Back in his austere alien mode, Reve stood by the door. “Bettrys will take you wherever you want to go in my absence.” Since he’d let Bettrys in, he’d been his usual efficient self, hiding his thoughts behind a bland expression so Melanie felt strangely bereft. Obviously reading her well, he came back to where she stood and gave her a small smile. “I will see you before the sun goes down.”
With a small nod of his head, he went, leaving Melanie feeling like a lost lamb in a big, big, paddock.
“What would you like to do?” Bettrys asked.
Melanie got the distinct impression the woman wasn’t enamored of the idea of being her watchdog.
“Oh, I don’t know. Perhaps we could go to the training establishments again.” She’d like to see more of the young Qindagans. To see if, by chance, they did spend some of their time in activities more to do with playtime than studying.
As Bettrys was about to answer, a flashing beam above the entrance door signaled someone wished to enter.
“I will see who it is.” Bettrys went to press the appropriate button.
As the door slid back, a woman strolled in. Taller than Melanie by a few inches, she bore a striking resemblance to a mid-day TV soapie star.
Melanie stared at this imitation person.
“I have spoken to Reve,” the newcomer said. “I see, Bettrys. You have been given the task of attending the Earth woman.” She eyed Melanie with what could only be termed disdain. “We are to use her speech patterns, I have been told.”
Well, excuse me. Melanie felt like telling the woman not to bother. She wasn’t particularly worried if she didn’t talk to her at all. The raised eyebrows and scornful twist to her mouth shocked her to the core. Why would this Qindagan view her with such an emotion? Most of the others here looked on her with interest or curiosity, never dislike as this one was doing. Some appeared indifferent, but none were filled with an animosity that reached her in waves.
“I’m Melanie Ross. Who do I have the pleasure of meeting?” Melanie offered her hand. It was ignored. Some pleasure. Feeling foolish, she rubbed it down her side. “It is kind of you to take the bother to translate my speech patterns.” Sarcasm clipped her voice.
“I am called Alexia.” The cold voice was certainly filled with the same feelings the eyes conveyed.
“May I offer you some refreshment?” Melanie straightened her spine, not about to let this nasty piece of work get the better of her. She watched the look of dislike flicker over eyes somehow lacking in depth or color. The woman had a permanent air of disdain about her that unnerved Melanie. What had she done to deserve such contempt, for goodness’ sake? She’d never set eyes on the woman before.
How she missed Reve.
“Bettrys, fetch me a graw juice,” Alexia ordered, as if Melanie hadn’t spoken. Strolling to a couch, she sat, turning frosty eyes on Melanie.
Perhaps she was having trouble translating her speech. Prepared to give her the benefit of the doubt, Melanie smiled, though somewhat stiffly.
“Perhaps I can show you some of our planet in Reve’s absence,” she suggested, eyes still empty of real emotion.
“Thank you kindly, but Bettrys was about to do the honors.” Melanie took the offered glass from Bettrys, offering her companion a smile. Bettrys conveyed no sense of like or dislike for the visitor as she sat too.
Melanie watched Alexia over the rim of her drinking vessel. She couldn’t take to this particular Qindagan at all.
“Bettrys can accompany us, as Reve left her in charge of the task,” Alexia said, making Melanie feel like a schoolgirl who’d been left with a nanny. “Have you seen our mountains?”
“Reve took me to the largest pool on Tepiri this morning.” Melanie went scarlet as she recalled what happened in the pool and later.
Alexia’s eyes were narrow slits and for once there was a glimmer of emotion in their depths. An emotion sending a shiver up Melanie’s spine. Could she read her mind as easily as Reve and his parents could?
“Reve will be my partner, once he has tired of the uniqueness of you, Earth woman,” she told Melanie curtly, proving she was adept at telepathy. There was no doubt about it now. Venom filled those strange eyes.
“I don’t doubt Reve will choose another partner to take Irena’s place,” Melanie said sharply. The thought of leaving him to another woman when she returned to Earth brought such a pain of sadness she pressed a hand to the region of her heart.
