It’s amazing how much can change in a day. Winters thought to himself as he led Veera along the main street back to her home…or was it their home now? He supposed that question was a moot point. The day before he’d been a nervous wreck, allowing himself to be carried through the streets behind her while chasing himself in circles through his mind. His nerves had been almost as bad as his first drop. All of that had disappeared, replaced by a plethora of new emotions and circumstances. He and Veera were walking together, serenely, along with much of the village population following the last song of the evening. They were together, an item, and part of the broader whole. He had a Cauthan girlfriend. She had a human boyfriend. It was a bit too much to keep inside. He looked to the stars and let out a deep breath.

“Care to share?” Veera asked softly, running her thumb over the back of his palm.

“Just thinking how beautiful the sky is out here…and how crazy this all is. Not us…I just mean between yesterday and today. I never expected to feel like such a novice again.” He tried to explain. She nodded and flicked her tail.

“It’s like my whole world has changed. Everything’s where it was. Things taste the same, smell the same, feel the same…but I see it all differently. Everything except you. You stayed the same. I wonder how winter will change…” She whispered. Winters looked at her, unsure how he could say anything to match the impact of her words. They had used the terms boyfriend and girlfriend, but it was abundantly clear to Winters that Veera saw their relationship through a Cauthan lens. He felt a serious expression play over his face as he considered his futures. The branching tree had changed significantly, its root now at the moment he and Veera kissed. For the first time, he truly worried about what would happen if he was found. The moment was fleeting, however, banished as quickly as it had come. He had more pressing concerns, both lighter and darker.

“Well, here we are. Home again.” Veera said, leading him inside and sitting down on the bed when it became clear he would take fire duty again. After he’d established a comfortable source of heat and set a few more logs to dry, Winters stripped off his vest and shirt before sitting next to Veera.

“Well, how’s it looking?” He asked, pointing at his bruise. Veera got close and took a look, catching a strong whiff of his scent mixed with wood smoke. It was disturbingly intoxicating. Shaking her head and focusing on the task at hand, Veera eyed the wound critically. It was angry looking and had developed a few yellowish areas on the edge, but had not swollen significantly. She conveyed that information, pleased when both Winters and Io agreed that there would likely be no barriers to recovery for her human.

“I’m glad to hear it looks worse than it is. You really had me worried there.” Veera clasped her hands together in her lap.

“I’m sorry Veera. I know that was risky and stupid.” He apologized. She smiled in spite of herself. She’d expected him to play it off, like he had when he’d beaten them in his armor.

“I understand why you did it, what you wanted to teach him. And I remember what I said that night, about not getting on your case about those foolish things men do…just…” Veera trailed off.

“What Veera?” He looked over at her.

“It’s nothing.”

“I think we all know that’s not true.” Winters separated her hands and took the near one in his. “You were right Veera; things will be a bit…unnatural between us. Certain things might be more difficult because we’re of different species. Certain things might not be. But we won’t solve anything if we don’t talk things through. You said as much last night. You were right on that count too. So what’s bugging you?” He finished, making sure she looked him in the eye, so she could see he was serious. She sighed as her feathers fluttered.

“I’m sorry Russell, I just…didn’t want to scare you.” He cocked an eyebrow but allowed her to continue. “Just remember you always have to come home to me!” She cried, burying her head into the crook of his neck as he hesitated before bringing his arms around her, ignoring the pain in his side. He began stroking her back, considering the people who hadn’t come home, who had left Veera’s life too early. She was thinking about them, not his match in the ring that day. Had a human woman said that to him after a first date he would have bolted for the door as fast as his legs could carry him. None of that applied to Veera. He whispered to her, feeling that tugging in his heart that she evoked more and more.

“I told you Veera, the gods won’t keep me from you. I have more than enough reason to come home now.” She nodded into his shoulder. He chuckled. “Actually, I have a question about that.”

“What?” She asked, surprise on her face as she looked up at him.

“I uh…” He looked around the shared living space. “Do you think I could move some of my stuff in?”

