by Darrell Bain
Lyda stood up slowly and took a step. She bounced slightly, stepped again and held onto the back of an upright seat. Curious, she fished into her backpack for a preserved bush berry. She held it out, then dropped it and counted the seconds in her mind as it fell. “About a sixth of earth's gravity,” she said to the others, who had been watching.
“That's the same as the moon!"
“Doesn't mean it is the moon."
Lyda let the others argue; she simply waited to see what would happen next. It came quickly, with the entrance irising open. It was butted into a hallway lightly padded with a gray colored foamy substance which made walking easier in the light gravity. Those who didn't care for the bouncing motion could use padded stanchions along the walls.
This is all very curious, Lyda thought; for a change, the aliens seem to be going out of their way to care for us rather than see us hurt. Two others were in front of her; the rest behind. Lyda followed impatiently. She wanted to get the waiting over with and find out what was in store for them. The bouncing walk along the hallway continued for what she judged to be about a quarter mile. Before long, she and most of the others were using the “kangaroo hop", pioneered by the Apollo astronauts long ago.
The hall opened into a great two-storied lobby like a vintage, five star hotel, only bigger. The lobby was filled with humans by the score but none were stopping to stare; they were all moving. Lyda found out why a second later when a gentle but irresistible force surrounded her and propelled her across part of the lobby.
“Lyda!"
She recognized the voice. Leo! She frantically looked around and spotted him, but he was no more able to stop than anyone else. She was taken on across a span of the lobby floor and into an open entrance. Others in front of her were being forced into it and disappeared upward, legs flapping uselessly as they flew out of sight.
Here's where the bad stuff starts, Lyda thought, but she was wrong. As soon as she was inside, she took wingless flight into the space above. The trip was over with so quickly, she hardly had time to feel the weightlessness. She was stopped by the same gentle force, then propelled down another hallway. This one was interrupted at irregular intervals by what looked to be arched entrances with closed doors. She passed several, then was turned into one. She braced herself for an impact, but then passed harmlessly through the opaque entrance as if no barrier was present.
The force stayed with her long enough to get her to the middle of a room, which resembled a sitting room in a luxurious, very expensive hotel suite. It deposited her beside a very comfortable looking chair. Attached to one arm was a large upright screen. It blinked invitingly, as if beckoning her to sit down. She shrugged and did so. The screen swung around in front of her and settled at comfortable eye level. She looked into it and found herself staring into an endless black depth. It seemed to widen and deepen and move forward, drawing her into its embrace as easily and gently as a bride being folded into her husband's arms on her wedding night.
* * * *
Lyda never knew how long she was out. It could have been seconds or days for all the sense of time passing she experienced. What was important was the knowledge imparted into her mind while she was in the seat.
Lyda learned she was indeed on the moon, somewhere on the face turned away from earth, in an underground cavern designed especially for human habitation. She was one of perhaps a thousand persons there, the only survivors from tens of millions captured by the aliens and put through trials that would have shaken the courage of David and the patience of Job. It was a winnowing process, as Lyda and others had suspected—but never knew the reason why or for what. Now, she did.
The aliens were an elderly species which had evolved into a magnificent star-spanning civilization. They had spread throughout the galaxy over millions of years. Now they were intent on much greater accomplishments in other parts of the universe, perhaps even in different dimensions. There was no way to impart this knowledge to humans; it would have been like showing a set of logarithm tables to an unlettered savage. Lyda understood that they were leaving, but anything else about their future purpose was completely unfathomable to the human mind, even such improved minds as the survivors possessed.
This galaxy was to be left for humans, the species they had picked as one with the most potential for growth. The winnowing of millions of individuals down to the ones here was simply their way of selecting the best of the best—the most courageous, the most cunning, intelligent, compassionate, strong-minded and thoughtful humans possible—and imbuing them with ever better powers of mind and body as they survived each trial. Lyda could look back now and see the purpose of each situation they had been thrown into; to suffer, endure, care for or dominate their fellows, and live, if they could. Now she even knew why so many had been killed outright. The aliens had chosen a random cross section of humanity and disposed of the first ones, those who had little potential for growth, as casually as a rancher culling a herd of cattle. The rest were sent to the same kind of harsh environments Lyda had seen. Once the survivors were transported from there, the aliens departed earth, but only to a series of giant orbiting globes where they stayed, but never responded to repeated queries from earth authorities in any fashion whatsoever.
The changes the ultimate survivors had undergone were permanent, imbued in their genes, and capable of being passed on to their offspring—and to other humans as well. The new genes were all dominant, and encoded within the “nonsense” portion of their genomes. Actual evidence of just how superior they were now would be discernible only by the most minute scrutiny of the most comprehensive autopsy by the best pathologists in the world. Should they ever die through accidents, a possible but not likely fate, their bodies would appear normal. Otherwise, they could look forward to a lifespan of hundreds, possibly thousands, of years. In the meantime, they would live on earth among the rest of the population and gradually and clandestinely become the true rulers of humanity. They would guide its affairs into productive paths, get the environment back under control and prod the inhabitants of their planet into thinking of themselves as a species, rather than so many diverse divisions of race, religion and ethnicity. The Changes, Lyda learned, were no more than humans would have become able to induce in themselves, given only a few more decades—and assuming that no nuclear war occurred. Their offspring would inherit the increased strength of mind and body while the ordinary citizens of earth would gradually be brought up to their standards over many, many generations. At least that's what the aliens thought would happen; they wouldn't be around to see the results of their intervention.
