17

( Historian's Note: Three nights before the Sol Federation of Worlds diplomatic vessel, S.F.S. Summer Wind, DCT-239 departs Mur Zhaen for Terra.)

The changeover of personnel at the Terran embassy in the capital city of Zhæn'ana was completed smoothly, and the outgoing personnel were stowing their personal effects and other items to take back to Terra. Saa'an was allowed to take her Tal-esna Je-mah speeder bike with her to Terra, though it easily amounted to two-thirds of her allotted cargo mass. Since Craig had much more of his allotted cargo mass left over after his personal effects were calculated, he gave it to Saa'an so that she could bring more in the way of clothing and other items that she would need, plus some items she was taking to her parents from the rest of her family.

Tsal-Asa'an threw a large party at The Drift for Craig, Saa'an, Ami'an, and Khy'an, with their respective families invited. Of Khy'an's family, it was not expected for any to show up, though surprisingly Khy'an's childhood friend, Lehn-Cam'an had gotten word and came out of curiosity. Unlike Khy'an's family, Lehn-Cam'an had not forgotten their early friendship, nor had thrown it away when Khy'an went away to become one of the Che'maht Sahn'rah. She still remembered the times when she and Khy'an played together as younglings, and looked upon those memories with fondness. The meeting between Khy'an and Cam'an went well, and much to Craig's delight, they had promised to keep in touch with each other. He had hoped that someone from Khy'an's past would not forget that she was still a real person and not some near mythical being to be terrified of…well, at least when she wasn't on duty, battling ancient evils spirits that lived under a lake, or some such thing or another, Craig mused. He had written and sent the invitation letter to Khy'an's family himself, and he took it as a sign that the letter at least wasn't returned unopened, and he maintained the hope that somebody had at least read the letter, which was written by someone who knew Khy'an well and considered her a friend. “They may think I'm crazy, but what the heck, I had to at least try," Craig had told Khy'an after the letter was sent.

When it was down to two nights remaining before he would be returning to his homeworld, with Saa'an's okay, Craig went with Khy'an to the little secluded garden where she had taken him to just after having been assigned as his bodyguard.

“This is where we began to truly learn of one another—it is fitting that here we will complete the path we have walked together," Khy'an sent wistfully.

“Maybe, in one way, but, we'll always be together, no matter what, Khy'an. Like Ami'an says, our vines have become so bound together, we'll never be apart. This little garden…I guess it's just a place that we'll keep coming back to," Craig said quietly, looking up into Khy'an's eyes as they sat together.

Khy'an regarded his words a moment, and then nodded her head once.

“Perhaps, so," Khy'an agreed. She gently wrapped her tail around Craig's forearm, and smiled a little. “We have been through much since your arrival, and I am…honored…to call you 'friend', even if I find now that I wish for more than just that. I suppose it is, as you've said before, 'better than nothing'."

Craig smiled and put his free hand on top of Khy'an's tail.

“You know, sometimes I kinda wish I had one of these," he said with a chuckle.

“And what would you do with a tail?" Khy'an asked with a slight smirk.

“I'm sure you know…," Craig replied suggestively.

Khy'an smiled slightly and shook her head a little.

“Your thoughts are unguarded…again."

“Are you complaining…?"

“No…"

Craig smiled a wistful little smile as he looked off across the small hidded garden. After a few moments, he looked down at the ground in front of him and said quietly, “It sucks that our worlds have to be so far apart."

By now Khy'an understood the idiom well enough to know how he meant it.

“Yes, it does."

Craig and Khy'an looked deeply into the other's eyes, sharing a private and deeply personal thought that no words could adequately express in any language.

When he could speak again, Craig reached into a pocket of the light jacket he wore and pulled out a small portable music player with two sets of small, wireless earbuds that he had picked up at a local market.

“When you first brought me here, you gave me a gift of music from your world. I'd like to return the favor of giving you some music from my world. There are some songs on this that go way back, but I think you'll understand their message." Craig handed Khy'an a pair of earbuds, and as she was inserting them into her ears, he thumbed through the list of songs until he found the one he wanted to share with her on this particular occasion. “No matter what happens to us, I want you to know this…" Craig played the song[[1]](#_ftn1) he had cued up, which was from the early twenty-first century.

Although it was an upbeat song, Khy'an was deeply moved by it. She thought back over the nearly one sun-cycle they had been together since he had come to her world, and despite their initial misunderstanding, they had inexplicably grown together. They had shared several intense experiences together—the Merchant District, on the mountain of nus-Sava'en, at the lake of nir-Tha'es, and at the spring of Mûr thel-Raleen—and as much as she was his guard, who would always be at his side while he was on Mûr Zhæn, she understood, now, that he would always be by her side as a friend…and if things had gone differently, could she have remained one of the Che'maht Sahn'rah? Khy'an did not want to think on that at this particular moment, all she wanted—however briefly—was to have for herself what before she could only have watched others enjoy, dispassionately at a distance, before Craig came into her life.

As when they were at Mûr thel-Raleen, Craig and Khy'an held each other tightly, cheek to cheek, sharing their feelings telepathically, while the tears of both mingled and fell unchecked upon the earth of Mûr Zhæn.

“Khy…"

It was the third time Craig had used the first part of her given name.

“But Saa'an…"

“She knows…"

“We still should not…"

“You don't have to be alone…"

“I do not wish to be…"

Neither spoke or sent for nearly a full minute.

“Craig, I…yes…"

* * * * *

Ami'an lay on her bed with her eyes closed, listening to some Élendorian music Craig had given her. Ami'an found it strangely relaxing and mildly erotic at the same time.

