Chapter Six
Kyle and Sophie were absolutely amazed as they walked through the local market of Zeraven. As fortune would have it, they were in time for the local Farmer's Market. Kyle couldn't believe his eyes as he held an actual tomato, bright red and juicy, fresh off the vine. Sophie was also delighted as she looked over the meats and other delightful things the local growers were selling.
It had been several days since they first entered Zeraven, but they were still amazed at all of it.
Since it was such a rural world, it only made sense the people would grow their own food. As such, it was much richer and far more healthy than anything found Off-World. Despite the sizable crowd, the people were still friendly and polite. That was something else Kyle and Sophie had noticed; the people were more friendly, polite, welcoming and kind than humans from other places. Zerichs II had a culture all its own.
Sophie watched as a man bought a whole small Cerga, an animal rather like a deer. Here, the people used every part of an animal, not just the meat. "From the squeak to the tail", as they liked to say. Sophie had to admit, she liked sweetbreads most of all. She didn't understand why some humans wouldn't eat things like liver, pancreas or stomach. They were tasty. Some meats were already cut and prepared, but just as many were whole animals, fresh from either the farm, or the hunter. To a predator like Sophie, it was heaven's hunting grounds.
Kyle smiled as he felt Sophie's enthusiasm. At the moment, he was looking at the stalls where people were selling fresh, local herbs. While he recognized many of them, there were quite a few that he didn't. Of course they would have local herbs and plants that only grew on their world. In particular was the Zerichs Potato, which was actually a type of lily that grew in salt water pools near the ocean. They were naturally salted, and quite good in all sorts of cooking. Foods were not the only things they were selling.
Many farmers also raised crops of medicinal plants for all manner of ills and aches. Everything from willow bark for rheumatism, to poppy-drops for agonal pains.
It also was a general gathering, and some of the herdsman and drovers had brought their flocks of animals to market. Both to sell, and also to show. Kyle couldn't help smiling at seeing little kids having rides on the ponies, happy as could be. It was amazing to see such a wild array of life.
Back on Berren Prime, no plants of any kind grew, except in pots or special greenhouses, owned by the rich and powerful. This was even more true on space stations. Kyle had seen the gardens that the rich owned in their private sections of the stations. It was more a show of their money and status than for any need. Beautiful as they were, those gardens paled before the sheer beauty of the natural world of Zerichs II.
Ah, this is such a beautiful place, Sophie crooned as she wandered through the crowd with Kyle.
They were in a wonderful state of shock as people bought food, animals, medicines and many other things.
They had made a point of exploring as much of the city as they were able, and were enjoying every minute of it.
Kyle smiled and took a deep breath of fresh air as Sophie walked just behind him, her hands gently on his shoulder. I'm so glad we came here. What a wonderful, marvelous place to live! Maybe I'll be able to take the burnoose off sometime. Kyle smiled softly, touching her hand.
Let's wait a while before we do that. We'll let people get to know you first, Kyle cautioned. Sophie agreed.
As they passed a shop, Kyle noticed a hologram in one of the small panes of the window. Kyle squinted as he looked closer at the image of a small boat with a candle in it. Underneath the image were the words: Remembrance Lights here. Sophie gave a very soft trill as she tilted her head, as confused and interested as Kyle was. "Remembrance Lights"? Remembering what? Kyle wondered.
Before he or Sophie could think further on this, they heard a loud shriek from up the street.
They looked up as two human children ran from a Shamolene in a burnoose. Sophie had just barely caught that they had flipped open the cloak, surprising and angering the large being underneath. A sudden gust of wind blew into them at that moment. The shrill whinny of a horse got Kyle's attention as he whirled.
A horse pulling a cart reared and bolted from its startled owner. A nearby Shamolene caught the reins and pulled, stopping the horse, which tried to rear, but was no match for the strength of the Shamolene, which trilled in an attempt to calm the horse. Kyle blinked, bewildered as horses laid their ears back, snorting and stamping. Some tried to bolt, but their owners calmed them. A few of the ponies were also startled, but, quite thankfully, they had merely trotted a short distance away. Frightened parents gathered their crying children as the pandemonium died down.
"Blast and confusticate those beasts!" called a deep voice. Kyle was surprised to see Purrthin running up, his eyes flashing and his ears and whiskers twitching. "If those horses had been trained by The Tribes, this wouldn't have happened!" growled Purrthin as he looked on. The Sitha turned to the Shamolene, who gave several agitated chirps and clicks. Purrthin's ears stood up in surprise.
As all of this was going on, Kyle was suddenly aware that Sophie was not with him. He turned and looked around as he reached out to her. He was surprised at the jumbled, confused and anguished thoughts he encountered. Through all of it, he was only able to discern one thing from her:
It's me. Kyle quickly left, following the trails of distressed thought.
