[fic] An Excerpt from the Adventures and Alliances of Captain Zelnick and Admiral ZEX.
Title: An Excerpt from the Adventures and Alliances of Captain Zelnick and Admiral ZEX.
Author: zekkass.
Rating: R
Pairing: ZEX/Captain Zelnick
Warnings: Alien and human sex. Slash.
Wordcount: 10,641 words.
Author's Note: This was written for tgheflin, and waywardoctagon and I must send them many thanks for prompting me to write this. It starts with Zelnick accidentally turning himself into a VUX, and goes from there.
The place in the game timeline is after you've allied with the Spathi and the Zoq-Fot-Pik, but before everything else. (Except that I think Zelnick dabbled in Mycon space a bit.)
Enjoy!
---
ZEX closed his eye tightly, momentarily blinded by the flash of light. When his vision cleared (which took a while) he stared.
"Captain?" he asked, staring.
Zelnick stared at himself, or tried to. His neck--had he broken his neck?--no, it felt fine...just odd.
He tried to answer ZEX, and found his mouth to be gone. Or changed, rather.
"ZEX?" He figured out at last, raising his arms. Er. Tentacles.
ZEX blinked slowly several times, head-tentacles up. "O, my Captain..." He approached the unfamiliar-yet-familiar VUX. "I didn't know it would do that..." He curled a tentacle around one of his Captain's new tentacles. "I'll have to teach you how to be one of us!"
Zelnick had heard that wrong. (He wasn't sure how he had heard it, but his translator was still working. Somehow.) "I'm a WHAT?"
ZEX laughed his customary laugh, easily getting over his shock. Odder things had happened in this room. The antiques did do odd things, after all.
"A VUX, my dear Captain! You're one of us!"
Zelnick stared at ZEX before realizing how much detail he could see. Immediately he was looking at everything and ZEX, absorbed by the new colors and details.
ZEX wiggled his body slightly, pleased. It had been a while since he had been able to be intimate with another VUX, and to have a willing one under his care--!
DAX would be irritated. ZEX shooed the thought away and brought the Captain's attention back to him.
"As I recall...the device's effects are temporary." He said, first of all. No need to let his Captain worry.
"How temporary, ZEX?" Zelnick asked, beginning to seriously worry. He couldn't be a VUX! What would his crew think - what would Commander Hayes think?
"Oh, no more than a few days." ZEX said cheerfully. "Earth days, I think." Yes, ZEX had done his research.
"I need to be back at the Vindicator!" Zelnick moved from worry into panic, arms -- tentacles! -- waving. "My crew will worry!" And what would Bukowski think? Oh, he couldn't go back -- not now.
Not like this.
ZEX only looked amused, and proceeded to tug at the Captain's now-stretched-slightly uniform. "I'll have to get you a proper uniform, Captain..."
"For what?"
"You're a VUX now, Captain. A captain under my command."
"Wait a minute, ZEX!" Zelnick said, getting nervous. "This is going to wear off -- "
"You aren't accustomed to taking orders, are you?" ZEX said, a teasing glint in his eye. His voice was serious, however.
Zelnick turned away from examining his new arms and back to ZEX. "I'm sorry, what was that?"
ZEX sighed. All that wonderful feeling he had put into his voice, wasted. His Captain had no appreciation for drama.
"I was talking about orders," ZEX said at last.
Zelnick blinked. "What about them?" His clueless gaze was even more endearing with one eye, ZEX decided.
ZEX waved an arm. "We can return to the subject when you're more familiar with your body, Captain. Shall we retreat to my quarters?"
Zelnick tried to nod and failed. "Ow..." He muttered. "What did you guys do to your neck?"
"What did you do to yours? It flops around," ZEX retaliated.
"It doesn't flop!" Zelnick said. "At least we have a moveable spine!"
ZEX tsked, holding his tentacles out. "Are you attempting to say that humans are...better...than VUX? Hm?"
Zelnick would have paled, had he been human. "N-no..."
ZEX waved his snout, pleased. "Come along, Captain. Let us retire to my quarters..."
---
"Where is he?" Bukowski asked for the fifth time.
"You know where we're docked," Second Science Officer Hawthorn said, sipping his drink. They were in the Vindicator's canteen, complaining about their captain. As usual.
"He should know that we have work to do!"
"Have you heard the rumors?"
"What rumors?" Bukowski asked, completely oblivious to the recent talk that their captain was having an...affair...with Admiral ZEX.
Hawthorn believed it, after seeing ZEX's advances, and the Captain's responses to them.
Bukowski either didn't want to believe, or had truly missed the rumors completely. Hawthorn wouldn't have been surprised, as Bukowski often spent more time examining the latest find from Mycon space, or the alien captains, than he spent time listening to younger officers.
"...Never mind."
"What rumors?"
"You really should spend more time down here, Bukowski -- " There was an unofficial rule to drop the honorifics when off duty. Even the Captain insisted on it.
"Tell me."
"...Some members of this crew think that our Captain and that Admiral are.."
"Well? Spit it out!"
"Together." Hawthorne finished, embarrassed.
"In what way?"
"Don't make me say it!"
"Oh! That rumor!" Bukowski laughed, to Hawthorn's puzzled relief. "You could've told me sooner. It's harmless."
Hawthorn nodded, then stood. "I'd better get back to my station -- "
"Of course, of course..."
Hawthorn left quickly as Bukowski finished his drink. Bukowski glowered into the bottom of the glass. He had hoped this wouldn't happen, but if these rumors were true, he'd have to seriously speak with his Captain.
---
"They'll be wondering where I am by now.."
"Let them wonder." ZEX licked the Captain's snout, watching him squirm.
While it was odd that the humans couldn't lick things and speak at the same time, it was even odder to watch his Captain attempt to do things that he couldn't -- at least while not in this form.
ZEX purred, eye closing in delight as Zelnick curled a tentacle around ZEX's waist.
"You learn quickly!" ZEX praised Zelnick. "I had no idea that you humans were this, ah, adaptive."
Zelnick felt ZEX's head-tentacles carefully, surprised at how muffled everything felt. He wasn't as sensitive. "You over-estimate me, ZEX."
"Not at all! In fact, I under-estimate you!" ZEX said, letting himself enjoy the sensations. "You have successfully worked your way into my home, and have seen my dearest collection. Why, you could do anything you wished!"
Zelnick shook his head -- body -- oh, it was difficult to tell ZEX no without speaking. "No, ZEX, that's not true."
"Oh, but it is. You have captured me, dear Captain." ZEX stroked Zelnick's head-tentacles, snuggling up.
Zelnick would have blushed, but instead he squirmed some more. "ZEX -- oh, that feels nice..."
"See?" ZEX murmured. "If you're gentle, and don't pull..."
A sensor went off, and ZEX sat up, irritated. "What is it?" He said, voice calmer than he felt.
The intercom beeped. "VUX ship approaching, sir."
Both ZEX and Zelnick were up and dressing immediately.
"I need to get back to my ship - "
"Like that?" ZEX said. "How will you explain?"
"I have to be with my people." Zelnick said firmly. "Escort me out, so your people don't stop me."
ZEX bobbed his head-tentacles in acknowledgement at last. "Come with me to the bridge. We'll greet them there. It'll look better, as well. A VUX on a human ship?" ZEX gave a humorless laugh.
Zelnick looked pleased, and off they went to ZEX's bridge.
---
Captain FIP of the Intruder TRF settled onto his bench. It was a lousy mission, and one that he was likely to regret accepting, but just about anything to do with that admiral ZEX was lousy.
Especially since the increasing frequency of sightings of that blasted alien ship, piloted by a human in the area.
No wonder ZEX had moved in. He would have loved to take a human for his menagerie.
Captain FIP glanced at his crew. It wasn't pleasant business at all.
"Bad news, Captain," Officer HEP said. "There's an alien vassal orbiting Alpha Cerenkov."
Captain FIP scrunched his head-tentacles. "You know the procedure." The procedure was let it hail them, and if not, attack.
A minute passed, and then: "We're being hailed, Captain."
"From which one?" Which one, indeed. The hated Admiral ZEX, or the even more hated human.
"The Admiral, Captain."
"Answer it."
---
Zelnick fidgeted. He wasn't used to this body, and here he was, surrounded by VUX who obviously didn't trust him. ZEX had given a quick speech, indicating what had happened, and so ZEX's crew had left him alone.
There were a few stares, however, and with only one eye - well, they felt like floodlights were on him.
It would only get worse when his crew found out, Zelnick knew. Of all the embarassing things to happen --
Well. At least it wasn't permanent.
"We're being hailed, Admiral. Both the Vindicator and the Intruder want contact."
"Send the Vindicator a message that reads: Captain Zelnick is fine. Hold position," ZEX answered promptly. "And answer the hailing from the Intruder. What does the High Council want with me now?"
The view screen flickered on before Zelnick could protest that his crew would not be pleased with the message.
He could only hope that his first officer, Moore, wouldn't do anything rash.
---
FIP examined ZEX's bridge with a disgusted look. "Admiral ZEX. The High Council brings greetings."
"I expected it did," ZEX answered, just as disgusted, or at least pretending to be. "Are they evicting me?"
"No," although we all wish they were, was the unspoken thought, "they are not. The Council has decreed that no VUX -- including you -- is to even consider an alliance with the upstarts from Earth."
ZEX blinked, now serene. "I'm afraid I cannot comply with that."
"What?" FIP asked, shocked. To even think that ZEX would consider an alliance with the humans -- oh no. That was why the ship was in orbit. His tone chilled, and he glared. "Then we will have no choice but to take offensive action against you, Admiral."
"Against my personal fleet, and the Precursor vessel my human friends have in orbit?" ZEX said, now amused. "I would like to see you try, Captain."
Captain FIP glared, tentacles tightening on his controls. "I will be back, Admiral. I suggest you prepare to surrender -- your death may be painless, if you comply."
"I am no longer governed by the High Council, Captain," ZEX said, voice hinting towards grim feelings. "You may leave in peace." And he cut off the transmission.
Silence reigned, and instead of all of the attention focused on Zelnick, all gazes were on ZEX. He had just chosen the course of war, and while only some would agree with his action, fortunately all would follow him.
They had followed him this far, hadn't they?
---
ZEX was taking complaints in his ready room. He had one, surprisingly enough. It wasn't called a ready room, but Zelnick knew what it was from the sight.
Yes, Zelnick still wanted one. Instead, he had his quarters and the bridge and the single conference room. Zelnick admired the view out the windows, and listened to DAX's complaints.
"And who is this?" DAX finished up, after ZEX had fielded all of the Alliance and Human questions.
"Ah." ZEX at last seemed to stall. "That is quite a story..."
DAX leveled him with a look. "Go on."
"I seem to have a device that temporarily turns aliens into VUX," ZEX said, waiting for a response.
DAX narrowed his eye. "It's the human captain."
"How perceptive, Sub-commander!"
DAX let his gaze rise to the ceiling, quite rapidly losing respect for his Admiral's judgment towards humans.
"I'll need to see this device." DAX said at last. "How temporary is it?"
"Just a few days - Earth days, that is."
"How long?" DAX prodded, not willing to translate days to VUX days.
ZEX translated, and Zelnick examined DAX's uniform. He had no idea what the different medals meant, so the lack of them on DAX's uniform could have meant anything. Zelnick was suspicious, however. "Excuse me..." He tried, curious. "What do the medals on your uniforms mean?"
ZEX laughed. "Captain! Such curiosity at this time..."
DAX tightened his tentacles, irritated.
"I have provided you with a uniform that signifies your rank, Captain -- "
Zelnick brightened, head-tentacles lifting, curiosity getting the better of him.
" -- And I'll explain what signifies what another time," ZEX concluded.
DAX uncurled his tentacles. Perhaps the Admiral had some sense after all.
"In the meantime, Captain, we should establish communications with your ship and explain what has happened," ZEX said, considering. "I have the device in my quarters."
ZEX stood. "Come with me," He ordered, heading out. DAX and Zelnick followed.
---
"Where is he?" Bukowski worried, pacing on the bridge.
"The VUX said he was alright -- "
"There's another VUX ship in orbit!"
(Captain FIP hadn't left yet. Nursing his pride and preparing for the flight back to Beta Luyten.)
"It hasn't attacked," Moore said, sitting in the Captain's chair, still considering options. He was a level-headed man, calmer than both the Captain and Bukowski.
"That could mean anything!"
"You're worrying too much, Bukowski."
"He had better come back in one piece..."
"He will," Moore said. "We're depending on him."
"Sir?" An ensign spoke up, arriving from off the bridge.
"What is it?" Moore asked, looking at the rattled ensign.
"Um, one of the Captains wants to have a word with you - "
"Which one?"
"Captain Fwiffo, sir."
---
ZEX held up the device. "Careful, Captain, we don't want it to turn you permanently into a VUX -- you have an alliance to lead!"
Zelnick arched his body, trying to nod. "What are we going to tell my crew...?"
"The truth, of course." ZEX said. "That I have agreed to an Alliance with you, and that the device's effects are temporary."
"How do you know that the device's effects are temporary, Admiral?" DAX asked.
"I've used it before!"
"You have..?" DAX's tone was dubious. "When?"
"On another VUX, a long time ago. It heals these." ZEX gestured to his head tentacles. "It wore off in a few days, though."
"You're basing the temporary effect of the device on experimentation with VUX," DAX stated flatly.
ZEX blinked an eye, then held up his tentacles. "It will be fine, Sub-commander."
Zelnick looked between them, then decided to remind them that he needed to speak to his crew. "ZEX -- "
ZEX looked at Zelnick. “Your crew is waiting. We'll take a shuttle over, if they'll consent to it. Better to have you in the flesh, eh?"
Zelnick bobbed his head-tentacles. "Yes, thank you. When can we leave?"
"Now, I think. DAX, handle the ship from us while we're away."
"Yes, Admiral," DAX said, letting the situation go. There wasn't much he could do about his Admiral's new attitude, and even less he could do about the decision about the Alliance. "Should I make preparations for us to leave Alpha Cerenkov?"
"Yes! We are going to Earth." ZEX said. "We'll come back, if we can, but I'd like to go on an adventure."
DAX left ZEX, greatly irritated. He would have to follow orders, as always, but the outcome of these ones...he couldn't be sure. It wouldn't end well.
---
Fwiffo was obviously fighting to stay composed. "Do I know where the Captain is?" He asked himself for the third time. "Yes! He went over with those VUX -- " At the thought of the VUX, Fwiffo promptly shuddered.