“Of course!” Veera’s eyes brightened at his request. “I’m sure we’ll be able to fit your armor and whatever else you need to bring. None of it is…dangerous is it? It won’t explode or anything?”

“I can guarantee you that any incident like that would be much, much worse if it happened on board a human ship in the middle of space. We took great care as a species when we designed our equipment. Even then we still lost a few lives we shouldn’t have…and many more.”

“Many more?” Veera asked curiously.

“The price we pay as a species every time we push the boundaries. Radioactive poisoning, mining accidents, equipment failure, catastrophic re-entry, shipwrecks, wild animals…humans have been dying in the name of exploration for millennia.”

“Why do you do it then? Explore like you do?”

“Because there’s always someone crazy enough to ask what’s over the next hill, or in the next star system. You could call it a trait of the species I guess. I’m sure that given enough time your people will do so as well. You have an innate curiosity about you. It’s one of your most human-like qualities actually.” Veera licked his cheek as he finished.

“Sorry.” She apologized happily. “I just got really happy all of a sudden when you said that. It made me think this really could work, you know?”

“I think I do…but why do you say that Veera?” Winters asked, figuring things had worked pretty well, all things considered.

“Last night wasn’t a good time, but we did touch on it. You can’t give me children Russell. I don’t even know if our…parts…” Her feathers started waving furiously. “We don’t even know if they’ll…fit together. There’s so much we don’t know but when you said that, about how we’re both curious species, it just gave me hope. So I licked you!” She concluded as if that were the most natural reaction in the world. Winters scratched the base of her ears.

“I find I enjoyed it. So there’s no need to stop. Kinda like this, right?” He asked, earning an affirming purr from Veera. “Shall we remedy some of that knowledge gap tonight?”

“What do you mean?” Veera asked softly, eyes closed as she rocked her head back and forth to allow his fingers better access to each ear.

“I figured we could play our game of questions again, since I might be a little too banged up for anything strenuous. What do you say?”

“I say that’s a wonderful idea. How’d I manage to snag such a smart male?” She wondered idly before planting a kiss on his lips, spending a long moment with his lower lip trapped between hers, slowly pulling it thanks to the friction between them.

“Maybe it was that smart mouth of yours? Let’s get comfortable.” Winters suggested, hearing his voice drop in pitch as her ministrations got his blood pumping. Turning behind him, he spread Veera’s tattered fur blanket out flat and laid down on it, protecting his exposed back from the straw below. “So…how old is this thing? It’s chesko, right? Man, is everything on this planet fluffy?”

“It is, and I’m not answering your first question.” Veera insisted as she crawled over him, assuming her position from the prior night on his left side. Her torso was almost fully on top of him, drawn in by unimpeded access to his body heat. The night had grown even colder, a sure sign that winter was on its way. Even with the fire, his heat made a difference.

“Can I just say that I love my new space heater?” She smiled up at him, poking his sternum ever so lightly with a claw. He began stroking her back.

“Another benefit of human-Cauthan partnership I’d say. I’ll have you know your fur is quite pleasing to the touch, much more so than old chesko.” He admitted with a blush.

“Is that because of your pets?” She asked, an unreadable expression in her eyes. Winters made to speak, but stopped. He reconsidered her question with a sigh, then tried again.

“I was going to say no right out, but I guess that might be a part of it. You remember when I told you about how humans are very tactile as a species, right?” He asked. Veera nodded before replacing her head over his heartbeat. “We do tend to love the feel of fluffy, furry things. It doesn’t have to be a pet, per se, but I’m sure the fact that their fur feels good is part of the reason they’re so endearing to us, why we go through all the effort to keep them close, healthy, and happy. It’s much easier to cuddle with and stroke something that’s pleasant to touch, right? So to answer your question in a way that won’t get me a second bruise, no, it’s not because you’re like a human pet. You share certain physical qualities, yes, but I like your fur because it’s attached to you. I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that I have the most pleasantly stroke-able girlfriend out of any human in the galaxy.” He gave her a wide grin to top off his grand proclamation. Io was shaking her head at her partner’s borderline sexual joke. Veera considered his words while giving him a predatory glare. It quickly crumbled as she found them acceptable.

