~ Galaxy Dancers ~
by J.A. Bard
Category: SciFi/Fantasy
Warnings:
Sex/Violence : Some of both.
Chapter 8
"Where are you going?" a sleepy voice asked.
Lonnie looked up from the bag she was packing. Kali was leaning against the closet door, wearing an ankle length nightgown with long sleeves. Kali liked her small sleeping area cold Lonnie found. Silently Lonnie sighed, remembering the first time she had seen her in bed. She shook her head to get that image out of her mind. Closing her bag she smiled at Kali.
"Hiking up to the top of the river Mirach and then rafting down to the lake." Not expecting her to accept she asked, "Want to come along?"
"Sure. What do I need?" a suddenly wide awake Kali asked.
"A bathing suit, camping clothes, warm clothing for the night…you only have a bathing suit," Lonnie pointed out.
"Surely they have clothing stores there." Kali was already in the closet rummaging for a change of clothes and her bathing suit.
"I'm sure they do," Lonnie said slowly. Sighing silently she added. "We can call ahead your sizes for clothes and equipment and add you to the list," Lonnie went on. I am in trouble. She lifted the phone and began to make the arrangements. She also let Crackle know they had an addition to their excursion party.
Lonnie with an excited Kali at her side hurried to the shuttle. Timu and Crackle from Earl Gray and friends of Lonnie's met them on the shuttle.
"Hey, you sure you want to try this rugged stuff?" Timu teased the diva.
"Sure. Why not?" Kali responded with more boldness then she felt.
"I brought along some old shoes of mine. We have the same sized feet." Crackle pulled out a well-worn pair of hiking boots. "Try them on. If they fit, that's good. You don't want new shoes when you're on a hike."
"Thanks," Kali gave her one of her smiles that could melt anyone's heart, or so Lonnie thought. She wondered why Kali had to put out so much charm. They were just going on a hike and rafting trip.
"I hear this is your second hike…where did you go on your first?" Ensign Timu Rau asked politely.
"Up a mountain with Lonnie and her friends," she answered.
"That wasn't a hike…it was a climb," Lonnie clarified. "Horizontal is a hike," she flattened her hand, "perpendicular is a climb," she raised her hand and gave her a mocking look. "Totally different directions."
"What difference does it make whether I'm moving horizontally or perpendicularly? I'm still working, getting dirty and halfway through, wishing I was at the end already," she commented.
"You're not a whiner are you," Timu teased. "'Cause we have ways of dealing with whiners." His bushy eyebrows wiggled up and down.
Kali made a face at him.
"Hey, are you going to take pictures?" Crackle asked. Leaning over she looked at the cap Lonnie was attaching the small camera on. "Nice gadget. Hm. That the one you program what to photo?"
"Yeah. It should take us all. It's Kali's second trip and may be her last. I thought she could use a memento. It has a small bot that will hover over us and get the big picture."
The others whooped.
"What!? What!?" Kali demanded as she looked at the three, wondering what it meant. "You're not letting anyone see those unless I say it's okay," she warned, mockingly shaking a finger at Lonnie.
"I wouldn't think of catching you taking care of your business behind a tree," she teased. "This is for when you're at the top of your world, looking back, wondering what it was like before 'adventurous' meant having fans follow you into restrooms with recording devices."
"Oh, right," she laughed with the others.
The shuttle dropped the hiking party at their start point. It was cold and Kali was shivering from the lack of a warm coat. Lonnie would have taken hers off and given it to her, but the tour director, CaMo De was prepared for Kali with a pack and proper clothing. By her welcoming of Kali, Lonnie suspected she was a fan of hers.
"Good you have shoes already. It's not good to break a pair in on a hike, Diva…errr, Kali," the older leader told her. "Alright, folks, lets get to the trail. The sun's coming up and we need to be up to the first point before it gets to Eagle's Nest."
The other campers rose and hefted their packs onto their backs. Lonnie found a lot of people around Kali, helping her with her pack and showing her how to adjust it. No one dared to offer to carry it…that would have broken the hiker's etiquette. Only children could get away with not carrying their weight.
The pace was fast, but Kali's dancing stamina helped her survive the first hour of the walk.
Two hours later they were on a slight incline and Kali began to fade. Timu, Crackle and Lonnie stayed with her. Crackle and Timu did not seem to mind. Timu was entertaining them as usual with an assortment of travel stories. By the time they reached the river, the three groups ahead of them were already off, riding down the river. Their guide was waiting patiently for them, talking with another hiker who appeared not to mind the wait.
"Can I ride in the front?" Kali asked excitedly.
Lonnie grinned. That's why she had the camera. Whoever was facing forward usually received the brunt of the wash from the foaming river.
The guide first reviewed standard rafting techniques and basic life saving methods. Then he tested each life jacketed passenger and positioned them on the raft. He showed Kali how to hold on with her legs and clear herself from the raft if it should stall and tip. Lonnie made sure her hat was secured to capture great pictures, and positioned herself where she could get a good view of Kali.
"Okay, let's go catch up with the others," Kerner, the guide, encouraged his group.
They were less than an hour into the ride when Kali's enthusiasm infected the others to scream with her as the river tossed their raft right and left, drenching them all in the cold water as the current rushed them along.
"I see the others!" Kali shrieked. "Come on, we can beat them to the camp site!" She dipped her paddle deeper into the churning water and nearly lost it, but gamely held on to it and managed not to fall over the side.
Their guide shouted 'pull' in rhythm, moving them to a faster pace. Lonnie's head was bowed as she pulled with all her strength, her arms burning from the effort and her lungs gulping for air between the cold splashes of water over the edges of the raft. They all strained to get the raft back to the center of the river where the current was the fastest. Kali screamed as the front end of the raft suddenly lifted perpendicularly. Intuitively everyone leaned forward and Kali's end dipped into the swell. Kali shrieked again from the shock of the cold water that washed over her, but then determinedly resumed paddling as Kerner urged them on. He angled their raft over the surface of a flat slippery rock which hurled them past the third raft and just to the left of the second. Then they pulled ahead. The first raft had an able bodied team. Kali's voice rang out for her raftmates to paddle faster.
"Where are they going?" Kali shouted disappointedly, pausing in her paddling.
"That's where we're setting up camp for the night," Kerner explained. "Pull left side, right paddles rest, nice and easy. You all did yourselves proud!"
Kali was shivering as she jumped into the water with the others and pulled the raft up the river bank.
"You need to change out of those wet clothes," Lonnie informed her in an undertone. She was worried when she saw Kali's lips were blue with cold. The others quickly set up the tents so those that were wet could change.
"Lonnie?" Kali called softly from their tent.
Lonnie ducked her head under the flap. "Yeah. T…that's to keep you warm." She moved her eyes to the long underwear and away from Kali's naked form. "Remember Cora gave you a pair on our climbing trip?"
"Yeah, but I have to relive myself. They're a pain to pull down along with my pants. Did they set up the…"
"No porta potties on this trip," she smiled. "You'll have to wiggle out of those clothes and struggle to put them back on like the rest of us," she chuckled. "Don't forget the thicker socks since we won't be doing any climbing tonight. I'll walk with you to a place we can safely go to relieve ourselves. I've got a shovel."
"I can't believe people actually like being this primitive," Kali muttered as she pulled out her new shoes from her backpack.
"Actually, there are excursions where there is no tent, camping stove or food carried in." Lonnie made a face. "I'm not really into killing a bug for a snack or grubbing for food."
Kali ducked out of the tent and followed Lonnie into the woods. "Have you ever slept under the stars without a tent?"
"Yeah. I slept in a hammock."
"Really? You didn't worry about the bugs or whatever was in the tree?"
"Nope. I was rock face climbing and pounded a spike in the face and set up my bed. It was cold, and scary. I haven't done it since but that one time made me appreciate what an eagle feels like nesting up on the cliffs."
Kali took the shovel from Lonnie and shook her head at her. "I saw pictures of that in a sports journal. You must have been nuts."
"Just young and curious. Do you know what to do with that shovel?" Lonnie asked.
"Of course! If a strange animal looks like he's going to attack I whop him on the head. Then scream and you come running to my rescue. Lonnie, I'm kidding. I dig a hole, relive myself and cover it up. Crackle told me." She moved to hide behind a tree.
"Then why did you ask…" Lonnie started.
"I just wanted to see what you were going to say."
"Hm."
Back at the camp, Kerner gave lessons to Kali on camping, from how to pick out a campsite to how to clean it. By dinner time, Kali was tired from practicing Kerner's lessons on building a fire, putting one out, and identifying poisonous and edible plants. She ate a light dinner and fell asleep right away.
The others sat around the campfire and told stories. Later Lonnie played her harmonica while some of the others danced, mostly to keep warm as the night was cold.
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The next morning came bright and too early for Kali. The camp was packed up quickly and they started back down the river in the order they arrived the night before. Kali falling into the water dropped them to third place and then Timu was knocked out of the raft when they were rammed from behind by the number four raft. They regained some of their dignity by overtaking the same raft and dumping them all in the water.
Cold, wet, happy and proud, Kali carried her broken-in backpack through the docking bay of Earl Gray and through the corridor to their cabin, mindful of fans staring at her.
Lonnie cautiously opened up their cabin door and peered in before she let Kali wearily push past her. Once out of sight of the public, Kali dropped her pack and collapsed on the coach.
"That was a vacation," she commented, giving Lonnie a big yawn that cracked her jaw. Lonnie picked up her pack and dropped it near the clothes cleaner. She unpacked her own clothing and tossed them into the machine. "You want to clean your stuff with mine?" she asked.
She was startled when two arms wrapped around her waist. Kali rested her head on her back. "I want to thank you for taking me," a muffled voice whispered.
For a few seconds Lonnie soaked in the warmth of Kali's body pressed tightly against hers. Turning slightly in Kali's arms she glanced into tired green eyes. "You look exhausted," she mentioned.
"Yeah, but it's a nice exhaustion. I want a quick shower and then a soak in our little jacuzzi. Want to join me?"
"Uh, no. I have an early workout scheduled…I'm just going to bed." For a moment she wondered if Kali insisted if she would change her mind.
"Okay." Kali wrinkled her nose up in a grimace, "Early morning activities are not in my best interest." She dropped her arms from around Lonnie and proceeded to get ready for her shower while Lonnie stood in front of the washing machine concentrating on breathing.
"Right. Now, think of something logical," she whispered to herself. Blinking her eyes a few times she studied her costumes arranged…not like she left them. Frowning, Lonnie studied what was out of place.
"What are you doing?" Kali asked. She had a towel around her as she peered around the door.
"Huh? Oh, I was wondering who was messing with my costumes. I don't usually hang these together."
"Hm. Probably the maid service. My things are always moved around. They do that to clean around your things. Haven't much experience with maids?" she teased.
"Well, as you noticed, I don't have much to move around…and a maid doesn't have any reason to touch my costumes. I take care of them myself."
"What about the costumes you give to the seamstress?" Kali asked as she stepped back into the bathing room.
"Hm. I hate people touching my things," she mumbled. Looking around, she pulled a small bug detector out of her pocket and ran it over her clothing. Two alarms went off on the costumes.
"Now who would want to put a location device on my costume?" she asked softly. Rather than removing it, she just mentally made a note to remember which ones were marked.
Lonnie reluctantly rose for her early morning workout with her group. When she arrived at their private workout area Crackle was dressing in her padded uniform which meant they would be practicing stick fighting. Lonnie pulled out her own uniform.
Her thoughts kept wandering to images of Kali sleeping next to her in their tent. She was sure the details of Kali's face were just her imagination because it had been too dark to make out small smile lines around her eyes or the smile on her lips while she slept.
A slap against her padded shoulder brought her back to the immediate. Her opponents score to her refocused her attention. If she did not stay focused on the mock fight she was going to be sporting some embarrassing bruises.
"Hey," Crackle called to Lonnie as she stepped out of the gym shower. "You're pretty distracted today. You alright?"
"Oh, yeah. Just have other things on my mind. Nothing to worry about. The drill is still a go?"
Crackle nodded. "Think you'll be able to sneak out?"
"Yeah. It's not like we keep tabs on each other," she replied off handedly. Then she frowned. "I hope she doesn't want to come along."
Crackle gave a short laugh. "Ehh, but you have a problem. She's been a lot of fun on the trips."
"She has been," she agreed, careful to keep the wistfulness out of her voice.
Crackle glanced at her curiously.
"Ah, Crackle," she hesitated, wondering if she should bring it up or just check it out herself. The assistant chief purser and the closest person on ship she called a friend waited.
"Listen," Lonnie looked around them and stepped closer to Crackle. "I found two locators in two of my costumes. Is it one of your tests?"
Crackle looked surprised. "No." And then she snorted in disgust. "Since Lt. Miles took over lead in our cell, we haven't done anything worth calling training."
Lonnie nodded in agreement. He occasionally showed for their workouts but it was only to study them.
"Let's put out some feelers and see what's up with that. You sure it's not Kali they were after?"
"Our costumes don't even look the same."
"That's a fact."
Two hours later, Lonnie and Kali went through rehearsals. In the dances Lonnie found herself forcing her hands to let Kali go or not hug her too closely. It was distracting, especially when Lonnie could not retire to her own cabin to get away from Kali. Reminding herself that it would only be until Erich found an assistant for Kali, she planned on how to avoid spending too much time in her presence. Lonnie found the ship's library her safe retreat.
"Where do you go during the day?" Kali asked as they dressed for their performance. "Can you check my clasp?"
"Library, gym, observatory, visit friends…why?" Lonnie asked, worried that Kali would ask to come along.
"I was just hoping I'm not driving you from the cabin. I'm not, am I? Tell me the truth," she told her seriously.
"No, no. I just like…reading and watching the nebulas as we pass by." Lonnie felt guilty about lying and leaving Kali alone.
For a change the two were not doing any solos, so neither had a long break as they moved from one dance performance to another. By the end of the night, both were winded.
"I think…that wasn't…such a good idea," Kali panted to Andres.
"So, I see," he smiled at his two dancers. They looked as if they had finished a long race. "You both look like you could use a cart to carry you back to your cabin. Want me to call for one?" he teased.
"Funny," Lonnie grumbled. "Next time we do something like that, we're going to pick dances where at least one of us just stands there while the other runs around."
The rest of the week went by fast for Kali but not fast enough for Lonnie. She felt distracted, tired and irritated. Whoever the maid was, left some things uncleaned and others too clean. Rather than complain, since Kali seemed to think nothing of it, she concentrated on her weekend escape from close quarters.
"So what are you doing this stop?" Kali asked as she packed her costumes for their show planetside.
"Hang gliding," Lonnie answered distractedly. Her costume had a rip on the underarm. "Darn. I didn't even know that happened."
Kali looked over her shoulder. "You do know how to sew don't you?"
