Trapped in Another World With No Magic

Chapter 19: The Cup Game

Treia goes off watch, yawning as she makes her way to her room to retrieve her bathing bag. She keeps it just inside her door so that she can go to the bathhouse right away. She hates being dirty more than most other things. 

As she's making her way to the bathhouse, she spots Daniel getting water.

One of the east gate watchstanders headed to the baths as well says from nearby, “Ugh… I'd watch myself, Treia. I heard Daniel tried to get you into trouble with the Commander.” “What?”

“Evening Barracks Quarterdeck supervisor told my Lieutenant that Daniel was following the Commander around, and your name came up.”

“I…” She swallows hard.

Please tell me it was just the device… Was he able to fix it? Wait! That's it! She approaches him haughtily. She has to choose her words carefully, but she can maintain the image while fishing for information. “You! Weed. Don't you have anything more important to do right now?”

Daniel turns and his gaze cools. He just went into his 'shut up and take it' expression that he always wears. He replies, “I report directly to the Commander, Sergeant. Please excuse me.”

“I don't think I will! That's pretty presumptuous of you, thinking you're important enough to be close to the Commander! You should be ashamed of yourself for lying like that. If you're just going to waste time, why do you even stay here?”

Please just say you worked on it… Please?

He surprised her when he pulled out a folded up piece of paper. He unfolds it and hands it to her. She read it briefly, and her jaw drops.

“{If anyone confronts you, show them this letter. Effective immediately, Daniel is cabin boy to Commander Leiwelles, direct report. Signed, Commander Leiwelles, Commanding Officer, Fort Peony.}”

Treia tosses the letter back, and he manages to catch it. She crosses her arms, saying bitterly, “Fine. But, what’s so great that you did today that you can think you’re better than dirt, Weed? Huh?”

Daniel replies, “Nothing, I suppose. I’m taking my leave.”

She watches, a little disappointed, as he walks away.

I guess… that’s a no, huh? I hate this! Why did I have to be the one to do this? This is awful. He’s going to break it at this rate! I’m sorry…

She heads to the bathhouse. She doesn’t pay attention when the others try to express solidarity for Treia and disgust for Daniel. Her mind is on her family recording. Will she ever hear her youngest brother’s voice again? Will she be able to find comfort in her siblings reassuring her and telling her they love her?

Will Daniel even try to fix it?

She winces at this last notion. She’s treated him poorly since the day he arrived, and the Commander ordered her to continue to do so. It would be more surprising if he doesn’t break it if he figures out it’s hers, let alone repair it.

As she reaches her room to return her bath bag and toss her dirty clothes into her hamper, she takes a seat against her door once more, sighing. 

What would my siblings think of my behavior? Why did I agree to do that?

She opens her eyes and stares ahead blankly. The image of her three younger siblings stares at her. Her eyes water, and she looks away. 

Now I’m seeing things? Of course they’d hate me. They’d be disgusted. I’m supposed to be their cool, kind, mature…

She snaps her eyes to her tea table. The image of her siblings is floating there, staring back at her with big, happy grins as they crowd into the hologram.

Treia trips over her arms and legs to scramble to the tea table, and she stares at the apparition as her hands tremble on the edge of the tea table. 

Sure enough, she sees a magical device used for storing a memory; both an image and a voice recording, through magic. And, the image of her siblings is as crisp and beautiful as it’s always been. She reaches for the ghostly apparition, and as she touches, she feels the projection crystal, which causes the image to waver as the magical effect is distorted by her hands. She gasps as tears well anew in her eyes. She touches the various parts of the jewelry box-like object. It’s present. It’s solid. It’s sitting on her tea table in her room, projecting the image.

However, there are two components, and terror grips her heart. Daniel has no idea. There’s no way he does. He has no idea that her brother is gone, and that this is the only way she’ll ever hear his voice again.

Even if it’s a little distorted and buzzy. It’s been that way for a long time. But, it’s still his voice in there.

She hesitates as she hovers her finger over the activation for the voice. She doesn’t want to know. She doesn’t want it to be gone. She wants to linger in the hope.

