as she set a course for Kaereal and then got them back into a jump. With a deep breath, Calysta tried to bring herself down a little more and then rose from her seat to check on her Chip. "Air is safe...I put us on a course back to Kaereal."

It got easier and easier to breath. Illya forced himself up on his elbows and he winced. Moving like that hurt for the moment, but he figured he'd better save the oxygen in the bottle. When Kalizda came over he nodded to her. "I know ets safe. I can breathe." It seemed rather obvious that it was safe and he couldn't help the momentary snip. This whole thing scared him and he didn't feel like being well behaved when things like this came up.

Snipping comment was entirely unnecessary and struck an nerve, which made her jaw clench for a moment. At least he appeared to be moving some, which was a little relieving. The attack hadn't paralyzed him, but it was still best if she got him to the Ehaui to check the recently healed spot on his back. It scared her to think that he had just collapsed like that and it could have been so much worse. "Yes, well I'm glad you can," was the most muddled and lack luster thing her mind could come up with as a reply. "We'll be to Kaereal in 4 days if I stay at the helm and push it." A message rang through on the screen and Calysta' turned to see an encrypted message for Tikan asking for more information. "It's the chief requesting more information," she said, wiping at her eyes. "I can just have him wait until you're ready." With that, she started peeling off the stuffy space suit, kicking almost angrily at the legs until she was free.

As soon as the little bling sounded from the pad Illya pushed up a little further on one of his elbows and accidentally turned himself over. With a heavy sounding flop he hit the floor and his head thumped it too. "Ow," grumbling under his breath he glanced at Kalizda who was angrily kicking the space suit off. Neither one of them were that happy and she was acting like he couldn't talk or her fingers were broke. "Yah can always write down what I say eh? Meh voice isn't broke."

Her grey eyes snapped up to Illya, and she stared at him hard. "I need a minute." I wasn't a question, it was a statement and a firm one. With that, she went back to getting rid of the suit. When it the cumbersome thing was in a pile on the diamond plate floor, she ran a hand through her wild hair and got up to turn off the oxygen flowing from the tank since Illya couldn't. With that done, she went back to her chair. "Now, what do you want me to tell him."

Momentarily Illya's eyes blazed at her. He was the commanding officer on this trip and he let her come because she threw an adult sized fit and threw around her power as a diplomat. He could have forced her to stay home, but he knew that would have been worse and now he wondered if worse was maybe better. When she was finally ready he gave a short grunt and then forced himself to sit up all the way. "Yah jes tell him dey are Tannas and unstable form witout dere metal. If dey dun have dere metal dey cannot hold physical form, but dey are dangerous. We will have ta find old Chippequoti records. I go back to dah home planet. We change course now. Not going back to Pytra."

Calysta silently did as Illya asked, only adding in that the bracelet was probably what was keeping the Tannas solid. As she sent the message off to Tikan, the Chip ordered her to change course, making her pause. "You want to go to Qouti?" She said in surprise, "The Federation will be watching it and...I thought all Chippeqouti records had been destroyed."

The Chip stared at her in disbelief. Hadn't she listened to anything? Surely she had heard some of the Chippequoti mention the old Quoti. "No I tink yah redirect tah old Quoti. System where we come from long ago." Illya sighed. "Dah box I give yah has map tah Quoti homeland."

He was being an ass and looking at her as though she stupid. She knew part of it was worry and pain, but she was worried too. Her mind went into a million different directions at one time as the reality of such a journey set in. "I know that, I just didnt think you meant going that far," she replied in a whisper, "Its more than just simply plotting a course and going there. It will take weeks and we still have issues on Terra. Maybe we could have Kirit go pick up this person and rather than the necklace, Michelle can send with him some thing else? Then there's the children..." her voice caught in her throat thinking of them and she cleared it before continuing. "They'll be safe with Ehud and Haza, I suppose."

Hearing the strain in her voice made Illya soften a little bit. The natural instinct to bristle had somewhat calmed and he glanced to her. "I didn't know dere was Tannas. Dey are here and we need help. I send one of meh men ta deliver evidence of Tannas rather den necklace. Dere es nut much ta do. I tink Federation men maybe work wit us ef dey know dis." When she mentioned the children he clenched his jaw. "Ef I dun get help as soon as possible den dey will die anyway. Kalizda yah understand ets dangerous for us ta go. We were a faction kicked out because we choose nut to change. Meh people wanted ta stay traditional and I dun know ef dey kill meh on return or not."

Hearing what said made her stomach churn some. If these creatures were so bad that Illya was willing to work with the Federation, then they truly were monsters. Taking a moment, she thought of her smiling boy and her tenacious Rose. Her faithful father, and Henaiah who had done everything she could to protect her people. Then she looked to Illya. His shoulders were still curled a little but his expression had softenes some. He was scared too. She stood from her chair and walked over to him. Her whole body was shaking, but she pretended not to notice, and instead picked up Illya's hand. "I know its dangerous. It always will be, but we go together no matter what." She kissed his wrist and then nodded to the captains quarters. "Take some pain pills and rest. I'll arrange the Terra visit with Maks and then send the neccesary messages then plot our course."