"Captain, what do you need?" Moore finally asked.
"I want to leave this space!"
"We'll leave as soon as we have our Captain back."
Fwiffo went from side to side for a moment. "Oh good. You're just saying that to keep me from taking off!"
"Fwiffo...where would you go, in your ship?" Moore asked. "And with twenty-nine of our officers?"
Fwiffo blinked, then rubbed the back of his -- head? eye? -- with his claw. "Don't kill me?"
Moore mentally sighed. "Of course not, Captain. Please don't attempt to go on a joyride, however."
"Of course not!" Fwiffo scuttled backwards, then forwards. "The universe is a big, scary place, in case you haven't noticed."
Moore nodded. "But we have to explore it."
Fwiffo made a huffing sound and looked up at Moore. "Or you could find a quiet system and settle down!"
"That's the Captain's decision, not mine. Are you acting bravely, Fwiffo?"
"No!"
Moore smiled. Fwiffo hadn't objected when he hadn't addressed him as Captain. "Say, Fwiffo, I'll take you to our recreation deck sometime."
Fwiffo's eye widened, and he curled in on himself.
"It's not scary..."
"Is!"
An ensign approached. "Sir, we're being hailed again, by Admiral ZEX's ship."
Moore nodded. "Captain Fwiffo, I'll visit you again," he said, and returned to the bridge, worried.
Fwiffo scuttled away, back to his quarters, relieved.
Moore entered the bridge, and stood. When the view-screen flickered on, he frowned. No Captain in sight.
---
Zelnick fidgeted again, standing next to ZEX's console. He felt the stares of the other VUX on him, and they were harder this time.
When the view-screen flickered on, Zelnick breathed a sigh of relief. His crew was fine, if a bit worried. He could tell by their faces -- goodness, he could see a lot with one eye. It was like his eyes had transformed into a super being.
"Where is Captain Zelnick?" First Officer Moore asked.
ZEX did the equivalent of a VUX smile -- Zelnick could recognize it as such, now -- and waved a tentacle towards Zelnick.
"The situation will take some explaining -- he is fine, and the effect will wear off in several Earth days."
"What effect?" Bukowski asked. "What have you done?"
ZEX looked at Zelnick, and Zelnick almost stuttered. "It was my fault, really..." He managed.
Cue stunned silence.
"Captain -- if that's you, we are having some words when you get back onboard," Bukowski said.
"It's me, Bukowski," Zelnick said, embarrassed. "We didn't know it would do that, actually, and I picked it up..."
ZEX cut in. "We will send your Captain aboard shortly. I also wish to announce that I intend to join this New Alliance of Free Stars."
Zelnick raised his head-tentacles, pleased.
Moore managed a smile. "It is my pleasure to thank you, Admiral."
"You are welcome." ZEX waved a tentacle towards Zelnick. "We will, of course, be joining you in accompanying you to Earth."
It was only discipline that kept ZEX's crewmembers from reacting. Most of them weren't surprised - ZEX had too much of an interest in the human Captain. Some would request to remain at Alpha Cerenkov.
But most would follow their Admiral to the ends of the universe.
Moore nodded, hiding his surprise. "There is one more matter -- there still is another VUX ship in orbit -- it has not contacted us."
"It brought a message intended for me," ZEX said. "The VUX High Council has forbidden all VUX from even considering an Alliance with you. I have disregarded this order." He laughed dryly. "As you can see."
Moore nodded. "Can we have our Captain back?"
"Certainly. The shuttle will be on its way shortly." And ZEX cut the communication. "Sub-commander DAX will be in charge while I am gone. Do not attempt mutiny, or anything like that while I'm away!" ZEX said, cheerfully, standing.
As ZEX and Zelnick left, they could hear the bridge erupt into frantic murmurs.
---
"...Are we sure that's the Captain?"
"It sounded like him!"
"He could be imprisoned!"
"We'll see if the Vindicator recognizes him. I doubt ZEX would be able to fake that." Moore settled the discussion.
---
ZEX took the opportunity to explain the uniforms while on the shuttle over.
"See, this patch tells you which ship you're from," ZEX said, pointing out the patch on his own uniform. It was the large one on the left, from his perspective. "You don't have one, as your Vindicator doesn't have a patch." He paused. "You should correct that - it's a useful addition to the uniforms."
"But all of my crew know which ship to return to, whenever we're on leave at Starbase," Zelnick pointed out.
"I suggest it anyway," ZEX said, lifting his tentacles. "The insignia below it tells you the rank of the person."
Zelnick nodded. "We have that, too. Stripes on the shoulder, among other things."
"Ah, but do you have these?" ZEX gestured towards the various medals on the other side of his chest. "These signify major battles; they tell us what we are qualified to fly, and they can be customized. I have been forced to be picky in what I wear, these days - I have too many of them!" He laughed, pleased with himself.
"So that's why I don't have any," Zelnick smiled, "You don't have any patches for the battles I've been in!"
"I'm afraid not," ZEX said. "If the change is permanent, we can always update that - or even if it's not, you can modify your uniforms."
Zelnick smiled. "Maybe, ZEX, maybe."
---
The second Zelnick stepped out of the shuttle, he was relieved to see human faces all around. He was somewhat less relieved to recognize security guards.
"Moore!" He exclaimed, spotting him almost immediately. "I know I don't look like myself, but I am Captain Zelnick, and Admiral ZEX insisted that he join me over here."
ZEX stepped out of the shuttle, and his eye widened. Zelnick would have smirked to himself, had he the mouth to smirk with. ZEX was attracted to humans, he knew. So many of them, and ZEX would certainly combust.
It took a second before ZEX got his composure back. Then he made a little bow to the assembled humans, modest as usual.
"I assume you know me by my reputation, yes?" He asked.
Moore nodded. "We do. Captain, Admiral, if you'd come this way..."
Zelnick glanced at ZEX, then followed Moore. The Vindicator would have missed him, most likely...
Hopefully it (she? he?) would recognize him.
Moore brought them to a computer console, and as ZEX enjoyed the sights, Zelnick began the process of navigating the console with VUX tentacles. They had modified everything they could to make it easier for humans to use, and now that was working against Zelnick.
"What are you doing?" ZEX asked, curious.
"Communicating with the Vindicator," Zelnick answered, focusing. "Please let me focus..."
At last the screen flared to life and Zelnick felt the thrill of seeing his longtime friend come to life.
There was no direct communication, just the simple nudges Zelnick could send it. He could make it easier on the Vindicator by restricting navigation to short trips, instead of longer direct lines. Little things like that. Sometime the engineers complained, but the complaints died away when the Vindicator worked more smoothly.
Zelnick would have to someday find the Precursors and thank them for creating such a starship.
ZEX watched as Zelnick managed to unlock the controls for the Vindicator.
"There," Zelnick leaned back, "It knows I'm back."
ZEX blinked, suddenly aware that he was now privy to some information that was extremely valuable.
"Captain! I am honored!" ZEX said at last. "You truly are exceptional!"
Zelnick looked up at ZEX, and stood. "No, I'm just a starship Captain."
Moore smiled. "Captain - it's good to have you back." It was completely confirmed. ZEX's story was true.
---
Several hours later, after the tour and after the return to business, ZEX was accidentally left alone with Bukowski.
Zelnick was making the final preparations for a leap into Hyperspace, and Moore was helping him.
ZEX had nothing to do, so he sought out human contact.
Bukowski found ZEX first.
"What are you doing alone?" Bukowski snapped, irritable. His Captain was an alien, he was having an affair with another alien, and said alien had an excuse to stick around.
And now that very alien was wandering the ship unattended.
"I am sure they would have me surrounded with guards the second I touched anything." ZEX said, cheerfully. "Who might you be?"
Bukowski eyed ZEX.
ZEX eyed Bukowski right back, intentions less than honorable.
Finally, Bukowski answered ZEX's question. "Science Officer Bukowski," He said curtly.
ZEX lifted his head-tentacles. "A science officer? How marvelous!" VUX ships didn't do much exploring, aside from searching for minerals to fuel their ships.
Science officers did not exist in the VUX military at all, actually.
Bukowski shrugged. "It's usual for starships to have science officers," He said. "When do you leave?"
ZEX circled a tentacle around Bukowski's waist. "We VUX don't have science officers on our Intruder vessels...you being one is marvellous," He said.
"Off!" Bukowski shoved at ZEX, and stumbled back. He was NOT getting caught up in the flirtations of a tentacled alien!
ZEX's head-tentacles drooped. "I am sorry," He said at last. "It seems I misread the situation. Do forgive me."
Bukowski shuddered. "Don't ever do that again."
ZEX raised his tentacles in a gesture of apology. "I am sorry," He said. At least here he had an excuse. Humans were still so new, and he had only been accepted by Zelnick, not rejected. It was difficult to read them without the tell-tale signs of the head-tentacles and the eye.
Still. He had erred very badly. He would take care not to let it happen again.
There was no need to jeopardize his relationship with the humans, after all.
---
Bukowski shuddered again, watching ZEX. "Apology accepted," He said at last.
ZEX brightened, and uncurled his tentacles. "Would you mind answering some questions of mine, science officer?"
Bukowski paused, then shrugged. It would allow him to keep an eye on the alien. "Ask away."
"I have studied humans ever since I discovered that you exist -- however, there are points that have not yet been clarified for me. I'm sure you understand. Our species have not shared much in the way of culture." ZEX began, eager to have someone to answer his questions besides Zelnick.
Bukowski nodded. "I do understand."
ZEX considered his first question, then asked it. "I'm afraid my Captain was unable to answer this to my satisfaction -- what is this thing that you humans call music?"
Bukowski blinked. That seemed like a reasonable question... "I'm not sure how to describe it." He said, thinking. "I don't even know if you VUX have music."
"But what is it?"
"Do you know what poetry is?"
ZEX leaned in, intensely curious. "No, what is it?"
"Well, we have to start somewhere. Poetry is the assembling of words in abstract patterns that impart some sort of meaning. I think."
ZEX bobbed his head-tentacles. "That sounds interesting. Do you have examples of it?" He definitely wanted to see it. Art was something that was lacking in his life. Well. Except for the beauty of the variables when they all fit into place, and the sight of his menagerie...
Bukowski scratched the back of his head. "Er, I never memorized any..."
"Language assembled in a pattern that pleases." ZEX said quietly. "We do have that on the home world. If you find any, I want to see Earth poetry."
Bukowski smiled. "I'm sure we have some on board, if you'll come with me."
ZEX followed Bukowski as he led him towards the recreation deck. "What does poetry have to do with music?" He asked.
"Add rhythm, or noise to the words, and you have a song." Bukowski explained. "I'm not sure how to explain it to you. There's a difference between noise and music, and not all music has words in it."
ZEX understood. "It's like the concept of beauty," He said as they reached the recreation deck. "It is subjective."
"...I'm talking art with an alien," Bukowski muttered to himself. He raised his voice and looked at ZEX. "Yes, yes it does. We understand the idea that art and beauty are up to the viewer."
ZEX looked around, pleased. "Yes, that's it! You humans have it right!"
ZEX went on. "I happen to be very lucky -- as I'm sure you've noticed, the reaction my countrymen have towards your species is less than desirable. I don't know what causes it, but I happen to be immune to whatever it is."
Bukowski nodded. "This way to the library. We still keep a few books on board." Of course Vela scientists had managed to recreate books, and so had a miniature library.
"Books?"
"It's an old form of storing information, and stories," Bukowski explained. "Words are printed on paper, or as near as we can get to paper."
ZEX ignored the looks of the humans staring at him and reached out and plucked a book from the shelf. He opened it carefully, then sighed. "I cannot read it."
"It's written in Terran..." Bukowski said, carefully. "If you're willing, we can teach it to you."
"I can figure it out." ZEX waved a tentacle. "May I borrow this one?"
"Oh? Yes, of course. Put it back when you're done, though..."
ZEX bobbed his head-tentacles, then turned, staring at Bukowsky intently. "You have no guarantee that I'll be able to return this. Why are you offering it to me?"
"I could be nice and say that I'll trust you." Bukowski smiled, bitterly. "But I won't. We can recreate these things anytime one gets dropped out an airlock. All of the data we have on literature is in the computer and stored on disks, anyway."
ZEX returned his gaze to the book, satisfied. "Thank you, science officer."
"You're welcome," Bukowski returned, oddly pleased. Maybe ZEX wasn't so bad after all.
---
Bukowski retracted that opinion an hour later, after fielding numerous questions about the language and about the various beverages humans drank.
Fortunately, just as ZEX was getting to the subject of beer, Zelnick found them.
"...so humans intoxicate themselves on purpose?" This was unheard of, in VUX military society. It simply wasn't allowed, and so no one attempted to drink the venoms of the gluota fish in their raw form, or any other creature.
Bukowski just looked at ZEX, then glanced over when he heard the doors to the deck slide open.
Zelnick stepped in, still as green as ever. He waved a tentacle at ZEX and Bukowski and came over, ignoring the stares as easily as ZEX was.
Bukowski backed away as Zelnick sat next to ZEX, eagerly launching into conversation with ZEX. He greeted Bukowski, turning that intense gaze on him.
"Captain, I'll be at my station," He said, and left quickly.
ZEX chuckled and curled a tentacle around Zelnick's. "Your science officer has been friendly."
"...Bukowski? You two did seem to be talking..." Zelnick blinked.
"He showed me this." ZEX picked up the book and held it out. "No, don't translate it for me. It's a puzzle, and I'm going to figure it out."
Zelnick flickered his tongue. "Of course you are, ZEX. When do you want to return to your fleet?"
"After we have had some time...together," ZEX said, with a grin audible in his voice.
Zelnick promptly discovered then and there that he could make the same purring noise as ZEX could.
Ignoring the stares of Zelnick's crew, they left together.
---
DAX welcomed his Admiral back on board with a minimum of fanfare.
"Welcome aboard, Admiral."
"Is everything in one piece?"
"Of course, Admiral."
"He changed back in the middle of our activities," ZEX said, all too calmly. "Hair tastes disgusting."
DAX wondered if he had angered ZEX in some way. "Admiral, I don't need the details."
"Of course you don't," ZEX said, brightening. "He invited me to come back any time!"
"And you extended the same offer," DAX said dryly.
"Of course!"
