Aykeetan

by Harpie Alexander

  “Excellent. This is excellent news. Are you having symptoms? When was your last cycle? How long did you breed for? Are you experiencing any pain, stiffness, tenderness...”

  My mate stiffens next to me, so I cut him off entirely. He’s a little too eager for this distraction, and this conversation should take place in private, not while the entire crew are getting drunk listening in.

  “Lets just stop the questions, Dr. Dushaad. Can we go down into the medical for more privacy, and maybe some testi...”

  And before I even finish my sentence, he races out of the room, presumably to medical.

  “Well, that went well. What in the world was that all about?” my lovely mate asks.

  “I’ll tell you after our visit in medical.”

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Jane

  I don’t know why he’s so insistent on going to medical. There’s only a small chance we could be pregnant. However, this is a good time to talk to the doctor about younglings. Aykeetan makes it sound like I’m going to bust out a litter, and while having a large family is something I’m looking forward to, I’m not sure what my body can handle.

  Several kids? Fine. Several kids at once? Nope.

  How would we even take care of a litter of kids all at once anyways? Between feedings, diaper changes, naps? Did I mention to my mate that I love to sleep in, because if I haven’t yet, I’m going to have to say something.

  I groan thinking I’m going to look like one of the women who pops out children for a living, a kid on each nip plus two in her lap, and another ten scattered about doing who knows what.

  Don’t get me wrong, I would love to have three to four little ones. It’s what I’ve always dreamed of, but I also want to be able to spend time with my children. It would be horrid if I made them feel like I didn’t have time for them. I had great parents, but I was a lonely child, and since I never thought I would be having any kids, I never really put any thought into what kind of a parent I’m going to be.

  “Jane, love? What are you thinking about right now?” He pulls me out of my thoughts in the middle of the corridor.

  “Nothing, hun...nothing.” I move forward in the direction of medical bay.

  “It’s not nothing. I know you enough to tell. Please just talk to me.” He insistently begs me and pleads with eyes that are akin to what puppies do when they beg for a treat. I can’t damn well resist.

  I sigh. “I’m worried you’re going to get me pregnant and I’m going to shoot out five hundred babies at once, Aykeetan. You keep speaking of younglings like they are litters. Humans only have once at a time. Sometimes more, but that's very rare.”

  “Not five hundred, just thirty to fifty, love. I’ll be with you the entire time, unless of course, I’m out of the house hunting because I need to get away from my crazy mate and all the younglings she stole from my seed.”

  “What?!” I damn near screech out and realize he was fooling me again. “Oh, you big, old meanie!” I punch him in the arm. It’s well deserved, but I also know it doesn’t hurt him because he’s laughing his merrily, sexy ass off right now all the way to medical bay, leaving me to chase after him.

  I finally make it to the medical bay, out of breath of course. There’s no way I could ever keep up with my mate’s stamina. He’s just too fast.

  Aykeetan and Dr. Dushaad are having a conversation that I’m sure is about me and my health and this so-called massive litter.

  “Jane, could you please lay down on the examination table? I’m going to take some scans and do some blood work. I’ll compare the date from your last visit too, to see if there are any abnormalities. It won’t take long. I promise.”

  So, I do as I’m asked. I lay on the table while my mate holds my hand. I can tell he’s excited. I just think this is a bit premature, but I don’t want to ruin this for him. He can have his moment, and then when I’m actually pregnant, we can do this again, but for real. I keep the laughter to myself as I sigh. Men...males, aliens, they’re all the same...well the ones that aren’t dead beats at least. And I know my mate is not a deadbeat I tell myself while stroking his arm.

  Several minutes go by without any news as Dr. Rasheed works away. My mind wanders to the other human on board, Sabrina. I’m so glad that she's out and about, no longer hiding away in her room like a stowaway. We’ve already made plans to hang out and get to know each other. She hasn’t seen the holodeck yet and I nearly spat out my drink when she told me she didn’t know what it was. I’m planning on surprising her tomorrow with a visit. She’s going to love it.

