“Well, I can’t say I disagree with the weather. It’s just going to be one of those days.” Winters mused as he stepped out of his pod, feeling wet ground give underfoot. Unlike the last few days he sported a full combat loadout, armor included. After a quick meal and his usual morning sojourn to the river he returned, listening to the hiss of a light rain hitting his armor and the pod. The cold air had thrown up a thick fog as well; it was a good day to speak to the dead.

“Io, may I?” Winters asked as he eyed the green light on his fabricator’s display.

‘Yes sir, please do. I hope it was not presumptuous of me, but I wanted to honor the crew as well.’ She explained, appearing on his HUD. She was sporting a black HEL dress uniform and had her hair styled differently. It was a full bun, this one more intricate than usual, complete with two slim black sticks in a crossed pattern as accents. He knew they were probably called something other than sticks, but he didn’t know the word, nor did he care. What he did care about was the respect that Io had chosen to show his friends, friends who she had fully admitted she’d not known very well before their deaths.

“I’m sure it will be well received. Thanks for wearing your best.” He told her gratefully.

‘Of course sir. If you would?’ She motioned to the fabricator. Opening it, Winters found and withdrew a dark piece of industrial grade plastic. It made sense, he thought. Refining metal would have required his help, and it would have used much more energy than synthesizing a plastic compound. Besides, it’s not like it’s going to erode or anything. Hell, this will be here longer than the shrine itself in all likelihood. He reasoned. Running a gloved hand over it, he read the heading.

“Here rests the crew of the Lancer, Omega Branch, Human Expeditionary League.” It was complete with a sketching of the Lancer’s profile just below it, a propulsion trail forming a graceful arc behind the ship. With a nod of approval he continued on to the body, which took much more after the Cauthan tradition. “To the family we chose, to the brothers and sisters who took to the void with us to boldly push the boundaries of human understanding and power, may you be lost no longer. If you choose to wander, may it be among the stars that so captured our imaginations. And when you do return home, know that we will be with you again. Know that you will never be forgotten. Know that we will succeed. Know that we love you. Rest easy in that plane of spirits. -1st Lt. Russell Winters & Io.” Winters removed his helmet as he felt the burning of tears for what would surely be the first of many times that day. The names of all of the crew made up the left and right border of the plaque. He ran a thumb over one in particular: Captain Jessica Yang. “Thank you Io…it’s perfect.” He managed.

‘You are welcome sir. I hope it helps bring you some small peace as well.’ Her voice was compassionate and sad in his ear. Io was relieved to know that her understanding of death, mourning, and grieving was complete enough to allow her to participate, to help.

“Why don’t we go show it to them?” Winters wiped his eyes and replaced his helmet. He wanted to follow procedure, wanted to show his friends all the respect they deserved. He had no way of putting on a true military funeral, but he would do everything he could and that included dressing his best. On Mara, that meant the Aegis, helmet included. When he arrived at the shrine, he found the rocks covered in dew and shrouded in mist. It was as though the surrounding environment had accepted the construct and incorporated it into itself. That thought alone brought him a measure of comfort, though it did little to quell his rioting heart. Stopping before the shrine, he and Io both fashioned sharp salutes before removing their headgear in respect. Winters rested the plaque on top of the shrine before kneeling and placing his helmet to one side. After a long moment, reflecting as cold rain fell on his face, Winters began.

“Hey guys. So, you’re all together now, right? Didn’t lose anyone? Hope not. If so, hopefully Veera’s dad can show you the way back here. He and I have an understanding…I think. Right…right…I’m rambling. Jess, you know how I get. Sorry. Anyway, to all of you I just wanted to say…no, I guess I don’t want to say I’m sorry. I didn’t wrong you and sorry just sounds pathetic. I do miss you though, all of you, more than words can say. I’m sure you’ve all realized I might never make it out of here and if it turns out that you were the last humans I’ll ever know…then I consider myself fortunate. Sounds stupid, but I love you all. I would have died for any one of you. Almost did too, back on that volcano world. You’re welcome Alex. Mara seems like a much nicer resting place.” Winters let out a sad bout of laughter, trying to hold it in, the weight of his loss ebbing and flowing through him. “So yeah…pretty ironic, isn’t it? I’m the one who got away. The one who was supposed to die ended up being the only one left. I’m sorry guys. You know I would have if I could. Right, right, I wasn’t going to say sorry. Dax, buddy, thanks for saving our skins long enough for us to get off the ship. I literally owe you my life, not to mention a certain conversation I was able to have. It meant a lot to me, so thank you. Shifty, if you’re there, don’t blame yourself man. If you couldn’t do it, no one in the whole HEL could have. There’s a festival coming up here soon. I may not be able to punch the sun, but he’s got a priest and a few guards walking around the village. I’ll be sure to sock ‘em good for you. Oh and…well…remember that little program you wrote for my VI? The personality augmentation? Well…Io, why don’t you just tell him?” Io’s projection appeared at his wrist. He held it up for her. She held her cap over her heart and bowed formally.

