The next morning Winters awoke to the flashing of his pod’s proximity alarms. Rubbing the sleep from his eyes, he heard a faint knocking sound on the door. Not used to that kind of courtesy. Winters thought, remembering the time Shifty had walked in on him and Jess in her bunk. He couldn’t help a sad grin. Grabbing his pistol just in case his guest’s manners belied more hostile intent, Winters rapped his fist against the metal door twice. Figuring he’d given fair warning, Winters gave the door a quick push and stepped out, left hand raised to guard his neck and face, just in case.

“Hello Russell.” Veera greeted him meekly. She was looking at the ground, at his pod; anywhere but directly at him. Winters quietly holstered his sidearm and looked her over. She didn’t look any worse for wear, but her body language was clear enough. Turning back, he grabbed his helmet and hit a button on the fabricator to acknowledge the completion of his fishing pole. Veera didn’t move from her spot, hands fidgeting behind her back and her gaze on the ground.

“What’s eating you Veera? You look terrible. Are you injured?” Winters asked, hoping this was something simple that he could handle. He had a gnawing suspicion though that this involved the inner workings of the female mind; something not so easily fixed or understood. He was sure humans and Cauthan would share that in common.

“I…” Veera began nervously. “I wanted to apologize to you Russell, for everything that happened yesterday. I was foolish and idealistic, got you into trouble, and then…” She took a deep breath. “Then I brought you into my home and offered you nothing but bile. I’m sure that Meylith looks upon me with great shame this morning. I couldn’t offer a guest even the smallest of comforts.” She trailed off and went silent, looking up just long enough to catch Winters’ eye before returning her gaze to her feet. Winters felt his stomach knot uncomfortably.

“Veera, what are you saying? What could you have possibly offered-” Winters knew immediately that he’d made a mistake as Veera balled her hands into fists and began shaking slightly. “Oh geez, Veera I didn’t mean…” He backpedaled quickly, rubbing the back of his helmet with his hand. A thought suddenly occurred to him. “Tell you what Veera. I personally don’t think you have anything to apologize for, but in respect to…Meylith…we’ll call it even, ok?” I’ll have to ask about that god later. He thought as Veera finally looked at him steadily. Surprise was written on her features.

“Even? What do you mean Russell?” She asked.

“Well, given your apology I presume it’s Cauthan custom to offer guests food or drink when you invite them in?” He ventured. Veera nodded. “Well in that case, that makes this twice now that you’ve come to visit me and I’ve offered you nothing. So we’ll call it even. You owe me nothing Veera, and your Gods certainly aren’t upset with you on my account.” Winters tried to reassure her, wishing he could remove his helmet and talk to her directly. He would have to consider that dilemma at a later date. For now though, the proverbial clouds seemed to be lifting from above Veera’s head.

“You, you mean it?” She asked hopefully.

“Of course I do. You’ve been very kind to me Veera, something I hope to return in due time. For now though, I have a few things I need to get done. Do you think we could talk later?”

“Ah, yes of course. Sorry to bother you. I’ll be tending to the field when you’re done. Would you join me for lunch?”

“Sure, I should be done then. Selah, Veera.” Winters bid her well, thankful to know exactly what his words meant.

“You’re too kind.” She whispered, casting her glance to the side again. Winters simply stared. He was beginning to grasp just how important Veera’s piety was to her. Whether it was a crutch or strength, he couldn’t be sure. In the end though, he reasoned. Maybe that’s irrelevant.

“I’m not particularly kind. Vash’s guards can attest to that.” Winters felt the knot untangle as Veera crooked a small smile at his joke. “We both have work to do. I’ll be by, promise.”

“Alright Russell, thank you.” She replied, turning to walk back to her farm. Winters sighed with relief as he noticed a renewed spring in her step.

‘Feeling in over your head yet?’ Io asked.

“I have since I landed, but thanks Io. Sleep well?” Winters asked back, ignoring her dig at him. Maybe he deserved it, worrying about an alien’s feelings when he only had a couple days of food left and solar panels to install.