She swallows hard, tapping the activation point.

She chokes on her own breath as three children squeal in glee; two boys and a girl. Her tears swell, and she whimpers.

“Big sister! Big sister! We love you! We love you lots and lots, so come home quickly! Okay!? Ngeeeeee!” Tears start to trickle down her cheeks as she listens, staring at the images with a distant stare. Something is… strange, but she can’t place it yet.

“Big Sister Treia, I’ve always looked up to you, so I hope you’ll accept this little gift and remember us. Because we’ll always be praying for you to return safe and sound and with lots of stories! A-And, I’m learning to cook your favorite meals, just for you! So hurry back!” Her younger sister, Hestori, speaks. Her voice is relatively mature, given that she’s almost ten years younger than Treia -and was only eight years old for the recording-. And, it’s silky smooth.

“Big sis! Big sis! Today, Hestori, Barlen and me all went to the river today ALL by ourselves! We caught lots and lots of swimdarts and splaships! Just like you showed us! I love you more than these two do, so…” Two other voices shriek, “HEY!” Treia scoffs, her tears pouring steadily from her eyes as she laughs tenderly. Germeil, her middle brother, was boisterous and too brave for his own good. He got his siblings in almost constant trouble with their parents and with Treia, who often had to babysit them while their parents were working. His voice is the loudest, but he also sounds kind and giddy, just a happy and joyful person to be around. He sounds exactly as she remembers the last time she saw him.

“Hey big sis Treia… I miss you. I want to be big and strong when I grow up. Stronger even than you! Th-That way… I can protect you, finally. S-So, wait for me, big sis!” Treia stares in horror and disbelief at the device. The lullaby begins, and tears pour from her eyes. 

He promised to become strong. He would become her protector to pay her back for the time she defended him from a fangtongue. Her hand drifts to the left side of her belly, where she was slashed by its blade-like tongue as she dove onto Barlen to protect him. That was only a year before sickness claimed him, two months after he recorded that message.

However, it’s not the message that has her frozen, swirling in a torrent of memory.

It’s his voice. There is no rattle. There is no buzz. There is no hum or crackle. There are no pops or silent spots. 

Barlen’s voice was perfect, as if he were standing in the room with her. Hearing his voice -the voice she knew all too well, and had to fill in with her memories every time she heard the recording- just speak to her is too much. Her brain is stalled.

H-How is this possible? I-Is this real? Is this a dream?

She pinches her cheek, feeling pain, but unable to look away from the device. She whimpers, “Barlen… Germeil… Hestori…” 

Treia breaks into sobs as she slumps onto her tea table, hugging the device tenderly. Her feline ear touches the activation button again inadvertently, and the cheer starts, before the voices speak.

Crystal clear voices, perfectly emulating the speakers as they were the day they recorded it. The most beautiful and clear rendition of their family lullaby that has ever existed.

Treia clutches it even closer to her cheek, crying as the voices bring her comfort and resolve, as well as a flood of memories, both good and bad. All of them tender and full of love.

***************

Bellstram lingers in the darkness of a closet that has yet to be used. Entering the room was easy. It’s the perfect location, since few know this room now has an owner. The owner is also the most hated person in the Fort. In fact, it was a perfect sequence of events. The watchstanders watching over him were dismissed, and now he’ll be all alone in a room for several hours.

Whenever he shows up. 

Daniel presents the only hole in the story of how he ended up disappearing for a week. If he saw her, he can claim she pushed him. If she tries to claim she was attacked, it would be clear to everyone that saw her that she wasn’t attacked. She had no real injuries or damage to her equipment.

Daniel has a weak and pathetic presence, and he would be easy to kill. The Commander even pretends to like him to earn his trust. That way, he won’t question why he suddenly has the luxury of a private room.

Because, he’ll be missing for a week once more. And this time, she will be able to verify the job is done.

Bellstram passes the time meditating, listening for him to enter. She knows he lingers in the smithy long into the night, but tomorrow is her off day, so she won’t have to worry about being needed and can catch up on her own sleep. She had to make sure she got inside long before anyone would see or notice her.

