~ My Creator, My Protector ~
by AJ Marks


Disclaimers: The two main characters look familiar, but they have come from my mind.

Sex/Violence Warning: Yes, some sexual violence and non-consensual sex, nothing graphic.

Send Comments to: AJMarks01@aol.com

My Creator, My Protector
by
AJ Marks


Part 3

DJ woke up the next morning a bit disoriented. She felt warmth coming from under her and a body shifting under her. She panicked for a second when she looked up and noticed eyes blue eyes inches from her own. The owner of the eyes calmed her and she felt her heart rate go back down.

Lexa was in bed with her, how had that happened DJ thought. She thought about last night to see if she could figure out what had happened. She then remembered the nightmare and then a vague sense of Lexa being there to help her through it all. She also remembered something about clinging to Lexa then nothing else.

DJ realized that she was still lying on top of Lexa, pinning the other woman to the bed. With a sheepish grin she untangled herself from Lexa and got up all under the amusing watchfulness of Lexa.

"Good morning, sleep well," Lexa asked as she watched DJ get up out of the bed. She had noticed the confusion in the green eyes when they first opened. Lexa saw the transformation from confusion to wonder to embarrassment. Lexa almost laughed at DJ's antics and that the younger woman did not look at her as she went and got dressed. Lexa figured that DJ was still embarrassed by where she had woken up.

Lexa was able to see that the whip marks on the younger woman's body had started to fade already. They were not as red as they had been the previous day.

"Let me put some salve on your wounds before you put your shirt on," Lexa said grabbing a bottle that she had bought for the purpose. DJ hesitated for a few seconds as she warred within herself over what to do. DJ knew that Lexa had already seen her naked, but this would be consciously showing her body. She turned onto her front and allowed Lexa to rub the salve onto her back.

Much to DJ's surprise Lexa's hand was quite gentle as it rubbed the salve over her wounds. After a few minutes she began to relax as much as she was able to. After a while DJ realized that Lexa had stopped and she glanced up to see what was wrong.

"I just figured that you would want to do your own front," Lexa said handing her the jar. "I'll be in the bathroom, just tell me when your are done. Don't take too long, remember we need to be at the space port in less than an hour."

DJ watched as Lexa walked into the bathroom and wondered about the programming that she had done on Lexa. She mentally shook herself and put the salve on the marks that had been made the previous day. Part of her wanted to cry about what had happened, but knew that now was not the time for it.

She finished and carefully put on a pair of jeans and a long sleeved shirt. A belt completed the ensemble. She knocked on the door and was a bit curious as to what Lexa was going in there. Opening the door she noticed that Lexa was naked and combing her hair.

"All done," Lexa asked turning to face DJ. The younger woman nodded her head and stared at Lexa in a bit of an odd way. Lexa noticed the face that DJ was making and asked if she was all right.

DJ nodded her head a couple of times and Lexa even heard a 'yes' come squeaking out. An eyebrow raised up as Lexa continued to watch DJ. Lexa could even see the beginnings of a blush as DJ backed out of the room. It was another part of the puzzle that made up the young woman and Lexa was determined to figure her out.

DJ had ducked out of the bathroom as she felt her face getting hot and she knew that she was blushing. She had not expected to see Lexa without a shirt on standing there combing her hair, but then again she did not know what to expect. What had made it worse was that she stood there staring at Lexa thinking about how beautiful she was.

DJ walked over to the bed and sat down to compose herself. Then she realized that they were going to travel together for the entire day. She heard the bathroom door open and Lexa walked out and headed right for her.

"Are you okay," Lexa asked hoping that nothing was wrong with the young woman.

DJ nodded her head that she was and Lexa went over to where their stuff was and picked up the suitcase that they had. DJ followed Lexa out of the room. They then headed to the front room.

Lexa quickly checked them out of the hotel where the clerk was very helpful. He asked if they had heard the latest news about the upcoming war. Lexa said that she had not and the clerk proceeded to explain how there was an attempt on Yayan's life and that the Earth Government was behind it all.

The clerk of course felt that the radical groups of terrorists were to blame. They were always trying to make rifts between Earth and the colonies. He thought that the peace talks had been going well and he liked Yayan, even though where he was did not come under any government.

Lexa thanked him and walked away towing DJ behind her. DJ realized that Lexa was in a hurry and almost had to run to keep up with her taller companion. Lexa felt DJ almost stumble and realized that she was moving too fast for her smaller companion and slowed her steps. DJ was grateful that she was no longer being dragged along and glanced up at Lexa with a question on her face.

"What is it," Lexa said as she looked at DJ. "If you don't ask you'll look at me like that for the rest of the day and I'll be guessing," Lexa said after a few seconds of silence.

"What happened," DJ asked and Lexa realized that she was talking about the hotel and why they were walking so fast.

"We need to get back to Earth quickly. The political situation between the colonies and the Earth has worsened. It seems that some group claiming to be with the Earth government tried to kill Yayan," Lexa explained and DJ understood the hurry. If war broke out they would want to be on Earth rather than some colony.

"There you are," a voice said as they arrived at the spaceport. Lexa turned to see the man who she had booked passage with coming towards them. "I'm glad you're here, I wish to leave as soon as possible, if that's all right with you."

"More than all right, we just heard the news ourselves and headed straight here," Lexa said to the man. "Do you have anything to eat, it seems that we forgot to eat in our rush to get here"

"Yes I do. I keep a supply with me for long trips, you're welcome to it," the man said as he motioned them on board the ship. "Ladies if you'll have a seat we'll be on our way," he told them as he followed them on the ship and went to the cockpit.

DJ and Lexa found some seats in a small passenger area. Lexa grabbed something to eat and handed DJ some. They waited as they felt the ship take off. They did not have to wait long until they felt the shudder of the ship lifting off the ground.

Lexa leaned back into the chair and figure that there was still much to do when they arrived at Earth. Her first priority was to find a certain person. The only problem was she was not sure who she was looking for.

DJ had remained quiet for most of the trip as she ate and dozed a bit. She was comfortable with the silence that was between them. She did have questions in her mind though and the only one who could answer them was Lexa.

"Lexa," DJ asked quietly gaining the other woman's attention. Lexa turned her head and lifted an eyebrow at her smaller companion. "I didn't program you to do that," DJ said pointing to the eyebrow.

"I know, I reprogrammed myself. You did a great job on the basics, it just needed a tweak here and there to make me my own personality," Lexa replied. "You did program me with a great sense of strategy, spying abilities and ways to kill. However you also programmed me to be independent. That was the fatal flaw of Sera's plan."

"Then do you feel emotion," DJ asked with a bit of wonder as a smile graced her face.

"Well, I'm not really sure, I guess I do. I'm not really sure what emotion is," Lexa said honestly.

"Sometimes I think that we don't either," DJ said looking down at her drink. Sure people knew how express emotion, but actually explain it, that was much harder. "Why help me," she asked now looking at Lexa.

"I'm not really sure. I knew that you did deserve to be there, and if you had stayed you would have been killed. I guess I feel protective of you," Lexa answered.

"I didn't program that," DJ said

"No you didn't, but I felt something even before I knew who were. I have felt it from the first time I saw you standing over me. Your green eyes were very beautiful," Lexa said looking right at DJ.

"Now what," DJ asked feeling completely comfortable around Lexa for the first time since they had left Sera's hideout.

"We go home," Lexa replied.

