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Chapter Fourteen

S irius

It’s been ten days since we arrived here. I’m a changed male in many ways from when I arrived. My cock? That’s obvious. I came here broken—I use that word even though Aliyah hates it. I came here broken, and now I have a cock that works quite well—many, many times each day.

But there are so many other changes, some subtle, some more obvious. I love my mate, I’ve known that since the moment I met her, even though I didn’t admit it to myself for a while. She loves me, although I still have brief, increasingly infrequent moments where I question if it’s real and if she’s truly sane. For the most part, I believe she loves me. I can’t deny the reality of the love emanating from her.

I have a peace inside now, more often than not. A calm, quiet easy sanctuary where I can go to rest my thoughts. Sometimes anger builds toward the Feds, but looking at my mate usually helps me tamp that down.

“You ready, Wanderer?” Aliyah looks up from where she’s stooped, sweeping with the short broom made of twigs in the shape of a bird’s wing.

I nod. I’m a bit melancholy knowing we’re leaving today. My mate reassures me we’ll come back to the Peacefield, to Old Man. But it will never be the same.

“Next time we come it might be better,” she says as if she read my thoughts. “Hopefully we won’t have to kill another Galerian.”

“Right. Absolutely. No killing.”

She comes up behind me, slides her hands around my waist and pulls me toward her. I’m taller than her by almost two heads, but she rises on her toes and tries to speak into my ear.

“What worries you, Love?”

“I never had a family, no father, no mother. I want to be a good mate to you and I don’t know how.”

“Watch my poppa. He was a great mate. Better yet, I’ll just tell you. One, give your mate everything she asks for.”

She waits for a response so I nod, my brow lowering because I’m not certain if she’s joking or not.

“Two, do everything your mate requests.”

She leans around to spear me with her piercing, blue gaze, so I respond with another nod.

“Three, and this is the most important, give me this…” She grasps my cock fondly and squeezes a bit as if I didn’t already know what she was referring to. “At least once a day until I scream.”

She pulls her hand away and brushes her hands together as if she just did short work of a task. “That should do it, Sirius. But ask my father for more instruction if you need additional guidance.”

She pulls me into bed and pounces on me, first with her hand, then her mouth, then she mounts me.

“Don’t dawdle handsome male. This will be the last time we get to run around naked for a while.”

For her? I don’t dawdle.

Aliyah

We said goodbye to Old Man and the Peacefield and are almost back to our village. As sad as I was to leave, now I’m excited to return home. I want Poppa to see how happy I am with Far Wanderer.

The village is abuzz with activity. Even the little ones are busy in a continuous line carrying sticks in one direction. I should have expected this. Poppa wouldn’t want us to come back to his longhouse. Of course he’d ensure we had our own home.

The look on Wanderer’s face is awestruck. He’s touched when he realizes every member of our tribe has been working for days constructing this. It’s close to Poppa’s, which is exactly what I would have picked if he’d asked me. The frame of fire-hardened limbs and sticks is almost complete. It’s rectangular and sturdy, and the door is right where it should be to keep out the winter winds yet let in enough light.

“Poppa!” He runs to me, a big smile on his face. “You’re making us a house. It’s wonderful.”

“You look happy little Aliyah.” He whispers in my ear, “Is your male good to you?”

“He’s a good male. Almost as good a mate as you were to Momma.” His eyes cast downward for a moment.

“You picked well considering it was a choice of one,” he jokes, but he’s smiling at Sirius.

I t’s been a fast three days since we arrived back. We all carried mud from the stream and filled in every chink in the walls. Sirius knows almost everyone in the tribe by name. Every child has enjoyed at least one ride on his back and been allowed to touch the numbers above his right eye.

Only he and I know what the numbers mean, and maybe Poppa, who seems to have guessed at some of my male’s past. But everyone else in the village thinks his markings are magical and lucky, so everyone wants a chance to rub them. I think Sirius likes this; it transforms something heinous and negative into something lucky and coveted.

The sun will be fading soon. It will be our first night in our own home. Sirius and I spent all day building a palette. It’s the size of the one we slept in at our treehouse. Six sleeping pelts magically arrived on our doorstep throughout the day, so we’ll sleep together in comfort tonight.

Sirius has his arm around my waist as we stand outside the door to our new home, admiring it one last time before we go inside to cook our first meal together. His body stiffens so tightly it’s as if he’s hewn out of rock.

His eyes dart to the sky and he scans back and forth urgently. He told me he can see farther and hear better than other humanoids. He must know something I don’t.

“Run to your poppa. Have him distribute the firesticks and have everyone hide in the woods. If necessary, keep retreating until you get to the Peacefield. Run!”

I don’t question him. I don’t hesitate. I do exactly as he said. It doesn’t take long until everyone in the village dashes deep into the woods. The skies are hidden by the canopy of trees, so I can’t see anything, but now I can hear it. We all can. It’s the hum of a machine. It awakens my memory of being captured when I was a tiny girl. It’s a spaceship. My body tremors, my nostrils flare—I’m terrified.

