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  Sam smiled slightly. “Some understand, but are swallowed by the louder voices of the shortsighted.”

  “It troubles us.”

  “As it does many humans. I have no answers, save that you must be aware as you explore that the internet provides both truth and lies. As well as the majority, which lies somewhere in between. Men like Hammer manipulate the information and lead those who find it easier to follow strength, than to break away on their own. But, I believe, if we can expose what he has done, things will change. At least for my country. And I suspect for others, since he is a multinational businessman.”

  Milaar raised her head to examine him sharply. “We have discovered so much. He cannot hide from us. Sam, be prepared.”

  Her seriousness caused a chill to run up his back. Slowly, he nodded. “Okay. I need to eat and find T’talin, discover out what the next step is. Has the cure gone out?”

  “Yes, and the reaction has been encouraging. There were attempts to block its distribution, but the popular demand overwhelmed those objections. News from the infected areas is good. The company in the southern hemisphere devised a method of aerial spraying that has already stopped the advance of the disease.”

  Sam blinked back tears. Her sisters… With a deep breath, he pushed away from the table. “Good. So good. As for Ria, watch her carefully. Exposure to the greater world may prompt a return of her former difficulties. I’ll check in on her. You know where she is now?”

  “Music. She has immersed herself in music. Her physical conditions are monitored. They are extremely volatile.”

  “As long as she doesn’t attempt to harm herself I’d leave her alone. I suspect she’s looking for who she was in the music she once knew. It’s what I would do.”

  He excused himself. He paused at the music room and glanced in. Ria swayed, sitting cross-legged on the floor in the center of a large room. She’d been joined by a dozen Aleena. They all watched the screen as colors faded to computer generated effects, kaleidoscoping from one interpretation of the music to another. At present, classical music poured forth. “Ode to Joy” signaled a sweet place. He left them to it.

  The next twenty five hours were exhausting and exhilarating. He couldn’t get over the progress the Aleena made while he slept. Testa gave him a cell phone tricked out for communicating within the ship. “You cannot hear the system we use, so this will enable anyone needing to contact you to do so directly.”

  He studied the device, noting a new app on the screen, the curl of wave. “And can I contact T’talin? Or Milaar?”

  “Yes, though there may be a delay in their response, depending on their proximity to their communication tools. As we modify our normal devices that will change. The engineers would like to discuss a method to leave the cable and remain connected. They believe they have devised a way, with some limits.” Testa walked next to him. “Ria has asked me for a music player.”

  “Make sure it has sufficient memory.” Sam thought the idea a good one. He made a mental note to talk with the woman as soon as possible.

  He didn’t see her until returning to their room two days later. Sam staggered with weariness, barely able to focus beyond the idea of a shower and sleep. One of younger Aleena assisted him to the room. He turned away from the bed. “No, I need to clean up first.”

  Without argument, the alien kept one hand on his elbow and led him to the chamber. They passed Ria, asleep on her bed and stepped on her negligee. Sam picked it up and could feel the dampness on it. She’d been dancing again. He handed it to the youngster. “This needs to be cleaned. I’ll be fine, go on.”

  Ten minutes later, he wished he’d sent his shorts for cleaning, too. He took the robe and headed back for his bed. A shaft of light fell on Ria, sprawled on her back, breathing slowly. He paused, shifting out of the light so it fell on her face. There appeared to be dark circles under her eyes, but that could be nothing more than the shadows in the room.

  He resolved to find time for her when he woke up. The sheer volume of what needed to be done kept detouring him. He couldn’t imagine what it must be like to be exposed to so much of the world she’d left behind. The changes were so many. He’d found a brief moment to glance at her musical selection sometime yesterday, or earlier today. Or whenever. A great deal of the songs he recognized, and a few raised some red flags for him. He’d noted them and meant to check them out in detail. When he had time.

