The Giantess of Shima 4

By Arthur J. Brear

Ulla is tall, very tall; in fact she may just be the tallest human being in history. She lives all alone on the fourth planet in the Shima star system. There is nothing there for her to do except wonder why this has happened to her, and cry. One day fate sends another soul her way. He is a young naval officer by the name of Max Worth. Can lonely Ulla make a relationship with this man? What will he think of the giantess of Shima 4?

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Oct 27, 2011
• ISBN: 9781467042208

Book preview

Contents

Lt. Max Worth

Ulla 4447

The Date

Gone Fishing

Camping

The Long Walk

To Swim A River

To Climb A Mountain

Mrs. Worth

For The Love Of Ulla

The Orion Rose

The Weddings

The Bachelor Party

Return To Shima 4

Lt. Max Worth

Commander Mills, of the star cruiser Arcturus, read the dispatch and smiled.

You know Stevens, he said, this is wonderful news.

What is sir, Lt. Stevens asked?

Listen to this, Mills continued. Due to the current state of hostilities, you are directed to provide for the safety and security of all personnel in the Shima star system. Do you know what that means Stevens?

Not… exactly sir, Stevens replied. There’s only one planet in the Shima system with anything on it and that’s an automated research station with just a single occupant. I don’t see what you’re driving at.

It means that I finally have a place to dump that nuisance, Lt. Worth, the commander declared!

Stevens carefully considered his next words. 2nd Lt. Max Worth was certainly different, and could be difficult at times, but he wasn’t that bad of a guy. Still the commander hated him. Stevens thought it prudent to avoid the subject of Lt. Worth all together.

But sir, Stevens inquired, with only one individual present at Shima, shouldn’t we evacuate the installation instead of leaving someone else behind?

Absolutely not, the commander snapped! Do you have any idea who’s in exile down there? If I evacuate the place, then I’ll have two major assholes on board this ship. I’d rather have none. Besides, she’s there by decree of government and I don’t want responsibility of her. Let him deal with it and good riddance. Send for Worth and set a course for Shima 4, I want to get this thing over with as soon as possible.

Aye sir, Stevens acknowledged.

The commander spun around in his chair and closed his eyes. He was overjoyed at the thought of getting rid of Lieutenant Max Worth. That officer had been nothing but trouble ever since he arrived on the Arcturus. He was just a quartermaster’s assistant, but he took his responsibilities way to serious. His constant investigations into the ships affairs were uncomfortably detailed. Not only were they embarrassing, but there was the real possibility that he might shed light on some rather dubious backroom deals. No one needed that kind of exposure. If Worth didn’t understand the unwritten rules of the game, then maybe he should go.

The commander was still sitting with his back to the door when Lt. Worth entered. There was a sharp click of heels as the young officer snapped to attention and saluted.

Lt. Worth reporting as ordered sir, an unenthusiastic voice said.

The commander tossed a computer disk over his shoulder.

I have a new assignment for you Worth, the commander said. You’re being transferred to Shima 4 to take charge of the situation there.

Exactly what situation is that sir, Max inquired?

Mills spun around in his chair and smiled wryly at Lt. Worth.

The government will provide for the safety of all personnel, civilian or otherwise, and secure the private property of the research station, the commander dictated.

Just me sir, Max asked?

Yes Worth, just you, the commander replied.

Shima 4. Sir, isn’t that where they keep… , Max started to say?

Yes indeed Mr. Worth, the commander interrupted! That’s where they keep the great bitch! Her safety and well-being are now your responsibility. The two of you should get along famously.

Of course… sir, Max replied. Is there anything else I should know commander?

Only that this is one of the better days of my life, Mills replied.

That’s interesting sir, Max said. I was thinking the same thing myself.

Get out Worth, the commander snarled! Go and prepare for your mission.

Sir, Max replied!

He saluted, spun about smartly, and marched out of the room. The commander let out a huge sigh of relief.

No more Worth he thought. Thank you god!

Max slowly ambled down the bridge corridor. He pulled out his pocket computer, slipped in the disk, and examined his orders. There wasn’t much more to add, except that once on Shima 4 he would become the de-facto authority.

Strange orders he thought. There’s only one structure on the planet with but a single occupant. I’ve heard about her and her circumstances. I believe she’s a political dissident and greatly disturbed the government with her extremist views. They sent her into exile on Shima 4 for that. As I recall, she has a difficult personality and is considered quite a handful. I wonder how I’m going to get along with this young woman. No wonder the commander is so happy!

