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Since the list has been so quiet I have decided to send out My latest work, please bear with me, as it has been sent to my beta reader, but she hasn't had time to send it back yet. So please excuse the typos and such. As soon as I get it back from my Beta reader, I will be posting this on AO3, and the next story will soon follow.

The last sequel to Fate.

The first Sequel following Fate.

This is a two-part story with two sequels. Hope you enjoy Be ADVISED This story contains extreme Violence/Rape in part two.

This also was written many years ago. Please forgive the mistakes. This is the unedited version. I plan on doing some editing and rewriting for this one and putting it up on AO3 at some point.

This story was written years ago, so forgive the mistakes. Linda

Sorry this is just a test. My email program was updated so Im checking to see it I can now send attachments to the lists. This story is in NO WAY any where ready to read PLEASE DISREGARD. THIS IS ONLY A TEST. Thanks for your patients Linda

Hey sweetie, I'm sorry to hear of your loss <3 It's never easy losing a furry baby. They are forever children in our hearts and losing them is never easy. I pray your health gets better and does so swiftly! That said, how do I do this? Like, send crap out to people lol I haven't attempted anything yet because this is all still new to me and I'm still feeling a bit intimidated I suppose hahaha I have a short story I'm working on that I haven't finished yet, but have a hunger to poke around in and get feedback on and if there's more than one pair of eyes on this story, that would be nice. I'm playing with some concepts. Anywho, I have to finish it, but also figure out how to send it out to the group lol I hope health finds you, Cheers, Eric

This is a story I wrote over 20 years ago.. MY Gosh that sounds so long ago. I wrote this sometime around Season one of the Magnificent Seven TV series. and I started the first Ladies of the Magnificent Seven RPG. Several years later I changed my Character a great deal and began writing with another one of my Groups. Any way This was my first Magnificent Seven story. I hope you enjoy. It is extremely long and to big to paste into an email so I have posted it in a word document. Enjoy Linda

Jura, Shadows Bane ?ER Rada, 2015 The hot summer sun gleamed dreamily through the moss covered trees as the three companions lazily stepped through the forest of the Coast of Credatia. Mara walked on as if in a meditative trance as her two companions bickered amongst themselves. “You fool, I could have taken that blubbering ogre myself!” roared Nya. Silently and mockingly, Kiotakay whispered, “His club was about to smash your head in...” Nya flared her nostrils and stormed up behind her husband and cracking him upside the head with her fan. “Ow!” cried Kiotakay, as he stopped and rubbed his wound. “What was that for? And why are bothering me about a fight that happened days ago?” Ignoring the latter question, Nya looked at him sternly, “I don’t need a man to lord over me, protecting me all the time! I can take care of myself!” Kiotakay scowled at her, “fine, next time an ogre is about to turn you into paste I’ll let it. Save me from getting more bumps on my head.” Nya turned to face Kiotakay and pounced him, forcing both to the ground fluidly as she pinned her husband to the ground by his shoulders. “Hey! What’s the big idea?” He grunted. Nya looked into Kiotakay’s fox eyes and smiled, “let me turn into paste and I’ll be sure to haunt you for the rest of your existence!” She then licked his lips playfully. Kiotakay arched his back, twisted his right shoulder and rolled on top of Nya and smiled back, holding her hands to the ground. “I would never allow such a thing to happen, no matter how many bumps I incur.” Kiotakay winked at her and softly kissed her lips. Nya swiftly rolled on top of Kiotakay, bopped him on the head and shouted; “Pain is love!” before he could react. By the time Kiotakay reacted, which was to swat Nya, she was already on her feet and away from him. “Just like you to ruin a romantic moment I’m trying to have with you.” Kiotakay grumbled. Nya moved fluidly behind him and wrapped her arms around his chest, kissing his neck; “And don’t ever change my dear. Now let’s catch up with Mara before we lose her completely.” Kiotakay and Nya are of the volpnie race, an elusive and mysterious race that are fox-humanoids. They only stand about the height of a young child compared to the other races, but are what they lack in height they more than make up in agility and ferocity. Though they have humanoid bodies, they have the heads of an actual fox. Kiotakay and Nya are from the Fennec Tribe and resemble the fennec fox. They are covered in light brown and/or white fur and have large ears. The volpnie society is that of a feudal system with each tribe co-existing with each other, yet independent from one another. Their skills in martial arts are superior to the other races of Moromeer and though they use metal from time to time they have learned to fashion weapons and armor from what the earth provides. Kiotakay was about to make a snarky comment when both of their fennec ears pointed up as if hearing something. Instantly looking at one another and nodding they darted off in different directions into the trees. Mara, who blissfully ignored her companions typical lovers quarrel, came to, from her trance suddenly. Something seemed different in the air and the voices of arguing had ceased. She stopped and felt it even more and then finally she spotted the emerging threat ahead of her. Four mangy bandits snaked out of the trees and all looked at her as though a prize to be had, being a lone woman out on the coast. Their eyes groping her full physique and their imaginations ran wild on what they would do to such voluptuous woman. Whistling and laughing, the four brigands began to circle Mara, all the while she remained stoic, assessing her opponents without moving from her spot. “Eyy, little lady, waddya doin’ all the way out off the beatin’ path...all by yourself, eh? Ya lonely huh? Heh heh,” laughed a handsome yet dumb bandit as he approached her. Mara is what is known, in common, as half-fae, or faefolk, her father is faebon and her mother is human. She is short and full figured like her mother’s side of the family, however, a lot of her training comes from her father’s side. Her long brown hair stretches all the way down to her hips, which she takes considerable jot in maintaining. She has brown eyes with gold flecks that scatter across her iris’, this is what captivates most people and what the handsome bandit first noticed. Mara’s high cheekbones and dark skin tone is common for mireman, something she got from her mother’s side. “So, do ya speak at ya little lady? Or does that come later, when we get to know ya?” The leader ask with a nasty grin on his face. Mara stood still, her cold eyes piercing through the handsome bandit as he crept closer, remaining aware of the other three brigands. She took note of where they placed themselves by listening to their footfalls. She thanked the goddess that her father’s training was so thorough, albeit annoying at times as a kid. A flashback of her father covering her eyes and asking her to describe the people in the room in great detail and their locations came to mind and she used her senses to know where the men behind her placed themselves. The handsome bandit now stood in front of her, examining her breasts and licking his lips, he grabbed her violently by the shoulder and went to strike her with his other hand but in an instant, Mara deflected the incoming punch with her hand by pushing it up towards the sky and delivered her own punch to his ribs. The handsome bandit let out a squeal as Mara’s punch rang through his body. She then twisted the bandit’s deflected punch around him and threw him to the ground and cracked him in the face with another lightening face punch, breaking his beautiful nose. “Oy, that was ma nose! Oh, you’ll pay for that!” Crawling on the ground coughing up blood. “Men, get her!” The other three bandits stood dumbfounded as their handsome friend lay broken on the ground but soon regained their senses and the biggest one began to charge her. She finally decided to draw her weapon, Jura, Shadows Bane and narrowly dodged the incoming attack by deflecting his blade against Jura’s chain. Flowing gracefully backwards and out of harm's way. Speaking for the first time Mara grinned at the close call. “Care to dance with me big guy? Watch your step, I’m a lot faster than I may seem.” Holding onto Jura’s rod in her left hand and the sickles handle in her right, she let the chain dangle that connected the two pieces. “Your move.” Jura, Shadows Bane is a kusarigama crafted by Kiotakay and Nya’s people. It was a gift granted to Mara after saving a town of the fennec tribe. Jura is a sickle with a long chain that’s connected to a heavy weighted rod. The rod itself is made from dragon bone and is a magical rod with a large Alexandrite gem at the end that glistens purple, green and blue, depending on which direction you turn it. The chain and sickle are made from black meteorite metal that absorbs light around it, obscuring it as it moves around. Though volpnie prefer to work with non-metals, the feudal leader commissioned his best blacksmiths to create the kusarigama as Mara asked and she was more than impressed with what they created. From opposite sides, Kiotakay and Nya lept from the trees and ambushed the big oaf. The two foxes work together perfectly as they rushed the big man, darting back and forth, as they approached him. Mara smiled as she watched her two companions, “So you guys finally decided to join the fun?” The oaf let out a resounding battle cry as he swung his two-handed battle axe at the fox duo, but they were too quick and countered with a devastating jump kick to the big man’s belly, which sent him lumbering backwards. He let out a hearty laugh, but stopped short when he heard a strange rattling sound followed by immense piercing pain in his neck. He began to look down and then fell forward; he looked up at his headless lumbering body and then faded away. Kiotakay and Nya were suddenly attacked by another brigand who wielded two daggers. The fox duo began their synchronized attack, dancing between the attacks of their enemy. Parrying the man's dagger attacks with their own. Kiotakay jumped into the air and slashed at the man, which he deftly parried, but missed Nya’s side attack, which slashed his arm as she jumped passed him. The two continued to jump from different directions, trying to throw the brigand off. Mara grabbed ahold of Jura and wiped the blood from the big man off of it and then looks up at the last offender. “Well, it looks like your…” She was about to begin to swing Jura around but was seized, surprisingly, from behind by the handsome bandit who was uttering curses through a bloodied mouth. “Ya stupid wench, all ya had to do was play nice and we would’a let ya live. Now ya gon’ and killed one of me men. You’ll pay for that, wif your life.” The other brigand ran at the seized Mara, but as he approached she quickly kicked him hard and dived down to the ground and punched the handsome man in the groin, sending him to the ground. She quickly side rolled to her feet, Jura began to swing. The weapon emitted an eerie whooshing sound as it circled around Mara. “This isn’t going to end well for you boys, leave now while you still have your lives.” Mara looked at them sternly. The two bandits looked at each other and then at her, then began their attack. “Idiots never listen to the wise.” Mara grinned. The handsome brigand rushed forward, Mara sent the swooping Jura at the man yet he parried the sickle deftly, closed in the gap towards Mara and made a slice at her. Quickly she blocked with the weighted rod at the end of Jura and slid the rod into the gut of the handsome man knocking him back a few steps. With a green flash from the rod and man flew into the air backwards 30 yards. “Now, now, if you want to get up close and personal, you have to place nice. Otherwise, you’re going to pay the consequences.” Mara said as she blasts the man into the air. The other brigand attacked as well but Mara wasn’t not fast enough this time to avoid his sword and took a slice to the stomach. “Ow! Asshole!” With rage in her eyes, the offender would pay dearly, as Mara delivered a spinning back kick to the man’s head, making him drop down to the ground. Swiftly she stopped spinning Jura and threw it up in the air, caught the handle then brought it down on him. Jura caught him in the cheek and with a scowl she said. “I have no tolerance for scum like you.” And then pulled across until freed from his mouth. The man bled profusely as he gargled on his own blood. Seeing the handsome man approach she backed away, letting Jura spin again. The handsome man and the now standing and angry bandit attacked simultaneously. The injured man held his sword up and caused Jura to stop spinning for the moment as they rushed her, but Mara was still able to deflect both attacks with Jura’s chain. Pushing them back she let Jura swing again and rushed the injured bandit where she wrapped the chain around his neck, “The days of you praying on the weak are over. In the name of the goddess you are free from the world.” And with a forceful pull his neck snapped. The handsome man was distraught at the sight of his dead friends, “I vow to laugh over your naked dead body you bitch!” Running after her, he thrusts his sword at her, which she parrys with the rod of Jura, but he attacks again with a circular overhead slash, Mara quickly rolls out of the way, is back on her feet. She immediately throws Jura out at him, but he knocks it down and catches the chain and pulls at it violently, making Mara fall to the ground. In an instant he is on her, he begins to punch at her but she moves side to side dodging his blows. “Flicken tork-humper, you’re going to suffer in the Seven Hells for your perversions and I’m going to send you there!” She tried to buck him off of her but he pressed his weight down, she was unable to get up. The handsome man thrust his hands onto her throat and tightly choked her. Mara gasped for air, unable to breathe, her eyes were large and tears begin to fall. She desperately tried to punch at the bandit but to no avail, her strength was fading. This man’s horrible distorted face leered down as he screamed gibberish at her Finally, her vision began to fade to black. Nya, tending to an injured Kiotakay, noticed what was unfolding with Mara and left Kiotakay to finish off their attacker. “This is no good! We are her protectors! How could we let this happen?” With goddess like speed she flew across the rough terrain and leveled the handsome bandit to the ground. Mara lay there motionless. Nya drew her blade and began to attack. “ Hssss! By my oath, you will pay in blood!” She slashed overhead to which the handsome bandit blocked and kicked at her. Unfortunately, she lost her balance and fell to the ground while trying to dodge the man which resulted with this bigger man on top of her. His laugh was sickly, “Oy, never had fox before, this’ll be interesting.” He began to choke her as well. Nya fought back but was subdued. An eerie whooshing was heard then blood splattered across Nya. The handsome bandit looked down, Jura was pierced through his back and sticking out of his chest. He struggled to speak, “You bi...” Violently, he was hoisted backwards, off of Nya, and landed on the ground. Mara and Kiotakay stood over him. “He’s mine” Kiotakay said sternly. Mara nodded in agreement. “You’ve tried to violate my friend here and my own wife, your life is mine now.” solemnly Kiotakay states. The handsome bandit tried to move but Kiotakay drew his katana and began to stab the handsome man in his stomach rapidly. Still, the handsome bandit tried to move but then the weight of iron vengeance severed his head from body. Nya looked at her husband, he looked at her. His love flowed from his eyes and tears welled up. He looked at Mara as well and. Are you ok?” Mara silently nodded, she regained Jura from the headless corpse of the handsome man. Later on, a feeling of unease hung in the air, Nya began to speak, “Kiotakay, thank you, if not for you I do not know what would have happened.” Kiotakay looked at her intensely. “I will always protect you, as I know you will always protect me.” They held each other for a moment and then looked at Mara, who seemed unfazed by what had happened. Midnight had long passed over the camp, the campfire was nothing more than snapping ambers. The air permeated with burnt wood and dew. The crickets chirped away and the early birds barely started to rouse from slumber. Mara sat through yet another sleepless night, watching over her two friends. Leaning against a tree she watched the fire pit glow orange and black with heat. It was a peaceful time, a time to reflect, a time to meditate. "OH MY GODDESS! Not again!" Nya exclaimed. Kiotakay jumped to his feet, weapon drawn looking around for an unknown enemy. Mara grabbed her weapon out of instinct, but didn't budge. "What what? Are you ok? What's going on?" Came from the voice of Kiotakay as though ripped from sweet serenity of a dream and thrown into the confused chaos of reality. Mara looked at Nya with concern and ready to go to her at a moment's notice, while surveying the surrounding area. "A gah-jeel bug ran across me face again! I can't stand this goddess forsaken place!" Nya cried out. Annoyed at his wife’s riciulous outburst, "Watch your language. We have a lady in our presence! And get over it, bugs are all over the place, like the one on your shoulder." Teasing Nya, Kiotakay grinned as she shrieked. Mara scuffed at Kiotakay's comment. "Like the flindiggerin I care about language." She rolled her eyes at him for being called "lady." "You are of royal blood and so you should act accordingly." Kiotakay admonished. "I may be of royal blood, but that doesn’t change who I am. I'm a thick skinned, battle scarred warrior that cusses as she gah-jeel pleases." Kiotakay winced. Nya smiled broadly. "Shiny."

V: The Unseen Resistance A Time to Fight Chapter One Demons It had been two months since her escape from the mother ship. Tari had settled into her new life with her brother as part of the Los Angeles resistance. She and Julie Parish had become good friends and Tari had begun getting more involved with the resistance. When she had first arrived she'd sat back and helped take care of the children when the group had gone out on raids, until the raid on the processing plant. It had been the first time she had ever been in a fire fight of any sort. Mike had implored her to stay and just keep helping to take care of the kids, but after what he’d revealed about Sean’s disappearance and what Martin had shown him on the ship Tari was determined. She had been thankful for the gun Martin had given her when he helped her escape. It and Mikes laser gun seemed to be the only weapons that had any effect on the visitors. Mike had kept a close eye on her that night as well as Jack and Elias Taylor. It was a learning experience, one she quickly became educated with. Tari’s nights were still filled with dreams and horrifying nightmares of her time on the mother ship. Sleep was a luxury she seldom received, the night mares plagued her every time she would close her eyes. Her memory had returned with a vengeance, she had been devastated to learn the truth about the visitors and struggled constantly with her grief. But one thing stayed the same, her love for Martin. She fought with herself constantly, fighting her want and need to see Martin and the guilt of feeling as if she were some strange pervert because she was in love with a 'reptilian alien' from another planet. Mike had been desperately trying to help her sort out her feelings and come to grips with everything that had happened. But to no avail. Tari was still torn. As was Martin..... **** Martin stood looking out the big picture window in the room behind the restaurant where he had just met with Mike Donovan. He'd stopped Mike Just before the man opened the door to leave. “Tari, is she well?” he'd asked “As well as can be expected I suppose, she’s confused, she still has nightmares. But she’s strong, she’ll get through it.” “Then her memory has returned?” he asked knowing the answer. Mike nodded “Ya, it has” “Then she knows” “Yes Martin, she knows” Martin felt his heart break and he fought to keep his emotions in check. “I never meant to hurt her Mike, I hope you know that” “I know.” Mike sympathized. “I never got the chance to thank you for what you did for her up there. I owe you for that.” “You owe me nothing, What I did, I did because I ..I would do anything for her.” ** A small lamp luminated a corner of the room that had been set aside for meetings. Most of the resistance fighters and their families were sleeping. Tari sat with her knees drawn up to her chest on a couch. This was the only place where she could find some solace without fear of waking Julie or one of the others she shared a room with. She hadn't been able to sleep so she’d quietly slipped out to find a place to be alone. She worried for her dolphins and wondered where they were and if they were eating. She wished she could take a boat and go look for them but it was impossible. Tears started to form in her eyes fearing that they were out there somewhere starving. Jack had said some of the mammals had been shipped out to Oregon. Tank and Sissy the two walruses he was sure had gone to the Oregon aquarium as had the three seals Diego, Maverick, and Molly. Whether they had made it there safely he wasn't sure. The Orca Sultan and the dolphins had been set free. He and Randolph in the stretch that they had, had done their best to prepare them but there had been so little time. All Tari could do now was pray they had learned enough to hunt for food. Sultan was still young, with any luck he had found a pod that would accept him. Tari hoped the same for Cindy and Sally. At least then they would be safe and learn the best way to hunt for their food and be able to fend off predators. Tari wiped away the tears that ha

V: The Unseen Resistance The Arrival Chapter Seven Tari sighed with relief as Mike finally landed the visitor shuttle craft they had escaped in. She'd been terrified that they would be blown out of the sky by the other ship that had chased after them once they were free from the mother ship. Thankfully she'd remembered some of the controls Martin had once shown her and pointed them out to Mike. Her brother was an excellent pilot. It was his expertise that had seen them through the ordeal safely and helped to stop the attack on the camp below. “Where are we?” Tari asked as Mike landed the shuttle. “The mountain camp, I was told most of the resistance and their family's are here.” “The resistance?” “ya” Mike answered as he moved to the back and began to help Sancho out of the craft. “I'll tell you all about, later. You might say it's our new home” Mike had believed the mountain camp to be a safe haven, it had surprised him when they arrived and the camp was under attacked, he wondered how the visitors had found the place and he feared they had a collaborator in their midst. He hoped he was wrong. The battle they had just endured had frightened Tari so badly she felt cemented to her seat even though they were now safely on the ground and the battle won for the moment. Robin Maxwell, the young girl Martin had also liberated, darted from the vehicle in search of her family the moment the door opened, while Mike was helping some men get the wounded Sancho on to a waiting stretcher. He returned the shuttle and held out his hand to his sister. “Come on kid” Tari, slowly got to her feet, gaining control of her quivering legs, she reached out and took her brothers hand as he led her out into the open. She stood quietly behind him as a young blond woman, looking to be about Tari’s age, made her way over to them. Tari noticed the woman's limped as she walked. “Mr. Donovan,” she greeted him coolly. “It’s good to see you. You have a knack of knowing when to drop in.” Mike grinned bashfully, glancing absently at the ground then back to the woman in front of him. The woman turned her attention to the girl standing off to the side just behind Donovan. “And who is this?” She asked in the same cool tone. Mike glanced back at his sister and took her hand gently. He pulled her close to his side while squeezing her hand comfortingly. “My sister, Tari.” he introduced her. “Ah,” came the woman’s acknowledgment. “I see the resemblance,” she remarked, nodding toward the visitor clothing they both wore. Mike caught her underlying hint of sarcasm and looked down at his uniform and then at Tari's own red suit. “OH, these,” he said, giving the vest of his uniform a tug. “Long story, I’ll tell you about it later.” “I look forward to hearing it,” the woman said dryly. She then turned to Tari and gave her a small smile as she held out a friendly hand. “I’m Julie Parish,” she introduced herself with a much more friendly tone than she had shown with Mike. Tari managed to force out a small smile of her own and shook Julie’s hand. As Mike began telling Julie what Martin had revealed to him aboard the mother ship, they slowly strolled away. Tari followed them for a few steps until she noticed that Mike was so caught up in his conversation with Julie Parish that he hadn’t realized he'd left his sister trailing behind. She stood watching them walk away barley hearing their conversation. Something about destroying as many mother ships as possible. Tari began to feel very lonely and her mind drifted to Martin. She was worried for him and prayed he had not been implicated in their escape, she wished he had come with them. Wanting to shake off the hurt and emptiness that overcame her every time she thought of the Visitor she had fallen in love with, Tari started to walk, her face masked in uncertainty as she roamed the camp. Her eyes absently taking in all of the destruction, the loss of life. Across the way she thought she could make out the girl who had escaped with them. She finally recognized her as the one of the daughters of her mothers neighbors the Maxwell

