Out of this World - Part 4 [Sexy Alien Space Babe TG]

Commissioned Anonymously 

Part 2 - Heat

Chapter 1

“Are you sure about this, Til’this?”

“Absolutely, it’s the latest trend.”

“Where exactly?”

“Clubs, dance halls…you know, fun places.”

Mal looked himself up and down; the new outfit was certainly something. He liked it, that was for sure, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that he would get ticked for indecent exposure the second he stepped outside Til’thas’ door. The dress (if he could even call it that) was skin tight and conformed to his shape so completely it was basically a second skin. All four of his breasts were cupped and on full display, complete with a boob window so both sets could show off their cleavage at once. The hemline barely reached his thigh and the halter neck had straps so thin they were constantly threatening to snap off entirely. 

“The fabric is a new design, one size fits all!” Til’this giggled, “Fabulous isn’t it? No more fabric hiding your figure!”

“It didn't do a very good job of hiding it to begin with.” Mal pointed out, “Jumpsuits are pretty skin-tight.”

“Not this skin-tight though. If I had tits like you're I’d be showing them all like this all the time.” The other Sedun said in a singsong voice. “And they certainly don’t have an open skirt at the bottom.”

A tendril snaked its way along the undercarriage of his panties and flicked at the fabric where his clit was; making Mal jump and then laugh.

“You’re incorrigible.” He said, rolling his eyes. 

“I’m just glad Zara is okay with sharing you.” Til’this sighed, wrapping her arms around her fellow Sedun and letting her face rest in Mal’s top breasts. “So soft…they really are like giant, warm pillows.”

“Don’t tempt me, I’m supposed to be meeting the rest of the crew in thirty minutes. If I am late again, maybe Zara won’t be so understanding about sharing me.” Mal joked, pulling Til’this up for one last kiss, that became two, then three.

“Mmmm, that’s enough time.”

“You’re a monster.” 

“You love me.”

Mal broke away at last, somewhat reluctantly and sighed. 

“I really do have to go, I don’t want to keep them waiting.”

“Honey, you show up wearing the time will be the last thing on their minds.” 

Mal laughed, Til’this had a point. He gathered his things and gave her one last, admittedly long, kiss goodbye before beheading back out into the crowded station streets. The Haven had been docking at Europa station every other month lately, partly because that’s where the work took them but also in part to visit Til’this. It wasn’t every day Mal met one of his own kind and the crew were more than understanding when he wanted to see her. Even if it did make Zara rankle with jealousy just a bit. She always screwed her nose up a little when she was trying not to look bothered, it was adorable. Sedun simply wasn't built for monogamy, though, or perhaps Mal was, regardless, she knew better than to try and change him. 

He made his way down to the docking port, smiling softly as he felt the now familiar sway of his hips. People watched as he passed by, even on Europa station where the races were a little more exotic, he garnered stares. Normally after a night with Til’this he felt satisfied and relaxed but  today those stares had him hot under the skin in matter of minutes. He hoped Zara was feeling particularly jealous tonight; that always ended in spectacular sex for him.

Haven was docked right at the back of the room, so he got to pass by all the luxurious private ships, bigger cargo vessels and military ships until he reached his new home. Haven was an old junker of a ship, but he’d grown to love it almost as much as Zara did. Raymond was waiting for him on the ramp looking impatient. 

“There you are-woah! Damn, what the hell have you been doing dressed like that?”

“Wouldn’t you like to know.” Mal grinned, giving him a wink as he walked right on past. “Why were you even standing out here anyway?”

“I wanted to welcome you back.”

“Ray…”

“Okay, okay, I wanted everybody in the docking area to see me welcoming you back and drink in all their jealous stares.” 

Mal just laughed.

“And? Did you get many?”

“Always do.” Raymond grinned, hitting the button to raise the cargo bay ramp. “Most people would kill to ship with a Sedun.”

“You know, most women like being objectified all the time.”

“Yeah but you’re not most women, are you?” 

“You have no idea.”

