by Jade Waltz
“That explains so much. Why everything she has learned has been flooding her thoughts. She yearns to experience the things she read about. And why she is so hungry for knowledge. It was denied her.... Do we happen to know why they backed out of their deal with your client?” Xylo asked.
Kaede’s visor turned to Xylo, the display reflecting on its surface. “The night she was with the sire of her cubs changed everything. His semen apparently unlocked her ability to adapt, and she became pregnant. They backed out of the deal because they realized they may have succeeded. Further study was needed—they wanted her to birth her offspring for additional experimentation.”
He paused and returned to the screen, opening a few more displays.
“Yes, here. They theorize that her body used the sperm of her partner to manipulate her DNA, ensuring his sperm would be capable of fertilizing her eggs, as well as making her body capable of bringing her offspring to full term. Most importantly, they theorize she is likely capable of producing offspring with any of the Children. You can appreciate what danger this places both Selena and her offspring. It is still not known if she is capable of producing offspring with any non-Children species, or if there is any limit on how many attributes her body can adopt.” Kaede tapped again on his armband, then reached up to swipe an image of Selena’s body onto the display.
“These files contain the specifics of what they did to her. They infused her with nanobots—one of the most advanced of their mech technologies. They were designed to enhance her body’s natural healing abilities. Specifically, to allow her body to repair any damages that might arise from her adaptations—including breeding with or carrying and birthing offspring of vastly different species. To our knowledge, she has only mated with an Aldawi. Is this true?”
Kaede looked across the display at Xylo as though questioning the status of his and Selena’s relationship.
“Selena mentioned she had only been with the sire of her offspring once. She has not been with any of the crew on this ship, or they would have formed a permanent bond to her,” Xylo stated dryly.
“Something you’d like to change, right?” Kaede let out a short laugh.
“That is up to her, but yes, I am hoping she permanently seals our bond.”
Xylo could feel the others watching the exchange, and his vines shifted anxiously around his torso. He did not understand the direction of Kaede’s questioning. Of course, he hoped Selena fully accepted him. His petal-wings fluttered in frustration.
“Have any of you witnessed any odd behavior from Selena? Or has she mentioned anything that felt off to her?” Kaede asked.
“She has been growling and hissing at us and wondering why. She said it was unusual, but now I believe she must be displaying Aldawi traits?”
“Ah. That’s interesting. I wonder what else Selena’s body has adopted. I’d keep a close eye on her as she gets closer to delivery. Female Aldawi are known to be highly aggressive, especially when pregnant,” Kaede advised.
Ayces spoke up, “Do you have any knowledge about her offspring? We had assumed they would be Aldawi-human hybrids, but now, I’m not so sure. Has she been altered so much, she is capable of producing full Aldawi offspring?”
Kaede swiped again at his projection, closing the image of Selena and bringing up a new file. Silence fell as Xylo and his colleagues watched Kaede work.
“The Yaarkins didn’t record any theories about the offspring their Project Adapt generation would produce, even after their discovery of Selena’s pregnancy. It’s possible they didn’t have time. We’ll have to simply prepare for anything. I’ll provide you copies of the files we gathered from the Yaarkin ship. Hopefully, they’ll assist in your research.” Kaede swiped the display to close the file, then ended the projection. He tapped a few more moments on his armband, and the Circuli’s wristbands all dinged. “I’ve sent all four of you the files. Make sure they are kept secure.”
“How did you send the files without our wristbands’ info?” Chyox demanded.
Kaede’s deep, melodious laughter filled the infirmary.
Xylo eyed his colleagues as he wondered what was so funny. Their facial expressions mirrored his confusion.
Chyox asked pointedly, “What have I said that you find so humorous?”
Kaede brought himself under control, then fell into parade rest—feet shoulder-length apart, hands clasped behind him.