Still I’ll be glad to get off this ship. The commander’s attitude is just impossible! No matter how hard I try, the man is never satisfied. The best praise anyone gets from him is ignored silence. If he’s having a bad day, and he usually is, he’ll vent it out on the first person he encounters. The only way to get any peace on this ship is to stroke his ego and kiss his ass! I just can’t do it. I’ve never been able to sell out the way some of the others do. When I see arrogance, hypocrisy, and just plain meanness, I have to acknowledge it for what it is. Honesty tends to get me into a lot of trouble. Yes commander you’ll be happy to see me go, but I’m just as glad to leave!

The trip to Shima 4 would take a few days. Max used the time to organize his supplies and read up about the place. This gave him an excuse to avoid his regular duties and be out from under the commander’s gaze. On the down side, he really didn’t have a clue as to what he was supposed to do once he got there, and then there was the prospect of dealing with that woman. He heard some pretty wild stories about her!

Well, he thought, how difficult could it really be? At least she’s only one person, sort of, depending upon how you measure things.

Max completed his preparations and patiently waited for their arrival in the Shima system.

The journey didn’t take long. The Arcturus was a new modern ship and her powerful engine cluster hurtled them through space at unimaginable speeds. In just the a few days the star cruiser entered the Shima system. The bridge crew performed an extensive scan for the presence of any hostiles. Once the duty officer was satisfied that the system was clean, he locked on to the 4th planet from the star Shima. The cruiser went into orbit and prepared to transfer Lt. Worth.

The shuttlecraft was packed and ready for departure. Max entered the hanger bay and couldn’t help but notice the crowd that Mills had gathered to see him off. It seemed that all off duty personal were there, smiling! The crowd he understood, but mustering the ships band? That seemed a bit much even for Mills.

So Mills wants a show, Max thought. Well who am I to disappoint him!

Max could be hard and calculating when he needed to be, which was most of the time on this ship. It was a way to psychologically survive. He entered the hangar and took a moment to stare into the eyes of the assembled officers. Max had striking pale blue eyes, which sometimes appeared to be very piercing and cold. He seemed to have the ability to look right down into a person’s soul. It could be an unnerving experience and most people didn’t like it. That’s why he did it, and today he gave it his best effort. Many smiles faded away into acute nervousness. Max sent out his subliminal message to them.

So long losers, he thought!

Then, with as much military precision as he could manage, he marched to the waiting shuttle.

Permission to board shuttlecraft sir, Max requested.

Oh please do, Mills replied.

The whole assembly burst into laughter, but it didn’t bother Max. He carried on by the book. Still, just before he entered the shuttle, he took a moment to look back. He let his cold stare sweep the deck one more time. After a moment’s hesitation, a wry smile crept across his face. His expression seemed to convey that he was in possession of some special knowledge. He left them with that, a mystery to ponder.

The bay emptied out and the double hatches were sealed. The chamber decompressed and the floor panels started to flash red. The shuttle released its magnetic latch and floated free. Once clear of the mother ship, it powered up and set a course for the research station.

Shima 4 is a pretty world, being similar to Earth in size and appearance. It has numerous plants and animals, no known diseases, and no apparent indigenous sapient population. It is a world that is held in reserve for the future expansion of mankind. At the moment it contains a single automated research station with one occupant.

Her name is Ulla 4447. The government file deliberately omitted her last name substituting it with a case number. The authorities found her political views radical and considered her dangerous. As a consequence, she was arrested and sentenced to live in exile on this station until… well, the file didn’t say how long. She has been interned here for some time already, devoid of all human contact, except for the bi yearly visit of the supply ships. Even then she’s rarely seen. Only the supply ship commander and doctor have anything to do with her. She would get a medical check up and the commander might ask her a few questions, but after that everyone would depart and she would be left alone again. The documents also listed her as uncooperative and aggressive, up to and including the point of violence! Max wondered what he was in for.

The shuttle began its decent and plunged into the atmosphere. It was a rough ride, but after twenty minutes, Max felt the retro rockets kick in and the shuttle began maneuvering to land. It spun around, leveled off, and gently touched down on the station’s elevated docking platform. Once secured, the crew quickly busied themselves unloading Max’s gear and supplies.

Max stepped out of the shuttle and took a good look around. The research station was a cluster of gleaming white buildings perched on a medium sized wooded hill. It seemed to rise out of the ground naturally, like a cluster of giant mushrooms. By far the tallest structure was the communications tower with its antenna array and satellite dishes. Then came the reactor dome, followed by a series of box like things that he imagined were offices and labs. Below that were the living quarters, sporting an attractive looking sun deck that wrapped around the entire building.