Sirius

There’s little I can do to help. I’ve given the People the weapons. I’m running in the other direction in the hope there’s another chip I don’t know about hidden under my skin. If they’re after me, I want them to find me far away from the village.

I’ve known from the first time I saw the band of warriors at the banks of the stream when I came to the village that if any offworlders saw the People, they’d kidnap and enslave them all. They’d be the perfect primitive workforce to work in mines and force to procreate for cheap labor. They’re huge and strong, and too unsophisticated to defend themselves.

I run like the wind back toward the savanna. I’ll be out of the cover of trees soon. They’ll see me even if they can’t track me. I pray they beam me aboard and shoot into hyperspace without a backward glance at this pristine planet and these wonderful people who opened their arms to me.

My prayers are answered when I see the starship peek under the clouds and follow me. Even though it’s obvious they’ve come for me, I keep running as fast as my body will allow away from the village and the People. With my last breath, I’m willing to die to protect them.

The ship glides to a stop five-hundred fiertos in front of me. I slow to a walk and approach them. Running is futile. I’m back in their clutches. I’m defenseless.

It’s a croydon-class vessel, not Federation, but private. The Fool’s Errand is written in Universal print and looks brand new. It has none of the scratches and dents of a seasoned vessel that has connected with its share of space debris.

I stand, my chest still heaving from exertion, wondering why I’m not dead yet. They could have laser-cannoned me from a mille up. They could have opened their door and shot me with laser rifles the minima they touched down.

The bay door slowly opens and I see a huge, well-armed male step down the ramp. He looks exactly like… Axxios, the male whose life I saved a few lunar cycles ago.

“Sirius!” Axxios calls and runs toward me. Dax and Steele are at his side. They don’t stand down or release their weapons. They’re still warily scanning the horizon. It dawns on me that the People have laser rifles and will most likely attack these strangers with guns blazing.

“Back on board!” I shout, waving my arms wildly while I herd them toward the ramp. “The natives are armed and believe you’re the enemy. Give me three hoaras to round them up and explain things, then meet us back at the village.” I point my thumb over my shoulder to show them the direction.

Within a minima the Fool’s Errand has left atmo and is probably circling the planet. I’m loping toward the woods.

Three hoaras later the People have returned to their houses. Everyone in the village is preparing for the “celebration of celebrations” Duraxx has declared in honor of the guests I’ve vouched for as safe.

Duraxx’s too trusting. They’re all too trusting. I hope one day it doesn’t get them all killed.

My sweet mate stands by my side when the Fool’s Errand lands on Nativus for the second time today. Her eyes are huge and she holds my hand as if it’s a lifeline.

“You’re certain they’re not going to hurt us?” she asks, then nibbles her bottom lip.

“They saved my life. They fed me when I was starving. They searched through the stars to find me. They won’t hurt the People.”

“But will they take you away from me?”

“We’re mated, Aliyah,” my voice is firm, calm, and reassuring. “We’ll not part willingly.” I bend my knees to look her square in the face. “Do you hear me, love? We’re a team. We stay together.”

She nods her head but still bites her lip. I slip my arm around her waist and pull her closer.

The ship lands less than three-hundred fiertos from the village, and Aliyah, Duraxx, and I approach the ramp.

Captain Zar exits first, his arms up, palms forward in universal language for “I come in peace” as well as “don’t shoot.” His humanoid, exceedingly feline features are tight and serious. I wonder what they must appear like to this primitive people.

I make introductions of Duraxx, the chief, to the “chief” of the ship. Even Duraxx, normally so open and trusting, seems a bit wary.

Blue Dr. Drayke steps down next. After introductions, I translate his offer to treat any member of the tribe who might be in need of medical attention. I imagine Chernan will go wild with jealousy, but Duraxx eagerly accepts his offer.

A few more gladiators join us, all dressed in their black leather knee-length kilts with leather sashes across their chests.

Dax is the biggest of them all, but he’s little more the height of the average female of the tribe. He’s usually boisterous and outgoing, but he’s quiet and respectful now. Perhaps he can sense the tension from the People. Other than Aliyah and me, the only off-worlders they’ve ever met have brought death.

Maddie, the Earth female who loves to cook, steps onto the ramp. Her hair, as always, is a halo of messy brown curls. Her arms are laden with a groaning basket of food. The delicious aroma wafts to where I’m standing, and I can see when the smell hits the big group of the People—their faces light in anticipation.

Two other Earth females quickly follow down the ramp, each carrying huge amounts of food. Moments later, the sea of the People parts and everyone is escorted to the dancing grounds. Between the Fool’s Errand’s food, and the People’s potent fermented berries, everyone is mingling happily within minimas .

I don’t see Theos or Aries, and assume they’re armed to the hilt and watching streaming vids of what’s happening planetside. Zar’s a good captain—calm, fair, and always concerned with safety first. I also notice Duraxx’s second and third in command are conspicuously absent as well. They’re probably clutching firesticks while watching the proceedings from their own hiding places.

