I looked down at the half finished cuff in my hands. Mother was always much better at making these than I was. Somehow hers always looked professionally made. I frowned.

I missed her very much. I missed her fussing over my fur, and even her scolding me. I even missed Father, even if he was a bit too protective of me. I wish I was back there now.

I sighed and knelt down in the grass of the dome. I was in a particularly dense part of the trees here, and the flowers were plentiful under the large therant trees. The thickness of the trees made it difficult to run here, but it had become my place aboard the ship. I didn't get stared at so much when I hid here.

I carefully gathered another small flower, weaving it into the wide band of twigs and leaves I had woven. The flowers were beautiful here. All colors could be found, but I favored the blue and gold particularly.

After some time and much patience, I had fashioned a decent looking cuff. It was missing something, though.

A rustling to my right startled me, causing me to yelp and drop my creation. Ajaht was pushing his way through the therant branches hesitantly, causing some of the golden blossoms to flutter to the ground. An apologetic look appeared on his face as he looked at the alarm on my face.

((I didn't mean to startle you.))

I picked up the cuff, examining it. A few of the flowers had loosened, and I took a few seconds to weave them back into place.

((It's alright.)) I stood and turned to him, flushing and offering him a sincere smile. ((I didn't think anyone else came here.))

((I enjoy solitude from time to time.)) Ajaht said simply as he approached me.

I knew exactly how he felt. Lately, I hadn't felt like myself and spent most of my time alone.

((I am sorry. I will leave you with your thoughts.)) I made to walk past him, the way he had come.

((Wait.)) Ajaht's hand reached out before hesitating. He frowned and dropped his hand as I turned back to him. ((What is this project?)) He was looking at my hands, or to the small cuff there.

((Oh. Um.)) I flushed, my eyes looking at the grass as he came to stand in front of me. ((It's nothing. Really, it's just a distraction- Something to pass the time.))

((May I?)) I nodded as Ajaht reached for my hand. He took the small cuff from me. ((It's lovely.)) He stepped forward hesitantly and slid the cuff around my upper arm. ((Hmm.)) He backed away a step, looking me over. ((It's missing something.))

I watched Ajaht kneel down in the flowers, a short time later he stood, taking my arm and sliding a pink blossom into the weave. Goosebumps appeared on my skin at his touch.

I turned my arm when he released me, examining the new addition. I smiled warmly at him as more therant blossoms fell around us. ((Thank you, It's...))

((Beautiful.)) Ajaht reached up, and ever so gently, he removed a golden therant blossom that had landed on my shoulder. He tucked the flower behind my ear and I flushed.

((Yes, it is.))

Ajaht's easy playfulness disappeared and his features became thoughtful. ((How are you, Inara?)) He kept his tone careful, the evenness betraying no emotion.

((I'm fine.)) I lied.

His eyes narrowed and I knew he didn't believe me. ((How are you really? And don't try that "I'm fine" again. I'm not buying it.))

I frowned at him, wrapping my arms around my torso. I thought I had everyone fooled, but Ajaht seemed to see right through me.

((I must have said "I'm fine" at least a hundred times this week.))

Ajaht's gray eyes were understanding, and he just nodded. ((Did you mean any of it?)) He had nice eyes. Dark gray with specks of gold.

((Not once.)) I should have felt strange, telling all this to Ajaht. But somehow, he was very easy to talk to.

I hadn't wanted anyone to worry about me, to bear the burden I did. Especially Zoran. I wasn't keeping things from him on purpose, but every time he cast me a worried look I felt somehow it was my fault, so I had gotten better at hiding things, better at forcing a smile.

((What you went through was horrible, Inara.)) He paused, his eyes watching the changing expression on my face.

((I am stronger than I look.)) I said defensively, even though my shaky thoughts betrayed my true emotion. He smiled warmly at me and nodded.

((I know you are. I just thought. If you need to talk, I have been through similar.))

((No.)) I said quickly and forcefully.

((I won't force you.)) He laid his hand gently on my wrist. ((Forgive me.))

((It's alright.)) I shook my head in frustration. ((I can't be on edge forever. I need to get on with my life. It's just...))

((It's the nightmares, isn't it?))

I stared at him in wide-eyed disbelief. ((How did you know?))

Ajaht took one of my hands in both of his. ((This is war. The fear, the nightmares, the uncertainty. That is why we don't want females in the military.)) He paused as he saw the alarm on my face. ((You misunderstand me. It stems not from an inability or deficient. This war taints people, changes them in unforeseen ways. You are too precious for us to allow this war to destroy you. We must protect that which we hold most dear.))