‘Hello Samuel. I suppose you’d prefer to be called by your nickname, so I will do so from here on out. I only wanted to greet my creator with the proper respect. I am Io, Winters’ VI assistant. That’s what I was, at least. You allowed me, under his care, to become something much more. Unless my databases are incomplete, I believe I am the first true artificial intelligence ever created by humanity. I now serve as Russell’s partner and confidant. I am not sure what will happen to me in the future, whether or not we are rescued from this planet. If we are, and I am not immediately destroyed upon contact, I will ensure that you are given proper credit for your work. Your name will not be lost from history Shifty, even your silly nickname. I will make sure of it. I have told Russell this before but, life is thrilling and terrifying. I am most fortunate to have found myself a part of it, even in this moment, where I find myself in pain. For that, I will never be able to truly repay you. But I will do my best.’ Io wiped a simulated tear from her eye before disappearing. ‘Sir, I am detecting Veera’s translator. Based on the audio I’m picking up, we have guests today.’

Winters looked to his right. Veera had just come into view over the ridge, along with Thantis and, to his great surprise, Antoth. Veera…you didn’t have to… He nodded to her as he replaced his helmet. The three Cauthan made their way to stand before him. He stood to greet them, shaking Antoth and Thantis’ hands. They were confused at first, but Veera explained that it was human custom befitting of the occasion. It didn’t strike her as a high five kind of day. Knowing they were at a human ritual of sorts, the priests willingly participated. Thantis spoke first, holding his hand out to Winters. He took the item the old priest offered him. It was a dark wooden disc that bore the symbol of Kel.

“I am here to do my duty as priest of Kel, but more importantly, to support a friend.” He began. Winters nodded his thanks. He didn’t want to shed tears in front of either of them, but he knew it was inevitable. Hiding it behind his helmet seemed pathetic, but he’d take that shelter today. Thantis continued. “When you came to us, you were branded an agent of death. It seems fitting, and perhaps a bit ironic that in this moment I offer you His sigil. I hope that your friends will find their way here and that, at your bidding, Kel will shepherd them on their long journey home. May you wield influence over death just this once.” The priest bowed. Winters returned the gesture and turned to place the token in the shrine, finding one of the looser fitting rocks and replacing it with the wood. As Thantis stepped back, Antoth took his place.

“Normally I wouldn’t be at something like this.” He began in his usual gruff tone, though Winters detected a hint of something more this time. “However, without any unnecessary details, Veera told me the tale of your Captain.” Antoth explained as Winters looked at Veera and drew in a sharp breath. Her look was hard to place, something between an apology and a plea for him to accept whatever was coming next. Unlike the last time he’d seen her in the rain she was strong, composed. He drew strength from that. Winters looked back to the captain who he now noticed was wearing what was probably his full complement of armor and weapons. He sported a dagger and spear in additional to the usual sword and shield. Antoth extended a similar token, this one bearing the icon of Uthos, a shield without ornamentation. “While Uthos does not smile upon death in battle per se, there are times when one must choose. There are times when not everyone will make it out alive. Those are the times that separate the true servants of Uthos from the rest. Those are the moments that honor those who would not only lead and protect, but sacrifice. Your captain was one such individual Winters, from what Veera tells me. It would honor me if you would accept this on her behalf. Should she wish it, I am sure the Sentinel will lend her his aid in the next life.”

Winters knew he wouldn’t be able to speak. Not now, not about Jess. He simply offered a hand and bowed deeply to the guard. Antoth gave his helmet a searching look and a short nod, as if he could see through it. The captain knew well enough when to let something go, especially between soldiers. After incorporating the second token into the shrine, Winters turned back to his guests.

