It had been some hours since his encounter with life and death as Sal sat in a crowded O’Malley’s, people drinking and cheering all around them. Starheart had well and truly been cleared, with Titus’ and Curtin’s personal guard making the final scans and inspections. There would surely be some deliberations over the next few days about the colossal failure of security, and Sal certainly had questions of his own. How on earth did another bomb slip by the security team? Letting Ruby Eye get destroyed was one thing but allow a false announcement to go ahead and let people board was another. Though Sal’s team had made it off the ship whilst he went for the explosive, many others, especially those on the other side of the ship from the docking ports would have likely been caught by the detonation.

  In a way, Sal’s selfish desires had saved far more than himself and his pride. It still did not alleviate the pool of acid in his heart that he would have surely died had Xeena not come to his aid. The bitter voice in his head told him that he had proven himself a failure, and that the arrival of Xeena had only confirmed this fact. The much more rational, and slightly drunk on copious alcohol, voice told the other to shut up the hell up, get drunk, and relax. Sal was alive, and that was all that mattered. Sitting in the tacky, horrendous imitation of an Irish bar, Sal thought on what had changed since he last sat here, before the S-Jump to New Horizon.

  He had met alien life and somehow made a friend along the way. He had dodged death twice, once in a cargo hold being chased by artificial monsters, and another in tunnel staring down a mass of wires and explosives. Frankly, Sal wasn’t sure how many more close encounters with the afterlife he could take and sipped his drink. As he was polishing off the glass, a rough hand gripped his shoulder.

  “Well, son, I don’t know how, and sure as hell don’t know why, but goddamn did you save a lot of lives out there,” Elijah said. Though his tone was rust on steel, as usual, the unexpected wide smile did certainly lift Sal’s thoughts. “You don’t look like you fully believe it yet, but you are a hero, Salvador.”

  “Well, I did have help, I can’t take all the credit.”

  “Oh, hush brother,” Abel intruded, stumbling slightly from the alcohol. “You,” – he hiccupped - “should be proud, man. Absolutely stupid as it was to rush off, and I still think you should have run with the rest of us, you still went for it. Never seen you run so fast with your little legs.”

  “Little legs? Abel, everyone has little legs compared to you.”

  “Well, boys, I’ll leave you to it. You take care now,” Elijah nodded as the pair of engineers saluted.

  Abel took a seat and slid another glass to Sal, “So, Sal, how does it feel?”

  “Does what feel?” Sal started the new drink. Eugh, it was horrid cider.

  “Saving people, changing their lives. Come on Sal, we’ve talked about this. I know you’re worried for the future, but look. So many of the people here were terrified, thinking they were about to die, but you’ve changed that. Can’t you see that?”

  Truth be told, Sal had been hammered all night by people coming up to thank him, both those who would’ve perished in the explosion and those who would’ve lost their life’s possessions. Many had taken everything with them for the expedition, and not all were carrying as little as Sal was. Even so, thinking on what he had, Sal hadn’t gotten a chance to return to the dorms yet – too much drinking and cheering for that.

  “Yeah, I do. Thanks, buddy.”

  “Believe me, you deserve a lot more thanks than me. Enjoy yourself.”

  With that, Abel staggered off, likely looking to pick Pippa up for some more drunken piggybacks. Before Sal had a chance to get up and get himself another drink, that wasn’t a poncy cider that closer resembled piss than alcohol, a familiar figure slid into the table opposite him, feet up on a chair.

  “Well, well, well, Sal. Don’t you know getting blown to pieces if bad your health? If you keep up living on the edge, we won’t be able to have our checkups anymore, will we?” Dr Michaels sat, flashing a sharp grin. “I must say, that was certainly some quick decision making, hmm? And to trust your little alien friend to come help? Not bad.”

  “It... was a team effort. How are you doing, doc?”

  “Eh, alright I suppose. Been trying to test the Cambiar’s gene revision using specific requests. It seems they do best when either subconsciously trying to fit a role or caste, or in moments of great stress. Had one of them going from bench pressing just body weight to triple that, just by pushing them harder and harder. That, and with some voluntary electroshock stimulation, which seems to be their one real weakness compared to us squishy humans. Very impressive stuff. What do you think of them, Salvador?”

