Chapter 22

The Artucian were amazed at the blue glowing vortex that engulfed the ship. All three of them stared all googly eyed at the sight of it, at a total loss for words. They stood rooted to the spot, until Natalya waved her hand in front of their faces, startling them. The three of them blinked many times over before any of them responded.

“Um ... Natalya, was it?” Tahral asked.

“Yes, it is. The first time seeing hyperspace is always amazing,” she snickered.

“Hyperspace? You mean where the ship enters a state of movement to where we are in an alternate dimension, where we can cross vast distances in the blink of an eye?” he wondered.

“Exactly so. Been studying up, have you?” she asked.

“Taal’ani has been teaching me things about the galaxy,” he admitted bashfully.

“Oh, I’ll bet she has,” Nats giggled as she gestured for them to follow her. Tahral blushed, his skin going from a sky blue to more of a true blue. The Artucian almost had to wrench themselves away, but they moved along just as the Darkstrider came out of hyperspace.

“Are we where we need to be already?” Luminia asked.

“Nah. We just hit a waypoint before we make another jump. Hyperspace lanes are like roads. Once you get to the end of one, you pick out another one to get where you’re going,” Priya told them as she walked up behind them.

Sure enough, the ship lurched again, and they entered hyperspace once more, Inari making the calculations before firing the hyperdrive. The ship was on its way through a much longer leg now, so Inari could leave the pilot’s seat and join the rest of the crew. Alex had just called a meeting of the entire crew to discuss what they would be up to. Inari was the last to arrive at the conference area and waited on Alex to start.

“Before we get started, I would like to know where we are going,” he asked, glancing over to Inari.

“Our destination is Seerahn station. It’s a neutral trading port is off the beaten path for travelers and merchants. It’s a place where we can find buyers for some of the more lucrative items we have in the hold,” Inari replied.

“Such as?” Alex queried.

“Materials we need for the Perseus and information. Because it is a neutral trading port, any of the main spacefaring races will have enclaves there. Each enclave connects to the main extranet, so making calls, looking up information, seeking people out, is easy to do. I figure it’s a good place to get the basics of what we need, attracting no undue attention,” Inari finished.

“Very good. How long will it take us to get there?” Alex asked.

“Well, right now we are headed for the Phalarn Hyperspace Waypoint, which is a hub for at least a dozen different routes. It will take us six hours to get there, plus an additional eleven hours to get to the station. So around seventeen hours,” she answered.

“All right then. Gives us plenty of time to rest. Anyways, I called everyone here because there is an important matter that I wanted to discuss with everyone,” Alex stated.

“Which is?” Priya asked.

“Keeping mine and Kasumi’s real identities secret. I’m not sure how complete the records of our time were, but the fact is that there might be records of who we are out there. I don’t want who we really are to come out until we’re ready to let the galaxy know that we survived, along with the Perseus,” Alex explained.

“Why would that be something you would want to conceal?” Luminia wondered.

“Because, who they are and what they know of the Perseus, is valuable. So valuable, that there are people out in the galaxy who wouldn’t hesitate to kill for this knowledge,” Inari told her.

“Are people truly that callous?” Tahral wondered in disbelief.

“Many are and some even more so. So, we have to keep the truth of who they are secret. At least for now,” Korsa said to him. He nodded, seeing the logic of such a decision, but still perplexed that people could be so evil.

“So, people like Vahltiem are more common out there?” Aesha asked.

“Yes, and no. It all depends on where you are and the people you’re dealing with. The galaxy can be an unforgiving place for those who are not prepared for it,” Natalya replied, her own experiences still haunting her to this day.

“So, by the sounds of it, you two will need new ID’s, proper papers and a completely forged life, so to speak,” Taal’ani said, putting the pieces together.

“That’s the best way of putting it. You know anyone who could help with that?” Alex wondered.

“As a matter of fact, I do. I will call him way before we get to Seerahn station. Should give him enough time to get there,” Taal’ani responded.

“Excellent. What about these three? Won’t they need ID’s or anything like that?” Alex wondered.

“For them, not so much. At least, not now at any rate. The station we are heading to is an independent station, so the laws about new species having to register aren’t enforced there,” Inari said.

