"There is nothing to fear."

"I'm sorry if I'm a little weary to be treated like a science experiment again."

Rhage knelt before Artemis in the ship's medical center. She eyed the medic suspiciously while she bit her lip and had a protective arm over her swell. Anxiety peppered her scent with sourness that had the two Yautja uneasy.

"I...assure you...no harm." The medic, Tare, assured in broken garbled English. He stood off to the side with a tablet in hand watching Rhage work to calm Artemis's worry.

The Elder Yautja nodded, his cloudy blue red tipped locs swaying gently about as he tilted his head slightly. He had a gentle hold on her shoulder for reassurance. Her anxiety was strong but he hoped to quell it so they could proceed. The medic was to examine her so they could have an understanding of the health of the growing pup and her own health.

Artemis had spoken of being denied adequate nutrition on Earth, so he wanted to take precautions and have her examined for her and the pup's safety.

She finally caved in with a nod. "Okay."

Rhage nodded towards Tare, who helped Artemis onto the examination table where she lied flat on her back under the scanner. Her hand squeezed Rhage's in a death grip while the machine did a few sweeps back and forth up the entirety of her body.

A wide blue light passed over her, the machine making no noise as it did the scan. The machine was like a combination of an MRI, CAT scanner, Ultrasound, and various other human medical equipment combined into one, and much more advanced than humans could currently come up with. It would take them a couple of centuries to even try to catch up. Said machine was busy giving the medic and Rhage a full read out of the results in their vertical red symboled writing.

A real time image of her womb also appeared on the screen, the inside of her portrayed similarly to the 3D scans pregnant women had on Earth. Rhage felt many emotions he had never felt for a pup before, except for Dhare of course, but this was different. He was seeing the pup created with his mate, Artemis.

The pup, as far as he could tell, looked human. It was surprising, considering that Yautja genes were typically the dominant rather than the recessive genes. When the pup was born they were likely in for some surprises that the scans wouldn't pick up.

"Is everything okay, Rhage? You two are too quiet." Artemis strained to see the large rectangular screen that was mostly turned away from her.

Rhage smiled, "No, all is well. The pup is very healthy and so are you."

A big sigh of relief left her mouth. Her small hand squeezed his hand again.

"Well? Spit it out! Boy or girl? Let me see!"

Tare chuckled as he swiveled the screen where she could see it. He and Rhage watched her face change from anxious to the biggest smile she had ever shown. Her dark blue eyes swam with emotion, some she had rarely shown. Rhage rubbed the back of her hand with his thumb in slow circles as he watched her drink in the image of their growing pup.

"Boy." Rhage pulled her into his chest when she sat up to hug him. He nuzzled her while she wrapped her arms around his neck and rained little kisses on his skin.

They pulled apart to look closer while Tare read through the other results of the scan. "Leader, her body and pup are both in good health. The scanner indicates she will be full term in two months' shorter time than a typical ooman pregnancy." He pointed out the lines of text with a finger as Rhage leaned closer to see for himself, "She is now five months along and nearing the sixth. The growth of the pup is estimated to be typical of a Yautja gestation."

Rhage translated for her once the medic was speaking. She squinted with concern, a hand caressing her rounded middle.

"Will I be okay to carry to term since he's growing so fast? Human pregnancies are slower than Yautja ones."

The Elder inquired to promptly receive a nod of Tare's head, "Arteemis...safe...seven months full term."

Artemis was luckily living among a very advanced society with medicine so Rhage knew she would be okay, despite her fears and worries.

"Thank goodness...I was worried."

"Yautja medical tech is very advanced, mate. You will be well taken care of." Rhage assured, purring softly.

"I know, but I still worry."

"We will ensure a healthy and safe delivery when the time comes. Until then I get to watch you waddle like one of your Earth animals."

An eyebrow arched in question. He smirked as he waited to respond, Tare shaking his head in the background while he sent the results to Rhage's computing unit. Artemis continued to stare at him in confusion.

"I believe it is called a...penguin."

