Grady's Awakening

Chapter Fourteen

“I told you I’d come for you,” Grady teased as he held Gina’s hand. They strolled aimlessly around the main cavern. “I didn’t mean it quite this way, I’ll admit, but perhaps fate had other plans for us.”

“You believe in fate?”

“Even before I could feel, I always knew there were things that happened for a reason. Fate plays a large role in most soldiers’ lives.”

“Then—” Gina didn’t know quite how to tell him. She had to be honest. She had to tell Grady about Jim, but she didn’t want to hurt his feelings. They were so new and fragile she hated to wound him.

“What is it? You know you can tell me anything, Gina.” He turned, clutching both of her hands in his, holding them against his chest. She could feel the strong beating of his heart, and she sent up a silent prayer that she wasn’t about to break it beyond repair. Of course, maybe she was thinking a bit too highly of herself, but then, Grady seemed so devoted… She didn’t know what to think anymore.

“I believe in honesty.”

He looked at her strangely, tilting his head to one side. “I believe I’ve heard you humans say honesty is the best policy.”

“Yes, I believe it is. That’s why I have to tell you about my trip here. I didn’t travel alone, Grady. I came with the leader of another group of human survivors. His name is Jim, and I knew him in the old world. He was a student of my father’s. I even had a crush on him back then, though I was just a girl and he was too old for me.”

Grady’s eyes grew troubled, his stance more rigid as he pulled slightly back from her. “You went to meet him after you left me?”

“No! It wasn’t like that at all. I didn’t even know he was still alive. For that matter, he didn’t know I was either. I was as shocked as he was when my mission for the Patriarch led me straight to him and his people.”

“But I sense there’s more.” Grady’s expression held a world of hurt and Gina felt the echoes of his growing despair. She’d give anything to spare him those feelings. She had to make it right. Somehow, she had to make him see that she hadn’t set out to betray him.

“Jim and I grew close on the journey here. Jaci and Bill said we Hum and the cousins gave us a crystal. Jim and I…we make it glow. I know that means something really special to your people, but we’re both human. We both have responsibilities and duties to people and places far apart. Jim and I made no commitments to each other. I can’t, in good conscience, make a commitment to anyone at this point in my life. I owe the Patriarch my allegiance and my loyalty. I’m his to command. I can’t promise anyone—you or Jim—anything beyond today. My future is uncertain and not mine to choose.”

Grady dropped her hands and moved a few steps away, clearly processing her words. He seemed to be struggling with what she’d just told him, making her feel guilty. She hated the feeling.

“I want to do the tests with you.” Grady whirled on her, causing her to take a step backward with his vehemence. “Now.” He shook his head, his voice strong. “As soon as possible.”

“Okay.” He must have sensed her hesitance because he stepped up close to her and reclaimed her hands in an almost desperate grip.

“I believe in my heart—in my soul—that you are my mate, Gina. I want to see the proof before we go any further. I want the world to see that you are my true Resonance Mate.”

Her body vibrated in an echo of his desperation. She felt the urgency in his tone and his grip. She could do this for him. It was a simple enough request.

“All right. Jaci can witness. Or Bill. Both can hear the Hum.”

“But all can see the crystal glow.” Grady’s eyes snapped with fire, his lips curling into the smallest of grins, daring her.

“I don’t know—” Gina didn’t really care to be put on display, but she feared nothing less would satisfy him in such a dangerous mood.

“You’re mine.” The growl in his voice surprised her, as did the possession in every line of his body.

“You’d best stop manhandling my friend, Grady Prime, or friend or not, I will kick your ass.”

Bill’s voice broke like an icy wave over Gina’s senses. She dragged her gaze from Grady’s to find the other Alvian warrior just a few feet away, watching them. Grady looked over at him too, but didn’t move for a long moment, staking his claim clearly for the other warrior’s benefit.

Then, little by little, he let her go. Gina stepped back, but not far. She wouldn’t allow her actions to shame him in any way.

“We will perform the resonance tests right away,” Grady announced. “You can be a witness.”

“No need. You already have passed all three tests. Congratulations. You are true mates,” Bill shocked them both by saying.

“When? How?” Gina asked, unable to say anything more coherent.

“Just now. Jaci took out a tuned crystal when you two said hello. Everybody saw it glowing but you. You were, shall we say, otherwise engaged.” Bill chuckled at them and Gina started to realize just how lost to the world she’d been after spotting Grady.

“You are certain?” Grady seemed to want further proof.

“Yes, my friend. I am absolutely certain. And seeing this miracle—in addition to that granted Jaci and her mates—gives me renewed hope for the future.”

All of a sudden, Gina realized that Jim must have seen everything. Her heart sank like a stone.

