by G. E. Stills
“Tantara you really want to have a baby don’t you? A baby that is half human.”
“Yes I do,” she whispered. “But obviously that is not possible. That is not the only reason I am sad. There is an ancient practice among the women of my race. When two women that are close friends are nursing at the same time, they often exchange babies when feeding them. I consider you my close friend and was hoping to let SuRay nurse from me. That is not going to happen now.” She gazed down at the table to hide her tears.
“Nursing SuRay is really that important to you?”
“Yes.”
Reaching across the table, La’lani took her hands. “Let’s describe this desire of yours to the med computer. It may be able to provide a solution.”
“You would do that?”
“Of course I would if it can be done safely. You have become a close friend. As to the possibility, we’ll have to find out.” La’lani guided her to the med-lab once more.
“Computer,” she addressed the air. She described what Tantara desired.
“I will analyze data for Tantara that is on file and search for a solution,” the computer answered.
La’lani turned to face her. “Well, it appears we must wait some more. Tantara there is something that might give you hope concerning conception. It would require a lot of sacrifice by you though.”
“I would do most anything.”
“When Aaron and I first met, my eggs were not compatible with his seed either. He has an aunt. She is a genius in my estimation. She specializes in gene manipulation. She altered my eggs and well, you’re holding the result. I can’t promise she’d succeed with you, but I know she’d try. It would require you to come with us to Teelan though. It’s a long voyage and I have no idea when you would be able to return to Zanatha.”
“Are you inviting me to accompany you to Teelan?” Warm fuzzies flowed through her, but she valiantly stilled any outward signs of the elation she felt. What La’lani proposed was exactly what she desired. What she hoped for, but had not dared to ask.
“I would need to check with Aaron, but I’m certain he would agree, so yes, I’m inviting you to go with us.”
“Then I accept.”
“Just like that? Don’t you need to check with you father. He may see things differently.”
“My father is my chief. I love him dearly, but I am his daughter and just as stubborn as he is. He doesn’t own me.”
CHAPTER NINETEEN
The two of them sat across the table from each other in the Emma’s kitchen. La’lani described Earth and Teelan to her and the wonders she would see.
Provided Aaron is not opposed to my going with them. Tantara reminded herself.
Forty-five trundled into the room, handed La’lani a large printed piece of paper and stood silently waiting. In silence she watched La’lani read what was written and saw her lips widen in to a smile.
At last she put the paper down. “Good news. Lactation can be chemically induced in you. Your milk would be non-toxic to SuRay. In fact it would supply additional nutrients that mine doesn’t provide. So Tantara, it is up to you, but it is possible.”
“My answer is yes. How soon can the surgery be performed?”
“Nothing as radical as a surgery. A simple shot is all that would be required. The injection could be administered as soon as the formula is ready.”
“How soon would I be ready to nurse SuRay?”
“In a matter of a few days.”
“Then get the injection ready. If Aaron decides not to have me accompany you at least we can delay your departure until I have nursed SuRay a few times.”
“I know my Aaron, he won’t deny you coming with us.” She turned her head to face Forty-five. “How soon can the formula be ready?”
“In a matter of a few minutes,” Forty-five answered.
“Then prepare it. We’ll finish our drinks and go to the med-lab shortly.”
“Very good, La’lani.” The robot trundled away.
***
When the shuttle touched down the first thing they did was search out Aaron. La’lani confronted him with their plan. His gaze shifted from La’lani to her.
“Are you sure this is what you wish, Tantara. I can’t promise you how soon you would be able to return to Zanatha.”
“I want this more than I have ever wanted anything in my life. I feel my place is up there.” She pointed to the sky. “I would never be content staying here on Zanatha. Not now, not since I’ve met the two of you.”
A grin spread across Aaron’s face. “Then who am I to deny your desires. Of course you can go with us. I planned to depart in a couple days, but I can delay that if needed. How soon can you be ready to leave?”
Her lip curled. “Would tomorrow be soon enough?”
He chuckled. “What about your father? Does he know of your plans?”
“Now that you have given your consent I’ll stay down here tonight. I’ll tell him.”
“What if he forbids you to go?”
“He won’t. I am his daughter and even more stubborn. I must pack tonight. I don’t have many things that I wish to take. Only a few mementos.”
“Tantara, I don’t plan on going directly to Teelan. I intend to stop at Youkana first to see La’lani’s brother and his wife among other friends there.”
“I’d be thrilled. I’ll go anywhere you wish. You’re the driver.”
Aaron smoothed his hand over La’lani’s shoulder affectionately. “Well then we’ll see you tomorrow, Tantara. Good luck with your father.”
“Thank you, although no luck will be needed.”
Aaron and La’lani boarded and the shuttle lifted into the sky soon after.
Tantara turned and almost skipped toward her father’s new home. She had to check often to see that her feet had not left the ground.
When they sat down for diner in their new house at their new table, Tantara made her announcement.
“I’ve decided to go with La’lani and Aaron when they leave.”
For a moment Jedrick sat in stunned silence. “But daughter, you haven’t provided me with an heir. To my knowledge you aren’t even seeing anyone. What about your duties here?”
