“Oh hey, that green light’s on again! What are you working on?” Veera asked inquisitively as Winters opened his pod up, finding the fabricator idling now that its first job, the bow itself, had been completed.

“Something I think you’ll appreciate. Here, go ahead, take a look.” He encouraged, pushing the correct sequence of buttons to acknowledge job completion and open up the fabricator. Veera bent at the waist to look inside, hesitantly reaching out a hand before looking back at her boyfriend for approval. Now that they’d achieved some shelter thanks to the pod, he’d removed his helmet and was giving her an encouraging look. He nodded. Consent given, she reached inside the compartment and placed her hand around a smooth grip that was made of some sort of dark material with just a slight amount of give. Withdrawing her hand, she beheld something that looked similar to a bow, but off.

“Uh…Russell, if you string it like this, the bowstring would just fall off.” She informed him, looking closely at either end of the metal object and ignoring the fact that he’d processed more metal than most guards had in their armor. She was getting used to human magic. What caught her eye were the locations where the bowstring would attach to either end of the weapon. Winters stood by, watching her with interest as she turned the weapon over in her hands, remarking at its weight and composition. She took a look at the other end. “Wait…these notches are backwards. How do you…wait.” Veera held up a hand as Winters moved a step closer, clearly trying to discern the puzzle of the recurve bow. He chuckled, enjoying the latest manifestation of her curiosity while Io projected herself from his wrist and looked around.

‘Sir, we appear to have left the first aid kit here.’ She pointed to the compartment his survival bag used to rest in.

“Huh, so we did. What happened to everything’s accounted for?” He ribbed his companion.

‘I am not infallible sir!’

“Compared to me you are.” He insisted, noticing as her avatar blushed.

‘Be that as it may sir, I apologize for my oversight.’

“No need Io; didn’t harm anyone. Let’s just not forget something like that in the future, alright?”

‘Of course, sir.’ Io agreed as Veera looked at them again. She was attempting to bend back one of the arms of the bow.

“Russell, this is absurdly strong! How are you going to deal with this? It’s only a bit shorter than I am.” She asked, earning her an appreciative glance.

“I see you got the idea pretty quickly. And yes, it’s around five feet tall in human units. For reference you’re five feet and ten inches.” He said, extending his hand to her. She gave him the bow, amazed at how much smaller it looked in his armored grasp.

“How many inches are in a foot?”

“Twelve.”

“That’s rather strange.”

‘Isn’t it?’ Io agreed with a haughty sniff, shuddering at the inefficiencies of imperial units of distance.

“I won’t say you’re wrong, but it’s what I was raised on. It’s comforting. Just don’t ask how many feet are in a mile.”

“How many feet are in a mile?” Veera immediately requested.

“Five thousand two hundred and eighty.” Winters informed her as her ears flattened and she sighed heavily. He shrugged. “You were warned. As for the bow, you’d string it like this.” Winters placed one arm of the weapon between his legs and around the back of one of his calves, using the ground and his body to pin it in place as he pushed down, curving the arms into a position where a string could be looped onto each tip. When Veera nodded in understanding he slowly allowed the arms to snap back into place.

“That weapon packs a massive amount of force, doesn’t it?” She asked warily.

“It does. I’ll be able to use it in my armor, no problem. I just wanted to make sure that I’d be ready, even in the worst case scenario.” Veera grimaced at his words, choosing not to confront him about putting himself in harm’s way. She knew as well as he did the necessity of the hunt.

“I’m glad you’re not leaving anything to chance then.” She replied instead, looking back at the fabricator as something caught her eye. “Russell, what’s this? Is this something that goes with your bow?” She held up a small piece of plastic. Io scanned it immediately.

‘Well sir, I admire your foresight.’

“Oh geez, already? I was hoping to not have this happen yet.” Winters grumbled as he took the piece from Veera with thanks.

“Your forge broke?”

“Given that the bow came out alright, I don’t think this is anything too serious, but yes. It appears it did. Good catch Veera.”