  “All right we’re all finished up here. Your results are in. Are you ready to hear them?”

  We both nod our head in suspension, wondering what exactly the news is going to be.

  “Well, out with it will you.” my mate demands while I chuckle. He’s so eager to get these results.

  “Congratulations are in order! You are very much indeed pregnant, and the gestation date we are looking at is somewhere between five and seven months for the delivery of your litter.”

  “What?!” My head snaps to my mate. “I thought you said your species doesn't have litters. Didn’t he?” I turn back around to Dr. Rasheed. “Just how many are we talking here?” My voice comes out panicked as I grab onto the side of the table for support. My mate stands there with a pleased look on his face.

  “Well, given that you are human and he’s a Kea’Terran, it’s safe to say you will have a litter of six to nine younglings, however, with that being said, we won’t know for sure until the litter guys are visible under scans.”

  What are we going to do? Six to nine younglings...I don’t know how big there are going to be when I must deliver, or how fast they will grow, what their capabilities are going to be after they are born. Will they be more like humans and develop quickly or...well I don’t even know how Kea’Terrans develop, I never asked.

  The mental image from earlier of the stay-at-home baby maker pops back into my mind and I groan. How am I going to feed the little buggers? More like litter buggers. Five months doesn’t even give me enough time to get settled. At this rate I’m going to be a balloon before I even touch down on his home planet. Oh, dear god.

  “Jane, love, we could have a litter this large every year. This is wonderful news. I should contact home immediately and discuss developmental plans. We will have to expand our home and our territory at this rate, but we can save trading resources if you take care of all our younglings instead of hiring someone to help. Of course, with that many younglings, I’ll need to take extra time off away from work and home to get away from all the stress...”

  “Oh, you’re a big meanie! You both were in on this weren’t you? That’s what all the whispering was about when I walked in!” I push my mate away, but he’s so strong and hard to budge, so instead, I glare daggers at Dr. Dushaad. “And you! You thought this was funny? You just wait, I’ll get you back too, don’t you worry.” These guys thought they could pull one over on me, and it almost worked too until my mate threw in a little joke there. I almost had a heart attack.

  “Now wait just a minima, what’s she talking about Aykeetan?” His face fills with worry.

  That’s right doctor, look worried. I got about three weeks on this ship. Plenty of time to get you back for the evil prank you pulled on me with my mate. I’m sure I can come up with something good, and I bet Sabrina would help me. An evil laughter breaks out in my mind.

  “Looks like we have to watch our backs,” my mate complains, but I know by his tone he’s not worried.

  I swear he actually toys with me on purpose.

  “I’d like to know what our actually news is please,” I say, changing the subject.

  Dr. Rasheed is not looking too good. If he had skin, I’d say he would be pale as a ghost right now. How does a tall, built male become scared of a prank? I’m barely half his weight and the fact he appears scared amuses me.

  Dr. Dushaad gulps, “Right...right.” He straightens himself out. “We
ll you are indeed pregnant, but only with one youngling,” he looks straight at my mate, like he's going to pummel my mate later. The gears clearly spin on his face as if they are saying, ‘why did I let you talk me into that prank?’.

  So, my mate does have incredibly fertile seed, and I’m a bit shocked that I went from dying Jane to pregnant and mated Jane in a matter of a few short weeks. I’m happy with this news, I’ve wanted to start my own family for a long time. It’s just that this is really quick, but life is short, so I’m taking my lemonade. It’s better than just a lemon. Figuring out some birth control would be ideal. I don’t want to be popping out a child a year despite how many younglings my mate wants. We can discuss this later; my mate and I should celebrate our news.

  Aykeetan embraces me with a giant hug, scoops me off the table and spins around in uncontained excitement. I sigh, one child is perfect for now. We have all the time in the world to grow our little family. There’s no rush. I cup his face, crashing his lips against mine in a rich kiss.

