by Jade Waltz
One of the screens panned away from Selena toward the shore. Kaede stood on the black sand and nodded at the camera. Then the camera turned to Kaede’s right, focusing farther along the shore. Odelm ran through the shallow water toward Selena. Xylo watched as he dove into the water, then the camera panned back to its original focus.
Xylo heard movement behind him. Glancing over his shoulder, he saw the others had gathered around, their eyes on his wristband.
Returning his gaze to the screen, he watched Odelm say something angrily to the three Ulax males, then tow Selena back to shore. Both Kaede and Odelm talked to Selena, who was yanking her clothes over her wet body but seemed otherwise unharmed.
Xylo sighed in relief.
The screens blackened, and a message popped up:
“SELENA IS FINE. I GOT IT COVERED. NO PROBLEMS. SELENA IS HUNGRY. GOING TO SUITE TO CHANGE. MEET AT HER FAVORITE CAFE. -K”
Stunned, Xylo paused a moment before closing the screen.
He shut his eyes and focused on his thread to Selena. She was calm if a bit irritated. The irritation at the grit in her sandals was uppermost in her mind, followed closely by thoughts of what she wanted to order for dinner and curiosity about what Odelm would play later.
Opening his eyes, he turned to his princes.
“If there is nothing else you require, I am going to join my nestqueen for dinner. You are welcome to join me.”
Chapter Twenty-One
Selena
As we arrived at my favorite café, I saw Xylo approaching from the opposite direction with his coworkers and the princes. Apparently, we were to have company for dinner. I stepped closer to wrap my arms around him as he reached my side, pressing my cheek against his soft fuzzy chest.
Xylo nodded at Kaede before looking down at me, searching my eyes with concern. “You okay, Selena?”
I nodded, wondering if our deeper bond had alerted him I was feeling unsettled.
“Kaede told me you were hungry and were planning on dinner at the café. I am finished my work for the day and thought we would join you.”
Ah! Clearly his conversation with Kaede had been about more than dinner, but I didn’t mind.
“I am glad you’re here,” I whispered against his chest, giving him a small smile.
Xylo returned my smile.
Pulling away, I glanced around at the group, then glanced into the insanely packed café. I hadn’t seen it this packed before—it was a little daunting.
“Do you think we can find a table? Is there one large enough for so many of us?”
“There are a few booths large enough to accommodate nine,” Prince V’dim reassured me.
“And I am hungry. I will find us something.” Prince Z’fir headed into the cafe.
We followed the princes to a large booth against the glass wall, opposite the stage. Prince Z’fir gestured for me to go first, and I slid into the center seat. Xylo and the healers sat to my left, and Odelm slid in on my right, followed by the princes.
Placing our orders, we made small talk as we waited for their arrival. When the dishes arrived, silence fell on the booth as we fell to our meals.
Odelm straightened and glared over my head at Xylo. “You need to take better care of your nestqueen, Xylo. If I had not been at the terrarium, Selena could have had been in trouble—”
“You’re forgetting I was keeping an eye on her, Odelm. I knew you were headed her way, but if you hadn’t been, I’d have stepped in myself,” Kaede interrupted mockingly.
“I still don’t—"
“Silence!” Prince V’dim barked, not allowing Odelm to continue his harangue. I felt a calming blanket descend over the group. His turquoise eyes focused on me. “Selena, can you tell me why Odelm is so angry at Xylo?”
Everyone turned to focus on me, making me want to shrink away from their stares. Xylo slid his hand into mine and squeezed, reassuring me. Grateful, I gave his hand a squeeze in return.
“I wanted to relax in the pond and got lost looking up at the stars, so I was surprised when three Ulax appeared. That’s all. I didn’t know how to respond, and hadn’t realized I’d drifted into deep water, so I was relieved when Odelm came to my rescue.” I looked at up Odelm and smiled. “Speaking of which, I didn’t get a chance to thank you properly. Thank you, Odelm.”
“I am glad I was there to help you.” He tossed another irritated glance over my head at Xylo.
“And I’m glad we became friends.”
Odelm startled, looking back down at me in bewilderment. “You are one strange female.” He shrugged, then returned my smile.
“What Selena isn’t telling you is all the Ulax were unmated males. They were questioning why she made Master Scholar Xylo her nestmate instead of choosing someone like them, members of the Warrior Class,” Kaede interjected.
Prince Z’fir looked irritated. “They should have known better than to pressure a female, especially when she is pregnant and alone. We will have to make another—stronger—announcement.” His expression softened. “I am sorry that you had to deal with rude warriors, Selena, but I am glad you came to no harm.”
“Another?” I didn’t hear the rest, still stuck on his previous comment. “What announcement?”
He blinked in surprise. “We made a ship-wide announcement that you were a special guest and Kaede your personal bodyguard. The crew was ordered to give you space, so you would not become overwhelmed, especially with your history. We told them to only engage you in conversation if you first addressed them.”
“So that’s why everyone has been ignoring me?” I tilted my head at Odelm. “Other than Odelm, but I believe that’s more my fault than his.”
“Yes. We wanted to allow you the freedom to explore the ship without risking miscommunication or causing anxiety if you were uncomfortable being approached. We wanted to give you time to settle in.”
