Winters exited his pod the next day to the smell of damp earth and wild grasses. The morning sun warmed his face. It was pleasant; far more pleasant than his dreams had been. Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, he began his morning routine. When he returned to the pod and put in his earpiece, Io finally broke her silence.

‘Sir, you are alright?’

“I’m not sure I know how to answer that Io, but I’m not going to sit around wallowing if that’s what you’re asking.”

‘Yes sir, I have faith you will not give up so easily. That does not mean I am not concerned. The loss of your friends and your captain is one of our few shared events. It carries markedly different significance for each of us. I am unsure how to proceed.’

“I guess that’s another good lesson Io, as long as you’re learning what it means to be human. Sometimes there’s nothing special that you can do. Just keep doing what you’re doing. Stay with me, help me out, talk to me. That’s all I ask.”

‘As you say sir. The final spare parts should finish today. What will be our next priority?’

“I’m thinking the solar panels. Where do we stand on that?”

‘We have adequate material and power.’

“Best news I’ve heard all day.”

‘You’ve been awake for less than an hour.’

“Precisely.” Winters sighed happily. “See Io, you’re making it better already.”

‘You’re welcome sir?’ Io seemed perplexed. Winters figured confusing an AI was quite the accomplishment. With another ration bar in hand, he sat down for a quick breakfast before tidying up the area directly around the pod and attending to the nano-fabricator. With two days of local water consumption under his belt with no adverse effects, he was feeling confident that at least one item on the survival checklist could be ticked off. Power and food would be his next priorities. With his new found ability to access a significant store of human music and literature, Winters found that noon was soon upon him. Filing away a Heinlein novel on his HUD to continue later, Winters rose from his seated position in the pod’s dwindling shade to file away the final spare part he needed. Checking the pod’s power levels and finding them as Io had described, Winters queued up two iterations of his pod’s solar panel schematics. “I just hope I’m up to the task of installing these when they’re ready. Us jumpers are usually known for breaking things, not fixing them.” At that moment his proximity sensors began flashing. Winters turned quickly, hands flying to the knife on his hip and his pistol on the other. He relaxed when he saw a familiar pair of black tipped ears. “Hey there Veera. Don’t sneak up on me like that again alright?” Winters greeted her as he stepped out of the pod.

“Selah Russell!” She replied happily, surely unaware of his request. Ensuring his earpiece was still in place, Winters removed his helmet and smiled at her. He’d been planning another foray into the surrounding environs, but with Veera here he figured that could wait. Perhaps he’d even get her to show him around sometime. Noticing that she wasn’t carrying her trusty bucket, Winters gestured over her shoulder at her field. “Don’t you need to take care of things today?” She looked in the direction he pointed, then back. Other than a slight ruffling of her feathers there was no indication she’d even heard him. Well, if she’s not concerned then I guess I have no reason to be. If anything she seems downright chipper. Guess rain means a day off of work? Winters concluded, thinking of how to ask Veera about the local terrain using only hand motions and yes or no. The alien seemed to have other ideas.

The purpose of Veera’s visit became clear as she stepped past Winters to take a closer look at the interior of his living space. Winters reached a hand out towards her, ready to shoo her away from any technology she could possibly break, but in the end it was unnecessary. Seemingly understanding that this was Winters’ home, Veera kept her claws at a respectful distance; merely looking instead of touching and fiddling. Winters exhaled with measured relief, but kept his eyes on her just the same. Even the most polite alien could mess something up out of ignorance. “You’re pretty curious, aren’t you?” He asked, surprised when she replied in what sounded like a full sentence, craning her head to get a good look at the fabricator’s display. With a toothy grin she began walking around his pod, expression turning to one of awe as she ran her fingers along the sides and took extra time to study the solar panel array. All the while, Veera spoke. Winters wasn’t sure if it was directed at him or not, but it was clear she didn’t mind him listening in. Her tone seemed jovial, relaxed, maybe even confiding. Satisfied she had no intention of breaking anything; Winters took his seat again, replaced his helmet, and continued to read.

