Mel couldn't help but notice Sylnathi's concerned expression as the Affini woman looked intently at her data pad. "Mistress, what's wrong?" she asked, cautiously.

Sylnathi seemed to jolt out of whatever thought occupied her mind and turned towards Mel. "I- Stars, am I that easy to read?" she chuckled. Mel nodded and Sylnathi sighed. "I've just received an… Unusual request." she said, choosing her words carefully. "Do you remember when I told you that Ursa's Roar had been captured?"

Mel seemed to remember her Mistress mentioning the name, but the memories from her recovery period were rather hazy. "Wasn't that Abigail's ship?" Mel asked, nervously, "Did something happen to her?"

"No, no, nothing bad!" Sylnathi said quickly, "I told you a few days ago that she had been captured. She's safe aboard one of our command ships."

Mel breathed a sigh of relief as she tried to recall the fragmented events of the last two weeks. "Right," she murmured, "right, you said that before. Sorry, it's still… fuzzy."

 

"It's understandable, Pet, you were on some pretty serious Xenodrugs at the time." Sylnathi reassured her, "But I've just been contacted by Abigail's... prospective owner."

Mel cocked her head curiously as Sylnathi's voice became hushed and worried. "Apparently she is having a difficult time adjusting to her new life. Her owner has… asked me if you could talk to Abigail. Aboard The Amarantha."

Mel's eyes widened in surprise. Normally she would have jumped at the chance to see Abby again! But after their last meeting, Mel wasn't so sure anymore. “You want me to go and- talk to her?” she asked nervously.

"I- I don't know what I want you to do." Sylnathi said quietly, decidedly not making eye contact with Mel. "It's an uncomfortable situation all around. You're still recovering from your implant and- and what she did to you."

 

Mel thought back to her friend. She didn't think it was fair to put this all on Abby. Her actions were wrong but understandable, Mel didn't hold it against her. If anything she felt sorry for her! After a moment of quiet tension, Sylnathi spoke again, "I think this decision is best left to you, Melrose. I cannot say one way or the other what is best. Perhaps going to see Abigail could help her, but..." Sylnathi turned to look at Mel, her eyes full of concern. "I don't wish to see you hurt again, little one."

Mel thought it over. She really did want to see Abigail again. To tell her what she couldn't seem to say the night they parted. Maybe she could help her see the Affini from her perspective? To show her that they weren't monsters, that they really did have Terra's best interests at heart. "I want to go," said Mel, "I think I can help her.” She paused, looking up at Sylnathi again. "What happens if- if she doesn't get better?"

 

Sylnathi frowned. "If she continues acting the way she has, there's a possibility she could become Class O." she said.

Mel didn't understand what that meant, but the way Sylnathi said it concerned her. "Mistress, what's Class O?" she asked, slowly.

"Class O is a… last resort." Sylnathi said, hesitantly. "It's reserved for those who completely reject domestication or cannot live comfortably without it. Essentially, Class O Xenodrugs override your being entirely. The subjects become euphoric for the remainder of their lives, but they lose themselves. Permanently."

 

Mel shivered. She enjoyed her own Xenodrugs immensely, but the idea of permanently losing her consciousness or personality was still frightening. Even more so for Abigail, that girl's spirit was so vibrant! The thought of it extinguished was- Mel shook her head. "I can't let that happen!" she cried, "Not to Abby!"

Sylnathi looked at her sympathetically. "You wish to go then, Melrose?" she asked, "I'm worried about all this, but I promise I'll be right there with you the entire time."

"I have to try!" Mel said firmly.

Sylnathi watched the mix of fear and determination in her pet's eyes. Her apprehension shifted to pride as she smiled down at Mel. How had she ever gotten herself such a good Terran?

 

 

“Melrose, stop it! You’re going to make yourself sick!”

Mel laughed and continued floating in circles. It looked as though the entire shuttle was revolving around her while she remained completely still. Suddenly, an icy sensation flooded her body. Her muscles fell limp as a heavy fog clouded her thoughts.

Sylnathi's scowling visage drifted into view, data pad in hand. “Honestly, Melrose, if you want to stay lucid you need to listen to me!” the Affini woman scolded her.

“Sorrry Mistresss…” Mel giggled, watching her owner seem to spin in circles in front of her.

