Obsidian: Birth to Venus (The Obsidian Chronicles Book 1)

by Marisa Victus

  "That's what's so admirable about you, Sean," Elizabeth said, with a nod of her head. "Just look at what you've accomplished through your company. How many relief missions has the Division carried out?"

  Sean smiled. "My team tries hard to make a difference. At any given time, we have at least five missions, spread out in multiple, underdeveloped countries. We focus on families and relocate them to a safe zone, then find sustainable ways to bring them food and supplies. There's a lot of pushback and it comes with a lot of risk, especially when it’s time to leave. We do our best to work with the local authorities, so there's an infrastructure, a way the supply line and safe zones are protected when we're gone. It's difficult, but rewarding. I've cherished the families I've come to know, and the friendships I've made. It's the only reason I still do what I do at the Division. Being sentient has given me the skills to found the company. I think it's important, to find a way to give back." He paused. "I just can't believe, one day, we’ll likely need a mission, here in the U.S."

  Jai said, "If it ever comes to that, we’ll be lucky if one mission's enough." Everyone nodded with sad expressions on their faces.

  Mach stood and walked to the counter. He turned, dessert in hand, and said, “Well, now's a good a time as any," and doled everyone a big slice of shoofly pie. A few bites of the gooey molasses on the bottom, and everyone's mood had lightened.

  "Come on, Mom," Mach said and tossed his empty plate in the sink. He pulled Elizabeth by the hand, ready to play piano in the next room.

  "Brewskie?" James asked as he scanned the room. Without bothering to wait for a reply, he tossed everyone a beer, and joined Sean on the porch. The two of them reclined in the rocking chairs, listening as Mach and Elizabeth harmonized, their song merging with the crickets’ outside.

  Diana turned to face Jai, the only two left at the table. "Come with me?" she asked. She stood and pushed her chair under the table. Jai followed as Diana walked up the stairs, her draped cardigan flowing open behind her. Diana went straight to Mach's bedroom. She closed the door quietly behind them.

  "Jai," Diana whispered, grabbing her hand. They sat on the bed. Diana squared Jai's shoulders with both hands, then bowed her head, pressing her forehead against Jai's. "Please, tell me you can keep a secret."

  "Yes, yes, of course. What's wrong?"

  Diana's eyes were filled with tears. "I'm pregnant."

  "What? That's wonderful news!" Jai looked at her excitedly, and gave her a long hug. She pulled away, surprised to see Diana crying.

  "Is it?” Diana asked, between sobs. “I know, it is. I just don't know," she said, darting her eyes around the room. "I haven't told Mach yet."

  "Are you kidding? Of course it's fantastic. Mach is going to be ecstatic. So will his parents!"

  "I know, I know. I had the same feeling. I was so happy when I did the test."

  "So why the worry, then?"

  “Because of how things are, with my parents. It's all so black and white with them. I’ve been fighting with them…about Elizabeth. They don't like the fact that she's human."

  "Oh, come on. Like they don't realize how close sentients are to humans. We evolved from them!"

  "I know. They know that intellectually, but it doesn't matter to them. They know Elizabeth’s human and they know her politics, political views that Mach and James share. Still, they’re pressuring me to cut ties with Mach and his family.”

  "To leave Mach, really? Why not support them politically? Elizabeth may be human, but she’s trying to raise money to support Club O, which is a sentient business. She’s stepping out, publicly supporting sentients, despite the hate that many humans have toward our species, hate that’s grown now more than ever. Your parents don’t see that?” Jai’s stomach churned in disgust.

  “No, they don’t, Jai. They can’t see past the fact that she’s human. To them, being human automatically aligns Elizabeth with the hatemongers, the humans who are calling for all sentients to be named on a sentient list. They think a sentient list would just be the beginning, and all human-sentient associations will become dangerous. Whether they're right or wrong about that, they've made their opinion clear. It doesn’t matter that Elizabeth has a sentient husband or a sentient son. My parents don’t trust her, no matter what her actions actually show. They have a deep-seated distrust for humans now. And, they want me to follow in their footsteps and cut ties with Mach. I’m telling you, my parents have gone off the deep end. It's the reason why I’ve been fighting with them, why I left. They know it’s tearing me apart. They know Mach and I are engaged. We got engaged shortly before I met you. My parents didn't say anything at first, but now they're trying to put a stop to the wedding. Ever since the incident, they're showing their true colors. Who knows how long they've been thinking this way. I don't know how I've never noticed it. Maybe they thought Mach was just a phase, or hoped we'd have a long engagement. But, like I said, the incident changed everything. They're adamant. They’ve even threatened to disown me, cease all contact with me, if I stay with him.” Diana sobbed into Jai's shoulder.