I had never thought of it that way. I had barely chosen to respond when the trees parted to my left, Zoran stepping through the branches. His eyes flickered immediately to our hands and Ajaht stepped away from me.

Ajaht bowed respectfully in Zoran's direction. Zoran's tail raised slightly in response, his nostrils flaring as he crossed to me, ignoring Ajaht completely.

His gaze held mine, and my breath caught as he nuzzled me roughly, sliding his arms around my waist. For a moment I had forgotten I was angry with him. I remembered Ajaht was there a little too late and I pulled back reluctantly, my cheeks flushing. My breaths were coming in uneven as a result of his sudden assault.

((Hello, Ajaht.)) Zoran had turned to face Ajaht, keeping a firm grip around my waist as I tried to pull away.

For what seemed like an eternity, Ajaht and Zoran stood, saying nothing. I frowned as I looked between the two males. Zoran and Ajaht had always been good friends, and I wondered what this was about.

((It was wonderful to see you again, Inara.)) Ajaht's tone was kind, and he smiled warmly at me. ((I look forward to our next meeting.)) His expression reversed while he bowed to Zoran. ((If you would excuse me, my prince.))

Zoran moved to face me when Ajaht disappeared through the trees. His expression was much kinder than moments ago, but with an edge of tenderness.

((Is everything alright?)) He began tracing my face with his fingertips. ((You seemed upset before.))

Upset wasn't exactly the right word. The tension in the air was gone now, but the memory of it made me shiver.

((Zoran...)) I frowned at him as I pushed against his torso. I was still angry with him. He just pulled me closer, his fingers brushing against the flower cuff.

((Did you make this?)) I flushed again, moving to take the stupid cuff off. His hand caught mine, interlacing our fingers. ((Leave it, it looks lovely on you.))

((I should get back to the lab.))

Zoran pulled me tighter against him, his hand making his way up to the back of my neck.

((Zoran, I have work to do.)) I let out a gasp as his tail slid up my back legs.

((They can wait.)) He growled. Before I had a chance to react, he was kissing me passionately, causing my back legs to wobble unsteadily.

((I am still mad at you!)) I tried to make my tone sound stern, but all I managed was barely a whisper. ((You can't just kiss me and make me forget...))

The world seemed to spin for a moment and I swayed, vaguely aware of Zoran catching me and lowering me to the grass.

((Inara?)) His expression was worried as my eyes fluttered open, trying to focus on his face. ((Stay here, I'm going to get the physician.))

((I'm alright.)) Zoran helped me to my hooves and my face burned with embarrassment. ((You made me faint!))

All of the worry and agitation drained from his face as he released me, replaced with amusement before boiling over, causing Zoran to clutch his side as he laughed.

((It's not funny!)) I grumbled at him, my face burning now.

((Yes it is. My very presence is intoxicating is it?))

((Very much so. But I still don't see how this is funny!)) Zoran was doubled over in laughter now. ((Ugh!)) I stalked off, heading for the exit of the dome, leaving Zoran alone in the trees.

((I don't understand!)) I said, frustrated.

I was back in the lab with Ajaht and Aiire.

Ajaht clopped over to me as I disengaged from the interface. I began to pace across the red-blue grass.

((Anything I can help you with?)) He asked hopefully.

His tone was kind, and it still took me by surprise.

I sighed and turned to him, smiling weakly.

((Not unless you know of a way to stop the isolinear units from breaking apart at a velocity of 460 meters per second.)) I said in frustration.

((What have the simulations shown?))

((The deuterium isotopes are breaking down at a cellular level and I do not know why.))

He looked thoughtfully at me.

((Did you try...)) He started.

((Yes! I already tried purifying the isotopes. All the simulations show failure. They continue to deteriorate.))

I kept pacing, while Ajaht and Aiire both watched me. Aiire was absolutely useless. I did not even know if he would have been any help. He never offered.

((Is everything alright? You seem agitated. Perhaps you need a break, it will help you relax, and think clearly.)) Ajaht said kindly.

Aiire laughed as Ajaht stiffened. He shot Aiire a poisonous look, clearly about something he has said privately. He had been making these kinds of comments over the past day. It did not matter to me.

I sighed and turned back to the computer. ((I am fine. And there is no time for that, I need to figure this out.))

((Inara.)) Ajaht said privately. ((I need to feed. You must be hungry as well. Would you like to join me?))

His stalk eyes were locked on Aiire.

((I am not very hungry.)) I lied. ((But thank you, I can handle myself as well.))

I knew Zoran normally fed about this time, and I did not want to encounter him. I had barely eaten earlier, and I was ravenous. But I was still far too angry to eat anyway.

