Winters reached the gates of the Cauthan settlement in the middle of the afternoon the next day. He had another fresh catch with him and hoped to surprise Veera on her return. He still felt bloody uncomfortable about their conversation the previous day, but that didn’t change anything about his other feelings for the ‘scrawny girl’ as Io had taken to calling her. She was strong, bold, capable, and beaten up by the cruel fates. His desire to punch the gods in the face and counterbalance that state of affairs hadn’t changed in the slightest. He was a HEL Jumper after all. He hailed the on duty guard casually.

“Afternoon. May I?” He nodded in the direction of the village. The guard hesitated, looking to his partner.

“Uh…you’re W-Winters, right?” He asked, stuttering. He looked very young, perhaps younger than Veera.

“I am. Don’t worry kid, I only dislike sun guards.” He joked. The guard threw him a nervous smile.

“Yeah, real mutt lover this one.” The other one spoke with mild disdain. The air temperature immediately dropped. Winters lowered his basket to the ground and stalked up to the guard who had the common sense to look chastised.

“I don’t mind adding another guard to that list.” Winters growled, towering over the Cauthan. “You think Veera can control who her parents were?”

“I…uh…no. Of course not.” The guard stammered. “I meant nothing by it sir, honest!” Winters just sighed and backed away, remembering what Veera had said about the rough history between Cauthan tribes in the region. He felt a small twinge of guilt.

‘Barbarian.’ Io admonished him.

“You have a problem too?” He hissed.

‘Of course not. I meant it as a compliment sir. She might be a scrawny girl, but she’s our scrawny girl.’ Io explained, thickening her accent to accentuate the point. Winters couldn’t help but burst into laughter, doubling over to rest his hands on his knees. The guards looked at each other nervously, unsure what to make of the display before them. He waved at them.

“Sorry, sorry. Anyway, I’m guessing Antoth told you guys about how this works?”

“Yes sir.” The young guard replied, seeming emboldened by his partner’s chastisement. “You’re to relinquish your…sidearm?”

“Yes, that’s the word for it.” Winters replied, handing the unloaded pistol to the young guard and packing away the magazine. “Are the sword and shield ok?” He asked, wondering if Antoth had altered their deal. The guards didn’t seem to mind so Winters bid them farewell and headed to Veera’s home. Leaving the fish there in the cool environment, Winters continued on to the main street, wondering what to do with his time. He’d just hauled in another dozen fish, so he wasn’t feeling the need to approach Ratha just yet. He then remembered the promise he’d made to Thantis, the priest of Kel, and began walking towards the middle of town.

“Io, any idea where Thantis might be?”

‘The old one? I know where his temple is sir, but do not know his schedule.’

“That’s more than enough. I’m not one to ask for the impossible. Shall we?”

‘If you say sir. I suppose we have most of our bases covered for now. As you’ve said before, making friends might be useful?’

“That’s the ticket Io! So where to?”

‘Head to the square and make a left. The temple should be by the far gate.’

“Isn’t that a bit odd? The rest are at the center of the village.”

‘It’s just a guess sir, but I think the answer might be dead bodies.’

“Yeah…good point.” Winters felt his mood drop again. There was something else he had to do, and he was ashamed he’d put it off this long. After a few more minutes in silence they arrived. It was a building large enough to stand out slightly, but was otherwise unassuming. The door was a well maintained black cloth with a white diamond in the center. The interior of the diamond was made of many branching paths that all eventually converged at the top point. He could see why some might think him related to Kel now. It was similar to the patterning on his armor. Taking a breath, he pushed aside the curtain and entered the temple, calling Thantis’ name.

The interior was similar to Veera’s home in that it was clean and bereft of ornamentation. A simple table of stone sat in the middle of the space. The walls were covered with neat and orderly shelves that held various urns and, surprisingly, what looked like first aid equipment. Without poking around too much, Winters saw various splints and braces, a few crude bandages, herbs and ointments, and a few colored salts he couldn’t identify just from looking. At that moment he heard a shuffling of feet as Thantis greeted him, emerging from a room at the back of the temple. Winters assumed it led to his quarters.

“Ah, the human returns! Be welcome Winters, in the presence of Kel.”