“I must meet these people if I have the chance to while I am on Craig's homeworld. Their voices are so hauntingly melodious! I remember him saying that one is a friend of his, a musician, no less. There will be many wondrous things to see on Terra, I imagine. Their great bodies of water that Craig said are called 'oceans', for example…it is a wonder that they do not have similar customs concerning queth sliat as we. And then there is the mysterious place that Saa'an's Honored Mother wishes very strongly that we visit. From the files Craig has shared with us about it, I wonder…could the First Ones have touched his world as well as our own, or is it simply a random gift the All Mother has bestowed upon their world? Well, there will be time enough soon to learn what Terra may teach us. We have nearly everything aboard the vessel that will be carrying us, and soon we shall be on our way to see Craig's world. I hope Saa'an and I will have an easier time of adjusting than he had on our world at first. Craig said the gravity is lighter there, so Saa'an and I must watch our strength. Oh…that annoying Hrel-Fal'an is on her way to my room. What does she want this time?"

Ami'an got up in frustration and was before the door to her room before her onnaf arrived. When Hrel-Fal'an opened the door, she was taken aback when she saw Ami'an standing there with her arms folded, looking rather annoyed.

“AH! I am sorry, Mistress Ami'ana, you startled me!" Hrel-Fal'an exclaimed nervously.

“What do you want now?" Ami'an quietly demanded.

“You, ah, have a visitor, Mistress."

“At this hour?"

“Yes, Mistress."

“Well, who is it?" Ami'an was getting more annoyed with Hrel-Fal'an the longer she had to deal with her.

“It is…one of your friends…the Che'maht Sahn'rah_…_"

Ami'an raised an eyebrow, and immediately searched with her mind to determine if indeed Khy'an was near.

“Khy'an…?"

“I am here, Ami'an…has the little nerbif[[2]](#ftn2) _announced my arrival?" Khy'an asked with a hint of sarcasm.

“Yes, and that is an apt description of her, by the way. Please, come, there is no need to wait for one of the servants. You are always welcome…and besides, I think you do not necessarily require permission to go anywhere you need to be, except for possibly one area in the palace."

“I will be there momentarily…"

*Bamf!*

Hrel-Fal'an's eyes widened and paled with fear when Khy'an teleported close to her. “AI!" she exclaimed aloud, and immediately took a step backwards.

“Leave us," Ami'an ordered her onnaf.

“Y-Yes, Mistress!"

Khy'an watched as Hrel-Fal'an scurried away down the corridor and disappeared through a door.

Ami'an closed the door to her room and asked, “Would you like some tea, Khy'an? I made it myself," Ami'an offered.

Khy'an nodded her head politely once. After they sat and had a few quiet sips, Khy'an asked quietly, “I…hesitate to ask, but…"

Ami'an could sense that something was troubling her friend. “What is it, Khy'an?" she asked gently.

“It is…difficult…for me to speak of certain things to anyone…"

Ami'an wrapped the end of her tail around Khy'an's and she smiled. “I understand, my friend. This is about Craig, no doubt."

Khy'an looked up, momentarily surprised, but then turned her gaze to the contents of her cup.

“Yes."

Ami'an and Khy'an talked at length, or rather, Khy'an did most of the talking and Ami'an listened, though she did offer her particular form of insight to the situation when and where needed.

Gently, Ami'an said with a slight laugh, “I trust you did not mark him…"

Khy'an looked quickly at Ami'an, her eyes ever so slightly paled. “No, I at least kept my wits and did no such thing, not after having seen how he reacted when…"

“I am teasing_, Khy'an! I know that you would do no harm to Craig…outside of duty, of course, but I do not think_ that will ever be an issue. Ah, Poor Craig…he has such strong feelings for each of us, in different ways, and likewise we each have strong feelings for him, in each our own way. All of this is hardest upon you, because of what you have been…and are…but you will become more because of it."

“More than…what?" Khy'an asked, not sure if she really wanted the answer.

“More than just simply another among the ranks of the Che'maht Sahn'rah_. A fire has been awakened within you, Khy'an, I 'see' it, and it took Craig coming into your life to light it. I will say this, my friend…take what he has given you and make it into what is meant to be. Neither he nor you may be aware of it, but he has given you something far greater than any_ thing one might posses on their own. It was freely given, and as such, it is a great treasure. Let no one take that from you, Khy'an, not ever. Find your strength in it, let it be your power that will carry you through the darkest times."

Khy'an carefully considered Ami'an's words.

“I will attempt to do so, Ami'an. Thank you…for everything."

Ami'an smiled and simply nodded. After a moment she added, “You are always welcome in my lodging, my friend. I will inform the House cha-nwea that you may come and go as you please, not that any of the staff should dare interfere with your coming and going under any circumstance."

Both Ami'an and Khy'an laughed a little at the comment.

Before she left, Khy'an asked, “If I may ask, would you ask Saa'an if she would make certain that she and Craig return as often as they are able to?"

“Of course, and I will also remind them of that myself. I am certain that they will, after all, they do have family here," Ami'an agreed.

Later, when Khy'an went to bed for the day, she fell asleep listening to the little music player Craig had given her that night, and she dreamed for the first time since she was a child still in her mother's house, of possibilities other than the certainty of her current life.

