Winters took a moment as he passed Veera’s farm to gather his thoughts. The steel gray sky above seemed fitting as he looked at the dying dato plants left behind on the patch of earth. A gust of wind travelled over the grassy plains and chilled his face and hands.

“I guess we’re playing for keeps now, aren’t we Io?” He mused, running a hand over the reservoir he had constructed only days ago.

‘Lower solar energy collection, colder temperatures, migrating predators, the possibility of a mid-winter raid by a starved tribe of nomads, finding refined heavy metals in a village with no mining equipment and minimal metallurgy infrastructure…did I miss anything?’ Io asked, ticking off each potential hazard on her slim fingers.

“Keeping my two girls alive?” Winters replied seriously.

‘Ah…my wonderful partner. Let’s be on our way then.’ Io beamed at him and they carried on. As the pod came into sight Io immediately highlighted it and flashed a warning. ‘Something’s been here sir. There’s organic residue on the pod’s surface and your spare parts have been disturbed.’

“Yeah, I see that. Thanks Io.” Winters whispered as he drew his pistol, knowing the culprit was probably long gone. As he approached, he saw a few scrape marks on the surface of his pod. “Looks like no actual damage, just a few marks that will rub off. What do you think Io? Curious exploration? Claw sharpening? ”

‘That or attempting to force entry to continue to look for food. It doesn’t seem to have found the spare parts to be appetizing.’ Io remarked, counting them once Witners turned his visor to face the disturbed lean-to. ‘They’re all still here sir.’

“Good. We’ll store them in the pod when we leave. You think this was an ursae?”

‘Perhaps a juvenile. Could also be a hyrven or a species that inhabits these plains that we’ve not yet seen. The space between the claws is too small relative to the marked trees we’ve seen, not to mention Ratha’s tales of its size. Should we perhaps check on the shrine sir?’

“I was just thinking that. C’mon Io.” Winters quickly jogged over to the shrine, breathing a sigh of relief as he found it undisturbed. The food that Veera had brought was missing, but he had expected that. After a moment of silence, he placed his hand on the cool stones.

“Hey guys, hope you’re doing alright. Festival was fun. I beat up a sun guard, made Veera happy, accomplished my goal as matchmaker. All in all I’d call it a success. Now it’s back to the grind. Rest easy. And if you peeked…well I guess that means the afterlife isn’t as much fun. Love you guys. Later.” Satisfied that his friends remained at peace, Winters returned to his pod and opened it, locating his personal data pad.

“Survivor’s log, day…I don’t know. Io will fill it in later, I’m sure. There’s no other way to say this, fall is ending already and winter is on approach. According to Io we landed in early autumn. It’s only been about a month but the weather has gotten significantly colder. The trees on the planet are preparing themselves for hibernation and if the curious attack on the pod is any indication, northern predators might be moving around. For the last two days I participated in the Cauthan harvest festival and secured myself a mate. Yes, you heard that right. A mate. So if I die and anyone finds this, let it be known that in…October…I guess of 2050, Russell Winters was the first human to ever acquire an alien girlfriend. Don’t let any of those Delta jarheads say otherwise. I know for a fact they have no interest in space elk and that none of them took home any aliens from that handful of worlds we pacified. Talk would have spread way too fast. Anyway, now that the bragging is out of the way, I need to acquire some more fish and get started on weaponry for hunting. Winters out.”

‘You are such a male.’ Io informed him.

“Yes, I am. Dominance is in our nature, especially if it’s a competition. Not really sure anyone in Delta or Omega’s really put it out in the open, but I’ve been drinking with enough of them to know the idea floats around. Besides, if I do die out here, I think that’s how I want to be remembered.” He stated with an imperial air.

‘I’ll leave it to medical professionals to determine what that says about you. Shall we discuss use of the fabricator…after I get a new battery?’ She requested pointedly. Winters nodded.

“Of course, coming right up Io. Get yourself in standby mode and I’ll swap them out.” Winters ordered, performing the exchange once he saw the yellow light blinking in his visor. When Io reappeared, they began a discussion about weaponry.