*_V: The Unseen Resistance_* _The Arrival_ Chapter Six Tari set the book she had been reading on her bedside table. Scooting off of her bed she went to the window and looked out. Her Mother was returning from her morning run. She’d asked Tari to join her again this morning but today Tari had opted to stay in her room. Already tired of being inside Tari decided to get a glass of lemonade and go sit out on the back patio. As she made her way down the stairs she could hear her mother talking to someone on the phone. Not wanting to disturb her Tari stopped and stood quietly on the stairs not listening intentionally but it was hard not to overhear. "Steven; If I suspect someone is being smuggled out of town, a scientist perhaps. What should I do?" Eleanor's coy pretense at innocence did not impress her daughter as she stood unseen near the bottom of the staircase. "Oh, I'm not interested in a reward of course." came Eleanor’s flirtatious voice. Tari's stomach turned, her mother's lies making her sick. She continued to listen until Eleanor hung the receiver back up in its place. Turning, Eleanor saw Tari standing behind her with a defiant and disapproving scowl on her face. "How could you mother? How could you turn someone in like that?" Tari scolded. Eleanor glared at her daughter. "Because it's the right thing to do Tareesa. The Visitors are in power now and whatever we can do to stay on their good side will be to our benefit. We can reach very high places knowing the right people. I've tried to teach you that all your life, hasn't any of it sunken in?" "You disgust me mother." Tari scoffed then turned and went back upstairs to her room leaving Eleanor standing at the bottom of the stairs, angry at her daughters rebelliousness. Tari slammed the door to her room as she entered it. She was furious at her mother. She was still confused about the visitor's true intentions. What Mike had told her still lingered in the back of her mind. Though Tari was adamant in believing that Martin was not at all like what Mike had described to her, if any of the visitors *where* reptilian, she was just as sure that her mother's... *friend* Steven was one of them. Tari sat on the edge of her bed. She hated staying here. Her mother's constant nagging and insistence that Tari should move in higher circles and stop brooding over the loss of her precious dolphins; and her brothers stupidity at getting himself into trouble with the visitors was making her a nervous wreck. She hadn't confided in her mother about her relationship with Martin, nor what Mike had told her about the visitors. Then again, she had never felt comfortable confiding in her mother about anything. She was the last one Tari would ever go to for advice or comfort. Without her brother now, and Martin so far out of reach, Tari was more alone than she had ever been before. Since she had been there Arthur, bless his heart, had tried to help console her, even though she had not mentioned anything about Mikes visit or Martin to him either, he was still supportive and respected her privacy. But his drinking had begun to take over making him incapacitated more times than not. Tari cursed her mother for putting Arthur through this hell, watching his wife flaunt herself at Steven right in front of him without so much as a care. She wondered just how much more Arthur was going to take before he did something about it. She had only been at her mother’s a few days, but it had been a few days to many. She wanted to leave and the sooner the better... But where to go? After thinking on it for only a few minutes it suddenly came to her.The Beach house. They had summered there many times when she was growing up. No one ever went there anymore. She could be alone and no one would know where she was, not even the visitors. She could hide out there until she could find Mike. Maybe he was there. Making up her mind Tari stood and reached under her bed for her backpack. After throwing some of her things into it she took off her sweat pants and T-shirt replacing them with a clean pair of straight leg jeans and white button front cotton blouse. She tucked her shirt into her jeans and after putting on a pair of sneakers she donned her denim vest and slung her back pack over her shoulder then quietly opened her bedroom door and started down the stairs. "Tari!" came her Eleanor's harsh voice from behind as Tari reached the front door. Tari turned unintimidated at her mother's authoritative tone. "Where do you think you’re going?" Eleanor asked with a note of irritation lacing her words. Tari looked at her mother with contempt and answered bluntly. "Away from you." Turning, she opened the door and walked out, the door banged shut behind her. "Tari!' Eleanor called after her angrily as she raced for the door and flung it open. "Tareesa Cathleen!" she called out. Tari kept walking without looking back. Eleanor slammed the door in a huff. The girl was hopeless. She had wanted So much for her daughter. Wealth, prestige, honor. But Tari had always shunned such things no matter how hard Eleanor had tried to instill them in her. It was beyond her comprehension how her own daughter could defy her so blatantly without so much as a thank you for trying so hard to help her obtain status. She had hoped when Tari had arrived a few days ago that it had meant that she was willing to at least give her mother the chance to lead her in the right direction. But Eleanor could see now that was not the case.It infuriated her that her children could be so insensitive to her feelings. Eleanor stomped away from the door and returned to the kitchen to relay the last orders to her chef about the dinner preparations. She had been in the kitchen only a few minutes when her butler entered and told her that Steven had arrived. Eleanor put on bright smile as she entered the front parlor and greeted the visitor clasping both his hands in hers. Steven smiled at her then looked at her curiously. There was something wrong, he could see it in her eyes even though she tried to hide it. "What is it?" he asked alarmed. "Something's wrong?" "Oh Steven, you are so perceptive." Eleanor cooed as a distressed frown replaced her smile. "It's my daughter." She let out a discoursed sigh "She overheard my conversation with you on the phone and left in a huff." Eleanor said painfully. "I just don't know what I am going to do with her. She's so much like her brother." Stevens's brows furrowed in mock concern as he hugged the woman comfortingly. "Would you like me to speak with her?" he asked as they parted from the embrace. His purpose seemingly to be helpful but had an underlying intentions. He had been trying since her arrival to discover a way to take Tari Donovan to the ship unnoticed so that she could be questioned thoroughly about her brother. He had hoped Diana could convert her. With Tari Donovan converted they would surely capture the elusive Mike Donavon and finally bring him to justice. He was certain Tari was the key to that capture given the fact that the two siblings were known to be close. This he knew from Eleanor. Eleanor looked up at Steven with a hopeful expression. "Oh Steven, could you? I mean if you think it would help?" Steven smiled. "Of course, I would do anything to help you, you know that Eleanor. You have been more than kind to me and generous with your aid." He told her as meaningful look passed between them. "Now" He began his gaze becoming serious once more. "Where did she go?" "I don't know, she left only a few moments ago. She couldn't have gotten far she was walking." Steven put a comforting hand on the woman's shoulder. "Don't worry. I'll find her. I'm sure once I explain everything to her she will be fine." he smiled reassuringly. Before he hurried out the door to his shuttle. ** Tari looked up as she herd the familiar whine of a shuttle behind her. Her heart stopped as it landed and she hoped beyond hope it was Martin in that shuttle. Horror overcame her as she saw two shock troopers and Steven exit the shuttle door as it opened. Panicked Tari turned and sprinted away. But she was not fast enough. The shock troopers had her before she could find safety. Tari struggled to escape the grip of the shock troopers that held her by both arms. Steven walked up to her. "It seems that you've been causing your mother some distress Miss Donovan." He smiled shrewdly. "We have some questions for you and Diana is very anxious to meet you." Tari’s heart pounded with fear as she looked at him. Her blue eyes clouded in uncertainty. Steven motion with his head for the troopers to take her aboard the shuttle and followed them through the doors. *** Martin, coming from a secret meeting of the newly forming fifth column began to round the corner in the hallway as he was returning to his duties aboard ship, when he caught site of Diana and Steven with a new prisoner. Steven held tight to the girls arm as Diana stood in front of her. Suspicious, Martin backed away just behind the corner out of site but still within earshot. His heart began to pound so furiously he thought it would beat from his chest when he herd Diana speak the girls name. "Miss Donovan. We've been waiting for you. I believe you have some important information to share with us regarding your brother, Mike." Tari's fear filled eye's met the woman's standing before her. "I don't know anything." Tari choked out shakily. "Well." Diana smiled “We'll just have to see about that now won't we?" She looked to Steven. "Take her to the holding area. and Have her prepared for conversion immediately.I'm sure she'll cooperate with us... one way or another. Steven jerked Tari's arm as he led her away. Martin hurried into a nearby doorway unseen as Steven led Tari passed him. Panic overwhelmed him. Suppressing the overpowering urge to run to Tari's side his eyes stayed fixed on her as she was led away.His mind swam, he had to get her out of here. But how? Finally willing himself to move he headed for his quarters. He had to think, he had to find a way to get Tari off this ship and soon. ** Tari Donovan stood nervously pacing the small room she’d been locked in for what seemed to her like hours. Frightened out of her wits she nearly jumped out of her skin when the door slid open. A tall dark hair man with strong distinct features stood just inside the door. He pushed a button on the wall next to the door and it slid shut again with a quiet swoosh. His cold black eyes looked her up and down as a wicked grin crossed his lips. Tari backed away until she felt the coolness of the wall at her back. “My name is Thomas.” The visitor spoke with a deep alien tone. “I’m here to prepare you for conversion.” Tari glanced at the white gun like instrument he held in his hand. Then back to the aliens’ cold eyes that never moved from her. “This won’t hurt a bit.” he said as he began to walk toward her. Out of desperation and fear Tari bolted for the door in one last futile attempted to escape. Thomas caught her as she burst past him spinning her around to face him he quickly secured both her arms behind her and held them with one hand. His alien strength having no trouble keeping her restrained despite her struggles as he pressed the object he had been holding against her neck. Tari felt a sharp pin like sting as the instrument pressed against the side of her neck and she let go a small quiet whimper from the pain. Thomas discarded the alien syringe on the floor. “You should become more cooperative now.” He hissed “The procol should begin taking effect at any moment.” His eyes roamed over her face and down her neck to the v neckline of her cotton shirt. He ran his index finger over the smoothness of her skin to the top button of her shirt. All the while smiling in anticipation and curiosity of what he planned to reveal beneath the soft fabric. In Tari’s frantic struggles to free herself the top three buttons had unknowingly popped off. Terror engrossed her as her mind began to fog and she started to feel lightheaded. She fought to stay focused and gain control. She felt Thomas hand slip slowly down the front of her shirt as he spoke seductively. “I’ve herd human females can be very intoxicating sexually.” The sound of his voice began to sound distorted to Tari. “I have always wanted to find out for myself.” He whispered as his hand slipped further down her shirt. “Noo” Tari murmured. Then suddenly as if only at that moment becoming aware of what was happening Tari struggled franticly. But in her weakened state she was no match for the alien that held her. She could feel his breath against her neck as he leaned his face closer to her inhaling the scent of her hair. Tari kept up her struggle until she let out a frenzied scream. “NOOO!” And yanked herself free of Thomas grip that had momentarily become laps as he became lost in his lustful anticipation. Her equilibrium now becoming staggered Tari fell backwards onto the small bunk attached to the wall of her cell. Before she could get to her feet Thomas was leaning against her his hands groping roughly at her. The delicate threads giving way with a rip as the front of her shirt tore, the rest of the buttons snapping off easily. Terrified screams ripped from her throat as she continued to fight. Finally able to free one hand Tari lashed out at Thomas face clawing with every ounce of strength she could summon until she felt the blood trickle from the wound her finger nails had implanted. Horror and shocked masked her already terror laden features when she saw the blood run green. So stunned she was unable to tear her fingers from the face of her attacker Tari kept ripping them down his face until to her revulsion the skin on the man’s cheek gave way and came off in her hand. The screams that had ripped from her throat thus far seemed mild to the hysterical shriek that escaped her now. Martin slid the door of the cell open just as he has herd Tari’s scream. An uncontrollable blind rage fell over him when he beheld the site inside. Without a thought to the consequences Martin lunged for Thomas tearing him off Tari. Feeling the weight of her attacker lift Tari ceased the opportunity and forcibly tried to jump to her feet but fell once more to the floor still unable to gain control of her equilibrium. Terrified she scrambled into the corner next to the cot. Looking up, she saw threw blurred vision, Martin in such a rage as she had never seen before. He fought mercilessly with Thomas hitting him over and over until the man fell to the floor. Martin picked him up again by the front of his vest and flung Thomas against the wall stunning him only momentarily. As he gained control once more Thomas lunged toward Martin who gave no quarter as his frenzied attack raged on. He leaped at the man again knocking him once more to the floor despite Thomas blows that seemed to be ineffective. Over powering him Martin kneeled on Thomas chest his hands wrapped expertly around the visitors neck as he continued to franticly punch at Martins face. Martin’s alien tongue lashed out and spat venom in Thomas eyes his grip around Thomas neck tightened. Horrified Tari could not take her eyes from Martin. Screams continued to escape from her. Her eyes were wide with fright. Martin’s heated rage was so great he could not hear Tari’s hysterical screams.The force of his grip finally taking its toll on his opponent Martin squeezed with every ounce of his strength until Thomas fell limp. As Martin realized the man was dead his grip loosened and Tari’s screams tore him from relishing in his victory. He turned to see the girl cowering in the corner next to the bunk and he quickly got to his feet and rushed to her. Tari’s mind was clouded and her heart raced. The shock, horror, and confusion clearly mirrored in her eyes. It was then that Martin realized she had seen everything. She knew. “Please.” he begged “don’t say anything, just trust me, I’ll get you out of here. It’s all right Tari. I won’t hurt you,” he spoke softly as he knelt in front of her and tried to calm her. “I’ll take you out of here I promise.” He reached to help the still hysterical girl stand, her screams quieted for the moment as she stared disbelievingly at him. “Martin?” she asked in a quivering confused voice. Tari cringed away from his out stretched arms. She still fought to stay in control of her wavering mind. But the effects of the conversion drug were quickly taking hold. She was not sure anymore of where she was or what she saw. Was this Martin who knelt in front of her now? Or was this some monster that had materialized itself in her nightmares? Was she awake, or was she still trapped in this nightmare? Martin knew time was of the essence, he had to get Tari out of there and fast before someone came to investigate the screams he was sure had been herd down the corridor. Looking deep into Tari’s horrified eyes taking noticed that they were glassed over and the pupils were dilated. He quickly scanned the room, his fears materialized as he saw the discarded syringe. Instinctively he knew she had already been given the hallucinating drug administered to humans to aid in the conversion process. He knew the drug acted differently on some humans, sometimes with deadly consequences. But he would have to deal with that somewhere else and he prayed the later was not the case, the most important thing right now was to get her off this ship and to safety at all costs. “Tari please” He begged “Trust me. I won’t let anything happen to you, I promise you, Please Tari.” He implored her as he once again held out his hands to her. “You must trust me.” Tears streamed from Tari’s eyes as she looked at him. It was Martin she saw, her Martin, the man she loved, the man she trusted without reservation. Had she really seen a reptilian tongue flick out from the lips that had touched hers so gently only weeks before? No, it was a nightmare. It had to be a nightmare. This was Martin who knelt in front of her not some monster. Martin would help her; he would wake her from this terrifying dream. Her mind swam, she felt sick. Things seemed distorted. She needed him to be her Martin. She needed him to rescue her. Take her away from here and make all the horrors go away. Whatever it was Thomas had shot into her neck had to be what had caused her nightmare. She felt confused. The one thing in all this turmoil that seemed stable was the man holding out his hands to her. Her love, her Martin.Shakily she held out her hands to him. “Help me” she whimpered softly through her tears. “Help me.” Quickly Martin grabbed Tari and helped her to her feet. At the same time a voice called out his name. With lightning speed he instinctively snatched his gun from its holder on his thigh and aimed, As he held Tari steadily against him with his other hand. But before he could pull the trigger he recognized the figure from where the voice had come. “Martin! What are you doing?!” Lorraine, another member of the fifth column asked harshly. Returning his weapon to its place Martin scooped Tari up into his arms as her strength gave out and she collapsed. Lorraine glanced down at the still form of Thomas lying on the floor then returned unbelieving eyes to Martin. “Martin, What have you done?” she asked in shock. Martin walked briskly toward her with Tari in his arms. Realizing his fears had come to life urgency laced his tone. “I’ll explain later.” he barked. As he made his way to the doorway. Lorraine blocked his exit. “Where are you taking her?” She asked confused. “To my quarters, she’s had an allergic reaction the procol.” he answered quickly. “Martin your crazy. You can’t do this. You’re risking everything.” Lorraine scolded heatedly. “If I don’t she’ll die. Now either help me Lorraine or get out of my way.” Martin growled glaring hard-determined eyes at her. Lorraine looked at him disappointedly and for a moment was silent. She knew without her help he would surely be caught. And with his capture the fifth column movement would be severely hindered. She would discuss with him his irrational actions when it was safer. “Alright.” she said hesitantly. “I’ll help you.” Quickly she glanced down the corridor, seeing no one she motioned for Martin to exit. Shutting the door behind her she quickly stepped in front of Martin and lead the way around the corner to a ventilation shaft opening and removed the grating. Martin gently set Tari inside and then climbed up inside with her as Loraine kept watch. When Martin was inside Lorraine returned the grating in place. “Get Nathaniel.” Martin whispered. “Bring him to my quarters and hurry.” Picking Tari up in his arms once more Martin made his way toward his room. Lorraine made sure they had not been seen then carefully hurried off to find Nathaniel the physician who was also a fifth column member. She entered the infirmary seeing Nathaniel standing near the medicine cabinets setting bottles of medicines inside. Other members of the medical staff were looking after the few patients that lay in the beds. Lorraine made her way cautiously to Nathaniel trying not to be too noticeable. “I must speak with you.” She told him as she approached giving him a look of urgency. He understood and motioned to his office. Once inside he shut the door. “What is it?” He asked concerned. “Martin needs you, in his quarters.” She told him nervously her voice still quiet. “Martin? Is he ill?” Nathaniel asked reaching for his medical kit. “No.” Lorraine began to explain. “There was a human girl brought on board. Martin rescued her. He thinks she’s had a reaction to the conversion drug.” She paused before she continued. “He’s taken the girl to his quarters. He insists you come there immediately.” “What!?” Nathaniel almost let the words burst from his lips. Then spoke more quietly. “Has he gone mad? That’s suicide. If Diana finds her there she’ll have him killed.” Lorraine’s eyes held the look of deep concern. “I know, I tried to tell him that but he wouldn’t listen.” she paused again. “Nathaniel, I think Martin killed Thomas.” Nathaniel’s eyes widen in surprise. “Killed him? Why? What happened?” “I’m not sure, he wouldn’t tell me anything. His concern centered on getting the girl to safety.” Lorraine said in an irritated tone. “Who is this human girl?” Nathaniel asked still shocked that Martin would take such a risk. He was normally one of the most level-headed people he knew. “That I don’t know. But if we don’t hurry I’m afraid she is going to be dead.” Lorraine emphasized. Nathaniel understood and followed Loraine to Martins quarters. *** Martin lay Tari gently down inside the ventilation shaft as he reached the grating into his room. He kicked at it until it fell loose and he grabbed the grating before it fell to the floor then jumped down. Setting the grating aside he quickly pulled Tari out of the shaft and set her carefully on his bed then hurried to make sure the door to his room was locked and replaced the grating over the shaft securing it there. He returned to where Tari lay and sat next to her on the bed. Martin softly brushed the hair from her face. “Tari?” He spoke softly as he ran his hand smoothly over her skin taking notice it was clammy and much warmer than usual. Beads of sweat dampened the hair on her forehead and her breathing was rough. This was not a good sign and Martin began to worry even more her every symptom was a sign of an allergic reaction to the conversion drug. Hearing someone outside his door Martin quickly stood pulling the curtain that hid his bed from view before he rushed to the intercom and pressed the button. “Yes?” he asked trying to mask his uneasiness. “Martin.” Lorraine’s voice whispered threw the intercom. Martin sighed with relief recognizing the voice at the other end and quickly pushed the button releasing the lock.Lorraine cautiously stepped in with Nathaniel right behind her. “Hurry.” Martin urged Nathaniel as he rushed over and pulled the curtain aside reviling Tari lying on his bed. Nathaniel looked at the girl then to Martin. “We could all be killed doing this.” He scolded “Who is she?” “Her name is not important Nathaniel saving her life is” Martin answered angrily. “Help her.” he begged, his voice softened. “Please?” Nathaniel looked at Martin. His deep concern for this girl shown clearly even threw the fake human eyes. “Alright my friend. I’ll do what I can.” Nathaniel answered then went to the bedside and began to examine his patient, using his knowledge of humans to try and determine what was wrong with her. As Nathaniel took care of Tari, Martin stood by helplessly. Lorraine stood nervously at the door. “I’ll go and see if I can find out what’s been happening. If there’s any trouble I’ll try and warn you.” With that she cautiously left the room. Nathaniel quickly began giving Tari an injection. Talking to Martin as he did so. “You were right. It is a reaction to the procol. We’ve seen this before Martin. You know they rarely live.” He pointed out mater-a-factly. “But some *have* survived?” Martin asked hopefully. Nathaniel nodded. “In rare occurrences you know as well as I do how very few that is..” “She has to be one of those few Nathaniel.” Martin spoke with deep emotion. “She has to live.” Nathaniel looked up at his friend. “She means a great deal to you doesn’t she? Is she worth the risk your taking?” Martin’s eyes stayed fixed on Tari. “Yes.” he admitted without hesitation. “Worth dying for.” Nathaniel’s uneasiness masked his human like features. “Who is she Martin?” he asked as he felt again for Tari’s pulse. “Her name is Tari Donovan. “She was brought here to be converted and questioned about her brother Mike Donovan.” “The reporter Diana has been searching for?” Nathaniel asked. Martin nodded. “Then Diana will be tearing this ship apart looking for her.” The alien physician pointed out. Tari began to stir. “Martin, Martin” she called out weakly, her body quivered as if she were having a bad dream. “He..lp me.” She whimpered Martin rushed to her side. “I’m here Tari, I’m here.” He looked up at Nathaniel questioningly. “It’s the fever Martin, she’s delirious.” Nathaniel told him. “If we don’t get her fever down..” he stopped in mid-sentence. Martin knew what Nathaniel hesitated to say. If Tari’s fever continued to climb she would die. Nathaniel stood and retrieved a damp cloth then set it on Tari’s forehead in an attempt to help bring her fever down. Just then the door to Martins room flew open. He had neglected to lock it when Lorraine had left and he chastised himself for doing so. Martin reached for his weapon then stopped when he saw Lorraine rush through the door. “They’ve found Thomas’s body. Diana’s looking for you Martin.” Lorraine blurted out in a panic. Martin felt torn. He was afraid to leave Tari. Yet he knew he must not act as if anything was wrong or he would surely be found out. “Go” Nathaniel urged “I’ll stay with her. If Diana suspects anything we’ll all be killed. Now Go Martin, quickly.” Hesitantly Martin glanced again at Tari. She was calm and sleeping now. “I’ll return as soon as possible.” Reluctantly Martin followed Lorrain out. Nathaniel went to the door and locked it. Fear of being discovered flowed threw him. But he had promised his friend He would stay and stay he would. After all that’s why the fifth column had been formed. To help the humans because what the Leader and Diana were doing was wrong. Nathaniel believed that with all his heart. ** It had been hours since Martin had left with Lorraine. Nathaniel quickly slid the curtain shut hiding Tari and himself from view as he heard the door being unlocked. He held his breath as fear of being discovered flooded through him. Logic told him that Martin was the only one with a key to his room. But then if he had been found out or killed it was possible the person on the other side of that door could be Diana or Steven. Nathaniel heard the door slide open and shut again, footsteps came closer. He was a physician and carried no weapon. He silently cursed himself for not asking Martin or Lorraine to leave one with him. All at once the footsteps stopped and the curtain flew open. Nathaniel sucked in a heavy breath only to let in out again in a deep sigh of relief when he saw Martin standing in front of him. “How is she?” Martin asked anxiously. Instantly leaning down to feel Tari’s forehead. “She has been calling for you. I am afraid she is still delirious. I’ve given her another injection to counteract the effects of the procol. Unfortunately Her fever is still much too high.” Nathaniel told him solemnly. “My knowledge of human physiology is limited at best. I’ve done all I can for her. The next twenty-four hours will tell, if her fever hasn’t broken by then..” He hesitated leaving the rest of the sentence unfinished and began gathering his things, putting them back into his medical bag. “I’ll bring more of the therapeutic medicine as soon as I can. She should be given another injection in six hours.” he finished as he closed his bag and looked at Martin. “Thank You Nathaniel.” Martin said holding out his hand. Nathaniel clasped Martins outstretched hand with a heartfelt visitor handshake. “I still think its madness to keep her here.” he told him apprehensively. “But I do understand. Now, tell me what’s happened? Has Diana given up her search for this girl?” Martin shook his head. “Her brother and his friend were captured an hour ago. We have a plan to free Donovan. Barbara is waiting for word from me to execute it. Is Tari able to be moved?” he asked hopefully.” Her brother could take her.” Nathaniel shook his head sadly. “I wish I could say yes. But in her weakened state moving her now would only hinder whatever plan you have and risk her slim chance to live. She will need the other injection of the antidote if there is to be any chance for her survival.” Martin hung his head in defeat. “Then She will stay here.” “Does her brother know she is aboard this ship?” Nathaniel asked nervously. “No.” Martin answered “When I took him to his holding cell I only told him we would help him to escape, nothing more. His concern now is for the friend that was brought on board with him. I am afraid Diana has already ordered some..” his tone hardened “Medical experiment.” He bit out the words as if they soured on his tongue. “Donovan must escape, alone. I will do nothing to risk her life, even if it means I must endanger my own.” Nathaniel sighed discouraged and sickened at the thought of Diana’s evil and cruel experiments she performed on the humans from time to time. It made his stomach wretch. “You must go to Barbara.” Martin began anxiously. “Tell her she must execute the plan as we discussed quickly. Tell her to say nothing else. No one is to know Tari Donovan is still on board this ship. Diana believes Tari killed Thomas and has already escaped. I want it to stay that way.” He ordered. Nathaniel nodded his understanding. “Be careful Martin.” he warned. “That your feelings for this girl do not interfere with our prime directive to help all humans. Be careful that in trying to protect her, you do not get yourself killed and disclose the fifth column as well.” With those words Nathaniel turned and left. Martin locked the door behind him then returned to Tari sitting beside her on the bed. Taking the cloth from the bowl of water that sat on the small table next to him, Martin wrung out the excess liquid and began to smooth it over Tari’s face and neck. She was shivering and began to stir softly calling out first for her brother, then for him. In an effort to calm her and keep her warm Martin pulled off his boots and climbed into bed leaning against the wall behind him he drew Tari up next to him covering her with the blanket. “Mike, help..me..Martin, Martin” “Sh” he soothed “I’m here” “Heeelp..no,..noo” Martin was sure the images of what she had seen as he fought with Thomas must be what haunted her disillusioned mind. He feared her reaction to him once she regained conciseness.. Martin’s heart sank. Images of her fearing him and being revolted by his presence ran threw his mind. She could never care for him now, now that she knew. Maybe it was better this way. Once she was reunited with her brother Martin knew he would never see her again. But then, he understood it was for the best. His feelings were of no importance. What was important was to get Tari well, reunited with her brother and back to her people where she would be safely away from Diana. He silently swore that no matter what, Diana would not be conducting any medical experiments on this human 'nor' would she be converting her. He vowed he would protect her even though there was no hope for their love, Tari would live. And her people would triumph over the Leader and Diana. They would survive. And he and the fifth column would do all that they could to see that it happened. Martin ran his hand softly over her smooth face then smoothed her hair. He knew there would never be another chance for them and his heart broke. Leaning back against the wall he felt his body relax as Tari lay quiet in his embrace. He closed his eyes and fell into an uneasy sleep. *** Martin woke feeling a dampness against his chest. He felt Tari's forehead, she felt cool and sweat moistened her skin. He breathed a sigh of relief; Tari’s fever had broken.He carefully moved away from her and lay her head down on the pillow. At the same time he heard a knock at his door. Tensely he pulled the curtain shut, hiding the bed from view, then went to the intercom. “Yes?" he asked, keeping his voice calm as he pulled his side arm cautiously from its place. “It’s Nathaniel,” came the voice on the other end. Quickly Martin returned his weapon and unlocked the door. Letting Nathaniel enter. “Her fever’s broken,” Martin told him hopefully. “I’ve brought more of the antidote,” Nathaniel said as he made his way over to the bed and pulled back the curtain. He felt for Tari's pulse and checked her temperature, then looked up at Martin and a small smile crossed his lips. “Her pulse is almost normal, and the fever is indeed going down,” he told Martin. Martin let another sigh of relief escape. “Thank Zon!” he exclaimed in a quiet voice. “Donovan?” he asked as Nathaniel opened his medical kit to retrieve the counteractive hypo. “He escaped?” Martin finished. “Yes,” Nathaniel answered “And Barbara?” Martin asked concerned. “She will recover,” Nathaniel assured him readying the injection for Tari. Tari's eyes began to fluttered open. They filled with terror as she beheld the stranger looking down at her. She sucked in a frightened breath. Still feeling sick and weak she tried to sit up and back away. The strange man tried to subdue her. His attempts only making matters worse. Martin immediately went to her side. “It’s alright Tari, you don’t have to be afraid. He won’t hurt you, he’s a friend,” Martin explained trying to ease her fear. Tari was so frightened she couldn't speak. She looked at Martin with eyes that seemed to search for some semblance of hope, some sign that she was safe. Nathaniel spoke softly, “My name is Nathaniel. I’m a doctor and you’ve had a severe reaction to the conversion drug. You must let me give you another injection to keep the poison from staying in your system. I promise I will not harm you.” His voice was compassionate and seemed sincere, as did the look on his face. Still Tari was fearful. She looked at Martin for reassurance. Martin sat down next to her and gently touched her face. She cringed slightly but didn’t move. “You trust me don’t you?” he asked her. She hesitated, then slowly nodded. “He won’t hurt you, he is here to help. Let him give you the injection,” Martin implored her. “You need to get well so that I can get you home.” Still somewhat reluctant Tari gave in and let Nathaniel administer the antidote. “You must rest now,” Nathaniel told her. “Gain your strength back so that you can return to your people.” He gave her a small reassuring smile then gathered up his medical bag and started for the door. Martin followed and stopped him before he exited. “Thank you Nathaniel, you saved her life. I can never repay you for what you’ve done.” Martin’s gratitude clearly lacing his tone. Nathaniel laid a friendly hand on Martins shoulder, “The first objective of the fifth column is to help humans Martin. But if you must, repay me by getting her off this ship and not getting caught.” Nathaniel smiled, “She will need rest and time to regain her strength but get her back to her people soon Martin. It’s too dangerous to keep her here. It is only a matter of time until Diana discovers your secret.” With those words Nathaniel left. Martin re-locked the door then got a pitcher of water and poured some of the liquid into a cup. He went over to where Tari lay and sat on the edge of the cot. “Here,” he said helping her to sit up, “Drink this.” Tari hesitated for only a second, then accepted the cool drink and sipped small portions before she let Martin take the cup back. “Where--Where am I?” she asked as she laid back down. “In my quarters,” Martin answered, “It was the only place safe I could take you after--,” he didn’t finish his sentence. He was not sure how much Tari could remember of what had happened and he didn’t want to upset her. “After?” she questioned “What do you remember?” he asked cautiously. Tari searched her still frail and fogged mind. “I--I’m not sure. Everything is hazy. But I remember--,” she paused as the images passed in her mind to quickly for her to really get a grip on them, save one. “You, you saved me, you, killed him,” closing her eyes, trying to bring the image into view more clearly. “He--I--can’t--,” she was visibly becoming agitated as she tried to remember more. “Hush now,” Martin soothed, “Don’t think about it anymore. All that is important now is that you are safe and soon I will be able to return you to your people," he pulled the covers up over her shoulders and set the half-empty cup aside, "But for now you must rest.” “I must go and attend to my duties. I’ll return as soon as possible and bring you some food. Sleep now.” Martin watched as Tari slowly closed her eyes letting slumber take her over. He lingered for a moment watching her. He silently prayed she would not remember the events that had taken place in her holding cell. But he knew his wish was in vain. Her memory would return as she grew stronger and with it the knowledge of what he was. Solemnly Martin pulled the curtain shut and made his way to the door locking it behind him as he went off to attend to his duties. *** For the next few days Martin continued to hide Tari in his quarters. With her fever finally broken, she slowly began to regain her strength but the memory of what had happened still plagued her. She could see bits and pieces flash threw her mind, but she was still unable to piece them together or fully recall the events of that day. When she would ask Martin about it he would evade her questions and find something else to talk about or leave to attend to his duties. For Martin it was beginning to get more and more dangerous keeping Tari in his quarters. Several times in the last two days there had been unwanted visitors at Martin's door. Thankfully he had been able to send them off without drawing suspicion to himself, but it was only a matter of time. He constantly thought and planned a way to get Tari safely off the ship. But so far all the plans he had come up with were not full proof, save one. He could take her himself if he could get her a uniform. Maybe, just maybe he could sneak her aboard a shuttle with him and take her away, but to where? Where could he take her that would be safe? He wished he could find her brother. At least with him she would have someone to look after her. Martin's mind pondered his situation as he walked through the corridor. He was so intent on his thoughts over his dilemma that when a man jumped from the shadows and jerked him against the wall, the shock immobilized him. “Donovan!” he exclaimed when the man's face came into view. Mike Donovan began throwing out questions left and right about what he had just found in the holding tanks. The water. Seeing he had no choice now, Martin made the decision to tell and show all to Donovan. Martin glanced around to be sure no one else saw or heard them as he began to answer Mike’s questions. It was only a matter of time until this over curious cameraman would find out everything any way. And he was adamant in finding his friend Tony. Martin also hoped that this would be the opportunity he had been waiting for to finally get Tari off this ship and to safety. He told Donovan about how his people were steeling the water, how it would take a generation to fulfill the leaders plans, but, the leader would have his way. He took Donovan to the final holding area and showed him where the people that had disappeared were being “stored.” He almost told him about Tari then and there, but decided it was not yet the time. Finally, Martin led Mike to the room where Tony’s body had been kept. Sadness and anger flooded Martin’s emotions as he showed Mike his friend's body. Then when they found the man called Sancho, lying on the cot and Mike had expressed his intention to get the man to freedom Martin knew it was time to tell Mike Donovan that his sister was also on board. “There is someone else aboard that means a great deal to both you and I, Mike. Someone that should go with you,” Martin told him cautiously. Mike turned curious eyes toward him, “Who?” he asked suspiciously. Uncertain what Donovan's reaction would be, Martin prepared himself for it before he spoke. “Your sister,” he answered. “What!? My sister is here? You son of a--,” Mike grabbed the front of Martins vest and slammed him into the wall holding his arm at his throat glaring furiously into the alien's eyes. Martin braved the man’s anger and braced himself for the worst. “You brought Tari here? What did you do to her?” Mike was nearly uncontrollable, the rage and fear of what may have happened to his little sister rushed through him. “It’s not what you think Mike!” Martin quickly choked out. “Diana sent troopers to her apartment looking for you. They were to bring her here. I intercepted them and took Tari to your mother's home, believing she would be safe there since Steven protected it. I had no idea he would bring her here. I thought your mother could protect her.” “My mother only protects herself!” Mike growled, “Where is she?” he bit out between gritted teeth. “She was destined for conversion! Diana wanted to use her to set a trap for you. But she had a severe reaction to the conversion drug,” Martin continued to explain deciding it was the best, with Mike’s current state of mind, to leave out the part about Thomas’s attack,. “She’s well now. Still weak and she needs food and rest, but she is alive. I have been hiding her in my quarters. She's safe for the time being, but I have to get her out of there. You must believe me Mike! I would never do anything to harm Tari. I care for her too much.” Martin’s sincerity, honesty, and help, thus far, made Mike think twice, if he truly did care for Tari as he said Mike believed him. He let go of Martin's vest and did his best to calm himself. But he couldn’t be completely at ease until he saw for himself that Tari was all right. “Trust me Mike,” Martin implored him, “I’ll go for Tari and I’ll bring her to you. Just stay put until I return.” Mike knew he had no choice, he had to trust Martin, who so far had proven to be trustworthy. From the sounds of it he had risked his own life to rescue and protect Tari and there was something in the man's eyes and the tone of his voice that gave Donovan the feeling he was indeed genuine in wanting to help. So Mike waited as Martin left to retrieve his sister. In Martin's quarters Tari held her breath as the door slid open, then let it out in a relived sigh as Martin entered. He had something in his arms. “Here,” he said anxiously as he handed her the visitor uniform and boots he was holding, “Put these on quickly! I’m getting you out of here, now!” Both hope and excitement lit up in Tari's eyes. “How?” she asked, taking the clothing Martin held out to her. “Your brother is on board. I’ll take you to him,” he told her. “Mike? He’s here?” joy overcame her and showed itself in her smile. “Yes,” Martin answered quickly, “Now hurry. We haven’t much time.” He urged pulling the curtain shut to give her privacy to change. When Tari had finished changing into the uniform and boots she pulled her hair back and donned the visitor hat then pulled the curtain open. “Here” Martin handed her a visitor gun and helped strap it on. “Just in case” Then he handed her a pair of glasses she had seen him and other visitors wear from time to time. “Put these on," he commanded, “Stay at my side and say nothing. Do you understand?” he finished by handing her a clipboard to make her look as if she were helping him with inventory. Tari nodded and followed Martin out. They walked briskly to the room where Mike was waiting. Thankfully they had not run into any obstacles on their way. Martin made sure no one saw them before he opened the door to where Mike waited and led Tari inside. Tari glanced around nervously until her eyes fell on her brother. “Mike!” she exclaimed as she discarded the clipboard and rushed over to her brother's waiting arms. Tears of happiness ran down her cheeks as she clung to him. Mike held her tight, “It’s ok kid, I’m here now.” After a moment he broke the embrace gently, holding on to her shoulders as he stepped back to look at her. “Are you ok? Did they hurt you?” he asked her. Tari's tear stained eyes looked up at him. “I’m ok,” Martin stood nervously at the door, “We must go now!” he commended picking up the discarded clipboard and handing it back to Tari. “There’s someone else that should go with you. Diana is holding her to make her father leak information. I’ll get you to the docking bay then I’ll go and bring her to you. But we must hurry.” Mike nodded his understanding and went over to help Sancho stand. “Let's go,” he told Martin as he helped Sancho to the door. Martin led the way with Tari walking next to him. They sank back into the shadows when they reached the docking bay entrance. “There,” Martin pointed to an empty shuttle, “Wait there for me. I won’t be long and stay out of sight.” Mike wasted no time in getting Tari and Sancho to the shuttle. They hadn’t waited long before Martin appeared with the young girl. Tari glanced at her once she was inside, then turned her attention to Mike and Martin as they argued about whether or not Martin should accompany them. Tari felt torn and her heart ached. She gently touched her brother’s arm. “Mike, he saved my life, please we can’t leave him.” she begged as her eyes centered on Martin. Mike looked sympathetically at his sister then turned his gaze back to Martin, “Where would she be now if you hadn’t been on this ship Martin?” Martin looked into Tari’s frightened eyes then back to Mike. Deciding Mike was right he quickly explained the shuttles operation. “No Martin, come with us, please” Tari begged tearfully Martin braved a smile. “Be safe Tari, I..” he couldn't say it, he couldn't tell her. He couldn't let himself even think it. Leaving the words unsaid Martin carefully glanced around to be sure he wasn't seen and started to leave. “Hey, Martin,” Mike called to him holding out his hand to the visitor. “I’m proud to call you my friend.” Martin clasped Mikes out stretched hand “I hope we live to be old friends” Martin took one last look at Tari. He longed to hold her once more and he was certain he would never be able to set eyes on her again. But without a word and unable to tarry longer Martin turned away and hurried off. Mike quickly closed the shuttle door as a visitor trooper recognized him and sounded the alarm. Mike sped the shuttle off and Martin sank into the shadows.

