Coeus?

by Andur

  I can't hold myself back any further and hug her. “Why? Didn't you say yourself that you expected something special after the date?”

  “Your family is in the house! What if they hear us! There aren't any cameras in here, right?” She starts searching the walls.

  “That's actually a disturbing thought.” I admit while caressing her. “But right now I've something else on my mind. Do you know that I've slept over a week in a chair? Right next to Earth's president?”

  “I gathered that! It's not helping to get me into the right mood.” She answers and freezes up when I start kissing her neck while using my hands like the video's showed it.

  When I open my mind to hers her knees give way and a gasp escapes her lips. I use the chance to push her onto the bed.

  ~Where did you learn that?~

  ~I studied.~

  ~Studied what!?~

  ~Dirty movies, obviously!~

  ~That's cheating!~

  ~It's cheating that I know exactly what feels good to you.~

  ~Aaahhh! That goes both ways!~

  An hour later we are lying in each other's arms. It feels very relaxing to me. “Do you know that I couldn't sleep well without you?”

  “Me neither.” She admits. “But what you did tonight calls for revenge. You know that?”

  “Revenge?” I ask dumbfounded. Hopefully she isn't too angry for my grandmother's little plot. I went with Melan's enthusiasm because I somehow wanted to introduce Cyla to my family too.

  Cyla rolls on top of me and pulls at my cheek. “You have to go through the same ordeal! In two days we'll travel to Mars and there you'll meet my parents!”

  I snort. “I guess you already know exactly how to introduce me?”

  “Yes, we'll start with you being a pilot of the SDF. It isn't even a lie and it will infuriate my father. When he has shown himself as the bastard he is, we'll reveal the fact that you have more money than him! Just to humiliate him.” She starts chuckling. “That'll teach him modesty! All you have to do is being yourself, Gideon.”

  I get my fair share of Cyla's emotions on the matter, so I start smiling too. “Cyla... deep down in your heart you are evil.”

  Sol, Earth, Australia

  Rob

  “I am so glad that you are fine, Samantha. Or should I call you Galia from now on?” I ask, talking over the phone with her. She just called me to my complete surprise. I already thought I had lost a good friend.

  “We've a lot of trouble down here on Earth. It's not easy to explain everything that happened. The general public wants proof that we are doing something about the illegal experiments and the higher ups in the parliament are going nuts about those asteroids.”

  “Hahaha. Sorry. The agent who aided you overstepped his boundaries a little. Our elders failed to draw a clear line on what he is allowed to do.” She answers.

  “I am sure that I'll be able to get the situation under control. Your man was very thorough in cleaning up the main culprits of this plot. He even left me with more than enough evidence to draw the attention away from your society.” I don't want our idiotic politicians to start a war with people who can throw asteroids at Earth.

  “Actually our elders informed me that they intend to send an envoy to Earth. Of course completely incognito. This whole situation wouldn't have happened if we would've had a way to talk directly to Earth's government.”

  It's certainly better than having a voiceless threat hanging above our heads. “I think that's a really good idea. I guess the situation simply went out of control. I'll do my best to ensure that something like this is impossible in Earth's future government. Your agent left me in a position to do a lot of good and I intend to use it. Will you return once you are better?”

  “Maybe. But surely not as full time spy. Maybe I'll apply for the job as envoy.” She answers hesitantly.

  “That would be a wonderful idea. I want you to know that there is absolutely no problem with it. And please inform your agent that I am really thankful for his help and for not killing me.”

  “He threatened to kill you!?”

  “Several times... I think he was a little edgy about his assignment. Ah, and one more thing.”

  “Yes?”

  “Could I have my rocking chair back? I really liked that one and I think I know exactly who stole it!”

  “... I don't think it's still on Earth. Sorry.”

  “I see.”

  Sol, Mars Colony, Underground City VII

  Gideon

  Cyla is pressing the buzzer on her parent's door like a madman while holding hands with me. She got really enthusiastic about showing me off.

