Mesmerized by the star's magical dancing, Emily ventured further into the field, still staring at the heavenly light show. She gave a yelp and jumped back as the star grew larger, brighter, as if hurtling towards earth. What is this? A comet? An asteroid ascending the skies to collide with earth? As the star came closer, it began to take shape. No, this wasn't a star or comet; it was a spaceship of some sorts. To Emily it was the most beautiful thing she'd ever seen. Such colorful, brilliantly bright lights!
A speechless and extremely terrified Emily stood back as the craft lowered, landing softly in the middle of the field. The hatch opened, and out came a young woman of the most astonishing beauty. She was dark-haired, incredibly curvaceous, and wore a uniform of the tightest, shiniest silver lamé. At least to Emily it looked like lamé.
The woman approached, taking care not to frighten Emily. She had no weapon drawn, no "alien" tool that might reduce the Earth woman to dust. Whatever could she want? Emily had heard of people experiencing close encounters, some even taken by extraterrestials for examination. Of course, being a rational person, Emily simply brushed off such tales as sheer nonsence. Then again, Howard told her that – Those "alien abductions" were merely fabrications by, what he said, "Godless forces out to destroy us through believing there is 'life' beyond this world."
Naturally, to appease her husband, Emily believed this rhetoric, although she did find such stories fascinating as well as far-fetched.
The woman walked up to Emily, saying, "You must be Claire's mother. May I introduce myself. I am Darelia, captain of the StarSeeker. My commander, Aarien, is with your daughter, and the two will be joining us soon. There is little time to lose as we must return to Edev as soon as possible. So, may I escort you to the mother ship?"
Emily, not quite comprehending what Darelia said to her, allowed the captain to take her by the hand. She soon found herself aboard the shuttle, en route to the StarSeeker. All along the way, Darelia told Emily much about Edev, its ways and culture. She told Emily about Aarien, and why the Edevian commander chose Claire as life partner. Darelia also informed Mrs. Brown of some things only Jen and Howard (and Emily herself) knew – things Emily thought long buried with her past. And there was someone aboard the StarSeeker Emily had to meet, a woman about her age who was, by want Emily could surmise, a chaplain of sorts.
Legudia...
******
As the shuttle approached the mother ship and awaited embarking instructions, back on Earth, Claire was enjoying her final moments on her home planet. By sunset tomorrow, she'll be on her way to a new life on Edev, with Aarien. To cap it all, her own mother, if Emily could be persuaded, may join them on this journey of freedom and opportunities unimaginable.
Claire was relieved her mother had sense to cancel those wedding plans, even though her father and fiancé had yet to find out. So let them! Once Howard Brown and Van Allen figure out Claire is not at the hotel, they'll probably set that nosy detective on the trail. Those guys would do anything to regain what was theirs.
Honestly, thought Claire, the way Dad and Van treat women as mere property, only fit for procreation and being at their beck and call. Aunt Jen said she had something on both men, but she wouldn't divulge much. All Jen could tell her was that Emily, back in college, found herself in a sticky situation which resulted in a hasty marriage to Howard Brown. Claire wondered if her mom and dad had 'fooled around' in their youth, which resulted in an out of wedlock pregnancy for Emily, and that Howard pressured her to marry him.
"No, it's not as simple as that, because I was born much later...There has to be something else to make Mom marry Dad so suddenly."
"Thinking out loud?," said Aarien as she came up from behind. Cupping Claire's breasts and gently licking her lover's earlobe, the beautiful Edevian whispered, "If there weren't so many people around, I'd take you right now, right here."
She blew in Claire's ear and insolently pressed her pelvis against her lover's rounded bottom, grinding it slowly and oh-so closely that Claire could feel the hardening clit. Never had Claire felt so much passion, and Aarien had a passion for her that just would not abate. She hoped and prayed that this sudden move to another world, a world so different from Earth, would not be too stressful, especially for her mother. After all, for both Brown women, this could be the thing to recapture lost independence and dignity.
"Aarien," said Claire, turning to face her lover, "I know you have to return right away. I just wish it was under more pleasant circumstances." She was referring to the Edevian monarch, Queen Utina, who at present had been taken ill. It was feared Her Majesty may not survive, thus hastening the StarSeeker's repair and the Edevian crew's return.
"Claire," said Aarien, "it is rather painful for me to think Utina may die, but it's the way life works. Don't worry, as Utina has a competent heir to take over the throne. My only regret is that I may not arrive in time to say goodbye. It is why we must leave tomorrow at sunset."