*_V: The Unseen Resistance_* _The Arrival_ Chapter Five Tari sat in her apartment curled up on the couch as she inattentively watched the nightly news. Her eyes were on the television but her mind was on Martin. She knew with all her heart that he cared about her as much as she did him. He was protecting her. He'd as much as said so that night on the beach. But from what? She missed him terribly and she could not overcome this constant feeling of despair. A face on the television screen unexpectedly caught Tari’s attention and she quickly reached for the remote turning up the sound. The visitor supreme commander John's resonating voice could be heard narrating as the picture of her brother's face filled the screen. “Mike Donovan leader of a terrorist group plotting to undermine the visitors.” The Supreme Commander announced. They had begun an all-out manhunt for him. "Oh my God," Tari gasped her hand absently covering her gaping mouth as she watched in horror. Tears filled her eyes as John continued his announcement, and the so-called terrorist attacks replayed on the screen.Then the screen went blank. Tari sat in shock staring at the blank television screen. Her heart sank and terror crept over her. For a moment she was frozen in her spot. Then, as if she had been hit by a sudden jolt, she jumped to her feet and reached for her phone franticly dialing the number. "Damn!" she swore when there was no answer on the other end. "C'mon Tony pick up!" Her panicked voice trembled as she spoke into the receiver as if willing her brothers friend Tony Leonetti, to answer. Her hands shook as she slammed the receiver down. She was terrified for her brother. Confused, alone and afraid and with no one to turn to tears fell like raindrops from her eyes. "Oh my God ... What’s happening?" ** Tari stood in front of her small aquarium and slowly sprinkled a pinch of fish food on top of the water.She watched as the small brightly colored fish swam to the top and gobbled the tiny tidbits.Melancholy seemed to be her constant state of mind the past few days. Not to mention lack of sleep had made her emotions even more vulnerable. She tried hard not to think about Martin, a seemingly endless task, and concern for her brother constantly plagued her. With the Aquarium closed down and the recent curfew that was being enforced, Tari was home most of the time now. She had led a very busy life before all the madness began. Now she had nothing, lone walks along the beach and an occasional trip to the store were all that her life consisted of. Alone, with no one to converse with, there was nothing to do but sit, worry, and wait to see what would happen next. She set down the small box of fish food on the table next to the little five-gallon aquarium and walked toward her television. Reaching to push the power switch, she stopped just short of putting her finger on the button.Deciding that she really had no interest in watching more about scientist conspiracies, or so-called terrorist attacks. Going to the kitchen, she fixed herself a cup of hot herbal tea and sat down on the window seat, looking out her bay windows at the stars that decorated the night sky. Leaning back against the wall, Tari sipped at the tea and let her mind drift back to happier times, times spent with the man she had met a few short months before.The man who had miraculously come from those sparkling stars in the sky. A low knock at her back door startled her from her memories and the fright nearly caused her to scream. She sat quietly listening as the knock came again. Nervously getting to her feet, she put her cup down on top of the counter before walking slowly to the door, no one had ever come to the back door before. To many news reports about unprovoked attacks on members of the scientific community and rumors of people disappearing made her overly cautious. Her hands began to quiver and she looked around for something that could be used as a weapon. The only semblance of a weapon she could find in her small apartment, was a kitchen knife she used to cut vegetables. It lay in the dish drainer on the kitchen counter, Tari picked it up and carefully reached out for the door handle. "Who is it?" she asked, trying to keep her voice steady and her hands from shaking. "Tari, it's me, Mike," the unmistakable voice of her brother answered in such a quiet voice she could barely hear it through the door. "Mike?" Tari slowly opened the door and peeked out. Mike Donovan glanced discreetly around the outside before he quickly slipped inside. "Mike!" Tari breathed a heavy sigh of relief as she tossed her makeshift weapon into the sink and threw herself into her brothers arms, hugging him tightly. "I'm so glad to see you! I've been worried sick!" Mike returned his sister's embrace, "I take it you saw the news?" Tari nodded as the two siblings parted. Her face clouded with uncertainty, "What the hell's going on Mike? Everything's moving so fast. The aquariums been closed, my dolphins are gone and people are disappearing! A scientist conspiracy, you being tagged as some sort of terrorist, curfews! And Martin..." Mike cut her off before she could finish, grabbing both her arms. Animosity and suspicion clearly written in his handsome features. "What has he done? Did he hurt you? I'll kill him!" he growled protectively. "No, no, he hasn't hurt me. . .he would never hurt me. He won't even see me anymore," Tari's pain and confusion evident in the sadness that clouded her blue eyes. Mike loosened his grip and reached up to softly smooth his sister's dark hair, calming himself as he did so. "I'm sorry kid...It's just," Mike looked away for a moment unsure of how to break the news to her about what he had discovered since he’d last seen her. When he turned toward her again he gently brushed her arm, "Honey I think you better sit down. What I have to tell you, well..." Mike wasn't sure just how serious his sister's relationship with the visitor had gotten. But he knew she cared about him. He'd seen that weeks ago when he had met the guy at her apartment. It made his blood run cold now, knowing what these aliens really were, and his protective big brother instincts made him want to find this bastard and rip out his reptilian throat with his bare hands. Mike knew without a doubt what he was about to say would devastate Tari, but he also knew she had to know the truth. Tari looked at her brother bewildered, "Mike, What is it?" Mike took a deep breath and let it out before he began, "The reason I'm wanted right now is...I know the truth about the Visitors." "Truth?" Tari questioned. Mike hesitated before he went on, "They aren't what they seem Tare, they're not... human, they're..." There was no easy way to say it, so Mike took in another deep breath before he let the word fall from his lips, "Reptilian." Tari stared at her brother in disbelief before she let an uneasy chuckle escape. "What? Mike, have you been drinking? Reptilian! ...that's ridiculous!" Tari hid her fear, deep down she knew without a doubt her brother would never lie to her. If he told her something it was always the truth. He would never play such a cruel joke on her or intentionally tell her something he knew would hurt her, if it wasn't true. But Tari's love for Martin blinded her, she could not-would not believe such a horrendous accusation. Mike's tone was dead serious, as was the stern look in his eyes, "Tari, I'm not kidding. I've got it on tape, I saw two of them eat live animals!" his voice was getting louder, "I saw their faces Tari, I saw them! Hell one of them damn near took my head off!" He went on to describe in more detail what he had seen. Doubt clouded Tari's face and dread clearly mirrored in her eyes. Still she refused to believe her brother. "No, you're lying Mike.." Mike took hold of his sister's arms, pulling her closer to him. "Look at me Tari! You know I would never lie to you. Hell you're the only person in the world I tell everything to. Damn it Tari, I'll show you the tape if you need proof!" Tears weld up in Tari's eyes as they locked with her brothers. In the back of her mind she herd Martin's voice on the night he had told her he could not see her any more, *There are things about me, about my people you don't know. Things you must never know. * "Maybe... maybe some of them are like that...but not Martin," She let the words stumble out. Mike released his grip, realizing his anger and insistence was causing him to be overtly rough. Tari took a step back. "Tari, please believe me. I wouldn't tell you this to hurt you. You've got to stay away from that guy, please! It would kill me if anything happened to you." "Martin wouldn't let anything happen to me Mike. He's not like that," Tari's voice began to quiver. "You don't know that," Mike told her matter-of-factly. "I do!" Tari insisted, "He's different Mike...I know it." Mike let a defeated sigh escape and a noise outside made him run to the window, he carefully moved the blinds back just enough that he could see out. A Visitor shuttle hummed as it passed a few feet above the road. Nervously he returned to his sister, "Come with me! I'll show you the tape and take you to Tony. He'll look after you." "No! I'm staying here. You've got to go Mike. This is one of the first places they'll look for you," Tari said urgently.She went to the table where her bag sat and retrieved her wallet. Taking out some money she handed it to her brother. "Now go Mike! I’ll be alright.." "Then you do believe me," he said hopefully. "I believe you saw something they didn't want you to. But...I'll never believe Martin is part of that," She said as Mike took the money she offered him. "Please Tari, come with me. I need know your safe," he begged. "I'll be fine. They haven't bothered me so far. And there's no reason to believe they will. Now go Mike, please!" Mike looked at his little sister. She was adamant on staying, that much he could tell. Fearing he had been there long enough, and being there longer would endanger her, Mike reluctantly started toward the back door. He stopped and turned looking at Tari one last time, he didn’t know when he would see her again. With a tears in her eyes she ran to him and wrapped her arms around him. "Be careful Mike," She said with a quivering voice. He hugged her, "Promise me you'll get a hold of Tony?" "Alright," she promised, "Don't worry about me. Just take care of yourself." She pushed away from him, "Now go!" she urged. With one last look at her, Mike stealthily opened the door. Once he was sure the coast was clear, he left. Tari leaned back against the wall, a heavy sigh escaped her and deep concern clouded her features. She feared for her brother. What had he seen or done to make the visitors hunt him like this? Surely what he told her he had seen was a mistake. It had to be something else. She could not believe the visitors were Reptilian of all things. It just was not possible. And to believe Martin was anything but what she saw was simply unthinkable. She knew he was not human, of course he wasn’t, he had come from another planet. She had felt the coolness of his touch rationalizing that it was only the fact that his people had a much lower body temperature than humans. Ok so some of them ate live meat, Tari shuddered. That was ridiculous. But then again they did come from another place. There were people on earth that ate snails, worms, and chocolate grasshoppers. Tari felt her stomach turn. There were others who preferred their meat next to raw. Though these were all eating habits Tari found revolting but it didn’t mean the people who practiced them were bad people. Pushing herself from the wall Tari made her way slowly to her bedroom and dawned a nightshirt preparing for bed.Maybe that was the reason the visitors sought out her brother. For heaven’s sake if he thought they were horrible reptilian creatures they would surely want to set the record straight. Prove to him that he was wrong. And then the bulletin that had crossed the television replayed itself in Tari’s’ mind. It had said Mike was part of the scientific conspiracy. Tari was becoming more troubled, it didn’t make sense. She walked into the kitchen once more and poured herself a fresh cup of herbal tea. She picked up the book she’d been reading from the end table next to the couch then returned to her bedroom where she curled up on the bed and leaned against the headboard as she sipped her hot drink and tried to immerse herself in the book. But all she managed to do was to think and worry. **** Martin stood at his superiors’ side watching as she punched in a code on the vidscreen while she explained orders to the trooper standing on her other side. “I want this girl found Captain and I want no excuses.” Diana commanded in a cold and authoritative tone. A picture began to appear on the screen. Martin stood silent as the picture materialized. His heart jumped to his throat when the image came into view. "This is Tareesa Donavan, Mike Donavan's sister, my sources tell me the two are very close.If anyone knows where to find him it would be her.I want her found and brought to me. If I can convert her we may have a chance to find our elusive Mr. Donavan much sooner." Diana sneered. She hadn’t noticed the distressed look on Martin's face. As she handed a small computer like object with all the information that they had on Tari Donovan and her picture to the trooper. The Captain, a striking young officer eager to please took the object and tucked into his vest. “I won’t disappoint you Diana.” He assured his superior before he turned and left. Martin tried to think quickly. He had to get to Tari and he had to go now. He needed an excuse. “Diana.” he began trying desperately to keep his cool as a thought came to him. “Joseph is known for his bumbling. I would suggest you send someone you can trust to oversee his assignment. I would be willing to take charge if need be?” Martin hid his anxiousness trying to conceal it with a mischievous smirk. Diana studied Martin with suspicion. “Why Martin, in all the time you have been my lieutenant I’ve never known you to volunteer for such a mission.” “I just think this is to important and detrimental a mission to be left to a bungler such as Joseph.” He told her confidently. Diana glared at Martin a moment longer as she contemplated his suggestion. “Perhaps your right.” She finally agreed. “Fallow him. And if he fails bring him to me.” She ordered. Her voice promising extreme punishment if they failed. Martin wasted no time and hurried off. **** Tari had fallen asleep on her bed. Her empty tea cup still in her hand and the open book laying across her chest. When a loud pounding on her front door woke her with a start. She jumped dropping the cup and the book on the floor as she sprang up in bed. The knock pounded again. Tari was frozen in her spot. She gripped her pillow momentarily stunned too frightened to move. When the pounding continued Tari slowly made her way from the bed and walked cautiously to the door. Her body trembled with fear. She stood hoping that whoever it was would either identify themselves or go away. She prayed for the later. But it was not to be. One loud roar and the door flew open as the shock troopers kick it in. Instinctively Tari turned and ran but didn’t get far as she was snatch but one of the troopers catching her around her waist. Tari screamed and struggled but the trooper held her firm.One trooper walked commandingly in front of her and glared with a sneer frozen on his lips. "Diana wishes an audience with you Miss Donovan. It seems you have some information she is most anxious to receive." Tari’s wide terror filled gaze locked onto the trooper as he glared back at her. Just as Joseph and his men began to lead Tari toward the door laser blasts tore through Tari’s apartment. Screams ripped from her throat as the guard that held her was hit by one of the blasts and fell to the floor.. She was too petrified to move at first, then slowly she began to back away her eyes still fixed on the fallen trooper until she felt the wall at her back. She stood frozen in terror unable to move. Green blood oozed from the troopers wound. As quickly as it had started it was over, stillness surrounded the apartment. Burn blasts scoured the walls and dead shock troopers littered the front room of Tari's apartment. A familiar figure stood among the three dead bodies. “Tari!” he shouted rushing over to her when he saw where she was. “Martin!” recognition hit as she fell into his arms when he reached her. “Are you alright?” he asked, his fear and concern for her lacing his tone. Tari nodded leaning her head against his chest as he comforted her holding her close. “I am now.” She said in an almost whisper. Martin looked toward his two companions that had entered unnoticed by Tari until now. “Take them back to the ship.” He motioned toward the still bodies. “Tell Diana a group of humans apprehended the weapons and killed them and the girl got away.” He ordered. “Yes Martin.” one of the men said obediently and began to help the other gather the bodies and take them to the shuttle. Martin turned his gaze back to Tari. “Get your things. I’m taking you to your mothers.” he insisted. “Tari looked at him puzzled. “My mother’s!? Why? I don’t want to go there. What’s going on Martin? Why are your people looking for my brother? Why did they break into my apartment?” Martins’ eyes left her. “I, I can’t tell you that.” he said quietly. “Why not? Martin, what are you hiding from me? What can’t you tell me?” “Tari please don’t ask me anything more!” He begged looking back at her “I care too much for you. I need you to be safe. Your mother’s house is protected by Steven you’ll be better off there. Trust me, please just trust me.” He pleaded “I want to Martin.” Tari answered still confused. “I do trust you but, there’s just so much I don’t understand.” “You will understand in time.” He assured her. “Now get your things.” he told her sternly. “I am taking you to your mothers. No more arguments. Go.” he gently moved her out of his embrace. With one last hurtful look Tari did as Martin insisted. The ride to Eleanor Duprae’s home was a quiet one. Neither Tari nor Martin spoke. Martin made one pass over the house to be sure Steven was not there, then set the shuttle down a few houses away. After making sure as well as he could that no one was watching he helped Tari out of the hatchway. “Will I see you again?” Tari asked hopefully. Martin gently touched her cheek then answered softly. “No.” Tears fell from Tari’s eyes as her gaze stayed fixed on Martin. “You must not tell anyone what you saw tonight. Promise me this?” he asked as he let his hand slowly slide from her cheek. “I promise.” she answered as she wiped a tear from her face. “I don’t understand. But I would do anything for you.” Martin’s painfilled eyes locked with Tari’s. he fought the urge to take her in his arms and run away with her. Some place far away where they could hide and never be found. But he knew his dream was in vein their love could never be. “Go now.” he urged. “I won’t leave until I see you are safely inside your mother’s home.” He reached inside the shuttle door and lifted Tari’s back pack and shoulder bag from inside and handed them to her. She took them and placed them over each shoulder with one last look to him Tari turned and walked toward her mothers’ house. ** Arthur Duprae took another drink from his glass. The brandy felt smooth as it flowed down his throat. The knock at the door broke him from his revere as he enjoyed the taste of the stout liquid. His eyes widened in disbelief when he opened the door and found Tari standing on the other side. “I need a place to stay.” She explained softly “They came to my apartment looking for Mike, When they left I took some things and came here. I’m scared Arthur.” She could hold back the tears no longer as she gave her stepfather an invented excuse as to why she had come. But the part about being afraid was not a lie. Tari was afraid. Afraid for her brother, afraid of whatever it was that was happening around her. She felt alone, there was nowhere to turn and no one to turn to. Arthur took her in his arms. He had never had children of his own and he cared for Tari as if she were his. “Of course you can stay here honey. You know you are always welcome here.” Tari let her tears fall. Dropping her bags she embraced her stepfather. grateful for a sympathetic shoulder even though he didn’t know the complete reason behind her tears.

