35: Lost No More

Five years pass. Ben and Jude have been comfortable with Erin and Veioray for a while now. All the original tents have long been replaced with dwellings. The supplies needed to build the dwelling came from storage compartments and an extra-large productor in the shuttle bay of the crashed exploration vessel. It took Ben, Jude and Mr. Chan working together over a week to repair the productor. And they made sure it wouldn't make any weapons without a clearance code.

Eve and Evan's little community has grown into a delightful thriving little village. Eve shares clinic duties with Dr. Matos. While the village itself has relocates from both of Eve and Evan's old communities.

"Morning, Eve!" Adam calls cheerfully.

"Good morning, Adam," Eve returns just as cheerful as she passes him just before entering the clinic. Eve's first patient this mid-morning is Malvoreckt Lahan, Andon. Andon gave up her title when she returned here to Eve and Evan's community to stay.

"[Let us see how we are doing today]," Eve patting the exam table.

Dr. Matos assist Andon onto the table. He gives her a kiss and runs his hand over her swollen belly. Then he holds Andon's hand as Eve performs a medical scan.

"[How are we]," Dr. Matos asks smiling happily.

"[Perfect]," Eve answers with a pleased smile, "[Several more days and I will supervise the arrival of your new life. Are you sure you two do not wish to know the gender of your unborn?]"

"[Daha,]" Dr. Matos shaking his head no, "[We are sure we want to be surprised.]"

Andon nods in agreement with her life-mate, Dr. Matos, "Bob, I have minute alone with Dr. Eve, please?"

"Of course," Bob answers his life-mate, gives her a kiss and steps outside.

"[Concerns?]" asks Eve.

"[I find myself worrying about my ability to be good mother as the birth approaches]," Andon shares worried, "[Malyon women usually have children between forty and eighty years of age. I am one hundred twenty years old.]"

"Andon" Eve taking her hand, "[you only have first time mother's nervousness. Your age is not a concern for me, and it is no concern for Bob, who does not let the fact he is about half your age bother him. He adores you and is very excited about becoming a father… You are going to be a wonderful mother… But if you need someone else to talk with, I will schedule a counseling session with Mr. Chan for you.]"

Andon thinks for a moment, "[Not necessary. Soon I will be too busy to be nervous.]"

"[Agreed]," Eve returning Andon's smile. Eve opens the clinic door, "Bob."

Dr. Matos comes back inside, "[Anything I should be worried about?]"

Eve shakes her head no, "Everything's fine."

"I was feeling nervous," Andon admits.

"No need for that," Dr. Matos touching Andon affectionately, "I love you and you're going to be a wonderful mother." Another kiss and he helps Andon down from the exam table.

"I'll be back," Dr. Matos informs Eve, "I'm going to walk my sweetie home."

"Take your time," Eve transferring Andon's current scan into her permanent file.

"Erin and Veioray," Eve calls them into the clinic. They come in and Erin hops up onto the exam table.

"This tells me the problem is with Erin," Eve smiling, "Someone want to give me some symptoms more specific than 'I don't feel good.'"

Erin rolls her eyes at Eve.

"She has been cranky for the past week or so," explains Veioray.

"Cranky is a state of being for Erin," Eve patting Veioray's shoulder, "You'll have to be more detailed."

"I love you too, big sister," Erin not smiling.

"Crankier than usual," Veioray continues, "She's also suffering from fatigue and nausea."

"Erin, when was your last menses," ask Eve.

Erin looks up at the ceiling as she tries to remember.

"Six weeks ago," answers Veioray.

Eve smiles and picks up her medical scanner. The scan confirms Eve's suspicion, "I am happy to inform you, Erin is not ill, just pregnant. Congratulations."

Erin gets happy tears in her eyes, "I'm pregnant." She was beginning to be concerned that she was going to have to ask Eve about checking her fertility.

"Four weeks," Eve smiling wider.

"We're going to have a baby," Veioray hugs Erin.

"I love you," Erin gushes to Veioray.

"I love you too," Veioray gushes back and they kiss each other.

"Erra, Erre'," Zezvor calls through the clinic door, "Aunt Eve, may I come in?"

"Of course, Honey," answers Eve.

Zezvor comes in. He's already taller than Eve. "Is Erre' alright," he asks.

"I'm fine, Honey," Erin answers.

"You're going to be a big brother," Veioray informs Zezvor.

Zezvor smiles, "Really?"

Erin and Veioray nod yes.

"You are all way too cute," Eve just as happy as Erin, Veioray and Zezvor, "You need to get out before you make me cry… Come back tomorrow so I can do a complete work up."

"What did I miss," Dr. Matos asks coming back into the clinic.

"We're pregnant," Veioray announces.

"Congratulations," Dr. Matos gives Veioray, Erin and Zezvor all a hug, "Congratulations… You'll be back tomorrow for a complete work up then?"

"Yes," answers Erin smiling.

"We'll see you back here tomorrow," Dr. Matos seeing them out.

"Eve are you OK," Dr. Matos turning back and seeing an Eve that looks as if she might cry.

"My baby sister is going to be a mother," Eve answers, "I remember when I was worried she was too young for Veioray and that she'ld be trapped in a loveless union. (she sighs) Sometimes it's good to be wrong."

"Amen to that," Dr. Matos agreeing with Eve's last statement, "Who's next on the agenda?"

"Vor, John and their neonate," Eve answers, "Six weeks check-up."

Dr. Matos calls them in.

"Have you decided on a name for him yet," Eve asks taking Vor and John's new son over to an exam table.

Vor sits on another exam table for Dr. Matos to give her a medical scan.

"Yes," John answers.

"We've decided to call him Vohn, Vohn Ran," Vor answers

"Excellent," Eve responds while scanning the squirming infant who's attempting to roll over, "tripled birth weight. Vohn Ran, you are in excellent health. John your son." John comes over and takes his son.

"Mother in excellent health as well," Dr. Matos giving Vor the thumbs up.

"How are we settling into parenting," asks Eve.

"Not getting much sleep," answers John.

"Other than that," Vor continuing the answer, "things seem to be going well."

"Good," Eve responds, "In about four more weeks he'll start to conform to a more regular sleep pattern."

"Everything is as it should be," Dr. Matos showing Vor and John out of the clinic.

Eve can hear Vor say she's happy for her father and Erin as they chat a little with Dr. Matos outside the clinic. Eve updates Vor and Vohn's medical files.

Dr. Matos re-enters the clinic with Gird, her life-mate, Dinya, and their four-year-old daughter, Dirna. Gird is expecting their second child. This is a Malyon pregnancy and it's progressing rapidly and going well. Gird is due in two more weeks. At eighteen weeks gestation, Gird is the size of a human woman in her eighth month of pregnancy. Dr. Matos performs the necessary medical scan and exam.

"[Dr. Eve is feeling poorly]," Gird asks Dr. Matos as she notices the way Eve is leaning over the com-panel.

Dr. Matos shrugs then asks, "[Eve are you feeling poorly today?]"

"[I am feeling over tired]," admits Eve.

"[Your pregnancy is progressing well]," asks Gird.

"[Yes]," Eve answers, "[I have started to show early this time and Evan is thoroughly delighted with that.]" At ten weeks gestation, Eve's second pregnancy is more than just starting to poke out. She looks to be at least four months pregnant.

