by Saxon Andrew
Jillian lowered her head and thought about what Dolly was saying.
“Jillian, he is going to resign his position today to try and do all he can to save those students that have given their lives to helping others. That is the only thing that would make him stop helping those kids in the project and our university students. There is going to be a huge heartbreak at his leaving.”
Jillian didn’t respond.
“One more thing, Jillian.”
She looked up at Dolly, “Every woman in the university has thrown themselves at Dr. Connor, and that includes me. He has told every one of us that we are better than that. He told me he expected more than that out of me. He told me that if I didn’t value myself, no one else ever would. He shamed me, but he also made me realize that he was right. He made me a better person for it.”
Jillian saw she was being honest.
“You wonder about the dancing.”
Jillian nodded.
“His Mother, Father, and older brother were killed in a skimmer accident when he was twelve years old. They were going to a convention in California. He was forced to stay home and attend a dancing class that his parents had enrolled him in. They insisted that no one should miss class or an appointment. To do so was evidence of a weak person. They died on a Thursday night. Chris goes to dance every Thursday and has not missed a night as long as I’ve known him. I’m sure if he’s out of town and it’s a Thursday, he will be dancing somewhere. He dances to remember them and he drinks to forget his sorrow.”
“How do you know this?”
“I learned while being his dancing partner. He allowed me to go with him while we were working on his invention. He talks to them when he really gets drunk. I looked up his father’s name in the University’s Library and found the details of the accident. He doesn’t know that I know. Jillian, I love him like a brother.” Dolly stared Jillian in the eyes and she saw something hard to describe. “I’m telling you this because Jeff tells me you were his hand-to-hand combat instructor. Trust me on this one, Jillian. You don’t ever want to even think about hurting him.”
Jillian looked at Dolly, and could see the menace in her eyes. “Is combat one of the things you’ve learned?”
Dolly moved faster than Jillian could react. She held her hand out and Jillian saw both of her earrings. She hadn’t even felt them being removed. “No. Why would you ask that?”
Jillian knew she had no chance against someone that moved as fast as Dolly had just demonstrated, “Maybe you should be the Alphas instructor.”
“No, I don’t have any desire to hurt anyone or teach anyone how to do it. At least I can’t think of anyone I’d ever want to hurt. Yet.”
Jillian understood the veiled threat. “Look, Dolly, I have no intention of hurting anyone. I thought you were just a cupcake initially, but you’ve proven to me that you are so much more. Regardless of what I think about Dr. Connor, I like you. I’ll not hurt him because of that.”
“That’s good enough for me.” Dolly hugged Jillian, smiled, and said, “I need to get back to work. I’ll let you know if anything turns up.”
“Fair enough.” Jillian stood and walked back toward the Tablet.
She had trouble sleeping that night. Jillian finally decided, looked at her clock, and called Kim. “Hello, Jillian, it’s been a long time.”
“Hi, Kim, yes it has. Do you have a minute?”
“Sure.”
“Do you remember the incident in Oslo involving a Doctor Christopher Connor?”
Jillian heard her voice change immediately, “Why do you ask?”
“What’s wrong, Kim.”
Jillian heard her sigh, “Of all the articles I’ve written, that one has troubled me the most.”
“Why?”
“Jillian all he had to do was deny it. He wouldn’t, so I had to assume he was guilty.”
“Then why are you being so defensive?”
Kim sighed, “I called one of our field reporters that covered his university. I figured that if I could dig up some more dirt on the professor, my story would be picked up by all the news agencies.”
“I think they all ran with it anyway.”
“They did, but my field reporter told me to drop the story.”
“Did he say why?”
“Yes, he did. He told me not to believe he was guilty. He said that Dr. Connor would have never done what he was charged with.”
Jillian didn’t say anything.
“Jillian, he told me that the professor could have any female at the university and he had never stepped out of line once. When the students heard about the charges, every one of them laughed at them. They knew they were ridiculous. I just couldn’t let the story go. I wrote it anyway but I’ve always wondered what really happened.”