‘Very well, thank you sir. I had much to do with all the data we gathered from the Cauthan village. While I would never recommend your course of action, I cannot deny the beneficial results…this time.’ Somehow Io managed to admonish him while complimenting him. Quite the feat.

“Glad you’re looking at things from a utilitarian perspective. Care to help me out with the solar panels once I freshen up?”

‘Of course sir, I would be happy to.’ Io replied.

“You sound especially happy about that.” He ventured.

‘It is the equivalent of securing me a food source sir. It is a literal matter of…life and death…for me.’ Io explained, hesitating as she put her mortality into words. ‘I do not like being aware of my own mortality sir. It is most uncomfortable.’

“Welcome to my life…or life in general?” Winters tried to reassure her. “You’ll get used to it, I promise. And don’t worry; soon as I’m done here, those panels are going up. I’m not going to let you run dry.”

‘Thank you Russell.’

“You’re welcome Io.” Winters shuddered as he splashed cold river water onto his face. For a moment he felt bad for Io. She had developed emotion, a sense of self, and a fear of mortality. Even so, she was still bound by her prime directive, to not do him any harm. If he decided to deactivate her, she’d have no ability to resist. Her life is literally in my hands. Winters concluded, feeling another shiver that was entirely unrelated to the cool temperature of the water. He walked back to his pod with renewed purpose, purpose that immediately gave way to embarrassment as he inspected the new solar panels.

“So Io…where do I start here?” He asked with a hint of embarrassment.

‘Sir, you will notice the small clips and wire port on the back? You should be able to align those to the overall grid once you remove the non-functional panels. The array was designed with modularity and repairs in mind.’

“Thank goodness. Let’s get to it then!”

As the star of the system reached its zenith in the crisp blue sky, Veera raised a hand to her brow and breathed deeply. It had been a hard morning, as always, but securing Winters’ forgiveness had put the fatigue temporarily to the back of her mind. Deciding it was time for a break, she dropped her bucket and grabbed a single dato from her satchel. Sitting on the wall facing Winters’ pod, she awaited her companion’s arrival. The thought gave her pause just as she was about to bite into the vegetable. Taking a mental step back, Veera admitted to herself that she was scared of Winters; certainly not in the way she’d initially been frightened of him, all tall, powerful, and foreboding in his armor. He was no death aspect or hostile actor, at least not towards her or the majority of her village. A smile graced her muzzle as she recalled how he’d stepped into the ring for her, literally. The smile faded just as quickly as she came full circle. Why am I being like this? She wondered, looking to the sky. She’d only known the human a few days, but she found it increasingly difficult to imagine going back to life without him. He talked to her so freely, without care for her heritage or poverty. He’d always treated her as an equal and with respect. She was relaxed around him. He’d seemed unstoppable in combat, when talking with Antoth, even when he was just hanging around. In the conversations they’d shared at his pod and in her home he’d been stalwart, commanding, kind, and in control. Veera rattled off his beneficial traits as her tail wagged back and forth. I wonder what he looks like under all that armor… Veera immediately felt her face get hot as her crown feathers fluttered. Oh gods help me, this is bad.

“Hey there Veera, mind if I join you?” Winters had approached during her reverie. Veera jumped slightly as she was brought back to the here and now. “Woah sorry, didn’t mean to startle you. You sure you’re alright?”

“Yes, I’m fine.” Veera replied as she caught her breath. “I was just lost in thought.”

“It’s been an interesting week, hasn’t it?” He offered with compassion.

“A week?” She looked at him with a perplexed expression.

“Ah, sorry. A week is seven days on my planet. There are 52 of them in a year. Do you have something like that?” He asked. Veera simply stared at him.

“You really are from another world, aren’t you?”

“After everything you’ve seen, the human calendar is what convinced you?” Winters couldn’t help but laugh at the absurdity. Veera joined in soon after.

“I guess that’s fair Russell. Maybe it was just coming to understand that we have such mundane differences? To answer your question, we do have something similar. We mark the passing of the seasons by the twin moons, Elur and Auril.”

