Disclaimer: I do not own Zootopia or any of its characters, they all belong to Disney. I do not own Halo or any of it characters, that are all belong to 343 Industries. Rated M for sexual themes.
Just One Small Spark
Chapter 10
Judy was amazed what three billion adult rabbits could accomplish in just short six months. The Dark Star had almost been completely repaired with the exception being things that would require a UNSC ship yard. Amazingly that was one of the things being built in high orbit of her world and along with a moderately sized starship. Since her ship's computer contained the design and physics for the slipspace engines all that was necessary was the materials, know how, and engineering to construct copies. In another six months barring problems the first one would be completed and be ready to be mated to the then first newly completed starship. Her train of thought was derailed by Nick's tongue licking her right nipple.
"Nick, what do think you're doing?"
Nick met her eyes and she felt his teeth on her nipple.
"Nick, we can't say in bed and make love all day."
"We could, but I'd have to pace myself."
Judy swatted him on the head and hurt her hand. He was well over seven feet tall and his shoulders had grown very broad. Judy thought he looked magnificent now. His fur was thicker and even a darker shade of red. His muscles were as hard as iron. But he was still getting use to his new body which led to a few accidents. Every time they had made love she'd ended up with a few new bruises. He really tried to be gentle, but he just didn't know his own strength yet. Of course, she'd continued to grow too and was now over six feet and Jill now looked so much her like that they could pass as twins.
"Well, we have to go to work and I want a take a shower first."
"OK. No problem."
He rolled over onto his back and put his hands behind his head.
"I'm sorry I didn't mean to…"
"I'm not angry with you. This change has been a lot to get used to. Before we were married I was so very careful with you. I didn't want hurt you. Then we were married and for the first time we were the same size. Now I'm bigger again and have to careful again. Don't you think I see the bruises on you very time we make love? Please a least tell me when I'm hurting you!"
"Nick, I barely feel it. In fact, I wouldn't mind if you weren't so gentle."
Nick laughed.
"So I can just be a horny fox then."
"I noticed that we're making love more often now."
"I think this change has made me feel like a teenager again. Judith was very understanding at the time. This is ready embarrassing to talk about. Judy, I hope you really don't misunderstand, but you really remind me of her a lot now. I don't know if she really loved me, but I think she knew that I loved her and when we were together I was making love with her. That's why she let me be with her as often as I was. I at least tried to give her a little pleasure in her life."
"I'm sure she loved you Nick and I'm glad that I remind you of her."
"So Judy I think I've known you long enough that I tell when something is on your mind."
Judy sighed.
"It's Jill. She loves you so much and is so trusting. And I know you've come to love her."
"I wouldn't have agreed to marry her if I hadn't."
"I do like how she asked you."
"It surprised me."
"Well it's going to be her first estrus and the first time with you. Of course, I'll be there with you two." Judy's ears turned red. "I don't want to upset you, but…"
"You're afraid that I'll be too wild and frighten her. Don't you remember the first time we made love?"
"Yes," she said and her ears turned even a brighter red.
"Maybe I should be the one who should be frightened."
Judy and her Fox were only a little late arriving on the bridge that morning. The third shift personnel were still there when they'd arrived giving turnover to their first shift counterparts.
"Attention! Captain on deck!"
Everyone came to attention and Judy felt her heart rate speed up. This sort of thing startled every time it happened and she'd just have to get use it. Joan trained the new crew of the Dark Star almost from the day the revolution ended. There were more volunteers than positions available, but after testing by Joan they were paired down to a manageable number. Also, the crew of the yet unfinished starship was aboard working with the Dark Star's crew, but the ship wasn't anywhere near capacity.
"Communications please open a ship wide channel."
Judy felt the presence of her First Officer on one side and Ensign Hopps on the other. She winked at her sister and glanced at Nick who grinned well like a fox. She took a deep breath.
