Zero Time

by M. P. Swinnerton

  The rest of the day went quite smoothly and Stef was delighted to have her man with her again, and the episode of the maid was pretty soon just about forgotten.

  They spent some very contented days together in an extremely relaxed mode and Zon was man enough not to upset Stef during this time by courteously asking his wife to attend to his needs without the necessity of calling in his maid.

  This worked out well for both of them as the very touching of each other's bodies seemed to set off sparks of desire which, naturally, they then had to quench very pleasantly.

  After a few days wrapped in this deep contentment, their enjoyment was interrupted when Zon received a message to contact Zenith urgently. Zon hesitated as he was reveling in the time he was spending with his woman. She certainly knew how to please him. But he also knew that the problem must be important for Zenith to request Zon to get in touch with him. Zon put a call through via his private line and was soon in deep conversation with his buddy, Zenith. “Well, I guess the best thing you can do is to return to Washington, Zenith. There is not an awful lot you can do in Brazil now and we can leave the rest of the investigations up to your staff out there.” Zon remained chatting to Zenith for quite a while and Stef deduced from the little she could hear of the conversation that Zenith was about to return.

  “May I ask you, my sugar, what's the outcome of the investigations regarding the South American zone? Do you think people will be able to live there again yet?” Stef asked Zon.

  Zon replied curtly, telling Stef plainly that he was not going to discuss political affairs with her. He rudely pointed out that she might be his own private woman, but that was all she was and he was certainly not going to involve her in important decisions regarding his work.

  Suddenly he softened his tone, realizing that he had been rather abrupt, and assured Stef that she was doing a pretty good job being his special woman and she should be content with that, but she had to accept that she had no qualifications to allow her to become involved in dealing with Planet Zero politics.

  Stef was quite put out by his brusque manner towards her. He evidently considered her to be inferior just because she was not a fully-fledged Zelite like himself. She found this quite hurtful, as she knew that actually she was probably just as capable of solving the planet problems as Zon was. However, she soon forgot all about his bad attitude when he suddenly lifted her up deftly and carried her to the private relaxation pool attached to their apartment. He playfully threw her into the pool and then dived in after her. The pool was warm and filled with exotic perfumes, health-giving minerals and herbs that were both relaxing and invigorating. One moment they were floating gently in the balmy waves of the pool and the next minute they were racing one another in the foaming artificial sea created by the automatic settings of the pool system. They played for a couple of hours and then Zon asked Stef to switch on the shower and dryer units situated at the side of the pool.

  Stef had been too content and relaxed to observe that Zon had discreetly signaled for his GM maid to bring his towel and clothes to him. When she did realize, with dismay, that the maid had arrived, Stef petulantly went by herself into one of the drying cubicles while his maid assisted Zon. She tried to spy on Zon to see what the maid was actually doing, but all she could see was the maid sprinkling him with some kind of potion and then rubbing the lotion on to his body with deft and experienced hands.

  Stef still had the intention of firing this female as soon as the opportunity arose, most likely at a time when Zon would be away for a while. She kept reminding herself to be patient for she knew that unless this action was carried out very cautiously, it could cause a furor with Zon. Stef knew that the maid's dismissal would have to be done very subtly if she was going to pull it off without invoking Zon's anger. “But I'll get that woman out of our lives, one way or another, for sure!” she thought to herself.

  That night, the pair of them attended a small party at Zerek's quarters and as they were in the middle of chatting, eating and drinking, Stef suddenly noticed that Zon had left the room. He returned shortly, accompanied by his GM friend Zenith. The two men appeared to be in a deep, serious discussion about something or other. Stef knew better than to interrupt the two men, but felt a sinking disappointment that this probably meant that Zon would be leaving her again soon to go off on some sort of mission or other.