"Of course!" Lonnie snorted. "But like you, I use the seamstress on board." She glared at the rip. "I usually catch things like this." Looking closer she noted it did not appear to be ripped but rather cut. Frowning she tried to image how she could have done that.
"You have been preoccupied lately. Wear the red one. It'll go better with my black dress anyway. You can leave it with the seamstress and when we get back it will be ready. So, would you mind if I tag along with you? I mean, I'm not interested in the sport but I can come along and take pictures if you like."
Lonnie looked at her, thinking how nice it would be to soar with her.
"When you're old and gray and telling your admirers all the crazy things you did when you were younger…you'll have proof."
"You're welcome to come along. But be prepared to lose your inhibitions about gliding, because once you see what it's like…you'll be up there too."
"I really doubt that. So, what do I wear?" Kali asked happily.
Kali watched breathlessly as Lonnie stepped off the edge of a cliff with nothing but a harness that held the wings on her back. For a frightening moment Lonnie sailed downward but then began to soar back up into a gradual climb before tilting to make a wide turn to come sailing by Kali who was too astonished to have turned on her camera.
An older woman who was not dressed for gliding explained to Kali about the wind drafts and how the gliders could feel them and by pulling the bar at their fingertips or pushing it controlled the dips and climbs.
"Want to try it?" the old woman asked her.
Kali looked at her startled. "Oh, no!" she shook her head, then returned her eyes to see Lonnie as she made a slow spiraling drop further into the basin. "I couldn't do that myself…I don't want to do that by myself," she clarified.
"You don't have to do it alone. Share a ride with someone experienced."
Kali looked at her puzzled then turned her eyes to the one couple that were gliding together, hanging side-by-side from their glider. "I…don't know," she said slowly. "Just how safe is that?"
"If it had no sense of danger, where would the fun be?" she smiled. "Well? This may be the only time you get the opportunity."
"Okay." She turned to face the old woman with a look of determination.
"Joc, that guy over there. He's waiting for a rider. That's what he does."
"So, he's had plenty of experience." Kali sized him up. He looked too young to be watching over a beginner. As she headed toward him, she could see he was not as young as she had first thought.
"Hi," she greeted the tall man.
"Looking for a ride? Two duces and ten pins," he priced.
"Okay. Galactic notes or finger print scan?"
He tilted his head and studied her for a few moments. "How about a few pictures of you and me gliding? Pictures I can use for my advertising?" he bargained.
Kali chuckled. "Sounds easy enough. As long as they are used for advertising your hang gliding business and are not used to embarrass me." I hope he's not planning on doing anything more than just fly me around.
"Agreed." He slid over a recorder used to take payments in the many foreign forms. Kali repeated her offer and both sealed it with their biosignatures.
Joc put her in a harness, explaining things as he expertly tested her bindings, and then tested her helmet mic that allowed them easy conversation. He had a camera on the tip of his glider. "My passengers like pictures taken of themselves while aloft to prove to their friends that they flew over the Two Sisters Gorge."
Joc was so casual about stepping off the side of the cliff, while Kali was too frightened to close her eyes or scream. Then suddenly she realized there was nothing below her or above, and the wind was blowing stronger against her face. Cautiously she moved her eyes from staring straight down a long corridor of rock formations to look at Joc. He had a smile on his face as he pushed the bar forward, and higher they went. Kali' knuckles were white, wrapped tightly around the bar as if it would save her life should they suddenly fall from the sky. Taking a deep breath she let it out, hoping it would get rid of the fluttering in her stomach.
"Is that your friend over there?" Joc asked.
Jerkily, Kali moved her head to look to the side of them. Kali recognized the glider as Lonnie's. She was too frightened to let go of the bar to wave. "Yeah," was all she managed to get out. She could feel Joc pull the bar toward them and lean his weight a little to the left. Her view of the sides of the cliff face passed by quickly as they began another climb.
"Gawds!" she let out explosively after a dozen spirals and climbs that left her breathless with excitement. Once she relaxed she found the experience comparable to the river rafting. It was exhilarating and indescribable. Joc promised her two copies of the pictures he was taking. She wanted to give Lonnie one.
"We'll take one more pass over the landing site and then when I loop back, I want you to bend your legs and let me take the weight, and then get ready to run. Got it?"
"Yeah," she sighed loudly, unhappy her flight was coming to an end.
The glide in was great, but when the ground suddenly was upon them, Kali stumbled and tangled her feet. Luckily Joc supported the glider and Kali's weight as he ran a dozen steps before stopping, giving Kali a chance to bring her feet under her so she did not finish looking foolish.
Lonnie was waiting for her tapping her camera on her cap. "I gotta say, you're going to have some great memories when you're old and gray," she teased.
Joc made copies of his filming and gave two to Kali and kept one for himself. "I'm gonna get a lot of offers for copies of these," he told Kali happily.
"Just as long as they are only used for advertising your hang gliding business," Kali reminded him. "Otherwise, you're going to have a very irate agent on your hands."
He looked guilty for a moment and then nodded. "That was the deal. Advertising my hang gliding business only. This is worth more than my usual fare," he admitted. "Thank you. Could I get you to autograph one for me?"
"What's a picture without an autograph," Lonnie commented.
Kali was nearly skipping back to their hotel. That night Kali fell asleep exhausted and happy. While she slept, Lonnie sat for a few hours in the bar downstairs, listening to a torch singer into the early morning hours. Lonnie was grateful they had nothing planned until mid morning. She was going to teach Kali how to ride a horse.
Whether it was her ability to see better or her adventures on shore leaves, or a combination, Kali was changing. She was more determined and outgoing with Andreas and the musicians. Lonnie felt a small measure of pride that she was responsible for some of this show of confidence. Kali was also beginning to look people in the face.
Kali regularly watched the education channel and with determined purpose, kept to her school programs. While she studied, Lonnie found herself less willing to isolate herself in the library or observatory. Instead, Lonnie curled up on the coach with a reader and caught up on reading she had promised herself to do one day. Her guilt at not attending to other business was squelched with a reminder that when Kali's new assistant arrived, she would get her privacy back.
Kali also studied other dance styles like variations on the waltz and foxtrot. She used the spacious front room and made Lonnie dance with her and critique her steps. Lonnie generally avoided ballroom dances because the style lacked passion but they were Kali's preference so she gave in and helped Kali polish her steps.
Kali's new assistant, Yomatta, was to board at Beshire's Floating City, famous for stores that carried items from rarely traveled planets. Rather than waiting for Yomatta to show up, Kali wanted to visit the City and see what everyone found so extraordinary about it…and she wanted Lonnie to go with her.
"I don't want to go shopping," Lonnie bemoaned. "I have all I need."
"Lonnie," Kali's voice softened, "please?"
"Please? Don't do that to me," Lonnie pleaded. "You're the type that wants to visit every store in one visit, aren't ya? Yep, thought so. I'm the kinda person that knows what she wants and orders via the galaxy shopping mart. I don't need to walk from store to store bumping into people with claws and teeth shaper than mine will ever be. Don't you want to be here when she arrives?" Lonnie looked around the cabin. She had already moved her meager belongings to her new cabin. She felt an empty spot in her life at the move but was relieved that she would have her privacy back. "You can ask her to go with you…or one of the…"
"Come on, Lonnie," Kali's voice wheedled. "This will be the last time we can do something this ordinary together."
"Oh, alright. Come on then," she grumbled. "Gawds protect me from buying a tourist memento," she prayed out loud.
"I'll protect you from that," Kali laughed.
It was in the third shop that Lonnie purchased something…a memento. Kali was mortified. It was a drawing of a young Diva Kali Maxine. Lonnie liked it. She tried to explain to Kali what a caricature drawing was but Kali was not having any of it. Later Lonnie had one done of herself by a roving artist, and gave it to Kali as a gift. Kali liked it immediately.
When the two returned to ship Yomatta was waiting for them. Their good mood turned solemn when Yomatta immediately took over Kali's supervision, delivering Erich's updated agenda for Kali.
"Hmm. Museums and schools," Lonnie murmured. "I can understand the schools…" she looked up at the stern frown of Yomatta, "but why the museums?"
"It'll give her good publicity…something you should have thought about…"
Lonnie grinned, not offended at all. "Why? I'm making a comfortable living doing what I'm doing. People clap and come back for more."
Yomatta sniffed and gave a meaningful look at Kali. "The diva is known in all entertainment rags, she has a substantial following of fans and very important backers." She gave a disapproving look at Lonnie.
Lonnie smiled to herself sadly. She wondered if Kali would go back to the stiff and unapproachable performer she was at the beginning.
"When it all becomes drudgery, addictive habits begin. Hopefully you don't make that mistake with Kali." Lonnie nodded to the two women and left.
Surprised Yomatta glanced at Kali to see what effect the older dancer's comment had on her charge.
"Well, she has that right," Kali said softly. "We'll just have to plan small escapes where I don't have to worry about fans or the media."
Yomatta looked at the schedule she had planned for Kali. A busy schedule was set for Kali to accelerate her move back onto the 'People to Watch List' of the entertainment rags. She was also to keep Kali away from trouble. Frowning she decided that 'this Lonnie' was not a good influence on 'her' diva, and therefore she was trouble, though Erich seemed to have a lot of confidence in her.
That night they had a performance and Lonnie, whose habit was to arrive early, was surprised to see Kali arriving soon after her, accompanied by Yomatta. Yomatta watched the pursor, as if waiting for him to make a mistake while he unpacked the costumes from Kali's bag. Lonnie had the distinct impression Yomatta saw her as the enemy.
As they warmed up silently beside each other, Lonnie felt Kali's hand brush her arm, then use it for an anchor as she stretched her legs. It gave Lonnie a warm feeling. A casual glance in the direction of the wings revealed a tight lipped Yomatta, watching their every move.
"Hey, what's up with her?" Lonnie asked Kali.
Kali did not bother to look up as she busied to secure a bow. "I think she's protective of me. Give her more time. She'll realize you're really a nice person," she grinned.
"Just as long as I don't find poison in my food. You ready?" Lonnie asked. She could not resist tucking a stray strand of hair back into the net holding Kali's hair out of her face.
"Yeah. How do I look?" she asked, turning around for Lonnie to check.
"Good. How about me?" she grinned, and turned around. She was startled when she felt a hand brush her buttocks as she turned. Kali then tugged her vest lower, revealing more of Lonnie's cleavage. Lonnie's eye brows rose as she looked at Kali.
"There you go. Now, you look just great," Kali smiled. "Shall we start?"
"What has my cleavage got to do with dancing?" she muttered as she followed Kali to the wings of the stage, the opposite side Yomatta was.
"It certainly adds to the flavor," Kali told her, blinking her eyes at her.
The performance had four solos, two for each. Andres had informed them the CPE, who took regular surveys from the audience on his entertainers, read that the fans enjoyed the solos.
They finished their act with a flamenco where rather than Lonnie pursuing Kali, it was the other way around. The crowd loved the switch and stood to applaud. Lonnie found she also liked it and was grateful she was not bunking with Kali or anywhere near Yomatta .
UrBoka was their next stop where they had an afternoon performance. For time off, Lonnie had standing arrangements to fly to a cabin in the Severto Forest. Ten minutes from the rental cabin was a popular tourist spot for hang gliding and Lonnie planned on getting some gliding time in. Usually there were four of them that made the yearly pilgrimage but this year Comi was busy, according to her last minute message. The other two, Augi and Lorma, did not reply to her inquiry, so Lonnie would be traveling alone.
As always, Lonnie downloaded information on a planet before their arrival. A year was a long time to be away from a planet and UrBoka like most planets with a mixed populace had political and social changes that sometimes occurred overnight.
As the scenic views of UrBoka downloaded Lonnie's mind wandered to other scenic views, like the river rafting adventure with Kali. Images of her clinging to the raft with an unmistakable expression of excitement, and her hair and clothes plastered to her body had her taking a deep breath at the memory. Lonnie did not need to play the tape as she knew each frame by heart. She grinned remembering that Crackle and Timu, normally not screamers, joined her. Even their guide whooped a few times when their raft was jerked suddenly to one side and whirled around. It had been fun. The next day at the end of the camping trip, Kali had posed with the various passengers and the tour guides for photo shots, wearing a big grin on her face and giving a thumbs up to the picture takers. She also signed autographs. Everyone received a shirt saying either, 'I went overboard while riding the rapids on the Amazon River' or 'I rode the rapids on the Amazon River and stayed dry.' A wide smile covered Lonnie's face as she recalled the bounce in Kali's step as she walked back to their shuttle wearing her shirt with pride.
Errrut!
Sighing, Lonnie leaned over and picked up the phone. "Yeah?...Gish, what can I do for you?...Sure, no problem. I know just the store to pick it up at." Lonnie laughed. "Gish, whoever told you that doesn't know what they're talking about. The birdpeople live along the Ukon cliffs. There are too many aeries around there for it to open up to hang gliders…Ha. Even if I knew the chief I wouldn't get permission to fly there…No, I've already made the arrangements…Listen, you're just trying to make trouble," Lonnie laughed again. "Okay, you want castor green sticks. I'll pick them up…No, I think I'll go to bed early tonight. No, I don't know Kali's schedule. Did you want her to pick something up for you too?" Lonnie teased. "Okay. Sleep well."
The hall, Combly Maveto, was larger than their previous port venues. Lonnie could hear the echo of deep voices from the interior. As she changed shoes for the rehearsal she heard someone already on the stage. She glanced at the time.
Hm. If that's Kali, she's turning over a new leaf getting to rehearsal this early.
When she entered the stage area she was surprised by the audience filling the first four rows. Their practice sessions were always closed.
"What's going on?" she asked Lori who was unpacking her guitar.
"It seems the diva has some interested fans with money and influence that want a preview."
"Were they checked for recording devices or weapons?"
"You want to ask them…go right ahead," she told her, giving the group in discussion an unhappy glance.
It was Andres that approached her with the news. "Diva Maxine has decided that all dances for tonight will be slege and ballroom."
"Really. She made that decision all by herself?" Lonnie asked irritated.
"No. Those men out there like that style and this is their town, so-to-speak." His voice warned her not to argue.
They spent the hour going over the slow and classical dances. By the nod of approval from their selective audience, they were happy with the free show. Inwardly, Lonnie groaned. She saw no future for the diva in this style of dance.
"Lonnie Bestrolie?" a voice called from behind her.
As Lonnie straightened up from storing her dance shoes, she locked eyes with one of the musicians. She leaped sideways and rolled into a crouch. The cover on the box she was leaning on sizzled and steamed with an acrid smell. Lonnie froze as the cat-like figure jumped toward her with claws extended. Just before it could get within swiping distance someone ran a side block, allowing Lonnie to roll away. Several others came to her defense until a constable could be found. Lonnie trembled. She had never been attacked in this manner before.
"Your name," the bored tone of another local police agent asked.