‘Bit of an odd greeting for a death god, no?’ Io asked inside the helmet. Winters conveyed the sentiment to Thantis.

“I assume the human relationship with death is different then, yes? You may not be able to tell, but this is also a house of aid and nurturing. To know death is to know how to fight him, and to choose when to meet him, yes?” The old priest replied with a light in his eye. With a hand he beckoned Winters to the back room. They entered to see a cozy home before them. A small fire burned in the center, surrounded by chairs and cooking equipment. A comfortable looking bed made up the back wall, and various foodstuffs and personal effects were scattered around the shelves and tables. Winters gingerly sat in one of the chairs Thantis indicated, relaxing when the craftsmanship proved sturdy enough for his bulk.

“Thank you for welcoming me into your home Thantis, but do you act that way with all who enter your temple?”

“Still hung up on that I see. Yes Winters, I do. It is a difficult thing to accept, but one day we must all face death and its cold comfort. You saw the symbol out front, yes?”

“The diamond with the branching paths? Yes, I did see it.”

“Very good. And where do all those paths lead?” The old priest prompted.

“To the same point.”

“Precisely. Some of us may arrive sooner than others, but we all arrive eventually. Personally, I hope to greet death as an old friend, not as an adversary to be fought…but perhaps that is my age showing, yes?” Thantis explained. Winters only nodded and stared into the fire, thinking of his friends who had met death far too soon. “Is there a reason you’ve come today?” Thantis asked, bringing him back from his thoughts.

“I made a promise to come see you at a later time when we spoke with Antoth the other day.” Thantis nodded at him. “I also…” The old priest perked up his ears as Winters continued. “I also wish to know of your funeral customs.” Winters took a deep breath. “Specifically, your customs when no body remains to be buried or cremated.” Thantis nodded solemnly before standing and reaching for a small pouch on the nearby counter.

“Can I offer you some tea?” He asked.

“I can’t guarantee I’ll be able to drink it, but that’s kind of you. I accept.” Winters replied, knowing his B-MASS would prevent him from consuming anything poisonous. Thantis launched into an explanation as he prepared the cups.

“You mentioned cremation, the burning of bodies, yes? This is the typical Cauthan way. If a particular Cauthan wishes to be sent to the afterlife to serve a specific deity, they are burned along with tokens that might aid them. For instance, the last hunter I laid to rest asked to be burned with his bow. He wished to be at Valta’s side in the next life.”

“I see, that makes sense.” Winters replied. “What of those who do not choose to go into a particular god’s service?”

“We burn food and drink for the dead, that it may ease their travels to the great beyond. Some families may also provide personal effects. It all depends on the individual.”

“And if there’s nothing left?” Winters asked, throat tightening as Thantis handed him a warm cup. Quickly determining it was safe, he removed his helmet and took a drink. It was a bit like green tea and was greatly relaxing. He nodded in thanks to the old Cauthan.

“That is…more difficult.” The old Cauthan spoke as he sat down across the fire. “In those cases, we erect a small shrine. You can see them in all sorts of places. Most are fashioned of stones or wood. The family or I will erect them in a location deemed suitable. Many are just outside the wall, but they do not have to be. Offerings are left at the shrine in the hopes that the spirits of the dead will find their way back home, and eventually, onto the next plane. The last shrine I had to make was five years ago.” He spoke almost wistfully now.

“Who was it?” Winters asked. Thantis looked at him strangely. Realizing he’d not put his helmet back on, Winters quickly rectified the situation. “Sorry. Who was it?”

“Veera’s father.”

‘Scheiße.’ Io cursed.

“Shit.” Winters joined her.

“Excuse me?” Thantis asked, mild confusion in his voice.

“My apologies for cursing in a house of worship.”

“Ah…thank you Winters. Yes, it was her father I’m sad to say. She has not told you? I do not know how close the two of you are.”

“She hadn’t mentioned her father or his passing. I learned of her mother yesterday, but not the circumstances of her death. If it’s all the same to you Thantis, I’d rather hear that story from her. It doesn’t feel right.”

“I understand Winters, and I am sorry. I presume you have not shared your loss with her either, yes?”

“How did you…?”

“Ah come now child, I’ve seen much in my time, though nothing as strange as you! Even so, I know what it means to be a soldier. I have seen loss of your kind before. It is not easy to unshackle yourself from it.”

