Draconis by carlos_penguin

Draconis

carlos_penguin, Fox, Interspecies, M/F, Mouse, Sci-Fi, Vixen, Yiffy

The Family of Carl and Muranna Fornax (AoC)

Draconis

Preface

If you're looking for a story on dragons or one largely based on scalies, this isn't one!

Draconis is a world of the Royal Serpen Commonwealth. For those who know what a star chart is (or can Google one), it is located around a star known to us as Chi Draconis, hence the name.

Like the Equuleusian's, they are autonomous, isolated but are quite naive, though somewhat technologically advanced. If you have read Alliance of Conspiracy, this will all be familiar to you. It is based on a reunion of Muranna's family and focuses on her brother, who as we know from the story, The Barista, The Vixen and The Goat-II, will eventually stay with them as Gorsha moves on with her life.

If you have not read AoC, many parts of this story will have you lost, as the background isn't there. This was done on purpose to keep this to 90 pages in my word processor (the original version came in at 145).

It is also the first time I touch on a sexual subject that is in the area of hermaphrodite, though not herm in the traditional sense. The sexuality of one of this stories main characters is based on a real life tale I watched in a documentary of a person who was born in every sense of the way female, grew up a girly-girl long before knowing what sexuality was and with zero parental influence on the subject, yet had been given male parts.

Approximate main story time frame - up to end of the last chapter of AoC.

Again I would like to thank my editor and proofreader, Equuleus for his time and efforts in making these collections of notes into a great story ^v^

Cheers!

CarLOS Penguin

1 - "The Door Opens"

Celiar was working at his archival station in the library. It was an important, yet mundane job that had its own rewards. He was able to see first hand every scrap of public information available on his world as it came across his workstation, where he categorized it and filed it in the master database.

Celiar's skills were not amazing by his world's standards. Matter of fact, he was downright average. He was able to work at a speed that made Terran data input devices useless. Computers on his world functioned by gesture. A large three dimensional transparent screen surrounded him by 230 degrees of arc and responded to head and eye movements along with hand gestures. Where data needed manual input, it only had to be spoken. But that only slowed things down.

His species were known by the Serpen worlds they traded with as the most social and hospitable of creatures. Celiar was unusual, he kept to himself, something of a hermit. As yet he chosen not to take a mate, instead burying himself in his archiving and personal studies.Though lately he had spent more time than usual with his brother's family, who were concerned about their daughter since she had taken on an off world investigative position.

Celiar's brother, Mardak, always encouraged his daughter's eager curiosity for the unusual. At home, it got her into plenty of trouble as she tended to expose the deepest of secrets and they ended up in the planetary media. She was quite the busybody and she turned that hobby into a career.

Celiar's niece's relentless pursuit of the truth got her writing accolades within the trade and volunteered for an undercover position off word to expose a suspected slave trading ring whose operations expanded within the borders of their space, a small section in a massive expanse known as the Royal Serpen Commonwealth.

One day upon departing his brother's home from an evening meal, Mardak's plea now cliche with him, was repeated again, "Celiar, please let me know of anything at your work, no matter how small it may be, that may hint at my daughter's well being."

There was new data coming from a Tri Stellar Alliance system known as Pegasi. He knew the Kingdom World of Serpensia was flirting with the idea of opening borders to interstellar trade from less explored sectors and the Pegasiians always keen to make currency in any form, were the first to respond.

As part of the negotiations, a trade in historical and statistical data was exchanged. Celiar's world being one of the dozens in the Commonwealth, got access to this information as well. Matter of fact, they got the majority of it because of the Draconis' careful ordering and classification of it made it far easier for the Serpens to make use of it in a manner that meant something to them.

Months later, Mardak came into Celiar's office in a state of relieved shock. He was smiling, yet his mouth was twisted. Tears streamed down his face as he went to sit in a guest chair, missed and hit the floor.

Celiar leapt up from his work station, "Brother! What has happened?" He shouted as he helped Mardak into the chair.

"M...Muranna. She is alive!" His quivering voice replied, his twisted mouth now smiling.

"That is good!" Celiar exclaimed joyfully. "But...." his raised eyebrow betraying his concern.

"She has been through a hell of indescribable nature. But she is safe now. Safe thanks to one she has accepted a mate." Mardak said as his expression turning to one of confusion. "She says she is with child."

"About time! She needs to settle down. Safer too!" Celiar replied joyfully again.

Mardak shook his head puzzled, looking at Celiar quizzically, "What is a human?"

Celiar stood straight, taken aback by the seemingly sudden change of topic. "Ummm... ahhh.... A species in a union called Tri Sector Alliance. Very tall, hairless, primate creatures. Why?"

Mardak's head went back on the chair and his eyes closed. He breathed a sigh of relief. "So, they are not with the Ursan? They are not our enemies?"

Celiar shook his head and his voice betrayed impatience, "Mardak! Do not toy with me... what do you mean?"

Mardak looked at Celiar, "Her mate, he is human! She is pregnant and will be giving birth to young sired by a human father." His head shaking again, "How is this possible?"

Celiar did not have an answer. But since he heard that piece of information, he, as well as most of the medical professionals on Draconis, were making heavy use of the master database to find out. Celiar's team of archivists were also doing double time to keep the massive requests for data, some of which now hitting the planetary media, from crashing the servers.

It was the end of another day and he was ready to leave for home. His relief came in with a strong stimulating beverage, jekk, but looked tired as he already spent many hours on redundant backups to guarantee the safety of the information.

"It's likely to get worse. We're about to receive packets from other parts of their space too." His relief worker said as he flopped down in Celiar's freshly vacated chair and attached the head and hand manipulators. He no sooner sat down when his station began to flood with new information directly and not third-hand from the Pegasiians from a new data source - Earth.

Celiar had a quick meal and retired to his bed. But not before doing something he did every night since his brother gave him a copy of Muranna's first correspondence in months. He picked up his reader and read the letter she wrote his brother again.

Father,

I am alive! Thought you'd like to know this first thing. Though I cannot say I am well. I have experienced more adventure than any Draconis before, of that I am sure.

There are dangers beyond description outside our borders. Life and death are one in the same and taken as lightly as a days work by some. By all rights, I should not be alive, but I am.

But all dark nebulae have starlight on the other side - I am bearing you grandchildren!

I am alive for the sole reason of the father of my children, Carl Fornax. He is a human soldier with the bravado of the Serpen Guard. He has asked me to be his mate and I have accepted.

We are on our way back to his world. He offered to return me to Draconis, but I have chosen to follow my future husband. I will contact you again when we arrive.

Muranna

Celiar could not remember when his niece had been so brief in a letter. But it appeared that she was in transit on an alien vessel and may have only had a short opportunity to send word.

With the reader still in his hand, he fell asleep.

"Sub Director! Sub Director Celiar!" Came the shouts of a crowd of media scurrying up to him the moment he left his transport to go to work. "What is your thoughts on the data stream from the Terrans. Was the data corrupted? Is this incompetent science? Is this foolish humour?"

Celiar was most annoyed with this intrusion into his personal space. Especially when the media was asking him rubbish to which he knew absolutely nothing about. "What is the meaning of this? I just got here, what are you talking about?"

One reporter made his way to the front of the crowd first by force of his fattened bulk. "Overnight, the data stream from the Terrans contained medical information on your niece. That information had DNA comparisons between her and a lower animal on the Terran home world that would indicate the animal a relative of ours."

Celiar was dumbfounded and not the least bit sceptical. "That seems unlikely, doesn't it? I will have my team check the data for corruption." He began to push his way past the media and head towards the data centre.

"The Director already has a team on it." One of the other reporters shouted as Celiar ignored her and went inside.

The data centre was abuzz with activity and his boss greeted him with a huge smile on his face. "Celiar! There appears to have been a great discovery made overnight."

"So I hear, Director." Celiar raised an eyebrow sceptically, sipping his morning jekk. "We have to confirm this information before we can discuss the ramifications of it. Our whole society could be turned on its head if we can't answer the questions and I for one don't pretend to be a doctor or anthropologist. I'm just an archiver."

The Director smiled and handed him a tablet, which he took and read. "My.... by the gods! Is this true?"

The Director nodded. "The information we received has been confirmed correct against the Pegasiian database and is archived as fact in the Capellan scientific libraries. Species Muridae is a rodent exclusive to the Terran system. Our anthropologists are digesting the information now and if the data gathered from your niece aboard their military vessel conforms to our standards of data collection, it appears we have our Missing Link."

Celiar's mouth hung open, speechless as he looked back at the tablet and to the Director several times. "If it's true, we... you... I... are from an alien world originally?"

2 - "Aspirations"

"Shen, you want a what?" The scruffy old supervisor at one of the many refuelling stations looked at the teenage fellow with a humoured expression.

"Job." He repeated with a straight face.

The supervisor wiped his hands, gave a sigh and leaned against the small, 25 passenger transport he just refuelled. His expression turned serious and he cocked his head, "Shen, if I give you a job, will you stick with it?"

Shen shrugged, "I never tried pumper before. I might like it."

The supervisor rubbed his face, getting streaks of dirt on his pointed nose and sighed again, "Look, I know you're in a hell of a position. Your sister is playing space cowgirl, your Dad worries about her all the time, your Mom is always at council meetings running this town. You must feel like a third wheel in your own family."

Shen shrugged again, "I get by."

Actually, it was tearing Shen apart. He and his sister were opposites. She was chatty, he was quiet. She was outgoing and inquisitive, he was reserved. Muranna definitely took after her Mom. Shen, took after his Uncle Celiar. But they both had something very much in common - the insatiable desire to know about the unknown.

What was unusual was he looked nothing like his Uncle or Dad - he was always teased by his relatives that he looked so much like Muranna that until she developed her feminine physique, they couldn't tell the siblings apart.

"Tell you what..." the supervisor said, coming to a decision. "Trim that hair of yours and see me at 0500 in the morning."

Shen looked rather annoyed on having to cut his hair, "What's wrong with my hair?"

The supervisor chuckled, "I know it's how you young ones are wearing it these days, but you look too much like your sister still. Some of these public transport drivers are a little roughshod and you just might find yourself propositioned to 'step in their vehicle' for a little while, if you know what I mean."

Shen chuckled, "Oh, so they're as amorous as we young folks at your old age?"

The supervisor was taken aback, then let out a laugh, "You'll be able to hold your own at this station with that humour! See you tomorrow!"

Shen left and went to the usual gathering place, a nearby open market, to hang with his friends.

What would be considered the ultimate food market and community faire by humans was by Draconis standards, a corner store. The young gathered to socialize, drink jekk, and eat. The families were there to let their young burn off their energy. The elderly were there to enjoy watching the young discover what they already knew and share stories.

"Where the heck have you been?" One of Shen's friends looked up from the group of four, entertained at table by all the news of 'possible alien origin'.

Shen sat down and smiled, "I got a job!"

Everyone stopped reading and looked at him in disbelief. After a pause, Keyla, Muranna's best friend (and as Shen thought unbeknownst to her, his lover) looked at him with a disgusted expression, "Why?"

"Yeah man..." his friend Taus, asked confused. "Your Mom's in council, your Dad's an architect, you need work... why?"

Shen sighed, "That's just it. My Dad's great, Mom's indispensable, my sister is going to likely bump fatso from the world news anchor position and I'm.... what?"

"Young and busy doing nothing, like the rest of us!" Lemet, Taus' brother said muffled as he bit into a sandwich. Everyone at the table laughed.

"So, what are you doing anyway?" Taus asked.

"Pumper at the north fuelling station." Shen replied.

The brothers raised their eyebrows simultaneously and said, "Joking?"

Shen felt a little better about his new job when they looked surprised at him. "No joke. Why?"

Keyla looked at him with a downhearted expression, "That's... not... a summer job. It's dangerous."

Shen gave her a dismissive wave, "Transports come in, I pump 'em up, they move on. No flammable fuels like transcontinental flights. None of that shit at all."

"No, just compressed air at ten thousand atmospheres from cryotanks. The fueling line is the weakest link and if it blows, you'll be atomized." Lemet said, eyebrows still raised.

Shen was not as enthusiastic about his new job as he was a few moments ago. He tugged on his hair, tied in a ponytail, "I guess having to cut my hair is the least of my worries then."

"Cut it?" Keyla squeaked.

"Someone's all grown up now. No longer needs the 'do'!" Taus said to Shen, pulling his hair.

Shen looked around, "Where is a barber anyway?".

The brothers laughed, "Don't you mean more like 'What is one?' than 'Where is one?' "

"I'll do it." Keyla volunteered with a quiet voice. She looked at him, smiled mischievously, leaned over, kissed him and whispered, "But it'll cost you."

The brothers whistled, "That's his kind of currency."

Keyla shared the evening meal with Shen's family. Mardak was most impressed with her 'technique' with a hair cutter and styler.

"I must thank you Keyla, for getting my son to look like my son!" Mardak said to the chuckle of all at the table (excluding Shen, who felt very naked with his new cut).

"Oh, don't tease the boy so, brother." Celiar said with a grin. "Oddball eccentricity never hurt anyone."

Shen smiled at his Uncle, "Yeah! That's what I say."

"How come you're so quiet tonight, Alderman?" Keyla asked Shen's Mom.

She smiled at Keyla, "Now Keyla, a hundred times I've said you can call me Ayannette at our house." She paused and sighed, "Well, to be honest, when Shen had his hair long, it didn't really seem like the family was apart. But now...."

Everyone had a moment of uncomfortable silence.

"I... I'll clean up." Keyla offered as she gathered the dishes that were empty and brought them to the recycler.

Celiar looked back and forth at his brother and sister-in-law, "So... go see her."

Mardak looked shocked at his suggestion, "Leave... Draconis?"

Celiar shrugged, "I've been off world three times. Twice to Serpensia and once on that Vega survey mission when I got my degree. It's not a big deal."

Ayannette shook her head, "That is ludicrous! Even if we had the time, how would we get there?"

Celiar smiled and leaned back in his chair, "A Serpen stellar trader is licensed to go where they see fit, except the Ursan systems.... and now of course, the Pegasiian systems."

"Why the Pegasiians?" Shen asked confused. "Wasn't the Commonwealth trying to open borders to them?"

His Mom shook her head, "Pegasiians were involved in the slave trading indirectly. They are now restricted space until further notice."

"Well, count me in!" Shen said enthusiastically.

His Dad looked at him, "Son, travelling space isn't like travelling here. Interstellar pilots want currency and no small sum of it. Your Uncle had his trips paid by the Commonwealth."

"We don't even know if Commonwealth subjects are permitted to venture into this new space yet." His Mom added.

"I thought Draconis was autonomous?" Keyla asked.

Ayannette nodded, "Yes, but a member of the Prime Kingdom isn't as sheltered as we are in interstellar matters, so we are protected. Should anyone in the new space be aggressive towards a Draconis, it would be considered an Act of War against the entire Commonwealth."

"You're forgetting the Treaty of Ter'Chon, the First King of the Commonwealth." Celiar offered.

"Ter'Chon died ten thousand years ago." Mardak rebuffed.

Celiar leaned forward and exclaimed with his finger in the air like a debater making a counterpoint, "Yes! But his treaty united the kingdoms into the modern Commonwealth and the act was never repealed!"

Shen and Keyla looked at each other blankly, "Treaty of Ter'Chon?"

Ayannette sighed and shook her head with a smile at the two youngsters, "Don't they teach history any more? Or did you two sleep through it?" She cleared her throat and drank some water like she did before making presentations in her council meetings. "The Treaty of Ter'Chon stated that was no lawful divisions amongst the kingdoms, therefore no lawful reason for divisions, squabbling or feuds because the entire planet was related. Therefore to battle against another kingdom was to battle against ones own family. The one act that was prohibited in all the kingdoms across Serpensia."

Shen realized where his Uncle wanted them to go with this line of thought, "And since Muranna is going to give birth by a human father, the Terran's are considered kin to the Draconis under the treaty? But they aren't in the Commonwealth?"

Keyla looked very excited, "Oh Shen, don't you see this is the Will of the Universe? We read that we may have originated from the humans home world. Muranna is pregnant by a human and now this obscure treaty your Uncle remembered?"

"Mardak..." Celiar began, "You said, "Leave Draconis?" a minute ago. Don't you really want to see your apparent place of origin?" He paused as his brother pondered the facts, "Think of all the strange, alien architectural designs you could scope out?"

He turned to Ayannette, "Wouldn't the mother of the first Draconis to leave the entire Serpen system be the perfect ambassador for first diplomatic contact with these people?"

Flattered, she smiled but shook her head. "There are much older and more experienced politicians here trained by the Serpens specifically for such circumstances, though."

"Then you also don't know history as well as you thought, sister-in-law." Celiar grinned as he continued and handed a pad to her with the Treaty of Ter'Chon on it. "The treaty also states that the family of the first child uniting a kingdom has ambassadorial rights between the kingdoms."

"You came here, knowing you were going to suggest this?" Mardak looked at his brother, who took the data pad from his wife to have a look for himself.

"It was suggested to me." Celiar replied with a shrug. "A group that came to verify the integrity of our data. They were the ones that reminded me of the Treaty of Ter'Chon and suggested that an off-the-table mission would be in everyone's best interest." He rubbed his chin and continued, "I think the Serpens want to do an official collaboration with the humans as a part of this, but don't want to be the first ones to open their hand. But since the treaty was legally still in effect, it was up to Draconis to honour it and walk along more a familial line.... which is one of our species' talents."

Later that night, Shen held Keyla as they lay on a blanket in the local park in a private area known by most of the teenage lovers. Shen, on his back, stared up at the stars as the night birds clicked around them from the trees and the red glow of the firebeetle called out its desire for a mate from the long grasses.

"What's on your mind? You haven't even began your intimacy with me?" Keyla asked, wondering if she offended him.

"It should be about... soon." Shen replied.

"It... what?" Keyla rolled over onto her side and leaned up on her elbows, wondering what he was on about.

Shen pointed up to a break in the tree canopy where all the stars were clearly visible. "I looked it up just before we came up here. I never thought of it before." In a moment he quipped excitedly, "There! See it?"

Keyla rolled back onto her back, head on his chest and looked down his outstretched arm. "I see... a star and two faint ones."

"The star is Shoal. Part of the diving bird's beak." He said with a smile.

"Oh, that's right! I remember my grandfather teaching us that." She said with fond remembrance.

"The humans call it Sirius." He said, lowering his arm and stroking her hair. "The two faint ones making the little fish in the bird's beak, one has the human's world. It has.... Muranna."

"You really want to go, don't you?" She asked.

"Of course! Now more than ever!" He kissed her ear tenderly, "Don't you? I mean, my sister is your best friend?"

Keyla rolled over again and smiled, "Of course I want to see her. But it's been nice to have all this time to ourselves, too."

Amongst the light of the stars and firebeetles, they spent an intimate night in each other's arms, like so many other young lovers, since the park was created a hundred years ago.

3 - "Adventure Awaits"

Six months had passed since Celiar had suggested their family go to the Terran system. The Serpens providing the transport were not swift at making the decisions, at least not by Draconis standards.

Muranna's communications became more frequent. The official data link they had was able to carry the personal letters her family waited so long to read. It wasn't the fact that she didn't want to write, but being uncharted space, there were no commercial relays and the scientific probes that were close to Serpen space were not capable of such a task. Over 20 light-years distance was a very long way for a message to travel without assistance.

The Capitol City Council decided that the Treaty of Ter'Chon made this trip a diplomatic mission and therefore, expenses were covered by the governing body.

Being a familial treaty, included in the trip was Shen, Mardak, Celiar and Ayannette. Keyla was heartbroken that she could not see her friend, but the matter of cost and space aboard the Serpen trading vessel taking them.

The vessel was slower than many Serpen vessels now in use, but was heavily armoured and chosen to take the delegates by the Royal Council as the likely safest method while not being part of an actual defence force, which they thought could seriously complicate matters.

Arrangements had been made to expect their arrival via interstellar communications and the people on both worlds were excited to meet new people, especially those they seemed to be related to in history.

Intelligent and quickly adaptable the Draconis are, they all chose to learn the basics of the Terran Standard language, rather than rely on interpreters or translation devices.

The Draconis and Serpens were very different. The Serpens were scaly, lizard-like and had extremely varied bipedal forms. Some were as short as a typical Draconis, at one metre tall, others stood in excess of five metres tall. They were all intelligent, laid back and patient to the point of apathy. They were also very protective of what they considered 'theirs'. This was the basis for their choosing an armoured cargo transport.

The Draconis were small, had somewhat pointed rodent-like faces and small mouths, a varying physique, leaning more towards rounded and long, thin tails of great dexterity. light coat of fur in a myriad of patterns, colours and markings as well as very soft skin. They were bipedal not unlike a human, with longer fingers and toes that had stubby claw-like nails.

They were very social and always lived together in cities or groups. The Serpens spread out across the worlds in their domain, each preferring their own territory as 'room to breathe'. As laid back as the Serpens were, Draconis preferred quick paces and deadlines. They both shared a love for efficiency.

The Serpens did not have external ears like other species known to them. Just small ear canals with roughly the same sensitivity as a human. The Draconis had pronounced earlobes higher up on their heads that always fascinated the Serpens. Upon meeting a Draconis for the first time, invariably they would be fascinated with them and touched the ears gently. The Draconis eventually accepted this act as a form of greeting from a Serpen and touching of the ears became the standard greeting between their peoples.

The Serpens tended to inspire fear in other species, hence were rather recluse when dealing with mammalians. Of all the species in known space, they were the eldest known and most advanced technologically. But their knowledge had limits.

There were competing hypothesis on Serpensia. Some suspected a distant origin and this was the first time they had actual proof. When they first had data from the Pegasiians, included were some Alliance historical records, including the extinction theory from earth as to the end of giant reptiles. Could that have been their ancestors? Many believed so, but there was no link. How did they get so far away anyway? How did the Draconis end up their neighbours, being so different? When the detailed archaeological data came directly from the Terrans, it nearly cemented the distant origin theory. Many questions remained, with so few answers.

The Captain of the Serpen ship was an experienced pilot retired from the Royal Serpen Guard. His race within the Serpen species suited flying to a world based on primates who had little or no contact with reptilian species. Except for an elongated neck and his scales, his features were smooth and basically passive in appearance (and appearance alone).

Shen took a leave from his job, to which his supervisor happily granted. The young were dreaming more and more of off world travel, not content just to sit home and read about it. Especially since the publication of Muranna's exploits. She was an inspiration for the youngsters.

The day they departed was an emotional experience. Though they were due to return in two months time, friends and family seemed to act as if it was a permanent departure. Keyla didn't have a dry eye since the celebration banquet the night before at the meeting centre in town.

Thousands of well-wishers were in attendance at a celebration that covered most all of the public areas in the city with music, a feast and fireworks. Yet through most of it, their closest friends and family spent as much time as they could close to them in the official meeting hall.

Shen, Lemet, Taus and Keyla found some time to be alone and share their farewells, personally.

"You look absolutely terrified!" Taus nudged Shen in the ribs.

"It.... it didn't seem real until now." Shen replied.

"How did you feel your fist day as a pumper?" Lemet said, trying to calm his friend.