“Ah! Well, that helps! I’m sure those crates of items to sell will fetch us a decent price?” Alex asked.

“More than a decent price, I’d say! With enough of those liquor bottles, we could make a mint and be sitting pretty for the rest of our lives!” Priya bubbled, excited at the prospect of actual spending cash, as opposed to just scraping by.

“So, Talon, this friend of yours, he charges a decent rate?” Kasumi asked.

“His rates are among the highest in fact. He does amazing work, but because of the quality level, it costs,” Taal’ani informed them.

“Well, you get what you pay for. As long as he’s not one of those weaselly types, who’ll try to stiff us,” Kas said.

“Bataar isn’t like that. He’s got a long ass client list and he wouldn’t have said clients, if he wasn’t good at what he did. He goes over everything, backstory, homeworld, biometrics, the whole shebang,” Taal’ani told her, a little annoyed at Kas’ lack of confidence in her friend.

“Just making sure of it, that’s all. I haven’t met your friend and we’ve known each other for all of what four weeks? Can’t blame me for a being a little skeptical,” Kas replied, sounding apologetic.

“I’ll let that one pass for now, but just so you know, I don’t call people ‘friend’ lightly. They have to earn my trust if I’m going to consider them as friends,” Talon responded. “But I agree that you get what you pay for.”

“Good to know. If everyone is good on this plan then, I think a tour of this fine vessel is warranted. Wouldn’t you agree, Captain?” Alex asked, addressing Inari.

“Yes! I think a tour is in order, so no one gets lost!” Inari snickered.

With that, both Alex and Inari led everyone around the ship, showing off the various rooms aboard and where they were located. They were on the second deck where the cockpit, mess, galley, bridge and hydroponics was situated. The crew stepped into the elevator and went up to the first deck where the lounge and cabins were located. The cabins were roomy, and everyone selected which ones they wanted.

After that, they headed to the third deck where the sick bay, engineering, workout/sparring area and drone control nodes and pods were located. Part of the cargo hold was on the third deck, to allow for larger cargo storage. Once completed, they headed to the fourth deck where the new armory and rest of the cargo hold was situated.

“You didn’t hold back in equipping us, sir!” Priya commented, taking in the full scope of the ship.

“With what the Darkstrider was, it gave you the basics of what you needed to get by in the galaxy. I wanted to upgrade it so things would be much easier in that regard,” Alex replied warmly.

“All of this ... it makes getting things done much easier!” Natalya replied with googly eyed amazement. “Hang on, where is the access point to the Banshee?”

“That is on the first deck where it needs to be. Right next to elevator is a small stairwell, that runs up and down the ship. On the first deck, is a ladder, that heads straight up to the docked fighter,” Alex explained.

“Odd. I didn’t see any doors to the stairwell,” Natalya replied.

“It’s hidden Nats. It will only open in a combat situation, so we can get up or down as we need to,” Priya told her.

“Oh! OK, that makes sense. Who has access to the fighter?” Natalya continued.

“That would be me, Pree, Talon and Kasumi, as we’re all pilots,” Inari responded, filling her in.

“Gotcha!” Nats said, finishing up her line of questioning.

“Now that the grand tour is done, everyone head off to do what you wish for the next few hours. We have a while before we get to Seerahn station, so rest up and relax while you can,” Inari told them. Hearing that, everyone dispersed, eager to settle into this ship that would be their home for the next little while.

“Excuse me ... Korsa?” Aesha called out to the retreating Khontaran woman.

“Yes?”

“I would like your help in doing some training,” the Artucian woman asked.

“Training? As in fighting and with weapons?” Korsa wondered.

“Yes. Seeing you fight, has shown me just how badly undertrained I am. If I am to become a proper warrior for my people, I need to be trained by someone who knows what they are doing,” Aesha stated.

“Very well. I will train you, but I want to hear no complaints from you about my methods or how hard I will be on you. Training with a Khontaran as your teacher will be ... difficult,” Korsa told her.

“Whatever I must endure to become a better warrior, and I will face it head on. I would learn anything you could teach me, and I welcome the challenge. I pray that you are difficult with me. My instruction was easy back on Talemkha and this ease is nearly what got me killed,” Aesha stated.