Ajaht looked at me regretfully and left. I interfaced with the console again and began to input new calculations.

((If you are going to be useless, you might as well go to the dome.)) I spat.

Aiire put his data pad down and clopped over to me.

((You do not belong on this ship. You should not be here. Especially the daughter of the abomination.)) He spat.

((My father.)) I answered defiantly and disengaged from the console. ((My father is an honored War-Prince. He is three times the warrior you could ever hope to be.))

He smirked down at me. He was at least a head taller than me.

((Your father is a traitor.)) Aiire sneered.

My tail blade was at his throat before I had even decided to move it. I clenched my fists to stop their shaking.

Aiire laughed and curled his tail around mine, knocking it aside.

((What do you expect to do with that?)) He taunted.

I moved to push past him, and his arm shot out, blocking my way.

((You are an insolent female, aren't you?))

My main eyes narrowed as I looked up at him. I couldn't show him that he got to me.

((I have work to do, let me pass.))

((And if I do not?)) He said simply.

I sighed, getting tired of his posturing.

((Let me pass, or I will inform the Captain of how absolutely pointless your presence here is. A child could do your work.)) I spat.

He glared murderously at me.

((You will regret that, female.)) Aiire sneered.

((I can take you)) I threatened.

((Prove it female.)) Aiire said, his eyes dark. ((Go tail to tail with me.))

Aiire never seemed to use my name. I don't know if he even knew it. Perhaps he called me female to mock me. He considered it a weakness. I would show him just how wrong he was.

He let me pass and followed me to the dome, clopping over to a clear patch of grass, away from the practicing warriors. Artanis was running, feeding off in the distance.

I probably should have been afraid of Aiire, but I was too angry today. I would use him to alleviate my anger.

You would think he is very attractive to look at. Until he spoke.

He was very tall and heavily muscled. His tail was stronger than my small female one, and his blade much larger. I knew he would be stronger than me, but I had speed as my advantage.

Aiire raised his tail up over his shoulder and began to circle me. He had a look of pure confidence and arrogance on his face. He reminded me of an Eland circling its prey.

I assumed the proper fighting stance Zoran had taught me and stared at him defiantly. I arced my tail up over my shoulder, keeping my stalk eyes on his tail, my main eyes on his as I was taught.

Fwapp! I struck at his neck. He wrenched his head to the side.

((Not quick enough.)) He taunted loudly. ((Is that fear I see, little female?))

I knew I couldn't beat him. That wasn't the reason I was here. I was proving a point. Perhaps I could at least get a hit in on him.

((I am not afraid of you.))

Fwapp! His tail flew forward and I jerked my head to the side, the blade missed me by inches.

He was fast. Too fast.

((You should be.)) He sneered.

I smirked back at him. He was an arrogant fool.

Fwapp! His tail cracked at the air as it soared towards me, too fast to see. He turned it sideways at the last second, hitting me with the flat part of his blade against the side of my head. I had underestimated him.

Aiire barked out a laugh.

((Inara!)) Artanis had clopped over to us. ((Aiire! What are you doing?))

I was stunned for a moment, I leapt back nimbly. cursing.

((Stay out of this Artanis.)) Aiire snapped.

Fwapp! Fwapp! I pivoted left, dodging his blade and sending my own strike at his knees. He staggered and I ducked, avoiding his tail as it rebounded. I sent another strike at his neck, hitting him with the blunt side.

Warriors had stopped to watch, some cheering us on. Others had varying looks of shock on their faces. I did not have time for them. I had to focus.

I jumped back out of range of his tail before he could retaliate. He glared at me and ran his fingers over his neck.

((You will pay for that, female.)) He spat.

His eyes were glittering dangerously as he looked me over inquisitively, trying to ascertain my thoughts. I was dying to know what he was thinking, but he kept his expression even.

I smirked at him again.

Crack! I jumped away from his tail strike, but it grazed my shoulder. I used the momentum to swing my tail around in a half circle and aimed it for his torso.

Clang! Blocked!

I cursed, jumping left over his tail as it aimed for my legs. I pivoted, twisting in midair and swung my tail as hard as I could.

Crack! I hit Aiire across the side of his head with the blunt side of my blade. The impact caused him to tumble to the ground. He quickly rolled to his hooves, panting.

((You are a fool.)) I said bitterly.

Fwapp!

I blocked his blow. He was fast, and so strong. The muscles in my tail ached.

Fwapp!

I felt the wind his strike caused against my neck, but I had dodged it by millimeters.

We continued to exchange blows, his always coming far too close for comfort. The warriors continued to stare, some seemed like they wondered if they should intervene, shooting looks back and forth.