Kalizda was only semi-helpful. She was trying to get him out of the room and he wasn't willing to go just yet. "No, I dun need pain pill. I jes have numb in meh legs and ets going. Only a few more minutes and I be fine again." Since she was looking so worried he forced himself to his feet, but promptly stumbled on the first attempt to walk. "I get to meh seat and we mark out course togeter." Most of the directions in the box were written out in Quoti and he was a little more proficient at reading it. The language was written in symbols and he could make it out much easier since it didn't scramble so much as alphabets strung together.

He insisted on staying and working together on the course heading and she could hardly argue with him. Even if she tried forcing him he could pick her up like a sack of Cryn feathers. She sat beside him, and they marked out a course that would hopefully take them to Qouti. The first leg of the journey would be to simply use the jump gate at Gkoe to propel them into the delta quadrant, shaving 2 weeks from their journey in a matter of days. Normally, she would have enjoyed plotting this trip with Illya. It was exciting to coordinate a trip, especially with him, but something else was rattling in her mind. A theory she had been working on. "Illya?" Her voice cracked to start and he looked to her expectantly. "You said we needed help...and we do. All the help we can get. What if I thought I had a way to locate more Chippeqouti closer as well?"
"What do yah mean?" Illya hadn't thought that there were others. Those who chose to stay traditional had banded together and they were exiled. That was all the more he knew and there were 2 major generals with their people that had been pushed out. The light Chippequoti from the mountains and those of the desert. How would she have known of more unless something had gone wrong on the old system and old Quoti. "Ef yah know where oters are den we go dere."

Calysta fidgeted in her seat, knowing he wasn't going to like what she had to say, but it was important now, when it had been just a curiosity before. She looked at Illya and described the files she had found on Elian's desk and the star charts too. "He was borderline obsessed with Chippeqouti and I was able to decipher a few of his charts about two weeks ago. He marks a few planets in the Delta quadrant and I was thinking maybe they were indicators of Chips presence or rumor. I was told that the Federation took the light Chips and scattered them from your Qouti...I thought maybe it could be connected." It sounded dumb when she said it aloud and she doubted Illya would find it helpful, but it was always a possibility.

The answer was irritating and difficult to hear. Illya clenched his jaw and looked away from her after several minutes. "I dun know what ta say. Yah dun tell meh when yah know dat meh people are in danger." Sometimes he couldn't understand her mind and this was one of those moments."Kalizda dis es too much." Turning in his seat he glowered at her. "Yah can't keep dese kind of tings secret. Why yah dun tell meh? I'm general and ets meh duty ta protect dem and instead yah leave dem out in dese sectors."

The more he spoke the angrier she became until he suggested she had left anyone out in danger or to die. That sent white hot rage down her spine and she smacked him across the face with tears in her eyes. "Don't you ever suggest that I did something like that It's as much my duty as yours and I didn't know enough to be certain that it wasn't Federation or worse marked on that map!" The words came tumbling out as her hand stung. "I didn't tell you because I wasn’t sure and you were hurt badly enough I didn't get a chance to even look at it until nearly a month passed. I would never leave someone alone that I knew needed help, and if you think that of me, your opinion must be low." She stumbled out of her chair, too angry to say or do anything else, heading for the engine room anything to get away from the hurt of his words and the regret for hitting him.

A hot flurry of words flew out of Kalizda's mouth and she reached up and slapped him right across the face. In the moment the sting was a little greater in the fact that she actually slapped him. As it sunk in he watched her little form leave the room and he felt justified. Illya's own anger only grew for the first several minutes. He didn't think lowly of her, but she should have come to him if she didn't know. The injury was to his back not his brain. If she thought that it was so serious that he couldn't handle it she could have gone to the other generals or even the elders to ask for advice. Kalizda didn't use her mind and she put Chippequoti people in danger. Perhaps others and there was no time for these kinds of mistakes in war. Working his jaw in anger he reached up with one hand and felt at the hot burning skin where she'd slapped him.

Calysta slammed the door of the engine room and rubbed the back of her hand over her wet eyes. How could he even suggest that? His people? They were hers too, weren’t they? And she would never purposely do anything to put them in danger. She hadn’t said anything because she hadn’t thought the theory was really ready, and Illya had been hurt. Why was he so angry over this? Glancing down at her palm, she saw the redness from slapping him, and a wave of guilt washed over. Better yet, why was she so angry? It had been insulting what he suggested, yet she had been insulted many times before. She just wasn’t used to it coming from him of all people. He had been a jerk for no real reason other than is own grumpiness. He felt very far away right now, and they had just been attacked by one of the most terrifying creatures she had ever seen. And she had actually thought it might be safe to get pregnant again. She couldn't even keep current children safe! Anger flared, but mostly at herself for being an idiot. The world felt like it was upside down, and she couldn’t do anything quite right, yet she regretted lashing out. Glancing at the door, she thought about going back to tell him she was sorry, for hitting him at least, but thought the better of it. Hitting him had probably made him angry and she was too upset with him not to start another argument.
 
