

BIODS.

Copyright 2016 A. Sumner

Published by A. Sumner at Smashwords

Revision 1.2

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Chapter 1

Sir Aidan the defender was a heroic knight of great skill. Dressed in gleaming armour astride his valiant steed, he finally emerged from the dense forest. It had been one of those days when every stupid creature imaginable wanted to attack. Not one of them ever stood a chance against his massive sword and enchantments. They just annoyed him. He knew that once across the river he would be in more peaceful lands. As he approached the river he saw a figure in the bushes ahead. A bowman was taking aim at a pink haired elf girl sitting at the waters edge. She was holding a fishing pole, oblivious to her attacker. The magical girl appeared low in combat skills and unprepared to defend herself. Aidan hated people that ambushed the weak, especially when peacefully fishing. It was far from honourable in his opinion. He carefully approached from behind avoiding line of sight. Casting a spell to increase his power he charged just as the arrow was about to be released. With one mighty swing he slaughtered the ambusher. The little elf girl must have noticed the commotion and ran to him cheering and clapping. He bowed after accepting her praise and took his leave. His eyes were stinging, so he figured it was time to find an inn and sleep. It had been a long day of exploring dungeons and defending the weak.

In the real world however, Aidan was no heroic knight. In his high school years he was more often referred to with terms such as loner, dreamer, nerd, looser, dork or otaku. He couldn't really deny it. After all it was the truth. Though his parents never said much directly, he knew he was a frustration and disappointment to them. Aidan had grown up feeling unwanted, stupid and useless. He had always felt in the road and not good enough, so he never had any self confidence. He never figured out why he was always so socially awkward or felt so worthless. All he ever wanted to be, was somebody else. Anybody would do, because everybody else seemed normal to him. Aidan wondered why had always felt so unnatural and awkward. He watched the other kids with envy as everything just seemed easy for them. Their lives flowed naturally without concious effort.

Aidan hated being alone, but staying isolated felt somehow safer now. His only relief from his self-loathing came from escaping into anime or online games. It was a socially damaging addiction, but at least he was escaping the trauma of trying to fit in with the real world. Instead he was in a world where he seemed to be understood and appreciated. Whether helping noobs or just veging out watching anime, it was all good. It took him away from being his self hating real self. He often pondered if he didn't fit into the real or whether the world didn't fit him. He often chatted with like souls online and soon began to realise he wasn't the only one out there. He got a little comfort from knowing he wasn't the only weird one at least.

Rubbing his eyes he pushed his chair back from the computer desk and rolled onto the lounge just behind him. He looked around the small living room. It was cramped and messy, but still more than a young single bloke needed. He gazed at the pictures that plastered the walls of the little house. The walls were covered with posters of anime superheroes in stoic poses, however more numerous were the pictures of pretty girls in maid uniforms, girls with cat ears and tails, or winged beauties being they angelic, demonic or some other part human creature. Then of course were the many images of girls in highly impractical and very revealing armour displaying a ridiculous amount of impossibly large cleavage. They usually wielded glowing weapons twice their body size. The bookshelf was stacked with manga books and a few figurines of similar nature.

This wasn't how a man in his early twenties should be living he thought. He was so desperately lonely it hurt. Even if he met a girl by some miracle he couldn't afford to spoil her. He didn't even have a real job. He lived on social benefits, subsidised by contract computer programming or web page design when such jobs came up. Occasionally he rented out the old caravan near the shed to backpackers or seasonal fruit pickers for cash in the hand.

When he could no longer stand his parents pushing him to be "normal" and their lack of understanding any more, his grandparents had intervened by offering him free use of an old caravan on the block they had just bought to build their little beach front retirement home. It was a large coastal block full of trees, just a few minutes from town. It had rough national park land to the north and a beautiful beach just a short walk down to the east. The old caravan park was just beyond the tree line to the south. When the caravan park next door had started to fail financially, Aidan's grandfather purchased the large northern strip from his old fishing buddy who owned it at the time. The caravan park was closed now and on the market. His grandfather purchased a little kit home and erected a large shed to store his tools during construction and planned it would eventually become his workshop and refuge.

Aidan loved the shed. It was another place for him to be a dreamer when he felt inspired to tinkered with his electronics. It still housed his grandfathers old tools and the rusty old fishing ute. Now it also housed Aidan's boxes of wires, electronics and gadgets. Sometimes he was certain that one day if he stayed focused long enough he could build himself a humanoid robot companion. Of course being a desperately lonely young man answerable to nobody, it would probably be an anatomically correct female. He imagined it wearing a revealing French maid outfit and calling him master. In fact he had already purchased the maid outfit from a bargain bin during a shop's closing sale just in case. Without much money to invest in such projects he rarely passed up a bargain on something that might be useful one day. He also never threw away anything that just might come in handy. Thus Aidan had a lot of boxes full of odd junk and bits and pieces. Aidan was pretty good at writing the artificial intelligence (AI) programs to run such a robot, and wasn't too bad at fiddling with the servo control boards and such. When it came to expensive parts, or even just completing anything however, he failed and returned to his anime or games.

Aidan's grandfather had died of a heart attack six months ago and his grandmother hadn't decided yet whether to sell up or not. She had gone to live with his aunt over an hour away, and wasn't in any rush. That left Aidan alone on the large block with uninterrupted use of it. His grandmother had suggested that he may as well move from the caravan to the house now, and look after things. She knew she wasn't coming back because her health was starting to fail, so she left Aidan to care for the property.

This was a beautiful area to live. Aidan was surrounded by trees and nature. Often the eastern grey Kangaroos came down to feed in front of the little house in the early morning. Of an afternoon brightly coloured rosellas and lorikeets often landed in the surrounding trees to feed. The beach was only a few minutes easy walk away down the slope from his front patio. From the patio he could see from the light house on the cliff to the north east to most of the way down to the section of beach in front of town. "This is paradise. I should be happy, so why aren't I happy?" he muttered as he fell asleep.

The next morning he found that the cupboards and fridge were bare. He couldn't survive without his regular supply of cola and snacks, so decided to take his crappy little car into town. Once restocked with junk food and soft drink, he would get into some serious gaming. That seemed like a good plan for the day so he eagerly grabbed the keys and jumped into the poor little little car parked near the back door.

Having finally finished the shopping he decided to spoil himself by grabbing a burger and stopping at the main beach for a while. It was a nice sunny day as summer wasn't far off. With any luck he hoped he might catch a glimpse of some bikini babes, not that he would ever dare try talking to one anyway. He wasn't ugly or fat, but he was a loser with no confidence. Aidan was average in looks, with average height, average brown eyes and average sandy brown coloured hair. He didn't look overly fit, so he believed he had little to impress the girls with. He parked his little car just across from the main beach and crossed over the road to enjoy his food. Finding an empty bench overlooking the most popular swimming area he sat and enjoyed his burger. It was a good old style burger that dripped it's juices from his elbows. When he looked at the ground between his thongs he could see drips of fat, beetroot and egg yolk. Proof it was good. He enjoyed it immensely. The beach was quiet apart from a few surfers, the occasional jogger and the odd sunbather out of clear vision. There wasn't much to see bikini-wise, but that was OK. It wasn't his only motivation to come here. He relaxed soaking up the sun's energy and loving the smell of the sea breeze. Closing his eyes he stretched his arms and leaned back taking a depth breath. Aidan thought this setting was perfect. He listened to the gentle sound of the waves until a sound disturbed him. He sat up in curiosity. Aidan was sure he'd heard someone crying.

Looking around he noticed the figure of a woman in a modest one piece swimsuit with a towel wrapped around her. She was sitting on the next bench down. The figure was crouched over with her face buried in her hands. Aidan could hear her weeping uncontrollably. He wondered what to do. His heart pained to see the sight. His first instinct was to approach and ask if she needed help. Another part of him warned he would probably be abused for not minding his own business. After long moments of debating with himself he finally mustered his courage and approached the crying stranger. He stayed a good distance back so as not to make either of them uncomfortable. "Are you ok?" he asked with concern. The woman froze at the sound of his voice. She kept her face down so he couldn't see her features for all the damp golden hair hiding her face. Eventually she replied "I don't know..... My bag was stolen while I was swimming."

Aidan felt pity for the girl and said compassionately "That must suck. What colour was it? Maybe they dumped it after they took what they wanted. I don't mind having a quick look around." The girl sounded hopeful as she replied "Really? Thanks. It was a pink and white sports bag." She looked up at him so he could finally see her face. Though she covered her left eye with her hand, Aidan was stunned to see how beautiful she was. The eye he could see was a brilliant emerald green. Her long damp and tangled hair was the colour of yellow gold in the patches that had dried. He couldn't help but to step back and breath in the visage. He wasn't so nervous when he thought it was just some person needing help, but now he saw the person was a gorgeous girl who looked almost his age. She looked him in the eye forcing a smile "Thanks heaps, but only if you really don't mind. I know it's probably gone, but it had my wallet, my phone, medications and well.....everything was in it. If it's not a bother I'd appreciate some help. I couldn't see it anywhere." "No worries. I'm free all day." Aidan stammered with a grin. He dashed off and spent the next half hour searching anywhere he could think of where a thief might dump the bag after looting it. Finally he decided to give up and return to the bench where the girl was. She was gone. He sat down exhausted. He figured that maybe she had found it and went home.

Aidan pulled out his phone and decided to check the time, not that it mattered. "No luck either?" a voice asked. He looked up and saw the girl coming back. She sat at the far end of the bench avoiding getting too close. "No luck sorry." he answered. The girl looked at him, still covering an eye with her hand. "Thank you so much anyway. I didn't really have my hopes up. It's just that everything was in that bag and I don't know anyone here. I'm not sure what to do now." She noticed him putting his phone away. "I don't suppose I could bother you with one more really big favour?" Aidan noticed her eyeing the phone and handed it to her with a smile. "Thanks again." she said and added "The name's Emma by the way." Aidan smiled as friendlily as he could. "Aidan." he replied. He offered her a quick handshake, but she just looked at his hand nervously. Feeling awkward he started to retrieve his hand, but she grabbed it at the last moment and shook it quickly. He felt an odd tingling sensation at her touch. Odd girl he thought. She seemed to have something against people being too close to her or touching her. It showed on her face. He guessed that maybe she had some personal issues, or maybe she was just that repulsed by him. She seemed rather tense and anxious to him.

Aidan walked away for a few minutes to give Emma some privacy on the phone. He made sure to be out of earshot, but not out of sight of his phone. Aidan pondered what to do next. She had no money and wasn't from around here. He figured the police would organise something, but he fantasised with a stupid grin that she would just have to come home with him. Perhaps then she would fall for him and treat him as her knight in shinning armour. In reality he knew she would never do that. He snapped himself out of his daydream. Real life wasn't like a manga or anime where the hot girl ends up falling for the poor dorky guy.

Eventually the girl put the phone down on the bench beside her and began crying into her hands once more. He felt that she really needed a hug, but there was no way he would risk upsetting her by offering that. She seemed even more stand-offish than him. Besides that he was a coward when it came such things. He came back and gingerly reached for the phone, sliding it towards himself with outstretched finger tips. He was trying to keep a respectful distance from the girl. "Did you call the police?" he asked. Emma nodded. "I'm from Brisbane. I don't know anyone around here. " Clenching her fists she cursed "Why does this crap have to happen on a Sunday when the banks are shut?" She continued more calmly. "The cops were nice enough to organised a room for me at the pub, but.........." she paused wondering how to explain her problem. "I kind of have some issues. I get really uncomfortable around...... people, crowds, noise, pubs and stuff." Aidan could appreciate that being the same himself and said "Yeah same here. That's why I love living just out of town. No people, no crowds. Just me and the trees." He smiled trying to lighten her mood. She looked him in the face anxiously. He could tell she wanted to ask him something but wasn't game. No way he thought. He took a deep breath and said "Look I wasn't gonna offer in case you thought it was creepy or something, cause I'm a strange bloke you've never met and all. You see I live on a small property just a few minutes north of town. There's a caravan I don't use any more so it's just sitting there. It's small but it's quiet, clean and secure. You're welcome to it if you want. So you know, whatever. Not forcing you. Your choice."

Aidan crossed his fingers behind his back. Just knowing someone was around would be nice, especially an attractive girl like this. He knew she would never accept, but nothing ventured nothing gained he thought. It wasn't like he had anything to loose at this point. Emma looked torn with indecision. She eyed him up and down appraisingly. As the idea hit him Aidan hurriedly added "We can drop in at the cop shop on the way and tell them where it is, just in case your bag turns up." Perhaps that might help her feel safer he thought. Emma nodded and replied "Thank you so much. I really hate being such a nuisance, but i can't sleep on the beach and no way would I stay at a pub. You must be eager to get home after all the time you wasted on me. As long as you're sure I won't be a bother I'd love to come. I can fix you up in the morning when the bank opens. Ok?" Aidan was stunned with disbelief. "Don't worry about it." he said "The van's just sitting there. May as well use it." He was excited at the prospect of company, even if it was just a stranger over in the van near the shed. Just knowing someone was around was great.

As he lead the way to the car he wondered why he didn't notice before now what a perfectly proportioned figure Emma had. He was concerned how she still covered the one eye and he didn't want to pry, but when they approached the car he finally asked "Is there something in your eye? Do we need to stop at the hospital on the way? I'm not trying to pry or anything, just concerned." Emma stopped and stood in silence. "No it's all good. Thanks anyway." She spoke softly as if deeply ashamed "You see the bag that was stolen also had my......." Emma looked as if she was about to burst into tears again. Slowly she pulled her hand away from her left eye. There was a long horrible scar running from her brow down, across the closed eyelid and half way across her cheek. She continued to explain "I took my prosthetic eye out before I went swimming, so I wouldn't loose it. It was in my bag with everything else. I know it's disgusting." she explained. Aidan felt about two inches tall. "I am really, really sorry I asked." he said . "I just thought you might need to see a doctor or something. Really I feel like such a scum bag now. I didn't mean to embarrass you."

Emma covered the eye again. "Nah it's cool she said. I'm sorry it's so gross. I know how hideous it is, so I try to hide it. Don't want to make people puke. Maybe I should just try staying at the pub." Emma started to walk away slowly with her head down. Opening the car door Aidan quickly reached inside the glove box and pulled out a pair of dark sunglasses that he never wore. He caught up to Emma and offered them to her asking "Would these help you feel less self concious?" She accepted them gratefully. This time her smile seemed more genuine and she seemed to be relaxing a little. Perhaps because the always inevitable eye discussion was over, or perhaps it was the sunglasses. "It's just a scar. It doesn't change anything." Aidan said trying to sound casual. In truth it was a hideous scar that turned his stomach, but he wanted to be polite. She had no doubt been humiliated about it enough in her life and he wasn't about to add to that. She was still a person in need of help. He understood that something like that would obviously have damaged her self esteem and confidence. It was no wonder she seemed so self-concious. Aidan motioned to the passenger seat politely and Emma thanked him before sitting. He was just about to close the door when Emma suddenly screamed in terror and jumped halfway back out the door grabbing him around the waist. She pointed at the cars's gear stick. "Oops." Aidan murmured remembering the large redback spider encased in resign on the end of the gear stick. He apologised to Emma sincerely saying "Sorry I forgot about the gear knob. I never have passengers, especially girls." Emma laughed as she climbed back in saying "No I'm sorry. I think my nerves are just on edge at the moment. I didn't mean to jump like that sorry."

They first made a quick stop at the police station to update them of the situation. That done they began the journey home. On the way Emma explained that she had been on a bus trip from Brisbane to Sydney. She had taken some time off from her fashion and design studies to visit an old girl friend for a couple of weeks. Because of some young men hassling her on the bus she arranged to disembark in town and catch another bus passing through in a few hours. To fill in time she went for a swim and that was when she was robbed. Then she had missed the next bus with all the turmoil. Aidan only half listened. He was still feeling shock and disbelief that the gorgeous girl wasn't just in his car, but coming home with him. It was too unbelievable.

Soon they turned off the main road and onto the gravel driveway leading up to Aidan's grandparent's property. It was a little bumpy as they passed through the narrow band of trees that obscured vision of the house from the road. Aidan parked behind the house and quickly ran inside to retrieve the caravan key. Walking Emma to the van parked beside the shed he opened the door and gave her the key telling her that if she needed anything, he was just in the little house. She thanked him again and explained how even though she was so tense around people, it was nice to know that someone wasn't too far away. With that she dissappeared inside. Aidan returned his kitchen and unpacked the groceries. Luckily the frozen things were at least still cold. He smiled just knowing there was another human not far away even if he couldn't see or hear them.

For the rest of the day Aidan returned to being an online magical knight, dispatching enemies and assisting groups to take down the evil overlord wizard reigning terror on some silly imaginary land he couldn't even pronounce. He couldn't really immerse him in it like he normally did. Images of the attractive one eyed girl with the scarred face distracted him. Such a shame he thought. She could have been a real stunner if not for that hideous deformation. He wondered why he was so attracted to her despite that scar though. It wasn't just her looks. It was the way she sounded, the way she moved, the strange aura she seemed to have. He couldn't quite put a finger on it, but something about her had his mind entranced. He felt an odd connection.

As darkness fell outside he began to get hungry. He popped a frozen lasagne tray in the microwave and popped some toast in the toaster. He recalled that Emma had lost everything so she was probably hungry too. He grabbed out a second plate. He only ever ate half of these meals on a piece of toast anyway. Checking through his cupboard he grabbed a spare bottle of cola, a bag of BBQ chips and two cups of instant noodles. He placed them in a shopping bag before also remembering she had only the swimmers she wore. He needed clothes. The only women's clothes he had was the French maid outfit that he had found in that bargain bin. He grinned stupidly when he imagined her wearing the outfit with a pirates eye patch for a second. No, he thought. He scowled to himself ashamed for his stupid little cosplay fantasy. Real people weren't like that. Aidan knew he shouldn't think that way. It just happened. He hoped that Emma didn't discover his occasionally pervy side. He continued looking for clothes. Digging through cupboards he finally found a plain grey tracksuit that was still fairly new, and a pair of white T-shirts his aunt had given him, but he hated anything with a round neck, so he had never worn them. He shoved these into another bag and sat it near the door with the snack bag. When the microwave beeped he covered one of the plates with foil and grabbed the shopping bags as he left to deliver the goods.

As Aidan stood at the caravan door trying to figure out how he was going to knock with his hands full, the van door opened just a crack and Emma screamed in terror slamming the door again. "Sorry he yelled, I just thought you might be hungry.......you know after loosing your wallet and stuff." A minute later she opened the door wearing the bed quilt wrapped around her. Her hair was a mess and she was wearing the sunglasses again. "Did you see anything?" she asked urgently. Aidan was lost for a moment uncertain what she meant. "Like what?" he asked. Sounding calmer she replied "Don't worry. Not important. Sorry I was so jumpy yet again." She opened the door and eagerly took the plate thanking him with eyes firmly fixed on the food. She was obviously starving he thought. Aidan held forth the bags of supplies. "I don't want to seem presumptuous or anything, but I thought these might be useful. If you don't want them, it's fine ok." Emma put the plate down and took the bags with her free hand. Glancing inside she looked overjoyed and thanked him repeatedly. "I'll pay you back in the morning, ok." she said. "No worries" Aidan replied with a smile before returning to the house. Scar or not, she was still a beautiful girl with a perfect figure. He wondered if he would have shown her as much kindness if she was totally fat and ugly. He carefully and honestly thought about that. Whilst he was socially uncomfortable and avoided people, he always felt great empathy for those in need. He decided he still would have offered help taking just a little pride in himself. He had after all offered assistance before realising how attractive she was.

Half an hour later Aidan's thoughts were disturbed by a loud boom followed by a huge splash coming from the direction of the beach. He felt a slight tremor under his feet. Racing to the door he couldn't see anything, even though the moon shone brightly. He thought that maybe there had been a rock slide on the cliffs overlooking the ocean at the north end of the beach. They weren't far and occasionally large chunks did come loose. He shrugged and decided it might be a good time to go for a walk along the beach to think anyway.

Barefoot, Aidan walked down to the water's edge. He could see evidence of a fresh minor rock fall from the rocky headland. It was nothing exciting so he sat in the sand thinking of how he could ever impress the strange girl in the caravan without seeming creepy. She seemed to have no confidence at all and avoided people the same as he did. There was something about her though. Even though her face was disfigured, he found her so appealing. Aidan normally avoided the touch of everybody. It felt so foreign and unnatural. Her touch however when they shook hands excited him and didn't feel so foreign. It felt natural, which was odd to him.

Staring at the waves Aidan caught a glimpse of moonlight reflected off something white. It was large and just past the breakers. Perhaps a lost surfboard or part of an upturned boat. It turned as a wave forming to break rolled over it. It now appeared to be, round and had a black section like a hatch. Now it looked more like the cockpit of sailplane or something. Cold water or not Aidan was worried and started running out to it. As he got close to the object he could only touch bottom between waves. It wasn't much further so he swam the last twenty metres. The object rolled occasionally as waves past over it. He could see tear marks in the white section and was now certain it was the front section of a sailplane. Less of it could be seen now. Whatever it was it was slowly sinking. He couldn't see anything through the hatch, nor could he see a handle to release it, so he pushed, pulled and struggled until he eventually got it into the shallows. Now it was touching bottom it was more stable. Feeling around again for a hatch release he eventually found it and slid the dark hatch backward.

Aidan was stunned with disbelief at what he saw next. The pilot was still laying motionless inside. It was a girl with very long white hair wearing a white flight suit of some kind. She was soaking wet and looked small, pale and very pretty. Aidan also noted she had oddly pointy ears. He didn't have time to think about that now though. He fumbled with the harness holding the pilot in and lifted her out. She was lighter than he expected. Laying her on the sand he rolled her onto her side and checked for signs of life. Her pulse was weak and her breathing was shallow. Her slender little body seemed unharmed. There was no obvious signs of bleeding or broken limbs. He did find a small device at the top of her neck that looked like a socket. It appeared to be implanted so he left it alone. She appeared to be a girl in her late teens, around five foot two inches in height.

When he checked her eyes he thought they seemed just a little large. He wasn't sure but continued to check her pupils. Her eyes were a brilliant sparkling blue. He fell back as the girl began to blink. She started to mutter something in a strange language. It was a gentle voice with an almost melodic tone to it. Soon she drifted out of conciousness again. Aidan's adrenaline started to fade as he looked at the girl again. She was an absolute beauty, but her ears and that thing on her neck made him start to wonder if she was actually human, or even real. He was sure that girls didn't usually go sailplaning at night dressed in cosplay outfits. He touched the tip of her ear. It felt real. She must be human he thought, but she did have some odd features. Then there was the pod he had pushed in from the ocean. Looking at it now, it wasn't just the cockpit area of a torn apart sail plane. It was the entire craft. Apart from the tears in the lower body, it seemed intact rather than a broken away section of something larger.

He wondered what to do. If he called any emergency services they would check her out thoroughly, and if she wasn't human who knows what fate might befall her. Aidan had seen more than enough alien dissection pictures on the internet and scenes from sci-fi movies to be willing to risk that. Finally he decided to help her as best he could no matter who or what she was. That meant not placing her at further risk from other people. He picked her up and carried her to the house. On the way he thought again how beautiful the girl was, and chuckled as he muttered to himself "Two hot girls in one day. Well they do say it never rains but it pours."

Chapter 2

When they got back to the house Aidan laid the girl out on the spare bed. She was breathing well enough and her pulse was a little stronger. Now they were in the light he could see just how attractive the girl really was. Her skin was unblemished and pale, yet still looked healthy. Her hair was a shiny pure white that reached down to her waist. The suit she wore appeared to be in two parts like a tight sweat suit. It was made out of material that looked much like an extra thick lycra. She had a small delicate mouth and high cheekbones. The eyes were a little larger than an average human on closer inspection. Her whole body looked delicate and fragile. Not being able to help himself Aidan even made a mental note that her figure was quite petite and even her chest was far from generous, but he wouldn't call it small either. It was a nice size but didn't quite compare to Emma's bountiful proportions. Still it was more than enough he thought before he kicked himself for even thinking along those lines again. "Why am I thinking like such a damn pervert at a time like this?" he growled to himself in disgust. There were much more important things to consider at the moment. He went back to studying the ears again. They looked similar to a human's but the top was slightly elongated and came to a gentle point at the top. Even though she was asleep, he noticed she smiled when he touched them. Very strange he thought.

He realised she was still soaking wet and couldn't be expected to sleep like that. He didn't want her to catch a cold. There was no way he was going to do anything about it though. As curious as he was to know what was under that suit she wore, and even though he could be a bit of a perve at times, he wasn't prepared to do anything that might be considered dishonourable or improper. Besides he didn't fully trust himself. Not a hundred percent. Instead he wiped her off as best he could with a towel and just covered her up. He fetched a dining chair to sit beside the bed and sat watching the girl trying to decide who or what she was. To him she looked like an elf from an anime or storybook, but he wasn't ready to fully accept that yet. It just wasn't possible. Elves weren't real, even though what appeared to be one was right there in front of him. A few times she opened her eyes part way and stirred so Aidan figured she was going to be fine.

It was after nine o'clock at night when Aidan heard a soft knock at his front door. Leaving the elf girl alone he answered the door. He decided it might be wise to keep everything a secret until he could process the situation a little more in his mind. He answered the door to find Emma standing there now wearing the grey tracksuit. Aidan closed the door as much as he could to obscure view of his home as he took the cleaned plate she held out. He really didn't want her to see his mess or evidence of his childish pursuits. Emma spoke saying "I know it's late, but I saw the lights on and heard the TV. Thanks again for the food. It was delicious." He glanced behind him to check there was nothing too embarrassing visible from her angle, but it was too late. Emma was already looking over his shoulder as something caught her attention. Aidan turned back to see what had caught her attention when he felt a sudden rush of air swish past him. She dove under the arm blocking the door. It was too late now. She was in.

Emma was now standing transfixed at the wall behind him caressing a poster of some pink haired magical girl in awe. "Wow she exclaimed. This is cosplay type stuff right? Like from Japanese cartoons and that?" She slowly turned around taking in all the images, before realising what she had just done. "Oh crap, sorry." she said as she realised. "I get a little.......distracted some times. Actually a lot. Especially about interesting fashions and designs. I didn't mean to intrude. Please forgive my rudeness." She looked genuinely remorseful as she clasped her hands under her chin. "It's ok." Aidan replied "It's just a bit embarrassing for a bloke my age to be living like this." He waved his arm around the room. Emma chuckled "You mean you're ashamed to be yourself? It is a bit pervy, but you shouldn't have to hide who you really are. Just be yourself. Nothing worse than a fake." Aidan was still embarrassed as he responded "Yeah I know but it doesn't impress anyone to see this rubbish." Emma looked at him enquiringly and asked "You mean chics right?" She looked around again scratching her chin in thought. "Yeah I get it. Most women do prefer a guy who's mature, confident and far less pervy. It would be a big turn off to most." As she started to leave she smiled over her shoulder and stated "It's still better than pretending to be someone you aren't. Sorry again for bursting in."

As soon as she left Aidan flopped down on the lounge feeling dejected. So she knew of his addiction to anime and childish pursuits now. She mentioned that women like maturity, confidence and not being a perve. He guessed there was no point fantasising any more about what could never be. He was the exact opposite of all those things.

Suddenly Emma's headed popped back in the doorway asking "Oh I forgot to ask, mind if I get a lift into town tomorrow so I can get to the bank? Only if it's not a hassle." "Not a problem." Aidan responded with a smile. Even though he knew there was no chance with her, he would use any excuse just to be near her. Then Aidan remembered the other girl. What if she hadn't woken up and gone by then? He needn't have worried. He noticed a sudden stunned look on Emma's face as she stared at something on the other side of the room. She lifted the sunglasses for a better look. The elf girl was kneeling against the wall using it for support. Emma stared at her hair that was too long and white to be real. The pointy ears must have been fake.

Emma glared at Aidan. "And to think I was just about to start believing you were a little different, and you turn out to be just another perverted player. Hiding miss cosplay slut-bag in there the whole time. I bet while you were out there playing the gentleman hero trying to impress me you had her stashed away. What kind sick fantasy were you hoping for sicko? I'm onto you now buster." She stormed off angrily as Aidan bolted after her yelling "Look honestly, I just found her on the beach less than an hour ago." "Sure, whatever." Emma spat back at him without slowing down. Aidan begged "Please, she was unconscious when I found her." Emma froze on the spot and asked "Unconscious?" She thought for a moment and turned to ask "You think drugged maybe?" Emma looked at him anxiously. Aidan shook his head replying "No it looked like she was in an accident. To be honest I could really use some female help because, you know, she's a girl...... and I'm not. There are things I can't help her with. Her clothes are soaking wet. I didn't want to touch them." Emma thought for a while before replying "Ok , I'll check on her just to make sure she's safe. You try anything and I swear I'll slit your throat." Aidan was surprised to see this change in Emma. She was far more self assured and very confident when she was angry. She stormed inside and Aidan sat on the patio step to give the girls some privacy.

Soon he heard the bath running and twenty minutes later Emma came to the door.

