Colliding Worlds

It was almost impossible not to feel a little anxious. Illya slipped into the one shirt he had that helped make him look a little more presentable. Combing through his hair with a hand he frowned and combed through the unruly wings and curls of hair again a little more furiously this time. Grumbling a little under his breath he barely stepped out the door of the washroom and he saw his mother standing in front of him. She had that serious look on her face.

"You're going out to meet with the contact dressed like that?" The woman looked him up and down. "If you're to represent the Chippeqouti I must insist that you wear something that is more suitable."

Reluctantly Illya shuffled down the hall in front of his mother. Every now and then she would nudge him with one of her fingers. She still had her way of making a blunt fingertip feel plenty sharp. "I won't have my son representing us and looking like some rat. We might be exiled, but we don't have to look like it. Your father has some clothing I'm sure will fit you." They barely reached the bunk room and the woman pulled a bag out from underneath her bed. "Illya!" The woman gave her son a sharp expression and then began setting out plain olive pants and an olive shirt with a brown belt. "This will be much better." Getting up off her knees she started for the bunk room door again. "Remember what I taught you as a boy." She knew he did, but she wanted for him to act as he did when he was younger. Illya was more than capable of being a diplomat if he wanted to be.

While his mother dug into the bag Illya watched. That was until she scolded him. Quickly he began to pull his shirt off. By the time his mother was headed out the door Illya had both his boots off and he was starting to scramble out of his pants. When he emerged from the room a few minutes later he had placed his clothing, folded on the bed that he had recently occupied.

When he stepped out the Chippeqouti almost looked like a soldier. Twisting from side to side he loosened the shirt that had been tucked in so it wouldn't feel quite as tight as it had before. Lifting each leg he made sure the pant legs weren't too tight. There was a slight gathering of fabric above the tops of his usual brown boots. With a final attempt at smoothing his hair he took a deep breath and then pushed the door open. A brief glance from his mother and then he knew that she approved. In many ways it was a strange moment. Felt almost like it had years ago when the war started. He remembered putting on his uniform which wasn't all that different looking from this set of clothing he was borrowing. The main difference was the fact that it was camouflage and bore traces of the red to blend with the sands.

Stepping out of the ship Illya squinted a little. He hadn't expected for it to be so bright outside. Feeling along his pockets he realized that he had left his money in the other room. Wandering back into the ship and then the bunk room he dug into the pant pockets and then into the pouch that he had set aside as well. Taking a few large steps he nearly ran into the girl. Putting one hand out he caught her by the shoulder and stepped around her before turning toward the woman again. "Here, I owe yah for clothes and yah worked for a little wage." Opening the pouch Illya sighed. Even if Kalizda wasn't here he figured she would want him to give the woman enough to start over if she wanted. "How much yah thhink yah earn?"

Mostly startled by the man coming around the corner so quickly and then being whipped about like a rag doll she stared at Illya stupidly. Even when he seemed to be getting impatient she continued to stare at him in shock.

Finally Illya shoved a few hundred into her hands and then sighed. "Alright. I give yah 5 thousand credits. That enough to get yah started?"

Nodding a little the woman watched, mostly stunned as he walked away from her. In her tiny hands she held tightly a good sum of money to pay for some clothes and to get a start. What she would do with the money she wasn't sure, but she knew she didn't want to be here on this ship any longer. Soon as the man was out of sight the girl ducked off board and slipped into the streets.

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

Illya was finally outside and this time he was ready for the sunlight. Though it was strange feeling to be in these kinds of clothes again it was nice at the same time. Loading into the seat of the small transport sent his heart into the back of his throat. Not that Illya would tell Kalizda or anyone else, but he didn't like riding in these tiny sardine cans. They were way too small and though this one was larger his knees were mashed against the seat in front of himself.

While they sped over the land Illya tried to keep his eyes on the immediate sky above them. He didn't want to peer over the edge and regret the decision though it was beginning to get more tempting. Cautiously the Chippeqouti leaned to the side and his eyes widened. Below them was a wide girth of water and the golden fields with red tips below. Swallowing hard he clenched both hands into fists and kept his jaw tightly closed while looking ahead. As hard as he tried not to frown there was one growing on his face, mostly because he was doing his best not to reveal that he was struggling to keep his last meal in his stomach.

By the time they landed he was scrambling to get out of the small craft. Illya shot an accusing glance toward the troublesome piece of machinery. The first few steps away from it left him teetering. When he regained his balance and all his faculties the Chippeqouti carefully squared his shoulders and tried to be as proper as he knew how. If he was to be here representing his people then it was only right that he do it with as much grace as possible. Displaying military strength was far easier, though it was not quiet as efficient in terms of negotiating. There were times when Illya wondered why he ever tried to learn to negotiate. Most of the time it didn't turn out quite as productive as he thought it would.

As Illya lifted his gaze he noticed the streets ahead of them were filled with people and merchants. It was so rich. This kind of wealth he hadn't seen in years. Things like this hadn't been in his home since he was a boy. Staring almost straight ahead at a linen merchant's stall Illya ran into something and he felt it give way. Reaching out he grasped for whatever it was and pulled a man up off the ground. "Sorry." His accent came out strangely thick as he was barely keeping track of what he was seeing.

While he was busy helping the man off the ground a woman hiked her skirt up her legs dangerously high and beckoned to Illya. Pausing part way through helping the man off the ground Illya narrowed his eyes slightly and glanced around to see who she would be making such a lewd gesture to. Since he didn't see anyone he assumed they had already responded and he missed it. Instead he glanced back around and saw that she was still smiling and beckoned at him again. A deep red crept to the tips of Illya's tanned ears and began to crawl across his cheek bones. Turning sharply he bumped into another person and quickly tried to apologize.

For the time it seemed that he had averted disaster. The crowds were pressing in tight and Illya did his best to keep his eyes down so he didn't run into anyone else though that didn't turn out well when they got stuck against oncoming masses. A woman ended up pressed against him and he found himself staring at her cleavage. Normally he wouldn't have thought much, but it was different seeing it versus staring or intentionally seeing and being in such close proximity. Clearing his throat he raised his gaze again. He could only hope that the woman moved soon and that wherever they were going would be close. Taking a deep breath Illya decided to move his hands to rest behind his back. A strange grunt and growl sounded from behind just before someone shoved him.

"Keep your hands to yourself or find a whore!" The man yelled and shot daggers at Illya with his gaze.

With such a public embarrassment it was all Illya could do not to challenge the man for such a disgraceful statement. In such a crowded space he hadn't thought that simply putting his hands behind himself would result in accidentally making contact with another person. Shaking his head Illya pasted his arms to the side of his body and he let out a long breath. No sooner had he recovered from the fresh blush that traced his cheeks than a warm body pressed itself against him and a woman's hand ran along his chest. Instantly the Chip could feel the red return to his cheeks and he put one hand on each shoulder of the woman and turned her so that her back was to him. "I dun wan yah. Jes go along. Here for business onleh."
 
Ayrn followed Calysta through the streets of Urio's more metropolitan area. Even late a night the place was bustling with people offering fine cloth, incenses, oils, and lovely views. All of the more pleasurable details of life he had come to miss aboard the ship full of miserable, stiff Chippeqouti. Urio was his kind of place- open and extra friendly- and he had every intention of enjoying all it had to offer. Multiple times. He had little to no interest in whatever Illya and Calysta had planned in the city or who ever it was they were meeting and wouldn't be sticking around for long. Though, he had to admit the Captain looked pretty nice with the rosey color all over her pale cheeks and he would be missing out on Illya looking like a Sunday school boy dropped in the middle of a cabaret. They were far too distracted to even notice him slipping off on his own. As along as he was back to the ship before sunrise, he would probably be fine.

Armed with his eye patch and a charming smile, he shimmied off into the streets to see where his fortune lead him. Women in bright pink shawls and little else on came up to him and slipped their hands over his shoulders or behind his back, rubbing and tempting him. They were all pretty enough, but he also had standards. The more attentive company would be inside one of the many establishments along the streets.

A particular building caught his eye, there were bright lights flashing out front but the windows were tinted completely black and a curvy sign written in Kaerelean was scrolled over the red door. Even through the door he could hear the thump of music and a crowd cheering. This looked interesting enough. Opening the heavy red door, he was met with the heavy bass of a live band playing so loudly the sound rattled in his chest, as he slipped inside.

There was a massive stage near the front of the room where the band sat playing a quick beat off to the left and dancing women in bangled outfits took up the rest of the space. A crowd of men, and even some women, were piled near the stage cheering and tossing currency over the stage. Of course, these dancers were all for show. The real fun was happening behind closed doors in the back. Still it was nice to appreciate all of the assets on the stage for a moment. As he was standing in the door way, watching the dancers twirl and shake on stage, a woman in a tight, low- cut black suit and heels approached him.

"Are you Mister Dulane?"


Aryn knew enough Kaerelean to understand what she asked, but his accent was shitty so he simply stood there looking at her rather than answering. The woman looked him over with pale green eyes and fought the urge to roll them despite the pleasant smile plastered on her face. She hated it when foreigners rented out her VIP rooms, but it was money and she could hardly turn that down. It took a lot of cash to run the club.

"Follow me," she nodded, "We have your room all ready."

She asked him if he was Mr. Dulane and told him to follow her. Ayrn had no idea who that was, but it sounded like the guy was set up to have a good time and who was he to argue? His name could be Dulane for awhile. The woman lead him up a set of red carpeted stairs lined with a intricate banister and through a black beaded curtain at the top. A long, dimly lit hallway stretched out before him with unmarked doors on either side waited for him. As they walked down the corridor, Ayrn could smell the scent of incense and it was accompanied by the occasional sound of giggling from behind the doors. Already, he was fighting the giddy grin spreading over his face.

The prim woman came to a door at the end of the hall way and used a card key to unlock it. Holding the door open for her client, she watched as his idiotic grin went from large to beaming at the sight of a long circular couch, covered in plush pillows and swaths of gauzy material hanging from the ceiling. He didn't even hesitate or say thank you before barging inside and plopping down on the couch. Foreigners had such a lack of manners it was appalling, still the man had paid and that was enough. The other ladies would enjoy having some fun with him as long as he treated them properly.

He had already propped his muddy boots up on the round ottoman in front of the couch when she went to pour him a drink from the wet bar to the right. She poured him a double of clear liquor in a crystalline glass and offered it too him with a coy smile. "Mr. Dulane, sit back and relax. Let us show you the most beautiful parts of living on Urio."

Ayrn grinned and took the glass from her, still not saying a word. He would just let her keep on thinking he was this Mr. Dulane, enjoy some drinks and fun, then slip out the back. Nobody would be the wiser. Taking a sip of the sweet liquor, he nodded to her quietly and she took a low bow, giving him a great view down the front of her shirt.

When the woman retreated from the room, he swallowed down the whole glass full of liquor and ease himself off the couch just long enough to pour himself enough. It was high grade Kaerelean fruit liquor and it went down smooth. Just as he was sitting down on the couch again, the door opened revealing new woman. She was tan with a teasing smile on her painted lips as she glided over to him, draped in sheer white material. The woman had been graced with a large, rather bouncy chest, bound up in a white bralette and he couldn't help but stare.

"Hello, Mr. Dulane," she purred, in traders tongue as slipped into the spot next to him.

"That's me," he grinned back.

She giggled and started rubbing at his shoulders gently, tutting some at the knots she found. It had been so long since he'd had a chance to relax, and her hands felt heavenly. With a sigh of relief, he leaned in close and let her do as she pleased while he sipped on his drink. A few minutes later, the door creaked open again, and another woman appeared with long black hair and light blue eyes. A woman from the Northern continents perhaps. She was just as thickly endowed, if not more so than the first, as she danced over with swaying hips wrapped in pale pink. He slipped a hand around her hips, tugging her down to the couch beside him easily. Anywhere else, and he wouldn't be able to touch such pretty ones without paying more, but Urio was so much friendlier than other places.

"Welcome to Urio," the blue-eyed woman giggled, "Are you finding everything to your liking?"

Ayrn bit his bottom lip and nodded. "Yes, yes I do believe I am."

The two women chuckled, sliding hands over his chest and through his hair. One started untying his eye patch but he took her hand and guided it away. "Let's leave some mystery, eh?"

"As you wish," she replied, playfully.

The two continued to roam as the door opened for a fourth time and what he could only describe as an amazonian goddess strode inside. Her stark blonde hair and green eyes had a commanding presence that he liked when she walked in and stretched across the ottoman in front of him. He almost felt like taking a moment to thank the powers that be. His luck was finally starting to turn around. Sure they were hired, but it was still company and they were perfectly charm-able.

With a near painful smile, he leaned toward the amazonian woman, just as the door opened again.

"C'mon in sweetheart," he said said, keeping his eyes on the 3rd woman, "We've got a nice party going on here."

"Ladies, please leave Mr. Dulane."

The voice a familiar one but with a steely edge to it this time. His heart dropped down to his toes and he glanced up to see the woman in the black suit accompanied by a thin man in a suit. The women drifted away from him, looking pouty, and he gave the two at the door a sigh. He couldn't have just ten more minutes before being found out? Maybe even five?

She clacked over to him and wrenched him up by his shirt collar. "You've just conned yourself a ticket to ride with the Urio authorities."

"I don't suppose a heart felt apology for this misunderstand-"

The woman growled and started hauling him toward the door. Much like Calysta, she was actually stronger than she looked, and he dug his heels into the carpet to keep from being dragged away. Luckily she only had a tight grip on his shirt and not him. With a grin, he ducked and wiggled out his shirt. As soon as he was free, he shot the women a dashing grin and a wink before making a break for the door. "Thanks for the massage ladies!"

Pushing the thin man out of the way, tumbled into the hallway and started to running as fast as he could toward the beaded doorway. Heavy foot falls started behind him, but he didn't dare look back. Bursting through the beads, the curtain shattered into thousands of glittering pieces and showered everywhere as he flew down the stairs, stumbling over the last four in one giant leap. Someone was still following him, but he was almost home free. He made a bee-line for the front door and actually managed to make it through the threshold into the busy streets outside, bumping into a few people as he completed his escape. A few free drinks and some petting hadn't been too bad, and all he had lost was his shirt. The night was still young!

Smoothing down his hair, and adjusting his eye patch he stepped out into the flow of pedestrians...only to find his pants riding up his crotch, stopping him mid-step. What the hell? Glancing back, he found the fit, amazonian woman had snagged him by the belt loop and was looking down at him with disappointment.

"I don't suppose someone as classically beautiful as you would want to let a devil like me go, would you?"

*****
Calsyta weaved her way through packed streets, with her hands jammed firmly in her pocket. While that stopped her from accidentally touching someone, it didn't keep everyone else from getting too touchy. As open and dominant as the women were on Urio, the men were equally coy as they flirty looks or inviting looks.

These men were easy to ignore, and she didn't even acknowledge them, keeping her shyness under control. She was doing a decent job of it when dark haired man standing beside her, glanced her way then slipped a hand around her back, bumping along the bruises. He leaned down and in a rich voice whispered, "I could look at those grey eyes all night if you'd let me." The tickling in her ear made her eyes grow wide and her face turn a terrible shade of crimson, wrapping all the way from her ears to the tip of her nose.

Untangling herself from around his arm, she gave him a awkward half smile. "No thanks." Much to her relief he didn't insist, and her shuffled past lllya who was plucking the wandering hands of women from his chest and shoulders. He looked mortified and completely lost.

Doubling back, she slipped a hand around his stiff arm and guided him away. If the women thought he was already spoken for, they would leave him be for the most part. Of course, wasn't he already technically spoken for? How did that work exactly? Shaking her head, she filed those questions away for later when they could talk. It was smart to hide here, mostly because of the sheer amount of people, but people here were of a different sort and welcomed strangers of all kinds. The only thing making her, or even Illya, stand out was the fact that they were the only ones blushing.

By the time they reached the small bar near the outskirts of the city, she felt like she needed a shower. Maybe they could hire a transport back through the city rather than walking. It would definitely be gentler on her side and probably less stressful on Illya, whose eyes were wide as they entered the bar. There were a few people inside, most of whom were sitting at the counter-top watching the latest race reports from Kinte on a hologram screen behind the bar. It was much quieter in here, but the air smelled of stale pipe smoke and old beer.

She let go of Illya and sat down at the bar, while scanning the hazy room for their contact. It took little to no time until she locked eyes with a man across the room at the end of the bar. He had a neatly trimmed mustache and goatee, flecked with grey as his mouth was set in a grim expression.

Upon seeing her for just a brief moment, he took a casual sip of his drink, finishing off the last of his frothy ale, and then stood up from his stool. Without even acknowledging them, he started walking towards a door at the back of the bar with the square-shouldered walk of a military man, but the subtle limp of a retiree.

Calsysta waited for a minute, and ordered a drink from the bar tender telling him to start up a tab and letting Illya put whatever he wanted on it too. She didn't know what the Chip would order, but she could actually use a drink that wasn't going to make her utterly miserable. The bar tender poured her up a glass of bright amber liquor and she took a sip, letting it burn down her throat.

When she was certain nobody had noticed him slip into the back, she took up glass in one hand and tapped her fingers over Illya's hand, inviting him to follow silently. They walked through the back door and into a small, but blessedly empty smoking parlor where the man was standing at table in the far corner. His left foot dragged some as he walked over to them, the wrinkles on his forehead looking deeper than ever. It had been over a year since she had seen him and it was all she could do to not cry from the relief of knowing that he was alright.

"You've had a hair cut," he grumbled, before opening his arms and wrapping them around her.

Calysta hugged back as she started laughing. If only he knew. For a moment, everything faded away; wars, refugees, bombs, dead diplomats. Even Wynt's death. It all seemed to disappear for a minute as she hugged him, just happy to be home. Soon his grip became too tight, squeezing over her sore side and she jumped at the touch. "Easy, Dad."

He stepped back and grasped her shoulders, inspecting her with sharp brown eyes. "What's wrong? I haven't heard anything in weeks. I thought-"

"-It's a long story. I'll tell you I promise."

He gave her a skeptical look, as he is eyes flickered to Illya standing behind her. The man took up most of the doorway between his height broad shoulders, but he had dealt with bigger in his time. Mostly the man just looked a little lost and perhaps a little shocked. Urio had that affect on off-worlder's often. This must be one of the refugees Calysta had mentioned. She had refused to say what the exact situation was over the encoded message, only that she had many unidentified refugees in need of help. If he could help, he would.

She was glad her father's attention had turned to the Chip behind her for a moment, but the feeling was short lived as he asked the natural question. "Who is this Caly?"

She had rehearsed in her head what she would say to this question, but every word she had pondered was gone. Vanished from her mind. She no idea what to call the Chip right now. Fiancee? Sort of. Agreed partner? Not quite. Her father was a traditionalist in some things and wouldn't exactly understand what was happening between them until she explained. Thoroughly.

"This is my co-pilot...well...my friend...and my...."

Now two of them were looking at her strangely and panic was starting to rise in her throat. How did she keep one from being upset with out pissing off the other?


"This is Illya," she finally sputtered.

Her father raised a brow at his daughter. Calysta wasn't usually so poorly spoken or skittish, and he could tell by the way she looked over this man that there was something going on.

With a gentle pat, he let go of his daughter's shoulders and offered his hand to Illya. "Thomas Monroe, Professor of Navigation and Astronomy at UKC."
 
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It seemed that Illya had barely unwrapped one set of grasping hands and he was being grabbed by another set of delicate hands. Exasperated and frustrated he turned slightly to see that it was Kalizda instead of another woman that had grabbed his arm. At least the women seemed to be slightly less interested in him though he still had to give a few that approached a stern gaze. Illya didn't care to have people put their hands all over his body. It was different if he paid for a massage or something of the kind, but this was not invited.

When they finally reached the bar he quietly stepped inside and stared about the room. It was a dingy color of brown with occasional lights that would cut through the smoke and reveal the border along the wall. There was a stripe of green and then a picture on the opposite wall of a waterfall. While they were waiting for the contact Illya decided to get a drink as well. Kalizda had already ordered a drink of sorts and he figured that meant they could be standing here for a while. Most of the better contacts for these kinds of things were on time.

"I like the strongest yah have in a pint." It probably wasn't enough to get him drunk, but it would certainly be strong enough to help him relax. That was all Illya needed for this. He just had to relax before he met this contact of Kalizda's. Momentarily he thought it looked like a man was watching them and he followed the figure with his eyes as it disappeared.

This all made the meeting seem so uncomfortable. Were they being spied on or set up? For all Illya knew they could be. Perhaps she didn't know if her own people were part of the Federation. He needed to maintain his cool for the moment and the man took a large sip from the drink that was slid across the counter toward him. When he had almost finished the drink Kalizda started for a small backroom. It was the same place that the other man had gone through. Tensed and ready for a fight of kinds Illya stepped through the door behind Kalizda. Instead of trouble it seemed that this man she followed was her father. Her greeting was almost child like. One didn't greet their parents that way unless there was good reason. Otherwise it was best to treat them as you would anyone else. It prevented greater familiarity or even the chance that the greater familiarity would lead to disrespect.

While he waited and watched she stumbled over her words. One of these days he would have to talk to her about how to handle one self in a difficult moment. A gradual frown came to his face as he tried to understand why she was seemingly disrupted with the situation.

The introduction to her father was less than glorious. However, Illya couldn't have imagined that their contact would be her father, or that she wouldn't know how to properly introduce a Chippeqouti diplomat. Not that he considered himself a diplomat, but he was taking the place of one for now. Edging into the room the Chip took the man's relatively small hand into his own. He noted that the handshake was not quite as firm as he'd anticipated. Illya carefully loosened his grip some and he waited to see if there was some sort of clue as to when the man intended to end the handshake. Just standing here holding his hand was rather odd.

Thomas shook the man's hand firmly but welcoming enough. A man's hand shake said alot about him and it was a firm, sort of determined hand shake he approved of. There had been no surname mentioned, so he simply nodded and then let go. "Welcome Illya. Let's sit down and we can talk."

At least it wasn't going to be an extended hand holding. Nodding in return Illya followed the man to a small sitting area. The furniture felt a little small like usual in these parts. By now Illya had grown accustomed to feeling oversized when he seated himself. Starting a talk like this was somewhat odd feeling. Since he couldn't think of any other way to start off the Chip simply opened with his request. "We're looking for a land to start over. Somewhere safe. Yah have lands for that?"

"I can help. I have contacts from many different planets and know of many that have not been settled or colonized yet," he replied, folding his hands over the table, "what I need to know is more about your people and what kind of places I should look into if this is a permanent move."

Remaining seated exactly as he was before the Chip followed her father's hands and then looked up at his face again. "If we're alone then all else we require is a planet that is livable. Preferably not much water, and as hot as possible. The cold doesn't suite my kind." Even if he could trust her father, Illya wasn't willing to depart with too much information.

Thomas thought over what the man said and a few places came to mind. "Moving you to a land already occupied and purchasing it will be faster, but if you intend on bringing more people over time, an entire unihabited planet would be best." He sat back in his chair and pulled a round coin like object from his pocket. Pressing a button in the center a holographic star map flickered to life, taking up the whole room. "As far as purchasing, I have a contact on Terra who would have a nice plot in a desert close to Cairo."

"What is in Cairo?" Illya examined the map, though not so carefully to appear that he was desperate. Part of the game with these sort of negotiations was to appear to be a casual shopper and get the best deal. "Other people I would guess and are they friendly to outsiders?" Trade was going to be important to help them build more homes and a life like the one they used to have.

"Cairo is a large city in a desert climate on my home planet Terra. There would be plenty of real estate for purchase there. Terrans are hit or miss when it comes to outsiders and Cairo tends to be more friendly most of the time." "Calsyta watched the two talk and frowned. Chippeqouti would like the warm climate there well enough, from what she understood, and Terrans did sell their land to off worlders, but she wondered how they would get along with the Terrans.

Friendly most of the time wasn't exactly great, but the man was honest. Illya nodded. "We look before we talk more. Who yah represent? This going to be legal, or will we be fighting for this land in a few years?"

The question caught Thomas off guard. What exactly did the man think this was? An auction or some black market deal? "I represent myself, young man," he replied evenly, "And I'm offering help for your people. If you buy land, it is yours. If you settle onto a planet uninhabited, but already claimed under Kaereal, you'll have to talk with the consulate, which I can help with as well."

Illya stared at the man for a moment. His eyebrows raised slightly and the muscles in Illya's back tightened slightly as he adjusted himself. He was about ready to stand from the table. One didn't stop a negotiation to cast personal comments at the other party. Remaining seated he slowly took a breath and waited for the older man to finish. "I need to talk to yah council den. We waste time here." It was pointless to talk to a man with a title and one that didn't help him obtain the land directly. How could they govern well if their council, consul simply refused to empower a man to talk for them?

It was obvious his culture was very different and while he had a modicum of patience with off-worlders, the attitude of this one irked him. What sort of diplomat did they send? They were going to let him represent his people, possibly in front of the Kaerelean consulate like that? He straightened his shoulders some and locked eyes with the man. "Things work differently than you think around here. If you want to wait weeks to see the consulate when I can talk with them much easier, then that's your choice. You represent your people."

What was even more irritating was the fact that the man knew they were coming, he knew that he couldn't speak for his consulate and now he was admitting that he was not prepared for their coming. Momentarily Illya's eyes flashed and he pushed away from the table and stood. "We do not deal unfairly. If yah can't speak for yah council den we wait. Few hours, few days, maybe weeks not long."

Thomas worked his jaw some, and let out a deep breath. The man wasn't thinking things through, but he couldn't help someone who refused the offer. "And where do you intend to go till then? Talk to the consulate with or without my help or take my suggestion about Cairo. It's up to you what happens to the people you are trying to speak for." Calysta caught the looks between the two of them and stood up, first capturing Illya's attention. He was irritated but she gave him a firm look, trying not to show her own. "He's trying to get a home as fast as possible for the Chippeqouti. The government runs differently than the councils do. "

There were some things that were not negotiable and Illya knew it. Letting this man talk for them was not going to happen. It seemed that the man was impossibly slow in comprehending the situation. He was hasty and he wanted to move them right now without any kind of granted permission. That was far too dangerous. To make it all worse Kalizda gave the name of his people and he shot her a look before looking at her father. "I will break thhe rules of conduct. No one is permitted to name the people or elder when we negotiate and no one will speak for us. Only an elder can do thhis if da foreign council refuses to send proxy." Illya looked at the man. "If yah cannot speak for dem th-then I assume you're not proxy. I cannot say more."

She caught the look from Illya but glared at them both of them. Her father was trying to help and Illya wasn't so much refusing as he didn't understand. Though he was being stubborn and had not only insulted her father, her as well. "The bottom-line is, there are a ship full of people who need a home," she said flatly ,"Dad isn't asking to speak for you, but to help you through the process of talking to the right people and you both are being stubborn about it. If you two can stop posturing for a single minute, we might actually find a solution."

Kalizda only made the situation more difficult at times. Illya met her gaze and then stared at the man again. "Yah want to help. We let yah help, but only under some conditions." He hated that Kalizda was playing referee, but it was probably for the best. "We need dis to be quiet. If da Federation knows we leave thhe planet dey will slaughter those left. I help build a new home and return for more." Blinking a few times he held the man's gaze steady. "Keep dis quiet eh? I clear yah daughter's name."

Thomas' eyes darted from his daughter who was obviously not feeling well and was angry, then caught the eye of the prideful man in front of him. These people were obviously into something deeper than he thought and his daughter had been dragged into the middle of not only one conflict but possibly two. Quiet was better for sure but the offer to help clear her name struck him as a bit insulting. He didn't need help clearing his daughters name. Besides, how could he trust this man with that? Still, there was expectant gaze he felt zeroing in on him from Calsyta made him stand up to look the tall man in the eyes. "I understand the need for silence. Kaereal will most likely welcome you under amnesty and your people will be safe."

With a mutual understanding finally met the Chip nodded and offered his hand again. "Then we are in debt to yah. If all goes well yah will have many at yah service." Chippeqouti were not ones that quickly forgot the debts they owed nor the debts they were to collect. Shaking the man's hand he smiled briefly and then turned to leave the room. Kalizda was a few moments behind and Illya took a deep breath. As the diplomat for this situation he could make further offers. Turning his gaze to the man again he took a deep breath. "Yah come with to meet meh people?"

He walked beside the man as they both came the door at the same time. It would be necessary to build up some sort of repoire with these people and to see what he would be dealing with. His house was being watched, because of Calysta's situation, but they couldn't follow him everywhere. If the ship was far enough from the house, a short visit would be safe. He glanced at his daughter who gave him a nod back. "Yes, I think I should."

