May I Enjoy My Life, Entry 25

Entry 29, Day 61

I woke up first, which is a bit unusual. Usually, Sussurro is the first up in the mornings. I lay there for a bit, watching her sleep by the light of the alarm clock. She looked peaceful, rested, and absolutely beautiful. I was tempted to caress her, just to make sure she was still there, but I just watched her breathe. 

The last couple of days had been hard, obviously. My ass was still sore, for one thing, but more the anguish of thinking I’d lost her, then making up in rather glorious fashion yesterday.

Then, getting in another fight. 

I’m not taking birth control. 

I mulled that over in my mind. To be perfectly honest, I’d never really thought about having kids. I mean, I generally like kids alright, but I wouldn’t choose to go into pediatrics. As for kids of my own, I guess I figured they’d happen eventually? And yeah, now that I stopped and thought about it, those kids would be with Sussurro in my ideal world. 

And yet…even as I lay there, I hurt all over. I was half blind, half crippled, and probably completely disabled from a medical standpoint if I thought about it. That all probably wasn’t changing either. If anything, it was going to get worse, even if I was much more careful from now on. Which I did intend to be. I might be an idiotic, self-sacrificing martyr, but even I was figuring out that if I kept this up I was going to be dead, and not only would I not help anyone that way, but what about Sussurro? That would break her heart, and I couldn’t stand the thought of that. 

It did hurt that Sussurro had lied to me, but I was still so relieved I couldn’t really be that upset at her. I mean, I still was mad, but I took a leaf out of my parents' book when it came to that. I’d never seen them fly off the handle at one another. They fought at times, but my dad had told me a long time ago that when he got mad at mom, he stepped away, did some chores, and then came back, and they talked it out, because they loved one another. When I was older, he also told me with a twinkle in his eye that the best sex was after an argument, but my dad is that kind of rascal. 

What hurt more, actually, was when Sussurro had stood up and yelled at me. I could see how much it hurt her, and it was honestly hard to have her scream at me. Not that I couldn’t handle getting yelled at, only to see that much anger from someone I loved directed at me. And then she’d sent me  her nudes and practically jumped me. Not that I didn’t appreciate all that, it was great, but going from tsuntsun to deredere that fast was really confusing. 

Eventually, Sussurro did wake up. She smiled at me and gave a groggy, “Good morning,” before getting up to use the bathroom. I checked my phone, then sat up when I saw a message from Gavial. I read it, then called, “Lucia, Gavial’s going on an away mission, starting tomorrow.”

“Oh? Did she say where?” Lucia called back. 

“No, but I bet she’s going to save the underground Durin City from the files Doktah read,” I told Sussurro as I heard the toilet flush. 

“Ah, more weird alien knowledge. At least it’s being put to good use,” she said, turning the shower on. “Are we allowed to report in today?”

“Well, Warfarin also messaged me demanding that I come in for her to check my levels again.” I stepped into the bathroom to do my own business while Sussurro showered. While shower sexytimes are fun, they are also trash at performing the intended function of cleaning yourself off, so I figured we’d hold off on that. 

“Not a bad idea,” Sussurro agreed. “I also want your balance checked. You’ve been stumbling a lot.”

“It’s my vision,” I said, but sighed and nodded my head. “Not a bad idea, though. Probably some oripathy induced arthritis too.”

We chatted while I took my own turn in the shower, then headed over to the hospital. Texas was waiting for us along with Beagle, who smiled and nodded. 

“Uh, before we go, maybe I should say something to Lemuel,” I said, rubbing myself where she’d shot me two days ago. 

“She is on another assignment,” Texas said, and for once, her stoic expression broke, her ears wilting and her tail drooping. She even looked teary-eyed. 

“What? Why, what happened?” I demanded, suddenly worried. 

“James, she shot you,” Lucia said gently, taking my arm. 

“Yeah, but she’s shot me in the ass before. Well, granted, she didn’t use real bullets, but I didn’t blame her!” I protested. 

Beagle looked a little incredulous, but Texas shook her head. “She has been reassigned. She will be accompanying Dr. Gavial to Sargon for a mission.”

“Oh,” I considered that. I would miss Exusiai, but her going to Ideal City and having fun racing go-carts was probably a good idea. “Well, that’s important, without her, a lot of Durans could die. I guess Doktah is acting on that intel faster than we thought.”

