Catnipped

by Olivia Myers

  "Every single day, more patients are becoming inflicted with what we call The Plant Syndrome," Khan-Min said. "After twenty years of living on Earth, it's only now that we are experiencing health problems. At first, we thought it had to do with the planet's changing atmosphere and our ability to adapt to it. But later, we were able to confirm it relates to the plants we consume as our daily diet. It seems the makeup of the Mongarian body is not suited for such food."

  Kimi understood why she had been chosen. She was a botanist, after all, who had been studying the Earth's flora for quite some time. In the past, she only had books, videos, and digital research materials. Recently, she'd been sent on a mission to collect samples from Earth so they could see if the planet was fit for human habitation after a thousand years.

  Khan-Min continued. "Twenty years ago, our scientists believed that the Earth was the next plausible place for our kind to live. When our own planet began to deteriorate until Mongarians could no longer survive there, we had no other choice but to transfer to this planetThe plants were abundant even though there were no animals to consume for meat. However, the Mongarian scientists had failed to double-check the compositions of the plants. I believe they were not yet fit for consumption. This is why most of those who lived here for a long time were affected by the syndrome. Eating the unsafe plants over the years finally took a toll on their health"

  "Oh, my…" Kimi whispered as her heart went out to the poor, innocent patients.

  "Today, we are doing our best to screen all the plants. There are new species that are less dangerous."

  "I'm really sorry to hear this," Kimi said sincerely. "But what does it have to do with me?"

  Khan-Min faced her, his intense brown eyes burning a hole into hers. "You, Kimi Wilson, will help us test the plants and discover the foods that match our body makeup. This is what you do in Planet Venora for the humans, right?"

  "Yes, but---"

  "Please…" he pleaded, taking her hands in his. "We need you. I know you don't have any obligation to us, but I'm appealing to your humanity, kindness, and generosity."

  "Let me think about it.," Kimi pulled her hands away. She could not deny the fact his touch had an affect on her, and that she felt sorry for the patients and for the plight of their future here on Earth.

  That night, she was so exhausted that she did not have the energy to protest about anything. She did refuse to eat, but gladly accepted the clean room they offered her. It was a tiny one with raw, cave-like walls in gray tones. The only furniture inside was a bed made of wood. At least it had a comfortable mattress covered with a soft fabric made of animal skin.

  Immediately, Kimi fell asleep and got lost in a dream world filled with half-naked Mongarians dancing among the plants of Earth.

  ***

  She didn't know why, but an invisible force seemed to draw her toward Khan-Min, especially after she was able to observe him at work. His passion for his work combined with his genuine concern for patients' wellbeing was admirable. After a whole day of observing and assisting him, she came to a decision.

  "I'll help," she told him at the end of the day. "But I have three conditions."

  "Fire away!" Khan-Min said excitedly.

  "First, please inform my teammates that I am safe and will help out with this mission for a while until you guys can take over."

  "Consider it done," he instantly quipped.

  "Second, I cannot stay for more than a month. I have a family waiting at The Dome in Planet Venora."

  "Sure thing," he said.

  "Third, I must be treated with respect at all times and as an equal. I don't want to be a prisoner here."

  "Of course," Khan-Min agreed. "I'll see to it."

  "Thank you," Kimi said with sincerity, beginning to look forward to the exciting project she was going to participate in along with this striking alien who fascinated her.

  During the next few days, Kimi spent her time collecting and analyzing various plant samples. She categorized them into those that were safe for consumption and those that were considered harmful for the health of Mongarians. Furthermore, she came up with combinations of plants to make into delicious and nutritious food concoctions. Her first "dish" became popular in a snap. Pretty soon, almost everybody in the community knew who she was and was grateful for her presence and contributions.

  Every now and then, she went with Khan-Min to look at patients, test their blood and waste samples, and review their cases. She learned so much in a short span of time, not just about health and science but also about the Mongarians. She eventually came to know some of them on a personal level and discovered they were very emotional and expressive like a lot of human beings. She learned to appreciate them, coming to the conclusion that they were generally good people, after all.