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

When the three of them arrived back at the ship Illya could hear one of the kids shriek. More than likely they were wrestling. Walking up the gang plank Illya typed the number in and as the door opened a few children came tumbling out till they saw the stranger. One of the boys narrowed his eyes and he hissed. Catching the obvious disrespect Illya pinged the boy's mouth. Speaking harshly in Quoti he then turned the boy around and sent him back into the ship.

Before they had even reached the kitchen Ed came down the hall. He was followed by both of Illya's parents and many of the others. The older man gazed into Thomas's eyes and he started out using the trader's tongue. "I see yah come to agreement. We are honored for such as Kalizda woman. She is what Illya say. I speak for all of us. We hope to have met another honorable outsider. Dey are very few." Smiling a little he nodded and beckoned for Thomas to follow him to the kitchen. Those that had been behind him quickly turned and went to the kitchen or turned off toward the bunk room.

Beckoning to the seat across from him at the table Ed waited for the other man to sit before he seated himself. As he finished sitting Illya's mother put a hot herb tea in front of him and one in front of the guest. As soon as the men were served she left the room. Illya was about to leave and then Ed motioned for him to come near. Quietly he spoke in Quoti with Illya. "What did he speak with you about?"

Quickly the younger Chip disclosed the conversation while Ed listened and then the elder nodded. With that Illya was dismissed and then he smiled carefully at Thomas and resumed speaking in trader's tongue. "My retired general tells me that you will find a way for us to purchase land in a quiet way. We are most grateful for your cooperation."
 
Thomas followed them back to the ship, keeping a careful watch on his daughter and the man that had accompanied her. She looked tired, and moved stiffly. He wondered how injured she was and if she had bothered to take the immunity shot like she was meant to every year. There had been no chance to talk with her in private and even if he did mention it, she was stubborn and would inform him he was nagging. Illya walked with the gait of a military man, from what he could tell.

By the time the three of them arrived at the ship was already nearing midnight, and getting past the time he should be going home. He wouldn't be able to stay long, but with luck he would be able to make his intentions more clear to whoever Illya's superiors were. When they walked up the gang plank and Illya opened the door several children tumbled out. He liked kids, and they generally liked him, but rather than a smile, he was the only one greeted with a nasty hiss from a little boy. As if the child was a wild animal of some kind. Did all of his people that hostile to outsiders? The boy was corrected when the Illya bent down and thwapped him over the mouth with his thumb. The boy clammed up after that and was guided back inside.

The interior of the ship was nice enough though it wasn't what his daughter had left home in. It was probably a good thing they had not flown in the Gylcryn, judging by the amount of people that were packed into the ship. Tall, broad- shouldered men and women alike along with a troupe of children were poking their heads out of doorways and walking down the hall towards him. The place was packed.

He was lead by Calysta down the hall towards what looked like the kitchen, only to be greeted by an older man with graying hair and a pleasant smile. "I see yah come to agreement. We are honored for such as Kalizda woman. She is what Illya say. I speak for all of us. We hope to have met another honorable outsider. Dey are very few."
Then the man invited him to enter the kitchen and sit down. He didn't know if he had come to agreement or not with Illya, and for a moment he had no clue who what a 'Kalizda woman' was until he realized they were referring to his daughter. He didn't like it. That wasn't her name and it made her sound like she was not a person to be respected despite the tone being the total opposite. She didn't seem shocked or bothered by the name however, so he obliged the older man and sat down at the table.

Thomas watched as Illya spoke in his own language to a man who was just as tall, but closer to his age by the looks of it, before leaving the kitchen. It was probably a good idea for him to talk to someone older and with more authority in any case. He would probably understand more. Why they had sent such a young man, a military man at that, he couldn't begin to guess. The older man spoke to him in traders-tongue with a heavy accent, but not so heavy he couldn't understand. "That's what I hope to do, yes. Though you do have some options. Your...diplomat...wasn't entirely clear on what would best for your people."

It seemed that the man was eager to talk now that he felt he was talking to a man he considered an equal. It was quite the assumption considering how powerless he seemed. However, they had a contact and someone with a little more power than Kalizda. It would be good have more help. "He was only sent to inspect yah and see if dere was anyting yah had ta offer." Ed looked at Thomas for a long moment. "Yah must understand after many years we become wary of all strangers. I cannot risk meh diplomat. Yah have planets for meh to speak for?"

So, they had sent a military man to scope him out first. Smart, given they were refugees, but there hadn't been any real need for it considering he meant them no harm and actually could help them. He brushed the issue aside in favor of getting somewhere with this man, though he hadn't introduced himself yet. He clicked open his star-map again, and this time the images were more dull in the florescent light of the kitchen. " I can offer help buying a large plot of land in a desert on my home world, or there are a few planets I would recommend to you and the consul. There is Nuen, a planet with a tropical climate, that is uninhabited, another called Aloxen with a warmer climate as well, but it has large oceans between the land masses. It is also uninhabited and both are under Kaerelean claim and therefore amnesty."

He pointed to each on the projected star map, and then looked to the older man, waiting to see what he would say.

The older man nodded and listened as the map was drawn up and he stared at the planets before him. "We don't want others. Meh people need to learn our ways first. Nuen is better. We don't need much water." Meeting the man's gaze again he took a deep breath. "Yah stay for da night. I talk with my council and we talk with da Kalizda woman. Tomorrow we give decision eh?"

He wondered how it was Calysta had become so important to these people. Granted she was trying to help give them a new home, but they almost treated her like one of them when he could barely get a straight answer and they were suspicious of outsiders to begin with. He could respect the need for time and talk amongst his people however. "That's would be fine, though I can't stay the night. I'll have to go home and come back in the morning."

"Oh..." Raising his head the man smiled. "Now yah in a hurry." It seemed that earlier the man wanted to waste their time and suddenly when he was here he wanted to negotiate quickly. "Maybe I have meh general sit with yah and I consult now. We honor time as we must." Slowly getting up from his seat Ed then started for the hallway where he called for Illya and then called for the rest to meet him in the bunk room. It would function as a meeting hall and well for the time. Illya stepped back into the room and he looked the man over. At some point they would have to make all this up. It was Kalizda's father and he would be family. Silently he took a seat at the table and looked expectantly at the Terran as if he should prattle on and on like Ayrn did.


Thomas sat back in his chair and let out a deep breath. He hadn't exactly meant they had to go decide right now. Only that they could convene without him and come to a decision to give him when he returned in the morning. Now, he was sitting across from Illya again who was staring at him in silence and there would be no telling how long it would take. He stared back at the bright-eyed man for a long while, just as utterly silent.

***

Calysta left her father to speak with Edgar feeling a bit relieved. Those two would be able to speak to each other decently enough, so she wouldn't have to call foul between them at every remark and that gave her time to breathe. She walked down to the med-bay with the kids at her heels, and started searching through the cabinets for more gauze and a fresh bandage pad. Her side was throbbing and she could feel some blood spotting through the other bandage from too much moving around. That was a minor irritation compared to what she felt toward her father and Illya at the moment.

Her father had been trying to help, but his words had been insulting, even if he hadn't realized it. Not that Illya had been much better. He had been too stubborn to listen to what her father had to say over some pride and what were unintentional insults. Then he'd insulted her father and her for calling the meeting a waste of time when he had no idea how the world outside Qouti worked. In retrospect, she shouldn't have been surprised, but she had hoped the Chip might have been more opened minded at this point. There was also a simmering spot of irritation at herself for being such an idiot while trying to introduce the two.

She pulled up her shirt some and unwrapped the dressing around her middle before pulling off the old pad. It clung to the scab in some places and was oozing wet blood in just a few others. A shame she couldn't simply heal like the Chippeqouti did and pop a bullet out then sleep for a few days. Tossing the old pad into the disposal bin, she dumped alcohol onto a fresh linen and stuck it to her side. It burned like fire and irritated her skin all around the hole, but it was better than getting an infection of any kind. Whatever Yvonne had put on her side to begin with had done its job beating back any germs and she intended to keep it that way. With everything disinfected, she started wrapping the wound up as tightly as possible.

Her fingers were shaking as she passed the bandage around herself, hand over hand, then pulled it tight against the fresh pad. It made her ribs ache some, but tight would keep air out and blood in. She washed her hands and started putting the gauze away when Edgar appeared in the doorway. "Yah come to the bunk room Kalizda woman."

She nodded to him and he disappeared into the hallway again, though she could hear him saying the same thing to others as he passed. What was he calling everyone into the bunk room for? Frowning, she pulled down her shirt, and then followed the rest of the Chippeqouti into the crammed crew quarters.
 
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When Edgar had everyone in the room with the exception of Illya he began to describe the options. Most of the Chippeqouti listened and even the children tried to focus as much as their little minds could. "We have a choice, I don't have other elders. All of you must take their place and make this decision with me." If this was to be the future home of the Chippeqouti he wanted to ensure that it would be a good land and one that they could happily make a home in.

There was relatively little murmuring as the older people talked among themselves in Quoti. Yvonne glanced at Kalizda. It seemed that the woman was still trying to listen and pick out what she could. At the same time she noticed the pained expression that had begun to etch itself into the woman's face. Obviously she was going to be needing more rest and the Chip woman figured she would make her some tea and add a little sedative so that Kalizda could sleep the night through. Perhaps not so much as she would add for a Chip, but the woman would still benefit from a little.

"We want to be alone. It is not good to live among strangers." One of the Chippeqouti raised their head and spoke. Another chimed in agreement and around the room it began to sound. Ed looked at each one that spoke and then the children that seemed to want to go home, or at least to a desert where they wouldn't be so cold. Turning his head toward Kalizda he took a deep breath and addressed her in the trader's tongue. "Nuen is what we have decided. Now we will know if there is anything we should be wary of. If we should choose another planet you will be our guide to a better place." Edgar folded his hands patiently in front of himself and he waited for the woman to complete her warnings and her agreement that they should settle on Nuen. "It is good."

Gradually the Chippeqouti began to disburse. Edgar started shuffling back down the corridor toward the kitchen and the children went to a corner in the bunkroom to play. Some of the others milled about to head into different rooms. The Chip elder barely rounded the corner to the kitchen and Illya stood to his feet. Ed smiled gently. It was always good to see his own people still held regard for their ways.

Ed looked toward Thomas and he held his hand out. "We have decided." Holding the other man's smaller hand in his own the old Chip wrapped his second hand over the Terran's and nodded. "Meh people will agree to buy the entire planet of Nuen. We will work and provide what goods we can free of charge until the debt is paid." It could be a long time, but he expected that anything extra they could sell in the markets and make their payments a little larger some years and perhaps pay the debt more quickly. There was always hope if he did the negotiating that he could cause the government here to believe that a desert wasn't worth much. Obviously they were not fond of deserts as he had observed and this one was left uninhabited.

Thomas nodded as he shook the man's hand. They still didn't quite understand the nature of his involvement in this affair, but his attempts at explaining the situation had lead nowhere. It would be upon him to see things through, a fact he didn't like, but one he would have to deal with apparently. "I will take your offer to the consul. It's likely they will agree to it and may want to meet you as the leader of your people."

Nodding eagerly the man smiled. He had not quite understood how the process worked, but it seemed that they were on the way to obtaining a new home. Most importantly it sounded like he would get to speak with the council himself and that was important. "I want to speak with dem very much." Releasing the other man's hand he nodded again. "If yah require escort I will send meh general with yah."

Thomas glanced at Illya and then back to Edgar. It may be an honor for him and he didn't want to insult, but he didnt want anyone seeing him bring a stranger back to raise suspicion. He nodded and thought of the most diplomatic answer he could think of. "If it is deemed an honor then, I would gladly accept."

The older man nodded and he beckoned to Illya. Speaking quickly in Quoti he gave instruction for the Chip to escort their contact back to his accommodation. Illya nodded and kept a straight face though he was not liking the assignment. Her father had been completely insulting and now he was going to escort him like he was a dignitary of sorts. There were times when politics were not to his immediate liking. Of course it could give some additional insight and he could tolerate the situation if that was how it would turn out.

Quietly he walked beside the man and watched how he moved like he was already old. For being such a short lived race they certainly had enough grit to catch in the craw. Perhaps enough irritating qualities to tempt a Chip to help them live shorter lives yet. Illya waited till they were outside to take a long even breath that shouldn't have been audible with all the other noise of the street. Outsiders were always difficult to tolerate and chances were they would be dealing with a lot more of them now. He would simply have to learn to deal with them. Silently he walked along next to Thomas until he was dismissed. There was nothing that Illya could do to tell if this was the man's residence or if he simply didn't want to be escorted any longer.

Thankfully the street was far more quiet at this time of night. All of the women must have found their men. He was just thankful that he didn't have to push through throngs of them again. With there only being a few women remaining on the streets it was far easier to avoid them.

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

Yvonne waited until after it was quiet on board the ship again. Stepping into the kitchen she turned on a light over the counter and began to dig in the cabinets. There wasn't enough light to read the labels, but she knew each herb by smell. Opening the first canister she breathed it in deeply and then grabbed a pinch of the herb. Grinding it between her fingers she crumbled it into the cup and then pulled out a few more. The last one that she really needed was shoved into the back of the cabinet and kept in a leather bag.

Letting out a slightly irritated breath she dug further into the cabinet and finally grabbed hold of the leather bag. Pulling it to the front she grabbed a small pinch and rubbed it again between her fingers. This time it was not a dry herb, it was still fresh and it smelled strongly as the oils began to seep out of the leaves and stem pieces. Dropping the oily bits into the drink she stirred it with her long index finger and then sniffed the cup. A little honey or sugar would help make it more palatable to the woman and Yvonne knew that her kind tended to be more sensitive to herbs. They didn't like the strong desert herb smells or the taste as much as the Chippeqouti did. It was as if the complete summarization of her kind came to the singular purpose and point of weak.

Taking the cup in hand she started for the bedroom of the captain. Though she cared very little for the woman as a potential daughter there was also nothing she could do about that. In the meantime she was going to do her best to treat Kalizda as the woman deserved. Her son had been right about one thing. Kalizda should be treated with respect and honor for what she had done. Kalizda was weak in body, but she had other strengths that could be admired.

Since the captain was not in her bedroom the Chippeqouti woman took herself down the narrow passage to the navigation room. Knocking on the door she slid it open to see that the captain was indeed in this room. Sweeping into the small room she set the cup down on a small table next to Kalizda. "Drink this Kalizda woman. It will help you rest and heal tonight." Carefully turning she lifted the edge of her skirt so that she could walk up the steps without tripping on the hem of the skirt that she was wearing.
 
Calysta held her side, keeping even more pressure on it to dull the throbbing as she listened carefully to Edgar speak to all of the Chips on the ship. All except Illya, who was strangely absent. Her time working with their language was starting to pay off some. There were several words she recognized. Elders. Strangers. All.
When Ed turned to her and started asking questions in traders-tongue, her mind had trouble processing the sentences for a moment. They wanted her to be their guide. Her father would be far more suited to the task, but his initial meeting with them hadn't gone well at all. They trusted her more to the task, which was fair given their views on off-worlders.

She stared at him, until finally she managed an answer. "I think Nuen would be a good planet. There are no large bodies of water, deserts and oasis' in between. The resources would be more than enough for you. It is uninhabited of course, so there is no infrastructure. You would be starting from scratch, so to speak. And it is a more remote planet, so there would be longer travel times."

She thought the older Chip might have more questions, but it seemed her explanation was satisfactory. At his simple words, the Chips nodded and then broke the meeting to go back to whatever it is they were doing beforehand. Edgar went out into the hallway where he retrieved her father and Illya from the kitchen. So that where he had been during the meeting? It was a wonder she hadn't heard an all out argument.

As Edgar shook her father's hand, she spied the look on his face. He was trying to be cordial, but he was worried. Most likely that he had stayed aboard too long and someone watching would notice. When the Elder offered to have Illya escort him home, calling him...a general? Neither of them looked thrilled at the idea of a long walk back to town together and her stomach sank some. On the one hand, he would be safe if anyone did attack, but who was going to keep them from brawling against one another? There was no time to argue about as they walked toward the hatch.

"I'll be back in the morning," he managed to say, before setting off though the fields with Illya at his side.

Calsysta wished she could go with them. She had been gone for over a year, and missed home, even if she hadn't truly lived there in a long time. Her small apartment was waiting for her, empty but with clothes and books that were her own. Even her personal flyer was there. They would feel and smell normal to her. The only normal things she had at the moment. It was frustrating to know that going there would put her at risk for being caught by whoever wanted her dead, and anyone else who wanted to arrest her. The idea of it made her all the more determined to find out who had done this and why. She knew Illya had promised to help, but he had a lot to deal with too. She would need his help, but she wouldn't burden him with relying on it too much.

In need of some sort of distraction, Calysta wandered into the navigation room and pulled up the star-chart to plot a course to Nuen. It wasn't necessary at the moment, but eventually they would need it and the calculations were mind consuming. She was so into the calculations and different routes that when Yvonne stepped down, he barely heard the woman. "Drink this Kalizda woman. It will help you rest and heal tonight."

Before she could even say thank you, the woman was gone, leaving the steaming cup of tea behind on the table.

****


Thomas walked along side Illya through the fields and into the small town near the center of the continent. Calsyta had done well in taking the ship far out into the locan grass fields and it had been necessary for safety, but it was a long walk back to the house. With each step on his left foot, his knee felt increasingly fatigued. The Kaereleans, Calysta's mother, had done a decent job of putting it back together when he was younger, but even they couldn't beat back arthritis in old injuries all of the time.

He kept his back straight and his pains to himself though. The impression he got from Illya was that he would see it as a weakness to be frowned upon and he wasn't about to give him the satisfaction of knowing about it. He had a lot to learn if he and his people were to be under Kaerelean amnesty. He would have to learn to talk to others and behave in a way that both could at least find civil. He also had a lot to learn about power and how it works. It wasn't what you wanted much of the time, it was who you knew that could help. Whether or not the man would learn, remained to be seen.

One thing that was certain, was that their representative didn't seem to understand how things would work either, depsite his attempts qt explaining. These people expected more negotiations and a home now, and it had fallen on him to deal with it. It wasn't exactly the most pleasant of ideas, but he would still do the best he could.

They came to a narrow street a few blocks from his home and he glanced up to his silent escort. "I have it from here," he nodded, "You have mh thanks for the escort."

The off-worlder simply cast him a look and then turned to go back to the ship. Thomas shook his head and continued on to his house. The young man had much to learn in the ways of politics and the ways of people.

***
Calsyta woke with Keysha by her side, the side that to her surprise wasn't hurting. It had been keeping her up some in the night and made sleeping difficult, but she'd been so tired and the tea Yvonne brought her last night had been relaxing after the day. She had said the tea would help her rest and it had done its job. Between the herb salve and tea, both Illya and his mother could make, she wondered if one of them would be willing to teach her when there was time. With a small stretch, she rose and dressed before heading to the kitchen to start some breakfast. Nobody else was awake yet, but she knew they would be soon. As she started opening a can of fruit, Illya appeared in the doorway, obviously coming to start the meal just as she had done. What happened yesterday on Urio still irritated her and she would have to address it, though at least she had some time to cool down before now. "Good morning," she said coolly, as she barely tossed him a glance."

Illya was still a little bleary eyed from his sleep. He wasn't used to talking with anyone in the morning and he looked at her for a long moment before replying. "Uh huh." His face still had sheet marks on it and he coughed slightly before heading over to the sink to wash his hands.

He was definitely still half asleep and only partly paying attention, but they may not get a natural moment themselves today at all and she wanted to talk with him. She poured up a cup of ginger tasting tea, and handed it to him, meeting his eyes as she did. "I think we should have a talk."

Taking the cup from Kalizda he nodded. "Thanks." Illya had a sip of the tea and he started to pull a few things out of the cupboard. "Wanna hand meh da oil?" He didn't think much of it till he saw the look on her face. "Hmmm?" Apparently they were supposed to be talking. A frown began to settle on his face. It was't good when she said it like that.

She almost wanted to shake him out of his morning auto-pilot, but she resisted the temptation as the frown settled over his face. "Illya, the way you spoke to my father on Urio was rude. You not only did you insult him, but...you insulted me. I wouldn't waste your time and neither would he."

"I-I was not..." Growling at the end of his sentence he pulled a seat out from the table and sat down. "Yah I know. Probably have to apologize to him eh?" Reluctantly he met her gaze again and then sighed. "Didn't tink et would be insulting yah. Didn't know what to expect from da meeting. Wasn't like I thought."

She stared at him for a moment, trying not to let her face betray her surprise. Her mind had been set on combating him in an argument, not hearing him agree with her for once. He may be agreeing with her on this subject, but she wanted him to understand too. "I know you didn't know what to expect," she nodded, "But you won't always be able to demand that things be done the way you think. Kaereal works differently than the Chippeqouti. Even Terra works differently. I sent you to my father because he knows more about the planets and stars than most because he is a teacher. He also knows the people who will be able to find you a new home. He is sincere in what he says and I do think apolgizing would be a good idea."

"We're not going to grovel." Illya almost gave her a defiant look. "I apologize to yah father and he teach us how to trade and talk with yah kind. Yah teach us to eh?"

She met his gaze just as stubbornly back. "I would never ask you or any one else to do that, Illya. I can teach you, if you want to learn."

Pushing off the chair he wandered back over to the counter and he set the oil near the stove. "Good th-then its settled."


Sighing she rose from her seat and joined him at the stove. "Yes, its settled."

As they cooked in a pressed silence, she stole glances at him, trying to read his face. She hadn't meant to insult him either, but he needed to understand. He could be so stubborn and sometimes she wondered what in the Wilds to do with him.

****


Thomas returned to the ship close to mid-morning carrying a bag of things for Calysta and a few groceries. He had taken several routes and transports two different continents that were nearby, and stopped by the grocery store to do some nonchalant shopping before deeming it safe to visit again. It was a relief to see that Calysta rather than Illya or anyone else opened the hatch for him to enter.

"I brought you a few things from your place," he said, holding up her canvas bag.

She looked happy to have even just a few things from her own place, which made him smile some as she invited him aboard.

Calysta took the bag from him and lead him into the kitchen. He noticed that many of the people aboard the ship avoided him some, even the kids still gave him awkward or cautious stares. One child even turned on his heels and walked the opposite direction down the hall. His daughter said something strange to the boy, two short and struggling words. The boy paused nodded before disappearing into the bunk room. She was speaking their language now too? It made sense that she would try to communicate better with these people, that was part of her job as a scout for Skycorp, but he had no idea she had gone so close to them. She was normally very aloof and cautious about anyone, and he was one of the rare exceptions. What exactly had she gone through in these past weeks, having to go along with them?

She invited him to sit at the table and he nodded, taking a seat and the cup of tea she offered him. Coffee was more of his preference, but he would never refuse something she gave him. His daughter sat across from him with her own mug and played with the cup for a few minutes. There was a mixed look of concern and determination on her face, that made him wary.

"I'm sorry we havent had a chance to talk sooner, Dad. I wanted to explain somethings before talk of planets and homes even started, " she said in Kaerelean eventually, "I promised to tell you what's been going on, but I need you to promise me you'll keep an open mind."

Thomas leaned forward in his seat preparing himself. Whenever his daughter talked like this, he knew it was never a good thing.

****
Calysta explained very, very carefully what had happened over the last few weeks and with every word his grew more surly. She left out the details of the black notebook, and the more intricate details of what transpired on Qouti, leaving that to just what Illya had said at the bar. She also left out one other detail she couldn't quite muster the fortitude to say yet. When she was done, he sat back with his thumbs tapping the mug of cold tea in front of him. It was a lot to take in she knew and she could see his eyes working over all of he information.

His daughter had been attacked multiple times, shot, and dragged into a conflict that she shouldn't even be involved with in the first place. Why had she not simply let this Illya take his books and be on his way? The same reason he wouldn't have. She didn't like to see people suffer when she could help. Still, now she was in far deeper than she needed to be with these people, though, and they weren't the easiest to deal with. They had some interesting thoughts on how things should be done. He rubbed his temples and sighed. Calysta would give him a stress induced heart attack before he ever died of old age it seemed.

"We'll get these people to a safe place and under Kaerelean amnesty," he nodded, "And then we get your name cleared. Henaiah will help with both and you won't have to worry about these people's safety anymore. You can come home."

Calysta winced little at his words and took a deep breath. "Dad, while I was gone... I did meet someone. And he asked me to be with him. An engagement of sorts. "

Thomas nearly tipped over his mug and his eyes snapped up to hers and she nearly looked like a stranger even though her face was turning pink as always. Was this really her and not some trick? "What? Who?"

His daughter sighed and looked at him as if he was going to hate the answer and it clicked for him. He should have guessed that from the beginning. "Illya."

A knot tightened in his stomach at thought and he clamped his jaw shut as he nodded and then got up from the table. When his daughter made up her mind, there was no stopping her, but it didn't mean didn't want to have a talk with the man. Especially, if he was going to be anywhere near his daughter. Calysta jumped up behind him panicking he strode through the ship looking for Illya.

He found the man outside reading a book and watching up the hellacious little children play. There was no hesitation or decorum when his eyes locked with the bright green eyes of the man. Both looked at each other hard and Thomas wouldn't back down. Not on this. "You want my daughter to marry you?" he asked, firmly.
 
After they had eaten breakfast Illya looked around the ship for anything to do. There wasn't much, but the older Chippeqouti seemed to think that him being the youngest member and trained in military arts qualified him to watch the children. They needed to get out so the others could relax for a time. Apparently the others wanted to clean and do other quiet things first.

Illya didn't mind the task too much. He was alright having a break from the cleaning and he still felt a little tired out from when he'd gotten sick a few days ago. At least the majority of the bone aches were gone. "Alright, out with yah!" Shuffling the kids out the back of the ship he grabbed a ball on the way and threw it out toward the mass of dark bobbing little heads. The ball bounced off one kid and bumped into the next setting the little girl off balance. When she fell on her rump she furrowed her little brow and got up. Brushing her skirts off she gave an indignant screech and ran to fetch the ball so she could throw it back.

Before the girl remembered to exact her vengeance a boy stole the ball from her and the miniature battle erupted. It was healthy for the children to tumble and wrestle with one another. Illya stepped into the ship long enough to grab a book and then took himself outside to sit on the grass. Leaning his back against the ship he then started to thumb through the pages to look for the last spot he left off. Finding the page he scanned over it quickly and then gave a satisfied nod. While he was reading he made sure to glance up from time to time to count the kids. It was best to make sure none of them ran off. More than likely they would stay close since they knew this wasn't home and there were plenty of outsiders. Technically the Chippeqouti were the outsiders in this case, but they still considered others to be the outsiders.

While he was busy reading his book a set of boots started to pound through the ship toward the back door. If it was anything serious they would say something, otherwise Illya suspected that one of the Chippeqouti would simply check on the kids and ensure that he was here and then run off. Instead he looked up as the boots came down the plank. Firmly planted in front of himself was Kalizda's father.

Illya looked up and met the man's gaze. Glancing down at his book again he made mental note of the page he was on and closed it before carefully looking up. Staring the man back in the eyes he replied simply. "We agreed. I don't know if yah marry thhing is da same."

Thomas blinked at the man. He didnt know what 'agreed' meant, but what he had asked was very clear. "You want her to be a partner. A wife," he clarified.

Since it seemed the man couldn't leave the answer as it was Illya stood up. Chances were this little conversation was going to take a bit longer than Illya hoped and he was going to have to apologize for yesterday's misunderstanding anyway. Nodding to answer the man's question he gave minimal verbal confirmation. "Yes."

Thomas' eyes bore into Illya's. Of all the people she could have chosen, this is what she picked. He was defiant, rude, and had been nothing but trouble for her in the beginning. That wasn't going to change and that was not what he wanted, but if she had said yes, there was little he could do. With a heavy sigh he nodded, and un-clenched his fists. "Then you abide by our customs as well. It will be proper."

This man had a lot of gall to stand there and tell him how he was supposed to live. Even his mother didn't do that. She would try to tell him why a decision was wrong, but you didn't demand action in another's personal life. Eyes flashing a little he stared back at the shorter figure of a man. "We agree on how we live. She say yes and she is old enough to decide for herself. I say yes and I determine for mehself. Yah have no more room to govern personal life besides yah own." It should have been basic and common knowledge if not courtesy to recognize something so small.

His face turned red and his fists shook at his sides. He didn't like this man, particularly when he was right. Stealing a glance at Calsyta, he saw the embarrassment and anger at him on her face. All he wanted was to protect her but he wasn't going to win this one. His eyes rounded back on his future son in law, and he nodded reluctantly. "If she accepts you, then so will I."

