Was It A Dream? Parts 16-20

Early Saturday morning, at the television studio, Mason and Cheryl were waiting to tape another talk-show segment, to promote their latest movie, when Mason's cell-phone rang.

"Hello?"

"Hey, Mr. Blair, we have a problem." Chuck, the studio's security chief said.

Mason had known Chuck for years and had asked for his help with this Niko business. Chuck had already checked out their house for bugs and gone over their security measures, earlier that week, but Mason had asked him to come back that morning, to double-check things, before Max and Liz were to arrive, later that day.

"Problem, what sort of problem?" Mason asked.

"You have yourself a listener." Chuck said, cryptically.

"A listener? I thought you told me that our house and phones weren't bugged." Mason said.

"They aren't bugged, he's using a long-range, listening device and even though he's only receiving and not sending, I can pick up the energy signal from the equipment he is using; it must be pretty powerful."

"Can you use that signal to triangulate his position?" Mason asked.

"My people are working on it, but the signal keeps moving. He is obviously in a car or van. We almost caught him, half an hour ago, but he shut down his equipment and moved before we could pin-point him." Chuck explained.

"Oh man!" Mason exclaimed. "Can he hear our phone conversation, now?"

"No, my cell-phone has a scrambler and I've set up a device, which can block him from listening, but I won't be able to stop him from seeing what's going on, at your house. If you really want to keep this meeting of yours, confidential, you might want to find another location." Chuck advised.

"That might be a good idea. I'll look into doing that, but could you set up the house, anyway?"

"Yes sir, Mr. Blair." Chuck said.

"Thanks, Chuck, I'll call you later." Mason said.

"Very good, sir." Chuck said and they both hung up.

Mason told Cheryl about what Chuck had just told him and they both tried to think of another place they could meet with Max and Liz. They came up with the same idea, at the same moment and smiled at each other.

'I hope she's home and in a mood for guests.' Mason punched a number into his cell-phone and waited for an answer. Cheryl entered a few numbers into her phone, as well and they created a party-line, between their two cell-phones.

"Hello?" Susan Nelson asked.

"Hey, Susan, it's Mason, I didn't wake you up, did I?"

"No, of course not, you know I'm an early riser. What can I do for you? Is everything alright?" Susan asked.

"Uh well…no, I'm afraid everything isn't alright and we need your help. Cheryl and I need to ask a really big favor of you." Mason said.

"What do you need?" Susan asked, instantly.

"Cheryl and I need to meet with some people and it needs to be kept strictly confidential. Our security consultant says that someone has a listening device aimed at our house, so we can't meet there, as we'd planned. Is there any way that we could use your house for this meeting?"

"Of course." Sue said, without hesitation.

"Don't agree so quickly, we still have a few more things to ask of you. Could our two friends please stay at your house, over the weekend, as well as possibly, Cheryl and I? And could you please pick up our friends at the airport, when they fly in today?"

"This sounds very serious and very important, of course I'll help you any way I can. Can you…tell me what's going on; who these friends of yours are?"

"Well, Cheryl and I, as well as our friends are kind of being blackmailed or stalked. We all received a letter from an old enemy of mine, earlier this week and…I think it would be best if I e-mailed you the letter. I scanned it into my computer, so let me mail it, you read it through and then I'll call you back. We're about to tape an interview, but I could call you back in about forty-five minutes, alright?"

"Sure Mason, I'll be waiting for your e-mail." Susan said, worriedly.

"Okay, bye for now and thanks Susan." They all hung up.

Mason brought out his palm-sized computer, accessed his home unit, through the palm's cellular modem and e-mailed Niko Giuliani's letter to Susan. Then both Mason and Cheryl buried their worries deep down, put on charming smiles and walked out onto the stage, to film their segment on the talk-show. When they were through, Mason and Cheryl both called Susan back.

"Hey, Susan, did you receive the letter?" Mason asked, after Susan answered her phone.

"Yes, boy this Giuliani-fellow has gone to some trouble to get some of this information. Adoption and police records are sealed and of course it is against the law to hack into a computer, to read them. Could you tell me what he has against you, Mason?" Susan asked and Mason told her about Niko's history with Suzie, as well as with him and Cheryl.

"Oh my poor God-daughter! I wish she had called me and told me what happened." Susan cried out when she thought about what Niko had done to her namesake. "Where is this scumbag? No one hurts my family and gets away with it. I'm going to hire a helicopter and drop a couple tons of medical textbooks on top of him; squash him flat!"

"Hmmm, as tempting as that sounds, Susan, I think we better save that for later. We haven't even been able to discuss this with Max and Liz yet. We haven't spoken to Niko, yet." Mason cautioned her.

"Well, I'll just keep the chopper warmed up and an old copy of 'Textbook of blunt-force trauma', handy. If I can't drop it on him, I'd just love to whack him upside the head with it, a few times!" Susan's temper had not cooled, as yet.

Both Mason and Cheryl couldn't help but chuckle at a usually quiet and gentle Susan, wanting to hit someone over the head with a medical textbook. They knew she worked in a hospital's medical library, but still…

"So, are you still willing to help us, Susan?" Mason asked.

"Well of course I'm still willing to help you, especially now that I know what's going on. When are Max and Liz Evans flying in?"

"Sometime today; for security reasons, they said that they would only call just before they got on the plane to fly out here. I'll call you as soon as they call me, then you'll have about ninety minutes to make it to the airport. Can you drive there in that time?" Mason asked.

"Yes, at the most, it only takes one hour to drive to the airport, from my house." Susan assured him. "So according to Giuliani's letter, Mr. and Mrs. Evans look exactly like you and Cheryl, do they? I shouldn't have any trouble recognizing them at the airport then…Wait a minute, they wouldn't happen to live in Airatan, New Mexico, would they?" Susan's memory kicked into gear.

"Susan, how could you possibly know where Max and Liz live?" Mason asked, astonished. Niko's letter never mentioned Airatan by name.

"Airatan, New Mexico has an extensive website, selling their beautifully unique artwork. I've been a valued customer of the Airatan Artistic Community for seven years now…and their website has a very nice picture of their town's mayor and his wife." Sue explained.

"I see, well those are our friends, yes." Mason said and Susan nodded.

"Back to our problem at hand." Susan said, thoughtfully. "Neurotic-Niko's assumptions and accusations are wild and crazy, but all the connections, linking the four of you, are very interesting. In fact, when I happened upon Airatan's website, seven years ago, I was intrigued by how much you and Cheryl look like Max and Liz, respectively, so I did a little digging and found all the legally obtainable information, which Niko has found. I became really excited, back then and allowed myself to think; what if all these coincidences added up to the possibility of aliens living in Airatan, New Mexico? I sat up all night, thinking about it, until logical thought reasserted itself, with the dawn and I dismissed everything I had found out, as coincidence and silliness.

"But now that I've read the additional, illegally obtained information, which Niko found, I'm becoming excited again! Wouldn't it be cool if Max Evans were really an alien, maybe even their king? Airatan's website has a virtual tour of their hydroponics farm, down in the old tunnels of the military complex, but what if they had used the tunnels to hide newly arriving Antarians? That town did pop up rather quickly and all the artists do have the same sort of style. Can you just imagine it; a community of artists, from another world, sharing their culture and heritage with us, peacefully?" Susan asked excitedly.
"Are you telling us that you believe all that stuff that Giuliani said; and you saw in our movie and TV series, Susan? You know that it was all make-believe; acting and special effects." Mason said.

"Well of course my head knows all of that was make-believe, Mason; but can't my heart believe that what is movie-magic today, could become reality, tomorrow? Can't my imagination soar out to the stars on a starship, named 'Enterprise'; or plunge to the bottom of the sea in a submarine, named 'SeaQuest'; or visit a little artist community, named Airatan and see the vestiges of a once great, alien civilization, making a home for its survivors, among the valleys and canyons of northern New Mexico? Can't either one of you see that; imagine any of that, even a little bit?" Sue asked her friends, sadly.

"Well maybe." Cheryl hedged. "Granted, so much of what was thought to be only science-fiction, thirty or forty years ago, is everyday fact now, but…"

"…but isn't that fact enough to get the two of you to open up your imaginations, to what could be? Can't you see with the wondering eyes of a child; all the mysterious and unexplained phenomena our world has to offer?" Sue asked, rushing on.

"Let me ask you this; you have friends who need your help, what do you plan to do, to help them, if Niko is just a fruitcake and is wrong about his assumptions? You already have ideas, don't you? Plans in progress?"

"Yeah, but…" Mason said.

"What you need to do now, is broaden your thinking. What do you plan to do if Niko's assumptions are correct; if your friends come here today, to tell you that they really are aliens, or at least Max is? How much time would you waist disbelieving them? Would you even be willing to listen to them?...Max and Liz Evans are good people, aren't they?" Susan asked, suddenly.

There was a pause, as Mason and Cheryl realized that Susan had just asked two very important, very basic questions. Are Liz and Max, good people? Will you even listen to them?

"Yes, Max and Liz are very good people." Mason answered, firmly, as he took Cheryl's hand and squeezed it.

"Yes, of course we will listen to them, no matter what they come to say." Cheryl answered, in an equally firm voice.

"And you will keep an open mind to all of the wonderful things this world, this universe has to offer?" Susan asked.

"Yes, we'll keep open minds." Mason and Cheryl said, together.

"Great! Now hang up and stop wasting my time. If I'm going to have guests, possibly royal guests, I have a lot of preparations to make. Thank goodness I gave this house a thorough cleaning this week. Call me as soon as they call you." Susan reminded them and then hung up on them, without further ado.

"Yes, ma'am!" Mason said, into his silent cell-phone.

"Oh my gosh, she is awesome!" Cheryl exclaimed.

"And she finally cut through to the important point. No matter if Niko is right or wrong; no matter if Max and Liz are hiding…something…they are our friends; they are good people and we will help them; help ourselves and stop whatever Giuliani is up to." Mason said.

