Daium looked at the bird girl before her.
All she could think of was her father. He had died for these creatures. Betrayed his own kind for them, and been betrayed in return. Tanah had burned because of them, the Sacred Forests lost forever.
That was not this one's fault. Even if she had been on one of the ships, it was not her fault. It was... the universe's. Or ... something quantum. That was it. Something quantum was always to blame.
Daium sat on a hastily brought out chair, up on the hilltop near the replanted Sacred Tree. The Ludzie girl sat on the ground before her, legs folded under her, wings at her side. Her head was a bit lower than Daium's, those eyes full of hate. Alicia stood behind her, weapon holstered but with her hand near the grip. Daium hoped that, with just the two of them, the girl wouldn't feel like a prisoner.
Even if she was.
"What is your name?" she asked, using the Common speech. She had not been off planet in months, so was a bit rusty. The girl just stared at her.
Daium looked off to the west, to the still burning fires.
"We didn't want this. None of it. I saw Tanah burn. Burn..."
"Dom burned..."
The girl's voice was high, chirping. Her yellow eyes locked with Daium's.
"The bombs came down on the nesting grounds. The rookery's burned, our chicks screaming in terror. Orang fired on every ship that tried to leave. We... we..." she shook her head. "We couldn't stop you!"
"And we couldn't stop you," Daium said, sadly. "I fled my people before the counterattack. Fled, never wanting to see Orang, or Ludzie, again." She let out a sigh. "Why did you come here? With all the universe to flee to, why here?"
The girl looked over at the burning ship, expression going from hate to hopelessness.
"Father didn't say."
"Are there more ships?"
"No," she said, shaking her head. "No more. Not with us." Her hardening eyes returned to Daium. "So you are safe. I am not needed. You may kill me."
****
"We're not going to kill her," Anthony said disgustedly, running his hand through his hair. "I don't know what we're going to do, but killing isn't on the list. We have enough bodies to bury as it is."
Daium tried not to look, as a droid carried a fallen Ludzie to be placed with the others.
"Do we send her away, then? With the squirrels?"
"Squirrels..." He shook his head, as if trying to loosen his brain. "Tonight. We'll all talk about it tonight."
****
"She'll be OK?"
Cathy looked at the teen lying on the wood frame bed. The dark haired girl was asleep, her left shoulder heavily bandaged. She looked so... fragile, yet she had been so strong. As strong as Heather, or Sam. Cathy's gaze went to the light brown skinned woman standing beside her. Nona nodded.
"Mary should be OK. The bullet came out easily, which is good. I wish I had blood to give her, but... yeah, she should be OK." She looked down at Cathy, eyes speculative. "How's the chair working?"
Cathy once more looked down. She sat in a metal chair, large wheels on either side. By putting her hands on the tops of the wheels, she could... move herself.
"I never imagined something like this," she said, softly. "It's... magic." Nona smiled.
"Chuck made it when Mary here broke her leg. If you're going to be staying with us, I'll have him make one that fits you better."
"Oh, he won't have to!" Cathy looked up at the female doctor, smiling. "Once we find Sam's sister, I'll be able to walk!"
****
Heather watched as Sam buried her face in her hands.
They sat against the wooden log wall of some building, activity all around them. In the distance, the sun was setting behind the wall of still rising smoke. Their weapons were discarded next to them, leather chest armor undone and on the grass. Heather could hear the anguish in her friend's voice.
"...not here. He's not here..."
"Shh..." Heather put her hand on Sam's back, rubbing. "We'll find him. The path led to this world, so..."
"The compass is GONE!" Sam's hands became fists. pounding downward. One hit the grass, the other Heather's thigh. She didn't notice. "What the hell am I supposed to do now?" With a groan, she got to her feet. "I'm going to look after the horses. This place doesn't even have a stable."
Heather stayed where she was, watching the teen walk away. Sam was right. They weren't here. Had never been here. There was no trail. There were no other people on this world, even, if she understood right. They were exiles, with no way forward, no way home.
And who's fault was that?
Hers. This was all her fault. All of it. She had gotten Cathy involved with the wizard, which had gotten the poor man killed by Sam's father. Sent Sam into exile with her family. Then she had not stopped Cathy from leaving home, had HELPED the girl flee a family that, yes, didn't understand her, but they loved her. In their own way. And, now...
