Shalia's Diary Omnibus

by Tracy St. John

  Larten brushed her cheek, smiling with affection. Then he bent to plant a kiss on top of my head.

  As usual, they were perfect. Perfect men on the perfect vacation in the perfect setting. I should have been over the moon with rapture.

  Instead, something I hadn’t been aware of inside me shrank back. Something small and scared. The situation was too flawless, wasn’t it? The fabulous men. Their stunning looks. Their ideal lives. The way they treated Anrel and me, as if we were the center of their universe. How I felt about them.

  It wasn’t right. Not because of any fault of Clan Seot’s, but because of me. I was far from the ideal. Hadn’t I proved that time and again? When I thought about it, what did I have to offer these guys, besides a working uterus and decent X chromosomes?

  Nothing. It had to be counted as a miracle that they hadn’t seen it yet. When they did…

  I had gone cold despite the splendid sunny day. A thousand doubts crowded in as Seot stood at my side holding my hand, as Larten squeezed my shoulders from behind me, as Cifa cuddled Anrel, who deserved daddies like these.

  Thankfully, the momentary terror passed, and the shadow lifted from my heart. For heaven’s sake, what had come over me? Give me wonderful, and I melt down? Sheesh. Talk about overthinking stuff.

  I felt shaky inside, but I knew I was being a goof. I concentrated on our progress as the ship continued to circle the island, still marveling at the rocky protrusions and people roaming among them on the invisible walkways.

  At length, we came to an area where many boats were docked. “Most of these belong to the island’s owners,” Cifa informed us. “They’re used for diving and fishing excursions. Visitors usually arrive on shuttles, which come and go at hours that won’t disturb the tourists who are already here.”

  Our ship slowed, gradually coming to a stop. As soon as it did, three of the island boats left their moorings and headed over.

  “Our taxis to the shore,” Ila confirmed. “Does everyone have their overnight carryalls?”

  We were packed for the next two nights. I reached for the pair of bags I’d packed for the baby and me, but Seot and Larten beat me to it. When Seot felt the weight of Anrel’s bag, his brow lifted and he chuckled.

  “You laugh, but having everything that child needs is no joke,” I told him.

  “Ancestors, I thought it must be yours to be so heavy.”

  “Are you calling me high maintenance? My bag is light, thank you so much.”

  “It is,” Larten confirmed. “I’ll be glad to switch bags with you if Anrel’s is too much, my poor, overtaxed Dramok.”

  Seot gave him a mock glower. “Don’t make me swing this and crush your skull, Larten.” His smile returned as he looked at me. “I’m still learning how much is required to properly care for a baby. I promise to do better. In fact, next time I’ll pack her bag with your guidance.”

  Ugh, there’s that perfection again.

  We boarded our boats. Instead of being brought to the shore where they’d been moored, we set off in an easterly direction, hugging the shoreline. Then we entered a bay, and oh my gosh. Yet another amazing bit of Nacabri’s resort was revealed, taking everyone’s breath away.

  The beach was as pristine as the rest we’d visited, the idyllic scenery unmarred by only the tourists relaxing. A couple of Kalquorians rode at the edge of the surf on kestarsh, and laughter and shouts drifted from the far edge of the island where a kurble game was underway. I saw the willowy shapes of a few Plasians, some of whom appeared to be making love in front of everyone. If they weren’t having sex, they were doing some seriously heavy petting. That’s not surprising, not from Plasians.

  It wasn’t what made me, Joelle, Candy, and Seot gasp. Even Larten and Stidmun’s eyes widened. Cifa’s grin threatened to break his face in half. I was sure our companions in the other boats must have been reacting the same way.

  We stared at the astounding structure in the middle of and half-submerged in the bay. To my eyes, it looked similar to a nautilus shell, with the opening facing us and partly submerged. White as the structures we’d left behind, it curled in a spiral, with silvery strips segmenting it at regular intervals. It was gorgeous, if improbable-looking.