Perfect for jogging and moments of quiet contemplation, Max thought.

The whole complex had excellent commanding views of the surrounding countryside. There were mountains to the south and west, forests as far north as the eye could see, and a vast open plain stretching away to the east. The air was fresh and clean and the warm sunshine inviting.

Today was a spectacular day with a cloudless sky of breathtaking blue. The endless forest looked like a vast carpet with numerous shades of lush green. The intoxicating scent of exotic wildflowers permeated the air. To a man who had been cooped up on a star cruiser for months, all of this was a gift from the gods. Max closed his eyes and took in a deep breath. The shuttle pilot interrupted his daydreaming.

All set Mr. Worth, the man reported. We’re preparing for lift off. I am instructed to remind you of your primary orders. See to the safety of all station personnel, protect and secure all government and private property, and maintain order. Your assault rifle and ammunition are with your supplies. Everything has been stowed away and your personal gear is in the elevator. Lift off is in ten minutes, please clear the deck. Good luck to you sir.

The pilot saluted and returned to the shuttle. Max entered the station. Through the wide viewing glass of the receiving dock, he watched the crew make their final flight preparations. In a few minutes the shuttle was sealed up and the atmospheric engines began to whine. The great bird shook a little and slowly lifted off. It nosed forward and banked to the right as it passed over the treetops. There was a burst of bright yellow flame as the main engines engaged. The shuttle took off like a shot. Max watched it leave until it was just a point of light in the sky, then it was gone. He was on his own now.

Ulla 4447

Well, I’d better get this over with, Max sighed.

He pulled out his book sized electronic field manual and punched in the code for the research station. The field manual was a great tool. Besides containing a vast amount of information on just about anything, it could also access various computer systems. He locked on to the stations main computer and printed out a little map of the place.

Okay, he said, through door number 13 and down the central corridor. Hmmm, door 13? I hope that’s not a bad omen!

Max shouldered his gear and started off. The station was a clean and attractive looking place. The many big glass windows reminded him of a spaceport terminal. He made his way to the rec-room, which served as a focal point for the station. This was a big semi circular space with lots of windows and sliding glass doors opening to the observation deck. A stand up computer console occupied center stage and numerous unusually large chairs and couches were scattered about. Max dropped his gear, put his hands on his hips, and looked around. It all seemed very comfortable and spacious; a far cry from the confined conditions on board the Arcturus. As he stared out the big windows admiring the countryside, he didn’t notice someone quietly approaching from behind.

Well, look what we have here, a voice said! The marines have landed.

Max spun around to face the speaker and looked up, and up, and up! In front of him was an Amazon of a woman standing over nine feet tall! Of course he expected this from reading the information contained in her file, but he couldn’t possibly appreciate the reality until he actually saw her. She was the most imposing and intimidating human being he had ever seen! He had tried to mentally prepare himself for the moment when they would first meet, but whatever nonchalant reaction he planned, it failed him now. His mouth dropped open and he looked like a safari hunter pushing aside the long grass and suddenly confronting a rhino!

What’s a matter shorty, she said? Cat got your tongue?

Max tried to compose himself. It took a moment for the shock to wear off. She seemed to be enjoying his momentary state of paralysis.

Forgive me, he said politely bowing his head. I didn’t mean to stare. I’m Lieutenant Max Worth of the starship Arcturus. I’m here to take command of this station.

Really, she replied folding her arms across her chest? And who decided that!

Some computer jockey at a terminal in an ivory tower somewhere I suppose, he answered.

She leaned forward, placed her huge hands on top of her knees, and squatted down to look Max in the face.

Listen little man, she growled. This is my station. I call the shots here. Nobody’s in charge of me.

Max carefully considered his response. He realized he might encounter hostility from this woman. Drawing a deep breath, he spread his legs apart, put his hands on his hips, looked her right in the eye, and told her the way it was going to be.

Look Queen Kong, I don’t make the rules, I just do what I’m told. Some asshole ordered me to take charge here and that’s what I’m going to do. I don’t want to piss you off and I don’t need a fight over it. Just let me do my job in peace and I won’t bother you.

That’s good, she snarled, because if you want to fight, I could crush you like an insect!

I’m sure you can, Max replied, but if you do, please make it quick, I don’t fancy a slow demise. Of course the government will just replace me with someone else, or a group if necessary, and they might not be as nice as I am!

Max narrowed his eyes.