*************
Calysta emerged from the engine room covered in grease and exhausted in so many ways. All she wanted was a shower and to go to bed. At thought of bed, her eyes clamped shut in a hard cringe. Going to bed meant facing Illya, and for once she knew she was wrong on at least on thing. Still how could she go in there and lay next to him pretending it was okay? Shaking her head, she went into the bathroom and started up the shower before stripping down. The hot water washed away the grime and oil, even the taste of Tannas, but not the sting in her hand. When she was done, Calysta slipped into the bedroom and dressed in her pajamas quickly before snagging up her pillow and a spare blanket. Gathering the soft items into her arms she headed toward the door only to have it slide open on her to reveal Illya looking down at her.
The shower was occupied for a while and Illya knew she was in there.

He could almost feel the anger rolling from that room and he knew in part it could be that he was angry too. Illya didn't want to even talk to her, but he had to. Things like this had to be resolved and it was better if they were resolved soon. In part for their work and in part because they were agreed. These sorts of fights were more common when you were newly agreed and they continued for about 20 years. It really wasn't long, but he didn't miss that first 20 year time period either. If he didn't have a potential 300-350 years of being alone he would have considered not agreeing again and then she sort of changed his mind. She must have because he agreed with her and had a kid with her too. They had even adopted a girl together. Sliding the bedroom door open he saw her standing there with a pile of blankets and he growled audibly. "Dis es nut Chippequoti way." Picking her up he carried her back to the bed and laid her down. "Yah angry and I am very angry, but we still share bed and we fex dis before bed. I tink we dun have sex for tonight because I dun want et."

Calysta let out a small yip as he lifted her up and carried her back toward the bed. She didnt want to go there, she wanted to go to the captains chair so the constant reminder of all her apparent shortcomings wasnt laying right next to her all night. Building up that little wall was easy with enough time alone. "Not everything is Chippeqouti," she said a she plopped her onto the bed, "And for once I don't want sex either!" Grabbing up the blankets, Calysta pulled them over her shoulders like a bunting bag and shot him a glare before rolling over.

She was obstinate and Illya stared at her when she rolled over in the bed. With a grunt he settled into the bed and when he felt himself brush against her he moved away. After a moment it occurred to him that she might be angry enough for the ban on sex to last longer than one night. He'd already missed two nights this week and this was the third. They weren't all in a row, but it certainly wasn't easy. Pushing up on his elbow he turned toward her and whispered. "Yah nut so mad we can't have sex tomorrow are yah?"

Her eyes widened at the mention of sex tomorrow night and she wasnt sure if laughing, crying or screaming was the correct response at this point. "That depends on if you don't mind sharing a bed with an outsider woman," she whispered back. It was half sarcasm but in reality there was hurt beneath the smarm and she just didn’t want him to see it. Sniffling, she rubbed at her nose and the burrowed into the blankets.

"What yah mean?!" Illya moved to get a little closer. "Yah nut outsider. Chippequoti adopt yah and dat makes yah Chippequoti." Where she got that idea he didn't know. "No matter how mad I get et doesn't give meh right ta disown yah. Only elder do dis."

"I wasnt talking about the elders," she said, "I was talking about you. What you think, Illya. Do you really think that I would leave something or someone who you care about and are a part of my people, in danger? Do you not remember or know me better than that by now?" Talking about this hurt and it made her throat tightened. "I would never do that. I have been dealing with things alone because I had to when you were shot. I still do in some ways because I know how hard you work." She curled into the blankets harder, trying not to be weak and show her face which would betray her.

The question was somewhat loaded and he didn't really want to answer, but he had to. "I dun tink yah do et tah hurt Chippequoti. Dis es someting yah should have told meh. I dun care ef I was sick, hurt, or had bad night. I need tah know dis ting. All meh men report to meh no matter meh condition. Ef ets too much dey report tah next general or dey ask elders for advice ef dey nut sure what tah do. Yah work es close tah meh and dis someting I should know. Et means I dun do meh job and now I responsible for dem. Dey ask when dis information known and I report dem and den dey ask when I take action and I have tah tell dem dat I dun have information because meh team does nut believe I am capable and den dey ask why. Kalizda ef yah tell dem trut maybe I nut fit for position and ef I am den dey ask why yah dun take good measure."

She listened to his point of view and how the Chippeqouti would view it. The answer wasn't helpful nor was it the heart of what she was saying. "I didn't know for sure. I knew Elian could very well have been a madman and this was just a theory," she replied, "I suppose I'll take whatever the Elders deem as punishment for prudence. " She was used to being seen as a walking mistake by her own people, so why not let the Chips and her agreed think it too since he seemed determined to do so. "I am sorry, for slapping you."

Illya groaned at her answer. It wasn't at all accurate. She was going on about the whole thing like it was her fault. That wasn't at all what he was trying to say. "Kalizda," ignoring her apology for the moment he decided to talk about the other part first. "Ets nut about yah nut knowing. Ef yah dun know dey dun punish yah. Dey punish Yvonne or meh. Whoever dey tink dun tell yah whatever part of yah life dat yah should know about. Yvonne should have told yah dis as translator work. Maybe I should tell yah as general or agreed." He was feeling a little stressed. "I get upset. I dun know what I tell yah. Sometimes I tink yah already know Chippequoti way and den times like dese I dun know. I tink yah jes know dese tings."

She shifted in the bed, rolling over to face him with red-rimmed eyes. "Why should you or Yvonne be punished for not knowing what I don't know," she replied, her brow knitted together. "It doesn't feel right." She wiped at her eyes again as they lowered away from his face. It didn't make much sense to her but she wouldn't have him punished because of her. "What will they do?"

