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It had been almost three weeks of daily poking and prodding. The soreness in Keece's throat had finally subsided as his eye sight slowly continued to get better. For that period of time he had been in and out of consciousness only knowing for sure he was in the Medical Facility.

It gave into one of many questions, perhaps not the most important of two; 'What is the nature of my being here?'. The nasty head aches made it hard to think with his pulse booming inside his head.

In the brief waking moments, Keece could feel the balance between his left and right eye was slightly off. His prosthetic was crystal clear, which was a stark contrast to the left eye as it was having difficulty staying focused on anything. Deciding to keep one eye open to see; that being the prosthetic, caused just as much strain. Keece had almost forgotten the period of adjustment he endured when it was first implicated until now.

'I was fine before all this happen. Why does it feel like it is the first time again?' he asked in thought knowing the gnawing discomfort was going to be frequent.

His energy was almost null, and Keece was getting increasingly piqued with the fact he couldn't move without fatiguing quickly. His mind clicked away with the notion that something was missing, as quickly the notion came; it was gone leaving a very empty feeling.

Not long after he could make a fist, Keece's physical therapy began; this entailed his limbs and joints being slowly moved while the Medical Technicians asked him to do his best to resist. It started at ten minutes; then increased at the rate of two hours every other day to allowing rest between sessions.

He couldn't wait to eat solid food again; the first thing he wanted was one of those decadent pot pies. It made his stomach clench and growl.

He visualized Sahvina bringing him one to celebrate his first solid meal in… Then it hit, the most important thought, the one of someone; not something missing, the one whom he would shared moments with in that meal.

From that moment forward, Keece kept wondering where Sahvina had been; why she had not come to see him. 'Where is my Mate?' was on his mind every moment he managed to stay awake.

Knowing how she was with his well being when it came to injuries, it became increasingly odd that there was not a second bed next to his with Sahvina laying there with her with that big, round belly, heaving milk filled breasts, and that loving and yet less than pleased look she gave him the last time he was in intensive care.

Their Daughters were going to be due some time soon; at least this was his thought because of not knowing how long he had been out.

At first he thought it might just be not being conscious when she was around, but after four more days, a feeling of distress filled his being.

Keece kept doing his best asking questions to find out what happened and where Sahvina was; if she was all right, and if their children had been born.

It seemed like when he would communicate with the medical staff, they would either ignore him or act like they did not understand; then tell him to relax and that he was in the best of medical care. Other than that; they were never rude and always gentle.

Some times at night while he was in and out of sleep, Keece could feel a familiar presence; the missing staple of his life. A heart's desire, a scent… Her scent; to burry his face in Sahvina's mane for comfort feeling those strong, gentle arms hold him close. 'Where is she?'

His sleep was filling with dreams that added to his perturbation.

Lyla came in to check on Keece in the morning as she had been. Usually he was not awake, but had been. As she came in; his expression spoke of being in waiting for some hours.

This was the moment she knew was coming.

Keece recognized the tall Lupakkerithain Woman's familiar ice blue eyes, off white, and grey pelted face, with shoulder length dark brown hair pulled back.

She was dressed in a charcoal grey and yellow uniform under a white lab coat. As she ran the scanning ring over him, Keece was almost begging her to just talk to him. Lyla stayed quiet as the diagnostics ran; this was not a situation she wanted to be in. For a few moments; while Keece kept seeking her attention, Lyla felt annoyed by the person who developed this situation.

“Please, just tell me what I did wrong, tell me what I did to make Sahvina angry with me."

Lyla made an audible sigh.

'You didn't do anything wrong, we are helping you recover.' she said with a concerned expression to the second part of his request as the ring completed its cycle

He was a bit surprised, her voice was in his head. It triggered a flash in when he first heard her like this, the moment after everything went bad.

“I thought I already had. The last time I saw you was when we shared a meal at Sahvina's Den with Otsanda." he said. “I don't recognize this place; what part of the Medical Facility is this?"

'I understand how all of this is confusing right now. Please rest assured that everything is going to be all right.' Lyla told him as she pushed the scanning ring into the corner it was pulled from before turning to leave.

“Lyla, you would tell me if I did something wrong; right?" Keece asked her.

She turned to look at him for a moment.

'I would if you had Keece, but you didn't do anything wrong. That was someone else.' she said before walking away.

Keece was still confused about everything, but even with as cryptic as her statement had been, he was glad that Lyla had spoken to him even though it was odd to hear her voice in his head.

Lyla felt bad for him. Even though her participation with Keece had been minimal, she knew what was unfolding between him and Sahvina. Nobody could hide from her; for Lyla's telepathy allowed for a higher insight into people's intentions, and emotional states. Keece wanted to be comforted and Sahvina was daunt with the situation at hand.

'Sahvina, you need to go see Keece, and explain everything. He is starting to think this is the result of something he did and believes you not being with him is the consequence of your anger.' Lyla told her while standing in her office.

“I check in on him when he sleeps, but I don't want to complicate things any further, please tell him I am not angry."

'The complication is there whether you want it or not, it's not fair to him to be left in the dark. To assure him you are not angry will not carry any weight if it does not come from you.'

“I need more time." Sahvina said.

'How much time? The longer you wait, the worse this will get. It may not be my place, but if I have to, I will disregard rank and tell Keece everything myself.' Lyla told Sahvina.

“You wouldn't dare!"

'As your friend, I would. He loves you, just wants you to talk to him, and to help him understand what has changed. Besides, I will only act as your messenger for so long.'

“All right… I'll do it, but I don't think it is going to make it any better." Sahvina said not being happy about being pushed.

'For who? You or Keece?' Lyla asked.

“Either of us, I don't know… It's just that with his transition from the simulation.. He is not going to accept me."

'You don't know that.'

“How could I give into another notion, the Female he is expecting to see is not the one who will be come through the door." Sahvina said giving off a pusillanimous attitude.

"This needs to be dealt with, he needs to know the truth, and why everything is different.' Lyla told her feeling a little frustrated. 'You owe it to him after everything you two built together.'

“I will go talk to him, I promise." Sahvina told Lyla. “Please, just don't go over my head with this."

Lyla nodded then exited her office feeling Sahvina's apprehension and fear of that moment between she and Keece.

Five hours after her shift ended, Sahvina entered his partition, turned the overhead lights on to full, pulled up the stool that was next to the polish metal chair, and sat next to his bed. She knew he was tired from the physical therapy; it was an unfair tactic, but Sahvina was not sure how else to approach him that felt comfortable.

“Hello Keece." she said plainly and controlled to cloak her anxiety.

His eyes opened and blinked a few times due to the over abundant light. Keece rolled his head to the left to see the blurred figure of her looking back at him.

Sahvina was dressed in the same uniform and white lab coat Lyla was, but she seem different; something did not feel right.

“I need to tell you something. Can you understand?"

“Where have you been?" he asked Sahvina doing is best to reach out for her right hand. “I have missed you."

“I have been here overseeing your care." she replied just sitting out of his grasp. “While attending other duties."

“What happen? My last memory was of us in our Den talking with Camille before.. Then some putrid peppermint like odor that filled the day room, and how everything started to break up."

“Keece, when we found you; you were almost completely expired." Sahvina explained. “Beside your physical injuries from impacting the ground as hard as you did, the multiple types of radiation you were subjected to from your origin had cause a lot of internal damage."

“How do you mean? What radiation?" Keece asked feeling disconcerted by what he was being told. “I know what you told me about my injuries a year and some months ago, but why is this happening again?"

“Please, let me finish. The only way you had any chance of survival after going through decontamination was to subject you to an induced coma; then being placed in a hibernated state while recovering." she said continuing. “You have been in stasis for over a year. We discovered the Nanotechnology in your blood sample and realized that they had been using the radiation as fuel while repairing the damage to your body; we did not know if they would succeed in their endeavor, but here we are with you almost completely recuperated."

Keece was shocked. It was like something had triggered a reset switch. He found himself back where he started, but the reality was skewed.

“The time we spent together at the Medical Facility, the people we knew, our life…" he said before she cut him off.

“About that; you were connected to a neural interface that we use when patients are in a state like yours." she told him.

“I don't follow what you are saying; what interface?" he asked.

“It is designed to allow for communication between patients, Physicians, and Family in situations like yours. A system controls the environment that every one interacts in." she told him. “That was the place you remember coming from."

“Why would you link me to that system?"

“Because there is a higher therapeutic success with severely injured people in an environment that allows them to live, and you are a Straggler. We wanted to see how you would interact with us. Mainly to find out if you were a threat." she replied. "After all, you know as well as I do, you are a weapon."

“You were in my head the entire time?" Keece asked sounding fraught.

“No, there was a period of five months where you were in the black, with your mind completely closed off as you healed. I waited for signs to see if your conscious self was still active. We had thought you were completely lost until one day; you had come out of the darkness." she told him.

“What about the others? Are they even real?"

“Very much so. The core group that were chosen as a group to interact with you, and a few others; some of the people were digital constructs to populate the simulated environment."

“What about us? Our unborn children?" he asked her.

“That was an unanticipated anomaly." Sahvina said leaving out the fact the interface would follow the desires of those connected and create the environment and situations to suit.

“So, this was all an experiment. None of this was even real. Not even the feelings we share for each other?"

“Sorry; however, you still have friends here that are hoping you are doing better." Sahvina said knowing she was concealing the truth about the way she felt for him. “If you want, I could tell them when you are up for some visits."

Sahvina did her best to explain to Keece that the people he interacted with did have genuine concern for his well being, and there was another like him they had found.

“Why? Why would you do this to me… I know we interacted; I have memories of us. The life we were both building . I love you.. I still remember the night we became Mates; then the morning we first made love with each other."

“Keece, you need to stop and take a look around. That world doesn't exist outside the simulation."

Absorbing those word; he took a moment to give thought to the verbal stab. “So, just like that; my feelings for you shouldn't exist." he said sounding cold as his expression went blank as he rolled his head center and looked at the ceiling feeling sick. “You should have just left me where I was found, at least then; I could have payed my debt."

His last statement stung.

“Keece, I.. We couldn't leave you their, it is our duty to render aid to those in need." she said; then continued to justify everything thinking it was going to make a difference somehow.

“Now an unwanted pelt less toy for someone's amusement…" he let out in a barely audible whisper.

Sahvina heard it, but with her still talking, she missed the statement.

Keece was not in a good head space, he could hear her voice as she continued, but was not listening anymore. Some part of him was almost convinced that he was in hell; not that he didn't deserve it.

He barely had any recollection of Sahvina apologizing again before she left him to be alone other than the blinding light dissipating to darkness.

After entering her office, she pulled up a replay of the surveillance in his partition to listen to what he whispered. Sahvina sat in shock hearing what Keece said. It looped for twenty-eight seconds before she shut it off.

Those words stabbed at her as she got up to leave.

Some of the crew greeted her while Sahvina made a quick pace back to her quarters giving short acknowledgements to them passing by.

'I did what is best for him. I did what was best for him. I did what was best for him…' she repeated in thought feeling worse with every step as flashes of her memories of them together and the happiness they shared ran thicker.

As soon as Sahvina entered her Quarters and shut the door, she did her best to fight the emotional flood of what had been done, and how much she had just hurt Keece. Not being able to hold back anymore, Sahvina laid on her bed crying knowing she had not only failed him, but also failed herself by acting timorous with the assumption of rejection for her not being aesthetically perfect.

After that evening, Keece had stopped communicating with the Infirmary Staff reeling in everything that he was told thirteen hours ago; it hurt being buried in the conflict of whether or not his experience was just a fantasy, or if any of it substantiated the truth of what his memories held.

He wanted this to be some bad dream, to have Sahvina gently wake him from it. If he could not have that; then her coming through the door to to tell him she is really the Spirit that is going to take him to the dark place to pay his debt. Keece found neither of these things, just the daily routines he had started to become accustom to again.

The Medical Technicians had shown great concern in his behavior. For almost a month and a half he kept finding creative ways of pulling the nutrient I.V. out. They decided to keep him sedated in order to prevent Keece from continuing this behavior.

The Medical Technicians knew that they could not keep medicating him for extended periods without health complications and had considered returning him to an induced coma. Lyla knew that he was not dealing with everything very well and would not speak. She did her best to talk with him, but could get very little dialog.

'Don't do this to me; I am not the one who hurt you.'

“I know." he replied.

'Then why are you being curt with me?'

“I am just a weapon. My being is nothing more than.."

'Unacceptable; you are more than a mindless killer.' Lyla asserted cutting him off from the negative statement. 'I know your story, and just because it was a simulation doesn't mean we don't know who you are.'

He started to stare at the ceiling visualizing a black void thinking of the hum and the grinding sounds he heard from the great machine before everything ended.

'Very smart.' Lyla thought to her self.

Keece had manage to isolate himself by focusing on these things.

'Fine, I understand why you feel this way. Your Mate is being stupid, but this is no excuse for your behavior… I can wait.' Lyla told him before leaving.

Physical therapy became null. The Medical Technicians assigned to this effort would do their best to get him to comply, but Keece would not resist as they asked staying focused on the black void and sound while being moved around.

His continued behavior started raising concerns with more than the Medical Staff, their Captain had been apprised that their guest was degrading.

Lyla made her reports, which seem to undermine Sahvina's way of handling the issues with Keece as she saw fit. Lyla knew the motive; it revolved around the aesthetic stigma she felt trapped by. Sahvina saw Keece the same way she saw Males of her own people; her imperfections in essence would repulse him, therefore negate what they built in the simulated world. All of the disparage due to her self image was taking away hope to continue their relationship in this one.

Lyla felt it as well, being that she did not speak vocally, and had the ability to infiltrate the minds of everyone around her at leisure even though she restrained herself unless it was called for. Now Keece being as intelligent as he was, figured out how to block her. This told Lyla in absolution that his emotional suffering was deep. Knowing enough about the pelt less Male they had named Faolan, she understood this kind of pain was very foreign; to be rejected and separated from his first true love tore at him to the point of shutting down.

Keece regressed to the state he was in after being brought out of stasis. Lyla knew if he was really sleeping, or just keeping his eyes closed; her concern grew as his dream state was becoming nightmarish. Her question at this juncture was if it was loathing blended with rejection; which could be kept as self pity, but he was a complicated individual that had been reborn from a dark past. One night, Lyla had enough of Keece's torturous dreams as they kept interrupting her sleep. This was odd due to the fact she could block out everyone on the ship; yet he was continuously disruptive.

As Lyla entered his partition, she could feel a strange pressure that pushed a surreal feeling of being in a different place as if he was projecting a different reality in the small space.

What she saw was not disturbing; rather it was more real than his current being.

“Release me." the silver lupakkerithain like being told her.

The intense mental feed coming from this point in time gave Lyla an inside track to what she was seeing; the truth.

'You are your own capture; this is not my doing, but you already know that.' she told him. 'You will rest now, and quit disrupting my sleep.'

The being glared as Lyla approached Keece and rested her hand on his forehead pushing one thought through his mind; 'Peace.'

As she walked out to return to her Quarters; the thought of the other being gave a strange rush as if another memory had come into mind like de ja vu.

'A new path has been revealed after all this time… Oh I can't wait to give that Male a nice head butt when he gets here.' she thought to herself knowing there had been a shift with something that was his doing.

Otsanda caught wind of Keece being conscious from Lyla and decided to make a visit to her friend and see if his transition was going well. Lyla did not let on to the current events of his well being so Otsanda would not focus on those items and would interact with Keece with a positive energy with hope of bringing him out of this isolation he dwelled in.

“How are you feeling?" she asked in all earnest entering his partition smiling.

Keece looked away. Otsanda noticed he was looking thinner in the face, but had to take in account the last time she saw him was in the simulation.

“It's been a big shock transitioning from the simulation to here from the look you just gave me." Otsanda said. “I am glad to see you, and can't wait for you to be up."

“You should just leave, all I am is a waist of time." Keece told her.

“What? Why? Keece what is wrong?" she asked taking the stool next to his bed. “I know this wasn't what you were expecting, but has it been that hard on you?"

He continued to stare up at the ceiling.

“Don't you remember the time we spent together?" Otsanda asked.

“That and other things I am not sure really happened." he replied .

She looked at him with a smiling frown of confusion. Otsanda was almost in the dark like he was, but also knew the world outside of the one he started in with them.

“I know things are a bit different now, but I think you will come around just like you did before." she said.

“I appreciate your sentiment; I know your intention is to mean well, but your time would be better spent elsewhere."

“All of us interacted while you healed. It may have not been in the physical world, but every one of us remember all the moments we shared with you." she told him. “ We are still friends just like before."

“You should pick your friends more wisely."

“Why would you say that?" she asked.

“I am nothing more than an instrument of death just waiting for the end. You deserve better company."

“Keece, I don't understand why you are being like this. Would you tell me what happened to have you be so distant?"

“Everything I thought was real isn't… It doesn't matter. Please, just leave me be." he replied closing his eyes.

Otsanda stood up frustrated looking down at him. Before turning away to leave, she noticed a few tears running from his left eye.

“I am still your friend, and care about you deeply. Please don't forget that." she told him before exiting the partition.

A few minutes later, Otsanda found Lyla talking with a few of the other Medical Technicians. Otsanda patiently waited for them to finish. Lyla could feel her brooding thoughts. The conversation with the other two continued for a few more moments before she dismissed them. Lyla motioned for Otsanda to follow her. Once they were in her office, she shut the door.

'So, you have questions about why Keece is in this state of mind.' Lyla said offering Otsanda a chair.

“Yes, and I don't get it other than he is in shock with the transition from the simulated world to this one." she said taking the offered seat. “However, I feel you wanted me to go in blind to these issues."

'Yes, you are right about me not divulging the situation that I led you into; I have my reasons for that. There is much more to it than transitional shock from the simulation.' Lyla explained. 'It has to do with Sahvina.'

“I don't understand, they were together as Mates. Did Keece refuse her after he was bought out?"

