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▶A Krylorian warrior mocks a human’s workout routine—until he challenges her to prove her strength the old-fashioned way. What starts as arrogance ends in shock, as she learns why some humans still prefer iron over augmentation.
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⏩ Original ©️ontent - This story is written specifically for this channel and you won't find it anywhere else.
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Experience a unique Sci-Fi Story where Humans are Space Orcs, demonstrating their resilience and ingenuity in a universe filled with challenges. This Sci-Fi Short Story, inspired by the popular Reddit HFY Stories and the intriguing concept of Humans are Space Orcs, promises a blend of adventure, conflict, and the triumph of the human spirit.
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FunTranscript
00:00Alien Girl laughed, sure he'd squeal, then broke her hand on his abs of steel.
00:05The galactic commerce hub on Nexus Prime buzzed with the usual cacophony of a thousand different species conducting business.
00:12Towering spires of gleaming metal and glass stretched toward the burnt orange sky,
00:17interconnected by transparent walkways that crisscrossed the metropolis like a spider's web.
00:22It was here in this melting pot of interstellar commerce,
00:25and that the Krylorian delegation had arrived to negotiate mining rights in the Taurus sector.
00:31Commander Naira Vex strode purposefully through the diplomatic quarter,
00:35her bright orange skin a stark contrast to the muted grays and blues of the architecture.
00:40Her silvery white hair was pulled back in a high ponytail that swayed with each confident step.
00:45As the head of security for the Krylorian delegation,
00:48she had overseen three days of tense negotiations that had left her muscles knotted with stress.
00:54These humans are impossible, she muttered to herself,
00:58recalling the stubborn Earth representative who had countered every Krylorian demand with infuriating calm.
01:04They act as if they own the entire quadrant.
01:07The Krylorians were warriors by nature and tradition.
01:10Their homeworld, with its punishing gravity and harsh climate,
01:14had forged them into one of the physically strongest species in the known galaxy.
01:17Naira herself could bench-press three times her body weight without breaking a sweat,
01:23a fact she took considerable pride in.
01:25Seeking to burn off some frustration before the next round of talks,
01:29she decided to explore the lower levels of the commerce hub.
01:32Her security detail had the delegation covered,
01:35and she needed space to clear her head.
01:37As she wandered through the less polished corridors of the station's recreational sector,
01:41a rhythmic clanging sound caught her attention.
01:44Following the noise, she came upon a small facility with a sign that read
01:48Iron Paradise Gym, Earth-Style Fitness.
01:51Through the transparent walls, she could see various exercise equipment
01:55and a handful of beings from different species attempting to use them.
01:58But what caught her eye was a lone human male in the corner,
02:02methodically lifting what appeared to be primitive metal weights.
02:05He was shirtless, his powerful torso glistening with sweat,
02:10showcasing a perfectly sculpted abdomen.
02:12His light chestnut hair was cropped short, military style,
02:16and a confident smirk played on his lips as he completed another repetition.
02:21Naira couldn't help but scoff.
02:23In an age of genetic optimization and nano-enhanced physiotherapy,
02:27this human was using crude metal discs to build muscle.
02:30It seemed absurdly inefficient.
02:33Curiosity peaked, she entered the facility.
02:36The human noticed her immediately, hard not to, given her distinctive appearance,
02:40but continued his workout without breaking rhythm.
02:43What the hell is this human male doing, lifting all that metal and iron?
02:48Naira asked loudly, not bothering to hide her mockery.
02:51Don't your people have proper strength augmentation chambers?
02:54The human set down his weights and turned to face her fully.
02:58His eyes, a deep green that reminded Naira of the forests on her homeworld,
03:02assessed her with calm interest.
03:03Sometimes the old ways work best, he replied, his voice deeper than she'd expected.
03:09I'm Captain John Reed, Earth Defense Force.
03:12He extended a hand, a human greeting, custom she recognized but found unnecessary.
03:17Commander Naira Vex.
03:18Krylorian elite guard, she responded, ignoring his hand.
03:21Your method seems inefficient and primitive.
03:26John shrugged, seemingly unbothered by her dismissal.
03:29Maybe, but it works for me.
03:32He patted his abdomen, which Naira had to admit was impressively defined.
03:36These didn't come from a chamber.
03:38Please, Naira rolled her eyes.
03:42Krylorian children have stronger cores.
03:45Your species is physically inferior.
03:47It's just biology.
03:49Instead of taking offense, John's smirk widened into something challenging.
03:53Punch me in the stomach, he said calmly.
03:55Naira blinked, certain she'd misheard.
03:57What?
03:58You heard me.
03:59Punch me in the stomach, he repeated, his expression unchanged.
04:03If we're so inferior, it should be no problem for you.
04:07Naira laughed, a genuine sound of amusement.
04:10You'll drop to the floor, screaming in pain.
04:13I don't want to cause a diplomatic incident.
04:16Go ahead, hit me, John insisted, standing with his arms slightly away from his body,
04:20presenting his midsection as a target.
04:22I won't file any complaints.
04:25Naira hesitated, then shrugged.
04:26If the human wanted a demonstration of Krylorian strength, who was she to deny him?
04:32Besides, she was still irritated from the negotiations.
04:36Your funeral, she muttered, setting her stance and cocking her fist back.
04:40She didn't use her full strength.
04:42She wasn't a monster.
04:43But she put enough force behind the punch to make her point.
04:47Her fist connected with his abdomen with a solid thud.
04:50And then pain exploded through her hand.
04:52Fuck!
04:53Naira screamed, cradling her injured hand against her chest.
04:56It felt like she'd punched a bulkhead.
04:59A tear of pain flashed in her eye as her face contorted in shock and disbelief.
05:04What the?
05:05How did you?
05:07John hadn't even flinched.
05:09If anything, his smirk had grown more pronounced.
05:12Like I said, sometimes the old ways work best.
05:15He reached for a towel and draped it around his neck.
05:18You might want to get that hand looked at.
05:20Medical bay is on level three.
05:23Naira stared at him, clutching her throbbing hand, completely reassessing the human before her.
05:29That's not possible, she whispered.
05:32No human should be that.
05:35Hard.
05:36There's a lot about humans you probably don't know, John replied, gathering his things.
05:41Maybe you'd like to find out more over a drink.
05:44After you get that hand fixed, of course.
05:47Naira found herself nodding before she could think better of it.
05:50This human had just upended everything she thought she knew about their species.
05:55And despite the pain radiating from her likely broken hand, she was intrigued.
06:00Fine, she said, trying to maintain some dignity.
06:02One drink, for scientific purposes.
06:06John's laugh was warm and genuine.
06:08Of course, purely scientific.
06:11As they walked toward the exit together, Naira couldn't help but steal another glance at his abdomen.
06:16What other surprises did humans have in store?
06:19The medical bay on level three was sleek and efficient, staffed by a mix of organic and synthetic medical personnel.
