‘Inventory check! We have a week’s worth of rations and water thanks to those old water bottles you saved and your canteen. We have ten days of power before I’d have to enter standby. We have what’s left of the medkit, three flares, flare gun, and a veritable arsenal of primitive and advanced weaponry. Did I miss anything?’ Io asked happily as she tallied all of Winters’ supplies. Veera had packed well but haphazardly, necessitating a short moment to do a true catalog and rearrange. His Omega Jumper survival training was kicking in.

“Just one thing,” Winters replied, removing his helmet and taking the small chain from the fabricator. He held the rings in the palm of his glove for a moment, running a finger over the bands before bowing his head and slipping the chain over his neck. They rested comfortably over his undersuit in the area between his chest plates and helmet. The only way they’d be damaged in a fight would be if a predator reached his jugular, something he had absolutely no intention of allowing to happen.

‘This will certainly take some getting used to,’ Io declared, returning to a review of their supplies.

“How’s that?” He asked, glancing over at her as she made yet another inscrutable comment.

‘Just you being a committed man, that’s all.’

“Io, it’s been that way since I kissed her,” he insisted. The VI tossed her hair back and laughed.

‘Please sir, don’t get me wrong but you don’t really look the part of an 18th century Puritan. If duty had called the day after you kissed her and you had to leave Mara, would you have taken her?’ Winters felt a flush of anger, wanted to scream that yes he would have, no questions asked. It wasn’t the truth.

“I don’t know Io.”

‘Not so simple a question, was it? And now?’

“I’d die for her.” That particular comment earned him a full-body scoff from Io, her hands running roughly through her hair as she looked around for some form of inspiration.

‘That is the other part that will take some getting used to. No offense sir, but you’ve been a bit dour of late and far too willing to throw your life away if you think it’ll be…dare I say…well spent? Besides, I believe we already more than established that Veera would most certainly haunt your spirit if you did so,’ she threatened, glaring at the man who had just told her how important living was. He laughed contritely and shook his head.

“Heh, fair enough Io. Sorry about that. I guess I’m still in a funk is all, to say nothing of contemplating getting down on one knee. That’s a worry for another time though. Let’s get this stuff packed up. We have everything?”

‘Checked and double checked sir, including the extra magazines. I really wish you’d hopped in here with a couple of frag grenades as well but what’s done is done. What are you smiling about now?’ She asked curiously as Winters’ face broke into a cocky grin.

“If I’m going to go through all the trouble of killing this thing the last thing I’m going to do is feed it a grenade and lose my trophy. I want that skull Io, and I want it intact.” The VI cradled her forehead in her palm, resisting the urge to admonish ‘men and their manly ideas’, as Veera would no doubt put it.

‘I suppose every redemption quest needs a trophy,’ she agreed reluctantly, leaving it at that. ‘Shall I activate the communications array sir? It wouldn’t be difficult to set it to listen only until a signal is acquired.’ Winters paused and stood from where he’d been kneeling in the snow and arranging his supplies. He turned his head up to the sky, looking at the stars and moons. He took a moment to remember the Lancer and its final moments. The memory didn’t hurt as much as it used to, not with so much riding on his shoulders.

“They won’t even know we’re missing for another three months. Besides if I do die out there…I don’t want other humans coming here.” Io nodded at him.

‘The implications would be potentially disastrous, especially if they assume that the Cauthan were the reason for your death. I find myself in agreement sir, we will come home carrying your shield, or on it.’

“The old Spartan adage…yeah, that sounds about right. Well then, let’s get going!” Winters grunted as he hefted the pack onto his back, ensuring that his sword and bow could still be reached adequately. “Actually…do we have a minute Io?”

‘Of course sir, we already established that my food source will likely outlast yours if pressed.’

“Yeah, thanks,” he said tersely, walking down the hill a short ways to the shrine on the bank of the river. The snows had covered the top and some of the base but the rest stood proud and strong, framed by the glassy flow of the freezing water behind it. He knelt in the snow and bowed his head. “You all know what I’m about to do and why I have to do it, I’m sure. If you wouldn’t mind watching out for me, and for Veera as well, I’d appreciate it. Yes, of course you can all watch the eventual showdown but, no offense, I don’t fancy meeting up with you guys anytime soon. Not anymore…not with everything that’s happened. I hope you’ll manage to forgive me that one. Anyway, best get going now but I wanted you all to know I’m still thinking of you and…I hope what I did was right.” Io’s eyes were downcast, but she remained respectfully silent as Winters placed a hand atop the shrine and dusted it off, allowing the black memorial panel to be seen again. Without another word they stood and left, Io finally hailing her partner once they’d achieved a respectful distance from the river.

