Veera panted heavily as she laid the last bundle of wood down near her fire pit. It was more than she’d ever gathered in a day, but there was no way she was going to disappoint Winters, not after her shameful display at the fishing hole. She’d met with good fortune on the way back, finding plenty of both kinds of wood that Winters had requested. Very few Cauthan would venture as far as they’d gone just for firewood. She knew the particular wet wood she’d found would release a pleasing scent and hoped he would think so as well. Along the way she’d noticed some mushrooms that were useable in healing and cooking and had grabbed those as well, stuffing them into her satchel. Veera had stopped briefly at the temple of Meylith, which also served as the main granary in order to exchange them for the salt Russell had asked for. Gentia had allowed her to keep the edible ones and sent her away with far more salt than she’d asked for. The old priestess had always been close with her mother and was happy to help whenever Veera’s pride would allow it. The elderly Cauthan couldn’t help but smile as Veera left, noticing a lightness in her gait that she’d not seen for many years.

Unsure what else to do, Veera began building a cooking fire with the dry wood. It was the only thing that made sense given Winters’ orders. She refrained from lighting it in case he had something else in mind. Her task complete she sat on her bed, back to the wall, and waited. Inevitably, as they so often had of late, her thoughts turned to the human. Everything about him was so very…un-Cauthan it made her head spin. It wasn’t just the obvious like his armor, pod, computers, lack of fur, and apparent ability to manufacture certain objects at will. He possessed a sense of honor that she’d only really seen before in Antoth. And while the guardian was focused primarily on the safety of her village at large, Winters seemed to be channeling all of that impulse towards her. That’s not normal, couldn’t be normal even for a human. Maybe it has something to do with the circumstances of his arrival here? He’s usually so outgoing and talkative but whenever he mentions how he got here he just…that has to have something to do with it. She reasoned, wondering how or if she’d be able to figure out that particular puzzle. She’d prayed the night before for a chance to understand the soldier. He’d never said so much to her, but she was no fool. His military training was obvious, likely far beyond anything Antoth and the guards were subject to. As if his weapons weren’t enough of a giveaway. She chuckled softly. All it did was create a slew new of questions though. What was he trained for? Why did he come to Mara? Were all humans as kind as he was, or were they conquerors? Was Winters who he seemed to be, or was this all just a front? He did seem quite serious about surviving and being on his own, but anyone who could adopt a new language in minutes, as he had, had the potential to be very influential, for good or ill. Veera exhaled and leaned her head back, catching a glimpse of Eiur through the opening in her roof. She could think in circles all she wanted but that didn’t change the gnawing feelings in her gut: hunger and worry. She didn’t mind the hunger or the day’s hard work. Winters’ fish had given her body enough for that short time. She could hardly ask for more. The worry was harder to ignore. No matter how much she trusted Winters, no matter how strong he seemed, there were plenty of reasons the Cauthan rarely ventured too far after dark. It coiled cold around her and proved impossible to shake off. When the horn of the village guard sounded, she practically jumped out of her fur before bolting out the door.

A short time later Veera arrived at the gate. Catching her breath, she saw Winters through the partially opened entry. He was arguing with Antoth…again. “Men…” She grumbled.

“I thought I told you to come unarmed Winters!” Antoth was chastising him, helmet under his arm.

“It’s a basket of fish Antoth, the worst it’s going to do is smell foul after a couple days.” Winters snarked back. Veera tried to contain her snigger.

“I know full well that thing at your hip is a weapon Winters, don’t try to get smart with me. We had an agreement.”

“An agreement that was concluded before you informed me of the ursae!” Winters yelled back, getting every guard’s full attention. Veera stepped forward now that the boys had left humor behind.

“Antoth please, it’s already dark. Surely you can’t expect him to wander the forest unarmed and alone?” She tried to reason. She could feel Winters piercing gaze on her, knew that helmet was turned her way. “He means us no harm.”

“So he says Veera.” Antoth growled back. “But not even a day later he’s gone back on his word.” The guard’s feathers fluttered in anger.

“What word was that exactly; to put himself at risk out there? If his weapon is such a problem couldn’t you just have him leave it here? Wasn’t that the whole point of this deal?” She tried, hoping Antoth would enforce the spirit of the deal as opposed to the letter.

“That’s acceptable to me. Here Antoth.” Winters offered, setting his rod and basket down to free his hands. The guard captain stopped him as he reached for the pistol.