"Crew of the Dark Star we've all trained hard for this day. Today we embark on our first shake down cruse. If you discover any problems no matter how small please log them. Over the next few months we will be visiting the other eleven planets, asteroid belts, and several lone asteroids in our solar system. We shall first visit the planet closest to ours which should be able to support life. Its orbit is closer to our star, but not so close that water can't exist in liquid form. It's currently behind our world by ten million miles. We will transfer to its orbit and then slow until it nearly catches up to us and we'll match velocities until we can achieve orbit. We then will put observation satellites into orbit and send down exploration teams. If this planet is habitable we will return to our world and transport several thousand volunteers to start a colony. In one hour we shall begin. Everyone do your jobs and we'll succeed. You have my confidence in all of you."
Twenty-nine days later they were in orbit of the planet which was deemed to be habitable. It was a bit smaller than their world, but the gravity only slightly greater. It only a bit warmer and had life. There were great stretches of forest and grass lands. There were oceans, but only covered about 40% of this world. This did have a profusion of animal life both predator and prey. Exploration teams were sent down to collect specimens of the plant and animal life and study the chemistry of the planet. The soil was found to be able to grow plants from their world and the prey animals were not intelligent so there would plenty of meat for the predator colonists. A week passed and the planet was passing all the tests.
"Captain, team 12 reports finding a piece of refined metal."
"Where?"
A map was displayed on the main monitor and a blinking red dot indicated the location.
"Are there any other teams nearby?"
"Well, team twenty-two is five hundred miles north and team nine is three hundred miles east. There are several teams still aboard that could go down to that location within a few hours."
"Inform all three teams to begin searching and get those other teams ready to go."
"Judy," Nick began and Judy looked at him. "Captain, I would like go down too," The Captain began to open her mouth, "in my armor with Mark and some of his people."
She closed her mouth and stared at him.
"OK. You can go, but just be careful."
"Yes Captain!" he said and saluted.
"Ensign Hopps escort the Commander to the ODST deck and see if they need your help in coordinating this mission. They might even need you on the surface. If so, you have my permission to accompany them in your armor."
"Yes, Captain." She said and grinned. "Thank you, Captain."
She watched them leave the bridge and then turned her attention back to her ship.
Jill hugged Nick as soon as the elevator doors shut.
"Now we've talked about this when we're on duty."
"Yes Commander."
Nick touched his ID to the keypad to make the elevator an express and slow down. Jill grinned, reached up, and pulled his head down hers. Nick kissed her and squeezed her tail. She broke the kiss and exposed her throat. Nick gently bit her. She shuttered and Nick increased the pressure. She moaned and he released her.
"Nick, I don't know if I can wait."
"Remember I'm a bit older I might not be able to keep up with a young doe like you."
"Ah! Over the last few months you and Judy have been doing it like … well like bunnies."
Nick laughed.
"This change has made me feel like a teenager again."
She laughed too.
"Nick, I was wondering when we make love the first time … well I want it to be special. I mean I want you to take your time with me."
"Remember Judy will be there too."
Her ears turned red.
"I know it hurts the first time and you've had experience." Nick smiled and hugged her. "Fluff, I'll be as gentle as I can be with you. You trust me?"
"Yes Nick. I'm sorry if I embarrassed you."
"I understand that you're nervous and people always tell stories. But I'm glad you talked to me."
"I really do love you Nick. From the first time I saw you with Judy. The way you held her and you were so gentle. Then I imaged myself with you. And then the night my parents died you held me while I cried. Then you and Judy took me in. I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't. And we spent so much time together and Judy's so understanding. I just wanted to thank you."
Nick kissed her gently and noticed the car was slowing.
"Now Ensign Hopps we got a mission to accomplish."
They straighten each other up and he padded her bottom. The elevator stopped and the doors opened. Two armored rabbits stood guard and they both showed their IDs.
"Is Commander Johnson in his office?" Nick asked.
"Yes. I'll tell him know you and the ensign are coming."
"Thank you, sergeant."
Nick knocked on the door.
"Come."
He opened it.
"Nick! Jill! The wedding is pretty soon, isn't it?"
Jill's ears turned pink.
"Next week, right?"
Jill's ears turned a bit pinker.
"Yes."
"So what's up?"