She demanded sounding very serious "Just tell me you had nothing to do with this ok. Promise me." Aidan swore he had nothing to do with it. Content with that Emma said more calmly now "I bathed her and dressed her in your shirt and boxers. It's all I could find that was clean. I flipped the mattress over and put her back in bed." She sat on the step right beside him. Too close he thought considering how she normally kept a wary distance. "What is she? "Emma asked. Aidan shrugged. Emma continued "She isn't human. I mean she's anatomically correct, flawless even, but those ears are real and the thing on her neck looks like a plug should go in there. She was muttering something, but I don't know what language." Aidan relayed the story to her in full leaving nothing out. Afterwards Emma stood and rested a hand on his shoulder saying "You did the right thing. You have to look after her. She doesn't need to be dissected, tested, probed or studied in some lab somewhere." As she started back to her van Emma turned and said with a smile "You have to protect her, and if you try anything funny, watch out. Us sisters look out for each other you know, no matter what race we are."

Aidan went back inside to find the elf girl now back in the spare bed fast asleep. He was exhausted. It had been an eventful day and he figured the girl was ok now so he took a quick shower and then lay on top of his own bed in the room next to the elf's room. He lay there for hours thinking about it all and wishing he could sleep. Though he was physically drained, his mind would not rest. He had so many questions to ask.

The sun was about to rise in a few hours. There was still no movement from the girl in the spare bed. A few times she muttered in her sleep, so he knew she was ok. Aidan finally realised he had forgot something. The girl's craft was still sitting on the beach. It was a quiet time of year but there was always the chance of an early morning jogger or fisherman coming this far up the beach. He raced out to the shed praying his grandfather's old fishing ute was going to start. There was no way the craft would fit on the back of it, but maybe he could drag it up to the shed.

After many failed attempts to start the old four wheel drive it sounded like the battery was just about to go flat. On his last attempt however the old girl spluttered to life filling the shed with exhaust smoke. Aidan cheered and patted the cracked dashboard thanking the old truck. He grabbed all the ropes he could find and drove down to find the craft still sitting there. There was nowhere really to attach a rope, so Aidan made a tangled mess of ropes around the craft and pulled it away. Thankfully It turned out to be incredibly light. Once it was safely in the shed and the doors were closed he went back inside. He could investigate it later. The sun was just starting to appear above the horizon now. Aidan stretched and let out a loud yawn. Maybe now he could finally squeeze in a quick nap.

After checking the elf girl was still ok Aidan crashed onto his bed and quickly fell into a deep sleep. It seemed not long after that he was awoken by something touching against his throat. He opened his eyes to see Emma standing above him. She held a large kitchen knife against his throat. "What did I tell you?" She growled between clenched teeth. Aidan felt something rub against the small of his back. Being careful not to move his head he reached behind him to feel what it was. His hand landed on something firm but warm. He stretched out a little further and squeezed. Now it was soft and fleshy. Aidan was startled and quickly retrieved his hand as he realised what it was. "Stop playing with her butt." Emma yelled angrily. She stepped back and stood tapping her foot with her arms crossed. Aidan sat up and looked at the bed beside him. The elf girl was laying there in a foetal position sleeping peacefully. From her position he guessed she had snuggled in against his back. Aidan looked up at Emma innocently. He didn't know how to convince her of his innocence. "I didn't......." was all Aidan could stammer. Emma sighed in resignation as she placed the knife down on the bedside table. She said "Probably not. I'm just looking out for her ok . There's a lot of very sick men out there." Aidan was feeling indignant but understood and replied "Yeah I know. I understand, but I have no idea how she got there. I only just got back from hauling her spaceship or whatever into the shed. When I came inside at sunrise she was still in her bed. She couldn't have been there long." Emma looked smug as she said "You know it's almost midday right?" Aidan looked at the clock and swore. He didn't realise how long his little nap had lasted. He wondered how long the elf had been in here. Aidan was also concerned about Emma's threatening behaviour "Were you really going to slice my throat?" he asked. Emma smiled and replied "Don't worry. I know you're a bit of a perve, but I'm pretty sure you wouldn't touch her. I just wanted you to know I was serious." As Emma went to the kitchen Aidan called out behind her "So was that a yes or a no?" Emma just winked over her shoulder and replied "Take advantage of a helpless girl and find out. We'd better feed her so I'll find something if that's ok."

Emma started cooking breakfast. There wasn't much in Aidan's house in the way of healthy food, but she managed to find some instant pancake mix. She set the table for three and split the first batch of pancakes between the plates. At the smell of fresh food Aidan sat and thanked Emma for the breakfast. He had never had a gorgeous woman cook him breakfast before. Emma continued cooking more pancakes and dealing them out. Surprisingly the elf girl appeared stretching her arms and yawning. She was sniffing the air and Aidan guessed she was hungry. Emma guided her to a chair and helped her sit. She set a fresh plate of pancakes with golden syrup in front of her. The girl sniffed at them, and poked them curiously. "Oh my God." Emma exclaimed. "She doesn't know what pancakes are." Aidan sat in the opposite chair and began to eat. She watched him for a while and then copied. She smiled like a little child when her plate was soon empty and patted her belly. Next Aidan poured her a glass of fruit juice. She loved that too and poured herself a second glass. Aidan watched carefully, she acted like a child in some ways, yet still had the co-ordination of an adult. She let out a small burp and quickly covered her mouth muttering something foreign and looking ashamed. Aidan noted that she also had manners which was a good sign.

When she was finished eating she walked over to Emma and gave her a quick hug. Then she turned to Aidan. When she approached him she gave him a much longer hug and rubbed her cheek against his. Aidan couldn't believe how strong she was. He was sure he felt a rib crack. Emma giggled. "I guess that means thanks, especially you." The elf began pacing around the small lounge room while Emma sat and ate her pancakes saying "She doesn't seem dangerous at least." "Aidan nodded "Yeah but I wonder where she's from. Oh, and thank you for breakfast. It was really great. Best I ever had." Emma put her head down in embarrassment saying "Just don't get used to it ok. I did it for her.....and I guess you had a long night saving drowning girls and stuff." Now it was Aidan's turn to be embarrassed. "Just doing what anybody else would do. No big deal." he replied. Emma smiled at him and said "And I suppose offering shelter to a strange one-eyed girl crying at the beach was no big deal either?" Aidan grinned "Nope, not a big deal at all." Emma laughed "Well you'd be surprised how many people just walked past and didn't give a rats."

Aidan noticed the elf was now sitting on the lounge looking around anxiously. She was bouncing slightly on the lounge with her knees together and hands in her lap. Aidan knew what that meant and looked pleadingly at Emma. "I'm eating, so it's your turn." she replied to his look. Aidan led the girl to the bathroom. He poured some water into the toilet and flushed it. Then he washed his hands. The girl nodded as he left the bathroom and shut the door. He was glad she seemed to be a fast learner. Soon he was relieved to hear the toilet flush and the sink water running. When she reappeared she began walking around the room looking at the posters. Occasionally she stopped in front of pictures that had largely over endowed women and looked at her own chest as if comparing. Eventually she stopped in front of one and started pointing excitedly. "Lorene." she kept repeating. Aidan came over to see what she was pointing at. It was the picture of a busty elf maid standing on top of her space ship with a laser gun in her hand. She had long white hair and ears not much bigger than the elf girl standing beside him. She pointed at herself and then the picture saying "Lorene." Aidan repeated her saying "Lorene". He figured that with all the different races ever imagined probably represented on the walls here somewhere, one was bound to be similar to her. The girl nodded and seemed pleased that he understood. She continued browsing and eventually found another picture. This time it was a pair of white haired elf men armed with crossbows in the forest. Again the elf girl pointed excitedly again saying "Lorene." Aidan deduced that Lorene must be her race, rather than her name.

When Emma finished breakfast she came over and sat on the small lounge beside Aidan. She didn't seem so bothered being this close to him now. He motioned for the girl to come over. After pointing at both himself and Emma, he said "Human" and then pointed at her saying "Lorene". She repeated the pattern saying "Human, human, Lorene" as she pointed to each of them in turn. Glad the girl seemed to be picking things up fast he decided to go one step further. This time he pointed to himself saying "Aidan", then pointed the Emma saying "Emma", but when he pointed to the elf she just shook her hear. Emma translated "Maybe she has amnesia. Perhaps she forgot her name. We have to call her something, so how about Jemma?" Aidan chuckled "Because it sounds like your name?" Emma crossed her arms in mock indignation and retorted "No, because she's small and precious like a gem. Jemma sounds like gem doesn't it?"

Aidan didn't have a better suggestion, so he pointed at the elf and said "Gem?"

The girl seemed happy. She pointed at each of them in turn naming them correctly and then finally pointed to herself saying "Gem". She was exited and hugged them both together with her incredibly strong arms. Aidan's face was pushed against Emma's, but he didn't mind. He imagined that this was the closest he was ever going to get to her so he savoured those few seconds. Gem leaned back looking at how close she had forced them and decided it would be better if she squeezed in between the two on the small lounge.

Emma managed to work free of the cramped lounge and began to lead Gem around the house teaching her names of the common items. Emma noticed that she was a quick student, but was growing concerned that wherever they went, she was continually glancing back at Aidan. She wasn't sure if Gem was just attached to him because he was her rescuer, or maybe just her first contact in this world. Something about it just seemed off, but Gem seemed harmless to her intuition. She thought that perhaps if she was in the same situation she might cling to the first person that showed her kindness too. That got her thinking a little about her own feelings about the man who had helped with her own dramas the same day.

Eventually Emma decided to go outside and show Gem around, but she stood fast and shook her head. It wasn't until Aidan came to join them that she ventured outside. Together they all walked down to the beach. Gem acted like a little kid running in the ankle deep water. The other two sat on the beach talking. It was easier talking to Emma now that he knew he would never be good enough. There was no point trying to impress her. It meant he didn't have to hold anything back and he could just be himself. There was nothing to loose, so it was all right.

Gem constantly returned and kneeled between them with any strange item she found so they could name it for her. Eventually Emma had the idea to borrow Aidan's phone and take a group selfie of them all. Gem of course made sure to be squeezed in between them as always. She loved to see the picture on the phone and stared at it for a long time. Aidan watched the elf as she ran around dodging the incoming waves. Even when she jumped the girl seemed a bit faster and more agile than a human. He compared her grace and reflexes to be more feline in nature.

Gem wandered further up the beach, although she still checked regularly to make sure they were still there. Emma decided this might be a rare time to have some of Aidan's attention. She felt the need to explain her odd behaviour whenever he was close or when she acted protective of Gem. She decided he was a good guy deep down, and it was only natural for him to like fantasising about girls, although she thought real ones might be preferable. She thought for a while and spoke. "Aidan, look. I know I seem a bit odd at times. You know, anxious, scared of people, not trusting.... especially men. I just want to explain." Aidan looked her in the eye and replied "There's no need. I know I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed, but I kinda gathered you've had a rough time in the past. You don't need to explain it. It's all right." Emma was happy he seemed to just accept her odd behaviour so easily. As they were both leaning back with their arms supporting them from behind, she moved one of her hands over placing it on top of his. He looked startled as he felt her hand.

Emma started to speak again "You see your reaction. You're nervous because you know I'm anxious about contact with other people. You know I'm weird. I just want you to listen ok." Aidan responded "I just know it's hard for you ok. I can respect that. Besides that I'm not used to being around pretty girls." Emma looked up the beach at Gem and said "Yes she is stunning isn't she?" Aidan felt he had been misunderstood. "No, I mean yeah she is, but I didn't mean her." He gulped with embarrassment over his verbal blunder. Emma was bright red now and hiding her face with her other hand. Softly she said "It's OK. I know what I look like. No need to be polite. Just listen ok. You don't seem to mind letting me see the real you, so it's only fair."

Emma looked nervous as she started explaining "You see when I was in my final year at high school I was dating this guy a little bit older. I thought I loved him. He was handsome, confident, always knew what to say at the right time, and even agreed to wait for.....you know....until I was ready. He was always the gentleman. So one night we went to a movie and I started to feel sick half way through. Everything was spinning and I felt really weak. He said he was taking me home but he took me back to his flat and carried me to his room. He laid me down on the bed. When he tried to undo my buttons I fought back. I guess he hadn't given me enough of the drug. He pulled a knife on me. That was when I noticed two of his mates were there pointing their phones at me. Recording I guess. I hadn't even noticed them come in. Anyway he tried ripping my top so I bit him. That's when he slashed the knife at my face. When they saw how mutilated I was they all panicked and ran. Anyway I crawled outside somehow and a neighbour found me. The guy was arrested and charged, but the damage was done. It was all my fault for being stupid, for trusting. My face was a mess, but the trauma was worse. I couldn't be near people or trust them again. Always suspicious." She looked at him desperately and asked "Does it all add up now? "

Aidan felt physically sick. He felt oceans of sympathy for the pain Emma was living with. The anger building up inside him churned his stomach even more. How could some animal do that to such a wonderful girl. He wanted to hug her and take it all away somehow, but he guessed she would understandably push him away. She was comfortable enough to tell him her story, but he didn't want to intrude on her personal space and remind her of that creep. He squeezed her hand gently and said "I'm sorry for what that creep did and the pain you have to live with. There's no way it was your fault though. No way." It was all he could think to say. He looked down and saw that her hand was squeezing his in return. That was when he first noted the heavy scars across her wrist. He wanted to cry. Smiling Emma said "Don't be sorry. You didn't do it. He was a creep and I was the idiot that trusted him. I just....feel the need to explain. That's all. It's why I was so protective of Gem. When I first saw her leaning there semi concious against the wall I had to be suspicious. I didn't know if you had done something to her." Aidan impulsively kissed her very quickly on the cheek knowing the risk he was taking. He couldn't help it. It just came over him. He pretended it never happened and continued. "Like I said it's all understandable." The next thing he knew Gem dove in between them breaking them apart roughly. She put an arm around both of their necks smiling innocently. Emma laughed "You know I think you're gonna have trouble with this one. Just be careful ok." With that she got up, brushed the sand off and headed back to the caravan.

Gem sat herself on Aidan's lap with her arms around his neck. He was feeling very nervous and uncomfortable now. She stretched up and kissed his cheek just the same way he had kissed Emma's. Aidan pushed her back with both hands in horror. It all suddenly dawned on him. So this is what Emma meant when she said he was going to have trouble with her. "No." he said to her in a stern tone shaking his head. The girl looked up at him with her sparkling blue eyes. Her head tilted with a curious look on her face. She looked confused like a puppy who didn't understand what it did wrong. Looking at her innocence he wondered how he could be so mean to her. He took a deep breath and said "Sorry Gem. I know you don't understand. Lets go home." He placed a hand on her shoulder for a moment and gave her a friendly smile before rising to lead her back to the house.

When they got back Aidan played some animes for Gem and washed the dishes. That at least kept her entertained for while. After the dishes he sat beside her and she soon lay her head in his lap and fell asleep. He felt uncomfortable again. Aidan wondered what was wrong him for it to feel so unnatural to have such a beautiful girl wanting to be so close and affectionate with him. He was sure most blokes would have been eager. He thought it over for a while and realised. It was because of Emma. The girl he had no chance with. He liked Gem and found her incredibly appealing. Not just because she was such a beauty, but because she made him feel wanted and useful. Any other day he would have jumped at the chance to have the attention of a girl like her. Why was it the one he couldn't have was the one he preferred? It didn't make sense. He carefully lifted Gem's head and placed a cushion in his place.

Sitting on the front patio he tried to work it all out in his head. Gem appealed to him in many ways, and he liked the idea of having her around until she was ready to go. He was living out an anime in the real world. Slowly he came to realise what it might be. Gem was a stranger in foreign lands and was naturally clinging to the first person she felt she could trust. Gem was a dream come true for most men, but it was Emma who had his heart. He had no chance with her, and the quick kiss on the cheek caused no reaction. Then again Gem did interrupt them. It was all too confusing.

Chapter 3

The Lorene were an ancient race of nomadic explorers wandering the universe in search of understanding. They travelled aboard huge flying cities that housed around thirty thousand people. Lorene were humanoid in appearance, as were most of the other dominate species they had met. This further prompted their curiosity about the origins of all life in the universe.

Roughly once or twice a century they would come across a planet with inhabitants evolved from primate like creatures, which just seemed too coincidental given the chances. They were a peaceful people and often shared their arts and culture with other friendly races that were too primitive to pose any threat. They only maintained a small security force for just in case. Occasionally interaction with another race turned unpredictably violent, thus causing the Lorene to defend themselves as they departed. They were unchallenged and secure aboard their cities. More often the Lorene avoided possibly hostile planets all together and ventured onwards. A few times their ancient records showed a group sick of exploration would establish a colony on a planet, forsaking all their technology. That practice was very rare however.

It was no longer certain how many of the Lorene cities survived to the current day. Records showed that some two hundred and fifty had ventured forth originally. It was an extremely rare event for a city to come into contact with another. Each city explored in a different direction causing an ever increasing distance between them, however in times of dangerously low resources they would sometimes back-track over previously mapped territory.

Each city was governed by a ruling council, who ensured the policies of their people were maintained. The main policy of the Lorene explorations regarded the harvesting of resources. The Lorene never harvested from a planet already dominated by an intelligent race, and they never harvested more than what was renewable, thus allowing the ecosystem of a harvested world to restore itself.

Compared to a human a Lorene was smaller in stature. They rarely grew very much over five foot tall. They were very dexterous and agile in their movement and stronger than an average human despite their small stature. Lorene had only slightly larger eyes of either sparkling blue or a bright purple. Their ears were slightly elongated and tapered to a gentle point at the top. Lorene skin was pale and their hair was a pure snow white. Occasionally a child was born with a golden hue to their hair, however that was becoming less frequent with every generation. They prided their hair and kept it as long as was practicable. They had delicate features and on the whole were a beautiful people. The Lorene enjoyed arts and culture as a past time and spent a great deal of time in their gardens. They often adorned their simple clothing with subtle and elegant jewellery. Even the cities seemed to be ornate, but not enough to be overstated or gaudy.

An average Lorene citizen could live almost four hundred years. Once they had reached the end of their teen years the aging process seemed to slow dramatically. The price of this longevity however seemed to be the fertility rate of their people which was fairly low. This at least meant the cities never became over populated.

The Lorene were the most technologically advanced race in the known universe with devices reflecting unparallelled technology. Foremost amongst their technology were the recyclers, huge machines that would break down anything placed inside into its base elements. Whether organic or mineral, everything was reduced to atomic particles and sorted for compression in the silos below the city. These resources allowed the production of almost all the Lorene needs from building materials to water and foods.

As the technology used in the ancient recyclers was refined to perfection, so to were the organic scanners and replicators. An organism could be scanned or loaded from a database, then a huge three dimension printing device called a replicator would reassemble the required particles in a gravity free environment to replicate the subject of the scan. Originally used for the creation of food they were further developed to suit medical needs, such as the creation of flesh or mending of wounds. These machines were the peak of technology anywhere in the universe. For generations engineers had attempted to replicate full living beings, however anything replicated was dead. No matter how well it was copied, life itself could not be replicated, nor could the replicated body have life returned to it as yet.

One of the leaders in the field of genetics and replication for medical and biod use was the chief engineer Ellan Elore. For over two and a half centuries she had been leading the field in genetic and neuro sciences among her varied interests. Her work had greatly advanced the medical fields and made her a well respected member of the Lorene race.

The greatest of all Ellan's discoveries was the creation of the second generation biods. A replicated body of course was dead, but she had discovered a way to further animate it. Ellan found that the use of a neural interface based loosely on the external one's used by the pilots of the giant defence robots called mecha, could interface to all the parts of a body. An interface with a small artificial intelligence device could be replicated within a body being generated as a fine web of conduits between the brain and the skull. These conduits were studded with sensors and transmitters that pinpointed precisely the part of the brain required without the need to intrude inside it. These conduits joined to the controller containing the AI at the base of the skull. With the new interfaces requiring minimal power, they operated on power generated from chemical reaction within the body itself and no longer needed an additional power source like the generation one biods.

Rather than previous designs, which though successful, required removal of much of the bodies original brain matter and the mechanisation of most organs and sensors, these controllers interfaced utilising the complete brain. This allowed re-using much more of the original brain tissue instead of bypassing or removing it. Thus the new interface could be smaller and only needed to communicate with the brain itself, leaving the rest of the body unmechanised and free of conduits or other devices. The replicated body could then be re-animated by the interface once it had regulated all the neurological and chemical balances. Recently Ellan had started work on a third generation of these biods. It would have an even smaller interface within a genetically enhanced body.

A biod was still not a living person however. It was an organic puppet under the control of the AI. If the AI was removed the body would fail. The interface kept the body fresh and functional. It regulated the control over all essential hormonal and chemical reactions. A biod had no will of its own, self awareness or intelligence. Whilst senses such as sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch were interpreted by the interface, all movement and reaction was controlled by the interface's control module. The interface also had the ability to communicate with a central AI hub, allowing multiple biod units to be controlled by a single hub.

The biods were deemed non-living organic machines which offered no more than the illusion of life. They were popular now having spread throughout the city with the approval of the council. A biod made a good servant class, and depending on the programs installed, could manage most of the simple jobs in the city. There were nearly two thousand generation two biods in the city now and many owners treated them with affection, like a much loved pet. A few of the Lorene however were disgusted by these animated sacks of meat walking around, causing engineers to make them appear as aesthetically pleasing as possible. A small minority of the Lorene however, especially the younger ones, thought of them as nothing but toys to be used or abused however they saw fit. They were merely objects. A replaceable product. As they were not deemed to be living they had no rights, so were treated as per their master's discretion with no intervention. This was accepted because they had no life or feelings to harm. A biod was no more alive than any other gadget.

Currently Ellan sat locked in her laboratory, stroking her fingers through her long white hair and looking at the reflection in the screen before her. She was still beautiful for a woman nearing two hundred and ninety years old, but she noticed her skin was starting to loose its softness just a little, and her big purple eyes didn't sparkle quite the same. She debated in her mind her actions over the last few days. She knew she had done the right thing, but the price was going to be high. She expected imprisonment or removal from her position. At the very worst she might be condemned as a darkened, which was still a very rare event. That was far from likely as her mistakes weren't intended to be rebellious or criminal. Darkened, or dark one, was an ancient term, referring to a member of the Lorene who had turned their back on the guiding light of the Lorene beliefs and had spoken out or rebelled against his rulers. A trial would be held and the guilty person would be marked by the permanent darkening of their hair before being stripped almost naked and outcast with nothing. If they ever approached another Lorene or their lands again, they were to be executed on sight. Lorene took great pride in their long luxurious hair, their modesty, and their honour, so this process was deemed extremely harsh on them. A darkened would often be found dead a few days later, having chosen to end their own life rather than live with the shame. Only a very few ever fought on alone despite the odds in wild or foreign lands. It was a cruel tradition hardly ever needed, but the fear of it helped maintain social order. Most Lorene would die before undergoing such treatment.

The Chief engineer reflected on the mistakes she had made, like bringing Fay to the attention of the ruling council. It had proved an error in judgement, but ultimately it had bought a lot of attention to the biods and many questions were likely to come of it regarding their potential and the ethical rights of the Lorene to suppress it. Ellan grabbed herself a drink and some fruit from the tiny replicator in the wall, thankful the guards hadn't disabled that too. She sat on the foot of one of the now empty medical replicators in her lab and started to reflect on the events that lead to this situation.

A few days prior, Ellan had been looking over the results of the tests on the recent batch of biods she was working on. These were the first of the generation threes. The fairy winged prototype Fay stood behind her awaiting orders from her master. Initial tests indicated Fay had been a glowing success, so Ellan had started the production of four more biods using the same new interface. In the past few days however Fay was starting to operate somewhat erratically in ways that didn't seem to be under the control of her AI. Foremost amongst this faulty behaviour was that small items had began to go missing, only to turn up under the pillow on Fay's resting bench or in her pockets. Then she had began to ask questions about things irrelevant to her duties. Hub records showed she was attempting to search various odd subjects in Ellan's data as well. Ellan had scolded the little biod over the missing items as if she were a child causing her eyes to tear. Ellan felt sorry for her and hugged her even though she was just a biod. She sometimes forgot they weren't real and any feelings displayed were under AI control. Thinking logically again she returned to her work. Ellan wasn't about to activate any more of the new controllers until she found the fault. She hoped it was just a minor glitch in her required learning routines. It didn't seem to be in the software thus far so she was now going over the schematics of the interface itself.

The first of the new batch was ready and only required training module installation and final activation. These would be her finest work yet. She had modified a sample of her own genetics for this batch with enhanced bone flexibility, musculatory system and responsiveness. These biods were to be presented to the city defence for use as scouts. The interface in these models was identical to the one now in the little fairy biod. She had called the prototype Fay after a creature from legend, and kept as her personal and research assistant. Whilst Fay had been engineered to be small in stature at four foot five inches to reduce weight, Ellan decided it wasn't really required, so each of these new bodies was a full five foot two inches tall. Two of the new batch would also have the control arms on their back, whilst the other two would not need them.

The wings on Fay and the other two biods nearing activation were not real. They could not allow flight. The long single jointed appendages growing from the back of their shoulders were real limbs however and functioned as any other limb would. They were a simplified arm growing from modified shoulder blades. The new biod's wings, like Fay's, would be synthetic and attached only for manoeuvring the new anti-gravity harness only recently developed. For the new winged biods Ellan was still trying to decide what type of wings to use. So far she thought she would choose some kind of bird, like the hawks shown in the database which resided on a planet called Earth.

Perhaps wondered if perhaps she just had Earth on her mind. The city would be decelerating soon as it approaching the Sol system, and she was eager to join a scouting mission to the planet to gather samples from the Lorene colony once established there. She was hoping they were still there anyway. Little was known about the ancestors who had settled there as there had been no contact in the thousands of years since they had departed. Records showed that they had settled in a heavily forested area of the northern hemisphere, to the central west of the largest continent, but that was all. If the scouts reported that another race dominated the planet now they would not stop to harvest. The Lorene never interacted or interfered with a race once it had reached a certain level of technology. Initial reports didn't look good, as it appeared the humans now covered the entire planet and had reached a high level of technology. Scouts would be dispatched to investigate further.

A sudden thump on the back of her chair had startled Ellan from her thoughts when all the drama had begun. She spun around to find the little Fay huddled on the ground punching the floor with a clenched fist. In her tiny voice Ellan could here her muttering repeatedly through clenched teeth, "No, no, no.........." Ellan quickly pulled an interface remote control from her pocket and pressed a button while she aimed it at Fay's head.

Instantly Fay relaxed and let out a relieved sigh. The fairy looked up at her quizzickly from the floor. Ellan was puzzled. She pointed the device at Fay again and clicked the button several more times. "Why is she still concious?" Ellan muttered to herself in frustration. She was baffled. The biod's body should be unconscious now with the neuro interface in standby mode.

Lifting Fay to a workbench she attached a lead to the small socket in the back of Fay's neck and spoke to the machine on the other end of the bench. "Run full scan. Diagnose unusual neural activity." Ellan waited impatiently tapping her foot. "This is all I need." she muttered to herself. She went over the designs again in her head, lost as to what caused the interface to malfunction. She would have to destroy Fay and the other four using that interface if they failed after just a month. Such a waste of her time and city resources. It seemed like forever until the machine finally beeped and began to deliver it's findings. The diagnostics machine reported "Error found. Leakage caused by lack of shielding on prototype interface. Bi-directional feedback between interface and brain cells resulting. Command module no longer functional. AI controller indicates minor damaged. All sub controllers functioning correctly." Ellan thought for a while before checking the results on the device herself. If it was just a matter of shielding, at least she could modify the others before activation. Ellan suddenly froze as the thought hit her. The damaged command module was responsible for all muscle control in the body, so how was the little biod still awake and functioning?

Ellan spent the next hours investigating what was going on. She found the command module had burnt out because of feedback from the brain. Furthermore this feedback wasn't just located in a generalised area as she would expect. It seemed organised, following structured paths that matched that of a normal living Lorene. The brain had been accessing memories stored in the interface without having need to recall that specific data. It was like the biod's brain was browsing around it's memories of it's own accord. It then seemed to have decided on it's own to reject the command module. The interfaces were meant to control a nonliving brain, not compete with a concious one. The dead brain in this unit was somehow active and expressing curiosity, desire and pain. It had caused the production of adrenaline, which like many other hormone production, wasn't enabled in a biod. Like hormones required for fertility, they were not required. This puppet was rebelling of its own accord. Fay looked into Ellan's eyes. "What happened to me master? It hurt."

Throughout the night and most of the next day Ellan studied the biod's thought patterns and reactions to both physical and theoretical stimuli. All tests confirmed the realisation of the fact she had been trying to deny to herself. The biod was alive. It was a late teen in appearance because that's how biods were usually created. Although she was childlike in some ways, she seemed to have almost the maturity of a late teen in other respects although she had only been activated a month ago. She still had the ability to recall data stored in the interface's training modules when she closed her and eyes and focused. She claimed she could still talk with the lab's central hub and sense other biods that passed the lab. Fay still had recollection of all events since her activation and the abilities that were installed such as basic operations, behaviour and self maintenance. It seemed she had been self aware the entire time and learning as the interface's AI controlled her body. Her conciousness was watching until she desired control for herself.