“You don’t seem too sure about your intentions of going back to your home planet.” The nastiness in her tone added to Melanie’s unease. “Surely you would not wish to stay indefinitely with people who are alien to you.”
“Reve will accompany me back to Earth—then return.” Melanie’s fingers tightened on her glass. If only he was able to stay with her longer. There was a slim chance he might have liked living on Earth. That only brought immense sadness to her.
“I suppose you’ve heard it isn’t safe for your people to stay too long down there.”
“I heard. Irena was always foolhardy and rash.” She almost spat Irena’s name.
This was the most emotion any Qindagan, apart from Reve, had shown. Were any of the others concealing similar feelings of dislike behind their polite mask?
“I will make a better partner for Reve.” Alexia sounded very sure of herself. “I have not the great ambitions of Irena. My aim is to please my partner. And the one I choose is Reve.”
“I haven’t known Reve long, but I rather think he will do his own choosing, Alexia.” With a shrug Melanie gave her empty glass to Bettrys, who had risen and hovered nearby, still showing no hint of her feelings toward their visitor.
Alexia got up, stretching like a cat as she also gave up her empty glass. “Would you care to meet Irena’s parents? Her mother Lilius is in charge of our dietary supplies and Aylmer, her father, is chief cultivation consultant.”
“Yes, I’d like this,” Melanie agreed. Might as well go along with her. Perhaps Melanie had mistaken the animosity in the woman’s expression. After all, they were a serious lot up here. Perhaps Alexia was just more sullen than the others. Who was she kidding? The woman hated her guts. So, obviously jealousy was one emotion they shared with Earth dwellers.
Melanie harbored enough jealousy of her own. Could this woman really be next in line as Reve’s mate? Just thinking of the possibility made her feel sick, which was absurd. Soon she would return to Earth, and Reve with his mind-blowing sexuality, would eventually become a thing of the past—a cherished memory. Why did this thought make her feel even more nauseous?
* * *
Once outside, they donned skis, and soon were skimming along the avenues. Melanie was beginning to know her way around. “How many cities such as this are there on Qindaga?” she asked.
She meant to put this question to Reve, but when they were together too many other things were on her mind. Things like the magnificence of his body, the way he kissed and caressed her until she was a writhing mass of desire. She was growing to love so many things about him. Or was it just infatuation? Would she feel the same for any man who showed her the true depth of her sexual appetites?
Alexia glared at her as they slowed in front of a triple storied building. Melanie bent to remove her ski. She couldn’t help it if her every thought could be monitored. This skill they had of reading minds was intimidating, but what was the use in worrying about it?
Alexia frowned. “There are thousands of cities. I’m surprised Reve has not explained all this to you.”
For a moment Melanie had forgotten her question. She glanced at Alexia.
“You must forgive me if it takes me longer than Reve to translate your speech patterns,” Alexia went on. “I am not as highly intelligent as he.” She jabbed at the button above the nameplate.
The door slid back, and a woman, beautiful and tall of course, let them in. Her eyes slid over Melanie, but didn’t contain any hostility. Melanie was thankful. It was a horrible sensation to be disliked so much. To her knowledge, she’d never roused jealousy or envy in another before.
Alexia led them through a stark foyer into a hall. Smaller type robots worked before about twenty screens which lined the right hand wall. On the left were more doors with flickering lights above them. Nothing else, no benches, no desks, no copiers or faxes. Nothing to brighten the working environment. Still, robots doubtlessly didn’t notice such things.
“Lilius will see us,” Alexia said, after talking quietly to the woman who had let them in. “As to your question, each city has its own facilities for cultivating food, producing wearing apparel, performing laser surgery. In fact each city can survive alone if need be. This is the main controlling city. All the others, although independent, report here regularly.”
“What’s the name of this city, by the way? I never got round to asking Reve that either.”