"Similar, but not as nervous." Shen said, trying to dry the palms of his hands.

Keyla latched onto him and cried for the hundredth time that night. "Why do I have the feeling I'll never see you again?"

Shen held her and stroked her hair, "Shhhhh, you'll see me in a couple of months."

Lemet and Taus looked at each other mischievously and said in turn, "Unless Ursan's show up!" "Yeah, and blow you out of the sky" The brothers gave a laugh.

Keyla fell on her knees and wailed at those words. Shen delivered them a reproving look and tried to calm her, "Nothing like that is going to happen. They were teasing you." Keyla ran off.

"I have never seen her like that before." Taus said, now feeling guilty.

"She never did that when Muranna left." Shen said as confused as the others.

Taus and Lemet went after Keyla to apologize. Shen sat down, went to grab his hair in frustration and though it having been cut for six months, still wasn't used to the fact he had little on his head.

Celiar sat down beside him quietly.

"What has got into that girl tonight, Uncle Celiar?" Shen asked, distraught.

"I'd say she loves you, boy." he replied matter-of-factly.

Shen turned to his Uncle shocked, then shook his head. "We're just friends."

"With benefits." Celiar added. "Wouldn't be the first time that has happened to grow into more and won't be the last."

"But..." Shen said with his hands out, "We're just starting our lives. I mean, we... "

"Are too young?" Celiar finished Shen's sentence. He scoffed and continued, "Nephew, some are complete in themselves. Some are complete with a career. Some are complete with the stars. And some are complete with love. One doesn't choose their destiny, destiny chooses them to complete its will."

"Destiny?" Shen asked puzzled.

Celiar patted Shen's knee, "Who you are to be. What you want to do and how you will spend your life."

Shen chuckled, "I didn't know philosophy was a talent of yours. Or is that something you read while archiving?"

Celiar shrugged, "It's what I have found to be the law of nature. It is what it is. Just as a molecule is, it does not know it makes water, or a wall, or your beating heart. It's one small thing in a greater design. Like a firebeetle feeds a night bird, which feeds the soil in the field which makes grain to feed us and when we die, we feed the firebeetle."

"Deep words Uncle, but what does that have to do with Keyla?" Shen asked, following until now.

"It means..." Celiar said as he got up from beside his nephew, "Her destiny is to love and be loved. You can't give her that. Give her your friendship instead."

As his Uncle walked away, Shen called out, "You know something, don't you?"

Celiar turned and smiled, "I know only that... she may be right."

Shen didn't see his friends again before boarding the ship with his family the next day. Nor did he sleep. He lay in his bed, dwelling on the words of his Uncle which seemed so profound.

Morning came so quick. Shen was tired and so were his parents. Breakfast was half eaten, partially due to excitement, partly due to nerves.

A private transport came for them and their luggage. "Shen, is that all you packed?" His Mom asked as he only had a bag around his shoulder.

He smiled, "You're the diplomat and Dad's taking all the holo-pictures and diagrams, what do I need? It's just a vacation."

Mardak feigned shock, "Diagrams? This contains the structural drawings of everything on our world from ancient ruins to the aerodrome we are going to depart from." He patted his shoulder bag with his work computer.

When they arrived, Shen, Mardak and Ayannette ran to the windows to see the ship and were disappointed when they didn't see anything except a couple of Serpen shuttles and planetary aircraft. "Did we miss the flight?" Ayannette asked downhearted.

"The Serpen cargo ship cannot land on the surface. We must shuttle up to it." Celiar explained.

An hour later, Celiar hopped off the shuttle and onto the cargo ship, greeted by an ear-touch from the First Officer. "All aboard! We don't want to keep this gracious crew waiting!" He chuckled.

Next onto the ship was Shen. He had wide eyes like he had been on the most fantastic ride of his life. "I SO want to do that AGAIN!"

Mardak and Ayannette staggered off, holding each other up, looking somewhat ill, following Shen and Celiar down the corridor.

"Celiar!" Mardak growled, catching up to him and Shen. "You could have told us there was far less gravity on that shuttle than the planet!"

Celiar turned with a surprised look, "Why brother? That wouldn't have nearly been as much fun!"

In the two weeks they had together in the tight quarters of the cargo ship, they further studied the information that was sent by the Alliance. Brushing up on the language and learning some numeracy. The written text of what they called 'english' was confounding.

As they were arriving, the Draconis passengers were straining to see out one of the few small windows on the ship. They watched the view begin to fill with a shining blue dot that turned into an obvious planet. Deep blue seas with green and brown land, not unlike their own world. But this one appeared to have an extreme amount of ocean and clouds in formations that were unfamiliar to them.

Draconis' tilt was less than one degree on its axis. It was a place of moderate temperatures between ten degrees off the planets poles. It had no seasons. Here they saw a variety of snow, ice, deserts, green. Excitement grew.

"It looks so... young?" Celiar remarked.

"This world still is full of seismic activity and even still has its magnetic field fully intact." Mardak added. "It will be interesting to see how they keep buildings standing."

These facts were included in the data stream, but couldn't be appreciated until they saw it with their own eyes. Here was a world with life on it, intelligent life for that matter, that was less than half of the age of their own.

Over the course of the journey, the Serpens adjusted the passenger compartments to match the conditions of the world they were visiting. The gravity was slowly increased by ten percent, the air pressure increased proportionately and the gas mixture was adjusted. The average temperature was also lowered. Other than needing sweaters and an injection to compensate for the discomfort caused by the rest, especially the nausea and restlessness from the air mixture being changed, they were fine.

An announcement from the First Officer shook them back to reality and Ayannette jumped and squeaked, having been deep in her own thoughts. "Attention all passengers. Gather your belongings, we will be docking at the Terran station in twenty minutes."

As they disembarked, the Captain was dressed in a thick coat for the lowered temperature (while his subspecies was not fully cold blooded, Terran standard temperature was cold enough to compromise his clarity because he hadn't acclimatized like his passengers), wishing them luck and informing them that he would be remaining aboard to greet the delegation on the ship.

With equal curiosity and fear, the airlock hatch closed behind the four Draconis passengers and their ears only slightly popped with the equalization pressure. The light turned green and the outer airlock door on the ship opened, as did the docking gate. They looked slowly upwards and were astounded at the sight.

4 - "First Contact"

Before them stood a tall, dark skinned man in colourful robes. He wore a similarly colourful hat and he, along with the others, had ears so small, they reminded them of the Serpens. Their smooth skin also reminded them of the Serpens, but the smoothness wasn't broken by scales, it was a flexible skin like their own, but completely hairless and had wrinkles. Except under his hat, white hair curled out from underneath. He gazed at them with dark, gentle and wizened eyes like an Elder.

Beside the tall, dark man on his left, was obviously a female. She had much more of the white hair on her dark head and had breasts, like any other females they had seen. She was also much shorter and her skin smoother. She looked at them with an immediate fondness. Her gaze made them immediately think of 'grandmother'.

On his right, was a man of light skin. He too had white hair, with grey streaks. He also had hair on his face, under his nose and going down beside his mouth. His face, like the others was very flat on the front, other than their nose. His skin had wrinkles like the dark man. But his gaze was different. Though he smiled, his eyes were firm. He looked at them as first, assesing them tactically. His smile then broadened as he stood straighter, as deeming them no immediate threat. They were all reminded of the ship's Captain that carried them there. He too must be, or have been, a soldier.

But what grabbed their attention first was not what their eyes saw, but the smell. The Draconis' diet was almost exclusively grain based with some vegetable matter. Most Serpens they encountered were vegetarian and those that weren't, had a completely different scent. Here was a people that were mammalian and omnivorous. That was an odour that would definitely take some time to get used to.

"Welcome friends! Welcome, to Earth!" The dark man said, his arms out stretched, palms open toward them. "I am President Nambu of the Terran Interstellar Council." He motioned to his left, "This is my wife, Abayomi." Motioning to his right, he introduced, "This is Congressman William Gerard."

The group of Draconis gave a bow, as did the three humans in return. Slightly confused by this, Ayannette stepped forward, reached out and touched President Nambu's ears. Understanding the greeting, he returned the ear touch to Ayannette

I am Alderman Ayannette, mother of Muranna and diplomatic liaison for this mission. She introduced her husband, son and brother in law.

Addressing Congressman Gerard, she asked while attempting to hold her emotions, "I understand you were with my daughter on her journey to this world. How is she?" Mardak, Shen and Celiar looked anxiously at the Congressman for his reply.

"Your daughter is doing very well, as are your grandchildren, Alderman. I am authorized to escort you to her home, when the formalities here are complete, if that is your wish."

Mardak stepped forward immediately and took Gerard's hand and squeezed it, "Thank you Sir. We have been so anxious for that moment and...." All of a sudden, realizing the importance of the mission, went silent and returned to his place.

Abayomi gave a chuckle and smiled, as did everyone there. "Mister Mardak..." She said, "Family is of utmost importance to us here on Earth as well. I think you will find that we have many, many things in common."

"Indeed!" President Nambu said with a huge grin, showing his white, even teeth (which fascinated the Draconis, who has very small teeth (except for prominent front teeth). "Matter of fact, your greeting to the Congressman..." he took Shen's hand and held it and gave a gentle shake, "Is the same as we greet one another on Earth."

After handshakes and more detailed introductions, they walked down the jetway into the main space station customs area. They were greeted by a heavy set, short man wearing what appeared to be thick goggles. "Greetings! I am Doctor Tianni, station physician."

"Greetings Doctor. Nice to see you again." President Nambu replied and gave an evident handshake for the newcomers to observe. "How may we be of service?"

"Forgive the intrusion, Mr. President. But I have been informed by station control that our esteemed guests from Draconis have not been fully inoculated for their visit." Dr. Tianni replied.

Mardak stepped forward and greeted Dr. Tianni. "Does this mean our presence presents a threat to the people of Earth?" He said with some concern, which the others began to murmur amongst themselves. He chose his words carefully, though he really wanted to say, 'Have you infected us with an alien virus?'

Dr. Tianni shook his head quickly, "Absolutely not." he replied. "I have on file Muranna's physiology report and have studied it. It seems that our planets high humidity naturally breeds moulds and fungi that may in fact, be harmful to you when you go on the surface. I will, with your permission, provide you with a broadband preventative antibiotic that will keep you from getting respiratory infections."

Mardak asked with more concern, "Did Muranna get this inoculation?"

Dr. Tianni shook his head, "It wasn't necessary with her. She was exposed to so many travellers on the Serpen space station that her body built up such an immunity, that she hasn't contracted so much as a cold since she has been here."

After explaining what a cold was, all the Draconis submitted to the inoculation. Dr. Tianni also provided data pads of the molecular structure and procedure to synthesize the antibiotic for themselves, should others visit.

Celiar spoke for the first time since the visit, "Why don't we chat honestly and keep the guano to a minimum?"

President Nambu gave a bow and motioned for the group to follow him.

"You are the archivist, yes?" the President asked as the group followed him down the diplomatic corridor he unlocked with a swipe of a card and scan of his eye.

"I am, Mr. President." Celiar replied very casually. "I assume the Serpens sent you the info on us for you to know?"

President Nambu chuckled, "The Serpens said four of Muranna's family will arrive and provided a time as well as a copy of the Treaty of Ter'Chon. Nothing more of significance."

They entered a luxurious, but small lounge that had a very well dressed human male and female waiting inside. As soon as they arrived, they were silently seated at a table in very comfortable chairs and offered water and data pads with pictures of various foods. The male and female waited in silence at either end of the large table. The Draconis guessed they were servants of the President. This was confirmed when they chose the size of the glass of water they wanted, as well as a selection of breads that seemed to be confirmed by earth dieticians as non harmful to their physiology. The servants bowed and within minutes arrived with what they asked. Then stood again at the side of the table in complete, motionless silence.

Celiar again spoke, "Forgive my boldness, Mr. President. I am an old fellow."

President Nambu smiled, "There is nothing to forgive, Mr. Celiar. I appreciate candid honesty. I believe it solves far more problems than it causes."

Ayannette breathed out a sigh, "I for one am thankful for that. I am no good at speeches and practically forgot my entire dialogue."

Shen burst out in laughter, as did his Uncle. Mardak couldn't help but follow. Congressman Gerard was the first of the humans to give in to a chuckle.

"Ayannette.." Abayomi spoke up, "We all here are thrilled to have you. Also speaking candidly, we are also frightened at these types of meetings. Frightened that we may say or do something that offends you or your people. We here are taking first steps to build an official channel between our peoples. If anything is done today, let us relax, tell stories and share our family history."

At those words, immediately everyone at the table felt relaxed. It was good to know for the Draconis that despite being very experienced negotiators, the humans were feeling the exact same way as they were. It made them seem so much more... Draconis than alien."

"I have a question?" Shen spoke hesitantly.

"I would be happy to hear it, young one." President Nambu said.

Shen was impressed and not a little nervous that the man that represented Earth, was speaking to him. "W... why was that man wearing corrective lenses?"

"You mean Dr. Tianni?" Congressman Gerard replied. Shen nodded his head nervously.

"They actually aren't corrective..." Abayomi replied. "They are image intensifiers. Dr. Tianni is a Sirian. Their star is much, much brighter than ours and has a different light spectrum. Because of this, while he is serving on our world, he would be blind without them. Not because his eyes do not work, he has excellent vision, even for a Sirian, but because our star is far too dark and the frequency of the light is far too low for him to see without the goggles."

Shen immediately was fascinated by this. "So if a human were to work on the Sirian home world..."

Abayomi explained, "The opposite would be required. Spectacles of extreme darkness are used by a human visitor. Our skin would also be destroyed by the Sirian star, so we must coat ourselves with a protective covering to reflect the part of the Sirian light that harms us. For long visits, we must undergo treatments that increase out bodies defences against the light."

"You must mean ultraviolet light?" Mardak asked.

"Indeed, Mr. Mardak." Abayomi said. "It is very harmful to our species."

"It is to us as well, Madam." Celiar added. "Our world has almost no defences against the light. It is older than yours with no magnetic field and no ozone layer. Charged particles rain down as does the short wave length light. It is the reason we have a coat of our fur still. You will find it is nearly 100% reflective to ultraviolet. You may also want to study our physiology closer, as you may find we are many times more resistant to radiation than your species."

Abayomi whispered something into the President's ear. He spoke up immediately, "Yes, of course you are correct, my wife." He looked at the Draconis guests, "Esteemed visitors, your journey has been long. Allow me to offer you accommodations on the station here. Rest as you see fit, then I would be happy to bring you to Earth, that you may view our world."

"Mr. President?" Congressman Gerard asked and received acknowledgement. "If I may show our guests to the accommodations. I am sure they would love to hear news and stories of their daughter."

After pleasantries, Congressman Gerard showed them to the VIP quarters on the station.

Arriving at the quarters and after being impressed with what they were given, Mardak asked, "Congressman, is our daughter truly well?"

Gerard nodded, "Absolutely. I actually came to this station after visiting her, her husband and the children. They are all looking forward to meeting you."

Mardak was grateful for the news, as was Shen. Celiar raised an eyebrow and Ayannette seemed distraught. "Wife, what is your concern? Muranna is well!" Mardak asked.

Ayannette looked at Gerard in a way that only a mother can, "Who is this Carl Fornax? Is he a good man?"

Gerard took a chair and sat down backwards on it, crossing his arms on the back and resting his head on them. "Mrs. Ayannette, Carl is the most honourable and brave man I know. If there is one human on this planet I would trust to do what is right, regardless of what is or is not told, it's Carl." He rubbed his face, gave a sigh and continued. "I would like to tell you stories, but I will leave the... involved.... details to your daughter. If there is a man on this world that will love her because he wants to and raise the children in a manner representing the planet before all others, she has chosen a mate that I wish I was half the man of."

The four of them thanked the Congressman very heartfelt. "Congressman, I predict that our people will be very close." Celiar said.

"I sure hope so, Mr. Celiar." Gerard replied as he stood up and replaced the chair to the desk it was from.

"I have another... what do you call... 'stupid' question?" Shen asked.

Gerard chuckled, "Son, there are no stupid questions in my experience."

Was 'son" a human term of familiarity? If it was, Shen felt good for it. "Sir, what is this 'mister' and 'missus' your people refer to us?"

Gerard smiled, "Oh, an easy question." He explained the custom to them.

Draconis were so close, so sociable that the concept of family names hadn't existed in recent history. Everyone had one given name and if there was more than one name at a gathering, they were referred to by city or lineage. Shen was referred to 'Son of Mardak' more than once. The prefixes of 'mister' and 'missus' and 'miss' were unknown to them as well. An elder was referred to as 'sir' or 'madam'. He heard this used today and thought it originally was from the human study of them. He learned from Congressman Gerard that it too on this far away alien world, was a sign of respect. Maybe the President's wife, Abayomi was right - they would have far more in common than anyone thought.

"Please feel free to avail yourself to the amenities of the station." Congressman Gerard said. and then pointed to a panel on the desk. "Here you can communicate if you need assistance. There are servants, two you already saw and this..." He showed them a code, "Will alert me directly should you require assistance." He then stepped into the doorway which slid open. He motioned to a man dressed in a fine uniform and had a belt with various gadgets on it, one of them obviously a weapon. "This is your guard. Unlikely you will need his protective services on the station, but he is here for that purpose as well as escort and guide you throughout the station and will answer questions." With a kind smile, he bid them a good evening.

"So Congressman, what is your impression of our guests?" President Nambu asked as Gerard had returned to the quarters assigned to the President and his wife, as per a previous request.

Gerard smiled as he leaned back in one of the comfortable chairs at the President's meeting table, with he and his wife. "Beautiful people, just as Muranna spoke of, Mr. President."

Abayomi raised an eyebrow, "But you have reservations?"

"Madam First Lady, I always have reservations. Maybe it's the old soldier in me." He poured himself a glass of water and took a sip. "These people aren't politicians, they are civilian family under honour of an ancient treaty."

"How do you suggest we proceed?" President Nambu asked, leaning back and tenting his fingers over his chest, a habit of his that always indicated he was very open to all information for consideration.

"I would suggest as much that we treat their world as the Equuleusian one... isolated, passive and under a protectorate. Real official negotiations can only happen with the supervision of the Royal Serpen Commonwealth." Gerard replied.

"But they are autonomous? Should they not be treated as such?" The President asked.

The Congressman nodded, "Of course! But they have been in isolation for so long, with no outside contact, save for the Serpens. The Pegasiians only were concerned for the safety of the Equuleusians, they never got into their affairs otherwise. Matter of fact, when Equuleus decided to build their own space station, the Pegasiians celebrated this and are even renting part of it as a Protectorate Guard outpost. The Draconis seem to be cared for by the Serpens like minor children just coming of age."

"An astute observation, Congressman." Abayomi said. "I too got the impression from the briefs that the Draconis were as their children and it was only after much preparation were they 'allowed' to go on this journey." She pondered for a moment and leaning forward, looking at her husband continued, "I would suggest we keep treaties or trade deals out of the negotiations and basically treat this as a completely familial and information exchange."

President Nambu's eyes shifted from his wife to Gerard, who was nodding his head, "I agree with Madam First Lady completely, Mr. President."

President Nambu leaned forward and placed his palms on the table, "Then that is what we shall do. Congressman. Abayomi and I will meet our Serpen guests on their ship."

The President took a large breath and slowly let it out. It helped him to focus before meetings, especially unscheduled ones. The Serpens had agreed to transport the Draconis passengers, nothing more. One reason the crew decided to stay aboard their ship.

With a look to his wife and a nod from her, he pressed the intercom panel in the dock airlock. "President Nambu of the Terran Interstellar Council and wife, requesting permission to come aboard."

There was a silence. His nervousness increased and a bead of sweat ran down his forehead, which he wiped. Perhaps he has commited an offence by such an unscheduled arrival?

"Captain Ric'to here. You may board our vessel, Your Highness. But forgive us we were not expecting you and our present vessel climate may not favour your species." Came the reply.

In the time it took for the pressure to equalize in the airlock, Nambu's and Abayomi's ears popping as they noticed the air pressure dropping and their breathing becoming heavier, he thought of how the Serpen Captain pronounced his name. It was a rolling 'R' with a sound that followed like a hiccup, a click and finally a long what sounded like the word 'toe' drawn out, going quieter at the end of the pronunciation.

The airlock and cargo vessel hatches opened and the air that greeted them was a shot of warm air not unlike a summer day in their home of Nigeria, but it also didn't have the 'fresh' scent that most ships engineers came to be proud of maintaining. It was stale, like expended breath and he thought immediately of making his visit short.

President Nambu and Abayomi stepped on board the ship to find three Serpen officers in what appeared to be dress uniforms. They in unison crossed their arms over their chest, in what the President and his wide assumes was a salute, then knelt before them with the Captain in front of the others, holding open his palms, "Your Highness, we are humbled by your visit."

President Nambu and Abayomi returned the salute. "We are honoured to be in your presence. We welcome you to Earth." President Nambu said as the Serpens remained kneeling. He then remembered they are a monarchy and as a world leader, he was being bestowed the same honour as their King. He motioned upward with his hands, "Rise my friends." The Serpens in flawless detail, rose and stood at what appeared to be an attention pose.

Rather than asking forgiveness for the intrusion, seeing the obvious military culture among the crew on the ship, The President decided on a more confident stance. "We have come aboard to meet our Serpen neighbours in friendship and extend to you the hospitality of this station. Should you require services for your vessel, our technicians, engineers are at your disposal. Also any fuel or food requirements you may have, that is within our capability to provide."

When President Nambu has stopped speaking, he could hear tones of what were a very alien language coming from under the collars of the uniforms of the Serpens standing in front of them. It was most likely a translation device. But before the translation had finished, the Serpen Captain spoke, "Again you honour us with your hospitality and generosity. We ask forgiveness that we may not leave our vessel, for we have not acclimatized." The Captain looked at President Nambu and cocked his head, "As you are appearing to feel the effects of our atmosphere, we too would shortly become ill."

The Captain was right. President Nambu was feeling light headed and just then, his wife took his harm to steady herself. The President nodded, "Indeed. I just had to gaze my eyes upon you for myself. I would look forward to meeting you again, Captain." The president placed his arm around his wife and turned to return the few paces back to the airlock. The ships crew scurried to take places on either side of their guests with arms out, as if to steady them should they falter.

The last minute in the station airlock felt like an eternity to the President and his wife. When the inner hatch unlocked and a gust of cool, rich air fell on their faces, both gasped in relief. "My wife, you are always at my side, never a complaint. Why do you do this for me?" President Nambu asked Abayomi.

"Because I would never see you otherwise and you know that, old man. Anyway, you would be helpless without me to read the subtleties you cannot." She replied and gave him a loving embrace.

"Mr. President!" The awaiting Congressman shouted as the hatch opened. "Are you and Madam First Lady all right?" He took the arm of the President that was free and guided him out of the airlock.

"I'm sure we will be, Congressman But perhaps a trip to Dr. Tianni's office to make sure Abayomi is OK." He replied.

Abayomi smiled and whispered, "And I will make sure my 'tough man' here is looked over as well."