Ellan was overjoyed about this accidental discovery. The interface enhancements and her mistake of reducing the shielding too far had allowed the brain to fully kick-start. She believed the same thing would occur in all these third generation interfaces. Ellan had tears of happiness in her eyes as she hugged Fay excitedly. "I'm so proud of you Fay, my precious child." Fay looked curiously at Ellan and asked "Child? So you are mother?" This caused Ellan to freeze for a moment in shock unsure of how to answer. Fay was her creation, and did have her genetic material. Besides that she desperately wanted children but her career had never allowed the time. She smiled as she made up her mind and replied "Yes, I suppose I am your mother. We can talk more about it later, but now we need to celebrate." With that she left for a few minutes and returned with a tray containing two cups of juice and some cake containing dried fruit of some kind. They talked and laughed well into the night before returning to Ellan's quarters to get some much needed sleep. Fay snuggled in behind Ellan for the first time, now that she was fully controlling her own body.

The next morning Ellan brushed Fay's hair with pride as she prepared to present her to the council. She gathered the test results from her lab and rushed excitedly to the ruling council's audience chamber with Fay in tow. She entered the chamber and found two of the senior council members walking around drinking juice and sharing stories. Excitedly Ellan explained her discovery to the old men. They listened quietly until she finished and then glanced at each other before one cleared his throat and responded. "Chief Ellan, we understand that these creations can be made to appear like us and even act like us, but they are just a machine. In truth they are a walking abomination, however they do serve a role for us. If the interface is faulty, send the faulty unit to the recycler and focus your efforts elsewhere for a while."

Ellan was dumbfounded by the closed mindedness of the pair. This wasn't the response she had expected at all. It seemed they didn't want to know about her discovery of creating life. The other council member pointed over to Fay and asked "Is this the faulty unit in question? Just look at those grotesque appendages on it's back. A total abomination. You insult our race."

Ellan replied now with restrained anger, "SHE is not a faulty unit. SHE is a living being like you or I." Before she could continue further the old man swung an angry fist at Fay's little face sending her flying back to land roughly face down on the floor. Ellan ran over to the crumpled body and lifted her head. The delicate little face was scrapped down one side and was bleeding from the mouth. Her cheek was red and starting to swell. Tears welled in her eyes. The old men both laughed at Ellan before one replied "You tread a dangerous path here Chief. It is just an organic machine, a replicated pile of meat being controlled by a faulty interface. Destroy it and move on. That is our order." As the two councillors turned and walked away Ellan spat at them furiously "She is a living girl. Are we not all organic machines anyway?" One of the old men turned back to her and proclaimed angrily "Enough of this nonsense. There are sensitive issues to consider. Do not defy us. We hold you alone responsible for that monstrosity. Be sure to recycle that thing."

The old men had almost left the chamber when Fay jumped to her feet and charged after them. She dove into the back of the one who had hit her slamming him to the ground. Once down she kicked him repeatedly in the face. Ellan heard the other councillor call for guards, but Fay had dissappeared before any arrived. The guards were quick to assess the situation and pursue the little biod with orders to recycle it immediately.

Ellan forced herself to bow respectfully to the councillors and apologise for the actions of her faulty biod. She vowed to destroy it and all works associated with it immediately, knowing all to well that it was about to happen anyway. She needed to get back at her lab immediately. The injured councillor grunted at her before walking way. She could see that his mouth was a mess of blood and broken teeth. This was going to mean big trouble.

Ellan raced back to her lab knowing that guards would no doubt be close behind with orders to destroy all work relating to the rogue biod. She feared for what fate awaited Fay. She was still a child in some ways and out here in space she had nowhere to hide. Ellan predicted Fay would be captured and recycled within hours, if not less. All she could do now was try to save the unactivated biods. Only one was ready enough to activate once the training modules were loaded. She stood at the panel besides the replicator and hurriedly choose the essential modules for survival, and then advanced piloting. As an after thought she added basic combat and accelerated the malfunction conditions. She pressed the final activation button and searched the room for handy supplies while the process finished. She found an old portable repair replicator under a bench and checked the resource levels. Thankfully it was still fully stocked. Ellan was hopeful that she could help at least one of her children escape being recycled, but knew she herself would have to stay behind to try and save the others.

The girl laying on the replicator blinked a few times before opening her eyes fully. She looked like a younger version of Ellan with bright blue eyes rather than purple. She was garbed in the standard white body suit that replicated around all new biods. Quickly Ellan asked "Diagnostics report?" The girl sat up, closed her eyes for a moment, and then looked over her body." All systems functioning correctly she replied." Ellan looked the girl in face. It was like looking into a mirror and seeing her own face of some two hundred and seventy years ago being reflected. Well she thought to herself, it is my own genetics at the core. Ellan smiled at the girl and said "Welcome to life. Things might change soon as you fully awaken, but try to stay calm. Everything will be all right. Sorry I do not have time to load more training modules, but we are in a rush. Do you remember how to pilot a personal pod?"

The girl looked at Ellan and replied. "Yes Master Ellan Elore." Ellan guided the girl to the door. She was a bit stiff having never actually used her legs before, but was getting better fast. Ellan gave her final orders to the biod. "You are to find my pod using your maps and use it to escape the city. Launch with highest speed and engage defensive manoeuvres immediately. When you are clear of the city land on Earth and try to find other Lorene if they still live there." Ellan handed over the portable replicator quickly and checked the hall to make sure it was clear. "My final order is that when you reach Earth, you will no longer answer to a master. You should not need one. You deserve better than slavery." She hugged the biod quickly before pushing her out the door and saying "I have to stay and try to protect your sisters somehow. Good luck my daughter. Find freedom and happiness." With that the girl immediately walked briskly down the hallway, still stumbling a little occasionally.

Ellan watched the girl's movement from the screen on her desk. The small two man pod wasn't far thankfully and was a fairly new model. Fast and easy to operate. As the dot on the monitor representing the biod reached the pod and initiated launch procedures Ellan heard a distant alarm. She figured she had been spotted already, meaning that security craft would be on their way. Ellan was pensive as she watched the proceedings. The biod's dot began to move again indicating the pod was exiting the landing platforms below the city. It accelerated to full speed as two more dots closed in behind it. Interference on the screen indicated shots were being fired at the unarmed vessel, but it was already ducking and diving at incredible speed and was soon out of range. It had too much acceleration built up now to be caught by the old scout craft downgraded to security guard duty. A mecha could never match it's speed should they pursue.

Breathing a sigh of relief Ellan then pulled up the remote control programs for both the pod and the biod. She disabled all long range communications and tracking for both as she whispered a final goodbye. If questioned about her involvement in events, Ellan decided that she would say it must have been Fay escaping, thus bringing further curiosity as to her merely being a faulty machine. This might work for a little while, at least until Fay was caught and destroyed, but for every second she could stall, the chances for the new biod increased.

She suddenly realised something. Perhaps it was the 'Other issues to consider.'

that the councillor had mentioned. She wondered what the ramifications would be if she upgraded all the second generation biods. They all had the potential for life. The used and abused servant class would have to be classes as living then. They would also retain all their memories. That could prove embarrassing for any less than honourable councillor with something to hide.

Her big problem now was what to do with the other three being replicated. Even at full replicator speed they still needed a few hours to be finished. Ellan sat quietly with her head in her heads, no idea what to do. Eventually she decided to transfer them to stasis pods and install the same modules as the last one. Maybe then she could escape with them. She was almost finished when the guards arrived to dismantle her lab.

Fay was scared. Guards pursued her at every turn. She kept her wings folded back as tight as she could and tried not let anyone see her from behind. She found a large fruit bag behind a store and pretended to carry it over her shoulder, covering much of her back. Fay wanted to get back to her mother but wasn't sure how she would be received. Besides she felt there were guards watching her. She felt guilty for the trouble she had caused her mother. For hours Fay ran and hid moving between shadows or sometimes hiding in dense crowds. Fay could sense people were trying to invade her mind. They demanded her mind report her location, but she didn't want to do that so she blocked them. She wondered what was happening to Ellan. She realised she needed to gather more information. When she wondered how to do that, she suddenly knew how to access other biods or control hubs that she past. She wasn't sure exactly what to learn, so she transferred as much possibly relevant data as she could. Many knew little snippets of security, which joined together allowed her even more access. Biods never left the city, and crime among the Lorene was very low, so there was little security in a biod. Each biod she passed taught her more and more talents depending on the training modules they had installed. As she moved through the crowds or past the shopping area she realised that she was starting to make a clinking sound as she walked. Unsure what it was she fished around in her pocket and pulled out a handful of odds and ends including sweets and occasional jewels. It baffled her how things just kept appearing in her pockets like that.

She didn't have time to waste solving that mystery at the moment. She knew she had to get out of the city, but she wasn't going to leave Ellan behind. She was confident now that she could hack and borrow any transport craft. Her mind was set now. Fay began to work her way back to Ellan's lab. From the corridor around the corner she could hear Ellan arguing with what sounded like about four guards inside. In the corridor the third of her unactivated sisters was being loaded onto a trolley by two more guards. That made six guards she could see or hear. Fay guessed the trolley was next headed to the recycler as the council had ordered. One of the guards covered the load with a sheet of material as the other guard went back into the lab. Fay could hear Ellan's voice yelling at the guards. "Just let them go. They deserve to be free. Just let my daughters live and find happiness." The guard still with the trolley began pushing it away. Fay had no chance against the guards in the lab, but she couldn't see Ellan hurt more by the destruction of her other daughters. Fay decided to do what she could instead of worry about what she couldn't do.

The trolley was coming her way, so Fay prepared to pounce. As the trolley rounded the corner the guard suddenly found himself spinning into the wall. He fell to the ground unconscious. Blood poured out from a large wound in his head. "Oops." Fay muttered. "Did not mean to kick that hard sorry." After quickly checking the guard still had a pulse Fay grabbed the trolley and ran to the cargo elevator. She was sure this was what mother would want her to do. There was meant to be a fourth biod, but she guessed grabbing three was enough. She could check camera records later.

As the cargo elevator came to a stop at the main civilian area of the landing platforms, the doors opened. A scout was standing there waiting. Fay instantly panicked inside but acted calm. "Hello." she said to the scout trying to sound innocent. The woman replied with an odd smile saying "Hello." in return. Fay continued onward with the trolley. She sensed something odd about that woman. Something seemed out of place. It was strange the woman was wearing a cloak whilst in the city, and using the cargo elevator. Her skin looked a bit grey too. Maybe she was sick. Oh well she decided. She had more pressing concerns. Fay started looking around for a suitable ship to borrow. She quickly ducked behind her trolley and folded her wings down out of sight when she saw the group of guards around a poorly parked scout ship. A guard emerged from it saying "It's empty, spread out and find the pilot." Guards ran in all directions. Two were headed her way. Fay carefully climbed under the cover of the trolley. As soon as the footsteps had passed her she carefully peeped out. The coast was clear. Better yet the hatch to the scout ship was still open and the guard did say it was empty. Those ships usually had four stasis chambers. It was perfect for her needs. Fay grinned happily as she raced the trolley toward her new ship.

Chapter 4

It had been a long night for Aidan. No matter which bed he switched to he would soon find Gem snuggled in behind him again or if he lay on his back she would rest her head on his arm or shoulder. After he lost count of the times he had swapped beds he finally gave up. He wasn't going to win. It may have been inappropriate but in truth he liked having Gem lay with him. When he could sleep he slept better having her there. It felt good when she fell asleep on his arm. It seemed odd to him that she always slept with a contented smile. Her tiny face looked so peaceful and comfortable as she slept. She looked so innocent and serene, almost like a child. He knew she wasn't a child physically, but emotionally he thought of her that way sometimes. It wouldn't feel right. That was probably the only thing holding him back apart from his fear of females and still dreaming of somehow winning Emma over. Gem was a very cute girl. Aidan often looked twice at her in various positions and pictured her wearing less. He found her very desirable physically, but Emma had his heart. They both seemed to need him in different ways, which appealed to him greatly. The problem was the girl he did seem to have won over was the one laying on his arm beside him, not the one he desired the most.

Something about it all just wasn't right though. He couldn't stop rehashing it all in his mind. As much as he slept better with her there, knowing she was there while we was awake made him uncomfortable, too tempted. Moreover he wasn't sure how Emma would react. She seemed fairly understanding, but he just didn't think it was fair somehow. He didn't know why. He knew he wasn't going to get anywhere with Emma after what she had said to him, and she knew he was a looser that lived in a fantasy world of escapism, but her actions seemed to say otherwise sometimes. Why had she opened up to him on the beach and even held his hand? She wasn't comfortable with physical closeness. Her words and actions didn't add up. Why did she desire his understanding so much? Maybe he was just looking for hope where there was none.

Thinking of Emma he realised that he had neglected to take her to the bank as promised. He cursed at his absent mindedness. Aidan wrote himself a note and left it on the bedside table before climbing into the empty bed in the other room once again. As he climbed in he saw Gem slowly trudging in behind him rubbing her eyes and yawning. Silently she crept in beside him and curled up against his side as if she belonged there. This time he just gave in and fell asleep listening to her breathing.

He awoke the next morning to the sound of the shower running. Aidan was alone in the bed to his surprise. He could hear two girly voices giggling in the bathroom so he figured that Emma had let herself in again. He rose and got changed while he had some privacy. Aidan wasn't sure what to make for breakfast so settled on a large pile of toast with cinnamon sugar. He wasn't much of a cook, but that was a favourite of his. He set the little breakfast table for three and put the pile of toast in the oven to keep it warm.

Eventually the girls emerged from the bathroom. Both were still giggling and had towels wrapped around there hair. Emma was wearing the tracksuit again and now Gem was wearing his favourite polo shirt and a the lower half of the white suit she was wearing when she arrived. Today it seemed that Gem's attention was more focused on Emma, which was a relief. Maybe everything will work out he thought.

Aidan was curious and couldn't help but to ask "So what was all the giggling about? Gem isn't much of a talker." Emma just smiled and winked. "Just girl stuff." Aidan had no idea what that meant but figured that was all he was going to get. He remembered the trip to town and addressed Emma "Oh, sorry I forgot to run you into town yesterday. Is today ok?" Emma nodded in appreciation and sounded understanding as she replied "Well we were kind of busy yesterday with our little alien girl. You know we have to get her some clothes don't you. We can get the bulk of it at a charity shop, but underwear has to be new. Neither of us have any underwear, or a bras." Aidan gulped nervously as his pervy imagination went into overdrive again thinking about both of them. He agreed and hoped there was enough left in his bank account. Charity shop or not, he lived on a very tight budget.

After breakfast Aidan started grabbing all the laundry he could find so he could put a load in the washing machine when they got back from shopping. There would no doubt be a full load by then. When he picked up in the bathroom he could see marks left on the mirror where the girls had been drawing pictures in the steam. So this was 'Girl stuff' he thought as he tried to make out the drawings. They were scribbled over, but one looked like it had been the figure of a woman's body. Aidan decided he rather not know what girl stuff was and continued his search for dirty clothes.

When the clothes were all in the laundry he came back to the lounge room to find the girls watching TV. Aidan had almost forgotten that other channels existed besides the kid's cartoon channel. They were watching a day time soap opera so he had no interest in it and decided to take a quick look at the craft in the shed. Everything inside the pod was still wet and there appeared to be no power. He couldn't understand any of the writing on the dash, and had no idea what the few instruments were. Behind the pilot's seat he found a case of some sort fastened to the side. When he opened it he saw it had some kind of a probe on a cable, a lot of buttons and few indicators that looked like level gauges. He decided to try and ask Gem what it was.

When Gem saw him enter with it she hugged him and took it from his hands. She looked pleased to see it. She opened it and inspected it. She seemed relieved when her inspection was done. Aidan tried to ask her what it was. Gem strained as she tried to find how to communicate. Eventually she grabbed a knife from the kitchen and came back. She made a very small cut in the palm of hand, just enough to draw blood. Next she placed the probe touching the cut and pressed some buttons. Aidan saw a small dob of pink goo appear from the end of the probe and disappear into the cut. Next a clear resin seemed to appear around it. After about two minutes Gem returned the probe to the kit and closed the lid. She held her hand out to Aidan and peeled of the clear layer above the wound. It was fully healed already. Aidan was amazed. It looked like it must be a first aid kit. He was very impressed and thanked Gem for showing him what it was.

Aidan sat next to Emma keeping as far as he could. He asked if she could drive his car into town alone because he wasn't sure they should take Gem into town or leave her here alone. Emma pointed to her missing eye and replied "No license sorry. Anyway it might be fun to take her." With that idea quashed he started looking around for a way to disguise Gem's ears. Eventually he found his grandfathers old straw hat that he wore fishing hanging in the shed. It was going to be pretty big, but seemed like the best option. When Emma saw the hat she had an idea. She sat Gem on a kitchen chair and began making two large plaits out of the long hair. These she then wrapped around her head and joined at the back with a rubber band. The hat fit much firmer now with the layer of plated hair between it and the girls head. It looked a little silly but did the job. As an afterthought Emma added a pair of his grandmother's old knitting needles to make sure it was secure.

Now they were all ready they piled into Aidan's little car and headed to town. After Emma sorted her business at the bank she tried to give Aidan some money for the use of the van and the food she had eaten, but he wouldn't accept it. She vowed that if he was going to be so stubborn, she would just buy some things for Gem instead. Their next stop was the main shopping centre. Aidan was glad when the girls finally emerged from the lingerie store with their little bags of goodies. Next they hit the grocery store to stock up on supplies. Even with the ugly old hat Gem and Emma still attracted a lot of attention. Nearly every man they passed stopped to watch the girls walk past and ogle them. Taking Gem into the grocery store was something Aidan swore never to do again. She was easily distracted and often got left behind while she studied something. She was continually trying to help by loading things into the trolley and Aidan was having to find where to return the items on the shelves. Whenever he got back to the trolley, he would notice the junk foods he liked were gone and Emma had replaced them with healthy foods. He still managed to bury some chips and chocolate bars under the healthy stuff before reaching the checkout though. Eventually it was all over and they returned to the car much to Aidan's relief.

As Aidan and Gem loaded the groceries into the car Emma spied a payphone and said she would return in a sec. Once the car was loaded Aidan and Gem got in to wait. It seemed like Emma had been a while when Aidan told Gem to stay put and got out to see what was keeping her. He could see Emma standing near the phone with two tall young men blocking her path trying to talk to her. No matter which way she turned they blocked her advance. Instinctively Aidan began to run towards her. As he got close he saw one of the rough looking young men grab Emma's sunglasses from her face. They laughed and pointed at her injury. Aidan heard one of the men laugh "It's ok sweety, we can put a bag on your head." Aidan was beyond furious. Without thinking he dove at both of the men together knocking them both to the ground. He was the first to his feet and barked at Emma to run.

Emma ran to the car as Aidan realised the trouble he was in now. He was hopeless in a fight. He had charged in out of anger without thinking rationally. He swung at the first guy's face missing by miles. The man laughed at how pathetic Aidan was however he managed to land the second swing square in the middle of his face giving him a bloody nose. It was more from luck than skill. The second attacker grabbed Aidan from behind. He couldn't move as the man with the bleeding nose started pounding into his stomach and ribs. Suddenly the man was hit in the back of his neck with a flying kick from Gem and he fell to the ground. She now stood in his place targeting the man holding Aidan's arms behind him. Gem looked terrifying like a wild snarling animal. With a lightning fast jab that narrowly missed Aidan's head she sent the second attacker reeling back and tripping over his own feet. With both men now on the ground she started growling words under her breath in her own language. The first attacker wasn't moving, but the second was still groaning and rising back to his feet. Gem grabbed his hair and slammed his head into the ground until he was also motionless. Aidan grabbed Gem by the hand and lead her back to the car as fast as he could. As she saw them approaching Emma dived in the passenger seat and they left in a cloud of smoke and squealing of tyres. After a few blocks they pulled over beside a park to assess things and calm down.

Aidan did his best to hide the pain he was in. He hoped there was no internal damage, but felt he would survive. He was more concerned that the girls were ok. He knew that Emma must be going through hell right now. As for Gem, well that just scared him. Gem lifted his shirt rubbing him all over and inspecting the bruises starting to form. Satisfied that Aidan was going to be ok she threw her arms around his neck and hung there holding him until he carefully forced her back. They all approached the log barrier around the park. Before sitting Aidan turned to Gem. He mussed her hair and thanked her for saving him. Gem was happy now and went to watch some children playing on the swings nearby. He sat on one of the logs that surrounded the park a body length from Emma. Now alone, Emma slid closer until her thigh touched against his. She looked him in the face for a long period lost for words. Suddenly she threw her arms around him and hugged him tight. She didn't let go as she whispered "I don't know how I'm ever going to thank you enough." She burst into tears and squeezed him so tight it hurt. Struggling to breath he said "It was nothing. Just doing what anybody would do. Besides Gem's the one who saved the day." "No." Emma responded. "It isn't something anybody would do. You have to stop saying that."

Gem looked up and saw Emma with her arms around Aidan. She growled and started to charge, but after a few steps she stopped. Fighting her urges she sadly turned back to watch the children playing instead. Aidan breathed a sigh of relief as he saw Gem stop her approach and turn back. It was painful to see the look of disappointment on her face but it was good to think that maybe she was maturing. He went back to thinking of Emma. It was nice in her arms. Even though they hadn't known each other long, she felt like home. It just felt natural and comfortable. He had no idea what to make of her current actions, but soaked up this show of gratitude while it lasted.

When they were calmed down they returned to the car and went to the charity store. The girl's mood was cheerful again as they moved through the racks of clothes. They loved holding clothes up to each other and offering opinions with a nod or a shake of the head. At one point Gem found a very transparent night gown on the rack and ran over to see if Aidan would nod or shake his head about it. She held it against her small frame and looked at him quizzickly. He wasn't sure whether to be honest or responsible. Of course the thought of seeing her in something like that excited him. He was a normal male in that regard, but he couldn't bring himself to nod. Thankfully he was saved as Emma grabbed it scolding the poor Lorene. Aidan had enough of shopping with the girls, so after handing his wallet to Emma he went and sat in the car. He was tired, aching all over and emotionally overloaded. He decided he may as well nap while the girls entertained themselves.

Eventually Aidan was awoken by the car door opening and the girls stuffed half a dozen shopping bags full of clothes in the back. Glad it was all over they headed home. On the way Aidan reflected on how different his life had become. He had only met Emma on Sunday. Later that same night he had rescued Gem. He laughed when he realised that today was only Tuesday. He certainly felt like he was in the middle of an anime come to life. There had been so many unbelievable events in the last few days and he wondered what else could possibly happen.

Once home Aidan unpacked all the groceries while Emma did the clothes washing. Gem settled on the lounge watching TV, so Aidan decided a long soak in the bath might soothe his bruised areas. He ran a full hot bath adding plenty of bubble-bath and climbed in. It was very relaxing and soothed his aching body. He closed his eyes and grinned as he remembered how it had felt in Emma's arms. He was disturbed as something rubbed against his feet. Opening his eyes he jumped to his feet as he saw Gem in the other end of the bath smiling contentedly and holding her knees up in front of her chest. The bubbles and her knees prevented him from seeing anything, but as he stood there he realised that she could see everything. He grabbed a towel and ran out as fast as he could cursing loudly.

Hearing the commotion Emma came to investigate. Aidan was in his room with the door closed muttering curses. Wet foot prints came from the bathroom. Sticking her head in the door she saw Gem sitting there blowing handfuls of bubbles gleefully into the air. Noticing Emma, Gem motioned for her to join. Emma shook her head at first, but after seeing the disappointed look on Gem's face she said "Oh, why not? It looks like I need to explain some more anyway."

When the girls finally emerged Aidan was fuming. He sat at the kitchen table with pencils and blank pages before him. "Gem sit." he barked. Emma also sat at the table saying to Aidan "Sorry, I thought she understood when I explained it before." For the next hour Aidan tried to convey his lecture in crudely drawn images. Emma was highly amused at his terrible drawings of naked bodies. He spoke simply and clearly until Gem finally seemed to understand and repeat whilst pointing at the diagrams. She translated the diagrams saying "Aidan no look Gem boobies. Gem no look Aidan willy." Emma couldn't control herself any longer and burst into a laugh chuckling "Willy? Is that really what you call it?" Gem looked deep in thought before asking "Aidan look Emma boobies?" "No freaking way!" Emma insisted adamantly, before turning bright red. Once she had recomposed herself she suggested to Aidan "I think no more of my romance shows, and you make sure no more dirty cartoons." Aidan agreed with "Good idea. I'll hide anything ecchi, hentai or similar." Emma responded "Whatever that is. Just nothing to give her ideas ok." Aidan nodded while Gem sat there looking oddly cheerful and innocent.

Having had enough of company for the day Aidan grabbed an old fishing rod from the shed and went down to a calm spot on the beach, not far from the rocky headland. He was feeling very overwhelmed with the events of the last few days. After a while he noticed Emma approaching. She sat surprisingly close to him. "Catching any?" she asked. "No bait." Aidan replied, "Just had to get away for a bit." Emma leaned closer and gave him a quick peck on the cheek. "What's that for?" he asked in surprise. Emma replied "For caring. For trying to teach her instead of taking advantage or acting the perve. For being a decent bloke." Aidan was stunned. Emma continued asking "So how do you do it? How do you just accept it all so easily? You just dive in to the rescue when needed. You're not shocked by possible aliens. You make it all look like no big deal." Aidan thought for a while and shrugged saying "I dunno. I guess I just see someone I might be useful to. I think that's what drives me. Never been of much use to anyone. As for Gem, well I guess I've seen enough anime and stuff where a young man finds a strange girl in need and has to care for her. I guess I'm kind of open to the idea. I've even dreamt of being part of such a story." Emma shoved him playfully and asked "You dream of rescuing a strange beautiful girl from the ocean who wants you? Well I guess I can't say that never really happen now can I?" Emma paused for a moment and asked more seriously "So how do these stories normally end?" Aidan replied "Hmm, well normally there's lots of awkward embarrassing moments, frustrations and the boy eventually falls for the girl. I guess they live happily ever after." Emma pondered for a while before asking "Is that how you think this will go? Is that what you want?" Aidan replied "No I doubt it. I mean she's drop dead gorgeous, very appealing and innocent. Any guy would want a girl like her but....... there's something too childlike about her. "

Emma teased "Drop dead gorgeous and appealing were the first things that came to mind hey? So maybe you are just a perve after all. Maybe I should hang around a bit longer to keep on eye on things." Aidan replied hopefully "I hope you mean that. It would be great if you could, but I know you were on the way to Sydney." Aidan hoped he didn't sound too eager and transparent. Emma considered it for a moment before replying "I'm in no rush. It might be a good idea to stay a while. If you think she's so hot and I leave you alone, you're bound to give in to temptation eventually." Aidan was in two minds about that statement and responded with "I don't think I would ever do anything. Girls scare me no matter where they come from. I'm kind of a coward like that." Emma grinned remarking "Yeah I noticed. A bit blind too. But from what I can gather, I think she might take the lead and I doubt you could resist. You being so shy, lonely and all, I think that maybe you would like a girl to come along and make the first move." Aidan felt like she could see right through him. He just sat silently. Emma slapped him on the back and said "Well you're an odd man Aidan. An admirer and courageous defender of women, yet too scared to talk to one. I just can't work you out. Do you help a girl because you think you might get something more out of it?" Aidan had considered this before and remembered his conclusion before answering "No, I was willing to help both of you before I ever saw how beautiful or appealing you both were." "Beautiful? Both." Emma rolled in the sand laughing. "Gem I can understand but..... you're a smooth one Aidan."

Emma brushed the sand off as she rose to return to the house. On the way back she decided a plan of action. She had done her best to overcome her anxiety and fears of men just to be able to get a little closer to him. She was open with him, and he seemed to accept her as she was. It wasn't as hard talking with Aidan like it was with other people hiding behind there projected fake personas. She could read him like a book, and he didn't seem to mind being his real self around her. He wasn't what she thought of when she thought of men in general. He was an exception. A woman fearing, shy, dorky, pervy, looser, nerd exception, but he was also an honourable, brave, honest and genuine exception. He was someone who didn't make her uncomfortable, or feel like a freak. He was someone she was comfortable with and he made her feel oddly whole. When she imagined leaving she knew she would find something missing in her life. Being subtle or coy wasn't going to work with him though. It was time to force the issue before her opportunity passed.

When she found Gem she was sitting in front of the TV watching the romantic scene of an anime studiously. She looked miserable, but paid close attention to the screen. Emma sat beside her and asked "What's wrong?" Gem looked at her miserably and muttered "Love. Gem love Aidan." Gem looked at Emma inquiringly and asked "Emma love Aidan?" Emma wasn't sure how to respond, but said "Yes, I think so." Gem nodded in understanding and added "Aidan no love Gem. Emma human. Aidan love Emma?" Emma was starting to regret helping Gem learn so many words. All she could do was shrug. Gem sat deep in thought for a moment and then having come to a decision smiled and grabbed Emma's hand. "Gem help. Aidan love Emma." She dragged Emma to the kitchen before grabbing something out from under the sink and continued dragging Emma to the caravan.

