Chapter 47

An elegant weapon…

Adrien was out cold, and probably wouldn't wake again without medical intervention. Thankfully, Blue said he thought he could save him.

During their trek to the ship, Katja and Blue had been arguing back and forth. Apparently, healing Adrien might be considered a crime by Blue's clan. She had tried all other alternatives before the alien man took the initiative and decided to risk being branded a criminal.

Katja couldn't take any more of Alexei's whining and sent him back to his designated room on the ship. She, Blue, and Adrien were in some sort of sterile medical room.

"Strip him of all coverings," Blue requested as he went to a heavy piece of equipment. Looked like a very alien MRI machine. He began typing into the machine. Programming it, maybe.

Katja followed his direction as quickly and carefully as she could, given the severity of Adrien's wounds and the unwieldy weight of his unresponsive limbs, throwing his clothes on a central island table or counter. Once that was done, Blue came over and effortlessly hoisted the limp Adrien onto the machine. A glass tub swooshed closed like an aircraft canopy, and instantly filled with a bubbly, clear, gel-like substance. Katja tried not to panic that Adrien would drown. Blue didn't seem to be worried about it, after all.

Adrien's tube slid into the machine, and the hatch closed. Katja stood in front of it, expectant and nervous. "Did we make it?" she voiced.

"If he is strong," Blue answered as he messed with something else.

"What if we didn't make it? What if he dies? What if–" Katja babbled, until Blue cut her off.

"Female, either he lives, or he does not. He will die an honorable warrior's death if so. We have done all we can; it is time to stop hypothesizing and consider your own condition now. Come."

Katja hesitated, worried if she took her eyes off the machine, it would somehow mean Adrien would die. But ultimately, she turned to Blue.

"Up," he requested, pointing to a seat of sorts. She clambered awkwardly up and sank into it, but not before sitting on his spear thing. Now retracted.

"This is yours," Katja offered. Blue took it and set it aside before pulling up her pant leg and looked at her still-broken limb.

He grabbed another mask, but this one was clearly different, with several scopes and tools projecting from it. Medical specific, perhaps. Either way, he donned it and began looking at her leg.

He must've been satisfied with what he saw, because he put it back and produced something. "Powered exoskeletal brace. Will allow for full use while it heals," Blue explained before getting it on her.

"Flex," he requested. Katja swung her leg back and forth. "Hurt?" he chirped this time.

"No, that's amazing!" Katja answered, momentarily forgetting about Adrien. It was like the leg wasn't broken. She had a full range of movement.

"Stand," he ordered her next.

She did one better and jumped off the chair, sticking the landing like her leg wasn't injured. She was awestruck.

Blue ushered her out of the room and into a different one. Even she could recognize it as a workout room. He led her to a machine and with some positioning, she was soon walking, jogging, running, and sprinting with his prompts. A treadmill, but it looked nothing like one, using a ball instead of… well, tread.

"Good. Leg will not hinder while healing," Blue stated, clearly pleased. He began walking out, leaving Katja to jog after him.

The first stop was their sleeping quarters, where he donned a new mask. This one had a more pronounced front end at the 'mouth', and almost looked like a breathing apparatus. The crest had alien symbols all across it, as well as horns – presumably from other creatures – going down the middle of the crest. Red paint coated the edges, and the visor was a uniform piece this time, rather than individual eyeholes.

It was interesting, because her own headgear could attach an armored mandible, which basically made it a full-face covered helmet. But it was weird how close the design was to Blue's previous mask. Maybe humans were somehow inspired to create knockoff Yautja masks?

He seemed to be looking at her for something. Approval, maybe? "Looks good on you!" she offered, but it sounded stupid to her. Regardless, she heard a soft cackling noise from his throat. Satisfaction, she decided.

Again, he was on the move, leaving her to catch up. Right now, with everything that had happened, she didn't want to be alone. The familiar was security and a reminder things were real and that they had done the impossible.

They were in the cockpit now, that much she could discern. Well, maybe more like a bridge. It was quite spacious. Blue sat in the command chair and, without missing a beat, grabbed her and sat her straddling his thigh. He was getting bold lately, but maybe that was a good thing. Trust bonding, so she kept quiet.

Blue brought up the main display screen. He was clearly plotting a flight route into orbit. "Wait," Katja began. A thought just came to her, and she stood. Blue looked at her. "Can… can we get Petrov?" Katja stuttered out.

He stayed silent, seemingly studying her. "I just–" Katja began before choking a bit. "I just want his parents to have something to bury. Closure," she finished, barely keeping it together.

