by Terri Lane
“I hope Tessa, that you do not feel we took advantage of you,” Jobol said.
“No, you didn’t. I wanted it to,” she responded happily.
“That is good. No such experience should ever come from anything but willingness,” Jindal said.
“Then we did it right,” Tessa said. She could feel herself beginning to sink into her exhaustion, realizing she had been up for over twenty-four hours. She was surprised it had taken this long. She hated to say so but she felt she needed to go back to her quarters and rest. The two Kindar agreed. She was sure they had work they were delaying due to her presence. Now that the moments were over she needed to figure out what just happened.
***
“Hey Lindesty. Sorry it took so long to get back to you. It has been a wild day,” Tessa told her friend when she got her on the line. Tessa had been walked home by Jindal. Once there she had got cleaned up and changed into her pajamas and a robe. Her hair was in a ponytail and she was ready to call it a day. She had been shocked to see that her lovemaking with the guys had lasted for several hours. She had thought it was over far too quickly!
“I am just glad you are okay. The Ambassador’s aide let me know you were all right. In fact, I have been meeting many Ambassador aides today,” she said with a mischievous smile.
“What do you mean? Did you do something reckless too?” Tessa said with a grin and a sip of tea. It wasn’t as good as the Kindar tea, but it was soothing.
“Me, hell no. The Alien Quarter is abuzz about the human who saved an alien. Many of them want to throw you a dinner tomorrow night,” she said and Tessa sighed. She had been approached by several delegations on her way back to her quarters. She had a sudden inspiration.
“I know. How would you like to join me Lindesty? I was told I could bring a friend and I could sure use your support,” she said and enjoyed the shock on her friend’s face.
“Are kidding, really?” She asked.
“Of course. You have been my best and only friend on Station One since day one. I don’t see a problem if you are into it,” Tessa told her. Lindesty smiled softly.
“You are an easy friend to have Tess. I would love to go. Boss man won’t mind me missing a shift. One of his dancers at a meeting of Ambassadors can only be good promotion for the dance hall,” Lindesty said with a giggle. Tessa joined her laughter.
“Great. How about breakfast in the morning and we can figure out what to wear?” Tessa asked. Lindesty agreed.
“Good idea. You look exhausted. I want to hear all about it then though, right?” Lindesty responded.
“You bet girlfriend. You will love it. Talk to you then,” Tessa said. Lindesty agreed and they ended the conversation. She stood with a sigh and her door notice chimed.
“Who’s there?” She called out.
“Commander Julia Earhart Miss Sealand,” came the reply. What? Tessa thought. Just what I need.
“Come,” she called and the door opened and the Commander walked in. She was out of uniform wearing a red blouse and slacks with a blue vest. Her hair was free and falling around her shoulders. She really was a beautiful woman, Tessa thought, she could still see the strength and control in the woman’s green eyes. She didn’t need a uniform for that.
“Good evening Commander, how may help you?” Tessa said. Trying her best to be formal. This woman ran the station and was Earth’s representative in all the decisions made on Station One. “Can I get you anything?” she asked before realizing she really didn’t have anything to give her.
“That is alright. I wanted to check in and see how you are doing. Before I got off duty I was informed you had returned home. You look pretty beat if I may say so,” the Commander told her. Tessa smiled and nodded.
“It has been a long day, but no worries. I haven’t crashed yet,” she told the woman.
“You are a tough young woman Miss Sealand. I reviewed the incident tapes from last night. You did a good job against the perpetrators. You may have noticed it created quite a stir,” she said with a quirky smile. Tessa laughed and the Commander joined her. They sat on the little sofa Tessa had managed to scrounge.
“Yeah. I didn’t mean for it too. I actually met the Kindar Ambassador’s aide at work earlier yesterday afternoon. When I saw him laying out like that I just had to try and help. I didn’t realize everything that was going on,” she told her. The Commander nodded.
“I wouldn’t have expected you to. I wanted to thank you for your efforts however. This upcoming conference is an important one and you brought to light an attempt to break alien security on the station. If you hadn’t done so, I believe Jindal would have been killed and disposed of. We would not have known why until the perpetrators’ plan came to fruition. Knowingly or not you did Earth and all others on the station a favor,” she said with a firm nod.
“Except the perpetrators themselves,” Tessa said and she felt she had just realized something important. The Commander pointed out what that was.
“Indeed. Because of that I have placed loose security around your quarters. Tomorrow you may notice some station personnel shadowing you. It is possible that whoever is behind this plot will want to take revenge,” she said and Tessa felt a knot of fear appear in her gut.
“I hadn’t thought about that until just now. Do you think I am in much danger?” She asked the Commander. She managed to keep the trembling out of her voice.