“Kim, he was in Paris that night with a sick exchange student. It wasn’t him.”
“Then why didn’t he tell us?”
“I can’t say. But you can check his story. See who signed for the student at the hospital in Paris that night.”
“Jillian, that was five years ago. The damage has been done.”
“Do you want to feel better?”
There was a long silence and then Kim said, “I guess I do. I’ll look into it.”
“Thanks, Kim.”
“No, thank you for letting me know. It should be easy to verify.”
Jillian hung up and wondered what the real truth about Doctor Christopher Connor was. She just didn’t know anymore.
Arnold Gordon said, “It appears Dr. Connor is joining the project. He resigned from the university this morning.”
President Suh looked at Carlyle and then said, “Why did he do that?”
“It appears a linguist that he brought in to help with the translation is certain that the danger to Earth is real and is going to happen within four to six years. She is of the opinion that we will be attacked.”
“How far along are you with the ship? Will it be completed in time?”
“It’s pretty much done. We need some help with the anti-gravity modules. Surprisingly, that linguist has provided the schematics to produce the device. She also holds a Doctorate in High Energy Physics.”
“This linguist sounds like someone we can use.”
“I’ve planned to offer her a job, if it meets with your approval.”
“For how much?”
“At least fifty million a year and trust me, that will be a bargain. We need her for ship building and weapon development. If we are going to be attacked, we can’t delay any longer. We must build a fleet and hope it will be effective against whoever the attacker might be.”
“They’ll be thousands of years ahead of us on the technology front.”
“I suspect it will be even more than that. However, we must do what we can.”
“You have your funding. Go make it happen.”
“Thank you.”
Chris entered the chamber and walked to the tablet, feeling real sorrow over his resignation. There was still so much to do, but it was all for nothing if the doom predicted by the ancient writer was real. He came in and sat down beside Dolly. She looked at him, then reached over and gave him a big hug. “I know what you’re feeling, but you’re doing the right thing, Chris.”
“I know, but that doesn’t make it any easier.”
“Chris, I’ve been offered a job.”
“You have, really? Do you want to take it?”
“No, but like you, it’s the right thing to do. I’ve been asked to help develop weapons that might be effective against the coming attack.”
Chris shook his head, “Oh, Dolly! I know how that must really hurt.”
“Yes, but I’ve got to do it.”
“How are we going to develop anything against aliens that have thousands of years of a technological edge over us?”
“I have an idea that will use the technology from the tablet. It might give us a chance. By the way, you didn’t ask what I was going to be paid.”
> “Does it matter?”
“It will if we survive.”
“How much?”
“Eighty million a year.”
Chris just stared at her.
“Hey, I’m putting off my education.”
“You mean your entertainment. You don’t need any more education.”
“Samething.”
“Well, perhaps we can go dancing tomorrow night.”
“Sorry, I’m up against a deadline, and Jillian is not having any of my taking time off. However, she has agreed to go with you.”
Chris just stared at her over a lowered brow.
“She doesn’t want you away too long, either. She can provide the transportation to get you back. She also has one of those shots that Dr. Keenan gave you to help you recover.”
“Dr. Connor.” Chris turned around and saw Jillian. “I’ve volunteered to take Dolly’s place tomorrow. I’ll try to refrain from interrupting your good time, but I don’t want anyone else outside the project anywhere near you if you’re drinking and it can be avoided. Will you accept?”
Chris sighed and said, “I’m going to be quite intoxicated. I know how much you hate that.”
“Even so.”
“Ok. Let’s plan to leave around seven.”
“That’s fine. Now will you come with me and help with the placement of your device’s emitters on the ship?”
Chris looked at Dolly, then stood up and followed Jillian out of the building.
Jeff came over and sat down beside Dolly. “It’s a shame his life has been so disrupted by all of this.”
