by Tracy Lauren
He’s tonguing my breast and kneading my hips when I reach between our bodies and wrap my fingers around his length. His body jolts in reaction and he freezes.
“Is this okay?” I ask, slowly stroking him. He drops his forehead to my shoulder and groans. It’s the only answer he’s able to give me. I get the gist of it though, and thank goodness. Clearly he’s enjoying this. I was worried he wouldn’t have the same sensations, being an android and all.
As I stroke him, curiosity gets the better of me. “What’s this like, Valens? Does it feel as good as you make me feel?”
“I cannot speak to how I make you feel. I have no way to compare my sensory perceptions to that of an organic life form.” He struggles to grit out the words as I touch him. “But I have never felt anything like this before, and I don’t think I ever want it to stop.”
“That’s a shame,” I tease. “Because I was just about to tell you how bad I want you inside me.”
Valens raises his head up to look at me. I see his brow is furrowed. “You wish to make love?”
“I mean, if you want. If you’re ready, that is—”
My words cut short as Valens claims my lips in a kiss. It’s desperate and hungry and I moan against him in excitement. Then I feel the head of his cock align with my core. Seems like we’re skipping the appetizers and going straight for the main course—and that’s alright with me. It feels like we’ve been waiting far too long to allow ourselves this pleasure anyway.
“Yes,” I plead. “I want this so bad.”
“I’ve never wanted anything more,” he agrees and then he pushes into me.
Part of me expects Valens to act like the virgin that he is. I expect him to buck wildly for a while and reach a quick climax, but it’s nothing like that at all. As a matter of fact, it’s much like our foreplay. Valens studies me as he slowly pumps inside, watching as I move against him, listening for signs of my pleasure. And his hands explore me, delivering such loving touches, it leaves no doubt in my mind that he has real feelings for me regardless of the fact that his mind is made differently than my own.
“I can feel you,” he says, his voice filled with awe as I near my climax. “You’re growing tighter, Andrea, coiling for your release.”
“Make me cum for you, Valens,” I beg. And my android… He growls. Pumping harder, he reaches between us and slicks his fingers over my clit. It only takes a few swipes of his hand and the firm thrust of his hips—then Valens is making me see stars.
He growls again, as I ride the waves of my orgasm, and his head drops to my shoulder. Suddenly I can feel his release. My eyes go wide with shock. I had no idea what a climax would mean for Valens—I doubt he even knew. But I certainly didn’t expect any bodily fluids—and yet… The guy definitely has some kind of ejaculate. I guess it makes sense. I mean, his mouth is wet. Of course he has body fluids.
Valens remains hovering over me with his head hung, but he’s not panting like I am. Because he doesn’t breathe. I pull him down, flat onto the bed, and wrap my arms around him. He hugs me right back. With my head against his chest like this, I should be able to hear a heartbeat. But I don’t. And maybe that would matter to some people. But I find that I’m not one of them.
Chapter 27
Andrea
Weeks pass and Valens and I fall into a comfortable routine. Slowly my interest in the current time period begins to grow and I finally agree to read some books and watch a few programs which fill me in on the significant historical events I’ve missed out on. It’s all stuff that’s common knowledge to the rest of the crew, though it would be fairly earth shattering to me if I hadn’t had so much to be shocked about in recent weeks.
And though I want to learn, I have far more interesting things to concern myself with than ancient history. It’s been amazing living with Valens. I forget sometimes that all this relationship stuff is so new to him. I don’t know if it’s because of my tumultuous entry into this era or if it’s just his nature, but Valens is the most emotionally in tune man I’ve ever been with. Each time he looks at me, his gaze is so penetrating, it’s like he’s trying to discern every nuance of my soul. He always wants to make sure I’m okay and because of him my fear is gone and my grief has become manageable.
Our room on the Salutation has started to feel like a home too. Valens has set up a workstation in the corner of the bedroom, though we laugh about the fact that he hasn’t gotten around to using it. Somehow we seem to find plenty of other ways to keep each other occupied.
The only awkward thing is the fact that Valens doesn’t eat. Even so, he sits with me at the dinner table each night and we chat as I have my meal. It isn’t so strange, I suppose. What really bothers me is the fact that I can’t cook for him. It sort of leaves me feeling like I don’t have much to contribute and it gets me thinking about finding my own career here on the Salutation.
“What will you do with your day?” Valens asks, breaking the early morning silence. He always seems to know the moment I wake up. It’s like he can sense the change in my breathing or something. As soon as I wake, he doesn’t hesitate to roll over and nuzzle against my neck.
“I was thinking about scanning the personnel openings.” I shrug. “I don’t know if I’ll find anything I qualify for…”
“If you require any certifications I can help you study.”
“I’m sure you can,” I reply, smiling.
“Should I come back for lunch or would you like to eat in the commons?”
“What about the Earth garden?”
“I’d like that very much,” he says, kissing my temple. “But for now I must go.”
“It’s time for work already! Did I sleep in so late?”
“You did,” he says, delivering one last kiss to my chin. “Do not be sad though, Andrea, that just means we can stay up longer tonight.”