“You’re forgiven. Shall we begin our game?”

“You just asked a question, you know.”

“Oh…fine!” She pouted. “Go ahead Russell.”

“As you wish feather kitten. I know this isn’t really about us but, can you tell me about winter?”

“Winter?”

“Yes. I know it’s not…well…sexy or anything, but it is coming. I honestly don’t know much about how it will happen. Does it snow? When? How much? Is the temperature variable or does it remain in a narrow range? What about storms or blizzards? Migratory patterns of other tribes?” He rattled off, ticking each item on a finger.”

‘Don’t forget about your complete and utter lack of winter garments outside of the Aegis.’ Io chastised him.

“Yeah…that too.” Winters added. Veera steadied herself as she thought about how to answer him. She had been excited to explore his body again, but his request made sense. He couldn’t afford to take anything for granted. His meticulousness made her smile.

“It is beautiful when the snows come, I will admit.” Veera began. “It should be a couple weeks before they start. If we’re lucky, winter will be cold but bearable. The snows will fall, not too heavy or deep, and will remain until spring. During sunny days there will be melt off and the nights will be cold but bearable. The river will remain open for the most part and the fire will warm you.”

“And if we’re unlucky?” Winters whispered, looking into her eyes. He saw fear.

“Creeping death.” Veera replied, hugging him tighter as if to trap his heat. “Cold that grows deeper and deeper as the snow piles up, not melting even during the day. Your fire keeps you alive, but not warm. The river freezes solid. The young, the sick, and the old die. Sometimes the winds come and bite to the bone.” Io donned a heavy woolen scarf as Veera finished. Winters held her to him. She seemed very small in that moment.

“I’m sorry for asking Veera, but that was helpful. That told me a lot, actually. I’m confident we can do this, even if the worst comes to pass.” Veera nodded fiercely in reply.

“We can. And don’t apologize, Russell. I remember what you told me back on the wall at my farm. Knowledge you gain about Mara is precious. Knowledge I gain about you, much as I desire it, is a luxury.”

“Be that as it may feather kitten, it’s your turn. Happy question?” He requested with a chuckle, hoping to raise their spirits. Veera seemed most agreeable to the idea, eyeing his chest.

“Ok then, what are these?” She poked one of his nipples with a claw, shocked when he involuntarily contracted his core in reaction and raised his torso a few inches off the bed. He gently moved her hand away. Io was absolutely losing it in his visor, having long discarded her serious face regarding Maran weather patterns.

“Io, don’t come crying to me when you feel left out of touchy feel time.” Winters admonished her lightly. “Veera, those are called nipples, and they’re rather sensitive. So…no more claw pokes, please and thank you.”

“Uh…alright.” Veera replied, clearly not understanding the term. “What are they for?”

“Well…nothing actually.” He shrugged.

“Seriously?! Then why have a structural weakness on your chest?” Veera asked, shocked at the idea. Winters ran a hand through his hair, wondering where to begin.

“Veera, how do your people feed your young? When a child is born, what does he or she eat?” Winters asked, noticing that Io had perked up as well and was eagerly awaiting Veera’s answer.

“They eat what everyone else eats. You just have to cut it smaller so they don’t choke. What do human cubs eat?” Veera inquired. She beheld Winters’ startled reaction. “What? Did I say something odd?”

“Io, do you have any idea what this means?” Winters asked, suddenly straining to remember what he’d learned in biology class both in high school and during his training.

‘It means my desire to examine Veera’s pelvic girdle has increased astronomically.’ Io replied, causing Veera to move a hand protectively south. ‘Fret not Veera, I would not do anything without your permission, but you must understand, what you just described could not be more different from how humans give birth. I assume your species gives live birth to one or two cubs after a period of gestation, yes?’ Io had changed into a white lab coat and was scribbling furiously on a clipboard. Winters couldn’t help a grin at her newly developed love of cosplay as a means of expression.