“I don’t think so Winters. I’ll do that.” He ordered, walking forward to personally disarm the human.

“Jesus Christ Antoth, grow up! Do you have any idea what this thing even does?!” Winters asked in an exasperated voice, backing up so as to keep some distance between them. “If this thing goes off and hits someone they will die, probably instantly. Would you really endanger your people by toying with something you don’t understand?” Winters tried appealing to the guard’s honor and commitment to his village. It was a bit underhanded, but he thought it his best option.

“That little thing can do that? How?” Antoth demanded. The surrounding guards and Veera all watched with rapt attention. Another small crowd had formed, drawn by the horn.

“It uses a chemical reaction to propel an explosive metal slug into a target at significant speed. Faster than you can see.” Winters steadily explained. “And no, I will not share any more details with you or any of your species. To do so would be incredibly dangerous.” And would get me thrown into a military prison.

“On that at least, I think we can agree. Explosive you say? What does that mean?” The Cauthan curiosity began to surface in Antoth.

“It means your internal organs would be shredded, your bones shattered. Significant damage beyond the point of impact. And that’s just from one bullet. The magazine holds twelve.” He heard a few gasps in the crowd. With great care, he removed the pistol from its holster, ejected the magazine and chambered round, and handed the weapon to Antoth.

“Here, without this the ammunition is useless. It would be best to keep them separate, like a bow without arrows.”

“Very well.” Antoth grumbled, eyeing the magazine in Winters’ hand. “I still don’t like this but I suppose the girl has a point. Get inside and don’t cause any trouble. I’ll leave this with whatever guard is on shift. You can collect it when you leave.”

“Thank you Antoth and I’m sorry for the disagreement.”

“You can thank me by not causing another scene. What are you all staring at? Back to business you lot!” Antoth chastised the onlookers. Winters entered the village as the crowd dispersed. He nodded to Veera.

“Hey there, thanks for that.” Winters bumped Veera lightly in the shoulder. With a chuckle, she offered to carry something. He handed her the fishing rod, keeping the basket for himself. He wanted it to be something of a surprise.

“No problem Russell. You’re well?” She inquired, feeling that knot of worry slowly coming undone.

“Yeah, no issues whatsoever! Packed up right as the sun was setting. They started biting really well in the low light. Walked back along the river to the bridge and then to here. I know the way by now.”

The knot came back. “You had me worried, I’d thought…”

“Veera.” Winters stopped her, knowing where she was going with that comment. Even in the middle of the street, there was little light. It felt almost private, despite clutter of houses. “My armor is strong, as are my weapons and my mind. I’ll be able to sense them coming. They can’t hide from me.”

“Your computers again?”

“In a way, yes. They allow my armor a small degree of ‘vision’, even in darkness or behind me. If something big and hungry is moving around me, it’ll pick it up.”

“That’s…so amazing I can barely believe it.”

“You don’t have to, but believe me when I say I won’t take any unnecessary risks. I’m well trained. I know what has to be done to survive.”

“What about yesterday?” She asked, pointing her finger at him in a mild accusation.

“That wasn’t a risk.”

“Yes it was!” Veera insisted, looking up at him with intensity. “You could have been…gods I don’t know.”

“Veera, it all worked out right?” Winters tried, not wanting her to worry but touched by the fact that she did. Veera seemed to relent after they stood there a short while.

“I…oh dear, what you must think of me Russell. Here I am acting like some old housewife admonishing the men around me.” She sighed and kept walking, shaking her head. “I know that your stupid manly nature will call on you to do certain things that would give me pause, or even fright, and that you’d do them without a second thought but…just remember to make it home safe, alright?” She gave him a smile, eyes glinting in the moonlight. Those words stirred something in him.

“Jess…” Winters murmured, looking up at the sky.

“What?” Veera tilted her head, eyes wide in confusion.

‘Sir, you just…’ Io warned him. ‘Oh dear…’

“I…sorry Veera. I can’t. Not now, not here. I’m sorry. There are some things that just…” He couldn’t bring himself to even begin to explain the talk Jess had given to him after his first battle, much less anything else about his lost love. “Were you able to get everything?” Winters asked, desperate to change the subject. Fortunately, Veera went along with it and let his comments go. There it is again. But now I have a clue. Jess. Someone or something important to him? Veera wondered, filing that away for later. She filled Winters in on the results of her foraging.