'No, she is the one who refused him. You see, Keece did not know about her imperfections. Sahvina also changed a few conditions while connected with him and played puppeteer with our digital constructs while we were away fulfilling our duties here.'

“Why? This doesn't sound like her at all."

'No, it doesn't, but her actions are causing this. Sahvina did not represent her true self in the simulation. She made herself look ten years younger along with augmenting her appearance.' Lyla explained. 'Now Sahvina is confronted with reality, and is very afraid of what Keece may think of her. She is treating the situation with him like he is a Male of our people.'

“I can't imagine that it would make a difference to him.. Well, that isn't entirely true; may be a little, but I know how much Keece loves her." Otsanda said.

'She is supposed to be pregnant with his twin Daughters.'

“She wasn't pregnant when I interacted the last time during my participation of the pub rescue."

'Sahvina was able to cloak that part from you and everyone else the same way she cloaked her true self from Keece.'

“I don't understand why she would do all of this." Otsanda expressed in a confused tone.

'She finally found Love and became stupid like an adolescent Female riding the high. Sahvina didn't think Keece was going to survive and decided to give him a fantasy life. Now it has backfired on her, and rather than owning up to this and being with her Mate, she lives in fear of his rejection; which know Keece is dealing with her rejection of him.' Lyla told her.

“I'm going to talk some sense into her." Otsanda declared standing up to leave.

'Don't, someone else is going to do that.'

“I don't want to leave him to this foolishness. He needs to know that his friends still care."

'There is more; isn't there?' Lyla asked feeling something trying to break emotional restraints in Otsanda.

“I will not give in to that notion, nor speak of it any further."

'Deep down he knows that you do, but you all need to stay out of their relationship. Go do your best to maintain your presence, but don't interfere with he and Sahvina's path.' Lyla said doing her best to give guiding insight without divulging what she knew doing her best to circumvent what could be felt clicking away in Otsanda's mind.

“I will stay out of the way. Please let me know if anything changes with him." Otsanda said before getting ready to exiting Lyla's office.

'Otsanda, I need you to keep the details of our conversation to yourself.' she asked her. 'Sahvina has disgraced herself with all of this, but the last thing I want to happen is to have the others confront her for tampering.'

“Why? Maybe it's what she needs."

'I can agree with you to an extent, but it may run her off from restoring her vow to Keece. Look; do it as a personal favor too me. Please?'

Otsanda nodded; then took her leave not happy and a bit confused as to why Lyla was doing her best to keep them together. She had been in possession of knowledge that would drive most insane. People were like maps; so many directions, but only one path would be generally followed. That was unless certain things would happen, and were happening. There was only one other that shared the other aspect of this cognition, but Geoffrey wasn't due to make his entry for a while longer. Yes, that Male was going to get a firm head butt…

Sahvina was always in her office watching Keece via the CCM system when not making rounds, or on duty. Saturated in the mistake going as far as she did in the simulated world without telling him the truth; it had been gnawing at her spiritual being since the night she casted him off.

She kept trying to make sense of everything that led up to this point; had it been strange sense of morbid curiosity in the simulated world? In this, the waking reality, it had become deleterious for both.

Whatever the means, she found the answers to a lot of questions; even some of hers, but being rejected still had a tight grasp on her emotional ego.

The concern that weighed heavily on her mind now was 'How can I make it up to him?' still saturated with trepidation.

Four days later, she had been given authorization to return some of his intact items to him that cleared and deemed non lethal; then requested Lyla deliver them to him to get a better bead on where he was at mentally.

She was not happy with the fact that Sahvina would not do it herself, but did it for the sake of getting him to open up, and communicate.

Upon entering the partition, Lyla was a bit shocked seeing Keece on the floor in the right hand corner furthest from the entrance. He had just gotten himself sitting upright minutes before she walked in.

'Keece, what are you doing?' she asked setting the case that held his items down on the bed. 'Let me help you back up to rest.'

“No, just leave me alone." he replied.

Lyla noticed some swelling on left of his face along the jaw line. Turning back to look at the bed, she saw the metal chair and realized he had rolled off to the floor and smacked with his head on the way down.

'Would you at least let me look you over?'

Keece said nothing has he looked down and away from her.

She got on her hands and knees and slowly approached him.

'Please let me look, I have to do my duty even if you don't want me to.' she told Keece.

He nodded and complied with Lyla's request.

'Listen to me very carefully. Do not reply vocally; I want to explain what is really happening and I know a particular someone is watching us right now. For that matter don't react either. If you think it; I can hear it.'

'Why do you care?' Keece thought.

'I care because I see two people hurting and it is not necessary. I care for Sahvina and know her pain.' Lyla explained as she got up to get a few things to examine him more thoroughly. 'We have been close friends for a long time…'

'What does this have to do with me?'

'Everything; Keece, she still loves you, but Sahvina is really scared because of what happen in the simulation. The way she presented herself is not what her being is in this reality.' Lyla said getting back down on her knees to continue to assess his injuries.

'I don't understand.' he said in thought.

'I know. Sahvina is not perfect in appearance, and not as young as she portrayed herself to you. To understand this with more clarity, our people have a shortcoming when it comes to aesthetics. This is due to how our society was over a twenty-thousand or so years ago. The idea was for only the strongest and mentally fit people to have offspring. If you looked like you were defective, or exhibited certain mental traits and issues, you did not have offspring in order to keep the next generations strong and without problems deemed a detriment to our survival as a species. It eventually became perverted into what it is now, which has nothing to do with survival, but a choice.'

'How is this the cause of Sahvina being like this towards me?' Keece asked.

'She does not see you as being different then any Male of our people. Sahvina figures that you would reject her because of how she looks as have many other Males in the past. For instance, I am not mated because I cannot speak vocally, and have the ability to pry into peoples minds if I so choose.' Lyla said.

'That's foolish; only someone with something to hide would treat your ability like that.' Keece said.

'Yes, well… Here I am with no Mate. Look, I am not justifying her reaction to the situation between you two, but I know she won't come out and just say it. I know you still love her, and even with all of this, you still desire her comfort as I know she does yours. Unfortunately, Sahvina is being a scared adolescent Female about all of it.'

'Let her do as she sees fit. It is her life and I am just a fragment of it.'

'I understand you pain is deep. I know that emotions like these are not familiar to you due to your life before this one. All I can say is do not give up, it will get better.' Lyla said standing up.

'It doesn't matter, I am not of your people. At least I got to know what is was like to feel joy for a moment before having it slip away; not that I do not deserve it. Now, I think that it would have been better to have been left where you found me.' Keece said.

'Things like this always feel that way, but not forever.' she told him. 'Let me help you back into bed.'

“Just leave me be."

Lyla gave an agitated glare shaking her head seeing his mental image of rolling off the bed again.

'Suit your self.' Lyla said. 'Before I leave, I was asked to give some of your personal effects back. I will tell the other Staff to not bother you short of small meals.'

After handing him the case, she left feeling frustrated. Lyla had hoped by telling Keece what Sahvina would not, it would change his demeanor from being withdrawn to more proactive.

>details of Sahvina's office<

A few minutes after leaving Keece's partition, she entered Sahvina's office figuring had been watching them feeling a touch angry.

'Did you enjoy the show?'

“What is that supposed to mean?" Sahvina asked feeling criticized.

'He injured himself flopping to the floor, but you must know that already.'

“No, I left to relieve myself and been gone forty minutes at least." she told Lyla.

'You need to quit hiding behind the surveillance system and go talk with him again.'

“I can't, it will only make it worse."

'It will only be worse if you carry that notion in there. He is in bad shape right now, and you are the only one who can bring him out.' Lyla told her.

“What if I do and Keece still doesn't come out; what then?"

'You continue to care for him until he does. I don't understand why this is so hard for you to do outside of your scars.' Lyla fired back.

“Great; yeah, he's really going to want to see the ugly truth that is me." Sahvina scoffed.

'Shut up and quit acting like a spoiled little Female!' Lyla snapped. 'You took the plunge with him in matrimony along with having children. That is what he has been expecting up until now. Everything on his mind besides emotional pain revolves around the life you both shared; then, why you don't want him anymore!'

“Even if he still wants that life here, Keece will reject me once he sees what I really am!" Sahvina almost yelled out.

'Oh good, that's it; just take the decision from Keece before he can decide for himself in order to dodge responsibility to your Mate. Sahvina, if you truly love him, go tell Keece, and restore his faith in life with you two as a whole. After this, I won't bother with it anymore except to do my duty to keep him alive and in good health.' Lyla said as she walked towards the door. 'That is under the guise he doesn't attempt anything else stupid.'

Lyla exited leaving Sahvina alone to think about her parting statement.

'I keep forgetting Lyla can see right through me. What if she is right about Keece not caring about my ugliness…'

She quickly accessed the surveillance log starting a minute before she left for the restroom and played it watching the 'show' Lyla accused her of enjoying.

Sahvina watched Keece slowly inch towards the left side of his bed; then witnessing him slide uncontrollably off hitting the left side of his face on the chair. She took a sharp breath in horror as Keece laid still for a moment. He grunted a little, then started to work his way to the back corner. Five minutes later, he managed to sit up leaning against the walls for support to have Lyla enter shortly after.

Sahvina stopped the playback feeling even worse. After resuming the live feed, she saw him with a small case next to him that he was staring at.

A couple of moments later, Sahvina noticed him starting to interact with some of the items in the case. One in particular caught her eye, it was a small rectangular device that came out of a pouch with a couple of small round items that he put in his ears. She watched as his expression changed, Keece leaned in a corner of his room and closed his eyes. Concerned they might have made and error on whether or not they removed all non lethal devices, she increased the audio sensitivity to see if what ever he was doing could be heard.

It was music.

Nothing like she had ever heard before, but music none the less. For the first time, of any of her people, Sahvina was listening to Acid Jazz. She closed her eyes and listen to the chop snap of the drum beat with the rolling bass, then the crisp holler of the horned instruments being looped backed followed by vocalizations, and other sounds like rain. In Sahvina's minds eye, there was a black pool that emanated ripples to each sound that were all different colors colliding with each other in some strange chaotic beauty. The sounds were incredibly moving, and had Sahvina thinking of him; then the fact he moved her the same way the music was starting to.

A few days later, Sahvina had been off shift for an hour as she continued to watch Keece. She was picturing herself walking in and saving him from the despair that encapsulated his being only to come back to the reality of it being her that put him there.

“Where is the brave Female I used to be?" she whispered to herself as the apprehension started building while reliving her last act of greater courage before becoming the person that had been hiding behind deceptions and the monitor that consumed her attention. Making up her mind, she stood up feeling the growing knot in her stomach; breathed deep for a moment before proceeded to his room.

The last look at the CCT showed Keece still in his 'favorite' corner, he appeared to be asleep. Sahvina had enough of feeling conflicted, especially after watching the person who she had claimed as her Mate degrade after being denied the emotional strokes he had become familiar with between them.

The day before, she was called in by the Captain for her conduct. The dialog between them was becoming vehement with the under lining thought of being productive with such a peculiar situation.

Ylva was very perceptive, and called it for what it was.

Slowly pacing around small, sand white, and stoically designed room that was her office, she recited a small list of items pertaining to Sahvinas conduct. There was only a few personal items in place besides the dark cream colored chair she occupied behind the almost boomerang shaped table representing a desk. If Ylva was not on the bridge, or making her rounds; this is where she would be while looking over reports as well as statistical data of the ship's systems. The item in this space that looked a bit out of place was the planter to Sahvina's left. It bedded a small rhododendron with a couple of lush ferns and some soil based fungus. The scents added a more pleasant feel in the otherwise sterile atmosphere of the room they were both occupying. Still, it added no comfort for either of them under the circumstance.

As Sahvina was paying attention to the vocal breakdown of her misconduct, her eyes wandered with Ylvas pacing, but at the same time, she would look at a familiar photo on the shelf behind her Captain. It hurt seeing it. Such a reminder of a better time in life felt like a stab now Sahvina was not in the good graces of her commanding officer at this moment.

“…You spent so much time with Keece in the simulated world; how could you not know that your feelings would develop for him?" Ylva asked with her voice raised in irritation. “With that, your reports started to lack details of certain events in the interactions with Keece four months before he was brought out."

“At first I didn't know, Ma'am, and I also do not deny leaving the details thin in my log." Sahvina replied with a retreating sound in her voice. “I didn't know he was going to survive either, and at first it was about giving Keece comfort. When I realized it was becoming more; I screwed up and went with it. Only if you knew what it was like to finally have someone's true eye after years of…"

“Sahvina.. I don't mind that you found love, but under the circumstances it is not very becoming of a professional in you field. Especially the pseudo pregnancy!" Ylva cut off Sahvina scolding her. “Keece and the other are guests; they are not here for your or anyone else entertainment. I am also not fond of the fact that you used our digital constructs the way you did!"

“I know, it won't happen again." Sahvina said looking down in a submissive tone.

“I certainly hope not, and the only reason I have not taken your access away from that facility is because you are the Head Medical Technician, and I need you to keep that post."

“Lyla could easily fill my duties if you felt it pertinent to demote me." Sahvina said looking down.

“Under the circumstances that is not acceptable, and had I gotten my way about it, she would be part of the Command Staff." Ylva said scrolling the pad screen on her desk after a data packet pinged. “If our situation was as it is supposed to be, I would have to file a report and put you on a suspended leave once we returned Orbital Platform Serrumii… Sahvina, look at me."

She looked up and made eye contact with Ylva.

“You know as well as I do that a suspension like that would keep you grounded for three tours and force you to find menial employment for that duration."

“Yes.. I am full aware of that fact." Sahvina replied.

“Lucky for you, that report will never get filed due to the uniqueness of our current situation because there is no one to even bother with it. With that, I need you to get your head straight to perform your duties objectively." Ylva told her sternly.

“Yes Ma'am, I will…"

“Daughter, let me finish." She said placing her palms flat on the desk top surface leaning over at Sahvina. “I want you to help Keece come out of this destructive phase he has been in."

“I understand completely, Ma'am." Sahvina acknowledged. “I will have another Medical Technician work with him and stay clear as not to exacerbate the situation more."

“You will do no such thing Sahvina, you will tell him the truth and continue to be the attending Physician." Ylva ordered her standing upright again.

“May I ask why?"

“Because you need to clean up your mess my Daughter, and face your decision." Ylva told her. “Honor your bond with him as Mates."

“Mother I couldn't, I have done enough." Sahvina protested.

“No, you have run away out of fear of rejection leaving him alone."

“But.." Sahvina started to argue.

“That is an order, and before you interrupt me again; after all the reports I have read, I know Keece kept asking for you, his Mate until he went silent. Make it right Sahvina."

“What if he refuses me; what then?" she asked Ylva with a hint of contempt. “Do I continue to pester him daily until…"

“Hold your decorum with me!" Ylva snapped at Sahvina. “You will not accept defeat; you will also not intentionally sabotage any of this. I am not telling you to pester him, but to use tact, grace, kindness, and understanding until your bond is restored. If that means your ego takes a lashing, you will persevere showing him you are truly his Mate."

“I still don't feel good about this." she told Ylva standing up.

“Regardless of that knot in your stomach my Daughter, your claim to each other still holds out here as much as it did in there." Ylva told her as she approached Sahvina and rested both hands on her shoulders. “Keece proven his worth to you already. Now it is time to prove yours to him."

Sahvina nodded; then was dismissed.

While walking through the corridors back the Infirmary she started to replay the time before she became the Head Medical Technician on the Phalanx. Sahvina was a Field Medic going on paced missions through their system on a smaller vessel to give help to the transport ships as distress signals were sent. Her body knew the direction as she walked; even her eyes gave an attentive look, but the focus was the film being played in her mind.

“We have to get clear of the ship now!" Ledahl shouted looking at the display on his left forearm showing signs of the main power feeds from the engine core were threatening to reach critical.

“No! There is another Crewman is less than sixty feet away, we are obligated to pursue!" Sahvina yelled at him as the lighting flickered again.

“Suit yourself." he said getting ready to make a hasty exit back to their ship.

“Get back here and help me, or I put you on report!"

“Fine!" Ledahl shouted running along side her. “But know this, if the situation reaches too close to the point of no return I will.."

“Don't you say it!" Sahvina growled in disgust as he helped her quickly assemble the collapsible stretcher and carefully laid the Engineering Technician on it.

They both lifted the stretcher and started to make their way through as the remaining and able bodied crew members were coming out of any available junction running past them to safety.

'Effete runt.' she thought as they maneuvered quickly in the direction for the waiting umbilicus connecting both vessels airlocks.

Ledahl was in the lead cutting corners hard through the corridors not taking in account both the Technician and she were glancing off the edges keeping up.

They could both hear the power feed conduits starting to sizzle from the building overload with a horrifying hum pulsing while the internal lighting failures continued to get worse.

After thirty more feet, the sound became a loud reverberating din while panels covers were conducting heat from the burning hardware underneath. Suddenly the first panel breached and spewed noxious fumes. Ledahl let go of the front of the stretcher spilling the unconscious Engineering Technician to the grated deck.

“That's it!" he shouted. “We need to go now!"

“We are less that twenty feet from the Airlock!" Sahvina shouted back.

“I gave you fair warning and you will follow if your desire to remain alive!!"

Sahvina watched him make haste as she shouted “Coward!" in the direction of Ledahl's retreat but did not stop doing her best to complete the mission. Distorted chatter came over he Com that sounded like and Abandon Order, but she could not be sure; nor would Sahvina have stopped. The Main Power Feed System was in the last stages of losing containment as Sahvina continued doing her duty rolling the injured Engineer on to the stretcher; then grabbed the front bars and drug the survivor quickly as possible to the umbilicus and carefully pulled them through.

Gravity did not exist here. Sahvina let go of the stretcher and gently jumped up to grab the small hand holds above her maneuvering over the survivor and coming down in a twist to grab the back handles giving a hefty shove towards the Airlock. In a few seconds they were over half way to the welcoming sight of her ship when the system completely lost restraint and overloaded. With horror, she realized the outer airlock door was closing.

