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"_Dont kill the edge and become like the rest don't loose the faith that made you who you are don't kill the edge that manifests inside This world is mine, it's where my thoughts collide..." - Era - All new exiles _

---

• You seem rather quiet today K.J. Is something wrong?

• Kay-Jay - chuckled Kyle gazing at the rows of vehicles outside through the window - I haven't heard that nick since school. Seems so immature now, almost comic in fact.

They didn't even gave him a real shrink, just an AI program. Were they afraid of him? He could understand that, after hearing what he was doing after the... Events on Gemini V. But now, he was normal, or at least safe to deal with.

One decision, one faulty choice made him scarred for life, and perceived as tainted by others. Just because he didn't want to stand idle while they were deciding what to do with him, when he wrecked that destroyer... So he joined colonial militia ground forces for a short time. He thought back then, that a few drops with them would look really nice on his rep-sheet, and now look what happened. He would call himself lucky to be allowed flying waste barges now.

• Do you feel shameful of your past?

• I have nothing to be ashamed of.

• What about the dragons?

• Keep my kink out of it - he interrupted firmly - If there is some part of me, that I don't want anyone to get their filthy claws on, is this.

• Don't you think it's not healthy to...

• Life itself is not healthy - he said - It's filled with pain and ends in death, you know...

• Interesting point of view. Did you had it before Gemini V?

• I... - Kyle hesitated a moment rubbing his temple with fingers - I don't know. I've lost much of myself back there. Maybe too much even. I try... Desperately try to pull myself together, but the more I try, the more of me slips through my fingers.

Kyle traced a few patterns on the glass, and blew a hot breath over it. A sign "entropy" appeared written in marker symbols.

• Maybe that's why she left... - he said whipping the window glass clean, and turning away from the window.

• I assume you're referring to girlfriend now - said the AI - Sylvia Lambert, correct?

• Or my sanity - he tried to joke, but didn't put much heart to it.

• Do you feel hurt by her?

• Not really. She did what she thought it's best for her.

• Did you loved her?

• I thought I did - he said sitting on the sofa - But now I'm not so sure. I mean, I should be angry at her, for leaving me just when I needed her the most. I should feel sorry for myself and my miserable existence, I should feel... Something. But I don't. I'm just... Numb.

• Why did you join the UESA in the first place?

• Because I became aware of my own limited lifespan.

• So you're constantly put yourself in danger, because you're afraid of dying?

• No. That's not it. - Kyle said - I know how far back does the history of humanity reaches. I know, or at least have a clue how long will it last regardless... I have seen so much; experienced so many things... But I know that even more things I won't be given chance to experience. World existed long before my birth, and will exist long after I'll die regardless if I will be in it, or not; like it was for billions and billions of people before me and probably will even more after me. So many things I won't be able to see... So I want to do everything I can, before my time ends. That's all there's to it

• Well then, let's talk about what happened at New Edwards yesterday.

Kyle sighed deeply.

• My father is dying. I am the man I am because of him. Because he raised me like that. Incidentally he was a complete opposite to my mother, who didn't gave a fuck about anything accept for herself... And the money. Anyway, I remember once he had told me how much he would like to be out there. To see it for himself. Feel it. That was the least I could do for him. To take him out there before he dies...

• Kyle... Your father died the night before. Because of the Hematoma in his brain. There was nothing they could do.

In front of Kyle suddenly appeared holographic image of his father's death certificate, as an indisputable evidence of that fact. He looked it over and over again as if trying to convince himself that it was a fake, but it wasn't. Which meant...

• Pax is not working anymore - he stammered finally - Motherf... Kewl.

That was the problem with pharmaceuticals. Eventually humans body became immune to their effects, and you need to take more powerful drugs to which they would get use to with time. It was a closed circle, or a spiral heading downwards.

• I can kiss Dragonclaw goodbye then... - he laid himself back on the sofa rubbing his forehead - Oh well. It was a nice dream while it lasted.

• And what if not?

• What are you talking about? It's over. There is nothing above Paxochlorine. They'll send me down to the nut-house in a straitjacket, so I could bump from wall to wall, that's for sure...

• Not necessarily... There is a way to deal with your dementia permanently, but it comes with a prize. - the AI timed carefully a short break between the sentences - I'm talking about nanites.

• And the price..?

