Taken by the Aliens

by Anna Lewis

  “Miss Tessa is using one of our quarters for privacy purposes,” Jindal was telling the Commander. The woman looked back in shape and ready to go.

  “Good morning Tessa, I apologize for interrupting but I came on an important matter. I need your help,” she said. The three of them traded glances. Tessa was not sure what to make of the Commander’s request for help, but when she explained her plan, Tessa was certain she knew what to think. The Commander had gone nuts.

  The next thing Tessa knew she was strolling through the mall with Lindesty. Chatting away and saying hi to people who greeted them. They were more well-known now and everyone wanted to say hello.

  “I am so glad the crisis is over, aren’t you?” one lady said. “I mean, I don’t think much of security that the scoundrels got off the station, but I am glad they are gone. Trade is opened back up and it is business as usual, right?” she asked Lindesty.

  “Absolutely and thank you,” she told the woman as they walked on.

  “So space sister. Will you be dancing much longer?” she asked her friend.

  “Not at all. I have three different job offers and all of them are day jobs for better pay with a better clientele,” she told her. Tessa giggled. It was a little nervously, but she figured, all things considered she was doing well.

  “What about you?” She was asked in return. “Do you know which way you are going or is perfume seller your calling?” Lindesty asked in return. Tessa grinned honestly at that.

  “I think I am going to take the Commander up on her offer. She is passionate about good relations with other races and I agree with that. So maybe the civilian side of the diplomatic office will be good. As long as I can stay on Station One. Do you want to stay?” she asked her friend as they made their way out of the mall and heading towards the park.

  “I really do Tessa. I would miss you and there seems to be no end to the work a diplomatic envoy can do here with all the races converging on this one spot is the galaxy,” she said firmly. Tessa was happy to hear that. She would miss Lindesty too. They made their way into the park. Tessa had always loved it here. Trees and grass, with the roof being as high as the sky almost. It was a special place and all races appreciated it. She wished she could really enjoy it more right then but she was too nervous. She could see Lindesty was too. Still, they played their part. They made their way to a quiet corner bench with leaves rustling under foot and had a seat.

  “This is good, I appreciate everyone’s attention, but it is nice to get away you know?” She said to her friend. Lindesty nodded agreement.

  “Yeah I do. You know I was thinking. After everything those assholes did, they didn’t actually accomplish any of their goals. It was a complete waste of time and life. I hope they get hung up in a tree,” she said viciously. Tessa almost looked around but managed to stop herself.

  “By the neck preferably,” she told her friend in return. They were both becoming tense. Tessa new it would happen anytime now and sure enough as soon as she thought that, it did. Lockley himself stepped from behind a tree with two men following him.

  “But it wasn’t a waste of time. It was so easy to fool the Commander into thinking we left the station. So we get to kill you two as payment for your interference and by the time your bodies are found we will have accomplished everything we came for,” he said with a vicious leer. What an ass, Tessa thought. She felt she should stand up for her friend and Commander of her home.

  “The Commander is stupid? You just proved you are,” she told them with a snarl as they pulled out weapons. “What makes you think the Commander thinks you left?” Tessa finished and held her hand, making a circle gesture. There was a creaking and whooshing sound that got their attention and then the fugitives were swooped up the air by a net that had been hidden beneath the leaves around the trees. Their weapons dropped and they cried out in rage. Commander Earhart and Chief McDonald came out from behind some bushes with a squad of security pointing blasters at the men in the net.

  “After everything that has happened it almost feels too easy,” The Commander said.

  “Easy?” Tessa said, as her fear slowly started draining away.

  “I’ll take it,” the Chief said with a growl as his men closed in to get the fugitives down.

  “How come you insisted on this trap Commander?” Lindesty asked. The woman glanced over at Tessa and her friend.

  “Well, you see, I figured any trap we set had to be scan proof. They have been too cautious for an average trap to work. This one has nothing that would be picked up as a trap. It is all natural rope and branches holding it together,” she told them.

  Sure enough once the men were down they were stripped of all equipment and there was a scanner. Tessa was impressed by the Commander’s ingenuity. As the terrorists were marched past them Lockley spat on the Commander. Tessa felt herself tense and take a step forward in anger as the guards all cried out in rage.

  “Enough, stand down,” the Commander shouted and everyone did as ordered. Lockley stood there defiantly and with no warning and at an almost impossible speed to follow, Commander Earhart swung her fist connecting squarely with the man’s jaw. There was a loud crack and he dropped unconscious. The guards cheered and Lindesty and Tessa did too. They watched as the men were led and carried away to the brig. Only the Commander, Tessa and Lindesty remained. The Commander turned to them with a smile that softened her features.

  “I want to thank you both for your assistance. I knew you were bait he would not be able to resist. Your bravery was impeccable. We were with you every step of course, but there is always the possibility of error so again I say thank you,” she said. Tessa blushed a little bit.

  “Happy to help get those people Commander. Will the trial be held here? I haven’t heard,” Tessa asked.

