CHAPTER 4 Ilyana enjoyed the ride in to SHADO headquarters in Straker’s turbine car. She had run her fingers over the streamlined shape as he opened the gull-wing door for her. She lowered herself into the seat so gracefully that Straker stood there smiling like a fool and was slow to close it behind her. He was more distracted than he was comfortable with. They were a little early for the morning shift… After a brief introduction to Major Ealand, Straker escorted Ilyana into his former studio office. She found the vividly-colored décor and the picture of giant red lips to be a startling contrast to Straker’s tastefully simple cottage. “This was my office when SHADO used a film studio as a cover to hide our operation from prying eyes and enemies.” He opened the humidor. “Straker,” he said into the box. “Voice print identification positive, General Edward Straker…” He pressed the switch that looked like a dovetail joint. The room began to descend the 80 feet to SHADO HQ. Ilyana seemed to be intrigued by the carefully crafted deception. Straker escorted her to his office, pausing to introduce her to the staff and point out the items of interest on the way. She greeted them all warmly and carried herself with elegance and dignity as was befitting an ambassador representing multiple galaxies and hundreds of worlds. General Prosser was at the desk in Straker’s office, pouring over some reports that required his attention and signature. He had relieved Paul a little early so he could enjoy more of the beautiful morning topside. Straker escorted Ilyana into his office. Prosser stood to full stature and bowed a bit with a pleasant smile on his face. Ilyana returned his bow and smile. “General Prosser, it is pleasant to meet you in person,” she said with courtly grace. Prosser stepped around the desk and gently took her offered hand. “I am very pleased to meet you as well. Welcome to SHADO Headquarters and planet Earth,” he said. Straker noted Prosser’s professional military manners and smiled. He knew that Prosser had been introduced to foreign heads of state for his entire career. He was very, very good at making a first impression. “Ilyana is no longer the Alliance Monitor. She is now their ambassador to our planet. We will be working with her very closely,” said Straker. Ilyana turned and smiled at him. The door opened again. Commanders Lake and Freeman entered, followed closely behind by Thorvald. Ilyana greeted them warmly. Alec turned on the charm immediately. “Your projected image did not do your beauty justice, Monitor,” he said with smile beaming. She smiled sweetly. “Please call me Ilyana,” she said to them all. “I am no longer the Monitor for the Alliance. I am now their ambassador to your world. I am here to interact, resolve any issues we might face and plan for our joint future together.” Virginia said, “When we spoke yesterday, I had no idea you would arrive so soon.” Ilyana smiled. “My arrival was even more surprising to General Straker… I interrupted his sleep early this morning.” The command staff all looked toward Straker with curious grins. Ilyana added, “He was kind enough to provide me with guest accommodations and my first sampling of Earth cuisine this morning.” She looked sweetly at Straker and he felt his cheeks turning red. Alec caught his reaction and raised an eyebrow. He’d seen this look on his best friend before. It always meant trouble… Ilyana noted the inverted metal container where the cube should be. She looked quizzically at Straker with a wry grin. She lifted the inverted ice bucket. The blinding flashes and blaring gibberish made her turn away. She held her hand stationary over the cube. “Reduce light intensity by 90 percent,” she said. The flashing diminished to where it looked like Straker’s color and pattern changing mural behind his desk. “Reduce volume by 80 percent and translate incoming messages to Earth English,” she added. The volume of noise dropped immediately and everyone began to hear an inquisitive voice in English. “Hold all incoming messages pending diplomatic processing per Alliance charter.” The cube went silent and the color changing ceased. Several sighs of relief were audible. “My apologies my friends. I failed to explain the basic functions of the cube. It must have been most irritating to you all,” she said. “No wonder you always seemed short-tempered with me when we spoke before, Ed.” Everyone else noted that she and Straker were on a first name basis already… “Are those adjustments to the cube ones that I could have made myself?” asked Straker. “Yes, Ed, but only if I would have provided the information that you needed.” Ilyana smiled sweetly at Straker. Alec watched his best friends’ reaction carefully. Straker just smiled warmly back at her. Alec’s expression turned dour. Shit - it’s too late already, he thought. Straker would have chewed down anyone else for such an omission. Ilyana spoke again with her melodic, yet courtly voice. “Perhaps I should ask you all if you have any questions that I can answer for you. It may help us all to find common points of reference.” Alec was still looking dour with his arms folded tightly. “I’d like to know why we’re so bloody interesting to the rest of the universe. Surely, there must be a lot of other planets that have fought off an alien invasion successfully.” His voice had carried his irritation. “You really don’t know?” asked Ilyana, looking around the room at the blank expressions