  “I like them.” The words slipped from Sal’s mouth before he could even sound them out in his mind. “They’re friendly and are quick to learn. It’s weird to say it but they feel kinda… human, in a way. The way they want to fit in and change to suit their environment. They just do it a bit quicker than us.”

  “That’s a one way of looking at it. There are some who say we’re corrupting them, twisting them into something rather un-Cambiar. What do you think?”

  “Well, at the end of the day, we aren’t forcing ourselves on them. Culturally, that is. Hell, if they had stuck with the whole black-green living ship thing, I could live with that. But it’s their decision to adopt human culture. Both the good and bad aspects, for better or worse.” A part of Sal wondered whether they had a choice or not, whether their biology made them naturally adapt to whatever surroundings they found themselves in, including human society.

  For a moment, Michaels studied Sal carefully, pushing a length of long hair behind his ear. He reached over and slapped Sal on the shoulder, a little painfully. “I knew you felt the same way! Some of these idiots can’t see their potential. Our potential. I can say for certain that this ship, living in these conditions, is much worse for a man than Fifth Spoke.” The doctor gestured around the cheap bar. When Sal gave him a confused look Michaels continued. “Ok, not just O’Malley’s. This bar is a tip though. I mean the whole thing. Titanlock, hell, all of CCH space is like this. In fact, I would go so far as to say that all human space is a mess. Sal, have you ever looked up at an open sky, not space I mean, but a planet with no ceiling above you?” Michaels’ voice was becoming rich with zeal.

  The only time Sal could come close to that feeling was when he did EVA work, and even then, it was through a barrier of glass. The endless, inviting void all around him. Sal shook his head.

  “Then you might not know what I mean. I have only once stared across an unending sky, and it was glorious.” Michaels seemed to take note of the intense fervour in his voice and moved to sit in his chair normally. “Apologies, Salvador. I got too caught up. Please, enjoy the evening.”

  Before he could leave, Sal waved him down. “Thanks doc, but I quickly wanted to ask something – are you ok? After what Thomas was talking about, back after the investigation results?” The Keeper’s description of Michael’s past worried Sal.

  Michaels’ face hardened to stone. “Ah, that. Sorry, I was caught up in bad memories at the time. Reminds me that I need to apologize to Thomas. I’ve seen some things in my line of work. Being reminded of my time before H&H stung a bit. Are you ok? Your past didn’t exactly sound happy either.”

  “I am, I think. I’ve been thinking more of it recently. But no, I’m alright. You take care doc.”

  With a nod, Michaels left. Sal stood and made for the opposite direction, towards the bar. Seeking some liquid relief to the buzzing thoughts in his mind, he signalled a bartender, standing with his back to him, only to bite down a curse when Sal saw his face.

  “Ah, hello my dear engineer! Been saving some ships, have you?” Erohin said.

  Fuck. “Hello Erohin. You doing good?”

  “Oh please, don’t worry about me? How are you? Surely, disarming bombs is not your usual schedule, is it?”

  “Not normally, no. I heard you were on the ship, take it you made it off alright? I heard there were some serious stampedes to get off Starheart.”

  “Unfortunately, I was indisposed when dear Elijah made his little announcement. In the gents room with an upset stomach you see. It’s the Cambiar food, you see, doesn’t sit right with me I’m afraid.”

  “Ah, right.” Sal awkwardly said. Goddamn, you weirdo just give me my drink. “Uh, could I get ano- “

  “You know, dear Salvador, I’m really happy to see you making such good friends with our alien companions. Say, what was the one you’ve gotten to know well?”

  “Uh, Xeena?”

  “Yes, that one. I was wondering, do you know if she’s mentioned how many of her kind there are out there, beyond the stars? I am sad to say that did not make it into Partner Program.”

  “A lot of them, I think. They’ve probably told me the exact figures, but I can’t remember. Sorry.”

  Sal tried to shrug as aloofly as possible but likely came across as fake. Sal knew that there were likely trillions of Cambiar across the space where their empire had collapsed, but he didn’t actually care whether the bartender believed him or not. Erohin was a strange man, and the less spoke with him the better.

  “Ah. That’s a shame. So, what can I get you to drink?” Erohin’s smile didn’t reach his eyes.

  After ordering another whisky cola, Sal made his way back to a table. Shuffling over, he was beckoned by Xin to a table where she, Ace, Stannock and… Big Stannock sat. Whatever beef Xin had with the primadonna alien seemed to be settled, as the three already sitting chatted comfortably.