  “Do they know you're pregnant?"

  "No idea. It's another reason why I left. I think I'm starting to show." Jai hadn't noticed, though now that she thought about it, Diana was wearing looser, more flowing clothes.

  "I think you're fine on that front. I didn't catch on. What will you do?"

  "Well, I'd never leave Mach, and I want our baby more than anything. I'm just afraid. Like you, I've always been close with my family. It's just me and my parents; I'm an only child."

  "So it feels like your world's just exploded."

  "Pretty much," she said. “And, I don’t know how to confide in Mach. I’m afraid to tell him I’m pregnant, with my parents being the way that they are. It’s eating away at me. It’s the first time I’ve ever hidden anything from him. I just don’t know how to say something so hurtful. I mean, it’s his mom we’re talking about. How would it make him feel, to know how evil my parents are, their true feelings about her?”

  Jai shook her head. “Well, one thing’s for sure, he’s not going to attribute your parents’ feelings to you. You are not them. Plus, he loves you. That’s what’s important. Don’t forget that.”

  “I know, I’m trying to remind myself. I just don’t want to hurt him or his parents. Every time I’m about to tell them I’m pregnant, I literally gag. It makes me so angry. How could my mom and dad do this? I should be excited and happy to share the news, not wanting to puke.”

  “Are you sure that’s not the nausea talking?” Jai asked, a smile on her face. Diana half-laughed, half-sobbed. Jai offered a helping hand. “Listen, if you want me to, I can be there,” Jai offered, “cheer you on quietly in the background. I promise to use my game face, pretend I don’t know.”

  “Would you, be nearby for me?” Diana said, laughing still. “I know it’s a bit silly, but I think it would help. I already feel so much better telling you, like I’m not so alone.”

  Jai shook her head. “Of course. I’d be happy to.”

  “I tell you what,” Diana said, a determined look on her face. “Let’s do it now.”

  Jai held Diana’s hand as they ran down the stairs and stopped short, to walk normally before they turned the corner. As they walked out of the kitchen, Jai waved to Elizabeth and invited her to sit on the porch.

  “Sure, dear,” Elizabeth said, and followed Jai outside. As Elizabeth and James sat in the rockers, swaying back and forth, Jai joined Sean, who was leaning across the railing. Jai looked at the great oak in the yard, its leaves billowing around a massive trunk. Sean caressed her hand with his.

  “Oh my god!” The sound of Mach’s screams filled the air. “Mom! Dad!” He came rushing out, the screen door flying open. “You’re gonna be grandparents!”

  “Really? Really!” Elizabeth jumped to give Diana a hug, followed closely by James.

  “I can’t believe it!” James cried. “What a blessing! We’re so happy for you!” It was amusing to see
a man who looked like he was 24, screaming, “I’m gonna be a grandpa!”

  “Congrats, guys!” Sean wrapped Diana and Mach in a big hug.

  Jai joined them, shouting “Congratulations!” and everyone jumped around the porch, their raucous wails flying into the night sky.

  Diana gripped her tightly. “Thanks, Jai.”