‘I assume you’d like to follow the same philosophy as your fishing rod when considering a bow and arrows?’ Io asked, nevertheless bringing up a wide range of options that Winters began flicking through with his eyes.

“Yeah, something like…wait…what is that?”

‘Something that I noticed floating around certain research channels back on earth just after my activation. It was listed as a feasible blueprint for fabricators, so my subroutines compelled me to acquire it as the partner of a HEL Jumper. Someone in Delta’s weapons research division is clearly very dedicated to humor.’

“Yeah, or someone’s being paid to do a whole lot of nothing. What in the…Lightweight Compound Anti-Armor Weapons Platform. That doesn’t even form a good acronym!”

‘I suppose compound bow that fires armor piercing explosive arrows doesn’t have the same sort of ring to it?’ Io suggested, nevertheless marveling at the ambition of a weapon large and powerful enough that only a fully armored Delta soldier would be able to wield it.

“No…I suppose it doesn’t. Talk about a cheap superhero fantasy.” Winters scoffed, jealously apparent in his voice. “You don’t think…”

‘Unless Expeditionary League doctrine regarding the bow and arrow as a tool of war has changed in the last six months, no sir, I do not think anyone has used this in the field. Besides, didn’t you just get done bragging about your alien girlfriend?’ Io ribbed him. He looked up, scratching his head.

“Alright, fair enough. To business?”

‘Yes sir. Discounting this overpowered trash, what were you considering?’ Io asked casually. Winters didn’t bother containing his mirth, happy Io had picked up on the friendly Omega-Delta rivalry.

“Well, I don’t want to bother with a short bow, too weak. Longbow would be too…well…long. Maybe a recurve? I think we could get away with that. If the villagers happen to reverse engineer one I don’t think it’ll do too much damage. Minimal plate armor that needs puncturing around here anyway.”

‘Famous last words? Though I suppose there are very few similarities between Veera’s people and the Mongol and Hunnic hordes. A lack of mounts, for starters.’ Io considered. ‘In the end I am inclined to agree. I would rather we have drawback force and not need it rather than the other way around.’

“My thoughts exactly. Do you think we can use the old thrusters for material?”

‘There is no reason we couldn’t. A bit more of the grass around here would allow us to create carbon fiber strings and arrows. Fletching can be done in plastic.’ Io continued, trying to design a weapon system with an optimal damage to power consumption ratio. Winters nodded and accepted various elements as he gathered his fishing gear.

“Doesn’t creating carbon fiber require…a lot more space?” Winters asked, remembering faintly something about large spools of carbon wire.

‘It did sir. The fabricator relies heavily on technology adapted from the Ghaelen. One of Alpha branch’s greatest achievements if you ask me.’

“Not you?”

‘Of course not. It was human code that allowed me to become what I am, along with being partnered to you; not to mention the fact that humans designed most of my hardware.’

“I guess we really did just run with quantum computing once we cracked the tech. Fair enough. So you’re saying carbon fiber is viable for the bits and pieces?”

‘Yes sir, what do you think for these dimensions? The draw weight should be approximately seventy pounds.’

“Breaking out the big guns?”

‘Don’t act like you don’t approve.’ She admonished him lightly.

“Oh no worries Io, I do approve. Guess I’d better get to work then, those old thrusters won’t break themselves into manageable pieces.”

‘Very good sir. Given the capabilities of the Aegis system I have foregone any bow mounted sights or other augmentation beyond the grip and arrow nock. Your thoughts on arrowheads?’

“Metallic, flared, explosive.”

‘Seriously?’ She arched a perfectly manicured brow at him.

“No. But that would be pretty darn cool.”

‘Yes, until it ruins the market value of whatever you manage to kill. What do you think of this, sir?’ Io displayed a standard flat arrowhead with small serrations. It would dig deep and hold into bone without marring too much of the meat or pelt.

“I approve. How many do you think we should make? How much power will we have after processing all the metal for the bow?”

‘Not much sir, at least if we want to keep a suitable reserve for the Aegis and for my operation. I would suggest four.’