"I know that look."
Heather looked up. A thin, athletic woman looked down at her, dressed in tight bluejeans and a white blouse. Dirty blond hair was pulled back into a ponytail, tied with a blue scarf. She smiled, a good, honest smile.
"I'm Tammy. May I sit?"
Heather nodded dumbly. She had not, as yet, paid too much mind to those living in this small village, actually little more than a farming homestead. This one she had only seen briefly, helping the medicine woman. The stranger slid down next to her, long limbs graceful in a way she had only seen with Sam. Tammy sighed.
"Tiring day."
"We were up at midnight," Heather said, body now feeling the ache as if mention of it removed her ability to ignore it. "The squirrels woke us."
"Yes, they do that."
There was a resigned sense of humor when these people talked about the creatures. Heather didn't know what to make of it. She pounded the ground between them.
"We shouldn't have come here."
"You're looking for her husband?" Tammy's voice was soft, understanding. Heather nodded.
"And sister. And they're NOT here."
The woman nodded.
"And neither were you. Let's give it some time before giving up hope. The universe is... well, this universe, at least, tends towards unexpected coincidences. Don't ask why."
"We've survived for a year on hope," Heather muttered, body limp, eyes looking up at the darkening sky. "I don't know how much longer we can do it."
"I think love was involved as well." Heather looked at her, surprised. Tammy gave her a sad smile. "I said I recognized that look. That's why you're still with her, right?"
"Cathy..."
"Yes, because you love her, too, although not the same way. Two loves. And you're helping the one to find someone else." Tammy shook her head. "I could never do that."
A door opened down what passed for a street here. Cathy, in that strange metal wheeled chair, was pushed out by the nurse. Heather felt Tammy's hand take hers.
"That's my love, Nona. It took over a year for her to understand her feelings, longer for us to be together, but it has been bliss. Not perfect, no, but I wouldn't change a thing."
Heather watched as the pair moved to where Ben and the two half human teens were, saw Cathy easily talking to them. Saw Nona smile, and to her surprise felt a reaction inside herself at that. Tammy squeezed her hand.
"We've had to change, here, isolated from all other humans. Adjust. Marriages are no longer just two lovers. They are three... and can be more." Heather's head swiftly turned, eyes wide. Tammy nodded. "We will help you find those you seek. Whether you do or not, all of you are welcome here. Welcome to join us, love us, and be loved. Open yourself to what can be."
"Sam..."
"It took a year with Nona," Tammy whispered again. "Never give up hope." She squeezed Heather's hand again, before pushing herself up, as if getting ready to stand. "I need to finish dinner for this mob. Care to help?"
Heather let herself be pulled to her feet, eyes once again going first to Cathy... then to where Sam had vanished.
"Yes... of course..."
****
Lil sat on the shingled peak of the human building, looking down at Cathy and the others. Actually... just the furry one. The human faced four legged girl. Goldie. Kik was at Lil's side, arms around her, one hand on her swelling belly. She spoke without looking at her mate.
"Her?"
"Yes," he said, sadly. They both looked on in silence. "But... you are my queen. My love. My mate. This will not change."
"I know," she said, voice uncertain. "I know. We will fill this world with our children. but... her? How is that even possible?"
"Have dreams ever lied, Love?"
"No..."
"And I do feel something, when I look at her. She... look at her, Love."
Lil did. The creature... the girl, looked sad. Alone. Alone, among the humans and monkeys, and squirrels. None were like her. Even the one who was her brother. And there would be no mating with him, if she understood these things. The question remained, though.
"Kik, my love... HOW do you expect to mate with her?"
"Carefully," he laughed. "Very carefully!"
****
The fire was contained.
Chuck looked at the wreckage, exhausted. Seven hours. Seven hours at least, doing something he had no experience with, trying to save the home he had spent the last year building. Some spots still smoldered, black smoke still rose into the sky, but...
A clawed hand tentatively touched his bare arm. Chuck turned to Hedva. Her eyes held an admiration very different than the religious devotion he had seen before. This... this emotion, he knew, respected. She smiled up at him.
"We did it, Chuck."
