Chapter Five

It had been several days since the Port Authorities came in, freed the slaves and demolished the Black Fence, and things were finally starting to calm down. From what they heard through Granny Rose, they had found quite the stash of wealth, supplies and weapons in the buildings behind the Black Fence. On such a world as Zerichs II, such caches were hardly out of the ordinary, but the fact they were being used for such cruel criminality was. Last they heard, the leaders of the crooks were to stand trial, and would most likely be sentenced to death, which, surprisingly, was a rare thing on Zerichs.

Sophie was excited at the prospect of finally being able to leave the port and go into Zeraven City. Before they went into the city, though, Kyle wanted to check their cargo for any contraband, and get rid of it as soon as possible.

Kyle sighed as he put his hands on his hips, looking at the containers of gold and other wealth.

"This . . . could be a problem," Kyle huffed. Many of the gold bars were stamped with the Nazi swastika. He didn't want any trouble, or to have to explain at every turn. Around there, they would probably believe him if he said he stole it from the Fascists, but he didn't want to take unnecessary risks. Thankfully, the gold coins were not of Nazi origin. Probably stolen. Sophie picked up one of the gold bars and looked it over. Kyle frowned as he looked at a stack of them that had to weigh several tons. How're we going to get the marks off all of these? he wondered.

Sophie looked carefully at the gold bar. She squeezed it, deforming it slightly. With a light growl, she brought her tail up and dug the sharp tip into the soft, yellow metal. She carefully worked her tail against the bar until the shaving of gold fell to the floor with a clink. Kyle picked up the metal shaving, complete with the Nazi emblem on it. He looked at it, then the bar in Sophie's hand. She looked at him and gave a toothy grin.

Problem solved. Kyle couldn't help grinning back.

Sophie, you're a genius. She purred at her mate's praise as she set the bar aside and set to work shaving the symbol off another.

As Sophie worked, Kyle looked in the container that was filled with various types of paper money. There were stacks of new bills, still with bands, and many older, wrinkled bills. Although much of it was out of date, it still was worth something; particularly to collectors. Kyle picked up a stack of United America Dollars, a block of ten thousand. As he did, he saw something that was different. He set the money aside and pulled out what turned out to be a stack of documents and a plaque. He blinked and raised an eyebrow at the elegant black-letter that adorned it.

Kyle wasn't a linguist, but he guessed the documents were in German. Or, it would be more appropriate to say Aryan.

The dialect of German spoken by the Nazis was commonly known as Old Aryan, and was based on German as it was spoken in the early to mid-Twentieth Century, when the Nazis felt it was pure. As such, it was almost unintelligible to a speaker of Modern German. Looking the papers over, Kyle wasn't too surprised to find a picture of Reinhardt on one of the papers, what looked like some sort of diploma. While Sophie was busy with the gold, Kyle took the papers and went about seeing if he could translate them. There was probably a translator somewhere on the Ethernet that could do it.

XXX

Kyle returned about an hour later, shaking his head. He looked at the papers of Reinhardt's and groaned softly.

"Well, that makes sense," he muttered. As he reached the bottom of the ladder into the cargo bay, he stopped when he saw the pile of gold shavings. Bewildered, he looked up at Sophie, who was fiddling with something in her hands. She looked up at him and trilled happily.

Kyle, look! He stared as she brought up a rose, made of thin gold. He blinked several times as he stared at the beautiful creation. Sophie was quite happy with herself. This metal is so soft, I can stretch it and do all sorts of things with it! He smiled at his mate's creativity and skill.

That's amazing, Sophie. She purred in reply.

I want to give this to Granny Rose. She's been so nice and helpful. Not just to us, but everyone. Kyle smiled and nodded. Sophie noticed the papers in Kyle's hands. What's that? Kyle sighed as he looked at the papers.

"Stuff of Reinhardt's. Looks like he was a 'Doctor-General of the Reich', whatever that is. No surprise he did the stuff he did on that station." Sophie growled at this. Kyle scratched his head as he looked at the documents. "What he was doing working for Weyland-Yutani, I'll never know, but I'm glad he got what he deserved."

So am I, said Sophie as she stood and hugged Kyle. He returned the embrace. Kyle looked at the pile of shavings, and saw none of them had the swastika anymore. Sophie's strong hands had been able to stretch and pull, knead and fold the metal until not a trace of the markings were left. She was able to work the soft gold like he would clay. He smiled as he rested his head against her chest.

