Chapter Two
Sam moaned softly as she came back to consciousness. She could feel warm blankets around her and knew she was in a bed. She breathed in and could smell the wonderful smell of air-dried laundry all around her. She slowly opened her eyes. The images were fuzzy at first, but they cleared rather quickly. She could see a white ceiling with brown timbers in it.
She was a little worried at first, being in a strange place. Then she remembered what had happened, and she felt relief that she was alive. She gave a soft groan as she tilted her head and looked around. The room was fairly plain. White ceiling and walls, wooden floors and a chest of drawers. The door was open just a crack.
Sam grunted in discomfort as she felt pain in her legs. She grimaced. It wasn't the first time she had felt "Phantom Pains". She sighed as she pulled herself up into a sitting position and looked around.
Soft light was filtering in through curtains covering a window. Judging by the color of the light, she guess it was still cloudy and stormy outside. As Sam closed her eyes, she thought back on what had happened and frowned. She hoped and prayed that Mac was okay. She wished she had been able to move her legs, or at least feel them. She was so absorbed in thought, she almost missed a new sensation.
Her eyes snapped open as an almost forgotten sensation reached her brain: the feeling of cloth moving against her foot.
She looked down at her feet. Sam forced her mind to recall the command and she stared at her feet. She almost died of shock when her toes wiggled slightly under the covers. Here eyes were wide as she stared at her feet in wonder. This wasn't possible! Sam just watched as she moved her toes, not believing what she was seeing. As the pain in her legs dulled, she began to smile as she moved her toes back and forth. Her smile grew.
She continued to stare at her feet as the door opened. After a few moments, she looked up, the same smile adorning her face. It was the same person she had seen before, but now, she was able to really get a good look at them.
It was a young man. His messy hair was a sun-bleached blonde color. His eyes were a lovely shade of emerald green. He was tall and slim, but not skinny. His physique made her think of a runner or a swimmer. His skin was slightly tanned, but not too pale, either. He was dressed in gray cargo pants and a denim shirt. He smiled softly as he came closer.
"How're you feeling?" he asked. Sam's smile grew even more. Her mind was almost frozen with so many thoughts and feelings. At first, she couldn't find her voice.
"I . . . I can feel my legs . . ." she said, almost not believing it. The young man smiled further.
"That's good. I'm glad," he said softly. Sam blinked as she looked up at him. His smile was soft and gentle. She laughed softly as tears ran.
"I . . . I don't know what to say. How did you-?" The young man smiled.
"The Autodoc on my ship is a good one." he replied. Sam began to laugh again. The young blonde came closer and looked at her. "You look much better, but you should still take it easy." Sam looked at him, the smile still on her face. "My name's Kyle," he said, offering his hand. Sam took it, almost hesitantly at first.
"I'm Sam." she replied. Kyle smiled and Sam felt her cheeks warm as she thought how handsome he was.
"Nice to meet you. Are you feeling hungry?" Sam smiled at his kindness.
"Not very. Thank you, though." Kyle nodded.
"Well, if you need anything, just call. Okay?" Sam nodded, the smile never leaving her face.
With that, Kyle left the room, gently closing the door behind him. Sam looked back at her feet in amazement as she wiggled her toes.
As Kyle closed the door, he sighed softly as he looked up at the ceiling, where one spot was much darker than the other shadows.
Kyle, how is she?
Much better, Sophie. Kyle felt Sophie's relief. He watched as the shadow silently dropped to the floor and stood upright and he smiled at the beautiful, tall and dark being. The eight-foot tall Alien gently placed a hand on Kyle's shoulder and hissed very softly as her tail brushed his legs.
Why was she out in storm like that? Sophie asked. Kyle frowned as he put his hands in his pockets.
I don't know, but if what she was mumbling about in her sleep is anything to go on, she was trying to warn her friend, "Mac" about Dr. Reinhardt's "colleagues". Kyle could feel Sophie's unease.
