“Kniam. That is a brilliant idea. He obviously trusts Ava or he wouldn’t have demanded you find her before leaving Earth.” Looking her over, Amber had continued, “We will need to take her to the fabricators for the things she will need. I’m sure the beach will be more comfortable for her if she has swimwear.” Taking Ava’s hand, with the other women herding around her, they had moved toward the doors to the medical dome.
“My father…” Ava had tried to stall the forward momentum that the women were gaining when she heard her father yell out.
“It is the most logical solution Ava. I think that it will be best for you to go to this Hu’lani and keep Knadyn company.”
With her father in agreement, the women pulling her along wouldn’t be stopped. She was whisked out the door to the fabricators to get the things she would need for a stay at the beach.
“I’m sorry I didn’t let you choose.” Amber was saying as Gwen, Catherine and even Brennae piled items into her arms. “Knadyn really does prefer the beach, and I didn’t want to risk you choosing Terra Summit. That is our mountain retreat. There is a lot of snow and…well, more snow. I wasn’t sure if you had ever experienced a beach since you were in the Scottish Highlands most of your life. I figured that Hu’lani would be a new experience for you too.”
Knadyn’s mother did like to talk. Ava had never been around people who were this open and talkative in her entire life. It took some getting used to.
“We will have to arrange for food shipments to be made so that Ava can eat.” Gwen broke in, “I can arrange for some of the males to pick fruits we know to be edible. I will also ask Kneus to do some testing on root plants that might make good salads. Since you will be close to the ocean, maybe you can supplement the fruits and vegetables with fish. Do you know how to catch them?”
Ava looked around stunned from Amber to Gwen, not sure who she should be listening to. When she saw that Gwen was waiting for an answer to her question, she tried to rally her thoughts. Could she fish? She had always been in the lab with her father, but she knew that during certain seasons the others had tried to fish. They had limited success and she never got to eat any of what they caught. The high protein food was always rationed between the males in the security program, to build their muscle mass. Realizing that Gwen could care less about the fishing habits of male Earthlings, she nodded. “I think I can figure it out.”
“That’s the spirit.” Amber beamed at her, “I know you are going to have the best time Ava! It is such a rom…that is to say, a very serene spot.” Ava narrowed her eyes on Knadyn’s mother. Did she think that there was something going on between her and Knadyn? Before she could set her straight, Brennae drew her attention.
“You will need various sizes of swimwear Ava.” She showed her some styles of swimsuits that the women wore. She wasn’t sure about the two pieces of scrap material that Brennae was showing her. The top looked like a flimsy bra and the bottoms was a triangle with strings attached. How did they wear that? “This is a bikini. We also have one-piece suits that cover a bit more. How about we pack a few of each style and size?”
“What is wrong with what I am wearing?” She gestured at her outfit of baggy top and pants with military style boots. She had used their cleaning units to freshen up every day, but had stubbornly refused their offer of clothing until now. “In addition, why would I need swimwear when I won’t be going into the water? I can fish from the shore can’t I?” Ava asked completely confused.
“The temperature is a bit warmer at the beach, and I’m sure you would be more comfortable in our clothing.” Jen assured her.
“Part of the fun of being on the beach is swimming in the water.” Catherine had offered her opinion as she moved to a rack of clothing.
Ava figured they had a point on the clothing. She would have stopped her stubborn refusal to wear it eventually. She felt like such a traitor wearing their fine fabrics when back on Earth all of her friends were still suffering. There was one thing she would stand firm on. “I don’t swim.” Ava insisted.
“Surely…” Amber looked at her intently, “You don’t know how to swim do you?” Before she could admit that she couldn’t, Amber continued. “Of course you wouldn’t have had time to learn.”
“Knadyn can teach you then.” Catherine stated emphatically. “Everyone should know how to swim.”
“What did we miss?” another voice called out. Mairi arrived with Jen in tow.
“Mairi…Jen. You are just in time to help us supply Ava with the things she needs for Hu’lani.” Amber yelled across the room. “We will fill you in on the details. Short version: Ava and Knadyn are going there to isolate him from some mind game the Earth government did on him.”