"Because we get punish. Yah dun know tah even ask elders for advice and et means we dun do our jobs well. Et means dat when yah adopted tah Chippequoti yah nut told dese tings. Ef Chippequoti die because of dis et es Yvonne and meh fault. Dey beat us and den abandon us in desert. Ef we survive den dey forgive us." Illya glanced at Kalizda and then laid back in the bed. He had no idea what he'd told her in the past and they would probably forgive him that, but there was no forgiveness for Yvonne.
Hearing that made her sick and it was so wrong in her mind. How could they do that? The death of Chippeqouti punished by more potential death when babies are so rare and treasured. "No, they wont. Because I will tell them its my fault. Or....we go find out if this map is true or not on our way to Qouti and say nothing if its not. If it is, we bring the Chippeqouti home." She had no idea how he would feel about that suggestion but it very well made the most sense.

Illya shook his head. "Yah tell dem trut. We wait and see ef dere was damage. Ef dere is none yah say noting. If dere es yah tell trut and Yvonne will be example. We all do our work best we can. Et es dangerous during war for yah ta fail. Now yah know and now yah be responsible for dese tings. Ef yah need help tah know what tah do yah ask elders. Dere es nut ever punishment tah ask for help."

It still was frustratingly nonsensical to her and she felt even angrier that he was talking to her as if she was a child. Things still didn't feel right between them and it was beyond her wondering why he didn't pursue her anymore, or if he was upset about babies. It was beyond the fact that she felt alone in alot of ways still. Things would probably never be right again. "Now, I know." A little involuntary sob came out and she rolled over so he couldn't see her.

For all of that he figured it should go better, but that wasn't the case. In fact if it was possible the whole thing went worse. Illya half thought that she would be fine and instead she started to cry. Sitting up in the bed he leaned over and placed one hand on her side of the bed so he could see her face better when he leaned over. "Why yah upset now?"

He was leaning in close, and it was making her want to pile into his arms and just cry, but she couldn't bring herself to pull him close. "You just have a non-chip wife and, I'm not everything that I should be, I think. Not since you lost your memory, even though Ive tried." She didn't know how to sum up how she felt and her throat was too tight for much talking.

"I still want meh Kalizda. She es better den Chip woman for meh." Lowering himself slightly he kissed one of her wet cheeks and pulled her closer to himself before he rolled to his back, pulling her with. "Ef yah nut good for meh I would have run away. I admire meh Kalizda even when meh brain was hurt. She es patient woman, she learn about meh after dis instead of tinking I jes dah same. Some tings change and I dun like all dah change, but I still love meh little bird."

Calysta didnt fight him as he pulled her over on top of himself. She cried tears that had been pent up for a year. They all came spilling out for everything. How she had felt like he was disappointed, how she missed her babies and how badly she wanted another. How her heart hurt for her father and how the terrifying events of the day had settled. It all came out in little sobs half hidden in Illya's chest. Things were different but she still loved him. "And I love you." Her fingers curled around his side as exhaustion crept in.

**********

The next morning, Calysta found herself exactly as she had fallen asleep, tangled up with Illya. He was still sleeping, and she was reluctant to move from under his arms, but she needed to use the bathroom and she was actually hungry for once. After last night, she wasn’t sure where they stood, though he had let her cry on his chest until she couldn’t anymore. The man under her arms was a good one, and she knew that, but she wasn’t perfect. Mostly, she felt very exposed and it was a little unnerving to think had seen her like that. He probably thought she was weak.

Stirring, Calysta untangled herself slowly from Illya’s arms and went to the bathroom first, not even bothering to smooth down her hair which was standing straight up on the side she had pressed against her Chip’s chest. Her eyes were still somewhat puffy, but she didn’t care about that either. Wandering barefoot into the galley, she started up a breakfast of pancakes, taking her time. Pouring milk into the dry pancake mix, she stirred, almost lethargically, and then ladled each cake into a hot pan on the stove. She had never been good at making pancakes, but the task was methodical, and nothing so complicated as love and war.

The sound of footsteps echoed down the hallway, and she hear the galley door swing open as she dolloped another pancake into the pan. Glancing at the door, she saw Illya standing there, his black curls a wild mess and eyes thick with sleep. “Good morning.”
 
The night felt a little bit longer when he led Kalizda and she cried like that. She really must have been shaken up over the Tannas. They were terrifying and he didn't want to face them anymore than she did. While she cried he simply let his one hand rest on her back and eventually folded the other over her little back too. It was semi comfortable and it didn't seem that she was going to be moving anytime soon. Any bit of comfort faded as the night drug on. Gradually her tears turned to sniffles and then she pressed her head a little harder into his chest and relaxed again.

Illya could feel his arm start to fall asleep. It wasn't all that comfortable and she moved a little bit during the night as if she was trying to crawl up his body, but she always ended up slumping back down to where she started. One time he woke up to her little fingers petting his chest and he watched her for a few seconds before going back to sleep. That was a little strange feeling after all this time. Still he felt like it was a good sign. If she was getting nice and cuddly in her sleep she must not have been that mad. Then in the morning it would be his turn to simply list his grievances with the particular argument. Not that her thought process was so awful now that he knew why. She understood proper protocol now, but she needed to understand that slapping someone was not acceptable. Chippequoti didn't do that without good reason and her slapping him wasn't justifiable in this case.