“I’m not seeing anyone. I do not intend to mate with anyone.”
At least not a Jarvoian.
“My destiny lies out there. Among the stars, Father. If you want my suggestion, I would recommend Rheys as your replacement when the time comes. He is wise, he would make a good leader and I have heard he is spending time with only one woman these days.”
“Then so it shall be. I know better than to attempt to change my daughter’s mind once it is made up. At least promise me you’ll keep in contact.”
“I promise, Father,” her voice a hushed whisper and tears filled her eyes. Tantara rose from her chair and hugged him. “Thank you.”
She spent the next day saying goodbye to her friends and waited at the shuttle ramp, small bag in hand, as La’lani and Aaron returned that evening. “I am ready. I have said my goodbyes and will not return to Zanatha. I will wait on the Emma and we can depart whenever you wish.”
Aaron laughed. “Not in a hurry to leave are you?”
She missed his jest completely. “I am ready. I will be patient and wait.”
***
Tantara studied her self in the mirror. Four days had passed since the Emma’s departure. Six had passed since her injection. Cupping her hand under it, she lifted one breast. It was swollen and heavy with milk. Tomorrow. She grinned. Tomorrow will be one week. The time the med-lab computer said I should wait before letting SuRay drink my milk.
Over the past days she had pretended to be ill and stayed in her room avoiding Aaron’s gaze. He would doubtless have noticed her growing breasts and asked questions.
Tantara glanced at the smal
l computer monitor lying on her bed. It was tied into the main ship computer. The time has been well spent though. I know much more about humans, their culture and technology than I did before.
Tantara cracked her bedroom door. La’lani sat at couch watching something on the TV. Tantara hissed to get La’lani’s attention and when the woman looked up asked, “Aaron?”
“The coast is clear. Aaron is up front in the control cabin. He’ll probably be up there for at least a couple hours. Did you need something? A snack maybe?” La’lani asked.
“Maybe something to drink, but nothing to eat. I’m still stuffed. I’ve never eaten this well in my life. What I really need is some company.”
La’lani patted the couch cushion beside her. “Then come over here and join me. Like I said, I’m certain Aaron will be up there for a while. He’s sending out messages to his family and friends. SuRay is up there with him so I’m certain that will keep him busy too,” La’lani chuckled. “Father and daughter time.”
Placing her palm on the door she caused it to slide open all the way. Her bare feet made little noise as she padded across the floor and dropped onto the couch beside La’lani. “Thanks. I need to talk to someone and not the computer. It speaks in monotones and never laughs.”
La’lani chuckled. “We have machines that do laugh and display humor you just haven’t met one yet. Funny how I say we, as if I’m a human now, and not a woman of a different species.”
***
Months had passed. Even in her slumber, a smile lit Tantara’s face when she dreamed in recollection of the time spent on Youkana. Her joyous meeting of Me’kon and Sherella and their two children. She had met Aaron and La’lani’s other friends on the planet. They started the final leg of their journey. Next stop would be Teelan and the wonders it promised.
La’lani’s scream jolted her to instant wakefulness. Without a seconds hesitation she sprung from bed, dashed across the living room and came to La’lani and Aaron’s bedroom. Reaching out she placed the palm of her hand to the door. She relaxed when she heard La’lani’s throaty laughter.
Damn her.
Tantara started to turn and retrace her steps when the door slid open silently. Living room light spilled over her shoulders illuminating the bedroom beyond. The couple lay cross ways on the bed. La’lani perched on top of Aaron. The covers lay on the floor and the bed sheets were tangled in disorder. Obviously Aaron’s eyes were closed. He did not see her silhouetted in the light. La’lani did however. La’lani moved her hands quickly covering Aaron’s ears.
“I’m sorry if I woke you, Tantara. Is there a problem?”
She shook her head, no.
“I’m not in distress if that is why you responded so quickly. Quite the opposite as you can see.” Again her wicked laugh filled the air.
I should avert my eyes. What I am seeing is far to intimate a scene happening between La’lani and her husband to share.
Only for a fleeting moment was she afforded this view before, turning her back, but it was long enough for it to be forever etched in her mind. She had seen La’lani making love to her husband. She would never forget that beautiful sight.
Finally she found her voice. “It’s time for SuRay to eat. Would you mind if I took her to bed with me. I’m feeling lonely.”
La’lani smiled. “Not in the least. As you can see, I’m a little busy right now.”
Her lip curled. “Yes, you lusty woman.”
“Good night, sis,” La’lani said.
With hurried steps, Tantara headed for the nursery. The door slid closed behind her with barely a hiss. Only now did she realize she wasn’t wearing so much as a hint of clothing.
Thank goodness Aaron’s eyes were closed.
A warm feeling raced through Tantara. These days La’lani often called her that. Sister or simply, sis. She only hoped that destiny shined on her. That fate would provide her with a husband as wonderful, caring and loving as Aaron. That she would be just as happy someday as her sister was.
She hefted SuRay into her arms. SuRay wasn’t a tiny infant anymore. When she lay back, SuRay cuddled up to her side and nursed. Tantara closed her eyes, torn between the pleasure she felt feeding the baby and the vision of La’lani and Aaron burned indelibly in her memory.