“Your ship is old. Its network is child's play to me. I’m fully capable of managing a whole fleet's worth of attack drones or an entire planet’s network. To ensure Selena’s safety, I’ve hacked your network and have full access. Nothing on this ship can remain hidden from me, and I can protect Selena from anywhere aboard the Destiny. If required, I could even override your captain’s control. I have no plans to—but know that nothing will prevent me from keeping Selena safe. You four are responsible for her health and that of her offspring. Leave everything else to me,” Kaede stated with full authority.
Xylo couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Not only was Kaede known to be dangerous and highly capable in physical combat, but Xylo could scarcely comprehend the mental strength and ability required to do what Kaede had stated. He wondered if Kaede’s concealing uniform hid clues to explain how he was capable of such impossibilities.
“If there are no further questions, I’m going to go collect Selena for dinner. It’s about time to eat and she has expended a lot of energy this afternoon.”
Xylo logged off his workstation, nodding in agreement.
“I believe that is sufficient for today. Kaede is right. It is almost time for dinner. We can go over the files together tomorrow after Selena’s morning checkup. I will bring her to the infirmary before breakfast,” Xylo stated.
He exchanged glances with Chyox, Ayces, and Usthu.
Chyox huffed and started, “I do not know how I feel about you having access to everything, Kaede. I am going to report this to the princes—”
“It has already been explained to them, and they understand the situation. My goal is the safety of Selena and her offspring and to ensure your safe arrival at CEG HQ.”
“I will feel more comfortable if I speak with them myself. But I agree, Xylo, we might as well quit for the evening and go over Kaede’s files tomorrow,” Chyox grumbled.
He was clearly not happy about Kaede having complete access to Destiny.
Chapter Fifteen
Xylo
Xylo stepped inside the terrarium with Kaede by his side. The male next to him hadn’t said much during their short walk, other than the occasional comment about the ship. The terrarium was humid and warm; his vines could taste the saltiness in the air.
Xylo glanced down at his wristband.
Selena had been in the terrarium for some time, and it looked like she was still at the pond. The tug on his courting bond agreed. He wondered why she was still here. There could not possibly be enough to keep her occupied for so many hours.
He picked up the pace as he strode through the fields, trying to ignore the siren call of the grass and the soil. He missed the feeling of rooting his feet in the ground to feed—to connect with nature. They had been on the Destiny and away from Circul for far too long. Though he could sustain himself by consuming food and drink, it was not nearly as soul-satisfying as feeding from nature. But that would have to wait, there was certainly no leisure to do so now. Perhaps he and Selena could come back to the terrarium to talk while he connected with the land. They had important topics to address, and he wanted to find time for them to get to know one another.
Kaede interrupted his musing. “What do you think about Odelm?”
Xylo eyed Kaede, wondering at his question.
“He is a good musician. Keeps to himself usually. Why?”
“Selena had lunch with him. He brought her here to teach her to swim.”
“To swim?”
Xylo was dumbfounded. Why would she want to do that? Though she was certainly safe learning with Odelm. Swimming was th
“See for yourself.”
Xylo sped up, quickly outdistancing Kaede.
Nearing the pond, Xylo’s eyes skimmed the dark blue water, searching for Selena. He found her out in the center—the deepest part of the pond. She had her back turned to him, laughing and splashing, her bronze skin shining in the terrarium lights.
Odelm hovered nearby. He noticed Xylo’s approach and said something to Selena, too distant to hear. Selena turned to face him.
“Xylo! Come in! The water’s amazing!” she yelled, her face lit with an infectious smile as her tinkling laughter echoed across the water.
Water lapped at Xylo’s feet as he watched with a bemused smile.
“Aren’t you going to go fetch her?” Kaede questioned as he strolled up beside him.
Xylo glanced nervously at the mysterious man before looking back at the pair in the water. Selena and Odelm watched him, the huge smile still spread across her face as the water dripped from her silver hair. Odelm smirked.
“Selena... Wudox do not swim well. I am sure Odelm must have mentioned this. How about you come to shore and dry off? It is almost time for dinner. If we leave now, we can beat the crowd,” Xylo coaxed as he inched into the water.