Her mouth fell open in surprise and swiftly jabbed him in the chest with an index finger, mock rage on her face. "You will regret comparing me to a penguin, mister! I do not waddle."

"Oh," he chuckled, the sound rumbling deep in his chest, "you do, mate. You do not notice it like I."

Scoffing she shook her head with a smile as he helped her off the examination table. She marched right past him towards the door with a playful huff doing her best to avoid the subtle waddle that she did have. Even with effort her hips swayed side to side and the Yautja quite liked the sight. Rhage decided he would make her penguin walk even more that night once he was thoroughly done with her little cunt.

"Leader, I have sent the results to you for your documentation. I request that I see her again in fourteen rotations' time for a check up." Tare turned to nod respectfully, a fist pounding his chest.

His dark locs that brushed his shoulders swayed about as he eyed the larger Elder Yautja. The medic was slightly smaller with a grey and white scaled hide and bright blue eyes. Tare's clothing consisted of nothing more than a long loincloth that fell to his knees and sandals on his feet. For only being a medic, he was one of the most trusted who worked for Rhage in the palace.

"Very good. Thank you, Tare." Rhage returned the nod and proceeded to chase after his mate who had already left the room.

• • •

Much to his surprise, Artemis was already almost out of sight further down the hall. She was speaking with Dhare. He narrowed his eyes on his pup who already seemed to be tense in the presence of his mate; as he should be. Dhare nodded to whatever she was asking him and rightfully kept his distance until she closed it with a hug around his waist.

The Elder Yautja had enough and stormed his way past the various others in the dark metal hallway. His narrow gaze was set upon his pup as he cleared a path through the passing Yautja. Jealousy was something Rhage was unfamiliar with and he fought the urge to pummel his eldest pup. He only paused in his warpath when he heard their conversation. It was...unexpected. He needed to hear more.

Rhage followed the pair in silence to see what they were up to. No one ever said curiosity would kill a Yautja.

• • •

"...we land on Saqqar I don't want to look weak, us to look weak." Artemis folded her arms across her chest as she looked up at Dhare.

"I know a way. I believe your kind has successfully done this in your ancient past, anyways. Let me lead you to Kokum, the Forge Master, and we can go from there." He shrugged and started to lead her down the hall, the pair weaving through the crowded path. "Have you a design in mind or what particular one you want?"

She nodded, still not noticing Rhage following in Dhare and hers' wake. "Yep! I actually managed to find some paper and a pencil to draw it up." Quickly she passed a folded paper to Dhare who immediately inspected it.

He grunted, "This is quite ceremonial. Ornate. This seems impractical."

"That's the point, though. It is meant as a physical reminder of the peace agreement."

"Why do you care so much? I mean no disrespect, Artemis, but I must ask." Dhare cast his golden gaze down to the human who walked at his side, her hands folded across her chest. She was quiet for a moment as they turned the corner.

"Because, you're my people now. Why wouldn't I?"

Dhare simply grunted in acknowledgement as they continued, his eyes glancing at her every now and then as he led her.

Artemis cared because the clan was now an extension of her family, her new people. Rhage's people. If he cared, then she cared. She loved him and wanted to help him keep the peace, even though this Desert Clan had nasty ways. Giving a physical manifestation of that tepid peace that was maintained would perhaps convince that clan to get along with the Blue Spear. It was obvious that Rhage, Dhare, and the others on the council had been tense all day over something concerning the Saqqarians, so it made sense to come up with a solution.

This had worked in the past...so surely it would work now? It had to.

She wasn't a warrior or "blooded" in the eyes of the clan and Rhage, but she had use elsewhere other than bringing their unborn child into the world. Being something other than the human who carried his "pup" was her mission and she was determined to make her place in this new life she had. Standing beside Rhage, an alien who led his people, she could show she wasn't weak and useless. Perhaps this would be one of the ways she would prove her love for Rhage since she was too shy to admit it yet.

Before she knew it they were standing in a large black room with a giant kiln-like structure in the center where Kokum and a few others were hard at work smithing. Kokum stopped his work and cleaned his hands as he approached them, his predatory grey eyes switching from Dhare to Artemis in question.