  “Well, look I found trying to sit on his own again. Seems Mr Grumpy Pants here wants to cosplay as a grizzled detective, sipping his drink alone. Well, too bad Sal, we’re having fun tonight!”

  Sal wanted to groan, but Xin’s enthusiasm was already infecting him. That, and the idea of not needing to talk to Erohin anymore was nice. A particular smell hit him even amidst the crowded bar, coming from the other side of the table. The small plate of cured meats the group had been nibbling on drew a visceral reaction from Sal’s distant Italian genes.

  “Gabagool? Over here.” He gestured the plate towards him by tapping on the table and began eating his fill.

  Xin rested her head on a hand. “So, guest of honour, where is Xeena? I would have thought the two of you would be stuck at the hip. Or pelvis.”

  Ignoring the last part, Sal said, “She went off to some Cambiar celebration for a bit. Said they had a special way of rewarding her. She’ll be back in a bit.”

  “Aw, that’s a shame. We could had made a six-some.” Xin sighed.

  “Xin, my dear, I’m afraid a ‘five-some’ is the maximum you can get before it loses the numbered title. Then, it’s just an orgy.” Human Stannock interjected, resting his chin on a fist. Sal frowned at the strange response.

  “Ah, but Stan, darling, how would you know that? Everyone knows that it takes two to tango, and tangos are simply the best.” Big Stannock said sensually as he stared at his body double.

  Big Stannock resembled Stannock far too well, now sporting a strong jawline, heavily toned body and thin rear head tendrils now black in some attempt to replicate human Stannock’s ponytail. The Tenau’s once light-yellow skin had dulled to an ashen olive shade. What the hell had Stannock done to the poor creature?

  Ace rolled his eyes, obviously the most sane person at the table, and asked, “Sal. How was Xeena doing with the whole ‘seconds away from dying’ thing?”

  You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

  “Well, after the initial hysteria, she was… shaken. For a bit at least. Then, she seemed to loosen up and after a while couldn’t stop laughing. I think she’s still a bit rattled, but doesn’t regret stepping in, I think? Either way, I’ve never seen her so happy as going to this Cambiar festival. Who knows, maybe she gets chocolate.” Sal chuckled.

  “Well, senior supervisor, I for one am glad you watched enough crime flicks to know how to stop a goddamn bomb.” Xin tilted her sunglasses and grinned, blowing smoke from her vapour cig out her nose.

  “Jesus, Xin I didn’t know how to do it from some stupid movie. If I did, I’d have cut the red wire and then there’d be no more Starheart.”

  “Ah, but it would have been dramatic as hell, right?”

  “Does… drama matter when you’re in a life and death situation?” Ace didn’t sound convinced, folding his arms and clicking his claws against them.

  “Drama is the best when life is on the line! There’re no higher stakes than that!” Xin raised her arms up and giggled. She was definitely tipsy. “Seriously though, Sal, thanks for saving Starheart, even if you are a dumbass for trying in the first place.”

  “In that case, I’m proud to be a dumbass.” He raised his glass in a round of cheers.

  Some time had passed through the night, Sal was multiple drinks in when Dusty and Titan slid over. The table had emptied of all occupants aside from Sal. Had he fallen asleep for a bit? He’d sworn he’d just rested his eyes.

  “Hey Puppy.” Sal murmured, slurring more than he had expected.

  “Uh, hey boss. Just wanted to see how you were doing. And to say thanks for, y’know, everything.”

  “Don’t worry about it kid. It’s my pleasure. Savin’ ships is just something I do now,” Sal hiccupped.

  The huge form of Titan shuffled closer, kneeling on her large plated legs. “I would also like to express my thanks for your efforts, Salvador. The two of us were preoccupied and were not close to any of the exits at the time of the announcement. I am uncertain if we would have made it.”

  Preoccupied, huh? Sal’s drunk mind went to somewhere profoundly saucy and pictured the size difference between the two making a comical sight. Hell, Titan’s tits were bigger than Dusty’s head, and that thought alone was hilarious to his inebriated mind. Sal imagined a titjob was almost like trying to fit a hot dog in a pair of queen-sized pillows and calling it a bun. Laughing aloud to himself, Dusty raised an eyebrow as Titan clicked her jaws, apparently trying to read the engineer’s mind.