‘Might I make a suggestion sir?’ Io donned her officer’s uniform with her request, indicating that it was related to their mission.

“Unless I’m actively in a firefight Io you always have permission to speak freely, even then I’m pretty sure anything you had to contribute would be useful,” he assured her, knowing that his VI was potentially dealing with self-doubt or hesitation now, even with her respectable computing ability.

‘Thank you sir, I appreciate the thought. In our hunt I would suggest that we track the fleeing raiders instead of the ursae; though of course I will always have an eye out for our predatory friend.’ Winters rubbed the chin of his helmet reflexively as he walked back to the bridge, considering her proposition.

“An interesting proposal Io, what’s your reasoning.”

‘It’s more of a theory sir, but one I believe has significant merit.’

“Given how long we’re likely to be on the road I’m more than willing to hear it in length.” Io smiled at his confidence in her and proceeded in a poised tone.

‘I hypothesize that there are two apex predators on this planet, excluding us, which are in constant competition for food and resources.’ Winters whistled a long note.

“You realize how preposterous that sounds, right Io? This planet has probably been here a long time, more than long enough for those sorts of things to shake out.”

‘You mean in terms of evolutionary biology and ecology as we know them? Yes sir, I do know it sounds far-fetched. However, the phenomenon is not technically impossible.’

“Just very unlikely I’d think?” Winters asked as they entered the trees again where he paused, debating the potential paths before them. “Just a second, Io. I do trust you on this one, so do you want to head back to the village and pick up the trail from there?”

‘I believe that’s a preferable course of action to wandering north and west for a week, yes sir. Should this plan prove unfruitful I’m more than happy to come along for the subsequent ride.’

“Not exactly your typical road trip, is it?”

‘I think Veera would enjoy one very much,’ Io insisted with a grin to match Winters’.

“I know that look Io, what’s going on in that head of yours?”

‘Oh, nothing much sir,’ she demurred with a wave of her hand. ‘I was just wondering if Veera would stick her head out the window on the freeway. Her feathers would look spectacular!’ Winters didn’t know if he wanted to cry or laugh. He decided on both.

“Oh man, what I wouldn’t give to see that! Ah damn, look at me, leaking like a faulty flux coupling.”

‘Sir, that’s not even what they’re called. Anti-matter warp drives don’t need a flux anything. Are you sure you’re well enough to undertake this hunt?’

“I’m sure there are flux couplings somewhere in sci-fi Io. Just humor me. Besides you know I’m fine, you have everything about me stored in there.” Io frowned at his oversimplification.

‘Everything except your direct emotional input, yes sir. That’s what I’m currently concerned about. I know parting from Veera was difficult for you both. I’m sorry to have brought that up again.’

“Apology denied Io. I’m happier thinking of her, especially doing something like that. Who knows, maybe if we get home I’ll have enough back pay for a convertible or something. I think she’d enjoy a top down drive.” Io’s face turned contemplative and happy as well.

‘I believe I might enjoy that as well sir. Shall we continue?’

“Yeah, sorry about the tangent Io. You were saying?”

‘As you said sir, we have plenty of time. Human as I may be, it’s not like I can lose my train of thought…’ Io paused, placing a finger just below her lower lip. ‘Well, I suppose technically if I ran out of memory I could. I amend my statement sir; I will not lose my train of thought in any conceivable scenario in which I’m interacting with you.’ Winters smiled at her as he continued to scan the snow and trees around him with Io’s hunting program, finding that usual hints of chesko or hyrven were less frequent than during their prior hunts. It seemed the other fauna was laying low, allowing the larger players to have it out.

“Glad to hear it Io. So, two predators, top of the food chain, elaborate?”

‘Of course, sir. Quite simply it’s an unstable system.’ Io looked very impressed with herself.

“And not simply?”