"Yup," he nodded. The others were gathering around, shovels and axes in hand. "The fire is out," he shouted, fist raised into the air. "Three cheers for us! Hurrah!"
A hundred squirrel women raised their fists as they cheered, bringing him the joy of the absurd he knew so well. He honestly was coming to like them. One, Annot, he thought, began singing, the others joining in. Hedva laughed, her hand still on his arm.
"It's a song of joy, joy that the day's work is done."
"I like joy." Turning to her, he placed his hand over hers. Hedva's eyes widened. "Sit with us during dinner."
"Ch-chuck?"
"It's been awhile since we had a new friend."
****
Sam was annoyed the horses were OK.
Mostly it was her care that was keeping them happy. She knew this. The teen had gone over their hooves, rubbed them down, made sure that they had some oats from their precious supplies to supplement the grass here, and generally did the normal end of day routine. There was no reason they would be showing distress. Yet... if they WERE unhappy, she could use that as an excuse to leave. Grab up little Jay, call over Heather and Cathy, and be gone over that hill. Ben could be left with these fine folks. They seemed eager to have them join this community, so they could have the boy. Goddess knew she wasn't that attached to him yet...
"Beautiful horses."
Sam looked at the intruder. She was blonde, busty, like Heather, yet totally unlike her. Her curly hair fell to her shoulders, blue eyes regarding Sam with unashamed interest. What drew Sam's eye, though, was the scar. It was red, evil looking, running up her right cheek. The wound was obviously old, the story behind it one of a young girl, not the woman standing before her. Moments passed before Sam realized she had been staring, and that the woman had just stood there, waiting for her to finish. She felt her cheeks heat.
"What is it?" Her voice sounded harsh, harsher than she intended. The woman folded her arms before her.
"I just thought I'd see if you needed anything. Tell you we'll be eating soon. Your friend Heather has been helping in the kitchen, which is good as Melinda's been in a state since this morning. Almost had to restrain her from going out to the fire, especially since she was going to take Carol with her. Had to convince her it was either stay with her daughter, or go to Chuck." She looked at the nearby basket. "Is that your son?"
"Yes," Sam said, eyes following hers. "Jay."
"He looks not much older than Daium's"
"Do you ALL have babies?" The question had been nagging at Sam. The woman smiled.
"All that have a man, and as you may have noticed we have been forced to share. Well, not forced, as it was all quite romantic." Her eyes became serious. "Anthony told me about your quest. I'll help any way I can."
"Why?" That was the real thing bugging Sam. Yes, gratitude for the help she had given them that day, but they were so... eager. It wasn't right. The woman came closer, halting only a few feet away.
"You can't understand," she said, brushing back a few strands of hair that had fallen over her scar. "We have not seen another human in so long... Anything we can do, anything, we will. We know what is ahead of you, know it won't be easy. Especially with a beautiful son like him..."
"What's your name," Sam asked quietly.
"Alicia. Come, you can sit with Justin, Daium and me..."
****
Chuck watched Hedva leave to talk with Sarah, as the army of firefighting squirrels filed into town. He was tired. Bone tired. He saw the tables set up, the kids, including the two new ones, setting up the plates and glasses. He probably should change before eating. Maybe wash. Looking down at his arms, he could see he was covered in black soot and ash. God knew what his face looked like. Yawning, he made his way to his house.
On opening the front door, he was attacked.
"Chuck!"
Melinda was on him, kissing his face desperately. Her hands were all over him, as if reassuring herself that he was, in fact, there. He managed to close the door as Rinda joined them. She was more restrained, but no less passionate. She grabbed the sides of his head, turning him from Melinda and down to her lips. He closed his eyes, enjoying the relief in knowing both were safe.
"You taste like a fireplace."
He laughed, looking down at the faces of his two loves. Both, especially Melinda, now had black smudges on their skin and fur.
"Not my fault, my loves."
"He needs a bath," Melinda said, looking at Rinda. The blue furred Orang nodded.
"Good thing we have the tub filled."
Laughing at their foresight, Chuck let himself be led into the bathroom. He passed the living room playpen, both children napping in it. He had saved them. Saved them all, his family, his house... some of the ache lifted from his bones.