I sit up in the bed with the covers still wrapped around me and I watch Valens get ready for the day. When he first started coming to my room, he sat up all night in his uniform. Now, he comes to bed naked and every morning I get to enjoy the view as he gets ready.
Whoever made my android certainly didn’t cut any corners. His lean body is perfectly sculpted, from his broad chest to the dimples right above his ass.
“I will know if you skip breakfast,” he warns, casting a stern glance over his gray shoulder. I can’t help but laugh.
“I have no intention of skipping breakfast,” I assure him. But the idea of eating right now doesn’t hold much appeal. I can’t think of a single thing that would be palatable.
Valens grabs his pants from the closet and I kick my covers off, racing over to him before he can pull them on. “I’m going to miss this ass,” I tease, giving him a firm squeeze. It brings a smile to Valens’s face and he hesitates before continuing to dress.
“Should I alter my work schedule today? I could stay with you a little longer before going in.”
I snort out a laugh. “Are you worried about me or just trying to get lucky?”
“I’m beginning to think I have no reason to worry about you any longer,” he answers.
“So you are trying to get lucky?” I slap his ass before I grab the robe Valens got me and head out into the living room. “Better go to work, babe, I’m not trying to get you in trouble!” I think again and poke my head back into the bedroom. “But I’m not opposed to sneaking in a little action in the garden if you’re up for it,” I tell him with a wink. Valens cocks his head, processing my suggestion. This time, when I head back out into the living room, I’m laughing.
I head straight for the synth, with the intention of making coffee. But I scrunch my nose at the idea and settle on orange juice. A short time later Valens stalks out of the bedroom fully dressed. He takes the glass from my hand and sets it aside so he can hold me. I melt against him.
“I will miss you,” he says. “I wish you could join me on my shift.”
It’ll only be a few hours until lunch, but I realize I feel the same way. I wo
nder if there are any entry level positions I could find in his field or what kind of education I’d need to be eligible for such a job.
Valens pulls me into a passionate kiss before he leaves and our quarters quickly fall silent in his absence. I turn back to hover in front of the synth, wondering what I should eat.
Eggs and toast sound appealing at the moment, so I order them up and take a seat at the table. But the moment the eggs hit my tongue a cold chill makes me tense from head to toe. I try to spit them out, but the motion alone has me gagging. Then I’m running for the bathroom.
Orange juice and the remnants of last night’s dinner spill into the toilet water. I empty my stomach. As soon as the shock passes, I’m swiping my forehead, feeling for a fever. But there doesn’t seem to be any sign of a temperature. A dark thought crosses my mind and the chill returns.
I haven’t gotten my period since Valens found me.
With shaking hands I race into the bedroom and pull on my clothes. “Um, computer?” I say aloud. “Can you help me find a crew member named Vesi?”
A smooth voice immediately replies. “Vesi is currently in medical lab one, deck three.”
I freeze in my tracks at the next, unforeseen interruption. Valens’s voice suddenly chimes into the room. “Do you need assistance locating the lab, Andrea?”
“Jesus, Valens! You scared the shit out of me!” I shout into the empty room. “Don’t listen in on me! That’s rude!” I bark. Silence follows.
“Are you still there?” I ask.
“I am.”
“Yes, I need help. Is there a map or something?”
“I can light the way.”
“Thank you… But no more listening in!” I add.
Chapter 28
Andrea
I follow the last of the lights that line the path, turning right into what I assume to be medical lab one on deck three. The place looks something like a hospital, with a common room in the center and individual rooms lining both walls. I spot Vesi sitting at a counter in the common room, looking down into a microscope. There’s no one else in the lab, but still, I move close to her side before I issue any greeting.
“Hey Vesi,” I say in a quiet voice. The alien woman startles.
“Oh man, Andrea, you surprised me. What’s up? Is everything okay?” she asks. I don’t know if she can read the worry on my face, or if the fact that I’m visiting her at work is just that odd. But whatever reason, she knows something is wrong.
“Can I talk to you privately?” I ask, keeping my voice low.
“Yeah, of course.” She looks around the empty room but seems to sense that I need something a little more contained. She leads me into one of the private rooms and shuts the door. It looks like a patient exam room and she takes a seat, looking up at me expectantly. I can’t sit through and instead I pace.
“This place is completely private? No one can hear us? Not the computer…or Valens?” I whisper.
“Patient rooms are confidential spaces, no one can hear us. What’s up, Andrea? You’re scaring me.”
“I’m pretty scared right now too.” I take a deep breath and squeeze my hands to keep them from shaking. “Look, this might be paranoia, and I really hope it is…but something happened this morning that freaked me out and I have to get a medical opinion before I can relax.”
“Of course, you’ve come to the right place. How can I help?”
The words catch in my throat and I have to force them out. “I think I need a pregnancy test.”
Chapter 29
Andrea
Vesi’s eyes go wide. “Andrea…an android can’t get you pregnant.”
“I don’t think an android did.”
The alien woman stiffens. “What are you saying?”