  “You'll destroy the button.” I point out and take another look at the ceiling of the huge underground city. The Mars colonies were built underground inside huge caverns. The ceiling is about two hundred metres high and plastered with dozens of miniature suns unlike the single one on Oibras.

  “If I don't do this it'll take my parents an eternity to get going. They always bury themselves in work and refuse to answer the door.” Cyla smiles.

  “This cavern is huge. I should have visited this place sooner. If you take into account that Mars has one of the biggest populations... where did they transport all the excess materials from digging these caverns?” The surface of Mars must have visible marks of the work down here.

  She raises one eyebrow. “What do you think Olympus Mons is?”

  I guess that makes sense.

  My thoughts are interrupted when a woman with flaming red hair and Cyla's green eyes opens the door. There are red patterns running all over her skin. At first glance I thought that they were tattoos, but they look more like a natural discolouration of the skin after a closer inspection. She seems to have gone through a mutation like my grandmother.

  Her face is slender and her whole appearance screams that she is a strict person. I notice that she is wearing an office suit despite being caught at home and by surprise.

  “Cyl? What are you doing here?” She asks.

  “Hi, Mom! Surprise!” Cyla steps forward and hugs her mother. Then she lets go and takes my hand. “I want to introduce my boyfriend to you. Gideon Alvar.”

  “Boyfriend!?” Her eyes flick back and forth between me and Cyla.

  I step forward and offer my hand. “It's nice to meet you Mrs. Kassidy Estene. Cyla already told me a lot about her family.”

  Kassidy takes my hand with a dumbfounded expression. Then she squints her eyes upon noticing the light in my pupils. “How old are you?”

  “One year older than me, Mom.” Cyla jumps in. “It's rude to ask someone for his age.”

  “I guess it's a legitimate question.” I reply. “I am twenty-three and the reason for my eyes being already a little affected is that I got into an accident.”

  “I see.” She steps aside and I take her up on the offer to enter. Behind my back she starts whispering with Cyla. “Why didn't you say anything? Since when are you two together?”

  “We know each other since three months, but it's only after the first real date that we decided to become official!” Cyla answers.

  “Three months? How can you be in any kind of serious relationship when you were on a SDF mission for the last three months?” Her mother barks.

  Cyla simply gestures at me. “He was on the same ship as me. We were together day and night, so I am fairly sure that our relationship isn't a fluke.”

  Kassidy starts massaging her temple. “Your father won't be happy about this.”

  “That's the point!” Cyla grabs my hand and pulls me further into the house.

  A few minutes later I am facing Gregor Estene, a grumpy man with a beard and a really impressive physique. I can tell from afar that he is taking care of his body. He is filling out the jacket he is wearing quite nicely. He has also a mutation, but it's minor compared to his wife. All he's got to deal with are long, pointy ears. I must say that he is a really sad excuse for an elf. Long ears and a muscular body don't mix!

&
nbsp; Up until now he avoided interrupting Cyla's story, who did the talking so far, but now his patience is at an end.

  “Cyla. What are you doing to this family? Not only are you never showing your face at home, now you also introduce a random freighter pilot as your boyfriend!” He jabs a finger at me. “Does he even have the proper bloodline qualifications?”

  Not entirely sure of what to say I open my mind to Cyla. ~Are you sure that this guy is your father?~

  ~Yes, he is an asshole, isn't he? There are times when I actually think that my mother cheated on him when she got pregnant with me.~

  ~I wouldn't rule that out.~

  “I don't like him.” I mumble which earns me an angry glare from Gregor.

  Then I compose myself before giving an answer. “Excuse me, Sir. I am a full techno-mage with access to a great part of the spells which are attributed to electro-magic. My family is mostly working in the area of public service. My grandfather is the representative of Aether if you heard about him.”

  “At least he isn't a complete nobody.” Gregor looks down on me like a flea.