“Thank you! So…you have a replacement here?” She asked, looking down at the large pile of spare parts that filled most of the back end of the pod.

“I do. It was one of the first things I made when I landed here.”

“So you created enough parts to rebuild your machine that makes parts? That’s…pretty clever actually.” Veera said as she knelt down by the pile, wondering which part he needed.

“Well thank you feather kitten, I thought so too. But you won’t find the replacement that easily. This looks like a small piece of a larger part. We’ll likely have to replace the whole thing. What do you make of it Io?”

‘Sir, given the profile I believe that this is the piece we are looking for.’ Io’s avatar pointed at the pile.

“Uh Io…”

‘Put your helmet back on and I’ll highlight it for you sir.’ Io commanded, shrugging her shoulders as if the course of action was obvious. Veera laughed as Winters sheepishly replaced his helmet and picked the piece out of the rather messy pile. Veera stood back to watch as he began tinkering around. A few minutes later, Winters withdrew, the remainder of the broken piece clutched between the fingers of his left hand. With a satisfied sound he pressed a button on the fabricator panel.

“What’s it doing Russell?” Veera asked over his shoulder.

“It’s performing a warm up, if you will. Essentially checking to make sure the replacement was done correctly and that it’s ready to continue working again. And there it is!” He said happily, hitting a button to resume production of his arrows and the bowstring. After a moment of consideration he added a toothbrush for Veera as well, jumping it up the queue. “I think we have enough time to go fishing. Want to tag along Veera?”

“Well, I suppose I could forage around the area…” Veera considered, tapping her chin with a claw. “And I would get to spend more time with you. Alright, I’m sold on the idea! Here, you need this stuff, right?”

“Yeah, that’s everything. Thanks Veera!” Winters accepted his fishing pole and basket from her and prepared to leave, stopping as he noticed Io’s avatar. “Io, is everything alright? You look…dare I say nervous?”

“Io, if there’s something on your mind you can talk to us about it.” Veera added, watching as Io brought her two index fingers together.

‘Well…you already said no Veera but…now that we have the first aid kit here I was wondering if you’d reconsider letting me take a small sample of your blood.’ Io explained, clearly uncomfortable with the request. Her display had Winters and Veera looking at one another. Winters was about to shoot down the idea immediately, but Veera gave him a stalling look.

“Io, can you tell me why you want to do this so badly?” Veera requested. Io looked at Winters instead.

“Don’t you think that’s the least you owe her by way of explanation Io?”

‘Yes, of course. I suppose so. Veera, I was hoping to use this sample to understand more about you.’

“Can’t you just ask me Io? I won’t hide anything, within reason of course.”

‘Yes…I know. And I thank you for that Veera, for trusting me. There are things I can’t learn that way though, things like the way your body is built, how you pass on your traits as a species, how you metabolize food and toxins…’ Io began listing various biological functions as Veera’s expression changed from confused to curious to horrified.

“I don’t want to know that!” She stated firmly. “I already know I’m different Io…I don’t need more reminders.”

‘I…’ Io looked helplessly up at her partner, wondering how she’d gotten herself into such a mess. All she wanted was a blood sample. Veera’s internal biology would no doubt be almost identical to that of any other Cauthan. What was the problem? Winters sighed before hugging Veera to him. She was stiff in his hold.

“I’m sorry Veera. She didn’t mean your stripes. I know we aren’t like everyone else and that you care about what we think, about how we see you. I like your stripes. Maybe one day we’ll learn about them, but I know right now Io wasn’t talking about that. She can’t do that with the technology she has. But she can tell us a lot about you, a lot of things that could be very useful. For what it’s worth, she already knows all of these things about me…more actually.” He explained, trying to soothe her. It only helped a little.

“But Russell…darling, I don’t know if I want to know those things. If it’s like what you taught me about the galaxy and the universe…how could I even understand what I am?!” She cried, pressing herself to him, her concern flooring him and leaving him utterly speechless. Io looked similarly flabbergasted, neither of them having considered what such knowledge might entail for Veera’s spirituality and sense of self. Her perspective was, naturally and inevitably, completely incomprehensible to the two of them. Winters felt his face contorting into a grimace.