“Yes, I was really lucky on the walk back! It was a bit of a struggle to carry everything, but you and I made it far enough up river that there was plenty of wood to choose from. I even found some mushrooms that I traded for salt at the temple! Gentia was sweet as always, gave me more than I knew what to do with.” She explained, lightening both of their moods. Her tail seemed bushier as it waved back and forth behind her.

“Gentia? Temple? You store your salt in a temple?” Winter asked, cocking his head to the side to show his confusion.

“Oh right, sorry!” Veera replied cheerfully. “Gentia is the head priestess of Meylith. She’s the goddess of home and hearth. When we bring in the harvest for the year, pretty much everyone sees fit to give the goddess a little something. Maybe for good health through the winter, happiness, a warm fire or…fertility…” Veera trailed off, feathers fluttering. Winters coughed. “The priestesses then use those resources to help those in need. They…” She took a deep breath. Winters rested his hand on her shoulder. “They helped me survive the last winter. I barely had enough dato left to plant this year.”

“Then I’ll have to thank them.” He replied seriously. “My life here would be quite boring otherwise.”

‘Oh you’re a smooth one.’ Io chided.

“No Russell, please it’s…”

“Embarrassing?”

“Yes.” She looked at the ground. “We pride ourselves on self-sufficiency. It was a great dishonor to ask the gods for something and have nothing to offer in return.” Veera tried to explain, feeling naked as the day she was born.

“I see.” Was all Winters said. An uncomfortable silence prevailed until they reached Veera’s home. She beckoned Winters inside and he nodded, apparently still deep in thought. She could rarely tell with that stoic helmet of his in the way. She was elated though when he looked at what she’d gathered for them and thanked her.

“This is perfect Veera, thanks! Now just sit back, relax, and watch a master at work.” He joked, setting the basket down and moving immediately to the pile of dry wood she’d found. He looked through it while giving the fire she’d built an approving glance. Satisfied, he looked at her. “I don’t think there’s anything left for me to do here after all. Very nice. You have flint?”

“Yes, here.” She answered, grabbing a small box from beside her old wood pile and resting his fishing pole against the wall. Seconds later Winters had lit a spark and the fire roared to life. Rocking back on his heels he opened the basket and presented it to Veera.

“Consider it a gift. Where I come from it’s customary for a guest to thank a host in such a manner. This should be enough for the first and second visit I hope.” He explained happily. Veera smiled and bowed slightly, accepting the basket. If it was human tradition, surely it was ok. Gasping, she almost dropped it when she saw what was inside. Placing it next to the fire, all she could do was place a hand over her mouth and back away slightly. It wasn’t ok. Winters simply remained where he was, squatting next to the fire, helmet turned to her expectantly. She knew she was making a scene but she couldn’t help it. It had been years since she’d seen so much food, so much delicious food. There were at least four or five species of fish in the basket, all of which had been cleanly severed at the head. She was overcome with emotion as her stomach growled in anticipation. There was no way she could accept such a gift, even as hostess.

“Russell…this is…this is too much!”

“Oh don’t worry; I’m quite the selfish eater myself.” He replied, hoping to lessen her discomfort with accepting his generosity. He’d seen plenty to confirm in his mind that Veera would not accept charity lying down. He didn’t want it to be that way, didn’t want her to see him that way. He didn’t pity her. “Besides, without you, I’d be eating raw fish tonight. Not sure about how you feel, but I’m thinking a little salt and heat will go a long way.” There was no need to tell her he’d have no problems building a fire, but the bit about the salt was mostly true. Veera still hadn’t budged. “C’mon now Veera, team effort. What do you say?” He asked, standing and holding his right hand up. He motioned to her to do the same. When she did, he slapped his palm into hers.

“Ow! What was that for!” Veera yelped at him, rubbing at her stinging pads.

“That, Veera, was a high five.” Winters could barely hold in his laughter at the disdainful look Veera was giving him. Io was cracking up in his earpiece. “It’s a sign of comradery and friendship and a common greeting among humans who consider themselves close, but not romantically involved. I don’t know much about Cauthan customs, so I figured that would have to do. You were acting far too seriously for my taste. Though I suppose a high five against an Aegis gauntlet probably isn’t too fun.” He considered. Io groaned at him. He ignored her.

“A…high five? Aegis?” She looked at her palm and back to him.