“That’s true, Jeff. However, tomorrow night you and I are going to dance here.”
Jeff smiled and said, “What are we going to do for music?”
“You’re leaving now to go get some for us.” Jeff leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. “Jeff?”
“Yes, Dolly.”
“Bring a lot of slow music. I need you to hold me.”
Jeff smiled and headed toward the door. He also needed to hold her as well. It was so hard to believe this fabulous woman was attracted to him. It probably wouldn’t last but he was going to enjoy her for as long as she put up with him. He knew he wasn’t smart enough to keep her but he felt his heart beating faster as he thought about dancing with her. He had to forget the future and focus on these precious moments with her. She was so amazing.
The next evening, Chris walked out of the huge metal building and looked around. He heard a noise, looked up, and saw a small sports skimmer coming down. It was a new Corvette, and it was emerald green. This was the model that changed color. The passenger door rose and he entered to find Jillian in the driver’s seat. Her hair was pinned up, framing her face, and she was extraordinarily beautiful. She had on a long, green, knit coverall that came down to mid-calf. “Ready to go shake a rug?”
Chris smiled and said, “You are so beautiful tonight. What’s the occasion?”
“I decided that I didn’t want to embarrass you, so I dressed up a little.”
Chris pulled his seatbelt over his shoulder and said, “It would be impossible for you to embarrass anyone, even on your worst day.”
Jillian saw he was thinking out loud, but his comment made her glad she had dressed up. “Where to, Dr. Connor?”
“Jillian, just for tonight, call me Chris. You know where you picked me up that first night?” Jillian nodded. “That’s my dancing haven.”
Jillian smiled and smoothly lifted into the lanes of traffic overhead.
They arrived at the bar at seven thirty and Chris came around and opened Jillian’s door. The crowds gathered outside the restaurant sitting at tables and waiting to get in were impressed with the new Corvette. When Chris stepped out most of them began cheering. “Way to go, Dr. Conner. We didn’t think you’d make it.”
Chris laughed and said over his shoulder as the doorman waved him into the entrance, “Wouldn’t miss it for the world.” He led Jillian in and headed for the bar. Two people stepped away and gave Chris their seats. Jillian looked at him and Chris said, “These chairs are sorta reserved for me on Thursdays.”
Jillian noticed that everyone in the place was staring at them. Most of the students were talking on their communicators, and the older people were staring at her. Chris saw them staring and said, “No offense, but you’re a little older that most of my dance partners.” Jillian smirked and continued looking out at the crowd. “You’re also the most beautiful person in this room.”
Jillian looked back at him and saw him motioning a bartender over. He wasn’t making a pass. She wondered how he could cause such diverse emotions with just two sentences. The bartender came up and said, “The usual, Doctor?”
“Absolutely. What will you have, Jillian?”
“I’ll take a glass of white wine.”
The bartender smiled and said, “Coming right up.” He arrived with a small glass of wine and what looked like a gallon jug filled to the top.”
“What is that?”
Chris turned the jug up and said after a long swallow, “It’s a combination long island ice tea and kamikazes.”
“Are you serious?”
“Well, not really. They also put some Jaeger in it as well.”
Jillian looked at Chris, “This explains a lot.”
Chris took another long drink and smiled, “If you’re going to drink, then drink.”
After forty five minutes Chris turned to Jillian and said, “You know what Jilly, I mean Jeanian, uhhh Jillian; I fear I may embarrass you. You might want to come back later.”
“Does that mean you’re ready to dance?”
“Uhhhh….Yesss.”
Jillian stood and took off her knit coverall revealing an emerald green, silk mini-dress. Chris stared at her with wide eyes and Jillian saw the amazement on his face. “Jillian, you are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen.”