“Io, remember the festival? My aim isn’t the best.” Winters admitted, scratching his head and wondering if he was barking up the wrong tree, thinking he could master the bow well enough to hunt animals that would surely flee upon detecting him.

‘You will be in the Aegis and I shall accompany you sir. The transition from aim assisting a firearm to a projectile weapon should be straightforward. I imagine it might wound your pride as a male, but something tells me that’s a worthy price.’ Io gave him a knowing look. He sighed, but nodded.

“Not like anyone’s going to be out there with me to watch. And yes, all that matters is bringing home meat and pelts at the end of the day. I assume if I miss we’ll be able to retrieve errant shots?”

‘Yes sir, unless you happen to hit something that breaks the arrow. Otherwise I should be more than able to pick out something like that in the middle of a forest. They will be built strong, so I don’t foresee a problem. If we need more I am sure our power supplies will have stabilized by that time.’

“Seems we’re of like minds, Io. Very well, let’s queue it all up then.”

‘When will you come by to cycle the completed items?’

“Whenever we need fish? Or I’ll just fish a lot over the next few days and then transition into hunting. Either way we’ll take care of it. The longer the process takes the less we risk our power draw anyway. Speaking of which, the solar array is fine?”

‘Yes sir, it was not tampered with by our…guest.’ Io replied distastefully.

“Good.” Winters grunted as he snapped off some of the metal that made up the old main thruster array and tossed it into the resource hopper. He’d put his gloves back on, allowing a significant tolerance for sharp edges that would have otherwise mangled his hands. After about ten minutes of work and a few more bundles of grass, Io informed him that they had everything necessary to begin construction. Satisfied, Winters shut the pod and headed out to his fishing hole.

-----

“Does it strike you as odd that there seems to be very little in the way of…well…anything out here?” Winters asked Io as they arrived and he baited his line.

‘I presume you are referring to large lifeforms?’ Io asked. ‘There is life all around us sir.’

“There is, and I’m glad for it. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t getting to me. Claw marks on trees and the pod, missing food, those stories we’ve heard in the village…you’d think the place would be crawling with hyrven and ursae but we’ve only seen a single wolf cat.”

‘Is that what you’re calling them now? Wolf cats?’ Io cocked a brow at him.

“You have a better idea?”

‘Well, I suppose not, but their twin tails do invoke the coeurl in a way.’ Io mused as Winters jerked the rod in response to a bite. Once his catch was safely landed he continued.

“Isn’t that some predator from science fiction that plays dumb and eventually kills most or all of the crew of the ship that takes it in?”

‘Yes sir. The Black Destroyer was the name of the tale.’

“Well that’s comforting…” Winters grimaced at the idea of a predator with intelligence on par with his own. “You know…you could be right Io.”

‘In what way sir?’

“I can think of only two things. The first would be that these predators are significantly intelligent and have intentionally avoided us. The other is that stealth is the main method of securing prey on this world. I’m hoping for the latter. Our technology is much more suited to combatting that advantage.”

‘I hope so as well sir. Much as I hate to admit it, if we do get into a tight spot I don’t think I’ll be of much use if you’re put out of commission.’ Io lamented.

“We’re meant to compliment one another’s weaknesses. We’ll be alright Io.”

‘Yes sir.’

-----

“Ah damnit I don’t care if we were trained for this! This is bloody cold!” Winters yelled as he set what had to be a personal best time for cleansing himself. After returning to his pod with a full catch he’d contemplated changing back into the Aegis immediately but decided against it, figuring he had some amount of responsibility for cleanliness now that he was going to be living with Veera. As the cold water chilled him, he couldn’t help but be envious of the Cauthan, whom he’d never seen actually bathing. Somehow, Veera smelled the way she always did, vibrant, earthy, and most inoffensive. He didn’t want her to have to deal with an unclean partner.

After sprinting back to the pod and equipping his under suit, he began the laborious process of putting his armor back on. It was more than doable without any assistance, but it was certainly more difficult than with a partner or in a ship’s armory. Eventually he slid his helmet on, activating all the systems and flexing his hands inside his gauntlets. He was thankful for the insulation as Io came online.

‘You are finished unnecessarily risking your core body temperature?’ She asked mildly.

