by Odin Oxthorn
After Torel checked the irrigation system, they switched the device off then lowered into their own seat.
“Good evening, Savant.” The greeting was flat. Neither disdain nor contentment shone through.
“I trust your facility has been taken care of?” Small talk was not her strongest skill, but she was hoping to buy herself more time until she determined what her goal was for this visit.
“Yes, I have several students relaying the experiment data to me. And while they maintain the grounds, I am able to continue my small-scale work here.” They shifted, tightening their posture with folded limbs. “I have no complaints.”
“Mmm.” It was no use. No matter the circumstance, she would never be prepared to hear the motivation behind their actions. She stewed in contemplation, beating back the inquiries as they bubbled to the surface.
“This…. engagement.” Torel derailed her thoughts. “It leaves the future to be seen, doesn’t it? Or rather, we have a future now.”
Behind the hopeful words lay a graveyard of remorse. And it was something Nara did not have the energy to recover, nor the interest.
“Was it all worth it?” They brought their gaze to her. “All those who died for this new era. I don’t deny my responsibility in starting the conflict, but was it the best possible outcome?”
Why don’t you take your nose out of the weeds once in a while and take a look around? Don’t ask me these deep philosophical questions and expect answers where there are none. She kept the bile inside, not having the energy for discourse.
“Death amid the stars is a different experience for the living.” A dismal sigh left Torel’s throat. “No one around to witness their final moments, no connection. Gone in the blink of an eye from unfathomable distance.”
Why am I even here? Nara stood up and turned away, anger beginning to rise.
“I am not asking for absolution, but perhaps one day, I will have the ability to make amends.” Torel’s admission cracked through her spirits. “I just wanted the people to move on. Stagnation is no match for chaos.”
Numbness seeped through her mind. Their admission didn’t make the situation any better. But revenge was a foreign concept and something she had never desired. All she wanted was to stop feeling so bitter, to recover from all the damage she had been subjected to. And to ensure it never happened again.
“Spare me.” Her voice flickered through a growl, and she left the prison more battered than when she started.
Should be enough supplies to reach a station in the next solar system. Nara passed a hand over a tablet, counting the supply manifesto. I’d hate to have to hit Arcadia again. If I could even reach the border.
She recited the items on the list, tracing over the screen with a stylus. “Thirteen crates of medgel, twenty-nine fuel cell rods, thirty-two reams of solar sheeting…”
How did I get off that ship?
The invasive question tore through her barriers, her grip on the stylus threatened to snap the device in half. With a blink, her eyes refocused, the distracted scrawling desecrating the tablet. She huffed and erased the marks, continuing her task.
“Forty-two vegetation seed pods…” She absentmindedly ran her tongue over her teeth as she counted.
That taste. Blood. Unforgettable…How did I get here?
“Wait!” The voice tore her away from an unsettling internal discourse. She looked over to find Garrett running toward the dock.
“What are you doing here?” She let out an exasperated sigh upon spotting Bellanar coming up the rear. “Oh.”
“You’re leaving?”
“My contract is completed.” She tossed a container in the open cargo bay with a heave. “And I am cashing out.”
“I… I am glad to know that you are okay.”
She dusted her hands together, setting off to retrieve another crate. “Mmmhmm.”
Her casual dismissal stole his breath. A crackling plea ejected from his throat. “Where will I go…” Without you? He couldn’t bring himself to speak his mind, the stony figure casting him aside.
“I have given you options.” She paced back to the supply cache, sorting through the labels with a trace of a finger. “That choice is up to you.”
“I see.” He gazed at the ground, clouds of sorrow raining on him. She left scars on him, literal wounds, and a storm of questions that still remained unanswered. They had spent so much time together, yet the tumultuous demons behind circumstance had never allowed them to understand each other fully. Ultimately, he was losing a friend… again.
Nara let out a grumble as the human’s turmoil curdled inside him. Melodramatic little shit.
She had to admit, it was unfair of her to desert him on an unfamiliar world. And only gods knew what would happen if he were to set off on his own. Even though she was convinced it was not her responsibility. “Fine. I will teach you how to run a ship so that when the opportunity comes, you will be able to make a living for yourself somewhere else.”
“I… oh. Sure.” The offer bounced off him, relief far away from his reach. Exhaustion from the mental roller coaster of the season’s events took a toll on him. Without prompting, he approached the pile of crates and hefted one over his shoulder, pushing back the nagging half-thoughts clouding his perception.
A cough disrupted the conversation, prompting another grumble from Nara. “What do you want, Bellanar?”
“I, oh, well, are you taking that ship?” He pointed at the sleek falcon nestled in its docking bay.
“Yes. It is mine. Tosk commandeered it as compensation for my service.” She slammed another crate down. “Problem?”
“Oh, well, It’s just...” Bellanar fidgeted, knitting his fingers into undulating patterns. “I was so used to the controls. And there isn’t another one on queue for construction for at least another—”
“Uuuuuuuuugh.” Nara stopped her tracks and leaned back, glaring up at the sky.
“I mean, it is a ten-person ship.” He shrugged and shook his head. “I don’t know what you would do with all that extra space.”
“Run a mobile brothel known for decadent hedonism.” Nara scrubbed her face agitatedly. “What’s it to you?”
“I–I–I… did not expect that from—" Bellanar cleared his throat. “Well, regardless, you’ll need a scribe for your travels, and—”
She cleared her throat, audibly inhaling a deep draught of air. “You have three. Hours. To pack your shit and staple your mouth shut.”
