Calysta made sure Illya had his soup and he grinned at her, happy to have something that wasn’t a fruit smoothie. She’s noticed the last night they were at the ranch that his face was looking a little different. His square, blocky jaw looked more defined, and she dared to think it looked thin. His all liquid diet was starting to show and she wished there was a way to give him more food. She’d ordered him two bowls of the roasted tomato and red pepper soup, but he sucked through those like a camel to water, then had the glint in his muddy hazel eyes that he secretly wanted more. He only had a week left and barring any accidents or problems on the way back to Pyrta, he could have them taken out by the Ehaui. While Illya ate, Calysta ordered another meal to be brought up and when it arrived held it out to Dora. The plump woman gave a timid smile and then took the bowl of pasta. “Oh, thank you…um…” The woman seemed a bit clueless but altogether very sweet, and Calysta gave her a gentle smile. “Ariel.” Dora nodded happily and then proceeded to gobble down the pasta with a gusto that reminded Calysta of her son. It was obvious where the guy got his appetite from.
As they all grew tired, it became obvious that the sleeping arrangements were going to be awkward. IIlya’s suggestion seemed fair enough and Calysta felt like it might be better if she went into the bathroom with Illya. They had seen each other plenty of times and it was going to be a long trip home without much time to themselves too. Michelle looked to Dora and the rotund woman looked back with a curious gaze before introducing herself. The newly dyed red-head scowled a little at the introduction and picked up her bag. “I know who you are, Mrs. Yarbough,” Michelle said with distaste. The obvious dislike made Dora shrink back some and Michelle picked up her bag before heading toward the bathroom. “I don’t like changing in front of other people.”
Calysta frowned at the exchange between the two. It made sense that Michelle would dislike Dora if she assumed the woman had anything to do with her husband’s activities. Still, she wondered if the woman was going to be a bit of a pill on the way to Pyrta. “Then we’ll all just change separately,” Calysta said firmly. That comment along with the knowledge that they wouldn’t be sharing a bed the entire way, seemed to smooth things over for the time being and Michelle took her time showering and changing into pajamas, then Dora shuffled into the bathroom only emerge in a tent-like gown with a pink bow at the neckline. Calysta showered and slipped into her fuzzy pajama pants and tank top before walking out to find Illya half dozing on their bed. She brushed her fingers gently over his elbow and he sighed a little before getting up to go get ready for bed. When he came back, he crawled into bed beside her, and though the sheets and blankets were made of a fine material the sound of his scabbed back picking over the bedding set her teeth on edge. The sounds itself was a bit chilling to her, but he could help the shape of his back in the slightest and it was okay.
Her sleep came and went in small snatches of unconsciousness. She had started out laying close to Illya, her head close to his, but through the night her Chip and turned, waking her up with some regularity. He was moaning a little in his sleep, but it was hard to tell if it was conscious frustration, unconscious pain or the threat of an impending seizure. At one point, Calysta slid out of the bed, during one his little sleeping moments and put the seizure medicine by the bedside table within reach. As she crawled back into bed, she stole a glance at the other two women. Dora was on her back, mouth open with growling snores coming from her nose, while Michelle was face down in the mattress and a pillow wrapped tightly around her head. It would be a long trip if those two couldn’t get along. She slid into the covers and then pulled the sheet over Illya’s shoulders which were bare. He didn’t like to be cold, but the touch of the light material made him shudder. He didn’t wake up though and Calysta laid beside him just listening for a long time before coming close to sleep, only to feel the bed shift as he gave up and shuffled into the bathroom.
**
Calysta had been in markets and bizarres all over the galaxy but the concept of the Terran mall was a bit fascinating. There were so many shops and booths, all in doors and an entire cafeteria with colorfully marked places to sample all kinds of Terran foods. “Free sample?” asked one of the workers, offering her a small bite on a stick. Calysta was a bit hesitant to try the offered bite, but her curiosity won out and she took the tiny bite as they walked on. While she nibbled on the sweet bite of meat, another worker stopped her, offering her something else. This looked like a fried dough of some kind and Calysta shrugged before taking that one too. With the two samples in hand and Dora following behind her, they kept going through the cafeteria. Yet another offered her a small bite, then another. By the time they reached the main corridor her hands were full of small samples on pointed sticks and she was trying to juggle how to eat them all. Each one was tastier than the next and she could see Illya leaning over trying to look at the nibblets. "Oh that one is good...this one is too." As she and Dora snickered, trying to eat all of the snacks, Michelle who was leading them, turned back to see them with their hands full and rolled her narrow green eyes.
She finished up the samples quickly and they came to a moving stair case of sorts that lead to the second level of the mall. Calysta had seen them before and hopped onto the stairs as the zipped upward. Illya followed too close behind her though and his chest bumped into her back from the stair below and pitched her forward into Dora's rump. The woman glanced back and tilted her head a bit in confusion. "Sorry about that," Calysta said quickly. Mrs. Yarbrough simply gave her a smile and then nodded. Michelle brought them to one of the larger stores and to Calysta it almost looked large enough to be a warehouse, with wall to wall clothing. There were too many choices sitting out on the racks and she almost grew a little nervous All she needed was to get a few item to wear and that was it, but when Illya handed her some of the money, she started browsing through the racks on the opposite side of Dora with growing excitement. Terran's could wear so many colors and the hanging clothes came in every tone and hue imaginable.
Calysta picked out a tank top shirt with a v-neck and a little lace on the trim, holding it up uncertainly, "That's pretty," Dora comments, "You should try it on, love." Feeling happy that her choice looked like a good one, she fluttered from rack to rack, picking out several tops, jeans and a few skirts before scurrying off the dressing room. Dora was a bit slower in her selection. She wanted something that made her look trim and settled on a black, one piece jumpsuit with flowing pants to try on. William had always had her clothes made the way he wanted and tailored to her, so shopping for them was something she hadn't done in years. Waddling into the dressing room she tried to squeeze into the suit, only to discover there was no way it would fit. The plump woman left the dressing room feeling a bit down, considering she hadn't realized a greater size was needed, she had just guessed by the look of the garment. Calysta came out carrying a pair of jeans and spied Dora pink cheeked, as she returned the jumpsuit to the rack. "Didn't find anything you liked?" The woman shook her head. "No, that one didn't fit I'm afraid." Noting the disappointment in her voice Calysta put a hand on the woman's shoulder. "Well, lets try a different store then." That seemed to perk the woman right up and off they scampered into the depths of the mall, leaving Michelle to brood over which pair of jeans to get. Dora seemed just as excited as Calysta was and they took turns picking things out for one another. The sight of the bruises on the woman's arm didn't go unnoticed by Calysta and it made all the more glad she came. "I've never really done this before," Calysta admitted, picking up a very slinky dress with a giggle. "Me either," Dora laughed back as she held up t-shirt with some sort of cat on it.