“What do you mean?”

“That night, when you and Luminia led the survivors of Glauturac fortress against the Yahk’shurt, I had nearly died. If it hadn’t been for you, Dahr’khash’s son would have taken my life,” Aesha said, hanging her head in shame.

“Wait, you were the one that the chief’s son almost killed that night?” Korsa asked, shocked at this revelation.

“Yes,” Aesha admitted.

“I thought you looked familiar! I had hoped that I would get some time to train some of you better. Sadly, I never got the chance to do so before we left. At least now, I will get to train you,” Korsa replied with a smile.

“Thank you!” Aesha replied gratefully.

“Don’t thank me yet. First, I want you to go to your quarters and select some workout gear. Once you are changed, we will go to the third deck and begin your training,” Korsa told her.

With that, both women headed for the elevator and boarded it to deck one. Korsa got changed quickly, but after waiting several minutes, she wondered what was taking Aesha so long. She walked into Aesha’s quarters and saw that the woman had some clothes out, as though she was unsure what was what. Korsa then remembered that clothing as she wore was foreign to the woman and smiled good-naturedly.

“You want to take these and put them on like this,” Korsa said in a mock demonstration with the bra and panties.

Aesha’s face lit up in understanding, and she donned the clothing. She looked at the shirt and loose sparring trousers and figured them out quickly enough. Once she was attired, she stared at the socks and shoes quizzically, before Korsa mock showed their use once more. Nodding at this, Aesha put them on and bounced around in her new outfit.

“These are ... nice!” Aesha commented. “This ... bra ... is amazing! On Talemkha, we often have to bind our breasts if we are to hunt or fight.”

“I get that sister, believe me! Having your tits flopping about everywhere is a pain in the ass!” Korsa snickered.

“That it is!” Aesha laughed in agreement. The women then headed back to the elevator and descended to Deck Three. Once they arrived, Korsa stepped out onto the mats and motioned for Aesha to join her. Aesha did so and stood opposite Korsa, waiting for instruction.

“Attack me. Hold nothing back,” Korsa told the smaller woman.

Aesha looked a little daunted for a moment, before her face flashed from indecision to hardened resolve. Emitting a high-pitched war cry, Aesha threw herself at Korsa, her fists flying. Korsa saw the attack coming and casually sidestepped the attack, using her lower arms to push Aesha away. The Artucian woman saw the move coming and shifted her attack, pivoting on one foot and launching a spin kick.

Korsa moved away from that attack too, seeing it coming from a mile away. As she danced away from the blue-skinned woman, she launched a pair of jabs at Aesha, catching the woman in the back. The blows sent Aesha sprawling, but not out of the fight. The woman rolled with the blows and came up, charging at Korsa, howling as she did.

Korsa then initiated an attack of her own, a half power roundhouse right to the side of Aesha’s face. The blow was strong enough to knock the woman off her feet, sending her flying backwards. She landed on the flat of her back; the wind knocked out of her. She was stunned that Korsa had read each attack perfectly! She lay there, catching her breath while wrapping her head around the fact that she’d just been laid out like an amateur.

“If that is the best that the Artucian can offer with the honor guard, then you are all severely lacking in your training,” Korsa said in disgust. She walked over and helped Aesha up to her feet, after checking that she was all right.

“The only thing I really took away from this encounter is that you have good fighting instincts. While it helps, it is not enough and never will be enough when facing enemies. You must be able to out-think, outmaneuver and outpace your opponent. Strength is all well and good, but if the speed of your body and mind is lacking, you will get yourself killed,” Korsa told her.

“So, strength isn’t everything?” Aesha asked.

“No, it is not. Strength helps in a fight, but it is not essential. Speed is what wins fights over strength. Speed of hand and speed of mind. You have some basic ideas of how to attack, but your form and flow is sloppy. Today, we will begin on correcting that,” Korsa told her.

“How?”

“Quiet! Here, I am the teacher and you are the student. You will only speak when spoken to, is that clear?” Korsa asked.

“Yes,” Aesha replied.

“Also, when we are here, you will address me as Uucshi(teacher), is that clear?” Korsa asked.

“Yes, Uucshi!”