“We have no names. This is Prime City. The others go by…numbers. It makes for easier checking.” Alexia’s eyes were penetrating as they went into an elevator and Melanie tried to conceal her fear. The last thing she wanted was for this woman to know about her weakness.
With relief Melanie stepped out of the confined space. They walked into another large area with banks of computers lined up with row after row of data flickering across their screens. Qindagans operated these machines, all standing. They glanced Melanie’s way with subdued interest before continuing with their work, some tapping out script, others obviously checking input.
“Don’t they get to sit?” Melanie queried as she watched them with interest.
“No, they have regular breaks. They swim then. It is not natural to sit for long periods.” Alexia turned away at the sound of a female voice.
“Ah, Alexia, I see you have brought our visitor along. Please come into my work area.” A tall woman, who looked a bit like a talk show host who had an afternoon time slot on TV, held out her hand in welcome. As Melanie touched palms with her, Melanie was pleased to note that, although far from overjoyed, this one was less hostile towards her.
“This is Melanie Ross.” After Alexia introduced her, they all went through another door, followed by Bettrys.
“It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. May I call you Melanie?” The silver-haired Qindagan sat down on a long couch and patted the cushion at her side. “Please be seated.”
“Yes, please do call me that, and what should I call you?” Melanie asked, sitting beside her.
The office, if office it was, faced the water, and of course was sparsely furnished with just two couches and a commodities supplier above a vanity bench. More computer screens flickered constantly in here.
“I am known as Lilius.” Irena’s mother stared hard at her. “You met my daughter?”
“Not exactly.” Melanie dropped her gaze. “Irena spoke to me in a sort of dream. I never saw her, so it couldn’t be said she appeared. She transferred her thoughts. She was already very sick by the time she came to me with her proposition. Then, when she took me to her craft, I barely had time to get to know her before she was putting me in a trance in preparation for the journey here.”
“I cannot believe she would be so foolish. You are certain she did not survive?” There was a definite note of suspicion in her tone. Perhaps she suspected Melanie of doing away with her daughter so she could take her place.
“I can assure you Irena was fading fast when she first spoke to me in a dream. There was no way she could have survived, even had she wanted, for whatever reason, to stay on Earth. She told me, before sending me on my way, that the Earth virus of influenza had already taken a firm hold. So doubtless she would have died on the journey home. And I can assure you, I wouldn’t have come here by choice. I’m the last person who would have volunteered for an interplanetary expedition.” Melanie laughed shortly. Wasn’t that a fact?
“Perhaps you would like to see how our establishment is run while you are here.” Lilius changed the subject, leaving Melanie wondering at her suspicions.
“Thank you. I’d like that.”
First up she met Aylmer, Irena’s father, who turned out to be a peculiar alien. This was a revelation, proving they did have some weirdos up here on Qindaga. It soon became apparent he refused to believe his daughter was dead. His suspicions were more forthright. He kept hinting she’d taken over Irena’s body, or mind, or something. It was eerie. He looked too much like the President of the United States, making it even weirder. Melanie felt as if she was playing a part in a Science Fiction movie.
“I can assure you our technology on Earth hasn’t reached the stage yet where we can transform ourselves into another,” she told him tartly in the end, not sure if he believed her or not. Never had she been so glad to get out of someone’s company.
Lilius watched her closely too, as if waiting for her to make a slip and expose herself. Still, when compared to what a reception Qindagans would get on Earth, she had to admit they had grounds for suspicions. If the positions were reversed, Melanie knew without a doubt that by now the aliens would be subjected to all sorts of tests and examinations. Then again, of course they would be invisible on Earth, so it didn’t come into the calculations.
Earth scientists wouldn’t be able to examine what they couldn’t see. Just how many alien craft had landed on Earth over the centuries and been undetected? The scientists, astronauts and astrologers down there would be jumping up and down in their excitement if they had any idea of the extent of extraterrestrial visitation.