“Yes Io, that’s right. Obviously the claws and feathers come in later but a cub is able to eat and drink shortly after being born.” Veera explained, eager to understand humanity more than she was to describe her own species. She looked at Winters expectantly.

“Veera, when a human child is born it’s practically helpless, and remains that way for many months, even years.” Veera couldn’t hide her shock at the idea of something so seemingly inefficient and dangerous. “Where do you think your people came from, Veera?”

“Russell, what in the name of all the gods does that have to do with your nipples?” Veera asked, causing a riot of laughter from Winters and Io. Once he was done slapping his thigh and drying his eyes, Winters continued.

“It’s a good question, I’m sorry! It’s just too bloody funny when you put it like that!” He took a deep breath to steady himself. “Anyway, I don’t know what you believe about how your species came to be, but we know where humans came from. We evolved from other animals.” He let the sentence hang in the air, interested to see what Veera would take away from the gross oversimplification. She narrowed her eyes in thought.

“Asha does look a lot like a hyrven…” She eventually ventured.

‘We need to go hunting for genetic samples, stat!’ Io proclaimed. ‘I knew it! Veera, can I prick you when I get the Aegis back?!’

“Genetic…what? What did you know?” Veera cried, startled by the VI’s burning conviction. “And no Io! You cannot!”

“Ok that’s enough.” Winters restored order. “Io, you don’t actually know anything yet. Second, we’re not going around taking genetic samples. I know for a fact that the B-MASS can’t perform genetic sequencing.” He frowned as Io looked at him, defeated. “Sorry Io, maybe we can come up with something else later? Veera, the next time we’re making dinner, or otherwise have a good chunk of free time, I’ll tell you all of the science behind what Io just said. For now, all you need to know is that a very long time ago, we’re talking millions of years, humanity’s ancestors walked on four legs. Eventually we became bipedal, just like you. It was advantageous to do so. However, unlike you…we didn’t evolve the ability to deal with our children’s large heads very well. When a human child is born, its body is significantly underdeveloped relative to what I assume happens when a Cauthan cub is born. The head is about a third of the total body mass. This is because if they matured any longer inside the mother, they wouldn’t be able to fit out of the narrow hole in the bones of the female pelvis without harming the child, the mother, or both. We would have died as a species if we didn’t adapt. The adaptation was to give birth earlier in the development process of the child.”

“That’s actually fascinating Russell, but I still don’t understand the connection to nipples.” Veera said, remaining on target.

“Getting there. So we give birth early and the baby is next to helpless, can only live on a liquid diet. Well, what better way to deal with that than by producing it yourself? Nipples are useless in human males, but that’s not why we have them. In human females they are connected to glands that produce milk. It’s a white, nutritious liquid that nourishes our children until they can eat solid foods. The child sucks nutrition out of the mother’s body.” Winters explained, feeling a creeping blush in his cheeks.

“That’s…I don’t even know what to say about that. What’s a…gland?” Veera tried to start somewhere. Her head was reeling at the idea.

“You know how your mouth is always wet? How you just happen to produce this interesting liquid that partially digests, moistens, and lubricates food for easy swallowing? That liquid is produced by glands. Mine are somewhere around here.” Winters opened his mouth wide and pointed to either side of his tongue. "Not sure where yours are. But glands are organs that produce liquids or other secretions, hormones to regulate the function of the body, or other digestive fluids. In human females, the glands for feeding children rest over the pectoral muscles, forming a…good lord I can’t believe I’m trying to clinically describe boobs…they form a half globe of fatty tissue, one on each side. They’re sensitive, very associated with sex and attraction, and that’s why women get mad at men when we take our shirts off in public. They can’t, for the sake of modesty.” Winters rattled off very quickly. By that point Veera was just along for the ride, though she had understood his point about her salivary glands.

“So the…glands…that your females use to feed their young are looked at sexually by males?” Veera asked. Io had developed a worried expression that Winters didn’t understand in the slightest.