"Absolutely!" Cheryl agreed, as she moved in to hug and kiss this man, she admired and loved so much.

Mason's intense feelings for her were mirrored in his deep kiss and tight embrace, as well.

TBC

bWas It A Dream? Part 17/b

Saturday morning, Airatan, New Mexico.

"Let me take your luggage and stow it away for you." Johann said, as Max and Liz approached the Community's Lear-jet.

"Thanks, Johann." Max said. "Let me make a call and then we can take off." Johann gave a playful salute and then ran up the steps and into the plane. Max dialed Mason, on his cell-phone.

"Hello?" Mason said.

"We are just about to leave; ETA, ninety minutes." Max said.

"Alright, but we have a bit of a problem. We can't meet where we had originally planned to, so we are sending someone to pick you up. Do you remember the woman we told you about, fourteen years ago?"

"Yeah."

"She's the one who will be meeting you."

"Alright, see you soon." Max replied, before they both hung up.

"Has something happened, Max?" Liz asked.

"Susan Nelson will be picking us up and taking us to a new meeting spot." Max told her.

"I bet Giuliani has been hounding Mason and Cheryl's house." Liz guessed and Max nodded his agreement, as they climbed the steps up to the plane.

Something interesting happened, when the hatch was closed. Up on the side of the jet's tail, was a large V. As soon as the hatch closed on the Antarian king and queen, two interlocking, gold circlets appeared at the apex of the V, to signify that the royal couple was on board and that the jet had become Airatan's version of Airforce One. The circlets were discrete, but any Antarian would notice them and understand their meaning. Max and Liz settled onto an overstuffed sofa, which was pushed up against one bulkhead. They withdrew safety belts, which had been hidden in the cracks, in between the cushions and buckled them on.

"You two set?" Johann called through the open door to the cockpit.

"Yes." Max called back and they took off.

As they flew west, Max ran one scenario after another, through his mind. Liz's sleepless night had caught up with her and she was taking a short nap, with her head pillowed on Max's lap. Max stroked his fingers gently through Liz's still beautiful, long, brown hair, which only had a few strands of silver running through it, in an effort to calm his thoughts. As always, stroking her hair calmed him and he was able to relax for a short time. When he woke from his half-doze, a while later, he noticed that the plane was descending. His fingers were still threaded through Liz's soft strands and he bent over to gently kiss her lips.

"Wake up Sweetheart. We'll be landing soon." Liz groaned a little, in her sleep and wiggled around on the sofa, as she stretched. Her head rubbed against Max's hypersensitive lap.

"Ah, ha, ha, ha, enough of that! We don't want to shock Johann or Susan Nelson by being found, naked and rolling around on this sofa and that's exactly what is going to happen if you keep that up." Max told her, groaning with something between pleasure and pain.

"Party pooper." Liz pouted, as she sat up, but then leaned against Max's side, with her head on his shoulder. Max put his arm around her and snuggled her closer.

"Did your nap help at all, Love?" Max asked.

"Yes, a little." Liz said, smiling.

"Perhaps you could take another one, when we get to wherever Susan Nelson is taking us." Max suggested.

"I'll be fine, Max, really." Liz assured him.

The plane touched down and then taxied over to the part of the airport, which serviced small, private planes. Johann shut down his engines and then walked back into the passenger section. He opened the hatch and then went to get Max and Liz's luggage out of the storage compartment. Max and Liz exited the plane, down the small set of steps and Johann tossed their luggage down to Max, who caught it, without any trouble.

"So you're going to fly up the coast and check on the kids, attending Stanford?" Max verified with Johann.

"Yeah, I can check on them for you and stay in the house there, until you need me and then I can fly down here in no time, to pick you up." Johann assured them.

"Great, thanks a lot, Johann." Max and Liz said together.

When Max and Liz walked through the airport's arrival's gate, they saw one woman only, standing there, waiting. When she saw them, she smiled and came forward, hand extended.

"Mr. and Mrs. Evans, I'm Susan Nelson, a friend of Mason and Cheryl. Here, let me show you some identification."

"That's not really…" Max started to say, but Susan had already brought out her driver's license and hospital I.D. badge.

"Thank you so much for being willing to pick us up on such short notice, Miss Nelson." Liz said.

"Not a problem, glad I could help and please call me Susan."

"Alright, Susan, please call us Max and Liz." Max said

"Great, well my car is this way. Can I help you carry one of your suitcases?" Susan offered.

"I'm fine, thanks." Max said.

'Wow, a king who carries his own luggage!' Susan thought to herself.

They found her car, got in and drove to Susan's house. Susan kept a lookout, through her rear-view mirrors, for a tail, but did not see anyone following them on her circuitous route, so she headed home. As they drove, she explained what had happened at the Blair house and where she was taking them. When they arrived, Susan took them up to her guest-suite, which consisted of a small sitting room, bedroom and their own bath. Max and Liz unpacked a little, exclaiming at the loveliness of their accommodations and the thoughtfulness of their hostess. They had brought their orb with them and Liz took it out of Max's suitcase and placed it in her large tote-bag-like purse. They wanted to record the upcoming conversations, especially any decisions Max and Liz made, so that they could pass the information onto their people, afterwards. After doing so they walked back downstairs.

"You have a lovely home, Susan." Liz told her, looking around the living room and on into the dining room, through an archway.

"Thank you, it's just right for me." Susan said, happily. "Can I get you anything to drink; coffee, tea, water, soda? I'm sorry, but I don't drink, so I don't have any alcohol in the house; Mason's bringing some wine with him for dinner, tonight." Susan explained.

"Actually, Max and I don't drink either." Liz said. "Would you have any iced-tea?" She requested. "That would be great."

"I have iced-tea. Max?" Susan asked.

"Iced-tea sounds refreshing." He replied.

"I'll be right back, please make yourselves at home." Susan said as she disappeared into the kitchen.

Max and Liz sat down and looked around the warm, cozy room, decorated in pastels, but with a few quirky pieces of jewel-colored glass, placed here and there, as well. Then they noticed the books displayed on the coffee table. They were all on Airatan's artist community or Olaus Petersen's architectural designs. Max picked one book up and leafed through it. He noticed that many pages were book marked or had notations written on them. These books had been read, enjoyed and referred to again and again.

"I hope you don't mind my putting all of those books out." Susan said as she came in, carrying a tray with three glasses and a pitcher of iced-tea on it. "I just wanted to show you and tell you how much I admire and enjoy the talent of the artisans you have living in your community, especially Mr. Petersen; architecture is a hobby of mine."

"Thank you, Susan. We are very proud of our talented citizens, as well." Liz smiled up at her, as Susan placed her tray down on the coffee table and began to pour them each a drink.

"I have one statue by Michael Guerin, out in my garden, but mostly I enjoy looking at them in books." Susan said.

"Michael will be pleased that one of his creations has found a good home." Max said.

Just then, they heard a car pull up, in the front of the house and looked out the front window to see Mason and Cheryl; both wearing baseball caps, sunglasses, jeans, t-shirts and windbreakers, get out of the car and walk up to the front door. Susan opened the door to them and they came in.

"Max, Liz, good to see you again." Mason said, as they came forward to greet each other with hugs and kisses, or slaps on the back.

"Susan, thank you so much for picking up Max and Liz for us." Cheryl said, as they both hugged their friend, also.

"Glad I could help. Why don't you two make yourselves comfortable while I get you something to drink; what can I offer you?" Susan asked.

"Well, this iced-tea looks good to me." Cheryl said.

"Me too." Mason said.

"Great, I'll bring out two more glasses and then go busy myself elsewhere so that the four of you can talk privately." Susan started to walk back into the kitchen.

"Wait, Susan." Mason requested and then looked at Max and Liz. "You both know what a good and trustworthy friend; Susan has been to us, over the years. Cheryl and I would like her to be a part of our discussions." Mason said.

Max and Liz looked at each other and then turned back to their three friends, nodding their agreement.

"That would be fine with us." Max replied.

"Mason, Cheryl, are you sure?" Susan asked, flattered but uncertain.

"We are very sure; we want one of our very best friends in on this." Mason replied, seriously and Cheryl smiled brightly at her good friend.

"Well, alright, whatever I can do to help." Susan said and went to quickly get two more glasses, before coming back to sit down with them.

"Alright, can we get started right away? Mason and I will have to leave, to go home tonight, because both of us have early curtain calls tomorrow morning." Cheryl requested and they all made themselves comfortable, ready for a long discussion.

Max and Liz glanced at each other and set the orb to record their conversation.

"First of all, of course we're going to have to come clean about how we met each other and what contact we've had, over the years." Mason said.

"Agreed." Max said.

"Next, Niko is going to want a complete tour of Airatan, especially the underground facility."

"He can tour any public building, including the underground complex, but we will not allow him into any private homes." Liz said, decidedly.

"He might say that you're hiding things in those homes." Mason warned.

"Too bad, unless he can produce proof of any wrong doing on our part, take it to the police; and the police or other law-enforcement agency shows up, with a court order, no one is invading the privacy of any of our citizens' homes." Liz insisted.

"Also, on these tours, we don't just want Giuliani. We want a small group, but no more than a dozen, reputable reporters from reputable news agencies. And no one is allowed to print Anything until all of the facts are in and this whole, stupid thing is over. If any one of them prints any speculations or innuendoes, we will call off all agreements of cooperation and sue everyone involved." Max-the-lawyer said sternly.

"Very well." Mason agreed, after a moment of serious thought.

"One of the first things Niko is no doubt going to insist upon, are blood tests. Are you two okay with that?" Cheryl asked, glancing quickly at Mason and Susan and then back to Max and Liz. She watched their reactions to the question, carefully. Max sighed, heavily, dropping his chin onto his chest in resigned reluctance.

'I was hoping that, that particular question wouldn't come up so quickly, but I should have guessed that it would.' Max said, silently to Liz, as he glanced at her for a moment. Their hands linked and gripped tightly.