Looking over her shoulder caused Sahvina to roll facing the other ship bearing witnessed the other end of the umbilicus ripple creating a rolling wave in the tube that bucked them. At the moment there was not viable traction or control. The pressure and flash accelerated them forward.

Sahvina was slammed into the outer Airlock door of her ship with the Engineering Technician she was doing her best to save. To no avail; the injured survivor became a casualty from already sustained injuries aggravated by the impact force. The last thing she remembered seeing through her blurred vision was the mangled remains of the umbilicus, and fluctuation of the plasma fields from the two remaining joint rings closest to airlock sealing the remaining atmosphere at the entrance from the black vacuum outside as the safety interlocks of the other vessel finally released its engine core.

'There was another still on board.' she thought looking down at her suit seeing herself starting to drift while red beads of varying sizes trickled out from the tears and burn holes in the fabric of her uniform before blacking out.

Sahvina suffered near fatal injuries due to blood loss and the physical trauma suffered. Months later, they delivered a painful cut to her ego when they gave Sahvina a mirror. She became scarred on her face and body, was missing the ring finger on her right hand, the tip of the left ear, and was blind in the left eye. The attending Medical Technicians did everything they could for her. It was the price of bad situation, a deserter, and a lack of adequate time.

After fully recovering, hardly anybody except close friends and family would look at her. This was the line of division that told Sahvina courage would not make up for a disfigured appearance. The harrowed experience followed her like a shadow; one being easier to deal with over time, the other an un-abating reminder. Before any of this happened; most commented on her visage being of that of near perfection. For those who would see Sahvina during rescue operations would describe the charcoal grey Angel that saved them. Now it was nothing more than a painful joke.

While she continued to recover, she found out that Ledahl had gotten one year in incarceration; then discharge dishonorably for dereliction of duty, and intentionally sealing the outer airlock doors. Sahvina felt no satisfaction from his decided fate.

It felt nice to play the beautiful Female for Keece in that realm of pseudo existence. The way he looked at her made Sahvina feel loved and satisfied. Now she felt because of her deception, it would mean going back to being alone; not that she hadn't been already, but this time it would be deserved.

Taking a deep breath, she hesitantly slid the door open slightly and peaked in. This was it, her veil was being pulled off with the delivery of the whole truth. Everything was up in the air as the possible outcomes filled her with dread knowing what she had done may not be able to be remedied.

Sahvina looked in his direction seeing he was still in the corner dozed off as the video feed had shown before leaving to confront these transgressions.

Keece had his knees pulled up to his chest and arms resting on them leaning forward, with both wrists and fingers draped downward. Sahvina could see his digits twitch a little.

She quietly came in and slid the door shut closing her eyes for a moment.

'I can do this; I have to do this. For his sake more than mine…'

Approaching Keece with caution knowing there were no splints on any of his finger, Sahvina got on her hands and knees carefully inched towards him before sitting down on her knees very close. The marble grey floor was quite chilly and unforgiving too her; this gave into the thought of how he managed to disregard the lack of comfort.

She gently touched his left shoulder to feel Keece's skin; it was cold. He did not seem to feel her gesture or move in reflex.

Sahvina slowly got up and pulled the blanket from the bed; then sat back down with him before carefully pulling it over Keece. While she made sure he was covered causing Keece to stir awake.

“Hello." Sahvina said softly as he looked at her briefly, then turned away looking down.

“What do you want..?" he asked her in a low tired voice.

“I wanted to make sure you were feeling all right." she replied.

“A bit late don't you think?" Keece said condenscendly. “The sentiment for your concern is noted. You can take your leave."

Sahvina sighed.

“No, not this time." she said with a humiliated tone..

“I do not want to play your game, what ever it is."

“No more games Keece, just you and I."

Sahvina could feel his body trembling, she felt as if he wanted to shove her away, but couldn't. Watching his head bob a few times fighting to stay conscious. She knew he was lacking in vital sustenance due to his continued removal of the I.V.'s, that, and his grounded pain ate what little of his energy remained.

She took this moment to get up and retrieve a hook stand and fresh I.V. kit.

Five minutes later, he had nourishment and hydration flowing back into his body. She could see the bruise on his face had become darker while pulling the blanket to cover him better; then helping Keece lay on his left side resting his head in her lap as she leaned into the corner watching over him until sleep would eventually take its hold on her.

After some time of thinking and fighting to stay awake, she started to nod off. Rest did not come easy, every twitch and murmur that came from Keece had Sahvina's attention; then the discomfort of sitting on the floor made it almost unbearable.

She kept entertaining the idea of picking Keece up and returning him to the comfort of the available bed, but the thought of him rolling off again made her stay put.

'Were you trying to injure yourself?' she thought.

'So, you are in the mood to care?' Lyla asked in a strangely taunting tone while quietly walking in.

“I deserve that…"

'I see you got him plugged back in; did he offer any resistance?'

“No, not with the I.V. kit. He did not really care for the fact I was here though." Sahvina said quietly. “And he probably isn't going to like it when he wakes up either."

'What then?' Lyla asked opening the drawer that contained the hand held scanning device.

“Keep being here for him even if he thoroughly resents me."

'Is that because you were ordered to?'

“I would like to say no, but it is true… However it is not the only reason. This is what I should have done from the beginning. You and Mother are right, I need to cast away my fears and honor my bond with Keece." she told Lyla.

'And what if he refuses you?' Lyla asked as she knelt down and started scanning Keece's head injury.

“I will have to accept it. Maybe in time we could piece it back together, but then again, this may not be able to be fixed." Sahvina replied.

'What are you going to do if decides to be with another?'

“Stay out of the way and let him be happy."

“Do you really think you could deal with seeing Keece daily knowing he can't stand the sight of you?" Lyla said with a devious smile standing up.

Sahvina was in shock for a moment, Lyla had never spoken vocally before.

“What are you implying?" she said feeling emotionally heated.

“Just like to the rest of Males here, you are repulsive, and not to just them, to everyone." Lyla said with a condescending tone smiling even more. “After all, that is why Ledahl left you behind… Because he knew how ugly you would become.."

“Shut up!" Sahvina shouted. “Just shut your muzzle before I..!!"

'Sahvina, wake up!'

She jolted awake with vision blurred for a moment to see Lyla squatting next to her.

“How could you say those shitty things to me?!" she asked Lyla with a glare.

'That was all you Sister. I felt your sudden emotional escalation in your dream as it became a nightmare while submitting my reports.' Lyla told her.

“Oh Spirits… I apologize; it felt so real."

'Looks like your conscience is getting the better of you. Anyway, you understandably need a break to stretch out, among other things.'

“I don't want to leave him, but I can't sit like this for much longer." she said looking down at Keece.

'I got an idea. Let's give him a mild relaxant; then pull the mattress off the bed and lay him on it. After that, you go take care of your immediate needs. I will wait for you to come back.' Lyla suggested as Sahvina took a second to look back up and nod.

In a few moments, her suggestion became action as they both worked together to get Keece to a more comfortable and less harmful accommodation. Sahvina was walking a bit stiff leaving as Lyla assured her that he would be all right and to take her time.

While she was away, Lyla took the notion to see how Keece was doing by easing into his mind seeing if he was caught in the nightmare cycle she was becoming familiar with. Again, Lyla found him running through a familiar tall grass field in the heat of the sun light that radiated in his memory.

He was looking for the right trail combination to go somewhere, but seem to keep getting it wrong. Slowly turning around taking in the horizon to get his bearings, Keece realized all his vision was filled with the trees by the river bank. He lost sight of the butte, the marker for the way home.

'Hello Keece.' Lyla said.

He came to a dead stop seeing her in the way of a trail fork splitting in four different directions.

“What are you doing here?"

'I came to check on you.'

“Why?" he asked narrowing his eyes having to look slightly up to match Lyla's gaze with the sun almost directly behind her.

'Genuine concern, but you know that already.' she told him. 'So tell me, what is it you cannot seem to find?'

“My way back to the other place, but I cannot seem to find the right combination of trails to make it work." he replied in a lightly worried and frustrated tone. “I keep going back to the river. I want to find my way back to the community."

'I could help you with that, but I do not think that is what you are really after.' Lyla told him. 'Your love for her is strong if you keep going back to Sahvina's favorite place.'

“All I want is to go home, walk through the door of our den and.."

'Step into an empty place where she will not be.' she said cutting Keece off.

“How would you know?" he asked with and irritated scoff.

'I know more than I should about certain things. You keep chasing after the same thing day after day in your mind; don't you feel it is time to look elsewhere?'

“No, I will find my way again. Now if you don't mind.."

“And if you could; what then?' She replied narrowing her eyes to challenge his next reply.

“I would get her back." Keece said with determination.

'Not here, not there; one place only.' Lyla smirked. 'The river represents a point in time when everything change between both of you. Wake up Keece and she will be there waiting for you.'

“I would rather keep looking; she hates me in that place."

'Eventually you are going to face reality when you wake again.' Lyla informed him sternly. 'And to say she hates you is far from the truth.'

“It seems the truth is subjective from the one who speaks it. It leads me to wonder why I should give heed to your notions."

'Look you stubborn Male! If you want to continue to run around in your dream looking for a way back; then do so. You will come to in your partition soon with the one you seek, and that is the truth without subjectivity.' Lyla said while crossing her arms in a scolding tone with an increased focus on Keece.

The the building pressure he felt drove him to his knees. Keece could feel the tall grass and semi soft dirt absorb the impact giving off its earthy scent; then the sensation of falling to his left side as the grass tried to cushion the descent. The uncontrolled jolt of hitting the ground never came. It was strange how warm everything felt as a familiar scent filled every draw of his breath. He could no longer see Lyla, or the field; it was as if a starless night had filled his vision. The sensation of being engulfed in soft warm heat that felt like a plush material pulled snugly around him.

Sahvina returned ready to take her post with Keece again. Lyla helped her situate them to the position she found them in returning his head to the comfort of Sahvinas lap. With everything calm and quiet, she nodded off again stroking Keece's growing head of silvering hair.

A couple of hours, Sahvina snapped awake hearing the quick inhale from Keece as his eyes began to flicker open. She let him take his time to wake knowing that a bit of the relaxant still had its hold. When he realized where he was, his expression gave a look blended with confusion and frustration.

He could feel the floor had become softer to realize it was mostly the mattress with Sahvinas warm lap cradling his head.

“How are you feeling?" she asked softly.

“Dammit Lyla…" he said in a mumble remembering their interaction about truth. It felt as if she pulled the rug out from underneath his skeptical attitude in the strange verbal exchange between them.

“Keece, are you alright?" she asked with a concerned smile.

“Not feeling well…"

“I know.. Are you feeling thirsty, maybe a little hungry?" she asked. “If it's head aches, I have some…"

“Just help me sit up." he said cutting her off grumbling. “Please.."

Sahvina complied and leaned against the wall on her right getting up to help Keece sit up in the corner.

“Do you need anything?" Sahvina asked resting on her knees.

“I don't know right now." he said trying to shake the groggy feeling. “Why are you here?"

“Because this is where I am supposed to be."

“Don't you have other things to attend to?" he asked sounding pejorative towards her sitting there next to him.

She let out a displeased sigh and shook her head feeling a little frustrated, but keeping in mind that Keece was right to feel the way he did about everything.

“I know you are unhappy with me, and I don't blame you in the least bit."

“You could have told me the truth from the beginning."

“There is protocol that mandates restriction of information in cases such as yours."

“You are better than that, Sahvina." he said with hurt and disappointed tone.

She was stunned for a couple of seconds. Sahvina had that coming; after all, Keece knew her as well as she knew him in a round a bout way.

“You are right. I'm very sorry." she said. “Keece… I.. I need you to understand, but it would be asking a lot from you to listen to me after all of this."

He still would not make eye contact with her. This was really bothering Sahvina, she had gotten used to him always looking into her eyes before, but now, her feelings gave into there was nothing to really look at.

She put her right hand on his left shoulder expecting him to flinch or shy away.

Keece, at that moment winced, but not from her touch.

“What's wrong Keece?" Sahvina asked quickly wiping her tears away.

“I.. I think I need to lay down again. Not feeling so good." he said right before he dry heaved.

Without giving it thought, she went into action. Sahvina laid him on his side bracing his back with the pillow and a wadded up quilt before getting up. Moving quickly, she pocketed the scanning device from and adjacent drawer before pulling two containers out of the cupboard above the sink. After that, Sahvina opened another drawer quickly snatching up a packet. She filled one container up halfway, dumped the contents of the packet in; then snapped the cap back in place. The sounds of her shaking the container almost drowned out a couple of his dry heaves.

Sahvina gently helped Keece sit upright before resuming her place next to him again.

“Drink this really slow." she said flipping the center of the cap up.

It had become a wide straw. Keece looked at it shuddering again with a questioning look.

“You need to fill your stomach up. The intravenous supplements are only going to do so much until they reach saturation." Sahvina told him.

He exhaled; then bit back another dry heave drooling with glossy eyes.

She used the blanket to gently wipe his mouth.

“Drink; please?"

Resistance came into Keece's tired mind feeling agitated with her firm request, but his irritated thoughts kept unravelling as capitulation was taking over. He acquiesced taking a sip of the cooling fluid; then another.

It felt thicker than water and was easy to consume, but that did not stop the heaves turning into vomit. Sahvina was quick with the other container in catching Keece's purge.

“It's alright, I promise. Keep sipping, it will help settle your stomach and give you more nourishment." she said rubbing his blanketed back. “Your body is angry with you right now for neglecting it."

He had a watery eyed glare as another heave got bit back.

“Bad analogy, sorry.." Sahvina said looking away for a few seconds thinking her explanation might have not been the best under the circumstances.

“Keep sipping." she said returning to those glaring eyes offering him the container.

Sahvina watched as he sipped slowly.

A few moments later Keece un-drank the fluid he just consumed. Even though some of it missed the catch container, she never budged and continued to rub his back.

“This is a waist.." Keece said splitting.

“No, this is necessary. Give it a time."

He hesitated for a moment looking down at the straw; then continued to slowly sip. A few moments later Keece burped a little before feeling the urge to vomit again. Sahvina kept up with the gentle encouragement, even after what followed when he looked up at her. His mind was soothed by her concerned and gentile tone helping his hostility subside, but before Keece could deliver a smile, his body decided to un-drink the contents that remained in his stomach.

“Oh Spirits!" she exclaimed missing over half of Keece's release.

Sahvina was almost convince that it was on purpose doing her best not to let her already disfigured expression look any worse.

One of the morning Medical Technicians came into the Partitions to check on supplies to make sure the occupant did not have any emergent needs.

“Sahvina, is everything alright?"

“Not of the best circumstances with the mess, but I think we are going to be fine. Would you be so kind as to get…?" Sahvina asked her to collect many items stressing the urgency for certain one over others.

Lyla had shown up a few seconds behind looking a bit tired before the young Medical Technician went to fill the list.

'Looks like quite a mess. Do you want me to go to your Quarters and get you fresh undergarments?'

"I feel like a shit asking after everything you have done on our behalf, but I would greatly appreciate your help. I feel I have everything else in order.. Oh, wait…" Sahvina asked to have another drinking container prepared with a milder version of the nutrient mixture he had been consuming with an added half table spoon of mint extract.

Lyla handed the freshly filled container off before she left to get some of Sahvinas personal items.

The young Female returned with blankets, sheet, a fresh uniform, and fresh bed clothes for Keece.

“I will be back with the C.N.A.C.K (Compact Negative Atmosphere Cleaning Kit). Is there anything else?"

“I am sorry you have to deal with this. Thank you Ahmni." Sahvina said. “The portable tub will also be required if you don't mind."

Giving a deep nod, Ahmni walked to where the tub was kept down the corridor.

Sahvina smiled for a moment watching the raven pelted Female leave.

Ahmni's head of hair was a long, thick, straight, and platinum creating a stark contrast of her coal black pelt that grabbed your attention as much as her sapphire orange eyes.

When Ahmni returned with the required tub she was greeted by the warm and very thankful expression of her superior.

“I will stay if you like." she said with her own concerned gaze.

“I feel that would be very helpful and welcomed." Sahvina said as she carefully removed Keece's soiled clothing.

Ahmni readied the tub for his reception. She could see a slightly embarrassed fluctuation in Sahvinas face; the face that most had a hard time looking at.

It was of no consequence to the Medical Technician's feelings towards her superiors scared visage. Ahmni knew her superior was feeling vulnerable with the matter at hand. It was a change from Sahvinas more controlled demeanor in the Infirmary.

While being thoroughly cleaned by two Lupakkerithain Females, the only remote thought in his mind was the want of not being moved around so much while vomiting again.

“Let it out as much as you can Keece." Sahvina told him. “I will have a fresh bed waiting for you."

He sat slumped in the tub while it was drained before being rinsed just wanting to go back to the field and find the time before this one.

At least the urge to vomit finally subsided.

“None of my business, but who is he to you?" Ahmni asked setting the drain cycle again.

“I am not sure what you mean?"

“Is he your Mate?" Ahmni asked rather bluntly. “I ask because…"

“..Because of the rumors." Sahvina said cutting her off.

“No, actually." she replied. “It is because he kept asking for you before all of this. He wanted to know you were all right."

“You were there.." she sighed in self disgust. “What you must think of me…"

“Is Keece your Mate?"

“Yes, we are most definitely Mates. For how long though, I don't know." Sahvina told Ahmni as she began to rinse Keece off again with the spray nozzle.

“I knew you would be honest even if they are were not forthcoming with certain things." Ahmni told her. “Females like you have always held my admiration."

“I deserve no such praise." Sahvina said as both worked together with a couple of towels to dry Keece off quickly before dressing him down.

“I have never thought anything less of you Ma'am. My hope is to measure up as you did in my time of crisis." Ahmni told her. “I would gladly receive my marks as you have."

“Don't be so eager."

“I meant no disrespect; in all seriousness I passed your test. It may have not been real.."

“Excuse me?" Sahvina asked cutting Ahmni off. “You passed my test?"