• It'll render you sterile. Your reproduction system consists on so-called half genes. A male half joins with female half, and thus creates new life. Nanites perceive that as a sort of injury, and "correct the issue". It's permanent. But you'll rid yourself of your dementia. Your lifespan shall be greatly increased and body optimized to a level unattainable for a normal human.

• What about sex? - Kyle asked - Will it be contagious to have sex with somebody? I mean will the nanites jump from me to the other while I...

• Unclear...

• Kewl...

• You have to decide - spoke the AI modulating his voice so it sounded calmly - I can postpone that report a bit, but eventually I'll have to file it, and then, as you say it: you'll be fucked.

Kyle lay there for a long moment gazing at the ceiling before answering.

• All stations reporting "go flight", sir - said the Dragonclaw's first officer sitting beside Kyle's chair.

• Retract all moorings.. Engage upper thrusters at 1.5g. - Kyle ordered - Take us down below the dock on 0.0075 click before launching Rampal engines. Plot a course for TH-7705 for a shape-down cruise.

• Retract all moorings; upper thrusters 1.5g; Aye.

Tips of the mechanical tentacles of the repair dock, wrapped around the starship burst with vapor from cooling systems and were pulled back upwards, like a limbs of a giant spider. While they were still in motion Starship's thrusters placed at the top of the hull had fired, pushing it downwards. When the bulky hull moved away from the dock enough to be unable to collide with any dock section the main sub-light drive launched, bathing the space behind in ultramarine light and the Dragonclaw has entered free space.

• Course laid in. - stated navigation officer - We're clear of the dock area.

• Punch it. - said Kyle simply.

• Aye, sir. Spinning up ZP units. All stations: stand by for Phase-Jump.

Outside the ZP-units have been deployed making the starship look somewhat like anchor. A bright ethereal ring started to form in front of the starship, and quickly engulfed it in bright glow; With one final flash the Dragonclaw disappeared.

• Möbius space achieved - said the navigator - All systems nominal. ETA three hours sixteen minutes.

• Ha - grinned Kyle - It would take three days via Shock-point. Makes it almost look like a joke.

• Yes, sir - said the first officer not knowing what else to say.

• You have the comm. Jamison. Notify me when we get there. I'll be in a med-bay if you need me.

He heard Jamison stating "Commander leaving the deck" while the automatic doors closed behind him, and walked to internal tram system.

He placed the sample of whitish liquid in the scanner and activated the cycle.

"Structural analyze in progress... Stand by." - he read on the holo-screen and leant back deeper in the chair and observed the results.

"Detected organic compounds:

C5H5N5- 6-aminopurine [adenine]

C5H6N2O2- 5-methyluracil [thymine]

C5H5N5O - 6-oxy-2-aminopurine [guanine]

C4H5N3O..."

He dismissed the rest of even more complex formulas and scrolled down to the final section.

"No selenium-silicate compounds in provided sample. Ending conclusion: no trace of nanite presence detected."

Kyle sighed deeply, and erased the data.

• Not too bad at all...

---

He awoke when first rays of sunlight streamed in through the window and on his face. He yawned widely . He blinked several times recalling the events of the previous night, and couldn't help but to sigh happily. He almost forgot how it was like. The bed beside him was empty, only the pleasant scent in the air confirmed that it all had happened for real.

• Ha! In your face, Michio Kaku!* - he chuckled getting up from the bed and walking to the bathroom.

Going through the threshold he stroked the door frame, before realizing he wasn't on the Dragonclaw anymore, and the bathroom door didn't had a faulty sensor that needed encouragement each time to activate the lights. It was funny how those sort of things easily are becoming one's habit...

He stood in front of a mirror of polished copper or maybe brass, with a small basin as a sink below it and looked at his reflection in the mirror.

• You know who you are? - he grinned to himself - High-fiving, talking shit, but you're going home alone, aren't ya...Whistling the melody he looked around the bathroom with a frown. There was a shower also, but evidently without any knobs or anything to make the water flow.

• And no red wires to cut... - he muttered taking his attention to the shower tip lodged in the ceiling.

He tappet at it hesitantly still whistling the melody, and seeing that nothing has happened tried to twist it left and right. Despite his attempts the impudent water didn't show any signs of flowing .

• Nah... Whatever. I'll just say it's normal amongst my people if they say I stink...

Despite that statement he made one last effort to get the water flowing, by pressing the tip upwards and then twisting it. A water suddenly gushed out, drenching him all in its icy cold embrace. He shut it back promptly breathing loudly, his eyes wide from thermal shock on his entire body.

