Terraformed Skies

by Anna Lewis

  Below their knees, Herman rolled his gigantic eye in a loop around the entirety of his body – quite a feat for such an extraordinary creature – and made his blobbish way over to a modulator next to the dashboard that was blinking. He pushed the blinking button and the whirling sound ended abruptly.

  “Your highness, the beamer was on,” said Herman while staring at the flustered prince.

  A brief silence fell over the trio as Amelia attempted to stifle a giggle and the prince’s pale blue skin began to flush.

  “I knew that, Herman,” he said while tapping his foot. “I was just checking the controls.”

  While Ero’an and Herman got into a bit of a verbal spat, Amelia floated across the pit towards the window to admire the expanse of the universe sitting before them. It was the most exquisite sight she had ever seen in her life, only something her dreams had shown her that was even more magnificent in its physical form. She couldn’t be bothered by the blundering fool to her right who had begun ranting about finding a wife and child. How can someone be so dismally distracted by love when he has the universe at his fingertips? she thought while pressing her nose to the glass. Pictures did not do this justice, not one bit. Her nose was beginning to hurt from pushing it into the window.

  She gazed at galaxies and nebulae she had never laid eyes on before; likely they were far beyond the reach of Earth’s most powerful telescopes. Yet here they were, now, before her eyes. She felt small before such a marvelous display of existence and it made her body ache for the worlds beyond hers. It was such an exciting, expansive view, compared to the mundane, small-town routine she woke for each day. She wished she could live in it.

  “My god!” she cried while fogging up the glass.

  “I am no deity, woman,” said Ero’an, turning to look at the silly earthling who had never seen space before this moment.

  “I believe that is just an expression, sir,” said Herman from his chair.

  As Ero’an turned to say something snippy in the direction of his highly sarcastic companion, Amelia fell backwards towards the ground, feeling so overwhelmed by the sight that she fainted. The confused prince walked over to her body, wondering what overcame the woman to fall back in such a dramatic gesture. It seemed to him that earth woman were prone to a medical condition of which he was not privy to, one that he could only discern was due to the motion of his ship, not the fact that they were in the middle of space. This silly prince had never encountered the earth species prior to this moment, so his knowledge of them was nothing short of useless. Herman had no better luck understanding the humans either as he was only as educated about them as the ignorant prince.

  While standing over the fainted woman, Ero’an received a transmission from his father to return to Degau in order to settle some business. Ero’an responded promptly and also mentioned the purple-haired earth woman who had boarded his ship, a comment to which Herman reminded him was an accident due to the beamer being left on. A sharp look from the prince caused the little blob to roll his eye in the opposite direction. It wasn’t clear yet whether Herman was rolling his eye as most people do in reaction to an awkward situation, or whether he was simply readjusting his body. Due to the nature of the situation, it would seem that Herman was reacting sarcastically to the flustered prince who now set his coordinates to his home planet and began to steer in that direction.

  ***

  As Ero’an flipped the switch for autopilot, he and Herman returned to the unconscious woman on the metal floor of the cockpit. They leaned over her pristine body which, the lonely prince admitted, had him somewhat aroused. Degau women were lovely and had slender bodies, but this creature was more fully formed. Her breasts rose in a mountainous arc and dipped down into her belly that rose and fell gently with her breathing. The blouse she wore was ruffled around her torso, revealing the milky skin underneath. His eyes followed the path back up to her face that was beautiful in the cosmic light, the small nose and round eyes perfectly set in her face surrounded by the gorgeous purple hair that was now strewn about. As he reached out to touch her porcelain skin, Herman swatted him with a sticky stub and bulged his eye.

  “Shall I give her CPR, your majesty?” asked the blob while smirking.

  “You shall do no such thing!” cried the prince while standing suddenly. “Shouldn’t you be navigating?”

