A young Ursid ran through the crowd glancing back every so often at the loud voices shouting behind him. Ducking underneath a stall he ran down an alley, reaching a sheet-covered doorway he darted inside. Jumping over and scrambling under the furniture there he ran out the other doorway and took off the next alley over, running a few more blocks he didn't hear the voices anymore. Slowing down he grinned and reached in his shirt pulling out the loaf of bread he had nicked from a stall. Ripping off a large chunk he slowly made his way to the outskirts. Polishing off the last of the loaf he looked both ways before dropping down into a dried-up creek bed. Pushing away a grate he crawled through a series of tunnels till it opened up to a large cistern. Grinning he went over to the main table and emptied his pockets. It had been a good day. Three loaves of bread, 6 Trechwo Fruit, 2 purps, and a hunk of cheese went on the table. Glancing at it he frowned. He had been a lucky one, there wasn't much else.
"Johns back!" one of the pups cried.
"Did you get it? Did you get it?" another cried.
John sighed and rubbed the back of his head disappointed. He saw the smile fall of the five gathered pups.
"Well, ye see security was quite tight today," he grumbled.
The pups sighed looking down.
"So I only managed to get two!" he pulled the books out from behind his back with a grin as all the pups clambered over each other to look at the titles.
"OK pups which one?" he held one to either side and opened himself up. It took only a second before he was swarmed on his right side.
"Alright, get in yer nest. No Travis, don't kick yer sister. Jen...Jenny..no! Hey!" setting the book down he pulled the two fighting pups apart. "Stop it or no storytime." after one last kick at her brother the young girl settled down, soon the boy stuck out his tongue and sat on the other side of the bed.
"Good, now let's see what ya picked. Ah, one of me ol' favorites. Treasure planet!" he sat on the floor leaning against the large bed that made up the pup's nest. Opening the book he held it up so all the pups could see. After the final line, he got up slowly looking over the nest. All of the pups were sound asleep, worked every time. Putting it on the makeshift shelf with the other books he grabbed the other book. Reading it over he tucked it on his own shelf.
"Maybe wait a bit before reading to the pups about a mad scientist and his evil side." he chuckled and went about his nightly chores as more people gathered.
"Good hunt today John?" one of the others asked.
"Aye, though I see that weren't the case for all o us."
The other boy shook his head "They are cracking down, could barely get away with this. We may have to move soon, I'm guessing it will be talked about at the meeting tonight. The pups down?" he asked glancing at the nest.
"Yeah though Travis and Jenny are at it again."
The boy laughed and shook his head again "They always will be. Right, once Rachel gets here we'll start right?"
John nodded going to find himself a seat. The meetings normally consisted of the older members of the group though lately with how big they had gotten some of the younger ones were allowed to sit in. A few moments later he heard some voices pick up as Rachel entered followed by another female.
"Sorry, I'm late. Let's get started." Taking her place she pulled up a chair for the other female Ursid beside her. John and four others made up the one side of the table while about 10 more Ursid's sat opposite with some younger ones standing behind them.
"Right, to business." Rachel looked to the new female beside her. "This is Riven, She's gonna be joining us." A few purrs of approval came from some of the men. "None of that. Claws to yourself." Rachel snapped.
"Now we all know times have been getting tougher out there, it seems the town is beefing up security along with some merchants hiring some private security. The others and I have spoken about leaving before but it was never this dire as we could support ourselves. But look at that." she pointed to the table. "Never before have we been unable to feed ourselves. If we stay here we will starve. Now I understand if some of you want to stay. I won't fault you for that. But the rest of us will be boarding a ship in three day's time. The heading is unknown, but it will be better pickings than here." she looked around at the mumbling crowd. "Any questions?" there were a few grumbles but no outright questions. "Alright, dismissed. Let me know your decisions by the end of the day tomorrow. Circle stay." as the majority got up to leave the original ones spread out around a singular table.
"How are we to afford charter Rachel? We have been stocking but not nearly enough for that." Titus said from John's left.
Rachel held up a hand "All your questions will be answered, be patient." a glare at some of the curious onlookers got them moving.
"Riven is the daughter of a shipbuilder, he is expected to be done with his newest creation and ready for pre-flight in three days." all eyes turned to Riven.
"He's a son of a bitch whose client should see what he truly is." She grumbled.
"Who was the ship being built for?" Titus asked.
"Captain Lewis."
All at the table beside Rachel gaped at the woman.
"Are you crazy!" Anne-Marie hissed "Are you trying to get us killed?"
"I agree with her on this one. We have done some bad things in the past but stealing a ship from a Navy Captain? That has to rank at the top." George started placing his arm around his mate.
"They are right Rachel, it won't end well for us," Titus added
Dove just nodded from the end of the table.