'Everything will be alright, Max.' Liz encouraged her life-mate, silently and he nodded. He could feel the encouragement and backing of the entire Antarian community, as well.

'It almost looks as though they're having a silent conversation with one another.' Susan thought to herself.

"Well, as to our taking a blood test, we have a problem with that, but Liz and I are willing to explain what it is, if you three think you can handle what we are about to tell you; do you really want to know the truth?"

"Max, whatever you have to tell us, will go no further and we will all keep open minds." Mason assured, as he glanced over at Susan for a moment, before returning his attention to Max and Liz. "And we will do our best to help you, no matter what it is."

"Thank you Mason, Cheryl and Susan; that gives me hope that you will be able to accept what I need to tell you, as truth." Max said. "I'll come right to the point. The reason I'm reluctant to have my blood tested is because it will prove that Giuliani is correct about some of his accusations."

"Which of his accusations are true, Max?" Cheryl asked in a gentle voice.

"Many of them are correct, especially the one that says that…I am…an alien; that I'm not human and that many of the people who live in Airatan are also…not of this earth." Max looked around at the shocked faces of his three friends, before going on.

"I know that this must be a big shock for you, but I beg you; even if you don't believe me, please, please do not tell anyone else about this, especially Giuliani. There are hundreds of lives at stake if you do. All we wanted to do was build a home here and live in peace; we wish no harm to anyone." Max said, urgently.

"Are you kidding? Of course I believe you!" Susan exclaimed, as she jumped up and did a little happy-dance. "This is so cool! I just knew that you and your people were different, special; seven years ago, I knew!" Susan plopped back down in her seat, grinning.

"Well, I can't say right away that we believe you." Mason said, as he glanced first at Cheryl and then at Susan, before returning his attention to Max and Liz. "But we're willing to keep open minds and as we said earlier, none of this goes any further."

"Thank you all." Liz said with a little smile of hope on her lips.

"I'd like to speak to you later, Susan about how you knew about us, up to seven years ago, but I suspect that Mason and Cheryl have many, many questions to ask." Max said.

"Yes, we do." Mason and Cheryl said together.

TBC

Was It A Dream? Part 18

"I suspect that Mason and Cheryl have many, many questions to ask." Max said.

"Yes, we do." Mason and Cheryl said together.

"Actually, I have just one really big question, Max, which might help us understand and believe more easily. May I just jump in and ask it?" Cheryl spoke right up.

"Of course, Cheryl." Max said, smiling.

"Do you, do you have any, you know, powers; gifts?"

"Yes, actually I do." Max answered.

"Could you, would you show us or tell us about them, please?"

"Um, Sure." Max said and paused for a moment, deciding what to do.

After a moment, Max reached out and touched the iced-tea pitcher. The light brown liquid turned to a light pink and fresh ice cubes appeared to float on top.

"Cheryl, your glass is empty; may I pour you some pink lemonade?" Max offered.

Cheryl nodded, fascinated and then she took the glass from Max and took a sip.

"Mmm, this is delicious! Mason, Susan, try some." Cheryl passed her glass to her husband, who took a sip.

"It really is pink lemonade!" Mason said, startled after his taste of the drink.

"Let me try a sip, please." Susan asked and Mason passed the glass to her after taking another lengthy swallow.

"Mmm just the right sweetness, thank you Max." Susan said, happily.

"What I just did to the iced-tea is what we call changing molecular structure. We can heal, create an art object out of base materials and do many other things, using this power." Max explained.

"You know what might really help Mason and Cheryl understand where you're coming from, is if you were to connect with them and share some of your memories of Antar with them." Liz suggested.

"Connect with us?" Mason asked.

"We can make a mental connection with others. It allows us to communicate or share information; memories, all without saying a word." Max answered. "Since you are human, I would have to touch you; take your hands, to make the connection." Max waited for their decision.

"I think seeing some of your memories of Antar would be very helpful, Max." Cheryl said, reaching out her hand to him.

"I'd like to see your memories also." Mason said, reaching out his hand, as well.

"May I also? Is there a way for me to see your memories too?" Susan asked, hopefully.

"Of course, Susan." Max answered, smiling. "Liz, will you take Susan's hand, while I hold Mason and Cheryl's, please?" Liz nodded and smiled, reaching out her hand to Susan.

"Wait a minute, I thought Liz was human?" Mason asked.

"I am, Mason, but when Max and I…made love for the first time, we created a permanent connection between the two of us. I don't have any powers of my own, but I can communicate sub-vocally with another Antarian, or act as link between a human and an Antarian, as I will be today, between Max and Susan." Liz explained and the others nodded their understanding.

"Are you all ready to try this?" Max asked and they all nodded again. Max took Mason and Cheryl's hands, while Liz took Susan's hand in one of hers and touched Max's arm with the other.

"Just close your eyes; take slow, deep breaths and try to blank out your minds." Max instructed in a quiet voice and the three did so.

All of a sudden, Mason, Cheryl and Susan found themselves in a field, with lovely and yet strange looking flowers growing up all around them. An alien sky circled above and they could hear the musical twittering and chirpings of Antarian avians, up in the trees, nearby; for all three of them realized that they were seeing one of Max's early memories of his life on Antar.

A small, butterfly-like insect, fluttered by and they saw chubby, little-boy hands reach out to touch it, but the insect fluttered just out of reach. They watched for a moment, as the insect made its way over to a nearby flower and landed, before they heard his name being called. All three of them knew that they were not hearing English being spoken and yet they understood what was being said.

"Zan, how about a piggy-back-ride, home?" Max jumped up and down on his short, little legs, as he looked up and up, towards his daddy's smiling face. Next to his father, stood his mommy; holding his twin sister, Velondra, in her arms. They were smiling as well and both of them had crowns made out of flowers, on their heads. His father bent down and picked him up and then swung him up onto his strong shoulders.

Susan cried out in surprise, as her surroundings twirled and sifted, until she was seeing the world from the top of Wellmax's tall frame. Max's sister was now riding on her mother's shoulders, as they started walking across the meadow, towards home.

All three watching adults took the chance to collect themselves and Mason and Cheryl wondered at the likeness between King Wellmax and his son, Max Evans, as they had first seen Max, twenty five years ago.

'He truly did look just like his father, as a young adult.' Mason thought to himself.

They watched as the two adults, with the children on their shoulders, walked down a wooded path; as tree limbs and bush branches magically moved out of their way and then returned to their original positions, after they had passed by. Then up ahead they started to see a house, through the greenery. As they walked out of the woods, they all received their first full view of Max's childhood home.

The design was so much like that of the houses that Mason and Cheryl had seen in Airatan, and Susan had seen in her books; only larger and more grand. The beauty was in its flowing form and detailed decorations. They entered through a large door, with a crest, made of stained glass, set into it.

'Something seems familiar about that crest.' Mason thought to himself as he tried to remember where he had seen it before.

The scenes changed, as Max grew up. Mason almost thought he was back on the movie set, filming 'Among Us' again, except that everything around him was so much more real. Every detail was perfect, including the sounds and smells of this alien world. All three of them watched, as Zan, Velondra and their two best friends, Rath and Ava, played together and discovered their new gifts a little more each day. They watched Max and his family, as they walked through a town, during a fair; streamers and banners were flying, beautiful craft items were displayed and delicious foods were hot out of the oven. Even Mason, Cheryl and Susan could feel their mouths start to water.

Then suddenly, everything changed, as Max's world turned into chaos. Even with the love and protection of his family, they could all sense his confusion and fear, as he learned that his world was dying and that he would have to leave Antar and go to live on another planet. They watched, as King Wellmax and Queen Belisa; now wearing their long, white robes and golden circlets, made the announcement of Antar's doom, to their people. Mason watched in awe, as they held their people together and calmed them down with only their steady gazes, urgent voices, well-chosen words and the strength of their combined will. They saw the small probe-craft, which had all been modified to each hold one teenager; and the one proto-type space ship, which would hold the Royal Four; Zan, Velondra, Rath and Ava and their shape-shifting protector. They watched with tears in their eyes as parents said their last good-byes to their children; telling them how proud they were of them and that they loved them all so much. Then before any child could break down in tears, or a parent falter in his or her resolve, all of the children were placed into a deep sleep and gently laid into their stasis chambers and the chambers into each craft.

Susan mopped her streaming eyes, as they all watched each little ship lift off and head out into space. Then before they knew it, the small space ship was hurtling past the outer planets of Earth's solar system and on into Earth's orbit. They could tell that something went wrong when the little ship plummeted to the ground and crashed. Everything was black for a moment and then it was as if Max's eyes opened up and he was pushing through the soft membrane of his stasis chamber. He broke through and stumbled out into a stone chamber and over to a wall. Max placed his hand on the wall, a small panel with a V on it, lit up and the stone wall began to open up.

The next fifteen years flew by quickly; being found by the young couple, who would become his adoptive parents; being yelled at by a mean-looking woman, at a park; the loneliness and fear of growing up alone, knowing that you are different. Until one day, in college, when Max saw Liz get pushed out into the path of an oncoming car and he rushed out into the street, to save her.

Then time slowed down a little and Mason, Cheryl and Susan saw their friends' courtship; Liz figuring out that Max was just like her adopted sister, Tess; Max meeting the others like him, Michael, Tess and his sister, who was now named Isabel; their parents finding out about them and then going with them to find the pod chamber; the message from Wellmax and Belisa; making contact with the other Antarians, living in Sweden, including Eric and Olaus Petersen.

The three of them were starting to feel a little woozy, as they watched the last few scenes; the wedding of Max and Liz's four friends; making contact with the rest of the Antarians, living out in space; buying the valley; Max and Liz meeting Mason and Cheryl; a memory which made Susan laugh hysterically.

"The looks on your faces, while you were all enjoying your kisses, but then you realized that none of you were kissing who you thought you were…your expressions were priceless!" Susan managed to get control of herself. "Sorry, please continue."

