The Alternative

by Richard Dante

  TWELVE

  As the door opened before Sharon, she hesitated. She felt strangely awed to see this room was dimly lit. The unique design gave her the distinct impression she was entering some sort of cave--a place which held a peril that might affect her life and future. As Sharon stepped through the door she became only vaguely aware of her surroundings. Her attention was riveted on the man who stood next to a chair in the center of the room. The foppish movie buff had taken on new stature and Mr. Parker’s presence frightened her.

  He greeted her in a kindly voice. “Come in Mrs. Miller.”

  Despite his friendly tone, Sharon remained wary and frozen. Unable to move, she felt hands from behind, take her gently by the elbows and propel her forward.

  “Please sit down. I believe you’ll find this chair comfortable,” Parker invited.

  Sharon stood peering into Parker’s eyes, half afraid to look, yet drawn to their penetrating gaze.

  Parker addressed her softly. “Mrs. Miller -- dear Shana,” he smiled.

  Sharon was startled. Only her father had ever called her, Shana. How could this creature know that? Was he laughing at her? Taking liberties with her memories? She stuck out her pretty chin at him.

  “I’m sorry about the little deception I had to play on you earlier this evening. But later, I think you will see it was necessary .”

  “Who or what are you Mr. Parker? What role are you playing now?” she snapped angrily.

  “You see me as I am, my dear. A Primagnon through and through. I might add, a Primagnon with a great deal of influence and a good deal to offer you.”

  “You sound like a used car salesman,” she tossed back at h im.

  Genuinely amused, Parker laughed. “A used car salesman?! Just wait until you hear the beauty of a bargain I have for you Shana.”

  Sharon was irritated by his continued use of her pet name, yet the man’s outgoing manner had softened some of her fury. She looked up at the Primagnon. She was still standing and they were only separated by the width of the chair. She could see his eyes more clearly. The dim light caused his pupils to dilate and through the widened opening, she could see far back into them. There were strange glittering lights of many colors dancing within. She also saw shadows and movement. No definite forms, but the mystery of them intrigued her.

  Sharon knew now she was no match for this Primagnon, or whatever he was. But she was less and less afraid of him. When he offered her the chair again, She could read the insistence in his face. She withdrew her gaze and sat down.

  When she was comfortable, Mr. Parker indicated the drink on the table next to her. She took a sip and found the pleasant taste refreshing.

  “I can see you are confused, my dear,” Parker began. “A very natural reaction to this evening offerings.”

  “I’m sure my confusion would be cleared up if I knew what it you’re planning,” Sharon responded.

  “Why, we’re planning your salvation. That’s the simple truth. The world is in trouble and we wish to save it.”

  “My husband’s already working on that.”

  “Yes, and his plan is a worthy beginning. Unfortunately, it’s not the whole answer. There’s a greater price to be considered.’

  “Price?” Sharon queried as she took another sip of the liquid. Her eyes followed the Primagnon as he moved to sit behind his desk.

  “Yes -- a price. I think with your scientific background, you’ll understand my meaning.”

  “ My husband’s the scientist.” she managed to smile.

  “But you’re close enough to know for ever action there must be a reaction. When something is added, very often something must be subtracted. No matter how many are allowed to live on this poor planet, there’s no possible way to save the entire population. Many will have to perish in order for the Life Force to continue. You certainly must see that”

  Sharon considered this for a moment, and almost immediately saw the truth in what he said. It disturbed her, yet she elected not to reply.

  “Sharon,” Parker continued, deciding she was not happy being called by her father’s pet name. “Sharon, we need your help. We want your husband to be a part of our plans. Dr. Miller is without doubt a brilliant man. However, there’s something beyond his brilliance, we need to make our mission a total success.”

  Sharon gave the Primagnon a questioning look.

  “I want you to help bring Kirk under our influence. His innocence and utopian optimism may make our plans for him impossible. Yet we must try. I should warn you what I ask may destroy his love for you. We’ve been studying you all evening; somehow I don’t believe the loss will be all that unsettling.”

  “But...he loves me and I love...

  “No Sharon, for the last year or so, you’ve only been deluding yourself with the idea you still care for him. In effect you’ve already been unfaithful to him.”

  “That’s a lie!” she cried, and yet there was little conviction in her anger.

  “Unfaithful in thought if not in deed.” he continued, to qualify his remarks. “You’re much like us in that respect. The fulfillment of basic needs are primary. Once those are met, we go on to more important work>”

  “But, I’ve always...” murmured Sharon uncomfortably.

  “Not always,” interrupted Parker. Reaching into her thoughts. “We know everything about you--and the lengths to which you’ve gone to satisfy your needs.”.

  Suddenly furious, she shouted. “How Dare you...!”

  The Primagnon tried to mollify her. “It’s no crime to relieve those frustrations left you by a neglectful husband.

