-Why not a real window?

  -They are structural weaknesses. Even the super glass can't compare to the strength that the Apollonian hull has. One spec of dust travelling fast enough could pierce entire meters of the glass that you saw at the bow view room. Thankfully the vessel's' shields were on at all times.

  -''Uff, guess that would be one Hell of a rough awakening.'' Replied Provence.

  We were in the comfort of our quarters in the captain's room. I was at the desk, perusing the ship's database on the computer. Finding and compiling a list of technologies and useful formulas to eventually bring back to Rhodes Island. Provence, invigorated after our long passioned session and a shower, was perusing the curiosities of the room. At that point hanging by my side. Her tail brushing on me while she gazed at what the glass display wall besides my study had to offer.

  -These ship models are wildly varied. Do you know about them?

  Each of the ship miniature had a tag with a name and a designation, but most of those would have meant nothing to her. I took my little breaks, pausing to tell her of one or another to the best of my knowledge. It wasn't like I was in any rush.

  -Only two models are replicas of the actual real deals. And those are the two on the display in front of me.

  -''Apparently Cygnus has a sister ship. Know where it might be?'' Inquired Provence.

  -No idea whatsoever. You can ask him if you want.

  -Hey Cygnus!

  A small spherical hologram of radiating blue colour appeared besides me on the desk.

  -''Yes miss Provence?'' Asked the polite and ever calm artificial voice.

  -Do you know anything of your sister ship, the Crius?

  -I must unfortunately inform you that I do not possess much relevant information. Though I was briefly given contact with the Crius, I can only bring speculation as answers.

  -''You have actually met your sibling?'' Provence asked, her curiosity piqued.

  -''In a sense. The artificial intelligence created for the Crius was made by my same creators. It was a model more developed than I at the time since I was still in the infancy of my own creation. While my counterpart was already in a concluded state.'' Cygnus related before it continued.

  -It was already designated as ''The Crius''. So I suspect it was the artificial intelligence developed for the ship in question. Alas, while we learned a great deal about one another in that short time period that we were connected, I do not know of it's whereabouts. Nor any detail of the purpose it had delegated.

  -''Could it be that it was also contained within a time capsule for the people of another world?'' Asked Provence.

  -It is a likely possibility. But we might never know for certain.

  -Perhaps when it wakens it will notice the presence of your own model on display inside of it. And it will wonder of you. Somewhere, far away in time and distance. But it will think of you. Like you think of it now.

  -It is an interesting concept miss Provence. One might say it brings forth a notion of closeness despite our separation.

  -''You will live long to learn many things and record much history from this point onward. You are a great ship, and it is not the most unlikely thing that you may stumble upon your own kin one day.'' I interposed.

  -That is a likely possibility as well, mister Avenarius. Was there anything else you required?

  -That was all, thank you, Cygnus.

  -''You are welcome miss Provence. Shutting down presence in primary cabin.'' And with the end of that sentence its hologram dispelled.

  -''The more we find out. Seems Cygnus had a real family in a way.'' Said Provence.

  -Indeed, as rare as such a thing would be.

  -What about all these other ship models in the main display? I recognise a few from those star films we watched together from your library.

  -Ah. Those are models after famous starships from a number of television shows and some video games. None from real counterparts.

  -''This blocky one is from that favourite movie of yours with the aliens that gave me the spooks.'' Provence noted.

  -''It was fun grasping your bristling tail when we saw that one.'' I said with a smile.

  -''And I'm sure you enjoyed even more when I clutched onto you during the more gruesome scenes.'' She replied with a delighted smile.

  It was after I had finished my research that I perused the library in the enclosed bookshelf. As I toured over the volumes present I discovered that the collection contained a variety of genres and subjects. Scientific, historical, many on the different ancient cultures of Earth. Along with classics such as Dante, Marcus Aurelius, John Milton and William Shakespeare. Charles Dickens and Leo Tolstoy. Even writers of great fantasy such as John Ronald Reuel Tolkien and Howard Phillips Lovecraft.

