First Contact: Book One in The Deepening Series (A Space Rock Opera Romance Adventure)

by Kelly Brewer

  One more step would deal the seal. The other brunette suddenly moved behind the partially submerged woman in front of him, grabbing her arms and pinning them behind her. She grabbed her hair and pulled her head back, parting the lips more, looking up at Kyle for approval.

  Kyle stopped. The redhead stopped pulling his trunks down, not wanting to spook him, waiting for it be his idea. His trunks stuck straight out, inches away. Kyle looked around at the four women surrounding him, eyes pleading him, drawing him in.

  And something else was there… something he had not noticed before. A mocking laughter, barely contained. He could hear it in the back of his mind.

  He looked into the “broken” security camera. Mercy looked back at him, searching for what he was feeling, screaming at him in her head. She was heartbroken at the scene. Sylvia had both hands on Mercy’s shoulders, watching, waiting, gloating.

  Kyle began to move forward. The woman’s face in front of him flushed in anticipation. She closed her eyes.

  The redhead pulled down.

  The blond pressed her bare breasts against his shoulder.

  Kyle took another step…

  Then around!

  And away! Away from them, pulling his trunks up.

  When his left foot caught the bottom step, his faltering resolve revived and he was quickly out of the water, dripping across the deck in search of a towel to cover his embarrassment.

  The women were shocked.

  All six of them.

  The girls in the pool thrashed the water in disappointment, trying to recapture their escaped prey and extra bonus. The blonde followed him out of the pool, removing her remaining clothing, pleading for pleasure. Mercy, who had been sitting hunched in defeat, stood and spit at the screen, shrugging the suddenly weakened, older woman’s hands off her.

  As he neared the exit, he turned and thanked them for their gracious offer. “Ladies, I made a promise to my girl, my parents long ago, and the Deepening in general! If I’d promised one of you, you would be proud of me for this.” He left quickly to catcalls and protests. Pool.boy.bot was mute as he rushed past.

  Eyes aflame, shoulders thrown back, Mercy turned screaming at the speechless matriarch, “That’s what family looks like! Not your mind-fucking bullshit!”

  Mercy grabbed anything and started throwing.

  “I never want to see you… ever… again! Don’t you dare come to my wedding! I hate you!”

  Heartbroken, Mercy ran from her mother’s house for the last time.

  In victory and honor she rushed to kiss Kyle.

  CHAPTER 62

  Mercy ❤❤❤ KYLE

  When Mercy found him, he had already changed into dry clothes and was punching her number to call. Still outside the men’s dressing room, he smiled big when she rounded the corner, running. He opened his arms and she flew to him, relieved and furious. The only reason she was not crying was because she was so proud of him.

  Throwing her arms around him, she wanted to make love to him right then. Right there.

  Waiting was unbearable. They were so close.

  She pulled his shirt open and began kissing his neck and chest.

  Good thing! thought Kyle, or I would have to explain this wood! He let her kiss, wishing it was ok to just let go. She sensed his strength… and his weakness. If she kept going down, he thought he would spray his gym pants before she even got there.

  He grabbed her shoulders quickly and pulled her up. Her hair was wild, the sex on fire in her eyes masked the anger burning inside. They had the same thought at the same time.

  Now was not a good time to discuss what had just happened.

  Their love burned away all other problems. The only thing that existed was each other. They kissed so hard Mercy’s lip began bleeding. She bit his probing tongue and he pulled away laughing, surprised at her intensity.

  He said, “When we are finally together, we will drink each other dry!”

  He loved this woman so strongly, his eyes teared up as he spoke.

  “Baby… baby… I love you so much... I don’t know if I can wait any longer… I’m losing my will… to resist… you are so beautiful…” He pulled back, looking at her flushed face, her hungry mouth, her flashing eyes.

  She wouldn’t wait anymore. Let them ground her.

