[sylvanSpider]

That smile was everything Mendez sought and he stepped back slightly, grinning and thankful that it was him that managed to squeeze a smile out of his lover. Bringing his hand back, he glanced behind them. A few of the medical staff paused in their duties when they thought they weren't noticed to gawk at the inter-species couple and his grin immediately changed to a scowl. The looks they gave him were almost as bad as those they gave to her, but with him the fear was absent – there was only disgust. He breathed in through his nose and sighed leading the way to the desk, “Let's get that crack fixed and then I can cook you up a steak. Nice and rare, just the way you like it. We'll get you something you like a little more once we get out of this place.”

Magali sighed, recognizing the look immediately; Nokra hated Fikri. And being Magali, she still could not place why. The fellow felis was the reason they were where they were as freed peoples. Instinctively, her hands went to grasp at his, giving them a gentle squeeze. They were soft to Nokra's calloused and overworked hands, a fact that she'd never been ignorant of. It was yet another reason to love and appreciate Nokra. He worked hard in areas that would never allow him to be soft. “Yes, we're free! Do you know what I can say to people now? I can tell them no! No matter how much money they have!” She was wiggling in place excited at the prospect of choice.

She was still with the mention of the Terskix and nodded, “I've...been with Terskix before. It's best just to be respectful and keep them full... If they aren't hungry they generally stick to what they paid for...” The wording was careful, as it always was. She knew that Nokra knew what it was that she had to do, but she also knew that he didn't like it. Laughing when the subject turned a bit more lighthearted she shook her head, “I don't think so. If she was going to eat him, she would have by now, especially since I haven't seen her eat yet... She's likely hungry but keeps him around. I...I don't know if Terskix are capable of loving? But he's still alive for a reason I guess. I actually think he's a normal weight and we're just...under.” She burst into a fit of giggles once she felt her feet lifted from underneath her and wrapped her arms around Nokra's neck, almost disappointed when they got to the cleaning area and saw that it was divided by gender. The concept confused her. Why did it matter? They were just bodies, and everyone was shaped a little differently – what was the point in keeping them separated? She beamed at Nokra, “See you once we're all cleaned up?”

>>>>>>>

“Well, the cap'll be sure t'teach 'im as quickly an' efficiently as possible,” Rosalind said, smiling. Her being alone with Riola was almost too good to believe and Rosalind aided in the shifting, frustrated that her own horns got in the way in these romantic endeavors. As if it was possible, the matter was worse with other Pyra. Horns getting caught on horns and if they weren't careful the entire thing could just be a mess. “What can ah say? Ah've got a thing for bad boys,” she murmured, taking a lock of Riola's red hair and twirling it around her finger, “They 'ave an easier time keepin' up.”

Rosalind was eager to put the thought of rebellion behind them, at least, for the moment. Now was the time for rest, much needed rest, and some time to bond with the man she'd been pining over since he stepped foot on her ship. “Need the lad around t'let me get my 'ands on this redheaded terrorist ah've 'ad my eye on. 'E's protected under me. Let's compromise an' not let the spider muss up m'ship an' make our way to the pilot's quarters?”

<<<<<<<<

“It's...awful. I just...I guess I don't understand it,” Ashi murmured, her voice catching at the end. Until now, she hadn't had a chance to really dwell on Toka's death. She didn't know her well, but she knew her well enough that she didn't deserve to die. Her least of all. She wouldn't voice this out loud, but she wished it was her and not the sun-child that was killed. Toka...she was so innocent, more innocent than Ashi even. “It's worse,” Ashi said, looking up to Hyun, “In Daowei, the subjugation is subtle. In Edensia? If a male so much as speaks out, he risks execution. It isn't right. That's why as much as Riola hates me, I will always try to help him if I can.” She was resolute in her words, “And if Shaldag wakes up with vengeance in his heart, I'm guessing I'll get the chance. And as far as helping Shaldag goes? I can't promise I will be as happy and chipper as Toka was, but I will be there for him, just as you are.”

Ashi was silent for a moment and she nodded, “That's alright, so long as I have you to come home to. But...I can't just sit by and do nothing. I was born into a position that allows me some sort of power – media sway, mostly – and I would be foolish to throw that away and do nothing with it. Maybe...foolish was the wrong word. It would be evil of me to not do anything about it.” Oddly enough, her being stark naked in front of Hyun was not on the foreground of her thoughts as she assumed it was. Hyun made no big deal out of it, so it wasn't one. If there was anything that was bothering her, it was the fact that she was freezing and in pain – a matter made worse by the first. “I hope the doc gets in soon,” Ashi muttered, her teeth beginning to chatter, “My Stockholm Syndrome will be easier to handle once my kneecaps are together and I can breathe without my ribs stabbing me.”