Landing on this planet was the most delightful surprise. I remember practically pressing my face against the glass, staring at the fields of lively greens. Going from tall grey skyscrapers to this planet’s equivalent to jungle was a shock to my system. Hell, it was a shock to everyone. The first breath I took outside the spaceship was filled with fresh air and salt from the nearby water and I wasn’t sure I’d ever smelled anything so wonderful. The streets we walked out on were made of gravel and dirt instead of concrete and pavement. Everything was such a stark difference.
We were brought into Shentellah, a large city that I’ve come to know is their capital. They led us into an infirmary where we were given implants behind our right ears and suddenly the world truly welcomed us in as words began making complete sense. I’ve never seen technology like this before, able to translate other languages straight into our brains. Part of me wonders if those going back to Earth will be able to keep theirs.
The locals all helped us assimilate without any issues. Many humans decided to stay within the capital, comfortable with the familiar hustle and bustle of a city. Me on the other hand? I wanted to explore the rich jungle terrain as soon as possible.
Surprisingly, for a race with such advanced technology like space crafts and implants, they live a very simple life. Their weapons are similar to spears instead of guns. Their clothes are made of fabrics and skin they can harvest naturally from the land. They respect the land in a way that humans refused to do back on Earth. Though I still have so much to learn, I feel after a year of being here, I’m getting the gist of things.
I might be outside the town but that doesn’t mean I’m secluded. Once all the humans were able to communicate, the aliens explained that in order to live here, people are expected to contribute in some way or form, whether that was bringing something they’d learned from Earth or teaming up with an alien and learning a new trade. Seemed fair to me since ya know, this was supposed to be a learning experience. And it wasn’t us serving them or anything like that, it was a way to become a functioning community that helped each other thrive. I can honestly say that I’m happy here.
“You look way too deep in thought,” Christian says, coming to stand beside me. “I can practically smell the brain cells overworking and short circuiting.”
“You’re a proper asshole, you know that, right?”
Christian just shrugs. I shake my head at him, looking out towards the road that leads to town. My heart jumps as I notice a group of people walking towards us. The same path runs right between our houses and towards the wall that separates us from the swamp area. So far I’ve never had an issue with stray animals coming over the wall but I know the area is crawling with creatures that I’ve heard, some of them making quite the commotion.
“Good morning, Captain!” I call, waving as Timalah leads the pack. Timalah smiles before turning to his party and telling them to wait. I try to keep myself calm despite the way my heart picks up speed at the sight of him walking towards me. I should probably try being less obvious as I look him up and down, taking in his broad, bare chest, his tight leather pants, and tail. Yeah, not a great job at not being obvious.
“Good morning,” he says back, smiling at us. It’s no surprise when Christian just gives a grunt, the ornery asshole.
“What’s going on?” I ask, nodding towards the group behind Christian. The group is made up of Layperries intermixed with a few humans.
“Training day,” Timalah explains with a grin. “I’m taking them into the swamp to show them proper fighting skills and allow the humans to practice in a semi-safe environment where we’ll be able to keep them safe if anything were to happen.”
I nod along, ignoring the flutter going on in my belly as Timalah leans against my porch. This is the only time I’m just a little bit taller than him. Ever since the night on the spacecraft when he’d held my hand and pulled me from my panic, I’d had to keep my emotions in check. There was something about him that has always made me feel safe and at home. Something deep within my belly always seems to warm when he’s around, making me equal parts flustered and calm. It was like I was a school boy having my first crush all over again.
But he was a Layperry and I was human, I’m not someone who could be his mate. So it was better if I just gave up on this silly hero-worshipping crush before I did something ridiculous like lean forward and kiss his full, blue lips.
“I hope you’re planning on being safe as well,” I say because I just can’t quite help myself apparently.
Timalah gives me a wink, making my face break out into a wide smile. “Of course, Dorshkah.” I touch my implant, wishing it would translate that last word for me. It’s become his nickname for me and I’ve never quite been able to figure out what the fuck it means, only that it leaves me feeling warm all over.
I look over Timalah’s shoulder, finding Ghenie there with his long, white hair pulled back and out of his face, wearing proper Layperry armor. It’s not often he leaves the capital but he must be hoping to see the new recruits in action. Plus, I have a source that says he enjoys getting out and feeling like a regular instead of a royal. “You watch his back, Ghenie,” I call out. “I don’t want any of you ending up inside my shop!”
“You have my word I will try to return him in the condition he’s currently in,” Ghenie says, giving a little bow. Beside me, Christian snorts. I elbow him in the ribs in retaliation, wondering why I’ve chosen such a prickly asshole as my best friend. Ghenie just smiles at our antics and shakes his head in amusement. You’d think we’d be better behaved in front of the equivalent of the king. And we probably would, if Ghenie wasn’t so fucking kind and just and gentle. He might be our leader but he’s also slowly become our friend. And if I didn’t know any better I’d think he had a bit of a crush on Christian, but that’s crazy. Right?
“I’ll see you on my way back through I’m sure,” Timalah says, reaching out to touch my hand gently, just the same way he did on the ship that first meeting. Then, just like that, he’s turning and walking away. I clench my hand into a tight fist, sparks running up my arm from that simple touch. God, I really need to get myself together.
As the group walks away, Christian and I stand there on my porch until we can’t see them anymore. It’s then, and only then, that I let out a long breath. I drink the rest of my brown tea, frowning at the fact that it’s grown cold. Then I look over at Christian.
“As much as I believe them, that they’re going to try to stay out of harm’s way, I doubt the creatures they’re hunting will care,” I say, stepping into my home. I walk down the hall to the right, opening the door to my shop and starting to get things ready for when they return. I have no doubt they’ll be coming back with at least a few scrapes and bruises.
Back on Earth, I’d worked as an EMT. If I had a guess, this is one of the reasons I was picked for the exchange program, able to learn about their medicine and compare it to our own. I’m able to care for both humans and Layperry, and I have my own apothecary shop set up right inside my home. There was a learning curve but with a year under my belt I feel confident in my abilities. I had to switch medicine out with more natural remedies, finding the things I need from different plants and animals rather than narcotics or pills. It’s simple but I do good work here, work that makes me proud.