  He sighed and blinked, gazing down at her. She’d fallen into bed naked. Sam didn’t try to hide his appreciation. He was only human and she intrigued him for more than the emotional puzzle she presented. His training made him acutely aware of her psyche, but she also presented a lovely picture of the female form. His exhaustion kept him from much more than a distant admiration. With a sigh, he stumbled to his bed and fell onto the soft pad.

  Hours later, he woke with a grunt as someone struck him on the shoulder. “What the…?” He rolled to his back to see Ria swaying at the edge of his bed. “Ria?”

  “…lied…never had a chance… I didn’t care! But…I could have…if I’d known…” She drew her hand back and before he could register what she intended, she’d hit him again. The slap fell with a sharp sting and he sat up.

  “…lost my chance!” She swayed and sagged. Then suddenly surged at him. He caught her this time and held her from hitting him again. She didn’t struggle for long, growing limp though still babbling about chances and not knowing.

  “Ria?” He softly spoke and she didn’t reply. Damn, she’d walked herself to his bed while sleeping. He felt her twitch and suddenly she really flailed. A bare knee struck his thigh with force and he grunted. She’d come a bit too close to doing some real damage. He rolled, pinning her partly under his body. She cursed him, then drifted away again.

  “Damn it, woman.” He drew a deep breath and took advantage of her calmness to untangle her braid and make certain her limbs weren’t bent sharply. Then he used his leg and arms to keep her from continuing the mild rampage. Too tired to deal with what it meant, he simply held her and drifted off to sleep again.

  Ria stretched, drifting in that sweet spot between awake and dreaming. The lingering aftereffects of a sensual dream involving dancing in the arms of a tall, strong man made her sigh. Her body floated, looking for a finish to the naked interlude. Slowly, the pressure of an erect cock at her thigh and a hand holding her bare breast registered as more than a dream.

  She turned her head and blinked. Sam’s grey eyes opened as she recognized him and he smiled with a lazy cockiness. Then the sleep fled those eyes and his hand froze, the flexing of his hips stopped and he swallowed.

  She attempted to hold onto the languid pleasantness her body hummed with, but he pulled away and sat up, turning away from her. The sense of missing something filled her.

  She sighed. “I had a nightmare again?”

  “Oh, worse than that.” He yawned. “I apologize…”

  “Don’t. You can’t help your body’s reactions.” She turned her head. “This is your bed.”

  “Yup. You were walking in your sleep. And talking.”

  “I don’t think I’ve ever done that before.” She slid to the edge of the bed and placed her feet on the floor. A sudden buzzing sounded at the table. “What is that?”

  “Testa fixed a phone for messages. I better get that.” As he walked to the table, he belted the short robe tight about his waist. Ria found herself regretting the chance to see the impressive length she’d felt when waking. Looking around, she spied her skirt draped at the edge of her bed and rose to collect it.

  She inhaled and wrinkled her nose at the scent of sweat. She strolled toward the shower area.

  “T’talin needs to see me. I’ll be in the cafeteria. Come find me, Ria. I want to tell you about last night.”

  She paused. “Last night? Did something happen I don’t remember? Other than sleep walking?”

  “Yes, but don’t worry. We haven’t talked in days, honey. I want to visit. Find me?”
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  He sounded sincere. With a nod, she proceeded to see herself cleaned up. While the water ran down her hair, her hand slid down to cup her breast.

  Honey?

  His palm had been rough compared to hers. She could still feel the pinch where her nipple had rested between two of his fingers. She hadn’t thought about sexual arousal in decades. The Aleena had asked her about reproduction and she’d done her best to answer them, even attempting to speak of the emotional bond and physical pleasure of sex. She’d described how some humans had sex, some fucked and some made love. She didn’t think she’d done a very good job, but they’d been too polite to mention it. Even to her, the words she used didn’t communicate anywhere near the full spectrum of physical intimacy. But they had been all she could find.