"[How is Ashton adjusting to the idea of becoming a big brother]," asks Dinya.

"[Has he not told you how I am having his baby for him]," ask Eve turning in her chair to face Gird and Dinya.

"[For him]," Gird smiling.

"[Yes]," Eve confirms, "[He keeps asking, 'Mommy, when is my baby going to be born? Mommy, is my baby finished growing yet? I am tired of waiting.']"

"Ashton [is quite a character]," Gird is fond of him.

"Ashton [is my friend]," Dirna wanting to be part of the conversation.

"[Yes he is]," Dinya tells Dirna while helping Gird down from the table.

"[I want you back in a week]," Dr. Matos to Gird and Dinya as he sits at the com-panel.

Eve walks them out. Evan is sitting on the bench outside the clinic with Ashton waiting for Eve.

Ashton hops off the bench and asks Dirna, "[Are you still waiting for your baby?]"

Dirna nods her head at Ashton, "[Babies take a long time.]" She's more patient than Ashton, but is clearly annoyed by the wait. The adults suppress giggles at their children's serious conversation.

"[Do not these babies know people are waiting on them]," Ashton asks Dirna frustrated.

Dirna shrugs her shoulders and rolls her orange eyes.

"[Come, Dirna]," Gird calls her.

"[Play with you later]," Dirna taking her mother's hand.

"Bye," Ashton waves.

"Are we ready," Evan asks Ashton.

"Yes," Ashton answers taking Evan's hand.

"Then let's go have a look at this baby that has us all waiting," Eve leading the way into the clinic. Inside, Evan holds Eve's arm as she steps back up onto a stepstool. Then she scoots back onto the exam table.

"Dr. Matos," Ashton impatient, "We're ready."

"Ashton," Dr. Matos imitating his tone, "I'm coming."

Dr. Matos scans Eve, "Everything looks good here. Lie down and we'll do the 3D ultra sound. You'll like this, Ashton."

Dr. Matos positions the imager carefully on Eve's lower abdomen over her uterus. Then he turns it on. The 3D image appears in the air above the imager and Eve's lower abdomen.

"Is it that big inside mommy right now," asks Ashton.

"No," Dr. Matos answers, "it's only about this big now," using his fingers to give an approximate size.

"That little," Ashton disappointed.

"Yup," Dr. Matos confirms, "And it needs to get about this big before it can be born," using hands to show an approximate size.

"Why doesn't it look like Vor and John's baby or like I did when I was a baby," asks Ashton.

"It still has a lot of growing and developing to do," answers Dr. Matos.

"Is it a boy or a girl," ask Ashton, "I hope it's a boy. I want a brother."

"We don't know yet," Dr. Matos shrugs.

"Mommy and Daddy," Evan explains, "have decided we want to wait till the babies born to learn its gender. We want to be surprised as we were with you."

"Plus, it's fun to guess the gender and see who was correct when the baby's born," adds Eve, "My guess is a girl."

"I don't like all this waiting," complains Ashton, "Doesn't it know we're all waiting for it?"

"I don't think so," answers Dr. Matos.

Ashton decides to tell the baby in his mommy's tummy, "Hello, Baby. It's Ashton, your big brother…Hurry up. We're all waiting for you."

The image of the unborn jumps as if it heard Ashton.

"I think it heard me," Ashton smiling excited.

"It may have," Eve running a hand over Ashton's head.

"I certainly think it did," Dr. Matos turning off the imager and removing it from Eve's stomach.

Eve sits up and Evan helps her down off of the exam table.

"Now take your life-mate home for a nap," Dr. Matos instructs Evan. Then he tells Ashton, "It's very important for pregnant women to get plenty of rest. It helps the baby grow."

Ashton nods his understanding.

"I have work to finish," Eve protest.

"There isn't anything here I can't handle or that can't wait till tomorrow," Dr. Matos tells Eve, "Half a day will be sufficient Doctor. Go get some rest. You're worrying the other patients."

Eve was going to say something about the fact she hadn't even done a whole half day, but the last statement made her think about setting a good example. Even she needs to follow the doctor's orders.

"Come on Mommy," Ashton pulling Eve by the hand, "You got to rest so my baby can grow."

"Later, Bob," Evan exiting the dwelling behind Eve and Ashton.

When they get to the clearing, Ben and Everant are sitting at the picnic table in front of Eve and Evan's dwelling playing chess. Ashton runs up to the table.

"Grandpa, Terrahgin, Dr. Matos says if Mommy rests, it will help my baby grow," Ashton would say brother or sister, but since he doesn't know if it's a boy or a girl, he simply refers to it as "my baby," because he can't say "my brother," or "my sister," yet.

"That's true," Ben confirms for Ashton, "Now, the problem is getting your mommy to take it easy and rest."

Everant chuckles, "Very true, very true."

"Where are my mothers," asks Eve curious.

"Fussing over your sister, Erin," Ben answers.

"Yes," Eve giving the thumbs-up, "Erin's pregnancy is totally taking the focus off of mine. I'm gonna get some peace."

Ben and Everant shake their heads smiling.

"Can I stay here with Terrahgin and Grandpa while mommy rest," ask Ashton.

"If it's OK with them," Evan stipulates.

"Certainly," Ben smiling.

"He'll be fine," Everant giving Ashton a poke in the tummy that makes him giggle.

"Alright," Evan taking Eve's hand, Daddy and Mommy will be in our dwelling."

"Be good," Eve calls back as Evan leads her inside.

Evan shuts the door for privacy and to keep Eve from trying to peek out and see what Ashton is up to. Evan pulls Eve's white tunic off of her.

"Sit," Evan points to the recliner.

Eve slips off her sandals and complies. Evan prepares a sandwich, fresh fruit and a glass of milk for Eve. The simpler the meal, the easier it is to get Eve to consume it and it causes less nausea. He's relieved Dr. Matos told her to do only half-days. It's hard to get her to stop working long enough to eat. And if he and Ashton didn't show up for her breaks, she wouldn't take them.

Evan has to keep the milk from Eve until she's eaten at least half the sandwich. If he gives it to her too soon, she'll eat the fruit, drink the milk and refuse to eat the sandwich. He's an excellent housemate. Eve barely has to lift a finger around the dwelling, which leaves her more time for sewing, needlework and data studying from the cave behind the falls. She enjoys making their clothes; from sheering the wool from the shoats, weaving the cloth, to putting her decorative little touches to the finished product.

"[May I have my milk]," asks Eve.

"[After you put down the sewing and take two more bites of your sandwich]," Evan answers.

"[You know I can come get it]," Eve cranky because she needs a nap.

"Yes, but you won't," Evan responds watching Ashton outside with his grandfathers, who are joined by Veioray, Adam and Dinya with Dirna. Dirna and Ashton crawl under the table to play a game.

Eve puts down her sewing to concentrate on her sandwich. Eve consumes four more bites just to make Evan happy. He hands her the milk and takes away what's left of the sandwich and drops it into Fluffy's dish.

Evan looks back out the window over the counter and sink. His fathers are standing looking off in the same direction. Concern on their faces. Evan can see Ben talking and Everant responds. Evan opens the window to hear.

"I hear you out there, whoever you are," Evan hears Ben call out, "Now come out or we'll come pull you out."