“This is welcome news.” Grady took the hand Bill offered in congratulations. Only then did Gina realize Jim and their hosts had left the area while she’d been oblivious in Grady’s arms. She worried over what that might mean¾what Jim might have seen and how he might have reacted.

Jaci came over to them and offered her congratulations. Gina decided to let things unfold as they willed for the moment. She’d deal with Jim at the earliest opportunity, but for now she wanted to bask just a little longer in Grady’s presence. She didn’t know what the future would hold, but something inside her wanted to be near Grady for as long as possible.

No doubt, she had a lot to think about, but for the moment, she latched onto Grady’s arm and let it all ride.

This installation’s communications center looked even more advanced than the one in Jim’s facility in Colorado. Jim was suitably impressed with the artificial intelligence computer that ran most of the systems in the underground complex and told the cousins so. They took his words in stride, but Jim could tell they were pleased as they unveiled the newest console in the chamber.

At its heart was a clear, shining, quartz crystal. Its surface sparkled in the dim light of the chamber, throwing sparks of light around the room like an old-fashioned disco ball.

“We’ve made a few modifications with Bill and Jaci’s help.” Mike sat at the console, flipping switches and powering up the system.

It didn’t take long at all. The crystal glowed from within when power started flowing through it, but not as much as Jim expected. Certainly not even as much as he’d seen when that newly arrived Alvian bastard had kissed Gina. That glow had been brighter and the crystal much smaller. Jim didn’t know what that meant just yet, but he planned to find out.

Mike placed a call that was answered a minute later by a cheerful, female voice.

“Hi, Mike, it’s Jane. How are you all doing out there?”

“We’re just fine, Mrs. O’Hara. How’s the family? Good, I hope.”

Damned if this didn’t sound like a good old-fashioned telephone call. For just a minute, Jim felt nostalgic for the old world and the millions of easy conversations he’d had with friends and family. When the aliens took out the satellites and most of the ground-based infrastructure, telephones had become impossible tech for humans to maintain.

Jim listened as Mike exchanged pleasantries with the woman on the other end of the line for a few minutes longer, finally asking to speak with someone named Mick.

“Mick O’Hara is one hell of a telepath. He’s the one who’s in direct communication with their boy, Harry. He’s the relay from the city and from Caleb,” David explained. He stood beside Jim, a few feet behind the console and Mike.

A few moments later, a male voice came over the line. “Harry said you’d be calling sooner rather than later. How’s it going over there?”

Mike explained the situation, giving Mick O’Hara more detail than Jim would have expected, but then, he didn’t really know these people or their resources. But the more he saw, the more he decided to cultivate a relationship with these people and their facility. They could definitely learn things from each other.

“So what have you got for me, Mick?” Jim was glad when Mike finally got down to business.

“Caleb had a good chuckle over your situation. We all know how much you two despise Grady Prime, but I have to tell you, you’re going to have to put that all behind you if you want to move forward. He’s a changed man and with him will come even greater changes. Managing them is going to be the key. You two are poised to do that, along with the girl and her contacts. Caleb can’t see much about them yet, only vague images and what he thinks are metaphors.”

“Metaphors?” Mike shot a look back at his cousin, clearly curious.

“He’s seeing angels, Mike. Near as he can figure, that’s got to stand for something else.”

Dave laughed out loud and stepped forward to the console, taking the mic. “You know as well as I do, doc, that sometimes a cigar is just a cigar.”

The other end of the line was silent for a moment. “You trying to tell me there are dudes with wings on this planet, Dave? Have you been smoking the drapes?”

Both cousins laughed at that.

“No, Mick. I’m telling you, I’ve seen it. Dudes with wings. They’re real.”

“Alvian?”

“A genetic hybrid. Alvian and some other alien race that really did have wings. They were one of the aliens’ famous experiments.”

“And you know this…how?”

“Sorry, Mick. That’s not my secret to divulge at the moment. For now, just take my word for it, okay?”

“Son of a bitch.” Mick sounded both perplexed and intrigued. “Well if that don’t beat all.”

“Does Caleb have any words of advice for Grady’s competition?”

“Competition?”

“For Gina’s affections,” Dave qualified. “She traveled here with a human guy—a former spook from Colorado named Jim. I get the impression there might be a threesome in the making.”

“Hang on, I’ll ask.”

Silence reigned for a minute while Mick placed a telepathic call to his brother via his nephew. It was a complicated relay, but it worked. And more importantly, it was untraceable.

“All right.” Mick came back a moment later. “What’s this about the Olympics? Caleb is seeing Olympic rings.”

“That’s Gina. Gina Hanson. Remember her? She won gold for martial arts.”