  She pulled him into the steam sauna next to the men’s dressing rooms. No one was there. The door closed and clouds billowed around them. She quickly removed her cover, revealing a barely covering chain-mail bikini. She slowed slightly, letting him see her. She flipped her hair around and stepped towards him, clicking her heels on the cedar hardwood floor. She could see the bulge in his pants. She looked down and licked her lips, then reached for his length with both hands.

  Kyle was in a daze. Something was in the water today! The women were wild for some reason!

  He wanted her so bad.

  At this temperature he would not last a minute. He grabbed her hand when she reached him through his work-out pants. Her touch was already pulling it out from deep inside him.

  Her touch was too much.

  Flushed with pleasure when it began to flow, he pulled her tightly to him, holding her clenched hand in place.

  She was surprised when she felt the pulsing muscle grow hot and wet in her hand. She tried to free her hand so she could pull him out but he held her in place until he finished. Sweating, hair still wet, he breathed heavily, gasping for air and water. She looked up at him with bemused, conquering eyes. He smiled down at her and they both laughed aloud.

  She let go when he staggered back against the wall and sat down on a bench, a mess. She gazed at him triumphantly.

  “Damn girl… you made me… hahaha… you made me…”

  “Now, I want you to make me…”

  She let her metal bikini bottom fall, and stood with her legs slightly apart. He couldn’t do anything but stare at the thing he had only dreamed of.

  “Oh, baby… I knew you would be beautiful… I knew it.”

  She stepped forward and he put his right hand over her wet mound. His head was about to explode as he closed his eyes.

  “Baby, we can’t, we can’t, we can’t… it’s not time yet… it’s not time. Please let’s wait…” He begged her for mercy.

  She moved her hips forward so his fingers could feel his final destination.

  “Baby please, please, please… don’t make me. If you make me I can’t fight you. We will have to go… if you make me… we have to wait. Please…” He moaned, spent and rehardening, resisting the overpowering urge to enter her in any way.

  Mercy heard his dilemma.

  She loved him more than she loved herself at that moment. She pulled back slowly, turning her backside to him, juices flowing down her inner thighs. She touched herself and shuddered with an orgasm. He watched her perfect ass clench, then release, and he knew she’d come too.

  The danger was past.

  Kyle stood up behind her, wrapping her up and licking her neck.

  “Good girl, good girl. I’m sorry, we must wait. It’s going to be so good, so amazing. You’ll see, you’ll be so glad. We must wait … for us… for everyone. We can do it… together.”

  He sat back down on the bench, spent.

  She turned back to him, liquid thighs right in front of his face.

  “You are the strongest man I have ever met.”

  CHAPTER 63

  Rehab

  Angel waited for Moore outside the bathroom. He finally emerged, relieved.

  “Amazing what a good crap can do for one’s attitude!”

  “These drugs you take can back you up. You can die from these things. Do you know this?” Angel schooled.

  Moore had been sober for two days. Angel forced him to eat healthy and gave him B-complex injections. He looked markedly improved. They drifted back to th
e Alagria lounge aboard Angel’s hip rocket ship parked backstage of Saturn Stadium.

  Moore stated, “Nah, I ain’t gonna die! I just get carried away with all the hype and always want the feeling to increase. I never wanna come down. Thank you for your help. My hand feels much better too.”

  He held his pointy finger out straight, opening and closing his hand with little pain.

  “I think I’m ready to do the Saturn show. I have no pain whatsoever.” He picked up a guitar and played some.

  Angel noticed some slippage, yet encouraged him. “Yes, you seem much better. Blood levels look normal and you have only a slight impediment in your playing. But this is a serious matter. Everyone has a lot riding on you being perfect. Yes, perfect. There is still another vote, per your contract, that will determine if you play or not. Stay sober and you will be fine.” Angel put a reassuring hand on Moore’s shoulder. “I want to see you well, my friend. I want to see the Cosmic Mechanix prosper. And for that, you need to be healthy. Please get yourself under control, for everyone’s sake?” He smiled questioningly.