looking back. She smiled warmly, “Then that is the perfect place to begin…” “Your planet is very special, my friends. For a planet of relatively small size, you have a much greater diversity of lifeforms than any other known world in any other galaxy.” She continued, “Most planets are comprised of a single higher life form that covers the inhabited portions of that world. Everyone looks somewhat similar and speaks the same language. There are some forms of plant and animal life, even some aquatic, but nothing like what you have here on Earth.” “On this planet, each land mass is populated by beings that not only differ in appearance, but also in language, customs, religion and heritage. Your animal and plant life is so diverse that you probably haven’t even discovered them all yet. They range in size from microbial organisms to massive sea and land mammals. Life is everywhere here and it is amazing.” Ilyana spoke with great warmth and enthusiasm. “No other world exists that is like your world…” Her smile was beaming. Alec’s dour expression had melted into one of amusement. “I never considered that before,” he said. “You could spend a lifetime just travelling and sampling various local cuisines and music.” He laughed and grinned at Ilyana. He was warming up to her as well. “Are there any other questions for now?” asked Ilyana. Prosser said, “Not a question, but perhaps a recommendation. The Ambassador seems comfortable with using our first names. I suggest we follow her lead and use our first names when amongst ourselves and our titles when appropriate.” Everyone nodded in agreement. Prosser continued, “I have only one other thing to add and it applies to those of you still driving a turbine car. The Jet Car Corporation hasn’t existed in nearly ten years now. There are no spare parts on the market anymore and I have received word that Her Majesty’s Government is closing the dedicated fuel stations that you have been using. You will only be able to purchase fuel at airports beginning January 1st, and you will only be able to keep your cars running if you can machine your own parts and fix them yourselves. Since the turbine cars were a company perk of the studio and SHADO, we will give you funds toward the purchase of something else. It’s time to go car shopping my friends… “I’m going to go topside and work on that right now,” said Prosser. “Ilyana, it is going to be most enjoyable working closely with you. You are helping us see our own world with a fresh perspective. Thank you…” Prosser returned her smile, bowed slightly and slipped out the office door. “Ilyana, what is your lovely gown made from?” asked Virginia. Ilyana reached her arm toward her so she could feel it. “It shimmers with that pearlescent glow that changes hues, yet it feels like it is weightless. What sort of material is this?” “It is a fabric created by one of our most ancient Alliance worlds. They have made and used it for millennia. It uses natural energy from a planet or nearby star to keep the body at a comfortable temperature regardless of the surroundings. Right now, it is keeping me comfortable although my feet are quite cold,” said Ilyana. Virginia looked down at Ilyana’s bare feet and flashed a look of disapproval at Straker. “Ed Straker, did you really allow your houseguest – a visiting dignitary no less – to actually leave your house barefoot?” She folded her arms in a gesture of mock anger then smiled. Straker was turning red. “I honestly didn’t notice your feet, Ilyana. My apologies.” “Ilyana, I am taking you to experience a fundamental right for Earth women… We are going shopping at the mall,” said Virginia. She smiled and flashed her eyes at Straker. “We will be using the company card, gentlemen. Don’t wait up…” She hooked her arm under Ilyana’s and began to escort her out. Virginia winked at Thorvald and smiled. The door closed behind them. Straker looked at Thorvald. “Did your wife really just stall a diplomatic mission to go shopping with the ambassador?” Thorvald grinned and shrugged his shoulders. He left and went to work in the armament lab. Alec began, “Now that we’re alone, Ed… What the hell are you doing? I know that look and her hook is already set deep into your jaw. You made a career of protecting humanity from alien captivity. Now you’re an alien captive and bloody well enjoying it!” Straker smiled at him. “Relax Alec.” He clipped the Lonsdale and toasted the foot while he spoke. “She’s human. I mean perfectly human.” He lit the end and leaned back in his chair, lofting a cloud of grey smoke upward. Apparently, humans can be found on many planets besides ours.” Alec looked surprised. “That’s not all, Alec. I have also learned that a warm shower of liquid water is a rarity among the stars and that we are the only world to use a flush toilet that utilizes a water vortex to remove bodily waste.” Now Alec was chuckling. No crappers is space? He thought. “Alec, I also learned that much of her world is ‘clothing optional’ and nudity is part of their regular practice.” Alec’s eyes opened wide. “Then you…” “Oh yes, Alec. I saw her in her natural glory and she is absolute perfection. Do you remember that exotic dancer in Bangkok named Giselle?” “How could I forget? I brought flowers to give her backstage after her performance – until the Bates brothers started a fight in the bar and the MP’s came.” “Ilyana makes Giselle look like one of those Eastern Bloc female shot-putters back in