  All the books I noticed were hard cover, of a quality I have never met during my own time. They were real books, with real pages that smelled like fresh wood. There's something special I always thought, about the feel of actual paper in your palms. Relaxing, imbuing you with a certain fulfilling sense that you are part of a people, of a history, if not the story you are reading.

  They obviously must have been made through some chemical processes that went way over what my people could achieve. For the paper I noticed was of an incredible quality. It couldn't be ripped, and if folded the paper could be unfolded back with no mark left.

  I came to peruse last the part of the shelf dedicated singularly to science fiction. Works of Robert Anson Heinlein and Arthur Charles Clarke stood by those of Frank Herbert and Philip Kindred Dick. There were even the bit more eccentric novels by Arkady and Boris Strugatsky. Present were also those of the grimmer envisioning of the future like Dan Abnett and Sandy Mitchell. There was even...

  -''Huh. Well, I'll be damned.'' I said to myself.

  ''I guess at this point I would have been dismayed if not outright insulted if he weren't present out of all.'' I thought as Provence scooted besides me. Looking inquisitive.

  -''Hmm? Asimov?'' Provence asked as she perked her wolfish ears up.

  -''My favourite author.'' I spoke as I solemnly held one of his tomes.

  -Even Cygnus is similar to a certain ship he envisioned in one of his books. It's amazing to be so far in the future that we are able to see what concepts of the science fiction writers of the old became reality.

  -''It is an incredible thing if you think about it. I really wouldn't have known any of this if it weren't for you.'' Said Provence.

  -I guess I expanded your world a little.

  -''You saved my life, you cured me, and we made pups together. You could say you expanded it beyond greatly.'' She spoke as she kissed my cheek.

  -''I guess so my dear lupa.'' I said in return as I slid back Foundation's Edge besides its sequel.

  -I remember being a lounge room on the ship. Why don't we check it out?

  -''Feeling like you're on a leisurely cruise ship?'' I asked with a smile.

  -Yes, but in space!

  -Hah! After what we've been through I believe we deserve it.

  -Like you were ever the one to refuse comfort over tasks.

  -''Guilty.'' I admitted.

  The lounge was a fair sized room. Even generous for its vessel, considering it was about twice the size of the captain's quarters. It looked cosy, with a seeming sense of tranquillity washing over us. The lighting in here was on a slightly lower setting. Which in contrast highlighted the various coloured neon lines tracing the entire room. Accompanying in making this atmosphere were the various oval shaped panel screens which shone with reflected faint lights of blues, greens, and ambers.

  There was a bar at one end of the lounge, surrounded by a row of stools. One low table with six of the same comfortable armchairs from the captain's cabin, with a large entertainment screen on the opposite wall.

  In the middle section were a number of armchairs simply facing the wall. Which a wide part of it was of ultra dense glass, showing part of the outer hull that delimited us from the cosmos. The blank panel besides it had a small green light confirming my concern. I passed besides the chairs and pressed my palm against the obsidian screen.

  Suddenly, a large part of the Apollonian shielding that was the outer hull retracted. Revealing the stars through the immense window. It was quite a satisfying view to sit in front of and enjoy a drink, or a lupa I thought. Though one I would enjoy better knowing the shields were up at maximum at all times.

  -''Hey, we have a poker table here!'' Provence expressed joyfully.

  The other side of the lounge was delimited by what I found out to be a soundproof glass wall. Inside, the room was lit only to a twilight. The main glow of the room coming onto the square table with angled edges. It possessed a lively green tapestry, surrounded by several chairs. On the furthest, opposite side, the wall consisted of a large library that contained more hard cover books, tablets, along with various card decks and board games. Provence was sitting on one of the chairs.

  -''We could invite the gang and have a poker night sometimes.'' Provence suggested.