Rachel turned to John.
"And what do you think?" she asked.
John turned his attention to Riven. "How confident are you?"
She opened her mouth to speak but he held up a hand, once she had closed her mouth he pointed to the nest holding the slumbering pups. "They a-comin' with, like most of us they 'ave nowhere else. We are their home. We are their family. Now I ask again. How confident are ye?"
She thought a moment while staring at the nest. "I'm confident. There is a tracker but I know where it is and how to get rid of it. I know when to strike and how to get you all aboard." she turned back to him in the middle of her speech and he could see the truth in her eyes.
He sat back and crossed his arms. "Right then." he looked at Rachel. "What ya need me ta do?"
Once John seemed convinced the rest fell into line. A plan was made and they split off to bed.
As he was fluffing his bed up he heard footsteps behind him, turning he saw Riven.
"Can I help ya?" he turned fully towards her, she was petite for an Ursid female, more curves less round.
"You care for them don't you," she asked.
Looking over her head at the pups he sighed. "I remember what it was like bein' unwanted. Abandoned like ye meant nothin' no one wantin' ta help. I was on my own for a long while till I found this bunch, Just Rachel, Dove, and Titus it were. We looked after each other, swore to help those like us. I don' want those pups growin' up thinkin' that no one loves 'em. They have their whole lives ahead of 'em and I wanna give 'em the best shot they got."
"I respect that, You're John right? Got a last name John?" she stuck her hand out.
John shook it softly. "No Ma'am just John."
"Well, it's nice to meet you just John. I'm Riven. I hope once this is all over we can talk more, I would like to know more about this little band of misfits. You look like you can spin a good tale." She smiled at him and tilted her head slightly.
John blushed slightly, never more glad that the lanterns had been turned down for the night.
"The pleasure be all mine Miss Riven. Have a lovely evenin'."
Over the next couple of days, they worked double to stock up. Riven was able to start stocking the ship and keeping tabs on her father. Only a few decided to stay behind so all in all they had 35 souls planning to voyage. Of course, as soon as the pups learned they demanded a trip to the treasure planet. John had the story memorized after the second night as it was constantly being replayed.
"I'm gonna be a pirate like Captain Flint!" one said jumping on one of the bed's with a "sword"
"You might be Captain Flint but he will never beat Captain Hook!" another jumped on a close buy bed with his "sword" drawn. This led to the kits sword fighting across the floor and jumping from bed to bed.
Rachel rubbed her temples. "Whoever gave them sticks is about to be beaten with one."
John laughed. "Aw, ye don' mean that. Let the pups have some fun."
Rachel glared at him "It was you, wasn't it."
John held up his hands. "Oh, would ya look at that? Titus needs some help. I'll just be off."
He ran off trying to ignore the growl of "This Isn't over John!"
When he got to Titus's side the other man was laughing "What did you do now."
"I may or may not have found the pups some sticks. Which 'ave now turned into swords in ta 'Great Battle for the Treasure'." John emphasized the last bit by spreading his arms with each word.
"Treasure?" Titus laughed out.
"Aye," John motioned towards the pile of rocks on the floor near the pup's nest.
"Ah, I see." Titus laughed again watching the pups chase each other.
"I have a good feeling about this one, It feels like we are going out and making our own path."
John smiled looking at the other man. "Aye," he paused as he saw Riven walk in.
Titus followed his gaze. "Doesn't hurt to have someone to settle down with."
Only have listening John nodded "Aye, it...wait a minute." he turned and glared at Titus who was now holding his sides laughing.
"We'll make an honest man of you yet John," he said between bouts of laughter.
"Only when ye manage to tame that one." he sent a meaningful gaze to Rachel.
Titus sobered. "You know that will never happen. She's too much of a free spirit. I would never want to hold her back."
John hummed. "I don' think ye would 'old er back. I think she would pull ya forward. But that's just what I think."
Titus laughed again. "Then leave the thinking up to the professionals."
John cuffed him over the head before both of them laughed.
He wishes he could say the plan to get the boat went smoothly. But then again when does anything go according to plan. The original plan was for the main 6 including Riven to get on first then the rest to sneak on 5 at a time 2 minutes apart. With the first group of 5 carrying the pups. Rachel, John, Anne-Marie, Titus, George, Dove, and Riven made it on just fine, so did the next three groups. With over half their band on, they started to relax. That was the big mistake. A shrill whistle rang out in the night. John's head shot up looking inland. An officer was running towards them blowing on his whistle.
"We have to go," Rachel shouted.
"Wait, we aren't all on!" John shouted back.
"If we don't go now we don't go at all." She shouted back.
"Give them a minute,"
Rachel growled at him. "Either move the plank or it falls as we take off. "
She started shouting out orders to start taking off. John ran to the gangplank.
