Generations of Teelan Box Set

by G. E. Stills

  “I still don’t know why you turned down having an implant,” Trevor said.

  “Because I’m almost always somewhere I can be reached by regular phone and if I’m not the chances are I don’t want to be reached.” He smiled and winked. “And with that my wonderful but nosy family, I’m leaving.”

  The moment he was in his apartment, he looked at the time and called her anyway. He grinned when she answered right away. “So what have you been up to this evening?”

  “Just sitting here darning socks and waiting for some hunky man to call. But since you called, I guess I’ll have to settle,” she teased.

  “You don’t even know what darning socks means. As far as a hunky man, sorry it’s just me.”

  “You’re right, I don’t know what darning socks means. And, my love, you are very much a hunky man.”

  “I’d like to take you on a picnic tomorrow. What do you say?”

  “I say I haven’t ever been on one, but as long as you’re there I’ll go anywhere.”

  “Meet me here tomorrow at eight.”

  “What should I bring to this picnic?”

  “A swim suit, or not, and some easily removed clothes.”

  “Wow, sounds like I’m going to get naked on this picnic. Do you like me nay-kid?”

  “That is one of my favorite visions of you. Good night, sweetie. See you early in the morning.”

  ***

  She grinned as she approached his door. Looking up the definition of picnic had been the work of moments on the computer. So I wonder where he’s taking me on this picnic. Somewhere near water, I would guess.

  She glanced down at her scanty sundress. It barely reached mid-thigh. Underneath she wore a scanty bathing suit. The only other thing she had on was her slip on tennis shoes. He said he wanted clothing easily removed. You can’t get much easier than this.

  She stood before the door, knowing her presence had been announced. Seconds later the door slid open. He was waiting in shorts, a pullover shirt and tennis shoes. She melted into his arms and they shared a good morning kiss.

  “Ready?” he asked.

  “Always, as long as it’s with you.”

  He grabbed a large backpack lying on the chair and together hand in hand they rode the elevator up. A ground car was waiting topside. Soon they left Planar behind, zooming over the trees. He guided the car down to a beach of pristine white sand. The lake the beach bordered had crystal clear water. Before they landed, she could see the lake bottom. It looked to be only a few inches deep, but she was certain looks were deceiving. All around was a thick forest of deep green.

  “This is so beautiful.”

  “And secluded. My dad discovered it. There are a few others that know of it, but a very few. I don’t think any of them will be here. We’ll have it all to ourselves.”

  The open-air car just touched the ground when she jumped out. Rhody followed carrying the pack. He opened it and she helped him spread the large blanket. They piled towels at one end. Next, they unpacked several containers of food and a bottle of wine.

  “Lovely. This is absolutely lovely.”

  “So I’m thinking a swim first and then we can eat. After that––”

  “After that we have the rest of the day to make wonderful magnificent love.”

  “Sounds good to me.”

  She kicked off her shoes. “So, if I understand right, clothing is optional here?”

  “Yep.”

  She pulled her sundress over her head. Next, she removed the front fastener of her top and lastly she slid her bikini bottoms down. “Then I opt to not wear any.” She licked her lips suggestively. “I’m hoping you will choose the same option.”

  Turning she dashed into the water. It was just slightly cooler than bath water. “This feels fantastic,” she said when she surfaced from her dive.

  Rhody pulled off his clothes and joined her.

  They swam and played, kissed and played and swam more. When fatigue finally drove her from the water, she padded over and flopped on the blanket not even bothering with her towel. The warmth of the sun felt good and she knew that in a short time it would dry her. Rhody joined her. They took turns feeding each other and drank most of the wine.

  “I guess there is just one thing left for us to do,” Rhody said, lust already filling his eyes as he let his gaze drift slowly over her naked body.

  “And what would that be?” she asked in pretended innocence.

  “This.” Rhody gathered her into his arms kissing, caressing and touching her in places he knew would have her responding to his advances in no time.