“The test everyone takes unknowingly to prove their merit." she explained to Sahvina with a puzzled look.

“What does that test have to do with me?"

“You don't know, do you?" Ahmni asked with a concerned expression.

“I know of the test, but what I don't understand is why you said it was mine."

“Please give me the benefit of the doubt. When I said I passed your test, I meant I did what you did when you were doing your best to save the Engineering Technician"

She knew what Ahmni was telling her, Sahvina never thought her defining moment would have ever been used as a training scenario. All of the freshly enlisted had to pass a test to show merit under the worst conditions, but unknowingly in order to separate the wheat from the chaff. This discussion was getting too intimate for Sahvina, but she held her composure.

“..You experienced the mission that almost killed me."

“Yes."

“How far did it go, being that you passed this test?"

"I had to look into a mirror and see myself very close to what you actually did that morning." Ahmni answered.

“Were you upset about it knowing that you would never truly be accepted again?" Sahvina asked in an unhappy tone.

“I could barely contain my faculties.. You know, in all honesty I lost my shit over it. I cried more in that span of time than I can remember. The real shock was when I got released from the simulation and realized that it wasn't real. I was relieved that I wasn't scarred." Ahmni said recalling those moments with more clarity. “After I had time to think about everything I was experiencing while still in test I realized that I could live with those scars. From the moment I went back to active duty until I got pulled out, I was ready to live with being disfigured."

“I know how I would feel if I had been tested like you; oddly enough I was, but it was someone else's bad experience that was the test for me." Sahvina said. “It is a surprise they chose my experience as a replacement for training."

“I couldn't explain why they did other than the experience itself dealing with a life threatening situation, desertion, dead weight, and a very inconvenient timeframe."

“Makes sense; the test I experienced was losing a ship to ship fight; then being boarded. I had to fight my way through to Engineering in order to activate the SDS(self destruct system). The element my test was missing was betrayal, but coming to terms with willfully committing suicide is a other matter I am sure you understand. I figure you won't have to deal with too much of that now that we are away from home and the rest of the fleet." Sahvina said. “I suppose you had to come to terms with Ledahl deserting you."

“No, actually it was my Field Partner; then in turn he had to experience my desertion in his test."

“That must have hard to go through." Sahvina empathized.

“It was, but it was worse knowing he failed his test following the simulated me in escape." Ahmni explained. “You see, we were in love.."

Sahvina winced a little hearing that feeling the atmosphere in the room become heavier.

She looked at the beautiful exotic Female of their people; in that moment Ahmni and she agreed to changed the conversation.

After they worked together to lay him on the freshly replace floored mattress with new linen, Sahvina re-adjusted the masts of the I.V. stand to slack the lines enough without compromising the needed flow provided by gravity.

Ahmni helped collect all of the items to be sterilized and stored; then watched over Keece as she used the CNACK to clean the deck of any left over particulates.

Sahvina took a quick shower in one of the Medical Facilities private restrooms. Coming back refreshed, Sahvina took her place laying next to Keece.

“I appreciate your assistance with all of this." Sahvina told Ahmni. “This will be noted in the Infirmary Log for the effort on your behalf."

“Thank you Ma'am, I will continue to stay strong in all my efforts and duties." Ahmni replied with a short bowing nod before pushing the portable tub with the rest of the gear filling it like a cart out and down the long hallway.

After getting more comfortable, she gently rested her left hand on Keece's stomach while giving his hair a long sniff. The simulated world made very accurate representations of scents, but in some areas it lacked a deep, rich, and personal aroma. Sahvina now knew what her Mate really smelled like. A thought crossed her mind with his scent being stronger; hers would be a lot stronger as well.

'What if he thinks my scent is awful?' she thought taking another deep breath of his hair. 'I could bathe more frequently, but would it be enough?'

Sahvina had to laugh at herself for a few moments thinking that Keece would be immersed in a society of pelted people with different and possibly repulsive scents. Under the circumstances, if her scent is all she had to worry about with him; then it would be a much simpler problem to solve. While milling things over in thought, Sahvina drifted off.

For the next three days Keece slept. Sahvina would leave the partition only to use the restroom if one of the other technicians came in to clean or do a routine check up on him. After that, she went back to laying down and keep Keece warm occasionally waking to him mumbling in his sleep. Two of those occasions were Lyla and he arguing in his dreams.

In the early hours of the fourth day she awoke to Keece sitting up with his back to the corner wrapped in one of the blankets they were sharing.

“Hey, sorry.. Did you need anything." Sahvina said yawning slowly sitting up next to him.

Keece sat silent and unmoving.

“Keece, are you feeling sick again?" she asked. “I understand if you are still angry with me. Just let me help you."

He slowly turned his head towards her while locking eyes.

His gaze gave Sahvina the chills; then the scrutinizing expression on Keece's face was more than a little unsettling. She knew he was looking her over watching the slight shift in his eyes, especially the right due to the green halo glowing. As they focused on the scarring of her face, and missing finger. She looked down and away from him for a few seconds.

“Shy?" he asked in an almost sarcastic tone.

“I… it's uhh, I'm really not much to look at." she replied looking up slightly watching him lightly drawing his bottom lip, narrowing his eyes a little at the same time letting his lip slowly free in a silent sigh.

“Hmmm…, hadn't noticed." he said soaking in the semblance kept hidden from him.

Sahvina looked up at him, she remembered him saying that to her once before.

Keece never broke his gaze, but his eyes changed to a softer shape.

“I am older to." she said as tears started to roll down her cheeks. “The truth is I'm very scared that you wouldn't want me, and that is why I have been acting foolish about all of this. What I was in the simulation was a complete misrepresentation of what I really am; imperfect, and undesired. Just like the way I made you feel."

He drew in a breath and slowly exhaled looking at her face noticing Sahvina's left eye had a white pupil giving it a lack of coordination for looking straight on. Keece thought of why Lyla had done her best to explain to him of their people's social stigma.

“To demand perfection would make me a hypocrite. After all, you accepted me. All I wanted was someone who could see past all of that… And in turn I would do the same, and more." Keece said bringing his right hand to her left cheek and gently wiped the tears from Sahvina's scarred face.

She rubbed her cheek in his hand. This was the first time Sahvina felt his touch outside the simulated world.

Keece continued to feel her pelted face, she was softer than he remembered.

Sahvina scooted closer to him and laid her head on his blanketed shoulder.

He pulled; then re-adjusted himself and the blanket wrapping it around her as well. Keece brought her close with his left arm around Sahvina's side. There was no struggle from her, she yearned for his physical affection.

“Are your feelings for me genuine, or am I still a pelt less toy?" he asked her.

“You were never a toy. I messed up by letting us go as far as we did and not tell you the reality of your situation. I fell in love with you, and… And when I realized you fell in love with me, my judgment lapsed. You treated me so well.. I got caught up in everything and my continued charade ended up hurting you. Whether or not you believe me Keece, I love you with every fiber of my being." she said softly as more tears came down. “I wish I would have been braver with all of this."

He looked down for a few seconds nodding his head in agreement knowing he could have been better about everything in his interaction with Lyla and Otsanda.

“To let you know; I was really looking forward to having children." he told her.

Sahvina shuddered like she had another chill run through her spine.

“No apology can make up for that." she said feeling worse.

Keece ran his hand from her side to her shoulder and gave her a gentle squeeze.

“Don't dwell on it for too long. There are worse things that no apology can make up for."

She stayed silent for a moment thinking about what he said. Sure, there were worse things.

'But having him believing he was going to have children to realize it was all a dream. It's still bad enough.' Sahvina thought. 'Does.. Can.. Will he still love me?'

She sucked it up.

“Do you love me still?"

“Yes." he replied.

“Can we start over, please?"

“No, we have come too far to start over." he said “Everything we shared before this is to engrained in my mind."

Sahvina's ears had turned down to the sides like feeling embarrassed and ashamed for even asking.

“Sorry, I should have known it was too much to ask."

Keece knew she thought he was rejecting her, his left hand moved from her shoulder to running his fingers through Sahvina's raven black hair.

“I do not want to start over with you, I want to know that you will not ever deceive me like that again; for any reason." Keece told her as he gently rubbed her ear with the tip missing.

Sahvina felt a huge weight lift. He still wanted her; his Mate. She nuzzled the underside of his chin.

“I won't, for any reason." she said as more tears ran down her cheeks.

Her left hand touched his face, their lips met. It was their first real kiss. As Sahvina's whiskered lips separated from his; they looked into each other's eyes for a moment.

“Are you sure you still want me, even after all this?" she asked.

“I ask the same question of you. I want to know why your fear got in the way of us being together."

“I am not aesthetically pleasing; perfect. To be honest, I am an ugly Female." she said. “I thought that once you saw the real me, that I would be rejected; then there is the fact I was not really pregnant."

“The dark part of the dream we shared the nigh we made our bond makes sense now." Keece said like he got zapped.

“You remembered that particular one?" she asked knowing the one he spoke of, but waited to hear his insight.

“Yes, very much so."

“Please, tell me what you recall of it.. If you don't mind."

“Both of us were in your bedroom while you, the very young you braided your hair. I saw the real you briefly being reflected in the mirror a couple of times; then the cold and dark place that followed when you fell apart in my arms no matter how hard I tried to hold you together."

Sahvina nodded as she reached of his left hand with her right quietly acknowledging the dream they shared.

“I figured that would be enough to prove my true desire of your being." Keece said.

“I should have believed in that notion, but I let years of being detested by others trap me into believing I was nothing more than what they saw." she said with a melancholy tone. “Are you sure you can tolerate an ugly Female?" she asked thinking of her recent nightmare.

He shook his head at her self demeaning statement.

“You are the only Female I have given my heart. The only thing I am concerned about are these." he said touching her chest with his left hand, then her forehead. “Do us both a favor and stop giving into that bullshit."

She took a moment to digest those words.

“I know this is a stupid question, but I need to know."

Keece gave a nod for her to continue.

“Had I not obfuscated myself after you came out of the simulated world.."

“..How would I have reacted to you?" Keece said finishing her question. “Well, this whole mess would have been unnecessary. To answer your question… I would have been shocked a little; then wanting to know why you hid yourself from me with the obvious part of why you were not pregnant."

“Would you have been angry with me?" she asked.

“Displeased most likely; but angry? No, because I feel you would have helped me understand the truth of what happened as you already have managed in a very shitty way."

“Shitty… I cannot blame you for that notion… Will you forgive me for being fearful and acting foolish in all of this?"

“I will, but we need to take time to work this all out." he told her. “We built a life together in another place and I feel like I was tore away from it."

“I know." she said looking down nodding as her ears turned down in submission again. “And I am very sorry for that. I want to make everything right between us, but I don't know if I can make it like it was before all of this. I fucked up, and.. and…"

“Will you stay the course with me Sahvina?" Keece asked.

She wrapped her arms around him shuddering into odd mewling sob he had not heard before.

“I'm yours Keece. I am so sorry for hurting you; I want your love, and stay as your desire…"

After an undefined amount of time of clinging to each other, she coaxed Keece into getting up and sit in the chair he managed to kiss on the way down to the floor. Sahvina returned the mattress to the bed; then pulled fresh linen from a couple of drawers.

He watched her make the bed with an extra blanket and pillows.

“Did you need a drink of water or anything?" she asked while at the sink wiping her face off with a warm, damp hand towel.

“Actually, I need urinate badly."

“Is your catheter still in?"

“No, I took it out." he replied.

Sahvina was about to scold him a bit for its removal, but she still remembered how uncomfortable they were to have.

“All right, let me get a two liter container from the storage room up the corridor."

Watching her walk out reminded him of the first time he noticed the sway of Sahvina's pronounced hips and swing of her tail as she strode. Upon her returned with the container and another hand towel, Keece look as if he could not hold it for much longer. Seeing his expression, Sahvina quickly knelt down in front of him and pull his on his trousers. It took him everything he had to lift up to get the waistband to clear his rump before she pulled him off the chair.

Once that was out of the way, she gently took possession of his penis and held the container waiting for Keece to start expelling his urine.

“Uh, I think I can hold it…" he said feeling her warm padded fingers and the velvet textured pelt in-between.

“Don't be embarrassed; it's not the first time I have had it…" she said catching herself mid sentence smirking. “I take that back; this is the first time."

Keece leaned his head back and snickered a little seeing her expression. It was awkward when it should not have been; then it became even more with the swelling.

“You know you are not going to urinate with it like this." she remarked smiling.

“Sorry about that."

“No need to be, it makes me feel better to know that you still react to me favorably." she said humorously poking a little. “Just relax and fill the container you horny Male."

After another minute, Keece's erection subsided and let go of the pressure building in his bladder. Once he finished, Sahvina wiped any dribble before helping him pull his trousers back up.

She left the partition to dispose of the urine leaving Keece in the chair for a few moments. As he sat waiting, a bit of his resentment started to surface while thinking of everything to this point.

'What am I thinking? This isn't going to work… I love her, but how can I trust after all of this? What makes me think she won't lose it with some other notion and push me away again?'

'What makes you think she will?' a familiar voice rang in his head.

“Lyla… I uh.." Keece spoke her name aloud.

'Sorry about that, but your thoughts are broadcasting with intensity.' she replied

'Where are you? I thought you had to be close to hear me.' he though.

'No, I could be twice as far as I am now and hear you arguing with yourself.'

'I apologize for being disruptive.'

'I will cut this short due to Sahvina being on her way back. You are right to feel the way you do, but would you risk keeping her at arms length to fulfill your notion of your relationship never having a chance from this point, or will you give her your unconditional love proving to Sahvina there is hope in restoring your faith in her?' Lyla asked him. 'I know you have resentments and reservations to work through, but I suggest you do it together.'

'This is.. I don't know. All I can do right now is not make her feel any worse than she does, but I don't want this to just get swept away like nothing happened.' he said in though.

'I understand, and rest assured she knows that. Sahvina is not looking to escape her transgressions with you.' Lyla told him right before Sahvina walked in seeing a strange expression on Keece's face that immediately turned into a yawn.

“Are you feeling alright?" she asked.

“Still tired I think, and frustrated for not being able to move like I want to." he explained. “And woke Lyla up thinking too loud"

“Having doubt in all of this?" Sahvina asked him with a concerned look.

“Yeah.. Sorry…"

“Don't be, I understand our bond won't be magically fixed even though I want it to be." she said with a timorous tone and matching expression. “What ever you feel, please don't hold it back from me."

Keece nodded with a tired look in his eyes.

Sahvina posed the idea to get back into bed and rest. Although Keece gave it his all, he could barely get up still being in a weakened state. She re-adjusted the stand; then being mindful of the I.V.s, carefully helped Keece out of the chair.

“Would you like me to stay and continue to keep you warm?" she asked. “I mean, it is all right if you don't want me to."

At first he said nothing as they approached the edge of the waiting bed, then nodded.

Sahvina was strong and stable as he remembered. Once he was in, she retrieved another bed and pulled it along side his. Sahvina then went top to bottom locking the frames together making the area big enough for both of them to lay with each other.

After reducing garments to her under shirt and bloomers, Sahvina folded them up neatly and laid them on the chain; then crawled in next to Keece laying on her side facing him.

The first thing he did was burry his face in Sahvina's mane and breathed deeply drawing her scent. She smiled to herself feeling his cooled inhales followed by the heated exhales.

'I should have been there from the beginning of all of this; my own insecurities made me so blind to his true desire. I will not ever let anything like this ever come between us again.' Sahvina thought as the anxiety knot in her stomach turned into a strange rush like the sensation of free fall throughout her body. 'At least I know my scent is still pleasant for him.'

“I miss feeling you do that."

“Believe me, I missed doing it." his slightly muffle voice informed her. “I could stay like this for a long time."

Later in the afternoon, Lyla came in to check on Keece and found both Sahvina and he in each other's arms sleeping.

'It is good to see both of you as you should be.' she said as Sahvina stirred awake.

'I would like to think that Keece feels the same way.' Sahvina replied in thought while yawning. 'I want to apologize and thank you for being tolerant of me acting stupidly.'

'You and I know how it is with our people. We both suffer the same scrutiny of imperfection. I knew you had a sure thing with him; in saying that, I hope you will learn to put away our social shortcomings and be happy.' Lyla said. 'Now it is the phase for you both to heal together.'

'It is going to take some time, perhaps a while.' Sahvina told her.

'I know, and our people are going to have to learn a new way as well. Perhaps we will learn together, and I feel it might be all the easier having you two setting the example.'

'Slow down dear Sister, I just want to be in love. I don't feel comfortable with being a spectacle for everyone else.'

'Then just be in love and let the rest sort itself out.' Lyla said smiling at them as she exited the room.

As one day became two; then four and on, Sahvina never wavered from Keece as she spent the majority of her free time with him while he continued to recover. She let her Staff tend to his needs and listened to their opinions on Keece's medical requirements. Sahvina brought him small meals while sharing the same bed night after night to show Keece her utmost devotion as his Mate. With their talks, it was uncomfortable at times. Sahvina did not hold back answers as he asked them. She thought Keece would be more curious about their surroundings outside the Infirmary, but never bothered to inquire.

Sahvina had brought it up to Lyla to ask her thoughts on when it would be a good time to tell Keece. Lyla said it would be a good idea to wait a little bit to see if his curiosity would raise the question; after all, there was plenty of time while he was still in care of the Infirmary.

She took it upon herself to report to her Captain every three days about the progress. Ylva did not mind some of the information being redundant; watching her Daughter's demeanor change, and seeing a new confidence exuding from Sahvina's being made the report time turn into something enjoyable when it became Mother Daughter talks. She asked her Mother when she planned on visiting Keece; Ylva told her that she would when the time was right, but to rest assured her visit would be coming.

A little over two weeks later, Keece laid waiting for her to get under the covers eager to feel her soft and warm body pressed into him as they relaxed to sleep. When they finally settle after their display of kissing and gentle groping affections, he expressed his enthusiasm about returning to their Den.

The look on her face maintained a smile, but in he mind she was cringing. No mater, it was time to tell Keece where he really was.

