Vokeera sat in the middle of the Protector training room, deep in the tik'naa. A state in which the Noxaara could communicate with their SEEM. In the beginning, immediately after the merger, the SEEM operated more or less autonomously as per their programming. However with the changing of the generations and the deepening of the symbiosis between the two entities, the Noxaara developed a means for rudimentary communication with their SEEM. The purpose wasn't to dish out orders to the microbes. They didn't need orders. They had their programming. They would execute that in order to ensure the host's, and subsequently their own, survival. But as the symbiosis progressed the Noxaara felt the need to better connect with the new entity within them. Microbe or no. It was something worth exploring and the Noxaara were explorers. Vokeera's eyes opened. "And so the diagnosis stands." Ro sighed. A next attempt to push the limits of the SEEM would prove fatal. "It was well worth it though." Vokeera stated simply, palming the Archangel Michael pendant. The one Melissa, Jack and Rodney had given Ro as a token of gratitude for saving their lives at the detriment of the Noxaara's own. Ro didn't quite understand the need for it. It was nothing more than any of them would have done, should they had the means. But still, Vok had grown attached to the piece and wore it always. And when that couldn't be possible Ro would produce a pattern of its likeness on the left chest plate with the SEEM. Vokeera felt the lightest of touches on the nape joint, where the SEEM couldn't form a hard shell. Ro's rebreather hissed in frustration and disgust as Ro and the SEEM labored to block off the introduction of biologic DNA transmitters. "Loneera!" Ro stood and glared at the newcomer. "Quit it, already!" Vokeera growled irritated. "I do not wish to have offspring with you. Why do you degrade yourself like that and disregard my whishes as well." "You'll leave if I don't make you stay!" The other Noxaara almost yelled in a tiff. Vokeera sighed. "Do you hear yourself?!" Ro's head shook from side to side, expelling the last of Loneera's biological procreative material as well as the attempt to be forcefully impregnated. Yet again! Vok took a calming breath. "If you have to [i]make[/i] me stay, it won't work." Ro invaded the other Noxaara's personal space "It won't work regardless!" Vokeera hissed through the rebreather. "I. Don't. Love. You." Every single word was all but spat out. Loneera was famous in Vokeera's social circles as the "aimless". It was a high insult among the Noxaara, who’s exploratory spirit rarely left them without some purpose and goal. Loneera was among the very few that did not have the drive or the fortitude to do something with their life other than attach themselves to a stronger more active person and leave them to carry the burden. [i]Well, it won't be me![/i] Vokeera thought. [i]If Loneera wants to be lugged on someones back, it won't be mine[/i]. "Just leave me alone, Loneera." Ro muttered knowing a fit would follow. Loneera was famous for the 'jilted lover' tantrums. But they were superficial, just like the Noxaara who threw them. Loneera did not hesitate launching into expletives, insults, curses. Everything and anything held in the vast tantrum arsenal. Ro was not impressed. "Fine." Vokeera stated calmly. "Then I'll leave." Ro said and exited the Protector training room. [hr] Following the unpleasant encounter with Loneera Ro started towards the home of the Protector's parents to say goodbye. After the SEEM encased their hosts in a permanent bio-suit of sorts the Noxaara reproduction underwent drastic changes in comparison to what it was before. Prior to the merger the species had two dedicated genders for reproduction with the prerequisite reproductive organs and rituals. All that had to change after the merger since the SEEM covered every inch of skin on the Noxaara. All external nerve endings that would be used during mating, the reproductive organs, everything. The Noxaara, for all intents and purposes, were permanently dressed with the SEEM as their eternal outer wear. The scientists who'd worked on the introduction of the SEEM within the Noxaara system had thought about that and had imprinted the microbes with a directive to start making changes within the species biological makeup as to adapt the reproduction method to suit the new symbiotic entities. Of course some generations were needed for this to happen and there was a decline in the Noxaara population. But the SEEM were efficient workers and soon overcame the problem. The joint sections of the Noxaara outer new skin, though more vulnerable to harm, would also hold touch receptors and have the ability to transmit and receive a biological reproductive DNA packet. The embryo would develop for a short amount of time within the recipient of the packet, the elected 'mother', and would