Eventually Illya fell into a deeper sleep and when he woke up it was because of the cold spot on his chest and left side. She was gone and he couldn't feel the body warmth anymore. It felt sort of empty in the bed without her. Pulling the blankets tighter to himself Illya tried to sleep more, but he wasn't having much luck with that. Finally, Illya decided it was about time he got up. Heading toward the bathroom he made the first pit stop of the day and then washed his hands before heading back to the bedroom to get changed and go into the kitchen. Illya took only a few minutes to get himself changed and he tied his boots before clomping down the hallway toward the kitchen.

Rounding the corner Illya found himself staring at a lop haired Kalizda. Half of her thick black hair was mashed in an awkward frizzle and the rest laid neatly at the side of her head. She looked semi tired out and maybe terrible. "I uh..." Suddenly he felt a little sheepish. "Well, I tink I tell yah dat slapping meh es nut good. Chippequoti dun do dis witout good reason. Jes cause yah mad es nut good reason." Turning his head to the side he let her see the little red outline of where her hand had met his face. It was still a bit swollen with very slight bruising. She hit hard and with the Chip bone implant her hand had a bit more impact than what she was probably used to. More than likely the slight bruise would fade and be gone by tomorrow, but he still figured she should know that it wasn't considered kosher.

He'd not even said good morning to her and gone straight into telling her what was what. Picking up the spatula, she flipped the pancake that was sizzling in the pan, only to discover it's cooked side was already looking so dark as to be burnt. She hadn't done it simply over a simple argument, as what he suggested. It had been very hurtful and insulting to her what he'd said, but she had felt immediately regretful over slapping him. Even more so now that she could see the bruising. Turning from the stove, she looked him the eye. "I know, I am sorry. There's really no excuse for it." Then she broke his gaze and her eyes traveled back to the floor.

When she looked so repentant he figured he'd better tell her the truth. "I lied. Sharing bed even when yah angry es nut Chip way. Ets jes way I do tings. I like et better."

He swapped from talking about the argument to sharing the bed with her and upon hearing he had lied, she couldn't help but feel her lips twitch, daring to curve upwards ever so slightly. Wily Chip. With a short sigh through her nose, Calysta looked back up to him again, head tilted. "Why?" Her voice came out a bit hoarse and she cleared it with a little grunt before trying again. "I mean....why do you like it better?" she asked again, her curiosity getting the better of her.

The fact that she asked why almost made Illya drop his shoulders. "Chippequoti way says dat ef yah partner hits yah, dat yah hit back. Et es why when meh fater beat meh when I was little meh moter beat him on meh behalf. I dun like dis, so I agree wit Isla dat we dun do dis and I tink same es better wit yah."

"Oh, I see," she replied quietly. Why were there always so many rules she never knew about? Not that she had ever considered hitting Illya. or thought that she ever would, but still it would have been nice to know. Her pancake was starting to smell burnt again and she turned to the stove with the spatula fumbling in her hand. "I'm glad you don't do it the other way. I won't do it again, so there's not need to worry about it."

"Good, den we agree. I dun like ta slap or hit meh woman. Ets nut tradition dat I keep. Isla would make meh share bed when we argue. Mostly when I was sick and I learn dis better way ta get along." Getting in a little closer to Kalizda he scooted in and took over the pancake turning. Bending over slightly he kissed her. "How often yah tink we have sex witout getting yah pregnant? Yah nut ready I tink and maybe we wait, but I still want sex eh?"

Hearing him talk about Isla so openly was strange. Almost comforting, yet a bit unsettling at the same time. She was not Isla, and he knew that, but experience in marriage far surpassed her own. He came a little closer and nudged her over, picking up the spatula to begin flipping the pancakes. She didn't argue with him, but let him lean over and kiss her while he worked. It was impossible not to kiss him back, and one of her tiny hands cupped his bruised cheek with a gentle touch. Next thing she knew he was asking about sex and...not getting pregnant? Her brain was getting a mental whiplash from how jolting his subjects were so early in the morning. "As long as I'm taking my medicine, as often as we like," she replied evenly, "And..you don't think I'm ready?"

Medicine? Why would a woman take medicine like that? Illya's eyes widened slightly and then he felt like a vague memory sort of came in. They'd talked about this before. At least he thought they did. "Uhm...I tink one day yah want baby and next yah worry. We dun have baby till yah want baby witout worry." Illya was sort of getting the idea he sort of jumped around on that particular subject, but he thought it all made perfect sense to go together. "I tink about last night. Maybe I order Ehud ta go check out quadrants. Ef dey are light Chippequoti dey would accept him better and den we keep going. Now ets important dat we outrun Tannas."

Calysta nodded in agreement at the idea that Ehud should go check on the light Chippeqouti. If there were any damages or loss of life, they would deal with whatever his report said. The other part about the children sounded odd, like he might have just made up reason or had a seizure mid way through his thoughts. Her eyes drifted back his tan face and she gazed at him unsure of how she wanted to say what was on her mind. "Is that something you are really alright with? Waiting? I'm worried you wont like to do things any more....and that it might be a while until I am ready," she admitted, her face turning a little pink.