Before long Winters noticed Veera had stopped her exploration and was sitting, as he was, against another side of the pod. Still, she chatted away amicably. Her voice was softer now, a bit more serious. Winters stopped reading to fully concentrate on her voice and her language. He still didn’t understand one bit but he enjoyed the way words seemed to flow together. It was as if someone had combined the German propensity for compound words with the auditory appeal of French or Spanish. Unable to see her face, Winters found himself eyeing her legs and feet instead, the only parts of her he could see thanks to the walls of the pod. Like the rest of her, her legs were thin and striped. Her feet, with their talons, held his attention though. It wasn’t quite Jurassic Park raptor level, but they had to be at least three inches long apiece. The way they left small tracks in the ground indicated their sharpness. Winters made a mental note to watch out for the feet if he ever got into a fight with a Cauthan. Veera’s voice trailed off, and she poked her head around the corner to look at him, surprised to find his helmet staring back at her. As he removed it to be polite, Veera scooched to sit next to him. Winters shifted to his left to make space. Patting down her worn leather dress, which Winters saw was barely holding together, Veera looked up at him and waited.

“Uh…my turn?” Winters asked, unsure what she wanted. “Well, I tell you what. If you don’t like it just talk over me ok?” Winters was glad he’d left his weapons in the pod, save the knife. Otherwise he was sure they would draw the Cauthan’s attention like last time. Wondering if something in the water had actually driven him insane, Winter leaned his head back and began to talk.

“Well, you know my name, Russell Winters.” He started. She nodded and raised her crown plumage. Perhaps that was the Cauthan equivalent of ‘yes’. Perhaps she was just indicating she understood the name. Either way, Winters continued. “I have two sisters and a brother, all older. My dad’s a retired Marine colonel, fought for the United States before helping to form the Human Expeditionary League. My mom’s a UN diplomat. UN is a sort of central meeting place for all the human nations. Maybe you have something similar if there are other villages around? Anyway, unlike my siblings I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do in life. So when I hit 18 my father figured the military was the way to go. Can’t say I enjoyed the idea at first but hearing about Omega division changed my mind pretty quick. Don’t get me wrong I like fighting, but I didn’t want to kill other humans. And I certainly didn’t want to go into Delta. Delta is like a space army I guess. They don’t get deployed often but when they do it’s lights out for whoever has pissed us off. Only happened once to a sentient species like you. Killed the first delegation sent to them straight off the bat. We answered back, they tried to fight. They lost. Really scared the Ghaelen too. If they didn’t respect us before that, they do now.” Winters took a quick swig from his canteen, offering it to Veera next. She took the item and sniffed it curiously. Assessing it to be safe she took a drink as well, then returned it. Winters continued his monologue.

“The Ghaelen are like…space elk I guess? Well you don’t know what an elk is, do you? It’s a large animal, short fur, antlers on its head, sometimes really large ones all pointy and whatnot. Anyway, if one of those learned to walk like you and me, you’d get the Ghaelen. They found us, as it were. Not sure what those grass munchers were thinking but they sent a single unarmed vessel down to Earth, our planet, to negotiate or something. Not really sure if they thought we’d submit just because they could warp between stars, but they didn’t get what they expected I’m sure!” Winters laughed, eliciting a small smile from Veera. She was watching him with rapt attention, tail swaying lazily back and forth to her right.

“So, these guys land on our planet and park their ship right above the UN building. I guess they were smart enough to figure out that it was an international seat of diplomacy. No warning, no weapons, no nothing. They just sit there. So of course humanity is freaking the fuck out, wondering if this is going to be Independence Day all over again when some hotshot pilot shoots a sidewinder right up this thing’s tailpipe! The guy was court martialed and thrown in the brig. We thought he’d started an interstellar war. Except he didn’t. He forced their ship to land. When it did, it was surrounded by a full battalion of Marines, best the US had to offer. My father was in that group, must have been the most harrowing moment of his life. My mother, was a young staffer at the UN back then. The powers that be decided the missile incident had forced our hand. We had to attempt to negotiate, lest the mothership do…whatever it is their motherships do. So with a marine escort, a few diplomats from the major nations of Earth walked right up and knocked on the door. The rest is history, as they say. Turns out these Ghaelen evolved on a world with no natural predators. They just happened to be the first to evolve sentience and take to the stars. Pretty easy when you’ve never fought a war. Problem is they ran into us first. We made them realize just how vulnerable they were. So…a partnership was formed.