"Hurry now!" People started running for the ship loading as quickly as possible but all too soon John saw the ship starting to move. Watching the plank fall away he saw the look of betrayal from those left behind. Turning he saw Rachel.
"We almost had them all," he growled out
"And if we stayed any longer we would have lost everyone."
John looked towards the land where more guards had shown up and started arresting those left behind.
Growling he stalked away from the edge.
Rachel motioned for them to come to the bridge. "Alright, there are some staterooms below. Titus and I will keep the captain quarters. Riven says there are two rooms there. Most of the rooms have singles yet 2 have larger beds. George and Anne-Marie you two get one and the pups will get the other. Dove, John, and Riven, you get to decide among yourselves with the rest. Alright, the tracking has been disabled and we are heading south. John, you're in charge of the pups and getting the rest of the crew settled. There are a couple of bunks below they can choose from. Riven will be in charge of the food with Dove helping. George, think you can figure out this navigation setup?"
George quickly looked it over. "Give me a few good hours tomorrow and I should be able to."
Rachel nodded. "Good, we all have our jobs. Get to it. I'll take first watch."
They all nodded and wandered off to different parts. John approached Riven.
"If-in ya don't mind Miss Riven. Could ye help me get the pups settled after I get the others below?"
She nodded. "I'll help George and Anne- Marie then begin setting up their nest. Just come get me when you need me."
John nodded and wandered off to the group of people standing on the deck. "All right, let's get ya tucked in for the night." There were many questions especially about those left behind. John did his best to filter them as they walked below. Showing them to the crew's quarters he was surprised by how spacious it was, sure there were still hammocks but they were all spaced out with plenty of room for everyone. Making sure everyone found a spot he bid them goodnight. Back on deck, he found all the pups running after each other.
"All right now. We got a special room just for ye. Ye wanna see it?"
At a chorus of agreement, he stooped down and opened his arms. "Assume the position then!"
They all flew at him at once, if he hadn't been prepare they sure would have knocked him over. One attached themselves to each leg while one climbed on his back and the other two held onto his arms.
Standing with an exaggerated groan he began shuffling towards the room. "Ye be gettin' heavier by the day ye are. Soon Ye'll break me in half if we try this." They all just laughed at him, maneuvering his way down the stairs and hallway he was glad he was still young and trim.
"Why if I were as fat as ol' Baloo I wouldn' fit down this here hall." The pups giggles again. Standing before the open door he stooped down again.
"OK, ready? One...two...three! Get her!" after a moment all five pups jumped off him and ran into the room to jump on Riven.
"Ack!" John looked in the room seeing a pile of multi-colored fluff with a slim pair of boots beneath it.
"Help! Oh! would someone help a poor ol' soul being mauled by pups!" She said drawing out the drama for the pup's sake.
"John will save you. He saves everyone. Don't you?" the young pup looked behind herself at the man at the door.
"Aye, I do me best." He nodded in return.
"Well, then he better help me before you all decide to eat me alive!" John chuckled coming into the room, there was a hand sticking out of the pile which he grasped and tugged on pulling the slim woman from beneath the fur pile. Pulling a little too hard she stumbled into him, he reached around her to make sure she was steady. Looking down at her he grinned before his smile fell, oh it had been a long time since someone had looked at him like that. She licked her lips and met his gaze. He just barely leaned down when
"Are you gonna kiss her!" came a voice from his side.
Pulling back he looked down to see one of the female pups.
"And what do ye know about kissin' young lady?" he gently removed his arm from around Riven before picking up the pup and tossing her in the air.
Giggling she tilted her head. "George and Anne-Marie kiss all the time. They say you kiss the ones you love."
"Aye, that's true." he placed her in the nest picking up a blanket to wrap her in.
"Do you love Riven?" she asked.
"Ah, well. See love ain't somethin' that just happens. Ye gotta work on it, and spend time with someone first." he felt a blush creep up his face.
"Do you love me?"
"Aye, I love all ye pups."
"Will you kiss me?" she tilted her head.
"Oh! Never has this bear heard such sweet music." he looked at riven giving her a wink "Have ya ever heard such a beautiful lass ask such an ugly ol' bear such a question." turning back to the pup he kissed her forehead. "I'll kiss ya till the day I die, and on that day I'll know I kissed the prettiest woman alive!" she giggled and hid her face under her blanket.
"What about me!" the other female pup asked.
"Aye, and how could I forget about ye! My Stars. I get to kiss two beautiful women in one night? It must be me lucky day." he tucked her in kissing her on the forehead.
"You could make it three." one of the male pups piped up.
"Aye, but you ain't a lady now are ye? Get on up here." Picking him up he tucked him in, the other two scrambled into bed.
"No, but Miss Riven is a lady. You could kiss her."