"One of the teams found a piece of refined metal and Judy … the Captain is sending down more teams to that area. So she thought it would be a good idea to send some ODSTs too. So Jill and I'd like to go just to give her a bit more experience. I figured that you and your bunnies might want to come along too. And maybe a few more. Of course, that's more of your area then mine."
"Ensign I know you did good in your armor. Are you ready?"
"Yes, sir!"
"Well, let's go with twenty altogether. Lieutenant!" Leah was at the door instantly. "We have a mission. Us." He indicated everyone in his office. "Yourself, Rachael, fifteen others. Let's get armored up. We have an hour. Let's move!
Nick wondered why one of the ODSTs kept watching him as they traveled to the surface. Jill had notice the same thing and squeezed his hand. She opened a private channel.
"Nick, you know that you're being watched, right?"
"Yes."
"Is it someone you know?"
He checked and names came up for all the ODSTs except for that one and one other. That was odd. He'd just have to wait until they were on the ground to find out what was going on. The drop ship touched down and everyone filed out to meet the other teams. Nick removed his helmet and immediately went to his watcher.
"So sergeant is there a problem?"
"No, Nicky," Catherine said removing her helmet and then licked her son's snout.
"Nick!" Jill exclaimed and he flinched. "Who's this vixen?"
"This is my mother!"
"I might not have grown up in the big city, but you have to come up with a better one than that."
Jill's foot began to tap the ground.
"Mom, tell her!"
"Nicky, you're still a charmer," she said. "I fell in love with him the first time I laid eyes on him. He was and still is the most handsome Fox I've ever known."
Now Nick knew something was up. Jill giggled first and soon everyone was having a good laugh. Nick face palmed which made everyone laugh a bit harder.
"OK, everyone we've had enough fun with the Commander. We've got a job to do. Come on people let get a move on!"
"You mad at me Nicky?"
"No. You got me good. Jill, you didn't know until we got down there, did you?"
"Leah told me so I just played along."
"You should a have seen Judy when my mom came aboard."
The other ODST stood beside his mother removed his helmet.
"Joe!" Nick said.
Catherine put and arm around him. Nick just stared.
"Nicky, I took your advice and well you were right. He's a wonderful lover too."
She gave him a wink and they walked off. Nick's mind flashed back to Elizabeth and Ben. His ears turned pink. Jill giggled grabbed his arm to get him moving. Nick replaced his helmet and Jill did too. She opened a private channel.
"It was nice to meet your mother and I hope she can be at our wedding."
"Yes, I'll make sure she gets an invitation."
"Aren't you glad that she's met someone?"
"Sure, but … but she's my mother. And he's so much younger than she is."
"As long as they get along and love each other what difference does it make?"
"It's just a lot to take in so quickly."
"Come on Nicky let's catch up with the others."
Nick felt odd being in command of his fiancée, his mother, and most likely his soon-to-be stepfather. They had been at this most of the day and more pieces had been found once they knew what kind of metal they needed to scan for.
"Commander," Joe said, "I have an idea."
"You too."
"You first."
"Well, it obviously was something falling from space scattering pieces as it fell."
"OK."
"So if we plot those places…"
"We might track where it went down."
"Jill, can you show us where they found the metal?"
"They should've had enough time to map this part of the planet. Let's see." She worked with her computer for a while. "OK. Here are all the places." The map showed red dots for the finds and an arrow for the direction. "We are going to be off the map soon."
"And it's going to be dark soon anyway," Nick said. "We probably should set down for the night. Maybe by morning they'll more of the map filled in. I'll talk to the pilots."
Ten minutes later they found a high spot and the drop ship set down.
"The perimeter is set," he said. "Anything comes near us and we'll know it. Also, I informed the Dark Star we're shutting down for the night."
"Good," Nick said. "So is everyone hungry?"
The rabbits sat on the other side of the room eating lettuce, carrots, and other vegetables. Nick has something special for the predators.
"So have you all tried real meat from the human food in the ship?"
They all nodded. Nick took out three large food packages and pulled the rings on each. When the first two opened he noticed the rabbit sniffing the air. The smell of fresh baked bread filled the room. Another packet he took out contained butter.
