Family Discussion
997 Words
We've barely made it to the Explorer when Skit shows up with all our bags that we left in his quarters. "Tell me this isn't happening." He whisper shouts.
I smile weakly, and place my hand on his shoulder. "If I did: I would be lying."
Captain James introduces himself to Skit, and then introduces Tiger as his first officer. I don't have to ask, I understand that's his position in the crew. Skit taps into my understanding, and doesn't ask either.
Skit replies, "It's nice to meet you. I'm Vlon's first younger brother, Skit."
They all do a hand gripping.
"Let me show you to your new quarters." Tiger volunteers.
As we walk I quietly ask Skit, "Have you seen Celka?"
"Not yet." He answers.
"It's up to you to find her, and make sure she doesn't cause any problems." I inform him, "Use Captain Ton if you have to."
"I'll do whatever it takes." Skit promises, "She won't be the cause of you not getting the warrior test."
Tiger stops at a doorway. "This is your quarters. I'll give you time to get settled, and discuss whatever has you being so hushed."
I sense a little pain in his statement. I grimace. "I'm sorry, but I promise to explain everything; after the warrior test, provided I win. If I lose: none of this will matter."
Tiger gives me a friendly punch in my upper arm and declares, "With the way you handled those three: I have every confidence you'll be returning with us tomorrow."
"Thanks." I tell him, without looking in his eyes. I can't risk our connection getting stronger right now.
Tiger turns and walks away. Valor follows him.
Jorman opens our door and goes in. Skit follows. I enter last. The door closes automatically behind me.
Skit takes our bags off the carrier.
I grab Jorman into a hug. When I release him I demand, "No matter what happens tomorrow: you stay with Tenate Tiger Blaze, you perform the space twin ceremony with Skit's assistance if I lose, and you leave here on the Maiden Explorer as a member of the crew."
"Jorman found a space twin?" Skit asks in amazement.
I smile as I inform him, "Earlier today. We discovered it when I was teaching the computer how to tell space time. We were going to tell you at dinner tonight."
"The ceremony is the day after tomorrow." Jorman volunteers.
"Kiki and I will be glad to attend." Skit states, "But I expect Vlon to be available to be your helper."
I turn off my translator to be safe. My brothers do the same. I face Skit. "Whatever you do, don't say anything to reveal my gender. Don't call me a guy either, or they might be able to claim purposeful deception."
"That's why you need Celka silenced?" Skit confirms.
"She is a loose monster in all this." Jorman says with a chuckle.
I roll my eyes and return my attention to Skit. "You need to talk to Captain Ton, and his Chief of Security, Arkner. Tell Arkner I need to borrow his spare warrior uniform, and where to bring it to."
"He's the Warvian who did your fight training behind mom's back." Skit confirms with a chuckle. "She would have hated him until she died for that, if she had known. I'm grateful he did. It's why I know you're going to win tomorrow."
"If I do a proper relax and stretch I've got a good chance." I say with a sigh.
"Warvians prepare with constant battles." Jorman points out.
I grab him into another hug as I tell him, "Between the Nyrarian blood, and being female, Arkner and I discovered my greatest strength is my flexibility."
"I should get going." Skit states, "The sooner I find Celka the sooner I can make sure she doesn't cause any problems."
I give him a hug. He's gotten so big in the last year, he's now actually bigger than me. "Remember: there's other empaths around, so if you think of me: think of me as a warrior."
"You've always been the warrior in our family." Skit points out, "No one else put mom in her place like you. That's why she had such a hard time dealing with you."
"Don't forget to turn your translator back on." I remind him as he turns to leave with the carrier.
After the door closes I turn to Jorman. "Pick a sleeping space, and put your bags in it. Then you can go find your space twin, and have some fun."
"Can I sleep in his quarters?"
"If it's alright with his brother." I answer, "It's fine with me."
"Great, we can keep planning the space twin ceremony!" He practically shouts.
"You told him about exchanging blood?" I check.
Jorman nods excitedly, grinning widely he explains, "They have something on their planet called blood brothers, that involves exchanging blood. He's always wanted one, so if anything telling him only made him more excited for the ceremony."
I chuckle. "Then turn your translator back on, and get to doing what I said."
I take my own instruction and turn my translator on. Then I sit on the couch, close my eyes, and start taking deep breaths.
I hear the door to the corridor open, followed by Jorman saying, "Hey Tiger, or Tenate Blaze, whatever I'm supposed to call you now. I was just about to come find you. Can I sleep in your quarters tonight?"
"Sure." Tiger answers, "And unless we're on duty you can just call me Tiger. I'll be hanging out with Vlon if you need me."
"Sounds good." Jorman replies, before running down the corridor.
"Our brothers are really close." Tiger states as he enters.
I open my eyes and inform him, "They're only going to get closer after they perform the space twin ceremony."
One side of his lips raise slightly. "That's good to know, but I'm not here to talk about them."
- Writer