Lonnie felt a mixture of fear and frustration at her detainment. She had been moved five times and she was sure no one who could secure her release knew where she was. None of the constables gave her a reason for her being held or moved around. "I gave it to you…four times already, and to the dozen other constables…Where is my representative? Albert!" Lonnie sighed in relief when someone she knew walked through the door. The man behind the desk suddenly straightened up and looked more alert…or was it guilty? Albert Fleetfeather was a very good lawyer and if something illegal was going on, he would straighten it out.
"It's taken care of," he informed her. "Come on." He guided her out of the building and to his vehicle quickly, looking this way and that. "Your show is just about finished, which is why they're letting you go. They've been giving me the run-around about getting you out of there and from what I've overheard, that was the intention…for you to miss your show."
"If they want Kali Maxine to dance alone, just ask me…or even better, pay me to sit it out."
He squawked. "Get real! They replaced you with one of their local male favorites. With the likes of that lot, there weren't any notable dance critics that dared show and not much of the citizenry."
"Is Kali okay?"
"She is indeed. She's a favorite, you know?"
"Take me to the airport. I want to get on with my vacation. Is that a TTP?"
"Yeah. Who are you calling…your agent?" he asked in jest.
"Yeah. I don't want him to think that was my idea."
After she finished her call, she studied Albert. His beaked profile gave him a fierce look but it was really his eyes, dark and piercing, that made him scary. He was good to have on your side if there was a fight.
"So…what's with the cat person trying to disfigure me?"
He angled his head in consternation. "He's young. He belongs to the local assassin group. A group of mewling thugs that collect assignments to kill off anyone for any reason. There is a contract out on you," he admitted. He shook his head puzzled. "You only visit once a year. Did you tick anyone off on your last visit?"
"No. You know I like to keep a low profile. This is just great," she muttered. Maybe Joleian Wrighton is responsible? But she's been gone for a while. "Does this mean you're looking into finding out who took out the contract?" she asked hopefully.
"Started it the moment Andrea gave me a call. So, are you going up to the cabin?"
"No. If I have a contract out on me…being predictable isn't good."
"Want to come up to the aerie? Mom's been asking about you," he offered, the corners of his beak nearly lifted into a grin.
"Yeah. It's really nice climbing around there."
"Got your old equipment up in one of the caves still," he assured her.
"Let me cancel the cabin rental."
"Lonnie, don't tell anyone where you are, huh?"
"Right. Don't want any surprise visits ruining my two days of climbing. Do you happen to have a hang glider there for one of your non-feathered friends?"
Al looked horrified. "And worry about you ridding air currents into the sides of the cliff or landing in a nesting? No way! Mother would never forgive either of us. Stick to climbing."
Lonnie laughed. They replayed the same conversation whenever they met.
Lonnie paused to wipe her brow on her upper arm. She slowly moved her left hand to feel along the rock for a space to grip. Found, she moved her foot to a place she marked in her mind. Out here in the wilderness her body moved on another level. She not only heard the wind as it blew over the cliff face, but she felt its life presence as it buffed against her. She grinned at the relief the breeze gave her from the heat. She pulled herself on top of the rock formation and rolled onto her back limp.
Above her, purple, orange and white streaks against the blue background created recognizable shapes. Not interested in the usual visual game of identifying the shapes, she rolled to a sitting position and pulled herself into an Asanas.
Deep in her contemplation she breathed in the too fragrant air that was swirling around her.
"What do you want?" she asked softly, still on a high from her connection with the planet.
"I…heard about the attack on you. I didn't hear about it until after the performance. I just thought you agreed to the change of partners…" Kali quietly explained. When Lonnie did not respond, she continued, "We've been called back to the ship."
Lonnie opened her eyes and stared at Kali. She looked every bit the beautiful diva she was. The breeze wiped through her long hair, pulling the tie loose and unbinding her hair so it fanned out around her in a rippling wave. Lonnie's heart stirred at the vision.
"It wasn't about you," Kali told her softly. Her hand grabbed her hair and pulled it out of her face, her eyes never leaving Lonnie's.
"Why are we being called back?"
"Erich is worried that you'll be hurt."
"I can take care of myself. I'm not going back until my…"
"It's not just Erich," she interrupted nervously. "The local police are accusing you of staging the attack for publicity."
"What!" Lonnie asked incredulously. The pleasant sensations were dispelled, replaced by irritation.
"We need to leave here. Those men I danced for…they belong to a radical group. They…we have to get out of here," she urged, looking uncomfortable and embarrassed.
"Okay," Lonnie answered, a frown wrinkling her brow. She rose from her position, regretting her stay was so short. She glanced toward the southern Ukon cliff face wondering if Albert was able to find out enough information in such a short time.
The two climbed into the plane and belted in. As the plane lifted, it swooped down and then alongside of the cliff face she had just scaled. The pilot waved at one of the official bird towers and received a light flash.
"I can't believe you climbed that," Kali told her awed. She held up her recorder. "You weren't wearing your PD. I hope you don't mind."
"Since I took so many vacation shots of you, I can't rightly complain," she replied. "One of the constables removed mine." She gestured to the rapidly disappearing cliffs, "You just may be inspired to take up climbing again," she teased.
Kali laughed. "Once was enough."
Lonnie watched Kali's green eyes light up and her full lips part into a smile. The combination of eyes, smile and laugh released a sensation that stirred her to her core. She took a deep breath and struggled to clear her mind of unprofessional images. "Not something you see yourself doing, huh?" she asked, forcing her voice to sound normal.
Kali shook her head smiling broadly. "Nope. That one day we climbed the mountain probably won't happen again. I liked those other visits with you, to the river and that one racing around the desert. And I thought you looked pretty funny getting tossed by the…horse. Then us participating in working on that grape farm…now I know more about wine making…" Her voice trailed off as she reviewed Erich's restrictions on her which Yomatta made sure she followed. Tightening her lips she decided the goal was worth it. Once attained she would have plenty of time to catch up on vacationing around the galaxy. Maybe Lonnie would join her. She glanced at her partner.
Lonnie leaned back in her seat and removed her climbing slippers so she could stretch her toes. Agilely, she pulled her foot onto her knee and massaged her foot.
"Do you need some help?"
Lonnie looked up at Kali startled. "Eh, do you know how to give a foot massage?"
"Of course…every one of my partners always needed one. Not because I would step on their feet mind you, but because I danced them to exhaustion." She gestured for Lonnie to rest her foot on her knee. Kali's hands showed surprising strength as she stretched the foot and then with one hand a fist, pushed under Lonnie's instep and slowly moved toward the heel, using her thumbs and knuckles to find any weaknesses in Lonnie's system. Apparently she knew what she was doing.
Though it was relaxing some parts of her, it was also triggering feelings Lonnie struggled to keep suppressed; however, she was enjoying the massage too much to offer much resistance, thinking instead to deal later with the need Kali was creating in her belly.
"So," Kali dropped her second foot to the ground with a thump. "How did I do?"
"Better than I could have done," Lonnie told her, relieved that the thud of her foot jolted her back to her senses.
The plane banked to the left on its approach to the airport. Lonnie could see people waiting around a shuttle. Yomatta was standing amongst them.
"I take it all those people are waiting for us?"
"I guess so. Yomatta was a bit upset when I took off to get you," Kali warned with a smile in her voice. "So she's going to be a bit harsh toward you."
"In search? How did you know where I was?" Lonnie asked, unconcerned about Yomatta.
"I…just figured since you like to climb that would be where you would be," she explained lamely. "And a bird friend of yours…" her voice trailed off.
Lonnie would have pursued the subject but the touch down was rather bumpy and both women were hanging on so as not to be bounced onto the floor of the plane. Before the plane was secured, Kali was out of her seat. Lonnie let out an exasperated huff. She had some questions for Kali. She wanted to know if Albert had told her anything. He must have thought it important to let Kali drag her off the mountain before he sent one of his own messengers.
The local official waiting with Yomatta was about to speak when Yomatta held up a stern finger of warning to him and gestured for both women to get in the shuttle marked the property of Earl Gray.
"What's going on," demanded Lonnie when they were heading for the docked mother ship at the orbiting space station.
"Too much political bugaboo," Yomatta responded. "The ship captain is going to hear from me on this. Putting Diva Maxine in danger is not going to happen again!"
"Her! I was the one that was attacked!" Lonnie snapped.
"You can take care of yourself," she pointed out. "Kali doesn't have the experience."
Lonnie bit back the angry retort. "Thanks for the vote of confidence." Lonnie glanced at Kali who was watching the exchange. For some inane reason Lonnie felt guilty she was taking out her frustration and fear of what happened to her on others. "I hope you can teach her how to cope when caught up in a riot," she added, "I'm sure she's going to need to be able to squirm out of the ones she causes."
Kali made a face at her. "Yes, Yomatta, you're going to have to give me pointers in how to avoid my over zealous fans when they become too rambunctious," she returned mockingly.
"I'll show you a lot more than that." Yomatta folded her arms across her round body. "I would like to know how De Bettelheim's schedule was changed without it being cleared through me."
Kali's face reddened and she shrugged her shoulders. Lonnie gave a soft snort. She herself had fallen for her own importance once and it was nearly just as disastrous. Kali was a babe in the woods. She should not have left herself without a bodyguard or someone that knew a con when it was played. One never knows what will set fans off and what they will do. She guessed the gang had played Kali's ego and inexperience and put her in a position she could not back out of gracefully, or in this case, safely.
Back aboard Earl Gray the Commander of Security Maltieani Co was waiting for them with Captain Mukng Borelie. They both looked grim.
"What's up?" Lonnie asked suspiciously.
"Let's go to my office," Maltieani suggested.
After the three women were seated, tea was served.
"This stop normally is without any problems. What happened to you is unacceptable," Captain Mukng Borelie told Lonnie. "The people we normally deal with were replaced without advance notification." The captain paused, uncomfortable. "And De Sincunsie, Chief of Foreign Visitors Affairs was out on vacation still. I thought nothing of it since there were no news bulletins advising caution in this area." The captain paused and gestured for Maltieani to continue.
"Deloris Sincunsie is the captain's eldest daughter, who is the CFVA. She had been on vacation due back the day before our ship arrived but sometimes there are delays when traveling with children," Maltieani explained softly.
"I was able to reach her through an old friend." The captain rose from his seat and paced anxiously. "On her arrival at the space port she received an anonymous warning not to return home." He sat down again and sipped his now cold tea.
"This disenfranchisement is only within Pizanna, thank the gods. However, it happens that Pizanna is UrBoka's main port of call; therefore it attracts all sorts of displaced citizens, looking for jobs or free handouts. It makes it ripe for gang activity. I've notified the home office and they will make whatever adjustments are necessary," Captain Mukng Borelie concluded.
Lonnie glanced at Maltieani and then Captain Borelie. "Just how does this affect us?"
The captain gestured to Kali. "One of the young bloods involved in this gang activity is a fan of Diva Kali Maxine. Whether out of fan madness," he glanced at Kali and her handler, "or just a wanton display of his power he had her perform for him. Unfortunately for you, he had his own partner in mind."
Lonnie glanced at Kali who was trying to not look uncomfortable. She was tempted to ask Kali what had transpired.
"Andres sent me a message that you were attacked," Maltieani continued the story, "By the time I was able to find which holding station they took you to, you were gone. When I heard a birdhead came to see you I figured it was your friend Albert. Blessedly, no one beside yourself was aware of any problems."
Lonnie continued watching Kali, coming to the conclusion that she wanted to know from her what had happened. Stories of fans attacking their favorite star's friend, lover or partner was not unheard of but she wanted to hear from Kali if that was what this was, because that was not the feeling she got. The attack was personal. And it did not tell her why Kali felt she had to personally come and get her. She did not know whether to feel good about it or suspicious.
"Well, if that's all you have…" Yomatta spoke up. She nodded to Kali to follow her.
The chief of security gave a sign to Lonnie to stay behind. As Yomatta shooed Kali out before her Kali looked at Lonnie as if she wanted to say something.
Lonnie accepted a refreshed cup of tea from Maltieani who also refreshed the captain's.
"So, what's up?" Lonnie asked nervously.
"Do you know of any reason why you were the target of that attack?" Maltieani asked.
"No," Lonnie stated firmly. "I do the same thing every year, a few times I've glided off different cliffs but basically I visit the same site. There are nice drafts there… The performance is the only difference."
"Nothing you've ever experienced before, huh?"
"No." She shook her head, disappointed in herself. She froze and if someone had not intervened on her behalf, she would have been critically injured, perhaps for life. "When I visit these various ports I stay away from potentially dangerous places."
"Just goes to show you, you have to always be alert," Maltieani commented.
The captain, who had been silent up until then made a grunt in agreement. "Well, I need to get to my reports. This is one I'm not happy about documenting. Thanks for the tea, Malti."
After the captain left Lonnie made to leave also.
"Lonnie," Maltieani halted her.
"Yeah?" she turned.
"Be careful?"
The two silently studied each other.
"Someone on this ship?" she asked softly.
"I don't know," he returned. "Nothing feels right on this trip. I thought it was because of the diva's presence but…" he shook his head, dismayed at his inability to pin what was disturbing his sense of security.
"I know what you mean," Lonnie nodded. Now that someone else noticed what had been bothering her since the start of this tour, and like, her unable to pin down just what was different, she felt vindicated.
"I guess you've checked for sound waves, color, chemical or electromagnetic…" she ran off teasing.
"Yeah. Now I'm working on the people," he grinned. "Be extra careful. It disturbs me that it's escalated to violence."
Lonnie nodded. "I want to say I wish they picked on someone else, but I wouldn't wish an acid attack on anyone."
"I'm putting a tail on you. Nothing intrusive, just whenever you leave your quarters."
"I found some locators on two of my costumes."
"When?"
"When I was sharing a suite with Kali. I sent the costumes to the cleaners and told them I would pick them up rather than having them delivered. Since moving back to my own quarters, I have notified the maid on that deck to skip my cabin."
He raised his eyebrows, remembering a comment one of his officers had said about that. It was not complimentary and normally security did not pay attention to private practices of others unless it concerned the ships safety, but there was a bet going around involving Lonnie and her partner and it was dividing the ship up into for or against Lonnie sticking it out for the duration of the trip.
Frowning at the implications that the attack on Lonnie may have something to do with a ships bet, he decided to have a talk with the captain. The bet should have been shut down at the beginning.
Chapter 9
The next morning Kali was again early to practice. Only this time she was drinking her water and listening to the galaxy news as the musicians were trickling in. There was a newscaster speaking of riots at their last port.
Andres gestured Lonnie to join him.
"What's on the dance schedule?" Lonnie asked.
"Our diva sent Erich her ideas on dances and he sent me a communiqué to speak with you."
Lonnie did not change her expression, knowing Kali was watching her. She just wished Kali had asked her instead of others. She thought their relationship was open enough for that.
"Okay." Lonnie walked over to a nervous Kali. "Kali, I understand you have some ideas you want to work on. Let's see what you have."