It wasn't uncommon, or intimidating to see her kind become angry. Calmly the Chip waited for the man to say something. When he finally spoke Illya nodded. "It is better this way. Yah daughter tinks highly of yah. Because I respect her I ask for yah forgiveness. I don't know yah customs and I insulted yah yesterday."

For him to say he didn't know their customs was a massive understatement, but somehow he'd gone from rude to trying to apologize for it. One thing they could at least agree on was respect for Calysta. That was something he could live with, for now. A moment passed and he heard someone clear their throat behind him. "I don't know much about your customs either. I'm sure we'll all have some learning to do. If I offended yesterday, it wasn't intentional on my part either."

Illya nodded and then opened his book again. "Good, we have nothing more to say?" It sounded like a place to stop in the conversation. From his perspective this was all the more he needed for understanding from her father. Obviously they didn't care for one another's company, but they had proved they could be civil.

Thomas had plenty more he could say, but he wasn't going to yell at the man in front of his people or his daughter. "Aye. We're done for now. " Then he squared his shoulders again and gave Illya a firm nod before walking back toward the ship. Calsyta stayed behind for a moment and looked to the Chip. She had to give credit where it was due. "I didn't know he would react quite like that....thank you."

Besides the fact that he figured it probably bothered Kalizda the way her father was acting he would have found the exit to be humorous. The man was burning up inside and Illya had made it difficult for him to say much more. Maybe diplomacy wasn't his thing, but he had other ways of getting around this sort of conflict. Kalizda seemed to be apologizing for her father's action and Illya grinned. Shaking his head a little he began sifting through the pages in his book. "Only for yah, Kalizda. I learn to talk with yah father because yah love him as yah should."

Calysta's cheeks were still crimson over the embarrassment, but somehow Illya had managed to make her smile. It was good to know he was trying if for any reason, for her. Even if made the pink on her cheeks grow brighter.

Shooting one more quick glance over his shoulder the Chip grinned and watched her go back into the ship. Since her father was coming that explained the reason they had set him outside with the kids. However long the man was staying he didn't know. Reading the book was fine and dandy for the afternoon till the rain clouds started to form and the wind kicked up. Each of the children ran into the ship only long enough to get jackets so they could keep playing. Gritting his teeth the Chip got up to walk inside so he could wear a jacket and wrap his leg up in a blanket. The kids still needed outdoor time, but it was getting almost too cold outside and the last round in the cold had been too long and now it seemed that he was taking longer than he anticipated to completely recover.

Instead he'd been going through bouts of coughs and random pains. Sometimes he was even waking up sweaty at night. It was almost like the cold hadn't let him go. When he returned outside Illya had a pile of blankets that he wrapped up in and he leaned against the ship to try and finish the book.

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

Edgar was pleased to see the man had returned again. "Please talk." Nodding to one of the other Chip's he had them pull a chair out. "We feed our honored guest." Ignoring the look of complete irritation the man's face he continued as if there was nothing wrong. So far he liked this man despite the fact that not all of the Chippeqouti appreciated him. "Yah tell meh about dis government yah have?" If they were going to operate he needed to know more about it and then he could explain to his people as best he could. It would make dealing with these strangers in the future far easier.

Often one that was raised to be an elder had to show exceptional skill in the area of diplomacy and knowledge of how government worked. There were plenty of other positions that would lend themselves well to assisting an elder, but only those with greater skill of understanding were granted such positions as they got older and had shown significant skill. Yvonne wasn't far off from showing that kind of skill.

Now that he thought about it, Edgar decided to have Yvonne present in the talks. She was much more proficient in the language and she could explain what the man was saying when he used unfamiliar words and then she could help translate some words that Edgar wasn't sure how to use. He knew that his language in trader's tongue was still rudimentary in some cases and it made his language seem less fluid and more offensive and choppy.

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

Their guest was gone and it was time to call the children inside. Markus stepped out the door and called the children inside. Glancing along the side of the ship he spotted Illya wrapped up in blankets and huddled inside of them as if he were an Eskimo. "Come inside."

Illya nodded and he started to work his way out of the blankets. Wincing a little he moved his leg and grunted with almost every step. When he got to the ramp he gripped the railing tightly with his hand. Lowering his head he grimaced and growled with the next few steps. The older Chip's face wrinkled with worry. He knew that his son had been sick for several days. All it took was the cold weather and it seemed that Illya was gradually getting sicker ever since. Sleep had helped for a while, but it was becoming more restless and the less sleep he got the less likely it was for there to be complete recovery.

Both of the men made an awkward half drag down the corridor and Markus put Illya on a lower bunk. "I'll have yah mother make more tea eh?"

"Ok." Adjusting his position on the bed Illya winced and tried to lay back to find a comfortable spot. Over the next two days he stayed in bed and drank teas that seemed to do nothing. For the most part the Chippeqouti had agreed to keep Kalizda busy with the arrangements and her father. There was no time to know what was happening. They wanted to get it all under control. Yvonne came in the third morning. She knew they couldn't keep it secret much longer if he didn't start improving and he still wasn't sleeping like he should.

Grabbing the edge of the blanket the woman pulled it up and started to pull Illya's pant leg up. "Augh!" Squinting his eyes shut he groaned and then shut his mouth. The Chippeqouti woman's eyes grew wide. His leg had swelled and it was beginning to turn a sickly yellow color. Carefully pulling the pantleg down and adjusting the blankets again she put her wrist to his forehead.

As soon as she had checked to be sure he wasn't running a fever yet the woman went in search of Edgar who was talking with Thomas again. Without regard for the conversation going on she interrupted in Quoti. "We need to do something. He needs the Ehaui. The bone in his leg is sick and it won't be a few days before he start to seize. I can't stop it." In the past there were minor irritations and they were able to prevent Illya from getting too sick, but with all the travel it was hard to say if the cold actually did this, if it was a different kind of germ that he had come into contact with and it went to the weakest part of his immune system to attack or what. At this point it didn't matter. Whatever happened was causing the bone to flare up and there was no controlling it.

The elder looked at Thomas and then back to Yvonne. He didn't know how much of what Yvonne said that Kalizda understood, but she seemed to understand the panic. "Kalizda come with." Looking at the man he nodded. "Dere is emergency. I be back soon."

Yvonne stopped with them at the door and quickly explained to Kalizda what was happening. When they got inside the room a few of the others had gathered on the bunks. Edgar looked at Illya and he peeled the blanket up to look. The older man drew a sharp breath. It looked bad. Turning toward Kalizda he took a deep breath. "We cannot all go to Ehaui with him, but perhaps we buy another ship to take him." Meeting Kalizda's gaze and then following it to Illya he sighed. "We need yah advice. If yah want to advice us and take him to da Ehaui yahself I understand."
 
Thomas put the irritation over his daughter's sudden relationship aside and focused on working with Edgar. The older man, and what he could only guess was his assistant named Yvonne, were far more amicable than Illya. They listened carefully as he explained the Kaerelean government in simple but true terms, using the kitchen as their humble meeting grounds. He found they understood the electoral process well enough, which was a good start to understanding the politics. They sat over a meal of fresh bread, fruit and more tea as they talked. When he was asked about the consul, he was able to explain with the help of Yvonne and her proficiency in traders-tongue.

"The consul is a selected few of the 90 elected leaders from all over Kaereal and work as a commitee made specifically to handle inter-planetary affairs. They stay constantly on the move, keeping peace and between all of the allies and hopeful allies of Kaereal. Peaceful relationships have been a staple in their policies for many years and they put great effort into the idea."

Edgar seemed to understand what he was saying and more questions on both part ensued. He had to explain there had been a great need for the consul as of late, which is why seeing the consul directly may take a few days, possibly a week or more. All the members were on Terra or In Gkoe attempting to continue peace talks and strengthen the relationship with their allies. He was honest in saying they had come to Kaereal in difficult times, but be didn't mention his daughters rumored involvment in the issue.

At the end of the first day he was tired, but he felt like he had accomplished something. They had given very little information on their own culture, but from what he gathered they were a very straighforward and logical people.

Before he left, he managed to steal a few moments alone with Calsyta who had been not only keeping the daily routine of her ship running, but had been present for as many of the conversations as possible. There hadn't been much time for talking things over with her.

She walked along with him, along the foot path through the fields of golden grasses but stayed quiet. What she had told him had come as a shock. Even more so than what she had been through. The truth of the matter was, she barely knew the man, and he felt like it was a mistake. What he had done embarrassed her though and for that, he did feel somewhat bad. He wasn't going to change her mind acting like that.

"Did I bring the right clothes?" He asked, trying to start a converation.

"Yes, they were the good ones. Thank you for that."

Her words were flat and she didn't look at him. Sighing, Thomas kept walking until it wasn't safe for him to accompany him anymore. They stopped on the outskirts of town and he went to hug his daughter, but she kept her arms crossed, gazing at him with those sharp grey eyes. The eyes she had inherited from her mother.

"I'm sorry I reacted the way I did," he admitted, "But I wouldn't be a good father if I didn't want what was best for you."

Calsyta stared back at him in the fading light. "I'm perfectly capable of making my own decisions." The decison to say yes to Illya had been as much of a shock to herself, but she would never tell her father that. He already didn't trust her to run her own life at times.

"Aye, that you are. You're not a child anymore, but sometimes old habits die hard."

"Then we learn new ones."

Thomas nodded and looked over his daughter. She had put on the black tunic and silver silk belt he had brought her. The mark of a Kaerelean civilan pilot. It suited her. It amazed him that despite everything that had happened she was still standing in front of him as strong willed and unafraid of the world as ever. The fact brought him a strong sense of pride.

"Yes, we do," he replied.

***

Calsyta spent most of the next few days running the ship and particpating as much in the talks as she could. Though, it seemed like the ship and the talks suddenly needed far more attention. When she wasn't preparing Edgar and Yvonne for their meeting with Councilwoman Henaiah in a weeks time, she was dealing with things that seemed to pop up over the ship.

At one point, she went to find Illya with a plate of freshly cooked chicken and rice, but Yvonne intercepted her. "Deh Elder would prefer if yeh stayed. I'll find Illya."

The tall woman took the plate from her hands gently and left her to the talking men at the table.

Calysta was relieved when the two were done talking for the day. It was good to hear the two were getting a long better but constant explanations were tiring at times. When her father was gone, she went to the bunk room and grabbed one of the books her father had brought. Illya would like this one too and since he hadn't participated much in the talking, which was probably for the best, he might have more time to read.

She walked down the hall with the book in hand when several of the Chip children caught her outside the bunkroom door. "Captain! Dey say we cant play outside without watching. We want tah catch the light bugs."

The older Chip woman who had been watching the herd of children gave her a tired look and Calysta relented. "Alright, go on. I'll be there in a minute."

The children squealed in excitement and stampeded toward the hatch. As she started to open the bunk room door, a small hand slipped into hers and tugged her away. One of the little girls with dark ringlets and a strong grip had captured her. "Come Captain!"


****

On the morning of the third day, Calysta sat with her father and Edgar in the kitchen talking over the points Henaiah will likely ask about.

"She will have many questions and will be direct, but polite-"

Calsyta's words were interrupted when Yvonne came into the room and spoke to Edgar in quick Qouti she couldn't understand. The Elders face darkened at her words and she glanced to Illya's mother. She looked near panic and it was enough for Calsyta to already start pushing away from the table.

"Kalizda come with." Looking at the man he nodded. "Dere is emergency. I be back soon."

She didn't hesitate to follow Yvonne with Edgar close at her heels. Was someone hurt? Sick? Or maybe it was one of the children? They hadn't gotten too close to the Edge had they?
Her questions were put to rest as Yvonne explained Illya was very ill. His right side where the metal rods had been used were making him sick.

The woman lead them to the bunkroom where Illya was lying on a lower bunk. He was wrapped in thick blankets and a sheen of sweat was beading on his tanned brow. Calsyta slipped past the crowd to the bed side while Edgar followed suit. The elder pulled the blanket away from Illya's leg and what she saw made her heart stall. His right leg was swollen, with dark purple veins and a sickly yellow color. The pain had to be sickening on its own. This had been going on for longer than just over night. Why hadn't anyone told her? He needed help. Specialized hel the Kaerelans wouldn't know how to give. Panic started rising up in her chest and her heart was pounding in her ears.

Ed turned to her and met her gaze, making her focus on his bright eyes as he spoke. The Ehaui. They were exiles too. Banished and locked down on their own planet by the Federation. Going there with a Chippeqouti exile would be dangerous. Stupidly dangerous. Glancing, at Illya and the horriffic condition of his leg she knew he wouldn't have much time. The same seizures would start and continue, killing him slowly and in agony.
She ran her hands through her hair and set her jaw. There wasn't time to panic or even question why nobody had thought to tell her.

"It would be best not to.move him," Calsyta said, as she worked out what to do in her mind, "I'll take him myself."

Her father was standing in the doorway, looking concerned. He may not like the man, but he wouldn't wish that sort of illness on his worst enemy, much less someone his daughter cared about. He'd been listening enough to know what was going on. The man needed help and Calsyta had just volunteered to take him.

Calsyta turned to him, looking determined but her eyes betrayed her fear. "I have to take him to get help," she said in Kaerelean.

"There are several doctors in Kinte that could help, I think. Should I call them?"

Calsyta shook her head. "No, he needs more than that. I'll have to take him, but I'll be faster alone and you'll need everyone here to meet Henaiah. They need a place to stay."

Thomas took a deep breath, knowing thr question that was coming. "It will be a tight squeeze but the house is the best place. If they don't mind it."

Calsyta nodded and looked to Edgar. "He's offered to let everyone stay in his home. Its small but nice. It would be an honor for you to stay there and continue working. He can guide you through as well as I can."

****
Thomas lead the group of 20 or more refugees to his home. They had taken along what fes belongings they had, but most carried a bucket in their hands. What those were for he couldn't begin to guess.

His home was small with a living room, kitchen, and study space with two bedrooms upstairs and a singular bathroom, one for his daughter which hadn't been used in years, but still held some of her things, and his own. When they came inside it seemed as if they couldn't stay still for even a moment.

The children scattered to explore the place almost immediately and found the omne tree outside something of a novelty. What dark haired tots didnt wander inside, were hanging from the branches and eating the blue fruit by the handfuls. The sight of blue stained mouths and sticky fingers reminded him of Calysta and he actually chuckled at them.

Yvonne immediately went to the kitchen and found the cubbards embarrasingly bare. He used to cook for his daughter all of the time, but he rarely cooked for only himself. She seemed concerned by the fact all she found was a packet of lunch meat, loaf of bread, and can of coffee grounds.

"I'm afraid I havent had much reason to cook in the past few years. I'll go to the store soon and get some things," he admitted.

Edgar had come in behind them and looked around, saying a few things in his own language to the others before turning to him It was obvious the man wanted to continue talking, so he nodded and lead them to his study. Inside were dozens of books, rolled hands-drawn star charts, and a various bits of papers from his students everywhere. He quickly gathered up the scraps of graph paper out of the spare chair across from his desk and looked around for a place to put them before deciding on the top of the bookshelf.

"You're welcome to sit down."

***

Once all of the Chippeqouti were off the ship, Calysta typed in the coordinates to Ehaui that Edgar had given her. It would take three days at best to get there if shr pushed hard and they didn't run into any trouble in between.

Before Yvonne joined the others in the walk to her father's house, she asked the woman to show her how to make the sedative tea. She oblidged, keeping hee usual calm demeanor, but Calysta could tell there was a deep fear underneath that mask. It shone in her bright eyes.

She watched carefully, noting which herbs Yvonne used and how she pinched the leaves between her fingers. They were strong smelling even after she added them to the tea water. As she set the completed mixture down, and headed toward the door, Calsyta caught her arm just a little, making her pause. Yvonne looked down at her with an unreadable expression. "I'll be back soon and Illya will be too."
It wasn't much comfort, she knew, but it was the only thing she could think of to say without sounding grim.

When the engines were ready, and Kaereal was fading away to just another glimmering star in the distance, she punched the jump-drive into maximum speed with the auto-pilot engaged. The ship was eerily quiet after being so full and she found it unsettling. Even Keshya's meows echoed through the empty hallways. The cat followed her into the bunkroom where they would be staying until they reached Ehaui. She would have to watch for fever and the subsequent seizures.

Illya looked like he was in immense pain, his hair was damp from sweat and his jaw was tight. She hated seeing anyone like this, but especially him. It was a fact she didn't undertsand, but it was nonetheless true. Kneeling by the bunk, she used the back of her hand to check his forehead for fever.

"No fever yet," she whispered, "But soon probably. "

She had the temptation to tell him off for not saying anything, but then again she could be just as stubborn. Shaking her, she tried to muster a smile to hide the tighteness in her throat.

"You didn't have to go and get sick just to get the bunk room all to yourself again, you know," she joked quietly.
 
The Chippeqouti nodded quietly when Kalizda suggested she fly him. It was best if she did. Though they could have likely made the flight themselves, all of them knew that she was a better pilot and more likely to succeed. Markus looked to her briefly and gave a slight bow of his head. She was proving to be as brave as their own. Personally he didn't see any issue with the woman besides her frailty and hastened aging process. Otherwise he might have just as easily fallen for her if he was in his son's position.

Quietly the Chips began to pack their things. Most of them had very little. Trusting Thomas the same as they trusted Kalizda was going to be difficult. Before leaving Edgar addressed the gathering. "We take the word of this man the same as we listen to Kalizda. She has given him her word and power." Though he was not fond of the idea they could not afford to lose Illya. He was one of the few Chip left from his generation and they needed him to recover the same as they needed all their people. There were always hazards in finding new lands and homes. Since there was indeed going to be war and freeing the Ehaui they would need him to be in shape to fight again. Illya was one of the better generals and warriors that they had in quite some time.

Yvonne knew that before they left she would need to show Kalizda a few things to help take care of Illya. Setting her things aside she stepped into the kitchen with Kalizda and made some markings on the tin and prepared a cup with a heavy dose of sedative. They would need to give him as much as possible to help his body relax and maybe get more rest. If he could sleep more it would help delay the process that had begun.

Turning to leave the kitchen she felt a small hand grasp her arm. It almost felt like that of a child. Looking down at Kalizda she simply turned her head toward the corridor again. Raising one hand she beckoned for Kalizda to follow her. Pulling one of the cupboards open she handed a small tub to Kalizda. "You will need smear some of this on his chest when the fever starts. It will help to prevent the seizures." There wasn't any question about the fever. He wasn't far off from developing one as it was and she didn't expect the woman to succeed. More than likely this was going to be the last of her son. A war that he could have chose not to fight and he had spent over 50 years of his life struggling for general health. Now the sickness was coming back. It was much worse and far faster than it had been in the past. Opening the tub she dipped her finger in and showed Kalizda the approximate amount needed. "When he start to have seizures even when you use this there isn't long left. Use more sedative in the tea to ease the struggle." Yvonne blinked a few times rapidly to hold back the tears that had begun to burn in her eyes. Her throat clenched tightly and she nodded to Kalizda. "Yah do a brave thing to take him. May the gods be with you."

Now that she had done what she needed to the woman covered her mouth with one hand and picked up the rest of her belongings with the other. Leaning against Markus she walked out of the ship. The man's large hand moved across her lower back and he held her gently as the two of them stepped outside.

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

On the road to the house that they would be staying in the woman did her best to wipe the tears from her face. It was not befitting a woman to cry when she was to be in the presence of a host. No matter that they were trusting this man, it was not fitting that he should perceive the grief. A host should know that his guests are grateful and to show this gratefulness she would do whatever was necessary. One thing that appeared to be obvious as they arrived was the dire need for some cleaning and cooking to be done. The yard and gardens could be dealt with later. Thankfully the backyard was easily accessible to the children and it was very safe.

After Yvonne had picked through the cupboards and pieced together what they had brought from the ship she had a fairly decent looking meal. The woman noticed their host ate it with little complaint. There were a few things she had noticed during her hunt in the house for something to cook. Namely the pictures. "I notice you had a daughter. She is Kalizda?"

Thomas put down his fork and looked up to the woman. It seemed his daughter hadn't told anyone besides Illya their relation and he'd entirely forgotten about the random photos around the house. Whether or not it had been intentionally kept from them, he didn't know, but it was too late now. "Yes, Calsyta my daughter."

The woman nodded and she began clearing plates from the table. "She was not well as a child? I see the picture with her. Kalizda was not in good color." Part of her wondered if it was because the girl was only a half breed, or if there was something else more serious that was wrong with her.

He folded his hands over the table where his plate had been. The spot still felt warm against his fingers, as he thought about which photo she was referring to. "She was sick for a time as a child. Her immune system was very weak when she was born. She rarely lets it stop her though."

"I understand." Yvonne glanced at the table for a moment. It was weak feeling, but she was a mother and she couldn't help herself. "I worry about my children too when they were younger. I still worry." Meeting the man's gaze she tried to think of how a diplomat would handle this situation. "Is it customary to share images of your children when conversing?"

"I don't think a parent ever truly stops worrying, even if they can't do anything about the choices their children make." He opened his hand and gestured at the seat across from him at the tiny wooden table. "I'd be honored to see them."

Stepping over to the seat that he gestured to Yvonne sat down. Pulling the locket off her neck she opened it up. "I had two children." The first one showed a picture of a girl with long black hair and bright violet eyes. Flipping to the next picture it showed her daughter as a young woman. "She was very beautiful. Then I had a son." A gentle smile came to her face as she watched the image of her little boy giggling. "Very good at finding mischief." A later image showed Illya as an adult and dressed in his full military uniform. "He was always dutiful to our people."

He watched the images as they flickered over the air from the locket. Yvonne's daughter truly was beautiful and carried herself in the same way her mother did it seemed. When the hologram changed to a tall man dressed in a crisp military uniform, he recognized the face instantly. The realization that the troublesome man's mother had been sitting across from him the entire time sank in like an anvil to the stomach and he let out a long breath. "Your son is Illya."

Momentarily surprise crossed her face. That the man should be seemingly shaken at the thought was of great confusion to her. "Yes, he is. Illya is a fine soldier and general. He is still young, but he has had many years of experience from the war. I was afraid your Kalizda would wound his heart, but I see some good things in her."

There were a few things in her statement he didn't understand and he rubbed at the scruff on his cheek out of instinct, trying to work them out. He had heard that Illya was a military man, but the man barely looked a day over 24 and yet had many years of military experience? An even greater question followed that one. What war? Years of military experience? In what war? The conflict you have with the Federation right now? " he asked curiously, "And I highly doubt Calysta would hurt anyone like that. "

This man was curiously under educated for his position if he was not aware of the Federation and the war. "Not now, we need him healed so that he can be of help for the coming war. He fought in the first war over 100 years ago." Meeting the man's gaze she continued blandly. "Your Kalizda would die long before my son. She may not mean to wound his heart, but she would because she cannot live with him until he is old."

She spoke to him as if the information were obvious, but he was a Navigation and Astronomy professor, not a inter-planetary historian. He stayed quiet as her words sank in. A war over a 100 years ago? One with the Federation that her son fought in? That man was over 100?! Was this war the cause of their exile? The facts seemed familiar...what had Calysta called them...Chippeqouti? The name flashed in his mind, sparking some long forgotten neuron from his studies. What little there was to be known told him these people were warmongers. Slavers. Wild conquerers and nearly unstoppable according to rumor. And Calysta had brought them home like wayward pets. They were going to start another war? He ran his hands though his hair, momentarily forgetting Yvonne was sitting there, before he caught her eyes again. What was he supposed to do? "You're...you're a Chippeqouti...one of the Chippeqouti," he managed to stammer.

Yvonne had thought that his people were more receptive of her kind. At least that was the understanding she had gained from Kalizda and her son. Perhaps the Kalizda woman had overestimated the kindness of her people. There were waves of shock that seemed to wash over the man's face as layers of realization dawned in his dull mind. Shutting the locket, Yvonne carefully put it back around her neck. "We are all Chippeqouti." Leaning a little closer she laid her hand on the table with the palm facing up. "You are safe with us. Our war is not with you. It will be with the Federation."

As he forced his mind to calm down from the millions of racing thoughts, he came to one singular one. Their war with the Federation was coming by simply leaving the planet they had been exiled to. It was going to add to the madness of the conflict brewing that the Kaereleans were trying to extinguish between the Terrans and the Cirellants. They certainly couldn't afford to fight the Chippeqouti on top of that. Thomas nodded and looked to her open palm. He wasn't sure if it was a custom of peace for them or not, so he took his palms and copied. It was probably wrong, but at least it was an effort. "I see why your son was insistent on silence even moreso now. I think if our alliance is to grow, that you and Edgar should tell these things to Councilwoman Henaiah when the time comes."

Though the man oddly placed his palms up too she assumed he was making a friendly gesture in return. "We will do what Edgar determines to be best. He is our elder sent to make terms. I can advise him and nothing more." Yvonne peered into Thomas' eyes. "We are wary of outsiders. Don't betray us. If you are trustworthy as your daughter the Chippeqouti will always honor you and if you come to us in time of danger we will protect you."

He nodded. From what he understood, betraying these people could lead to messy ends. For not just him, but the entire planet. "I can respect that. I can only advise and guide as best I can. I can assure you that you would have my utmost honor."

Yvonne nodded in return. "We will do as you instruct then." A single brow raised and she studied his face for another long moment. "There is no need to be afraid of us. Chippeqouti are peaceful people."

Thomas listened to what she said but it didn't really ring true over what he had heard. "Peaceful indeed." The words came out non-accusatory and nearly monotone, but it was all he could manage to say before rising to his feet. "I should go look over some of these papers from my students and from the Councilwoman." With a polite nod, he left the woman at the table.

Knowing that the man had appeared fearful left the diplomat afraid for her own people. If he was not honorable they would fail their mission and the Chippequoti would be left alone in their battle again. Alone and stuck on a planet that was already under constant attack. They could not fail. Peering out the window at the children playing in the tree she sighed and lowered her eyes. Deep down she wished that if nothing else he would remain honorable for the little ones. It was unlikely if he was going to betray them that he would leave the little ones. None of the others had before.

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

Illya remained laying on his back. It left the muscle as some additional padding so that there was less immediate pressure on the bone in his leg. The pain had already moved into his thigh and he knew it wasn't long till he started to get worse. Gritting his teeth he fought against the urge to cry out with the lurch of the ship into hyper space travel. His bunk rattled and shook with the force of the machine gaining rapid momentum. Gradually the rattling subsided and Illya un-clenched his fists. Some of what they had said about the distance being maybe 3 days sounded like forever.

Already he felt like moaning and groaning, but Kalizda was in the room. Instinctively he winced when she got closer. Illya half expected that she would sit on the edge of his bed. Thankfully she just knelt next to it instead and she felt his forehead. Seemed she knew what was likely to happen and he nodded grimly. He hadn't been this sick since the initial injury. In many ways he dreaded the next few days. It was a horrible way to die. There were plenty of others that he'd seen go this way during the war.

Poor Kalizda was trying to joke though he could still see she was worried. Raising one hand from the bed he grabbed hers. "Kalizda, I wanted to have a bunk all to mehself." A weak smile came to his face. "Yah just don't worry. We will get there. Maybe the Ehaui can help yah too."

By the next morning Illya couldn't even muster a weak smile. He was shivering underneath all the blankets. The fever was almost unbearable and his bones were hurting even more. Added weight from the blankets was almost more than he could bare. When noon came he sipped at the tea though he didn't really want it. Nothing sounded good and Illya tried to refuse the first meal. Since Kalizda insisted he took a few bites and then left the rest of the food alone. Clenching his jaw tightly he tensed through his entire body as a wave of pain ebbed through the bones and then seemed to surge for several more minutes. "Gah..." Letting out a long breath he winced and tried to turn in the bed. Another jolt of pain stopped him and he groaned.

Hours and minutes started to feel the same. Sometimes he would wake to see that only a few minutes passed and then other times it was hours later. All of it felt unbearably long. When the fever set in and she started to apply the cream he didn't know. Illya remembered smelling the cream only briefly. Moaning a little he opened his eyes to see that she was trying to give him more tea. It wasn't surprising to see that she was looking worried. Silently he took the tea and sipped at it before setting the mug aside.

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

A blast sounded and the ship lurched. The stun ray had stopped the ship only a few hours from the Ehaui planet. In the side of the ship a portal connected and a string of soldiers poured into the ship. One of them stopped short and stared at Kalizda. Drawing his sword he tilted his head. "Stay over dere." Nodding to a small corner in the ship he rushed past her and the soldier behind him stepped over next to her and shook his head.