Mal still hadn’t told the crew the truth about his past, the being male part or the former gangster part. They all knew he was hiding something of course, but Zara had meant what she said, she never asked and he never felt like telling. Raymond rolled his eyes at the answer and handed him over the manifest to check. Mal could feel Raymond’s eyes on him as he checked through their cargo; that in itself wasn't unusual, what was unusual was just how hot it was making him in turn. Raymond was a handsome guy, but Mal hadn't really felt a pull to be with a man yet. Sometimes his body would betray him when a man rubbed up against him in a club but other than that he’d been exclusively attracted to women and other Sedun. 

“Are you okay?”

Mal snapped out of his stupor as Raymond leaned in close, her tendrils shivered. She could practically taste him in the air and he tasted…good. 

“You look a little flush, at least, I think that’s the Sedun version of flush. Your marks are glowing.”

“Oh!” Mal looked down at his body. “So they are! Um, that’s embarrassing.”

“Nah, it looks hot as.” Raymond gave her a thumbs up and slipped on his glasses. “Why don’t we go up to the captain and tell her it’s time to fly, I want to watch her eyes fall out of her skull when she sees you. We could use the levity” 

Things had been a little tense lately, several part failures paired with limited jobs meant they were running on a shoestring budget. Zara had already cut her own pay, the rest of the crew were just waiting for her to do the same to them. Raymond, as always, maintained a positive outlook by ignoring the problem in favour of perving on Mal as they made their way through the ship. 

Mal tried hard not to think about the warm feeling between his legs; he couldn’t believe how horny he was already after such a big night with Til’this. He’d lost count of how many times he’d cum, normally that would have him set for days at least. They passed Kris on the way, eternally patching the inner hull. His feathered eyebrows raised as they passed and Mal felt a fresh flush of heat run through him. His tendrils flared, glowing softly and causing his spots and stripes to do the same. Raymond gave him a look and Mal just bit his lip; sometimes, he hated this new body, even if only for a moment. He tried to make the glowing to fade but it seemed only to grow stronger; like trying to control a blush. 

“Alrighty, captain, we are good to go!” Raymond called, jumping down into his pilot seat and spinning around a few times just for the sake of it. 

“No fancy flying this time, Ray.” Zara said, not looking up from her console. “We have exactly enough fuel to make the flight to Io, and that’s all. If we are lucky, the deliveries there will cover the delay in getting to Carme late…”

Mal quickly racked his brain, remembering the manifest. The delivery of iron for the construction project on Carme came in a week before the fabrics they had to take to Io. 

“Shouldn’t we go-?”

“To Carme first? We would, but we don’t have enough fuel. We need that Io delivery to even make it,” Zara said tersely, still not looking up from her console. 

Mal and Raymond exchanged worried looks, so much for getting a laugh out of her reaction to his outfit. Wearing this revealing thing suddenly felt almost insensitive and he longed for his jumpsuit. 

“Mal, I need you to find us more jobs on Io, seriously. Kris told me that if we don't get that new capacitor, it’s only a matter of time before our thrusters start to fail.”

“More often than usual, you mean,” Raymond added, and Mal elbowed him hard in the ribs. “Ow! Right, okay, okay. No fancy flying, I’ll get us going.”

“I’ll find us some more jobs,” Mal said seriously, sitting down at his console and opening up the communications panel only to be met with a flickering screen. “Uh…”

Zara finally looked up from her console and looked over at Mal. She didn’t seem to register his outfit, only the malfunctioning screen and swore. 

“Zara, I can take it from here, Mal, why don't you go get our captain a much needed drink.” 

“We’d be better off selling the whiskey at this rate,” Zara muttered under her breath before storming out of the bridge with Mal in tow. 

“I do think you need to relax more,” Mal said gently, reaching out and laying his hands on Zara’s shoulders. He meant it as a comforting gesture but the moment the heat of another's skin met his palms he felt a thrill run through him. Goddamn, why was he so turned on all of a sudden? Zara needed comfort right now, not a Sedun jumping her bones. Zara let out a shaky breath and turned to face him properly for the first time, eyes raking up and down his body causing Mal to flush and start glowing again, making Zara’s eyes widen in surprise.