What Evan sees next, horrifies him so badly the hair going down his spine stands on end. His horror is so strong; it causes Eve to drop her glass of milk. The glass shatters.

"Soldiers," Evan answering before Eve can ask, "Human soldiers armed with laser rifles."

Everant, Ben, Adam, Veioray and Dinya have been ordered to put their hands in the air and freeze. Ashton and Dirna cling to each other under the table.

"No need for violence," Ben tries to assure the soldiers, "No one here is armed."

"I saw a woman and a Malyon enter that dwelling," one soldier tells another, "Go get them out first. Then we'll check the other dwellings and round up everyone else."

"One is coming here," Evan not sure what to do.

But Eve jumps up and runs off to the side of the door near the lavatory. She won't be immediately seen by anyone who comes through the door. The door is kicked open and the soldier walks in immediately focusing on Evan.

"Hands up," the soldier orders Evan.

"How dare you," Eve angry.

The soldier turns to face the voice, but he's not fast enough. Eve disarms him and sends him landing flat on his back. He tries to sit up, but Evan punches him in the face so hard, he falls unconscious.

Outside the other soldiers don't know what to do. They don't want to take their rifles off the five men. But the four soldiers' hesitation is Eve's advantage. She steps into the doorway and fires. Two of the soldiers turn to return fire, but they're too late. All four soldiers are now lying on the ground.

Cautiously, Eve steps out of the dwelling. Evan pulls the unconscious soldier inside their home to the doorway by his feet. Except for the two children crying under the table, everyone is silent. Eve can hear nervous shoats and squines stomping behind their dwelling. Eve hears a branch crack and whirls around. She is relieved to see Nate, Evma and Zezvor. Ben puts his hand up for them to stay put and they all nod their understanding and compliance.

"Mommy," Ashton calls from under the table.

"[Stay there, mother is making sure it is safe]," Eve wondering if there are more soldiers. And if yes, how many more. She's sure there's a battle cruiser orbiting the planet. She leans down to check the pulse of the first soldier she comes to.

Suddenly, a sixth soldier comes running around from behind a tree toward the back of Eve's dwelling. He thought Eve bending down to check a soldier on the ground was his chance to take her out. And he may have if Evan hadn't stepped out of the dwelling, grabbed his rifle from his hands and clocked him in the face with it. The soldier falls to the ground unconscious.

"I hope that's it," Eve afraid to let her guard down.

"I think that's it," Ben picking up a rifle, "Looks like a small scouting troop. I'm sure they were supposed to remain undetected."

"They didn't do very well," Everant comments.

"Where did they come from," asks Adam.

"Probably a battle cruiser in orbit," Veioray making a speculation Eve is sure of.

Adam looks up at the sky wondering. Evan collects the rifles and searches the soldiers for other weapons. All of which are piled neatly on the picnic table.

"This appears to be a communicator," Evan holding up an object.

"Yes," confirms Ben, "It's a VCD, video communication device."

"Let's tie them up," Eve worried, "I don't want anyone getting hurt." Eve's logic being if the soldiers aren't able to move, they can't hurt anyone and she and Evan won't have to do them any more harm.

"Someone needs to do a head check on the rest of the community," Evan concerned about those he can't see.

"I'll go," Veioray volunteers.

"Don't go alone," Eve orders.

"I'll go with you," Adam volunteers.

"Just have everyone come for a community meeting," Eve needs to see everyone just to make sure no one is missing or injured.

The soldiers are hog tied behind their backs. The one Evan punched in the face groans. There's a small pool of blood on the ground from his nose. Eve starts to feel better when she sees everyone is safe.

"So," Eve consults her father, Ben, "Do you think they're supposed to check in or wait for their CO to contact them?"

"It depends on the objective," answers Ben, "The unit leader would have that information. And I'm sure the unit leader is the woman who had the VCD. The CO would give her their orders."

"Dr. Matos," Eve wants the medical status of all the soldiers.

"He has a broken nose," Dr. Matos pointing to the one Evan punched in the face. He holds up the scan of the nose for Eve to see.

"Ouch," Eve looking at the scan, "John, this is worse than the broken nose you had," referring to the broken nose Zezna gave him years ago. She won't say Zezna's name out loud. No one will.

"This one has a hair-line fracture in his cheek," Dr. Matos pointing to the soldier Evan hit with his own rifle, "And the rest are pretending to still be unconscious. But all are in excellent health."

"Good," Eve responds, "Then they can all hear me…" Eve walks around to where the soldiers can lift their heads and see her, "I don't know why you're here. And we certainly haven't ever discussed how to proceed for an event such as this, because we hadn't anticipated such an occurrence. I certainly hoped my riflery skills were something I would never have a use for."

"Grateful I taught you now," Ben tells Eve.

"At the time I thought you were crazy for teaching me weaponry," Eve angry, but not at her father.

"To suddenly have the door of my home kicked in," Eve still working through her frustration, "and find myself having to disarm a soldier… You are a great disruption to our quiet peaceful little community, an unappreciated disruption.

Now," Eve continues, "I hope one of you will be cooperative and inform us to the purpose of your visit to our community."

The soldiers look at Eve, but say nothing.

"What do we do," ask Vor, "They won't tell us what we need to know."

"If I wasn't a doctor," Bob speaking up, "I'ld say persuade them to talk."

"[We cannot do such a thing]," Veioray shocked and alarmed by Dr. Matos suggestion.

"[We will not do such a thing]," Erin assures Veioray as she holds his arm.

"[We have their communication device]," Vor patting her infant's back, "[Maybe we should call their vessel and attempt to speak with their commander.]"

"[I agree with Vor]," Andon sitting on a picnic bench with Dr. Matos.

"[Look at their faces]," John request, "[They do not know what we are saying.]"

"[Good]," Eve sitting on a rock, "[Maybe one will panic.]"

"[The war]," Everant worried, "[it may still be in progress.]"

"[We have peace here]," Alma worried, "[We are no longer part of the war, and we want nothing to do with it.]"

"[We will be convicted of treason]," Andon afraid for her unborn.

"[I will not permit it]," Dr. Matos attempting to comfort Andon as he holds her hand.

"[We should contact their vessel]," Evan having thought over Vor's suggestion, "[before they send more soldiers to find them. They will surely be missing soon.]"

"[Agreed]," Jude standing next to Alma, who's holding Ashton.

"[Who will speak for us]," Eve ask, "[No commander will take me seriously, and I doubt highly they will respond well to a Malyon. Especially, if the war still continues.]"

Everant puts a hand a Ben's shoulder, "[You command authority when you speak. Besides, you may be remembered. Surely, they have record of you.]"

"[I was in demand for my engineering skills]," Ben tells Everant, "But that was over thirty years ago. [I must have been declared dead long ago.]"

Evan puts out his hand with the VCD for Ben, "[They will listen even if they do not remember.]"

Ben takes the VCD from Evan. He takes a moment to collect his thoughts before he actuates the communicator to speak.

"This is First Commander Benjamin Johnson of the exploration/science vessel, Encounter, RMC-1970. First don't worry. Your people are safe. I'm sure their IPCs (interpersonal communicator) will confirm that. Second, we have no intention of harming them and they are not hostages. But we are concerned for our safety."