---
Captain FIP arrived at Alpha Cerenkov to find it quiet. All of the ships in orbit were gone -- all of the creatures on the land-based menagerie were gone -- everything was gone.
"Oh, no... Check for Hyperspace translations!"
It took several tense minutes, before yes, there had been recent Hyperspace translations. FIP uttered a curse and began preparing to send news to the High Council. They would most likely be unhappy, he knew.
---
ZEX was like a young child when seeing something new, Zelnick thought. While he knew ZEX had seen Hyperspace before, it always was a sight -- the red space, the layers that you could see above and below you --
Zelnick still wasn't sure if he should tell ZEX about Quasispace.
Quasispace -- there was yet another layer among layers. Zelnick knew the Vindicator liked the portals, liked flying through the layers between universes.
It just creeped Zelnick out. He had never understood it fully, and it was like the abstract math that ZEX had shown him -- he just hadn't been able to make the explanations stick and make sense.
But he couldn't deny the unearthly beauty of seeing yourself above everything, and under everything at the same time.
"Captain," ZEX started, breaking Zelnick out of his thoughts, "is this the fastest your Vindicator can travel?"
Zelnick blinked -- two eyes, thank goodness -- and shook his head, patting the railing. They were visiting each other's ships for the Hyperspace translations, as they had every time they'd stopped to refuel the VUX Intruders.
For the final stretch of the trip, they would be in their respective starships. That would be best for both crews.
In the meantime, ZEX was trapped in the Vindicator, and loving it immensely.
"No, it's the not the fastest it can travel. We're more accustomed to longer trips through Hyperspace -- "
"And your turning speed is much greater, as well..." ZEX considered. "I am certain you will not mind if I continue to modify my Intruders? Standard VUX design is lacking."
Zelnick nodded. "I noticed that - all of the VUX ships we ran into, aside from yours, were slow. Who designed them, anyway?"
ZEX thought back to his history. The High Council had considered improving their warships at one point, but after ZEX won the war for them, they had dropped the idea.
Why bother improving what had worked, anyways?
"The initial design was created by someone we know only as GEN," ZEX said at last. "It was improved when we needed to use it, and hasn't been changed, except to improve laser and limpet capacity."
Zelnick frowned. "And no one cares enough to make the design better?"
ZEX shrugged. "VUX society is not impressed by other species' technology. We have the latest in VUX technnology, and that is that."
"That's a shame." Zelnick paused, then gave the obvious compliment. "Your species is brilliant, when you guys put your mind to it."
ZEX brightened, taking in the praise quickly enough. "Captain..thank you."
Zelnick smiled. "You're welcome, ZEX."
ZEX closed his eye in delight, then moved closer. "Gorgeous, wonderful human..." He murmured, pulling Zelnick closer.
Zelnick eagerly kissed ZEX's snout, unaware that they were being stared at by the entire recreation deck.
"Shall we retire to your quarters, Captain?" ZEX murmured, pleased.
"Mm," Zelnick said, and they left together.
Frantic gossiping followed in their wake.
---
Hayes eyed the limited sensors that the Starbase had, not sure if their readings were correct.
"VUX ships? Out here?" He wondered to himself.
"They're close to the Vindicator, sir," said a technician who was also examining the readings.
"Is there any sign of the VUX ships attacking?" Hayes asked, crossing his arms. "We may need to assist."
"We're being hailed, sir."
"From which of the groups?"
"The Vindicator, sir."
"Answer it," Hayes ordered, moving behind his console, and on came the view screen.
Captain Zelnick waved.
"We'll be docking soon, Commander," Zelnick said, smiling. "Please allow access for our new Alliance members."
Hayes stared. "How on earth did you manage to convince the VUX to join us?" He asked.
"Wellll...not all of them." Zelnick flashed a sheepish grin.
Hayes shrugged. "You managed to find some VUX who would join our cause. I'm impressed, Captain."
Zelnick smiled, pleased. "Thanks, Commander. Admiral ZEX will be docking shortly."
Hayes stared again. "Did you say Admiral ZEX, Captain?"
"I did." Zelnick grinned.
"The Admiral ZEX? The one who wiped out our fleets in the War?"
"Yes. I'll tell you more when we're docked, Commander," Zelnick said, and cut off the communication.
Hayes turned to look out the window, grinning. "Let them all dock," He ordered, unnecessarily. "And ask that the Captain and Admiral ZEX are brought to the conference room immediately."
---
Hayes stood in the conference room, waiting. He couldn't believe it. He just couldn't believe it. Admiral ZEX, the famous military tactician from the war was here, and he had agreed to join Zelnick's Alliance.
How on Earth had Zelnick managed that?
Hayes watched as the doors slid open and Zelnick came in, followed by what Hayes assumed was Admiral ZEX.
Hayes examined the VUX. He had never seen a VUX up close before, but he had seen images of them - they were just as ugly as he had thought, but he'd be a fool before he'd turn down help against the Ur-Quan.
Zelnick smiled at Hayes, oblivious to his thoughts. "Commander Hayes, this is Admiral ZEX." He introduced them.
ZEX held out a tentacle, imitating the hand-shake he had seen from the few holo-vids left. "It is always a pleasure to meet new humans. Especially gorgeous ones."
Hayes stared, then reluctantly took the tentacle and shook it.
Zelnick watched, pleased. "Oh, yes, ZEX, I'd like to take two of your Intruders and you with me when I next leave. I trust your men won't rebel while we're away?"
ZEX waved a free tentacle, still holding Hayes' hand. "They've followed me this far, they'll be fine."
Hayes nodded and withdrew his hand from ZEX's grip. "We can defend ourselves, Captain, if things turn sour."
ZEX looked at Hayes. "Things will not turn sour," He assured Hayes, voice somewhat harder than before.
Zelnick raised his hands. "I'm not leaving for a week, anyways -- not unless something comes up."
"A week?" ZEX said, surprised and pleased. "Why, Captain, what will you do for an entire week?"
Zelnick grinned. "Refueling, for one. And I want to make sure your crew mixes with our crew." He discreetly winked at ZEX, also communicating that he would gladly exchange carnal knowledge during the week, as well.
Hayes coughed, and ZEX and Zelnick stopped focusing on each other.
"About this Alliance..." Hayes started.
ZEX interrupted him. "If my countrymen decide to visit, do not hesitate to retaliate."
"ZEX..." Zelnick started, before fading off.
Hayes nodded. "I understand. Thank you, Admiral."
ZEX's attitude had changed. He wasn't as flippant. "I also suggest you avoid VUX space, Captain. The High Council will not be pleased with my decision."
Zelnick nodded. He knew that. ZEX had warned him while on the flight here. He didn't like ZEX's attitude, though. It was sterner, and it reminded him that ZEX was older than he was, and had been through a war already.
It made ZEX seem like an Admiral.
"It has been a pleasure meeting you, Commander." ZEX said, formally. "I need to return to my crew -- integrating them with your crew will require some nudging from me."
Hayes nodded, understanding. "Good luck, Admiral."
And Zelnick suddenly felt very, very jealous.
---
He couldn't explain it. Zelnick paced in his temporary quarters, occasionally glancing out the window. He just couldn't -- well, he could.
ZEX and Hayes had been through the First War, and then -- they both had experience he didn't have. Of course they would know how to talk, and to act like Commanders and Admirals.
Zelnick kept pacing, worrying. He knew ZEX was attached to him, he knew ZEX was sacrificing a lot for him...
But what if he wasn't?
ZEX was really smart, right? What if he was using Zelnick to get more creatures for his menagerie, what if what if what if?
Zelnick shook his head. ZEX wouldn't do that to him. He trusted ZEX.
In fact, what he needed to do right now was go see ZEX and talk to him.
Zelnick nodded to himself, and left his quarters.
---
"DAX, it is about time you stopped holding this against me." ZEX said, tending to his menagerie.
DAX glanced up at ZEX, assisting him. They did things together frequently, simply to check up on each other and discuss current events.
DAX had been more than willing to brush today's activities off, but ZEX had insisted. They had issues to work through, he said.
DAX chose not to feign ignorance this time. "Admiral, you know what my feelings are on the matter."
"Ah. You're convinced that my judgement is affected by the Captain."
"And by the abundance of humans here, Admiral."
ZEX took a moment to close his eye, picturing all of them. "Mmm..."
DAX narrowed his eye, putting the finishing adjustments on the still-frozen Shofixti Maidens. "Admiral, that is exactly what I mean."
ZEX shrugged, and looked up at the largest Carousel Beast any collecter had ever caught. It was contained, and he'd find some way to let it roam free. But that was for later. At the moment, he was feeding it.
"DAX, I assure you, my mind has not been clouded."
DAX paused. "Then explain this recent...Alliance."
"The High Council would not have permitted me to stay at Alpha Cerenkov forever, DAX," ZEX said. "I have thought out the situation. In fact, I think this is the most agreeable situation we've found ourselves in, DAX." ZEX continued, "We have an opportunity to meet humans, find other species, and seek out a new world for us to live in, far away from VUX space."
DAX's gaze softened. So ZEX had been thinking... "You should tell the crew this."
ZEX blinked. "I will," He assured DAX, "If you think it will help."
"It will, Admiral." DAX began to clean up, and removed the protective lining from his tentacles. "They will appreciate the idea that more thought has gone into these orders than what you have indicated."
"Ah, it does seem that way, doesn’t it..." ZEX followed suit, removing the protective lining. "My luscious creatures will be fine for another day..."
"Yes, Admir--" DAX cut off, glaring at the intruder.
Zelnick waved and smiled sheepishly. "I asked where you were, and they directed me down here..." Translation: They told him where ZEX was, and told him not to bother the Admiral. Zelnick charged in anyway.
ZEX chuckled. "Welcome to my menagerie, Captain. I have only the most beautiful and distinct creatures here."
Zelnick looked around, wide-eyed. "Amazing!" He stared at the Carousel Beast. "...how big do those things get, anyway?"
"This is the largest specimen I have found," ZEX said, eager to provide information. However, before he could continue, Zelnick had already moved on, looking at the various beasts in confinement, or in the cold-freeze.
DAX looked at ZEX. It was up to ZEX to get the Captain out of here before he saw the range of ugly creatures and fascinating beasts that ZEX had collected.
ZEX shrugged at DAX’s look, and moved towards Zelnick. By now, it was no matter if the Captain realized that ZEX had lied. ZEX's collection of the ugliest beasts in the universe had no match, and Zelnick would not suspect that ZEX had intended to have Zelnick in it.
By now, of course, ZEX was willing to let Zelnick roam free. He had his Captain in other ways, which satisfied the need to collect.
(And he cared about Zelnick. Oh, how he cared.)
Zelnick spotted the Shofixti maidens, and walked over to them, staring. "ZEX?"
"Yes, Captain?"
"These are Shofixti Maidens?"
"Yes, Captain." ZEX couldn't help but be proud of them. A nearly extinct race, and he had the females!
"ZEX...." Zelnick was beginning to sound serious, more like the Captain he was. "Thank you."
"For what, Captain?"
"I'll explain in a moment. Do you know the history of the Shofixti?"
"Of course, Captain! These are the only females remaining," ZEX said, proudly. "I was lucky to find them."
Zelnick nodded. "You may just have saved the Shofixti species, ZEX. Tanaka will be incredibly grateful."
"Tanaka?" ZEX said. "Is there another Shofixti out there, Captain?"
"Tanaka and his brother, Katana, ZEX," Zelnick said, brightening. "With these females, they can have children!"
ZEX blinked. "Are you asking me to give up such wonderful specimens from my collection, Captain?"
Zelnick shook his head. "I'm asking you to help me bring about the rebirth of an entire race!"
ZEX considered. "Captain, you know very well that I trust you. However, for me to release a creature from my menagerie, I will need proof that what you say is true."
Zelnick nodded. "Of course. When we leave Starbase, we can go and visit Tanaka and Katana. They're guarding the remains of their home, around Delta Gorno."
"I know where that is, Captain. I would be interested in such a venture."
"Hey...now you sound like a Melnorme, ZEX!"
ZEX chuckled. "This is business we are discussing, Captain. I do not take suggestions to release members of my menagerie lightly."
Zelnick nodded. "I think I understand."
ZEX put a tentacle around Zelnick's shoulders and began to lead him out, away from his precious collection. "Shall we retire to my quarters?" He asked.
DAX watched them go, then set to cleaning up. Perhaps his Admiral wasn't as love-struck as he seemed...
---
DAX conversed easily with the human technicians, directing them on how to take care of the limpets. He was overseeing the entire process, ensuring that the humans didn't mess up their ships.
He still wasn't sure if he was going with ZEX or not when Zelnick next left the Starbase.
"Sir?" ZFT asked. He was one of the VUX technicians. "I'm having trouble with the mother limpet..."
"How so?" DAX asked, coming over.
"It's...oozing a red substance."
DAX examined the ooze coming from the mother limpet and sighed. "It's nearly finished with the male it has."
"...They can do that?" ZFT was more mechanically minded, and didn't often deal with the limpets, but DAX made a mental note to go over limpet biology with him either way.
"We need a new male limpet, from one of the other broods." DAX explained. "Check the Intruders for young males."
ZFT looked at DAX, then left, following orders.
DAX watched the mother limpet. It would soon completely devour the male, and then it would seek a new source of food.
Limpets weren't the kindest creatures, but they were useful. DAX turned to see the human technicians watching him, and watching the limpets.
No doubt the humans thought he was disgusting. DAX couldn't tell, though.
DAX waited, occasionally glancing at the humans. Finally, one came over. DAX watched impassively, wondering what he was going to be talked to about.
"Ah, excuse me..." The nervous technician said, scratching the back of his neck. "I'm Vinge." He stuck his hand out, and waited for DAX to take it.
DAX paused, then took the human's hand. He had done some research -- most of the VUX in ZEX's fleet did, if only to become acquainted with their most basic mannerisms.
DAX did not shake the human's hand, as much for the human's safety as for DAX's attitude. He was unused to touching humans, and did not know how much pressure would be too much for their fragile skin.
"I am Sub-commander DAX," DAX introduced himself, letting go of the human.
Vinge was nervous, DAX thought. DAX didn't know how to read humans, but the way the voice quivered, and the way he was constantly moving...well, unless humans were drastically different, Vinge was nervous.
"Er, good to meet you," Vinge tried a smile. "I was curious - we haven't had a chance to talk to you VUX much, or examine your Intruders, and - "
"What is your question?" DAX interrupted calmly, stopping Vinge from rambling.