• Damn! - He gasped - That's one hell of a refreshment..!

He stepped back a little and tried again, this time however twisting it in opposite direction, and not all the way. After a few days in the wilderness he really started to appreciate those little bits of civilization.

He left the shower after several minutes, when the water started to be cold again, and whipping himself dry with a large towel forced the RIG do redeploy his suit around him, and run a system-check. When everything turned out to be in order he left the room to get something to eat.

• You should watch your self - said a rotund silver-scaled draconian with dark-gray wings presenting Kyle with a plate full of roasted meat - Gals like her can give you a lot of things. Most of which you'll have to see the healer to get rid of.

• I'm immune - muttered Kyle taking a piece of the roast

• That's what they all say... Just don't come crawling to me when your crotch start itching.

• Yea, yea - Kyle waved a free hand in dismissive gesture

• A Dragon Knight was looking for ya earlier - he said while leaving

• Dragon Knight?

• They're elite palace guards. Just don't bring any trouble under my roof, y'hear?

• I'm not living here long enough to cause them.

He finished his meal quickly and let the foxy waitress (literally foxy, with long puffy red tail and all) to gather the dishes, and tossed her some coins as a tip. She put a large tankard of a liquid of some sorts; probably alcohol, but its consistency prevented Kyle from actually drinking it. At least while still being sober.

Thankfully he didn't had to wait any longer because the knight that was searching for him have entered the tavern. He exchanged few words with the owner, and directed to Kyle came closer and sat on the opposite side of the table.

• Not quite an early bird, are we? - he said

• Why? - asked Kyle. The disdainfulness in his tone made him tetchy - Have you overslept or something?

• Listen up mammal - draconian said gathering the tankard from the table - Out here the talk like that can get you killed.

• Everything that kills me, makes me feel alive, lizzie.

• Lizzie? - wondered the draconian taking few large gulps of that disgustingly-oozing-from-the-corner-of-his-maw-down-on-to-his-red-and-yellow-scales-liquid-thingy, which the waitress has brought to Kyle.

• Short for lizard - Kyle explained ignoring a sudden twitch in his stomach caused by the sight in front of him - You know, the small, scaly things that crawls under a rocks and such.

Draconian spluttered his drink on the table with almost over theatrical gesture of hurt pride. Kyle didn't needed SSAM to read him. He knew it was a runt. Those truly dangerous didn't need to shout to the whole world how dangerous they are. The world either knew that already, or would find out the hard way. This one was all-show-and-no-substance.

• Listen here you fat rat. You better... - red draconian stood up placing his talons at the table meaningfully

• Ape - said Kyle not looking at him, but at another one that have just entered the tavern.

He didn't joined them, but sat at the bar placing his elbows on the bar table; he didn't order anything, he said nothing. Didn't even looked their way. Now he was one of those that one should be wary of. Well build and toned body. Mighty tail, and powerful wing muscles. Yes; definitely an alpha...

• The fuck you said?

• Ape, not a rat - repeated Kyle still gazing at the newcomer. He wasn't wearing the armor, but Kyle was pretty sure it was the knight from the palace entrance. The scar, and the scale color clearly stated of it - Or perhaps all of us look alike to you?

• Damn right pussy-face...!

• Enough - said the brown-scaled draconian at the bar.

He didn't raised his voice. He said that almost casually, but the red draconian have silenced instantly, and cast a worried glance over his shoulder.

• Sir - he stammered - I didn't expected you. B-but that's just a...

• Do I have to repeat myself?

• N-no sir!

For a moment the brown draconian turned his sight to Kyle, and their gazes met; then he turned it back straight forward, but that moment spoke volumes. Kyle stood up from his table and walked in the direction of the bar. While passing by the red draconian, he rested his hand on his shoulder, and spoke calmly.

• Drink up, almighty dragon master. It's on me.

He sat beside Var'Lsh by the bar, pretty much imitating his position.

• Some say you've took care of horde marauders singlehandedly. - begun Var'Lsh

• People always say such things. - said Kyle mimicking his tone - There were three of us, and only twelve of them. It was a slaughter, really. Nothing to be praised for.

• So what? You're a paladin of sorts, that roams the wilderness looking for damsels in distress?

