Generations of Teelan Box Set

by G. E. Stills

  “You know I enjoy seeing you with your skirt hiked.” He chuckled. “But the thought of resting my head on something you’ve peed on is not very inviting.”

  She chuckled. “Turn around and stop looking at my butt. As for the thought of lying in my pee.” She shrugged her shoulders. “Put your head on the damn cold stone floor if it bothers you that much.” Unabashed she went on. “You know it wouldn’t hurt if you contributed some of your pee too.”

  She stood, pulled her skirt down and smiled at him.

  “I’m simply overwhelmed by your modesty.”

  “We’re living in a damn cave and I’m wearing animal hide for clothes. You soon will be. I don’t think modesty has much of a place here.”

  “You’re right, little one. You make a proper and nice looking little cave girl.”

  She tossed a wooden spoon at him. “Stir, Joren. We only have a few hours to get the hide cured before it starts to rot or harden.”

  “How do you know all this stuff? I mean from what I’ve heard you say, you’re from a space faring race just like mine.”

  ****

  “I read a lot,” she lied, not telling him about Grant. Crossing the room, she knelt down and rummaged in one of the survival packs. When she came back, she handed him a gun and knife. “I’ve decided to trust you with these. Don’t get any wise ideas though. I’m very fast and probably a better shot than you. At least I didn’t lose my gun.” She grinned and omitted telling him about her ability to cast fire.

  “Thanks.” He placed the gun in his holster and set the knife on the floor.

  She raised her arm and sniffed. “Phew, damn I stink. I haven’t taken even a sponge bath since you’ve been here and I was sweating like crazy dragging your ugly ass back here. The only reason I don’t smell my own odor more is because you stink worse.” She grinned.

  “And I thought that foul smell was coming from these brains I’m stirring. Turns out it was you instead.” He guffawed.

  He did not understand the meaning when she flipped him a bird. If I’m going to flip him off I better explain what it means so I can get more reaction from him. “Normally I go to a stream that’s close, but since you’re here now and armed you can stand watch. There’s a small lake about half a mile from here. I think we should both take a proper bath in it. After we finish curing the hide, of course.”

  While they worked on the hide, they told each other how they came to be on this planet. She told him about the attack and her escape from the Men-gar. “I have no idea how long I was asleep or where this planet is. I awoke just before the crash. So tell me more about yourself.”

  “It’s obvious to me that your race is further advanced than mine. We haven’t left our own solar system. This planet we call Standish. My planet, Ormel, follows the same orbit except on the other side of the sun. We, there were four of us, two women and another man, were the first to journey this far from home. We were supposed to circle Standish take readings and return home. The ship malfunctioned and we were forced to crash-land.”

  “And the locals?” she asked.

  “For a couple days we spent our time checking the ships damage and trying to get the radio working. The primitives attacked us one evening, taking us by surprise. There must have been fifty of them. Even though we had guns, they overwhelmed us. When the last of my crew, Telia fell leaving only me, I ran. A group of them pursued me for four days. I hid and rested each night grabbing snatches of sleep. I managed to avoid several predators during the same time. I thought I gave them the slip several times, but they must be excellent trackers. They found me each time.”

  “Four days?”

  “Yes. By the fourth day, I was running out of energy. They were closing. I ran with a last burst, but it wasn’t enough. I felt a terrible pain when the spear struck my shoulder and the next thing I remember is waking up here.”

  By the following morning, they completed the curing process. He now had a sleeping mat and she was making him new clothes. He hadn’t argued with her when she fitted him. “You’re the expert.” He grinned and watched her measure his waist.

  She made a few more stitches with her bone needle and leather thread and then tossed the loincloth and belt to him. “Try these on,” she said and turned to leave the cave.

  “What, you aren’t going to dress me?” he teased.

  Instead of answering, she stalked from the cave. Joren now had a loincloth and belt with scabbard and new holster. When he joined her a few minutes later, he wore the new garments along with a holstered gun and the knife in its scabbard.

  “That loincloth fits you very well, if I do say so myself. You make a very proper looking savage.”

  “I have a great seamstress.”

  “Thanks for the compliment, but you still stink. Are you ready to take a bath?”

  “Lead on, cave woman.”

  She grabbed a bar of homemade soap and a hide washcloth. Together they strolled toward the lake ever watchful for danger.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  Gina waded into the water while Joren stood on the shore guarding. She removed her clothes and after scrubbing them, tossed her top and skirt ashore. Her panties had fallen apart long before. “Lay them out to dry by my boots please. Speaking of which, boots are the next thing I intend to make for you.”

  He put her clothes next to her boots while she finished bathing.

  “Turn around. I’m coming out,” she said.

  “Why? I watched you pee on my bed, seeing you naked is no big deal. What was that you said about modesty?”

  “It’s a big deal to me. If you want to watch me pee it’s no big thing I guess, but I’m still a little modest and don’t wish you to see me completely naked.”

  “Especially with your hairy legs,” Grant added.

  “He sees my legs all the time.”

  “Not all the way up he doesn’t.”

  She felt her cheeks heat. “Be quiet, Grant.”