Vinge froze, then breathed out. "Well...what do you mean when you wiggle those?" He pointed to the head tentacles. "Are you telepathic, or something?"
DAX narrowed his eye. "We are not telepathic."
"Ah, okay! I'm sorry if I've offended you - we don't know much about the VUX, as I said, and you wiggle those things at - "
"It is the same thing as you humans making hand signals at each other."
"It is?" Vinge put his fingers to his chin, thinking this over. "I'll bet you have more complicated signals, though!"
"It is nothing quite like the thing you humans call body language."
"Oh! You mean it's something like reading our faces for the subtle cues that - "
"Are you a science officer?"
"No, but I want to be!"
DAX glanced at the other human technicians, sure that they were amused. "If you are interested in discussing the differences between human and VUX biology, I suggest taking the subject up with Admiral ZEX, or Ensign LEQ."
"..the Admiral?" Vinge squeaked. "But he's so - so above my rank!"
DAX huffed. "He would be eager to discuss the subject with you. Ensign LEQ would also appreciate the information - he wants to compile information for Admiral ZEX. I believe he is also like ZEX - interested in the subject."
"Oh, okay..." Vinge smiled. "Thanks for talking to me."
"You are welcome." DAX said, and Vinge waved as he walked away.
That was when ZFT returned
ZFT set down the male limpet carefully, and looked at DAX for instruction.
DAX sighed to himself and picked up the male limpet, and began to position it for the mother limpet. The humans and ZFT watched, curious. Minutes later, DAX was done, and they were set.
"It will start to produce fodder soon." He said to ZFT. "See that it goes well."
"Yes, Sub-commander."
DAX left.
---
"Are you coming with us, Sub-commander?" ZEX asked formally, sitting at his command post.
"I am," DAX said.
ZEX was ready for this. This was merely the formality. He bobbed his head tentacles, pleased, and gestured towards his panels. "I'll be maneuvering us out. We're going to Delta Gorno, and we're staying near the Vindicator."
Everyone knew the orders, and ZEX was merely confirming them. The bridge crew was ready, and so was the remaining fleet.
Of ZEX's ten Intruders, only two were going with the Vindicator.
The flagship didn't have much room, after all.
---
LFX, the Commander in charge of the remaining Intruders, watched the Vindicator go.
He knew there were the stirrings of mutiny. After this unexpected move, not everyone was pleased.
LFX was still loyal. He had spoken with DAX, and those who were feeling up to mutiny had been sent with ZEX.
LFX was left to keep track of the remaining fleet. He had earned his place here, and he was rapidly discovering that humans were interesting, and even pleasant to talk to.
For instance, he had spoken to Commander Hayes on more than one occasion -- Hayes certainly understood LFX when he mentioned the matters that ZEX didn't think about often. (Or maybe he did. LFX didn't know.)
Hayes had even offered to help acclimate the VUX by providing movies and showing them human entertainment.
LFX was now watching an old two-dimension film from Earth's history -- one of the few to survive.
LFX turned off the program when Hayes entered his makeshift office.
"Commander LFX?" Hayes asked. It had taken him a few tries to get LFX's name right, but then again, human names were just as baffling.
LFX stood. "Commander Hayes," he said. LFX was a temporary Commander, at least until Admiral Commander ZEX returned.
Hayes grinned, and LFX stopped the automatic shudder at seeing teeth.
"We're having a general celebration for the new alliance," Hayes explained. "And your men are welcome to come."
LFX brightened. "I accept, and I'll talk to the Captains. Don't expect us all to arrive, but parties -- no doubt we'll want to see how you humans do it."
Hayes blinked. "Excuse me, Commander -- how do the VUX have parties?"
"How do we celebrate?" LFX repeated, thinking. "We play, talk about it, and imbibe delicacies."
Hayes nodded. "That sounds about right -- we don't have any alcohol available -- but I doubt you'd want that."
"Nothing intoxicating, of course."
"Right."
LFX raised a tentacle, pleased. "Commander Hayes, thank you."
"Thank you, Commander LFX. We'll be holding a more formal party when the Captain and the Admiral return, but for now I figure we can enjoy ourselves."
"We can, Commander."
---
The 'another starship is approaching us' alarm sounded, and Zelnick rushed to the bridge.
"Don't let them attack us!" he yelled as soon as he arrived, cutting Tanaka off in mid-sentence.
Tanaka grinned, promptly making Zelnick's stomach drop. That smile wasn't friendly -- it was Tanaka showing aggresion.
At least, that was what he thought. He was never sure how to interpret aliens’ expressions.
Zelnick tried a smile in return, flashing his teeth.
"Ah, Captain. It is an honor and a pleasure to have you here."
Zelnick breathed a sigh of relief, striding over to his command chair. "It's good to see you, Tanaka." He had done the right thing by smiling, he thought. "How are things?"
"There are more important matters at hand, Captain," Tanaka said, almost gently leading him to the matter that Zelnick was afraid of. "You have VUX ships in your fleet."
"I do." Zelnick smiled. "We've made an alliance with Admiral ZEX's fleet."
Tanaka took a moment to think this over.
"Tanaka?" Zelnick asked.
"I have heard of such a VUX -- he was exiled?" Tanaka asked.
"Oh. Yeah. He likes humans - " At this, Zelnick blushed. One of the crew coughed, and Zelnick shook his head. "Admiral ZEX and his fleet are willing to help us. Also -- he has female Shofixti in deep freeze."
"Shofixti maidens!" Tanaka said, excitedly. "Great leaping mounds of happiness! If this is true, then Captain -- you and Admiral ZEX have saved my race!"
Zelnick grinned. "Let me talk with ZEX first, okay? We need his consent."
"Of course, Captain!"
Zelnick gestured, and the viewscreen was switched off, and ZEX was hailed. It took only a second before ZEX appeared onscreen.
"Captain!" ZEX said. "That is an authentic Shofixti Scout! How did you find it? And is there really a Shofixti aboard?"
Zelnick grinned. "Hail him. He's really interested in the Shofixti Maidens you have onboard."
ZEX waved a tentacle, and soon they had a conference-split-screen-effect going on.
"A Shofixti!" ZEX exclaimed, chuckling. "Captain, I knew this would be an excellent Alliance."
"What?"
"I will release my Shofixti maidens immediately. Oh, the rebirth of a race!"
Tanaka laughed, and the viewscreens turned to black as ZEX set to sending the maidens over.
Zelnick retreated to his quarters yet again to think this over.
ZEX had given up the Maidens almost immediately...what was ZEX thinking? Why had he agreed to joining the Alliance in the first place?
Zelnick didn't know anymore. He liked ZEX, he really did...but if ZEX had an ulterior motive...
Oh, he just wanted to talk to ZEX.
---
Before the starships left the Delta Gorno starsystem, Admiral ZEX took a shuttle over to see Zelnick.
They settled comfortably in Zelnick's quarters, and ZEX, thankfully, realized Zelnick's need to talk before they did anything else.
"My Captain..." ZEX murmured, holding Zelnick in a secure hug. "What seems to be the matter?"
Zelnick tensed, then forced himself to relax. It was only ZEX, after all. "I'm...ZEX..." He said, not sure of where to start. He wasn't even sure if he should start at all.
ZEX waited patiently, tracing Zelnick's face absently. Human skin was so smooth and lovely and he could never get enough of it.
"I -- er -- I -- ZEX!"
ZEX paused. "Yes, Captain?"
"I can't think!"
"...oh?"
"You -- er -- please stop touching my face I'm trying to think!"
"Hee! Hee! Hee!" ZEX was amused. "What are you trying to think about, Captain?"
"You!"
ZEX blinked. "Me?"
"Yes, you! You're confusing me!" Zelnick twisted to look ZEX in the eye. "ZEX, why did you really come with me?"
ZEX blinked. "I like you, Captain. I have always wanted to explore the galaxy. I can do it with you, and help you, Captain." And that was the truth, ZEX thought.
Zelnick smiled, relieved.
ZEX promptly helped Zelnick remove his shirt. "Now...we can get to business, Captain.."
---
LFX strode into the room, watching the preparations. A table was being set out, with both human and VUX foods -- each marked as such, so no one ate something poisonous -- and a ring being drawn on the floor in a corner. LFX assumed most of the party would be talking -- a gathering -- and the ring was for certain VUX to demonstrate the ancient sport of JIS.
It was one step towards better relations. JIS wasn't a secret, but he had been forced to assert his authority with several crewmemebers who felt that it shouldn't be shown at all to the humans.
That had gone over well, thankfully. LFX had been able to convince the complainers that they could challenge a human to JIS, if they wanted, after they explained the rules.
(He had been incredibly careful to specify the 'no hurting the human permanently' rule.)
(Really, really careful.)
LFX stood and watched, then turned when someone bumped into him.
"Oops! Sorry!" The -- LFX glanced at the man's chest -- ensign had the grace to look embarrassed. "I'm sorry, sir, didn't see you there."
LFX waved a tentacle. "It is of no concern."
"Say, are you here for the party?" The ensign didn't know much, LFX thought. He answered honestly, opting to see what would happen.
"I am."
The ensign smiled. "It's going to be a good one! We're even going to get some of the other Captains to visit --- I don't know about the Spathi, but the Zoq-Fot-Pik will be in attendance!"
LFX blinked. A small detail the humans had thought he knew, he supposed. "Do the Zoq-Fot-Pik understand that there will be VUX in the party?" He asked.
"Yeah, they know." The ensign pointed towards the doors. "In fact, there's one of them now!"
LFX watched as the trio of odd aliens floated into the room.
"I told you, we can't assume anything. Who knows what these VUX are like?" the Zoq was saying.
"But what if they're dangerous?"
"Ssssh! There's one right there!"
They had spotted him. LFX decided to come over and see what he was dealing with.
"Thank you, Ensign," he said to the ensign, and then walked over to the aliens.
"He's coming closer!" the blue alien said.
"How do we know he's a he?"
"How do we know he isn't a he?"
"Good point!"
"Yeah, I know!"
LFX stopped walking. They were noisy, that was for sure. "Excuse me. I am Commander LFX of the VUX."
"And we're Zip, Zik, and Zak." The green alien introduced them. "We're all Captains!"
They floated higher up, getting to LFX's eye level.
"Are you really a VUX?" asked the blue alien. (Zak, was it? LFX couldn't be sure.)
"Yes, I really am a VUX," LFX said patiently.
The blue alien scrutinized LFX. "Fine, you look like a VUX. I'll believe you."
"What you mean is that OF COURSE we believe you. Commander LFX, it's a pleasure to meet you."
LFX did a small bow. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Captains. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to inform my Captains that you will be in attendance."
"Of course. Go ahead, Commander."
LFX left them, studiously ignoring the bickering he could hear even out in the hallway.
---
The gathering itself started smoothly, and the few Zoq-Fot-Pik and Spathi in the room didn't bother the VUX.
Both Commanders stood aside and watched, keeping an eye on their respective troublemakers.
"Commander," LFX started.
"Yes?" Hayes asked.
"What brought you here?" LFX asked, looking down. He wasn't sure if he could ask such a question. Human manners were so much the same, and yet so different.
Hayes glanced at LFX. "Here, to this Starbase?"
"Yes."
"It's a long story...I guess most of it is that I was the oldest surviving Captain from the war."
"And that's why you were sent up here?"
"I have the most experience, and they liked me." Hayes shrugged. "Earth's leaders chose me."
"There's more to it."
"It's a long story."
LFX lifted his glass, and took in some of the drink. He wouldn't ask. Maybe later, but now...
Ah. The JIS was going to be begin soon.
A crowd was already gathering. The two fighters were negotiating -- they had been pre-chosen, and now they were simply completing negotiations for duty exchanges.
With a prize, there would be something to fight for.
LFX joined the crowd, as did Hayes. LFX always enjoyed a good round of JIS, and he was also a referee -- he was one of the many who watched for cheating.
LFX curled his tentacles, tense, as the two fighters stepped into the ring.
LFX recognized them. PIW and HIN. Both were under the command of Captain GAD.
PIW took the moment to twine tentacles, and then they burst into action.
HIN was experienced -- he immediately jumped up, avoiding the tail swipe from PIW. LFX winced, however, as PIW did manage to yank HIN down too fast.
HIN backed up, tail flared, tentacles out. As a rule, the JIS did not allow talking during the event.
That didn't include body language, however. PIW was holding himself tightly, compactly.
He charged at HIN, and barely stopped in time as HIN jumped out of the way, pushing at PIW's back.
PIW's tail flared out as he turned, grabbing HIN and tangling himself up in HIN's tentacles.
He pulled as hard as he could as HIN pushed back; they kept moving, and when they let go, they were back where they had started.
HIN was forced to jump once again as PIW attempted to knock him over with his tail, and soon PIW had grabbed him and pulled him to the floor.
PIW immediately put a foot on HIN's chest, tail lashing.
HIN reached up to grab PIW's foot, but PIW bent down, wrapping his tentacles around HIN's neck.
HIN stopped moving. PIW was going for a surrender, and there was nothing he could do about it. Not like this.
"I lost. Let go," he said, holding still.
PIW let go. "Good!" He helped HIN up, and they bobbed their head tentacles to the crowd.
The silence that had fallen while they had been fighting disappeared, and soon almost everyone was talking about the JIS.
Hayes was smiling, LFX noted. While he liked to believe that Hayes was smiling for different reasons, darker ideas sprang up in his mind.
...was Hayes glad to see the VUX fighting?
...was Hayes glad to see violence in general?
Or had he placed bets?
LFX didn't know. He would trust that those thoughts were not true, however.
Hayes glanced at LFX. "That was the finest example of a fair fight I've ever seen."
LFX blinked.
"What did you think?" Hayes asked.
LFX blinked again, then uncurled his tentacles. He had seen flaws in the footwork... "They both did well."
"You have more to say," Hayes said, still smiling.
"I do," LFX said. "However, I doubt you'd be interested."
"It's the technical stuff, huh?"
"Yes, exactly." LFX looked towards the circle. "There are details I doubt you care about."
"If you stick around, and keep doing things like that," Hayes gestured towards the circle, "then I'll need to learn about these details."
"Commander..." LFX started, then paused.
"Here they come," Hayes said.
And it was true. There came two more VUX, ready for the JIS. Negotiations would soon begin, and perhaps...
Perhaps this time LFX would be able to explain the details to Hayes.