06:27A Taurean doctor with four arms expertly wrapped Naira's hand after confirming two fractured metacarpals.
06:34How did this happen?
06:36The doctor asked, his secondary eyes blinking in curiosity.
06:40Training accident, Naira lied smoothly, ignoring John's poorly concealed smirk from across the room.
06:46Once discharged with a regenerative bone stimulator attached to her hand, Naira found John waiting in the corridor.
06:54The cosmic drift in an hour, he suggested, naming one of the station's more upscale lounges.
07:00I owe you a drink for being such a good sport.
07:03You owe me more than a drink for my broken hand, Naira retorted.
07:07But there was no real anger in her voice.
07:09Fine.
07:10One hour.
07:10Back in her quarters, Naira received an encrypted message from General Dravos, her commanding officer and the head of Kralorian military intelligence.
07:20Commander Vex, the holographic image of the stern-faced general materialized above her comm unit.
07:25We have intelligence suggesting the humans are using these negotiations as cover for something else.
07:32They've been making unusual movements in the Taurus sector for months.
07:36Your new mission.
07:38Get close to their delegation.
07:40Find out what they're hiding and sabotage these talks if necessary.
07:44Kralorian interests must be protected at all costs.
07:48Naira's stomach tightened.
07:50Understood, General.
07:51One more thing, Dravos added, his tone hardening.
07:55We've detected your biometric signature in proximity to a human male, Captain John Reed, Earth Defense Force.
08:01His profile suggests he's more than a simple soldier.
08:04Use this connection to your advantage, but remember where your loyalties lie.
08:10The hologram flickered out, leaving Naira staring at empty space.
08:14She cursed under her breath.
08:16Of course they were monitoring her.
08:18And now she had orders to spy on and potentially sabotage the very people she was supposed to be negotiating with in good faith, including John.
08:26An hour later, she entered the Cosmic Drift, a lounge designed to mimic the view from a starship traveling at warp speed.
08:35The walls were transparent, showing the swirling colors of simulated hyperspace.
08:40John was already there, now dressed in civilian clothes that did little to hide his impressive physique.
08:45Commander, he greeted her, standing as she approached.
08:49You clean up nice?
08:50Naira had changed into a form-fitting outfit of Krylorian design.
08:54Practical yet elegant.
08:56Captain, she acknowledged, sliding into the booth across from him.
08:59I hope you've ordered something strong.
09:02Terran whiskey for me, and Krylorian fire wine for you, he said, gesturing to the drinks already on the table.
09:09So, I did my homework.
09:11Impressive, she admitted, taking a sip of the familiar burning liquid.
09:15Not many non-Krylorians can even pronounce the name of this drink, let alone order it correctly.
09:21I make it a point to learn about the cultures I interact with, John replied.
09:25His eyes met hers with an intensity that made her pulse quicken, especially when they intrigue me.
09:31Naira forced herself to remember her mission.
09:34Get close.
09:35Gather information.
09:36Sabotage if necessary.
09:38But as they talked, moving from diplomatic small talk to more personal subjects,
09:43she found herself genuinely enjoying his company.
09:46So what really brings the Earth Defense Force to a trade negotiation?
09:50She asked casually after their second round.
09:53Seems below your pay grade.
09:56John's expression shifted subtly.
09:58I could ask you the same, Commander.
10:00The Krylorian elite guard doesn't typically handle mining rights discussions.
10:05They stared at each other.
10:06The unspoken understanding that neither was being entirely truthful hanging between them.
10:11Let's just say I'm here to protect Krylorian interests, Naira offered.
10:16And I'm here to protect Earths, John countered.
10:19A moment passed, then they both laughed, breaking the tension.
10:22We're both terrible liars, John said, shaking his head.
10:25Speak for yourself, Naira replied with a smirk.
10:29I'm an excellent liar.
10:31Their conversation was interrupted when John's comm unit buzzed.
10:34He checked it discreetly, his expression turning serious.
10:38I need to go, he said, standing abruptly.
10:40Duty calls?
10:42Problem?
10:43Naira asked, her intelligence training kicking in.
10:46John hesitated, then seemed to make a decision.
10:48There's a smuggling ring operating out of this station.
10:52We've been tracking them for months.
10:53They're moving weapons-grade materials through the Taurus sector.
10:57The same sector your people want mining rights to.
11:01Naira's eyes widened.
11:02This aligned with intelligence reports she'd received about unusual activity in the sector.
11:07The Black Star Syndicate, she said without thinking.
11:11John's gaze sharpened.
11:12You know about them.
11:14They've been on our radar, too, she admitted.
11:17They've hit Krylorian outposts twice in the past standard year.
11:21A silent communication passed between them.
11:23Professional respect overriding their respective orders.
11:27I'm following up on a lead right now, John said.
11:29Want to come?
11:31Every instinct told Naira this was dangerous, both professionally and personally.
11:36Getting further involved with a human could compromise her mission.
11:39But if the Black Star Syndicate was operating here, that was a threat to Krylorian interests,
11:44too.
11:45Lead the way, Captain, she decided.
11:48As they left the lounge together, Naira was acutely aware of John's presence beside her.
11:53The way he moved with controlled power.
11:55The subtle scent of him that was distinctly human, yet not unpleasant.
12:00Despite her mission and the complications it presented, she couldn't deny the growing attraction
12:04she felt.
12:05And judging by the way his eyes occasionally lingered on her, the feeling was mutual.
12:10Just so we're clear, she said as they entered a less populated section of the station.
12:16This doesn't mean I trust you.
12:18John's lips curved into that now-familiar smirk.
12:23Wouldn't dream of it, Commander?
12:24But the way he said it, with warmth underneath the professional facade, made Naira wonder just
12:30how complicated this mission was about to become.
12:34The service corridors of Nexus Prime were a labyrinth of narrow passages, dimly lit by strips
12:38of blue emergency lighting.
12:40John moved with surprising stealth for a man of his size, checking his handheld scanner periodically
12:46as they navigated deeper into the station's maintenance areas.
12:49The smugglers use these corridors to move contraband, he explained in a hushed voice.
12:55My intel suggests they have a drop point somewhere in section 47B.
13:00Naira nodded, impressed to spite herself.
13:02Her broken hand throbbed dully beneath a medical wrap, a constant reminder of her underestimation
13:08of human physiology.
13:09She found herself studying John's movements, noting the efficient economy in each step, the
13:15alertness in his posture.
13:16For a species she'd always considered physically inferior, he moved like a predator.
13:23Your military training is showing, Captain, she whispered.
13:26Not bad for a human.
13:28John glanced back at her, that infuriating half-smile playing on his lips.
13:33I'll take that as a compliment, coming from a Kralorian elite guard.
13:38They reached a junction where the corridor split in three directions.
13:42John consulted his scanner, frowning.
13:44Signals bouncing, could be interference, or they might be using scramblers.
13:51Naira tapped her comm unit, switching to thermal imaging.