Which was good, given what his wives had planned. Positioning him by the tub, they stripped Chuck of his clothing, tossing it disgustedly into a nearby hamper. Looking down at himself, he was surprised how much had gotten into his clothing. He had expected the skin of his belly to be white, compared to his arms, but, no, it was a brownish grey. Melinda slapped his bare butt.
"In!"
He stepped into the tub, sitting in the warm water. It was large, and round, built for three. As he sank down up to his chin, he saw the others strip off their clothing.
Chuck never tired of looking at his companions. Never tired of seeing their trim bodies, sparkling eyes, mysterious smiles. Fate, not love, and joined them at first, but love was now there in all ways it could be. Melinda, his old stalker, removed her glasses, setting them on a shelf. Her bare belly swelled slightly, their third child within. Rinda, all four eyes on him, placed a hand on her own belly, child four growing slowly inside. He could not help but smile up at the pair.
"Are you joining me?"
"Not until you're clean," Melinda said. Kneeling down beside the tub, she grabbed soap and a washcloth. Rinda knelt beside her, doing the same. Directing Chuck to sit up, they began to slowly wash him. He sighed, eyes closing. Their soapy hands felt good against his skin, washing away the day's cares. Rinda pulled one of his legs up, placing his foot on the edge of the tub, soaping up the long limb. Melinda did the same with an arm. She leaned in, letting a breast brush against his fingers. Taking the hint, he gently circled the firm nipple as the washcloth caressed his skin.
"There's lots of news," she said, softly. Chuck nodded.
"I expect there is." He looked at them both. "I asked Hedva to eat with us."
Six eyes regarded him. Rinda sent her soapy hands up his leg, down into the water to his half hard cock.
"I do like her more than Sarah," she said. Chuck nodded again.
"We worked well today. I think we can be friends."
Rinda cocked her head at Melinda, a half smile on her face.
"Friends are good."
"Yes they are." As Chuck watched, amused, his two friends and lovers kissed, lips gently nibbling. Friendship was a wonderful thing...
****
Anthony looked out over the gathered throng, their bellies full. Never had the meadow held so many. Never had he spoken before so many. Nor did he want to. He had offered the job to Chuck, or Hannah. Even Daium. They refused. Something about him being in charge, yadda yadda yadda. They were just smart, that's all. Smart enough to give him lots of advice on what to say, and have no desire to say it themselves. This... this was going to be interesting.
He stepped up onto a chair, then the table. Most of those before him were seated on the ground, the squirrels not having brought chairs and tables from their ship. They HAD brought food, for which he was grateful. Feeding the new humans was one thing, feeding a hundred and fifty nut eaters was another. He looked over them. The captured Ludzie sat, alone, on the grass, a sentry droid beside her. As he watched, Daium gave both Justin and Alicia a kiss, watched expressionlessly by Sam, and walked over to sit beside the prisoner. She had her baby with her, little Rodger having his own meal from her breast. "Rodger". Justin had wanted to name the little guy after Roger Waters, but Daium had liked that version of the name. Anthony hoped the next one was named "Wilco".
Deciding there was no point postponing this, he raised his hands.
"Can I have your attention!"
Anthony saw Daium lean her head next to the Ludzie, translating. The squirrels all dropped what they were doing, silencing instantly, all eyes on him. The humans were a bit more relaxed about it. He saw Cathy and Hannah focus on him, nodding in return. He lowered his hands.
"Thank you. First, I want to welcome everyone. Some of you did not expect to be here today, and, quite honestly, we were not expecting any of you." His friends chuckled at that, Hannah giving him an encouraging smile. His expression became more serious. "I would also like to welcome our Ludzie friend, who has not given us her name. We are sorry for your friends and family who have died today, and we are sorry for our part in that madness. Please tell us how we can honor your fallen, and we will do so tomorrow to the best of our ability."
He could not read her expression as Daium's translation reached her. Best to just go on.
"Let me start by telling you about us, about this world. We, eight human adults, three men, five women, came to this universe against our will. Friends, family, city, nation, world, all left behind. Today was a holiday for us. Remembrance Day, when we remember those we miss. Some of you, too, have left loved ones behind, never to be seen again. We grieve with you.