Their spree took them from one store to the next and by the time they reached the last store Illya's arms were draped with bags and his eyes were wide. Seeing him looked quite so overwhelmed made Calysta slow down from the rush of shopping with Dora and she turned into one of the more large stores. "I need one more thing. I'll be right back." Leaving the others at the door, she slipped into the aisles and roamed the store hoping to find something good for her Chip.
**************************
Once the shopping was complete Michelle lead them back to the food court again and bought them their lunch. Calysta received a paper bag with a golden M on the front. "McDonyalds? What kind of food is it?" she asked, curiously. Michelle sat a clear cup with a chunky greyish goop in front of Illya and then sat down next to Dora. "It's McDonalds. If you're going to try to pass as a Terran, you might as well know how to say it right," the woman grumbled, "I got you a cheeseburger with fries."
Calytsa had heard of a burger and remembered it was made from animal called a cow, but had never eaten one because beef was expensive on Kaereal and on the outposts. A little excited to try the food now, and glad hers didn't look like Illya's, she unwrapped her cheese burger and inspected the thin little patty stuffed haphazardly between two buns. Dora had already started in on hers without complaint, so it must have been good. Taking up the food in her hands, she took a bite and started to chew. With each passing chomp, her mouth puckered increasingly tight. It was not good. It had a greasy, rubber texture and there was some sour taste roaming around in it, that made her lips draw. This tasted good to Terrans? She felt slightly sickened. Grabbing a napkin, she quick wiped her mouth and spit out the bite at the same time. She would just be hungry until they were able to get some real food. A meal that Michelle wouldn't be picking.
************************
Getting aboard their new ship was easy enough, though the insulated boxes were boiling hot on the inside. By the time Illya found Dora she was covered in sweat with a deep red face, and Michelle was burning up. Calysta was glad to feel fresh air on her red cheeks when he popped the lid on her crate and helped lift her out. As soon as her feet hit the floor though, she was ready to work making dinner in the kitchens. "Oh, I can do that dear," Dora said. Everyone glanced at the woman and she gave a timid shrug. "I like to cook." Michelle stated that she needed to do some organizing with her group on Terra, and with Dora occupied in the galley, Calysta went to the cockpit and started to work on the next task. Creating false papers was a tedious process, but copying her fake ID to make one for the two rescues was a bit easier. Dora became Delores and Michelle became Mary. It took an hours worth of adjustments on tweaking to get a semi-decent looking paper for each woman, but Calysta was rather proud of her work.
Just a she was going to deliver their new identities, the ship gave a metal on metal sound and the power flickered out. Dora squeaked and the sound pots and pans crashing came from the kitchen while Michelle's voice called through the hall "What was that?" A sinking feeling settled into he stomach because she knew it sounded like a stripped gear inside the drive chamber. The power would cut off to prevent loss of life support systems in the event engine failure of this type occurred. "I think it's a stripped gear," Calysta called, pulling out the flash light from her pocket. She could hear Illya's heavy foot falls coming down the corridor behind her and she turned, lighting up his chest with the flash light. "Lets go check it out."
Sure enough, the smell of burning oil and a quick inspection inside of the jump drive panel revealed the shattered gear. Looking to Illya with the flash light between her teeth, she gave the Chip a nod. "Can youb go chekd the spare 'arts? Neeb a 2ft sprocke'." While he rummaged around, Calysta removed the old broken gear portions, grabbing at them quickly. It only took two seconds of holding the metal to realize it was burning hot. "Dambit!" Tossing the old spocket piece to the side, she waggled her hand in the air trying to cool the sting. There was no reason for that piece to be scalding hot unless it was so lacking in lubricant the friction destroyed it. "I dun thinkf they'b eber changed the oil inf thifs engine," she hissed. Illya hauled the new sprocket over and she pointed to another panel. "Go in through there and hold it in place and I'll screw it in."
Crawling through old, burnt chunks of black oil, Illya held the new gear into place while Calysta tightened it down with the socket wrench. "Alright, you can let go." The Chip let the piece hold steady on it's shaft and then she started spraying all of the inner workings of the jumpdrive down with lubricant. When that was done she, crawled out and hit the manual restart. It took a second delay, but the lights flickered on finally and the engine roared to life. "Reset our course and I'll do an inspection down here," she said to Illya with a smile.
**********************************
Calysta saw Illya as he was headed toward the bathroom to wash up before bed. They both were both still covered in engine grime, even after wiping down for dinner, by the end of the day. While Calysta was merely tired she knew Illya would be more sore than anything else and should go get cleaned first. He would be very stiff even after laying down to relax. As he retreated down the hall, she remembered one of the items she'd gotten for him at the large retail store in the mall. "Wait, there!" She called after him before ducking into the bunk room. Pulling one of the unopened bag from the closet, she dodged out into the hallway and caught up to the Chip with a smile. "I got you something on Terra," she said, opening up the bag. With some effort, her little hand clasped the larger item and freed it from the paper cover. It was a small decorative bucket with a globe pattern map printed on the side. She was fairly sure it was meant to be a waste bin, but it had been the only bucket type item the store carried. He liked bathing with a bucket better and it might make him feel more at ease than just the plain shower hitting his tender back. "It's the only bucket they had, really. Hopefully it's big enough."
The Chip turned slightly when he heard Kalizda call to him. Illya couldn't help the quizzical frown that came to his face. What could he possibly need or want? She got him something and he wasn't particularly fond of gifts and she knew that. So it had to be something he needed. He watched as Kalizda's little arm and hand disappeared into a bag and he heard her fingers brush against something. Based on the deep thud sound he guessed it was hollow. When she pulled the bag off he saw a black bucket with gold star maps printed on it. "Oh." Illya couldn't really hide the surprise in his voice. "Aye ets big enough." Gently taking the bucket from her hand he lifted it up to examine the pattern. "Fancy one eh....I like et." Holding the bucket in one hand he gave her another one of lack luster kisses. They just weren't as good with the wires in his jaw, but at least he tried. Chuckling a little he stepped into the bathroom still admiring the bathing bucket.
He seemed surprised at first but then pleased as he examined the bucket. When he graced her with a wobbly lipped kiss, she ran a hand over his arm and smiled before he pulled too far away. "Good. When you're done, come find me and I'll put some oil on your back before the other two are done doing the dishes, yeah?" She said as he stepped into the bathroom. Turning quickly from the door, she set off back to the gally and set up some hot water to boil for coffee. "Oh is that coffee, love?" Dora asked as she leaned over to the cabinet from the sink. Calysta nodded. "Aye, for my husband, but there's plenty if you want some." The plump little woman smiled and then dried her hands before stepping over to the counter. "That would be lovely, there's not very many grounds in the filter though. He drinks it weaker?" Calysta nodded again. She had been making it weaker to make the bitter taste palatable for him. Dora gave her a sweet little smile and motioned for her to add more, then the woman put a pinch of salt. "Just a little salt will take out the bitter." Calysta had no idea, but she would try anything if it helped Illya sleep. "Thank you, Dora." With the experimental coffee in a large cup armed with a straw in one hand and a bottle of pain pills in the other, Calysta went back to the bunkroom and found Illya already sitting on his bunk. "Coffee," she said, holding up the mug to him, " And these will help your back. Take two."