  ***

  When they parted much later, she was physically exhausted and emotionally floating on a cloud. Rolling to her side, she propped her hand against her head and gazed down at him. One finger of her free hand traced lazy circles through the sparse hair on his chest. “So tell me, lover, what did you do at your family meeting last night?”

  Rhody kept his eyes closed. “My brother, Trevor is convinced we have a Men-gar saboteur in our midst.”

  Her finger froze in motion. She was glad Rhody had his eyes closed and didn’t see the tremor that rolled through her. Terrible nausea surged to life in her stomach and she swallowed down the bile that rose to her throat.

  “What makes him think so?” she asked in a barely controlled voice.

  “They found a ship out by Neptune. Evidently she killed the owners and used one of the escape capsules to land on Earth.”

  “She? How do they know it was a she?”

  “Voice recordings.”

  So they have recordings of my voice. Damn. And with the Comfort gone I have no way to communicate with Men-gar control. Not that I even want to now.

  “The Men-gar bitch bombed two factories and killed a bunch of people on Earth.”

  The way he said Men-gar and was referring to her shredded her heart. I’m so sorry. If I had known what I know now, I would never have done those terrible things. I will live with that guilt the rest of my life.

  “And you brother thinks she is here on Teelan? Has she done anything here that leads him to that conclusion?”

  “No, he has no solid evidence she is here. He just has a hunch is all.”

  “A hunch?”

  “My brother’s hunches are seldom wrong. Never that I remember.”

  “Maybe she died on Earth. Something may have happened there and she died.”

  “Maybe, but I doubt it.”

  For a fleeting moment, Naa’dia thought of the weapons hidden in her butt. She dismissed the thought just as quickly. There is no way I would kill any human ever again. These are my adopted people. They are so kind compared to the heartless race I was born into. There is no way I would even consider taking the life of the man I love. No fucking way.

  Naa’dia rolled to her stomach and buried her head in her arms to hide the tears.

  “Are you okay, sweets?” he asked.

  “I’m fine,” she mumbled, “Just a little tired is all. You wore me out, you lusty beast. I’ll just sleep for a bit and then we can make love some more.”

  Naa’dia searched for an answer desperately in the knowledge she had gained. Large ships had the means to open portals to enter Earth space. Smaller ones were dependent on space control to open one for them. That avenue of escape would be near impossible. I could flee into the forests of this planet, but unlike Earth, they have means here of searching from space. They would spot me quickly I’m certain.

  That leaves going back through the portal I came through. Terribly risky, but the only option available. Or maybe I will just stay and hope they never find me. It could happen. Rhody is the son of one of the old ladies and he has no clue about my true identity.

  She had her tears under control when he rolled her to her back. Although it shredded her heart each time, she faked
orgasms when they made love. The sun was setting when they dressed and packed to leave. He probably noticed her silence on the ride home, but he didn’t say anything.

  After unpacking, she kissed him and turned to the door. She needed time to think.

  “I’d like it if you stayed,” he said.

  “I don’t know. I may be getting sick. My stomach is all queasy.”

  “Then that is all the more reason for you to stay so I can take care of you if you get sick.”

  One look in his pleading eyes convinced her. “I’ll stay.”

  Our time together may be short. I can’t stand the thought of being away from you for a single moment until I have to leave.

  “Still feeling sick?” he asked. Caressing her curves.

  She smiled feeling his wonderful skin against her. “Not too sick to make love to you, my handsome man.”

  She did not have to fake anything this time.

  I love you, I love you, I love you, played endlessly through her mind while fireworks paraded and flashed on her closed eyelids.

  CHAPTER TEN

  “I’m going for my morning jog want to join me?” Rhody asked.

  “I’m still feeling a little icky. I think I’ll just stay here and snuggle in this warm bed.”

  “Alright. I’ll be back in a little while.” He kissed her cheek and rolled out of bed.