There's no response for about forty-five seconds. But it feels like an eternity.

"Commander Johnson, this is Captain Kilani of the battle cruiser, War Cry, CLA-1986. The ozone on this planet is quite thick, plus interference from the planet's natural metals have made it difficult to scan this planet."

"Captain, is the war over," asks Ben.

"Technically, yes," the captain answers, "but relations are not good. There's a temporary peace treaty in place. Has been for fifteen years, but we've only been searching for dead and possible survivors on habitable worlds for the last ten."

"Is it customary now to send in armed soldiers with their weapons set to kill," asks Ben.

"No," the captain answers, "What happened?"

"They stormed in on us," Ben answers, "Luckily, no one sustained any life threatening injuries."

"Commander Johnson, I feel the need to come survey the situation for myself," the captain concerned, "Do you mind if I Molecular Transport down with my commander and doctor?"

"I think that would be wise," Ben responds.

"It will take a few minutes," the captain informs Ben, "due to the thickness of the ozone. Captain Kilani out."

"More company," comments Evan, "Let's hope our next guests will be more polite."

Captain Kilani, his first commander and the cruiser's doctor materialize in the clearing after about five minutes. Eve and Evan stand to greet their visitors, but their visitors walk right past them to Ben.

Captain Kilani puts out his hand, "Commander Johnson."

"Please, call me Ben," shaking the Captain's hand.

"This is First Commander Bigbear and Dr. Black," they shake Ben's hand as the captain introduces them. Then Ben leads them back over to where Eve and Evan are standing together.

"This is my daughter, Eve, and my son, Evan," Ben introduces them. The guests get a strange look on their faces when Ben calls Evan son, but they shake Evan's hand just as they did Eve. Their guests look even more confused when Ben walks away and retakes his seat at the picnic table leaving them standing with Eve and Evan. Their guests walk away from Eve and Evan to go back to Ben.

"No," Ben putting his hand up.

"We do not mean to cause you confusion," Eve speaks, "Our father, Ben was chosen to make first contact because he is someone you would have a record of that might be recognized. You certainly would have no record of myself. I was born here."

"You're not in charge here," Captain Kilani asks Ben.

Ben slowly shakes his head, "Nope," smiling, "I'm just a grandfather who enjoys a good game of chess with a friend, puttering in his garden and playing with his grandson."

"Who's in charge here," Captain Kilani asks.

"They are," Ben pointing to Eve and Evan, "This is their community."

The captain walks back over to Eve and Evan, "You are the leaders of this community?"

"In a manner of speaking, yes," Evan answers.

Eve explains, "We founded this community. So, naturally we have come to be seen as its heads. Everyone sitting down at the picnic table are our advisors: our parents, Ben and his wife, Jude, Everant and his life-mate, Alma. Then we have the community counselor and self-defense instructor, Charles Chan, historian, Veioray, who is also the life-mate of our sister, Erin," Eve points to Erin, who's sitting under a tree with some others, waves, "and valued elder, Andon, life-mate of Dr. Robert Matos."

"I'm sure they are concerned for the wellbeing of their people," Evan motions to Dr. Matos, "please, share your medical scans with Dr. Black."

Dr. Matos nods his compliance and Dr. Black follows him.

"The rest of our community," Eve motions to everyone else with her hand.

"May I asks why my troops are tied up like that," the captain asking.

"For their safety as well as our own," Evan answers.

"So, what happened," asks the captain.

"Father," Eve wants Ben to start.

Ben stands, "Everant and I were at the end of the table playing chess. Our grandson and another child, Veioray and two other males from the community were with us. We heard a noise out that way, but didn't see anyone. We heard it again. We thought it was the Three Musketeers over there," Ben points to Nate, Evma and Zezvor, "fooling around as kids their age do. So, I told them to come out or we'ld come get them. We were shocked when five armed soldiers ran out shouting, 'Hands up and don't make any sudden moves.' They had seen Eve and Evan enter their dwelling and that female ordered them brought out after which they planned to round up everyone else."

"The male with the broken nose kicked in our dwelling door," Evan picking up where Ben left off, "Eve disarmed him and I broke his nose and knocked him unconscious when I punched him in the face."

"I checked the rifle's setting after removing it from him," Eve picking things up, "It was set to kill. I reset it to stun. I shot these four stunning them. Then this one with the hair line fracture in his cheek bone ran out from his hiding place…"

"He was aiming his rifle at Eve," Evan disturbed by the thought of losing Eve, "So, I disarmed him and hit him in the face with the rifle rendering him unconscious."

Eve takes Evan's hand to comfort him, "It's a miracle no one was seriously injured," Eve tells the captain, "That one did get off a shot. We now have a dead squine… We have a peaceful community here. There are children running around playing. Our son was out here with his grandfathers playing with another child. We can't and won't have armed soldiers running about with their rifles set to kill."

"I am truly sorry," Captain Kilani apologizes, "Please, except my apology. This should not have happened. You shouldn't have even been aware of their presence."

"They did not do well at that," Everant comments.

"No, they did not," Captain Kilani agrees.

"Captain, we should go over the logs in their IPCs when we get back on board the ship," Commander Bigbear.

"We will," the captain responds.

"Logs in the IPCs," inquires Dr. Matos.

"Yes," Commander Bigbear turning to explain, "It became a standard function of the IPCs about twenty-five years ago. It serves the same purpose as a ship's flight recorder. It greatly simplifies investigations."

"We will take them back to the cruiser with us," Captain Kilani informs Eve and Evan.

"Would you like us to untie them before you depart," ask Evan.

"No," Kilani answers, "I'm sure they earned the position they're in right now. We'll do it after we're back aboard the cruiser."

Ashton runs up and puts his arms around Eve's waist, "Mommy, are they going back up to their space ship?"

"Yes, Sweetie," Eve answers.

"Your son I presume," Kilani smiling.

"Yes," Eve confirms.

"What's your name," asks Kilani.

"Ashton."

"How old are you," Kilani asks Ashton.

"Five."

"You're a big fella for five," Kilani smiles.

"Would you like to meet the other children," Eve asks.

Kilani smiles as he nods, "That would be a delight."

Eve signs for the children to come forward, "Dirna, she is four."

"They bad," Dirna tells the captain, "They make Ashton and I afraid and cry."

"It won't happen again, "Kilani assures Dirna, "I promise… She's the same size as your boy."

"Ashton's growth is a little slower than the growth of a Malyon child," explains Eve. Then she continues, "Our brother Nate, twelve. Our sister, Evma, eleven and our nephew, Zezvor, nine."

"Nine," Kilani shocked, "This boy is nine?"

"Correct," Eve confirms.

"We may need to ask more question," Captain Kilani informs Eve, "I'ld like you to keep the VCD you used to contact me so I can contact you."

"A visit under less stressful conditions would be appropriate," Eve tells Kilani.

"That would be nice," Kilani responds smiling, "Ensign Kelly, nine to transport."

"Ay, Captain," a voice responds.

"Before you go," Ben needing an answer, "What started the war? None of us here knows."

"None of you knows," Commander Bigbear surprised.

Everyone shakes their head no and comes forward to hear what started the war that stranded them on this planet.