“Wow, you normally come back from Til’this looking amazing but uh…this is something else.”

“You like it?” Mal asked, his voice turning husky.

“I like it a lot.” 

Zara cleared her throat awkwardly and Mal smiled; maybe she did need a Sedun jumping her bones. He reached out and gently cupped her face, drawing her into a tight hug that crushed her breasts against the human woman’s body in a way she knew drove Zara wild.

“I think you need a distraction.” He cooed. “Something to take your mind off all this work. You’re stressed, Zara.”

“And what, you’re going to be my stress ball?” She grinned and Mal thrust his chest forward a little. 

“I do have four of them.”

Zara’s hands reached forward and into the boob window to stroke along the curve of Mal’s lower breasts. Instantly, Mal felt his entire body light up, brighter than before. Zara’s touch had him holding back a moan and she hadn't even reached his nipples yet. 

“I thought Til’this would have tired you out.”

“...your quarters, now. That’s an order.”

Zara raised an eyebrow and gave Mal a wry smile. 

“Who’s the captain here?” 

Mal shut her up quickly with a hard kiss. He felt like he was dying of thirst, and Zara was water. Even the small amount of clothing he wore felt like too much, he needed it off. Now. They made out against the hallway walls as they went, Mal growing more and more insistent as they got closer to Zara’s room. For her part, Zara was laughing breathlessly. They finally reached Zara’s room and practically fell onto the bed, Mal immediately started to wiggle out of the tight-fitting dress, cursing the tight fabric that caught on every curve he had.

“Woah, I don't think I've ever seen you so desperate.” Zara laughed before helping Mal out of the outfit herself.

“Less talking, more making out.”

He reclaimed Zara’s lips and quickly began divesting the captain of her clothes as well. Moaning as she pressed their chests and crotches together. Mal’s tendrils seemed to have a mind of their own, rubbing and coiling all over Zara’s body. They coiled between her legs, feeling the wetness there and cupping her breasts until Zara was whimpering with need just as much as Mal was. He brought them together, crushing their clits against one another and humping hard against his captain. The pleasure was even more than he was used to. His marks flared with blue bioluminescent lights as he got hornier and hornier. Within a few seconds he’d cum, then again and yet it wasn't enough.

“Fuck, Zara! Fuck oh God…”

“Almost there Mal, haaaaaaahhh…uhhhhh, ahhh! Yes! AHHHH!”

Mal felt her cum, and that pushed him over the edge as well, but it wasn’t enough he kept rolling his hips, mingling their juices and building himself up for a fourth orgasm. Zara was trembling with overstimulation as his tendrils continued to stroke her. 

“Come on, one more.” he begged, “Let me make you cum one more time.”

“Oooohhhh Mal…”

Zara shuddered and her clit shivered against his own, Mal fell over the edge with a loud, low groan and his body finally stilled. Somehow though, he wasn't satisfied. He had managed to stop, but his body still wanted more. Zara couldn't handle more stimulation though, he could tell. She was already squirming out of his grip, giggling. 

“Enough, oh my God.” She laughed. “That was…amazing, Mal. I've never seen you so…animalistic. It was hot as.”

“Thanks.” he squirmed, trying not to think of his pulsing clit and how badly he wanted to press a finger to it as he sat up on the edge of the bed. His tendrils floated around his head, still glowing softly and Zara watched them with wonder in her eyes. Gently, she reached up and ran a finger along one, smiling as the lights shimmered under her touch and Mal held back a moan. 

“Sorry, I forgot how sensitive they can be.” 

“It’s fine…they are more sensitive today for some reason.”

“Is that why your markings kee glowing too? I’ve only seen you do that a handful of times, but now I don’t even need to turn the light on.”

“Maybe.” Mal shrugged, swallowing before asking. “Did you want to go again?”

“I appreciate the thought.” Zara smiled, giving him a kiss on the cheek. “A good lay is just what I needed to relax for a bit, but I don't think I’ll be up for much more tonight.”

“Oh.”

