Chapter Twenty-Four
Simple Man
One week from my planned delivery date, I waddled to the palace exit with Zephyron at my side, with each tender step a sore reminder of how much my body had changed. My round belly pulled at me constantly. My legs were twice their usual weight with water gain.
Another week here—or two, if our child were late—would have been nice and deserved. Zephyron was a thousand different things, but in the end? Kind. Yes, he had stabbed my father once, while mad with grief. Then gave up his blade so I wouldn't lose someone the way he had twice.
Despite the Volardi's interstellar empire, most didn't mix with other species.
Humanity got lucky with a similar body type, pop culture, and babies.
Fish people, or a fox-dog humanoid? Not so much.
Yet, a native medic had worked in the royal palace, and schools taught both Volardi and Sandari history.
He participated in their events and listened to their arguments, even if he sometimes said no.
I can't believe I'm thinking this... but my man is a people person. Yet we had to go since he gave up his title, land, and palace to win.
A familiar deep voice drew out. "You are distressed, and walking is not advised. Will you not sit?"
"Feels like I should walk out of a home, you know?"
He didn't know. One father and four growing boys didn't leave much money.
Back in Georgia, we had a decent house once.
'Decent' because it didn't leak. For months, we stayed until the landlord raised the rent.
On the last day, I had ignored a truck horn and ran my fingers over the walls.
I needed something—even microscopic dust—to stay with me.
My fingertips scraped a wall again, releasing the smallest crumble of white-beige sandstone against my skin.
I shared my thoughts as we exited and approached Sandari guards, civilians, and a smattering of Volardi Dara and Soturi, who gathered to watch our departure. Not everyone wanted us to leave, and seeing us off meant more than I could convey to them. The best I could do was nod and hold in my tears.
Axios and Solis followed and decided our fate was theirs. Solis carried my surfboard—arguably the most useless thing on a desert planet. Axios carried my guitar with care.
I arrived here hating this place. Now I'd give anything to keep it, so I wouldn't cost him more.
He must have noticed my slowing pace, the ragged breaths, or the shine in my eyes. His deep purple gaze met mine.
"Oh, my mate," he said gently. "This is not the end. There are new possibilities. Huart the Wise teaches that when the unexpected happens, it reveals hidden paths. Many of those lead to unimagined treasures and joy."
There was truth in that. Brandon meeting Alen had been a fluke, a one-in-a-trillion chance, and now they completed each other.
Zephyron's expression softened. He must have sensed the turmoil I hadn't spoken aloud.
He placed two hands on my shoulders, steady and careful.
"My title, my lands, and my wealth were all given freely.
Perhaps the Sandari will choose me again for their Sentinel after the next trial, or they will not.
Either way, I stand by my decisions and carry no regret. Life offers both loss and discovery."
He looked at me with quiet certainty.
"In the end, I gained you and our child. Let us go to our new home."
My Simulacrum friends took it as a command and hurried ahead, setting my surfboard, duffel bag, and guitar into the ship. Solis leaned in for a careful hug. "This is most exciting! I'm sure this move will be another great adventure!"
Axios stood, stoic as ever beside her. "Our transportation is ready, and Karel has secured a residence in the Outer Settlements."
Karel's holographic message from earlier played in my mind. He had bowed to us both, even with no need, and showed us a simple red stone dwelling. "The village is peaceful, and you will be safe."
I whispered "Thank you," even if he wouldn't hear it.
As we boarded, I took one last look at the palace. The white and sandstone spires shimmered like a mirage against the endless sands. I tightened my grip on the railing, pushing down the knot of emotions rising in my chest, and waved to Volardi and Sandari, who didn't want us to leave.
This wasn't the end. Our child would be here soon, and so would the Trial of Combat. Both had possibilities and paths that could lead to ruin.
Or as Zeph said: 'Treasures and joy.'
***
The ship touched down near the settlement at dusk, its landing thrusters kicking up dry, golden grit. Simple stone huts, rock cairns, and the occasional thin tree showed. Wind chimes hung from branches and roof edges, broadcasting tinny notes through the settlement.
Karel met us as we exited, his ears flicking forward in welcome. "Thomas, Zephyron, and mechanical friends, we have prepared for your arrival." My man carefully helped me down, and we approached a central red rock dwelling. "This is for visitors and honored histo."
I paused as the implant didn't translate.
Once Karel understood, he elaborated. "It is an old word." His ears pointed together while he thought. "Histo is family, that is not you. Someone from another tribe who is still your tribe." He presented our new home with claws out. "This is yours for as long as you need or want."
They weren't a wealthy village, and this red hut was the biggest and in the center of simple brown and yellow rock huts.
My eyes stung when I poked my head inside and saw gift baskets of dried fruits and desert vegetables.
The Sandari prepared several water flasks, mostly buried in the ground. Surely out of respect to Zephyron.
I stayed outside, figuring we were on display, and to be polite to our hosts. Karel raked his claw over a whistle-chime. "You can protect yourselves, but we help as you have protected us."
"Thank you, Karel," I said softly. My young friend stood with the quiet strength of leadership on his shoulders. Winning the race with me had become a message from his gods to his people: 'Look toward this one, for he is special.' I couldn't argue.
He gestured at two light-grey Sandari approaching, I recognized as his parents.