"Our two species," Captain Kilani begins, "were just getting to know one another. A young Malyon male met a young human female," pointing to Evan and then Eve, "She became pregnant which prompted them to announce they were a couple and had every intention of being together. Their parents would not accept it and wanted to separate them, wanted the pregnancy terminated. This caused the couple to decide to take a shuttlecraft together to find a place to be together. Neither sets of parents found this acceptable and both sets of parents decided to fire on the shuttlecraft to disable it. They fired on the craft at the same time."

"The craft exploded," Evan putting a protective arm around Eve, "They were destroyed by their own parents."

"Yes," Captain Kilani confirms, "Things escalated from there with finger pointing and blaming. Before we knew it, we were in the middle of a war. Many people believe there will never be real peace between humans and Malyons."

"But here you are," Commander Bigbear smiles, "Proving the impossible, possible. A beautiful sight to behold."

"Refreshing," the captain agrees.

"Ready to transport," the voice from the cruiser announces.

"Engage transport," the captain orders.

Eve, Evan and their community watch them all dematerialize, as they are molecular transported back to their vessel orbiting the planet.

The next day, the VCD unit beeps on the counter in Eve and Evan's dwelling.

Evan answers the VCD, "Hello, Evan here."

"Evan, Captain Kilani here. Good-day to you, Sir."

"Good-day Captain," Evan returns his greeting, "What can we do for you?"

"We'ld like to come down for a visit," Captain Kilani shares, "It would just be myself, Commander Bigbear and Dr. Black."

"Acceptable," Evan responds, "We look forward to seeing you shortly."

"Thank you, Captain Kilani out."

Evan is sitting on a picnic bench with his back to the table. Ben is next to him trying to decide his next move for his chess game with Everant. The captain, commander and doctor materialize in the clearing. Evan stands and greetings are exchanged.

"Checkmate," Everant announces happily.

"Damn," Ben disappointed, "I didn't teach you chess so you could beat me."

Everant gets up and starts a happy dance. Ashton joins the dance.

"The table needs to be readied for lunch," Evan reminding his fathers, "Ashton are you staying with your grandfathers?"

"Yes, Daddy," Ashton answers.

"Be good," Evan tells Ashton, "and help out."

"I will," Ashton calls out.

"Eve is in the medical clinic," Evan tells his guests, "That's where we're headed."

"I hope Eve isn't ill," Captain Kilani inquires.

"No," Evan answers, "She's working."

"She assists Dr. Matos," Dr. Black inquires.

"They assist each other," Evan clarifies, "Eve is a highly skilled physician as well as a wonderful life-mate and mother. We all have a responsibility to ourselves and the other community members to do our part to make sure the community runs smoothly."

"What do you do," Commander Bigbear asks Evan.

"Besides serving as a community head with Eve," Evan answers, "I am what you would call a househusband, a very happy one. That's my primary responsibility. Eve becomes very entrenched in her work. There is very little going on here she's not involved in. I take care of her because she has a tendency to forget to take care of herself. Occasionally, I assist in the medical center by running tests on samples. I enjoy chemistry. And we have a research project we both devote a day to. But she and Ashton are my priority."

"You love her very much," Kilani comments.

"For me," Evan states, "Eve is the center of the universe… We're here."

Erin and Veioray come out of the clinic as Evan and the guests come up to the entrance.

"How are we doing," Evan asks.

"It's a girl," Erin beams.

"Wonderful," Evan giving Erin and Veioray each a hug. "They are expecting a new life," Evan informs their guests.

"Congratulations," Captain Kilani shakes their hands.

"Are they busy," Evan asks.

"No," Veioray answers, "but you know your life-mate. Bob is trying to shoo her out. You will be a good distraction."

Evan motions for his guests to follow him inside.

"Eve, I can take care of this," Dr. Matos is telling her, "Go have lunch and get some rest."

"It will only take me a few minutes," Eve insist.

"And then you'll find something else that needs your attention," Dr. Matos reminds her, "Plus, you came in early this morning."

Eve has something else to say, but Evan calls her, "Eve…we have visitors."

"Welcome," Eve now distracted from her work in the clinic, "Welcome back," shaking the visitors hands.

"You seem to be a bit of a workaholic," Kilani comments.

"Yes," Eve admits, "I have a tendency to lose myself in my work."

"You have a nice little medical center here," Dr. Black compliments.

"Thank you," Dr. Matos responds.

"Where did the equipment come from," Commander Bigbear asks.

"We salvaged most of it from the crashed vessels," answers Eve, "After a productor in the shuttle-bay of our father, Ben's, old vessel was repaired we duplicated what couldn't be salvaged for the medical center or to build dwellings."

"Well part of the reason for our visit," Captain Kilani not wanting to darken the mood, "is we wanted you to know the data retrieved from the IPC logs confirmed everything you told us."

"Did you expect something different," asks Evan.

"No," Kilani answers, "but we thought you would like to know the whole story," following Evan and Eve outside, "Why they stormed into your village, etc."

"Continue," Eve request.

"It was only supposed to be a simple reconnaissance mission to gather information and survey the situation," Captain Kilani explains, "They were supposed to stay at least 25 meters from the perimeter of your village at all times and their weapons were to be set on stun. But after they set up their surveillance equipment and saw Malyons together with humans, they got ideas in their heads regarding traitors and enemies and medals and promotions for themselves as well as a hero's welcome for themselves… What bothers me most is I know people who would have praised them for what they planned and would have turned a blind eye to the deaths of innocent people."

"What makes you different," asks Evan.

"I have no appreciation for war," Captain Kilani shares, "Most of us don't. Before war broke out between our two species, humans hadn't been involved in a war for nearly a thousand years. The military had become a way of making sure troubled teens finished high school and learned discipline. Then it joined forces with NASA and I'm sure you know the rest. It became about exploring the stars."

"That's who we really are," Commander Bigbear adds, "explorers."

"But until everyone learns our two species can co-exist peacefully," Dr. Black's addition, "We're stuck on call for a war that should never have begun in the first place and could restart any moment."

"Have you had the midday meal yet," Eve asks.

"What," Kilani asks.

"The midday meal," Eve repeats, "Have you eaten it yet?"

"Lunch," Kilani says, "No, we haven't."

"You'll join us then," Evan asks.

"Yes, we'ld like that," Kilani accepts looking at the people of the community arriving at the picnic table, each carrying a dish.

"I'll get our dish," Eve smiles.

"If only everyone could see this," Kilani watching everyone come together, "your people and mine."

"It wouldn't necessarily change anything," Evan responds, "Some people insist on being ignorant and prejudice. They simply love to hate and there's nothing that will cause them to have a change of hearts."

"Then we start with those who will listen," Kilani states.

"You've scanned our planet," Evan states, "What did you find?"

"We found the two crashed vessels first," Kilani answers, "Then we scanned for survivors. There are three communities of people. Yours was the first we decided to investigate. We haven't gone near the other two yet."

"I'll tell you who's there," Evan looking north, "Directly north of us is Eve's old village. No Malyons live there; just the rest of the survivors from the Encounter and their children, all of whom were born here on this planet… Also to the north, but on the west side of the river, is my old community. No humans live there. Only the rest of the survivors from the battle cruiser and their children, all of whom were born here on this planet… Both know we are here. We've had visitors from both sides. Most have come out of curiousity or to tell our parents how sorry they feel for them."