“You aren’t any fun!” Selena accused with a playful pout.
Kaede broke out laughing, and Xylo turned to him in shock. Kaede crossed the sand and dropped down next to Selena’s gown on the grassy edge. He settled back and crossed his legs, typing something into his personal armband. Xylo watched him work the projection that sprang up for a moment, trying to figure out what to say.
Kaede glanced at him and shrugged. “It seems like this is going to take some time. I’m going to wait here and work while you have fun gathering her.”
Clearly Kaede had also realized Odelm had set him up and did not care to help. Xylo thought about it. He did not want to make a fool of himself, but he also did not want to upset Selena.
“Selena—”
“Xylo, Odelm told me how the Wudox float and have issues swimming. I wanted to see. Can you show me, please?” Selena switched to mind speak as she begged, “I promise I won’t do anything to embarrass you or ask you to do this again.”
Xylo took in a deep breath and let it out to ease his nerves. He wanted to keep her smiling, to hear her radiant laughter. He would do almost anything for her.
“Just this once.”
She screeched, and her eyes lit up. He could feel her happiness through their bond.
Xylo took a few hesitant steps further, the water warm against his cool skin. When he was knee-deep, he unwrapped his vines and spread them out for balance. As the water deepened, he could feel it’s resistance increase. It was now or never. Steeling himself, he leapt into the air, attempting to dive into the water—only to float back to the surface instantly.
He now lay on his back, staring up at the terrarium’s dome. He considered a moment, then tried to paddle with his vines beneath the surface, keeping his arms and legs locked against his body. Slow. He was making some progress, but his petal-wings dragged like anchors, no matter how tightly he tried to fold them to his body.
A splash from the center of the pond made Xylo glance over. Selena smiled at him. Something wrapped around his vines beneath the surface and yanked. Xylo gasped and swallowed a mouthful of water. As he choked, struggling to free his vines, his body was propelled through the water. Just as his vines were released, Selena grabbed his arm with both hands.
Her face beamed with happiness and he was struck by her beauty.
“It’s true. You really can’t swim.”
Odelm’s head broke the surface beside Selena, the ripples rocking Xylo’s body in the water. Odelm’s faded violet hair wreathed his head as he tilted it toward Selena.
He smirked. “It seemed you could use some help. And Selena could use the flotation device since she seems to be starting to tire.”
Concern flooded him. “Are you? Why did you not get out sooner?”
Selena rolled her eyes and slapped the water’s surface, sending a large spray of water into Odelm’s face.
“Female...”
“We went over this. Se-lee-nah. It’s Selena.”
“Your nestqueen is an interesting female, Xylo.”
Xylo tried not to feel threatened by Odelm and Selena’s playful behavior. Odelm had just made it clear she had not court-bonded with him. He must not hold Selena to their species’ standards. Perhaps they were good for one another. Odelm could keep her company while Xylo was busy with his research, and she seemed to be bringing Odelm out of his shell.
While he wanted to be able to make Selena happy on his own, he could not think of a better potential nestbrother. Odelm was an honorable male who had been treated badly; Xylo wouldn’t prevent Selena from spending time with him. Perhaps it was the fate the Stars willed, though Xylo would allow whatever formed between them to happen organically. Selena did not need anyone else dictating to her.
“I granted your wish, Selena, and I am out here to help keep you afloat. But do you think we can now go back to shore for dinner? Surely, you are hungry?” Xylo hoped she would agree to head back.
Selena bit her bottom lip. “Odelm, do you think you could tow us back to shore?”
Xylo glanced at the male in question, whose eyes twinkled with mirth, and added, “I am useless out here. Care to help us out?”
Odelm burst out laughing, causing waves to ripple the water around him. “I did not think you would ask. Are you sure it will not hurt your pride?”
“If I were worried about my pride, I would not be out here.”