  Sharon blushed and turned away, horrified that anyone should know her secret.

  “Sharon,” said the Primagnon quietly. “That’s all in the past. Just your human nature, and as our friend the Inquisitor stated. The past is DEAD!”

  Parker, who had been sitting at his desk, now rose.

  “We want to offer you a new life, one full of promise. A life which will be fulfilling-- perfect for the likes of you.”

  He moved to stand before her. she leaned back in the chair so she could look up at him. He was almost in silhouette, towering in front of her. She could see the expression in his eyes was kindly, yet insistent.

  “Kirk isn’t worthy of you. He thinks only of his work and has little time to give what you need. In his present state, unfortunately, he might accept the comfort you offer, yet can give little in return. You, however,will continue to give and give until you are sapped of your youth and beauty.--a bitter old woman before your time. Here, let me show you” He turned back to press a button on the desk console.

  The great screen sprang to life and he stepped away so she had a clear view of it. It showed her face, and the beauty of it shown through the room. It was the same face that once looked back at her from her mirror.

  “Sharon Miller at age twenty-five,” remarked the Primagnon.

  There was a slight pinging sound from the area of the screen and a change appeared. It was as if someone had thrown a pebble into a pond, and as the ripples moved across the screen, subtle changes took place in Sharon’s image. At first they were barely discernible. Small shadows around the eyes; a slight drooping at the corners of the mouth. Slowly the youthful glow and happiness faded to be replaced by disillusion and bitterness.

  Sharon watched, aghast as her beauty crumbled before her eyes. Her vanity urged her to look away from the picture as it became increasingly repellent to her, but she was held, fascinated by the panorama of her life passing before her. Age began to creep into the image. Lines around the eyes and mouth. Pallor replaced the bloom of youth. Then a face caked with make-up so it looked like the work of a drunken plasterer;. Had the bitter face smiled, it probably would have fallen away and left nothing but a ravaged ruin. The scene ended with a face like that of a grotesque skull with only wisps of white hair to top the shiny scalp. The eyes were closed and pennie
s were placed upon them as the picture faded to darkness. The room was silent.

  Tears streamed down Sharon’s face as she sat slumped in the chair. She couldn’t bear the thought of what the future held for her. Parker stood to one side. There were times he regretted the methods he had to use to convince the human heart. He felt an almost fatherly feeling, if such a thing was possible for Primagnon, a deep affection for Sharon and wished he could have spared her this.

  He moved toward her, took up the glass and offered it to her. She dried her eyes and took a sip of the cool, green liquid. With some of her courage returning, she lifted her reddened eyes to the Primagnon leader.

  “What do you want me to do?”

  “I want you to become one of us. I’ll outline your mission later,” he replied.

  “But what about Kirk?”

  “You’ve been a good wife to him, but now it’s time for you to think of yourself. If you would only face the fact, you’d know your love for Kirk is dead. Love is not the Primagnon way. The word isn’t even in our vocabulary. We offer something better. In a Primagnon relationship both parties take pleasure from one another without having to give any part of themselves. There is incredible passion and great satisfaction, but never frustration or heartbreak. And when one Passes On, there is no grief. We only know the Life Force must continue. We believe it ‘s the purpose of all existence. As for you Sharon, we have the power to grant long life and beauty which will never fade.”

  “But...” she started to protest, yet her resistance was gone.

  “We want you Sharon. We need Kirk, too. There’s someone here who I think might be able to convince you better than I.” Parker pushed a button and a door slid open to her right. A tall, dark, handsome male entered.

  “Carl?” gasped Sharon.

  The man smiled. “Hello Sharon.”

  “But, I don’t understand.”

  “There are many things about us which are different. Most, however are an improvement on the human condition,” Parker told her. “Carl will explain it to you. Please call when your decision is made. I do hope you’ll elect to join us, my dear.”

  Parker stepped from the room and as the door closed behind him, the handsome Primagnon moved toward Sharon, then stood looking down at her. His face was in shadow. As with Parker she could see the lights dancing within his eyes. His look sent a warm flow of eager excitement through her body.

  “Sharon,” he breathed her name passionately as he knelt slightly to draw her up from the chair into his arms.

  He barely spoke, only whispering her name over and over while his eyes revealed more than words. They held her own with a tantalizing promise. He arms encircled her loosely while his fingers gently caressed her back, bared by the deep cut of the gown.

  His hands were warm, almost hot where they touched her--a sensual feeling that caused her heart ot pound with anticipation. Her conscience demanded she resist him, but he easily conquered the voice within and insidiously drove away her doubts and fears.

  She remembered the scene in the film when he’d played the part of the black Satan. Now he’d teased and caressed her so she blushed at the memory, yet it heightened her fierce need for this strange wonderful being who held her.’