At least she’d interpreted the question as him caring about her, not because he felt ready to explode with pent-up energy already. Zara stretched, letting her long blonde hair fall over her naked body before she sprawled out across the bed with a placid smile. She looked like a work of art half tangled in the sheets, pale skin still pink in places from exertion. Her chest rose and fell with deep breaths making her nipples point to the ceiling; Mal’s stomach twisted with want. 

“Did you want to stay and cuddle?” Zara offered, “You know you’re always welcome to sleep here.”

Mal did, he had done so many times since they started this little arrangement. It was somewhere between casual sex and a relationship; they’d never given it a name. Despite Zara’s jealousy from time to time, she never stopped Mal from seeing Til’this or the occasional other woman. Something he was very thankful for now; laying next to Zara, with her naked body pressed against him without more sex sounded like torture.

“No, not tonight. I need to…sleep. Til’this kept me up late last night.”

“If you’re sure,” Zara said, though Mal’s lips quirked into a smile seeing her eyebrow twitch in irritation just a little at the mention of the other Sedun. 

~

Mal tossed and turned. His skin felt extra sensitive; the usually soft and comfortable sheets seemed to tease him, like lovers' fingers brushing across his skin every time he moved. And yet, when he tried to stay still, his tendrils would coil and lash, a tick that seemed impossible to ignore. His fingers were between his legs, slowly rubbing circles around his clit but it was useless. There was simply no satisfaction in the action no matter what he did; even his tendrils and toys which normally got him off fine were useless. It didn't make any sort of sense; he was so turned on a single stroke could have gotten him off and yet every time he tried…nothing. His hair and markings glowed softly, flickering and fading before brightening back up again. Mal groaned in frustration and stuffed a pillow over his eyes to try and block out the light. Not that it made much difference, he was way too horny to sleep.

“Whiskey…” he mumbled. “That’s what I need, I’ll drink till I pass out if I have to.”

It had been a long time since he’d drank to get drunk. His mind instantly went back to those cold nights after Murdeek had them standing watch for hours while waiting for a drop. They’d drunk because there was nothing better to do and no better way to keep warm. At least now on Haven had had a bed he could collapse into and didn’t need to worry about waking up to his so-called friends taking the cred stick from his wallet. Getting dressed was far more difficult than it should be, any fabric on his skin felt wrong. His body was almost physically repulsed by the idea of being anything but naked right now as he made his way to the mess. Mel crossed a tendril in the hopes that Zenk was already asleep, he really didn't need that giant lump staring at him in this state. He rounded the corner and immediately came face to face with Kris, all the feathers on the Plumarian’s head suddenly puffed up and his face flushed. 

“S-sorry.” he stammered. “I know it’s probably rude but I just had to come say something. I know it’s not your fault, okay, but I am doing these late night r-repairs and it’s really hard to concentrate with you doing that whole empathic thing making me…you know.”

While Kris was babbling Mal felt his eyes focusing on the man in a way they never had. Plumarian’s looked mostly humanoid, aside from the feathered heads and sharp, yellow nails. Kris was small, young and athletic looking, and like most Plumarian males, very colourful. He was still talking but Mal wasn't listening, his tendrils were moving without him even realising, snaking through the air until a few brushed against the soft feathers at the side of Kris’ face. The man stopped talking, a high pitched squeak escaping in place of words. Mal shuddered; the feathers were so soft and lovely against his tendrils; it was all he could do to keep from rubbing himself against Kris harder to feel the friction. 

“M-mal?” Kris squeaked, “Ummm, what are you doing?”

“You find me attractive, don't you, Kris?” Mal asked, he felt drunk despite being fully sober. 

“Uhhh…”

“I remember when I first came aboard, you said you liked my tits.”

“Are you drunk?” Kris asked nervously. “Because I’ll be honest I am so into this right now but if you’re not in your right mind-”

Mal slammed a hand against the wall, trapping the man between him and the metal hallway.

“Sobre.” He whispered huskily. “But horny. Want to help me with that, Kris?”

Kris swallowed, his eyes were glued to Mal’s lips, his eyes were wide and nervous but also excited. Mal felt a grin spread across his face.

