EXCERPT
 

Gradual Consent
by
Damien Kane

Corina smiled as she looked at the boxes stacked in the study, ready for unpacking tomorrow. The day had been hectic and stressful, her legs and back hurt. She sat against the wall, knees curling towards her chest with a cup of strong tea in hand, tired and relieved.

“That’s the lot,” Graham said as he walked into the room. He’d come in from the front room, not needing tea as she had.

She swept her free hand through her hair. “Thanks,” she said. “I appreciate it. I’ll see you tomorrow then?”

“Sure,” he replied. “Lyn and I are thinking of moving soon. We’ll probably call on you to help us pack and unpack when needed.”

“Anytime,” she replied. “That’s what family does. Night.”

“Bye.”

She watched her brother leave the house through the front door. Night had fallen and a cool breeze washed over her skin. She rested her head back against the wall and closed her eyes.

Such a quiet neighborhood. Soft noises drifted to her ears but she couldn’t place them. A bird or bat overhead. The rustling of leaves through the gum tree outside; perhaps a bird nesting in its finery. Her feet slipped on the floor and she jolted, her eyes open, her tea spilled down her top. “Shit!” She pulled at the garment so the liquid didn’t sting her skin.

Placing the cup on the floor, she stood up and walked into her new bedroom. A small blue suitcase, worn with time, was propped up against the large bay window. She placed it on the bed. It contained a change of clothes, toiletries and her purse.

She criss-crossed her arms, then pulled her sweaty t-shirt over her head, before tossing it to the floor.

A shocking draft of freezing air crawled across her bare stomach. Her skin trembled and she stood back, failing to place the nightshirt over her head, she’d reached for from the suitcase. She looked down and there was nothing there except for her taut stomach, wrinkled in goose bumps. Something behind her made her turn.

She quickly covered her mouth with one hand, while clutching the night shirt in the other. In her periphery vision, she saw what looked like a dusky white cloud, or grey net curtain. Whatever it was, it swept past her in a breeze of chilled air. The ethereal presence scared her. “Anybody there?” She did not expect a reply, nor did Corina really want or wish one.

-----------------------------------------

Morph
by
Damien Kane

Six crew members stared at Second Officer Erika Ja’an as she entered the Command Post. She stopped and looked at them one by one and frowned. “What?”

“Nothing, ma’am,” replied Third Officer Lewis, a stalwart and well-groomed blonde. He looked away from her body. “It’s just …”

“Just what, Third Officer?”

“Just, nothing, ma’am. Welcome aboard.”

She walked over to the three command chairs and sat in the left one. So comfortable, and her body molded to  it. It held her body shape, her slender figure, and supported her back and neck. “Can we please run protocol checks, people, or do I have to sit here looking pretty for you?” She eyed Lewis until he turned away from her then added, “I hear there’s a Morph on board.”

“Ma’am,” replied a voice from the back. Footsteps followed. “At your service.”

He had a plain face, no nose, and his mouth was without lips as if God had forgot to bless him with some. “Welcome aboard,” she said. “Do you have a name?”

“Morph,” he said, bowing his head so his chin touched his chest. “It is a pleasure to serve the Alliance.”

“And how are you finding our customs?”

“Strange, but intriguing, ma’am,” he said and raised his chin in respect.

Erika’s eyes smiled before her mouth. “Please. Call me Erika. All of you.” Her eyes wandered over her cabin crew, and with the exception of the Morph, no eyes met hers. “Warm reception,” she said under her breath.

“Atn’shun!”

There was a slap of feet on the granite floor as the crew stood to attention. Erika craned her neck to see her old and humbled leader walking towards her. She stood up to greet him. “Captain Templeton,” she smiled.

He embraced her. “It’s good to see you again, Erika.” His voice was earthy and rich.

“It’s good to be here,” she replied.

He walked to the front of the large chair and placed his hands behind his back. “How has the Alliance been treating you?”

“Well, thank you. I am very excited about our mission, Sir.”

“I’m glad you are,” he replied, then stepped past her to address the rest of the crew. “You all understand why you are here, I expect? Good. Now. For those who don’t know me, my name is Captain Joseph Templeton. Welcome to my ship, The Terminus.” He smiled warmly.

He sat down in the large chair. Second Officer Erika and Third Officer Lewis joined him. Lewis said, “All protocols check. At sub light speed we should arrive within twenty-four hours. The President will arrive four hours later.”

“And there will be enough time to set up,” Erika added.

Captain Templeton swiveled his chair to face Morph. “I understand you play chess.”

“Yes, Sir, I do.”

“Perhaps I can challenge you after the mission. I am something of a keen strategist.”

The Morph smiled. “It will be my honor, Sir.”

Erika watched the stars glisten through the front view window. She was looking forward to leaving Spectre Zone four to be with her lover, and to allow herself those moments of pleasure she desperately wanted. To do something nobody has ever done before. It was exciting to be on the mission but she had an ulterior motive.

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