The Fifth Cycle of Time Part 11

From: Cheryl Baumgartner(C Baumgartner, Posted Date: Feb 20th, 2011

Remembering Squish (Terlara 1000 years ago)

“Kai had a pet cluster lizard?” Timor laughed.  “I thought you said that they were dangerous predators?” He said as he adjusted his dress uniform.

“They are once they become adults.” Xev adjusted his collar. “But Squish was hatched on the LEXX after we had escaped from The Light Universe the first time.  Kai was the first thing Squish saw so Kai in effect became Squish’s mother.  Kai could not feel but he understood that others feel.  He would carry Squish around and show it affection.  And if he wasn’t carrying Squish, Squish would roll around the LEXX following him where ever he went.”

“What happened to Squish?”  Timor asked.

“Squish actually killed the Gigashadow by eating its brain.  Brains are a cluster lizard’s favorite food.”

“I assume you have some reason for telling me this.”

“Yes.  It’s been almost six years since we got here.  The female cluster lizard goes through estrus every seven years.  She becomes highly aggressive during that time and at the end of her cycle eats her mate.  I went through it on Earth.  I had blackouts and Kai told me that I was ‘eating’ people during my blackouts.  While we were on Earth we came across a living version of Kai, I ate him.  I don’t want to wake up in the morning to find out that I have eaten you too.  You need to know if I start acting weird or funny what is happening.”

“We will talk to Tano.  Perhaps Brother Torq can help.  After all he figured out how to grow a LEXX, so maybe he can figure out how to control this creature inside of you.  But either way we will deal with it.  I won’t let you eat me.” Timor said as he hugged her to him.

“We had better get going.  Stanley will forgive us for being late, I think he would treasure every second of extra freedom we would give him, but Ari will throw a fit if we are late.  Do you know how hard she and grandmother worked to get Stanley to the altar?  Or should I tell him that you are the one who suggested Grandmother attempt to match-make between him and my cousin Dana?” Timor teased.


 

 

Xev opened her eyes.  Sunlight was streaming though the open window along with a warm breeze.  It took her a minute to realize where she was, the hospital in Terla City.  Brother Torq entered the room followed by Timor and another man Xev did not recognize.

“How do you feel Xev?” Brother Torq asked her. “Any pain or nausea?”

“No I feel fine.” She replied.  “Did it work?”

“Yes,”  The other man now spoke up.  “Although we had to change our plan once we started the procedure.  The Cluster lizard DNA is completely fused to your human DNA.  However we were able to manipulate it to separate the genetic sequence for cluster lizard from your lymphatic and glandular systems controlling reproduction.   So although you still carry the genetic sequence, it is dormant.   We basically unplugged it.”

Brother Torq spoke up.  “You still carry the DNA sequence and your children will also carry it.  But the gene has been made so weak it’s a million to one shot that any of your descendants will be affected by it.  It will just be something that they carry in their genetic make up.  Rest now, the healer will check on you later and if you are well enough, send you home.”  Torq and the healer smiled at her and nodded to Timor on their way out of the room.

“See, I told you we would handle it.  Thanks to the healers here and brother Torq’s research, Timor is no longer  ‘on the menu’.” He laughed.  “But I do have news for you.  When they did all the testing before the procedure, they discovered something.  We are going to have a child.  It’s why Brother Torq told you how this would affect our children.”

“I’m pregnant?” She asked in wonder.

“Yes Brother Torq’s theory is that since you were already pregnant, the cluster lizard’s reproductive cycle was blocked.  Your nausea and ‘funny feelings’ in your stomach were not the cluster lizard going into estrus but you experiencing human morning sickness.  Ari and Stan are out in the waiting area, I think she will be pleased to hear that you are also pregnant.”

“Are you happy about this Timor?” Xev asked.  “I mean really happy.  I don’t want this child growing up in a box somewhere.”

“That is not our way Xev.  No parent would willingly give away their child, no matter how fat and ugly.  We keep and love our children.  You should have seen Dana when she was young, and my aunt and uncle still kept her and thought she was the most marvelous miracle in the universe.  Our child will grow up surrounded by family; aunts, uncles and even cousins to love him or her just as much as we do.”