“Define unnecessary Io. Do you want me to stink up this suit?”

‘No nose.’ She winked.

“I think Veera would have other opinions.”

‘I suppose so. Well, you seem fine sir. I know you enjoy the freedom outside of this armor, but it is good to be back. I feel whole again.’ Io admitted happily.

“I can’t say I feel bad about it. It’s certainly empowering, if nothing else. I was just getting cabin fever before. Anyway, let’s get ready to go.” Winters replied as he began sorting what he would take with him back to the village and what would remain. All of his weapons were equipped, along with his spare magazines along his waist. In his survival bag he placed his sundries and clothing as well as a few spare batteries for both his suit and Io. The remainder he left at the pod to charge. If he managed his power draw adequately, he and Io would only need to stop by once a week or so. He filled the remainder of the space inside the pod with the spare fabricator parts, taking the tarp with him. The fishing gear was the last thing to be placed inside, easily accessible for his next return. “Am I missing anything Io?” He asked, unable to shake that natural assumption of something forgotten.

‘No sir, I believe we are all accounted for. Shall we?’

“We shall. Wouldn’t want to keep the lady waiting on us.” Winters said happily.

‘What a brave new world we’ve created for ourselves.’ Io mused as Winters headed for the forest again.

-----

“Well well, that’s a look I’ve not seen in a while. How are you, tall, white, and imposing?” Veera chuckled as the armored hulk that was Winters entered her home. She was kneeling by the fire, paying very close attention to her work. She only looked at him for a moment before waving him in. “Don’t come too close now; I’m trying to get this just right. You can store your armor and weapons next to the shrine; I made sure to clear it up for you a bit. Io, are you back with us?” Veera asked. Winters’ B-MASS activated and Io’s avatar projected above his wrist.

‘I am Veera, and it is wonderful to be back. Do not worry, I will find a place for myself. Please carry on.’ Io responded as Winters began placing his sword, shield, and rifle carefully in the corner of their home. Once that was done he threw his pack at the foot of the bed and began undoing his armor, placing everything but his left gauntlet along with his weapons. Veera was fully absorbed by whatever she was doing by the fire, so he took the opportunity to quickly change out of his suit and into his clothing. Holding Io’s spare CPU in his hand he suddenly became unsure of something.

“Uh…Io?”

‘Yes sir?’ She replied in his earpiece.

“How are you doing that?”

‘I am still active in the Aegis sir.’

“Wait…did you…”

‘Distribute myself across both CPU’s and memory banks? Yes sir. I am fully capable of operating with just one, but computing times will be reduced if I have access to both. Given power draw considerations I plan on shutting one down as soon as we establish a routine here in our new home.’ Io explained as Winters looked at her with a stunned expression. He placed his final piece of armor at the foot of Veera’s bed, on the frame.

“How’s that?” Winters asked, making sure the sensors of the B-MASS were pointed generally at him and into the room as a whole. Io projected herself again and made a show of looking around.

‘This is quite nice sir. I believe I will remain in the Aegis for now and transfer to the external unit when we are out and about. That way I can use the full sensor suite if need be. Would you mind placing your shield behind your chestplate?’ She asked. Winters nodded and rearranged his gear. ‘Ah…thank you. You and Veera look much better now!’

“You’re most welcome.” He informed her, placing the external CPU in his outer pocket and hooking it up. If Io was capable of managing activation and power draw herself, he’d leave all the options open to her. Satisfied that he’d not intruded much on Veera’s space and that Io was well situated to participate in conversation, he looked over at his girlfriend. “What’s up feather kitten?” He asked as she scraped something off of a rock and into a mug before filling it with hot water from the pot.

“Stew tonight darling, but first…” She stood and tentatively handed him the mug. “What do you think?” She asked, toeing the ground nervously as he accepted it from her with thanks and sniffed it.

“Veera is this…you made it yourself?” He asked, pleasantly surprised.

“You seemed to like it a lot so I figured I’d try my hand at it. I managed to find another growth of it south of the village today, though I used the leaves that we found together a couple days ago. Do you like it?” She looked up at him hopefully. He beamed down at her.