  As it so happened, Zenith was explaining to Zon that the phenomena of the apparitions had been sorted out by the GM experts. They had fathomed out that at some time prior to the closure of the South American Continent, the cemetery had been equipped so that each grave was capable of showing video images of the person now buried, when they were alive. When a relative or friend visiting a grave wanted to try and remember how the dead person used to look, they just had to press a switch and a video would appear at the back of the grave showing the deceased as they were when they were still alive.

  It seemed that when the first robots penetrated the area they triggered off these switches and made it look as though there were ghosts floating about in the graveyard.

  Both the men had a really good laugh about this and, arm in arm, they returned to the party. Zerek had become aware of his brother's affection for Zenith, and when Zon had eventually confided in him about his relationship with Zenith, describing how he had exchanged blood with the GM man to try and allow Zenith to have longevity, Zerek had warned Zon to be very wary of the danger of the power that he had possibly bestowed on Zenith now.

  Zon laughed at Zerek and derided his brother's fears, assuring Zerek that his friend Zenith would never take advantage of him. He knew that Zenith was too close to him now to have any animosity towards him. When Zon entered the room with Zenith on his arm, Zerek cast a glance at Stef. He wondered how this woman would take this situation. “Would she be the one to make trouble for Zon?”

  As it happened, Stef was not in the least bothered about the two men entering the room arm in arm. It was an insignificant thing in her mind. She had experienced the feelings that Zon had shown for her and she had no doubt that he was definitely a man who preferred females to males. It did not even enter her head that there could be any liaison between the two men other than that they were just good friends. She was, however, a little fed up that Zon seemed to be totally engrossed in conversation with Zenith and appeared to have forgotten her existence for a while.

  Sauntering over to the pair of men, knowing that her beautiful tight attire clung to her in a very sexually becoming way, she anticipated that her taunting wiggle would attract Zon to want to be with her. Stef, glancing sideways alluringly at Zon, said an acerbic “hello” to Zenith, expecting that Zon would take her arm and lead her away from Zenith to talk with other partygoers.

  It was only for a sheer split second, but during that briefest of instants the GM man stared at her with a look of intense jealousy. The moment was almost imperceptible by any onlooker and his face quickly relaxed into a smile. Holding out his hand to Stef, he greeted her warmly. “Well, how are you, dear lady?” he enquired courteously.

  The initial salutations over, Zon turned his back on Stef and continued in close and secretive talk with Zenith. Zerek had been watching the scene closely and saw his brother's rudeness to the woman. He hastily stepped over to her side, taking her by the arm and, leading her away from the two men, told her that he wanted her to meet a person who was very interested in the Outlanders’ way of life and was making a Study Profile for the World Record Archives. Stef, still shocked at her husband's discourtesy towards her, was not at all pleased to be snatched away in this manner, least of all to meet someone whose curiosity was obviously getting the better of them about the Outlanders’ history. However, Stef knew that it would not be in her interests to offend Zon's brother Zerek, and meekly followed him to meet the Zelite whom she had dismissively surmised was going to be a pure nosy parker.

  Actually, the Zelite person purportedly interested in researching the Outlanders’ history, was none other than Zon
's youngest sister Zeileen who, surprisingly, made Stef feel completely at ease, and the two were soon chatting quite comfortably with one another. Stef, now almost having forgotten the incident with Zon and Zenith, was quite content to carry on talking to Zon's sister.

  The evening passed by without further unusual events and eventually Zon came over and joined Stef and Zeileen, sitting himself between the two women.

  “What are you two finding so enthralling to talk about that is making you both neglect your men?” Zon laughingly chided the two women.

  “Just women's talk, my honey, nothing you would be interested in,” Stef replied grinning playfully at Zon and, smiling at one another, the females agreed to meet at some time in the near future to carry on with the interesting conversation they were having.

  Stef was now feeling a deep-down satisfaction that Zon had eventually searched her out and, when he suggested it was time for them to leave, she was quite pleased and happy

  CHAPTER 28

  This was to be a special day: it was Stef's birthday and she wanted everyone to know. She wanted lots and lots of cards and ‘prezzies’. She was a woman and what woman wouldn't want cards and presents on their birthday? She had told Zon that it was going to be her birthday. In fact, there wasn't a person that Stef knew who wasn't aware that it was going to be her birthday on December 13th.

