7th Kind 1: Christmas in Dreamland Read online

  Chapter Seven

  Later that day, Meg was locked in her office working on the weapon problem. Henry and the guys went to visit the alien guests. Regon paced as the tension built.

  “ET is in labor. We should get Meg,” he said.

  “No, don’t make her stress. Cats do this every day in alleys.” Ike nodded to the box in the corner they’d fashioned for their guest.

  The trust was still forming, but aliens sensed each other and in some ways, they were in the same boat. They were at the mercy of the government. Henry turned to Regon. “We need to talk about when Commander Hastings gets back. The weapon needs to be tested. The problems aren’t going to go away. The abductions are on the rise. They might want you four back.”

  “You as well. The Keelons don’t enter a war they don’t think they can win. Going after Earth would be foolish until they’ve done thorough recon.” Regon continued his pacing.

  “But Earth isn’t capable of the same level of travel as the Keelons. We crashed here. You escaped. Do you think there are a lot more refugees? That trend would anger the Keelons.” Charlie shook his head.

  Regon shrugged. “There weren’t others where we were being kept. We were the big secret. But a lot has developed at home since you left. More war. Genetic modifications are not working as they intend.”

  “What modifications?” Ike asked.

  “I’m just a warrior. There’s no way to be sure what they wanted to do. They were taking off-worlders and experimenting on them. But that was all on ships; never on the planet.”

  “We could be in trouble.” Henry hated the idea that Meg or any of them could be in danger, but they had to be realistic. “We need to let Meg test her weapon. I’ll volunteer.”

  “No!” Charlie blurted. “I can do it.”

  “Stop it. I’m the leader, I’ll take it.” Ike headed to the door.

  Regon blocked his path. “We were discussing it last night. We want to be of use and prove our loyalty. All four of us are prepared to be tested on. Besides, you three were raised human. You should continue to pass for it as long as you can.”

  “That won’t fool the Keelons.” Charlie shrugged.

  Ike nodded. “But if the Keelons become the enemy and too many people don’t trust us, we could be prisoners not security.”

  “We’ve devoted our lives. They wouldn’t.” Henry knew he was being naïve. The military would do anything to keep a panic under control and not let the Keelons win. Handing over the refugees to make the Keelons go away was not out of the question, and Henry worried what it’d mean for him, Charlie and Ike. They had assimilated fully and found their female. Human life was all they wanted and all they knew.

  “We don’t know what the purpose of the abductions is. I doubt the Keelons care about us, but if men are leaving, the Keelons won’t have enough to win battles. Control will breakdown. It won’t work. They’ll take back all their defectors.” Ike tapped his foot on the cold tile floor.

  Meg burst in with a huge grin on her face. “I got it!”

  “Wait, Meg. We’re all volunteering. Test on us.” Henry walked up to her.

  Her cute nose scrunched under her glasses, and she stuffed her hands in her lab coat pockets. “No! Thank you guys, all of you. But no one is going to be in excruciating pain for this. I figured it out. Skin grafts.”

  “Skin what?” Regon asked.

  “Grafts. Human skin heals well, sheds dead cells and grows new ones all the time. But if you’re burned badly, you can get a skin graft from one part of your body moved to another to promote healing. We take a skin graft from each of you, and while it’s still viable, test the dust. If it causes the skin to break apart, we know it works. If a graft of my skin is taken then the dust introduced, my skin will die but it won’t fall apart or be damaged. That’s all the proof I need!” She hummed with success.

  “You’re a genius.” Ike kissed her.

  “I know. Now, the wounds will have to heal, but you guys heal fast. Your skin will regenerate in a day or so. We just need to keep the sites clean.” She hugged Henry. “But thank you all for volunteering.”

  A yowl halted the conversation, and all eight of them headed for the corner.

  “ET!” Meg knelt down and petted her cat. “Three babies.”

  “They are furry, unlike the mother,” Regon said.

  Meg glared at Ike. “Those strays he keeps to keep the fields clear of mice. Poor ET.”