‘I’m sorry.’ Io whispered.

“I am too.” Winters agreed. “Veera, all I’ll say is this. If you don’t want to, you don’t have to. Neither Io nor I would ever force you to go through something like that. But I have been thinking, about us, about the future. I’ve been considering what we’d do if I was rescued…if I wanted to take you with me.” Both women gasped.

‘Sir, that is…quite bold. Jess would be proud I think.’

“Russell, don’t say those things. Don’t give me false hope. I came to terms with the idea that I wouldn’t be able follow you. This would crush me.” Veera admitted freely.

“I’m serious Veera. I can’t make the promise, but in any scenario where you do, we would need this sort of blood test…along with quite a bit more. I would have to know everything about you in order to protect you. And I would do everything I could to ensure you could join me.”

“Why? Am I so strange?” She asked, horrified.

“In the way you mean? No. You’re not strange at all, feather kitten. But we would have to know if you could eat human food, what sort of reaction you might have to human diseases, how resilient your body might be to space travel, things like that. There would be no trial and error. One mistake and you could die, and I’d never forgive myself. I will do everything within my power to keep you alive. If you are to come with me…that will have to be a part of it. I’m sorry.” Winters finished sadly, allowing Veera to take a step back and dry her eyes. He felt horrible, using such a method of compulsion. He’d not lied. It was the only way, but he knew she was less than comfortable with the idea. After a moment of deep thought, Veera thrust her hand out, palm up.

“Io, prick me this instant!” She demanded as Winters looked at her wide eyed. Io was clapping gleefully.

‘Sir, you’re a genius!’ She gushed.

“That wasn’t deception, Io! I was serious!”

‘Even so! Now sir, there should be a couple of single use lancets in the first aid kit.’

“Right, right. Ok, Veera, let’s do this then.” He began by rubbing a disinfectant swab over the pad of a fingertip. She looked up at him with curious eyes, relaxing a bit as he touched her. “This is a disinfectant. It will kill anything on your finger that might get you sick if it got into your blood. That…well I guess that’ll end up being yet another conversation around the fire.” They shared a nervous laugh as he procured the lancet, opening the package and positioning it just above her finger, squeezing her pad to fill it with blood. “This will sting a bit, alright Veera?” He looked to her, waiting for her consent.

“Go ahead Russell.” She swallowed and nodded, wincing as he stuck her and pressed a drop of dark red blood to the surface.

“Good girl. That’s all there was to it Veera. Here you go Io.” Winters turned Veera’s hand over, allowing the drop of blood to fall into the B-MASS. Io appeared above it. The lab coat was back.

‘Thank you for this Veera. You have made me a very happy woman.’

“You’re welcome Io. Though I can’t say I’m excited at what you’ll find, I’m happy that it will- Russell! What are you doing?” Veera yelped. Winters had taken her wounded finger into his mouth. Her eyes went wide as she looked at him. “What are you…doing…darling?” His mouth was warm as his tongue brushed lightly along her pad.

“There’s mild disinfectant and clotting factors in human saliva. Now come here.” He ordered, bandaging her finger with a small adhesive bandage. “How’s that feel? Not too uncomfortable I hope?”

“Uh…no. Thank you.” Veera’s feathers fluttered as she looked to the side, still processing his sudden intimacy. Io popped up again, wagging a finger at him.

‘What exactly would you have done if Cauthan blood was toxic to humans?!’

“Died like an idiot?” He replied, rubbing his neck. It had been stupid, hadn’t it? Stupid and emotional. “Uh…you’re not saying…”

‘You should have no issues sir. Please, just go fishing already while I work on this.’ Io disappeared, leaving the two of them alone. Veera looked at her bandaged fingertip.

“Never a dull day with you, darling.” She murmured. She did not speak again on their journey.

