FALAHA'S JOURNEY 2: Graveyard of the Gods

Episode #17

"So, this is our situation to date," I concluded my long speech in the vast meeting hall. General Togra, Alani, Colonel Yagra and Captain Silvain were silent. Eyran, Baro, and Orewen also sat in deep silence, processing what they just heard. Leru, Nayat, and Tagai were lost in deep thoughts as well. Asa and her spouses were making notes in their systems without disturbing the overall heavy atmosphere. Neve and Tarrenat patiently waited for further discussion and possible solutions to the problem. Other Surani who were present at the meeting shared their thoughts with each other quietly, so as not to disrupt the overall decision making process over their fates.

"Wouldn't Tabiru be too dangerous to perform, since the other counterpart's corruption can spread over your healthy system, Falaha?" Orewen asked, serious concern written all over his face. "After all, it's a complete merger of bodies and minds. I'm speaking, of course, about your past experience with Somg, when your mind was aged beyond restoration."

I shrugged. "Somg is a Maok, so I can't tell for sure whether it was because I was practically defenseless against his influence in a gamble with luck, or because of the merger itself when all set barriers are neutralized. And even then, we didn't do a full merger." I leaned back in my seat. "I really hope your concern doesn't stem from simple jealousy, love."

Orewen frowned and shook his head. "I'm a medic, Falaha. My primary concern is the health of our crew." And narrowed his eyes. "And from the fact that you experiment with such things on yourself without any care for your own wellbeing. As if you are insufferable, especially when you seek fast and steady solutions to serious problems, way over your head, and it takes a toll on you."

"So speaks the man who recklessly tested Bradoh on himself, when you and my father planned the invasion of Dorgu's Enclave," I retorted. "Ever heard of backing down in the face of serious danger?"

Orewen pressed his lips tightly together, cornered with his hard truth. I smirked and looked at Eyuran. Even if my first spouse had something on his mind and tongue—and he certainly did by the look in his bright eyes, this time he decided to keep neutrality in any possible confrontation over the matter with me. Wise. Of course, he would interfere if anything was to happen without even asking if he should. But that would be during imminent hazard, not before. After all, that was the freedom I was allowed—to get to a certain point of trouble and learn from my mistakes. He knew me too well. He knew too well when I needed assistance and even help. Ultimately, we grew up together. Sometimes, of course, he would nag me about my ability to stir trouble. Mostly when he was relaxed knowing all was fine.

Baro observed both Eaters and me, without any word spoken. He would tell me his deepest thoughts one on one later, after his calculating mind concludes full analysis of the situation. And when all four of us gather for a nap, he will present his vision in clear and concise fashion to all of us, shedding light to a possible solution to the issue.

But right now, I wanted to hear what the Surani would say.

"Beren, what is your opinion on the matter?" I asked the Surani General.

He lifted his gaze from the surface of the table he was nervously examining. "If something of the sort would save our kind, then, as the leader of our current group, I shall volunteer as the first test subject. Alani is still too weak from her near-death experience; I don't know how she would hold out." Alani nodded, though her face clearly showed determination to sacrifice herself for her own father instead.

"We aren't sacrificing anyone," I said. "And before we do anything of the sort, there are precautions that we need to make. It wouldn't be an immediate occurrence. However, it would be an experience that would change you for the rest of your life, Beren. If all goes well, it shouldn't be a negative change, however. But if I succeed in doing what I had planned, then fixing the rest of your people would be child's play." I got up from my chair. "Since no one has any objections for our further course of action, I shall begin preparations for the process. We'll start first thing in the morning. And with that everyone else is dismissed."

I headed to the exit from the hall. Orewen, Eyuran, and Baro followed shortly. The rest of the crew and the Surani dissipated each to their own quarters eventually.

I was happy my spouses didn't make any remarks about another man. I was happy they took the whole thing seriously, since people's lives were on the line. But still, I wanted to talk with them about this. After all, it was my unanimous decision to share my body with another man, and I ignored their deepest feelings on the matter. We needed to talk this over. And the impending night was the right time. I felt Beren was also conflicted about this situation as well. Was I making the right decision? I had to complete the whole process as detached from the intimacy it would bring as possible. Would that even be possible? I wasn't so close even to any of my men before, and here I would be sharing my deepest core with a complete stranger.

"Falaha," Eyuran said, as we neared the entrance to our private quarters. "You've made a decision, why do you still feel unsure?"

"Is it that obvious?" I asked, sighing.

"I don't need to Tabiru with you to know what's going on in that pretty red head of yours," he said.

"Actually, I think I need to talk about this with the three of you. And maybe then I will feel better. Or worse. Who knows. But at least I will get what bothers me off my chest. Probably."

"Heh, sounds like the one who wants to fix a bunch of people needs therapy herself." Orewen snickered.

"I want my relationship to be as transparent as possible, Ore," I replied. "Conscience is an annoying thing."

"Your mind is terrifying, Falaha. But we'll do something about it tonight. Promise," my Second spouse said, smiling. "Right, boys?"

Baro and Eyuran nodded, approving the idea.

"It's our duty," Baro added, smiling.