  “Why are you so quiet, my love?” He cocks his head to the side, reminding me of a puppy.

  I nuzzle my check against his. “I’m sorry, was just thinking is all. This is exciting news, even more so since I’m not carrying a litter.” My eyes narrow. “You had me all worked up, you know that! Anyways, when should we tell your parents?”

  I’m not even sure if I’m ready to meet them just yet, they sound like lovely people, but mating and finding out I’m pregnant after an abduction is a lot. Maybe I can convince him to wait a few days before we share the news with everyone, including his parents. We can celebrate together, in private first.

  “I’ll comm my sire and mother tomorrow, unless you want to surprise them when we land?” He squeezes me again. “We’re having a youngling.” My poor mate, he’s waited so long to start a family, one that he didn’t even think he would ever have. Now that I think about it, that kavesta thing they got going on over there doesn’t sound very efficient.

  “Yes, we are.” We both smile at each other while Dr. Dushaad clears his throat. “Let’s go back to our cabin. Thanks Dr. Dushaad.” The male stands there with relief on his face. I guess we’re making him uncomfortable.

  My mate and I head back to our cabin where we toss our clothes and stay naked pretty much the rest of the day making love. Several times.

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Aykeetan

  The gods have truly smiled down upon me and have blessed our Kea’Vah bond with the fruits of their love. Not only have I secured my mate, but we with youngling. My hearts are filled with so much joy that I fear they burst, exploding into millions of pieces of love for my new family.

  I can’t wait until we reach Ay’Kea’Terra, touch down and show off my mate and her belly that will soon swell. This is everything I’ve truly wanted and more. Several moons ago, I would have never thought this would be my life, all the isolation I felt as a lonely, mate-less hunter is now gone as if it never happened. Ten revolutions of despair obliterated from memory.

  My life is full of new memories, with love and passion, such as the one from last night, where my mate and I celebrated the abundance of our union so many times over. I secretly hope she carries two, but I don’t mention that... she would only growl her displeasure of having large litters at once.

  I sneak out of bed and dress. It’s super early right now, but I’ve been keeping track of the time on my home world. It’s just after third meal for them, a perfect time to comm them and give them an update. It’s been a long while since I spoke with them last.

  I head to a private communications room. While there is a comm unit in our cabin, I’d rather not wake my sleeping mate. Now that she carries, she will need all the rest she can muster. Now is the time to truly show her how well I can care for her. Surely if I do well, she will want to have more younglings until her body refuses pregnancy no more.

  I dial the codes to connect with the comm at home and wait for their correspondence. It shouldn’t take them too long, unless they’re not home, but I have a strong suspicion they are. I’ve never been off world before so it’s safe to assume they won’t be leaving our territory until I return.

  I hope my sire has been able to keep up with the orders. Maybe he has requested help from one of my cousins. When I come home, I’ll need time with my mate to adjust, especially now that I’m having an exact copy of her home commissioned. I’m sure I could do some hunting, but definitely not right away.

  The beep signaling a connection pulls me out of my thoughts.

  “Mother, Sire. How are you?” I smile.

  My parents are huddled into the screen, unaware they can zoom the camera out so they’re not smushed.

  “Oh, Aykeetan! What news you bring?” My mother asks.

  “Has you mated her yet, son?” My sire chips in before I even have a chance to respond.

  “Yes, yes. We’ve had the Kea’Vah, it was truly wonderful.”

  “Our honey, we’re so proud and happy for the both of you. I remember when your sire came for me. So long ago now, but not a day goes by that our love doesn’t grow.” Her eyes go distant, as if she’s in a memory.

  My father smiles and pecks her on the cheek. “When do we meet your mate?”

  “We’re on our way home to Kea’Terra now, should be about three Earth weeks, but we can comm you tomorrow your time, after my mate wakes up.” I add quickly, otherwise these two will be sending transmissions non-stop until they’ve had a chance to meet their new daughter.