“Which one is the blue one?” Winters interrupted, causing Veera to laugh anew. After a short time she’d calmed enough to reply.

“That would be Auril. The goddesses complete their cycle once every 17 days. Six cycles make each season: spring, summer, fall, and winter.” Veera explained as Winters heard his translation program immediately process the new information regarding the names for Cauthan seasons. It caused an interesting delay in speech that Io used to cut in.

‘The math checks out sir, that many cycles would be 408 days. They’re quite close.’

“Indeed. They seem quite in tune with their world. You doing ok in there?” Winters asked Io, knowing she’d taken a backseat over the last day or two because of his concerns regarding Veera.

‘I am well sir, thank you. I am much more comfortable knowing we are accumulating power reserves at maximum efficiency. Please continue your lunch break.’ Her reply gave Winters pause. He looked at Veera.

“Mind if I take the helmet off? I’m feeling the hunger set in.” He asked, regretting anew the fact they couldn’t communicate without it.

“Of course Russell, though I will miss being able to understand you. It’s a welcome change.” Veera put his feelings into words, looking distastefully at her dato. After years of eating nothing else, she was beginning to loathe the stuff. Winters sat beside her, ration bar in his mouth, and stared at the sky. Veera watched him closely as he lost himself in thought. It must have been something important as his brow started to furrow. Returning to her meal, she ate with him in companionable but anxious silence. So many questions rocketed around her brain just itching to get out. As Winters finished his bar and took a swig of water, his expression seemed to light up. Throwing his helmet back on, he was silent for a moment before turning to her.

“Veera, hold still for a moment would you?” He requested, raising his left forearm towards her face. A small panel in his armor opened. Veera instinctively flinched back and hissed at him, fur standing on end. She batted at him with her hand, tail standing upright.

“Russell! What in the name of Seil are you trying to do?” She asked, standing up and moving away from him. He withdrew his arm immediately and put his hands in the air.

“Sorry, sorry. I got carried away.” He apologized and beckoned her to sit again. After some consideration she did, and he explained his actions more fully.

“I was thinking of a way that we could communicate without my helmet and I think I can make it work. I’m going to need to measure you though.”

“Will it hurt?” Veera asked timidly.

“No, I promise. Here, I’ll show you what I have in mind. Look at my left ear when I remove my helmet.” He instructed, allowing Veera a good look at the earpiece he used to communicate with Io. Replacing his helm again, Winters continued. “What you saw is a device that contains a computer and a speaker. A speaker makes sound, like our vocal cords.” He pointed at his throat. “If you had one that included the translation program I spoke of yesterday, we’d be able to understand one another!” Veera’s face lit up as he finished.

“That would be wonderful Russell!” She paused a moment. “Where is your workshop?”

“My what?”

“A computer sounds like something very complicated? Certainly you’d need tools and a forge?” She ventured. Winters held his laughter, a slightly smug look playing across his features.

“No need. I have something better. May I scan you?”

“Scan?” Veera looked at his wrist, wary for movement.

“I have a way to measure the contours of your ear without touching you. It won’t hurt, I promise.” Winters reassured her, raising his B-MASS towards her again. This time she didn’t move. Seconds later Io confirmed the readouts and advised that Winters’ plan was feasible, though they would be even lower on metal reserves after completion of the job. Winters considered the ability to communicate more easily an acceptable trade. “There, all done. That wasn’t so bad right?”

“I didn’t feel anything. You’re sure it worked?” She asked suspiciously.

“Positive.”

“You’re truly full of surprises Russell. What now?” She asked, picking up her bucket.

“Well, I was hoping you might accompany me actually. I intend to secure a new source of food for myself. I’m running quite low on those ration bars.” He offered. Veera looked down for a moment, clawing the ground with her talons.

“You’re welcome to what little I have.” She finally murmured.

“No.” Winters replied, a bit more sharply than he’d intended. “There’s no need Veera, but thank you. Do you think you can come with me today? I will be happy to escort you home if it gets dark before I’m finished.” Veera considered his offer, looking back to her field. She was mostly done.

