Adventures of Tash and John Ch. 01

She stopped and pointed at John, and he understood where this story was going. "They were Humans. Military people, dozens of them. They took the group I and my mother were in to some kind of escape ship. They flew us to their ship and gave us food and blankets and treated those who were hurt. We even found my father, he had been rescued just before us." She paused again. "Humans saved us John. You scarified your own people and ships to help us. That is why I love Humanity, you help, for no reason other than because it is right to do. Others will say what they want, but not me. Humanity is the future."

It was a touching story, even more so that John knew exactly what she was talking about. New Holland had been the location of where the very first Human starship, the HMS Battleaxe, was destroyed. It and its sister ship, the HMS Churchill, had responded to a distress call from a xeno transport under attack from several pirate ships. The crew of the Battleaxe, in a bid to buy more time for the Churchill to extract as many people as they could from the immobilized transport, ended up sacrificing themselves so they could get away. It was a watershed moment for Humanity. The very first human lives to be lost in combat with aliens.

It ended up stirring up a movement within the governments of Earth and the colonies. A massive force was mobilized in what would be eventually known as The Blitz. A fifteen year campaign with one objective. Wipe out the Breaten Hvas and all the other pirate and slaver gangs in the territories surrounding ours. Major victories were publicly and endlessly broadcast, all with the same message. If you practice slavery or piracy, we're coming for you. The Blitz had ended just two years ago, with the conclusion of the trials for the last remaining pirate leaders followed by, very public, executions. John had actually fought in a few engagements during The Blitz.

"Are you okay, John?" He heard Tash ask. John realized that he must have zoned out while thinking.

"Yeah, I actually know the exact event you're talking about." John confessed. "It's required reading for all G.I.'s heading into space."

"So you are military." Tash said confidently.

"Well, ex-military."

"Ex-military?"

"I had an... accident." John said, a little uncomfortably.

"Accident?" Tash said, a very concerned look now spreading across her face.

John sat up in his chair slightly and stuck one of his legs out from underneath the table so that Tash could see. Slowly he started rolling up his pant leg revealing a light exoskeletal brace. He snuck a quick glance at the Kai'ani girl, who was now staring intently at his leg brace, a small frown now appearing on her face. Her eyes moved to meet his a moment later. He wasn't sure if he was reading her body language correctly, but she almost looked like she was about to cry.

"What happened?" Tash asked, genuine concern in her voice.

"I botched a drop." John replied. He could see a look of confusion on Tash's face. "Let me explain. When I was in the army I was a paratrooper. My unit specialized in high orbital insertions via drop pods, but occasionally we also did HALO drops. HALO is High Altitude Low Opening, it just means we drop from really high up and don't open our chutes until we are close to the ground." He paused to let the Kai'ani girl process his words, continuing a moment later. "So my unit was doing a HALO drop on a border planet during The Blitz. It was supposed to be a standard drop, jump out of the dropship, get to the ground and recon the 'Haves' outpost and set up a position for Forward Air Control and the main assault force. That was all good, we had done it dozens of times before. Now part of our equipment is a set of retro burn thrusters that assist us with our landings so we can open our chutes later to minimize potentially being spotted by the enemy.

"Well, that day either the tech that worked on my thrusters missed something, or something was jostled loose in transition because when I went to fire my thrusters, the one on my left side exploded." John was illustrating everything as best as he could with his hands, trying to give Tash, who now looked horrified, the best idea possible. "It sent me tumbling through the air. I was able to deploy my backup chute and it was able to slow me down just that little bit more, probably just enough to save my life. But I still ended up hitting the ground, hard. I shattered all the bones in both my legs as well as breaking a dozen others. I don't remember much, but what I do remember was the pain. The worst I've ever felt in my life. I must have passed out at one point because the next thing I knew I was being airlifted back to our ship."

John noticed that Tash had now covered her mouth with both her hands, her eyes completely locked on his. After a silent minute, she removed her hands.

"Are you okay?" She asked anxiously.