“No kidding? I remember her. She was a cute girl and very talented. Came from a line of martial arts teachers and champions, didn’t she?”

“Sure did. She’s been living with the aliens since just after the cataclysm, but her group is different, she claims. A secret sect like ninjas or something. Turns out, Bill was one of them. He confirmed everything she told us.”

“Wow.” Mick sounded both skeptical and worried. “Caleb saw some of this, but he had a hard time interpreting it. I’m going to need some time to talk to him. Can I give you a call back later?”

“Sure. Burt’s always here to answer. He’ll let us know you’re on the line. Thanks, Mick.”

Dave signed off with a few more words of farewell and sat back.

“Nothing to do now but wait. Come on.” Dave stood and motioned for Jim to follow him out. “I’ll show you the gym. Maybe you can work off some of your anger before you confront the happy couple.”

As it turned out, Jim spent a few hours training in the state of the art gym area that was similar to the one at his home base. Mike and Dave left him there with some of the other inhabitants of their facility who had been martial arts enthusiasts in the old world. Among them, Jim found a few sparring partners and eventually ended up teaching a few moves to the guys and making friends.

By the time he headed back to his assigned room for a shower and change of clothes from his pack, he was feeling a little better. The physical exercise had allowed him to work through some of his anger, but his heart was still sore from the emotional beating it had taken earlier that day.

Gina wasn’t in the room they’d been given, but her pack was. He didn’t know what to make of that, so he just shrugged his shoulders and went about his business. It was almost dinnertime, so he headed for the big cafeteria where most of the people living in the facility gathered for meals. He almost dreaded what he’d find there.

Sure enough, Gina was there, sitting next to the big Alvian warrior at a large table with Mike, Dave, Jaci and Bill. Jim squared his shoulders and picked up a tray and utensils, filling a plate from the buffet line. When he turned back around to look at Gina, she was staring back at him, an uncertain expression on her face.

“I saved you a seat,” came her tentative voice in his mind. She wasn’t a strong telepath, but this close, her voice was clear as a bell. He was surprised she’d initiate such intimate contact seeing as how she was sitting with her alien lover.

“Are you sure that’s wise?”

“Jim…” she trailed off, a pained look crossing her face. “Yes. I want you to meet Grady.”

“Again, I have to ask, are you sure that’s wise? He’s your lover, isn’t he?” Jim started a slow amble toward the large table and the empty chair next to Gina.

“He was. We met only a couple of days before I was sent to make contact with you. We only had a day or two together, but…”

“He moves fast for an alien.” Jim hated the jealousy he felt biting into him.

“It wasn’t like that. We Hum. That really means something to the Alvians. He was kind to me. If you must know, I’ve been with you longer than I was with him, but I feel attached to him…like I do with you.”

Jim didn’t like the sound of that. He stood next to Gina, looking down at her while the others at the table became aware of his presence. Tension was thick in the air as the men noticed him. Mike and Dave undoubtedly knew what was going on and Jaci actually cringed when she met his eyes. When his gaze fell on his competitor though, it seemed as if the big Alvian warrior had no idea who he was or what he’d been to Gina.

That was going to change.

But Jim was polite enough not to punch him out at the dinner table. Jim pulled out the empty chair and took possession of the seat on Gina’s left while eyeing the strange warrior who sat on her right.

“Grady, this is Jim. He was a student of my father’s in the old world, and we traveled here together.” Gina’s quiet voice reached only to the men she was introducing.

Jim felt a jolt of triumph when understanding dawned in the blue alien eyes as Grady looked from Jim to Gina and back again. Now the man knew who he was and that he’d have some hefty competition if he wanted Gina all to himself.

Grady held out a hand, startling Jim by initiating the human custom of a handshake. Apparently this guy had been observing humans enough to emulate the greeting. Even more impressive was the friendly gesture when he knew darn well they were competitors for Gina’s affections.

Jim shook Grady’s hand briefly as he sat, but said nothing. The man’s grip was impressively strong, but Jim got the impression that he was holding back his full strength. There was no show of bravado, just a simple greeting.

Jim let the conversation flow around him as he ate his meal. After some initial stiffness, the others at the table renewed their talk about life in their facility and the newcomers who had been joining them recently.

He found it interesting that they’d only been there a comparatively short time. Just a few months, really, and already they had a thriving community. To be sure, they were working out a lot of the kinks in their workflow and living patterns, but they were on the right track. Jim and his people by comparison, had already been on a proven schedule set up by the U.S. military and those who had staffed Cheyenne Mountain before his time.

