The Voyages Of Ker'Tak and Skye

Chapter 12: When Storms Meet Skye

Ker'tak couldn't breathe, shaking as they tried to cough up what had flown down their throat.. Skye was working as quickly as she could to assist, a shaky hand landing right in the middle of their neck. Next thing they knew, well, they had regurgitated the Jin-Wheat tart and could breathe again.

"Are you okay?!" Skye asked rather hurriedly, looking to see Ker'Tak's expression as they coughed. They gave her a shaky nod, simply trying to catch their breath as they croaked.

"Fine... Need to catch my breath," They heard how awful they sounded, hoarse, and almost garbled.. They coughed up something more, but couldn't bear to look at it.

Skye sighed, her shoulders dropping from their tense rise, and her expression dropped. Sweet stars.. Who'dve thought? "I'm glad you're okay... Take it easy standing up.."

Ker'Tak nodded, glancing over at Skye before looking up. The skies of this planet were rather soothing, and they slowly sat back on their legs, taking deep, shaky breaths.

"I will, perhaps you should sit down, Human-Skye, you are exhibiting signs of a panic attack," Ker'Tak couldn't help themself, a shy smile crossing their face as Skye perked up, starting to laugh.

"You nearly choked to death! Of course, I was having a panic attack! Dude, you-" It hit her, they were messing with her! "Oh, you goof!"

"Hm? I have not exhibited any kind of "goofiness", Skye," They kept it up, as a startling sound shook their body. It sounded almost like giggling.. Was it laughter? It felt.. It felt almost painful, but at the same time so relieving, like an ache in their body was being relieved that they never knew they had. Skye's expression when she heard Ker'Tak's laughter gave way to her laughter.

"Oh, you know you have!" She sounded playfully indignant, standing all the way up. She radiated a confidence and joy that Ker'Tak had never seen before. They began to stand, rising to their full height, laughing some. The wind whisked around them both as their laughter rose to the skies. Suddenly, this strange planet didn't seem so threatening.. If anything, it felt inviting, almost a second home.

The first test for the scientific experiments, after their physicals and the establishment that Linking, or a telepathic bond between Ker'Tak and Skye, was permitted so long as Skye exhibited mental soundness and clarity of mind. Any inebriation or unconsciousness, and the link was to be severed immediately, no questions asked.

For predators, it appeared Humans were more fitting for exploration in their mental prowess rather than overall physical strength.. At least, according to the General. Dia'Tia obviously disagreed, and in that meeting...

Ker'Tak shook their head, sighing heavily as Skye calmed, hiccupping a little as she sighed, scrubbing her face off.

"I don't believe it.. You actually laughed! I mean, an occasional chuckle sure I could expect, but sweet stars! I didn't think Si'Nians could laugh!" Skye was astonished, smiling still. Ker'tak nodded with a calmer agreement.

"I did not believe it possible either," Ker'Tak admitted, as they both took a moment to regain their bearings, looking around and at their small camp. Question was, how would they go about their "exploratory" mission?

"Do you think we should head towards the eastern side? I realize we have a camp here, but it might do some good to explore," Skye offered some direction, not entirely sure herself of what to do. She knew it was probably safer to stick by the camp, and that they should find more rations soon... There wasn't a lot given to them, and the danger of having either of them go hungry was too much to risk.

Ker'Tak thought a moment, before asking rather quietly. Would she be able to go alone? Testing the connection is just as important in our tasks here...