  She continued trying to ignore Grant’s comment. “Besides if something attacks it will no doubt come from the jungle behind you and not from the water where I’m at.”

  “I don’t know. There might be some large fish in there,” he joked.

  She growled in frustration. “Turn around or this naked lady is going to come out there and kick your ass.”

  “And you think you could beat me in a fight?”

  “I know I could. I have moves you have never seen or even heard of.”

  “Well that might be, but it also might be worth it getting my ass kicked just to see you naked.”

  “Grrr, turn around, damn you.”

  Chuckling he turned his back.

  Gina waded ashore and sat down in shallow water. She lathered her legs and using her sharp knife cut the hair from them. I don’t know why I’m doing this.

  “Because you like Joren and want to look your best for him,” Grant answered.

  “Shut-up, Grant.”

  His mental chuckle purred in her head. She gazed at the curls that had grown out hiding the narrow landing strip that had been there before.

  Fuck it.

  Carefully, while making the excuse of hygiene, she scrapped it completely bare. When she finished, she put on her clothes and tied her belt in place. “Your turn,” she called out.

  His gaze dropped to her newly bared legs. “Nice. I approve. May I touch?”

  “No you may not,” she blurted.

  “Although you wouldn’t mind if he did.”

  She felt her cheeks heat again and dropped her gaze to the ground. Gritting her teeth she thought, “Shut-up, Grant.”

  “Pity,” Joren said, untied his belt, set it in the sand and waded into the water. After rinsing it, he tossed his loincloth to her.

  “Make sure you do a good job cleaning yourself,” she sang out and giggled.

 
“You just watch for danger and let me worry about cleaning me,” he answered and she could have sworn he blew her a kiss.

  He started wading ashore when a few minutes had passed. “I’m coming out,” he announced just before his waist broke the surface.

  “Shit,” she spun on her heel just in time to face the jungle.

  “You can watch if you like. I’m not modest.”

  “Humph.” She smiled into the jungle.

  “Gina it’s been a long time since you were this cheerful. Joren brings out the best in you.”

  “He’s funny and has become a good friend.”

  “Your pulse rate has increased and your stomach is doing strange things. Maybe you would like it if he was more than a friend?”

  “Shut the hell up, Grant.”

  Laughter echoed in her mind, then silence.

  “Okay I’m dressed,” Joren announced a few minutes later.

  Gina turned to face him and sucked in her breath. The butterflies in her stomach were back. “You smell a lot better too.”

  “Thanks.” His lips spread into a smile.

  “There is one thing I would change about you, though.”

  “And that would be?”

  Her words blurted out before she could stop them. “I’d like to see your handsome face that is hidden under that beard.”

  Joren combed his hand through the long growth. “I’ve learned that term. You think I’m handsome?”

  Gina shuffled her feet and peered at the ground. “Yes,” she mumbled.

  “Wow. I’m honored. The princess thinks I’m good looking and not a frog.”

  “Behave yourself.” She rolled her eyes. “I’m not a princess. I should never have told you that damn fairy tale.”

  “I would shave, but for one slight problem. I can’t see myself.” Reaching down to the sand, he picked up his knife and offered it to her handle first. “Perhaps you’d do the honors.”

  She accepted it and grinned. “Not worried I’ll slip, accidentally of course, and slit your throat?”

  “Nope. I figure if you were going to do that you’ve had plenty of opportunities while I was sleeping.”

  “Maybe I’ve changed my mind,” she teased. “I can change my mind you know.”

  His grin widened. “I’m willing to take the chance. Of course, maybe you’re afraid to touch me. Maybe you’re afraid I’ll bite.” He bared his teeth and snapped at her.

  “Sit down, smart ass. It’ll give me the warm fuzzies thinking about cutting your throat while I’m shaving you.”

  ****

  She scrawled mark number three-hundred sixty-five on the wall. It was larger than the rest. One year. I’ve been here on Standish for a year. She had to admit the months had passed much faster now that Joren was here.

  “What’s the significance of that mark?” Joren asked looking over her shoulder. “And the green one down there. It’s different too.”

  “The green one is the day you joined me here.”

  “And the larger one?”

  She sighed. “That is to signify that I’ve been marooned here for one year of my planet’s time.”

  “Well then, happy one year anniversary.” Before she could answer, he spun her around and pressed his lips to hers taking her by complete surprise.

  For an instant, she remained in shock and then her arms circled his neck. She kissed him back savoring his masculine taste. Sparks of pleasure surged through her. A jumble of thoughts raced through her mind. She pushed him away breaking their embrace.

  “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that. You want me to stop?” he asked.

  “No, yes, I don’t know.” She sat, fearing her knees would give out and placed her hands over her face. “We can’t do this,” she mumbled. “I’m confused.”

  His angry retort echoed in the cave. “Well, when you get unconfused maybe we should talk. I for one am not confused about my feelings for you. I’ve fallen in love with you.”

  She watched him stomp away and sit on his sleeping mat with his back to her. For the first time in years, tears brimmed her eyes. I’m tough, hard as nails. I need to keep my emotions in check. I can’t be in love with him. Christ sakes, we’re not even of the same species.

