We were the first mission to Mars, I say first, in actuality we were only the first civilian mission. The previous missions were all military and engineers. Our mission was made up of Architects, Plumbers, Civil engineers, Farmers, Miners, laborers and Politicians. I traveled on a farmer passport with our chief of production, Kishna, together we represented Bronwen Farms. Bronwen is in no way the largest producer, we were just one of the more opportunistic. Imagine, the chance to be the first farms on Mars, I couldn't miss this.
We were a week into the flight when we encountered them. Their ship approached us in the void and they let themselves on board, in the middle of the common area. The Space Corp guys weren't having it, they herded everyone out of the common area. Well tried to, everyone was too curious about the winged, elf-eared people that appeared out of thin air, they wouldn't budge.
"We mean you no harm."
I looked the six of them over, something about them seemed off, I just couldn't tell what it was.
"We seek only to converse with you."
The more I looked them over, the more they bothered me, something unsettling and as annoying like an itch you can't reach. It wasn't the wings or the ears...
"We apologize for our sudden appearance, our technology could not interface with yours. It was easier to come here ourselves."
Someone was speaking but none of their lips were moving!
A politician stepped forward then, Edward Klein, he spoke at length with the visitors much to the Space Corp captain's dislike. Alythe they called themselves, they probably saw Klein as the representative for our species. While Klein talked their heads off I studied our guests, that is when I noticed one of them was staring at me intently. I must say he does look sexy, ears, wings and all.
You know that uncomfortable way everyone in a room will watch you when you've said something aloud you thought you said in your mind. Well, all the Alythes in the room looked at me like that, then Klein and the others turned to me as well. I know I didn't say anything, I was still sucking on the piece of chocolate in my mouth.
The Alythe man walked up to me and smiled.
"You are broadcasting your thoughts."
No I'm not pretty sure they are still in my head. "What?"
"I am happy to have found you." he said as he took my hand.
The Alythe looked at each other, ignoring us humans, whatever they were doing we had no idea. Another male approached the one standing by me. His eyes moved between us, then he turned back to the room.
"We approached your species in the hope that we would find our salvation and we have." He looked at the other four, they bowed and left as suddenly as they came.
"Females are scarce among our species, while we are long lived this has stagnated our society. My brother has waited three thousand years, but now he has found his wife." He turned to me.
I looked at the two Alythe staring at me.
"Sorry? All I did was think he was sexy, that does not make me his wife."
"There is a bond between us. You can freely enter my mind as I can yours. Try it, see my thoughts."
How do you read a mind? Do I look into his eyes? How to esper? I should have read Telepathy for dummies. God he smells like Petrichor, I could love him for that alone. He smiled at me again.
I don't even know your name.
Lao'k.
Or your favourite color.
Yellow.
Why do you think I can be your wife.
Our minds are one.
How many other women will you claim to be your wife?
Only you.
"Your name is Lao'k!"
Captain Ruiz had reached the end of his tolerance at this point and inserted himself between Lao'k and I. Just as he had done that, Lao'k's brother, Mal'k, grabbed Ruiz by the throat and chucked him backward. The Space Corp guys were all up in arms now.
"Ms. Bronwen, it is in your best interest to step away from the aliens." Ruiz said as he drew his weapon.
Mal'k touched Lao'k's shoulder then he too disappeared. Lao'k pulled me into an embrace and folded his wings around us. I will never leave you. When he released me, one of the Space Corp guys pulled me away.
"I will submit to your confinement."
Just as the Space Corp guys cuffed Lao'k a news report from earth flashed on the screen, our communication watches all rang with the same alert.
Alien ships in orbit over cities, hundreds of women abducted by winged men.
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That was eight months ago. Space Corp had launched several rescue missions, only one was successful. Women were returned to earth, to their families or lonely existences. Edward Klein testified before the court that the Alythe invaded because of me, it didn't help that witness accounts supported Klein's testimony. Klein got himself a nice promotion in the United Earth Government and I was marked a traitor to Earth. People boycotted my family's goods and raided our farms. Father died from the stress, mother hasn't given up yet, but my brother cut ties with the family and went off on his own.
Despite the outrage and calls for war, the women who had been rescued said they preferred to be with Alythe males than humans. The women rallied and supporters gathered in droves, advocating for peace with the Alythe. The women say it is an opportunity for excess women on earth to find partners, claiming peace would benefit both species. Things have gotten to the point that earth is on the verge of civil war on top of fighting the Alythe.
I have been living in cells since the event, I also haven't seen Lao'k, though I can touch his mind at any moment. We've shared so much these past eight months, he told me of his planet, his people, his family. His brother has four wives! So much for a female shortage. I have come to know Lao'k more intimately than I have known anyone else, like he is a part of me.
There are times when I touch his mind I get the impression that he is weak, it lasts for a brief moment and then he is back to normal. Sometimes I reach for him and the connection is barely there, he says he's fine but he never lets me see what they have done to him. I wish I could see him again, smell him again.
"Bronwen prepare for entry." came a voice over the intercom.
As I sat up four guards entered my room, they stood off to the side, guns aimed at the door. A tall man came into view, he was frail- skin on bones- he walked with a limp, his ears had been cut, his hands were cuffed and covered in scars, and his wings were gone...
Lao'k!
I ran to him throwing my arms around his neck, I inhaled his scent, the more I took him into my lungs the more I needed him. My hands padded him all over, checking his skin, lifting his shirt inspecting bruises.
Why did you keep this from me? Why didn't you show me what was happening to you? They took your wings and cut your ears, what else have they done?
Had I shown you, you'd have worried.
Aren't I your wife?
You are.
Then it is my duty to worry.
A gun jammed against Lao'k's head. "Keep your conversation so we can hear."
I flashed my rage at the guard, he didn't regard me, he kept his gun against Lao'k's head until he complied.
"You are unharmed."
"I am still human for what it's worth."
"I love you."
"I have no reason to doubt that."
He stroked my cheek and kissed me. His kisses were like a breath of fresh air, I forgot about the guards, the cell, the war, everything that had happened in the last eight months didn't matter. An image floated into my mind, we were walking down my favourite beach with two children. When he broke the kiss, that moment of paradise stayed with me.
"I will never leave you, I live as long as you live. Three thousand years without you were but a moment, the time I spent with you will forever be my eternity-"
"Your saying goodbye. Lao'k I -"
"TIMES UP!"
Two of the guards restrained me as the rest ushered Lao'k out the room.
"No! Give us more time! Give him back to me!"
Do not fight them, they will hurt you.
Where are they taking you?
I will wait for you again, my love.
Answer me!
Lao'k was executed that day, his death sparked civil war, a few days later the pro-Alythe movement rescued me. The moment I lost Lao'k my world broke, do you know that feeling? Like your heart is struggling to beat, you breathe but every breath stifles you. Everything that happens to your body is a distant memory, pain is a constant companion, love a fleeting dream. Your heart is a lifeless beating drum, everything in the world isn't real. Every day I wake up I wonder why I'm still alive, then I remember his words, he lived as long as I did. If I could meet him again, only for a brief moment, maybe...160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ZU2RWSRAM
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