V: The Unseen Resistance The Arrival Chapter Four Unrequited Love Tari readied herself for her outing with the man who had set her heart beating uncontrollably since the first time they had set eyes on each other, the Visitor Martin. She slipped into her light blue colored jeans and pulled on her pale pink sweater before sitting on the bed and tucking her jeans into her slouch socks. She pulled her white tennis shoes then went into the bathroom and checked her makeup, fluffed and sprayed her hair then stood in front of her full-length mirror giving herself a once over making sure she was satisfied with the overall look.Walking into the front room she took her jean jacket and put it on before gathering her keys and tucking them into her jacket pocket. She and Martin were worlds apart, yet the feelings that surrounded her when she was with him made her feel as if she had known him all her life. For so long she had hidden from relationships, by burying herself in her work.She'd rationalized that her life was too busy for any kind of romance. But from the moment she met Martin her life had begun to undergo a drastic change. She hurried through her day-to-day tasks, waiting breathlessly for the next time she would be with him, whether it was taking a quiet walk in the park or on the beach, riding horses or a bicycle along the trails, seeing a movie, discussing poetry, or just sitting somewhere watching the stars. Whatever it was, Tari was happy, as long as she was with him. The familiar knock sounded at her door.Tari felt the preverbal butterflies flutter in her stomach and a warm flush of sweet anticipation surg through her.Taking a deep, calming breath, she went to the door and opened it. She was met by Martin's demure smile. "Good evening Tari." Tari felt her cheeks flush at just the sound of his voice and could not help the smile that lit her face. "Hello Martin." He held out his hand. "Are you ready for our walk this evening?" Tari nodded timidly.She was surprised at the ease her small hand fit into his as she reached out to accept his gentle grasp. The night air was cool and refreshing after the day's hot and humid temperature as they walked hand in hand through the park which was only a few blocks from Tari's apartment.They stopped on the small bridge overlooking the stream that ran through the park into a nearby pond. Tari leaned against the wooden railing and looked up toward the dark sky, marveling at the many stars sprinkled across its blackness. "What is your world like Martin?" She asked curiously."I know you've told me it's much different than this one but tell me more. What are the skys like? The oceans?" Martin leaned on the railing close to her as they gazed up at the stars together. Being with her gave him such a feeling of tenderness that he found himself wanting more. "It isn't as nice as yours, not anymore.” He answered sadly “Our sun isn't as bright, But once our waters were such a clear blue that you could almost see right through them." He brightened a bit as he described his planet as he remembered it as a child. "The foliage was green and plentiful, the sky was much like yours when the sun begins to set, the night dark, and the moon not unlike your own." "It sounds beautiful." “It was” “What happened?” Martin shrugged woefully “Over indulgence, I suppose. Industry. Using up our natural resources without giving them time to replenish until it was too late.” “And now? Is there nothing left?” Martin shook his head “It’s mostly dessert now” “Im sorry” Tari sympathized. Martin thanked her for her understanding with a small smile. “Where is it Martin? Your planet? Can you see it from here?" Martin scanned the night sky then pointed in the direction he believed his planet to be. "There." Tari moved closer to his outstretched arm as she tried to observe where he was pointing.She indicated the wrong star. "That one?" "No, here let me show you." Martin moved behind her, his body leaning close to hers as he gently took her arm to guide it in the direction he was trying to demonstrate. "There, the very bright one on the left. Do you see it?" The feel of him so close to her made Tari's heart skip a beat.She continued to look toward the star, but her mind was not on the sight as she quietly answered. "Yes, I see it." Coyly, she leaned back against him reveling in the feel of him so close to her. Martin's eyes fell from glistening star to the girl he held, letting his senses take in the smell of her hair, the feel of her body next to his.Encircling her with his arms, he forgot the sky, forgot everything but warmth and delight he felt holding Tari next to him. Leaning his face closer until he felt the softness of her hair touch him, he inhaled the fresh scent of her perfume. Tari closed her eyes as she snuggled into his embrace. She was entranced by his touch.Neither of them spoke, words seemed unimportant.All that mattered right now was the moment. She felt Martin's lips gently caress her hair.She could feel his breath on her neck. Slowly she turned until their eyes met and locked into a longing gaze. Martin could hold back his desire no longer.He slowly reached up to run his fingers over the smooth surface of her face.Entangling his fingers in her long hair, he gently pulled her to him.His heart pounded as his lips met hers, softly caressing until he turned her fully toward him to kiss her deeply. Tari wrapped her arms around him, accepting the kiss without hesitation.She trembled with the pleasure his tenderness gave her. For a long moment they stayed just as they were, entranced by their embrace, by the feel of their lips touching so tenderly, until finally they reluctantly parted.The two of them gazed into one another’s eyes, their surroundings forgotten as they embraced. Martin smoothed in her soft, dark hair letting his fingers stay entangled in the strands as she laid her head on his chest. The night was still, all that could be heard by the two of them was the beating of their own hearts as they held each other. It had been so long, Tari thought as she closed her eyes savoring the feelings that merged through her with the feel of Martin's arms around her. There had been so many years of loneliness, times when she'd been afraid to feel the luxury and warmth caring for someone could bring. But now she was no longer afraid.A strange comfort surrounded her.Her heart felt full and alive again.A small smile crossed her lips as she clasped her arms around the man who held her, a man she knew little about, a man from another planet.How insane it was for her to feel so close to him, so completely safe and contented in his arms, the coolness of his touch sending her into feelings of longing and want.She didn't care how insane or impractical it was.It didn't matter that they had only known each other a few weeks.All that mattered was the way she felt right here, right now, she prayed the moment would last forever. The next day Tari snatched up her backpack from the back seat of her vehicle and rushed for the attendants' building at the aquarium.She was late.Fortunately, she had donned her swimsuit at home, covering it with a pair of exercise shorts and matching jacket.She only had thirty minutes to get ready for the mid-morning show and she hadn't even practiced with the dolphins yet. As she entered the building she tossed her bag on the counter and began searching it hastily for the whistle she used to help give the dolphins their signals. She was so preoccupied that she didn't hear Randolph approach. He leaned against the door frame, watching her with a scowl on his face "Late night?" he asked in a shallow tone. "Huh?" Tari gasped, startled by the interruption. "Randolph." she sighed in recognition. "I'm sorry I'm late.I forgot to set my alarm last night." "I'll bet," he said bluntly. "I turned the dolphins into the arena pool.You might want to say hello before the show starts."He abruptly turned and walked out. Tari watched him leave bewildered by his indignant tone. Shrugging it off for the moment, she resumed her search for the whistle.When she found it, she hurried off to the arena pool. "Cindy... Sally..." she called from the edge of the cement pool before crouching to tap the water a signal to the mammals that she was there. The dolphins emerged in front of her, chirping and clicking in their excitement to see her. Tari reached down to pet them when Sally suddenly jumped back and began whistling and chirping angrily.She jumped and flipped in the air slapping the water as she came back down, splashing Tari with a wave. Within moments Cindy followed suit. Tari jumped back, confused by their agitated display. She was unaccustomed to such behavior, The dolphins had never acted like this before, not with her. Only when...when Martin had been there. Tari quickly turned expecting to see him behind her, or nearby, but no one was in sight. She looked back to her aquatic friends and spoke softly. "Hey girls.What's the matter?" She asked as if she expected them to answer. Having witnessed the dolphin’s unusual behavior. Randolph came from the attendants' building, "Maybe it's the company you've been keeping lately," he smirked. "Jack's ready if you can't handle them." Tari looked at him. "NO!They're my dolphins," she spat defensively. "They'll be fine." Ignoring her co-worker's bitterness Tari resumed her effort. "C'mon girls," she cooed as she walked closer to the edge again. "It's me. What are you so upset about huh? C'mon..." she called, stooping to splash the water again. The dolphins slowly stopped their wild jumping and chirping, swimming well out of her reach. Tari kept talking in a soothing tone until the mammals finally swam close enough to let her stroke them. "That's it.That's my girls, everything's alright.Good girls., you want to play now huh?" The dolphins clicked and whistled as if they understood her, jumping and splashing playfully, what ever had upset them was forgotten. Tari moved her arm in a circular motion.When the dolphins took their cue and began rolling in the water, Tari monetarily turned her attention back at Randolph giving him a look that said *I told you so* Randolph had been leaning against the building with his arms folded across his chest as he watched her.When she glanced back at him, he straightened and left without speaking a word. The show began on time despite Tari's uncharacteristic lateness and the issues with the dolphins.After the show, Tari went about her daily duties, feeding the dolphins along with the other mammals and making sure they were in good health.Once the routine tasks were completed, she typed up a report for the head of the Marine Biology Institute on the strange behavior she'd encountered that morning with the dolphins.When she was finished, she stood and stretched.Spying Jack sorting fish to feed the seals, Tari walked in and absently started to help. “I take it there’s still been no word from Rae?” Jack shook his head. “Not a word, their boat hasn’t even been found” “I hope she and Charlie just decided to elope but I’m worried about her.” Jack tossed another fish into the bucket “Aren’t we all” “Is that what's up with Randolph today?” “What do mean?” Jack’s tone was a little to indifferent. “He’s never been so snippy before. I know I was late but..." The young man sighed. "Tari I swear you must be blind." "What?" Tari asked, more than a little confused. Jack gave her a look of disbelief. "If you haven't figured it out, then I'm sure not going be the one to tell you." "Jack!" Tari insisted. "What are you talking about?" Jack paused contemplating whether or not he should tell her what he knew. Deciding that it was time she knew he took it upon himself to give her a little nudge. "He's jealous,” He said matter-a-factly, a touch of aggravation in his voice. "You're crazy!" Tari spat, annoyed at Jack's assumption. "Randolph's always been protective, but jealous?!That's absurd." Jack shook his head in dismay. "You've been so wrapped up in your own little world for so long you can't even see what's been right in front of you all this time." He picked up the bucket he had filled with the fish for the seals deciding it was best for him to leave before he said to much he turned and walked out, leaving Tari standing completely still in the middle of the room confused and hurt. ****That Evening**** Tari sat in her office after everyone had gone home leaning back in the chair thoughtfully. She wished Mike were here to talk to, he always knew the right thing to say to put things into perspective.There was so much running through her mind everything seemed to be jumbled.The dolphin’s strange reaction to her when she had first arrived today, Randolph's aggravation toward her, Jack's assumption that Randolph was jealous, Rae's disappearance. And Martin...her feelings for him grew stronger every day, becoming so powerful that they ruled her every waking moment. Suddenly Tari felt very much alone.She hadn't seen her brother since the day he'd come to her apartment to ask her to come horseback riding with he and Sean. Calling was no use, Mike had been so busy lately that he still hadn't gotten to any of the messages she'd already left. Sighing, she stood and grabbed her bag, slinging it over her shoulder before she picked up her keys.It was time she headed for home, it was dark now, the sun had long since set. Locking the doors behind her she made her way back to the dolphin pool to check on them. Settled in for the night they swam calmly, easing up to the edge with soft whistles and clicks as if they were telling her goodnight.Tari lowered herself to the ground next the edge of the pool. Sitting side ways to the water she pulled her knees up to her chest leaning over to let her chin rest on one knee. “Well at least you two aren't mad at me anymore, what was that all about anyway? You don't like Martin do you, why? Because he's not human? Well neither are you and I love you two to pieces so don't go getting so uppity.” The dolphins chirped taking in a mouth full of water and blowing it back out as if they understood what Tari was saying and were pretending to be offended. “I really like him girls so cut him some slack will you please, He makes me happy.” Sally came up close to the edge of the pool floating on her side she looked up at Tari believed that if they could talk Sally was trying to tell her everything would be alright. “Ok, I really need to go home. No morning show girls so sleep in” Getting to her feet Tari headed for her car behind the aquarium. She nearly screamed when she turned the corner and a hidden figure emerged from the shadows until sudden recognition hit her and she blew out a relieved sigh and a smile crossed her lips. "Martin!" "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you” “It’s alright I just wasn't expecting to see anyone there is all, I'm glad to see you” “I thought perhaps you would like someone to escort you home?" He shrugged. "Maybe even a walk along the beach?" he asked hopefully, holding out his hand for her. "Yes” She smiled accepting his out stretched hand “I'd like that very much," Her problems and loneliness disappearing as quickly as they had arisen. She wasn’t alone. She had Martin. *** Over the next few days Tari Donovan's world started to crumble. Vance had met her in her office and informed her the aquarium would be closing.She and the others would be allowed to stay on but only until such time as he could find an appropriate place for the mammals. Tari was devastated. Jack’s niece Annie and her parents had packed up and left town, Jessie and Billy's parents had told Randolph the boys would no longer be able to work at the aquarium they too were thinking of leaving town. Tari was beside herself, she was losing her precious dolphins. Jack, and Randolph, despite his animosity towards Martin, were doing their best to console her and help find out where the dolphins would be taken. But there was nothing they could do, Vance had made up his mind and he was being very closed mouthed as to where any of the mammals were being relocated to. On top of everything her brother had not been heard from in several days, and she hadn't heard from Martin either. Tari sat in her office nearly in tears as she started to put her files and research into boxes. Vance had ordered everything cleared out by the end of the week. They were expecting transports the next day for Tank and Milly the two walruses that had lived at the Aquarium since it's opening and Vance had ordered all the research and medical files on them ready to go. She was amazed at how quickly Vance was getting things done since the announcement. She wondered just how long he had been planning on closing the place. Stumbling across a picture of herself with the walruses Tari picked it up remembering the day the picture had been taken. She hadn’t been working at the aquarium long.Randolph had taken the picture to commemorate her arrival.She loved this place, what would she do without the aquarium, especially her dolphins. Tears started to fall. “Tari where are..?”Randolph stopped mid-sentence Tari quickly wiped her eyes in an effort to hide that she had been crying. “Are you alright?” “Sure, great, never better” She answered sarcastically. “Hey” Randolph made his way over to her taking hold of her shoulders and facing her to him. “Why don't you go on home, Jack and I will finish this up” He offered sympathetically. “No,” Tari insisted as she pulled out of his gentle grip and began putting papers and VHS tapes in boxes.. “It's going to take all 3 of us to get this done. There's no one else.” Randolph took hold of her arms again turning her to face him. “Jack and I can handle it. If it’s not ready what are they gonna do, Fire us?” His attempt at humor wasn't wasted on Tari who came close to smiling. “Go on, go home get some rest, we'll tackle all of this tomarow.” “I need to take care of the Dolphins” “I'll do that” Randolph picked up Tari’s bag from her desk along with her car keys and handed them to her. “Randolph I ..” “No more arguments” he told her leading her to the door. Reluctantly Tari submitted. Once home She absently turned on the TV then went in to the bathroom and began to draw her bath. A nice long soak and a shower seemed like just the ticket to help her unwind. An hour later comfortably clad in her nightshirt and terrycloth bathrobe She slumped on the couch in front of the television with a hot cub of tea and tried to relax watching the nightly news before turning in. However the news report was anything but relaxing. "Scientist conspiracy!" she shouted at the television almost spilling her tea as she bolt upright. Her eyes glued to the screen listening unbelieving to the newscast. Tari set her cup on the coffee table in front of her. She watched as Dr. Leopold Jankowski from the Brussels Biomedical Institute began his shocking statement. *I have called this press conference today to reveal a shocking discovery. There exists in this world an organization conspiracy of some our best scientific minds. The aim of this conspiracy is to harm, possibly destroy, the visitors. * Tari’s concern automatically centered on Martin.It had been days now since they had met at their usual afternoon meeting spot in the park and it worried her. She was concerned that someone might try to harm him, but she stayed fixed on the news cast becoming more frightened with each word Jankowski spoke. "Others of my colleagues here in Belgium have also been approached, Primarily those scientists of biomedical and Anthropological studies seemed to be involved. But we cannot be sure how far this contagion has spread." Tari’s heart pounded, fear coursed threw her as she listened then saw Jankowski sign some sort of statement about the events that had supposedly transpired. The news cast had evidently taken place earlier in the day. What she was watching was the recap and a more recent telecast produced itself. Scores of other scientist from around the world had come forward saying they too had been approached by representatives from the so called *conspiracy* Tari nearly jumped out her of skin when the ringing of her telephone tore her from the shock from what she was hearing. She fumbled for the receiver. "Hello" "Tari!" Randolph's anxious voice responded on the other end. "Randolph, what is it?" "Have you seen the news?" He asked. His tone extremely tense. "Yes I was just watching. It's frightening." "I want you to stay put, gather some things and I'll be right there to get you." He ordered. "What?" Tari asked surprised. "Why?" "Don't ask questions Tari, you’re in danger. We all are now." He told her getting more agitated. "Randolph! We aren't in any danger. you heard the news cast. They are biomedical and anthropologist. We're Marine Biologists, we study ocean life. Stop being so over dramatic." "Tari Wake up!" Randolph growled. "This isn't the end of it, it's only the beginning. It's going to get worse! Now is the time to leave before they start to turn on us next!" "Stop it! That's not going to happen, that's ridiculous." Tari spat back. "Nothing’s ridiculous when it comes to those Martians. Now Damn it girl I'm on my way!" "NO! Randolph! I'm not going anywhere, just calm down, it doesn't affect us." She tried to rationalize with him. "What the hell has that guy done to you Tari?!" Randolph bellowed across the phone. "Martin? he has nothing to do with it Randolph!" Tari shouted angrily. "Your over reacting!" She herd Randolph heave a heavy sigh. "Fine! stay then." he grumbled discouraged. "You'll see, these spacemen aren't what they seem. I can feel it." He slammed the phone down. Tari set her phone back in its cradle. Starring at it baffled by her coworkers assumptions. She shook her head distressed that Randolph felt as he did. But he was wrong. This was something to do with the scientists, not the visitors. They were the ones being targeted. He was just plain wrong. She hoped he would see this, and soon. Tari returned to her couch and sat down. Picking up her cup she sipped at her tea trying to calm herself and shut the television off. It was nothing to worry about She told herself. Everything would be fine. People just could not accept beings from another planet. It was human nature to be suspicious. Scientist in particular would be overly curious. This was not going to affect her. **** Martin laid on the bunk in his quarters. He should be sleeping but he was wide awake and deep in thought. Tari Donovan consumed his every waking moment. She dominated his dreams. It had been three days since he had last seen her, but it felt like weeks. Memories of time spent with her played through his mind sending a quiet comfort coursing through him. He could still feel the warmth of her soft skin as he held her small hand in his, the tenderness of her lips pressed against his own when he dared to kiss her, the gentleness of her touch as he held her close. He could still feel her heart pounding against his own. Every little thing she did, every move she made enchanted him. Every expression in her face, the sparkle in her eyes. He longed to hold her again, smell the fresh scent of her hair, taste the sweetness of her lips that intoxicated him and left him yearning for more. "No!" his voice cried out as he sprang upright on his bunk and swung his legs over the edge. He let his elbows rest on his legs as he held his head in his hands, feeling the pounding stress of realism surfacing. *This isn’t right* he thought painfully. He could not feel this way. They were too different, in so many ways. If Tari knew, if she really knew what he was, what he looked like under this facade surely, it would send a terror surging through her that would haunt her nightmares forever. He would rather die than let that happen. It was so wrong for him to keep up with this lie when he knew there was no hope for them. It would never be. No matter how hard he wished it could be different, reality destroyed his dream. Yet, he could not deny the way he felt. It was as if he could hear her thoughts, feel what she felt. They had shared so much in the short time they had known each other. Surely their souls had been bonded in another life. Being with her captivated him so that nothing else seemed to matter, and he wanted nothing more. Confusion and despair overwhelmed him. "No!" his voice echoed in the empty room as he flung himself back against the wall that his simple bunk was attached to. "I can't feel this way," he muttered aloud. This was so very wrong. His people fed on hers. No matter how the thought sickened him, it was fact. He knew what they were doing, why his people had come to Earth. They would consume every resource, kill the humans, leaving this beautiful planet in ruins and he was powerless to stop them. There were others who felt as he did. They were called the fifth column and met in secret when possible. But there were not enough of them to stop this, not yet. Should the leader or Diana even suspect he was a part of this secret society they would not hesitate to have him killed. He was afraid that every minute he spent with Tari Donovan endangered her life.If Diana ever found out about their relationship he was certain she would somehow use it to her own advantage. He had heard of the bizarre experiments that his superior had begun on humans. He knew how she used her own people to lure the unsuspecting and trusting humans into her trap. Martin had taken great precautions to keep his relationship with Tari a secret from his people, but it had gotten out of hand. If he were not more careful he would be questioned more intensely about his disappearances and his secret would be revealed. "This was not supposed to happen!" he chastised himself. He had had no intention of letting the relationship go beyond mere friendship. But, it had. Unintentional as it was he had broken the boundaries, stepped over the thin line between friendship and love. Realization making him finally admit it. He was falling in love with her. He hadn't meant it to happen nor even believed that it was possible, yet it had and he'd been unable to stop himself. The bond he felt pull him to this human girl had been too strong and mystifying. It beckoned him from the moment he'd first laid eyes on her, with no reason as to why. He only knew he needed to know her. "Damn!" he cursed himself. "I can't Tari, I can't love you. It's not right!" Martin said, pain and hopelessness lacing his alien voice. "Zon forgive me, but I do, I do love you. " Martin hung his head in defeat. Hopelessly grieving what should be a happy revelation. If she ever knew about him, her horrified reaction would undoubtedly tear out his heart. And Tari. What would it do to her if the truth were ever revealed? How could she handle the shock? She seemed so fragile. No. He could not take the chance on breaking her heart and scaring her emotions that way. He cared too much for her. He had to do something and he knew what that something was. He must stay away from her. Never see her again. But, could he? Could he keep his own desires locked away, could he keep his feelings sealed deep inside and never let them surface? It would be painful, for both of them, but yes, For her he had to try. At last Martin made up his mind. He had to let her go. He would tell Tari he could not see her again. He had to, for her own good he must, and soon. Tari walked solemnly into her office.Tears clouded her blue eyes. She'd gone to the aquarium early this morning only to find it had already been closed down. Stan the night watchman told her there had been no warning and that it had happened very quickly overnight. None of it made any sense. The government had ceased all scientific studies because of the so-called "conspiracy." Tari had been given no other explanation and no answers about where her dolphins had been taken. She was told only that they would be well cared for and she should not worry. When things were again under control, they would be returned and the Aquarium would reopen. “I'm sorry Miss Donovan” Stan apologized before he left “That's all they said” “They?” “Randolph and Jack.” “Randolph? And Jack!? I thought Vance..” Stan shook his head “Vance disappeared right after he gave us the news the place was closing Miss Donovan. No one knows what happened. Randolph and Jack took over.” Tari had stood dumbfounded as she watched Stan leave. Standing alone now in her nearly empty office Tari felt as if her world were crashing down on her. Changes in her life were moving so quickly that she didn't have time to think. And nothing seemed to make sense anymore. Wiping a tear from her cheek Tari tried to pull herself together and gather what was left of her private possessions so that she could take them back to her apartment.Troubled over why Martin had made no contact with her for the last few days still hovered and weighed heavily on her mind. She rationalized that he must be very busy with all the scientist conspiracy nonsense going on. Still, she missed him terribly. The sound of his gentle and unique voice. His inquisitive manor, His modest smile, his deep brown eyes that seemed to be able to memorize every detail of this new and different world he was in. The feel of her hand in his. She savored every moment they spent together. Every touch, every look they shared, sent feelings of desire coursing through her. And even more, she missed the comfort and utter contentment she felt simply by being in his presence. She thanked God every day for bringing Martin into her life. And she prayed he would never leave. Facing the changing world around her seemed much less frightening knowing Martin would be part of that change. Tari finished putting her personal things into a box and set her purse on top of it. Taking one last look around she picked it up and headed for the door.The ringing of her office phone stopped her.Quickly setting the box down on the desk Tari anxiously reached for the receiver and picked it up praying whoever was on the other end could give her some insight into what happened to her dolphins. "Los Angeles Aquarium " "Tari," The unmistakable alien voice on the other end brought a smile to her face and the excitement made her heart race. "Martin?" "Yes," Martin confirmed. "I must see you Tari." His tone was laced with anxiety. "Martin what is it? What's wrong?" she could hear in his voice that something was making him very nervous. "I can't explain right now, but I must see you, it's important. Can you meet me tonight?" he asked anxiously "Yes, of course. Where? When?" Tari answered her own panic surfacing. "The beach, near the cove, after dark," he told her, his voice becoming lower as if he was trying not to be heard by someone. "Alright. I'll be there." Fear flooded over her, Something was very wrong she could hear it in the way he spoke. "I must go now. Until tonight then." As Martin hung up the telephone at the Duprae plant where he had come to help Steven with some more strict security set-ups, he glanced around making sure no one had overheard or seen him. Then left quickly before he was discovered and questioned about the phone call. Tari heard the phone disconnect. Reluctantly, she set her telephone receiver back in its place. She stood there staring at the phone. Fearful and unaware as to what it was that had made Martin so secretive. Quickly gaining her wits, she picked up her things and left for home. **** It had been hours since Martin's call. Tari stood on the beach looking out at the sun as it began to set below the blue-green waters of the ocean, leaving its wondrous colors painted in the sky above. Its reflection glistened along the sparkling water. She pulled her sweater tighter around her bare shoulders as a light wind brushed by her. The hem of her comfortable cotton dress fluttered around her ankles in the breeze. She loved this place. Especially at sunset. Many times she and Martin had sat here on the beach watching the sun give up its reign to the moon and the stars. This had become their special place. Here they felt as if they were the only two people on earth. They would sit for hours watching the stars, talking, or just enjoying the serenity and quiet. Tari remembered the night Martin had first kissed her in the park as he showed her the star that was his home planet. She closed her eyes remembering the feel of his arms around her. The taste of his lips as they caressed hers. The coolness of his skin when he touched her face. It had been such a feeling of bliss that there were no words to describe the way she felt while being held so close to him. He had brought the warmth and feelings of love back to her life. Love, a feeling she thought would never come back into her life, but Yes, that was how she felt about Martin, she was falling in love with him. Tari's thoughts were interrupted when she heard a familiar voice behind her speak her name. She turned quickly and her heart skipped a beat as Martin's form took shape in the shadows of the falling darkness. It took her only a moment before she let her heart rule her actions and she ran to him. Martin could not deny the urge to hold her and took her in his arms, grateful to be able to hold her close to him for one last time. He reveled in the feel of her next to him. "I was so worried about you. " she spoke softly, falling into his arms. He could still feel her breath against his neck as she spoke. He smoothed the back of her long brown hair inhaling her fragrance. He could not resist the sensation to kiss her as she lifted her head to look at him. He raised one hand and gently stroked her soft face, then brought her closer to him as he leaned down and gently kissed her passionately. She fell willingly into his embrace. As they broke from the kiss, Martin pulled her close again, holding her tightly against him as if he would never let her go. "I was so worried, You hadn't been to the park. I hadn't heard from you.” Tari said reveling in the feel of his arms around her. Realizing that he was only delaying the inevitable, Martin grudgingly took hold of her shoulders and moved her out of the embrace. Tari looked up at him There was something in his eyes, something sad. "Martin? What is it? What's wrong?" Martin took in a deep breath letting it out slowly as he turned away, unable to face her with what he knew he had to say. For a moment, he was quiet, searching for the right words. But there were none. He turned back around gazing into her frightened and confused eyes, he decided that dragging it out any longer would only intensify the hurt for both of them, reluctantly, he began. "Tari, I must stop seeing you, “he told her trying to mask his grief. "W, Wh. What?" she stammered. "It is for your own good Tari," he tried to ease the hurt he saw clouding her face all the while his own heart was breaking. “Why would you say that?" she asked as tears began to swell in her eyes. "I mean I thought...” she left the words unsaid “Is it the scientist thing? Because I'm a marine biologist?Martin, I study dolphins. You know this. I'm not one of them. " Martin shamefully looked at the ground in front of him unable to look her in the eye.. "I know, It has nothing to do with you being a biologist.” “Then why? Have I done something wrong?” Raising his head Martin met her gaze. Her pain and confusion masked her delicate features. “You could never do anything wrong Tari.” he answered her caringly “There are things, things about my people, about me, that you do not know. Things you must never know. " "What things?" she begged for an answer. "Martin, Whatever it is I. " Though he tried to hide it, Martin felt an agony he had never experienced before, stabbing repeatedly at his heart, a throbbing hurt that reached into the pit of his stomach. He could not tell her, he could never tell her. "Please Tari, just believe me, it is best this way. I'm sorry, I never meant for this to happen. " Tari fought back her emotions as she spoke. "Martin ... I ... I thought you ... I mean the way we feel, the way I feel … I thought you . . ." Taking a step closer to her, he dared to put a hand on her cheek stroking softly with his thumb. He wanted to ease her pain but it was impossible, "Shh" he hushed her. "We must never speak the words." He gazed longingly into her tearing eyes. "I care for you to much to see you hurt, Tari. I would rather die than hurt you, That is why we must never see each other again. It's too dangerous. For both of us. " Reluctantly he let his hand slowly drop it took everything he had to turn away from her. "Dangerous? How?" she pushed. "What is so dangerous? Martin what aren't you telling me?" "Please Tari," he said, his tone more stern. He knew that he must go, it was hard enough, staying any longer would not ease the pain she felt nor the agony he felt inside him with every passing moment. "I cannot answer your questions. Just know that it is for the best. We cannot be together ... not ever. " With those words Martin despondently walked away, leaving Tari standing on the beach watching as he disappeared into the darkness. "Martin?" Tari called out quietly. She could no longer hold back her tears. They trickled down her cheeks as she began to sob.