Staring at the pancake for a long moment Illya gave a small start when he saw her so close to his face. "Huh!" The Chip blinked a few times while he slowly processed what she said. "Yeah I tink dat ets better. Ef we agree togeter when we have baby den we can plan for et." Finishing one more pancake he sloppily flopped it on a plate. "I need rest." He wasn't feeling the best and he sort of had that odd feeling. Wandering back to the bedroom Illya laid on his side and waited for the sick and dizzy sensation to fade. He felt a little off after it all passed, but he figured he would be safe to head back to the kitchen.

The sudden outburst so close to her face made her recoil a little and she stared at him with wide eyes as he blinked. Something wasn't right, but before he she could say anything else about his it, he was wandering out of the door to their quarters. He hadn't heard much of what she said, and at this point she didn't even know if it was worth trying to say anything else about it at all. Especially, when he looked like he didn't feel well. With the final, slightly crispy pancakes came out of the pan, she stacked them on plates, and then wiped her hands intent on going to check on Illya to make sure he hadn't seized. No sooner had she started toward the door, did the Chip appear in the hallway looking a bit pallid. "Illya, are you alright?"

Illya rubbed at his forehead and he stumbled into the hallway. Almost staggering into Kalizda he stared at her for a moment. "Yeah I'm fine." Letting out a sigh he wandered into the kitchen again and set the table in half a daze. "I jes get sick and I lay down. Maybe I sleep some after breakfast." Illya knew he'd been pushing it too hard the last few days and he probably needed to take it a little easier especially since he hadn't slept real great last night and he was so tired. "Dun worry. I get used to et and I learn what et feels like again so I know when ta sleep more."

Something was very wrong. Illya half stumbled into her like a drunkard and then wandered into the kitchen like he didn't really know what was going on as he tried to set the table. His eyes were distant though, and he looked like he might be sick at any moment. What was he talking about? She was completely lost on what he was rattling off about and she couldn't tell where these issues were coming from other than to know they must be part of an odd seizure like state. Putting the pancakes in front of him, she simply wanted to get him fed and back into their room so he could sleep. "Get used to what?" she asked, putting a fork in his hand, "What are you trying to learn?"

Taking the fork from Kalizda he shoveled a few bites into his mouth and then he stopped to stare at her. "Learn when ta sleep so I dun get seizure." He was pretty sure he'd said it clearly and he forced himself to swallow the food. It was all feeling so dry and he finished what was on his plate and then got up. "I help yah wit dishes later." Holding a hand out for balance he weaved his way back to the room and laid down on the bed. Sighing loudly he turned to his side and then tried to close his eyes and sleep even though it didn't feel like he would get that chance. Instead he stared at the wall for several minutes until Kalizda walked in the room too. "I'm fine."

Calysta watched him wolf down some his breakfast then stumble off to the room again. He knew he was close to getting a seizure apparently, which meant she would need to be keeping a close eye on him. If he needed sleep, then she would find him something to help. Leaving her food untouched, Calysta grabbed a container from the cabinet which housed the coffee. It would always make him relax enough to sleep. It only took a few minutes to put it into the filter, add water, and a pinch of salt for a good, strong cup of the Terran drink. When it was done, the galley smelled like home and she added a healthy dose of cream to the mix with some sugar.. Walking back to the room carefully, she brought the cup with her and slipped inside. At his proclamation that he was fine, she shook her head and sat on the bed beside him. "You're not fine if you feel like this. I brought you some coffee to help you sleep and I'll stay with you for awhile, yeah?"

Sitting up in the bed Illya took the cup from Kalizda and he sipped at it until the cup was gone. He was already starting to get tired and he laid down in the bed until he fell asleep. Off and on he would get restless, but after nearly an hour and a half Illya woke up again. This time he felt better and the regular robust glow to his cheeks had returned. Rubbing his eyes a little he yawned and turned over to see Kalizda laying next to him. Leaning in he kissed her on the lips. "I love yah."

Calysta sat beside him as he sipped at the coffee and his eyes began to droop further and further. He looked exhausted with the bruising on his cheek more evident than ever. When he laid back, she pulled the soft fleece blanket over him and laid down her self. She was tired, and had lost most of her appetite concerned that Illya might seize. At least if she dozed next to him and he started thrashing around, she could feel it and get the medicine from his bag. Curling up beside him, Caysta stayed close and drifted off only to be woken by a soft kiss on the lips and Illya's voice. Her eyes opened slowly until she was greeted by her green eyed man. He was staring back at her, all rosy cheeked and looking better. "I love you too, Illya," she replied, reaching up to his cheek. The back of her fingers brushed his cheek bone and she smiled a little. "How are you feeling?"

A grin came to Illya's face when she opened her eyes. The usual mischievous glint had returned and he chuckled. "I feel like a munster. Maybe I work hard and den we spend time togeter. Ef I dun work too hard I might save some energy and we talk jes like we agree first time. Dere es someting I need tah tell yah later on."

Calysta smiled a little more at seeing him look so much better and hearing him chuckle. It was good to hear him talk like that, and she wanted to talk more if he wanted to. "Alright," she replied, kissing him. She couldn't imagine what he would need to tell her later on, but it would be best to let him talk when he was ready.