"Hey, you two! This is supposed to be a party. Why so glum? Come on, we want to give you a bon voyage you won't forget."
That was Pansie who arranged Claire and Aarien's 'getaway' from the hotel. Seems Pansie knew someone who worked at the Clarion, and that person managed to smuggle out Claire and Aarien via the service elevator then out the loading dock. No way could Derek Ballard ever detect their escape.
The women met in another place, the home of Latoya, Claire's friend from high school. Latoya, a tall stunningly beautiful chocolate-toned African-American, was a prominent attorney who specialized in civil rights with accent on gay and lesbian issues. She lived in a rambling, newly renovated farmhouse not far from the very field Claire encountered Aarien. That way, both women could make a quick and graceful exit without calling too much attention.
In this company were Pansie, her lover Jody, Jen Dorfman, and of course Claire and Aarien. It, the party, was, according to Pansie and Jen, to be fairly lowkey, perhaps lasting into the wee hours of the morning. Latoya, ever the gracious hostess, famous for her own numerous social get-togethers, prepared a sumptuous buffet of foods Aarien had grown to love. There were hors d'oeuvres: dainty pate chou puffs filled with curried chicken, cold veggies and dill dip, barbecued meatballs, various cheeses and breads, cakes, and fresh fruit. The bar was well stocked, and Latoya ordered several cases of California Cabernet and Merlot for Aarien to take back to Edev.
Around the massive, inviting fireplace they sat, plates and glasses in hand, discussing Claire's upcoming great adventure. Aarien, savoring every bite of wonderful Earth food, told the women all about Edev, its history and culture. She enthralled them with stories of strong women who carved for themselves a matriarchial world where men are relegated to subservient status. Pansie and Jen especially loved the part where Aarien detailed Edevian reproduction, that is no man ever touchs a woman, that all Edevian men are required by law to donate their seed twice a month. In turn, that seed is implanted into the woman.
"Hmm," said Jen, sipping her wine, "seems like what we need here. Sure would cut down on the many messed up marriages. I mean, women wouldn't be pressured to have babies just to hold on to their men. But, Aarien, do the kids ever find out about the men who fathered them? Do men have parental rights as here?"
Aarien shook her head. "No, Jen. Edevian children are solely reared by the women. The men do not have legal claim to any child; they merely provide the seed. We believe to preserve our ways, it is best that men are kept as far away from the children as possible. Such contact would inflict irreparable psychological damage."
"As it sometimes does here," said Claire regrettably. She arose from her seat and professed worry about her mother, and she voiced concerns about her father and fiancé – make that ex-fiancé.
To this, Latoya said reassuredly, "I have it all covered. Your dad or Van don't have a clue you're here. That is if Pansie's friend at the hotel keeps his mouth shut, but I know he can be trusted."
Pansie said, "Look, Claire. If it's any comfort, that detective Van hired, right now, is being sent on a wild goose chase–"
"Wild goose chase?," Aarien said in puzzlement.
The other ladies laughed, with Jen explaining, "An earth expression. It means those guys will get phony leads as to Claire's whereabouts, and they'll be looking everywhere but here."
Aarien smiled as she protectively put her arm around Claire. No way would these uncouth Earth men stand in the way of her happiness. She lost one lover through the mindless acts of stupidly reckless males; she was not about to lose Claire to one as oppressive as Howard Brown or Van Allen.
Latoya raised her glass and said, "Ladies, we're about to say farewell to a dear friend. A woman who's come full circle and at last found her true calling. She is one of us, soon to be a transplanted Earth woman in a new world. Claire, Aarien, I wish you both happiness, health, and peace in your new life together. May God shower you with many blessings."
Wishes of good will echoed through the room. Glasses clinked all around, and Jen tried hard not to fall apart in the realization she may never see her niece (and her sister) again. It was a losing battle, for not long after she took a sip, Jen broke down in tears.
"It's not fair! I'm about to lose you and Emily just because Howard and Van have stood in your way for so long. Maybe it's for the best. You would never be free as long as Van and Howard called the shots."
"Don't worry, Aunt Jen," said Claire, who went to her aunt, embraced her and gently wiping away tears, "Perhaps, when things are settled, we could come back, just to visit you. Mom wouldn't want to stay away from you too long, and I'm sure Aarien wouldn't mind..."
The Edevian beauty replied, "Of course we'll visit, Jen. When Claire has settled, she will be able to travel with us."