“That was kind. Thank you Prince Z’fir, Prince V’dim.” I nodded to each of them in turn. I was grateful, but I wondered if they were simply being polite, or if they really thought me so fragile.
As I thought about what had happened, about who the males were that had approached me, I blurted, “How can I tell who is a part of the Warrior Class and who isn’t? Other than everyone at this table, I haven’t talked to many others. You don’t wear clothes or anything to indicate your rank. At least, not that I’ve seen.”
Xylo set his drink down and faced me. “Our names and titles mainly. All members of the Warrior Class have their names shortened when they pass from the Academy to the Caedrel, where they choose their specialty and enter the appropriate graduate program. So, Head of Security K’dyth, who you met during that unfortunate encounter in the infirmary, was called Kadyth before entering the Caedrel. Even the princes chose shortened forms of their given names. All other classes—Artisans like Odelm, Scholars like myself or Chyox, or Merchants—retain their given name.”
“So, the princes had a different name when they were born?”
“No, not born. We are not named until we leave the hatchery—either claimed by someone who wishes to pass down their knowledge or sent to the Academy to become Warriors. But yes, he was given a different name when he was claimed from the hatchery—”
Prince Z’fir interjected, “Zafir. I was called Zafir before graduating to the Caedrel and shortening it to Z’fir.”
I nodded, smiling over at Prince Z’fir, returning my attention to Xylo when he began speaking again.
“The majority of the crew aboard ship are members of the Warrior Class, other than a handful of Artisans, Scholars, and Merchants. And, of course the nestqueens—”
Prince Z’fir broke in again, “Technically, Circuli nestqueens are members of one of the Classes—but in most cases, it is in name only. Once they choose nestmates, their sole focus becomes about the procreation of young, and their nestmates are expected to support them. Those who have joined us on the Destiny are different. They do not wish to live such circumscribed lives. They want to be abl
e to choose their lives. And some of them want to ensure they do not lose their nestmates—” Prince Z’fir cut himself off with a weighted look at Prince V’dim.
I looked back and forth between them, wondering if he would continue. An uncomfortable silence fell upon the booth.
After a moment, I abandoned the wait and simply asked, “Why would they lose their nestmates?”
Prince Z’fir paused for a long moment, then Prince V’dim answered, “Circuli society does not tolerate unproductive members of society. A number of the nestqueens who joined our voyage had favored Warrior nestmates who were maimed in the Yaarkin War. Alive and healed of their wounds, but unable to fulfill their duties in the Warrior Class. So, they were lost...”
“Wait, what? What do you mean they were lost?”
“They were killed. There is no such thing as charity, welfare, or caring for the aged or infirm. When Circuli are unable to contribute, they are lost to us.”
Another pregnant pause at the table, then Prince Z’fir picked up the thread. “This is part of the reason we are on the Destiny, Selena. To find another way. To provide new opportunities for the disenfranchised. To have the opportunity to start over without being beholden to our society’s rigid rules and stratification. Our dream is to find a planet that can support a colony and settle there. When the Yaarkin War ended, the Aldawi gifted us this ship—a model scheduled to be decommissioned—and agreed to allow us to search Aldawi territory for a habitable planet. If we find one, we can settle it, so long as we establish and support an outpost there for them.”
“We had to seize this opportunity, though our Queen mothers felt we were foolish. When we started recruiting volunteers for this exploration, we knew a number of Circuli felt there must be another way—who agreed with us—but we had no idea how many,” Prince V’dim explained. “All told, the ship is now home to one hundred females with their three hundred and fifty mated males, four hundred males in male-to-male relationships, and one hundred fifty males who were either rejected or unmated. And none wish to return to Circul.”
“Have you found any planets that fit your needs yet?” I asked.
“We are beginning to lose hope, and that is part of the reason we were heading to CEG HQ when we came across your escape pod. It has been five years since we left our home planet. We have not found anything remotely suitable and were hoping to enlist Aldawi aid. We want to find something close to populated Aldawi territory—under closer Aldawi protection. Too close to the fringe and the likelihood of attack from outside the CEG rises considerably.”
The booth descended into a morose silence.
Given what Odelm and Xylo had told me about the Circuli’s connection to nature, I could see how an extended trip through space would be difficult. But to me? Traveling the stars for five years sounded terrific. I was used to life on a spaceship—indeed, I had never been planet-side.
Kaede broke into my thoughts. “So, Selena. Have you thought about names for your offspring yet?”
Surprised naming my children had never crossed my mind, I responded, “No. It hadn’t even occurred to me. Until I met you, having a name hadn’t even occurred to me. I was simply 5313-3F.”
The others looked shocked, and Xylo’s grip tightened on my hand. No one spoke, but I saw the others glancing at one another.
I coughed, searching for a way to take the focus off me again. “So, umm... How do Ulax and Wudox name their offspring?”
“When my fathers adopted me, they combined their names, creating Odelm. They raised me as their own,” Odelm admitted.
Surprised that Odelm was the one to answer me, that he was sharing a part of his history with us, I leaned toward him encouragingly.