“Yeah, a high five. Between the two of us we’re going to eat well tonight. Shall we? Aegis is the code name of the project that produced my armor by the way.” He gestured to the fish, trying to make everything seem as natural and casual as possible. To his great relief, Veera hopped up to him and dropped to her knees, ruffling through his catch. He joined her. She’d soon selected a fish, a sleek blue specimen, and handed it to him.

“Maybe…” She looked away, remembering the scene she’d made earlier. “Maybe you should handle this?”

“Sure thing. I know your people don’t fish on a regular basis but, is there anything we could do with the entrails?” Winters asked. It would be foolish to let anything go to waste. Veera looked at the ceiling, stroking her chin in thought. After a while she spoke.

“I suppose we could offer it to one of the families that own the shen coops?” She suggested. It was now Winters turn to act lost.

“Shen?”

“Small fluffy animals that give eggs once a day.” She explained.

“Fluffy space chickens!” Winters exclaimed.

‘Oh dear, the hunger is getting to him.’ Io opined from inside his helmet. Veera said nothing and stared at Winters. He couldn’t help himself; it felt good to be in control again, to be in the position of protector again. He relished it.

“Chickens are an avian species on earth, my home planet. They provide a similar function. I think my grandfather might have owned a few when he was a boy. That’s a good idea Veera. Do you have anything we can use?” He asked, drawing his knife and slicing the fish from head to tail. After the scene with the pistol Antoth had completely ignored the long blade. It was something he could at least understand. Veera looked around, eventually settling on her cooking pot. Nodding, Winters deposited the offal and laid it to the side. Grabbing a couple thin sticks, he quickly filed a sharp point on each before spearing a filet on either one. Handing one to Veera, he held his fish over the flame. After a few seconds, Veera mimicked him. Soon the satisfying sounds of popping fat and sizzling skin filled the air. Winters remained silent behind his mask, enjoying the look of pure elation on Veera’s face. Every now and then she would look at him with that smile of hers. One hundred percent worth it…including the remote possibility of death by ursae. He thought. When they’d roasted their fish to a light crisp, the two dug in heartily. Once the roasting of the second fish began, Winters struck up conversation.

“So Veera, how do Cauthan greet one another usually? I haven’t been able to observe much of that. Are you a very tactile people?” He inquired, looking for an alternative to the high five in case Veera didn’t warm up to it. She looked into the fire pensively for a moment.

“Well, I suppose the closest thing to your ‘high five’ would be a greeting that most male Cauthan use with one another. Since they have scales on their forearms, striking that together usually suffices. She brought her free arm up across her chest in imitation. Winters assumed that with two Cauthan participating it would form an X-like pattern. It was simple enough.

“Ok, that makes sense actually. I could try it with Antoth some time.” He mused. Veera let out a soft trilling noise at the idea, tail wagging across the ground.

“Only if I’m there to see it!” She requested.

“Fair enough. What about female Cauthan?” Winters asked.

“Well, we mostly signal to one another with our feathers.” She indicated her plumage. “We are able to convey far more complex emotion with them than males.” She seemed proud of that. Winters nodded to her, satisfied with the explanation. His next question gave her pause though.

“And what about men and women?” His voice was oddly strained as he stared into the fire.

“Uh…well…” Veera began, unsure how to explain. “We don’t…we don’t really have a convention for that.”

“Oh?” Winters turned to look at her, removing his helmet. One of his brows was raised at her. Veera couldn’t help a giggle at his expression. It was most amusing what a human could do with its face. He returned it as she explained.

“Don’t get me wrong Russell, it’s not that we never touch, it’s just that…oh gods…how do I explain this?” She looked the question at her shrine in the corner. After a moment of contemplation she turned back to face him, taking a bite out of her fish. “Touch between a male and female is very special. There is no set convention, as I said. Unless they are a mated pair, it’s considered improper for a male Cauthan to touch a female without express permission. Obviously, moments of injury and peril fall outside such purview.”

“Then how…” Winters began, but Veera held up a hand.

“I don’t know how your species behaves Russell, but there is a reason. When we…mate…” Her feathers fluttered and she swallowed deeply. “We do so for life. There is little more important than such a relationship. As such, the pair develops their own custom. It is unique, special to them, and is apparent for all to see. We have non-physical ways of selecting a life partner.” Winters swore as she finished her explanation, bringing a hand to his head and shaking it back and forth.