The father was short, with sun-etched fur and bowed to Zephyron.
His mother, taller and composed, pressed her palms together in greeting.
My implant translated her speech. "We are honored by the presence of those who treat us as equals. "
Zephyron nodded deeply. Bending wasn't possible, so I repeated the mother's gesture.
Their ears twitched in surprise, but then relaxed.
The red sun dipped lower as the evening deepened.
Karel's family and other curious visitors retreated to give us privacy, and we settled into our new home.
The Sims organized supplies, while Zephyron and I shared a quiet moment near the open hearth.
The warmth of the fire wrapped around us as Solis approached, her metallic form reflecting a soft glow.
"Our access to the planetary databank has been severed. "
"We expected this," said Axios. "Thus, we stored extensive records for local access and necessary medical information."
Oh, that's why I couldn't translate that word.
Solis brightened. "And more! We acquired many delightful pieces of Earth culture for our rest periods!" She turned to Zephyron. "As ordered, I obtained Conan, Willow, and all episodes of The Muppet Show including the movies."
My head slowly pivoted as a bronze-skinned man stilled.
Brandon was my voice-over friend, but I could do a respectable impression, "Hi ho, Kermit the Frog here! Those Muppets?"
"They exhibit ingenuity," he said quickly. "Their demonstrations of community and persistence despite adversity are worthy examples. The brown bear creature—"
"—Fozzie."
"He is ill-suited as a joke scribe, yet he persists!" I swear he turned red. "Why do you smile so? I am merely attempting to learn your culture."
I'm sure the grin stayed in my voice, "And I appreciate it. It's sweet."
His purple eyes lingered on me, searching for mockery but finding only affection.
I shifted a little closer. "I mean it."
He mumbled before speaking. "I believe you find my choice humorous. However, I will continue to study Earth's educational tomes."
Instead of answering, I smiled wider and leaned back against him. His hands came to rest lightly on my shoulders, silence grounding me in ways words never could. For a long moment, we bathed in the light of the crackling fire. His steady breathing brushed my ear.
There was no need for conversation, no single topic calling more than another.
He understood the fear that came with being a father.
Nobody ever feels ready, and I wasn't exactly built to follow the usual playbook.
Thoughts of Parker, the last Trial, and even my dad flickered at the edges of my mind, but none of it needed saying tonight.
"Thank you," I murmured. "For everything."
Strong, skilled hands worked the tension from my muscles until I melted into the ground, boneless and content.
Sex was still possible, even if moving wasn't graceful.
With a tender hand spread over my stomach, he removed my clothes slowly, reverently, and together we surrendered to the darkness and each other.
"Oh, Hon..." I whispered.
I made sure to keep my sounds low, especially with all those large Sandari ears nearby.
***
Morning arrived with claws clicking outside the door. I stirred, with Zephyron's hand resting lightly on my waist. He pulled away and rose to his feet as the clicks came more insistent.
"It is Karel," Zephyron said.
I rolled back and forth, trying to get up while blinking the sleepiness out of my eyes. Zephyron offered both hands, gently raising me up. Once I was fully dressed, he invited our visitor inside.
The young Sandari's ears twitched nervously. "Apologies for disturbing you," his voice stayed low. "There are visitors I am unsure how to describe. They are not Volardi, and I do not know if they are Human."
Zephyron's brow furrowed. "As the victor of the first trial, Tydalos holds the right to determine the location and time of the final battle."
"You think he'll time it as a surprise when I deliver?"
"Protocol insists he conveys the information with adequate time, yet..."
I repeated his last word as a question.
"Nothing will compel him to do so, beyond honor."
"And he's been so wonderful about that."
I would have said more if Karel weren't waiting. We hurried out, and Zephyron spoke, "Describe them further."
"The non-armored one looks strange, with patchy grey fur."
"Grey fur?" I said, thinking of a beard. It couldn't be Westmore, could it? Sometimes Dad had a beard, but not grey.
Zephyron sensed my worry and whispered to Solis. She turned into a wide wheelchair. "My Dear, allow me to assist," she said with a cheerful tone. "Carrying a child makes some tasks harder, so I shall be your transport! Not to worry, for I'm fully charged."
I could walk, kind of, but agreed. "Okay. Thanks. I appreciate it."
Axios gave a low, disapproving hum, speaking to Solis' chair-face. "Wide wheels reduce efficiency by thirty percent in this form," he muttered. "A sleek design with thinner support, and a sail to catch the wind is quicker."
"Efficiency is overrated," she shot back. "I provide comfort."
"Hey! I adore you both, but can we focus, please?"
"This situation may be dangerous," said Zephyron.
"Treat me as a man," I said firmly.
A long pause followed, and he nodded, tension still etched across his face.
We soon arrived at a ship, crystal in design and thus Volardi. A black, heavily armored figure stepped out, looking like a deadly version of Solis and Axios. What if it's not a Simulacrum? Back on Earth, I once wore a mining suit for a rescue, which kind of looked like a thick robot.
It turned to us, and the eyes glowed amber before it pounded an open palm on the ship. The door opened, and SmartMetal steps grew out toward the ground.
My breath froze. Thinner now, patchy grey hair, older in every way. Yet there was no mistaking him.
"Dad?"
***