Kyle could hardly believe that Nazis were actually on Zerichs II.
Then, we should warn her friend. And tell him she's all right. Kyle agreed as he walked off to try to find out who this "Mac" was and how to get in touch with him, Sophie following.
XXX
Sam was almost delirious with excitement. She wasn't paralyzed anymore! She still had a hard time believing that it was real. She spent her time focusing on moving her toes, then her feet. The muscles in her legs had atrophied somewhat over the years, despite her efforts to try to stave it off.
As a result, moving her legs was a little more of a challenge, but at least she could.
Sam looked up as the door opened and Kyle walked in with a tray and a tall glass of water and some food. She smiled as he set the tray over her.
"I brought you some water, some cheese and some crackers. Something light." Sam smiled as she sipped the water gratefully.
"Thank you so much. I can't begin to say how grateful I am," she said as she tried one of the crackers. Kyle gave the same soft, gentle smile as he nodded.
"Well, you're welcome. Just glad you're okay." Sam smiled at Kyle as she tried some of the cheese he had brought. It was wonderful and tangy. Kyle watched her for a moment before he spoke again. "By the way, what were you doing out in this storm, anyway?" Sam suddenly spit out the water she had been drinking and coughed. She looked up at him, startled. She had completely forgotten.
"Oh my god! The Nazis! I have to warn Mac! Maybe there's still time!" she began to panic and tried to get up. Kyle, startled by her outburst, stopped her, putting his hands on her shoulders.
"Hey, take it easy! Calm down. Now, what's this about Nazis?" Kyle asked. Sam looked at him, her amber eyes filled with fear.
"They're after my friend! I know they are! I have to tell him before they can get the drop on him!" Kyle blinked as he stared at her. Sam frowned. "I'm telling the truth!"
"I believe you. Calm down. Who is your friend they're after?"
"Bryan MacReady. He's a ship Captain that hauls cargo." Sam looked at Kyle, her eyes pleading. "Please, I have to warn him!" Kyle gently smiled.
"Don't worry, I'll get the word to him. The storm is still interfering with transmissions, but I'll try. Just relax. I promise I'll warn your friend." Sam smiled, but it was laced with fear. Kyle gently patter her shoulder. "Drink some more water. You need it. I'll get on the radio. If I can't reach him, I'll try to get a hold of someone who can." With that, Kyle was gone. Sam sipped some more water as she tried to relax, without much success.
XXX
Kyle sighed with some relief as he turned off the radio. He had been hardly able to reach anywhere, but he had been able to reach his friend, Peter, who told him that MacReady was off-world, hauling cargo and hadn't returned yet. Peter had promised to get the warning out as soon as the storm let up, easing Kyle's mind. He leaned back in the chair of the ship as Sophie gently brushed his face with her hand.
Don't worry, Kyle. They'll warn MacReady and tell him what's going on. Sophie said. Kyle nodded as he looked at Sophie and smiled as her lips placed a gentle kiss on his cheek. Kyle closed his eyes as Sophie softly wrapped her arms around him, gently nuzzling him.
Thanks, Sophie. Sophie pulled back and brushed a strand of blonde hair from his eyes.
You're welcome, my mate.
XXX
Sam looked up as Kyle opened the door and entered her room. He smiled at her.
"MacReady is out hauling at the moment, so he's safe." Sam sighed heavily with relief. "And they're going to do a ricochet to get him a warning before he lands. Don't worry, he's well-warned." Sam laid back in her bed, relief flooding through her. A "Ricochet" was a local term for a message sent to local ships from the orbiting satellites.
"Thank you, Kyle. Thank you so much. For everything." Kyle just smiled at her.
"You're welcome." Kyle walked over and switched on the lamp next to Sam's bed, bathing the room in a soft glow. "The storm is going to last about a week, more or less." Sam nodded. Kyle stood back, his hands in his pockets and the same soft smile. "Me and my partner have to make sure our aqua-farm is secure. When we get back, we'll all have dinner together." Sam returned the smile.