“Thank you all for being here to help me send them off. It…it means the world to me.” Was all he managed before falling silent, tears coming again. Understanding it was time to depart, Thantis and Antoth both walked forward, knelt before the shrine, bowed their heads and left. They had done their duty as priests; it was no longer a place they were needed. That burden fell to another. As they began their journey home, Veera mouthed a thank you to each of them before she walked forward. With great care she withdrew a sampling of food from her satchel. There was a dato, an egg, a fish, some mushrooms, and a kina. She assembled it all in a pile at the base of the shrine. When she stood again she found Winters staring at her, without his helmet, streaks of what she knew wasn’t rain on his face.

“What is…” He tried to ask, looking down at the small pile.

“I know it’s a long way back to your planet Russell. I wouldn’t want them to be hungry.” She stated simply, wiping a fresh tear from his cheek. Winters couldn’t take it anymore. Knowing it was just the two of them he sank to his knees, sobbing. She followed him quickly, allowing him to envelop her in an armored embrace.

“You…you would…your own food? Veera…” Winters could barely believe what was happening. Veera had been on the brink of true starvation when he’d found her. She’d suffered malnutrition for years. And yet here she was presenting the dead, his dead, with food. He tried to speak again. He had to let her know how he felt, but he couldn’t. Veera silenced him gently.

“Shhh…Russell, it’s ok.” She reassured him, rubbing the back of his head as he cried into her shoulder. He was heavy in his armor, but gentle. She felt safe. “It’s the least I could do, for them and for you. You saved me.” He shook his head. “Shhh…yes you did. You big, stupid, noble human. Now cry, cry as much as you need. I’ll be here through it all. Then maybe we can talk to them together.” He stilled for a moment before nodding. Veera smiled sadly. She hated to see him like this, but knew this day had to come. It had been just like this with her mother, and then her father. She would cry once when she acknowledged what had happened, then she would break down again when she finally accepted the fact that her parents were not going to be a physical part of her life again. Russell had to go through the same. “This doesn’t make you weak.” She whispered in his ear, fervent in her belief. “This will make you stronger.”

A short time later, Winters withdrew from Veera’s hold and dried his eyes. He looked a mess, his hair damp and now long enough to fall ever so slightly onto his forehead. His eyes were bloodshot, but he managed to smile at her after clearing his throat. “Thank you Veera. Your gift means more than I can say. I know they’ll be happy too.” She turned so she could kneel next to him in front of the shrine.

“Will you introduce me?” She asked hopefully, resting a hand on his knee.

“Of course. Alright guys, gather round. Sorry about the sob party but I never admitted to being a good soldier. Always a bit of a crybaby. Anyway, this lovely lady here is Veera. We were acquainted when I almost flattened her farm…and first contact protocol.” They both shared a small laugh at his description of their first meeting. “Since then though, she’s helped me in…more ways than I can count. She’s opened both her home and her heart to me. And it’s thanks to her that I’ve found the strength to be here today, to send you home. And Dax before you ask, she’s not my girlfriend. Maybe we can talk about that another time. I just wanted you all to meet her so you could thank her for the food and, you know, for stopping me from giving up down here. It can be pretty lonely sometimes.” He paused to look at Veera, noticing she was now crying as well. He contented himself with the fact that, from his perspective at least, they seemed to be partially happy tears. He took a deep breath and turned back to the shrine. “Now Shifty, I know you’ll understand this request thanks to your complete disregard for others’ privacy. Maybe you can fill in the rest of the crew. I’d like to speak to Jess…alone.” Veera gasped and made to stand but Winters reached out and grabbed her wrist, gently bidding her to stay. After a moment he continued.