“Well…yes? They’re soft, warm, suckable, erogenous zones that also indicate subconsciously to males that a woman is healthy and capable of feeding offspring. You know, attraction to characteristics that are likely to guarantee survival of the species and all that? Though I suppose when you ask the question like that it does seem a bit ridiculous.”

“I’m flat…” Veera whispered, looking downcast.

‘And there it is.’ Io remarked sadly as Winters’ eyes bugged out of his sockets.

“Veera I…oh gods this has gone off the rails.” Winters let out a long breath as he brought a hand to his forehead, cursing himself and wondering if there was any way out of this particular cage he’d gotten himself trapped in. “Veera, you remember what Io looked like, right?”

“Yes, generally.” She said softly, not meeting his eyes.

“Did she have feathers, fluffy ears, or a tail?”

“No but…you said that a large chest meant-” Veera was silenced by a kiss as Winters lifted her up his body.

“Listen to me Veera. There are all sorts of ways a female body can be attractive, or unattractive. Believe me when I say that not all breasts are attractive. Size isn’t everything and there’s plenty of men who are actually turned off by women with large chests. I find you attractive. Your body is slim and athletic, which I like. Your eyes are hauntingly beautiful. I love the way you react when I play with your ears, and you know I enjoy your fur. Most importantly, your thighs and ass would put most terran women to shame. And I am definitely an ass man.” Winters looked at her with the utmost seriousness. Asses were no laughing matter.

“I…my what?!” Veera squawked. “My ass, Russell! Is that what…” Her expression changed on a dime and her gaze narrowed seductively as she shifted her lower body, propping herself up ever so slightly so she could raise her hips into view. “You like…this?” She asked innocently, purring at him. Her dress was riding up thanks to the motions of her tail. Winters swallowed hard.

“Uh…yeah.” He replied dumbly, far too focused on the perfect profile before him. She lowered herself back to the bed and to him.

“Well maybe if you’re good you can have some later.” She informed him lazily, though he noticed a small, nervous flutter of her feathers. He smiled at her as she rebuked him. “You’ve been rather crass tonight, not to mention you’re injured.”

“I’ll accept the second point, but don’t deny you like my crass, dominant side.” He insisted, raking his teeth over her ear. Veera shivered. “I love it when you react like that Veera. I don’t need you to be like a human woman. I just want you to be like you, alright? I want to explore you.” His words caused something of an explosion inside Veera’s chest as she trembled atop him again. She felt a very particular heat between her legs when she looked at him.

“While your species’ desire to explore is…admirable…can we go back to questions before I do something I’ll regret in the morning?” She asked breathlessly. Winters got the hint and nodded, switching from a firm exploration of her lower back with his hand to a gentle rubbing of her upper back.

“Of course Veera, as long as you promise.”

“I promise not to worry about human females.” She giggled, hearing how silly it sounded when she said it aloud. “I think it’s your turn, darling!”

“So it is…let’s see.” He noticed the hem of her dress. “If you don’t have nipples or anything above the waist, why do Cauthan women cover their torsos in public?”

“We all do that Russell, it’s common decency and respectful to the gods.” Veera told him. Winters scratched his head, realizing his question about specifically females only made sense from a human standpoint. He had never seen a bare chested Cauthan male.

“I guess…that makes sense actually. So…” He stopped and blushed. “No…nevermind.”

“What is it Russell? Didn’t we say we would talk about these things?” Veera asked, suddenly concerned he might have hit on something he didn’t like. He comforted her quickly with touch and smile.

“No, nothing like that Veera. I just decided I want to answer this question myself, through experience.” His gaze became desirous as he looked at her.

“What question?” She whispered.

“Can a Cauthan woman be brought to orgasm…and if so…how?” He murmured, tracing her ear with a finger before moving to her mouth. Veera’s inhibitions crumbled shortly thereafter as she slid up his body again to claim his lips. She was rewarded with a deep groan from her human as his arms encircled her and held her to him. He felt so strong; she was in heaven.

“That’s when…a male…inside a female…right? During mating?” She asked between kisses, causing his heart to flutter as she worked his lips with her own. She was eager and gentle, a quick learner.