  “Sal? You ok?” Dusty sounded genuinely concerned.

  “Never better. Just thinkin’ of something funny.”

  “You know Sal, you’ve done a lot in your life for only being twenty-seven, or so the records state.” Titan pipped in, a strange grin creeping in. Damn you, jumbo lady. Damn you and your big tits.

  “Wha- hey! I’ve been working on this wise mentor schick for a while with Dusty, man.” Sal bemoaned, genuinely surprised.

  “Sir, you’re only in your late twenties? I honestly thought you were like… forty something.” Dusty shrugged awkwardly. Had Sal’s little routine worked too well? He didn’t look that old, did he?

  “Hey! I’ll have you know I have you know that just because I don’t do all of Stannock’s fancy routines doesn’t make me that crusty, ok?” The thought of him trying on all of Stannock’s creams and ending up with a similar poncy voice made him laugh again. With Sal still giggling like an idiot, Dusty and Titan sat drinking for a bit and doing some not so subtle touching of each other.

  Eventually, the young man broke the contact and spoke up. “Sal, I was wondering about something?”

  “Oh? Look, I’m sure you two can make it fit or something like that, I don’t need the details.”

  “W-what? No, Sal! Its…” Dusty’s face was flushed in an instant. It seems Sal’s wild predictions may have been grounded in reality. “It’s nothing like that, sir. I was wondering about Marcus. I’ve never got a clear answer from him and well…”

  Ah, something more serious. Sal wondered if Dusty was asking him this when he lacked his full faculties on purpose but would let it slide. The kid deserved to know.

  “What about Marcus?”

  “Well, we’ve obviously chatted, and we get on well. I get on well with all the guys, now that I think about it. I know Stannock came from a colony planet, one with volcanos and stuff. That’s why he’s grey, right? And Xin came from being a pilot, and she’s pretty up front with that. Abel’s got his big family back on Titanlock and always has those stories he likes to tell. And you… well… I won’t pry too much.” Dusty looked downwards.

  At that moment, Sal felt a pang of guilt. He was never upfront with his past to anyone. Even Abel knew not to dig too deep, lest Sal either lash out or lock up.

  “But when it comes to Marcus’ family, or life pre-H&H, he’s always quiet. I know you talk with him now and then, and I don’t want to go behind his back, but I still feel like if I know more, I can help him.”

  Sal considered for a moment. Dusty had been with the Torchers some time now, and had shown he did more than care about those around him. “That’s fair, kid. I’ll let you in then.” Sal needed a drink before this. Well, another one at least.

  Downing his glass, Sal said, “Marcus was born in CCH space like the rest of us, but it wasn’t Titanlock or Vulcanis Two or even New Paris. He was born on Vacuole, some remote station playing around with experimental tech. Heard of it?”

  Dusty shook his head, and Titan leaned in. “It was on the outer edge of CCH space, so security along that part of the border was weak. So weak in fact that Heaven’s Doctrine went in and took it. The whole system.”

  “But, what about Marcus then? Did he evacuate?” Dusty still had some hope in his eyes. Poor kid.

  Sal shook his head. “No. That far out, the only FTL capable ships were still docked at the station when they came. And it wasn’t one of the clans you can trade or bribe off. It was the Lengti clan. You must know that name, right?”

  This time, Dusty nodded. It was filled with knowing and crushed expectations for a somewhat happy ending. The Lengti were by far the most feared clan. In the mid-22nd century, they were both praised and dreaded for their advancements of cybernetic technology by producing medicine that stopped immune system rejection of augments. However, the means they went to for achieving such results was grave; it was reported that tens of thousands of prisoners, slaves and even regular workers under the clans were abducted and experimented on. Even the latest reports out of Titanlock said that the Lengti continued their inhumane tests, desperately looking for new advancements to raise their clan to greater heights.

  “Marcus and his family were taken by them. I wish I could say they got off easy, or that they escaped to freedom safely. No. Marcus lost his whole family. Mother, father and sister all gone. Eventually, he got rescued from a slave ship by mercenaries from Tripwire. He got patched up by the doctors, but he’s still got scars all over his back. Notice how one of his eyes is a slightly different shade from the other? One of them is artificial.”