Jim realized a lot of the new arrivals to this facility had been drawn there by talk of an angel flying in the skies near and above. After seeing Bill’s wings in action, Jim could well understand the attraction. Not only did Bill have most human religions and mythologies speaking well of people with feathery wings, he also had a natural command presence that you couldn’t help but feel when he was around.

He’d been a Prime among his people, in charge of a battalion of warriors just like himself. No doubt he’d been the best of the best, even among Primes. He was used to command and even though he deferred to his human friends and didn’t seem to want to lead, people still looked to him for guidance, instruction and leadership.

Luckily for them, Bill seemed tired and confused. He looked like a lot of the refugees Jim had seen pouring into his own home. Bill had issues. There was no doubt about that. But he was growing stronger—just as Jim’s people had grown stronger as they healed in a safe place with plenty of food to eat.

He wondered what would happen when Bill finally recovered from his trauma. Would he take up the mantle so many of these human survivors seemed to want to put around his shoulders? And if so, would he be a good leader of men or a tyrant?

Jim didn’t necessarily want to be around to find out. Bill—with those amazing wings of his—could easily use the influence of being an angel to hoodwink a lot of people. By virtue of that alone, he was a dangerous man. Even more worrisome were the skills and knowledge Bill had as a former Alvian Prime warrior. He knew how to lead. It came as naturally as breathing to him. He knew how to fight and he knew the Alvian system and forces better than almost anyone. Would he want revenge on the people that had thrown him out? Would he feel any loyalty at all to the humans who had taken him in?

Jim really wanted to know the answer to those questions before he got his own people more involved, but there was little likelihood he would have those answers in time. He’d have to make a judgment call, but he couldn’t do it alone. Jim had to maneuver a way for Bill to meet his people so they could judge for themselves. At the very least, Jim wanted his inner circle to meet Bill. All were sound judges of men who probably wouldn’t be swayed by those angelic wings.

When Bill started talking about his hydroponics experiments, Jim finally joined the conversation, offering for the experts in his facility to consult with Bill on the best way to proceed. That would be the easiest way to get his people to meet Bill. The Alvian was cagey, neither accepting nor declining the offer. Jim could handle that. He understood that the folks in this installation had to be just as careful as he was. He respected that and was also impressed that Bill appeared to be as concerned about the safety of the people in this facility as Jim was about his own people. It was a mark in Bill’s favor.

From there, the talk flowed into other areas. Mike and Dave eventually brought up the subject of Gina’s celebrity and her skills as a martial artist. Jim watched Grady carefully, unsurprised to see that Gina’s reputation among humans was news to the Alvian warrior. Gina was a modest woman. She didn’t go around boasting about her skills or her former glory.

“I remember seeing your gold medal bout on television,” Mike said to Gina. “You had a slammin’ roundhouse kick back in the day.”

“She still does.” Jim joined in the conversation when Gina said nothing. “She nearly knocked my block off the night we met.”

“How did you two meet again after all those years?” Jaci asked innocently.

“She snuck into the cave entryway, but we had seen her long before on the sensors and from scout reports. We were there to meet her, but I had no idea it was Gina under the ninja suit. We doused the lights, and I confronted her.”

“You attacked, you mean,” Gina put in with a laugh.

“Hey, give me a break, I didn’t know it was you. I didn’t even realize you were a girl in that get up.”

“And you don’t attack women?” Jaci asked, interested. “I’ve read about something called chivalry in the human texts. Is that why? Women don’t fight?”

“Oh, women fight,” Gina was quick to answer. “Though I’ll admit, in our culture’s past, women were expected to stay home, sew, clean, cook, et cetera. Only a few ever were warriors back during the times when it took real muscle to fight. We are much smaller, on average, than human males.”

“But you were a fighter?” Jaci leaned forward, apparently intrigued by the concept. “You train with the Zxerah if Bill is to be believed.”

“In the days just before the cataclysm, our people had advanced to the point where wars—if we had them—were conducted by machines. Jet fighters, tanks and guns could be operated by almost anyone. While it’s true that the majority of our military forces were male, there was an increasing number of females ready, willing and able to defend our countries. As far as martial arts go, the ancient fighting forms were studied for many reasons—physical fitness, mental discipline, competition—but not necessarily for large-scale warfare.”

“I was sent to study at the Hanson dojo with Gina’s father because I was an intelligence agent,” Jim put in. “I was a member of the U.S. military, where I learned basic hand-to-hand fighting. When I finished my tour of duty, I was recruited by the Central Intelligence Agency and given advanced training in several different areas.”

“Like what?” Jaci asked.