Still, he said nothing. "Vai, please. I've always tried not to ask anything of you that wasn't important. If I have earned any of your respect, please, please, please, do this one selfish thing for me," Katja begged. She hated it, but for Maksim, she'd do it.

"Have cryogenic storage. We will go retrieve body," Blue finally answered. Katja immediately enveloped him and buried her face into his neck.

"Thank you," she barely whispered.

She was forced to sit on his thigh once more as he searched for the FOB via satellite imagery. Once found, he plotted a course. The display faded and the 'blinds' to the front 'windshield' rose, giving her a scenic view of Siberia. And, it would remain scenic, at least for a time before inevitably, the serpents showed up again.

Not something she wanted to think about right now

The ship began descending and Blue suddenly stood, slightly dumping her from his lap. Apparently, there was an autopilot landing. Or so she assumed.

Katja met Blue at the ramp as it lowered, only briefly considering grabbing Alexei. All she had now was her Glock.

She felt a nudge. Looking over, Blue was offering her his retractable spear-thing. "Take."

Close-quarter battles with serpents weren't ideal to her. She wasn't a Yautja. But, the Glock was unlikely to stop much, so she accepted the weapon. Blue quickly showed her how to deploy and retract it.

"Thanks. I'll be sure to return it," Katja assured him.

"Yours," he stated, shaking his head at her attempt to return the weapon.

Katja did a double take. Was he serious? The way he'd described his society to her, their weapons had to be important. Even a way of life. "I can't accept this," she told him.

"Highly prized combistick. Won in a spar against a revered elite from my clan, more skilled than myself. If the gift is dissatisfying, I shall find something else more suitable," Blue explained.

Well, damn. He was really proud of this 'combistick' weapon, and he had now boxed her into accepting it or insulting him.

"No! It's great! I just don't want to take something so valuable from you. Especially when you're helping me get Petrov," Katja tried to mitigate the error diplomatically.

"You killed an empress, little huntress. You have earned that weapon," Blue answered. The words and his manner suggested that it was more important to him that she take it.

Admittedly, it was very elegant and beautiful. The designs were intricate, the feel of perfect balance in her hand. And despite her and Blue's size difference, it was not too heavy for her to wield. Actually, it felt really light.

The problem was, everyone else had a gun. And she'd need to keep this weapon hidden from the world. Undoubtedly, it was both evidence and a way to steal technology.

"Then I accept," Katja said. They had managed not to stomp on toes when it came to cultural and language barriers. No reason to start now.

Blue grunted in approval, but waved her to follow. "Ship defenses will scan for threats and react appropriately. But we must be swift and alert regardless," he counseled.

Katja nodded and swallowed thickly. They didn't get all the serpents with Blue's bomb. No way. Their ability to spread had just been cut significantly, maybe even entirely. But Siberia was still a very dangerous place.

She ran with Blue to the husks of tanks and light armor. From her vantage, she could tell several Weyland bodies were more mangled than before. Some, she was sure, were gone too.

When they arrived at the spot that would be forever etched in her mind, they found… nothing. Just a blood stain where Maksim had been.

"You don't think he was still alive, and they took him for impregnation?" Katja asked in horror.

"No. He was never a host. The empress expressed her desire to taint him. If she had, she would have disclosed that information," Blue answered immediately.

He was right. That empress, queen, whatever, was taunting them at every turn. Had Petrov been alive, Katja had no doubt that evil, vile, creature would've made her watch him… 'give birth'.

"Then where is he?" Katja asked anxiously.

"It is most probable that the body was dragged off for consumption. By either hard meats, or local fauna. Take solace that if Earth animals found it, that will contribute to their survival after their population decimation by the empress's spawn," Blue deduced clinically.

It wasn't what she wanted to hear, but they were unlikely to find the body now. Honestly, she didn't want to find the body after the possible explanation. She just hoped Blue was right, and the serpents hadn't been the ones to take him.

Taking one last look over the frozen landscape and battlefield, Katja stood still, letting the wind whip what was left of her partially undone braid around.

"I love you, Katyusha," the memory of his voice came to her.

"Goodbye, Maksim. Thank you for your bravery, and for fighting alongside Adrien, Blue and me until the end. You did everything I ever asked of you. You saved the world."

Blue stood alongside her for a few more moments, then prompted her quietly. "We must continue. Our journey has not ended yet."

He really hadn't wanted to retrieve the weak warrior's carcass. One of the only reasons he conceded was because Katja was his human lifemate now, and he would need to learn to yield to her; especially when it wasn't a critical issue.

Thankfully, Katja didn't seem overly dominating, like Yautja females tended to be.