  Sal had to admit to himself that for all his self-doubt and wallowing in pity, Marcus had been through a worse life than he. It didn’t make him feel much better, though, and instead made him relate to Marcus more.

  “Oh my god.” Dusty whispered. He sat quiet for a while. Dammit, Sal needed another drink.

  Titan spoke up. “Salvador. Thank you for informing us. I appreciate your honesty. I won’t remind Marcus about his past, that much is certain, but I hope we can make new happier memories with him.”

  Salvador mumbled in agreement. He went to stand to get another drink, anything alcoholic enough to make him feel numb, but instead slumped onto the table. Dusty and Titan shared a look, gave their farewells, and left. Sal, head on the table, saw that both of them had left their drinks behind and reached over to polish them off.

  Xeena had been kneeling for some time before the crowd of Cambiar that stood before her. She had seen this ceremony only once before, the Reward of Five Digits. For her displays of courage in the face of danger, and for going above and beyond in her work, she was to be given a compressed packet of efficient genetic code containing the enhancements of all castes. This was rarely done and was usually only given to Rexia so that they could carefully manage their fleets more effectively. In doing so, she would be able to adapt to any of the castes features much quicker and with greater ease than other Cambiar could from scratch.

  Now, surrounded by Cambiar with features some would describe as rather human, wearing clothes that did not match their limbs or size, she hoped to see similar ceremonies in the future. Given the command to rise, she faced both Rexia Rubicoss of the Out-Han and Rexia Protheus of the Ten-Tri. Though Rubicoss remained looking rather uninfluenced by humanity, his form still slim and wearing no clothes, Protheus had clearly taken on more masculine traits, sporting a strong chest, deeper voice and wicked grin. Rubicoss had spoken for a few minutes about the Out-Han’s purpose, and how Xeena had furthered their collective goal with great courage.

  He concluded his speech. “You have done well for your service, Xeena. I hope this reward serves you well in progressing the Out-Han… and in your personal endeavours.”

  Despite his attempts to remain entirely unchanged by humanity, Rubicoss gave a weak smile, a hint of mankind’s impact even on the most neutral of parties. Receiving the pink ball of fleshy material and placing in her digestive tendril, she accepted the reward and curtsied, bowing her head. Releasing the stance, the crowd cheered, some having discovered the newfound art of applause, and others using the standard teeth chattering to accentuate their emotions. The performance over, Rubicoss relaxed slightly. Xeena and the Rexia moved to the side as the crowd dissipated, spreading out over Fifth Spoke.

  “Congratulations, youngling,” Rubicoss said. “Though many in your position would have been unable to act, you made the bold decision, and you should be proud of it.”

  Protheus leaned on the wall, smirking. “I too am impressed, kid. You did well. Very well. Tell me, if you’ll forgive my curiosity – what exactly did the weapon look like? Henry and Huell’s command have been sparse with details, and I do hope they have no reason to distrust us.”

  “Protheus, you ask too much!” Rubicoss turned to his fellow Rexia and clacked his teeth. “The acts of humanity on one another should not be for us to interfere with. Zeentach had stated our policy on the matter. Even the Ten-Tri should know such things.” Though Rubicoss attempted to remain as passive as possible in his tone, an edge of peevishness still outlined their voice. Protheus clicked his tongue, or tendril as it were, and left the room.

  “Apologies about that. He is just… emotional recently, ever since he directly stepped in to assist with the initial housing of the humans. Ever since humanity has arrived, he has been in a strange state. Tell me, dear Xeena, how is the program going with your partner, the one you worked with to disarm the explosive device?”

  Trying to hide an instinctual blush, Xeena stammered, “Oh, it’s going good, great even! There’s actually something I need to talk to him about.”

  Rubicoss studied her closely, nodding all the while. “I see. It must be important. In that case, go with my blessing. Make not only Out-Han but yourself proud, my dear. May the stars be with you.”

  Nodding excitedly, Xeena made a move for the dock to Starheart. She hoped she had time to make the adaptions she had been preparing in the background before she got to Sal.

  After making her way through Fifth Spoke’s varied environments of both humanity’s past and Cambiar’s present styles, she skittered across the umbilical to Starheart. Doing her best to keep her head tendrils straight and making sure she had gotten the soft texture on her arms and hands correct. Men liked elbow length gloves, right? That was what one of the dozens of magazines Xin had given her said. Even so, it was difficult to convince her body to make her clawtips soft, and left them as is, making a mental note to be careful with them.