  The nearness of him; the light but pleasant, intoxicating animal smell about him caused her to press herself into the hardness of the muscular body under his jumpsuit. He breathed her name again and she felt his warm, delicious breath against her face. Her arms went up around his shoulders to hold him so their bodies molded together. She could feel the hardness of his erection pushing against her belly and was dizzily excited as he smothered with his warm, soft mouth.

  He loosened his embrace and she could feel his hand move down inside the cleavage of her dress. She wore no bra, so his insistent fingers were free to send tingles of pleasure through her trembling frame. Suddenly she felt the dress give way and fall to the floor, while he unfastened his jumpsuit and let it join the rest on the carpet. She took a deep intake of breath at seeing he wore nothing under the garment.

  He supported her spine gently as he laid her on the soft, padded flooring. Sharon was not the least embarrassed as she helped him remove the rest of her garments. He caressed her, Kissing her from head to toe. His insistent tongue now searched out even her most private places and his erotic love making was an experience she’d often dreamed about, but had never enjoyed.

  He move over her, his body hot to the touch. As he pressed into her, Sharon wanted to scream out in pain and pleasure. He began to move in a tantalizing, teasing way -- thrilling her as he rolled, tossed, pushed and turned.

  All the world was lost to her as the flashing lights within his eyes and his smile, encouraged her; urging her ahead. His mouth kissed her, his hands fondled and caressed as he drew himself in and out--all the time breathing her name.

  “Sharon, Sharon.”

  His fragrant breath warmed her and she wanted the time to go on forever. His strokes were were at first slow, and then became more insistent, driving her toward fulfillment. Sharon lost all concept of time as he continued his caresses. Then his pace increased to an erotic crescendo and the climax was beyond imagining. His thundering, surging, trembling body sent her on wave after wave of orgasm.

  He continued on, slowly slackening his pace to let her float down slowly to the beginning. He shuddered slightly with one last thrust, and as the tide of passion abated, Sharon felt a magnificent satisfaction pour over her. All the frustrations she’d experienced for so long where gone.

  Carl lay over her for a while and she held him--enjoying the weight and heat of his body and the strength of his lean muscular frame pressed close to her. At length he pulled himself free and sat beside her. He pushed away the lock of silken hair from her face and gave her one more hard, searching kiss. She put her arms around him to hold him captive, but he rose to his feet and looking down for a moment, quickly slipped back into his jumpsuit.

  “Carl? Please.” she pleaded.

  “There’ll be plenty of time for pleasure once our mission is completed, my darling.” and he smiled as he reached down for her hand to pull her to her feet.

  Sharon’s legs would barely support her. She felt drunk with the last moments of passion. Carl helped her dress as she leaned weakly against him He treated her like a small child who couldn’t dress herself and Sharon found she wanted more of him and was disappointed he was now being so efficient and businesslike.

  When he finished dressing her, he placed her gently in the chair, Carl combed her hair and helped her repair her make-up. He stepped back to survey his handiwork. Satisfied, he gave her a warm smile, moved to the desk and pressed a button.

  Parker entered so promptly , Sharon had the embarrassing impression he’d been waiting just outside the door; listening to what was going on inside.

  She remained seated and her composure finally returned, With one hand resting lightly on her shoulder, the handsome Primagnon stood behind her,as Parker moved to stand in front of them. Looking first at one and then the other, he could read Sharon’s thoughts, and though his question was redundant, he asked.

  “Well, Sharon, have you made your decision?”

  Sharon looked up and Carl and he smiled down at her--a smile which gave the promise she was waiting for.

  “Yes, Mr. Parker. I’d be proud to join your organization.”

  The Primagnon leader clapped his hands together with pleasure.

  “I am delighted, my dear.”

  Carl assisted Sharon to rise and the Primagnon leader placed his hands on her shoulders, looking fondly into her eyes.

  “You will make a valuable addition to our ranks. I welcome you, Shana!” He bent forward and placed a fatherly kiss on her forehead.

  It now seemed right for him to use her intimate name.

  “Carl, would you be so kind as to take Mrs. Miller to the Changing Room?”

  Parker was holding her at
arms length and seeing a troubled, frightened look cross her face, he reassured her,

  “Please don’t worry, my dear. the metamorphosis is practically painless. No more than the prick of a hypodermic needle. You’ll then pass quickly from this life, through death into rebirth as a Primagnon. You’ll never regret it, I promise you.”

  Sharon felt a moment of apprehension until Carl placed his arm around her and turned her face up to him. Again she saw promises which vowed a lifetime of moments like those they’d just shared. She would have gone through anything just knowing he would transport her on that delicious journey again and again.

  “A perfect mating,” smiled Parker almost as if he had just pronounced them man and wife. He stepped to his desk and pressed the button which opened the door on the right Carl took Sharon’s hand and led her toward it. At the door, Sharon turned to glance over her shoulder to the man he’s first known as Amos Parker. She gave him a look of deep gratitude as she passed through the door and it closed silently behind her.