"Just a mild case of hypoxia for you and your wife, Mr. President." Dr. Tianni said reassuringly. He injected them with a common adaptive carried in any spacefaring medical kit, known as HypeOx. "Just lay there for a minute until it takes effect, then you may return to your quarters."

"Was the ship's atmosphere poison, doctor?" Congressman Gerard asked.

"I don't know? Doesn't appear to be. Let's have a look at the airlock security log." Dr. Tianni replied as they went over to his desk and logged into the security sensors on the station.

The airlock sensors were one of the most sophisticated sensor arrays on the station. They had to look for contraband, weapons and various indicators of threats to human and other species on the station. Though not exhaustive as a search, they would certainly have recorded the chemical make up of the ships air that was docked when the hatch opened.

"Ah!" Dr. Tianni said with a 'eureka' tone in his voice.

"Something interesting, Doctor?" Abayomi called from the bed.

"Yes, Madam First Lady. It appears that you and your husband hiked halfway up Kilimanjaro in the heat of summer with a Los Angeles level of smog around you." The Doctor replied.

"Twenty percent less oxygen than ours, nitrogen, argon, xenon and carbon dioxide appear to be their atmosphere's major contents. And at 28 Centigrade and only 68 kilopascals to boot!" The Congressman read off the screen. Everyone looked at him as he pointed to Dr. Tianni's station, "This is the first readout in this office that could ever read, Mr. President." A round of healthy laughter brought the spirits of the President and his First Lady up.

5 - "Invitation"

"Mom, it makes sense. He said it was a communications unit, we should be able to raise Muranna on it." Shen was arguing with his mother. A rare occurrence, but it did happen and they both usually dug in their heels until Mardak settled the dispute.

"Shen, I'm sure that they meant the communications unit for official use only. And since I'm the officiator, I say we wait." Ayannette replied sternly.

"I understand you mission here is important, but aren't you interested in talking to Muranna as soon as possible? Or is the mission more important!" Shen snapped back.

"That was a low blow young man. What we do, we do for all Draconis....." Ayannette was cut off by Celiar.

"I have a Terran ... operator... she called herself. Do we have Muranna's number?" All went silent and looked at Celiar, then all clamoured around the desk.

"Hello. You are on the Terran station and new to this world? Whom are you trying to reach and I will try and help." Came the friendly looking face in the screen of the communications unit.

All of Muranna's family began to speak at once. That was until Mardak put up his hand and there was immediate silence. "My name is Mardak. I am trying to reach my daughter, Muranna. She is the only one on your world like us."

The confused operator looked puzzled for a moment, then realization hit, "You mean the adventure writer that arrived here about a year ago? I remember that in the news media." She did some typing below her screen. "Ah, here it is! They arrived and rented their home in New Seattle. Her husband is.... Lieutenant Commander Carl Fornax." She got a broad smile, "I think I may have your daughter, as I have a Muranna Fornax in the Mount Vernon municipality of New Seattle, Bayview Apartments. Let me put you through and see if this is the correct number."

They were all excited until the operator's smiling face drooped. "Your daughter's communicator is set for 'Do Not Disturb', I'm afraid."

"What does that mean?" Mardak asked.

"It means Sir, that your daughter appears to have turned off messaging and any way to contact her directly at this time." Seeing their disappointed faces, the operator added, "It could likely be because it is the middle of the night and the weekend where she is and doesn't wish to be disturbed."

"What is a 'weekend?" Shen asked.

"A weekend is a part of our calendar that many people use for personal time." She kindly explained. Then with another smile, began typing. "I have an idea. Since you are her family, I will give you her address. It's 1137-407135 Washington Street." She was returned with blank faces from the group of aliens huddled around the communicator. "Sorry, I forgot for a moment that you are newcomers. Here, I am transmitting a map to you. You can transfer it to a data pad and use it to find the apartment when you arrive planet side." The words 'Data Received' appeared on the status indicator of the communications station.

"Thank you for your time, operator" Celiar said and the link was terminated.

He took a data pad that was on the table in their quarters. "Let's see if these people are as logical as our people." He placed the pad beside the communications station and pressed the flashing 'Data Received' on the panel. The map appeared on the screen, along with several icons and instructions.

"Did any of you study the Terran written language?" Celiar asked as everyone shook their heads.

Ayannette had the answer, "We have forgotten a resource at our disposal." She opened the door and asked for the guard to come in. Happily the guard showed them how to transfer the information and explained what the more important icons meant.

Congressman Gerard was awaken early the next morning by Abayomi. "Good Morning Congressman. Sorry to wake you at this hour."

Gerard motioned for her to come in, "Not a problem, Madam First Lady, come in." He gave a yawn and ran his hand through his hair. He realized the civilian life has left him undisciplined and made a mental note to shave his hair back to military standard and begin a regiment of sleeping exercises. "With this much excitement going on, I will get my sleep in several naps. How may I be of service?"

"As you know, Shona and I met with the Serpen Captain. All we wanted to do was extend courtesy. Little did we know that their Captain had communicated this to their superiors."

Gerard got a surprised look on his face, "So quickly? Isn't their home world over forty light years away?"

Abayomi nodded, "Their technology seems vastly superior to ours."

Gerard got himself a coffee from the synthesizer and offered some to Abayomi, who wisely refused (no engineer could get that space station's coffee synthesizer to actually make coffee). "Have we done a faux pas in meeting with their Captain?"

Abayomi handed Gerard a data pad, "Just the opposite. They want to meet with us, directly."

There was very few details on the data pad. The communications worked out to be just a very formal invitation for a Terran emissary to attend the House of Royal Serpen Commonwealth to discuss details of a formal visit between their Royal Majesty, The King and His Highness, President Nambu.

Congressman Gerard asked, "Has the President chosen an emissary, Madam?"

The First Lady looked at him, "No, he has not. I have been asked only to give you this information."

Gerard looked at her as if she hadn't given the full story.

The First Lady continued, "No one can legally under Terran Interstellar Law order or even request a civilian diplomat to go alone into a first contact situation, Bill. The Serpen's are very accurate with their language and their request for an emissary is singular." She moved about Congressman Gerard's quarters slowly, gracefully, as she does when she considers words or actions of great magnitude. "We cannot make this a military mission, but the perfect emissary needs to be military in experience with first hand experience with their species."

Gerard nodded his head and saw where she was going. "Madam First Lady, please inform the President that I would like to volunteer for this mission."

She turned and looked at him, "Thank you, Bill. I personally appreciate this favour." She then left the room.

"Nambu is the President, but by God, that woman wields power." Gerard said with a chuckle and headed for the shower.

The Draconis guests had slept late that morning. Muranna's family were all sleeping with the exception of Shen, who woke early and after a synthesized meal of porridge, which wasn't unlike a poor quality grain on his world, tried to reach his sister again. This time, he was able to get through.

"Shen!" Muranna squealed. "Brother, are you using a Serpen communications terminal at the spaceport?"

Shen smiled and was ecstatic at seeing his sister in real time. "No sister, we're here on the Terran station." Muranna was beside herself with excitement.

Shen explained how a Serpen trader brought them there and relayed all that he knew to that point. Their excited chatter woke the rest of his family and they all spoke at the same time with Muranna. Arrangements were made to meet whenever the formalities were concluded.

The morning with the President and Gerard were spent discussing details of what they wanted to accomplish with Gerard as an emissary of Earth. Having solely to work out the details of an official meeting, it was straight forward.

"Perhaps the best way to accomplish this would be if I returned with the Draconis. After the meeting is set up, I could return on a Stellar Alliance ship." Gerard offered.

"That would be ideal, Congressman. But the logistics of you returning to their world, staying there for a mission length of probably a month in such an environment as Abayomi encountered, how would you survive?" President Nambu countered.

"The Draconis were able to adapt to our climate in their two week mission, there is no reason I should not be able to. It is no different than ancient deep sea explorers enduring an oxygen-helium atmosphere and I haven't been out of the service so long that my atmosphere conditioning training will have worn off." Gerard replied.

After a pause for thought, the President suggested, "Speak with Dr. Tianni about this. If I approve of Dr. Tianni's OK for you to go on this mission, bring your proposal to the Serpen Captain. If he is fine with it, I will be as well."

A grateful Congressman Gerard thanked him and was on his way to Dr. Tianni's office.

Not twenty minutes had passed when Ayannette asked for a meeting with the President, who was more than willing to meet in the lounge they had originally.

"Mr. President, my family and I would like to go to the surface to meet my daughter. After which, we would like to attend whatever political function you require of us." Ayannette said.

President Nambu was more than happy to honour her request and explained that due to the semi-official nature of the visit, the entire proceedings would be dictated by the Draconis. He also informed them of the invitation received by the Serpens. Ayannette was absolutely stunned.

"Mr. President, do you have any idea of what has been bestowed upon you?" She said.

"Forgive me, Madam Alderman, please inform me?" He asked with interest.

She gave an impressed sigh, "The last time the Serpens extended an invitation like this, were to the Pegasiians. We all know from my daughter's writings how that ended. They have been extremely recluse for hundreds of years. They have had contact only in space with the Centaurian people, which has been cordial, but no treaty or relations exist with them. For them to extend to you such an honour is... almost unprecedented."

"Thank you." The President replied. "We shall do our utmost then, to be a people worthy of the Serpen's friendship."

Ayannette added, "Please inform me of when the Congressman speaks to the Captain. I wish to accompany him."

President Nambu opened his hands to her, "It shall be done. If I know the Congressman, he will report to me within the hour. I will contact you."

Without fail, Congressman did report back within the hour to the President. "Sir, Dr. Tianni has cleared me for such a mission." He handed a data pad with results to the President. "I also spoke with one of our guests, the archivist, Celiar and he tells me the Draconis atmosphere isn't as extreme, but the Serpen ones can be, depending on which world is chosen for the meeting."

"What about that space station Lieutenant Commander Fornax spoke of? Does it not have an almost identical atmosphere and gravity to our world?" The President asked.

"Indeed it does, Sir." Gerard thought a moment, "Sir, that would be perfect! Who would expect such a high level meeting on board what is tantamount to the local pub?"

The President smiled, "A tactical man you still are. Please be ready to present your proposal to the Serpen Captain and at our Draconis Alderman's request, she wishes to accompany you."

Gerard was somewhat confused by the request, but said, "I will await her at the airlock."

Congressman Gerard had not waited five minutes when Ayannette arrived. "Madam Alderman, may I ask what your plan is?"

She gave him a smile, "Your people have received an invitation I thought I would not hear extended again in my lifetime. We too have an opportunity and I think we can both make the most of it."

Gerard was just as confused as he was before, but decided to follow her lead. Ayannette called for the Serpen Captain to allow them aboard.

This time, there was no de-pressurization sequence and the airlock and ships hatches opened to reveal the Serpen Captain and his First Officer both in thick garments and breather masks. "Congressman Gerard, I have been expecting you for your leader's reply. I am Captain Ric'to. This is my First Officer, G'k'k'en."

If President Nambu was concerned about the pronunciation of the Captain's name, the First Officer's would take a good week of practise for him.

The Captain looked at Ayannette, "Alderman, how may we serve you?"

"Captain..." She began and looked at the Congressman with a smile and back to the Captain, "It is my understanding that the Congressman will accept the invitation and may wish to return with us."

The Captain looked at the Congressman, who nodded in agreement with her. "Yes Captain, if it is permissible."

"An invitation from the highest level is to be honoured. I am your servant in order for you to accomplish this. We welcome you."

Ayannette added, "Captain, we have family here, our daughter, her mate and our grandchildren. This is well for our honouring the Treaty of Ter'Chon. We will be longer than anticipated."

"We have rations enough for double the journey, Alderman. Fine we are to await you all. The Terran King also extends to us their rations. Fine we shall be." First Officer G'k'k'en replied through his translator.

The Congressman was reminded of their friend, Jeekta, with the First Officer's manner of speech. It must be the syntax of their language and the Captain had much more experience or more study of other languages. Other than speaking quite slowly, he even had little accent.

Looking between the Congressman and the Captain, Ayannette suggested, "Forgive me Congressman if I put you on the spot, but I understand the Serpen procedures and they do not like unnecessary waiting, despite their patient nature. May I suggest that you take the Congressman to the place of meeting and when he returns, we shall be ready to depart."

"Does the Congressman agree?" The Captain looked seriously at him.

"I can be ready to depart in two station hours, Captain." Gerard happily replied, in full agreement with the Alderman's plan. He was a man of action and the sooner he could get away from desks and back into space, he jumped at he opportunity.

The Captain gave a satisfied nod toward the Congressman and looking at Ayannette, said, "Your orders are accepted, Alderman. We depart in two station hours."

6 - "The Reunion"

"The next shuttle is scheduled to depart in four of their hours." Mardak said, consulting a schedule.

"I am elated that you decided to extend your stay with us, Alderman!" The President said with a beaming smile. "But I may suggest an escort or two, as you are State visitors."

"We did not realize your world was so dangerous, Mr. President." Celiar said with a raised eyebrow.

"It isn't. At least not usually. It is only a formality, as we have had some on our world, resist the opening of borders with new species." He replied. "But there has not been an incident for over twenty years."

Nodding his head, Celiar acknowledged, "The Serpens have had reservations, too. The Pegasiian incident for example."

"Exactly!" The president said. "For accommodations, you may chose any of the hotels listed on this data pad.." He handed them a list of what appeared to be luxurious tourist accommodations with VIP suites, "Or even any Stellar Alliance Reserve base, if it makes you comfortable and safe."

"Muranna's husband is a soldier. I personally think we should be quite safe." Ayannette replied.

"Indeed! Lieutenant Commander Fornax is a highly decorated officer. He is a fine example of our best people in service. I will arrange a simple escort then. Lieutenant Commander Fornax will relieve him upon your arrival."

As the President spoke, one of the servants had been taking notes and immediately passed off the data pad to another to carry out the orders.

Unlike the shuttle that took the Draconis to the orbiting Serpen cargo ship, the shuttle from the station to earth was remarkably smooth, if a little noisy and unnervingly colourful for Mardak and Ayannette. Shen and Celiar on the other hand, had quite a thrill ride.

"Did you see that? I mean, we were totally in the centre of a gliding fireball!" Shen squeaked excitedly.

"Don't remind me!" Ayannette said, still holding her chest as they walked down the jetway of the spaceport on earth.

"Their metallurgy is remarkable. We always worked on controlling re-entry speed. They just hammer in on a controlled free-fall and depend on the structure of the ship to keep them alive. Quite amazing!" Mardak mused. "If their architecture is equally amazing, I will not be bored."

A second guard cordially introduced himself as Lieutenant Raust and directed them to a VIP car on the transport system to New Seattle.

They arrived at the main New Seattle station in under two hours. However, they were at a loss as to how to get to the address given to them by the operator.

Mardak asked their guard escort, "Sorry to trouble you Lieutenant, but how do we get to the apartments shown on this map?"

The guard took the data pad and looked it over, "Sir, I can take you there, no problems. It will be about a half hour back track on the transport system to Mount Vernon."

"You must know this area well then?" Mardak asked, pleased that they could be taken there by one who knows.

"I used to live at the Bayview. When my home base was Whidbey, I and a lot of the soldiers on long-term assignment there lived at the Bayview." Lt. Raust replied.

"You don't live there any more?" Ayannette asked, feeling a little concerned that it may not be the best of apartments for her daughter and grandchildren.

"No, Madam Alderman. I'm assigned to the Esquimalt base now. I have a house in Saanich, near Victoria. Ever since I accepted a permanent assignment there for as long as I want it, I settled down and even got engaged!" He said happily.

The Draconis looked a little puzzled at first and it was Celiar that first had a look of realization at what the word meant. "Congratulations on your courtship, Lieutenant. I hope it's a happy one."

Not twenty minutes later, they were at Muranna's apartment complex, the Bayview. They looked up at the towering, white building that was trapezoidal in shape, with rails of balconies on the front and rear, facing east and west. The south facing wall was covered in what Mardak supposed were some type of solar power conversion unit for the building. The north face had large, open areas and others covered in glass. Plant life was visible on almost all levels.

"Impressive! The architect wanted a self-sustaining community it appears." Mardak said, craning his neck upwards.

"It is self-sustaining, Mr. Mardak." Lieutenant Raust offered. "There is rain water collection and processing on the roof, waste water and sewage processing inside the lower levels with almost perfect recycling. Geothermal conduits in the base structures make it one of the only large scale apartments with no backup fusion generator for winter months."

"Are all your buildings like this?" Mardak asked, hopeful for an affirmative answer.

"Nope, not even close." Lt. Raust replied. "This began as an experiment to see if large populations could be made self sustaining for planetary colony. What better place to start than with a building full of the men and women who would likely be using the colonies on other worlds? When the experiment was over, the apartments were opened to anyone."

The group proceeded to the entrance. Lieutenant Raust used his authorization to open the secured main door and override the automatic security scanners. They proceeded to a lift and headed for the eleventh floor.

They stood outside the door. A moment of silence, anticipation, even anxiety. Mardak and Ayannette both went to knock on the door first, then pulled back before they did. Shen rolled his eyes and banged on the door.

There was no answer.

"Perhaps the annunciator?" Lt. Raust suggested and pointed to the keypad on the side of the door.

Mardak looked at the device a little confused and with a helpful direction from the Lieutenant, he pressed the long button with what appeared to be a 'target' on it.

"Who is it?" Came a female voice from the intercom.

Muranna's family spoke all at once with emphasis, "Muranna?"

"Sorry, she isn't here at the moment. Who may I say has called?" The female voice asked.

Confused, they looked at each other. Ayannette spoke next, "We are her family. She may have not been expecting us because we didn't inform her of the exact time of our....." She was cut off as the door slid open.

Mardak and Ayannette let out a gasp and jumped back, Ayannette covering her mouth. Celiar gave a wide eyed look of surprise and fascination. Shen had a beaming smile, uttering, "Fabulous!" Lieutenant Raust looked at the lady who answered the door and gave a shrug as to their reaction. The lady, looked a little embarrassed.

"A.. a... Canisian!" Celiar said, stepping in front of the group and gave a polite nod of his head. "Forgive us Madam, we are new to this world. I am Celiar, Muranna's Uncle." Turning to the rest of the family, he introduced them, "This is Ayannette, her mother." She gave a slight smile and shy wave. "This is Mardak, her father and my brother." Mardak smiled and gave a quick bow. "This is Shen, her brother." Shen had already moved in front of his Uncle and was looking over the Canisian lady with curiosity, as if she wasn't real.

"I am Gorsha, family friend and room mate. Please, come in." She stepped out of the doorway and motioned for them to all come in.

Lieutenant Raust was the last one in the door and Gorsha closed it and offered everyone to make themselves at home. Being familiar with servicemen coming and going in the apartment, she didn't take notice or offence as the Lieutenant surreptitiously moved about, assessing entrance, exits and occupants. Being on official VIP escort duty, it was his job to do so, even if it was his own home.

He came to a closed bedroom door and pointed to it silently while looking at Gorsha. She gestured 'two' and 'small' with her hand to indicate children, then her hands together, leaning her cheek on them to indicate sleeping. The Lieutenant nodded in acceptance.

Muranna's family looked around the apartment's living room. "The ceiling is so high!" Mardak remarked.

"Humans can be very tall." Gorsha replied. "Can I get anyone something to drink?" They all nodded and said water would be fine.

In a few moments, Gorsha brought a tray with glasses and a pitcher of water with ice in it and sat it on the low coffee table. Celiar and Ayannette were sitting on the low futon style couch. Shen sat on the floor by the table and Mardak was still taking mental notes about the apartment and was in the kitchen area.

"This is comfortable, Gorsha. I assume the seating and table is for Muranna's benefit?" Celiar asked.

"Actually, they are Japanese. The couch you are sitting on transforms into a bed and the table is one of ancient design known as a zen. Carl thought it would be nice to add some 'culture' to the place and it suited Muranna and the children perfectly." Gorsha said as she filled the glasses and handed them out to the guests.

"How are our grandchildren?" Ayannette said, perking up with a smile.

Gorsha smiled, "Extremely well. They are napping at the moment." She pulled a chair from the dining table and sat down.

"Doesn't sound like it." Shen said as he noticed the sound of a door opening.

They all looked to the hallway cove that led to the bedrooms and washroom, to see a small, sleepy faced half-Draconis boy staring, blinking at them. "I must still be asleep." he said and turned around and went back down the hall.

"Bill? We have company. Why don't you come meet them?" Gorsha called out sweetly.

The young man came back out and stood quietly.

"Bill, these are your family, all the way from Draconis!" Gorsha said and all were smiling back at him.

He stepped forward, "Mom said you'd be coming later?" He went to each one and gave them a hug as they introduced themselves to him and touched his ears (which made him shake his head and look annoyed each time).

"You must not be used to the way we greet." Shen said and rubbed his own ears. Bill shook his head and scrunched his nose.

"And who is this shy one?" Lieutenant Raust said with a smile towards the hallway, as he stood in a corner, trying to stay out of the way.

They all looked in the direction to see half a face and one eye partially covered with wavy red hair like her mother, peeking around the corner.

"Hello, Ayanna!" Gorsha said cheerfully. "Are you being shy?"

Ayanna let out a giggle and disappeared back behind the wall.

"Hugs!" Gorsha said loudly and held out her arms. Ayanna came running from around the corner and into her arms with a big smile, then hopped on her lap.

"Hugs?" Ayannette asked confused.

"It's how people that care for each other, like family and close friends, greet." Gorsha replied.

"What is your equivalent of such a greeting, if you have one?" Gorsha asked Shen curiously.

"We press or lean our sides to one another, or nuzzle." he said and got up and gave a 'side bump' to his Uncle, who also got up to demonstrate.

"Your 'hugs' are given between lovers." Celiar said as he sat back down.

Gorsha gave a chuckle, "Ah, I see." she said with a smile to Shen. "Hugging is common on earth. So don't be offended if you receive it as a greeting from both males and females."

The front door opened and a happily chattering Muranna walked in with some bags in her hands and behind her, Carl Fornax laden down like a pack mule and looking less than thrilled with the adventure they were on.

Muranna took but two steps into the living room before seeing the people she had waited so long to see - her family. With excited squeals, they all ran up to her and began chattering in what Carl, Lieutenant Raust and Gorsha thought sounded like a bunch of arguing raccoons.

Carl put the bags down as best he could without spilling their contents, but failed. He just dropped the rest down with resignation. Relieving Lieutenant Raust, he stood beside Gorsha and watched the happy reunion take place.

Hours went by before everyone realized they were quite hungry. Gorsha had left for her evening classes at the local university and Muranna ordered delivery of a food that she was quite fond of and was sure her family would be too - Chinese.

When it arrived, without a second thought, Carl, Muranna and Bill tied into the meal with chopsticks. Ayanna was getting better with them, but always switched to a spoon when it came to the rice.

Celiar and Ayannette had no problem picking up the skill in short order, but Mardak and Shen tried the forks instead with much better success. "Quite impressive!" Mardak exclaimed, "Other than the tines are longer and they are overall much wider, your fork and spoon are identical to our eating implements."

"Similar hands, similar mouths, seems reasonable they would." Carl said. He held up his chopsticks, "Did your people ever use these?"

Celiar shook his head, "Seem to be unique to your people. Unless you've encountered others among the stars that use them."

