These havenworlders were marsupials and, as such, it was not unusual to see a tiny head poking out of a specially modified set of ship skins from time to time. When the human said she was expecting, her spouse was excited, but the havenworlders were confused that the humans politely turned down the offer for a modified set of skins with a pouch opening. -- DaniAndShali
It was hot news on the Trembling Whisker - the Ships' Humans were reproducing! The pair had announced after passing the first of their danger periods, which explained why Human Til had been so frequently nauseated lately. So the Humans said. The full mysteries of Deathworlder biology were not for the faint of heart. Companion Fris had gone as deep as she dared, and the rest was up to Medik Bruis.
There was one thing that every expecting parental needed. Companion Fris had one printed in Human Til's size with plenty of room to stretch. Some pairs of Ships' Skins pants, with a pouch allowance. So the little one could poke their head out when the mood suited them and greet their community. Dressed up with some other essentials, like little blankets and tiny clothing for the imminent young. Humans appreciated gifts for eventualities like that.
Human Til was looking exhausted, when Human Bel answered the door chime. "Growing a new Human is hard work," said Bel as he accepted the gift. "Look, hon. Love gifts." Human Til, slouched on the couch in loose clothing, was looking singularly unimpressed with life in general.
Human Til outstretched her hands and said, "Gimmie the chocolate and nobody gets hurt."
Companion Fris, taking this very seriously, passed over a small dish of brown objects that smelled of sugar and theobromine. "I did not gift food, my apologies."
Til petted Fris' mane. "That was a joke. You're okay. Thank you all the same." She helped herself to some of the brown tidbits. There were few other signs of impending young but a slight increase in her abdomen.
The present unwrapped, Til went through the contents, and laughed at the Parenting Skins. She put her hand through the pouch slit. "What is this for?"
"For when your young is in the pouch," said Fris. "So they can learn about the world while they're still nursing."
"Oh boy," muttered Til.
"Fris, we appreciate the thought behind the gift," began Bel.
"Humans don't have pouches," said Til. "We grow them internally until it's no longer an option."
"Sometimes beyond that," said Bel. "We'll spare you the gory details."
"Thank you. Shall I go recycle and reprint the Skins' pants?"
"That's probably a good idea. I got five more months of this."
Five? No wonder these creatures were Deathworlders.
[Image (c) Can Stock Photo / Tigatelu]
If you like my stories, please Check out my blog and Follow me. Or share them with your friends!
Send me a prompt [52 remaining prompts!]