"So we tell them to go to hell," adds Ben.

"Most have left unchanged," Evan continues, "The peace and harmony we have here fails to make an impression on those that prefer ignorance and prejudice. We've had to ask a couple of visitors to leave. More than one has become violent. We ask these never to return."

"I'm ashamed my father was one of them," Adam admits, "We actually came down because my little sister had become ill and it wasn't clearing up. We were surprised because we didn't know about Evan. We just knew Eve left our village because she was pregnant. The thought that the father was a Malyon from the other side of the river never enter our heads as a possibility. My father couldn't accept it. He just exploded one day and attacked Eve and Evan. Eve nearly dropped Ashton. I thought Evan was going to beat him to death because my father wouldn't stop. Then Ben got here, punched him dead in the face and told him to leave and never came back."

"It hasn't been easy for you," Dr. Black comments.

"No," Eve responds, "but the unity and support we have here, the love, the peace and harmony are all worth it."

"It's not going to get any easier," Kilani tells them, "the troops from yesterday are all in the brig. But you're not a secret anymore. What we discover the rest of the human population learns. Plus, as part of the treaty we have with the Malyons, we're required to inform them of Malyon survivors."

"We'll be blown off the face of the planet by some prejudice fool who's convinced himself it's the right thing to do," Ben afraid for all their lives, "They'll shout some ignorant crap about racial purity like they did during the 20th and 21st centuries on earth."

"We won't let anyone blow you off the planet," Commander Bigbear assures them.

"We've already put in a request to be your protectors," Captain Kilani shares, "Yesterday's incident is proof you'll need protection and we'ld be honored to provide it."

"Has your request been approved," Alma asks.

"Not yet," Kilani responds, "We'll know tomorrow."

"No sense in worrying over something we have no control over," Jude tells everyone, "Let's just enjoy our meal."

Conversation during the meal centers on the children and unborns. It is clear to Captain Kilani, Commander Bigbear and Dr. Black that this is a close-knit community of people who have made the best of things. And even though, the opportunity has arrived for them to leave and go to a life where machines prepare all their food and make all their clothes, none of them has any desire to leave. Not even Erin, who's never been a down to earth person like Eve. She cannot imagine herself any happier than she is here with Veioray and their son, Zezvor.

The meal winds down and things start to get quiet as families start to leave to attend to their other daily duties and tasks. Eve is obviously overdue for a nap. She fed nearly half her meal to Fluffy under the picnic table. Evan saw but decided not to say anything. Her appetite was better than usual and it will improve once the nausea stage of the pregnancy passes.

"Excuse us," Evan standing and taking Eve's hand, "but I need to put my life-mate down for a nap. She forgets a woman in her present condition needs to get an appropriate amount of rest."

Eve wants to protest, but decides not to because Evan didn't say anything to her about feeding half her meal to Fluffy under the table. The table is down to the visitors, Eve and Evan's parents, Dr. Matos and Andon. Playing with Ashton in the clearing are Zezvor, Evma, Nate and Mr. Chan, who loves all the children as if they were his own. He gives them all the love and attention he'll never be able to show his own son.

"How old are Eve and Evan," Commander Bigbear asks.

"Eve is twenty-five," Jude answers.

"And Evan will be twenty-eight soon," Alma finishes.

"They're so young," Dr. Black surprised, "to have made a life-time commitment at such a young age and started a family too.

"They seem much older and wiser than their years," Commander Bigbear's observation.

"They are," Andon assures their guest, "They have achieved a level of wisdom most do not know is possible of achieving."

"What I admire most," Dr. Matos shares, "is that they both maintain an innocent quality about them… It's a childlike innocence. They have each managed to protect a part of themselves from being damaged by the harsh realities of life."

"Tell me," Captain Kilani request, "Doesn't it bother any of you to have someone so young boss you around?"

Ben laughs, "Sir, this may not be a democracy, but it most certainly is not a dictatorship. Eve and Evan came here so they wouldn't cause trouble between the two villages, which succeeded. We've had problems from the other two villages, but not they with each other. And they came for Ashton's sake. No telling how that child would have to suffer if he was being raised in one village or the other."

"We care deeply for them," adds Alma, "Ashton is a great joy. We all want what's best for him as much as they do."

"We want to be part of their lives," Jude shares, "They explained the environment they wanted to provide for Ashton. It was more thought out and reasonable than when we decided to become parents. They didn't make demands. We agreed to do what was best for Ashton and them too."

"They don't go around giving orders to people," Everant sharing his thoughts, "They're not bossy nor concerned with feeling powerful. When decisions need to be made that could or would affect the majority or all the community, they consult all of us as well as other community members, everyone if necessary. And if something was a bad idea, they have no trouble admitting they were wrong."

"Evan has no trouble admitting they were wrong," Dr. Matos smiling, "Eve hates to be wrong. Not that it happens very often, but when it happens, you can almost see her skin crawl."

"So, none of you is troubled by letting two people that lack significant life experience lead you," Kilani asks.

"Sir," Dr. Matos delivered Eve, "Eve and Evan are not typical young people. Neither is self-absorbed, flippant nor indecisive… I'ld love to tell you their IQ, because I've tested both of them, but I can't because it's too high to measure. They're both off the scale. I've been keeping a case study on Eve since she was nine months old. After her first word turned into mini sentences. By the time she was twelve months, she sounded like a miniature adult walking around the village asking questions. And not the dreaded 'Why?' all children asks repeatedly."

"Having the bare facts wasn't enough for Eve," Jude explains, "She needed to understand and she would keep asking different questions until it made sense to her then she would nod."

"What was Evan like," Dr. Black asks his parents curious.

"Quiet," Everant answers, "too quiet."

"He didn't say anything," Alma explains, "We began to think something was wrong. Not a word until after he was three years old. He could speak, but he hadn't felt like speaking. Said he liked to watch us. He still didn't usually have much to say after we knew he could speak. We'ld ask a question and he would get upset because he was busy watching."

Captain Kilani shakes his head. He just doesn't get it. He just doesn't understand.

"If someone here were to be bothered as you asked," Andon speaking slowly because her English is still a bit broken, "It would be me… I am one hundred twenty years. My position in old community was Malvoreckt, much responsibility, much power and much prestige, but very little joy. Here is joy because they build out of love. Not for power or prestige nor to impossibly high ideals, simply for family."

"Captain," Dr. Matos speaking back up, "Eve and Evan know they're smarter than all of us put together at this table. Yet, they still see us as equals and value our points of view because they know we have years of experience they don't have. We're in good hands. They have things figured out that still have me baffled."

"Once you know them as we do, you will understand," Andon assures the visitors.

Evan comes back out and sits on the bench with his back to the table. He looks burdened.

"Everything alright," asks Alma.

"She's sleeping, but not comfortably," Evan responds, "She won't admit it, but she's afraid… I can't blame her. I have concerns too. We've had enough with surprise visits from the other two communities. Occasionally we get a convert, but now. Now we're going to have two whole planets full of people to worry about."

"You're definitely going to find yourselves under the microscope so to speak," Commander Bigbear being honest.

"Let's talk about something happy and positive," request Jude.

"Ashton," Ben calls him to the table, "Ashton, tell Captain Kilani about the baby."