Well, males too obviously.

But she wasn't submissive, either, if the evidence of the fight with Adrien back at the communal dwelling was anything to go by. She was just… a perfect balance.

And that was what he wanted to achieve with her – working in harmony together, as a unit, neither more dominant than the other.

On his planet, a lesser species trying to act like a Yautja would result in problems; so, he'd have to request she show a degree of humility and deference to him and others in public, if only for her safety. He didn't really foresee any issues, though, as she was hardly an excessively prideful creature. In addition, he had no problem being her blade when the situation required it.

Another reason to grant her request for Petrov's remains was that he hadn't given her any courting gifts, minus the combistick earlier. Allowing this small mercy was a gift in of itself. She had even said it was something selfish.

Her species owed her much more than what she was requesting.

While he wouldn't voice it, he was relieved the body was gone, and she seemed to have no desire to go hunt it down. The problem was, he wasn't sure how long human grieving lasted; but they couldn't stay in the open. So, he ushered her along.

His goal now was to get her washed, fed, and then retire for a long sleep cycle – whether she wanted it or not.

He'd have to deal with the useless runt first, lest he interrupt their time together with more whining. Katja did not need more undue stress right now.

Vai'dqouulth and Katja stopped in his quarters – actually, their quarters, now – and he directed her to stay in the room while he handled Alexei.

Without preamble, he barged into the guest quarters, waking the runt. Vai'dqouulth grabbed him and dragged him to the hygienic refresher room. All the while, Alexei was squawking annoyingly, probably believing he was going to die.

If only.

Vai'dqouulth hastily showed him how to fill and empty the cleaning pool, as well as how long to stay in it for total cleanliness. For added emphasis (and simply because he didn't like Alexei), Vai'dqouulth also told him he found his smell extremely offensive. Which was true, and a bath was unlikely to change that.

Finally, he left a ration meal for the weakling to eat. These were to be used during a hunt in emergencies. They did not require cooking, and were safe to eat for many species, humans included; though they were perhaps a little rich and protein-heavy for their digestive tracts.

In other words, the runt might end up ill. Just enough to render him unwilling to bother anyone, but not enough to make a mess of his ship.

Vai'dqouulth shut the door behind him as he left. Briefly, as he passed the healing chambers, the hunter considered the human in there.

Adrien was in a healing suspended animation and would not require anything in terms of basic needs. He could live like that for some time – even by Yautja standards – if required.

He did want Adrien to recover. The marine was an honorable warrior and had contributed to the planet's survival much as Katja and himself. Earth could use more humans like him. Would he come back to hunt the marine warrior eventually? He didn't think so. Adrien was as much a brother as those in his clan. It wouldn't feel honorable to do so.

Vai'dqouulth released a long breath. Many deep thoughts, perhaps he'd meditate on them later. Finally, though, everything should be settled enough for him and Katja to bathe.

Quietly.

Returning to his quarters, the door opened for him, and he found her sitting on their bed, fiddling with her unkempt battle braid. He was certain now, that this was a nervous quirk of hers. Maybe she'd tell him what had her on edge. Even Yautja could uncoil tension. She seemed incapable.

"Come," he motioned.

She stood and came to him, much like during their fight in the storage building. So much less defensive now. He paused for a moment to take her in. She was covered in her blood and likely Adrien's and Petrov's. But most interesting was his blood was all over her, too. He couldn't explain exactly why it was attractive and poking at his baser instincts, but it was. Maybe it was a form of marking. Yautja were extremely territorial, after all.

Rather than react in any sort of manner, he turned and began walking to the upper deck. Katja followed wordlessly.

They passed through the observation area, and her natural human tendency to be distracted won over as she got swept up in the view. Politely, he gave her a moment before barking for her attention and hustling her along to a door nearby. The door released and they walked into the therapeutic pool room.

While the hygienic pool in their quarters was more than adequate, he'd always preferred the therapeutic pool. Many-a-time he had either come back from a difficult hunt or a strenuous training regiment, and just sank into this pool. Their time out here had been much harder than anything in his lifetime. It was hard to imagine the toll it took on the much weaker human body.

The floor, surrounded by soft gloss pebbles and lush plant life from both Prime as well as other worlds, simulated a natural environment instead of a ship room. The aromas the plants gave off calmed Yautja and were picked for that specific reason. He hoped it would calm humans, too. And having plants really helped on the rare occasion when he was missing his home planet. There was a stone path over the pebbles that led to the steaming pool.