‘I was just teasing, sir. To expound upon that thought, I believe that the Cauthan and the ursae should both be considered dominant predators that, apparently, inhabit the same territory. Veera’s village might not be directly in the territory of the particular beast we are hunting, but I believe the nomadic tribes certainly move through such spaces.’

“Wouldn’t they just kill each other?” Winters demanded. Io’s brow furrowed with her dour reply.

‘They do.’

“The missing hunters…”

‘Among others, I’m sure. It’s a most impressive dynamic equilibrium given how volatile the situation is. The ursae hunt at night and the Cauthan hunt during the day. They may pursue the same prey, but I would think that they go about it in different ways.’

“Really makes you wonder about the nomads, doesn’t it?”

‘To an extent, sir. But that is rather straight forward as well from my perspective.’

“Oh, is that so?” Winters asked, raising his brows.

‘Of course sir! Veera’s people constructed walls and gates to keep themselves safe. By and large that appears to have worked, at least from the perspective of keeping the ursae out. If anything, I’d not be averse to wagering that the original reason for the walls was not the nomadic tribes, but the ursae themselves. The roving bands of Cauthan, instead of walls, have safety in numbers. Their attacking force indicates that the size of their overall group is probably larger than the population of Veera’s village. If you were a rather big…whatever it is an ursae is, would you rather go after the large collection of pointed sticks, or a hyrven or chesko?’

“Fair point,” Winters acknowledged. “So what you’re saying is that there’s this tedious balance that the two hunter species have achieved over time?”

‘Precisely sir, and we just disrupted it,’ Io declared gravely. ‘That is why I’ve suggested following the survivors of the raiding party.’

“Gods…” Winters whispered. “We killed almost all their warriors. If that thing is as intelligent as we believe it is…it’ll have to notice something like that eventually, right?”

‘I believe that is a fair assumption. Even if it does not I believe the two of us can catch up to their group within a few days at most. We may be able to retrieve some of the stolen supplies.’

“So other than what could be a complete massacre, you’re saying this is a win-win course of action?” Io smiled grimly at him.

‘Even if the ursae does massacre them sir, it will be bloated and fat when we kill it.’

“Well ain’t that a fucking silver lining?” Winters’ frown grew as he continued to trudge on through the snow and after their quarry, hoping that Io wasn’t right and knowing that, in all likelihood, she was.

-----

Veera groaned and stirred as the light of early morning awakened her. Her body reached out for its partner and his heat. When that proved elusive she looked around, quickly remembering that no matter how she looked he wouldn’t be there. She couldn’t help a sigh of disappointment as her eyes landed on Asha, who’d already made a fire and was preparing a small breakfast.

“I hope you don’t mind? I find myself getting up earlier these days. Must be the cub,” she said happily, rubbing her belly as Veera stood and joined her by the fire. “Did you sleep alright?” Veera grunted a reply.

“Well enough, thank you. You didn’t have to stay Asha.”

“I know that Veera, but I wanted to. Besides, your bed was clearly made with a family in mind. There was plenty of space for both of us.”

“My mother and father were rather close,” Veera remembered longingly, taking over the boiling of eggs and vegetables so that Asha could rest. “I miss him.”

“I know, I can see it all over your face. He’ll come back Veera, and when he does your time apart will only make the reunion sweeter,” Asha insisted, trying to maintain a sunny disposition. Veera managed to return a small smile, unsure if she was willing to let herself believe such ideal tales given her own past.

“I suppose it will, should he return at all. It’s difficult. I want to think of him, but when I do I think on what he’s doing and suddenly I don’t want to think about it at all. Those damned raiders!” Veera cursed, slicing a dato with far too much force. The knife Winters had given her handled the aggression without complaint.

“They got what was coming to them,” Asha agreed readily, trying to think of how she could change the subject. She wanted Veera’s mind off of her troubles but couldn’t be with her all day to distract her. A sudden biological need struck her and she stood abruptly, drawing Veera’s attention away from the cooking pot. “Sorry Veera, I’ll be right back!” The striped female watched as her friend ran out the door and down the blockhouse. When she returned a few minutes later Veera offered her a small bowl of eggs and vegetables.

“So…being a mother isn’t all happiness?” She asked playfully, pleased to have a new avenue of discussion open to her. Asha’s feathers waved but she took the comment in stride.

