by Jerry Belvo
Slowly they made their way through security and took the train to AB@ concourse to wait for their plane to arrive. It wouldn’t be long now until they boarded the plane for San Francisco, then to Taipei and on to Bali.
*
As the black Ford sedan pulled out of the airport parking lot, Jones and Cleaver discussed what just happened.
Jones remarked. ASomeday Cleaver, he is going to slip up and I’m going to take him down. I would have punched his lights out today except there were too many witnesses.@
ASure,@ she commented. ASure you would.@ She thought for a second then spoke. AHow long have we been working together?@
AOh, about five years, I guess. What does that have to do with Jeff,@ he inquired?
AWe’ve been tracking star children here in Denver all that time and why is Jeff the only one you get so upset over? You don’t talk that way about anyone else?@
Jones wasn’t going to say anything but he was finally beginning to trust Cleaver after five years of working together. AHe reminds me of my Dad,@ he whispered under his breath.
AReally Jones,@ she turned to him questioningly. AHow so?@
AHe was always pushing my buttons, testing me. My dad never stood up for me or told me I did a good job. He never gave me credit for anything. Jeff is just like him. He comes across as goody-two-shoes, but I know who he is behind that mask. He isn’t fooling me.@ Jones had never opened up to her before, in fact, he had never told anyone, not even his other two wives. ADon’t you tell anyone, Cleaver!@
AI won=t,@ she assured him. AIt’s just between the two of us. We are partners.@ They drove back into town deep in thought, finally she broke the ice. AJones, I’m hungry. Let’s get something to eat?@
ASo am I,@ he spoke up. AAll of a sudden I’m starving. How about a nice big juicy burger and fries?@
*
At the AIA headquarters in Washington D.C., Chief Brown called his staff together. Several agencies were concerned about a web site out of Australia publishing information on star children, suggesting it be shut down, not wanting the public to know that aliens exist. It was getting too much attention. What they needed was a worldwide crack down, but if they did, there could be a public outcry as these people were helping the poor and healing the sick. Whatever they did it would have to be done delicately.
One of the staff members brought up the Indonesia incident, and it was agreed to send a representative there to get the facts. Maybe they could find out what was behind the arrests.
The Chief then explained. AGovernment officials are pushing for a crackdown in these star children. They feel they would eventually wreck the economy if they got too much power. These aliens are highly educated, and have high paying jobs in medicine and other technical fields. As their numbers multiply they will start influencing larger groups with their peaceful demeanor.@
Chapter 13
A short distance from the beach in Bali nestled in the trees, Jeff and Sarina were settling into separate bungalows. The ambiance of thatched roofs, bamboo furniture and a colorful decor overwhelmed them. She had dreamed of this moment all her life, a perfect setting, alone with Jeff on a romantic island. It was late afternoon and the sun would soon be setting in the ocean. Her Grandfather had told her about a green ball that appeared for an instant when it took its final plunge. She wanted to experience that moment with Jeff. Quickly putting on her bathing suit she hastened to his bungalow.
AJeff,@ she hollered almost out of breath. AWant to go for a walk?@ She heard him walk across the floor and turn the door knob. The moment she had been waiting for a long time was finally here. She smiled, noticing his manly physique? AThe sun will be setting soon.@
She was wearing a two piece Polynesian designed outfit with a black background created for a South Seas adventure. AYou look sexy!@ He remarked. He had seen Sarina in a bathing suit at Water World, but he hadn’t noticed how beautiful she really was until now. It must be the Islands. Then he realized what he had said, never having told any woman she was sexy, and he put his hand to his mouth, embarrassed.
AIt is okay, Jeff. Women like to hear it.@ She remarked and laughed at his timidity. AAre you ready? The sun will be setting soon.@
ASure,@ he replied. AI’m ready.@ Together they headed down the path towards the beach.