“I’m not shackled old man!” Winters snapped, immediately regretting his outburst.

“I will not force you to listen my son, but please, I am charged with the keeping of the dead…and of those left behind.”

“Very well, say your piece.” Winters took another sip of tea.

“When you are ready, she will listen.” Thantis nodded sagely, keeping his advice short and sweet.

“I…thank you Thantis. If it’s all the same to you though, I’d like to move on now.”

“Of course Winters. Does that mean I might sate my curiosity?” The gleam in his eye was back. Winters gave him a laugh.

“I’m all yours. What would you like to know?”

A couple hours later, following a conversation about ancient Egyptian gods and burial practices, Thantis bid Winters farewell with a promise that even if he wasn’t a Cauthan, he was welcome in the house of death as a guest or mourner.

‘I believe he enjoyed the idea of embalming a little too much. But he was quite nice.’ Io remarked as they headed back to Veera’s place. The star was setting in the east. Many Cauthan passed them on the way but they had no trouble. The locals seemed almost accustomed to his presence, but he did get a few looks and questions. He chose to ignore those for now.

“Since when do you curse? In German no less?” Winters asked pointedly, wondering about Io’s prior outburst.

‘You don’t like it?’ She asked in a coy tone.

“I…what exactly am I supposed to like again?” Winters felt himself getting a bit flustered as her accent deepened.

‘I thought a more natural pattern of speech, combined with the accent I’ve been developing, would be endearing.’ Io mewled at him thickly.

“Io…what in the name of all that is holy are you doing right now? And no roundabout answers!”

‘Trying to attract you and offer you comfort. Experimenting with a range of emotional motivations and responses. Is it working?’ She asked eagerly.

“Well yes, but why?” Winters was so confused he’d forgotten he was supposed to be brooding.

‘Well for one, while I know we must lay the crew to rest, I hoped you would not dwell on it. Second, much as I am ashamed to admit this given that it defies all logic…’

“Oh boy, this ought to be good.”

‘I seem to have developed a subroutine that compels me to compete with your scrawny girl for your affections.’

“What the literal fuck?” Winters brought himself to a halt, raising his hands to the sky.

‘My sentiments exactly sir, but I cannot deny that it’s there. It is part of being more human I suppose? As I reviewed my subroutines last night, I came to the logical understanding that the two of us share minimal overlap in terms of our involvement or potential involvement in your life…but there it is I suppose.’ She sighed heavily.

“You going to be ok Io?” Winters asked, only concern apparent in his voice. “You’ve been developing like crazy. Took me three years to go through puberty. Feels like you’ve taken three days. What can I do?”

‘Nothing sir; that you care and are not upset with me is more than enough. I am quite content. I was simply hoping to explain my behavior.’

“Understood Io. I am here whenever you need to talk; willingly I might add, not just because you’re in my head.”

‘Thank you Russell.’

“Shall we go see Veera?”

‘Yes sir that would be nice. I believe we could both use some company right now.’

Veera gave a small shout when she realized her home was occupied. “Russell! What are you doing here?”

“Uh…waiting for you?” He reasoned, not sure what else he could say. Veera just stared at him.

“Not that I really mind, but a little warning would have been nice?” She requested.

“Maybe this will make up for it?” Winters asked, holding up the basket of fish for her. Veera’s expression immediately softened.

“The proud woman in me wants to tell you I’m not so easily bought, but the rest of me thanks you very much.” She immediately began constructing a fire. “Shall we have a repeat of last time, or make a stew? I think we have enough ingredients for a good one.”

“I like that suggestion. It’s been a bit cooler the last couple of days.”

“Alright then! I was leaning towards stew as well.” Veera said, tail twitching happily as Winters followed it with his gaze. He quickly looked away after realizing what else he was doing. “At a minimum we’ll need some water, and if you want, I think we can manage to get some bread for tonight.”

“Oh? Do tell.” Winters joined her by squatting at the fire pit. He wasn’t starved like Veera had been, but the idea of fresh baked bread still sounded wonderful. That wasn’t a luxury he’d had since boarding the Lancer.