* * * * *

On the last full night that the outgoing embassy personnel had on Mûr Zhæn, they were all invited to a formal dinner in the palace where their efforts and accomplishments were recognized and celebrated. The incoming personnel had already taken over the duties and functions of the offices they came to fill, so this night was for those who forged the first ties between the Sol Federation of Worlds and the Mûr Tua'ansa Star Empire. There were speeches, of course, by various dignitaries, including Lady Pren-Dre'ana of the Diplomatic Circle and Madam Rhen-Cas'an of the Education Circle, who was a prominent researcher in the Mûr Tua'ansa equivalent of the field of xeno-anthropology. Madam Rhen-Cas'an had reviewed a copy of Craig's, “The Traveler's Guide to Mûr Zhæn and its Customs", and found it insightful and well thought out. She had been in contact with Professor Emeritus Harold Dewitt of the University of Edinburgh who was currently serving in an adjunct advisory position on the Sol Federation's Science Council, and they were planning on meeting soon to—among other things—discuss Craig's “Guide". Saa'an was impressed by the attention Craig's work had received, and she was justifiably proud of him. He had put a lot of effort into the project, including interviewing people from as diverse backgrounds as Lady Nemi-Mer'ana to Tsal-Asa'an. Craig's parents were also amazed by the recognition their son had received on his work. He had come a long way since their arrival on Mûr Zhæn, five Standard Terran Years ago.

In the early hours before sunrise, the four friends gathered in a small park on the eastern side of Zhæn'ana. From the clearing they were in, they could sit and watch as Mûr Zhæn's sun, Nar A'Zhæl, rose above the horizon, and on this morning, it would rise directly behind nus-Sava'en.

“This night will be ending soon—this time on the next, you will be on your way to Terra," Khy'an sent wryly, as she looked towards nus-Sava'en.

“I wish you were coming with us," Craig said quietly. Saa'an and Ami'an both agreed with him.

“If it were permissible, I would, but…I must remain here. The call of my duty can not be set aside so easily."

“Yeah…it still sucks, though."

Khy'an looked at Craig and wrapped the end of her tail around his right wrist, with a sad little smile on her face.

“You will make the journey to Craig's world, Khy'an, I have no doubt of that. When I return home, I shall share with you what I have learned of it," Ami'an said.

Khy'an nodded hear head once in acknowledgement.

“Craig and I will return as often as possible, Khy'an. My little one will need to spend time on both worlds if she is to grow properly, and she will know her godmother," Saa'an said, with a bit of a chuckle at the term.

They sat and talked about anything other than impending departure of Craig, Saa'an, and Ami'an and their trip to Terra. When it was time, Craig carefully unwrapped his Élendorian ha'nurideen, and as Nar A'Zhæl rose up behind nus-Sava'en, he played and sang a traditional parting song in Élendi. The haunting melody combined with the surreal sounds of the beautiful alien instrument, brought tears to the eyes of all. Even the birds and other living things seemed to pause in their morning ritual to listen with quiet respect. As the last notes faded away, Ami'an looked up and quickly nudged mentally the others.

Above them circled the largest female perzai any of them had ever seen, ablaze with iridescent colors in the light of Nar A'Zhæl, and the four watched as it gracefully flew off towards nus-Sava'en.

* * * * *

The time had come at last.

The outgoing embassy personnel stood together on the space port's parking apron next to the D.C.S. Summer Wind, with their two escort ships nearby, as well as the strange alien ship which stood on four legs like a giant mechanical sentinel keeping watch over the others. Craig looked up at the alien ship…and he could swear that it seemed to be aware of him. Ami'an looked up at it with Craig, and a shiver ran all the way down to the end of her tail, for she felt it, too. For her part, Saa'an didn't know which spooked her the most—the alien ship, or the black, dagger-shaped scout ship from Craig's homeworld, that seemed to be a hole that no light could touch.

There was a formal send off, as much for the other ships and their crews as for the outgoing embassy staff. After the traditional bowing towards the palace, the crews and personnel began boarding their respective ships.

“Come on dear, it's time to get aboard," Cassandra said as she patted Craig on the arm.

“Sure, mom, just a sec…" Craig stopped before Khy'an and looked up at her and she down at him. Not caring what anyone else might think, Craig held his arms up as if he were but a child wanting to be held by an adult. Khy'an smiled slightly and, using her telekinetic ability, lifted Craig with her thoughts until he was at eye level to her. Craig and Khy'an hugged each other tightly, and kissed longingly even in front of all present. “You take care of yourself…," Craig sent privately.

“And you as well," Khy'an sent in return.

Craig and Khy'an had expressed more than words ever could two nights earlier in the hidden garden, and there was simply nothing else that could be said other than their farewells. After Khy'an lowered Craig back down onto his feet, she in turn put her hands on the shoulders of Saa'an and Ami'an, and even hugged them both as they exchanged farewells.

As Craig walked hand-in-hand with Saa'an towards the boarding ramp of the Summer Wind, he recognized one of the ground crew as the one who stared at him when he had arrived on Mûr Zhæn nearly one sun-cycle ago. Again, as before, their eyes met, only this time Craig sent in Tu'an, “Perhaps next time." The ground crewwoman's eyes widened a little, and then she smiled and gave a nod of her head.

“Do you know that one, beloved?" Saa'an asked as they began up the ramp.

“We met…sort of…when I first arrived," Craig replied with a little smirk, recalling the incident and quickly sharing it with Saa'an.

She shook her head slightly and sent with a grin, “I do wonder about you sometimes."