  The little companion wiggled his mouth in a teasing fashion and then waddled over to the control panels, as the prince continued to admire Amelia. While stroking her hair, he admired the different shades of purple and likened them to the distant galaxies he had visited recently. The glow of her hair lit up her face as her eyes fluttered rapidly and slowly opened, the pearly gray of her eyes reflecting the glare of distant galaxies passing by the window. Amelia turned a shade of red as she recognized the admiration in Ero’an’s eyes, flushing so much that she covered her face briefly before allowing him to help her off the ground. Rubbing her head, she peered around at the small space and asked for the restroom.

  “Do you need resting?” asks the oblivious prince.

  “No, I need to...um...” Amelia stammered over her words nervously, having never needed to explain the bodily functions of a human.

  “She needs to relieve herself, sir,” chimed Herman from the control panel.

  Ero’an huffed and looked up at the ceiling, but kept his lips tightly shut so as not to agitate the blob-like creature. While guiding her to the lavatory, Herman muttered something to himself in his language of Gorgonish, a rather odd collection of gurgles and grunts that non-Gorgonians never dared attempt to understand. It bubbled through the backside of his amorphous body instead of breathing out of his lips, and roughly translated to, “He’s got his head up his butt.”

  Herman and Amelia returned, and Ero’an prepared a set of meals for the three of them. Amelia demolished hers in just a few short bites. Though the meal was small, it filled her completely and she felt she could be nourished for a long time.

  “What is that?” she asked while licking her fingers.

  “A specialty on my planet. It helps nourish our people more effectively. Have you no meals such as this in your home?” asked the prince.

  “No, we eat three meals a day,” replied Amelia.

  “That’s so odd,” said Ero’an.

  “And highly ineffective,” chimed Herman.

  Amelia blinked hard at the two as they were, wondering how they came to be this way. It was not their personality that concerned her so much as it was their existence in general. How were Degaurians, and Gorgonians for that matter, born and bred? She dared not ask lest she start a lengthy history lesson by Herman who knew the many wonders of the universe, if not humans. Earth was largely ignored by many galactic species as it wasn’t seen worth the effort of invading.

  Arriving at the great planet of Degau, the prince landed the ship effortlessly and they walked out on to the docks where Amelia began to shiver.

  “It’s freezing!” she cried while hugging herself.

  Sympathy overcame Ero’an who wrapped his cloak about her shoulders, explaining the difference in atmospheric pressure which Amelia only partially understood. They met with the king and queen who opened their arms to Ero’an and regarded Amelia with a very intrusive curiosity.

  “Such hair,” commented the queen.

  “And such meat,” said the king.

  Herman gurgled from the back of the group and then rolled forward to introduce Amelia as the humanoid they had discovered. The kind and queen pulled her along the path to the court. There, she sat beside them. Her eyes pleaded with Ero’an to get her out of the situation immediately as her social anxiety rose to higher levels than usual. When he had effectively pulled her away from the admirable rulers, they walked a distance away into the fields behind the castle where a great deal of wild flowers grew that had glowing bulbs. The sky was darkening over the length of the planet, the sun seeming so far away...or was that a star?

  “This is so beautiful,” she said w
hile stretching out her arms to touch the tall stalks. “And so familiar! I’ve seen these flowers before.”

  “Have you ever left your planet before, earthling?” asked Ero’an while lifting her up to touch a bulb. It twitched in her fingers and she giggled.

  “No, I’ve never left. Call me Amelia, please. I feel so strange when you call me an earthling,” she responded.

  Blushing again, the prince brought her back down to the ground where they heard an intense whinny from just a few yards ahead. Breaking through the stalks was a great beast that appeared to be the combination of a lion and horse. Its long snout extended to Amelia and brushed against her, causing a series of chuckles as she embraced the gentle and soft being. Gently, Ero’an boosted her up on its back and followed suit, the creature taking them out into the plains where three moons hung in the sky. It was as surreal as her dreams and she feared she might wake, the touch of the foolish prince igniting a fire deep in her belly which no man had ever been able to light before. Leaning back into his muscular embrace, she enjoyed the breeze touching her face as they rode away.