• I curse really nastily - said Kyle

• It's not the words, but deeds that counts

• I'm no paladin I assure you. I'm violent and cruel at times. And if I have to, I kill. Without remorse, and can actually enjoy seeing someone die in agony... Under certain circumstances, that is...

• And yet you saved a person that was a complete stranger to you, and didn't ask for a reward afterwards.

• Wouldn't you? - asked Kyle looking at him

But he didn't received the answer. Var'Lsh turned his head to face him, but suddenly cast a disgusted glance at someone behind Kyle.- Hey, Kyle - said Rak'Shi sitting behind him - Are you free tonight? - This is no place for the likes of you - Var'Lsh snarled - Get out. - I don't mind - Said Kyle firmly, and regarded dragoness with a careful look - You look tired. Have you ate today? - Not really - she spoke quietly casting a sidelong glance at Var'Lsh. -Don't you know what she is? - he snarled - That's a... - Yesterday you had a full coin purse. I'm quite certain if this, 'cause if you recall, I gave it to you personally... - I have debts... You know how's it like... - Yeah - Kyle said reaching for his pouch - I suppose I do... There were only seven coins left inside - enough for one meal. Good thing he paid for food on a week ahead already. He gestured to the owner, and placing the pouch on the bar gestured at Rak'Shi with his thumb - Feed her - he said. And seeing the look on Var'Lsh snout turned his attention to him - You're not different from her, you just didn't had to make choices she had to. I find it hard to believe that you having a choice selling your body to a bunch of horny females, or starve to death you would choose starvation. In the end, what a man will do is what a man can do. It all goes down to the circumstances. Var'Lsh looked like he was about to argue some more, but then the platter with meat was brought in, and placed in front of the suddenly drooling dragoness. She took the largest piece of meat and taking the platter she scurried off to a distant table, to eat her meal far away from Var'Lsh scrutiny.- I had to help her - spoke Kyle to Var'Lsh with a low voice - I just couldn't do otherwise. "...especially after what we've been doing last night..." - he added mentally to himself - I think I'm starting to get it - said Var'Lsh after a moment of pause licking his fangs slowly. He gazed at the owner for a minute before stating - Whatever bill he has, pass it onto me. I'll take care of it. - he turned to Kyle again - Do you have a job? - Well, I was going to look for one today, but that fine gent said that you were looking for me... I decided to stay and see what'll happen. - Don't bother - he said standing up from the bar. Damn he was huge - I'll get you a job if you want to. Just drop by the barracks today. Want a beer? It's on me. - You mean that yellowish goo? How do you make it anyway? - Well, there is this fruit, that is chewed on and spit into... - Spare me the details. I don't eat nor drink anything that was in somebody else's maw... Var'Lsh grinned widely. - But you do like eggs, don't you? They both chuckled for a moment until Var'Lsh gaze rested back on Rak'Shi. He stopped chuckling and looked at Kyle meaningfully. - You should be careful. You won't be the first sucker found in the ditch with splitting headache naked as he was in the day he hatched, just 'cuz he fell for sweet smiles and a hot piece of tail. - I'm not that stupid - said Kyle - Everything I own, I have on me, and I'm rather inseparable with it. Besides it does takes a lot to take me down. - Don't say I didn't warned ya.

And with that he left.

Kyle sit there motionless, save for rubbing his own nose bridge with an index finger as he pondered his next move. To take the offer was the easiest way, but he knew all too well that the easiest routes, are not necessarily the correct ones. He was so deep in thought that he didn't noticed Rak'Shi sitting down beside him. She licked his cheek thankfully and asked. - What was his problem? - He told me that you will leave me in the ditch without even my clothes - Kyle said - Did he mentioned that you would be also thoroughly fucked? - Nope. Nothing. - In that case that wouldn't be me. - she grinned leaning onto him, and placing her snout on his shoulder so the tip of her snout rubbed his neck - so, are you free tonight? - Why? - he asked looking her straight in the eyes, and rising his left eyebrow. - We could do... - she whispered right to his ear - ...you know. Stuff. He blinked several times. - Um... I promise I won't leave you in a ditch - she tried to assure him He blinked again. - Seriously - he asked finally - Why? - I don't know - she shrugged - Honestly I don't. Maybe I really liked last night, and want to repeat that over, and over again. Maybe you're better than a sunbath and large fireplace put together... But not nice hot bath... With a foam and all... Mmmmrrrrr... Where was I? - Better than a fireplace....