  “They look healthy. All moving. Cute.” Henry grinned at the little creatures.

  Meg picked them up one by one. “Two girls and the runt is a boy. They need names.”

  “Born on Christmas. Would that theme be too silly?” Charlie asked.

  “No, not at all. Noel, Holly, and what for the boy?” Meg nudged him toward ET so he could get dinner with his sisters.

  “What about that Christmas movie? Call him Tiny Tim.” Ike grinned.

  “No.” Meg smacked his arm. “But the author of that story might work. He looks like a little Dickens.”

  “What does that mean?” Regon asked.

  “Like he’ll be a troublemaker. So now that we have healthy kittens, do you really think the top guys will be okay with the skin-graft tests? Can you do them?” Henry was all for avoiding pain, but there were no guarantees.

  “I can’t do the grafts. I have one of my lab guys coming in tomorrow. He’s an MD so it’ll be good. And I caught him having sex with one of your security guys on my lab table. They broke a microscope! So he’ll be quiet and cooperate. I didn’t fire him or turn in his boyfriend. This way, we can show it to the top guys later tomorrow.” Meg stared at the cute little kittens. “You guys don’t mind having them here? I doubt she’ll want to move her family now.”

  “They’re fine. It’s nice to have life in here. Will Liz be back soon?” Regon asked.

  Meg smiled. “Most people won’t be back until after New Year’s. Another week. But I’ll email her and see if she can come in a few days early.”

  “Are you sure that’s a good idea?” Henry saw Meg’s confidence and loved it, but he also knew that the higher ups could do anything. If they found out about the relationship, they could make the guys disappear.

  “I’ve got an alternative plan now. No pain for anyone. And Christmas is today so she’s had the holiday with her family. If I ask her to come back a few days early, she will. I won’t ruin the surprise.”

  Regon nodded. “Thank you. Seeing Liz would make all the difference in the world to us.”

  Henry hugged Meg and felt guilty for having his woman right there when the four aliens were denied theirs. Looking at Charlie and Ike, he felt their tension as well. There was no way to know what the brass would do when Meg met with them. They couldn’t change her, and Meg’s approach to military brass wasn’t always the sedate and respectful manner they demanded. As confident as Meg was, the men wouldn’t be at ease until they knew they could stay with her forever. At least, without military interference.

  * * * *

  The next day, the men were in the lab instead of working. A serious lab geek took skin grafts from the aliens in containment then from Ike and his guys.

  Once the wounds were dressed, the men went back to their security office. Ike worked on the report on the status of the alien guests for his superior. He left out the sexual details and the eggnog for the guests. Things were getting more complicated, but there was nothing to do but wait and see.

  When Meg waltzed into their security office with a shy smile a few hours later, Ike knew. He stood. “It works?”

  She nodded. “We can defend ourselves. It totally destroys the skin cells ability to bond.”

  Henry and Charlie hugged her first then Ike got his arms around her. “So is there an antidote?”

  “That’s next. Even if the big guys don’t want one, I do. Just in case you guys get exposed.” She squeezed him tighter.

  “The boss isn’t back?” Henry asked.

  Meg shrugged. “It got pushed back
a day. Military types. But I’m moving in with you guys. I’m requesting that tomorrow.”

  Ike tensed. “Are you sure?”

  “You don’t want me?” She pouted playfully and tugged off her lab coat.

  “We want you!” Charlie pulled her dress over her head.

  Meg blushed. “Aren’t there cameras here?”

  Henry unhooked her bra and tossed it aside. “Not in the security office. Now, wiggle out of those panties.”

  With a grin, Meg pushed the skimpy, purple cotton panties down until they hit the floor.

  Ike lifted her and set her on the desk. “You’re taking a serious chance tomorrow.”

  “It’s worth it. I finally found my guys. Liz is my friend; I have to help her, too. I’ve always sympathized with her, but now, I really understand how intense and overwhelming it can be to have so many men. Not every woman could handle it. Now, I’d go crazy if they tried to take you away.” She kissed his chin and started to pull Ike’s clothes off.