-----

After arriving at the fishing hole, Winters gave Veera the basket to aid her in foraging and the two of them began their respective tasks. By the time Veera returned with a basket mostly full of edible fungi and herbs, Winters had landed nine fish and the rains had ended. They decided to call it a day after Io informed them that only an hour or so of daylight remained. The air had become chilly and damp. For the first time on Mara, Winters could see his breath. Veera seemed to have perked up a bit.

“You know, I didn’t think you could look any more intimidating Russell, but seeing your breath come out of your helmet like that is even better! You look like some monster out of legend that can breathe fire!”

“I regret setting the helmet to normal ventilation.” Winters grumbled, inwardly thrilled to be seen in such a way by his girlfriend, who clearly felt no such fear herself; not to mention the return of her jovial attitude. After she’d placed the herbs into her satchel, he laid the fish into the basket over the mushrooms and they made for the pod. After another stretch of silence, Veera spoke up.

“So Io, do you have…anything to share?” She asked hesitantly, wondering why the VI had been silent for so long.

‘Oh Veera, you have no idea! Your biology is remarkable! There’s so much here. Your genetic material, oxygen carrying proteins and blood cells, novel cell wall construction, antibodies I’ve never seen before…’ As Io carried on energetically, Winters noticed Veera had stopped keeping pace. He turned back to see her standing rigid in the dull light, her arms hugged tight around her, shoulders shaking.

“Io, stop. Now.” He whispered urgently.

‘…did I mention the genetic structure?! Oh sir you won’t believe what I’m seeing here it’s-”

“IO, THAT’S ENOUGH!” He roared, well and truly angry with her for the first time in his life. He rushed to Veera, standing before her and wondering how to proceed. She was crying freely.

“What am I?” She whispered. “I knew it…those atom things. If they make up Seil and the twin goddesses and Mara…of course…me too. What am I?!” She cried, throwing her head back in anguish. Winters dropped his gear and their food quickly and threw his helmet to the ground, holding her tightly to him. Slowly they sunk to their knees as Veera was overcome with existential dread. “Tell me Russell! What am I? If I’m the same as…those things…how can I even be alive?!” She sobbed uncontrollably, feeling all of her repressed anger and sorrow at her treatment over the years blend with true dread at the idea that she was nothing but a cluster of atoms. “What am I?” She whispered, feeling small and pitiful as her human began rubbing their cheeks together.

“You’re the same as me.” He whispered back, cradling her and placing a comforting hand on the back of her head. “You’re the same person you’ve always been Veera. You’re the woman I fell for, the woman I want to be with. You’re made of the same things I am. Even all the way out here, we’re so much more alike than you think.” He continued touching her, trying to somehow force every positive emotion he felt about her into her body, cursing the barrier of his armor.

“But…but…we’re just star stuff Russell. Like the grasses and the trees, right? How can…how can what I feel about you be real?” Her voice was tortured in his ear, he felt himself choke up.

“I don’t know Veera, but it is. That’s the wonder, isn’t it? My brain is just a bunch of neurons, a bunch of cells all tied together, connected by electricity and chemicals. But when I smell you, when I touch you, when I hold you, whatever is inside me is more than that. The way I feel for you is more than the sum of my parts. The way you feel about me is more than the atoms that make up your body. That’s how we build our warm little corner in this cold universe, just like you said…Veera…my feather kitten.” He threw his gloves off and held her again, giving her all of the heat that he could as their breath intermingled in the cold air. Her reply was barely a whisper.

“I love you.”

“Veera wh-”

“I love you Russell.” She sniffled and held him to her. “Please, let me come with you.”

I love you. His mind went blank as his chest tightened and his nervous system sent a riot of pulses through him. Io almost shorted out as she attempted to process every minute change in his body at once. She had believed his words to be metaphor, something to comfort a grieving partner in need. There was no way that love and emotion could somehow exist ‘beyond’ the realms of biology and physics. She wasn’t so sure now. As she projected herself above Winters’ discarded glove, she looked at the two of them and bit her lip, realizing that there was still so much about being human, about being alive, that she didn’t understand. To see the look in Veera’s eyes, and in her partner’s as he replied, it was more than she could have ever predicted from the ‘literature’. Their need and longing floored her.