“Languages, computers, covert operations, acting, special munitions, explosives. All kinds of things that would come in handy on top secret undercover missions.” Jim leaned back in his chair, pushing his tray slightly away, finished eating. “Training with Gina’s dad was actually one of the more enjoyable training details I was ever sent on. After I finished the two-month class the Company had paid for, I asked Sensei Hanson if I could stay on as a student, paying my own way. I really liked the man and respected him. Gina’s brothers became good friends of mine. I miss them all, dearly.”

“Then it must have been some comfort to discover Gina was alive.” Jaci’s voice held sympathy, which still struck him as odd, seeing as how it came from an undeniably Alvian face.

“I admit, I was suspicious at first. Don’t get me wrong, I was glad to see that any of the Hansons had survived, but Gina was wearing Alvian clothes and she arrived on my doorstep out of the blue. Her gear was Alvian, and she claimed to be on a mission from some secret sect I’d never heard of. It all still seems a little impossible.”

“If there’s one thing I’ve learned,” Dave said, taking Jaci’s hand with a fond smile, “nothing’s impossible.”

Jim looked from Dave to Jaci to Mike. They were a threesome, odd as it seemed.

“Gina, I would like for you to spar with me tomorrow in the gym. Will you?” Bill spoke in his low, commanding voice, jarring Jim from his speculation.

“I would be honored,” Gina answered with a small smile for the alien. “I’ve missed our training bouts.”

“I want to show some of our newcomers that even someone of your size can have an impact with proper training. We have more women and children coming in every day, and I would feel better if they knew at least the rudiments of self-defense.” Bill hesitated before going on. “I teach fighting techniques to a few of the men, but I think some of them are afraid of me.” Incredibly, the alien man’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

“And no doubt others are in awe of your wings,” Gina agreed readily, glossing over the moment. She seemed on friendly terms with the big winged warrior.

“I still don’t understand it,” Bill agreed, “but it seems to be the case. No matter how many times I explain to them that I am nobody’s angel, the wings somehow make them think otherwise.”

Gina laughed, and the pretty sound distracted Jim for a minute. “Don’t worry,” she said through her chuckles, “I know better. I’ll be happy to show anyone who cares to watch how even the mighty angel can fall, given the right counter move.”

A big smile spread over Bill’s face. “That would be most welcome, Gina. Thank you.”

“I think you may have more of an audience than you expect, Gina,” Mike put in from across the table. “A lot of people remember you. It’s not every day a person gets to watch an Olympic Gold Medalist in action.”

“And not every day we’re confronted with someone who can remind us so strongly of the world we once knew.” Dave’s sobering words struck all the humans at the table.

“Bill,” Gina ventured into the silence. “I wanted to tell you how glad I am to see you this way. I’d hoped, when I heard what happened to you, that you would be able to handle true feelings. You always struck me as one of the more sensitive Alvians. I hoped that would help you after your DNA changed, and I’m glad to see you healthy and whole.”

Bill seemed genuinely surprised by her earnest words. He gazed at her with a touchingly vulnerable expression. “Thank you, Gina.” His soft words seemed choked as Gina smiled back at the alien warrior.

“I think everyone’s here now,” Mike broke into the moment, standing from his chair. “If you don’t mind, I’ll introduce you,” he said to Jim, Gina and Grady. “We’ve found after dinner is a good time to hold town meetings and discuss things. I know a lot of folks have been interested in your arrival, and I think more than a few have already recognized Gina.” He winked at her and Jim looked around the large cafeteria, noting how full it was. There were more people in this installation then he’d realized.

Jim watched as Mike fetched a wireless microphone and switched it on. They seemed to have a lot of undamaged equipment—some of it more advanced than the stuff in his facility.

“Good evening, my friends,” Mike said as the room quieted. He stood, facing the group, and Jim realized why the cousins had chosen the table near the door. They were able to see the entire room from their vantage point, and everyone could see them.

Mike introduced Jim first, as the leader of one of the other old NORAD installations, which caused a stir among the people. Mike gave them the facts, which Jim silently applauded. He dealt with his own people in much the same way. Democracy ruled the day in his facility and he was glad to see it had survived here as well. Mike was understandably cautious, telling his people there would be ample time to discuss the possibility of opening communications and trade with the Colorado facility. Jim took the room’s cautious but optimistic response as a good sign.

Then came the time for general announcements. Mike read off reminders about events and safety issues, including a warning about a big cat that had been seen hunting near the facility. Jim knew a lot of exotic zoo animals had survived the cataclysm to breed with native species and the results were often deadly predators it was best to avoid.

Mike then introduced Grady as a visitor who had a history with the three de facto leaders—Mike, Dave and Jaci. Mike made no secret about the fact that Grady had emotions and had been a soldier until recently.