  -''Hmm, if done in secrecy then we could.'' I said after some thought.

  -Strip poker. I'm sure you'd love that.

  -Don't tempt me.

  -Bet you'd like taking on the entire pack~.

  -''When have you become such a scandalous lupa?'' I asked amusedly.

  -''Since it rubbed off of you.'' She said with a mischievous but intent smirk.

  -I'd prefer not to. Once you fall into temptation one usually gets a taste for it.

  Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

  -''Oh?'' Her eyes and furry ears were wide now with interest. ''What temptation did you get a taste for in the past, hmm?''

  -''Murdering.'' I said with a relaxed but less enthusiastic voice.

  -Hmm, well. I guess you could do with some alternatives.

  -Normal poker nights would do just fine. You are the only lupa I will ever want.

  She rose out of her seat and approached me at a leisurely pace. Pressing herself against my chest and bringing her palm onto my cheek.

  -''All these years I have never seen your loyalty falter, not even in jest.'' Provence spoke as she looked into me.

  -What can I say, I am a simple man that has all he needs.

  -Hmm, you are a precious man. Unwavering in your integrity as you are, my Cassiel~.

  -''Loyalty is its own reward.'' I said as I embraced Provence closer.

  I poured ourselves a few exotic drinks that were unheard of on Terra, then sat in front of the large aperture to the outside of the hull. A smooth tune sounding in the background. We were silent for some reason, but content. Enjoying each other's company and the savoury but strong drinks that were made with authentic Japanese sake. The canvas of the sea of stars slowly flowing in a simple but captivating view.

  -''We've been through so many challenges together. Yet looking back at all these years, it feels like they flew by in a breeze.'' Provence spoke, not breaking her gaze from the view before us.

  -It tends to feel like that once you come of a certain age.

  -''We went through so many things since we met, we achieved a lot of things.'' She continued.

  -''They were good years, worth their time and full of fulfilment. But more is yet to come'' I said.

  -Yes, we still have to see our kids grow up properly. But now it seems we have a lot more to look after.

  -Does it feel daunting my lupa?

  -''Perhaps, but I am not troubled.'' She answered as she turned her gaze towards me. ''I know we can overcome any difficulties together.

  -You and our pups make going through Hell and back worth it. I dearly cherish the family we have made.

  -''Cheers for us then, my dear mate.'' She beckoned, and we touched our glasses.

  The hours passed in a blur after that. By the time we finished making a tour of the ship, Cygnus was already announcing us of the near completion of the short, probing voyage. The results weren't unsurprising as I would have wished them to be.

  -Unidentified anomalous presences in the outer Terran solar system. Number varying, currently orbiting within the dark shadow of the second planetoid outside of the system proper.

  There wouldn't be any other details of use besides that. They were hidden well, most likely possessing some version of a stealth system like that of the Cygnus if they weren't just strange space rocks or more debris. But whatever they were it seemed they were dormant, our presence for now unnoticed.

  Cygnus couldn't give us anything more except theories. The kind that would bring more speculation and questions than answers. We decided not to try out chances just yet, and for Cygnus to keep a close eye, or rather sensor on them. It would be a challenge and a trial for another day.

  We were having our last meal before returning home as the ship was orbiting Terra. Provence was voraciously tearing into her Orpington chicken breast and I just stood there. Watching as she ripped into it with her sharp canines. Crushing bones with ease. I was reminded of the impressive power and ferociousness of her race. She could so easily kill normal baseline humans. She could still easily kill me if she wanted, and if I wasn't careful.

  -''What?'' She asked with a mouthful. ''I burn a lot of calories with you.'' She said as if that ended any and all arguments.

  -You're a beautifully fierce lupa.

  I let her savour her half of the chicken before we could really talk while having some drinks. I enjoyed simple moments like this with her.

  -We can't bring anything with us that might imply the existence of Cygnus, at least too overtly.