“Maybe, Maybe not. If it were me, I wouldn’t go near you. It would be a dead giveaway, however, criminals do not always think strategically. It is just a precaution. I have also noticed that the Kindar and Gorgons have more of their security out and about in this area so they are probably thinking as I am,” she informed Tessa. Tessa’s eyes widened.
“Shit,” she swore without thinking. The Commander grinned.
“Don’t worry Tessa, there are plenty of people who desire your safety and you should be okay. How are you with everything?” she asked. She looked concerned. Tessa was not sure why.
“I am struggling with it, to be honest Commander. I am not an important person so all of this attention is new to me. All I was trying to do was help someone out and suddenly I am a celebrity. It is strange,” Tessa admitted. The Commander nodded sympathetically.
“About ten years ago I was on patrol in sector twenty-two and came across a ship under fire from a raider. The raider wasn’t that strong and I chased it off. It turned out that the ship I saved was from the Lantel sector and all of the sudden I was being praised for a simple thing. I get what you are feeling,” she said. Tessa nodded, liking that they had that in common at least. It made the formidable woman easier to relate to.
“May I ask how you dealt with it?” Tessa asked.
“At first I was overwhelmed but it occurred to me the opportunities that arose from it were substantial and it enabled me to get where I wanted to be. I am a big believer in Earth making friends with the greater Galaxy. I think it is because of that, I got my current assignment. So I would suggest you try and see this as an opportunity. Jindal irritated Norton by saying how much good your actions did for Earth/Alien relations but he was right. These days are uncertain ones for Earth and there is a lot of worry that we are getting too close to other races. I do not agree, but it has caused some hard feelings. Your actions, intentional or not, have eased some of those feelings on both sides of the issue. I can see some opportunities coming your way soon. You may even receive one from me,” she said and that surprised Tessa again.
“What do you mean Commander?” Tessa asked.
“Earth has a civilian arm of the diplomatic corps and it is hard to find true believers in the cause for Earth/Alien relations. After the conference is over and things have calmed down around here I may be able to offer you a post with the diplomatic corps. I understand they don’t have to many computer experts on staff, and your reputation would do them some good as well. Think about it,” she finished and Tessa could honestly say she would not forget it.
“Anyway I am glad
to see you are doing alright. I will let you get some rest. I hear you have a dinner tomorrow night. I would suggest you just relax and take it as it comes,” she said and they stood. The woman seemed very aware of the stress Tessa was feeling and was kind enough to help her with it.
“I really appreciate you stopping by Commander. You didn’t have to do it, but I am glad you did,” she told her honestly.
“Good, then so am I. If you hear or see anything you think might be relevant to the attempted sabotage I would appreciate it if you let me know,” she said. Tessa agreed firmly.
The next morning Tessa felt rested and ready for the day. She had breakfast with Lindesty and then they went shopping. She had filled her friend in on her adventures. Lindesty was alternately worried about Tessa and delighted for her. Especially her budding relationship with the Kindar Ambassador and his aide. They stopped for a mocha and got a seat at the deli. It gave them a chance to set down their packages. They had decided to buy new outfits for the dinner.
“So what do you think about yesterday?” Lindesty asked. That was a vague question that could cover anything that had happened, but Tessa knew her friend was talking about her time with the Kindar.
“What do you mean?” she hedged.
“You know what I mean,” Lindesty said with a cute, knowing smile. Tessa giggled.
“I am not sure. I really like them both and they seem to have a good handle on life. I am hoping when things settle down I can explore the possibilities some more,” she said with a comical leer and they laughed again.
“I bet. Have you thought about all the possibilities coming your way? The Commander has some ideas it sounds like. I am sure there are several alien delegations that would love to hire you as a liaison for their people. I studied political science in school remember. Hell, I would not be surprised if Earth government itself were to make you an offer to work directly for them. Good PR is good PR,” Lindesty explained. Tessa had forgot that her friend was a political science major. She almost never talked politics.
“You’re kidding, Earth?” she asked. Lindesty did not laugh.
“Damn right. There is plenty of resistance back home and plenty of bigots and muckrakers stepping up to cause problems. You could be a good image for the administration to have for their policies of peace,” she pointed out. Tessa knew her friend was right. It was not unheard of.
“They would want me back on Earth though uh?” Tessa commented.
“Probably,” was the response. Tessa sipped her chocolate drink with a happy sigh and then shook her head.
“Not happening Lindy. I love it out here. I mean look at the view,” she said gesturing at the mall’s open area. There was an even assortment of aliens and humans making their way about their day and it was wonderful as far as Tessa was concerned. Then she saw a man she recognized. She had sold him a load of perfume the other day before everything went chaotic. She frowned slightly. The man saw her looking at him and quickly sidestepped behind a shop stall. He was hiding from her. Why would he do that? She felt like she was missing something but couldn’t figure out what.