  “Damn right. Earth wanted the privilege but the Ambassadors insisted. They lost a lot of good people as much as we did. I think it is important to let people know that if you mess with Station One, be prepared for justice from Station One. We are rapidly approaching full capacity for residents and we are on almost every trade route now. We deserve to serve our justice. It is still an arm of Earth but we have to have some separation from Earth or none of this will work,” she said. It made sense to Tessa and Lindesty nodded.

  “Thanks Commander. Did you need us for anything else?” Lindesty asked. The Commander shook her head.

  “Not at all ladies. I meant it, what I said about your bravery. Do not be surprised if you receive a medal or something. I haven’t figured that out yet. A civilian honor maybe. Well see,” she said and walked off leaving them looking amazed. Tessa suddenly felt free. The crisis was over and the healing was already beginning. She felt energized and ready for anything. She took her friends arm and lead her off towards the main hub of the station.

  “Come on space sister,” she told Lindesty.

  “Where are we going?” she asked startled at Tessa’s sudden energy.

  “I don’t know, but there has to be someplace we can get into trouble!” she exclaimed and her friend laughed. Some days you just have to remember to be glad to be alive.

  Chapter Ten – A New Life

  “So, what you are saying is if we just approach them slowly and speak slower the negotiations will go smoothly?” the business man asked amazed.

  “That is it sir. You can compare it to a situation where someone comes right up to you and stands face to face, inches away. The Canluck do not like to be rushed. Other than that, they are a reasonable people and I know they have need of your trade,” Tessa told the man. He nodded and stood. She and the Commander did as well. They shook hands and he left happy.

  “Thanks Tess. I have explained it over and over but he wasn’t getting it. I think it is a case of my uniform getting in the way. Some people can’t see past it,” Commander Earhart said with a sigh going over to the bar in her office. She raised her eyebrows and a glass and Tessa decided why not.

  “Sure, thanks. Were any of his ships ever cau
ght where they shouldn’t have been Commander? He may assume that if you busted him before you would be setting him up for failure,” she told the taller woman as she handed her a glass. Tessa took a sip and smiled. The Commander knew where to get the good stuff.

  “You’re kidding?” she asked Tessa.

  “Nope. Guys like that would mess with anyone who they believed screwed with them. So they assume everyone else works the same way. The concept of a soldier’s honor is beyond some people,” she explained. The Commander nodded.

  “You have a point. So you have been on the job a few weeks now. What do you think? I imagine you are not getting much computer work.” Commander Earhart asked companionably. Tessa thought about it as they walked to the port in the officer’s office. Tessa would always love looking out at the stars.

  “I think I am loving it. I never really knew what I would end up doing once I got out here, but I am really enjoying it,” she said.

  “And Lindesty, is she having as much fun?” Earhart said with a grin.

  “She may bitch, but she is. Although having to go to the Gorgons’ home world for some training was a surprise,” Tessa said and laughed. “It is funny you know,” she finished staring out into space with a half-smile on her face.

  “What is?”

  “I was always the space happy one. Then she gets sent off and I stay here,” Tessa said with another laugh.

  “Do you want to go somewhere else?” Tessa thought about it and shook her head.

  “No, I don’t need to. I have enough space right there,” she said gesturing out the window. “Aliens around every corner and you never know what is going to happen next. Do I sound crazy?” she asked looking at the Commander.

  “Maybe a little but then so do I. By the end of my first year on station I was hooked. I can’t imagine being anywhere else. Anything I ever wanted to do with my life is happening here. We are rapidly becoming the center of the galaxy Tessa. This is a place for dreams. It worked for you and me, and Lindesty too,” she finished and Tessa agreed. She liked the idea. The place of dreams. They finished her drink and Tessa picked up her folders.

  “Was there anything else I could do for you Commander?” she asked before leaving.

  “Oh yes, I am glad you asked. Could you meet the Lither delegation in the morning? They are arriving early but I have a security briefing and frankly they prefer the diplomatic corps,” she said.

  “Sure, my morning is free. Did they book big enough rooms?” She asked.

  “What do you mean?” The Commander asked frowning.

  “They travel with their twelve wives,” she informed the Commander.

  “Twelve!” she exclaimed.

  “Yeah, they don’t leave home without them. It is a status thing. She said walking to the door.

  “Damn I couldn’t even handle two men,” the Commander said. Tessa managed to not blush when she looked back. The Commander was sitting at her desk with a twinkle in her eye. She knew about Tessa’s relationship, but never mentioned it.

  “It bet it is a juggling act,” she said and heard the Commander laugh as she went down the hall. She passed Chief McDonald on the way down.

  “How you doing Tess?” He asked.

  “Living the dream Chief. You?” she returned. He growled something unintelligible. That was the norm for the Chief of security. That was a job she would never want. She made her way home whistling softly to herself. The Station seemed even brighter these days. Welcoming and inviting. The Commander was right. The place was becoming the center of the galaxy and she got to play here. Life was amazing, she thought to herself. As soon as she got in her quarters she removed her jacket and hung it over the back of a bar chair. Her blouse followed, leaving her in her one piece under top and her gray skirt. She kicked her shoes off and went behind her bar. She decided on some Kindar wine. Her lovers got her some special from their home world. She had to remember to thank them properly. The thought made her giggle.