---
A week later, relations between the humans and VUX were much improved, and the Vindicator arrived at Starbase.
---
Author: zekkass.
Rating: R
Pairing: ZEX/Captain Zelnick
Warnings: Alien and human sex. Slash.
Wordcount: 10,641 words.
Author's Note: This was written for tgheflin, and waywardoctagon and I must send them many thanks for prompting me to write this. It starts with Zelnick accidentally turning himself into a VUX, and goes from there.
The place in the game timeline is after you've allied with the Spathi and the Zoq-Fot-Pik, but before everything else. (Except that I think Zelnick dabbled in Mycon space a bit.)
Enjoy!
---
ZEX closed his eye tightly, momentarily blinded by the flash of light. When his vision cleared (which took a while) he stared.
"Captain?" he asked, staring.
Zelnick stared at himself, or tried to. His neck--had he broken his neck?--no, it felt fine...just odd.
He tried to answer ZEX, and found his mouth to be gone. Or changed, rather.
"ZEX?" He figured out at last, raising his arms. Er. Tentacles.
ZEX blinked slowly several times, head-tentacles up. "O, my Captain..." He approached the unfamiliar-yet-familiar VUX. "I didn't know it would do that..." He curled a tentacle around one of his Captain's new tentacles. "I'll have to teach you how to be one of us!"
Zelnick had heard that wrong. (He wasn't sure how he had heard it, but his translator was still working. Somehow.) "I'm a WHAT?"
ZEX laughed his customary laugh, easily getting over his shock. Odder things had happened in this room. The antiques did do odd things, after all.
"A VUX, my dear Captain! You're one of us!"
Zelnick stared at ZEX before realizing how much detail he could see. Immediately he was looking at everything and ZEX, absorbed by the new colors and details.
ZEX wiggled his body slightly, pleased. It had been a while since he had been able to be intimate with another VUX, and to have a willing one under his care--!
DAX would be irritated. ZEX shooed the thought away and brought the Captain's attention back to him.
"As I recall...the device's effects are temporary." He said, first of all. No need to let his Captain worry.
"How temporary, ZEX?" Zelnick asked, beginning to seriously worry. He couldn't be a VUX! What would his crew think - what would Commander Hayes think?
"Oh, no more than a few days." ZEX said cheerfully. "Earth days, I think." Yes, ZEX had done his research.
"I need to be back at the Vindicator!" Zelnick moved from worry into panic, arms -- tentacles! -- waving. "My crew will worry!" And what would Bukowski think? Oh, he couldn't go back -- not now.
Not like this.
ZEX only looked amused, and proceeded to tug at the Captain's now-stretched-slightly uniform. "I'll have to get you a proper uniform, Captain..."
"For what?"
"You're a VUX now, Captain. A captain under my command."
"Wait a minute, ZEX!" Zelnick said, getting nervous. "This is going to wear off -- "
"You aren't accustomed to taking orders, are you?" ZEX said, a teasing glint in his eye. His voice was serious, however.
Zelnick turned away from examining his new arms and back to ZEX. "I'm sorry, what was that?"
ZEX sighed. All that wonderful feeling he had put into his voice, wasted. His Captain had no appreciation for drama.
"I was talking about orders," ZEX said at last.
Zelnick blinked. "What about them?" His clueless gaze was even more endearing with one eye, ZEX decided.
ZEX waved an arm. "We can return to the subject when you're more familiar with your body, Captain. Shall we retreat to my quarters?"
Zelnick tried to nod and failed. "Ow..." He muttered. "What did you guys do to your neck?"
"What did you do to yours? It flops around," ZEX retaliated.
"It doesn't flop!" Zelnick said. "At least we have a moveable spine!"
ZEX tsked, holding his tentacles out. "Are you attempting to say that humans are...better...than VUX? Hm?"
Zelnick would have paled, had he been human. "N-no..."
ZEX waved his snout, pleased. "Come along, Captain. Let us retire to my quarters..."
---
"Where is he?" Bukowski asked for the fifth time.
"You know where we're docked," Second Science Officer Hawthorn said, sipping his drink. They were in the Vindicator's canteen, complaining about their captain. As usual.
"He should know that we have work to do!"
"Have you heard the rumors?"
"What rumors?" Bukowski asked, completely oblivious to the recent talk that their captain was having an...affair...with Admiral ZEX.
Hawthorn believed it, after seeing ZEX's advances, and the Captain's responses to them.
Bukowski either didn't want to believe, or had truly missed the rumors completely. Hawthorn wouldn't have been surprised, as Bukowski often spent more time examining the latest find from Mycon space, or the alien captains, than he spent time listening to younger officers.
"...Never mind."
"What rumors?"
"You really should spend more time down here, Bukowski -- " There was an unofficial rule to drop the honorifics when off duty. Even the Captain insisted on it.
"Tell me."
"...Some members of this crew think that our Captain and that Admiral are.."
"Well? Spit it out!"
"Together." Hawthorne finished, embarrassed.
"In what way?"
"Don't make me say it!"
"Oh! That rumor!" Bukowski laughed, to Hawthorn's puzzled relief. "You could've told me sooner. It's harmless."
Hawthorn nodded, then stood. "I'd better get back to my station -- "
"Of course, of course..."
Hawthorn left quickly as Bukowski finished his drink. Bukowski glowered into the bottom of the glass. He had hoped this wouldn't happen, but if these rumors were true, he'd have to seriously speak with his Captain.
---
"They'll be wondering where I am by now.."
"Let them wonder." ZEX licked the Captain's snout, watching him squirm.
While it was odd that the humans couldn't lick things and speak at the same time, it was even odder to watch his Captain attempt to do things that he couldn't -- at least while not in this form.
ZEX purred, eye closing in delight as Zelnick curled a tentacle around ZEX's waist.
"You learn quickly!" ZEX praised Zelnick. "I had no idea that you humans were this, ah, adaptive."
Zelnick felt ZEX's head-tentacles carefully, surprised at how muffled everything felt. He wasn't as sensitive. "You over-estimate me, ZEX."
"Not at all! In fact, I under-estimate you!" ZEX said, letting himself enjoy the sensations. "You have successfully worked your way into my home, and have seen my dearest collection. Why, you could do anything you wished!"
Zelnick shook his head -- body -- oh, it was difficult to tell ZEX no without speaking. "No, ZEX, that's not true."
"Oh, but it is. You have captured me, dear Captain." ZEX stroked Zelnick's head-tentacles, snuggling up.
Zelnick would have blushed, but instead he squirmed some more. "ZEX -- oh, that feels nice..."
"See?" ZEX murmured. "If you're gentle, and don't pull..."
A sensor went off, and ZEX sat up, irritated. "What is it?" He said, voice calmer than he felt.
The intercom beeped. "VUX ship approaching, sir."
Both ZEX and Zelnick were up and dressing immediately.
"I need to get back to my ship - "
"Like that?" ZEX said. "How will you explain?"
"I have to be with my people." Zelnick said firmly. "Escort me out, so your people don't stop me."
ZEX bobbed his head-tentacles in acknowledgement at last. "Come with me to the bridge. We'll greet them there. It'll look better, as well. A VUX on a human ship?" ZEX gave a humorless laugh.
Zelnick looked pleased, and off they went to ZEX's bridge.
---
Captain FIP of the Intruder TRF settled onto his bench. It was a lousy mission, and one that he was likely to regret accepting, but just about anything to do with that admiral ZEX was lousy.
Especially since the increasing frequency of sightings of that blasted alien ship, piloted by a human in the area.
No wonder ZEX had moved in. He would have loved to take a human for his menagerie.
Captain FIP glanced at his crew. It wasn't pleasant business at all.
"Bad news, Captain," Officer HEP said. "There's an alien vassal orbiting Alpha Cerenkov."
Captain FIP scrunched his head-tentacles. "You know the procedure." The procedure was let it hail them, and if not, attack.
A minute passed, and then: "We're being hailed, Captain."
"From which one?" Which one, indeed. The hated Admiral ZEX, or the even more hated human.
"The Admiral, Captain."
"Answer it."
---
Zelnick fidgeted. He wasn't used to this body, and here he was, surrounded by VUX who obviously didn't trust him. ZEX had given a quick speech, indicating what had happened, and so ZEX's crew had left him alone.
There were a few stares, however, and with only one eye - well, they felt like floodlights were on him.
It would only get worse when his crew found out, Zelnick knew. Of all the embarassing things to happen --
Well. At least it wasn't permanent.
"We're being hailed, Admiral. Both the Vindicator and the Intruder want contact."
"Send the Vindicator a message that reads: Captain Zelnick is fine. Hold position," ZEX answered promptly. "And answer the hailing from the Intruder. What does the High Council want with me now?"
The view screen flickered on before Zelnick could protest that his crew would not be pleased with the message.
He could only hope that his first officer, Moore, wouldn't do anything rash.
---
FIP examined ZEX's bridge with a disgusted look. "Admiral ZEX. The High Council brings greetings."
"I expected it did," ZEX answered, just as disgusted, or at least pretending to be. "Are they evicting me?"
"No," although we all wish they were, was the unspoken thought, "they are not. The Council has decreed that no VUX -- including you -- is to even consider an alliance with the upstarts from Earth."
ZEX blinked, now serene. "I'm afraid I cannot comply with that."
"What?" FIP asked, shocked. To even think that ZEX would consider an alliance with the humans -- oh no. That was why the ship was in orbit. His tone chilled, and he glared. "Then we will have no choice but to take offensive action against you, Admiral."
"Against my personal fleet, and the Precursor vessel my human friends have in orbit?" ZEX said, now amused. "I would like to see you try, Captain."
Captain FIP glared, tentacles tightening on his controls. "I will be back, Admiral. I suggest you prepare to surrender -- your death may be painless, if you comply."
"I am no longer governed by the High Council, Captain," ZEX said, voice hinting towards grim feelings. "You may leave in peace." And he cut off the transmission.
Silence reigned, and instead of all of the attention focused on Zelnick, all gazes were on ZEX. He had just chosen the course of war, and while only some would agree with his action, fortunately all would follow him.
They had followed him this far, hadn't they?
---
ZEX was taking complaints in his ready room. He had one, surprisingly enough. It wasn't called a ready room, but Zelnick knew what it was from the sight.
Yes, Zelnick still wanted one. Instead, he had his quarters and the bridge and the single conference room. Zelnick admired the view out the windows, and listened to DAX's complaints.
"And who is this?" DAX finished up, after ZEX had fielded all of the Alliance and Human questions.
"Ah." ZEX at last seemed to stall. "That is quite a story..."
DAX leveled him with a look. "Go on."
"I seem to have a device that temporarily turns aliens into VUX," ZEX said, waiting for a response.
DAX narrowed his eye. "It's the human captain."
"How perceptive, Sub-commander!"
DAX let his gaze rise to the ceiling, quite rapidly losing respect for his Admiral's judgment towards humans.
"I'll need to see this device." DAX said at last. "How temporary is it?"
"Just a few days - Earth days, that is."
"How long?" DAX prodded, not willing to translate days to VUX days.
ZEX translated, and Zelnick examined DAX's uniform. He had no idea what the different medals meant, so the lack of them on DAX's uniform could have meant anything. Zelnick was suspicious, however. "Excuse me..." He tried, curious. "What do the medals on your uniforms mean?"
ZEX laughed. "Captain! Such curiosity at this time..."
DAX tightened his tentacles, irritated.
"I have provided you with a uniform that signifies your rank, Captain -- "
Zelnick brightened, head-tentacles lifting, curiosity getting the better of him.
" -- And I'll explain what signifies what another time," ZEX concluded.
DAX uncurled his tentacles. Perhaps the Admiral had some sense after all.
"In the meantime, Captain, we should establish communications with your ship and explain what has happened," ZEX said, considering. "I have the device in my quarters."
ZEX stood. "Come with me," He ordered, heading out. DAX and Zelnick followed.
---
"Where is he?" Bukowski worried, pacing on the bridge.
"The VUX said he was alright -- "
"There's another VUX ship in orbit!"
(Captain FIP hadn't left yet. Nursing his pride and preparing for the flight back to Beta Luyten.)
"It hasn't attacked," Moore said, sitting in the Captain's chair, still considering options. He was a level-headed man, calmer than both the Captain and Bukowski.
"That could mean anything!"
"You're worrying too much, Bukowski."
"He had better come back in one piece..."
"He will," Moore said. "We're depending on him."
"Sir?" An ensign spoke up, arriving from off the bridge.
"What is it?" Moore asked, looking at the rattled ensign.
"Um, one of the Captains wants to have a word with you - "
"Which one?"
"Captain Fwiffo, sir."
---
ZEX held up the device. "Careful, Captain, we don't want it to turn you permanently into a VUX -- you have an alliance to lead!"
Zelnick arched his body, trying to nod. "What are we going to tell my crew...?"
"The truth, of course." ZEX said. "That I have agreed to an Alliance with you, and that the device's effects are temporary."
"How do you know that the device's effects are temporary, Admiral?" DAX asked.
"I've used it before!"
"You have..?" DAX's tone was dubious. "When?"
"On another VUX, a long time ago. It heals these." ZEX gestured to his head tentacles. "It wore off in a few days, though."
"You're basing the temporary effect of the device on experimentation with VUX," DAX stated flatly.
ZEX blinked an eye, then held up his tentacles. "It will be fine, Sub-commander."
Zelnick looked between them, then decided to remind them that he needed to speak to his crew. "ZEX -- "
ZEX looked at Zelnick. “Your crew is waiting. We'll take a shuttle over, if they'll consent to it. Better to have you in the flesh, eh?"
Zelnick bobbed his head-tentacles. "Yes, thank you. When can we leave?"
"Now, I think. DAX, handle the ship from us while we're away."
"Yes, Admiral," DAX said, letting the situation go. There wasn't much he could do about his Admiral's new attitude, and even less he could do about the decision about the Alliance. "Should I make preparations for us to leave Alpha Cerenkov?"
"Yes! We are going to Earth." ZEX said. "We'll come back, if we can, but I'd like to go on an adventure."
DAX left ZEX, greatly irritated. He would have to follow orders, as always, but the outcome of these ones...he couldn't be sure. It wouldn't end well.
---
Fwiffo was obviously fighting to stay composed. "Do I know where the Captain is?" He asked himself for the third time. "Yes! He went over with those VUX -- " At the thought of the VUX, Fwiffo promptly shuddered.
