{"sf1_id":null,"sf2_id":"17DDzRBe","title":"Other Earths - Saurian Earth (Ilsit Major), Part 2/3","author":"comidacomida","words":4484,"posted_at":"2026-02-19T03:12:07.000Z","tags":["alternate reality","dragon","human","male","near-future","other earth","sci-fi","science","science fiction","slice-of-life","world building"],"url":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/17DDzRBe-other-earths-saurian-earth-ilsit-major-part-2-3","original_url":"https://sofurry.com/s/17DDzRBe","image_url":"https://cdn.sofurryfiles.com/submissions/thumbnails/b3/48/b3487910-e284-4373-80a9-a81c7c5954aa","description":"We continue with story two of the Other Earth Anthology, an introduction to Axis and Nexus, two cities built on the various Earths across the entirety of the geometrical web of Earths that comprise the cluster of versions of reality introduced in my \"Other Earths\" series. Fair warning: this story takes place about 50 years after Cohen Clover, Book 2 in the series, and as far as I got as of the time of the post of this anthology so beware: spoilers may be present! Not sure what I'm talking about? Well, the main story starts here: [https://sofurry.com/u/comidacomida/f/rm80vVm0](https://sofurry.com/u/comidacomida/f/rm80vVm0)  \n  \nThis is story two, focused on Dymryn, an Ilsit seeking to escape his unspectacular life on Saurian earth. Relatively young for his kind, Dymryn is seeking something more out of life than serving his people as a Sorrow Scale, a depository for all of the negative experiences that his kind collect in a genetic 'library' known as the Myrmyr. As a resident alien on Land Earth, life isn't that simple for a dragon that has very poor manual dexterity and, as such, all Ilsit Majors are assigned a human assistant through a state-sponsored program. Dymryn, sadly, has not had a lot of luck with partners.","content":"Other Earths, Axis City  \nAnthology of Short Stories  \n  \nSaurian Earth - Ilsit Major, Part 2  \ncopyright comidacomida 2025  \n  \nThe break for lunch at the lab was always a time of socialization for the Humans. The laboratory was home to over twenty research teams and, as far as Dymryn understood, the majority of them had their mid-day break at noon. The term 'mid-day', from what the Ilsit gathered, was a reference to the time of day: 12'o'clock. Based on his understanding, most of the scientists worked ten hour days and, if the day started for them at 8am, their lunch should technically have been later than noon.  \n  \nThe scientists spent most of their day observing him in the lab, so he used the lunch break to spend his time observing them. Most talked freely among one another-- sometimes among their own work groups and sometimes between teams, but the one constant was that, more often than not, their talk had nothing to do with work. It only made sense then, as far as he was concerned, that they did not speak much with him; most of the discussion with him in the lab was work-related, and lunch break was not the time for that.  \n  \nLunch was not all that bad though; honestly, he didn't mind being left alone since the rest of the day was him being the center of attention. It was nice to blend into the background and just watch the Humans in their natural habitat, acting as though he wasn't there. If he was honest, he also liked the food they had to offer-- his Companion Humans had only ever put forth a basic effort to make sure he had food at his condo, but the meals served at the laboratory were ones that he could appreciate, and they always had a selection from which he could choose, so lunch was almost always a treat.  \n  \nThe one hour passed quickly however and, once it was up, they returned to work. Thankfully, the afternoon was full of time in the wind tunnel, and that was Dymryn's favorite place to be in the Laboratory. There was something liberating about the wind flowing across his scales; the Humans pushed enough air pressure through the tunnel to make it easy for the dragon to soar, using very little energy and, for all intents and purposes, carrying on the sensation of flying high in the sky... even if he was barely 2 feet off the metal grate serving as a floor in the chamber.  \n  \nThe morning had been an incredibly interactive time for him as the scientists made numerous requests, combining various asks as to how he released the three different chemicals involved in his fiery breath but, for the most part, his task that afternoon was to move as little as possible, letting the wind tunnel do all the work as the observers took note. Every ten minutes or so one of the scientists would ask him to make a minute adjustment to the way he was holding a wing or to raise or lower his head, or to do a slow back-and-forth with his tail so they could record the way it affected his ability to maintain a steady soar but, other than that he was free to let his mind wander, enjoying the feel of flying. That, and listen in on the off-topic conversations going on outside the wind tunnel.  \n  \nDymryn didn't know if the Humans realized he could hear their discussions or not, but he did recall something about Ilsit hearing better than Humans when it came to picking up on sounds transferring through solid objects as conducted vibrations. He enjoyed the quiet moment of flying for the sake of providing them a topic of study, but, after a few hours, he also didn't mind hearing about the various things that Humans dealt with in their lives. Family issues, as it turned out, were apparently a problem all species had to face.  \n  \nDr. Huber had responded to an inquiry from one of the junior researchers about his son, at which point Klaus responded that his son, Tomas by name, was still trying to figure things out and, as such, was having issues again. The junior scientist expressed sorrow over hearing the news, and Klaus simply noted that life doesn't always turn out the way people expect, and that Tomas would persevere-- he had faith in his son's ability to get up again after being knocked down, even if he faced significant setbacks.  \n  \nSamantha, at that point, interjected, pointing out that Tomas was doing remarkably well after losing his spot at the Centre. Dymryn maintained an even angle of his wings despite his surprise; the 'Centre' he knew of was for those enrolled in the Unity Programme, and, based on what he knew about it, those who attended classes there were some of the brightest among their races. Had Klaus' son tried to join?  \n  \nDespite how much he tried to not let his focus on the outside conversation affect his concentration, something must have read as different; Samantha pressed the communication button. \"Everything alright in there, Dymryn?\"  \n  \nThe Ilsit knew that truth was important for the data they were collecting and he felt no reason to be evasive. \"Yes, Dr. Blake-- I was just wondering about Dr. Huber's son's recent eviction. That does not sound like a pleasant experience.\"  \n  \nLooking out through the plastic tube containing the wind tunnel, Dymryn saw Samantha's smirk as she glanced to the other scientists. \"See? Enhanced auracular perception of acoustic wave propegation through vibration of solid material.\"  \n  \nKlaus cleared his throat. \"Es tut mir leid.\" he set down his data pad. \"Sorry. The topic of discussion was not appropriate considering the subject matter of our study, Dymryn. You did not need to be involved in my personal matters.\"  \n  \nDymryn's gaze migrated from Klaus to Samantha when he saw what he recognized as her response to one of her often-discussed 'brilliant ideas'. A second later, it was given voice. \"Klaus... your son is rated for cohabitation with an Ilsit Major... right?\"  \n  \nDr. Huber cleared his throat, eyes moving from his datapad to glance sidelong at Dr. Blake. He is, yes. He did not manage to complete his fist year in the programme, but he did well enough that he was able to qualify for an Axis visa without a processing delay.\"  \n  \nThe Sorrow Scale had heard many stories about the Unity Programme and knew that the studies were rigorous; the entire subject left him curious. Since the two-way intercom was still on, he added in his own thoughts. \"I would not be opposed to an introduction, presuming your son agrees and would not be considered a confict of interest.\"  \n  \nThe senior scientist pressed a button on his data pad then set it down. \"It would resolve many issues at once and, no, I believe there would be no cause for concern with regard to a conflict of interest. We are at a good place to pause for now-- please excuse me; I will go check in with Tomas and find out his thoughts on the matter.\"  \n  \nSamantha watched him go, a bemused expression on her lips. The other scientsts moved to their workstations, leaving her alone with Dymryn. She slowly disengaged the airflow and, once the fans were off and the Ilsit had touched down on the grate, she opened the door and walked in to join him. \"He may not show it, but he's been really worried about his son for the past few days... this could be a big win all around.\"  \n  \nDymryn folded his wings, blinking his membranes. \"Please explain, Dr. Blake. Are you suggesting that the resolution is good for everyone?\"  \n  \nShe smirked; he was getting better at reading Human expressions, and figured that she was self-satisfied with the possible outcome. \"I've met Tomas. He's a good kid. And, yeah... I think giving him a chance to join the commission as a Major's Companion would be helpful for him getting out of his rut.