“Yes but…it’s possible…for the opposite…as well.” He replied, wondering if she was ready to attempt a proper French kiss again. She somehow read his mind.

“That sounds…amazing.” She admitted, withdrawing for just a moment, an embarrassed look in her eyes. He cupped her muzzle with a hand.

“What is it feather kitten?”

“I think…I might want to try it with your tongue again.” She whispered, glancing away. Winters said nothing, reclaiming her lips instead. With a gentle touch he extended his tongue and brushed it over her lower lip as she mewled in acceptance and pleasure. He did the same to her upper lip, working it into the motions they’d already established with one another. Veera’s hand pressed into his chest tightly as she whined and made her first tentative response. Winters’ eyes opened and he couldn’t help a small smile as Veera opened her mouth slightly and extended her tongue tentatively to brush against his. He couldn’t help his surprised reaction. “Did I…do something wrong?” She asked nervously.

“No…just the opposite Veera.” He reassured her. “I had expected your tongue to be a bit rougher actually, I guess because of how cats are like on Earth. Yours is unbelievably soft. Softer than a human’s I’d wager.” He grinned widely, diving back in to taste her again and ignoring Io’s comment about wanting to examine Cauthan taste buds. Veera squealed with surprise and happiness as she ventured a tad more boldly, tasting his lips and tongue before entering into what she was sure was some sort of intentional clashing of tongues that he’d instigated. As they kissed, it became apparent to Winters that his suspicions regarding the other attributes of Veera’s tongue were also correct. He ventured into her mouth, dangerously exploring her teeth before dancing with her tongue. It was larger than his, more dexterous, and definitely softer. He felt a tiny poke of claws on his chest before she timidly tried to mirror his movement. He couldn’t help a moan as her tongue dueled with his and he let her into his own mouth. Like he had moments before, she ran her tongue over his incisors and canines, taking time to understand one of the more dangerous parts of his own anatomy. It was unlike any kiss Winters had ever experienced as they learned about each other through pleasing acts of physicality. It was almost poetic. Thanking the fates he’d decided to not become any sort of artist, he commanded her tongue’s attention with his own, their lips continuing their tender ministrations. Veera moaned as she realized just how much more there was to kissing than he’d shown her the night before, running her tongue over and around his own, taking pride in how much more she could do. After another couple twists and curls she allowed him to dominate the dance again. Through the beautiful fog in her mind she realized her breathing had steadied, as well as her heartbeat. She focused on his chest beneath her. His had too. So this is kissing… She reveled in the languid act of carnal exploration with her partner as the two lost track of time.

Winters took a deep breath as Veera slowly withdrew from him, her eyes glazed and sultry. The fire had just about burned itself out.

“I haven’t done something like that in a long time.” He murmured appreciatively, lips tingling.

“That was…quite something.” Veera agreed, settling back down on his chest. Thinking he could send her off to sleep in comfort, Winters brought a hand to her ears again.

“Nnnooohhh…” Veera’s reaction was unexpected as she closed her eyes and moaned in pleasure. Winters raised his brow and looked at her.

“What just happened?” He asked curiously.

“I don’t know…it feels different now.” Was all Veera could provide in terms of explanation. Winters nodded.

“Ah, I think I get it. That’s good to know actually.”

“Well…I’m glad someone knows what’s happening to me, care to share?” Veera asked casually as she snuggled up to him, far too warm and well kissed to really care about much.

“The more aroused you are, the wider the variety of sensations that will give you pleasure like that. Humans work in a similar manner by and large.”

“Oh…I see. So if I did this…” She dragged a finger over his right nipple. He smiled at her.

“Better than before, to be sure. But I guess I’m just not that kind of guy.” He chuckled softly at her pout. “Aww c’mon feather kitten, don’t give me that look. It just means you have more exploring to do!”

“I suppose that’s a decent point. Exploring your mouth was…quite fun.”

“Agreed. Can I…ask another question though?” He inquired, shifting to a slightly more serious tone. Veera looked at him, her eyes the only part of her that were easily visible, thanks to the way they reflected the minimal ambient light.