"Just a little more to show you." Max promised.

Then they saw Max and Liz's wedding and coronations, including the surprise appearances of Wellmax and Belisa, which had Cheryl and Susan tearing up again; the building of Airatan; the arrival of their fellow Antarians; finishing up college; moving back to Airatan; having their children and the joy of raising them…up to today.

As the visions faded away and Max and Liz broke their connections with the other three, utter silence remained for several minutes, as Mason, Cheryl and Susan tried to take in all that they had just been shown.

"Ooooh maaaan!" Mason exclaimed.

"Oh my goodness!" Cheryl echoed her husband.

"That was incredible! Wow! Thanks so much for letting me see that too. I have a million questions, but…wow…where do I start?" Susan exclaimed, excitedly.

Her enthusiasm and excitement broke the chains of shock, wrapped around her two friends and everyone started to laugh. Mason and Cheryl both took in great lung-fulls of air and started to think a bit more clearly.

"To quote Susan, that was incredible!" Mason said finally, with a big grin on his face. "I guess our questions have been answered; there Is life out there on other planets and some of those life-forms are living here, among us." Mason said, reaching his hand out towards Max, who met him half-way, to shake hands and was pulled into a back-slapping hug instead.

"Some very special and wonderful life forms." Cheryl finished her husband's statement as she moved in to kiss Max on the cheek and then to gather a tearful Liz into a hug, as well.

"I'm sounding like a broken record, but that was incredible!" Mason said, as they all sat down again. "You've experienced so much, in your life; done so much. It's going to take a lifetime of friendship with you, for me to take it all in."

"Me too, Max." Cheryl agreed. "And Liz, you brought them all together. I look forward to learning about all the ways this special man of yours has changed your life."

"For the better." Liz finished Cheryl's statement, as she took Max's hand in hers and brought it up to her cheek to rub it against her face, lovingly.

'I love you, Max. I told you that it would be okay.' Liz said, sub-vocally.

'You did, Love, you did; thank you for always being right.' Max replied as he gazed into his soul-mate's shining eyes.

"Oh man, look at the time; it's almost two o'clock." Susan said. "We've been at this for hours, but even so, watching a lifetime of memories in just a few hours, makes me hungry. Why don't we grab something to eat?"

"That sounds great." Max said. "I'm sorry I got so carried away and showed you practically my whole life. I was only going to show you my memories from Antar, but…"

"But I think you sensed that we wanted to know so much more about you and your life, than just your first six years, Max." Cheryl said.

"Why don't we have lunch and then all take it easy for an hour or two; take a nap, or read a book? Then we could get back together this evening and discuss where to go from here, over dinner." Liz suggested.

Everyone agreed to this, so Susan went into her kitchen and brought out sandwich-makings, salad and fruit and they all helped themselves. They kept the conversation light, as they ate and then Max and Liz went up to their room; Mason and Cheryl went into Susan's room, which she insisted was theirs to use and Susan went into her library and fell asleep in her comfy chair, after reading a few pages from one of her favorite, old 'Among Us' fan-fiction stories, which she had printed off of the 'Net, years ago and kept in notebooks on her bookshelves.

"Oh man, I was so afraid that they would hate me, be afraid of me, after I told them the truth." Max said, as he drew Liz into his strong arms, as they lay on their bed, upstairs. Her head was tucked in, under his chin, as she rested against his chest and Max could feel the vibration of her speech, through his chin, as she spoke.

"I was worried too; it's always a risk, whenever we tell someone new about ourselves, but it always works out in the end. After all, how many of our young people in Airatan have fallen in love with humans from outside the Valley? Plenty and in the end everything works out, when they tell their loves the truth about who we are. Many of them had already noticed some of the same coincidences and links, which Susan and Giuliani have figured out about us and they never make a big deal about it."

Liz tightened her arms around Max's lean waist, as well and let her loving thoughts sooth him into sleep.

Mason and Cheryl were similarly snuggled together on their bed; Cheryl's head tucked in under Mason's chin and their arms around each other.

"It's incredible when you realize that Max and Liz are the king and queen of an alien race." Cheryl said. "We saw their coronation and a few other occasions when they were wearing their royal robes and their gold circlets; and yet they never act like royalty; never talk about all the extra responsibility, which must be placed on their shoulders." Mason nodded.

"That's what looked so familiar to me." Mason said, finally remembering. "Max and Liz have the royal crest, made of stained glass, inset into their front door, just like his parents did, back on Antar. I think I used their front door only once, when we stayed with them, that one time, fourteen years ago, but I thought that the crest was a beautiful work of art. Now I know what it represents."

"Mason, what should we tell the kids about all of this? Should we tell them about what, or who Max is?"

"We can ask Max and Liz about that, but I doubt there would ever be a need to tell either Matt or Suzie, the truth about Max. They don't even remember visiting Airatan, when they were little. Why would they need to know the details of this situation now? We'll take care of good-ole' Niko, for our Suzie and she won't have to ever think about him again."

"Alright." Cheryl murmured, before they both fell asleep.

A few hours later, after restful naps, the five friends joined each other back down in the living room.

"So I guess it's time for us to contact Niko." Cheryl said.

"Before we do, what are we going to do about those blood tests he's going to insist upon?" Mason asked.

"Actually, I already have a contingency plan set up for that…

Flashback

"You wanted to see me, Your Majesty?" Douglas Maisels asked, formally, after he was shown into Max's office.

"Yes, Doug, I did; please come in and close the door." Max greeted the young man. "Have a seat and please call me Max." At Doug's shocked expression, Max suggested. "Or Mr. Evans, if you would prefer. Even though I asked you here as your king, there is no need for such formality…this time."

Both men were remembering a time, seven years ago, when such formality was used in this very office. Max and Liz had, had to try Douglas Maisels in a court of Antarian and Alliance law, for the crime of mind-warping a fellow Antarian. Doug was half Antarian, half Speerk; a race which had the power to make others see and do things against their will.

"What did you want to speak to me about, Your…Mr. Evans?" Doug asked, after a moment.

"I need your help; every Antarian here on Earth needs your help, Doug." Max started by saying and Doug just swallowed nervously.

"I've kept an eye on you ever since that unfortunate incident, seven years ago, Doug and I must tell you that I am very pleased with the way you've conducted yourself ever since. You have used the potential that we saw in you back then, very well; I know your parents are very proud of you."

"Thank you, Mr. Evans." Doug said.

"You heard my announcement, over the Connection, about the reporter who is snooping into Mrs. Evans' and my pasts; the town's past, didn't you?" Max asked.

"Yes sir. Is there anything I can do to help you get this guy? I know that I really messed up, seven years ago and I'd really like a chance to help; to make up for…"

"You finished your sentence over six years ago, Doug. There isn't any more to make up for, but there is something you could do to help." Max said.

"What's that?" Doug asked.

"I'm fairly certain that Giuliani will insist on a blood test. I, of course cannot let him have a sample of my blood, so a switch will need to be made. But Giuliani will be watching too closely for us to just switch some test-tubes. What I'm proposing is that we bring in a human; Alex Whitman has already volunteered. He will be the one that the lab-tech takes the blood from, but no one must see Alex; they must see me having my blood drawn. I need you to mind-warp everyone watching.

"Now I realize the hypocrisy of my asking you to do this. After all, I found you guilty of using your mind-warping capabilities and sentenced you to community service, as your punishment, seven years ago…" Max said.

"But that was totally different, sir. I used my gift to make someone else steal money and then to give the money to me. You're asking me to use my gift to save all of our lives. Giuliani cannot be allowed to find out about us and my mind-warp won't hurt him, or anyone else. I totally see the difference and so will everyone else. Our gifts can be used to create or destroy; it's just a matter of how we use them."

"I was hoping that you'd see it that way, Doug. Thank you." Max put out his hand and Doug hesitantly shook it.

"Just let me know when you need me and I'll be ready." Doug said.

End Flashback

"That sounds like a great plan, Max." Mason said, afterwards.

"Can we either get Giuliani out to Airatan this week or next week?" Liz asked. "Next weekend is our son, Phillip's twenty-first birthday and I don't want that creep to ruin it. Hey would you three like to come? Your daughter, Suzie is coming with Phil and our daughter, Dee."

"I think we can make it." Mason said. "It was just this weekend which was going to be difficult to schedule, but we wanted to meet with you as soon as possible."

"I'd love to finally see Airatan, first hand!" Susan said. "If you're sure that I wouldn't be in the way, I'd love to come, thank you for inviting me."

"It'll be no trouble at all; you'll be very welcome in Airatan, Susan." Max told her.

"Okay then, let's call Giuliani and get it over with." Mason said…

TBC

Was It A Dream? Part 19

"May I be the one to call Giuliani, Mason?" Max asked. "We've never even met, so if this creep is going to threaten me, I think that we should at least speak over the phone, once."

"Good point, Max." Mason said. "I wonder how he'll react to you, if he thinks that you're an alien!"

"I'll have to remember to ask him." Max said, smiling devilishly, as he brought out his cell-phone. "Between my using this cell-phone and our having the orb here with us, he won't be able to trace this call and find out where we are; but all of you will be able to hear our conversation."

Max and Liz had brought out the orb and explained its purpose, earlier. Max dialed Niko's phone number.

"Hello." Niko answered his phone.

"Mr. Giuliani, this is Max Evans." The sound of a phone being dropped could be heard.

"Mr…Mr. Evans, I had thought that Mason Blair would be calling me."

"MR. Blair is here with me, Niko, but since you sent your letters to both of us, I thought I should be the one to call and introduce myself to you…since we've never met."

"Oh."

"So, what do you want to do now, Niko?" Max asked.

"I um, I want to, um, I want to meet with you both. I want you to explain how you two look exactly alike. I want you to explain to me where you were born, Mr. Evans and I want a tour of your weird little town and that secret underground facility of yours."