You're a great sculptor, Sophie. She purred as she stroked his hair.

Thank you, Kyle. You inspired me. He looked up as she gently traced the line of his jaw with her long, black fingers. He gently placed his hand against her cheek. Sophie thrummed as she leaned her head against the palm of his hand, relishing in his touch. Words simply couldn't express how much they loved and cared for each other, but their mental link, the Bond, let them feel each other's feelings, clear as day. They stayed that way for untold minutes, simply enjoying the embrace of the person they loved.

XXX

Later that day, Kyle and Sophie visited Granny Rose's shop. Peter was putting items on the shelves when they came in. The redhead smiled at the arrival of his friends.

"Kyle! Sophie! Nice to see you. Come on in!" Kyle smiled and Sophie purred.

Although they knew Peter a little better, Sophie still wore her burnoose. The last thing they needed were more problems. Granny Rose smiled from where she sat behind the counter.

"Ah! Been wondering when you two would come back," she chuckled. Kyle smiled as he produced the rose and gave it to the elderly woman.

"This is a gift from Sophie," he said warmly as he gave it to the wide-eyed woman. She gently took it in her aged hands, her fingers lovingly running across the cool, yellow metal.

"My word . . . such magnificent work," she breathed. She looked up at Sophie, who gave a deep purr, nodding her hooded head. Granny Rose gave one of the warmest, most genuine smiles Kyle had ever seen on a person. "Thank you, my dear. You're very talented." As she looked at the rose, Granny Rose smiled suddenly, as if she'd had an idea. "You wait right there, dearie," she said as she went into the back room of the shop. Kyle grinned and looked at Sophie, who tilted her head.

The little old woman returned soon with a wooden box, not unlike the one that housed Kyle's paint set. She smiled as she placed it on the counter and opened it. Inside was a set of tools. "Sculpting tools. I think you'd be able to put them to good use, my dear." Kyle smiled as he dug in his pockets for some coins. Granny Rose chuckled and held up her hands. "This is a gift, sweetie. No charge." Kyle smiled. Sophie purred as she gently reached out and took up one of the tools. Kyle noticed that Granny Rose didn't seem surprised or at all unnerved when she saw Sophie's hand.

These are nice, Sophie commented as she held the stylus like a pencil. Kyle smiled as Sophie purred.

"Thank you, Granny. She can't wait to try them." Granny Rose beamed.

"You're welcome. There are some local makers of clay in the city. When you go in, tell them I sent you, and they'll give you a few samples to try." Sophie trilled and Kyle smiled wider.

"We sure will. We can't wait to go into the city!" Granny Rose smiled warmly.

"Zeraven is a whole other world, my dears. I know you'll love it." As Sophie put the tools away and closed the box, Kyle looked around.

"Say, where's Gur?" Granny Rose was about to answer, when the door opened and the Shamolene entered. Gur trilled a greeting at Peter before noticing Kyle and Sophie. Gur lightly bowed his head in greeting, which Kyle and Sophie repeated out of respect.

"Gur's been out and about getting a few things and keeping a feeler up, as his people say," chuckled the little old woman. Gur gave a whistle and chirp as he brought up a leather sack, slung around his body. He pulled something out and gave it to Kyle. Sophie trilled as Kyle took the wrapped object.

"Gift. Good deed, reward. Lovely story, pretty, shire, home." Kyle blinked in confusion at Gur's synthesized message. Granny Rose smiled as Gur sat next to her behind the counter. Kyle removed the wrappings, and saw it was a book, bound in dark, smooth leather. His eyes widened as he looked at the lovely tome, then up at Gur. Granny Rose smiled warmly at him.

"You deserve it, honey." Sophie purred as she wrapped her arms around him.

"Thank you both," Kyle replied with awe.

They spent some time talking with Granny Rose and Gur and being filled in on some of the happenings and goings-on. They also were delighted to find Peter was settling in already. It was approaching sunset when they finally arrived back at their ship. Sophie could hardly wait for their trip into Zeraven tomorrow. Kyle was excited as well.