"Sure…I thought maybe you would be upset that…."
Lonnie waved her hand dismissively. "We're a team, right? So, let's do it."
Andres began Kali's intro. Lonnie took a seat in the theatre, setting her mind on the task at hand. After five minutes of free movements to the music, Lonnie wanted to stop it. She could already see where it was going. When Kali finished, Lonnie stood up, clapping in appreciation of the work she put in it. Hopping onto the stage, Lonnie gave Andres a sign to play. Lonnie danced the same style with flourishing gestures and dramatic pauses, giving the dance a more sensuous undertone.
She then had Kali dance it with the changes. They went through the entire routine until Lonnie felt there was more passion in her movements. It was a toned down version of what Lonnie liked to dance but more lively than what Kali's preference was for.
Back in her cabin Lonnie quickly changed into workout clothes and headed to the crew's workout room. She turned the small aerobics area into a mini dance floor. Having felt restrained during the rehearsal with Kali, she let loose with a jig and followed it with numerous flamencos. Her soft shoes made a muffled sound on the matted floor, but it was the vigor of the dances that allowed her soul to fly. In this flight, Lonnie's thoughts were on Kali, reviewing her sexual attraction for the diva, inflamed in the more passionate dances, and suppressed when they ended. She also thought of the fun they had together off-ship, making the drudgery of dealing with the diva in the beginning a fading memory. She realized Kali filled an empty void in her life and it was a struggle to not think of when Kali would not be a part of her daily life.
The next night they had two performances scheduled, two hours apart on two different decks. The second performance was in a larger hall, which Lonnie guessed was to check their audience draw.
Though not every seat was occupied, it would be considered 'filling the hall'. They had six combined dances: one solo for each and then four together. The dance arrangements consisted of flamenco, bolero, waltz, fox trot, and an old Celtic jig. Kali used free dance for her solo. Lonnie thought that this was a good opportunity for Kali to test her audience.
As they bowed at the finale of the night's performance, Kali grabbed Lonnie's hand in her excitement from the thunderous applause they received. The surge of Kali's excitement trembled in their connection, and it pounded through Lonnie like a drum.
"Lonnie?"
She brought her attention to her partner as they changed out of their costumes. "Hm?" she replied distracted.
"Can I ask you something?" The diva's voice sank to a low wistful tone.
Kneeling before her costume carrier Lonnie looked up into Kali's eyes, knowing her face was flushed with her desire.
It's sex. It's just sex you want. There is nothing else there. Go jump in a cold shower. "Yeah?" she managed to get out without it sounding like a croak.
"Are you going to do anything special right now? I mean, I wanted to go soak in the larger crew's jacuzzi but I don't want to go alone."
Lonnie was too focused on a jacuzzi fantasy to notice the blush creeping up Kali's neck and into her cheeks.
"Sure. Let me take a quick shower, grab my stuff and…did you want to meet there or do you want me to come and get you?"
"Can you come and get me? I…don't want it to seem like I'm hanging around the corridors…"
"Alright. Give me ten minutes.'
"Okay." Kali turned and left with her two bodyguards.
Kali's door opened just after once knock from Lonnie.
"I'll be in the spa," Kali called out as she hurriedly closed the door behind her and pushed Lonnie forward. Unfortunately it was the wrong direction, so Lonnie grabbed her hand and pulled her back in the right direction.
Kali giggled behind her. Lonnie looked back at her and grinned. "Are you sneaking away, my dear?" she mocked.
"Yeah. You're lucky it wasn't one of those damsels in distress situations where I had to drop my locks through the castle portical."
The spa had few crew members, which Lonnie wondered if many ever used it. She headed to the pool area, wanting to get some swimming in before she soaked. In the locker room, Lonnie pulled off her clothes to change into her bathing suit.
"Lonnie, what's that mark on your butt?"
"A tattoo." Lonnie turned to look at her and then regretted it. Kali was naked. Lonnie struggled to keep her eyes above Kali's chin, but found them wandering to her small breasts. Lonnie pointed to the tattoo Kali had on her left breast. "And what is that, young lady," she mocked.
"You like?" She held her white breast up for her to take a critical view of the art. "I had it done in the ships tattoo parlor before Yomatta arrived. It's your fault you know."
Lonnie's mouth dropped open and then quickly she snapped it closed. "Come on. Let's go take a swim…and afterwards, while we soak in the jacuzzi you can tell me how that snake on your breast is my fault."
"It's not a snake…it's a dragon," Kali informed her as she followed Lonnie out to the swim area.
Lonnie dove into the cool water, grateful to cool off her sizzling body. She heard a yelp and then vigorous splashing behind her. She turned around concerned and then swam back to Kali.
"Hey! Don't you swim?"
Kali came up sputtering clinging to Lonnie's arm.
"I guess not," she gasped. "You…I thought I could just jump in and…" she flapped her arms.
Lonnie laughed so hard she nearly choked on the water Kali splashed her with.
"Okay, okay! I'll show you!" she sputtered as another splash nearly drowned her. She looked up and saw a grinning Gish.
"Need help, Lonnie? I hope you're wearing your life preserver."
"Don't encourage her. No, I don't need help. Gish this is Kali…Kali, Gish. If you want an honest massage, Gish is the one to ask for. She has a magic touch. Ask for the hot oiled rock special."
"Hi, Gish. I always need a massage after a performance. Can I schedule one on a regular basis?" Kali asked.
"Sure…Give me a time. I'll just program your time in and I'll make adjustments." Gish glanced at Lonnie and smiled innocently. "Well, I need to get in a real workout. See you two around."
"Alright, let's get your first lesson in swimming done here before the pool gets too crowded," Lonnie walked to the edge of the pool. She gripped the edge and showed Kali how to kick her legs. For an hour Lonnie showed Kali the basic technique of swimming. Lonnie avoided touching Kali as much as possible. She wondered if Kali was aware of her attraction to her and was teasing her.
By the time they made it to the jacuzzi Lonnie was as tired as Kali. They both stretched out in the warm tub next to each other, letting their legs rise to the surface and entangle without any effort to separate them. After a while Lonnie tapped Kali with her toe that it was time for them to leave.
"Yomatta is going to be upset that you've been gone so long," Lonnie mentioned, yawning until her jaw cracked.
"I told her I was going to the spa with you. She trusts you, you know?" Kali informed her, and then lowered her eyes at Lonnie seductively.
"Stop that. You're going to start another set of rumors," Lonnie told her. "Why does she trust me?" She rose from the bubbling pool, handing Kali a towel and then drying herself off with her own.
"Because she said you're a good person and you don't like rumors." Kali quickly wrapped the towel around her and trotted behind Lonnie, back into the dressing room to change.
"You're pulling my chain," Lonnie accused, noticing Kali's grin as she brushed past her.
Kali laughed, opening up her locker she pulled out a robe and dressed in that rather than changing. Lonnie, however, changed into dry clothes, and tossed her wet suit into her bag.
They left the locker area together, both silent. Their shoulders touched as they walked side-by-side, and for a long moment Lonnie wished for something she had no business wishing…that she found someone she could be with for a long time…
"What's wrong?" Kali asked, suddenly noticing Lonnie's stillness. Kali put a hand on her wrist to stop their progress. Silently she studied her somber partner. "Lonnie, I don't want to do anything that will hurt you. Do you believe me?" she asked softly.
Lonnie looked into the green eyes that had a devastating effect on her equilibrium. Leaning close to her but not too close to start rumors, she asked. "Then you'll dance what I think is best…?" Lonnie was hoping to defuse the tension she felt with humor.
Kali laughed and jabbed her in the stomach with her elbow. "Ehh. You know what I mean."
Lonnie shook her head. Kali was too ambiguous for her at the moment. She really wanted to know what Kali meant so she led Kali into her quarters, hoping Yomatta would not come looking for them too quickly.
"Sit down and tell me exactly what you mean," Lonnie directed her curiously. Her heart was beating furiously, fearful of what she might hear.
"Lonnie, it's no big thing. I get it all the time."
"Get what all the time?"
"People falling in love with me." She leaned forward and kissed an astonished Lonnie on her lips.
The kiss had no heat to it. It was merely a kiss, but the hand on Lonnie's arm sent chills up her and she could feel a slight tipping of her world. She was able to block out the feeling of Kali's lips touching hers, but coupled with the touch of her warm hand made it more than what she could handle. It dawned on Lonnie that Kali did not make the distinction between lust and love. For herself, she had no doubt that she lusted for Kali. But Lonnie knew she was falling in love with the diva. It seemed the Ladies of the Fates had a lesson here for her to learn. What kind of lesson is there in suffering through unrequited love? she demanded silently.
"Do you want me?" Kali purred seductively.
"Kali," Lonnie muttered warningly. She jumped up. "Kali, I want someone who loves me. I don't want a one-night stand or someone that will move on when she sees a brighter light."
There, she said it. She just admitted to someone for the first time that she was looking for a relationship and what kind.
Kali blinked her eyes at her again, charmingly.
"Stop," Lonnie growled playfully, recognizing that Kali was not putting out any sexual vibes, just playful ones.
"Lonnie," Kali sat back on the couch/bed and watched her. "I've never been with someone that I could trust. I'm sorry if I hurt your feelings just now…but I had to know. The dances we dance are…sexual and I wanted to be sure that there was no misunderstanding between us."
"Okay. But…let's not do this again. I'm glad I passed your test. Now, unless you have anything else to discuss…"
Yomatta rapped on the door and walked into the cabin before Lonnie could get off the couch and open the door. Yomatta looked at the two surprised women, and nodded. Whatever she saw she was satisfied with. "You both have practice scheduled for the early hours," she reminded them.
Kali rose and gave Lonnie a peck on the cheek. "Thanks for the swim lesson and for introducing me to your masseuse. Is she really good?"
Lonnie nodded. When the two were gone Lonnie groaned. Her phone rang and she moved over to answer it. "Yeah?" she grumbled.
[I bet you can do with a good massage about now,] Gish offered.
"Your timing is a bit suspicious. Were you watching my door?" she teased.
[Come on over. Scuttlebutt is all over the decks about you two having more than just a dance partnership going.]
"And that is so far from the truth. The woman is into men and I have no intention of introducing her to anything else," Lonnie told her. "I'm on my way." Just as she hung up the phone, it rang again. "Yeah?"
[Sweet dreams, Lonnie], Kali told her.
"May you have hot and lustful ones yourself," Lonnie told her. "Stop playing with me or you're going to find yourself surprised one night," she warned lightly, belying her beating heart and inner fire.
Kali laughed. [I know you better than you think.]
"Really?"
[Yeah. I worry about you, Lonnie. You're too passionate to be alone.]
"Why all this sudden worry about me?" Lonnie asked suspiciously.
[Have you read your mail yet? Erich has us scheduled the night before you take your two weeks off for vacation to appear at the Sidney Convention Center on Earth. They want your flamenco dances, the ones that are very sexual.]
"I prefer to call them sensual. There is a difference. Are you worrying about me or what it implies? I'll see you tomorrow."
Lonnie nearly stalked her way to Gish's quarters down the corridor.
"Hey," Lonnie glumly greeted Gish.
"Oooh, you look so miserable. Come here." Gish pulled her into her quarters. Slowly Gish undressed her, letting her hands linger on her breasts as Lonnie's blouse fell to the deck.
Lonnie swallowed noisily. "Gish…this…is…"
"No." She pressed her finger against Lonnie's lips. "Tonight, I'm your dream lover… not Gish," she whispered.
Chapter 10
As the fifth month of the cruise came to an end both women were kept busy working on steps Lonnie wanted to do for their convention appearance. They were billed as flamenco dancers; otherwise Lonnie knew Kali would be too tempted to demand her own style. To keep Kali occupied and focused, Lonnie chose complicated steps to show off both of their skills. Lonnie was finding this ironic since this type of exposure was what she avoided most of her life.
Kali glanced at the note Yomatta handed her as she exchanged it for her clothes. "Is this another reading test?" Kali asked with a grin. The last dance practice before docking at the main orbiting space station above Earth was an excellent one, giving her a good feeling about their scheduled performance.
Kali frowned at the message. "Has Erich told her this?" She turned to face Yomatta.
"I'm not her keeper," she informed Kali.
"And I don't want to get between those two," Kali muttered.
"That is a very good decision," Yomatta told her firmly.
"She hates photo sessions and screaming news crews. She hates crowds. Good thing she has two weeks to recover."
"I don't think she will be what they're there to see," Yomatta pointed out.
"Sure she is. They're curious who my partner is and what secrets she'll reveal. They sure are going to be disappointed. None of the old stuff." Kali sighed and finished her undressing. Gish was due in a few moments.
Lonnie read Erich's note. Apparently he wanted to test Kali's popularity and she was to be the foil. Great. Well, I have two weeks to bury myself in my own form of relaxation. A sea dive off the Bahamas, skydiving above Death Valley, mountain climbing and a few days to recover from my vacation. Then back to the ship. At least it's back to the Earl Gray and not another cruiser. Wonder why he decided to keep us on the smaller vessel? Well, that's his worry.
She picked up her workout bag and headed to the spa. As she moved through her exercises she thought about running her hands over Kali's body. Pausing between her exercise sets she purposely moved her thoughts to their upcoming performance at the convention. Erich's prediction that two women dancing passionately together would catch on, had. There was a revival of Jerah and Sarah's material. However, the missing ingredient in their dance was Kali's passion. Kali did not put out any sensual passion. She was feminine all the way down to her pointed shoes, but there was no sensuousness.
Lonnie finished up her workout with a quick shower and then a soak in the jacuzzi. She was in for fifteen minutes when she felt the water shift. She glanced at Loria who stepped in. Lonnie looked at her fingers, puckered and looking like she had been in too long. She stood up and pulled herself out.
"Don't get out on account of me," Loria teased.
"If you hadn't come by now, I would have fallen asleep," Lonnie informed her. However, Lonnie had other reasons for not staying in with the elfan. She was too attractive to Lonnie at the moment. Almost any female these days was catching Lonnie's eye.
Lonnie picked up the house phone and called to Gish to see if she was available. No sense in her waiting outside of her cabin looking silly.
"Hey, you're back?"
[No, silly. This is my answering machine. Hey, hon. Can we do it another time? I'm bushed.]
"No. No problem. Sleep well."
[Believe me, I will. It's been a rough week with this being our last few days out.]
Lonnie nearly slapped her forehead in dismay. She had forgotten that this usually was Gish's busiest time. She not only had to prepare her station for shut down, she also was serving the customers that put off massages until the last week. They were cheaper on the ship than most planet-side, and a lot safer."
Erich met them at the space port. He had made arrangements for the two women and this time Lonnie had nicer hotel accommodations with her room attached to Kali's. Kali though, had to share her space with Yomatta and two bodyguards.
They left their bags at the hotel and drove to the convention to get an idea of the atmosphere.