• Um... Right... And I don't feel groggy in the morning - her grin suddenly fell - Or maybe I actually enjoyed not being treated like an object discard-after-use, but a true female.

She licked his lips from the bottom of his chin up to the nose slowly. - Are you buying that? - she asked suddenly gazing in his eyes. The tip of her snout just micrometers from his face. - Not really - he sad grinning - But I did felt a twinkle in the heart at that last one... - So, what do you say? It'll be fun - she swished her tail from side to side vigorously - Why not... - Good mammal - she crooned and licked him one last time flapping her wings once - Well, gotta go for now; you know, places to be. See you soon. Kyle watched as she walk out of the tavern, mesmerized by her swishing tail, and turned only after the door closed behind her. - Females - he said to the silver draconian - Can't live with them, and you just can't shoot them. He took a large gulp from the tankard, before recalling what was inside.

Flames of the fireplace lit the makeshift tent with dim reddish glow. Sha'Rae watched quietly as Kyle was turning the roast above it in order to cook it evenly on all sides. She traced with her gaze all those shining things on his back, line of his shoulders, medium length black hair; dark brown eyes...

• Lose something over here? - he asked suddenly, making her almost squeak from surprise

• Who are you anyway? - she asked

• Does it matter?

• I'm curious - she said coming closer to him

• You know where curiosity will lead you? - Kyle rather stated than asked

• To a greater knowledge and understanding?

• Not quite - He chuckled shaking his head lightly.

• What are these for? - she asked pointing at the pile of fruits beside him; they resembled a red lemons with short spikes on the surface.

• I can't go on meat alone - he said taking one - I need something fruity.

• That's a prey's food. - she said looking at him inquisitively

Kyle gave her meaningful stare and very slowly bit the fruit, wincing at the taste afterwards

• Of course it has to be bitter has it... - he muttered

• This might taste better for you - Sha'Rae pulled a large handful of grass and presented it to him - Try it.

• Cut it out - he said pushing her hand away

• Come on - she said putting her paw in front of his face again - Just take a whiff. Mmmmm... This sure is tasty...

• Don't make me angry - he said with carelessness that one should be afraid of - You won't like me when I'm angry.

Despite this she made one final attempt to feed him with what she hold in her paw. Kyle's hand shoot forward and grabbed her by the wrist, twisting it outwards, and making her fall to her back with a surprised yell. When she come to her senses, she saw him on top of her, his face almost touching her snout and their gazes locked on each other.

"This is it" - she thought - "He's gonna kiss me, and mount me, and we..."

She didn't finished, because Kyle let go of her hand and sat back beside her.

• Food is ready - he said not looking at her. - Just don't do that again Sha'Rae...

His voice suddenly changed to that of Sha'Rae's mother.

• ...Sha'Rae, are you listening?

She blinked couple of times realizing where she was; a table full of food in front of her and her mother at the other end with a glass of wine in her talons. There were other guests around the table, and everyone was looking at her.

• Forgive me mother - she said - I was deep in thoughts...

• You have not touched your food - Lady Zin'Del spoke somewhat accusingly - Are you not well?

• Just a bit tired, that's all - she spoke calmly - May I be excused?

• But, my dear... - said said the lady with a soothing voice

• Please mother.

• Alright - Zin'Del decided - But go right to bed. You need rest.

• Yes mother - she said standing up - Please excuse me...

Exiting the dining room she heard her mother explaining her, and relieving the weight of what happened on the shoulders of stress after the events from before few days, and assuring that sir Var'Lsh with his men will deal with all the harassers shortly.

Sha'Rae closed dhe doors to her room, but instead going to bed, she went to the balcony, to look at the city below.

Kyle was there, somewhere. Var'Lsh have told her, that he grew attached to a certain female. Sha'Rae acted as if she didn't care, but she did felt a small sharp pain in her heart at this. She felt... something towards him. Something that she was afraid to admit even before herself. Maybe she should go down to the city, find him and make him explain himself..?

No, she couldn't do that.

She had no rights to him, not to mention what her father would do if he would find out she was keeping company with a commoner. A foreign commoner even.

But she missed him so much...

*Michio Kaku, a Japanese scientist who, when asked about the topic of humans crossbreeding with some alien species from outer space, supposedly have said that more probable event is human coupling with a plant, because at least they're from the same planet. I see it this way: if there is intelligent life out there, humans will find a way to have sex with them, mark my words.