The pilot came back at that moment interrupting anything else. "Well, we should arrive at Io in about thirty minutes." He said as he grabbed a drink. "So what do you do," he asked looking at Lexa ignoring DJ as he assumed she was Lexa daughter.

"Top secret," she answered. "If I told you then your life could be in danger."

"Not even a hint," he asked. It was not often he had a beautiful mom and daughter on board.

"Let's just say that I'm trying to stop the war, and it would be safer for my daughter to be at home," Lexa replied.

"That's the truth," the man snorted then taking a swig of his drink he bid them ado and returned to the cockpit. Lexa was silent for a few minutes with her eyes closed. Then satisfied she opened them back up to look at DJ.

"We will have a flight ready when we get to Io, I booked it last night to the moon. From the moon it will be to the space elevator. In six hours we should be on the surface of Earth," Lexa said.

"Good," DJ whispered.



"Things are getting out of hand Shi-Lin," Gary said pacing back and forth. "They found evidence that DJ's money was used to fund the assassination of the President, that's outrageous," he said about ready to explode.

"I'm afraid that it's true Gary," Shi-Lin said handing the papers of to Gary who took them and read them over.

"Its just not possible," Gary said. "I refuse to believe that she's part of all of this. She's never given any indication of wanting to go to the colonies."

"The proof is right there, and the press has already gotten wind of it. They are holding the information until we make a statement," Shi-Lin said indicating that he was ready to release the information.

"I can't endorse this, it would destroy her," Gary said.

"Then you are committing political suicide," Shi-Lin said with confidence in his voice.

"So be it," Gary said walking out of the room leaving Shi-Lin alone.

"Well that went better than I had hoped," A voice said from behind him.

"I think it did. Do you really think this plan will work," Shi-Lin asked with some doubt in his voice.

"If it brings them out of hiding, they we will be there to nail them," the voice said.



DJ was never so glad to step back on Earth as she was right now. The elevator ride had been the longest she ever had in her entire life. She would be glad to get home. She did not know what would be waiting for her though, or about Lexa's plans.

They easily cleared customs with Lexa doing all of the talking. At one point she thought that they were going to be separated, but Lexa had persuaded the guard to let them pass. She had somehow used the government to her advantage although DJ did not know it was not the first time Lexa had used the government. DJ also marveled at how adaptive Lexa was and how she could switch modes so easily.

DJ mentally slapped herself as she realized that Lexa was an android. Of course Lexa could switch modes and emotions easier than she could. Lexa could switch her emotions or mast her emotions easier than any other person.

Lexa was able to hail a taxi quite easily much to DJ's delight. It was a clean cab and a decent driver that pleased DJ. The ride allowed DJ to relax a bit as she allowed Lexa to take care of her. Lexa allowed herself to recharge on the trip back, as she had a feeling that she would need it soon.

The trip was uneventful and Lexa paid the man when they arrived at a hotel near where DJ lived. It would probably be the best placed to hide as Lexa figured they might need to be close for her plan to work.

DJ watched as Lexa grabbed a hotel room. DJ was a bit confused as she thought they would be heading to her house, not a hotel room. Lexa saw that the smaller woman was confused and wondered how long it would take for DJ to say something.

They walked into the small hotel room. It had two beds and a table, along with a window facing several buildings. There was not much of a view for them.

"Why are we here, I live just a mile away," DJ asked not really understanding why she was hiding like this.

"I have a feeling that Lord Sera is going to try to frame you for something, probably as part of the assassination of the President," Lexa said seriously to DJ.

"I did," DJ said quietly not looking at Lexa as she turned on the TV.

Lexa was about to reply when the local news caught her attention. "I think you better listen to the news, that might change your mind."

DJ listened as the newscaster reported that DJ had help fund the assassination of the President and was one of the leaders of the radical groups from the colonies. She was stunned as she sat and listened to all of the charges that had been filed against her. They ranged from treason to internal sabotage. She felt like crying, as the world she knew was completely ripped apart. It seemed that the only person who did not accuse her was Senator South and the dean at the university.

She quickly shutoff the TV and went into the bathroom. Lexa allowed DJ the time she needed to let everything sink in. She picked up the phone and made a call while DJ was in the bathroom. She had just finished when DJ came back out.

Lexa watched as DJ quietly went over and climbed into the bed and went to sleep. Deciding that she would work something out in the morning she rested for the moment.

Hours later Lexa realized that something was wrong. A quick scan of the room indicated that no one else was in the room. She then realized that the room was too quiet. She got up and realized that DJ was gone. Lexa quickly grabbed a weapon that she had out of her suitcase and put it together. She raced towards DJ's house hoping that she was headed there.

Lexa arrived a minute later at DJ's house quickly scanning for any sign of life in the house. She heard the sounds of a pet cat, but other than that she heard nothing that would indicate DJ was in the house.

Lexa went over a list of places and people that DJ might go. As she reviewed the list she realized that the dean of the university lived close by. She remembered that the dean did not believe DJ's involvement. She figured that DJ would have gone to see if the man would help her out. Lexa mentally cursed the smaller woman and ran to the house.



"Can I help you," a think man said looking down at the dark haired figure that had rung his doorbell in the middle of the night.

"Ben, its me," DJ said quietly stepping into the light where the man could see her easier.

Ben glanced at the figure for a few seconds before he recognized who was standing in his doorway. "DJ get in here quickly," he said ushering her inside quickly. "Its not safe for you to be out on the streets right now," he told her as he quickly closed the door after a quick look around for anyone.

"I need help," she stated quietly turning to face the man.

"Alright, go into the kitchen and have a seat, I need to make a call first. I know some people that might help you," he said pointing the way to the kitchen as he headed to a phone.

DJ walked into the kitchen and sat down at the table. She had hoped that the man had some contacts in the government that she might be able to use. She wanted to clear her name as quickly as possible.

"Well I don't know if I'll be any help, I've called them so many times lately that I think they had started to ignore me altogether," Ben said as he sat down next to her. "Now just relax, I'll make sure that your safe."

DJ nodded her thanks to Ben as they waited. He got her something to drink that she gratefully took and began to drink. A few minutes later the doorbell rang and Ben got up to answer it. DJ felt a bit relaxed and watched as Ben came back. It was who was following him that sent chills down her back. She tried to get up and found that she could not move.

"The cat's back and wants to play with the mouse," the tall blonde behind Ben said as panic overtook DJ at the sight of Callie.



Lexa had arrived just in time just to see Callie walk up to the house that belonged to the university dean. Seeing Callie Lexa knew that DJ was in the house.

Lexa also now knew who had betrayed DJ and set the woman up. She figured that Callie had also not come by herself. She either had help on the way, or they were hidden at the moment.

Lexa sat and watched for any signs of activity while she planned her rescue of DJ. She scanned for any movement that could be detected. After a few minutes of watching she noticed that there were a couple of hiding places that they could use.

Looking at one of the places she noticed some slight movement that was human, and knew that a trap had been set for her. She also figured that they would have some sort of weapon that could render her immobile. She angled herself so the first person could not see her.

She quietly approached from the tree she had climbed and waited until she was directly over the man. She waited a few minutes to see if he was in contact with anyone. She did not have to wait long for the man to say something.

"Bill, reporting everything clear," he whispered telling Lexa that the group was in communications with each other. It would make her job just a bit more difficult as she did not know how many people she was up against.

Dropping down quickly she rendered the man unconscious with a quick jab. She grabbed the man's weapon and noticed that it was a normal weapon with nothing special about it. She waited a few seconds before heading back up the tree. She figured that the best way to get inside the house was through the second story.