"Aye," looking to her he saw her gently nod.
"Alright, I'll make ye a deal. If I give Miss Riven a kiss ye gotta go straight ta sleep. No more playin up. Got it?" Five little heads nodded.
Making sure they were all tucked in he stood and walked up to Riven.
"Beggin ya pardon Miss, but these here pups were wonderin' if ye might grace me humble lips with a kiss from an angel." he did an exaggerated bow before looking up at her.
Hiding her smile behind her hand she nodded "Now how could anyone refuse a request like that? You, my silver-tongued friend, may have a kiss."
John smiled and stood tall, taking a step closer he leaned down to kiss her cheek. At the last moment, she turned so he kissed her lips instead. He pulled back shocked while she just smiled. "If you're going to kiss a lady you might as well do it properly."
Hearing the children giggle broke him out of his shock. "Alright, pups ye had yer show. Bunch of perverts ye is." he turned towards the door hearing
"What's a pervert?" Groaning he turned and took the lamp with him.
"Sleep and maybe I'll tell ye in the morning." he closed the door.
"Look what ye got me into." He said as he looked at Riven.
"Oh no, you aren't blaming that one on me. If you had only given me a proper kiss before we could have avoided this whole mess. Come to think of it you still haven't given me one." She bit her lip then began sauntering off down the hallway.
"If you didn't wanna kiss me you just had to say so."
He caught her wrist. "I would like it very much if I could kiss ye."
"Then kiss me John Silver-tongue."
So he did, and he did again. And somehow they made it into one of the rooms and he did more than kiss her.
As they were lying there after she ran her hand along the planes and ridges of her stomach
"Hm, you're the first Ursid I've been with that you could actually see their muscles, most just have no shape. Its all just flub, sure you can fell the power of the muscles, you just cant see it." He looked down and chuckled watching her move with his stomach.
"I worked hard for this kind of definition, who would like me if I were as large as a walrus?" he asked
She just hummed again. "I'm sure someone would like you even if you were as big as a full bear."
He huffed, "I'll never get that big, and even if I were no one would like me like that."
She just nuzzled at his chest "You would be surprised.
John could count on one hand the number of times he woke up in bed with another, but this was better than all of them combined. Pulling her closer to him he purred, she just laughed and turned over till she was facing him.
"Well good morning to you too." she nuzzled into his chest.
"Now don ye go startin' that less ye wanna start something else." he nuzzled her hair giving her ear a little nip.
"Alright alright, I have to get up and start breakfast anyway. Someone's gotta feed you lot."
Climbing out of bed she stretched and grinned when she heard a groan behind her.
"Now that just ain't fair. Watchin' a beautiful lass climb out of me bed without a stitch and I ain't even get a kiss good morning." she laughed and came back to the bed to kiss him.
"Is that better?" she purred.
He snaked one hand out and grabbed a handful of her rear. "Oh, this is much better."
Pulling her back to bed he made ample use of his morning.
When she showed up late to make breakfast with John following behind her Rachel just raised an eyebrow and looked between the two of them. John just shrugged and came to sit at their table.
Taking a drink he nearly choked when she said. "Well, at least you took time to shower. Though If you're going to make my cook late I would appreciate it if you woke up earlier."
Titus gave him a pat on the back while laughing. "You walked right into that one."
"Oh shove off, at least I'm getting' some unlike ye." Titus held his chest
"You wound me. But I can change that. Hey Rachel? You wanna take a break after breakfast for some... stress relief?" he wiggled his eyebrows and sent a smirk her way.
"In your dreams." she scoffed and went back to her coffee.
"Only every night baby," he replied sending a wink.
Rolling her eyes she just glared at him. "You're a pig."
"No, actually I'm an Ursid. But I can see the confusion."
John just watched the exchange with a grin before a plate was set in front of him with breakfast, which looked like pancakes and bacon. Not his favorite but he would manage. Turning further he watched her move about the room setting down plates and clearing others.
"Oh man, you got it bad. Or I guess that good." Titus smirked.
Turning to Rachel he smirked. "Either ya give it up and stop this or he goin' overboard."
Rachel just stared at him. " How can you be on his side?"
"Darlin' he's been pinin' after ye since the day I met ye. The only difference now is yer sharin' a cabin and he's rowdy." John turned to his pancakes avoiding the two people staring at him. One in disbelief and the other in betrayal.
"Ouch, way to kick a man when he's down," Titus grumbled into his pancakes.
John just chuckled and dug in. He had never liked pancakes, oftentimes they were tasteless and flat. These, wow. They were fluffy and slightly spiced. John was almost done when Riven finally sat beside him.
"How does everyone like it?" she asked.
"Really good," Rachel responded
"Oh, stars." came from Titus.