“We won't be going home, well.. Not anytime soon." Sahvina said as she pulled closer to him. “I was sure Lyla or Otsanda would have told you."

“I don't follow, I mean.. this is the Medical Center right?"

“No my Love, we are in the Infirmary of the LSPV Phalanx."

“I am at a loss with the last part of what you said." Keece stated.

“We are on the Lupakkeritha System Patrol Vessel Phalanx, and have been in orbit of this world for a little over two years." she told him.

“We are on an actual space borne ship?"

“Yes Keece." she said with a smile seeing the bewildered look on his face.

“The world we are above is yours?" he asked.

“No, just like you, we ended up here."

“I see." he said. “Then, where are we?

“In truth, we don't know where we are. None of the star charts we have match the constellations in this location." she told him. “The reality is.. we are here and still doing our best to figure things out."

“That is a bit odd, I mean you flew your ship here and you don't know where you are?"

“Actually, we didn't intentionally travel here." Sahvina explained. “We were on the last leg of the one year three month watch in our home system when a strange anomaly drew us in and pushed us out to where we all are now. It is nothing short of a miracle we found you after your ejection."

“Don't you have a stardrive that gives you the ability to get back home?"

“Stardrive? I am not sure what you mean short of our ship's propulsion system."

“That is what I mean." he said going into a more specific question. “Can your ship travel at the speed of light or faster?"

“No, that is not possible." she said a bit surprised he could think in those terms. “Besides, we would have to know what direction to travel before working out how fast to go."

“I assume that you all have contemplated leaving for home."

“Let us both assume for a moment that we knew the direction our home system from this point we are at now. Let's make this the factual statement of distance being four light years, travel is possible."

“I can already feel a catch coming." Keece said with a grin

“Unfortunately there is one. I don't think we would make it back. Our vessel can only achieve five hundred fifty-thousand miles an hour at maximum velocity if we don't experience celestial disruptions." Sahvina told Keece. “With the established distance of four light years from our home system… It would take us around six hundred and thirty-one years to reach the outer edge of it."

“That is still quite a journey even with as fast as this ship is." he remarked.

“Without knowing what is out there while in transit between here and home poses high risks. Adding any mechanical failures from keeping the propulsion system output as close to maximum, it is unlikely the Phalanx and her crew would make it through the deepest space any of our people have ever travelled."

“Isn't that still a concern with all of us being in orbit of an extended duration that could be just as long?" Keece asked yawning a little.

“Yes, however the ship's main propulsion system is not being taxed, and we make runs to the planet surface for supplies. As long as we stay in orbit and use minimal drive systems; everything should be all right for the next twenty or thirty years before dry dock maintenance would be required."

“Beautiful and smart." Keece sighed playfully.

Sahvina shied a little not being used to that first word he used being synonymous with her being for quite some time.

“Quit teasing."

“I'm not teasing. Smart and beautiful Women turn me on, and If I wasn't so weak right now; I would show you how turned on I am." Keece told her with a very amorous look.

“Now you are teasing!" Sahvina said smiling with her canines playfully exposed.

“I apologize, but it is true. I guess you are going to have to get used to a lot of one on one attention when I am better."

“You know what happens when that becomes abundant?" she asked with a big smile.

“I do know; with that being said.."

“..You want to know why I was pregnant in the simulation." Sahvina said as the smile drained from her face thinking she might have wanted to leave that subject alone.

“I do, but we don't have to talk about it right now." he said as she made a big inhale through her nose.

“Keece, as I coldly stated that night… It was the consensus of the Infirmary Staff that you were most likely going to expire from your injuries. Our relationship grew more than I expected, so I wanted to give you what was to be expected as Mates. I know it was wrong to deceive you in that way, but had you not survived; I felt at least you would have had a Family to be proud of before you passed away."

He looked into her eyes with nothing to say after hearing that.

“Are you angry with me?" she asked.

“No, I just did not understand until now." he said. “And what of you? Had I passed away like you thought, what would you have done?"

“Mourned your loss." she answered with a pained look.

“I don't understand other than it is the honorable thing to do." he said

“You are the only Male that gave me love with no ulterior motives, you genuinely wanted to be Mates, and that is more than any other had given me under the circumstances of real life. The obvious differences between us mean nothing to me; I would mourn you as I would have any one of my people… More, actually."

Keece gently caressed her left cheek; the sensation caused Sahvina to close her eyes for a moment before instigating a kiss. Before he knew it, she nuzzled under his chin; then managed to gently bite his right ear lobe while slowly exhaling.

Feeling Keece shudder from the sensation, Sahvina start reaching under the blankets to get a feel of Keece's erect member.

“Sahvina; we should really wait.. I wouldn't really be able to give back."

She had him. What happen next made Keece grip the sheets for everything he was worth. Once Sahvina knew he was finished, she got up and dug through her bag for two items and went to use the small sink across the room to brush her teeth.

After returning to bed, they kissed for a moment before settling to sleep.

“I eagerly wait for your reply, when the time comes of course." she said as Keece nuzzled her mane.

“Oh, I'll reply… Three, or four times." his muffled and relaxed voice replied.

“Hhhhnmmmm." she replied in a sighing moan. “From what I remember, you are very nimble when you do it; four times though… You're going to spoil me."

“I know, that's how it is supposed to be." he said with a loving muffled sigh.

A couple of days later while Sahvina was on duty, Otsanda decided to make another visit after speaking briefly with Lyla. All that was said was the he might be more open this time around.

“Is it all right if I intrude?" she asked him poking her in to his partition.

“Yeah; that is if you want to." Keece said. “I did not treat you very well last time."

“Faolan, it has been a bit rough for you. I took no offense from last time and I meant what I said about still being your friend." Otsanda said fully entering dressed in a teal and dark grey uniform looking for a stool or chair to sit.

“How are the others doing?"

“Convey, Jett, Peter, and Russell are well and have been contemplating a visit. As for everyone else, it's all clockwork with keeping up on tasks." she said taking a seat in the polished metal chair next to his bed.

“And Ylva?"

“She is very busy and asked me to let you know that she will be visiting with you as soon as she can." Otsanda relayed to Keece. “How are you feeling about everything?"

“I really don't know. It feels strange to have lived two other lives to end up in this one." he was doing his best to explain. “I still feel like I need to get to work and to see all of you there waiting, but I know I would not be in any condition to do so. It is like everything just started from the beginning again."

“I think I understand. In truth, I wish the simulation was the place we were all still in. Constantly being on the ship for a little over three and a half years starts to wear."

“I can imagine that it would. I am curious though as to why you never mentioned our current living arrangement last time you spoke to me?"

“Your situation had become complicated." Otsanda replied. “Lyla thought it might have been too much at the time, and I agreed with her. Had I not, I would have explained it. My question at that moment was, if I had, would it been any better for you?"

“I suppose not." Keece said. “I don't hold it against you Otsanda, I just wanted to know."

“How do you feel about it?"

“I am excited but not sure. Nobody in my world ever achieved what your people have in space exploration. I mean; we had just gotten the fourth orbiting station functional before everything turned for the worst."

“You're playing a joke? Otsanda asked smirking. “You were still playing in orbit like children?"

Keece smiled at her poke as a signal that a new game had begun.

“Well, I guess that is what we get for being more interested in being assholes to ourselves." he said smiling back.

“I suppose so as it seems natural for you." she said thinking she might get him.

“Yes, but you must remember it takes an asshole to know another one. After all, it is the only reason you have not kicked me off your ship."

Otsanda shook her head smiling. Keece could see the shrewdness in her playful glare.

“You said you wished we were all still in the simulated place.. Why?" Keece asked.

“It is one of many beautiful communities on our home world, and it is were we all got to know each other."

“Did everyone live their at some point?" Keece asked. “I mean, Sahvina told me the she and Ylva did before all of this."

“No, the rest of us are from other regions, but we all know each other via our service to this ship." Otsanda said.

“I will miss it and all of its charm." Keece said replaying following Sahvina through the tall grass field for the first time.

“You can visit it again if you like, but I think you should take a look at what is below us. I'm sure you would find the rawness even more beautiful. Well, that is how I feel anyway."

“What is down their?" he asked.

“An unspoiled world. No roads, no buildings, no technology except for what we use to visit, hunt, and forage." she explained. “A far as we can tell, there are no peoples either other than the animal life. At least none that have shown themselves."

Keece nodded digesting what she told him for a few moments.

“We thought you and the other that we found were from here, but with the radiation being a high as it was; we realized that you had both come from somewhere else."

“I think someone had briefly mentioned that there was another, it might have been Sahvina… Anyway, can you tell me anything about this individual?" Keece asked.

“Not at this moment unfortunately. As far as I know the person in question is healing in stasis like you were."

This did not bode well in his mind. If they were healing, this meant they were possibly endowed with the same Nanotech that inhabited his body. If that were true, it meant that one of the other Soldiers from his old team was alive.

Otsanda noticed the look on his face.

“Keece, are you all right?" she asked.

“I don't know… Who would I need to speak to about this person?"

“Any of the medical staff including your Mate."

“I need to see them now." he demanded.

“Why?" she asked.

“It could mean trouble if they are anything like me." he explained. “Anyone left from my old team would be just as dangerous as I am and cannot be allowed to continue breathing."

Right as Otsanda was about to reply, Sahvina walked in with a small roll cart with lunch for both of them.

“Love, I hope you are hungry. Hello Otsanda."

“I should go and get something to eat. I will leave you two to talk." Otsanda said standing up. “Keece, I will discuss what you told me with our Captain, but you and Sahvina should talk about it as well."

“Is there something wrong?" Sahvina asked confused as she set the trays down on a counter top.

“Possibly, but you are the one who can figure that out with your Mate better than I. Keece wants details on the other that came through with him in order to do a threat assessment." Otsanda told her. “I know this is the last thing you expected to walk into, but from what Keece has let on, we might have had a big problem on our hands."

“Good thing they are not going anywhere for a while." Sahvina said in agreement. “It will give us more time to be ready."

Otsanda nodded as she wave before taking her leave letting them have privacy to discuss matters.

“Are you all right?" Sahvina asked him.

“I don't know. It is just that if this other is someone like me, it could pose a very significant problem."

“Keece, they are in stasis right now healing at a much slower rate than you. We can instate a lockdown protocol to keep them submitted if necessary, but on that same notion they would be in the same physical condition you were in when we brought you out."

“I know, but… I suppose you're right." he said feeling uneasy thinking about it. “Has anyone interacted with them like you all did with me?"

“No, not just yet." Sahvina began to explain. “We are now closely monitoring the Male due to his recent awakening and physical condition. He has been dreaming constantly in his sedated state"

“Must be a lot like I did." Keece said doing his best to think about that part of his experience.

“Actually your awakening was quite a bit different, but like you…" she said moving back to the person in question. “We are going to ease him into a simulation."

“I suppose it is a community like the one I was in."

“Not at first now the possibility of this person being of a questionable nature."

“Still, I would like to see this other one for myself as soon as possible."

“I will put that request into my report before I file it later. Right now you need to rest and not worry about this. I know this is not the course of action you want with the way you feel right now." She said with a serious expression and apologetic tone “I'm guessing all of this has negated your appetite?"

“For now." Keece said. " I apologize; I know you went through the trouble to provide our meal."

“My Love, my only worry is that you nourish yourself to become strong again." she said leaning over and kissing him on the forehead.

The way her whiskered kisses felt with velvet texture of her upper lip combined with the more full and moist sensation of the bottom one pressed against him; apprehension seem to dissolve feeling her energy.

Sahvina stood up and took a few steps to retrieve their meals and set them on the adjustable rolling stand before sitting in the metal chair.

As she ate, Sahvina assured him that they would take every precaution with the other Male that came through. This person wasn't going to be out of stasis for at least another seven and a half to eight months. At that time, Keece would be ready to help deal with them if a problem arose.

Lyla had felt the sudden burst of anxiety from Keece a few moments prior and went to check in on him even though she could have just entered his mind to see the issue. With what she and Sahvina has discussed about their people learning a new way and being an example, Lyla decided to use a less intrusive form in personal communication.

'Keece, are you all right?' Lyla asked entering his partition noticing Sahvina taking a bite of her meal looking up at her.

“Yes, I mean I am except for a few things, but nothing of an emergency." Keece replied.

'I apologize, It felt as if something dark had permeated your thoughts.'

“I believe I know what you felt." Sahvina said after swallowing her bite of food. “Keece is concerned about the other that is in hibernation being a negative aspect of his past."

'I see.' Lyla said looking through Keece's mind for his fear.

Letting Keece know she was probing, Lyla saw four others like him. Two that he killed himself, then the others that made a hasty retreat. Then their was one other that had been helping Keece stop the Great Machine.

'Your concern is valid if it is one of the other two who fled, but there is still time to get prepared.' Lyla told him.

“Would you keep me apprised of any changes, please?" Keece asked.

'Of course, if in any case I cannot speak to you directly, I will relay through Sahvina.' she said. 'I will see you both later in my evening rounds.'

Sahvina and Keece both wished her a good afternoon before Lyla took her leave.

As she walked to the Dining hall, Lyla felt a shift in all of their paths again, but there were a few differences in how everything was coming together. She would have to meditate on the subject later, for now, it was about being nourished with a good meal.

With continuous interactions, he and Lyla were getting to know each other better everyday. Keece began to allow her to enter his mind to see everything about the life he was expelled from. Lyla came across a lot of cold and demented things, but oddest part of it was his developing awareness in the earliest memories. She could almost pinpoint the moment Keece became fully aware. It felt like a painful glitch in his head. After that, he defected.

Not all was bleak, it was also the glimmer that became his catalyst for the journey towards salubrious equanimity. There was something else she found that clarified the night she saw the silver being next to Keece. Lyla would keep it all to herself being it would be something he may not be able to come to terms with in this stage of his recovery and life while rebuilding everything that was going to define him as an important part of his new Family. Someday Lyla would tell him the truth hidden by his previous employers, but only when the moment was right.

Not long after her second interaction; Otsanda, Convey, Jett, Peter, and Russell walked to the infirmary to visit with Keece.

“Do you think he is going to receptive to our presence due to the fact we were all part of the simulation?" Jett asked with a tone that said he might be looking for a way out of the visit.

“I know he will be very receptive. After all, he had asked about how all of you are doing." Otsanda replied as she slowed down to walk next to Jett glancing at him.

“I don't know what you are worried about, I for one am eager to see our Faolan." Convey remarked.

“I can't wait to punch him for real." Peter said grinning with Russell nodding in agreement.

“Oh yes, let the posturing begin.." Otsanda muttered shaking her head.

As they rounded the corner to the Partitions laughing, Sahvina, Lyla, and Ahmni with two other Medical Technicians going over a few charts as they all approach.

“Come to visit Keece?" Sahvina asked with a smile.

“Yes, we figure it was about time to see our friend." Russell said returning the smile.

“Do you think he would mind?" Peter asked.

“Not at all, I feel he would enjoy the company while I am on shift." Sahvina said pointing to the partition. “I will see you all later."

All five of them slowly filed in to see their friend laying in his bed with eyes closed.

“Do you think we should let him rest?" Russell asked in a whisper.

Nobody said a word as they watched Keece's eyes open.

“Oh, I must be late for work." he said with a grin.

“Yes you are, now it is time to dig Faolan." Convey said walking toward Keece.

“I already fell through two holes, I don't think it would be wise to dig another."

“Glad to see your sense of humor is still intact." Jett said approaching from Convey's right side with his signature slighted smile and eyes narrowed.

“I thought Ylva would have joined all of you for a visit."

“Something must have come up that required her attention." Otsanda said excusing their Captains absence.

“She must do a lot of important tasks around the ship." Keece said.

“Yes; much like the simulation, Ylva orchestrates a lot of things around here." Peter replied.

“I bet you are eager to move around more." Convey said.

“That I am." Keece said looking at his feet. “I have to get through the first stages of the therapy, after all, I can barely stand up on my own for more than a minute."

“Steady your pace, you will become stronger in time." Jett told him.

Keece smiled as he looked into Jetts eye acknowledging his statement.

“I am curious about the world below us, and would like to visit it."

“Transportation can be arranged when you are up to the task." Convey said. “Hope you don't get sick on the way down, the ride is a bit choppy at times."

“Oh, come on, don't try to scare him out of it!" Otsanda exclaimed in jest. “My bet is he urinates himself on the first drop."

“What do you think Russell?" Peter asked his Brother. “Drops a load in his trousers?"

“Yeah, I am going to have to go with that." Russell said confirming the notion.

“Thank you for the vote of confidence." Keece told them.

“You know he has to go through flight training before he goes on any off ship missions." Jett reminded them.

“Great work, killjoy." Otsanda said as everyone else grumbled at Jett deflating the humorous build up of Keece soiling himself on his first mission.

“What? Faolan found it funny." Jett said watching Keece laugh.

After a moment, he started to pay more attention to the difference in their uniform coloration.

“I have noticed that the Medical Technicians wear the yellow and grey uniforms. What do the other colors stand for?" Keece asked.

“Well, I work in the Horticulture Facility; hence the green." Convey said. “As does my sister Dorris."

“We are part of the Flight Crew making our uniforms Orange." Russell said motioning to Peter.

“Jett and I are part of the Command Staff." Otsanda spoke up. “We wear the teal."

“Then you have the dark blue uniforms for the Engineering and Maintenance teams." Peter explained. “The white ones are for the Flight Deck teams, Security Detail are black with gold shoulder trim, and the tan are for Dining Hall service."

Keece could have asked Sahvina, but he had not seen the other colors short of Otsanda's teal before now. The last color he was informed of was burgundy which was worn by the Captain along with the first and second officers.

As they continued to talk, Keece found out a bit more about Convey's Sister Dorris, and the fact she was two inches taller than her Brother.

“That would make her a very big Female." he said looking up as Convey's full seven feet.

“Yes she is, but very gentle; although Dorris is definitely worth her weight in a fight if pushed."

“That is a fight I don't want to start." Keece said with a light chuckle.