"Not yet, anyway." Carl replied.

Bill seemed fascinated with Shen. Perhaps because he was the next youngest there besides Ayanna. "I think your son is intrigued with his Uncle." Ayannette said, watching Bill try and imitate Shen's almost every move.

"Likely grateful to have someone like him around." Carl said with a sigh, "They are beautiful children. Taking after their lovely mother, of course, but at times I do wonder if they're terribly lonely."

"Well, as long as they are healthy and well treated by your people, we adapt very easily. Draconis have grown up on Serpen worlds with no issues at all." Mardak replied.

Muranna leaned against Carl, "They could not have a better father. For one who says he's such a loner, I don't think he has spent more than a day total without one or both around."

"Family seems universal, doesn't it Mom?" Shen said as Ayanna decided to give up on the food and snuggle up to him and appeared to be dozing off.

"That it is, Shen." She said quietly so as to not disturb her granddaughter. "She is lovely. Naming her after your grandmother is well done. She reminds me of Mom with her mannerisms."

"Did you get much accomplished with the President, Mom?" Muranna asked.

"We agreed to continue when we thought it appropriate, because we aren't politicians or anything like that. And Congressman Gerard is on a mission to arrange a meeting with the Serpens. I think some of our task depends on that too." Ayannette shrugged.

"If they're anything like our friend Jeekta, curiosity will overcome wariness." Carl added.

"Speaking of this Jeekta..." Celiar asked with one of his serious looks that Muranna recognized on her Uncle that he wanted an in-depth reply. "I read your report on your adventure. I read the Capellan investigation and the Serpen security notices, but there is more to this, I can tell."

Mardak and Shen both looked curiously at Muranna. Celiar didn't say such things lightly. Ayannette looked a little embarrassed. "Celiar, if Muranna hasn't told us everything, it's for good reason. Probably Serpen or Terran security reasons."

Carl looked blankly, "I was there for most of it. The report looked pretty complete to me. Matter of fact, I would have left a lot more out if I was talking to the media."

While Mardak and Shen nodded at Carl's words, Celiar ignored him and kept staring at Muranna. "I.... there are.... a couple of things omitted, Uncle." Muranna said quietly and lowered her head shamefully.

The room went uncomfortably quiet. After what seemed to be an eternity, Muranna said is barely a whisper., "I... I... killed someone."

7 - "Complicated Situation"

Ayannette gasped and covered her mouth, eyes full of shock. Mardak lowered his head, devastated by that revelation. Celiar just nodded calmly in acceptance of her reply. Shen just stared as in disbelief.

"She did it to save my life." Carl tried to say in a calm voice, but ended up sounding defensive. "I was in a hand to hand battle with a Canisian pirate that was wanted by everyone. I was woefully out matched by his superior speed and strength and was nearly unconscious when Muranna saved me and a lot of others that would have been hurt by him in the future."

"You don't have to explain, Carl. I just wanted to know the missing piece. As an archivist, I can see when someone is holding a piece to an all but completed puzzle behind their back. I meant no offence." Celiar said, holding up a hand.

Shen was still looking in Muranna's direction, but his eyes and head were going back and forth as if trying to process this new information. "Shen, son, are you all right?" Mardak asked quietly.

"She had no other option." Shen replied. He looked at his sister, "There was only one choice. There was no other option."

"What do you mean?" Mardak asked.

"Had she done nothing, Carl would be dead, she would be enslaved, or dead." He looked at the children sleeping with their heads on his lap, one on either side, "These children would not be here, or worse... sold to the Ursan's too."

"I think you're being over dramatic." Mardak said dismissively.

"No, he's not." Celiar defended his nephew. "It was the only logical outcome of inaction. All the data now supports Shen's hypothesis - Muranna had no option."

"That doesn't make it right." Muranna said, wiping tears.

"Of course not, sweetie. It's something even we try and avoid." Carl comforted her.

"We?" Ayannette asked, breaking her stunned silence.

"Soldiers of the Stellar Alliance Reserve." Carl replied.

"How military are your people?" She asked with a less than impressed tone to her voice.

"No more than the surrounding systems and significantly less than the Canisians." Carl shrugged. "Matter of fact, we rely heavily on the Centaurians for the majority of our stellar force. Given our less than peaceful recent past, it is by treaty that Terrans can't manufacture offensive craft capable of hyperspace travel."

Ayannette nodded with interest at this new information. "You wouldn't by chance have a copy of that treaty for later reading before we meet again with your President?"

"Sure!" Carl replied and made a note to get her a copy before they left.

"Enough business for the moment, Ayannette." Mardak said, "What are we do do with our daughter?"

"Do?" Carl said defensive again. Muranna held his arm and buried her face on it.

"Do?" Shen asked, somewhat offended himself by the insinuation.

Ayannette shook her head, "This leaves us in an extremely precarious situation."

"Just how do you mean?" Carl asked in a grim tone.

"We are here officially on a diplomatic mission. We have to honour the Treaty of Ter'Chon and that means sticking to the letter of the law." Mardak explained. "On our world, taking a life in any way except accidentally is a crime."

"Did you not just hear what I said? What your own son said?" Carl asked, his voice raising.

"I understand the point of view. I understand well, since the Serpens have a way not unlike your own. But it has been this way on Draconis for centuries. We cannot represent the Treaty of Ter'Chon and have this situation on our hands."

Carl rubbed his face. "We were like that once. We had blanket laws with black-and-white definitions. We still do for many offences. But we have changed a lot since the Centaurians first made contact with us. Now we patterned much of our justice system after theirs and take such things on a case-by-case basis."

"And your world grows. That is to be commended." Ayannette replied. "But unlike you, we have completely done away with crimes against each other in a physical manner. Partially because of laws like this."

"Mom, we too are a growing world. We're here, aren't we?" Shen added. "Isn't it our time to be flexible?"

"Politics is a tricky arena, my boy. Why I stayed the hell out of it." Celiar said, pondering all that he heard so far. He cleared his throat and suggested, "Since the punishment for the crime is exile from our world, I would suggest that the sentence is meted out already in a sort of self-exile, we should continue as none of this was revealed."

"That would mean.... Muranna can never return home?" Shen asked with a lost tone to his voice.

Muranna began to cry and ran down the hall.

Mardak, Ayannette and Celiar looked at each other. "Exactly." Mardak said solemnly.

"Please excuse me a moment..." Carl said, going to check on Muranna.

"Perhaps too much of our ways were revealed tonight?" Ayannette said, wondering if their welcome had been worn out. Mardak tried to comfort her.

"Carl didn't know this? Why didn't Muranna tell him? I mean, she is such a stickler for details?" Shen asked. Celiar shrugged and Shen's parents just shook their heads.

Carl found Muranna sitting on the edge of their bed, still wiping her tears. He sat down beside her and put his arm around her.

"So..." he began, "What's this about you not being able to go home?"

She looked up and gave a weak smile and said in a broken voice, "I am home, with you."

Carl paused for a moment, "When you said you'd follow me anywhere and choose earth as your home...."

She cut him off, "I meant that. This situation hadn't even come up in my mind when I made that oath to you."

That was the only thing Carl needed to hear.

"They are your family, silly laws or not." He reassured her.

Muranna nodded and they went back to their guests. The room went quiet of the whispers when they entered.

"Let's have no more politics for the night. Let's just relax a bit and then we can setup some blankets somewhere and you can all get some sleep. It's been an... eventful day." Carl offered.

"Indeed!" Mardak replied. "But you have limited space in your apartment and I'm sure Gorsha will not appreciate tripping over us when she returns from her evening classes. We have been offered the use of any secure hotel we wish."

Carl nodded, "Very well then. May I recommend the Olympia over in Anacortes across the bay we see here. It is the most secure outside of down town New Seattle, or the the Whidbey SAR base. I can call for your escort and a 'skipper' (a passenger transport designed travel short distances over water)".

With the agreement of Mardak and Ayannette, Carl made arrangements for pick up in an hour.

"Dad, can I spend the night here?" Shen asked hopefully.

Mardak shrugged, "If it is all right with Carl, I don't have a problem. Do you, Ayannette?"

She smiled, "I think it would be super." She said, looking at her daughter who thankfully, was again smiling.

After some final small talk about unrelated topics, the escort for Muranna's family showed up. They walked down together, Carl carrying a very sleepy daughter and a curious son at his side, to the transport to find a luxurious limousine skiper taxi waiting them.

Carl let out a low whistle, "I called the base to send someone. Looks like they got a VIP car from the Olympia on the way over." He then handed Ayannette a data pad. "Here's the copy of the treaty you wanted. Some distraction may help tonight."

The driver got out and held the door open for the guests as a decorated officer in full dress uniform got out of the passenger side and stood by.

"Thank you for the hospitality and your consideration. We will be returning tomorrow. Perhaps around mid day." Ayannette said as they took turns shaking Carl's hand and leaning against Muranna, embracing arms.

Returning to the apartment, Ayanna was the first to say, "Things did not go right?"

"I'm sorry Sweetie, did we wake you?" Muranna asked, concerned like a mother would that despite all that transpired that day, her child's sleep being disturbed was her only concern.

She shook her head. "Grandma wasn't happy. You aren't happy."

Carl raised his eyebrows, he was impressed with her perceptive capabilities.

Draconis children grew very fast. Both Bill and Ayanna were six months old. This worked out to almost three in human years for him and one year for her. Ayanna was still nursed by Muranna before bed. A carry over from their evolutionary period scientists surmised, because of the high mortality of them being 'prey animals' a million years or so in their past. The males had to grow faster to 'defend the nest'. After puberty (at about two human years, they would be the equivalent of eleven), they aged identically.

"It was less than a perfect meeting." Muranna told her truthfully. "But grandma and I love you both very much." She said and kissed her and Bill on the head.

It was one in the morning when Gorsha returned home. Expecting Muranna's family to have stayed, she was going to grab a few things and stay with a friend and classmate in the building for the night. But to her amazement, the only person there besides the Fornax family was Shen, laying across the couch, fast asleep.

Being a two bedroom apartment, Gorsha tended to sleep on the couch opened into a futon since the children got older and didn't sleep in Carl and Muranna's bedroom. She didn't mind. Her previous life was spent pretty much entirely aboard a ship. A couch in a living room was luxury.

She made herself a thick, chicken sandwich (since she and Carl were the only meat eaters, they kept it as a treat), got a glass of water and sat down at the dining table with her computer to catch up on some news and clear her mind from the evening of 'information overload'.

Minutes later while reading a news article, a voice came from beside her, "What you're eating?"

Gorsha nearly jumped out of her fur, which startled Shen as he leapt backwards. "Sorry, you startled me." She gave a chuckle, "I thought you were asleep."

Shen smiled and sat down at the table, "I was. The smell of the food was.... odd. I was curious."

She showed him the sandwich in her hand. "It's called chicken. It's a type of meat." She took another bite.

"So, then it's flesh?" Shen winced a little. "Many Serpens eat flesh. It doesn't smell like that. The chicken, it smells... not unpleasant."

She smiled, "Humans are omnivores, they will eat anything that they can shove in their mouths and doesn't kill them. My people are carnivores.... for the most part."

Shen chuckled at her comment about the humans. "What do you mean for the most part?"

"Well..." Gorsha leaned back and swallowed her bite, "Some have been adapting to an omnivorous diet, others are trying a completely synthetic protein one.

"Because it is better for them on this world?" He asked curiously.

She shook her head, "More trying the immense variety this world has to offer. My people don't have a lot of options when it comes to food on their home world of Canisius, or in my case, having spent most of my life on ships in space." She thought for a moment as to how to continue her train of thought to a newcomer. "Others are seeking a synthetic died because of various beliefs they have."

"You mean... theological or ideological based diets? That can put one's digestive system to the test either way." He said with comprehension."

Gorsha was relieved that she didn't have to go into an in depth explanation.

"Can I try a piece?" Shen asked.

Gorsha was shocked by his request. Muranna had been repulsed by the smell of any meats but chicken (why she and Carl kept it on hand at home. They dined out for beef, pork, fish or other meats). The thought of eating meat was as unappetizing to her as the thought of a bowl of salad was to Gorsha.

She broke off a small piece of the chicken and handed it to Shen, who bravely sniffed it and then downed it in one shot. He nodded his head without giving a grimacing look that Gorsha half expected, "Not bad. I could get used to that."

"Well you young sir, are different than what I have heard of your people." Gorsha said, downing the last piece of her sandwich.

Shen smiled, "My Uncle Celiar and I are a little different than the rest."

"Speaking of your Uncle, how did the happy reunion go?" Gorsha asked, closing her computer and wanting to hear all about it.

Shen looked uncomfortable, "Maybe it's best Muranna tells you about that."

"That bad, huh?" Gorsha said with understanding in her eyes.

"Yeah, total bomb." Shen replied, Gorsha surprised at how fast he was picking up Terran speak so quickly. "How about you? Your uni... universal go all right tonight?"

Gorsha smiled, "University. And yes, it went well. It's just a lot of work."

"Is it like school? Aren't you finished school or are you that young still?" Shen asked.

"Well, aren't you the little charmer." Gorsha replied sitting up straight, all flattered. "I grew up rather isolated. I need this if I am going to integrate as a useful part of the society here."

"Canisius is isolated? Uncle Celiar says you are brilliant strategists. A people to be given respect or fear, depending on the situation." Shen said surprised at her answer.

Gorsha seemed both flattered and stigmatized at the same time. "Canisians are quite a diverse people. My situation however was quite unique. I have actually never been to my home world. As I mentioned, I lived most of my life on ships, in space."

Shen seemed a bit confused by this, "From what I have read and Uncle Celiar has told me, you seem Canisian through and through."

"Thank you." Gorsha said gratefully. "My heritage was all I had to cling to. Without boring you with details, I was a slave who was rescued. I grew up on a ship and learned medicine because I had to. Many lives depended on my learning that skill. When I was an adult, I came to earth to begin a new life."

Shen pondered the abridged story and began drawing parallels he understood, "So, you are like Muranna in a way, starting a new life here, on earth?"

Gorsha never thought of it in that manner. "Yes, I guess you're correct."

"Can you go home? To see your home world that is. You have never been there." Shen asked.

"What an odd question?" Gorsha thought to herself. "For reasons I'd rather not go into, no, I can't." She replied.

Shen nodded, "Just like Muranna."

Gorsha was now very confused. "I'm ready for bed. Normally I sleep on the couch, but you can have it if you want and I can sleep at a friend's place in the building."

Shen looked over at the couch, "I'm sorry. I don't mind the floor. I sleep outside in the park at night sometimes. The carpet here isn't as cold as dew covered grass."

Gorsha got him a pillow and blanket from the closet. He curled up in a corner looking rather comfortable. She pulled out the futon and lay sleepless for an hour, wondering what he meant by Muranna being unable to go home.

Muranna's family arrived at the Olympia Hotel. Their escort followed them to their room and took a position just outside the front door as the bellhop brought their belongings inside that had arrived from the station.

"For crying out loud, Ayannette! Why did you have to ostracise out daughter straight away like that?" Mardak snapped.

"I am here primarily in an official capacity, remember? Having to represent our world!" She retorted and sorted her luggage.

"What is the Treaty of Ter'Chon about?" Mardak asked, looking at her sternly.

"Familial honour and obligation." She replied coldly.

"What is the key code of our world?" He asked.

"All are one." She said and then with realization, broke down in tears and sat on the bed.

"We have to show to the people of this world what we represent, our world as a whole or our subjective laws." Celiar said as he just tossed his bag aside and flopped down on the bed with a sigh, more tired than he let on.

"What should I do?" Ayannette looked up at her husband.

"Only what you think is right." He said reassuringly and sitting beside her. "We have never had an ambassador to a world outside of Serpen borders. This is new to all of us." He picked the data pad out of his wife's bag. "Here, learn who these people are before you decide what of us to show them."

Gathering herself, she moved to the desk provided and read until she fell asleep.

Daylight came. Carl was the first one up and decided to let Muranna sleep. Emotional stress was one thing he didn't like seeing his lovely wife endure, since their adventure when they met. This was the most serious thing since their return. Since it involved family, he knew it must have hurt as much.

He quietly went to the kitchen to make a cup of the real coffee he had been so used to since being planet side. Peeking into the living room, he saw Gorsha sprawled out on her bed as usual, covers mostly off, completely naked, trying to keep cool. In the corner he saw Shen bundled up as if this were an Arctic camp out.

"One from a cold-temperate world, another from a practical desert. Seattle weather making absolutely no one happy, regardless of where they're from." He chuckled to himself.

It was August, 2220 by the Gregorian calendar. It was going to be another day of 30C. and 80 percent humidity. A typical summer day on the west coast. Fortunately on the bay, there was always a breeze.

Many Canisian people settled in northern Canada division of the United North American continent. Canisius was the epitome of fall in the upper half of that former second largest country. The ever increasing Equuleusian visitors loved the southern areas of the pacific, their world being a tropical paradise. Muranna described her world not unlike the south west of the American division of the continent. Semi-arid conditions a rainy season, interrupted by the odd snow during a cold 'hideous' spell of minus 10C. He had read in history of a time when minus 30C was a typical winter day there and gave a shudder.

Carl didn't care. As long as it was off a ship and with his family, he was happy.

"Did I just think that to myself?" He thought, taking a sip of his morning coffee. A year ago, he was 100% married to the service. Now his year of family shore leave was up in four months and he wished it would last forever.

Carl made from scratch, toast, eggs and hash browns for breakfast. Of course, using enough real butter to be in complete violation of SAR dietary protocols. But hey, it was 'his' vacation and since Muranna and Gorsha were still asleep, he was going to treat himself.

He sat down at the dining table and opened the computer to catch some morning news and read any messages that came in during the night. Halfway into his breakfast, he heard a 'sniffing' noise coming from behind the view screen of the computer. He slowly peered over, expecting to find young Bill, but saw instead, Shen taking in the aroma of that morning meal.

"Well, good morning!" He said with a smile. "Hungry?"

"Good morning, Uncle Carl. Yeah, always hungry." Shen said with a smile.

"I guess you'll want to try a bowl of porridge and toast? It's what Muranna has almost every morning." Carl asked.

Shen looked at his plate, "Can I try a taste of that yellow stuff?"

Carl moved his plate forward as Shen dipped his finger into some egg yolk and tried it. He scrunched his nose, "That's not what I smell."

Shrugging, Carl sliced a piece of egg white off his over easy eggs and passed a fork with a piece on it to Shen, who nibbled it carefully.

"That's it!" Shen said with a smile. "May I have some of that, with the toast?"

"Sure thing, young fella!" Carl said, bringing his plate into the kitchen and duplicating his meal, only making the eggs over-hard and placing the yolks in the sprige (a unit for keeping food in stasis, replacing refrigeration a century earlier) for Gorsha later.

Carl watched Shen pack the food as if he never ate before. "Take it easy, young fella!" He said. "This alien food to you will likely hurt your stomach."

Shen shrugged, "I feel fine from the chicken last night."

"Chicken?" Carl said flabbergasted. Surely the exchange between his people and the Draconis will be an interesting one.

After his meal, and helping Carl clean up and thanking him, Shen returned to the living room to fold his blankets and pillow when he noticed Gorsha sleeping and came to a halt.

Carl leaned over his shoulder and whispered, "Just to let you know, here looking is OK, but no touching the sleeping." And gave him a wink.

"She's beautiful." Shen said quietly.

Carl smiled, "She is that!" And continued on into the shower.

Shen had been glancing over the Tri Stellar Alliance treaty on a data pad he found in the living room. Likely the one Carl made for his Mom the previous evening.

Carl got out of the shower and with a towel around his waist, asked the young fellow, "Interesting reading?"

Shen nodded. "I didn't realize your world was so close to the Pegasiian one in terms of trade and exchange."

Carl chuckled, "Trade and exchange is their strong suit. They seem to be good folk, the ones I've met and served with. But if you ever get into a gambling situation with one, consider your wallet lighter."

"We've been told to avoid contact with them. Likely because of their involvement in the scam you and Muranna uncovered." Shen said dryly.

"Well, I can respect that." Carl said, scratching his head, realizing this may be 'taboo' territory, "But you can't paint an entire people with one brush. If it wasn't for a Pegasiian crew member on the ship, your Mom and I may not have made it home alive."

"Seriously?" Shen said, surprised.

Carl nodded. "She did write about a 1st Lieutenant Triss B'kor, did she not? She's a Pegasiian. She had a very significant role in our rescue."

"I didn't know that she was." Shen said. "Muranna wrote about the people and their roles, but didn't always specify what world they were from, other than you."

Carl patted Shen's shoulder, "That's because on earth, it doesn't matter where someone is from." He tossed a towel on Shen's lap, "You want the shower next?"

"Uhhh, sure." Shen said a little confused. "I don't have a change of clothes though. I think my bag went to the hotel with my parents and Uncle."

"No worries. I'll drop your things in the sanitizer while you clean up." Carl kindly offered.

Celiar was the first to wake up and moaned as his aching body got out of bed. "This bed isn't suited for our body types, I presume."

While groping around trying to find a way to activate a light in the curtain-darkened room, he felt the bed shift, which startled him. He looked over at the night table to see a small set of controls. He pressed another and the bed adjusted in a different way. "Well NOW we find that we can adjust these things." His back let out a little pop as he straightened up and found the light switch on the wall near the head end of the bed.

Mardak was snoring loudly, laying on his back in the bed. Likely his brother will have the same aches when he awakes.

He noticed Ayannette sitting in a chair, head down at the desk in the corner. He went over and tapped her on the shoulder and said in his humour, "Sister in law, are you going near sighted or did you die from reading that boring thing?"

She looked up in a sleepy daze, "Huh? I guess I should go to bed."

Celiar looked at the chronometer on the desk which read numbers that didn't mean much since their losing sync with time coming planet side. He looked on the wall above the desk and noticed what he thought was art last night had a more practical use. An animated image of the earth in a picture frame with the same numbers as the chronometer below the image of the planet. The image showed a small, bright dot where he assumed they were to be and the dot was more than 1/3 into the sunlit part of planet, that he could see was slowly rotating towards the halfway point.

"What a truly universal way to tell what part of the day visitors are in." Celiar mumbled, impressed with the practical and artistic value of the clock. He made a quick correlation with the narrow, longitudinal lines on the picture of the planet and the numbers.

"You have been asleep. It is as I can tell, ten hours into their new day." He said. "I am hungry. I'm going to see if I can figure out the use of these fancier facilities and go to that food market we saw off the lobby." He turned to use the washroom and stopped, looking back, "Out of curiosity, did you learn anything from the data Carl provided?"

Rubbing her face and making an indecipherable noise, she sighed, looked at the pad and back to Celiar, "Yes. That they are as adventurous as we are naive. Almost as aggressive as we are peaceful. Cautiously social as we are open. And are as much tricksters with procedures and documents as the Pegasiians."

"What do you think overall of them so far, though." Celiar asked, processing her analyses of the information.

Ayannette paused for a long moment, "Face value, I think we can deal with these people. But treaty wise, frankly, this is far more suited to Serpen negotiation than Draconis. We just aren't paper pushing diplomats."