"I don't want you to get upset," Erich spoke to Lonnie softly as Kali and her group got into the first autocab.
Lonnie sighed as she leaned back in their cab. "I wish you would do these confessions before the last minute," Lonnie told him.
"I only learned about it a few moments ago." He leaned forward and turned on the viewer in the cab. A picture of the convention appeared and advertisements to tourists played out until a speaker came on promoting each of the groups that would be performing. Finally the speaker announced the demonstrations to be done on Amor Amour dancing.
"Who gave it that name?" Lonnie muttered disgustedly.
"Better than cheek to cheek or kisser to kisser, lips to lips, hip to hip and so on," Erich informed her. "But this is good advertising. The best she's had in ages so I don't want to make noises about the renaming of the dance."
[The couple that has brought back this style will be appearing this evening for a warm up and then tomorrow they will give a one hour show to demonstrate. This would be Diva Kali Maxine with her dance partner Leona Bestrolie. Folks I've seen tapes on these two and I have to say, Diva Maxine is at the top of her form. But don't…]
Lonnie shut it off. "Eh. Just what I've been avoiding all my life…my name spoken in an advertisement. And they actually got it right. What has my life come to?" she asked in mock horror. "So, Erich, what is it that you think I should be worried about?"
"I thought you didn't like large crowds."
"You know why I avoid them?" she clarified. "I don't like crowds because all it takes is something to set off a few and the whole group becomes a stampeding mob, trampling everything in its path. Besides, what am I going to do with that many admirers?"
Erich said nothing, merely nodded.
"So, this is the halfway mark," Lonnie told him. "Are you getting any closer to arranging my bonus?"
Erich smiled. "As a matter of fact…Ambassador Hebr Mo'lu is having a party at his home and asked if Kali would mind dancing with her partner at his wedding anniversary."
Lonnie laughed at Erich's lie. The slight color change on the small ridge above his left ear gave him away.
"Okay…the invitation was for you and Kali. It's on his estate on Abrazan. I told him you would be delighted but I would check with Diva Kali Maxine. It means you'll have to take a shuttle out there. Earl Gray doesn't stop at Tuloc."
"No problem. Have you ever been there?"
Erich shook his head. "I don't travel too far from home base. This is one of those very few times and I brought my family so they won't feel neglected."
The autocab stopped at the curb where uniformed valets assisted the performers alighting from their cabs. Andres was waiting near the door with Kali and her group.
"Andres," Erich greeted and shook his hand. "I appreciate all your help. Thanks for staying longer."
"Wouldn't want to miss it. I've seen some of the other performers. You have some keen competition," he nodded to Lonnie.
"We'll burn them," Kali informed them all confidently.
"We're the honoree guests so we have a performance before peers and then we have a warm up thirty minutes before the main performance tomorrow. By the way, Magi and Celea are teamed up," Andres informed them.
Lonnie burst out laughing, startling them all. "Sorry, sorry," she told the others. She laughed behind her hand, enjoying his joke. "Are they good?"
He shook his head. "I haven't seen anyone yet. I think they're all waiting for you two…out of respect, believe it or not. I sure would like to know what happened in the five months that we've been gone that got those two that friendly."
"Advertising, good press reviews, and a diligent agent," Erich informed them all.
"Erich, everyone with talent and without loves the competition," Lonnie told him.
"No one can beat us," Kali repeated firmly. "I've seen them dance. Their lack of talent can't be morphed into 'sensual' dancing."
"Oh! So you looked up the word did you," Lonnie smirked. "Kali plans on heating up the stage for the next two days," Lonnie informed Andres.
Andres looked over at Kali who had an indignant expression on her face.
"No, she really is. She's going to let all her passion loose and show us what she's been holding back in all these dance sessions. She's afraid if she lets loose too soon, she'll overwhelm me…but you wait…she'll let loose," Lonnie mockingly warned them all. "Then we'll all have two weeks to recover."
Kali looked at her uncertain while Andres laughed, thinking Lonnie was pulling Kali's chain from nervousness.
"I dance just fine, thank you, miss hottie. And I know perfectly well what you're implying. But I just might surprise you."
Lonnie leaned near her ear, "Just for two nights," she whispered, "and then you have two whole weeks to recover."
Kali scratched the ear Lonnie's breathe tickled. "You'll be the one having to take two whole weeks to recover, my dear," she informed her.
Lonnie smiled and then turned her attention to the stage. The two became all business as they walked the length, listening to the sound of their heels on the boards.
"I like the sound here," Kali informed them, clicking her heels on the wood. "We need to get here earlier than the thirty minutes we're given for warm ups," Kali told Lonnie as she stared out at the empty audience seats. "There's going to be a crowd to fight through."
Lonnie's eyes moved from the audience seats to the stage. It was huge, too huge for her comfort. She turned her back to the seats and walked around the stage.
"Is it too big?" Andres asked her concerned. "You don't have to worry about your dressing room. I saw names posted on them and the times the occupants were expected to show for their use," he added for Kali.
Lonnie nodded at him. "We're going to have to add extra steps to go from here to the other side," she observed.
Kali turned to Andres and Lonnie, "Why can't we do one set here, another in the center and another on the other side? We can expand the dance beginning and some of the middle but end in the center."
"It leaves too many people out." She glanced at the mobile camera docking stations lined to the side of the stage. "Even if they get a view on screen…we need to move back and forth on stage and finish in the center. I see no problem with that," she added to Kali.
Andres turned to Lori. "Did our gear arrive?"
"Yeah and the costumes. We had to make sure we had guards…some fans got a bit too free with their souvenir hunting."
"Our gear?" Lonnie asked worried.
"No. Another group. So, when do we get back here? I need a nap."
"Two hours," Andres announced.
Lonnie slept for an hour and then made her necessary calls to her friends who if not for Shari, would have missed getting tickets for the show.
"Hey kitten, how's everyone?" she asked her friend.
[We're all doing great!] Niamh answered. [We got in some great surfing while waiting for you guys to show. We have a place near the best surfing beach and have a few locals promising to show you the ropes.] Cari's laughing could be heard in the background.
"Show me the ropes huh? What did you tell her and it better be a her."
[Why? You don't do anything. You just leave whoever we set you up with weeping in frustration,] Niamh pointed out reasonably.
"Where will you guys be so we can meet after the performance?"
[Kona Catcha. Just give the directions to the autocab. You and the diva are the hottest topics around here. I hope you don't attract too many flies.]
"Me too. I'll see ya'all then."
For thirty minutes she sat Asanas, seeking peace and guidance to survive.
Lonnie and Kali came in the same autocab with the bodyguards. By the time they were recognized they were through the door and left the shrieking crowds outside.
Lonnie handed her bag to a stage hand. Another took Kali's and they walked ahead of the two as they were led through a maze to their dressing rooms.
Lonnie was walking the stage before Kali arrived dressed in her costume. She was wearing a sleek green dress with a slit on the side. Lonnie was wearing the same shade of green pants and short black coat, showing the v line of her breasts. Erich had picked out their costumes, otherwise Lonnie would have settled for a shirt under the coat. It was ironic that more of her skin showed than Kali, that is, until she moved her skirts.
Lonnie danced around the floor, testing the sound and feel out of nervousness. While she drank water and took a breath, she watched Kali dance. Lonnie nodded as she moved expertly, listening to her feet tap out a catchy rhythm. Kali had come a long way in five months, and Lonnie took pride that she had a hand in it.
Finished they turned to Andres who then warmed the band. Other performers that were waiting took their seats if they had not already.
Lonnie looked into Kali's eyes, looking for the spark that would be necessary to dance a passionate dance. Kali would not be able to fool this audience of their peers. Kali looked back into Lonnie's eyes and smiled. She took Lonnie's hand, like a shy lover and led her to where they would begin the first dance.
Andres tapped his baton on the podium, signaling everyone was warmed up and ready.
Lonnie snapped her castanets, and then danced sensuously around Kali, teasing her with her rooster like attitude and staccato tapping of her heels. When she stopped and it was Kali's time to respond, Kali raised smoldering eyes darkened with passion, a look Lonnie had never seen before. Lonnie's well-rehearsed steps were done automatically as the sensuous feelings that Kali had held back now surfaced. Slowly she weaved her story of distain at her suitor and then began the subtle show of interest. Lonnie danced her story, one of sexual assuredness and then of uncertainty and finally of being under the spell of the one she had originally sought to conquer.
When they finished, they paused in their final position, hip to hip. Kali had one arm draped over Lonnie's shoulder and the other around her waist possessively. Lonnie's hands rested on Kali's hips. Both women parted, turned to face the crowd, and stepped one foot forward. The room broke into a roar.
The ovation went on too long for Lonnie but Kali's tug on her hand reminded her of her duty. Both bowed, it seemed for the hundredth time and then finally, Kali pulled her to do another dance. Kali again surprised Lonnie and allowed herself to express sensuality in the dance. It was numbing to Lonnie but she reminded herself, she had two weeks to recuperate.
After they left the stage, they had more bodyguards around them then Lonnie had ever known any performer to have but as they moved out beyond the convention center she could see a sea of people that were watching the performance from large screens.
Chapter 11
It was past her usual breakfast time when something wet landed on her face.
Lonnie sat up pulling the washcloth off her face. "What…what was that for?" she asked sitting up naked in her bed while Kali had a look of triumph on her face.
"Didn't think I could do it, did ya?"
Lonnie tossed the washcloth back at her. "It was there. I knew it, you knew it. Big deal now that it's out. Right?" She walked to the shower and set the temperature, hoping Kali would take the hint and leave. When she stepped into the shower before turning on the water, Kali stepped in beside her. She pressed up against Lonnie and kissed her passionately, and then she walked out of the room.
"Hey!" Lonnie shouted at the retreating back. Kali was laughing. "What is she up to?" a frustrated Lonnie muttered to herself. Her fingers touched her lips remembering the possessive press of Kali's soft full lips on hers and the brief flicker of a tongue against her opened lips.
In the morning instead of preparing for their performance, Erich had the two before cameras and giving interviews. After the tenth interview was wrapped up Lonnie wanted to speak with Erich before they got ready for their mid-morning performance.
"Erich. Just the agent I wanted to see," Lonnie greeted him, feeling mentally weary from word fencing with the interviewers. Kali had a penchant for it and was witty enough to cover for her lack of answers. "Tell me something. Why are we still on Earl Gary if you're pushing so hard to get the diva's name out?"
They both settled in the second private vehicle Erich arranged for, before he answered.
"You're safe there."
"Ah. Safe from who or what?" she asked suspiciously.
"I don't think she's ready yet to be surrounded constantly by fans and media…and I know you hate this media frenzy business…so I'm going to let you finish off the tour where you're comfortable."
"Doggone, Erich!" she told him exasperated. "Give it to me straight."
"I'm serious about the safety issue. I don't want her to jump so soon into the larger crowds yet. The places you'll be performing on the flight back will be important places, and believe me, you'll find the ship a nice haven to escape to. Meanwhile, she still needs work. You have her emotionally out and that's important. Now she needs to be consistently out and be able to handle it without all those crutches of drugs and wild living. Teach her what you know."
Lonnie snickered. "Right, like I lead an exemplar life. Erich, who is doing all this for her?"
"I'll tell you one day, but not today."
Lonnie was not used to personal attendants. As she stood still while hers, Jay, pulled her new fitted embroidered coat into place and smoothed out wrinkles, she could see Kali in the mirror being helped into her dress. Lonnie moved around as the hands guided her. There was a lot of professional attention to detail. Her castanets were fitted over her hands and then Jay stood back to critically review her work.
"Are you ready," Kali's voice asked from behind her.
Lonnie nodded and stepped toward the door, which was opened for them. The two women passed through, both their minds on dance steps. Lonnie's hand rested against the small of Kali's back, more for a connection than in guiding her. Lonnie found that if she concentrated on making Kali look good her nervousness would fade to the background. Kali stopped in front of the door and Lonnie slid her arm around Kali's waist, as they waited for their entrance.
"Lonnie?"
Distractedly, Lonnie looked at her partner. For a moment she did not recognize the beautiful woman standing next to her, so close she could smell her fragrance.
"Hey. Yoo-hoo?" Kali called to her.
Lonnie felt Kali's weight against her and focused on the radiant smile before her. Her heart rate increased and her arm around Kali's waist tightened, reflexively pulling her closer to her.
"Did I tell you that you look absolutely striking in your new clothes?" Kali told her in a soft voice.
Lonnie blinked at her, trying to decipher the verbal message amid the screaming sensations in her body.
"Thanks," she managed.
"Are you going to be alright? Will I have to do a solo until…" Kali teased, her eyes laughing and her full lips curling up into a smile.
Lonnie pulled her wits back to the present and shook her head dumbly at Kali. "I'm…fine. Just thinking," she finished, regaining her composure.
"Okay, because…this is us…"
Lonnie struck her pose and while the intro played, they walked onto the stage as a couple strolling through the park.
The first dance, called for her to use her castanets while Kali's hands rested on top of hers. They weaved a net of passion with the staccato beat of their heels, echoing castanets, and the stop and start and then the long steps across the stage as Lonnie advanced upon Kali and then Kali turned them both around and advanced on Lonnie. The heat smoldering between the two only added to the mood of the dance.
Between each dance they gave enough time for the audience to applaud but Andres was on a strict timer that Lonnie was grateful for. By the end of their time, she was sure that she and Kali were on the same wave length, and it was a sensuous one. They returned for four encores, each doing a solo and two more pair dances.
Instead of being escorted back to their shared dressing room, their guards hurried them out of the building with others taking care of their clothes.
"Whooooo!" Kali shouted. "Did you see the audience? We had them standing at the beginning of our dance …whooping! We proved we deserved to be given credit for bringing au pair back."
Lonnie could feel the audience's appreciation too. Usually it was not this intense. The combination of the sexual power in her belly mixed with the adrenalin rush from the audience's outpouring of energy had her hair nearly standing on end.
"What are you going to do?" Kali asked, her face shinning with the excitement of the last two days of ovations from their peers and the public.
"Something crazy and wild," Lonnie told her, amused that Kali found it difficult to sit still.
"What's that?" Kali asked, wondering if Lonnie was thinking of taking a lover for the night…or two weeks.
"Surf. The waves are curling high and knarly."
"Really?"
Lonnie was preoccupied at the crowd that the news was showing hanging around their hotel. She leaned forward and spoke to one of their bodyguards. "It doesn't look like something the four of you can handle," she told him. "How about a change of plans?"
Wiwan, the team leader, nodded. "What do you have in mind?"
"I'm supposed to be heading to Kona Catcha to meet up with some friends that promised me good surfing this afternoon."
Wiwan nodded again. "I know of it. But driving up in something like this is going to have us sticking out like a redwood among willows."
Lonnie grinned. "Well, we can exchange it…"
Wiwan had a funny sense of humor. He traded their preprogrammed limo with a smaller autocab. The group of four youths they traded with thought it would be a hoot to roll up to a crowd that was expecting someone important and out they stepped.