Lexa figured on several people that would be waiting for her inside. She did not want to disappoint those who were waiting. She had one down and several more to go.

She found a branch that was near a window that was partially hidden from view. Walking over to it she examined the window and found the alarm system that was part of the house security.

With expert care she bypassed the really simple alarm so that if it were set it would not go off when she opened the window. She quietly slid the window open and glanced around to see in anyone was in the room. She glanced around and noticed that the room's walls were covered with pictures of DJ.

Lexa gave the room a quick scan but realized she did not have much time. She figured that the man had some sort of fascination with DJ, and it probably was the sick perverted kind. There were telephoto shots of DJ in her house and photos from what appeared to be hidden cameras inside her house as well.

Lexa did not even want to know what Lord Sera had promised him for his cooperation in capturing DJ. She quietly opened the door and glanced down the hallway listening carefully for any sound that someone was near. The only sound she heard was coming from the kitchen area. She knew Callie was there by her voice.

Lexa quietly crept down the stairway keeping an eye out for anyone who might pose a threat. She glanced into the kitchen to see what the situation in the room was. She noticed that the man in front of DJ was the same one who was on the news stating the DJ was not responsible for any of the charges against her. Lexa thought it was hypocritical because he had been responsible for it all.

DJ was sitting tied to a chair as he stroked her hair and cheek. DJ looked like she wanted to bolt out of the house and probably would have if she had not been tied up. Callie was sitting across the table with a grin on her face as she watched the interaction between the two.

There appeared to be no one else in the room. Lexa decided to be sure about everything. If she could get in and grab DJ then they might be able to leave the same way she came in. A quick scan of the rest of the house provided her with the information she needed. Everyone else was outside the house. Callie was doing a sloppy job if she knew Lexa was coming.

Walking back to the kitchen she noticed that Callie was now standing right in front of DJ. It was obvious that she was questioning DJ.

"Now I'll ask you one more time, where is the android," Callie asked beginning to get angry. "And if you don't answer I'll hand you over to Ben here,"' Callie said a smile coming to her face as Ben adjusted himself at the thought.

DJ did not answer the question. Instead she sat there waiting for what ever was to come. Ben laughed when Callie walked away and said that DJ was all his. Callie then walked across the room and tried to raise her men who were outside. All of them answered except one of them.

"Bill, respond now," Callie said into the radio. After a few seconds of silence she then radioed the others telling them to be on guard as the android was close by.

Callie threw down the radio in disgust and that was all Lexa needed. She was on Callie in a flash, as the blonde did not know what was happening at first. Callie pulled a knife and managed to stick it in her attacker. She was surprised at first when nothing happened then recognized who attacked her.

Lexa registered the fact that she had been stabbed and ignored the wound. She grabbed Callie's hand and slowly extracted it along with the knife. She bent the hand shattering some of the bones.

Callie yelled out in pain as her hand broke and the knife fell loudly to the floor.

"What's the matter, you can dish it out but you can't take it," Lexa said taunting Callie with a smile.

Callie looked at Lexa with a smile on her face as she regained control over her anger. "Let's see how you like this android. Procedure gamma, gamma, delta, alpha," Callie said with a smile which slowly disappeared when nothing happened and Lexa continued to close in on her. "No, that was supposed to work, to control you," Callie said.

"I reprogrammed myself," Lexa replied as the smile disappeared from Callie's face.

With a sharp slap she sent Callie across the room and she dropped unconscious to the floor. Lexa now turned her attention to Ben who was now standing behind DJ with a knife pressed to her throat. DJ's eyes were wide from fear as she tried to move away from the blade that was pressing into her skin.

"Let her go," Lexa demanded to the man.

"I can't, if I do then Lord Sera will kill me for sure," the man said in a whiny voice. "Perhaps we could both benefit from this. You return to Lord Sera with DJ and I'll get my slave trained. I'll let you use her whenever you want."

"Why would I be interested in a slave," Lexa asked knowing that a piece of the puzzle came into place.

"Because she would be, I know that you like her," Ben said answering her as if she had asked a dumb question. "You've already seen how hot she is, and you probably want a piece of her as well."

Lexa continued to approach the man ignoring what he was saying at the moment. "Where's the incentive to turn myself in. I don't even like Lord Sera."

"Yes, the man is a pig, but she's worth it," Ben said glancing down at DJ past her face and into the cleavage that he would see. He found it to be impossible to resist the sight and his hand went down from her throat. It traveled down into her shirt to cup one of her breasts.

Lexa had watched as Ben's hand slide lower and she noticed that his attention was no longer on her. She realized the opening and struck like lightning. In a flash the man was on the ground and would have continued but she heard a small groan come from DJ.

Looking at the small woman she noticed that a small red stain was beginning to spread on her blouse. DJ was trying to move and was in a state of shock at what had just happened.

"Hold on a sec," Lexa said as she untied DJ's arms and legs freeing her. DJ was already trying to inspect the damage and the moment her hands were free she was pulling her shirt down to reveal a small cut on the upper swell of her right breast.

Lexa bent down to inspect the injury as well and grabbed a towel and wetting it washed the wound. She then instructed DJ to hold it right there to keep the bleeding down. DJ was fortunate that the cut had been small and probably would not scar, not like the woman needed anything else with her previous injuries.

DJ stood there holding the towel and decided to ask Lexa a question when they heard a sound behind them. Lexa glanced behind DJ and noticed that Ben had gotten back up and now had a gun in his hands. He aimed right at DJ and pulled the trigger.

Lexa reacted quickly as she pulled the stunned woman violently around and shielded the smaller woman. DJ heard the sound of a gun going off just moments after Lexa had spun her around. Lexa turned around after the shot and struck back with the weapon she had with her. She struck Ben in the chest killing the man.

"Are you all right," Lexa said turning back around and putting her weapon back. DJ nodded her head that she was and Lexa noticed that DJ's green eyes never left hers. "We better get out of here, the cops will be coming and Callie has more men around the house. I can deal with the men, but I'd rather not deal with the cops," Lexa said dragging DJ upstairs with her.

Lexa quickly went through the same room that she had entered. Opening the window she had to usher DJ out of the room and on to the branch. DJ had been standing in the middle of the room. Lexa followed closely behind her and closed the window and removed the bypass she had set up getting in to the house.

As they sat on the branch they could hear the wail of sirens as the police came closer. Lexa glanced around at the area from where she was sitting and did not see any other men. She hoped that they had fled when the sirens were heard.

Lexa perched DJ in her lap as they sat in the tree watching everything. DJ was sure that Lexa was watching for something so she allowed herself to held in Lexa's arms. DJ was still trying to get over the shock that Ben had betrayed her. He had some sick perverted fantasy of her. She shivered slightly at the thought and felt Lexa's arms tighten around her for which she was grateful.

Lexa watched as the police arrived at the scene and proceeded inside the house. A couple of the police went around the house looking for any tracks. Fortunately for Lexa and DJ they did not bother to look up.

After a few minutes they watched as the body of Ben was moved out of the house to a waiting ambulance, and then Callie walked out escorted by a policeman. It seemed that the police did not consider her a suspect. Lexa would make sure that a surprise was waiting for Callie at the police station.

"Come on, let's go," Lexa whispered in DJ's ear as she carried DJ out of the area. A few minutes later they were back in their hotel room. DJ went to the bathroom to attend to her wound a bit more and listened to Lexa's call.

