Page 53 of Invasion of Sorority Z

“We will make it feel like home for you, my mate. Fill it with things you wish for, decorate it how you like—”

“I don’t even know where to begin with that,” I cut him off with a nervous laugh. “It’s amazing already.”

Especially thisview. The back deck looks out into a valley forest between the hills and the trees, flourishing with plants and the smell of rain. I don’t know how the planet’s native species grow in comparison to plant science on earth, but they’re sodifferent. So beautiful too.

Blue grass, exotic patterned and shaped flowers, insanely tall trees with blue leaves, and even the purple sky that has visible planets and moons I know nothing about sprinkled throughout.

I don’t even know what their atmosphere is made of, or if anyone knows. I doubt their elements are the same as ours, whether it be composition wise or even just name wise. I know that I can breathe just fine, and that I don’t feel lighter or heavier, so the gravity must be similar.

I do think that we are probably in a spring season, given the temperature and the bright sun. I’ll have to remember to ask if they have seasons, and if so, how they work. My head throbs a little at the thought. This is far too much science for me. I didn’t even fully grasp how geology worked on Earth. I’m pretty sure I’m content not knowing how Aprix works either.

“Do you wish to see the city today? Or the forest gardens?”

I peer out to the backyard and bite my lip. “Maybe the city?” I am immensely curious as to what it looks like, and besides, this is my backyard now. I can see it another time.

“If it pleases you,” Marrec agrees, kissing the side of my head. “A short trip. I do not wish to tire your body while you are healing from travel.”

I snort. “Tell that to my pussy; you’ve already tired her out twice today.”

His eyes dance with playfulness. “If you wish for me to communicate with your cunt again—”

I poke his ribs, causing him to laugh. “Come on, funny guy, no morecommunicationfor you.”

“Until later,” he amends. “You always wish for morecommunicationlater.”

He isn’t wrong.

22

Inkberry: Evergreen holly of eastern North America with oblong leathery leaves and small black berries.

Stevie

Marrec’s planet is like something out of the most beautiful, heavily edited Pinterest board of utopia. There is blueeverywhere. Plants weaving their way into even the more densely populated city-like areas. He’s shown me little shops and cafes, streets filled with—small but albeit still larger than human—children. He’s shown me their library, from the outside. We’ll explore another day, according to him. There’s somewhere else he wants to show me instead.

The transportation here is also incredible. The M.T.S is like a high speed escalator elevator hybrid and allows you to move up the mountains quickly. I thought it might make me sick when Marrec first showed me it. He assured me it wouldn’t and it didn’t.

The traveling system through the city is similar. Like a tube train that seemingly hovers in place above the ground. It’s clear like glass and has room for sitting, though most rides are short enough to simply stand. We’ve opted for walking most of this trip, allowing me to really take in every place that we visit.

If I were exploring an Earth city for this long on foot, I’d probably be begging to stop by now. My feet would be sore and my scent would be laced with sweat, but these health bracelet things are stellar. Apparently, they don’t simply monitor, theyhealas well.

Constantly keeping you hydrated, your muscles relaxed, and your temperature regulated? It may as well be magic, though I know it’s closer to science. No science that anyone on Earth has ever figured out, but science nonetheless.

“These are the royal gardens,” Marrec tells me, coming to a stop on our walk. A white archway with deep green vines coiled around the stone material stands tall in front of us, like a gateway. “Come.” He squeezes my hand and leads the way inside, beneath the palace-like arch.

“Whoa,” I mutter, following along closely.

Crystal clear water rolls down a river through the center of the whole place, pillowy grass surrounding it and various plant life decorating the pillars and walls that stand here. Pink and blue flowers sprout from the bushes and trees, while orange wild blossoms spring up from patches in the grass.

“It’s amazing,” I rasp, hardly believing my eyes. I didn’t even think my eyes had this level of definition ability. It’s like I just put on glasses with high quality camera capability. “And this is just here, for anyone to come see? Why aren’t there more Aprixians roaming around in this place?”

He chuckles. “They have all witnessed the garden’s beauty more than a few times, my blossom. And yes, this is open to anyone who wishes to visit.”

“Who owns it?”

“No one canownthe gardens, they are much like a ho-lee sight. Aprixians come here if they wish to bear witness to The Mother’s gift of life. Though, the royal family maintains it.”

I nod in understanding. Marrec told me a bit of their history as a planet. Their royal family is nearly all gone, but the ones who are still alive don’t rule like a traditional monarchy. Their titles are more decorative than anything. They do have wealth and the respect of their people, but they don’t go around making laws or demanding taxes. So, like celebrities, a bit.

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