It was good to be taking a bath like a real person again. Illya filled the bucket with water and his oils. Washing himself down he watched the grease from the engines run off his arms and into the drain. When he was finally cleaned up he dumped the rest of the water down the drain and rinsed the walls off. At the last he dumped some mint oil into the bucket and ran some water to make sure it was clean before he set it aside to dry in the shower. Just as long as no one used it for a garbage can he would be fine. Otherwise he would have to clean it again. Slipping into a pair of pants he shuffled out of the bathroom and back to the bunk room. He forgot to go find Kalizda and instead he settled onto his bed and started to flip through some of the books he had saved in trader's tongue. Maybe he could try to listen to some of the Terran history to find out a little more of the area. Though he wasn't particularly fond of history it was becoming increasingly important to understand all the different peoples that he was dealing with. Only a short while into one of the chapters he saw Kalizda come in with a cup and in her hands some pills. Illya paused the book and he sat up. "Sorry I forget." She probably figured he had. Taking the pills from her he took them without question and swallowed then started to sip on the coffee. "Ets better dan usual. What yah do to et?" While she answered he moved over in the bed to make space for Kalizda to sit next to him. "Sit wit meh huh?" Passing the cup to Kalizda he offered just in case she wanted some.
To her surprise he didn't even ask what kind of pills they were before swallowing the down with a swig of coffee. "It's alright. It's been a long day," she replied. She was glad to hear the coffee really did taste better than her normal brew. The salt trick actually worked and when she thought about the spectacular dinner Dora had made, it made sense that she would know about how to fix up a little plain coffee too. With a coy grin she held up her hand, motioning for him to keep drinking it. "I learned a few secrets," she chuckled, "I'm still pretty dirty from the engine, if that's okay." She kicked off her dirty boots and shirt to her undershirt before crawling in beside him. His info pad was out in his tan hands with a page on Terra, most of it written in a mix of traders tongue and plain Terran. It made her glad to see he was reading more on his own again because it had been something he enjoyed but she was curious to know why he had chosen Terra for the night. "What are you reading about? " she asked, leaning against him just a little.
It didn't matter much to Illya if she was still dirty and he just grinned at her. As soon as she crawled into the bed she began to peer over his shoulder and at the pad sitting in his lap. "Terra." Giving her the clearest and most simple answer he took another sip of his coffee only to see that she was giving him that look. One of those that said she wanted him to say more than he did. "I read about wars before Alliance forms." That should give her an idea of the time frame. Mostly he wanted to know how their political system and developed and approximately what he could expect from the people. So far it seemed that they were repeating their history and it he found it a little ironic.
"My father taught me Terran history along side Kaerelean history when he home schooled me," Calysta replied, leaning even closer. Her eyes scanned over the page and she noticed he was focusing on an ancient global war. "Terrible things happened in that war. Not too different from what was being done to your people. They selected a leader not too unlike Yarborough in some ways and he lead the entire planet into a bloody war." Scrolling down she showed him a few other wars, then she grinned coming to the 'Summer of Love' and then even further to the Great Fall. " A major country that took up an entire continent went to civil war and took the economy of the planet with it. They were already colonizing another planet in the area at the time but that entire city died out with chaos and resource wars breaking out all over the planet. Some places are still uninhabitable. After enough fighting a global republic was formed. They have been fairly peaceable for hundreds of years after that. Some small spats but no intersystem wars till now." Pausing over the image of a tall man in a Terran suit and a woman with short brown hair wearing a jumpsuit with Kaerelean markings. "First contact with the Terrans," Calysta chuckled, "Audio recording has their leader yelling into the microphone. He seemed to think the langauge barrier was more of a hearing problem." A moment passed and she looked to Illya, "How did the Chips meet the Ehaui?"
The faster scroll through the information was a little frustrating since he had been spending a long time trying to read it. Illya still took much longer than he liked to when he read and some words were difficult, but he would have enjoyed it a little more if she hadn't spoiled all the upcoming events in his reading. All the same he listened and waited till she was done. Naturally she turned to ask him about the Ehaui and Illya shrugged. "Ehaui tink dey expand ta further planets. Maybe we backwards and live our way, but dey couldn't kill us so easy." A broad grin came to his face. "Dey still tink we backwards." Since it seemed she was waiting for the story Illya adjusted the blankets on his legs and settled in to tell her the story while the other women were still busy. "Ehaui land in lowland area. Forest and trees. Tink dey have new land and savages. Only dey meet light Chippequoti and dey drive dem into da desert. Didn't know dat dey about ta meet meh ancestors. Meh family always warriors. War erupted and dey could not navigate desert mountains well enough ta find all Chippequoti. When we conquer dem and push dem out of our land dey make pact and we get technology and help expand territory. Since den Chippequoti and Ehuai always hate another, but we work togeter to defeat who we must."
He gave her a slightly disappointed look and she wasn't entirely sure why. She had just been talking with him, but maybe he just didn't like her mentioning what the Federation did on Qouti. She wouldn't blame him and decided not to mention it again unless she had to. Shifting a little next to him, Illya started telling her about the Ehaui, one of the first answers she hadn't had to pull tooth and nail from him. He chuckled and grinned when he explained that the Ehaui thought they were backwards and still thought so. The Ehaui had been stubborn and haughty conquerors while the Chips had been equally stubborn and smart. She thought of the differences between the two races and it made her smile to think of them finding a way to work together, living in the same system. Leaning in to his ear Calysta, giggled. "Well they do manage to get hard-headed Chip to listen sometimes." Thinking more about what he said, she wondered what he thought about the Kareleans but she thought the better of asking. Given how he thought of outsiders before his memory loss, she imagined he thought of them like the Ehaui now. "I didn't know your family were always warriors though. Is there a reason why? And when the Chips began expanding with the Ehaui., did they become tired of conquering or did you run into a rogue?"
"Some always study war and ets better if a general raises his son or daughter to be next general. Dere es more understanding. Sometimes Chippequoti change dere family job, but not much." Illya glanced at her for a moment. He had thought that this is something they would have talked about before. "I get meh work and I must do as well as meh fater or et es disappointment." There was always a certain level of ambition in anything that they did and he shrugged. "Chippequoti dun get tired of conquering, but dey decide when ta stop and den dey are done for time." Only rogue es when dey choose nut ta live like Chippequoti and adopt outside practice or fight dere own. Sometimes we have rogue and when we do men like meh must find and kill dem."