“It smells wonderful, and I’m sure it will taste great as well once it cools down. Thanks for making me tea, Veera. It smells even better than the stuff we got from Thantis.” He told her truthfully. There was nothing like freshly roasted leaves, especially on a planet with no preservatives. Holding the mug away from him, he brought Veera into a firm hug. “I’ve got plenty of fresh fish for the stew tonight.”

“Thank you Russell. I daresay we’ll eat like priests.” Veera giggled in his ear as her mouth watered. The aroma of preparing Winters’ tea leaves had primed her appetite. The thought of a stew with both fish and meat was more than enough to excite her. “Shall we get started?”

“Absolutely. I’m ravenous.” He agreed, taking a tentative sip of his drink. “Oh man, that is good. Here!” He offered it to her and she did the same. They shared a small smile. “One more reason to come home…” He told her, receiving a loving lick on his cheek in reply.

-----

“Oh man, that hit the spot!” Winters exclaimed happily as he finished a second bowl of stew. Veera had managed to acquire two of them in an exchange that involved her remaining wagers. They had a small but useable set of dinnerware now and had a couple of chairs on the way. The remainder had been collected and was stored around Veera’s bench in the form of a couple baskets of dried meats and vegetables as well as some eggs. “We’re doing pretty well I’d say, that food is a sight to behold!” Winters exclaimed. Veera laughed at his enthusiasm.

“I’m glad to see that human men also share a love of food, though I suppose I’ve know that for a while.”

“We have a saying on earth. The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Winters informed her while scratching his chin. “I’m not sure it’s universal, but there’s definitely something to it.”

“I’ll say, though I’m more than happy to admit that your ability to put food in my stomach is equally appealing.” Veera stroked his upper arm, noting his definition and conveying her appreciation of what he’d done for them.

“I guess we have come a long way from that first fish.” Winters mused as Veera looked away from him. “Hey now, don’t be like that feather kitten. I can’t even imagine what it’s like to be that hungry. I don’t hold it against you at all.”

“You promise?” She asked timidly.

“I promise.” He reassured her, taking her bowl in his hand. “Is it permissible to use the water trough to clean dishes?”

“As long as you don’t wash the food back into it. You don’t have to Russell, I can do it later.”

“Nonsense. You cooked for the most part. I just moved stuff around in here. I’ll be back in a moment, no worries.” He said before sweeping out of the room. As promised, he returned a few minutes later with clean dishes.

“Thank you.” She took them from him and stowed them away. After moving the pot off the fire and rebuilding the blaze to smoke the remaining fish, Veera and Winters finally took a load off, resting on the floor and leaning against her bedframe. Both were drinking more of Veera’s tea.

“This is really good, you know. I wasn’t joking.” He informed her seriously.

“I didn’t think you were the type to deceive a girl, Russell Winters.” Veera eyed him suspiciously with a smile.

“Well, usually no, but I wouldn’t want to make you feel bad, you know?”

“I won’t forgive you if you tell me my cooking is good and it’s actually not!” Veera informed him sternly. “What if we have guests?”

“Thinking of having Zolta and Asha over?” He asked, unable to think of anyone else that comment might imply.

“Yes, possibly. I feel like we should extend our congratulations again, not to mention help them out a bit with dinner one night. Saving for a home isn’t the easiest thing in the world. I know it looks a bit run down now, but my parents put a lot into this place…” Veera trailed off, not knowing why they’d even come to mind. Winters pulled her to his side with his free arm and she snuggled into him easily.

“I’m sure they did…and we will too, alright? This is…our home.” Winters reassured her as she looked up at him with watery eyes. She had hoped to explore further with her boyfriend, but it looked like tonight was going to be one of those nights. He picked up on it immediately. “You miss them, don’t you?”

“Mhm.” Veera nodded as a tear fell from her eyes. “I wish…I wish they could have been here this year.” She whispered, taking a sip of tea to calm herself. Winters began drawing circles on her shoulder with his thumb.

“Tell you what, I’ve gotta spend some time at Zolta’s temple tomorrow. Why don’t we stop by your father’s shrine first? I’m sure he’ll want to hear about the festival.”