the 70’s.” Alec let out a slow whistle. He shook his head. “She is stunning, warm and captivating. She is also probably the single most fascinating woman I will ever meet… Yes, Alec. I am developing feelings for this woman, but rest assured, my head will remain above the current. I have to keep my wits intact…” “You damn well better, Ed. You know how quickly things can change and I don’t want to see you go through the hell that you did with Mary or any of the other women since then. I won’t give you grief about it unless I see you doing something stupid… I hope you would return the favor.” Alec grinned and winked. “Count on it, Alec.” Straker smiled and blew a smoke ring upward toward the lights. CHAPTER 5 Virginia drove her new friend back to her apartment that she shared with her husband. She invited Ilyana inside and went to get her some footwear for their visit to the mall. “Your gown is elegant enough to pass for a very nice dress but we will have to get you all the essentials for life on planet Earth. I’ll be right back…” Ilyana looked around the apartment a bit. She paused at the pictures of Thorvald’s mother and grandfather and the one of his late wife and daughter. Virginia returned holding a pair of soft-soled plush slip-ons that would stretch to fit Ilyana’s feet. She set them on the floor. “The old picture is Thorvald’s mother and grandfather on their farm in Lapland. They were Saami, an indigenous people in the northern reaches of Scandinavia. They both passed away when he was very young.” Ilyana touched the photo and smiled. They looked so happy standing in the snow with the roughly hewn barn behind them. She looked at the other photo. “That is Thorvald’s first wife and daughter. They were killed by the aliens that SHADO fought for so many years.” Ilyana touched the photo and her eyes became moist. “From the cube, I knew he had a troubled early life, but I never realized what sadness was in his past.” Ilyana turned to Virginia. “I am so pleased that you two have each other now. You two share a strong bond that is visible to me as a vivid orange glow around you both. You even have it now, despite the distance between you.” Virginia smiled sweetly. “I waited a very long time for a man as special as Thorvald, Ilyana. He is more than everything I thought I wanted in a mate. He is everything I didn’t know I needed as well. I feel very blessed to share my life with him.” Ilyana spoke while Virginia slipped the soft shoes on her feet. “I hope to find that kind of life mate as well, Virginia.” “It may be happening already, Ilyana…” said Virginia. Ilyana’s cheeks began to redden. “I watched you two together this morning. A woman can always tell…” “I have to ask you a serious question, Ilyana. If your relationship with Ed grows into love will you stay with him?” Ilyana’s deep brown eyes were lit by her smile. “I can remain here as long as I like, Virginia. Ed has a blue glow when he is by himself, but when we are together, we both shift to orange like you. That kind of bond is very rare in the universe. The bond is already there and growing…” “I have known Ed for a long time, Ilyana. I don’t want to see him find love and then suffer the anguish of losing it. He, Alec and the other command staff are not only my coworkers. They are my dear friends and I am protective of them.” Ilyana smiled. “I would never willingly allow him to come to harm in any way, Virginia. I too had a mate earlier in life and lost him. I have my beloved daughter to remind me of that time. I want a life mate to grow old with – to share adventure, joy and sorrow with. I do not take it lightly. My bond with Ed will take time and effort, but like anything of great value, that effort would be a worthy one.” Virginia was pleased. “Ilyana, in order to help you make a lasting impression, I know of a special store I want to take you to.” She led Ilyana back out to the car and chuckled to herself. Straker doesn’t know what he’s in for… In the early evening, Virginia dropped Ilyana off at Straker’s home. She helped her carry several bags in. Straker was waiting eagerly. He helped carry a bundle of smaller, discreetly labelled bags into the guest room. He had no clue their contents were for his benefit. “I’d love to stay and chat, but Thorvald and I have plans for the evening. I enjoyed every minute of our day together, Ilyana.” Ilyana thanked her graciously and they embraced briefly. Virginia smiled and gave her a wink on her way out the door. “It looks like you two have become fast friends, Ilyana,” said Straker. “Virginia is a wonderful person of great character and intelligence. She is very kind and also very loyal to you and your friends.” “We are very protective of her as well, Ilyana. After all these years, I still haven’t seen any limit to her brilliance. Without her, SHADO would have failed years ago and the Earth would have fallen to alien invaders. This entire planet owes her a debt of gratitude and yet she remains caring and humble. I have great admiration for her…” “She suggested that I should tell you much more about myself, Ed.” He smiled. “I’d like that, Ilyana. We can chat while I make our dinner and we get a start on washing all your new clothes.” She smiled sweetly. Thorvald and Virginia were in the little Beetle on their way to a favorite restaurant in Harlington. Thorvald had made several unusual turns. Traffic was fairly heavy. “Love, that makes seven unnecessary turns on a straight-course