Inside the bunk room Illya cried out when the soldier tried to move him. Murmuring started and a flash formed in the portal as another body came through. A tall woman with dark hair and violet eyes made her way into the ship. Speaking quickly in Quoti to the soldiers she nodded and then grabbed Kalizda by the arm. Marching into the room she stared at the seizing form of the Chip laying on the bed. She could smell the cream had been used and it was failing now. "How long has the treatment failed?" Nodding grimly at the answer she approached the bed and took a small vial from her vest. Pouring it into his mouth she pushed his mouth shut even when he started to splutter.

Yelling in Quoti to the soldiers she returned through the portal and all but two cleared the ship. Within seconds of the troops clearing the tunnel the ship was free and one of the men walked into the navigation bay. Sitting in the captain's seat he glanced to Kalizda. "We guide you into the free district."

The ship rattled and shook as they dove for the magnetic barrier around the planet. As the free district came into view there was piles of rubble and the ground almost seemed to quiver with each shell that was fired toward the anti aircraft guns aimed at the ship. Another and distinct rattle sounded through the ship and one of the soldiers shoved passed Kalizda. "They hit the second engine. I go put emergency engine in gear."

Landing was rough to say the least as the ship hit the strip and skid for several hundred yards before it finally stopped. Both soldiers immediately went back to the bunk and pulled Illya from it. "Open da door!" The two of them yelled as they ran past Kalizda with Illya held between the two of them. Before the ramp even touched the ground they were running down it. They only paused near the edge of the ramp until it was close enough to the ground for them to step off without hurting Illya further.

A tall light haired Ehaui waited inside a small building. The man's brown eyes searched the counters and he nodded to another Ehaui. "Doctor we're prepared for the surgery."

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

Stepping into the waiting room the female saw the two dark haired women. One of them was his sister and the other had brought him this far. A strange situation to have an outsider risk so much. "The metal was never supposed to be in his body so long. I'm not sure what started the irritation, but the metal was already beginning to sluff off inside his bones. It only hastened the infection. I was able to remove all the metal implants from his leg, arm, and back. The arm and back should heal with time on their own. I had to drill into his left femur to collect marrow to grow in the lab. He will need a marrow implant to stimulate growth inside his leg. It will still be some weeks before we are able to start the process."

The Chip woman took a deep breath and she nodded. All of this was supposed to have been done during the war. It wasn't a permanent treatment and because of such it had nearly killed him. "Will he recover fully?"

"He should. It will be a long and painful process. One that we cannot finish here. The free district is under constant fire as you are aware." Meeting the young space commander's face she sighed. "We need this woman who brought him to take a small medical team to your new planet. We will continue to heal the Chippeqouti we can from the war. Among those that we take with will be a small number of refugees to ensure the survival of our own people."

Turning toward Kalizda the Chip woman spoke. "You heard what we spoke of. I will send two soldiers with you to ensure the safety of the passengers and we will move the general back to the ship as soon as we can. Your ship has been commandeered for the use of the war. It is a consequence of flying into a protected zone. Don't worry, you will be compensated as the general sees fit when he recovers."
 
Calysta stayed in the bunk room over night, taking the opposite bunk from Illya's even though it was Ayrn's space. He probably would have preferred her not be there, but she needed to stay in order to keep an eye on his temperature. Her father used to stay by her side constantly when she was sick as a child, and it would drive her crazy. Those had been hard, lonely days with doctors appointments, needles, pain and fatigue. There had been some days where she had been close to her own death and those were the loneliest. She didn't want Illya to feel like that no matter what happened.

In the morning, he was so much worse. The fever was setting in and try as she might to get him to eat, he wouldn't take a more than a few bites. Even getting him to drink the sedative was a challenge, but she made him take a few sips, enough to send him off into some kind of sleep.She used the back of her hand to check for fever and winced at the heat rolling from the skin of his forehead. They were still 72 hours away and already he was so hot She remembered how quickly he had began to seize after the fever caused by his broken arm started. How would she ever make it to Ehaui in time? Could he hold out that long? Swallowing, she cast the thoughts aside and started doing as Yvonne had told her. Opening the can of strong herb cream, she uncovered him and began to apply it to his chest with light a touch. Even the slightest movement seemed to cause him pain, but it couldn't be helped as she worked. His eyes opened briefly and he mumbled some vague, in coherent words to her. "Sleep, Illya," she said back to him, "Rest." Her words fell on half-delirious ears, while she finished with the cream and covered him back up.

When he was in a fitful sleep, she sat on the bunk across from him, and tried to rest for just a moment herself. He had told her not to worry. That they would make it in time. The feel his rough hand over hers in a firm grasp was still there. How could she not? As she curled up on her side uninjured side, her eyes landed on him. They had been through a lot together at this point, which had all happened so fast and yet seemed so long. She wished he'd just put on that cheeky smile and say he was fine like he usually did.

Time trekked by slowly until the first of the seizures hit on the second night. He groaned and then his body bowed into a grand-mal fit. His flailing hands knocked over the table by the bed, sending the mug cold tea to the floor. It shattered sending herby liquid everywhere, including on him. Calysta let the seizure run its course and watched as his eyes rolled back into his head, before his body went limp again. With shaking hands, she adjusted him back on the bed as best she could. Untangling him from the blanket, and tucking it back under his leg, before putting his hand at his side. Then she righted the table, pulling it away from his bunk so he wouldn't hit it again. Calysta slowly picked up the pieces of the broken mug and slipped out the door with the intent of going to the kitchen, but she found herself paused outside the door. Tears were running down her face in a silent stream she couldn't seem to stop no matter how hard she wiped with her sleeve.

***

They were only two hours from Ehaui according to the navigation display, when the ship shuddered and then slammed to a halt mid-jump. Keysha went sliding of the bed with a terrified cry and Calysta was thrown after her into the floor hard floor. "Uhoah!" Wincing at the pull in her side, she hauled herself up and burst out of the bunk room headed toward the cockpit. Someone had either used a dampener on the jump-drive or they had been fired on. Either way, Illya didn't have time for any delays.

Before she could make it to the cockpit a boarding portal opened up in front of her and uniformed soldiers began marching through. The first held a sword to her chest, forcing her to stop and she scowled at him. "Stay over der." Who the hell were these people? She silently cursed herself for not sleeping with her pistol. The soldier rushed off into the bunk room where she heard Illya cry out. All cares of who they were left at the sound and she started toward the bunk room ready to fight.

"Leave him-Uhg!"

A strong grip wrapped around her arm and her feet scraped the ground as someone hauled her down the hall. She glanced up to see a dark haired woman with violet eyes, speaking in fast Quoti. These were the Ehaui? Had they found them? Calysta tried to pull away but she was like a feather trying to compete with brick in the woman's grip, as she tugged her to stand in front of Illya. He had gone into another seizure, his face horribly red from the fever and the strain on his body. "How long has the treatment failed?"

It was more of a demand than a question, but she answered anyways. "Close to 24 hours."

The Chip woman bent down and forced some medicine down his throat then barked some orders in Quoti. The other soldiers left except for two, who seemed to the think they could fly the ship better than she could. The Ehaui soldier brought them too steeply into the atmosphere, causing extra rough vibration into the entire ship, until a heavy shot from the enemy took out one of the engines. "I can help if you move and let me work." Her words were met with sharp glares and a soldier shoved past her to do whatever the hell he felt like. The ship felt like it was about to fall apart as its belly scraped along the landing spot and Calysta held tight to the back of Illya's co-pilot chair to stay on her feet.

Before she could even blink, they were taking Illya down the ramp and the violet eyed Chip woman was grabbing her arm again. With the ramp open, she could hear the sounds of gunfire popping and artillery booming like thunder over the half crumbled city. It reminded of the memorial and for a moment, all she could think of was the echoing of the explosions and dead olive-colored eyes. Her heart started to pound in her ears and she barely heard the conversation in front of her, as they took her inside.

****
Calysta had paced in the waiting room for hours, waiting for news of Illya, as the Chip woman sat with her. Between the sound of of exploding shells in the distances, there was nothing but tense silence. It left alot of room for thought, but most her thoughts kept rounding back to either Illya, or whether her father was doing well with the others. There was a moment where Calysta glanced up from the tile floor to her silent guard and caught the woman staring. The look was almost familiar to Calysta. Where had she seen that face before?

Finally a woman with a clipboard came by and informed them that Illya was out of surgery, and at least alive. The relief of knowing spread over her as if it were a tranquilizer. He would live. Of course, now the Ehaui and Chippeqouti both seemed to think that the Ekram should belong to them for their own uses. She had been living among them, almost as one of them, for close to a month now and had gotten used to not being seen as an outsider. Now, she was a stranger under siege again in their eyes. Back to being commanded rather than asked. She wouldn't leave civilians behind and she certainly wasn't leaving 'the general.' A wry thought crossed her mind, on exactly how they thought Illya was going to compensate her.

"I'll take Illya along with any refugees, but if your guards are intending to pilot, I can fly my own ship," she replied, in an even tone, "How long before we can see him?"


***

Thomas waited alongside Edgar and Yvonne inside a simple, but beautiful meeting room within United Kaerelean Continents building. He had put on his old formal tunic that he hadn't worn in years, and found it to be too loose in the arms but just as stiff around the collar. He hated wearing them, but as a liaison the occasion called for it. The door opened and thin woman entered. She carried herself with quiet, but natural authority dressed in the black flowing pants and tunic of her position as a leader. Her black hair, flecked with grey sat in a precise bun on the back of her neck. The gray hair and few wrinkles gracing the corners of her pale blue eyes were the only things that betrayed her age. To Thomas, she still looked sharp as ever. A gentle smile came over her lips as she came to Edgar and Yvonne, giving them a small bow. "I am Councilwoman Henaiah Tyrin. Welcome to Kaerelean and to Kinte." Standing straight again she listened to the introduce themselves, then offered them a seat and to partake of the refreshments they desired from the table before beginning. "I have heard some of your circumstances and understand you are in need of a new home. You expressed interest in Nuen, which is an uninhabited planet thus far. I must ask you what you would like to do with the planet if you were to make it your new home?"

A place so grand had not been within their grasp or dreams for decades. Yvonne and Edgar were careful not to stare though it didn't stop them from glancing about the room from time to time. To show their trust they left Markus behind though it wasn't much to his liking. Yvonne kept her eyes lowered when the council member stepped into the room and Edgar began with introductions. "I am Elder Edgar and this is my interpreter, Yvonne." Nodding a little he moved to take a seat as he was directed. The question from the woman was not so uncommon to hear when bidding for a new land. Edgar started to speak in Quoti and then Yvonne started. "I apologize. It is easier for me to convey my thoughts if an interpreter speaks on my behalf." Before continuing the woman waited for Edgar to give her the next portion of his statement. "At this time we only seek refuge for our young and old with a few members to ensure the survival of our people. We are industrious and whatever resource we find on the planet we will....It is intended that we will develop and trade. If we cannot purchase the desert planet for a sum that we already posses we will happily indenture ourselves until the debt is paid in full." Carefully folding her hands Yvonne indicated that the initial offer and statement was concluded.

Henaiah let the woman interpret with no issue. She was no stranger to the need for one and it often led to more clarity in the talks. The reply she received to her question made her brow raise some. "Kaereleans do not participate in indentured servitude or slavery. It was outlawed many, many years ago as part of a pact of basic human rights between the 90 continents. Some of our allies do participate in it though, and we leave them to their peace with it. We would not look to indenture your people. Any sort of payments or deals would be done in trade agreements and allies should war arise. "

Hearing the information brought a look of half alarm on Edgar's face and he spoke rapidly with Yvonne. Both of them hissed back and forth at one another until she looked at the woman again. "We will abide by your request. Instead of offering our labor we will offer preferred trade and 50 of our best soldiers. It is as generous an offer as we can make. Our numbers are small and we have already suffered great loss since the last war."

It seemed she had said something that alarmed them. One would have thought it would have been a relief for them to hear that they were not expected to work off any sort of debt for the planet, but with dwindling numbers she could understand why. This second war intrigued her however, it was mentioned to her that they were refugees from the Federation because of a current war." I see. The consul would like to see the planet developed and trade begun. You have lower numbers because of a previous war, also with the Federation, am I correct? I understand the need to preserve your people considering that, but I am also unclear as to the nature of your conflict the the Federation. I understand you wanted to keep things quiet for fear of retaliation on others of your kind, and discretion is something I promise. But I would like to know more so I may react to any Federation hostility appropriately."

There was a long pause as Edgar tried to contemplate what they would say. It was a dangerous position to be put in. He glanced at Yvonne and then to Thomas. They were told to trust him as they would have Kalizda. Still he couldn't help a sense of dread. "Yes we have been in a previous war with the Federation. We are Chippeqouti and we seek refuge from our home planet. They bombard us with disease in hopes of annihilating our population." Yvonne paused for a moment and she waited for Edgar to continue. "To leave our planet is forbidden and a number of us have left. Those remaining are many able bodied that were to protect those left and help to free the Ehaui that have been held captive on their planet." Both of the Chippeqouti looked at her and then Edgar spoke for himself. "Please, we seek only peace and trade."

She listened to his words carefully and at the name Chippeqouti and Ehauiher eyes widened some. She was well studied in the on-goings in their quadrant, but they were from an entirely different system ruled by the massive Federation. The rumors she had heard were not kind. That these were a people to be feared and cast out due to their violent nature. We seek only peace and trade. The words rang in her ears and as she looked to the two people sitting across from her, she did not see what the rumors spoke of. She was meant to be an emissary for Kaereal to all who came and peace was her aim. To do that, meant keeping an open mind and being willing to see an opportunity to work together. "Kaereal hears your request," she replied finally, "I will take these words to the consul and a vote will be cast. I think it will be likely they will agree to the terms of peace, preferred trade , and allies. I must be as honest with you as you have honored me with the same honesty. We are currently in the midst of a growing conflict with the Cirellant race. There has been no declaration of war, as of yet, but you might find yourselves on Nuen and aligned in a conflict against them. "

Edgar let out a long breath. Part of him had thought that she would reject them as soon as she heard of their race. At the same time he was concerned for his people. Cirellants were numerous and he had no doubt that if they knew of the Chippeqouti involvement they would make an active force that would hunt them. Yvonne started to translate again as the older man spoke to her. "We agree to the terms that you have laid before us. If the vote is in our favor we will provide 50 soldiers as soon as we have rescued them from the planet Quoti. Let it be known that we are openly reluctant to engage in conflict, but it is a part of our debt. Asking for our blood is far more costly than our labor."

Henaiah nodded as Yvonne finished translating and then folded her hands across the table as she looked at Edgar directly. She understood their reluctance but she also knew that it would go against their law to contract for such labor and that the consul would be appalled by the idea. "I understand. Though I do want you to know that Kaereal is working towards a peaceable solution. That is always our intent and this conflict is based of a very terrible misunderstanding. Only should it become absolutely necessary to defend the system will anyone be called upon."

The translator started out with a shaky voice. "We are aware of misunderstandings. They lead to consequences beyond comprehension." Carefully she lowered her gaze as Edgar had finished speaking. This time she spoke for herself. "I am a mother and I witnessed the death of a granddaughter and a daughter in law. Now it is likely that my only son is also dead. All because of of a misunderstanding and a war. One that we should never have pursued. Tell them the mothers are tired of the wounds to our hearts." Yvonne knew that often other races responded to emotion and she wanted them to know that to the Chippeqouti life was not taken lightly.

Henaiah was surprised to hear the woman admit they pursued their first war, and perhaps in the second conflict as well. It was hard to tell to which she spoke. She did know that any mother would be worried for her children and as a mother herself she could relate, if not totally to the sentiment. "I will tell them," she replied , "As soon as I have word of the decision, I will come to you in person. I would like to offer you accommodation here on Kinte, if you would prefer, or Mr. Monroe has offered to continue to keep his home open to you. "

This time Edgar made sure to speak again. It appeared that Yvonne was not going to continue speaking without breaking her composure. Carefully he started out in his words as best he could. "We are grateful for yah consideration. On advice of a good friend we will continue to stay with yah current host."

****
Henaiah stood a podium having just finished her case for the acceptance of the Chippeqouti people. She had done careful research into them as soon as the meeting with Edgar was concluded. Her findings had been limited, to rumors and random streams of records that conflicted. In this case, the ambiguity helped their cause, as most of what she found was not flattering. It was was better to bring these nasty tales to the forefront and address them early before an investigating consul member discovered it after the fact on their own.

"You have brought us a difficult decision, Councilwoman Henaiah. You realize that?" said one of her collegues in a tired voice.

"Difficult decisions for difficult times, I fear."

"You say that in the past, these people started a brutal war against the Federation. That rumors portrayed them as violent and unable to make peace."

Henaiah shook her head. "That is incorrect, councilman. I distinctly said, they had been involved in a conflict with the Federation in the past, not that they had started a war."

"And the images you've seen don't bolster than belief for you Henaiah?"

The councilwomen sent a sharp look in the councilman's direction. "We are all too aware of how misunderstandings will cause conflict and how what we hear isn't always the truth. "

"Then you deny these rumors are true?"

"No, I propose that they are irrelevant. They have come to us for help and are only interested in fostering peace and trade."

"How do we believe that? Convince us Councilwoman that we will not regret bringing these people under Kaerelean amnesty on Nuen."

"They have come to us seeking a new home. An escape from oppression and genocide. Beyond that, you worry over their apparent propensity for violence based on rumor and their offer counters those rumors. Their leader spoke adamantly and openly against entering war, though they promised 50 warriors to a Kaerelean cause if they were needed. They agreed to preferred trade and to develop a half desert planet that isn't even being utilized. It will benefit us economically and politically. It will give us another ally should the talks with the Cirellants completely fall apart. War is very close to being upon us between the Terran's calling for action and a rally of allies and Kaereal attempting to maintain would little peace is left."

"And another war, one with the Federation, if we allow these people to stay."

Henaiah sighed and gripped the sides of her podium tighter. "These people are civilians that are not involved in the direct conflict that is underway between them and the Federation. They seek to preserve the survival of their race, councilors, and ask for complete discretion. There's precedent in the past for the acceptance of such people under the circumstances. "

There was a murmur through the room, some impressed and some doubtful. "Shall I begin reciting the precedent cases or would you like to read them on your own time?" she added smoothly.

The consul members grew quiet and it seemed it was time for her to press in on her point. "I think the Chippeqouti will remain true to their word. We have no other evidence than rumors as to their propensity and they have come to us seeking a home for civilians. I urge you to think about the consequences of refusal. Its very possible it could mean the extinction of their kind and, I would also like to remind the consul of their purpose to be open minded and promote peace. Please think about your vote carefully, my friends."

****

Henaiah cast her own vote quickly, but the others had deliberated for hours more after the conclusion of her case. She had presented the facts fairly, in the interesting of keeping Kaereal safe, but also doing what she believed was prudent in the situation. There was nothing more to be done. When the last vote finally came in, and she read the results and let out a short breath before heading toward the door. She had promised to deliver the news in person.

It had been a long time since she had been to Pyrta and to the house at the end of the small town where a tall omne tree sat. Almost 20 years had passed since she stood on that porch and knocked on the simple door. Then she hadn't been wearing the black garb on an official, but the normal grey jumpsuit of a Skycorp captain. A small child with dark hair and bright eyes answered the door, and immediately ran away from her. The reaction wasn't too different from the way Thomas' young daughter had reacted many years ago.

She could see Thomas coming past the couch toward the door along with Edgar, both wearing expectant faces. He motioned her to come in and she stepped inside with a singular white envelope in her hands. It might take awhile to go over everything, but if they agreed to these terms, then they would have a new home and a fresh start.

****

Calysta sat in a wobbly chair across from the hospital bed where Illya lay still unconscious from surgery. They had been reluctant to let her come into the room, but the Chip woman who had been guarding her the entire time had allowed it, saving her the argument. When she had first seen him, her breath caught in her throat. His right side was so bandaged, he reminded her of a Terran mummy lying so motionlessly on the mattress under a thin cotton blanket. Monitors for his heart, and oxygen levels sat by his side, beeping at a steady pace, while a saline drip flanked his other side. He would be none too happy with having to lay still for so long in his recovery, but according to what she knew, he would be healthier now. Better than ever. The relief of knowing that he would simply live made the weight her chest seem so much lighter. She could take him home, to his new home, and to his parents....and Edgar...and all the children too.

While Calysta sat back and waited for him to wake, she nodded off a few times only to be woken by the sounds of fighting outside. There had been no sleep for longer than a stolen hour or two over the past three days and it was starting to show. The fourth time a shell echoed through the room, her eyes snapped open and she found her escort looking at her again with her violet eyes. In her sleepy state, she looked at the Chip with a furrowed brow as she sat up some. She knew those eyes because their same color had looked at her many times before.

"Yvonne," she whispered, "You have eyes just like Yvonne."
 
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The Ehaui had been endlessly suspicious of the outsider. Asha stared at the doctor when they nearly refused the woman entrance. "She comes with me." Stepping into the tiny room she took the seat nearest her brother and sat down to keep guard. Most of the time she watched the woman because she knew Illya wouldn't be waking for a few days. They had more than likely induced the sleep state immediately following the surgery. A Chip awake after such a procedure was a horrible site. There was endless writhing in the bed and moans that nearly shriveled the heart.

It seemed the woman wasn't used to the sound of the shells, or war. Tilting her head slightly to the side she watched as Kalizda opened her eyes again. This time she was greeted in a manner that she found very odd. "I am Yvonne's daughter, Asha." Getting up from her own seat she walked around the side of his bed to be near the other woman. "Why do you bring him here? How do you know to find us?"

Calysta's sleep deprived mind took a second to process what the Chip said and by that time, she was standing over her asking more questions. "You're...You're Yvonne's daughter..."A shock of memory came to her as she recalled the face on the locket was the same one sitting before her. She hadn't even known if his sister was alive or even what her name was till now. "My name is Calysta. I brought him here because he needed help and your Elder Edgar gave me the coordinates."

A slight wave of relief washed over Asha. After what felt like an eternity she was able to muster a small smile. "You're his Kalizda. I remember hearing about you. I will see to it that they are informed of your position. You will pilot your own ship and be granted access to his room." Glancing over at her brother she frowned again. "He will sleep for many days. They don't dare let him wake now. I keep watch and you get some rest eh?"

Calysta relaxed some, glad she wasn't about to have another argument with a Chippeqouti, least of all his sister. What she said did surprise her some, however. "I didn't know anything had been said about me, to be honest," she replied. "But thank you for telling them. I should rest, but I may just sleep here since my ship sounds as if its been impounded and I don't want to go far."

"He didn't say much, but it was enough to know he admired you very much." Asha chuckled a little. Meeting the woman's gaze again she gave a nod. "Your ship will be repaired and the Ehaui will work to ensure the medical bay will have everything he needs." Turning sharply on her heel she poked her head out the door and yelled something in the Ehaui language. Once she was finished she walked back over to where Kalizda stood. "They bring you a cot to rest on. I will be sure to give them orders in regards to you."

She felt her cheeks grow a little hot and was glad when Asha went to the door for a moment to bark orders at someone, giving her a moment to hide the pinkness. "Thank you, Asha....I didn't know you were here on Ehaui or in the military. I suppose I got lucky it was you who was in charge of the boarding party."

Asha studied Kalizda for a moment. "I didn't come to the ship until they told me who your passenger was. Suppose I was fortunate it was Kalizda and not someone who would have poisoned him and then brought him to us."

She nodded, meeting the woman's eyes as she remembered the things she had seen and what Illya had told her about the previous war's cruel tactics. "I see. Illya told me about some of those....tactics."

"Yes, now yah rest and I make sure that the line holds long enough for you to get out with him and some refugees." Asha went back to her own chair and almost shook her head when she looked at her brother.

Calysta sighed, some and sat back on her own teetering chair as she looked over Illya and then glanced to his sister. She looked concerned, but also a but stern, as if this sort of thing were almost expected. She had no siblings that she knew of and had grown an only child. It made her wonder about Asha and Illya both. "May I ask you something?

"Ask what you will." Asha glanced at the woman and couldn't help shifting impatiently on the seat. The Ehaui should have brought the cot for her already. As if to answer her irritation a man appeared with a cot and blankets. Immediately he set to work putting it off to the side where it wouldn't be in the way of the doctor or nurses when they came to check on Illya.

"Were you fighting with him in the first war? How did he rise to the title of general?" she asked. She would take full advantage of anything his sister was willing to say on the subject. She wanted to learn more, even if Illya had trouble talking about it.

A reluctant frown came to her face. "I command ships. He fought on the ground. We did not fight together in the war if you mean side by side." Settling a little deeper into her chair she eyed the woman suspiciously. "Illya trained very hard to become an elite soldier and he was good at what he did. Only good soldiers are promoted and the higher the rank the more risk there is involved in their work. A general has proved himself or herself as very capable warriors."

Calsyta let out a long breath, mostly releasing her disappointment that the woman seemed guarded now. "It makes sense," she replied quietly, "I was just curious and try to understand things as I go." Easing out of her chair, she wandered over to the cot and laid down gratefully.

"You rest now. If you want to know more about Illya you ask him." Asha was not going to tell tales on her brother. It was not something that was practiced among the Chippeqouti.

The first night Ehaui weaved through the small halls of the makeshift hospital. A male nurse stopped in the room frequently to check the vitals. Stepping aside after one of the early morning checks he nodded to Asha. "Doctor says if he can make 2 days without complications we'll prepare for the second round of surgery. You brought him in bad shape and we're doing all we can to remedy the effects of the metal in his bones. During the second surgery we'll have to remove any other chunks that had been embedded." Before he could finish the doctor stepped in and she nodded to Asha. "The metal was only supposed to be temporary. I'm surprised he lasted this long with the implants. They should have caused complications a long time ago."

Glancing over at Kalizda it appeared that she was still asleep. Asha carefully started. "He couldn't walk for over 10 years and then for 55 years he struggled with fevers. These metal implants should never have been put in!" The woman hissed at the doctor. "What do your records say about his condition then? Was it really necessary?"

A sharp glance came from the doctor and she pulled up a record on the computer. "When he came to us all you'd done for him was try to give him herbs and deaden the pain. It wasn't nearly enough. He was writhing on a bed and still screaming long after he was hoarse. Those metal rods are what saved his leg and the plates in his arm is why he can use it and he walked because we stabilized his back. Your brother would have died if we didn't put the rods in. We couldn't finish the necessary procedures because the Chippeqouti couldn't hold the ground. You tell me what was necessary." Snapping right back the doctor glowered at the woman for a moment. "Do you need to see the hologram? Do you really want to know what he looked like when he was brought to us and then tell me we did the wrong thing?"

Asha fell silent and shook her head. She had only helped to deliver him to the Chippeqouti field hospital. Emergency evacuation had taken him from there. It was rare that she ever visited the field hospital because it was a place of horrors. Her blood almost curdled at the thought that his screams hadn't stopped for hours after she left him. Who knew how long he laid in agony before the transport took him. Quietly she started out in her apology to the doctor. "I'm sorry. Do the best you can for him."

"It will be difficult and painful, but we have perfected the process of growing the marrow at a rapid pace. By the end of the week I will put the new marrow in. He needs it as soon as possible. In 3 days if there have been no problems we will wake him for a full day to feed him and ensure that his body has the energy it needs to survive the next procedure. When we wake him up I will need as much information from him as possible." With that the doctor gathered the chart into her hands again and started out the door.

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

Edgar and the other Chippeqouti sat quietly in the house. There was almost no work today that they had accomplished. The children were still oblivious to the circumstances and played happily outside. After what seemed like hours of waiting he got up and paced the floor. Many of the older silver haired Chippeqouti looked to him and followed his pacing with their eyes. It was almost too long feeling. They were not used to being the ones pleading for mercy of some kind. Even after decades of war they had not plead for mercy or aid. Part of the pride would not allow it and they also knew that any delegation they sent to the Federation would go unheeded.

Finally a knock came at the door and Edgar stood. All of the others in the room stood with him. Markus stood near the back doorway. He half expected that they would have to fight their way out of this one. It was already agreed in advance that if the consul came for them Edgar and Yvonne would give themselves up and the others would create a distraction while Markus retrieved as many of the children as possible. They would hide until Kalizda returned if she even made it to the Ehaui. Otherwise he could remain a refugee and simply do his best to hide within the city or other ports and raise the children the best he could. No matter what Kalizda said, they could not completely rely on these strangers to assist them in a time of trouble.