Warmth and moisture flooded her core. Tantara, you seriously need to get laid. Her grip tightened around SuRay and she concentrated on the baby feeding from her, banishing the vision of La’lani and Aaron to the deepest recesses of her mind.
CHAPTER TWENTY
Tantara stood looking out the view window at the globe below. She shuddered in dread mixed with anticipation. Beside her stood La’lani with SuRay standing beside her and then Aaron. So much had happened over the months the Emma had taken to arrive here at the space station.
She shifted the top she wore to a more comfortable position. She still preferred going without one, but La’lani told her wearing one in public was essential. Following La’lani’s advice she had accepted a shot that had ended her lactation.
“When we get to Teelan, Kat will be doing surgery,” La’lani said. “I don’t think your lactating would affect it, but why take the risk?”
She agreed, but she missed the feeling of heaviness in her breasts.
During the voyage she and La’lani had fashioned clothes so she now had a wardrobe that included many tops, skirts and pants. It helped that Aaron had complimented her on her new clothes during the trip.
SuRay had taken her first steps and said her first words. Her chest swelled with pride. Among the first words SuRay uttered were Auntie Tantara. Now the child ran almost everywhere and talked incessantly. She was smart as a whip. At just slightly over two, there was no doubt in her mind that SuRay was a genius. La’lani and Aaron were proud parents and La’lani was pregnant again.
Tantara smiled. Damn them. If they only knew how sensitive my hearing is. If they only knew how many times over these months I’ve had to listen to the sounds of lovemaking coming from their room. Heard them whisper sweet nothings to each other. It’s been pure torture and I need to get laid.
To their credit, the humans that passed by only gazed at her difference for a moment before looking away and going about their business. She was certain they presented quite a sight, a human standing beside and holding the hand of a tiny light blue child. Next to that pair, a darker blue woman standing beside one that looked like a cat.
“I hope you’re prepared to meet the family,” La’lani chuckled. “Don’t let their forward, brazen attitude shock you too much. They are the most loving caring people you’ll ever meet.”
“I’m really looking forward to meeting them. From what you’ve told me, I feel like I already know most of them,” she whispered in La’lani’s ear. “I’m really anxious to meet Kat.”
They had not told Aaron of her desire to get pregnant by a human.
A speaker announced the Teelan shuttles imminent departure.
“Well, here we go. You’ll do fine, Tantara. The family will love you,” Aaron said, and led the group onboard.
Upon entering the passenger terminal, Aaron turned to her, “Do we need to make a stop at the restroom? I know we did when La’lani first got here.”
La’lani swatted him on the arm. “Behave, my love.”
“No I’m fine. Just a little nervous.”
A ground car dropped them off at Suki’s house and she met them at the door. After exchanging hugs and kisses with her son and daughter-in-law, she and Suki were introduced. After reaching down and running her hand over La’lani’s growing baby bump, Suki ushered them in.
“How far along are you, dear?” Suki asked.
“Three months.” La’lani grinned.
“Boy or girl?”
La’lani smiled. “One of each.”
“Oh my God.” Suki plopped down in an over stuffed chair and in
dicated for them to sit at the couch.
“SuRay, come over here and see Grandma.” The tiny girl squealed in delight when her feet left the ground, and she floated across the room into Suki’s open arms.
Right on time the door burst open and Rayne entered. “Oh my God. Aaron, La’lani, you’re here!”
“Don’t you dare levitate us, Rayne,” Aaron warned.
“Ah,” Rayne pouted. She halted in front of the couch and waited for Aaron and La’lani to stand before hugging and kissing each. Rayne wore a barely there yellow print top and a scandalously short yellow skirt. After greeting her brother and sister, Rayne shifted her attention. She stuck her hand out. “And you would be?”
“Tantara,” she said and shook the offered hand.
“Nice to meet you, Tantara. I’m Rayne.” From the side of her mouth she addressed her brother. “I swear Aaron you keep bringing home these beautiful alien women. Where the heck do you find them? I’m definitely going to have to go with you sometime. Maybe I can find a handsome alien man.”
Suki cleared her throat. “Rayne tell me you didn’t wear those clothes to work. My goodness, Daughter, I can see your panties when you lean over.”
Rayne giggled wickedly. “Now I know you’re stretching the truth, Mom, because I’m not wearing any. To answer your question though. I took the day off and went to Earth shopping.”
Suki groaned and rolled her eyes.
“Rayne you stay away from Tantara. I don’t want you corrupting her like you did my wife. Nor do I want you reading her thoughts,” Aaron chuckled.
Rayne stuck her tongue out at him and grinned.
***
Tantara strolled beside La’lani along the flowered path leading to Kat’s lab in the town of Kiesar. She had met Kat briefly when making the rounds getting acquainted with Aaron’s family, but today would be the day she talked to Kat in earnest.
“Nervous?” La’lani asked.
“So much that if we weren’t walking my knees would be knocking.”
“Everything is going to be fine. I just know Kat will be able to help you.”