"Its me," DJ heard Lexa say as all she could hear was one side of the conversation. "She's safe, but you have headed to police station in police car number eight five six of Riverdale Police in Oregon the second in command of Lord Sera's forces. She's a blonde at six foot one and her name is Callie."

A few seconds later the call was over and DJ walked back into the room adjusting her shirt.

"Well, your idea was a bit dumb, but it worked out better and quicker than anything I had planned," Lexa said looking right into DJ's green eyes.

"I thought he might help, after all he said that he didn't believe the charges against me," DJ said quietly trying to defend her actions to Lexa.

"He believed you because he was behind it all," Lexa replied back to her.

"I know that now, I wanted to help you, but I didn't know he was like that," DJ said still not able to get some of the images out of her mind. He had an entire room full of pictures in all sorts of activities, from dressing to showering. It was almost more than she could stand.

"Well, hopefully things will be winding up soon. Then your life can return to normal," Lexa replied.

"I hope so, for I want to take another trip to see the Aura Nebula," DJ said quietly putting her belief in Lexa.

"I believe you will," Lexa said watching as DJ went back to bed.



Callie played up her acting on the young policeman driving the car. She was pretending to be a distraught lover of Ben's when DJ showed up and killed the man. She stated that DJ now had black hair and was traveling with another woman who also had black hair.

The cops had been sympathetic to her and had asked her to come down to the station to make a statement. She had agreed, as it would help her find DJ easier. If DJ was captured it would be easy to break her out. The cops had even set the bones in her hand and arranged transportation to the hospital after her statement.

Callie arrived at station and walked inside the station. The moment she stepped inside the police officer she was with was pulled aside. The doors behind her clanked shut and armed men popped up all over the place aimed right at her.

"Callie put your hands above your head and no fast movement, you're under arrest," one of the men said at her.

Callie stood there in a bit of shock at all of the guns pointed at her. This was something that she was not expecting, and how did they know her name. She had given the cops a different name.

"If you do not comply we will use force, this is your last chance," the man stated. Callie slowly complied knowing that either she cooperated or she would be stunned and still captured. She realized then that she did not have any suicide pills with her and that she was truly trapped.

The men rushed her out of the building and into a waiting truck that took off for an unknown location. There they would interrogate her for any information she might know.

"The police officer was baffled by what had just happened. He tried to protest on behalf of the woman.

"Son, that woman could have killed you without a second thought. She is part of Lord Sera's forces," the commander said to him then to everyone else. "You never saw us, and you never saw what just happened. Just report that there has been a murder of Ben Ulthi and that an investigation is underway." He then walked out of the building.



DJ slowly woke up as she felt warm skin under her once again. Looking down she realized that once again she was sleeping on top of Lexa. DJ blushed as she got off the top of Lexa and went to take a shower.

Lexa watched amused as DJ got up. The younger woman's face was a bit red from a blush and Lexa wondered what had put it there. Lexa had spent most of the night with the young woman in her arms wondering about what Ben had said to her.

She wondered if it was true, was she attracted to DJ, was that even possible. It seemed that DJ was attracted to her. Lexa hoped that they would be needed until everything was over.

Until the time was right they would stay in hiding. Lexa turned on the morning news and saw a report that a local university dean, Ben Ulthi, had been killed during the night. The newscaster also said that an investigation was underway. Lexa smiled to herself at the news. At least there was no mention of DJ in the news this morning.

DJ came out of the bathroom wrapped only in a towel. She went over to where the salve was sitting and began to place it on the whip marks. Lexa walked over and asked if DJ needed any help. DJ accepted and lay down on the bed and allowed Lexa to softly apply the salve to her back.

They did not say anything to each or mention anything about what had happened last night. For Lexa there was no need and DJ was still struggling with the fact that Ben had such a thing for her.

Lexa had felt that they needed to stay in the hotel room for the time being. This way DJ would not be recognized by anyone. DJ decided to follow Lexa's lead. The one thing she had tried had almost put them back into the hands of Lord Sera. She had to deal with Callie for one last time and she was thankful that Lexa had caught up with her.

"I'll go grab us something to eat, do you have anything you're hungry for," Lexa asked knowing that DJ must be getting hungry. DJ replied that she would like a roll and some tea, as she not much of a coffee drinker. Lexa nodded her head and left the room with one last instruction to DJ, that she remain where she was. Walking out Lexa put the 'do not disturb' sign on the door and went in search of a deli.



Lord Sera was not in a good mood today as several members had found out. He had heard nothing ever since Callie had gone to Earth to get in touch with Ben Ulthi. Then came a report that the man had been killed. He figured that Callie had something to do with the news.

In his original deal with the man Sera had agreed to train DJ as a slave then turn her over to him. After seeing DJ in person he had no problem in going back on his deal. He just wanted to know what happened to the man, but his information on the man's death was sketchy and all he had learned was that it was under investigation.

His current second in command came running up to him with what he hoped was some news that Lord Sera would like.

"Report," Sera said in an ice tone as he turned his eyes to the man.

"My lord, there is a confirmed report of a buildup of Earth military forces gathering near the colony of Petra VII," the man said hoping that Sera would not take off his head.

Sera had change gears with the news. He had to go from thinking about Callie to his plan. With the concentration of so many Earth warships he would be able to enact his plan at last. "Tell Zali to begin his operation immediately," Sera ordered and watched as the man went running off to carry out his orders.



The deck officer on board a patrol craft around the planet Petra VII watched the screen for any hostile warships. So far the situation had been tense, but there had been no altercations between the two sides even thought there was a report of Earth military forces building up. He wondered how long the peace would last.

He was standing by his station when a communication came through for the commander of the fleet. He told the commander that there was a call for him. The commander took the call in his quarters. A few minutes later he came up to the bridge to see if there was anything strange going on. The deck officer said that it had been quiet for now.

To the deck officer was surprise the commander ordered a yellow alert. The ship's weapons systems were now armed and manned. The commander then ordered the rest of the fleet to a yellow alert as well and to report any suspicious activity right away. Satisfied that everything that could be done was done he went back to his quarters to talk with his commanding officer. He gave them instructions that if anything changed he would be informed immediately.

Everyone on the bridge wondered what was happening after the commander left the bridge. A few minutes later there was an alert from the scanner operator. He reported that several starships were approaching and he could not get an identity on the ships.



DJ sat back on the bed after she had finished her breakfast. Lexa had gone to the same deli that she would go to sometimes on her way to work. DJ was now stuffed and she relaxed a bit as she realized that she was safe with Lexa.

She took the opportunity to study Lexa out of the corner of her eye. If she had not worked on Lexa she would make a pass as the tall beautiful android. The long dark hair and blue eyes made DJ weak in the knees.

DJ quickly glanced away as the blue eyes she had just been admiring turned her way. DJ pretended to watch the TV but her mind was locked on Lexa. Would Lexa feel pleasure like a human would or would it all be part of a program. She had tried to write that area without any experience and she wondered what it was like to love and be loved. She wondered if Lexa was capable of love.

"Penny for your thoughts," Lexa asked having been watching the young woman all morning. She was really intrigued when DJ blushed a deep red and shook her head no. "Aww, come on, tell me what's going on behind those pretty green eyes, please," Lexa asked with a smile on her face and tilted her head to the side.

DJ remained quiet and looked at the hem of her shirt for a few seconds thinking about the request. She glanced over at Lexa and their eyes met. DJ felt her mind just freeze and she could not think of anything to say.