He had adjusted the temperature of the water to be slightly cooler beforehand, so it should be optimal now. He didn't want to burn her in something that was supposed to be relaxing. Thank the gods he was able to pull up the archives for answers on the matter. It still steamed and bubbled from the heat for which he was grateful.

Vai'dqouulth stripped himself of armor and coverings, leaving them on an elevated surface for retrieval after his cleaning before walking over and sinking into the crystal blue water.

Cooler than normal, but not irritatingly so. The water was extremely filtered, filled with microbes that would clean the surface of hide or skin, and it had the healing salve mixed in.

Just what Katja needed, in his opinion. However, she was just standing there, looking around the room and shifting her weight from foot to foot. She smelt of… not quite fear. Nervousness, if he had to guess.

Of course, she disliked the idea of being bare. She had not been keen on it when it was those… undercoverings only in the recreational dwelling. Now she was uncomfortable at the prospect of being completely naked; unlike his kind, where it wasn't uncommon to see mating couples in the public halls of the ship.

Humans, he knew, were naturally cautious, not unlike Yautja. Telling her to just undress and join him would likely not make her more trusting, though it was a little frustrating that she didn't trust him fully. With her high stress, he really had no intentions of advancement. Just cleanliness, care, and relaxation. Plus, they were a life pair now.

Rather than force the issue, he would compromise with her. Getting out of the pool, he stalked over to a supply cabinet and retrieved something she might be familiar with.

The pelt was made from an aquatic mammal that lived on an uninhabited oceanic planet. Relatively harmless, they were harvested for sustenance; but more importantly, the fur and hide were completely waterproof and often used for attire. Katja would be able to wrap this around herself like one of the towels she was used to.

Walking over to her, he demonstrated its use, and even sat in the pool with it to show her no water would accumulate on the pelt towel. Her face changed from one of discomfort to one of anticipation.

While he returned to his spot in the pool, she ducked behind the boulder. He could see the edges of her coverings as she tossed them onto the rock. Before long, she appeared, now wrapped in the provided pelt, and stood at the edge of the water.

"I won't bite," Vai'dqouulth played a voice clip he had picked up from this planet. His hope was that it was humor and not literal.

It must have been, because she laughed. Tentatively, she dipped her foot into the water, likely testing the temperature.

"Oooh!" she exclaimed, though not in pain. It must have been satisfactory, because a moment later, Katja sank in with a sigh, shutting her lids.

Finally, such a high-strung creature.

"Too hot?" Vai'dqouulth asked.

"No, perfect," Katja replied, not opening her eyes.

They sat in comfortable silence. Vai'dqouulth wished she'd come sit closer, but decided not to force the matter.

It was strange to him. He was used to aggressively courting females, but it became immediately clear with Katja he could never do that. So, he instead had to aggressively remind himself to be tempered in his pursuit of her. The slow courting was interesting and much harder to do. But not wholly unpleasant, either. More like a new challenge to less used abilities. A chance to sharpen them.

"Do you think Adrien will be ok?" she suddenly asked.

"We will not discuss hypotheticals," Vai'dqouulth accidentally spoke in his own tongue.

"I didn't catch that, sorry," Katja answered.

Probably for the best; he had been a little abrupt. Carefully, he took a breath. Katja was worried about the sentients that she considered under her charge. To repeat what he said in her language would likely only have undesirable outcomes, and lead to a pointless argument.

"The warrior has survived humans, a Yautja, and many other dangers out here. He is stubborn and will cling to life until he considers the universe in a better position than when he entered it," Vai'dqouulth answered via computer.

"Yeah, that sounds like him," Katja agreed, seemingly going back to a calm state.

It did not last, because the door suddenly opened, and in sauntered the runt.

How? He had locked the doors for everyone!

Going to his wrist device, he looked at ship permissions and found the runt had somehow added himself! Or perhaps he had done it by mistake. Quickly, Vai'dqouulth pulled his mask on so he could understand the language. And remove those permissions.

"Oh, this jacuzzi looks so much better than my bathtub," Alexei observed before stripping down to his undercoverings and jumping in, splashing water everywhere.

Vai'dqouulth growled, ready to finally put an end to the annoyance that was Alexei, until Katja stepped in.

"Alexei, that was really rude. We are guests. Stop disrespecting Blue's property, or he'll likely throw you out the airlock."

Katja was correct, too, except Vai'dqouulth didn't have an airlock. He could still put both himself and Katja in a different room while dropping the ramp, allowing the vacuum of space to pop Alexei's unworthy skull.

Wait, why wasn't the runt suffering stomach cramps right now?

"Food?" Vai'dqouulth asked via computer. Even if he could speak fluent English, he likely would've still used the device to avoid an annoyed tone.