Oh, and one more thing, he said.

What. She scowled!

Max pushed his face right into hers until they were nose-to-nose.

Get this through your big thick head, he continued. You can’t threaten a soldier with death!

Max was doing his best to be tough and establish his authority. Inside however he was scared to death. This woman could snap his neck in a second if she wanted to. He prayed his bluff would work.

Now they had both declared their positions and it was a standoff. Someone needed to break the spell, so Max seized the moment.

By the way, he said, thanks for bending over, I was getting a stiff neck looking up!

Max then gave her the stare. He really didn’t want to cause this person any trouble, or disturb her world, and more importantly, he really didn’t want to be crushed! All he wanted was to do his job and get on with life. He hoped she got the message.

Ulla 4447 didn’t take crap from anyone. She didn’t have to. Of course murder is frowned upon and she really wasn’t a killer. Deep in her heart, she knew this guy was ordered to come here and do a job. If not him then it would be someone else, or maybe like he said, a group of them. Ulla figured that she really didn’t need a flock of people wandering around here. One was enough! There was also something interesting about him. He had stood up to her! That couldn’t have been easy. Most men would be standing in a puddle of their own making by now, but not this guy. He had courage. Maybe it would be better to just back off a little and let him get on with his job! After all, it wasn’t like any of this was his choice.

Okay, she said. It looks like we’re stuck with each other. I don’t see a need to go to war over it. Just stay out of my way and leave me alone. Got it!

Guaranteed, Max replied! Now if you’ll excuse me I’ve got a lot of stuff to stow away. Where’s the best place around here to stay in order to avoid you?

Ulla narrowed her eyes and slowly straightened up. She took in a deep breath let him have a good long look at her. She hoped his neck hurt from the effort.

I don’t suppose you’d consider camping outside, she asked?

Not a chance, he declared!

Well, there are plenty of rooms in D section to pick from. You know, D, as in dumb! That should be far enough away to suit me.

And what section are you in, Max asked?

G, she answered.

Oh, I see. G, as in gorilla he fired back!

Max could see her start to sputter and fume inside. Obviously she had taken a lot of insults in her life. He really didn’t want to add to that list, but he couldn’t help himself. As long as she continued to act nasty, he intended to fight back. Max wasn’t exactly sure why though, because it didn’t make any sense. I mean you don’t go up to a hippo and kick it in the shins! But it was his habit of responding to negative stimulus this way and it usually got him into trouble, like being posted here for instance.

Ulla silently digested his last insult. Then she gave him a wry smile.

Here, let me help you with your stuff, she offered.

Don’t trouble yourself, Max replied.

Oh it’s no trouble at all, Ulla insisted. I’ll show you the way to your quarters, it’s the least I can do for a guest.

Bad news coming, Max thought!

Ulla strode over to his duffle bags and deliberately stepped on one. There was a crunching noise as something in there succumbed to her huge foot.

Oops, she said. Clumsy me. I hope it wasn’t anything valuable.

Max wasn’t impressed by her little charade. Still, he was glad she chose to take out her anger on an inanimate object rather than him.

Nothing in there is valuable, he said. It all belongs to the government, so do I for that matter. Everything can and will be replaced as necessary, including me! So jump up and down on the whole lot if it makes you feel superior. Obviously you need that.

Max slowly walked over and motioned her aside with a wave of his hand. He bent down and retrieved his gear. Hoisting it on to his shoulder, he turned and started to walk away.

I’ll find my own way thanks, he said. And don’t feel bad about being clumsy. I’m told that the bigger they come, the more awkward they are.

He vanished down the hall.

Ulla clenched her fists and ground her teeth. That stung! It always did. She had suffered enough comments like that to last a dozen lifetimes. Ulla was boiling mad, but only partly at her new houseguest. Deep down inside, she was also angry with herself.

Why was I mean to him, she thought? He’s new and doesn’t know me. I could have been kind and maybe have a friend for once. A friend would be nice right about now. I’ve been twenty-four months on this rock all alone. It would be great to have someone, anyone, to talk to for a change. But no, too many years of defensive conditioning have left me socially crippled. Will I ever learn?

Ulla stormed out of the rec-room and headed for her living quarters. She hurried inside, slammed the door, and flopped on the bed. Ulla burst into tears.

Max soon found a suitable room and moved in. He dumped out his gear on the bed and examined it.

Well, let’s see what damage Girlzilla did here, he said.

Max opened the bag and checked its contents.