"Would you like some?" he asked and they came over. "Just take that loaf and the butter." It quickly disappeared. "That'll keep them happy."
"Nicky, what's in that one?" Catherine asked.
"Oh, you'll see. Everyone get some bread. This will go on top of it."
Nick grinned. Two minutes later it opened. The smell hit them all at the same time. Nick had swallow and wipe his mouth on his napkin.
"This my fellow predators in smoked beef brisket. Put some on the bread, fold it over, and give it a try."
The meat was just falling apart. Nick put some on his bread and took a bite. He handed the large folk to his mother who did the same and passed it to Joe. Soon there were sighs of contentment from each of them. Nick hear a purr from Joe when he finished his first sandwich.
"Nicky," Catherine began pull her son close then whispered, "this is better than sex." Then she looked a Joe. "Well almost."
She gave Nick a wink and he sighed. Oh, she was a vixen after all he thought. He padded her back and gave her cheek a lick.
"I'm glad you like it."
Nick made another sandwich for the both of them. He looked over and all the rabbits had disappeared into their cabins.
"Did everyone like it?"
"Tell me you brought more," one of the pilots said.
Nick smiled. The two wolves licked their snouts.
When Nick entered their cabin Jill immediately handed him a toothbrush. He went the bathroom and dutifully began to brush.
"Nick, you take a shower too! I can smell it in your fur!"
He sighed. Surprisingly when he got in the shower she joined him.
"Jill," he began and she pulled his face to hers and kissed him hard. "What…"
She pushed him against the wall and ground her hips again his. Then bit him on the shoulder hard and a moment later he felt her hand on his sheath. She squeezed it and he felt his erection slip out. The felt her short claws on sensitive flesh and his erection became longer and thicker. He looked into her eyes and seen a hunger in them. She almost looked like she'd gone savage! Then her head came up and Nick felt his jaws clack together and back of his head hit the wall. He seen stars for a moment and slid down to the floor. Jill stood over him and then straddled him. She took his erection in hand and lower herself on to it. On reflex he thrust upwards meeting her half way. She sat down on him fully and moaned.
Then her muscles tightened on him until it was almost painful. He grabbed her hips and thrust up again. She sucked in a breath through her teeth. She looked at Nick and thrust down again. Nick gasped as she slipped onto his knot. She screamed and tightened on him until it actually did hurt. Nick climaxed and she did a moment later. Then she collapsed atop breathing hard. He hugged her tight and tucked her head under his chin. Where all Hopps females like this during their first mating? Judy had been a bit wild the first time, but nothing like this! Nick heard her take a deep breath and he let her sit up.
"Nick?"
"How do you feel, Fluff?"
"I'm a bit sore."
Then Nick shifted position and she gasped. She looked down where they were joined and her ears turned red.
"Nick," she whispered, "why are we having sex?"
"Jill apparently you estrus started and you got in shower with me. We got a little carried away and now we are stuck together."
"But…"
"Didn't you read about Fox sexuality like I suggested."
"Well, I was a bit too embarrassed."
"I always thought practical experience was better than reading about it anyway. So I just had thought. Maybe if I carried you to the bed we could be a bit more comfortable and maybe we could make love again."
"Nick, we aren't formally mated yet."
"Well, for now, I can do this."
He removed his wedding band and put it on her finger.
"With this ring I thee wed," he said and kissed the bride. "Now you're Jillian Anne Wilde."
"Thank you," she said and started to cry.
"You're not supposed to be crying. You're supposed to be happy on your wedding day. Now put your arms around my neck and pull yourself up."
Nick slipped his hands under her bottom and lifted her up further taking more pressure off his groin. Then he pushed against the floor and slid up the wall until he stood. Carefully he walked to the bed and sat down. Then he lay back and rolled on his side. He pulled the blanket over them and relaxed.
"Nick."
He kissed her.
"Fluff, let's just relax for a while."
"Yes, my beautiful Fox."
Soon they both slept.