“I don't see it being a problem, we like you." Otsanda said smirking.

“I can only imagine what it would be like if you didn't" he said shaking his head.

“Well.. Imagine walking down the corridors with us and we pick up where we left off in the simulation that night." Peter told him.

“The fucking butte…" Keece chuckled.

“Oh good, you remember." Russel said with a smirk. “And all of that will just be our way of showing you we still like you."

Keece was about to retaliate as the hourly chime came over their watch like wristbands.

After the chime called them to all to attention, apologies were being made as most of them started to leave to be on shift. The twins kept pointing to their boots then back at Keece until Otsanda kicked Russell in the rump as they disappeared around the corner.

After the rest left to resume their duties, Jett was the only one to remain.

“Something on your mind, Jett?" Keece asked him.

“Yes" he replied. “I know that this transition was hard on you going from one reality to another twice. Otsanda had told us of her first visit with you, and your doubt of having friends here. I wanted to apologize for not telling you the truth while you were in the simulation. I feel it could have saved you a lot of the grief you have been feeling."

“It wasn't your fault, with that being said; would it have made anything better?" Keece asked. “Sahvina was the other part of this as well, and that is the part that hurt me the most."

“I know. Lyla mentioned her denial of being Mates with you causing to react the way you did." Jett said. “Still, I wanted you to know what I felt about what happen, and I am your friend."

Keece smiled and nodded. This was the most he had ever heard Jett speak in one sitting. After a few more minutes, Jett excused himself to begin his shift duties and left the partition.

From that point forward, all of them made frequent visits to the Infirmary to keep Keece in their company. Curiously enough, Ylva kept her distance.

A couple of months later, Keece was released from the infirmary as his attending Medical Technicians had become satisfied the destructive behavior he had displayed was completely subsided along with his eagerly met participation in physical therapy. Keeces appetite also increased as his body was demanding more nourishment from the activities. His communication with he other Medical Technicians increased to a very personable level telling them the depressive state had subsided a long with his strength returning. Lyla had been asked to confirm the consensus of the rest of the Technicians before Ylva was satisfied with allowing him to be released.

Sahvina was glad she had left it to her staff to judge when he was ready to leave the Infirmary due to the lapse in her acumen. If she had it her way, Keece would have been out much sooner.

When she entered the patrician, Keece saw her dressed more like he remembered save for the polished deck boots. Sahvina was dressed in a silk purple button up dress shirt and a long black pleated skirt that appeared to be made of a heavy cotton.

“Ready to come home?" she asked Keece noticing his eyes were absorbed in her appearance. “Is there something wrong?"

“Uh.. No, I mean nothing's wrong. I just did not expect to see you like this." he said still looking her over.

“Well, we can continue this in private; that is if you don't mind?" Sahvina suggested starting to feel awkward.

“Alright, let's go home." Keece said waiting for her to help him down from the bed.

As she pushed him in the borrowed wheel chair to her Quarters; he saw part of the interior architecture of their vessel's uniquely shaped corridors. The walls were smooth and off white except where there were interface panels. The ceiling was concave like the inside of a half circle. The smooth interior was interrupted every twenty-eight feet by the frame structure which had an organic quality to their shape. The deck plates were same marble grey as the Infirmary floors, and had countersunk release levers in each to access the mechanisms below for service.

Keece found it strange how the lighting was even throughout the corridors like part of the upper walls and ceiling were illuminated; the light was just enough to see clearly without being overwhelming creating a comfortable ambience. The doors that lined the Crew Quarters section opened by moving back four inches before swinging right to the inside of the rooms and had a small access panel to type in a six digit code to enter. Even with as advanced as everything was on the ship, people still knocked.

Some of the crew greeted them as they passed by the couple making their way through. Keece watched as some of the grey and dark blue uniformed crew members had vacuum attachments ported into inlet plugs behind sub panels cleaning the decks and walls alike. As pelted people, there was a lot of dander and shed to get after in order to maintain an environment free of mold and other allergens that would accumulate otherwise. It also made it less taxing on the atmospheric filtering systems.

Sahvina entered the cade on the panel next to their Quarters door. Keece watched the door run its cycle before allowing entrance.

“That is a very interesting in how the it opens. I thought it would slide left or right." Keece remarked.

“It is designed to handle sudden decompression. If it moved any other way, it could possibly jam from the force. These are made to slam shut and seal quickly." Sahvina explained. We do have entrances that slide, but they are much larger with motor systems that can drive them shut under the worst of conditions."

As they entered the living space which was now home for both of them, he observed it was much smaller than the home she had presented in the simulated world. It reminded him of a studio apartment. The small kitchen and living room shared the same space with enough room for a two and a half foot square dining table and a couple of chairs in the left corner on the same wall as the entrance. Sitting with the back to the kitchen was a black Bridgewater style leather sofa with a dark red stained wood coffee table placed in front of it. There was a four foot tall dividing wall opposite of the entrance wall for the sleep area that was actually a bureau on the bedroom side with shelves filled with books on the day room side. The bed was a bit larger than a queen and sat two and a half feet off the floor, which was the same deck material as the corridors. Sahvina had gotten big thick rugs for her place that added her own personal flair. The door to the bathroom was next to the entrance to the bed area; there was just enough room for the unusually large, deep tub with a hand held shower head, toilet, cabinets, and sink.

Deciding she wanted to prepare a meal for them to welcome Keece to his new home. Sahvina left for a moment to gather a few things from the Dining Hall's kitchen as he sat on the couch recounting his memories up to this point realizing that the world he left, the world he experienced in the simulation, and now this world aboard an actual space fairing ship that orbited the planet they found him on was extraordinary like some of the Pulp Science Fiction stories he had read from old dirty water stained novels that housed multiple tales from different authors.

Sharing this experience with his Comrade would have been great; after all the adversity they went through to have him end up here. Keece felt that Mikelys deserved to be here more than himself, but dwelling on it would not make things better. It was time to pick up and continue serving a purpose for this community as he had before in the virtual sense.

Keece heard the locking mechanism release; he turned his head to the left to see Sahvina returning with an arm full of items to be prepared .

“Would you like me me to help?" Keece asked standing up with the assistance of the back of the couch.

“I appreciate your willingness, but, please rest. I will have our meal ready in a bit. Would you like to listen to some music?" she asked thinking of the moment she heard melodies from his world.

Keece nodded as he sat back down. She walked towards the dividing wall on the shelf side and touched a five by nine inch display panel seven inches above the divider's twenty-four inch wide top. Sahvina scrolled through a few selections; then put an album that was a melody with flute sounding instruments backed with something with strings being played with a bow like a cello, but being picked as guitar at the same time.

She asked him if was enjoying the music while cooking; this opened up a conversation about the music she heard the night some of Keece's personal items were returned. Sahvina like the music so much that she had backtracked the record logs and recored the songs to re-playable tracks in the ship's database. Being curious as to why only five songs played, Keece explained that his personal player ran out of battery life and needed to be recharged. Sahvina seemed a bit disappointed due to her eagerness to hear more. He laughingly apologized and said he would find a way to recharge the player if the other portion of his gear was intact.

The meal she made was much like the first they shared in the simulated world when he was in the Infirmary. Simple and filling; Keece even had room to enjoy the slice of pecan pie provided by the Dining Hall Staff.

After they ate, Sahvina cleaned the small kitchen as Keece rested for the time being, he was still feeling unstable from being immobile for so long and was provided a couple of canes to move around the short distances in their Quarters.

After she finished, Sahvina sat next to her Mate; then took her time removing her boots before deciding to sprawl out resting her head on his lap as music continued to fill the room.

Keece rubbed her pleasantly filled out navel through the purple button up shirt she wore. Sahvina responded by using both her hands to cup his. She smiled at him; then brought her right hand up and place it on his left cheek.

“What are you thinking about?" Sahvina asked him.

“Too many things I suppose." he said. “What are you thinking about?"

“Well, it goes back to a conversation we had, and I have to satisfy my curiosity. I was just thinking about whether or not you wanted to have children. I mean, I know that you wanted them, but in light of the situation; perhaps you might have changed your mind?" Sahvina said feeling silly and still ashamed.

Keece ran his hand under her shirt and rubbed her soft belly. He could feel some inconsistencies in her pelt. She had been wearing undershirts while they slept making these scars he had not seen yet.

Her expression changed. The reoccurring feeling of inadequacy filled her because of the deception she had represented herself with in the simulated world.

Sahvina's old injuries did not make him feel any different towards her.

Keece could see the apprehensive look on her face as he continued to curiously explore her scarred belly tracing each one he found with his index finger feeling the texture.

“You look a bit uncomfortable."

“It's nothing, really." she replied.

“It seems to me 'nothing' is something."

“Sorry, it is that I can feel you touching my imperfections. I feel, well… Kind of disgusting." she said sitting up. “I'm uh… Sorry, I.. I'll stop that notion.."

He rubbed her back assuringly hoping to give more credence to Sahvina's transition away from loathing her appearance.

“Does it really matter that much to you? I do not mean to be insensitive, but I really do not see a problem."

Sahvina unbuttoned and removed her purple dress shirt. She turned around to face Keece pulling her black under shirt off. Sahvina displayed her damaged body. He could see scarred flesh; the discolored slash marks and burns where her pelt wouldn't grow back on her navel, left side and upper arm; then right shoulder. She then removed her black bra and showed him the scarring on the more intimate part of her female anatomy.

“Sorry, they are not as firm as they used to be." she said referring to her slightly sagging breasts.

It looked like burns from shrapnel in three places on the side, then the thick scar from something that slice her areola just below the nipple.

Keece looked into her eyes as he cupped her cheeks with both hands and kissed her.

“You are still my beautiful Mate." Keece told her when their lips separated. “Don't ever think or feel that you are not."

Sahvina melted into his arms. He laid back with her and she laid her head on his chest.

She dug into the couch to wrap her arms around Keece. In return, he began to stroke her back.

“Do you want to have children?" Keece asked her.

"I would like to before I get too old." she said.

“You are not that old."

“I'm thirty-four." she told him. “You do not mind being with an older Female I hope?"

“I am eight years older than you, notice the grey hair?"

Sahvina had not really taken in account that his silvering hair was a sign of age. Silver grey was an average color for a lot of her people. Still, Keece really did not show his age for what it was. He was the first of his people they had spent any real time with, so gauging his age was difficult short of tests, but even then it proved inaccurate without divulging.

“Of course, I like it." she said tightening her hold on him briefly.

Keece continued to run his fingers up and down her back feeling a few of the exit wound scars. Her tail curled as she giggled a bit.

“Something funny?" he asked.

“Your touch made me shiver."

“Do you want me to stop?"

"Please no, I'm enjoying your affection greatly." she said.

Keece kissed the top of her raven haired head feeling the inside edges those thick ears on his face before they folded down. Sahvina smiled and stretched out a little and pulled her arms from under Keece. Propping herself over him, she smiled and kissed him.

“I have and idea; let us retire early so we can relax to the less restrictive area of our bed" Sahvina suggested .

“Actually, that sounds really good."

Sahvina got up and walked into the kitchen to get a drink of water. Keece sat up and slowly stood. He was still a bit unstable getting out of the sitting position. Once Keece got to stepping, he was all right. Using the coffee table to support his weight, Keece bent down and picked up Sahvina's shirts and bra.

“Do you want a drink of water?" she asked him.

“Sure."

He wobble over without the canes and accepted the cup from her leaning against the counter. Sahvina offered to take her clothes before he drank. As he sipped the water, she went to the bed area. Sahvina shed the rest of her garment and change into a white thin strapped slip that was a good four inches above her knees.

Keece was getting an eye full of his Mate as he watched her smooth the slip on her sides, adjusting the cut in back for her tail, and then her belly. She noticed Keece gazing in her direction.

“What?"

“Admiring the view, that's all." he said smiling.

Sahvina narrowed her eyes and gave him the canine toothed smile that he had seen before; the one that said she was feeling frisky.

Setting the cup down on the counter after finishing the last sip of water, Keece carefully navigated his way to the bed feeling his stability was about to expire. Sahvina went to the panel above the divider's top turning off the audio before turning to the bed and pulling the covers back; then stood up straight as he approached her.

She motioned to him to get in first. Keece got in and moved over as she followed and pulled the covers over them.

Looking into each other's eyes, Keece coaxed a long and very passionate kiss. The arousal between them gave into a strong surge of desire. What happen next had Sahvina gripping the sheets moaning as Keece fulfilled his promise from the night his beautiful Mate took him by surprise. Four times; then after they laid together giggling while Sahvina shivered in her afterglow. After thirty or so minutes, she got on top of Keece and dominated him. Making Love for the first time all over again was a strange and wonderful thing.

Little over an hour later, Keece was exhausted and relaxed as Sahvina rested her head on his chest with her right arm draped over his left side as she nuzzled his neck softly with a slight nibble. After her display of contentment and affection, Sahvina listen to the steady beat of his heart as Keece stroked her back gently. He could feel her breathing become slower and deeper as she started to drift off, he was not too far behind. Both warm and content.

The next morning after bathing together, Keece kindly demanded that he see the other that crossed with him. He was still feeling anxiety of that individual being a dangerous undesirable. She understood why, the memories of their shared dreams in the simulated world still ran thick in her mind. The Lupakkeritha were more than capable of handling a foreign insurgent, but she knew it was more about her Mate dealing with his loose end; to finally close that chapter of his life for good.

Sahvina pushed him down the corridors of their ship to a part he had been before, but had no memory of. The protected archway of the Simulation Facility looked different from the other doorways Keece had seen. It was designed to protect whoever was behind it.

“How many entrances are like this one?" Keece asked.

“The bridge, and the other emergency bulkhead doors." Sahvina explained. "When people are in here, there is a high vulnerability because of the time it takes to come out of the simulation."

“It did not seem to take long from what I remember."

“Forty-five minutes." she told him. “More than enough time for someone or thing to cause trouble."

Keece watched her input a six digit numeration before the door's interlocks could be heard releasing. A few seconds later the door rose upward to allow them in. Keece saw a very large, round room with fifty-five inch diameter hatches four high separated by twenty inches of space in height and width. In total, there were one hundred and twenty Simulation Containers.

Sahvina continued to push him towards a pillar like structure that was the Central Control Hub.

“Welcome First Medical Technician Karver" and omni-directional Female voice spoke.

“Hello ASRIEL(Autonomous Simulated Reality Interface Environment control and Life-support). What is the status of the remaining subject in stasis?"

“Subject remains immersed in a dream state. Continuing to recover physically."

“What is the estimated time before release from simulation?" Sahvina asked.

“Six months two days six hours thirty-seven minutes." the Omnidirectional voice replied. “Are we returning the Male with you into the simulation?"

“No, that won't be necessary." Sahvina said seeing the look on Keece's face. “May we see the physical visualization of the Male in stasis."

“Initiating request now." ASRIEL told them.

Keece's apprehension was noticeable, she could feel he was expecting the worst possible outcome with the look in his eyes.

The image filled the screen. A Male with shaggy brown hair and a familiar bearded face appeared.

“You have got to be fucking kidding me…" Keece said as tears started to roll down his face.

“What's wrong? Is that one of the two you were warning us about?" Sahvina asked seeing her Mate doing his best to control his emotions.

“No, it's him.. Snnnttt.. It's Mikelys; he made it! My friend is here.."

Sahvina had never seen him like this and was almost frighten. She consoled Keece as best she could to end up realizing that he was crying in joy that he wasn't the only one who made it.

“Are you going to be all right?"

“Yeah; it's just.. He is going to make it isn't he?" Keece asked feeling a bit off from the emotional rush.

“Yes, thanks to you." she replied smiling.

“What did I do?" Keece asked unsure of where her statement was going.

“The technology in your blood; we were able to use it to infuse your friend with in hope it would help him." Sahvina explained. “We did not know if it was going to work, but under the circumstances it couldn't make things to administer the possible solution."

Keece nodded in agreement.

Sahvina noticed he looking more fatigued than usual using the sleeve of her uniform to help dry his face.

“Love, let's get something to eat; after that you should rest for a few hours."

“I'm all right." he said.

“I know, but all this excitement, and after our activities last night; I feel you should take it easy." Sahvina said pushing his wheel chair towards the exit. “Both of us need to have breakfast anyway."

Keece looked around seeing familiar corridor structures until they reached the stern access of the Dinning Hall. He saw the double door compartment entrance that gave an obscured sight into where he and Sahvina were going to get their meal.

As they approached the sixteen feet wide, ten foot tall barrier that was framed with identical material that composed the support structure of the corridors, Keece did his best to look further into the Dinning Hall through the thick transparent glass like material. His curiosity grew wondering why they need to traverse the compartmental space to eat breakfast.

“Is the elaborate entrance really necessary?" he asked as Sahvina swiped the enter icon on the panel.

“Very much so; the atmosphere on the other side has a higher humidity content." she explained as an eight foot section of the barrier slid to the left.

“The rest of the ship is not designed to handle the moisture that is contained here short of the bathroom of our Quarter's ventilation system; that, and the fact this room we are in also keeps us from tracking soil and plant matter into the corridors as we leave."

“A very intricate scheme just to be able to eat." Keece said.

Sahvina chuckled softly as they both waited for the air cycle to transition. He was still getting an eye full of the Dinning Hall as it started to remind him of the atrium attached to the Medical Facility in the simulated world that led into the forested park. Looking down and to the sides, Keece noticed a row of boot brushes fixed to the floor on either side sixteen inches from the wall. They did not look much different from the ones that used to be outside prestigious buildings in his world.

“So all you do is scrub your boots off with those and you are good to proceed?"

“They have fluid jets and negative atmosphere dryers built in too them, but you get the principal." Sahvina replied as the inside door slid open allowing them in.

Keece could feel the change in humidity and warmth as they crossed the threshold into the massive Dining Hall. The sounds of people talking filled the space, but not with the echoing din one might expect. It sounded as if they all were outside save for the wall the food service line was in. The fifteen larger trees towered above them filtering the artificial sun light like standing in a real forest. There were a select number of smaller, thinner trees placed about with the addition of foliage growing in spots to give a more natural placement.