“Can you give me some time to finish?”

“Sure, meet me by my pod. I’ll begin work on your translation device.”

“Thank you Russell, I have so much I want to ask you.” She practically beamed at him.

“The feeling is mutual Veera.” Winters replied, feeling his face flush inside his helmet. “See you soon.” As he walked away, Io chuckled heartily. “Monitoring my vitals is totally cheating Io.”

‘Oh but I must! What if something were to happen to you!’ Io declared with mock severity. ‘For a trained HEL jumper, you allow that scrawny girl to get to you easily.’

“She’s been good to me Io, and I’m sure she’ll be a resource in the future.” Winters argued as they walked back to the pod.

‘I think you’ve gone soft sir.’

“Then you’re lucky I’ve got a soft spot for you too. And I’m serious Io. Even though there seem to be some problems between her and elements of the village population, she’s a reliable point of contact. Much better than Antoth, despite his relative politeness.”

‘I suppose I can’t argue there. He was quite suspicious of us.’

“Can you blame him?”

‘No, but that doesn’t mean I can’t hold it against him either. That arrow came close to one of my tertiary processors!’ Io exclaimed with faux indignation.

“Now who’s being dramatic?” Winters teased. “You got the schematics figured out?”

‘Of course sir, they were ready within 128 milliseconds of the scan of Veera’s anatomy.’

“Io...define anatomy.” Winters ordered, a creeping discomfort travelling up his spine.

‘She has quite the interesting morphology sir. Are you interested?’ Io tempted him.

“Io!” Winters practically yelled into the closed space, bringing a palm to his forehead. “You scanned her whole body?!”

‘It seemed a prudent decision at the time. Collection of information is always a priority sir.’

“Good lord…alright just file it away somewhere and load up the schematics to the fabricator. I’m not looking at that.” He groaned, squatting at the base of his pod to move his fishing gear out of the way and clear his head.

‘If only the captain could see you now.’ Io sighed.

“Watch yourself Io.” Winters shot back, any trace of humor gone. He didn’t like being reminded of how damaged he probably was.

‘Apologies sir.’

“Accepted. To business, now.”

‘Yes sir.’ Io replied as the fabricator began its work. Winters considered what he could possibly do to keep Io busy. She was proving to be quite the mischief lover when idle.

About an hour later Veera made her way to Winters’ pod, her eyes travelling immediately to the fishing pole leaning against it. Noticing her, Winters quickly gathered everything he needed for the day and motioned for Veera to follow. They set off along the river. Veera looked like she was ready to explode with questions, so Winters pre-empted her in the hopes of getting one of his own in.

“Do your people fish?” He asked, hoping she might know of good locations closer to the village. Veera simply stared back at him. “Uh…are there any animals that live in the river or in the water in general?” He indicated, wondering if the translation program was somehow incomplete. Veera seemed to understand now.

“Oh, you mean fish?” She replied, his program finally catching up. “I’ve heard of other villages closer to the great salt water that acquire most of their food from the water, but we do not.”

“Do you know why? Seems odd to allow a potential source of food to go untapped.”

“I can’t say for sure.” Veera looked pensively at the river. “I suppose between our farms, animal husbandry, and hunting it’s not worth the time or effort. We use the river primarily for irrigation and bathing or cleaning. I’ve seen one or two fish I think, but not many. The water is very clear by the village. I don’t know where one would go to find more.”

“Hopefully I’ll show you soon.” Winters replied, addressing Io for a moment. “Great job on animal husbandry by the way.”

‘Thank you sir, this program has been quite the enjoyable challenge. Hopefully your out of the box thinking pays off. If we are not competing with the Cauthan for fish, this is beneficial for both parties. Any excess catch could be traded as a valuable commodity.’ She suggested.