She turned to John. "I never was a fan of pancakes." her smile fell. "But these have completely changed my mind. I could eat these every day."
She beamed, John would eat every tasteless flat pancake in the world if it meant he got to see that smile every day.
He fell and he fell hard. After a few months, they gave up on the pretense of sleeping in their own rooms as one would always end up in the other's bed. It was a tight squeeze but they made it work, most of the time with John sleeping on his back while she either slept pressed against his side or on top of him. During her cooking times, he tended to just watch her, memorizing every single detail. Some days she taught him while others he was content to watch her dance around the kitchen.
After a month and a half they had to stop for previsions, Those who wanted to stay could and those who wanted to keep going were sent out. Pick a pocket here, snag from a merchant there. Just enough to get them to the next port. Each port they went to they sold what they nicked from the last. It kept them under the radar and soon helped them amass a small trove. They decided to name the ship the Ursa Major. And it began to feel like home. Surprisingly the band of Ursid's took well to the skies. There were a few bumps yet it all worked out in the end.
Once a year they would return to their home planet parking the ship a ways off and taking their skip The Ursa Minor into town. There they recruited new crew along with scouring for orphans. It became their mission to save as many as they could. As the years went on the pups they saved grew and moved on, some stayed, some left. It brought happiness to John to see his pups leave the ship and start a new life of their own, sometimes the older ones would take some of the younger with them, others they just left on their own.
After a year aboard the ship, Rachel and Titus finally admitted there was something between them. much to the relief of the other five who had to put up with the pining
~~ 5 and a half years after boarding~~
John woke to the sound of retching. Getting out of bed he padded to the bathroom where Riven was bowed over the toilet. Rubbing her back he sighed.
"All right, tha's it. I'm askin' Rachel to make port as soon as we can."
She wiped her mouth
"I'm fine, It's just a little air sickness." she coughed then leaned back over the toilet.
"Ye been sick for a week now Love, ye ain't ever been airsick before. We're makin port and findin ye a Doctor." he handed her a glass of water.
"Ok fine. But only to prove nothing is wrong." she swirled the water around before spitting it out and getting up.
John tucked her hair behind her ear. "I worry about ye love. Ye know that."
She just nods and sighs. " I think I may stay in bed today. Could you mind the kitchen?"
"Course love." he kissed her forehead before pulling her back to bed. Tucking her in he refused to leave till he knew she was comfortable.
"Go, I'll be fine. If I need something I'll ask. Go or you'll be late for breakfast." she laughed as he kept fussing over her.
"Fine, But I'll be back as soon as I'm done with somethin' for ye to eat."
It was another week till they were able to make port. As soon as they did Silver was rushing her off the ship.
"I'm fine John. I told you the nausea has gone away, for the most part, it's mostly only when I wake up then fades. I don't need to see a doctor."
"No, ye promised me ye would go. What if it's some bug that just goes away then comes back twice as strong" He held her close as they weaved in and out of the crowd.
Riven smiled and shook her head. "I don't think it's that."
He glanced over at her. "Ye know what it is?"
She pulled herself closer to him. "I have an idea, but since we are going to the Doctor we might as well have him see."
John just furrowed his brow but kept walking till they stood before a door marked as the Doctor.
Waiting was the hardest part, he saw people come and go some sicker than others. He practically pulled Riven on his lap as if he could protect her from the world.
When the nurse finally called them back John practically jumped from his seat dragging Riven with him. He sat in the chair off to the side as the nurse asked her a million questions before disappearing. John was just starting to get impatient when the Doctor finally came in. He asked her a few more questions before humming and asking her to lay back.
"I have to examine you, are you comfortable with him being in the room?" The Doctor asked
John practically growled. Riven just rolled her eyes. "Don't mind him, he's just impatient. I don't mind him staying though."
The Doctor sent John a wary look before beginning the exam, John nearly jumped the man when he hiked her skirt though. If it weren't for a stern look and Riven promising it was normal the man would have been thrown halfway across the room as it was John just moved up beside her head and paced the short space.
"Alright," the Doctor said as he helped straighten her clothes and have her sit back up. "Everything seems to be going well, I don't know much about Ursid's but you look to be about two months. Does that sound accurate?" Riven just beamed and nodded.
John was lost. "So is she goin' to get better?"
The Doctor nodded as he filled out some paperwork. "Oh yes, they will be quite alright. I am not sure how long the morning sickness will last but she seems to be progressing quite on par with other species."
"They?" Silver looked between her and the Doctor lost.
The Doctor pursed his lips and looked to Riven.
She sighed and rolled her eyes. "I'm pregnant John."
John felt his jaw drop, "Yer what?"
She just giggled. "Pregnant, you know, with a pup?"