 

Sylnathi halted Mel’s rotation with her tendrils and dragged her back to their seat on the shuttle. As she tapped something on her data pad again, Mel’s mind and body returned to their normal state. Mel couldn't stop laughing quietly to herself. While she didn't mind the odd glances and whispers the other passengers directed towards her, Sylnathi seemed positively flustered. But Mel was too excited to contain herself. She had finally left Thypso for the first time, just like she and Abigail always talked about!

 

“Stars, this Implant is really something, huh?” Mel giggled.

“Yes, and if you don’t behave yourself I’ll have it incapacitate you until we reach The Amaratha.” threatened Sylnathi.

“Sorry, Mistress!” Mel said more earnestly, “It’s just- I’ve never been in microgravity before. I’ve never even been off-world!” She looked up at Sylnathi’s stern expression and broke out into a sheepish grin.

“How is it that you go from a well behaved pet to a ridiculous brat with just a change in gravity?” Sylnathi asked, sighing heavily. “We’ll be docking in an hour, sit quietly until we do.” Mel composed herself and obeyed; she knew better than to push her Mistress’s patience and she didn’t want to embarrass her owner. At least, not any more than she already had.

 

Mel looked out the viewing port next to their seat, marveling at the vastness of space all around them. The night sky of Thypso was beautiful but this was on another level! The stars looked like a billion pinholes shining through a dark blanket. It was impossible to keep track of them all. “Mistress?” Mel asked softly, “What’s this ship we’re going to? The Amaratha?”

“The Amaratha is one of our command vessels.” Sylnathi replied. “It’s one of three currently in the Alpha Centauri system. They serve as mobile stations and docking ports for The Compact.”

“And is it all Microgravity like this?” Mel asked, curiously.

"No, the habitation rings use a centrifuge to create artificial gravity." said Sylnathi. "It might be a bit lighter than you're used to though."

"Aww, okay. I liked the floating part." Mel giggled again.

Sylnathi tried to scowl at her, but Mel's earnest expression rendered that impossible. "You're lucky you're cute, Pet." she teased.

 

A few minutes later, The Amarantha came into view. Mel's jaw dropped as she took in the titanic structure. It just kept going! It must have been Kilometers long- Tens of Kilometers even! An entire colony floating through space. Mel could also see the glowing exhaust from dozens of vessels flying alongside the command ship. There were large and colorful Affini ships, small metallic Terran vessels, and a few other designs she didn't recognize. It was a truly impressive sight!

 

After the shuttle docked, Sylnathi led Mel through busy markets and lively common areas, occasionally checking her data pad for directions. Mel had never seen so many people in her life; Affini, Terrans, and Xenos all living together on one vessel. Mel saw more than a few Terran pets with black collars and companion clothes. Their eyes were glazed over, their expressions cheerful, eagerly accompanying their Affini owners around the ship. Mel wondered if that's what she looked like as she followed attentively at Sylnathi's heels.

 

Eventually the crowds thinned out and they arrived at a small lush sitting area with a transparent dome above. It reminded Mel of the park back on Thypso, a quiet growing place to rest and relax. Sylnathi led Mel to a small table where another Affini sat, their form similar to her Mistress but with darker hues of reds and browns. The two Affini greeted each other in their own language, their vines intertwining in a shared greeting. After a short conversation, the new Affini looked down at Mel and smiled sweetly. "Greetings, Melrose! I am Thaelia Ayles, Third Bloom." she said with an appreciative nod, "Thank you for agreeing to meet with me."

 

 

Mel stared nervously at the sliding metal door in front of her. Sylnathi and Thaleia stood beside her, watching expectantly. “I just- I don’t know.” Mel whined. "What if she doesn't want to see me again?”

Sylnathi wrapped a comforting vine around Mel's shoulders, her body relaxed at her Mistress's touch. “Melrose, I know this is scary, but Abigail is your friend." Sylnathi reassured her. "You said before that you love her, right? And Thaleia has told you how difficult things are for Abigail right now. Don’t you think she could use her friend?”

 

Mel swallowed hard. Of course her Mistress was correct. And she wanted to help Abigail any way she could. But all that stuck in her mind was the sight of her friend leaving, tears streaming down her face.

"Melrose," Thaelia said softly, "I understand this is difficult for you, and I truly appreciate your help." the Affini woman knelt down next to Mel. "Abigail doesn't trust me, but I believe she trusts you. I know you can help her see things more clearly." Thaelia gave her a warm smile.

Mel inhaled deeply and summoned her courage. “I’ll try.” she said, determined.

 

The door slid open and Mel looked into the hab unit. Its layout was familiar - the Affini's modular housing was fairly standardized - and she quickly took in everything’s location.