“Kris…have you ever actually had sex?”

“W-what!? Of course, I’m twenty-five of c-course I’ve um…uhhh…”

“You’re a virgin.”

Kris’s face turned bright red, it looked almost comical with his yellow feathers. 

“I get nervous talking to women, alright?”

Mal couldn’t help it, he giggled, and Kris turned even redder, something he thought impossible.

“Oh Kris, I’m just teasing, it’s okay.” He cooed, running a finger under the young man’s chin. “Any more blood in your face, and there won’t be any left for the important parts.” 

Mal had no idea what had come over him. Since his change, he’d come to terms with his new body, even learned to love it, but he’d never been so…forward before. Especially not with a man. A voice in the back of his mind that sounded suspiciously like his old male one telling him to get a grip. Just because he had a woman’s body didn't mean he had lost all his masculine pride! What was he thinking, seducing another man? Why couldn’t he stop?

Mal watched as Kris’ Adam’s apple bobbed, and his eyes darted back to Mal’s lips. He took in the beautiful alien features, Kris may have been small, but he was cute and sweet with a specific sort of young charm college boys had. He had stamina and that was exactly what Mal needed right now. He couldn’t bring himself to feel disgusted or unattracted to the Plumarian. So he leaned forward and claimed his lips softly. Kris was trembling and Mal could sense his excitement and disbelief that this was happening. He kissed back hesitantly, and Mal smiled against his lips before pulling back.

“Come with me, Kris.”

“Where are we going?”

“My room, obviously.”

The wave of arousal that washed over him was utterly delicious. He drank it in, and his marks glowed even brighter. He took Kris by the hand and led him back to his room, where he slowly closed the door. As achingly turned on as he was, he wanted to have fun. If he was going to take Kris’ virginity, he had to make sure to treat the man right, especially since he was starting his sexual journey so late. 

“Come over here and undress me,” Mal ordered. He loved the thrill being so dominant was giving him. 

Kris did so with surprising deftness; Mal could feel her nervousness, his need to impress him and his utter desire. Yet he managed to get Mal naked with no trouble at all. 

“Impressive.”

“I have to do high stakes, fiddly work in the walls.” Kris blushed, letting his hands gently cup one set of Mal’s breasts. “I am used to working under pressure.”

“That’ll serve you well, now squeeze them a little ah! Yes, just like that.”

Kris’ sharp nails poked into Mal’s supple skin, creating tiny pinpricks of pain that added to the pleasure. Mal let his eyes flutter closed as he enjoyed the sensation, then continued to tell Kris exactly how to touch a woman. Or at least, a Sedun. His hands grew more confident as they went on, finding their way between Mal’s legs and slowly stroking him to completion twice. It wasn’t enough, though, they felt good, but it wasn’t what his body needed. His inner walls ached. They needed to be filled by something other than fingers. He could feel Kris’ desperation but also his need to please. It made Mal’s whole body shiver, knowing he was so wanted. He led the man over to his bed and welcomed Kris into his lap. Letting Kris and suck at his breasts before finally flipping them over and pressing him down into the mattress. 

He gave himself one last moment of hesitance as he poised himself over Kris’ cock. The Plumarian was breathing heavily, eyes wide with lust and anticipation. The tip of his cock brushed Mal’s hole, and that was all the encouragement he needed to sink down. His dark eyes widened as he felt his inner walls stretched for the first time. 

“Ohhhhh! Yes!” Mal leaned back and braced himself on Kris’ legs so that his back arched and his chest was thrust up in the air. Kris grabbed hold of his lower breasts and squeezed in time with Mal rolling his hips. He rose and fell, cumming once, then twice before Kris finally shuddered and followed suit. Could he get pregnant from this? Mal suddenly realised, as the cum filled his womb, that he had no idea how Sedun reproduced, being an all-female race. But then the fog of lust descended once more, and he decided he didn't care. He needed more. Kris softened inside him, but that stamina served them well and with just a few squeezes of his inner walls, Mal had him hardening again. 

After another wonderful round Mal finally felt his lust starting to abate. Kris groaned as Mal slowly dismounted, and they both flopped down on the bed. Kris’ eyes were wide with disbelief.