"Then don't be one, sister. Leave that to the Serpens and that congressman fellow. Just be a mother.... and a grandmother." Celiar finished and continued on into the washroom.

8 - "Beware of the Local Cuisine"

Shen came out of a long shower to find Muranna and the children were awake and eating breakfast. Gorsha too was awake and looking very scruffy and grumpy as she made herself a cup of that coffee beverage that his Uncle did earlier (the scent of which was less than palatable to him).

"Good morning!" He said cheerfully.

Gorsha returned a small smile and a grunt. Muranna and the children were much more chipper as each of the kids gave him a hug and Muranna returned a big smile. Carl was on the outside deck, talking to someone on a communicator and typing on some type of computer.

"Sleep well?" She asked.

He just shrugged. "Gets a little chilly for me at night still." He found his shirt and pants neatly folded on the table and slipped his pants on. Being wrapped in a bath sheet made for a human was very cumbersome for someone that was just over a metre tall.

"Sorry, yesterday was so full of.... excitement. I didn't get to ask how you were doing?" Muranna asked. "And when did you decide to cut your hair? I thought that would never happen."

Shen explained his work before leaving his world as a pumper. Muranna was again shocked at hearing this. Shen, like others his age, were total layabouts. Something she discovered on earth seemed to be common with a teenage population.

"Oh, Keyla would probably like to hear from you more often. She hasn't had a best friend for almost a year." Shen finished.

Muranna gave a smirk, "Oh come on, she's had you with her."

Shen tried to play innocent, "She's your friend. Why would that matter?"

"Who shares your bed." She said with a wink and stuck her tongue out. "Don't think for a second I didn't know."

Shen blushed, especially when Gorsha almost choked on her coffee and woke up instantly, "Oh? Do tell us young man. Is she pretty?"

Shen was unable to speak. He coughed, got up from the table, still blushing profusely, slipped his shirt on and went out to the deck with Carl. Gorsha and Muranna giggled at his retreat.

"You didn't tell me?" Gorsha asked, sipping her coffee again.

"Tell you what? That he had a lover?" Muranna asked.

Gorsha shook her head, "No, that your brother had such a cute butt."

Muranna playfully smacked Gorsha's shoulder, then they both proceeded to giggle loudly.

"No problem! I'll see you off in an hour. Bye, bye." Carl said, finishing his call as Shen caught his last few words.

Carl looked up at the still blushing young man, then in the apartment at the girls. "Got caught in a giggle storm, I see?"

Shen nodded.

"Yeah, they come now and again when you least expect it. Those two will find something to tease a guy about, no matter what." Carl chuckled.

"I heard a little. Sorry, didn't mean to snoop. You're leaving in a bit?" Shen asked.

Carl closed his computer, an antique laptop Muranna bought him on one of her outings. He discovered that he had a fondness for antique electronics. 'A sign of getting older' he surmised and got up from the deck chair. "Yeah. A friend is shoving off in an hour for orientation on a new position. He'll be back in a month to pick up his family and then I won't see him for who knows how long. So I'm taking the time to meet up with him at the base."

"Can I come along?" Shen asked hopefully.

"Wasn't your family going to stop by today? I wouldn't want to be responsible for you missing them."

"If it's urgent, my sister can call you, can't she?" Shen used logic in hopes of getting some more time with his new brother-in-law (and still a little sore from the teasing).

Carl pondered the situation for a moment, "Well, officially we're not supposed to leave a diplomatic VIP guest unescorted anyway, so why not?"

After receiving instructions from Muranna to not be late for dinner and not get her brother in too much trouble, Carl and Shen grabbed an express to the Whidbey SAR base.

Upon arrival, they crossed the grounds and headed to the departure area. It reminded Shen of the space port back home, only the ships were quite different than the ones he had seen there.

"Those people walking together in the open area, I've seen videos of Serpen's training very similar." Shen asked.

"Those were new recruits marching. What we call 'drilling'. They are fresh off the street and won't even get a uniform for a couple of weeks." Carl said and brought them to a window and showed how some of them fall out of line, try and catch up, fall out of line again and get yelled at as the rest watched. Muranna's and Gorsha's teasing didn't seem al that bad any more.

*thud, thud, thud, thud...*

A series of loud, floor shaking sounds filled the departure lounge. "What is that?" Shen said, a little wide eyed.

"C'mon, I'll show ya!" Carl said with a smile and motioned for Shen to follow him at a quick pace.

The sounds got louder as they went down a corridor and stopped just before a set of doors that led out onto the tarmac. There Carl pointed out a window of the corridor showing Shen a series of buildings with triangular shaped openings aimed at the sky at an angle.

*thud, thud, thud, thud...*

Shen saw a marvellous display of what appeared to be the air turning into a liquid, then vapour and finally disappearing as the trail went high into the sky over the water to the west.

"Wow! What are those, Carl? Some type of fireworks?" Shen said in amazement.

"Those are launch tubes for our only remaining indigenous space fighter, the Rapier." He said.

"I don't see any ship, though?" Shen said, peering up in the sky at the disappearing trails, which stayed visible, very high up.

"You won't. They are launched far too fast for the eye to see by magnetic rails." He said and explained the principle to him. "The rails launch them with such force, that they only start their engines in the upper stratosphere. A Rapier engine only works well in space. Below the stratosphere, they are basically gliders, with some reaction thrust to correct their course in the lower atmosphere."

"Incredible!" Shen said, pressing against the window, hoping to see more launches. "How do they keep together? I mean, wouldn't the pilot and ship be blown apart at that speed?"

Carl explained that they have a technology that can shift the position and intensity of gravity on board the ships. It can cancel the thrust of the ship inside for the pilot, having a dual effect of assisting the ships thrust forward by 'lightening it' as much as inertia would thrust the pilot back. The net effect being zero. "The pilot feels nothing and the ship isn't torn apart. "It's actually a small version of our hyperspace drive. It 'bends' space so that you fall forward as much as the acceleration wants to make you fall backward."

Shen was amazed by the explanation as he was by the launches. "Our ships that go to orbit cancel inertia to a point. It makes them weightless and slowly rise up. It isn't near as advanced to do something like this."

Carl put his hand on Shen's shoulder and they started walking back to the departure lounge. "The Serpen's technology far exceeds our own. They haven't shared with you?"

"We have never needed it for ourselves before." Shen said.

"Well, that's something that your scientists will find a treat. None of our propulsion technology is classified. It can be gathered freely from the data net. It's part of the Alliance treaty that we don't hide anything we can use to travel outside our space to another system."

"But, didn't Muranna write about the Yarmouth being a Terran ship? Wouldn't that have broken the treaty?" Shen asked.

Carl shook his head, "The Yarmouth was built before the Tri-Stellar Alliance Treaty was signed. It was just us and the Centaurians at the time." He chuckled, "She was a very old ship and a good one!"

As they entered the lounge, another man walked toward them, only he was in uniform. "Jack!" Carl shouted and shook his hand.

"Hey Lieutenant Commander! How are you doing?" Jack Bellery said, happy to see his friend.

"Oh, c'mon Jack, I'm on leave. Please, just Carl. Anyway, I'd like you to meet my little brother-in-law, Muranna's brother. Shen, this is Jack Bellery." He introduced his nephew who was awestruck.

"THE Jack Bellery from Muranna's articles? Pleased to meet you, sir!" He shook his hand enthusiastically.

"Yes, that Jack Bellery." He replied. "I assume you're with the family for a visit?"

"Yeah. Mom's on some semi-diplomatic mission or whatever. I'm finding it a welcome change."

"Well, it looks like I'll be here for another couple of hours to chat. The transport is delayed because of the Rapier exercises." Jack said, Shen finally letting go of his hand.

"Well, Pearl Harbour will have to wait for their star instructor." Carl said with a chuckle. "Let's grab some lunch. I'll buy."

"The Afterburner Lounge?" Jack asked.

Carl smiled, "I got a better idea. Let's introduce Shen to some local 'wildlife'." And with a wink to Shen, they took a transport back over to New Seattle.

In twenty minutes, they arrived at a loud club called the Stellar. Shen noticed the dim, but colourful lights, swaying to the beat of the music. The lights weren't all that was swaying. "Ohhh, this is that lounge you told me about that you sneak off to when Muranna isn't looking." Jack teased Carl, giving a gentle nudge to his arm.

A topless, waitress came up to them, tray in her hand and wearing what appeared to be only a change apron and high heeled shoes. "Hey Carl! Visitors I see? I think your usual booth is available." She walked ahead through the crowd as they followed.

Shen was so distracted by the waitress' walk, now convinced the only thing she wore was the change apron. He inadvertently walked straight into Jack, not noticing they had stopped at the booth.

Jack laughed, "I did the same thing in places like this when I was your age."

"Uncle Carl?" Shen pulled at his sleeve, not sure he could be heard over the music. "What does Jack mean, 'when Muranna isn't looking'?"

Both men laughed. "It's a joke. I'll explain it to you later. Your sister has been here. She doesn't like it. She said it reminds her of that seedy Serpen station hidden in the asteroid field." Carl informed him. "But I hear that Gorsha likes to come here after classes sometimes to 'wind down' from a hard day."

" 'Uncle' Carl?" Jack asked Shen. "Aren't you two brothers?"

Shen nodded, "We are, technically. Honestly, I feel uncomfortable with that. Brother is like an equal. Carl is my elder. Uncle is more befitting, I think." Shen pressed against Carl in a manner of familial fondness that he learned about yesterday.

"I would be honoured to call you my nephew, then." Carl said, returning the press against Shen's side.

A different waitress came to the table this time. She was larger and rounder than the one that sat them and was darker, like the President. Shen immediately thought of Keyla, only without the fur, tail and ears.

"Hey, sugar! Selena at the door told me you brought me something fresh to look at." She said, eyeing Jack and Shen. "Mmmm-mm! They are both cuties! But I'm gonna have to see the fuzzy one's I.D. first."

"No problem, Angel." Carl puled out a data pad and called up some information and showed it to Angela, who picked it up to have a closer look.

She pursed her lips and raised her eyebrows, "Ooooo, he's a special one, huh? Dip-lo-matic V. I. P.!" She handed the pad back to Carl and looked at Shen, "I guess you can have whatever you want, cute and fuzzy!"

"Ummm...." Shen thought for a moment and looking at all the colourful choices on the glittering, animated menu in the middle of the table.

"Do you like fruit?" Carl asked his nephew.

Shen nodded.

"How about a peach juice for him and a beer for me, with a couple slices of pizza of the day." Carl said and looked at Jack.

"I'm on the clock, so I'll have the peach juice as well."Jack said and added, "And a chicken club sandwich."

"I'll have a chicken club too, please." Shen added.

"Comin' right up!" Angela said and walked off with the order. Shen fell out of the booth as his eyes followed her until she disappeared into the crowd.

"I thought they were 'grainitraians' or something like that?" Jack whispered to Carl, who shrugged.

"He's been nibbling at all sorts of different things today."

Shen coughed and sat himself back down, looking indignant.

"I take it you don't have clubs like this back on Draconis?" Jack asked, still smiling from the young fellow's 'oops'.

"No, actually we don't. The planet is so social, we don't have one place to socialize. Everywhere is a place to gather." Shen sighed, "Sometimes it's nice to just be alone with your thoughts."

"Sounds like a place that would get on my nerves." Jack said. "I know I need my space."

"We all do, Jack. These people are quite unique." Carl said, giving a nudge at Shen.

"Uncle Celiar and I are odd though. Celiar hides in his data centre. Just him and the machines. No wife, no children." Shen said.

"I guess you're too young to think about a family?" Jack asked.

Shen shrugged. "I like kids. Maybe in the future. I'm actually and adult on my world. When one graduates, they are accepted members of adult society."

"What if they don't graduate?" Carl asked curious, as Muranna never told him this.

"When they are of the age they'd graduate, then they are too."

"Here are your drinks, gentlemen!" Angela sat down the drinks on little napkins, though Shen had picked his up and studied the logo. "Your sandwiches will be right up."

Shen took a sip of this 'peach' juice Carl ordered for him and made a bit of a 'sour scowl' at first, but then the sweet after taste and flavour hit. "This is fantastic!"

The sandwich was also a hit with the young Draconis. Though he discovered that something called 'bacon' was in the club at first, which wasn't to his palate. But when Jack made a remark that the creature that bacon came from was like a prehistoric Ursan, Shen let out a rather wicked laugh and ate the bacon with zeal.

The loud music abruptly stopped and the room got darker as the colourful lights dimmed further. The rumble of the crowd changed to whistles as the lights grew in intensity on the stage. "Oh good! We'll catch part of the lunch show!" Carl said. He then whispered to Shen, "Here's where you can study anatomy."

"But, I'm not into medicine..." Shen began replying to his Uncle when he was cut off by a thunderous bass line that he felt on his insides. The music was quite a bit louder, but also much higher quality. To Shen, it almost sounded as if a live band was playing. Perhaps that what was to appear on the stage?

Three human females came out on the stage and began their performance. This was the best 'band' Shen had seen.

Jack had to leave by the end of the second set, but to Shen, over an hour passed as a few minutes.... and he understood what his Uncle meant about 'studying anatomy'. he was really beginning to like this planet.

"Hi Mom, Dad, Uncle Celiar!" Shen said as he and Carl walked into the apartment. "We had the most fantastic time! There were these great dancers at the Stell... mmmmmph..." Shen's words were cut off by Carl's hand over his mouth.

"We had a great time meeting a friend of mine at the base and going for a stellar lunch. Isn't that right, nephew?" Carl said with a smile and taking his hand off Shen's mouth.

"Yeah, yeah! What a great guy. He's going to be an instructor." Shen said, catching his Uncle's meaning.

"We're glad that you finally showed up. We will be leaving for the Alliance Council soon to do our business. Your father will then get a tour of the architectural highlights around this world. Your Uncle Celiar will be busy coordinating all the information between us . You can accompany me or your Dad." Ayannette said.

Shen pondered the choices put before him, "I'll take option three."

"Option three?" Mardak asked his son, puzzled.

"Yeah, three. Hang here with my family." His parent's just stared at him. "How long will it be before we see them again when we leave?" Shen said, trying to make convincing argument.

"I would love to have Shen with me." Muranna quickly added. "I haven't been able to pick on anyone since being here." She gave Shen a wink.

"Oh come on, let the boy have his fun. You were the ones saying he's all grown up." Celiar also added.

Mardak and Ayannette agreed that he may be least bored with his sister. Politics was never an interest to Shen and while architecture did hold a small interest for him, they doubted whether his attention span could survive an in depth study over the course of some weeks.

Finishing lunch with their daughter and grandchildren, Muranna's family was off to finish up the business they came forth to do. As they said their pleasantries, Celiar whispered to Carl, "If the boy lands in custody, please contact me to deal with it before his mother hears about it."

Carl gave him his assurances.

"Thanks for sticking up for me." Shen said to Muranna.

"I know exactly how you must feel.... I mean our world is nice and all, but adventure just isn't in our culture and you seem to be having fun with it here." She then looked at her husband with a smirk, "Getting him to the Stellar already, huh?"

Shen felt arms on either side of him, "Glad you could stay with us, Uncle Shen." Ayanna said.

Young Bill was on his other side. "Tell us some stories of Draconis?" Shen sat them both down on the couch and began some tales.

Carl assisted Muranna with the dish sanitizer in the kitchen. "Honey, I think we may need a larger apartment."

"What makes you say that? You want more kids soon or something?" She asked with a grin.

"Well.... Though he's been here only a full day now, I've seen that look on guys' facesmany times before." Carl said. "I don't think he's going to go home."

Muranna stopped and looked at him seriously, "Carl, why would you say that?" She went back to organizing the dishes to hand to him to place in the sanitizer, "I know you must feel strongly about our laws and it was a shock to you. I'm sorry for that. But my parents are good people."

"Oh no, no, no... that's not what I mean!" He replied in a tone that wasn't what he meant to convey. "I meant that he... well... has a longing about him. Like he's looking for his place and he's trying to figure out where he fits in."

"That's no different than any young man, now is it?" She said dismissively.

"Exactly." Carl replied and placing the last cup in the sanitizer, closed and started the unit.

Carl left to join his children in the living room and listen to Shen's stories. Muranna stayed for a moment to ponder what her husband had said and muttered to herself, "If only you were still with us, grandmother Ayanna." Grandmothers always seemed to have the right answers.

The family spent the afternoon in the local park, where the children played and Shen told his nice and nephew that young life wasn't all that different on their world. Their mother had told similar stories before, but hearing it from Shen's point of view made the tales all new again.

After a 'treat' dinner of something Shen was surprised to hear called 'junk food', which consisted of hot dogs for Carl, a vegetarian burger for Muranna and Shen and noodles for the kids, they headed back to the apartment. Though they did have to stop at public restrooms twice on the way.

"You aren't looking too healthy, Shen. Maybe a stomach stabilizer when we get home?" Muranna remarked to Shen, who was definitely looking a shade of grey in the ears.

Carl chuckled, "Go ahead! Tell your sister what you had for lunch."

Shen let out an ill sounding belch, "Chicken club sandwich."

"Shen!" Muranna scolded, "Our systems can't process animal protein. What on earth did you do that for?"

"Tasted good." He replied simply.

Carl laughed, "When our recruits pull into a new port, first thing they do is gorge themselves on the local cuisine, not to mention the local booze. The result is always the same... a very rough night and even rougher day after."

Gorsha returned at midnight, her usual time from classes. This had been her last day before four days off and prepare for an important test. She planned to study hard for this one, but not that night. She needed to get the numbers out of her head. She grabbed a nice dress that Muranna had bought for her and headed for the shower.

A while later, Shen came out of the children's bedroom to use the washroom. Given his Uncle's condition, Bill was kind enough to offer his bed for the night and slept beside his sister, as Shen napped since the early evening.

The door opened just as Shen was about to knock on it, startling both of them. "Shen? It's nearly one in the morning. You all right?" Gorsha asked.

Shen rolled his eyes and rubbed his face, "Actually, I feel a lot better than earlier."

"Earlier?"

"Yeah. Ate meat and a lot of it. I think I threw up and crapped out everything since leaving Draconis." He replied.

"You still feeling sick?" Gorsha went back into 'nurse mode' and began checking his eyes, pulse, mouth and breathing. "You might have had food poisoning too."

"Actually, I feel pretty good now. Uncle Carl gave me something before I went to sleep. I was thinking running my head under a tap would freshen me up some."

Coming more awake, Shen noticed Gorsha wearing a rather stunning two piece dress with a low cut satin top, leaving little to the imagination and some eye shadow that made the colour of her glistening eyes stand out.

"Yeeeessssss?" Gorsha asked with a smile.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to stare. It's just.... I had never met a Canisian before you and... well.... you're really pretty." Shen said nervously.

Gorsha giggled, "Thank you, sweetie, that means a lot to me." She moved out of the washroom so Shen could use it. She looked back, "When your family first saw me, I saw a lot of terror in their eyes. Well, except your Uncle. He looked as if amazed... like you did."

"How did my sister react when she first saw you?" Shen asked.

Gorsha averted her eyes and looked down, as if extremely uncomfortable. "Sweetie, your sister and I met under terrible circumstances. But it was by her compassion that I'm here and I'll always be ever so grateful for it."

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to ask something that would be so... painful."

"You're a perceptive fellow." Gorsha said quietly. Taking a deep breath, "Why don't you join me?"

"Join you? Doing what?"

"I was about to go dancing at a little club not too far away. Meet up with some school chums. Why don't you come?" She asked.

Shen shrugged, "Sure! I'll quickly clean up." He went to close the door and quickly opened it and smiled at her, "Thanks!"

It was about 0130 when they left the building. It was cool with a downright chilly breeze for Shen. Night was different. It was quieter and despite the city lights, many of the stars could still be seen above.

"Other than the buildings and streets being different, it's not unlike a night on Draconis." Shen said and gave a shudder.

"I've seen night on a dozen worlds. You could say it's an 'equalizer'." Gorsha said and noticed the young fellow shivering with his arms around himself.

She placed her shoulder jacket around him, which made a coat for someone his size. "Sorry, it's a little girly, but will keep you warm until we walk to the club."

"Walk?" Shen said surprised. "Isn't the Stellar a little far?"

"The Stellar?" Gorsha said surprised. "Who said anything about the Stellar?"

"Oh, sorry." Shen said apologetically. "Uncle Carl said that's where you like to go sometimes to unwind."

She laughed, "Carl is always making me out to be some party slut to his friends. We're going to the Caribbean Blue. It's a Reggae dance club."

"That doesn't seem nice. Do Uncle Carl and you not get along?" Shen asked, surprised.

"We get along quite well. I have learned that when Carl Fornax treats you like one of the men on his ships, you are in his 'close circle' and it's an honour." Gorsha chuckled.

They arrived at the club and Shen handed back her jacket and put on a strong face, despite now he felt even colder. "It seems busy."

"It always is from midnight to about four in the morning. It's when the locals who are on night shifts come on their days off... as well as adult students who would rather socialize than study." She giggled at the last remark, Shen knowing that was the category where she fit in.

They entered to see a live band playing and all the beautiful colours! The floor had a texture and colour of a sandy beach, but without the sand. The dance floor was lit up to look like walking on turquoise water and the dresses on the waitresses were a rainbow explosion. The inside structure appeared to be a collection of grass roofed, stick huts.

"Your head will fall off if you keep swinging it around like that!" Gorsha yelled over the music.

"It's amazing!" Shen shouted back. "We have structures very similar, but not with so much colour!"

Gorsha ordered a cocktail and a large appetizer plate with an extra side. Shen played it safe stuck to water.

"The sounds are lot different than at the Stellar. It's very musical." Shen said, moving subconsciously to the beat while sitting on his stool. The deep Latin bass beat was accompanied by wind instruments and a metallic looking drum.

"You and I can hear the higher tones from the instruments human's can't. It's one of the few genre's that species with our ears can really appreciate." Gorsha said, smiling, also moving to the beat.

The drinks and appetizer plate came. Shen couldn't help himself but get lost in the smell. The memory of his earlier bout of stomach troubles, gone. "What is that?" he asked.

"They're called nachos. Made from an earth grain. You should be able to eat this." She replied as the server also placed a steaming bowl of spicy smelling, thick brown paste.

"What about that?" Shen asked, pointing to the side dish.

"Goat curry dip. It's so I can eat this plate mouse food and not get sick." Canisian and Draconis stomachs were polar opposite in what they could process correctly. "Only eat it if you want to shit fire tomorrow." She laughed.

Nibbling on the hot corn chips, Shen looked around the club some more and noticed the patrons... there were many Canisian's there. Males, females, some with humans and all having a good time.

Shen was also making a self discovery - he quite liked Canisians. Maybe it was the fur? The ears? The elongated muzzles? The furry tails? The different shape of their legs? He didn't know, but they were a very attractive species.

The music finished and everyone applauded and began walking off the dance floor. "Fifteen minute break for the band." Gorsha said and then gave a squeal as she stood up and waved across the room.

A well dressed woman came over and gave Gorsha a hug and turned to Shen, "Well if it ain't cute and fuzzy!"

"Oh, hi!" Shen said happily. "I didn't know you worked here too.

