by D. R. Rosier
Tiffani said softly with a tinge of sadness, “He talked to me last week. All I could do was nod back at him.”
Gwen asked, “What did he say?”
She sighed and smelled Gwen’s hair before answering, her lover’s scent calming her a bit, making it easier to talk, “He wanted to tell me he was fighting it still and asked me not to give up on him. Of course, he also knew I already knew that, he just needed to know if I would wait. I nodded yes in answer, I couldn’t speak. I was afraid if I tried, the yes would come out as a sob. I love him, I always will. And I will wait for him. Problem is though. I think it will be in vain. I just don’t know if he can fight it and win. It has already been over a month. He wants to change so badly, but how does one change their very nature?”
Gwen said, “I know you can read him, his thoughts, but I see and feel his emotions much better than you can. His instincts are horribly strong, but so is the love he has for you. I believe in him still.”
Tiffani desperately clung to hope as she cuddled up closer to Gwen, trying to touch as much of their bodies together as possible. They just held each other for a while. Tiffani cradling Gwen’s whole body and Gwen holding the hand that Tiffani wrapped around her body. They had missed each other quite a bit as well, sleeping apart like they have been.
When Ariella came in twenty minutes later, they all kissed goodnight, but the raised emotions from Vino showing up and Tiffani missing the touch of both her lovers led to something other than sleep, something much more pleasant… For a time, she released her worries and drowned herself in the pleasure of her two mates.
Chapter 4
They were all together having breakfast, including Vino. Bill was feeling impatient, he wanted to get the information and start fighting again. But he held his peace, he didn’t think the old man would enjoy being rushed and was quite sure it would be counterproductive. They were stuck on Vino’s schedule apparently and had to make the best of it.
The one good thing was he was eating Chinese food for the first time in a long while. Vino had shown up with it this morning mumbling something about catching up on all the historical changes or some such.
The ancient Dravii sighed.
Vino said, “No patience at all, although at least you all aren’t bugging me out loud, just screaming for the information in all your heads. Very well, but hold your foolish questions until I am done.”
He took a deep breath and said, “A particularly clever ancient Dravii, or at least he thought he was, saw a potential in humans. Something that they would earn in several million years of evolution, if they made it that far as a species and didn’t destroy themselves first.”
Vino stopped and took a bite of his sweat and sour pork then continued, “He advanced that part of humanity’s evolutionary path, granting those abilities early by activating that DNA and modifying it slightly to make it work. Something only an ancient Dravii could pull off, actually seeing the path of evolutionary mutations, and causing them to happen immediately. It seemed to work, so he arrogantly repeated his actions on about a thousand humans and paired them with Dravii. They went out and in the modern vernacular kicked ass and killed every single Sprisi out there, except for the ones on their home world.”
Vino visibly brooded as he finished his meal. Everyone was going over what he said in their minds. The question obvious but no one voiced it.
Vino said, “The problem was, that the human evolutionary path isn’t just about gaining those powers. The ancient Dravii never considered that other traits would be modified, or simply lost all together during the changes that gave them power. Never once thought, that the brutality inherent in the species, required for their survival as primitives in a brutal world, would no longer hold sway. It was too late when he realized he had released a thousand monsters on the universe.
“You see a hundred thousand years ago, humanity wasn’t even close to as civilized as it is now. So picture giving advanced abilities to animals, intelligent maybe, but completely ruled by instinct. Mates were still chosen back then by simply claiming a woman and dragging her home. There were no human rights, no ability for the woman to choose. The men took what they wanted, if one fancied another’s woman, or cave for that matter, they would fight for it.
“Unlike Bill here they didn’t even bother to fight their instincts, it was natural, and quite frankly what they needed to survive as a race at the time. Survival of the fittest at its most basic to ensure the continuation of the human species. Only the strongest survived, only the strongest could take and keep mates.”
“In short, we had to stop the humans we released, sadly we didn’t get all of them, just most of them. Some hid on the very planet below us, they were able to close their minds and blend in. We couldn’t find them at all. They were primitive but knew if we picked up a scan of a human anywhere else in the universe, well, we would know they didn’t belong there.”
Vino sighed again, “Bill, you have heard of spiritualists, people that see ghosts? Mediums and witches? Magic?”
Bill nodded not at all sure what to say. The picture Vino was painting was much grimmer than he expected. Perhaps he was naïve but he thought it would be more along the lines of Humans and Dravii teaming up for the greater good to rid the universe of evil. He should have known better.
Vino said softly, “The Dravii’s fault young Bill. Those humans may have turned into monsters, but only because of one arrogant Dravii who made them that way.”
Vino paused for a moment but no one said anything, not wanting to disturb the flow of information they were finally getting.
He continued to explain, “You see the ones that escaped us, the advanced humans… Well they mated, a lot. No other human could stand up to them and that meant they had any woman they wanted. That first generation born from them was almost as bad, the advanced humans and the normal ones created something in between. They still had powers at that point, but less. They were cruel and abusive, back to the survival of the fittest. It was incidentally, why witches were so persecuted, racial memory painting them as black. But the truth is they were just acting as their human nature prompted them. But as more generations went by, these advanced traits were bred out of the species, every generation a little more watered down so to speak.