As they settled on their bed, Sophie picked up the book Gur had given Kyle. He smiled as he opened the book, and was amazed at the beautiful, calligraphic writings and adornment of the pages. It looked like a book made by monks from the Middle Ages. There were even colored sketches and illustrations in it. Sophie trilled with delight at the lovely gift. Kyle smiled as she pulled him into her lap and nuzzled him. He had read the story before, but never from a real book, and certainly not one as beautiful as this. It was certainly a fine way to present one of the great Ancient Classics.

Kyle opened the book to the first page as he leaned back against Sophie, her mind carefully linked to his. With a warm smile, memories of happiness this story once brought to him, he cleared his throat and began to read. "'In a hole in the ground, there lived a Hobbit . . .'"

XXX

Kyle was excited and a bit nervous at the same time as he made sure they had everything he thought they might need as they prepared to leave the port for the very first time. Kyle made sure they had enough money with them in case they needed to buy things, and well as a few snacks and things. Sophie trilled with excitement as she held his hands.

I'm so excited! The city looked so lovely, I can hardly wait to see it myself. Kyle smiled at her enthusiasm as the checked his jacket.

Same here. With that, they left their ship and headed for the gates of the port.

There were some fluffy, white clouds in the sky as a cool, but gentle breeze blew. Kyle tried not to be too nervous as they came up to the guards at the gates and showed their bands and lanyards. The guards smiled as the gates opened.

"Welcome to Zeraven," they greeted as the gates opened, leaving them in stunned awe.

Zeraven City was unlike anything Kyle had seen with his own two eyes.

Instead of concrete, the streets were paved with cobbled stones. The houses were small, and made from stacked field-stone, many of a wide variety of different colors. There was grass almost everywhere that wasn't a street. The smell of the fresh grass along with the salt of the sea-air was amazing and clean. Kyle slowly walked beside Sophie as they seemed to enter a dream.

It looked, to Kyle's eyes, like a snapshot of a small village on Old Earth, perhaps from the Nineteenth Century. The houses looked like those he'd seen in pictures of Old Britain and Ireland and other such places. Some looked like they had thatched roofs, something Kyle had only seen in history files. Sophie was just as amazed, and thoroughly excited. Some houses had short fences of field-stone around them, other had hedges. A few had plaster on the outside, and were painted. Almost every house had shutters, and Kyle had yet to see one that was taller than two stories.

As they passed by one house, an old man, sitting in a rocking chair on his porch, noticed them and raised his hand.

"Good mornin'!" he greeted. Kyle grinned as he waved back, surprised. Sophie gently waved back as well. It was not the only greeting they got.

Having come from Berren Prime, and lived on space stations for so long, where people mostly kept their heads down as they went about their business, it was a shock to be greeted by strangers, and so often. In the short span of time since they had walked through the gates, they'd received more "welcome"s, "hello"s and "good morning"s than Kyle had in all his life. He was bewildered at it all. In all his life, Kyle had never met such people.

Sophie seemed to grow more excited and happy with every step they took, taking in all the sounds, smells, sensations and, through Kyle, sights with eager enthusiasm. She was almost bouncing on her feet.

Kyle, this is amazing! This is such a beautiful place! And the people are so nice! This is so much better than the port! Granny Rose was right! This place really is different! Kyle smiled as a man walking by tipped his hat in greeting.

You're absolutely right, Sophie. This is a wonderful place. Kyle was amazed when he saw the vehicles the locals were driving. One pickup truck was rounded, and reminded Kyle of the ancient ones from America in the 1930s, although this one was clearly a modern, Ionium one, as there was no exhaust or other pollution.

Sophie trilled as she came up and gently touched her hand to an old tree. It looked like a Maple, but Kyle wasn't sure. Nevertheless, it was beautiful. Since it was spring, the leaves were just budding. Flowers were beginning to bloom everywhere, and their sweet fragrance was strong in the fresh air. Air that was so clean!

Whatever doubts Kyle had about his choice to come there were erased as soon as they had stepped through the gates of the port. Sophie trilled happily as she wrapped her arms around him, almost hiding him among the folds of her burnoose.

Oh, Kyle! This is such a wonderful place! I'm so glad we came! Kyle smiled as he looked at the people coming and going, and agreed with her.

They wandered through Zeraven, almost in a daze. Kyle was almost unable to believe such a place actually existed. Although it was not a big city by any means, it was full of life and a life quite unlike anything Kyle had ever seen. The people were friendly and kind, stopping to wish them a good day or otherwise greeting them. It wasn't only humans, either.