  Ero’an steered the beast towards a cliff that rose high over the colorful terrain, where they stopped to admire the scenery. A chorus of color filled the sky suddenly as night fell and the moons floated up towards the center of the sky, shining bright light down upon their still forms. The flustered prince wrapped a hesitant arm around Amelia, who placed her hands over his vibrating skin, his lips pressing to her ear naturally. They sat this way for a few minutes until the beast whinnied – or perhaps sneezed – and then set out for the royal palace once more. All the while Amelia wondered the same thoughts as Ero’an, their minds circulating the same phrase: “Why hadn’t we kissed?”

  ***

  To Amelia’s surprise, it took a week to travel to Ero’an’s home planet. Hyper speed seems to fly past so quickly that most travelers do not notice the actual time spent. In any case, time was a man-made construct used to enslave the human race into productive structures so that they would emit product without payment, according to the increasingly handsome prince. Amelia regarded the theory with some thought and nodded, her purple hair falling over her face as she was sized for a gown. That evening was their celebratory party for the prince’s return and she was to be his companion for the evening.

  “A relief for sure,” commented the queen.

  “For he has no other female companions of which to speak,” added the king.

  Embarrassed, the prince rolled his eyes up to the ceiling of the room and begged for them to leave, their pressing comments beginning to permanently change the shade of his skin. Amelia giggled as she was led away to the changing room to be fitted for her dress. She was delighted to find such a wide variety of styles. Ero’an looked in the mirror and touched the gills at his neck, wondering how she had felt with them pressed to her shoulder. Part of him was excited at the prospect of having this woman, but she was without child and didn’t seem to fit the mystic’s description. Her presence was purely an accident, yet he felt such amorous feelings when with her. What was happening to his body? Seeing her made his hands shake and his thighs quiver, the aching in his pelvis growing with each interaction. Every giggle elicited a pang in his stomach, which he would relish later in the evening when lying down for sleep.

  Amelia returned with her face lit up in blush, her eyes outlined, and her hair up in a stylish bun with wild flower bulbs decorating her ears. The humble prince bowed before the beautiful sight, his eyes lighting up as he drank in the image of her glowing dress of tulle and lace.

  “What do you think?” she asked while touching her cheek.

  “It’s exquisite,” he replied while taking her arm. “You will dazzle our company.”

  The couple walked with an extra pep in their step towards the dining hall to join the king and queen, who were overcome with elation upon the sight of Amelia and her new dress. Everyone in attendance was impressed by her beauty and even more by her purple hair. They had never seen anything like it and it became quite the topic later in the ballroom. As was custom, Ero’an took the arm of his female companion, and led her out to the center of the dance floor, where Amelia’s eyes widened as she took her position. She was never prepared to dance, let alone in regal company, and her feet seemed to catch a few times as they began to spin about the room. After a moment, she was able to follow the rhythm and laughter filled the air as more couples jumped on the floor. What a star she was as she shone brightly in the center of the room!

  It wasn’t long before the party ended and the couple jubilantly trotted off towards the staircase to head for their rooms. At the top of the steps, they both panted from moving about so much and Ero’an smoothed a lock of hair out of Amelia’s face. Her eyes shimmered. A fool would have not taken that moment to kiss, which was their last thought before lips joined in blissful union over the weeks spent tortured by titillating thoughts. Ero’an lifted her in her dress, the bulk of the tulle proving somewhat difficult to maneuver, and managed to get her into his bedroom where he didn’t bother shutting the door.

  As the two embraced in every way possible, a gurgling sound came from the doorway and it squeaked shut, the two chuckling between kisses. Ero’an lifted the hem of her dress and removed the barrier of her panties, finding the skin beneath delightfully silky. She bayed in delight at his touch, and bent to his will as clothes were torn away. Tulle hit the ground as they heatedly embraced, Ero’an pressing his tool into the surface of her rose bud that swelled upon being stimulated. Her brain wouldn’t focus as his body surged into hers and elicited the most intoxicating moans that signaled his primal energy to burst forth.