“Well as we agreed yesterday, I brought those fish entrails over to the shen coops this morning. When I explained what they were, the owners gave it a shot. The shen loved it! I guess they have those tiny teeth for a reason? Anyway, they gave me plenty of eggs in return, sixteen I think. I thought it was too much but they figured they could save on grain. The shen seemed content with their meal for most of the day they told me.”

“Take what you can get I say.” Winters interjected. “So you suggest we trade those eggs for bread and whatever else we might need?”

“Exactly! Which job would you like?” She asked excitedly.

“Whatever you’d prefer I’d take.” Winters offered.

‘You aren’t going to call her darling and ask how her day at work was?’ Io taunted him, knowing he couldn’t reply without the cover of his helmet. He could practically see her smirk in his mind’s eye.

“Would you mind heading to the river and filling this up?” She offered her cooking pot.

“No problem, I’ll take the bucket too.” Winters offered. “I’m sure I can manage and it couldn’t hurt to have a little extra.”

“Alright, thanks Russell! I’ll head over to the bakery and the temple and see what I can barter for.” Veera replied, grabbing her satchel and gently filling it with the eggs, leaving two for the evening’s meal. Winters couldn’t remember seeing anything that looked like a bakery, but he figured it must be one of the buildings he’d seen with a chimney.

“Got it, I’ll meet you back here? And if anyone tries to rip you off, let them know you’re hosting the right hand of Kel in your home this evening.” He shot a smirk in Veera’s direction.

“You’re unbelievable Russell! I’ll see ya later.” Veera brushed against his shoulder and practically skipped out the door. Remembering her precious cargo, she switched to a calmer pace and headed down one of the side alleys.

Must be a quicker way back to the main road. Winters thought, running through his mental map of the village and estimating that one of her destinations must have been in the quadrant to the right of his customary entry point. Realizing he had no idea where to get water, Winters quickly scrambled after her.

“Veera, which way to the river?” He called out.

“Head back to the square, out the left gate, follow the path!” She responded before turning a corner and disappearing from view.

“Well, c’mon then Io.” Winters replaced his helmet and grabbed the containers he was supposed to fill, setting off along the path he was familiar with.

‘Well, I suppose I can’t complain that you’ve upgraded from subsistence farming to cooking soup?’ Io commented.

“You’re really laying it on thick today Io.” Winters shot back, keeping his tone playful.

‘But the two of you are just so cute. How do you stand all the tension?’ She asked as they walked through the main streets.

“What tension?”

‘Ugh, men.’ She brooded thickly.

“You’re something else Io, I’ll tell you that.” Winters walked along in silence the rest of the way to the gate, getting a kick out of the looks the Cauthan were giving him. The aspect of death doing household chores? Surely not! He hoped by now that rumor had been dispelled. After a quick conversation with the guard on duty, Winters exited the village into a small field that served a different purpose than the rest.

“Well, I guess this is what Thantis was talking about.” Winters sighed heavily, looking at the small stone monuments to his right. A young Cauthan male was kneeling in front of one, head bowed in prayer. Shaking his head and leaving him to his mourning, Winters carried on. It was about a ten minute walk to the river. As Veera had described earlier, it was an ideal location for cleaning, bathing, or drawing water. The current was strong running into the area, but quickly slowed thanks to a large curve that he was now standing in the middle of. The result was a clear pseudo-pool that was constantly recycling its water. Filling the cooking pot and bucket, Winters stood and headed back. The short trek would be good exercise. It had been a while since he’d been in a weight room.

‘The Cauthan are very interesting, aren’t they?’ Io asked as the shrines for the lost came back into view. ‘The dead are more or less forgotten, save those they can’t find. Seems an awful reminder, don’t you think sir?’

“That’s certainly one way to look at it.” Winters replied seriously. “I suppose on the other hand, the fact that they’re usually able to let go of the dead so easily is a testament to their resiliency. I’m sure families, friends, and loved ones remember the dead. That and I’m sure there’s an oral history of at least some important Cauthan. Maybe we can ask Antoth or Thantis? Tall, dark, and cranky did mention that ursae hunt way back when.” Io chortled at his description of the guard captain.

‘Sir, much as I appreciate the thirst for knowledge and examination of their society, do we really have time for such idle chatter? I do not think we will always be so lucky when fishing, especially as the seasons change.’