  For a few minutes, she’d been able to remember the cool warmth of foreplay. At least she thought it was foreplay. Glancing down at her hand, she squeezed her breast, but it didn’t affect her the same way. She dropped her fingers to her bush and explored. Yes, she’d been excited. Her body understood, even if she didn’t. Maybe she could explore online…

  With a sigh, she finished her shower, took care of her hair and pulled on the skirt. Her stomach growled and she acknowledged neglecting it the last few days. Sam waited for her.

  Had she changed? Would any man’s touch spark her memories or just his?

  As she entered the cafeteria, she looked around, surprised at how many Aleena occupied the tables. They noise level rose higher than she’d ever recalled as they chattered, gestured and appeared to bubble with excitement. She searched for Sam, only then realizing that many of them wore clothing. Had he started a trend?

  Finally, a hand waved at her as Sam stood to get her attention. She nodded, then gathered provisions before joining him and T’talin. The commander had managed to all but perfect a human male. At first glance, he’d fool anyone. Only upon closer examination would the differences be noted. Just a bit too long in the torso, arms, neck, all just a bit too stretched. He’d be noticed and thought of as just odd. She wondered if he could sustain the look in motion. He would need to do something about facial hair. Eyelashes and eyebrows, at least.

  The thought crossed her mind and she focused on Sam. “Why haven’t you grown a beard or mustache? You’ve been here long enough for that.”

  “Just noticed?” He shook his head. “I use a commercial cream that stops the growth of facial hair for three months. I’m not due another treatment for another six weeks. They also have the product for women.”

  “Women grow beards?” T’talin asked, expressing surprise.

  “Oh, no. But women generally remove hair on their legs and underarms. Sometimes…uh…”

  “Sometimes they also remove pubic hair, T’talin.” She answered without hesitation as she sat down. “That must be handy. Those who chose to grow a beard can, but those who don’t, can skip the morning ritual of shaving.”

  Another change in the world for her to figure out.

  Sam and T’talin sat across from each other, she took the seat between them. “From all the excitement, I assume something new has been discovered?”

  “Everything is new, N’sila.” The commander touched her hand where it rested near the bowl. “Ria, I have been discussing with Sam the need for the two of you to seek shelter on the surface.”

  The tremor that ran up her spine confused her. Did the idea scare her or excite her? Eyes wide, she stared at him. “Me? Shelter from what?”

  “We don’t know what this weapon is that Hammer threatens us with. Our only recourse is to descend to depths where neither of you could survive, until he reveals it. It will take us days to slowly reach sanctuary so time is of the essence. You two must return to the land.”

  “We’ve been talking about it. I have a place off the radar. No one knows about it and we’ll be safe until I can connect with my team and set up better.” Her head swiveled to see Sam studying her as he spoke. “I will not let him find you.”

  She took a slow, deep breath and held it a moment. It made sense. She knew the ship could only protect her from depth to a certain degree. They must be meaning to submerge too far. Milaar told her once of great caverns found in the trenches at the very bottom of the sea. They’d be safe there.

  “How long will you need to hide?” She lifted a cube of food, then let it drop.

  “You need to eat.” Sam urged her.

  “I’m not hungry.”

  “Eat anyway.” He pushed the bowl toward her.

  With a sigh, she put a cube in her mouth and chewed.

  “You agree?” T’talin sounded confused.

  “I do need to eat.” She nodded. “Oh, about leaving with Sam. I’m sure you know what is best. I don’t want the ship damaged. But how long will have to be gone? When will you know if it’s safe?” She shook her head. “If Hammer is so astute with computers and security, how will I stay hidden? From what I understand, the world is covered with cameras and connections.”

  “This cabin is isolated, near a very small town with limited contact. And I do know how to stay off the grid. You’ll have to trust me, Ria. I’m a wanted man, this isn’t just about you. My team is good at what they do.”

  His voice reassured her. To walk on the grass again, hear wind in trees…she looked at the protein cube, flavored to almost, but not quite, taste like cheese. Or what she remembered cheese tasted like. “I could have a real pizza again?”