"First of all, Niko, neither Mr. Blair nor I know why we look so much alike; we don't have degrees in genetics. As far as we know there is no connection between our families."

"Then I demand blood tests." Niko interrupted.

"You will receive nothing by demanding it, young man." Max said in his best I-am-a-king-voice. "If you ask politely, we may decide to grant your request. Make no mistake, Mr. Giuliani, the only reason we are even speaking to you is so that we can put an end to this farce as quickly as possible, so that none of us ever has to see or hear from you again." Max paused for a moment to make sure that what he had just said, sunk into Niko's thick skull.

"Now back to what I was saying…secondly; I don't know where I was born, I was a foundling. That is a matter of record in my sealed adoption records. You do realize, don't you, Niko that breaking into sealed records is illegal? As to my being a foundling, there is unfortunately nothing extraordinary about that. It is a sad fact in this world we live, that children are abandoned by their parents all of the time. Thirdly, my town is beautiful, lovely and safe; it is not weird. Also, the underground facility has not been a secret since the military sold it to us. We give tours of our hydroponics and mushroom farms all the time and if you ask nicely, we will be happy to give you a tour, as well."

"When?" Niko asked.

"As soon as you agree to a few stipulations." Max told him.

"What stipulations?" Niko asked.

"One; we want you to gather six to ten reputable reporters, from reputable news agencies. They are to be included in the writing of this article of yours. If you can find anything worth writing about, it is not to be published in some tabloid newspaper. Two; nothing is to be published, hinted at or any speculation made, until all of the facts are in. If any of you break these rules you will be out of the deal and facing me in court. Do you accept these stipulations, Mr. Giuliani?" Max asked.

"Yeah, yeah, I accept them." Niko could feel his great idea sinking; he no longer felt in control of the situation.

"Very well; we will expect to see all of you in Airatan, at 9 a.m., Monday, September 16th. Not one minute earlier; not one minute later. Good night, Mr. Giuliani." Max said as he hung up.

"Oh man!" Niko whined, as he put down his hand-set, as well and sulked for a few minutes, before his misplaced optimism surfaced again.

'Max Evans wouldn't have come on so strong, especially during our very first conversation if he didn't have something to hide!' Niko thought to himself. 'Yeah, he's hiding something; something so big, he needs more time to move it or get rid of it. He's already had a week and now he has another one. Well, we'll see about that. I'm going out to Airatan, New Mexico tomorrow and I'll find a way to see what they're really up to.'

Niko picked up his phone again and made arrangements to fly out to Albuquerque and then rent a car. Then he gathered his equipment and a few clothes and threw them into a duffle bag, ready to go the next morning.

"Oh rats!" Max exclaimed, as he disconnected his cell-phone. "I forgot to ask him whether he was frightened of me, because he thinks I'm an alien!"

"I think how he dropped the phone when you introduced yourself, says it all!" Mason grinned.

"Man you were great, Max! I love how you put that creep in his place, just with the tone of your voice and a few choice words. You never even raised your voice, but I bet he was well subdued by the time you hung up on him!" Susan enthused.

"He was, yes, but his character-type won't stay down for long. I'm sure he's already making plans. I'll contact our security people and have them be on the look-out for Niko Giuliani."

"Good idea, Max." Mason said. "You know what I want to do, before Cheryl and I have to leave? I want to go next door and say Hi to John. But don't worry; neither Cheryl, nor I have mentioned any of this business to him. He's an old friend, but not quite as good or trustworthy a friend as our Susan has been to us all of these years." Mason smiled at his good friend, who was blushing at his praise.

"Susan, would this be a good time to ask you about how you put all the pieces together about us…seven years ago?" Max asked, curious.

"Sure, Max. Come back to the library and I'll show you." Susan offered.

"Liz, I need a little walk and some fresh air. Will you come outside with me and take a look at Susan's garden? It's not large, but it is lovely."

"Sure, Cheryl, I could use some fresh air, as well." Liz said and so the two look-a-likes linked arms and walked out the back door.

Mason walked over to John Kozlowski's house and knocked on his front door. A moment later, John answered the door.

"Mason, hey buddy, come on in." John opened the door wider. "Is Cheryl with you?"

"Yes, but she's back at Susan's. We were just having a short visit with her, but will have to be leaving soon and I didn't want to go without at least saying hello to you first, though."

"Hey great and you timed it just right. I have to fly out on business, early tomorrow morning. Will you tell Susan I'll be home next Friday, for me?"

"Sure, John." Mason agreed. "You know it's funny; I've been thinking about the two of you lately. You seem to be such good friends; you tell each other when you're going to be out of town; you've lived next to each other for almost thirty years and neither of you has ever married…I was just wondering why you've never…"

"Why I've never married Susan?" John finished for him. "Yeah we get that question a lot from our friends and family. The answer is that we've never felt like more than sister and brother to one another. We've discussed this over the years. Neither of us feels that something special; that certain spark, that you feel when you're in love with someone, you know?" Mason nodded his understanding.

"I've just never understood why neither of you even married someone else, instead then."

"Well, in my case, I've come close a couple of times, but it never worked out and now I'm just an old bachelor, stuck in my ways…But Susan…Susan's always been too shy to show any interest in a guy she finds attractive. She shuts down anytime she's near one and the guy thinks she's not interested."

"What are you talking about? Susan's not shy, she's always been confident around Cheryl and me." Mason argued.

"As I remember the story, you met Susan at her hospital; in her library, right?"

"Yes." Mason answered. "What does that have to do with…?"

"You met her professional personae; the confident mask she uses in her job; and she has the right to be confident at work, Susan really knows her stuff, but in her personal life, especially with men, she is very shy. I've seen it many times over the years, believe me." John said.

"I remember now. I felt the same thing when I met her, so many years ago. I thought I felt shyness underneath her professional veneer, but I never saw it again, after that, so I wasn't sure." Mason said.

"Yeah, that's our Susan. She's good at hiding it…until some guy smiles at her and then she closes down. She needs someone who's gentle and kind, but persistent; to get underneath that shell of hers."

"That's very insightful, John…for an old bachelor!" Mason grinned at his friend.

"The discs in my spine like to slip out every few years and I end up lying on my back for several weeks at a time. I watch all the talk-shows and the soaps and get in touch with my feminine side!" Both men chuckled, slapping each other's backs, before saying good-bye.

Back in Susan's house:

"I'm so hyped!" Susan told Max, after showing him around. "It's been so cool, meeting you and Liz; and I am honored that you trusted me with your secret. You understand now that I didn't really know the truth about you, as in having facts, seven years ago, but I thought it would be so great if my assumptions were correct; I hoped and wanted, almost needed to be right; and now I Know that I was!"

"It's Liz and I who have been honored by your friendship and by your keeping our secret all of these years, even though you didn't know that you were doing so. You came up with the same information as Niko did, but you stayed silent, unlike Niko, who would like to betray us to the world."

But let's not talk about him right now. This is an incredible, personal library you have in here, Susan. And the way your mind works is almost spooky! What knowledge you don't have filed away in that brain of yours already, you at least know where to find, in one of your books." Max exclaimed as he turned around and gazed at the four, book-lined walls. "But I sense that you haven't told me a major part of the story. Was it really your stumbling over our website that started the ball rolling, or was there something else?"

"Oh my gosh, Max; you know you're right? I had forgotten. My goddaughter, Suzie; Mason and Cheryl's daughter, had brought me a memento which she had found and wanted to have made into a pendant, so that she could wear it. She didn't remember where it had come from, but I felt that it had to have come from Airatan. It looked just like the symbol you have on the first page of your website. The memento was made of copper and was in the shape of a V. There were two wavy lines, rivers maybe, running down the center of each leg of the V and there were some shapes at the top of one of the legs, which must have been the tourist-area of your town; and then there were two other shapes; a triangle at the apex of the V and a small circle nearby, with the word 'promise' written in between them. I don't know why, but that pendant really intrigued me and made me want to look for more, especially since I had just found your website and saw what a lovely place your town is."

"As I said before, your mind is spooky!" Max grinned at her.

'I wonder if Phillip made that memento for Suzie.' Max thought to himself. 'Is that how he got her to keep our secret? I'll have to ask them when I see them next weekend.'

"Well, I hear Cheryl and Liz out in the living room. We had best go say good night to her and Mason if they need to leave soon." Max said, out loud. "Thank you for showing me this fabulous room."

"You're welcome, Max. Please feel free to read anything in here or watch any of my videos, while you and Liz are my guests here." Susan offered, as they walked out into the living room.

"You have to go?" Susan asked Mason and Cheryl.

"Yeah." Mason said, as he came over to hug Susan good night. "I think that we'll be able to come back sometime tomorrow afternoon; will that be alright?"

"Of course, come when you can." Susan said, as she hugged Cheryl goodnight, as well.

"Susan, would you mind if Liz and I retire for the night, as well? We'd like to contact our kids before it's too late on the east coast." Max asked, after Mason and Cheryl had left.

"Of course I don't mind. I'm more of an 'early to bed, early to rise' person myself. Sleep as long as you'd like or get up as early as you want. I'm singing with my church choir, tomorrow morning at 10:30. You're welcome to come with me or, if I don't see you before I leave, make yourselves at home and I'll be back no later than noon and we can have lunch then, alright?"

"That sounds great." Liz said, as she hugged her new friend good night.

"Good night, Susan. Thanks for everything you've done for us." Max said, as he hugged her too.

"Night you two." Susan said and they all went off to their own rooms.

As soon as Max and Liz reached the guest room, they opened their connection up to Phillip.

'Hey Phillip, how's it going? Did you listen to our discussions, over the Connection? What do you think?' Max asked.

'Dad, you invited the Blairs to come out to Airatan for my birthday, but you didn't even mention that their daughter, Suzie will be there as well. Why didn't you tell them…something?' Phillip launched in right away.

'Hello to you too, my darling son.' Liz reproved.

'Sorry, hi Mom, hi Dad.' Phillip said and Liz rolled her eyes.