Nick woke with Jill's head resting on his shoulder. He stoked her back and she stretched and yawned. She looked at oddly.
"Nick, my estrus is over."
"What!"
"I do want to make love with you, but it not like it was last night. There's not that urgent need."
"But for Judy it lasted three days."
"I'm not a doctor, but I'll ask one when we get back to the ship," she said and smiled. "But I wonder if you could have gotten me pregnant like you did Judy."
Nick winced. He though must be the natural reaction of any male who had that responsibility thrust on him.
"Well, let's talk to Elizabeth when we get back and we probably should talk to Judy today."
"Nick thanks for the ring. That was really special of you. Now, we do have a few hours before sunrise. What could we do to fill the time?"
"A bit more sleep would be nice, but first how about we get to know about each other a bit more intimately?"
After they cleaned themselves up from the night before Nick lifted his new mate into his arms, carried to the bed, and laid her down carefully. He hovered over her momentary and then lay next to her. Then he began to lick her throat and she laid her head back. Carefully he took her throat into his jaws and squeezed. She moaned and arched her back. He released her and began to lick a nipple. She giggled and he felt hands on back of his head. He took her breast into his jaws and squeezed. She pulled at his fur and squeaked. He slid atop and gently entered her. Her legs went around his hips and pulled him into her. He thrust into her gently and felt her dig her small claws onto his back. He continued until she tightened on him and shuddered.
"Nick! Please don't stop! Oh sweet cheese and crackers! Nick! Please don't stop!"
He could help himself and started to chuckle. Then he lost control and slumped onto her. He belly laughed and felt himself climax.
"Oh my God Jill!" he said and laughed. "I just so glad I met you. You and Judy have made life worth living." He took his weight off her and looked at his bunny. "Jill, I love you."
He kissed her and she held him tight.
"Nick, thank you for this. It was what I always dreamed being in love could be. You were so gentle and tender with me. Can we be like this every time?"
"If you'd like, but something different every once in a while would be nice too."
Nick grinned and she blushed.
"Well, maybe once in a while," she said. "We need to get ready and I want to eat before we get started."
"Nicky, you're cooking breakfast?"
"Yes, this is one of Judy's favorites." He said this loud enough for the all the rabbits glaring at his back to hear. "You could at least try it first and there's going to be bread too."
There was some discussion first and then the rabbits drifted over. They each tasted the omelets and they quickly disappeared with them. Jill came for the bread when it was ready.
"Thanks Nick," she said and kissed him.
"You're welcome, Fluff."
"You know our cabin in next to yours Nicky," Catherine said, "and it was a bit noisy last night. I almost came over to check on you two."
"Jill's estrus started last night," he whispered, "and we worked our way through it. It only lasted a few hours and everything worked out just fine."
"Have you told Judy?"
"We will today."
"And you are still having the wedding next week?"
"Yes. Of course you and Joe are invited."
He looked over his shoulder at the rabbits who where happily eating the omelets. He reached up in a cabinet and took down a large sealed jar and put one sausage into each omelet. He folded each one over.
"What is that?" she asked.
He plucked a piece out and closed the jar. He put the piece in her hand.
"Try this. Just don't say anything."
She popped it into her mouth and chewed. He eyes went wide and she sighed.
"You're a good son Nicky."
"Tell the others not to react either."
A few minutes later the omelets and bread were both ready. There were soon five very happy predators.
They found another piece of metal soon after liftoff and then several more over the next few hours. Jill plotted all the finds on the map and it tended to show the number steadily increasing in the direction they traveled.
"Ensign, contact the other teams and have them fan out around us," Nick commanded. "What does the map show in front of us?"
"It's a very wide and deep valley with a very large lake or maybe an inland sea at the other end."
"Pilot, please land on the ridge above that valley coming up before us. Estimated time before arrival?"
"Just about 30 minutes, sir," he said. "Do you wish to get there sooner?"
"No. That'll give everyone else time to catch up," Nick said. "Who controls the drones?" Several rabbits raised their hands. "I want to send them into the valley. Should we send them now or wait to we land?"
The controllers chatted and came to the consensus to wait.
