Beyond Midnight

|15|

Fray

After a long while, Soleil's little friend has regained some color, and her breathing is evening out. She is just sleeping now, and she needs the rest to regain her energy and heal from her fall.

In my head I curse Locanas. I will have to deal with him later.

Since Elodie is looking better, Soleil agrees to leave with me. She's reluctant, and wary, her eyes large and afraid when we leave the medbay. But, she puts her tiny hand in mine, and the electric shock of her touch puts an excited grin on my face.

Luckily, we don't pass many males at all. I praise the Gods. They were amazed to see two females. The first time any of them have seen one before, let alone two at once. But they're willingness to simply grab them without thought? It's ridiculous. They need to control their urges.

I forced all of the males to return to the ship, afraid that some would take their impatience to a whole new level. I was suspecting that they would try to raid the human den, which would not be good.

They are stationed here now, with occasional groups going to the den. It was a good plan, and I thought that Soleil was done with me. She hadn't come to see me in days, so I decided to stay away to give her some space.

And then I hear a scream. A human, very female scream. My heart had stopped in my chest and I rushed towards the noise. I was terrified at what I would find. I found her in the woods with Locanas, and another female. I wonder if she was coming to look for me. I would like to think so. There is one way to find out, and I'm going to try it out.

Leading her down the hall, I bring us to the control room, looking through the shelves until I find what I'm looking for. A translation chip. I hold the case in my hand, my fingers gripping it tight.

Soleil stands nearby, looking around the room with curiosity. All the blinking lights and technology surrounding her is likely confusing. Her world is so very different from mine. Humans are barbaric. Basic. She will learn much if she decides to join me.

She doesn't understand what I'm about to do either, and I know that it will hurt her. Is it worth it? Should I use the only translation chip we have on board for this female? Is it the right thing to do, or am I blinded by bias?

I take a deep breath. I know that Soleil is the right choice for this chip. She has faith in me, and she takes charge. When faced with her friend's injuries, she became so protective and fierce. I know that she will do well in gathering the human females together to join our males. She is smart, and sweet. I just don't want to make her feel any pain.

"What is it, Fray?" Her tiny fingers touch my arm, and I blink down at her. She's so open and curious, and trusting. I realize how incredibly close Soleil is to me, and I gulp. I want to touch her, to hold her. These are thoughts I shouldn't be having. I wonder what she would do if she knew what was in my mind.

"I know I have to do this, but I am not strong enough." I tell her in a murmur, gently brushing where her fingers touch my forearm. I tell myself that Soleil has to get this chip eventually, so it might as well be from me.

Before I can open the case, Soleil takes it from me, wrinkling her eyebrows down at it with wonder. She pries at the lid, twirling it around with her nimble fingers as she searches for a way to open it.

"What is this thing?" The little human peers at the black box, trying to open it and failing. I chuckle in amusement at my little human.

"Give it here." I command gently, taking it back and popping it open easily by pinching the side buttons. She gasps when she sees the translation chip. I purse my lips grimly as all traces of amusement die inside of me.