“Yes,” Texas said. “We will have a chance to bid them farewell tonight. I have arranged to secure Frankies for a private party.”

That lifted my spirits somewhat, and we headed off to the hospital. I expected to be put to work, but no sooner did we walk through the elevator than a manic vampire popped out of nowhere leering at us. 

“So, got yourself caught in a lovers tryst, did you, Dr. McCoy?” Warfarin said, and I swear to God, the lights in the hallway dimmed, and bloody winged bats started flitting around. Texas instantly went on alert, as Warfarin swayed forward, her fangs bared. “Now, I tolerate a lot of things, but interns breaking the heart of my favorite doctor and pet Sankta are where I draw the line.”

Wait, she was pissed at me?! “Hold on! I-”

“Warfarin, he’s innocent,” Lucia said, stepping in front of me. “It’s a weird alien knowledge thing. Do you have the clearance for that?”

The lights flickered a little brighter, and Warfarin paused, the bats flitting about her head. “Hold on, you’re not trying to murder him, Lucy?”

“Don’t call her Lucy, she hates that,” I said in exasperation.

Warfarin blinked at me, then at Sussurro, who was glaring at her. “Ok, I’m starting to think that maybe I misread the situation when I heard Lucy and Lemmy pissed at you and you’d been shot in the ass.”

“Didn’t I just tell you not to call her Lucy?” I growled in irritation. Sussurro had confided to me how much she hated the nickname, and it really ground my gears that Warfarin was so blatantly using it. 

“I heard you the first time, lover boy, but the problem is it’s too fun to annoy her,” Warfarin snorted. “I-”

I stepped forward and loomed over Warfarin. She looked up at me, raising an eyebrow. “Seriously? If you’re trying to intimidate me, good luck. I’ve had Goliath’s loom over me and they’re a lot scarier than you, dweeb.”

“Knock it off, or no more data,” I said, folding my arms over my chest.

Warfarin paused. “You can’t do that.”

“I can’t, but I bet Kal’tsit can. Sussurro is just as capable as you of running research into my abilities,” I said. 

“The hell she is! I’m the best damn medical researcher and chemist ALIVE! Your girlfriend is good, Bones, but I’m the one who trained her, and I assure you that the apprentice has NOT surpassed the master!” Warfarin snarled. Then she peeked around me. “So, like, he didn’t two time you with Exusiai?”

“No, Warfarin. He just said something stupid he should have kept to himself, but we’ve forgiven him,” Lucia said with a sigh. 

“Hmph.” Warfarin planted her feet again, and tapped her foot. Then she threw up her hands. “Ok! Fine! Ugh, come on Lucia.”

“Dr. Sussurro,” Lucia insisted. 

“Don’t push your luck, kid. My irreverent attitude is a part of my many charms. Now get your asses to the lab, I have tests to run.”

What followed was a lot of me peeing in cups, getting blood drawn, and going through complicated medical machines. Some of them didn’t even exist on Earth so I had fun conversations about how an Arts Analyzer worked or the benefits of an Originium Wave Scan had versus an X-Ray or Ultrasound. 

Well, fun for me, this stuff was really interesting, but also highly technical and I don’t feel like writing it all up. Suffice to say, I was in the running to be the most documented and examined human since Bryan Johnson. 

In between tests, they had me go heal a couple of hurry cases and collect more data on that. Warfarin observed me as I healed up someone they’d brought in who’d literally been chewed on by a mangler beast, which I learned was some sort of sabertoothed bear. Terra just loves to surprise you with new and interesting ways to kill you dead. 

“Dammit, I just can’t catch how you’re even doing that!” Warfarin complained as she furiously wrote on her clipboard. Actual paper. She’s a bit old fashioned in some ways, and that includes taking paper notes and keeping paper records. 

“I mean, I don’t even know how I’m doing it,” I admitted as I reknit muscle and bone, sort of making a sewing motion with my hands. 

“Well, walk me through it! I want to learn how to do this, dammit! I used to have some of the best healing arts around,” Warfarin explained. 

“Well, I sort of…I dunno, just envision how it should look, and then sort of…weave it back together? It’s like I have a blueprint in my head, and I just…make it so?” I commented. The patient was sedated, but Sussurro and Warfarin were with me, along with Myrtle, since someone needed to know how to hook the patient up to an IV. 