  Moore stopped riffing and set the guitar down. He stood in his hospital gown and shook Angel’s hand.

  “I see why Kyle likes you. Thank you.”

  Angel took his bag and left. Moore fiddled with a few more scales and set the guitar down. He wasn’t a hundred percent. But almost. He flicked on the tube and lay back on the couch.

  What a ride. Couldn’t remember much of the past few snow-blind weeks, maybe months. But why think that far back? The future was bright. With a little help from his friends he would overcome. They loved him.

  Kyle sent him some video of his recent high lowlights or… low highlights, depending. Watching them took courage! There he was gliding over the audience, and shooting the bird at his best friends; the two twins heckling Peco and haggling backstage with Tamer about releasing the imposter video; pictures of him passed out; pictures of him gagged, shackled, and being dragged by security bots; him manhandling Gemini; Ox toppling him with his pants down; Peco jamming his ass off.

  Wow. Plus he owed somebody ten grand.

  “Too bad I don’t remember any of it.” He was serious. “It’z kinda like it never happened.” Mark shrugged.

  Changing the channel, he turned the volume up on the TV and down on his scarred conscience. Feeling much better after watching Funniest Space Videos, he even had an appetite. After a short nap he would go work out hard then confront the guys about playing tomorrow.

  Things could only get better.

  CHAPTER 64

  Moore better

  Several hours later, after a long nap and no workout, Moore met the group for dinner. Angel was preparing an amazing spread of fajitas, Spanish rice, refried beans, guacamole, salsa, tortilla chips, and margaritas.

  It smelled wonderful. He had not eaten much and the sight and smell of so much food made him realize how badly he had starved his body for drugs and alcohol.

  “Hello, everyone.” He spoke quietly. They all turned and greeted him warmly. Kyle stood and put his arm around his shoulders, hugging him and drawing him into the room. Everyone was truly glad to see him. They politely did not stare, knowing if he was not well it would be easy enough to see over the course of the meal.

  He filled a plate with a little of everything and sat down, relieved no one seemed mad at him. Tamer was reserved. Ox just ate and watched him.

  The food was good and he ate too much. He passed on the margaritas to everyone’s silent approval. After dinner they went to the conference room and began going over video and cues.

  Tamer talked like Peco was still on board. Moore spoke after a while.

  “Guys, I feel so much better now. I’m sorry. I’m clear and ready to play. Peco did a great job and I’m thankful for him. I want y’all to know that I’m ready and raring to go. I probably couldn’t pass daily blood work yet, but we’re still classified mobile infantry, I checked. I’m straight now and plan to stay that way.”

  Silence met his confession. Everyone was weighing his words with past experiences. Tamer spoke first.

  “Really? Last I heard, you quit the band and didn’t need us. You were moving on, got big plans. Oh wait, let me guess. This is your band and your back to exercise your rights. Right? That’s your usual line of crap… right!?”

  Moore knew he had to say something smart. Or at least apologize some more. “Look, I said I was sorry. This is our band. I just felt bad and didn’t know what I was saying. I’m ready now and I want to play.”

  Kyle said, “Get Dock on teleconference.”

  Angel fiddled with some controls and in a minute Dock was on-screen, scrambling to get dressed.

  “Yes?” He seemed perturbed.

  “Hey, man, listen we’re here with Mark. He wants to go on tomorrow. Instead of a big long discussion, I want to vote again. So, all I want to know is, if anyone wants to change their vote from last time, speak up.”

  Silence. Ox watched Moore, daring him to do or say something stupid. No one spoke. Finally, Mac said sadly, “I want to change my vote to no.”

  Moore looked around the room, gathered his nappy housecoat around him, and stood up. “I’m ready. When you need me, I’m ready.” He walked out.

  Peco could barely contain himself. He was smiling when he knew he should have a blank expression. Mynas and Lulu saw and grumbled to each other. Peco was quickly becoming the prima donna personality he had always railed against.