Three of the guards rode in an additional autocab while Kali and Lonnie gave in to Wiwan riding with them.
"Kali, do you mind dropping me off first? I was thinking by the time Wiwan takes you back to the hotel there will be less of a crowd," Lonnie belatedly asked.
"And miss surfing? Not on your life. I've only see it on screen. Do you think maybe I can try it?"
Lonnie looked at the diva whose appearance was so far from a surf vision that Lonnie could only nod, thinking no further.
"Hey, you wanna-be-dancer!" Niamh hollered as she grabbed the taller woman and spun her around. She dropped her to the ground and kissed her briefly. "We gotta get outta here. Cari's holding down the beach house, making sure no one noses around. Hi!" she suddenly noticed the bodyguards and the diva. "Wooo. Very smart to avoid your hotel. We can use those autocabs since there's more of you. Come on. Let's go."
Wiwan gestured to the others which vehicles to get in, with the guards doubling in the autocabs and Niamh pushing Lonnie and Kali quickly into the one she had reserved.
"So, Diva Kali…."
"Kali, please call me Kali," she hurriedly asked.
"Okay, Kali. Nice dancing. Glad to see you put the nay-sayers to shame. Are you planning on surfing too?"
"Yes."
"Okay. Well. You need the right clothes…"
And so their first stop was to get Kali clothes. Niamh ran into the store to avoid any attention. While she shopped, their bodyguards purchased more appropriate attire. Kali and Lonnie waited safely in their cab. Kali listened to the entertainment news which was all about them, and Lonnie took a nap, effectively shutting out the chatter and sleeping through their resumed journey to the beach. A poke in her ribs thirty minutes later woke her. She peered though the windows to see where they were. Niamh pointed to the line of boards along the beach.
"Wow. This is the small place on the beach?" Kali asked surprised, looking in another direction.
Niamh laughed. "Not that place! We have what is called the day cottage...over that way. It was used by the first owners for changing in or out of their bathing costumes or taking a nap, partying out of the sun but still being near the ocean type thing. I know the present owner's girlfriend. She's a client," Niamh grinned.
"I hope that someone isn't anyone I know personally," Lonnie muttered.
"Well, yeah, but she says she is very much in love with her present beau and you're a forgotten fling." Niamh flitted her fingers in the air mimicking Aoife's disdainful gesture.
"Why did you pick this place?" Lonnie asked, looking around suspiciously.
"She's in Wellsmont, the family estate. That's a week away no matter what fast ship she hires. We didn't tell her you would be here."
The autocab came to a stop and they all spotted two familiar figures standing on the beach near the drive way. They appeared to be arguing. "Like, she can't miss the publicity," Lonnie said, sounding disgusted.
"Whoops," Niamh said softly. "Honey bunny, you'll need to borrow Kali's bodyguards."
Kali looked out the window interested. "Who are they?" she asked as they waited for the bodyguards to get into position.
"Her exes. They're probably going to be coming out of…" she looked over at Lonnie, "all sorts of places." She grinned at Kali, "You think you had an exciting life with the men the tabloids say you've been with…in her wild years she slept with any woman that caught her eye…and did she have an eye for the passionate ones."
"You led a wild life? In your younger years? Just how old are you?"
Lonnie stepped out of the autocab, still dressed in costume, eager to get out of it. She turned to take Kali's hand to help her out. Kali looped her dress ends over her arm and squirmed out of the cab.
"Old enough to know I don't want to repeat that life," she muttered.
"That way would be good," Niamh told the guards softly, pointing to the side path.
The two women at the front entrance stopped arguing immediately and tried to join the group on the path to the backdoor but Niamh was leading them quickly with the bodyguards preventing them from rushing past them. A door opened and Niamh ushered everyone in.
"Where's my suit?" Lonnie asked Cari as she hugged her.
Cari grinned at Lonnie's predicament. "You're lucky neither of them surf or has the desire to."
"Right here," Niamh told her, holding up the bag of clothing they had picked up at the hotel earlier for Lonnie.
Lonnie grabbed it and headed to a room to change. When she exited the room everyone was dressed, including the bodyguards.
"Why do they keep ringing the doorbell when we aren't answering it?" Lonnie huffed as she moved to the door Niamh pointed at.
"Persistence. Listen, we have the boards on the beach. Bessie is watching them with the others," Cari reported.
"Can anyone surf?" Kali asked as she fell in behind Lonnie as the group moved out of the house and down the path to the beach.
"Sure. I'll give ya a few…" Niamh paused at Lonnie's expression. She stuck her tongue out at her friend and continued. "I'll get you all setup," she whispered conspiratorially in Kali's ear.
Kali rested her hand on Lonnie's back as they followed Cari who led them single file down the winding path. There was a party that looked like it had been going on for a while at the end of the path.
"Lonnie?"
"Huh?"
"Can you give me a ride?" Kali asked.
"Surfing is a one person…"
"Nah huh," Kali laughed, tugging at Lonnie's elbow. "I do watch surfing events now and then and saw…"
"Staged," Lonnie interrupted.
"Oh."
Lonnie quickly found a board while Kali was introduced as Mari, Cari's cousin. Kali was found a place near the fire where they were roasting food and telling stories. Niamh settled near her and began to explain the rudiments of surfing.
Lonnie attached the leash of the board around her wrist and waited for the wave to hit the beach. She then ran into the water, and fought to get out past the cresting waves. Once past the raising waves she studied the wave patterns until she knew when the big one would break. Anxious to get in some action she spotted the first one. She could feel the upsurge as it gathered its power behind her and began to swell under her. Just as it started its roll she pushed her board so that she would either be pounded into the sand or carried to the beach. Eagerly she surged forward, leaning a little too forward. Too late to do anything but ride it out she felt the sudden loss of her ride and she leaned back as the wave rolled past her.
A few more rolled under her and then she again saw the right one coming. She rode it all the way in, hearing the roar of the wave as it formed a tunnel over her and moved her along. Quickly she moved back into the deeper water for another. Riding the pipe was addicting. The exhaustion she had felt after the performance was gone as a second wind kicked in.
Her ninth ride in was a wipe out. She was slammed into the belly of the rising lower swell and she and board went tumbling to shore. When she caught her breath she was surrounded by some of her friends, all relieved she was okay.
"What a shot!"
"I have just the thing for…"
Lonnie did not wait to hear what Glenna had to say.
As she splashed back out she felt someone running beside her. She glanced sideways annoyed and found it was Kali.
"Hey, where are you going? Kali, it's dangerous out here."
"Not any more than it is around that group. You're rescuing me. You owe me."
A wave hit them and Lonnie came back up wiping her face. "How do you figure that?"
"You lied to me. One of the gals back there told me of the few times you've taken girlfriends…"
"Alright! You don't have to go into my sordid past. Lay on the board," she instructed her quickly. She was watching a wave heading their way that she needed to get past before it sent them back to shore.
Lonnie paddled them out with Kali helping.
"Okay. This is what we're going to do. Sit up." Lonnie carefully climbed on the board and wished she had taken Cari up on the slower and longer board. "We're going to sit through a few…just to give you a trill," Lonnie told her as she moved closer to Kali's back.
For the next hour they practiced riding on less serious waves part of the way in and then paddled back out.
"Okay, I'm tired and I'm sure you are too. Let's take the next big one in and you'll see what it's like to ride the big orgasmic rush."
"Ooh! This will be something I will be sure to remember in my old age," Kali told her mockingly.
"You'll see."
Lonnie felt the beginning of the wave she needed. The ride in was not as dramatic as she would have liked, but it was enough to give Kali an idea of the emotional and physical rush riding a big wave in that curled overhead.
Both women came stumbling onto the shore laughing with Kali gripping Lonnie's arm for support as waves hit them from behind. Two of the bodyguards came out to assist Kali. Lonnie held onto her surf-board and used it to part the crowd so she could get back to where the boards were stored.
"Wow! So, you aren't so old after all!" Jenny slapped her on the shoulder laughing. "After all that dancing and running from your admirers I would think you would want a nap."
"I think my second wind has been exhausted," Lonnie admitted and fell onto the blanket. Someone handed her a drink. She handed it off to Jenny who glared at the person who gave it to her. All of Lonnie's friends knew she only drank unopened drinks and nonalcoholic.
"Here," Kali told her, handing her sealed water. She plopped down next to Lonnie. "You were right. What a rush," she told her solemnly, and then took a long pull from her water.
Jenny sat next to them, closing the circle of friends around the two women. "Have you ridden the rapids?" she asked the diva.
"Oh, yeah. Not quite like this ride but it does have its similarities."
"Yep. Earl Gray has a stop at Elongman, doesn't it?" Cari asked.
"Yeah. The Bella Abzug run. The shortest ride is three hours," Lonnie confirmed.
The conversation turned to where the best surf and rapid runs were. Someone had brought out drums and while they conversed into the early morning the music played around them.
"I like drums," Lonnie murmured tiredly.
"Uh huh," Aoife replied. "You sure do…"
"Don't bother reminiscing," Cari yawned, and shook her head to clear the tiredness in her head. "We've all heard it many times and don't want to hear it again."
Lonnie agreed. The drum beat was nice. She rose and headed back to the house. A hand slipped into hers. "I'm rescuing you so shut up and keep walking," Kali joked.
The bodyguards dutifully followed them back to the rented house. At the house Erich and Yomatta were waiting. They were sipping tea and talking when the two entered.
Erich looked at both women and nodded. "You're looking better already. Are you ready to go?" he asked Kali.
Kali nodded and turned to Lonnie. "Thank you, Lonnie." She leaned forward and kissed her on the cheek.
The bodyguards, Erich and Yomatta exited leaving a tired Lonnie standing in the center of the room. She turned and went in search of a bed.
Chapter 12
Two weeks later, Lonnie arrived aboard Earl Gray a few hours before launch. As she padded along the corridor to the purser's desk where she would get her cabin number and whatever news she needed to hear, she was looking around her at the passengers that were openly staring at her. One of them she recognized as being part of her fan based regulars. Lonnie nodded toward her and received a blush in return. That was a first.
"Hi, Lonnie. Jen thought you would miss launch, but she's new. Doesn't know you always arrive a few hours before disembarking," Crackle rattled off as she handed Lonnie her room number. "You've been upped to the suites, darlin'." She grinned as Lonnie's face broke out into a smile at the cabin number.
"Yeah. Must have been dumb luck someone didn't show," Lonnie told her.
"Nope. You are billed as the number one show. Your neighbor is the diva. We've never had big stars aboard," she revealed teasingly.
"Sure you have. For five months." Lonnie thought about how much of her life changed to the worse since the dance on Earth. Her skin diving schedule was cut short because people had recognized her and would not leave her alone. Fast thinking Niamh had a friend who was a guide for high elevation climbers and managed to fit them in her beginning class. Since Lonnie spent so much time aboard a space ship, she was acclimated to the thin air.
"Do you think the crew can handle it?" she asked.
"We'll see. We picked up forty new crew-members for the upper decks. Captain gave a real strong warning to everyone. He replaced everyone that didn't pass muster on the first part of the trip…like the security group that let the drugs on board," she informed her in an undertone.
"Well, I can't take too many changes…good to see that you and Gish are still here…," Lonnie joked, and then turned to leave, moving through the suddenly crowded lobby.
Lonnie pushed the door to her cabin open. The first thing that hit her was the scent of the flower arrangements that covered all flat surfaces. Puzzled she lifted a name-tag. It had - To: Diva Kali, love Lu. Lonnie read a few of the others and they too were addressed to the diva.
"Hi. I thought I would share, since it was both of us that earned them," Kali's voice explained.
Lonnie looked towards the adjoining cabin door not realizing it had opened. The first thing she was going to ask was if she could throw them away. "Hi. Did you have a nice vacation?" Lonnie asked instead.
"It wasn't a vacation for me…but it was okay."
"All work and no play…not good for the soul," Lonnie told her seriously.
"I'm ambitious. I want to get back to the top by the end of next year," she explained. "But I did take some time off. I had a date," she laughed humorously.
"Did you enjoy yourself?" Lonnie asked curious to see if she would tell her. Something was different about Kali.
She shrugged her shoulders. Her face did not tell her anything. "It wasn't unpleasant. Well, I'll let you settle in. We have a rehearsal in an hour."
Lonnie watched her leave. Shaking her head, she went to her closet to see if her bags had been delivered and then went about unpacking. She reminded herself to speak with the head purser in charge of the cleaning crew for this section.
Andres was speaking to the musicians when she entered the hall. Lonnie had downloaded Erich's schedule and noted that the stomp and clog was included for their upcoming port stop, Solvora. Solvora was a farming community, passionate about their dances. Their favorite style of dance was along the line of reels, jigs, and cloggin'.
Andres spotted Lonnie when she walked into the stage area and gave her a nod. She quickly changed into her shoes. Lonnie had found that the sound and feel of the floor changed from time to time and she liked to keep up with it. Behind her she heard steps echoing her test, letting her know that Kali had arrived. Both women moved around the stage silent except for their feet taping.
Lonnie completed her round and stopped to take a sip of her water. Her eyes followed Kali as she moved around. Still puzzled at the difference in Kali, she attempted to discern what it was. She was still slender…and her movements graceful and elegant. Elegant? Was that the change? No more of the nervous energy she had when they first met. Or was it a more mature person she was looking at? Lonnie snorted to herself. More professional. Yeah, that's a better description.
If Kali was aware that she was being studied, she gave no indication. When Kali finished Lonnie joined her with Andres.
"So…" he began, "according to the schedule we'll be doing the usual ship performances and work on original material for the shows planet-side."
"What do you mean the 'usual'?" Kali asked, frowning.
"Some of Lonnie's style and some that you like…" Kali was about to say something but Andres held up his hand. "Most of the passengers that come to see you two dance, booked a year in advance as Lonnie's fans, and if this is going to be her last year, I think they deserve to see her doing what they signed up for."
"If this is the last," Lonnie corrected him. "It's all depends on if I stick it out as your partner for the duration of the cruise," she informed Kali smiling. Kali's expression was unreadable. "That is, unless you plan on dumping me…for a younger and more agile type?" she teased, now unsure just what she was getting from Kali.
"I noticed you have Solvoraian dances in our selections," Kali mentioned, changing the subject.
"How long did it take you to learn them?" Andres asked Lonnie, grinning at something he saw.
"What's so funny?" Kali demanded when Lonnie snickered as if she picked up on it too.
"If you don't clog to their liking, they'll pull you off stage and get up there themselves." Lonnie shook her head in amusement at the thought of anyone attempting to pull Kali off stage.
"Oh. Well, let's get to it then," she told them brusquely.
After one hour of practicing for the show that night, Andres moved them on to music for the Solvoraian dances. Lonnie did two for Kali, leaving the reels for later, and then slowed them down so Kali could see what her blurred feet were doing.