"Oh, I'll eat later. There were snacks in Fedor's office," Alexei waved him off.

"Do you know how old those were?" Katja asked, sounding like she was in disbelief.

"It's fine. They were sealed and full of preservatives," Alexei answered. "So, what are we talking about?" he continued.

"Nothing. We are relaxing in silence," she answered hotly.

Good, so the runt's presence was completely unwanted.

"You can stay if you are quiet. And that includes if Blue and I decide to talk," Katja finished. Vai'dqouulth did not agree with this at all. He wanted the runt gone.

"Fine. Silence is worth this bath," Alexei snuffled.

Katja, up to her neck in water, sighed and closed her eyes again. Vai'dqouulth felt the soothing flow of the pool jets, and clacked his mandibles, satisfied.

This moment would be simply perfect, if only–

"Katja, what is the thing you've missed most about civilization?" the bothersome one droned. "Me? It's the heating. In fact, I may never leave this hot tub."

Oh, no.

No.

Vai'dqouulth would activate the ship's self-destruct and destroy it, killing everyone inside, before he allowed that to happen.

"Alexei."

"Yes?"

"I told you. No talking. Now, you did a very good job inside the Crypt. But now it is time to lay back and relax. Don't you want to?"

"Honestly? Right now, I feel like a superhero. I saved you all. I saved Russia and even the whole world with my directions. I've earned a life of comfort, and dessert after every meal, and any computer system I want. But you know what?"

Another sigh from Katja. "What, Alexei?"

"I'm not going to see any of it. And neither are you. The moment our government finds out we survived, we, at best, will 'serve our country' for the rest of our lives. If they don't outright imprison us and interrogate us until we're dead. Don't tell me you haven't already realized it."

Vai'dqouulth, whose hands had been resting on his upper legs, felt his claws begin to dig into his own hide. Surely, Katja's clan would hail her as a champion, treat her with the utmost respect and dignity. Surely, the runt was spinning stories. Slave warrior was an unacceptable fate.

Something told him that the omega male wasn't lying, however.

But, lifting her head, Katja stared at the boy and pinched her lips in acknowledgement of his statement. "I… have my own plan for how I'm going to deal with them."

"Oh, please, Katja. You can't stop an entire country."

Clearly, absconding with this female would not be merely for Vai'dqouulth's own desires, now. Katja had to be removed from the whole eastern continent, and probably the planet, or her fellow Russians would label her a bad blood. She would be hunted, and if caught, become a prisoner. Or simply killed. Such a waste.

Vai'dqouulth knew that even he could not protect her from an entire Earth clan. Katja would see that logic, and come with him to Yautja Prime, surely.

"I am going to make them… see the error of their ways," Katja muttered, abruptly lifting herself out of the pool. "There's… there's nobody even left to care if I fail, so..."

Now standing outside of the hot water, Katja began to shiver. "I'm so sorry, Blue. I just need… I need a few minutes."

Bared feet slapping wetly on the stones as she trotted, she grabbed her coverings as she hurried past the boulder and left the room. He was left staring, internally debating what to do.

Alexei grinned nervously at Vai'dqouulth. Little bastard ruined her relaxation and his courting time.

"So, you have a bar in here?"

With nowhere to go, Katja went and looked at Adrien's healing tank for a few minutes, hoping that there would be something to indicate a change one way or another.

There wasn't.

Eventually, she wandered to Blue's suite and changed back into her clothing.

She felt the minutes slide by, realizing Alexei was right, and that she just hadn't wanted to face it before now. Now that it was over, all she wanted to do was honor her men, get them justice, but…

What if she couldn't?

Well, she had to try. There was nothing else left for her.

The main door slid open, and the ship's owner entered, a large tray with an assortment of food in hand. She didn't recognize any of it, but it certainly smelled good.

Too bad she didn't have an appetite.

"Blue, I'm sorry," she murmured. "I'm not very hungry and… I don't think I'd be good company right now."

"I go many cycles without social interaction. But you must eat. Nonnegotiable," Blue answered.

"Really, I'm not hungry."

"Of course your life is my responsibility–!"

To her dismay, Katja recognized her own voice. Blue had played a voice clip of her, from back in the hotel when he had almost died. They had decided they were responsible for each other then, and it seemed he was taking it very seriously. Still, having her own words used against her was… aggravating.

Putting on a brave face, Katja forced a smile. It was thin and tight-lipped, but Blue probably preferred it that way, so she didn't try to adjust it. "Ok. What did you bring? And what about Alexei?"