“Sounds like you have a lot to tell me.” Mairi joined the women around the clothing. “Who is getting the vacationers back to Terraneu if Knadyn is going into isolation there? I know that Cole and Chloe were there. I think Celeste and her new boyfriend are there too. Although, I honestly don’t know who she is dating since she changes boyfriends weekly.”
“I think that Knaleg was in charge of rounding up everyone and making sure Hu’lani is vacated.” Catherine broke in before Mairi could continue in her rant about her daughter. They had all heard how she despaired of Celeste ever settling down.
“Back to swimwear.” Brennae called out. “Like I was saying, we should supply various sizes.”
“Why various sizes. I have been this size since I was fourteen.” Ava looked down at her body.
“You are going to be eating a solid diet and if successful at catching fish you are sure to gain…” Brennae looked at her helplessly, “I’m not trying to be insensitive, but you will gain weight.”
Ava stepped back to eye all four women. They had been genetically modified by a medical fix to survive on Terraneu like the males had. Their bodies used the two suns of this solar system to energize their bodies. The result was that they were physically perfect versions of their genetic code. She hadn’t had this change done to her, but they were right. If her stomach could tolerate the fish, she would be eating a proper diet and her body was sure to change. She had never considered herself a vain person, but maybe her hair would gain some shine and her body might fill out a bit.
“I’m sorry…” Brennae started to apologize then stopped at her wide smile.
“No, it’s okay.” Ava couldn’t help that her grin got wider, “I’m not sensitive about my weight and you are right. I am sure to need additional options for clothing.”
Brennae gave a sigh of relief that she wasn’t offended. “Cover ups and dresses are pretty much one size…just wrap them around you and tie off. Aunt Mairi can show you how to do it.” Everyone laughed and Ava wasn’t sure what was so funny. Her face must have shown her confusion because Brennae explained, “She wraps her tops a bit different and almost caused rioting in the streets when she first got here.”
When Ava looked at Mairi, she just shrugged and laughed with her friends. “It’s true.”
Brennae got her attention again. “Do you want one of every color? We also have mid-thigh, just below the knee and maxi length options. Handkerchief hem, shark hem...exercise clothing.” Brennae was wandering racks and calling out suggestions. Ava’s head was spinning so that all she could do was nod. “The only thing you need fitted are underwear, sandals, bikinis, mono-kinis, one piece…” When Ava was completely buried beneath clothing, Brennae stopped. “I think that does it.” Seeing that she was unable to move Brennae laughed, “We can dump that on the counter and have it bagged and delivered to your dome. You will leave as soon as Knadyn wakes up.”
That soon? Ava felt a surge of nerves at the idea of being alone with Knadyn. On a tropical beach. For six months.
Chapter Eleven
She and Knadyn had arrived at Hu’lani beach last night. The first order of business had been choosing a dome out of the fourteen empty ones available. They all had their own paths to the beach, so Ava chose one closest to a large shared pa
tio. When it came to room selection Knadyn had insisted she take the larger, master bedroom and he would take one of the smaller bedrooms. Ava had laughingly told him that even the smaller ones were much larger than anything she had occupied on Earth and she would be fine. He had gallantly refused to listen to her arguments and running into his room, unpacked his one small bag in record time. Since the females of his family had seen to it that she brought everything she could possibly need, four bags worth in fact, it was going to take much longer for her to unpack.
“Why don’t you go explore while I put my stuff away.” She told Knadyn as he hovered in her doorway. “I can see how excited you are to get out on the beach. You can give me a tour tomorrow.”
“Are you sure?” he motioned to her bags, “I do not mind waiting or helping if you need it.”
The thought of Knadyn handling her swimwear and underwear, was enough to heat her face. This surprised her since she had never had any privacy and was usually open about seeing things and being seen in almost any situation. “No.” She stated a little to emphatically, “That’s okay. I wanted to relax inside and unwind anyway. I really don’t mind if you go ahead.” Giving him what she hoped was a reassuring smile she grabbed a bag and unzipped it.
