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“Have Scala and Payim reported in yet?” Nadzia asked as they rode in the transport up the side of the mountain.

“I haven’t heard anything since they reached the system Gienah’s located in. It will take time for them to assess the situation. Please try to not worry.” He pulled Nadzia close.

“You’re right. Okay, tell me about this place.”

“No. It’s better if you see it for yourself. Just watch.”

Aculus pointed out the domed window as they crested the peak. The sun was just now setting, giving her the perfect view. It was light enough to see the estuaries cradled by the depression in the mountain, but also dark enough to see the Cnidaria.

“This is beautiful, it reminds me of Crater Lake.” Nadzia paused and her mouth dropped open. “There’s…they’re flying jellyfish,” she stammered as she looked at him to confirm she was seeing things correctly.

He grinned at her stunned expression. The diaphanous creatures were impressive, but seeing them through her eyes was even better.

“They’re Cnidaria. The last time, the only time I’ve really seen them, I was a youth. Our whole conclave came here.”

“I can see it’s a good memory.” She grinned.

“It is. And I hope to add to it.” He smiled back at her.

“It will be.” She quickly kissed his cheek, before turning back to the window. “They’re huge, the size of your ship, no, bigger. And so many colors.”

“They only flash those colors when they descend to the planet to mate. When they are in the exosphere they are transparent,” he explained.

“Exosphere?” Nadzia’s brow furrowed.

“Space.”

“They live in space?!” She gaped at him.

“Aye. See how those two extend their tentacles into one of the estuaries?”

Nadzia nodded.

“They’re collecting water and nutrients. They’ll hold it in their willowy bodies and survive off it for the next year. Now see that pair?” He pointed.

“The ones flashing brightly?”

“Aye. It’s their mating dance. Just watch.”

They watched the Cnidaria bob up and down in the air, their colors undulating as their tentacles mingled. She didn’t notice when the transport docked with the little dwelling that would be their very own sanctuary for the next several days. To be honest, he hadn’t either, too caught up in watching the changing expressions on her face.

“Oh, we’re here,” she said as he opened the hatch on the domed vessel.

“We are.” He scooped her up and climbed out.

“This is so cute. It’s like a yurt. And there’s a deck with a pool.” She bounced in his arms.

“There is,” he said with a wicked grin and jumped into the estuary.

“Aculus!” Her squeal was muffled by the giant splash of water.

“Sorry.” He laughed as he wiped the water from her face and pushed back her drenched hair.

“No, you’re not.” Nadzia grinned at him.

“No, I’m not,” he agreed and backed her against the edge of the estuary. “Because I like you wet,” he husked into her ear as he peeled open his suit.

He tugged up her dress, nudged her legs apart and insinuated himself between her thighs.