“I think he would too. Thank you Russell, you’re the best.”

“I don’t know about that…” He replied sheepishly, wanting to rub his neck but finding both of his hands occupied. Veera shook her head.

“All that matters is what I think, and that’s what I think!” She insisted. He smiled down at her.

“Thanks feather kitten. Why don’t we take it easy tonight? Have some more tea, just talk a bit?” She sniffed and looked up at him.

“You’re sure? You’re not…”

“I mean look, I won’t say I’m not a man and that I don’t have needs…but I’m not an idiot. I know we have each other and we aren’t going anywhere. The way humans do it, at least, most relationships are a process of building trust and intimacy over time. That’s what I’d like to do with you. There’s no reason to split our physical life from everything else Veera. The closer we grow the more natural each step will be. For tonight, I think tea and conversation sounds wonderful.” She sighed happily into him as he finished.

“I don’t believe for a second that most human men are like you, Russell.”

‘Nor should you Veera. They’re absolute barbaren.’ Io cut in, looking down at them from her perch atop the bedframe.

“Io, you’ve never technically been on Earth.”

‘I have humanity’s entire literary works here sir. Shall I begin listing the number of harem fantasies I’ve found?’ She arched a brow, hand on hips. ‘Take the compliment sir.’

“Noted. Thanks, both of you. Veera, I suppose I’ll just say this. Most of what I’ve described about human romance to you over the last cycle is an ideal, something we strive for. Many of us fall short.”

“We won’t…” Veera insisted. Winters couldn’t help but admire her simple idealism and drive, so he nodded.

“No, we won’t. Would you like to play our game of questions before we turn in?”

“If I recall I was promised a discussion about how your species became so inefficient at giving birth but…I don’t know…do you think we could maybe listen to music or something? Do your people do that?” She asked honestly, not knowing if the humans only used music for dancing.

‘Oh Veera, you have no idea. Would you like to hear the Lieutenant’s drop playlist?’ Io asked cheerfully, earning her a stern and frightened glance from Winters.

“Io…”

‘What? Veera doesn’t strike you as a metal head? Those feathers would be perfect for headbanging!’ Io smiled sadistically at them.

“Russell…why would I have metal in my head?” Veera asked nervously.

“Io seems to have rediscovered her humorous streak.” Winters informed her icily. “Back on Earth we have many different dances, as I told you. Well, we have an even larger variety of musical genres. What Io is referring to is the genre called metal.”

“That’s a rather silly name Io.” Veera looked over her shoulder at the VI who shrugged back in return.

‘I didn’t come up with it. It describes the tone and feel of the music. Songs of the genre are defined by the characteristics of metal. They are loud and heavy, making use of much of humanity’s ingenuity regarding enhancement of instruments via electrical means. It is also the vast majority of the Lieutenant’s list of songs that he turns on when he’s about to drop into combat.’ Io explained, smiling further as Veera took the offered bait with wide and curious eyes.

“Can I listen to it?!”

‘Of course Veera, let me just-”

“IO!” Winters roared. “Don’t you dare.” He shot her a menacing look.

‘Sir?’ The VI was clearly taken aback by the severity of his reaction.

“If she is to be introduced to the hammer of the gods, it will be I who chooses her initiation.” He informed her seriously. Veera looked at him with outright confusion.

“Hammer of the what? Your people worship gods of metal? Your battle songs are religious?”

“See what you did Io?”

‘You did this sir. I said nothing of the gods.’

“Oh boy…alright. Veera, metal music is full of…epic symbolism…for lack of a better term. Many songs are about warriors and pantheons from earlier days of human civilization; tales of battles, myths, legends, and heroes. There are no actual ‘metal gods’, though that isn’t to say music can’t be a religious experience for some.” Winters explained, feeling less and less sure of himself as he went on. He knew he sounded like a loon. Veera cocked her head at him.

“Maybe it’s best if I just listened to it?” She suggested. Winters took a deep breath.

“Io…”

‘Yes sir?’ The VI responded with barely repressed excitement.

“Play Kingdom Come.

