Providence was glad the Agurtzane were still willing to bring the overflow of Toufik all the way to Cadi after what had happened. They were returning with all the Toufik they had been able to find, along with a not just one but two allies.
Though Cila, Ion, Zer and Exo hadn't joined them, they had parted on good terms. Madhava and Dagaa had pledged to assist the Miran Sona in the future should they ever need anything for the colony. Providence felt glad that the fledgling human colony would now have the added support.
Providence smiled as the rapidly approaching image of Cadi reappeared on the control room screen.
"What are you smiling about?" Dagaa asked as he wrapped his arms around Providence.
She snuggled into him as she sat staring at the blue and green planet that was so similar to Earth. She was practically shaking with excitement.
"I'm ready to walk on solid land that's not going to implode." Providence rubbed his clasped hands at her stomach.
"It is a sight for sore eyes." Dagaa whispered into her ear, his lips running along her lobe.
Providence shivered as she soaked up the affection he showered on her.
"I might just fall on my knees and kiss the ground." Madhava said in all seriousness.
Madhava had been a little morose since they had left the Toufik planet, but loving, very loving. Then again they all were strung-out. Nearly losing everything had pushed them to their limits and beyond. Poor Madhava had taken on the lion's share of ship duties while she and Dagaa slept a lot. Dagaa had an excuse, he was still healing. Providence was just plain exhausted. When Providence wasn't sleeping she was doing her best to help tend to Dagaa and the Toufik passengers. That hadn't left a lot of time for extracurricular activities. Providence was okay with just sleeping between her two men. Considering everything that had happened it felt like a gift in itself. Now she was ready to be back home, just her and her men. She was beyond ready to do all the salacious things that flitted through her head.
"It couldn't be because we're heading straight for the Primal Forest could it?" Dagaa smiled against her neck.
"Maybe." Providence demurred.
"Maybe?" Madhava looked back from where he was seated at the control console.
"Yeah." Providence grinned at him. "I'm also happy Tytus' assistant is going to be okay."
The injured male was still in a drug-induced coma, but things looked good. Sadly the poor old Toufik male that had been injured in the same blast did not fare as well.
There was a beep and the image of Cadi shifted to show a pair of familiar faces.
"Hello Daimio, Giselle." Dagaa greeted them.
"Hello" Providence beamed at her friends.
Giselle waved at them, smiling. It was so good to see them.
"Seriously, forget the formality Dagaa." Kagan insisted. "I hear you tried to end our friendship a little prematurely on that damn planet."
Dagaa chuckled.
"Well everything is set for the ceremony and the Toufik. You sure you don't want to catch your breath once you land?" Kagan asked.
"No!" Madhava and Dagaa said simultaneously.
Providence giggled at their eagerness. She was eager to mate with them too.
"Providence I did that favor you asked." Kagan said.
"Oh I can't wait." Giselle chimed in bouncing next to Kagan.
"What favor?" Dagaa asked.
Dagaa and Madhava looked at her curiously.
"You'll find out soon enough." Providence smiled.
As Providence looked over at Madhava, she hoped her special request didn't backfire. It would upset her on her special day.
"We should be there within the hour." Madhava announced.
"Until then." Kagan nodded and signed off.
"I really like your suggestion." Madhava said to Dagaa.
"Me too. I think Stone appreciated it too." Providence added.
"I can never repay them for how they helped me. I hope after living in that wasteland the Toufik love the forest as much as I do." Dagaa said seriously.
"They will, it is so gorgeous up there." Providence encouraged him.
"It'll be like paradise." Madhava smiled at his friend.
Providence stood with her men as Cadi got larger and larger. The closer they loomed the more excited she grew. This would be her wedding day. Not that she had to have the ceremony to know Dagaa and Madhava were hers, but she wanted the world to see they were hers, and she was theirs. The violet sky greeted them as they burst through the clouds. The massive trees below reached up with their welcoming boughs. Their starship aimed for a large clearing in the valley, near the river they'd hiked alongside during their last visit.
The instant they landed Providence rushed towards the loading bay with her men following, laughing behind her. She felt guilty for not assisting to get the Toufik unloaded, but Stone looked like he had it handled. Many of them watched her, smiling, as she ran towards the exit.