Copyright 2025 – Daemon D. Hart
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The Human Bearer
"Is there something you want to try?" Ferix asked as Riordan explained to him about wanting to develop better empathic abilities. "Something in particular?"
"It's most likely about being able to send a message to the person I want when I want. Oh, and I want it to remain completely unknown to the other Xenos on the ship. Or bearers. Just in case there are some that might be as good as Florent at this thing."
"This is about Florent Kasido."
"Ah, are you reading my mind, young man?" Riordan put his hands on his hips and gave Ferix what he hoped to be a look of thorough reprimand.
It appeared that such a thing went over Ferix's head without a problem. "You mentioned him, and as you say on Earth, it is written all over your face."
"Okay, yes, I accept it. Can I talk to him without having to go to him in person? I don't know how aware you are of the crazy times happening outside your lab, but privacy and secrecy have just gone up in importance."
"I trust His Royal Chancellor to be in control of the situation," Ferix said, straightening his back. "Let me show you how it's done."
Riordan didn't protest as Ferix grabbed his head with his white gloved hands and then pressed their foreheads together. If the young doc ever wanted to consider becoming a teacher, he could do so with flying colors. Something of his manner made things simple, even when there were complex terms involved, such as neural exchanges and the like.
"Go ahead and try it yourself," Ferix suggested and moved away to join Junior, who was busy tapping on his grandpa's glass.
Florent was quick to pick up, so to speak.
I'm so sorry that I have to take back my invitation and to tell you that I failed to secure an audience for you with Xana. Trust me when I tell you that I feel like a schmuck for getting your hopes up. Also, I don't know how much in detail can I get this way, as I'm only getting a proper hang of these abilities of mine.
Your abilities are great, Riordan. And you have a natural inclination, too. Don't worry, the moment I heard you, I personally saw to securing our conversation.
Oh, great. So, the thing is, Florent, Xana thinks you should keep your pregnancy a secret for the time being.
I think it is a wise decision.
When communicating like this, Florent appeared as serene as ever.
But I promised you that outing, and now I feel bad because you spend all your waking hours cooped up in there.
That is not an issue for me. Tell me about the reason His Royal Chancellor denied my request for an audience.
When I hear you talk like this, I can't believe how formal you sound. But I guess that comes with the territory. Xana told me that he can't be seen playing favorites, especially with Kanto being where he is, something you don't want to tell me.
Trust me, Riordan, I'm selfish in my reasoning. Kanto is not an easy lover. Any mistake on my part, and he might decide to go back into his shell.
He wouldn't break the bond over something like this, would he?
He cannot break the bond, but that doesn't mean that I would like having to deal with a cold-ice Xeno all the time. It feels like I have to seduce him every day. It's hard work. Also, he resents me for it.
You're so making my head hurt, buddy. But he was all over you that day when he bonded with you.
Yes, because it was dictated by necessity. I don't mean to make a joke or sound funny, Riordan, but Kanto is a great romantic at heart, I'm afraid. He's still not over you, not completely.
I can't believe that.
Well, I can, because I can tell what's in that Xeno's mind and heart like no one else can.
Riordan didn't have much of a comeback for that. It felt weird to think of himself as if he were some coveted courtesan. Xenos were weird, he thought and decided to leave it at that.
Don't worry about a thing, Riordan. He's not escaping me or my methods.
I'm glad you don't treat me as a rival. I really have no interest in your husband. The last thing I need is for you to feel bad about something I did.
You did nothing. Kanto is just a complicated Xeno. After denying himself the pleasure of a human body by his side, he found himself at a loss when he discovered how wonderful it feels. You should see his face each time after we have sex. Or better not. Although his conflict, written all over his face, is funny. If I dare to show the slightest sign of amusement, he leaves with anger in his eyes. Only to come back and do it again.
I'd be afraid instead of amused, but I'm not as tough as you are, you crazy empath.
We're Earthians, puny humans. We use our strengths as we discover and develop them. Don't worry about letting me down, Riordan. You've done for me more than anyone else I know.
You saved me and Junior. I'd say that I have a lot more debt to pay to you than the other way around.
He felt relieved that Florent wasn't upset about his lack of success in getting Xana to meet him. Florent was smart, and he obviously knew a lot better about what to do next. It would have been nice to have him over, at least for that meeting, but seeing how crazy Xenos got over the possibility of a Xeno empath, it was a risk not worth taking.
"Kyle, do you like your name?"
"I like my name very much, Master Rio."
"Come on, you can be honest with me. I just gave it to you on a whim. I wasn't used to do a lot of thinking back then."
"You aren't used to it now either," Kyle replied.