13:54Nothing on heat signatures either.
13:56Your smugglers are good at covering their tracks.
13:59A sudden clang echoed from the corridor to their left, followed by voices.
14:05John reacted instantly, grabbing Naira's uninjured hand and pulling her toward a small maintenance
14:10closet set into the wall.
14:12In here, he hissed, sliding the door open and tugging her inside.
14:16The closet was barely large enough for one person, let alone two.
14:21Naira found herself pressed against John's chest, their bodies flushed together in the
14:25tight space.
14:26The door slid shut with a soft hiss, plunging them into near darkness, save for a thin strip
14:31of blue light seeping through the bottom of the door.
14:33Was this really necessary?
14:37Naira whispered, acutely aware of every point of contact between them.
14:41His body radiated heat, and she could feel the steady rhythm of his heartbeat against her
14:46palm, where it rested on his chest.
14:49Would you prefer to explain to a group of armed smugglers why we're sneaking around their
14:54territory?
14:55John replied, his breath warm against her ear.
14:59Naira had to concede the point.
15:00Still, the closeness was distracting.
15:04In the dim light, she could just make out the contours of his face, the strong line of
15:09his jaw, the intensity in his eyes as they adjusted to the darkness.
15:13Outside, the voices grew louder.
15:15Two males discussing shipment schedules in a dialect Naira recognized as Centaurian.
15:20John tensed, listening intently.
15:22His arm tightened around her waist, pulling her even closer as he shifted to better hear
15:27the conversation.
15:28The movement brought their faces inches apart.
15:31Naira's breath caught in her throat.
15:34This close, she could detect the subtle scent of him.
15:37Clean sweat, some kind of earth spice she couldn't identify, and something else uniquely human.
15:43It was not unpleasant.
15:46They're talking about a major shipment, John whispered.
15:50So softly, she felt, rather than heard the words.
15:53Yeah, something big coming through in two days.
15:55Naira nodded, trying to focus on the intelligence, rather than the feeling of his muscled torso
16:02pressed against hers.
16:04Her species ran hotter than humans, and the small space was quickly becoming uncomfortably
16:09warm, or perhaps that was just her reaction to their proximity.
16:13The voices outside faded as the smugglers moved on.
16:16Still, neither of them made a move to leave their hiding place.
16:19In the silence, the tension between them seemed to thicken, becoming almost tangible.
16:24We should go, Naira said, but made no attempt to move.
16:27Probably, John agreed, his eyes dropping to her lips.
16:31Later, Naira wouldn't be able to say who moved first.
16:34Perhaps they both did.
16:36One moment they were staring at each other in the dim blue light, and the next his mouth
16:40was on hers, hot and demanding.
16:43She responded with equal fervor, her good hand sliding up to grip the back of his neck.
16:48The kiss was nothing like she'd expected.
16:51Chlorient mating rituals were formalized, controlled affairs, nothing like this raw, primal connection.
16:58John kissed like he did everything else, with confident precision and unexpected intensity.
17:03His hands moved to her waist, fingers pressing into the soft fabric of her outfit, pulling
17:09her impossibly closer.
17:11When they finally broke apart, both breathing heavily, Naira felt disoriented.
17:16This wasn't part of the mission.
17:18This wasn't what she was supposed to be doing with the enemy.
17:21Except he didn't feel like the enemy anymore.
17:23That was, she began, unsure how to categorize the experience.
17:28Unexpected?
17:29John suggested, his voice rougher than before.
17:31I was going to say, not terrible for a human, Naira replied, attempting to regain some equilibrium
17:37through humor.
17:39John chuckled, the sound vibrating through his chest against hers.
17:43High praise indeed, his expression grew more serious.
17:46We should probably talk about what's really going on here, Naira, between us and between
17:51our people.
17:52The use of her first name, without her rank, sent an unexpected thrill through her.
17:57But before she could respond, her comm unit buzzed with an incoming message.
18:02Reluctantly, she pulled away enough to check it.
18:05It's from my superior, she said, scanning the encrypted text.
18:09He's demanding an update on my progress.
18:12The word felt bitter on her tongue now.
18:14John's expression hardened slightly.
18:17Your mission to spy on us, you mean?
18:19Naira met his gaze directly.
18:21Just as you're gathering intelligence on us.
18:24Let's not pretend we're not both doing our jobs, Captain.
18:27John, he corrected.
18:29After that kiss, I think we're past formalities.
18:32Despite everything, her mission, her broken hand, the complications of inter-species diplomacy,
18:39Naira found herself smiling.
18:40Perhaps we are...
18:42John?
18:43He reached for the door control.
18:45We should continue this conversation somewhere more private and comfortable.
18:49As they slipped out of the closet and back into the corridor, Naira knew she was crossing a line.
18:56Whatever happened next would change everything.
18:59Her mission, her career, possibly even relations between their species.
19:04And yet, as John's hand found hers in the dim corridor, she couldn't bring herself to care.
19:10John's quarters were spartan but comfortable, located in the Earth delegation section of the diplomatic wing.
19:15As the door slid shut behind them, the professional facade they'd both maintained in public dissolved.
19:23Their lips met again, more urgently this time, as if making up for lost time.
19:28Your superiors would court-martial you for this, Naira murmured against his mouth,
19:33her good hand already working at the fastenings of his uniform jacket.
19:37Probably, John agreed, his fingers tangling in her silvery hair, loosening it from its tight ponytail.
19:43Worth it, though.
19:43What followed was a revelation for Naira.
19:48Kralorian intimacy was typically performative, a display of physical prowess and endurance.
19:53This was something entirely different.
19:55Tender at times, fierce at others, but always focused on mutual pleasure rather than demonstration of ability.
20:02John's hands explored her orange skin with reverent curiosity,
20:06treating each gasp and shiver as valuable intelligence.
20:09His lips traced the subtle ridges along her collarbone that distinguished her species,
20:15while she marveled at the unexpected softness of his skin,
20:18contrasted with the unyielding hardness of the muscles beneath.
20:23How are you so...
20:24She breathed, running her palm over his abdomen,
20:28still amazed at the density of the muscle there.
20:30Earth's gravity is 1.2 times Nexus Primes, he explained between kisses,
20:36were built differently.
20:37Plus, I work at it.
20:40Naira had never considered a human could be physically impressive,
20:43let alone desirable.
20:44Yet here she was,
20:46discovering that the differences between their species created a fascinating complementarity.
20:50His lower body temperature made his touch feel refreshingly cool against her naturally warmer skin.
20:57The slight variations in their anatomies led to unexpected pleasures.
21:01In the aftermath, they lay tangled in his sheets,
21:04her silver hair spread across his chest,
21:06her orange skin glowing with exertion.
21:09That was...
21:10Naira searched for the right words.
21:12Not terrible for a human,
21:15John suggested with a grin.
21:17She laughed, a genuine sound of delight.
21:18I may need to revise my assessment of your species' capabilities.