"Mark, it looks like everything is leading to that big valley in front of us."
"Should we keep searching or come to you?"
"I have a feeling that what we are looking in here in this valley. Let bring all the teams in the vicinity here and land along the rim. Then everyone can send out their drones and we can have a coordinated search of this valley."
An hour later all ten drop ships had positioned themselves equal distant along the rim and launched their drones. Ten minutes later the first report came in.
"Sir, I can see individuals."
Nick came over and looked over the controller's shoulder.
"Some of them look like humans."
"Sir, they are small."
"Maybe they're young humans."
"Can you get closer or magnify the image?"
"Mark, can you see the video feed?"
"Those are children, but what are the others?"
"Now that's better," Nick said. "That one looks a large balloon with tentacles."
"And it just picked up a human and no one seems excited," controller said. "Now it put him down and floated off. Now it's picking another individual, but it not human." He brought the drone closer. "It has black fur from head to toe, but I don't see any eyes."
"A second drone is come into range," said another controller. "There is something in the tall grass and whatever it is it's fast. Now it's among the humans and it coiled one of them. I have a good still picture now."
"Looks like a snake to me," Mark said, "but I've never seen one move that fast."
"I think the Captain needs to see this."
"Joan, is Judy available?"
"She's asleep now."
"How long has she been asleep?"
"About 7 hours."
"Open a private channel and I'll wake her."
"He walked to the back of the cabin."
"Fluff, it's time to wake up."
"Nick let me sleep for a little longer."
"We found something interesting on the planet."
"What?"
"Humans."
Judy sat straight up in bed.
"How's that possible?"
"There's a group of children and others."
"Others?"
"Joan, you should have stills now. Please show them to the Captain."
The pictures were displayed on Judy's monitor.
"A human child like we saw in the movies. That's different. It hasn't any eyes. Joan, could you magnify the head just above the mouth? Perfect. Look at the dark strip without fur and it looks to go around the head. It must have 360 degree vision if that's its eyes. Sweet cheese and crackers! That looks like male's …"
Nick laughed.
"Yes, it does, but Mark says it reminds him of an animal called a snake. These are much faster."
"What are your plans, Commander?"
"Well, I thought this might be a good group for a first contact."
"Children?"
"We won't send a predator of course."
"A Rabbit."
"I'll send Jill without her armor."
"But…"
"She's young, nonthreatening, and cute. I would think those children would take to her immediately. Others will follow behind her at a distance. I was thinking of sending Leah and Rachael also without their armor. We'll take the drop ship into the valley and get as close as possible without being detected."
Jill saw the ridge and dropped to all fours. If she was going to be a cute bunny she might as well act the part. Also, she opted not to wear any clothes at all. She knew Judy was watching and had heard about her nudity from her sister. Judy marries a Fox and then worries someone might see my furry butt. She shook her head and kept moving toward the ridge. Stopping, she peaked over ridge and saw the children. Then she took a deep breath and crested it. She hunched on two legs for a moment and sniffed the air. It was a cool day, but as thick as her fur was it made no difference to her. She wiggled her ears and finally some noticed her.
A child pointed at her and most of them turned her way. Then a snake coiled around her. It was so fast that she didn't hear or see it until it was on her. The snake was cool to the touch and was insinuating into her fur. She guessed it was absorbing her body heat. Its head was almost touching her nose and it looked at her, but had no eyes. The snake did have strip around its head like what she have seen in the pictures of one of the others. She blew air in its face and it reared back surprised. Reaching toward it the snake slithered off her and disappeared into the grass. The nearest human child looked at her and she dropped to all fours and hopped toward it.
She sniffed the grass which smelled good, but she'd wait eating any until it was tested. Ignoring the child she hopped around it paying more attention to the grass. Then she felt a hand on her back and moved to face the child. She sniffed it from head to toe. It giggled when her whiskers touched its face. She felt hand on her back as another child approached. Soon a ring of children surrounded her. There touches, scratches, and a few hugs. She hunched up on two feet, sniffed the air, and wiggled her ears. This drew laughter from the human children and a rasping from the black furred ones. A few snakes approached and beat the ground with her foot. They stopped among the children. Then she heard a sound and heads turned toward it. Jill gawked. It was a gazelle!