  “That’s where we’re staying,” Cifa confirmed as our boat sped towards the shadowed opening of the ‘shell’. In another couple of seconds, we entered.

  Just wow. Inside the lobby, or whatever one might call it, a landing sat a few feet above the waterline. Our boat stopped next to a platform with steps that led up to it. In a moment, we were on solid footing again. A swarm of attendants hurried to the boats to take charge of our carryalls. Cifa, Ila, and Erom conferred with them for a few moments before our luggage was taken away, presumably to our rooms.

  “I’ll check us in.” Erom went into his take-charge Dramok persona. I’ve learned when he uses a certain tone, he can be relied on…his more mischievous instincts are put on hold. I had few worries with him in command.

  I gazed about the lobby, enthralled by the view. There was a bar, and its attendant smiled at us with welcome. I also saw a shop with soaksuits, underwater breathing masks, souvenir trinkets, and the sort of sundries one might need if they forgot to bring them from home. There was also a sort of grill set up, from which good smells wafted.

  Cifa said, “When we get our room designation, you simply give it to any merchants on the island. Should you go over the amount prepaid by our accounts, it’ll be billed to the clan named on the room.”

  “Take whatever you want or need, Shalia and Joelle,” Seot said. “You are not to worry about the cost.”

  Cifa nodded. “I made our clan responsible for your quarters, Joelle. Enjoy your stay as much as you wish. I do draw the line at you buying the resort itself, though.”

  Joelle laughed at his joke. “Thank you, Cifa, but I doubt I’ll need anything beyond food. This trip has already been generous of you. I can hardly believe I’m doing all these things! My one big vacation back on Earth was a week in the Florida Keys.”

  Beyond the concession areas, there were window vids that showed the island, the sea, and everything in the vicinity of ‘Hotel Nautilus’, as I was thinking of it. The scenery was breathtaking. There were plenty of seating areas to lounge around and enjoy, as a few guests did. Attendants dashed about, taking care of them. The firepit wasn’t needed but it was lit; it turned out the merry flames were encased in a clear chimney so the heat didn’t affect the room’s flawless temperature.

  “This room will be nice to hang out in if the weather doesn’t cooperate,” I noted.

  “They have nightly gatherings in here,” Cifa said. “Meet and greets. There are also rooms where you can set up games, preview vid dramas from all over before anyone else, or attend a show. I’m interested in how our cruise line’s entertainments stack up against Nacabri.”

  Seot asked, “Shalia, what do you wish to do once we have our room assignment?”

  “Play tourist?” I suggested. “It would be good to not only find out what all the offerings on the island are, but to also plan the best parts to shoot for the vid.”

  That’s what we did. Our quarters were gorgeous, as swanky as a greeting and sleeping room could be, though we had to send for Anrel’s crib on the ship. Hotel Nautilus (actually, Nacabri Sun Coast Shelter – I prefer the name I gave it) had never hosted a baby before, so they weren’t prepared. The manager came to apologize in person, though I assured the staff there was nothing to apologize for. He insisted on giving me extra credits to use at the island’s concessions to make up for the lack. I guess they pride themselves on attending to every possible need. With more Earther gals moving to Kalquor in the near future, they’re going to have to gear up for the babies that might be brought along.

  We examined our rooms, oohed and aahed appropriately, and headed back out to discover what we could do. Joelle came along. At first, she tried to send me off without her, saying Anrel and I needed proper “family time” with my prospective clan. I co
uldn’t imagine leaving her by herself since everyone else was taking off with their own clans (or in Candy’s case, her beau). I insisted and pleaded my case to Clan Seot. They agreed she was not to be left to fend for herself, and that she had to come on our tour of the island with us. I was glad, and I think Joelle was too. She’s good company.