Otherwise, everyone is having a great time. The drummers are pounding wildly, spirits are being imbibed, and the sound of laughter rises.

Maddie goes back into the ship and returns with a large rectangular pan holding a shiny brown substance. She approaches me and grants me a wide smile.

“You saved our asses, Sirius. Every one of us owes you their lives. It’s small payback indeed, but I baked your favorite cake.”

Saliva gushes into my mouth at just the thought of it. After surviving my whole life on scientifically formulated nutritional substances, or what Maddie dubbed a ‘chemical shitstorm’, my first taste of her chocolate cake was a revelation.

I’ve introduced my mate to all the Earth females and was surprised at how shy she is. She does not, however, need any coaxing to enjoy the cake.

Sated from the food and the cake, the insistent pounding of the drums calls to me. Aliyah’s smile grows wider when I grab her hand and pull her deep into the circle of revelers. Last time we danced, it was restrained. All eyes of the tribe were on us and I was asking her to be my mate.

Now, there’s nothing holding me back. I let go of all my inhibitions and tune into the pounding drums. I feel the beat in every cell of my body and let it dictate my movements. I raise my arms and pound my feet and move with abandon. I’m alive and wild and in the moment.

Aliyah’s shaking her head, her long hair flying around her face like a black tempest. She grabs my hand and we move together. Desire sparks through me as I see my sweet mate in a new light.

I feel the last remnants of #972 slip out of me and be accepted into the soil. I’m not that male any more, and I will never be him again. I mourn for him. I point my hands to the ground and then raise them to the sky in a personal ceremony of loss and resurrection.

Hail, farewell, goodbye #972. I’m so sorry you were forced to endure every moment of pain in your life. I lament your isolation. I condemn the pain you were forced to suffer.

I feel tears trail down my cheeks as I inter poor #972 into an imaginary grave. With all the pomp I can conjure in my mind, I give him the most loving farewell, a hero’s funeral. He withstood so much, and had so little reward.

My feet pound over his imaginary grave as I tamp down the soil and know he will never be resurrected. He’s gone—only a dim memory. I say goodbye with heartfelt love for him and all his suffering.

Then I look up at my mate. She deserves a new male: Sirius, Far Wanderer. A strong, capable male who loves her with all his heart. A male who treasures himself enough to shower Aliyah with love and never run empty.

I feel… perfect. Perfect and whole and worthy just as I am.

I place my palm over my right eyebrow. I’ll never forget #972. He paid the price for my rebirth. I owe him everything. But he’s gone forever.

A liyah knows nothing of the transformation I just experienced in the ring of celebration. This is good. She’ll just experience the benefits of my metamorphosis.

Many of the tribe, but none of my former shipmates, are approaching drunkenness. It seems a good time to retire to Duraxx’s longhouse and talk. Captain Zar, Axxios the pilot, Aliyah and I join Chief Duraxx in his home. Dax stands guard outside the doorway. Tor-El, one of the strongest of the tribe, flanks the other side of the door.

“We had a tough time finding you, my friend,” Axxios tells me. “Those dracking Feds launched into hyperspace the minima you were on board. The tracker the doc inserted under your skin was completely useless. We listened to subspace chatter for a hint about you, but heard nothing.”

“I’ll be honest,” Zar admits, his eyes downcast, “I gave up on you. It was obvious the Feds were going to do something heinous, and we had no way of tracking or rescuing you.”

“Then,” Axxios says, “an incredible stroke of luck. We were in this sector on Antherma IV. It’s a small planet the size of a large asteroid that runs completely off the books. We bought a new ship. After all, how many times could we change our call letters? And besides, now the Feds were on to us.

“So as we were leaving this sector we got a ping on comms. We picked up your tracker. Here we are! When do you want to leave?” He smiles at me like he just offered me a million credits.

Aliyah is perched on my lap and every muscle in her body tightens. Duraxx looks like I just hacked his daughter into little pieces and threw them to the mam’non .

“I’m mated.” I tighten my arm around Aliyah’s waist. “Tonight was the first night we were going to sleep in our new home together. I…” my voice trails off. I don’t know what to say.

“We’ve arranged three gladiatorial matches on Aeon II in seven days. We went into debt to buy the new vessel and we need the credits. It takes two days to travel there,” Zar says as he stands.

“We have few allies in all the galaxy, Sirius. I count you among them. You walked into certain death to save the lives of every male and female on board our ship. We owe you our lives. We can certainly give you five days to sort out your choice.

“Aliyah, I want to respectfully ask you to meet with my revered mate, Anya. Ask any questions about life on board the ship. I’d like you to get to know the other Earth females—you’ll like them. You’re invited to come with your mate onto the Fool’s Errand and leave with us if you choose.

“I respect whatever choice the two of you make.” He stands and presses his fist against his chest, bowing to the chief. “It was an honor to meet you, Chief Duraxx.”