There was so much to do and hardly any time to get it done in. Illya rushed around the ship in a scattered mess. He got part of the dishes done and then he wandered into the engine room to check on the oil before he decided that he should look at adding cleaning up the bathroom and then running a check on the navigation to make sure they were approximately on track. If they weren't on track it could be a bad trip. There wasn't to many safe places to go on the way to old Quoti. From what he had recalled from the stories that he was told as a boy the planet was hid under a mist and behind an asteroid belt. It was never meant to be found. At least that was their story. The four winds had tried to set up a barrier that would protect them and the atmosphere would batter ships and send them hurtling to the ground.

If he hadn't known from some of the Ehaui records Illya may have thought the stories to be strange. There was plenty of evidence from the records and some of the stories that the Ehaui told of when they had first encountered the savage Chippequoti. In many ways Illya was tired of other races considering the Chippequoti to be savage and then if you happened to be a dark Chip it was somehow more of a crime.

Suddenly he remembered that he was supposed to be working on the dishes and Illya rushed back in to find that Kalizda had gone in behind him to finish them and then he skipped the engine room. He could hear her finishing the last little bit of clean up that he forgot. From there Illya decided to finish cleaning the rest of the bathroom and then worked his way back into the bedroom. Plucking her clothes off the floor he tossed them into the small basket with his own and washed his hands before deciding that he could try to make a dinner for Kalizda. Most of the things in the kitchen he wasn't really sure how to make. Kalizda had stocked so many foreign foods and Illya flipped through the recipe book to find something to make. If he could just follow the recipe then he would have a better chance at making something semi decent.

Before embarking on a dangerous journey of cooking something new Illya went and got one of his little page sliders. Laying the blue one over the recipe book and then turning it to the side Illya was ready to begin. For whatever reason the angle seemed to help and he got the meat frying in the pan before he added a few vegetables. It was a stir fry that would be served over rice and a sort of flat bread. Illya wasn't so sure that he wanted to use this tortilla so he made Chippequoti flat bread. The flatbread from his home had to be much better. It was a gently crisped bread and lightly sweetened. The Chip frowned when he read what the spices were supposed to be for the rice and he decided that he didn't like that idea and instead added something more familiar. By the end of the cooking Illya had a nice little kettle full of gently seasoned meat and platter of flat bread along with some cooked vegetables and mildly seasoned rice.The final picture from the recipe that he didn't really follow showed the food wrapped up and Illya raised a brow. They were just going to eat the meat, steamed vegetables, and rice piled on top the flat bread. It was too brittle to bend like that. Breaking a corner off the bread Illya served some of the meat, rice, and vegetables. It taste fine to him and so he waited for Kalizda. "Come eat when yah ready. I make good food for yah."

Illya served a large plate for Kalizda and slid it across the narrow galley table toward her. It was more like a little counter top than a table and it was fitted with tall narrow stools to go with it. Serving himself next he picked up the brittle bread and started to eat it like a pizza. The meal was mostly quiet and it wasn't until they started to do the dishes together that Illya decided he needed to talk with Kalizda.

"Es et good time ta talk?" Rinsing a dish off in the sink he handed to Kalizda to dry. Listening to her answer he nodded and then glanced at his soapy sink again while he fished around for that last little fork. It was somehow evading him and he always found that a mystery. There could be one small dish left and a man could swish his hands in the sink for near an eternity and yet come up empty handed and drain the sink only to discover a fork or spoon sitting in plain sight. Finally, Illya plunged both hands in and caught the remaining piece of silverware.

**********************************************

Weeks had seemed to drag by and then the last few days suddenly sped up. Illya sat in the navigation chair almost all night. He needed to be close to the panel in case anything strange happened. From his understanding the old Quoti would not welcome him back, but he needed to ask for their help. The Tannas wouldn't stop with his system and if they were yet familiar with their own history they would know this. It was not such a distant war since they lived for nearly 500 years. Only 3000 years ago left the history fresh in their minds and it had been only a short while after they had been invaded the first time.

So many ancient races had tried to invade them. Quoti had at one point been a safe and hidden planet. No one bothered the rugged mountains and scorching deserts of the planet. No one bothered until they found the missing element. It was one of the few things that could stop the Tannas, but it was still dangerous to use.

With his head lulled to the side and his legs propped up on the chair across from himself Illya made himself as comfortable as he could get during his part of the navigation watch. Kalizda would eventually come in for her shift. A light crackle sounded and Illya only shifted in his seat with a grunt. After a few seconds the crackle sounded again with a loud voice following. "Identify yourself. Unauthorized aircraft, please identify yourself." It was strong and harsh sounding woman's voice. She spoke clearly in Quoti though it was a slightly different dialect.

Illya woke with a start and he leaned in closer to the communication screen. On the other side he could see the woman with dark brown hair and bright blue eyes. Her skin was a little more creamy and he figured she had to have been a mix of dark and light Chippequoti. "Repeat." The woman stared at him for a moment and repeated what she said. Illya listened to it carefully and he could pick out a few words, but for the most part he found himself struggling to keep up with the way she slurred some words and used others. It was not quite the same way that he spoke or the other Chippequoti that he knew. By his estimation Quoti had to have changed quite a bit since the 1000 years since they had been exiled from it. "Identity." Illya read out a ship code from the screen for the woman and he saw her brow crease before she looked at him again and then requested the name. "Illya Black-Wolf Octovas 21 of Augustus." Again a frown came to her face and he didn't understand why. Did they not follow the tradition of how to name their children anymore?