  Zon laughed at her. “Good God, woman, we don't celebrate birthdays anymore. I have no idea what day I was born, let alone what year. I could probably tell you what day I became ‘Permanered’, but as far as birthdays go they just do not exist in our calendars.”

  Stef pouted prettily and Zon, feeling a little sorry that he had contemptuously laughed at her, quickly and happily agreed to throw a huge bash for her. He arranged for the birthday party to be held in the Main Hall of the Santa Barbara's Socializing Halls and nothing was spared in regard to décor for Stef's taste. There were huge banners depicting ‘HAPPY BIRTHDAY STEF!’ draped all around the area and pink ribbons floated everywhere. Everything was pink, as this was Stef's favorite color. Pink roses were in abundance. Pink ticker tape floated out of everyone's windows and the atmosphere of a celebration was buoyant on every street.

  Stef dressed herself in a smooth outfit: pink, of course, with tight-fitting trousers and a crop top covered in amazing jewels. She looked fantastic and everyone gasped at her loveliness when she entered the party room. Zon accompanied her and he had agreed to wear a matching, but more masculine outfit with black slacks and a pink shirt, also encrusted with sparkling jewels. Stef was in her element. She was as happy as a sand boy and delighted with the attention and compliments she was having showered on her. She loved the presents and cards that were generously handed to her by her relations and friends, and positively glowed with excitement and contentment.

  Her mother had given her an ancient christening robe that had been worn by all the babies from Stef's immediate family in the past. This gift had raised a few eyebrows, and even Stef was slightly embarrassed by this presumption on her mother's part that she was pregnant. Zon just smiled blandly at Stef without saying a word and Stef quickly picked up the gift box that her father had left by her side.

  This present turned out to be a most gorgeous ruby ring and Stef was delighted with this gift. She knew her father had kept this ring in his desk as he had shown it to her on two or three occasions, describing how it was believed to have mystical powers. His grandmother had given it to him and she had told him that it would protect him from danger and illness. “Oh, Dad, this is such a lovely present and I appreciate it even more because I know how much it means to you. I promise you that I will treasure it all my life. Thank you again!”

  At one stage in the evening, Zon stood back and watched his lady having her special day. It was quite a rare occasion for him to see anyone quite so blissfully happy as this, and he was elated himself to be part of such a brilliant event. As the evening drew to a close, Zon put his arms around Stef and gently whispered to her that it was time to let everyone go home and she quickly and joyfully agreed that it was time to leave.

  Kissing Zon passionately, Stef thanked him for allowing her to have such an enjoyable birthday. As Stef drew her silk scarf around her shoulders, she smiled coquettishly at Zon and said, “Darling, I suppose my main present, the one from you that is, will be waiting for me when we get back. Is it some kind of fine jewelry, or a bottle of exquisite perfume?” Zon, grinning from ear to ear, told her to just be patient and wait and see what her main surprise was going to be.

  “Come on then, honey, let's get back quick, I am dying to see my present.” Stef could hardly contain her enthusiasm and dragged Zon away to their waiting transporter.

  When they eventually reached their private apartment, Zon lifted Stef up into his strong arms and carried her to the seating area in front of the oceanfront viewing room. He had arranged for this seat to be covered in soft cushions, and gorgeous, heavily perfumed posies of flowers were also lying colorfully around this comfortable seat.

  They sat down and kissed. Stef impatiently pushed Zon playfully away from her with a comic petulant pout, and Zon teased her saying, “Stef, you are acting just like a youngster seeking out its present.”

  “Oh Zon, I can't wait, please tell me what it is, Zon,” Stef pleaded. With that, Zon clapped his hands and two strong robomen entered the room pushing and pulling a cubicle. Zon indicated for them to leave it in front of Stef and signaled for them to leave the room.