route,” said Virginia. “That is because there is a blue Audi behind us that has made the last eleven turns with us… No, don’t look back. The driver is a light-haired male with dark shirt and wrap-around sunglasses.” “Should we do it like we planned, dear?” asked Virginia. Thorvald smiled, “That’s my girl…” Virginia opened the glovebox and took the two earbud communicators out. She gave one to Thorvald. They both put them on and did their signal check. Virginia checked her pistol and secured it in her thigh holster. Thorvald leaned forward and slipped his into his small of back holster. “There’s too much traffic for evasive driving. I’m going to park in a very public spot and set the snare for our guest.” He rounded the corner onto the main street. There was one open parking spot up ahead and he swung the Beetle in. The driver of the blue Audi would have to park farther down the block. It would buy them time… Thorvald smoothed his bulky sweater down over his holster as he got out. He went around and opened Ginny’s door. They walked down the sidewalk side-by-side. “Just like we practiced, Love. Give me about ten seconds,” he said. “Be careful dear. I love you…” She squeezed his hand and reluctantly let go of it. She turned into a store front and waited near the door. Thorvald rounded the adjacent corner into an alley. He was ready… “About 5 foot 10, thin build… Sandy colored hair… Sun glasses and black button down, short-sleeve shirt, untucked…” said Virginia. “Thanks. Love you…” The man strode past the store front. He had lost sight of Thorvald so he slowed to a stop at the corner of the building on the alley. A large left hand came around the corner and grabbed him by the shirt and collar, yanking him off balance and around the corner. As Thorvald slammed the man hard up against the brick wall, the buttons on the black shirt popped open revealing a tattoo of a bat in a circle. Spetsnaz! Thorvald’s right hand came up with his 2-1/2 inch barreled, deep-blued Colt King Cobra revolver. He pressed the muzzle up against the left lens of the man’s sunglasses and thumbed back the hammer. The action made a satisfyingly loud mechanical click as it reached full-cock position. The man had a close up view of the cylinder rotating into firing position and the 158 grain semi-jacketed hollow-point that would end his existence. A .357 magnum cartridge makes a profound impression… The man knew the bullet moving at over 1,300 feet per second would exit the back of his skull before he could mentally process the flash and muzzle blast. Virginia rounded the corner, slipped up her skirt and drew her H&K P7 9mm from her thigh holster. She trained the tritium sights on the man in the black shirt. Thorvald spoke in a low voice in flawless Russian. “Why are you following me?” The man was slow to answer so he repeated himself, again in perfectly spoken Russian. The man finally spoke. In English… “Why does a dead man need a sexy blonde bodyguard?” he said and smiled. Thorvald used his front sight to slide the man’s sunglasses up onto his head and looked into familiar blue eyes. There was a scar across the right one. “Dmitri, what the hell are you doing following me like that?” Thorvald eased the muzzle away and lowered the hammer gently. He let go of the shirt. “You answer my question first, Magnus…” Thorvald grinned broadly. “She’s better than a bodyguard, she’s my wife.” Thorvald slipped his revolver back into the holster. Virginia wasn’t taking any chances yet and kept her sights on him. “Still keep it in the right boot, Dmitri?” He smiled back. Thorvald reached down and pulled the projectile dagger out of the scabbard. He spun and hit the release, launching the double-edged blade hard enough to imbed itself deeply in a billboard sign for a florist. He put the blade right through the center of a painted daisy. “You Spetsnaz guys had all the fun toys. Between this and the shovel of doom, my equipment was always quite pedestrian.” “I seem to remember a matte black double-bladed battle-axe that was anything but pedestrian. It left me this daily reminder each time I look in a mirror.” “That wasn’t NATO issue. There is also a matching broadsword that goes with it. Neither was very handy when you needed to make a slit trench or shit in the woods. Now, why were you following me?” “It’s simple, Magnus. I need your help… I’m down to my last ten pounds, and if the rental agency catches up, I will lose both my transportation and my home.” “Why the hell should I help you?” asked Thorvald. “The last time I saw you, you put three bullets through my shoulder…” “Those bullets saved your life, Magnus… They kept you from stumbling directly into a platoon of troops further up that mountain slope. The KGB was satisfied thinking I killed you. I even called in your own medivac unit. Your extraction pilot flew in several moments after I sent the message flying one of our Mi-24 gunships. He had a medical crew in the passenger compartment. I asked him where the hell he got it and he just looked down from the cockpit door with these light crystal blue eyes and a smile like a piranha. He tossed me a cigar and left.” Virginia remembered her conversation with Prosser before the wedding. “I think he’s telling you the truth, dear.” She lowered her pistol. “When’s the last time you ate, Dmitri?” asked Thorvald. “That depends… What day is it?” he said. The setting sun illuminated Ed Straker’s veranda, bathing it in a warm glow of