Suddenly, banging on the door occurs. It goes on for several seconds. Bellstram remains silent, though it’s strange. It should be getting close to the time he’ll return.

“Daniel! Daniel, it’s me! Treia! Please open up!”

Surprised, Bellstram hesitates.

Why would she be here? Is she planning to do the same thing as Bellstram? 

“Daniel! We have to talk! Please!”

Bellstram doesn’t want the door to be opened by anyone else. If anyone comes in for an inspection and finds Bellstram in his room, the deceit will be ruined.

Regardless, Treia hasn’t said anything about their discussion from before. In fact, she seems to hate Daniel even more than anyone else. Though, she must’ve been an actress in a previous life, because she’s really selling the desperation.

Bellstram cracks the door open, peeking through the crack. She whispers, “Hey, quiet down.”

Treia’s eyes go wide. “B-Bellstram? Wh-What…?”

“Shhhh! I’m here for the same reason you are.” Treia looks like she’s been crying, but what about is unclear.

“The s-... Where’s Daniel?”

“He hasn’t come back yet. Listen, I’ll take care of the messy part. You just…”

Treia doesn’t pay attention. She seems to have lost interest the moment Bellstram revealed Daniel isn’t here. She instantly turns up the hallway, and she trots away, as if she’s desperately trying to find him.

Wh-... What’s happening? Is… Is she already…?

Bellstram’s instincts crawl. She slips out of Daniel’s room and jogs after Treia. However it happens, a deep part of Bellstram wants to ensure she witnesses it.

Of course, she doesn’t actually know what’s going through Treia’s head right now.

******************

Earlier, Daniel is making his way out of the bathhouse, having cleaned up after his time in the smithy. He doesn’t mind the smell of the smoke, but it’s nice to have a room, finally, to justify bathing daily. It’s his own space, and he’s able to stash his custom made creations where he can keep them clean and intact. He also can build up a stockpile of bullets without anyone asking questions. He still hasn’t tested either the rifle nor the revolver he managed to finish today, but because he over-designed the basic components, they both should work.

That said, as he’s headed for the barracks, Gwenesphia catches his attention. “Daniel!” She waves him down, jogging closer.

“Lieutenant. A little late for you to be awake, isn’t it?”

She smirks, “Thank you for your concern, but I’m off tomorrow, so I’ll be alright.” She smiles warmly. “Since we both seem to be off for the moment, would you keep me company in the break area?”

“I… Me?”

With a nod, she adds, “I haven’t been as kind to you as I wish I would have been, and… I want to try to clear the fog. Please?” She folds her ears down cutely with big eyes to plead.

Daniel hesitates, but he asks again. “Me? You sure?”

She nods warmly. “Of course! Who else?”

“Uh… almost literally anyone?”

She scoffs. “Come on!” She takes his hand and pulls him to the break area, which is attached to the barracks building, but separate. There’s only a couple of others in the break area, sitting and chatting, and Gwenesphia gently -but forcefully- shoves Daniel onto one of the longer cushioned seats. She plops down beside him, and her tail swishes a little behind her as she sits awkwardly. She sighs, trying to break the tension a little, though Daniel’s not sure what’s happening. Gwenesphia has been one of the more amenable individuals at Fort Peony, but they haven’t interacted that much.

She clears her throat, saying, “Daniel… Will you indulge me a little further?”

“I… Sure.”

She smiles brightly. Without further hesitation, she lays down on his lap, sprawling across him as she stretches and finds a comfortable position. She sighs contentedly. Her voice goes soft as she gingerly swirls her finger on his knee, “I… wanted to talk a little about myself, if that’s alright.”

“I don’t mind.”

She wriggles a little, finding that perfect comfort spot, and Daniel sits patiently. “I’m the youngest of seven siblings, so my family’s nobility will be pretty dried up after my eldest siblings get their titles and inheritance. And, I’ve come to terms with that. But, I joined on my terms to the advance guard so I could get stationed here, rather than being conscripted to the regular army. There were talks, and… I wanted to serve somewhere meaningful if I was going to have to serve.”

