Solaria - S1

by Fran Heckrotte

  Solaria put down the newspaper. Her eyes felt slightly watery. Reaching up, she touched her right one lightly then looked at her finger.

  You knew it would end this way! she thought. We both knew. It was the logical conclusion. I'll keep my promise, Carley. I'll find the Hubot and any others that might exist.

  * * *

  Solaria spent the next week searching for a place to stay. The house she found wasn't fancy but it suited her purpose. Slightly isolated from the neighbors, it belonged to an elderly woman who had decided to move closer to her children. She was more than happy to rent it to the handsome woman with the teal eyes, especially since the rent was paid a year in advance. It provided her enough to pay the movers and relocation expenses not to mention give her some money to find a small apartment. A week after the lease was signed Mrs. Quinley was packed and gone.

  Solaria wasn't sure how to properly furnish her new home. She had seen pictures on the Internet, but had no real concept of interior design. Before leaving, the owner gave her the name of a woman who could help her pick out the things she needed. Two weeks later she was ready to take on the Company in order to keep her promise to Carley.

  Not wanting to chance Future Dynamicon tracing her hacks into their network back to her home, she decided to use public network access. Internet cafés were the most logical choice but she discarded the idea of using one because of the amount of time she would have to spend on their computer. At some point, someone was bound to notice her and wonder what she was doing. The alternative was a public library which suited her more. Libraries were quiet and on the verge of becoming obsolete since computers were readily accessible to about everyone and most books were now available for downloading at a nominal fee. Only the most hardcore book lovers went there to read or study.

  Fortunately, one of the largest remaining libraries was only a short drive from Solaria's new home.

  CHAPTER 11

  Jain Plaine

  THE MIRROR HAD never been kind to her, but then again neither had nature or life. Being short was bad enough although she could probably have overcome that stigma. Even the excess weight she carried wasn't insurmountable if she would just make an effort to get into shape. If only that was the extent of her genetic misfortunes. Sadly, it was just the beginning. Her entire youth had been spent listening to the cruel whispers of her school colleagues. Most were too cowardly, or maybe kind, to say anything to her face but others took malicious joy in making sure she knew what they thought. Her mom tried her best to ease the pain by telling her to just ignore her tormentors. How do you ignore people who call you Horse Face, Plain Jain or Miss Piggy? It was true she had an unfortunate face but so did many others. Life just wasn't fair, she'd grumble to her mother. That was a long time ago.

  Sighing, Jain stuck out her tongue at her image and then laughed.

  "That doesn't help," she said, poking her finger at the image staring back from the mirror. "You need to get a life."

  Twinkling brown eyes stared back at her. Jain smiled, showing almost perfect white teeth.

  "At least no one can say anything about these ivories," she continued, tapping her finger on the image in the mirror. Her reflection nodded her head in agreement. Winking at her agreeable companion, Jain grabbed her sweater and headed out the door for work. She was due at the library in twenty minutes.

  Contrary to popular belief, being a librarian wasn't a boring job; at least not to her. It was amazing the diversity of people that frequented the place. Even when the library was empty, Jain could pick out a book and travel anywhere in the world, or outside of it, she wanted. On a really good day, she would see someone that was especially interesting and create her own little story or fantasy. Just yesterday, she noticed a tall, red-haired woman studying several recent scientific journals pertaining to the latest developments in bio-mechanics. Had Jain not noticed the titles, she would have thought the woman was more the model type instead of a brain. Still, discovering she was highly intelligent didn't stop the librarian from creating her own little fantasy about the stranger.

  * * *

  Watching the woman walking slowly toward her, the librarian held her breath hoping not to be noticed; at least that's what she told herself. The truth be known, she felt her heart skip a beat in anticipation of at least making eye contact with the tall crimson-haired beauty. "Drop dead gorgeous" wasn't just a cliché. It was definitely a reality if what she was seeing was any indication. Between the heart palpitations and a slight difficulty in breathing. Jain was sure she was about to pass out in front of the woman.

  Maybe she'll give me mouth-to-mouth! I'd just die if she did.

  As if reading her mind, the woman slowed down, looked directly at her and winked. Almost on queue, Jain fainted.

  The sensation of lips meeting hers and warm air filling her lungs brought Jain back to consciousness. Opening her eyes, she stared into the palest blue eyes she had ever seen; and the smile? Perfectly even white teeth, two dimples on each side of beautifully formed lips were to die for.

  "Hey, are you okay?" a deep, husky voice asked.

  "Uh... yeah," Jain croaked. "I think."

  "What happened?"

  "I don't know!"

  Although she knew perfectly well what had happened, Jain was too embarrassed to say. How do you tell a stranger that you had just been fantasizing about her and the fantasy came true?

  "Look, maybe you should get a physical. Can you stand up now?"

  "I think so."

  "Good."