“Agreed. Keep it up Io.” Winters swapped back to Veera. “I went up river a couple days ago, looking for potential fishing locations. I think I found a promising one. Should be a couple hours, but I think it’s going to be worth the trip.” Veera nodded at him, falling into a contemplative silence. “What is it Veera? Something on your mind?”

“Well…” she began, embarrassment creeping into her voice. “I was hoping you might tell me your story again? The one from when we sat at your pod? I should like to hear it now that I can understand you. You are still very much an enigma.” She explained. Winters considered the request, looking to the sky.

“I suppose I could do that. Would you do the same?” He asked, curious as to what her reply would be. He couldn’t help his curiosity at the term ‘mutt’.

“I…nevermind. I suppose it’s not fair if I’m not willing to reciprocate.” Veera said, avoiding his eye. Winters remembered what she’d said yesterday about that time, about how she’d spilled some secret or another.

“It’s ok Veera, I don’t mind. So I’m the youngest of four children…”

Winters wrapped his story up shortly before their arrival at his desired location along the river. Veera had listened closely the entire time. Winters was sure she was burdened with more questions than she’d began with, but his conclusion had caused a shadow to fall over her expression. As with his first telling, Winters had glossed over the circumstances of his arrival. He’d made no mention of Jess or the others, simply saying his ship had failed and was lost. Veera had easily picked up on his change in tone and mood, even through the helmet. He was thankful they’d arrived.

“The water’s so dirty!” Veera exclaimed, kneeling at the bank and observing the area more closely. “I’ve never been up this far.”

“That’s what you want. Means there’s a lot of life going on in there.” Winters offered. “At least I hope so, could just be dirt from further up river but I think we’ll get something. Sorry I didn’t bring another rod.” He gestured at his supplies, consisting of the pole and line, a simple wicker basket he’d fabricated and filled with reeds from the river bank, and a small amount of what he hoped would be decent bait. The latter had actually been quite easy to produce. He’d simply refined a bit of the grass surrounding his pod into biomass that could fit on the end of a hook. He’d hoped to ask Veera about potential natural bait, but it appeared her village didn’t partake in fishing at all. A couple moments later he’d baited his hook and cast his line. Io had fashioned both weights and a bobber, allowing him to leave the line in without dragging the hook through the muck at the bottom. Satisfied, he looked back to Veera who was looking at him curiously.

“What now?” She asked.

“We wait.” Winters answered simply. “It’s a bit like hunting with traps as opposed to a weapon. You set your bait and wait until an animal falls into it. Only in this case, the trap is a hook.”

“I think I understand. But how do you know what the fish want to eat?”

“I don’t, just took a guess. You’d be shocked at what humans have pulled out of fish stomachs on earth…” Winters began, launching into an explanation of sharks and other carnivorous fish. Veera sat next to him with rapt attention, both excited and terrified at the idea of a fish capable of devouring her in a couple bites. About half an hour later, Winters’ spirits jumped as he felt a pull on the line.

“Here we go!” He yelled, jumping to his feet along with a startled Veera. “Let’s dance!” With a quick jerk of the rod he set the hook and began walking backward. Before long they saw vigorous splashing breaking the surface of the river and soon a fish covered in dusky red scales was flopping around on the shore. Winters approached the catch as Veera stood back, noticing the fish had sensory organs on its face similar to those of a catfish. It had quite a few more fins than he was used to but his work had certainly paid off. A quick check with the B-MASS allowed Io to verify it was safe for consumption, though she heartily recommended cooking it first. Satisfied that he wouldn’t be killing the animal for no reason, Winters removed the hook, drew his knife, and severed the head cleanly from the body. Veera gasped softly but didn’t back away when Winters presented the body to her. “So, what do you think?” He asked with pride, turning back to reset his line. He figured he’d try using an eyeball or some other piece of flesh instead of his synthetic bait. “Veera?” Winters asked when she remained silent.