Besides the scent food being cooked, he could smell the fresh air and even felt a light breeze pushing through.

Sahvina continued to push him along a stone paved path that connected with other like narrow roads to all of the tables away from their approach to the line of shipmates waiting to get their meals.

“How big is this place?"

“One hundred seven thousand six hundred thirty-nine square feet by two hundred feet in height." Sahvina replied.

“It is intriguing that you have such a large space to eat in."

“It isn't just for that; people come here to get away from the more sterile environment we work and live in." she explained. “This is a little piece of home we can take with us while we are on our system patrol duties."

“I see. I take it that your people don't like being away from home for too long, and this is a way to pacify the desire." Keece said.

“Yes, very much so. Perhaps one of these evenings we can come here when it is precipitating and take a walk in the warm rain?"

“It rains in here?" he asked with a mild expression of surprise.

“Yes, and even the moons comes out at night." she said smiling as the advanced the service line to collect their meal.

Keece really did not pay attention to the choices of things to eat as his eyes were more focused on the Dining Hall's content of grassy mounds and the lamp posts that intermittently lined the stone path ways between the tables. Some of the crew like being in the open, whereas some like being under the canopy of the maple, birch, and cedar trees. He even saw a group intentionally move tables and chairs to a spot of their choice. They grouped up as comrades to share in eating and conversation either at the end of their shift or just before the beginning.

The service line had the look of bright stainless steel and seem an out of place interruption to the more natural backdrop pinched in-between what looked like a rolling hill with terraced spots, and stone steps leading to them where other chose to dine or gather to relax. The opposite wall was covered with vine like plant life and green mosses of varying hues.

It felt like this was possibly the most precious place in all the ship to the crew besides the obvious technological necessities, but the harmony felt here was very rich like that of the simulated world.

As the line moved along, Keece saw in the left hand corner on the bow end a well crafted waterfall that ran down from seventy-eight feet. Instead of a torrent flow downward, the water gently cascaded over the uneven rock surfaces to a rippling pool bordered by a four foot high curved stone wall creating a forty foot diameter pool.

“Other than a pleasant sight, what does the waterfall do for the Dining Hall?"

“Here, hold these please." Sahvina said ending Keece the two trays before thanking the service line Staff. “It is another way to create oxygen through slow evaporation. The pool is actually heated."

“I would have never given that thought." Keece said as she pushed him along another stone path towards the stern doorway. “Does it really help that much?"

“On a small scale. This place and the Horticulture Facility are the primary sources for oxygen production. All of the carbon dioxide the crew exhales on a daily basis is sent through the scrubber system, then the byproduct is filtered through here and the Horticulture Facility in cycles." she explained as they both waited for the door to cycle with others in the airlock waiting to come in. “You will find that at certain times during the day and night, both places seal for a few hours as the accumulated carbon dioxide is released for the plants and trees to be fed. Then after the cycle is complete, the oxygen is slowly released to the rest of the ship to an equalized state to match our world's atmosphere."

As the door slide open, they were greeted by the passing people going in to the Dining Hall. They both returned the salutations while waiting for the inner door to seal and begin the humidity reduction cycle.

“So, in the process of the exchange to equalize the breathable content; wouldn't it cause an issue in the sense of there being a lack of oxygen?" Keece asked.

“No." she replied cleaning the bottoms of her boots. “The Horticulture Facility is on a different time table from the Dining Hall. Then there is an oxygen storage system that is on standby to take up any slack in the dispersion network."

I see. Well, it seems everything has been taken in account. What would happen if both systems failed?"

“You know… I really enjoy your curiosity of these things, and I am starting to realize that a smart Male like you is arousing." Sahvina said teasingly as she put her hands on his shoulders seeing a sheepish smile in his barely visible reflection as they waited for the cycle to complete. “We have a countermeasure for emergencies; if it all started to fail, and becomes life threatening, a redundant system will produce breathable atmosphere chemically. The only draw back is the system will only provide enough for the entire crew to last four days."

“I would say it is a good thing there is a world below us to escape to; being four days is a pretty short time." he commented.

“It is long enough to repair the systems and send a distress call, but you are correct in us having another means of escape if it becomes necessary."

Right as Sahvina finished, the cycle indicator pinged and the outer door slid opened.

They made their way back to the solitude of their Quarters to share breakfast before she had to go on shift in the Infirmary. They ate quietly occasionally eyeing each other. Sahvina made the mistake of looking up at Keece and seeing he was smiling big with a mouth full of chewed food stuck to his teeth.

“That is horrible!" she exclaimed before giggling a bit before taking a sip of her tea. “What if I did that to you?"

“I would give you a big, messy kiss." he said grinning.

“You would do no such thing!" Sahvina said as Keece rinsed his mouth and swallowed the rest of his stuck food.

“Try me."

“Oh off with you, you dirty male." she said smiling as the thought crossed her mind he was not above eating out of trash receptacles.

When the meal was finished, they gave each other parting affections before Sahvina left for the day.

“Please rest." she said after Keece offered to take their utensils and trays back.

“I will, but I would like to be useful to some degree." Keece told her.

“I know, and I worry a bit about you when I am away."

“It was easier to have me in the Infirmary."

“Even with as horrible as it sounds, yes, yes it was, but this is much better for us. Take care when you run everything back to the Dining Hall, I have to go." Sahvina said leaning down and kissing his forehead.

Keece watched her depart before he rounded up everything to go back. It was time to venture around and see a bit more of the Phalanx.

They began falling into a routine close to what they had first developed during their time together as friends, Sahvina would go on shift in the Infirmary while Keece would do physical therapy much like in the simulated world before being released to work. The biggest difference other than being on a ship was that they weren't just friends like before, they were Mates both eager to be with each other. Sahvina kept her apprehension to herself with how he treated her knowing he saw the Female she did her best to hide; the one she loathed in the mirror. All was relieved when she came home and saw his smile; then delved into Keece's tactile nature when they embraced, while sitting with each other. Nothing stunted his drive to touch Sahvina, feel her, or give his affections to the scarred Lupakkerthain Female.

After Keeces first ten days of limited freedom on the vessel, Ylva paid a visit to him.

Hearing a knock at the door of Sahvinas Quarters. Keece grabbed his canes and moved awkwardly to opened it. He saw a familiar face not dressed in familiar clothes.

“Ylva?" he said with a slightly confused look.

“That's right. You seem a little surprised even though it is me."

“Sorry it is just that… The other place is still very fervent in my mind."

“Well mister, I am the Captain of this ship, and crew."

Keece suddenly stood at attention straining to hold composure with eyes forward waiting for her orders.

“Relax Faolan, this is informal." she told him smiling.

Keece apprehensively relaxed and showed her in. They both took a seat at the dining table and looked at each other for a moment before any spoke.

“Have I done anything wrong to have warranted your call, Ma'am?"

“No… Nothing wrong." she said with an affirming smile he recognized. "I wanted to know if you are adjusting well. I am concerned with what had taken place while you were in the simulation. I am not sure that you fully understand the severity of what happen, with the fact some of your interactions with the others had been programmed when they were not interfaced with you."

“Sahvina did explain that she intentionally set conditions, and parameters while you were not there; then after a while she augmented the program further to increase the likelihood of our relationship after becoming in love."

“Correct. How do you feel about this transgression?"

“At first, I was obviously angry, and hurt due to the fact she wouldn't interact with me after being pulled out from the other world. We have been talking about it getting things sorted out. With that, I now understand why even though it caused a lot of trouble between us… and the Medical Facility Staff. I am working on adjusting considering the circumstances with being glad I still have her in my life. I surmise that my retaliatory action had been brought to your attention, in which, it could be one of the more pressing reason you are here." Keece told her.

“Only one small part of a few items. However, my concern is to you continuing your courtship."

“This isn't going to be a 'No Interspecies Mating' talk, is it?" he asked.

“Oh, I see. You obviously had a few of these before." she started to say sternly. “So, I am going to let you know this in absolution; I do not give two shits about you both having your way with each other." she stated making a playful poke with subterfuge grasping for his reaction.

“Uh, well.. That is good to know." he said not sure if Ylva was being serious for a moment.

“Please explain why you chose to continue your engagement with Sahvina." She asked pulling her composure back to a calm and professional manner.

“I love her." he replied.

“Yes, that is true. However, why do you choose to stay with Sahvina after what she did?"

He thought for a moment.

“Sahvina is the first and only Woman I have ever given my heart to. I didn't know what to expect with someone so different from myself. How I got her to fall in love with me will be a mystery, especially with what she knows about my past dealings." Keece told Ylva. “With that being said, it may be the worst thing she has done in her life, and career; still, in comparison to atrocities I have committed, I can live with that so as long as she never deceives me again. In reality.. This reality; I have no place to judge, and I know she really loves me."

“How do you know?" Ylva asked.

Keece tilted his head for a moment looking at Ylva, his employer, their Captain with a look of 'Really?'.

He played the poke back with that wild eyed challenge.

“No one would have done something this insanely foolish otherwise. Besides, Sahvina and I have an unexplainable connection. She has been in my head, and seen things no one here has experienced besides MAK."

“Are you referring to the dream sharing you did with her while you were in stasis?"

“Yes." he answered.

“You understand the neural network you were connected to would bridge even your dreams as long as Sahvina stayed connected while you both slept." Ylva told him. “I don't say this to undermine Sahvina knowing you better than anyone, but the truth of that connection must be realized and not left to fantasy."

“I understand completely ma'am. Still, she has experienced some very dark things from my past, and is somehow willing to accept me as hers." Keece told her. “Besides, I am starting to think Lyla favors me a bit even though she has been in my head as well."

Ylva wasn't a bit a surprised with what he had stated. Just like the simulated world, Keece had something about him that created a bond that had a good foundation of strength and trust with everyone that was around him regularly in daily interactions. Lylas reports pertaining to probing his mind made for interesting, and at times, unnerving reading. The ships resident telepaths objective opinion through all of them told Ylva Keece was still on the level.

“Please understand, the mental health of my crew and passengers is my responsibility. You are correct in your belief with Sahvina's foolishness being the result of her love for you." Ylva said. “I need to know for myself that you two staying together as Mates is not going to continue harmful behaviors between you both."

Keece concurred with her statement. He assured Ylva that he and Sahvina were building their life together again. She expressed to Keece that she was happy for them staying together. Ylva opened up to him about Sahvina being her Daughter. Adopted to be precise. Sahvina was very young when she took her in.

"Daughter? Now I get why you are scrutinizing this affair." Keece said smiling a little.

“It is not the only reason why I am here Faolan. After the accident that left Sahvina disfigured, she had not had any luck finding a serious Mate." Ylva told him. “It is our own peoples fault for the idea of aesthetic perfection being the foundation of sexual attraction, then making the heart and mind a secondary priority. Most of the Males on this ship are already mated, and those who are not; only want the younger, svelte, or ampule breasted Females, but it still revolves around aesthetics. Some of them; Males and Females alike do not seem not interested in the opposite sex pursuing other affairs. I feel bad for my brilliant Daughter, it is unfortunate she has been passed up because of something that wasn't her fault. I always thought that her valor in the line of duty would be enough to have a potential Mate overlook her imperfections."

“Their loss, not mine. I don't care if you or anyone else thinks she is unattractive." Keece said emphasizing a bit of irritaion. "Sahvina is still very beautiful. She could have been her true self in the simulated world and it would have made no difference to me."

Ylva smiled hearing the controlled fierceness in his voice on her Daughter's behalf.

After that statement, he flipped the idea that, perhaps; they were really meant for each other. After all, in his world, there were some theorize that the energy of the soul can transcend boundaries to find its other half. It was very interesting to Ylva that Keece had spoken of a very special aspect of spirituality. Stragglers had never been known to speak of such things, they mostly yammered on in confusion, and fear before fading away.

Every time Ylva had genuine interactions with him, it was becoming more apparent that Keece was very different outside the obviousness of his appearance. Already knowing his past, it was becoming clearer that he no longer sought the darkness he waded through for a very long time. He wanted the warmth of the light, and that particular radiance was Sahvina. Ylva was happy with the first part of their conversation, and asked of their desire for having children.

Keece had a sad look come across his face for a couple of seconds while something replayed in his mind.

“Halya.. Kismet.." he said in an almost whisper thinking of his twins.

“Your Daughter's names" Yalva said. “My Granddaughters names…"

“You knew?" Keece asked in an unsure tone.

“Yes, I pretty much scolded Sahvina for portraying the pseudo pregnancy." she answered. “Please, don't feel this is out of disgust for hybrid children. When I heard about it and realized Sahvina's desire for bringing life to our Family, I to wanted it to be a reality. To see those little Females and hold them. Someday perhaps? That is of course the desire has not left you to have children."

“No, I have the desire for them to be. In time it may become reality, and when it becomes that, we can wait in anticipation together."

“Good, I feel you will make a fine Father for the additions to our Family." she said. “Until then, I hope you and Sahvina are making extraordinary efforts to conceive."

Keece was a bit put off by Ylva's statement, then he saw the wink.

“I will redouble my efforts to make babies with my Wife." he said with a slight chuckle.

Ylva shook her head smirking as it felt like the familiar exchange she had gotten used to in the pseudo reality.

“There is another matter to discuss, it is about the one who came through with you."

“Yes, my friend Mikelys." Keece answered bringing his demeanor back to a respectful decorum.

“Is there anything we should know about him?" Ylva asked. “I ask because of your history together, and I know you won't lie."

“The Man is a Saint in comparison to me… Had we not met, had he not help me find a new direction; I think I would be lost in the void that I had immersed myself in as a mercenary." Keece told her.

“He is the one that was there to help when you did your best to stop that machine?" she asked. “And this term “Saint" you use on his behalf?"

“Yes, he was the one with me when it ended." Keece told her. “As for the term, it is used for a person who serves a purpose for good, remains virtuous against temptation of nefarious influences."

"I see, but, are you not the same since you took the mantle with him?"

“Hardly, I mean that I have quite a a lot of work ahead of me before I ever accept such a term being use in the same sentence with my name; after all, I took monetary compensation for the harm I caused."

She smiled shaking her head thinking of Keece and his rectitude with himself.

“Will he be able to adapt as you did?" Ylva asked.

“Time will tell, but I feel that he will without any trouble. Mikelys has a sense of balance and peace about him."

Ylva nodded and smiled, she knew that Keece would help him understand that everything was different now and no harm would come to him.

“Now that we have settled that, I wonder Faolan; would you like to join my crew?"

“What would you have me do as a member?" he asked.

“I could use another in the kitchen."

“Well, Sahvina did teach me to prepare the more common meals in the simulated world. I would like to learn more." he said.

Ylva laughed for a moment, then realized he was serious.

“You would work in the ship's Dining Hall if I asked you to?"

“Absolutely, and anything else you would need me to do" Keece replied. “I would love to surprise Sahvina with a fine meal some day."

“Interesting, that fits into the profile of how we are with things here."

“How do you mean?" he asked.

“Every one share duties. Cleaning, maintenance, meals, training, off ship supply gathering, and in any case; combat." Ylva explained.

“Dining hall and…?"

“And I would like you to train with the crew." she answered.

“For what purpose?"

“For the purpose of having your combat experience put to good use. I am also sure you will learn quite a bit from us as well." she said.

“Please understand my next question is not to be an insult. Do you go looking for trouble? I mean, are you involved in underhanded dealings that require a combat team?" he asked.

“No Faolan, but at times we are called upon to defend ourselves. Phalanx is a patrol vessel, and we are a military of sorts, but not in a primary fashion. We also do exploration and scientific research.“

“Fair enough, but I need to know that if I agreed to serve this crew.. It would not be like the people I served before." he said.

“It is completely understandable, I would not have you commit atrocities under the service of this ship or its crew unless we were forced. But, even then it would have to be a dire situation that would make the entire ships crew accountable. You won't be alone, everyone would have blood on their hands as well." Ylva told him.

After saying that, she explained his capacity for the service of the ship.

Since he did not seem to mind working in the Dining Hall, his first job would be to cook and clean with the rest of the staff that ran the kitchen and dining facility. His training would be two hours a day, and he would be part of the security detail when they went off ship to gather supplies.

“All right, but before I commit to the military part of your request, I would like to discuss it with Sahvina." Keece said firmly.

“I agree. Please take your time with this. I will wait for your decision." she said standing up to take leave and continue with her duties. Ylva and Keece gave parting bids to each other into the noon hour as she took leave.

An hour later while he was getting into the first chapter in one of Sahvina's books; there was another knock at the door. Keece grabbed one of his canes and slowly made his way to answer thinking Ylva might have returned to talk more.

To his surprise, Otsanda was on the other side with a big smile and a familiar bottle.

“So, I thought I would come by and visit. That is if you do not mind?"

“No, not at all." Keece said motioning for her to enter. “I thought Ylva came back by to continue our conversation about my adding services to the Dining Hall."

“I see." Otsanda asked as she walked past Keece and set the bottle down on the dining table. “Did her visit with you go well?"

“It was a bit of a shock to find out she is the Captain of the ship, but I am not all that surprised because of the experience in the simulation; being that Ylva was our Coordinator."

“Our Coordinator and Captain is still the same Female in both worlds." she said looking at the cupboards. “Do you have a couple of tumblers?"

“Yes, let me.."

“It's all right, let me get them." Otsanda said walking to the cupboards. “I feel funny for saying this, but you should really sit, and relax due to the fact you were always in motion when we worked together in the simulation."

Keece nodded and made his way to the dining table to occupy one of the two available chairs.

“Because in reality I wasn't really moving?" he asked rhetorically.

Otsanda snickered while shaking her head looking in the through the cupboards

“After I am well enough to contribute, it will be as you remember." Keece told her.

“I can see it now. More stupid games with the Twins." Otsanda said as she found the tumblers; then walked over to join him at the table.

“This should bring back good memories." she said pouring the first round. “Bottoms up Faolan."

They downed their shots together. Keece had a slightly contorted look on his face from the burn of the liquor.