“Very good. I will teach you the Kha’Varen, the martial art of Khontara. Mimic my stance and follow along. I will correct your form if it is improper,” Korsa told her student with an edge to her voice. Aesha knew that Korsa would be hard on her, but she welcomed it. Whatever was needed to become a warrior like the war goddess, she would do without question or hesitation.

Tahral was busy getting settled in his new quarters, just amazed at how neat and clean everything was! He had gone through the drawers and cubbies that lined the cabin, astounded at what he found! He had clean clothes, warm blankets and soft fluffy things that he remembered were called ‘pillows’.

The Artucian man was in his bathroom, looking over the items on the sink and in the medicine chest with confusion. He did not understand what even half the items there were used for, and he thought to ask someone about it. Though the man was the equivalent of a high chief, he figured that asking Alex Tomisic would be the prudent thing to do. He shut the light off and made to leave his cabin when he ran into Taal’ani outside his door.

“Taal’ani, hi!” he said in surprise. The catgirl’s hand was raised, like she was going to knock on his door, but she glanced up at Tahral in shock. She blinked several times before she lowered her hand to his chest and pushed him inside the cabin.

“Taal’ani, what ... what are you doing?” he asked the woman.

“We need to talk!” she said to him in an impatient tone.

“What is it?” he wondered.

“I need to know how and why you came aboard the Darkstrider,” she grilled him.

“I asked the High Chieftaness to be considered for the position but didn’t expect to get it!” Tahral answered honestly. “I half expected someone else to be given the honor!”

“That answers the how, but not the why,” Taal’ani growled.

“Because I wanted to leave Talemkha. I felt ... chained the whole time I was there. I wanted to leave and explore beyond the boundaries of where I was. This here is beyond what I hoped or dared to imagine! To see worlds that my people have not seen, to see marvels out in the galaxy that I could only imagine! That is why I wanted to leave,” he answered.

“But you had a life on Talemkha. You have family there, family who cared!” Talon told him.

“After you opened my eyes about the galaxy Taal’ani, I couldn’t stay. I’ve been wanting to leave for some time, but have been too afraid to do it. Besides, my sister can be very ... demanding. Especially about me finding a woman,” he replied.

“Well, if you opened your eyes while you were there, you would have seen that many women were giving you googly eyes,” she said.

“Googly eyes?” he questioned.

“It means that you are so taken in with the person, that you can barely stand to look away from them,” Taal’ani explained.

“Oh! Well, I didn’t notice them. I’ve been more interested in someone else. Someone who’s shown me so much and I’d be a fool to let her get away,” he said, directing a smoldering glance at her.

“Wha ... me?” Taal’ani asked in disbelief. Tahral just nodded, smiling all the while.

“So, just a sec here. You had an honored position of a Keeper, one of the best and brightest among you people. You also had the attention of many women recently, all of whom where staring at you with bedroom eyes. You had family and friends back on Talemkha and you gave all of that up? Just for me?!?” she replied, incredulous.

“Yes. Should I not have?” he asked.

“Not saying either way, as it’s your life. It’s you who decides what to do with it. But you traded all of that away, to be here with me?” she repeated, still not quite believing it.

“I did. You are worth it,” he said to her, closing the distance.

Taal’ani could scarcely believe what she was hearing and could help but tear up a little. She’d gone through many life altering changes, some of which could not be walked back, no matter what she did. Leaving behind her home, her family, her entire clan, because she had no choice. Tahral giving all of that up, just to be with her, made her heart swell with love.

“You are so...” she started, before she leaned into the man, kissing him.

Her whole life, Taal’ani had been the one to make sacrifices. For her father, her clan, people who needed help, the list was endless. No one had ever done anything like that for her, ever! Now here was a man who had made one of the biggest sacrifices anyone could make, and he made it over her. Taal’ani could help herself and not only kissed him with everything she had, but hugged him close.

Tahral brought her close to him, kissing her back and showing her what she meant to him. Their hands roamed all over each other’s bodies, each one seeking the soft and tender spots in the other. Their breathing ramped up, and both lovers knew what they wanted as they broke their torrid kiss. Taal’ani broke away from Tahral for a moment and headed to the door.