“No Veera, it’s not. My body is changing in many ways. I’m putting on weight in places I don’t want to. I make far more trips to the outhouses than I used to. I’m constantly hungry!” She bit into her first egg, purring as a bit of yolk ran over her tongue. “Wow Veera, that’s really good when you don’t cook it solid all the way through!”

“Isn’t it? Russell taught me that. He’s…a big fan of breakfast for some reason.” Asha trilled with light laughter.

“Isn’t it just the same as any other meal?”

Veera recounted what she’d gathered from her many breakfasts together with Winters. “Not among his people apparently. He says that they have different types of food and preparations for each meal.”

“And he specializes in breakfast?” Veera couldn’t help a chuckle of her own at Asha’s question.

“Yes. He says he learned it from his father.”

“Well thank the gods for that then! These eggs are delightful. I think I’ll stop by more often,” Asha declared unabashedly. “Seriously, I’m always hungry.” Veera flashed the young mother a look of empathy, remembering her own body’s needs as she’d put on the muscle she now sported proudly.

“I’m glad your home was untouched then. Even though I’m sure you’d get the most food anyway…I don’t envy those at the temple.”

“Yes…we are very lucky.” Both of their faces fell, along with their ears and tails as they recalled the current state of affairs in the broader village.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to get us all depressed again. Why don’t you tell me some of the good parts about being a mother?” Asha looked over at Veera, seeing intent and curious eyes gazing back at her.

“Are you sure you don’t mind? Last night you said-”

“I know…and I said I was wrong to be that way. I don’t envy you your cub, Asha. Some moments I wonder what it would be like though. I think it would be nice to know. What was it like? When were you sure?” Asha giggled.

“Well, it would be awfully romantic to say I felt it the moment Zolta spilled his seed inside me…but if I’m being honest here that night was awkward. Wonderful, yes, but awkward. Sometimes he would move and I wouldn’t want him to, sometimes we’d bump legs or scratch one another or…” Asha trailed off as she clearly remembered a rather embarrassing moment between her and her mate. Veera intervened in an attempt to set the younger woman at ease.

“If it makes you feel any better, I poked five holes in Russell’s back with my claws the first time we did it.” Asha’s mouth dropped open.

“Story time!” She demanded.

“No! You said you’d tell me about being a mom first!”

“Oh fine! But I’m not leaving this room until I hear about this,” Asha insisted with a swipe of her paw, sounding very much like the teenaged Cauthan she’d been before taking on the responsibilities of bringing life into the world. Veera’s feathers fluttered in acknowledgment.

“Agreed, but don’t you go spreading anything around!”

“Veera! What kind of woman do you think I am?” Asha asked, feigning offense.

“You’re the kind of woman who just had to know what my mate’s manhood looked like. Now spill!”

“Alright, alright, you win,” Asha conceded, popping a piece of dato into her mouth. “I think the first time I really knew was a couple days later. I woke up and I just…something was different. My body wanted to carry itself differently. I’m sorry I can’t describe it better but that’s the truth. By the time Zolta and I were bonded at the temple it was more than apparent, to me at least. My appetite had increased, some of the problems I mentioned before had begun cropping up…oh, and my fur is definitely thicker this winter!”

“Really? I never heard of that. Let me feel?” Veera requested, leaning over in her chair as Asha offered her arm. Veera ran her fingers through Asha’s fur from elbow to wrist. “I see what you mean, it does feel thicker. I guess your little one doesn’t like the cold much!”

“Hmm, no, I suppose not. That’s honestly the best part Veera. Right now my body is in a state of constant change and sometimes I’m afraid, but I have Zolta, and my family, and you and Russell. It’s brought my mate and me together in a way I’d not thought possible. I’ve become closer with my mother and sisters. And of course I can’t wait for next year when I finally give birth and hold my cub in my arms.” Asha paused for a moment as her face contorted with discomfort. “Sorry…I need to…”

“It’s fine Asha!” Veera told her lightheartedly, waving her off as the young mother began looking at the door nervously again. With thanks Asha hopped up and left, leaving Veera alone with the fire and thinking that perhaps she’d gotten not such a raw deal after all. Her human had brought her to the very heights of pleasure, all without her needing to use the bathroom multiple times in a single morning. When Asha returned, Veera offered her another egg.

“Can I? Oh thanks Veera!” Her gray feathers waved in delight as she dug in almost immediately.