We got access to Ghaelen technology and research, including warp drives. We derived quantum computing tech from that and well, things just exploded from there on out. Our end of the bargain was to be the muscle in the galaxy. We haven’t had to flex it much, but that’s why my branch of the military, the Human Expeditionary League was formed. There are four sub-branches all with different purposes. Alpha is mainly diplomats and other attaches. They have the most direct contact with the Ghaelen. Some have even visited their homeworld I think. Beta is where some of my best friends are. One of my sisters is in it too. They’re the brains behind the brawn. Military scientists with cutting edge tech and first crack at any Ghaelen innovations that Alpha can secure access to. They designed my pod, my armor, my nano-fabricator; pretty much everything other than my weapons.

Delta are the big boys, the shock and awe. They’re meant to be both peacekeepers and enforcers. Like I said, they’ve only ever really gone up against a true enemy once and they crushed them. Once that one city surrendered the rest got the idea real fast. Most of the time they just go around dropping on worlds and cleaning things up. One of the things I hate about the Ghaelen actually. They abhor war and violence. Sounds good, right? Problem is they have us landing on industrial worlds to stop it. Can you imagine if some aliens in power armor dropped into Berlin in 1944 and started tearing the place up? It’s a nightmare for Alpha whenever the Ghaelen decide they want to be angels let me tell you. Two or more factions shooting at one another, usually before they’ve discovered space flight; then you have space marines drop in and beat both sides into submission as humanely as possible. The idea of landing after that and trying to sort everything out? Nightmare. That and…while I guess I’m all for stopping the killing…I don’t enjoy the idea of playing God. We’re changing the course of history on these planets and no one has any idea if it’s for better or worse. Top brass in Alpha managed to persuade the Ghaelen to stop and use a group of worlds as a test case to see if it actually makes matters worse but…we’ve already done it.” Winters tone had become harder now. That part of the uplift treaty had always rubbed him the wrong way. The Ghaelen were an arrogant race, and it showed. Veera had detected his change in mood, her feathers and tail less active and what seemed to be a frown played across her muzzle. Not wanting to ruin the mood, Winters changed subjects.

“Well, then there’s us! Omega division. If Delta is the army, we’re the scouts. We get out there, explore the frontier, track anomalies, gather data on other planets and solar systems, and find new places for us to live. Hopefully without anything like your species. No offense but if you’re already here we can’t exactly set up shop. Well I guess we could but it wouldn’t be right. Anyway that’s how I ended up here. The rest…is a story that I don’t want to tell yet. Sorry.” He looked down at Veera again, peeved that he’d ended up right back where he’d left off regarding depressing subjects of conversation. He simply shrugged in apology and remained silent. He’d gone on for a while anyway. With something that sounded like words of encouragement, Veera lifted herself off the ground and turned to him, holding her hand out. Curious, Winters grabbed it, feeling a small force as she tried to hoist him into a standing position. Her grip was firm, even through his gloves, but there wasn’t much power behind it. It gave Winters pause, wondering just how much meat there was under that fur; or if Veera was all skin and bones. Knowing there was nothing he could offer her even if she was starving; Winters filed the observation away in the back of his mind as a reminder to find a consistent source of food. He was just about to attempt to ask Veera about such a thing when she began walking back towards her farm. She was still holding his hand.