“That’s not how arts is supposed to work! You’re supposed to channel energy into amplifying a natural biological effect, not growing more tissue!” Warfarin said, furiously scribbling on her pad. 

“What matters is that it does work. Perhaps we can find a way to emulate this sort of arts, because it would be very useful to supplement traditional healing arts,” Sussurro said.

“Hrm,” Warfarin growled, then grabbed me. “Alright, drain him, Myrtle. I’m trying to figure out how much originium he uses for those healings.”

“You got it!” Myrtle agreed, and I groaned as she pulled another bit of blood. It made me feel a bit lightheaded, so they had me sit and drink some juice and eat some snacks, which isn’t all bad. 

“You know, your ability with this sort of arts is almost more valuable than your ability to cure oripathy,” Sussurro told me as we sat in the breakroom. 

“Don’t get his head too swelled, he’s already one miracle cure, he doesn’t need to be another,” Warfarin said, frowning at her notes. 

“I mean, she’s sort of right,” Myrtle pipped up. “Curing Oripathy is super impressive, but being able to cure wounds and make new organs is also really cool!” 

“It’s more useful on a battlefield,” Texas commented, and I glanced at her. 

“You really think I belong on a battlefield?” I asked her.

“No. But you keep ending up on them anyway,” she said with a shrug. 

“Point,” I muttered. “Hey, aren’t I supposed to do some training and stuff?”

“You’ve got PT scheduled for the afternoon,” Warfarin said looking up from her notes. “Water based. I got the results of your balance test, and the X-rays. Your inner ear on your right side is fucked up. Might need to start using a cane.”

“Super,” I sighed. 

After healing a couple of operators who came in with battle wounds, stable and safe after transport, I just saved them some recovery time, it was time for PT. First came my hand. We tried various exercises and the physical therapist walked me through things I could do to try to restore my range of motion, which hurt like hell, but I’d try anyway. Then I got to practice walking, and yeah, using a cane did make me steadier on my feet. I was becoming an old man in a hurry, and I wasn’t even thirty. 

Lunch was delivered to me, and was nicer than what the cafeteria served. It was creamy beef stroganoff, with some hot strawberry tarts and cold lemonade to drink. It also came with a note, which I unfolded and read. 

Dear Doctor Bones

Thank you for healing Ying! She is my good friend. We were all very sad when we heard she was going to Sleep. But now, she’s awake again! She is telling everyone that you saved her. Thank you so much! I know you can’t cure everyone, but you cured her. Even if it’s just one person, it means a lot. If you’re ever hungry, just let me know! I have lots of good recipes!

Your friend, 

Gummy 

I stared at the note for a few minutes. Then I carefully folded it, and tucked it away in my breast pocket. I sniffed, and at the stroganoff, which was amazing. 

“So, how are my levels?” I asked Sussurro. 

“You’re at .36 u/L, and 12% cell integration. Your levels are lowering, but it’s going to be a while longer before I want you to risk another cure,” Sussurro told me. She hesitated, then said, “Also…I spoke with the Director and Amiya while you were in therapy. They want you to cure a Sarkaz.”

I chewed on that for a moment, then nodded. “OK, that seems fine. Any particular reason?”

“Partly medical: You’ve only healed Ancients up until now, and we need to know how your arts work on a Sarkaz,” Sussurro explained. 

“That makes sense,” I agreed. “Any targets in mind?” 

“I’m going over candidates, someone who’s stage 2 at the most. We can’t risk you further degenerating right now. Though…I smell politics,” her tail swished back and forth, and she grimaced. “Sarkaz discrimination is very real. And some of our closest allies are Sarkaz, along with many who live on Rhodes Island. There’s some mutters that you’re only healing non-Sarkaz on purpose.”

“I mean, if anyone was going to not be racist against the Sarkaz, it would be me,” I pointed out. “I don’t exactly have any biases against them, and I’m inclined to view a lot of them favorably from my weird alien knowledge.”

“I know that, Amiya knows that, and Director Kal’tsit knows that. But, the Sarkaz don’t know that. So, we need you to cure a Sarkaz.” 