21:23Happy to change your mind, he replied, tracing patterns on her shoulder.
21:27Though I'm pretty sure this violates about a dozen protocols on both sides.
21:31Reality began to intrude on their private moment.
21:34Naira thought of General Dravos,
21:36of her mission,
21:37of the consequences of what she'd just done.
21:40By Krylorian standards,
21:41she'd committed treason.
21:43By human standards, too, probably.
21:45What are we doing, John?
21:47She asked softly.
21:48Before he could answer,
21:50the room's emergency lighting flashed red,
21:52and a piercing alarm sounded.
21:54Both of them were instantly alert,
21:56military training overriding everything else.
22:00Proximity alert, John said,
22:02already reaching for his uniform.
22:04Someone's trying to...
22:05The explosion ripped through the outer door,
22:08sending them both flying off the bed.
22:11John hit the wall with a grunt of pain,
22:13while Naira rolled into a defensive crouch,
22:15naked and unarmed,
22:16but ready to fight.
22:17Through the smoke poured four figures in black combat gear,
22:22faces obscured by tactical masks.
22:25The insignia on their shoulders,
22:26a black star on a field of crimson,
22:29identified them immediately.
22:31Syndicate!
22:31Naira shouted,
22:33diving for her discarded weapon belt.
22:36John was faster,
22:37rolling to his feet and charging the first intruder
22:39before they could bring their weapon to bear.
22:42His fist connected with the attacker's mask
22:44with a sickening crunch,
22:46dropping them instantly.
22:47The second assailant fired,
22:49the energy bolt missing John by inches
22:52and scorching the wall behind him.
22:54Naira, having retrieved her sidearm,
22:56returned fire,
22:57catching the shooter in the shoulder
22:59and spinning them around.
23:00The third and fourth attackers split up,
23:03one engaging John in hand-to-hand,
23:05while the other took aim at Naira.
23:07She ducked behind the bed
23:08as energy bolts sizzled through the air
23:10where she'd been standing.
23:12John!
23:13She called,
23:13tossing him her backup blaster.
23:15He caught it one-handed,
23:16while grappling with his opponent,
23:18then fired point-blank into the attacker's side.
23:21The syndicate operative crumpled.
23:23Naira was exchanging fire with the last intruder
23:26when she saw movement from the corner of her eye.
23:29The first attacker John had downed was back up,
23:31aiming directly at his exposed back.
23:34Behind you!
23:35She screamed,
23:36but it was too late.
23:37The energy bolt caught John square
23:39between the shoulder blades.
23:40He staggered forward,
23:41face contorted in pain,
23:43then collapsed to his knees.
23:45Something primal and protective erupted in the Naira.
23:48With a war cry that would have made her ancestors proud,
23:51she vaulted over the bed
23:52and unleashed a barrage of fire
23:54at both remaining attackers,
23:56driving them back toward the shattered doorway.
23:59One fell, chest smoking from multiple hits.
24:02The other retreated,
24:03firing wildly as they disappeared into the corridor.
24:06Naira rushed to John,
24:08who lay face down and motionless on the floor.
24:11With gentle hands,
24:12she turned him over,
24:14dreading what she might find.
24:15His eyes fluttered open,
24:17glazed with pain,
24:18but alert.
24:19Arm or weave,
24:21he gasped,
24:22gesturing to his back
24:23where the uniform had melted,
24:25but the skin beneath remained unburned.
24:28Standard issue for EDF officers.
24:30Hurts like hell, though.
24:31Relief flooded through her,
24:33followed immediately by the realization
24:35that they were both still very naked
24:37and station security would be arriving any moment.
24:40We need to move,
24:41she said,
24:41helping him to his feet.
24:43This wasn't random.
24:44The syndicate knew exactly where to find you.
24:46John nodded grimly,
24:48wincing as he reached for his clothes,
24:51which means we've got a leak.
24:53Someone who knows about our investigation.
24:55Or someone who knows about us,
24:57Naira added,
24:58quickly pulling on her own uniform.
25:00My comm unit pinged right before the attack.
25:03It was General Dravos ordering me
25:04to return to the Kralorian embassy immediately.
25:07John's eyes narrowed.
25:08You think your general is working with the syndicate?
25:12I don't know,
25:14Naira admitted,
25:15but the timing is suspicious.
25:17And if he is,
25:18I can't go back there.
25:20The station's security alarms were blaring now,
25:23and they could hear the pounding of boots
25:24in the corridor outside.
25:26We need to disappear,
25:27John decided,
25:28pulling a hidden panel from the wall
25:30to reveal an emergency kit and several weapons,
25:33at least until we figure out who we can trust.
25:36Naira nodded,
25:36her mind racing.
25:38She'd just betrayed her mission,
25:39her superior,
25:41possibly her entire species.
25:43And yet,
25:44looking at John
25:45as he efficiently prepared for their escape,
25:48she couldn't bring herself to regret it.
25:50Together then,
25:51she said,
25:51accepting the blaster he handed her.
25:54His eyes met hers,
25:55serious,
25:56but with that hint of a smile
25:58she was coming to cherish.
25:59Together,
26:01the underbelly of Nexus Prime
26:03was a stark contrast
26:04to the gleaming diplomatic quarters above.
26:06Here,
26:07the station showed its age.
26:09Corroded pipes leaked coolant,
26:11flickering lights cast eerie shadows,
26:13and the air carried the musty scent
26:15of recycled atmosphere
26:16that had passed through too many filters.
26:19For three days,
26:20Naira and John
26:21had navigated this labyrinth,
26:23evading both station security
26:24and syndicate hunters.
26:26They'd found refuge
26:27in an abandoned maintenance hub
26:28that John had discovered
26:29during previous reconnaissance missions.
26:31Home sweet home,
26:32he joked when they first arrived,
26:34gesturing to the cramped space
26:36with its salvaged cot
26:37and makeshift security system.
26:39Now,
26:40as Naira returned
26:41from a scouting mission,
26:42she found John
26:43hunched over a portable terminal,
26:45analyzing data they'd stolen
26:46from a syndicate courier
26:48the day before.
26:49Any luck,
26:50she asked,
26:50setting down the supplies
26:51she'd managed to scrounge.
26:53John looked up,
26:54his face lighting with a smile
26:56that made her heart skip.
26:58Even after days on the run,
27:00disheveled and exhausted,
27:01he maintained that infuriating confidence
27:03that she'd first found so grating,
27:05but now found endearing.
27:07Actually,
27:08yes,
27:08I've decrypted part of their communications.
27:11Look at this.
27:13He gestured to the screen
27:14where a map of the tourist sector
27:16glowed with highlighted areas.
27:17These aren't just mining sites,
27:20they're weapons caches.
27:22The syndicate has been stockpiling arms
27:23throughout the sector.
27:25Naira leaned closer,
27:27her silver hair falling forward
27:28as she studied the display.