"My homie," Riordan said with a grin, "always saying it like it is."
"As you can see, Master Rio, I have no reason to lie to you. I like my name and cherish it because you were the one to gift it to me. Without it, I would have remained the same machine, meant for scrubbing toilets."
"As far as I know, you still handle the cleaning in our quarters."
"Without a problem. I serve my master," Kyle said. "Also, I developed a special cocktail that deals with any stain. There's no scrubbing involved."
"Eww, thanks for that image. Still, just know that I'm thankful for everything."
They were back home, and since Junior was caught up in a long afternoon nap, Riordan could afford taking the time to chat with his homie.
"I suppose you heard everything I talked to Aide."
"Yes, and I recorded it, too."
"It's quite the astonishing tidbit, the fact that she was there when Xana was born, don't you think?"
"Yes, and a detail that is not available anywhere. It is not documented, so to speak."
"Weird, isn't it?"
"At first glance, maybe. But since these guards must have been with the Leis from the moment Master Xana was born, not so much. They must have become part of things that are taken as they are."
"That does make sense," Riordan agreed. "Xana most likely didn't even think twice when assigning them to be my security detail. I hope she's not lying."
"Why would she? Also, it is the sort of information you can quickly check with Xana. On the contrary, it appears to me that she wants to earn your trust."
"Hmm, and isn't that suspicious?" Riordan propped his elbow on his knee, and his chin on his palm. "And she was clearly interested in the evolution of my pregnancy. I hope she wasn't sniffing me or something weird like that."
"As someone who had a role in birthing, I don't find her interest misplaced. As much as Mexones aren't the sort to miss their home and past lives, they are still creatures of flesh and blood. That means that some lingering feelings might exist. Your approaching delivery date might have reminded her of the times she was a young Mexone on Fatiah V."
"And witnessing the birth of a high-profile Xenolite," Riordan added. "I like how you record everything, Kyle. If my memory ever plays tricks on me, I can always rely on you for a rewind."
"Without a doubt, Master Rio. Is there something troubling you?"
"Mostly, my convo with daddy-in-law. I mean, he said some weird things. He made me promise that I won't be afraid. Why should I be afraid? Of what? He was unnervingly silent when I asked for details."
"It appears to me that General Lei preferred not to let you in on some knowledge he has of events that are likely to take place in the future."
"Hell if it doesn't feel like it," Riordan said and pushed himself to his feet. "I'm getting a weird feeling that I'm being kept in the dark, and I don't like it. And you'd think that I managed by now to gain these guys' trust. Even Xana--"
He stopped abruptly. Why would he think of Xana the same way? Probably, because he seemed to close within himself when Riordan had tried to get that audience for Florent. But Xana had explained the situation and why he couldn't be seen as someone who lent his ear to empaths.
"Yes, Master Rior? You were saying..." Kyle interrupted his train of thought.
"Never mind. I just get weird feelings now and then, that's all."
"Your gut instinct. I understand that humans shouldn't ignore it. Too bad I don't have one, just the ability to process the information I'm given."
"That's not bad to have, either. Then process this," he said and explained briefly to Kyle how Xana had reacted regarding Florent's pregnancy and his request.
"It appears that Master Xana offered a sound explanation."
"Yeah, so how come I'm not satisfied with it? What if I'm just getting paranoid? Or, because I'm pregnant, I'm thinking of all sorts of weird things in my head?"
"The presence of the Xenolites inside you should only grant you an increased acuity regarding your intellect and instincts."
"Really? Why is no one telling me about these things?"
"I can offer you a comprehensive guide on Xeno pregnancy if you wish, Master Rio."
"Wouldn't you like that?" Riordan joked. "Maybe another time. Xana's about to be home soon, and I can ask him a few things."
"I have prepared a wonderful dinner for you to share," Kyle said.
"That is so great. I don't know where I'd be without you, Kyle."
"You would be in the same place, Master Rio," the bot assured him.
"Yeah, but I'd be without a friend, and that matters."
"I am glad to hear that," Kyle offered pleasantly as always.
Riordan caressed his belly. "How eager are you guys to meet your family?" he asked in a tender whisper. "Too bad you don't kick like human babies. I'd know you're there."
He closed his eyes and leaned on one side. He did feel a bit tired.
Never fear, parent. We protect you.
"Seriously, you didn't think to tell me that one of the midwives that witnessed your birth is now in charge of watching over my ass 24/7?"
Riordan shook his head when Xana offered him a glass of wine. Kyle had really gone the extra mile with dinner. It was one of those romantic meals, even, as Kyle had lured Junior away with kids' foods.
"You can have what foods and beverages you want. Yours is not an Earthian pregnancy," Xana said.