“I…think I love you too Veera. This has all happened in a whirlwind but…that’s what I think. Yeah, it is. We’ll do everything we need to do to stay together, alright?” He promised. The tree of probability burned in his mind, every other branch falling away. He was a bloody HEL Jumper, not some Alpha Division pansy. Hedging and worrying were unbecoming, he decided. They would prepare for the worst and destroy it, with extreme prejudice. Veera was sobbing into his ear again. He felt so very aware of her in that moment.

“I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you.” She repeated like a mantra that would save her soul; that would differentiate her from the uncaring matter of the universe and keep her together and complete. “I love you!”

“I love you. I love you too, Veera. Now stand with me, c’mon, there you go.” Winters helped her up with a gentle voice, finding her tearful smile a much easier sight than her trembling form from earlier. It was certainly another moment to add to the list of things he’d never expected to happen in his life, but after everything that had occurred on Mara, regret was the last thing he felt. “You alright?”

“I…yes. I’ll be alright. Thank you…love?” Veera leaned on him, looking up at his sparkling eyes and trying out her newest pet name. He smiled his approval. “I don’t know what came over me, I just heard Io saying all those things I didn’t understand and it fit together. The things you’d been telling me about the very small and very large. It scared me. I was so scared Russell. I’m still scared.”

“It’s going to be alright Veera. We’re going to head home and we’re going to talk this all out together. I don’t care how long it takes, but we’ll get you up to speed and make sure you understand yourself better. Just remember you’re always you Veera.”

“Ok Russell, I will try. Thank you.” She placed a kiss on his cheek and pulled back. As she bent down to help Winters collect his armor and gear they heard a sob. “Oh my.” Veera caught sight of Io, who’d dropped to her knees and held her face in her hands. She was crying. Winters placed a hand on Veera’s shoulder before kneeling in front of his gauntlet.

“Io, look at me.” He ordered in a level tone.

‘No…’

“That’s an order, Io. Now, you got a pretty good lesson in being human today I’d say. Veera, could you come here as well?”

“Sure, here’s your other glove Russell.”

“Thank you. Now, Veera if you don’t mind I’d like to try to teach Io something, or at least solidify it for her.” He explained, replacing his right gauntlet.

“Sure, I’d be happy to help. Striving to be human is a wonderful goal.” Veera said, earning her a tearful gaze from the VI.

“Indeed. Now Io, what caused this commotion today?” Winters asked. Io brushed her eyes clear and unwrinkled her uniform, sitting down with crossed legs before them. She still had the good sense to look chastised.

‘I did?’

“Well, of course. Veera didn’t just stumble into an existential crisis all on her own. But elaborate for us, if you will?”

‘I…said those things about her biology? Things that she was already afraid of?”

“Correct. Did you consider how she might feel when you began discussing things about her that she’d not be able to understand?”

‘There are notes in my Veera interaction files about such things…yes.’ Io admitted, looking down at her lap.

“But you ignored them. Why?” Winters prompted evenly, not showing any trace of anger.

‘I was…too focused on my analysis and processing subroutines?’ Io ventured, earning her a stern nod.

“You got what you wanted Io, and then you stopped thinking about what Veera needed.”

“Darling, isn’t that a little harsh? I’m alright now.” Veera tentatively defended Io, more from his tone of voice than anything. What Winters said was true, but she still felt bad for the VI.

“Io needs to learn these things. She’s powerful. If she can’t temper her own desires then she’s dangerous. I don’t want her to make those mistakes again, especially if she has access to something more powerful than my armor’s computing hardware.”

‘Yes sir.’ Io responded, looking absolutely despondent.

“Io, listen to me. You’re learning how to act like a human over the span of days and weeks. We get years and decades. You’re doing well, but tonight you screwed up. To mess things up is to be human. But fixing your mistakes is to be a good human, alright? So why don’t you try that?” He smiled at her.