  Goodness, there was a lot to see. Climbing, hiking, swimming, sports from mild to extreme, the kurble tournaments – after a quick com consultation, Seot and Larten signed up most of the men of our gang to enter – everything to be imagined. We visited the menagerie, which delighted Anrel to no end. Cifa and I remembered to bring our vid recorders and we shot some amazing footage of Anrel sitting with baby kestarsh and ronka. I rode a kestarsh. I must say, a six-legged animal moves smoother than a four-legged one…though it’s weird to watch a furred animal walk more like an ant than a horse or cow. Joelle rode too, and she’s trying to figure out how to convince my dads they should own a couple of the animals. She’s hooked.

  I encouraged the guys to do some climbing or rappelling or a crazy activity called brangil. Brangil consists of strapping oneself to a line that goes downhill and over a cliff, shooting at stupid speeds while spinning. One lands in a net inches from either the surf or rocks, depending on how high the tide is. Joelle turned green gazing at the horrible contraption. The guys got that light in their eyes that told me they wanted to go for it.

  “Are you going to try it?” Larten asked.

  I covered Anrel’s ears. “Not only no, but fuck no. But I’d never stand in your way of suicidal fun.”

  With laughter, they joined the long line waiting to self-destruct. Because the ride was so quick, Joelle, Anrel, and I only had to wait about fifteen minutes before the breathlessly happy trio returned.

  “Now for your fun,” Seot said. “All the rest of the day is for the enjoyment of you ladies. Thank you for letting us try that.”

  We went on the beach near the monumental stone edifices where the clear walkways awaited. Joelle had no desire to climb, but she was more than happy to play with Anrel in a shallow tidal pool. “Wave to us from the heights.”

  Though the walkways were invisible from a distance, they’re easier to see when climbing and strolling them. Footprints, plus the handprints that had been left behind on the equally transparent sides stretching over my head, kept us from the full illusion of walking on air. It was still a rush to be high above the beach and the sea. We climbed ever higher until the people below became tiny dolls, until Anrel seemed no bigger than my big toe. I watched her splashing in the little pool with Joelle next to her, a pair of miniatures I could have fit in my smallest pocket. It left me lightheaded, but the view was fantastic. Perching on the great pillars and arches was amazing.

  There was so much more to do, and we wore ourselves out enjoying as much as we could…both that day all over the island, at the lovely and luxurious reception in the resort’s lobby…and later when Anrel slept and I was alone with the clan.

  December 18

  Today was an incredible repeat of yesterday. Sun and fun were the rule on Nacabri, and we experienced all we could stand. Our group even reached the semi-finals in the day’s low-impact kurble tournament. It was fun to watch, if a bit violent. I’ve heard that people can die and there is actual poison in the kurble balls in the professional version. I’m glad the worst we saw was a few broken bones and bloody noses, all quickly healed. None of our guys suffered more than some bumps and bruises, thank the prophets.

  The rest of the day was spent in tamer pursuits. The night – that was a different story.

  I came out of the shower and into the greeting room in my dressing gown to discover Joelle snuggling with Anrel. Seot, Cifa, and Larten sat around on the loungers laughing with her. Bright eyes turned in my direction.

  Seot stood. “Matara Joelle will stay with Anrel if you wish to go out tonight.”

  “How nice. You don’t mind?”

  “Of course not. What else am I going to do?”

  “Relax? Have a few drinks, sit in the whirlpool, walk on the beach?” She’d been with us for the most part, and I thought maybe she’d enjoy a few hours to herself.

  “Are you kidding? I wuv dis widdle girl,” Joelle said in a silly voice. She rubbed noses with the baby, making her laugh.

  “You promised she and her clan would cruise when my dads make it home,” I reminded Cifa. “She deserves more than being the resident babysitter.”

  As Joelle spluttered in dismay that I would think she wasn’t having the time of her life, Cifa grinned. “I’m sending her and your fathers on a cruise once a year. Especially since she’s not bought herself the first nice thing since we got here.”