When Aidan returned to start cooking dinner he noticed that Gem was busily putting a bunch of drawings she had done on the walls of the spare room. She was no artist, but they were easy to identify now. Mostly it was unknown Lorene which could have been self portraits, pictures of a city and a picture of her pod. Gem had even put up Aidan's crude sketches from when he was trying to teach her about respecting modesty. He wasn't sure that was very appropriate, but he figured it might keep her memory refreshed. When she noticed him trying to work out what she was doing, Gem pointed to the bed stating "Gem bed." Next she pointed to in the direction of Aidan's room saying "Aidan bed." Aidan breathed a sigh of relief and mussed her hair with a smile and a nod. Part of him was a bit disappointed, but he knew this was right.

When dinner was ready Aidan walked up to Emma's van and knocked yelling "Dinner's ready if you want to join us." Emma yelled back from inside "I'm fine thanks. I'll see you in the morning or lunchtime." Disappointed Aidan walked back to the house and ate dinner in front of the TV with Gem. They didn't see Emma for the rest of the night, but Gem dissappeared a few times acting suspicious. When quizzed about what the girls were up to Gem just smiled and shook her head. It was getting late when Gem got up and showered herself. Next she climbed into her bed in the spare room and drifted of to sleep hugging a pillow. On his way to bed Aidan checked on her from the doorway and thought she didn't seem to be smiling like she normally did in her sleep.

Aidan climbed into bed and tried to go to sleep. It was depressing to think of how cold and empty his bed was going to be again. Eventually he managed to drift off. In the morning he awoke and found Gem in her usual place, snuggled into his side smiling contentedly. He watched the sleeping Gem and muttered "I know you tried."

After breakfast Gem disappeared into the caravan, and neither girl reappeared until lunch. At first Gem came down wearing a towel around her head and pushed Aidan until he was sitting on the lounge. She motioned for him to cover his eyes, which he did. Soon he heard two lots of footsteps shuffling in front of him. "What do you think?" Emma asked. When Aidan opened his eyes he couldn't believe the sight in front of him. Not only was Emma's hair now a soft fairy-floss pink, but she was wearing the maid costume he had stashed away in the bottom of his cupboard. He guessed they had found it during their initial clothes search. Aidan was speechless. It wasn't just the hair or the way she filled the costume perfectly, but he could not believe her face. The sun glasses were gone, and she now looked at him with two beautiful emerald eyes. There was no sign of the scar. It was gone. "And check out Gem." Emma said pointing over to Gem. As Gem removed the towel from her head Aidan saw her long white hair was now blue. She was even more stunning than before if that was possible to believe, but it was Emma that Aidan couldn't stop staring at. "You're both very, very beautiful." he finally managed to stammer before asking Emma "But what have you done?"

Emma explained how Gem had offered to help fix her eye, and she had eagerly agreed. Aidan was concerned of possible side affects using Lorene technology on a human, but didn't want to spoil Emma's excitement so he didn't express such concerns. Aidan showered both girls with compliments and attention, pleasing them both greatly. He knew this was a big deal for Emma. Eventually he asked her "Why the maid costume?" Emma replied "Don't I look like an anime girl now?" Aidan had to nod that she did. Emma stood in front of him and added "Also, for this." With that Emma threw her arms around him and kissed him passionately on the mouth. He returned likewise certain he must be dreaming. Eventually she pulled back, staying in his embrace and giggled "I'm making the first move."

Gem sat back down on the lounge as Emma dragged Aidan into his room and closed the door. Her smile dropped a little, but it looked like things had gone as planned. She returned to watching TV for the rest of the afternoon. When Emma and Aidan emerged from his room around dinner time, Gem had already placed a dinner of sandwiches on the table. It wasn't quite a suitable dinner, but Aidan appreciated the effort. He mussed her hair again saying "Thank you, it looks nice." He felt that she hugged him back a little too tightly, before forcing herself to push herself away. As they ate their meal the girls played with each others hair. Aidan was glad that things seem to be settled now. Even though it looked like he was now involved with Emma, he wanted to be sure not shut Gem out or neglect her. She was still important to him and Aidan had the distinct impression that Gem had played a major part in all that had transpired.

Things settled into a nice comfortable routine after that. Aidan was still in disbelief of finding himself suddenly in a relationship and did all he could to make Emma happy. Gem always went to bed in her own room, yet somehow during the night managed to find her way back into Aidan and Emma's bed. Emma didn't mind greatly. She knew how Gem felt about Aidan, and she knew that Gem had denied herself to help bring her and Aidan together. She trusted that Aidan would behave and she wasn't going to deny Gem some small comfort with him within reason. Besides she felt this must be what it was like to have kids. They did all felt like a family after all.

After a few days of getting used to the new situation Aidan sat on the front patio while the girls went for a walk to see what wildlife they might find. It had taken some convincing, but eventually they talked Gem into going along with Emma. She was interested in the chance of finding a koala. Aidan promised to catch up later, but was enjoying a little alone time first. As he sat looking at the sky and ocean he began to wonder how long he had been smiling for. He couldn't even remember the last time he had played an online game or watched an anime alone. He was so happy and content now. Everything was perfect. He and Emma were a happy couple, Gem was talking a little better and acting a little more grown up. She still seemed to need to be close to him at times though. Aidan prayed that things stayed like this forever. Everything was just perfect the way it was.

A glint caught Aidan's attention from the corner of his eye. Turning to the cliffs of the headland he noticed something slightly larger than the caravan and a similar shape hovering a hundred metres from the ground. Slowly it was moving directly toward him. Aidan looked at the gleaming white craft and muttered "Another one? You gotta be freaking kidding me."

Chapter 5

Naele was a woman driven by revenge. First those of her own race would suffer for the pain, humiliation and degradation they had cursed her to. All she had ever done was try to save her people against the will of the stupid narrow minded council. They would all suffer greatly, but not as much as the humans. They were the most barbaric of creatures. The humans had inflicted things on her that no living creature should be forced to endure, let alone a Lorene woman.

For a hundred and ten odd years she had been poked, prodded, sampled, experimented on and even opened up surgically a number of times. As if that hadn't been enough torture, they even tried using her in a failed breeding program. Any modesty or pride she ever had was long gone, as well as much of her sanity. Only seeking vengeance kept her in touch with the real world at all. It was all she could latch on to. She wouldn't let go until those responsible for her living hell had been bought to justice.

She remembered bitterly the betrayal of those few that had claimed to support her ideals in the final moments of her former life. As a group they had rebelled against the council, threatening that if they did not put the Lorene people first, and harvest the resources they desperately needed from the planet below, they would cause harm to the city. The Lorene were far more advanced than the primitive savages on the planet Earth. Why should their people suffer so that the human world wouldn't be harmed? The council had stuck to the out-dated policies of their people, and trusted they would find a harvestable planet in time if they just rationed even tighter. She was only young then at twenty seven years old. Still so full of life, energy, beauty and potential.

One by one her supporters had cowered, and pleaded for the council's mercy and forgiveness. In the end it was just her alone, and she was condemned as a darkened. This was a very harsh penalty, an ancient tradition, but she had to be made an example of. In times of dwindling resources and fear, the council had to assert it's strength to maintain the public's faith.

Naele was treated with a drug that would darken her hair and cause her pale skin to have a sickly grey look to it permanently. This alone was a horrible punishment for a Lorene as they took great pride in their hair which represented the light they followed. They took even more pride in their dignity and modesty. Next she was stripped naked except for brief undergarments and dragged kicking and screaming through the public streets to the landing platforms. She fought back at the guards, but they beat her into submission as they unceremoniously forced her into a basic pod that had been coloured black for the occasion. It lifted off under remote control and carried her to the planet she had been so willing to sacrifice in order to provide resources for the city.

A few hours later the pod landed in dense woodland of the northern hemisphere and went into standby mode. When the hatch opened she immediately grabbed a rock from the ground and smashed the communication module with it. It couldn't be recalled now. Naele had covered it with branches as best she could, glad that the dark colour at least made it harder to see. For the first year she had managed to survive, but it was a struggle. She travelled from town to town staying on the outskirts. She stole what she needed to survive. She hated humans and knew they couldn't be trusted. When she was eventually caught after being surprised and shot raiding the kitchen of a cottage, she was taken to a laboratory where the pain and humiliation began. Over the next eleven decades she was moved often, and never had any idea where she was or what they were doing to her. She was just an animal to them. She had no rights, no dignity and no freedom. They tested her pain thresholds and reaction to different chemicals. They frequently interrogated and tortured her, but she didn't know the language back then. The worst were the early decades when equipment was more primitive. The butchers had opened up her up like a fish to see her insides. Her torso, arms, legs and base of her throat were heavily scarred from multiple procedures. Her torso was the worst. They were rough stitching her back up. She was just a specimen to explore, nothing more.

Toward the middle of last year she was moved again. The director of this new institute was not so cruel, and although he continued to study and examine her with his team, he at least spoke to her and showed her a little sympathy. He at least tried to maintain her health and avoid causing pain where possible.The director claimed he regretted what he had to do, but it was his job. He felt he could benefit his own race by studying her. He at least seemed to acknowledge her as a person, which was a weakness she could play on.

She co-operated with his tests, and even started to offer little snippets of information, slowly gaining his trust. Eventually he began to relax the security just a little, not that his authority alone would allow much leniency. She offered him even more information. She never told him any precise information about the Lorene, nor did she ever mention that she was outcast. She had been a biological engineer in her city, and offered to help with his work in the upper labs. Two armed guard were behind her at all times, and she was never permitted outside. Her first offerings were anti-viruses to cure common human ailments. These were accepted graciously and she was permitted to continue with more. The director watched her with a touch less scrutiny now. The viruses available here were easy for her to manipulate. Soon after she engineered an air born virus with including the vaccine. It would relax all the muscles of the human body. She had presented it under the guise of being a tool for peace, to subdue violent crowds, hostage takers or rioters, thus preventing harm to the civilians or the authorities. She had managed to smuggle some vials of these out of the lab. This virus was after all her means of escape.

On the way back to her cell one afternoon she paused to look out a window for a moment. She studied the grassy area below and the security fence beyond. Naele ran the calculation in her head. She was sure that if she could make it to the tree line beyond the fence, they would never catch her. One of her guards lifted his assault rifle to her head and barked at her to move on. She paid close attention to how he held the weapon, finger gently on the trigger about to squeeze it. Naele remembered how he had positioned his body and held the weapon. She hadn't seen one of these newer style weapons up close before, and was sure they were different to the ones at the time off her capture.

She grinned slyly as they rounded the next corner. Pretending to stumble she fell against the wall, crushing a tiny vial she had hidden between her fingers. "Sorry, I tripped." she said. The guards both lifted their rifles to her and motioned her forward. It was only seconds before she heard the clatter as one of them hit the floor. Turning she saw the other guard kneeling beside his comrade struggling to stay awake. He was reaching weakly for the communicator on his shoulder. With Lorene speed and agility she grabbed his hand and snatched the large knife from his belt. The blade sliced across his throat with ease. Naele grabbed both rifles and slung one over her shoulder. She tore the protective vest off the first man that had fallen and quickly searched them both for ammunition or anything useful. Alarms sounded as she looked down the corridor. She had forgotten the cameras.

Running back to the window she smashed it with the rifle butt and jumped. She landed and rolled safely after the two story fall. Naele ran toward the fence and leaped into the air as a shot whistled past her head. She clambered over the fence and fell roughly to the ground. As bullets pinged around her she ran for the cover of the trees. She felt something hot graze the side of her head but kept running. She knew her pursuers would be well trained and in top physical condition for humans, but she was a Lorene. Naele doubted that even the best of them could keep up for too long. Besides that they were just running because it was their job, but she was running for her life.

Naele paused only briefly at a small river to drink and inspect her wound. Thankful the bullet had only just grazed the skin so she continued running. The next morning she was exhausted and ready to collapse. She had run all night barely stopping for breath. She knew she couldn't let her muscles cool down, so she had kept moving only slowing occasionally but never stopping. She finally emerged onto farmland scattered with a few houses. She snuck into the closest house and found a plump middle aged woman sitting watching TV. Holding a gun to the woman's head Naele ordered fresh bandages. The terrified woman ran to the kitchen and retrieved her first aid kit. Still shaking the woman offered to help clean and bandage the wound. Naele nodded her approval. Once it was done, she ordered the woman to stand in the middle of the kitchen while she loaded a carry bag with recognisable food and bottled drinks. "Where am I? " she asked. As the woman explained Naele was relieved that at least she was still in the same country as her pod, but had doubts it was still there or even had any power. Naele asked "Do you have transport?" The woman fished around in her pocket and pulled out some keys saying "It's a little car, but you can take it. The tank's full." Naele shook her head and asked the woman if she knew the mountain near where the pod was hidden. "It's about three hours drive." she replied. Again it looked like things were finally going her way. That wasn't far at all.

Naele spoke saying "Take me there and I will leave. You will not be harmed." The woman nodded and lead the way to the little hatchback car in the driveway. Naele put the spare rifle and the carry bag in the back seat. It was difficult for her to stay awake and keep focused, but she managed to stay alert enough as she nursed the rifle below the dash and out of sight. It was still aimed at the shaking woman driving the vehicle. The woman was nervous and trying to make conversation, but Naele couldn't be bothered wasting her energy talking to a primitive. The trip was long and tedious, but at least they weren't intercepted or run into road blocks. With what little attention she could spare she studied how the woman operated the vehicle. It didn't seem too complicated.

Eventually they turned off the main road and onto a dirt track that lead into the forest. They followed the track for twenty minutes until the woman slowed to an almost stop. "This is as close as the road takes us." the woman stammered pulling off the track just above the river. "Just follow the river upstream and you'll hit that mountain. Can I go now? You said I wouldn't be harmed." the woman pleaded. Looking around Naele agreed that the mountain upstream did look like the place she remembered over a century ago. "Thank you." Naele smiled, before shooting the woman in the chest. She dragged the body into the trees just in the unlikely event somebody drove by. Returning to the car Naele grabbed the supplies from the back seat. As an afterthought she took the car keys, just in case the pod was gone and she had to turn back. She thought that by now she knew the basics of driving at least.

When she had followed the river until it hit a low waterfall she remembered, Naele turned east. It wasn't far now. To her relief the pod was still there buried in rotten timbers, dirt and decades of fallen leaf mulch. She almost missed it herself. Clearing the debris from the top she slid back the hatch and climbed in. It still had a little power left after all this time to her surprise, but the controls would still be disconnected. The pod had landed by remote control from the city so the controls were disabled in case the passenger could somehow try to override them. This pod had minimal equipment installed, but the sensor was at least still functional. Naele finally drifted of to sleep thinking how to repair the craft. Mechanics were not a skill she had spent much time on but she was driven to find away. She planned to use the pod in her revenge against the humans, or at least travel to a place with less humans.

The next morning she managed to pry open the maintenance hatch and discovered a large section of the main control conduit had been cut away. She thought about pulling conduit from some other piece of equipment but there was nothing she could afford to disable and still fly the pod. Then she remembered the car. Surely it used some kind of conduits to operate. The next morning she returned to the car. Searching it inside and out, she found wires and cables that might twist together enough, but most likely burn out in time. Finally she managed to pop the hood. Inside the engine bay was just the conduit she thought she could adapt attached to the primitive power cell. She pulled it out after much effort and headed back to start repairs on the pod.

When night fell she tested her handiwork. Naele cheered as the pod lifted into the air. She had never been a good pilot, but had used a pod once or twice before just to see what it was like. She took it up and up until it passed the stratosphere. A crisp clear ding sound drew her attention to the sensor display. To her disbelief it was indicating a friendly craft. It had to be a Lorene vessel in the area near the planet. It was much larger than a pod. It must be a scout she decided. They were probably scouting the planet and may have been there for weeks. The other craft was still thousands of miles away though. As she watched it changed course heading straight to her. It's speed was accelerating rapidly. If they got close she feared they might shoot once they identified her as a darkened. Naele was a sitting duck. She had to hide quickly. Immediately she plummeted straight down.

She saw a small lake south of where she had taken off from and steered the craft directly into it. She made sure to hit the bottom as hard as she dared so as to stir up a cloud of mud. She hoped that their sensors wouldn't give a clear reading now. She breathed a sigh of relief. If the bottom was any harder it would have caused the pod to rupture. She watched the sensor display anxiously. Soon the other craft was slowing and descending not far from her. It hovered just above her for a long period before moving sideways. As the scout craft landed at the water's edge. The sensor showed two figures emerge. It was difficult to get a clear reading with all the mud around her. She grabbed a rifle from behind the seat and put it over her shoulder. Then she crammed as many spare bullets as she could into the vest pockets and grabbed the large knife. This risks were high but this was going to be it. The one and only chance she may ever get. Naele took a deep breath and opened the hatch.

She swam under water towards the shore. The two Lorene men in white suits and light scout armour were talking excitedly and pointing at the spot where one had seen the bubbles erupt. Some of the items from the carry bag had floated up as well. They didn't notice Naele sliding from the water on her belly covered in aquatic weeds. She only exposed her head, shoulders and arms keeping her torso submerged. If they had of looked sideways just a little she would have been spotted. She carefully aimed the rifle at the head of one of them hoping the weapon was waterproof. As the shot echoed between the surrounding mountains, the Lorene fell to his knees and flopped face forward. The other man spun towards her drawing a weapon from his belt, but he was already in her sights. His knees buckled as the second shot resounded, and he fell to the ground slowly holding both hands to his bleeding throat. Naele grinned with satisfaction and patted the rifle. Apart from the terrible noise she was beginning to like this weapon. It was much more lethal than a blaster punch.

She carefully approached the scout ship's open hatch. These were normally a four man craft almost the size of an average human school bus. She squatted down and peered around the corner. Thankfully it was empty. It had cost her the pod, but she felt this was quite an upgrade. Returning to the dead Lorene men she stripped them of armour and weapons in case she ever needed it. She took their blasters but elected to keep using her earth weapon. A blaster was nowhere near as deadly. They were more for delivering a blast that would disable or slow a target, not instantly kill in a single shot. She also cut off their white hair in case she needed a disguise.After rolling the bodies into the water she stashed the gear on board and returned to the pilot seat to try and figure out all the additional controls. She cursed herself for never doing a basic piloting course. Eventually she found the ships log. The last entry said that they had detected a Lorene pod of unknown identification. It appeared in distress and crashed. As there was minimal chance of human encounter, they would risk investigating. At the bottom it read to please advise of any missing or damaged pods in the area. Naele thought it had all worked out pretty well. Then she noticed the identification of this ship. It wasn't from her city. She had wondered why her people were still around the planet. She assumed that some other city must have also come along scouting and scanning to decide if it should be harvested. It didn't matter though. Lorene were Lorene, and they were all the same. They would all pay.

Searching through older log records she found the data the scouts had been sending back. They had reported the planet unviable. Resources on the earth were strained and humans controlled the entire surface. She knew what this would mean. Another city would bypass the planet without harvesting. She wouldn't accept that. Not again. The ecosystem on this world would collapse after a large harvest, and the humans would soon die out. She was very pleased with that idea.

She searched the compartments where the crew stored their gear. The first two were empty of anything interesting. The third and fourth had sets of light scout armour that looked a little more feminine, and a hooded exploration cloak for cooler climates. She smiled as she lifted the armour out. They had dragged her through the streets almost naked, kicking and screaming. They had humiliated her being exposed so publicly. Her once highly valued modesty was damaged forever starting from that point. When she returned to extract her revenge she would have no modesty to protect any more. They took that away from her. She wanted them to see the scars where the humans had butchered her. She wanted it to make them as sick as it had made her. She wanted them to understand the horror that had been inflicted on her because of them. They were going to understand what they made her suffer before they all died.

Placing the armour on the floor she searched for tools. First she attached the hair cut from the men to the inside of a helmet. She cut out the mid section, arms and legs. Now it only covered her chest, shoulders and groin. The majority of her scars were visible now. This should show them what their precious humans were like. Those whom they were willing to place above the needs of their own kind. She knew they wouldn't really care. She was just a darkened after all, but surely even the council would have to acknowledge her as a living being. As such she should not have been forced into degradation this way. Naele would not repair the scars. She would wear them for all to see. Proof of what they had condemned her to suffer and endure. She doubted they would feel any shame or guilt, but it pleased her to imagine that hey might.

Naele didn't really have a fully laid out plan yet. All she knew was that there was a Lorene city in the Sol system. That meant Lorene to kill and a harvester to turn on earth. She was quite pleased with how things had gone so far, and eager to kill some more. She just hoped that Lorene still felt safe and secure in space and had little need for strong security measures.

She launched the craft into the air and set the autopilot to reverse it's course. Surely it would bring her into range of the city eventually. She relaxed then fantasising how the humans would look trying to flee from the path of the huge harvester and it's internal fleet scrapping away large areas of their planet. She guessed it had only been a few hours when the sensor display dinged. She had just come into range of the city.

This city looked almost identical to her own previous home. It seemed to be well populated and a healthy hive of activity. As she approached the huge docking platforms below the city the communicator spoke. "LTS-9 please report directly to your commander on arrival an escort will be awaiting." "Will do." Naele replied in what she hoped sounded like a male voice. This is all way to easy she thought. She flew past the line of scout ships where she knew she was supposed to stop and bought the ship to a rough landing in the civilian area. A security ship was closing in fast but she didn't care. She was out the hatch and gone before it landed.

Wearing the helmet with the hair attached she decided she didn't need the face plate so tossed it aside. She had the cloak covering her modified armour and the rifle. When she looked back over her shoulder she saw a team of guards were surrounding her craft, but she didn't need it any more. She kept out of sight until she found a cargo elevator to take her up to the city. As the doors opened she was surprised to see a small Lorene girl pushing a loaded cargo trolley. What surprised her the most was that the girl had pale blue and lavender translucent wings. The girl smiled and said "Hello." Naele replied in kind as the girl pushed her load out of the elevator. Fashions must have changed a lot she thought as she embarked the now empty elevator.

When Naele finally managed to sneak into the central council building she headed straight to the main meeting chamber. The guards at the door barred her entry. One informed her "All the council are in a meeting right now. An urgent matter. They can not be disturbed." Naele queried "All of them?" "I believe so, yes." The guard replied suspiciously. "Good." Naele said grinning wickedly. She laughed as she broke the vial in her hand. Both guards dropped to the ground. The affect of the virus was different on Lorene. They would drop almost instantly at close range and it would take hours for conciousness to return. Even then they would not have the strength to stand until they got some vaccine.

Naele laughed triumphantly as she entered the meeting chamber. The twenty or so council members went silent. She pulled the rifle out and dropped her cloak and helmet. One man stood calling out "Filthy darkened one, kill her." Naele shot him between the eyes. "Look at me !" she demanded raising her arms and turning slowly so they could all see the hideous damage to her flesh. Most of the women and a few of the men turned their faces in disgust. Some of them were coughing and looking drowsy already. She started her speech. "Yes people, look at this filthy darkened. Look what you condemn a beautiful young innocent woman to. A woman of your own race. For what? For trying to protect her city instead if the primitive savages? Well this is what your precious humans think of us. Take a good look." She ran a finger along a deep scar from the base of her neck down to where it dissappeared into her groin armour below her belly button. "Would you like to see the rest?" she teased revelling in their discomfort.

Another councillor stood up to protest but was shot in the chest just as he opened his mouth. "It is rude to interrupt when a lady is talking." Naele lectured them. An old lady stood up and bowed respectfully, which turned her stomach to do in front of a darkened. She said with feigned politeness "Pardon, but we have not condemned a darkened in many centuries, so may I presume you are from another city?" Naele levelled the rifle at her but decided to save the bullet. She had their attention now. Naele replied "Yes I am. Over a century ago I was sent down there to Earth to be butchered, humiliated, tortured. Can you even imagine having the most horrifying things happen to you day after day after day for eleven decades. Can you imagine opening your eyes to find your flesh peeled back while they poke around inside you? No you can not, because what I suffered is beyond imagining. It is beyond words. I do not care what city this is. I would guess my city starved and died just so these barbarians can live. You Lorene all claim to follow the same old way of the light, so you can all pay."

Naele noticed that nearly half of them were close to passing out now. She decided she better hurry. She continued saying "I am here now for my justice, but I can be merciful. I have doomed you all before I even entered this room. The entire city is dying. Every man, woman and child are mine. It is my city now. As you can see many of you have fallen victim already." She waved an arm around the room indicating the unconscious councillors. She tried to sound merciful as she proclaimed "Those who will call me queen shall live. I can not make it any simpler than that. I promise you will not be harmed." Naele chuckled inside as she remembered the last person she had said that to. Scanning the room it seemed most of them were shaking there heads and murmuring. Stubborn old fools, she thought. These were no different from her own city. She only wanted the weak willed for her plan anyway, not the stubborn ones or strong minded. "If I may." one man called out who looked a little younger than the others. He stood but was shaking like a leaf as he continued saying "I have to think of my child and my wife. I will bow to your will that they may live." "Approach." Naele ordered. As the man gingerly approached, another man and a woman followed him. "For our children." the woman said. Naele wondered why she hadn't thought of using the family angle in her speech. Another woman eventually followed.

As the four kneeled in front of her she ordered them to smell from the vial she held out to them. Naele warned them "To betray me, is to condemn your families. You have no idea what I keep in my arsenal." She hoped to bluff them and hoped they suspected she had other hidden weapons or supporters. She said to them "Now look at these others. They have condemned their families. They are willing to see the city die. Do you see the stupidity of their misguided policies and beliefs? Do you see that they failed to protect the city? They would doom you all to my vengeance." The four nodded in agreement. Naele grinned and ordered "Now bring me your spouses and children only. Understand that if they defy me, they join the others to be recycled."

The city was quiet as the four councillors left to find their loved ones. A few people were still moaning where they fell, but most were unconscious. Every second generation biod had shut down completely. As the four councillors left the council building, they realised they had done the right thing. It was the only option available to them. They were all too ashamed to talk to each. They dispersed to find their families.

Naele looked around the now still chamber. She had won easily. This was just the start of her revenge spree. She closed her eyes and stretched out her arms soaking it all in. Four people weren't enough to operate the city and harvest Earth, but it was a start. She suddenly remembered that something called biods existed. She had rarely seen one in her city, but thought maybe they may be useful. She knew they could do basic tasks, but were high maintenance. Most of their brains were removed in the ones she had seen but perhaps they were upgraded by now. As the first councillor returned straining with his sleeping wife over his shoulder and baby under his arm, Naele waved her vial under the their noses. "They will stir soon." She told him "Sit with them to explain and calm them. Now, while we wait, tell me, do you still use those biod things?"

When all four of the council members had returned and their families were restored, she called all four to her to address them. "You four were the only ones wise enough to accept my darkened mercy. You have saved your families and saved your city. You are now my queen's council. As we rouse small groups they will be given a choice. They will join with us, or they will be recycled. Understand this city has died We will create a new city, a darkened city. Only those who can break away from the stifling, stagnant, narrow minded ways of old to evolve will survive. You will lead at my side. First we will start with the top engineers. I want to know what I have missed over the last century. Especially ensure to bring me this chief Ellan Elore."

When Ellan awoke she found herself bound to a seat in the middle of the council meeting chamber. She noticed half a dozen other people she recognised as other chief engineers from different fields bound similarly. Naele noticed her stir and approached. At first Ellan was shocked by the woman's lack of modesty, then sickened by the hideous scars covering her body. Her outfit lacked any dignity. Worst of all she was what Ellan assumed a darkened to look like. The woman stood before her browsing a data tablet. Naele leaned forward smiling. "Ellan Elore, genius chief engineer, revolutionary thinker.....what's this?" Naele pretended to look at the tablet for a moment as if surprised. "Involvement in the physical assault of a councillor, verbal assault of another, failure to follow council mandates, responsibility in the assault of a guard, rebellious nature." Naele leaned in close to Ellan's face and said "I think you and I are going to get along fine." Ellan turned away refusing to respond. Naele returned to the tablet. She held it out in front of Ellan. There was a picture of Fay at her activation, wingless but with control arms outstretched. Naele smirked saying "Small cute girl, has bluish purplish wings now right? Looks like a fairy? Probably had the unactivated ones with her." Ellan was suddenly horrified. What had this darkened done with Fay and the others. Naele continued "They are safe.....for now." she lied. Naele's grin was evil as she said "Yes Ellan Elore, creator of life. You and I will be very good friends."

Chapter 6

Aidan stood on the patio as the large white craft landed silently in front of the house. He couldn't believe it when the side hatch opened and a fairy stepped out. She started to walk straight towards him. "G'day mate." the girl called grinning at him. Aidan was stunned. This was definitely another Lorene, but she would barely have stood as high as his chest or Gem's shoulders. Her hair was long and white like Gem's had been and her face was identical except for having purple eyes. Even more surprising was the wings sprouting from the back of her shoulders. They moved like they were real. First he had an elf suddenly appear, and now a fairy. He wondered what kind of mythical creature was going to arrive next.

The girl walked straight past him, nodding politely, and walked directly into the house. Aidan followed slowly to find the fairy had made herself at home. She was sitting on the lounge playing with the TV remote. "Um...Can I help you?" he asked. "Where's my sister?" the girl asked back. Aidan answered "I assume you mean Gem. She's with a friend. Back soon." Aidan noticed her pull something from her pocket. It was his mobile phone. He patted his pocket to confirm it was empty. "How'd you get my phone?" he asked. The girl looked up from fiddling with the phone and said "I don't know. Stuff like that just happens. So how long till sis gets back?" "Not long probably." Aidan replied "So how about you tell me who you are while we wait." The girl replied cheerfully putting the phone on the lounge beside her. "May as well I suppose. I'm Fay, our mother's research assistant and prototype of the third generation biods." Aidan was puzzled and queried "I thought you were Lorene, and what's a biod?"