‘Veera, I am sorry for getting ahead of myself. I knew that you were nervous and hesitant about the whole process and that you only consented because you understood that it is the only way you’d be able to follow the Lieutenant off-world if we are rescued. I abused that devotion the two of you have together. I am most regretful of this.’ Io apologized. Veera reached out a claw and disturbed the projection.

“Your apology is accepted Io. Thank you for understanding my point of view.”

‘With your permission Veera, I would very much like to explain my findings to you and the Lieutenant.’

“I would like that too, Io. I’m still nervous about it all, but if it will help then I’ll learn it. Maybe another night?” Veera resolved, earning her a comforting embrace from her human.

‘Do you…really love the Lieutenant?’ Io looked up at them both with wide eyes.

“Yes, I do.” Veera affirmed, looking over at her mate. His gaze was piercing and intense, recalling those moments before their first kiss. “Is that so strange?”

“There is very little right and wrong when it comes to love…not that I’m an expert or anything but…speaking from experience?” He replied, holding her gaze.

‘I’m not qualified to say, but…this is what it looked like from my end.’ Io said, showing them a model of her circuitry throughout the Aegis in a heat map along with Winters’ body. He could make out what appeared to be rough representations of his circulatory and nervous systems. ‘This was your prior state sir. And this is when Veera told you she loves you.’ Io snapped her fingers and set off a cascade of electrical impulses originating in his auditory processing center. It pinged around his brain and shot down his spine, lighting up seemingly every nerve in his body and compelling the activity of several glands as well as causing a marked increase in circulatory activity, modeled both by blood flow and respiratory capacity. The secondary effects could be seen on Io’s processing heat map as she attempted to respond to it all.

“Gods…” Veera whispered, bringing a hand to her mouth. “It’s beautiful. Is this…is this what you were talking about Io? Things like this are happening inside me?” The look of hope that blossomed on Io’s face was something Winters knew he’d remember for a long time. She nodded happily.

‘Yes Veera, this and more.’ Io affirmed.

“Wow.” Winters breathed. “You were almost overwhelmed.”

‘I was. Do you still think you’re in love?’ She ventured, attempting a playful re-entry to the trio that was man, Cauthan, and VI.

“No. I know I am.” Winters replied, picking Io up off the ground and replacing his remaining armor pieces. He handed Veera his fishing pole, freeing up a hand to draw his shield. There was very little daylight left. As his HUD reactivated, Io confirmed that Seil had indeed set in the east. “Looks like you’ve got a lot to think about Io.”

‘I’ve never had so much data in my life that I didn’t know what to do with sir, it was…thank you for letting me be a part of this moment between the two of you. To you as well Veera.’

“I’m glad that things ended up the way they did Io, but I would prefer not to go through something like that again.” Veera replied, stroking her earpiece and staying close to her white guardian as they made their way home.

‘I will do my best to prevent that from happening again. You and the Lieutenant are my family now. I am most excited at these developments.’ Winters grunted. ‘But…I will learn to temper my excitement subroutines with appropriate negative feedback based on the situation?’

“Very good Io.” Winters smiled as they reached the pod and returned any unnecessary gear. Finding Veera’s toothbrush finished, he handed it to her before beginning construction of the miscellaneous items he’d need for his bow. After convincing her to undergo the blood test, he’d been more than happy to make her a little something before moving onto arrows and a bowstring. With fish and first aid kit in tow, as well as various herbs and edibles, the three headed for the village in the darkness. When they arrived, Antoth was there on night shift, torch in hand.

“Uthos protect me that is not a look I remember fondly, especially in this light. Where have you two been? It’s not exactly safe out there.” He grumbled, looking Veera and Winters over.

“Had an errand or two to take care of Antoth, gotta pay some bills you know?” Winters shrugged. “Spears don’t build themselves you know?”

“By the love of- really? You need more weapons? You? More?” He yelled, more exasperated than angry. Veera laughed heartily, feeling light again. Antoth turned his attention to her. “What’s got you so pleased?”