Thus far, Kyle had seen Arcturians, Shamolenes, Durovians, Malkars, Strindols and even a few Kroll. Kyle was very clearly feeling Culture Shock, but in the best possible way. Sophie was almost twitching with happiness and curiosity. She had a hard time keeping her tail wrapped around her waist, and not waving behind her and swinging her burnoose to and fro, she was so excited. Oh, Kyle, this is so amazing! Where do we go first? Sophie asked as they stopped at a corner. Kyle blinked as he scratched his head. What few plans he had, had been thrown to the wind when they entered the city.

"Um, I'm not sure . . .," he admitted. They looked up when they heard someone cry out.

An old woman had stumbled and fallen. Before either of them could even think, several men set down the bags they were carrying and ran to help her. Kyle watched as several other people came to see if she was hurt. Back on the space stations, if such a thing had happened, people would have walked around her, nobody would have helped. Particularly if she was of the poorer classes. It shocked and bewildered Kyle. They care about each other . . . he almost couldn't believe it. Sophie purred as she wrapped her arms around him lovingly.

That is what a society should do. The group is made of individuals. If they don't care for each other, the group dies, she stated. Kyle smiled sadly at that. How right she was. If only more humans could learn that. Kyle smiled as a young man helped the old woman carry her things. Sophie gave a gentle purr as she stroked Kyle's face. So, where should we go first? Sophie asked. Kyle blinked as he tried to recall what Granny Rose had said.

What was the name of that place she said she gets those cakes from? Sophie trilled as she remembered.

The Sugar Shack! Yes, let's go there! Kyle smiled as they set their destination. Now they just had to find it.

XXX

They spent a bit of time sightseeing and asking directions before they found the section of the city where the bakeries were. The smell was heavenly. Kyle's sense of smell was nowhere near as acute as Sophie's but he could smell many types of bread and other delicious things being prepared. Sophie was just as curious. Kyle smiled as Sophie looked around. This is such an amazing place! And it smells so nice! She was curious about what the city looked like from a higher vantage point. Kyle smiled and nodded.

I'll go into the shop and you can explore the rooftops. Just try not to scare anyone, and please don't hurt anybody, Kyle advised. Sophie purred as she stroked his hair.

In such a nice place, I doubt I'd need to, she said as she entered an alley and climbed the wall until she was on the roof, looking around the catwalks, balconies and terraces. Kyle smiled as she disappeared, her curiosity flowing across their link. He turned and walked down the sidewalk, looking at the shops. He stopped when he saw one shop with a large front window and a wooden sign, decorated with images of cupcakes, cookies and other sweets:

Sugar Shack Confectionery.

Kyle smiled as he carefully opened the front door. A bell rang above his head, signaling that a customer had entered the store. As he closed the door, Kyle breathed in the sweet smell of sugar and baking. He smiled as he looked around.

The shop was not very large, lined with wooden shelves of treats of all kinds. Glass jars of every candy imaginable lined every shelf. Kyle couldn't help the childlike smile as he walked among the shelves. At the moment, there seemed to be no one there, but he didn't mind waiting for the owner.

As he moved among the shelves, he thought he saw movement. Kyle frowned as he looked past one of the shelves. He thought for sure he saw something. Walking around, he thought he caught a glimpse of the end of a furry tail. What little worry he had was replaced with curiosity. Kyle knelt as he looked around the end of one of the shelves. He saw a black, wet nose for the briefest instant, before it disappeared behind the shelf. Kyle grinned. He guessed the store owners had a dog, or a similar pet. Perhaps it was a Durvan.

As he turned, he was surprised as he stared into two big, shiny, blue-green eyes, framed by ginger-colored fur. Kyle was still for a moment. Before he could speak, or even think, he was wrapped in a soft, warm and very furry embrace.

"El'eena su kitsa dur!" squealed a clearly female voice. Kyle blinked and looked down.

She only reached up his his chin. Her fur was long, like that of a Chow-Chow dog, but more smooth and flowing. The fox-like face was nestled against his chest, two pointed ears twitched gently, capped with white at the tips. A long, bushy tail swayed softly in happiness as the small being cooed softly in a gentle, childlike way. Kyle could hardly believe what he was seeing. He was being hugged by a Milurian.