“Ah! I see.” The man scurried off, disappearing from the docks.
Nara shook her head, meeting the eyes of the forlorn human. I am going to regret this.
Clouds of steam curled around his legs as he exited the recovery chamber. He settled into the plush seat of the grandiose black marble adorned suite, taking in his reflection on the window, accented by the view of the planet beneath him. Vibrant neon eyes flickered, summoning a hologram of a video channel.
“I hope my hospitality is to your liking, Warlord,” Galavantier greeted.
“Yes, you are quite accommodating, Chairman.” Abberon flexed his fingers, feeling the rush of sensation speeding through the candescent veins tracing over his knuckles. “You have quite an interesting regard for life, creating a commodity of exploration that has yet to be exploited to its fullest potential.”
“You flatter us, Warlord. And I must commend you on your constitution. I hope your discomfort was not too great.”
Abberon unfurled a smirk from his lips. “Quite the opposite, I must admit. Forgive me for my insistence on using my native pharmaceuticals. I have an allergy to many sedatives back home, and I did not want to risk an unfortunate accident.”
“Of course.” The lie did not faze the businessman. “I hope you are acclimating to Federation life.”
“Indeed. I must say your concept of currency is quite fascinating.” And simple.
“And there are plenty of ways to obtain it, especially for one as influential as yourself.”
“
You flatter me, Chairman.”
“I assure you, this is a territory of opportunity. You will have no problems here.” Galavantier poured himself a drink from an elegantly crafted glass decanter. “The skirmish between GaPFed and your home world were startling. I hope you are not too troubled by the results.”
Abberon summoned a news report of the incident. Recordings of the unknown ships and the destruction they wrought looped through his eyes. “Losses will happen. A fleet like that cannot be expected to avoid confrontation from foreign forces. Especially a force as uncontrollable as pirates.”
“I quite agree.” Galavantier brandished a knowing smirk. “This looks to be the start of a profitable relationship.”
“I look forward to seeing what our combined resources can bring to the galaxy.” Abberon nodded his head. “I await your next proposal.”
“We will be in contact.” The screen snapped off, revealing the serenity of the starlight in his view.
His smile widened. A soft snicker disrupted the silence. “We shall see.”
## END TRANSMISSION ##
LANGUAGE APPENDIX
The Ara’yulthr language is based off two different independent functioning vocal cords. Punctuation at the beginning of a word, sentence, or phrase denotes which cord to use, and even to use both at the same time. Another indicator denotes switching of chords mid word or phrase.
Many have adapted a unique way of speaking in mono-vocal languages such as Trade. Using one organ or the other as a sort of signature. Occasionally, an individual may use both as an intimidation tactic, or to display offence.
Another key factor in the language is also semi-psychic, focusing on expression and projected emotions, as well as body language. There is also a gesture component to accommodate non-vocal individuals
The sound of the Ara’yulthr language is described as guttural purrs seamlessly blended with almost lyrical harmonics. Akin to throat singing.
Non-augmented humans can speak phonetically and will be understood with context.
Personal Pronouns
Here, pronouns do not refer to gender identity. Instead, they are markers of status or career function.
Commonly used pronouns:
Serr = Peer, honored, formal
Serr’kahn = student, youngling
Serr’Maht Aged, venerable, teacher
Ahm’Serr = Unfamiliar, respectable
K’vai = Member of the Scribes
K’vai’tem = Inner Circle scribe
K’vai’Luut = Loremaster
Qu’ol = Member of Science
Sci’ith = soldier, ranks have unique titles
There may be more specific pronouns to denote ranking or fields of study in the Science and Military divisions, or authorization tiers from the Scribes.
Some have adopted human pronouns whether for convenience, or they identify more closely with human characteristics.
Swearing
Instead of variations of sexual activities and bodily functions, Ara’yulthr expletives are basically different ways to say “OW.” This stems from a severe familiarity with pain, either from suffering casualties in nature, or years spent in the gaming arenas. Different words and adjectives are used to imply depth of annoyance.
Name calling can vary from endearing to spiteful based on the descriptors used. The more damage is described, the harsher the obscenity. “Stabbing” versus “putting a dagger in (body part)”
Categories of swearing can include:
Household objects – implying unitaskers, having one purpose. i.e calling someone a chair or a tool of some kind.
Objects with conflicting adjectives – Something that is meant for one purpose being used for something else “You are trying very hard sweetie, but it just isn’t working out.” i.e a bent needle, screwdriver with a hex nut.
Diseases are the utmost offensive, as they describe nothing but malicious intent:
Parasite – You are causing harm to benefit yourself.
Pestilence – You are causing harm for the fun of it.
Now that her contract is completed, what is next for Nara and her companions? Will she find peace in the stars, or will the demons lurking in the galaxy come for her? There are still so many loose ends to tie, and so many more new adventures to unlock! Stay tuned for the next chapter in the Sleepless Flame saga!
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ALSO BY ODIN V OXTHORN
Sleepless Flame
Mourning Ember
Anthologies Odin has been Featured:
“The Weight of the Lotus”
Crash Code – Blood Bound Books
https://www.bloodgutsandstory.com
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
A chronically bored spooky creature, Odin dabbles in a strange array of interests to keep their wandering brain in check. When not writing under the influence of caffeinated drinks and sugary snacks, Odin can be found escaping reality with video games or getting their fingers tangled in a mess of threads and needles. Provided their cats do not scatter the contents of their workspace across oblivion, Odin also creates beaded jewelry and video lessons on YouTube.
Be sure to find Odin around the Interwebs and see more of their works:
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