“I’m in love!” Veera sang, causing Antoth’s watch partner to begin coughing heavily. Between the nervous shuffling of Winters in his armor and the coughing fit, Antoth actually smiled.

“Suddenly I’m not so worried about giving the human another weapon. Be safe you two. And Veera!”

“Yes Antoth?”

“I think he’d approve.” The guard captain shot a look at Winters.

“I think so too, c’mon darling.” Veera called softly, grabbing her human by the hand and leading him through the gates.

“Man’s greatest weakness.” Antoth chuckled into the darkness.

-----

“Is it just me, or does this actually taste better a day later?” Winters remarked, now comfortably changed and seated with Veera around their fire. Io was back in her new perch, but remained in standby mode, allowing her partners to have their moments and taking time to finely sift through the reaction that Winters had shown to the word ‘love’.

“I’m inclined to agree darling. The stew thickens a bit; the roots and herbs get some more time to release their flavor. I like it.” Veera replied after sampling the stew herself. It felt wonderful to be back home in the warmth and light, but the events of the evening still gnawed at her. She managed to mask her unease as they ate, but by the time her human had emptied his second bowl she couldn’t contain herself any longer. Placing her bowl aside she tapped him on the arm.

“Yeah Veera? What’s up?”

“Do you think I really love you?” She asked nervously, twisting her hands together. Io materialized immediately and looked down at them with a perplexed look. Winters sported a similar expression.

“Uh…would you care to clarify that?” He asked, having truly no idea what Veera was getting at. She looked down.

“I just can’t shake the feeling that I did something wrong. I was…I was having a moment of weakness Russell. And you did what you always do. You did everything in your power to care for me. I love that about you. I don’t know any girl who wouldn’t. I wasn’t thinking straight and I just…said it. I don’t know if it’s true. How could I? I don’t think you’d ever say something like that just to stop me from crying but…I feel like I somehow forced this. Like I ruined the ‘dance’ that you humans play when you’re forming your partnerships. I was enjoying it.” She explained sadly. Winters looked over her head at Io, receiving only a worried shrug in return. He was on his own.

“Give me a minute, alright?” He requested, taking her hand in his and ordering his thoughts as he listened to the crackling fire. Why did I say I love her? That’s not fair. I know why I said it. She said it…and I clearly felt close enough to it to say the same. So why? Why? He continued stroking her hand with his thumb, letting her know he wasn’t closing in on himself. After a few long minutes he spoke up. “Your species and mine want the same thing when we bond. We just go about it different ways.” Veera looked up at him, cocking her head.

“A partner who loves us?”

“Yes. Your people bond themselves together and work toward that goal as a pair, usually with some knowledge of who the other person is thanks to the small size of your village. At least that’s what happened with Zolta and Asha. With humans, we usually bond ourselves as a declaration that we’ve already found love. However…”

“Yes?”

“I don’t think anyone can really define love, Veera.”

“I…” She began. After a moment’s pause she closed her mouth again and looked into the fire. Winters continued to speak.

“When I was young, maybe fourteen or fifteen, there was a girl I liked. It’s funny, I don’t even remember her name, but I remember that young me found her unbelievably beautiful. I was enraptured. So when Valentine ’s Day came around, I decided to do something about it.”

“Is that a holiday of your people?”

“A minor one. It’s a day where boys and men can give a little something to the important woman in their life. So I bought her a box of treats and told her I loved her.” Winters admitted. Veera’s eyes went wide.

“You did? But…you barely knew her you said?”

“Yeah…that’s kind of the point of the story. You don’t think I’d just embarrass myself for no reason, right? When I was that young…I didn’t know what love was. I thought having interest in a girl was the same thing.”

“So what did she do?”

“Rejected me flat out. Called me a weirdo.” Winters laughed painfully, rubbing his neck. “But I learned something that day. I learned something with a couple girlfriends in high school. I learned a lot with Jess. I learned a lot…when I lost Jess. As I went through life and learned things about women and, just as importantly, about myself…I learned what love meant to me.”