\"  \n  \nThe dragon picked at the grate with a talon. \"That is a turn-of-phrase, I understand, but I am unfamiliar with it.\"  \n  \nSamantha leaned against the door frame. \"After he exited the Programme he has had trouble finding a good direction for his life to take... when someone is 'in a rut' it means that they aren't able to find a path forward. His father encouraged him to come to Axis, hoping it would spur some interest in something related to what he'd tried to do at the Unity Centre, but it may have just been reminding him on what he'd lost.\"  \n  \nDymryn figured he started to understand the issue, but he wasn't convinced. \"Are you certain that cohabitating with an Ilsit Major will not magnify that feeling?\"  \n  \nShe shrugged in response. \"Maybe... or maybe not. I think spending time with you would be good for him, and vice versa. It's hard to tell what might happen until everyone gives it a chance. If it doesn't work out, then no harm, no foul. If it DOES work out then your case worker's job is a little easier.\"  \n  \nThe Ilsit found Samantha's argument compelling. \"Very well. If Dr. Huber's son is amenable to meeting then it would be worthwhile to do so.\"  \n  \nThe break went a little longer than Dymryn had expected. Samantha continued engaging with him, the topic transitioning from Tomas to Dymryn himself and how he was doing with the experiments; she'd expressed some concern over him spending too much time in the air tunnel after so much breath work in the morning. He ahd to remind her that the expulsion of chemicals were of little concern when it came to flying; so long as he didn't actually use too much gas from his reserves he would be fine.  \n  \nFrom there, the two transitioned to talking about breath control, Dymryn's (and Ilsit Majors in generally) ability to refill the thoratic air bladders that simultaneously added bouyancy for flying and the flammible gas that created their impressive exhalation of fire. The Sorrow Scale was not one to brag, but he did explain that his breath control was considered on the more skilled side of his species; he had a natural talent for it, which was one of many reasons he was excited to experience flight on Land Earth. The topic changed yet again after that as the two compared and contrast the atmosphere of Land Earth and other Earths where flight was easier.  \n  \nDymryn offered up what little insight he had on the topic. \"I believe I heard somewhere that the Earths in the third tier like Land Earth deviated from the second tier Earths like Saurian Earth and Plateau Earth in that yours experienced a large number of meteor strikes, which is why most have a significantly less dense atmosphere.\"  \n  \nSamantha raised an eyebrow. \"Oh, you heard that, did you? Usually that's a topic most people don't learn about unless they're part of the Unity Programme but, yes; that is currently one of several theories posed by some of the research teams. Tier two Earths are the only Earths we know of that missed catastrophic meteor impacts-- the Ilsit, Viddin, Agak, and Creer all have significantly heavy atmospheres on their versions of Earth.\"  \n  \nThe Ilsit considered the statement for several long moments. \"I have also heard that the Creer are unable to visit Tier three Earths because their metabolism cannot handle the lighter density. Is that the case?\"  \n  \nSamantha shook her head. \"No. They get altitude sickness for several days but they're fine. They tend to stay on Burrow Earth because of societal expectations.\"  \n  \nDymryn gave his tail a flick. \"Ah. I see. I have never encountered one here in Axis, so I was not certain.\"  \n  \nThe conversation was cut short when Klaus returned. He move directly to his data pad, his professionalism almost hiding the relief in his voice as he said. \"Tomas will stop by for a visit this afternoon. In the meantime, let us return to flight dynamics.\"  \n  \n\\* \\* \\* \\* \\*  \n  \nWhen the science team was done with him for the day Dymryn headed down to the ground floor accompanied by Samantha. She checked her data pad as they descended, announcing \"Reception just sent a message to let us know that Tomas is waiting in the lobby.\"  \n  \nHaving considered meeting Dr. Huber's son had been a future issue to address during the entirety of the day but, as the lift finished its final floors of descent, Dymryn began to find himself a little apprehensive. His prior Companion Humans had not worked out well, with each seeming to be worse than the last; he ardently hoped that the cycle would break at some point but, facing the prospect of meeting the progeny of one of the scientists interacting with him a professional capacity added a certain concern that wasn't there with prior applicants.  \n  \nAs the elevator doors opened, Dymryn peered over Dr. Blake's head. Seated in the lobby was a young man who looked in many ways similar to Klaus Huber, but was decidedly numerous years his junior... and he didn't have the large, shaggy mustache of the scientist; the lack of facial hair was a relief-- something about it always made the dragon uneasy. As quickly as he caught sight of the young male, however, he also saw another visitor-- she saw him as well. Jessica raised a hand, waving his way. \"Dymryn! Over here!\"  \n  \nDymryn made his way over to the seating area flanked by Samantha. The doctor took a seat beside an Ilsit lounging sofa and he flopped down in it when she padded on the head-rest. She spoke up to the others. \"Dr Samantha Blake. I'm part of the team of specialists working with Dymryn along with Dr Huber.\"  \n  \nTomas, the young Human male with sandy brown hair and a hesitant smile glanced betwen the two women before looking to Jessica... then to Dymryn, addressing him directly. \"You must be Dymryn. Ms. Costa told me about you.\"  \n  \nJessia quickly spoke up. \"Dymryn, this is Tomas Huber.\"  \n  \nThe dragon looked to each of them in turn before speaking to the woman. \"You two... know one another?\"  \n  \nHis caseworker offered a nod and a smile, placing a hand on the young male Human's shoulder \"As a matter of fact, Tomas here was in one of the classes I taught as an adjunct professor for a semester at the Unity Centre.\"  \n  \nThe young man offered a grin in return. \"If more of the instructors there were more like Ms. Costa I probably would have had better grades.\"  \n  \nDymryn blinked, looking to Tomas. \"Your father had said you spent some time in the Unity Programme but did not continue.\"  \n  \nTomas offered an obviously forced smile when he said \"I turned out to be a bad fit for the curriculum.\"  \n  \nJessica threw a balled-up tissue at him. \"More students fail to finish their degrees that succeed, Tom-- the fact that you're here in Axis shows that you still have a lot left to give to the cause.\"  \n  \nSamantha, who had remained standing beside Dymryn, slid his data pad into his wing pouch for him. \"Well... it looks like you're in good hands, Dymryn. I have a few more things to take care up in the lab, but I'll see you tomorrow.\"  \n  \nThe Ilsit Major dipped his closest wing in her direction. \"Until tomorrow, Doctor Blake. Thank you.\"  \n  \nAs Samantha departed, Jessica stood up from beside Tomas. \"Well... seeing as it's still early, what does everyone think about dinner? There's a wonderful restauraunt just around the corner from here that has an outdoor seating area with space set aside for Viddin and Majors. My treat.\"  \n  \nTomas had no objections and, considering the purpose of the get together was for Dymryn's benefit, the dragon didn't mind. \"I find that acceptable. It will provide us more time to talk.\"  \n  \nThe walk to the eatery was as brief as Jessica had indicated; the building shared a wall with the structure directly behind the research campus, making it, as she had stated, literally 'just around the corner'. The serving staff quickly sat the three of them, choosing a long table that accomidated two human chairs and an Ilsit Major lounging sofa.  \n  \nDymryn spent the first part of the dinner watching the interactions between Tomas and Jennifer, content to get a good feel of his potential Human Comanion by assessing him without intervention. Tomas was thin like a Drone, but tall like a Greater drone. He seemed animated, and had no trouble carrying on a conversation with Jessica. What the Major found strange was how the Human male's eyes occasionally migrated his way but, rather than simply gawking or looking away awakwardly, every time their eyes met Tomas would direct a question at Dymryn to include him in the conversation.  \n  \nThe questions were not invasive nor were they overtly personal; they were casual, such as what Dymryn thought of Land Earth so far, or if he'd found any places like the one they were at to spend time outside his condo, or how things were going at the science center. It wasn't until their ordered meals arrived that Tomas' casual questions really caught Dymryn's attention because the next one was asked in the Ilsit language, and translated to \"May I ask why your name doesn't end in an 's'?\"  \n  \nThe dragon cocked his head to the side to regard Tomas with a single eye appraisingly. He knew exactly what the Human meant, but had no compunctions with making him expand on his question. \"Correct. My name does not end in an s. Should it?