“If that is what you prefer. I will take a quick stroll on the beach.” He turned back to ask, “Would you like to have an evening refreshment together? I know you packed food to eat, and I have some of my favorite flavored water. We can enjoy it on the patio overlooking the ocean.”
“That sounds nice. Thank you Knadyn.” Ava looked up in time to see his huge smile.
“Until then…then.” His face flushed a bit and he turned to hurry away down the hall.
Ava shook her head. Could he manage to be more charming and sweet? This was going to be a long six months. Grabbing the cover-ups in the bag, she haphazardly stacked them in drawers. Amber had told her she would be sharing a dome with Knadyn before she left. They had a system to turn off unused domes to conserve energy, and since it was only going to be the two of them in Hu’lani, it was argued that one dome should suffice. Ava had asked that if the domes were operated with solar power, how two domes would be a burden. Amber had deferred to Kneus since he knew the technicalities of their system. Five minutes into the explanation, Ava had conceded that she didn’t know enough about their technology and one dome would be fine.
She didn’t miss the sly looks passing between Knadyn’s family members. They thought something romantic was going on between her and Knadyn. How could she tell them that even if she gave in to any attraction to him, nothing permanent would come of it? She would be returning to Earth and Knadyn would be here on Terraneu.
Once everything was put away, she felt the need for a quick shower. Stripping out of her toga style dress that the women of Terraneu seemed to prefer, she hurried into the bathroom. The layout of the domes in Hu’lani was the same as the main community. The material used in the bathroom floor was soft and spongy with an abundance of greenery growing around the actual shower and tub unit. When she had first been shown her quarters she was shocked at the earthy, floral smells coming from the bathroom. Finding an indoor oasis had almost floored her and getting to take a hot shower had been heavenly. All she had ever been able to do on Earth was a tepid sponge bath. Using water for a bath was considered a waste of the resource. Thanks to the water here on Terraneu, her skin had never been this clean. Her sores, rashes and scabs were clearing up…and were sure to return with a vengeance when she went back. That realization turned her mood sour and she hurried to dry off. Walking into her bedroom, she chose another dress, this one in a bright purple hue and pulled it on. Her hair was a tangled mess so she hurried into the bathroom for a brush. Tearing at the shoulder length tresses, she heard Knadyn call from the living room.
“Ava are you ready to eat?”
“I’ll be right out.” She hurried to tie her hair back with one of the clips Brennae had insisted she get. Even though her hair wasn’t as thick or long as the other women’s, she had to admit that putting it up off her neck was a good idea. It was a bit hotter and more humid than anything she was used to. They had warned her. The climate in the domes was regulated, but the weather outside varied. “Could you adjust the temperature to about 72 degrees…?” She tried to remember the difference between Celsius and Fahrenheit. “That is about 22 in Celsius.” Coming out of her bedroom, she saw Knadyn standing by the console at the door.
“Let me show you how this works so you may change the settings as you require.” Knadyn waved her over to the door. “It is the same as the consoles in Terraneu.” He showed her what buttons to push for temperature, lighting, and music. Whatever she wanted the dome to do. “There are also voice commands, but we can set those up later.” Taking her hand, he led her to the patio overlooking the beach. “I took the liberty of setting out our dinners.”
Ava saw that her food was placed at a square table close to the stairs leading to the white sandy beach. In the seat Knadyn had picked she would have full view of the water as it came rolling in.
“Thank you.” She smiled and went to sit down in one of the four chairs, assuming he wanted her in front of the fruit.
“Allow me.” He gently pushed her chair in then sat in a seat next to hers. “I thought you might enjoy the view from this spot.” He looked around sheepishly, “Although, I must admit…all of the tables have great views.”
“This is fine.” She wasn’t lying either. The air misting across the sand was crisp and refreshing. In the shade as they were, the temperature was bearable and she sighed, tucking into her fruit. “It’s really nice Knadyn.”