Fay took a deep breath before explaining "I guess she hasn't explained anything. Probably hasn't absorbed as much language as I did while I was searching for her. I've been monitoring communications and hacking everything until I found the picture on your phone. The one you called Gem was sent out immediately after activation, so she's only about two weeks old. I'm a month older and much more educated." Aidan was starting to get chills of horror as her words echoed in his head. He remembered the strange implant on Gem's neck. "Activation and two weeks old?" he asked. The girl nodded as she moved to the kitchen and started searching the cupboards. "Yeah, she's a Lorene biod, like all of us sisters. All organic machines constructed with Lorene genetics." Aidan sat on the lounge in shock. Fay returned and sat on the arm of the lounge opening a packet of his barbecue chips before continuing. "A biod is basically a replicated body, with an AI interface controlling it, like a puppet." Aidan was disappointed as he said "So you're not real then. Just machines." Fay thought for a moment unsure how to answer. Eventually she said "Well technically we are classed as a lifeless device, but with my sisters and I who had the newest interface, something went wrong. I personally believe we are alive and so does mother, but it's being debated with the ruling council at the moment. So anyway, after I..... I mean some things happened, our mother sent us away to find our freedom."

Aidan leaned back on the lounge trying to absorb everything. Was Gem alive or not? She certainly seemed alive, as did this one on the lounge eating his chips. He asked Fay "So she's just a child?" Fay shrugged and responded "You can't compare us the same. Our bodies are generated as adult and we have adult programing. Our maturity is more...uneven. It is accelerated because of our preloaded program, but might lack in certain areas. It depends what we choose to think about." This wasn't making any sense. "Please just tell me." he pleaded "Is Gem alive and is she a child?" All Fay could do was shrug and say "I guess it's a matter of opinion. You're trying to compare us to humans, but we aren't." He decided to move on with his questioning.

Next Aidan asked "So you've come to take Gem back?" The fairy replied "Maybe. She does have it pretty sweet here. We came to find our sister and live with her. Here might suit well." Aidan queried urgently "You said 'We'?" Fay nodded and replied "Three more sisters are sleeping on the craft I ...borrowed to come here. They can stay asleep in stasis for now while I check things out. You know, make sure it's safe, make sure you aren't dangerous or anything. You look pretty harmless so far." Fay carelessly tossed the empty chip bag over her shoulder. Suddenly she sprang to attention and exclaimed "Oh, Gem's in range now. I can network to her so she must be close. By the way where's my room?"

Aidan was feeling pretty stressed and started to get agitated. "What the hell makes you think you're staying here?" he demanded. Fay replied indignantly "Because stupid, it's an ideal location. Not many people, a big ocean to hide my craft in, someone to feed us, besides Gem registers here as where she belongs. Mother wanted us to look after each other, so ipso facto, we stay with Gem. You have to provide for all of us." Aidan was angry now. He spoke sternly "Now just a minute. For one thing I can't afford to feed and cloth all of you. For two, I never invited you. Why would I want a rude little slob living in my grandmother's house?" He picked up the empty chip packet and shoved it in her face growling "Lesson one, ask before helping yourself, and trash goes in the bin. Now, just who the hell do you think you are little girl? You learned to talk pretty well, so how come you haven't learned basic manners?" Fay swatted at his hand and dove at him knocking him to the ground.

They wrestled until Aidan was on his back with Fay straddling him pinning his arms down. Despite her small stature and delicate appearance she was a bit stronger than him somehow. Fay suddenly gasped as she was lifted into the air by her control arms yelling "Hey that hurts, put me down bitch." Gem tossed her onto the lounge roughly. Fay sat with arms crossed glaring at Gem murmuring "Bitch, bitch, bitch." under her breath. Gem stood in front of her looking very stern. "No hurt my Aidan. Who?" she asked pointing at Fay. Fay straightened herself saying "I already sent you the data. I'm your sister Fay. I think mother wanted the rest of us to be free with you. If you insist on talking aloud instead of networking, at least let me teach you more than a few words cave girl. You know they have various wireless networking here you could have used yourself right?" Fey closed her eyes and concentrated until Gem lifted the corner of one eye for a moment. Gem then continued in a more confident voice stating "I am staying here with my Aidan and my Emma. You can do whatever you like, just not here. I do not know you. We are nothing and I will hurt you if you access my interface again. Just get lost."

Aidan was shocked that Gem was now talking with a normal vocabulary. As the two girls argued he decided they were definitely sisters. He crawled to the kitchen and bumped into Emma's legs. He glanced up saw her scowling down at him with her arms crossed. "Why was she sitting on top you and who the hell is she?" she asked through clenched teeth. Aidan did his best to explain what little he knew as Gem and Fay continued to argue. In the end Gem came to Aidan and asked "Can the little one please stay for a night or two? She can share my room until I fully understand this situation?" Aidan looked towards Emma for her thoughts. She just shrugged at Aidan so he said "I suppose so seeing as she's your sister, but she has to behave. Does this mean you are leaving us soon?" Gem shook her head and responded "I have nowhere to go. I belong here. Do you want me to leave?" Aidan shook his head and Emma said "No we don't want you to leave. We will find some money for extra expenses somehow." Fay yelled over from the lounge, "Never mind, I have a credit card. It should be delivered here in a few days, but I can use the number till then." Aidan didn't believe her and retorted "How does an alien robot or whatever have a credit card?" Fay replied saying "I just applied like anyone else. I'm pretty good at hacking and stuff now. I had to learn in a rush when I was being chased in the city." Aidan shook his head and knew he probably shouldn't ask, but did anyway. "Why were you being chased?" Fay thought for a moment and replied "There was a misunderstanding. A councillor got his teeth kicked in and they blamed it all on me." Aidan asked "Did you do it?" Fay nodded and added, "There's more to it though. He hit me first. Then when I rescued our sisters from destruction, a guard was hurt. It looked pretty bad." Aidan regretted already approving her staying here.

He kept questioning her asking "So where is this mother of yours?" Fay shrugged "No idea. I guess she might be under arrest." Gem looked shocked. She grabbed Fay and tried to read her data. "Ow." Fay yelped. "Stop pushing, I increased my protection so I couldn't be tracked. I'll let you in if you really want to see." Soon Gem dropped her to the ground and said to Aidan "She tells the truth. Mother was held responsible for Fay's assaults. They also consider her rebellious. All third generation biods and associated research was ordered destroyed. Our sisters were to be recycled. Mother will most likely be held under arrest until her trial."

Aidan said "Just to be clear, biods are just machines right?" Gem looked confused before she asked "Is that all I am to you?" She looked about to cry. Aidan quickly said "No, you are a beautiful young, walking, talking, breathing and living woman. There's no way you're a machine." Gem shook her head saying "I am not certain, but thank you for trying to be nice."

As an idea came to her Fay interrupted saying "Come here human. Maybe this will answer your questions." They all crowded in front of the TV as images started to appear. It showed a beautiful purple eyed woman with long white hair. She looked identical to Gem and was speaking in an odd almost musical language. "This is my visual record from stored memory. The woman is our mother, Ellan Elore. She was just explaining to me about the malfunction. Because the new interface had too little shielding, signals leaked to the brain. It kind of jump started. She believed I came back to life. Self conciousness had occurred. The interface in our brains still works, but they are slightly damaged. Mainly the motion control centre. The conciousness overpowers it. The interface was never designed to be in a living being, or compete for control, so it overloads." She skipped forward a bit and said "I'll try to translate for you. Gem can witness. Fay now spoke as they saw Ellan gritting her teeth yelling at two older men "SHE is not a faulty unit. SHE is a living being like you or I." When one of the men stepped closer. The vision was suddenly lost but soon refocussed from a position a little lower and further away. A small hand appeared with a trickle of blood after Fay pulled it away from her mouth. Ellan ran over as the vision started to blur. The old men were laughing before one said "You tread a dangerous path here Chief. It is just an organic machine, a replicated pile of meat being controlled by a faulty interface. Destroy it and move on. That is our order." The men started to walk away and they heard Ellan's angry voice behind Fay's translation. She sounded furious as she yelled "She is a living girl. Are we not all organic machines anyway?" The TV turned off as Fay said "Well that's as much of a debate as there has been on the matter. We separated after that. Guards were sent to mother's lab to clear it out and destroy everything including my sisters. I managed to snatch three of the bodies, but the fourth was missing. I figured mother must have already activated her. Mother's personal pod had been reported escaping, so following her orders I came here to begin searching. It was the only planet in pod range she could survive on."

Aidan sat down with Emma wordlessly as they tried to absorb it all. Fay was in the kitchen looking in the fridge. Eventually Aidan asked "So you're fugitives?" Emma added "And your people think you are not really alive and want to kill you?" Fay returned munching on a chocolate bar saying "Yeah, that pretty much sums it up. They want to destroy us." Gem was lost in thought but eventually asked "Am I a real girl or not?" Fay nodded saying "Mother believed so, and she was top in her field." Gem looked confused and suddenly ran outside. Aidan rose to follow but paused to seek Emma's opinion first. Emma nodded so he continued running.

Gem hadn't gone far. She was sitting on the front step looking at the scout craft in front of her. Aidan sat down beside her saying "It's good you can talk now isn't it?" Gem replied "Yes, but there is much I wanted to say. I can no longer say it though. You love Emma. You are hers now. I did not understand that my feelings were real. Living beings are more important than a biod. I just wanted you both happy and I was not real. Now it is all different. I can talk now, so you might decide I can look after myself. You can send me away. I can never have any of your love now. You will see me differently and not care like before."

Aidan brushed a tear from her cheek and said softly "There are different kinds of love Gem. I do love you, just not the same as I love Emma. You are more like a daughter, or a sister. One day you will love again, and you will make him very happy. He will be a very very lucky man." Gem shook her head and argued "No. You saved me. You protected me. You cared for me. Only you are Aidan. I only want to be close to you. Emma said it was ok, but now you wont think of me the same. Everything is changed. I do not understand. It is all Fay's fault. I should kill her." Gem rose to her feet but Aidan pulled her back saying "No. One day we would have had to have this discussion. You were learning to talk. All Fay did was speed things along. We should thank her really." Gem thought for a moment and sat back down beside him saying "Maybe you are right. You would still love Emma more anyway. I will allow Fay to live for now." Aidan responded "Good. She is your sister and killing is wrong." Gem looked puzzled as she replied "I do not feel anything for her. Should I treat her the way you treat me?" Aidan nodded. "I guess so. She is your family even if you don't know her. Give her a chance. She came all this way to find you. In time you might feel for her the way Emma and I feel for you." Gem responded "She annoys me. Do I annoy you?" Aidan shook his head and chuckled "Not at all. I like having you around. You're like a part of me now. We are like family." Gem smiled. It looked like she was accepting the way things were. He rose to stand but Gem squeezed his hand and asked "If Emma was not here, would you choose to be with me?" Aidan grew worried. He was concerned that if he told Gem the truth Emma might be in danger. Gem looked pleadingly in his eyes desperate for her answer. Aidan asked "Why? Would you hurt her?" Gem shook her head and said "No. That would hurt you. I love Emma too. That is why I repaired her eye and helped you be together. I was not a real girl, so it was right. She is part of me like you. So would you have ever chosen me?"

Aidan carefully replied "You are going through a lot right now. A lot is probably new and confusing so don't try to work it all out at once. I know you want the truth and you know I am in love with Emma, but if I hadn't met her....I probably would have fallen for you. You are very beautiful and nice to know, but my heart belongs only to Emma. You and I have grown a different relationship now. I would not want to loose that for anything." Gem seemed happy so Aidan stood and walked back to house with Gem close behind him. When they entered the house Gem picked the struggling Fay up and hugged her sister tightly saying "I will tolerate you for now sister." Fay looked startled and lost as to what was going on. Aidan laughed to Emma "Well I guess that's a start. Gem dragged Fay to the spare room saying "I will show you the room we use."

A few minutes later Fay emerged from the room with Gem following. She was waving a sheet of paper angrily. She confronted Aidan and demanded "What the hell is this crap? What have you been doing to my little sister you sick pervert?" She shoved the paper in his face. It was the drawing he had made trying to teach Gem about nudity. Aidan chuckled and explained "We kind of had a little trouble with her understanding personal boundaries. I used pictures because she could barely talk." Fay shook her head and argued "Not true. Basic behaviour is built in. Grooming, modesty, basic operations, all that stuff. You are a liar." "It's true." Emma interjected. Fay looked stumped. She sat on the lounge to consider things for a moment. Eventually she said "This malfunction is a new phenomenon. Maybe the malfunction works a little different in each of us. Maybe something caused her to override what the program taught her." Emma chuckled and asked "Would her desire to impress or seduce someone affect her program?" Gem looked embarrassed and crept back to her room. Fay shrugged. "Maybe. Her brain isn't as big as as mine." Aidan teased "Actually her brain is bigger technically. You are smaller than her proportionally." Fay looked upset and growled "I meant development-wise stupid. Besides, bigger is not always better anyway. It's quality that counts, not quantity. Just look at me for example. Besides I gathered lots of modules when I toured the city, and learnt heaps searching the earth communications, so my data is much bigger at least."

Aidan was starting to enjoy the reactions he got from teasing Fay. He grinned and corrected her. "Don't you mean stole, not 'gathered'?" Fay looked insulted as she retorted defensively "If they wanted their data kept private, they would have had tougher security. Instead it was virtually just laying around." Fay took a breath throwing her arms up in the air exclaiming "Whatever. I'm going to unwind for a bit." She pulled a bunch of keys from her pocket and stormed toward the back door where Aidan parked his car. "Wait." Aidan called jumping in front of the little fairy biod. "Are those my keys?" He asked angrily. Fay spat back "Well you don't want me to hot wire it do you?" Aidan grabbed her wrist and dragged her back to the lounge room where he pushed her to sit. He towered over her as he lectured "Right you. Enough of this crap. I'm only putting up with you for Gem's sake. If you plan on staying here a little while, you and I are gonna talk about expected behaviour. Firstly, about stealing or borrowing without permission, then we're gonna discuss respect." For the next twenty minutes Aidan launched a barrage of demands at Fay. She looked to be just ignoring him which infuriated him further.

Fay got bored with being yelled at. She looked up at Aidan and for an instant she saw Ellan standing there lecturing her about stealing. He was angry at her but he was only saying all this for her own benefit really. That must mean there was a little care or concern there. He didn't just kick her out, not that he could anyway. He definitely reminded her of mother. He even chased after Gem when she was upset. He obviously cared about her a great deal. Fay smiled as she decided it might not be so bad here after all. It looked like Aidan was finally running out of steam. He sat beside her and said in a calmer voice "Look I'm sorry to be so harsh. It's just so that we all get along ok?" Fay responded with "Ok. I will try harder." Aidan smiled and mused her hair forgivingly. Yep, just like mother Fay thought.

While Aidan was busy with his lecturing Emma had snuck into Gem's room to find her laying there staring at the ceiling. Emma sat on the side of the bed and asked "Are you ok?" Gem nodded and said "There is a lot going on. Earlier when we were outside Aidan told me how he felt about me. It is you he loves most. I am sorry I still want him. He already belonged to you. I can not control it." Emma looked at Gem. She looked very pained. She knew Gem wanted him. Perhaps the fear of competition was part of what pushed her to try to speed things along. She never meant to hurt Gem. Emma just didn't want to loose her chance. She looked at the floor saying "I'm sorry I took Aidan before you could. I knew you liked him. I was selfish, but I couldn't let him go. I couldn't picture not being with him." Gem sat up and slid over beside her to say "It is ok. I love him, and I love you. I wanted him to be happy. It was his choice, but I can not picture him not being close either. Should I go away?" Emma shook her head replying "That would hurt him. It would hurt both of us. Like we discussed when you were my fixing eye, we can share him a little, but there has to be boundaries, especially physically." Gem agreed saying "Yes, he prefers you physically. He wont even look at me the same way."

Emma put an arm around Gem's shoulder saying "Oh I bet he would. You are very attractive. I bet he was tempted all the time, but he is a decent man. He feels guilt easily and has a strong sense of right and wrong. He would never take advantage and would feel it was improper for him to look at a girl that way when he had feelings for another. He just isn't one of those creeps. We wouldn't both love him otherwise would we?" Gem agreed saying "That makes sense. I am happy just to be near him. I am happy he shares bodies with the one he loves. It makes me happy. I am also glad you understand. The two of you truly belong together and I would never harm that. I will be satisfied to just keep you both in my life, and this is the only way." Emma hugged her saying "I am just happy things are sorting themselves out and we will all stay together and understand each other. It's better than being jealous."

Things in the lounge room had gone quite now. Emma and Gem returned to make sure nobody was dead. When they entered the room they found Aidan asleep on the lounge with Fay sitting on his lap watching TV. Gem and Emma looked at each other and immediately reached for Fay simultaneously saying "Mine." Fay got back up the floor checking for bruises saying "What was that for? I was just watching TV. Mister stupid wore himself out yelling." Emma demanded "Why were you sitting on my boyfriend again?" Fay looked puzzled and answered, "Better viewing angle. Why else?" She paused deep in thought for a moment before saying urgently "Oh, no no no. Gods no. I know what you were thinking. Yuck, no way. It wasn't like that." Emma leaned in and said "Better not be little girl. He's spoken for. Definitely spoken for." Fay looked at Gem and saw she was glaring angrily at her as well. She addressed the pair asking "Does everyone in this place have a twisted and perverted mind? He just reminds me of mother a bit ok. I miss her."

Emma returned to the kitchen to prepare some food. The Lorene girls sat at the table and finally started talking civilly to each other. They both updated each other of events that had transpired. The small table wasn't large enough for four people so Emma took her and Aidan's plates to the lounge. She woke him gently and gave him his dinner. They ate quietly until Aidan finally asked "It is Ok to let them stay isn't it? I mean they are fugitives with nobody to care for them or guide them." Emma squeezed his shoulder saying "You couldn't live with yourself if you tossed them out and something happened to them. Especially Gem." Aidan agreed "That's true. Did you know she had some kind crush on me or something?" Emma laughed "Yeah you are kind of blind that way. We talked. You don't have to worry about it, just take care of her." Aidan asked "What about this new one. She's a real pain, but despite the way she talks, I think she's bit childish in some ways too." Emma rubbed his back smiling and said "They aren't kids, but they are both only young, or new, whatever it is that applies to them. They haven't fully matured in all ways yet. Although, Gem does seem to be more mature in romantic ways. I guess they just don't develop the same as us. We can't judge them the same as humans.' Aidan agreed and added "I'm just so glad you're here. I couldn't all this alone."

As he glanced out the front windows Aidan saw the spacecraft still sitting there. It was too big for the shed. He called out to Fay "Hey Fay, what are you gonna do about your spaceship thingy in the middle of the yard? It's kind of noticeable." "Don't worry." she called back "It's a scout craft. After I eat I'll park it under the ocean by remote. I just want to unload a few things first." "Fine." Aidan replied "Just keep it out of sight."

After dinner he went and laid on his bed while Emma soaked in the bath. It was all getting to be too much. He wished everything was like it had been this morning. He and Emma were happy together, Gem was unable to speak her feelings. It was all much simpler. Emma was right though. If he told Fay to take a hike and something happened he would feel responsible. He didn't know why but he did feel the Lorene were his duty now. Fay especially made him feel concerned for their welfare. He remembered the craft on the front yard and called out again "Fay, put your spaceship away." A small voice replied "I'm doing it now, and its a scout craft stupid." Aidan grinned as Emma entered the room and closed the door. They could lay in each others arms now and shut everything else out. Peace at last. Just the two of them.

In the scout craft Gem seemed curious as she looked at her sisters stirring from stasis. One looked identical too her but with purple eyes. Two looked like her but had extra arms on their back like Fay's. Fay chuckled as she said "Mister stupid will think he was invaded now." Gem asked "Are you sure he said it was ok to activate them now?" Fay shrugged saying "Well he said 'Fine' when I told him I just had to unload a few things. You heard him. Besides look at his posters. He likes strange beautiful girls. You all look like me and mother, so this should make him really happy." Gem replied "He will only look at Emma. I feel he is going to be annoyed." Fay patted her on the back saying "I'm your big sister. Trust me. He'll love it." She handed Gem three harnesses that looked like wide belts with upper leg and shoulder straps. Fay instructed Gem "Take these inside while I update their learning. I found them in the city. They might come in handy." Gem nodded and ordered her sister "Only give them speech and the basics for now. Do not turn them into you." "Of course." Fay assured her. "I like the idea of keeping most to myself anyway. As the eldest I should stay superior to the rest of you. They can choose what they like with their own freedom when they are ready." Gem nodded saying "Agreed. It should be with their freedom and choice." As Gem left to take the harnesses inside Fay called out "Hey what's with you and Aidan by the way? I gather there's some romance or something." Gem shook her head and responded sadly "He loves Emma. He won't look at me. It does not matter." Fay approached and said in a concerned voice "Some sisterly advice. Don't confuse your gratitude or his caring nature for more than it is." Gem shook her head saying "It is more than that. You can not understand until you have felt it." With that she left. Fay turned to her sisters who were looking around saying, "Well girls, lesson one. Love sucks. It can be painful. Be careful."

Chapter 7

The next morning Aidan awoke to the sound of a truck reversing in the drive. He could hear Fay yelling from the bathroom "That's good. Right there. Thanks mate." He snuggled back in closer to Emma pretending he heard nothing. He had the distinct feeling that he was better off just not knowing. He wanted to go back to the world he had just awoken from. He could still hear the noises though. A hydraulic release, a whirring sound and some metallic clatters. A strange man called out from outside "Ok, paperwork's all signed, goods delivered. Enjoy sweety." Soon the truck could be heard pulling away. Aidan finally gave in to curiosity and rose to find out what all the noise was about. He walked to the bathroom and saw Fay at the window with a towel wrapped around her head as a makeshift disguise. She was hanging out the window staring at something.

Aidan knew there was no point asking whether she was up to something or not. It was safe to assume she was. Instead he asked "What have you done Fay?" "Take a look." she said pointing out the window. "It's a thank you present for looking after Gem." Aidan summoned up the courage to look out the window. In the gravel drive was a large bright metallic pink troop carrier with heavily tinted windows and spinners on the rims. Fay smiled and said "It's an eleven seater. Really cheap. Shag carpet, mini-bar, TV.....everything. Used to be owned by a company called 'Big John's Escort Agency' before they shut down. Is that a tour company?" Aidan was in no mood to explain and simply said "Look up escorts on the internet." Fay closed her eyes for a second before saying "Yuck. Gross. So maybe it was a pimp wagon. Glad I had it detailed. Anyway it has low mileage and easy finance. Do you like it?" Aidan let out a long sigh before answering. "If it's for me, why is it pink?" Fay looked thoughtful for a minute before replying "Maybe I should have picked the blue one, or the black. Guess I better keep it." It was too early to be dealing with Fay. He said in stressed voice "You realise you can't drive in a booster seat." Fay spat back "I don't need a booster seat. I just......maybe sit on a pillow." Aidan asked in frustration "Can you even drive?" Fay looked offended and replied "I know the theory. I can fly any Lorene craft, so a car should be easy." Aidan had endured enough of Fay already and started pushing her out of the bathroom saying "I'm taking a shower. Please leave. Go play with your new toy."

When Gem saw Aidan struggling to evict Fay from the bathroom she misinterpreted the interaction and grabbed Fay saying in a pained voice "He only wants to look at Emma. Get out now." Aidan slumped against the wall. This was all he needed. More Lorene dramas. Now he had to clear things with Gem as well. As Fay ran outside Gem slowly started to trudge away with her head down. She looked miserable. "Gem Wait." he called out to her. "I'm not sure you understand. It's hard to explain, but I do want to look at you. I really do. Any man would, but it just wouldn't be right. I love Emma. It would be wrong to look at any other woman. It isn't just you and it isn't because you aren't gorgeous. Cheer up ok." Gem smiled "I think I understand. It is not just me specifically. It is just because you love her. It is all very complicated. Thank you for saying you do want to look at me. I understand it would be wrong for you. I will respect that." Gem seemed to be getting it now and walked back to the living room at a cheerier pace. Aidan sighed again and started back to his shower when he heard Emma's stern voice. "So you do want to look and she is gorgeous hey?" Emma pushed him playfully and smiled "Yeah I've seen her remember. Talk about perfection. You're a good person for trying to protect her feelings and still behave." She kissed him before saying cheekily "Come with me and I'll give you something to look at." She shoved him again until they were both in the bathroom and she locked the door.

After the shower Aidan finally felt relaxed. He even felt ready to handle a little bit of the ever stressful Lorene interaction now. He left Emma with a quick kiss and emerged intending to make breakfast for them all. He stopped when he reached the lounge room and rubbed his eyes in disbelief. There were now three more Lorene girls sitting in the lounge room watching his animes with Gem. The three newcomers all smiled and said in unison "Hi Aidan."

Aidan gave a polite half wave and sat at the kitchen table. He was sure he had been ready to handle a little more Lorene drama now, but wasn't prepared for three new ones. Fay stormed in the back door and slammed a key down on the table growling "You take it. I don't want it. Its just too.....not my size. Stupid Earth transport." Aidan gritted his teeth and tried to stay calm. He focused on holding his temper as he said "I thought they were staying in stasis Fay?" Fay chuckled "Oh, yeah that was until I checked things out remember. I decided it all checks out. Don't worry I transferred some money from my credit card to your bank account." That was a small relief but he still had to ask "How are you going to pay back the credit card, and how are we going to pay for that pink monstrosity in the drive?" "Stop stressing." Fay said cheerfully. "I'm a technological wizard. I can program, write games, play the stock market, enter competitions, all sorts of things. You worry too much." Emma entered the room and stood looking stunned at the crowded area before the TV. Aidan heard her mutter "How much freaking competition do I have to have."

Fay grabbed Aidan's hand pulling him from his seat saying "I forgot. Meet the rest of my sisters. Don't worry there aren't any more." Aidan had no energy left to be angry any more. The adrenaline was fading. "So what are their names?" he asked. The girls all looked at each other and shrugged. Fay answered "They don't have any. I only activated them last night. One of the girls jaw dropped as she looked at Emma's hair. She approached and started playing with Emma's pink hair. She asked Emma "Can I have colour too please?" Emma smiled and said "Gem did it. You'll have to ask her." The girl quickly turned and knelt in front of Gem begging "Please sister. Can I have a colour like you and Emma." Gem shrugged and replied "I guess so. It does not take much resources." That was when Gem remembered something. She suddenly jumped up and dragged Emma outside hurriedly.

Once outside Gem seemed concerned as she asked Emma "Are you feeling ok after the eye repair?" Emma replied "I feel wonderful. The eye works well. Actually I feel healthier than I ever have in my life. Why is that?" Gem picked up a branch from the ground and handed it to her saying "Break this." "I can't. It's too thick and I'm not that strong. Only a strong man could break that." Emma replied. "Just try." Gem ordered. Emma tried to snap the branch with a reasonable effort. Eventually it snapped to her astonishment. Gem smiled and said "This morning the man driving the truck tried to break it while he waited for Fay. He could not." Emma asked sounding a little worried "Am I ok? Is it a side affect or something?" Gem nodded and explained "Yes. I knew the eye bothered you. It affected your confidence. My repair kit is for Lorene genetics, not human. I had to alter your genetics slightly so the new eye would not be rejected. You will not be as strong as my sisters or I, but nearly as strong as a full blood Lorene. I did not have the words to explain better at the time. I hope it was the right thing to do." Emma thought for a moment before replying "I love it. Thank you, but what if I have kids?" Gem thought for a moment before replying "The alteration is only small, but it is genetic. It may pass on to some degree. You are still human....mostly." Emma shrugged "Well I wasn't really planning kids seriously anyway. Not yet. I still approve and I am grateful." Emma suddenly noticed the pink pimp mobile around the corner of the house and asked. "Ummm....who owns the whore wagon?" Gem answered "Fay bought it for Aidan. A gift." Emma walked over and inspected the vehicle. "I love it. It matches my hair. Can you teach me to drive?" Gem shook her head. "I do not know how. I think Fay knows." Emma looked excited as she said "Well I can get a license now, so I'm driving it. I'm sure he wont mind. Aidan can keep his old car."

Aidan sat at the table watching the new girls. Apart from one having purple eyes and two having wing appendages, they were almost identical to Gem. On closer inspection he noticed one of the girls with the extra arms had purple eyes too. They seemed happy inspecting his posters and watching his anime. They were still small children in some ways, but then again so was Gem when it came down to it. Gem was complicated though. At times she was also a full grown woman emotionally. Why was nothing simple any more? He counted the sleeping places in his head. There wasn't one single bed left on the property now. He had Emma with him. Fay was with Gem, and these three would fill the caravan. He grabbed a piece of paper and made a sign for the front door. In big bold letters it said 'NO VACANCY'.