Even when the woman stepped through the door Markus braced himself. He just needed the signal and he would go. The entire room halted as the white envelope passed into the old, brown wrinkled hands. Edgar carefully passed the envelope to Yvonne. Her slender fingers hovered over the edge of the seal and then she tore it open. With so much pent up anxiety she could barely hold back the mist in her eyes. Quickly she read it aloud to Edgar in Quoti. "We are to be given supplies to start the colony on the planet. She will tell us the terms."

At first the old man's hand shook as he took the white envelope back into his hand and stared at the paper. Time seemed to stop for that moment in time. A small moment when none of them knew what to think. Finally he raised the paper with one hand and the rest of the Chippeqouti relaxed. Edgar shuffled carefully to a seat and nodded to the consulate woman. Yvonne started translating immediately. "We will hear the terms." Surely they would be reasonable and she could only hope that they would be terms the Chippeqouti could live by.

It sounded like the council had agreed to the second offer that they had made. Though they were 'free' the new government demanded 50 of their soldiers should a war break out. Somehow it seemed inevitable and the blood of those warriors was worth far more than 100 years of hard labor. In 100 years they would have born many more children and worked the debt off faster. However, it was an offer that they had made and they needed to stand by it for themselves and for the sake of their children. This was not an offer that they could refuse if they wanted to have a future. "We accept the terms and we will prepare immediately to depart for the new home land." Yvonne conveyed the message from Edgar without a single tremor in her voice. As they concluded the meeting the Chips all filed past the leaders to shake the hand of the woman and Thomas.

Edgar was the last one and he carefully took each one's hand. "If yah ever be in troubled times. Chippeqouti will become your shield. They can imprison us, but they cannot defeat us on our own ground. It has been proven before." Nodding to the woman he then glanced at Thomas. "Yah word is good and we are in debt to yah."

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

On the third morning Illya woke up. He scowled at the nurse that stood near the bed. Her hand was hovering near his leg and it was practically burning and throbbing with just the weight of a sheet over it. "Noo." The word drug out and seemed to hang in the air. "Just put meh back to sleep eh?" Many of the higher potency drugs were still wearing off and he couldn't seem to fully express himself. Within minutes the day shift nurse had shoved a menu in front of him. "I don't know!" Yelling loudly he pushed at the menu. "Just give me food."

Instead of immediately complying the woman thrust the menu at him again. "Choose. I'm not going to get you food unless I know you'll eat it." She knew Chippeqouti could be pickier than ever if they were unwell and this one was especially sick and grumpy.

Tearing the menu out of her hand he stared at it through hazy vision. Most of the letters were blurred from the effects of the drugs. "The first one." Growling he handed it back to her and the nurse sighed. "It has corn." Illya glowered at her for a long moment. "Then the second one." As soon as she left he started to grumble and growl about other things while moving the left arm. Currently it was the only limb that didn't hurt. Pulling the sheet up he tried to keep it from touching his legs though it didn't really help all that much. The bandages on both thighs were already bleeding through and he winced a little.

The nurse returned a few minutes later with the food and helped feed him since he wasn't quite up to par. Illya grunted when she adjusted the bed to sit up. "Augh..." Through the whole meal he scowled at her. Before the nurse left she gave him another dose of pain killers. He hated being awake. There was no such thing as rest and it seemed the longer he was awake the worse he felt.

Shortly after the nurse left the doctor came in and began asking him questions about his recovery and other problems since the first surgery that included the implants. Illya slurred most of the words and he managed to get a somewhat coherent history out before he started to lose his temper. "I'm done. Jus leave meh alone." The doctor insisted on one more question and he reluctantly answered. As soon as she left the room he looked at his sister and Kalizda. "Don't look. Turn aroun, goo somehair."

Calysta didn't want to agitate him further by arguing with him, but she wasn't going anywhere. Shaking her head, she looked back at the bed ridden Chip. "We're staying here, Illya."

"Nooo." Rolling his head to the side he decided to look the other way since they wouldn't. "Jus goo." Even the little effort he gave at moving made both legs surge with pain. "Augh!" Turning his head back toward her he growled.

She shot him a look when he growled at her and crossed her arms. "We're not going and grumbling won't change that."

A fire lit behind his eyes and he fumbled with the side table till he found a cotton ball. Rolling it in his hand he got it tight as he could and tossed it at her. With his mostly blurry vision and awkward angle it was woefully distant from his target. "Damn it!" Leaning back into the bed he let out a long breath and pulled the sheets over his head.

She watched as the pitiful cotton-ball wiggled in the air for a short flight of two seconds and then floated down to the carpet. He didn't feel well and was in terrible pain, but he was acting like a child. "Really?" Shaking her head she picked up the cotton ball and tossed it into the trash bin.

"I asked nicely first." Snarling from underneath the blanket he tried to adjust himself, but he couldn't since his left arm was the only useful limb and he had to use it hold the sheet up. "Goo away." Asha nodded to Kalizda. "Stand here and listen to him moan and groan for the rest of the day or humor him for 20 minutes. I'm going to get something to eat."

Asha was right of course, humoring him for a few minutes would probably do him some good, since he had been nothing short of a grump since he woke. Besides she hadn't eaten much in the last week and real food was tempting. She puffed out a breath and uncrossed her arms for one last attempt. "Alright, I'll go for a bit on the condition you stop moving around and dont give the doctors any more of a hard time."

Giving an incomprehensible reply he continued to murmur and curse from under the sheet. By the third meal of the day Illya was in a blur of a world and he growled at everything. The nurse happily gave him a sip of water and then administered the drugs to induce the healing sleep for another 3 days. The next morning the doctor came into the room and injected another round of drugs into the IV. "We're going to take him in now. Use the next few days to monitor and then send him home. You want him awake for the journey." By now she'd gathered from his various ramblings that Kalizda was someone he was close to so the doctor addressed the woman more this time. "When you land the doctor going on the journey with you will give you instructions and some drugs to give him so he can sleep at night. His body is in too much stress at this point to shut down by itself."

*****************************************************************************
For the three days on board the ship the Ehaui wandered about the limited space and took various notes on the ship, the condition of the ship, the supplies, condition of the supplies, and the medical team made sure Illya stayed sleeping. When they had finished with all their notes the Ehaui gathered in the corridor and started to exchange notes and make notes on each other's notes. After that the group made their way into the kitchen. It wasn't till the second day that they started to think about making any food.

After the food was consumed they left the kitchen a mess and continued to assess their findings. On the third morning there was a lively debate and they began to dig through the ships archives in the navigation room to determine if their solutions would be obtainable given the resources available on the new planet. A round of notes and double checking notes began to proceed once more. It would have continued except that they were promptly kicked out of Kalizda's navigation room. So instead of doing something else the group of Ehaui stood in the hallway and debated the limited findings that they had. Even the children took part in the discovering and assessment though it was at a somewhat lower level.

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

Illya remembered the miserable day before take off and he growled, fussed and whined all through it. The treatment with the bone marrow hurt and while the bones were healing it was still painful to have the marrow growing back in place. It was adding a weight and pressure that hadn't been in his leg for years. When he woke up again they were in the ship and it was deliciously hot.

A nurse grabbed his arm and laid it over a mound of thick blankets. "It's soft, light, and basically like putting a pillow over his whole body. Just bunch it up around his leg for added comfort and fold it over his waist to help protect his arm." Handing Kalizda a box of vials she nodded. "Give him one every night and you'll know when to quit with the drugs because he'll either fall asleep on his own, or he won't wake up one morning and it could take another 3 days before he wakes up. Remember he will be especially hungry, all the external care taking is done and if you have any complications let us know."

Two aids were left and they looked at Kalizda with a sort of quizzical expression. "We'll take him wherever you want him to be."

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

Edgar sent Yvonne and Markus to investigate the rumored landing of the Ekram. He knew they would need time alone if their son had not returned and if he did the parents would still need some time to themselves. The other elderly Chippeqouti watched with mournful eyes as the couple started out toward the rudimentary docking bay and waited for the transport. There was only one each day and evening, in the meantime they were living in tents near the dock. None of them expected good news. It was miraculous that the Ekram had even returned if that's what it was.

When the transport finally landed the two parents met each other's gaze. There was fear behind both of their eyes. Fear that their son had not returned. Knocking apprehensively on the Ekram's door they waited for it to open only to find it was full of Ehaui. It gave them some hope and immediately Yvonne started to speak rapidly in the Ehaui tongue. She was informed that Kalizda had taken him to her father's house.

Rushing to the house they let themselves in and Yvonne only nodded to a dumbfounded Thomas on her way to the upstairs. She stopped part way and inquired. "Is he up here?" Even while he was answering her question the woman started for the furthest back room. "Illya!" Walking into the room with a swift determined stride she knelt near the bed and peered into his eyes. It looked like he had already been drugged for the night and ready to fall asleep. He was unusually calm for his condition and he wasn't fighting anything. She never liked the way the drugs the Ehaui gave almost made a Chip seem dead. It did lessen the pain though and she appreciated that very much. Since he was still in the giant puffy blanket she knew better than to grab hold of his hand. Instead she leaned over carefully and kissed him on the head. Speaking softly in Quoti she brushed her fingers through his hair. "Rest now. We have a home and you'll come back to the desert with us soon. There is plenty of work to do. You'll help us raise the little ones and get more Chippeqouti to come live here. It is a good land."

No matter how old her son got she couldn't help her motherly instincts. Combing her fingers through his hair again she watched until he fell asleep. Grabbing Kalizda by the hand she took her to the hallway. "Tomorrow I will come back and show you how to make calming teas and balms. It will help."
 
Asha left her with a ship full of Ehaui who seemed to understand that she was in charge for the most part, and a very grumpy Illya. She had decided the best place for him to be was her own quarters. He wouldn't be disturbed by any of the Ehaui there and it could be kept dark and warm for him. The bed was also much softer. She would sleep on the cot inside the med-bay with Keysha.

They were the longest three days she had ever spent aboard any ship. The med-bay cot was the equivalent of sleeping on granite and she tossed in turned for most of the night. Wrapped in one of the scratchy wool blankets from the the bunk room, she managed to drift off in the early hours of the morning, only to be woken later by an Ehaui coming into the room and flipping on the light. He started going through the cabinets and marking things into a note pad. "Uh, is something wrong?" she mumbled, squinting into the florescent lights. "Just making notes."

Calysta checked the time and decided to give up on sleep to go start cooking instead. Illya might be awake enough to eat something if he was feeling less testy. Shuffling into the kitchen, her eyes widened. There were boxes of oatmeal with accompanying crumbs spread over the counter top, a drying out pot of the cooked breakfast sitting on the stove, and a pile of dishes from the fair in the sink. She started out of the door to find the Ehaui in charge, but the people had scattered all over the ship, all with notebooks. What on earth were they doing? Some bizarre sort of vetting process for her ship? They were even crawling through the storage spaces! Rubbing at her temples, she surrendered to cleaning the kitchen herself rather than wasting time trying to argue with them. Once the kitchen was clean, and the dishes scrubbed, she made a bowl of oatmeal and slipped into her quarters. She found Illya awake and in the same ill-temper he had kept since he had woken up from his surgeries. Grumbling about eating the oatmeal, and still refusing really even look at her. The same occurred with dinner and making him take the bitter tasting medicine to help him sleep.

After another sleepless night on the cot, she rose to discover Illya still sleeping. Maybe he had passed into his coma like state and would sleep the rest of the trip. He certainly wasn't causing her the same amount of trouble as their passengers. They had taken it upon themselves to pile into the cockpit, searching through the ship records while they took notes. That was the last straw. They had poked and prodded over every inch of the ship and it fell like they were peeping under the stolen but, faithful crafts skirts. "Leave the cock pit...please," she told them with a steely gaze.

****
When his daughter showed up at his door deep in the night, he hardly knew what to think. She had been gone close to a month, and had only sent one radio contact asking him to venture to Urio with 500 credits bail money for one her wayward crew members. When he arrived at the Urio, he was presented with a young man in a yellow prison jumpsuit. He had dirty blonde hair and a scarred over socket where his left eye should be. He recognized him almost instantly. "You're Aaron Yarbrough, the son of the man who owns many of the Terran mines." The man had looked up at him from behind the bars of his cell and gave him a half smile. "Guilty as charged."

So, not only had he been housing the Terran, but when Calysta had greeted him after weeks, she'd done so by giving him a quick kiss on the cheek, then thrusting a leash with a cat attached in one hand, and laid a dress into the other so she could help Illya inside. "Thanks dad, I'm sorry its so late. I promise I'll explain tomorrow, okay?" she had said, before going to tend to the man upstairs. After the last "explanation" he wasn't sure he wanted another one.

****

With Illya settled and still in his unconcious state, Calysta made sure he was comfortable. Her father had told her the deal had gone well and Nuen was now the new home for the Chippeqoti while she worked. She relayed the information the Ehaui that had helped her with Illya and bid them to go. Her father also told her that he had been working more with Henaiah, which came as a surprise. "She know's about me then?" she asked, while tucking at Illya's blankets.

"I told her, yes. She believes we can work on your case together and prove your innocence. Maybe even stop this war before it officially starts. She just can't expose the fact that she is helping us."

Plopping into the snug, wing-backed chair in the corner of her room, she glanced up at her father. "Of course, she couldn't be seen affiliated with me. Twenty years wouldn't change that, even if I am a wanted inter-planetary criminal."

"Calysta," he scolded, "She is trying to help and left a packet for you on her last visit."

"I'll..." the word started harsh and she softened her voice, "I'll look it over the morning?"

Thomas knew how hard it was for Calysta to accept Henaiah's help, but this time his daughter would have to give in. Clearing her name was too important. He patted her on the arm, noting how tired she looked. It was probably a combination of the last few months and not having kept track of her medicine. He would insist she went to Dr. Raymen within the next few days, or bring him to the house if she was stubborn about it.

He glanced to the man bundled tightly in his daughters bed under the curtained window. He'd had the chance to learn much about the Chippeqouti now, and Aaron had given him some interesting insight on Illya from his time on the ship. It was nothing he could talk about right now though, the man was so out of it drool was beginning to form at the corner of his slightly open mouth. His eyes flickered back to his daughter only to find she was just as asleep. Her head had fallen to the corner of the wing-backed chair and she was snoring with light puffs.

****
Calysta was woke at the sound of Illya's name carried on like a distant cry on a familiar voice. When had she fallen asleep? What time was it? Opening her eyes, and sitting up, she saw that he was still in the bed out cold, but Yvonne had appeared in the door way. His mother came to his side and started checking him over speaking to him gently in Qouti, as Calysta rubbed at a tired eye. She was glad to see the woman reunited with her son. After what she had heard on Ehaui from the doctor about Illya's past injuries, she had no doubt Yvonne thought her son would truly die this time. Calysta would never tell her how that had gotten so dangerously close to becoming the truth. She'd been lucky enough to bring him home alive.

Violet eyes turned to her and before she knew it, Yvonne had grabbed her hands, leading her into the hallway. "Tomorrow I will come back and show you how to make calming teas and balms. It will help."

Calysta nodded, trying not to look tired. "Tomorrow."

****

Yvonne returned the next afternoon with canisters of herbs and oils of all kinds, along with different flavored teas. Calysta had stolen the rest of the morning for sleep, and had taken a shower before his mother arrived to teach.

Now, she stood along side his mother with wet hair and in a fresh grey tunic, listening to her speak about each herb while the old kettle whistled. His mother was patient as Calysta recited which herbs were the correct ones, and learned the best way to break down them down for the teas and salves. She had been making the sedative tea for awhile now, but there was so much more to know. There were teas and balms for inflammation, ones for a warming or cooling sensation, ones for keeping the mind calm and clear. Not only was she learning how to help Illya, but she was finding she liked smell of the herbs and trying to work with them. Some of them made her break into a sneezing fit at the hint of their strong smell. When the lesson was done, she smelled like a spice rack, peppery and sweet, and looked to Yvonne with a tired but accomplished smile. What a strange and wonderful thing it was for Illya to have such a mother.

"Thank you for teaching me Yvonne."

Calysta knew the woman had probably intended on teaching her how to take care of her son anyways. That it had been a necessity on her part, since they were on Nuen and he was on Kaereal recovering, but she was grateful all the same.

****

Some hours seemed to drag but the days passed into a week. Calysta was feeling worn, but also stir crazy at the same time. She was taking care of the increasingly mellow Illya with the teas and keeping the soothing balms spread over his chest and new scars as Yvonne showed her. Though she had been consistent and gentle with him, his mother still came back from Nuen like clock work.

At one point she came upstairs to find Keysha, who she distinctly remembered taking out of the room, had pounced on Illya and draped over his blanketed chest, cozying up to his warmth. Her eyes were closed and her paws rhythmically curled with contentment to be sleeping. His left hand had settled over the soft fur of her back while he snored in a steady sleep. "Keysha!" she hissed. The cat cracked open an yellow eye and looked to her as her tail flicked. She didn't seem to be hurting him, but moving him might wake him up. Calysta watched the scene and shook her head, letting the two cuddle. "Be good," she whispered to the cat before retreating from the room.

****
Ayrn walked into the kitchen to find Calysta making a pot of tea for Illyuck. Apparently while he was enjoying the fine accommodations of Urio's prison, he had missed alot. Including the illness of the troublesome co-pilot. He had been lucky his one message or phone call after the bail was set had made it to the captain. He had expected her to show up and spring him but found her father at his cell door instead. He had no idea she had a Terran father, one that would recognize him, no-less. That was a fact that could lead to trouble. It had been two years since he had been seen in public with his parents on Terra and he liked to keep it that way. Aaron would go with anyone who bailed him out though, except maybe his own parents.

Her father was a pretty straight forward guy, and stayed quiet for the most part, letting him do what he wanted at his house. He slept on the couch, and ate SPAM sandwiches when he was hungry. He would have killed for a good, home cooked meal, but he was broke and couldn't even afford a new eye patch, much less a steak which was expensive on Kaereal. Plus, he was in no hurry to venture out for once. The soft couch offered up by Thomas was more than enough for him at the moment. He liked the guy well enough, and when her father asked about life aboard the Ekram, he didn't mind telling him about it.

He did feel like he owed Calysta a thank you for bailing him out, so when he finally caught her alone in the kitchen it was good timing. "Captain?"

She turned to him with a skeptical, if not annoyed look, and this time, he couldn't blame her. "Yes?"

Rubbing at the back of his head, he stood there wishing women didn't have such sharp eyes all of the time. "I just wanted to say thanks for, uh, bailing me out. I owe you one."

The captain's hands paused at his words as she looked him over, her eyes briefly scanning his scarred socket. "You want to make it up to me? Make yourself useful around here. That would be a good start, Ayrn."

He relaxed and a smile grew over his face. At least she wasn't going to kick him out. "Aye, Captain. I can do that."

****

Calysta sat cross in the small winged- back chair of her room going over her notes. It had been difficult for Henaiah to get even the small amount of information she had on both assassinations. It was frustrating to see how tightly everything had been done but there had to be a flaw and she would find it. Illya stirred some and she put down her note book to look up at him. His green eyes looked much clearer and the color had returned to his cheeks over the past to weeks. Still he was given to bouts of sleepiness. "Good morning."

"Hmmm." Illya's voice was gravely at best when he first woke up. His arm felt the best it had in years and he used it to push himself up and turn on his side. "What is my little bird looking at?" With one hand he reached out and tipped the page so he could see it.

"Little bird?" she chuckled. That was something she hadn't heard before. Where had he gotten that? She tilted the page so he could see her work too. "These are my notes on the the time frames for my case. I've been reviewing some of the evidence, if you want to hear."

Scooting almost against the wall he motioned for her to come sit with him. "Sit here. Easier for meh to see eh?" Gathering the puffy blanket he made sure to bunch it up around his leg so it would jostle quite as much when she sat down. Just as her rear started to settle on the bed he howled. "Ooh owe!" Burying his face in pillows he held still for a long moment and then his shoulders started to shake as he tried not to laugh too loud though the raspy laugh was muffled it was still making its way through the fluffy barrier.

Calysta jumped back with a shock of fear as soon as he yelped, dropping her note book. "Oh! I'm sorry!" His head was buried in the pillows and at first she thought he was just hiding his face from pain like he usually did around her. Until she heard the light raspy laughing. "Illya!" She scooped up her note book and tapped him on the shoulders with it playfully.

Turning his head toward the shoulder that she tapped on he still couldn't help busting out laughing again. "I need to keep straight face and thhen I could have seen yah reaction." Shifting in the bed he bumped his leg into the wall and grunted. That time it did hurt. "Still sit down. I wanna see." Packing the blanket more carefully around the leg he winced a little.

She her mock offense was broken when he started laughing. Biting her bottom lip, she tried to fight her own laughter until she started laughing too. It was good to see him feeling good enough to joke with her. After he bumped his leg again, she let him adjust his blanket before gingerly sitting beside him, shoulder to shoulder. She held the note book up with her spindly hand writing and showed him the time frames. "I looked at the beginning from when I was assigned through Skycorp. I was an escort for 4 days and during that time I was only with the Cirellant diplomat three times and had already left the planet when he died. I was already on my to take Wynt to the hospital at his time of death. It seemed simple enough to show that through the ship logs. However, Henaiah tells me the Cirellants autopsy showed he was poisoned. A simple poison that would take at least 24 hours to kill someone. I was the last one to escort the diplomat to his ship the day before his illness, Illya."

The Chip let out a sigh as he looked over her notes. Taking the notebook from her hand he looked it over and then handed it back. Leaning into his pillows he thought for a moment with his eyes closed. "He was on his ship day before you escort him? Maybe if Cirellants don't like his diplomacy dey kill him and blame yah to start war."

"It's possible," she admitted, as he took the notebook, "The poison is one every Skycorp pilot would carry in case of capture or emergency. Someone is trying very hard to make it look as though a Kaerelean or their affiliates, like the Terrans, has done this. The Terrans have had conflict with the Cirrelants before over mining colonies where many of them were killed. Those peace talks between the three were three years in making and the Terrans have protested almost every step, calling for war. So, I think its possible either side could have done this."

"Oh." Illya opened his eyes briefly. He didn't know much about this war so her idea sounded better than his. "Was yah partner Terran?" She always seemed to try not to blame him, but it appeared to Illya that Wynt was a possibility. "Yah said Wynt was sick when yah took him to hospital eh? Did he kill dah diplomat and den try ta poison himself?"

Calysta sighed some, she had avoided trying to think anything like that, but it was a natural possibility. "He was Terran. I never heard him have any words against peace and I did know him well. But its still has to be left open as a possibility. The receptionist said the murderer was caught on camera going into his room. Like whoever it was had come to cover their tracks. It made it look like I poisoned him and then killed him off. We know the time frame is off for that though and its provable. "

"He was sick day th-that Cirellat died?" Illya met her gaze for a moment and then shifted in the bed. "Yah ever meet his family? Thhey don't seem loving, or he onleh talk about dem?"

She shifted as he did, careful not to touch anywhere that would be sore. " Wynt became ill that morning and then that afternoon the diplomat died. He was close with them. Two daughters and a wife, Carrie. We went to their home for several holidays. Carrie is quiet for the most part and his daughters would be 7 and 9 now. "

"They poor? Maybe he get good money to kill diplomat and if he died too nobody would question." Illya closed his eyes again and sighed. For whatever reason they hadn't been talking long, but he was already starting to get tired again.

"No, not destitute, but not rich either."

Grumbling something incoherent he turned over in the bed to lay on his stomach. Illlya's whole back and both legs were bare. Everything except for his boxers. There were several fresh scars from the surgeries showing and he groaned a little and started to pull at the blanket underneath himself. "Who else did it?"

Calysta watched him fight with the blanket until she tugged it over where he needed it to be. She could tell he was growing tired and irritated. Dropping her head back to the pillow, she sighed looking over his new scars, before catching his eyes. "I don't know, Illya. I'm going to keep digging though and let you sleep."

Pulling the blanket up a little further he nestled into the pillow. "I won't sleep that long." Within a few moments his breathing got deep and heavy and he only twitched every so often in his sleep.

****

Thomas found his daughter had dozed off sitting on the bed next to Illya who was buried under a blanket. It was a sight that he couldn't help but feel his anger flare over. Aaron had said the man was a womanizer and he had watched while the man kept his daughter's heart on a string. When Thomas coupled that information with some of the strange beliefs he had discovered the Chippeqouti held, he felt it was time for another talk with Illya. The man might be nearly twice his age, but that was still his daughter and things had gotten much more serious than he'd thought. She'd brought home a bloody red dress.

The file folder Henaiah had given her was clutched in her hands, and judging by the scribbling in her notebook, it looked like the information had been somewhat helpful. He had already been through the information himself, and Calysta had been through her own account with him as well. He knew there would come a time when she would have to leave to pursue any leads on the issue and he couldn't stop her from doing that. However, he could make sure she was in the best of shape before she went and that meant making her take care of herself like she was supposed to. He'd already called for a house call from her doctor on Kinte, someone she had known for years and could trust to keep quiet. Walking over to her, he took the folder out of her hands and gently rocked her shoulder.

"Calysta, sweet heart. Wake up."

She made grumpy face, the face of denial he knew well, and started to roll over toward Illya. "No, no, no. C'mon. Wake up."

When he finally got her to open her eyes and stop waving him off, he told her the doctor would be there in an hour. Since she couldn't go out during the day, he had brought him out to Pyrta. He knew to expect the indignant and angry look he received from her.

"I would have done it myself." she snapped, in a low whisper as she stood up. She hated having been caught dozing, but even more so that he'd woken her up.

"After you'd gotten sick," he grumbled back, "How overdue are you?"

"A few weeks," she huffed back, as she walked toward the door.

"Just a few?"

Calysta rolled her eyes as she went to go brush her hair, because apparently now the doctor was coming over. " Fine. 6 six weeks."

Thomas winced as she followed her out of the door. "It's a wonder you haven't gotten sick with anything yet."

His daughter failed to answer as she went to the bathroom and snatched up her brush before combing at her terribly short hair with almost violent strokes.

"You haven't have you?"

She shot him a look. "A chest cold, that was all. It was taken care of and I'm fine. I'll get the shots, okay?"

He scowled when she mentioned being sick. Had she been able to take the yearly medication on time, it probably wouldn't have happened. Calysta would be fuming at him for a minute, but in the end she'd feel better. How she had inherited her mother's temperament he'd never know.

When the doctor came, she kept it quiet and met with him in the kitchen, far from any prying ears. She'd asked him to take a cup of tea up to Illya who might be waking up soon, and he took on the task without complaint. She didn't want him knowing about what she was doing and it gave him a chance to talk to the man one on one, if he was awake. Taking the stairs slowly, his knee twinged at every other step making the cup slosh with a strong smelling tea. As he made it to the landing, he gave his leg a shake, straightening out the knee with a singular pop. "Unhg." The initial snap always sent sharp pains, but it did relieve the aching pressure that built up.

Thomas rounded the corner and poked his head into his daughter's room to see the man sitting up with the file in hand. "Calysta sent this up," he said holding up the cup of tea. He walked over and put it cup on the bedside table, before looking to the man. "There's much better reading material than that in the house. Or maybe you like games?"
 
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Despite showing Kalizda how to ensure that her son experienced as little pain as possible she couldn't help herself. The woman didn't know how serious it was for a Chip to have bone problems, or how crucial the healing process could be when recovering from a serious issue. Over the next few weeks she did notice that Kalizda took very good care of Illya. A smile came to her face as she walked in early one morning to find that Illya had already been given his tea. An empty cup sat on the side table with only a drizzle in the bottom. He was even getting color to his face again. During her visits Yvonne would try to update him on the settlement and talk about the deal that they had come to with the new government. At least they could live by most of their ways with a few exceptions. Eventually he would drift off and then she would remain for a time.

Carefully sitting on the edge of the bed she watched him sleep for a long while and then decided to go downstairs to clean and make a decent snake stew for him. He probably hadn't eaten anything decent for a Chip in several days now. More than likely he slept through most meals. Kalizda was feeding him well since he hadn't lost any weight, but Yvonne was still concerned that he wouldn't be getting enough good food. Cooking was not something her son enjoyed and if he took on the job of cooking it told her that the Kalizda woman was not proficient in the art. Once she was in the kitchen Yvonne pulled out a long snake body and she carefully started to peel the skin off. Tossing the skin into the trash she moved onto making a slice in the muscle and peeling it open to gut the creature and remove the bones.

A short time later Yvonne was leaning over the kettle of thick serpent stew. The wild grass and herbs made it smell divine and the scent wafted through the house. Of course it drew the undesirable and lazy Ayrn to the kitchen first. "You eat after the others. Sick and those who work eat first." She had a feeling that he didn't do much and based on the fact that he still had a trail of crumbs sticking to his shirt she figured he had ransacked the kitchen of whatever pitiful rations Thomas kept in his home.