The beach had just been manicured in front of the resort and their footprints were the only ones left behind. As they walked Sarina, feeling romantic, put her arm around Jeff=s waist and looked up into his eyes. AAre you having fun,@ she asked?
He gazed back at her. AI now understand why people fly half way around the world for a moment like this. This is the most beautiful place I’ve ever been to, and I’m so happy we didn’t cancel. We’ll have to do something special for your Grandpa when we get back to Denver.@
ALet’s forget about Denver right now. It’s so far away. Just enjoy the moment.@
Her arm felt good around him and he put his around her shoulder bringing them closer together. ASarina, I’ve never told you this, haven’t told anyone, not even Bobby, but I’ve never been with a girl before. I don’t know what to do first. I’m embarrassed.@
AThat’s alright, Jeff. Remember how fanatical the teachers were about young people having sex before marriage? Mom said that when she was going to school sexual promiscuity was the in thing, and most kids lost their virginity before they graduated. When the AIDS epidemic began it made everyone think twice before having intercourse without a condom, and now they are teaching chastity in schools.@
ANo, Sarina, it’s not quite like that. I admire beautiful women, but I don’t get sexually stimulated by them. In high school the guys used to tell stories and show pictures of naked woman. They’d get aroused, but I never did. Bobby kept pornographic magazines in his car which we passed back and forth, but they didn’t do anything either. I thought maybe I was gay, but boys didn’t turn me on either. I feel close to everyone, but I don’t feel sexual towards them. Maybe it’s my being a star child,@ Jeff said.
AWell, maybe you just haven’t been with the right person,@ she suggested. They had walked quite a ways from the resort and were now on the public beach. Seagulls were flying overhead. A boat had been pulled onto the sand, and fishermen were peddling their catch of the day. They turned to avoid the crowd.
Jeff continued. AThat could be the reason, but I truly am embarrassed. What if I can’t perform? I would hurt the woman’s feelings and never touch another person.@
ANo, Jeff, with the right woman it wouldn’t make any difference. Although everyone wants a sexual relationship, many women are willing to settle for intimacy because of the love and the devotion their partner offers.@
AI hadn’t thought of that.@ Jeff replied as he relaxed. He leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. AI do have feelings for you,@ he whispered in her ear. If you are willing we could try?@ He trusted her and knew he’d be safe.
She smiled up at him. AMaybe we could do that. Oh, look,@ she exclaimed. AThe sun is setting. Let=s watch it.@ They stood there, arm in arm, watching as the sun lowered itself into the water. When it had disappeared Sarina squealed with delight. AI saw it!@
AYou saw what,@ he asked mimicking her excitement?
AI saw the green flash when it hit the water. When the sun sinks below the horizon it gives off a green flash, but it only lasts a second. You have to watch closely. I didn’t believe it, when Grandpa told me. He’d been here several times with a lady friend after he retired, and it was one of his greatest thrills. It’s too bad he couldn’t come with us. Tomorrow let’s look again. Maybe you’ll see it then. Are you ready to head back? It’ll be dark soon.@
She turned him around and they retraced their footprints talking and caressing each other as they headed back to the resort. Sarina thought, tonight is the night. She could finally relax with her man and who knows. Jeff=s behavior had justified to her why he hadn
’t approached her romantically before. If he was to be her mate, she might have to settle for intimacy but no passion the rest of her life. Could she do that? She would have to wait and see what surprises this vacation had in store for her. Would you like to come to my hut,@ she suggested?
He nodded and followed her to her bungalow.
A breeze coming down from the mountain brought with it the fragrance of tropical flowers, and a worker was lighting the oil lamps along the path. In the distance a lonely vessel signaled its approach, and the moon was washing the waves with silver. He opened the door allowing her to step through. Once inside she embraced him kissing him lightly. Running her arms down his back and across his buttocks, she brought them back up his front pausing momentarily at his pecks. He imitated her motions, each time going a little further. Finally she opened her mouth and ran her tongue between his lips as the caressing continued.