John chuckled. "Well I'm sitting here in front of you aren't I? They were able to reconstruct my legs. After a few months laid up in a hospital and some physical therapy later I was good as new." John smiled and continued. "Well almost anyways. The crash caused severe nerve damage in my legs, so I was given these exoskeletal braces to help me walk. I can walk without them if you were curious," John made sure to add in, "it's just that sometimes it can get painful."

"And that accident is why you are ex-military?" Tash asked.

"Yes. They gave me a choice, either I could do a desk job for the rest of my career or I could take a medical discharge. The idea of being bound to a desk for the rest of my time in the army just did not seem appealing, so I took the discharge. I cashed out on my enlistment bonuses and decided that it was a good time to go see the galaxy. And, well, here I am, having a delightful lunch with a very pretty woman."

He could see the smile return to Tash's face. It really suited her, he thought. He... really didn't want to see her sad.

They sat in silence for a few minutes. John took the time to finish his, now cold, omelet and refill the water in his camelpack. Once it was clear that they were both done, Tashaiea started tapping some glyphs on the tables small display terminal and began fishing in her bag producing what looked like a payment card of some kind moments later.

"Hey," John piped up, catching Tash's attention. "Let me pay. You showed me this place, I think it's only fair I pay for our meal." Producing a card of his own.

It was a pre-loaded galactic standard credit payment card, guaranteed to be accepted in 90% of known space, or his money back. He handed the card to Tash and let her run it. After a quick series of flashes Tash said that it had been accepted and they both stood up and headed for the door.

"Thank you for paying for me." Tash said as they stepped out once again into the dry heat of the street. "I will return the payment, don't worry."

"No need." John said as they stepped out of the way of a pair of Voss now just entering the restaurant. "But if you insist on paying me back, how about you show me around? There's some kind of competition going on right?"

"Ah, yes. The Confederate Colonial Light Gravity Athletics Competition." Tash replied slowly, translating the words as best she could. "That's why I'm out today, taking photos with my camera for my employer."

"Well don't let me get in your way." John smiled.

"You get in the way? Never! You are a better photo than all of city!" Tashaiea beamed cheerfully as she started to walk off.

That caught John off guard. It was the first time that Tash had overtly flirted with him. A sign that she was getting more comfortable with him? The thought put a little spring in his step as he quickly picked up his pace to walk with the Kai'ani.

The rest of the afternoon was filled with new sights and smells for John. Kerpzu'avi was as alien to him as the name implied. He'd already traveled to a few different places and seen quite a few different species, but never seen so many in one place. Apparently this competition was a fairly big deal. Every so often Tash would stop to take a picture or to explain something to him. And every so often he would also catch her taking another picture of him. When he made it obvious he caught her, she would giggle and take another.

John couldn't help but like her. She just seemed to radiate this youthful energy that was almost intoxicating. And her body... when she was walking in font of him, he couldn't help but look down the small of her back and over her tight little ass and down the back of her inverted legs. She really filled out those pants well. She must have caught him staring once or twice because every so often she would start to sway her hips more as she walked, showing off her curves. John had to admit that he was having some... impure thoughts about the "little" Kai'ani.

And little was a relative term since she was about a good five inches taller than him. He was so lost in those thoughts that he almost didn't notice that Tash had stopped at an open air vendor stall of some kind. Upon closer inspection he noticed that it was covered in different kinds of jewelry in which Tash was very intently looking at. John smirked, I guess that was one universal constant.

"See anything you like?" John inquired.

"Hmm?" Tash replied, eyes glued to a particular side of the display. Stealing a look, John noticed that it was a necklace with a shiny green gemstone riding center stage with smaller stones heading all the way back to the clasp.

"It matches your eyes." John said nonchalantly. Causing those very eyes to look at him. "How much?"

"Too much." She replied, averting her eyes from what he assumed was the price tag.

"We'll see." John said, taking out his payment card and motioning to the vendor that he wanted the necklace.

"No, John, don't..."