“Abigail is waiting by the bed.” Thaleia said. The two Affini followed Mel into the hab unit, lagging a little ways behind. As Mel rounded the corner she saw Abigail seated in a chair, her limbs anchored with black cuffs, a companion collar fastened around her neck. As Mel entered the room, Abigail stirred and glared at her - before suddenly realizing who exactly she was glaring at. Her expression shifted from hatred to anguish as she stammered, “Mel? What- What are you doing here?”

 

Mel made her way cautiously towards the chair. “Hi, Abby. I was asked to come here. To talk with you.” Mel said gently.

Abigail stared at her, then turned her head furiously back towards the doorway. “This is a sick fucking joke, you stars-damned Weed!” she yelled. Mel looked back to see Thaleia watching the two of them from the entryway. 

“Abby, that’s not the only reason!” Mel pleaded, returning her attention to Abigail. Her friend turned to face her once more, tears filling her eyes. “You told me when you left that you loved me." Mel continued, "And I didn’t know how to say that I loved you too! I have for a long time, ever since you helped look out for me when we were younger. So I guess- Is it alright if I help you, now?”

“Help me how, Mel?” Abigail choked, “Break me out. Kill me. Do something!”

Mel stepped forward and clasped one of Abigail’s hands in her own. Her friend squeezed back tightly, desperately. “You know I can’t do that, Abby.” Mel said softly, “But I can make sure you don't have to go through this alone.” Abigail broke entirely, her body collapsing into the restraints, wracked with sobs.

 

Mel turned back to where Thaleia watched from the doorway. “Miss Thaleia, is it alright to undo her restraints?" Mel asked, "Just for a little while.”

Thaleia looked curiously at Mel. “I suppose we can, for a time." she said, cautiously, "But the collar and cuffs stay on. She’s bolted a few times since she came into my care, though with Sylnathi here too I doubt she’ll get very far if she tries anything. Are you sure she won't hurt you, though?”

"I'm positive." Mel said firmly. Thaleia retrieved her datapad and nodded to Mel. With a series of soft clicks, Abigail's restraints detached from the chair. Mel caught her friend as she slumped forward, slowly guiding her to the floor. She sat down with her back against the wall, holding Abigail tightly to her. Abigail was in such a state that she didn’t even attempt to move, existing limply in Mel’s embrace, weeping freely. “Just like old times, huh Abby?” Mel said softly, “Except I'm the one taking care of you for once.”

 

They sat together for a long while until Abigail ran out of tears and began to compose herself. She nestled tightly against Mel, letting her friend support her bodyweight. “What am I going to do, Mel?” Abigail whispered desperately.

Mel affectionately brushed the loose hair from Abigail’s face as she caressed her head. “Abby, there isn’t much to do." she said in a calm voice, "Changes are always hard. You helped me through the hardest change I’ve ever been through when we were younger. This is no different! You accept the hard truths and you keep moving forward, one step at a time.”

“No, Mel, this is different!” Abigail whimpered. “They want to take away everything, take away who I am!”

“No they don’t, they want you to accept who you are! The same way I accepted who I was.” Mel reassured her. Abigail sniffed awkwardly and shook her head, burying herself in Mel’s grasp once more. Mel held her close, running her fingers through her hair, softly kissing her forehead. “Things don’t need to be scary if we have each other.” Mel said gently. “I'm right here with you.”

 

Mel eventually managed to guide Abigail to the bed, lying down with her on the large mattress. She let her body gently wrap around her friend, trying to provide her with a familiar touch. Abigail welcomed the embrace, meekly holding on to Mel’s hand. After a few minutes, Mel carefully pulled herself away from the bed. Abigail's hand caught her arm as she stood and Mel turned back to see her frightened face. "Mel, please don't leave me!" Abigail whispered.

Mel grasped Abigail's hand firmly once more, removing it from her wrist and holding it against her cheek. "I'm not going to leave you, Abby!" She said reassuringly. "Wait here, I'll be right back."

 

Mel knew she needed to speak with her Mistress. She left the bed and made her way back towards the entryway, where she found Thaleia and Sylnathi speaking quietly in the Affini language. They paused their conversation as she approached. "Melrose, are you alright?" Sylnathi asked her.

"I'm okay, I think," Mel replied in a hushed voice. "But Abigail is afraid, Mistress. She's terrified! I- I want to be here with her, to help her get through this. She means the stars to me..." Mel trailed off, averting her eyes after making such a bold request of her owner. She really didn't want to leave their life back on Thypso. She wanted to return to the park, to Orion's Blossom, to see Niles again. But she also knew Abigail needed help. She didn't want to lose her friend again.

