KYLIE'S SONG #SciFriday

Chapter 9

"You look tired," said Kylie, running her fingers through Melvina's hair.

"When you're famous it's like having a target on your back. Everyone wants what you have and you have to sleep with one eye open."

"I think I understand. Come on, take off those clothes and I'll give you a bath. Strella rolled her eyes but remained silent, a blaster in each hand, she moved to the bathroom door. Despite Melvina's appearance there was a look in her eyes. It was an eternal depth which transcended the human condition. Strella knew this one was a fighter but she didn't know what kind of weapons she used.

Kylie ran the water and peeled off the girl's dress. She helped her in and began washing her knees and back with a delicate touch that struck a chord in Strella. The entire human race was dead but there was still tenderness at our core. They traveled 2000 light years to find someone who could be Kylie's sister and Strella had to choke back the emotions. Tomorrow she would be living with people pretending to be humans but her instincts told her there was something under the surface which didn't sit right.

I could kill them both now and put an end to this, she thought. Her finger was tight on the trigger and Melvina looked over at her as if she could read her thoughts.

Strella smiled. Melvina smiled back. Kylie whispered under her breath as if tending a baby.

"Who would want to hurt someone as sweet as you? There's so much hate and anger in the world, how did this happen?"

"It's part of the game." Strella's ears perked up at the first useful shred of information. She mind clicked her network adapter and sent a live voice feed to the captain.

"What kind of game is that," Kylie's voice trailed up and down like a song of coercion. It made a person want to talk.

"It's called life. We do things differently here."

"How did you call me to your home?" asked Kylie.

"I sang to the stars."

"So you helped me to be strong?"

"I showed you your true potential." She stood up and toweled off, taking the camisole and shorts Kylie offered.

"Here's some underwear and a bra. It might be a little tight on you."

"It's fine. We will be leaving shortly," she turned to Strella "won't we?"

"All personnel, report to the shuttle bay." said the captain over the intercom.

"You will receive a warm welcome when we reach Redbrook," said Melvina.

"Is that your home town?"

"No, it's the capitol, the people are awaiting your arrival."

"The captain requests your presence on the bridge, Melvina," said Strella.

"I'm at your service."