  “I’m so happy for you,” Jai said and kissed Diana softly on the cheek. A burst of excitement, a flame of joy, entered Jai’s mind, a flash of Diana’s thoughts. And, just as suddenly, Jai stopped herself, donning the poker face she’d promised to wear. She sensed the despair Diana had buried underneath. Did I make the right decision? Diana asked. I didn’t tell Mach…couldn’t tell him what Mom and Dad really think. I can’t, I can’t. Or, should I be honest, truthful? I am such a liar. I’m lying by omission! How can I do that to Mach? Her heart wavered back and forth, wondering if she’d made the right choice. A few days, just a few days without any sleep. Already, I’m losing my mind. How can I bear this, hiding it from him? But, how could I tell him the truth? Diana looked at Mach, celebrating with his parents. It would break all their hearts, as it’s broken mine. Jai’s chest began to pound, the palpitations in Diana’s heart seeping into her own. The others were too excited to notice, as Diana held on, hugging Jai tighter and tighter, her mind continuing to spiral out of control. Diana’s emotions were frayed. They jarred her body as well as Jai’s, and began draining away the happiness inside. Everyone was jumping for joy, while Diana’s heart was about to break. Jai caressed Diana’s long blonde hair, ran her fingers through each bouncy curl. With each stroke, Jai gently cloaked the pain in Diana’s thoughts, setting them aside for the evening. Now was not the time to be sad, not the time to carry the burden of her parent’s hatred. Now was a celebration of life, of Mach’s and Diana’s child, and of all the promise contained in that one blessing.

  Chapter 31

  2121

  “Call us, when you get there?”

  “Yes, Mom,” Mach said. “We will.” Elizabeth kissed him and gave him a final hug.

  “And, you, Miss Mommy,” Elizabeth said, her hand against Diana’s belly. “Take good care of yourself and our little pea in the pod.”

  “I will. I’ll take good care of my babies,” Diana said, as she elbowed Mach.

  James wrestled Mach into a headlock and ruffled his black hair. “I still can’t believe it. My son’s gonna be a dad!”

  “Cut it out, Gramp!” Mach pushed James away, and straightened his glasses until they were square with his nose. He jumped on James’ back, the two of them hurtling to the ground. Diana rolled her eyes, as Elizabeth turned unfazed, to Sean and Jai.

  “Thank you both, for the donations. They’re quite generous and will certainly make a difference.”

  “It’s the least we can do,” Jai said.

  Sean agreed. “I wish I could do more, but the Division’s still wrapping up two of its missions.”

  Elizabeth shook her head. “You’ve both done more than enough. Actually, each of you’ve given more money than I’d ever hoped to raise. I know South Carolina will appreciate it very much.”

  “We all do,” Jai said.

  “And, when will we be seeing you two again?” James asked as he walked back over, and straightened his shirt.

  Jai laughed. The shirt was too wrinkled to iron out by hand. “Soon,” she said and whispered, “I hope you don’t mind, if I throw them a baby shower?” She pointed to Diana, who was walking, arms linked with Mach, to board the jet.

  “That would be fabulous!” said Elizabeth.

  “Fantastic. I spoke with Avena, after Diana called her last night, to tell her the big news. Avena would love to help with the baby shower, so she’ll be my partner in crime. We can call you soon, to see if you’d like to invite any friends or family from here. We could throw the shower here, or we can do it at my Long Island beach house, whichever makes the most sense.”

  “Well, I know my vote,” Elizabeth said. “I’d love to go beachy!”

  “Me too,” said James.

  “Perfect,” Sean said. “Jai, just let me know when the date’s set. I can fly here, pick everyone up for the party.”

  “Fantastic!” Jai was excited for the shindig and had already started multiple to-do lists. She gave Elizabeth and James a final hug, and Sean took her by the hand, ready to take off.

  After landing at the beach house, Sean began moving Diana’s luggage from Jai’s jet to his. “Call me, later? I’m going to fly on, help Diana get settled into Mach’s place.”

  “Sure, no problem,” said Jai, and gave Sean a slow, steady kiss.

  “Okay, maybe I do have some time to relax here,” he said, biting his lower lip. He ran his hands along the waistline of her pants.

  Jai laughed. “No, not this time. You have passengers and a full itinerary.”

  “Ugh!” Sean cried. “I know, I know,” he said. He shook his head, trying to regain his conviction.

  Mach and Diana walked past them, their suitcases in tow. “Ahem!” Mach said, then whistled, as Sean held Jai close, his gaze glued to her.

  Diana laughed. “Is it getting hot in here, or what?” She winked at Jai.

  Sean laughed and kissed Jai deeply, before breaking himself away. “Okay, we’re off!” He pecked her once more, then shooed Jai away. “Quickly, before I lose my resolve!”