“What did they do? Since you aren’t a member of the Warrior Class, I am assuming they raised you differently?”
A smile crossed his face. “They were a Ulax and Wudox unmated couple and fairly successful members of the Merchant Class, so we never stayed in one place very long, and I was often left to my own devices. Digging through the varied merchandise was a favorite pastime. That was how they discovered I had a talent for music. When I was a youngling, I found an instrument buried in a pile of goods and it piqued my curiosity. I began playing with it, and when my fathers came back to the storage bay, they discovered me. That was the moment they knew I would never be a Merchant, and they made sure I had instruments and music from then on. I spent long hours teaching myself every instrument and song they brought back, and eventually, they had me perform for some of their clients. That is how I became known.”
“Are they still alive?”
“Yes. They were among the first Circuli merchants to trade off-planet with other species in CEG. When I joined the Destiny’s mission, they told me they would join me—when we found a hospitable planet—to be able to see me whenever they were planet-side. I have not seen them since we left five years ago.” The smile fell from his face.
“I am sorry, Odelm. Hopefully, the Aldawi will be able to help, and you will see them soon.”
Turning toward Xylo, I rested my hand on his hip petals. “What about you? How did you get your name?”
He glanced at Odelm before meeting my eyes. “Odelm and I came from the same hatchery. I was adopted by an unmated couple also, but my fathers were both widely known healers in the capital. Whereas they specialized in both Ulax and Wudox anatomy and healing, I was more interested in learning about other species in CEG—about their culture and physiology. I would not be where I am now without their support and assistance—nor without the princes asking me to join them. This opportunity to interact with other species is everything I have dreamed of, but I, too, have not seen my fathers since we left Circul. Once we find a new home, I will send word, but they have no drive to explore space.”
“But how did you come by your name?” I pressed.
Xylo shrugged. “They never did tell me how they chose it. I have always assumed it was just a name they liked.”
I leaned back for a moment, thinking.
“So, how do Aldawi name their cubs?”
Odelm started, and Kaede gave me a warning look—then he leaned back and rubbed a horn with his gloved hand as he thought.
“All Aldawi cubs get their mother's surname—though if she allows the sire to claim them his name is appended to hers. Traditionally, first names for littermates are chosen with some sort of theme in mind. So... a litter born during a storm? The cubs might be given storm-related names. Sometimes, the theme is as simple as all names starting with the same letter or perhaps rhyming.”
I snorted. “Rhyming? That seems like it might get silly and possibly confusing.”
“I think that is the point.”
Kaede laughed.
I squeezed Xylo’s hand underneath the table and leaned against him, bringing his attention back to me. “What do you think? What should I name them?”
Xylo looked at me, shocked. “You are asking me?”
“Of course. You are to be their co-father. And I know nothing about naming children. I mean, I’m sure no one at this table does”—I spotted Ayces across the table—“Ayces! You’re the Hatchery Manager. Do you have experience naming males?”
Ayces looked shocked, then stammered, “Y-Yes, I name the males left at the hatchery when they are sent to the Academy.”
“So, how do you come up with names? You can tell me your naming secrets!” I asked with excitement.
He looked over at both of his prince. “Do I have to answer this question?” he pleaded.
The table laughed, and Ayces took a long sip of his drink as if trying to hide behind the glass.
Once the chuckles died down, he responded. “I look up the name of the exact shade of their skin and rearrange the letters. If more than one has the same shade, I just add the first few letters of something that describes them.”
I paused, then nodded thoughtfully. It might not be appropriate for my children—no, my cubs—but it gave me something to think about.
Odelm excused himself to perform, and Ayces took the opportunity to escape. The other healers followed soon after.
I leaned against Xylo, his vines wrapped loosely around my waist and back. The princes nursed their drinks, a few of their tentacles and vines entangled. Kaede focused on something on his personal armband, minding his own business.
Contentment flooded through me as I closed my eyes and listened to Odelm’s performance.
I could get used to moments like this.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Selena
The sway of my body woke me.
Opening my eyes, I noticed I was no longer in the café. Xylo had returned me to our suite. My head rested on Xylo’s chest as he cradled me against his body, both arms and vines supporting me in incredible comfort.
I sighed and rubbed my cheek against his chest, breathing in his scent. He smelled like the green tea he’d given me last night—a sweet herbal scent.
“You are awake.”
“I’m sorry I fell asleep. You should’ve woken me instead of carrying me all the way here.” I nuzzled his chest in apology.
“You had a long day, and your body needs all the rest it can get. It was not a problem. You are not heavy, and I liked being able to do this for you.”
He carried me to the L-shaped couch and laid me down gently, untangling his vines, then wrapping them around his torso.
“Why do you do that?”
“Do what?” Xylo asked, looking confused.
“Wrap your vines around your torso. Everyone keeps their tentacles or vines wrapped tightly—I’ve been wondering why.”
He looked down at his vines before meeting my eyes again.
“Habit, mostly. It is both instinct and considerate. We are taught as younglings how to shield—that they are an added layer of protection for our important organs. And it enables us to move freely in confined spaces without becoming entangled with one another. Even out in the open, they can interfere with quick movement.”