27:30That's why Krylorian Command
27:32wants the mining rights so badly.
27:34It's not about resources,
27:36it's about controlling these locations.
27:38And look who's been authorizing
27:40the shipments,
27:41John tapped a command,
27:42bringing up a series
27:43of encrypted authorizations.
27:45The encryption is Krylorian
27:47military grade,
27:49but the signature pattern
27:50matches what you showed me
27:51from General Dravos' communications.
27:54Naira felt sick.
27:55My own commander
27:56working with criminals
27:57for what?
27:58Money?
27:59Power?
28:01War,
28:02John said grimly.
28:03These aren't defensive stockpiles.
28:06They're staging points
28:07for an offensive.
28:08I think Dravos is planning
28:09to use the syndicate
28:10to provoke a conflict with Earth.
28:13The implications were staggering.
28:15A war between their species
28:16would devastate both sides
28:18and destabilize the entire sector.
28:21Naira sank onto the cot,
28:22suddenly lightheaded.
28:24A wave of nausea swept through her,
28:26not entirely due to the revelation
28:28about Dravos.
28:29Are you okay?
28:30John asked immediately at her side.
28:32You look pale,
28:33well,
28:33as pale as your orange skin gets.
28:35I'm fine,
28:36she insisted,
28:37though she'd been feeling off
28:39for the past day.
28:40Just processing the betrayal.
28:43John wasn't convinced.
28:45He pressed a hand
28:45to her forehead,
28:46frowning.
28:47You're burning up,
28:48even for a Krylorian.
28:50Our normal body temperature
28:51is higher than yours,
28:52she reminded him.
28:53Not this high,
28:54he countered,
28:55reaching for the medical scanner
28:56in their emergency kit.
28:58He ran the device over her,
29:00his frown deepening
29:00as he read the results.
29:02What?
29:03She demanded,
29:03recognizing his expression.
29:05What's wrong?
29:07John hesitated,
29:08then showed her
29:08the scanner's display.
29:10Your hormone levels
29:11are unusual,
29:14and there's a secondary
29:15life sign.
29:17Naira stared at the readings,
29:18uncomprehending at first,
29:20then with dawning shock.
29:22That's not possible.
29:24The scanner doesn't lie,
29:26John said quietly.
29:27You're pregnant.
29:28But we're different species,
29:29Amor Naira protested.
29:31Interspecies reproduction
29:32is supposed to be impossible
29:33without genetic engineering.
29:35John ran a hand
29:36through his hair,
29:37looking as bewildered
29:38as she felt,
29:39apparently not between
29:41humans and Krylorians.
29:43Naira placed a hand
29:44on her abdomen,
29:45trying to process
29:46this impossible development.
29:48In Krylorian culture,
29:49reproduction was carefully planned,
29:51often arranged
29:52for genetic optimization.
29:54Spontaneous pregnancy,
29:55especially with an alien,
29:57was unheard of.
29:57How do you feel about this?
30:00John asked cautiously.
30:01Naira looked up at him,
30:03surprised to find,
30:04not panic,
30:05but a strange,
30:06fierce joy
30:07building within her.
30:08I don't know,
30:09it's unexpected,
30:11but not unwelcome.
30:13She studied his face.
30:15And you?
30:17A slow smile
30:18spread across his features,
30:20genuine and warm.
30:21Terrified,
30:22amazed,
30:23proud.
30:23He placed his hand
30:25over hers
30:26on her stomach,
30:27mostly amazed.
30:29The moment of connection
30:30was interrupted
30:31by an alert
30:32from their
30:32perimeter sensors.
30:34Someone was approaching.
30:35Both instantly shifted
30:36to combat mode,
30:38weapons drawn and ready.
30:39John positioned himself
30:40between Naira
30:41and the entrance,
30:42a protective gesture
30:43she might have resented
30:45days ago,
30:46but now appreciated.
30:47The door slid open
30:48to reveal not syndicate
30:50enforcers,
30:51but a single
30:51Taurean female,
30:53her forearms raised
30:54in a gesture of peace.
30:55Commander Vex,
30:56Captain Reed,
30:57she said,
30:58her multifaceted eyes
30:59gleaming in the dim light.
31:01I am Doctor
31:01Lynn Tora,
31:03Chief Xenobiologist
31:04for the Galactic Science
31:06Consortium.
31:07I've been tracking
31:08unusual biometric
31:09readings in this sector.
31:10Her gaze dropped
31:11to Naira's abdomen.
31:13It seems I've found
31:14the source.
31:15How did you find us?
31:17John demanded,
31:18weapons still raised.
31:19Your hybrid embryo
31:20is emitting
31:21a unique energy signature,
31:23Dr. Tora explained.
31:24Quite fascinating,
31:25actually.
31:26Nothing like it
31:27has ever been recorded.
31:29Naira and John
31:29exchanged glances.
31:31Our child is detectable?
31:34Naira asked.
31:35Only to specialized
31:36equipment which I
31:37happen to possess,
31:38Dr. Tora assured them.
31:40But you should know,
31:42I'm not the only one
31:42looking.
31:43The syndicate has
31:44similar technology
31:45and they're closing in.
31:48Why would the syndicate
31:49care about our baby?
31:50John asked.
31:51Dr. Tora's expression
31:52turned grave.
31:54Because a viable
31:54human-Krylorian hybrid
31:56changes everything.
31:58It proves your species
31:59are compatible
32:00at a fundamental level,
32:01undermining the narrative
32:03of irreconcilable differences
32:04that Dravos
32:05and his human counterparts
32:06have been building
32:07to justify conflict.
32:10Human counterparts?
32:12Naira repeated.
32:13There are humans
32:14involved in this
32:14conspiracy too.
32:16Admiral Perkins
32:17of your Earth
32:18Defense Force,
32:20Dr. Tora confirmed.
32:21He and Dravos
32:22have been orchestrating
32:23this together,
32:24using the syndicate
32:25as their proxy.
32:26John cursed
32:27the betrayal
32:28hitting him
32:28as hard as it
32:29had hit Naira.
32:30We need to expose them.
32:32We have the data now,
32:33but we need to get it
32:34to people who can act
32:35on it.
32:35And we need to
32:36protect your child,
32:38Dr. Tora added.
32:39Its existence
32:40is living proof
32:41that your species
32:42aren't enemies,
32:43but potentially
32:43perfect complements
32:44to each other.
32:46Naira's hand
32:47tightened on her weapon.
32:48Then we need to move.
32:50Now.
32:51As they gathered
32:52their essential gear,
32:53Naira caught John
32:54watching her
32:55with an expression
32:56of wonder
32:57and determination.
32:58What?
32:59She asked.
33:00Just thinking,
33:01he replied
33:02with that familiar
33:02half-smile,
33:03that breaking your hand
33:05on my abs
33:05might be the best thing
33:06that ever happened
33:07to both our species.