  “And yet you can’t deny that you enjoyed the kiss. You can’t deny you are in love with him too.”

  “Grant, I’m confused enough I don’t need your two cents.”

  “But I’m going to put it in anyway. Admit it, Gina, you love him.”

  “Grant, please.”

  “No, Gina. What I say stands. Why shouldn’t you be happy?”

  “But we’re not even of the--”

  “So,” he interrupted. “So what. I’m certain you’re compatible enough to make love. You’ve stolen glances at him when you bathed at the lake.”

  That thought caused more sparks to rip through her along with intense warmth at her core. “Grant, please. Just let me think.”

  “Don’t think too long, Gina dear, or the opportunity will slip away. He’s no doubt thinking you don’t feel for him the same way that he’s admitted feeling toward you.”

  For a long time she sat with her face buried in her hands. Over the months and their many conversations, they had discussed relationships between men and women of their species. They had told each other how emotions were expressed between the two sexes. They were remarkably similar. Because of that, she was not surprised that he knew how to kiss. Still, it had taken her by surprise and her reaction to his kiss was even more disturbing. At last, she climbed to her feet and crossed the cave. She knelt behind him and placed her hands gently on his shoulders. “Joren,” she whispered. “I do care for you. A lot.”

  “But you don’t love me. You don’t feel the same about me as I feel about you. You want to be just friends. I won’t kiss you again. I won’t even touch you again. Go away, Gina. Go over to your own side of the cave. I don’t want you near me right now.”

  Each of his angry words pierced her heart like a knife. He shrugged his shoulders letting her know he did not want to feel her touch. He didn’t say another word. Finally, with her heart breaking, she rose to her feet. Crossing the cave, she lay down on her sleeping mat, buried her face in the soft fur to muffle her sobs and wept.

  ****

  Over the passage of days they began to speak again, but not in the joking, light hearted way of before. She was hurting and was certain he was too. “It’s time to go to the lake. Are you coming or would you rather I go alone?” she asked.

  “I’ll go with you,” he replied curtly.

  In silence, they trekked to the lake. She took her turn and then he took his, only speaking when necessary as had become the norm. On the way back while crossing a grassy meadow they spotted a wild boar-like creature.

  “Supper,” he said and broke away to circle the animal and trap it between them. She halted and waited for him to drive it toward her. She prepared to shoot the pig standing with her feet braced and watching the waist high grass part as it moved toward her.

  A horrendous roar came from the wooded area behind Joren. Seconds later the largest Tranos she had ever seen broke from the trees. It raced toward Joren.

  “Joren!” she shouted.

  Turning, he fired his pistol, but it only seemed to enrage the beast. Joren broke into a run dodging away from her. The creature gained on him with each lengthy stride.

  “Run, Gina. I’ll try to keep it busy. Run! Hide!” he shouted in bursts.

  Despite Joren’s efforts the creature was driving him closer to her. “I said run dammit,” he yelled as the distance between them closed. “I can’t keep it busy forever.”

  “Drop and roll, Joren. Please do as I ask,” she yelled back. Gina shoved her pistol into its holster. She widened the stance of her legs and her eyes narrowed. Her arms came up and her hands point
ed toward the beast. For an instant, she saw the look of incredulity wash across Joren’s face when the first burst of flames flashed from her fingers. To her relief, he complied with her request. She watched the tall grass bend beneath him as he rolled to her left. Her gaze focused on the beast. “You––will––not––kill––the––man––I––love,” she screamed. After each word flames erupted from her outstretched fingers.

  Tears streamed from her eyes. The first lick of fire touched the beast. It roared in pain and surprise, then turned to face this new threat. More flames, another roar, this one of agony, as its flesh seared.

  The crystal in her navel blazed like a miniature sun. The energy ball in her lower stomach burned intensely causing waves of pain to surge through her. Beads of perspiration erupted on her stomach and then spread over her body. Sweat streamed down her torso and legs. More fire burst from her digits. The beast’s tail lashed from side to side mowing down the grass like a scythe. Patches of boiling skin dotted its entirety. She only hoped that Joren was clear of the fiery bolts she cast.

  The energy she was expending in huge amounts weakened her rapidly, driving her to her knees.

  “Gina stop. You’re killing yourself. Stop!” Grant warned. “You can’t use up energy at this rate. The animal is dying.”

  “Not––dead–– yet,” she replied to his thought tersely through clenched teeth.

  She ignored his warning. More fire spewed from her fingers, further intensified by the fear and rage that roared through her. The flickering bursts of flame transitioned to solid streams of red stretching from her digits to the beast. A terrible scream of agony erupted from the Tranos when its body became an inferno from its maw to the tip of its tail.

  Just before she passed out, she watched in satisfaction as the beast exploded, showering the meadow with burning bits of flesh. Sudden silence reigned over the meadow. Gina pitched forward on her face and blackness closed in.

  ****

  She awoke and groaned. Every inch of her body ached. It took supreme effort just to move her eyes under closed eyelids. It feels as if I’ve been turned inside out.