orange and yellow with streaks of purple in the backlit clouds. He and his charming house guest had enjoyed a meal of grilled salmon on a bed of wild rice with steamed seasonal vegetables. Ilyana had enjoyed the different flavors and textures of the meal. Straker had described each item to her delight. She was enjoying Earth cuisine. He played some soft music while they ate which she found to be pleasant as well. They had also conversed about their previous mates and children. She knew from the cube that Straker had lost his son tragically, but didn’t know about his failed marriage. She told him about her daughter and how her former mate had lost his life in a laboratory accident. She then asked Straker about the many books spread out in various locations throughout his home, searching for a lighter topic of conversation. “I love to read and fill my mind with history, science, ancient cultures, the arts and classic literature. It informs as well as entertains,” he said. “Would you like me to share some of it with you, Ilyana?” “I would like that very much, Ed. It will help me better understand you,” she said. She smiled warmly and gently touched his arm with her hand. He lit a pair of tiki torches and brought back his favorite dog-eared copy of Homer’s ‘The Odyssey’. He sat down on the chase lounge and motioned for her to sit with him. She sat and reclined, leaning back against his chest. Her hair was soft and subtly fragrant. The warmth of her body against his was even more wonderful than he had dreamed it to be the night before. He opened the book and lowered his arms down around her shoulders and began to read to her. He began with King Odysseus finally making it to his homeland after his long, convoluted journey due to his arrogant pride and having angered Poseidon. He read to her about Odysseus being reunited with his son who’d thought him dead, the disguised challenge to the Queen’s suitors, the bloodbath that followed and the revealing of his true identity to his beloved wife Penelope. Their joyful reunion and return to the bed he’d made from the great tree concluded the grand story. She had enjoyed every bit of it. She rolled over in his arms, embracing him. She reached up and gently placed her warm hand on his cheek. He instinctively placed his hand gently on top of hers. “I won’t be sharing your bed in the great tree just yet, Ed.” She smiled, her eyes sparkling in light of the tiki torches. “As wonderful and natural as the idea seems, we must deepen our understanding of each other before we become overly distracted by the sensual delights. Besides, you still have not extended that invitation…” she said sweetly. “That invitation is extended as of now, Ilyana. Your point however, is valid,” he said sounding somewhat disappointed. She propped herself up and took his hand. “Do not lose heart, Ed. In the short time we have spent together, you and I have formed a very special bond already. I have every intention of nurturing and protecting it as it grows to full potential.” She guided his hand to her cheek and gently kissed it. “We are meant to be together.” Straker held her in his arms, his heart pounding in his chest and swelling with emotions he had not known in a very long time. Although the night sky above was resplendent in its pin points of light, swirls of deep blue and silvery wisps, Straker could only gaze in amazement at the woman who had thrilled him to the soul. He rested his cheek on her soft, silky white hair and closed his eyes. It all seemed just too wonderful to possibly be real… CHAPTER 6 “When did you get so old, Magnus?” asked Dmitri as he pushed another salsa-laden tortilla chip into his mouth. “I was in my twenties when I was chasing you around Russia and the Eastern Bloc.” “I just turned sixty, Dmitri,” said Thorvald. “My name isn’t Magnus Johannson anymore either. That name and his story died many, many years ago. I am now Thorvald Magnusson and have the documentation to prove it. This lovely lady is my wife, Virginia… Now, how in the hell did you find me?” “Actually, I thought you were dead and buried. In the modern Russian Federation, there is little room for aging Special Forces types, so we older Spetsnaz stock were herded back through briefly as instructors and then out to pasture to await old age and death. It was an unceremonious conclusion to my only vocation in life.” Dmitri continued, “They gave us severance pay to last for a while and even gave me a new replacement right hip so I no longer walk with the limp you gave me.” Thorvald smiled. He had placed that 124 grain 9mm bullet precisely to slow Dmitri down without endangering his life. Dmitri went on. “I went in search of you since you were one of the few people I ever had any respect for. I found your grave marker in Norway. I placed fresh flowers on the grave, grateful that you had been a husband and father, but saddened that you were lost to me.” “Then a few months ago I saw that General Prosser address the United Nations on television and recognized that face from the helicopter that flew you out. I followed the trail of destruction left by the aliens hoping to connect with him and perhaps find work. I finally stumbled onto the memorial with the same emblem. He was easy to spot on that giant motorcycle. “Seeing you drive out in that old Beetle gave me a cold chill. I had to follow you just to make sure it was really you. Sure enough, that shaggy looking Norwegian Elk Hound in the