33:09Despite everything,
33:11the danger,
33:12the betrayal,
33:13the impossible pregnancy,
33:15Naira found herself laughing.
33:17Don't push your luck,
33:18human.
33:20But as they followed
33:21Dr. Tora
33:21into the corridor,
33:22Naira's free hand
33:23found John's,
33:25their fingers intertwining.
33:26Whatever came next,
33:27they would face it together.
33:29The Grand Nexus Hotel
33:30occupied the uppermost
33:32levels of the station.
33:33It's luxury
33:34a stark contrast
33:35to the gritty underbelly
33:36where they had been hiding.
33:39Dr. Tora
33:39had informed them
33:40that General Dravos
33:41had arranged
33:42a clandestine meeting
33:43with syndicate representatives
33:45in one of the hotel's
33:46private conference rooms,
33:48ostensibly for a
33:49security briefing
33:50on the ongoing negotiations.
33:53Admiral Perkins
33:54will be there too,
33:55Dr. Tora
33:56had explained
33:56as they formulated
33:57their plan.
33:58My sources indicate
33:59he's been manipulated
34:00by Dravos,
34:01fed false intelligence
34:03suggesting Krylorians
34:04are planning a first strike
34:05against Earth colonies.
34:07That doesn't sound
34:08like Perkins,
34:09John had frowned.
34:11He's always been
34:11a voice of reason
34:12in the EDF.
34:14Now as they moved
34:15through the hotel
34:16service corridors
34:17disguised as
34:18maintenance staff,
34:20Naira glanced
34:20at John.
34:21You really believe
34:22Perkins is being deceived?
34:25I've served under him
34:26for years,
34:26John replied,
34:28adjusting the cap
34:28that partially concealed
34:29his features.
34:30He's tough
34:31but fair,
34:32dedicated to peace.
34:34If he's involved
34:34in this,
34:35there's more
34:36to the story.
34:37Naira's hand
34:38instinctively
34:39went to her abdomen.
34:40The pregnancy
34:41was still in its
34:41earliest stages,
34:43but knowing it existed
34:44had changed everything.
34:46This wasn't just
34:46about preventing
34:47a war anymore.
34:48It was about
34:49creating a future
34:50where their child
34:51could exist
34:52without being seen
34:53as an abomination
34:53or political tool.
34:55How are you feeling?
34:57John asked softly,
34:58noticing her gesture.
34:59Like I'm carrying
35:00the most politically
35:01inconvenient baby
35:02in galactic history,
35:04she replied
35:04with a wry smile.
35:06But otherwise fine.
35:08Krylorian women
35:08don't experience
35:09morning sickness.
35:11Lucky,
35:12John chuckled.
35:13Human women
35:14get hit hard
35:15with that.
35:16We make up for it
35:17with a gestation period
35:18that's two months longer,
35:19Naira countered.
35:20Though who knows
35:21how this hybrid
35:22pregnancy will progress.
35:24Dr. Tora,
35:25leading the way
35:26with her forearms,
35:27efficiently managing
35:28both their equipment
35:29and a stolen
35:30maintenance card,
35:32glanced back at them.
35:33Based on my
35:34preliminary scans,
35:35I'd estimate
35:35a seven-month gestation,
35:37splitting the difference
35:38between your species.
35:39The fetus is developing
35:40remarkably well,
35:42adapting genetic material
35:43from both parents
35:44with surprising
35:45compatibility.
35:47Our little miracle,
35:48John murmured,
35:49his hand briefly
35:50covering Naira's
35:51on her stomach.
35:52The tender moment
35:52was interrupted
35:53as they reached
35:54their destination.
35:55A service panel
35:56adjacent to the
35:57conference room
35:58where the meeting
35:59would take place.
36:00Remember the plan,
36:01doctor,
36:02Tora whispered.
36:03I'll monitor from here
36:04while you two
36:05place the recording devices.
36:07We need irrefutable
36:08evidence of the conspiracy.
36:10Naira nodded,
36:11her military training
36:12taking over
36:13as she focused
36:14on the mission.
36:15She and John
36:16slipped through the panel
36:17into a small server room
36:18that connected
36:19to the conference space.
36:20Five minutes
36:21until they arrive,
36:22John noted,
36:22checking his wrist display.
36:23They worked quickly,
36:25placing microscopic
36:26recording devices
36:27at strategic points
36:28around the room.
36:30As Naira reached up
36:31to position
36:32the final device
36:33in a light fixture,
36:34a wave of dizziness
36:35washed over her.
36:37She swayed slightly
36:37and John was instantly
36:39at her side,
36:40strong arms steadying her.
36:42I'm fine,
36:42she insisted
36:43before he could ask.
36:44Just move too quickly.
36:47John's eyes
36:47reflected concern,
36:48but he didn't push
36:49the issue.
36:50Last one's in place.
36:51Let's get back
36:53to the server room.
36:54They had just slipped
36:55back through
36:56the hidden access panel
36:57when the conference
36:58room door opened.
37:00Through the one-way
37:00observation port,
37:02they watched
37:02as General Dravos entered,
37:04followed by two
37:05syndicate operatives
37:06in civilian attire
37:07and finally
37:08Admiral Perkins.
37:10Perkins looked troubled,
37:11his usually confident
37:12bearing diminished.
37:13He was older than John
37:14by at least 20 years,
37:16with silver hair
37:17and the weathered face
37:18of someone
37:18who had seen
37:19too many conflicts.
37:20Let's get this over
37:23with, Dravos,
37:24Perkins said
37:25without preamble.
37:26I've reviewed
37:27your intelligence reports
37:28and something
37:29doesn't add up.
37:30Dravos,
37:31tall even for a
37:32Krylorian
37:33with deep orange skin
37:34and military
37:35short silver hair,
37:37smiled thinly.
37:38What doesn't add up,
37:39Admiral,
37:40is why your ships
37:41are conducting
37:41exercises
37:42so close
37:43to our mining operations.
37:44Those exercises
37:47were scheduled
37:47months ago,
37:48Perkins countered,
37:49and they're
37:50defensive in nature,
37:51unlike the weapon
37:52stockpiles
37:53your people
37:54have been amassing.
37:55One of the syndicate
37:56operatives,
37:57a reptilian,
37:58Saurian,
37:59placed a data pad
38:00on the table.
38:01Perhaps this will
38:01clarify matters.
38:03We've intercepted
38:04communications indicating
38:05a Krylorian strike force
38:07is preparing to move
38:08against human outposts
38:09in the tourist sector.
38:11Naira tensed,
38:12the communications
38:13were obviously
38:13fabricated,
38:14but they looked
38:15convincing.
38:16That's impossible,
38:17Perkins said,
38:17studying the data.
38:18This would have
38:19to be authorized
38:20at the highest levels
38:21of Krylorian command.
38:23It was,
38:24Dravos confirmed smoothly,
38:26but not by me.
38:28There are
38:28factions within
38:30our military
38:31that see humans
38:32as a threat
38:32to be eliminated.