then be transferred to an artificial womb created out of the biological material of both parents, where it would finish its growth cycle until birth. Though less personal, this method of reproduction did by no means lessen the emotional connection the Noxaara parents felt for their offspring. The Noxaara were gentle and nurturing parents, perhaps as a way to make up for not being able to carry their children within their own bodies until birth. Ro's parents were no different. And Vokeera loved them dearly. They'd provided support throughout Ro's entire life. Offering advice when needed, or scolding when deserved. D'neera, the designated mother and Matuura, the other mother, Ro preferred to think of them as mothers, were of course sad that their offspring had decided to leave Noxaara space to live among the humans. Especially since, apparently, the Nomad threat was no more. They'd barely survived the sorrow of having Vokeera severely injured during the last battle. But no Noxaara dared deny another the freedom to follow their chosen path. And as Explorers both D'neera and Matuura were proud that their mostly Protector child had found something Ro wanted to explore. "Don't be a stranger, whelp." Matuura'd given Ro a bearish hug, while D'neera had embraced Vokeera more gently and whispered a quiet 'stay safe, we love you'. [hr] "O'rdeen Vokeera." A younger Noxaara called out to Ro as the Protector was getting ready to set off to the human systems. Ro sighed. Vokeera didn't mind the title, but felt it unnecessary. 'O'rdeen' wasn't a rank, like the humans would understand it. It was a standing among the Protector. By human standards it would be a relatively high standing, but the Noxaara didn't get hung up on ranks an titles. Most of the Noxaara didn't even know why they had them at all. Mostly for ceremonial purposes, Ro supposed. However the youngins would often get star struck and attached to accomplished older Noxaara and use their ranks and titles as a way to further the magnificence they believed their idol possessed. Vokeera stopped and turned to look at the jogging youngin. Nutreen was a boisterous young Protector trainee Ro'd helped during the convalescence period with advice and whatnot. The Protector hadn't expected the whelp would imprint like this. "Nutreen, it's just Vokeera." Ro sighed. "We've discussed this. You don't need to use my title." The older Noxaara admonished gently. "But... but you've earned it!" The youngin stated bewildered. Ro sighed again. Nutreen was young and impressionable. It would take a few more years to realize that such formalities were utterly unnecessary while on the path. Be it Explorer of Protector. Nutreen would soon comprehend that, but right now it would be to no avail to dissuade the whelp. "Yes, of course, you're right." Ro conceded with a soft smile within the SEEM helmet. "What can I do for you, youngin?" Vokeera asked. "Didn't we already say our goodbyes?" The young Noxaara appeared flustered. Fidgeting nervously. "Won't you reconsider?" Nutreen asked hopefully. Vokeera dropped the luggage to the ground and approached the young one. "Nut..." Ro began gently. "We've discussed this. Your parents, and I agree with them, want you to train for a couple of more years before going off world on missions. The Nomad threat might be over, but there's plenty of danger out there. Don't be too quick to seek it out." "But isn't that what a Protector does?" Nutreen demanded. Ro's head shook from side to side. "Sweet young one, for you to ask me this proves you're not ready." Vokeera placed a gentle hand on Nut's shoulder. "A Protector should never seek out danger, but rather respect it, so that they will be ready if it should appear." Ro allowed a calming agent to secrete from the palm and seep into Nut's joints. It was a practice all elders used when raising their young ones. Heightened emotional states were detrimental to education. Children absorbed lessons better while in a more calm state. "I know you're eager. But train hard. Study harder and you won't feel the time pass you by. I promise." Vokeera's hand lifted off Nut's shoulder. Nut appeared calmer, the fidgeting had stopped. "Yes, teacher, I'm sorry. You're right, of course. And we did agree it was not the time for me to come with you. Your path is your own to explore." The youngin finished, remembering the teachings. Vokeera smiled. Nut was a bright Noxaara and had a future just as bright ahead. "Very well said, young one." Ro complimented. "Now help this old relic load the luggage on the ship." The Protector bumped Nut on the shoulder playfully. "Yes, teacher." Nut said and shouldered bags enthusiastically. [hr] The small shuttle craft docked efficiently with the Noxaara space cruiser Sikteeran. The ship would take Ro to UWG space, where the Protector would meat up with the three remaining friends from their decimated platoon - Melissa Reinhardt, Jack