  “Perfect, I can’t wait to meet her. She sounded lovely from the last time we spoke. Alright honey, we’ll talk to you soon,” my mother replies before ending the transmission.

  I head back to the cabin. My mate’s still sleeping, so I join her in bed, cuddling up behind her and wrapping into my body. She stirs for a moment; however, she doesn’t wake.

  Jane

  Boom!

  We holt awake at the sound of an explosion. Our room shakes slightly, rocking the bed nearly off its frame.

  “What in the hell was that?” The words fly out of my mouth even though the answer is obvious. Something hit the ship, or something was detonated.

  My mate jumps out of bed, staggering as he dresses faster than a bolt of lightning.

  “Don’t know. Stay here. I’ll be back soon.” He grabs the back of my head and pulls me in for a kiss so urgent, I momentarily lose my breath.

  “Be careful,” I pant as he bolts through our cabin door, still juggling his knives into his vratike.

  I rub my belly, which is flat as ever, but still the guardian of the precious life my mate and I have created. Fear hits me like a fan on high speed. I can’t lose my family.

  Boom!

  “Oomph!” Another blast sends me tumbling to the floor, as I instinctively hold my stomach in protection.

  “Screw this.”

  I can’t sit here and wait for fate to happen. A lot has changed for me in these past few weeks. I’m not some weak human anymore. I know my place in this world. I know what I want, and who I belong with and I refuse to let anything else stand in my way. Not now, not ever.

  I stand up, tossing yesterday’s clothes on.

  Boom! Boom! Boom!

  Three more blasts have me struggling inside my shirt.

  “Dammit. Can’t you wait for me to at least get dressed before you try to blow us into oblivion,” I yell.

  The ship continues to shake as I leave our cabin and head out into the corridor, placing my hands on the walls to keep myself from falling again.

  The only place that makes sense for me to head to is the bridge. As make my way there, the ship takes several more hits, nearly knocking me off my feet, but I remain steady and prepared.

  All of a sudden, my feet no longer touch the ground, and I’m floating. A loud siren blares the halls signaling distress or alarm.

  “What the hell?”

  Having no gravity is not a sensation I’m used to, and it’s making my stomach toss and turn.
When the tickling enters my throat, I know I can’t hold back as I wretch, watching my stomach contents float around in my face.

  “Yuck.” I make long strokes through the air away from the mess, like you would if you were learning the breaststroke in swim class.

  When I finally make it to my destination, it’s absolute chaos. The first thing I noticed is the sparks flying from several stations, and a huge ship on screen with what looks like giant cannons aimed for us.

  “Oh my god. We’re under attack?” I blurt out, and everyone turns their head in my direction.

  “Jane, I told you to stay in your cabin. Why are you here?” Aykeetan floats over to me, holding me against him in protection.

  The other men resume their positions, issuing orders at each other, and scrambling about. Maybe it wasn’t the best idea to come out here. If I distract them from their jobs, our lives are at stake.

  “I couldn’t just sit there and wait to find out what was happening. There must be something I can do?” I plead. He guides me to one of the walls with a rail so we can both hold on.

  The screen blasts with hot light. The ship shakes, and groans under the pressure.

  “Report. Someone give me a report. Vrakk’n now!” Vashawn shouts.

  Tushuuk taps through his station with a serious of hits. His face is grim. “Structural integrity, thirty-seven percent. Power forty-two percent. Atmospheric stabilizers thirteen percent.”

  That doesn’t sound good.

  “Are we going to die here?” I ask my mate as tears well in my eyes. “Don’t you have a means of escape?”

  Vashawn slides over in our direction. I can see the pain on his face as he talks to my mate directly. “They took out our escape pods. There's no way off the ship that doesn’t end in death. I’ve sent out hails to the Mothership as soon as we spotted the hostiles on radar. Captain Rasheed has failed to respond. We’re alone out here.” He looks at me. “I’m so sorry. You should hunker down in medical with Sabrina and Dr. Dushaad. It’s safer there. Be safe.” He rushes away, back to his task.