'We didn't tell Mason and Cheryl anything about you two because we didn't think that it was our place to say anything, at least without our speaking to the two of you, first. Is Suzie there?" Liz asked.

'Yeah, I was about to take her home. We've been studying all night, trying to get ahead of things, since we won't get much studying done, over my birthday weekend.' Phillip explained as he brought Sue into the Connection.

'Hi, Mr. and Mrs. Evans.' Sue greeted them. 'Are you staying at Aunt Susan's?'

'Yes, there was a problem at your parent's house…nothing to worry about…but your parents didn't think it would be a very private place to meet.' Liz explained and Sue nodded, smiling.

'Anyway, back to Sue's parents; the two of you can do anything you want to; call and tell them that she's coming with you; you can wait and surprise them or you can ask us to tell them and we will, tomorrow.' Max said.

'As tempting as it is to let you tell them, I guess Sue and I should tell them, ourselves.' Phillip said, reluctantly. After all, they were not only going to have to tell Sue's parents that he, Phillip was dating their little girl, they were also going to have to remind her parents that Phillip is also an alien…who is dating their little girl.

'Good idea, son.' Max approved.

'Good luck!' Liz grinned at Phillip's discomfort.

'Thanks. Oh, by the way, Dad, I think your idea for the blood tests is a good one and I loved how you handled Niko. I have some ideas about how to shut him up, as well. Can I talk to you about them next weekend?' Phillip asked.

'Of course, we'll make time to talk.' Max promised his son.

'Great; good night you two.' Phillip said.

'Goodnight, Sue. 'night, Phil.' Max said.

'Goodnight you two; get some rest now.' Liz told them before they all disconnected their link.

In his room, in Cambridge, Phil gathered Sue into his arms.

"You know, I was going to take you home, but if I'm supposed to get a good night's sleep as my mother and queen ordered, I'll just have to keep you here in my arms." Phillip explained.

"That sounds like a very wise and loyal thing to do. After all, you must obey your queen…and I don't sleep well when I'm not in your arms, either." Sue said, as she wrapped her arms around Phil's neck.

The young couple had fallen asleep together, a couple more times, while studying together and they realized that they always slept more deeply and more peacefully, when they slept in each other's arms. They kicked off their shoes and Phil took off his belt, while Sue untucked her blouse from her waistband and then pulled Phil's shirt out from his jeans, as well. They liked to have their clothing a little bit loose, so that it didn't feel binding to them, as they slept.

"Ready, my lady?" Phil asked, as he pulled the sheet and blanket back on his bed. Sue blushed, but got into bed next to Phil. This was the first time that they had intentionally slept together.

"I'm betting that this isn't what your mother had in mind; when she said get some rest." Sue said, as she snuggled up to Phil and put her arms around him, as he wound his strong arms around her.

"Maybe not, but this is the only way I am going to get any rest, so I figure that we're following the spirit of her order, at least." Phil leaned in and kissed Sue deeply and thoroughly.

"Mmmm, goodnight, Phil." Sue said as she tucked her head in, under his chin and splayed her one hand, over the warm skin of his back, under his shirt.

"Goodnight, Sue." Phil said as he pulled her a little closer and stroked her back, between her shoulder blades, on the outside of her blouse. A few moments later, the light seemingly turned itself off and Sue and Phil were already asleep.

The next morning, both Sue and Phil slowly woke up at the same time. They were still snuggled close, but now Sue had her back pressed up against Phillip; spoon-fashion and Phil had his arms around her middle. Sue's arms lay over Phil's and their fingers had intertwined themselves, as the young lovers slept.

"Mmmm, what a wonderful sleep I had, last night." Sue murmured.

"Mmmme too; I don't suppose we could sleep this way every night." Phil said, realistically.

"No, I don't think we should. This sort of sleeping arrangement, as wonderful as it is, will only lead to something…dangerous happening and as much as I'm looking forward to someday being…dangerous…with you, I'm just not quite ready to be…"

"…dangerous with me. I know Sue. I want to be…dangerous…with you too, but we only just met three weeks ago and there are so many other things I want to learn about you first, before we learn how…dangerous…we can be…together."

"I'm glad you understand, Phil." Sue said, as she turned her head back and tilted it up so that she could kiss him good morning…and thank you…and I'm-falling-in-love-with-you.

Suddenly they heard a wolf-whistle, coming from the doorway.

"Such activity going on in here and on a Sunday morning, no less." Dee said, as she and Amy stood there, grinning.

"Get out of here you two pests!" Phil yelled as he threw a pillow at them. The pillow would have hit them smack in their faces if they had not ducked out of the way, giggling.

We might as well get up, I guess." Sue said, reluctantly. "They'll only come back if we don't."

"Yeah, you're right." Phil agreed as he sat up, but kept his arms around Sue. "What time do you want to try calling your parents?"

"I don't know. Their schedules are so mixed up, right now. I might as well call their voice-mail and leave a message, asking them to call me back. It'll be easier for them to get a hold of me, than it'll be for me to get a hold of them."

"But then we'd have to spend the whole day together, so that I'm with you when they call." Phillip pretended to complain, but his sparkling eyes gave him away.

"Oh you! Will you take me home, so that I can shower and change and then we can come back here and watch videos or do something fun with the others." Sue suggested.

"Sure, why don't you go downstairs and have a cup of coffee and call your parents, while I take a quick shower and then I'll drive you home. I can pick up some donuts to bring back here for breakfast, while you get changed." Phil said.

"Oooh that sounds good!" Sue agreed.

They did as they had planned, returning to the house a short time later, with boxes of donuts and trays of 'lattes. Then they decided that they really should attend church services, so they left with the rest of their friends; to go and give thanks and to ask for His help, in the days and weeks to come. The rest of the day was spent playing a no-holds-barred game of Monopoly with the whole gang…until Sue's cell-phone rang, that is. Then, Sue and Phil walked up to his room, for privacy, as she answered the call. Her caller I.D. had told her that it was her mom and dad.

"Hi, Mom and Dad." Sue greeted them.

"Hi, Suzie, what's up?" Cheryl asked.

"Hmmm, um, how do I say this? Mom and Dad, I'm standing here with Phillip Evans; Max and Liz Evans' son." There was a pause on the other end.

"You've met Max and Liz's son, at Harvard?" Mason asked.

"Yes, we've been taking classes together, all these years, but I only just meet him through his sister, Dee, who's also attending Harvard…and all of us have become really good friends." Sue answered, glancing up at Phil, who had his head close to hers, so that he could hear both sides of the conversation.

"How good a friend?" Mason asked.

"Very good friends, Mom and Dad. Phil and I are dating and I know all about him and his family. Do you understand what I'm saying? I know All About them." Sue said.

"Sue, may I speak to Phillip, please?" Cheryl asked.

"Good afternoon, Mrs. Blair." Phillip said.

"Hello, Phillip. Do I understand that you told our daughter about your, your…heritage?"

"Yes, ma'am. Actually, she's known something about us ever since she was seven years old."

"She remembers the time we visited your parents, when she was seven?" Cheryl asked.

"Yes, Mom, I remember; although I wasn't sure if my memories were real of just dreams, when I was little. I saw Phillip do something wonderful that night, but I didn't know how he was able to do what he did, until just the other day."

"What did you see, Sue?" Mason asked.

"I don't want to say over the phone, Dad. We really called to tell you that Phillip and Dee, Phil's sister, have invited me to come home with them, next weekend, for his birthday and I've accepted. We can talk all about everything, then." Sue said.

"You're that close to him; that he is bringing you home with him?" Mason asked.

"Da-a-d!" Sue cried, embarrassed that Phil could hear all of this. "I was invited as a good friend of both Dee and Phillip. We're getting close, but we're Not That close!" 'But oh how I wish he would ask me to marry him and take me home to meet his parents, as his fiancé!' Sue sighed to herself. "Don't worry, Phillip is a very nice young man; kind, sweet and honorable…and gentlemanly." 'More's the pity!' She thought to herself, again.

"He'd better be and knowing his parents…he probably is." Mason admitted. "Would you put him on? I want to tell him something."

"He's right here, Daddy." Sue said, handing the phone to Phil.

"Yes, Mr. Blair?"

"I want you to keep my daughter safe, during this situation with Giuliani. But if you hurt one hair on her head, I'll do worse to you, than I plan to do to Niko, do I make myself clear, young man?"

"Perfectly, sir. Don't worry, I'll keep her safe with every resource, or…skill I have at my disposal. Do you understand Me, sir?"

"Yes, I understand." Mason said.

"Thank you, sir. I look forward to meeting you and Mrs. Blair in less than a week." Phil said, before handing the phone back to Sue.

"Daddy?" Sue asked, uncertainly.

"He sounds like a good man. I look forward to meeting him." Mason said.

"Me, as well." Cheryl added. "We love you, Sweetheart and we just want you to be safe and happy."

"I love you both, too." Sue said.

We'll see you next weekend, then." Mason said, before they all hung up.

Phil blew out a breath and gathered Sue into his arms. Everything would be alright.

Mason and Cheryl hung up their cell-phones, after speaking to Sue…and Phillip Evans. They had made the call while they and Max, Liz and Susan were all taking a break from their continued discussions, that Sunday afternoon. They walked out to the living room and found Max and Liz, snuggled together on the sofa, talking quietly.

"Um, we just spoke to our daughter, Sue and it seems that she is dating your son, Phillip…and she will be traveling to Airatan, for his birthday, next weekend." Mason said in almost an accusatory voice.

"Yes, both our son and daughter, Dee have become good friends with Sue, this semester and they both wanted her to come home with them; although they didn't know exactly who's daughter she was, until the other day." Liz explained.

"I hope you don't have a problem with our children dating each other, Mason, Cheryl." Max said. Mason sighed as he looked over at his wife.