At the top of the ramp, before they ducked inside, Craig, Saa'an, and Ami'an stopped and turned to face those on the ground below that were either family or friends. They waved and exchanged one last farewell through sending—the last face Craig looked upon was that of Bren-Khy'an's, and blowing her a kiss, he sent privately, “Love ya, Khy!" Khy'an, though somewhat embarrassed by the open gesture, she returned it, and sent, “I…love you, too, Craig Nicolini of Terra." She saluted him in the fashion of the Mûr Tua'ansa military, and in return, Craig placed his hand on his chest and bowed.

Craig, Saa'an, and Ami'an took their seats near his parents, and followed the directions given by the steward for departure.

“Ready, babe?" Craig asked Saa'an as the thrusters came online and the interior lighting changed to indicate that they were now in flight mode.

“A bit late to not be, I think," Saa'an sent back with a little humorous sarcasm.

Saa'an looked out the viewport and saw the black scout ship, Nightwing, take flight—when she heard the strange cry, Saa'an shuddered. She remembered overhearing some of the embassy personnel talking about how the black ship had a habit of sounding its “hunting cry" whenever it took off and landed. The sound of it reminded Saa'an somewhat of the call of the perzai when it was about to pounce on its prey. A moment after the ship's captain announced over the intercom that they had received clearance to lift, the Summer Wind rose up on her grav thrusters and headed skywards, following Nightwing. The Chel-Sar Se'nika lifted right after the diplomatic vessel, and then the strange alien ship came to life. It lifted its forward part up as if it watched the other three ships take flight, and then it did the most unusual thing—it howled, and then crouched and jumped into the air as if it were an animal leaping. The ship continued upwards following behind the three ahead of it, giving the appearance of a predator chasing three small animals across the sky. It was not long before the four ships broke free of Mûr Zhæn's grasp and headed out into the black.

The three-week trip to Terra from Mûr Zhæn was largely uneventful, though being that it was the first time making a jump into hyperspace for Saa'an, and being that she was also with child, poor Saa'an felt the most distress. Ami'an fared somewhat better, though she openly wondered how Craig could possibly even think of food right after completing the jump.

It felt strange for Summer Wind's passengers to now have to make the transition to a “daytime" schedule after spending the last five Standard Terran Years living among a nocturnal race.

“I cannot function like this, Ami'an!" Saa'an groaned when it was time for breakfast to be served. Another word she would have to get used to. Although she had learned Craig's language at the same time that Ami'an and Khy'an had, when they had visited nus-Sava'en, they had used her native Tu'an more often than not.

“I am sure we will get used to it, Saa'an. Like a great many things, it will take time," Ami'an counselled her friend as she brushed her long, snow white hair.

Saa'an grumbled quietly to herself as she got ready for the ship's “day".

Later, Saa'an met Craig's mother in the passageway on the way to the ship's passenger galley.

“Shen-ma'en[[3]](#ftn3) _Nicolini," Saa'an sent with an appropriate bow to Craig's mother.

“Good morning, dear," Cassandra greeted her daughter-in-law in return. “Are you going to have breakfast with us?"

“Yes. Ami'an went on ahead with Craig."

“Well, then, let's not make them wait for us any longer than necessary," Cassandra said lightly as she hooked her arm around Saa'an's.

As they walked towards the passenger galley, Saa'an sent, “Craig mentioned that this vessel will make a stop along the way…"

“Oh, yes, we're going to stop at Starbase Ankarni-One around K'ratora to exchange diplomatic materials. We'll be there long enough that we'll have a few hours of personal time to do what we want. The K'ratori are an interesting race with a proud warrior tradition. They're also quite skilled artistically, so you might find something you like in one of the shops. Oh, and it would probably be wise to actually speak when we're there—the K'ratori are notoriously private about certain things, and they don't particularly like anyone poking around in their heads, even if it's just to communicate with them. They can get rather testy if they think their privacy is being violated. Craig can pull up the document with the do's and don'ts for dealing with the K'ratori; it's rather straightforward and to the point—they don't mince words. Actually, the K'ratori were one of the easiest people to establish diplomatic relations with because they insist on keeping things short and to the point," Cassandra explained.

“Should that not be the way with such things? There is a wisdom to keeping legalities simple and clear—less chance for them to be inadvertently violated," Saa'an commented.

“One should think so, I agree, but there always seem to be some who insist on making things overly complicated. Well, here we are…what do you feel like having for breakfast this morning, dear?" Cassandra asked, changing the subject since they had arrived at the passenger galley.

Saa'an sniffed the air and grimaced slightly.

“Anything that does not have butter on it," she replied, placing her hand over her stomach, which was in a slightly different location that a human's.

Cassandra chuckled and said, “I take it that you still haven't gotten used to how it smells to you."

“It would be too much to deal with while in this space! Do you know how much longer until we reach this 'base'?"

“Still bothered by the effects of hyperspace, eh?" Cassandra asked and Saa'an nodded her head. “Well, we should be there in another day or so. Maybe you will have a chance to see the healer on the Chel-Sar class ship that is coming along with us. I'm pretty sure they know you're with us, but I'll see if the ship's personnel will get a message to their healer and ask if she would mind seeing you."

“That would be acceptable, Shen-ma'en Nicolini. Thank you."

Cassandra patted Saa'an's arm and said with a smile, “It won't be too much longer until we're home and you'll feel a lot better with ground beneath your feet again."

Saa'an nodded her head…and then the smell of buttered toast hit her nose.

“Ah, I hope I do not become ill…" Saa'an thought to herself.