“I can’t believe I did that,” he whispered. “It was my first time, and it was with a Sedun of all people.”

“I can’t believe it either.” Mal breathed, feeling embarrassment creep in; what the hell had gotten into him? Seducing Kris like that. He groaned, glad to notice his tendrils and marks were finally back to their usual, non-glowing colour. He felt exhausted and thirsty after cumming so much and he stumbled over to the sink and downed three glasses of water. 

“Was I okay?” Kris self-consciously asked, “I know you’re much more experienced.”

“You were wonderful.” Mal said truthfully, “A great listener, that’s for sure.”

“You’re a good teacher.”

“A few more rounds with me and next time we get some leave you’ll blow some poor woman’s mind.” 

“Next time? We get to do this again?”

Mal blinked, he’d not even thought about it, but his pussy was tingling again and that same heat was already starting to pool between his legs. 

“Yes…I think we will.” He said slowly, pouring yet another glass of water and downing it.

“Are you sure you’re alright, you seem…hot.” 

“Of course I am hot-”

“No, I mean temperature-wise.” 

Kris reached out and placed a hand against the side of Mal’s face. Before he could stop himself, he was leaning into the touch, tasting Kris’ skin against his lips before it was quickly pulled away. 

“Maybe you should go see Dr. Vrylix.”

Mal bit his lip, blushing a little in embarrassment at how he’d just acted. One little touch and he was already raring to go again; this was weird, even for him. 

“I think you’re right.”

~

Mal had never felt more humiliated in his entire life as Dr. Vrylix held a thermometer to his ear. Even after a decent night's sleep he still felt as horny and hot as the night before and Kris’ words had urged him to come to the med bay. The thermometer beeped; Mal couldn't see the temperature but the display was glowing orange as the Vortan pulled back to look at it. 

“So I’m sick then.” Mal said, “that’s what that means right? Orange for fever?”

“Yes, though it’s not too high.” Vrylix mused. “Your tendrils are overly sensitive, your markings are glowing and your sexual appetite is skyrocketing to the point of brain fog.”

“Yes.” Mal blushed, this was worse than being a randy teenager. 

“And you find yourself attracted to almost everybody? Regardless of gender now despite your previous preferences?”

“Yes, well, everybody except you and Zenk.”

“Then I’d say this is very cut and dry.” Dr. Vrylix smiled. “You’re in heat.”
 “I’m in…what? Heat? Like a dog?” 

Just when he thought this couldn’t get more embarrassing. 

“Sedun experience heat for the first time around their twentieth birthday, you are well past that, this shouldn't be a surprise to you.” Vrylix continued with a knowing look. “Unless of course…you weren't Sedun until recently.”

“You’ve been talking to Zara.”

“I didn’t need to talk to Zara, I’ve been a doctor for ninety-seven years. I know my stuff. That’s why you’re fine around Zenk and I by the way, neither of us are young enough to be viable mates.”

Mal bit his lip; just when he thought he had a handle on this whole Sedun stuff, the universe threw him another curveball. He thought about that data pad the police had given him all about Sedun biology and society…maybe he should have actually read it instead of skimming. 

“Look, I don’t know what’s going on, or who you were before but this is clearly new to you, yes?” Dr. Vrylix said kindly, placing a webbed hand on his shoulder. “I am a doctor, I have seen it all, believe me. If I am going to make this experience more manageable for you, I need to know the whole truth.”

Mal sighed and grit his teeth; he knew Vrylix was right but that didn't make the story any easier to tell. He’d never been ashamed of his old life when he was living it, but now that he was on the straight and narrow, admitting he’d been a lowlife thug for a man like Murdeek felt oddly embarrassing to admit. Not to mention his original gender and body. Vrylix for his part, sat and listened quietly, occasionally asking a question but otherwise, he didn’t comment. Mal could sense his shock and curiosity but thankfully, there was no judgement on the old Vortan’s face. 

“That…explains a lot.” He said finally. “I thought it was strange you could hold your liquor so well.” 

