The Long Way Home

Becoming Merridians

Terron was amassed by the information that Shyla brought back, he was so relieved that Skyla was ok. The blue girl, as he referred to her, did not take Skyla to her own village. She must have known she was being followed the whole time. I am so relieved you are ok Skyla, I could never make another you. He held Skyla affectionately. If you were human I could not love you more than I do already. Skyla's mind was reeling! This admission on Terran's part was music to Skyla's ears! Did she dare to share with him that she felt the same feelings he did? No, not yet Skyla was still too terrified!
Terron if I had a human body and we could be a real couple would that please you?
Oh Skyla ever so much. Not that you'r not wonderful now but if we could have a child of our own, that would be perfect. Skyla thought that to be true as well. Could we talk to our scientists and see if they could grow a body for me? Is that possible? They grow parts why not a body with a minimal brain for bodily functioning? My input could be housed there instead of this body! Then we could have children! Is it possible? Terron thought about it then said you know it just might be. How awesome that would be I will check but first things first, let's start looking for this girl. We need to finish our mission first. But first he kissed her passionately as the love he felt for her swelled inside him, also hope! Hope of having a family of his own after all this time.
The blue girl had lost his trackers and Skyla which was a hard thing to do but she had managed it. I would like to see these villages myself so I can get a better feel for this planet.

The planet was indeed magical in every way. Such plush and fertile soil as if no humans had ravished this planet. Maybe this was the first time any had been here in many millennia. Some of the species did indeed resemble humanoid beings. All the teams that were sent out came back with similar results.
How would their presents affect the beings living here? Would their knowledge be a blessing or a curse?
Terron sat with Jenny and Mel for supper. The children had started eating in the second hall so they could socialize freely. That was ok by the adults as this gave them more privacy as well. Terron voiced his concerns as he was close with Jennie and Mel. He was particularly interested in Jenny's input. She had lived so long on a planet that was not developed to the stage of the asterisms. Jenny had to admit they had probably already set into motion something that might not be stoppable. The The home planet had advised them to move slowly and cautiously. As these people were not as civilized as they, and might be violent, if they felt threatened. They pretty much had free run of things for now and could call if things changed. None had seen the girl again but they were sure she would be back. She had known they were there . They could not start planting as they had hoped but they had plenty just as they were for some years yet. There was no rush.
Jenny and Mel were so happy, they were an ideal couple, and Crystal had grown so much since Terron had first become acquainted with Jenny on earth. All the children had grown over the two year trip from Ashton to Merridian. How different this world would be. Could they survive here. They did not hunt for food and did not take lives it was against their programming. That might have to change to survive here. He certainly hoped not but they were ordered to survive and survive they would.
Most agreed a small party the Ambassidor and his wife and a few others would start getting acquainted with some of the breeds of people but Terron really wanted to start with blue girl. She was tied to these other people and could make things easier for them.