“Realize it is much more complicated than that, I am simplifying it by a huge amount. Even Ariella wouldn’t be able to follow all the specifics involved in adjusting a race’s natural evolution. So back to my original point, the mediums, and psychics of today are a shadow of what the first advanced humans were. Even the ability to astral project originates from back then. Interesting to note that you are one already Bill, it’s the reason you always know which one is Anise and which one is Sylvia. It’s a shadow of the ability to recognize the life signature of someone. But for you it happens all in the subconscious mind, you have no control over it. Humans call it insight, gut instinct, or for females, women’s intuition. Really though, it is those senses that have been dulled past the ability to use consciously.
“That’s when we decided to isolate the humans. They were too powerful with no ability to control their urges or wants. Plus, we had to hide them just in case the Sprisi struck again. Mostly it was the Dravii that knew where Earth was. We used our mind control powers to strip the information from all but the eldest of us. We also hunted down records and destroyed them, so no one would go looking.”
He sighed, “I decided to remain here as a guardian, watching over this world as a last defense against its destruction. I also interfered, tried to start civilization, hoping that the baser instincts would start breeding out when they were no longer necessary for survival. In hopes if the Sprisi came again humanity would be ready for their powers. But as you already know, Atlantis sunk, and I won’t get into that story, it’s not why we are here.”
Bill shook his head and asked the obvious question, the one Vino seemed to be avoiding answering, “That sounds bad, but what powers exactly, how did it help in fighting the Sp
risi? Do you think we learned enough to even try again? I am sure you know I am fighting my instincts right now.”
Vino said, “You know how I said you could recognize life energies, specific to Anise or Sylvia, no matter what form they wear?”
He nodded.
Vino said, “Well imagine not only getting a sense of it but seeing a person’s life signature, their life essence if you will. Not their memories, but their motivation, their emotions, the essence of who they are. The advanced humans could see the Sprisi, no matter who they were in. They could see it, a second signature that didn’t belong. I mentioned astral projection as well. They could leave their bodies and search the universe, find them wherever they were. They could even specifically search for that races life essence. Sniff it out like a bloodhound. Again, totally dumbing it down for you.
“The end result though was nowhere in the universe was safe for the Sprisi, they couldn’t hide and distance didn’t make a difference. Granted, the humans couldn’t destroy them while in astral form, but it was easy to go back, give the Dravii special coordinates and go after it. The only exception to finding the Sprisi seems to be their home world. We thought maybe something in their atmosphere prevents it, perhaps the energy that feeds them on their world can’t be seen through, or sniffed through to follow through on my previous comparison.
“Of course, there is more. Finding them wouldn’t be enough, and the Dravii couldn’t kill them without killing the host. Advanced human’s could also affect, or change, a beings life essence. If they were close enough they could reach inside the host with their mind and end the life of that Sprisi. Any life really, like I said, they were very dangerous. Advanced humans could also feed even more energy to a Dravii during sex. I think Ariella would not have been so surprised at the energy influx if she hadn’t picked an ancestor of those advanced humans. For some reason that particular trait bred true, not losing its power over time, and was carried down the generations. A pure human, one not changed by the foolishness of an arrogant Dravii, would be about the same as an Elvii or Angilli for energy production.”
“Lastly, these advanced human’s were able to channel the energy to destroy a Sprisi through the Dravii they were paired with. The Dravii could take that energy and amplify it. Together they could wipe out every Sprisi in an entire solar system.”
He shrugged, “If there were any more gifts than that, I don’t know what they are. It’s possible the rumors of healing are from this as well, but the first advanced humans were too selfish to try something of that nature. To be honest I am surprised they fought the Sprisi for us in the first place. Maybe they just wanted access to the stars and it was in their self interest to take out a competitor, so they played along.”
Bill asked softly, his voice cautious, “And will you try again? You are the foolish Dravii in your story are you not?”
Vino glared at Bill but didn’t answer.
Bill nodded and said with a bolder voice, “Still deciding? It wasn’t hard to figure out. Only someone that felt responsible would stay here for the last hundred thousand years of their lifetime. So when will you know? I am sorry to be cruel and mean no disrespect, but the universe is in a lot of danger right now. At least we know the Sprisi won’t kill too many people outright, you can’t feed on misery if your food is dead.”
Vino sighed, “I will come back tomorrow and tell you my decision. You see, I am too old. If I change you I will be sacrificing the rest of my life.”
Bill’s eyes widened.
Vino shook his head, “Do not misunderstand my reluctance. It is not the sacrifice that bothers me. I will gladly give my life to help safeguard the universe from the Sprisi. What bothers me is I will not be here to stop you, if you become a monster like your ancestors did. One more day of thought is not much to ask. Plus, you also have a decision. It doesn’t have to be you. You will be risking a lot, and I believe it would break Ariella’s heart if she had to destroy you. She loves you and the rest of the crew more than you know.”