With a slight huff she walked past with two steaming bowls to the upstairs. One was for Illya and the other for Kalizda. Yvonne walked back down the stairs after a few moments and grabbed another two bowls. There was plenty for Ayrn, but she wanted to make a point. Next she served a large bowl for Thomas and took it to his study. "With many thanks. I am grateful for what you have done for my people and son." Back in the kitchen she saw that Ayrn had served a bowl and it was sitting on the counter. Rather than scold him for serving himself before she had a bowl she took his and went to the table to sit down. "Thank you. It seems you might have learned your place after all. When you learn to work then you may eat before those who are lazy."

Eventually it seemed that Illya was healing well and Kalizda no longer needed the extra help. It was becoming necessary for Yvonne to return to the new settlement more permanently and so she left reluctantly on the last day, but not before she baked a very large roll of herb bread and made another monstrous pot of thick serpent stew. It should be enough for the household over the next 2 days at least.

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

Illya looked up from the clipboard of papers. "Ehm...What kind of games? Making bets?" He always liked to play the numbers on two levels because it made too many others nervous and that meant that while they were distracted thinking about one set he could set plans to keep them distracted and win it all in the end.

Thomas frowned at Illya's immediate interest in making betting games. Aaron had said the man was into some betting games. Apparently he had even won a woman in some illegal games. "No, mostly what we have around here are strategy games. You like to gamble, eh?"

Strategy games were close, but they weren't usually as fun. "Ah...I like betting, because I don't normally lose. Reading people and working out an algorithm to fit thheir weaknesses is what makes it fun. Strategy works just as well. I'd bet blocks if yah had them." Didn't have to be money, but he loved adding the little bit of pressure to a game. "Can't stand to see meh sit here and try to figure th-the mystery eh?"

Thomas was listening as he reached for a wooden chess set from Calsyta's packed bookshelf and he nearly dropped it at the last statement. His face turned red and he set the board down forcefully on the table. "I can't stand the idea of you anywhere near Calsyta with your ways," he growled.

"Meh ways?!" Illya protested a little more loudly than he had thought to. "All yah do since we met is hound meh. I dun do anehting ta geh yah actin like dat." The more upset he got the thicker the accent became and he sat up a little straighter in the bed. "I give yah curtesah as yah deserve and yah still tink ta look down on meh because I'm Chippeqouti? We stay away from yah kind fo good reason."

"Then you should've stayed away from my daughter while you were at it. She's a good woman with a good heart. She needs a man that will be faithful, not man who deals in underground games and strings women along. Your crewmate told me quite a bit about that. And you talk about respecting her?" He seethed through his teeth.

Illya snatched a pair of pants from the edge of the bed. "Yah believe the worthless Arse? He knows nothing about meh. I ask Kalizda ta wait because I need time. No woman in meh life for more a year now. Chippeqouti only agree one time unless da partner dies. Yah know nothing." Tearing the blanket off Illya winced as he started to shove his legs into the pants. "Learn to ask Chippeqouti about our ways. Not Arse. He only wants his dick in every female he sees."

He was beyond really listening to what the man had to say, though he did hear it through the ringing of his blood pressure in his ears. "You don't even say her name properly. It's Calysta. Calysta Marie Monroe!"

On that part Illya was guilty and he shrugged. "I call her Kalizda. Good name for her." Though he wasn't supposed to use the crutches yet Illya scooted to the edge of the bed and took hold of them. With an awkward hobble he went over to stand next to the man. "I try very hard for Kalizda to respect yah as a father. Yah important to her. Yah want to know what happen when she land on meh planet and what I do with her I tell yah. Yah want to know anyting about meh, I tell yah." Illya almost shuddered with the first uneasy step toward the bed again. Once he was seated on the edge of the bed he placed one hand over the right femur. It was aching since he was over a week early for this, but he needed her father to quit jumping down his throat.

Thomas glared at Illya for a long moment, as his anger peaked, and began to ebb just a little at his words. His eyes narrowed some and he looked to the Chip suspiciously. Calsyta had been acting so strangely since she returned, he'd actually worried she had been coerced into something she didnt want. Particularly with the way she acted toward this man. "What do you mean, 'what you did with her'?"

At least it seemed he was getting somewhere. Rubbing at the leg gingerly he started. "She land on Quoti. Nobody usually alive, or we kill dem. Kalizda was not dressed like Federation. When I board her ship she shot meh and I tell her I can wait, she was hurt in her side." Illya pointed his own side as if to demonstrate the injury. "So she surrendered and I asses her value. Write down her price because she is pilot. She pay her debt of meh trouble saving her by teaching meh to fly and helping meh learn better Trader's Tongue. Some of her teaching help pay for half the ship." Illya wasn't sure what to make of her father's expression. He really thought it should be helping though he wasn't so sure it was. "Ehm...She need more tools and supplies for da ship and so I enter games at the pit. Earned a lot of money for the ship and she paid the rest of her debt when she took meh to a doctor. Eh...One of those big leathery things break meh arm in fight. So then I ask to be signed on as crew and she was very good captain. Let meh work and learn more. I trade meh work for learning then. It is all I do."

He stared at the Chippeqouti horrorstruck as his hands curled into fists. Assessments? Values? Working of a debt? "You...you put a price on her as if..as if she's a prized cow?! Then made her work like she was a slave to take you where you wanted?! People are not items and belong nobody. Least of all Calsyta. And you 'agreed' to marry her? Is that some debt too?!"

"Not like an animal. Chippeqouti pay price to keep animals. People repay debt with money, or labor. She have no money so I have her work." The Chip shifted uncomfortably on the bed. "It was very good for both of us. She live and I provide all the supplies and her needs during th-that time. I learn." Pausing for a long moment he frowned. "Yah don't understand agreement?" For whatever reason he didn't understand why the man was so angry over all of this. "Agreement is when both agree. I broke rules and asked her to wait. She said she would wait and then we decide together when to agree. There is no debt. Chippeqouti owe her very much. Regretfully yah too."

The man was confused and yet spoke about servitude so casually. Did he not really get it? "Putting people into debt and using their lives as the consideration is called slavery around here," he hissed, "It's an offense against the person. Against Calysta to have expected such a trade. All Chippeqouti do this?"

"It is not offense. Th-this is how all Chippeqouti settle debt. Labor, or other compensation." Illya frowned at the man. "Yah people believe in breaking trust? Yah don't pay yah debt if yah don't have money? Chippeqouti despise lazy peoples thhat don't pay debts."

Thomas looked over the troublesome Chippeqouti. No wonder his people had run into problems. It seemed they automatically expected indentured servitude over every deal. They had even offered their own lives as part of the Nuen deal, but a written and clear deal had been struck. "Lazy? No. A fair, written deal with clear terms for services is created. Only those terms that are contracted for are given or received. If a man doesn't pay there are other remedies. But the persons life is always left to him."

Clenching his jaw Illya looked at Thomas for a long moment. "Yah thhink yah leave life to Chippeqouti. Instead yah ask for 50 lives. Only reason we offer is that we have nothing else. 50 of us die now as price. Much higher than work and yah th-think yah way is better?" Huffing a little he scooted himself further on the bed. "We gladly would have worked for 100 years or more."

"Coming from a man who has hundreds of years to live," he snapped back, "What if you had assessed Calysta at a price so high she died before she was ever free again?"

Illya frowned. "I assessed her at 2 months work, but she paid it off faster. Yah ask a question that has no reason. If her debt was so high her nearest relative pay it off. This is why Chippeqouti work hard. We don't want debt. I owe yah much work for all dis and I dun like it, but I pay meh debt."

Thomas shook his head as he shifted his weight away from his throbbing knee. "The nearest relative? What if that was a child? You would expect a child to take on a debt they would never even be old enough to understand? Doesn't that sound wrong to you? To take a totally different person and make them responsible for a debt their father incurred? An innocent child?"

Shrugging his shoulders Illya made a face. "It is just th-the way things are done. Now we change because new government demands. Chippeqouti never change for th-thousands of years. I learn new ways and I want yah to help meh. Show meh customs to treat Kalizda like she expects."

His mouth clamped shut and he took a moment to look over the man sitting the end of the bed. His daughter had said yes, regardless of how he felt about it. If this is what she wanted, and Illya realized things would not be run the way his people had been doing, Thomas would deal with it. For Calysta. "If you want to treat her like she expects, you can start by saying her name correctly," he said, as he finally gave in to his knee and eased himself into the chair by the corner. It would be best to sit down anyways. This sounded like it was going to be a very long talk.

He'd just asked the man to help him, not start teaching right now. Illya was half tempted to say he'd just ask how Kalizda wanted to be treated, but he got himself trapped in this one. "Ok, I call her C-Calysta." No matter how hard he tried the Y always sounded like an E when paired with L's. "Now I'm tired." Laying back on the bed he closed his eyes and half expected her father would leave him alone now.

With a deep breath, he pulled himself out of the chair and started toward the door. He wasnt going to get much further with Illya apparently and he was tired in his own right. Having a house full of Chippeqouti, diplomats, Terrans, and an unpredictable daughter would do that to a man.

Surprisingly the other man actually got up and started to leave. Illya opened one eye to watch Thomas leave the room. He waited till the Terran was gone to let out a sigh. So far his personal experience told him that he didn't like the Terran and now he had one that would soon be family. Wrinkling his nose in disgust he turned over on the bed and yelped. The leg was much more sore than he had thought it would be after standing up for those few moments. Even with the aid of the crutches it hurt. Working his way up the bed he laid down and grabbed the now cold tea. Nothing sounded better than getting a little bit of extra sleep.

Instead of falling asleep he laid wide awake on the bed with a throbbing leg and a mind full of horrible thoughts. "Agh..." Grumbling he shifted only as much as he could bear for the time. He couldn't believe he just made that deal with her dad. It would have been better to just say he was tired. Being tired worked wonderful on Thomas. Next time Illya would remember that. At least it might work as long as he was bed bound, or obviously injured.

By that evening he had a slightly gray tint to his face. "Kali-Calysta I need to sleep early." Gritting his teeth Illya shifted a little on the bed and took the vial from her. "I be fine in the morning." A good nights rest did improve him some, but not enough to convince her that he was actually ok. Instead he got a visit from the Ehaui doctor that ran a quick scan.

The doctor clucked a few times and then shook his head at Illya. "All Chip do this. They try to get up too early. You..." Pointing his finger almost directly between Illya's eyes he pushed until the Chip fell into the pillows on the bed. "Stay here in this bed until I come back in 9 days. More time in bed to let the leg heal and then I tell you when to get up." Glancing at Kalizda the doctor smiled. "It is very easy to tell when a Chip disobeys. Stubborn heads, but bones are more stubborn." Chuckling a little he packed up and waved to the scowling Illya. "Only 2 extra days for your choice. Remember next time your tempted."
 
Calysta finished with the doctor who nagged her more about keeping up with the shots. He had been her doctor since she was five and became very ill-specializing specifically with individuals who were half-breed. She wasn't the only Kaerelean-Terran mix, and some of them came out perfectly healthy, but around 30% did not. She just happened to be the in the latter percentage. He also scolded her when he found out about the chest cold and the bullet wound. His grey, unkempt eyebrows furrowed at her with every poke of the syringe into her arm until they knitted into one large brow over his wrinkled forehead. "Calysta, you know better than to go this long without taking them and you left a bullet wound untreated by a doctor? Any doctor? You were lucky you didn't die from infection."

She just sighed and looked away from her arm while he finished up by sticking a cotton ball and band aid over the spots. Her arm would be sore for awhile, but nothing she hadn't dealt with before. "Thank you," she said as he packed up his kit, "This is between us right?"

The old doctor gave her a smile. "I don't know what you're talking about."

He may have been starting to age, but he hadn't lost his sense of humor.
****

When she returned upstairs, she found Illya on the bed looking ashen and in more pain than before. She immediately checked his forehead for fever, and was relieved to find no heat other than his normal toasty tan skin. Still, it worried her. The three and a half days on the Ekram before arriving to the Ehaui had been nightmarish. Watching him descend into fevers that made him cry out and explosive seizures that rolled his eyes back as he thrashed had almost been more than she could bear. Even thinking of those days made her stomach turn to lead and her heart ache.

"Kali-Calysta I need to sleep early. "I be fine in the morning."

There was no way she was taking another chance on him suffering like that again, though he was trying to convince her he would be fine. He'd even said her name with a strange effort at clarity. Calysta pulled out one of the vials of sleep medicine from the her bedside table and handed it to him to take. As soon as he was out, she made a radio call to the Ehaui doctor on Nuen. Illya would probably be angry with her about it, but she would rather him be angry at her for a hundred years than the alternative.

****

Calysta walked into the bedroom with a bowl of steaming snake stew in one hand and a spoon in the other for Illya. She found him sitting on the bed and still looking cross about the visit from Ehaui doctor earlier. His mouth was set into a flat line and his arms were crossed. "Snake stew from your mother," she said, putting the bowl on his bedside table. "How are you feeling, now?"

There was a delicious smell, but it wasn't enough to console him for the fact that he extended his stay in the bed by 2 days. Why did he have to be such an idiot? Kalizda stepped into the room and she set the bowl near him on the table. "Still hurt, but the stew smells good." Venturing a half smile he grabbed the bowl and held onto it for a few moments. "Yah gonna have one too?

"I'll go get mine," she smiled, as she started toward the door. Dinner with Illya had become a near nightly event since theybhad arrived and he was awake enough. It was something she looked forward to at the end of the day, now. She skipped down the stairs, tripping over the last and bumping into the kitchen wall with a thud. Ayrn's head popped up from the couch at the sound and he gave her a quizzical look. "You okay?" "I'm fine," she replied with a little blush crawling to her cheeks. The Terran laughed and shook his head. With a bowl of soup in hand she went back up the stairs to see Illya and put a good portion of his down already. "Must have been as good as it smelled, huh?" she teased, as she sat gingerly on the edge of the bed.

A frown came to Illya's face as he heard the crash at the bottom of the stairs. Whatever happened must not have been too serious. Ayrn would have shrieked if it was and for now there wasn't a whole lot Illya could do about it. She probably knocked something over. When Kalizda came back up he noticed a small knot growing on her forehead. "Ummm...Yeah food was good. Was that you falling over?" Pointing to her head he frowned slightly. He really needed to ask the Ehaui for a favor.

Her face flashed pink again and she have him a sheepish chuckle. "I just bumped into the wall is all." He was looking at her so seriously for as he pointed to her and she ran a fingers over her forehead, wincing a little a she found the bump. It wasnt too bad and would probably be gone by tomorrow or the next day. "I've had worse," she shrugged, "Dad used to say thats why he didn't name me 'Grace.'"

Since she seemed to think she was alright Illya shoved another bite into his mouth. For whatever reason he was feeling ravenous the last few days. It might have been the healing process. "Mmhmm." Glancing up at Kalizda he nodded a little and took another bite. Just as he put the spoonful in his mouth he thought of something and tried to hurry up and swallow. Instead he ended up coughing after her comment about Grace. Spice lingered in his airway and his eyes watered while he tried to collect himself. "I uh...Had time to think and I wanted to see if yah liked meh idea."

He started choking on his food and his green eyes were teary by the time he managed to catch his breath and cough. Then immediately he started talking of ideas. That usually spelled brillance, trouble, or a unnerving mixture of the two. She took a spoonful of stew and prepared herself before looking up to him again. "What it is?"

"Kalizda...I mean Calysta I uh...." For whatever reason it was suddenly becoming difficult to say it. He'd had the guts a few moments ago. "When I can walk without crutches I'll be ready for yah to wear th-the red dress. I know yah might need some more time, but agreeing isn't so complicated is it?"

He had been trying to say her name properly for days, which was strange enough, and something she had been meaning to ask about, when suddenly he asked about the red dress. Her spoon slipped out of her and plopped into the bowl of snake stew as she stared at him with wide eyes. Her face wasn't just red from the fall as she felt the hot red blush fill up her cheeks. She matched the dress at this point. "C-complicated...no.." His face fell some and she realized how he'd taken that, "I mean no, it isnt complicated...I want to put on the red dress when you can walk. Even if you couldn't walk I would." Finally, the words came out and her grey eyes searched his face while her heart pounded in her ears.

Since they had talked about this happening one day he was a little surprised to see that Kalizda looked so shocked. Was it really so hard for her to see that he was becoming more comfortable and wanting to be with her more everyday? Her first answer seemed to indicate that perhaps she needed more time to get used to the idea. Maybe she was second guessing it all after he'd about died. Now that he was going to be healthy he didn't see why that should be a problem. Illya's eyes raised again when she continued and he studied her face for a long moment. "Calysta, yah bring back a little light. I give meh word to yah father to learn to be th-the man yah need." Taking one of her little hands into his own he took a deep breath. "I hope to bring yah happiness in whatever ways I can."

She squeezed his hand and closed her eyes for a moment as he spoke. She had resolved a long time ago that she wouldn't let someone so close, but some how he had busted that shell around her heart to peices. When he held her hand, it wasn't so terrifying anymore though. She was enough. Opening her eyes, she smiled. "Illya, you don't have to hope. You already do make me happy." Then she leaned forward and kissed him gently on the cheek. "I want to make you as happy as I can and be what you deserve too."

For as nice as it all sounded Illya knew that there would come a time when he would fail. It happened in every agreement. With enough years together, or even days there would be ample opportunity. So for now he was just going to enjoy the feeling and let her enjoy it too. "We do our best eh? Long as we don't give up we'll make it."

Her fingers laced with his and she smiled up at him. He was realistic, of course. There would be rough days as well as blissful ones, along with more challenges ahead considering the current state of the world. "We stick together, no matter what happens."

"I can do thhat." Illya winked at her. "Now..." Carefully unlacing his fingers from hers he took another deep breath. "Would yah be willing to let the Ehaui do a test on yah? Th-they would do it if I asked. Take some of meh marrow out of the left leg and some of yurs. If it grows together thhey might be able to give yah some transplant. Wouldn't make yah completely like a Chip, but it might help yah live longer and healthier."

She wished he hadn't let go so soon, but she released his hand, only to have hers crawl instinctively up her arm where it was still sore from the shots. Did he know about those? He'd been asleep when her father came in, or so she thought. She'd had to take them yearly since she was a child and a half breed. They kept her immune system from collapsing on itself, and she could always tell when it was time for more. Could that really make her healthier? "It wouldn't hurt to try, if they were willing. What made you think of that?"

Illya tilted his head to the side. "Yah bones aren't good if yah die so young. I die young if meh bones fail." It was basic medicine as far as Illya was concerned. "Do yah understand what th-they have to do? Just a big needle and yah go to sleep for about half hour in surgery room. Doctors drill into yah leg and mine, take marrow and let it grow separately until dey have enough to run test. If it succeed dey take one more sample from meh and then yah get a big scar on one leg where thhey put healthy bone tissue in."

Calysta gazed at him as he spoke, realizing why he was asking this. He had been appalled that her kind died in their 100's and for him, he had assumed it was because their bones were not good. In her case, he was somewhat correct, but it worried her that he felt that way. "It bothers you that I wont live as long, doesn't it," she replied quietly.

"I worry Kalizda. Even if yah die young I still want yah." Putting a hand under her chin he lifted it slightly. "Maybe if yah want thhis Ehaui can help. I ask because I want yah to make choice for yahself."

Her grey eyes met his green and she looked at him for a long moment. He would still want her even if she didn't want to try it, and even if it didn't work. If he was willing to do that, then she would be willing to try so he wouldn't have to worry. Smiling gently, she nodded. "I would try it, Illya."

Carefully nodding he glanced down at her hand. "Yah just tell meh when yah ready. I talk to Ehaui and we see if it works." Illya stared at seemingly nothing for a short time and when he looked over at her again he grinned. "Yah look so serious. Maybe we should go to a festival. Yah got many planets someone must be celebrating somewhere."

She smiled at Illya and retrieved her spoon from the depths of her bowl. Illya and his ideas always kept her on her toes, and it was one of the things that she loved about him. The idea of 'agreeing' with him made her feel kind of giddy, even though she knew no relationship was perfect and there was so much more to learn. There was one thing that bothered her however. He would want to do this by her tradition, because he was the woman and that was the Chippeqouti way. She wasn't even able to go into her own town during the day time for fear of someone finding her location. Anyone who wanted her dead for the price on her head, or the list of government officials that had been keeping a close eye on her.

Glancing up to him she watched as he took another bite of stew, scraping the bottom of the bowl with his spoon, his curls flopping in his eyes some while he looked down. Part of her wanted to marry him with her name free and clear. Her own name and in her own continent. With reports of more skirmishes and a nearly broken effort at peace, she knew that may never be possible. It would be alright though. Even if she never cleared her real name, Kalizda wasn't such a bad one, especially when if Illya was the one saying it.

****

Illya had beaten her at chess for the second time that morning, and he was grinning from ear to ear about it. She had won the first few games, moving her white pieces across the checkered board with the experience of many games against her father, but the Chip had learned quickly. As soon as the figured out how the pieces moved and how to anticipate what she was thinking, he was an excellent opponent.

She started resetting the board as he chuckled at her, when a there was a polite knock at the open door. Keysha's head raised from her sleeping spot on the chair at the sound and Calysta looked up. Councilwoman Henaiah was standing in the door way in her usual black tunic and long flowing pants. The woman had some dark circles under her eyes, but looked no less poised as she kept her hands folded neatly in front of her.

"I apologize for interrupting, your...house guest... down stairs told me that Thomas was out," she said, in her cool, but gentle voice.

Calysta gazed at the woman, her smile from Illya's teasing fading away. Henaiah had, for a brief time, been her step-mother when she was young. Young and ill. The woman had left her father to deal with it on his own. She had been the best person to call on to help the Chippeqouti find a new home, and Calysta had known that. It didn't mean she had to like the woman though. "He went out for groceries. He'll be back in awhile, if you need him for something."

"Actually, I brought something for you."

Why in the Wilds would Henaiah have something for her? She had already brought the file with all the information known on the murder cases. What else was there? She walked forward and handed Calysta a small, round holograph disc.

"On this disk you will find as much video footage as could be recovered from both incidents involved in your case. Thomas told me you had been working with the file, and I thought this would help."

She eyed the woman carefully before taking the disc from her hand. "Yes, we've been working with the folder," she paused for a moment, "Thank you for that."

"Yes, of course. The sooner we can get to the root of what happened, the sooner we may avert war."

Henaiah looked to Illya and gave him a small nodded. "I understand you are recovering from surgery. I hope all is going well."

Without much more, she exited the room in her graceful strides. It was true that she wanted Calysta to work on the mystery to help end things. The conflict was growing out of hand. Terrans protested in the streets of their home world and their colony as well as Kinte too. Some called for war, and others called for truce, while Kaerealeans were split among the decision too. Do they continue to push peace or have the Cirellants gone to far against their allies to bear? They had been successful in keeping down a vote for war so far, but it was only a matter of time and already small incidents were happening on both sides. A Cirellant blockade had already been attacked as well as several of their other ships, and colonies. The Terrans were automatically blamed. As she strode out of the house, she glanced up at the bedroom window and shook her head. Beyond the war, clearing Thomas' daughters' name was the only way she could think of to make up for mistakes of the past.

****

Calysta watched the footage on the hologram many times with Illya as rain began to pour outside. There were fuzzy clips of her walking away from Wynt who headed back toward the ship and up the ramp with the Cirellant cruiser with the diplomat by her side. The diplomat appeared to thank her and then entered his ship without incident. The next few clips were of the hospital where someone with a long black pony tail tucked through a hat and a Skycorp jumpsuit scurried down the hall and slipped into a hospital room door. Her face was pointed decidedly at the ground, away from the view of any cameras. She emerged 10 minutes later without the jumpsuit on and in simple Skycorp fatigues. The impostor glanced down either side of the hallway and continued walking as if nothing had happened at all. Approximately 20 minutes later, a nurse came by the room and dropped the tray of food she was carrying at what she had seen. A coroner and the police were called and eventually the body covered in a red stained sheet was rolled out with nurses and doctor crowded around in horror.

"She looks like me," Calysta growled, replying the images. She didn't know why they were doing this, but there had to be something she could use in this video. "It makes me look like I was trying to cover up the first murder with a second and whats worse is the reports say the body was beyond recognition when she was done."

A long moment passed as she thought over the videos and what she knew. Illya had brought up a point that she had been reluctant to consider, but now she had to. What if Wynt really had been into something? He had the same access to the same poison she did, and while she had been the last to see the diplomat Wynt had been at her side for sometime before that. She flipped back to the first image of him walking away from the diplomat with a courteous bow as a decision formed in her mind.

"Illya, I think I want to go see Wynt's wife," she said finally, "Maybe she might know something we don't."

Calysta knew he couldn't go with her, and that Carrie had a high chance of turning her in, but maybe she what have some insight.
 
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Days seemed to drag by with nothing to do except lay in his bed and occasionally shift when his back started to hurt or leg ached. Surprisingly the arm had healed the fastest and best so far. Illya hadn't any pain in his arm for days and he knew the back had to be healing because it was becoming more tender by the minute. Eventually he settled with the blanket mostly underneath himself and took a nap.

During the afternoon Kalizda came into the room looking as bored as he felt so they played a few games until he was able to figure out how to win and then it wasn't quite as much fun. It might have been more exciting if they started to bet against each other. Ironically she got more information and the more they saw the more complicated it seemed to get. Illya was half tempted to just go find someone that looked guilty and strangle a confession out of them. Any nasty Terran would do. He still didn't find that he liked them all that much. So far he hadn't met one that he enjoyed the company of. Kalizda was different because she was not full blooded Terran. Instead he chose to be quiet and watch with her. At least he might be able to be of some help.

Illya watched the video with Kalizda and he frowned. There was nothing about what happened on board the ship and he was certain that if something was to happen it would have been out of sight of the cameras and therefore off the record. While some thought that he was close to barbaric he was actually fairly proficient at avoiding surveillance. There had to be an answer here somewhere. "I need some information. Yah give meh hours and dosage of poison to work. Tell meh when yah other co-pilot got sick and I tell yah if he poison himself all dah way or how much was left and when he did it eh?" There was more than one way to start proving things. "Doctor would have kept uniform he had if he was murdered. Maybe he only use part of the poison so he would be sick, but not die." Of course Kalizda thought her answer was to go talk to the man's wife. "Yah tink its smart to talk to a woman that thinks yah murdered her husband?"

Calysta wrote down the times she had memorized at this point. "A needle filled with the poison is 100mg's of the toxin in total. The poison needle is slipped under the skin or in a membrane of the target when you get close and takes roughly 24 hours to dissolve fully. But of course the time of death depends on how large the victim is. The larger the victim the more time it takes. Wynt started showing getting sick the next day, maybe 8 hours after he last saw the diplomat. Where he was bowing in the video. " His last comment made her shoot him a look,. "Of course it's not a good idea, but proving these times can show either he poisoned himself, or that simply someone else did."

"Yah keep dah poison in a place where people snatch it off yah body easily?" Illya shifted in the bed a little bit. "I wouldn't let yah go alone and yah know that. Take those crutches and stumble out after yah if I have to."

"I used to keep mine in the breast pocket of my jumpsuit, but Wynt would probably have kept his in his side pocket. If he left it unzipped someone could probably snatch it in a crowd," Calysta admitted. "I won't go alone then. I'll take Ayrn or dad with me. Even Keysha if I had to."

"Ayrn!" Nearly yelling the name he sat up. "He's useless and his depth perception is horrible. I doubt the Arse could aim a gun proper and yah dad is limping all thhe time he not made like a Chip. Yah get one of meh people if yah won't take meh."

She winced as he sat up so quickly, though she couldn't help but agree with him on the Ayrn point. She had mostly just mentioned him to make a point about not going alone. "And who am I going to take? Everyone is help building the new settlement on Nuen," she replied, pointedly. "I'm not saying I like the idea, I'm saying I don't know what else to do without going out and investigating some and that seemed like the closet place to start besides hunting down the records on the Gylcryn."

"Can't yah wait a few weeks more?" Illya sighed. He didn't like the choices she seemed to think she had to make. "Yah safe here for now. Use time to learn more and study then go out and with help."

Being unable to go out in the day was making her cranky and stir-crazy. It was hard to resist going out and getting to the bottom of things, especially now that she had a little more information to work with than before. Carrie was the closest lead she could think of to follow, much closer than the Gylcyrn, since the woman lived on Kaereal it wouldn't be so far from Illya that she couldn't come back if something happened. Still, she knew he was probably thinking more clearly than she was about the entire situation this time. Meeting his eyes, she nodded to him. "I'll wait, but I don't want you to be out any earlier than you should be."