  -''Aw, I liked the hoodie. But I understand, the patch is a dead giveaway. But how are we going to return in secret and also explain our absence?'' Inquired Provence.

  -Cygnus, can the ship maintain it's stealth shielding uninterrupted if we pass through Terra's barrier again?

  -Yes commander Avenarius. With the data I have collected from our first escapade I can properly modulate the stealth drive's frequency to accommodate for the disruption the barrier would normally cause.

  -''Great, we can ill take chances without it. Commander?'' I asked, surprised at this coming out of nowhere.

  -Yes. I have nominated you as the commander of this vessel. As well as Provence as your second in command. Our goals and the goals left by my makers are valid despite our circumstances. You are the last descendant. You will know best how to face Terra's current adversities.

  -I thank you for your trust in us Cygnus. I won't abuse it. Neither of us will.

  I turned back to Provence to answer her as well.

  -As for the second question, we won't.

  -Amiya and Kal'tsit won't take that answer too lightly.

  -They will once we give them the technology and information I gathered to placate their concerns. Besides, we are not arrogant.

  -''Hmmm.'' Pondered Provence audibly at that last statement of mine, cutting me off.

  -At least not usually. And neither are you. They will understand our need for secrecy. Specially when we won't go back empty-handed.

  -Concerning the barrier. Cygnus, can we maintain communications if you leave Terra?

  -''Not under normal circumstances miss Provence. But there is a way to circumvent that. I will provide you with a special device that will allow for communication between us to be possible at all times. As well as providing secure channels for normal usage while I shall be present below the barrier.'' Cygnus replied before I took my turn to talk.

  -We will return to you once matters on the surface are stable enough to permit us. In this time your mission is simple. Guard this system from the shadows. Be a watchful sentinel against the vastness of space around us, and of anything out of the ordinary happening on Terra's surface.

  -Contact us regarding anything that could affect the planet or if you find any valuable information.

  -New directive confirmed.

  -''What will we do when we have the time?'' Provence asked.

  -We will need to see what's left in the galaxy. Whatever there may be, friend, enemy, or the long silence of the dead, we will need to know of it.

  -How grim. Perhaps life still endures or even thrives out there.

  -It may very well be so. If it is then maybe I'll take you to the paradise world of Eden if it's still there.

  -''We'll have more than enough time to explore and sightsee once our pups grow out of their need for us.'' Provence suggested.

  We had returned to the captain's quarters, undressing of our borrowed clothes. Cygnus having been kind enough to transport our original attires, fresh and decontaminated to our room with a hover drone.

  -You could take a book with you. Nobody would bat much of an eye for a work of fiction.

  I mused on the idea for a moment before I decided against it.

  -No. It's better to leave everything as it was for posterity. For if everyone took something when they came on board then at one time this ship will be bereft of many things.

  -''How conscious of you.'' She reflected, a bit amused.

  -Besides, I have my own copies on my memory stick back on Rhodes Island.

  -''Couldn't live through the end of the world without it.'' Provence said jokingly.

  In the medical bay the last question of importance finally came.

  -''How will we handle Shana if we want this ship to be a secret?'' Asked Provence.

  -Cygnus, you can interface with the medical capsule, can you?

  -Affirmative.

  -Is there any sleeping agent you can administer that will keep her unconscious for the next hour, and which won't have any negative side effects?

  -Her biological structure has been thoroughly studied. I can administer her with a safe sedative.

  -Good, administer it after we finish our own checkups.

  -''Checkups?'' Inquired Provence a bit surprised.

  -I need to know for sure that you are healthy. As much as I trust Rhodes Island, what we have here is far above their capabilities.

  -''If that will put you at ease.'' She said with a smile. ''Do you want to know if I am pregnant~?''

  -Heh, I would surely like to know if so.