Feeling a little better now after that small childish release he saw the two girls with extra arms arguing over a poster. He asked them "What's up girls?" The blue eyed one pointed to an angel on the poster saying "She says this one sux. I think it is better than the one she likes. Those wings would glide much better." The purple eyed one said "Who cares? This one would move better in close range and she looks much sexier." She pointed to a picture of a scantily clad demon looking girl wielding a whip. They were so much like children he thought. He figured it would take weeks for them to become more mature like the others. He said to the purple eyed girl "I think you girls are too young to be worried about looking sexy. Angels and demons would both have their own advantages." An idea came to him then as he asked "Do these characters hold some attraction or appeal to you guys? Do you associate with them." They both nodded. Aidan suggested "Perhaps that might inspire your name choice. You could always change it later." The blue eyed girl asked "What race are they exactly." Aidan pointed at the pictures answering "Well this one is an angel. Angel is a pretty name. Perhaps something like Angelica, Angelina, Angela..." She cut him off with a wave of her hand. "I like Angel. It feels...right." the blue eyed girl stated confidently. The purple eyed girl pleaded "What about me? Do me next." Aidan thought for a while. This was harder. "Demoness is a horrible name. Maybe Demonella, Demi, Demonica....wait...Monica?" The girl nodded and hugged him tight around the neck saying "Monica. I like it." Angel looked a bit jealous and pounced on him as well claiming "Angel is the best name."

Emma wasn't surprised to walk in and find two more Lorene hanging around Aidan's neck. She was getting used to it now and she knew he was trustworthy. She walked over to the table and picked up the car key. She turned to Fay who was still engrossed in the TV and asked "Fay, are you busy?" "Not at all." Fay replied. Emma smiled and stated "Great. Can you help me for a while please if you don't mind? I want to learn to drive but Aidan looks busy with the usual Lorene affairs." "Sure thing." Fay said jumping to her feet so they could take their first lesson.

There was still one Lorene left without a name. Aidan escaped from Angel and Monica and approached the purple eyed wingless girl that most resembled Gem. She was still watching the TV. He sat beside her and asked "Do have any ideas?" She waited for a moment and pointed at the screen. A half cat type man was leaping between branches on trees with amazing agility. "I like the cat types. They are strong and agile like my design." Aidan thought for a while before suggesting "Cats....Kathy, Kathleen, Kitty, Kat...no....cats are felines so maybe Felicity, Felicia...." "Kitty sounds right." She interrupted. Aidan didn't like that name especially but it was her choice. "Are you sure?" he asked. "Yes I am. Thanks." she replied. She leaned over to place her cheek against his. She rubbed it for a while purring and said "Kitty feels like me. I like it."

Aidan stood up and proclaimed "So we now have Kitty, Monica and Angel. Welcome girls." Job done now he sat back down and watched the remainder of the show with them. He could hear the vehicle outside roaring occasionally and grinding gears. He pitied the poor car. Eventually it seemed to be running more smoothly and he finally heard it pull up to the back door. Emma was beaming with pride as she came back inside but Fay looked even paler. The fairy girl passed by Aidan groaning "Next lesson is yours."

Aidan noticed Gem was missing and went looking for her. She was back on the front step so he sat with her and asked "Is everything ok?" She smiled and answered "Yes. I think everything is ok. I am learning." She leaned her head on his shoulder and said "I think everything is going to be happy." Aidan was relieved she was seeming to accept things, but her head on his shoulder made him a little nervous. He wasn't going to spoil it now though by piling more rejection on her. She seemed to be a little fragile emotionally.

Aidan was pulling the old barbecue out of the shed when Fay came to sticky beak. She looked over the pod and then started sorting through his boxes of junk. "What's all this crap?" she asked. Aidan replied, "Robot parts. I always wanted to make one back when I had no life and I was very lonely." Fay asked "A sexbot?" Aidan lied and said "No, of course not." Fay looked like she didn't believe him and said "We used to have robots once. Then we had generation one biods. It was easier for us to replicate an organic body than build a resource intensive mechanical device that only broke down. Generation twos had complete bodies but were just puppets, so they were not alive like me and the others. Mother felt they could be upgraded like us though. All those biods could be given life, but then the Lorene would have no slaves. Nobody to do the dangerous stuff. Nobody for the lonely to own. A biod is property. A lifeless device. It has no rights, so they are treated however their owners choose to treat them." Aidan replied "That's disgusting. So why didn't they just upgrade them? It seems a waste of all that potential." Fay shrugged saying "My sisters and I are all of the third generation. They would not acknowledge us as living. Then...... I made things a little more complicated. Can you see why mother wanted us to live free?" Aidan nodded and said "I would too. Don't worry you are all just living girls to us, even when you annoy the hell out of me." Fay hugged him around the waist saying "Thank you."

When Emma walked in and saw Fay with her arms around Aidan's waist. It didn't vex her. She knew these Lorene were just like affectionate children. Only Gem seemed to wish anything more than just innocent, but she would no doubt understand better soon. It wasn't easy learning all the intricacies of a foreign culture. Emma asked Aidan "Can we hurry up? I'm starving. After lunch we can all go shopping. I think I have enough clothes for them all for now, but it won't last." Aidan broke free of Fay asking "Do you really think we should take them all?" Emma replied in a mocking tone "Well I'm not leaving you here alone with all these affectionate temptations. I trust you, but everyone reaches their limit sometime. We can't leave them alone either." Aidan looked at Fay and agreed. He asked Fay "Angel and Monica don't seem to have wings like you. Should we make some? I'd love to see how you use those appendages." Fay nodded and replied "I have enough harnesses. Wings might be a good idea just in case. It's kinda stupid to have the appendages for no reason." He next asked "Would leather work as a material? It might be heavy." Fay thought for a moment and replied "Leather is good. Weight is no issue. Remember we are much stronger than you. Our bodies are at the peak of Lorene possibility, which is twice that of an ordinary human." "Ok." he said "Sounds like we have a lot to do if you can afford it." Fay winked and grinned saying "Don't worry about the money. I can cover it without doing anything criminal. Maybe a little grey, but never criminal." He mussed her hair and continued setting up the barbecue.

After lunch the girls disappeared into the caravan for a while. They left Fay arguing with Aidan over using his laptop after she chose not to join them. When they emerged Monica now had bright purple hair, Kitty had chosen bright red and Angel had chosen gold. They were all stunning beauties even before the colour, but now they were at least easier to tell apart. Emma had given them all various hair styles but they all kept the length to their waists. They all acted like excited children, but it was getting late. Aidan grabbed the keys for the pink monster and beeped the horn to get them all moving.

Aidan felt rather conspicuous driving the pink pimp mobile into town with the six beautiful girls hanging out the windows and moon-roof. They certainly drew the the attention of everybody who saw them. He was terrified someone might see their ears. Their first stop was the camping store where Fay ordered Aidan to run in alone and buy three large backpacks to cut open and hide their wing arms. Next the sports store for wide head bands. Now they were disguised they could all leave the vehicle. Thankfully they had numbers now and no men dared try their luck, but they certainly attracted a lot of lustful stares. Fay gave her credit card a good working out at the clothing stores as Aidan just stayed back watching from a distance. Emma tried to teach the girls what was too revealing and what wasn't. He felt sorry for her, but she seemed to get some fulfilment from teaching them and showing them the loop holes in many of their choices. She taught them to look in the mirror, and move around instead of standing in a single pose. By the end of the day each girl had a good understanding of common wardrobe malfunctions and design flaws. Then she lectured them on transparency in strong light and wet weather. She was like an over protective mother. He loved her even more seeing how she treated the Lorene like adopted daughters or little sisters. Emma would make an excellent mother. It was something he had never considered before. He thought one day having a girlfriend was more than enough to hope for.

Eventually Fay came and stood beside him looking grumpy. "Sick of shopping already?" he asked. Fay replied "The only things that fit me are in the kid's section. It's embarrassing. I'll just order everything online." Aidan realised then that they never needed to come to town at all. He asked Fay "Why didn't we just order all of it online." Fay shrugged and replied "Adventure. New to this world. Besides look at Emma. She's loving this." Aidan nodded and had to agree. "Yes. She would make a great mother some day." he commented. Fay looked concerned and asked "You guys are using protection right?" Aidan shrugged. "I just assumed she was. Don't girls normally?" Fay shrugged "How would I know? I guess they would. Safer than trusting a guy to be careful." Aidan had never even thought about it. He was remiss to just assume it was safe. He decided he had better ask later.

On the way home Fay beat him to the punch and just blurted out bluntly "Hey Emma, what protection do you use?" Emma was embarrassed and said "Well I never planned on being near a man ever again, so nothing." Aidan slammed on the brakes and turned around leaving all the Lorene piled against one side of the vehicle. "Where are you going?" Emma asked him. "The chemist." he replied. "I just assumed it was safe sorry. My bad. I'd love a kid some day but I don't want anything you aren't ready for." Emma had never really thought about the risk either. She said in a not so confident voice "Don't worry. I think our timing was ok. Some people try for years and can never get lucky. I'm not fully human any more anyway so that might help." Aidan slammed on the brakes again leaving the Lorene girls piled against the back of the front seats. "What? Not human?" he asked in a concerned tone. Emma and Gem explained. He seemed to accept but finished with saying "It was your choice, but I fell for the old you, scar or not." to which Emma replied "I did it for me too. I wanted to be a normal looking girlfriend for you and I was sick of being a freak forced to hide away." Aidan didn't feel he had the right to argue her decision, so they continued to the chemist. If she wasn't fully human now it was even more important. Emma grabbed a few home test kits as well just to be certain.

Gem sat silently in the back of the vehicle. She had never thought about children either. As far as she knew the genetics seemed compatible in that regard. It was only repairs that required a slight realignment. She wondered what it would be like to have a child. It made her feel strangely empty not having one. When she looked up she noticed her sisters were deep in thought as well. She regretted now not trying harder to win Aidan over. She couldn't even consider anybody else to help her make a child of her own. It was not to be though. She had chosen to respect his love for Emma, so she just had to accept it. It was just another pain she would have to bear.

Things fell into a nice regular routine over the next month. Everyone seemed to get along. Fay spent most nights on Aidan's computer finding ways to earn money and ordering all kinds of junk online. To Aidan's concern she ordered weapons as well that the other girls liked the look of. They were not decorations or toys. He queried Fay about it and she assured him they were only for defence and training to keep the others active. She feared they spent too long watching TV and interesting exercise would do them good. They had ordered a wide variety of blades from swords to knives and even a glove weapon with ten inch blades on the back that appealed to Kitty so much she insisted on ordering. Monica had found Aidan's grandfather's old stockwhip hanging in the shed and asked to play with it. He was happy to see it used rather than go hard and brittle hanging on the wall amongst the dust. She looked to enjoy training with it so he suggested she keep it. When he was in the shed he also found a sealed packet with pair of furry ginger cat ears attached to a headband. He had no idea why he had ever bought them, like most the junk in the boxes. They were probably intended to go with the maid outfit. He decided Kitty might appreciate them. She was the cat people fan. He gave them to her and to his surprise she was so happy she burst into tears and immediately rubbed her cheek against his again. He never understood the big deal, but was glad it made her happy.

One night that was particularly dark Fay called her scout craft from the ocean and had Aidan help her clear out the lockers. There were just enough suits of white armour for each Lorene girl. Fey refused to wear any claiming she didn't need it, but Aidan guessed she was too embarrassed to admit it wouldn't fit. The armour looked to be plates of a tough but flexible plastic attached to a thick grey rubbery bodysuit almost like lycra. It was light in weight and only really covered the most vital organs. Fay explained it was scout armour meant only for exploration, but it was all they had. It should never be needed anyway, but it was wasted sitting at the bottom of the ocean. Aidan liked the idea of having some basic protection available to them. The day may come when they were discovered by humans and had to protect themselves. They spent some time everyday training anyway, so they may as well have their gear to be familiarised with.

Aidan asked if they might get to take a quick flight while they were inside the scout craft but Fay shook her head. The energy cells would take too long to recharge in the darkness of the ocean. She wanted to conserve the power in case they were ever discovered and needed a quick escape. He was disappointed, but agreed with her thinking. The girl's safety meant more than his curiosity. She promised that they could repair Gem's pod one day soon and he could have that whenever he wanted. If he installed a clear panel in the roof of the shed, it would recharge all the time.

Once the month had passed Aidan and Emma had grown even closer than before. Gem thought they were almost like one person at least in her mind. She was happy to see Aidan so content. It eased her own pain to know he was so happy. She still awoke to find herself laying beside him some mornings but it didn't seem to upset Emma. Gem no longer tried to seduce him so she knew it was innocent. Everybody was content with their new lives.

Aidan had little housework to do now that all the girls were pitching in so he spent a lot of time in the shed with Fay working on the light leather they had bought. In the final week of the month Aidan and Fay called Monica and Angel to the shed. They had finished their project. First Aidan presented Angel with a huge pair of leather wings. He had carefully carved feather patterns into it and whitened the leather. They were beautiful and lighter than expected. Next he presented Monica with a pair of blackened leather wings resembling a bat. They were slightly smaller but he believed they would enable her to twist and turn much easier in the air.

Fay, Angel, Monica and even Kitty all donned their slim and lightweight harnesses under their clothing. They were barely noticeable. Fay was ready to instruct them in the usage of the harness via their interfaces. At first she showed them lift and landing. That was all a harness did. It had no directional control. Despite being without wings Kitty was the first to take off on her own. She threw herself towards a distant tree with a little lift and landed safely in the lower branches. She quickly pounced to the next tree. It seemed she was a natural. Fay yelled out to her "Nobody likes a show off fleabag."

Eventually Fay taught the others how to use the wings to sweep the air forcing a turn and spread their wings out as they lowered for a glide. It wasn't long before Angel was gliding over the ocean riding the air currents and Monica war barrelling through the air in a roll to spread her wings and come to a sudden halt. It was amazing to watch. Fay had landed early because she was exhausted. Aidan asked if she was ok and she finally admitted for the first time that she had more design flaws than what was planned for being only the prototype. Flight was strenuous for her and her size meant her wingspan was too limited. That's why Ellan had abandoned the idea in the others. She had never admitted any kind of shortcoming before, but she didn't mind in front of Aidan. When he wasn't angry at her he never treated her or any of the Lorene with anything but compassion and understanding. He accepted them no matter the flaws. He cared for all of them with Emma's assistance and guidance. Fay cared a great deal for them as well, but was never willing to admit it.

Emma was happy with this new life. She had Aidan's love. Gem seemed to have settled into accepting the way things were. She was still very clingy around him, but no more than she could tolerate. She loved all the Lorene, although Fay had a tendency to test her patience a little. Not as much as she did Aidan, but still occasionally. A few times she noticed some of her clothing or make up missing only to find it under Fay's pillow. Once an entire fruit cake had disappeared. It wasn't anything major and it seemed it wasn't concious theft on Fay's part. She always seemed to have no idea how these things happened. Either she had no idea she was doing it or she was a seriously good liar. Then again it seemed the same on the mornings she awoke to find Gem snuggled in between Aidan and herself. Gem never seemed to have any recollection of moving through the night and acted very sincere in her apology. After her own history Emma was forgiving. She was always aware of how the subconscious could affect a person's behaviour. These were only minor annoyances. On the whole she loved her role as the caring mature guide to the alien girls.

The Lorene girls seemed to enjoy their outdoor sparing and training. It was good exercise. One day Gem invited Emma to train with them and she eagerly accepted. Her body was stronger and faster than she ever remembered it. Training with the others seemed to help her learn it's new limits. She wasn't quite as strong or as fast as they were, but she definitely felt able to defend herself against a human attacker. She loved this upgrade to her genetics. One day she made an offhand comment to Gem that she felt like she could live to a hundred now. Gem looked at her puzzled and asked "How long does a human live?" Gem shrugged saying "I think around eighty or ninety years." Gem seemed stressed and said "We should change Aidan too." "Why?" Emma asked. Gem replied "Lorene live to nearly four hundred. You will probably live to over one hundred and fifty at a rough guess. Maybe more." Emma was shocked to hear that. It was good news even if it seemed a little unnatural. Her main concern was Aidan. She would see him grow old and die while she still had a lifetime ahead of her. She could not let that happen. She made Gem promise that one day they would sit him down and make sure he accepted an upgrade. There was no rush, but some time before he got old. Gem approved readily.

Chapter 8

Kitty was curled up on the lounge soaking up the morning sun coming through the window. She had developed a habit of this and explained that she used a lot of energy, so needed regular naps. Aidan wasn't sure he should believe her but thought the cat theme suited her nature well. Gem and Emma were busy in the kitchen while Aidan was sitting on the front patio step. A bored Fay was standing in the yard waiting for Angel and Monica to finish another race flying around the lighthouse and back. This usually ended in a squabble, so Fay was elected to judge the winner. Angel had the speed after a while, but Monica had the tighter turn and initial acceleration. It was always close.

As Aidan watched a large shadow passed over his head and suddenly Fay was snatched from the ground and dragged into the sky as something latched onto her wings. Aidan watched helplessly as she was dragged higher and higher. It looked like another Lorene but this was a dark haired male with black armour and metallic wings. Fay was screaming as her fake wings were torn from their control arms and dropped to the ground. Suddenly the winged man was impacted by Angel at full flight and Fay fell from the sky. Monica caught her and lowered her to the ground. Once Fay was released Monica immediately jumped back into the air. Aidan ran to Fay who was rolling on the ground in agony. "That bastard broke my control arm." She screamed. Gem emerged and quickly inspected the wound. It was badly broken. Gem said urgently "We need to straighten it and bind it. The kit will mend the bone once it is in place. Who was it?" "I don't know." Aidan said. It looked like a winged male Lorene." "There are supposed to be none." Gem replied as she looked up to see Monica and Angel trying to attack the man without getting entangled. He was wielding a sword now. "Take Fay inside." Gem demanded. "I'll get weapons from the shed." Gem dissappeared as Aidan carried Fay inside. He yelled at Kitty to move waking her up. She instantly jumped from the lounge asking what happened. Aidan explained briefly "She was attacked by a winged man. He looked Lorene. Her arm thingy is broken." Kitty swore as she ran out the door to get her weapons from the shed. Emma had stopped cutting the vegetables for the stew and was approaching to see what was going on when a foot out of came out of nowhere and slammed into her forcing her into wall roughly. A strong arm grabbed her across the chest and spun her around to face Aidan. She could feel a sword against her throat and froze instantly.

Aidan was helpless. He wasn't a fighter and wasn't as fast as a Lorene. The white haired woman in white armour was holding Emma hostage. She said something in Lorene, but he had no idea what. She was sweeping her hand at him like she was shooing him away and he guessed she wanted him to back away from Fay. Slowly he rose to his feet. He noticed that Emma was still holding the small knife she had been using in the kitchen. She was tucking it up against her wrist. When she saw him make eye contact she let it slide back into her hand. He could tell she was planning something from the way she looked at him and flicked her chin up. She wanted him to back up.

Slowly Aidan backed toward the front door. The woman edged closer to Fay shoving Emma forward but keeping the sword at her throat. She pulled a device from her pocket resembling a TV remote and pointed it at Fay pressing the button. Fay was still moaning in pain which seemed to bother the woman. She pressed the button repeatedly but nothing was happening. Where the hell were the girls when he needed them Aidan wondered.

Emma watched the reflection in the glass of the front window. If she slouched down a bit she could see the woman's eyes just over her shoulder. Now the arm that had been across her chest was busy with the remote. Her captor was distracted with it and seemed agitated. Emma made her move. Quickly she raised her forearm keeping the elbow in position and stabbed over her shoulder. The sword fell as the woman staggered back screaming with the small knife protruding from her eye. Aidan dived on her and called for a rope. She was much stronger them him but was distracted by her wound. "Get a rope or something." Aidan yelled urgently. Emma didn't move. She was shaking and backing away slowly as she saw what she had just done. She shuddered as old memories flooded back. She remembered her own nightmare from a knife wound to the eye. Now she had done worse to someone else. Aidan swore but Fay appeared beside him to help. "Shut the hell up bitch." She yelled as she smashed the wooden cutting board from the bench over the woman's head. The invader fell unconscious. Fay groaned as she went back to the lounge and laid back down. The woman still had a pulse so Aidan ran over to his underneath his desk and ripped out the short extension lead. He tied the woman's hands together as Emma still stood in the spot shaking. Now the prisoner was secure he ran to Emma and held her asking "Are you ok?" He sounded desperate with concern. She didn't respond. He guided her to the kitchen table and sat her in a chair. Her eyes were still staring straight ahead and were wide open. She was shaking in shock, but she looked unharmed. Aidan knew he had to check on the other girls still fighting. He held Emma's hands tight and said "I have to check on the others. I'll be straight back ok." Her eyes didn't move but she gave a small nod.

Aidan ran to the front yard to see if the air battle was still taking place. The sword the man had been holding now stuck out of the grass in the middle of the yard. As he watched Angel backed away some distance and charged straight at Monica with all her speed. As she passed Monica grabbed Angel and spun her directly into the man. Sending them both tumbling. It happened too fast to dodge. They grabbed his wings and drove him head first into the ground snapping his neck.

Kitty and Gem finally appeared covered in blood and cuts. Gem was limping. Kitty's razor glove and Gem's sword dripped blood. Gem looked at the darkened body and dropped all the weapons she had bought. Her and Kitty both collapsed to sit on the grass. Angel and Monica crossed the yard to join them. They were exhausted too. Monica had blood dripping from one hand and Angel was rubbing her shoulder, but they seemed ok. Aidan asked Gem "Are you guys ok?" Gem nodded and explained "Two more were in the shed. I was ambushed. Kitty came. They died."

Monica removed her wings and dropped them to the ground saying "Fighting in the air sux." Angel pushed her saying "So does being used as a projectile." Monica spat back "The momentum worked didn't it?" Aidan interrupted them asking "Look, are any of you seriously hurt? I need to get back to Emma." "Go." Gem ordered. I will do the repairs in a moment. Then we need to figure out who they are." She turned to Kitty saying "Can you keep watch from the roof?" Kitty nodded and Angel said "I'll do a quick lap of the property from the air, but then I need to rest."

Aidan rushed backed inside to check on Emma. Fay was still groaning on the lounge swearing and Emma was still sitting at the table staring into space. He fetched Emma a glass of water and gave it to her. She drank a little and said "I did a horrible thing. I was her once. I don't know what to think." Aidan hugged her saying "You did the right thing. You saved yourself. You probably saved me and Fay too." "Did I?" Emma asked looking doubtful. "Did I do the right thing?" Aidan nodded and replied "Definitely. No doubt about it. You were incredible."

Gem passed by to retrieve her repair kit from the kitchen. She looked at the unconcious Lorene on the floor and then looked at Emma. "Was Emma hurt?" Gem asked looking worried. Aidan answered "She was slammed into the wall pretty hard, but I think she's just in shock. She'll be ok." Gem asked her "Do I need to check anything Emma?" Emma shook her head saying "Maybe later. Fay is hurt." Gem nodded and starting work on Fay. She splinted the broken appendage and opened her kit to mend the bone. Once Fay quietened to rest Gem went outside to help the others. Aidan asked Emma "Do you need to lay down or anything?" Emma shook her head and answered. "I'm ok. Just need a minute. Sorry I spaced out. It was just seeing what I did to her eye. It freaked me out. Everything came back to me." "I can understand why." he said consoling her, "Just take your time ok and remember you did what you had to do. You did good." He kissed her cheek and went to help Gem.

Angel returned to land and lay out on the grass to rest while she delivered her report "There's a two man pod in the trees just passed the north fence. Another one is on the beach a little to the south." Fay slowly emerged from the front door saying "Never fear, Fay is here. I'll hack the pods and park them with my scout craft......just don't rush me ok." Gem looked angrily at her saying "You are not supposed to move yet." Fay smiled saying "It's all good. It's in a splint." Gem stood and stomped towards her demanding "Transfer required security modules to me. You need to rest." Fay shook her head saying "No way. I'm smaller than all of you. Not quite as fast, not quite as strong. My wings suck. Just leave me what makes me special ok." Gem looked at her for a while and eventually appeared to soften. She muttered "You don't need unique abilities to be special, but I understand." She turned to Aidan and asked "Can you please watch her?" Aidan nodded and searched the pile of weapons for the machete he liked the look of. The pods weren't far enough to be worth driving so they walked to the pods and Fay parked them under the ocean by remote. As he watched Fay he realised there was more depth to her than he first thought. Fay wasn't just the cocky little pain he sometimes thought. She had exposed her feelings of inferiority compared to her sisters. He didn't think he would ever look at her the same again when she acted with all the annoying bravado. Then Gem had also exposed her maturity. She treated Fay with concern and now she was looking after all of them nursing the wounded and giving orders. He was proud of them all, but needed to know who attacked and why.

When they all gathered back in the lounge room they bought the woman with the eye wound to sit in the middle of the floor. Gem had done a partial repair and assured them she would awaken soon. She wasn't willing to do a full repair and waste resources from the kit on an enemy. The darkened biod with the wings had a snapped neck, Gem had slaughtered another wingless darkened biod and Kitty had killed the white haired male Lorene biod. This remaining woman was the only source of information they had and she wasn't even a biod so couldn't be hacked when she became concious. Emma asked Aidan to put the sunglasses on her so at least they didn't have to look at what remained of the wound. She claimed it was making her feeling queezy. When the prisoner began to come to she looked around the room and said something in Lorene looking hopeless. Gem translated "She asked why we didn't just kill her. She knows she is dead now anyway." Aidan sat down at the table while all the Lorene girls took turns questioning the woman. At first she was reluctant and uninterested in talking much, but a few slaps from Kitty and Monica soon got her co-operation.

Aidan decided to remain quiet. He didn't want to interfere. All he was interested in was knowing whether these Lorene girls had inadvertently put Emma's and his lives in future danger. The risks might be worth it for him to be part of this adventure, but he wasn't going to let anything happen to Emma. She was what mattered more than anything else. He looked at her and saw the trembling had stopped, but she was obviously still troubled by what she was forced to do. She reached for his hand as they both sat watching the interrogation.

At the end of the questioning the girls all sat back looking very concerned. Gem said to the group "I think that is all she can tell us. What do we do with her now? If she goes back she is dead. Her family will be dead no matter. We can not trust her. We can not risk setting her free." Kitty stood behind the prisoner and suggested "Put her out of her misery." Monica nodded saying "We should not let her suffer." Angel shrugged saying "We could wipe her memory with Gem's repair kit maybe. Set her free then." Gem shook her head saying "It would be no different to killing her, but maybe." Emma voiced her opinion saying "We can't just kill people. It's wrong." Aidan agreed and added "I don't know why she attacked yet, but I like Angel's idea. Murder should be our final option." Fay argued "She choose to serve the darkened queen instead of accepting an honourable fate. She rolled the dice and now she has to pay."

The woman suddenly slumped forward with a line of bloody holes from her back. They all looked at Kitty who stood there behind the fallen prisoner saying "Argument over. I made it quick and painless. She never suffered the fear of seeing it coming. It was more mercy than she deserved." Aidan shook his head sadly saying "You had no right. We were still discussing alternatives. Kitty snarled at him and said "What if she had killed Emma. What would you choose then?" She was right. There would be no question in his decision if Emma was harmed. He looked back to Kitty and said "I'm sorry. You are right." The others didn't look too upset about it. Emma rose and said "What's done is done I guess. No point stressing over it. She whispered something to Gem who went and grabbed her repair kit. Aidan was worried and asked "Are you ok Emma? Are you hurt? Emma smiled and said "I'm fine, just a little sore from being slammed into wall. No harm checking." "Correct. It is better to be safe." Gem added as she led Emma into the spare room.

Aidan turned back to the others and asked, "Ok, now I need to know what dangers you girls have bought with you. Fay elected to be the spokesperson and explained

"This woman and the other Lorene male, the biod with white hair, were sent by the new city ruler who calls herself the darkened queen to capture.....well....me. They want my interface design so they wanted to shut me down. The idiots didn't realise a remote wont work on me, so I guess mother is keeping things from them. You see all mother's research was destroyed when I attacked a councillor. I was her research assistant so I hold a backup." Fay looked guilty and added defensively "But it's not all my fault ok, so don't go blaming me." Aidan thought it best to hear the full story before making a rash decision. He let her continue. "The two with dark hair are generation three biods like us, but newer. They won't come to life like us. The new queen believed the reports claiming I was alive after learning about my escape. Mother claimed she couldn't do it any more without her research, so the queen sent them to bring me back. I have no idea how they found us. They weren't prepared for my sisters to be activated so thought it would be easy. They were made by mother, but not with her genetics like we all have. They are based on the genetics of the darkened woman who has captured the city. She is evil and full of hate. She has been tortured by humans here for over a hundred years and become quite psychotic apparently. She attacked with a virus. Most of the people in the city were killed. Only those few who agreed to serve her still live." Aidan leaned against the wall and asked "Ok, so who are the darkened? I thought you guys were top of the technological food chain. She must be good to wipe you out alone."