"Taken care of," Blue answered noncommittally. He went over to the bedroom's wall and tapped it, causing a surfboard-shaped table to shoot out from it. Blue placed the tray down on the table, and Katja approached, now somewhat intrigued at the possibility of sampling an actual alien meal.

As she got close, one of the hexagon floor tiles lifted from the floor and floated beside the table. Gravity manipulated, maybe? Might as well be space magic. But it was clearly a seat.

"Broth first," Blue said as he put a steaming hot bowl in front of her, which smelled savory and hearty. She wondered if he was trying to follow Adrien's lead at the hotel, with broth as an 'appetizer'.

"Bone broth?" she asked, to which he nodded; and she followed up with, "What creature did it come from?" before taking a large sip of it. Maybe she should have asked if he was sure this was safe for human consumption.

"I cannot think of a comparable earth animal," Blue answered as he, too, began drinking.

"Oh, that's fine," Katja answered as she continued to sample the broth. It didn't taste like any broth soup she had ever consumed, but it was delicious. Or maybe she really was hungry, after all.

They both were quiet, but Blue's stare was intense. What he saw or found so interesting about her without his mask on was a big question. Wouldn't she just be a giant heat blob? With minimal clothing on and a less stressful environment, Katja took in an eyeful of him.

He had so many scars that were a blight on his very beautifully painted hide. His propensity to tangle with dangerous creatures was apparent. It sort of bothered her in a sense, things hurting individuals she cared about. But he was undoubtedly the one asking for it.

"Where go, after?" Blue asked finally.

"After… this? I don't know. But Alexei's right. I am just as much of a pariah as Adrien is in his country," Katja sighed. Regardless, she would go down fighting.

"Members of your clan help?" Blue suggested. He must've meant friends or family; at least, that was her best guess. Couldn't have meant the government, obviously.

"I… don't really have anyone to lean on. To be frank, you're probably one of my only, if not my best, friend left. And I feel like I barely know you."

"Come with me to my planet," Blue stated.

Katja blinked rapidly. Did he mean… permanently?

"To your planet? Are you allowed to do that?" Katja asked.

"Will need permissions, but am confident I can secure. Role may not be ideal, but you will be treated with honor and respect, unlike your clan. I will apply on your behalf for full citizenship as hastily as allowed," Blue explained.

"I…" Katja began, at a complete loss for words. How could she leave Earth while its leaders had so much to answer for?

While Slater still breathed?

Certainly, a fresh start away from all this was wise, she got that much. But as far away as another planet?

"I'd love to visit another planet," Blue replayed her voice clip.

There he went, using her words against her again. "Key word being visit, Blue; this would be relocation. And what about Adrien?" Katja asked.

"It was a private agreement with Adrien in case he perished, that you be remanded to my care on my planet," he elaborated further. "I can provide the recording of the conversation."

Well.

Apparently, she didn't get a say in anything, not even in the little matter of the rest of her life. Still, Adrien cared enough to make arrangements for her, and Blue… felt an obligation, or something? To follow through and take care of her to the end of her days. She loved them both to death for that, even if it was going behind her back.

"Adrien isn't dead," Katja said, not knowing what else to say.

"And he may not die, but the offer does not change. Come with me to my planet. Your clan will not be able to hunt you down," Blue reiterated.

Katja allowed herself to imagine it. Logistics aside, was it a bad idea? Living amongst titans that viewed humanity as things to merely be hunted? Most likely; but in this theoretical situation, she would have Blue on her side, anyway.

"Let me… let me take this in and process. I don't feel like I can make an intelligent decision at this moment, so maybe it's best not to make one right away. Maybe… we see what happens to Adrien first," Katja answered, words tumbling out.

"A wise choice, female."

"Tell me what we are eating," Katja switched subjects quickly. With their broth finished, Blue loaded more steaming food onto plates for each of them and placed them on the table.

"Meat comparable to Earth animal, boar. My knowledge of Earth fruits is limited. I could not say what these are closest to," Blue answered, and she could tell he did not want to admit ignorance on a subject. Ha. Just like a human male, though Yautja seemed especially prideful.

"And the drink?" Katja asked, looking at the liquid in her sippy jug. She knew it wasn't just water based on the smell, and the smell was potent.

"Diluted Yautja alcohol, with nonalcoholic fruit-based drink of similar flavor," Blue answered.

Alcohol? Well, considering he hadn't tried to cover it up and also diluted it, he must not have had ill intentions behind it. Plus, it was Blue. 'Subterfuge' and 'deceit' weren't in his vocabulary.

"Smells really strong. Even diluted," Katja commented.