* * *
“Thank you for taking me,” Melanie said, when the tour was over. “It was really interesting to see how your crops are cultivated and your food and rations are allocated.” It had been more than interesting. It was a revelation. “No one starves or goes short of food here, do they?” What an incredible state of affairs. Everyone was of equal status and with no money or likewise to barter with the need for competition was ruled out.
“What would be the point? Do your people lack proper sustenance on Earth?” Lilius asked as if in amazement.
“Some do, yes.” Melanie wasn’t about to disclose just how many people on Earth went without a decent meal, sometimes for weeks on end. Or how some died of malnutrition and starvation.
These people were certainly very civilized and had it all worked out. If only they didn’t seem to be sanitized and without too much emotion, except for Aylmer, who was odd, and Alexia, who was certainly jealous of Melanie. It was clear the woman saw herself as next in line in Reve’s life, and on more than once occasion, Melanie caught her looking at her with undisguised loathing.
* * *
Glad to see the back of Alexia, Melanie breathed a sigh when she and Bettrys left. With a glass of juice in her hand, she sat in Reve’s home and contemplated her future. What would happen when she returned to Earth? How would she get on, living in a world without friends, without Chris?
Without Reve? It didn’t bear thinking about.
“You do not have to endure a life without me,” her lover’s voice drawled. “You can stay here and make a life for yourself with my people.”
Melanie shot out of her seat and placed the glass aside when she threatened to drop it. Reve stood just inside the door, his stance wary.
“My God! I wish you wouldn’t do that.” Melanie pushed her hair back as her face heated. “Are you sure you aren’t half cat as well as part fish? I’ve never known anyone who could move so soundlessly. And you’re poking your nose into my head again.”
“I rather thought I was reading your thoughts, not using my sense of smell at all.” He strolled over and put his hand on her shoulder. Smiling, he rubbed noses with her until her eyes crossed. Melanie gulped, loving the playful action. How he’d changed within such a short space of time. It was almost incredible to believe someone could alter to such an extent. Could this be an act? This thought was unnerving.
“I am what you see,” he said, as if that cleared it all up satisfactorily.
“I doubt it, Reve. We’ve already established you are totally different to the image I see when I look at you. I wish I could see the real you beneath the camouflage.”
“All in good time. And I was talking of character, not looks. How did you enjoy your trip to dietary planning office?” With his hands on her waist he gave her a little shake. “And what of your meeting with Lilius and Aylmer? It went well?”
“I’m surprised you need to ask,” she said tartly. “Just search my mind and all will reveal itself.” Rather than look into his probing eyes, she glanced over his shoulder. “And as for staying here, I couldn’t possibly. Anyway.” She shrugged. “If I did, Alexia would probably do me in. She sees herself as Irena’s successor you know, Reve.”
“I care not what she sees for herself.” He lifted his huge shoulders in an indolent movement that spoke volumes. “The woman has too much arrogance and not enough charm. Besides, do you really think her opinion would sway me? I care not for females who like to manipulate.”
“She manipulates all right.” Melanie caught the inside of her lip in her teeth. “The woman hates the sight of me.”
Reve sat on the couch and pulled her down beside him, so close their thighs touched. “It is because she sees how I desire you.” He ran his thumb over her knuckle and caused her skin to quiver with awareness. His eyes grew dark and molten.
“You only desire me because I’m unusual. You’re like most men back on Earth. It seems males are the same the universe over. They like what is unique. You’ll grow tired of me once the novelty wears off, believe me.” What a gross thought. He’d become like a drug, one she could surely perish without if she didn’t get her daily dose.
“You think so? You do not have a high opinion of my integrity, Mel-aanie.” Getting up, he went to the staircase and halfway up, turned. “I wish to refresh myself. How would you like to join me in the cleansing chamber? Perhaps I can convince you I will not soon tire of you, Mel-aanie Ross.”
The wicked smile he was learning to cultivate curved his mouth and she was lost. She followed him up the stairs like a lamb off to play with the wolf.