XXX
Kyle was almost out of breath when he opened the door of the Talon, thoroughly distressed and confused. He found Sophie in the ship, sitting on the floor with her tail curled around her, the tip twitching with agitation, her mind flustered, confused and distraught. He frowned as he came closer.
"Sophie?" She moaned sadly as she looked up at him.
It was me they were frightened of. Kyle could feel her confused, sad thoughts. He tried his best to smile as he knelt in front of her.
It's okay, Sophie. Nobody was hurt, he comforted. She gave a very soft growl.
This time. But what about next time? Kyle, there were little ones there. Children. I'd never want to see little ones hurt! And other people could've been hurt, too. Horses are big. They could easily hurt a full-grown human. Kyle smiled sadly and nodded.
With their mental Bond, it was nearly impossible to lie to each other. Unlike a human, he couldn't comfort her with a lie, and say it would be all right. He gently wrapped his arms around her. Sophie purred gently as she wrapped her tail around him. He pulled back and gave her a soft peck on the lips.
We'll adapt, he said simply. Sophie tilted her head as she smiled softly. He cupped her face and did his best to purr, which made Sophie laugh. We'll adapt and get through it. Sophie gave a positive as she nuzzled her mate lovingly. Kyle kissed the side of her head before pulling back, her tail lovingly rubbing his back. "Now, you snuggle in bed, and I'll rustle us up something good from the galley." Sophie purred, giving a positive as she released her grip on him and crawled into the bed. Kyle went to the galley to see what he could find.
As he looked through their inventory, he felt Sophie's mind grow tired and sleepy. He smiled softly as he glanced over his shoulder. Go ahead and have a nap. I might pop out and get us something. You just stay comfy and relax. Sophie gave a positive as she snuggled among the soft blankets.
Thank you, Kyle. He smiled as he felt her peacefully drift off to sleep. He gave a soft sigh as he thought.
He knew Sophie was right about the horses. Not just the horses. Sheep and other animals had been scared, too. He sighed, scratching his head as he tried to think. More than anything, he wanted Sophie to be happy. His mind wrestled back and forth on what to do. He suddenly snapped his fingers, knowing just the person to see. "Granny Rose!" he whispered. He smiled as he grabbed his jacket and headed out.
XXX
The rain in the port was a bit of a drizzle, but not bad. Kyle hustled through the streets, towards Granny Rose's shop. He was surprised when he arrived, and found the lights off and the shutters closed. He sighed dejectedly seeing the closed shop. That was when he caught a whiff of a delightful smell. The smell of fish cooking, and vinegar, which Sophie loved the smell of. He smiled as he thought of something else that might cheer his mate up.
Many people were gathered in the stall, out of the rain and eating their food and chatting. The human man tending the stall smiled as he handed an order to one of the customers.
"What can I do for you?" he asked Kyle as the man handed a slip of paper to the Arcturian female that was handling the cooking.
"Yeah, I'd like an order of fried fish, some pickled mussels and some grilled mushrooms, please." The man grinned as he wrote the order down and handed it to the cook.
"Comin' right up!" Kyle smiled back as he wiped some rainwater from his hair, inhaling in the scents of cooking.
As he sat on a stool, he could hear some of a conversation.
" . . .Those kids were bribed, I heard," said a human man. Kyle frowned at that. He knew it wasn't polite to eavesdrop, but this got his attention.
"Yeah, somebody paid 'em to flip open burnooses," said another man.
"I heard they were bounty hunters," said a woman.
"Sounded more like Revenuers to me," growled an Arcturian. This earned several angry growls and fitting remarks from the other people.
"Yeah. Heard they were looking for an Elysian," said a female voice. Kyle lightly turned his head, and was surprised to see the owner of the last voice was a Baleeja.
The Baleeja were a race that unnerved a lot of people, because they so closely resembled horses, yet were carnivores. The Baleeja was dressed in a simple dress and a leather apron. Her powerful, muscled arms were bare.
"Just glad nobody was hurt. Do you think the horses smelled the Elysian?" a man asked. The Baleeja shook her head softly.
"I don't think so. I think they were startled by the Shamolene. You have to remember they're predators too. It's taken years of training to get horses used to the scent of Shamolenes, Balgarrs and other predatory species," she stated. Kyle couldn't help lightening at hearing this. With those words, it was as if a great weight had been lifted off his shoulders. Kyle gently hung his head and allowed himself a deep sigh of relief. When he looked up, the Baleeja took a large fish from the owner of the stall. She bowed her head in thanks as she took the paper-wrapped fish and headed off. Kyle was brought out of his reverie by the man bringing his order.
"Here you are, nice and hot!" Kyle smiled as he paid the man, buying two pints of malt vinegar to go with it and leaving the stall, almost floating with relief.