I was tiring, but so was he. We were both breathing heavily. I had never fought like this with Zoran before. I knew Zoran was holding back.

He glared at me, nostrils flaring. He looked as if he wanted to remove my head. I had never been looked at with such hatred.

((Stop this!)) Artanis cried.

We both ignored him. I had already proven my point, however, I wanted to humiliate him more.

I arced my tail blade high, ready to block his next strike. I couldn't take much more.

Fwapp! Fwapp! Fwapp!

He came at me, striking at me quickly, I had to jump back each time to avoid them. He kept pushing me back. He was relentless.

I struck at his knees, dodging a strong strike at my own.

I was panting, each strike taking its toll on my aching muscles.

Fwapp! Clang!

I blocked his strike, our tail blades curled around each others.

Artanis gasped, worry showing on his face.

Aiire used his strength to push against mine. My tail muscles strained from the effort and finally, my tail buckled, the momentum knocking me to my knees.

Fwapp! Fwapp!

Two lightning fast strikes hit me on both sides of my head.

Fwapp! His tail blade pressed against my throat. Aiire moved forward, keeping his blade still and looked down at me triumphantly.

((What is this?!)) Zoran roared, trotting over with Zamir and Breeyar.

The warriors that had come to watch scattered as Zoran appeared.

((Just practicing.)) I said calmly, in a daze. I tried to breathe evenly, not letting my fatigue show.

((Aiire at ease.)) Zoran commanded. ((Now.))

Aiire was still smirking, savoring his victory over me. I knew I had embarrassed him though.

((Of course, my Prince. Just an innocent diversion. Barely worth mentioning.)) He lowered his blade swiftly.

((Ah!)) I cried. He had cut me shallowly. I rubbed my neck, and as I pulled my fingers back, I felt the warmth of blood on my fingertips.

Aiire smirked and galloped off, his tail held high. Artanis followed him, looking murderous.

((What were you thinking?)) Zoran said furiously.

He began examining my superficial wound. It would be fine. Aiire had cut me on purpose.

((I am fine. I needed a sparring partner. I also needed to prove a point.)) I muttered, stepping back subtly.

Zamir was looking at me in awe. Breeyar just nodded.

((You definitely did, little sister. Those were some impressive moves. I guess you picked up something from watching my matches.)) Zamir said.

Zoran shot him a furious look.

((Enough.)) Zoran commanded. ((If you would excuse me.))

Zoran and Breeyar turned to head in the direction Aiire went, but Zoran stopped when I sent him a pleading look. I had defended myself. I did not need his help.

((Lightning fast. I caught the end of it... The way Aiire's hooves went up over his head like that... I will never forget...))

Of course!

((Lightning!)) I said. ((That is it! Zamir you are a genius!))

I trotted back across the dome with Zamir and Zoran following. I stopped near the exit to the central shaft.

((Of course I am.)) Zamir said. ((But what did I do in particular this time?))

((How could I have not seen it before!)) I said excitedly.

Zoran was laughing, the anger gone from his face.

((What is it?)) He asked.

((If I ionize the particles with a resonating energy field it should force the particles into a state of temporary flux, which I can then encapsulate on a microscopic level at sub-zero temperature.)) I said, turning to them. ((It should work!))

Zamir looked blankly at Zoran as I waited for their reaction.

((No idea.)) Zoran said, moving his stalk eyes back and forth.

I rolled my eyes and sighed, shaking my head.

It took only a day to make the necessary adjustments to the units, even with Ajaht helping me. Aiire went back to ignoring me completely, which I preferred.

((There is only one problem.)) I said, holding up the small cylinder. ((Once these units are activated, they will remain stable for only a few hours. After that they will not be viable.))

Ajaht took the data pad and the cylinder from me.

((Thank you Inara, it truly was a pleasure. These past few days have been unexpected. I have learned much from you.)) Ajaht said warmly.

I had learned much from Ajaht as well.

I knew the council was considering females in the military. However, no one believed they would go through with it.

Zoran entered the lab then, looking somber. Aiire and Ajaht stood at attention once again.

((Please give us a moment.)) Zoran said to Ajaht and Aiire.

They both quickly left the lab and I turned back to my console. I did not want to be alone with him right now. I kept my eyes on the holo and I heard him approach cautiously.

((Inara, I must apologize.)) He began.

((Stop.)) I said.

I slumped and my stalk eyes drooped as I turned to him. His face was sincere and I probably would have done the same in his position, and I told him so. It still hurt very much.

((No more lies.)) I said simply, stepping forward.

Zoran nodded.

((It is time to go.)) Zoran said.