  That's when we are interrupted by a couple entering the living room. The woman looks similar to Cyla, but is clearly older with a rounder face. She has a curly mane in contrast to Cyla's straight pony tail.

  The man looks like the average business man with brown hair and brown eyes. I can't recognize any redeeming features on him.

  The woman's expression turns into a smug smile upon seeing us. “Cyla! How nice to see you.”

  Cyla introduces me to her. “That's my sister, Yara Estene and her fiancee, Ryles Brenton. His business owns several IM production lines and is the main provider of electronics on Mars.” Then Cyla follows with a mental remark towards me. ~She is Dad's favourite.~

  “Sis, this is my boyfriend, Gideon Alvar.”

  I greet them, taking an interest in Ryles. “You own several IM lines? It must cost a lot to pay those off. The elders don't like it when this technology is used in the commercial sector.”

  Ryles's cheek twitches. “Yes, most of the profit disappears into paying the patent holder. But it's still a lucrative business.”

  “Why don't we stop talking about money? We should be happy that Cyla found someone she likes. I'll get all of you something to drink.” Kassidy dusts off her clothes and stands up.

  Gregor sighs. “Well, a loser will always stay a loser and mingle with his own.”

  ~Did he just insult us in a very roundabout way?~ I ask Cyla mentally.

  ~Yes. I think it's time to spring the trap.~ Cyla answers.

  Cyla raises her hand. “Yes, about IM lines! I actually wanted to make that the topic of my next business! The old one got busted as you've heard. I've bought myself into StarDrive Corp as a subcontractor.”

  Gregor snorts and stands up. Then he walks to the window. “Don't be delusional, child. That's a big fish you are talking about. They'll eat you, chew and spit out the bones. Don't expect me to get you back to your feet afterwards.”

  “Oh, I think that'll be no problem. As it happens I got acquainted with the fiancee of StarDrive's owner. She is a really nice person and Gideon's cousin. As it happens I also have the patent holder for the IM lines sitting right next to me.” She turns my head towards her and gives me a French kiss.

  A rumble from the window prompts me to glance sideways. Apparently Gregor just lost consciousness and fell to the ground.

  “Gregor!” Kassidy runs over to check on her husband.

  ~That's exactly how I imagined it!~ Cyla's thoughts and her amusement echo through my mind.

  ~You are so evil! I love you!~

  35. ~Kaus Borealis.~

  “

  Earth-Magic is settled in the area of influencing physical matter and your own body. It's prone to body enhancement spells and allows the summoning of golems.

  ”

  -Magical Affinties

  Sol, Mars Colony, Underground City VII

  Gideon

  “Do what you want. I don't care.” Gregor waves his hand at Cyla. He had a short blackout and is now lying on the living room's sofa. “You were always the most independent one. Why are you even here? I am sure that you'll do what you want to do. No matter what we think about it.”

  “Just to show off Gideon and to introduce him to you.” Cyla answers. “After he manoeuvred me into meeting his folk I had no choice but to do the same. Not that it bothers me since I am earnest about the relationship.”

  Kassidy sits down next to us and hugs Cyla. “If it's like that, then I am glad that you've found someone you care about. Be sure to pay us a visit whenever you have the time. Whatever this husband of mine says.”

  We continue our conversation with Kassidy while ignoring Gregor, Cyla's sister and Ryles who turned strangely quiet. It's well after evening when we finally part ways.

  After having had more contact with Cyla's family than I ever wished for in my entire life, I let out a deep sigh upon leaving the house.

  I reach my hand around Cyla's waist and pull her closer while walking back to the teleporter which is scheduled to take us back to the Forge.

  “Your mother seems to be the only sensible person of the whole bunch. Somehow I don't want to meet your other siblings.” I voice my thoughts.

  “Yes, Mom is the heart and soul of the family. Without her everyone would only care about his own business. It's not like my father is a person whom you look forward to meet on a regular basis. Even if he is related to you” Cyla leans into me and smirks. “Though I think you won't get around introductions once my brothers hear about this. They are very protective of me.”