"Is. Will kill a human, even in controlled doses," Blue agreed, sounding almost boastful.

She gave him unmistakable body language that suggested she had raised an eyebrow, even though she kept her face perfectly still.

"It is to assist with your rest cycle. Safe amount," Blue assured her.

And there was the truth. Honestly, she wasn't surprised. Adrien got pretty mad with her sleep habits, too.

But she didn't want to start down the slippery slope of drinking her problems away. It would be far too tempting of a crutch. Plus, there was another potential major issue…

"Blue, I might be pregnant. Alcohol isn't a good idea," Katja explained, hoping she hadn't been insulting. She had no idea if it'd affect anything this early, anyway, but saw no point in risks.

He faltered at her comment.

"Will bring you more elder drink with natural, weaker sedatives that won't affect the unborn," Blue agreed after thinking about it. He stood and left, likely to go to the kitchen or galley or whatever his kind called it. She got another rare look at the scars on his back. Pity. His pattern really was attractive. The damaged hide and tissue ruined it.

Sneaking into her pack close by, Katja grabbed her field eating utensils inside. Clearly, Yautja didn't use such things, and she wasn't about to eat like an animal. Maybe those extra face appendages, the mandibles, worked as utensils? Or maybe things like eating manners didn't exist with them.

Coming back to the table, Katja got situated once more. Blue wasn't back, so she'd wait to eat. But she did observe her meal. The alien 'pork' was a green-grey and didn't look like it would taste good. Just like that old, battered American book Karik used to read to her. Green Eggs and Ham. Still, she'd give the entrée the benefit of the doubt. At least it seemed cooked.

The fruits, however, looked amazing. More like desserts. She recognized the ones from the main lounge room thing. The yellow blue speckled grape tomatoes that were so good. But the rest were new, and none were comparable appearance-wise to anything on Earth.

Blue walked in with a new sippy jug, which was presumably filled with tea. He set it down in front of Katja and she sniffed the contents. It was tea, alright.

"You insult my honor," Blue's computer said, and he added a huff. Out of frustration she guessed, he grabbed her serving of alcohol and downed it.

"It's a force of habit more than anything. As you say, humans can be deceitful and dishonorable. Checking what I drink is like breathing. I don't think about it," Katja tried to soothe.

That seemed to calm him down. Somewhat, anyway.

"Shall we eat?" Katja prompted.

Blue nodded, and they dug in. The meat was actually surprisingly decent. Not her first choice, not her last. She suspected it didn't have seasonings, either. Adrien probably could have made it taste great.

The fruits were a mixed bag, and Blue seemed to watch her intently, likely trying to figure which ones she was receptive to.

"I am… not as skilled at preparing feasts as Adrien is," Blue stated. Again, he seemed to struggle admitting he wasn't as skilled as others at something.

"No, it's great. Truly. Believe me, my–" Katja choked a little. "…My stepmother is the worst cook in the universe," she finished, putting her hand on his as reassurance and flashing a smile, forgetting he couldn't see it.

It felt like a barrier had been broken. Calling Olga 'stepmother'. It was right then she realized that she really didn't want anything to do with her family. Her living brothers and their kids and grandkids, yes. But she wasn't extremely close to them like she had been with Karik.

Blue perked up at the compliment, not seeming to notice her stumble.

Because he seemed to be waiting for her to say something else, and because her mind was on family, Katja asked, "Do you have siblings?" Given the Yautja's propensity to reproduce, it was surely a dumb question, but it kept conversation going.

"Many half-blooded siblings, yes. A few full-blooded siblings," Blue answered. Now, that was interesting. Full-blooded meant they came from the same father and mother, suggesting they… well, 'got together' more than once.

"Are there circumstances where Yautja would stay together solely? And permanently?" Katja followed up, curious. They didn't sound monogamous, but perhaps there were exceptions.

"Yes, we can take permanent mates and exclusively breed. It isn't done until later in life for a myriad of reasons. If it happens at all."

"So, like, marriage?" Katja pressed. She didn't know why she wanted to know so badly, other than to find some commonalities between their species if she ended up living with them.

"…It has similarities, but no," Blue answered after some thought.

"Have you thought about ever doing that?" Katja laid out her final question. She already had the feeling his personality and choices weren't always typical of his people, and wanted to see if her suspicions were correct.

Blue, oddly, stayed silent for a long time, likely contemplating his answer. "I have pondered the matter deeply out here. I had never considered it before now."