V: The Unseen Resistance The Arrival Chapter Three Tari sat relaxing on the window seat in front of her dining areas bay window as she enjoyed her morning coffee, the sunlight felt warm and intoxicating. She leaned back against the wall and propped a foot up in front of her reveling in the stillness. Her mind drifted back to the night before at her mother’s party. A smitten smile crossed her lips when she thought about the handsomevisitor she had met there, Martin. He had been so gallant to rescued her from what could have been a very uncomfortable situation with her mother and the wealthy banker Jameson Colby. Tari felt butterfly's flutter in her stomach and let a giddy sigh escape as she remembered how He'd asked her to go for a walk then offered her his arm and escorted her from the party. Both had admitted to feeling uncomfortable at such festivities and a stroll seemed like the perfect remedy. They had walked for what seemed like hours. His kind gentle manor had rekindled in Tari a feeling she had long since thought dead. Though vague about his own work other than telling her he was a lieutenant aboard the Los Angeles mother ship, Martin had seemed fascinated when Tari had told him about her occupation at the Aquarium. She'd invited him to visit one day soon. She remembered the exhilaration that had surged through her when he accepted the invitation. She hoped he would take her up on the offer very soon, she found herself excited and eager to see him again. *Tareesa Cathleen Donovan* she chastised herself. * He's from another planet for god's sake. *she had to laugh at herself. All these years alone dodging her mother’s constant attempts to introduce her to a suitable young man, And here in one night she meets a man from another planet and is immediately mindlessly smitten. *you must be crazy Donovan* she thought to herself.Still, There was no denying the attraction. Yes, he was handsome, Gorgeous blond hair, devastating brown eyes, mysterious eye's, eyes that seemed to look beyond mere physicality and into the deep regions of her very soul. And his smile, the gentle shy smile that had made Tari’s heart leap to her stomach every time he would break into that smile.But there was something more than just a physical attraction. Something mysterious and unexplained. She had to admit, it felt good to have these feelings again. It made her giddy as a school girl yet frightened.Shaking herself from her daydreaming Tari glanced at the clock hanging on the wall.Seven-O clock, it was time she got ready for work. She was due at the Aquarium at eight thirty. Drinking down the last bit of coffee from her mug Tari stood, going over to the sink she set the empty cup in there and headed for the shower. ****That afternoon Martin steered the shuttle craft toward the Los Angeles aquarium. All the while trying to make sense of the strange feeling of delight he felt at the thought of seeing the human girl he had met last night. Tari Donovan, she was beautiful, Unlike any other female he had ever met.Her tender warmhearted manor fascinated him beyond words. She was not what he had expected. And the way he felt around her confused him. He had met her only once yet, felt strangely drawn to her. Her blue eyes were like the ocean, her dark brown hair setting off the beautiful delicate features of her face. Her timid smile captivated him, making him want to smile in return. Her enthusiasm for her work intrigued him.Curiosity overwhelmed him as he thought about these strange feelings and he wanted to explore them further. "Make friends." That is what his superiors had told him, and What was the harm? He already had very strong misgivings about taking this planet and its people the way the leader had demanded.He rationalized that Maybe getting to know the inhabitants would help him in his quest to find another way. Setting the craft down not far from the gate it gave out a low moan as the power slowly subsided and finally stopped. The shuttle doors opened and Martin nervously exited. Putting on his dark glasses and taking a deep breath then blowing it out in an effort calm his nerves he started off in route with the directions Tari had given him last night. Martin made his way to the back entrance as Tari had instructed. He stood close enough to the building that he could see the dolphin pools and the crowd of on lookers on the other side but was unseen by others. He watched with curiosity and awe as Tari gave the dolphins several different hand signals that they seemed to understand and react to without hesitation. The crowd applauded each time the dolphins preformed their trick and Tari rewarded them with a small fish. Once the performance was over and the crowd began to dissipate Martin made his presence known and stepped out from the side of the building as Tari and Randolph walked toward him. Tari stopped in mid stride, her heart pounded with excitement. Recognizing the familiar uniform of the visitors Randolph protectively positioned himself in front of her. He didn't trust these new visitors, although he'd seen nothing to make him distrust them, he had yet to see something that would show him he could, and he wasn't thrilled to find one standing here in his Aquarium. "Just who the hell are you?" he asked, his suspicion and animosity lacing his tone. "And what are you doing back here?" "It's alright Randolph." Tari spoke up as she moved around to her coworkers’ side gently touching his arm in an effort to calm him. He'd always looked out for her, sometimes he could be a little to protective. "This is Martin. He's a friend. We met at my mother’s party last night. I invited him here."She told him calmly as she looked over at Martin and released a small smile. "I mean no harm." Martin quickly put in. The man’s burning gaze making him even more tense than he already was. Randolph released a heavy sigh as he reluctantly relaxed his guard. He flashed Tari a warning look then continued on his way toward the attendants building. Martin watched cautiously as the man entered the building then returned his gaze to Tari. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to cause any uneasiness with your friend." he apologized. "If this is a bad time I could..." "Oh no, no it's fine really. "Tari interrupted smiling timidly. "Randolph has always been a little over protective. sometimes he's worse than my brother." "Then he is a good friend to watch over you so diligently." “yes” Tari agreed “I suppose that's true” Splashes and alarming chirps and whistles from the dolphin tank suddenly grabbed their attention. Tari shifted her gaze over to the Dolphins. “They've been a little temperamental the last couple of weeks.” “The dolphins?” Martin asked Tari nodded "I was watching you with them they seem to understand you." "Sometimes I think they do. Come on. I'll introduce you." Martin fallowed her to the edge of the tank and Tari called to her dolphins. “Cindy, Sally...c'mon girls I want you to meet a friend." The dolphin’s attitude was much different than what Martin had seen during Tari's performance.They jumped and splashed, coming over to the edge and clapping their jaws making inaudible chirping noises. They slapped their tails against the water in agitation. Tari jumped back pulling Martin with her. A stunned and confused expression on her face. "I, I don't understand what’s wrong with them. they've never acted like this before." Martin glanced warily at Tari then back to the agitated mammals. He feared he knew why the dolphins had acted so strange. It was him, they could sense it. "Perhaps an introduction would be better at another time." he suggested. Trying to dismiss the awkward situation. "I was hoping you could show me around as you mentioned last night?" Tari tried to smile and revert her thoughts from the dolphin’s strange behavior. "Of course, I'll just go change. I won’t be long." Tari hurried to the locker room. She pulled the ponytail tie from her hair and brushed the shoulder length strands until she was satisfied with the outcome then fluffed and hair sprayed to make it stay as she wanted. Quickly she checked her makeup, re-applying as necessary, then threw off the pink and grey spandex shorts jumpsuit replacing it with a pair of straight leg blue jeans and white tank top she tucked into her pants. She slipped on her socksand pulled her white sneakers on just as quickly. Standing she grabbed her Levi jacket and put it on. Giving herself a once over check in the mirror satisfied it was the best she could do with what she had at the moment. she smiled excitedly then turned and snatched up her wallet from insideher backpack and hurried out of the locker room. She was in such a hustle as she scurried from the room she didn't see Randolph waiting outside the door. "Woah there girl." he said grabbing hold of her arm. "Where are you off to in such a hurry?" Tari stared at him for a moment startled at his sudden appearance, then flashed him a huge ecstatic grin. "I have a date.” "What!?"Randolph almost bellowed "With the man from mars?" he let go of her arm. "Randolph! "Tari scolded as she glanced around to be sure Martin had not been in ear shot. Randolph let out a defeated sigh deciding to keep his opinions to himself for the time being. He didn't like it but he had no right to tell Tari who she could or could not go out with. "Just be careful Tari" Tari gave him a forgiving smile and a peck on the cheek. "I'll be fine. Thanks for caring." **That night** Driving home Tari's thoughts were on the afternoon she had spent with Martin. She smiled to herself. It had been a wonderful outing. They had toured the Aquarium and nearby zoo, stopping to rest in the park area. Martin had many questions about her people. Tari had tried to answerhim as best she could. She in turn had asked about his planet and his people. But as before Martin's answers had been vague. Her heart had leapt to her throat when he had asked to see her again. She felt tingles run threw her remembering his words. "I would like to see you again." he had said shyly. "I enjoy your company. Perhaps a walk along the beach?"His words still made her melt. She couldn't wait until she saw him again. After reaching her apt. Tari set her bag on table next to her front door. she pulled off her sneakers and let them lay where they had fallen in front of the couch. She slumped onto the cushions letting her body relax and her mind drift over the events of the day. *** days later*** Martin stood gazing out the huge front window of the Los AngelesMother ship. His mind far from his duty's. He drifted back to yesterday afternoon. He had met Tari Donovan once again, this time for a bicycle lesson and picnic in the park. It had proven to be a humorous outing. Martin had felt rather silly as Tari coached him on how to ride the two wheeled contraption, especially when he attempted to stop and ended up in the bushes alongside the bike trail. Tari had tried in vain to suppress her amusement, but her giggling could notbe held back. Martins embarrassment soon triggered his own laughter.They had spent the day riding along the bike trails, once Martin learned the proper way to ride and stop. Then finally coming to rest by the side of the duck pond that centered the area. The place was beautifully landscaped. Adorned with trees, flowers, lilac bushes. Ducks and Swans swam in the pond, coming up to the bank as Tari threw bread crumbs to them.Tari had fixed them a small picnic lunch. Mostly containing raw vegetablesand fruits, bread and cheese. Tari had never been much of a meat eater and when she had asked Martin what he liked he had told her he was a vegetarian.It had been a relaxing and enjoyable day as had all time been the last few weeks when it was spent with this human girl. Their evening walks along the beach were a particular favorite. They would talk for hours about the oceans and the earths many wonders. Sometimes they would just sit and watch as the sun set not speaking, just being near each other seemed to be enough. When they looked into each other’s eyes it was as if their very souls would touch, he could feel a bond between them growing ever closer. Martin knew he should stay away from her, it wasn’t right, He was playing with fire. But he could not help himself. He could not refuse her charm, being in her company was like euphoria and he could not resist it. She made him feel happy, at ease, and content. Feelings he had not known for such a long time that they felt strange, yet, comforting. With Tari Donovan he could forget what his people had come to do, forget what had been done on other planets, things that sickened him and the guilt that gnawed at his insides. With her each new dawn became a day to look forward to. He felt their souls becoming entwined with each passing moment they spent together and he could not stop it, nor did he want to, not now. ****Three days later*** Martin set the shuttle down in front of Tari's apartment building. He walked beside her as they excited. They had just spent the last few hours walking along the beach, Martin had told her of how much he envied her people with such a plentiful planet. He asked her why she felt as she did about the sea and its creatures. It mystified him how passionate Tari seemed about the ocean. For her answer she recited a piece from one of her favorite poems. "They say the sea is cold, but the sea contains the hottest blood of all, and the wildest, the most urgent." Martin had looked at her confused. "It's a poem by D. H. Lawrence, about whales. I think when i first read itas a teenager it gave me the incentive to study the ocean and the life with in it. Do you like Poetry Martin?" "I don't know." He shrugged "I have never read any." "If you'd like to, I can lend you one of my books. You could read some of it and tell me what you think." She offered. Martin smiled. "I would like that." As they reached Tari’s front door she unlocked it and went inside, inviting Martin to fallow her. She retrieved a black hard bound book from the book shelf and handed it to him. He thanked her and she walked with him back out.As they stood just outside her doorway their eyes locked. Martin felt his heart pound against his chest as he fought back the urge to press his lips to hers. To hold her in his arms, feel her close to him. For an instant he thought he could read the same want in her eyes as well. So deep into their trans neither had herd the taxi pull up, nor saw the man exit it. "Ackem." the clearing of a throat breaking their revere. Tari quickly turned to see her brother standing there. "Uhh..Sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt." Mike Donovan apologized with a sheepish grin. "I didn't know you had company or I would have called first." "Mike!..." Tari was at a loss for words surprised and with a touch of embarrassment she forced a nervous smile. Though nothing had transpired from the longing look she shared with the man next to her. The want had been there, at least she knew it had for her and she felt like the preverbal child caught with her hand in the cookie jar. "Martin, this is my brother Mike." Tari introduced them. While she worked on steadying the nerves she could feel in her stomach twisting much like a teenager who was introducing her secret boyfriend to her parents for the first time. Martin held out his hand in what he knew to be the traditional earth greeting.And moved to meet Mike. "I remember meeting you briefly at your mothers party a few weeks ago." Mike welcomingly took the Visitors hand. "Ya, I remember that to. Nice to see you." As the hand shake released Mike looked up at his sister who still stood at her door. Amused by her embarrassment he couldn't resist the chance to get in one more little dig. It had been too long since he had seen that look in her eyes and he was glad it was finally surfacing again. How he felt about it coming to life with the presence of an Extraterrestrial, that was a different matter. But he would reserve his judgment until he knew more. "Nice to see you keeping company with more than just those dolphins and fish." He grinned. "Mike!" Tari scolded with embarrassment. Martin suppressed a small smile lowering his gaze to the ground. Then looked back up at Tari his expression composed more seriously. "I should go now, I will see you again soon." "Don't go on my account. "Mike insisted. "I just came by to see if you wanted to go horseback riding with Sean and I" He directed the question to Tari. "I’m on my way there now to pick him up." "Oh Mike I’d love to " Tari told him apologetically. "But I can't, I have to work. Rae's disappeared and were shorthanded at the Aquarium." "Rae?" Mike questioned with concern. "Disappeared?" Tari nodded her face contorted into worry. "ya, she left work the day before yesterday and didn't show up to work today and no one’s heard from her.” Mike tried to be supportive. "Well, try not to worry too much, maybe she met some nice guy and is out having the time of her life." “I don’t think so; her boyfriend Charlie hasn’t been seen since then either. The last her roommate knew she and Charlie had plans to go sailing. I just hope nothing’s happened to them." "Im sorry kid, try not to be too concerned." he tried to reassure her." I'm surethere’s some logical explanation. Now I need to get going, The meter’s running and this cabby isn’t looking to happy right now.I'll call you soon.." "Mike." Martin who had been silently listening to the conversation and all the while fearing he knew what must have happened to Tari's friend, hid the sickening feeling turning inside him as he spoke. "Can I drop you somewhere? The shuttle would be faster, less traffic." Mike accepted the offer and retrieved his things from the cab. He said goodbye once again to his sister kissed her on the cheek then fallowed Martin to the shuttle. As the shuttle lifted off Martin was quiet, feeling Somewhat uneasy given what he had overheard about Tari’s friend, he was beginning to have more misgivings about his involvement with this human girl, more out of fear for her than anything else. But he swore he would do what ever it took to keep her safe. Which is partly why he had made the offer of a ride to Tari’s brother. He needed to know if he was a man who could be trusted. Not only because of how he felt about the man’s sister but there were other things in motion now, things that he hoped could one day help the humans and people like Mike Donovan could be a great asset. Of Corse there was also that nagging curiosity to know how Donovan felt about his *friendship* with his sister. Things were different on his planet, if the situation were reversed and he himself had a sister he would be a little more than apprehensive about her pursuing such a *friendship* with and alien. Most of the thirty minuet trip the two conversed with small talk until they reached the car lot, Mike wanted to rent a car and drive the rest of the way to pick up his son so that they would have a way to the riding grounds and home. "Thanks Martin, I appreciate the lift." "I was glad to do it. "Martin told him. "I have wanted to meet you again for some time now. Tari has told me a lot about you." Mike grinned sheepishly. "Yeah ..well she kept you pretty much a secret, I mean she told me she had met someone she just didn't tell me...." He let the words die realizing he was about to put an inconsiderate foot in his mouth. Martin hid a timid smile. "That I was not from your planet?" It was Mikes turn to look embarrassed. "Yeah, I guess so. I didn't mean anything,I mean, Im just happy to see her smilinglike that again. " "She's a very nice girl, I enjoy being her friend. I hope that you and I can become friends as well Mike." Martin said holding out his hand. Mike took it. "You bet, any friend of my baby sisters is a friend of mine. thanks again for the lift." **** Martin steered the shuttle back on course for the mother ship. He was due back on duty in an hour, but first, there was one more thing he had to do.