  Great. More trouble.

  That's when I get a message from the SDF. I overlay the text with my field of vision and whistle. “Seems like we are getting visitors.”

  “I believe I got the same message.” Cyla informs me.

  I quickly read through our orders. “Seems like they are putting a whole fleet together to stop this one ship. The question is... do we take this assignment?” My eyes wander to Cyla.

  She answers my questioning gaze in the same manner. Then she shrugs her shoulders. “We're the most battle experienced pilots. As long as they don't get any strange ideas like putting us on different ships or forbidding our relationship I am inclined to stay within the SDF until they get their act together. I am not a fan of military organisations.”

  “I want to see them try assigning me to a ship other than my own! That I really want to see!” I shake my fist at an imaginary enemy. Then another thought hits me. “But I like the idea of being alone with you for a few more weeks.”

  “You've read the part where they assigned scientists, linguists and other academics to your ship? They added two big crew-modules for them. They hope to communicate with the aliens.”

  “What!?” I read the whole message again in a frenzy and find what Cyla was talking about. A hundred new crewmen were added in place of one of the resource storage units.

  “Your ship was designed with a lot of extra space to fulfil the requirements of a freighter. Apparently the organizational staff of the SDF used that chance to add a first contact team to the Coeus.” Cyla analyses the situation. “The other new SDF vessels in the fleet are designed as pure warships. Even the mobile battle station doesn't have enough life support to carry that many people.”

  Something stirs inside my belly upon thinking about having random people aboard my ship! “How many years will I get for jettisoning them to space?”

  Cyla purses her lips. “I think locking our compartment will do. It's not like they are allowed to access the cockpit. They aren't pilots.” She starts scanning through the list of names who were assigned to my ship. “Oh, I like that one! Such fortune! I wanted to meet him anyway!”

  A tight feeling wavers through my chest as I search the list of names myself. Who caused Cyla to call out in delight? Is this what jealousy feels like? Then I find a certain name among the faceless who were assigned as security guards. “Ed.�
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  “Your dad! You two will get to spent a lot of time with each other!” Cyla pats my back.

  “He isn't really my father.” More like a provider of gene material, but saying that loud sounds awkward. Even to me.

  Kaus Borealis, Fast Cruiser Tallagan

  Ilin Kleio

  “They are mocking me, Ayo Ekun.” I draw a Zeen meditation rune into the sand to emphasize my impossible situation. “The ambassadors are requesting a full profile of the alien race. Don't they understand that it's impossible to make such a report?”

  I follow with an obscene gesture by my third hand to show my emotions on the matter. “All we know is that we know nothing. We don't know how they look like aside from a few blurry images by the first drone. We don't know how they live. The only thing we know is that they are obviously not interested in talking and that they are pissed off. They sent that Drazi colony back to the stone age. Those robots ate all their technology!”

  I shudder upon remembering the images. Those robots took everything apart what they got their tiny pincers on. It was almost as if they were studying everything besides the Drazi. They were simply ignored while the robots kept reproducing and eating.

  The Drazi tried to destroy them, but they multiplied faster. I hope the phantoms never use this weapon on one of our worlds. In the end the Drazi even blew up their zero-modules to stop the infection. It didn't help.

  “What's destruction to us may be information gathering to them.” Ayo, my old friend, wobbles amusedly and uses one of his stick like appendages to draw a line into the sand. The Zeen are a strange cross of an insect and a jelly fish. They have four chitin armoured legs and an almost transparent body. Their head has no neck, but it isn't needed since they have eight eyes which give them a view of three hundred sixty degrees. Their two arms are long with two joints and many chitin pincers and tentacles at the end to manipulate small objects.

  The Zeen need a very dry environment. That's why Ayo is spending almost all his time in his habitat which is an empty room that's filled with sand and has controlled humidity.