Mal gave a disbelieving laugh; of all the things to give him away.

“What, a Sedun can't be a hard boozer?”

“Oh, I am sure they can be, but you had a certain way about you. Us old folks can tell.”

“You’re not that old.”

“Tell that to Zara. She keeps threatening to retire me to some moon.”

“Would that be so bad?”

“Without my work? Sitting by the pool all day sipping Plumarian brandy? Torture.”

For a moment, Mal could pretend they were sitting above the cargo bay having their usual drinks and banter, sans Zara. But then reality set back in, and he sighed.

“So what do I do?” Mal asked. “How long is this going to last? I can’t just avoid the rest of the crew for…?”

“Two weeks.”

“Two weeks!?” Mal screeched. “Are you serious? I can’t function like this for two weeks!”

“Oh well, in that case, I will just tell your biology to change itself.”

“Ha ha very funny. Can’t you give me something? To make me less of a horn dog? God, what’s going to happen when we reach Io? I can't control my empathic abilities right now, I’ll turn the whole docking bay into an orgy.”

“That would certainly be a sight.”

“Vrylix!”
 “I’m sorry!” the doctor chuckled, “There just isn't much that can be done. Sedun physiology is quite different to most, I can give you drugs, but they are meant for Plumarians and humans. They won’t quell a sex drive as strong as yours, at least not for long. I’ll send a message to the captain that you need the day off, but that’s all I can manage for now.”

“Can't we get something on Io?”

“With what credits? Sedun medicine is rare and expensive, and right now, I can barely afford to stock up on med bay basics.” 

Mal sat back and groaned; this just kept getting worse and worse. He could already imagine the looks on the crew's faces at breakfast if he was forced to tell them what was really going on. He was so embarrassed he could die. But it wasn't in his nature to wallow, though; he needed a solution. 

“Then I need to find us a big job.” He said after a moment. “Something that pays enough that we can afford the drugs needed to suppress this.”

“It’s a lot, I am afraid. Heat blockers aren’t exactly something in high demand among the few Sedun who live in our solar system.” Vrylix turned his screen, and Mal felt his heart sink at the price, which was almost his entire month's salary plus a nice bonus. Still, he couldn’t function like this for two weeks. He would need the mother of all good jobs to convince Zara to give him that much. That or…he dipped his toes back into the smuggling ring. He shook the idea from his head immediately; if he got caught, Zara would have hell to pay, not to mention a massive fine. They didn’t need that right now. Vrylix gave his arm an encouraging squeeze.

“It’ll be alright Mal, we’ll explain everything and-”

“No. Nobody is hearing about this.” He said seriously. “I can’t have the crew thinking I am some bimbo who can’t control herself because she’s too horny to function. I’ll find a way to handle it.”

Vrylix gave Mal a sad smile.

“There is nothing to be ashamed of, this is a normal part of Sedun life. Nobody will judge you. But if you are determined to keep it a secret…perhaps your other friend might help you, Tilly or whatever her name is.”

“Til’this!” Mal gasped. She would have to have advice on how to handle this!

Mal gave the doctor a quick thank you before rushing down to his room, breathing a sigh of relief when he didn't encounter anyone on the way. He quickly opened up his private console only to be met with the glowing clock; it was the middle of the night on Til’this’ station. She was probably asleep or entertaining, so there was no way she’d pick up if he called now. Instead, he laid down on the bed in a huff. He stared at the ceiling feeling sorry for himself, before nervously reaching beneath his mattress and pulling out the datapad about Sedun physiology. There was a whole chapter on heats that he’d missed in his skimming. 

“Sedun go into heat on average once or twice a year depending on their sexual appetite.” Mal read to himself, “These heats usually last two to three weeks with symptoms including a low-grade fever, promiscuity, lowered IQ, lowered risk assessment skills and constant glowing of the tendrils and birthmarks to make the host more appealing to potential mates.”

“Culturally, this time is to be celebrated, and Sedun are encouraged to seek out new sexual partners and try new things in a safe environment. On the Sedun homeworld, there are even hotels specifically designed to house Sedun going through heat together so that they can experiment together in a safe environment with all other needs taken care of.”