Veera stared at the fish in her hands. A trickle of blood leaked onto her paw from where Winters had decapitated the animal. She could barely hear Russell as she felt her salivary glands kick into overdrive. Before long she could feel saliva leaking between her canines as she stared at the food. Raw meat, full of proteins, fats, and other nutrients she’d long forgotten. Her stomach twisted painfully and she felt unsteady on her feet. Something deep and primal within her cried out; a combination of ancestral memory and survival instinct. There was no other option. I’m sorry Russell. She apologized silently before tearing into the body of the fish with her teeth. Blood and tang dripped onto her tongue as she bit through scales, internal organs, and muscle. She didn’t care that it was unclean and uncooked, it was the best thing she could ever remember tasting. The world around her ceased to exist for that moment. She couldn’t hear Russell, the calm flow of the river, or the wind in the grasses. The only thing that mattered to her was getting as much of this food into her stomach as possible. There was no telling when she’d get another opportunity like this one. Only when the spinal column was all that remained did she start to register what was happening around her again. Russell was standing before her, gazing down at her silently. His helmet looked every bit as intimidating then as it had when she’d first seen it. She could practically feel the malice radiating from him. Veera felt tears coming again as she stammered an apology.

“Russell I’m so sorry, I don’t know what came over me I just…I just…I was so hungry.” She explained lamely, feeling her ears, feathers, and tail droop. She was ready to die from embarrassment, feeling the blood and guts matting the fur of her muzzle and hands. She’d never done anything so barbaric or animalistic before. Oh gods…I stole his food! The reality hit her like a falling tree. He’d needed food too, she knew that, and she’d just taken his first catch and devoured it like some starving street urchin. There was no recovery from this. The gods would surely punish her and Winters would be their instrument, even if he didn’t believe in them. She couldn’t bear to look him in the eye. She couldn’t even bear to look at his boots.

“Veera.” Winters spoke with unnatural calm. “I want you to do something for me. I want you to go home.” It felt like a spear had pierced her belly. He was sending her away. How would she ever face him again? Could she even? She wasn’t sure. Nodding, she turned without a word. “Woah woah woah hey, Veera! I wasn’t finished. I need you to do something.”

“I…yes?” She stopped, turning back to him and forcing herself to look up. “What else did you need?”

“Well for starters, you should probably wash up.” He spoke more jovially now, causing Veera quite a bit of confusion. “Once you’ve done that, I’d like you to go home. On your way, I’d like you to collect wood for a fire. I need two kinds. First, dry kindling and wood for a cooking fire, things that will produce high heat and minimal smoke. Second, I need you to get wood that will produce a good deal of smoke. In a pinch leaves or other damp branches will do. Finally, if your people have salt, that would be great too.” Veera looked back at him with an expression almost as wild as when he’d saved her from the sun guards. “No, I’m not mad at you. Now please, go. I want you back home before the sun sets.”

“What about you?” She cried. They were far from safety and from the sound of things Winters was contemplating traveling alone at night.

“I have this.” Winters replied, pointing at the pistol on his hip. “It may look small and unassuming, but this is a more powerful weapon than any sword or spear. I’ll be fine Veera, trust me.” After a short time she swallowed and nodded at him. A few minutes later she was clean and Winters had the line back in the water.

“Good luck Russell. Selah.” Veera bid him farewell as she left to carry out his task. Winter explained to her a couple points along the river where she might be able to cross before the bridge before bidding her farewell.

“Selah Veera. I’ll be by later, I promise. Try not to worry alright?”

“I’ll try, but be careful please.”

“I know. Believe me, I know.”

“Ok. I trust you.” Veera turned and began her journey back without another glance. She didn’t want him to see how easily he made her lose her composure. Winters stared at her retreating back, grinding his teeth as he recalled her starved devouring of his first catch.

‘I would be angry as well sir.’ Io assured him. ‘I have never been as thankful for spare batteries as I am right now. Her display was quite…sad…to watch.’

“Yes Io, it was. Do you have any Sabaton in there?”

‘I suppose that’s a better way to deal with your emotions than shooting Vash in the head.’

“Play Forty to One.” Winters requested, feeling his pulse pound with the drum line as the rod jerked in his hands again. “Never again Veera. Never again.”