by G. E. Stills
They engaged in light banter until they reached the lab. A robot ushered them to the area Kat was in and left. Kat smiled at them and addressed La’lani. “Okay girl pull your shorts down and let me see.”
Beaming a smile, La’lani did as instructed. Kat smoothed her hand over La’lani growing abdomen. She then took a handheld instrument from the counter and stroked it over La’lani’s belly. Kat studied the machines readouts for a moment and then said, “Well the oven is working fine.” She patted La’lani’s belly. I’m looking forward to being an aunt again. Okay I’m finished with you, dear.”
La’lani pulled her loose fitting shorts up and tied the bow holding them.
Kat focused her attention on her. “So Tantara, La’lani tells me you want the same treatment she got. You do realize it may not be successful?”
“I know. It’s worth a try though even if there’s risk involved.”
Kat quirked an eyebrow. “Who’s the lucky man you have your eyes on, Tantara?”
“No guy yet.” She winked at La’lani. “I just want the oven to be ready when one comes along.” She grinned.
“What about a Jarvoian male? I’ll have to test and see, but I’m betting you could get pregnant with one of them.”
“You’re probably right, Kat, but I wish to have a human baby. Part human anyway.”
Kat smiled. “I see. Well I can’t promise, but I will try. You realize you’ll have to stay here a couple days.”
“That won’t be a problem.”
“Well ladies I’m going to leave you now, Rayne is taking me shopping later.” La’lani rolled her eyes.
“Just make sure you don’t let her talk you into a tattoo like she has on her butt. I don’t think Aaron would approve,” Kat chuckled.
“Maybe not, then again, maybe he would, depending on what it was and where it was. Beside it’s my body.” La’lani grinned and walked away.
“She’s going to get one isn’t she?” Kat asked, shaking her head.
Tantara chuckled. “We haven’t discussed it, but judging from her words and her attitude I would say, yes.”
“I think the same. Just be certain if she gets one you have her stop by so I can heal it. Now young lady, shall we begin with you?”
“Please.”
Kat led her to a room similar in looks to the med-lab on board the Emma. “Strip and crawl up on the bed. You’ll be unconscious for a couple days. Still want to do this?”
“Absolutely,” Tantara said. She held out her hand waiting for the sleeping pills La’lani had informed her about.
“No pills,” Kat said. “New procedure. A quicker one.”
“Okay,” Tantara undressed and slipped onto the bed. Kat placed a mask over her nose and mouth.
“Close your eyes and relax, Tantara,” Kat whispered.
Her eyes rolled under closed lids. Distantly she heard Kat’s voice. Opening her eyes she saw Kat peering down at her. “Okay I’m ready to get started Kat.”
Kat grinned down at her. “That’s good to know because we’re all done. You’ve been out for two days. You can get up now and dress.”
“Really! It’s done? I didn’t feel a thing.”
“Good.”
“So I can conceive with a human now?”
“That we won’t know for certain until you meet a human man and try,” Kat chuckled.
Tantara dallied around not wanting to leave. She followed Kat and watched over her shoulder as she performed different experiments. “You don’t mind if I stick around for a while and watch do you?”
“Not as long as you stay out of the way.”
“I will. I promise.”
It was late afternoon when Kat announced. “Well that’s it for here today. I need to tend to my other job.”
Tantara knew what the other job was. Kat was not only the most brilliant geneticist in existence she was also Governor of Teelan.
“Would you mind if I came back tomorrow and watched some more. What you do here is fascinating. I really enjoy watching.”
Kat studied her for a moment. “I’m here at eight. I’ll see you then.”
***
Tantara was there waiting at seven-thirty the next morning and stayed until Kat left for the day. She did the same for the next week. She learned quickly. Kat even told her that she was impressed. At the start of the second week she confronted Kat.
“Would you even consider letting me apprentice with you. I find what you do here intriguing and I want to learn everything. I’ll sweep and scrub floors. I’ll clean the toilets if you just let me watch you.”
“The robots take care of cleaning the floors and toilet.” Kat laughed. “Tantara, aren’t you homesick? Don’t you want to return to Zanatha soon? Don’t you miss being around other Jarvoians?” Kat laughed.
“I would much rather stay here on Teelan than go home. Please, Kat.”
“Let me think about it. I’ll let you know tomorrow.”
The next morning, bright and early as usual she was waiting for Kat.
“I’m impressed with you, Tantara. I like you. I’ve decided to take you on as my apprentice. Two things to start with.” Kat handed her a small necklace with a square box attached along with a set of earphones. “This is a computer. It belongs to you now. I want you to use it and the earphones each night. It will teach you. You’re highly intelligent, Tantara, but you have a lot to learn. The second thing is,” Kat handed a card to her. “This is a key. It opens the door to your new home.”
“Home? I don’t understand?”
“I won’t have my apprentice living with my sister. The home is furnished and has a built in food dispenser. You’ll probably want to get some clothes and personal things.” Kat gave her directions and said. “Now scoot. You have the next two days off to move into your new place. Go shopping, do whatever you like, but I don’t want to see you until day after tomorrow.”