  The first week passed in a blur. Kimi heard her teammates were able to travel back to Planet Venora. She suddenly feared that she may never get back home, but Khan-Min promised her that he himself would personally arrange for her flight via the only space ship the Mongarians owned. She had no choice but to bank on his trustworthiness.

  One time, after checking up on a female Mongarian who was only in her forties, Kimi smiled and was about to leave when the patient grabbed her hand and squeezed it. "Thank you," the alien woman whispered, uttering the only English words she knew while her eyes brimmed with tears.

  Kimi's heart soared as she embraced the woman and said, "You are more than welcome."

  "She's doing better because of you," a male voice suddenly said from behind her. She knew his voice by heart now. Her smile widening even more, she turned around and gazed into his deep brown eyes filled with gratitude and appreciation.

  "Don't be silly," Kimi said with shyness. "That's not my doing. It's yours. I'm not a doctor."

  "But I know how it feels to see you smile," he said, his voice dropping low and his eyes twinkling. "You have a way with people. Your simple smile is so genuine and powerful that you seem to pass on your sunny disposition to anyone you smile at."

  Kimi grinned. "You're such a tease."

  "I'm not joking," he insisted.

  She waved him away and walked toward the double boulders that marked the infirmary’s exit. "I'm out of here," she called over her shoulder, flipping her long brown locks behind her. She knew he was grinning at her back but she did not dare turn around. She wanted to keep him hanging.

  She was disappointed when he did not come after her. Over the past few days, they had grown close. He had been dropping hints that he was interested in her and would openly flirt when they were not officially working. And because she was also attracted to him and she truly enjoyed flirting too, she did not hold back.

  She had the afternoon off that day so she decided to take a stroll outside in the woods. She came upon a bubbling brook, so she dropped down on her behind and rested beside it under the shade of an old, huge tree. She leisurely stretched her legs in front of her and then extended her arms above her head before relaxing them. Then she leaned on the tree trunk and simply breathed in the simple natural beauty around her.

  "May I join you?" someone said, to her astonishment. She looked up to see Khan-Min smiling down at her and then dropping down to the ground. He was wearing his usual toga. By now she ought to be used to the sight of his exposed muscular brown chest. But seeing it up close only made her want to run her hands across the surface and feel his muscles tightening under her fingers.

  "I didn't give you permission to join me," she teased.

  He was now seated next to her, their bare arms brushing against one another and causing an electric current to spread throughout her body. He leaned over and whispered in her ear, tickling her skin with his warm breath. "How about giving me permission to kiss you?" he asked boldly.

  Kimi's heart jumped to her throat as she turned to him. Without waiting for her answer, he leaned forward and brushed his lips against hers gently. She closed her eyes for a moment then opened them to find him gazing at her with intense
desire. Somehow, he was still waiting for a go signal from her. She couldn't help it anymore. She acted on impulse, kissing his moist lips. He responded eagerly.

  As their tongues found one another, increasing their carnal desire, her hands lingered on his exposed chest. She rubbed his muscles, pinched his nipples, curled the little hairs around her fingers. He pressed closer and wrapped his arms around her body.

  His hands crept under her shirt and crawled upward, caressing her back, the close contact burning her skin. In a few seconds, he'd moved his hands around her curvy body toward her chest. His soft, warm hands cupped her full, highly stimulated breasts and fondled them. His thumbs rubbed her already taut nipples, making her clutch at his strong shoulders and moan against his mouth between kisses.

  She lost all sense of her surroundings as the scorching desire of her body consumed her. Their hands and tongues explored each other's bodies as they fell together on the soft grass, with Khan-Min on top. His hardness grew against his toga, making her reach underneath his clothing to touch him. Her hand wrapped around him and stroked up and down in slow motion while he covered her neck with wet kisses. He grew harder and longer, making her eager to feel him inside of her.