"See, Aunt Jen. Mom and I will be fine." Turning to Aarien, she said, "I just hope your Legudia can talk to Mom, get her to open up. Even I don't know the whole truth as to why she ended up with Dad."
******
Howard Brown paced the hotel lobby. He couldn't sit if he wanted; he was that anxious to find Claire and bring her home. The moment they arrived, he and Van Allen were met by the detective Derek Ballard, who told them where Claire was.
"She is in suite H105, on the seventh floor. May I suggest that Mr. Allen and I go up first. She won't be as resistant with me in Mr. Allen's company."
Howard was hesitant for he very much wanted to confront Claire himself, but he relented as Van and Derek went up to hotel suite. He finally sat down in efforts to calm himself – and to devise ways to make Claire 'pay' for her, as he saw it, waywardness. He wondered what he did wrong in Claire's upbringing, and came to the conclusion that is wasn't him but outside forces which caused his daughter's "downward slide into iniquity".
Howard thought of how Van would bring Claire around, get her back on the straight and narrow. Van Allen was a man of high morals and integrity, a man who demanded the same of his intended. Seems as if Van needs to be more 'persuasive' with Claire. A few slaps can do a world of good, let her know who's boss. After all, it worked for Emily, and look at how much she's changed over the years and for the better.
Howard Brown smiled to himself as he recalled the successful reprogramming of a young Emily Dorfman. He met her while both were in college, during a student mixer. She was a bright, ambitious education and history major, destined for greater things. He was a business major, president of the Conservative Collegiates Society, and was bent on carrying out his political and social agenda. It wasn't easy, not in this slice of liberal academia, but Howard was certain he could persuade the progressively minded Ms. Dorfman. But it never panned out. Just a few moments into a brief conversation set off Emily's red lights. No way would she ever think of pairing up with the likes of Mr. Brown, a man she deemed as a hopelessly backward "old fogey in the making". Of course, the fact that Emily was Jewish didn't set well with Howard, but that could change...
It happened after the mixer, and Emily, alone, trekked across a darkened campus to her dormitory. She was perfectly aware that walking about alone after dark had its risks, but Emily was a fearless sort and didn't think anything bad would happen to her.
Howard took advantage of a situation; he met Emily halfway to her dorm and asked if he could walk with her the rest of the way. She hesitated at first, but, touched by his chivalry, welcomed his company. Emily, ever the feminist but knowing how to deal with what she called "eternally hopeless male chauvinists", steered clear of topics that would set Howard on a rightist tangent. Rather, she asked him about his family, how school was going for him, his future plans.
So the conversation was light, the laughter easy. Howard asked Emily if she wouldn't mind going out with him the following weekend. Just dinner, a movie, maybe just a cup of coffee, nothing that would suggest a real date. He just wanted to get to know her better.
Get to know her better...
Well, it was an innocent request. How did Howard know things would get so out of hand. After all, she started it by firmly but politely refusing his invitation. He got upset with her excuse. She said she had much studying to do that weekend, and that she already had social engagements lined up. An angry retort led to an angrier reply, a heated exchange ensued...
"And she had the nerve to accuse me of..."
Howard was recalled to the present as Derek and Van returned to the lobby – without Claire.
"She's not here, Howard," said Van. "The desk clerk said she checked out earlier, before he came on shift. All her things are gone."
The vein deep within Howard's left temple throbbed and reddened. The anger rose in him like a storm. If she checked out, then where was she?
Derek Ballard said, "I asked around, showed a photo of your daughter to a number of hotel employees. One of the maids said she saw a woman who matched Claire's description leave via the staff entrance. Seems she knew we were on to her."
"And," asked Howard, now furious with Claire, "was she alone?"
"No," said Van who had his own ways of dealing with the wayward Ms. Brown if and ever she's found. "The maid said Claire was with two other women. One was blonde, young, quite pretty. The other was...Are you ready for this? I asked the maid to describe the other woman. It's your sister-in-law, Jennifer Dorfman. And the maid said she overheard Jen say that once they're at Latoya's house..."
Howard exploded. "So THAT'S where they are! We have no time to lose. I know where that black lesbian bitch lives, and Claire will rue the day once I get hold of her. Van, you have my permission to punish the ungrateful little minx any way you see fit. If you have to beat her black and blue, so be it!"
TO BE CONTINUED...Go to Chapter 9
Copyright©2004 by Pepper Shriver*
*My pen name :-)