 

Looking back up, Mel saw Sylnathi smiling down at her, a bemused look on her face. "That's quite the request you just made to me, Pet." She purred.

Mel blushed and stammered, "Yes, I- I know Mistress, I'm sorry! I wouldn't have said it if- if it wasn't important!"

Sylnathi pondered for a minute and exchanged a few words with Thaelia. “I suppose we could stay for another week or so," she began, "so long as we leave while The Amarantha is still within shuttle range of Thypso."

“Yes!” Mel gasped, “Yes, please, thank you Mistress!”

Sylnathi leaned down and gently caressed Mel’s head. "I'll make the arrangements and request a temporary hab unit for us." she said with an affectionate smile. "You'd better inform Niles that his tenure at Orion's Blossom will be slightly longer than expected."

 

Mel felt relieved. She sent Niles a quick message on her tablet before cautiously re-entering the bedroom.

Abigail was still lying on the bed, but her eyes were wide open, watching the doorway. As Mel returned, Abigail relaxed slightly and said, “You- You’re going to stay? I was listening, I just- Mel, I-” but whatever Abigail was trying to say kept getting stuck in her throat.

“Hey, it’s alright!” Mel said gently, returning to the bed with her. “I can't be here forever, but I'll stay with you as long as I can.”

 

Mel curled back up with Abigail and held her close. The two drifted off to sleep together, savoring the familiar comfort.

 

 

The two Terran girls sat by themselves at the kitchen table in Thaelia's hab unit. Mel happily ate from a plate of not-quite-pancakes while Abigail warily eyed the glass of blue-ish juice in front of her. With a stiff motion, she took a big sip of the beverage before awkwardly putting it back down again. "You know, it's funny," Abigail said, "I know this is laced with Xenodrugs, but at this point I don't care anymore. I just want to enjoy a meal again."

"Then enjoy it, Abby!" Mel teased, holding a fork full of pancake in front of her.

 

Abigail stared intently at the food dangling in front of her, before shouting "Fuck it!" and stuffing the entire bite into her mouth. The two of them promptly demolished the breakfast prepared for them until not a scrap remained on their plates. Afterwards, they moved to the adjacent sitting room. Abigail flopped herself down on the large couch which faced the viewport into space and extended her arms, looking up expectantly at Mel. Mel took the offer and laid down beside her, nestled herself into Abigail's shoulder, swinging one leg over her friend. Abigail returned the embrace, wrapping Mel tightly in her arms, softly caressing her head and back. Mel listened happily to Abigail’s steady breathing, while Abigail took in the intoxicating floral scent of Mel’s hair. Together, they watched the stars outside slowly crawl across the viewing port as the Habitation Ring spun on its axis.

 

Mel felt Abigail's finger gently trace along the scar on her neck. "Does it- hurt?" she asked, anxiously.

"Not at all!" Mel reassured her. "It was itchy for a few days, but I can't remember feeling any pain."

"That's good." Abigail said, fidgeting slightly. "I just worry, you know? Like, I keep wondering if this is all a lie, a trick, but-"

"Abby," Mel interrupted her friend, "Miss Thaelia really does care about you! Look at how patient she's been so far, even asking me to come out here to see you. She's doing it because she wants to help you!" Abigail shook her head and clung tightly to Mel. "When I got my Implant, my Mistress waited on me day and night while I recovered!" Mel continued, "She was always making sure I was okay, checking if I needed anything. Why else would they do so much for us if they didn't care about our wellbeing?"

 

Abigail held Mel closely and asked, "You really believe that, Melrose?"

Mel stroked her friend's hair and placed a gentle kiss on her cheek. "I do." she said, confidently.

"I'm not sure if that's reassuring or terrifying." Abigail laughed quietly. "Thank you for staying with me these last few days, it’s- I wish you didn't have to go tomorrow."

"Me too, Abby," replied Mel, "But I know you'll be okay. Besides, it's not like we'll never see each other again! Plus, you’ll be able to call me whenever you’d like."

"Yeah, I guess that's true!" Abigail smiled, "Now that I’m not trying to hide all my transmissions from The Compact it'll be easier to stay in touch. I do want to visit Thypso again though, I really liked your tea."

"I'll be sure to send you some as soon as I get back!" Mel promised.

 

The two of them watched the stars wheel overhead, making this moment last as long as they could.