"Mommy's having my baby," Ashton starts.

"Yes," Kilani responds, "she did look a little pregnant to me."

"She is pregnant," Ashton continues," But it's taking too long. Daddy made a chart to count down to when my baby will be born. It will take 22 to 24 weeks all together. Mommy is ten weeks now so I still have to wait twelve to fourteen more weeks for my baby to be born. And it's not fair; Dirna's baby is only taking twenty weeks. Her mother is eighteen weeks, so she only has two more weeks to wait for her baby. But I'm lucky Mommy and Daddy aren't both human."

"Why is that," ask Dr. Black.

"Human babies take 37 to 40 weeks to be born," Ashton explains, "I don't think I could wait that long."

"Are you getting a brother or a sister," asks Kilani.

"I don't know," Ashton cutting his eyes at Evan, "Mommy and Daddy have decided they want to wait and be surprised when my baby is born. So I have two things to wait for: to learn if my baby's a boy or a girl and for it to be born. It's not fair."

"Many things are not fair," Evan reminding Ashton of a previous conversation.

"I know," Ashton responds, "I remember. So all we can do is adapt as best we can… But could you and Mommy ask me before you decide to make another baby? I want to make sure I like this one first."

"I'll discuss it with your mother," Evan responds somewhat amused. He'll talk to Eve too, and they'll have a pleasant laugh about it.

"Is there anything else you need to know," Ashton asks Captain Kilani.

"I think you've covered everything," Kilani responds, "Very informative, thank you."

"You're welcome," Ashton pleased to be of service, "If you have any questions, just ask. And there's no such thing as a stupid question, because you don't know until you ask. And if you don't ask, you may never know."

"Excellent advice," Kilani smiles.

"I'll be over there if you need me," Ashton leaves the table to resume playing.

"He is simply delightful," Kilani with a big toothy grin.

"Yes," Evan agreeing with pride, "Remembers everything you tell him word-for-word… I know our parents were concerned. Humans usually don't' start families until their late 30s, early 40s. Malyons often wait till their mid-60s, if they decide to have children at all. And unplanned on top of our young age. Unplanned pregnancies happen next to never for humans, and just never for Malyons… He's the greatest blessing we never asked for."

"Is this second pregnancy planned," asks Dr. Black.

"No," Evan smiling as he watches Ashton tackle one of Zezvor's long legs.

"I think you're the most content man I've ever met," Commander Bigbear states.

"Content," Evan responds, "but not complacent. Eve and I are both aware of our lack of experience and our own shortcomings. And we hope by the time we are middle-aged, we have concurred most of the shortcomings that plague our characters."

A disturbed look comes over Evan's face, "Excuse me," standing and leaving the table.

"What is the worry," Alma asking absent-mindedly in her own language with no intention of being rude.

"I think Eve is having a nightmare," answers Evan just before entering the dwelling. Inside Eve is curled up in the recliner with Fluffy. Evan slides into the recliner behind Eve and slides his arms around her. The anxiety he felt from his life-mate disappears.

Back outside, the guests look at each other perplexed by what Evan just said. Dr. Matos explains bonding, how it connects the two life-mates and how it allows them to sense each other's feelings. They'll have to consult with Eve to get more detailed theories on how it works.

The visitors spend the entire day. The treat that evening as a story telling from Ben assisted by Eve and Erin. They put on quite a show. Then they end the evening with dancing. Commander Bigbear cuts in on a dance between Evan and Eve.

"I didn't know Malyons could be so festive," Commander Bigbear tells Eve.

"Yes, they can. Evan loves music and dancing," Eve shares.

"You're quite happy here," Bigbear observation.

"Extremely happy," Eve smiling.

"It's easy to see why," Bigbear looking around, "You have yourselves your own little paradise."

There's good news the next day. Captain Kilani's request to be the protectors of Eve and Evan's little community has been approved. And they will pay the human village a visit. There will be no visit to Eve and Evan's little hamlet today. Captain Kilani will keep them informed via the VCD. Eve and Evan are in the middle of preparing the evening meal together when the VCD beeps.

"Eve here," her voice activating the VCD.

Eve doesn't notice the light in Commander Bigbear's face at the sight of her, "Eve, good to see you."

"Good evening, Commander," Eve returns his greeting.

"Just calling to inform you about our meeting in your old village to the north of you," Evan steps up behind Eve to listen and the light in Bigbear's face dims at the sight of Evan. Eve doesn't notice but Evan does. The commander continues, "We didn't want to send for a transport vessel until we were sure we had survivors that wanted to leave. You've all been on this planet a long time and continued your lives accordingly. When we found no one in your community desired rescue, except from our overzealous surveillance unit, it was possible all of them were as content in the new lives they built for themselves as all of you are."

"Reasonable thinking," Eve responds.

"How this affects your community," Bigbear continues, "is the transport won't arrive for eight months, during that time a couple of the young people, whose parents wish to leave, will reach 18. They don't want to leave and have expressed an interest in relocating to your community."

"We would have to interview them in order to ensure they're appropriate for our community. If appropriate," Evan explains, "they would have to agree to counseling and tolerance training to assist them in adapting to our community."

"I will inform them of your conditions," Commander Bigbear, "I have one more thing. We have been asked to make contact with the Malyon community and offer them transportation off the planet. The nearest Malyon transport vessel is about a year away. They would need to leave on our transport when it arrives and it would rondaivue with theirs. It's the quickest way to get any of them that might possibly wish to leave to return to their home world. But the Captain and I don't think it's a good idea for three strange humans to just materialize in the middle of their village. Not to mention the fact our translator's ill. But we feel it would be a good idea to have a couple of familiar faces with us who also speak both languages."

"We agree," Eve responds, "But even on squine it's three weeks one way. And we need to discuss who's not only the best to go, but also willing to go. Andon would be perfect but she's going to deliver within the next week."

The commander smiles as he responds, "We could molecular transport those chosen to go onto the ship and from the ship to the Malyon community. It would only take a couple of minutes to do the transporting. We could leave first thing in the morning and have you home long before dark."

Eve looks back and up into Evan's eyes. He nods and Eve answers, "Acceptable, we will have volunteers ready for you in the morning."

"Good, we'll see you tomorrow. Commander Bigbear out."

"[He is attracted to you]," Evan's observation, "[Too bad for him you are unavailable.]"

"[Who?]" Eve is just not as observant about other people the way Evan is.

"Commander Bigbear," Evan matter of factly.

"Commander Bigbear," Eve repeats in disbelief. She shakes her head, "[Daha.]"

"[Ahda]," Evan nodding.

Eve doesn't believe him, "[If he is, does it bother you?]"

"[Daha]," Evan shakes his head.

"[Why not]," Eve asks, "[Have you begun to take me for granted?]"

"[Daha]," Evan shaking his head, "[But if we were not life-mates, I would be worried and jealous. Before we became life-mates, I would worry until I was sick to my stomach. I wanted to rip Adam's heart from his chest every time he followed you to the river. And that was before I fell on you.]"

"[And now]," asks Eve.

"[And now]," Evan answers, "[I am a happy, satisfied man, who is glad Adam's interest is now Rond.]"

"[She is a nice young woman]," Eve comments.

"[Yes]," Evan responds, "[and I need not trouble myself with ripping his heart from his chest.]"