little car was you.” “I’m not from Norway, I was just stationed there and lived there later. I am a Laplander – I am Saami…” he bit down on the chip and it shattered. A dollop of salsa splattered on the table in front of him. It was his fourth miss with the salsa. “No Mexican I’ve ever known would approve of these fragile chips,” he said. Dmitri was smiling. “I wasn’t born Russian, I was born Nenets and grew up on the tundra near the River Ob. We lived in a wooden cone-shaped hut called a yurt. We herded reindeer and fished the river.” Thorvald was grinning. “I grew up on a farm and herded reindeer as well, Dmitri. What made you leave such an idyllic life?” “Disease and poverty,” he said. “Tuberculosis ran rampant through our settlement and we couldn’t get vaccines or medical treatment. We eventually left and went south to Barnaul where jobs and doctors were available. We always were outsiders in Russia. ‘Samoyed’ is what they called us. A sled dog… That was even my call sign in the Spetsnaz. It was not a term of endearment.” He looked at Thorvald with worried eyes. “Will you help me, Magnus?” Thorvald saw something move past the window. “Yes, Dmitri. I will see if there might be an employment opportunity for you where we work. I will also put you in a nice hotel room for a few nights and get you a couple changes of clothing… I say that because I just watched your Audi go down the block behind a tow truck. I hope there was nothing important inside…” “Only my toothbrush and a spare pair of socks,” laughed Dmitri. Their dinners were served by the waitress. Dmitri felt a weight ease from his shoulders. His faith in his favorite former adversary was not misplaced. “Good morning, Ilyana,” said Straker with a smile. “Did you sleep well?” She stepped over and embraced him, looking up at him with a warm smile and sleepy eyes. “Yes, Ed. I seem to sleep very well here. Knowing you are near makes me feel peaceful and secure.” He handed her a mug of coffee and she took a sip. She understood that this morning ritual was not solely for the stimulant effect but also the comforting aroma and pallet of rich flavors. Straker said, “We need to arrive earlier this morning. Our Wednesday staff meeting is this morning and we bring breakfast in for everyone. There is also something that you may enjoy that takes place before our shift begins.” Ilyana’s eyes and smile displayed her curiosity. They both showered and dressed. Straker found her on the veranda again, arms outstretched and eyes closed. This time she wore a shape-flattering tasteful print dress in colors that made her long white hair a showpiece. She had flat soled shoes that matched but she stood next to them barefoot. Straker stepped up behind her quietly. She felt his presence and was smiling when she turned. “You look lovely, Ilyana,” said Straker. “I must admit, I prefer the outfit you wore yesterday…” She placed her fingers on his cheek and gave him a smile and look of very specific intent, “Perhaps when we’re not so pressed for time…” She touched his lips with her index finger. His heart did a series of violent cartwheels in his chest. No woman had ever made him feel anything like this by a mere touch of her finger. He hoped his tunic draped low enough to hide his involuntary reaction. She slipped her shoes on as she spoke, “My morning ritual will seem odd to you at first, but it is quite necessary and quite enjoyable. You will understand it soon…” “I don’t believe I will ever come to understand everything about you, Ilyana,” said Straker with a warm smile. “Does that worry you, Ed?” she said. “Actually, it doesn’t.” “That is good, Ed. A certain amount of mystery will keep things fresh and exciting between us.” She gave him that same sensual smile and it secured a grin on his face that did not fade for quite a while… CHAPTER 7 Upon their arrival, Straker escorted Ilyana to the SHADO auditorium. Virginia was there waiting. Straker excused himself and left Ilyana to experience her first live performance of Earth music. “Quite a few of us that work here have musical talents, so we get together once a week before our shift to practice and play together,” said Virginia. “Some play an instrument, some sing. Some do both…” “Musical forms and instruments vary everywhere you go on our planet. It is an important part of all Earth cultures and is often used to both celebrate and teach the young about their cultural heritage. It also teaches the importance of discipline and practice to achieve skill. Mostly, it is just for entertainment.” The stage lights were on but the auditorium was dark. Thorvald and his bandmates could only see the shadowy shapes of two women in the seats. He had no trouble recognizing the woman he adored. He correctly assumed the identity of the other figure. Captain Chan stood beside him with her sunburst Les Paul and Keith Ford sat behind the drum kit. They were pleased to have Mason back on bass guitar. His stint as a field intel operative had been exciting but he grew tired of living out of a suitcase and sleeping in a different bed every few nights. He was gladly welcomed back to his prior post as a senior security officer. Thorvald’s battered looking old Fender Stratocaster hung from its strap around his neck. The instrument’s rough appearance was not a reflection of its comfortable familiarity or its perfect function or value. It mirrored the man who wielded it. There was some low chatter among the musicians and