The short visit to the K'ratori starbase was quite an eye-opener for both Saa'an and Ami'an. Neither of them had seen such a different-looking alien race up close and personal before. Height-wise, they were nearly as tall as the average adult K'ratori, though the similarities stopped there. The K'ratori are a quadrupedal race with two pairs of arms, a single horizontal eye slit, and a line of sharp, poisonous spines down the center of the back that can be raised or lowered at will. Most of the land mass of the K'ratori homeworld is dominated by large marshes and swamps, with dense tall rainforests populated with massive trees that can grow up to three-hundred-fifty meters in height. The ground beneath the canopies of the rainforests is dark and wet, which is why the K'ratori evolved as semi-amphibious race with wide feet, a paddle-like tail, and bioluminescent organs. K'ratori are fast runners with great endurance, and can be quite stealthy when necessary, despite their size. Thankfully, for most visiting alien species, the Ankarni-One Starbase has a comfortably dry and reasonably well-lit main habitat section, though the areas reserved exclusively for K'ratori personnel were darker and quite damp.

Saa'an got her appointment with the healer stationed aboard the I.E.S. Chel-Sar Se'nika, Frer-Sha'an, who provided her with a medicine that would help alleviate the effects of hyperspace travel. The healer was surprised to learn that Saa'an was with child by her human mate. When she asked about it, Saa'an related the story about the mysterious geneticist, Aama-Ael'an, to which Frer-Sha'an listened with great interest.

“Your story is intriguing, to say the least," Frer-Sha'an commented. “I have not heard of that name, though I will certainly attempt to find what I may of her."

“My friend, Bren-Khy'an, who is one of the Che'maht Sahn'rah_, could find only very little about Aama-Ael'an. Bren-Khy'an can be quite determined when she sets her mind to something_," Saa'an said.

Frer-Sha'an raised an eyebrow and asked, “You are a friend of one of the Che'maht Sahn'rah_?_"

“_As difficult as that seems, it is truly so. Bren-Khy'an has become much more than she was before my Craig arrived on our world. I cannot explain it, but I believe Terrans to have some power we do not understand that affects those who become close with them. Odd things seem to just…_happen," Saa'an tried to explain.

Frer-Sha'an smiled softly and sent, “On that I certainly agree. This past journey we have been on with the Terrans will undoubtedly be one our grandchildren's grandchildren will tell to their grandchildren in the many long nights to come."

“I would like to hear that story when it is ready to be told," Saa'an sent.

“In due time, for it is not quite finished with us yet," Frer-Sha'an sent, giving Saa'an a gentle pat on her hand.

Craig was waiting in the docking area for Saa'an to finish with the healer on the Chel-Sar Se'nika. It was getting near the time for them to board the Summer Wind. The black scout ship, Nightwing, was also berthed nearby. While Craig was sitting and enjoying a local beverage he bought at a concession booth, he saw the captains of the two escort ships walking towards their docking tubes. There was a third person walking with them, a tall (he guessed nearly the height of his Saa'an) female that looked like any wolf G.E.L.F. from Terra, only…there was something unusually odd about her that was also quite unsettling. As they passed by where he was sitting, Craig waved and said hello, which the two captains politely acknowledged. When the tall wolf woman walked by, she looked down at Craig and he met her eyes. For a moment, the room disappeared into darkness and he saw before him a blinding swirl of light that had a vague outline of a form at its center…and a pair of blazing lupine eyes staring at him, just like at the Temple of Hfa-Raleen. When Craig blinked his eyes, everything seemed normal, just as it was, though the tall wolf woman was still looking down at him with a gentle smile on her face. At that moment, Craig thought of the old photo of his ancestor on his mom's side who had married a wolf G.E.L.F., and how she seemed to have been looking straight at him with those wild, primal eyes. The wolf woman before him looked at him the same way, only she was quite real and just a short distance from him in the flesh. But the eyes…Craig felt them look deep into his heart, and there was an oddly accented voice in his head—soft, gentle, but very clear and carried the strength of ages. It was that of a Grandmother addressing a child.

“Do not be afraid, my child, we are with you."

Craig watched the wolf woman with silver-tipped reddish fur pause briefly before entering the boarding tube, to give him one last look.

“I am Naoia Anensu'ena, Craig Nicolini of Terra. We will meet again and your questions will be answered."

Craig blinked again, and she was gone.

“Beloved? Wake up, the first boarding call has been given. We should get aboard and take our seats," Saa'an sent, giving him a gentle nudge.

“Huh? Wha…?" Craig asked, feeling a bit confused.

“You must have dozed off while you were waiting for me. What have you been drinking?" Saa'an asked, picking up the disposable cup and sniffing its contents.

“Uh, just something I got from a vendor over there," Craig replied, rubbing his eyes. “Why?"

“I think you should stick to things you know what they are," Saa'an replied, giving the cup a suspicious look.

Craig felt himself being lifted up to his feet, which was Saa'an's doing, using her telekinetic ability. Shortly thereafter, the cup flew across the waiting area and was deftly deposited in the waste receptacle.

“Come, before we find ourselves stuck on this smelly station."

The medicine that the healer, Frer-Sha'an, gave Saa'an helped considerably to counter the effects of hyperspace travel, making the remaining leg of the trip to Terra much more tolerable.

“Well, babe, we should be jumping back into normal space pretty soon. Are ya excited?" Craig asked Saa'an with a little grin.

“Anything to end the torment of this accursed hyperspace! How can anyone stand it?!"

“Aw, c'mon, Saa'an, quit being such a wuss! It's not that bad! Yeah, it's a little different, but you get used to it eventually."

“Easy for you to say!"

Craig chuckled, giving his mate a hug. “Just think about meeting your parents at the Chicago Starport when we arrive."