“To you…” Veera repeated wistfully, starting to understand his story.

“You said you participated in a festival when you were younger, right? Did you show interest in anyone?” He asked tentatively.

“Well yes, but I didn’t love him Russell.”

“Right. So at that age, even as someone who, I assume, had no experience with dating or relationships, you knew the difference at least at a basic level. You’ve been through a lot Veera, far more than most humans of your age. You and your people probably learn a lot earlier in life what they need and want from a partner. Humans these days have a lot more time…and we’re a lot more sheltered. We have many years to try and fail and try again. So…yeah. I don’t think many humans would say that you can ‘know’ you love someone after being acquainted for only a cycle or two, but that doesn’t really matter I don’t think.”

“Love is…very complicated, isn’t it? I can understand why you had trouble Io.” Veera empathized; Io looked adoringly at the Cauthan.

‘That makes me feel much better actually. Perhaps reaching a definitive solution and universal concept is impossible…like the unification of the four major forces or the three body problem…” Io had tilted her head up and became lost in thought while Veera looked back to Winters for clarification.

“Problems that still haven’t been solved in terms of our understanding of the way the universe works. Don’t worry about her. For now just…answer your own question Veera. Do you think you love me?” His eyes pierced hers, but they were soft and kind. She nodded and sent waves of motion through her feathers.

“You have proven yourself to be a wonderful partner Russell, and I have every reason to believe that will continue. I hope you feel the same about me. I think I do love you. And I understand what you meant now when you worded it that way.”

“I love you too Veera.” He rested his head gently atop hers as she claimed his shoulder as a perch. “Just don’t worry so much about doing things out of order, alright?” He advised. Io chimed in again.

‘I believe the Lieutenant’s advice is wise. There is a roughly established order of physical progress in human relationships Veera, but it need not coincide with emotional development. They are tied together, and yet separate from what I can tell. It is a most interesting phenomenon.’

“And I’m sure that means you want to study it…in detail?” Veera replied pointedly. Winters laughed as Io blushed for the second time that day.

‘I know it’s asking for a lot but…yes?’ She whispered. Veera and Winters shared a look before shrugging.

“It’s alright Io; just don’t hurt yourself, ok?” Veera giggled, remembering the blooming of the heat map as Io recounted her attempt to process Winters’ reaction to that special word. Io crossed her arms and huffed, blowing her stray lock of hair around.

‘I will admit that was not my proudest moment, but I suppose you’re correct. VI’s were never meant to understand or mimic such things. Perhaps prolonged observation will allow a less acute usage of my resources. I will endeavor to be polite and discreet.’

“I think that’s all we can ask for. Thanks Io. Crisis over?” Winters asked the room. He received affirmative reactions from both ladies. “Thank the fates. Anyway, here, let me clean things up and we can settle in, alright?” After gathering his bowl and Veera’s he departed for the water trough. As he walked through the darkened streets, he voiced his internal thoughts.

“She is…unlike any human girl I’ve ever met. She’s mature and world-wise in so many ways and yet…sometimes she’s so innocent it’s almost unbelievable. And times like tonight, when she’s both? Ah who am I kidding? It’s part of her charm. Guess I really do love her.” He decided by the time he returned, pulling back the leather door cover and entering their home. He immediately found himself rooted to the spot, incapable of leaving the doorway. His eyes found Veera as the leather curtain flapped back against him. He barely noticed. She was sprawled languidly on the bed, facing him with a desirous and predatory look in her eyes. Her tail had pushed her dress up and the material pooled in the small of her back, leaving the profile of her derrière, thighs, and calves on full display as she lazily kicked her feet back and forth through the air. “Uh…Veera?”

Oh yes…I do believe Veera’s molecular biology can wait! Io thought gleefully as she watched her partner stare blatantly at his girlfriend. Veera purred loudly for him.

“My love, I want you to teach me what comes after kissing.”