some laughter. Ford smacked his sticks over his head four times at a moderate pace. Their warm up would be the CCR staple, ‘Born on the Bayou’. After the slow-rolling lead in, Thorvald added the vocal, sounding the way he remembered hearing it years ago. Ilyana sat wide-eyed with her mouth slightly open and a smile forming. Virginia was laughing. “What do you think, Ilyana?” She was visibly delighted by the sensations. “Music here is not only heard, it is felt physically! The low frequency vibrations are pulsing through my body in a most pleasurable way…” Her hands began to glow. As the song ended, Virginia motioned for Ilyana to follow her down to the stage. She introduced the band members. Thorvald grinned broadly knowing the others had no idea they were playing before an intergalactic ambassador. Ilyana and Tsi Chan seemed equally fascinated by each other’s facial features and hair. It culminated in a warm embrace between them. Ilyana asked, “Would it be objectionable to you if I recorded your music to the cube? It will be the first live performance of Earth music ever heard by the other worlds.” Thorvald and his bandmates were quite excited at the idea. Virginia pulled Thorvald’s ear down to whisper. “Go easy on her, dear. Save the head banging stuff for another time…” He smiled and winked. “We’ve been working up an all Clapton set and I think he’d approve of it being the first Earth music heard on other planets.” Thorvald laughed and kissed his wife on the cheek. She and Ilyana sat in the center of the auditorium. They began with the instrumental ‘Peaches & Diesel’, setting the mood for the further selections. Ilyana was visibly moved by the flowing melody. Her hands were glowing with a golden light. She reached over and gently grasped Virginia’s hand. Virginia had a look of shock and pleasure. She could feel the energy flowing from Ilyana’s hand. As the song ended, Ilyana looked at her, smiling. “Your music can touch the emotions,” she said with wonder. “Absolutely,” said Virginia. “Music can express love, sorrow, joy, anger or any emotional state.” The next song began. Thorvald sang ‘Pretty Girl’ with his eyes on Ginny. Ilyana watched them both closely. Her smile was beaming. Virginia’s eyes glistened and her gaze remained lovingly locked on Thorvald. He was singing the song directly to her and she could feel it. Ilyana hoped she would feel love like that soon. Straker slipped in behind them as the song ended. Thorvald saw him sitting adoringly behind Ilyana and grinned about the final song. He suspected Straker wouldn’t know the song but he would certainly get the irony. The band launched into a soulful, sensual cover of ‘Wanna Make Love to You’. Ilyana was moved and her hands glowed brightly. Straker was glowing as well, but it was his reddened cheeks. Apparently, his feelings for Ilyana had been noticed. Ilyana thanked them for sharing their music with her and the worlds of the Alliance. It was a pleasant start to a very full day for them all. CHAPTER 8 The staff meeting started promptly as always. The floor was open for input and discussion by all participants. Ilyana was included as much of the agenda would involve her function on planet Earth. She enjoyed her second Earth breakfast. Paul Foster had remained in the office after his night shift. He could come up to speed on current issues and do so over a hot breakfast. He also wanted to meet the extraterrestrial ambassador he’d heard about. He dialed up the charm when he saw how attractive she was. To Straker’s amusement, Ilyana didn’t respond to it beyond her customary courtly manners. She looked at Straker and smiled in a way that let him know her interest was solely in him. General Prosser passed out checks to those command staffers who would have to replace their turbine cars. Paul was glad to have the opportunity to finally get rid of his light pastel purple car. He had endured years of mockery for its rather feminine color scheme. Never again would he order a vehicle sight unseen. If others hadn’t been paying for it he would have never driven it off the lot. Straker began the session. “Ilyana, we are giving you your own office between General Prosser and Commander Lake. You will have full communication links and your own data system. She seemed pleased to be accepted among these defenders of the Earth. It seemed to her an expression of trust and confidence. Straker motioned for the next topic from among the group. Ilyana seemed intrigued by how business was conducted. Prosser spoke up. “My friends, I believe we should be using first names in deference to Ilyana’s wishes. My topic is a personnel issue. I was approached yesterday by an old mutual acquaintance of Thorvald’s and mine. He is seeking employment with us. He doesn’t know any more about us than my face and that we led the defense of the Earth three months ago. What can you tell us about Dmitri Guyeva, Thorvald?” “He was a Spetsnaz Counter-Insurgence specialist. During my years in Project Mjolnir, he chased me throughout the Eastern Bloc countries and even through the heart of Moscow itself. He was very, very good and we spared each other’s lives more than once out of respect for the rarity of those skills. He is clever and resourceful. His combat skills are at least a match for my own.” Thorvald continued, “We had a rather awkward reunion with him ourselves last night, but he shared that sentiment with us as well. I understand I owe you my