“How did you arrange to get a house for me so fast? I mean, you hadn’t even decided if you wanted me to work for you yesterday.”
Kat grinned. “I guess you could say it’s one of the perks I have for being World Governess. Now scoot.” Kat made a shooing motion with her hand.
Tantara called a ground car and gave the robot driver the directions Kat had provided. The car sped through the town with Tantara gazing out at the sights. When they reached their destination, she climbed out of the car and her knees began to tremble when she saw the cottage. The house was surrounded by an ocean of colorful wild flowers that gave off a delicious cocktail of fragrances.
She inserted the key card and placed her palm flat against the door panel as instructed. Moments later it slid open. On trembling legs she made the rounds of the two bedroom cottage. Just as Kat had said, it was furnished. The kitchen was equipped with a modern food dispenser. She punched in a code and seconds later removed a glass of chilled water from the drink dispenser.
Returning to the living room she carefully set the water on a table and collapsed onto the couch. Glassy eyed, she gazed around. Compared to the grass and wood hut she had grown up in and shared that with her father, the cottage was a palace.
My own home. Tantara smoothed her hand over the soft material of the couch.
CHAPTER TWENTY ONE
By the time she had walked the distance between her new home and Suki’s, Tantara had her nerves under slightly more control. When she entered the house, she sat on the couch and La’lani joined her in a short time.
“Where’s Aaron and Suki? I haven’t seen them since coming home.”
“Aaron took a shuttle up to the Maria, his dad, Keita, wants to show him a new weapons system being installed. Suki went with him and they took SuRay. They’ll be back in a couple days, then we’ll see about getting you transport back to Zanatha.”
“Change of plans La’lani, I don’t need a ride b
ack to Zanatha after all.”
“Why? Are you going somewhere else?”
Reaching out, she took La’lani’s hand. “I have very exciting news. I haven’t told a soul until now.”
The door opened and Rayne barged into the house. She caught the tail end of the sentence. “Well now you have two souls to tell.” She plopped on a chair and dangled her legs over one arm. “Okay, out with it.”
Tantara grinned at the boisterous Rayne and continued, “I’m staying here. I’m going to be working with Kat.”
“Wow,” both La’lani and Rayne said at once.
“That’s not all. Kat gave me a house.”
“What!” La’lani exclaimed.
“Double wow. Aunt Kat must really like you a lot,” Rayne chuckled.
“Would you like to see it?” she asked. “The house I mean.”
La’lani jerked her to her feet and Rayne shoved both toward the door. “Try and stop us,” Rayne said.
***
Tantara fed her tray and utensils into the receptacle for recycling. The door announced she had a visitor. She stepped into the living room and the door viewer showed Rayne standing outside, her arms loaded with shopping bags.
“Admit visitor,” she called out. The door slid open.
Rayne danced in and dumped the bags on the couch. “I went shopping for you. I hope you don’t mind. I guessed, but you’re about the same size as me.”
“Rayne you didn’t need to…”
“It was the least I could do. I thought about taking you with me, but I don’t think Earth people are ready to see a kitty cat walking upright and talking. Even a cute one like you.”
She chuckled. “No, probably not.”
After showing her the selections, Rayne helped her hang them and put them away. “How about something to drink, Rayne?”
“Sure. Diet coke.” Rayne plopped back on the couch, picked up the remote on the table and thumbed it to life. One wall of the living room became a huge screen.
“So what would you like to watch, or would you prefer music?” Rayne asked. She pointed to the large onscreen selection.
“I have no idea. Just pick something. I’ll get our drinks and be right back.”
“I sure like your house. I know where I’ll be going when Mom and I aren’t seeing eye-to-eye and I run away.” Rayne giggled.
“And you think I won’t call your mom and tell her where you are?”
“Of course you will.” Rayne laughed, “I wouldn’t expect any less. I’ll just stay here for a day or so until Mom and I cool off.”
Tantara shook her head. Clearly she was going to be adopted by Rayne. The evening got late and Rayne went home. Tantara readied for bed and plugged in her headphones.
***
The day neared the end. Tantara carefully put away the equipment and samples she and Kat had been working with. Each night she put on her headphones and studied. Visions of DNA strands, numbers and formulas filled her brain. It was still difficult for her to fathom that she’d been working with Kat for over a month. On the other hand she had learned so much in that time it was unbelievable.
I’m not a simple little primitive girl anymore.
It was a tearful occasion two days ago when Aaron and La’lani left on their way to Youkana. She missed them and SuRay terribly already. Twice she had picked out a human male and thought about seducing him, but things had changed for her. Things she couldn’t explain herself. She wanted more than just a one-night stand that would get her pregnant.
“Tantara, Tantara. Are you daydreaming?” Kat asked.
She jerked her thoughts back to the present. “I guess a little. Did I do something wrong?”
“No, I was just going to ask. Do you have plans this evening?”
“No, I’m just going home and studying.”