“I should be thanking you Asha, it helps knowing that it’s not all good. It makes my decision to mate with Russell easier,” she admitted, causing Asha to refocus her attention away from food.

“Well? How was it then?!”

“You mean other than the beginning where I completely and utterly failed and was crying all over his corpse?”

“Yes Veera, other than that!” Asha huffed impatiently.

“I…” Veera took pause, trying to put into words what he’d made her feel that night and the morning after. “The first time was brutally intense Asha. His species mates in a pattern of constant thrusting. He was huge and I was under him and…gods Asha I could barely move.”

“Wait, he just speared you in one go?!” Veera shook her head.

“No, no…sorry I got ahead of myself. He was very kind actually. He took his time and entered me slowly. By the time he was all the way in I thought I’d never feel anything like it again.” A wistful look graced her face as Asha desperately prompted her to continue. It felt like she was learning deep and dark secrets that were never supposed to exist.

“Until he started moving, right?”

“Yeah, exactly. Asha I’m honestly surprised I managed to remain conscious. Between him and what was inside me and the kissing and the biting and everything else it was like my body coiled in on itself and exploded. I felt like one of Felen’s strongest storms had spawned in my belly and was consuming me.” Veera’s descriptions had Asha hanging on every word, mouth slightly agape and claws extended. “It was the most intense thing I’d ever experienced in my life Asha. I panicked.”

“Wait, really? I never felt anything like that with Zolta. It was more like…uh…like the waves of wind in the grasses during the spring, something soft and soothing.” Veera grinned with all of her teeth, willing to brag a bit in the moment.

“Not for me. Russell was like an animal that night…but the moment I called out to him he was there for me. He held me, somehow, held me completely off the bed below him and finished in me. I had absolutely no control over any part of myself for a moment. There was just a bit of pain and an overwhelming pleasure. So yeah…I may or may not have sunk quite a few of my claws into his back at that point,” she finished sheepishly. Asha managed a small giggle, though she still looked awestruck.

“Was he alright?”

“Yes, he was fine. I patched him up after and we slept together…it was wonderful.”

“I’m sure it was Veera. I know he’ll come back to you and you’ll get to do that again,” Asha said, doing a double take from her food as she noticed Veera’s smile return. “No! You didn’t!”

“We did.”

“But weren’t you terribly sore after what he did to you?”

“I was…but that’s why I was on top.”

“You were…what?” Veera allowed herself to get wrapped up in an opportunity for mischief, a safe distraction. She purred at Asha’s question.

“He was asleep, lying on his back. I climbed onto his waist and got him hard. It’s very easy in the mornings for some reason. I’ll ask him about it when he gets back. But anyway there he was, all ready for me, and I just slid down onto him. Oh Asha you should have seen his face when he woke!”

“I still don’t understand though, wouldn’t he just thrust up and into you again?”

“Nope! I wasn’t really sure what to do but I was just trying to keep him all inside of me. It feels much better that way.” Asha nodded in agreement at that, remembering her own tumbles in the hay. “He was very sweet, took hold of me and started rocking my hips back and forth. It’s really easy Asha, I could show you sometime?” That proposition had the young mother looking away in embarrassment.

“I might attempt it on my own, maybe when the two of us try again for another cub? Now just doesn’t seem the time. But I’m glad the two of you are working things out between you.”

“I am too Asha, and I’m sorry for being all over the place last night and today. I just…”

“It’s alright Veera. I remember how scared I was for Zolta that night. I can only imagine what this must be like. You need not apologize,” Asha reassured her, standing and walking to the door where she pulled the flap aside to locate Seil’s position in the sky. “Thank you so much for breakfast Veera, but I think I should be going now.”

“I’ll walk you to your temple. I’ve got nothing better to do. Just give me a moment?” Veera requested, poking at the cooking fire so that it would burn down quicker before donning her cloak. Before leaving she grabbed her canteen, knife, and spear.

“Uh…am I in danger?” Asha joked nervously.

“Probably not, but I feel better this way. Besides, running with weapons makes it harder.”

“Then…why would you do it?” Asha cocked her head as Veera hiked her dress up under her cloak.

“Have you seen my thighs?” She bragged unabashedly.