38:34I've been trying
38:35to moderate
38:35their influence,
38:36but I'm losing
38:37that battle.
38:38Naira's eyes widened
38:39as she realized
38:40Dravos' game.
38:41He was positioning
38:42himself as the
38:43reasonable Krylorian
38:44trying to prevent war,
38:46while simultaneously
38:47engineering the very
38:48conflict he claimed
38:49to oppose.
38:50He's good,
38:51she whispered to John.
38:52He's making it look
38:53like he's the one
38:54being manipulated,
38:56not Perkins.
38:57John nodded grimly.
38:59Classic false flag
39:00operation.
39:01Create the threat,
39:02then offer to help
39:03fight against it.
39:04In the conference room,
39:06Perkins was pacing,
39:07clearly troubled.
39:08If what you're saying
39:09is true,
39:09we need to bring this
39:10to the diplomatic corps
39:11immediately.
39:13And start a panic?
39:14Dravos countered.
39:15No, Admiral,
39:16we need to handle
39:17this quietly.
39:18A surgical strike
39:19against these rogue
39:20elements,
39:20conducted jointly
39:21by your forces
39:22and mine.
39:23The syndicate can
39:24provide the intelligence
39:25we need.
39:26The Saurian nodded.
39:27For the right price,
39:28of course.
39:30Perkins stopped pacing,
39:31his expression hardening.
39:33I don't work
39:34with criminals,
39:34General,
39:35and something about
39:36this entire situation
39:37stinks worse
39:38than a Jovian swamp pit.
39:41Dravos' facade
39:42of reasonableness
39:43slipped for just a moment,
39:45revealing the cold
39:45calculation beneath.
39:47You don't have a choice,
39:48Admiral.
39:49Either work with us
39:50or watch as your
39:51colonies burn.
39:52We've got enough,
39:54John whispered.
39:55This proves Dravos
39:56is manipulating
39:57the situation.
39:59Neera nodded,
40:00but as they prepared
40:00to retreat,
40:02her comm unit
40:02buzzed with an
40:03incoming signal,
40:05loud enough to be heard
40:06in the sudden silence
40:07of the conference room.
40:08All heads turned
40:09toward the server room.
40:10We've got company,
40:12Dravos barked,
40:13drawing his sidearm.
40:14Time for plan B,
40:16John muttered,
40:17pulling Neera
40:17behind the server banks
40:19as energy bolts
40:20began tearing
40:20through the thin wall,
40:22separating them
40:22from the conference room.
40:24What's plan B?
40:25Neera asked,
40:26drawing her own weapon.
40:27John grinned,
40:28that infuriating,
40:29confident smirk
40:30that had first caught
40:31her attention in the gym.
40:33Improvise.
40:33As the wall
40:35disintegrated
40:36under concentrated fire,
40:37Neera found herself
40:38oddly calm.
40:39Whatever happened next,
40:40she and John
40:41would face it together,
40:42fighting not just
40:43for themselves
40:44or their respective species,
40:46but for the impossible
40:47child they had created.
40:49A child whose very existence
40:50proved that humans
40:51and Krilorians
40:52weren't meant to be enemies,
40:54but partners.
40:56Energy bolts
40:56sizzled through the air
40:58as John pulled Neera
40:59behind a reinforced
40:59server bank.
41:01The metallic tang
41:02of ionized air
41:03filled the small room,
41:04punctuated by the sharp
41:06crack of weapons fire.
41:08Surrender now,
41:09Dravos' voice boomed
41:10from the conference room.
41:12You're outnumbered
41:13and outgunned.
41:14John caught Neera's eye
41:15and mouthed silently,
41:17the recording.
41:18She nodded,
41:19understanding immediately.
41:21While they'd been discovered,
41:22the recording devices
41:23were still transmitting.
41:24With a few quick taps
41:26on her wrist unit,
41:26Neera connected to Doctor.
41:28Tara's system
41:29and initiated
41:30the station-wide broadcast.
41:31Almost instantly,
41:33Dravos' voice echoed
41:34throughout the station's
41:35public announcement system.
41:37You don't have a choice,
41:38Admiral.
41:39Either work with us
41:40or watch as your colonies burn.
41:43The firing from the conference room
41:45faltered momentarily
41:46as the conspirators
41:47realized what was happening.
41:49What the hell,
41:50one of the syndicate operatives
41:51growled.
41:52Taking advantage
41:53of the momentary confusion,
41:55John leaned out from cover
41:56and fired two precise shots,
41:58disarming one of the syndicate members.
42:00Captain Reed?
42:02Admiral Perkins' voice
42:03cut through the chaos.
42:04Is that you?
42:06Yes, sir,
42:07John called back.
42:08We have evidence
42:08that General Dravos
42:10has been manipulating
42:10both our governments
42:11trying to instigate a war.
42:14A barrage of energy
42:15bolts answered him,
42:17forcing him back into cover.
42:19One shot grazed
42:20Neera's shoulder,
42:21searing through her disguise
42:22and burning the orange skin beneath.
42:24She hissed in pain,
42:26clutching the wound.
42:27Neera!
42:28John's face contorted with concern.
42:31I'm fine!
42:32She gritted out
42:33though the pain was intense.
42:34Just a graze!
42:36The injury triggered
42:37something primal in John.
42:39His expression hardened,
42:40eyes narrowing with a focus
42:42that Neera had never seen before.
42:44Without warning,
42:45he burst from cover,
42:46moving with such explosive speed
42:48that the syndicate operatives
42:50couldn't track him.
42:51He reached the first operative
42:53before the Saurian could fire,
42:55delivering a devastating punch
42:56to its midsection
42:57that lifted the reptilian creature
42:59off its feet.
43:01The second operative
43:02managed to get off a shot
43:04that John simply absorbed,
43:05the energy bolt scorching his uniform
43:07but seemingly causing no injury
43:09as he drove forward,
43:11disarming the shooter
43:12with a precise strike.
43:14General Dravos,
43:15seeing his allies fall,
43:16took aim directly at John.
43:18Impressive, human!
43:19he snarled,
43:20but not good enough.
43:22Before he could fire,
43:23Admiral Perkins tackled him
43:24from behind,
43:25sending the shot wide.
43:27That's enough, General!
43:28I won't be part of your war!
43:31As the two military leaders grappled,
43:34Dr. Tora appeared
43:35at the server room entrance,
43:36all four arms
43:37wielding different devices.
43:40The station's security
43:41is on its way,
43:42she announced,
43:43and the broadcast
43:44has reached every corner
43:45of Nexus Prime,
43:47including both the Earth
43:48and Krylorian embassies.
43:51Naira staggered to her feet,
43:52pressing a hand
43:53to her wounded shoulder.
43:54The pain was significant,
43:56but her concern for John
43:57overrode it.
43:59She watched in amazement
44:00as he subdued
44:01the second syndicate operative
44:02with seemingly effortless strength.