As he passed by Granny Rose's shop, he noticed the back of a vehicle, parked in the small alley just behind it. Kyle frowned as he looked. There was an image of a book on the back with bold lettering: Hobb's House of Books. Kyle smiled to himself as he hurried home.
XXX
Sophie had just awoken when Kyle returned, grinning as he ruffled his wet hair.
"I got something for you," he said warmly as he sat on the bed. Sophie purred at the wonderful smell. She pulled him to her with her tail as she trilled.
Thank you, my love. Kyle just smiled as he hugged her back. Sophie was delighted to try the fried fish. She loved the pickled mussels, relishing in their delightful flavor. Kyle smiled as they sat and had a wonderful dinner, warm, safe and happy. He opened one of the bottles and sprinkled some vinegar on his fish.
Kyle was surprised when Sophie picked up the bottle of vinegar and extended her tongue, hissing softly as she smelled it. He couldn't help staring as she clamped the teeth of her tongue over it, tilted her head back, and downed the whole thing. She trilled as she finished it. That was delicious! Kyle just sat there, blinking in amazement and awe. Sophie gave a very soft, high-pitched belch, to which Kyle chuckled and shook his head.
"Next time, I'll get a keg of it." Sophie purred as she hugged him.
Over their meal, Kyle was able to tell Sophie what he had heard, the good news. He smiled as he stroked her tail. You see? It wasn't you. And, yes, they're a little skittish around you, but they were around the Shamolenes and other races. We'll just be more careful. We'll adapt and overcome. Sophie moaned with relief as she hugged him.
Thank you, Kyle. But I don't want anybody to get hurt because of me. Kyle smiled softly as he stroked Sophie's face.
Like I said, we'll be careful. Sophie gave a positive as she nuzzled him.
But what about those people who asked the little ones to open cloaks and burnooses? Kyle frowned and thought on that. It was troubling.
That does have me a bit worried. But, I'm pretty sure they were looking for that Elysian, and not you. We'll still be very careful, though. With that settled, Kyle gently stroked Sophie's face and head, letting warm and loving thoughts, emotions flow across their link.
XXX
The next day, they were surprised to hear the buzzer of their dock announce a visitor. Kyle opened the door, and was very surprised to see Granny Rose and Gur.
"Hello, dearie. Hope you don't mind us dropping by." Kyle smiled and shook his head.
"Oh, no. Not at all. Please, come in," he motioned for them to enter as he felt Sophie pull on her burnoose. Kyle got Granny Rose some tea and a few cookies and things. Sophie gave a soft purr, to which Gur replied with a chirp. Kyle was all smiles as he sat next to Sophie in a chair. "We visited the Beacon, and saw what you meant. We just love the city." Granny Rose beamed, and Gur gave a twittering whistle.
"That's good to hear. And I hope you paid a visit to the Sugar Shack?" she asked knowingly. Sophie purred and Kyle smiled at the memory of the wonderful people who ran that delightful little shop.
"Yes. Leon and Shiloh are wonderful people. I'd never met a Milurian before," said Kyle as Sophie gently hugged him. He was surprised when Granny Rose's smile faded somewhat.
"Yes, sweetie. The Milurians are a kind, gentle, wonderful people. Some just didn't care," she said solemnly, the last part whispered. Gur gave a chirp as he gently patted Granny Rose's shoulder. She smiled at her companion gratefully. She sighed as she looked at Kyle and Sophie. "We wanted to tell you that there's been an incident that has people worried."
Kyle couldn't help tensing at this. Granny Rose waved her hand gently. "Oh, you two are in no trouble. But someone here in the port has been trying to find someone. Around here, that's cause enough for concern, but the fact they paid a couple of children to flip open burnooses outside the port is raising the attention of the Port Authorities and the Constabulary." Granny Rose looked at Sophie and smiled that soft, Grandmotherly smile she always did. "So, if you go out, dearie, stay very close to Kyle and don't let anyone get too close. We don't know what's going on, but if Off-Worlders are involved, it can't be good." Kyle gently reached into the sleeve of Sophie's burnoose and held her hand.
"I heard some people talking, saying it sounded like revenuers," Kyle recalled. Granny Rose sighed and Gur rattled.
"Thieves, nasty men, smarmy, hate, evil, pig," Gur tapped as he rattled, clearly not fond of revenuers. Kyle looked at Granny Rose.
"Revenuers are tax and debt collectors, aren't they?" Kyle asked. Granny Rose nodded. He frowned as he thought "But Zerichs II is an independent world, isn't it? Even if somebody owed a debt Off-World, they wouldn't be able to do the stuff here they do elsewhere, right?" Granny Rose nodded.