  She was already half asleep when she heard him leave.

  “Naa’dia…Naa’dia,” the computer voice murmured.

  “Yes,” she answered.

  “You have a visitor at the door. Should I allow access?”

  How sweet, Rhody programmed his house computer to accept my commands.

  She jolted up in bed, fully awake. “Visitor?”

  “Yes. Rhody’s brother Trevor. Should I admit him?”

  Panic surged through her. With extreme effort she calmed her nerves. He doesn’t know what I look like. I’m certain he is here to see Rhody. They’re brothers.

  “Let me get dressed first,” she spoke into the air.

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  She looked around. Her clothes were nowhere to be found, only one of Rhody’s long t-shirts was draped over the chair. I’d like to meet this man who’s hunting me. I guess you get to meet me half-naked with a bed head, Trevor. I’ll look for better dress later once I’ve welcomed him in.

  Throwing on the shirt, she dashed into the living room. “Computer. Admit.”

  The door slid open. The man standing in the hall was handsome just like Rhody. Tall in stature, well muscled with short black hair. Though different, she could see the family resemblance of Rhody and Trevor. She watched his eyes move as he took her in. His gaze traveled from her face down and came to a stop at her mostly revealed bare legs and bare feet. His dreamy chocolate brown eyes twinkled in approval of what he saw.

  So this is the man. This is the one that hunts me. Funny I don’t think in terms of human and Men-gar anymore. I think of those surrounding as men and women. I think of myself as human.

  She swallowed a giggle at his obvious discomfort at seeing her half naked. Watched his eyes tear away from looking at her bare legs and saw his Adams-apple bob as he swallowed hard. So welcome him in, don’t just stand here gawking at each other.

  “Hello,” he said. “Rhody said he had a girlfriend and she was a looker. But damn, looker is an understatement.”

  She smiled. “Thank you, and you must be Trevor. I guess we should stop having a staring contest and I should find my manners. Please, come in. Rhody isn’t here right now, he’s out for his morning jog. Do come in and have a seat. I’ll get dressed and get us something to drink.” She reached out with her hand. “I’m Naa’dia.”

  They touched hands, she saw his smile falter for an instant and then it was back. He couldn’t quite hide the look of shock in his eyes though. He knows. Somehow he knows. He may be armed, I must act fast.

  In a blur of motion her other hand grasped his arm too. She jerked him across the threshold. He’s strong, she thought as he quickly resisted. Her enhanced arm muscles flexed. Not strong enough though.

  A quick motion from her sent him flying across the room to slam against the opposite wall. “oof” burst from his lips. His eyes closed and he slid in a heap to the floor.

  Naa’dia dropped into a crouch and drew her gun from its secret compartment in her butt. Please, don’t be dead. Please don’t. She dashed across the room with her gun trained on Trevor. Reaching out with two fingers, she felt the artery on his neck for a pulse. Naa’dia sighed in relief when she felt a strong one.

  Alive, just knocked out. So now what? I can’t be here when he wakes. Rhody will be back any moment. No time to slip through the portal back to Earth. I’m sure that will be one of the first places they cordon off when he wakes. Need time. A diversion. Think, Naa’dia. Think.

  “Computer.”

  “Yes, Naa’dia,” it answered.

  “Messege to Rhody.”

  “Yes ma’am. Recording activated.”

  “Rhody. As you know by know by now, I am Men-gar.” Even with her, the word caused a bad taste. She looked at her wristwatch and added three hours to the time. “There is a bomb on Freedom set to go off at noon. There is another at the new plant that will explode an hour later,” she lied. There is no way I could even dream of doing that, but they won’t know that. She hoped they would focus their attention on evacuation rather than searching for her. Their security force was not large enough to do both.

  “That is all. Computer open door.”

  “Recording complete.” The door slid open.