Sighing with relief he moved a little closer. "Good, I wait to get out of bed thhen." Illya got another smirk on his face and he peered at the doorway. "I think we could do something fun. Maybe throw foam balls over the railing and see if we can hit the Arse. I know he's down there eating."

Calysta put the hologram coin and the note book to the side, giving him a devilish grin. "Hmm...he has eaten far too many SPAM sandwiches... He could use the exercise."

A nearly wicked grin came to Illya's face. "If only I could go outside and capture a snake to hide in the sofa cushions." It was more likely that Illya would get bit in his current condition, but it was a nice thought. To just see the other jump and squawk. "Eh lets just get the foam balls ready to throw." While Kalizda gathered all the little foam balls from her closet that was full of childhood toys he squirmed to get himself as close to the edge of the bed as possible.

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

Over the next 2 weeks Illya slowly healed. All the rapid part of the healing seemed to be over and now it was just the aching and thickening of the marrow. Illya had been on the crutches for barely 4 days and he decided to make an attempt at getting down the stairs. It was slow and somewhat painful, but at least he got himself down the stairs. An empty couch sitting in the living room was surprising and at the same time relieving. The Chip wanted nothing more than to sit down and try to relax the tensed muscles in his back and leg. Easing himself a little closer to the couch he almost got to the point of sitting and then the crutch slipped and he somewhat fell into the couch. A puff of air came from the cushions along with a nasty body odor. Clenching his jaw Illya decided not to say anything about Ayrn's filth for now. All of that changed when the scent suddenly become stronger and he looked above himself to see Ayrn standing behind the couch. "Yah smell filthy. Should shower yah flea bitten carcass."

Aryn smirked as he leaned over the couch some. "What'll you do? Knock me out and scrub me down? You barely made it down the stairs, man."

Reaching for one of his crutches Illya brought it up with just enough force to make a thump sound on the other's head. "I can knock yah out and beat the hell out of yah."

"Ey!" He stepped back out of reach rubbing his head. Illyuck hadn't hit him all that hard and if he stayed out of range, there was little the man could do. "You'd have to be able to catch me first. I'm not sure you could keep up with those things. "

"Yah might be surprised. Yah getting fat and that means less places to hide, Arse." Illya sat up on the couch and looked over the edge at the pot bellied Terran.

"I am not. If anyone is getting soft around here its you with all the coddling from rhe captain," he smarmed back, as he rubbed a hand over his belly.

A grin came to Illya's face and he laid back. "Yah ought to follow suit then. Bring meh a pillow eh?"

Ayrn snorted and turned toward the stairs. He'd bring Illya a pillow alright. "Sure thing, friend." He huffed his way up the stairs and snagged one from Calsyta's bed before coming back down to the back the of the couch. "Here ya go." He held the feather pillow high and dropped it over Illyucks face with a smile.

It was actually surprising that Ayrn went for the pillow. When he returned he of course delivered it in a less than cordial manner, but it didn't stop Illya from trying again. "Thanks." Pulling the pillow off his face he sat up a little and stuffed the pillow behind himself. "I need meh blanket too."

Now, he wanted a blanket too? Maybe he could get some points with Calsyta if he catered some to the man, not without giving him a hard time though. "You really are getting soft," he laughed, before going backup the stairs to get the blanket. When he came back with the puffy blanket in tow, he held it out to Illya just out of reach with a smile.

For as long as Ayrn wanted to be a shit about everything Illya was determined to keep thinking of things the other could do until he was aware of his fat stomach. "Th-thank yah. Just lay it over meh legs and I can get it from thhere. Yah know a bottle of water would be nice to eh?"

He rolled his eyes and half tossed the blanket on his legs, before crossing over to the kitchen. As he pulled a bottle of water out of the fridge he spied some of the pastries Calsyta had made earlier for her father's birthday and snagged one for himself. Coming back into the living room, he tossed the bottle at Illya, "Heads!" then plopped into an arm chair.

While Ayrn wandered into the kitchen Illya straightened the blanket and tried to think of anything else he might trust the other to do. Before he could finish getting nestled in Ayrn was yelling heads and Illya turned slightly and caught the bottle. "I was thinking about going outside. Would yah open thhe door and go outside. Tell meh what the weather is like?"

Ayrn snacked on the pastry, sending a few crumbs down his shirt, and then glanced at the door. Opening it might get the herb smell Illya always had out of the air anyways . "Fine." He went to go sit up and realized it was a bit difficult. Easing backward, he tried use the momentum rolling forward to haul himself out of the chair. When did he start having trouble with that? He shuffled over toward the door and looked down. Was he really getting fat? He couldn't see his toes for the plumpness around his middle. He pushed open the door to reveal a sunny day outside, then looked at Illya. "I think...I'll go for a walk. A.shame you can't join me, eh?"

Despite the momentary victory of getting the other to recognize his fatness Illya couldn't help the frown. Did Ayrn really have to point out the fact that walking was not quite plausible. Getting down the stairs was difficult enough and he doubted he could make it to the end of the lane without being entirely exhausted. Instead, Illya was faced with the fact that he was probably stuck on this stinking couch for at least a few hours. There wasn't nearly enough energy left to get himself back to the bedroom.

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

A few more weeks passed and Illya was finally able to walk around. He had to carry a cane with for those awkward moments when his leg didn't want to support him, but he was becoming more independent with each passing day. The new found freedom was greatly welcomed and he couldn't help himself from wanting to do a little exploring and maybe see what the new settlement on Nuen looked like.

Grabbing a pad he started to scroll through the features that highlighted the departure times for all transports. One was listed in green indicating that it was a new route and only had limited hours. Illya was pretty sure that would be the transport. Tapping the screen he waited for it to display the route and hours. After he found out what time the morning transport left Illya placed the pad into its sleeve and continued with his mostly quiet day.

Illya got up early the next morning and slipped into his shirt. He'd worn his pants to bed with the excuse that he was tired last night. Kalizda wanted to get out of the house badly and Illya couldn't blame her. Since she couldn't leave it was best to go when she didn't have to see him leave for the day. Thomas was already up and Illya limped past him toward the doorway. "I'll be back tonight. Gonna go see Nuen. Yah tell Kali-Calysta for meh?" With that minor detail taken care of Illya started off through the streets.

One vendor in particular caught his eye. It might have been the wares that they were selling. It was beautiful pottery and it reminded him of his grandmother. The woman loved flowers and the outdoors. Pausing at the tables he picked one of the glasses up and stared at it. How they had achieved such detail with pottery was always fascinating. He wasn't even capable of making a semi symmetrical utensil with clay. While he was looking over the pottery he could hear the vendor talking about the new settlement. Apparently she thought that the Chippeqouti were a bunch of scoundrels. Doubtless she would have appreciated the business she might have obtained from the Chippeqouti if she wasn't so hostile. Carefully Illya placed the cup back down and started toward the transport again.

When Illya arrived it didn't look like there was anything at all. It was just a heap of sand blowing in the wind. There was an occasional blur of what could look like buildings, or tents. Chippeqouti had never built too close to their ports. They preferred to take their goods to a market or go out to trade, but they weren't that welcoming to visitors.

In some ways Nuen was beautiful, but it was also disappointing. The sands weren't red like they were at home. These sands were a gold with a hint of silver that seemed to reflect the sun like a mirror.

Illya's cane sunk into the sands with every step and he winced a little at the extra effort it took to move in the sand. Finally the image of the makeshift town came into view. A broad smile came to his face when he saw the kids racing about in the desert chasing a lizard. They would probably catch it if the lizard didn't get home first. It brought back fond memories of doing the same for himself. He'd had many desert creatures as pets growing up and it made him a little curious as to what he would find here.

One of the older Chippeqouti looked up from the mud and plaster bucket they had been mixing. "Its Illya!" Wiping her hands off on the front of her working pants the woman called to the others and they met near the center of the town.

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

It was late that night when Illya got back to the house. He was tired, a little sore, dusty, sweaty, and full to the brim with mischievous looks. In one hand he had a bag full of mystery items and another was slung over his back. The little bag quivered from time to time and it then it would rustle about wildly.

Limping over to the couch Illya sat down and then carefully swung the bag from his back to the front and set the other bag of goods on the floor. While the bag from his back moved it was completely still and then it was set on his lap and began rustling about again.

Illya set a hand on the bag and dug into the other. "I have presents and some goods to contract." Since they were all busy with production first he was going to be the one conducting trades and goods. Since it seemed others were more interested in the bag he kept on his lap Illya grinned. "Got meh a pet. Caught a little desert dog. Just a kit." Carefully he reached into the bag with one hand that had obviously been bit and scratched several times. "Still wild. Not used to folk yet. I keep him close and thhen he get to be nice."

As the pup came out of the bag its massive ears were folded back and it yipped at him and tried to bite into his hand. Illya stopped his mouth with a finger and pressed down on the kit's tongue gently. "No..." Tucking the pup in one hand was easy enough, but he held the kit with both hands anyway. "Decide to call him Emmit."
 
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Calysta woke from her chair in the corner to find Illya gone. Over the past few weeks he had grown strong enough to walk with only the help of a cane, but still needed help sometimes when he grew tired. Maybe he had gotten up to go to the bathroom or gone downstairs for food? He had a veracious appetite while he was healing. She yawned and stretched as Keysha started to do the same, sticking her hindquarters in the air and extending out her fore claws into the soft carpet. Tossing on her grey tunic, Calysta went downstairs in search of tea and Illya. What she found was a note attached to the fridge.

"I'm at the University till this afternoon and Illya said he was going to Nuen. Have a good day, and I'll bring back some groceries tonight. -Love Dad. "

She put down the note and looked out the window at the golden light of the morning filtering in through the blind feeling slightly disappointed. It was good for Illya to get out of the house. The walking would strengthen in his leg, and give his mind a rest from being cooped up for so long. Maybe he would even get to see his parents while he was out. There hadn't been any need for him to leave so early without telling her though. He could have just told her that he wanted to go, though she would have wanted to go with him to see Nuen too, or just to get out of the house in general.

Calysta set to work making herself a cup of tea with lemon ginger, and honey, then with wandered into the living room sipping on the warm drink. The couch was empty and there was no sign of Ayrn either. Lately, he had been gone most of the day and then returned at night. One night he had even come home with a new eye patch strapped over his scar. Where he had gotten the new one from, she wasn't sure she wanted to know.

It appeared she had the house to herself until one of them returned. She would much rather be able to go out, but the place was deliciously empty for at least a few hours and that would have to do. Finishing the tea, she went to the kitchen and washed the mug out before stowing it on the drying rack to the right of the sink. There were no dishes from last night, but she wipe down the counter tops and table. The sheets needed washing too, so she gathered all of the linens from the house and laundered them with fresh smelling soap in the small machines in the kitchen. When those were done and dried, she made the beds by tucking the corners of the freshly laundered sheets tightly as she learned at Skycorp, and fluffing the pillows as she went. She even dusted off the mantle and thoroughly cleaned the couch cushions, ridding them of the lingering smell of ode de Aryn. He'd been even worse smelling recently and she couldn't imagine anyone wanting to get near that. Why couldn't the man just bathe on the regular?

When the house was clean, she sat down in the living room floor with Keysha. Over the months, her kitten had grown from adorable orange fuzz ball to a hefty, and lithe force to be reckoned with. She was easily the size of coffee table and had grown into her thick paws, as a beautiful golden, brown spotted pattern emerged into her fur. Calysta had done light training with her while on the ship, but hadn't known enough about animals to begin with to do the job properly, so while Illya was bed ridden, she downloaded a basic animal training manual to help. With a few hours of work each day, she had managed to get Keysha to sit, lay down, and heel. Most of the time at least. The manual was meant for dogs and apparently felines had a bit of a rebellious streak. Earlier that week, her father had tried the commands when Keysha had climbed onto the counter tops looking for the open can of SPAM. The cat had promptly ignored him with annoyance in her yellow eyes. It had taken Calysta a firm, "COME HERE" to get the cat down and trot over to her with a loving purr.

Calysta went through Keysha's training, using bits of the Terran junk food to treat the animal when she did well. Afterward, the cat flopped into her lap as if she was still a small kitten, and batted at the stray ends of her hair with soft paws. "Not quite so small anymore," Calysta laughed, as she scratched under her chin, "If you keep growing you might become the size of a real tyrei."

****
At mid-day, the door swung open and Ayrn walked into the front door. He was wearing Terran-jeans and a filthy white t-shirt covered in dirt. There were smudges of dirt on his face, and tangled into the small bit of blonde scruff on his chin, has he held out his hands with the palms open. He caught Calysta's attention from her book, and held out his hands to her. "Um, I don't have much time, but would you mind helping me with something?"

Calysta gave him a skeptical look, her nose curling at the smell of his odor, but stills he put down her book and glanced at his hands. There were open blisters on his palms and pads of his fingers. He looked at her with panic in his brown eye, as if he'd never had a blister before. Sighing, she pulled him into the kitchen and made him wash his hands, as she rummaged through the cabinets, looking for the correct balm that would help. He hissed and moaned as cold water hit the sores.

"What in the Wilds have you been doing, Ayrn?" she asked, as she found the right canister. She dried off his hands as he grumbled, and then started applying the salve.

"I..uh...was actually helping out in the fields. This farmer needed an extra han- ow- and so I've been helping with the harvest. The machine that picks up the bales broke, so the crazy old coot -OW- asked us to pick him up by hand."

She stopped and stared at him in disbelief. There was no way, Ayrn of all people, had gone out and gotten...a job? He was dirty like he had gone into the fields, and he had somehow found the funds to buy an new eye patch, so the evidence pointed to the contrary.

"You can stop staring at me now," he chuckled at her. "I know the ladies like a working man, after all. Especially, the pretty ones."

****

Thomas returned to the house with his promised groceries. They were heavy, but nothing he couldn't handle and the anticipation of cooking over the next few days overrode any complaints. The harvest had started on Pyrta and while Kaerelean seasons were different, he followed the Terran calendar which would put them squarely into his favorite season. This time of year put him in a good mood like no other, and he couldn't wait to get started. It would even cheer up Calysta some.

He came through the door, bumping against the massive cat his daughter called a house pet, and ushered toward the kitchen with his hands full of canvas grocery bags. SPAM, baking goods, fresh vegetables of all kinds, and a 12lb turkey imported from Terra would do perfectly over the next few days. He was humming absently as he stuffed the turkey into the refrigerator and started stowing the vegetables.

"Dad, what is all this?"

He looked up at Calysta a little stricken. She hadn't been paying attention to the calendars apparently, and didn't realize what time of year it was. Of course, she had been tucked away in the house for so long, he couldn't blame her for losing track of things. "It's everything we need for Christmas dinner of course. Help me set up the tree in a minute?"

****

Calysta watched as her father pulled boxes from the storage cubby under the stairs. First the fake pine tree, then boxes of glass ornaments, ropes of multi colored lights, and an angel doll that sat on the tip of the tree every year. She had never been religious, keeping to none of the various Kaerelean beliefs or the Terran ones, but her father did and that was enough for her to want to participate. Some of the traditions were a little bizarre to her, but she went along with it anyways.

Calysta laced a thick green garland through the banister with bouncy, red bows on each end, and even strung some of the bright colored lights in her room. A wreath went over the mantle along with two red stockings, bells, and candlesticks in each window and a red blanket draped over the couch. Then came time to decorate the tree. Her father hummed tunes as handed her each glass ornament with care, and she hung them from the plastic branches. The winged doll went on last. "Did I ever tell you how we use real trees on Terra?" he commented, "We would go chop one down every year in the snow and decorate it up, just like this."

He had told her that every year they decorated a tree, but she listened all the same, chuckling at the idea of it. "In the snow, huh?"

"Sometimes for hours just looking for the right one," he added, "Your grandma would insist it had to be just the right one, and your grandpa always picked one that was tall enough to hit the ceiling."

She let him tell her more about him growing up and they laughed at some of his more ridiculous adventures. When the work was done, she flipped off the lights and did something she hadn't done in a long time. Laying down on the wooden floors, she wiggled underneath the tree and stared up into the dark branches lit with sparkling lights and shining baubles. The view was strange, but it always reminded her of the stars. Ones that she could reach out and touch even though real stars were so very far away. She laid there for a long time looking up into the tree and thinking.

"Uhg..uuh."

Someone laid down beside her and she glanced up to see her father shimmying under the tree too. "You haven't done this since you were a kid," he chuckled.

She smiled and scooted so he would have more room. "It's still a nice view, even though I'm not a kid anymore."

"I know you're not," he sighed.

The tone of his voice was resigned, and almost a little sad. Calysta patted the floor with her hand, searching around until she found his, and then grasped it with an encouraging squeeze. He was her family, her father, and that wouldn't change even if she did.

****

Calsysta had stayed up late making sugar cookies for her father and and waiting for Illya to come home. Had he decided to stay the night on Nuen? . She wouldn't have minded, but it would be nice to know he was alright. As she rolled out the dough, more roughly than she normally would, he finally stepped through the door. He was grinning from ear to ear and carrying a sack which was wiggling when he set it down. "I have presents and some goods to contract." She eyed the fidgeting bag suspiciously. Did he bring home a snake?

"Illya, what's in the-"

Her words were stopped short when he pulled out a small fox-like animal and explained what it was. He had brought home a pet, and she could hardly deny him that when he looked so pleased. Of course, her father would be none too happy and there's no telling what Keysha would do, but it was here now. She walked over to the little dog with his pointed ears. It growled at her, but she ignored it and looked up at Illya with a grin. "We don't get to agree on the name, huh?"
 
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Illya glanced at Kalizda when she came over to see the little desert fox. There was not point in calling it a fox though. To the Chippeqouti it was a desert dog. Momentarily Illya met Kalizda's gaze and he blinked a few times out of confusion. "I name him Emmit. Yah don't need to argue about a name of pet. Such a small thing and I keep this one. Yah can't name him."

The little dog gave up after it had tried to bite again and only got a finger halfway down its throat. Illya pet the dog's head. "Yah come with meh." He was sure that the little creature was young enough he would eventually start to figure it out and adopt Illya as the parent figure. That was the reason for taking one when it was so small. often times they were picked up by desert eagles or eaten by a large snake when they were this small. It gave the other kits a better chance since there would be less competition during feeding time. Aside from the fact that the kit would grow up a much easier life Illya planned to teach it to hunt lizards and other small undesirables. Things that the Chippeqouti didn't eat and didn't want in their house.

Once a desert dog was grown it was impossible to keep it in a home. However, when they were small he could train it and then have the benefits of a home with less lizards and large insects while enjoying the company of a little dog. They were useful and he didn't have to do much to take care of it. Gathering the bags up in one hand and the cane he winked at Kalizda. "I keep him in basket tonight. Need to clean before bed eh."

Most of the night the kit whimpered and yipped. Any shift that Illya made in the bed would make the little fox perk its ears and tilt its head. When the cries became desperate Illya drug the kit outside and held it on a leash while the kit relieved itself. It wouldn't want to mess in its sleeping place, but he would have to watch the rest of the house for a few days.

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

Since they had very little good meat in the house Illya took it upon himself to go into the market and buy something they could eat. Surprisingly the snake was cheap. He had thought that for such meat it would cost more. They even got a choice specimen because Illya insisted on inspecting it to be sure he got something fresh. Pulling the large decapitated creature from the bag he grinned and ran a warm sink of water. Setting the snake in the water he watched the coils relax. This was not as warm a planet and so he had to find other ways to get the meat to loosen up and allow for faster skinning and chopping. "I make food for tonight eh!" Yelling up the stairs he hoped Kalizda heard him.

After he prepared the meat and rubbed some herbs on it Illya started to toss the snake into a pot. Some snake and gravy with vegetables served over some dry bread would be a stupendous meal. Anything beat that canned meat. Why the Terran's thought that ration food was appropriate for all occasions Illya would never know. Setting the table Illya then took the kettle to the table and set it down in the center and slid the basket of dry bread next to it. "Dinner is ready." Sitting down with the others he waited for them to serve first and then he set his own dried bread on the plate and poured the gravy, meat, and vegetables over it. "Very good Chippeqouti meal." It even smelled good and he hadn't had a bite yet.

Thomas watched as Calysta didn't hesitate to pick up the bread, break it into a few pieces, and the ladle the thick gravy over the bits. She took a few bites, and seemed pleased, but he wasn't so sure. He noticed there were white flakes swimming around with the vegetable slices as he poured up his own plate. Poking at it, he looked up skeptically to Illya. "What exactly comes in a good Chippeqouti meal?

Just like a Terran her father couldn't appreciate when a Chip did something right. "Good meal has gravy, meat, vegetables. Bread makes this special eh." Taking another scoop of the food Illya happily munched away at the contents of his dinner.

Thomas couldn't argue with him, since his last home cooked meal had been some time ago. He lifted his own spoon and took a tentative bite of the concoction Illya had put together. It tasted alright, till he hit something tender and gamy as he chewed. What had the man done? Gone out into the fields and caught something? Swallowing, he reached for his cup to wash it down. "What kind of meat did you put in this? It tastes odd?"

At least the man tried though it seemed he took a dainty bite. No one else had a problem with the food. Kalizda was more than happy with hers and Ayrn like usual snarfed anything down you put in front of him. You could almost feed him rotting canned rations and he wouldn't know any different. Of course her father had to inquire further about the meal. "Its safe." Illya frowned a little. The way Thomas seemed to be so suspicious of the food was almost offensive. "Just snake and I pick a very good fresh one."

"Snake?" He looked down to the white chunks bobbing the the gravy, what he had assumed was some sort of poultry. A normal food. Instead, he had just eaten snake. Something with scales and slithered on its belly eating rats and everything else it could find. No wonder it tasted funny. A queasiness rose in his stomach and he inched away from the table.

Even if the other man hadn't said anything it was more than clear that he didn't care for it. Whether it was for the reason of taste or the ingredients Illya couldn't tell for certain. He was thinking it had more to do with the snake. "Maybe I catch one in desert next time. Desert snake is much better."

He really was a wild man. Catching snakes an eating them? He tried to keep calm, considering Calytsa was sitting right next to him and eating as if it were anything else.. "There's a good grocery store down the street," he mumbled, "Maybe you should try there."

"I did. They sell snake very cheap. I inspected the snake at the market to be sure it was fresh. This snake was probably killed just today." Illya poked a piece of meat. "Very tender still. I catch next one though. If yah don't like how this one tastes. Its not bad in meh opinion."

It was relieving to know that he actually got it from a grocery store, but it didn't change the fact of what it was. Glancing at Calysta, and then back to Illya, he ventured another bite, picking around the larger snake bits."It's not turkey, but..its alright."

"Turkey?" Illya narrowed his eyes. "I don't know this. What is turkey?" At least her father seemed to be more receptive to the idea. He had settled with the promise that Illya would catch the next one. Maybe when their presents (presence) came to Nuen he could catch the snakes and his mum would make a good friend snake with seared vegetables and spices served over the wild grass from the oasis. Wild grass was quite tasty when it was during seeding time. Often it was plentiful and most of the seed was wasted in the desert if you didn't harvest it. Grass could only grow in some areas and it was always near the heads of the rivers that ran under the surface. This new planet had a little more visible water and therefore more grass which made it very desirable.

"It's a bird. A good white -meat bird and I'll be roasting one for us on Christmas day with all the trimmings," Thomas replied, as he took another tentative bite, "It's a tradition."

Pulled from his thoughts again Illya thought for a long moment. This was a tradition he didn't know at all. "Christmas is a name of a god, or festival? Yah eat food and make offerings to please the god for coming season?" There were a few kinds that Illya could think of, but the ones with food were generally more important and required offerings.

Of course this man didn't know Christmas. He didn't seem to know about much else regarding anything but his own prideful people. Thomas sat down his spoon and folded his hands over the table, and gathered his thoughts on how to explain how it all worked. "It's neither. It's a day celebrating the birth of the one God into an earthly form. We celebrate his birth and grace by giving gifts to one another and feasting with family members. Its a time a joy and good will to all men."

Illya gave the man a confused smile. "Only one god?" Shaking his head slightly he peered down at the platter of food remaining. "Yah have other gods for seasons and earth eh?" He just wanted to make sure that the Terran didn't think that one god was enough.

Calysta sank in her seat some as the topic turned to religion. Her father wasn't pushy, but he was devout, and would never think of being anything else. Thomas held up his finger, pointing it upward with a firm look at Illya. "One God. The God and Father Almighty. I don't need multiple gods when mine is all powerful."

Since it seemed the man wasn't going to explain how his god was all powerful Illya nodded. "Yah have one god." It didn't make it any sense why they would only need one god, but Illya figured that since this was the man's religion it wasn't likely that he would change his mind. Neither was Illya zealous enough to be the kind to try and make converts. He doubted his gods would listen to anyone that wasn't Chip. There was one other thing that made him wonder. "Why good will to all men? Why not go to an elder and have them curse an enemy for coming season?"

He stared at Illya incredulously. His daughter really had brought home a heathen. She may have her doubts about things, but she didn't believe in magic either. "Because Christmas is not about that. Its about forgiveness. Letting things go.Good will and kindness towards all people. Whether you bloody well like them or not."

Some of this was very strange and almost funny to Illya. He was curious to say the least. "Yah god only wants this on Christmas? So yah good and kind to Cirellant too? What about rest of the time?" At least the Chippeqouti were consistent in who they liked and didn't.

Maybe now he was starting to get it just a little. At least he wasn't thinking God's name was Christmas anymore. "Even the Cirellants too, if you can find one that won't want to eat you," he replied, "And people are supposed to be kind all the time, but nobody is perfect."

"Yah go to war in yah history. Kal-Calysta tell meh this. Yah god is very confusing. I think maybe Chip gods are better for meh." Illya took another scoop of the food and plopped it on his plate and began eating again. It was all so confusing and the imperfection was understandable. Nobody was perfect, but he didn't understand how they lived such blaring contradiction in their lives and still thought it safe to hold festivals in honor of their god. It was just as likely they would be cursed for their behavior. One god would get tired with all this trouble from all his followers.

Thomas shook his head and rose from the table, no longer hungry, and walked into the living room to the bookshelf. Pulling an leathery book from the shelf, he brought it to Illya and sat it on the table next to his plate. "You should read it." He couldn't make the man understand and he wasn't about to try, all he could do was give him the information to save his mortal soul.

While Illya was still busy eating the other man got up from the table and returned with a large book. At first Illya thought the man would show him a picture of the god or something useful that might demonstrate what kind of power the god had. Instead it was simply a massive book. Peeling the cover back Illya stared at the words. "This in trader's tongue. I can read. It will take a very long time." Even the title was confusing. "It tells me nothing." Pointing to the front label he sighed. "What does this word mean? Bible?" Holy wasn't a word he had encountered in trader's tongue either. "I don't understand these words. Read them, but they are not words I learn."

At this point, Calysta was pinching the bridge of her nose and her cheeks were red. Why did her father have to do this? He was being bullheaded and rude about this.And he had no idea what he was getting into. "Maybe we should live and let live, dad? Remember the reason for the season?" Not that she really understood it either, but she knew it might calm him down some. Her father glanced at her and then sighed. "That means it's a revered text. It's the ancient history and deeds of God. Take it for what you will."

It wasn't usually a topic that Illya read. Still her father seemed adamant. Illya shrugged. "I read it." He was doubting very much that he would be able to understand all of it, but he could try. "I bring it back soon when I finish the book."

Thomas nodded, at least the man was willing to read it. It was only proper for his future son-in-law to know the good book as he had tried to do with Calysta. He tugged his trouser legs some and sat back down at the table then looked down at his cold snake gravy.

At least her father seemed to be much relieved to know that Illya was going to be reading the book. Whether he understood it or not, this book was very important. After dinner was done and dishes cleaned Illya grabbed the book and carefully walked up the stairs with it. Sitting on the bed he opened the front cover. "Long book." Letting out a sigh he leaned over the edge of the bed and grabbed dog out. "Emmit yah learn to behave here on bed now."
 
Calysta half wanted to laugh when Illya said there was no point in arguing over the name of the pet. She had only meant the comment as a joke, but he was serious and determined to keep the name he had picked. Before she could tell him so, he was winking at her and heading up the stairs to shower.

The Emmit was much noisier than Keysha had ever thought about being. The little pup yipped and whimpered at every shift in the bed. It would grow quiet and settled down, almost letting her drift off to sleep, then Illya would roll over or move his leg to be more comfortable, starting up the sharp sounds all over again. When he got up to let the fuzzy dog outside, she was determined to be prepared for his return. She blindly searched the bed and snagged one of the several pillows Illya used. When she found one of the thick, feather ones she dropped it over head to stifle the sounds and finally get some sleep.