  “No, no. We have to get back to work. You’re a welcome break today. With people coming back, we have to get used to being professional some of the time.” Ike slid on protection as he licked her pussy. She was wet and ready. Apparently, there was no end to her lust for them.

  Ike filled her pussy and lifted her off the desk. Naturally, she wrapped her arms and legs around him, and he turned to lean back on the desk. His hands cupped her ass and spread her cheeks for more fun.

  Moaning, Meg kissed his neck. “I guess being skinny does have perks.”

  Laughing, he lifted her on his cock and let her slid down. Her shivers rewarded him. “You’re perfect. Let us worry about keeping you safe.” He wasn’t just talking about sex, but he didn’t want to ruin the moment.

  Henry stepped up, cock already protected, and rubbed lube to her ass. Ike watched as Henry filled her rear. Meg’s hips shifted and wiggled until he was all the way in, and Ike kissed her. The tight sensation was good for them all, but they didn’t want to push her too fast.

  Her hips rocked back and forth between them, and Ike let her ride. Charlie stepped up behind Henry and filled that tight ass so they were all together. Henry’s groans seemed to make Meg work harder. Those sharp nails dug into Ike’s back through his shirt as her pussy tightened on his cock.

  “Don’t sprain something,” Ike whispered in her ear.

  “I feel like I’m floating. I love you guys so much. My sex life has never been this wild.” She leaned back and kissed Henry.

  Charlie’s hands slid around and squeezed her breasts as he fucked Henry hard the way he liked it.

  “I wish you guys were naked,” she moaned.

  “Tonight. I promise.” Henry kissed her cheek and came deep in her ass.

  “Every night,” she demanded.

  “Hell, yes!” Charlie shouted and climaxed against Henry.

  Ike looked Meg in the eye and saw her need. Kissing her, he tangled their tongues as he rubbed her clit. Within seconds, her body tensed and her pussy convulsed on his cock. Meg pulled her mouth away and screamed against his chest as the release hit her hard. The feel of her coming sent Ike over. He thrust faster and harder, glad Henry was in control. He held onto Meg as Ike’s grip slipped.

  It was a comfortable silence as they recovered from the intense sex. Slowly, they lifted Meg up and set her feet on the floor. But she stayed right there pressed between them.

  “Do we really need all the protection since you’re aliens? Does birth control even work? I know with anal we want protection…but I’d love to try some sex without all the rubbers.”

  “You’re the genius. Maybe you need to research it. We don’t want to risk getting you pregnant. Too much is up in the air now.” Ike straightened her glasses on her nose.

  “I know you’re right. I just want the fun right now.” She kissed each of them quickly and went for her dress. “I’ll let you guys get back to work. One more night of fun before the big showdown with the top guy.”

  “You’ll do great.” Charlie handed her the lab coat.

  “Thanks. I’m highly motivated.” She winked.

  Chapter Eight

  The next day, Meg went back to her own room to shower and dress. Checking her calendar on her phone, she knew the meeting today was on. Commander Hastings was in and eager to see her work.

  Meg slid on her lab coat and glanced at her reflection in the mirror. Her maroon dress with light pink flowers wasn’t anything special, but she knew the smile she’d had recently was new. Nothing on her outside had changed, but somehow, she felt completely different. In school, she’d found her friends and safety with the smart kids. But deep down she didn’t want to play it safe like her family expected of their nerdy girl. No wonder she’d ended up here.

  Once in the lab, she headed to meet with her guests, but Hastings was there.

  “Good morning, Commander Hastings. I thought I was supposed to be in your office in half an hour.” Meg looked around for any other surprises.

  The tall and imposing marine glared at her. Meg had endured her share of bullying in junior high and high school so the intimidating look didn’t bug her much now. All the top think tanks and universities wanted her. Anyone could shoot a gun, but few had her level of brilliance. Hastings had hired her because of the unusual nature of the work here.

  “Yes, well, I couldn’t wait to see your information. I meant to be back yesterday. The guests are cooperating?” Hastings nodded to the pod.