Jill stood to her full height and walked toward it. The children parted before her and few began to follow. It looked so much like Maria that she could only stare. When they were only ten feet apart it stood on two legs. It was impossible!
"Maria?" She asked and knew it couldn't be. The gazelle took a step back. "It's Jill."
The Gazelle's eyes rolled back its head and started to topple over. With a Rabbit's quick reflexes Jill caught her and sat down with its head resting in her lap. The children gathered around and some of them started to cry.
"Jill, what just happened?"
"She passed out. You seen it, didn't you?"
"Yes."
"Are you positive Maria is still on the ship? Why am I asking you? Joan, connect me to Maria and make sure that she can see us."
"Jill. Oh my God! It looks like me."
"Surprise. Thank God this isn't you. Maria, isn't one of your sisters a doctor? Maria?"
"Yes, she's on the ship."
"Joan, connect me to Maria's sister and make sure that Maria stays connected."
"Maria!" a new voice said.
Then Jill heard Maria and the new voice speaking in unfamiliar language. After about twenty seconds of this Jill was getting annoyed.
"Nick, tell me that Leah and Rachael are on the way."
"They'll be there is a minute or so."
"Good."
The gas bag drifted down and stared at her.
"I am Jill. What's your name? Can you talk?"
"Jill."
"Doctor, please tell me what I should do."
"Well, I wish I was there."
"Me too, but you're not. So…"
"Getting her feet would be best. Get her vertical and keep her head up."
Maybe the gas bag could help, she thought. He reached up and touched it. It flinched. Jill mimed it lifting the gazelle and gas bag lifted it so that feet just touched the ground. Jill supported the long neck.
"That's good Jill."
Just then Leah and Rachael arrived.
"Thank God you're here! Rachael, could you hold her neck? I need to sit for a while."
"Sure."
"Thanks."
She sat and then lay on her back. The children came and snuggled up against her.
"Jill, how you doing?"
"Just tired Nick. A lot happened to me in the last 24 hours. Just let me rest for a while, OK?"
"Sure, Jill. You did a great job."
"Thanks Nick."
She fell asleep.
When she woke Nick had been watching her sleep.
"Jill."
"Judy! Why are you here?"
"To see my brave little sister who did such a great job and to congratulate my mate's newest wife."
"Where are the kids?"
"Their parents came and got them. We think that they are grateful you saved her."
"You think?"
"We can't understand any of their languages and they have several."
"Even the humans?"
"Nope. Joan thinks they aren't even from Earth."
"The Forerunners?"
"Maybe. Who knows?"
"Is there a ship?"
"It's in the lake and we found another on other side of the planet. Come on. There some people who want to meet you."
Judy and her Fox led Jill to a hospital tent that had been set up in the field. When they entered Jill noticed three new humans. One was examining Leah and the other Mark. The third was standing near a bed on the other side of the tent. Then she hear a voice that she recognized as Maria's and it was soon joined be another very similar one, but just a bit different. They were singing in a language she didn't know. It was a beautiful harmony. She followed her mates as they made their way to Maria. The other Gazelle was propped up in bed holding Maria's hand. Kurt stood watching and Jill moved to stand beside him. She put an arm around him and he returned the hug. No one spoke or moved until they'd finished.
"Maria, that was beautiful!" Jill said. "You're sister has a beautiful voice too."
"Yes, Joan has confirmed that she is my twin."
"How did she get here?"
"She does not speak my language well, but I think if I work with her she'll remember it. My parents are going to have to answer a lot of questions."
"And you're not going to be the one asking then," Kurt said and she glared at him. "It needs to be someone impartial."
"Maria, it's also a matter of planetary security," Judy said. "Someone took at least one person from our planet and brought them here. By accident or intent it doesn't really matter."
"Judy, could the old government been in touch with someone else?" Nick asked.
"Now that's a scary thought," Judy said. "Just what we need another batch of aliens who were working with those assholes. If they were at least they didn't give them weapons."