“I think we should take some time tomorrow to start teaching you how to swim.” Knadyn waited until she had finished her fruit to ask, “If you do not mind.”
She studied his face, “How did you know I couldn’t swim?”
He laughed, showing his perfect white teeth, “My mother told my father after your trip to the fabricator for supplies. He wanted to ensure your safety while at the beach, so he told me a priority would be that you learn to swim.” He took another sip of his drink then continued, “I wholeheartedly agree that safety comes first and you need to be able to swim. You will appreciate the skill once you get used to the water.” He looked out over the waves coming in, “This is one of my favorite places.”
She looked out over the horizon and could understand why. The setting suns put on an impressive show as they sank below the horizon. There were colors streaking across the sky and a sultry darkness was settling around them. In her mind, she pictured standing up and running along the beach. She could see the imprints of her feet in a trail behind her, like baby ducks following their mother. Suddenly in the image, there were two sets of footprints. Hers and another set of larger ones. Looking up she was startled to see Knadyn standing with her, holding her hand. Her heart racing all she could do was stand there looking at him. Open to the invitation, Knadyn made to lean into her.
Rubbing her eyes to clear the fantasy of Knadyn about to kiss her she jumped up, “It has been a really long day. I think I’ll get some sleep. Thanks for preparing my fruit.” Ava knew that she sounded rude but didn’t care at the moment. She just knew she needed to get away.
“You are welcome. Until tomorrow then.” Knadyn went to stand up but she hurried across the patio and into their dome.
“Good-night.” She called over her shoulder.
“Good-night.”
This stay was going to be harder than she thought. It was the first night, and the sultry night air, romantic sunsets and white sandy beach were calling to her. She didn’t even know how Knadyn felt about being stuck here with her, and she was fantasizing about him. Getting ready for bed Ava vowed to get through this…assignment. That is how she needed to look at this. As an assignment that required the logical gathering of data, various conclusions calculated and the best outcome chosen. If she could keep her attitude scientific, she might make it off Terraneu with her heart intac
t.
The only problem with this plan was that her feelings for Knadyn were becoming entirely unscientific. She figured a cold shower and a good night’s sleep should help.
Chapter Twelve
Could a person be in Heaven and Hell at the same time? It had been a month and Hu’lani was everything you would expect a tropical paradise to be. The temperature felt moderate … now that she was getting acclimatized to it. The white sandy beach was pristine and perfect for long walks, building sand castles, and lounging under the sun. The plant life and flowers all around the domes, pathways and patios put off an intoxicating mixture of aromas that made her head swim.
Top all of that off with plenty of leisure time with Knadyn. Playing cards, an Earth thing his mother had insisted he learn. Reading, Ava was astonished they had solar powered readers with almost every book written just before the End. With a blush she realized even erotic novels were included. She made a note on a few she might read during her private time. Listening to music was another thing that had been brought from Earth before the End. She had already burst into tears at the sound of the music, so thankfully she didn’t have that same reaction in front of Knadyn. Dancing was something Knadyn insisted she try. Football was one of his favorite sports and he spent hours practicing his footwork in the sand. Kicking the ball back and forth, up and down the beach. Surfing and snorkeling she hadn’t tried yet because she was still uncomfortable with her swimming abilities. Not that Knadyn hadn’t been teaching her how to swim. She just wasn’t very good at it.
It all started that morning of their first full day at the beach. Knadyn had remained firm in his desire to teach her to swim, so she had grudgingly met him at the edge of the water. They had to do the lessons in the morning since the waves were much higher in the afternoon. With more bravado than she felt, she had joined him in the ankle … then knee … then thigh high water and refused to go any deeper. She could see all the way to her feet in the crystal clear turquoise water, but the sand shifting under her feet and squishing between her toes was making her very aware that she wasn’t on solid ground. With the ebb and flow of every wave, she felt like the ocean wanted to pull her further out into deeper water. If not for Knadyn’s patience, she would have panicked and given up that first morning.
Knadyn: A Terraneu Novel (Book Six) Page 5