Bill sighed as Vino disappeared in a flash of brilliant white light.
Chapter 5
Ariella was worried. She had no idea such a thing was even possible for an ancient Dravii. She snuck another look at Bill and just couldn’t imagine him being a monster. After all she knew he didn’t go around controlled by his instincts, taking whatever he wanted. She knew he had to fight them, but that was a far cry to how his predecessors were, he hated that part of himself. She just worried about him gaining all that power. It would be a huge temptation.
It didn’t seem that they had a real choice about it though. They could hide for the rest of their lives, but she knew none of them, including her, could live with turning their back on the universe. Even selecting another human seemed like a bad idea, she already had one of the best ones. She just had to hope even after being changed he still hated that part of himself, enough to resist temptation anyway.
One thing was certain, they were done with their search, and it was still morning, they had a whole day to kill and nothing to really do except wait. She had an idea for that, everyone needed a distraction to blow off some steam.
She said, “Well, we don’t need to scan anymore, rather than brood for another twenty four hours I have an idea. Bill, come with me please? The rest of you find something comfortable to wear, we need about thirty minutes.”
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Bill already knew he would do it, he would risk his life, it was worth it to him. He too was worried about the next twenty four hours, all his mates looked concerned about him, and none of them really had anything to do. He sighed with relief when Ariella had an idea and took her hand.
They teleported and appeared in front of something he was not expecting at all. One of those twenty four hour superstores. He looked down at Ariella and raised his eyebrows.
She grinned and said excitedly, “Party time, we need alcohol, food, and everything for a beach barbeque.”
He got a picture of a bunch of humans on the beach staring at his red, golden and blue colored skinned mates in his head. Perhaps some screaming, running, torches, and pitchforks included? Then of course he realized a tropical deserted island would take care of that issue easily. A grin slowly spread across his face. It would be good to get off the ship and relax a bit. Saving the universe was just too much pressure and the last two weeks of slowly fraying tempers backed up the thought.
They went inside, picked up some premade hamburgers at the deli, hot dogs, buns, beer, wine, chips, lighter and fluid, a simple barbeque, and some charcoal. He hadn’t even considered how to pay for it but Ariella pulled out a wad of folded bills and paid for it all. They went outside and waited until no one was looking their way and transported straight to a beach.
It was beautiful, he could smell the salt air, the water was bright blue and it was in the high seventies with a warm breeze. There was no sign of any civilization anywhere. He did see some beach chairs and a picnic table, he figured she probably made them in the ship and sent them down earlier.
He said smiling, “This is great, exactly what I needed. What we all needed. Thank you for this.”
He pulled Ariella into a deep kiss and then held her for a moment. Just enjoying her in his arms as he soaked in the sun. He felt relaxed for the first time in two weeks, the worries for tomorrow melting away as he lived in the moment.
He popped open a beer and started to put the barbeque together and get a fire going while taking sips. Finally, a real beer. He noticed Ariella transported Gwen, Larissa and Tiffani down. He almost burned his hand when he noticed they were all wearing bikinis. He figured she arranged that too, when he saw her changing into one as well.
He felt Gwen wrap her arms around him from behind, kissing his back as he heard her giggle. His heart melted at the sweet sound.
She said teasingly, “Distracting are we?”
He grinned, reached around and spanked her lightly, “You know you are baby.”
They ate and had a go
od time, the sun felt so good to all of them after being on ship so long and by the third drink they were all in a much better mood. Even he and Tiffani were talking and joking together, hardly any awkwardness at all. In the light of tomorrow’s risk their issue seemed very unimportant at the time, when weighed against their feelings for each other, at least to him. They didn’t touch, but otherwise things felt almost normal.
They took a small swim, Bill having changed into the swimming trunks Ariella provided. There was laughing and squealing as they played in the water. All in all it was a wonderful day and he wished it wouldn’t end. There was some affection exchanged between them, soft touches and brief kisses. But mostly they just bonded as mates and enjoyed each other’s company for the day. None of them brought up what tomorrow would bring, not wanting to break the mood and release of the day.
When it started to get dark, they all went back up to the ship and went into the main bedroom with the huge bed. No one wanted to sleep separate tonight so without even discussing it there was no sex, just cuddling close together and gentle caresses as they fell into a deep sleep.
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The next morning Vino showed up with greasy diner food. They all dug into their eggs, hash browns and bacon. They knew he would get to it in his own time and no one mentioned why he was there. They were all a little afraid of what would happen and weren’t inclined to want to rush it anyway.
Tiffani was on pins and needles. They had such a good time yesterday, she had wanted Bill last night when they turned in, but knew the day was just a temporary reprieve. She knew he still struggled with her being with anyone else. She was quite worried about him though, but knew if he couldn’t maintain his civilized behavior after being advanced then she doubted any human could. Of course, she was probably biased in that way.
When breakfast was finished, she had really liked the bacon, Vino cleared his throat. She was on edge as she waited to see what would happen.