life, Gunther… I thank you for your selfless and - I should add - highly illegal actions.” Prosser smiled broadly as he clipped the foot of the Toro cigar from his leather pocket sleeve. “When I arrived, he had compression bandages on your wounds and had carried you through the forest to the clearing where I landed. He did more to save you than I did. I was just the taxi driver.” He smiled and toasted the foot of the cigar. “What was your impression of Dmitri, Virginia?” He lit the end of the cigar to the fascination of Ilyana. The plume of the flame rose and the fell as Prosser drew in through the cigar and the flame followed the flow of air. “It was like watching Wally and the Beaver reuniting over burritos and chips with salsa.” Virginia laughed out loud, “Life with you is never dull, Thorvald,” she said giving his arm a squeeze. Thorvald added, “I am confident that Dmitri would be a valuable asset for special security applications provided he passes preliminary scrutiny. He is quite a bit younger than me and still has fairly good health. I have arranged his lodging for now but he will need that, transport and the basic staples. He was living in a rental car.” “So we can bring him in on your recommendation, Thorvald?” asked Straker. “And mine,” said Prosser. They would begin the process to bring Dmitri into SHADO. It would prove to be fortuitous for them all. Straker took on the serious, analytical tone that the command staff had grown used to from him. It had been curiously absent since Ilyana’s arrival. She noted that the glow about him had shifted to a very chilly dark blue. “There are concerns we must address before we can accept travelers from other worlds, Ilyana. This is why we contacted you days ago.” He stood and stepped over to his desk. He removed a Lonsdale from the humidor, clipped and lit it while he spoke. “We must carefully consider the ramifications of interaction between Earthlings and extraterrestrials. The biological concerns alone have a massive scope… The biological diversity that attracts their attention may also prove deadly to our otherworldly visitors. There are microorganisms everywhere on our world that could prove to have a pathogenic effect on them. Conversely, they could be carrying biological agents that our medical technology couldn’t begin to cope with. That first handshake could result in mutual genocide of both species.” Straker continued, “That concern ties in with another more basic one. How will visitors know that our atmosphere, our water and even our foods will not be toxic to them? If they did become ill here, how would we care for them?” Alec spoke next. “Visitors must be kept aware of the locations of unrest and warfare on our planet. Tourists stepping into a civil war or military state would be treated as spies and likely exterminated. Those consequences are hard to even imagine…” Prosser said, “My friends, we are operating under a forgone conclusion that these visitors will be welcomed worldwide. That is not our decision. That privilege must be granted by the nations of interest. You must remember, six months ago the human population not connected with SHADO were sure they were alone in the universe. Three months ago, that was proven a false perception and those extraterrestrials they encountered were here to either destroy or enslave them.” Prosser looked at Ilyana. “Neither SHADO nor the I.A.C. have the authority to impose such a mandate on sovereign nations. It is not the same situation as when we were defending them all from invasion. Our alien visitors must be invited by the various nations and we must respect the wishes of those that do not wish to participate.” “It sounds like another trip to the United Nations is in order,” said Straker. “The U.N. doesn’t speak for all nations but they will all be watching the broadcast at some point. The various nations can decide and contact us through the I.A.C.” Prosser said, “We must take care of our preliminary concerns before we reveal Ilyana’s presence to the world. I will gladly arrange for her presentation at the U.N. when the time comes.” Ilyana said, “I will contact the Alliance to resolve the issues of your concern. I will bring that information back to you soon.” “You may wish to relocate the cube to your office so you can contact them in privacy, Ilyana.” Straker was thinking of both her convenience and having the cube out of his sight. He added, “Also, our medical group has asked if you would consent to analytical testing and study. It would involve an examination, scans, blood and tissue sampling. Our staff would like to both satisfy their curiosity and also establish base line information for you in case they have to provide medical assessment and treatment.” Ilyana smiled, her eyes sparkling. “I will gladly submit to their testing and answer any questions they might have. I hope they will find the information useful.” Ilyana rose from her seat and walked to the cube on Straker’s desk. She held her hand stationary above it and said, “release.” The cube rose up into her palm and appeared to have no more mass than if it were made of balsa wood. Alec smacked his forehead with the palm of his hand, “Why didn’t we think of that?” He and Straker laughed. No more inverted ice buckets… “Does anyone have anything else to discuss?” asked Straker. “Only a question, Ed,” said Ilyana. “What are those smoldering sticks in your mouths?”
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