The Milurians, perhaps the kindest, most gentle and docile race humanity had ever encountered.

Kyle chuckled a little nervously. He had never met a Milurian before.

"Um, hello?" The little Milurian cooed softly and affectionately as she slid her arms further around his waist.

"Oh, hello, new friend," she cooed softly in a voice that was as sweet as honey. Kyle could feel Sophie's mind, and, while confused, she was also greatly amused.

Aw, she's so cute, Sophie observed. She felt Kyle's uncertainty, and encouraged him to hug her back. No sooner did his arms encircle her, than she cooed again, her tail wrapping around him, almost hiding him in the thick, bushy fur. She happily nuzzled her face against his chest, her nose twitching.

"Nice to meet you," Kyle said softly, not sure what else to say. The reply was a soft coo as the Milurian looked up with those big, shiny eyes.

"A wonderful pleasure to meet you. Welcome to our shop," she replied. Kyle blinked at that. "Our"? There were more? If the shop was run by Milurians, Kyle would probably be hugged and cuddled until sunset.

"Shw mae?" sang out a deeper voice. Kyle looked up as a human man with short brown hair walked up to the counter at the back of the store, his hands and apron coated in flour. The man smiled a kindly smile. "Welcome to our shop. I see you've met the missus," the man commented wryly. The Milurian cooed as she nuzzled Kyle.

"Yes, yes! Welcome, welcome!" She finally released him, but her eyes sparkled with warmth and affection. The man noticed Kyle's bewildered look and laughed.

"Don't worry! Milurians greet everyone like that!" the man assured as Kyle smiled awkwardly. As Kyle approached the counter, the little Milurian female was never more than an arm-length away, her fluffy tail swaying happily and her eyes glued to him. The man extended his hand. "I'm Leon." Kyle shook his hand. Leon smiled at the bubbly bundle of fur. "And you've already met Shiloh." Shiloh bobbed her head, her ears twitching in such a cute manner. Kyle couldn't help smiling at Shiloh's cute, warm smile and energy.

"I'm Kyle." He was surprised when Shiloh squealed again and wrapped her arms and tail around him even tighter than before.

"Oh, Granny Rose told us all about you! Welcome to Zerichs, Kyle!" she said enthusiastically. Leon smiled gently at his wife's demeanor.

"Yes. Granny Rose told us about what you and your lady-friend did in the port," said Leon with a knowing smile. Kyle sheepishly scratched his hair, a little abashed.

"It was more Granny Rose and Gur. We were just there, you know?" Kyle replied. Shiloh cooed softly as she nuzzled her face against his neck, standing on the very tips of her cute little toes.

"Such kindness from you! Those poor people are free because of what you did!" Kyle was surprised when Shiloh placed a soft, gentle kiss on his cheek. Despite his worry, Sophie wasn't at all angry. Instead, she was immensely amused and intrigued by all of it.

I like her, Sophie replied through their link. Kyle's tension eased at this.

"So, what can we do for you? If you don't see what you want, we can make it!" Shiloh giggled as she pulled back from Kyle and motioned to the shelves.

"Yes. Every treat and every sweet!" Kyle smiled at her sweet, gentle nature. He rubbed his neck, chuckling softly.

"Well, not quite sure. You've got such a selection, it might take me a couple years to decide." Leon laughed and Shiloh giggled.

"Well, we have some samples, if you'd like to try some," Leon offered, gesturing to the glass jars on the counter.

As Kyle looked at them, he noticed the delicious-looking cakes behind the glass in the counter. He noticed a long, yellow cake.

"What's that one?" Kyle asked. Leon smiled.

"That's Amaretto cake. Made with real Amaretto liqueur." Leon took a small slice of the delicate, yellow cake and let Kyle try some. The taste was delicious. Soft and delicate. The taste of the Amaretto was soft and pleasant, joining with the other flavors in a beautiful harmony he'd never tasted before. Shiloh smiled brightly as Kyle's eyes widened in delight. He licked his lips and could feel Sophie was drooling.

"How much?" Shiloh squealed with glee before wrapping her arms and tail around Kyle once more.

Kyle ended up buying not only the Amaretto cake, but a bundle of cookies, some tiny teacakes, and some "Cream Noodles", a local confection of long strings of delicious, creamy sugar candy. Sophie was tremendously excited as Kyle exited the store and waved to Leon and Shiloh.

