Chapter Sixteen
The air was nice and warm as Kyle and Sophie were busy planting in their garden. The sun was shining, and the cold damp was starting to become a dry warmth as Spring steadily marched towards Summer. Kyle looked up and smiled as he felt the soft rays of the sun on his face. It was only the second time he had been on a planet, but it was like night and day, compared to Berren Prime. The sun here was stronger, but still gentle. Sophie felt his comfort through their link, and shared in this.
Despite what one would think, seeing a tall, dark being like Sophie, they liked sunlight as much as many beings did, but knew they had the advantage in the dark. No, Sophie's kind were not adverse to being out and about during the day, nor were they exclusively nocturnal, either. They were highly adaptable.
Kyle smiled as Sophie gently placed a plant in the ground, using her tail like a trowel and pushing dirt in around it carefully. She gave a gentle trill, satisfied it was safely in the ground. With a gentle purr, she turned and took up another plant, gently holding the pot on her hands. Kyle took up the watering can and very carefully watered where some seeds were planted. A soft, gentle breeze blew his sandy-blonde locks, and he smiled. He inhaled, and could smell blossoms and flowers. He had never felt as happy or at peace simply being somewhere.
Because, Kyle, humans are not meant to be cooped up in metal space stations and ships without sunlight or plants. No matter how much technology humans have, they cannot forget millions of years of evolution. Kyle smiled at her.
"You're right, Sophie. Thank you." She trilled and gave him warm thoughts as she finished planting an onion and stood. She walked over and gently hugged him.
Sophie never failed to amaze him with her perception, and ability to analyze situations and concepts. She had a keen intellect and mind that was a constant source of awe to him. She purred as her tail brushed his legs. Kyle smiled softly as he gazed lovingly at his mate. He gently caressed the side of her head, his fingers brushing her smooth dome. Her purr deepened as she gently and tenderly caressed his face with a finger. Feelings of love, happiness, protection and devotion all flowed across their link. "I love you, Sophie." She enfolded him in her arms and tail and cradled him against her.
And I love you, Kyle. I always will. He rested his face against her chest as she stroked his hair, his hands gently caressing her waist and back, a finger very gently brushing her dorsal tubes.
These were the moments that were so special. Just being together, sharing thoughts, feelings and emotions, two minds linked together as one. The comfort, the happiness, no words in any language could do it justice. Drugs, alcohol, adrenaline, none of them could compare to the wonderful feelings. Kyle pulled back and looked at Sophie, admiring the dark blue highlights on her shoulder-tubes and dome. She was so beautiful. She purred, feeling his thoughts and feelings. She felt the same about him.
Kyle glanced to the side, and saw Josey busy nibbling at one of the plants.
"Hey! We just planted those, you little furball!" he yelled as he reluctantly moved out of Sophie's embrace and stalked towards Josey, who looked up at him, then scampered away as he came close. Kyle huffed as he looked at the lettuce she had nibbled. Sophie gave an amused chuff as she walked up and stood beside him. "Gonna have to put up wire or something," he mused.
She was just hungry, Kyle. Besides, she just nibbled a few leaves. Kyle groaned at this.
"We just fed her not even ten minutes ago. Well, looks like I already have to look into pest control!" he said, shouting the last at Josey, who wiggled her nose as she watched, not seeming at all intimidated. Sophie gave a gentle coo, wrapping her tail around his waist, giving him calming thoughts. Kyle laughed gently, shook his head, and turned back to go back to planting, every now and then glancing up to make sure Josey was staying away from the plants.
XXX
Once they were satisfied that they had planted enough, they took a break and went inside. It was getting a bit cool, as gray clouds had rolled in outside, and Kyle thought he heard some distant thunder. Inside, Kyle and Sophie set to doing some more cleaning and setting things up. Kyle was in the kitchen, making small notes and sketches of how they wanted it arranged, while Sophie was busy cleaning some of the other rooms, which were quite dusty. Some of the spare bedrooms would be nice for storage and things. He felt she was in the shed on the north side, looking around at the old, disused tools.
"Let's see . . . I think that having the pots up here will be good. Then, maybe down here . . . nah," he muttered as he scribbled, erased and redrew things. As Kyle drew, a sudden screech jarred him, making him give a rough scratch of pencil across the page, his hair standing up. "What the hell was that?!" Kyle looked around as he set his drawing pad down. He moved to the window, and was shocked at what he saw.
Josey was screeching as loud as she could, gliding desperately from a familiar, furred creature that was hot on her tail. "Oh my god!" Kyle scrambled to rescue her as he desperately sent a mental call to Sophie. Sophie! The Serrex are back! Kyle flung the door open and ran out into their back yard as fast as he could, grabbing up a broken branch as he dashed. "Leave her alone you bastard!" Kyle yelled as he ran and flung the branch at the Serrek as hard as he could. The stick hit hard, but only angered the alien beast, which hissed at him, just as a large, black blur flew over Kyle's head. Sophie crashed down on the predator as Kyle scrambled to grab Josey, scooping the terrified rabbit up in his arms as Sophie screeched, thoughts red with pure anger. Her claws slashed like knives, her tail stabbed like a spear, her tongue hit like a jackhammer. Needless to say, the Serrek didn't live long enough to regret its mistake.
Kyle held Josey in his lap as he sat on the couch, petting the trembling bunny and soothing her. Sophie came in a few minutes later, having disposed of the body and washing off the nasty scent and blood.
Is she okay? Sophie asked. Kyle gave a positive.
"Just really scared." Sophie came closer, and Josey wiggled, wanting to be held by her. Sophie scooped up Josey and purred, petting her and cooing.
It's okay, Josey. It's okay. Sophie sat next to Kyle on their couch, petting her poor terrified rabbit, feeling her calm down.
"I think she'll be okay, but let's keep her inside for a while." Sophie agreed. Kyle sighed and ran his hand through his hair. "I thought they got them all," Kyle mused. Sophie growled.
Most of them, but I killed a few stragglers when we found her. Kyle rubbed his face.
"God. What if there's more?" Sophie echoed his worry. She gave a soft moan as she looked at Kyle.
Kyle . . . we need a weapon.
XXX
Kyle sat in the Talon, reading carefully over the gun and weapon laws of Zerichs II. He never would have imagined he would have to actually buy a gun, or any kind of weapon for that matter. Growing up on Berren Prime, where only police were allowed to have guns, Kyle was unused to this.
From what Kyle read, Residents, such as he and Sophie, were forbidden from possessing any weapons of military capability. IE, guns with automatic-fire. If they became Citizens, though, they would be encouraged to do so, as, to his surprise, every Citizen was expected to be armed in case of attack or War. Kyle blinked in surprise. All this said, though, Kyle would be able to buy a normal rifle, shotgun or pistol without trouble, so long as he passed their background check and had the money. With the laws and such settled, Kyle called who he always did when they needed help or advice.
"Ah, Hello, Dearie! So good to hear from you. How have you been?" Kyle smiled at the kindly old woman.
"We're okay, Granny. But, we have an issue, and need some advice." Her face turned serious.
"What happened?" Kyle related to her what happened, and what they needed. "Ah, those little beasts are hard to get rid of. Where you want to go is Zeraven Armory. I'll call Russ and ask him to help you out." Kyle sighed and nodded.
"Thanks, Granny." She nodded, and Kyle heard a trill and saw Gur's hand wave behind her.
"Ah, and Gur gives his regards," she laughed. Kyle smiled.
"Thanks a bunch, you two." Kyle grinned when Gur gave a thumb's up. Kyle hung up as Sophie came inside, Josey safe in her basket in Sophie's arms. Kyle turned to her and smiled. "Well, time to arm up."
XXX
It was sunny in Zeraven when Kyle went out. Sophie was staying in the ship to keep an eye on Josey, and also keep her calm and safe. As Kyle walked, he noticed a group of people talking at a corner. He recognized the Ranger, Faz, talking with a woman with long, silver hair, a younger man about Kyle's age, and some others. He also noticed a monk. He wasn't sure, but he thought it might be Dan'l. He turned the corner, and found the armory easily enough.
The outside was built of stone, the windows had shutters that, while made of metal, mimicked older wooden ones. The front doors were rather large, he guessed for larger, non-human customers. Kyle noted the engraved metal handles, engraved with rifles and such. He pulled the door open, a bell ringing above to announce his entry. As soon as he entered, he stared in awe.
The walls were lined with weapons, and not just guns. There were spears, and swords, as well as many odd and amazing things not crafted by human hands. Kyle recognized a Sitha chain-whip with it's barbed links, as well as an Arcturian grenade launcher. A fine, matched pair of Naltharian Ravager machine carbines sat side by side in display hooks, fully deployed. Kyle was stunned when he saw a lovely Baleeja saber, a Palque, the recurved blade glittering with a delicate pattern of watered-silk to the blade, the fittings bronze and lovingly decorated. It looked razor-sharp.
"Ah, welcome to the shop!" Kyle turned at the male voice, as a slightly portly man with a beard came in from a back room. The man smiled widely and offered his hand. "I'm Russ." Kyle shook his hand and smiled back.
"I'm Kyle." Russ smiled wider.
"Hey! Rose said you'd be dropping by!" Kyle chuckled.
"Looks like everybody knows Granny Rose," he mused. Russ chuckled, hands in his pockets.
"Yeah, she gets around." Kyle smiled. "So, she said ya had some problems with Serrex?" Kyle pulled up his pant leg and showed him the scars. Russ hissed and winced. "Ouch. Lucky ya didn't lose your leg."
"I would have, if it wasn't for a friend." Russ nodded and smiled.
"Honey? Is that a customer?" called out a feminine voice. Kyle blinked as Russ turned and smiled.
"Yeah, Sweets! Granny's friend," Russ called back. Kyle was a bit surprised at the lovely deep-blue Arcturian woman that came out. She was wearing a leather apron, and had a headband with a magnifying glass on it.
"Oh, you must be Kyle! So nice to meet you! Granny Rose told us all about you." She offered her hand, which Kyle shook. Her head tendrils swayed and moved as she looked at him.
"This is my wife, Telena. She does all the gunsmithing." Russ leaned towards Kyle and smiled. "She's got magic fingers," he stage-whispered. Telena rolled her eyes and gave Russ a gentle smack on the head, to which he laughed.
"All teasing aside, I take great pride in what I do. I do repairs, tune-ups, and custom work." Kyle scratched his hair.
"Well, I've never bought a gun before. Not quite sure what I'm doing." Telena smiled at him.
"There's a first time for everything." Russ nodded.
"So, let's see what fits ya," said Russ as he turned to the wall and motioned for Kyle to have a look.
Kyle was not really a gun nerd, but he did recognize some models, such as the MCR-178, a standard model of military rifle. Next to it were some of the rifles Kyle had seen the Celts using. They easily contrasted with the all-black, polymer and steel of the MCR with their polished wood, bronze and brass bands and furniture and the delicate, intricate engravings of spirals. So close, Kyle could see how complex the engraving was. Some looked like they had been inlaid in gold. Telena watched as Kyle looked at the rifles.
"Those are Celtic Hunting rifles. Not a bad choice, but they're heavy. Here, try this one," she said as she hefted one off of the hooks and offered it to Kyle. His eyes were huge. He reached out and grunted as she let him hold it. She wasn't joking, it was heavy! "Here, put the butt against your shoulder, like this," she said as she gently stepped behind Kyle and helped him hold the gun. He hefted it up, and looked down the sights, but it was hard to keep it level. Telena hummed. "Too heavy." She put the rifle back on the hooks. Kyle saw similar rifles, but these had pistol-grips and long magazines, almost reminding of the ancient AK-47.
"What's that one?" Telena looked.
"That's a Celtic War Rifle. That one, though, is Restricted for Residents. Sorry." Kyle shook his head.
"That's fine. I doubt I could lift it, anyway." Russ hummed and looked at the wall.
"Let's see. How about this?" said Russ as he brought down a shorter rifle. Telena looked and smiled.
"Ah! Yes, the Model 2!" She motioned for Kyle to try it. Kyle took the rifle from Russ, and hefted it. It was a lot lighter than the Celtic rifle was. Kyle didn't know how the Celts could heft those things. This rifle was a lot lighter and shorter. Kyle looked down the sights, moved it around. "How does it feel?" Telena asked.
"Well, it still feels a bit heavy. I think that's me. I'm not used to these." Russ hummed.
"Try the action," said Russ.
"Huh?" Telena moved his hand to grip the wooden, ribbed front.
"This. It's pump-action." Kyle gave the pump a pull, the metallic cla-chack filling the shop. They looked at Kyle for a moment. "Hmm, seems a bit too front-heavy." She looked up, and her tendrils seemed to leap. "Ah! Here!" She took the rifle from Kyle, put it back, and handed him another one. This one was even shorter, and lighter still.
Kyle felt the grip, and his eyes widened. He looked down, and he saw what his hand was resting on.
"Is this-?" Telena smiled broadly.
"Lever-action. Crown Arms Model Three!" Kyle blinked. He had seen ancient Western movies, like many folks had, but never imagined he would handle such a rifle. He hefted it up, looked down the sights, and pulled the lever down and back up. Telena grinned widely, her tendrils fluttering happily.
"I think we got a winner!" Russ crowed. Kyle looked, and noted it had no hammer like the ancient cartridge-firing versions, but had a safety switch. On the left side was a slide to adjust the charge level, making the shots more or less powerful. It was a coilgun, the same as all modern firearms were. Kyle lowered it and smiled.
"It suits you." Kyle handed it to her, and Telena took the rifle, and put it in a case, and began getting various slips and things.
While she was busy, Kyle looked at the swords. He felt Sophie's mind and fascination.
"What's this one?" Kyle asked. Russ looked, and smiled as Kyle looked at a gorgeous sword.
The hilt was a rough human-shape, and lovingly decorated with wood, bronze and red enamel, as was the highly-decorated scabbard, which had delicate, spiraling designs engraved into it.
"That's a Celtic sword. This one was forged by a smith in the AurAul Tribe." Kyle looked at Russ, and back to the sword.
"It's very beautiful." Russ nodded.
"They often make weapons they pass down from one generation to the next." He motioned to the rifles, which were decorated in a similar style.
"All right, Kyle. I need your signature right here," said Telena. Kyle came over and signed, and pressed his thumb to a scanner. It hummed, and the background check came back in a few seconds. "Clean as a whistle! You're a good boy, aren't you?" she teased. Kyle blushed a bit, also feeling Sophie's amusement. Kyle reached into his pocket and paid for the rifle and ammo. Telena handed him a booklet. "These are our common gun laws. Make sure you read and memorize them all." Russ nodded.
"We're pretty tolerant here, but make sure you keep guns where kiddos can't get them." Telena nodded.
"It comes with a trigger lock. Since you live on an island, you can keep it loaded if you want, but if you keep it in your ship or boat, no chambered rounds, and always locked or in a safe, okay?" Kyle nodded.
"We don't have kids, unless the rabbit counts." Telena and Russ both laughed at this. She recovered and opened the case. Inside was the rifle, trigger lock and key, a box of rounds, an energy cell and charger and instruction manual. The front of the manual had a large crown emblem on the front, above a wreath of Holly. The motto proudly stated was We don't make Weapons; we make Heirlooms.
"Everything you need is right here. Be careful, take good care of it, and it will take good care of you," said Telena. Kyle smiled and shook her hand and Russ'.
"Thank you both. You were a big help." Telena smiled as she hugged her husband.
"Just be sure to come back! We'll cut you a good deal on ammo!" Kyle nodded as he lifted up the gun case and headed for the door.
"I will. Thanks!" With that, he left the store.
XXX
There was a crack and the wood next to the can exploded in a shower of splinters. Kyle muttered as he chambered a new round and aimed again and fired, again missing the can. Sophie laid a few feet away from him on her belly, watching him.
Try again, Kyle, she urged. Kyle sighed and looked back at her.
"Sophie, this is embarrassing! Elmer Fudd is a better shot than I am!" Sophie snickered at this. She purred as she stood up, coming up behind Kyle, her mind gently and tenderly enfolding his mind as her hands did his.
Relax, Kyle. Nobody ever starts off good. At anything. She brought images of when Kyle was first learning how to do tech work, or when he was first painting. He sighed and nodded. He raised the rifle again, Sophie helping by holding his hands, her tail gently curling around him and steadying the front of the rifle. Kyle closed one eye, and Sophie directed him to aim a little high and to the right. Kyle took a deep breath, and fired. The can snapped upwards. Kyle was shocked.
"I hit it!" Sophie purred and nuzzled him.
See? You can do it. Kyle smiled at her as he put the safety on.
"Only with your help, it seems." Sophie purred and stroked his face.
Just give it time, Kyle. He sighed, and looked at the can. He furrowed his brow, and imagined it was Reinhardt, kneeling and aiming his pistol at Sophie. Kyle raised the rifle and rapidly shot at the can, most of the shots hitting it, or close enough to knock it back. Sophie gave a surprised snort. Her tail wove back and forth as she grinned down at him. Or, just get mad, she mused. Kyle chuckled. Sophie's tail wove as she looked at the box of ammo. Three out of ten. Not bad for a first time. Kyle sighed, but Sophie cuddled him, soothing his mind. He would get better with practice. He knew Sophie was right. Kyle switched off the power of the rifle and unloaded it and removed the power cell from the stock, putting the rifle back in the case, along with the box of ammunition.
"You're right, Sophie. Always room for improvement." She gave a positive as she hugged him and took the cased weapon and carried it for Kyle. Sophie felt safer, knowing that Kyle had a way to defend himself if she was not there. That being said, after the first attack by the Serrex, she wasn't about to leave him alone anywhere outside of their yard anytime soon, or Josey.
Author's note: I apologize for such a long wait, but real life has been a pain for me, and I have been so busy, I have hardly had time to do anything relating to stories or artwork.