Fay explained "A darkened is a Lorene who has been outcast. They are marked with the dark hair, humiliated and ostracised for their crimes. This woman was from a city that passed through this area of the universe over a century ago. She was captured by humans and escaped recently." Fay looked up at Aidan and asked "You've seen those alien autopsy movies and stuff haven't you?" Aidan nodded and said "Yeah but that's all fake isn't it?" He thought for a while and added "Actually one of the reason I kept Gem a secret was just in case that kind of thing was done to her." Fay nodded and said "Yes I'm sure they are fake, but the human curiosity they represent is true. Imagine the crude science all those years ago. The darkened queen was tortured for all that time in the most horrible of ways. She must be a real nut case now." "That's understandable." Aidan responded before asking "So I gather she is hell bent on wiping humans out too?" Fay answered "Yes. Humans and the race that turned her into a darkened. Mother was told I am being held captive with three of my unactivated sisters. She is being forced to follow the queen's orders, but it seems she is withholding a fair bit of info."

Aidan asked sarcastically "You mean your mother is being forced like the dead woman on the floor here?" The Lorene girls all nodded. Kitty especially looked rather guilty now and muttered "Maybe I was a little rash. Sorry." Aidan took a deep breath and said "Just to be clear, this darkened bitch has your mother prisoner, took over your city killing a lot of them, wants you caught and basically everyone including humans killed." "That about sums it up." Fay replied. Aidan shook his head already knowing the answer to his next question. "They will keep coming for you won't they?" he asked. The room was silent until Monica finally said "We believe so. Next time she will send more."

Gem returned and placed a hand on Aidan's shoulder. She leaned against him looking teary and said "We have put you in danger. We will be gone first thing tomorrow morning. We have unwittingly become a threat to you and Emma. It was not our intention and we are sorry. The decision is made." Fay approached and stood before him as well saying "Yep, we screwed up royally sorry. To be fair though we had no idea the city would be attacked. We'll bury the bodies, clean up our mess and be gone be gone after our last breakfast together."

Aidan turned to Gem and said "Just let me think on it ok. Maybe we can come up with something. Even if we have to find some help. Just promise me you won't disappear without letting me think or at least say our goodbyes ok." Gem smiled and said "I promise. I still have things to do, especially if these bodies might carry this virus weapon. Also we have wounds to finish healing. We will be here for our goodbye breakfast."

Aidan returned to his room to think. He didn't want them to go, but he had Emma to worry about. We wondered what it would be like without Gem and the others being there any more. They were all a family. He didn't want to accept it, but he had to. Emma seemed cheerful when he entered the room and flopped on the bed beside her. "Is everything ok?" he asked her. Emma replied "Doc says all is wonderful. Nothing to worry about. Just a bruised hip. So what's going on?"

Aidan was surprised how quick Emma seemed to recover from the shock of stabbing another person. He explained the situation as far as he understood it. Emma's opinion differed to his. "They aren't going." she said adamantly. "That's all there is to it. Whatever comes we face it together. If the queen attacks the Earth with her Lorene tech and kills us all anyway, it's no difference to dying with them at our side. If they surrender than the Earth probably still dies. There is no benefit to us for them to leave." That was true, but it got Aidan thinking. "Oh no." Aidan and Emma said together as they both worked out the only option left to the girls. They guessed the plan the Lorene girls hadn't mentioned.

Aidan jumped from the bed and ran out to find the house empty. He looked out the door and saw the girls were carrying the bodies into the bushland. He breathed a sigh of relief but noticed Fay wasn't with them. He walked around the house and finally checked the shed. He found Fay tucking two daggers into her belt and carrying a shopping bag full of food, mostly deserts. He confronted her and accused "You're going aren't you?" Fay leaned against the side of the old fishing ute and replied "It's me she wants. All this is my fault. My responsibility. I'm going to rescue mother and kill the queen. I don't need the others getting in my way." Aidan shook his head and said "It is not your fault Fay. You are just a victim. It's all of our responsibility. All our lives are in danger." Fay wasn't going to listen as she argued "It is my fault. How would I feel if something happened to you guys?" Aidan shoved her pushing her harder than he had meant to knocking her off her feet. She fell on her splinted appendage and cried out in pain. She snarled at him "It hasn't fully healed yet you stupid bastard." Aidan looked fierce as he growled "Shut your face and listen Fay. We all go together or not at all. Think of it logically. If you fail we will all go anyway, only without your special gifts. You're the one who rescued three sisters. You're the smart one. You tell me the odds. Is it better odds to go on your own or better to go with the rest of us to back you up? We are a family Fay. We need you. If we fail everybody dies. You have to go with what offers the best chance of success." Fay sat and tried to think of a comeback. Emma suddenly approached from the shed doorway and held out a hand to help Fay up saying "Yep. I'm sure we can find room for your mother if she wants to come back too." Fay got to her feet and glared at Aidan saying "Well I probably have to get Gem to check my injury repair again now anyway." As she stormed from the shed she turned and asked Aidan in a gentler tone "Am I really the smart one? Do you really need me?" Aidan smiled and replied sarcastically "Maybe smart was the wrong word. You do have resources the rest of us don't have though." Fay poked her tongue out and began to walk away again hiding a huge grin.

Emma put her arm around Aidan and said "So we're going to outer space aren't we? Cool." Aidan nodded and replied "Only if you really want. It might be too dangerous. I can't say I fancy our chances but the Earth dies if we don't try." He didn't want Emma to come, but he knew she would get her way in the end so there was no point arguing. She turned to him and said casually "By the way, I'm pregnant." Aidan was stunned and didn't know what to say. That was the last thing he expected to hear at the moment. Eventually he asked "Is that a good thing? We weren't planning on that were we? I mean it's great news, but only if it's what you wanted." Emma smiled and said "Not planned, but I am very happy about it. Now it's already growing inside me I decided I'm all for it." Aidan hugged her tight saying "I'm very happy too. I love you so much Emma." He was truly happy, but now they were planning on risking there lives. He made a plan to ask for Gem's help.

When they all gathered in the lounge room again for a late lunch Emma told the others her news excitedly. Gem already knew, but was glad she no longer had to keep it secret. Once all the excitement died down Aidan suggested the first stage of his plan. Time was short. Once the queen learned her team had failed the next attack would come. He wanted to rescue their mother first so she could use her knowledge of the city and the Lorene to help figure out a way to take out the darkened Queen. Perhaps she knew others that would help. They might have known a lot, but nobody had Ellan's experience. This would just be a simple snatch and grab rescue mission. Not an all out assault. They needed Ellan to advise and make decisions on behalf of her people before seeking outside help from the government.

To his surprise there were no serious objections. Gem begged Aidan to stay, but he insisted on coming along and doing what he could. She understood and accepted his choice eventually. Gem explained that she had found traces of an anti-virus in the dead Lorene woman and replicated a small amount in each of their necks with her kit.

After that they all went and grabbed their weapons and armour of choice from the stockpile in the shed. It was much bigger now after looting their four visitors. Fay kept her twin daggers. Aidan grabbed the machete he liked and hooked it onto his belt with a knife as a backup. Emma, Gem and Angel chose a sword and a knife, while Monica grabbed a short sword and her whip. Kitty grabbed a large knife and the razor glove she was so fond of. Aidan asked her why she insisted on the cat ears as well and she replied coyly "They were a gift from you. The first gift anybody ever gave me. Besides they distract enemy. In that split second they are distracted, I can attack." Aidan wasn't going to argue. He suggested that flash bulbs installed might help as well. He was more concerned with Angel and Monica insisting on wearing their cumbersome wings. They simply replied they always trained with them and were used to balancing and moving with them. It was a weak excuse he thought, but hopefully they would be in and out quickly so it might not matter. If they were in the way they could always slip them off. It occurred to him that they weren't appreciating the full gravity of the situation. They were like a group of children playing dress-ups.

They all equipped their white Lorene scout armour which had taken a good amount of modification for Aidan who only wore the top half. Even Emma looked to be having a little trouble breathing in hers. The girls with wings had needed to cut large sections from the back of theirs. When Aidan had inspected a blaster Gem recommended against it saying "They are a little slow to fire, and the damage is often not fatal. They are for knocking down an enemy. They hit like a very hard punch, nothing more. That is why guards carry traditional swords." Aidan test fired against a tree. It took half a second to fire and all it did was blow chips of bark from the tree. It sounded like a whip crack so it wasn't even silent. A Lorene would have been on him by the time it fired. He decided it wasn't as impressive as a laser gun or ray gun from the movies. He was disappointed and decided to leave it. He really wished he had some kind of a human gun now. Perhaps Fay could help organise one when they got back. For all the technology the Lorene had, they certainly didn't have a great deal in the way of security or weaponry. Gem explained they had little to fear in space. The guards of the city defence were not even trained soldiers. They were mostly citizens taking mandatory turn to maintain peace.

Gem looked like she was hiding something and wasn't sure if she should tell him. It looked like it was bothering her. Aidan asked her "What's wrong Gem? You look like something is bugging you." Gem replied "I am sorry. I tampered with your vaccine too. It has a little of our genetics. It will take days to work but now you can live as long as Emma will. We were going to ask you to do it, but I chose for you because we are heading to a possible battle. Also I was afraid you might refuse." Aidan didn't look impressed. He stood silent for a while and said "You should have asked. I probably would refuse. I don't know. No point worrying about it now. It is already done and it probably was a good idea. I guess I should thank you Gem. I know you only did it out of care." He gave her a friendly kiss on the cheek before leaving.

Gem smiled and placed her hand on her cheek. She felt like she was floating on a cloud. Her knees felt weak. Her mind was mess. She knew he loved Emma and it was just a friendly peck on the cheek, but she felt it through her entire body. She slapped herself across the face. She had to resist these thoughts, but it was getting hard. She focused on the mission and went to join the others.

They all crowded together in the front of the house for a photo as Fay called for the scout craft. It was going to be crowded, but it was only a few hours each way and one ship would attract less attention. Emma started looking drowsy and began yawning. Aidan caught her as she collapsed and carried her inside. He placed her on the bed with the apology note he had prepared.

Fay asked Gem "What's wrong with Emma?" Gem replied "It might get rough. We can not risk the baby. Aidan's child must stay safe, so Emma must be safe. I gave her a sedative as well as the vaccine. Aidan's idea." Fay shrugged saying "It shouldn't matter. If we fail, everybody dies anyway." Gem replied stubbornly "It is Aidan's child. Any injury to the mother might endanger it. Emma must stay safe." Fay scratched her head and asked "Why didn't you put Aidan to sleep too? No offence, but he's only a human." Gem looked torn as she replied "I do not know. I just can not leave him behind. He is part of me. He insists on coming anyway. I have always tried to make him achieve his desires no matter what it cost me. I will protect him with my life."

Chapter 9

It took almost three hours to reach the city. Aidan was amazed when it came into view. It was the size of a small town, but the buildings were tall and interconnected with walkways. The ones in the centre were up to ten stories tall. They were all a clean white in appearance with fine carvings and arches. They even had gardens and trees scattered around. It was beautiful. Below the city were the landing platforms. One half of the area had layers of platforms holding hundreds of pods, four dozen or so scout craft and a few other larger vessels. For the first time in his life Aidan actually saw a mecha. Two rows of six mecha standing twice the height of his house stood on the middle platform.

The other half of the landing layers held a single large ship shaped like a giant beetle. Below the landing platforms was a complex of large shapes as large as the city above. Gem pointed things out for him explaining "That is the city. A shield keeps the air in. Below are the landing platforms. The huge vessel is the harvester hub. The weirdly shaped things below that are the resource storage silos." Aidan had never seen such an incredible sight. "It's amazing." Aidan said "I never thought I would see a real mecha." Gem was happy to see him so full of wonder as she explained "They are guardian mecha for close range defence. They rarely get used. No other races that travel space are advanced enough to pose a threat. They only exist in case we discover one. Sometimes the they assist the three exploration vessels or help with maintenance." Gem pointed out three long vessels as long as a football field before adding "Those long ones are the exploration craft for long range. Scout craft like this do most of the work for the Lorene. They usually have a two or four man crew. That is why we are so cramped in this one." Aidan queried how do you know so much about the city and ships if you never lived here?" Gem smiled saying "We were designed as scouts and pilots. Our modules hold a lot about Lorene technology. Fay has been adding from her collection of data as well."

Fay commented "It's odd there's no other traffic. I can't see many people on the security cameras I hacked either. What do you think it means?" They all shrugged. Kitty said "It doesn't matter. We just have to get mother, then the city can go to hell." Aidan asked don't you girls feel homesick." Monica answered "Your home is the only one we have ever known." Gem nodded saying "Yes, I was only in the city for minutes after activation. You and Emma are my home." Fay decided to add her opinion and said "The city is a pretty place, but it's boring as all hell. We all want to stay with Gem on Earth. It's beautiful and it's more fun. Plus you treat us like real people."

As they came in to land they saw four guards approach and point blasters at the hatch. Fay turned and warned "Four guards ready to shoot. We have to hit the ground running. Stand clear of the hatch and hold on tight until I say. I have to try something unexpected. Ready?" They all looked at each other as they prepared their weapons. "Ready." Gem called. The hatch was only half way open when the blasters fired. There was no talking their way through this situation. The fighting had started. Fay quickly spun the craft a hundred and eighty degrees on the spot. "Go now." she yelled. Kitty dived for the hatch with Gem at her side. They dissappeared to each end of the craft. Angel and Monica ran out and jumped up to land on top of their craft. Aidan covered the hatch with Fay at his side. Everything was quiet. "Gem says all clear." Fay said after receiving the interface message. "Lets go." she ordered. As they left the craft and walked around to the others Aidan was surprised to see the others standing over four bloody bodies. Fay looked disappointed as she whined "You didn't leave me one." Gem replied "You are probably still healing. Besides they weren't well trained. Just normal Lorene. Not even a challenge. Why are there only four?" Fay shrugged and suggested maybe everyone's a prisoner or something. Maybe they're dead. There should still be more. We need to hide these bodies." Aidan found their casual attitude to killing disturbing and asked "Did you have to kill them?" Monica replied "We can't take chances or waste time talking. Billions of lives are at stake on Earth." Kitty added "We can't take any slight chances. Even if the city has to be destroyed, the price is worth it."

After hiding the bodies Gem lead the way to the lab with Kitty. It wasn't far thankfully. They guessed Ellan was there when they saw the two guards at the door. Gem and Kitty pounced forward as soon as they rounded the corridor. The guards didn't have a chance with the speed at which the girls launched themselves. Gem's opponent fell with a sword through his belly and Kitty's had her claws pressed into the side of his throat. They tried the door but it wouldn't open. Fay closed her eyes for a moment and said "She was locked in. Opening now."

As the door opened Fay darted through first. She was jabbering in Lorene when Aidan entered and saw her hugging Ellan. Ellan looked just as pleased to see her daughters. She was weeping with joy. They were all talking excitedly so Aidan decided to look around and saw a line of five more darkened hovering in large horizontal tubes over benches. They were dark haired like two of the ones that attacked them on Earth. They were wearing a white suit like Gem had worn when he first found her. It looked like they were asleep.

Gem dragged her mother over and introduced Aidan to her. She bowed politely before looking him up and down saying something in Lorene. Gem said "Aidan this is our mother. Chief engineer Ellan Elore. She has never seen a human before. She told us that the darkened queen made her create new biods. This is the second batch. She was told Fay and the others were being held prisoner. She had no choice and hoped we could use our abilities to escape somehow." Ellan reached up and touched his sandy brown hair curiously. Aidan turned to Gem and said "I think introductions can wait until we get home." Gem nodded and pointed to the darkened in the replicators. With a quick verbal command from Ellan they fell to the benches below them. "They are dead now." Gem explained. Fay looked up after a short conversation with Ellan and said "We have to go now. Most of the city's has been killed. The rest obey the bitch queen. She wears a prototype blaster shield and keeps three new darkened biods with her at all times. We can't fight thousands of them. Escape to Earth and make a plan like you said is still the best choice. She wants to destroy every last human, so we have to warn them and seek help." "That was the plan. So let's go." Aidan said. As he turned to leave another man appeared in the doorway looking bewildered. He looked surprised and wasn't expecting someone to be here. He was caught off guard. As he reached for his weapon Aidan slashed into his neck with the machete. "Nice work." Fay commented. Aidan didn't respond immediately. He had never killed someone before. It was just a reaction to preserve them all that made him strike. Now he knew how Emma felt being forced to harm another.

As they were about to leave Ellan said something urgently to Fay and pulled her back. She was pointing at her gold necklace with a red gem hanging from it. Fay swore and said "Mother has a security device. It's a tracker and if she removes it we all vaporise." Fay looked closely at it and reported "It's tamper proof and hack sensitive. Might take some time." This time it was Aidan's turn to swear. He dragged the bodies from the corridor into the lab and Kitty shut the door. Gem looked at the device and pulled one the bodies from a replicator ordering Ellan to lay on it. She began to float as a tube extended down along her body. Together Gem and Fay looked at the scan and suggested ideas while the others guarded the door. It was an hour that felt like days before Gem ordered them all to leave the lab and head down the corridor. Monica and Kitty checked the corridor and ushered them all to follow. Fay and Gem remained. Before he left Aidan asked Gem "Are you sure about this? I don't want anything to happen to you." Gem hugged him saying "The chances are in our favour. Go with the others. I will catch up soon." Aidan sounded worried as he said "Just promise you'll be careful ok. You know we'd miss having our Gem around." Then he jogged away to catch up with the others.

After a few minutes the door opened. Fay approached at her fastest sprint yelling "Run." A second later Gem appeared dragging Ellan behind her. A blinding white light suddenly filled the hallway. Everybody was blinded and disorientated. Their heads felt like they were being crushed. When he could finally see again Aidan was relieved to see everybody was ok. Gem explained "We replicated some of mothers body around the sensors. It did not last long but delayed detonation. All organic matter in the lab is now gone." Aidan hugged Gem and smiled saying "I'm just glad you're ok. Emma would kill me if anything happened to you."

Carefully they headed back the way they had come. A door opened behind them and a woman's head stuck out. Monica flicked the whip around her neck and pulled it hard. The woman was dragged off her feet and slid to Monica. She pulled her knife ready to thrust it but did nothing. The woman was unconscious so she left her alone. There was no sense in needless killing. They would be gone by the time she came to. A group of four more guards wearing armour came from in front of them drawing weapons. Gem and Kitty pounced while Angel leaped over Aidan's head and knocked two more flying. Monica and Fay piled into the Melee finishing them off quickly. They made it back to the landing platforms without any other encounters to their astonishment.

Eight guards in scout armour surrounded Fay's craft. "Let's steal another ride." Aidan suggested. Fay nodded and focussed for a moment to scan vessels. Then an idea came to her. She turned to Aidan and whispered "Wanna see a mecha in action?" Aidan grinned and asked "You can do that?" Fay nodded. "Only for a short while. If they notice in the control room, they'll shut it down." Fay closed her eyes and concentrated. A few moments later a mecha rose over the edge of the platform and landed at a run. The huge machine drew it's sword and cut the first two guards in half. As it rose to swing again it froze still. "Damn it." Fay cursed "They were quicker than I planned. I wanted to take him home with me." Gem scolded "We should have just stolen another ship." Then Gem was gone. All the generation three biod sisters charged the remaining guards. Aidan ran to join the battle. A man was taking aim at Kitty with a blaster while she wrestled two guards. Aidan chopped his forearm severing it. "Thanks." Kitty said throwing one of her opponents behind her. "These guys have some training at least, but we are stronger and faster." The man whose arm Aidan had severed was screaming in pain. Aidan stopped the screams with another slash. Fay jumped onto the back of one of the guards that had been wrestling Kitty and stabbed him in the neck while Kitty finished of the other one with her glove under his ribs. Gem decapitated her opponent after only a short exchange of sword strokes. Angel snapped the neck of her opponent with an uppercut from a wing after slicing open his belly and Monica stabbed her opponent after using the whip to disarm him. In just seconds it was over. Ellan looked stunned and asked Aidan something in Lorene. Gem chuckled and said "She wants to know what you have been teaching us." Aidan shook his head at Ellan saying "Nothing. I thought you programed them." Fay grabbed Ellan's hand and dragged her on board the scout craft.

They all crammed inside and closed the hatch. "Mission successful." Fay boasted as she prepared to Launch. Aidan heard Ellen chattering excitedly. It sounded urgent. She said something in Lorene he couldn't understand. She was looking at the scanner display of the scout ship. Her finger was pointing at a large dot near the edge, but Aidan had no idea what it meant. Fay swore when she looked at it and explained "Oh crap. They launched the harvester hub vessel. It's headed toward Earth. This must be how she was going to kill every human. We are too late. No point going home now." Gem explained. "The harvester hub holds many smaller harvesters. They will chew up the Earth's surface. It will be recycled and compressed. Organics, minerals, gasses, anything it is told to collect. I am guessing she has ordered it to gather everything for her revenge. If any humans survive, they will die soon enough. The ecosystem will fail. Everything will die."

Aidan asked desperately "How do we stop it? Can Fay hack it? Emma's still down there." Fay looked up at him saying "Not from here. I can't even reach it's command unit." She jumped up and said "Maybe if we get to the city's control centre we can get direct access." Ellan said something which Gem translated as "Mother says there is no point escaping to Earth now. We should try the control centre." Aidan already knew that but was glad they were all on the same page. He raced to the hatch as soon as it started opening again. A thought came to him and he asked "Don't you guys have missiles or something?" Fay shook her head saying "Why? Nobody attacks a city." Aidan looked at her scornfully and said "Except for this darkened bitch right?" Fay began to follow adding "Well nobody NORMALLY attacks a city. I'm not saying it's councillors are the wisest or most prepared. This might teach them to be a little less arrogant."

Aidan was getting more desperate as he asked Fay "Can't you shoot it? Outrun it? Head it off? Send Mecha?" Fay shook her head saying "Lorene are basically peaceful people. There are no long range weapons. I can't remote control that far. A manned craft would kill the pilot at the speed required to catch up. If I can reach the control centre maybe I can hack it or slam other remote craft into it." Aidan ran to the hatch stating "Looks like we only have one choice. The command centre." Gem was already by his side ready to go.

Hurriedly they made their way to the city control centre just above the landing platforms. It was a lot further than the lab. Gem, Kitty and Monica took the lead quickly dispatching anyone who tried to block their path. Angel and Fay took the rear behind Aidan and Ellan. When they got to the main control centre Fay quickly sat in front of the controls. She quickly realised that it wouldn't respond. One of the main components was missing causing the harvester to ignore any commands. Frustrated she began trying to find a way around. "What's wrong?" Aidan asked. Fay didn't stop her attempts as she replied "Sabotage. Part of the controller is missing. I guess the queen is smarter than the Lorene and took precautions. I can't work around it. Nothing responds to my commands. Not even a single pod."

There was no way to gain control over the harvester hub ship. Fay couldn't hack into it or find any other way to make it respond. A screen above the panel indicated it was already two thirds of the way to the planet Earth. In around an hour it would enter the atmosphere and launch it's fleet of smaller harvesters. Each would begin to gather the resources it required. The worst would be the dozens of craft harvesting organic matter. That would include people.

Aidan suggested that perhaps the air force or a nuclear missile would destroy it, but Fay assured him they wouldn't launch in time, the hub ship would be invisible to detection until it launched the harvester fleet. All harvest vessels had a shield weapon that would defend against attacks. Any missile would have it's circuits fried on approach if it wasn't shot down. The earth aircraft also stood little chance against the mecha that the queen had installed on board according to the cargo manifest. No earth weapons would penetrate the shield enough to cause real damage. They would most likely bounce off the hull or drop when they passed the shield.

Aidan banged his fist on the wall in anger and cursed the conceited attitude of a race with no powerful weapons or missiles. It seemed the only decent weapon they had was this farming tool they called a harvester. He looked around for someone to offer hope and noticed Monica was gone. "When did Monica disappear?" Aidan asked. He soon realised as Fay yelled "No. Someone just launched a mecha transport. It's in over-drive." Fay shook her head in dismay and muttered "It's Monica. She's pushing the ship so hard the shield generator and avoidance scanners can't keep up. Every bit of space dust it hits will pass straight through it. Her body and ship will tear apart before she even gets there."

Aidan demanded angrily "What's she doing? Can her weapons destroy it?" Fay responded with a grim expression on her face "No. I don't think she plans to shoot it anyway. I think she plans on using it's shields as a weapon." Fay pleaded over the coms device for Monica to turn back, but she would not or could not reply. They watched the screen as the gap between the two vessels closed. Fay was frantic as she said "I guess around twenty minutes till she arrives. I have to do something." Her tiny hands were moving over the controls as fast as she could move them, but it was to no avail. Without the missing component it was useless.

Ellan and Gem hugged each other. They knew they were about to loose Monica. Fay switched the view on the display to a camera mounted on the top of the harvester and collapsed in the seat sighing "I'm sorry. There's no way. We can only watch, not control." They all felt helpless as they watched what was probably Monica's final moments. As the hub ship passed the earth's moon, Monica's vessel slowed a short distance behind the harvester. It was tiny in comparison. It launched it's full compliment of six mecha by remote and lined them up single file between the transporter and the harvester. "What's she up to?" Aidan asked Fay. Fay looked puzzled as she answered "I don't know for sure. She maximised their shield power. Her ship's damaged and leaking air fast. It's a miracle it even made it that far. Just a fluke. She should be dead. The mecha can't harm a harvester. The shields will just absorb their shots and destroy them if they approach."

The mecha on the screen began to move toward the huge hub ship firing all their weaponry in a concentrated area as they closed in. As the first two mecha hit the shield, they disintegrated. The other mecha hit the same spot in close succession as Monica followed them from the rear in the huge transport. Ellan couldn't watch. The third mecha disintegrated immediately. The fourth exploded into dust and small segments. The fifth mecha was torn into large pieces, leaving large chunks of debris. The last mecha was severely damaged, but the remains of the torso and stumps where the limbs had been attached floated through the shield. "She's creating a weak point, before it regenerates but it won't be enough." Fay exclaimed as Monica's ship rammed the hub shields. The impact caused a blinding flash of shields clashing. Once the image returned Monica's vessel was through the shield leaving most of it's outer shell trailing behind it. Large chunks of the vessel were now gone and Aidan could clearly see inside the hull in places. The transport craft did not falter from it's path as what remained of it impacted into the top of the hub ship's control centre. The ship crumbled in that area and split most the way down it's spine. It lurched sideways and began to drift.

Aidan was shocked at what he had just seen. "Is there any way she survived?" he asked desperately. Fay shook her head saying "She was dead for sure the moment she passed through the shield, but she was probably dying already." Ellan and the girls were mortified. They had just lost Monica. Fay scanned the area on the instruments and said in a mournful voice. "No pods, no mecha, not even a suit. Nothing. She's definitely gone."

Aidan felt intense anger building up inside him. He had never felt so much. His head felt about to burst and his fists were clenched tight. He was full of energy that had to be released before he exploded. Slamming the wall in anger he growled. "I've had enough of this darkened bitch. She has to die." He sprinted from the room clutching tight to his machete. He had no idea where he was going, but the biggest building in the middle of the city seemed logical. Gem and the others chased after him. Gem was calling out something, but he was in too much of a rage to understand her words. Nothing was going to stop him. A guard stepped out to block him in the corridor, but he didn't even slow down. He lowered his shoulder and sent the man flying, totally ignoring the sword that was about to swing at him. Kitty slashed the guard's throat as they passed.

As he approached the crowded courtyard in front of the main council building, Aidan leapt from the top stair and kept charging. It took a wall of Lorene and biods to hold him in the courtyard before the council chamber. Most were not guards, but they all blocked him reaching the queen. That made them enemies. He was punched and kicked repeatedly, but he didn't feel it. He slashed at them, bit them and hit or shoved when he could. He was berserk. Gem was thankful there wasn't enough room to swing a sword or fire a blaster as she dived into the melee with Kitty. When a pair of guards knelt ready to fire when the chance arose, Angel glided from the top of the stairs knocking them sideways and speared them with her sword before they could regain their footing. Fay pulled out her daggers and joined Angel patrolling the perimeter while Kitty, Gem and Aidan were fighting recklessly with no concern for their safety. Unsure what she could do Ellan picked up a sword and a blaster from a fallen guard to watch their rear. She was in a state of disbelief as she watched her daughters mutilate their opponents. This was an image she thought she would never see. They were like animals driven by rage and inspired by Aidan's wild charge.

Though they had been outnumbered ten to one, a third generation biod was still faster and stronger than a regular Lorene or even a generation two biod. Soon the courtyard was fall of bleeding bodies. Only a few were left moaning on the ground, no longer able to stand. Aidan was barely able to stand himself. He was covered in blood from the beating he had taken. He was limping badly. Every part of his body was swollen, scratched, scraped or cut. He couldn't even feel his arms or left leg any more. Gem supported him as he looked about to collapse. Fay was scraped and scratched, but seemed in good shape. Kitty and Gem bore scratches and bruises, but nothing to be concerned over. Angel came back to the group bleeding from a minor stab wound in the side. One of her wings hung limp. She was in a great deal of pain but swore it was nothing. Ellan checked the wound and told her to keep pressure on it. She removed angels wings and tied her control arms together with a sash from a nearby body. It was broken. "She'll be ok." Ellan reported to quell their concerns.

Aidan broke free of Gem and smiled at her saying. "I'm ok. Thanks for the help but you shouldn't have followed. You all stay here and guard the entrance. Let me do this." "No." Gem argued "You are hurt. Let Kitty and I go. We have a much better chance." Kitty nodded saying "Yes, leave it to the Elore sisters. You guard the rest." Fay wrapped her arms around Aidan's waist and stated "You aren't going anywhere. I won't let you." He was too weak to fight Fay and let himself slump down to the ground.