  Their bodies complied without thought to the rhythm of his hips rocking into hers, a wondrous release of tension unfolding between their skin. Flesh melted into flesh and became one in that moment as her moans met his groans. Tongues dueled fiercely between their lips, the taste of honeysuckle evident on her lips from the drinks she’d had. His eyes slid shut in ecstasy as he explored her secret garden, a tingle growing between them both that started to grow to such an intensity that they cried out in unison. His greedy mouth boldly possessed hers and he pumped hard inside her blossoming tulip, which soon gushed with her incredible orgasm. A final grunt signaled his release, electricity shooting through his body as he shook violently on the bed. The two collapsed in joyous splendor, spent from their passions and overwhelmed by the amazing orgasm that didn’t take long to reach.

  Wrapping their arms around each other, Ero’an whispered for her to stay in his room and she nodded in response while tracing circles in his black hair. His gills fluttered for a moment as he inhaled and then sighed, the energy to stand leaving him. Instead, he pulled her up further on the bed and wrapped her in the satin sheets where they both slipped into the surreal silence of their dreams.

  ***

  Come morning, the sleeping couple was awakened by a guard bursting through the door and alarming the two into a panicked state of wakefulness. Ero’an jumped from the bed without clothing, completely unabashed, and listened to the guard as he explained quickly that Ka’lorian space ships were spotted around the edge of the atmosphere and the Degaurian fleet needed to be battle ready. After the guard realized Amelia was naked in the bed, he averted his eyes while sputtering apologies, and exited the bedroom, leaving Ero’an staring at his sweet earthling who was hugging the sheets to her chest.

  “You have to leave?” she asked weakly.

  “Yes. I’m afraid I have to face this battle. These creatures have been attacking our planet for such a time that it must end now. If you wish to wait for me, I’d be happy to place you under protection with my parents, but I understand if you want to return to your home,” explained Ero’an.

  Amelia sat in shock. It was surprising that he would be willing to return her home without harm so that she may live out the rest of her life in peace. But what good would that do? They had just consummated their love for each other and she wanted more than anythin
g to remain in this magical place, with him. She wiped a lone tear from her eye and sat up to meet the prince’s lips who eagerly devoured hers.

  “I will stay,” she replied while holding his face. “I will stay with you.”

  “You’ve made me a happy Degaurian,” said Ero’an with tears in his eyes. “And I will fight twice as hard to return to you.”

  “Fight for your people, Ero’an,” said Amelia boldly. “They are yours to care for and I will help you do that.”

  The prince was so overjoyed that he took her lips once more before throwing on his battle gear and running from the room. After he left, a Degaurian maid attended to her clothing, and then swiftly escorted her to the royal chambers where the king and queen were being protected.

  “You would make such a lovely daughter-in-law,” commented the queen.

  “And you have such good genes,” said the king.

  “There is no protocol that forbids you from marrying our son,” said the queen. “You are welcome here.”

  Amelia blushed and looked around for Herman, who seemed to be missing. As she searched the room for the slimy path that he typically left, a loud boom echoed from the outer doors which two guards went to investigate. Alarmed, Amelia leaned against a small door which gave way to a chamber on the other side, flipping her over and causing her to screech. A gargantuan beast hunching under the hallway snorted loudly through its pig-like nostrils and grabbed her by the scruff, dragging her away.

  “Help!” she cried, hoping the king and queen would at least hear that as well. “Help me, anyone!”

  The disgusting Ka’lorians, as they were known, were such a filthy species who didn’t do much but destroy other planets for resources. They weren’t very intelligent save for battle strategies, and held the galaxy’s record for most planets demolished. For poor Herman, this was his greatest enemy as his planet had been destroyed by these foul beasts who, simply were unstoppable. Herman gurgled nearby as Amelia was dragged away, noticing that the new princess might be lost sooner than anticipated if he didn’t alert the Degaurian prince who was heatedly engaged in battle. As he ran his blade against Ka’lorian necks, his radio beeped, to which he responded easily with one hand.