Chapter 6: Guardian Descended
Tom
Records were left to their own devices. Most Zen chose not to associate with the historians of their race without just cause. It was disconcerting to think of someone remembering every single word or action without effort.
Perfect recall was the one gift all members of Records shared in their bloodline.
In exchange, Records were unable to connect to the rest of their kin with the ease all other Zen families possessed.
Guardian descended with the stately grace of a much smaller vessel; alarms were sounded to signal Zen to begin their descent protocols. Everyone had a job. Except Tom. Avoiding the thought to spare John any discomfort, Tom focused all his energy on feeling calm, cool, and collected.
Earth was going to be their new home. Earth was a new planet. Earth would need all of Tom's focus for a time as he tried to learn its history to place it alongside the history of their lost planet of Zon.
Zen would expect Tom to understand this new world in spite of its newness. He would expect him to have answers. The only thing Records could be counted on for were answers. They had bred out all of the particulars of their kind in favor of being the ones who would always have answers.
Who had thought memory was more important than making connections with their own kind? Which of Tom's ancestors could he blame for being crippled?
"I'm going to need to be in the first wave off. You should be at my side."
John was always so courteous of Tom's failures. He spoke aloud in private as if it were normal for Zen. Tom knew he could say 'yes' to the offer to disembark with his heart brother and John would defend his right to be in the first wave. No one would sway his thinking: John always placed Tom first.
"No. I should be with the scientists. They will expect my help more than any others."
Thinking was the only thing he was good for as the last of Records. All those in the first wave would be expected to be able to defend their people if necessary or represent their people as shining examples of their kind.
Tom was no fighter and he was distinctly flawed: he did not deserve to be at John's side in the first wave. Only John would think he did which was why Tom loved him so very much.
"I don't care who expects your help. I'll lose you if---"
"You can never lose me. You will never lose me. We have a pact. A time of separation won't hurt either of us. We can go to register together once a system for us has been provided. You could find me in a crowd even if I could not call for you, yes?"
John was already nodding an agreement as he murmured, "Yes. I could find you. I can always find you."
Both of them were freed from their security lashes as the ship completed landfall.
Tom tried to take in as much of the air between them as his lungs would hold. One breath was all he could allow himself before the berth doors opened to release them to their separate paths. If he could only capture the scent, the taste, the feel of them together one more time inside himself, Tom knew he could be of use during landfall.
"Wait."
John grasped Tom by the bicep, pulled him against his chest and tilted his head up to initiate another kiss.
"Don't look so afraid. I will always find you."
Savoring the kiss, Tom spoke as he leaned away from John, "I am never afraid when I'm with you."
"Then stay with me!"
Tom smiled, shaking his head to the negative, "I am with you even when we are apart. Your mind voice is the only one I can always hear."
John frowned, asking with his mind, "Always?"
"Always."
Tom kept his smile in place as John moved out of the berth to follow the rest of Security from their level. He would find the scientists on his own. They would be easier to locate than other brackets of Zen as they would come from an even higher level than theirs.
Science was a revered study among Zen. Tom wondered if the scientists would find his perfect memory an asset or a hindrance. They could rely on him to recall previous encounters of the Zen with other species and worlds. Tom knew he would not be the most innovative with new ideas however because his mind was steeped in his memory, in the past, in what came before while they were all focused on living now.
"Recordkeeper," Chief Scientist bowed in the Zen fashion to Tom as he joined up with them at the exit bay, "Have you a preference on perspective? I am speaking for Science. Scientist Serena -as she has chosen to name herself among humans- will be in charge of samples from the surface for potential farming options."
"Tom is the name I have chosen among humans. I will be pleased to remain with whom you feel would benefit most from my observations."
Science were the only ones who knew the weakness of Records for certain. Rumors existed regarding Records, but Science alone knew they had limited mind voice abilities. Tom had been seen by Chief Scientist since his birth in attempts to do more to help him integrate with others of his kind.
Serena was a scientist who had examined him before which was comforting as she too spoke aloud for his benefit, "I would humbly request your presence at my side until we go to our registration, Tom. Will you join me after settlement as well?"
"Until registration?"
Tom did not understand why she would mention registering on disembarkation. They weren't going to register immediately, were they? How would he register with John if John was being sent to greet the human emissaries?
Feeling panic rising in his chest, Tom tried to steady his breathing, "Are we to register immediately? I am meant to register with---with John of Security as he has chosen to call himself in the human fashion."
How would he explain his need to register with John? Their pact was not the kind other Zen would understand as it did nothing to further their species. They could not reproduce together. They could not form a full family unit as a result. John could find Tom always, but Tom? Tom could not find John.
"We are to register as soon as we exit Guardian."
"I need to find Security. Before my registration. I will need---"
"I will take you to find him," Serena offered smoothly, offering her hand to him, "Security is already on the exit landing. We must run."
Tom didn't hesitate. He took her hand with his own and ran with her as she raced him through the other Zen at the exit bay.
He needed to find John.
Everything else could wait: he had to register with John. They wouldn't be able to justify remaining together if they were separated by registration.