Eve hears a touch of genuine jealousy in Evan's voice even though she barely feels it. She decides to change the subject and put the conversation back on track, "[We should go tomorrow and take Ashton.]"

"[Agreed]," Evan nodding, "[A child's presence will assure we have come in peace. Andon is a must and our father, Everant.]"

"[Agreed]," Eve responds, "[I think our sister, Evma should go also. She would be helpful with keeping an eye on Ashton.]"

Evan nods, "[Agreed. After the evening meal, I'll go talk with our parents. You speak with Andon and Robert.]"

Eve nods in agreement, then calls Ashton inside.

Midmorning the next day, they're waiting for the captain and commander to molecular transport into the middle of their community.

"What's taking so long," asks Ashton impatient as usual.

"Patience son," Evan tells him, "They'll be here soon."

"Will they allow us to see our planet from their ship," asks Ashton.

"You can ask them," Eve answering this question for the second time.

Captain Kilani and Commander Bigbear materialize in the clearing and greetings are exchanged. Eve and Evan explain who's going and why. Captain Kilani and Commander Bigbear are a little worried about having children along because they feel there is a potential for violence. But Evan explains the presence of children is proof they come in peace to his people and that they will do all within their power to keep from exposing their own children to violence. They except this from Evan, confident he would not take his, pregnant life-mate, son, and younger sister into a potentially violent or life threatening situation.

"May we see our planet from your ship," Ashton asks tugging at the captain's sleeve.

"Yes, you may," Captain Kilani answers, "We can visit the observation lounge. There is an excellent view of your planet from there."

"Is everyone situated," Commander Bigbear asks. Nods of affirmation are his response.

"Eight to transport," the captain speaks.

"Aye, Captain," a voice responds from the ship.

"Engage transport," Captain Kilani commands.

"Engaging transport," the voice responds.

A tingling sensation runs through Eve's body, there's an absence of sound and all she can see is black and white snow, as if the transmission from her eyes has been interrupted. She can't feel her fingers or toes and she can't feel Evan. Then all at once everything is reintegrated and she's standing on the transport pad of the ship.

Captain Kilani steps off the transport pad, "Welcome, to the starship War Cry."

"We have a few minutes before we're in position to transport to the Malyon village," Commander Bigbear stepping off the transport pad.

"We'll wait in the observation lounge," Captain Kilani leading the way. The officer who operated the transport controls tries not to stare as they leave the transportation chamber.

"We can see our planet from there," Ashton just checking as he catches up to the captain and takes his hand.

"Yes," the captain confirms.

Crewmembers stop and stare as they walk through the corridor. Evan's hand gives Eve's a reassuring squeeze.

"Pay them no mind," Commander Bigbear tells them, "We're a battle cruiser. We don't get many visitors."

They follow the captain through a door that slides open automatically as he steps up to it. Inside are a bar, tables and chairs and along the outside wall is a window, a rather huge window that runs the entire length of the wall. The captain walks Ashton up to the window.

Ashton puts his hands on the window; his mouth hangs agape with speechlessness as he stares out.

Eve and Evan step up to the window together. Eve puts her hands over her heart as she beholds their home world for the first time from space with Evan. She and Evan can't help putting a hand on the window as if their small children like Ashton.

"It's beautiful," Eve utters staring at the sphere that is her planet. She marvels at the swirls of white clouds over the three jade oceans, the snowcapped mountains, forest of red and blue leaved trees, fields of fluorescent yellow grass and black sand beaches.

"This continent is yours," Commander Bigbear pointing.

Eve settles back into Evan's arms to gaze at their continent. To the north is a range of huge white-capped mountains. The continent is the biggest of the planet's four continents. Eve and Evan can hear whispers from a couple of groups of people hanging out near the bar. But they pay it no mind as they enjoy the view of their planet.

"I haven't been able to get over the way your continent is tiered," Commander Bigbear shares, "The first or uppermost tier comes out from the base of the mountains and is the largest. Your old villages are on it. The tier you live on now and the one below it are the narrowest. The final and lowest tier slopes down slightly until it becomes these black sand beaches. It's as if it was landscaped."

"It was," Evan reveals.

"You're kidding," Captain Kilani disbelieving.

"No," Everant assures, "they're not."

Eve explains, "The original inhabitants of our world were into achieving perfection. They even sought to achieve perfection for themselves through genetic manipulation."

"So, what happened to them," asks Captain Kilani.

"Technically speaking," Evan answers, "They're extinct."

"How do you to know all this," asks Commander Bigbear.

"Special project," answers Evan, "We've been working on it for over five years."

"We're being rude host," Commander Bigbear, "Can we get you anything?"

"Ice water," Eve answers.

"The same," Evan responds.

"What do you have," asks Everant.

"Come to the bar with me," Captain Kilani request of Everant, "I'm sure we have something you'll like. Join us Andon?"

Andon nods and follows them to the bar.

"It feels funny here," Evma rarely complains.

"The gravity generators simulate Earth's gravity," explains Commander Bigbear, "The gravity you're used to is a bit heavier. That is you're a little lighter here… I'll be right back. I need to order your ice waters."

A minute later a young woman comes over carrying a tray with drinks, "Your ice water… And I thought the children might like some cool-aide."

"Cool aide," Evan questions.

"It's a fruit flavored drink," the woman explains, "These are grape flavored."

Eve picks up one of the glasses with deep purple liquid in it and takes a sip. She furrows her brow at it, "It's very sweet." She hands the glass to Evan who takes a sip himself. He nods in agreement, "Very sweet," and he passes the glass down to Ashton. Then hands the other to Evma.

"Will I like it," asks Ashton.

"No one will know until you taste it," Evma tells Ashton. Then she tastes her drink, "I know of no fruit this sweet. What flavor did you call it?"

"Grape," the young woman answers.

"What's a grape," Ashton asks taking his first sip of cool-aide.

"Its' a small round fruit that grows in clusters on a vine," explains the young woman, "I'll get you some so you can see."

The young woman walks away. Then two young male soldiers walk up to Eve and Evan.

"You're Eve," asks one.

"Yes," Eve answers.

"So, you're why our friends are in the brig," the other states.

"No," Eve responds, "their own error in judgment put them there."

"That's not what our friends told us," the first responds.

"What exactly did your friends tell you," Commander Bigbear from behind the two young men.

The two young men stand at attention, but don't answer. So Eve answers for them, "They seem to be under the impression I caused their friends' imprisonment. I was attempting to explain their own error in judgment caused this."

"I don't think they really care," Evan states, "Ignorant people always seem to believe their troubles are always someone else's fault."

"Your friends are very ungrateful," anger in Commander Bigbear's voice, "This woman is why they're alive instead of in their graves. Would you have preferred that?"

"Sir, no, Sir," the angry young soldiers grit through their teeth.

"Then you should be grateful as well," Commander Bigbear with authority, "Now, I'm sure you have something better to do than annoy our guests."

"Sir, yes, Sir," then they leave the lounge.

"I'm sorry about that," Commander Bigbear apologizes, "The young soldiers, like them, grew up with the war. They don't know peace, and for many it's a word that has no meaning."

"How sad," Evan expressing his and Eve's feelings.

"To know only war and hate," Eve finishing for Evan.