“I know some of you have seen him before. He was, in fact, the man who finally captured myself and my cousin Dave. We hated his guts for a good long while,” Mike admitted ruefully as the crowd laughed. “But now he’s different. Hell, even when he didn’t understand us, he was a fair-minded man. We’ve never had reason to tell anybody else this, but back when we first found this underground installation and it was just me, Dave and Jaci here, Grady was assigned to track us down. Jaci’s people wanted her back in the worst possible way.” Murmurs of sympathy came from all around. “Grady actually found us.” A few gasps sounded as Mike shook his head and grinned in memory. “Naked as J-birds, playing in the hot spring. He could have had us all right then, but he let us go.”

“Why’d he do that?” a woman in the back called out.

“It’s complicated, but the aliens have this phenomenon called Resonance Mating. When two mates touch skin to skin, there’s an audible Hum the aliens can hear. It’s out of the range of human hearing, but machines can pick it up and we know for a fact the sound is produced whenever either of us touch Jaci. We’re her Resonance Mates. According to ancient Alvian law, Resonance Mates can never be parted for any reason. Grady can hear the sound. He knew what it meant. Because of it, he let us go. He’s known where we lived all this time and has never told his superiors about this facility. Much as I hate to admit it, he’s a friend. Dave and I have put the past behind us to welcome him here. I hope you’ll all give him a chance.”

“He’s got feelings, like Jaci?” another woman asked nearby.

Mike nodded. “He’s part of an alien experiment. They’re tinkering with their own DNA, experimenting on a few volunteers to give them emotions.” Loud murmurs this time from the crowd. “We confirmed this with the Oracle and he said to take it as a good sign, which I’m inclined to agree with. I know firsthand what having emotions can do to the Alvians. They begin to understand what they’ve done to us and our planet. They become more human, more compassionate and understanding. First Bill, then Jaci and now Grady. All three have turned into friends of humanity with deep regret for what their race has done. Can you imagine what would happen if more of them took this treatment?”

Mike let the murmurs rise to open discussion and noise filled the hall. After a few minutes, he handed the mic to his cousin and Dave stood while Mike sat back down at the table.

“Friends,” Dave spoke as the crowd noise slowly wound down in volume. “Friends, there’s one other newcomer you should know about.” Everyone was finally quiet as Dave continued. “Some of you may have already recognized her and I’m glad to confirm the gossip, that yes, indeed, Olympic Gold Medalist, Gina Hanson is among us.” Whispers sounded as Gina turned in her seat to wave. She was a consummate professional when it came to making public appearances, though she hadn’t done one in years. “Tomorrow afternoon, she’s agreed to give a little exhibition of her martial arts skill in the gym. I hope you’ll all attend. In the meantime, I hope you’ll make our guests welcome and Mike and I will be around to answer questions if you have any. Have a good night, everybody.”

Jim stood when everybody else did. It looked like dinner was officially over. Everybody started clearing their own tables and busing their trays back toward the kitchen area.

“We set up shifts once we got enough people.” Mike fell into step beside Jim as he walked with the crowd toward the dumping area. “We’re on a rotation. Everyone takes turns cooking and cleaning every few weeks.”

“We do something similar,” Jim agreed. “But there are some folks who actually prefer kitchen work so we let a few of them—two older ladies in particular—run the show. Claudette and Sylvia used to run the busiest diner in town. Luckily somebody had the good sense to rescue them in the first days after the bombardment started. Since they took charge of the kitchen, we eat a lot better.”

“I bet.” Mike dropped his tray on the conveyor, and Jim followed suit. He turned to see the three Alvians right behind him and Gina bringing up the rear. “So what now?” Jim asked Mike, who hovered at his side.

“A couple of weeks ago, Dave instituted social time after dinner. All those who want to, gather outside in the main area and Burt plays music that some kind soul programmed into his memory long before the cataclysm. We talk, play games, even dance. Dave, Jaci and I try to make ourselves available every night for at least a little while. I think it would be a good idea for you and Gina to sit with us for a bit. I’m sure people have questions about your facility and your people.”

Jim agreed and followed Mike outside. The lights had been lowered to a twilight setting and people were already setting up folding chairs and tables that had been stored along one wall.

“Is that beer?” Jim almost didn’t believe his eyes when he saw a refrigeration unit being opened. Sure enough, there was more than one small keg inside and a few of the men were already pouring out mugs of a frothy golden beverage.

“Mrs. O’Hara shared her brewing secrets with us, and Bill’s had good success growing hops. Those kegs represent our very first home brew as a matter of fact. It’s darn good, if you ask me, but I think we’ll get better the more we brew. It’s not quite up to the O’Hara standard just yet, but it works.” Mike headed over toward the keg, and Jim followed eagerly. “We ration it. One cup a night. We want to make it last until our next batch is ready, and we definitely don’t want to encourage alcoholism by allowing some to get carried away.”