"Someone said they saw a stranger, and from what they described, it sounded more like a bounty hunter." Kyle's eyes widened and Sophie hissed in anger. Granny Rose sipped some tea as she went on. "They're allowed to operate in the spaceport, and the spaceport only. And even then, those bounders are not allowed to carry weapons of any sort. It sounds like bounty hunters working for revenuers. They're still investigating, but you two stay safe, all the same," cautioned Granny Rose. Kyle smiled and nodded, Sophie purred her agreement, softly nodding her hooded head. "So, dearies, if you need to shop, please do so in the port areas that are reserved for locals." Granny Rose blinked, as if suddenly remembering something. "Kyle, have you visited the Immigration Bureau yet?" Kyle blinked in surprise and confusion and Sophie gave a soft hiss.
"Um, uh . . . no. I didn't even know there was one," he replied, sounding lost and a little sheepish. Granny Rose gave a soft smile and Gur chirped.
"That's where you need to go to fill out some forms for immigration and in order to dock your ship in the Zeraven ports," she explained. Kyle looked floored.
"We can dock in Zeraven?" Granny Rose gave a soft frown.
"They didn't tell you, did they?" there was an edge to her tone. Kyle softly shook his head. Granny Rose sighed. Gur didn't seem pleased, either. "At any rate, you two stay safe." Kyle smiled and Sophie trilled.
They conversed for a while longer before Granny Rose and Gur had to return to their shop. Once they had left, Kyle got on his jacket as he prepared to go out. Sophie wasn't about to let him go alone, but she also wanted to be cautious. To that end, she stayed on the rooftops, still in her burnoose, while Kyle followed Granny Rose's directions to the Immigration Bureau.
It was a short, but wide building, nearer to the gates to Zeraven. As he approached, he was surprised at the carved stone doors. In the middle of each door, was an inscription:
Kindness, Generosity, Benevolence, Mercy, Compassion, Love, Friendship, Empathy.
With these in our hearts, we welcome you.
Sophie purred delight at the words. As he approached the doors, they automatically slid open.
The inside was rather plain and undecorated. The tiles on the floor were not slippery-smooth, like those he'd seen Off-World, but were textured slightly. A wise move in such a wet environment. There were some pictures on the walls, some looked quite old, given how grainy the images were.
As Kyle walked through the halls, he saw a hologram, floating in the air over the projector. It was an image of some kind of animal. There was bright-red lettering over the rotating image:
Attention! Dangerous introduced species! Kyle frowned as he came closer.
The creature looked like a furred version of a Velociraptor, but with four arms and without the claws on the feet.
He blinked in confusion and surprise as he read the notice:
Serrek Raptor. Non-native, invasive predatory species. Will eat humans. Highly dangerous. Do not approach. Report any sightings to Port Authorities at once!
Kyle could feel Sophie's interest through their link.
What are those? she asked. Kyle blinked as he shook his head lightly.
I guess some animal somebody brought here, he replied. He felt a snort from Sophie.
They look mean. Kyle agreed.
"Hmph! Nasty little beasts," said a voice Kyle recognized. He blinked and looked to the side.
It was the same female Baleeja he'd seen at the stall that sold fried seafood. Her powerful, muscled arms were crossed as she looked at the image of the Serrek and huffed. A human man was standing next to her, his hair as black as midnight, save for some light frosting on the sides.
"Yes. I don't know what those fools were thinking, bringing greenbroke horses into Zeraven. Especially ones that had been attacked," he replied. The Baleeja gave another snort.
"They spook and shy at any new scent. They should've had the Tribes train them." The man looked at her and smiled.
"They used to jump at your scent, too." She looked at him and grinned, revealing long, sharp teeth.
"Yes, but we used to eat them," she replied. The man chuckled as they walked by.
Kyle was surprised when he saw the man had an artificial left leg, below the knee. It made almost no sound as he walked next to the Baleeja, whose semi-hooved toes made a very soft "clop" on the tiles.
"I'm just glad the kids weren't hurt," said the man. Kyle turned and watched as the Baleeja held his hand as she walked next to him. The man wore a bracelet of silver on his right wrist, the Baleeja wore a matching one of gold on her left wrist.
"So am I. Those horses are too skittish. They're even afraid of chickens!" The man and the Baleeja both chuckled at that as they left. Kyle smiled widely as he felt Sophie's relief.
You see? Don't worry, Sophie. We'll adapt. He felt Sophie's pleased trill. As he walked further into the building, he grinned. And the chickens seemed to like you. They were pecking at your toes. Sophie snickered at the memory, feeling worlds better.
XXX
Later that day, Kyle sat on top of the cliff that he and Sophie were docked at. It was the last day they would be docked there, so he wanted to take the opportunity to get one last painting of the grand view before they left and docked in Zeraven.
Currently, Kyle was using his watercolor set, the tin opened and a jar of water next to him as he painted on the paper, taped to a board. He could feel Sophie's fascination as she explored the cliffs, walking along the side of the cliff like he would on a floor.