"That sounds nice." Kyle nodded and left. Sam sighed as she laid back. She had so many questions she wanted to ask. She smiled softly as she pulled the blankets closer. She could ask Kyle at dinner.
Kyle walked down the hall from Sam's room until he stood next to a doorway. He smiled as a large, black hand reached out and gently took his, holding it gently.
Sophie, are you sure about this? He received a positive.
Yes, Kyle. I think she's a nice person. I think we can trust her. Sophie replied. Kyle was still a little apprehensive, but agreed. Sophie had always been a very good judge of people. Sophie purred gently as she stroked his hair. Kyle smiled as he gently touched her face.
Well, I'll go get dinner ready . . . said Kyle as he headed for the kitchen.
XXX
Sam looked up as Kyle opened the door, wheeling her wheelchair in. Sam's smile slipped as she stared at the mechanical contraption with distaste. Kyle smiled at her.
"You still need this. Sad to say, you're not going to be walking overnight." Sam sighed and agreed as Kyle brought the chair next to the bed. Sam slid out of the bed and into the chair with practiced ease. She noticed that the seat was now dry. She looked up at Kyle and he smiled.
"Lead the way." Kyle smiled as he did just that.
As Sam followed Kyle out into the hallway, she took note of the lamps in the walls and the soft, pinkish glow from their glass. She smiled. Kyle's home had a very cozy, soft atmosphere to it. As they came into the living room, Sam noticed there were quite a few paintings on the walls. She was distracted by the wonderful smell of dinner. She knew the smell of chowder, and she was almost drooling.
Kyle motioned to an empty spot at the table. Sam smiled as she parked her wheelchair at the table. Kyle ladled out some steamy chowder from a large pot in the middle of the table, added some bread with butter and some crackers. Sam beamed as he set the bowl and plate down. Kyle's smile was as warm and gentle as ever. Sam was almost at a loss for words. "Thank you," she said, feeling her cheeks warm.
"You're welcome." the blonde replied as he served himself his portion. Sam took a spoonful of the wonderful chowder and smiled at the delightful taste. She could taste fresh prawn as well as fish, clams and potatoes. It was wonderful and creamy. Sam noted there was plenty of prawn and clams in Kyle's chowder, but that was to be expected; Zerichs Prawns grew to be as large as a small dog.
Sam noticed Kyle fill a third bowl with the chowder and set it in front of another chair. That reminded her.
"Oh, where's your partner?" Sam asked before taking another spoonful of the delightful chowder. Kyle smiled as he poured them some hot tea with honey in it.
"Oh, she'll be along in a bit." he replied. Sam felt her stomach tighten just a little. She had been going to ask if Kyle was single,but now she thought better of it.
"So, where are we?" Sam asked. Kyle smiled as he sipped his tea.
"Eramore Island." he replied. Sam blinked as she stared at him.
Eramore Island was nicknamed "Eerie Island" by locals, as it was so close to Monk's Mountain Island, not to mention it was home to the fabled Foggy Forest. She didn't think anyone lived there.
Kyle noticed her surprised look and chuckled softly. "Don't worry, the island's reputation is most unearned." Sam sighed softly as she ate some more.
"So, how long have you lived here?" she asked, trying to make conversation. Kyle smiled as he sipped some chowder broth.
"Two years." he replied as he dipped his bread in the chowder. Sam looked at the chowder and smiled.
"And you said you're an aqua-farmer." she stated. Kyle nodded as he sipped some tea. Sam smiled as she ate another spoonful of the chowder. "You never said anything about being a cook." Kyle smiled more at that as Sam gave a wide grin. "And a good one at that." Kyle chuckled at that.
"Oh, by the way," he said, catching her attention. "Your boat is fine. We fished it out and it's resting aground at the moment." Sam's mouth dropped open and she dropped her spoon into her bowl in disbelief. Kyle looked a little amused at her look. "It's a little dinged up, but I think we can knock the dents out of it." Sam blinked as she stared at him.