"Hmm."Calysta listened to him and wasn't entirely sure how to feel about what she heard. First there was the comment about his work and how he had to do as well has his father. She didn't like the idea of Cypher becoming a military man unless that was what he wanted. Not only that but it sounded like Illlya was almost wondering why he if he could not only fill his father's shoes but do even better than that. Who was to judge if he did better than his father? How did one measure that? "I think...I think Cypher and Rose should decide for themselves...so long as they don't want to become pirates or exotic dancers or something," she said honestly, "You shouldn't have to be better than your father...I'm not sure how anyone could even measure who was better. " Laying her head against his shoulder she closed her eyes, and thought of the other part of what he said. The Chippeqouti dun get tired of conquering. "Maybe the Chippeqouti would have conquered the Kaereleans once not too long ago."
Like usual Kalizda was trying to be diplomatic and Illya shook his head with a playful roll of his eyes. She was talking about measuring and trying to make him feel better about himself. It wasn't like there was a whole lot to do to erase what he'd done or even determine how he would do. Illya would just do his best and hope that it was enough. However, she did surprise him when it came to the children and their choice. "Why? Yah people choose what dey do?" Turning slightly he peered into her eyes and she posed another little statement. "Ef Chippequoti conquer yah people I tink yah would never have considered meh for agreement."
Her eyes opened and she titled her chin up to meet Illya's gaze. He was still wearing this contacts and it though she had gotten used to seeing the hazel, she missed those bright green eyes. "You wouldn't have given me the chance," Calysta replied quietly, "And we do. My father was a navigation officer and then a professor. I liked exploring and chose a commission with Skycorp because I wanted to see things no one had seen before. Meet people no one ever had before. It's thought that people are more efficient and even happier pursuing something they enjoy and can decide their strengths for themselves."
"Happy because of work?" Chuckling a little he shook his head. "Efficient doesn't come wit happiness. Yah learn work and do et well. Happiness es what yah look for wit yah family." Illya didn't understand how they could put so much weight on their work in regards to happiness. "Besides ef yah nut happy inside den yah work never make yah happy and nut yah family either. I dun like meh work, but I do et well and I still happy."
Calysta heard him chuckling over the idea of working being enjoyable and being fulfilling. She disagreed in part and actually agreed in part. "Why not be happy in both?" she mused, "But I think you're right. If you're happy inside nothing will ever make you happy. Not work or family." When he mentioned not liking his work but still being happy she blinked up at him in surprise. That had really been the first time he'd said something like that and she smiled probably more than she should have, but she couldn't help it. Leaning up, she kissed his cheek and squeezed his hand. "I'm glad you're happy, Illya." It felt good to say his name and she leaned back against his shoulder.
She seemed to be far too surprised at the statement that he was happy. Illya blinked a few times after she laid a very deliberate kiss on his cheek. "Why wouldn't I be happy? I have beautiful Kalizda. We have daughter and son. Meh Kalizda es good to meh and I love her."
It was hard to tell if that was an actual question or if he meant it as a more rhetorical question. The truth was, she had been worried if he had been happy with her since he lost his memory. Not that his unhappiness would have been her fault, but that all of the confusion, changes, and occasional rush of memory might have made him be happy more difficult. It seemed that he was happy though, underneath the more stressful moments and knowing that was incredibly relieving to hear out loud even if his actions had said it too. "It was just something I worried about when you lost your memory," she shrugged, with a little smile, " I love you and want you to be happy. "
Wrapping an arm around Kalizda's shoulder he nodded. "I want same for yah. When I see how hard yah work to be good wife when I dun remember yah I know yah better den if I agreed wit a woman born Chip. Meh little bird es faithful and I am happy for her. Meh woman, meh friend, and meh love." Even if he wanted to say more he knew there wasn't much time left. The other two women were likely to be coming out of the kitchen soon. "Yah meh closest friend I tink of yah everyday."
His arms were warm and though these were stolen seconds from the others, she sank into him, smiling in contentment. This Chip man was her best friend, by whatever design or happenstance, and she loved him with all she had. Wrapping a gentle arm around his waist she hugged him close. "You're my best friend and more." With a little squeeze, she let him go and met his gaze, giving him a wink. "And best at a few other things too." The door to the bunk room opened revealing a grumpy looking Michelle and a more or less pleasant Dora. Dora's eyes scanned them over with curiosity and she hesitated before being ushered into the room by her travel partner who did seem to care if they were interrupting. "I should probably go get cleaned up," Calysta said, giving Illya a quick kiss before inching off of the reluctantly. Leaving Illya with a bit of playful smile, she scurried out of the room with her pajama's in hand, headed to the bathroom.
Michelle announced that she would go change clothes in the small communal room while Dora gathered up her night gown. She kept stealing glances at the Chip man, she couldn't help but think back to the way he acted around his little woman, especially the way he looked at her. Finally she said something. "You are always so kind to your wife," she commented in a little squeak, "You are just like Brandon Guapo." The man looked confused and she had forgotten he wasn't exactly from Terra. "Oh. I'll show you." Putting down her pajamas, the plump woman picked up her pad and used her thick fingers over the screen till she pulled up a video stream. " He's the most handsome and brave man on 'And the World Spins Madly On.'" Holding up the info pad for him to see, Dora pressed play on the video. On the screen a tall, dark skinned man with flowing hair walked on screen, chin held high and started talking to a woman. "That's Brandon Guapo right there." A man interrupted them and there was a fist fight between the two with Guapo coming out on top as the winner. As soon as he won, he returned to the woman, and immediately swooped her up for a kiss.
When the video ended, Dora gave Illya an apologetic look. "I used to watch this story every day at home and its one of my favorites to see. If you want we can watch more. Oh and that reminds me. Aaron sent something for you. I didn't even remember it till now." Putting down the pad, the plump woman jiggled over to her bad and pulled out a small hologram coin and a external hardrive no bigger than her thumbnail. "He really wanted you to have this," she said shyly as she offered them to Illya with her palm open.
*****************
When Calysta came back from the bathroom all fresh and clean, she found Illya asleep on his bunk with his info pad in his hand. She walked over and gently slid the device from his big fingers and put it on the beside table, then covered him up. Dora was already snoring away and Michelle was up reading still. With Illya well on is way to a good night's rest, she started to climb up the ladder to the bunk above his. The bunks were simply too small to share, though she wished that she could share with her Chip. On the way up her toe caught on the rung and let out a loud, painful pop. "Ouch!" Half collapsing on the bunk, she held up her big toe and rubbed it until the pain went away some. It had been a long day, and all she wanted was to close her eyes and sleep. She burrowed under the covers sighed, feeling the lack of Chip beside her totally strange now that she had grown spoiled from snuggling. The bunk room was wonderfully dark and quiet. Perfect for sleeping. With her head buried in the soft feather pillow, she relaxed enough to drift off.
What time the auto pilot dinged for their first refueling stop she didn't know, but Illya didn't budge from his bed and everyone else was still asleep in some way. Calysta stumbled from her bunk, missing the bottom rung of the ladder and landing hard on the floor. "Augh!" A sharp sting went up her rump, but she rolled to her feet then stumbled into the cockpit, rubbing at her bottom.