Well the alarm clock is toast, he said as he pulled out the flattened remains. And my shaving kit is crunched up pretty good. Razor looks okay though. Could be worse. It could have been me! I’m going to have to watch my step with this girl.

Max thought it wise to avoid her as much possible. He sorted out his few belongings and then busied himself getting acquainted with the layout of the station.

Ulla eventually cried herself dry. She lay on her bed and stared up at the ceiling. This had been a disappointing, but typical day for her. All her life she had dealt with the curse of being the tallest person anyone had ever known. In fact, as far as she knew, she may be the biggest human in history. Why her? All she ever wanted in life was to be like everyone else. Instead, she had to be the center of attention wherever she went, and negative attention at that.

My god, she thought, did you see the look on his face when he first saw me! Just like everyone else, their eyes pop, and their mouths drop open at the sight of the circus freak!

God I can’t stand it, she cried out! What a nasty attitude he has and I’m stuck with him! This is going to suck!! Pity too, because he’s really cute. He looks the part of my fantasies. But what’s the point! He’s never going to be interested in me. Some little miniature female will come along some day and snag him. Little bitches in their off the rack short skirts and heels. What chance have I got? Damn!!

Ulla was overwhelmed with frustration and disappointment, mostly with herself. It gnawed at her. She figured she needed to work off some negative energy, so she got up and headed for the gym. Maybe some vigorous exercise would take the edge off her anger.

A couple of days passed. Somehow Max and Ulla managed to avoid each other. This was good as they both needed some time to cool off after their first meeting. Max tried to establish a routine for himself.

I wonder exactly what I’m supposed to do here, he thought. There’s no need to check on her. She’s been here a couple of years already and needs no assistance from me. She’d resent the intrusion anyway. That’s too bad. You know Max, once you get over the shock of seeing her for the first time, she’s kind of pretty. It would be nice to have someone to talk to. I wonder what she does all day.

Max checked the computer to see what Ulla did with it.

There’s not much here, he muttered. Looks like she uses the gym a lot, especially the weight trainers. That would help explain her muscular physique.

The computer recorded the weight amounts she typically trained with.

Good God, he exclaimed! That’s 500 pounds! She can actually lift that? That kind of power along with her temper is… unnerving. This might be a long assignment Max old boy. You’d better find a way to make peace, somehow.

As the days passed, they did occasionally encounter each other. Max tried his best to be polite. He didn’t smile, he couldn’t manage that yet, but he would say good day and bow slightly as a sign of respect. At first she just shot him a nasty glance and moved on, but eventually, she started to at least acknowledge his attempts at civility and respond in kind. It was a beginning. In the meantime life on Shima 4 went on as usual.

Ulla felt the approaching storm long before it arrived at the station.

Oh no, another one, she thought! I hate those things and there’s so many this time of year. I’d better get to my room quick and put the music on.

As she hurried to her quarters, she noticed Max was standing at an open glass door in the rec-room. He was watching the approaching wall of coal black clouds. Max had his back to her and was unaware of her presence.

What the heck is he doing, she wondered?

Ulla paused a moment to observe him.

Max seemed fascinated by the rapidly approaching storm. He appeared quite unconcerned about the flashes of lightning or the crack of thunder.

Wow, she thought! Look how calm he is. I can’t do that! I’m already shaking. Why doesn’t he come in? What if the lightning strikes and he… Maybe I’d better get him! But what would he think? Would he think I’m stupid or something? Would he ridicule me? Do I care? I don’t want to see him get hurt. What should I do?

Suddenly a brilliant flash of lightning struck and startled her.

Kaboommmmmm!

The thunder exploded overhead and trailed off into a long menacing growl. Ulla closed her eyes and clenched her fists. The rain hurtled down in sheets and made a deafening roar on the roof of the station. A cold violent wind rushed through the open door and washed over her. Ulla shivered.

Too much, she thought! Got to get away!

She quickly retreated to the safety of her room. Once there, she didn’t play any music to drown out the noise, but listened to the storm instead. She held a pillow in her arms and hugged it. Each flash of lightning and crash of the thunder made her wince.

Is he all right, she wondered? Who cares!

I care, she muttered. I should have pulled him back in and just taken his abuse. What’s one more insult anyway? He would at least be safe. Now I’ve deserted him.

Damn you Ulla, she thought!

Meanwhile the storm was passing. The sound of the rain lessened and the crashes of thunder faded away. Ulla hurried back to the rec-room. Peeking around the corner, she spotted Max standing outside on the rain soaked deck.

Thank god he’s alright,