I'll miss this cliff. It's a very nice view, and so close to the sea. And so many wonderful things. Kyle agreed as he painted. The cliff-side port, that he had come to regard as theirs, would always have a sweet little place in his heart.
As he swished a brush clean in the jar, he felt surprise and amusement from Sophie.
What's up? he asked as he smiled.
Some kind of nest! Sophie announced. Kyle stopped, worried. Sophie reassured him. It's been abandoned for a long time, but whatever used it seemed to like collecting things. Kyle eyes widened as Sophie sent him an image of a small niche in the cliff, strewn with all manner of smooth and shiny things.
Ah, that must be an old Puca's nest.
Puca were a local kind of bird, named after the mischievous fairy of Celtic legend. They liked shiny things, and were known to steal things, but also were quite funny and playful. Most people fed them or gave them little gifts.
As Sophie looked into the nest, Kyle felt even more amusement from her. Something the Puca had left smelled good to her. Sophie gathered up the objects, and brought them back to show Kyle. He had just finished cleaning his brushes when she returned with a handful of objects. Even from where he was sitting, he could smell the wonderful scent.
I don't know what these are, but they're pretty, Sophie said as she opened her hands.
The stones were smooth and almost oval, about the size of Kyle's palm. They were mostly of a rosy-amber color, but a few were more greenish in color. The gave off a lovely smell. Kyle carefully took one in his hand, and the scent seemed to grow stronger. He blinked in fascination as he studied the stone.
"Not sure what these are, but they're neat. We'll have to ask Granny Rose." Sophie trilled her agreement as she set the stones next to Kyle brushes. She purred as she sat on the ground and pulled Kyle into her lap, her tail delicately draping over his lap and her arms lovingly encircling his waist.
I love you so much, Kyle, she purred softly as she nuzzled his face. I'm so glad we came here, and I'm so happy I have you to share it with. Kyle smiled as he leaned his head against hers.
So am I, Sophie. None of it would mean anything if I didn't have you.
XXX
Kyle hurried to show Granny Rose the strange stones before she closed for the day. The light of the sun was turning golden in the late afternoon as the shadows grew long. She smiled as Kyle closed the door behind him.
"Oh, Kyle! What a nice surprise. Did you visit the Immigration Bureau?" Kyle smiled and nodded, earning a trill from Gur.
"We're docking in Zeraven tomorrow." Granny Rose clapped her hands.
"Wonderful, my boy! Now, what brings you here?" Kyle smiled as he brought out the stones. He was surprised at the awed looks not only Granny Rose wore, but Gur as well. Kyle fought hard not to laugh at how wide Gur's eyes were. "My word! I haven't seen Scent-Stones this big in years!" Kyle frowned softly.
"'Scent-Stones'?" Granny Rose smiled as she gently held one.
"They only form on this planet. They're formed by pockets of fluid in Coralyte, pressed hard over millions of years. They're not the rarest thing out there, but they're not what you'd call common, my boy." She looked at one of the rosy-amber stones in the light. Gur trilled as he carefully held one and inhaled the sweet smell. Granny Rose smiled at Kyle. "Where ever did you find these?" Kyle smiled at that.
"Sophie found them in an old Puca nest." This made Granny Rose burst out laughing.
"Ah, that sounds like those little imps!" she laughed. She smiled as she returned the stones. "You could sell them for a good bit, but why not keep them for yourself and Sophie?" Kyle smiled and took two and gave them to Granny Rose and Gur.
"A little thanks for all your help," he replied. Granny Rose smiled and Gur chirped. Kyle stood and smiled at them. "We'll try to visit as much as we can." Granny Rose smiled at Kyle.
"We're always here, dearie. Come by whenever you feel like it."
XXX
The next day, Kyle and Sophie were almost as excited as when they first landed. Kyle sat in the pilot's chair and set the autopilot as the ship rumbled and moved out of the dock on the cliff-side. It was almost strange to see the cliff-side grow distant as they moved and turned. It was amazing to see the city from above, so close. They were thrilled when they gently settled into the docking bays for local ships, comfortably on the ground.
"Welcome to Zeraven, Mr. Stone," said the controller over the radio. Kyle smiled and sighed with both relief and excitement, feeling they had taken another step in making this their home. Sophie gently kissed his cheek as he powered down the ship. He looked at her as she purred.
Welcome to Zeraven, Mrs. Stone. Sophie thrummed as she wrapped her arms gently around him.
Outside, Kyle grinned at the small berth they were docked in.
There were raised wave-breaks of Coralyte that provided them with a good measure of privacy. It looked quite old. He could see holes where Puca had built nests at some point. Sophie trilled from where she stood next to him in her burnoose.
How nice. It's not as nice as the cliff was, but still lovely. Kyle smiled as he held her hand.