John was struck, he knew it was a possibility yet at only 22 he hadn't been thinking of it much.
Her smile fell at his silence. "Is that ok? I know we hadn't talked about it but you are so good with the other pups."
He turned to her slowly, the worry on her face made his heartbreak. "Ok? OK? Darlin' I'm more than ok, Stars Lass, I'm...I don even know what I am at the moment. All I know is I love ya and if this pup is half as gorgeous as ye I'll be a lucky man." He ran his hand through her hair smiling.
She smiled and threw herself into a hug.
The Doctor cleared his throat. "I'm always happy to see an accepting partner. Now I suggest you find yourself an Ursid Doctor as they will know more about growth patterns and health. Though if you've had previous children I assume you've gone through this before."
Riven smiled and shook her head. "This will be my first, we have a few we care for but none of them are ours."
The Doctor just nodded. "Then I suggest finding one, There Isn't one on this planet as far as I know but I will keep an ear out if you would like to check with me next week."
"Mighty kind of ye Doc but we are shippin' out this evenin', only stopped to come to see ya since she had been sick. We live and work on a ship so we don' port often."
"I see." he frowned. "While I don't suggest that lifestyle for a pregnant woman I figure your body might be used to the changes a ship goes through. I would just stick to safer paths so you don't run into any trouble. Do you know about how long Ursid's are usually pregnant for?"
Riven looked at John who just shook his head. "I think about a year, maybe shorter."
he hummed. "Alright, then within the next four months I want you to find an Ursid Doctor or a female who has been pregnant, Get your timeline down. Wouldn't want you giving birth without planning for it."
Riven nodded.
"The nurse will be in to check you out, here are some motion sickness pills if the ship gets to be too much. I wish the both of you the best of luck." He shook both their hands and was off. The nurse came in, led them out, and finally John was breathing fresh air.
His mind was going a mile a minute. Riven was pregnant...with his pup! Scooping her up he gave her a desperate kiss. She fell into it before pulling away laughing.
"What was that for?"
"Thas' for bein' the most beautiful woman out there and givin' me the best gift of all." he placed her down gently before staring at her stomach. "How long have ye known?"
She smiled before grabbing his hand and twining their fingers together.
"Not long, I began to suspect when I didn't have any other symptoms besides nausea. But I didn't want to say anything till we were sure." she fell silent as they began walking back towards the ship.
"Are you sure you're alright with this? I know it's a surprise and we hadn't been trying." she sounded nervous.
"I meant what I said love, We weren't tryin' but we sure were practicing enough. I'm more worried about you, I may not know much 'bout carryin' pups but I'm sure ye ain't supposed to be straining yourself."
She giggled again. "Not to worry, Dove has been helping me more in the kitchen. Plus I know you'll always be there if I need something heavy brought in.
They conversed back and forth all the way back to the ship. Once they were there they went to Rachel and asked her to gather the other 'Elders'. When they were told the news the women screamed and jumped before enveloping Riven in hugs much to the shock of the men present. Dove did promise to help more around the kitchen while Rachel agreed to make a stop back home before the four-month timeline was up.
Then life went on, a few weeks after they went back to their room to find George had fashioned them a new bed big enough for them both. As Riven began to show early it brought concern that she was wrong about the timeline though nothing felt off. John found more and more often his hand strayed to her stomach to rub the slight swell. It never seemed to bother her, in fact, she relished in him touching, stroking, and whispering to their growing pup.
"How many would you like?" she asked one night after the light had been extinguished.
He hummed and pulled her closer to him. "I hadn't thought about it." he lied easily
"I love watching you with the pups, you are so open around them, even though they came from nothing you make sure to give them everything. I imagine one day the crowd around your feet at storytime will include many of ours. They wouldn't just have each other either. All the pups would be their siblings." she sighed beginning to rub circles on his chest.
"Ye wan' a big family then?" he whispered.
"I never really had one of my own before I came here. Mum died when I was a kid and dad was too busy building ships. Had a nanny, she was the closest thing to a mother I had. But you, all of you became my family."
John held her closer blinking the tear from his eyes. "I'll give ye as many pups as ye want. We will have a whole crew by the time we are done."
"I want them to have your last name," she whispered
John chuckled. "I don have a last name"
She nuzzled closer. "I gave you one, you don't remember."
John frowned and thought. "I don't. I never had one.
She giggled softly. "John Silver-tongue, a man who could talk himself out of anything."
John was struck with a memory. "Here I thought ye were insultin' me not namin' me."
She shook her head softly yawning, "No, cause I don't mind being Riven Silver-tongue."
With that, she fell asleep. John stayed awake just staring at her, their people didn't marry like others, they just tended to mate and live out their lives together. But Stars, if she wanted his new last name he couldn't deny that. He couldn't deny her anything.