Angela chuckled, "I don't. Good grief, I couldn't afford my courses workin' here." She looked at Gorsha and pointed he thumb over to Shen, "Did he tell you how we met?"

Gorsha shook her head, wiped her mouth with a napkin and looked very interested in hearing the story.

"Carl Fornax and a buddy of his from the base come on in the Stellar. Young man's first taste of earth or somethin', cause he fell outta booth checkin' out my ass after I took their order." Angela finished and they both giggled at Shen, who at that point accepted this was something Terran based females just do to guys.

"Anyway, I saw Jeanie around here, all glittered up tonight with a fruit basket on her head, actin' all wild and crazy. You and her are gonna get hit with that same test next week?"

"Yes." Gorsha shook her head, "She doesn't do stress well. I can imagine how she's dealing... oh... my... gods.." Gorsha was saying as her eyes went wide, distracted by someone looking like a walking Caribbean Christmas tree.

"It's time to par-tay like it was 2199!" The voice came from the smallest Canisian Shen had seen to date, in person or in pictures. She wore a glistening long dress that matched the club for colourfulness and had a hat between two huge ears that appeared to have fruit in it. Her make-up was a lot less subtle than Gorsha's and was definitely festive.

After a bit of a stagger into Angela, she hugged Gorsha and turned to Shen. "Is this your room mate you were speaking about? Muranna?"

"No honey, this is her brother, Shen." Gorsha said. "He's visiting her all the way from Draconis."

"Nice to meet you!" She said and gave him a hug. "You'll have to excuse me, I'm a little... enib... eneb... drunk."

"We can see that, sugar!" Angela said. "It ain't gonna help you study none when you're hangin' over the toilet tomorrow."

"You're a mother hen, Angela." Jeanie said, waving her hand dismissively. "But I'm likely to flunk anyway. So, may as well party."

Shen was rather amused by this person. "What makes you say that?"

"She'll probably end up in the top ten of the class." Angela shouted at her with a smile and hands on her hips. Turning to Shen, "She's smart, she just doesn't have the self esteem."

"That's sad that someone that pretty doesn't." Shen said with a smile, eyeing up this Jeanie girl who was just his size.

"Band's going to start again soon. I should finish my drink." Jeanie tipped the glass up to her muzzle only to have ice cubes bop her little nose. "Maybe I'll just get another... WAITER!"

Gorsha slid over one stool and Angela picked up and placed Jeanie on it. "How about you just wait here and keep out of trouble."

Shen slid over one stool as well, "Do you want to sit here, then?"

Angela smiled sweetly at him, "You are a gentleman, aren't you? I gotta booth over in the corner with my boyfriend. Ain't no way these little bam-boo stools holdin' my gorgeous ass (she gave her curvaceous form a slap). See you later, people!" She waved and went back over to the booth where an impatient looking man was sitting.

"If she's dating, why is she such a flirt?" Shen asked somewhat confused.

"That's just her style. She's very loyal to her sweetheart." Gorsha replied.

Shen felt something rub his leg under the table and being startled, jerked and looked as to what it was, imaginings of some Terran animal lurking about. He only saw the pawed foot of Jeanie stretching out. He looked up at her and she had her chin on the back of her intertwined fingers, elbows on the table with a smile and eyes that needed no translation between species. Shen flattered, smiled back and placed his leg against her foot, which continued to stroke his shin and calf. He felt his heart race and his body get warm. He was convinced he was blushing outwardly.

"What's wrong? Did an insect bite you?" Gorsha asked, noticing his reaction.

"Uhhhh, no, no. I thought I accidentally kicked Jeanie here." He put on a straight face. "Sorry about that, Jeanie."

"That's OK." She said for Gorsha to hear and gave Shen a wink.

The band started playing again in another set. It began with a steel drum solo as the drummer with many long, intricately knotted braids in his hair walked slowly around the dance floor that had been vacated. Seeing the quantity of Canisian's in the club, he had on the side of his drum one that looked much smaller. We went to a couple of tables with the canids and played a small melody on the small drum for them. The humans in the room heard what sounded like a quiet, bell-tones. But to Shen, Gorsha and the rest with hearing far in excess of the human range, it was a crystalline melody of decent volume.

As he finished his solo, and walked back to the stage with the rest of his band, he was applauded by the alien patrons. "I hope I got that right, my brothers and sisters. All from memory." He announced as the rest of the band started playing. It hit Shen that it would have to have been, as the human drummer could not have heard what he played. That was a marvellous skill he thought.

"C'mon, let's dance." Jeanie said.

Gorsha hopped off her stool, "You sure you're up to it?"

"If I can convince your handsome friend to keep me up, I will be"

Gorsha headed out on to the dance floor and was quickly joined by a human male who seemed quite pleased she took his hand when he approached her.

Jeanie wrapped her arm around Shen's and placed her hand in his. "You too, sweetie."

"I.... I'm not a very good dancer." Shen said, now knowing for sure he was blushing.

Jeanie giggled, "It's easy. Just follow me and do what I do."

Nervously, Shen went onto the dance floor with the colourful little lady. She swayed her shoulders left and right and encouraged Shen to do the same. Then moved her arms with a fluid motion that Shen tried to do, but wasn't too graceful at. He relaxed some and just moved to the music. He must have been doing something right, as Gorsha looked over and nodded, seemingly pleased.

After a couple of songs, Shen and Jeanie went back to the table. "Sorry, my feet aren't used to moving like that." Shen chuckled, leaning on the table, panting a little and drinking his water that had been refilled in his absence.

"That's all right." Jeanie said, looking at him sweetly. She leaned her back against him, taking his free arm, placing it around her and wrapping her arms over it. He felt the warm glow run over his body again and he was really liking this sweet, new friend.

Gorsha was having a great time on the dance floor and was still going strong. She was filled with energy despite having such a long day and her swaying motions had her breasts bouncing in her low cut top so much, Shen as well as her dance partner's eyes were following the erotic sight.

Shen felt Jeanie's rear rub against his crotch and realized he had an erection. Immediately embarrassed, he pulled himself back from her, "Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to..." Jeanie turned around and looked at him with sultry eyes, placing her muzzle against his, embraced him in a passionate kiss.

"You are one beautiful lady." Darren, the gentleman who danced with Gorsha said to her as they went back to his table. "I've seen you come here before, but have never had the opportunity to share a dance or my table with you until now. Thank you."

Gorsha was flattered. "I thank you for the dance."

"Can I buy the lovely vixen a drink?"

"Surely you can, but do you need to?" She said quietly.

"Whatever you wish, let it be only as you wish." He said, kissing her hand.

"You charm me as well as flatter." She said, tingling with the touch of his lips against her hand.

Since returning with the Fornax family to earth, she had made such efforts to better herself, to be worthy of the kindness that Carl and Muranna showed her, she denied herself many pleasures. Overcoming her own biological needs with intense meditation. Since the arrival of Muranna's family, those had been disrupted and her intense Canisian biological need for intimate pleasures had been more difficult to overcome these last few days.

She felt his nose run along her neck and up her chin, this was a man who knew the mating game of the Canisian female. She tilted her head, rubbing her ears against his face and he responded perfectly by gently clamping his teeth on her soft ear and letting out a low growl, then biting gently on the back of her neck.

She was sweating and breathing heavy, then thought of her friend. She pressed her face against his, her eyes staring into his with a panting and said with a quivering voice, "Oh goddess, how much I want you, need you..... but I can't leave my friend alone. I'd be responsible to his sister."

He gently kissed he nose and placed her hand over his heart. "Then I'll wait for you. Two suns."

She closed her eyes and kissed him. "I will return."

Intense regret filled her heart as she got up from the table. Staggering, her body filled with adrenaline rather than alcohol, she took a couple of deep breaths and centred herself. Heading back to the table they were at, she found it cleaned off with a new couple seated and no sign of Shen.

"Shit!" She said and looked around for him to no avail. She went over to her classmate Angela , "have you seen Shen?"

Angela looked at her with a serious look, "Uh-huh, sure did. He was making out pretty heavy with Jeanie and they headed out the front door."

Gorsha turned to go after them as Angela called out, "Sugar, does he know?"

She looked back with a concerned look and shook her head, 'no'.

She went out the front door, cursing herself for being so careless with her friend's, no, her rescuer's brother.

She glanced around the parking lot, seeing only a few vehicles. None appeared to be occupied. Most patrons took public transports to places like this for the zero tolerance law with incapacitated driving.

She walked around the club and found two cooks at the back, sitting on stools, smoking some sort of sticks. She walked passed. stopped and looked desperate.

"You are looking for the lovers?" One of the cooks asked?

"Are they short, furry..." Gorsha started asking.

"One look like fruit basket?" The other cook said. "Yeah, they in corner." Both pointed to the side of the building Gorsha hadn't checked.

She thanked them and feeling somewhat relieved, walked around to the side where a light had been broken for some time from what appeared vandalism. She found a nook in the building with a door that read, 'Emergency Reactor - Authorized Personnel Only'. Leaning against that door was Shen, pants lowered, look of ecstasy on his face and Jeanie leaning against him with a smile and his arms around her.

9 - "Too Late To Go Home"

"Ummm, Shen?" Gorsha said quietly.

"Uh, huh?" He said, eyes still closed, head back, mouth open.

"I think it's time to go home." Gorsha said, feeling rather uncomfortable.

Jeanie looked at Gorsha, then up to Shen, kissing him. "I'll see you again?"

Shen looked at her, rubbed the side of her face, "Where do you live?"

"Gorsha can tell you." She kissed him. then noticing his pants were still down, bent down and pulled them up for him. With one more passionate kiss, she went around and back into the club as Shen, seeming mesmerized, walked alongside Gorsha and headed home.

They walked without a word for a couple of blocks. Shen finally said, "You have a good time tonight?"

"Almost." She answered honestly.

"I sure did." Shen said with a big grin.

"Shen honey, there's something you...." She stopped herself.

"There's something I what?" He said, wondering if he did wrong.

"Nothing that can't wait until tomorrow." Gorsha said, deciding to let him have his glow.

The morning came and Shen was woken out of a very deep and sound sleep by a three-way squeeze between Muranna, Bill and Ayanna. "We were worried, Uncle Shen." Ayanna said.

"About what?" He replied groggily.

"You... city... club... what else?" Muranna said.

"He's a big boy. Let him sleep." Carl said, making breakfast for the family. "And Gorsha wouldn't let anything happen to him." Comforting he thought those words were, he was responsible for his safety and if this breach of 'unescorted VIP' protocol got back to the President, he'd be slapped back a couple of ranks for sure.

Truth be told, Gorsha was a big wuss. But the Canisian reputation for being faster and much stronger than humans kept her safe going out at nights alone so far.

It was noon before Shen and Gorsha stirred awake again. The family was at an amusement park, a note said and they were welcome to join them.

"Good morning!" Shen said to Gorsha, who seemed sad.

"G... good morning, Shen. Sleep all right?"

"Like a rock! I haven't felt this good since back home." He thought for a moment. "What is it, three days I've been here? It's starting to feel like home."

Gorsha started breakfast for herself and asked Shen what he'd like.

He came into the kitchen to snoop around at the food availability and noticed her leaning over the counter, eyes closed and a tear running down her face.

"Gorsha, what's wrong? Did I do something wrong?" Shen said with concern.

Gorsha looked at him and smiled, "No, you did nothing wrong. I am weak, that's all."

Shen looked at her puzzled. Returning to searching, he found something called 'porridge' and made a bowl.

They sat a the table in silence. "You can't go on like this. It's not good." He commented.

Gorsha took a deep breath and tried to centre herself. "It's nothing you can do, Shen darling. It's my body I have to fight."

"Forgive me.... but why?" He asked persistently.

Gorsha felt anger well up inside her. Se was just about to snap at the young man when she realized quick enough that it wasn't Shen that was the problem. She was battling against thousands of years of evolution.... and was losing.

"Canisian females are unique, Shen. There are some things that affect us like no other species." Gorsha began. "Before I came here, I once had a husband. We had regular... relations and before him, there was no other. Since him, there has been no other."

Shen nodded, "So? You're horny, then."

"It goes beyond that with us. When a Canisian female's sexuality is activated, it cannot be turned off. Until we mate for the first time, it is dormant. After we mate, our body literally requires it frequently until the day we become infertile."

Shen grasped what Gorsha was saying, "In other words, unless you have sex, your bodies drive you crazy."

"Yes. That's partially why our world is so over populated. The ruling caste prohibits fertilization inhibitors. Any where else we can have them, just not on our home world."

"But... you're not on your home world now." He replied.

"Correct. I have been taking them since my arrival, but that doesn't stop biology. I have used meditation to calm my urges, but that has been interrupted lately."

Shen asked the logical question, "What about a medical alternative?"

"There is none. It's baffled scientists on six advanced worlds. We must mate naturally, or the 'fires' as we call it, don't stop." She took her first bite of breakfast. "It does not have to be another Canisian. So far every male we have mated with has calmed the fires." She chuckled, "This fact has made us very popular with human males. They can't seem to get enough sex and the human females don't seem to be willing as often as they'd like them to."

This was a completely foreign concept to Shen. The people of his world also had strong desires, especially amongst the young. Pregnancy inhibitors for males or females were as common as socializing and sexual education and family planning was mandatory.

"You met someone last night and Jeanie and I screwed it up for you." Shen's face filled with regret. "I am so sorry. This is my fault."

Gorsha smiled, "The human I met, seems well versed in Canisian ways. I have two nights to meet him."

"Go tonight. I will stay home. I can meet Jeanie another night." Shen said with a proud look on his face.

"You are so sweet and selfless. I envy your people." Gorsha said, patting his hand. "But that brings up something I have to tell you about Jeanie. I didn't want to ruin your.... glow last night."

Shen raised an eyebrow, "Is she mated and sneaking around?"

Gorsha shook her head. "No, just maybe a little shocking to you."

Shen just stared as if to say, 'Out with it, woman!'

"Jeanie was born as J'oen" Gorsha said quietly.

Shen shook his head, "So?"

Gorsha sighed and thought of how to put it gently. There was no way to. "Jeanie was born.... a male."

Shen just stared. "B.... but I heard you all call her a... 'her'?"

Gorsha licked her lips and bobbed her head, "It seems to be an anomaly with our people. Jeanie identifies with being a female. For all intents and purposes from my friendship with her, she is a female. She just has some of the male.... body."

Shen just stared, blinking as Gorsha continued, "On other worlds, there is 'gender reassignment'. My people have no such concept and the chance one of us is born as she is, is so rare that no one has had a chance to accurately study a successful technique for a Canisian."

"So.... her soul.... from what you can tell.... is a female?" Shen asked, pondering the situation intently, eyes moving back and forth as he does when giving serious thought.

"I don't understand your idea of 'soul', but if it is like the human interpretation, then yes, yes, I do believe it is." Gorsha replied, trying to sound consoling.

Shen leaned back in his chair, head back and gave a long sigh.

"Sorry. I guess you never expected this?" She asked gently.

Shen rubbed his face and leaned forward again, "No." He paused. "But the shocking thing is..." He trailed off.

She placed her hand on his "It's OK. Take your time."

Shen stared blankly for a minute, then looked at her, "I'm not sure that knowledge..... changes much." Shen went on to explain, "Sexual contact, even as sudden as we had, isn't taken frivolously. It's a bond of friendship at the very least."

"On this world, Shen, sexual relations can be a recreational release of emotions, or a bond, as you explained. You should be prepared for that. Even if you may want to see her again, she may not."

Shen had an expression of 'what did I just get into?'. "I... I can prepare myself for that. It would be one of my first lessons in Terran culture, I guess."

Gorsha nodded, "Well, I think it's only fair to let you know that this afternoon I invited her over to help her with studying for that test. The darling is woefully helpless in advanced math."

"Thanks." He said appreciatively. "But I think it'll be OK. Matter of fact, when you're done, I would like to talk with her, if she wants."

The family arrived back from the amusement park for dinner. Shen helped Gorsha prepare something quickly before she left for her study session with Jeanie in the gardens on the side of the building. She announced also that she would be out for the night on a 'personal errand'.

Bill and Ayanna related their excitement that they had the day at the amusement park and wished that their Uncle Shen had been with them. "Poor guy's probably still recovering from a night of partying with Gorsha." Carl said with a smile.

"Yeah, my stomach settled and it was good to go out and meet some people you have around here. They seem to gather in a completely different fashion then back home." Shen said.

"It is a different culture here, but it's easy to adapt to once you know the ins and outs of it." Muranna replied. "But you have to be careful too."

Shen said, "So I'm learning. But with friends and family like you all here, I think I'd fit in quite nicely."

Carl looked at Muranna as to say, 'Didn't I call it?' He smiled at Shen, "Did you have a good time?"

"Oh, yeah!" He replied with a grin.

Carl gave him a pat on the shoulder, "Sounds like you discovered some of the better things in life already!"

"Carl!" Muranna smiled. "His time was his. Weren't you the one that said this morning that he was a 'big boy'?" Carl gave a shrug and smile.

Shen chuckled, "You haven't changed a bit, sis." Telling Carl about her, "At home she was not only a busybody, but bossy. She kept Uncle Celiar in line and even made Dad backtrack in his words a bit."

Carl laughed as Muranna looked at Shen with a crooked mouth and blushing cheeks. "Tattle tale!"

"Since you're telling things about me, are you looking forward to seeing Keyla again when you get home?" She looked at him with a bat of her eyebrows, like she got a 'retaliation' on her brother.

Shen got quiet. "I... don't think she's that into me any more."

"Ouch!" Carl said. "I'll leave you guys to talk about it?" He gathered his and Muranna's plate.

Shen placed his hand on Carl's arm for him to sit down. "I was hoping I could stay with you here for a while."

Carl placed his hand on Shen's shoulder, "Can't say this was unexpected, my boy. You're family."

Muranna looked at him a little more serious, "What... happened?"

"That's the beauty... nothing... yet." Shen replied. "I just... want to try something new and different."

"Does Mom and Dad know?"

Shen shook his head. "I think Uncle Celiar had a suspicion before I did. Something he said to me back home before we left, about destiny. I didn't understand until now."

Shen got up from his chair and paced around. "I was afraid at first. Draconis was all I knew. I was as afraid and excited to come here. If it wasn't for seeing you again, Muranna, I likely would have stayed." He paced some more, trying to put his thoughts into words. "It's... it's like I love Draconis, but like a bird taking flight for the first time... I just can't see myself returning to such an isolated life, knowing there's a whole corner of the galaxy where species meet and get along. It's the ultimate social life with privacy any time you want."

"Shen, you're just overwhelmed. Take some time to think about this." Muranna encouraged.

"Yes, yes sister, I am overwhelmed. I'm overwhelmed by beauty. Oceans as large as our deserts Greenery that grows so natural without careful planning. So... many different beings here." He sat down with an expression of someone having a revelation, "Mom and Dad almost shit themselves when they saw Gorsha. I saw so many different intelligent species since coming here that I find all beautiful like visiting a museum of sculpture, creatures from imaginations and I want to know them all. Who are they? What do they do? What do they know?" He slapped his hand against his chest, "I am SO not afraid."

Muranna nodded, "If you feel that strongly." She looked at her husband, then back to her brother, "Carl and I have discussed it and we'd be happy to have you."

Shen was overjoyed and nuzzled his sister and hugged the children who were squealing with excitement that he was going to stay.

After the excitement settled down, Shen asked Carl, "Uncle, you looked at me as if you completely expected this."

Carl nodded, "I knew that for sure when I saw you glued to the window at the launching Rapiers. Your heart was that of an explorer or even a wanderer. But from what your sister told me of her people, for you to be an isolated 'dreamer of the stars', you would wither if you went home and there was no way for you to go to the places you wanted to go."

"You should call Uncle Celiar." Muranna said. "He'll know how best how you should break the news to Mom and Dad."

Shen was full of excitement still. He took care of the dishes and even offered to help clean the apartment. Tired from the day's excitement, Bill went for a nap and Ayanna joined him after a while longer with her Uncle.

Shen asked for permission to use the comm to contact his Uncle Celiar and Carl let him use his personal one on the deck for privacy. "Since you're going to stay, we'll get you your own personal communicator tomorrow, how's that?" Shen was grateful and excited.

Shen quickly was linked to his Uncle who was happy to hear from him. After making sure he hadn't set the town on fire or was incarcerated, asked what he could do for him.

"Ummm, I don't know quite how to ask this, Uncle.... he began. But what would you recommend for me on how to approach Mom and Dad on.... well.... if I wanted to stay longer than the duration of our journey here?"

Celiar chuckled, "Really now, boy? What is her name?"

Shen bobbed his head side to side, "Well, there may be someone, but that isn't the case at the moment. I asked Muranna and Uncle Carl if I could stay here and they said OK."

Celiar rubbed his chin, "As your mother and father and you being an adult, they cannot demand your return, of course. But...."

Shen's heart dropped, "But?"

Celiar continued, "Your mother is here as an official diplomat of our world. She could order you as a Citizen of Draconis to return." He gave a sigh, seeing his nephew's disappointment. "I have reviewed the interstellar laws of this world. They would make you honour such a demand, should your Mom make one, as an official representative. Their are certain ways around it, such as asylum, but those chapters in their law would definitely not apply to your case."

Shen cheered again as he had an idea, "What about liaison?"

"Your inexperience would nix that." Celiar said with a shake of his head. "Let me... let me talk to Mardak about this. If we can convince your Dad that it is really what you want, we would be in a much better position to convince your mother."

"Thank you, Uncle." Shen said as he ended the call. His excitement turned into uneasiness about what his Mom would do. She would never act selfishly towards him. That was not her way. But she might demand his return if she saw a risk to the mission if he stayed.

Shen explained the situation to his sister and Carl. Muranna comforted him and Carl as usual, had comforting words of encouragement.

"Hey guys!" Gorsha said coming in the door.

"That was a short study session?" Carl said. "Your genius impact her that much she's ready to graduate already?"

"Sure, Carl, that's it. I said something and CLICK! She can do hyperspace physics on a sheet of toilet paper." Gorsha smiled and snapped her fingers.

"Actually, she's kind of distracted." She continued. "Shen, maybe it would be good to go for a stroll in the botany garden, balcony seven?"

Shen gave a blush and headed out the door.

"I told you he discovered some better things!" Carl said to Muranna with a wink. "That Jeanie is a little cutie."

Shen arrived at the level and stood at the glass doors at the end of the hallway. He had explored some of the public balconies when he got a tour from his sister. This time, it was a matter of the heart that was beyond this one. Not just a beautiful garden where the community grew vegetables and flowers and nursed strange plants from other systems.

He was nervous. He had never had such a relationship with anyone other than Keyla. And like his Uncle Celiar had said, they were friends... with benefits. Being a friend seemed far more comfortable. Here was someone he didn't know anything about, other than his initial meeting and what Gorsha told him. It was out of his comfort zone, or any Draconis' comfort zone. 'Anonymous sex' just didn't happen on Draconis. You became friends before or after, or more, but always friends.

Could he even do this? All his earlier boldness, brave face and bluster, completely disappeared. But he had to. Turning and walking away... that was so wrong. That to him was a far greater crime than the one Muranna was condemned to never return home because of. He walked in the door.