  It was dimming all around them and the beautiful sunset filled the entire sky with a wonderful mélange of colors. Kimi and Khan-Min were oblivious to it, though, as their carnal yearning deepened.

  Kimi could feel herself moistening, the heat pooling between her legs, making her feverish. She longed to be touched there.

  Khan-Min abruptly stopped. He rolled himself to her side, breathing heavily, and sat up. She sat up too. “Why did you stop?”

  Suddenly, she heard approaching footsteps accompanied by the rustling of leaves. Several grunts followed. Then a familiar voice said, "Well, well. Look who we have here."

  Khan-Min stood up and helped Kimi to her feet. He then faced the former chief squarely. "What do you want, Bojan?" Khan-Min demanded, stepping forward until they were almost nose to nose.

  Bojan, the former chief Mongarian, glared at Khan-Min. He spoke in their language in an angry tone. Khan-Min did not stay calm this time. He answered back in the same tone and looked as if he really wanted to punch the obnoxious alien right then and there. Eventually, to Kimi's relief, Bojan backed down and left with a grunt.

  "What was that all about?" Kimi asked.

  "Nothing," Khan-Min replied, trying to calm himself.

  Kimi knew it wasn't nothing. She suspected the argument had something to do with her. Khan-Min didn't look like he would tell her, so she let it go and decided to focus on their work and enjoy their budding relationship.

  ***

  The next morning, Kimi stirred from her deep sleep early when she heard a soft melody playing. Sunlight did not stream into the cave system of the Mongarians, but installed lights inside the bedrooms could be automated to brighten at the desired time.

  The music was gentle and subtle, and rare in the Mongarian community. It seeped into Kimi's subconscious and roused her in no time. Still groggy, she opened her eyes and sat up in bed, wondering where the sound was coming from.

  The light in her room went on, letting her know it was six-thirty in the morning. When the room was illuminated, she gasped at the roses, daisies, and wildflowers strewn all over the room. Her eyes darted around the tiny space, stunned at the lovely surprise.

  She caught sight of a steel contraption on the small desk across from her bed. Curious, she carefully made her way toward it. When she lifted it from the table and turned it around in her hand, the sound of the music became louder. Obviously it was coming from the small, modern device. Perhaps it was some sort of radio or music player.

  That was when she saw the attached note at the bottom of the device. It read, I never heard music until I met you. You brought harmony into my life.

  "Khan-Min," she murmured to herself, a smile spreading across her lips. There was nobody else she could think of who would have gone to all this trouble. Besides, she did not have any other close friends among the Mongarians. And the chances of a secret admirer were slim.

  She didn't have to wonder long. A knock sounded at the door. She wanted time to freshen up first or at least brush her teeth. But the knocking was persistent, driving her to finally open the door.

  Khan-Min stood in front of her, his usually flowing ebony locks brushed back in a ponytail. The skin around his eyes crinkled when he beamed at her. Today, his chest was not exposed but covered in a regular cotton shirt like humans wore. He also had on a pair of faded jeans that brought out the muscular shape of his legs and made him look taller than he already was.

  Kimi smiled back, feeling self-conscious in her tan oversized button-down polo. "Hi," she whispered, her heart beginning to pound in her chest.

  "Did you like my surprise?" he asked.

  She smiled again but did not want to open her mouth further because she had not yet brushed her teeth. She held up her palm to signal him to wait while she rushed to the adjoining bathroom to wash her face and brush her teeth.

  He actually laughed and let himself in. When she came out, she was surprised to find him sitting on her bed amid all the beautiful blooms. He looked truly serene and even more attractive to her.

  "Well?" he persisted teasingly.

  She gave a short laugh. "It's beautiful," she breathed, motioning all around her with her hands. "Everything's amazing. Where did you get that tiny music player? I've never heard music played here before except for some native instruments being experimented on."

  "I invented it," he said. "Like it? Inventing small devices like this is one of my hobbies."