I mentally ran over a list of operators I knew with oripathy. “So, like, Logos, Mudrock, Surtr…oh, what about Lava? I mean, she’s one of my bodyguards, it would make sense to cure her.”

“They’re possible candidates, but I’m afraid that with politics driving this, I won’t have final say,” Sussurro said, and I could tell that bothered her. 

“Hey, no matter who I cure, it’s one more life saved, right? Besides, the Sarkaz could use a win. Maybe this would help give them hope,” I pointed out. 

“You’re right, I just don’t like you being turned into a political chip. This should not only be your choice, but be done to save someone’s life and advance our medical knowledge. Not curry political favor,” Sussurro said.

“Yeah, I get that, I guess. Tell them I’d rather save someone I know from Arknights, but I’m willing to do what it takes. Lava’s a special one, her and Hibiscus. I actually know them,” I said. 

“You would cure lava?” 

I turned to see Beagle looking at me intensely, and I nodded. “Of course. We’ve talked, she’s a bit standoffish, but she’s a good person.”

Beagle nodded slowly. “That would be good. She’s been my friend for years now. Her disease isn’t too bad, but it is getting worse…”

“I’d cure everyone if I could, even you,” I told Beagle, who blushed. 

“Don’t worry about me! Rhodes Island already saved my life. And it’s my job to help protect you,” Beagle said stoutly. 

After that, it was time for some laps in the pool. Well, I say labs, but it was really just paddling about and a lot of floating. I didn’t have much stamina, but the water did help with the pain, a lot. Sussurro put on a swimsuit and took a dip with me, a sexy pink bikini that was very nice. 

After all that, we headed back to our suite to get changed for the going-away party for Gavial’s team. Frankies was private that night, with the guest list consisting only of trusted operators. I dressed not in my suit, but in a less formal pair of slacks and a button-down shirt, while Sussurro wore a nice dress and her usual pair of clown shoes. 

“Do you have any shoes that aren’t platforms?” I teased her. 

She gave me a flat look. “I don’t know, do you have any shoes that won’t make you bonk that empty skull of yours on the ceiling?”

“That actually is a problem,” I mused, touching my forehead gingerly. Generally speaking, the cramped passages of Rhodes Island are designed for the average Terran height, which is a good inch or two shorter than average US height. I’m 6’ even, but here I do feel like a giant. I glanced down at Sussurro, who suddenly looked concerned, then, on a whim, picked her up gently to kiss her, which she struggled a bit against, at least until she clamped onto me. “I think you’re the perfect height, though.” 

“Mmm, I’m glad you think so, but I wouldn’t mind a few more centimeters in me,” she said, rubbing the stubble on my chin. I tend to go for the ruggedly handsome half shaved look, both out of laziness and because I think it looks good on me. I’d grow a beard but it makes it awkward to wear a surgical mask. 

“Well, you know what they call countries that use centimeters, right?” I teased. 

She looked at me blankly, then I said, “Didn’t go to the moon.”

I realized almost as soon as I’d said it that I’d messed up, except Lucia snorted with laughter. “Columbia didn’t make it all the way to the moon, despite the rumors! Only, wait. Are you telling me- you’ve been to the moon?!”

“Me personally? No. But Americans did, and we use inches.” I grimaced. “Honestly, I wish we didn’t, I have to use centimeters and milliliters for medicine and it’s a bitch to convert between the two. Oddly enough, they’re comparable to Victorian Imperial Units as far as I can tell.”

Sussurro hugged me for a long moment, something like a limpet. Then she kissed me on the cheek and said, “Your world really was wonderful, wasn’t it?”

“Not as wonderful as this one, it didn’t have you,” I told her. 

She smiled at first, then her expression darkened for a moment before she visibly flicked her head, and I flinched. We weren’t completely over my stupid homework folder. 

Outside, Texas was waiting with Fang, Kroos, Beagle, and Lava. They were all dressed casually, but they were also all carrying swords and crossbows.

“‘Ello ‘ello!” Kroos said cheerfully. “You lot ready for a lovely night out? We’re your escort!” 

“Frankies is private, I’ve vetted everyone there,” Texas said somberly. “But be careful.”

“Who all is gonna be there?” I asked curiously. 