“I have at least that to look forward to," Saa'an sent with a quiet sigh. “It has been many nights since I have looked upon their faces with my own eyes."

“Yeah, I know what you mean. I've missed them, too."

An announcement chime sounded over the ship's intercom as they hugged.

/* Attention, please. We will be dropping to normal space within the Sol system in ten minutes. All passengers please return to the main cabin. All crew to their jump stations. */

“Well, I guess we'd better round up Ami'an and get seated. Did you take your meds?"

“I have it in my belt pouch. I will take some once we are seated."

Craig, Saa'an, and Ami'an joined his parents in the main passenger cabin, and took their seats while the crew went about their assigned duties to prepare for the drop to normal space over the orbit of Jupiter at an angle of forty-five degrees above the plane of ecliptic. The gas giant was on the opposite side of the solar system, so traffic near it would not pose a navigational hazard as the three ships re-entered normal space. It was not long until Terra came into view…just a tiny dot of light at first, but quickly growing into the familiar blue orb known to all its inhabitants and frequent visitors.

“There it is, home-sweet-home," Craig said as he pointed out his homeworld to Saa'an and Ami'an. “And there's Luna, our moon, coming around from the right."

Ami'an smiled when she saw that Terra's single moon was silvery-white against the long night of space, for it reminded her of a lone, distant cousin of the twin moons of her own world.

“What is that bright spot there, beloved?" Saa'an asked, pointing to a point of light between Terra and her moon.

“That's the Fleet Operations Station for our space fleet, and next to it is a military shipyard. We're going to be arriving at the main civilian station, which should be…right over there, I think," Craig replied, pointing to the ship's destination. “They're going to send our stuff down on a cargo shuttle once everything clears de-con; we'll be using the MT to beam down to the Chicago Starport."

“What is this 'MT' you spoke of?" Ami'an asked.

“Oh, it's a 'matter-teleporter'—it basically scans you on the sub-quantum level, converts your body to energy and beams it down, and then reconverts you back in exactly the same pattern. It only takes few seconds," Craig explained.

“That sounds dangerous_!_" Saa'an exclaimed, her eyes paling at the thought.

“Oh, it's safe, don't worry. There are lots of safety mechanisms to make sure a person arrives okay. If the slightest little thing isn't right, the MT will abort the transport faster than an operator could possible react. It's a lot safer than either one of you attempting to teleport to the surface from orbit," Craig said with a smile.

“It will not affect our little one, will it?" Saa'an asked with concern.

“Nope. Mom went through it several times when she was carrying me, and I'm okay."

“There have been times when I thought you were unhinged…perhaps going through such a thing is what caused you to be so annoying at times," Saa'an said with a bit of sarcasm.

“Ah, perhaps Craig's alleged mental instabilities are due to the effect you have on him," Ami'an commented with a sly grin.

“It's probably from being around all three of you for so long," Craig said with a chuckle.

They shared a quiet moment remembering Khy'an, who was undoubtedly back to performing her previous duties at the palace.

“I wish she could have come along with us…," Craig sent privately to both Saa'an and Ami'an.

Ami'an put an arm around Craig's shoulders and sent, “A part of her will always be with us, my friend. She will see through our eyes when I return home, and when you return to our world, you will share your experiences with Khy'an as well."

Craig looked up and met Ami'an's eyes. “I still wish all four of us could be here at the same time, though."

“As do I," Ami'an sent wistfully.

“And I, too," Saa'an added, also putting her arm around Craig.

The Summer Wind pulled into the huge hanger bay of the civilian space station and tied up to her assigned berth. The diplomatic personnel went through the mandatory decon screening upon disembarking, and proceeded to report in as having arrived. A few stayed on the station for a while longer to visit with relatives or friends who worked there, and some took small personnel shuttles to other locations on Luna and points beyond to spend part or all of their thirty-day stand-down period before going on to their next assignment. The rest, including the Nicolinis, Ilen-Saa'an, and Tsel-Ami'an, headed to the surface via the station's MT system.

“AI!" Saa'an cried out as the containment field enveloped her and the characteristic humming sound scaled up. Very quickly, the transport chamber disappeared into to a blaze of light, only to be replaced by another one in an even larger room with a lot more people of various species around when the blaze subsided. When she could move again, Saa'an felt her face and arms to make sure they were indeed solid.

“THAT is the…the ones who made that device must be UNHINGED!!!" Saa'an exclaimed aloud in Tu'an as she stepped away from the platform, spun around and hissed at it.

Craig spoke to the Transport Tech in a conspiratorial tone, “Her first time."

The Transport Tech chuckled and shook his head.

“Saa'an, dear, it wasn't that bad," Cassandra chided her daughter-in-law. “You'll get used to it after a few times."

“Get 'used' to that accursed hyperspace, he says! Get 'used' to THAT twice cursed machine created by a pack of unhinged nerbifs, my Honored Shen-ma'en says! Ah! What madness has possessed these people?!" Saa'an ranted in her native language.

“SAA'AN!" Ami'an sent privately, and sharply. “Show respect and restraint! You are behaving like a ghe-wazi in mating season! Remember, WE are the strangers here!"

Saa'an looked at Ami'an and saw that she was quite upset, standing with her arms crossed and thumping the end of her tail on the floor. Everyone else who was nearby was also staring at her, but they quickly turned their faces away and went about their business when she looked their way.

Saa'an bowed low before Cassandra and said, “My apologies, Honored Shen-ma'en…" she started to say, but Craig's mother interrupted her.