  Zon ensured that the booth was connected to the power supply, and stretching his arm inside the door of the cubicle, he gave a sharp pull on a lever that then elongated the cubicle by sliding out the concertina-type walls, creating a sort of corridor or passageway. This corridor stretched out to reach the farthest wall of the room until it connected with another door, which had been secretly built into the side of the room.

  Stef was curious and a bit nervous to see this booth, and with inquisitiveness, stood up and opened the door leading into it. Zon followed suit and as soon as they entered, it appeared that they were walking into a huge hall. Then Zon pushed a button on the side of the cubicle and two gilt throne-like seats appeared from apparently nowhere. Zon told Stef to sit down and get comfortable and then he would explain what was happening.

  As soon as they were seated, Zon told Stef that this was a Virtual Reality Pleasure Dome for Stef's personal use. She could come in here any time she wanted and could wish for anything that she desired. It was identical to the Public Pleasure Domes, except that this was for Stef's own personal use. He explained that, of course, it did not have all the complete facilities that the Public Pleasure Domes were able to offer, but he assured Stef that he thought all her needs could be adequately catered for in this miniature-style Dome. Zon demonstrated to Stef how to start the program and how to end it and then held Stef's hand to lead her back into their apartment.

  “Do you like it, honey?” Zon asked Stef.

  “Darling, it is the most wonderful thing you could have given me for a gift, thank you so much. I am sure I am going to really enjoy my time here, especially when you enter with me,” Stef replied.

  Zon explained that he knew that Stef often got bored when he was away and he thought that this was in some way a means of helping Stef to be with Zon at these times. He explained that she could wish to be with Zon even if he was actually not there, and her Pleasure Dome would be able to create an imaginary scenario for her where she could really believe she was actually with Zon.

  “My goodness, what a kind thought that was, Zon. I cannot believe what a lucky woman I am to have such a wonderful husband.”

  With that they hugged one another tenderly and Stef started to wander off to bed. Zon pulled Stef close to him and said, “Do you not want to hear what my other presents are? One is that I think we should start and make a use for that christening gown, shall we? But first, before we enjoy ourselves, I do have another special gift for you my honey.” Stef was tense with excitement. She was almost
trembling with happiness and pressed Zon to tell her what this other present was. Stef could not believe her ears. She had always been aware that Zon did not want to create any more children yet, until he had sorted out the problem with his children from his marriage to Uvarna, but here he was suggesting that the time was right, so who was she to deny him that privilege?

  Zon pulled Stef into his arms once more and told her, “Stef, my sweet lady, I think the time has come for you to be released from the surveillance anklet. I think you have suffered enough.”

  With that he swiftly pulled out a small silver key from his pocket and, bending down, lifted up Stef's leg and deftly opened up the cuff that surrounded her ankle. He gently picked her up in his arms and carried her tenderly to their bedroom. She was overjoyed, to say the least, with all her presents and said to Zon,“My darling Zon, I promise you that I will never give you cause to have to treat me in such a punishing way again.”

  “Honey I am really sorry that I was so hard on you but I honestly dealt with the situation in a manner that I thought best at the time. I really should have been more considerate and allowed you more freedom to do your crazy things. You know that I definitely do not wish to change your vibrant personality. That is one of the reasons I fell in love with you because you are different from most women that I have met and I would not change you for the world,” Zon whispered in her ear.

  “Let us forget the past, shall we Zon, I am ecstatically happy with you and I do assure you that I will try and curb my ‘craziness’ to please you.”

  “Suits me fine, Stef, let us just get over the past and look to the future, eh?”

  With that Zon took Stef in his arms again and it turned out to be one of the most wonderful nights they ever spent together. Both of them felt a bit guilty over the past problems and now they had decided to more or less call a truce and as a result they knew that neither of them had injured their egos and could feel more relaxed with one another in the future.