She would bring them into port and then go bed again once they were docked. It seemed like a good plan, except there was no dock. The offboard cameras zoomed in on the planet surface and there wasn't much left of Alpha Centauri except for fires from bombs and crumbling buildings. What had done this? Had it been the Federation or the Cirellants? It didn't matter, the bottom line was that landing there to refuel was out of the question.
As they all grew tired, it became obvious that the sleeping arrangements were going to be awkward. IIlya’s suggestion seemed fair enough and Calysta felt like it might be better if she went into the bathroom with Illya. They had seen each other plenty of times and it was going to be a long trip home without much time to themselves too. Michelle looked to Dora and the rotund woman looked back with a curious gaze before introducing herself. The newly dyed red-head scowled a little at the introduction and picked up her bag. “I know who you are, Mrs. Yarbough,” Michelle said with distaste. The obvious dislike made Dora shrink back some and Michelle picked up her bag before heading toward the bathroom. “I don’t like changing in front of other people.”
Calysta frowned at the exchange between the two. It made sense that Michelle would dislike Dora if she assumed the woman had anything to do with her husband’s activities. Still, she wondered if the woman was going to be a bit of a pill on the way to Pyrta. “Then we’ll all just change separately,” Calysta said firmly. That comment along with the knowledge that they wouldn’t be sharing a bed the entire way, seemed to smooth things over for the time being and Michelle took her time showering and changing into pajamas, then Dora shuffled into the bathroom only emerge in a tent-like gown with a pink bow at the neckline. Calysta showered and slipped into her fuzzy pajama pants and tank top before walking out to find Illya half dozing on their bed. She brushed her fingers gently over his elbow and he sighed a little before getting up to go get ready for bed. When he came back, he crawled into bed beside her, and though the sheets and blankets were made of a fine material the sound of his scabbed back picking over the bedding set her teeth on edge. The sounds itself was a bit chilling to her, but he could help the shape of his back in the slightest and it was okay.
Her sleep came and went in small snatches of unconsciousness. She had started out laying close to Illya, her head close to his, but through the night her Chip and turned, waking her up with some regularity. He was moaning a little in his sleep, but it was hard to tell if it was conscious frustration, unconscious pain or the threat of an impending seizure. At one point, Calysta slid out of the bed, during one his little sleeping moments and put the seizure medicine by the bedside table within reach. As she crawled back into bed, she stole a glance at the other two women. Dora was on her back, mouth open with growling snores coming from her nose, while Michelle was face down in the mattress and a pillow wrapped tightly around her head. It would be a long trip if those two couldn’t get along. She slid into the covers and then pulled the sheet over Illya’s shoulders which were bare. He didn’t like to be cold, but the touch of the light material made him shudder. He didn’t wake up though and Calysta laid beside him just listening for a long time before coming close to sleep, only to feel the bed shift as he gave up and shuffled into the bathroom.
**
Calysta had been in markets and bizarres all over the galaxy but the concept of the Terran mall was a bit fascinating. There were so many shops and booths, all in doors and an entire cafeteria with colorfully marked places to sample all kinds of Terran foods. “Free sample?” asked one of the workers, offering her a small bite on a stick. Calysta was a bit hesitant to try the offered bite, but her curiosity won out and she took the tiny bite as they walked on. While she nibbled on the sweet bite of meat, another worker stopped her, offering her something else. This looked like a fried dough of some kind and Calysta shrugged before taking that one too. With the two samples in hand and Dora following behind her, they kept going through the cafeteria. Yet another offered her a small bite, then another. By the time they reached the main corridor her hands were full of small samples on pointed sticks and she was trying to juggle how to eat them all. Each one was tastier than the next and she could see Illya leaning over trying to look at the nibblets. "Oh that one is good...this one is too." As she and Dora snickered, trying to eat all of the snacks, Michelle who was leading them, turned back to see them with their hands full and rolled her narrow green eyes.
She finished up the samples quickly and they came to a moving stair case of sorts that lead to the second level of the mall. Calysta had seen them before and hopped onto the stairs as the zipped upward. Illya followed too close behind her though and his chest bumped into her back from the stair below and pitched her forward into Dora's rump. The woman glanced back and tilted her head a bit in confusion. "Sorry about that," Calysta said quickly. Mrs. Yarbrough simply gave her a smile and then nodded. Michelle brought them to one of the larger stores and to Calysta it almost looked large enough to be a warehouse, with wall to wall clothing. There were too many choices sitting out on the racks and she almost grew a little nervous All she needed was to get a few item to wear and that was it, but when Illya handed her some of the money, she started browsing through the racks on the opposite side of Dora with growing excitement. Terran's could wear so many colors and the hanging clothes came in every tone and hue imaginable.
Calysta picked out a tank top shirt with a v-neck and a little lace on the trim, holding it up uncertainly, "That's pretty," Dora comments, "You should try it on, love." Feeling happy that her choice looked like a good one, she fluttered from rack to rack, picking out several tops, jeans and a few skirts before scurrying off the dressing room. Dora was a bit slower in her selection. She wanted something that made her look trim and settled on a black, one piece jumpsuit with flowing pants to try on. William had always had her clothes made the way he wanted and tailored to her, so shopping for them was something she hadn't done in years. Waddling into the dressing room she tried to squeeze into the suit, only to discover there was no way it would fit. The plump woman left the dressing room feeling a bit down, considering she hadn't realized a greater size was needed, she had just guessed by the look of the garment. Calysta came out carrying a pair of jeans and spied Dora pink cheeked, as she returned the jumpsuit to the rack. "Didn't find anything you liked?" The woman shook her head. "No, that one didn't fit I'm afraid." Noting the disappointment in her voice Calysta put a hand on the woman's shoulder. "Well, lets try a different store then." That seemed to perk the woman right up and off they scampered into the depths of the mall, leaving Michelle to brood over which pair of jeans to get. Dora seemed just as excited as Calysta was and they took turns picking things out for one another. The sight of the bruises on the woman's arm didn't go unnoticed by Calysta and it made all the more glad she came. "I've never really done this before," Calysta admitted, picking up a very slinky dress with a giggle. "Me either," Dora laughed back as she held up t-shirt with some sort of cat on it.
Their spree took them from one store to the next and by the time they reached the last store Illya's arms were draped with bags and his eyes were wide. Seeing him looked quite so overwhelmed made Calysta slow down from the rush of shopping with Dora and she turned into one of the more large stores. "I need one more thing. I'll be right back." Leaving the others at the door, she slipped into the aisles and roamed the store hoping to find something good for her Chip.