V: The Unseen Resistance The Arrival Chapter Two Tari stood in front of the mirror in the locker room where she put the finishing touches on her hair and makeup. She had traded her conservative swim suit for a pair of straight leg Levi’s and an oversize white shirt. She fastened her black wrap around belt around her waist and pulled on her brown ankle boots before snatching up her hobo bag and heading for her car. She hated these quarterly budget meetings with Vance, but they were necessary to keep the money they needed to support the Aquarium. When she reached her car she sensed more than saw someone walking toward her looking up from fumbling in her bag for her keys she was pleasantly surprised to see it was her brother striding up to her. "Mike!" she called out as she leapt into his arms hugging him tightly. Mike Donovan return his sisters embrace almost lifting her off the ground. "Hey kido, how are you?" he asked as they parted. "Im fine, I've been worried about you. I saw the news the other night, What was it like being up in that ship? What are they like?" She asked excitedly referring to Mikes excursion into the Strange ship that still hung in the skies of their Los Angeles home. Mike laughed. "Well if you've got time for a cup a coffee I'll tell you all about it. My treat." Tari looked at her watch. "I've got a meeting in an hour. But c'mon we can grab a cup at the coffee shop." She smiled. “Vance can wait on me for once.” Once they reached the coffeehouse within the compound of the Marine land park they quickly found a table in the corner where they could visit. Mike eagerly told her all about the Visitor ship and the aliens residing in it from what he had seen so far. Tari was awed as she listened to her brother's story and bombarded him with questions. She didn't know if it was just her brothers naturally suspicious nature or if he really believed there was something sinister behind it all. But something in the tone of his voice scared her. “Do you really think they're hiding something?” "I don’t know, something just feels off.” Mike answered “I'm gonna go get a better look see as soon as I can figure out how to get up there without being noticed." he grinned sheepishly. "Mike" Tari scolded. "You be careful, there's no telling what would happen if they caught you." "Hey" Mike smiled. "I'm a newsman, danger is my middle name." Tari gave him a wary look and grinned half heartily before she took a quick glance at her watch. "I've got to go, Vance is probably ready to feed me to the sharks as it is.” Mike laughed, "C'mon I'll walk you back to your car." When they had reached Tari's vehicle Mike gave his sister a peck on the cheek before he left for his own car. “I'll see you soon” “Be careful” She warned ** 2 weeks later*** Tari sat on the edge of the dolphin pool getting ready to go in the water when Randolph came from inside the building where he had been reading the fish for the dolphins. "Tari" he called out from the door way. Hearing her name Tari stopped before she entered the tank and turned toward Randolph's voice "Phone" he told her "It's your mother." Tari stood and made her way over to the building. "Hello Mother." she answered as she picked up the receiver. "Tareesa dear." her mother’s voice sounded excited. "I have wonderful news. Arthur's plant was selected as one of the industrial buildings to make the chemical the visitors need! Isn't that wonderful?" "Yes, I suppose it is mother." Tari didn't sound as enthused. she knew her mother had to have had a hand in it. She was always pushing her stepfather to get ahead. Power, that was her mother’s real love, and Tari resented it. Eleanor hadn't caught Tari's unenthusiastic manor or she had just overlooked it and kept on with the reason she had called. "The Visitors are moving into the plant tomorrow morning around 10-O-clock. There's going to be a small celebration. You *are* going to be there aren't you?" It sounded more like an order than a question. Tari stumbled for words. She hated public gatherings and her mother knew it. She enjoyed doing her shows with the dolphins, but that was extent of her public appearances. Besides Tari didn't consider the dolphin shows as public gatherings. She equated it to telling a large group of people about dolphins, her life's work and love, and thus saw the group in a different light than she did social functions. At least there her mother didn't have her on display as the very eligible bachelorette looking for Mr. wealthy, which she certainly was not. "Ohh, uh,” She let an exasperated sigh escape “Mother, you know I'm busy at the Aquarium at that time. I have to get the dolphins ready for their afternoon show." "Well." Eleanor huffed. "If those fish are more important to you than being there to support the man who put you threw that ridiculous schooling.." *Here we go* Tari rolled her eyes. *the guilt trip* Randolph couldn't hear what Tari's mother was saying, but by the look on his friends face he could pretty much guess. Tari's mother was always trying to make the girl into something she was not. Knowing Tari Donovan the way he did and caring for her more than he should, her mother’s hounding got on his nerves and it took everything he had not to tell the woman what he thought of her. "They aren't fish mother, they're mammals. and it's my job. Arthur would understand." Tari said bluntly, doing her best to not take on the responsibility her mother was trying to saddle her with. "Well you *will* at least be present at the small welcome party I have planned for the visitor’s tomorrow night won't you?" Elanor was still pressing. Tari looked over at Randolph and rolled her eyes. Randolph smiled and shook his head in disbelief, the woman was just not going to let it go until she had Tari right where she wanted her. He knew Tari's mother was up to something when she called, she rarely called Tari at work unless it was to badger her about meeting some nice *rich* man she had picked out for her, or to goad her into a fancy gathering of some sort where she could put her very eligible daughter on display. At least that was how He saw it. "Mother." Tari spoke her voice echoing her aggravation.“You know how I feel about parties; besides it’s been a little crazy here since the visitors came I really don’t have time to socialize." Elanor decided maybe she could catch more bee's with honey and her tone softened. "Tareesa, dear, you work much too hard, You need to get out more and meet people." "Mother." Tari blew out an exasperated sigh "OH!" Elanor huffed. "I give up, here Arthur you talk to her." Tari wanted to slam the phone down, Arthur had a very subtle and mischievous way of getting Tari to do whatever he wanted. He had always treated and loved her as if she were his own. She rarely denied him and her mother new it. "Hello Tari." Came her stepfather’s kind and gentle voice. "You don’t' have to come to anything if you don’t want to.But It would be nice to see you." Tari let a defeated sigh escape. There was just no way she was getting out of this and she knew it. Besides she was tiring of her mother’s game of cat and mouse.Before he could say another word she gave in. "Alright, If it’s that important I cave." "That was easy." Arthur joked. Tari let out a laugh. "Well you'll manage to talk me into it sooner or later so I may as well give in now. What time? what should I wear? "She asked indifferently. “I’ll let you talk to your mother with those details. Thank you Tari. I really am looking forward to seeing you. It's been weeks since you've visited." Tari suppressed a laugh. "All right Arthur. I said yes" Elanor return to the phone and informed Tari on the necessary time and noted what the proper attire should be. Finally Tari hung up the phone and heaved a heavy frustrated sigh. Randolph had finished reading the fish for the dolphins and handed the bucket to her. "Talked you into another one huh." he grinned. Tari gave him a sideways glance. "Want to be my date again? keep the wolves at bay?" "OH no, not me, the last time I did that your mother carted me off with some man hungry widow and I was stuck there all night. You’re on your own this time kid.” "Great, thanks, what a friend." Tari teased and tried to look annoyed while suppressing a grin. She remembered how poor Randolph had been saddled with the wealthy widow Chambers last year at her mothers Christmas party he had attended with her. The woman had practically fallowed him home that night. Elanor had an alternative motive that night setting Randolph up with her friend Louise Chambers. She had been dyeing to introduced Tari to Jameson Colby A very prominent bank manager on his way to the councilman’s seat. The man was a total bore and had more conceit than she had ever imagined one person could possess. Tari swore this time if that man showed up no matter what, manors be damned, she was leaving, and leaving quickly. *** The next day*** Tari left the Aquarium early to ready herself for her mother’s party. Rummaging through threw her closet she finally settled on a suitable dress to where. A light slate blue knee length dress, the hem was stylishly uneven, short sleeves that gathered slightly the top a v type neckline that angled slightly to the right. She slipped on her white pumps and gave her hair the once over as she secured one side back with a comb that mirrored the color of her shoes. Taking her wallet and keys from her hobo bag she could think of nothing else to stall and reluctantly made her way out the door and to her car. Half an hour later Tari stood at the doorway to her mother’s lavish home ringing the doorbell.She was greeted by Jonas. The butler her mother often hired when she held such social affairs. After leaving her wallet and keys in the drawer of the small entryway table, Tari made her way to the back yard where the guest were all mingling amongst themselves as well as the visitor guests. Robert Maxwell and his wife Kathrin were there. Tari remembered they lived only a few houses down the street. Among other noble guest was the congressman and his wife, The mayor, a few councilmen along with several well to do neighbors and their spouses. Tari felt a pang of uneasiness hit her as she scanned the area with so many people in attendance, it made her want to run but she ignored it and searched the surroundings for her brother. Before she could locate him Arthur saw her and cheerfully walked up to her. With him was a tall man with grey/blond hair. He wore the familiar jumpsuit of the new visitors. She remembered having seen him on the Television as the first of his race to set foot outside of his ship. Arthur hugged her lovingly and introduced her to John the visitor’s supreme commander. Tari smiled politely. But Something about him made her uneasy, he was too polite, to friendly. She was thankful when he and Arthur finally left to greet another guest. Her relief was short lived as her mother came up to her on the arm of another of the Visitor commanders. "Tareesa, Darling, where have you been? I was getting worried." Elanor greeted her with a smile but her eyes were scolding. "I'm sorry I'm late Mother." Tari apologized graciously. "Well your here now, that’s all that matters." Elanor told her as she gave her daughter a motherly squeeze. Elanor turned to her guest. "Dear, I want you to meet Steven. He will be over seeing the work at the plant." John had made her uneasy but Steven didn’t just make her nervous, he made her skin crawl. Though he smiled and shook her hand with the politeness of a true gentleman there was something about him that made Tari wary. Something in his eyes, they were cold and unemotional, plus just something in his manor lead her to believe that though he was on his best behavior at the moment it wouldn’t take much for him to turn into someone very calculated and cruel.Never the less she greeted him with her best social manors hiding her reservations. Finally out if the corner of her eyes she spotted Mike. Excusing herself from the presents of her mother and Steven she quickly made her way over to her brothers’ side. Mike greeted her with an affectionate hug and peck on the cheek. "Your late." he teased. "If I could have figured a way out of this I wouldn't even be here" she spouted. "These visitor’s, they make me nervous." "Ah c'mon. You just hate socializing admit it." Mike goaded. Tari gave him a small grin. "Well that to. So, where’s your date?" Mike motioned to a table where Christine sat in deep conversation with another of the aliens. A female, with long dark hair and beautiful features. "That’s Diana, she seems to be one of the head people with them. Chris is trying to set up an interview." "Oh" Tari responded. She had been less than pleased when her brother had told her who would be attending the party with him. Tari had never liked Christine Walsh. The woman would do anything to get ahead even if that mean walking over anyone who got in her way. Tari had always feared her brother would end up being one of Christine's stepping stones, and she didn’t like it. *** some time later**** Tari stood near the buffet table trying to look as inconspicuous as possible. She felt bit hungry but didn’t feel comfortable eating in such a crowd so she set a few vegetables on her small plate, a couple of baby carrots and a piece of celery. God how she hated these gatherings. She wished she had taken Mikes lead and left and hour ago. In fact maybe she could slip out now without her mother or Arthur seeing her. Her mother was parading around in all her glory stroking up to all the councilmen and their wives, not to mention the visitor leaders. Especially, the one called Steven, he seemed to hold particular interest for her. And Arthur, lord he was getting just as bad. Tari shook her head thinking to herself *What a joke*. Spying a secluded spot a few feet from the crowd under one of huge trees that adorned her parents back yard Tari made her way over to it, her plan was to eat the food on her plate then make her escape. Taking a nibble from one of the carrots Tari looked up at the stars and let her mind wonder. She remembered many nights sitting under these trees with her brother when they were kids, discussing the star’s, seeing who could find what constellation first between the branches. In later years this had been the place her high school boyfriend Marc Dalton had asked her to marry him. It was also the same place Mike had broken the news of Marc’s death in Vietnam to her. Tari could still remember how much the news had hurt, and how she had vowed never to love again. To this date she had kept that vow. She inspected the bark of the big oak tree, even after all these years the initials Marc had carved were still there *M + T Forever* She felt the same sting of sadness return as she ran her fingers over the letters.This spot had always been a place of solace for both she and Mike. Here they had often met and discussed their problems, whether it be family or otherwise, as well as shared with each other their hopes and dreams throughout their young years, until the day Mike had gone off to be a cameraman, it wasn’t long after that Tari herself had left to study marine biology. She wished Mike were still here now to keep her company. He enjoyed these ridiculous gatherings as much as she did. What was she doing still here? Tari abruptly set her small plate on the ground finally deciding to just leave when a strange yet gentle voice from behind interrupted. "Good evening, am I disturbing you?" Tari spun around startled by the reverberating voice she recognized to be the voice of a visitor. Her eyes fell upon a man seemingly to be about the age of her brother, he wore the familiar red visitor uniform, he had blond hair and brown eyes, not cold dead eyes like that of her mother’s friend Steven, this visitors’ eyes were soft and as warm as his smile. His gentle manor making her almost at ease as he spoke He was not like the other visitors she had met tonight. He didn’t make her nervous, or afraid, he was different. His smile was not manufactured, it was as genuine as his politeness was sincere. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt if you would prefer to be alone." he said nervously. "No, that’s quite alright." Tari answered timidly. I'm just not very comfortable at these sort of things." The visitor smiled again as he looked around behind him at the mingling groups of people and visitor alike. "Nether am I I'm afraid." He admitted turning back to face the human girl. "Please forgive me." he sounded annoyed at himself. "My name is Martin." He held out a friendly hand. Tari nervously took his out stretched hand “Tari; Tari Donovan." She introduced herself. The feel of his touch gave her a sensation she had not felt in years. She pulled out of the friendly hand shake slowly. Taking in the site of his handsome face. "Donovan? a relation to Mike Donovan?" Martin asked. “Guilty I’m afraid.” Martin looked at her inquisitively and Tari smiled realizing he did not understand the sarcasm. "Yes." she reworded her answer. "I'm his sister." " I see, I believe I met him briefly this evening." "Yes, he was here, he decide to cut out before the party was over, he’s got an early day tomorrow I guess." A Sudden look of horror crossed Tari’s delicate features. Her eyes were centered on something coming toward them. “Oh Lord” the words slipped from her lips involuntarily as if she suddenly felt ill. Martin turned and looked behind him to see what had brought on the girl’s sudden change in demeanor. He recognized the woman walking toward them as Elenore Duprea, the party’s hostess, but he didn’t know the man with her. They both seemed to be looking for someone. He returned his gaze back to the girl "Is something wrong? Can I help?" he asked openly. “Oh, I” Tari stammered "It’s my meddling mother.” "Your mother?" Martin asked puzzled. "The party’s hostess I'm afraid, Elanor Duprea." "Ah yes." Martin was still confused. Tari felt the blood rush from her face when she saw that her mother had seen her and was making her way toward them with Jameson Colby in tow. Here eyes darted back and forth as she was desperately searched for a way to escape. It was very evident in the look on the girl’s face. Whoever this man was that her mother was leading this way Tari Donovan was not happy to see him. “Is he someone you know?” Martin asked “I’m afraid so, That’s Jameson Colby." Tari was saying quietly." A very prominent bank manager that my mother has been trying to arrange for me to have a relationship with for the past year." Tari's Voice held an annoyed tone. "He’s a complete bore and has more confidence in himself than anyone person should ever admit to, He's such an arrogant jerk." Martin hid a smile. suddenly understanding the problem. Tari was adamant in her dislike for this man. "I take it you are not interested in this so-called relationship your mother is trying to arrange?" he asked a bit amused. "Not in the *least*" Tari told him keeping her eyes on her mother and Mr. Colby "Then, Would you like to take a walk Miss Donavan." Martin asked courteously, not only wanting to help the human girl out of an unwanted situation, but, he too wanted nothing more than an excuse to leave this uncomfortable event himself. Tari smiled this was her chance to make a getaway. "I would love to." She answered. Martin felt a strange burst of glee at her answer. It was a feeling he was unaccustomed to and it made him nervous. None the less he was pleased, though he kept his feeling of excitement well under control. He held out his elbow politely and Tari entwined her arm through his as they started off. Leaving Elanor and the prominent Mr. Colby shocked at her abrupt departure without so much as a word to them.