I need to go to the Immigration Bureau in Zeraven and fill out some forms. He looked up at her as she purred softly. It's up to you if you want to come. Sophie gave a negative,
I'd like to stay and explore a little. Besides, until they find out who those people were causing trouble, we should be more careful. Kyle frowned and nodded. Sophie purred as she gently squeezed his shoulder. I'm always with you, my love, she crooned, gently and lovingly caressing his mind with hers. He smiled and touched her hand in gratitude.
XXX
It was close to sunset when Kyle left the Immigration Bureau. There had been a lot of information he had needed to know, and he still had a lot to read up on when he got back to the ship, but he felt good.
As he walked home, he noticed there was something odd in the air. Nothing threatening, but something else. He shook his head and continued on his way. Kyle smiled when he saw the sign for Hobb's bookstore. He could spare a little time.
When he opened the door, Purrthin purred from where he was up on a ladder, checking over two books.
"Ah, how nice to see you again, Mur-oo," Purrthin greeted. Kyle smiled at the Sitha.
"Nice to be back," Kyle replied. Purrthin smiled as he quickly slid the books onto the bookshelf and slid down the ladder with unhuman grace and agility.
Kyle was surprised when another figure wheeled along a cart, full of books, from behind one of the isles of shelves.
"Where these, sir?" said a soft voice. Kyle couldn't help blinking in surprise. It was an Elysian.
The tall, thin being was more on the reptilian side. Like a cross between a human, a frog and a lizard. That said, in no way did they seem threatening. The Elysian straightened and bowed softly upon seeing Kyle. "Greeting, customer," the Elysian greeted in broken English. Purrthin purred as he softly patted the Elysian on the shoulder.
"This is my new assistant, Mur-oo. Kwandarr, and he's very talented." Kyle smiled and offered his hand.
"Nice to meet you," Kyle greeted warmly. Kwandarr hesitantly shook Kyle's hand, almost seeming afraid. Kyle noticed that Kwandarr's green-gold eyes were downcast. Purrthin purred and gently patted Kwandarr on the arm.
"He's is new to here, just like you, Mur-oo. Still finding his legs, yes no?" Purrthin chuckled. Kyle smiled warmly at Kwandarr.
"Well, you're most certainly welcome here." At this, the Elysian looked up at him, the frills at the sides of his face fluttering softly. He seemed shocked to be so warmly greeted. At least by a human. Kwandarr smiled as best as his face could.
"T-thank yousss," he replied softly. Purrthin adjusted his glasses.
"Now, is there something you are looking for, Mur-oo?" Kyle smiled at Purrthin as Kwandarr seemed to almost glow with hope.
"Not really. Just browsing." Purrthin smiled at this and Kwandarr did as well while he went about his duties.
XXX
The sun was just setting when Kyle got back to the Talon. He sighed as he closed the hatch of their ship. Sophie? He could feel she was busy with something, and both amused, and happy.
In the cargo hold, she replied. Kyle headed for the cargo hold, carefully climbing down the ladder. He was surprised to find Sophie sitting next to a stool, a cloth draped over something as she purred. She smiled as she pulled the cloth away. Look what I made! Kyle gasped as he stared.
Sophie had made a lantern out of clay, with elegant, smooth, flowing pierce-work that reminded him of art noveau. Among the carvings, she had set some of the Scent-Stones. It still needed to be fired, but it looked fabulous. He smiled as he hugged her.
Sophie, you're amazing. She purred as she returned the embrace.
Thank you, my love. I was able to find some more Scent-Stones here and there. I think those birds like the smell as much as we do. She showed Kyle where she had set the numerous stones she had found. Some she had been able to smell within the Coralyte and dig out with her claws or tail. They ranged from ones hardly as big as Kyle's little fingernail, to as big as the palm of his hand. Sophie had sorted them according to scent, since she couldn't see color, but, inadvertently, she had done so, as particular colors had a certain smell.
"Wow! That's a lot." Sophie purred from where she sat next to him.
And they're easy to carve. I can carve designs into them without any trouble. Kyle noticed one that Sophie had carved a flaming sun into. Bright, fiery-orange, it looked like it should be set into a crown. He smiled warmly at her.
You're an amazing artist. Sophie thrummed as her tail gently wound around him, caressing him with supreme care and tenderness.
You inspired me, she replied. He gently stroked her tail as she stood and wrapped her arms around him. Kyle gave her a soft peck on the lips.
Let's have some dinner and get to bed. Sophie gave a positive as the left the cargo hold.
XXX
The next morning, there was a subtle fog on the sea, and most of Zeraven. In the morning light, it looked almost Otherworldly. As they stepped out of their ship, Kyle felt the odd sensation again. He knew he wasn't losing his mind, because Sophie felt it, too. A strange sense of something off from normal. Sophie, ever the keen observer, thought it felt like sadness.