"Captain, what do you need?" Moore finally asked.
"I want to leave this space!"
"We'll leave as soon as we have our Captain back."
Fwiffo went from side to side for a moment. "Oh good. You're just saying that to keep me from taking off!"
"Fwiffo...where would you go, in your ship?" Moore asked. "And with twenty-nine of our officers?"
Fwiffo blinked, then rubbed the back of his -- head? eye? -- with his claw. "Don't kill me?"
Moore mentally sighed. "Of course not, Captain. Please don't attempt to go on a joyride, however."
"Of course not!" Fwiffo scuttled backwards, then forwards. "The universe is a big, scary place, in case you haven't noticed."
Moore nodded. "But we have to explore it."
Fwiffo made a huffing sound and looked up at Moore. "Or you could find a quiet system and settle down!"
"That's the Captain's decision, not mine. Are you acting bravely, Fwiffo?"
"No!"
Moore smiled. Fwiffo hadn't objected when he hadn't addressed him as Captain. "Say, Fwiffo, I'll take you to our recreation deck sometime."
Fwiffo's eye widened, and he curled in on himself.
"It's not scary..."
"Is!"
An ensign approached. "Sir, we're being hailed again, by Admiral ZEX's ship."
Moore nodded. "Captain Fwiffo, I'll visit you again," he said, and returned to the bridge, worried.
Fwiffo scuttled away, back to his quarters, relieved.
Moore entered the bridge, and stood. When the view-screen flickered on, he frowned. No Captain in sight.
---
Zelnick fidgeted again, standing next to ZEX's console. He felt the stares of the other VUX on him, and they were harder this time.
When the view-screen flickered on, Zelnick breathed a sigh of relief. His crew was fine, if a bit worried. He could tell by their faces -- goodness, he could see a lot with one eye. It was like his eyes had transformed into a super being.
"Where is Captain Zelnick?" First Officer Moore asked.
ZEX did the equivalent of a VUX smile -- Zelnick could recognize it as such, now -- and waved a tentacle towards Zelnick.
"The situation will take some explaining -- he is fine, and the effect will wear off in several Earth days."
"What effect?" Bukowski asked. "What have you done?"
ZEX looked at Zelnick, and Zelnick almost stuttered. "It was my fault, really..." He managed.
Cue stunned silence.
"Captain -- if that's you, we are having some words when you get back onboard," Bukowski said.
"It's me, Bukowski," Zelnick said, embarrassed. "We didn't know it would do that, actually, and I picked it up..."
ZEX cut in. "We will send your Captain aboard shortly. I also wish to announce that I intend to join this New Alliance of Free Stars."
Zelnick raised his head-tentacles, pleased.
Moore managed a smile. "It is my pleasure to thank you, Admiral."
"You are welcome." ZEX waved a tentacle towards Zelnick. "We will, of course, be joining you in accompanying you to Earth."
It was only discipline that kept ZEX's crewmembers from reacting. Most of them weren't surprised - ZEX had too much of an interest in the human Captain. Some would request to remain at Alpha Cerenkov.
But most would follow their Admiral to the ends of the universe.
Moore nodded, hiding his surprise. "There is one more matter -- there still is another VUX ship in orbit -- it has not contacted us."
"It brought a message intended for me," ZEX said. "The VUX High Council has forbidden all VUX from even considering an Alliance with you. I have disregarded this order." He laughed dryly. "As you can see."
Moore nodded. "Can we have our Captain back?"
"Certainly. The shuttle will be on its way shortly." And ZEX cut the communication. "Sub-commander DAX will be in charge while I am gone. Do not attempt mutiny, or anything like that while I'm away!" ZEX said, cheerfully, standing.
As ZEX and Zelnick left, they could hear the bridge erupt into frantic murmurs.
---
"...Are we sure that's the Captain?"
"It sounded like him!"
"He could be imprisoned!"
"We'll see if the Vindicator recognizes him. I doubt ZEX would be able to fake that." Moore settled the discussion.
---
ZEX took the opportunity to explain the uniforms while on the shuttle over.
"See, this patch tells you which ship you're from," ZEX said, pointing out the patch on his own uniform. It was the large one on the left, from his perspective. "You don't have one, as your Vindicator doesn't have a patch." He paused. "You should correct that - it's a useful addition to the uniforms."
"But all of my crew know which ship to return to, whenever we're on leave at Starbase," Zelnick pointed out.
"I suggest it anyway," ZEX said, lifting his tentacles. "The insignia below it tells you the rank of the person."
Zelnick nodded. "We have that, too. Stripes on the shoulder, among other things."
"Ah, but do you have these?" ZEX gestured towards the various medals on the other side of his chest. "These signify major battles; they tell us what we are qualified to fly, and they can be customized. I have been forced to be picky in what I wear, these days - I have too many of them!" He laughed, pleased with himself.
"So that's why I don't have any," Zelnick smiled, "You don't have any patches for the battles I've been in!"
"I'm afraid not," ZEX said. "If the change is permanent, we can always update that - or even if it's not, you can modify your uniforms."
Zelnick smiled. "Maybe, ZEX, maybe."
---
The second Zelnick stepped out of the shuttle, he was relieved to see human faces all around. He was somewhat less relieved to recognize security guards.
"Moore!" He exclaimed, spotting him almost immediately. "I know I don't look like myself, but I am Captain Zelnick, and Admiral ZEX insisted that he join me over here."
ZEX stepped out of the shuttle, and his eye widened. Zelnick would have smirked to himself, had he the mouth to smirk with. ZEX was attracted to humans, he knew. So many of them, and ZEX would certainly combust.
It took a second before ZEX got his composure back. Then he made a little bow to the assembled humans, modest as usual.
"I assume you know me by my reputation, yes?" He asked.
Moore nodded. "We do. Captain, Admiral, if you'd come this way..."
Zelnick glanced at ZEX, then followed Moore. The Vindicator would have missed him, most likely...
Hopefully it (she? he?) would recognize him.
Moore brought them to a computer console, and as ZEX enjoyed the sights, Zelnick began the process of navigating the console with VUX tentacles. They had modified everything they could to make it easier for humans to use, and now that was working against Zelnick.
"What are you doing?" ZEX asked, curious.
"Communicating with the Vindicator," Zelnick answered, focusing. "Please let me focus..."
At last the screen flared to life and Zelnick felt the thrill of seeing his longtime friend come to life.
There was no direct communication, just the simple nudges Zelnick could send it. He could make it easier on the Vindicator by restricting navigation to short trips, instead of longer direct lines. Little things like that. Sometime the engineers complained, but the complaints died away when the Vindicator worked more smoothly.
Zelnick would have to someday find the Precursors and thank them for creating such a starship.
ZEX watched as Zelnick managed to unlock the controls for the Vindicator.
"There," Zelnick leaned back, "It knows I'm back."
ZEX blinked, suddenly aware that he was now privy to some information that was extremely valuable.
"Captain! I am honored!" ZEX said at last. "You truly are exceptional!"
Zelnick looked up at ZEX, and stood. "No, I'm just a starship Captain."
Moore smiled. "Captain - it's good to have you back." It was completely confirmed. ZEX's story was true.
---
Several hours later, after the tour and after the return to business, ZEX was accidentally left alone with Bukowski.
Zelnick was making the final preparations for a leap into Hyperspace, and Moore was helping him.
ZEX had nothing to do, so he sought out human contact.
Bukowski found ZEX first.
"What are you doing alone?" Bukowski snapped, irritable. His Captain was an alien, he was having an affair with another alien, and said alien had an excuse to stick around.
And now that very alien was wandering the ship unattended.
"I am sure they would have me surrounded with guards the second I touched anything." ZEX said, cheerfully. "Who might you be?"
Bukowski eyed ZEX.
ZEX eyed Bukowski right back, intentions less than honorable.
Finally, Bukowski answered ZEX's question. "Science Officer Bukowski," He said curtly.
ZEX lifted his head-tentacles. "A science officer? How marvelous!" VUX ships didn't do much exploring, aside from searching for minerals to fuel their ships.
Science officers did not exist in the VUX military at all, actually.
Bukowski shrugged. "It's usual for starships to have science officers," He said. "When do you leave?"
ZEX circled a tentacle around Bukowski's waist. "We VUX don't have science officers on our Intruder vessels...you being one is marvellous," He said.
"Off!" Bukowski shoved at ZEX, and stumbled back. He was NOT getting caught up in the flirtations of a tentacled alien!
ZEX's head-tentacles drooped. "I am sorry," He said at last. "It seems I misread the situation. Do forgive me."
Bukowski shuddered. "Don't ever do that again."
ZEX raised his tentacles in a gesture of apology. "I am sorry," He said. At least here he had an excuse. Humans were still so new, and he had only been accepted by Zelnick, not rejected. It was difficult to read them without the tell-tale signs of the head-tentacles and the eye.
Still. He had erred very badly. He would take care not to let it happen again.
There was no need to jeopardize his relationship with the humans, after all.
---
Bukowski shuddered again, watching ZEX. "Apology accepted," He said at last.
ZEX brightened, and uncurled his tentacles. "Would you mind answering some questions of mine, science officer?"
Bukowski paused, then shrugged. It would allow him to keep an eye on the alien. "Ask away."
"I have studied humans ever since I discovered that you exist -- however, there are points that have not yet been clarified for me. I'm sure you understand. Our species have not shared much in the way of culture." ZEX began, eager to have someone to answer his questions besides Zelnick.
Bukowski nodded. "I do understand."
ZEX considered his first question, then asked it. "I'm afraid my Captain was unable to answer this to my satisfaction -- what is this thing that you humans call music?"
Bukowski blinked. That seemed like a reasonable question... "I'm not sure how to describe it." He said, thinking. "I don't even know if you VUX have music."
"But what is it?"
"Do you know what poetry is?"
ZEX leaned in, intensely curious. "No, what is it?"
"Well, we have to start somewhere. Poetry is the assembling of words in abstract patterns that impart some sort of meaning. I think."
ZEX bobbed his head-tentacles. "That sounds interesting. Do you have examples of it?" He definitely wanted to see it. Art was something that was lacking in his life. Well. Except for the beauty of the variables when they all fit into place, and the sight of his menagerie...
Bukowski scratched the back of his head. "Er, I never memorized any..."
"Language assembled in a pattern that pleases." ZEX said quietly. "We do have that on the home world. If you find any, I want to see Earth poetry."
Bukowski smiled. "I'm sure we have some on board, if you'll come with me."
ZEX followed Bukowski as he led him towards the recreation deck. "What does poetry have to do with music?" He asked.
"Add rhythm, or noise to the words, and you have a song." Bukowski explained. "I'm not sure how to explain it to you. There's a difference between noise and music, and not all music has words in it."
ZEX understood. "It's like the concept of beauty," He said as they reached the recreation deck. "It is subjective."
"...I'm talking art with an alien," Bukowski muttered to himself. He raised his voice and looked at ZEX. "Yes, yes it does. We understand the idea that art and beauty are up to the viewer."
ZEX looked around, pleased. "Yes, that's it! You humans have it right!"
ZEX went on. "I happen to be very lucky -- as I'm sure you've noticed, the reaction my countrymen have towards your species is less than desirable. I don't know what causes it, but I happen to be immune to whatever it is."
Bukowski nodded. "This way to the library. We still keep a few books on board." Of course Vela scientists had managed to recreate books, and so had a miniature library.
"Books?"
"It's an old form of storing information, and stories," Bukowski explained. "Words are printed on paper, or as near as we can get to paper."
ZEX ignored the looks of the humans staring at him and reached out and plucked a book from the shelf. He opened it carefully, then sighed. "I cannot read it."
"It's written in Terran..." Bukowski said, carefully. "If you're willing, we can teach it to you."
"I can figure it out." ZEX waved a tentacle. "May I borrow this one?"
"Oh? Yes, of course. Put it back when you're done, though..."
ZEX bobbed his head-tentacles, then turned, staring at Bukowsky intently. "You have no guarantee that I'll be able to return this. Why are you offering it to me?"
"I could be nice and say that I'll trust you." Bukowski smiled, bitterly. "But I won't. We can recreate these things anytime one gets dropped out an airlock. All of the data we have on literature is in the computer and stored on disks, anyway."
ZEX returned his gaze to the book, satisfied. "Thank you, science officer."
"You're welcome," Bukowski returned, oddly pleased. Maybe ZEX wasn't so bad after all.
---
Bukowski retracted that opinion an hour later, after fielding numerous questions about the language and about the various beverages humans drank.
Fortunately, just as ZEX was getting to the subject of beer, Zelnick found them.
"...so humans intoxicate themselves on purpose?" This was unheard of, in VUX military society. It simply wasn't allowed, and so no one attempted to drink the venoms of the gluota fish in their raw form, or any other creature.
Bukowski just looked at ZEX, then glanced over when he heard the doors to the deck slide open.
Zelnick stepped in, still as green as ever. He waved a tentacle at ZEX and Bukowski and came over, ignoring the stares as easily as ZEX was.
Bukowski backed away as Zelnick sat next to ZEX, eagerly launching into conversation with ZEX. He greeted Bukowski, turning that intense gaze on him.
"Captain, I'll be at my station," He said, and left quickly.
ZEX chuckled and curled a tentacle around Zelnick's. "Your science officer has been friendly."
"...Bukowski? You two did seem to be talking..." Zelnick blinked.
"He showed me this." ZEX picked up the book and held it out. "No, don't translate it for me. It's a puzzle, and I'm going to figure it out."
Zelnick flickered his tongue. "Of course you are, ZEX. When do you want to return to your fleet?"
"After we have had some time...together," ZEX said, with a grin audible in his voice.
Zelnick promptly discovered then and there that he could make the same purring noise as ZEX could.
Ignoring the stares of Zelnick's crew, they left together.
---
DAX welcomed his Admiral back on board with a minimum of fanfare.
"Welcome aboard, Admiral."
"Is everything in one piece?"
"Of course, Admiral."
"He changed back in the middle of our activities," ZEX said, all too calmly. "Hair tastes disgusting."
DAX wondered if he had angered ZEX in some way. "Admiral, I don't need the details."
"Of course you don't," ZEX said, brightening. "He invited me to come back any time!"
"And you extended the same offer," DAX said dryly.
"Of course!"
---
Captain FIP arrived at Alpha Cerenkov to find it quiet. All of the ships in orbit were gone -- all of the creatures on the land-based menagerie were gone -- everything was gone.