  She rushed into the hall and waited for the door to close. When it did, she set her ray-pistol to low intensity and melted the door and frame together. Turning, Naa’dia fled. People she met jumped out of her way as she dashed down the middle of the hall. She tried to ignore the surprised looks and raised eyebrows at her scanty apparel.

  One of the elevator doors opened when she reached the room. She pulled the man inside out and the doors closed. Naa’dia punched the button for the surface and impatiently waited as the small box moved upward. When it reached the top, Naa’dia raced outside onto the crowded sidewalk glancing around quickly. A ground car was parked in the loading zone with a passenger offloading. Another man sat behind the controls. With a single fluid motion, she ripped him from the seat and tossed him into the crowd on the sidewalk. Naa’dia punched in a four-digit code on the instrument panel seizing control of the car from its robotic driver. The car leaped into the air and sped away at maximum velocity.

  Now where? Anywhere other than Planar.

  A picture formed in her mind of the beautiful spot where she and Rhody had picnicked. She steered toward the heading flying at just above treetop level. She swallowed a sob. Her lips pressed together tight. No time for crying right now. That can come later…if there is a later. She noticed a compact phone on the seat beside her.

  A couple hours later, the car bounced as she set down roughly on the sandy beach. They will track this car when they figure out I stole it. It will lead them to this location.

  Naa’dia grabbed the phone from the seat, set the controls for full thrust, and leaped out. The car surged forward crashing into the trees becoming a tangle of twisted metal. Maybe they’ll think I crashed and crawled away somewhere to die. Right! Slim chance of that happening.

  She fled into the trees her destination unknown. Just far away from Planar or any other population center. There are other cities, but they are all near one location. Teelan is a big world. I can vanish. I must.

  She raced through the trees, heedless of the brambles and small stones that lacerated her bare feet. She ignored the blood and pain and pressed on. “I must stay under the trees. They can’t see me with their cameras in space then. Not certain about heat signature, but maybe they won’t be able to distinguis
h me from the wild animals.”

  Naa’dia raced on covering kilometers at her fastest pace putting even more distance between herself and civilization. She began to pant and her sides started to hurt, but she ran on. At last, she could not push her throbbing muscles anymore. She leaned against a tree with her hands on her knees. “Must…find…somewhere underground…or a cave to hide in.” She gasped for each breath.

  This time when she continued, it was at a fast walk. She edged toward the rolling hills on her right. Just as the shadows began to lengthen as a forewarning of darkness to follow, she spotted a cliff overhang. She sat and then laid down. Exhaustion set in. Her aching feet and the cold stone did not keep her awake. She slept a dreamless sleep waking just before dawn.

  With the coming of light, Naa’dia examined her lacerated feet. At least overnight the bleeding had stopped. I need some type of covering for them. Hobbling into the woods, she gathered leaves and vines. She held her breath and bit her lip to prevent crying out in pain as she wrapped them.

  Naa’dia watched the many birds and ate the same berries. With her feet covered and her hunger sated, she pressed on. At noon, she encountered a stream. After taking a long drink, she removed her makeshift shoes and soaked her feet. While they soaked, the tears she had been holding back started to stream down her cheeks.

  “Fuck, fuck, fuck. What am I going to do?” she whispered. “Where am I going to go? Maybe I should just give up and plead for their mercy.”

  She grimaced. “Yeah right. Mercy? I may think of myself as human, but they think of me as Men-gar. I killed many people. Would Men-gar show any mercy if the situation was reversed?” She knew the answer. “Not a frickin chance. So why should I expect any?”

  She considered tossing the phone beside her, but changed her mind. She looked down at herself in disgust. “No shoes, a joke for clothes.” She grabbed her t-shirt in fury. “I’m not even wearing a bra and panties. I’ll probably die a victim of some wild animal. It would serve me right.” The feel of the shirt and the thought of who it belonged to, brought a flood of tears cascading down her cheeks again. I love him. I love him so much. And now I’ll never see him again.