“Holy…Veera, I need to apologize to you then. I didn’t realize.” Winters began. Veera looked at him like he’d grown another head. “On our way here, I had my hand on your shoulder, to say nothing of before that. I didn’t mean anything by it I swear! It’s…well…normal in human culture. That gesture is a sign of comfort and encouragement.” He explained, wondering how many Cauthan had witnessed the display. That was the last thing he needed right now. Veera simply laughed at him. He was glad she couldn’t see his frown.

“Oh Russell you’re sweet, really, but don’t worry. You’re not Cauthan. You couldn’t know of our customs. I simply assumed your actions were born out of habit and concern. I was right. You have nothing to be sorry for.” As if to emphasize the point she walked to his side and rested her hand on his armored shoulder. “Besides…other than very briefly…we’ve not touched yet.” She said wistfully. “Your armor…”

“Yeah, my armor. Thanks Veera. Sorry for freaking out like that.” Winters spoke, removing his helmet to eat his second piece of fish. He hoped the warm light of the fire would mask the flush of his cheeks. He’d have to be more careful in public, to say nothing of what they’d done away from prying eyes. Winters forced those thoughts from his mind as he prepared a third fish. Before long they were full and Winters motioned to the second pile of wood.

“You know how to smoke a fish Veera?” He asked.

“I’ve never tried myself, but I’m willing to learn. This is something humans still do?” She asked.

“Only for novelty and flavor. We have other ways of keeping food preserved now. But yes, we still do it. Pretty simple really, we just throw some of this wood on, get some smoke going, little salt and…now we wait! Winters explained happily. “This smells great by the way, like a plant called hickory we have back on Earth. Excellent choice.” Veera beamed at him. The embers of the first fire had sunk into the pit. Over that he’d built a lattice of damp wood, with more underneath to provide smoke. Salted strips of fish were laid atop the construct. He figured Veera could keep the fish on the bench with her cooking implements or even on the floor if the skin was removed before eating. She’d observed him closely throughout the process, tail occasionally setting off his HUD sensors as it flicked back and forth behind them. He was sure she’d be able to duplicate the process in the future without him, if necessary. The thought briefly conjured an image of a human dreadnaught arriving in the system, but he shook it away. Much as he wanted out that was a long way off, if rescue were to come at all. When the last strips of fish were laid out, Winters stood and stretched. His armor felt warm and comfortable from the flames to the point he felt himself getting drowsy. Given how far he had left to travel that night he figured he should get the blood flowing again. Veera stood as well before gripping her stomach tightly and wincing.

“Veera, what is it.” Winters asked worriedly. The Cauthan grunted and stumbled over to her bed, flopping down on top of the fur blanket. He walked quickly to her side.

“So full…hurts so good.” She groaned back at him. Winters let out a strangled chuckle. For a brief second he thought he might have poisoned her. He then noticed a tear falling from her eye. Kneeling at the side of the bed, he waited patiently for an explanation. “Thank you Russell. I…thank you.” She whispered, voice hitching slightly. Veera unabashedly reached out to rest her hand on his chestplate. Before Winters could shake his head, she continued. “I’m not actually touching you Russell. Don’t worry so much. I only hope I can make this up to you somehow. I’d forgotten…” She looked to the ceiling. “I’d forgotten what this feels like.” Winters felt his throat tighten. Not trusting himself to speak he simply nodded. Once he regained his composure he whispered back.

“I’ll finish up here. Why don’t you get some rest? See you tomorrow?” She nodded. “I’ll be safe on the way back, promise. And Veera, you don’t owe me anything.” He stood and turned before looking back at her. “I’m not one of your gods.” He hated saying everything through his helmet, but tomorrow that would hopefully be a thing of the past. Once the final fish was smoked he ensured the fire would burn down safely, placed the cooking pot near Veera’s door, grabbed his effects, and left as silently as possible. A light, rhythmic breathing from the far corner of the room told him Veera was probably asleep. With a small smile, he exited into the night.

“Io, what am I listening to?” Winters asked skeptically as he made for the gate. A somber set of notes was piping through his helmet.

‘Shelter by Dash Berlin?’

She replied innocently, a hint of coyness also detectable.

“You’re joking right? What exactly are you trying to imply here? That's too cute by half Io.” He challenged, not liking where the synthesized piano line was taking his thoughts. “Shut it off, please.”

‘Apologies sir, but tonight was quite revealing.’ Io countered.

“Elaborate.”

‘You need her.’

“Fuck.”