He swayed and she reached out and steadied him. “Time to dance, Chris.” She led him to the floor as slow music started and she lifted his arms and put them on her shoulders. She pulled him close and started moving slowly to the rhythm of the song. Chris put his head on her shoulder and she guided him out on the floor. She felt how tense he was, but after a few moments she felt him relax. They danced….and danced. She knew she should feel tired, but she didn’t. She felt moisture on her shoulder and knew he was crying. She could feel it in his arms that had grown weak. She knew Dolly was right. He came to remember and forget his loss.
After a long time she looked up and noticed that the dance floor had cleared and they were the only ones dancing. She looked around and saw a crowd of students surrounding the floor with white lit candles. They all stood silently and watched the couple on the floor. Jillian noticed that most of them were crying. Finally Chris said with closed eyes, “It’s time to go.” Jillian led a staggering Chris toward the door as the bartender came over and placed Jillian’s coverall over her arm. The students parted as she approached and left a path for her to walk outside. Jillian was astounded at the respect and almost reverence they were giving Chris. As they left the building she saw the streets were filled with thousands of students all holding candles. There had to be more than twenty thousand of them gathered.
Jillian realized that Chris cried for the loss of his family. These thousands cried for the loss of Chris. She walked into a large circle where the students had reserved a place for her car to land. She saw all of the ones at the edge of the circle had a small green “T” on a white beret. She knew they must be the Tutors. They stood at attention and Jillian was amazed at the utter silence of the gathered thousands. She lowered her car and two of the Tutors came forward and took Chris from her and helped him into his seat. One of them opened Jillian’s door for her and turned to Jillian and said, “Take care of him, please.”
She nodded and said, “I will.”
She sat down and lifted her car above the crowd. She saw that the gathering was much larger than she thought. She could see lighted candles i
n every block more than a mile away. She looked at Chris sleeping in the seat beside her and wondered what he could have possibly done to cause such adoration. She felt something move inside her. She knew that his refusal to go initially was due to his commitments to the community he had adopted and not cowardice. She also knew his pain of having to leave that community was more than she thought. She could see that at some level the students were now Chris’ family. She felt the tears come even though she fought hard to stop them. She was a thunk. Dolly had it right. Chris slept and didn’t see her cry all the way back to the port.
Jeff entered the chamber and saw Dolly waiting for him at the Tablet. She had on a strapless black dress that was stunning. Her blonde hair was down to her shoulders and her gold earrings sparked light across the large chamber. Her beauty blinded him to anything else. He walked forward and put the pad down and hit his remote. An ancient song started playing slowly, “Oh, my love, my darling, I’ve hungered for your touch, a long lonely time”. She came forward and put her arms around his neck and held him close. They started moving to the music and Jeff lost himself in her embrace. Dolly looked up into his eyes and said, “The Righteous Brothers. You couldn’t have chosen better.” They continued to dance, and Dolly said with her head on his shoulder, “There’s not much time left for us. I choose to spend it loving you, if you’ll have me.”
“Dolly, I’m so unworthy of you. You are so much more than me.”
“It’s not the brain that’s the most important organ, it’s the heart. I love your courage, and your heart of a warrior. I know I will never have to doubt you.”
Jeff pulled her closer and said, “I’ll be yours forever, Dolly.”
She smiled and leaned back for him to kiss her. He did, and she felt it all the way down to her toes. Now she knew beyond doubt. He was the one she had been waiting to find. They danced….and danced.
Chapter Four
Chris awoke in his room at the space port and squinted, expecting the hangover to come crashing in, but felt nothing. “I have got to get some of that formula!” He looked at the clock and saw it was almost noon. He jerked up and jumped out of bed. Then he noticed that he was naked. “How did that happen?” He thought back to the night before, remembered Jillian in her emerald dress, and sat back down. She was stunning. He didn’t remember anything after he started dancing, but he still saw her in his mind. She was just unbelievably beautiful. He shook his head at the memory. Well, a T-Rex was also beautiful in its own way, and both of them should be given a wide berth when near. Wait a minute! Who put him to bed? He stood up and dressed, then hurried out to go to the Tablet.