The scent of the flowers and alien greenery filled his sinuses. It was strange and beautiful at the same time. The cold breeze off the water blowing across the balcony with windows open for the summer snapped him out of introversion and he stepped forward, looking to the sides where the benches were.

One bench had a figure on it, a tiny figure whose crossed legs swung freely back and forth, feet off the deck. She leaned forward, as he could see her arms straight at her side and the outline of her large ears. His nervousness subsided as a slight warmth filled his heart at the sight.

"Shen?" A delicately feminine voice whispered.

He approached the bench and found data pads, her study material, neatly stacked beside her. Despite the chill in the air, she wore a sleeveless, tight fitting shirt, revealing a pair of small, but nicely shaped breasts. She also wore short pants, revealing legs that were thicker in the thigh and well shaped in the calf, ending in petite feet that were tipped with trimmed and painted nail-claws. "This is NOT the body of one born a male!" He thought to himself.

He sat down beside her and looked at her distraught face, so different than the night before. She had a head of thick, long, light brown hair that whisked in the breeze and fur that appeared the softness of a bunt (a common Draconis pet, not unlike a cross between a chinchilla and a rabbit. Named for the sound they made).

"Hey." He said softly, not knowing what else to say at the moment.

"I wasn't sure if you'd show up." She said quietly.

"Why wouldn't I?" He said with a slight scoff of surprise.

Jeanie gave a small shrug, "Gorsha... she told me that she told you."

Shen smiled, "Did she also tell you what I said?"

She nodded, "That it didn't change much to you."

He squirmed a little uncomfortable, "Didn't that mean anything?"

She turned and finally smiled, "Now it does. Now that I heard it from you."

They stared into each other's eyes for a time. Shen noticed the glistening darkness and unique colour of her hazel eyes. He detected a faint scent that was not the flowers, but an more exotic one that he guessed as her perfume. Their noses almost touching, she asked him in a whisper, "How do you feel about it? Me, I mean...."

"I see a female's beauty..."

"Yes..." She whispered back.

"I hear a female's gentle voice."

"Yes..."

He placed his hand on hers and squeezed gently, as she did in return, "I feel a female's softness."

Their lips touched gently as they kissed.

She rubbed the side of his face. "You are such a gem. I'll be very sad when you leave."

Shen smiled, having yet to tell her, as Gorsha hadn't been there to hear of his decision. "I may not be leaving."

Jeanie smiled happily, "How is that? I thought you were going back with your parents and uncle in a couple of months?"

"There's a lot I want to discover... right here on earth. Unless Mom orders me back as a Citizen of Draconis, I can live here with my Uncle Carl and Muranna."

She threw her arms around him. "I'm so happy for you!" She took his hands, "You'll be setting out on your own exploration."

"Heh, Uncle Carl said I had the heart of an explorer. I seem to have a fascination for trying new things, I guess."

"Well Shen, you'll have a friend to help you explore and find where you belong." She looked shyly at him, "If you want, that is."

"I'd really like that." He said with a smile. His own sensibilities toward what they shared had been satisfied.

They continued talking, getting to know each other for several hours. She listened to his stories about Draconis and how he ended up on Earth. He learned that she was making her way to being a beautification consultant.

"A what?" He asked. "I've never heard of the field."

"I see in patterns... patterns and colours!" She said getting up and with arms out and twirling around a couple of times gracefully. "But I see it big! I want to make entire cities colourful and pretty. Not just plasticrete jungles of cars and buildings with patches of green here and there. But make nature and city as one!"

"Sounds like a fantastic goal. have you ever done this before?" He asked, enjoying her enthusiasm.

"Uh-huh!" She said in an excited squeak. "Where I grew up. My high school teacher had the class design a park for a small town called Penticton, north east of here. My project idea expanded out from the park, integrating half the town in it."

"Your teacher must have been impressed." Shen said.

"He was. So much so that he brought the plan to the city planner and they accepted it."

"So, how did you end up here?"

"The University of Western North America was the only place with a graduate program." She sat down on the bench again and showed Shen a data pad of her course schedule. "Unfortunately, it consists of really boring stuff like paperwork, applications, bureaucracy and... math."

"Without the math, how did you do it in high school?" Shen asked curious, looking at her baffling list of studies.

"Like I said, I see in patterns and colours of nature." She shrugged, "I didn't think about it - I just did it." She made a scribing motion with her finger.

"So, just do it now? Don't let the math stand in the way." Shen said as if it was as simple as that.

"That's not what they want, though. They want to see a plan, how to bring it to cities in a preliminary, every centimetre accounted for, a budget, a final proposal, THEN do it." She said in a frustrated tone.

Shen waved his hand dismissively, "Pffft! You're having problems, because you're doing it backwards. Take the layout of the town. Beautify it in your mind. Lay the graphic out and let the computer determine the math."

Jeanie looked stunned. "Reverse engineer from the final concept?" She shook her head with an expression of embarrassment, "It was that simple all along?" She lay down on the bench, head on Shen's lap, hand on her forehead. "You must think I'm a total ditz to not have figured that out."

Shen chuckled, "Sometimes things are so obvious, we can't see them because the result blocks our view of what we want to accomplish."

"Is that Draconis for 'can't see the forest for the trees'?"

Shen pondered the saying, "Yeah, I guess it is!"

He gave a shiver. The damp, chilly air was beginning to get to him. He hadn't noticed until now, being so involved with Jeanie's plans and ideas and hopes for her future.

"You're shivering? It's such a warm night." She asked, feeling his cold skin through his thin fur.

"Draconis is a very warm world." He said.

She got up from the bench and held out her hand, "C'mon, let's go inside."

They entered the building and he immediately felt far more comfortable. "Did you want to come to my sister's apartment? We can get something to warm up there."

Jeanie giggled, "I actually live in the building, too."

"No way!" Shen said surprised. "You've been this close all along?"

"I lucked out. I got a small scholarship with the help of my high school teacher. When I graduated, this was the only place that had a vacancy. Despite how expensive it was, the terms of the scholarship was that they pay for accommodations, supplies and a small living allowance." She said proudly.

"You have to... otherwise pay for your shelter?" Shen asked surprised.

"We aren't as social as your world." She said. "I wouldn't be on the street, but living in a dorm with three others. I need my space."

'Needing space' seemed to be a recurring theme on this world. This part of their culture was not unlike the Serpen. Seems the trade off for this was one had to fend a little bit more on their own than back home. He made a mental note to ask his sister about finding a pumper job here to help pay for his room and board if he was allowed to stay.

They took the lift to one of the lower floors. They entered her apartment which was significantly smaller than his. But the way Jeanie had decorated, it was far more beautiful.

"Gorsha sometimes spends the night here, if your Uncle has a lot of guests." She said as she got a pair of small glasses from a shelf from the open kitchenette.

"Oh, so you're the friend Gorsha spoke of... she might spend the night with if my parents had stayed." Shen asked and got a little 'uh-huh' squeak out of her for a reply.

"Make yourself comfortable." She offered as he sat on a low and comfortable sofa that was just the perfect height for his back and legs.

Jeanie entered and handed him the small glass with a small amount of dark, reddish liquid in it, then sat down beside him.

Shen sniffed the contents and jerked his head back and blinked, "What in the galaxy is this?"

She shook her head, "Don't sniff, just down." She drank the liquid in one swallow and shook her head rapidly, making her ears flop. "If you're cold, this will warm you up, pronto."

With a shrug, Shen downed the liquid, went cross-eyed, swallowed a second time and breathed in with a raspy sound. "Fire!" He said in a voice that sounded as if he had laryngitis.

"That should kick in soon and you'll be warm after that." She said as if she just administered medicine. She took his glass from his hand, got up and asked "Hungry? Want a snack?"

"Water?" Shen said, his voice half returned.

She looked at the glass and shook her head, "Mm, not a good idea for a while yet. I'll get you a..." She thought of something non-meat she might have to help him out. "Tablespoon of sour cream?"

Shen's eyes watered and motioned that he'd take anything.

"What the hell was that?" He said, voice returning, spoon in hand, throat feeling much relieved.

"Brandy." She said with a giggle. "It goes great with chocolate, too."

Shen didn't know what chocolate was, but this 'brandy' certainly had warmed him up, if made his throat feel like it was on fire and his head a little dizzy.

She layed down on the sofa, her head on Shen's lap. "Now, were were we before you got so cold?"

"Ummm, talking about... a lot of things, actually." He chuckled, losing his train of though for the moment.

She placed his arm on her torso and wrapped her arms around his. Smiling sweetly, "Tell me more about some of those plans you have if you stay."

He looked at her on his lap, her smile, her eyes. "I... can't think of one. I... uh... think I'm a little distracted right now."

She giggled.

He gently touched her ears, stroking them down the back. She breathed in deeply at his touch and closed her eyes. Seems his species had that in common, their ears being a highly sensitive, erogenous zone.

He stroked her ear again a little harder, this time she moaned and nuzzled his belly. He felt her pull his hand over one of her breasts, which were soft to the touch. He totally forgot about her 'unique' nature.

He gently squeezed her with one hand, stroking her hair and ears with the other. It was exciting to watch this beautiful alien on his lap be in such pleasure.

As she rolled her head, nuzzling him, he felt his own erection in his pants being massaged by the back of her head. It was an erotic sensation.

She lifted up her shirt, exposing her furred breasts. She was as light in colour on her belly as under her chin. It made a lovely contrast as when he fondled her exposed breasts, seeing tiny pink nipples protruding through.

He leaned over and kissed her, a deep, passionate kiss as they had the night before. She slid upward more, wrapping her arm around behind his neck, Kissing more deeply, more intense and she did.

Stroking her sides, he reached around and stroked her soft, fluffy tail, which raised as he did. Cupping and squeezing her soft rear, she let out another moan of pleasure and pressed against him.

Shen took her in his arms and kissed and suckled on her breasts. With a moan she pressed his head to her chest in full approval.

Sliding over on the sofa, Shen kissed and nuzzled her, lower to her belly, licking and nibbling at her belly button, making her giggle which excited him even more. He began to unclasp her shorts. He felt her hands cup his cheeks and lift his face up. She panted, her eyes filled with desire. She asked him, "Are you afraid?" She shook her head slightly, "Don't do this to me if you are. I want you."

Shen glanced over Jeanie's half naked body. He slipped off his shirt and slid himself on top of her, pressing against her body. His nose touched hers, as looked into her eyes and whispered, "I'm not afraid"

Jeanie closed her eyes as she felt Shen kiss more tenderly, more gently. Lower he went until she felt the clasps on her shorts release. She felt some anxiety as she felt the material fold back. Her eyes closed tighter. Was this going to be another humiliation for her? Would he run out? Would.... her anxiety disappeared as she felt his hands gently stroke the only part of her that gave any clue to what she was born as. Then in sheer ecstasy, she felt his lips, then tongue, then the full warmth of his mouth on her.

He didn't know if this was normal for her species, or if because she was female in every other way and this was how only she developed, but what could be called her penis was quite smaller than a typical Draconis, which were somewhat short and quite thin. Until he ran his fingers underneath it and against her body and felt two tiny, firm testicles, the soft, plump bulge of her crotch could have easily been mistaken for a rather attractive set of labia.

He truly believed after talking that night with her, she was beyond doubt female other than this, he didn't question this act, nor his orientation. He just wanted to make her as happy as she made him last night. He kissed her, licked her and took her into his mouth, sucking gently.

Shen felt her hands on the back of his head, pressing him against her as she arched her back and with high pitched squeals of pleasure, her hips quivered as he felt a few short bursts of Jeanie's release squirt in his mouth with intensity. The warm, almost hot liquid was thinner and saltier than his own and wasn't the least offensive to him as he swallowed.

Her body relaxed and she breathed heavy. Shen could feel the firmness of her little penis soften, then withdraw on its own out of his mouth. He lifted his head and saw but the reddish tip exposed from her slightly fuzzy, pink sheath, then retreat fully inside.

She lay on her back, panting, eyes closed. She ran her hands up her body, squeezing her own breasts, then looked at him with pure adoration and amazement. "Y... you didn't have to do that for me."

Shen lay on top, covering her and kissed her tenderly, "I wanted you to feel as you made me feel."

"Oh, Shen!" She said in a whisper and kissed him deeply, her tongue exploring his mouth far more intense than the previous night. "Then let me please you... again."

She reached down and slipped his pants off, revealing his excitement. She asked him to slide up on her, to straddle her chest.

She admired his alien physique, a thin, pink penis that tapered to a tiny tip. Shen's testicles were quite large for his size, or was that all his people? It didn't matter, he was hers for tonight and she was going to make him as happy as she knew how.

She kissed and licked his balls, which he moaned, "Yes, baby!" She licked and gently sucked his tip, which he responded by pushing deeper into her mouth. She ran the tips of her fingers over his soft scrotum, causing him to begin thrusting gently.

She gripped the base of his penis and with her other hand, cupped his balls which caused him to be unable to control his climax. He released several long, thick streams into her accompanied by loud grunting with each. His volume was more than she expected and far more than the night before. She ended up with a very sticky muzzle.

10 - "Shen's New Beginning"

Late morning arrived. Jeanie and Shen lay in her bed, a simple convertible like the one Gorsha slept on in his sister and Uncle's apartment. He on his back, her with her head on his chest. A position they hadn't moved from since they fell asleep a few hours earlier.

The window had been open somewhat, rarely closed as Jeanie preferred a breeze coming through her apartment compared to the artificial climate controls. That breeze woke Shen. He stretched and gave a yawn.

She stirred, rolling on her back and stretching as well. Her arm accidentally bumped against Shen and startled her. She quickly turned and gave a big smile, "You weren't a dream!". She rolled on her side and embraced him, kissing him gently. "Good morning."

Shen ran his hand over the side of her face, across her soft shoulder and down her arm, taking her hand in his, intertwining their fingers. "Nope! I wasn't a dream." They kissed tenderly and he bid her a good morning.

"This is such a wonderful feeling. Having someone beside me to wake up to." She gave a contented moan and snuggled up to him.

"You're such a wonderful person." Shen said, kissing her ears gently. "I'm surprised you aren't mated?"

She looked up to him, "Honey.... you're my first."

"Seriously?" He asked surprised,

"Uh-huh!" she squeaked and nodded. Shen felt proud.

Her happiness drained, "As soon as, well, two others before saw what I was, the night was over."

He felt pained for her. He could see the hurt in her eyes at the memory. "Sweetie, I won't run out on you."

Her eyes turned warm, affectionate, loving "You didn't."

They lay there for another ten minutes before she got up and offered him tea and breakfast.

"My stomach doesn't do meat too well." He said, remembering Gorsha's breakfast preferences.

"How about eggs?" She asked, rolling onto her stomach, leaning up over him. Shen got the idea that she wanted to make him happy.

"The white part? Sure! That I'm sure will be fine." He thought, remembering he had no troubles until tying into the chicken club later that day. She happily hopped out of bed and headed into the kitchenette.

Shen watched her move about. Every part of her fur was scruffy and he thought it was absolutely adorable. She noticed him watching her and smiled coyly.

He got out of the bed and walked around the counter. "Can I help?"

"Um-hmm!" She agreed. "You can pour the boiling water into the pot and make our tea."

When the boiling water hit the package in the pot, a familiar scent hit him, "I didn't know there was jekk here?"

"Jekk...?" She looked bewildered. "Is that your version of tea?"

Shen nodded "I guess it is."

Shen watched her work. She stood naked before the scarily sizzling pan with eggs, but it didn't seem to bother her. The thickness of her fur compared to his must be a decent insulator.

He admired her naked form moving about the kitchenette. Delicate build, well cared for fur, a very fluffy tail compared to the practically bare ones of his people. Her hips, thighs, legs, rounded rear. He sighed.

"So.." She said, snapping him out of his voyeuristic admiration of her. "Aren't you going to ask?"

"Ask.... what?" He said, somewhat confused.

"Why I'm shaped right, but have the wrong equipment." She stopped working and smiled, "It's OK, sweetie. Every time I use a public shower, the ladies ask."

Shen shrugged, "Because you were born that way, you said."

"Almost..." She said, going back to making breakfast. "While gender reassignment is unknown for my people, the Terrans seem pretty good with hormone therapy. Filled out my tits and ass." She giggled.

"And.... those gorgeous legs and your hips?" Shen said with a wink.

She giggled, "Thank you. No, those I was given by birth. Same with my build, softer fur and voice."

Shen was impressed with her candidness. Though he didn't expect different, as the only other Canisian he knew, Gorsha, was very open. Confidence and openness seemed to be a trait of their species.

He went over to her and wrapped his arms around her from behind. She wrapped her arms over his as he kissed her neck and cheek. "Then my dear, I would say you were meant to be." He gave a chuckle, "They just mixed up the bins when installing your pleasure parts."

She laughed, turned around and wrapped her arms over his shoulders, "I've never heard that one before." They engaged in a long kiss when they heard a crackling and smelled something burning.

"The eggs!" She gasped. Turning off the hot-top, the pan held four inedible crisps. She held them up with a helpless look, "Your breakfast is ready, sweetie." They both laughed.

"Why don't we have a shower, bring the jekk... errr... tea up to my place and scrounge up some food."

Jeanie looked pretty much soaking wet when she came out of the shower and threw on some clothes. "Good thing you went first. My fur seems to have soaked the towel."

"Uncle Carl and Muranna just use the forced air." Shen said as if it was silly in this technologically advanced building to use a towel, especially with so much fur.

"Have you heard Gorsha use it?" She asked, looking at him as if he should know the obvious.

"Uhhhh, no. She takes for-ever!" Shen said with realization.

"That's because if we did, we would come out looking like that 'bunt' creature you told me about. One big ball of fluff with ears and eyes!" She said as Shen burst out laughing.

"Not funny!" She squeaked, almost like a Draconis. "It takes forever to comb out, then static makes it twice as bad!"

That mental image had Shen in hysterics.

"Men!" She said with amused frustration and grabbed the extra steeped pot of tea. She kissed him with a peck, "Now feed me, you handsome brat!" and headed out the door into the hallway. Shen followed, still chuckling.

"Good morning!" Shen said cheerfully, coming into his Uncle's apartment. "We brought some tea!" Behind him, Jeanie held up the pot like a trophy.

"Good mid-day, kids!" Carl said as Bill and Ayanna ran up to Shen with hugs.

"Mom was worried about you." Bill said.

Muranna came around the corner from working at the table on an article and nuzzled her brother, then proceeded to scold him. "Indeed I was! Last I heard you were going out on one of the garden balconies, then you disappeared all night."

"Honey, I said don't worry, he's meeting a girl." Carl defended Shen with a wink. "Looks like he was well taken care of."

"Sorry about that, but I don't have that communicator yet, so...." Shen apologized to his sister.

"Excuses, excuses." She eyed up Jeanie, then back to her brother, "You'd have turned it off anyway."

Changing the subject, Shen said nonchalantly, "We had a breakfast... incident. Can we make something to eat?"

Muranna smiled, "I'll start lunch."

Shen sniffed his shirt, "I'll need to use that sanitizer again. I need to get my bags sent here."

"That reminds me!" Muranna said, "Uncle Celiar sent them over. They arrived this morning. They're in the corner in the living room. Well, all over the corner. The kids sorta.... snooped."

"Snooping sounds like a good idea!" Jeanie giggled. "Let's see what your idea of fashion is."

Bill and Ayanna were delighted that Gorsha's school friend seemed to like this idea of 'snooping' and joined her.

"Gorsha not home yet?" He asked.

"She said she was on a personal errand last night. Maybe she ran into someone like you seemed to?" Carl said with a grin.

"Heh, I'll let her go into that." Shen said, picking out some clean clothes.

"Ahhh, conspiracy between you two, huh?" Carl nodded, "Seems you two are 'brothers in arms' when it comes to the night life." Carl whistled innocently as he went into the kitchen to help his wife.

"This looks really cool on me!" Bill said, as he wore one of Shen's shirts that made a full gown on him.

"Indian!" Jeanie said. The Draconis fashions aren't a lot different than the the people of India on this world.

"Is India a city?" Shen asked, having slipped on a shirt.

"No silly, it's a continent. Actually, one of the few remaining independent governments on a United Earth.

"Draconis is quite warm and dry compared to here. If they are hot, I don't see why the clothes would be a lot different." Shen said, nearly tripping as he put on a set of loose fitting pants, making Jeanie giggle.

"Why don't we go shopping for you today!" Jeanie said as if it was a genius idea.

"Uh-oh!" Carl said from the kitchen. "She wants to dress you up, my boy! You have to watch out when females here do that."

"Shhhhh, Mr. Fornax! Let me have my fun!" Jeanie replied with a sinister chuckle and rubbed her hands.

Shen looked a little embarrassed, "I.... don't have any currency."

He walked into the kitchen, "I need to talk to you and Muranna about that, Uncle. It seems if I am to stay, I'll need a form of currency to help pay for the things I need to. maybe I can get a pumper job here or something?"

Carl chuckled and patted his shoulder, "You're family. You'll not need to pay to stay or eat or clothe yourself." He looked out into the living room and saw Jeanie and the kids still occupied playing 'dress-up' with Shen's clothes. "But you will need the stuff to date. So when we go out and get you your communicator today, I'll take care of that for now."

"Oh Carl, I can do it." Muranna said.

Carl shook his head. "Let me treat him."

Carl was a proud man. He insisted on providing for his family despite the fact Muranna had been well compensated by the Serpen's for investigating the salve trade ring. Well compensated enough that when she exchanged the gems and precious metals into earth's currency of New Euros, she ended up being a multi-millionaire. The fact of which meant nothing until she studied the economics of her new home. Should they have chosen to, none of them would had to have worked for money for the rest of their lives.

Lunch was served and plans were made to go out and get Shen his own communicator and some Terran clothes, should he like what Jeanie chose (which Carl kind of doubted). Muranna needed to stay and work on an article for the media as she did a few weekly columns, ever since her major break, exposing the multi-system conspiracy the Serpens hired her to check out.

Their first visit after lunch was a technology store in New Seattle. There were ones closer, but Carl wanted to impress his nephew with what goodies were available to all. Communication, entertainment, school, business, everything was there in a building designed for such like Shen had never seen.

"Your sister went a little crazy in here when we came home." Carl said.

"I can imagine!" Shen looked around in awe.

Jeanie trotted up to Shen with a large tablet the size of Uncle Carl's ancient laptop. "When I get working, this is the toy I want." She turned it on, "It's a design computer and watch this!"

She pressed the screen and in about a cubic metre area in front of them, the machine ran its demonstration program and holographically projected an image of a flat design becoming a 3-dimensional line drawing and eventually completing into a very realistic representation of what appeared to be some sort of vehicle. Ending the demonstration, the vehicle picked up and appeared to fly right at him, causing him to squeak and duck.

Jeanie laughed, "It's just light, silly!"

"It looked so real..." He said, impressed with the device.

Carl laughed, "I got your sister with that one too. Only I had it make a space ship and had it shoot phony plasma charges at her. Chased her around the store screaming before she realized it was a hologram."

Shen laughed, "Was she mad?"

Carl rolled his eyes, "She proceeded to chase ME halfway down town!" He chuckled at the memory, "I learned a few Draconis curse words that day. You people have tiny legs, but lots of speed can be had from them."