Night had set in and the only light was coming from the torches outside. Sarina unfastened her swim suit, dropping it to the floor. He saw her beautiful figure by the light streaming through the window. He slid his shorts down over his hips and let them drop. AThis is the first time I have done this in front of a woman,@ he remarked. AI’m embarrassed.@
It was the first time for Sarina also, and she was having second thoughts. What if he didn’t really like her that much? She would be giving herself to someone needlessly instead of saving it for marriage. But, after she saw him naked and him semi-aroused, she decided to continue her quest. This time he stepped up to her running his hands over her body, kissing her, and parting her teeth with his tongue. Breathing heavily he caressed her breasts as she ran her hands all over him. The more she stimulated him the more aggressive he became. Finally he led her willingly to the bed and they laid together in slow motion, lips never parting.
Suddenly Sarina sat up. ADo you have a condom,@ she asked?
He hadn’t thought of it, had never owned one. In the moonlight he looked at her and replied, ANo, I don=t have one.@
Then she smiled, saying. ADon’t fear. I came prepared.@ She crossed the room and took a small package out of her purse handing it to him. AHere, try this on for size.@
He laughed. AWhen did you start buying condoms?@
She answered without flinching. ALast week. I told one of my girl friends I was going to Bali with a man and she insisted I buy some, but I was embarrassed when the clerk rang them up.@
AIs this the Sarina I know,@ he asked teasingly?
She had dreamed of this moment, knew exactly what she wanted from him, and led him in all the right moves. Romance filled the air as they passionately massaged the pillows, the folds of the bed and everything in between. Jeff had conquered his fear and was fully enjoying his new found manhood. He had traded his lost alien abilities for new exciting earthly ones.
*
The next morning they realized they had totally spaced out dinner the night before and were starving. Jeff went to his bungalow to shave and shower first. He couldn’t wipe the smile off his face as he shaved. Lips swollen, his skin was red around his mouth, and he was having a hard time maneuvering his facial muscles for the razor. Finally he completed his morning ritual and joined her for breakfast.
AYou look radiant this morning Sarina,@ Jeff remarked.
AYou don’t look so bad yourself,@ she replied laughing at his razor nicked-face. Let=s eat.@ Breakfast was a buffet of fresh fruits and pastries. They sat at a table smiling at each other slowly munching their food. Anyone observing them would have thought they were honeymooners.
Today they were going snorkeling. At the registration desk they made arrangements for scuba gear and were directed to the boat that would take them to a special area where a ship had sunk during World War II. Jeff questioned whether they could dive deep enough in scuba gear and was assured the ship laid in shallow water.
That evening they attended a luau in town and returned to the resort late.
ALet=s sleep in my hut tonight,@ he suggested.
AThat’s fair.@ She replied and returned to his hut shortly wearing a thin black-lace negligee.
AYou look beautiful,@ he sighed. She smiled, glad she had pleased him. Before settling in for the night they sat on the bamboo couch quite a while holding each other before Jeff broke the silence. ASarina, I have known you longer than any other girl, and you’ve been a good friend. I hid my true feelings for you because I was afraid I couldn’t perform, and didn’t want to disappoint you. I don’t have to worry anymore and feeling the way I do, I want you to be a permanent part of my life.@
AI feel the same way, Jeff. As a little girl I followed you around because I liked playing with you, and I liked the attention you showed me. You were always so patient. When I did my psychic things, you didn’t make fun of me. Then I became a teenager and saw you in a different light. I wanted you to pay more attention to me.@ She paused, flashing her sparkling brown eyes at him, AI secretly wanted you to hold me and kiss me.@
AYou never told me!@ Jeff looked at her surprised. AI thought you were just a young girl in a ponytail with a crush on me. It wasn’t until after you graduated from high school and we started hanging out together, going dancing at the club, that I started having thoughts of a more intimate nature.@
AMy Grandpa knew there was more to our relationship. That was why he wanted us to take this trip. He wanted to bring us closer together.@ She reached down and stroked his thigh, slowly making her way towards his private area. He kissed her passionately then picked her up and laid her gently in the center of the bed. Dropping his shorts he lay down beside her.