“You…want me to come with you?” Winters asked, perplexed. “Wait a minute then.” He quickly armed himself and grabbed another ration bar just in case. Io protested that he wasn’t taking a bag with him, but he reasoned that even if they went to Veera’s village and back it wouldn’t take too long. Rejoining the Cauthan, it quickly became apparent that the village was indeed their destination. Veera took the lead, speaking to Winters again in their odd one sided conversation. As they grew closer to the village however, Veera’s tone became shaky. Her feathers drooped a bit and her tail dragged. Winters gripped his pistol, just in case. They’d arrived at the edge of the woods surrounding Veera’s home. He could see the palisade in the distance clearly now. It was thick enough that a single Cauthan seemed to be able to walk atop it. It was an impressive fortification considering the state of their technology, or what he’d seen of it. Winters stopped walking, figuring Veera had simply wanted an escort home. The reason for her nervousness became clear, however, when she offered him her hand again. She wants me to…come with her. In there? Shit. Well…I don’t think I’ll ever be ready for this but I need food. If there’s anywhere around here with food, it’s there. Even if they just tell me where to hunt, that will be huge. “Io.” Winters spoke into his helmet, ensuring Veera couldn’t hear him.

‘Sir, you are accepting her offer?’

“I don’t know if walking into a Cauthan settlement is a good idea, but we’re running out of options.”

‘As much as it dismays me I concur, sir.”

“If they do let us in, I want every spare processor you have working on a translation program. If we get enough information that could save our butts.”

‘Yes sir. You expect armed confrontation?’

“I hope not. But even if it does happen, I want you to focus on the language. I’ll tell you if I need anything beyond the proximity sensors and HUD.”

‘Understood sir. Your guide appears restless.’ Io pointed out. Veera had begun shifting her weight from foot to foot. Her hand still outstretched in offer. Winters nodded to her, emerged from the tree line, and took it. He ignored the odd feeling in the pit of his stomach. That they were holding hands was a message to the others that he meant her, and by extension them, no harm. Nothing more. Swallowing hard, he began to walk. After a few minutes walking through well cultivated fields they were close enough to the gate for him to make out two guards flanking either side of the main gate in detail. Another patrolled atop it. They saw him too. “Here we go.” Winters gritted his teeth and tried to give Veera’s hand a reassuring squeeze. The shouts began soon after.

The guards at ground level had signaled the one on top who immediately blew a loud horn. There would be no stealth or one on one negotiation it seemed. Winters raised his left hand into the air to show he was unarmed. He kept Veera’s in his right. He knew he looked threatening. There still wasn’t a chance in hell he was going to remove his armor though. The guards on the ground were holding their spears in both hands now. They appeared to be wooden with metal tips and they were pointing right at him. The guard atop the gate, having surely notified most of the bloody village of his arrival, had knocked an arrow in a wooden shortbow and was waiting at rest, aiming at him. He couldn’t blame them. It was what he would have done. Fortunately the guards didn’t seem aggressive. They were all talking and shouting to one another but no one rushed him. He wasn’t sure if that was because of Veera’s presence or not but he was happy to have not yet caused a diplomatic incident. A bead of nervous sweat rolled down his face as they approached within twenty feet of the gates, which were now opening.

“Well, shit.” Winters cursed, annoyed that every other day seemed deserving of such an expletive. A line of guards, perhaps ten in all, awaited behind the gate. Like the three he’d already seen, they were armed with bows and spears and lightly armored. He saw pieces of metal in what he assumed were vital positions over their chests but for the most part their armor was made of hide or leather. The holes in their helmets for their ears would have made him chuckle, were it not such a tense situation. Behind the line of guards a crowd had formed. Feathers and tails waved and fluttered and there was a low din of whispers and questioning. Surely they all wished to know what this imposing creature was doing on their doorstep, to say nothing of it holding the hand of one of their own.