"No, we don't mind. If your Phillip is as nice a person as his parents are, I'll be happy to see them date and maybe…" Mason paused. "Niko Giuliani pursued Suzie, during their senior year in high school, to get in good with me, so that I'd get him a job at the studio; after which, he dumped her in a very public and embarrassing way. She's been among the walking-wounded ever since. I guess Cheryl and I've become overprotective of her."

"Don't worry, you two, everything will be alright." Liz assured them, smiling.

TBC

Was It A Dream? Part 20

Friday evening, Dee, Amy, Phillip and Sue, gathered at the house, after their last classes. They put their luggage into Phil's SUV and then all squished themselves in, so that Shaun could drive them a couple blocks to an empty neighborhood park.

"Why are we stopping here, instead of heading to the airport?" Sue asked.

"Because this park will be the airport, in a few minutes." Phillip explained. "Johann is going to pick us up here in a helicopter. Going by helicopter saves us at least thirty to forty-five minutes in getting to the airport."

"Oh, I've never been in a helicopter." Sue said, anxiously.

"Don't worry, Sue. Johann is a very good pilot and flying in a chopper is fun!" Dee assured her friend.

Just then, they heard the noise of an approaching chopper. They looked way up to see one flying overhead; then it started to slowly descend, straight down, to the park. Sue was holding Phil's hand, as they stood out of the way and she could hear Shaun over the Connection, guiding the chopper down, to land safely in the park.

As soon as it had landed, Phillip gently guided Sue over to the side hatch and helped her up into the cabin and strapped her into her seat. He helped Shaun stow their luggage and then took his seat next to Sue, as they waited a few moments for Shaun to say good-bye to Amy. Shaun had an experiment, which was due on Monday and still needed some work done on it, or he would have been coming with them….and so he had to give Amy a good, long kiss good-bye, as they all waited patiently.

"Hey Johann, thanks for coming out to pick us up." Phillip said. "This is our friend, Sue Blair." He introduced her to their pilot.

"Good to see you Phil, Dee; nice to meet you, Sue." He said.

"Nice to meet you too, Johann." Sue said as Amy finally took her place inside the chopper and Shaun went to stand in front of the craft's nose, as a guide for Johann, as he took off.

After a few moments, Sue realized that riding in a chopper was indeed fun and she settled down to enjoy the ride, grinning at Phillip. When they landed at the airport, a few minutes later, they were just a few yards away from a beautiful Lear-jet with a large V on the side of its tail. They all jumped down and Johann and Phillip transferred the luggage over to the small plane. Another pilot, from the airport came over and flew the helicopter back to its hanger for them and they were ready to board. But Sue was in for a surprise. Instead of sitting down on one of the comfortable couches, back in the cabin, Phillip took her up to the cockpit.

"Hey Louise, nice to see you again, mind if I fly this baby for a while, first?" Phil asked Johann's beloved wife and co-pilot.

"Hi Phil, no go right ahead. We flew out early and have been here for several hours, so we've both had the proper rest and will be ready to take over whenever you want us to." Louise said, before she turned to Sue. "Hi, you must be Sue. I'm Louise, Johann's wife and co-pilot; welcome aboard."

"Thanks Louise, it's nice to meet you too." Sue said, before Louise left the cockpit. "Who's your co-pilot? Don't you need a co-pilot?" Sue asked.

"Not in such a small plane. It's more a matter of how long the flight is. Johann and Louise will rest for a while longer in back and then they can finish the flight for us, then."

Sue nodded and allowed herself to be guided into the co-pilot's chair and be strapped in by Phil. She read off the check-list, as Phil double-checked all of the plane's systems. Soon, Phil was receiving permission to taxi out onto the runway and take off. Sue was very impressed with Phil's expertise and no-nonsense attitude to flying. When they leveled off at their cruising altitude, Phil was able to show Sue their route on a map and asked her to navigate for him. Sue did so, while taking in the fantastic view afforded by the cloudless sky. In no time at all, two hours had passed by and Johann and Louise were knocking on the cockpit door, telling Phil and Sue that it was time for them to take over. The two couples switched places and Phil and Sue went back to the cabin.

They found Amy and Dee stretched out at opposite ends of one long couch, fast asleep, so Phil indicated that Sue could sit down on the couch, on the opposite side of the cabin.

"Would you like something to eat or drink? There are sandwiches and all sorts of junk-food back here, as well as all kinds of drinks." He told her from the small galley at the back of the cabin.

"Yeah, a sandwich, some chips and a pop would be great." Sue answered.

Phil brought a tray, loaded with sandwiches, chips, two cans of pop and some freshly baked apple turnovers, for dessert.

"Looks like Grandma Amy has been busy baking again." Phil enthused.

"Grandma Amy, she's your Aunt Maria's mother and obviously, Amy's grandmother." Sue confirmed and Phil nodded, smiling. Dee, Phil and Amy had told Sue all about their families, over the last week.

"Yeah and she's a great baker. I asked her to make my birthday cake again this year." Phil said.

"Doesn't that hurt your mother's feelings?" Sue asked.

"No, Mom and Dad are both great cooks, but neither of them bakes much. Grandma Amy makes the cakes and desserts for all of our holidays and special occasions." Phil explained.

After eating their snack/dinner, Sue and Phil snuggled into each other's arms, but stayed slouched on the sofa. They chatted about inconsequential topics for a while and then fell asleep. An hour and a half later, they woke up as one; stretching but remaining in each other's embrace.

"We must be almost home, we're descending." Phil observed.
"Yeah, we're about thirty minutes away from landing." Amy told them. We were going to give you two about fifteen more minutes, before we woke you up."

"Where's Dee?" Sue asked, looking around the cabin.

"She's in the lady's room, freshening up." Amy answered and then, as if hearing her name being called, Dee popped out of the lavatory and Amy ran to take her place.

"I'd better do a little freshening up, as well." Sue said, as she reached for her purse to pull out her comb.

"You look lovely, as always." Phil assured her.

"I'm going to meet your parents for the first time…in the flesh, anyway and I'm nervous, so I need to comb my hair, Phil." Sue told him, as she turned away from him a little to give herself some psychological privacy, if not physical privacy, as she made unnecessary touch-ups to her make-up and hair.

While she was combing her short hair, Sue could see Dee out of the corner of her eye, as the other girl did some last-minute brushing of her gorgeous, long, blond hair. Something broke inside Sue and a few tears started to slip down her face. Unnoticed by Sue, Phil had been able to see her reflection, in her compact mirror and now he saw her tears and gathered her back into his arms.

"Sue, what's the matter? You don't have a thing to be nervous about; my parents will love you." Phil assured her.

"It's not…sniff…that." Sue said, trying not to cry.

"What's the matter, Suzie?" Dee asked, concerned as she came over and sat on the other side of her friend.

"It's silly…" Sue said.

"Nothing that makes you cry is silly." Phil told her, firmly.

"It's just that…it's been over three years since I cut my hair short…and all of a sudden…I miss it." Sue started to cry again.

"Oh Suzie, your hair is beautiful, just the way it is." Dee assured her.

"I was watching you brush your lovely hair, Dee and the memory of brushing mine came back to me…and I miss it…so much."

"I could…give you back your long hair…if you'd like." Phil offered.

"What?" Both Sue and Dee exclaimed.

"I could grow your hair long for you…but it could only be for this weekend." Phil warned her. "If I make it long for you, will you be able to handle it, when I have to make it short again, Sunday night? You wouldn't be able to explain how your hair grew so long, over just a weekend."

"Would you really do that for me?" Sue asked.

"Of course, but I think that you're beautiful inside and out, no matter how long your hair is." Phil told her.

"Can we try it and then if I look really dumb, you can make it short again before we land." Sue suggested.

"Alright." Phil agreed.

"Here, let me create a mirror for you." Dee jumped up and walked over to the other side of the plane, where she swept her hand over the bulkhead and it turned into one, large mirror, with lights all around it.

"If you don't want to watch, just close your eyes." Phil advised.

"No, I want to watch." Sue said.

"How long do you want your hair to be?"

"It was about as long as Dee's is now, down past my waist." Sue told him.

Phil nodded and then started to sweep his glowing hands over Sue's head. With each sweep, her hair grew about six inches, until it was down past her waist.

"Here are two combs, Sue." Dee said. "I think your hair would look really great, if it were pulled away from your face and secured with the combs, at the side, like Jane Seymour, in that old TV show, 'Dr. Quinn'." Dee suggested. Sue nodded at her friend and Dee bent forward to arrange her hair as she had described.

"Oh that does look nice!" Sue said, happily, looking side to side, at her reflection. "Thank you, Phil for doing this for me and thank you, Dee for arranging my hair this way."

"Oh my gosh, what did you do to your hair? It's gorgeous!" Amy exclaimed, as she came out of the lavatory. "I go to powder my nose and you grew two feet of hair!"

"Sue wanted to try having her hair long, like she used to, so Phil lengthened it for her and I arranged it." Dee explained.

"It's so shiny and straight and I've always loved the gold and red highlights your hair has." Amy told Sue.

"I know that I'm going to have a hard time keeping my hands out of it." Phil said. "Dad is always playing with Mom's long hair."

"Hey you guys, we're about to land in a few minutes. Please stow everything away and buckle yourselves in." Johann announced over the P.A.

They scrambled around, getting everything cleaned up and Dee changed the mirror back into the bulkhead, with three windows in it. They all buckled in, but Phil had Sue looking out her window as the plane made a slow circle, over the valley.

"Oh, Phillip, it's more beautiful than I imagined!" Sue exclaimed in wonder as she gazed down at the V-shaped valley.

Shortly after that, they landed on the air-strip, just outside Airatan's mountainous walls and Louise came to open the hatch. Phil helped Sue down the plane's steps and then turned to catch the luggage, which Johann was tossing down to him.

"Here come Mom, Dad, Aunt Maria and Uncle Michael." Dee said, as two cars pulled up a safe distance from the plane.

"Mom, Dad!" Both Dee and Amy called out to their respective parents, as they ran over to be gathered into their arms.