**************************
Once the shopping was complete Michelle lead them back to the food court again and bought them their lunch. Calysta received a paper bag with a golden M on the front. "McDonyalds? What kind of food is it?" she asked, curiously. Michelle sat a clear cup with a chunky greyish goop in front of Illya and then sat down next to Dora. "It's McDonalds. If you're going to try to pass as a Terran, you might as well know how to say it right," the woman grumbled, "I got you a cheeseburger with fries."
Calytsa had heard of a burger and remembered it was made from animal called a cow, but had never eaten one because beef was expensive on Kaereal and on the outposts. A little excited to try the food now, and glad hers didn't look like Illya's, she unwrapped her cheese burger and inspected the thin little patty stuffed haphazardly between two buns. Dora had already started in on hers without complaint, so it must have been good. Taking up the food in her hands, she took a bite and started to chew. With each passing chomp, her mouth puckered increasingly tight. It was not good. It had a greasy, rubber texture and there was some sour taste roaming around in it, that made her lips draw. This tasted good to Terrans? She felt slightly sickened. Grabbing a napkin, she quick wiped her mouth and spit out the bite at the same time. She would just be hungry until they were able to get some real food. A meal that Michelle wouldn't be picking.
************************
Getting aboard their new ship was easy enough, though the insulated boxes were boiling hot on the inside. By the time Illya found Dora she was covered in sweat with a deep red face, and Michelle was burning up. Calysta was glad to feel fresh air on her red cheeks when he popped the lid on her crate and helped lift her out. As soon as her feet hit the floor though, she was ready to work making dinner in the kitchens. "Oh, I can do that dear," Dora said. Everyone glanced at the woman and she gave a timid shrug. "I like to cook." Michelle stated that she needed to do some organizing with her group on Terra, and with Dora occupied in the galley, Calysta went to the cockpit and started to work on the next task. Creating false papers was a tedious process, but copying her fake ID to make one for the two rescues was a bit easier. Dora became Delores and Michelle became Mary. It took an hours worth of adjustments on tweaking to get a semi-decent looking paper for each woman, but Calysta was rather proud of her work.
Just a she was going to deliver their new identities, the ship gave a metal on metal sound and the power flickered out. Dora squeaked and the sound pots and pans crashing came from the kitchen while Michelle's voice called through the hall "What was that?" A sinking feeling settled into he stomach because she knew it sounded like a stripped gear inside the drive chamber. The power would cut off to prevent loss of life support systems in the event engine failure of this type occurred. "I think it's a stripped gear," Calysta called, pulling out the flash light from her pocket. She could hear Illya's heavy foot falls coming down the corridor behind her and she turned, lighting up his chest with the flash light. "Lets go check it out."
Sure enough, the smell of burning oil and a quick inspection inside of the jump drive panel revealed the shattered gear. Looking to Illya with the flash light between her teeth, she gave the Chip a nod. "Can youb go chekd the spare 'arts? Neeb a 2ft sprocke'." While he rummaged around, Calysta removed the old broken gear portions, grabbing at them quickly. It only took two seconds of holding the metal to realize it was burning hot. "Dambit!" Tossing the old spocket piece to the side, she waggled her hand in the air trying to cool the sting. There was no reason for that piece to be scalding hot unless it was so lacking in lubricant the friction destroyed it. "I dun thinkf they'b eber changed the oil inf thifs engine," she hissed. Illya hauled the new sprocket over and she pointed to another panel. "Go in through there and hold it in place and I'll screw it in."
Crawling through old, burnt chunks of black oil, Illya held the new gear into place while Calysta tightened it down with the socket wrench. "Alright, you can let go." The Chip let the piece hold steady on it's shaft and then she started spraying all of the inner workings of the jumpdrive down with lubricant. When that was done she, crawled out and hit the manual restart. It took a second delay, but the lights flickered on finally and the engine roared to life. "Reset our course and I'll do an inspection down here," she said to Illya with a smile.
**********************************
Calysta saw Illya as he was headed toward the bathroom to wash up before bed. They both were both still covered in engine grime, even after wiping down for dinner, by the end of the day. While Calysta was merely tired she knew Illya would be more sore than anything else and should go get cleaned first. He would be very stiff even after laying down to relax. As he retreated down the hall, she remembered one of the items she'd gotten for him at the large retail store in the mall. "Wait, there!" She called after him before ducking into the bunk room. Pulling one of the unopened bag from the closet, she dodged out into the hallway and caught up to the Chip with a smile. "I got you something on Terra," she said, opening up the bag. With some effort, her little hand clasped the larger item and freed it from the paper cover. It was a small decorative bucket with a globe pattern map printed on the side. She was fairly sure it was meant to be a waste bin, but it had been the only bucket type item the store carried. He liked bathing with a bucket better and it might make him feel more at ease than just the plain shower hitting his tender back. "It's the only bucket they had, really. Hopefully it's big enough."
The Chip turned slightly when he heard Kalizda call to him. Illya couldn't help the quizzical frown that came to his face. What could he possibly need or want? She got him something and he wasn't particularly fond of gifts and she knew that. So it had to be something he needed. He watched as Kalizda's little arm and hand disappeared into a bag and he heard her fingers brush against something. Based on the deep thud sound he guessed it was hollow. When she pulled the bag off he saw a black bucket with gold star maps printed on it. "Oh." Illya couldn't really hide the surprise in his voice. "Aye ets big enough." Gently taking the bucket from her hand he lifted it up to examine the pattern. "Fancy one eh....I like et." Holding the bucket in one hand he gave her another one of lack luster kisses. They just weren't as good with the wires in his jaw, but at least he tried. Chuckling a little he stepped into the bathroom still admiring the bathing bucket.
He seemed surprised at first but then pleased as he examined the bucket. When he graced her with a wobbly lipped kiss, she ran a hand over his arm and smiled before he pulled too far away. "Good. When you're done, come find me and I'll put some oil on your back before the other two are done doing the dishes, yeah?" She said as he stepped into the bathroom. Turning quickly from the door, she set off back to the gally and set up some hot water to boil for coffee. "Oh is that coffee, love?" Dora asked as she leaned over to the cabinet from the sink. Calysta nodded. "Aye, for my husband, but there's plenty if you want some." The plump little woman smiled and then dried her hands before stepping over to the counter. "That would be lovely, there's not very many grounds in the filter though. He drinks it weaker?" Calysta nodded again. She had been making it weaker to make the bitter taste palatable for him. Dora gave her a sweet little smile and motioned for her to add more, then the woman put a pinch of salt. "Just a little salt will take out the bitter." Calysta had no idea, but she would try anything if it helped Illya sleep. "Thank you, Dora." With the experimental coffee in a large cup armed with a straw in one hand and a bottle of pain pills in the other, Calysta went back to the bunkroom and found Illya already sitting on his bunk. "Coffee," she said, holding up the mug to him, " And these will help your back. Take two."