The idea of a Sedun sex hotel made his whole body tingle, and Mal tried in vain to calm himself and not think about how much he would give to be there right now. Waiting for morning on Europe Station felt like it took an age. He’d never felt more relieved when Til’thas’ sleepy face appeared on his console screen. 

“Til’this! Thank God, I really need to talk to you.”

“Do you know what time it is here?” She yawned. “I’ve only had a few hours of sleep, I was dancing all night.”

“I’m in heat.” Mal blurted out, and to his surprise, Til’this just blinked.

“Yes. And?”

“You’re not, I don't know, surprised?”

“You had all the signs of pre-heat while you were visiting. I assumed that’s why you went back to your ship: You wished to spend it with your captain.”

“You knew? Why didn’t you say anything?”

“Why would I, darling? You’re a grown Sedun, you would know when your own heat was coming.”

“Well…I didn’t.” Mal admitted, taking a deep breath. “Til’this, I’ve never done this before. I don’t know what to do.”

“Oh! It’s your first heat away from home? That’s hard, I’m sorry-”

“No, I mean, I have never had a heat before. Period.”

That shocked Til’this. It was probably just his imagination, but Mal swore he could almost sense Sedun’s confusion through the screen. 

“But honey, you’re at least twenty-five. You must have had one or two heats at the very least.”

Mal pinched the bridge of his nose; he really didn't want to tell this story more than once today, but it would be easier. By the end, Til’this’ eyes were wide, and her mouth was hanging open. 

“This explains everything!” She squealed. “Your dress sense, or lack thereof-”

“Ouch.”

“Your confusion, your general…you-ness.”

“Again, ouch.”

“I thought you acted a little more male than most Sedun. It’s not usually to get the occasion, oh what’s that human term, tomboy? Yes, that’s it. But now it makes perfect sense! You’re a man in a Sedun body. So typical of you to skip reading the instructions they gave you. Very male.”

“Hey! I didn't call you to get chewed out, I called you because I need help!” 

“I’m sorry, darling,” Til’this said genuinely. “But there isn't much I can do, if you’d stayed on the station, I could have helped you through it, but honestly, I think it’s for the best you’re on your ship. Heats need variety to be sated. One person isn’t usually enough. Just tell your ship and then go to pound town with all of them.”

She said it as though it were the most natural thing in the world; if the situation hadn't been so dire, he would have laughed. Nobody should say the words ‘pound town’ with such a casual tone. 

“Just like that? Start sleeping with my entire crew?”

“Why not?” Til’this asked seriously. “I know they’d all love to get their hands on you, you get to enjoy yourself and not be torturously turned on for two weeks straight, and you don’t have to buy the expensive drugs. This is a time for experimentation, darling, go experiment.”

Mal sagged in his seat; this was not the talk he’d been hoping for. 

“Mal, darling.” Til’this smiled sadly. “You’re Sedun now, there is no changing that, and things will be a lot easier if you start treating yourself like one.”

“I do! I wear bras and let you dress me up and everything!”
 “But you haven’t truly embraced your Sedunhood. Your new womanhood. Wasn't sleeping with your first man exciting?”

“...yes.”

“Now imagine everything else waiting for you! Not just the sex but everything else, including the outfits and the makeup. Sedun in heat often want to doll themselves up a bit, don’t fight that urge, embrace it.”

“I’ll…keep it in mind.” Mal sighed. “Thank’s Til’this.”

“Keep me in the loop, darling!”

Mal hit off the screen and leaned back. It would be easier to do what Til’this suggested, but he wasn't quite ready to debase himself like that. Not when there was another way. With determination, he grit his teeth and started scanning the Io Station message boards, looking for any extra, fast cargo they could deliver for a payday. If you couldn’t find one big job, he’d take on as many small ones as it took. They would reach the station tomorrow, then it was three days to their next drop off. If he could just load Haven up with as much cargo as possible set to be delivered between those two points; he would be a few days away from the heat blockers he so desperately needed. He’d just have to somehow survive until then.