“I have no memory of my kidnapping, Vesi. But this man, Leninger, he wanted to steal women because he had some perverse fascination with sending us out into space to breed. What if…what if he did something to us first? What if he did something to me while I was unconscious?”
“You’re afraid you were raped.” The medic voices my fears.
I nod and tears well in my eyes, spilling out to cascade down my cheeks.
“What are your symptoms?”
“I haven’t had a period. I thought that it was probably from shock. I mean, my body was in stasis for nearly 2,000 years. That has to be a stress on the system, right? Anyway, I hadn’t thought too much of it. But then, this morning when I tried to eat breakfast, I got sick to my stomach. I mean, it’s probably just paranoia—” I reiterate, but Vesi frowns.
“You were vaccinated when you came aboard. A stomach bug would be nearly impossible.”
“What I need is some reassurance right now, Vesi,” I complain.
“Sorry. Let me run a scan. We’ll get to the bottom of this right now. If it’s nothing, then it’s nothing.”
“And if it’s something?”
“Are you sure you wouldn’t like Valens to be here with you?”
I consider her suggestion, but it brings me too much sadness. Valens has been my anchor through all of this. There’s no one in this life or my last one that I’ve ever cared for as much as I care for him. But if I’m about to discover that I was raped and the product of that assault is now growing inside me… I think I’m going to need a moment to myself.
“I have to do this on my own. Besides, if it’s nothing then there’s no reason to worry him, right?”
“It’s up to you, Andrea, but I think we both know Valens wouldn’t be put out by it.” It isn’t meant to be a reprimand; I know it isn’t. But it still makes me feel a bit like a jerk. I know Valens would want to be here with me. I know he’d gladly carry any burden I had. But still, this is something I need to do alone.
“Lie back,” Vesi tells me, retrieving a small, hand-held device from a drawer. “I’ll run a quick scan and we’ll have your answer.”
My hands start shaking and I back myself onto the examining table, blowing out slow breaths to calm my pounding heart. “Do I need to lift my shirt or anything?”
“You’re fine, just hold still.” I watch Vesi’s face as she runs the scanner over my abdomen. When her face takes on an expression of sympathy I clench my eyes shut. Tears slide down my temples.
The muted whirring of her scanner cuts out and I wait for her to deliver the bad news. “Andrea…we should talk.”
“Just say it. I need to know.”
“You are pregnant,” she sighs heavily. “But the gestational period…”
I open my eyes and look up at her, completely perplexed as to what might follow.
“You’re five weeks along…and you’ve been aboard the Salutation for a total of seven weeks.”
I snap my head back. “Impossible.”
“Has there been anyone else since you came aboard?”
“Are you seriously asking if I’ve had sex with anyone besides Valens?”
She shakes her head. “No. No, of course not. You and Valens have been inseparable. I know that.”
“Then how could this be?”
“I could run another test. Discern the DNA of the embryo.”
I scrub my hands over my face, terrified over what she might find…and the implications.
“Do whatever you need to do.”
The next test takes longer. I have to remove my clothes and Vesi fits some kind of strange blanket over my breasts and hips, leaving my abdomen exposed. A hinged arm folds down from the ceiling, with something that looks like a translucent screen on the end. Vesi positions it over me.
“This will be painless, but I need you to remain as still as possible.”
“How long until we know?”
“Twenty minutes—maybe 30. It’s going to run a scan and then work to match the results with any of the species aboard this ship. It’s the matching process that might take a while.”
I cringe, wondering if knowing what’s inside of me will bring answers or more questions. Could something have found me before Valens d
id and impregnate me while I was in stasis? But that wouldn’t explain the gestational period. Or…has someone assaulted me without my knowledge since I’ve been aboard the Salutation? I think of some of the scarier aliens I’ve seen walking around the ship and I fight back more tears.
Vesi watches the monitor. I know that more than 30 minutes has passed and with every second, my unease multiplies.
“Talk to me. It must be telling you something by now,” I plead, and Vesi doesn’t look like someone with good news to bare. Though I don’t think any news would be good at this point…
“The system has already ruled out 93% of the species aboard the Salutation. Humans included.”
“So, I’m five weeks along and it’s not human. I guess that means Leninger is off the hook—for this crime at least.”
When the computer beeps at us, it’s a sound too grating to be a good omen. “What is it?”
“I’m sorry, Andrea. There’s no DNA match to anything aboard this ship.”
“My God, Vesi, what does that mean?”
“I have no idea. I’m going to have to widen the parameters to all known species. This could take a while.”
Fear and confusion are like weights in my belly and I stare blankly at the ceiling.
“Now, I’m not trying to push you, Andrea…but when are you going to tell Valens?”
I’ve got no answer for her. All this safety Valens and I have built together, the dream of what our lives were going to be—it’s been shattered. How many times can I be broken and put back together, I wonder?
A chime at the door interrupts my thoughts and I jolt upright on the exam table, clutching the blanket over my chest.
“Don’t worry. I’ll take care of this,” Vesi assures me, going to the panel beside the door.
“What is it?” she asks.