“Good idea. We haven’t had any alcohol since the General’s private stash ran out decades ago.” Jim was eager to try the home brew. He’d liked the occasional beer back in the old world but had never been much of a drinker.

Mike worked through the line and brought back two glasses—one for Jim and one for himself. He then motioned Jim over to the table where Dave and Gina were already talking with a few others.

Grady was at Gina’s side, and Dave had Jaci next to him. Mike took the seat on Jaci’s free side and Jim chose to stand at the side of the table, watching.

A young boy came up to Jim and asked him about Colorado. Jim spent an enjoyable few minutes talking to the boy but was aware of Grady’s scrutiny as he did so. Sure enough, when Jim looked over, Grady was watching him.

Two could play that game.

He turned to the boy, already hatching plans to keep tabs on the Alvian warrior. But the boy was joined by his mother and father, who kept Jim talking about the outside world. By the time Jim was able to look back at Grady, he was gone. The seat at Gina’s side was filled by a woman who seemed to be hanging on Gina’s every word.

“I wanted to thank you.”

The deep, musical, Alvian voice surprised Jim. Son of a bitch. Grady had snuck up on him.

“What for?” Jim didn’t know how to play this little scene yet.

“For keeping watch over Gina. I worried about her while she was away on her mission, but had no way to contact her and a mission of my own to fulfill.” Grady seemed serious enough but Jim still wasn’t sure if there wasn’t some ulterior motive. “Thank you for making sure she came to no harm.”

“No thanks are necessary. Gina’s a talented woman. She took care of herself.”

“She is that.” Grady’s attention seemed to be snagged as he looked at the woman in question. His gaze softened and a tender expression touched his otherwise hard features. “She is a very special woman.”

“You’ll get no argument from me.” Jim felt jealousy, but also a kind of understanding for the other man. Grady probably believed himself in love with Gina. Jim was familiar with the idea. He recognized the emotion on the alien’s face for what it was and couldn’t fault the man for it.

“I love her.”

The bald statement was tinged with wonder, as if the alien was just discovering the truth of his words. Jim had to fight against his compassionate nature and remember Grady was talking about Gina—the woman Jim had just spent a passionate journey with and had deep feelings for himself.

“We completed the tests for resonance and she is my true mate, as I anticipated. I knew the moment I saw her that she was special.”

“Hell.” Jim drained his glass of beer and placed the empty on the table. “For your information, I knew her when she was just a kid. A gorgeous, talented, spunky teenager, studying in her father’s dojo. She was off limits to me then, but she sure as hell isn’t now.” Jim felt his anger translating into clenched fists and tight muscles. If it weren’t for the crowd, he’d gladly take out his confusion on the Alvian warrior, but he held himself in check. “If she loves you back, you’re a lucky man, Grady. But know this. I won’t make it easy on you. I saw her first.”

Grady regarded him steadily for a long moment before speaking in a low, serious tone. “I envy the fact that you’ve known her longer and I value the challenge you’ve issued, but it could be for naught.”

“How so?”

Grady looked pointedly at Jaci and the two men flanking her. “If she will have you, I won’t object to sharing her love. I know there are few human females. I never expected to find even one who could resonate with me, but having seen three true Resonance Matings, I knew it was likely I would be one of several men, should I be lucky to find a mate.”

Jim had to admit, he’d thought about the idea, but he still had a hard time separating the young girl he’d known from the woman. He thought of her as she had been with her family and he knew her father and brothers would have had strong objections to her getting involved with Jim in any way. Forget any kind of ménage relationship. The Hansons would have killed any man who even suggested it for their little princess.

“Look, buddy.” Jim tried to master his confusion and unrest. “I don’t know you, but I do know Gina. She’ll make her own decisions. Let’s let her be our guide.”

Grady looked at him strangely for a moment. “You are indeed wise,” he finally said, making Jim a little uncomfortable. He hadn’t expected the man’s respectful tone. So far, this Grady guy wasn’t acting in any way Jim could have predicted. “Gina will decide. It is for us to live with her decisions. I’m glad we had this talk.”

Funny thing was, Grady didn’t look glad. He looked as if he’d lost his best friend or something. The Alvian warrior left him then, walking away into the darkened part of the massive main cavern.

Jim stewed when Gina got up and went after him, but he was stopped from making an ass of himself when Jaci came over to him.

“Grady Prime is a good man,” she said without preamble.

“I’d expect you to say that, if you don’t mind my candor.”