  Before Jain realized what was happening, two strong hands slid beneath her armpits and she felt herself being hoisted to her feet.

  "Oh, wow! Thanks," she stammered.

  "My pleasure;" The woman said, smiling that gorgeous smile. "Listen. I really think you need to see a doctor. Do you have a family physician?"

  "No, not really;" Jain said hesitantly.

  "Great! I mean, not because you don't have a doctor but if you want, I'd be happy to check you out. Give me a call and my nurse will set up an appointment."

  Handing Jain a business card, she turned to walk away then stopped and looked back.

  "You're going to be okay, right?"

  "Yeah, I'm fine. Really, umm Dr. Rodelle;" Jain said, glancing at the card.

  "Good. Well, it's been a real pleasure," the woman said and then winked.

  Jain's heart gave a hard thump.

  If only I could pass out again, she thought and then wondered how her mouth could be so dry when she was practically salivating. Watching the doctor stroll away, she was mesmerized by the swaying hips and long muscular legs.

  * * *

  The room was pleasantly decorated with a mixture of scenic paintings and tropical colors. Magazines lay scattered around the end tables and a unisex restroom was in the far corner near a window overlooking the bay. Looking at the other patients, Jain wondered if she was making a mistake. Obviously, the clientele were wealthy if their clothes were an indication.

  The receptionist gave her a strange look after glancing at her signature on the sign-in sheet. Handing her the appropriate forms, she explained how they were to be filled out and asked for proof of insurance. Jain could tell she was dying to ask her a question and was pretty sure what it would be.

  "Dr. Rodelle suggested that I see her," she said, feeling suddenly defensive.

  "Oh," the woman said, looking somewhat doubtful. "What exactly is the problem?"

  "I fainted."

  "I see. What else?" she asked, her pen poised expectantly over the form.

  "Uh. Nothing else. That's it."

  "Hmmm. Well, I don't see your name in the appointment book. Are you sure Dr. Rodelle suggested you see her? I mean she's a neurosurgeon. Normally you would see a GP first," the receptionist replied skeptically.

  Pulling out the business card, Jain flashed it at the woman.

  "I'm sure."

  "Well, okay. If you'll have a seat, I'll let the doctor know you're here. It'll probably be a long wait,
though. There are several people in front of you who have appointments and naturally we have to take care of them first."

  "Of course," Jain replied, wanting to ask what the woman's problem was. She picked up one of the magazines and a chair by the window putting as much distance as possible between her and the obnoxious woman as possible.

  Maybe this is a mistake, she thought. After all, there's really nothing wrong with me.

  Jain stared out the window at the water. A small sailboat was battling the wind and waves. Lost in her own world of self-doubt, it took her several seconds to realize someone was talking. Looking up, she saw Dr. Rodelle standing next to a small, elderly woman using a cane for support. Unable to hear what was being said, she watched the expressions on the women's faces trying to guess at the content of the conversation. When the doctor suddenly smiled and leaned down to give the woman a kiss on the cheek and then escorted her to the door, Jain was surprised.

  Maybe she's a relative!

  After shutting the door, Dr. Rodelle glanced around the room at its occupants. When she saw Jain, she smiled and winked and then left through the examination room door. A few seconds later, she appeared next to the receptionist. Jain watched as the doctor picked up a folder and scanned the papers inside. After a few more words with the receptionist, she left, disappearing behind a door. Several minutes later, the receptionist walked into the room and walked over to whisper to one of the patients. After a short conversation, she moved to the next. Shortly afterward, both patients stood and left the room.

  I guess she's got an emergency, Jain thought, standing to also leave.

  "Dr. Rodelle will see you now, Miss Plaine," the receptionist said walking over to stand by her. The haughty behavior from before had been replaced by a more professional tone.

  Surprised, Jain just nodded and followed the woman to a nicely furnished small lounge at the back of the complex.

  "Can I get you something to drink? Coffee? Tea?"

  "No thanks," Jain replied. My insurance is definitely not going to pay for what this is going to cost.

  "Well, just let me know if you need anything. Dr. Rodelle will be in shortly."

  Walking around, Jain examined the furnishings. She had no doubt everything in the room was extremely high quality. The sound of the door opening caught her attention and she turned to see Dr. Rodelle enter the room, shutting the door behind her.

  "Ms. Plaine, how are you doing?" Again the voice sent shivers down Jain's spine, causing her arms to pebble up with goosebumps.

  "Uh... fine. I'm... fine, Dr. Rodelle," she stuttered.

  "Good. Please have a seat. I need to ask you a few questions before we get started."

  Swallowing a lump in her throat, Jain complied and was startled when the doctor sat next to her, crossing her long legs and leaning back on the couch. Jain stared at the smooth golden skin along her lower thighs and calves. Immediately her heart began beating faster and she felt faint.