  The next morning, Jai lay in bed, awakened by the sound of movements downstairs. It must be Kevin in the study, two floors below. Doesn’t he ever sleep? Barely needing sleep. Is that a blessing or a curse, for a sentient scientist? I better get ready, see what he’s up to. Jai rolled in bed, only to find Sean sleeping beside her. She rolled her eyes. Of course, he had to fly right back! This guy knows no bounds and, apparently, has mad skills, sliding into bed without waking me. Jai shook her head and gazed at him, his beautifully long lashes resting on his cheek. The smoothness of his skin. His relaxed, unfurrowed brow. Those high cheekbones and chiseled jawline. The sun was shining on his face, with just a hint of golden stubble, a tad lighter than his chestnut hair. She fought the urge to run her hands through the messy mop of hair on his head. The drive to feel his bare chest was unbearable. Those pecs and abs, rising and falling. It was marble carved of flesh, as if he couldn’t help but flex, not even in sleep. Jai couldn’t help but stare at him with wanton eyes, a pressing thought building in her mind. She was a lioness in a black, lace camisole, and she prowled, each paw marching down. She was underneath the covers, ready to pounce and make quick work of her kill.

  A few minutes later and Sean’s smile was blazing at her. “Well, you certainly know how to wake me up. Now, if you don’t mind, I’ve got my own morning ritual to attend to.” She smiled, then raised her arms, as he clasped her hands in his. Jai gave in to the sensations, the flutter of his tongue against her and the full length of his sex. Before long, the muscle inside of her let loose, a ripple of contractions at ever increasing speed. Her body opened like a voracious flower, clamping his piston in a ruthless grip.

  After a quick shower, Sean flung the door to the study wide open. “Gooood morning!”

  “Well, aren’t you in a good mood,” Kevin said, spinning his chair around. He tossed his pen down on the work bench. “I take it your trip to Penn went well?”

  “Yes. We had a great time,” Jai said. She peeked into a blood chemistry analyzer on the table. “How are things going here?”

  “I hate to say it,” Kevin said, “but things are not going well for Zin.”

  “How so?” Zin asked with contempt. He’d walked in, still wet and shirtless from a morning bath. Towel draped across his shoulders, he zipped the fly on his jeans and threw a shirt across the back of a wooden swivel stool. “Thought you said you’d only need a few more samples yesterday?”

  “Yes, but that’s not a good thing,” Kevin explained. “I’d hoped my initial hypothesis was wrong, but the few samples you’ve given have already proven it. Zin, your blood and tissue are not regenerati
ng, not the way they should, not the way a healthy sentient’s would regenerate. How much has Dr. Jensen told you, over the years?”

  “Not much, really. He just took the samples, did what he wanted with them. He said the work was important, but not much more. I wasn’t interested in specifics.” Jai wasn’t surprised. For Zin, the less involved he had to be, the better.

  “Well then, I’ll give you the run down.” Kevin walked around the bench and leaned, his back against it. Crossing his arms, he looked up at the ceiling, the fans whirring away overhead. “Let’s begin at the beginning. As you all know, we’re really the first ‘batch,’ the first of our kind. But, long before the scientific community named us ‘Homo sentients,’ our existence was already discernible through simple observation.

  “So, take a step back. For decades, scientists studied centenarians, those humans who’ve been able to live to a hundred years of age or more. Two notable points. First, these humans were located in small pockets, ‘blue zones’ spread far apart, in different countries across the globe. So, geography and genetics seemed to play major roles. Second, all of these centenarians looked old. Wrinkles, poor eye sight, loss of hearing, and so on. Still, there was a lot of interest in centenarians. Scientists published studies, focusing on how these humans were able to live such long lives. What made them special? There was a lot of anecdotal evidence, suggesting that the quality of their diet and the strength of their social connections were strongly correlated with their ability to live to such an advanced age. Ultimately, the take away was that select genes played a role, but it wasn’t the end-all. The focus was: what can you do, how can you live your life, so you can live longer?

  "Then, everything changed. About fifteen years ago, there was a shift: there were small numbers of people who looked too young, even as their ages climbed. We're talking about thirty-somethings who looked five, ten years younger than they actually were. There wasn't any science to explain that.”