"Oh, no... Check for Hyperspace translations!"
It took several tense minutes, before yes, there had been recent Hyperspace translations. FIP uttered a curse and began preparing to send news to the High Council. They would most likely be unhappy, he knew.
---
ZEX was like a young child when seeing something new, Zelnick thought. While he knew ZEX had seen Hyperspace before, it always was a sight -- the red space, the layers that you could see above and below you --
Zelnick still wasn't sure if he should tell ZEX about Quasispace.
Quasispace -- there was yet another layer among layers. Zelnick knew the Vindicator liked the portals, liked flying through the layers between universes.
It just creeped Zelnick out. He had never understood it fully, and it was like the abstract math that ZEX had shown him -- he just hadn't been able to make the explanations stick and make sense.
But he couldn't deny the unearthly beauty of seeing yourself above everything, and under everything at the same time.
"Captain," ZEX started, breaking Zelnick out of his thoughts, "is this the fastest your Vindicator can travel?"
Zelnick blinked -- two eyes, thank goodness -- and shook his head, patting the railing. They were visiting each other's ships for the Hyperspace translations, as they had every time they'd stopped to refuel the VUX Intruders.
For the final stretch of the trip, they would be in their respective starships. That would be best for both crews.
In the meantime, ZEX was trapped in the Vindicator, and loving it immensely.
"No, it's the not the fastest it can travel. We're more accustomed to longer trips through Hyperspace -- "
"And your turning speed is much greater, as well..." ZEX considered. "I am certain you will not mind if I continue to modify my Intruders? Standard VUX design is lacking."
Zelnick nodded. "I noticed that - all of the VUX ships we ran into, aside from yours, were slow. Who designed them, anyway?"
ZEX thought back to his history. The High Council had considered improving their warships at one point, but after ZEX won the war for them, they had dropped the idea.
Why bother improving what had worked, anyways?
"The initial design was created by someone we know only as GEN," ZEX said at last. "It was improved when we needed to use it, and hasn't been changed, except to improve laser and limpet capacity."
Zelnick frowned. "And no one cares enough to make the design better?"
ZEX shrugged. "VUX society is not impressed by other species' technology. We have the latest in VUX technnology, and that is that."
"That's a shame." Zelnick paused, then gave the obvious compliment. "Your species is brilliant, when you guys put your mind to it."
ZEX brightened, taking in the praise quickly enough. "Captain..thank you."
Zelnick smiled. "You're welcome, ZEX."
ZEX closed his eye in delight, then moved closer. "Gorgeous, wonderful human..." He murmured, pulling Zelnick closer.
Zelnick eagerly kissed ZEX's snout, unaware that they were being stared at by the entire recreation deck.
"Shall we retire to your quarters, Captain?" ZEX murmured, pleased.
"Mm," Zelnick said, and they left together.
Frantic gossiping followed in their wake.
---
Hayes eyed the limited sensors that the Starbase had, not sure if their readings were correct.
"VUX ships? Out here?" He wondered to himself.
"They're close to the Vindicator, sir," said a technician who was also examining the readings.
"Is there any sign of the VUX ships attacking?" Hayes asked, crossing his arms. "We may need to assist."
"We're being hailed, sir."
"From which of the groups?"
"The Vindicator, sir."
"Answer it," Hayes ordered, moving behind his console, and on came the view screen.
Captain Zelnick waved.
"We'll be docking soon, Commander," Zelnick said, smiling. "Please allow access for our new Alliance members."
Hayes stared. "How on earth did you manage to convince the VUX to join us?" He asked.
"Wellll...not all of them." Zelnick flashed a sheepish grin.
Hayes shrugged. "You managed to find some VUX who would join our cause. I'm impressed, Captain."
Zelnick smiled, pleased. "Thanks, Commander. Admiral ZEX will be docking shortly."
Hayes stared again. "Did you say Admiral ZEX, Captain?"
"I did." Zelnick grinned.
"The Admiral ZEX? The one who wiped out our fleets in the War?"
"Yes. I'll tell you more when we're docked, Commander," Zelnick said, and cut off the communication.
Hayes turned to look out the window, grinning. "Let them all dock," He ordered, unnecessarily. "And ask that the Captain and Admiral ZEX are brought to the conference room immediately."
---
Hayes stood in the conference room, waiting. He couldn't believe it. He just couldn't believe it. Admiral ZEX, the famous military tactician from the war was here, and he had agreed to join Zelnick's Alliance.
How on Earth had Zelnick managed that?
Hayes watched as the doors slid open and Zelnick came in, followed by what Hayes assumed was Admiral ZEX.
Hayes examined the VUX. He had never seen a VUX up close before, but he had seen images of them - they were just as ugly as he had thought, but he'd be a fool before he'd turn down help against the Ur-Quan.
Zelnick smiled at Hayes, oblivious to his thoughts. "Commander Hayes, this is Admiral ZEX." He introduced them.
ZEX held out a tentacle, imitating the hand-shake he had seen from the few holo-vids left. "It is always a pleasure to meet new humans. Especially gorgeous ones."
Hayes stared, then reluctantly took the tentacle and shook it.
Zelnick watched, pleased. "Oh, yes, ZEX, I'd like to take two of your Intruders and you with me when I next leave. I trust your men won't rebel while we're away?"
ZEX waved a free tentacle, still holding Hayes' hand. "They've followed me this far, they'll be fine."
Hayes nodded and withdrew his hand from ZEX's grip. "We can defend ourselves, Captain, if things turn sour."
ZEX looked at Hayes. "Things will not turn sour," He assured Hayes, voice somewhat harder than before.
Zelnick raised his hands. "I'm not leaving for a week, anyways -- not unless something comes up."
"A week?" ZEX said, surprised and pleased. "Why, Captain, what will you do for an entire week?"
Zelnick grinned. "Refueling, for one. And I want to make sure your crew mixes with our crew." He discreetly winked at ZEX, also communicating that he would gladly exchange carnal knowledge during the week, as well.
Hayes coughed, and ZEX and Zelnick stopped focusing on each other.
"About this Alliance..." Hayes started.
ZEX interrupted him. "If my countrymen decide to visit, do not hesitate to retaliate."
"ZEX..." Zelnick started, before fading off.
Hayes nodded. "I understand. Thank you, Admiral."
ZEX's attitude had changed. He wasn't as flippant. "I also suggest you avoid VUX space, Captain. The High Council will not be pleased with my decision."
Zelnick nodded. He knew that. ZEX had warned him while on the flight here. He didn't like ZEX's attitude, though. It was sterner, and it reminded him that ZEX was older than he was, and had been through a war already.
It made ZEX seem like an Admiral.
"It has been a pleasure meeting you, Commander." ZEX said, formally. "I need to return to my crew -- integrating them with your crew will require some nudging from me."
Hayes nodded, understanding. "Good luck, Admiral."
And Zelnick suddenly felt very, very jealous.
---
He couldn't explain it. Zelnick paced in his temporary quarters, occasionally glancing out the window. He just couldn't -- well, he could.
ZEX and Hayes had been through the First War, and then -- they both had experience he didn't have. Of course they would know how to talk, and to act like Commanders and Admirals.
Zelnick kept pacing, worrying. He knew ZEX was attached to him, he knew ZEX was sacrificing a lot for him...
But what if he wasn't?
ZEX was really smart, right? What if he was using Zelnick to get more creatures for his menagerie, what if what if what if?
Zelnick shook his head. ZEX wouldn't do that to him. He trusted ZEX.
In fact, what he needed to do right now was go see ZEX and talk to him.
Zelnick nodded to himself, and left his quarters.
---
"DAX, it is about time you stopped holding this against me." ZEX said, tending to his menagerie.
DAX glanced up at ZEX, assisting him. They did things together frequently, simply to check up on each other and discuss current events.
DAX had been more than willing to brush today's activities off, but ZEX had insisted. They had issues to work through, he said.
DAX chose not to feign ignorance this time. "Admiral, you know what my feelings are on the matter."
"Ah. You're convinced that my judgement is affected by the Captain."
"And by the abundance of humans here, Admiral."
ZEX took a moment to close his eye, picturing all of them. "Mmm..."
DAX narrowed his eye, putting the finishing adjustments on the still-frozen Shofixti Maidens. "Admiral, that is exactly what I mean."
ZEX shrugged, and looked up at the largest Carousel Beast any collecter had ever caught. It was contained, and he'd find some way to let it roam free. But that was for later. At the moment, he was feeding it.
"DAX, I assure you, my mind has not been clouded."
DAX paused. "Then explain this recent...Alliance."
"The High Council would not have permitted me to stay at Alpha Cerenkov forever, DAX," ZEX said. "I have thought out the situation. In fact, I think this is the most agreeable situation we've found ourselves in, DAX." ZEX continued, "We have an opportunity to meet humans, find other species, and seek out a new world for us to live in, far away from VUX space."
DAX's gaze softened. So ZEX had been thinking... "You should tell the crew this."
ZEX blinked. "I will," He assured DAX, "If you think it will help."
"It will, Admiral." DAX began to clean up, and removed the protective lining from his tentacles. "They will appreciate the idea that more thought has gone into these orders than what you have indicated."
"Ah, it does seem that way, doesn’t it..." ZEX followed suit, removing the protective lining. "My luscious creatures will be fine for another day..."
"Yes, Admir--" DAX cut off, glaring at the intruder.
Zelnick waved and smiled sheepishly. "I asked where you were, and they directed me down here..." Translation: They told him where ZEX was, and told him not to bother the Admiral. Zelnick charged in anyway.
ZEX chuckled. "Welcome to my menagerie, Captain. I have only the most beautiful and distinct creatures here."
Zelnick looked around, wide-eyed. "Amazing!" He stared at the Carousel Beast. "...how big do those things get, anyway?"
"This is the largest specimen I have found," ZEX said, eager to provide information. However, before he could continue, Zelnick had already moved on, looking at the various beasts in confinement, or in the cold-freeze.
DAX looked at ZEX. It was up to ZEX to get the Captain out of here before he saw the range of ugly creatures and fascinating beasts that ZEX had collected.
ZEX shrugged at DAX’s look, and moved towards Zelnick. By now, it was no matter if the Captain realized that ZEX had lied. ZEX's collection of the ugliest beasts in the universe had no match, and Zelnick would not suspect that ZEX had intended to have Zelnick in it.
By now, of course, ZEX was willing to let Zelnick roam free. He had his Captain in other ways, which satisfied the need to collect.
(And he cared about Zelnick. Oh, how he cared.)
Zelnick spotted the Shofixti maidens, and walked over to them, staring. "ZEX?"
"Yes, Captain?"
"These are Shofixti Maidens?"
"Yes, Captain." ZEX couldn't help but be proud of them. A nearly extinct race, and he had the females!
"ZEX...." Zelnick was beginning to sound serious, more like the Captain he was. "Thank you."
"For what, Captain?"
"I'll explain in a moment. Do you know the history of the Shofixti?"
"Of course, Captain! These are the only females remaining," ZEX said, proudly. "I was lucky to find them."
Zelnick nodded. "You may just have saved the Shofixti species, ZEX. Tanaka will be incredibly grateful."
"Tanaka?" ZEX said. "Is there another Shofixti out there, Captain?"
"Tanaka and his brother, Katana, ZEX," Zelnick said, brightening. "With these females, they can have children!"
ZEX blinked. "Are you asking me to give up such wonderful specimens from my collection, Captain?"
Zelnick shook his head. "I'm asking you to help me bring about the rebirth of an entire race!"
ZEX considered. "Captain, you know very well that I trust you. However, for me to release a creature from my menagerie, I will need proof that what you say is true."
Zelnick nodded. "Of course. When we leave Starbase, we can go and visit Tanaka and Katana. They're guarding the remains of their home, around Delta Gorno."
"I know where that is, Captain. I would be interested in such a venture."
"Hey...now you sound like a Melnorme, ZEX!"
ZEX chuckled. "This is business we are discussing, Captain. I do not take suggestions to release members of my menagerie lightly."
Zelnick nodded. "I think I understand."
ZEX put a tentacle around Zelnick's shoulders and began to lead him out, away from his precious collection. "Shall we retire to my quarters?" He asked.
DAX watched them go, then set to cleaning up. Perhaps his Admiral wasn't as love-struck as he seemed...
---
DAX conversed easily with the human technicians, directing them on how to take care of the limpets. He was overseeing the entire process, ensuring that the humans didn't mess up their ships.
He still wasn't sure if he was going with ZEX or not when Zelnick next left the Starbase.
"Sir?" ZFT asked. He was one of the VUX technicians. "I'm having trouble with the mother limpet..."
"How so?" DAX asked, coming over.
"It's...oozing a red substance."
DAX examined the ooze coming from the mother limpet and sighed. "It's nearly finished with the male it has."
"...They can do that?" ZFT was more mechanically minded, and didn't often deal with the limpets, but DAX made a mental note to go over limpet biology with him either way.
"We need a new male limpet, from one of the other broods." DAX explained. "Check the Intruders for young males."
ZFT looked at DAX, then left, following orders.
DAX watched the mother limpet. It would soon completely devour the male, and then it would seek a new source of food.
Limpets weren't the kindest creatures, but they were useful. DAX turned to see the human technicians watching him, and watching the limpets.
No doubt the humans thought he was disgusting. DAX couldn't tell, though.
DAX waited, occasionally glancing at the humans. Finally, one came over. DAX watched impassively, wondering what he was going to be talked to about.
"Ah, excuse me..." The nervous technician said, scratching the back of his neck. "I'm Vinge." He stuck his hand out, and waited for DAX to take it.
DAX paused, then took the human's hand. He had done some research -- most of the VUX in ZEX's fleet did, if only to become acquainted with their most basic mannerisms.
DAX did not shake the human's hand, as much for the human's safety as for DAX's attitude. He was unused to touching humans, and did not know how much pressure would be too much for their fragile skin.
"I am Sub-commander DAX," DAX introduced himself, letting go of the human.
Vinge was nervous, DAX thought. DAX didn't know how to read humans, but the way the voice quivered, and the way he was constantly moving...well, unless humans were drastically different, Vinge was nervous.
"Er, good to meet you," Vinge tried a smile. "I was curious - we haven't had a chance to talk to you VUX much, or examine your Intruders, and - "
"What is your question?" DAX interrupted calmly, stopping Vinge from rambling.