"Too late." He cut her off with a smile as he handed the Voss vendor his card. Seconds later the sale was complete. "Come here." John said as he as undid the clasp and put his arms around the Kai'ani, brushing her hair aside and putting the necklace on her. "There, beautiful." John said as he took a step back to admire her. She was blushing again, the green hue filling her face.

"Thank... thank you, I love it." Tash said, voice cracking slightly. John could see that her eyes were starting to get slightly misty, like she was about to tear up.

"Didn't you say that opening ceremony should be happening soon? We should probably head over if we want to get good seats." John said, trying to distract her.

"Oh, I have press access." Tash said, recomposing herself "We are guaranteed good seat."

"Press access huh?" John echoed. "Are you sure they'll let me in with you?"

"Oh, I'm sure." Tash replied. "And you are right, we should be going. Don't want to be late."

With that, Tash surprised John again. Reaching out and taking his hand in hers and giving a small tug.

"Come, it's this way." Tash said and began leading him down the street.

Her hand was incredibly soft, he had only felt her skin once before briefly when he helped her up in the alleyway. It was hardly enough time to appreciate the feeling of it. But the thing that really stood out to him was just how forward Tash was being now. Essentially leading him by the hand throughout the city streets. Every once in a while she would squeeze. Perhaps it was a normal thing in her species, or maybe she needed to make sure he was still there. Whatever the reason, it was almost relaxing.

Within a few minutes they arrived at a large open air arena. The buildings and signs were lit up in an array of different colors and patterns. Some showing off different species, competitors probably, and some showing off objects. Tash continued to lead John to a side entrance where a pair of Voss were standing. She brought them over towards them, not letting his hand go the whole time. When they stopped in front of what must have been Voss security guards based on the fact that they were armed with dull tipped spears of some kind (a shock baton equivalent maybe) was the only time Tash let his hand go.

Fishing in her bag she quickly produced a document of some kind, her press pass obviously. She showed it to the Voss guards and said something in her native language, which translated to John as 'He's with me'. The Voss checked the pass, looked at them both and then waved them in. Nearly immediately Tash grabbed John's hand again and lead him into the building. After a few minutes of twists and turns they arrived at a boxed off area where a few other individuals were already setting up. Media teams from other news stations no doubt.

"Here is our spot." Tash pointed to a small square section of the press box with a bench.

The view was impressive. From their box they had a perfect view of the whole arena. Below John could see thousands of individuals milling around. All waiting for the ceremony to begin.

"This view is amazing, how did you get it?" John asked

Tash smiled "I told my employer if you want good photos, I need press access. So they gave it to me."

"Just like that?"

"Just like that."

For the next ten minutes, Tash was engrossed with taking pictures. John simply sat on the bench, taking in the sights and resting his legs. Soon the lights in the arena began to dim, and a loud sort of music started playing.

"It's starting!" Tash said excitedly.

Hearing that John stood up and joined Tash at the railing to the press box. Down on the main stage a series of different species were starting to gather, after about seven of them arrived on the stage a Voss stepped forward and the arena's lights focused on it as it began to speak. Moments later the translation filtered its way to John and went something along the lines of, 'Welcome gentilespecies from across the galaxy! Welcome to the Confederate Colonial Light Gravity Athletics Competition! Where the best from around the Confederacy will compete for recognition, status, records and, of course, your love. Now gentilespecies, let us all pay our respects to those who choose to compete, and of course give them a loving welcome to the colony of Kerpzu'avi!'.

The crowd erupted into various noises, which John assumed were cheers. At the far side of the arena, John could see individuals emerging from a partitioning in the stands. The same announcer from earlier started to introduce the different teams as they came out. Some marched with purpose, other flailed or waved various appendages to the crowd. It really wasn't that different from how they introduced the different teams during the Olympics on Earth. Tash was furiously taking pictures, occasionally letting out an excited squeal.

Once the last team had left the 'back stage' area and had assembled in the arena. A massive hologram was projected above them, and some kind of show was started. It was at this point that Tash turned from the railing and headed back to the bench where John had already sat back down during the team announcing. As she sat down next to him, she let out a long sigh and laid her head against John's shoulder.

