FALAHA'S JOURNEY 2: Graveyard of the Gods

Episode #21

We greeted the early morning in the kitchen. Eyuran was busy preparing a meal for everyone, while I helped him with some dishes and after I was done, I went to check on Orewen's and Neve's progress on their task, leaving my First spouse to finish alone. The two Surani who volunteered to try out Orewen's method were Colonel Yagra and Captain Silvain, which didn't come as a surprise for me. Those two stood by their people just like General Beren did. Orewen rose early, so did Neve, and both were busy in the Infirmary, preparing their tools and the new Nodes. Orewen always kept several grown Nodes in case a transfusion was needed. Beren joined us later as well, to observe.

First, some stem cells needed to be harvested from the Node recipients to merge with the Node before the implantation. This procedure usually was performed early in life for us, for a better chance for success and soma's acceptance of the foreign substance. Here the situation was more complex, as the recipients were full-grown adults already. The chance for success was low, yet Orewen was optimistic. If the Node would survive for a day, it meant the procedure gave a positive result.

We left the Infirmary with Beren allowing our medics to do their job undisturbed.

Our Tabiru was scheduled for midday, and I could see Beren's worry. The General wasn't talkative, though he probably had a lot of questions. Before we reached the kitchen to have a meal, Beren broke the silence.

"Commander Falaha, what would I... we... become after we merge?"

"What form would you prefer? To remain a male, with me folded into your soma space, or become a female, with you folded in my soma space? We can only have one body with the characteristics of both species."

"Tough question. How long would a merger last?"

"As long as I repair the issue with your broken soma. It could be a day, or it could be a month." I shrugged. "The last time I performed a Tabiru, I remained myself, though the other counterpart of the merger was a male. It's not like you change sex, though. You remain yourself. It's not a complete merger. A perfect Tabiru is only possible between the twins of the same sex. Or very close individuals of the same sex. Memories, feelings, emotions are shared, though. Are you prepared for complete openness?"

"Yes, I have nothing to hide, Falaha," Beren replied, serious.

I nodded. "Good. Then I shall make us female. In case we need to hide your existence. You must understand that your male appearance as a Commander of this ship would rise questions or even adversity, in case we meet someone we know. Someone like Shaamta."

"Yes, I agree. That would be dangerous."

"The dangerous part would come from your very aggressive soma, however. It will attack mine. But worry not, I can handle that."

"Is the damage that bad?" he asked, frowning.

"Yes."

"Damned be that Baal!" Beren's fist clenched in silent rage.

"Don't fret, General. I survived being consumed by a being far superior than a Baal. I have some tricks up my sleeve for such occurrences."

"Yes, I've heard of the Maok."

"You will also experience some things firsthand after the merger, so your world view will shift radically."

"I've lived a long life; I can take it."

"Twenty thousand years is nothing compared to billions, even more. Yet I'm looking forward learning more about you, General. I like new experiences," I replied.

"Falaha... I need to be honest with you before we merge," Beren said softly. "I... like you. As a woman. Ever since I met you in our underground City. It's been a long time for me. I can't deny it. Yet I don't know what to make out of it yet."

"Yet you don't know me. And my men. But anything is possible, I won't reject an opportunity. You do look pleasing to the eye, I might add."

"My sudden confession doesn't make you uncomfortable?" Beren was surprised.

"I don't know your cultural specifics, General," I replied. "But the number of spouses I can have as a Danna has no limit, if you wonder about that. I'm a Yajur Sangu as well, I can have an army of admirers. Which I do, and it will only grow with time. But to enter my Inner Circle is not so easy. You'll have to prove yourself. If you have a quality I need, it's your best chance. I'm picky. Even Shaamta didn't win my favor so far. And he tries hard."

"How do you handle so many people at once?" Beren asked, curious.

"Communication is the key. Let's go eat and talk to Eyuran, he shall enlighten you, if you have more questions."

"Your First spouse, right? He doesn't mind my presence?"

"He's not a crazy jealous monster he might look like. He is a very reasonable person for his young age, dominant, but quite accepting. He is not to be afraid of. The Master of the House. If there's a person I trust completely, it's him. He will never abandon, never betray. He will stand his ground to the end. A precious treasure. His judgment is never wrong. Though he can be overbearing at times. What I also like about him."

"What about the others?" Beren asked again.

"The others are dependable, but with their own monsters in their heads. If the issues can be overlooked, they are great. Supportive, strong, experienced, strong-willed, tough." I led the General into the kitchen. "Come."

Eyuarn was prepared to serve by now, so he welcomed his first guests.

"Eyu, what will you say, if we had another spouse?" I asked from the spot, dropping by the table. The General sat by my side.

"You should ask dad; he likes loud parties." Eyuran grinned, turning to us. "So Beren is the new candidate then?"

"He can try," I replied.

"It's a life commitment, mind you," Eyuran said to him. "No other options." He grinned. "I'm joking, of course."

"I don't mind," Beren replied, blushing lightly. "I just so smitten with Falaha, I can't hold myself back. How do you handle such a thing?"

"Like the most natural thing in the world. She is my light," Eyuran replied with a smile. "The strongest, the toughest, the most reliable being in the whole world. You'll see after you merge."

"Have you ever done a merger with her, then?" Beren asked.

"I don't need to," Eyuran replied, serving us food. Grilled meat, vegetables, and some drinks. "I don't mind not knowing her deepest secrets, but I know her well enough. We've been together since forever. I know enough to love her dearly. And her love is fierce. That's all I need."

"See," I told Beren. "That's my Eyuran. If you are prepared, I can say: that's my Beren."

"What would Alani become then?" he asked.

"My daughter," I replied. "Though I don't have children of my own yet. Will she agree to it?"

"I think she would," Beren replied. "She desires a family she had lost."

"All respect to her deceased mother then," I said. "But if I can replace her lost loved one, I will do my best. Now, let's eat, and we can perform the ritual."

"Yes," Beren replied.