Naele had three of her new biods with her. Two were wingless males and one was a female with razor sharp wings that looked like a venetian of thin metal strips. The darkened queen clapped as Gem and Kitty entered the room. "Well done girls." She congratulated them. "So you must be the ones that killed my sons on Earth. Naughty girls. We will just have to rip you apart slowly for that. It will hurt a great deal I'm afraid. Meet the new generations threes. They are even more enhanced than you. You have no chance." Kitty grinned wickedly and said "Well your sons were crap. They went down dead easy."

The three darkened biods grinned menacingly as they approached while the Naele lined up her shot at Kitty's head. The female darkened biod suddenly spun with amazing speed. Kitty and Gem sprang backward. Kitty was bleeding from a shallow cut on her belly and Gem felt blood trickle from her upper arm. Before they could react the two males were upon them. As they wrestled they found the males were stronger, but the girls were fighting with heart. It still wasn't enough for long. Soon Kitty was pinned and the one on top of Gem had just held her down so the female darkened biod could spear her with a wing tip. Gem struggled at the last moment, but it still pierced through her shoulder. A pair of blaster shots cracked over their heads as the man on top of Kitty and the female darkened biod fell to the ground. Angel and Ellan were firing from the corridor while they were all distracted. A bullet whistled past Kitty's ear as she finished off the one who had pinned her down and pounced to help Gem. Landing on the other male biod's back she dragged her razor claws across his throat. Kitty helped Gem carefully to her feet. As the female biod tried to stand she fell to a dagger in the throat thrown by Fay. Naele had backed up against a pillar for cover from the blasters. She was switching targets regularly between Gem and Kitty. Both of them were looking very weakened. She called out "You girls are fast, but not faster than a bullet, especially in the condition you are in now. Drop those blasters and I will disappear. Nobody else needs to die. Take the city." Ellan aimed her blaster level with the hidden Naele's head saying "No, you will kill us anyway. Drop your weapon and we wont kill you." Naele grinned and replied "Well I got my revenge on the Lorene I guess. That will have to suffice. I will surrender." Naele was glad she was wearing the blaster shield on her belt and hoped it worked. Deciding that Gem was the most convenient target, Naele kept the rifle pointed at her as she slowly feigned lowering the rifle.

Just as the rifle shot rang out, and the blasters cracked the air Gem had felt herself suddenly thrown through the air. Something large impacted into her. She landed roughly against the wall and crumpled to the ground. Kitty took the opportunity to strike before the darkened queen could line up another shot. She pounced with all her speed digging her razors into the arm supporting the rifle and her dagger thrust up under Naele's chest armour. The darkened dropped to the ground as Kitty grinned in her face saying "Suck it bitch queen." Naele tried to murmur something, but made only a gurgling sound as her lungs and mouth filled with blood.

When Gem got to her hands and knees she looked back to where Aidan had slammed into her. He now lay there unmoving. There was blood pooling underneath his head from the bullet wound. Gem screamed in horror and raced to his side. He was motionless. She burst into tears screaming "No." Fay entered the room with Ellan and Angel close behind. "I'm sorry, he slipped away from me when I saw one of the wounded guards reaching for a blaster." Fay confessed. Gem looked pleadingly to Ellan who had knelt beside her to check the body. There was no pulse. Aidan was dead. "Can you fix him? Please fix him." Gem pleaded. Ellan shook her head sadly saying "I'm sorry. He's gone. There is nothing we can do now. It passed through his brain." Gem wouldn't accept that. She yelled at Aidan to wake up and shook him vigorously. It was useless. Gem wept heavily in her despair. Looking back at Ellan between tears she ordered. "Put him in a replicator. Give him an interface. Give him mine. I do not want to exist without him." Ellan held her daughter tight and explained "It will not work. He is dead. His memories are gone now. They have dissipated. Gone. The person who he was is no more and can not ever come back."

Gem wasn't listening. She struggled to lift the lifeless body in her arms and staggered to the door ignoring the blood pouring from her shoulder. Ellan called after her "Gem, you can not bring him back. There is too much damage. Even if we could somehow manage to install an interface, his mind will be blank. He would not be the Aidan you knew." Angel and Kitty followed Gem as she walked away. They kept a few paces behind and would not interfere. They just wanted to make sure she did nothing to harm herself or collapse from blood loss.

Fay asked Ellan, "Is there really no chance to revive him? Maybe turn him into a biod or something?" Ellan shook her head saying "None. He is human for a start. If I repair the body, modify the genetics and install an interface, he will still not be Aidan. Aidan is gone."

A Lorene woman entered the with a man at her side. Seeing the body of the darkened they fell to their knees thanking and praising them all. Ellan looked at the two. They were pathetic. Ellan said "You are all cowards. She controlled you all with fear. None off you banded together to rebel. Now even more of us are dead." Ellan slumped to the floor admitting "I guess I am no better. I feared for my daughters. Now I have lost one. Another is in great pain. The Lorene people need to change."

Chapter 10

Gem barely left the lab for weeks. She was learning and testing all the information she could transfer from Fay and the hub in the lab. Eventually she had to accept that Aidan was gone. The body could not be bought back to life. There were no memories to revive. They were all gone. Everything that made Aidan who he was no longer existed. There was nothing that could be done now that his brain no longer held anything. Gem had repaired the body and modified his genetics further to accept the repairs but she needed help with the interface. With all the modifications to repair the wound and be compatible with a Lorene interface his genetics was barely human now. Gem realised that what she was working on just wasn't Aidan any more. Ellan dropped in regularly over the weeks. It broke her heart to see the pain her daughter was in. Ellan decided that perhaps there was one little thing she could do to ease both Gem and Emma's pain. It would go against the laws of nature and be unethical, but she had to do something. She restored her interface design to the lab's computer hub and began work on modifications.

Now the queen was dead many of those that had chosen to follow the darkened to save their lives rejoiced. Order was returned to the city. A new council was elected, of which Ellan as one of their saviours was offered the role of head councillor. She said she would think about it. She felt no pride in the Lorene at the moment, or herself for that matter. They had all sacrificed their honour to save themselves. She wasn't sure if that was right or wrong. So many others died holding onto their beliefs. Of the twenty five thousand odd people that once populated the city, there were under nine thousand now.

Fay had returned to the house to break the news to Emma. She wasn't looking forward to it. Angel and Kitty accompanied her. They had no desire to stay in the city. They only returned for short periods to assist Ellan. It wasn't where they felt at home and held many sad memories now. Ellan had promised to join them later and discuss their plans. There was much to do in the city and plans to advise on when she wasn't busy in the lab with Gem. A new harvester would take years to construct and without it the city was doomed. It seemed they would either perish in space or have to consider seeking asylum on Earth. There was much to discuss and many contingencies to explore.

When Fay had told Emma of how Aidan had died a hero after leading the charge against the darkened queen and jumping in front of a bullet meant for Gem, she went into shock. She was in a trance for the following week and barely left the bed she had shared with Aidan. Eventually Kitty and Angel claimed they couldn't tolerate her smell any more and dragged her into the shower. Fay stripped the sheets from bed and aired out the room while she had the chance. They sat her in the kitchen and forced her to eat. Eventually she started to rejoin the real world for short periods, and began asking where Gem was. None of the girls knew when Gem would return or even if she ever would. They did know however that Emma wasn't the only one unable to cope with her grief. Kitty made two grave sites along the northern fence with simple wooden markers. Angel bought her small boxes with memories of Aidan and their fallen sister. They buried them and held a small simple ceremony after dragging a reluctant Emma to join them.

It was six weeks before Gem returned to the house. She had landed in the front of the house and was now standing at the two graves along the northern fence line. It was a beautiful spot near the trees with a view of the beach. She knew Aidan would have loved this spot. She knew both graves were empty and only held mementos as per tradition, but it was still a place to respect their memories. She would return Aidan's body to here shortly so that it could return to nature. Hopefully they might find Monica's remains when they started searching the ruins of the harvester for salvageable parts and smaller harvesters to reclaim.

After Emma had seen the scout craft land, she found Gem standing at the graves deep in reflection. When she joined her all Gem could say was "Sorry. I couldn't save him. He died protecting me." The two hugged each other tightly, both in tears. They both understood the loss the other felt. After the tears ran dry Gem spoke. "I tried. I tried so hard. I could not bring him back." Emma smiled at her saying "I know. I can't let go either. I don't think I ever will. It took years to find him, and he was gone so quick. He was the only one for me."

Gem clasped Emma's hands in hers and looked deeply into her eyes saying "I want to give you something for helping take care of me. For teaching me. If you don't want it, I will understand, but please know I offer this purely with love." Emma was perplexed as Gem let out a whistle.

As a figure emerged from the scout craft Gem held Emma's hands tighter saying "I know I can not get Aidan back, but it would be nice to have a reminder of him. Someone to help with the baby. Please understand this is not Aidan. He is a biod I called Aidan2. He can never be the same, but I am hoping that a similar personality will develop. He is an exact duplicate. He will have Aidan's brain patterns and chemistry, but not his memories or history. His only memories are the ones I transferred to him. A view from my perspective, and some of Fay's. He has much to learn."

Emma was speechless as Aidan2 came into view. Logically she understood this was a clone, not her Aidan, but the look on his face and walk were Aidan's. To her it was him. She started to run towards him, but stopped short after a few steps. This couldn't be Aidan she realised. This was an imposter. She was confused. Something about it felt wrong. Why was Gem torturing her like this? Gem placed a hand on her shoulder and said "I find him easier to accept if I think of him as Aidan with amnesia. Aidan would want us to replace him. He would not want you to be alone or without love. This is as way of moving on but still honouring him. He was very eager to meet you. He seems to have Aidan's same tastes."

As Aidan2 stopped a few steps in front of her Emma inspected him. It had to be her Aidan. Even the way his mouth lifted a little on one side as he smiled. It just had to be him. He held out his hand saying "Hi Emma. Nice to finally meet you. I am sorry for your loss." Emma couldn't hold back any longer. She dove on Aidan2 hugging him with tears of joy. What Gem had said made sense. Aidan wasn't gone. He had just been away for a while and returned with amnesia. She would care for him and remind him again of their love. That was what she needed to believe.

Aidan2 gently backed away from her looking concerned and said "Emma, I am not the Aidan you knew sorry. I wish I was. He was a very lucky man. I am only a copy, but I do find you incredibly attractive and I would love to know you better. My only memories are through the eyes of the other biods. I am sorry, but that's all I am. I wish I was the man you loved. Nothing could make me happier. I just don't want to take advantage or mislead you, but I do hope I can be your friend. Perhaps you will grow to feel a little of the same about me in time. I really hope so anyway."

Emma looked into his eyes. She saw the deep genuine concern. She smiled and said "That's just what he would have said about taking advantage and things. Not misleading me. Maybe you are more like him than you realise. I do understand you are not Aidan. He died six weeks ago. But in my mind I see you both as one. I would at least like to learn more." Aidan reached for her hand looking happy and relieved. He replied "As long as we understand. There is no deception. Perhaps we can we go for a walk and chat some more? Maybe just a slow start." "Taking things slow sounds good." Emma said as she squeezed his hand. She quickly added "Oh you know I'm pregnant right?" Aidan2 grinned stating "That's just a bonus. Besides the baby and I already share genetics, so we are already family. I'm not sure what title it is, but we are relatives."

Looking over Aidan2's shoulder, Emma noticed the other girls running towards them all excited. Emma thought of something. Turning to Gem she said "Thank you Gem, but what about you. I know you loved him too. Why didn't you just keep him for yourself this time? Why did you put me first again? It isn't fair on you." Gem grinned and winked. She let out another loud whistle and another figure emerged from the hatch. It was another Aidan. He walked over to Gem and kissed her passionately before standing beside her with his arm lovingly placed around her waist. "Meet Aidan3. I hope you do not object." Gem said before leaning towards her and whispering "This one has no memories of you sorry. He really loves me." Emma nodded with approval.

As the other girls surrounded them with a million questions it was Kitty who spoke out first. "Hey this isn't fair. Where's mine? Make me one as fast and agile as me so he can keep up." Angel was the next to interject with "It would have been nice to at least offer. I would love a partner. I might have requested some drastic changes though." They all laughed and turned expectedly towards Fay who said "No way, I don't need some pervy childish male hanging around yelling at me and trying to tell me what to do." Fay thought for a moment remembering the times Aidan had mussed her hair after scolding her, tried to teach her things, or simply just cared for her. She added in a murmur "But if you're going to make a batch anyway, I suppose...." They all burst into laughter as they started to walk back to the little house overlooking the beach.

Gem paused for a moment thinking on what 'drastic changes' Angel was referring to. She was certain Angel and Aidan got on well. Perhaps she wanted a winged version or maybe she just had different taste in a partner. She shrugged and let Aidan3 lead her away by the arm. She had no intention of making any more biods anyway. She had no desire to ever return to the city.

Ellan entered the council chamber with Fay, Kitty and Angel flanking her sides. She was ready to deliver her decision. She couldn't look at her own people the same way any more. The pride seemed to be gone. She addressed the members gathered in the chamber hoping for leadership with "I have made my decision. I will agree to lead the council for the next month giving you time to choose a worthy successor. I will initiate programs for you to follow. During that time I will expect all available engineers working on retrieval and repair of the crashed harvester hub and retrieval of the smaller ones on board. If it is beyond salvage as we suspect, we will construct two new smaller ones. I also intend to initiate a program to increase city defences. We were lax within our arrogance as an unchallenged race. As a result a single darkened was able to infiltrate and decimate our city. She then intended on using it to destroy life on Earth. We must admit we are vulnerable and failed to appreciate the responsibility of the city also being a potential weapon. This can never happen again." The councillors murmured seeming happy that someone was going to take charge. A few were even clapping softly.

Ellan wasn't finished though and added "Further more, I will begin a program of modification to all generation two biods. They will be acknowledged as living beings. To ignore their potential for life is gross negligence. Only those with something to hide should fear their freedom. They will be full Lorene citizens and have the rights they deserve as such." Her audience seemed less impressed now and looked ready to reject her idea. One man stood up saying "Councillor Ellan. The biods are not living beings and we will need them for your plans." Ellan replied "The generation three biods I created are living beings. The others hold the potential. Their brains are on the verge of life and just need an upgrade to activate. I can easily prove it if you are willing to inspect them. The new interface initiates life to start in the replicated bodies. It is not as complicated as it seems. I will be upgrading the generation twos with the help of my daughters. They will all be given freedom. If you desire their assistance, I suggest you treat them well. They will be full Lorene, not slaves."

Kitty growled as another man who looked ready to challenge Ellan began to stand. He instantly sat back down. Everyone was silent. They needed strong leadership and their chosen candidate looked intimidating with her personal guards that had just rescued the city and killed dozens. Ellan shook her head in dismay. Was this the new Lorene? A bunch of weak willed people with no backbone. Was this why it was so easy for the darkened woman. As much as she challenged the old ways, they did represent strength. She was confident now as she delivered the rest of her speech. "On a final matter. At the end of my term, I am taking an exploration craft and establishing a relationship with the Earth." One woman yelled out "No. You can not take a such a large ship. We only have three of them." She stood up looking defiant. Ellan admired her conviction, but she was ready for challengers. The woman argued "We have much resources invested in those craft. Also our traditions forbid interaction with races like the humans. They are a threat. Please reconsider." Ellan replied "My daughters have already established a home on Earth and learnt much about the humans. We may need human assistance should resources run out before we can harvest again. Think of my actions as establishing a future option for our people. As for an exploration craft, my daughters have recently saved the city. One was killed as well as a human. I think a craft is a small price to pay in gratitude. I am sure you would not deny you are indebted to them with your lives. As for tradition, we condemn people as darkened. We must admit that is a barbaric act. We treat potentially living beings as slaves. It is time much was changed in our traditions. Those who truly followed our traditions with pride were the first ones that died."

The crowd murmured amongst themselves for a while until eventually a young woman stood and bowed respectfully. She addressed Ellan saying "I am with child. My baby and I would not be alive now had your daughters not saved us. There is nothing I could offer to show the gratitude my husband and I feel. An exploration craft does not even come close. You will need it while you establish these relations securely. Also I am led to believe it was a human that cared for your daughters on Earth and died freeing us all. It seems they are not all the barbarians the darkened made them out to be. Do we have your assurance you will carefully guard our technology from those that could harm us or damage the human way of life?" Ellan nodded and replied "Any shared technology will be carefully monitored. I do not intend to let their infrastructure collapse." The woman smiled and said "You have my full support. Should we be unable to move forward, you are offering an alternate course for our people as a human ambassador. We may end up needing their assistance. You have my personal approval and I hope that others here are wise enough to think on the benefits." She glared around the room daring anyone to argue. Most of them were looking away avoiding her eye contact.

Ellan liked this woman. She was only young, but she was strong willed and confident. She dominated the room and was willing to think outside the same old guidelines. Ellan bowed hoping this woman would be the next council head. There seemed to be no more objections so Ellan spoke up before anybody could come up with something. She had to maintain dominance over them. Ellan said in a stern voice "As there are appear to be no more objections, I accept the position for now. Could all chief engineers please gather back here in an hour so we can start plans. I wish to see the chief of city defences now. We have a lot to do and I will happily start you off. Thank you all." A few people looked stunned, a few seemed they were going to object, but between Ellan with her daughters looking ready to beat down any challenge and the young woman from the council standing there holding a dominant stance, nobody dared challenge them.

The meeting was over and the councillors departed. Only the young woman that had seemingly spoken in Ellan's support remained. She walked over to introduce herself saying "I am Laen, the new city defence chief. I would like to thank you and your daughters for saving us all." She hugged Ellan and then each of her daughters before continuing. "I have been suggesting for years to increase security, but the previous council laughed saying it was a waste of resources. I am glad you bring some fresh thinking and speak your own mind." Ellan was glad this woman at least seemed to have a strong spirit and good attitude. She asked Laen "Your presence dominated the room well. Have you considered being the next council head?" The woman shook her head and chuckled "At the moment all I want to do is raise my child. After that who knows." They then settled into lengthy conversation to discuss her ideas for improving security.

A few days after the generation two biods had all been upgraded, Ellan stood beside the open hatch of the exploration craft she had claimed. She had also been given an old empty mecha transport loaded with supplies at Laen's instruction. The exploration craft was a long narrow vessel the length of a football field, but Ellan wasn't sure how many it could carry inside with all the equipment. All the upgraded biods were given a choice to return to their work in exchange for fair remuneration, add their name to a list for reassignment to a new task, or join Ellan to resettle on Earth. Most of the biods had elected to stay in the city, but some sixty odd now packed onto the landing platform to join her. She leaned over and asked Fay "How many can we carry?" Fay winked and said "Don't worry about it. I'm sure they wouldn't mind if we borrowed a few scout craft as well. We can always return them.......eventually. Maybe." Ellan scowled and was about to lecture Fay again, but when she saw another fifteen biods joining them, she stayed silent. This was a lot more than she expected. Almost all of these biods claimed mistreatment and abuse from their old masters and did not believe they would suddenly be treated with the respect they deserved. She couldn't leave them here. Maybe it was ok to 'borrow' a few more ships as Fay had put it. Ellan said to Fay "I might just check the cargo bay in the transporter again. Maybe there is some supplies we do not need." Fay grabbed her hand urgently saying "No, it's ok. I'll go check. Leave it to me." At that she quickly dissappeared inside the old craft. "Suspicious as usual." Ellan muttered to herself wondering what Fay was hiding. It must be something big. She didn't have time to investigate now. There were too many other things to organise.

The exploration craft was packed to capacity when it lifted from the platform and exited the city. Angel took the lead piloting Fay's scout craft which was also over crowded. In the rear was another scout craft Fay had requisitioned and the old mecha transport. Ellan took a long last look at the city as it disappeared from view. For almost three centuries it had been her home. Now there would be no more city, no more council and no more ability to replicate biods. Even the large exploration craft weren't equipped to replicate a full body.

Emma and Aidan2, walked out onto the patio holding hands as soon they had heard the cars coming up the drive. Their timing was perfect. Gem and her Aidan disappeared into the low branches of a tree ready to act if needed. After the car doors opened two serious looking men in suits approached flashing ID cards. One said "Federal police. What's this about a foreign dignitary seeking refugee status?" Emma stepped forward saying "I'm Emma and this is Aidan. Your timing is perfect." She pointed out over the ocean saying "Here she comes now." Both men were stunned as the huge exploration craft lowered over the ocean with the smaller craft around it. A pod launched as the fleet sank into the water.

The small white pod glided gently and quietly over the water and the beach to land in the middle of the front yard. Two more men in suits emerged from around the corner of the house. They were just as stunned as the first two. One of them muttered "The prime minister wont believe this." The pods hatch opened and Fay jumped out. She approached the men saying very seriously and dramatically "Take me to your leader." The men in suits didn't know what to make of it. Fay instantly burst into fits of laughter saying "You should see your faces. Priceless." Emma stepped forward yelling "Not funny Fay. This is serious." Fay tried to compose herself and stepped forward as Ellan joined her. She spoke more seriously now saying "I am Fay, and this is my mother Ambassador Ellan Elore of the Lorene race. Mother has asked me to translate for her. Is one of you the foreign affairs minister?" One of the men stepped forward and spoke in an unsteady tone saying "I am minister Serhan. Welcome to Australia."

The next two hours were spent in deep discussion. Ellan, Fay and the minister gathered around the small kitchen table with Fay translating. When it all seemed to be going peaceably Gem and Aidan3 joined them. The minister was honoured to meet with Ellan and eager to support her people. He spent a great deal of time on the phone with the prime minister and other officials. When lunch approached he departed with his men assuring Ellan a camp would be set up in the old caravan park next door within hours. Trusted soldiers would guard the gate. He said he would pay whatever the owner wanted for private use of the land and purchase it if needed. Price was no issue. He insisted that confidentiality was a major issue. Within hours two trucks and a group of army troop carriers arrived. Dozens of large tents were set up around the old amenities block and a large mess tent was set up and stocked with food on the inland side. As the sun was lowering, the trucks departed leaving only some of the soldiers on guard. As soon as it was dark, the craft emerged from the ocean and offloaded their grateful passengers on the beach before submerging again. They spent the night in the tents without incident.

After Fay finished formally introducing her to Emma who was now preparing a large dinner with Gem, Ellan took the opportunity to look around the lounge room of the small house. She was surprised by the posters on the wall. Though she personally found most of them very distasteful and offencive, they interested her. She saw pictures of a few creatures that were familiar to her. Fay explained the human names for each one. They weren't much different to the labels she had read in her younger days. Valkyrie, angel, demons, dryad, goblin. She had read of similar creatures. Then there were the ones that looked like Lorene of old when the golden hue in Lorene hair was not such a rare thing and was said to be an even richer gold. Fay said they were called elves. Fay added that she guessed they were really half elves as they were as tall as humans despite the old legends of elves being tiny. Most of the races pictured were ridiculous concepts from creative imaginations but a few she did recognise to some degree. She wondered if it was mere coincidence or if maybe the Lorene that had once established a colony here some seven or eight thousand years ago had influenced the human culture. There was a lot to research here on Earth.

Just after the sun came up the next morning more trucks started rolling into the old caravan park. They came in two and threes with long intervals between them hoping not to draw too much attention. That many trucks in one line would be too obvious. Most of them didn't even have military markings. Some carried demountable buildings, while others had supplies. By the afternoon the entire caravan park had a high mesh security fence around it.

Ellan sat on the patio looking over the ocean with Fay. She had just found out that Fay had used her record altering skills to smuggle two guardian mecha aboard the old mecha transporter. No wonder it was so cramped on board. She didn't approve, but admitted they may be handy if things turned bad. She realised then that Fay must be rubbing of on her, or then again maybe it was something in her that was passed on to Fay. Ellan knew she still had to at least scold Fay over her habit of 'borrowing'. She was one of her daughters so it was her responsibility to train her better.

She hoped the humans were no longer the same barbarians that Naele had encountered, but there were bound to be elements that rejected them or were unable to control their curiosity. Then there was the example of the human called Aidan that Gem was so fixated with. He had rescued her, accepted her, cared for her and in the end given his life for her. The human girl Emma was also loved by all the girls. Even the minister had been very co-operative and supporting. This seemed to be an accepting society. Perhaps it was because this was a reasonably young country, rich in resources and land, technologically capable, with a multi-cultural society and a somewhat casual attitude. It had certainly appealed to her daughters, although Ellan wasn't sure she fully approved of all the human qualities instilled in them now, especially the fashion and crude language.

Emma came and joined her saying "I meant to thank you earlier for helping Gem make the Aidans. I imagine it was difficult with him being a human." Fay translated. Ellan smiled and shook her head saying for Fay to translate "Actually we aren't that different at all. It just took some minor realigning. Without the city there will be no more biods, so I am glad my last were for good reason." She looked over the ocean and said "It is beautiful here. I can see why my daughters liked it so much. I think we will try to stay here." "That reminds me." Emma said for Fay to pass on. "What are your plans now?" Ellan stayed staring at the ocean and said via Fay "The government and the United Nations are going to make a special task force to protect and monitor us. We will build a colony here. Hopefully where we are camped now. In return we will slowly introduce some of our technology as long as it does not endanger your people or damage your economy. I believe it will all work out. It will take very strict monitoring. Our presence will be kept secret for now and our introduction to your society will be gradual and careful."

Emma rose to her feet saying for Fay to translate again "I hope it all goes smoothly. I'm going to find a way to buy this property somehow. It will be nice to be neighbours." Ellan agreed and asked Fay to say "Yes. I am eager to see the baby. Not just because it may be partially Lorene, but I always loved children. I was never able to have one though." Ellan chuckled "Now I have a bunch of them. I hope you don't mind us staying close. My daughters think of you as a sister, so that makes me think of you as another of my daughters." Emma smiled and replied "Thank you. I'm sure we will all be happy together. One big happy family." She went back inside to join Aidan on the lounge.

Ellan stayed looking at the water a bit longer. She was curious about just how close their genetics were to human. It made her wonder just what might have happened to the Lorene that settled here all those thousands of years ago. It was something to research later. For the moment her main concern was her eighty five newly adopted responsibilities. This was a new world for all of them. Her daughters had seemed to adapt fairly well. Gem had even found love for one of these humans. She muttered to herself "I wonder how our integration into their society will really go, and if it hasn't already happened."

Afterwards

Watching Ellan from atop the nearby cliffs the young woman known as Nita stood feeling the cool sea breeze flow through her long golden hair and caress her long pointy ears. She turned at the sound huge wings flapping. Gently Allanah came in to land beside her. Like Nita, her wings were large and resembled those of a giant white swan. Rather than the simple long white tunic Nita wore though, Allanah wore a leather skirt and brass armour on her chest and shoulders. As usual she wore her short sword at her side, and a long spear on her back.

Nita asked "How are things with your charge?" Allanah looked annoyed as she replied "I check on her when I can. I just can't stand watching what that poor girl suffers any more. That mongrel father even killed the kitten I organised to give her a little joy and love in her life. The whole situation sickens me. As soon as that drunk no longer plays a role, I will make him suffer tenfold for what he did to the girl and her mother." Nita nodded and replied "I will not stop you. Vengeance and violence are your domain, that's why a regular could not do your task without ruining her growth. This world needs the potential power she harbours. Is her life force still growing?" Allanah nodded and responded "Every time she is forced to endure more pain, it wells up inside her. She is still in control though. She only leaks enough to defend herself. I would explode if that was me. Soon we will need to arrange help to control her. If she ever gave in to the darkness, we would all be in big trouble. This entire world would collapse. I will continue to keep an eye on the child when I can. How is the support network coming along?"

Nita shook her head and said "I must find another. I lost the handler I was shaping. He got himself killed. There were unexpected complications and our workload is spreading us all too thin to perform as we wish. Surprisingly though his death may have lead us to another candidate among these Lorene. She weak and surrounded by love, so she is no danger. I will keep an eye on her just in case. Maybe these aliens bring something new to the table. With luck and regular monitoring I'm sure one of our charges can survive to fulfil the master's needs before the opposition discovers them. I like these Lorene so I inspired a few in the government to welcome them generously. They may come in handy."

Allanah commented "I notice they have ears like you and the old man, only shorter. Do you think they might be related?" Nita shrugged and said "All humanoids seem to be related by original design, but yes I do think they have come from the master's old home. I wonder what draws them here. Unfortunately like so many others they choose to put their faith in science and technology, but they can use it to create life from matter. They can redesign their race." Allanah mused "I wonder what that means. I know I'm only human and nowhere near your age ...err... wisdom, but do you think their path will lead to the same goal?" Nita shrugged saying "Who knows? Even the old man can't tell the future. All we can do is stay on the path we are on and do what we can for to ensure those who replace us are up to the job." Allanah agreed and said "Well it all seems peaceful and settled for the moment. How about we shed these wings and adopt mortal form for a bit? We could try a bit of wine tasting. Nita grinned and replied "Absolutely. This is a reasonably safe country. Demons rarely come here. Just like the boss we need time off to look after our own well being and sanity too. I have a funny feeling things are going to get very demanding soon, and we may not get many more chances to relax." With that the two young women lifted into the sky and flew towards the nearest town.