Don’t translate.”

‘An excellent choice sir, quite the classic really.’ Io agreed as she began the track. Veera jumped and almost spilled her tea as the opening guitar riff began. She had considered the songs they’d danced to strange, but this was so far beyond even that. The sounds were distorted and heavy. She didn’t know what to feel. Next to her she noticed Winters’ lips moving as he stared at the sky through the hole in her roof. Is he…singing?! She focused on her boyfriend as she registered the sounds of the human vocalist, a male.

“See the white light, the light within. Be your own disciple, fan the sparks of will. For all of us waiting…your kingdom will come.” Her eyes went wide as she heard Winters’ voice in her own tongue and the untranslated lyrics at the same time. Between that and the absolute overload of different sounds, she was floored in a very different way than she had been just before their first kiss. As she listened, she concluded that Winters very likely was not a singer. That said, he also knew his limits, remaining within his range and keeping his voice low for the most part. That bit she found quite soothing. A couple minutes later she found herself resting against Winters’ chest as he hummed the outro, taking comfort in the vibrations of his lungs and vocal cords. Her mind was consumed in one overpowering thought. What else am I missing out there?

“So…how did you like it?” Winters asked her, looking down sheepishly.

“Is music a very personal thing among your people? You seem embarrassed.” She asked. “I found it quite overwhelming to be honest, though not necessarily in a bad way.”

“Where do I start? Well, I guess you could say yes and no to your first question. There are certain types of music that are more broadly popular and those that are not. Liking what’s popular isn’t risky at all. Metal isn’t the most popular of choices for many people.”

“So there is social pressure around tastes?”

“Depending on whose company you keep, yes. It can be…difficult to stand out.” Winters remarked, giving Veera a searching look. She obviously understood the sentiment.

“Well, I will not say I do or don’t like metal yet. I shall have to sample more over time.” Winters looked at her expectantly, she laughed. “Though not right now. You said there’s more…genre’s right? Perhaps something a bit more soothing?” Winters nodded and looked over his shoulder at Io.

“You wanna handle this, or should I?”

‘I believe I have something suitable and unique.

’ Io snapped her fingers and a title displayed over her head.

“Yeah, that’ll work. Here Veera, let me.” Winters motioned for her now empty cup and washed both quickly just outside the door with water from his canteen. When he re-entered, Veera had made her way onto the bed and was bobbing her head as the beat slowly built its way up. He joined her, taking the position he was accustomed to when reading, back against the wall. Io had vanished, leaving a dim, spinning projection of her namesake moon in her place. Winters nodded as Veera crawled over to him, planting a soft kiss on his lips before snuggling up to his side.

“I think I like this a lot!” Veera whispered as soothing female vocals began to play in their earpieces. “It sounds a bit like the song we kissed to…but very different all the same.”

“They’re both mostly made on computers, synthesized sounds. But yes, they would be considered to be from two distinct genres. Music like this is very much for hanging out, so in that it’s actually pretty appropriate. Good choice Io.”

‘Thank you sir. Would you like me to queue up a few?’

“In a similar genre, sure. I think we’ve got time for a few before sleep, yeah?” He looked at Veera who nodded in affirmation. With the question of music settled, the two relaxed into one another.

“Do you…want to talk about them?” Winters asked, not wanting to seem rude. He hadn’t forgotten Veera’s emotional moment prior to the musical detour. She positioned herself in a manner most befitting ear scratches. He didn’t deny her.

“I don’t think so. It wasn’t anything in particular Russell. I just…was thinking of them. There’s been a lot of change in my life lately.” She chuckled softly under his touch as he moved to rub her back instead.

“I can understand that. We’ll fill them in tomorrow, alright?” He reassured her, planting a kiss on top of her head. Veera managed to sigh and purr simultaneously.

“I’d like that. Goodnight darling.” Veera called as she nestled into him, lulled by his heat and touch. After a couple of songs she was fast asleep against him. With a small smile, Winters laid her down, joining her as soon as he’d removed the last of their fish from the fire. When he settled down and Veera reclaimed her heat, Io dimmed the lights. By the time the fire died they were fast asleep.