“Hi honey, it’s me. I’m…I’m still here. I’m still alive. Still following your last orders. I miss you terribly. Don’t think I’ll ever stop. Maybe one day it won’t hurt so much but…right now…damn see? I knew this would happen. All choked up with nothing to say. I know right about now you’d probably shut me up with that mouth of yours but well…I just wanted you to understand. There are two things that are keeping me going right now. One is the orders you gave me when we said goodbye. Live, find out what happened to our ship. I’ll never stop trying to follow that order. But…I told you, didn’t I? Bad soldier sometimes, broke regulations left and right. You’d know all about that though, wouldn’t you?” He managed the barest of smiles. “I wanted you to meet Veera, Jess. She’s…she’s the other reason. She and I had the same goal when I landed here: survive. And we’re doing that now. There’s a festival coming up soon. I’ll be accompanying her and maybe…just maybe…we’ll figure out how to live again a little. I wanted to ask you Jess. I wanted to ask you for your blessing. What I told Dax is true, we aren’t together. Far as I know there’s no plan for that. But I don’t know what the future will hold. I don’t know how long I have. She’s strong Jess. She’s loyal, she’s brave…she’s a fighter. But she’s kind too. She’s generous. And she’s suffered more than anyone should in one life.” He bowed his head deeply, taking another moment of silence. “I wanted you to know that I love you. I’ll always love you…and no matter what the future holds, I hope you can understand. I know I’ll see you again someday. I wouldn’t mind if that day is soon, but I know you’d kick my ass for that. So I’m going to keep going…alright? She and I both will. I love you Jess. I love you so much. Get home safe, yeah? I’ll be there soon enough. I know I don’t need to tell you this, but take care of the rest of them. Goodbye hun.” Winters closed his eyes and drew in a shuddering breath. There was nothing else he could say. He knew everything he’d felt has just tumbled out of him in a mish mash of thoughts, coherence a secondary consideration at best, but he’d gotten the major points across. He just had to hope Veera and Jess would both understand.

Veera, for her part, just stared with misty eyes at the human…her human? Is that ok? Can I…think of him as my human? Jessica, I’d not force him. I won’t make him do anything, but if he lets me…I want to comfort him, I want to hold him, and…I think someday I might want more than that. I will never try to take your place. I swear it. But more and more I find myself wanting to be at his side…like you were. I’m sure you understand why? If the two of you were forbidden lovers, you must understand the kind of man he is…why a woman would want someone like him; risk something to be with him. If that happens, I won’t fail you. “Would you like some time alone?” She finally asked, feeling unsure of herself in the presence of Winters’ lover.

“I think so Veera…I really do appreciate you being here though. I’ll come back…sometime. Before dark, I’ll come.” He whispered. She nodded before leaning in and giving him a brief hug. He didn’t respond but it didn’t bother her. He’d not rejected it either. “One last thing though, now that I think of it. Would you stay?”

“Of course.”

“Cover your ears, please.” He advised her as he drew his rifle and pointed it at an angle to the sky. Veera’s eyes went wide and she smashed her ears to her head. She watched as he pulled the trigger and a deafening crack emitted from the weapon. Veera figured it must have been military honors, but it was still frightening. It was clear the surrounding wildlife felt the same, as any animals capable of taking to the sky did so with indignant chatter. With a solemn nod, Winters replaced the gun on his back and looked at her. “Thank you. I’ll see you later?”

“I’d like that, but take your time with your comrades Russell. I’ll wait for you.” Without another word Veera turned and departed. She trusted him completely. That was naïve of her, she knew, but she did. He would be home, sometime. He’d said so. And she would be there for him, not just for his sake, not just because he asked, but because she wanted to. After what he’d told his friends, how could she not? It felt strange, what they were and what they were not, but it felt right. As Veera walked off through the partially lifting fog, a soft breeze blew across the river from the forest. It enveloped her with the damp scents of life and decay, the cycle. She inhaled deeply, feeling it permeate her being. Her ears twitched and her feathers waved. I see…thank you Jessica.

As she walked over the cold, damp ground Veera kept every one of her senses on high alert in the mists. It was the middle of the day, true, but now was not the time to be careless. As long as Winters was relying on her, as long as he found comfort in her home, there would never be another. She thought back to the many days she’d spent walking the trail alone, days when her mind would wander. She wondered briefly if she had been tempting fate. As the years in solitude had dragged on, maybe she had been. No longer. Her ears were attuned to every sound, her nose to every smell. Her eyes searched for even the slightest of movements. The word ‘survive’ now meant so much more to her. Her time among the spirits had changed her. He had changed her. Only when she arrived on the outskirts of her village did she allow herself to relax. Only then did she begin replaying some of what she’d heard in her mind.

This lovely lady…she’s helped me in more ways than I can count…she opened her heart to me. Veera couldn’t help the trilling noise that escaped her lips and evinced her happiness to the world.