Texas rattled off a bunch of names, but the ones that stood out were Gavial, Exusiai, and Eunectes, along with Amiya and Doktah. Apparently, Exusiai was going to Sargon with the expedition to save the Durin City, or at least evacuate it. I didn’t recall the details, but Doktah apparently had what was needed to get the ball rolling. 

We ended up going into Frankies by a service route to avoid the crowds, and there were already quite a few people there. I recognized Eunectes, who was wearing a black tanktop and short shorts, along with Tuye, who I recognized from both the game and having met her at the medical department where she worked as a nurse. 

“Bones! Good to see you!” Exusiai said, popping up. Kroos very deliberately put herself between Exusiai and me, which caused the Sankta to wilt slightly, her wings drooping and halo dimming. 

“Hey, it’s OK. I understand, it was just a moment of passion thing,” I said, trying to gently push Kroos aside. She was a lot more solid than she looked, and she glanced over her shoulder at me and frowned. 

“Didn’t catch why Exu thought she needed to shoot you in the arse, but it does make one suspicious.”

“I…took her phone and saw something I shouldn’t, on accident,” I said, making up a believable lie on the spot. 

All four of my bodyguards stared at me, then Lava laughed. “Shit, I would have zapped him in the ass too, Kroos.”

“Bones,” Kroos said, sounding exasperated. “You have to know not to just scroll through a lady’s phone. There’s quite private stuff on there, yeah?”

Fang actually facepalmed. “Ok, I get it, but Exusiai, you can’t just shoot people if they accidentally see your nudes.”

“Hey, it’s a Laterano thing!” Exusiai protested. “It’s normal to shoot people over that kind of thing!”

“No, it isn’t,” Adnachiel called from his place by the bar. “I promise, most of us aren’t as crazy as her!” 

“Ok, it’s a bit extreme, but you’ve heard of it happening, right?” Exusiai huffed, turning and facing the other Sankta. 

He shrugged. “Ok, yeah, but only if you’re from Via San Bartolo,” Adnachiel said in exasperation. 

Exusiai beamed. “Ah, good on San Bartolo, it’s never boring back home!” 

“That where they keep the rednecks and crazy swamp people?” I guessed. 

“It’s not a swamp!” Exusiai protested, but Lucia actually laughed. 

“I know what you mean by rednecks, and yes, San Bartolo is one of the older, poorer sections of Laterano, and it’s infamous for the wild stories. There’s a special section of the tabloids in Palermo they run on Saturdays called ‘Signor Bartolo’ with the wild crimes that have been committed there.”

“It’s just because we publicize all crimes in Laterano,” Exusiai huffed. Then grinned. “But the most interesting ones come from San Bartolo!”

You know, Exusiai being the Sankta version of Florida Woman made far, far too much sense. 

“Out of curiosity, do you use kilometers or miles in Laterano?” I asked, thinking of a certain Sankta meme. 

Exusiai gave me an odd look. “We’re civilized, James. We invented the kilometer, and don’t let them tell you it was the Gauls.”

“Don’t be silly, the kilometer was invented in Siracusia,” Lucia snorted as we came to the bar. 

“Hey, hey Bones!” Kroos said excitedly, leaning over and tapping me on the shoulder. “What do they call countries that use kilometers?”

“Never been to space!” I cried, and myself and the Columbians exchanged enthusiastic high-fives while the others jeered. 

“You just told that stupid joke!” Sussurro protested, but I manfully ignored her and downed a Columbian beer that tasted just like Bud-Light. 

“God Bless, Columbia, and God Bless Kirsten Wright!” Fang declared stoutly, then, despite the fact that we hadn’t even finished our first drink, she, Kroos, and Beagle burst into song with, 

Hail, Columbia, land of light,

Beacon strong on Terra’s night!

We who were born of dream and iron will,

Born of dream, and iron will!

Through the storm and through the flame,

We endure in freedom’s name;

Bound by honor, our hearts unite,

Columbia, rise in might!

Hail, Columbia, land of light!

I did my best to join in. It was to the tune of “Hail Columbia, ” which I didn’t know the lyrics to but I’d heard a few times. 

“James, you can’t be a proper Columbian and not know the national anthem!” Beagle said, scandalized after I’d absolutely butchered the chorus. 

That produced a somewhat uncomfortable silence, as several people there were well aware that I was not, in fact, Columbian. 