“I get that. I’m surprised even noble houses can be conscripted from.”

“My father’s a baron, so he’s expected to muster troops for the general army, which then get loaned out to the Empire for the war. Any family with more than three children are also subject to conscription, starting from the youngest adults, especially those unmarried.” She blushes a little. “Obviously, that included me. But, Fort Peony has become my home. I trust and respect everyone here.” She stops her finger swirling for a moment, murmuring softly, “That includes you.”

“Are you sure you should?”

She scoffs a little against his thigh, rolling onto her back to look up at him. “A ‘lecherous man’ shows up at a base full of women, and he doesn’t even look at them, let alone harm them. I don’t know what you’re attracted to, or what your reasons are, but… I want to know the truth about you. I shared, so it’s your turn now.”

“I told you, didn’t I? I did what I believe is right.”

“Then, why did you have to expose the princess? Why didn’t you explain to your kingdom? Th-That kingdom? Isn’t the King an otherworlder like you?”

Daniel sighs. “You ask valid questions, but I don’t like confrontation. Her corset was in the way, and her skin has to be in contact for the spell I had a companion perform. It shocked the princess’s heart back to life. If I had delayed, she would have been unrecoverable. We were lucky as it was. There wasn’t time to hide her or make the others leave. There wasn’t time. I knew what to do to save her. The consequences other than her death were the furthest things from my mind.”

She smiles gently. “And, did she survive?”

“She did. She was recovering when the decision to banish me was made.”

She nods as she listens. “That’s good. Hey, Daniel?”

“Hmm?”

“Do you want to touch my chest?”

“I have no urge to do so.”

“So… you don’t find me attractive…?” She pouts on his lap.

“I didn’t say that.”

The feline woman cocks her head. “Say it clearly then.”

“Mm… That’s forward. You’re attractive. But, I’ve overcome many urges in favor of self-control in my life.”

“I see.” She takes his hand and places it on her abdomen. She says softly, “Feel free. I won’t mind.”

With a scoff, he asks, “Are you sure you want to be doing any of this? Rumors are certain to arise.”

“Shut up and rub my belly. Rumors are just words. I know they’re wrong.”

Daniel hesitates, but he gingerly moves his hand across her abdomen in small, swirling motions. She hums with a smile, stretching again. She murmurs tenderly, “Thank you…”

Daniel relaxes as the young woman rests on his lap. He loses track of time, and when he looks at her after a bit, she’s completely asleep. He sighs quietly. “I see…”

He doesn’t have anywhere to be, so he relaxes quietly.

After a short while, the door to the break area bursts open. “DANIEL!?” 

He looks towards the door to his left and behind the sofa-like thing they were sitting on. It’s sergeant Treia, and she looks like she’s been scrambling around. Her eyes are full of hurt and tears, and Daniel immediately goes on guard. He bolts out from under Gwenesphia’s head, and she jolts awake. For now, he can’t focus on her. He moves away from the lieutenant, “Sergeant? What can I do for you?”

Treia’s eyes lock onto him, and her face twists. She groans in a strange, strained tone.

There are only a few yards between him and her, and the sofa won’t stop her for long. He knows the gatonines are deceptively strong and agile. She can likely pounce the distance between them without needing to crouch.

And, she does. Daniel braces, blocking his face and neck with his arms. However, he isn’t hit high, where his easy-to-target vitals are. He’s tackled low, and his foot catches the corner of the coffee table, toppling him. He manages to slow his fall with his left arm, and he can feel Treia’s arms wrapped around his waist firmly.

Daniel’s thoughts and heart are racing, screaming up to speed from his relaxed and groggy state a moment ago.

Surprisingly, as he tries to get footing, he hears sniffling and sobbing…

…From his waist. Treia is clinging to him and crying. She’s not trying to eviserate him with her sharp teeth. She’s not trying to strip his pants and target his masculine parts. She’s clinging to his waist as she cries into his abdomen.