Just shy of the four-month mark the Ursa Minor pulled into port. Riven sighed as she disembarked, she felt huge. Staying tucked under John's arm she let him lead the way. They had researched this doctor and knew which questions to ask along with some concerns she had about her size, she was much larger than she should be at almost six months unless the first Doctor got it wrong.
Before she even sat down in the doctor's office John pulled her into his lap. She had found the further along she got the more possessive he became. Not towards the crew of course but if they got off on a planet he tended to be beside her and keep everyone at a distance.
This time the wait wasn't as long, they soon found themselves back in a room with the nurse asking similar questions, though when asked how many pups she raised her eyebrow at the answer of one. The nurse bustled out and soon a large Ursid female came in.
"Good afternoon I am Midwife Tani. I see we are here for a checkup today?" she looked over Riven. "My goodness, they sure are growing in there. It says here you are only six months correct?"
they went briefly over what the other doctor had said. She just nodded along.
" I see well I'm not surprised he wasn't able to give you information as it is rare for Ursid's stray outside of their home system. Let's have a look then."
Riven pulled up the dress she had taken to wearing, the doctor began prodding at her stomach before humming, "If it's alright with you dear I'm going to bring in a device to scan you. It should give us more information." Riven nodded,
John for his part was worried, it couldn't be good that she needed something else. The doctor quickly returned with a small handheld device.
"Alright dear, this machine is called a sonogram. How it works is it's going to scan your stomach and show us your little ones in a hologram." Riven smiled brightly
"Oh that would be amazing," she responded looking at her distended stomach.
"Sir if you would like to go by her head I can show you both."
John nodded and moved before she pointed the small machine at Riven's stomach. A small blue laser shot out and began tracing over the skin before disappearing. The machine beeped and the doctor's face lit up.
"Ah, just as I figured." turning to the couple she smiled. "Are you ready?" they both nodded as John gripped Riven's shoulders.
The Doctor pushed a series of buttons before the device hummed and the blue line shot out, it formed itself into a grainy picture.
"Hold on a second" the doctor fiddled with the device a bit.
Slowly the image cleared and John was stunned.
"Is that..." Riven started but felt her breath catch.
"That's your pups." the doctor placed the device in a holder that magnified the image so it took up about a quarter of the room.
John's eyes roamed over the face before him then felt his brain stop. "Wait, pups?"
The doctor smiled and looked up before rotating the image. Before them, stood the clear outline of two.
"The smaller one was hiding in the original image. But yes, you have two healthy pups. I would say that the original estimate of their conception was off by about two weeks so you are just at 22 weeks. For that age, they are showing healthy development." The doctor looked to the two awe-struck parents. "You will get a copy of this to take home with you of course."
John tore his eyes away from the image before him to look down at Riven. Noticing the tears in her eyes he panicked. "Lass, you alright?"
She just nodded crying harder this time vocalizing a few sobs. Going around to the side he lifted her top half from the bed pulling her into his arms.
"That's perfectly normal, seeing your pups for the first time is often overwhelming. I'll just be outside, come and get me when you are ready." she stepped outside closing the door softly.
"What's wrong love?" John pulled back from her slowly before wiping her tears with a thumb.
"I...well I knew I had something in me but seeing it...it's just..." she began sobbing again. John pulled her close rocking her slowly.
"I know," he mumbled into her hair.
After a few moments, her tears slowed and he went to get the doctor.
Coming back in she handed them a booklet, "Here's your copy, now I also am going to include a list of books you should pick up as first-time parents. Now Ursid's usually carry their pups for about 15 months, or roughly 60 weeks. You are just about 23 weeks so that leaves about 37 weeks left. I want to see you again in about 33 weeks to see how development is going and come up with a birth plan. I suggest taking it easy as multiple pregnancies are usually tougher on the body. If you need anything do not hesitate to message me or make an appointment."
"Thank you." they both said before leaving the office. Stopping to pick up the books she suggested they made their way back to the ship to inform the others.
~~~6 months later~~~
John was helping Dove in the kitchen when the ship rocked violently. Cursing he looked up the Galley stairs. Another rock and he was running up said stairs with Dove on his heels. When he got to the deck it was chaos, the crew was running every which way while Rachel and Titus were yelling out commands. Looking into space John saw why. Pirates. He saw them fire their cannons and the ship rocked again taking a hit.
Looking around he panicked and started towards the cabins before cursing and looking at Dove.
"Go" She shouted before making her way up to the bridge.
He ran between people before storming down the stairs into the cabins. Going to theirs first he saw the bed empty. Growling he inhaled deeply. Riven had been on bed rest for the last week as she has had pain in her side. Following the scent, it led to an inner cabin where it mingled with more. Opening the door he heard pups scream and Riven hushing them.