"I hope I took some good photos." She said as she diverted her eyes upward towards the holographic show. "I will just have to see though, hmm?"

"I'm sure they turned out fantastic." John assured her, as he began to absentmindedly stroke her hair. Tash just sighed contently. After watching the show for a bit she shifted her eyes up towards John. Sensing this, John looked down at her.

"Something on your mind?" He inquired.

"I have one question." She replied.

"Okay, shoot." He said, receiving a strange look from Tash. He laughed. "It means 'go ahead'."

"Ah, alright." Tash said acknowledging the phrase. "Where do you stay tonight?"

John answered as honestly as he could "I don't know. I usually just find a place when I need to stop for the night. Or if it comes down to it, I have a sleeping bag and camping gear. It's in storage at the spaceport right now, but if I need it I'll go get it. Why?"

"Umm," Tash said, fidgeting slightly. "I only ask because maybe you could stay at my home tonight? I have room and extra bed I don't use. Voss accommodations are not very comfortable for species as... big as we are. Hit head on roof all the time."

John could see that she was nervous, but he knew he just couldn't say no. Partly because if what she said about the Voss hotels were right, he didn't want to be hitting his head all night, and partly because he really wanted to see more of her, in all senses of the word.

"Yeah," John responded "Yeah, that sounds nice. I think I'll take you up on that offer."

Tash made a little giddy squee. "Really? You want to spend the night at my home?" Tash said, even more excitedly.

"Yeah, I do." John replied.

And with that, John put his arm around the Kai'ani and pulled her close. He could hear Tash let out a content sigh as she lightly nuzzled against him.

The rest of the hologram show lasted about thirty minutes and consisted of showing clips of, what he assumed were the last competition. A band of some kind playing a few songs and a story about a Voss, captain or something, doing something that he could just not follow. It was probably related to the founding of the colony. He had been so engrossed in the show that he hadn't noticed that Tash had fallen asleep on him. He almost didn't want to disturb her.

She looked so peaceful. But as the show ended and the crowd started to get up to leave, John realized that he was getting fairly tired himself. He wasn't entirely sure how long he'd been awake for, but it was probably time to stop for the night. He gently nudged Tash in an attempt to rouse her from her sleep.

"Tashaiea... Tash, wake up." he said, nudging her a little more each time. Her eyes opened and she mumbled something in her native language that his translator was unable to pick up. She looked confused for a moment but then saw John looking down at her and smiled.

"John..." She said softly.

"Hey you, welcome back." John said "The show's over, we should probably get going. That offer of yours still valid?"

"Of course." She said, rubbing her eyes and standing up. Once again taking John's hand, and leading him to the exit.

"I should probably head to the spaceport and pick up my gear." John said as they stepped out of the arena and into the districts street. "Unless you don't mind me wearing the same thing in the morning."

Tash gave him a coy smile. "It's okay. I do the same as well sometimes."

"Alright" John said, letting out a chuckle. "You're the boss."

Tash simply giggled and continued to lead John to the rapid transit station.

The train ride home was almost unbearable for Tashaiea, but she was trying to keep her cool. Her day with John had been... perfect. It started off a little rocky sure, but the past few hours had more than made up for that little 'miscommunication'. The necklace was what really sealed the deal. She hadn't actually expected him to buy it for her. Buying her lunch was one thing, that very well could have been reparations for pinning her against a wall and holding a knife to her throat. But the necklace... she didn't think he realized just how expensive what he had bought her was.

With what he spent on it she could have paid her apartment for the next six payment cycles! And that was it, that was the point where she had to claim him. He had been a perfect gentleman. Not the completely idealistic versions that she saw on her earth entertainment programs, but a real, genuine, Human gentleman. And that was when she started taking his hand. She knew that he probably didn't understand the significance of it, but in Kai'ani culture when a female took the hand of a male and would not let go, and he did not try to pull away, she had claimed him. It showed to all other females that she was now considering him her property, and if anyone tried to say otherwise, she would have no choice but to fight them.