“...RRRYYYYY!!! DANIEL! PWEEAZE F-F-FORGIB MEEEE!!! WAAAAAHHHH!!!” 

Confused, Daniel looks at Gwen, who is sitting up with wide eyes. And, the small handful of others that were relaxing in the break area are also gathered around, watching the scene.

Daniel asks, “S-Sergeant? What are you…?”

She snaps her gaze up, all but pouring buckets of tears from her eyes as she whimpers desperately. She pulls her face closer to him, the only brief instances that she releases his waist, but she grips his shirt’s chest tightly as she pleads, “PWEASE FORGIB ME D-D-DANIEL! I’M SO SOWWWY!!!” It’s strange to hear her speaking so poorly as her sniffles and sobs choke her words. 

Daniel relaxes on his back, keeping his hands up and ready, but disarmed and diplomatic as well. “I don’t know what I need to forgive…! Sergeant, I don’t understand…”

Her face twists, and she looks down. Tears are dripping continuously on his chest and neck, and she chokes out. “I-... I treated… I said… such terrible things… P-please… I’m so s-s-sorry!” She sniffs deeply, and her nose slurps in an undignified way. “I-I’ll do any-any-anyth-thing! Please forgib me!”

“O-Okay! Okay! Please calm down! I have no idea what’s going on.”

She slumps onto him, sobbing unintelligibly into his chest for a long time. Everyone watches awkwardly.

Gwen kneels next to them, placing a hand on Treia’s shoulder as the latter finally begins to calm down. “Sergeant… Wh-... What’s going on?”

Treia whimpers, “I can’t do it anymore… I can’t… I can’t hate him… I don’t want to… He’s… I…” She looks up at Daniel, choking out, “Thank you…! Thank you so much! Thank you, Daniel! I-... I can’t repay you! I’ll dedicate my life to, but I can’t pay you what it’s worth!”

A flash of recognition probably slipped across Daniel’s face, but he deflects. “I… I don’t know what you’re talking about, Sergeant. I haven’t done…”

She throws her arms around his neck, hugging him. “Stop lying… Please, stop lying… I-It works better… better than ever… Thank you… I… I was so scared… So scared I’d never hear his voice again…”

Gwenesphia, apparently knowing enough about her comrade, asks softly, “Did something happen to your memory crystal, Treia?”

Treia has to nod while she sniffles before she can form words to answer. “I… I dropped it… A-And it stopped working.” She stares into Daniel’s eyes with her own watering once more. “I’m sorry, Daniel! I’m sorry I couldn’t ask you myself! I… I wanted to, but… I’m sorry…”

Daniel sighs. “You have lovely siblings, Sergeant. I’m glad I could help.”

She sniffles, hiding her face in his damp chest once more as she clings to him. “I-... It’s the only way… I can hear his -Barlen’s- voice… I thought it was gone…”

Daniel replies softly as he pets her head, “I’m sorry for your loss. I’m sure they’re proud of the work you do.” Her ears flick a little, but she nuzzles her cheek against his chest.

She whimpers, and her grip tightens on Daniel. “They’d be ashamed of me… of how dreadful I am…”

“Don’t worry about it. I didn’t give anyone here a reason to redeem me. I don’t feel there’s anything needing it, but if you need it, I forgive you. So, you don’t have to worry anymore. The books are square as far as I’m concerned…”

She shakes her head against his chest. “Not good enough…” She looks into his eyes with determination. Her eyes are red, and her cheeks are soaked, but she has a strong sense of resolve. “I owe you everything, Daniel. I will repay you.”

“There’s nothing to repay. I just fixed a thing. It’s everything to you, and I’m happy for you. But, it’s just a trinket to me.” He smiles. “So, there’s nothing owed. My fee has already been paid.”

She cocks her head. “F-Fee?”

“Yes ma’am. I’ve already asked for a fee, and it was paid. All set.”