It was good to be taking a bath like a real person again. Illya filled the bucket with water and his oils. Washing himself down he watched the grease from the engines run off his arms and into the drain. When he was finally cleaned up he dumped the rest of the water down the drain and rinsed the walls off. At the last he dumped some mint oil into the bucket and ran some water to make sure it was clean before he set it aside to dry in the shower. Just as long as no one used it for a garbage can he would be fine. Otherwise he would have to clean it again. Slipping into a pair of pants he shuffled out of the bathroom and back to the bunk room. He forgot to go find Kalizda and instead he settled onto his bed and started to flip through some of the books he had saved in trader's tongue. Maybe he could try to listen to some of the Terran history to find out a little more of the area. Though he wasn't particularly fond of history it was becoming increasingly important to understand all the different peoples that he was dealing with. Only a short while into one of the chapters he saw Kalizda come in with a cup and in her hands some pills. Illya paused the book and he sat up. "Sorry I forget." She probably figured he had. Taking the pills from her he took them without question and swallowed then started to sip on the coffee. "Ets better dan usual. What yah do to et?" While she answered he moved over in the bed to make space for Kalizda to sit next to him. "Sit wit meh huh?" Passing the cup to Kalizda he offered just in case she wanted some.
To her surprise he didn't even ask what kind of pills they were before swallowing the down with a swig of coffee. "It's alright. It's been a long day," she replied. She was glad to hear the coffee really did taste better than her normal brew. The salt trick actually worked and when she thought about the spectacular dinner Dora had made, it made sense that she would know about how to fix up a little plain coffee too. With a coy grin she held up her hand, motioning for him to keep drinking it. "I learned a few secrets," she chuckled, "I'm still pretty dirty from the engine, if that's okay." She kicked off her dirty boots and shirt to her undershirt before crawling in beside him. His info pad was out in his tan hands with a page on Terra, most of it written in a mix of traders tongue and plain Terran. It made her glad to see he was reading more on his own again because it had been something he enjoyed but she was curious to know why he had chosen Terra for the night. "What are you reading about? " she asked, leaning against him just a little.
It didn't matter much to Illya if she was still dirty and he just grinned at her. As soon as she crawled into the bed she began to peer over his shoulder and at the pad sitting in his lap. "Terra." Giving her the clearest and most simple answer he took another sip of his coffee only to see that she was giving him that look. One of those that said she wanted him to say more than he did. "I read about wars before Alliance forms." That should give her an idea of the time frame. Mostly he wanted to know how their political system and developed and approximately what he could expect from the people. So far it seemed that they were repeating their history and it he found it a little ironic.
"My father taught me Terran history along side Kaerelean history when he home schooled me," Calysta replied, leaning even closer. Her eyes scanned over the page and she noticed he was focusing on an ancient global war. "Terrible things happened in that war. Not too different from what was being done to your people. They selected a leader not too unlike Yarborough in some ways and he lead the entire planet into a bloody war." Scrolling down she showed him a few other wars, then she grinned coming to the 'Summer of Love' and then even further to the Great Fall. " A major country that took up an entire continent went to civil war and took the economy of the planet with it. They were already colonizing another planet in the area at the time but that entire city died out with chaos and resource wars breaking out all over the planet. Some places are still uninhabitable. After enough fighting a global republic was formed. They have been fairly peaceable for hundreds of years after that. Some small spats but no intersystem wars till now." Pausing over the image of a tall man in a Terran suit and a woman with short brown hair wearing a jumpsuit with Kaerelean markings. "First contact with the Terrans," Calysta chuckled, "Audio recording has their leader yelling into the microphone. He seemed to think the langauge barrier was more of a hearing problem." A moment passed and she looked to Illya, "How did the Chips meet the Ehaui?"
The faster scroll through the information was a little frustrating since he had been spending a long time trying to read it. Illya still took much longer than he liked to when he read and some words were difficult, but he would have enjoyed it a little more if she hadn't spoiled all the upcoming events in his reading. All the same he listened and waited till she was done. Naturally she turned to ask him about the Ehaui and Illya shrugged. "Ehaui tink dey expand ta further planets. Maybe we backwards and live our way, but dey couldn't kill us so easy." A broad grin came to his face. "Dey still tink we backwards." Since it seemed she was waiting for the story Illya adjusted the blankets on his legs and settled in to tell her the story while the other women were still busy. "Ehaui land in lowland area. Forest and trees. Tink dey have new land and savages. Only dey meet light Chippequoti and dey drive dem into da desert. Didn't know dat dey about ta meet meh ancestors. Meh family always warriors. War erupted and dey could not navigate desert mountains well enough ta find all Chippequoti. When we conquer dem and push dem out of our land dey make pact and we get technology and help expand territory. Since den Chippequoti and Ehuai always hate another, but we work togeter to defeat who we must."
He gave her a slightly disappointed look and she wasn't entirely sure why. She had just been talking with him, but maybe he just didn't like her mentioning what the Federation did on Qouti. She wouldn't blame him and decided not to mention it again unless she had to. Shifting a little next to him, Illya started telling her about the Ehaui, one of the first answers she hadn't had to pull tooth and nail from him. He chuckled and grinned when he explained that the Ehaui thought they were backwards and still thought so. The Ehaui had been stubborn and haughty conquerors while the Chips had been equally stubborn and smart. She thought of the differences between the two races and it made her smile to think of them finding a way to work together, living in the same system. Leaning in to his ear Calysta, giggled. "Well they do manage to get hard-headed Chip to listen sometimes." Thinking more about what he said, she wondered what he thought about the Kareleans but she thought the better of asking. Given how he thought of outsiders before his memory loss, she imagined he thought of them like the Ehaui now. "I didn't know your family were always warriors though. Is there a reason why? And when the Chips began expanding with the Ehaui., did they become tired of conquering or did you run into a rogue?"
"Some always study war and ets better if a general raises his son or daughter to be next general. Dere es more understanding. Sometimes Chippequoti change dere family job, but not much." Illya glanced at her for a moment. He had thought that this is something they would have talked about before. "I get meh work and I must do as well as meh fater or et es disappointment." There was always a certain level of ambition in anything that they did and he shrugged. "Chippequoti dun get tired of conquering, but dey decide when ta stop and den dey are done for time." Only rogue es when dey choose nut ta live like Chippequoti and adopt outside practice or fight dere own. Sometimes we have rogue and when we do men like meh must find and kill dem."
"Hmm."Calysta listened to him and wasn't entirely sure how to feel about what she heard. First there was the comment about his work and how he had to do as well has his father. She didn't like the idea of Cypher becoming a military man unless that was what he wanted. Not only that but it sounded like Illlya was almost wondering why he if he could not only fill his father's shoes but do even better than that. Who was to judge if he did better than his father? How did one measure that? "I think...I think Cypher and Rose should decide for themselves...so long as they don't want to become pirates or exotic dancers or something," she said honestly, "You shouldn't have to be better than your father...I'm not sure how anyone could even measure who was better. " Laying her head against his shoulder she closed her eyes, and thought of the other part of what he said. The Chippeqouti dun get tired of conquering. "Maybe the Chippeqouti would have conquered the Kaereleans once not too long ago."