Why would he have been pondering marriage deeply? Must've been Adrien talking about his wife that got Blue reflective about the Yautja equivalent. Or maybe her talking about Alexander. Given what he said and what little she knew about their society, these 'life-bonds' were rare, and maybe looked down on if certain criteria were not met.

"Seems like you're working through it. Hope you find what you're looking for," Katja finally said. She didn't want to dig into his personal life too far. They were secretive about their species, and that likely carried into every aspect of them.

They then conversed lightly as they ate. Blue voiced that he wanted to keep hunting the serpents until reinforcements arrived. Apparently, a drone could become a new queen when one died, but it did take time. And there were alternative ways to spread in the meantime. Katja agreed that she wanted to help.

When done, she cleared the table for him, despite his insistence she was a guest and not a servant or slave. He seemed to want to reinforce that fact. Regardless, she assured him that guests on Earth were also gracious and helpful to the host.

In the kitchen/galley, she set the tray down and asked what to do next. It was as simple as putting the tray in another hidden cabinet. Blue explained to her that automation would clean and sort the dishes. Sounded like robotics, maybe? With tech like that, why was there any need for servants and slaves at all? Was it tradition, or merely to make a statement that their species was dominant, 'superior', to others?

Back in his room, Blue began preparing for sleep. Katja figured she would, too. Going to her pack, she fished out the toothbrush and toothpaste. "Is it ok to do this in your bathroom?" Katja asked.

Blue nodded and she went off to the bathroom. Not a moment later, the big hunter joined her, watching with rapt interest. She stopped to look at him, toothpaste foam no doubt covering her mouth.

"It is a fascinating ritual," Blue answered her unasked question.

"Not really a ritual. Just healthcare so my teeth don't rot away. Surely you maintain those deadly fangs and tusks of yours?" Katja posed, and she saw him visibly preen at that.

"Your words are welcome. But no, Yautja fangs do not need constant care," Blue answered. Katja smiled and went back to brushing.

Once she was done, she returned to the bedroom, but stopped short of climbing in the bed. "Can I say goodnight to Adrien?" she requested.

"He cannot comprehend you in that state," Blue answered. Katja didn't believe that for a second, but also didn't want to fight.

"If it were you in there, I'd want to say goodnight to you."

She watched his mandibles tightened shut over themselves in that 'T' position. She had him in the corner this time.

"Hypotheticals. I am not in the healing unit," Blue pointed out smugly.

"Doesn't matter, I still care about you," Katja shot back.

After a moment, Blue typed into his wrist computer. "I have unlocked the door. Do not be long."

"Thank you," Katja acknowledged before leaving. She'd have to legitimately be quick this time. Being netted by Blue again was not a fun prospect. Nor was the tranquilizer purr. Or whatever other new, creative, irritating method he could come up with.

It took a little retracing, but she found the medical room. Nothing had changed in Adrien's condition as far as she could tell.

"Hey. Blue says you can't hear me, but I wanted to say goodnight," Katja explained to the machine.

"So, goodnight," she finished awkwardly. After a moment of listening to the machine hum, though, she began to think.

When Petrov had told her he loved her, she hadn't gotten to respond. Maybe he'd been right, and she wasn't ready to say it back, but she hadn't even been able to acknowledge him.

Katja didn't ever want to give up a chance to speak to someone she cared about again. "That's not true. I didn't only want to say that. I wanted to give you standing orders to come back. We all need you. Me, Alexei, even Blue. Earth still needs you. So, goodnight, get better, and come home."

There. That felt better. Like a weight had been lifted off her chest, even if the cliché miracle in stories where the person suddenly awoke didn't happen like she was secretly hoping for.

Turning, she made to leave until something caught her eye. Hanging out of Adrien's pack was a clean white tee shirt, the same one he had been wearing in the hot tub. He must've packed a spare.

She pulled it out and up to her nose. After the alien meal in the alien ship, all the foreign surroundings and talk of her leaving Earth forever, the softness and shape of the fabric grounded her. It smelled clean and like Adrien, which was calming. It would make a good sleep shirt. And she could have a little piece of Adrien by her side tonight, to ease her worry.

Decision made, she stripped down to her underwear and put on the oversized shirt. A 2XL size. Made sense for a guy that was well over 1.8 meters, and what she guessed was around 88 kilos. It completely enveloped her frame, which was what she wanted.

With the heat and humidity Blue seemed so accustomed and preferential to, sleeping in bare minimum clothes would be advantageous. Speaking of rest, she was exhausted. Katja thought it best to go back before she collapsed on the floor.

Returning, she barely spared Blue a glance. Her body felt heavy, and her eyes were only just open. She crawled under the blankets and immediately lost consciousness.