  The black dress she had switched to prior to the Reward of Five Digits clung tight to her body, hoping to show off her new humanly figure. The difference in legs and presence of a tail had made that more difficult than she expected, but some tailoring assistance from her friends in the manufacturing sector had fixed the wardrobe malfunction. Tension growing in her limbs, she entered the bar of O’Malley’s. She couldn’t say she was impressed in the traditional sense with Starheart’s aesthetics, but it was nevertheless incredibly interesting to see how humanity had designed their ship without the use of biologically processed materials.

  As she entered, a few drunken crewmates recognized her and let out a cheer. Scanning the room, she found her target, slumped over a table. Thinking she might have missed her chance, she dashed forward. Thankfully, her movements stirred Sal awake, his chestnut hair falling across his face. She adored the way it curled around the sides of his head, like the mane of a lion that she’d seen on archives. The smell of alcohol was ripe on his breath, and his eyes were unfocused. Yet, he looked up at her, smiling.

  “Hey Xeena. How was your… uh… thing?” Sal slurred. Xeena slid next to him and watched the way his eyes scanned her body for a brief moment before darting back up, pretending to be stealthy. Had this been a sober Sal, he likely would’ve had more control over his leering, but Xeena was perhaps in luck.

  “It was great, really nice. Got to see some of my juvenile-kin, my siblings from the smaller ships, so that was nice. Seems a lot of the Cambiar are taking a fancy to human looks.”

  “That’s grand,” He giggled slightly. Another glance at her chest. Bingo. Or jackpot, whatever one fit the situation better.

  “So, Sal… I’ve been thinking a lot recently. About… what humanity is like, what it brought to us.”

  “Uh huh?”

  “And, well, I think they’ve brought a lot of great things, to me at least. Things like culture, humour, entertainment that wasn’t sitting on a ledge in a dark room, things like that.”

  “Yeah, that was kinda boring,” Sal hiccupped as he seemed to reminisce on their chat in the central chamber. “Sorry, that’s kind of rude.”

  “No, it’s not. Those things are boring, my life… was boring. Before you, I mean.” Xeena rubbed her head. Damnit, how did she plan to say it?

  “Sal, what I want to say is, you’ve made my life matter. A lot. I know we haven’t - I haven’t - been easy to be around, especially early on. And I know some people think we might just be copying humanity but… what I feel is real. I know that. And, well, I want to say something.”

  “Yeah?” Sal was practically nodding off. Damn, quickly!

  “Sal… I… I think I love you. I want to be with you. For a long time. In a human way. Ok?”

  “Huh?” Sal’s eyes were bleary. Ok, fine. She could redo this part when he was conscious. For now, it was the payoff.

  “Sal, even if you don’t remember what I said, I want you to remember this. I read that humans can remember feelings much stronger than words, if the sensation is right.”

  Xeena reached over and gently grasped one of Sal’s rough hands. Feeling his skin beneath her claws, outlining his nails and knuckles, she brought it closer to her.

  “And well, I don’t think this counts as groping on my part, if I’m the one being touched.”

  She brought his hand to her breast and curled his fingers around her. The touch of his hand, something she had long wanted more of than a poke or a hug, filled her with a deep warmth of satisfaction. Giving another squeeze using his digits, nipple hard in his palm, she checked his reaction. She had spent a long time on research materials to get the feel and size right. Apparently ‘bags full of coins’ was not the right choice, as she had figured out during experimentation. Sal’s eyes were closed, and a grin of pleasure was clear. Did Xin feel as good as her when they shared their moment together? Xeena had made the effort to swell the size of her own pair, feeling jealous about Xin’s in hindsight. He leaned forward, towards her, driven by instinctual feelings and…

  Slumped forward, planting his face on the table, unconscious. Oh. Well, that was bound to happen at some point. Still, she got a bit of what she wanted, even if he wouldn’t remember it. She leant down, released his fading grip on her breasts, and sprawled out on her hands as she stared at his sleeping form. She sighed heavily, wondering how much more difficult this would be when Sal conscious. Gently, she poked him on the nose.

  “Sweet dreams, Sal.”