As they entered the city, Kyle was struck by how quiet it was. It wasn't silent, but far more quiet than was normal. Just as he began to worry, Sophie caught the first hints of sound.
Kyle, listen! He focused, and could hear a very soft sound. It sounded like . . . a harp. Somebody was playing music. It was beautiful, but also sad. Through the gentle mists, he could see someone near the edge of the docks, looking out at the morning sun. It was a man, but one unlike anything Kyle, or Sophie, had ever seen.
He was white. Pale white, from head to toe, his long, flowing white hair softly blown by a gentle sea breeze. His clothes were as white as freshly-fallen snow. Even the harp he held was white. He was obviously a member of the Celtic Tribes, but there was something far different about this man.
If it weren't for the fact that Sophie had seen him too, Kyle would have sworn he'd just seen a ghost.
Another sound drew Kyle's attention. This time, he knew the sound.
It was the sound of bagpipes. Not, though, the harsh skirl of Scottish ones. This sound was soft and lilting, like several flutes played at once. Kyle knew the tune, because he'd heard it before. The soft tones of Amazing Grace gently drifted in the air. Kyle could see the piper, standing on one of the Coralyte wave-breaks, and gasped as he recognized the man. It was Leon. He was dressed in a sweater and military trousers, tucked neatly into boots, a sash of bright scarlet plaid draped around his shoulder. On his head, he wore a wool beret. Under his arm, he held a small, but unmistakable shape of a set of bagpipes. Other tunes began to be heard, drifting softly from the city.
Tears of the Sun, Into the West, The Shokkathora, Of Eternity, countless songs he recognized, and many he didn't. One thing they all had in common: They were songs of mourning. Kyle stared as he looked around, thoroughly confused. Sophie was just as confused as he was.
What happened? Did someone die? Sophie wondered. Kyle simply shook his head.
As they walked through the city, they noticed that every, single shop, without exception, was closed. Nothing at all was open. There were people about, but they all wore somber, solemn faces. Even the children did.
"What's going on?" Kyle asked aloud.
"The Remembrance, Mur-oo." They turned, surprised to see Purrthin standing in front of his shop, along with Kwandarr. Kyle was too shocked to even think about introducing Sophie.
"Purrthin, what's going on? What happened? Did somebody die?" Kyle asked, worried and lost. Purrthin sighed sadly as he gently patted Kyle on the shoulder.
"The tan building with two pillars by the door, over there," Purrthin pointed over Kyle's shoulder, behind them. "Everything you need to know is there." There was no cheer at all in his voice. Sophie could feel sorrow, filling the air like the fog. Purrthin gave a half-hearted smile at Sophie. "Stay together, Mur-oo-rah." Kyle could see the Sitha's eyes shimmering with tears. Sophie moaned softly as she wrapped her arms around Kyle as they headed for the plain, undecorated building.
XXX
Kyle was in shock as they entered the building. First and foremost, they were greeted by a sign, a message, graven in stone. Carefully carved, was the same passage, in several languages:
Lest we forget.
Sophie moaned sadly at the sight that greeted them.
Along all the wall were pictures. They were grainy and old, snapshots of centuries past. Kyle gasped as he saw, with horror, what they depicted.
In the black and white image, standing in front of mud huts, were tiny Milurians, just like Shiloh. These ones, though, looked nearer to death than any living thing Kyle had ever seen. They were nothing but skin and bones, living skeletons. Their soft, beautiful fur gone, patches of scarred skin and the telltale signs of mange everywhere. What truly haunted him were their eyes. Eyes filled with tears, eyes that saw, but did not understand. Eyes that asked one simple question: Why?
As his eyes traveled along the wall, more and more he saw. He saw piles of Milurians, literally starved to death, stacked like firewood. Lines of them behind barbed and laser wire. Pictures of bodies laying where they had fallen inside the factories built of hate. One shot, of a tiny hand sticking out of a giant gear the size of their ship, made Kyle as sick as it did the grief-stricken United Systems soldier in the photo. Sophie moaned sadly as she held Kyle against her, as horrified and saddened as he was.
Kyle . . . what is this? Kyle blinked as he fought tears, staring at an image of a USM soldier, probably no older then him, sitting with his head in his hands next to a mother Milurian and her cub, both dead.
This, Sophie . . . This is evil, he replied as best he could.
In glass cases were items that had been saved, to be displayed and remind people, always. There were locks of Milurian fur, toys of Milurian children and many other items. One of them, stood out as clear as day: An eagle holding a diamond with a Swastika inside. Sophie growled as she saw the emblem, her whole body quivering with hate.
They . . . They did this? She almost couldn't believe it. Kyle nodded as they saw pictures of the gates of the camp, with the emblem above the gates, and the legend: Arbeit Macht Frei.
The Nazis had invaded planet Baldaras to plunder its rich resources of fossil fuels and metals, and to make a base from which to attack United Systems Space. They had not counted on the battleship, the U.S.M. Dawntreader passing to check on the Rim Corps. researchers that had been camped there.
The next set of photos showed the USM soldiers trying as best they could to save as many of the Milurians as they could, their medical facilities filled with Milurians. There were many pictures of soldiers holding frail Milurians in their arms, doing their best to save them. Even these brave men and women couldn't save them all, and their meager supplies wouldn't be enough.
That was where one man changed everything.
A single tear rolled down Kyle's face as he saw the photo of a battered old ship on the Milurian Plains, USM soldiers forming a line to unpack and distribute the cargo as fast as they were able. He stopped when he saw Him.
He wasn't handsome, or tall. He didn't look like a soldier, or anyone special, but he seemed to glow. He was dressed in a baggy jacket with numerous mends and patches on it, and a frayed old flat cap. His scruffy beard couldn't hide his smile as he held a tiny little Milurian. Underneath that famous photo was a name Kyle had known and admired when he was a boy. A man worthy to be called a hero:
Tobias Harry Morgan
Kyle gave a soft, choked laugh as he saw Tobias and other Zerichs ship captains helping the soldiers and unloading their cargo of food, medicine and clothing. Sophie moaned as she stroked Kyle's hair. He smiled sadly as he held Sophie's other hand. In the pictures, it was plain as day how relieved, grateful and awed the USM soldiers were. One picture was of Tobias with a little Milurian female snuggled in his arms, lovingly cradling her cub. Tobias was looking straight at the camera, his face serious. Underneath were words that were known across space:
"If not me, then who?"
That was his famous answer when asked why he did as he did. Sophie purred.
What a wonderful man . . . Kyle nodded his agreement as they followed the pictures. Seeing the USM soldiers with the few Nazis they managed to capture brought some cheer, but it was small.
Through the whole museum, there were almost no plaques and little writing. The pictures told the story in ways letters and glyphs never could. Kyle smiled as he saw a picture of a large group of Milurians gathered in front of one of the Zerichs ships, Tobias comforting them as they boarded the ship, and the four others. There was an aerial photo of the five ships, ready to take off, and a caption, written on the photo by the soldier who took it:
Mercy's Caravan.
The last few photos were bright with color, showing the ships in the port, much smaller back then, as a large crowd gathered. Sophie purred when she saw Tobias holding the same Milurian female in his arms as he walked down the gangplank. The very last picture made them both smile. It was of a woman, who looked like she might have come from Old Africa, holding a Milurian and kissing them on the cheek. As they came around to the entrance, there was a tall piece of smooth slate, engraved by hand with words and numbers:
In loving memory of the victims of the Milurian Holocaust.
Final death toll: 1.5 Billion.
As long as the sea is wet,
We shall never forget.
T.H.M
4/4/2516
Kyle and Sophie were amazed, saddened and awed all at the same time as they exited the Hall of Remembrance. Purrthin was standing there, solemn. Kyle swallowed, hard as he rubbed his face.
"I . . . never knew. I didn't know this was where Tobias came from." Purrthin nodded his head.
"A testament to the good in people. Human or otherwise." Kyle rubbed his eyes as Sophie moaned, gently stroking his face with her burnoose. When he looked up, Purrthin had three small paper boats. He smiled softly and handed one to Kyle and one to Sophie. "We light these candles to illuminate and to shine light on ignorance and hate. Come," he motioned to follow.
The bay was almost aglow, the soft light of the tiny candles illuminating the fog as thousands upon thousands of the Remembrance Lights were set on the gentle waters of the bay. As Kyle, Sophie and Purrthin stood next to the edge of the water, they could hear bells tolling in the city. Purrthin purred as he lit his candle and set it on the water, saying a prayer in his own language as he did.
Kyle lit the candles and they both set the small, paper boats on the water and gently pushed them off. As they stood, they watched as the whole world seemed to glow with an Otherworldly light. Kyle glanced around, and almost everywhere he looked, people were gathered, and almost every person, be they human, Arcturian, Shamolene, Sitha or anything else, was either holding the hand of, or hugging one of the Milurians.
Now Kyle knew why they were so different. He knew why the people of Zerichs II were so kind, understanding and willing to accept others.
As they watched the candles on the water, Sophie gently wrapped her arm around Kyle's waist, pulling him close. Sophie moaned softly as she gave Kyle warm, loving thoughts in comfort. He replied in kind. As they watched the soft lights, the same thought crossed their minds, in a moment of perfect unity of thought:
Never forget . . .
Author's note: If you take nothing else away from this, remember Tobias' words. Kindness and charity is up to us all.