“Taal’ani, what...” he started, before he saw what the catgirl was doing. She closed the door and locked it, before calling out a phrase that made him grin.

“Activate Privacy mode!”

“Privacy mode?” Tahral wondered.

“So no one on the deck can hear you making me scream,” she said sultrily.

Tahral lost himself in the woman in front of him, letting his feelings for her guide him in their carnal dance. Taal’ani could feel something for the boy, no, man, who held her and though she was unsure of some things, she knew that she wanted him in the worst possible way. Losing herself to the moment, she let everything within her loose, wanting nothing more than this man, taking her in her bed.

More than an hour later, Taal’ani lay there, next to a snoring Tahral, the both of them sweaty, steaming and sated. Their passion superheated the room to where they didn’t need to heating system to keep warm, but that wasn’t what had kept the Fel’caan woman awake. It had been what happened in the throes of their passion.

While they were busy seeking their peaks, Taal’ani lost herself in the moment and bit him, drawing blood. The moment his blood filled her mouth, her senses were overloaded in such a way that she had never felt before. She remembered some women of her clan speaking of such a thing, and how it was a revealing experience.

By tasting the blood of the man or woman she was with, her body would respond in a specific way. It would tell her that the lover in question was not suitable for her, or that he was. What she had experienced was something that went far beyond simple compatibility. She knew, in her heart of hearts, that Tahral was a match ... her match!

Her mind reeled at the implications of it, unsure that she even believed it was possible! Her body screamed at her, telling her that this man who lay next to her would be her mate. Taal’ani sniffled, both happy and angry; happy that she had found her mate, but angry that she had found him so soon!

Taal’ani wanted more time to explore the galaxy, to see its marvels and wonders, but now her body was telling her that it was time. Time to mate with this man, settle down and raise kits of her own. This too perplexed the woman, as Tahral wasn’t even of her own species! She didn’t know what any children they could have would look like. She didn’t even know if having children with him was possible!

She eventually concluded that there was little she could do about such things now. Taal’ani would have to speak with Korsa about this in the morning and hope that she had some answers! Though Korsa was a friend and member of the crew, she was a doctor, first and foremost. She would keep Taal’ani’s business confidential, as was her oath as a doctor. Sighing heavily, she drifted off to sleep, her mind still rolled along, thinking if it was possible, what her and Tahral’s children would look like.

Inari was coasting along, the wing of VI drones in formation on her wing. She dipped and rolled around a group of oncoming enemy starfighters, while the drones emulated her maneuvers. They all had escaped the oncoming fire unscathed, except for two of the drones, which moved incorrectly. Inari sighed heavily, as it would take a fair bit of training to get these drones to obey her precise orders.

“Pause the simulation,” she called out and the whole scenario froze in place.

The VI programs that Jaesa and Taal’ani had put together were doing their jobs. They followed orders to the letter and were effective when directed. That was the big problem, following orders, rather than thinking more creatively, as human pilots would. She didn’t know what she could do to adjust their programming parameters.

Inari would have to have a word with Talon about any fixes she could come up with to make the VI’s more ... flexible. Feeling like she needed a break, Inari stepped out of the simulation pod and stretched. She checked the timing and made her way to the cockpit, getting ready for the next leg of their journey. Just as she arrived was when the five-minute warning timer went off.

Sliding into the cockpit, Inari went over all the systems, ensuring that they were functioning normally. She saw that they were and was happy to see it all working as it should be. Seeing how everything was in order, Inari just sat there and waited for the moment to drop from hyperspace.

The minutes ticked by quickly and soon, Inari reversed the lever, dropping the Darkstrider from hyperspace to real space. Double checking the co-ordinates, she saw that they had arrived Phalarn waypoint and thankfully; it was empty. Her scans showed no other ships in the area, so she guided the Darkstrider to the departure corridor for Seerahn station.

“One leg of our journey done today?” a familiar, feminine voice asked behind her.

“That’s right, Pree! Just laying the co-ordinates to Seerahn station now,” Inari informed her girlfriend.

“Always the diligent one, eh Captain?”

“Someone has to be. Not that we all aren’t diligent in our own way, but some folks here are a little slothful,” Inari stated.