Vinge froze, then breathed out. "Well...what do you mean when you wiggle those?" He pointed to the head tentacles. "Are you telepathic, or something?"
DAX narrowed his eye. "We are not telepathic."
"Ah, okay! I'm sorry if I've offended you - we don't know much about the VUX, as I said, and you wiggle those things at - "
"It is the same thing as you humans making hand signals at each other."
"It is?" Vinge put his fingers to his chin, thinking this over. "I'll bet you have more complicated signals, though!"
"It is nothing quite like the thing you humans call body language."
"Oh! You mean it's something like reading our faces for the subtle cues that - "
"Are you a science officer?"
"No, but I want to be!"
DAX glanced at the other human technicians, sure that they were amused. "If you are interested in discussing the differences between human and VUX biology, I suggest taking the subject up with Admiral ZEX, or Ensign LEQ."
"..the Admiral?" Vinge squeaked. "But he's so - so above my rank!"
DAX huffed. "He would be eager to discuss the subject with you. Ensign LEQ would also appreciate the information - he wants to compile information for Admiral ZEX. I believe he is also like ZEX - interested in the subject."
"Oh, okay..." Vinge smiled. "Thanks for talking to me."
"You are welcome." DAX said, and Vinge waved as he walked away.
That was when ZFT returned
ZFT set down the male limpet carefully, and looked at DAX for instruction.
DAX sighed to himself and picked up the male limpet, and began to position it for the mother limpet. The humans and ZFT watched, curious. Minutes later, DAX was done, and they were set.
"It will start to produce fodder soon." He said to ZFT. "See that it goes well."
"Yes, Sub-commander."
DAX left.
---
"Are you coming with us, Sub-commander?" ZEX asked formally, sitting at his command post.
"I am," DAX said.
ZEX was ready for this. This was merely the formality. He bobbed his head tentacles, pleased, and gestured towards his panels. "I'll be maneuvering us out. We're going to Delta Gorno, and we're staying near the Vindicator."
Everyone knew the orders, and ZEX was merely confirming them. The bridge crew was ready, and so was the remaining fleet.
Of ZEX's ten Intruders, only two were going with the Vindicator.
The flagship didn't have much room, after all.
---
LFX, the Commander in charge of the remaining Intruders, watched the Vindicator go.
He knew there were the stirrings of mutiny. After this unexpected move, not everyone was pleased.
LFX was still loyal. He had spoken with DAX, and those who were feeling up to mutiny had been sent with ZEX.
LFX was left to keep track of the remaining fleet. He had earned his place here, and he was rapidly discovering that humans were interesting, and even pleasant to talk to.
For instance, he had spoken to Commander Hayes on more than one occasion -- Hayes certainly understood LFX when he mentioned the matters that ZEX didn't think about often. (Or maybe he did. LFX didn't know.)
Hayes had even offered to help acclimate the VUX by providing movies and showing them human entertainment.
LFX was now watching an old two-dimension film from Earth's history -- one of the few to survive.
LFX turned off the program when Hayes entered his makeshift office.
"Commander LFX?" Hayes asked. It had taken him a few tries to get LFX's name right, but then again, human names were just as baffling.
LFX stood. "Commander Hayes," he said. LFX was a temporary Commander, at least until Admiral Commander ZEX returned.
Hayes grinned, and LFX stopped the automatic shudder at seeing teeth.
"We're having a general celebration for the new alliance," Hayes explained. "And your men are welcome to come."
LFX brightened. "I accept, and I'll talk to the Captains. Don't expect us all to arrive, but parties -- no doubt we'll want to see how you humans do it."
Hayes blinked. "Excuse me, Commander -- how do the VUX have parties?"
"How do we celebrate?" LFX repeated, thinking. "We play, talk about it, and imbibe delicacies."
Hayes nodded. "That sounds about right -- we don't have any alcohol available -- but I doubt you'd want that."
"Nothing intoxicating, of course."
"Right."
LFX raised a tentacle, pleased. "Commander Hayes, thank you."
"Thank you, Commander LFX. We'll be holding a more formal party when the Captain and the Admiral return, but for now I figure we can enjoy ourselves."
"We can, Commander."
---
The 'another starship is approaching us' alarm sounded, and Zelnick rushed to the bridge.
"Don't let them attack us!" he yelled as soon as he arrived, cutting Tanaka off in mid-sentence.
Tanaka grinned, promptly making Zelnick's stomach drop. That smile wasn't friendly -- it was Tanaka showing aggresion.
At least, that was what he thought. He was never sure how to interpret aliens’ expressions.
Zelnick tried a smile in return, flashing his teeth.
"Ah, Captain. It is an honor and a pleasure to have you here."
Zelnick breathed a sigh of relief, striding over to his command chair. "It's good to see you, Tanaka." He had done the right thing by smiling, he thought. "How are things?"
"There are more important matters at hand, Captain," Tanaka said, almost gently leading him to the matter that Zelnick was afraid of. "You have VUX ships in your fleet."
"I do." Zelnick smiled. "We've made an alliance with Admiral ZEX's fleet."
Tanaka took a moment to think this over.
"Tanaka?" Zelnick asked.
"I have heard of such a VUX -- he was exiled?" Tanaka asked.
"Oh. Yeah. He likes humans - " At this, Zelnick blushed. One of the crew coughed, and Zelnick shook his head. "Admiral ZEX and his fleet are willing to help us. Also -- he has female Shofixti in deep freeze."
"Shofixti maidens!" Tanaka said, excitedly. "Great leaping mounds of happiness! If this is true, then Captain -- you and Admiral ZEX have saved my race!"
Zelnick grinned. "Let me talk with ZEX first, okay? We need his consent."
"Of course, Captain!"
Zelnick gestured, and the viewscreen was switched off, and ZEX was hailed. It took only a second before ZEX appeared onscreen.
"Captain!" ZEX said. "That is an authentic Shofixti Scout! How did you find it? And is there really a Shofixti aboard?"
Zelnick grinned. "Hail him. He's really interested in the Shofixti Maidens you have onboard."
ZEX waved a tentacle, and soon they had a conference-split-screen-effect going on.
"A Shofixti!" ZEX exclaimed, chuckling. "Captain, I knew this would be an excellent Alliance."
"What?"
"I will release my Shofixti maidens immediately. Oh, the rebirth of a race!"
Tanaka laughed, and the viewscreens turned to black as ZEX set to sending the maidens over.
Zelnick retreated to his quarters yet again to think this over.
ZEX had given up the Maidens almost immediately...what was ZEX thinking? Why had he agreed to joining the Alliance in the first place?
Zelnick didn't know anymore. He liked ZEX, he really did...but if ZEX had an ulterior motive...
Oh, he just wanted to talk to ZEX.
---
Before the starships left the Delta Gorno starsystem, Admiral ZEX took a shuttle over to see Zelnick.
They settled comfortably in Zelnick's quarters, and ZEX, thankfully, realized Zelnick's need to talk before they did anything else.
"My Captain..." ZEX murmured, holding Zelnick in a secure hug. "What seems to be the matter?"
Zelnick tensed, then forced himself to relax. It was only ZEX, after all. "I'm...ZEX..." He said, not sure of where to start. He wasn't even sure if he should start at all.
ZEX waited patiently, tracing Zelnick's face absently. Human skin was so smooth and lovely and he could never get enough of it.
"I -- er -- I -- ZEX!"
ZEX paused. "Yes, Captain?"
"I can't think!"
"...oh?"
"You -- er -- please stop touching my face I'm trying to think!"
"Hee! Hee! Hee!" ZEX was amused. "What are you trying to think about, Captain?"
"You!"
ZEX blinked. "Me?"
"Yes, you! You're confusing me!" Zelnick twisted to look ZEX in the eye. "ZEX, why did you really come with me?"
ZEX blinked. "I like you, Captain. I have always wanted to explore the galaxy. I can do it with you, and help you, Captain." And that was the truth, ZEX thought.
Zelnick smiled, relieved.
ZEX promptly helped Zelnick remove his shirt. "Now...we can get to business, Captain.."
---
LFX strode into the room, watching the preparations. A table was being set out, with both human and VUX foods -- each marked as such, so no one ate something poisonous -- and a ring being drawn on the floor in a corner. LFX assumed most of the party would be talking -- a gathering -- and the ring was for certain VUX to demonstrate the ancient sport of JIS.
It was one step towards better relations. JIS wasn't a secret, but he had been forced to assert his authority with several crewmemebers who felt that it shouldn't be shown at all to the humans.
That had gone over well, thankfully. LFX had been able to convince the complainers that they could challenge a human to JIS, if they wanted, after they explained the rules.
(He had been incredibly careful to specify the 'no hurting the human permanently' rule.)
(Really, really careful.)
LFX stood and watched, then turned when someone bumped into him.
"Oops! Sorry!" The -- LFX glanced at the man's chest -- ensign had the grace to look embarrassed. "I'm sorry, sir, didn't see you there."
LFX waved a tentacle. "It is of no concern."
"Say, are you here for the party?" The ensign didn't know much, LFX thought. He answered honestly, opting to see what would happen.
"I am."
The ensign smiled. "It's going to be a good one! We're even going to get some of the other Captains to visit --- I don't know about the Spathi, but the Zoq-Fot-Pik will be in attendance!"
LFX blinked. A small detail the humans had thought he knew, he supposed. "Do the Zoq-Fot-Pik understand that there will be VUX in the party?" He asked.
"Yeah, they know." The ensign pointed towards the doors. "In fact, there's one of them now!"
LFX watched as the trio of odd aliens floated into the room.
"I told you, we can't assume anything. Who knows what these VUX are like?" the Zoq was saying.
"But what if they're dangerous?"
"Ssssh! There's one right there!"
They had spotted him. LFX decided to come over and see what he was dealing with.
"Thank you, Ensign," he said to the ensign, and then walked over to the aliens.
"He's coming closer!" the blue alien said.
"How do we know he's a he?"
"How do we know he isn't a he?"
"Good point!"
"Yeah, I know!"
LFX stopped walking. They were noisy, that was for sure. "Excuse me. I am Commander LFX of the VUX."
"And we're Zip, Zik, and Zak." The green alien introduced them. "We're all Captains!"
They floated higher up, getting to LFX's eye level.
"Are you really a VUX?" asked the blue alien. (Zak, was it? LFX couldn't be sure.)
"Yes, I really am a VUX," LFX said patiently.
The blue alien scrutinized LFX. "Fine, you look like a VUX. I'll believe you."
"What you mean is that OF COURSE we believe you. Commander LFX, it's a pleasure to meet you."
LFX did a small bow. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Captains. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to inform my Captains that you will be in attendance."
"Of course. Go ahead, Commander."
LFX left them, studiously ignoring the bickering he could hear even out in the hallway.
---
The gathering itself started smoothly, and the few Zoq-Fot-Pik and Spathi in the room didn't bother the VUX.
Both Commanders stood aside and watched, keeping an eye on their respective troublemakers.
"Commander," LFX started.
"Yes?" Hayes asked.
"What brought you here?" LFX asked, looking down. He wasn't sure if he could ask such a question. Human manners were so much the same, and yet so different.
Hayes glanced at LFX. "Here, to this Starbase?"
"Yes."
"It's a long story...I guess most of it is that I was the oldest surviving Captain from the war."
"And that's why you were sent up here?"
"I have the most experience, and they liked me." Hayes shrugged. "Earth's leaders chose me."
"There's more to it."
"It's a long story."
LFX lifted his glass, and took in some of the drink. He wouldn't ask. Maybe later, but now...
Ah. The JIS was going to be begin soon.
A crowd was already gathering. The two fighters were negotiating -- they had been pre-chosen, and now they were simply completing negotiations for duty exchanges.
With a prize, there would be something to fight for.
LFX joined the crowd, as did Hayes. LFX always enjoyed a good round of JIS, and he was also a referee -- he was one of the many who watched for cheating.
LFX curled his tentacles, tense, as the two fighters stepped into the ring.
LFX recognized them. PIW and HIN. Both were under the command of Captain GAD.
PIW took the moment to twine tentacles, and then they burst into action.
HIN was experienced -- he immediately jumped up, avoiding the tail swipe from PIW. LFX winced, however, as PIW did manage to yank HIN down too fast.
HIN backed up, tail flared, tentacles out. As a rule, the JIS did not allow talking during the event.
That didn't include body language, however. PIW was holding himself tightly, compactly.
He charged at HIN, and barely stopped in time as HIN jumped out of the way, pushing at PIW's back.
PIW's tail flared out as he turned, grabbing HIN and tangling himself up in HIN's tentacles.
He pulled as hard as he could as HIN pushed back; they kept moving, and when they let go, they were back where they had started.
HIN was forced to jump once again as PIW attempted to knock him over with his tail, and soon PIW had grabbed him and pulled him to the floor.
PIW immediately put a foot on HIN's chest, tail lashing.
HIN reached up to grab PIW's foot, but PIW bent down, wrapping his tentacles around HIN's neck.
HIN stopped moving. PIW was going for a surrender, and there was nothing he could do about it. Not like this.
"I lost. Let go," he said, holding still.
PIW let go. "Good!" He helped HIN up, and they bobbed their head tentacles to the crowd.
The silence that had fallen while they had been fighting disappeared, and soon almost everyone was talking about the JIS.
Hayes was smiling, LFX noted. While he liked to believe that Hayes was smiling for different reasons, darker ideas sprang up in his mind.
...was Hayes glad to see the VUX fighting?
...was Hayes glad to see violence in general?
Or had he placed bets?
LFX didn't know. He would trust that those thoughts were not true, however.
Hayes glanced at LFX. "That was the finest example of a fair fight I've ever seen."
LFX blinked.
"What did you think?" Hayes asked.
LFX blinked again, then uncurled his tentacles. He had seen flaws in the footwork... "They both did well."
"You have more to say," Hayes said, still smiling.
"I do," LFX said. "However, I doubt you'd be interested."
"It's the technical stuff, huh?"
"Yes, exactly." LFX looked towards the circle. "There are details I doubt you care about."
"If you stick around, and keep doing things like that," Hayes gestured towards the circle, "then I'll need to learn about these details."
"Commander..." LFX started, then paused.
"Here they come," Hayes said.
And it was true. There came two more VUX, ready for the JIS. Negotiations would soon begin, and perhaps...
Perhaps this time LFX would be able to explain the details to Hayes.
---
A week later, relations between the humans and VUX were much improved, and the Vindicator arrived at Starbase.
---