"As far as we know," Mark said joining them. "All this will need to be reported back so people can be questioned again. We'll need to search every inch of this planet and talk to its people."
Judy noticed that Maria was attempting to talk to her twin. Kurt joined his mate and put an arm around her. The other gazelle cocked her head and then smiled. Kurt kissed Maria and her twin giggled. She sat up in bed and hugged them both. Then she kissed Maria on the cheek and Kurt on the lips. The kiss lingered and Kurt didn't seem to know what to do with his hands. She finally broke the kiss.
"You enjoyed that, didn't you?" Maria said and Kurt blushed.
"She surprised me."
"You didn't answer the question."
"No, I didn't."
Maria gave him the eye and he glared right back at her. Her twin giggled and then hugged them both again.
"So Maria what's going on other than we now know that Kurt has more experience kissing Gazelles than anyone else here," Judy said and smiled.
"Other than you," Maria said and watched her friend's ears turn red. "I remember several late nights when a certain cute little bunny begged a certain beautiful gazelle to teach her how to kiss a certain handsome Fox. And sometimes she even seemed to forget she was being taught."
As Mark suggested Judy ordered the planet to be scanned and searched. This would take time even with the resources of Dark Star. All information discovered on and about the planet was reported back to their world. More in depth investigations were begun on the old government.
Maria's parents were questioned about what had happened to Maria's twin. Maria's father deigned knowledge of the twin's existence until shown a video of Maria and Alejandra together. When confronted, Maria's mother told a story about giving Alejandra to a relative since twins were bad luck. No one believed this. Only after Maria's father threatened to divorce her and tell the rest of the family about the twin the true story came out. After going to a government doctor she had been contacted and told if she didn't give up one twin or she would be taken with both.
Better progress was made with Alejandra. Between Maria and her other sister, Juana, helping her Alejandra begun to remember more of her native language. Within a couple of weeks Alejandra was able to translate the main language used by everyone on this world. The story was told to them that Alejandra was found on a rare expedition outside the valley and they were led to that place. A base was found below ground which had been damaged severely by an earthquake. Bodies of several species were found. Most were familiar, but a few were not. How Alejandra escaped could not be determined.
A meeting was setup between Judy and her officers and people living on this world.
"Thank you for welcoming us to your world and helping us with our investigations. So tell us what we could provide to help you."
Maria translated and Alejandra retranslated Judy's message.
"We would like some of your people to settle on our world and we would like to settle some of ours on yours," Maria translated. "To make things easier some of our people would need to learn your language."
"The language the Maria and Alejandra speak is not our main language."
"Yes, we understand."
"We have shown you some of our technology," Judy said. "Let us know what you need. Also, we'd like to salvage your ship from the lake. With that we might be able to determine your origins. We have only three humans here with us and they are from a group of human worlds 10,000 light years from here."
Maria and Alejandra when back and forth trying to understand how to translate what Judy said.
"Judy, I can't explain to her a light year. Their distance measures are different than ours."
"Just tell them they are from a star system a tenth of the distance of the width of the galaxy from here."
"That's clever Judy."
Nick grinned at her.
"You are mated to this male."
"Yes."
"You're not the same species."
"No, we're not. I'm a Rabbit and he's a Fox."
"You love each other."
"Yes."
"We noticed several others have mates who are of the same species."
"Yes. Nick and I were the first on our world."
"Isn't it true that you and Nick cannot produce off spring?"
"Actually, it may be possible."
"How?"
"Nick was able to impregnate me, but the embryo was not viable. It has been removed from my body and put in suspension until some point in the future when it can be made viable using technology which can manipulate the genes of each cell."
"Also, some of our people would like join your crew."
"We are always in need of qualified people."
"Our technology level isn't as high yours since we lost much on it when our ship crashed.
"We can train your people since we won't be leaving our solar system as soon as we thought. We'll need our ship to defend our world if the people were taking our people return. We do have another ship under construction. Our original plan to investigate the other planets will go forward after we return to our world with your people and then return here with ours."