  Sam chuckled. “Yeah, honey. Whatever you want. T’talin has recovered enough bits of treasure that money won’t be a problem. I’ll contact Hermione and set up a meet. When?”

  She heard T’talin reply and tried not to shake. Two days? Her breathing sped up and she stood, taking the bowl with her. “I need to find Testa. He was going to cobble together a music player for me. I want to take it with me.”

  “Yes, and we’ll need more items of clothing. Her hair will need to be cut, it’s too distinctive.”

  She nodded. “I’ll get Milaar to help me.” Without looking back, she nearly ran, cradling the food bowl against her chest.

  Sam watched her and sighed. “Why not tell her about the settlement?”

  “It’s enough that you know. You are more adept at hiding the truth than Ria. What I told her is part of the truth. I am concerned about this weapon Hammer threatens us with. We will be safer in the depths. I also need to consult with the elders. The subterranean settlement is somewhere humans will never walk. I cannot take either of you.” T’talin stood. “I will speak to the new seamstress about clothing for both of you and collect valuables to barter.”

  “Nothing identifiable. Gold, silver, gems. It won’t take much, keep it simple.”

  “The device Testa gave you. It will be the way we contact you again. While you slept, we improved the system.”

  Sam reached out and grasped T’talin’s arm. “You want my teams cooperation, you need to come with us long enough to meet my second-in-command.”

  “I understand and will be the one to see you to this safe house.” He turned his wrist in a fashion no human could do so and grasped Sam’s forearm. “Keep her safe. She is precious to us.”

  “I will.”

  10

  Twenty eight hours later, Sam found Ria in the music room, along with the abandoned bowl of protein cubes. He stood in the back watching her, his ear inserts muting the blaring music. She stood, hunched over, holding herself tightly. He scanned the list of what she’d been listening to for the last few hours. One group. The name sounded familiar. He recalled several students citing them as they researched under Professor Jarveski, the father of Music Therapy. He’d been Jarveski’s student teacher and checked the citations.

  He called up the lyrics and read through several. No wonder she found them compelling. For a woman in search of her past, they probably addressed the greatest questions of life before the Aleena. He fast forwarded to what she presently listened to. Glancing up he saw she’d pulled free from the stillness and danced, arms sw
aying, hips gyrating. Then her hands, once more to a piano keyboard.

  He wondered if she’d actually played.

  He gradually opened his filters to the music.

  A woman’s plaintive voice cried out

  …taking over me!

  The music faded and another song began. He listened and wondered how much this music may have contributed to her jumping from that ship.

  …ends here tonight!

  Song after song, full of a hopeless angst with a ray of light now and then offering belief and salvation. Powerful music that shouted the truth of how painful life could be. Yet its very beauty echoed with the glory of life and experience. A superb vocalist. He scanned the lyrics of the song just starting and knew he needed to intervene, disrupt this harmony Ria built with the words.

  He set his tablet down and slid closer to her. Words regarding being missed…missing something… Too close to what worries her.

  He swayed, letting the beat tell him what to do and how to move. He danced forward and set hands gently at her shoulders, swaying in tune with her, so slowly he didn’t interrupt her reverie.

  The song faded to silence on the question of being missed and he wrapped arms around her and whispered into her ear. “I am missing you. Come, time for bed.”

  She nodded, her body sagging. He kissed her cheek and turned her around to face him. Her eyes were full of tears. He brushed them away. “You were missed.”

  “I want to believe…”

  “You will.” He embraced her, just rocking her. Clearly exhausted, she let him lead her from the room as the next song began to fill the space.

  Fabulous voice…soaring and asking to be woken up. Terribly fitting.

  He left it, taking her to the room they shared. She didn’t object or say another word as he stripped the skirt from her and stepped into the shower, washing her carefully. He knew she cried, feeling the small sobs as she fought to catch her breath. He considered a song to counter the sorrow. He’d always had a superior memory for song lyrics and slowly he began to hum, then softly sing.