Karadan Adventure: TRUTH AND FICTION ARE NEVER FAR APART PART II

By F.C. Young

This adventures closely follows the Karadan Encounter with many of the same characters. An older woman is romanced by a much younger man. It is finally revealed that he is an alien who wants to partner with her to protect the Earth. She accepts his offer and together they fight to save the planet from deadly foe while making new friends and find

• Language: English
• Publisher: TOPLINK PUBLISHING, LLC
• Release date: Apr 8, 2019
• ISBN: 9781950540563

F.C. Young

Young is a nurse anesthetist by trade and writer by desire. She was raised by a single mother who instilled the wonders of nature and the world in her. Her mother was also a gifted writer. This story was crafted by Young as a tribute to her mother.

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The Karadan Adventure

Truth And Fiction Are Never Far Apart Part II

F. C. Young

Copyright © 2019 by F. C. Young.

Paperback: 978-1-950540-55-6

eBook: 978-1-950540-56-3

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

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Printed in the United States of America

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 1

My name is Courtney Sayers, and six months ago I had the most outrageous adventure you can imagine. I was in the outback of Utah when I hit a man. He was terribly hurt, having lost most of his skin and needed medical help. But when I touched him, I became impelled to take him into the empty desert, away from the help he needed. After a nightmarish drive we arrived at an eight-story tall silver tower. That’s when I realized that my passenger was an extraterrestrial and I had no choice but to obey his commands. He gave orders to his computer and then it guided me, carrying the injured man, through the ship to the medical bay. The journey was heart pounding, but I did my best to help. The computer announced that the man/alien was going to die if I did not help further, so, I agreed to go on a mission to save the alien and his partner. In doing so, I made some interesting friends with the computer and a silicon-based life form and fell deeply in love with the alien cap tain.

Unfortunately, my alien lover had to return to his home planet, where I could not go. The night I walked out of the alien ship, and waved goodbye to my departing friends, a piece of my soul was torn away with the blast off of that silvery tower.

In the months since then, I’ve tried to write down the adventure as I remembered it, because in the two hundred years ahead of me, I’m liable to forget, and that would be unforgivable. It has also helped me to work through some of the grief and longing that has plagued me since then.

I have worn the holo-bracelet religiously. It masked the fact that the aliens reduced my well-upholstered frame, leaving me thin and looking much younger than my fifty-something years belied. When I reached the desired shape, a month back, the bracelet ceased to function, but I like it and wear it even now. No one ever suspected that my over abundant size had been shrunk in an instant. I did receive a multitude of compliments about my extraordinary ability to diet.

The aliens left me with enough money to see me into the next century, but I just couldn’t quit my job. Going back to work was like a balm to me. It has helped me adjust to my new life and given me purpose.

As time has passed, I’ve begun to feel adventurous again, and I think I will quit my job soon and take my mother traveling. Her life is so much shorter than mine, that I should give her all that I can. I will write my letter of resignation this weekend and then get plans started for our new endeavors.

Even as I think of traveling, my eyes drift to that spot of desert where I know an alien space craft stood. I sit here, in the spare bedroom a lot, looking at the desert. This is where I chronicle my adventures and dream of what was.

That’s odd, I murmured. I must be hearing things. For a second, I thought I heard Zyhm’s giggle . But that can’t be. He’s half way across the galaxy. I miss him so much.

Who is he, you ask? Zyhm is the silicon-based life form about the size of a golf ball who I befriended. He floats in the air and glows a rainbow of colors to match his emotions. He also giggles when happy. A smile brushed my lips as I lovingly caressed the tiara on my brow. Either by accident, or on purpose, it stayed on my head as I left the ship. It served the aliens as a highly efficient senor-net, and communications device. It is also how Zyhm talked to me. Without the ship to make it function, though, it is just a wonderful piece of jewelry that I wear when no one is around. But........wouldn’t it be something if I had heard Zyhm through it?

My attempt at writing was short lived as the doorbell chimed. Damn, I growled mentally, as I scrambled out of the chair and hurried down stairs. I was off to a good start and wanted to keep the momentum. I promised myself that I would return to the story in a few minutes...

Surprise! Yelled a familiar voice. Before I could react, I was grabbed and roughly kissed until I was breathless. It was Zak! My dreams had come true. He was back! And all the while Zak was embracing me, Zyhm did aerobatics around our heads and giggled wildly.