  "Are you okay?" Dr. Rodelle asked, noticing the slightly flushed cheeks.

  Reaching over, she placed her hand against Jain's forehead as if testing for a fever.

  "Oh, yeah. Sometimes I just get these heart palpitations and feel faint."

  "I see. How long has this been going on?"

  "Ummm, well, it's a recent occurrence. Actually, this is only the second time."

  "Hmmm. I take it the first was the other day. Interesting."

  Scribbling a few notes in the file, she twisted slightly on the couch, her leg coming into slight contract with Jain's.

  "Is there anything different you've done these two times? Maybe something you've had to eat or drink?"

  "No. I pretty much have the same routine."

  Putting down the folder, Dr. Rodelle leaned close to her, clasped her wrist then started monitoring her watch. Frowning, she pulled her stethoscope from her jacket pocket and stood up.

  "Pulse is a little fast. Let me listen to your heart."

  Slipping the small diaphragm between Jain's blouse and chest, the doctor placed it against ample breasts. When her hand accidentally brushed her left breast, Jain's heart thumped so loud she could hear the pounding in her head.

  Dr. Rodelle watched Jain's face closely as she moved the monitor around and listened.

  "When's the last time you had a good physical?"

  "Two years ago. Other than my weight, the doctor said everything was fine. Is there a problem?"

  "Probably not. Still, I'd like to run a few tests on you. It'll take a few hours, though. Do you have anything scheduled for the rest of the day?"

  "No, I'm not due back to work until tomorrow."

  "Wonderful! I'll be right back."

  Standing, Dr. Rodelle patted her shoulder then left the room. Jain looked nervously around wondering if maybe there was something seriously wrong with her. Ten minutes later, the doctor walked back in and shut the door.

  "Sorry it took so long but my receptionist had to leave early. I wanted to make sure everything was locked up."

  "Oh. Gosh. I don't want to cause any problems. I can come back another day," Jain offered.

  "That's not necessary. I think we'd better get to the bottom of this today if possible. Now, if you don't mind, I'll need for you to get undressed."

  "Here?" Jain squeaked.

  "Well, it's more comfortable here but if you'd rather we go into the examination room..."

  "No... no... that's okay. This is fine. It's just that..."

  "Ah, yes. Sorry. I'm so used to seeing naked bodies I forget some people are shy. I'll get you a gown."

  Leaving the room, she returned holding a blue paper object.

  "Here you go. I'll just get my instruments."

  After the doctor left, Jain quickly disrobed, put on the examination gown then sat back down. Seconds later the doctor walked in holding a fairly large black leather bag.

  "Good, now just lie back and let me check your heart again." The doctor placed her warm hand on Jain's chest and pressed it gently between her breasts. Immediately, Jain's pulse jumped and the doctor nodded then smiled.

  "I think I know what your problem is," she said softly.

  "Is it serious?" Jain asked, nervously.

  "Very, but it's treatable."

  Relieved, Jain sighed and then jumped when the physician's warm hand slid over her left breast. When the thumb and finger began gently rolling the nipple, she swallowed hard.

  "Uh..."

  "Do you want me to stop?" Dr. Rodelle whispered, leaning closer. Her blue eyes twinkled with amusement.

  "Well, no. I mean you're the doctor," Jain gasped.

  Smiling, the doctor winked.

  "Yes I am. Now, where was I?"

  Her hand continued playing with the left nipple as her right traveled slowly down her patient's belly and then back up again. Jain could feel goosebumps forming on her skin and shivered slightly. Her heart raced wildly.

  "You certainly do have a rapid heartbeat. I really do need to get to the bottom of this, don't you think?"

  "Oh, yeah... certainly," Jain agreed.

  "I thought you might agree."

  For several minutes she gently stroked the skin while manipulating pebbled nipples with her fingers. Jain began to squirm when she felt a strange sensation between her thighs and squeezed her vaginal muscles tightly together.

  Oh God!

  Moisture began seeping between her legs onto the paper gown beneath her butt.

  Grinning, Dr. Rodelle leaned down and stroked Jain's right ear with the tip of her tongue. Tracing the sensitive skin, she completed the journey by flicking it lightly against the entrance to the ear and then moved her lips down Jain's neck to her breasts. Gently drawing the right nipple into her mouth, she pulled on it and then ran her tongue around it while sucking.

  Jain gasped but wasn't about to complain. In fact, the thought never entered her head; at least not until the doctor suddenly stood up. Before she could say anything, Dr. Rodelle began unbuttoning her own blouse. Rem
oving it, she tossed it on the end table and then unzipped her skirt and sliding it down and stepping out of it. Standing for a few seconds, she looked down at Jain and smiled.

  "You don't mind me getting a little more comfortable, I hope?"

  "Oh, no. Um, you could get even more comfortable if you want. I mean pink really looks good on you but feel free to take off anything else you want."