"Artemis. Dhare. What brings you to the forge?"

He stood on the opposite side of the black rectangular table they stood at. A large hand wrapped around a metal tankard and brought it to his mouth where he drank a deep draft. His grey and green skin glistened in the firelight of the kiln as he organized the many papers scattered across the surface of the table.

"I need something made. I intend to gift it to the Desert Clan." The paper passed from her hands to Kokum's where he inspected it. A sharp clicking emanated from him while he studied it, something she hoped was promising.

Kokum's grey orbs met Artemis's as he leaned forward to rest his elbows on the table. "Why do you wish to gift those savages such a thing? They could turn it on us."

"I share the same fear." Dhare grumbled, obvious displeasure in his voice.

"Which is why it'll look like that." She pointed at the design on the paper, "It's ceremonial and not actually meant for any use but to look formidable and a reminder."

"A reminder for what?" Queried Kokum, taking another draft of his drink. Dhare chittered in agreement.

Artemis simply smiled darkly, "That should the peace be ended then death will come their way."

Rhage had been telling her about the negotiations earlier that morning and all day she had devised this brilliant plan. He was close to war, something Dhare wanted to avoid as well as the rest of the council. War was the one thing they wanted to avoid. So Artemis took it upon herself to bring forth something that could potentially fix this.

Her love's clan was supposedly bigger and well armed compared to the smaller one on Saqqar. This was the plan she hoped would be tossed into Dhare's own plan in negotiations.

"I did not take you one for politics, Artemis." Dhare noted once he and Kokum spoke back and forth in their native tongue, both seemingly impressed.

She shrugged, one hand rubbing her rounded tummy. Her eyes were focused on the drawing of what she wanted it to look like. The thing looked formidable and deadly, but it wouldn't be worthy of anything beyond a cold reminder to not fuck with her man.

"Politics on Earth is mostly rigged by the wealthy so I had zero interest. Here there are actual stakes and a way I can be useful to the clan rather than just a background character."

"It pleases me that you take a vested interest in the clan despite being roped into your situation." Kokum nodded with respect, his long locs that just reached his chest swung about as he moved to lean his side against the table. "Usually the mate of a clan leader does not take an active or even participating role in the business of the clan. She is usually there to show a united front, but you Artemis, you have the will to actually help the clan. I see why Rhage has chosen you as his life mate."

The two Yautja nodded together and both gave her a respectful bow, a gesture she would understand. Dhare and Kokum spoke again in their language before Kokum agreed to do it.

She was still blushing from the compliment Kokum had delivered when she met his eyes with a beaming smile, "I hope I'm allowed to take a more active role. I want to be useful. I will gladly help and support the people I love."

Both Yautja shared a look that she missed entirely. Artemis watched the Yautja still hammering away at a metallic object that was still blazing orange, the clang of his tool filling the otherwise silent room.

Helping Rhage was something she genuinely wanted to do. She owed him a lot for all he had done for her. The Yautja had become someone she was lucky to have in her life. It was too bad that she couldn't get the courage to tell him she loved him; loved him more than anything. Him and the baby had become her family, even Dhare was part of that since he was Rhage's son.

She never imagined she'd have a step-son, much less one about seven centuries older!

Dhare spoke up pulling her out of her thoughts, "Come, let me lead you to the common area. I am sure Rhage is worried."

"He'll get over it. Also, can we please not tell Rhage about this? I want it to be a surprise." Artemis addressed both of them, giving her best puppy-dog eyes and a big smile.

They both agreed with grumbled responses, neither happy to hide anything from Rhage it seemed.

"Thank you."

Artemis marched ahead and out into the hall with a silent Dhare who only sighed as she weaved her way through the hall. She had to beckon him to catch up as she practically jogged ahead. With garbled grumbled words he tore his way down the hall after her. His heavy footsteps stomped along the metal floor until he caught up with her and narrowed his eyes at the tiny human female.