"Uh, I . . . how did you-?" Kyle smiled.
"We hooked it up to our ship and hauled it out." Sam could hardly believe what she was hearing. She looked down at the bowl of chowder, then up at Kyle and his soft smile. She had just met him, and already she owed him more than anyone else. Not only had he saved her life and her livelihood, he had given back to her something she thought she could never get back. Despite the tears forming, she smiled as she looked at him.
"Kyle . . . I can't find the words . . . I don't know what to say." Kyle just smiled back at her.
"You already thanked me, Sam. Besides, I just hauled your boat out and piloted the ship. My partner is the one who dove in after you." Sam blinked. Kyle smiled at her. Sam sighed as she took a healthy swig of tea.
"Yeah, that's right. You haven't told me about your partner. What's she like?" Kyle smiled, and Sam thought that he glowed, he looked so happy thinking about her.
"There's nobody else like her in the whole of creation." Sam felt that he looked like a man trying to describe what paradise was like. "She's my very best friend and so much more. She's smart, she's strong, she's gentle and she's protective." Kyle looked at Sam, and his green eyes seemed to sparkle like real gems. "She is what is best in people." Sam smiled. Kyle spoke as a man who was completely, hopelessly and irrevocably in love.
"So, when will she be joining us? I don't want her dinner to get cold." Kyle smiled.
"She'll be along in a minute. One thing, though," Sam raised an eyebrow. Kyle took a breath.
"She's not a human." Sam blinked. On Zerichs II, there were many people besides humans. She guessed Kyle and his partner had been the subject of racism before. Sam smiled.
"Oh, is she Arcturian? I have a friend who's Arcturian." Kyle smiled and shook his head lightly.
"No. She's different." Sam kept her smile as she ate another spoonful of the chowder.
"Well, I don't mind. I want to meet her." Kyle smiled as he leaned to the side slightly, looking past Sam.
"Sophie, darling? Would you come in?" Sam blinked and turned around. She blinked as she stared. The tall form easily towered over her and Kyle. It was black as midnight. It stood upright on two spindly-looking legs. The head was long and curved, a long tail slowly waved behind it. Sam noticed that it had no eyes. Part of her was frightened as she took in the skeletal appearance of it, but she recalled what Kyle had said.
This was his partner.
Kyle smiled from his seat as Sam stared at her. "Sam, I'd like you to meet Sophie." Sam couldn't find her voice for a few moments. She had never seen anything like her. She noticed that Sophie stayed where she was, seeming to wait for her to make the first move. Sam turned her chair around to face her as Sophie slowly came closer. As Sophie knelt down to be at Sam's level, she found her voice.
"It's nice to meet you, Sophie." Sam said, smiling. She was surprised when Sophie's lips turned upwards into a smile of her own. Sam chuckled. "Thank you for saving me." Sophie replied with a soft moan as she gently nodded her head. Sam's smile grew as Sophie took her place at the table.
Kyle spent the rest of dinner explaining to Sam how he and Sophie had met, how Sophie had been born, how they had escaped and how they had come to Zerichs II.
Sam was shocked, especially when she heard the name of the man in charge of the experiment.
"Reinhardt?! You mean Dr. Alan Lothar Reinhardt?! That Reinhardt?!" Sam could hardly believe her ears, but Kyle had the proof.
He had found documents among the gold Reinhardt had stashed in his ship, all of them in German. Kyle wasn't too surprised to learn that Dr. Reinhardt was to the Fifth Reich, what Mengele was to the Third Reich.
Sam, for her part, wasn't surprised that a Nazi was working for Weyland-Yutani, but it made her uneasy, especially since the Reich came first. Kyle agreed. From what he had learned, translating the documents, it looked like the not-so-good Dr. was giving the information and results of his research to the Nazis first, if he ever gave it to W-Y at all. The thought made Sam shiver.