“Not everyone has the same military bearing ingrained into them love,” Priya told her lover gently.

“I get that. Just wish they hopped to faster is all,” Inari groused.

“I seem to remember a certain troublemaker back at the Federation academy, who hated the rules. Did her level best to break every single one. You wouldn’t know anyone like that, would you love?” Priya teased.

“Oh, quiet you!”

Priya giggled as she stepped away from the cockpit as Inari lined them up with their hyperspace vector. A few seconds later, after receiving the co-ordinates from the navi-computer, she pulled the lever, sending the Darkstrider back into hyperspace. Inari sighed heavily as she stood up, walking to Priya and enveloping her in a hug.

“What’s wrong love? Something’s bothering you and I need to know what,” Priya told Inari. Knowing that her lover was in mothering mode, Inari fessed up and told her the problems she was having with the drone VI’s and how they were not being inventive enough.

“Sounds like a problem for Talon. We should get her to weigh in on this, if we’re going to upgrade the VI programming,” Priya said.

“Speaking of which, what is that girl up to? I haven’t seen her since the tour,” Inari asked curiously.

“I’m pretty sure she’s in Tahral’s cabin with the boy. I saw that privacy mode was engaged when I was stowing my stuff and checking over my cabin earlier,” Priya snickered.

“I swear, she needs to get her head back into the game. We need her skills to be sharp if we’re going to accomplish our missions,” Inari grumped.

“Cut the girl some slack, will you? Before we found the Perseus, except for you and me, the rest of the crew had been high and dry for some time. Let the girl get herself some snu-snu. You know how it helps clear the head,” Priya giggled.

“I suppose. Out of curiosity, what’s the rest of the crew doing?” Inari asked.

“Well, Lumi and Shazza are learning about board games and strategy from Kas,” Priya started.

“What game could they be playing that teaches them strategy?”

“Chess. Shazza seems to be quite taken with the game. She’s lost a lot but is determined to beat Kas before we arrive. About the others, Alex and Nats are in the workout area next to Korsa and Aesha, doing arm day, while Korsa is training Aesha in the Kha’Varen,” Priya informed her.

“At least everyone is staying busy. I wonder if Taal’ani will be up soon, as I could really use her help with those VI’s,” Inari went on, not letting the topic drop.

“Well, if what she told us about Artucian men is true, then it will be at least an hour before we see her around. How about I help you a bit with the simulation?” Priya offered.

“What did you have in mind?”

“Let me join you in the simulation. Maybe having more than one person in it with you will spur the learning algorithm to adapt better,” Priya suggested.

“You know, that’s not a bad idea! You good to jump in right now?” Inari asked.

“Sure! Load up the program and we’ll see how it goes!” Priya replied happily.

Priya walked with her girlfriend, and they headed back down to Deck Three. Once they arrived, they immediately went for the simulation pods. Hopping in right away, both women activated the pods, and they sealed shut. Once inside, Priya put on the helmet, which had a built in headset, so she could communicate with Inari.

“Check, check, come in,” Priya called out.

“Starwitch here,” Inari said, replying to Priya’s call.

“I love that name! It suits you!” Priya giggled.

“Thanks! So, what simulation did you want to run?” Inari wondered.

“I was thinking we should run our escape from the pirates, before we found the Perseus,” Priya responded, after taking a moment to think about it.

“Two destroyers and eight fighters? Not a bad call Pree!”

“Eh. I try. So, what do you want to be?” she asked her lover.

“I’ll go in the Banshee, as always. You simulate the Darkstrider as she is, not what she was,” Inari replied.

“Want to see if our upgrades make a difference?” Priya snickered.

“It would be the prudent thing to do. Besides, if we’re still going after Rat Faced Mike, then we will need to have some idea of what we can do,” the older woman stated.

“Can’t argue that! Loading simulation of the Darkstrider,” Priya called out.

In seconds, the interior of the pod shifted from the eggshell white to a full hologram of the Darkstrider’s cockpit. The level of detail was so precise that Priya almost couldn’t tell it was a hologram. The controls and buttons had shifted, so that everything was where it should be. Marveling at this piece of technology, Priya took hold of the controls and readied herself.