  “Of course, they never were a problem. Did you want to see them?” she asked, already knowing the answer.

  “I want to see your weapon in action. That would require one of them.” Hastings mouth lifted in a slight smile.

  This was a man who enjoyed torture and found any excuse for it. Meg suppressed a chill and cleared her throat.

  “That won’t be necessary. I conducted my tests yesterday.” She tapped one of the tablet computers mounted to the wall. “This is a recording of the tests.”

  “How could you possibly test that weapon-dust you made without alien tissue?” Hastings stared at the image.

  “I had plenty of alien skin. Seven grafts taken from seven different aliens. One of my lab guys came back early to do the harvest, and the tests were made while the samples were still viable.” Meg pointed to the image of the dust being introduced. “The irritant dust slips in between the cells as the skin tries to shift to a more protective form.”

  “Wait!” Hastings snapped.

  Meg jumped but knew exactly what his problem would be. “What?”

  “Seven? I only ordered four aliens sent here.” He watched Meg carefully.

  “But you have three on your staff. They were assigned to guard the alien guests. Ingenious of you really, aliens guarding aliens. But Ike, Henry and Charlie are all very human assimilated. They were raised here and offered themselves for testing. They love our planet and country that much.”

  “You figured it out?” Hastings asked.

  “You hired me. You know exactly how smart I am. I didn’t know before this holiday, but I put it all together. Now, let’s get back to the weapon. It would cause intense pain if the tissue were attached to nerve endings. Here you see the degradation of the sample’s consistency. It turns to shreds, leaving the aliens defenseless against the elements or any other weapons we have.”

  Hastings watched the monitor through each of the seven samples. “It acts quickly.”

  She nodded. “Very. I haven’t worked up an antidote for accidental exposure yet, but that’s my next project.”

  “In case our alien men get exposed.” Hastings rolled his shoulders. “This will work better. A flesh eating disease would’ve worked well too if we’d managed to mutate it properly.”

  Meg rolled her eyes behind Hastings’ back. “A nice theory. But diseases can mutate back, and that was the big danger there. It could adapt to infect humans and aliens. Too dangerous to control.”

  Hastings turned to glare at her. “If the aliens offered, wh
y didn’t you let them test the weapon? I assure you, they’ve endured a great deal. Marines do.”

  Meg looked away, not wanting to think of them in pain at any point. “I refused to allow any of them to be subjects. Your four guests volunteered, as well. They’d pay any price to stay here and help us.”

  “And be with Liz. I’m not ignorant of the insanity that went on. It’s asking for trouble.” Hastings shook his head.

  “They don’t want to go back any more than Ike and his group do. I’m not going to torture people who want to help us. There are other ways to get the data we need. It works. We can defend ourselves if they launch a direct attack. Have the abduction incidents tapered off at all?” Meg asked.

  “That’s where I was yesterday. I received a briefing. Some people were returned. Others are still missing. The holidays have slowed it down a bit, but that might be due to all the traveling people are doing. If people have gone missing, others might assume they are visiting family. That’s why the aliens are really here.” Hastings turned the tablet computer off.

  “You weren’t going to test the weapon on them?” Meg didn’t believe it.

  “I was going to ask them. A test of loyalty, yes. But it would have been their choice. They were moved here, where Liz is, because they agreed to do everything to help us. Any information they have, any memories they’ve repressed. I feel they’re holding back.” Hastings rubbed his hands together.

  Meg got the feeling Hasting didn’t really trust them. “Ike, Charlie and Henry?”

  “They’ve bled for this country. We raised them to be soldiers. We have tested them over and over. I trusted them with your life and brain, knowing you’d be too easy on the guests. You’re safe.”

  “They’d never hurt anyone! I know Regon and his men, as well. They are good guys.” Meg protested.

  “Dr. Lyle, you are a brilliant scientist. You are not a spy or a military operative. Trust me, you were in good hands. Now, you can continue with your work on the antidote. We don’t want to lose good men.” Hastings headed to the door.