"You should know that you trigger the hunting instincts of a Yautja when you do such a thing." He warned.

This was news to her. "Oh. I'm sorry. I'm so excited that I get to help you out. Rhage had talked about how frustrated you were."

It was interesting how similar Rhage and Dhare were. Like father, like son and so goes the saying. His mannerisms and way of speaking was so similar she could see Rhage in his younger years whenever she talked with Dhare or saw him. The familiarity was partly why she had grown to have a motherly way with him; family.

"Yes. Never run away from a Yautja unless it is for your life. It will be seen as a potential challenge and they will test to see if you are worthy prey." A thick clawed finger pointed her way as she nodded, eagerly taking in his advice.

She smiled at him widely, patting his thick arm — the action making Dhare tense at her touch. "Thanks for letting me know. See? I can learn something from you, step-son."

He shook his head and complained in his native tongue about humans, even though he was coming to see her as family, too. This human was his sire's chosen life mate and carried his younger sibling, after all, so she was part of the family. Admitting his familial affection to his sire would never happen but he would to her if it became necessary. If something were to happen to his sire then he would take care of her.

Whether he wanted to admit it or not, Dhare was glad she was wanting to help their cause.

• • •

Rhage had circled back around back to the commons where he was speaking with a Young Blood when he saw Artemis and Dhare walk in, his mate talking animatedly with the apathetic pup. He had stopped following them at the doorway of the forge and turned back. He trusted Artemis to not betray him, so he had felt foolish for being jealous. It was clear she wanted him instead of a younger male. It was also clear that she held his pup in a familial affection rather than sexual.

She marched right up to him and threw her arms around his waist. Her cheek nuzzled his abdomen when he encased her in his arms, purring gently.

"What were you discussing with Dhare?" Rhage noticed the pup had parted ways and had left the large room when his golden eyes met his green. Dhare avoided interaction entirely, something that was unlike his eldest pup.

Artemis gave him a sly smile full of secrets, "It's a surprise. I can't tell you."

He wrapped a large hand around her shoulders and led her to the food processor built into the wall. "Let me feed you and I can coerce your secrets out in the nest later."

Her cheeks turned rosy, much to his satisfaction. He loved that color on the her pale skin and especially loved it when her body blushed that color when he touched her. Just his touch turned her a rosy color on her chest and face. The current person of his thoughts happily went about inputting what she wanted to eat, a small hand caressing her swell.

"Thanks to the little one I'm always hungry lately. I could probably eat a horse sometimes."

"A horse? I could make that happen."

She balked, her features squinting in disgust, "Babe, it's an expression. I wouldn't actually eat a horse. It's just that sometimes I feel like I could eat a lot of food to feel full."

Rhage grunted in understanding. He had tasted such an animal many times and found the meat too tough and chewy. It was not his favorite during hunts on Earth. "I have consumed horse and it is quite chewy."

"You've eaten a horse? Whatever for?" The processor popped out a steaming plate of a dish consisting of noodles, red sauce, and rounded balls of meat — he remembered this to be spaghetti and meatballs. She happily snatched it and walked to sit at a metal table by a window that showed the passing stars.

He shrugged and joined her at the table, noticing the milling about Yautja moving to the other side of the room out of respect. They were to give her some space when in her presence. Having her have another PTSD episode wasn't on the agenda and thus he had implemented some rules for her convenience.

"Hunting on Earth. There were times that I was unable to source a meat market and instead had to resort to what I could find. These animals were plentiful before the invention of your motorized modes of transport." Another shrug as he leaned his forearms onto the table, his eyes drinking in the adorable sight of his little mate practically inhaling her meal.

"Wow. If I were starving I would choose to eat grass before I ate a horse. It's so...weird."

"To your kind, yes. To mine it is merely just another source of food, mate."

"Yes. I'm sorry. Humans are picky about what we eat, especially me." Her tiny pink tongue mesmerized him as it lapped up the sauce that had escaped her mouth. He could feel his loins threatening to tent his loincloth and was thankful he had put on his armor to hide it.