  “That’s too much,” she insisted. “My clan and I’ll take the ‘welcome home’ cruise with many heartfelt thanks, but otherwise, I’m not taking advantage of our relationship with Shalia.”

  “It sounds as if she wants to go out twice a year.” Larten’s eyes twinkled with deviltry.

  “Just a darned minute—”

  “Shall we make it quarterly?” Cifa’s brow rose. I had to smother a laugh.

  Joelle jumped up and stomped her foot. “That’s enough. I mean it.”

  Seot chuckled and leaned over to kiss the back of her hand. “We are grateful to you for giving us the occasional freedom to enjoy one-on-one activities with Shalia. Accept our gifts as poor compensation for that. Please, Joelle, buy yourself something nice to remember this trip with us. I beg you.”

  She scowled and waved them off. “Shalia, get ready for your night out and take these loons with you. They’re as impossible as your fathers.”

  I grinned. “You are worth your weight in gold. Speaking of night out, what am I wearing?”

  The three glanced at each other. “You brought that pink dress you can slip in and out of, didn’t you? The dress that’s easy for you to take off in a hurry?” Cifa suggested with a snicker.

  “I’m taking Anrel to my quarters.” Joelle had turned red but giggled like a schoolgirl. “Have a good night, all. We’ll see you in the morning.” She grabbed Anrel’s overnight bag and shot out of our room.

  “What shenanigans are on tap tonight?” I asked.

  “Can we surprise you?” Seot said.

  It’s a good thing I love surprises. That it would be a sexy surprise had me bubbling in anticipation. I had the dress on (yes, easy on, easy off) in a matter of seconds. It was a cute but casual piece, softly molding to my curves. My hair and makeup took a little longer, but I wanted to look nice for whatever adventure we were about to embark on.

  The guys rewarded my efforts with appreciation. Seot nudged Larten. “Are you ready for any fools who might try to lure this gorgeous woman away from us?”

  “She won’t want them after I crater their faces,” the Nobek affirmed.

  “Please,” I snorted, linking arms with Seot and Cifa. “As if I would bother with other men. Have you seen yourselves?”

  We went out, trading compliments that grew more and more outrageous by the second. By the time we stepped out of the chauffeured shuttle that the concierge had summoned for us, I had been told I was gorgeous enough to break the universe in half. In return, I assured the guys that they were so masculine, they could impregnate a planet just by glancing at it. I was laughing hard as I studied around the beach we’d been left on. The white sand was lit by moons, stars, and a path of glowballs bobbing on the ends of their tethers.

  I peered at the pavilion at the end of the path. “Have we been to this beach before?”

  “No. It’s where Joelle didn’t care to go,” Cifa snickered.

  “Oh, the beach designated ‘clothing optional’? What’s with the big tent?”

  “That’s the surprise.” Seot took my hand. “Come on. We’re not sure what to expect.”

  We strolled down the light-lined trail, ending at the bright red-and-gold pavilion. A man wearing loose green pants, an Imdiko from his demeanor, bowed to us and pushed a flap open. “Co
me in. Enjoy the delights we have prepared for you.”

  “Thank you,” Seot answered for us.

  I didn’t have long to wonder what “delights” awaited us. “Holy Hannah,” I blurted when I took in the view. My companions were wide-eyed, grins slowly spreading over their faces.

  At first glance, it appeared to be an orgy. Or how I’d always imagined an orgy. Groups of men and a few women – Kalquorian and Plasian – writhed in knots on the rug-covered ground, on mats, on loungers, anywhere there was a flat surface. Others stood over these clusters, mostly wearing the big loose-fitting pants the greeter outside had, doing any number of things to the lovers. I saw an attendant misting a group of six with oils that made them slide over each other with sinuous ease. Some attendants flicked switches on writhing asses as their owners humped other asses or vaginas. There was a line of more employees (or whatever they were) on their knees either having their mouths filled with eager cocks or waiting to be used that way. Another lineup was bent over padded benches, their naked asses beckoning (if not already in use).