****
The nearer to Christmas day it grew, the more light -hearted the house become. Thomas' enjoyment of the holiday was somewhat infectious as he walked around humming carols under his breath in sweaters with reindeer patterns. Ayrn couldn't help but get into the spirit of things as well. He had rummaged through the left over Christmas decorations and found an old, dusty Santa hat and a few other interesting things that would come in handy. Once of which Calysta was sure to like.

On Christmas Eve, he found Calysta standing in the kitchen chopping vegetables next to the sin where the turkey was sunk into a cold water bath to thaw. The bird would be rubbed in sweet butter, caked in sices and put in the over for a nice long roast. The thought of a turkey dinner was driving him crazy with anticipation. There were few things in the world better than a good holiday meal, but what he had in mind was one of them.

He walked over casually to Calysta and glanced over her shoulder as she worked. "Hey, Calysta?"

"Yes?" She kept her eyes trained on the counter, but didn't sound annoyed at him like she usually did. That was a good sign.

"I got a little something for you. A Christmas present."

She paused in her work and looked up at him. It was a known fact that women couldn't deny present. They liked the attention and the thought that went into them too much. With a smile, he pulled his hand around from behind his back and held up what he had gotten for her in town. It was a vibrant, long-stemmed kyvn flower, with bright white petals and black stripes. The Terrans living on Kaereal simply called the Tiger Roses. Her eyes fell on the flower and she looked a little uncertain.

"I know of know you haven't been able to go out much. Some sort of mix up with the Cirellants, right? So, I thought I might bring a little of the outside to the indoors for you. Merry Christmas."

Calysta blinked at him in surprise and wiped off her hands on a kitchen towel before taking the delicate flower from him. "That's..actually very thoughtful Ayrn. Thank you. Merry Christmas."

Ayrn grinned. He was in. "I have a little something else too."

He whipped around his other hand and dangled a leafy twig with white berries over their heads. Her grey eyes shifted upwards and then back to him with a raised brow. Did she not know what it was? "It's mistletoe. It's a tradition to kiss under it during the holidays."

The sharpness returned to her eyes and she reached up moving his arm away to hover over the empty floor. "I know what it is."

"It's just a harmless tradition, a little kiss is all," he reproached. This wasn't going how he planned.

"No, thank you."

"Aw, you'd leave a guy out under the mistletoe alone?"

She put down the flower and stuck her paring knife into the cutting block before sighing at him. "Ayrn, I'm not kissing you. I'm with Illya and even if I wasn't, it wouldn't happen," she replied firmly. Then she turned back to the vegetables.

Ayrn dropped his hand in defeat and glared over at Illya who was on the couch reading the Bible of all things. How had the man done it? He had played her like a fiddle and still managed to keep up his women and gaming all this time. Hell, he had even brought back a red-headed slave! But some how he had charmed the captain into being with him. There was definitely more to this trick than just hard work. Ayrn had tried hard work, and it didn't seemed to impress Calysta or any of the other woman in Pyrta at all. Illya wasn't just a womanizer, he was a downright scoundrel for not helping a fellow man out in the most worthy of pursuits.

His face turned red and he nodded sheepishly. "Yes, Captain."

On his way out of the kitchen, he gave Illya a sour look and tossed the mistletoe at him. It landed squarely in the middle of his book, as only the slightest of revenges.

****

Calysta woke to the savory scent of bacon wafting through the house and a smile grew on her face. Christmas morning. She rolled over and spied Illya still out cold, snoring lightly with Emmit bound up in his heavy arms. The little kit's head rested on his shoulder, having finally given up and fallen asleep sometime in the night. She slipped out of the bed with slow movements and tip-toed out of the room to keep from waking them up.

She found her father in the kitchen cooking bacon, eggs and french toast over a long skillet. "Morning, dad."

"Merry Christmas, sweetheart."

She grinned at him and stole a hot piece of bacon from a plate before wandering into the living room, munching on the crisp pork. There were presents wrapped haphazardly under the glowing Christmas tree, waiting to be opened. Would Illya like what she asked her father to pick up? He didn't practice Christmas and gifts were supposed to be secret in his culture, but she hadn't wanted him to be empty handed either. Besides she had thought of the secret gift and stowed something extra in his trade bag in a black wrapping. A mystery for him to solve and hopefully he wouldn't sell it off when he found it.

Slowly, the others started to filter into the living room as her father finished up breakfast and hauled the food to the coffee table for everyone. They always ate around the tree on Christmas morning. Illya wandered with his hair stuck down on one side and looking a little confused with Emmit nipping at his heels. He sat down beside her, as Ayrn sat across from them in the arm chair. He kept giving Illya grumpy looks with his one brown eye, but that ended when he spied the food on the table. Without hesitation, he helped himself to a heaping plate of cheesy eggs, bacon and a few slices of french toast as her father bent down below the tree to start handing out gifts.

He handed an, oblong box to her and waved his hand for her to open it. She wiggled the tip of her finger under the seam of the paper until it popped open and slid the item. Inside were a pair of red slippers with dainty heels. Shoes? They were beautiful, but she was sure where she would ever where them. Looking up at her father, he gave her a bit of a reluctant smile. "Figured you might need something to where with that dress eventually."

He had thought to give her shoes for the red dress. Maybe he was starting to come around to the idea. "Thanks, dad," she beamed, "I'll try them on later."

He nodded and went back to handing out gifts. "These are for you, Illya," he said holding two boxes wrapped in red paper. "One is from me and one is from Calysta."


****

Dinner time came and her father proudly put his golden-skinned turkey on the small kitchen table along with the peppered peas, candied-carrots, squash, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce. "Now, son, that's a turkey," he grinned at Illya, as he started to slice it up. He carved up the bird, starting with the breast and laid slices over Illya's plate first, then gave him a nice pile of cornbread and sourdough stuffing on the side. Ayrn snagged up a few pieces of turkey and piles over Calysta took up her own plate with a good slice of turkey and a sample of all the vegetables. Candied- carrots were one of her favorites, and she couldn't help but put two spoonfuls of those onto her plate. Stealing a glance at Illya, she wondered if he would be going to Nuen tomorrow and might be taking his travel bag along with him.

"So, do you think you'll be going out to the settlement tomorrow?" she asked, casually before taking another bite.
 
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The next morning when Illya got up he noticed the tree. How he had missed it the first night he didn't know. More than likely it was because he was tired. Illya still felt tired a lot though he was finding himself unable to sleep quite as long as he had in the past few weeks. Wandering through the house he looked at the cat that had happily sprawled itself out on the floor. That was a good thing. So far Keysha had a habit of pretending to hunt little Emmit. Chances were she would continue in that practice until she was trained to do otherwise.

Shifting the desert pup under one arm he migrated to the sofa and opened the Bible again. It seemed that he had barely begun the study and he was searching for a definition of another word. There were so many that he had started a journal of the words that he didn't know and he had to look up often. At this rate it was going to take an extraordinarily long time to get this holy book read. While he was busy reading Kalizda worked in the kitchen cutting up something on the board. Illya was thinking about taking the bag out for trade. He really needed to get the trade and contracts done. The approach here he wasn't sure how to take. Preferred trade did go automatically to the government and from they understood ships had a great need of parts. Specifically a ball and joint gear that tended to wallow out and cause issues with wing control in the matter of a few months especially on arduous journeys.

With a sigh he started near the top of the page. Illya had found that it didn't take much and he was already distracted from the reading. Just as he was starting to feel focused again a small strand from a plant with berries landed on the page. Irritably he threw a glance at Ayrn. Whatever that pathetic whelp thought he did it was probably about as far from the truth as possible. If there were cockroaches in Ayrn's boxers it was because the man was filthy and the bugs would love harbor in his shorts if he left them in a heap on the floor. Unfortunately Illya was all too familiar with the fact that Ayrn liked to leave his shorts on the floor. It could be worse. Maybe a rat or a snake would hide in his heap of stinking clothes next time.

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

It seemed there was a slow procession from the table to the living room one morning. Sitting down next to Kalizda he noticed that the man started to hand out gifts. Almost instantly Illya started to get uncomfortable. Shifting nervously in the seat he pushed at the kit with his foot. It still wasn't enough since the desert dog now accepted him. Reaching down with one hand he scooped the pup off the ground and set him in his lap. Like any young animal it started to gnaw and nibble on his pants, shirt, elbow or anything else that looked tasty. Just when he thought about escaping the room two packages were thrust into his hands. "Uh...." Illya closed his mouth and blinked a few times. "I uh..." Panicked he looked at Kalizda. "Is this tradition?"

Calysta sat the shoe box to the side and caught Illya's eyes, he looked confused, if not on the verge of panic. She knew that gift giving was something meant to be secret in his culture, but hadn't thought it would make him this uncomfortable."Yes, we give gifts every year on this day. It's part of Christmas," she replied casually.

Accepting a gift like this was completely against everything he had been taught and lived by. What made it all worse was that it was tradition and it left very little room for him to refuse. Brow furrowing slightly he nodded and started to carefully open the wrapping. Underneath the thin layer of paper he could a jacket. Keeping his eyes lowered he mumbled a hasty thanks. He planned to wait to open the next gift.

Calysta frowned some as he seemed disappointed or embarrassed. She couldn't tell which. Did he not like the gift? Or was it something else? Her eyes flickered down to the unopened box from her father and the back to Illya's which were downcast in...shame? Leaning in a little closer she whispered, "If you don't like it, you don't have to wear it. I just thought it might come in handy for the cold."

When Kalizda leaned closer he glanced at her carefully. "Its very nice...I." Shifting on the sofa again he moved the kit over. "This is not done among Chippeqouti. It is not acceptable that I should do this." Giving her a half nervous grin he continued. "Guess I'm not with the Chippeqouti am I?"

She had worried that he was offended by the gift some how, considering it wasn't secret. She had never asked why gift giving wasn't done among the Chippeqouti and it was obviously something she should have asked before hand. Still, he was willing to give her a smile and bend his rules. She grinned back at him mischievously. "No, and I won't tell if you wont."

"Shall I break rules again?" Chuckling a little Illya opened the next gift. The gloves and coat were very useful since he expected that he wouldn't be on Nuen for the rest of his life. "Yah didn't tell meh, or I would have gotten something for yah. Maybe I build a nice house on Nuen for yah."

Her father perked up at his words, but said nothing as he handed a gift to Ayrn. A box of assorted soaps. Calysta laughed lightly as her cheeks turned a little pink. "I knew your gifts had to be secret, so I didn't mention it. A house would be a very big gift. Much bigger than a coat. We could build together, maybe?"

"House is not a gift. It is a duty." Illya was sometimes confused by her way of assuming things. "A duty I don't mind so much eh. Pecked out a spot when I was there last. Very pretty and I took hologram of it so I can begin drawing plans."

"Oh, I didn't know that. You haven't shown me yet," Calysta said,"Maybe I can help with the plans then?" She would burn in the desert like no other, but they couldn't stay in her father's house forever. Nor would she want to. Thomas finished with the gifts, and sat down in the second chair across from them, looking at Illya with neutral gaze. "Maybe you should look at a few spots on Kaereal too?"

It was very strange that she wanted to help plan. Women didn't usually ask, but if they did it was something they would do together. "Yes, we do together then." Her father couldn't stay out of it and he decided to contribute to the conversation which earned him a hesitant answer. "I will consider thhis. A modest home here may be good for extended business."

He seemed confused by the idea that she would ask to help, but relented to it. His answer to her father was logical and was also fairly diplomatic considering how the two of them had started off talking to each other when they met. Thomas seemed appeased by it at least She breathed a little sigh of relief and looked to Illya. "I'd like to see the spot you picked whenever I get a chance to visit Nuen."

Setting the jacket and gloves aside Illya stood up. "I get hologram and I show you now." Illya barely got around the edge of the couch and he started to falter. Placing a hand on the back of the sofa for balance he moved closer to it and leaned over the edge to grab the cane. "I almost made it." With the cane he was able to make an uneven amble toward the stairs and then the slow and purposeful trek up the stairs. When Illya came back down he had a small pad. "Here yah go." Handing Kalizda the pad he leaned over her shoulder and tapped a few Quoti words that she wouldn't have likely recognized. A stony hillside with a nearly flat chunk came up and Illya turned the image so she could see from various angles. "Very pretty land."

When he faltered she started to get up and help, but he was already snatching up the cane. It worried her that he still had those moments where his leg gave out, but the Ehaui had assured them that Illya would be back to himself, and even better by the time the six months was up. She wasn't a doctor, nor a Chippeqouti, so she simply had to trust in what they said about the recovery. When he came back down stairs, and handed her a small pad, the hologram flickered on to reveal a stone hill with a flat top. It would be in the sun and warm all of the time, as evidenced by the angles he showed her. The tan stone really was pretty in the afternoon light but it would hot. Very hot. "It 's nice looking, and will be in the sun all day," she smiled, as she looked over the angles, "I think it would be nice, with a climate control in the house. And a garden of some sort, it its possible."

Illya thought it sounded like there was a little apprehension in her voice. "It is very nice." Moving the image down he showed her an alternate spot. "Here it will help. Not quite as hot and it will be on side so the rocks can block some light in first morning. That better?"

She considered the new spot and looked at the spot. It was important to him that he be close to his people and he liked the heat. As long as she could manage some sort of climate control, and not be in the sun constantly, she could live there. "I like this one better," she admitted with a chuckle, "I'm not quite as tan as you are and probably won't burn there with the shade."

There was always a chance that he might want more blankets at night, but he could help make her house a nice one. "I thhink maybe yah garden and herbs grow inside so yah don't have to go outside unless yah want eh?"

"I think that would work," she grinned, as she glanced up at him. She could live there fairly happily and it she wouldn't always be there anyway. If she could clear her name, she might be able to go back to Skycorp, or even a civilian pilot for trading and transport on Kaereal. There wouldn't be as much exploration in the latter, but she could always sort out what she wanted when the time came. Thomas looked over the land Illya was showing them and sighed some. He wasn't going to say anything this time. Not on Christmas morning. Instead, he tried to look happy for his daughter. She looked excited and even happy to be talking about this with Illya and he wasn't going to spoil that for her right now either. Even if the man was dragging her out to the dusty desert where she would fry.

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

Most of the afternoon had been spent making little plans for the house. Illya was having a harder time retaining his excitement. To get off this planet that was full of Terrans and back to place that he could consider a home. They were finally free from Quoti and while Illya missed it he could consider anywhere the Chippeqouti lived to be home. It was good of her father to let him stay here where he was closer to the Ehaui while the Chippeqouti worked on the new home. They had made good progress and soon enough Illya planned to move back with Kalizda.

Eventually dinner was called and he limped into the kitchen. There were still times when he felt sore though it was becoming less often. Despite the fact that Illya had never seen a turkey and much less ate one he was excited to give it a try. The meat smelled good and there was so much of it for being one creature. It was almost like an oversized chicken except that it didn't quite smell like one. Taking the plate of food breathed in deeply and waited for the others to receive their food before he started to dig in. Cutting a piece of the meat Illya dipped it in the excess gravy that ran in streams off the mound of potatoes. With the first bite he tried to determine what it tasted like. Overall he couldn't find that it tasted like anything he had tried before. "This is very good. I like yah turkey food." Wherever a man procured such a bird Illya needed to find out. If he could find one in the wild it would probably taste even better. Fresher meat was always preferred.

After he finished with the meat Illya ate the bread. The bread was strangely sweet and crumbled satisfyingly in the mouth. During the meal Calysta asked about the trip to Nuen. It reminded Illya that he had presents for them. They were all going to be requested to attend a new festival. A day to celebrate the Chippeqouti renewed freedom and new land.

During the rest of the meal Illya kept the memory of the little cards in the forefront. He barely finished the meal and Illya pushed away from the table. Walking up the stairs as fast as he could manage at this time he returned again. He had found a strange little black box, but he figured he would wait till later to open it. There was only one person that knew better than to give him a gift outright and that was Kalizda. While it was easy enough to guess it was her he didn't have proof. It put a little grin on his face. While he was standing at the table Illya slid an envelope toward each of them. "Even one for Ayrn." Once the first invitation was open Illya went on with as much of the direction he could remember. He was still a little foggy some days and he told his mother that, but she still insisted on just telling him instead of writing it down. She said it was an exercise for his brain.

"Yah all presents required..." a frown came to his face as he tried to recall the words. "Come to our first Chippeqouti holiday celebrating the new liberation." It was a lot less wonderful sounding than his mother made it, but he couldn't remember this many days later. Since he was done with the small delivery Illya sat down and served a few more cranberries onto the plate.

Sometime later that evening a sharp stabbing pain started in his stomach and he shifted on the bed. A deep scowl came to rest on his face while he tried to get comfortable. No matter how he laid it felt like his guts were going to start tearing apart. Somehow the pain only increased to the point that he was choosing to breath a little lighter. "Ugh." Turning in the bed again he suddenly felt like acid was crawling up his throat. Last time he puked he'd been punched in the guts with the stone alien's fist. Stumbling for the bathroom Illya barely made it in time to puke in the toilet. As good as the food tasted going down it wasn't nearly so good coming up. Now that he felt a little better Illya wandered over to the sink and he washed his hands just in time to feel that horrible sensation building in his stomach again.

It wasn't till the wee hours of the morning that he finally settled to just horrible belches and an occasional groan. "I think maybe I eat corn." Groaning again Illya rolled out of the bed and knelt in front of the toilet even though he couldn't puke anymore he wanted to.

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

Since he got sick Illya had to push the trade deals out by a day. When he did arrive to conduct the trade the men were offering an absurdly low price. "How often yah replace the part?" One of the men himmed and hawed for a good while before he said it was every 3 months. "Yah put dis in and we give it to yah. Preferred trade deal. If it last almost a year then yah pay meh price and yah still save money. We make moulds like yah want and make it fast and cheap if this one breaks soon eh?" Normally the Chippeqouti preferred to make all mechanical and construction parts solid. Seams typically made the construction of product much weaker.

The man grinned and shook his head. "I don't know where you Chip get these ideas for bargaining. I'll go for it though. If this thing lasts 6 months I'll give you that price and order thousands more. How fast do you make them?"

"These take time." Illya ran one hand over the second sample he had. "If yah still want cheap we can make it and sell better one to others."

"No...no you won't do that. If this is as good as you say Chippeqouti will have a contract to supply the military grade ship replacement products. We'll give you more money if you choose to keep this deal only with us. No outside trading the products we order." The man didn't need anyone having product that would outperform the law out there flying in the immediate area and especially with war so close.

Illya grinned. "We talk about this when you make the order. I go home tonight and we start to make more for order." He was sure it would last long enough. Their materials had withstood much harsher conditions in space for months on end even years ago. There was just something about having a seam and a cast and mould to make the product that made it inferior and yet that was what most chose. They wanted cheap over quality. When Illya stepped outside he glanced both right and left then started back for the house.

The Chip barely made it into the door when he saw that the others were packed and ready to go. "Let meh get Emmit then we go."

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

There were Chippeqouti gathered around the landing pad to greet Thomas and Kalizda. Illya stepped aside and let them have their moment of fame.They were going to be the guests of honor and Ayrn was invited simply out of courtesy. Edgar approached Thomas and bowed slightly. "We are honored." Yvonne did the translating as usual. "It is our great joy to present to you the new independence of Chippeqouti and we have built a home only for the most distinguished. It would be our pleasure if you grace the home as the first to stay in it."

Leading the man toward a large house near the oasis the Chippeqouti smiled and all of them left except for Edgar and Yvonne. "We show you to the bedchambers and in the morning bring the bucket. You will see many others carrying buckets, just follow them and then we start festival in the early afternoon after everyone is prepared."

The rest of the Chippeqouti were spending the night in far more modest little huts for the time. They were only temporary, but better than tents and they would be working as quickly as possible on all the other buildings while still making items for trade.

Guest house for Thomas and dignitaries House plans that Illya had an architect draw up. Inside Illya and Kalizda's home when finished One more idea of what the inside of their house looks like when they build it
 
Calysta folded her clothes and essentials into her canvas backpack in neat rolls as she had been taught to do. Packing this way kept the clothes from wrinkling as they normally would and it also saved space in the bag. She would wear her black tunic with the silver silk belt, and her freshly polished black formal boots for their arrival and for the celebration during the day. They were no dress uniform, as she would normally have to wear to an event like this, but it would have to do. It was just like Illya to spring something like this on them. 'I'm telling you now' was his usual response, and something she had grown used to, or at least was not as surprised. Her father, on the other hand, had no idea how Illya could have just suddenly asked them to go to Nuen when he had classes to teach and a seminar to attend. He had been polite but also a bit begrudging behind closed doors as he went to the study to rearrange his entire schedule.

When she managed to get her clothes packed, along with sun block lotion, and her toothbrush, the only things left were the thick files and hologram coin Henaiah had given her, along with her pistol. Should she take them with her? The pistol she would take. Between her father, Illya, and Ayrn, it may come down to her to deal with anyone who would bother them while they were in transport. Though she had no doubt her father could still shoot, he couldn't run like he used to and the same with Illya at the moment. He'd also been sick the night before. There was no telling what the lumpy little Ayrn would do in an attack. She stowed the pistol decidedly in her waistband.

The files were a different matter. The idea of getting out of the house and leaving it behind was appealing. A vacation from thinking about it all together. Not to mention every time she had landed in a Chippeqouti homestead her things were searched and this is something she wouldn't want them to know. Of course, this time they were going as guests and she doubted her bag would be taken or that they would know what it was. It was written in Kaerelean and the coin was locked to her thumbprint. She stuffed the file into her bag and put the coin into the zipper pouch tucked into the inside seam as well before going down stairs, taking them two at a time. it was hard to contain the excitement when it wouldn't be long before night fell and they could take the last transport to Nuen.

****

They arrived on Nuen it was already night fall, but Edgar, Yvonne, and many of the other Chippeqouti from the Ekram had come out to welcome them as they stepped off the transport. It was good to see the familiar faces, as Yvonne translated for Edgar, explaining where they would be staying. "We are honored that you have invited us to share the day," she replied to Edgar, with a smile and a respectful nod to Yvonne.

Yvonne and Edgar lead them through the sands to a lush oasis where the house awaited. Sitting between the tall palms was a multi storied home of golden yellow and a tan terracotta roof. There were open balconies leading to a central courtyard where a fountain bubbled surrounded by neatly groomed desert flowers. They had put so much work into building a home to welcome dignitaries and guests in such a short amount of time Calysta could hardly believe it. How had they done all of this in a few months? The place was elegant and looked nothing like she saw on Qouti.

The graceful Chip woman lead them through the court yard and into a cool communal living space, before taking them upstairs, giving them each a room. The bedrooms were equipped with large, luxurious looking beds, a table and chairs, wardrobe and a door that lead out onto the balcony over looking the courtyard. The room was fit for a king and it made her feel a little awkward. It was nice that they had invited her there, but it seemed strange to be living in such a beautiful home while the other Chips were not. "This place is beautiful, Yvonne. Thank you, for letting us stay."

Keysha didn't seem to share her reservations about using the space. She brushed past Calysta's knees and hopped up onto the bed without much ado, messing up the crisp blanket. "Keysha, down." The cat gave her a lazy purr before hopping down to the wood floor, her paws landing with a heavy bump. As Yvonne left, she put her bag down in the chair, and went to go check on the others. Ayrn had already taken off his boots and laid back on his bed, as if he had belonged there all his life. Her father was in the living room downstairs, looking over the architecture, and Illya was by the door next to his mother and Edgar. It was obvious that he had planned on going with them, rather than staying here in the villa. In Chippeqouti logic, it made sense. He was just another Chip here, even if he was a general and was with her. It wouldn't look well on her to argue the point, and asking him to stay would make her look like a child. Even if she would miss his company.

"Have a good night," she said to them all, but looked mostly at Illya.

****

Thomas found a bucket outside his door in the morning and followed his daughters instructions since she seemed to know what was going on. He followed her downstairs and outside into the hot desert air. His daughter really wanted to move here? It felt like an oven, but people were already out and about. All of them carrying buckets and lining up outside a large, temporary building of some kind. She lead them into the line, which seemed to be comprised of only the tall Chippeqouti men, and whispered something to Ayrn who was grinning broadly. What was going on?

She turned to him with her own bucket swinging in her hands. "I can't stay in this line, but Ayrn will show you what to do next, okay?" Then she was gone.

Ayrn turned to him, still grinning like a cat that had found a bowl of cream, and held up his bucket. "It's bath time, Professor."

****
He had never seen Ayrn quite so enthused about bathing period, but the fact that this seemed to be a communal bath made his grin a little strange. Maybe he preferred male company and liked communal bathing instead? They came up to the head of the line and stepped into the building. Suddenly, the young man's glee made sense. "Oh."

The men were bathing one side of the long hall, dipping wash clothes into buckets of cold water and wiping down as they talked. Chuckling amongst themselves like any other bathhouse. It was the giggling that caught his attention to the other side of the room. His eyes darted to the opposite side where...the women were bathing. In total and complete view of the men. A familiar head of thick, black hair appeared and his eyes shot up to the rafters. Calysta was with them too?!

"Hey, are you okay Mr. Monroe? C'mon strip down and it's your turn at the spigot."

His face was turning red as he glanced over to the space spot where the men were bathing as if nothing were wrong. "I-I-I-..." Ayrn was already stripped down and filling up his bucket. It was too late to go back now and Henaiah would murder him if he ran out on this invitation. He could keep his eyes up long enough rise off and get out, avoiding her wrath. Or his daughters for that matter. Swallowing his pride, and the modesty that had been ingrained in him since he grew up in the Church, he unbuckled his pants.

****

He washed down and dressed as quickly as he could, trying to keep his eyes to the floor or the ceiling, then wandered outside with Ayrn in tow. The least his daughter could have done was warn him first, about all of this communal bathing -with the women no less- where he could have a least found a diplomatic excuse not to participate. At least it was done and over with.

Illya came out of the bathhouse not long after Ayrn and walked over to them as if everything were fine. Ayrn grinned as the Chip greeted them. "Say, Illya, have they set up one of those pleasure houses here on Nuen yet? I'm thinking we should go sometime. Given stress of the last couple of months and all. Maybe you should even take Mr. Monroe here. He's been plenty tense. "

The man seemed to approve of the idea and Thomas' couldn't believe what he was hearing. " You want to take me to a Pleasure House?"

"Makes a man feel very good. It releases the hardness...hard muscles."

Thomas stared at Illya, noting how what he was saying so casually, made him turn slightly red. He wanted to take his future father-in-law and a dignitary...to a pleasure house? Thomas crossed his arms. "Aye and which muscle are you talking about exactly, Illya?"

"Whatever muscle yah need. Shoulders, back, arms, legs, neck, sometimes skull."

Any attempt at looking stern faded away. What are these people into exactly? "Uh, does Calysta know you like to go to these pleasure houses?"

"Yes she come with meh last time. I get her massage to."

Thomas' mouth fell open slightly as he stared. Calysta knew about the man's wandering ways? And had even went with him?! He had no control over his daughters...night life...and he didn't want to know. He just knew that she hadn't been raised to be so flippant in her activities. Ayrn was snickering behind them.

"Just come. I show yah. Whatever yah choose will feel much better."

"I uh...don't think it's appropriate...Illya,...It's not good for someone to seek pleasure outside their partner...not that kind anyways."

"No yah don't understand. Calysta doesn't have the strength to do it right. I need a man to do the massage."

"I-I-I didn't need to know that, Illya."

"It might help yah. Just try it. If yah worried about someone yah don't know I could do it for yah."

His face was blood red and not from the heat, as Calysta walked up. She gave Ayrn a confused look, as the man's eyes were wide and his hand was clamped over his chin, trying to stifle the laughs.

"Calysta!"

Her brow furrowed, as her confusion deepened. Her father seemed nearly panicked. "What's wrong, dad?" she asked, back in Kaerelean. If it was something personal, she didn't want the others to know.

"You've been to a pleasure house? With these two?" his eyes darted between Illya and Ayrn.

She sighed and shook her head. Leaving these two alone always lead to some sort of mess. Of course, she hardly had room to talk. She had made a similar mistake once too. "It's not what you think. It's just a massage. A normal, non-sexual massage. If they want you to go, you shouldn't refuse. It would be rude and if you just relaxed and tried to keep an open mind, you mind find you liked it."

Thomas rubbed at the back of his head, and took a deep breath. He had been having a hard time separating his daughter's involvement with Illya, from the people themselves. That was not what a good diplomat did. Glancing up to the tall Chip apologetically, he nodded. "That, uh, would be nice actually. A work on the knee wouldn't be bad after all."
 
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