Skullet and Barnaby "BB" Dunn. Not a while ago Melissa had contacted Ro and told the Noxaara the three of them had found a job as relieve workers in the Molyneux system on a small moon with forty thousand or so inhabitants. The moon'd simply been designated RX3248. They would also double as additional security for some of the scientists stationed there upon their research outings. She'd offered Vokeera to join them. Had Melissa not called, Ro would have travelled to UWG space anyway since the Noxaara wanted to continue living and working among the humans, whom Vok had grown to love and respect. Plus Ro found them to be a fascinating species with a culture worth exploring further. Vokeera was planning on offering to help the humans in any way possible to aid them in putting their world back together again after the devastating war with the Nomad. But Melissa's offer provided the Noxaara with a clear destination, not just a vague idea. "Protector." Someone was shaking Ro awake. "We've docked with you're friends' transporter." A crew member of the Sikteeran explained. "Thank you." Ro said and quickly gathered the luggage. A couple of minutes later and the Protector was a board a nondescript transport vessel that would bring Ro and the three humans to RX3248. "Ro!" An enthusiastic shriek welcomed Vokeera aboard along with a fit brunette, who threw herself at Vokeera. The Noxaara braced for the flying hug. "Oh, my God, I'm so glad you agreed to join us!" Mel exclaimed after releasing her friend. "Hey, you're wearing it." She caressed the pendant hanging from Vokeera's neck. She grinned. "I thought you Noxies didn't put much stock in mementos." She teased. Ro grinned within the SEEM. "We don't." The Protector answered in the same teasing tone of voice. "You humies must be rubbing off on me." Mel answered by punching Ro in the shoulder playfully. "Come on, we've got a lot of catching up to do." She picked up one of Vokeera's bags and with her free hand grabbed her friend and proceeded to drag her forward. "Where are the boys?" Ro asked. "Oh, you know them." Mel grinned. "They're probably harassing some undeserving ensign. Let's put your stuff in my cabin and we'll go hunt them down and save the damsel in distress." Fifteen minutes later they found Jack and BB trying to romance a woman who looked big enough to eat them both for breakfast and ask for seconds. She also looked royally annoyed. "Just in time." Mel whispered. "She looks like she's about to unload on them." She hurried ahead to save her wayward friends from certain annihilation. Ro liked Melissa. She was a loyal friend and a fierce soldier. She'd lost her partner to the war with the Nomad and fought like an avenging angel determined to make it pay for all the lives it had stolen. "Excuse me, ensign." She began politely. "Do you mind terribly if I steel these two. A friend of ours has just come on board and we need to catch up." The female ensign looked like she wanted to hug Mel silly for rescuing her from the two male pests. She nodded curtly and added a brisk 'Yes, of course' for good measure. But by that time Jack and BB had total lost interest in her. They'd both turned in unison and shouting 'Vok!' had launched themselves at Ro. The Noxaara grunted under the double bear hug. "Release Ro, you silly oafs!" Mel began slapping them on the shoulders. She jabbed BB in the ribs and he let go with a rumble. "More for me!" Jack exclaimed and redoubled his hugging efforts. But Melissa made short work of him too, grasping a handful of hair and pulling carelessly. "Ow, Jesus, Mel. Leave some mane for the ladies to appreciate." He started rubbing at his scalp. "Your bush..." She countered, referring to Jack's enviable wavy shoulder length hair. "Won't draw any attention from the ladies if you don't tend to it soon." She winked and stuck her tongue out. "What do you know?!" He grumbled. "You don't appreciate men at all!" "Oh, sweetie." She patted him on the cheek. "Don't be sad. Now come on. Lets take this alien here..." She slung her arm over Ro's shoulder. "And lets go catch up." Some hours later, after they'd caught up and Mel'd filled Ro on the details of their new job, they all made their way towards the bridge. "We should have begun our atmosphere entry by now." Mel mused. "Captain, what's the hold up?" She asked when they entered the bridge. The ship's commander looked at her, annoyance plainly visible in his features. "Some cargo vessel with priority landing vector that's what." "A cargo vessel with priority landing vector?" Mel and her fellow former soldiers exchanged knowing glances. [color=7ea7d8][center]Transport vessel Soltis, you're clear for atmosphere entry and landing vector.[/center][/color] "Finally!" The Captain grumbled. "Strap down for atmosphere entry, people." He ordered. Vok and the three humans hurried to comply. No more than an hour later they'd made planet fall.