  She winked at me before making use of the second medical device. The results were that she was perfectly healthy, expectedly of someone who had my gift. And... conceiving. We would have a third pup on the way. A surprise on which every thought I had at that moment were of joy. The medical apparatus had an internal screen for the patient to scrutinize the examination herself, and I was sure she saw what I did.

  -''Cassiel...'' Provence spoke after she got out of the device before continuing.

  -You beast.~

  -Rrrr~

  -''Do you-'' She spoke before I cut her off.

  -We'll keep the pup, my love.

  -''No hesitation whatsoever.'' Provence spoke, smiling with a deep-seated satisfaction at my answer.

  -''We'll take care of our little pup. And we'll give all our love to have.'' I said.

  -''And I'm sure she'll be dual wielding pistols and be able to survive in the wild before she's even five.'' Provence spoke jokingly but truthfully, knowing the man I was.

  -''I'd expect nothing less with the pedigree of her parents.'' I said, winking at her.

  We were in the observation room soon after. A silence descended upon us until Provence decided to break it.

  -Cassiel. It feels strange being where we are. Not necessarily in a bad way. Knowing we made another life to soon come.

  -''Made among the stars.'' I said simply.

  -Yes! We barely escaped death not too long ago. We found what your ancients left us. And now we behold Terra and the universe before us, expecting new life.

  -I'd say such a view is uplifting. All that we achieved making it so far is hopeful. For us, and for our children.

  -It is. It truly is. I guess I am just not used knowing I am in space. Sweeping through the cosmos.

  -''Yet here we are my lupa.'' I spoke, having her close by me. Wrapping my arm gently around her waist and tummy.

  -''Hmm.'' I hummed thoughtfully for a moment. ''Our child could be star born if we have her arriving within the Cygnus.

  -''You really thinking about that?'' Provence asked, not for but nor against it.

  -The medical technology aboard this ship is beyond what Terra can offer us.

  -True. But still, I would prefer if human hands helped bring our child to us. Not just a sterile white room.

  -We can bring Kal'tsit aboard to help us.

  -You trust her enough for that?

  -She is the person that first came to my thoughts regarding whom I could confide in completely.

  -''Hmm, I think I feel the same. Though, does it really matter? Having our daughter delivered here?'' Asked Provence.

  -I guess not but... I believe it would be a beautiful thing. Made aboard a cradle among the stars. Come to life on a celestial boat sailing across the cosmos. It is poetic and beautiful.

  -''It has meaning.'' Provence spoke, simplifying what I was thinking.

  -''We give it meaning.'' Provence added, continuing. ''And in that belief we make it even more special.''

  -''Yes.'' I agreed simply. Impressed and gratified that my lupa grasped my thoughts so fluently.

  -''Then let it be thus.'' Declared Provence.

  My hand laid upon hers on the small obsidian sphere before the observation glass. And then, slowly and quickly, all that was construct around us disappeared. Leaving us to glide above our home world.

  The mental connection was flawless, Cygnus having filtered the ship out of our vision. Leaving us to wonder in the splendor of the skies above Terra.

  This was the true viewing deck.

  The pierced darkness of space gave way to Terra's grasp. We were above the Heavens, and we beheld far and wide the majestic view of the planet before us. Feeling as if we could almost clasp its greatest mountains in our palms from among the clouds, like titans.

  -''We have passed the barrier and entered Terra's lower atmosphere. Homing onto the beacon of the designated ''Rhodes Island'' landship.'' Spoke the voice of Cygnus.

  As we delved the world's embrace we sped above and among its great clouds. It was a feeling so uplifting as it was grandiose. My heart felt touched and full of surety and merriment and awe. And I would have felt none of these had Provence not been by my side.

  My heart, my soul was filled with hope, with love for her. Thus it was alive, with a thirst for life and beauty. Such sights were pure bliss as the waters of life to lift our spirits despite all the wrongs and the darks happening far below and so much further away in the darkness of space.