Truly the society had to have changed and probably for the worse. Illya hadn't seen anyone that could handle life and the difficulties as well as his own people and he liked how they did things. A brief message popped up on his screen and the picture of the woman faded. It was a simplified symbolic use of their language. "Prepare for escort and then boarding when landed." Carefully reading the words over and over to himself he made sure it was his best understanding. It must have been right because he felt a slight jolt as a ship connected with them for escort into the port.

At this point they would only make things worse to resist and so Illya let the Chippequoti do as they wanted. Over the last few days his worry had increased. They lost all contact with home pads. They were too far away to make contact and now he was about to discover whether or not the Chippequoti on old Quoti would accept them or if he was going to get his back broke and Kalizda killed too. Standing in the doorway to the room Illya stared at Kalizda for several moments before he finally said something. "Dey are guiding us ta port and den dey board. Yah stay close." He didn't want there to be any kind of mistake about who she was to him. This time it would be safer for them to know that she was his woman. By tradition, if they had any of the tradition remaining the Chippequoti would not be interested in taking her if she was already claimed.

Illya had barely gotten Kalizda up and he could hear the men starting to board the ship. It was well that they had been sleeping in their clothes. "We wait here." From experience Illya knew that they would be less threatening if they were standing together in one space and not attempting to move to or go anywhere. A group of men could be heard barreling through the ship and then the door was tore open.

Slowly the Chip raised his hands and put them on his head. Kalizda he hoped would do the same. Soldiers filed into the room and began to roughly pat him down to check for anything. Illya almost winced when one of them grabbed his leg. They were nervous and he could tell. Chippequoti were not typically fond of outsiders and it was probably strange to have a fellow Chip land and with a foreigner. One of the men stood back and watched. Illya could only assume that he was an officer and when the man started to ask questions Illya answered slowly. "I am Illya Black-Wolf Octovas 21 of Augustus. She is my agreed." Kalizda likely understood enough of the other dialect to understand what they were saying, but if she didn't he was prepared to answer for her.

**************************************************************

"Get one of the elders." A tall Chip man motioned for one of the other men at the base to go. "Reports said the pilot was Quoti, but the name doesn't match anything in our records." There was too much trouble with something like that. Few could pull off looking like a Chip and even fewer knew how they named themselves. The small landing base had exploded with activity. Men raced from one end to another as they prepared for the escort to arrive.

An elderly Chip with men on either side of him wobbled uneasily toward the dock with his cane. He stood unsteadily on the end of the dock and waited as the prisoners were brought out of the ship. One of them was clearly a full bred dessert Chippequoti. His skin was dark, hair dark, and eyes bright. With him was a woman, an alien of sorts that they had not seen before. She was a sickly pale with dark hair and grey eyes. Her eyes were too dull to be a Chip and it was reported that she knew the language. They both spoke the language, but it was an older form and one that most were not familiar with anymore. Only the very old Chippequoti spoke like the man did and this woman knew it too.

When they were shoved in front of the elder Illya bowed respectfully and he figured Kalizda would follow suite. The older man asked him his name again and Illya repeated it and then the man started to ask him his father's name and grandfather's name and great grandfather's name. It was a string of names and Illya answered them clearly, but he couldn't help feeling a little more apprehensive when he gave his great grandfather's name. He was the old general that had lead the faction to maintain tradition and Illya was a direct heir. He knew it sounded bad. A murmur went through the group of men standing there and the elder nodded to one. A woman came forward with a needle and a scanner. Without question she shoved the needle into Illya's arm and held it there. While she stared at the screen a small trickle of blood ran down Illya's arm, but he didn't say anything.

A single nod from the woman indicated the end of the test and she pulled the needle out of Illya's arm wiped it off and then shoved it into Kalizda's arm. The whole time the elder watched, but his eyes grew distant when he stared at them. He waited till the test was finished and then the old man shakily pointed toward the desert and gave order for them to be taken to the elders council.

Illya marched with Kalizda to the council in the desert. It was only a few miles and the ground was rough. Sharp rocks jabbed at their feet and hot winds stung their faces. When they reached a canyon sort of landscape Illya saw that the whole side wall of the canyons had been carved out into a city. A large temple like building with great columns and red rock stood proudly in front of them. Despite the current danger they were in Illya couldn't help being impressed by it. They were forced toward a narrow staircase leading into the giant building. Illya paused in the doorway briefly and then stepped into the blackness. It took several minutes for his eyes to adjust and then he saw the old council room. Elders sat in a circle much the same as they used to stand back on Quoti in his home. A large staircase to the side led to an upper floor and Illya could hear people above them. They obviously had an audience. People wanted to know. At least the Chippequoti here had maintained some tradition and Illya figured he could use that to his advantage if he was allowed to speak with the elders. Kalizda was separated and taken to the upper floor with guards and Illya was taken to the center of the elder's circle. It was his chance to speak and he had to speak for Kalizda too. They would never speak to her because she was not Chip in their eyes.
 
Back
Top