As they packed up their equipment, Lonnie noticed that Yomatta's was missing. Usually she watched their practices. "Where's Yomatta?"
"Busy," Kali answered as if to end any more questions along that line.
Lonnie was curious about the response. "What about the crowds…I can already see them gathering on the outside of the stage door?"
"I want to be accessible to my fans," Kali glanced at her briefly, then returned her attention to her reflection, concerned with adjusting her clothes and hair.
"I see," Lonnie was disappointed, though she was not sure just why.
"Do you want to leave before me…?"
"No. I'll wait until you move the crowd," Lonnie smiled. Lonnie's eyes watched as the diva glided out the door. Voices lifted and excitement filled the corridor as she waded through them, giving autographs and smiling for their cameras. The purser, the same they had for the beginning of the tour, Ja, looked back at Lonnie, giving her a wink. Then followed Kali out, pulling her costume cart.
Lonnie decided to climb the stairs and leave through one of the audience's exits. She found a ships comm and called Gish. Gish did not answer but L'ina did. Gish was booked for the day. Disappointed, Lonnie decided she would try another time.
When Lonnie entered her quarters she found all the flower arrangements had been removed but two. They were from the captain and chief of security congratulating her and Kali for their success and a big welcome back.
She dumped her clothing in the autocleaner and decided she needed a nap.
Brrup!
Lonnie woke startled. "Alarm off!" she ordered. "Gads I didn't realize I was so tired," she muttered. Rolling out of bed she held onto the bulkhead for a moment, taking a moment to get her bearings. Yawning widely, she stared at the costumes hanging in her closet.
"Okay, Lonnie, get yourself in gear," she encouraged. Finding what she wanted was easy since she kept her clothing neatly arranged. Lonnie pulled her costumes from the rack and packed the ones she would need in her cart. As she was stepping out of her quarters she was joined by Diva Maxine, and her fans that were lying in wait for her to exit. Many of them offered to pull her costume cart but Kali graciously declined. The two women gave a nod to each other and walked silently to the elevator. Lonnie, leading the group, took the crew's elevator as she usually did.
"Lonnie?"
"Uh?"
"Why are we taking this elevator?"
"Because I always take it."
"It's not because of my fans?"
"That too…they're slowing us down. We need to start on time. If you want to be among them…I can start with a solo," she offered, not unkindly.
"No. I just…thought maybe, since this isn't your thing…"
"Kali, I'm a professional. It may seem a strange concept to you that a person who prefers to perform in small groups or for friends considers herself professional, but I do. I also don't believe that my fans own my life. I share my love of dance with them…not my personal life or my down time." Part of Lonnie's mind was pointing out to her that she needed to take a deep breath.
The elevator door chose that moment to open and it was to a pushing crowd with pictures of Kali waving at her to be autographed. Lonnie did not hesitate to press the security button on the elevator door. Kali maintained her calm exterior as those behind the front of the line pushed and shoved to get a chance to see her. The front of the line was moved into the elevator with them.
Maltieani and some of his staff appeared, clearing a path for the two women. "Noticed an unusual amount of people gathered near your quarters," he mentioned to Lonnie softly. "Thought we should take some precautions."
"Thanks," she mouthed.
Their first three dances were met with mixed reactions and by the time they had finished their last set many of the fans were shouting for what they termed 'dirty dancing'. Kali nodded to Andres and with a grin at Lonnie, they gave a short version of one of their flamenco dances that brought the galaxy's citizenries attention to them.
Kali was going to give them another but Lonnie had returned to the dressing room and was packing away her costumes.
"What are you doing? We've got them! Listen to them!"
"Kali, we've got five months to entertain them. I don't want to try and put it all in one night. Our scheduled time is up. The musicians' time is up. I asked for security to…"
"I don't want security!" she informed Lonnie furiously.
"Then I'll use their services. I may get bashed for having the nerve to end the program on time," Lonnie told her in a light tone. She pulled her costume cart upright and moved to the exit.
There was a crowd but this time more manageable as Maltieani and his staff watched. The few that asked for Lonnie's autograph were on the outskirts of the group, and she obliged them.
After dumping her gear in her cabin and changing to her workout clothes, she was back in the crew's elevator heading for the crew's spa when she was joined by Crackle, also dressed for a work out.
"Hey, dancing princess. Wanna partner?"
"What do you have in mind?" Lonnie asked, worried she was going to do something that required more energy than she wanted to expend. Since Lonnie had informed her that maybe she was not a good candidate for her team because she had frozen up in a real encounter, Crackle had been spending extra time with her.
"Hm. I learned a new throw in Ju Situ. An old family friend showed it to me," she told her mockingly.
"Ha. That means you've been on the docks taking on whoever is foolish enough to think you're a pushover," Lonnie laughed.
"That's right. I got beat a few times but did I come away with some tricks," she wagged her hand.
"I think I like my way better…let someone else learn them and then teach me."
The two worked out on various pieces of equipment and then met in the sparing square. A few crew members rested on the side…probably exchanging bets…and the real workout began. For the seven years that Lonnie knew Crackle, she had been a student along with a few other crew members of her various self-defense techniques learning not just the discipline of katas, but also the philosophy of body, breath and spirit. It was the personal attack against her that made Lonnie realize that practice is not all there is to being able to defend herself.
After taking a round house kick that nearly knocked the wind out of her, Lonnie was not going to be fooled again and avoided Crackle's kicks by dancing out of range when she wound up.
"Hey! You can't keep backing up!" Crackle objected.
"This is my way…" Lonnie grinned, and then suddenly reaching in with a kick to her chest, knocked the assistant chief purser onto her back.
"Shall we call it a night?" Lonnie asked her prone teacher.
"Yeah. Geeze. I need a massage now."
Lonnie's eyes lit up. "So do I."
Gish picked up on the second ring and informed Lonnie she was available.
Lonnie did not say anything when she smelled the scent of Kali on the massage table. Instead, she closed her eyes and let Gish relax her.
"Tired?" Lonnie asked when Gish's touch was lighter than usual.
"Yeah. I asked for tomorrow off. Everyone wants a massage from the diva's masseuse, including the diva."
"Ouch. Listen, if it's getting to you I can go to…"
"No, no. I'm just tired today. I'm going to take fewer customers. I have to pace myself is all. That crazy meter informed me I'm way over my limit."
Lonnie reached to touch Gish's cheek and then leaned forward to kiss her gently. "Thank you," she whispered.
Gish's hand reached to cover Lonnie's that was cupping her cheek. "You hang in there. I still have credits ridding on this," she teased.
"Yeah." Lonnie sighed deeply. "And I made an agreement…" She opened the door to the massage room and nearly stumbled on a passenger.
"You looking for someone?" Lonnie asked surprised.
"No…I mean yes, the masseuse."
"For what?" Gish asked.
"A massage!"
"Call for an appointment with the scheduling desk."
"Oh…okay."
Gish waited for the middle aged turk to disappear down the corridor before she turned to inspect her door. "Life is a lot more complicated this tour, Lonnie. I sure hope we all survive it with our dignity intact."
Lonnie gave Gish a pat on her shoulder and headed back to her quarters. No one was in the corridor. Tiredly she entered her cabin, dropping her workout bag on the deck. She collapsed onto the couch and turned on the screen. She dialed up a comedy. A soft knock on the adjoining door to Kali's suite brought a tired sigh.
"If ya can't open it, go away," she responded.
The door opened and Kali poked her head through. "Hi. I see you're still up…you like comedies?" she asked.
"Yeah. Right now I can use a laugh. What's going on?"
"Nothing. I finished my lessons and I'm too restless to sleep. Can I watch the movie with you?"
"Sure." She rose from the coach and offered it to Kali and then pulled a cushioned chair out for herself. "If I fall asleep and snore…don't wake me to tell me."
Lonnie watched the movie to its end. Kali made it halfway through. She did not have the heart to wake her so she simply put a cover over her and called Yomatta to let her know of Kali's whereabouts. It was only a few minutes later that Yomatta tapped on Lonnie's door. She entered carrying a pillow. She checked on the softly snoring Kali and gently lifted her head and slipped the pillow under her.
"Hm. That's service," Lonnie told her and then turned to go to bed. She heard the door close as she was turning off the bed lamp. She actually trusts us alone. Hm.
Lonnie was not asleep for long when she heard someone moving around. "Light, low," she whispered. The lights came up, showing Kali carrying her pillow as she moved past her into the toilet.
"Light off," she muttered and lay back down, turning her back to the doorway. She sighed, wondering why she could not sleep when she was so tired. Something flopped down next to her head and Lonnie turned over to see. Covers were pulled back and Kali slid into the bed and resumed her sleep, snoring softly. Lonnie lay thinking of what she should do, than an arm was flung over her and a head nuzzled her shoulder.
Great.
She decided she was too tired to care and went to sleep, dreaming of curling up with Kali in her arms.
Chapter 13
"Lonnie, one will not hurt you. Join me. We're celebrating! How many people get an invitation by an ambassador to dance for his family, friends and dignitaries from around the galaxy!"
Lonnie took the glass reluctantly. It was late and both should be getting ready for sleep. Erich had already told her of the arrangement and she did not want to try and figure out why it took him this long to tell Kali.
"So, what do you think he would like to see us dance?" Kali asked. She stretched out on what was now 'her' couch. Her robe tastefully revealed body parts that a modest person would not be showing. On her feet were strange fuzzy foot coverings that had blinking eyes. If it were dark, they would shine like head lights on the floor before her feet. Under normal circumstances Lonnie would have found them annoying, as they reflected off the low ceiling, however now they were a welcomed distraction. No matter how covered Kali was, Lonnie's active imagination was seeing what was beneath the robe down to her painted toenails.
Lonnie sighed and stared at her drink before taking a tentative sip. She rolled the contents over her tongue and swallowed.
Hmm. Not bad.
She settled back in her chair. "It's his wedding anniversary," she started. "We'll dance something that will reignite their passion of the wedding bed," Lonnie planned practically. She took another sip. There was no fire in the drink as it made its way down her throat.
Licorice.
As a kid she liked the licorice candies the corner hawker sold.
"And what kind of dance would that be?" Kali asked, batting her eyes seductively.
Lonnie blinked at her a few times. Wow. This stuff works fast. Is it me or her? Or both?
"Weelllll?" Kali drew out.
Lonnie refocused on Kali's face, but her eyes strayed and ran the length of the reclining figure. Images of Kali and her on the couch, played through her mind. Oh, I don't think that's a good idea.
Kali got up from the couch and reached for the finished drink in Lonnie's hand. She pulled Lonnie up with her other hand.
"Come on. Show me. Something like this?" she asked, standing with her back against Lonnie's chest and her hand arranging one of Lonnie's arms around her waist.
Lonnie shook her head, still having some wit about her. No. That's only going to get you and I in trouble.
She stepped back and picked up her glass from the table. She walked into the small galley and deposited the glass in the cleaner. She had reached her limit of whatever was in the drink.
"Come on, Lonnie. Show me." Kali pulled Lonnie back into her and tried to hum a dance.
"Oh, no. You hum and we won't have anyone to dance for," Lonnie joked. "Program. On. Dance music." She hesitated, thinking of what to dance. "Igual Se Entonces to warm them up. Play." It meant there would be distance between them while they danced.
The music started.
"Oh, no. Maybe that should be second or third. We start out with Campesino, just to get their attention," Kali disagreed, holding onto Lonnie's hand so she did not stray far. "Play."
The music restarted.
"A Ti a Ti would get their attention," Lonnie argued, not struggling. "Play."
The music again restarted.
"Computer. Play Mujer," Kali ordered from the program. "Come here," she patted her hip.
Lonnie dutifully stepped beside her and held Kali as they moved to the dance. Hip to hip Lonnie breathed in Kali's scent as they moved with steps neither had to work at. Both stopped thinking as the music played.
The next song was another guitar piece, Heart Still Beating. Kali danced around her and Lonnie watched, her own part in this one not as busy. She could feel the drink giving her a light headed feeling. It was not as easy to keep her feelings for Kali disguised as her carefully constructed fences were being dismantled by highly sensitized senses.
When the song ended both women stood facing each other, silently studying the other. Kali's eyes were bright with her excitement. Lonnie's were dark with passion. There was no audience to act as chaperone, and Yomatta was with Andres confirming arrangements for their next port stop. They were alone.
Lonnie dropped onto the couch and sullenly stared at the small table separating them. Kali plopped onto the couch near her. Lonnie's eyes could not help staring at Kali's hand that moved up to flick a strand of hair out of her face. Lonnie gulped and leaned back against the couch, regretting she had the drink. She stared fixedly at Kali's moving lips, hearing nothing.
Lonnie felt a shake of her shoulder, and then she fell into darkness.
"Are you sure she's alright?" Kali's voice asked worriedly.
"She'll be fine," Yomatta quickly assured her.
"SureImalright," Lonnie mumbled.
"Make sure she takes this in an hour. I have to go to another cabin. Upset stomachs. Zanmack. Seven stomachs they have. A disadvantage if you get zilwis." The doctor closed her case and rose from the couch. She handed Kali something that Lonnie thought looked like a packet. She was grateful she did not hand it to Yomatta . The woman looked aggravated about something. There went the good will Yomatta had started to show her.
"Zilwis…stomach flu?" Lonnie asked, struggling to sit up. She grabbed her head when it suddenly started to pound and fell back onto the couch.
"Lie back down. Doc said at least for another hour. I didn't realize you would get sick on Underground Bimo." Kali knelt near her, looking upset.
"What is that?" Lonnie willingly lay back down, covering her eyes. The lights were too bright.
"It's liquor from Avente. One of my dancing partners introduced me to it."
"I don't drink much these days. But I'll make sure to not order anything with 'underground' in its name."
"I'm really sorry, Lonnie. I wasn't thinking."
"Oh, come on now. You didn't get her sick purposely," Yomatta objected.
"Yomatta , please," Kali spoke tersely. "Leave us. We're both perfectly fine," Kali told her firmly.
Lonnie peered at her under her palm. "What else was in that drink?"
The adjoining door closed behind Yomatta .
"Oozzo."
"I'm allergic to that," Lonnie informed her.
"I now know. I…I'm really sorry," she informed her softly and sincerely.
"You already said that," she told her wearily. "What did she give you that I need to take?"
"Powder for your headache. She gave you something to neutralize the effects of the drink and didn't want to give you this at the same time. She wants you to drink it down with plenty of water." Kali clamped her jaw shut to stop her chattering.
Lonnie wanted to ask her where she got the liquor bottle but was too drowsy. Instead, she fell asleep, feeling a cool towel over her eyes and a warm hand holding hers.
Chapter 14
Lonnie was sitting in the jacuzzi, steaming out the rest of the Oozzo in her system when she heard the door open. Without opening her eyes she knew who had come to sit next to her.