“I don't remember it being so strong." he remarked running his left forearm across his mouth feeling the burning exhale through his nostrils.

“There are certain things that are buffered a bit when you are in the simulated world. Rest assured that the effects are the same… Might kick a bit harder, so slow the pace."

“I see.. I am willing to bet that pace isn't your chosen discretion." Keece said grinning.

“I am hurt with that statement." she said grinning back pouring the second round. “You must take me for a lush, or is it that you think I am going to take advantage of you being drunk?"

“No, not a lush, but I also don't think you will take advantage of me; after all you had your chance, but told me of a different persuasion in the desire for a Mate."

“Such acerbic words; what if I changed my mind?" she grinning

“Now I know you are jesting due to the fact that my heart is for Sahvina."

“I know that to be; that is why I deride you a bit due to how you poked at me that day.. Bottoms up you miserable Male!" Otsanda said downing her drink.

“To think of what could have been." Keece said poking back again before finishing his drink.

As soon as his tumbler was on the table, she poured round three.

“Tell me if you will; what did you and our Captain discuss?"

“Well, she was concerned about what had happen between Sahvina and I." Keece told her.

“We all were." Otsanda said. “I mean, it was none of our business, but with how you started to distance yourself from everything. Keece, it raised a lot of concern."

He nodded with humility as they took their drinks down.

“I know, and I offer no justification other than what Lyla told me; which is the truth of the matter in my being… I have dealt with pain in the physical sense for a good portion of my life which is easy to get over, but nothing on a heavy emotional attachment like this." he explained as she poured round four. “I never knew what it was like to be in love until Sahvina and I connected the way we did."

“Lyla had explained that to me when I spoke with her after my first visit with you." Otsanda said. “I don't mean to pry, but how are the emotions between you and Sahvina now?"

Keece downed his drink and gave a few seconds of thought. She quickly followed suit.

“Everything is better, we are building our routine again close to what it was before, and we talk about the simulation doing our best to sort things out with effort to move forward together. Of course not forgetting in order to learn what we need to do in the sense of openness to grow as Mates"

“Lyla had also mentioned to me that Sahvina was pregnant in the simulation."

“Yeah, we were going to have twin Females." Keece said as round five was poured.

“I get the feeling you were disappointed when you discovered it was a fantasy." she said with an empathetic tone.

“It was, I was really excited about being a Father."

“Are Sahvina and you going to try for pregnancy?" Otsanda asked feeling the heavy buzz settling in. “In the real sense?"

Keece's face was becoming flush; not from the question she posed, but from the liquor settling in his stomach.

“We are as soon as I am more physically fit and mobile." he said burping a little not letting on that they had made love with each other the night before.

“Oh.. I thought with the rumors of your appetite for pelted Females; nothing would stand in your way to make every opportunity to conceive."

The look on his face was priceless, Keece's expression exuded that of one being had. His head kept tilting slightly looking away with a sheepish expression that faded to an almost blank, yet thinking look of struggling to recover from her statement. Round five got downed on his end.

“Come now Faolan, why do you act so coy about such things?" Otsanda asked with a very devious grin after downing her drink and pouring the sixth.

“Jealousy." Keece said not making eye contact for a moment. “I mean… The way I satisfy my Mate would cause such a commotion. I may never get any rest, but you already knew that, and that is why you are trying to get ahead of rest to get your wonderfully; uhm, how should I say? Perky breasts sensuously stimulated along with every other facet of your tasty, and possibly neglected Female anatomy.."

He did it again; his eyes zeroed in on hers with a look of 'Snared'. Otsanda couldn't believe it while downing her drink quickly.

This time Keece really got to her; not that she did not see the humor in another backfire, but what he said had actually had drawn her in for a few moments.

“You are so sexually sordid." Otsanda said laughing. “Do you talk to Sahvina like this?"

“No, just whisper." he replied smirking while putting number six down.

Otsanda started laughing louder while doing her best to take her drink.

Keece watched her wipe her eyes before setting the tumbler on the table offering to pour another for him.

“I don't think I should go further with the libations, I feel water is what I need." Keece told her trying to stand up from the chair.

“I will get you a taller glass." Otsanda said standing up and motioning for him to stay seated. “So, what else did Ylva have to say?"

“She scrutinized Sahvina and I reconciling and staying together; which led to finding out Ylva is Sahvina's Mother." he explained while Otsanda filled a tall glass with water for Keece. “I was almost convinced she wasn't going to let us stay as Mates."

“That must have been a rather cumbersome conversation." she said setting the water down in front of him.

“At first, but I felt after being asked to help in the Ship's service; acceptance on Ylvas end is solidified."

“That is a pretty bold statement." Otsanda said giving the narrowed look of 'Sure' in jest.

Keece gave her his 'I have been drinking a bit too much smile, but go ahead and challenge it' expression.

“So; what about Sahvina's imperfections? I don't want to seem unkind or deviant, but I am curious to how you feel?"

“What imperfections?" He asked waiting for the repeat of dialog from Lyla's explanation and the prior conversation between him and the Ship's Captain.

“You're right; that was very rude of me." Otsanda said apologetically.

“Lyla explained the hitch in aesthetics with people from your world." Keece said. “I know that my Mate was caught up in a bad circumstance that wounded her, and made Sahvina unappealing to others. So I will say what I said to our Captain; even if she would have been her true self in the simulated world, I would have still fell in love with her."

Otsanda looked down; then slightly away for a few seconds taking in what he told her.

“Make a toast with me." She said suddenly making acute eye contact pouring the last round.

“All right." he said. “This had better be good."

Otsanda peered long into his eyes with a strange, yet soft expression.

“To the best Male I know." she said loudly. “May you and Sahvina have many beautiful children!"

They tapped their tumblers together and slammed the drinks down.

After Otsanda and Keece made satisfied gasps, she offered to rinse the glasses in the sink before taking her leave. Keece gently closed the door after they both bade each other a good afternoon. He decided to carefully use the restroom feeling his buzz rolling into drunk.

Otsanda with a really heavy buzz couldn't help feeling glad for Sahvina because her Mate that had no impediment to her visage. She, herself sought someone with this same heart, it would be the only way Otsanda could full give hers past the occasional sexual indulgence.

'The example is set now; this will be interesting to see and feel the evolution in our being over our peoples shortcoming towards each other.' she thought walking back to her Quarters.

Four hours later, Sahvina quietly entered their Quarters to see Keece no where to be found for a few seconds.

'Where are you off too now?' she thought until a quieted snore came from the bed.

As Sahvina walked further into their dwelling, she started to smell the strong liquor.

“Oh, I see. You've been drinking, and bet I know with who." she said aloud, but not enough to be rude to her Mate. Her Mothers scent was lighter than Otsanda's. Sahvina recognized both as the first things she breathed in upon entry into their home.

Sahvina smiled as she imagined the discussion they had knowing Otsanda and Keece had been tying one on with.

She quietly changed out of her uniform; then left for the Dining Hall to gather goods to cook supper with the intent of coaxing Keece out of bed with the richness of a simmering meal.

On her way out, Sahvina came across Camille still in her dark grey and orange uniform.

“Hello Sister, How is everything?" Camille asked.

“Well.. Keece is passed out drunk at the moment, but I hope I can resurrect him with the scent of food cooking. Other than that, we are in the effort of working our life back together one." Sahvina replied.

“I was really hoping to hear that, but, please don't ever have me play along like I did that day. I felt bad enough seeing what happened when he got pulled from the simulation knowing that Keece was about to find the reality of his situation, especially after just going through the test."

“I know… I shamed myself for the fantasy I created." Sahvina said looking down.

“Hey, it worked out." Camille said resting her right hand on Sahvina's left shoulder. “And now the possibility of pregnancy is real this time."

Yes it is. Keep this to your self though, we made love with each other for almost two and a half hours last evening." Sahvina said with a slight smile thinking of them truly together.

“What was it like? Was it just like any other Male?" Camille asked with a polite excitement.

“We had done it a lot in the simulation, but what it felt like here was nothing I ever expected. “ she explained. "So… to satisfy your curiosity, he feels different, but in very good way."

“Oh… Well, what did he think of how you felt?"

“Considering his physical state; Keece was so eager to make it last, so I must have felt as good to him as he did to me." Sahvina said looking flush with her ears turning slightly down to each side of her head. “I made Keece seed for thirty minutes before.. releasing him from the tie."

“Wow, you are so lucky. The best I have ever gotten was five minutes after giving the Male a good, rough ride before the bastard went limp. Thirty minutes, that must have felt wonderful." Camille said.

“I will not say anything else, except that I absolutely lucky for being able to keep his heart." Sahvina said with a shamed smirk saying that the experience was going to become very desired.

“I am very happy for you both, and glad you have a good Mate. Camille told her. “You should probably feed Keece before a hangover becomes prevalent. I will speak with you later."

Sahvina gave a short bowing nod and Camille returned the gesture before they both departed each others company.

Twenty minutes later, Keece felt the overwhelming urge to urinate as their Quarters filled the rich scent of the meal Sahvina was preparing.

She heard a strange thump in the Bed area and went to investigate.

“Are you all right? she asked seeing Keece struggling to get up. “Here, take my hand."

“Nope, I got it." He said waving Sahvina off.

She watched him make attempts to peal himself off the floor. Between his physical state and inebriation, it proving to be difficult.

“Love, let me help you up." she said reaching down for his left arm.

At first he resisted a little still doing his best to get upright on his own, but she kept insisting.

“Please stop being a stubborn and let me help you."

Sorry, I just don't want to seem.."

"..Weak in my eyes." Sahvina said finishing his statement. “You are not weak, Keece, you are anything but that. You are my loved Mate, and strength."

After helping him stand up, Keece wrapped his arms around Sahvina's waist burying his face in her mane spilling over her white v neck under shirt. She knew the message he sent with his affections. It told her he felt the same about her as well.

“I need to relieve myself badly." Keece said after releasing Sahvina from his embrace.

“I am sure you do." she said smiling. “Perhaps you would like some assistance with that as well?"

“You know as well as I do the meal you are preparing would end up burning if you did."

“Go do your business before I take the notion to let our dinner turn to charcoal." She said with a smile before turning towards the stove top to attend the cooking meal.

Keece gave Sahvina a devious smile before carefully staggering into the bathroom on one cane.

He returned a few minutes later expecting to see her still cooking; then was caught by surprise when he felt Sahvina's soft pelted arms wrap around him.

“I set everything on low. It gives us maybe and hour."

“Are you sure and hour is going to enough?" Keece asked feeling her bare breasts press in to his back firmly as Sahvina's hold on him tighten.

“It must be if I'm already naked." she said releasing Keece and making her way to their bed.

Keece's intoxicated vigor during intercourse had Sahvina crying out in ecstasy while accidentally cutting his back with her nails.

When they both started to relax holding each other for a moment, she realized he was bleeding on the sheets.

“Oh shit! Keece let's go to bathroom so I can rinse your back and see how bad it is!"

They both got up and shuffled their way in. Sahvina had him stand the shower and turned the water on to just warm enough not to be a shock.

“Sorry if this stings, I need to get a better look."

“I know, don't worry about it." Keece said smiling.

She couldn't see his smile, and it never faded even though the water did cause and sharp irritation to his open wounds. He felt proud of the cuts she gave him because the sexual rush he gave her had been very strong; then the feeling of pain caused him to drive harder to give Sahvina completely unexpected satisfaction.

“Four of them need to be sutured, I can use the surgical adhesive for the others." she informed him.

“What about our meal?" Keece asked.

“I am sure it is ready. Let's get you dried off and get some trousers on." she replied opening the tub's step through panel for Keece. “I will turn the stove and oven off; then dress down."

Sahvina wrapped folded the towel in half lengthwise and wrapped it around his back to soak up the still bleeding cuts and had Keece hold the ends tight before having him sit in the wheel chair before getting dressed.

Moments later, they entered the infirmary and went into the first partition. She helped him up onto the waiting bed before beginning to readying a suture kit and surgical adhesives to seal his wounds.

“So.. Your Mother stopped by our Quarters in the late morning." Keece said as Sahvina started to pull the towel off to disinfect his wounds.

“I hope her visit was pleasant."

“It was, but she expressed her concerns about us being together after everything that happened."

“Understandably so." Sahvina said. “Obviously Mother's concerns were laid to rest in your conversation."

“I think so, but I could see remaining apprehension in her eyes. Still, she is happy for you, us, being together. Ylva explained that you had difficulties finding a Mate after the accident you were in." Keece said filling her in on one of the elements of their conversation.

“I don't know if I should be pleased or embarrassed being the center of attention between you two." she said starting the application of anesthetic to the cuts requiring stitches.

“You know what I told your Mother?"

“No, but please satisfy my curiosity." she said smiling.

Keece caught her expression in the reflective shine of one black panel directly across the partition from them.

“I told her we were going be making love all the time to give her a fleet of grandchildren to keep her busy." Keece said thinking about Ylva's question of them achieving pregnancy.

“You are so full of shit!" Sahvina exclaimed as she watched Keece's reflection in the same panel producing a big smile. “What did you really say?"

“I told her that even if you had portrayed yourself as you are now in the simulated world, I would have still fell in love." Keece said in a gentle and loving tone.

As he looked down for a moment, Keece felt Sahvina's soft, whiskered lips firmly press on the back of his neck.

“Did she believe you?"

“Yes, actually it put a few things into perspective for her about us continuing our bond as Mates." he said feeling the tug of the first stitch being tighten. “She did ask about our effort with having children."

“Really, and what did you say?" Sahvina asked anticipation for another quip from her Mate.

“That we have every intention of having children."

“Was Mother happy about that notion?" she asked Keece.

“I would say yes after seen the big grin on her face. I think you two should talk about it together though; that way you can see for yourself her feelings on the matter." he said.

“I will. What else did you discuss together?" she asked pulling the second stitch tight.

“My duties here after I complete physical therapy and get cleared for work."

“What duties would you be performing?" Sahvina inquired as the third was pulled and tied.

“I will work in the Dining Hall and help provide meals for everyone on board." he told her. “With that, the other part will be training for security to participate on the foraging missions."

Sahvina stopped the fourth stitch after the needle passed through the other side of the wound. Keece could feel the tension rise in his Mate through the incomplete suture.

“I am not sure I approve." she said looking back at him in the reflection. “But I suppose you already committed yourself to this with my Mother."

“No, no I did not. In fact, I told her that I would have to speak with you before making a decision on the security service to this ship." he explained feeling the pressure of the fourth being tied.

“Did Mother say why she wants you to be part of the security detail?"

“Ylva told me that my combat experience would be helpful and that the crew could learn from me as much as I can learn from them when it comes to tactics and skills." Keece replied.

Sahvina remained quiet as she stayed focus on finishing the next four stitches completing the first cut; then moving to the second.

He watched her in the panel as she thought about what he had presented her.

Six minutes later, she started in on the third cut before speaking.

“Are you sure you want to go back to being a soldier?"

“I don't really know. I mean it is what I was before, and Ylva promised me that I wouldn't be part of anything like what I was ordered to do the I was still a mercenary. I want to use my skills and knowledge for something better, so with all of you here, I could go back to being a one; especially with knowing MAK is alive." Keece told her.

“What does he have to do with it?"

“He would seek to provide the same, and this time we could make a solid contribution if a situation ever arises that requires our less friendly skills."

“I get the feeling that you two enjoyed getting into trouble together." she said with a smirk.

“Sometimes, now we have Peter and Russell to include in the fun."

“You…" she said resting her hands on his shoulder giving a firm grip. “Will control yourself better than that. I don't mind you having fun, but I do not like the pretense of being foolish about things."

Keece said nothing and just nodded.

They did not speak as Sahvina finished the rest of the stitches on the third and started fourth. Once finished, she sealed the others with surgical adhesive.

“Can I ask something of you?"

“Yes." Sahvina answered. “What is your need my love?"

“Will you help keep me in check? I mean, if you observe something in my behavior that is a lapse in good judgement?"

“That is an odd request, I am not sure how to answer. It is concerning that you would have a lapse like this with how you conduct yourself normally. My question to you is; would you listen to me if I did attempt to keep you from being foolish?"

“I will not say it would not be without difficulty at times, but yes, I will yield to you. Sahvina, you are the last person I would ever want to disappoint." Keece told her.

“We will speak of this later after I have a day to think about it." she said. “Although I have my reservations of you being a soldier again, I do recognized the benefit of having your skills added to our own. I will inform our Captain that you will be ready for training as soon as you are cleared from your therapies and fully recovered. Also, I will be requesting assignment to your detachment once you are on active duty."

He saw the look on her face in the reflection, one he had not seen before that told a story in the flood of emotions being displayed at that moment. It was concern, but on another level telling him that she would not leave him; that her willingness to follow meant a deeper commitment to his request.

“I would ask why, but your gaze says enough." he said as Sahvina finished sealing the last of his minor cuts.

She sprayed a mist of fluid all over the wounds, then carefully patted down a sheet of breathable material over each wounded area on his back. Keece could feel it draw tight for a moment; then it moved with him like it was part of his skin.

“Ready to eat; then get some rest?" she asked him.

Keece nodded as he accepted help from Sahvina back into the wheel chair.

Once back in their Quarters, she reheated the almost cold meal; then served up the portions for them to eat before going to bed.

Both of them were focused on eating and did not say a word until it was time to take the dishes away. He instinctually offered to help, but Sahvina declined. After she used the bathroom, Sahvina changed the sex and blood soiled linen; then helped Keece settle in to their bed. After that, she went into the small kitchen to soak the dished and clean the stove and counter tops. Once finished, she undressed to joined her Mate in deep, peaceful rest. That night, and many intermittent nights to follow, they wandered in each others dreams. This time, both Sahvina and Keece walked together through the tall grass field.

He looked around to to see everything as he remembered it. The butte was where it was supposed to be meaning home would be their as well, but they were not going to their Den. Sahvina held his left hand guiding him to the river to they could sun bathe naked and make love with each other in the natural backdrop of her favorite place.