“My Nolan is home. He’s between testing ships and I’d like you to meet him. I’m having a dinner tonight. Would you care to come over?”
“Of course. What time?”
“About seven.”
“I’ll be there.”
“Lock up will you, Tantara? I have some things to attend to at my other job. I’ll see you tonight.”
***
Tantara took one last look at herself before heading out the door. Maroon skirt hemmed just short of the knee, with matching blazer and white button blouse. Black suede knee-high boots encased her feet. The ground car was on the way.
I want to make a good impression.
The car delivered her to the residence and Kat ushered her in. Kat introduced her to her husband, Nolan and fixed her a mixed drink.
“Dinner will be ready in about five,” Kat said. “By the way,” she whispered. “I highly approve of the way you dressed.”
Tantara beamed with pride. Pleasing the boss is a good thing.
The door announced a visitor. Kat excused herself and returned moments later with a handsome man about six feet tall in tow. He had ear-length dark curly hair and bronze colored skin. His nice fitting suit left no doubt in her mind that the man was well muscled.
That’s him. That’s the one I want to father my baby.
His voice was deep and to her, oh so sexy sounding.
“Hi, Dad, I got the weekend off and thought I’d come here and spend some time with you while you’re down on Teelan.”
“It’s nice to see you, Son.” The two men embraced.
The man turned his attention to her. “And who might this pretty young woman be?”
Oh yes this is certainly the one.
“Blake, I’d like you to meet Tantara,” Kat said.
“Tantara.” He nodded his head and stuck out his hand.
She took it and when they shook, a shiver ran through her.
“I heard there was an alien visitor. It’s really nice to meet you, Tantara, and I want to learn more about you and your race.”
She finally found her voice. “I’d be happy to tell whatever you wish to know, Blake.”
“Tantara is not a visitor anymore. She lives here and works with me at the lab,” Kat told him.
Blake raised his eyebrows. “Congratulations. I hope Mom is a good instructor.”
As the evening progressed Tantara had a hard time concentrating on anything except Blake. Each time she tried to steal a glance at him, he was looking back. Sparks flew between their eyes. She learned he was a manager at one of the factories.
“Blake will you escort Tantara into the living room and Nolan, will you help me carry in drinks?” Kat asked.
Blake pulled her chair back and helped her to her feet. He guided her into the living room.
At last. We’re alone. She released some of her essence. Not a lot. Just enough to spark his interest.
She finished her drink and glanced at the clock on the wall. “It’s getting late. I should go home.”
“I’ll call a car for you,” Kat volunteered.
“It’s a beautiful evening. I think I’ll walk instead.”
“Are you certain, Tantara? It’s nearly a mile.” Kat asked.
“I’m sure.”
“Mom, Dad excuse me, I’ll go with her. She can tell me more about Zanatha while we walk.”
She hid her lip curling smile.
“It was nice meeting you, Tantara,” Nolan said.
“I’ll see you Monday,” Kat told her.
The two of them strolled into the darkness, occasionally stopping to gaze up at the stars. She release a little more of her essence and he placed an arm around her waist. When they had traversed nearly half the distance he pulled up short.
“Tantara, I seem to be under a spell.”
She grinned. Something like that.
“Have you ever kissed?”
“I’ve watched it done in movies.” She tried to avoid thinking o
f the times on Zanatha.
“I’m not usually this forward, but would you mind very much if I kissed you?”
“I’d mind very much if you didn’t,” she chuckled.
At first her snout and his lips were awkward, but soon they found a way. She released her pheromones full force, wrapping them around him and ensnaring him completely.
Still kissing, he guided her off the path and behind a clump of bushes. Her blazer was the first item to hit the ground followed soon by his jacket. Pausing for a moment he spread them on the grass covered ground and then guided her back onto them. With feverish fingers he pulled her skirt up while she busied herself with his pants. When her skirt was up around her waist, he cocked his eyebrow. He didn’t have to say the words. She could see it in his eyes.
“I’ve never worn any before and probably never will. I never even heard of them until I met Aaron and La’lani. Do you find me offensive?”
“No, it was just a surprise.”
His buckle parted and his fly opened. She slid his pants down. “Make love to me, Blake. Make beautiful love to me.”
He hesitated. Clearly fighting against her essence that wrapped around them. “I shouldn’t be doing this. I like you, Tantara, but I shouldn’t be doing this. I’m moving much too fast.”
“I want you too. Please.”
He lost the fight.
They were still coupled basking in the afterglow when he said, “Describe your house for me. In detail.”
She did and he continued, “I’m familiar with that house. I’ve seen it before. Hold on to me.” He wrapped his arms around her tighter.
The next instant they were in front of her house lying together among the flowers.
“You’re home,” he said and helped her to her feet.
“How?” she asked.
“You know about us, so you’re familiar with our abilities. One of my abilities is to teleport. I should go.”
“Is that what you wish?”
“No.”
The emotions surging through her were much more than just the pleasure the act itself had provided. Still holding his hand, she led him to her door, palmed the identity strip and led him inside when it slid open.
“Lights,” she whispered. “Dim please.”