"Thanks again!" Shiloh cooed at Kyle's thanks.

"No, thank you, Kyle! It's so nice to finally meet you. And I hope I get to meet your lady-friend, sometime!" Kyle smiled at that and turned to leave. He had hardly closed the door when Sophie wrapped her tail around him and pulled him against her, carrying him up to the rooftops with her.

What wonderful people, Sophie commented. Kyle nodded as she purred.

They sure are. Let's find a place to try the treats. Sophie trilled her agreement, holding Kyle against her as she leaped from rooftop to rooftop.

XXX

Kyle and Sophie found a nice, secluded spot under a leafy tree to sit and have a small picnic. He smiled as he held up a slice of Amaretto cake, which Sophie gently took from his hand with her tongue, the teeth at the end gently touching his fingers, a gesture of trust, tenderness and affection.

Mmm! It's delicious! Sophie declared. Kyle smiled. Compared to some of the things Sophie tasted back on Reinhardt's research station, these sweets were delightful. Kyle guessed it was because the locals used natural sugar, instead of processed, or artificial sugars, like those on space stations. Sophie trilled happily as she nuzzled her face against Kyle. I'm glad we came here. This really is a wonderful world. Kyle smiled as he reached into Sophie's hood and softly stroked her head.

It is. You were right, Sophie. I'm glad we waited until we saw this place before deciding, Kyle replied. Sophie purred as she stroked Kyle's face softly.

It wouldn't mean anything if you weren't here with me. Kyle smiled softly at her words.

Thank you, Sophie. My beautiful, lovely lady. Sophie purred as she pulled Kyle into her lap to snuggle him. He sighed happily as Sophie stroked his hair lovingly.

So, where are we going next? Sophie asked. Kyle thought as Sophie delicately wound a strand of his hair around one of her claws.

Well, I think we should take a look at some of the other shops, get to know the place and where everything is. Sophie gave a positive, agreeing with her mate. Kyle gathered up their things and they left to see more of the city.

XXX

Kyle couldn't help being amazed at the small, cozy feeling of Zeraven. The buildings and houses all had a comfortable, homey feeling to them. It felt more like a village than a city. Sophie also picked up on this feeling, and was enjoying herself thoroughly.

As they were walking, Kyle noticed two men on a cart drawn by a single horse. Kyle couldn't help his smile at the sight. He'd never seen a horse in real life, just videos and pictures. Sophie took notice as well, giving a very soft hiss as she took in the smell of the animal. As the cart neared, the horse snorted, its ears laid back against its head, dancing away across the cobbled street. Kyle was surprised when the horse whinnied shrilly and pulled against the reins.

"Whoa! Hey, Zephyr! What's gotten into you?!" said the driver as he pulled the reins.

"Think she caught a whiff of somethin' she doesn't like," said the second man. The driver looked at the other man as they passed by Kyle and Sophie.

"Yeah, she's skittish, all right. Poor girl was attacked by Serrex when she was a filly," said the driver as he calmed the horse. The second man frowned and nodded.

"Damn little beasts. I'd like to see all of 'em drowned," growled the passenger. The driver nodded.

"Yeah. I'd heard they were getting bad out in the Ela Islands . . ." The two men continued to talk as they rode on, the horse calming somewhat. Kyle frowned as he watched them go. He looked up at Sophie. He couldn't exactly decipher the feelings from her, but it felt something like concern.

"Are you all right?" he asked. He felt the warmth of her mind touch his, and knew all was well.

Yes, my love. He smiled as she stroked his hair. Sophie looked up and purred. This is an interesting shop, she said, drawing Kyle's attention to the shop behind him.

Above the carved wooden door, was a sign with a large book. As Kyle walked towards it, Sophie caught a scent she liked, and climbed the side of the buildings to stand on the roof. You go in and look around. I want to explore a little. Kyle smiled and gave a positive as he headed inside.

The inside of the shop reminded him of an old library. The shelves went all the way up to the ceiling, which was probably three stories above his head. The shop had a particular smell, a pleasant one; the smell of paper and ink. The lighting was not too bright, but not too dim. Just the right light for reading. Kyle gently closed the door behind him as he stared, awed at the shelves of knowledge all around him.

"Wow . . ." he breathed.