“It’s alright, love! We’ll teach him propper like!” Kroos said enthusiastically. “Now, from the top, ladies! Hail, Columbia, Land of Light!” 

That, of course, resulted in them making me sing Land of Light (the official name of the anthem) until I could get it right. This stirring show of patriotism for a country I had in fact never seen meant that several other people were overcome with a bout of nationalistic pride, and someone got out a karaoke machine. Lucia tried to get Texas to sing Gloria e Fedeltà, which was Siracusia’s own national anthem. 

“Actually, I’m Columbian,” Texas admitted. “I’m just ethnically Siracusian. I grew up singing Land of Light. But I’m not much of a singer.”

“Yes, but you speak Siracusian, don’t you? We’ll have the lyrics on screen, get up here!” Sussurro ordered. 

Reluctantly, Texas got up, and a swelling anthem began. Sussurro belted it out, and though I might be biased, I thought she had an incredible singing voice. 

Texas, however, spoke in her usual monotone. No rhythm. No attempt at singing. I almost fell out of my barstool laughing, and I was not the only one. Sussurro kept trying to kick Texas, but she was laughing too hard, and Texas dodged without even looking. 

Next were Gavial and Eunectes. 

“Alright everybody, I’m afraid that I don’t know the Sargonian national anthem, or even if there is one! So instead, we’re going to sing the hit Alive Until Sunset hit single, All Hail Savior!” 

I nearly spit my drink out as Gavial and Eunectes belted out a very familiar metal album. It was actually Gavial’s image song from Ideal City, and I was shocked to learn it was actually a real song here on Terra. Both of them played air guitar, head banged, and pretended to do a drum solo at the appropriate moments, then slapped tails at the end and pumped their fists as the crowd cheered. 

Several other people went up, and we all ended up drinking a lot of beer and sang along to all kinds of wacky songs, a few I recognized from Monster Siren Records, but most of them entirely alien. 

Then, at last, someone put the microphone in Doktah’s hands, and shoved them up on stage. I’m pretty sure it was Amiya from how she was giggling, no booze for her as she was just 16, but the Doktah stepped up to the stage, hand in one pocket of their jacket. They casually flipped through the menus on the karaoke machine as everyone waited with baited breath. At last, they made a selection, nodding as they stepped back. 

Then, the music started, and everyone sucked in a collective breath. I mean, I recognized the music.

It was 24 Hour Cinderella. 

Kicking up one heel, the Doktah began to sing,

Oh my princess, I LOVE YOU! You know that it’s true!

And I know YOU LOVE ME! It’s easy to see!

So slip away! With me! My dear, and I’ll be your charming tonight!

Past the crowd we STEP AND GO! Through cities we know!

And when the STORMS roll in! We won’t even slow!

Because our love! Is like! A MAGIC SPELL!

It’s never wearing off!

Laughing hysterically, Amiya was shoved up to the stage when Doktah beckoned to her, and they turned the song into a duet, bouncing up and down on stage and making cutesy hand signs, even turning about in a dance and swaying up and down and back and forth like a pair of Higashian idols. 

“Kawaiiiiii!” I shouted, then nearly died of laughter as the Doktah put one hand up to their face and tilted it up in the “smile” gesture like a real idol would make, though they still had the hood on. 

Seeing Amiya like that, though, grinning and dancing cutely, it was easy to forget she was the King of Fiends and leader of a PMC. She just looked like an ordinary teenager, laughing and having fun with her weird uncle, or possibly dad, who knew. 

They were just finishing when the door opened, and Kal’tsit stepped in. She got the full

 My all day Princess of Terra!

Hey! Hey! Hey!

With Doktah and Amiya kneeling on the stage and extending their hands up towards one another and doing jazz hands. 

Dead silence. Everyone watched as Kal’tsit regarded the leader of Rhodes Island and the Ghost of Babel posing like pop stars. 

For a moment, no one knew what would happen. Kal’stit slowly lifted her hands…and began to clap. 

“Bravo,” she said, one eyebrow raised. 

We all burst into cheers, and Doktah and Amiya stood, Amiya looking terribly embarrassed, and bowed. 

“Sugoi sugoi!” I called, which made another peel of laughter ring out. Then, I hopped off my stool and hobbled over to Kal’stit, grabbing a microphone. I pressed it into her hands. “Come on, Director! You gotta take a shot too.”