One of the women lingering nearby asks, “T-Treia? Are… Are you two saying… Daniel can fix magical devices?”
Treia glances at Daniel first, but she addresses the woman who just spoke with a nod.  “Yes.” She sniffles. “He was able to make my memory crystal work after being dropped, and it works better than before.” Her eyes water, “It… It was their voices… exactly as they sounded.”

“I-Is that true?” asks one of the younger junior officers.

Gwenesphia is the one to answer this time. “I didn’t witness the memory crystal, but Daniel is the reason the bathhouse heater and the central air started working again.”

The women glance at each other. Daniel replies, “I… wouldn’t say I can fix everything. I got lucky with-...”

Gwen covers his mouth with a smile. Before she says anything, the young officer points out, “I heard from the medical team that Daniel is immune to magic… or something. How can he fix magical devices?”

Gwen replies, “He can’t make magic crystals, like an artificer or artisan could. But, he can fix anything else. Isn’t that right, Daniel?” She keeps her hand on his mouth, preventing him from being deflective. He sighs, nodding.

She smiles. “You have a terrible habit of stealing your own pride, Daniel.” She releases his mouth, and Treia sniffles. “Agreed… An artificer alone would charge thousands of Valden for repairing it… And, it might lose the memory…”

Daniel replies gently, “That was a risk. The memory stone is a stone, rather than a crystal, but if its, uh, {runes} are damaged, it would have been.”

She stares at him with a distant expression.

He sighs. “Dropping it could potentially damage the memory stone, which I couldn’t have repaired. Please continue to be careful with the device.”

She smiles, scoffing. “I will… Thank you, Daniel. And, I will repay the debt I personally owe you. I promise.”

“I wish you’d let it go.”

She glares at him softly, and he sighs. “Do what you want, Sergeant.”

She takes a somewhat soft ‘sassy’ tone, “I don’t answer to you.”

He cocks his head a little, and she grins. The sergeant hugs his head one last time, kissing his cheek affectionately. 

Suddenly, she flinches, though, and turns serious. “D-Daniel… Can I talk to you in private for a minute?”

“I… sure. Though…”

Gwenesphia states, “I’ll serve as intermediary for all our sakes.”

She makes eye contact with Treia, which seems to be acceptable, and Treia nods in agreement.

She climbs off of Daniel, and all three climb to their feet. Treia states, “Please come with me.” She leads them to a secluded meeting room in the office building, and she verifies no one followed them. She murmurs, “Daniel… Has anyone tried to get you alone since you returned from being lost?”

“You mean other than you two?”

They nod. “Not really. I can count on one hand the number of people here who talk to me without hostility.”

Treia flinches a little, and she murmurs, “Sorry…”

“I don’t hold it against anyone. It’ll make leaving easier if and when the time comes.” He hums, “Mmm… Let’s see… The Commander, I guess, is the only person who’s taken me aside. She’s obviously the one that asked me to repair the memory crystal.”

Treia nods to confirm. “I was… I shouldn’t say right now… But, I WILL tell you soon, Daniel. I promise.”

He’s understandably confused, and she continues with her original thought. “I… think… Do you know what happened the day you fell, Daniel?”

“Only that something hit me. I didn’t get a look at it, though. I assumed it was an animal.”

Treia and Gwenesphia share a glance. Treia sighs. “It was Bellstram. She was on free scouting at the same time, and she expressed how you disappeared before you ever returned.”

Gwen adds a subtle nod, adding, “She also made a point of celebrating your disappearance. That part, unfortunately, is not unique to her.”

Treia adds coldly, “This part is… She was lying in wait in Daniel’s barracks room this evening. Something very few people know about because he received it from the Commander very recently.”

Daniel asks, “Bellstram broke into my room?”

Treia confirms softly, “Yes. I was trying to find you, and she answered the door. I think… because she thought I was on her side…”

“Because of how you’ve been treating me,” observes Daniel pragmatically.

She nods softly. “I’m…”

“Please stop apologizing, Sergeant. I forgive you. I’d like you to understand what I did and why I did it, if you’ll allow it, but another time. I don’t have any allies here, and I don’t have any evidence. I’ll just have to wait until Bellstram tries something, I guess. If I’m lucky, I’ll survive.”