The cavern on the moon was well hidden and would last for thousands of years with no need for maintenance. It was intended to be a secure place for them and their offspring to retreat for rest, relaxation and mingling with their fellows. The transports were equally long lasting and were stealthed for complete invisibility. No radar or human eyes would ever spot them as they went back and forth between the earth and the moon.
The last bit of information Lyda remembered being implanted into her mind was the knowledge of how to use her thoughts to control every aspect of their retreat on the moon, including the transportation system, how to use the screens attached to the chair to tune in television and radio broadcasts from earth and how to contact others in residence.
* * * *
Contact! Lyda blinked her eyes open. Gavin! She sent her thought out into the vastness of the residence and almost immediately met his incoming query. The first thing either of them had thought of was each other.
Gavin!
Lyda!
Their minds touched briefly and seconds later, Lyda was directing the force used for movement to hurry toward Gavin's suite. It was only as far as one hallway over. Seconds later, they were in each other's arms, their lips locked together as securely as their minds.
The thing Lyda noticed most was how much Gavin had grown, both mentally and physically, with a concomitant increase in strength and vitality. Si
nce they had last been together, he had progressed immensely from the quiet, competent young man she had known. He was at the peak of perfection as a human being now, as strong mentally and stronger physically than herself, his powers developed through trials she could sense had in some ways been worse than hers. Withal, there still existed the same basic core of the person she had fallen in love with, but now mature and every bit her equal.
When their lips finally parted, Lyda stared into his calm blue eyes and saw acceptance and desire there. And like her, a burning need to consummate their love.
* * * *
It was better than she had ever imagined it could be. The first trembling ecstasy of sex with Gavin was augmented and enhanced by their ability to merge their minds to an almost painful level of intensity, where every other concern in the universe took second place. It was entirely and completely wonderful, but Lyda knew experience would make it even better over time, if that were possible.
“I love you, Gavin. I love touching and holding you and being touched and held,” Lyda said dreamily while they lay together afterward, gently caressing each other. Both were still in a mild state of shock from the dazzling amount of pleasure they had received and given to each other during their union.
“I love you, Lyda. I was so afraid you wouldn't be here. I should have known that nothing could harm you. This is so beautiful, it's hardly bearable."
Lyda closed her eyes while he stroked her breast and the curve of her hip, feeling a shiver of renewed desire for him. She sighed.
“I wish we could stay here for a week, doing nothing else but learning all the ways to love each other,” she said.
“I know. But the rest of them are waiting on us."
“Yes.” Lyda agreed. “I guess if it has to be done, let's get it behind us. All the ones we haven't met will want to get a look at us, too."
The mental communication had come just moments ago, barely comprehended through their utter delight at the wonders of loving each other for the first time, both physically and mentally. Apparently, they had taken (or been given) more time with their reunion than most of the others.
Lyda gently disentangled herself and retreated for a moment to the sybaritic bathroom, one side of which was equipped with every device, lotion and bathing facility a female could ever want, while the other side was just as equally resplendent for men. Between the two sides was a bath big enough to masquerade as a small swimming pool, equally well equipped.
She came out and dressed in formfitting green slacks and white blouse, which she left open a third of the way down the front. The clothing had been produced for her in less than a minute and the fit was as perfect as anything she had ever worn.
This will take some getting used to, she thought. Every desire in the world at your fingertips—or at the beckoning of your mind. Of course, neither she nor Gavin would abuse their accommodations by neglecting their duties—including the painful one they were on the way to perform now. Gavin had also dressed. He was wearing blue trousers and a white shirt open at the throat in the same fashion as Lyda's. They presented an image remarkably similar to the native born Sabras from the glory days of the Israeli settlement era.
* * *
CHAPTER TWENTY
The great lobby was filled. Comfortable chairs sufficient to seat everyone had extruded from the floor and the crowd was seated. There was a palpable tension in the air. Even though the decision had already been made, it still had to be confirmed and carried out.
Lyda strode hand in hand with Gavin to a stage raised far enough from the floor so everyone could see them. As they passed down the aisle between the seats, she heard the sounds and sensed the thoughts of many of the individuals at the gathering. The results of the selection process that had taken place with the aid of communication devices while she and Gavin were involved in their reunion had surprised both of them; first, at the way surface thoughts of the whole community could be merged at once and a consensus agreed upon, and second, at the preference that had become known. She touched Gavin's mind momentarily, as much to reassure herself as him. Becoming the undisputed choice, along with Gavin, of the two people thought most capable of guiding the destiny of a whole planet and species was an honor Lyda had never imagined in her wildest dreams, but it was nevertheless, an accomplished fact. She made a vow right then to do her utmost to think and act in a way deserving the title of uncrowned queen of earth, consort to the equally crownless King Gavin.