  "Cool,” Kimi murmured admiringly. As she watched him stand up and saunter toward her, her heartbeat hastened and her body heated up. Here he was, in her room, while she wore only her underwear and a huge button-down polo.

  His eyes filled with lust, but he stopped a few inches away from her. The wait was killing her. The sexual tension between them raged on through every second that passed.

  "Kimi…" he started in a husky voice, "would you like to go out with me this morning? I want to bring you somewhere special."

  Kimi's eyes widened. "I'd love that," she said with genuine happiness and excitement.

  In less than an hour, she had showered and changed into a casual salmon-colored sundress with an ethnic print that one of the Mongarian women had given her as a thank you gift. Instead of her usual ponytail or braid for work, she let her hair cascade freely down past her shoulders. She had even put on light makeup to highlight her cheekbones, brighten her eyes, and make her lips luscious.

  "Wow," Khan-Min gasped out when he saw her.

  "I'll take that as a compliment," Kimi said with a big smile. "Thanks."

  "It is most definitely a compliment," Khan-Min said. He led her through the series of caves until they reached the hollow that led to the forest outside. Few people were awake yet, so Kimi and Khan-Min were practically alone within the Mongarian community.

  They walked silently through the dense woods surrounded by a ring of mountains, both of them engrossed in the breathtaking splendor of nature. The morning breeze was the perfecture temperature, relaxing Kimi after another busy week.

  Soon they approached a cluster of tall trees as the path narrowed. She could hear the gentle lapping of water, which made her walk faster, eager to see what was waiting behind the trees.

  A lake sat beside a garden teeming with thick shrubberies and all kinds of multi-colored flowers. Insects were flying about. She followed them with her eyes. "Are those butterflies? I've only seen them in pictures and videos back at The Dome."

  "Yes," Khan-Min answered, placing an arm around her as they paused to appreciate the magnificent beauty in front of them. "Apparently, they haven't gone fully extinct. Or maybe these butterflies evolved again. "

  "They are lovely," Kimi said. "This entire place is exquisite!"

  "Just like you," Khan-Min whispered meaningfully, his lips brushing against her ear
and shooting electricity into her body. Adrenaline rushed through her, making it difficult to concentrate on his explanation about the Mongarian garden. All she understood was that some of his friends had been developing this area to serve as a park for their people.

  One corner of the garden had abundant vegetation, immediately capturing Kimi's attention. She went toward it and examined the plants, many of which she already knew. "This is a wonderful collection of flora!" she exclaimed.

  "Yes, indeed," Khan-Min agreed. "But it's not intended for Mongarian consumption. Only for display."

  Kimi nodded. "These are amazing. But Earth is so rich in natural resources again that it's well on its way to full recovery after the explosion thousands of years ago."

  "You are right," Khan-Min said. He launched into a summary of plant studies from Earth over the past few decades. Of course Kimi, as an intelligent botanist and an Earth enthusiast, was already well-versed in the information he shared. Nevertheless, she was astounded by his broad knowledge and obvious wit.

  After a few minutes of serious discussion on scientific matters, specifically Earth's flora, Khan-Min ended the conversation and guided her toward another part of the garden. Even from afar, she could already see the table and chairs made of tree stumps and decorated with small white flowers. On top of the round wooden table was a feast for two--a colorful array of fresh salads, fruits, and juices.

  "Shall we eat our healthy breakfast?" he asked.

  Her mouth dropped open at the extravagant and unexpected setup. "You prepared all this for me?"

  "Of course," he answered as both of them took their seats across from each other. "It's really no big deal if I can see you smile like this and watch your beautiful eyes twinkle excitedly."

  "Oh, Khan-Min!"

  "What?" he asked with an innocent expression on his face. "It's true. And besides, this treat is nothing compared to what you have done for us Mongarians. So many patients have been getting better because of the special fusion of plants you've been preparing for them. The medicinal herbs are quite effective too."