The next morning over breakfast Jeff told her about getting his own apartment when he got back to Denver. AYou could even move in, if you want,@ he suggested?
AAre you asking me to marry you, Jeff? I don’t know if I want to live with someone I’m not married to. Besides I want to get my degree before I start planning a wedding.@
AYes, I want to marry you, but I’m afraid to tie the knot at this time knowing the negative energy my life is drawing. The last thing I want is for the AIA to intimidate or harm you. I’ve seen how they treated my Mother. I couldn’t handle it.@
ALet me worry about that Jeff. We will discuss it later.@
*
They were into the second week of their vacation when Jeff realized he needed to contact the charity he had been assigned. He used the resort phone to call. The voice at the other end of the line answered, AKeith Langley here.@
Jeff introduced himself, stating where he was staying and the gentleman said he would send a car for him at one o=clock. He invited Sarina to go with him, but she declined, saying she wanted to take advantage of the sun. Jeff=s fair skin hadn’t allowed him to stay out very long, and she wanted to get a good tan before going back to the States. AYou go right ahead. I’ll be here when you get back,@ she told him.
At one o=clock a car pulled up in front of the resort. The driver asked. AAre you Mr. Martin?@ Jeff nodded and sat in the front seat next to him. The driver maneuvered his way up the winding road through the mountains to the far side of the island, pulling up in front of a town of shacks. A short older man, skin weathered from long days in the sun, hobbled out of one hut and greeted him as he left the car.
AJeff Martin,@ he asked?
AYes, are you Keith Langley?@ Jeff hadn’t expected an American. He thought he would need an interpreter, but this guy spoke perfect English.
AAt your service,@ he replied shaking Jeff=s hand. ALet me show you around our humble facilities. Two dozen children were playing in the courtyard as several Polynesian women watched over them. The shacks all faced the courtyard. At the far end was a larger building Keith called the assembly hall.
They settled in a small outdoor area between the shacks. It held a table in a portico with a thatched roof over it. AI’ve put in a request for a grant to help with the ongoing needs
of this community,@ he ventured. AWe have lost some of our funding because there is unrest within the religious communities here on Bali. As you know this island is mostly Hindu and Buddha, but the Muslims would like to gain influence here. There are more tourists and more money here than on the other islands.@
Jeff asked. AWhat is the problem? Can’t they live in peace?@
The Keith explained, AIndonesia is mostly Muslim except for this island. Here the people still honor their ancestors. Their roots run deep and they don’t want to change. Muslims would like to convert them, and extremists are constantly stirring up trouble. On other islands they raided villages at night and beheaded their leaders.
AWhy haven’t we heard about it in the States,@ Jeff asked?
ABecause we don’t want the tourists trade to dry up. It’s our mainstay, our lifeline. Without the tourists the whole island would be out of work, and Jakarta gets a lot of tax revenue from Bali.@
AI see. And those who have contributed to your cause have been scared off.@ Jeff commented.
AExactly,@ he replied. AUp until two weeks ago I had help. Two people from France were here healing the sick. Word spread around the island and we got lots of donations from tourists and locals who came for the ceremonies. When the Frenchmen left the island, they were arrested. I think they are still in jail.@
ADid you say these two Frenchmen were healers,@ Jeff asked?
AYes, they healed a lot of people.@
ADid they have other unusual abilities as well? Were they star children?@
AI don’t really know what that term means.@
AWhere are they now?@ Jeff asked, having read about the arrest of the two Frenchmen on Bobby=s web site. He found it a bit unnerving that they actually healed people at the same mission.
AThey are being held in a jail in Jakarta.@