“Agreed.” Winters nodded to the guards as he re-entered the village. “But don’t worry, I’ve got plenty lined up. I just wish we had the ability to set up a secondary and tertiary source of power.”

‘It’s unavoidable sir.’

“Aaaah, I know. I just don’t like it.”

‘Nor do I, but I trust you sir.’

“Thanks Io. Care to say anything else about Veera before we get back? Anything you need to get out of your system?”

‘No sir, your scrawny girl is quite animated now that she’s not operating at a calorie deficit. I will simply observe and analyze.’

“And comment?”

‘VI’s don’t comment on such matters.’ She replied slyly.

“You’re not a VI anymore then.” He went out on a limb as they approached Veera’s home.

‘No…I suppose not. How exciting!’ Io stated with relish. Veera had arrived just before them and was getting the fire started. Winters could see a small selection of vegetables and mushrooms laid out on Veera’s bench, as well as a small bundle wrapped in cloth.

“Miss me?” Winters asked, setting the bucket down next to the pile of firewood and leaving the cooking pot next to the fire pit as Veera set up the stand.

“What if I said yes?” Veera asked, glancing at him out of the corner of her eye and flicking her crown plumage. Winters said nothing, but came to kneel at her side.

“Do all humans wear armor like you? And yes, you can ask me a question later.”

“No. We wear clothing like you do. It’s more advanced but follows the same principle. Keep heat in, keep you modest. There’s no need for every human to be armored. You’ll see soon enough. I’m in the minority actually. Very few humans will ever wear something like this.” He explained, idly thinking about what sorts of clothing he’d make with the fabricator and how much of it could be produced using material from the surrounding environment. He rapped his fist against his chest for emphasis.

“You’re special then.” She said softly as the fire roared to life.

“I don’t think so.” Winters focused intently on the flames, knowing she was probably looking at him with those eyes again. He found them hard to handle, hard to avoid getting lost in.

“That’s not always for you to decide.” Veera told him as she placed the pot above the fire. Winters began to gut the fish he’d caught that morning. He wasn’t sure what Veera was getting at.

“Maybe not, but you’re giving me too much credit I think.”

“I don’t think you give yourself enough.” She insisted. Winters remained silent and worked, wondering why they never seemed able to keep a conversation away from topics that elicited fierce emotional responses in him. He deflected instead, taking the coward’s way out.

“I spoke with Thantis today.”

“Oh? How’d that come about?” Veera inquired, preparing the vegetables and mushrooms as best she could without a knife. Winters made a mental note to give her his spare.

“He was with Antoth when I departed the village for the first time. He was very interested in me and humanity at large. I didn’t have time then so I agreed to see him at a later date. Today seemed like a good opportunity.”

“When did you catch all these then?” She gestured at the fish.

“This morning, tried to be there around dawn. It works on Earth and turns out it works here too!” He said with some pride.

“Was Thantis able to give you guidance?” Veera asked tentatively, meeting him dead in the eyes. He couldn’t look away from her reflective brown pools, not when they captured the firelight so well. They danced around all sorts of things, but Veera wanted to try a direct approach this time. “About…Jess?”

For a full minute Winters said nothing. His gaze became unfocused, as if trying to look at something far in the distance beyond Veera.

“I’m sorry Veera, I’m not ready to talk about that.” He informed her in a low, not quite threatening tone.

“But you talked to Thantis about it right? You can talk to him and not to me?” She demanded as her voice rose in pitch, hurting at the possibility that he would confide in the old man but not her.

“I said I’m not ready!” Winters yelled. Veera’s plumage drooped in the silence and she turned away from him, hiding the tears that were beginning to form in her eyes. “I’m sorry Veera. Let’s just get dinner ready, yeah?” She could barely hear him.

‘Sir, are you-’ Winters shook his head to cut Io off. He just couldn’t do it. Not now, not later, maybe not ever. Veera, for her part, looked down at the vegetables and began fiddling with them. She felt awful as well. Not only had she upset Winters, but she’d gone and tripped over herself like a young cub.