As much as I enjoyed being kissed, I couldn’t let the neighbors see Zyhm, so I pushed my love from me. You’re here! I breathed, smiling and unable to take my eyes off the handsome face in front of me. I drew him into the house, praying no one saw all the antics that had just taken place. Zyhm needed no prompting. He zipped passed our heads and made a beeline for the kitchen where he began exploring.

I’m here, he sobbed, and crushed me into his chest. I thought I’d never see you again, he moaned into my hair, and then kissed me again so urgently that my mind was filled with his desire. My body responded in kind. I was ready to go. I wished I could give myself to him, but it was not a good time, so I pushed him away.

He looked surprised and hurt. Oh please, no Zak. I want very much to be with you, I gasped, trying to clear my mind. Believe me when I say I really want to be with you, but we are not alone, I nodded toward the purple glowing golf ball who was opening cupboard doors in the kitchen and exploring the interiors with much rattling of contents and occasional giggles. He hummed and zipped from place to place as we watched. Zak stared at Zyhm and shook his head ruefully.

I tried to make him stay on the ship, but he’s nearly as stubborn as you are. There was simply no way. Do you have any suggestions? he asked hopefully, desire and longing in his vivid blue eyes.

I think if we give him a little time, he will wind down and be willing to rejoin his family, I replied slowly, while smiling tenderly at the man I loved. I turned to my inquisitive little friend. Zyhm. Stop that for a second and come here. I haven’t had a chance to say hello to you.

Zyhm popped out of the refrigerator and zipped into the living room where Zak and I were standing. He stopped about two feet from our noses and beamed a deep blue which rippled with light shades of pink. Hello Courtneeeeeyyy. I’ve misssssed youuu, he purred.

And I’ve missed you, too. Are you and your family well? I inquired politely, not knowing what else to say.

He giggled and blushed a deeper shade of pink. They have missed you also. We are neveeer sickkk, he added. Zak looked at me in a strange way. I don’t think he had ever known whether the Zyhm could become ill or not. Do youuuu seee, Courtney? I protected Zak and brought him back to you. Dooo youuu seee? Doooo youuuu seeee? he repeated excitedly and then blushed bright red and giggled wildly, while spinning around the room.

I see, Zyhm. And I’m more grateful than you will ever know. You are the finest friend a person could have, I answered in praise of the little creature. I wondered privately what he had to do with Zak’s return. I turned to Zak, questions on my tongue, but he shook his head and silently mouthed the word later. I nodded and changed the subject.

Seeing you two has made me very hungry. How about if we go out and celebrate somewhere? I proposed happily.

Zak shook his head and embraced me a little tighter. I was hoping that we could go back to the ship now. We would have privacy there and we could say hello in a more intimate way, he whispered in my ear. The nearness of him made me tingle with pleasure. Yeah, that would be great I thought. I think I was drooling. But, unfortunately, I was on duty and the safety and well-being of the patients and people of my hospital took precedence over my wants and desires.

I wish that were possible, Zak. But, I’m on call and I can’t be out of phone or beeper contact. So, unless you parked the ship just up the block, and Kaalix can intercept any phone calls, I won’t be able to leave here. At least, until Monday morning when I go off call, I explained sadly.

Why are you working? I left you enough money so that you would never have to work again. He sounded slightly distressed.

I stroked his cheek and smiled. When you left, my world died. I needed an excuse to go on, and work rather fit that bill. So, here I am. I shrugged my shoulders. More questions bubbling to the surface.

Did you miss me so much? he asked wistfully, tears glistening is his eyes.

Yes. More than you will ever know.

I’m glad, he said, his eyes serious and dark. But, if you can’t come to the ship, would you mind if I stayed here with you? he asked, looking brighter.

I would be hurt if you didn’t want to stay with me, I answered happily as I hugged his firm midsection. I could feel ribs. Zak was thinner and when I looked at him I could see that he looked haunted. He hadn’t fared well with the separation either.

Well, that’s settled. Let’s go eat. I was so excited about seeing you again, that I haven’t eaten in quite a while, he said, patting his flat stomach.

I frowned as I took an even closer look at Zak. His eyes had dark circles under them, and he was much thinner. I sent a quick hello to Kaalix, told him I would greet him later, and asked if Zak was well. Kaalix’s curt reply of yes was not comforting. But he did not elaborate and was silent.

Do you like Mexican food? I asked to cover the lag in the conversation.

I love Mexican food, Zak answered readily.

Zyhm, are you up for an outing? I asked. He flew out of the hall linen closet. Yesss, Courtney. I will go anywhere with youuu, he answered, while beaming us a deep green color. Then he went back to his explorations.