\"  \n  \nRather than shirk away in embarrassment or double-down with certaintly, Tomas switched over to English and responded in a different way. \"In the classes I took we were always taught that male Ilsit Majors had names that end in 's'. Yours doesn't.\"  \n  \nIt could have been considered an invasive question if Dymryn hadn't realized the discrepancy; he chose not to be insulted. \"That is an exception for Sorrow Scales.\"  \n  \nThe Human seemed to take it in stride, and even asked a further-clarifying question. \"Oh... I hadn't known that. Then what about female Sorrow Scales-- do their names not end in 'kj' then?\"  \n  \nSomething about Tomas' precocious presumption pleased Dymryn. \"Correct. Male Sorrow Scale names end in 'n' and female Sorrow Scale names end in 'x'.\"  \n  \nThe young man took that in stride. \"Thanks. That's new. I'm sorry if anything I said was insulting-- I hadn't known.\"  \n  \nDymryn found it difficult to keep his tail stil; Tomas' matter-of-fact dialogue was refreshing, and he found it bemusing. \"I am not offended, Tomas. Asking questions is one of the best ways to increase your knowledge.\"  \n  \nDinner continued to go well and Dymryn was much more relaxed as their main courses concluded. No specifics about the reason for Tomas' visit had been discussed until the plates were cleared and, ultimately, it was the young male Human who brought it up. \"Ms. Costa, my Dad said something about a possible opening in the Ilsit Hosting Program... I guess the opening involves Dymryn?\" He turned directly toward the dragon. \"Is this a meet-and-greet, or more like an interview?\"  \n  \nBefore Dymryn could answer, Jessica spoke. \"A little of both, really. At the end of the day, the choice is up to Dymryn but, if he's willing to give you a chance as his Human Companion I can't see a reason to deny an approval. Based on what I know about both of you, and what I've observed this evening, I think it would be a good fit. Dymryn... what are YOUR thoughts?\"  \n  \nThe Major glanced first to Jessica then to Tomas, then back to Jessica. \"I have a few questions before I can make that decision.\"  \n  \nShe waved him onward. \"Alright.\"  \n  \nLooking back to Tomas, Dymryn licked the back of his teeth as he thought of how to phrase his first question. \"You are Klaus Huber's son, correct?\"  \n  \nTomas nodded. \"Yes. Is that a problem?\"  \n  \nDymryn made a point of shaking his head in a Human gesture for no; he didn't particularly like the emote but Humans seemed to appreciate it. \"It is not... but I wish to know about your German fluency.\"  \n  \nOut of the corner of his eye Dymryn saw Jessica lower her face into her hand; he was familiar enough with that body language but he focused more on Tomas, who answered in a matter of fact tone. \"I could probably get by if I had to, but my mom is French and we spoke mostly French and English at home since those are the languages most commonly used in the Programme.\"  \n  \nThe dragon continued onward. \"You seem to be receptive to correction. You would not be insulted if I were to point out mistakes you make?\"  \n  \nTomas seemed confused by the question and glanced to Jessica who, with a shrug, gestured back toward Dymryn; the Ilsit Major didn't quite understand the non-verbal exchange, but it did ultimately result in an answer from the young Human. \"As long as criticism is constructive I don't have a problem with it, no. I like learning.\"  \n  \nWith the first concern put to rest, Dymryn dove straight into the second one. \"What is your opinion of dysecdysis?\"  \n  \nThe Human's immediate and seemingly visceral response created a moment of apprehension from Dymryn, but Thomas' response put things into perspective. \"Dysecdysis? That's horrible. I know it's something a lot of Ilsit worry about, but, assuming Humans are doing their job with humidity and temperature control it's not something that any Ilsit should have to worry about when traveling to Land Earth.\"  \n  \nJessica spoke up for the first time since the 'interrogation' began. \"You'd be surprised how common it is, Tomas... a lot of Human Companions don't understand the importance of climate control for Ilsit acclimating to Land Earth.\"  \n  \nTomas stared at her for a few seconds before returning his gaze to Dymryn. \"Did YOU have to deal with that, Dymryn?\"  \n  \nThe Major nodded. \"Yes. In the end, Jessica had to call in a specialist to assist me with clearing the shed around my eye caps. It was... unpleasant.\"  \n  \nThe young Human nodded thoughtfully. \"Well, even if climate control doesn't fix the problem, usually a warm soak or a heated compress can fix the issue if caught early.\"  \n  \nDymryn raised an eyeridge. \"The prospect of an Ilsit shedding scales is not unappealing to you?