"All right, keep your secret," Lexa said with a smile as she finally broke the spell that was between them. She propped herself up on her elbows and focused on the TV.

They sat in silence on the bed watching the TV set. They had found an old movie and were enjoying it even thought the special effects were not as good as today's were. DJ glanced over to where Lexa was lying next to her. She had propped her head up with a pillow and her hands were on her stomach.

"Do you feel emotion," DJ finally asked the quickly added, "I mean you were shot, did you feel anything?"

"I registered the fact that I had been hit, but there was no pain, at least what you would describe as pain," Lexa replied trying to describe it for DJ. "I am given the knowledge of how badly I am damaged, but the auto repair features in my skeleton are already working."

"Really," DJ said intrigued then mentally slapped herself. Of course Lexa would be able to repair herself, after all she had programmed her. "Can I see your wound?"

Lexa sat up so DJ could see and pulled off her shirt so the younger woman could see. She felt DJ's hands rub over her back where she had been shot.

"You took a direct shot from that gun at point blank range, yet it didn't hurt you at all," DJ stated amazed at how well Lexa was built.

"There was no danger, it never penetrated the skeleton or vital functions. Everything was superficial or as you would call it just a scratch," Lexa said with a smile as she turned to face DJ.

DJ almost stopped breathing for a second as she forgot who, or what, Lexa was as she was presented with Lexa's bare chest right in front of her eyes. DJ had to remind herself to breathe and took a shaky breath. Lexa noticed DJ's reactions and quickly realized where the young woman was looking.

"Do you like them, they are quite well done and I have you to thank for them," Lexa said hefting them with her hands. Lexa's eyes had not moved form DJ's. She watched the green eyes darken as she watched then with a small shake of her head she glanced up into Lexa's blue eyes.

"Sorry, what were you saying," DJ squeaked out almost making Lexa laugh.

"Do you like them? They feel real, would you like to feel for yourself," Lexa said never breaking contact with DJ.

DJ gulped hard at what Lexa had just said and she could feel her cheeks redden then heard Lexa laugh a bit. DJ realized that Lexa was laughing and was at first mortified then a realization that Lexa was laughing. Lexa was doing something spontaneously and not preprogrammed.

"You're laughing," DJ said as a smile came to her still red face.

"I guess I am," Lexa said still smiling. "I'm sorry for laughing but you turned so red I didn't think it was possible, but I am sorry," Lexa said putting a hand on DJ's shoulder.

"Ah, could you please cover up," DJ asked trying hard not to stare at Lexa's chest, something she found almost impossible to do.

"Right, and just in case you're wondering I am clean shaven down there as well," Lexa said getting up and putting on a shirt as another blush went up DJ's face and down to her breasts. "There is that better," Lexa said once she had the shirt on.

"Yes, thank you," DJ said her voice still shaky as she could still see a topless Lexa. One thing that DJ had never told anyone was she was attracted to women. There were plenty of rumors about her sexuality but she felt she just did not have time for a relationship.

Lexa moved back over to the bed then seriously thought about what DJ had asked her earlier. "I really don't know if I feel emotion. I mean when you left I thought something might have happened to you, I was afraid that something might have happened to you," Lexa replied honestly.

DJ felt her heart jump at Lexa's admission. She shyly glanced up at Lexa and made eye contact with Lexa.

"For some reason I have had this urge to protect you, and it's not from the hidden program. It started right from the first moment I saw you," Lexa said. "I remember the first time I saw you, your green eyes were right above me. Its the first memory I have."

DJ was a bit shocked at that admission. If she had that memory it should have been erased when the information was dumped into her memory banks. Lexa was turning out to be more than she had ever realized.

"There has also never been a time when I did not know what I really was, but I no longer think of myself as an android, and I'm not human. I'm neither yet both at the same time, does that make sense," Lexa said turning to DJ.

"That's what I had hoped for," DJ said realizing that what she had tried to do, she had succeeded in doing. An android that could think, feel and reason for itself so close to human that anyone else would have a hard time figuring it out.

"I also remember the first time you called me Lexa, it was a special time for me, only it was broken by that arrogant Lord Sera coming into the room," Lexa said. "There was something about him that I didn't like from the beginning. Even then I was thinking of ways to protect you from harm."

Warmth flowed into DJ as she listened to what Lexa was saying. It was something that she had never even hoped for. Lexa had made her a friend even before they knew each other.

"Well, I'm glad you decided to be my friend," DJ said but wanting to be more.

"Me too," Lexa replied.



The commander raced to the bridge when he heard that several unidentified warships were approaching. The scanner operator told the commander that contact would be made in twenty minutes perhaps less.

"Twenty minutes, that's enough time. Open communication channel eight," the commander ordered. The communications officer was about to reply when the commander's stare quieted her.

"Channel open," she replied a second later.

"Commander Wiets come in, this is Commander Tillis," he said and only had to wait for a second before a reply came.

The bridge crew however was quite surprised when an Earth commander appeared on their screen.

"Commander Wiets here, what's the situation commander," the white haired barrel chested man said.

"I have incoming warships at Petra VII, I believe its time," Commander Tillis told him.

"How long," came the reply from Wiets.

"Twenty minutes," Tillis said watching as the man quickly looked down at his charts. "Can you last for five minutes while I put my men in position," Wiets asked watching as Tillis thought about the request.

"I believe we can," Tillis replied.

"Good, we will finally be able to nail the son of a bitch this time," Wiets said as he signed off.

"Commander what's going on," one of the bridge crew asked as everyone was confused by their commander's actions.

"Put me through to the fleet and I'll tell you all what's going on," he said and waited for a few seconds while the communications officer carried out his orders.

"Ready sir," she said.

"Attention all ships and crew. As many of you now know there is a fleet of warships on their way here. They will probably look like Earth warships, but they are not from Earth, but from Lord Sera. He is the one behind everything and now we have a chance to stop him here and now and bring peace between Earth and the colonies. We must hold for five minutes until Earth forces can arrive to help," Sera said to his crew.

There were several people in disbelief over what the commander had told them. Lord Sera was supposed to be dead. He was the most powerful space warlord that there had ever been. No one liked the man and if he was still alive then the colonies were in danger. They had worked hard to get rid of the man the first time.

If Sera could make a war between the colonies and Earth happen then he would be able to come in on the colonies side. Before anyone would know what would have happened Sera would be leader of the colonies and no one strong enough would be left to challenge him.

The crews of the ships steeled themselves for battle. They would be willing to sacrifice themselves to stop Sera once and for all.

Tillis could fell the change in the atmosphere on the bridge of the ship. He looked at the number of ships coming in and he would be outnumbered three to one, but all they had to last was five minutes.

The invaders came in quickly but were strongly engaged by the defenders. Fighters swarmed out of the ships and explosions began almost immediately.

Tillis hung on as an explosion rocked his ship. Damage reports came in right away and he was relieved that the damage was minimal. He gritted his teeth as an explosion lit up space as one of his ships was destroyed. The fleet was taking heavy loses, but there was no other way.

He was beginning to worry that his fleet would not last. Finally a report came in that new ships were entering the battle. They were Earth ships and they were taking the imposters by surprise.

The invading ships panicked at the sudden appearance of so many Earth ships that started to attack them and not the colonies military ships. They began to withdraw and head home.

"Commander Tillis, do you require any assistance," Commander Wiets said as the invading ships from Lord Sera withdrew.

"I think that we can manage for now. Get them for us," he replies as a new report of damage to his ship came in. Wiets signed off with a promise to get Sera. Tillis glanced down at the damage report and knew that his ship would not be going anywhere.