And Dax, before you ask, she’s not my girlfriend. “Oh…right, he did say that.” She mumbled, tempering her enthusiasm.

She’s the other reason…I wanted to ask for your blessing. And just like that Veera was on cloud nine again. She was so absorbed in her thoughts she didn’t notice Antoth until he’d reached out and stopped her with a hand on the shoulder.

“How is he?” The captain asked shortly.

“Antoth, I didn’t know you cared.” Veera replied sweetly. He rolled his eyes.

“I know what it’s like to lose a commanding officer Veera. Happened in the last raid. Can’t even imagine what it would be like if I’d been in love with that person.”

“I would assume so, given that your choice of mates would be decidedly different.” Veera joked, still feeling that warm swelling of emotion Winters’ words had instilled in her.

“Damnit Veera, I’m trying to be nice here. Don’t make me regret it.” Antoth growled, clearly a tad uncomfortable. She relented.

“I’m sorry Antoth. He’s going to be alright, I think. He’s a very strong willed man, even if he doesn’t give himself credit for it. He’s spending more time with his comrades now; he’s beginning to heal himself.” She explained, knowing just how big a step this day would be for her human.

“I see. You’ll look after him then?” The guard asked, knowing the likely answer but wanting to be sure. Soldiers stuck together.

“Of course. I’d never hurt him.” Veera vowed.

“Good. Sorry for stopping you.” He motioned her inside.

“No worries Antoth. Thank you for coming. I know he appreciated it very much, as a soldier. Like you said, his commander was very special to him.” The captain only grunted in acknowledgement as Veera went on her way.

She shortly found herself at home again, weaving her way around piles of dato and firewood with a smile on her face. It was early still, but the rain hadn’t let up at all. If anything it was worse. The cold clung to her dress and she figured that no matter when Winters decided to show up, be it soon or hours from then, she wanted him to be greeted by a warm fire. Repeating what she’d seen him do, she arranged some dry wood in a cone over a base of old ash and kindling, using her body to block as much dampening rain as she could. Around it she placed another batch of wet wood that needed to dry. A few minutes later the fire crackled merrily. She fed it more fuel, warming her abode with both heat and light. With the harvest complete and the festival in a couple days, there was little left for her to do. She had time, another wonderful luxury thanks to the influence of the human. Reminding herself that she was also active in arriving at the current state of affairs, Veera plopped down in front of the fire. She changed out of her wet clothes and into her spare dress, giving the one she’d worn to the funeral some time to dry. Nibbling on a piece of smoked fish, Veera simply relaxed. Her mind wandered idly, replaying the events of the day and thinking about what she might say to Winters when he arrived.

“So anyway, that’s my new project down here, helping this kid Zolta win the object of his affections. Feels almost unfair, really. They have to make that decision when they’re teenagers and stick with it. I guess when life is tough there’s no room for long courtships and swapping of partners? Anyway, don’t worry guys; I’ll put on a good show at the festival. Can’t let them think humans are weak now can we? Nah didn’t think so. This has been fun, really. I’m glad you could all make it. If you want to hang around and watch me fumble my way through life on this planet I’d be honored and a little creeped out. If you want to head home, then go ahead. If I make it back I’ll be sure to visit you again. Looks like my time is about up though. Wouldn’t want to break my promise to Veera, you know? Rest easy everyone. Goodbye for now. I’ll be back.” Winters finished what had been a long and winding conversation with his shipmates. He’d recounted as best he could the story of his time on Mara and his evolving relationship with Veera and the other townsfolk.

‘Farewell.’ Io added solemnly as Winters stood before the shrine. He still couldn’t see the sun. The clouds had never broken, but his HUD told him that sundown would arrive in two hours.

“We’d best be getting home, don’t you think?” Winters asked in a serious voice.

‘Home? I believe this is the first time you’ve described it as our home specifically. You are aware of what’s happening, aren’t you?’ She looked at him with curiosity, having changed back into her standard attire.

“Yes.” He replied shortly, very much unwilling to discuss that topic at that moment.

‘I see. How do you feel sir?’

“Tired Io. Tired but…better? Looks like Veera was right again.” Winters mused as he shed his armor in favor of his other clothing.