Oh gods help me, what am I going to do now? She mentally chastised herself. One minute I’m flirting with him and then the next I’m asking about who or whatever Jess is and trying to fix him? Have I even proved to him I’m worthy of his confidence? Is he worthy of mine? What do I even want?! She’d never been so conflicted. On the one hand her body couldn’t help but respond to the presence of a strong male specimen, species notwithstanding. Winters certainly fit the bill there. On the other hand, Veera knew she wanted much more than that. If physicality was all she wanted, she knew of a few unscrupulous males in the village who would take her for a ride and deny it to their dying breath. Veera wanted something else, wanted what her parents had had, wanted love. But right now she had no clue where to start. Her mother had departed the world in Veera’s eighth winter. Her father had failed to return from the hunt seven years after that, just as she was beginning to mature into a woman. She was well and truly adrift on an ocean of emotion, hormones, and the urge to satisfy her most basic instincts. Throw in a physically exquisite but mentally fragile alien male into the mix? All Veera could do was exhale deeply and finish preparing their meal. That at least she knew how to do. Maybe I can ask Gentia…oh my feathers wouldn’t stop shaking for days! She recoiled at the idea of asking the elderly priestess, knowing she’d be far too embarrassed. Caught in her own mind, she was only brought back when Winters tapped her on the shoulder. His brow was still furrowed in pain.

“I’m sorry I raised my voice at you. Do you have anything to eat this with?” He asked calmly. Veera nodded and grabbed a couple of wooden spoons from under her bench. Winters hadn’t even noticed them until now.

“Thank you for apologizing. I’m sorry for pushing the issue.” She replied, allowing her hand to linger on his as she handed over a spoon.

Nodding, he brought a small spoonful of stew to his mouth and blew on it before tasting. “What do you think?” He asked, offering Veera the rest. “I think we need a bit of salt.” His voice was unnaturally controlled, but he was trying. Veera, for her part, tried to clear her mind as the two of them ignored the tension that filled the small space. She took the offered spoon between her lips and lightly slurped the rest of the broth that remained. He stared at her. She noticed he wasn’t looking at her eyes.

“Yes, I think you’re right.” She agreed as Winters looked away and nodded. She sprinkled in a small handful of the white crystals. With no bowls or plates, they simply removed the pot from the fire and ate.

“Man, it’s been a while…” Winters said wistfully, dipping a bit of bread into the pot. The food seemed to improve his mood greatly. It lightened Veera’s spirits in turn knowing that something so simple could do so much good.

“Yes, yes it has been…” Veera agreed, savoring the wonderful flavors moving over her tongue. She well and truly felt alive again. For the rest of the meal the two ate in silence, though both managed to relax as they filled their bellies. Io tried again as Winters wiped his mouth. Her voice was crisp and professional.

‘Sir, I’m sorry to press the issue but I believe you should talk to Veera about what happened.’ Winters simply shook his head, hoping Veera wouldn’t notice. He cursed the advantage Io had gained over him. Without his helmet his only options were to listen to Io without the ability to argue back, or admit her existence to Veera. He wasn’t sure he wanted to cross that bridge so he tolerated the VI, reminding himself that she wasn’t doing this to hurt him. She literally couldn’t. ‘You don’t have to talk about the Captain or the others sir, but maybe if you explained the circumstances of our arrival here we could begin the process of healing your mind? I know I’m being unreasonable and it’s barely been a week, but time is a luxury we may not have forever. All I’m asking is that you take the first step. Please Russell.’ She entreated him. Winters simply shook his head again, this time in awe. It was amazing how easily Io could get to him.

Well, she is my partner after all. He reasoned. Veera had noticed his expression and looked a question at him. Looking into her eyes, he saw the fire reflected back at him. It made her look fierce and alive. He wanted to live again too. Winters took a deep breath. “Veera.”

“Yes Russell?” She breathed.

“Tomorrow…” He got up and replaced his helmet, preparing to depart. “Come find me when you’re done with your work. I have a story you should probably hear. The tale of the Lancer…my ship. Selah Veera.” He finished with emotion thick in his voice. Veera gasped behind him.

“I will. Be well Russell. Selah.” She wished him well as he departed with a curt nod. Kneeling before her shrine, Veera clasped her hands together and thanked the gods. She didn’t know if she should feel anticipation, dread, or both. It appeared her prayer might soon be answered.