"Riven?" he shouted over another crash
"In here" he followed her voice to a back corner where she sat with the pups surrounding her.
"What's going on John?" she asked, fear sparkling in her eyes.
"Pirates." he heard some of the pups whimper. "I got to get back out there. But I'll be back when it's safe." Looking to one of the older pups he motioned to them. "When I'm gone ye lock that door and push as many crates as ye can in front o it."
Looking back at riven he ran his hand down the side of her face. Giving her a quick kiss he whispered. "I love you."
She choked back a sob. "Don't say it like that."
"Don says it like what lass?" he pulled back and wiped her tears.
She sobbed harder. "Like you're saying goodbye."
"I ain't sayin goodbye. I'm sayin' I love you, and I love these pups." he gently stroked her stomach. "An I will be back for you. All of you."
Looking around at the pups he pats the smaller ones on the head. "You look after her alright?" getting up he motioned to the one pup to follow him.
At the door, he turned and handed him a kitchen knife he had stashed in his boot. "Do as I said, as many boxes as ye can. If anyone besides me comes through that door ye don hesitate." he pats the older pup on the shoulders. "You keep them pups safe and quiet now."
The older pup nodded before closing the door after John who paused in the hallway long enough to hear the sound of crates and barrels being moved. Sighing he took one last look at the door before running to his room. A few years back he had bought a pistol and kept it hidden. Better to have it and not need it, well now he needed it. Dusting off the box he opened it slowly. He had never really used one before, just a couple of practice shots.
Feeling another rock this time followed by the sound of splintering wood he quickly grabbed it from the box and ran back to deck. The other ship had gotten closer, close enough he could see pirates on the rigging jeering at them. Running up to the gathered group of elders he stopped. George had Anne-Marie beside him looking at the navigation, Titus was trying to steer away from the cannon blasts while Dove was nowhere to be seen and Rachel was pacing.
"What's going on?" he asked slightly out of breath.
"They came out of nowhere flying the colors of a merchant ship. They tried to hail us before opening fire. We are losing power, Dove has gone below to see what can be done. Wost news yet is we are out in the middle of nowhere, no ships, planets, or the navy in sight." She sighed looking at John. "I'm sorry"
suddenly a blast tore through their main mast splintering the wood, they watched as it groaned then cracked. More cracks were heard as it began to topple over. Running forward Rachel cried as loud as she could.
"Watch above!" Many people were able to move out of the way but the screams of those who didn't pierced the deck. Running down the stairs John began cutting away solar fabric and moving broken beams trying to untrap those he could. With the main mast down the ship started to slow even further.
Looking behind himself he snarled, the whip was closing in and it looked like they were preparing hooks to drag them even closer.
"Prepare to be boarded!" Came a cry from Rachel.
What happened next left John waking up in a cold sweat more times than he would like to admit. Over the years the details faded. He remembered he fought both with gun and knife. He remembered hearing the screams of others dying and he remembers the end.
John looked around the deck, a wounded Titus held a fading Rachel. George, Anne-Marie, Dove, and many other crew were dead.
"Do you yield?" Captain Flint growled in his face.
"Yes." croaked out John
"Do ye agree to join me crew?" John nodded
"I didn't hear you." Flint snapped circling him.
"Yes. Jus spare ta children, let them live their lives, they haven done notin' to ye."
Flint hummed. "They will live out their lives, not on my crew."
John nodded and got to his feet slowly. "Alright"
Flint grinned and motioned for him and the others captured to be brought aboard the other ship. Once everyone was loaded the ship moved away, taking one last look back he couldn't stop his eyes from welling. He would find her again, he would find her and their pups. They would be a family. As if in slow motion he heard the order to fire before cannons lit up the side of the ship.
"no." came a whisper. As more cannons fired he ran to the side "NO!" he yelled. Turning to flint he shouted, not caring that he was outwardly crying. "Ye son of a bitch. Ye promised ye would spare them!"
Flint hummed and clicked his claws on the railing "Did I? Hmm, no. I think I promised they would live out their lives not being a part of my crew. As you can see I kept my word."
John turned back to the ship watching it be torn apart by cannon fire, if he strained his ears he thought he could hear their screams. Finally, it seemed as if the ship just gave up, pieces fell off as others started having secondary explosions. When all that was left was splinters Flint raised his hand to ceasefire. He moved over placing his hand on John's shoulder.
"Like a phoenix, you will rise from the ashes."
John just sobbed gripping the railing hard enough a lesser ship would have cracked. Flint removed his hand and went back to the bridge.
"Let's go home men!" the cheers from the crew made it seem like they had just scored all the riches in the world, not murdered an entire ship full of innocent people.
That day John Silver-tongue died and John Silver, a heartless pirate, was born.