The two women pout a little. However, Gwen just as quickly perks up. “I don’t think we have to risk it. The Commander. I have it on good authority she’s REALLY good at interrogations. REALLY good, if you know what I mean.”

Daniel says it with a little humor and without thinking, “What? She can magically detect lies?”

Gwen and Treia’s eyes both go wide. Gwenesphia nods, asking at a whisper, “Y-Yeah… How did you know?”

Daniel laughs. “I didn’t. It’s just the most logical conclusion from what you insinuated.” Or, the most predictable if this was a story.

Treia asks, “Should we go wake the Commander?”

Gwen replies with her hand on her chin, “I don’t think we need to do that… We can wait until morning.”

“But what if…?”

“We can wait, because I’ll sleep in Daniel’s room with him.”

“Huh?” ask both Daniel and Treia in unison.

Gwen smiles with a slight blush, and Treia sighs. She turns to Daniel, saying matter-of-factly, “Daniel, ignore her. She’s in heat. It’s not a good idea to be alone in a room with her.”

Gwen whines, “What!? That’s wrong!”

Daniel looks at her, and then at Treia, who retorts, “I can smell it on you. And, could you be any more obvious with an idea like that?”

Gwen squirms a little. “I didn’t say I wasn’t… But, it’s a good idea. No one will try anything with someone there, right?” She purrs softly, “And, if we’re awake the whole time…” She leans towards Daniel, and Treia puts herself between them, fending off the gatonine Lieutenant. “No. I’ll do it. I’m in my right state of mind.”

Gwen puts her ears back, whining like a child, “That’s not faaaairrr! You just want to keep him to yourself!”

Treia keeps a straight face, saying bluntly, “No. I want to keep him from getting killed. And, it’s not time for me to go to sleep, so I can watch over him.”

As Gwen tries to reach Daniel and Treia holds her back, Daniel remarks in surprise, “Wait! You’re serious, aren’t you?”

Treia glares at him a little. “About Bellstram?”

“N-No. About Lieutenant Gwenesphia…”

They both freeze, and Gwen blushes. She asks sheepishly, “A-... Are there no races in your world that go into heat, Daniel?”

He chuckles nervously. “N-Not people. Though, I guess humans go through a ‘light’ version…”

Treia scoffs. “Humans have it lucky. Come tomorrow, she’s going to be dazed, hot, cold, hungry, thirsty, empty, and pitiful until the infirmary opens. And, if that wasn’t clear, that’s what she’ll feel like… the aroused version.”

The feline woman purrs with a pouty and pleading expression, “You could cure me tonight, Daniel…”
Treia urges, “She’s not thinking clearly, Daniel. The Commander might kill you if she loses a Lieutenant to pregnancy now of all times.”

Daniel chuckles. He says as diplomatically as he can, “Thank you both, but I have a better idea.”

Gwenesphia instantly gasps. “My room? I can’t believe I didn’t think of that!” She purrs, “I have a VERY soft and comfortable cover and pillows, Daniel…”

“No. I’ll handle it. You two, go ahead and…”

Treia sighs in disgust. “You’re not sleeping outside, Daniel. Both of you will stay in my room for the rest of the night. Gwen can watch me, I can watch Gwen, and no one will know where you’re at. Will that work?”

Gwenesphia pouts. “No.”

Daniel thinks for a moment. “Are you alright with that?” 

Treia crosses her arms and looks away. “I owe you. I would be a disgrace to my siblings if I refused to help you now.”

“I won’t ask you if…”

She grips his shirt and presses her head to his chest, hiding her face. “Don’t… please don’t… Just… agree. Please.”

“Okay… I’ll be in your care, then.”

Gwen teases, “Me too, Daniel. I’ll keep you safe.” Her tone is devious, and Daniel is concerned that Gwenesphia might not be nearly as rational as she has appeared so far this night.

But, they just have to make it to morning, when the Commander will be awake.

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