"Welcome to my shop, Mur-oo," a deep voice purred from above him. Kyle jumped slightly. He turned and looked up, above the door. Kyle blinked as he stared.

The being was about his size. It was covered in smooth, smoky-gray fur. Long, delicate fingers gently held a book in thin hands. Two long ears gently twitched atop a head that, strangely, looked almost like a cross between a monkey and a cat. Two large, green-gold eyes were focused on the pages of the book the being was reading, its whiskers twitching ever so slightly. A pair of small glasses was perched on its nose. It wore an apron that had several stains of ink on it. Kyle couldn't believe his eyes. It was a Sitha. The Sitha gently purred as he glanced down at Kyle and smiled. "Lovely day, isn't it, yes no?" Kyle stood, riveted to the ground.

"Uh, yes. No. What?" The Sitha chuckled, a deep, velvety sound. He placed a bookmark and closed the book as he slid out of the niche he had been sitting in, dropping to the floor without even a whisper.

"Welcome to the House of Books. A sanctuary of knowledge." The Sitha regarded Kyle for a moment. "Is there something you're looking for?" Kyle finally snapped out of his amazed stupor.

"Um, not really. I was just coming in to browse," replied Kyle, feeling a little abashed. The Sitha chuckled in that deep, velvety voice.

"Well, feel free to look around. But if you should need, let me know. The books at the top are a little high, Mur-oo." Kyle nodded as the Sitha smiled and walked over to one of the many ladders attached to the shelves, and climbed it with a speed and deftness that no human being could match.

It was then that Kyle noticed that most of this Sitha's tail was missing.

Normally, Sitha had a long, prehensile tail, much like a monkey's. Kyle watched as the Sitha placed the book back on the shelf, and purred to himself as he scanned the various titles. Kyle was still in a bit of shock, as the Sitha rarely left their world, and had little to do with humans. He shook it off long enough to look around.

The whole shop was lined with far more shelves than Kyle could count. It gave the illusion that it was bigger than it was. Kyle couldn't help a smile as he walked among the shelves. He could feel Sophie's amusement as she both explored, and felt Kyle's awe.

We'll have to come back here, Sophie said, giving voice to Kyle's feelings. He smiled and nodded.

Kyle was surprised when he found a small room towards the back, with a wing back chair, a small sofa, several ottomans, small tables, and illuminated by the soft glow of tall, bronze lamps with shades of elegant stained glass.

"You may sit and read if you find something you like," purred the Sitha. Kyle turned and looked up where the Sitha was reading another book on the shelf, about ten feet above him.

"Uh, thanks," Kyle replied.

As Kyle walked, he noticed a book on one of the shelves. He blinked as he saw the elegant leather binding, and golden lettering that adorned it. Kyle reached out and gently pulled it from the shelf. It reminded him of the book Gur had given him. Curious, Kyle opened it, and was amazed at the decoration at the edges of the pages. As he flipped through the pages, he realized that it was not a printed book, but a handwritten one. This book had lovingly been lettered, by a skilled hand in the old arts of calligraphy and illumination.

"A fine choice, Mur-oo," purred the Sitha. Kyle looked up to where the Sitha clung to the shelf above him.

"I couldn't. This is rare and valuable. This book is-"

"The work of the Monks, Mur-oo," replied the Sitha. Kyle stopped and stared. The Sitha smiled softly at him. "You're new to our world, I can see that as plain as day. This book was written by the monks of Monk's Mountain Island. It is not the only one of its kind, so you needn't worry, Mur-oo." Kyle looked at the lovely tome, then smiled at the Sitha, who purred.

As Kyle followed the Sitha to the front of the shop, Kyle noticed him twitch an ear up very suddenly. Kyle almost stopped when he felt Sophie through the link, and knew she was on the roof. It was then that Kyle noticed the notches and gouges in his ear. What really got his attention was the earring he wore.

It was a blood-red stone, with a thirteen-pointed star of gold set in the middle.

No way . . . Kyle couldn't believe it. They weren't just urban legends. The symbol was that awarded to those that had survived the coliseums.

There had always been rumors about intergalactic coliseums. New gladiatorial games, every bit as bloody and ruthless as those of ancient Earth, if not more so. It was largely regarded as nothing more than an urban legend, a myth. The being standing in front of Kyle was proof otherwise.