Winters noticed that most of the guards didn’t seem to sport the same plumage as Veera. They had some shorter feathers poking from the backs of their helmets but seemed to lack arm plumage entirely. In its place were natural scales. Going out on a limb Winters figured his gut instinct about Veera being female was accurate. The guards were clearly of stronger and thicker build than she was. Scanning the crowd quickly it seemed like that trait applied to most of the Cauthan gathered, but the guards and other males he could see certainly had more bulk on areas of their bodies that would be meant for fighting: legs, arms, the pectorals. The females were more or less similar to Veera, though they appeared to be curvier and more filled out around the hips. They looked healthier.

“Veera…what happened to you?” Winters whispered to himself, bringing his attention back to his companion. They had stopped walking now and the entire scene was at a standstill. A heavily armored Cauthan at the fore of the guards was appraising him with a keen eye, occasionally speaking to his force but making no obvious move. A shorter, fat male was trying to force his way to the front, accompanied by two other guards who sported different armor than the rest. It looked much more ceremonial and glinted in the sunlight. So we know they have technology for mining, smelting, and place a value on shiny things. Interesting. Winters considered for a moment before quickly refocusing on the task at hand. With a soft nudge, he indicated to Veera that she should return alone. Given the reception, getting out without a fight and displaying his lack of hostile intention would be a success in his book. Compared to his first encounter with Veera, this meeting was much more cautious and filled with pointy sticks. Looking back up to him and whispering a nervous “Selah”, Veera left his side and continued on. Figuring a return of the greeting might put the rest at ease, he replied. “Selah, Veera.” There was an immediate burst of chatter amongst the guards. He saw shocked looks on some of their faces. Again though, none moved. The shorter male was beginning to make a bit of commotion but Winters paid him no mind. The captain of the guard was currently his biggest threat. He liked his odds against any Cauthan, but 14 of them, he wasn’t so sure.

By now Veera had reached the line of guards and they let her through without hassle. Seeing this, Winters kept his arms in the air and turned his back. “Well, no one shot at me and I delivered Veera safe and sound. I think that’s the best outcome I can possibly hope for, eh Io?” Winters was breathing a bit easier now. There had been no proximity warnings on his HUD and no arrows had struck his back.

‘Sir…’ Io got Winters attention. ‘I do believe you’ve caused a bit of commotion.’ They were now a good fifty feet from the gate. He’d done nothing to indicate he was a threat.

“What are you talking about Io?” Winters asked, turning back to look at the village. The Cauthan were shouting now. The short one and the guard captain were arguing. The civilians were yelling and becoming unruly. Winters zoomed in. He thought he’d recognized a voice among the din. Sure enough, he found Veera’s stripes. She seemed to be one of the only Cauthan with such fur patterns. She was struggling against the shiny guards, each of which had grabbed her by her upper arms. After a short scuffle they began to lead her away, the short, fat Cauthan following. Winters felt his adrenaline surge. His heart beat once, then twice, pumping the chemical through his veins. His armor tightened and readied itself for combat, responding to the kick in his vitals. Veera was in trouble.

‘Sir, you can’t mean to storm the keep?!’ Io was almost yelling at him. He could barely hear as the blood rushed through his temples.

“I can’t.” He ground out, his hands coiled into tight fists. “I can’t Io. I can’t lose another one.”

‘Sir, you just met her three days ago! You don’t even know what they intend with her! It might be nothing! You could be killed!’

“SHE’S ALL I HAVE LEFT!” Winters bellowed, knowing the Cauthan would hear him. He wanted them to. Jess had died for him. He’d sat is his pod, under her order, while she was vaporized. If he could have he would have switched places with her, no questions asked. He would have given anything if it meant she would live. He had become a Jumper to save people, not to be saved. Now the one friendly lifeform he’d found here; the one who had come to him not with spear and bow, but with open hand, was being dragged off by a shouting mob. He was trained to jump into hell. He was trained to bring hell with him. He was trained to save those under his protection, at the cost of his own life if need be. No amount of cold VI logic could stop him now. Sorry Jess, I’m modifying your orders a bit. Though I’m sure you’d approve. Grabbing his shield from his back and drawing his sword, Winters pointed the blade at the line of guards. With a roar born from the deepest, most vicious, and primal parts of his being; Winters charged.