‘Then I am glad. We have reached acceptance.’ Io popped up on his visor and nodded, pleased that her partner was ready to move forward in his life, however tentatively.

“That’s what? Fifth phase of grief or something?” Winters scoffed.

‘Yes sir. Veera knew it would help you and knew what to say because she’s experienced it twice…at least.’ Io added with a touch of malice, as if upset at the universe itself for allowing those tragedies.

“I wasn’t kidding when I said she’s suffered for too long.” Winters agreed as he sealed his pod and headed for the village.

‘I concur, sir. What will you say when you see her again?’ Io asked with curiosity.

“You mean other than thank you? Why?”

‘Just curious, sir.’ Io waved a hand at him.

“I’m sure you are. Though I guess I can’t blame you. You’re along for the ride one way or another, right?”

‘That’s a good way of putting it, yes. As with anything else sir, I want what is best for you…best for us. I believe Veera has been very good to you…good for you. As you have been for her, to be sure. I believe that in the future-’

“Not ready to discuss that yet.” Winters cut her off.

‘But sir you said that-’

“It doesn’t have to make logical sense Io! I know what’s happening but that doesn’t change how I feel, how completely out of my depth I am. I know HEL Jumpers and the guys over in Delta always joke about it but…you realize what you’re talking about, right?!”

‘Loving an alien woman? Yes sir, I do.’ Winters only snarled at her. She huffed back, unamused and unintimidated. ‘Barbaren. You do not feel the things you do because she’s an alien. Surely you’re not that stupid?’ She challenged him.

“…that’s enough Io.” He hung his head in defeat.

‘Yes sir.’

Veera had just rotated out a set of wet logs and stoked the fire when she sensed him, her ears perking up. She rapidly stood straight and searched his eyes for something, anything that would tell her how to proceed. She found nothing. His face was a total mask. So she waited and watched, her tail moving languidly just above the ground. She knew the reason for his demeanor and it made her feel a twinge of guilt, but he did look good when he was brooding, his brow furrowed and creased. The flickering firelight only added to the effect. Soon enough though the crackling warmth did its work and the mask dissolved. Winters shed his gear and walked slowly to her.

“Thank you again Veera, for everything. I had a good long talk with them.” He raised a hand briefly but hesitated. She reached out and took it in hers before he could lower it again, connecting them. Contact made only more pleasant by the removal of his armor.

“I’m glad Russell. They’ll always be there for you if you need to talk again. I’m sure of it.” She encouraged him. He nodded, shifting his grip so he could rub his thumb over the back of her palm, focusing on how her fur bent under his touch before snapping back as his finger passed.

“Yeah, maybe. I told them they could stay and have a little fun watching us bumble through life if they wanted. I’m sure a few of them might.” He let out a low chuckle at the thought. Veera nodded, taking his other hand in hers.

“I know it was difficult…”

“Had to be done.” He said shortly.

“I know. I just wish I could do more.” She looked into his eyes, thankful he wasn’t crying anymore. Those blue pools looked so much clearer now.

“You did more than I could ask for. Veera…I barely feel like I deserve you as it is.” He admitted. It was becoming clearer by the hour that Veera had higher hopes for him…for them. He didn’t blame her at all. She was in the prime of her life. There just wasn’t an easy answer. Even if he did…what if he had to leave? The Cauthan only gave themselves one chance. She didn’t deserve that, didn’t deserve what he might have to do to her.

“Shut up! Shut up you…” She hugged him hard, as if she could squeeze the idiocy out of him.

“I know…big, stupid, noble human, right?” He rested his chin on her head, feeling the tension slowly drain from his body. Contact with her fur was downright therapeutic. “Thanks then. I think they were pleased to meet you. I know making first contact with another race was a dream for many of them.”

“You’re welcome Russell. I was happy to meet them as well. Now come and dry off. You’re soaking wet. Are you hungry?” She asked, beginning to fuss over him like a mother hen.

“Yeah, little bit. I’ll get it though, don’t worry.” He looked around, noticing the pile of dried wood that Veera had been working on sitting next to the bench. She was clearly planning on going through the whole room’s worth at some point. He remembered the first time he’d set foot inside her home, how empty it was, gray and dark. Now it was full of warmth, light, and, for lack of a better word, the controlled chaos of living. He hummed deep in his chest. Yeah…home…