The ships engines were damaged and would need extensive repair. The reports from the rest of the fleet were not encouraging either. He had lost two ships and over two thirds of his fighters and he had no combat operational ships in his fleet.

He told his second in command that he would be in his office making out a report to Yayan. He wanted to know when the total figures of the causalities were finalized.



"Lord Sera, I have some news," Sera's second in command said as he ran into the room.

Sera looked at him with a cold eye before saying anything. "It had better be good for your life's sake," he said.

"My lord, we have incoming warships and they appear to be Earth ships," the man said wondering how the news would be taken.

"You interrupted me for that, it's just Zali returning from his raid, now you had better get out of here and do not interrupt me again," Sera said turning his attention back to his screens.

"Sir, Zali came back a few minutes ago and is on his way here," the man replied.

"Damn fool was followed, put the base on alert we are under attack," Sera said beginning to run out of the room.

"Yes sir," the man said running out of the room to carry out Sera's orders.



"Let no ship escape," Commander Wiets said as his fleet began to engage Lord Sera's defenses.

Reports came in as the battle began to rage all around the base. Small ships were disabled when they looked like they were trying to run. The larger warships were destroyed by concentrated firepower by the Earth battlecruisers.

"Sir we have a clear path to Lord Sera's hideout," and aide said to Commander Wiets.

"Begin the landing operations," Wiets ordered.

Within a few minutes landing craft began to make their way to the hangers of the base. They landed with little resistance. The marines quickly overwhelmed the defenders of the base.

"Commander, Captain Hasy reports that he had found Lord Sera," the aide told the commander.

"Good let's wrap this fight up so we can get down there," Wiets replied.



DJ was beginning to feel a bit restless at having been cooped up all day. She would have liked to do something as she could only watch TV for so long before getting bored. The phone rang and she jumped a bit at that.

Lexa calmly picked up the phone and answered it. DJ listened in on the conversation.

"Hello," Lexa said as she recognized the voice on the other end of the line. "Good." "All right, when," "That sounds good, we'll be there," DJ heard Lexa say and she wondered who she was talking to.

"Come on, we've got someplace to be," Lexa said getting up off the bed.

"Where are we going," DJ asked as she got up along with Lexa.

"The capital," Lexa replied packing her stuff. "Come on we need to move. They are expecting us there in two hours."

DJ was not sure about what Lexa had said, but went ahead and packed trusting Lexa.

An hour and a half later DJ was walking with Lexa into the capital building through a secret passageway. She wondered what was happening and why they were in the capital when almost everyone considered her a traitor.

Lexa approached a door and knocked once. They only had to wait a few seconds before the door opened and DJ just about passed out from shock.

In front of her was a large room, quite cozy with a bed and desk very much like a nice small apartment inside the capital building. What really surprised her was the person sitting behind the desk. It appeared to be what should be a dead president Janice Harriton.

"Good evening DJ Seylitz. Please have a seat," she said with a motion of her arm for them to sit down. "Yes your eyes are not deceiving you. I am very much alive thanks to our mutual friend here." she said indicating Lexa. "She came to to me and warned me of the plot to kill me by Lord Sera. We used it get Lord Sera out of hiding. This time we wanted to make sure that he is captured or dead."

DJ looked around a bit confused at everything. Lexa had made her own plan to thwart Sera's plan. DJ glanced back and forth between Lexa and the President.

"I can see that you're confused by all this," the President said watching the confused DJ as she looked around. "I'll try to explain everything as soon as our other guest arrives."

DJ just sat there in shock. She had seen, several times, the video of the President being shot, yet here she was sitting right in front of her. She wondered who they were waiting for when Senator Gary South walking in through the door. He was just as surprised at the fact that Janice Harriton was alive.

"Madam President," he asked in confusion not really sure what was going on. "I know that I saw you get shot at the Millennium Tower."

"Relax senator, I'll explain everything to all of you if you will kindly sit down," she said patiently as Gary finally looked around. He took a double look at the small dark hair girl, no woman, he thought and realized that she looked familiar. He then realized that she was DJ Seylitz.

"DJ, are you okay," he asked closing the distance to where she was sitting concern written all over his face.

""She's fine," Lexa replied as DJ nodded her head that she was alright. Gary seemed satisfied about the answer and sat down to hear what had happened.

"Now that everyone's settled I can explain what happened and what is left to do. The night before I was supposedly 'killed' I had a visitor in my room. Ms. Cabon entered my room and told me that Lord Sera was alive and contracted her to kill me," Janice said to the room.

Gary looked at the dark haired woman that was sitting close to DJ and realized that she was Ms. Cabon from the look that DJ gave her. DJ was impressed that Lexa had gone to the President when she did not have to.

"I talked with Ms. Cabon for quite a while as we came up with a plan. She realized that I was not killed then DJ's life would be at stake," Janice said to them. "I did not want that, but I also realized that this would provide the perfect opportunity to finally catch Lord Sera once and for all. We staged my death at the opening ceremony knowing that it would get top attention and Sera would get pictures of the attack. Had it been done in private then he might not believe I was dead."

"But the protective glass shattered," Gary said remembering the shattering glass. "How did you manage that feat?"

"I was shot," the President replied. "I was also wearing a tri-carbon steel vest."

"When the bullet when through the window it expended enough energy so that it would not penetrate the vest," Lexa said logically to the group.

"But it still left a bruise," Janice said rubbing her shoulder as she spoke. "Shi-Lin had a remote that would activate the blood unit to simulate my getting shot. I'm just glad that you shot me in the shoulder and not anywhere else."

"I aimed for a place that would not seriously injure you in case the plan failed," Lexa said to the President.

"The only ones in the plan were the Vice President, the paramedics and the doctors. The few people who knew about the plan the better it was for us to keep it a secret," Janice told them. "We then received a message last night from Ms. Cabon that Callie, Sera's second in command was on earth. We sent a group to pick her up. We learned that he was sending a fleet to attack the colonies."

Gary just shook his head at everything that he had heard so far. Now it made sense that he tried to prevent a war against the colonies. He had played along without and knowledge and had unknowingly allowed the time they needed to prevent the war.

"We contacted Yayan who informed his commanders about the impending attack and who it was really from. Earlier today Sera attacked Petra VII, which a combined force of colony and Earth military ships defeated. We then were able to track them back to Lord Sera's hideout. In the following attack Sera was killed and DNA tests have confirmed the report," Janice told them.

DJ unconsciously let out a breath at the news. She was glad to hear that the man was dead, even though she knew that she should not feel that way. She guessed it had to do with everything that he had done to her. She made a note to talk with Lexa about it.

"The only things left for us to do is for me to come out of hiding and to prove Ms. Seylitz's innocence. We can kill two birds with one stone by having a press conference with you in it. We will say that you were part of our plan to uncover Lord Sera's hideout and prevent a war," Janice told them.

Gary thought about what he had just been told as he suddenly had a question for her. "Why didn't you tell me about all of this?"

"We argued about that for quite a while. I believed that if you knew then you would stop your search for DJ, and we felt that might tip our hand that we were on to Sera," Janice replied.

Gary sat there not too happy that he had been played, but knew that he would not have been as passionate in his search for DJ if he had known the truth. "So when is this press conference scheduled for?"

"We scheduled it for tonight, that is if you are up to it Ms. Seylitz," Janice replied not sure about the answer she would get from DJ.