Phil put down the last piece of luggage, thanked Johann and Louise for the flight, took Sue's hand and drew her over to his parents.

"Mom and Dad, this is Sue." He said, simply.

Max and Liz noticed their clasped hands, how closely they stood to each other and the happy expressions they both wore on their faces and knew that there was nothing simple about their relationship.

"Nice to meet you, for real, Sue." Max said, shaking her small hands in both of his large ones.

"Nice to meet you, as well, Mr. Evans; Mrs. Evans." Sue said, as she shook Liz's hand.

'Oh yes, if Phil's expression is anything to go by, this young woman will soon be my third daughter.' Liz thought to herself, as she smiled gently at Sue.

"Hey there Phil." Max greeted his son with a hug.

"Hi Dad; Mom." Phil said, as he hugged his tiny mother, as well.

"Uncle Michael, Aunt Maria, this is our friend, Sue Blair." Dee introduced her.

"Nice to meet you, Sue. We look forward to meeting your parents, tomorrow." Maria said and Michael smiled his greeting to her.

"Let's get everything loaded and head home." Michael said.

"You'll be staying with us, of course, Sue." Liz said. "Your parents and aunt will have the choice of staying in our one hotel, down here at this end of the valley, or staying at a friend's house, who lives nearby us." Sue nodded, as they all got into the cars and took off for the other end of the valley.

"We're all coming to your house, after breakfast tomorrow, right, Maxwell?" Michael called between cars, after they had both stopped at the foot of the Guerin driveway.

"Yeah, come whenever you want to." Max answered and then pulled away, to drive to his home.

"Suzie!" Libby called, as she ran up to the car, after it had stopped by her house.

"Libby!" Sue called, as she scrambled out of the car to hug her one-time playmate.

"Oh my gosh, it is so great to see you!" They both exclaimed.

"Come in, all of you." Max said, as he herded his family inside.

"Sue, you have a choice of two places to sleep." Liz explained. "Dee and Libby can share a room and you can have one of theirs all to yourself, or you can share a room with one of the girls, if you'd like."

"Well, I'd really like a chance to get caught up with you, Libby. Would you mind sharing your room with me, as you did when we were little?"

"Of course not, that's a great idea!" Libby exclaimed, coming over to her friend. "I can tell you all about my big brother!" She whispered into Sue's ear.

"I'd like that!" Sue whispered back and then started to giggle along with her friend, as she gazed over at a worried Phillip.

"Come on, I'll show you my room" Libby said, taking Sue's hand in hers and the two of them and Dee ran towards the bedroom wing.

"We'll have cake and coffee out here if you'd like some, girls." Liz called after them.

"I realize it's ten o'clock, back in Cambridge, Phil. How are you holding up?" Max asked his son.

"I'm…going to want to hit the sack, soon, Dad. It's been a long day." Phil said.

"Well, you're home now, so do whatever you want to." Liz said and Phil smiled.

Back in the bedroom wing, the girls had decided to get into their night clothes, but to go get some cake and bring it back to Libby's room, to eat, since it was only eight o'clock to Libby. As Sue came back with her cake, Phil motioned to her to come into his room for a moment.

"We aren't going to be able to sleep together while we're here. It's a pity you didn't ask for your own room, I could have snuck in and…" Phil whispered to Sue.

"It's best that I'm staying with your sister, so that you can't sneak in and…" Sue whispered back.

"Don't let them monopolize all of your time. I want to spend time with you, as well; show you around the valley."

"Don't worry; I'm sure we'll have plenty of time together." Sue assured him, before she went up on tip-toe, to kiss him good night.

"Mmm goodnight, Sweetheart." Phil told her, as he made himself release her.

"Goodnight, Phil." Sue said, as she reluctantly took her cake and went back into Libby's room.

Max and Liz ended up sitting alone to eat their cake and drink their coffee.

"Sue is so much more happy-looking." Liz observed.

"Yes, and she must have asked someone to lengthen her hair for her. I wonder if My son, Phil will be as tempted to play with Sue's hair as his father is tempted to play with his mother's?" Max wondered, as he reached out to twine a lock of Liz's, long hair through his fingers.

"If he's learned anything from his romantic, sexy father, he will." Liz murmured. She had already forgotten her cake and cooling coffee, on the table, as she slipped her arms up around Max's neck, to slide her fingers through his short, but silky hair and bring his lips down to hers.

"He's a bright lad." Max murmured, between kisses.

"And Sue looks like an intelligent young woman. She'll figure out the seductive power of long hair, if Phil doesn't." Liz said and then there was no more talking between the two of them.

Early the next morning, Sue came out to the kitchen, dressed and ready for a new day, to find Phil at the large, cherry kitchen table, drinking coffee.

Happy birthday." Sue called softly, as she came over to give Phil an extra-special birthday kiss.

"Mmmm, happy birthday to me, indeed!" Phil grinned up at her. "Would you like some coffee?"

"Sure, but I can get it for myself." Sue motioned Phil to stay seated.

"The rest of the family won't be up for a while yet. I could make us some of my famous French toast now, or we could go out for a walk first and come back to have breakfast, afterwards." Phil suggested.

"A walk sounds great if I can take my coffee and perhaps a banana, with me." Sue said.

"Bananas are a good idea. You should be warm enough in that sweater, but let me get my jacket, and then I can put these 'nanas in my pockets." Phil left the kitchen, but was back in a few minutes, wearing his brown leather jacket. "Ready to go?" He asked, holding out his hand to Sue.

"Ready." Sue said, as she put her hand in his.

Phil took her out the front door, which faced the mountainside, across the front lawn and up a flight of steps to a trail, which ran around the entire valley, just above most of the houses. Phil pointed out one house, which was a ways up the mountain, but only a short distance from his own home.

"That's Sam Jones' house up there, where your parents and aunt have the option of staying. He's a retired General and he wanted to build his house way up high 'among the treetops', as he put it. The house is earth-sheltered; built into a natural cave, but you'd never know that you're underground because of all the windows and skylights that he has." Phil told her.

"Oh wow, I'd love to see it and I bet Aunt Susan will love staying there; she loves unusual architecture." Sue said.

From there, Phil and Sue strolled down the trail; taking in the incredible views of the two valleys. Sue sipped her coffee, which Phil kept hot for her and they both ate their bananas, to tide themselves over, until they walked back to the Evans' house, sometime later. They entered the house to the mouth-watering scents of French toast being made with cinnamon raisin bread.

"Wow, everything smells so good and we're starving." Phillip said, as he and Sue walked into the kitchen. There was a flurry of 'happy birthdays' and 'where have you been?' from his two sisters and his parents.

"Sue and I woke up early and decided to take a walk. I took her along the upper trail for a ways; showing her the valley." Phil explained.

"Phil pointed out General Jones' house. I'd love to see the inside!" Sue said, excitedly.

"I'm sure that Sam would be happy to give you a tour, even if your family doesn't opt to stay there." Liz said.

"You two come and eat your breakfasts, while they're still hot." Max said.

"This looks delicious, Mr. Evans." Sue said, as she sat down at the table.

Sue and Phil were still eating when a large group of people barged through the French doors, into the family room. The 'happy birthdays' being called out to Phil, who had a full mouth, told Sue that all of these people must be family and friends.

"Hey everyone!" Phillip called out to his aunts, uncles and cousins, after he swallowed his French toast and a large gulp of milk. "Uncle Kyle and Aunt Tess, when did all of you get here?"

"We drove up from Roswell, yesterday evening." Kyle said. "We want to be here with both of your parents when Niko arrives on Monday."

"Oh he's already here." Max said. "Our security people already caught him twice last week, trying to cut through or climb over the out perimeter fence. We're now waiting for him to try and tunnel his way under the fence."

"I don't suppose he's tried to just walk through the open gates, during the day?" Phillip asked.

"No, people with twisted-up psyches don't usually think of the obvious." Michael said.

"When are Aunt Isabel and Uncle Alex flying in?" Phillip asked.

"They should be here within the next hour, with Sue's parents and aunt. They're coming in on the same plane." Liz said.

"Happy birthday!" Another group of people came through the French doors.

'These must be all of the grandparents.' Sue thought, looking at the gray-haired, but healthy and active-looking folks.

"Grandmas; Grandpas!" Phil called out. "Sue, come with me, you have to meet all of my grandparents and then I'll introduce you to everyone else." Phil did so, while holding her hand and then a game of Frisbee was suggested and everyone noisily trooped back outside.

This was how Mason, Cheryl and Susan saw the Evans' house when they arrived; encircled by young people and old, all having a great time, outdoors. The three of them had, had a very pleasant flight in from L.A., with Alex and Isabel Whittman and their two college-age kids, Charlie and Judy. They had been met at the airstrip, just outside of town by Max, who had slipped away from his home; and General Sam Jones, who was very graciously inviting the three of them to stay in his house, unless they wanted to stay in the excellent hotel at the other end of the valley. Mason, Cheryl and a flustered Susan had all agreed that they would love to stay at the General's house, if he was sure that he would not mind sharing his home with three strangers. Sam had driven his guests to his house, to drop off their luggage, allow them to freshen up, had given them a quick tour and then they had all walked down the steps to the Evans' back yard.

"There's Sue." Mason pointed out their daughter, to Cheryl and Susan.

"Her hair looks different." Cheryl noted. "Oh my gosh, it's long! Her hair has grown long again. How could that have happened in just three weeks?"

"I don't know, but that's not the only thing different about her. She has her old spark back, Cheryl. Our little girl is smiling and laughing again; she's come back out of her shell!"

"Oh Mason!" Cheryl sighed, happily, just watching Sue play for a few moments.

"Do you think her young man had something to do with bringing her out of her shell?" Susan asked, smiling. "Boy, he's cute! Let's stop gawking and go and say hello."

The four of them walked down the hill, to greet their daughter and meet her boyfriend…so far, so good.

TBC