Jaci laughed and the sound was musical and enchanting. “Back when I was a lab tech, I was a little in awe of him. Most lower ranked Alvians are, even though they don’t fully understand the emotion.” She moved closer to him, and her voice dropped. “Grady Prime is a considerate, skilled lover. I was only with him once in the course of my duties, but he’s the only man besides my mates who has ever shown me true pleasure.”

Jim wasn’t sure he wanted to know that. It was a little too much information for his peace of mind.

“I’m just saying,” she went on, “that Grady Prime will be good to your lady. He may even give you some competition in that area. Of course, the benefactor of such a competition will be Gina. I could almost envy her if I wasn’t so happy with my own mates.”

Jim didn’t know what to say when she paused dreamily, but assumed some response was required. “I’m very happy for you,” he finally managed, but she hardly noticed.

Jaci put a hand on his arm. “I think you could be just as happy, Jim, but it will require you to bend a little. Having been mated to two human males for some time, I’m beginning to understand their nature a bit. I know Grady Prime and I know he will never tell you what I am about to reveal, but I feel you must know it to understand the seriousness of the situation.”

Jim didn’t know what to make of her words and almost feared some new revelation of a sexual nature. For all he knew, Alvian guys had two cocks or something equally as weird. He just hoped whatever Jaci was about to tell him was something he could handle.

“Ancient Alvians—before emotion was bred out of our people—were highly aggressive. More so than even your human ancestors. Alvian males, warriors in particular, lived short, harsh lives spent fighting and searching for their Resonance Mates. If they didn’t find their mate, they were fated to a horrible end. They would often end their own lives in battle before facing that final challenge of madness.”

“What are you saying?”

Jaci’s face went pale and her eyes solemn as she turned to him. “Without their mates to complete them, Alvian males go insane. Grady Prime is a man of honor and pride. If Gina rejects him in favor of you, Grady Prime will not put up a fight. He’ll take her at her word and leave.” A tear fell unheeded down her pale cheek. “You’ll never see him again. In all likelihood, no one will ever see him again. Grady Prime will end his own life before the madness claims him because he knows it’s the only way to protect his mate. If he went mad, knowing she was in the world, he could do her harm while he was out of his mind. He’d take his own life before he’d let that happen. If Gina rejects him, she will be sentencing him to that terrible end.”

Jim was shocked. He’d had no idea. The very concept was appalling. Certainly a broken heart wasn’t something anyone wanted to experience, but actually going insane as a result was too much. These Alvians never did anything halfway, he thought. Claim your mate or go nuts. No middle ground.

Of course, it also meant that if Gina chose Jim over Grady, Jim would have to knowingly let the man go off to die. Jim didn’t think he could live with that on his conscience. Not even knowing the bastard was an alien.

Grady Prime was real to him now. Jim had seen a little of his vulnerability and couldn’t fault the way he treated Gina. The others seemed to respect him, but Jim wanted a chance to discover the real man. He wanted to get him in the sparring ring. The way a man fought told Jim a lot about a guy. Knowing what he knew now, Jim would take the time to learn more about this Grady character.

It was an untenable situation all the way around, but nothing had to be decided in the next few minutes. They had time. Not much, but some. It would have to be enough.

“So, just to be sure I’ve got this right, if Gina rejects him, Grady will go nuts?”

Jaci looked away, toward her mates, nodding. “If he is like our ancestors, then yes.”

“What about—” Jim didn’t want to say it out loud, but the possibility was there, staring him in the face. “What about if we formed a threesome? Would he be able to deal with it then? Or does this resonance stuff require full, one-on-one commitment?”

“Judging by Chief Engineer Davin’s mating, a threesome would work fine, if all three of you were willing to share. It works beautifully for my mates and me. I’ve heard that Davin and his mates are happy and well balanced, even though from all accounts, Davin was much closer to insanity than Grady Prime appears to be.”

Jim had a lot to think about. He was confused and didn’t know how to resolve any of these issues, but time would tell. Hopefully. He didn’t have a lot of time to waste, but surely he deserved a few days away from his responsibilities to think through his future. He didn’t think his people would begrudge him that. And besides, he was making contacts and working out details for opening communication between his installation and this one. If all went well, he could do that and figure out the rest of his life at the same time.

“Thank you, Jaci. I’m glad you took the time to tell me these things.” He lifted her hand and placed a kiss on the back, politely. She smiled at him with understanding in her eyes.

“I wasn’t sure if I should speak, but I think it was the right thing to do. There have been too many misunderstandings between our peoples already. This is the time for clear communication—especially with something as important as this.”

“You were right to tell me, Jaci. I’ll think about what you’ve said and appreciate your concern.”

He left her then, heading for his quarters. He definitely did have a lot to think about.