How awful. Nobody should be treated that way, Sophie said softly. Kyle nodded. The Sitha smiled as he took the gold coins from Kyle.

"Enjoy your book, Mur-oo." Kyle smiled, albeit with a little sadness.

"Thank you, sir," Kyle replied, offering his hand. The Sitha smiled and gently shook Kyle's hand. His skin was soft and warm. The fur was velvety and soft.

"You're welcome. Purrthin, I am, and you are always welcome in this shop, Mur-oo." Kyle smiled warmly as Purrthin purred deeply. With that, Kyle left, smiling as he gazed at his new book.

Purrthin chuckled to himself as he watched the young human leave. "Granny Rose was right . . ."

XXX

Kyle breathed deeply of the wet, salty air as he exited the shop. Sophie purred as she dropped down from the roof of the shop.

What book did you get? Sophie asked, curious. Kyle smiled at her, then turning his attention to the beautiful gilded letters on the leather cover; Celtic Legends. Sophie purred as she wrapped an arm around him, holding him against her lovingly. Kyle was awed to hold not only a real, paper book, but one that had been lettered by hand. Something humans hadn't done in hundreds of years.

Sophie trilled softly as she gently touched the book, looking forward to cuddling with her beloved mate and reading more wonderful stories. Kyle looked up at Sophie, the warm, happy feelings flowing through their link. She stroked his hair as she purred, glad he was happy, and glad they had come.

They spent the next hour or so, just wandering around and familiarizing themselves with the city. They both felt hungry when they passed by the restaurants, and Sophie couldn't help trilling in happiness when she saw children playing out in a schoolyard. The more they saw, the more they were growing to love this new world. Oh, Kyle, this is such an amazing place! Kyle smiled and nodded as they walked, holding hands She purred as she looked down at him. Where should we go next? Kyle frowned lightly as he thought.

Well, Granny Rose said we should visit the lighthouse in the square. I've never seen a real lighthouse before. Sophie purred, giving a positive. Kyle smiled as they headed for their next stop.

XXX

The square was in the middle of the city, rather easy to find. As well, they could see the lighthouse from almost anywhere in the city, as it was the tallest building.

The lighthouse was made of gray stone, smooth and cool. It was very plain, no special decoration of any kind that he could see.

As they came closer, Kyle could see that the large, stone doors had some sort of design carved into them. As they stood in front of the doors, Kyle could see the design was of trees and vines around the edges of the doors. Upon closer inspection, Kyle could detect the faintest hint of a rosy color to the gray of the stones. It was very subtle, but it was there. Sophie trilled, bringing his attention.

Kyle, there's writing here, said Sophie, indicating marks in the smooth stone around the base.

Kyle came over and looked.

All around the base of the lighthouse, was writing. Kyle recognized Arcturian and Shamolese glyphs, as well as human letters. Although he wasn't a linguist, Kyle recognized some inscriptions as Welsh, Irish, French and several other Old Earth languages. They walked all around the base, looking at the inscriptions. As they came back around to the doors, they found one in English. Kyle blinked as his fingers gently traced the engraved letters, almost not believing what was written there:

Give me your tired, your poor,

Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,

The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.

Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,

I lift my lamp beside the golden door!

Kyle was awed as he read those immortal words. Looking back, he realized all the inscriptions were the same passage, in many different languages. Sophie purred as she lovingly held him. What lovely words. Such a beautiful way to welcome people, she said as she gently swayed with Kyle in her arms. He smiled as he gently held one of Sophie's hands. Now he knew what Granny Rose meant.

Not many people now knew those words, much less where they came from, or what they meant.

The time when those words were written were as distant to Kyle and Sophie as the Middle Ages had been to the people of that time. The passage of time could be a haze that obscures and dilutes. Knowledge is lost, or loses its meaning as times and people change. This, though, Kyle felt was something immortal, that would always have meaning.

As he smiled, he wondered what people from that time and place would think of those words being so lovingly engraved as a welcome on this distant planet, for far more peoples than human beings. I love you, Kyle. My sweet, wonderful friend, Sophie said softly as she tenderly squeezed his hand.

And I love you, Sophie. With all of my heart and all of my soul. Sophie purred gently, lowering the sound into the deep thrum she used when truly happy and at peace.

Author's note: To those who are curious, a map of Zemura Island is now up on my DeviantArt page. I intend to publish more maps as they're needed.