"We should probably wash out the dye in her hair and bring back the blonde hair that people are used to," Lexa said replying for DJ who did not seem to mind.

"That's a good point, I'll have someone come in here to help you out," Janice said pushing a button and waited until someone came in.

They did not have to wait long until a person came into the room. They lead DJ away to help make her up for the press conference. That left just Gary, Janice and Lexa alone in the room.

"There is something else that is puzzling us that perhaps you can explain," Janice asked Lexa.

Lexa turned to Janice wondering what Janice had on her mind.

"Commander Wiets said that there was a lot of computer equipment along with a fully functioning biolab. He was not sure what they were trying to do, but was sure that it had something to do with the reason why they kidnapped DJ. There are some in our intelligence that believe he was trying to create an android," Janice said hoping the Lexa knew something about what had happened there.

Lexa remained silent for a few minutes as she thought about what Janice had just told her. "I could say nothing and let you ponder what happened, but I think you deserve the truth. They were trying to build a android."

"How do you know that and do you know what happened to it," Janice asked wondering if there was something out there more dangerous than Sera was or wanting to take revenge against them.

"You're talking to her," Lexa replied. "DJ created my programming and organic layer," she waited to see what their reaction would be.

"How do we know that you're telling us the truth," Janice finally asked not really believing what she had just been told.

"You can ask DJ when she returns," Lexa replied to Janice.

"What type of skeleton do you have, and who made it," Gary asked wondering about her creation.

"I don't know, but apparently someone who had the knowledge to create and mold neurocarbon steel," Lexa replied.

"That makes you all but invulnerable to any weapon out there," Gary replied realizing how dangerous this person could have been.

"Well, this is going to sound strange, but I'm glad that it was an android firing at me. I now know why you were so confident in yourself," Janice said.

"I would not have believed that you're an android. You talk and say things almost as if you have emotion," Gary said with a bit of wonder in his voice.

"Yes, DJ did a wonderful job in my basic programming. I altered it a bit to make it even more realistic. Lord Sera wanted a perfect soldier, me. He wanted one who could do assassinations, spying, or even fight on the front line. I have a comprehensive database of strategies. That is what allowed me to plan my own plan against him," Lexa told everyone.

"When was I part of the plan," a voice questioned as everyone looked over to where DJ was standing looking at Lexa.

"At first you were not," Lexa said getting up and walking over to where DJ was standing. "But when I returned back to Lord Sera's hideout I realized that I needed to get you out of there before they killed you," Lexa said wrapping her arms around DJ in a comforting gesture.

DJ remained where she was, in the arms of Lexa. At the moment she did not care if Lexa was and android or not she just did not care. It felt so right to her and Lexa cared enough to get her out of that hell. "Thanks," she whispered then looked over to the other two people in the room.

"Ms. Seylitz, is it true that Lexa is an android," Janice asked wondering if DJ would acknowledge if Lexa was or was not an android.

"Madam President," DJ began gaining some strength from Lexa. "Lexa is more than an android, she is alive."

"I know that there are some people that would not agree with you," Gary said coming to his own conclusions about Lexa.

"It's the eternal question senator. How do any of us know if we are truly alive or not," Janice said. "I go by faith that I'm alive senator, and for me if Lexa has faith that she is alive then why isn't she? She knows what she is made up of, but so do we. The only difference is that she is silicon based, not carbon based. She thinks just like anyone else."

Gary thought about it for a few seconds before saying anything. He glanced at DJ who did not seem to mind at all. "Well we should probably keep this a secret."

""You're probably right, but I know that Lexa would be a huge boost to out intelligence," Janice said turning to Lexa. "What do you say, will you join us?"

"I don't know. I would like to discuss this with DJ," Lexa said seeing DJ's green eyes go wide at that statement.

"Well, let us know what you decide, I'll be here," Janice said seeing that they were ready for the press conference. She motioned for them all to follow her as she went out of the office to the waiting reporters.

The press conference was longer than expected as many in the room almost fainted when Janice Harriton appeared to lead off the conference. The questions went flying as Janice explained that everything was a plan to lure Lord Sera out of hiding and to prevent him from starting a war between the colonies and Earth.

The President also mention about the status of Lord Sera. The man was positively ID'd and had been killed. They were curious about how they were sure. Janice explained about the DNA tests that confirmed the kill.

The questions then went lead them to why DJ Seylitz was there. Janice explained that Lord Sera had kidnapped her and forced her to create a new computer that would help him in his efforts to create a robot warrior. The military had been successful in finding his hideout and destroying it before her work yielded any results.

Janice also explained that DJ was set up by several people to make it look like she was helping a group of terrorists. The young woman was completely innocent and was rescued by one of the military operatives.

DJ for her part ignored what was going on around her. She realized that she never got to complete her vacation. A thought came to her and she wondered if Lexa would want to go with her. She glanced up at Lexa to look at her face.

Lexa saw that DJ had glanced over at her and she wondered what the small woman was thinking. The look on her face meant that she had a question. Lexa could also see that DJ was getting tired and that they should try to leave soon.

The President's staff refrained the press from asking DJ any questions about her ordeal. They whisked her away with Lexa standing right beside her. A car was waiting nearby to take DJ back to her home. DJ got in and for the first time totally relaxed. Leaning against Lexa she allowed the soothing motion of the car to lull her to sleep.

The car arrived at the house and the driver opened the door to allow Lexa and DJ to get out of the car. He was a bit shocked when Lexa got out of the car with a sleeping DJ in her arms. The young woman had slept all the way and appeared to still be sleeping.

Lexa walked up to DJ's house and placed the woman's hand on the key lock. The door unlocked as it scanned DJ handprint and went into the house. Lexa was a bit surprised to find the house brightly decorated and with an open floor plan. That was quite different from the woman in her arms who seemed so shy and closed off.

She found DJ's room and gently put the young woman on the bed. She pulled off DJ's clothing and noticed was pleased when she noticed the marks on the woman were healing quite well and probably would not scar.

She put a large shirt on DJ and tucked the woman into her bed. Once she was sure that DJ was comfortable she went back to the office she had seen on the way in. She was able to boot the computer and spent some time browsing the Internet and saw what people were saying about the situation. The war talk seemed to have died down and people were feeling sorry for DJ instead of wanting to try her for treason. Many people were guessing at what had happened to DJ.

Lexa heard a sound behind her and turned her head to see DJ standing there in the doorway. There was DJ still in the shirt that Lexa had put on her last night. Her hair was a bit tussled as she leaned in the doorway watching Lexa. One shoulder of the shirt had fallen off leaving bare skin showing. It was sexy Lexa had to admit.

DJ was a bit pleased to see Lexa looking at her like she was. There was a part of her that thought that Lexa, or anyone else for that matter would consider her spoiled goods after what Sera had done to her.

"Are you hungry," Lexa asked as she got up and walked over to where DJ was standing. DJ nodded her head that she was. Lexa put an arm around DJ and went off toward the kitchen.

DJ sat at the kitchen while Lexa prepared a meal, something that DJ rarely did. She usually slept so late that she had to grab something to eat on the way to work. Lexa placed some pancakes in front of DJ who tasted one. Lexa could also cook; this was something that DJ did not expect.

DJ sat at the table watching as Lexa also ate. It was something that if she thought about it would seem strange, but she had created Lexa and knew that eating was part of her system. She thought about her vacation that she still wanted to do. She had not been able to see the Aura Nebula. She decided to bring up the subject of a cruise to Lexa.

