The overall joie de vivre and camaraderie of the moment forces me to admit that I’d become far more isolated than I realized prior to joining the Sleigh Belle. It wasn’t entirely intentional, I know that. My work as a medical doctor is demanding, time-consuming, and sometimes very emotionallydraining. I’ve often lacked the energy to socialize with others with any kind of regularity, but that wasn’t the only factor.
Being on the cusp of thirty, I’ve found that most of my closer friends drifted away as their lives took them in different directions. Some moved across the country or the globe for other professional opportunities. My best friend from medical school went back home to Minnesota to care for an aging and sickly parent, and several others partnered up, a few getting married and having kids. In very short order, our ability to see one another on a regular basis slipped away.
I suppose I’m at the age where the dynamics of one’s inner social circle can change radically. It’s not as though we stopped being friends or didn’t stay in touch, but our communication hasn’t been as frequent, and it became much harder to see each other without taking PTO and traveling. I’d initially hoped to make some friends at the urgent care clinic, but found most of the veteran staff there were a lot older than me, and the younger ones often came and went too fast to form any friendships.
Hell, I hadn’t even been spending time with Felix as much as I used to, although part of that was on him as well. Being a veterinarian can be just as time-consuming as being an MD. We were both in desperate need of a change.
Now, here with new friends, a love interest, and my dear brother, I bask in the warm glow of belonging and admit to myself how much I not only wanted but needed this kind of connection with others. I’m all kinds of sentimental and sappy today, but I’m rolling with it for a change.
When we sit down to enjoy our meal, Khephren clinks his glass to get everyone’s attention. “During this most magical of holidays, I think it’s only right for me as our ship’s captain to express my gratitude and yuletide cheer.” He shifts his gaze to look at Sasha with big freaking hearts in his eyes. “I’m so thankful for my amazing husband, Sasha, who came into my lifeon Christmas a year ago. For me, this holiday will always be one I love and celebrate in full force.”
Sasha leans over and kisses him on the cheek. “That was beautiful, babe. I love you too.”
“And you love Christmas too,” Khephren says hopefully.
Sasha’s lips twitch. “Uh… yeah. Sure.”
Khephren throws himself in Sasha’s arms.
“He’s a lovable drama queen,” Luna whispers to me softly, then snickers. “Or just a queen.”
Khephren returns to his seat and lifts his glass, his cheeks flushed. “I’m so delighted to be able to spend this holiday here on the Sleigh Belle with all of you. To many more Christmases together!”
We all join in on the toast, then dive into our meal. It’s going to take me some time to get used to the food offered aboard our ship. The simulator is convenient, but it’s definitely better at some things than others. New goal: broaden my culinary horizons and try out more extraterrestrial food that Luna thinks I’d enjoy.
As I eat, I take the opportunity to covertly study my brother’s new boyfriend. I’ll admit, when I first met Najar, I was a little concerned, but I’m starting to see behind his gruff and stoic exterior. Whenever he looks at Felix, every part of him softens in a way I haven’t seen him do for anyone else. He also shows a steady but quiet attentiveness to Felix and his needs, which reassures me about where their relationship is going.
“You look really happy. I’m super glad,” Luna whispers to me.
I grin. “And you look absolutely adorkable in that sweater.”
She beams with pride, and I can’t help but hope moments like this will be part of my daily future.
When we’re stuffed to the brim and chatting happily, Felix throws us a curveball.
“I wanted to talk with all of you about an idea I’ve had.” His eyes dart in Najar’s direction, and the big golden alien nods at Felix encouragingly.
“I’ve already spoken with Najar about it, and he’s supportive of what I’m hoping to do.” Felix swallows hard and then blurts out, “I want to get involved in abandoned animal rescue at intergalactic space stations!”
Najar nods, expression serious. “There’s a clear need and very little that’s currently being done.”
Felix nods enthusiastically. “It’s been niggling at my mind ever since we rescued Cosmo, and now I want to be proactive and do something about it.”
Hearing his name, the adorable fluffy blue foxhound emerges from under the table where Khephren had not so secretly been sneaking him food. He jumps up into Felix’s lap and gives him a lick on his chin.
My brother pets Cosmo gently. “He’s only one of many abandoned pets that I’ve discovered are often left at intergalactic space stations by travelers. But it’s far from an ideal environment for them to survive and thrive.”
I curse under my breath. “Fucking hell. I guess there are assholes everywhere.”
Felix nods sadly. “That’s why I want to use my training and skills as a veterinarian to be able to not only learn more about so many unique animal species across the universe but also provide a much-needed service.” He grips the edge of the table nervously. “It would mean having our ship regularly visit intergalactic space stations to rescue abandoned animals, then transport them to nearby planets with appropriate shelters I hope to build partnerships with. I’ll focus on organizations that have no-kill policies and do all they can to rehome the animals in safe and loving environments. This venture will be called… wait for it… STARPAWS–Specialized Team for the Aidand Relocation of Pets, Animals, and Wayward Species. That is, if y’all are agreeable. What do you think?” he asks, biting his bottom lip.
I can’t hold back a huge smile. My brother has always been an animal lover, and the rarer and more exotic the animal, the more enthusiastic he becomes. This plan is brilliant. It will give him a golden opportunity to work with and learn about so many different alien animal species while also giving back and saving abandoned pets.
“I think it’s fucking brilliant and perfect for you,” I say.
Felix flashes me a grateful smile and then studies Khephren. “You’re the captain of this ship, so I wanted to get your thoughts on the idea and see if it’s something we could make happen.”
To no one’s surprise, Khephren’s pink tentacles flail happily in the air. “I love this idea, Felix!” he gushes. “Cosmo is a special part of our Sleigh Belle family now, and we are a crew that loves animals in general. Our precious Jonesy came to us with Sasha, as if the Goddess Thekmis decided it was destiny. Ever since, she and her kittens have been magnets of good fortune, and I think we owe it to Thekmis and ourselves to give back and make a difference.”