“I…woah.” Asha’s green eyes widened as she got a good look at the result of Veera’s many hours of training with Winters and Io. The taller Cauthan stood straight with pride.

“He can’t keep his hands off of them.”

“No, I would expect not. Gods Veera what has he been doing with you?” Asha wondered as Veera tugged the hem of her dress back into position and led them out into the crisp, morning air.

“Honestly a lot of it is pretty boring stuff. Running, lifting rocks, climbing trees, doing squats.”

“Squats?”

“It’s a human exercise that’s meant to build the strength of your legs. Russell does all sorts of things with his body to keep it in shape. Maybe one day I’ll show you a push up. It’s a really silly looking thing!”

“You really love him, don’t you?” Asha couldn’t help herself, seeing the look on Veera’s face as she recalled the fun little quirks of her alien lover.

“Yes Asha, I do.”

“Where do you think he is right now?”

“With any luck, asleep and safe.”

-----

“Well, this looks as good a place as any, don’t you think?” Winters asked, standing before a very large and old tree. He and Io had traveled north after reaching the village again. The trail left behind by the raiders was very easy to follow given the size of the group, with Io estimating that there were still over a hundred individuals in it.

‘It leaves something to be desired sir, but I do believe stopping here would be prudent. Further stimulant use would be detrimental to your health.’

“Yeah, I was forced to read the warning label back in basic. I just wanted to get through the first night, you know? Anyway, it’s not like there’s many more of them in the kit. We’d have to make more.”

‘A consideration for another time, sir. Might I recommend the sheltered side?’ Io pointed to the left side of the tree where the wind, blowing from their right, had scooped out a bit of a divot in the snow.

“I suppose that’s preferable to ending up buried in a snow drift,” Winters agreed, eyeing the mount of snow that had piled up on the tree’s right side. “You going to be alright while I’m out?”

‘Yes sir, I’ve not developed circadian rhythms and I will actively suppress any attempts by my programming to do so. They are one aspect of biological life that I evaluate to have no real upside for me.’

“But an endocrine system does?” Winters questioned with a waggle of his brow. She answered simply.

‘Adrenaline junkie, remember?’

“Yeah well, you picked the right partner for that,” he agreed, setting down his pack and weapons in a pile with the shield providing some measure of cover for the rest. He wasn’t concerned about the elements per-se, but there was no reason to risk anything.

‘I seem to recall my partner choosing me,’ Io teased, bringing up a long block of code. ‘Did you know that Shifty had a protocol in here that would make me behave like a French cafe maid?’ Green eyes bored into him as Winters sat against the tree, bringing his cloak around to his front side.

“I uh…knew it was there, yes.” Io cocked a brow at him.

‘But of course you never chose to activate it?’

“You know the answer to that.”

‘I do, but it’s nice to hear it from your own mouth. Besides, what man doesn’t enjoy the female version of himself? Far preferable to some meek maid I would think?’ Io asked in a sultry voice, alluding to her development at his side over many weeks.

“You’re far more than my clone Io. For one thing I’ve never really enjoyed Halloween. What’s going on here anyway? Are you playing the role of Paul Revere in this film?” Io had changed into the garb of a colonial night watchman, complete with oil lamp and tricorn hat.

‘But of course sir! One if by hyrven, two if by ursae!’ The two of them shared a laugh together in the cold as a gust of wind penetrated the trees, whipping light flakes of snow into the air. The area of forest they found themselves in featured larger but fewer trees, allowing the wind and elements to interfere in the distribution of snow all around them. It was like being in the tundra but with significantly more wood. Winters removed his helmet to quickly wipe a tear of laughter from his eye, taking a quick moment to enjoy the morning sun on his face. The heat was faint, but he could still feel it. His hand found its way to the chain on his neck. He removed it and looked at the bands in the light for the first time. The metal glinted and sparked in the sunlight, while the inner accents caught the rays and glowed. ‘Do you like it? I had a little fun with the scattering properties of the colored accents.’

“They’re beautiful Io. Thank you,” he replied earnestly.

‘You should thank Veera. Where do you think the womanly aspects of my personality come from?’

“I’ll thank her too when I see her again,” he declared, puffing out a final, long breath into the cold before replacing the rings and his helmet and dimming his HUD. “Wake me at the first sign of trouble or at twilight.”

‘As you wish sir, sleep well.’