They climbed the steps to the stage and turned to face the seated crowd. There were no cheers; the approval came in soundless waves of mind touches. Here and there, she could pick out the distinguishing thoughts of Leo, Rayne, Ivan and others she had known and worked with. Sadly, others were missing. She knew the same situation held true for Gavin; he had lost trusted friends and advisors to the vagaries of chance and danger just as she had.
She and Gavin talked with their voices, using them to seem more down-to-earth perhaps, even though it wasn't really necessary.
“Thank you,” Gavin said. “We will work as hard as we can for you and the people of earth."
“Yes, thank you all,” Lyda repeated. “It is an honor and a privilege for us to be picked for this duty. And as you have already demonstrated, with duty, comes responsibility.” Besides choosing them as their leaders, another process had taken place in the moments after that.
The last of the bullies, con men, and immoral strong men and women who had managed to somehow survive the trials had been separated out and segregated into one group. They were standing over to one side of the stage, being restrained by the group mind now controlling the force that propelled them to and from their quarters. There were several dozen of them, already condemned, but their ultimate disposal left for Gavin and Lyda to decide.
This was the one thing Lyda had dreaded before coming down with Gavin to accept the position of prime leaders of the planet earth. She and Gavin touched minds briefly, then spent several more moments examining the surly but cowed prisoners, who stared at them with resignation written on their faces. They already suspected what was in store for them. She and Gavin agreed on three men and two women who could possibly be rehabilitated. The rest, they condemned to death. Lyda hated making the final decision, but she didn't try to shirk from the duty.
Once the decision was made, the combined force of the assembled minds used the transport system to whisk the condemned prisoners out of the lobby and down into the bowels of their resort, where they would be euthanized and their bodies consigned to the recycling system.
Lyda turned to Gavin as soon as they were out of sight and lay her head on his chest. She knew there would probably be more decisions like this once they returned to earth, but she didn't have to like it and never would.
Gavin made their final announcement.
“We'll give everyone who wants it a two week vacation to renew old friendships and decide where on earth you want to work. Lyda and I approve of the choices you've already made for an advisory council. Until we learn to communicate at long range with our minds, we'd like everyone to stay here with us for two weeks after that, so we can get our first priorities set. That will also give everyone else time to decide which council members they can work with most efficiently and compatibly and what nations and peoples are most in need of our presence. After that, we can return to earth and begin to work toward the future."
Lyda nodded agreement and they walked back up the aisle between the seats. This time, there were cheers.
* * * *
The only work Lyda and Gavin allowed themselves during their two week honeymoon was to meet the new council, along with friends and advisors from the past, and to acquaint them with each other. Otherwise, they stayed in their suite, enjoying the delight of discovering the myriad ways a couple deeply in love with each other can please and be pleased by the merging of minds and bodies. Lyda practically glowed with happiness, even after they had to begin work. She didn't think living with Gavin and sharing duties and
responsibilities with him would ever grow old.
At the close of one of the first days following their honeymoon, after they had returned to their suite and made love, Lyda was stretched out on one of the big loungers with her head in Gavin's lap, where he was seated at one end. He had on a pair of briefs and she was dressed only in a pair of ultra comfortable panties of a soft, smooth material she couldn't identify but certainly enjoyed wearing. Gavin was gently caressing her breasts while across the room, they had on a news program from earth.
“Mmm. It's hard to concentrate on business with you doing that,” Lyda said. “I knew sex was supposed to be good, but I never imagined the experience would turn out to be so much better than the description."
“We'll have to move to a state other than Texas if we want to live together, though,” Gavin said.
“What! Oh, goodness. I've been so deliriously happy I didn't even stop to think of that. Of course! Age of consent for a girl is seventeen in Texas and I'm still sixteen!” Lyda thought for a second. “Oh well, we'll probably settle near Washington to be near the center of power anyway. I think the consensual age in Maryland is sixteen, and even if it's not, we can easily deflect inquiries. That does bring up another subject, though."
“Uh huh. The aliens have already left this galaxy forever. When we return and the authorities discover there's less than a thousand survivors from the millions taken prisoner, they will certainly put every single one of us under scrutiny and interrogation. There's going to be the notoriety to cope with, too. All this is something we're going to have to cope with. I'm sure some of the others have already thought of it, too. We'll have to bring it up for discussion."
The touch of Gavin's hand on Lyda's breast was so enticing, it made concentration on anything else almost impossible. She covered his hand with her own, pressing it to her but holding it still. Across the room, a news anchor was asking pundits why they thought the aliens had left the solar system so suddenly, whether they would be back and what they thought had happened to all the prisoners. There hadn't been nearly enough bodies left behind to account for them when the aliens had retreated five years ago.