“That sounds rather urgent. What is it?”

“I don’t know why I thought of this just now but…well…playtime’s over, isn’t it?”

“You mean the festival?”

“Yeah. Tomorrow is back to the way things were, so I wanted to ask about hunting actually; tap into any knowledge your father might have imparted to you.” Veera sighed atop him.

“Of course Russell.” He tightened his hold on her slightly to signal his appreciation.

“Thank you Veera. What do I need to know about keeping myself safe when I hunt? I know we’ve talked about priority targets, and how downing a chesko is probably better than a hyrven, given I can likely only carry one home with my own power…but that doesn’t mean I won’t be out there with hyrven and ursae. I want to come back in one piece.”

Veera nodded in the darkness, shoving aside unpleasant images of Winters’ death by wild animal in favor of the knowledge she’d gained from her father, back when she’d wanted to be just like him and grow up to be a hunter. “Well, with the ursae I don’t know much. You know they’re nocturnal and that’s about all I know as well. Your best option is not spending the night in the forest. I’m sorry I don’t know more.”

“It’s fine Veera. Maybe I’ll give Ratha a bit of a peace offering and pick her brain. What about the hyrven?”

“They’re opportunistic pack hunters.” Veera explained in a no-nonsense tone. “Unless they’re starving, they’ll take the easy kill over the hard one. That’s why hunters usually work in pairs. An armed Cauthan is more difficult to kill than a chesko. And two hunters are much harder again.”

“As long as they’re not starving…” Winters repeated, knowing that he’d likely not want to face down a pack of starving hyrven, even in the Aegis. “What about if I’m carrying a dead chesko home?”

“We have a saying among my people Russell. The hunt is most dangerous when it’s over.” Veera recited in a dark tone.

“You mean when you’re burdened by a fresh kill?”

“Exactly. That’s all I can tell you Russell. I leave the rest to you and Io.”

‘Fear not Veera, we will not be taken down so easily.’ Io asserted.

“Good. Because while I very much look forward to the idea of eating fresh chesko…I also want to kiss you again…Russell.” She finally finished between yawns, showing off her honed teeth and long tongue. Winters felt himself drifting off as he looked at her sleepy form in the darkness.

“Understood. Goodnight Veera.”

“Goodnight darling.”

“So you’ll be back around dusk?” Veera asked, looking up into the dawn sky. The clear weather of the festival had given way to featureless grey. It matched her mood as she and Winters said their goodbyes.

“That’s the plan. I have to get Io here a new battery and sort what I want to bring back with me. There are a couple things I want to make so I can go hunting soon, and then I’ll head out and grab more fish if I can.” Winters gave Veera a rundown of his plans for the day as they stood just outside the gate to the village. It was oddly quiet with no one tending the fields. Instead, most of the activity was behind them in the streets, though a few Cauthan were coming and going from the woods. “What about you?” He asked.

“I was going to go see about those chairs you won for us. Maybe they’ll have something lying around. If not I’ll commission the job.”

“Did the wager include labor?”

“No, it didn’t, but maybe I can roll the rest of those tunics into it? I’ll make it work Russell, there’s no need to worry. ” She reassured him.

“No, I suppose not. I think we left a decent impression on them the last time we visited the forge.” Winters concurred, remembering the proud look on Veera’s face as they stared down Zolta’s master. “If there’s any trouble just let me know.”

“Don’t worry darling, I won’t go around picking fights. After stopping by the temple I’ll go collect what you won against the sun guard. Most of that was small stuff. I only bet that you would win. I didn’t specify the margin of victory, so things didn’t get crazy like with Antoth. There were a few for meat. I was thinking of just getting cured or dried cuts. Is that alright? I know you enjoyed that chesko but…”

“Maybe one piece of fresh meat for tonight and the rest as you see fit?” Winters suggested. “The longer our food can last, the better.”

“Alright, agreed. If I have time after all of that I’ll see what I can find in the forest and get some fresh water for us.” Veera patted her canteen at her side. Both of them were fully equipped now that the time of festivities had come and gone. After a calm early morning spent between light touches and a quick breakfast they had prepared themselves to face Mara again…together.