“What is wrong space sister?” Lindesty asked to get her attention.
“I am not sure. I just saw somebody. Want to take a walk?” She asked standing. Lindesty shrugged and they picked up their packages and her friend followed her across the mall. Tessa went quickly around the stall that the man had disappeared behind. There was a corridor leading off towards the outdoor section.
“This way,” Tessa said to Lindesty.
“Okay. But where are we going?” she asked.
“I saw a guy I sold some perfume to the other day, but when he saw me he almost ran. It is strange and I am wondering why,” she said.
“It does seem strange. You are a celebrity now. You would think they would want to be seen with you,” she told Tessa. Tessa would have scoffed at it but the first part of their morning they had been stopped by alien and humans alike saying hello. She had never met most of them. This guy she had met, and that was why it felt strange. They went down the corridor being led by their curiosity. Just as they were entering the open park area a man shouted and four men jumped out from the side corridors with blades in their hands. Lindesty screamed for help and Tessa threw her packages at the closest ones, distracting them.
“Not the clothes!” her friend yelled. Tessa kicked out and connected with one of her attackers in the groin. He screamed and dropped to the floor as expected. Tessa then spun and struck another man, who was reaching for Lindesty, in the ribs with a solid punch. He grunted and sidestepped. Tessa heard a whine and spun again in terror. It was the sound of a hand blaster charging up. She dropped into a crouch in front of Lindesty as one of the men pointed the blaster at the two of them. Tessa held her breath as the barrel started to flare up for a shot at her. Then, out of the same side corridor the men had jumped out of, came a man and an alien moving at full speed into the assailant as he shot. Tessa felt a burn along her ribs and screamed in pain, going down. She felt foggy as the pain seemed to engulf her whole body. She thought she heard Lindesty screaming curses at someone. She started to smile. Give ‘em hell sister, she thought and then darkness took her.
***
“How is the patient, Doctor Hanson?” the Commander asked striding into the med bay.
“I am fine,” Tessa said, trying to beat the Doctor to the punch.
“She is okay and if she takes care of herself she may be back on her feet in a day or so,” the Doctor said shooting a look at her. Tessa sighed.
“Okay, I am working on being fine. I feel much better Commander. Really. It just grazed me,” Tessa told her. The Commander nodded but cocked her head studying Tessa.
“Uh huh. I have been grazed by one of those little pocket blasters. Are you sure you are even okay?” she asked. Tessa blushed slightly remembering the pain.
“I am now. I will admit it hurt more than anything I have ever felt, but now, well, the Doctor is good at what he does,” she finished lamely and embarrassed.
“At least someone recognizes my brilliance” The doctor grumbled. He was a stocky, bald man in blue scrubs with glasses.
“I have heard your report Tessa, and I must say I am changing my opinion,” the Commander said, ignoring the doctor.
“From what to what?” Tessa could not help asking.
“Well I initially thought you may be in some danger. I want to append that to definitely in danger,” she said and Tessa stared at her for a moment and then cracked up, appreciating her timing. Lindesty was sitting on the other side of the room. She stood and approached with a slight smile.
“I am glad to see we are all up to speed Commander,” she said. She had caught even less of the blast then Tessa and had been patched up as well.
“Miss Harwood, you are okay also?” the Commander asked her.
“She is fine,” the Doctor said for her. Lindesty chuckled and nodded.
“Good to hear. I am going to put you both in protective custody on recommendation of Security Chief McDonald,” the Commander said and Tessa frowned.
“But Commander, I have an appointment for tonight,” Tessa said.
“Are you sure you want to go through with that? I admit it will be heavily guarded but it is still riskier than keeping you in safe quarters. Both of you actually,” she said with a glance at Lindesty. Tessa’s friend nodded.
“I understand Commander. Except all things considered and if Tessa is willing, going to the appreciation dinner might be a good idea,” Lindesty said. Tessa was surprised and felt her eyebrows raise.
“How so?” the Commander asked curiously.
“Well ma’am, I learned in school that if your adversary expects you to do one thing, then it is best to do something else. I don’t like the idea of Tess being in danger, but like you said, there is going to be security all over the place. It will be hard for anyone to get close to either of us. Not that I think I am in much danger. I am just a passerby so to speak,” she finished.
“Noted, Doctor. I don’t like it either, truth be told. It is however a good idea and strategically sound. You are a political science major Miss Harwood?” She asked Lindesty.
“Yes, I was,” she answered. The Commander nodded.
“Politics and battle have similar rules. Very well, I agree with your plan. Until that time, you both have been invited to stay in the Alien Quarter. It would not be good for us to refuse that invitation. I think you can be assured of your safety. Can you think of any reason why your previous customer would try and lead you down the corridor Tessa?” The Commander said and Tessa blinked. She hadn’t thought of that possibility.