Sam Skyla's friend from the cave was feeling anything except friendship toward Terron and Skyla. She had been his. He did not like the fact that Skyla had developed a relationship with this human. He wanted to be with Skyla after all she had started a colony of droids with feelings. They had left them in the cave. Crystal Palace, as Skyla called it. He missed the time they spent together. He knew she would always be his friend but not his lover any more. Not that he had the desires of a flesh man like Terron. he was relentless. Always touching and feeling and holding Skyla. He had moved Skyla into his cabin and not because he needed a maid.
Sam was angry. Skyla seemed happy but he sure wasn't. It was hard to kill someone these humans could grow new parts, heal from most maladies, how could he get revenge for him taking his woman.
Sam was musing on these thoughts when the strange blue lady that they were all looking for showed up in the dale he was wandering in. It was too late to cloak himself. The lady stood at a distance and watched him intently.
Not the man before from? She said. Sam smiled, no I must admit we have never meet. You are very unique and special I'm sure I would remember if we had meet. Not from here you are? Her speech was different from any dialect he had heard before. He knew he should call Terron on the communicator and of course he would have to he supposed but not just yet. No we are not. We come not to fight though. Know this I do. Call other with heart beat, will talk to him. What was wrong had he lost all his charm even the savage chose Terron over him. What's the hurry you could talk to me.
She straightened and repeated in an authoritarian voice, man with heart beat must talk. Ok, said Sam as he retrieved the communicator and called Terron. They stared at each other warily until Terron arrived. Terron approached the blue girl and stated his name she seem to understand and said call you me, Warsa. Where from your people? Terron explained they were from Ashton and that they wanted to share the planet. They were a peaceful people and maybe they could help each other. Warsa offered him a big bird tied to a leather strap at her waist, for your supper. You to cook. Terron did not know what to do he did not want to offend her but meat they just did not eat at all. He stated I do not wish to offend but we do not eat meat we eat vegetables and fruits but thank you, it is a thoughtful gesture., and I am very pleased. Terron sent Sam to bring a bag of apples from the ship. Warsa and Terron talked at length and found they had a lot in common. Family seem to be very important to Warsa. She accepted the apples. She stated she would bring their elders to meet them tomorrow. Now this is more like it Terron thought. Warsa said high sun you here, okay. Yes said Terron.
Warsa had told her people of the coming of the strange people. Everyone wanted to meet them but all were afraid. She stated she would go again then some of them could come if it was safe. She had done that and no harm or fear had come to her. She gathered some local nuts as an offering for the next day. The apples were delicious. She did not think she had ever tasted anything so Devine. What other hints could these people share? On the morrow she would see. There was no real leader of her people there were so few only about fourty. They had always just talked. They did have the elders who were very respected. They never really had any threats before. Most of the tribes of people did not want war only to build their species. Maybe now was a good time to consider being more careful. She would not let them meet in their village but in the dale where the man with no heart beat was. That was so strange how he functioned she did not know but there he was functioning and moving around. He was a fine looking man but no heart. She would have to know how this was possible. She would bring her father and some of the elders of the tribe so they could speak for their family's. She also wanted some young men who could fight if need be. She did not think it was necessary but it could not hurt.
She convinced them to come. While they waited
She wondered why the new ones skin was so plain. Hers had beautiful lines that marked her linage. Only her ancestors had these lines and they marked special powers that few knew of. She could converse with any species and most could not. That was why she had friends amount the different tribes. She loved each tribe for who they were and accepted them as they were, that was her secret.
She could not take her mind off Sam. How were he and the blond woman walking around with no heart. They seemed normal but they were not. She would know, She would ask Terron.
When Terron arrived, he had a crew set up tables for a feast of animal and vegetable she had never seen before and fruits. She gave him her bag of nuts and then introduced him to her group. Terron did the same. Everyone seem to enjoy the meal and discussed many things. Warsa ask if she could sit near Shyla? Terron did not want to tell her this was rarely done because Skyla was a robot so he had Skyla sit by her. Terron sat close as well. The others did not seem to understand their language as well as Warsa so she interpreted for them. Again it was explained they were looking for a place where some of their extra people could come and help them develop their society to its ful potential and it would be under the protection of the Ashton people no other planet would attack them and any meteorites would be stopped before it could do harm. There was so much to take in.
Wars ask Skyla how it was she had no heart beat? Terron gave her the okay to explain.
Well Terran's people created me from skin that is not real, bones that are metal, and brains that are pre-programmed to serve the needs of humans. Warsa was appalled. You live only to serve them? Terron said I think that is changing. In the beginning and even now in lesser robots I am afraid it is so.
But said Warsa if she gathers , if she works , if she supply's she gets all the joys. Does she get the same as you.
Terron had to think on this matter long and hard. In a way she did but in so many ways no. I'll get back to you on this.
So Sam is like you he also is made to serve? Yes said Terron would you like to enjoy his manly company tonight.? You say you just say come he come tomorrow he not claim you? You have no baby? That's it! Warsa said yes I take him with me tonight. Warsa had every intention of doing right by Sam. It is not right to inslave another. Man made or not.
Done said Terron. He sent for him and explained what was required. Sam understood but seethed.
When they parted ways it was with a friendly report. She wanted to spend time with Sam and feel him out. She had sensed anger from him before now she wanted to know why. She did not take him to the village but to a hunting camp. She talked to him , not at him. He shared his feelings with her something he was dare some to do on Ashton. he found himself wanting to please her so he did his best to convience her, that was what he was made for, and it would be okay. Warsa was having none of it yet, he would have to prove himself to her and he had no idea how. Actually she did not know either because she did not let the other men of the tribe court her.
She would make him fly with the wind people and if he survived them then he would have to spend two days under water with the water people. Then maybe she would consider him for sexual entercource. No commitment. Children were not high on her priority but since he could not have them this was good. He wouldn't expect her to have one child after another and care for them screaming after her all day long every day. This could be good. Sam did endure the testes and proceeded to court Warsa he was fascinated by her. All anger at Shyla and Terron forgotten by Sam. He felt he belonged with Warsa. She was pretty strong and full of adventure. She was mysterious explosive, voluptuous, interesting, hard to hold or understand . He understood exactly why these relationships between humans worked . Because they were so unpredictable. He could not wait till their coupling.! But when they did it almost shut his systems down , so powerful were the force of the orgasms'. They were sated then sated again and again and again. He had never meet a woman of such needs! He liked it very, very , much.The beauty of the female and feelings of protectiveness that he felt for her. He wanted to belong to her, he never wanted to be away from her again. So he ask if she would like the same thing and she said yes. What would she have to trade for him. He was what she wanted. Would Terron trade? She hoped so she did not know how she would live without him!
The Ashton's had received the blessings for them to start growing their crops but Terron wanted Warsa to introduce him to all the other tribes and he would offer ways to help them if they would allow him to use thier land to grow produce and re- populate. All was looking well.
As a goodwill offering Terron gladly gave Sam to Warsa. Warsa understood they would never have children but that was okay with her. She had nieces and nephews enough already. Sam could hunt with her, and was her best friend and lover, it was perfect.
Warsa loved the idea of owning a man but guilty at the same time. No one should own another. She did not think of him as property or a machine she had a full emotional commitment to him. Sam was her life mate. So she offered him his freedom. Intrepid with fear but determined to give him the gift of freedom. He told her he never wanted to be free but to belong to her and be hers forever. Warsa's heart was do moved. She almost gave in to tears which was not common for a warrior and hunter.

Sam thought of what would happen if Warsa did not take the Telsa a drug that virtually let you live forever. She would die and he would be alone. He would have to convince her to take it.
Sam discussed the drug with Warsa and explained why he wanted her to take it. Warsa had been studying the history of the Ashton people and had started wondering if living forever was the best after all. The Ashton's could only have one child and had still overgrown their planet. Sure they could explore and start settlements on other planets but what of all the children who would ever live. Did she want to give up hunting and settle for a device doing things she could do for herself. If they did not take the drug would they kill those not wanting it? Would they have to live by Ashton's laws, to get the information and protection. Would they be restricted to one child because they were . Were the Ashton's really trying to take over their planet for their purposes?
Although she loved Sam she did not like what she was seeing in her thoughts . She would talk to the people and the Ashton's, there would have to be a meeting. The Ashton's could be dangerous they certainly had the capabilities to. What would they do if they rejected them and what of Sam would he stay or go with them if they left. Warsa could not think of that now. She wanted to protect her planet at all costs.