Chapter 7: DisembarkingJohnZen were forming into orderly groupings when John was told they were all meant to be escorted to registration.Immediately upon exiting their ship.How was he meant to register with Tom if he was to be taken to registration as soon as he disembarked?John was not given the chance to panic due to an issue with his blood brother demanding his attention -"Have you seen my mating unit? They went for our female. She was berthed on the other side of the deck."-followed by concerns as to whether Security should escort each group to registration or not.The Zen had been promised a peaceful welcome so long as they followed the rules set out for them to join the United States. All of their preparations had been done in advance far before the passengers had been woken. There were many reasons to be concerned about adapting to a new planet. Should they be concerned their people had e
Chapter 8: RegistrationTomAll the orderly lines of Zen were divided into separate queues upon entering the registration depot. Tom was able to make out the words above the door using the information he'd gleaned from the human version of Records. They were registering at the County Clerk Office where it seemed many types of registration were available.Queue directors helpfully shuffled the Zen from one path to another in order to try to keep an even number of registrants before each human worker; Scientist Serena was moved to the queue beside Tom and John before either of them had an opportunity to protest. Tom knew he would have tried to insist they remain together.Tom didn't want to admit he knew John would have felt otherwise regarding the Scientist.Surprisingly, the pair in front of them were human."What are we doing for you gentleman today?"Tom listened to the cheerful worker greet the pair
Chapter 9: NewsworthyJohnQuestions continued to be fired at them with the speed of stun bolts and they had the same effect on Tom who was trying -unsuccessfully- to tuck his taller, leaner body behind John. It was instinct alone which had him wrapping an arm around Tom's waist to pull him into his body; Tom responded beautifully as he ducked enough to tuck his face into the crook nestled between John's neck and shoulder.Why did he have to be shorter in this form of all forms?"We are unable to respond without permission of our expedition council."The answer was not entirely truthful as no Zen was forbidden from speaking as they pleased. The human recordkeepers seemed to understand and accept it all the same which was relief enough for John.Feeling Tom trembling against him was rousing his protective instincts."Hey! You guys were right behind us!"John glanced over to see
Chapter 10: On Hunters and GatherersTomEvery step through the throng of reporters felt harder than the one before it. Tom was painfully aware of how exposed his face was as he felt blinded every time a flash went off in front of him. They were out in a sunny area. Why would these people even need additional lights for their records?Nothing about the questions being posed made sense.Who would benefit from knowing how long he and John had been in a relationship? What use would humans have of their designated employments? Why would any human want to know who had 'proposed' marriage as an option for them?Questions spun around in his head until he felt dizzy, grateful for John's sturdy form keeping him upright until they reached the automobile their new human companions claimed for their own."Do you mind riding in the back? I get carsick in the backseat."'What is 'carsick'?' Tom though
Chapter 11: GatheringJohnBrian and Ryan linked hands as soon as they were clear of their vehicle; John followed their example to entwine his fingers with Tom's and instantly felt better about being so far from Guardian."How many in your party?"Ryan indicated John and Tom were with them and responded, "Four. We're celebrating our wedding day! We're all newlyweds!""Thank you for choosing us to celebrate this day with you! We are very happy to serve you here!"The woman was the smallest female John had ever seen among humans. She had features which he'd been told were Asian and she moved with the kind of grace he associated with his Tom. All the other customers seemed to look at them as they made their way through the main floor of the establishment to be seated before a cooking station."Please be seated. Our chef will be with you soon."They sat two a side at the station
Chapter 12: HuntersTom"Please calm down, sir. We will seat you on this side. Far away. You see? Very far away.""I don't want to be in the same buildingas those things!"Tom leaned closer to John as the man continued to yell at the small hostess who'd been so kind to them on their arrival. Why was he so angry? Was he so very afraid of Zen? How did he know?John moved his hand in slow circles on Tom's back and he found himself breathing slower, calming even more when the man stormed out with his companions."Don't worry about him," Ryan encouraged, "We used to get complaints when we held hands in public. People choose how they react to anyone different. That guy? Total bigot. He's probably terrified you're going to turn him into a frog or eat him."Brian nodded his agreement while Ryan rolled his eyes expansively; Tom found he was smiling once more.Wer
Chapter 13: The CouncilJohn"Which of you would like to answer to our council first?"John stepped in front of Tom as he realized the Council Guard had vocalized his request to be certain Tom understood the gravity of the situation.Zen rarely acknowledged the weaknesses of any bloodline; Records were revered enough for hints at their weak mind voices to be considered beyond crass."I will speak to them. I made the choice during our registration."Neither of them needed to be able to read the Council Guard's mind voice to know he was bringing them before the council in regards to their 'marriage.'Tom nearly vibrated with anxiety beside him. John took his hand in the fashion the humans had displayed and felt his anxiety lessen almost immediately. Zen tradition to keep themselves physically separate meant they received a few stares, but John was willing to risk any disapproval to help Tom.Why hadn't he con
Chapter 14: NegotiationTom"I made the choice to sign in agreement with John of my own free will. For all Security wishes to spare me any burden of responsibility, the truth remains neither of us thought of our people. We thought only of ourselves. Our choice was selfish, yes, but it was not one designed to harm the Zen people."Zen were a forgiving species. Theirs was not the kind of culture to punish innocent mistakes.Their marriage might be a problem for their people---but they had not entered into it with any thoughts to harm their brethren.Tom had no doubt the council would see their actions as they had been: hasty yet honest.Silence returned to the council hall as they deliberated with their mind voices rather than aloud.Tom would have been worried except he knew the history of their councils. None of their people had ever been sentenced unfairly. Punishments were rare among Zen. Most