"Lexa, I have a question for you," DJ said watching as Lexa looked up and waited patiently for DJ to continue. "I never got to finish my cruise, would you like to go with me?"

"Well, it might be a good idea to take a trip. You've been through quiet a bit lately, and you need to recover. I need to figure out what I'm going to do. There is also one other thing that I would like to talk about," she said looking at DJ.

DJ wondered what Lexa would say. Her heart wanted Lexa to say something about her, but her mind was logically thinking that Lexa was an android.

"I would like to stay with you, I think I like you, and if you're willing to try I think something is there," Lexa heard herself say a bit unsure about DJ's reactions. She was nervous about DJ's reaction something that she should not be.

DJ felt faint when she heard Lexa talk. She wanted to try as well, and seeing that Lexa had been nervous she felt an odd sensation that Lexa was more alive than anyone, even Lexa gave credit for.

"Yes, I would like that as well," DJ said as a smile broke out on her face that was mirrored by Lexa. They would have to go slow, and they went to make arrangements to go another cruise. The cruise company that that she had been on before her adventure began offered her a discount, and the same cabin she had been in. They even had her luggage and would be delivered to her later in the day.

The doorbell rang and Lexa went to answer it expecting to see DJ's luggage, instead there was an older woman, in good shape standing beside Gary South.

"Hello senator," Lexa said inviting them inside.

"Thank you, Lexa this is my wife Debbie," Gary said introducing his wife to Lexa. "Debbie, this is Lexa, the friend of DJ's that I was telling you about."

"Thank you, how is DJ," Debbie said and Lexa could tell that she was sincere.

"She's doing just fine. We are going to taking another cruise, completing the one that she never finished," Lexa said.

"That's good," Debbie said as they walked in. DJ came out hearing voices in the hallway. She smiled when she saw Debbie and Gary. Debbie gave DJ a hug. "Are you all right," she asked in what Lexa could only describe as a motherly voice.

"We were about to eat, would you care to join us," Lexa asked.

"We're not intruding are we," Debbie asked not wanting to intrude.

"No, we're just having some sandwiches there's plenty," Lexa replied leading them into the kitchen.

They walked into the kitchen and talked for a couple of hours with DJ slowly opening up and participating in the conversation. Lexa was glad to see DJ smile and that she had friends.

"So you're going on another cruise," Gary said and got a conformation from Lexa. "Then I have a present for you when you get on board DJ."

DJ was curious what the gift was but Gary refused to say anything. DJ would just have to wait until the cruise.



The captain of the Briticannia waited on the gangplank for his guest to board. They were having another VIP on board this cruise. They had an athlete and DJ Seylitz again. This time the small woman was bringing a companion with her, Lexa Cabon.

The crew had been briefed again about DJ and her tall companion. There was little information about Lexa Cabon, where she came from or who she was. She just seemed to appear out of thin air. All that anyone would say was that she had been part of the undercover operation in finding Lord Sera's hideout and had changed her name for her protection.

He watched as the pair made their way up the gangplank to where he was standing. He could see the difference in the pair as they walked up to him. DJ was shorter than most people with long blonde hair and green eyes that darted around in curiosity. Lexa by contrast was over a foot taller than DJ with black hair. Lexa's blue eyes seemed to scan the area looking for any signs of danger. She was one that he would not want to mess with.

"Welcome back on board the Briticannia Ms. Seylitz, Ms. Cabon," the captain said as he began to lead them room. He noticed that they were holding hands.

"Thank you captain," Lexa replied for both of them. She had learned that while DJ seemed to be opening up with her friends, when in a crowd, her shyness would creep up on her.

"I hope that your stay this time is much better," the captain said as he opened the door to the suite.

It was just like DJ remembered it was. The captain said his good-bye, which Lexa returned. DJ looked around the room and noticed that there was a box on the bed. She figured that it had to be Gary's surprise for her. The box was not real big and she wondered what it could possible be. She unwrapped the package and was surprised at what was inside.

Lexa wondered what could be in the box when DJ pulled out a baseball cap. DJ realized that it was the same one she had lost on board the shuttle when she had been kidnapped. She thought that it had been lost for good. She put it on with a satisfied smile; her world was back on track, and perhaps even better.



DJ sat in the bar in a comfortable chair looking out the window at the Aura Nebula. She was truly amazed at the light display going on in front of her. There really were no words that she could use to describe its beauty. She sat there amazed when a large man sat down in the chair next to her.

"Hey sweet thing," he purred and she glanced over to him. She noticed that the man was an athlete that she had seen on the sports center. She had read that the man was a poor loser and even most of his teammates did not like him. He thought of himself as the center of the universe and god's gift to women.

DJ turned away from the man to look back out the window. She hoped that he would go away if she ignored him. That thought was dashed when she felt one of his hands on her thigh. DJ froze as she felt the hand and a panic began to build within her.

"I said hey," the man repeated. "I can show you a great time. Only someone as good looking as you should be with someone as good looking as me," he said with a smile.

DJ tried to shrug the hand off but the man was much stronger than she was. He was also much taller than she was and the panic that had begun to build now started to build and a slight shake began to shiver through her.

He brought his other hand to her shoulder, misreading the shaking that DJ was doing. He thought she was getting turned on. His thoughts were abruptly halted when a hand clamped over his wrist removing it from DJ's shoulder.

"I think you should find someone else to bother, cause we are not interested," a cold voice said and the man turned to see a woman with dark hair with a grip like iron on his wrist.

"Hey, two beautiful women, must be your lucky day," the man said as the woman let go of his wrist. He got up and tried to use his height to intimidate Lexa.

"I. Said. We. Are. Not. Interested," Lexa said punctuating her words with a jab at the man's chest. "Now leave," she said staring the man in the eyes.

His anger was seen in his eyes and Lexa knew what was going to happen even before the man tried to strike. Lexa dodged his punch with ease and sidestepped another flimsy punch that had him sprawled out on the floor.

He tried another punch only to find his hand stopped and held. Lexa bent the wrist until the man was on his knees in front of her. "Now leave before I rip your arm off and beat you with it," Lexa said to the man letting him see her eyes.

The pain in his wrist and the cold eyes in front of him made him scared for the first time. This woman could do what she said. She released his wrist and he beat a hasty retreat, there were other women out there that would find him sexy.

The rest of the guests cheered Lexa's actions. The man had been nothing but a bully ever since he had been on board. Lexa turned to DJ and noticed that she was still slightly shaking.

"Are you all right ma'am," the bar tender said as he and another man came in. It was obvious that the bartender had called for backup before confronting the man.

"I'm fine, but can I have a root beer," she said, it was more for DJ than it was for her before turning back to DJ. "I can't leave you alone for a second can I," Lexa said with a gentle smile as she sat down beside her.

DJ glanced over and was glad to see Lexa there. She still was getting over the panic that had set in. Lexa reached out and pulled the smaller woman into her lap. She gave DJ's back a soothing rub until the woman stopped shaking.

"Your root beer ma'am," the bartender said then left them alone.

"Here, have a bit to drink," Lexa said handing DJ the drink.

"Thanks," DJ said softly.

Lexa glanced into the trusting green eyes that were watching her intently. The Aura Nebula was beautiful, but to Lexa it was nothing compared with DJ's eyes. She leaned and caressed DJ's face. DJ for her part leaned into the caress and closed the distance between their lips.

Lexa was at first surprised but then replied and deepened the kiss. Together they would begin a new journey.

The End.



The Athenaeum's Scroll Archive