"In our travels, we met two Orang. They, too, had lost their people, but where ours were just beyond our reach, theirs... had been decimated. Their planet destroyed. We welcomed them into our family. Four of our own did more than that: they created families with Rinda and Daium, producing beautiful children. They are our pride and joy." Anthony saw Daium blush at that. The Ludzie was looking at little Rodger, suckling away happily.
"We traveled across the galaxy fleeing the war between the Orang and the Ludzie. Fleeing the hate that had destroyed both people. As we neared the edge, we discovered those responsible for our exile. Those responsible for ripping not just us, but unknown others, from our world, causing death, heartache.
"Their temple was on this world."
The squirrels looked at each other, wondering what he was getting at, their confusion and distress evident.
"We came here to stop them. To do everything in our power to stop the madness. Fate, however, as she sometimes does, intervened. When we arrived at this world... the temple vanished.
"We now know what happened to it."
****
Hedva sucked in a breath. Melinda, sitting on her right, took her hand. Chuck took her other one. The former temple acolyte gave him a hard look.
"Do you know, Chuck?"
"I was with you all day," he said, squeezing her paw. "The girls did give me a bit of it, though. Just listen."
****
From the midst of the squirrels, Sarah rose. She walked through the seated throng of her sisters. What had the humans found... What had they not told her...
****
Anthony waited for Sarah to come to a stop before his table stage. She looked up with large, almost human eyes.
"Where is She Who Saw?"
Sam, sitting next to Alicia, stood.
"She is alive, as are about half of those who were with her."
****
Bedlam broke out.
Anthony had expected this. It confirmed some of his thoughts about the ship of colonists, for all he had spent little time considering the matter. They were the same as they always had been. Sarah had modified it a bit, probably, changed direction from bringing humans to dealing with the ones here, but the underlying philosophy was probably the same. A year wasn't long enough to change that, if she had even tried. He saw the newcomers, Sam and Heather, cringe at the sudden religious fervor.
Deciding it had gone on long enough, he raised his hands.
"Quiet!"
They quieted. Anthony took a deep breath.
"They are alive. In another universe, on another world. Much as we, humans, came from beyond your reality, so the temple and those you knew now live in yet another realm. Our new friends come from there... and there is no way back."
He motioned everyone to sit. Again, they did so. Godhood did have its advantages.
"To all of you, who followed the temple. You came here, with Sarah, and Hedva, who we know, with the intent of living on this world. Of joining us, us humans and Orang. You did not ask. Yet... we welcome you. You may stay.
"But there are rules."
He had them unsettled now. Probably not the best way to handle things, but what can you do. Worst case, they all just left. Or was that best case?
"We know of your interest in humans. The interest created by She Who Saw, by those who led the temple. We know you still have it, that it is why many, maybe even all, of you have come.
"If you are here to mate with humans, you are unwelcome, and must leave."
That stirred them up. He raised his hands again.
"We do not want sex slaves. We do not want to father uncounted children. We, at least those humans here, want friendship. Love. Family. We mate with those we love, love those we mate with. Any who think that life revolves around baring one of our babies will die old and unfulfilled.
"However! That said... you are welcome. Welcome to join us. To live with us. To be our friends. There is a harbor to the east. If you wish, you may have it, to build homes, learn trades. We, humans and Orang, would trade with you for fish caught from the sea. Would help you, and ask for your help, in creating a new paradise on this world.
"The rules would be simple:
"One- no other of your kind would be allowed onto this world. We do not want to be a minority in a sea of Squirrels. By coming here, you would abandon all hope of finding husbands of your own people. This would be your home, for all time."
He saw some unhappy about that. Good.
"Two- you would agree to never attempt to seduce someone against the will of their current partners. Out of necessity, and love, we have created families with more than one partner. However, there is love and friendship between all members of that family. It is not a male and two wives: It is three people who love each other, who make love to each other. As time passes, some of you may, as friendship grows, join some of these families. That is good. However, any attempt to seduce me without involving my wife will get you sent away. We will not, CAN not, have any of that."
A number of the young women were leaning forward, nodding, taking in every word. He smiled, receiving smiles back.
"And... those are the only rules. Think about them. Think about what life here would be like, could be like. We will give you a full day or two to decide."