\"  \n  \nTomas shot right back. \"The idea of a Human shedding skin or hair doesn't make you uneasy?\"  \n  \nThe dragon found himelf appreciating the lack of an answer. He proceeded to his final point of discussion. \"What are your thoughts on Dragon Butter Scotch?\"  \n  \nJessica, who'd been taking a drink of water, very nearly spewed it out in surprise at the question. She coughed, wiping at her lips with a napkin, and had just opened her mouth to interject when Tomas provided his own answer. \"It's a stupid practice local bars use to swindle tourists. It's a scam, really, since that's not how Murmur works.\"  \n  \nDymryn licked the back of his teeth, hesitating only a faction of a second before offering the correction. \"Myrmyr.\"  \n  \nTomas repeated himself. \"It's not how Myrmyr works.\"  \n  \nBefore Jessica could entirely recover from her potential water inhalation, Dymryn turned to her. \"I am unopposed to having Tomas as my Human Companion, and would approve his placement if you can complete the necessary paperwork.\"  \n  \nClearing her throat, Jessica acknowledged the decision. \"Dymryn, when you brought up Dragon Butter Scotch, would I be correct in assuming that--\"  \n  \nThe dragon spoke over her, looking back to Tomas. \"Tomas... would you be willing to be my Human Companion then? You will receive a room in my condo and a stipend to see to your personal expenses.\"  \n  \nThe Human smiled. \"Yeah! That would be great, actually...\" he turned to look at Jessica. \"Does that mean I get the job, Ms. Costa?\"  \n  \nJessica, to Dymryn's approval, set the issue of his last Companion aside and addressed Tomas' question. \"Alright then... I can have everything drawn up tomorrow.\"  \n  \nTomas' smile widened. \"That's great! I'll head back to the hotel and wait to hear from you then.\"  \n  \nDymryn opened his muzzle, but the words didn't quite connect due to the confusion. He tried again a second time to better effect. \"Your father lives here in Axis. Is there a reason why you are staying in a hotel rather than with him?\"  \n  \nThe young man shrugged. \"There's some... 'complications'... so, no... I'm not staying with my dad.\"  \n  \nThe dragon looked back to Jessica. \"If Tomas is a transient at present is there a problem with him moving in tonight?\"  \n  \nJessica glanced between the two of them. \"I can't see a problem with that... Tomas?\"  \n  \nTomas smiled. \"Sure!\"  \n  \nOnce the meal was paid for, Dymryn and Tomas parted ways with Jessica, the dragon promising to get the Human back to the apartment safely. One the two were alone, Dymryn surprised himself by immediately engaging the young man in conversation. \"You said that you speak very little German? It is your father's native language.\"  \n  \nTomas addressed the question with no defensiveness, providing the same direct response that Dymryn would normally not have expected from a Human. \"Like I said, both my parents were really encouaging about my desire to join the Unity Programme so I was speaking English and French from an early age more than German. I could probably bungle my way through it if I had to, but I'm more fluent in Oolou, Viddin, and Ilsit.\"  \n  \nDymryn had heard Humans call themselves fluent in Ilsit before so he was reluctant to take Tomas' words at face value despite hearing him say a few sentences during dinner. Switching over to his native language, Dymrun asked \"And how did you learn Ilsit?\"  \n  \nThe Human hesitated for only a moment before answering in a halting answer. \"I learned at class. It was... optional class. I took class and learned some. I am not speaking Ilsit for a time though so I need practice.\"  \n  \nDymryn didn't hesitate to correct him. \"You 'have not spoken Ilsit'.\"  \n  \nTomas actually smiled. \"I have not spoken Ilsit for a time so I need practice.\"  \n  \nThe dragon offered a slight tilt of his wing toward the human, switching back to English. \"It is not perfect, but I can understand you. We can work on it.\"  \n  \nThe young man's face lit up. \"You'll let me practice with you?\"  \n  \nDymryn found himself, despite being cautiously optimistic, smiling. \"We are to be room mates, Tomas. You will be helping me a great deal and relationships should be give-and-take. We will help one another.\"  \n  \nTomas' smile grew into an all out laugh. \"Then this sounds like the best opportunity ever!\"  \n  \nThe Human's enthusiasm was encouraging.","series":{"name":"Other Earths Anthology","previous":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/noXXG6y1-other-earths-saurian-earth-ilsit-major-part-1-3.json","next":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/ebQQ6pd1-other-earths-saurian-earth-ilsit-major-part-3-3.json"}}