"I hope you don't plan on getting me drunk. And even so, I don't think I should get into the habit of drinking while preggo. It would make me feel like an irresponsible parent."
Xana laughed and drank from his glass. His eyes were full of love and mischief.
"Stop giving me the eye. I'm about to give birth, you freak. Everyone says so. Now, about Aide--"
"Who's Aide?" Xana asked.
"The guard," Riordan said, showing his exasperation a smidge. "I had to force her to give herself a name I could use."
"You are in the habit of naming things," Xana said with a shrug.
"Come on, she's not a thing. She's a living, breathing... alien," Riordan said, for lack of a better word.
"She's a tool," Xana replied.
"Maybe to you. I'd like to be close to those that have to be with me all day long the way they are."
"I see. So, what is your question?"
"Why didn't you tell me she assisted with your birth?"
"I don't see how such a detail would be important to you."
Riordan pinched the bridge of his nose. "Right. You're a Xeno, I'm an Earthian. I need to remind myself these things every day because else, I'm in danger of losing it. Okay, so you trust her? More than others?"
"Since she was assigned to my family," Xana explained, "and, by the way, ungrateful Earthian, I am quite bending my speech, on top of using it, so that you can understand me, as I was saying, she and the other guards are trustworthy. Their queen never does anything by half."
"Do you ever think of the queen of Fatiah V as your mother?"
"We develop no such affections," Xana said.
"Until now." Riordan looked over at Junior, who was done with his meal, and was already engaged in some puzzle Kyle offered as means of entertainment.
Xana followed his gaze, and a serene smile lit up his handsome face. "Yes, until now."
"A lot of things are changing around here. Aren't you... I don't know... worried?"
"No. If these things happen, we must make an effort to understand them," Xana said directly.
When his husband talked like that, Riordan felt lighter. "How was work?"
"Interested in taking up politics?" Xana gave him a wink, the cheeky ass.
"You know the answer to that. Although, I do have a meeting with a few bearers soon. Do you mind that?"
"Not at all. Are you sure you won't get bored with their talks of babies and how to make themselves pretty for their masters?"
"Actually, I'm expecting the conversations to be up a notch, since this guy who came up to me with the idea is a genius of sorts."
"How so?"
"Well, apparently he used to be a mathematician on Earth. Junior told me that the Xenolite in his belly is going to be just like his mommy."
"Our son appears to have a superior affinity to understanding a lot of things that are not visible to the naked eye."
"Are you telling me that it's not the sort of thing other Xenolites have?"
"It is rare."
Riordan felt gripped momentarily by dread. "It's not an empath thing, is it?" he asked quietly. He'd protect Junior, no matter what, but he'd rather not have their son traumatized by bigoted asshole aliens.
"No. Warriors are all the better if they develop such awareness. It helps them in battle as they can gauge their enemies' weaknesses and strong points."
"Well, that's a relief. Although I'd like it better if he didn't have a lot of those. Enemies, I mean. I believe that the meeting with the mommies will do him good. I encouraged Huno Sedar to bring over a few Xenolites, as well." He had done so through a message Kyle had conveniently conveyed after his meeting with the stern and awkward mathematician.
"It is never too early to start a following," Xana mused out loud.
"Come on, I'm talking about him making friends, not getting followers."
"For a Xeno, it is important to have loyal allies."
"And not everything is a strategy," Riordan pointed out. "A kid needs friends. Leave all the other things for later."
Xana laughed, most likely to get a little on his nerves. "It's endearing to see how much you love treating Junior like an extension of yourself."
"He is that, in a way, right? Even though I thought I'd only give birth to your egg for you to have him all to yourself. Now, seriously, I'll fight you if you don't give the boy a breather."
"Oh, I see." Xana gave Riordan a long and languorous once-over. "I believe that you have it in you to give me a run for my money, as you say on Earth."
"I'm sure you use all these words only to seduce me. Come here," he said and opened his arms.
Xana moved by his side and took him in his arms. Soon, they were engulfed in a kiss, and Xana was caressing Riordan's belly with so much tenderness it was hard to believe this was the same alien who could ruthlessly put his enemies down at the slightest sign that they wanted to go against him.
"Let's just wait until Junior goes to sleep," Riordan begged in a breathless whisper.
"Of course. I thought you'd like a preview, though," Xana said and nuzzled his ear playfully. "I can tell that you're hungry for me."
Riordan caught Xana's arm. "The delivery date is getting close. Is it really alright for us to have so much sex? Especially since you can get quite freaky with that tail."
"I am not the only one to blame. You always ask for more."
"Liar," Riordan whispered, but he didn't think that at all.
tbc
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