44:04How are you not injured?
44:06She asked,
44:07gesturing to the scorch mark
44:08on his chest
44:08where the energy bolt had hit.
44:10John gave her
44:11that familiar smirk.
44:13Remember your broken hand?
44:15Humans might not look tough,
44:17but were surprisingly resilient,
44:19especially those of us
44:20who lift all the metal and iron.
44:22A commotion at the main entrance
44:24announced the arrival
44:25of station security,
44:27led by representatives
44:27from both Earth
44:28and Krylorian delegations.
44:30They quickly took control
44:31of the situation,
44:33securing Dravos
44:34and the syndicate operatives.
44:36Admiral Perkins
44:37approached John and Naira,
44:39his expression
44:39a mixture of relief
44:40and regret.
44:42Captain,
44:43I owe you an apology.
44:44I should have seen
44:45through Dravos' deception.
44:47He was convincing, sir,
44:49John replied respectfully.
44:51Not convincing enough,
44:52Perkins said grimly.
44:54I had my doubts,
44:55which is why I came today,
44:57to confront him directly.
44:59His gaze shifted to Naira,
45:00than to her injury.
45:02You need medical attention,
45:04Commander.
45:05I've had worse,
45:06Nora assured him,
45:07though she leaned slightly
45:08against John for support.
45:10Perkins' eyes narrowed slightly
45:12as he observed their proximity.
45:14You two seem close.
45:18Before either could respond,
45:19Dr. Tora stepped forward.
45:21Admiral,
45:22there's something you should know.
45:23These two have done
45:24more than expose a conspiracy.
45:26They have made history.
45:28She gestured to Naira's abdomen.
45:30Commander Vex is carrying
45:31Captain Reed's child,
45:32the first natural
45:33human-Krylorian hybrid
45:34in recorded history.
45:36Perkins' eyebrows shot up.
45:39That's impossible.
45:42Apparently not,
45:43John replied,
45:44his arm tightening
45:45protectively around Naira's waist.
45:47A slow smile spread
45:48across the Admiral's
45:49weathered face.
45:51Well, I'll be damned,
45:52that certainly complicates
45:54the irreconcilable
45:55differences narrative,
45:56doesn't it?
45:57Six months later,
45:59the newly established
46:00Human-Krylorian
46:01Cultural Exchange Center
46:03on Nexus Prime
46:04was hosting
46:05its inaugural celebration.
46:07The spacious atrium
46:09was filled with diplomats,
46:10scientists,
46:11and citizens
46:12from both species
46:13mingling with
46:14a newfound camaraderie
46:15that would have been
46:16unthinkable
46:17half a year earlier.
46:19At the center of it all
46:20stood Naira and John,
46:21now officially recognized
46:22as the first
46:23cross-species
46:24diplomatic liaison team.
46:25Naira's pregnancy
46:26was in its final stages.
46:28Her orange skin
46:29stretched taut
46:30over her swollen abdomen
46:31while John hovered
46:32nearby,
46:33ever attentive.
46:34Stop fussing,
46:36she chided him affectionately.
46:37I'm pregnant,
46:38not made of glass.
46:41Can't help it,
46:41he replied,
46:42adjusting the ceremonial sash
46:43she wore as a representative
46:45of the Krylorian government.
46:46Human instinct,
46:48we get protective.
46:49As if I couldn't
46:50still take down
46:51most of the people
46:52in this room,
46:52she scoffed,
46:54although her eyes
46:54sparkled with amusement.
46:56With one hand
46:57tied behind your back,
46:58John agreed,
46:59though maybe not
47:00the hand you broke
47:01on my abs.
47:02That one might still
47:03be a little weak.
47:04Naira laughed,
47:05a sound that still
47:06sent warmth
47:07spreading through his chest.
47:09I'll never live that down,
47:10will I?
47:11Not a chance,
47:13he grinned,
47:14placing a gentle hand
47:15on her belly,
47:16where their child,
47:17a daughter,
47:18according to Dr. Tara's scans,
47:20was currently performing
47:21what felt like combat maneuvers.
47:23She's going to have
47:24your strength
47:25in my iron stomach.
47:26The galaxy doesn't
47:27stand a chance.
47:29Admiral Perkins approached,
47:30now serving as Earth's
47:31chief diplomat
47:32to the Krylorian people.
47:33The exposure of
47:34Dravos' conspiracy
47:36had led to sweeping changes
47:37in both governments,
47:38with war hawks
47:39replaced by moderates
47:40committed to
47:41peaceful cooperation.
47:42The medical team reports
47:43that everything is
47:44proceeding perfectly
47:45with the pregnancy,
47:46Perkins informed them.
47:48Dr. Tara believes
47:49you'll deliver
47:49within the week.
47:51Thank the stars,
47:52Neera sighed.
47:53I'm ready to meet
47:54this little warrior.
47:56She's already
47:57a symbol of hope
47:57for both our peoples,
47:59Perkins noted,
48:00the living proof
48:01that we're stronger
48:02together than apart.
48:04As the celebration
48:05continued around them,
48:06John led Neera
48:07to a quieter corner
48:08of the atrium,
48:09where they could have
48:09a moment of privacy.
48:11Any regrets,
48:13he asked softly,
48:14about punching me
48:15that day in the gym?
48:17Neera pretended
48:18to consider
48:18the question seriously.
48:20Well,
48:20breaking my hand
48:21was unpleasant,
48:22and you are
48:23insufferably
48:24smug about
48:25your abdominal muscles.
48:27They are
48:27pretty impressive,
48:29he agreed
48:29with mock solemnity.
48:31But,
48:31she continued,
48:33taking his hand
48:33and placing it
48:34on her stomach
48:35where their daughter
48:35was kicking,
48:36I think things
48:37worked out
48:38rather well,
48:39all things considered.
48:41John leaned down
48:42to kiss her,
48:42no longer caring
48:43about the diplomatic
48:44protocols
48:45or curious onlookers.
48:46When they parted,
48:47his expression
48:47was serious
48:48despite his smile.
48:50I never thought
48:50I'd say this
48:51to a woman
48:52who once mocked
48:53my workout routine,
48:55but I love you,
48:55Commander Neera Vex.
48:58And I never thought
48:59I'd fall for a human
49:00whose stomach
49:00is harder than
49:01Krilorian battle armor,
49:03she replied,
49:04but here we are.
49:05I love you too,
49:06Captain John Reed.
49:08As their daughter
49:09kicked again,
49:10as if in agreement,
49:11Neera couldn't help
49:12but reflect
49:13on the strange journey
49:14that had brought
49:15them here.
49:16From a broken hand
49:17to a healed galaxy,
49:19from mockery
49:20to love,
49:21from enemies
49:22to partners.
49:23All because
49:24she'd underestimated
49:25the strength
49:26of a human man
49:26and his iron-hard abs.
49:29Some mistakes
49:30she decided
49:30were worth making.
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