Odelm smirked. “Sure, I can help. Just do not make this a daily occurrence.”
“I do not plan on it. This was a one-time deal.” Xylo looked over at Selena. “Unless she changes her mind.”
“Now I know you weren’t exaggerating about the Wudox not being able to swim well, I’m ready to go in.” Her grip on Xylo’s arm tightened, and her blue-green eyes locked on his. “Thank you for putting up with my experiment. I appreciate it.”
“Hold onto him tight, Selena. I am going to pull you both in.”
Xylo wrapped his arm around Selena, pinning her to his side. She gasped, then her arms circled his stomach. He twisted his top two vines around her lower torso, securing her to him.
Xylo nodded to Odelm. “Ready.”
Odelm dove. His tentacles grabbed hold, and Selena gasped as they lurched into motion. She laughed with delight as they sped toward shore.
Water splashed in her face, and she coughed.
“What’s in the water that tastes so bad?”
“That would be salt. It is like Earth’s oceans. I think you probably read about those in your studies?”
“Yes, but it’s disgusting!”
“You aren’t supposed to drink it, Selena,” Xylo chuckled.
Odelm released them, and they drifted the last few tiqs to shore. Xylo stood, hip height in the water, untangling himself from Selena. He watched as she flipped her hair back, pushing it out of her face, using her hands to wring out the excess water.
Odelm joined them as they made their way to shore.
Selena stopped in front of Kaede, her hands on her hips.
“Kaede! Why didn’t you join us?”
Kaede closed his display and looked up at Selena, placing his gloved hands on his knees.
“Some of us have work to do. I’m still setting up security aboard ship.” Kaede grabbed Selena’s gown and stood up. “Are you going to get dried off and dressed for dinner?”
He waited for a response, holding out the gown to her. As she tried to grab it, Kaede jerked it out of reach, holding it above her head. Selena hissed, causing Kaede to laugh.
“No fair!” she growled.
“Who said anything about fair? I’m just having fun as you wanted,” Kaede teased. “Besides, you’re soaked. You can’t put this on wet.”
Selena turned to Xylo. “How am I going to dry off? Do you have any towels nearby? I don’t want to walk around naked, wet, and barefoot on the metal floors.”
Xylo peered at Odelm, who shrugged in reply. He looked over at Kaede, eyeing his cape.
“Forget about it.” Kaede cut him off before he could even ask.
Xylo considered.
“Circuli can absorb water through our vines and tentacles. It is part of how we both taste and absorb liquid nutrients. So, I should be able to dry you off with my vines. And if you ask Odelm, he may offer his assistance.”
His solution caused Selena’s cheeks to deepen in color. He wondered at the cause. It was a common ability, often used to regulate body temperature or ingest nutrients and fluids. There was nothing to be awkward about. It was a nestmate’s job to take care of their nestqueen.
Selena eyed Odelm as she bit her bottom lip. “If you don’t mind, Odelm, I would appreciate it. Care to help out one more time? Or have you had enough hanging out with this ‘female’ today?”
Odelm glanced at Xylo and smirked. “I will aid you in drying your nestqueen. It is getting late, and I have a performance after dinner.” He turned back to Selena and added, “You are an interesting ‘female’ alright. Different than any other I have met.”
“Oh! If you’re performing again, I want to hear it. I do love your music, Odelm.” Selena turned to Xylo. “Do whatever you need to so I can get dressed. We can have dinner with Odelm before he has to perform.”
Xylo smiled at her. She was already starting to behave like a true nestqueen. He was glad she was becoming more comfortable and confident—interacting with others.
“Okay, hold your arms up for us,” Xylo instructed.
Her cheeks darkened once more, but she widened her stance and raised her arms out to her side.
Stepping closer, he opened the petals at the tips of his vines and placed them gently against her, pulling the moisture from her skin. Behind her, Odelm did the same, the cups on his tentacles wicking the water away. He traced his vines along her legs absorbing every drop of fluid.
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