*_V: The Unseen Resistance_* _The Arrival_ Chapter One Tari Donovan was a dedicated marine biologist and dolphin expert who managed the Los Angeles Marine Aquarium and Institute. She not only studied, trained and took care of the marine life there she also worked closely with three others. Jack Traven a marine biologist whose expertise steered more toward the bigger mammals such as Whales. But his passion had always been sharks. He hoped one day to go to the Oceanographic institute and work with Matt Hooper to study the great whites. Rae Gallagher a young collage student studding to be a marine biologist who was interning at the aquarium. Like Tari her passion was dolphins, she enjoyed working with the young woman and had been learning a lot from her. Randolph Bear Claw a native American marine biologist from the Haida tribe of Alaska. Randolph was the oldest of the four biologist he was also overseer of the Aquarium making sure the tanks and buildings were maintained. His expertise also steered toward the bigger mammals like whales specifically Orca's. Then there was Jesse and Billy Monroe. Brothers who worked after schools and weekends helping Randolph keep the place clean, mostly because they were ordered to do so as punishment for the graffiti they’d painted all over the observation area. They had broken in one night and decided to have a spray-painting party but were caught in the act by the night watchman Stan Blacker. They’d been sentenced to do community service for a year. Both boys had been into trouble before so Randolph had decided to take them under his wing hoping to lead them onto the straight and narrow. The boys had been there nearly six months and so far it seemed to be working. Annie Traven was Jacks thirteen-year-old niece who would spend her summer vacations at the aquarium helping Tari in the office. But her favorite thing to do was following Tari and the others around interacting with the marine life specially with Tari's prized dolphins Cindy and Sally. Tari was fairly certain Annie was on her way to becoming another biologist and dolphin expert. Vance Stallings was the aquarium owner, A business man who cared more about money than the welfare of the mammals. The only thing that kept the place running was the fact that the mammals brought in money with the daily shows they performed in. And the only thing that kept the mammals performing was the people who worked there who cared more for the mammals and their welfare than money. People like Tari Donovan, Randolph, Jack and Rae, along with a few others. Tari Donovan climbed out of the water as her coworker and friend Randolph handed her a towel. The dolphins clicked and whistled their disappointment at her departure. "I don't think they want you to go." Randolph commented with a grin. Tari did her best to dry herself with the towel, she pulled the scrunchy out of her hair letting her long brown locks fall out of the pony tail she had them tied up in. After drying her hair as much as she could she ran it over her arms again then wrapped the towel around her trim waist. "They like to play." She smiled stooping down close to the pool as the dolphins swam up to the edge. Tari patted each of them smoothing her hand over their sleek rubbery skin “Don’t you girls” Randolph chuckled “And you don’t?” Tari flashed him a sideways grin. “I’m their trainer.” “They think you’re their mom” “Well, I did raise them” Tari laughed “So I suppose they do.” Suddenly the dolphins began jumping, splashing and making frantic clicking whistles that almost sounded like screams. Randolph quickly went to the side of the pool next to Tari ready to grab her should she lose her footing and fall in. They both shared a concerned glance. The dolphin’s behavior was completely out of character and had never happened before. "Hey, Cindy, Sally. what is it? C'mon girls, you know I can't stay in the water with you all day." she cooed. The dolphins swam back to the edge of the pool letting her stroke the top of their noses.Suddenly they jumped from her touch again and dived into the depths of the aquarium. "What the..?" Randolph pulled Tari to her feet and backed her away from the edge of the water just to be on the safe side. The two of them shared a confused look. The strange and uncharacteristic reaction she was getting from the two mammals she had raised since their rescue over three years ago was unbelievable. Their bewilderment soon took on a more frightening essence. A huge shadow began to loom over them. The sky darken as the shadow moved directly overhead. The two looked upward and both let out a shocked breath. A huge circular space ship floated directly above, it had to be at least two maybe three miles around in either direction. "Oh my god!" Tari’s words escaped in a quiet and overwhelmed sort of whisper. Randolph nodded, his eyes mesmerized on the craft overhead. "Ditto" was all he could say. "What is it?" Tari asked still shaken. Randolph shook his head. "Damned if I know. But It’s BIG! And it’s ugly whatever it is.”" The two stood astounded at the sight they beheld unable to take their eyes from it until Jack and Rae came bursting from around the building next to the pool where they had been preparing fish to feed the seals, they’d heard a strange humming sound outside and had gone out to investigate when the craft came into view. "Have you seen it?!" Jack was yelling excitedly pulling the young auburn-haired woman, Rae, behind him. They were both staring into the sky as they ran over to Randolph and Tari. "It's amazing." Rae commented. "It's the end of the world I tell ya." Jack exclaimed. Randolph and the girls looked at each other. Normally they would have been amused at Jacks overly excited reaction. But with what they saw hanging plainly in site right now they agreed this time his response was understandable. Though they all chose to believe he was exaggerating. “This can’t be real, can it?” Rae was white as a sheet Tari felt a strange chill flood over her as she watched the craft hovering above. She had no idea what this phenomenon meant. But she could not stop this overwhelming feeling dread. It was a horrifying sensation that this not only would have a drastic effect on the world she knew, but something else she couldn't quit put her finger on gnawed at her. She shivered and tried to shake the bizarre feeling away. But it locked on her like a vise.She wished her brother Mike were in the country. But he was in El' Salvador covering the guerrilla fighting over there. She almost chuckled thinking about how ticked off he was going to be when he found out he had missed his chance to cover what was probably the biggest story of the century. Jessie and Billy came sprinting from the back of the buildings. Randolph chastised them both for running on the wet cement until he noticed the bump and scratches on Billy’s forehead. “You alright boy? What happened?” I crashed my bike when we seen em.” The 12-year-old told him as Randolph inspected the wound. “Well come on inside and I’ll clean that up for you. You too Jessie.” Fifteen-year-old Jessie was still staring up at the object in the sky. “Jessie!” Randolph’s stern tone finally got the youngsters attention and he reluctantly followed the older man into the building. Tari pulled her gaze from the sphere hanging in the clouds back to her dolphins. Both mammals were still acting agitated and frightened. The phone ringing in the back ground seemed unimportant. “Jack” Randolph called from the doorway. “It’s for you.” “What do you think it is Tari?”Rae’s fear was unmistakable by the emotion that laced her tone. “I don’t know Rae, I suppose we’ll find out soon enough. Come on, lets go turn the TV on in my office and see what the news has to say before we get back to work.” “Tari!” Hearing her name Tari turned to see Jack rushing toward her. “That was my sister-in-law, she’s keeping Annie home today. They’re both scared out their wits. And, I know you probably need me here, but Chris has been called back to the base and she was hoping I Could come over.” “I thought your brother was on leave?” “He was, but they are calling all serviceman back, those on leave and those who’s times up or are ready to retire have all been called back every things been put on hold. And all leaves cancelled.” “Oh my God” Rae exclaimed tears started to fall from her eyes and her hands started to shake. “My brother Joe, he just joined the air force, my parents must be frantic.” Tari put a reassuring arm around the young girl. “Everything will be alright Rae, Lets go inside and you can call your mom and dad. You go on Jack, we’ll be alright here. I think we’ll cancel the shows today any way. I don’t think the mammals are going to be cooperating if the way the dolphins are acting is any indication. Go take care of your family.” Once Rae was settled in the office and on the phone with her parents in Oregon. Tari turned the Television set on in the lounge, special bulletins flashed on every Channel. The saucer had arrived not twenty minutes ago and already the world was in a panic. It seems they were landing in every major city in the world. Tari left the lounge and stepped outside looking up into the sky at the giant round disk. She was sure of only one thing. Life as she knew it would never be the same again. ****Later**** Tari stared unbelieving and nervously at the television. She, Rae, and Randolph had finished their chores and had gathered around the TV in the employee lounge watching the news. Stan the night watchman had joined them shortly after Randolph had returned from seeing that Jessie and Billy got home safely. A strange pulsing sound suddenly boomed threw the air. Tari and Rae both nearly jumped startled by the sound. At the same time a strange resonant voice came across the television while the news commentator continued to speak. "twenty, nineteen, eighteen.." “The voice is being herd all over the world, each in their own language.” The Commentator was saying Then the countdown abruptly stopped. The three marine biologists and the night watchman were glued to the set waiting for what might happen next. A short pause and the voice spoke again..."Citizens of the planet earth. We bring you greetings, and we come in peace. May we respectfully request that your secretary General of your united Nations please come to the top of your United Nations building in New York at 0100 Greenwich mean time this evening. Thank you." "Oh my god" Rae exclaimed. "What could that mean?" "I don't know" Tari replied quietly. "0100 Greenwich time. What time is that here?" The Television news man answered before Randolph had a chance to answer. "Eight o clock our time." The four of them sat in disbelief, none of them spoke for a long moment until the telephone ringing broke the silence. A nervous Rae jumped at the sound startling Tari in the process. Randolph nearly laughed out loud when the girls almost jumped out of their skin until they realized it was the phone. Tari flashed Rae a cautionary glare then hid her amusement at herself for being so susceptible to Rae’s reaction. Shaking her head at her own foolishness Tari hurried to the phone and picked up the receiver in her office. "Los Angeles Marine Aquarium, Tari Donovan." she answered absently "Hi Aunt Tari” her nephew Sean’s excited voice sounded on the other end. "Sean!" Tari said surprised to hear his voice. "How are you? are you ok? is your mom ok?" Tari had been close to her nephew even after the divorce of his parents. She and Marjorie, Sean’s mother, were still civil to each other. They had never really been good friends but had always been friendly. "Ya were both ok, Have you seen em Aunt Tari? have you seen the news?" he asked enthusiastically. "Yes, I've seen it Sean. are you scared?" His tone became a little quieter. "No, not really, do you think dads seen em?" "I'm sure he has sweetie." "Has he called you?" the boy asked his voice still low. "No, not yet I haven’t herd from him. But he isn't supposed to be back from El Salvador for a couple days yet. Don’t you worry, your dads just fine. He'll be back before you know it." "Ya, I know, I just...I just wish he was here now." Sean loved his father and had always understood why his work took him so far from home. It was Sean’s mother that had never understood. Still Tari could hear the fear her nephew’s voice, not so much in what he said as how he said it. Even though Sean wouldn't admit it he must be scared and needing his father right now and it tugged at her heart. Just then she herd Marjorie’s scolding voice echoing in the back ground. "Sean Donovan! What have I told you about using the phone without permission? Who are you talking with?" "It's aunt Tari mom, I called her about the UFO's" "Let me talk to your mom Sean I'll talk with you later ok? I love you." Tari was hoping she could smooth things over with her x sister-in-law and curb her frustration. Sean said his good byes and handed his mother the phone. "I'm sorry Tari" Marjorie apologized. "Did he disturb you?" "NO not at all, I love hearing from him. He can call me any time you know that, I think he's just a little excited and scared is all." "Yes" Marjorie said her tone a bit shaky "Aren’t we all." "Are you ok Marj?" Tari asked troubled by the fear in the other woman’s voice. "Yes, I'm fine..." "Alright, but if you or Sean need anything don’t hesitate to call. "Tari tried to sound supportive. "Thanks Tari, take care." "You too, Good bye Marjorie." Tari hung up the phone and walked back into lounge. “I’m going to make sure the mammals are all tucked in for the night and call it a day. I want to make sure I’m home by the time eight -o-clock rolls around. And the traffics bound to be hell.” “That sounds like a good idea” Randolph agreed “Sounds like a great Idea” Rae put in “How about I take you two to dinner after we finish up before you brave the traffic, my treat?” “Sorry Randolph, I don’t feel much like eating, but Thank You, another time ok” “Sure Tari, no problem.” Rae immediately picked up on Randolph’s disappointment and jumped in hoping to take his mind off of it. “I’ll take you up on it, will you drop me off at my apartment? I’m a little jumpy so maybe me driving isn’t such a good idea right now.” “Sure Rae.” Randolph answered braving a smile and trying to hide his unhappiness that Tari wasn’t joining them as he watched her solemnly walk toward Dolphin tanks. Rae slipped up next to him and whispered “I think she’s just worried about her brother. He’s still out of the country you know. She’ll be ok, C’mon you owe me dinner anyway” She tried to sound jovial. It wasn’t common knowledge that Randolph harbored some serious feelings for their boss, but those who knew him best and worked closely with him could easily see it. It was in the way he looked at her, the way he talked about her. He obeyed her every command and made sure everything was just the way she liked it. It was just as obvious that Tari Donovan was just as clueless. ** that night** Tari had changed into a comfortable pair of black leggings and a long T-shirt and made her self a cup of tea before she settled in on her couch to watch the eight-o- clock news cast. She felt her heart start to pound as she watched the shuttle craft float down from the huge ship hanging in the sky.She held her breath as did most of the world as the secretary General entered the craft. And sighed with relief when he had reemerged with a smile. Tari let a surprised gasp escape as she watched the news people enter the craft for their tour of the mother ship. "Mike!" Her delicate features twisted in anxiety as she watched her only brother enter the craft with the other news people and disappear into the small ship. *He’ll be ok* she kept telling herself and tried to stay optimistic But her concern was evident. “I bet he’s after that Pulitzer” she told herself out loud.

Hi y'all, I was looking through some old V stuff and I found this little diddy that a friend I was writing with In the old Unseen resistance at the time had written and wanted to share it with you. It was just something fun, she was a character and always made up these little funny's. Missy writing with her and soe of my other friends from the first time I started to actually write and do RPG's. Her name was Angel. Our Characters were with a group of Navy Seals at the time this was written. her character was Maggie and Mine was JT. Ode to the Lizard Queen By Angel Slowly the others emerged as Leary and Ham exchanged words, the very relaxed nature of their leader still wasn't enough to make them abandon years of training but enough to make them give the two strangers a chance. Each took a gaurd position around the strangers. Suddenly the sounds of Lou Bega's "Mambo #5" could be heard and everyone grabbed a partner and began to Mambo! As Ramos and Rex moved into a Tango, Dane grabbed JT and started jitterbugging! Suddenly Maggie screamed as a giant Spider/Monkey could be seen making it's way toward them, with the Evil Villaness Diana, Lizard woman Extraordinaire, rode proudly on it's back! "You are mine now!" She cackled, suddenly stopping to flick out her tongue and gobble up a fly, "Now where was I? OH yeah! You are MINE!!!" "I don't think so Snake eyes!" JT spat, grabbing a giant can of RAID from handy-dandy knap sack, she pushed the button, the spray fizzed out in a stream instantly killing Diana's spider/monkey. "I"m MELTING!! I'm MELTING!!!" Diana screamed as the Raid covered her and her hybrid Spider/Monkey and she dissolved into a slimey puddle at the SEALs feet. "Ok who wants to do the Funky Chicken?" Ham Tyler asked with a smile as Funky Town started playing in the background. As the SEAL's Funky Chickened, a slurping, bubbling sound could be heard and then a LOUD POP as the evil Diana, mistress of all that was theoretically and scientifically impossible--but hey this is fiction so it'd work--Leaped back to life! “Ah HELL” JT exclaimed. “partys over…” “Back to business” Leary ordered as he grabbed a weapon. and the others fallowed suit. Maggie stomped her feet and pouted “That stupid iguana always has to ruin my fun..Humph” And the RPG continues ….<BG>

