0-SA (The Last Ship Series)

Sixty-Six: The Morning After

Osa laid quietly next to Raven. He held her close as she slept, a wet cloth on her head. The pregnancy was already showing to be much different than her previous one. The night was filled with her tossing and turning. He didn't recall her fever being this severe, or her being so exhausted. Times had changed, but Osa had not. While Raven aged, the Irinaut had no change, looking the same as the day they had met aside from his battle scars.

As he rested, he could hear the screams of the beasts outside, the infection rolling out around them, but fading as the sun rose. With it, Raven would move about, but never away from Osa. She only clung tighter. Osa never enjoyed this part of the night when he went out, but it was a necessary evil if they were to get back home. Off this planet was their best option at this point.

A soft knock came from the door. His feathers raised lightly. The Irinaut cocked his head to the side. Osa gently lifted his arm before adjusting Raven on the bed, and covering her. The male groaned before opening the door, only to see Zio standing there. A low purr came from Osa before he stepped into the hallway and closed the door, 'We will be getting ready soon.' The male shifted a bit, 'I just wanted her to rest before we left. I see you decided to rest.'

'You three seemed fine, I saw no reason not too as well.' Zio tilted his head to the side; his pupils slit as he spoke, 'Osa, is she safe to make the trip?' The male mimicked Osa's soft hums. It was clear he wasn't trying to wake Raven. The Irinaut glanced back and forth, 'Sage and I are both ready to go when the sun breaks. Will Raven and yourself be?'

Osa scoffed. He looked over Zio before shaking his head, 'Zio, we will be ready. Do not worry. I will wake her in a moment."

Zio nodded. He often kept this calm demeanor the best he could. Fex was one of the few that could really get him angry. He was more so worried about Raven's well being himself at this point, 'We will have to explain she is ill and hope for refuge on the ship until we can get home. Do you believe they will accept the trade?'

'This trade will go smoothly. Perhaps they will be willing to help us once more once they know we have a chance at saving our own people.' Osa worried about telling them about Luna, but he knew that it was something that would have to happen. This could be everyone's chance to go back home, and a safe place to raise his children.

Osa hated the fact that Luna only knew the inside of that ship. He wanted nothing more than to show his daughter the world, but he could only do that with his logs, and what old movies or videos he could find on the outside. He never wanted her to be locked away her entire life, and he had good intentions on changing that.

Zio growled lowly, but it was more out of fear, 'You intend to tell them about your daughter?' He shook his head no, seeming to not like this idea already.

'Not immediately, no. I don't want them to know anything yet. Will they recognize you?' Osa couldn't help his curiosity on this, but as the thoughts started flowing, it was obvious they would before Zio even spoke.

The male grimaced. Zio wasn't one to express joy about this meeting, 'It is likely. Fex and I were among the same group of Class A's with Lou. Once he sees me, he will know.'

Osa nodded his head, 'We will keep it civil then, and hope for the best. I understand you left in a hurry to get Fex out of there.' The male leaned back against the wall, his feathers fluffed lightly, 'Go make sure the Yeti's masks are set and I will-'

The door suddenly opened, and Raven walked out. Her long charcoal hair was pulled up into a ponytail. Over the years it had gotten quite long, and the side she once kept completely shaved, was the same length as the rest of her hair. She was fully dressed in black, and a vest over her body. Likely to hide the glow of the new pregnancy, "What are you two doing?" The woman wiped her hand over her clammy face. She obviously didn't feel well, "Osa, why aren't you dressed?"

Osa's feathers raised. The male grinned before looking down, "I was speaking with Zio about your well being, my love." He placed his palm on her head before running his palm down and holding her cheek, "I will go get ready now, yes?"

Zio clasped his palms together. He seemed relieved to see Raven dressed and ready to go. Even if she didn't feel well, 'Quite the soldier.' He barked out before turning his attention back to Osa, 'I will go finish the preparations. Since you are running late, unlike Miss Raven.' He grinned, barking out in a bit of laughter as he made his way back into the other room.

Osa grunted, "Zio you are the reason I am not ready now." The male rolled his eyes before looking down at Raven, a more calmed expression showing as he stroked her cheek with his thumb, "Are you certain you will be alright?" The Irinaut was genuinely worried about her. He wanted nothing more than for her to be resting, but it was unfortunately not a choice they had.

Raven smiled softly before bringing her hand up to hold his, and lightly kiss it, "Osa I will be fine. Let's just get this over with so we can get home to Luna." The woman's head gestured towards the room, "Now go get ready slowpoke. We have a tribe to meet."