What do you suppose he finds so interesting in all those cupboards? I asked Zak.

Natural curiosity, I guess, answered Zak, looking mystified.

I shook my head, smiled indulgently, and watched the little guy fly into the guest bathroom. As he investigated each new place, he hummed delightedly and giggled at times. He was such an enigma. He was childish, naive, and at times, just plain silly, but he could also be serious and loyal when the situation called for it. I think that he could also be dangerous if he wanted to be. No one, not even the Organization, knew the full extent of powers that these little creatures possessed. But, I have the feeling that there is a lot more under that giggling exterior than meets the eye. I will always be thankful that he is my friend, for I would hate to have him for an enemy.

Come on Zyhm, we’re going now, and I don’t want you to miss this, I called out as we prepared to leave. I hesitated.

Zak? What did you come in? Should we take your wheels or mine? I asked.

I don’t have a car yet, so I came on the bike, he answered.

I shuddered. The last time we rode on that motorcycle, we were on a stealthy mission to an enemy instillation. We wore our golden suits of armor and were safe from injury. They sealed the body into a protective second skin that amplified one’s strength tenfold, deflected energy blasts and basically made me feel like Superman. But now, without a suit, a motorcycle in the city was an invitation to disaster. If you don’t mind, I’d like to take my car. I hate motorcycles, except when I’m in a golden suit.

I agree. I felt very unprotected out there, he answered.

I’m glad you feel that way. Those things might be fun, but the damage they cause in accidents is horrific.

Zak kissed my hair. It’s nice to have someone care for me again, he purred into my ear. My skin rippled in pleasure, and a new rush of heat spread downward through my torso.

I took off the tiara, grabbed my purse and beeper and headed to the garage, with Zak a step behind. Come on Zyhm, I called over my shoulder. Seconds before the hall door closed, a bright green golf ball whizzed past our heads, beating us to the garage. He made a beeline for my car. Without any help, he opened the nearest door and began explorations of the interior. As Zak and I settled into our seats, we could hear him rattling around in the spare tire well, humming happily.

Zak winked at me, as we buckled up. I beamed a hundred watt smile at him. It’s strange how fast depression can lift. All I could do now was smile. I knew that this might not be permanent, that Zak might go away again, but for now? I would enjoy the time at hand. Hang on Zyhm, I called to the back seat as I pulled into the roadway.

We drove to the restaurant in silence, although, our hands were never far apart. There was no question in my mind that Zak loved me, and I felt warm in that knowledge. I had feared that a lot of my experiences were imagined. Loneliness will magnify thoughts and deeds, but, that fear was laid to rest with the way Zak had greeted me. I wondered, for a second, where our love would take us. We are from such diverse backgrounds. Would I begin to wear on him? Would my ignorance eventually cause a rift between us? I resolved to study and learn about Karadan, the world he was from. I would do my best to keep our relationship alive and fresh. That is, if Zak’s return was for always. He was being very quiet, and my anxiety was growing. I wished I could have kept the tiara on. Kaalix would have relieved my worries.

Oh, my dear computer friend. I have treated you badly, with only a second of acknowledgment from me. I hated what I had done to him. I hoped he would take pity on me later. Kaalix had become as much of a friend as Zyhm was. He was so much more than wires and circuits. His living tissue components made him a living being with feelings and desires. In a special way, I loved him too.

My remorse over Kaalix evaporated as I had to concentrate on getting a parking space in the busy lot. After circling several times, a space opened and in I went. As we prepared to go in, Zak and I looked at the excited yellow glowing golf ball floating between us. We eyed each other. We had a problem. Zyhm. You can’t go in like that. You’ll scare everybody away. I moaned. Have any suggestions?

Hmmmm. was his only sound for several seconds. His color went through a fascinating shift of hues, starting at yellow and then fading to blue, then green. At last he giggled and ping-ponged through the car’s interior. I will go as the pendant to your necklace, Courtneeeeey. All Earth females wear them, chirped the amazing creature. Surprisingly, it was the perfect disguise. He could see everything, while remaining close to us. He was definitely smarter than anyone of us ever gave him credit for. He was also much more observant than I had thought. How clever of him to notice my necklace and know that a pendant wouldn’t be out of place.

You’re so smart, Zyhm. It’s a perfect place for you, I said, praising him. He giggled and blushed. Hey! I just realized. I can hear you, and I don’t have the tiara on. How is that? I gasped as I touched my brow.

I am always able to make you hear me, Zyhm replied evenly. Zak’s eyebrows shot skyward. He had heard Zyhm also and