  Finally relieving the sphere but not our heartfelt clasp we left the deck, and headed towards the hangar. We would soon return home.

  We were walking out of the elevator and into the bay, passing by two large gunships. Modern looking yet with a dangerous air to them. Given by their bulkier look for an ultramodern ship, and their heavy weaponry attached to it. They were of a model that was both void and atmospheric capable, given the gravitic repulsors they were outfitted with. However, we decided against using one of these to return with, since it lacked a real stealth drive. Anybody seeing us arrive in these would have their and their catatonic great-grandmother's nosiness raised.

  -''What are your exact landing coordinates commander Avenarius?'' Inquired Cygnus's calm robotic voice.

  -The middle end of the bow. Scan if there are any life signs or vehicles around the front of the landship as well.

  -Confirmed.

  -''Won't we be seen?'' Asked Provence with some measure of doubt.

  -We will, but not the ship. And even we will remain hidden until the moment we step out of the vessel itself. Once we leave its threshold it will seem like we appeared out of nowhere if anyone was watching in our direction.

  -''Hopefully no one sees the eye-catching gap of the bay.'' She said somewhat sarcastically.

  -That will also be concealed by the stealth cover.

  -How handy.

  -Scan concluded. We are able to follow your plan with a success rate of 99%, commander Avenarius. We are currently two kilometres from our objective and approaching steadily.

  At the end of the hangar was an inconspicuous duffel bag with no markings attached.

  -''Huh. The communicator you mentioned Cygnus?'' I asked.

  -''Not exactly. But the main communication component nevertheless.'' It replied.

  I kneeled to unzip it, and it revealed something we have seen once before.

  -''It's the same thing I destroyed in Siracusa!'' Said Provence while carrying a still sleeping Shana.

  -A quantum entangler. You're full of surprises Cygnus.

  -You both are someone I can trust with. Therefore I gift you one end of a quantum device. It will pierce all veils while none shall be able to tap into its connection.

  -I picked up the large crystal ball. Heavy, and infinitely black but for the seemingly intense light trapped as if somewhere far in its core. From it a minutia of smaller lights glinted on the black sphere's surface. Their trail from the centre faintly visible if one focused enough to observe closely.

  -''Funny. It looks near identical to the... um..., what did you call that technical thingie in the drive room?'' Asked Provence.

  -The Magnetosphere Regulator. Yeah, wouldn't work if we swapped them, believe me.

  Couldn't blame her. It really did look almost identical to the regulator sphere we saw. Same sphere with a core light seemingly discharging smaller ones appearing inside. Except that the magnetosphere's glass was near clear with a bright-bluish, hazy tint inside instead of pure black.

  -Inside the smaller inner pocket of the duffel container you will find a universal memory holder containing technical information on how to make use of it. Rest assured that if radio silence is prolonged without your notice I will come to investigate your whereabouts. Considering the dangers you have appraised me of with the current state of Terra.

  -We thank you, Cygnus. You're a lifesaver.

  -Your thoughts are appreciated miss Provence. Your statement has meaning for me.

  -Take care Cygnus. We will be in touch sooner or later within the year.

  -Acknowledged commander Avenarius. Approaching the landship's upper surface.

  -''It's time we returned my dear wolf. Our pups waited long enough for us.'' I said as I shouldered the duffel bag and clasped her free hand.

  The ramp lowered. And we slowly but surely stepped off the gravitationally tying floor, once more onto Rhodes Island Pharmaceutical's deck. There was a sheer precipice at a few meters in front of us as the bow ended. The ramp closed behind us, and we saw the rest of the landship's immensity.

  The Cygnus, silent and invisible was untraceable. It produced no thrust, nor noise. It was utterly undetectable. But I knew it was already far away within the first few seconds.

  Hand in hand with Provence we began walking leisurely towards the control tower far in the distance. Soon, movement stirred at the foot of our destination. And not too long after we could notice familiar figures rushing towards us.