Eventually Shen chose a communicator for himself. It was similar to his Uncle's, but they had to leave out some of the fancy military 'bells and whistles', like imaging through solid walls Shen thought was a neat trick, or the electric shock-stun his Uncle's had in case someone stole it and used it's 'special features' without the proper authorization code.

While Jeanie was still distracted, Carl showed him a feature on it. "Go to your wallet, like this." He pressed an icon. "That's how much you have. When you want to buy something, you put it near the round pick-up on all tills with a currency symbol and it will display a charge amount. You can press 'OK' or 'Cancel'. Once you have made purchases, you can review all of them,"

"I haven't added anything to it though... why does it say N¬5000?"

Carl gave him a pat on the shoulder, "Call it a welcome present."

"Is that a lot, Uncle Carl?" Shen asked confused.

"Depends..." He replied. "Don't spend it foolishly and it'll last you quite a while.

Shen smiled. He had an idea what was foolish and what wasn't. He had seen menu prices and read the introduction to newcomers on the space station, especially the section, 'Don't Be Tourist Trapped!'. There were some on Draconis that would try and use trickery to obtain far more than they deserved for something. A rare occurrence, but it did happen.

Next stop was shopping for some Terran fashions. As his Uncle figured, Jeanie was suggesting some pretty fantastically 'unique' styles for him. But out of all the eye-straining designs, he did like a couple of sets of clothes that were in fact, related to the Terran Indian culture.

His Uncle was far more practical. Pretty much all his suggestions Shen liked. A dress shirt, a couple of tee shirts, two pair of casual slacks and shorts. He was set. He even wore the dress shirt to the till and went to make his very first purchase with his gift.

"Hold it, mister..." Jeanie said, sounding a little adamant. "You're forgetting something to go with that."

Carl and Shen looked at each other and shrugged. "C'mon, let's finish off with trimmings." She said as the guys followed.

Bringing him back to the mirror on the post, she buttoned his collar and expertly placed a tie on him, tying it successfully after a few attempts. "There!"

Shen looked in the mirror and nodded, "Not bad! What does it do?"

"It's a formality. Covers buttons or something, I don't know. All I know is you look very handsome with it. Like a big businessman or something." She said.

Looking at him, one arm crossed, tapping her chin, "One more!" She ran off for a moment to return with a couple of jackets. She slipped one on him that fit in the chest, but the arms were too long. The other fit perfect.

"The chest is open on these. How are they to keep me warm?" He asked, but the 'sport jacket' as it was called, did look good. He was about to take it when he saw the price and decided it was not a necessity at the moment. She was disappointed.

"Now THIS jacket is what you'll need in New Seattle." Carl placed a lined jacket on him that felt smooth on the outside and soft inside with a front that closed all the way up. "When the rains come, you won't look like a... drowned rat."

Jeanie and Carl chuckled at his remark, which was lost on Shen. "It's nice Uncle Carl, I'll take this one." That was until he saw the price. "Maybe this one can wait until the rains come... though?"

Carl took the jacket, "I got this one for you."

"But even I can see it's worth a lot." Shen whispered to his Uncle, not wanting to look like a cheapskate to Jeanie.

"It will last you a very long time. It's one similar to the pilots wear. I know their worth and this one is a good deal." Carl whispered back.

A pair of synchronized whistles greeted Shen as he returned to the apartment, followed by Carl and Jeanie. "Look at the handsome fellow!" Gorsha and Muranna said in unison.

"You two have been together too much." Carl chuckled.

"He is a sexy, handsome fellow, isn't he?" Jeanie said, giving Shen a kiss and making him blush.

"Your new infatuation seems to have some good tastes." Muranna remarked.

Shen nodded, "With a little bit of a rescue from Uncle Carl."

Jeanie went over to Gorsha who was studying at the table. "So... how was your 'personal errand'?"

She leaned back in her chair and stared at the ceiling with a smile and gave a big sigh, "One doused forest fire." Jeanie gave her friend a hug and they giggled.

"But, you have to hit those books too, little miss, if you want that dream of yours to come true." Gorsha encouraged.

Jeanie, still with her arms around Gorsha, rested her forehead on her shoulder and sighed, "I know, I know. I'm just a little distracted... y'know."

"Jeanie sweetie, Shen will still be here. But you need to pass that test, or lose all your credits." Gorsha sounded a little more serious.

"I will!" Jeanie hopped up and bounced happily. "Shen actually pointed out what I was doing wrong. I'm gonna ace it!"

"Well Honey, it's been a wonderful day, but Gorsha's right, I should hit the books." Jeanie said, placing her arms around him and giving him a kiss.

"When can I see you again?" Shen asked, wrapping his arms around her, touching her nose with his.

She sighed, "I'll never hear the end of it if I don't pass, so maybe in a couple of days, after the test?"

"You're really going to make me wait that long?"

"Think of how special it'll be then?" She said, as they shared a long, parting kiss.

"Get a room!" Muranna whispered as she walked passed.

The young lovers giggled and Jeanie gave a squeal of surprise and giggled lasciviously as she turned to go, receiving a good goose on the rear from Shen. Blowing a kiss, she was out the door.

"Shen has a swee-tie! Shen has a swee-tie!" Muranna teased.

"She is a little cutie. She comes here to study with Gorsha the odd time, but where did you meet her? That club you two went to" Carl asked.

"Yeah! The other night when Gorsha and I went out. We had some munchies, met a couple of her friends... Angela was one of them!" He said as Carl raised eyebrows, not knowing she was a common acquaintance. "We danced to this really neat music under the beautiful coloured lights and, well, she sort of fell into my arms."

"She was a little tipsy that night." Gorsha said. "And she's really friendly to begin with. Though I have never seen her just 'click' like these two did."

"I see..." Carl said. "Lights, music, night time and a shot or two can be a formula for magic."

Shen smiled, shrugged, "I.... guess you could say that."

"This could be the beginning of a nice summer romance for you." He gave a thumbs up. "Fast work, I'm proud of you!"

Gorsha and Muranna both rolled their eyes, "Men!"

Later that night, Shen was laying on his cushion in the corner. Carl and Muranna wanted to buy him a cot until getting a bigger place, but he was quite happy with the cushion. It was like camping. Gorsha flopped on the couch and rubbed her eyes, exhausted from studying all afternoon and evening.

"Smoke coming out of your ears, yet?" Shen remarked.

"It sure feels like there should be." Gorsha replied. "This is the worst of it. My upgrades will be done at the end of this semester. I know I'll make it."

Shen leaned up on his arm, "But here I go throw a big distraction at Jeanie." He shook his head, "I seem to be good at that, like I did to you the other night."

Gorsha looked over, "Shen Honey, we need to work on that self esteem of yours, too."

He looked at her quizzically.

"Jeanie actually needed someone like you as much as she needs to finish her course. The only problem is you both showed up at the same time, basically."

"My people have a saying, 'When the rains come, so do the floods'."

Gorsha chuckled, "There's a similar earth saying, 'when it rains, it pours'. This winter, you'll see that first hand. Welcome to New Seattle."

"So, how come you two are such good friends? I haven't seen Angela visit here yet. Is it because you're both in the same building?" Shen asked.

"Partially..." Gorsha said and rolled on her side to face him. "I was the first Canisian she had seen since her family returned to Canisius under the Amnesty program for the refugees."

"Refugees?" Shen said, then remembered from his sisters writings in the media, "Oh right! Lots fled here, then a few went back home after the war. How come she didn't go?"

Gorsha stared for a moment, not quite knowing what to say. "You remember the kerfuffle when your family first came, about why your sister can't go home?"

"You mean, Jeanie killed someone?" He said surprised.

Gorsha shook her head, "No, not something like that. Being who she is, born on the outside a male, but a female through and through... that is..." She rubbed her face, "How can I say this that you'll understand?" She thought for a moment, "Those that are 'different', like she is under Canisian laws are considered a 'threat' to the order of society. They are... removed."

"You mean exiled?"

"Or worse. It depends on which regional government orders the 'rectification of the problem'."

Shen was getting the idea. "But Muranna had a choice. She just made the 'wrong one' according to my people. Jeanie had no choice. She was born this way."

"Sometimes Shen, it doesn't matter. Even on this world, you'll find much of their history by today's standards, evil."

"But, they decided to change...." Shen sighed and lay on his back. "I'm sorry Gorsha, I'm not sure I like your... system. No, I don't think I like it at all."

"Shen..." She said quietly, he didn't answer. "It's OK to hate the system..... as long as you don't begin hating the people with it, too."

"Are you ill, m'lady?" Ayannette's escort asked. It had been but a few days at the Terran Interstellar Council headquarters where she reviewed material relevant to her making some sort of diplomatic decision. She realized every day how much more difficult this was in practise than theory.

Back home, council matters were extremely simple; where does a shop go so it won't conflict with others? Which engineer had the best idea for a better flood wall when the rains came? Where was the season's Harvest Festival going to be? This level of diplomacy was out of her league and even Celiar couldn't help translate the meaning of some of the treaties, especially the Pegasiian use of Terran english, which seemed deliberate in its effort to confuse.

"No, guard, thank you. I am fine. I am severely overwhelmed from this is all." She replied.

"I am overstepping my authority for making a suggestion, but if m'lady rested, perhaps a walk in a park?" The wanting-to-be-helpful escort offered.

"That would make things far worse, I fear." She sighed. "We are a social people and do best with others around us. Especially those we know. Mardak is on his tour and I know he's never alone with his designs or those of others. Celiar is happy with his machines. I guess... I think I miss my family all together."

"I fully understand." The escort said. "My family is on Centaurus. My posting here has left me very... alone."

"You are human though?" She sounded surprised.

"Indeed, m'lady. I married a Centaurian while serving there and my children are there."

Ayannette snapped her fingers, "Thank you! That is the answer. Is it possible for you to take me to New Seattle?"

"I could arrange a VIP transport any time you wish."

"Please take me there in the morning. I will rest comfortably tonight knowing I will be able to see my son and daughter and grandchildren."

"As you wish, m'lady." Her escort immediately took his communicator and made the arrangements.

"You're awful quiet this morning." Carl asked, Ayanna on his lap, guzzling her juice.

"I think he's missing someone." Muranna smiled.

Shen sighed, "Not all world's are fair, are they?"

"No, no my boy, they aren't. What's on your mind?" Carl asked.

"We had a discussion on Canisian politics last night." Gorsha added, feeling that was the cause.

Carl gave an expression of 'oh, boy'. "Politics and religion are two subjects that will pour water on any party's bonfire. Best avoided."

"But, I wanted to know. I said I wanted to know everything about everyone. I guess I didn't think I may not like some of it."

"Such knowledge is a great power and a great curse." Muranna said. "Trust me, I learned far more than I wanted to know about this tiny corner of the galaxy."

Shen seemed a little more upbeat from that, "Yeah, but had you stayed home, you'd not have met Uncle Carl, nor had these little sweethearts."

"Who you calling a sweetheart?" Bill looked at him with an exaggerated glare.

"OK, sweetheart and a little tough guy." Shen appended, giving Bill a poke in the side, bringing his smile back.

"And you wouldn't have met Jeanie." Muranna added with an encouraging smile.

That afternoon, the family returned from a live play at one of the parks. Gorsha stayed home, trading napping and studing throughout the afternoon and was glad she did, having been awakened by the door annunciator and receiving Ayannette.

"Mom? What brings you here?" Muranna said, returning to the apartment later that day.

"I needed to see you and Shen. I felt so isolated. This isn't the place for me. I don't know how you do it daughter."

"I'm never alone with my family, Mom. I'm fine."

"Shen, I will be glad when we can get this done and go home. How about you?" The room went quiet with uncomfortable smiles and body languages.

"I.... I guess you hadn't heard from.... never mind." Shen said.

His mom gave a serious look. "Heard... from.... who? What are you trying to tell me?"

The door annunciator went again, Muranna and Shen both ran to get it, but Gorsha already had answered it.

Jeanie entered with a smile, "Shen Honey, can I trouble you for a moment on this reverse derivative you showed... me..." She trailed off, noticing Ayannette standing there. "Oh, hello." She waved, then a little uncomfortable with the quiet she noticed in the room, pressed against Shen's side and placed her arm around his.

"I... see." Ayannette said in comprehension. "I am to loose... both my children to this world."

11 - "Executive Decision"

"Mom, this is my good friend, Jeanie. Jeanie, this is mine and Muranna's mother, Ayannette." Shen said in an attempt to break the mood.

Jeanie gave a polite curtsey, "Madam Alderman, a pleasure to meet you."

Being addressed in that manner, pulled Ayannette back to reality long enough to return the greeting politely. "I have to thank you all, then. You have made my job here easy." She headed for the door.

"Mom!" Shen said in a raised voice.

She stopped and turned, but said nothing.

"Is this not the exact spirit of the Treaty of Ter'Chon?"

Shen looked at her adamant, with a resolute expression like she had never seen on him. "Yes, my son, I suppose it is." She paused and looked over Jeanie, Carl and Gorsha.

But when she looked at Bill, she saw a hurt expression and Ayanna had a tear in her eye as she said, "Grandma leave now?"

Ayannette's expression softened. She came back into the apartment, knelt down and hugged Ayanna in the manner the children were accustomed. "Grandma, can stay for a while."

She stood, holding Ayanna's hand and placing her hand on Bill's shoulder, who was embracing his grandmother. "Can you all, please forgive me.... change can be very frightening."

The family surrounded Ayannette with hugs, except nuzzles from Shen and Muranna.

Ayannette from the centre, held out her hand to Jeanie and Gorsha, "Are you not friends?" Both ladies surprised, gave a bow and joined the group.

The two months had passed since their entire journey began. Congressman Gerard had returned from making arrangements with the Serpens and made arrangements that Carl Fornax was to be on the ship transporting the representatives to the official meeting between President Nambu and the Serpen King himself.

It was a single day before Ayannette, Mardak and Celiar were to return home from their chance at a lifetime and history making mission. But it was mere minutes before Ayannette was to address the Terran Interstellar Council and hundreds were in attendance, as well as billions via live stream viewing. Ayannette was convinced this was the most stressful part of her mission.

"Go up there, read off your data pad, walk off, we go home. Simple as that." Celiar stated calmly.

"I... if you think it's that simple, YOU do it!" Ayannette snapped at her brother in law.

"Sure!" Celiar said and taking the data pad, started to walk towards the podium.

"Celiar!" Ayannette squeaked. "I was being facetious!"

Looking disappointed, he returned and layed the data pad down. "Why is it those who have no problem speaking, never get the opportunity. Those who'd rather be elsewhere, get the glory."

"Glory?!?!?" Ayannette looked as if she was going to pop a vein. "And you, husband, are far too relaxed."

Mardak gave a shrug, "This is your day. Not mine."

"My brother is saying, 'better you than him'." Celiar said with a wicked chuckle.

"I know what he's saying!" Ayannette said frustrated, waved her arms and began pacing.

"You're on, Madam Alderman." A coordinator said and held out a hand in the direction of the podium where the President stood applauding.

Nervously, but dutifully, she walked out, head up and was greeted by thunderous applause.

"Dear... members and esteemed guests." She began, her hands shaking so much she could barely hold the data pad. "It is with great honour I stand before you here today."

She looked at the audience and immediately thought it was a bad idea, seeing how many people were there. But she also saw some guests she didn't expect... He daughter in one of her favourite Draconis dresses and grandchildren looking their 'Sunday best' as the local saying went. Beside them in full dress uniform, her new son in law, Carl. Shen had worn his Terran dress shirt, tie and had his hair, which he let grow again, slicked back and tied in a fashion she had seen some Terrans. Beside him in lovely formal dresses was Jeanie and Gorsha. She all of a sudden, felt not so alone.

Putting down the data pad, she spoke from the heart. "Yes, it is with great honour, but I am hardly an interstellar politician. I am a mother honouring an ancient custom observed by our system. It is one about family, friends and kindred. It is known as the Treaty of Ter'Chon."

"I could bore you with the details. Some of you may find it fascinating and a copy of it is with you in your briefing materials. But suffice it to say it's about the unification of minor kingdoms into one. That is not anything what I wish to propose, but it is one I can make for my people."

"Most of you know that my daughter, Muranna was the first of my people to come not only to this world, but to venture out of the Serpen Commonwealth all together. What has resulted? I have two lovely grandchildren by a miracle, fathered by her Terran husband."

"It seems from our research, that we originated from here. How we ended up so far apart, we may never know. But the fact is we are together again, today. But in as many ways as we are similar, we also have grown into very different people. In order that this may be fully studied, with the kind permission of President Nambu and the Congress, I hereby authorize open exchange of information between our worlds and reciprocal scientific expeditions."

"However, I must admit that we are a naive and easily influenced people. I must restrict civilian visitation to and from our world. Unrestricted will be physicians, scientists, scientific and cultural students and family as well as their friends. Others may come on a case by case basis via the...." She consulted her data pad for the proper terminology, "visitor visa system. Artisans, technologists and traders are an example of whom shall be considered for acceptance from both our worlds."

"This my dear friends, is not meant to offend. But we on Draconis need education on what lies beyond our borders, how to deal with it and accept it as part of our lives now. We are very anxious to extend hospitality, I fear we could easily be overwhelmed and our world, our ways,our culture would cease to be."

"We are fast learners by many standards. Free exchange of visitors I can almost guarantee in your lifetimes, even if not in mine. Thank you."

An even louder roar of applause than before happened and they all stood in the Council chambers. The coordinator called it a 'standing ovation' and was a very high compliment on this world.

"Now, what did I tell you? Today was your glory!" Mardak said, kissing his wife.

"It was our glory." Ayannette said to him and Celiar.

The sound of hand clapping distracted them. It was Carl. He was clapping and smiling proudly. "Madam Alderman, that was a heartfelt speech. I know for a fact you will have reached far more people that way. Bravo!"

She looked at him with a sideways smile, "Thank you. And how many times do I have to tell you, it's Ayannette, Lieutenant Commander?"

Carl held up his hands, "Ok, ok, Ayannette. Thank you again. Personally for that privilege as well as the official one you bestowed."

"Actually, Ayannette will not do any more." She said as Carl looked puzzled. She smiled, "Please call me, Mom."

Mardak shrugged, "And I would have been happy with 'Dad' from the beginning."

That night, there was a state banquet in celebration and farewell to their visitors from afar. It was a feast that reminded Muranna's family of the one they had before leaving for earth, including the mixed emotions.

"Here all this time we were so nervous about leaving our world for coming here and I couldn't wait to return. Now, I am very sad to be leaving, but also excited about seeing our friends again." Ayannette said.

"I have so much fantastic information and photos to return with. I could be occupied for the rest of my life!" Mardak said enthusiastically.

"This makes my forth voyage and return to home. But I too feel as Shen, that this too will be a home away from home." Celiar added.

"Does that mean you'll come visit us again?" Muranna asked hopefully.

"You can count on that, my niece. I am sure many scientists will want to come and do archaeological expeditions to this world and learn about our ancestors here. I will share the ride."

"I look forward to being part of this history in the making!" Carl said. "Soon I'll be shoving off on my new assignment and begin the specialized training for it. Exciting times."

Ayannette nuzzled her son, "You seem to have adapted to this world quite well. I will no longer worry about you or Muranna. Just promise me that you will write often?"

"Count on that!" Shen said. "I've actually been taking notes over the last few weeks on the amazingly diverse cultures here and maybe if my sister feels it's good enough, she'll include some of them in her writings."

"He's being modest, Madam Alderman." Jeanie said. "Shen came up with a profound saying the other day, 'One can't study cultures, unless one experiences them'. I think writing is in your family's blood."

This gave Ayannette a fantastic idea. "Shen darling, how would you like to have a position here for Draconis? I wouldn't be able to make it official of course, until I speak with Council at home, of course."

Shen looked suspicious, "What position would that be, mom?"

She smiled, "As a cultural observer."

He shrugged, "Could do. But that sounds an awful lot like a... job." The family laughed.

"Well Shen, sweetie. You do need to provide for yourself here. We have no... what are they? Interstellar Dollars yet to trade between planets, but we could send some of those rocks the humans seem to like."

"Rocks?" Jeanie asked. "Are we talking caveman currency?" Carl, Muranna and Gorsha laughed, getting the culturally unique joke.

"The ones the Serpens paid Muranna with." Mardak said. "Appear to be far more than pretty stones here."

"Oh, gems!" Jeanie said. "I guess they would trade well between worlds with serious economic obsessions." This again brought a chuckle at the table.

It was a tearful parting after the banquet, but all new beginnings but move on to their next steps. The station shuttle was to leave for the spaceport and there were some final procedures. One of them was transferring Shen's VIP status to the very first family resident visa issued by the Draconis people and accepted by the Terran Interstellar Council.

"That's it, kiddo!" Carl said with a light slap on Shen's back. "You are officially like one of us. No official need to have your old Uncle Carl hanging around when you meander about."

Jeanie gave Shen a celebratory kiss and bounced excitedly, holding on to his arm. "Now we can get into mischief."

Mardak looked at them and raised an eyebrow, "Seems you two are already mischievous. Is it serious yet?"

Jeanie giggled as Shen replied, "We're just really good friends."

Celiar looked at them for a moment before boarding the shuttle, "Riiiiight."

It was far too late when the family returned home to New Seattle. "It's nearly four in the morning. We may as well stay up and start the day." Carl said.

"Is it too early to contact the babysitter? I want to contact the babysitter. I miss my children." Muranna began pacing. It was the first time she had been separated from the children when Gorsha was not their care taker.

"They will be fine. I trust my friend." Gorsha said. "Angela will drop them off in the morning."

"She seems like good people, Hon." Carl said as Muranna nibbled her nails.

"I'm friggin' beat." Jeanie said. "Who wants to come down stairs and relax a bit?"

"I hear that!" Gorsha said and was up and looking somewhat rejuvenated all ready.

Shen began coughing, "How do you two drink that stuff? I swear my throat still burns!"

"If you join us, I got something that might be more to your liking." Jeanie said with one of her expressions that she was going to get him curious enough to try it.

"Why don't you go join them, Honey." Muranna said to Carl and gave him a gentle kiss. "I'll be all right."

"Bah!" Carl said and got himself a beer. "Those kids don't need me around. But you do." He kissed her back. "Anyway, someone's got to make sure you don't pester Angela." He gave a wink.

If I am to be a 'Cultural Observer', I better take making these notes a little more seriously.

Socializing on this individualistic world really isn't unlike our own, it just happens in groups. Groups of people, regardless of species or ideology, form a bond. That bond sometimes increases with time.

The bonds can take on a variety of forms, such as people that meet at clubs or learning centres, yet no where else. Then there are the more known to us bonds, of everyday friendship, lovers, marriage partners.

The most confusing of them are as the ones Uncle Carl spoke to me about; the bonds forged between people in intense situations that can draw them closer than any family.

Then there is the extended family bond that can happen and seems to be rarest of all on this world, but most common on ours.

Final note: Fruit coolers contain an ethyl compound that can't be tasted by our species, yet have the definite after affects of fermented gains. Consume with caution.

Shen, Son of Mardak, October 15th, 2220, Terran date.

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