On the lighter side, Sam was fascinated by Sophie, and how she had grown. When Kyle showed her the scar on his chest, he gained an interesting little bit of insight on Sam's background.
"For a scar from a surgery like that that's only two years old, the healing is incredible." Indeed, the scar was only faintly visible, and was barely raised at all. Kyle was at a loss to explain, as was Sophie, but Sam had a theory. "It must be Horizontal Gene Transfer." Kyle blinked. Sam explained.
"Because when Sophie grew inside you, you received some of her cells, her DNA. It mixed with yours. Your healing has sped up as a result." Sophie hissed softly at this.
Kyle, she talks like she knows medicine. Kyle agreed.
When dinner was done, they all had a much better understanding of each other. Sam smiled as she looked at Sophie and Kyle. Sophie's tail was wrapped around Kyle's waist and his lower chest as she purred softly. Despite her slightly threatening appearance, Sophie was calm, gentle and kind.
Sam already liked her.
Kyle sighed as he cleared the table.
"Let me put these in the sink and I'll get things ready for bed." Sam looked out a window and could see how dark it was outside. Night had long since fallen and the wind was howling again. Sam was still processing what Kyle had told her. She noticed Sophie standing up as Kyle returned. Sophie gave a soft moan, coupled with a soft hiss.
"She says it's nice to meet you, and you're welcome in our home." Kyle said gently. Sam smiled at Sophie.
"It's so wonderful to meet you. Thank you again." Sophie acknowledged with a nod of her head. With that, Kyle led Sam back to her room while Sophie brought some more blankets and some spare clothes.
Thankfully, since Sam was as tall as Kyle, his spare clothes would fit. When they were done, Sam's bed was piled high with warm blankets, soft pillows and comforters. She thanked them again before they left to go to bed themselves. As Sam slipped into the soft bed, she smiled as she snuggled under the blankets. She felt so happy, she was almost walking on air. She smiled wider as she closer her eyes. Speaking of walking, she couldn't wait to get started on the road to recovery.
XXX
Sophie purred, lowering the sound into the familiar thrum that she used when she was comfortable and happy with her mate as they entered their bedroom.
The whole of the room was covered, floor to ceiling, with the thick, hard resin that Sophie's kind made their hives from. The biomechanical images looked like bones, tubes and all manner of strange things, but to Kyle, it was home. The bed was of a basic, four-post canopy-bed design like those from Ancient Earth and Old Europe, but the construction was almost as Alien as one could get.
The posts, which reached almost to the ceiling, were made of the same resin as half of the room. The same was true for the frame of the bed. The curtains that covered it were of an off-white silken material that was of the same origins as the resin. Sophie had made it all.
The room was their sanctuary; a place of peace. The bed Sophie had made to be their nest.
A love-nest. It was warm, protective and private. It was perfect. Sophie nuzzled him as they walked to the bed and Kyle unbuttoned his shirt.
Sophie crawled into the bed, caressing the silken sheets as Kyle removed his cargo pants and socks before swinging his legs under the covers where Sophie wrapped her tail around his waist as she pulled the blankets over them. Kyle smiled as he felt the softness of the bed envelope his body and the warmth of Sophie's mind wrap around his own.
I really like Sam, Kyle. She's a nice person. Kyle smiled as he stroked Sophie's face.
She is. I'm so thankful we were able to get there in time. Sophie agreed. Kyle still remembered the chilling screams for help Sam had yelled over the static. Sophie felt Kyle's unease and swept the unpleasant thoughts away. Kyle was grateful to her. If not for her, he knew that Sam's screams would haunt him, even though they had saved her. Sophie gently kissed Kyle on the forehead as she wrapped her arms around him.
I love you, Kyle. My darling. Kyle smiled as he softly kissed Sophie on her soft lips.
And I love you, my wonderful lady. With that, they drifted off to sleep.