*_“Something Left Behind”_* (A sequel to “The Last Farewell”) It had been several days since the two Astronauts Alan Virdon and Peter Burke had gone through the strange distortion in what the villagers had named the Haunted Place. Noni had been inconsolable ever since and Galen was beginning to worry. She was unusually quiet, she hadn’t signed a word to him and barley ate enough to keep a bird alive. Her sleepless nights had her sitting outside in the dark staring up at the stars. She had trekked to the Haunted Place every day just to sit, staring blankly into the same spot the distortion had appeared over a week ago. It was gone now and it was anyone’s guess when or if it would or reappear again.Still she waited as if by some miracle the two men who were so important to her would return. This morning was no different. Galen watched as the girl he was so fond of once again left her plate untouched and walked out the door for her morning gait to the place no other man nor ape would go. “I don’t know how to help her” Galen sighed helplessly while standing at the door way watching the girl leave. “She’s so sad, I’m worried for her.” Tarsus came up behind him and put a comforting hand on his new friends’ shoulder. “Give her time. These humans take loss very personal. The men that left she must have been very close to them.” “Yes, yes she was, Pete, he was her teacher and friend, someone she looked up to and confide in Like a brother I suppose. And Alan, well, her feelings run a little deeper with him.” “Ah, I see, why was it that she did not go with them?” “Well now that, is a very long story.” Galen smiled. Tarsus gave an understanding nod, He knew very well the pain of a lost love. It is a hurt that takes a very long time to heel, even for Apes. “Come now Galen, I believe you and I have a chess game to finish.” Tarsus patted the young Chimp on the shoulder light heartedly.He hoped to take his mind off his concern for his human pet. But Galen’s was still worried. “If you don’t mind Tarsus, I’d like to go with Noni today. I’m all she has, and I think, wether she admits to it or not she needs a friend right now.” “you are very devoted to your human pet aren’t you.” “Yes” Galen admitted looking over at the old ape. “I suppose I am, She and I have been together for a very long time. She is my friend and she is in pain.” Though Tarsus did not understand this attachment, he did understand friendship. “Very well, our game can wait. You go on, I hope that you can bring some comfort to her.” When Galen caught up with Noni, she was sitting down leaning against an old tree holding a small stick in in her hand tracing letters in the dirt. A- L- A- N N-O- N- I P -E- T- E H- O- M- E He watched her for a moment before he let his presence be known. She was desperately trying to speak. The harder she tried the more frustrated she would become when the sounds would not form.Galen’s heart broke finally he showed himself and sat down next to her. “That’s very good, I’m proud of you. I’m sure Pete and Alan would be too.” Noni didn’t look at him but immediately scribbled out what she’d traced on the ground. Galen smiled inwardly. It was her way of telling him she didn’t want to talk about it. He lightly brushed a few strands of hair off her shoulders. “You know I miss them too” Noni turned away hiding the tears that were slowly starting to seep from the corner of her eyes. Then signed.‘/Galen, if I could talk would that make Alan love me would he have stayed?’/ “Oh Noni, that had nothing to do with Alan leaving. Please don’t ever think that. And I believe he did care for you, very much, it just wasn’t the right time that’s all. They both cared for you just as I do.” She turned tear filled eyes to look at him./‘My heart hurts’/ Galen put a comforting arm around her and pulled her close. “I know, just think of it this way, they are home now, where they belong. It’s what they wanted and we should be happy for them. “ Noni buried her head in Galen’s shoulder and sobbed. The two spent most of the morning in the forest. Galen did his best to try and ease Noni’s sorrow but he was afraid he had failed miserably. Later in the afternoon they’d returned to Tarsus’s home. Galen managed to get Noni to eat a little something then in an effort to get her mind off of her heartache, he’d coerced her into a game of checkers. Just as the sun was beginning to set and darkness started to fall both Tarsus and Galen were suddenly alarmed by the sound of .. “Horses” Galen gasped. Tarsus dropped his book and hurried to his feet both he and Galen reached the window at the same time. “Urko” A stunned Tarsus turned to Galen “You must leave quickly out the back way.” “I thought you said no one ever comes here” Galen snapped “One of the villagers, it must have been one of the villagers. Go to the haunted place stay there they wont dare look for you in that place, when its safe I’ll send for you.” “What about you?” “Don’t worry about me, I have nothing to hide. Now take your human and go!”Galen grabbed Noni’s hand and ran for the back entrance just as Meyrick entered the room to warn his master that General Urko was approaching. “Quickly Meyrick help me straighten up. There must be no sign that anyone else has been here.” ** Galen and Noni raced through the woods toward the haunted place. It was difficult to find in the gloom of the approaching night. When they felt they’d reached their destiny Galen pulled Noni behind some bushes and they huddled there quietly blending into the darkness as Galen listened for any impending sound. Noni was shivering partly from the night air and partly from fear.Galen’s concern for Tarsus grew. If it had been one of the villagers that told Urko they had been there and had gone to visit the old ape. Tarsus could be in very grave danger. * “Your Lying!” Urko screamed grabbing Tarsus by the front of his tunic and pulled him face to face with him.“The villagers told me they came to see you, Now where ARE THEY!” “Did the villagers also tell you I refused to see them. I do Not entertain strangers, especially human ones. I have no use for them.” Tarsus blurted out fearfully. “Urko” one of the Gorilla solders came from the bedroom holding up a cloth bag and nap sack. In the bag was a blanket a knife, a cooking pot, a tin plate and cup. In the nap sack were the same eating utensils, blanket and a book. Urko flung Tarsus to the floor and jerked the knapsack from his subordinate. “So you refused to see them, did you?” The gorilla leader growled turning to the old ape who still lay motionless on the floor. Urko Grabbed him again and started to pull him to his feet menacingly asking once more where the fugitives had gone.But the aging ape was limp in his grasp, blood trickled from the side of his head. The sudden realization slapping Urko like an unexpected blow to the face and he fell silent, letting the lifeless body of the elder ape slip back to the floor.Tarsus had hit his head on the wooded side table next to his chair when Urko had thrown him to the ground. The aging ape, his heart weekend with age and unable to withstand such an injury to his temple, had instantly died. Urko was only momentarily stunned. Filled with anger and contempt he blamed the escapees for the death he shouted out in a rage “Find them!” He ordered “I want those fugitives found tonight!” The soldiers feared the unknown along with the placed they had heard so many frightening rumors about and protested. But fearing Urko’s wrath more they soon reluctantly obeyed. **** The night grew darker with every second that passed. Their only light now was the full moon above.A rustling of leaves alerted Galen’s already heightened senses. Troopers pounded threw the bushes in a fury. They were so close they would find them any moment. Galen panicked and whispered to Noni “Run!” Both of them burst from their hiding spot running for their lives.Even though they tried to stay close they soon found themselves separated in the darkness. A terrified Noni kept running afraid to stop, afraid to look back she pressed on not knowing where she was or where she was going. Suddenly a Gorilla leapt from the shadows and grabbed her arm. An involuntary scream ripped from her throat and with more strength than she knew she possessed she jerked herself free and raced off disappearing into the night as if she’d stepped into nothingness. Hearing a scream Galen paused “Noni?” Swiftly gaining his composer he tore off in the direction he’d heard the cry. * It had been nearly two years now since Alan Virdon and Peter Burke had left the Planet of the Apes and returned to earth. They had hopes of returning in the same time period that they had left but that was not to be. Upon their return they’d found it had been ten years since their disappearance. The only explanation being that the time distortion was indeed a displacement of time with no pattern nor reason, no way to predict in what time period you would end up, you simply took your chances.At least there were no more gorillas chasing after them.But then their home coming had not been what they had been hoping for either.Their return had sparked the attention of the government before they had even contacted their families’. They had walked into Nasa HQ in Houston and were immediately ushered into an interrogation room. Once they told their unbelievable story they were directly apprehended by some secret faction of the FBI that dealt strictly with Extraterrestrial reports and hastily taken to a place they had never heard of nor seen before. They were kept there locked in a room complete with two bunks, a TV, two easy chairs with foot stools, a table, two chairs and a bathroom. They had even been supplied with a small refrigerator and coffee pot. They could ask for what ever they wanted. Except for the one thing they desired most, to leave through the locked steel door and return to their lost lives. The agents told them it was for health and safety reasons since they claimed to have been to another world, they could have unknowingly brought back diseases. Yet they were drilled separately every day about where they had been and how they had returned ten years later and not aged. It was weeks before Alan was finally able to see his family only to find that his wife had believed him long dead and had moved on with her life. She’d remarried four years prior, her new husband was not only a retired Nasa Shuttle pilot but a longtime friend of the family. Alan felt no animosity toward her or her now husband.She was happy and married to a good man who would love and care for her. He didn’t blame her she believed he was dead.Now ten years later it was too late for them. Somehow, he’d thought the news would have devastated him after all this time trying desperately to return to her. But it hadn’t, he was saddened, he felt remorse. But for what ever reason he had taken the news better than anticipated, finding it was much easier to let go than hold on to something that was now in the distant past. His son Chris was now in collage studding to be a doctor. He’d contemplated going into the space program if only to one day find what happened to his father. But it was the space program that had taken his father away from he and his mother. His anger at that had extinguished his boyish dreams of becoming an astronaut like his father. Pete’s parents had died in a car accident long before he’d gone on his mission to Alfa Centory and been lost in ape land. All he had left were his Aunt, Uncle and his cousin Beth who was married now with a couple of kids so he’d been told. He’d talked to them on the phone and promise to visit when he could. Giving them time to get over the shock that he was still alive. He was anxious to see Beth, she’d been like a sister to him and they were close. **** Pete and Alan had been locked up for what felt like a life time. They were grilled constantly about where they’d been, what they’d seen, and where this distortion they claimed to have come through was. Both men had kept that part to themselves claiming they couldn’t remember. No matter how hard the agents and scientists pressed they had made a packed to keep that secret, trusting that it was best for all concerned. Especially their friends Galen and Noni. No one had seen them when they came through the portal at Sam Houston park and were miles away when they were picked up by a passing motorist. They meant to keep it that way. The astronauts were monitored closely, poked and prodded as doctors and scientists worked to find the secret to their youth after ten years. Blood tests after blood test. x-ray’s and other tests they didn’t even know what they were. Some believed their story, but most did not. Both men were becoming agitated with each passing day. It was worse than being in the land of the Apes, existing in this padded cage, they had become hard to manage, they’d stopped cooperating and made several unsuccessful attempts to escape. They wanted out and were determined to one way or another make it happen!. Several months had passed before the scientists and FBI agents finally felt there was no more information, the men could offer them and the two former astronauts were released from their captivity, free to resume their lives as best they could. But not without stipulations. The story told to the press was that they had been in suspended animation until their ship crashed, they were automatically revived and escaped from their burning ship. They’d gone so far as to literally burn an old ship several miles out of Houston. Pete and Alan were in no way to deny that scenario or they would be back in their little room for good. They were both paid a handsome sum and offered jobs in Nasa. Both had refused and opted for retirement. With that and the moneys they had been paid for their silence about where they had been the last ten years the two of them would be comfortable.But all they wanted was to go home. They’d both been set up with apartments in Houston, no doubt so that they could be watched. It was obvious that Agent Decker the principal agent in the secret place they’d been held was hoping they would lead him to the distortion they had come through. While Pete took more to the city. Alan craved a more quiet life.His son Chris had told him that when his paternal grandparents past several years ago they had left him their farm outside of Fayetteville, he offered it to his father. After all he had grown up there and Chris knew his father’s love for the place.A very grateful Alan accepted and made plans to move there as soon as possible. *** As usual Tonight found Alan and Pete at O’shanery’s bar and grill sitting at the bar with beer in hand as was their nightly ritual since they had been living in Houston. It was hard telling his friend who’d been his constant companion for the last almost four years now that he was leaving the city to go back to his parent’s farm. But Pete understood their lives were no more entangled together, after two years in the land of the Apes and another almost two back home it was time they went their separate ways, but they promised to stay in touch. Pete offered to help with the move along with joking that he’d be there often to take up space on the couch. In all reality Pete had been tossing around the idea of going back to Jersey City and buying that little bar he’d always talked about. After what the two had been through together it was obvious not matter where they were they had a bonded friend ship that would last a life time. Alan took a long pull from his beer bottle setting it down slowly. Pete noticed his friend was unusually melancholy tonight. Several times since their release he’d caught him staring blankly into space, his mind seemingly far away, the same way he looked right now. He had a feeling he might know what it was that bothered him. But he would let Alan be the one to bring it up when he was ready. “Do you ever think about them?” Alan was still staring vacantly at the bottle in front of him. “About who?” Pete took a gulp from his Coors bottle. Now he was getting depressed. He knew who Alan meant. The guilt he felt at leaving them behind gnawed at him. “You know who Pete” “Galen and Noni,” He was finding it hard to say their names. “Ya “he admitted somberly “I think about them. All the time” Pete took another swallow of his beer and started to watch the TV above the bar trying to hide his torment over the two friends they had left behind. “I can’t get them off my mind, and I feellike I left something there, something important.” “UH? ” Pete was listening to his friend while his attention on the television above the bar.He was amazed at how much the world had changed in just ten years. “Back where? Left what?” “I don’t know. I just can’t shake it.” “Could that something important have long brown hair andbeautiful blue eyes” Pete asked knowingly, Alan motioned the bartender to bring him another beer. “Of course not, I dunno, I..” he let the thought go unsaid “I saw the way you looked at her Alan, when you thought no one was watching. And I saw the way she was looking back.” Pete’s eyes were still on the television some sort of news flashed across the screen. “Don’t be ridiculous Pete, I was married how could I have…” Pete glanced over at him “Could have what? Fell in love?” He turned his attention back to the television. “I’ll tell ya this Alan. If Noni would have looked at me the way she looked at you, I would’ve thought twice about being a confirmed bachelor.” The bar tender glanced up at the TV to see what was so interesting that Pete seemed to be straining his eyes to get a better look at. Virdon was silent and took another drink and continued staring emptily at the bottle he’d set in front of him. He knew Pete was on the right track. But he wouldn’t admit it even to himself. His mind drifted back to a quiet night in their time in the land of the Apes. // /****They had camped for the night finished a dinner of fruit and bread and a sort of soup Nonnie had put together./ /Pete relaxed spread out on his bed roll and Galen sat across the fire pit from Virdon while carrying on a conversation with Burke as the man tried to explain the game of baseball to him./ /Alan was sitting on a boulder hunched over staring at the picture of his wife and son in the flickering light of the campfire./ /Noni had finished washing the bowls, spoons and Pot shed used to cook the soup in and sat on the ground not far from Alan, she relaxed leaning against the rock wall they had set up camp near.Her eyes were centered on Virdon. His faced was masked in sadness, she hated when he looked at that picture. He was always miserable and distant for day’s afterword. It made her sad to see him suffer the pain of his lost family. She cared very much for Alan Virdon and couldn’t understand why he continued to look at that picture and feed his pain. She was right here; he could start a new life here. Why wouldn’t he. The past was gone. This was now.she missed the glint in his eyes when he smiled. She wanted him to smile for her. / /Quietly Noni stood. She wanted to help she wanted him to look at her not the thing that made him sad. Her heart ached for him she wanted him to be happy. He had her heart, but she couldn’t tell him. She was afraid, and she wasn’t sure she should. Was this love? She had never felt this way about anyone. Was this how it was supposed to be?It frightened her yet made her happy at the same time. Walking slowly over to him she stood motionless. He was so sad. She wanted to scream at him Stop they are gone it is now; stop making yourself sad Look at me! Suddenly before she knew what she was doing she knocked the picture from his hands and it nearly fell into the fire, But Virden’s reflexes were faster, and he snatched it up before it reached the flames. Quickly getting to his feet he turned and grabbed Nonnie by both arms and shook her. / /“Why did you do that? Don’t EVER do that again, do you understand never again!”/ /Noni stood frozen where she stood in shock, He had never spoken a harsh word to her from the moment they had met. He had always been kind and gentle and she had hoped he would begin to feel about her the same as she felt about him. But now she stared into angry eyes filled with contempt.Her heart pounded, afraid of the man who stood before her, tears welled up in her eyes and all she wanted to do was run. Pulling with all her strength she struggled to get away from him./ /“Alan! what are doing!?” Pete yelled as he jumped to his feet and grabbed his friend by the arm/ /“Let her go” Galen growled protectively. Hurrying over to them./ /Virdon’s anger was gone as quickly as it had emerged as he stared into the beautiful pools of blue welling up with tears, and suddenly realized what he was doing, his grip loosened he couldn’t believe what he had just done to the innocent girl who had shown him nothing but kindness since they’d met./ /Noni jerked free as her tears gave way and began to fall at will down her cheeks. She turned in one fluid motion and darted away into the dark./ /“Now look what you’ve done” Galen snarled./ /“What the hell was that all about?” Pete snapped / /Alan was speechless his eyes still looking in the direction Noni had ran pulling himself from his stupor he turned to Pete “I,I didn’t mean to.”/ /“Well you did” Galen barked as he stomped away in the direction the girl had ran. “I better find her before she gets into trouble out there, alone, in the dark”./ /Pete shot Virdon an irate look before he turned to Galen/ /” I’ll go with you.”/ /Before they’d taken more than a few steps../ /“No wait” Alan called out/ /The two stopped./ /“I’ll go it’s my fault I’ll find her.”/ /“Don’t you think you’ve done enough” Galen scolded / /“I know I’m sorry let me go I shouldn’t have done what I did let me apologize”/ /Pete and Galen shared a glance and agreed Alan gave them a thankful nod and hurried off./ /“He had better not cause her any more harm I’ve a good notion to punch him myself.”/ /Pete put a comforting hand on his Ape friend’s shoulder; “I guess we shouldn’t be too hard on him, he’s going through a hard time.” / /Galen looked up at him confused “HE’s going through a hard time, what about the rest of us, what about Noni, she didn’t mean any harm I’m sure of it, she cares for him, I can tell and he’s going to break her heart”/ /Pete shook his head.I’m not so sure, I think our illustrious leader is starting to fall for our little blue-eyed beauty.He’s starting to have feelings for her and he’s fighting it that’s what’s making him angry.”/ /“You can’t be serious”/ /Pete shrugged “I don’t know, either way your right some ones bound to get hurt it’s a good possibility it will be both of them.”/ /***/ /Just when Alan began to panic thinking he would never find her, He saw her, in the moon light she was standing beneath a tree leaning against the trunk sobbing. He slowly walked up to her. / /“Noni” he said softly trying not to startle her/ /Turning at the sound of her name Noni tried to hurry away when she saw him but Virdon gently held her arm./ /“No please don’t go, I came to apologize, I’m sorry I shouldn’t have treated you that way. I never meant to hurt you” he moved closer to her “why did you do that you know what that picture means to me?” / /‘It makes you sad’ Noni signed ‘my heart hurts for you’ she lowered her eyes ashamed to look at him.‘You should not keep in the past more is here past is gone. Noni is here.’ / /He put a finger under her chin and lifted her head, in an attempt to show her she had no reason to be embarrassed. It was he who should be ashamed for the way he acted.As their eyes met he felt himself being pulled into the depths of her sapphire eyes. His heart began to pound in a way he hadn’t done in years. He reached up and caressed her face laying a gentle hand on her cheek and used his thumb to tenderly wipe away the tears. “Oh Noni, if there was anyone in this god forsaken land that could make me forget home and want to make a new start, it would be you”./ /It was all he could do to keep from taking her in his arms and kiss her passionately letting himself go and just fall into the feelings that were slowly sneaking up on him. But he rationalized It, he was feeling lonely, missing his wife, this was not love, was it?***/ /His mind jumped to the last day he had seen her. Standing in front of him as he said goodbye. Tears fell from her eyes uncontrollably she was brokenhearted. He remembered the strange feeling the one that tugged at him to stay, to take her in his arms and finally admit to his feelings. But he couldn’t he was bound to another he felt sure once he’d gotten home and seen his wife his feelings would change and the dark-haired blued girl who was steeling his heart would be come just a fond memory. But he was wrong. To this day she haunted him/ “Uh Alan” a tap on his shoulder brought him from his reminiscences. “Alan” Pete repeated and nudged the man’s shoulder again this time with more force. “what is it?” Virdon finally acknowledged his friend’s presence. “You know that little something you left behind back in Ape land” “Ya” Alan still wasn’t paying much attention, his mind a jumble of memories and what if’s. “Well it’s on Television right now.” “What are you talking about?” He asked this time turning a confused look at the man next to him. Pete’s eyes had not left the TV above the bar, and he was pointing a jabbing finger toward the set. Alan looked up still puzzled then he saw what Pete had been so adamant about.A helicopter was flying above a small female figure dressed in clothes that looked tattered and a lot like dress’s the human women wore back in ape land. she was running desperately threw Sam Houston Park. The camera mounted on the helicopter was zooming in as the announcer continued his broadcast. “Oh My God, is that? It couldn’t be” Alans tone was low but anxious Pete was nodding “I’ll bet ya real money” “Turn up the sound” Alan ordered The bar tender complied. ***A strange woman seemingly came out a nowhere only an hour ago. Here at Sam Houston Park and camp grounds. Witnesses said she seemed to appear out of thin air. She gives the impression of being confused and very frightened. Campers admitted trying to speak to her but she’d only ran from them. Authorities believe she could have escaped the state mental health hospital.They are advising people to stay clear of the area until the woman can be apprehended and returned to the proper institution*** As the camera was finally able to zoom in on the girl’s face.“Noni” Virdon let her name slip from his lips in a hushed whisper. His heart pounded both in excitement and disbelief. She was here. He didn’t know why or how but she was here and she needed their help. “What the hell? Is she? Where did she?” Pete was stumbling for words still in shock at seeing their friend from the land of the Apes on the television. “I don’t know but we better get down there, she’s probably scared to death” Virdon was out of his chair before he’d finished his sentence. “Yup” was Pete’s reply “Right behind you.” He fumbled through his pocket and pulled out a twenty-dollar bill throwing it on the counter as he raced off after Virden. *** Once they’d reached the park police were everywhere. On lookers crowded behind the police lines pushing to get a better look at what was going on. Newsmen slipping through the yellow taped off area trying to get sneak into the park to get their story but were stopped by the officers doing their best to keep the crowd at bay. “Damn news people” Pete swore “Ya,” Virdon agreed “I know a way in through the back of the park, let’s try there.” “That’s probably being watched too.” “We’ll have to risk it. There’s no other way in.” When they reached the back of the park only three national guard’s men were standing watch Alan parked his tan blazer where it wouldn’t be seen and he and Pete slipped in behind the guards. It didn’t take long for Pete and Alan to overpower them, tying them in their vehicles and taking their radios. Sam Houston Park was huge. They hoped they could find Noni quickly and get out just as fast before the soldiers woke up or someone came looking for them. **** Noni tried to block the strange light in the sky as she looked up trying to see what it was, she could hear the horrible rumbling sound it made the strong winds that came from it nearly blew her to the ground it was all she could do to stay on her feet. What sort of monster was this. She could not run away it kept following her.She was terrified. Where was she? Where was Galen? She needed a place to hide. But the horrible monster in the sky shadowed her every move. Her eyes scanned the ground, she found a rock small enough to hold yet big enough to hurt when the thing hovered above she flung it at the monsters eyes She heard a loud bang as the hard surface of the rock met with the monster’s firm surface, It sounded like something cracking and the thing wavered for a moment takings its attention off of her just long enough for Noni to dart into the nearby grove of trees. The voice of a human man came from the things mouth “Do not move we will not hurt you, help is on the way” Finding some tall bushes next to a rock formation she flung herself behind them cowering there shaking, while the monsters light scurried around searching for her. **** “Noni!” Virdon called out with Pete echoing after him. “We better split up Pete. We can cover more ground” Pete agreed “Do you think Galen made it through?” “I don’t know, but we better keep our eyes peeled for him too.” Virdon cautioned handing Pete the extra flashlight he’d taken from one of the guards. “Try and keep out of sight. We’ll meet back here in an hour.” Pete nodded and ran off in the opposite direction. Alan saw the helicopter circling a head.The spot light was darting around one area as if it were searching for something. The news on the television had showed the chopper with its spot light right over her, maybe Noni had given it the slip. He was hoping so and rushed off in that same direction. Alan had to dodge the spot light as the helicopter moved along the ground still searching. When it passed him Virdon ran into the trees as loud as he dared calling out for the girl from the land of the apes. Pete had been searching for more than 30 minutes when he heard loud voices and sounds of a struggle.Keeping himself hidden he moved toward it. He wasn’t prepared for what he saw. Four secret service agents’ a two soldiers and two park rangers with a snare gun that was wrapped around Galen’s neck. Galen struggled but was ultimately over powered. His hands and feet were shackled as they led him to a waiting dark colored van where two others in white coats like the ones the scientists wore were waiting. There was nothing Pete could do. When the van pulled away Pete hurried back to tell Alan. He hoped beyond hope he had found Noni and she had not met the same fate as their simian friend. *** Alan finally reached the area where he’d seen the helicopter. It had been a longer jaunt that he had expected but he wouldn’t give up. “Noni, Noni it’s Alan where are you?” Noni trembled in her hiding spot. The noise of the monster had faded into the distance. Then a faint familiar voice echoed in the darkness it came closer. She could hear footsteps in the fallen tree leaves. “Noni.” The voice called again in an almost whisper. Was it? Was he back? Could it be him? Noni slowly crawled to the edge of the rock formation and carefully peeked around the corner. Alan quickly shinned his flashlight in the direction he’d thought he heard movement Just as Noni caught sight of the beam of light and dashed back into her hiding place. “Noni?” Alan crept toward the bushes near the landscaped rock formation shinning his light behind them. Noni pushed her back as far as she could into the corner as the light hit her, her eyes were filled with terror until he spoke. “Noni, thank god, don’t be afraid. It’s me, Alan.” He positioned the flash light to where she could see his face. ‘Alan’ she signed still apprehensive. “Yes it’s me” slowly bending down he took her hands and gently helped her to her feet relishing in the sight before gathering her in his arms holding her so close he could feel the touch of her hair on his face.It was then he knew he had missed her more than even he had realized. “I thought I’d never see you again.” His words slipped out in a whisper. Noni fell into his embrace savoring every moment, there was something different in the feel of his arms around her the sound of his voice. Something she had longed for yet believed would never be possible. Reluctantly Alan pulled away, looking at her he kept his tone soft. “Noni, how did you get here? Where’s Galen?” The girl’s eyes mirrored her fear as she signed “Where is here? Urko, his men, they found us.” “You think your still in your time don’t you? “ Noni looked confused “Honey, you came through the time distortion. you’re in my time now.” The news that she had gone through the same distortion he had days ago, temporarily stunned her. She was no longer in familiar country she knew that much. But no longer in her time it frightened her even more. She was so frightened She’d never realized she’d went through. Her eyes locked on Alan. He could see the fear and desperation written in her delicate features, he put a comforting hand on her cheek. “It’s alright. Your safe now, I’m here. Noni, did Galen come with you?” /“I, don’t know, it was dark, we got separated. I don’t know.’/ Alan took the frightened girl in his arms once more holding her tightly. “Don’t worry, If Galen’s here we’ll find him.” “Hey, got one of those for me” Pete’s voice pulled them from their embrace. Noni smiled when she saw him ‘/Pete?’/ “In the flesh” leaving Alan she nearly jumped into Pete’s waiting arms so hard she virtually slammed into his torso. “wow, Leave some ribs intact will ya.” He joked pulling her into a warm squeeze. His tone quickly turned serious when he turned to Virdon. “We’ve got trouble Alan,” “what is it?” He could hear the urgency in Pete’s voice and see the concern clearly written on the man’s face. “Remember our friend Agent Decker” “Our benefactor from the secret service” He despised the man it was evident in his sardonic tone. “ya what about him?” “Well he’s here and he’s got Galen.” Noni took a step back looking helplessly at the two men. /‘What is Secret Service? Where is Galen?’/ Before Alan and Pete could respond they heard voices coming in their direction. “We need to get her out of here. Now!” Pete insisted “Questions will have to wait, let’s get you someplace safe.” Alan reached for Noni’s hand but the girl pulled back /‘What about Galen?’/ “There’s nothing we can do for him right now. We’ll help Galen.” He assured her “But first we have to get you somewhere safe.” Taking her hand Alan and Pete lead her to where they had left Alan’s vehicle. The soldiers had been found and more were milling around and on their radios reporting what had happened. The small group managed to slip behind them unseen to Alans hidden vehicle. Noni was hesitant to enter even with Pete and Alan’s assurance it was safe. The thing frightened her and she was beginning to feel strange, she was light headed, dizzy, her heart pounded, she suddenly felt weak and her knees began to buckle. The last several days of no rest, and little food combined with the stress and fright she’d been through recently were finally catching up to her suddenly everything went dark. Alan caught her before she could hit the ground and gathered her limp body in his arms Gently laying her in the back seat he climbed in on the other side putting her head in his lap he tossed Pete the car keys. “What happened is she alright?”Pete asked worriedly. “Ya.I think so,I think she just fainted, she’s been through a lot today. let’s get her home.”