Like usual Kalizda was trying to be diplomatic and Illya shook his head with a playful roll of his eyes. She was talking about measuring and trying to make him feel better about himself. It wasn't like there was a whole lot to do to erase what he'd done or even determine how he would do. Illya would just do his best and hope that it was enough. However, she did surprise him when it came to the children and their choice. "Why? Yah people choose what dey do?" Turning slightly he peered into her eyes and she posed another little statement. "Ef Chippequoti conquer yah people I tink yah would never have considered meh for agreement."
Her eyes opened and she titled her chin up to meet Illya's gaze. He was still wearing this contacts and it though she had gotten used to seeing the hazel, she missed those bright green eyes. "You wouldn't have given me the chance," Calysta replied quietly, "And we do. My father was a navigation officer and then a professor. I liked exploring and chose a commission with Skycorp because I wanted to see things no one had seen before. Meet people no one ever had before. It's thought that people are more efficient and even happier pursuing something they enjoy and can decide their strengths for themselves."
"Happy because of work?" Chuckling a little he shook his head. "Efficient doesn't come wit happiness. Yah learn work and do et well. Happiness es what yah look for wit yah family." Illya didn't understand how they could put so much weight on their work in regards to happiness. "Besides ef yah nut happy inside den yah work never make yah happy and nut yah family either. I dun like meh work, but I do et well and I still happy."
Calysta heard him chuckling over the idea of working being enjoyable and being fulfilling. She disagreed in part and actually agreed in part. "Why not be happy in both?" she mused, "But I think you're right. If you're happy inside nothing will ever make you happy. Not work or family." When he mentioned not liking his work but still being happy she blinked up at him in surprise. That had really been the first time he'd said something like that and she smiled probably more than she should have, but she couldn't help it. Leaning up, she kissed his cheek and squeezed his hand. "I'm glad you're happy, Illya." It felt good to say his name and she leaned back against his shoulder.
She seemed to be far too surprised at the statement that he was happy. Illya blinked a few times after she laid a very deliberate kiss on his cheek. "Why wouldn't I be happy? I have beautiful Kalizda. We have daughter and son. Meh Kalizda es good to meh and I love her."
It was hard to tell if that was an actual question or if he meant it as a more rhetorical question. The truth was, she had been worried if he had been happy with her since he lost his memory. Not that his unhappiness would have been her fault, but that all of the confusion, changes, and occasional rush of memory might have made him be happy more difficult. It seemed that he was happy though, underneath the more stressful moments and knowing that was incredibly relieving to hear out loud even if his actions had said it too. "It was just something I worried about when you lost your memory," she shrugged, with a little smile, " I love you and want you to be happy. "
Wrapping an arm around Kalizda's shoulder he nodded. "I want same for yah. When I see how hard yah work to be good wife when I dun remember yah I know yah better den if I agreed wit a woman born Chip. Meh little bird es faithful and I am happy for her. Meh woman, meh friend, and meh love." Even if he wanted to say more he knew there wasn't much time left. The other two women were likely to be coming out of the kitchen soon. "Yah meh closest friend I tink of yah everyday."
His arms were warm and though these were stolen seconds from the others, she sank into him, smiling in contentment. This Chip man was her best friend, by whatever design or happenstance, and she loved him with all she had. Wrapping a gentle arm around his waist she hugged him close. "You're my best friend and more." With a little squeeze, she let him go and met his gaze, giving him a wink. "And best at a few other things too." The door to the bunk room opened revealing a grumpy looking Michelle and a more or less pleasant Dora. Dora's eyes scanned them over with curiosity and she hesitated before being ushered into the room by her travel partner who did seem to care if they were interrupting. "I should probably go get cleaned up," Calysta said, giving Illya a quick kiss before inching off of the reluctantly. Leaving Illya with a bit of playful smile, she scurried out of the room with her pajama's in hand, headed to the bathroom.
Michelle announced that she would go change clothes in the small communal room while Dora gathered up her night gown. She kept stealing glances at the Chip man, she couldn't help but think back to the way he acted around his little woman, especially the way he looked at her. Finally she said something. "You are always so kind to your wife," she commented in a little squeak, "You are just like Brandon Guapo." The man looked confused and she had forgotten he wasn't exactly from Terra. "Oh. I'll show you." Putting down her pajamas, the plump woman picked up her pad and used her thick fingers over the screen till she pulled up a video stream. " He's the most handsome and brave man on 'And the World Spins Madly On.'" Holding up the info pad for him to see, Dora pressed play on the video. On the screen a tall, dark skinned man with flowing hair walked on screen, chin held high and started talking to a woman. "That's Brandon Guapo right there." A man interrupted them and there was a fist fight between the two with Guapo coming out on top as the winner. As soon as he won, he returned to the woman, and immediately swooped her up for a kiss.
When the video ended, Dora gave Illya an apologetic look. "I used to watch this story every day at home and its one of my favorites to see. If you want we can watch more. Oh and that reminds me. Aaron sent something for you. I didn't even remember it till now." Putting down the pad, the plump woman jiggled over to her bad and pulled out a small hologram coin and a external hardrive no bigger than her thumbnail. "He really wanted you to have this," she said shyly as she offered them to Illya with her palm open.
*****************
When Calysta came back from the bathroom all fresh and clean, she found Illya asleep on his bunk with his info pad in his hand. She walked over and gently slid the device from his big fingers and put it on the beside table, then covered him up. Dora was already snoring away and Michelle was up reading still. With Illya well on is way to a good night's rest, she started to climb up the ladder to the bunk above his. The bunks were simply too small to share, though she wished that she could share with her Chip. On the way up her toe caught on the rung and let out a loud, painful pop. "Ouch!" Half collapsing on the bunk, she held up her big toe and rubbed it until the pain went away some. It had been a long day, and all she wanted was to close her eyes and sleep. She burrowed under the covers sighed, feeling the lack of Chip beside her totally strange now that she had grown spoiled from snuggling. The bunk room was wonderfully dark and quiet. Perfect for sleeping. With her head buried in the soft feather pillow, she relaxed enough to drift off.
What time the auto pilot dinged for their first refueling stop she didn't know, but Illya didn't budge from his bed and everyone else was still asleep in some way. Calysta stumbled from her bunk, missing the bottom rung of the ladder and landing hard on the floor. "Augh!" A sharp sting went up her rump, but she rolled to her feet then stumbled into the cockpit, rubbing at her bottom.
She would bring them into port and then go bed again once they were docked. It seemed like a good plan, except there was no dock. The offboard cameras zoomed in on the planet surface and there wasn't much left of Alpha Centauri except for fires from bombs and crumbling buildings. What had done this? Had it been the Federation or the Cirellants? It didn't matter, the bottom line was that landing there to refuel was out of the question.
Last edited: