***I want to thank everyone for their support in my first sci-fi fic! I'm glad so many of you are enjoying it! So here is chapter 2! Enjoy!
***Warnings: Language, humor, angst, dark themes
***Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia. I am making no money off of this fic.
Chapter 2: Bar Code
The new dorm room was a little bit bigger than his first room only it looked more like a house with painted walls and a carpet. His old room had metal walls and a hard, cold floor. This would be a nice little change from that old room and, if he wanted to, had some extra space to add other items. He is a minimalist by nature choosing to have only what he needs for he believed in 'less is more'.
Now that the new day had begun, Ludwig used the tablet to log in to his military account to see how much money was deposited. It took a few moments for the data to load with the small hourglass spinning counterclockwise. When the screen appeared, Ludwig felt his eyes widen and his mouth hang open in disbelief. That could not be the correct amount! Something had to be wrong for there is no way Sai would pay him, a lowly soldier, that much money! He blinked and rubbed his eyes numerous times in hopes of seeing the large number disappear yet it remained. This amount is what he would make in a year at his current job of a galaxy soldier. He would ask Sai about the amount for it was in his nature to be honest as well. If there is indeed a mistake, then it was best to let them now so it can be fixed. He closed the tablet shut.
/
"Gilbert!" Ludwig called to the alien, holding in his arms two bags of fruits and a bottle of water. "Food!" There was a rustling in the trees, a sure sign that Gilbert is coming. "Food!" He called again.
The alien hurried down from the tree, wagging his large tail and grinning once he saw Ludwig. His pink eyes noticed the bags of food and his stomach began to growl. With a gurgled sound of delight, he ran over to Ludwig on two legs to pull at the bags.
"No." Ludwig said firmly, pulling the bags away.
Gilbert pouted at him.
"No. Sit." He sat down and crossed his legs. "Sit." He commanded again.
The alien looked down at him with a blank expression before plopping to the ground on his rump. Ludwig pointed to the style of his legs and motioned for Gilbert to do the same. He would not give Gilbert the food until he was sitting properly. Part of this job is to reintroduce human functions. The alien understood him and sat correctly, his tail swaying along the ground behind him. Ludwig opened the first bag to hand Gilbert an orange, which the alien tore into and splashed juice everywhere. Just like yesterday, Gilbert ate both bags of fruit and washed it down with the water, smacking his lips while patting his belly.
'GIIIIIILLLLLLLLrrrbbbbbbrrtrrrrtt!'
"Good." Ludwig smiled at the alien. "I wish you knew how to speak like me. If you did, I think you would become a human much quicker." He noticed Gilbert was scratching behind his neck and appearing to be in distress. "Gilbert?" The alien answered to his name, giving a whine of distress and started to paw at Ludwig. "What is it?"
Gilbert turned his back to Ludwig and pat the back of his neck where a small incision lay with a few stitches holding it together. Ludwig found this to be very strange for stitches are rarely used any more due to advanced laser sealing technology. Stitches were a quick fix if one was alone without medical help nearby. In the glass cage yesterday, he had seen Gilbert heal his wounds but seemed to be unable to heal this one, most likely due to the stitches. The stitches were acting as a foreign item that his body could not read and therefore could not heal. But that was not the only thing Ludwig noticed on Gilbert's body, for on the right shoulder there is a bar code. The black bars were tattooed on his skin, something else his body could not heal. It seemed that Gilbert was asking him to make the wound go away, but he was powerless to do anything about it. There is no way he could communicate with Gilbert to explain it to him.
"Sorry." Ludwig said, tracing the underside of the wound with his finger. Gilbert turned to face him but all he could do was shake his head. "Sorry." Gilbert's shoulders slumped along with his lips. He seemed to deflate right before his eyes. "Sorry." He moved his hand to stroke the white hair, the very soft white hair. It was like silk! The alien seemed to like the stroking for he started to purr, or what sounded like a purr.
Ludwig continued to stroke the silken hair in awe, all the while watching Gilbert slowly lowered himself to the ground, resting his head in his lap. For some reason, Ludwig felt strangely at peace when he was Gilbert. His dogs acted this way sometimes to show their contentment and loyalty. Gilbert clearly is enjoying it, and it was the least he could do after the tortures the poor creature must have been put through yesterday. Then his fingers brushed over something at the base of Gilbert's skull. It did not feel like hair for it was smooth and thick, about the width of his pinkie nail. He fondled the strange strands between his fingers, so engrossed in trying to figure out what they are that he failed to hear Gilbert's purring becoming louder. It wasn't until the white tail raised up to wave in the air that he noticed a change in Gilbert.
"Gilbert?"
The alien leapt from Ludwig's lap onto his haunches and rests both hands on his knees. Ludwig felt the warmth of Gilbert's palms on his knees, leaning back as the alien leaned forward. Now Gilbert's eyes were red; blood red. For a moment, Ludwig feared that whatever he touched on Gilbert's head had triggered a violent reaction in the creature. He tried not to move, staring at Gilbert's mouth for signs of those teeth turning into fangs. Instead, Gilbert's tail started to wag.
'kesssesssee!'
And then Gilbert tackled him. Ludwig quickly rolled out from underneath him, trying to get back on his feet when Gilbert jumped onto his back. He latched his limbs around Ludwig's body like a leech, all the while laughing his alien laugh. Ludwig eventually managed to shake him off, now well prepare for any more attacks. Gilbert got down on all fours, lowered his front like a dog, and wagged his tail. Gilbert represented a dog's playful stance. He wanted to play? Then, Ludwig noticed the arousal between Gilbert's legs as the creature hopped from side to side. Was this some sort of foreplay or mating dance? Did those strange strands on the nape of his neck trigger this reaction? Perhaps those strands connect to the part of the brain that stimulates pleasure and testosterone.
"Gilbert. No." He said firmly. "No."
Ludwig watched Gilbert move into a standing position, eyes still blood red and his tail dancing like a snake back and forth. He could see Gilbert's arousal in full now but he kept his focus on the movements of the alien's body. Gilbert came at him with arms outstretch as if to embrace him. Ludwig threw up his own hands in defense and met Gilbert's, starting a pushing war. Ludwig grit his teeth but Gilbert only grinned, enjoying the battle they had engaged in. Gilbert was strong, but Ludwig exceeded at strength and endurance training, so alien or not, he was going to beat it. Or so he thought. In a flash he flipped through the air, over Gilbert's head, and landed on the ground.
'Kessessseseesse!'
'That's impossible! I must have- ' he spun his leg around to kick Gilbert's out from under him and he succeeded. Gilbert's feet peddled in the air, appearing to be defeated but Ludwig had a hunch the alien was only playing.
As he thought, the alien only pretended to be defeated and hopped back onto his feet. With a smirk and a red-eyed glare, Gilbert held up his hands again in challenge. 'GIIIILLLIIIIIIBBBB' he gurgled towards Ludwig.
Ludwig stood up, dusted his clothing, and started to crack his knuckles. Gilbert is a worthy opponent to match him in strength, but he is still determined to come out the victor. It is important that he maintain dominance over Gilbert or he will lose control of the creature.
They lunged at each other again, hands locked, feet and legs shoving the other. They battled back and forth, digging their heels into the ground with foreheads nearly touching. Red eyes met blue. Neither would back down. At this point it was hard to tell if Gilbert was a dominant or a submissive on his planet for the strength of the alien did not match his lithe form. Or perhaps, whatever he touched in the back of Gilbert's head gave the alien this sudden boost of strength. Ludwig decided to take it up a notch. Using his military training, he spun around and pulled both of Gilbert's hands behind him. He crossed the alien's hands and pressed the wrists against the lower back, arching Gilbert's body forward.
The alien hissed as his shoulders strained against the other's hold. With a loud cry he threw himself forward, using the locked hold Ludwig had on his arms to flip the man up and over his head. Now that he was free, Gilbert tackled the man again, trying to pin the struggling form to the ground. The man kept fighting him but he would not give up!
'I'll not fail!' Ludwig shouted to himself while struggling under the alien's weight. 'I must-' he saw the tip of the tail in his reach! With a mighty grip he grasped a few inches below the tip and squeezed. The alien cried out, trying to pull away but Ludwig continued to hold until the weight was lifted from him. He let go of Gilbert's tail to return to his feet and continue their brawl, a brawl of pure dominance.
Their brawl continued on a few moments longer, a battle of strength and will, until one finally lost. Ludwig had flipped the alien more than once, pinned him, and watched in delight as the tail became still. He could hear Gilbert grumbling beneath him as the creature realized that it had lost. Ludwig removed himself from Gilbert to dust himself off and wipe the sweat from his brow. He watched the alien sit up, cross his arms, and actually pout in defeat. Gilbert was truly pouting! He was annoyed that he had lost. Ludwig was never one to boast even though he knew he was the best at strength and endurance. Now that he had proven his dominance to Gilbert, it was time to regain the alien's trust.
"Gilbert," he walked over to the alien and sat in front of him. The red eyes had gone and now the pink returned. "Good fight."
Gilbert tsked and turned away, straightening his back with a dramatic crossing of his arms. So the alien was a sore loser? This brought a little smile to Ludwig's lips. But then he noticed the stitches and bar code again that maimed the white skin. He was reminded of the terrible experiments Gilbert had to endure at the hands of the scientists. He wondered what the stitches were for. It could be just a minor experiment or they placed something inside of him, like a tracking device. If only he could talk to Gilbert with fluent human speech then he would be able to explain everything to the alien.
"Gilbert."
'GIIiiiiiLLLBBBbbbbbbb.'
When the alien wouldn't look at him, Ludwig sighed and stood up to remove his shirt. The fight left him feeling hot and sticky, which led him to make a mental note about showering early today. Inside of his shirt fluttered bits of dirt and grass as he shook it. He held it up to inspect it closer, hoping that there are no marks or pulls in the material for it would come out of his pay. His very nice pay. In a second, the shirt was gone! His hands were still in the holding position. Blinking, he turned to look at the alien who was sniffing at the shirt. Ludwig watched him silently, curious as to see what the alien would try to do with it.
At first, Gilbert only sniffed it in length and examined the material between his fingers. He nibbled on the material in a few places but stuck his tongue out at the taste. Holding it up as Ludwig did, he looked at the other and then back to the shirt. Gilbert tried to put it on, starting with his head and ended up getting tangled in the arms. He cried out and growled in frustration, thrashing his torso around like a sprinkler.
Ludwig found himself chuckling at the adorable antics. "Let me help." He went over to Gilbert to help untangle the form from flailing limbs. Gilbert eventually stood still as he was released from the confinement of the shirt. However, Gilbert did not want to hand it over, snatching it from Ludwig's grip and holding it to his chest. He snapped his teeth at Ludwig in warning.
"You want it?" Ludwig asked even though he knew the alien couldn't understand.
Gilbert suddenly ran off into the woods with his shirt and Ludwig followed. The alien could move fast through the trees! He figured Gilbert was going to his nest. He saw the hanging nest come into view with a white streak going inside of it. Ludwig looked up at the hole and called to Gilbert. The alien peeked out with a frown, looking down at him only to stick out his tongue. Ludwig rolled his eyes. He thought about going up in the nest again but remembered what happened yesterday and figured it was best to remain out here, on the ground, away from that horny toad up there.
But Ludwig wondered what would happen if he stuck his tongue out at Gilbert. Maybe it was a way of communicating differently on his planet. Childish behavior was far beneath him, but he made sure Gilbert was looking at him when he stuck out his tongue. Gilbert's brows went up in surprise, Ludwig noticed, and he stuck his tongue out again. Gilbert responded by giving a raspberry, so Ludwig did the same. However, Ludwig was unprepared and insulted with the next childish act. Gilbert showed his backside through the entrance. Offended, Ludwig crossed his arms and shouted Gilbert's name. Gilbert's face returned to the entrance with another raspberry.
"Bye!" He spun on his heel and made his way through the woods, leaving the alien's raspberries behind him. When he exited the woods he saw Sai enter the chambers. He quickly clicked his heels and saluted. "Sir!"
Sai looked over at him and raised a brow. "Where is your shirt?"
"Gilbert took it to his nest. He seemed very curious about."
"Hm. I see." Sai nodded. "So, how is our little alien this morning?"
"Very well. He acted normal and ate his breakfast. I have yet to record anything because I only got here about an hour ago."
Sai chuckled and pat Ludwig on the back. "Not to worry. I actually came looking for you. I want to go over some of Hybrid 6900's stats with you. You don't mind, right?"
"Not at all. Let me get a new shirt and-"
"Don't worry about that. We're just going to the conference room on the next floor up. Come along."
Ludwig looked back at the habitat and left with Sai.
/
"Coffee or tea?" Sai offered.
"Tea. Whichever kind you have." He watched the machine pour the tea, waited until it was done and proceeded to get it himself. Sai brought it over to him instead. "Thank you, sir."
"You're welcome. I prefer coffee myself." Sai took the seat adjacent to Ludwig at the table. "So, did you see your paycheck?"
Ludwig blew on his tea. "I did, but I think there may have been a mistake."
Sai flashed him a smirk. "No mistake. The amount you saw is correct. Every three weeks that amount is yours for your service to us."
"I really think it is too much for what I do. Your science teams does all the real work." 'Torture work, really.'
"Ludwig, don't be so selfless! I'm paying you that amount because I feel that is what you deserve. You're a lonely soul here on the Quasar and with a little more pocket money you can join the others in their 'reindeer' games." He chuckled.
Ludwig gave him a curious look. "I don't have to buy friends. I choose to mind my own business and keep to myself because I want to."
"Ah, Ludwig, being lonely is not a wise choice. You should consider getting out there more, hanging out friends, and enjoying your life. You have the money to buy yourself something nice now. Surely you've been to the Quasar's shopping district?" Ludwig nodded. "So treat yourself to something! Don't be such a stick in the mud! We should all enjoy our lives to the fullest before it's gone."
Ludwig didn't like where this conversation was leading so he changed the subject, moving onto the topic of Gilbert. "Sir, did you get to examine Hybrid 6900's thoughts yesterday? Did anything come of it? I would like to know how best to interact with Gilbert."
"Straight to business then." He sipped his coffee with a pleasured sigh. "Yes, we did view his mind. He showed us some very interesting images of his home. To keep it simple, his race acts like primitive man, going back to small tribes, clans or packs with one alpha. There are more females than males in a tribe. All of the young males remain in their own minor clan until they reach sexual maturity, moving on to compete for the right to mate with females of other tribes. Sometimes the males are wanted for mating by the alpha and the tribe alpha sort of…has a harem, I should say, of young males. We are not quite certain if the alphas keep the males for sexual pleasure or as a sign of power. It could be that some of the males are able to bear offspring, as we thought, so the alphas may seek out or keep those males for himself. And females seem to be highly valued, more so than the breeding males."
Ludwig had almost finished all of his tea. "So did you see Gilbert himself in these images?"
"Yes, now, this is where it gets interesting. Gilbert, we believe, is one of the more intelligent ones on the planet. Not only is he albino, but he has a rather high I.Q. as well. He seems to be more of a rebel because of his intelligence. He seems simple to us now because he is curious, he's trying to figure things out for himself. The further we interact with him, the more we will see just how intelligent he is. For example, he refuses to be with any alpha, female or male."
"Why?"
"Ah, now we get to the dark part." Sai removed his glasses to clean the lenses on his lab coat. "This is where the species' intelligence has dropped, moving them further away from their human prototype. Once the female is mated and impregnated, her mate becomes a long term meal to sustain the fetus inside. She eats her lover."
Ludwig almost felt his tea repeat on him at the image of a human-like woman eating the body of her mate.
"We think this is why the alpha male keeps a harem of other males, just in case too many men become meals. But Gilbert is different. We think he understands that what they do is wrong, the eating of the mate, I mean. He doesn't want to be eaten. He knows that it's wrong and he doesn't want to die. He doesn't feel that obligation, nor will he do it willingly. It is possible that the other breeding males do the same to their mate, if their mate is not an alpha. They are a very hyperactive mating species, but with Gilbert's intelligence, he may already notice this about his kind. This could also be the reason he tried to mate with you."
"Really?"
"There's no doubt that his body and brain still reads the signals to reproduce like the others, only we believe he knows how to control it. He recognizes that you are not of his kind so he may feel safe with you, safe enough where he can mate but not have to worry about any consequences. Since he is barren, this may be another reason why he chooses not to mate because their may be danger for those who cannot breed. So, do consider it for us?"
Ludwig dropped his teacup on the table, shocked by the blunt statement of mating. "I…I can't do that, sir. I have no physical attraction to the alien."
"Oh, I beg to differ." Sai straightened his glasses again. "You show an interest in him. Gilbert is a loner as well, just like you. He didn't seem very popular in his tribe. You prefer animals, mainly dogs, over people and Gilbert is like a dog. There is a bond you share with Gilbert but you're too frightened to pursue it. My team and I do not judge."
"I don't want to pursue it!" Ludwig almost shouted. "I do not want to become a part of this experiment in a physical form. I want to reintroduce human qualities in Gilbert, not mate with him. I don't even see how mating has to do with anything."
Sai smirked. "Then you wouldn't mind if I assigned another to do the mating part with Gilbert?"
"Another human, you mean?"
"Yes. Would you mind?"
Ludwig stared intently at him. "Gilbert will not accept another human male. You put a new man in there, he may attack."
"Oh? And what makes you say this? Are you just saying that because you harbor feelings for the alien?"
"It's more common compassion for another living being than romantic feelings. Gilbert has become very attached to me and I think if you let another man in there, he will view him as a threat and attack. I really have no evidence to back up my theory…but that is what I feel. That's the hunch I have."
Sai only shook his head. "You're cute, Ludwig, but you do not run this mission. I will assign another to perform this part of the experiment. If you do not wish to see or witness it, you are welcomed to take off the day."
"No. I should be there…in case my theory is true."
"Are you a pervert, then?" Sai grinned at Ludwig's horrified expression.
"NO!" Ludwig shouted. "I'm not going to watch them! I just want to be nearby in case Gilbert attacks. I want to save another human life!"
Sai enjoyed playing with Ludwig like this and he was certain that a whole new topic to add to his experiment will emerge shortly. There is a good chance that Ludwig will fall for the alien, if he hasn't already. "Very well. I have someone who already accepted the job because I knew you would say 'no' to this. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate how well you are caring for our alien friend. I was only teasing you before, Ludwig. Lighten up."
Ludwig wasn't amused, nor did he like the idea of another man coming into the equation. He stared down into his empty teacup, wondering why the news of someone else mating with Gilbert bothered him. It could be that he felt it was an insult to Gilbert, like they were forcing him to mate with someone he may not want to mate with. There is a chance, however, that Gilbert will accept the other man if the urge to mate in him is strong. But, there is also a strong chance that Gilbert will kill the other man. Knowing about the after-mating killing, Ludwig could clearly see Gilbert killing his mate. Gilbert wouldn't kill him though, would he? A sadistic part in his sub-conscience reasoned with the theory of using the other man as a pawn to know how Gilbert will react. So if he ever did feel the urge to sleep with Gilbert, he would already know what the aftermath would entail, at the expense of another's life. He dismissed those thoughts.
"My job is to reintroduce proper human functions to Hybrid 6900. That is what I intend to do, sir."
Sai shrugged his shoulders. "Fair enough. You've made your point quite clear, Ludwig. Continue reintroducing human functions then."
"Thank you, sir."
"You are dismissed."
/
'This is ridiculous.' Ludwig thought to himself as the hot water cascaded over him. He slicked back his damp hair. 'Something is not right with this experiment. If anyone is a pervert, it's Professor Sai.'
Ludwig didn't like how Sai attacked him for his 'loneliness'. He found it very odd that the professor would even care about that for it seemed like such a minor matter in this experiment. He kept to himself because he wanted to. It was easier to keep people away for he had learned, all too well and much too early, what it was like to lose someone you care about.
When he was a young boy he had always been alone on the streets of Neo-Germany until a kind being took him in. The being was of alien and human decent that operated an orphanage for humans and aliens alike. They had no gender, so all of the children referred to them as 'Friend'. But the day after his eleventh birthday, a group of thieves attacked the orphanage. Friend tried to protect them but the thieves ended their life. Ludwig had wanted to protect them but he was too small and too frightened to fight back, so on instinct, he hid instead. The thieves killed all the other children, leaving their small bleeding bodies spread out across the floor. The thieves took everything they could carry, and once they had left, Ludwig emerged from his hiding place. Alone, scared, and heartbroken, he sat for hours on the floor among the carnage until the Space and Earth patrol found him after hearing about the attack. He couldn't remember much after that for he must have been in shock.
He struggled to survive living on the streets, fighting his way through the years until he was able to join the Space Academy. It was the only way he could make a living for himself and protect others from terrible fates.
'Protect others.' He repeated. 'I have to protect Gilbert from Sai and all his experiments…but…' he slammed his fist on the shower tile. 'I can't lose my place here! I just can't! I took a sworn oath, a strong vow! I will never survive the universe without being a part of the space military! But I hate myself for being so selfish.'
With the conflicting emotions battling inside of him, Ludwig rest against the shower wall and let the water pummel his body.
/
The man who was to 'mate' Gilbert entered into the wooded area. Ludwig stood by the door inside the habitat, his arms crossed over his chest, and his foot tapping anxiously. He loathed the look of the man when he saw him, a brawny brute with more muscle than brain and most likely penis envy. The man had something to prove, or he was just a pervert who liked to stick it anywhere that was available. Ludwig wanted to chase the man away from Gilbert because he knew this was wrong; not only wrong but unethical and insulting to Gilbert. There was much more to this experiment that the science board was not letting on. They have to know something about Gilbert and they're not telling him. If only he was able to speak to Gilbert in full human language then maybe he could spare everyone all this trouble. In his true opinion, Gilbert did not belong here on the Quasar 575. He belonged on his home planet, with his people, living the life that is meant for him.
Suddenly, the man let out a bellowing scream from inside the woods. Ludwig raced after the trail of screams, hearing them growing louder as he got closer. He saw Gilbert's nest coming into view first, and then Gilbert, and then the man. Ludwig stopped dead in his tracks and his eyes widened at the sight of the man writhing in pain on the forest ground. The man must have undressed before approaching Gilbert because he was naked. But that is not what alarmed Ludwig the most. Each vein beneath the man's skin bulged out in a dark green color, swelling rapidly as if they would break the surface. The man was writhing and screaming in agony, begging for help to end the pain. Ludwig was struck dumb with shock for the sight was grizzly, unlike anything he had ever seen during training or battle. What could he do? He was unarmed with basic medical training, however, this was beyond anything he could do anyway. All he could do was watch the man fall still after an agonizing struggle of whatever was in his body. That was when Ludwig lifted his eyes to gaze at Gilbert.
The alien stepped away from the body to move behind a tree, hiding himself from Ludwig's look. He peeked around the base of the tree at Ludwig before retreating to the hanging nest.
'What just happened?' Ludwig asked himself while his eyes were now glued to the green-striped body.
/
"How did he die?" Ludwig asked Sai once the man was taken care of and they were in the conference room.
Sai allowed himself more coffee before answering. "Poison."
"Poison? How? From a bite or a scratch?" Ludwig didn't think Gilbert was capable of poison, but he supposed it was possible. "Are you sure?"
Sai nodded. "We've done many blood tests on Gilbert to know that he carries a poison gland within his body. Are you familiar with women's bodies, Ludwig?"
Ludwig felt himself growing uncomfortable. "I've studied the human body, both male, female. What does this have to do with anything?" 'Who's the real pervert here.' He had to keep a straight, stern face to keep his look of disdain from showing.
"We've already discussed that throughout human development that mankind needed more women and men took on the role until the female population was back. Do you follow so far?" Ludwig gave a nod. "Well, part of this change in the human body all those thousands of years ago with experiments came other body mutations, mainly in the female reproductive system. The men who took on the role can have this too. The most basic and generic term for it is 'rape poison', but in short it is a way for females to escape unwanted penetration. In other words, their brain recognizes the threat and the poison is released, killing the one who was unfortunate enough to try. Not all females have this, nor do all the males. We think that whatever group Gilbert's race escape with had many of these females and males, so as evolution and reproduction continued, the poison gland remained. In this poor fellow's case, he tried to penetrate Gilbert, Gilbert released the poison, and you know the rest."
Ludwig had a hard time taking all this in but he had to act like he understood. He would remember learning about the poison gland because it was so bizarre but he must have never learned about it. Throughout his schooling, he usually stayed away from all the reproductive studies. "So you already knew about this poison gland and you still sent someone in to try and mate with him? What if I had chosen to do it? Would you have let me die too?"
"It was a chance we took. I gambled on the notion that you wouldn't do it, and if you wanted to, of course I would warn you about it." Said answered. "There was a very strong chance nothing would happen. We told the man of the possible consequences that could come with this but he didn't care and signed the contract. He had his fair warning. It was his decision so erase this event from your conscience. Do you have an issue with that, Ludwig?"
"No sir. What's done is done. He made his choice." He did not agree with it, but it was best not to say anything else. "So when he tried to mate with me in the hanging nest…that was-"
"Not poison." Sai smiled. "That was the good stuff. That was Gilbert saying 'yes'. I guess he won't have any male other than you."
He had had enough. Ludwig stood up from the table, hitting it with his knees and rattling the coffee cup resting there. "Do not force me to have sex with Gilbert. I have terms of my own, Professor! Allow me to continue what I'm doing with Gilbert and, if and when the need to 'mate' strikes, then I will…perform. I will not do so until I feel the time is right."
Sai put his hands up with a crooked smile. "Whoa, at ease, soldier! There's no need to fly off the deep end, Ludwig. I accept your terms, in fact, I even admire them." He stroked his chin. "I just find it so…bizarre that you, a young, strong, healthy man isn't on the prowl for tail, if I may be blunt."
"Actually sir, I beg your pardon but I would…appreciate it if you were not so blunt on these matters. I was raised and trained to always be respectful and maintain a professional appearance at all times. I accept if you find this humorous." He saluted, and all Sai did was laugh.
"So gentlemen still exist, eh?" He gave a snort of laughter. "You're an experiment within yourself, Ludwig. You would be a prize for any man or woman."
"Thank you?" Ludwig wasn't sure how to reply to a statement like that.
"Hmm…very well then. I accept your terms. It may even work out better in helping Gilbert learn human ways. You are quite astounding, Ludwig. I made the right choice in choosing you. You are dismissed. Remember your report."
Ludwig saluted. "Yes sir. Thank you, sir."
"Yes, yes." Sai answered plainly.
/
He sat in bed with the tablet out, writing down his data for the day. He put in about the strange strands at the base of Gilbert's neck and what they did. But he figured, in some skeptical way, that Sai and his team already knew everything that he is recording. Ludwig couldn't help but think there is something even bigger going on and he was just a pawn; a pawn with a healthy paycheck. When finished, he sent the file and closed the tablet.
"I fear I will pay for my selfishness some day." He said out loud to himself while gazing at the ceiling and thinking of Gilbert. 'Gilbert…Hybrid 6900…'
Although it was evening on the ship and in the habitat chamber, Ludwig got dressed and went there anyway. As he entered, he looked up at the hologram ceiling of two moons and stars. The 'sky' is a deep purple and the 'stars' sparkle white. The moons are faded in the 'distance'. There was enough artificial moonlight for him to see where he was going, even though he had no particular destination other than to see Gilbert.
"Gilbert?" He called out to the woods. "Gilbert!" Ludwig was startled by a pair of glowing red eyes at the mouth of the woods before Gilbert's form appeared. He let out a breath of relief to know that it was only Gilbert and that his eyes returned to their normal hue of pink. "Good evening." The alien's body seemed to glow faintly in the light of the artificial moon, like a spiritual being from a fairytale or a myth. He looked too good to be real.
"Gudlug." Gilbert spoke a word.
" 'Gudlug'?" Ludwig repeated.
Gilbert pointed to him. "Gudlug."
"Me?" Ludwig realized now that Gilbert was trying to say his name. "Gudlug! Yes! Lud-wig. LUD."
"GUD!"
"LUD." He showed the tip of his tongue on the roof of his mouth. "LUD."
Gilbert mimicked the position of the tongue and tried again. "GLUD!"
Ludwig sighed. Perhaps the length and girth of Gilbert's tongue prevented flexibility to pronounce certain sounds. But he could pronounce the 'l' sound in 'Gudlug'.
"Watch." He positioned his tongue again. "LLLLLLLLLUD."
Gilbert tilted his head but tried again, taking a deep breath and positioning his tongue. "LLLLLLLLLLUG!"
"Yes! Again! Lud! LUD!"
"LLLLUD! LLLUD….LLUD…"
"LUD."
"LUD! LUDGUG!"
Ludwig thought that was enough for the evening. He didn't expect to get this far so quickly! Tomorrow they would work on the 'wig' part of his name. At this point, Ludwig wished that he knew sign language for it could have been easier to communicate with Gilbert through signing. Gilbert also needed more activity, so Ludwig thought he could borrow some items from the gym and teach Gilbert how to play some basic games. He knew the game that Gilbert wanted to play, but he wasn't ready for that. The image of the poisoned man came to mind and he was reminded of what power Gilbert held within his body. He had to shake the image of the dying man from his mind. There was no sense in harboring on it.
"Ludgug," Gilbert took his hand, pointing to the forest and giving a gentle tug.
"You want me to go with you?" He also pointed to the forest and Gilbert nodded happily. "Okay." Ludwig let himself be led.
Inside the nest, Ludwig found his shirt hanging on a stray piece of reed. He tried to reach for it but Gilbert pulled him away. Ludwig decided that it was time to give up the shirt and leave it for Gilbert. He wasn't sure what to expect in the nest this time so he sat quietly, watching Gilbert push around some blankets among a pile of cotton wads and leaves. That must be his bed, Ludwig figured. The scientists must have given Gilbert some blankets to use, or else they were just pieces of cloth. Gilbert should be in a human bed, not a nest made of cloth and leaves.
"Ludgug! Giiillllllllbbbr." The alien pat the spot beside him on the 'bed'.
"No." Ludwig shook his head. He pointed to his spot. "Stay."
Pink eyes narrowed slightly. 'Gillllbbbbbbbrrrt.' Gilbert crawled over to Ludwig instead and sat before him. He smiled at the man, seeing the other smile back. His tail wagged with glee. With a grin he brought his hands to the front of Ludwig's pants only to be stopped by the other's hand.
"No."
'Nu?'
"No."
"No." Gilbert repeated perfectly.
"Good." Ludwig replied. He was pleased with how well Gilbert is using language but in his refusal he could see the alien's disappointment. Gilbert's expression turned mournful with his pink eyes fading to a pale pinkish gray. Ludwig remembered what Sai had said about Gilbert being like him, a loner, and not well liked among others. His refusal may have reminded Gilbert of the feelings of being pushed away. Maybe no one wanted to mate with him back on his planet. Ludwig couldn't bear to see Gilbert looking so forlorn and sad after all that he's been through. It wasn't like him to feel so emotional but he did have an idea. It wasn't 'mating', but it was a basic human show of affection.
"Gilbert." Gilbert looked at him.
Licking his lips in a nervous gesture, he gently cupped Gilbert's chin to bring the sadden face in for a kiss. Their lips touched for a short moment and then Ludwig pulled away, feeling embarrassed even though he shouldn't. When he looked at Gilbert, he saw that the sadden expression turned to one of bewilderment and he feared Gilbert did not like the kiss. But then Gilbert gave a little smile, bringing a hand up to touch his own lips. Ludwig barely had time to prepare himself for the next kiss that came his way. Gilbert pressed their lips together with a small moan, settling himself onto Ludwig's lap. It was pleasurable until the alien tongue tried to push past his lips so Ludwig broke the kiss immediately.
"No. No tongue."
"Ludgug!" Gilbert said with a pout.
"Just kiss." Ludwig brought their lips together once again to show him the word 'kiss'. "Kiss." He said again.
Gilbert just nodded and kept kissing Ludwig the way he was shown. However, he couldn't stop himself from this 'kissing' and decided he wanted to kiss more than Ludwig's lips, if Ludwig would allow. He started kissing Ludwig's face all over.
Ludwig just sighed and remained still as Gilbert showered him with kisses. The alien sucked on his ears, his hair, and even the tip of his nose. Apparently Gilbert liked kissing a lot and all the alien saliva cooling on his face showed it. However, Ludwig didn't mind it at all. In fact, he was enjoying Gilbert's kisses and affections. He couldn't figured out why but he liked being in Gilbert's company. Even though they couldn't verbally communicate well they seemed to share a bond of understanding. Gilbert is an intelligent alien.
"Ludgug." He took Ludwig's hand and pulled him towards the bed. 'GilllBBBRRRttttT.'
"Um…" Ludwig feared that if he went to the nesting bed Gilbert would take it as a sign to want to mate. "No." He answered.
Gilbert pouted and went over to the bed, pointing to Ludwig and then making a sleeping motion.
Ludwig's eyes widened. He was communicating! Gilbert was learning motions! "Sleep." This would work. He would say the words when Gilbert acted it out.
"Geep." Gilbert tried to say 'sleep'.
"Yes. Sleep." Without a care, Ludwig joined the alien in the bed of cloth and cotton and leaves. He pressed his back against the nest wall while Gilbert, like a cat, curled up against him. He felt the tail twirl around his legs and he put a hand around Gilbert's waist. "Sleep."
"Geep. Ludgug."
"Yes." Ludwig smiled, resting his nose in the silken hair and closed his eyes. For the first time in so long, he was happy.
/
"GOOD MORNING UP THERE!" Came the sing-song voice of Professor Sai.
Ludwig's eyes shot open and he sat up in the bed, startling Gilbert awake as well. "Oh no…I fell asleep! It's morning!"
"HELLOOOOOOOO!"
Gilbert growled, going over to the mouth of the nest to hiss down at Sai.
"Good morning Gilbert! Ludwig, are you up?" Sai called up with a teasing tone.
Ludwig pushed Gilbert out of the way to look down at the grinning, obnoxious face of Professor Sai. "YES! I'm coming down right now! One moment, sir!" Without saying 'goodbye' to Gilbert, Ludwig quickly climbed (or rather fell) out of the nest.
"Ooo, hard landing." Sai joked.
"Ouch." He hissed, rubbing his lower back. "I'm sorry, sir!" He quickly stood at attention with a salute. "Research, sir."
Sai raised a dark brow. "Research indeed. My colleagues and I," he pointed to the two large men with him. "are here to take Gilbert for his testing. Oh Gilbert, come down from there."
Gilbert hissed.
"Gilbert," Sai's tone became low and harsh, a warning tone. "Come down." He took out a small remote and pointed it at the hanging nest.
Ludwig heard Gilbert's gasp and looked up at the nest to see the alien trembling, but he still wouldn't come out. Sai pressed the button on the remote and Gilbert began to scream in pain.
"STOP IT!" Ludwig shouted. "YOU'RE HURTING HIM!"
"Not hurting, training!" Sai lowered the remote and Gilbert's screaming stopped. "Think of it as a shock collar. You use those on your dogs, don't you?"
Ludwig gave him a sharp look. "Never. I never used shock collars on my dogs. I never had to."
Sai rolled his eyes. "Pity. Oh look, here he comes, like a good boy."
Gilbert jumped from the nest and used the thin skin under his arms to soften his landing. This was the first time Ludwig had seen him glide with his 'wings'.
"Let's go." He snapped his fingers at Gilbert. Instead of following him, Gilbert rushed to Ludwig's side and clung to his arm. "Oh, I see." Sai smirked.
Ludwig gulped. This wasn't good. Gilbert was seeking his protection…protection that he could not give. He could not deny orders or he would lose everything he's worked for, even Gilbert.
"Gilbert, come!" Sai threatened him by pointing the remote towards him.
Gilbert cringed and looked up at Ludwig. "Ludgug! No!"
Ludwig's heart broke instantly. He was unable to do anything to help Gilbert, and he had no words to make Gilbert understand.
"Now!" Sai pressed the button and Gilbert fell from Ludwig's arm, writing and screaming in pain.
Ludwig kept his eyes upwards, unable to look at the scene going on at his feet in fear of retaliating. 'I'll lose everything!'
When the screaming stopped, Ludwig took the chance and looked down at Gilbert, who, with a face of sadness and betrayal, whimpered up at him.
"Ludgug!" The two men pulled him away. Gilbert tried to reach for Ludwig calling, "LUDGUG! LUDGUG NO! LUDGUG!"
Ludwig tried not to look at Gilbert's retreating figure, or at Sai's face as the professor started talking to him.
"You've seen the stitches on his neck, correct? That's where the shock piece is to this little baby." He tapped the remote. "It controls Gilbert, as you can see." Sai tapped him on the shoulder. "He really cares for you, that much is obvious. You care for him. Do you see him as just one of your dogs?"
"I'm just…doing my duty, sir. That is all." He kept his tone slow and even.
Sai clicked his tongue. "We'll have Gilbert all day, so take a break and relax. Get your bearings together. Go shopping. Go have a drink. Take a day off or you'll kill yourself at this rate." Sai left without another word to Ludwig.
Ludwig just stood there, fists clenched at his sides and his teeth grinding together. He was so frustrated! The look on Gilbert's face when he did nothing to protect him would haunt him forever. Maybe he should take his troubles to the bar for a bit and use the beer to fog his mind for he knew there would be no rest for him, not with that look of betrayal haunting him.
"Please forgive me, Gilbert."
End Chapter 2 TBC