There was a collective intact of breath. A few people looked at me like I was certifiable, including Sussurro, who had gone pale as a sheet and had her hands over her mouth.

Kal’tsit looked at me, then at the microphone, and her lips turned down in a frown. She opened her mouth, then a breathless Amiya was at my side. “Yes, Kal’stit! Everyone’s singing, even Doctor and I! You should take a turn as well!” 

“Director Mom sing!” Red called from the crowd. I hadn’t even realized she was there.

Kal’tsit expression softened, and she took the microphone. She stepped up to the stage, made a few keystrokes, and waited, regarding the screen. She stood there stiffly, until the music began. Then, suddenly, she passed a hand over her face, and it was like someone else was up there. 

And holy, shit, but I recognized this song! Twice! Once from its similarities to Sorairo Days from Earth, and again from a Higashian Super Robot Show called Sekiryū Gōshōten. 

Tell me now – if you can hear,

Even through the storm and the fear,

Loud and clear, a voice that shines

Against the darkened skies.

If this land still holds some worth,

Then we’ll find the light through the curse,

Break the chains of fate and guide these feelings to life.

At first, everyone was too shocked to respond as Kal’tsit energetically danced on stage, grinning and winking like a much younger woman. Then everyone was on their feet, and a lot of the people there were enthusiastically roaring out the song along with Kal’tsit. The floor shuddered as people jumped up and down and pumped their fists. 

When she finished, Kal’tsit had to wipe sweat from her brown, her face going back to the default neutral. Well, it did until Amiya nearly tackled her off the stage with a hug. 

“That was incredible! I hadn’t realized you were a fan of Crimson Dragon Ascendant Star! It’s my favorite show!” Amiya laughed. 

Kal’stit looked slightly awkward, shrugging one shoulder. “It is the most popular anime among our operators. I watched several episodes so that I could understand the themes.”

“She stayed up for two days and binged the whole thing,” Doktah confided in a stage whisper. “She has all the manga too.”

Kal’tsit shot Doktah a death glare, then sighed. “I found the message of reckless optimism and hope to be a pleasant change from the usual dreary fare.” 

“And also, Kazuo is SUPER HOT!” Amiya laughed, and several of the female operators, and one burly male, whistled and cheered in approval. 

Nothing could really top that, though Sussurro and I did attempt to sing a love song in a duet. She deliberately picked one she didn’t know to even the playing field, and we were a complete train wreck, even if she did way better than I did. Still, it was a lot of fun, especially when Exusiai got up and rapped “Rap God” from, I shit you not, Goat Eminem, who was, in fact, called Eminem. The lyrics were even nearly the same. 

At the end, we were all exhausted and ready for bed, despite the early hour the expedition was heading out in a caravan of vehicles in the morning. Exusiai walked back to her room with us, and she turned to face me. “Bones…I really am sorry. I was wrong to shoot. I…I’ve been under a lot of pressure, but…I want you to know…I’m going to take what I’ve learned, and try…try to make the world a better place. Even if I can’t do it by protecting you.”

“Hey, it’s OK,” I said, since she looked near tears. I gave her a quick hug, and Sussurro nodded her approval to me, so I didn’t feel too bad. “I forgive you, OK? And I’m sure we’ll see each other again. Who knows, maybe we’ll be together on a field mission, if they ever let me off this landship. Go have fun, and save those Durins, OK? I’m honestly jealous, visiting an underground paradise in Sargon sounds fun.”

“Yeah, I guess it does. Well, at least I’ll get to travel again!” Exusiai said. She saluted, then waved goodbye.

Sussurro and I were so exhausted we just stripped and fell into bed. 

“Can you believe Doktah sang that cheesy idol pop song?” I said as we lay together. 

“Forget that, I can’t believe you asked the Director to sing…and that she actually did! I’ve never seen her that emotive,” Sussurro giggled. 

“Yeah. It was fun,” I said, stroking her tail. It was so soft and fluffy. Honestly, all girls should have tails. 

“Mmm. Here’s to more like it,” Sussurro said. We kissed, then a short time later, fell asleep in one another’s arms. As we drifted off, I pondered what it would be like to have kids in such a world.

Maybe, just maybe, they could enjoy this life too.