“We make a good team, don’t we?” Winters mused, moving close to her. She reciprocated naturally, pressing herself into him to taste the warmth of his body before heading off. Tilting her head, she was rewarded with a soft kiss and the tiniest swipe of her boyfriend’s tongue. She giggled as she pulled away.

“See you tonight darling.”

“Yeah. Later feather kitten!” He said his goodbye happily, turning and making for the forest. When they’d reached the seclusion of the trees, Io came alive again.

‘Thank you for making my power supplies a priority today.’

“I know you’re on a three day limit without backups. We’ll be sure to swap you out and take one or two spares with us. Not to mention the Aegis will come too.” Winters told her as she did a happy dance.

‘Do you think we can observe the trees today?’ She asked excitedly.

“I’m sure that can be arranged. After I secure the organics some food of course.” Winters joked, though he noticed Io looking pensive. “What’s on your mind Io?”

‘I was merely contemplating the limits of my existence sir.’ He waited, incredulous at the idea of ‘merely’ contemplating something like existence. Io eventually took the opportunity to elaborate. ‘When you and Veera…connected…I could tell something new was happening to you, even with the smaller sensor suite. It is something I am desperate to understand and yet I find myself completely incapable of doing so.’

“What do you mean Io? Didn’t you say you were able to model human interaction?”

‘I am, and I continue to do so. However, Veera is Cauthan, for one. For another, I meant the biological reactions the two of you have to one another. The way your blood pumps harder when she presses against you, the way your breathing changes when she kisses you. I am sure as time goes on the list of reactions I cannot mimic will grow.’ She told him, looking down at her feet, allowing her stray lock of hair to dangle in front of him.

“Io…how can that be possible?” Winters asked, taken aback by what she’d told him. How could something as simple as arousal be opaque to something with her computational ability?

‘Describe an orgasm for me, sir.’ She looked up at him seriously.

“Wha…WHAT?!” Winters exclaimed, causing the flight of nearby wildlife through the trees.

‘Humor me, sir?’

“Well…alright Io. It’s not like I really mind but…hrrrm…uh…” Winters stopped walking to scratch his head and look up through the branches. Io’s question was rather difficult now that he was thinking objectively about it.

‘That’s exactly my point, sir.’ Io said sadly. ‘It is…rather embarrassing I suppose, but as I’ve evolved I’ve come to desire an understanding of these things. It was purely academic…at first. But when you and Veera kissed for the first time and I realized that something new was happening I tried to comprehend it. As you’re well aware I gathered enough to realize that what I’d witnessed was sensual and arousing. But I don’t know what arousal feels like. I don’t know how to begin exploring that. Short of you and Veera engaging in intercourse with a bunch of military grade neural sensors trained on you…’ Io trailed off, oblivious to the fierce blush that graced her partner’s face.

“I don’t even know if that’s possible Io.” Winters admitted, allowing that rather unpleasant thought to infect his mind.

‘One way or another I am sure you will find out sir.’

“You’re right on that count.”

‘You are committed to her.’ It was a statement.

“Of course I am, and I don’t just mean what we do behind closed doors…or flaps of leather…or whatever.”

‘I see. She is equally committed, if not more. What do you intend to do?’

“You mean with regards to mating and bonding?”

‘Yes sir.’

“I intend to court her with every intention of loving and eventually bonding with her.” Winters explained, feeling nervous but knowing that it was the truth. Io cocked a brow at him, but nodded.

‘I see. I suppose even from a purely analytical standpoint that is the optimal course of action. You really are drawn to her, aren’t you?’

“I am. I had to make sure it wasn’t to replace Jess, but I’m sure now.” Winters affirmed.

‘Then let us carry on. We all have work to do if we are to survive the coming winter.’ Io had donned an elegant Siberian parka. Winters smiled at her warmly, a reaction she discerned by the way the muscles around his eye moved.

“Chores are always easier with you around Io. Let’s go.”

‘Yes sir!’