  They reviewed the rest of the Jupiter show then called it a night. Kyle waited for everyone to leave and called Dock back. He looked flushed this time and wild-eyed. The interruptions were disturbing something.

  Kyle said, “Something else I’ve been wanting to tell you. It was a true stroke of genius having a fill-in on hand for Mark. He’s an idiot-savant. He’s incredible one minute, insane the next. You are a great strategist. I couldn’t have predicted his breakdown.”

  “I played the cycle. He’s been high too long. The fall was greater than 50% probability. Easy call, actually. Peco is a good kid to step up.”

  Kyle said, “Indeed. Let’s let Mark sit out one more and if he’s still sober, he can finish out the last two shows with us. What do you think?”

  Dock hushed someone then turned back to Kyle. “Ok, young man, I will go along with that. If he’s sober right up until, right up until the Uranus set. Sounds good.”

  He tried to sign off, but Kyle stopped him. “One more thing. I really want to thank you for all you have done for us.”

  Dock was still then. He replied, “Sure, sure, y’all deserve everything you’re gonna get! G’night!”

  Kyle pondered and wandered the empty Saturn Stadium. His friend was better and he hoped he could come back. It just was not the same without him. Yet he had seemed so full of hatred in that one moment, like he could have killed Kyle there on the spot. A time-out was certainly warranted. Might help his selective memory loss.

  Earlier, Angel had vouched for his improved physical health.

  “But I’m unwilling to comment on his mental health. Your friend has much deeper problems to be addressed if he is to continue after this… war tour!” he concluded, with raised eyebrows. “It’s like before, in the Spike. Remember? Sudden violence, then nothing. It is the same pattern. It is the same demon, I think. I pray for each one of your fans that has died. I keep a list.”

  Handing the sheets of names to a grim Kyle, they both looked at each other, palms facing out, and mouthed, “Wtf?”

  Bitros and company were huffing and puffing about, but had found no violations pertaining to the band or their transports. Angel’s game was impeccable. A group of disappointed inspectors walked silently away from Angel’s ship, past Kyle, heading to a gray, solar-powered government gyro. Kyle was relieved he’d purged everything from the retro-gyro and sent it home early on.

  Yet, he was glad they
were there. The swarm of safety inspectors was a makeshift early-warning system for possible incoming fire. And, he was suddenly aware, looking into the half-lit shadows of Saturn Stadium, that could come from anywhere.

  CHAPTER 65

  Shady and the Sky Captain

  Paul ‘Shade Tree’ Claim was a proud man. He was proud of his work and work ethic. Show business required brutal long hours, and it was thankless, but he loved it. In a clear moment, after he jumped to Saturn, before his molecules found their way back to their traumatized state, Paul realized something: to be reduced to making a payday off revenge was beneath him and beyond his dignity.

  If only they had shown you more rezpect, more appreciation.

  If only rock starz were not such vain, pompous, arrogant, assholez.

  Right?

  Yep, if only you had jumped out of the way a second sooner.

  If only I wasn’t being forced to seek reimbursement through retribution, Paul lamented, his mind sliding, slipping back down into its damaged container.

  If only.

  Scooting across the floor of Saturn SpacePort in a small caddy, Paul felt like he was being treated like a child. The old, black sky captain smiled at Paul wobbling about and insisted he load him in the special-needs mobile. It made him even more self-conscious.

  Everyone was probably staring at the cripple who couldn’t walk, couldn’t think, couldn’t have sex, couldn’t speak too good no more. The freak. The proud freak about to prove, must prove, he still had the moves.

  Pride muzzt remain intact, in spite of a broken body.

  “Stop here, right here, this is me here,” he commanded the driver when they approached counter 119.

  When he got to the service desk he put on the white cap and stood with his cane. In his red shirt he hobbled into line for check-in. A youthful concierge stepped up politely. “You may go to the front of the line, sir, and use the kiosk. You don’t have to wait in line.”