“I know this trip has been stressful on you, dear, especially considering your condition. Once we get home, maybe a nice swim in the pool will make you feel better. We have to find your parents—they should be waiting for us just outside the security area, and we have to pick up our carry-on bags, too," Cassandra said gently, trying to calm Saa'an.

“Yeah, c'mon, babe," Craig added, “let's go and get our bags and then find your mom and dad—they should be easy to spot in the crowd."

“I am sorry, my beloved…I do not know what came over me," Saa'an sent meekly to Craig as they headed towards the baggage pick up area.

“Um, hormones?" Craig sent back with a little smirk.

Saa'an looked blankly at Craig, blinking her eyes, for a moment. She almost made a snarky comment, but quickly stopped that thought before sending it. Reconsidering, she sent, “Perhaps so. Our little one is starting to assert herself in my mind already."

“Geezers, it's only been, what, about three cycles now? Is that common this early?" Craig asked.

“Nearly so, though she is part human, and from what your Honored Mother told me, our little one may come a bit latter for your people and a bit early for mine."

Craig thought on that a moment.

“Hmm, I guess that kinda sorta makes sense in a way."

When they arrived at the baggage area, they quickly found which carousel their carry-on luggage was on, and Saa'an and Ami'an used their telekinetic ability to lift all their bags off the conveyor belt, much to the surprise of the other passengers who witnessed the action.

As Craig had predicted, Saa'an's parents, Ilen-Jaa'an and Dnan-Mat'ta, were indeed easy to spot—not only did they stand head and shoulders above most, they also had a small crowd around them, or more specifically, around Ilen-Jaa'an. When Jaa'an and Mat'ta waved at Saa'an, Craig, Ami'an, and the Nicolinis, the crowd turned to see who they were waving at.

“Who are they?" one person asked, trying to get a look through the others.

“Hey, the black-haired gal looks like Ilen-Jaa'an! Are they related?"

“I dunno, but check out the dish with the white hair!"

“That human guy is holding hands with the one who looks like Ilen-Jaa'an…think those two might be a couple?"

“Ilen-Jaa'an! Is that your daughter?!" one yelled out.

Saa'an's mother sent, “These fool people! They are unhinged, I swear! Your father and I have a vehicle waiting, inform the others that we will take them to wherever they wish to go. We can exchange pleasantries later, after we escape from these people."

“Honored Mother…just a moment," Saa'an sent back. She let the others know what was going on, so they agreed to leave as quickly as they could.

The crowd of fans parted, though not by much, to let Saa'an and the rest to greet Jaa'an and Mat'ta. They were totally surprised, however, when as soon as the others made physical contact with Saa'an's parents…

*BAMF!*

They disappeared!

Immediately upon appearing next to their vehicle, Jaa'an sent, “Load up your things quickly so that we may leave before they discover where we are and return!"

Mat'ta opened the cargo compartment, and between he and William, they got the luggage stowed, and everyone got into the spacious interior of the grav vehicle. They were soon leaving the spaceport and on their way.

“You seem to have quite a following, Jaa'an," Cassandra said with a little chuckle.

“Unfortunately, a new group seems to have taken an interest in my mate," Mat'ta said, shaking his head a little. “Every time we convince one set people to stop following us, another appears to take their place."

“The price of being famous," William remarked.

“Is it always like this for you now, Mother?" Saa'an asked.

“Nearly so, depending upon where we are," Jaa'an replied_._ “I have, surprisingly enough, made a friend of that one you showed me in the 'magazine' back on our world, and Mat'ta and I were invited to her home on…how is it called…?"

“Se'lessis nes-Fasswé," Craig said with a grin towards his dad.

“Ah, yes, thank you, Craig. As I was saying, Mat'ta and I were invited by R'Hari to her home on…as you said, and it was a rather pleasant experience. The Keori are interesting, friendly, and a very well-behaved people."

“Probably one of the reasons why R'Hari is so well liked," Cassandra suggested.

“Yeah, that and she's, um, quite a looker," Craig said. Glancing at Saa'an, he added, “Well, she is, but I've got what I need right here," putting his arm around Saa'an and giving her a hug.

“As do I," she said aloud with a smile, returning his hug.

“What about you, Ami'an, anybody special yet in your life?" Cassandra asked.

“Not as yet, no, though we have been rather busy re-adapting to life in our restored status to entertain such, and that is just as well with me. There have been inquiries already, of course, but I do not think I would find any of those acceptable at any rate." Little did anyone know that Ami'an secretly found Craig more appealing than most of her contemporaries, and that was another reason why she came to Terra with Saa'an and Craig—to see if other Terrans were anything like Craig, just to satisfy her curiosity if for no other reason.

After arriving at the apartment that Craig's parents owned, they put their things away and ordered delivery from a local restaurant. Once the meal arrived, they spent the evening talking and generally catching up on what had been happening in their lives since the Nicolinis had last visited with Jaa'an and Mat'ta. Later on, after Saa'an's parents left, Craig took Saa'an and Ami'an down to the apartment complex's swimming pool for a relaxing dip.

“Ah, this is much better, is it not so, Ami'an?" Saa'an asked her sister-friend as she lazily swam from one end of the pool to the other.

“At least it is deep enough for the most part," Ami'an agreed.

“Yeah, and you don't have to worry about anything biting you…though I might nibble a little," Craig said the last a little suggestively.

“He has not changed in that regard," Ami'an sent with a chuckle, as she glided by Craig in the water.

“Do not encourage him, Ami'an, or we may never get our rest," Saa'an sent back with a smirk.