  “I don’t know what you did to get here girlfriend but keep it up. This is the life,” she said to herself and turned on some soft, ancient classical music. Tessa could not help grinning. She had been truthful with the Chief when she passed him in the corridor. She believed she was living the dream. She was not naïve enough to believe there would never be any more trouble. Some races were not pleased with all the attention being paid to Station One. Tessa didn’t care though. She was making a difference out here on the Edge and that was the important thing for her. She turned and got some munchies from the little refrigerator unit behind her and pulled out some chocolate.

  “A little relaxing, some snacking, and then it is time to find my boyfriends. As good as it gets,” she chortled to herself.

  “Is that so,” she heard a familiar voice and almost choked on her wine. Jobol and Jindal came walking out of the bedroom and she groaned and then cursed.

  “Damn, I am never going to get used to having more than one room quarters,” then she smiled at her friends.

  “How did you two get in here?” She asked getting out two more glasses.

  “You really should change your lock code from time to time,” the Ambassador said with a smile. He leaned over the bar and she gave him a kiss and then one for Jindal.

  “I will remember that. So how has your day been?” she asked pouring them some wine.

  “Good, good. We concluded a few negotiations on trade with the Gorgon. They are much easier to deal with since the crisis. I think they realize how much we need to stick together. It sounds like you had a good day too,” Jobol said after a sip of wine.

  “It was fantastic and still getting better. I never imagined I could be so happy. I am actually working more with the Commander than I thought I would be and that is going good to. I really like her. I could never do her job and she handles it so well. She is something of an inspiration for me,” Tessa admitted. Jindal held out his glass and they clinked a toast.

  “To inspiration. May we never run out of it,” he said with a loving smile that always warmed Tessa.

  “Indeed,” Jobol added.

  It pleases us to see you so happy darling. When we met, you were as beautiful as the Kilgar nebula. This evening you outshine the sun,” Jobol said and Jindal nodded. Tessa was never sure if she would get used to their extravagant compliments and wasn’t sure she wanted to. They always made her feel so good.

  “You two are a big part of that, I hope you know. The job and the prestige aside. You make my heart flutter in a good way. I hope I can do the same for you two,” she said honestly.

  “Every moment of every day. Don’t ever doubt it. So did you hear about the new arrival next week?” Jobol asked.

  “No, just the Lither tomorrow. I told the Commander I would meet them when they arrive, she has a security briefing,” she said.

  “Well the Earth embassy from Vega is stopping in on their way back to Earth. We just heard the Vegan neighbors, the Nartock are not happy about it. There was a problem during last year’s negotiations and the Nartock specifically blame the Vegan Earth delegates. Some muttering about weapons and the Prime Minister’s niece. I haven’t heard the specifics. If the Commander has come to rely on you, I imagine she will ask for your help once she learns of it,” Jobol said. As usual he knew things before anyone else. Jindal just snorted in amazement. He couldn’t figure out how his boss did it either.

  “It will be touchy?” Tessa asked.

  “You could say that,” Jobol returned. Tessa nodded and then pushed it aside. She would worry about it later. All part of the job.

  “Want some chocolate?” she said sliding the tray across the bar top and they pounced. She had introduced them to the sweet and they were hooked. They all three munched on the candy until there was one left and Tessa snatched it up.

  “No fair,” Jindal cried foul.

  “You two ate the whole box when I wasn’t looking last time. This one is mine,” she said and she tucked it in her top between her breasts.

  “You can�
�t have it,” she told them with a grin. They both chuckled and eyed her frame. Tessa could feel their energy and knew what was coming and she wanted it. She sipped her wine keeping an eye on them. They both pretended upset and then laughed and picked up their wine.

  “You know Little Tess, if I had known you strip off your clothes when you come in the door I would have started breaking in here weeks ago,” Jindal said. Jobol and laughed and Tessa grinned.

  “No doubt. I look forward to it,” she told them. “So how does the rest of your week look? I was going to take a few days off at the week’s end. I haven’t had a day off since I started two weeks ago,” she asked. They looked at each other.

  “I think something could be arranged. What were you thinking?” Jindal asked.

  “I was thinking about the Star Suites. They are expensive, but I think I can spring for a night. I have heard they are spectacular. They are right against the hull and the ceiling is clear so you can see nothing but the stars,” she told them and her voice echoed with her excitement for the idea. They both grinned.

  “Then we will have to arrange it my dear. I have never been to one and I am a little surprised at myself. I would like to see it,” Jobol said and Tessa was ecstatic they like the idea. This whole having money thing was fun, she thought. Jindal was looking at her curiously, suddenly.

  “What’s up sport?” She asked him smiling.

  “I think, I would like, some chocolate,” he said and leaned quickly over the bar and picked her up and brought her over the bar. She laughed in a shriek as he lay her across his shoulder and started for her bedroom. She lifted her head from against his back and saw the more dignified Jobol following with a smile.

  “I will make you work for it,” she cried out as they entered the bedroom.

  THE END