“Aw, geez, Saa'an, I'm probably going to hit the sack when we get back up to the apartment.

Saa'an paused for a moment and thinking about it, said, “Your bed looked rather small…we will need to find a larger one when possible."

“Yeah, I guess so. Most of the horse G.E.L.F.s are at least as tall as you are, so we shouldn't have any trouble finding a bed large enough," Craig agreed.

On their way back to the apartment, one of Craig's long-time neighbors was in the hallway carrying a rather fussy child in her arms.

“Oh, hi Craig! I heard you and your folks were back from a tour off-world. How ya been?"

“Hey, Angie. Yeah, we just got back today, took us three weeks to get home. Geez, you had another kid while we were gone?"

“Nah, no more for me. This is my lil' grandson, Jimmy; he's Stacy's boy. He's not being a happy camper tonight. I thought maybe if I walked around with him a little bit that maybe he might settle down, but, it hasn't yet."

Craig looked at the baby possum G.E.L.F. and smiled at him and waved his fingers.

“Hey there, lil' dude, what's got you wound up, eh?" Looking back at his neighbor, Craig said, “Oh, hey, I, um, got married while I was gone. This is my wife, Ilen-Saa'an, from Mûr Zhæn—that's the world my mom and dad helped to set up a new embassy on. Saa'an, this is Angie Maywood. And this is our friend, Tsel-Ami'an, who is staying with us for a little while," Craig said, making the introductions.

Angie had to look up even higher than Craig had to, for she was just under one and a half meters tall.

“Hi," Angie said, working a hand out to greet Saa'an and Ami'an.

Saa'an remembered how Craig taught her to greet people on his world, and shook Angie's hand.

“Pleased to meet you." Saa'an said, being careful not to squeeze Angie's hand too hard. After Ami'an greeted Craig's neighbor, she looked down at the small child in her arms. “May I?" Ami'an asked before touching the child.

With a nod from Craig, Angie said, “Um, sure. He's got sharp little teeth, so be careful."

Ami'an grinned, showing her own set of very sharp triangular-shaped teeth, including the deadly venomous fangs."

“Oh…I guess you probably know a thing or two about sharp teeth, then," Angie said quietly as she handed the child over to Ami'an.

“It is something we must be very careful with, for the venom in our children's fangs is quite deadly for the small amount they possess," Ami'an explained.

“Venom?" Angie asked, her eyes widening.

“Yeah, pretty much everything on Mûr Zhæn is poisonous, one way or another," Craig said with a little humor in his voice. “If it can't bite you, it'll make sure you better not bite it."

“Dang, Craig, did you get hazardous duty pay while you were there?"

“Ah…no, but…"

“He had us to keep him safe, is that not so, Ami'an?" Saa'an asked, wrapping the end of her tail around Craig's wrist.

“Of course. Ah, there now, little one, be calm for your Honored Grandmother…," Ami'an said aloud to the child.

Even though he had seen it done before, it still amazed Craig just how fast the pheromones in the wrist scent glands worked at calming someone who was overly excited or agitated, as he watched Ami'an rub her wrist near the child's nose. In seconds, the child was quite calm and almost drowsy.

“That is…amazing! How did you do that?" Angie asked Ami'an as she handed little Jimmy back to her.

“It is a simple thing, really, just a substance our bodies produce in our wrists that is calming to others. We are immune to our own, but another's would affect us," Ami'an replied.

“Wow, that's somethin', huh?"

“It should keep the little one calm and relaxed for a time."

“Well, gee, thanks. Well, I should put him to bed, and see if he will sleep for awhile."

“See ya, Angie," Craig said giving his neighbor a wave.

“Yeah, see ya, Craig. Say hi to your mom for me, okay? Nice to meet you two."

Just before entering the apartment, Saa'an said, “The different people you have on your world is a wonder."

“I guess in a way, having the G.E.L.F.s helped to make it easier for us to accept people from other worlds," Craig said as they went inside.

Ami'an paused for a moment to look back down the hall. “No doubt that it has, my friend."

* * * * *

“So, A'amahi, I was told by U'ensa that I would find you here," Naoia said after she appeared in a swirl of light.

“And indeed, you have, my old friend. What did you think of the human male when you met him?" A'amahi asked.

“I think he will be up to the task of raising a child of two worlds. And what of your opinion if the one who served as his protector?" Naoia asked, raising an eyebrow.

“That one has a lot of determination and courage, and a strong sense of justice, but she cares deeply for the human," A'amahi replied.

“It is well that she does, a good leader should care about something other than herself."

“So, she will be the one, then, to take the fight to the remaining an'im-Raleen on her world?" A'amahi asked, raising her own eyebrow.

“Yes, the one known as Bren-Khy'an will wield The Weapon our smiths taught Bren-Fire Maker how to create long ago. Once they are finally purged from Mûr Zhæn, the fight will be taken to put down those fool Wurnak Da'i, once and for all," Naoia said firmly.

“And then?"

“And then we sink our teeth into the Dark Blood homeworld," Naoia replied with a quiet snarl.

“To Mâr An'sanim…"

[[1]](#ftnref1) The song Craig played was “_Stand by You" by Rachel Platten.

[[2]](#_ftnref2) Nerbif – a small, nervous, burrowing rodent-like animal that inhabits forests on Mûr Zhæn.

[[3]](#_ftnref3) Shen-ma'en – “Honored Second Mother" as a female would call her mate's mother.

---

(On to Chapter 18: https://www.sofurry.com/view/1234266)