"You look like you have a hangover. How are you doing?" Gish asked concerned.
"Like I have a hangover," she returned. "Good morning."
"No, it isn't. We're down three masseuses due to the stomach flu and this was my day off."
"Hm."
"How's your partner?"
Lonnie turned her head to look at her, curious what the scuttlebutt was on the lower decks about her needing a doctor. "Why?"
"I heard Viscount Bermuda is interested in her and has been wooing her," she grinned.
Lonnie let out an exasperated snort. "Why does he bother to wed when he stays married for a year?"
"Maybe he likes the chase and the weddings."
"Hm. So, did you get an invitation to Hebr Mo'lu's anniversary dinner? I know you three have a thing going."
"Right." She gave a laugh at Lonnie's jibe. Her yearly invitation to visit the ambassador of Tuloc at their summer home when Earl Gray was in the neighborhood was known by everyone. "I give them an erotic massage and they go and work it off with each other. I could never figure out why they don't just hire a regular masseuse since they like it so much but… who am I to complain?"
Lonnie hummed at the comment.
"Mo asked me if I knew you," Gish continued.
"Mo? As in Mo'lu? He wanted to know if I could dance?" Lonnie asked mildly, not really concerned.
"Oh, he knows you can dance…and that was before the diva and you paired up," she assured Lonnie.
"So?" A small prickling of caution had her monitoring her breathing and show of too much interest.
"He said a business associate asked him to consider allowing you to become a permanent resident on Tuloc, so you can purchase a lot on Abrazan. Besides being ambassador, his family owns substantial land lots. Just about half of the planet above and below the waterline," she added under her breath.
Lonnie pursed her lips at that bit of news. She had not realized land ownership was so controlled. "I need a reference, huh?"
"He was wondering why you want to live on Tuloc."
"What did you tell him?"
"I told him I didn't know your business…I referred him to your agent…Shari Sing, isn't it? Why didn't you ask me to put in a word for you?"
How did you know that Shari was my agent? I keep forgetting there's little one can keep secret in this small city. "Because I don't use people unless they offer."
"Thank you. That was something we both were curious about."
Lonnie turned in her seat to study Gish.
Gish lifted a hand apologetically. "Mo and Manda, his spouse, and I go way back. We did not chum around," she clarified. "Anyway, I wanted to travel, see the sights of the galaxy and beyond. The only way to do that was working on a cruise liner."
"So, why bring this up to me?"
"Mo asked me what I thought of your character and I think he was curious of just why you want permanent residence in his territory. Think of it as wanting to know who your new neighbor is and having the power to decide who it will be."
"I understand the terms of owning property on Tuloc," she assured her. "I have to live on Tuloc permanently. They have no absentee landowners, which means, I cannot be away for more than one month out of Tuloc's year."
"So," Gish said softly, "you're really planning on hanging up your dancing shoes?" She sounded disappointed. "You don't mind not traveling or having anyone that visits you cleared by the visitors' bureau? It's not an open society, Lonnie."
"It seems like I will be isolating myself but there is a referendum moving through the legal courts on Tuloc that will be less restrictive on visitors and residents about travel."
Gish was quiet for a while. "Well, they certainly have a lot of open land that you like to experience," she said slowly. "Do you know where you want your homestead?"
"Yep. A spread or parcel is available to me with mountain, trails and a river that I can raft. I just need to be approved as an immigrant with intent to own land."
"Immigrant?" she snorted in disbelief. "Owning land? Are you sure that's what you're buying into?"
"Yeah."
Gish frowned. "Sounds too good to be true," she said softly. "Who is offering you this?"
"It's a fan who doesn't want to leave a particular parcel to his family," Lonnie answered readily. Lonnie ran through her head a phrase that caught her offguard. She wondered why she used 'they' when Gish was from the same planet, then remembered Gish had said the ambassador's family owned a substantial amount of land.
"Can I ask who your seller is?"
Lonnie shook her head. "He wants discretion. When the deal is complete…I'll tell you."
"Just what is your agent doing?"
"Erich? He knows the ambassador. He said he would ask the ambassador to consider me for immigration and citizenship so I could purchase land."
"What is the payment?"
Lonnie shrugged her shoulders. "I don't know what they have going. Between Erich Bettelheim and myself, it's my bonus payment for sticking it out with Kali for a year, which is turning out not to be so bad."
"You would have stuck it out with her anyway," Gish told her. "If you stuck it out with the likes of Madi Shamul, then you would with the likes of Diva Maxine."
"Between the two, the diva is the hardest. I hate being recognized in public. No more uneventful days of being just another tourist."
"Dancing is so natural and a part of you, I find it difficult to believe you are ready to stop," Gish continued. "Are you sure that's what you want to do?"
"I'll still dance…just not for a living."
"I guess it never occurred to me that you really want to end traveling because you always had places to visit when we arrived in port."
Lonnie rose to leave. Gish's overt concern about settling on Tuloc was giving her second thoughts. Perhaps there were some things the seller's agent had not mentioned that Shari needed to look into. "Are we still on for this afternoon?"
"Yes."
"How much is riding on me not finishing this gig out?" Gish winched as if it were a large amount. "Ah. That much?"
Gish nodded. "I'm worried that someone is going to try and interfere with the natural run of things."
Lonnie nodded. "Have you ever heard of anyone adding oozzo to Underground Bimo?"
"Hmm." She shook her head looking puzzled. "Oozzo is a stimulant isn't it? I thought Underground Bimo was a drug free drink."
"I checked out the label and contents and it didn't say oozzo anywhere."
"Ah. I didn't think you were a drinker. So, you're allergic to it?" she guessed.
"I'm not a drinker. Well, see you later."
Rehearsal was spent reviewing the numbers for the afternoon and night shows. After the musicians packed their instruments and left, Andres remained behind to settle a disagreement between Kali and Lonnie. They needed help agreeing on the program for the ambassador and his wife.
"This is a wedding anniversary party so something to rekindle the heat of the wedding night would be right. Though," he thought for a few moments, "it would be a good idea to have stridency in there. It's a new style coming out and right up Kali's alley…and with Lonnie's touch it could bring it up a notch… If you dance it for the ambassador, think of all the dignitaries that could say they saw it first."
Lonnie's attention had drifted off as Andres listed the names who would be at the celebration and who they represented, something that would interest Kali more than her.
Just a few more months to stick it out and her contract would be hers. Wryly she reflected on her refusal to believe that it was already hers. When there were a lot of people interested in the outcome, she knew the ending was not sure. Annoying as it was, it was the nature of the crew to bet on this just as it was to take wagers on whether the ship's 'lover' would get a certain passenger to succumb to his romantic overtures.
Shari had sent a note to her that her name had been posted as prospective citizen and therefore, available for land purchase on Tuloc. Now all she needed was her dance contract to be officially hers and then Shari could go to the next step with Denobo, Hafta Neri's agent. The land would be handed over to her. When she had contacted Denobo after her talk with Gish about getting the rules of citizenry in writing, he had told her the rules were not really applied to those with money and he gave Hafta Neri and his wife as examples. Suddenly unwritten rules were not something she wanted to live by and sent a note to Shari. She was uncomfortable with Denobo's use of citizen whereas Gish stressed immigrant.
Kali's thoughts were on the people Andres was listing and what a good word from them would do to investors who wanted to back a production she involved herself with. Erich had signed her to a musical for the next season. During her vacation she had stepped in an already live show to give the second billed star a break. The critics gave mixed reviews, but it all boiled down to her going in the right direction. She was pleased with herself because she had only a few days to memorize the lines and watch the role being played by the original actor on video. At the end of the cruise she would begin her voice lessons to strengthen her singing ability and work with an acting coach on her weaknesses. The excitement to finish with this cruise was nearly suffocating. Eagerly she mentally remapped a work schedule for practice in dance, vocal training, and making personal appearances for the rest of the cruise. Concentrating on this allowed her to not think about Lonnie and her absence in her future life.
"Good thinking, Andres," Lonnie absently told him as he waved at the two dancers and left.
"Just what are you going to do on your two days off?" Kali asked as they walked together back to their quarters.
"Don't know. I used to know people there but…once a year type of relationships fade out. I just might see what the tourist desk has to offer. You want to come?" she teased.
"Eh, no thank you. My babysitter has strict orders to not let me share your shore leaves unless she comes along and I really don't want that. Can you just hear her squeals when we sail over a rock in a tiny little boat?"
Lonnie chuckled.
The ambassador's shuttle was the usual custom model for a dignitary. It was fast, decked in comfort, had plenty of room for the passengers, and a lounge specifically designed for relaxation.
When they arrived the celebration was in full swing. Wandering around was not permitted. The band and dancers were given a place to wait until they were called while Gish had been escorted elsewhere. Lonnie caught sight of some of those in attendance as they were ushered into their wait area. At a glance she knew there would be no mingling with the likes of the guests unless specifically requested. Many of those attending she recognized from the society pages of 'whos who'. It was something she liked to keep up on just incase she had the misfortune of sharing a transportation vehicle with one.
An hour went by and still no summons to perform. Lonnie found a door to a balcony unlocked and stepped out onto it. Whether it was sunrise or sunset did not matter to Lonnie; the view she had was identical to the one she saw in the viewer that had lured her to want to settle here.
"Beautiful, isn't it?"
Lonnie turned to see a familiar face smiling at her. "Hafta Neri," she spoke warmly. "It is. Where's Nam?" she asked curious. His appearance at the private party confirmed her suspicion that Neri was more important than he had let on. She wondered if Gish knew him.
"She's working the guests," he said. "I understand you and the diva are dancing for Ambassador Mo'lu?"
Lonnie smiled. "I didn't know you would be here." She suddenly looked worried. "I've never danced for so many important people…will they get upset if I scratch or…" she grinned.
Hafta laughed heartily. "They will only be seeing a pair of dancers. Already there have been many entertainers. If you still dance as well as you have for the last nineteen years, you have no problem. What have you picked? It hasn't been announced."
"We were asked for three." Her eyes glinted with mischief. "You and Nam will like the third one."
"What's that?"
"It's a surprise. But, it will give the galaxy critics proof that the diva still has that star talent."
"No one doubts her talent, Lonnie," Hafta replied seriously. "It's her consistency to stay focused on her dancing that people worry about."
Lonnie frowned. He was very informed on an entertainment personality. That did not fit in with her image of the richly dressed man and his elegant wife. "She was mishandled from her first days in the spotlight, Hafta. I really believe with Erich Bettelheim handling her career she'll have more stable people around her. She's really settled into learning her craft."
"You like her." Hafta sounded surprised.
"I hope so. Working with someone you don't like for a ten month gig is a headache," she responded, feeling defensive. "Is your interest from being an investor?"
He grinned. "I have many interests around the galaxy. Keeps my mind sharp."
"There you are, honey. Hi, Lonnie!" Nam was dressed exquisitely, enough to take Lonnie's breath away.
The three had met nineteen years ago in a small bar on a planet that cruise liners docked at. Then Lonnie's gig was booked on an old lady called the Jolly Roger. It was her first year on cruise liners to see if she liked it. Nam and Hafta were on the first Earl Gray and had stopped in the bar for some excitement. Lonnie was waiting for her ride to arrive to take her to the outback for some rock climbing. Nam had danced the tango with Lonnie and she became infatuated her. It did not sit well with Lonnie when she found out that Nam was dancing with her that way because it excited her husband…whom she pointed out sitting at a table. He was one of the many occupants of the bar that looked very interested in the unplanned show they had put on.
"She said she has a surprise for us," Hafta declared.
"Hm. You do look very nice, Lonnie," she told her in a smoldering voice said just loud enough for the three of them to hear. "What's the surprise?"
Lonnie wagged a finger at them. "You wait and see."
"I understand in two more months you'll have your answer on your contract." Hafta changed the subject.
"Hm," Lonnie turned her mind to business. "Right," she agreed.
"Something bothering you?" Nam asked alertly. She was always sensitive to Lonnie.
"Oh something is. She's leaving behind a lot of faithful fans," Hafta remarked. He looked down at his wrist. His pager was buzzing.
"Back to smoozing with the guests," Hafta informed them.
"We can't wait to see your dances. I hope you do settle here, Lonnie. Then we'll be entertained more often," Nam remarked. She rested a richly bejeweled hand on Hafta's elbow and the two left.
Lonnie stared out at the now darkened environment, wondering if there was something ominous in Nam's reference to her dancing. Just what kind of society is Tuloc? No written rules for the citizenry, few families owning land, and where do I fit in? Where does Gish fit in…or does she? I can't believe that I forgot that important part of applying for citizenship. Or, maybe I'm not asking the right questions. Perhaps I'm not categorized as a citizen because I was not born there. Maybe I'll always be an immigrant. Usually Shari takes care of that part for her investors. She would have covered that before she even made an offer for me. Politics. I need to give her a call first chance I get.
A few moments later Andres came looking for her. "We're on!"
The first dance was to begin slow, a tango, but Andres, being the perfect gauge of audiences, started the tempo fast with a flamenco, wanting to wake up the crowd. The two smoothly picked up the change, feeling the crowd's interest at the start of the music. The hum of chatter was lost on the two as they focused on each other.
By the end of the first dance they had the crowd. Lonnie could feel her skin prickling as Kali rested her palms on the back of her hands as they waited a few moments between sets. Both caught their breath as Andres gave a resting point between dances to let the artistry of the dancers sink in with their audience.
Lonnie started the next one with the click of castanets, then Kali's heels echoed her strident rhythm. They set off across the stage, changing positions with pauses accentuated with the stacco beat of their shoes, accompanied by the guitars and violins. Lonnie was only aware of Kali and how she wanted to make love to the woman as she pursued her across the floor, and dragged her hands across her body as Kali turned to dance her side of the passion.
That ended and as each woman caught their breaths and focused on the next dance, their version of the new dance style making its way to the public, they became aware that there was absolute silence in the room. Lonnie gave a squeeze to Kali's hand and she winked at Lonnie. Kali had a triumphant look in her eyes that Lonnie recognized as possession of her audience.
The music started on the final set for stridency. Lonnie's eyes were enflamed with passion. Kali's eyes were hooded, provocative and simmering with heat. Lonnie's grip around Kali's waist was possessive. Her movements were abrupt, controlled, and demanding as she pursued her prey in the dance. Kali played passive and allowed herself to be pursued…gliding steps backward…yet not completely dominated. The dance continued, with Lonnie becoming less dominant and Kali becoming the capturer. It finished with Lonnie subdued to Kali's charms.
Breathless, the two stood facing each other, their faces only a hair's width apart, waiting for a moment until they would face the ambassador and his wife.
When they turned to face the anniversary couple the crowd broke into a deafening applause. Lonnie stood facing Hafta and Nam who were standing close to the anniversary couple. She gave them a cocky grin and then lifted her eyes up to the ambassador and his wife. There's the connection! A family resemblance hard to miss. Lonnie's attention was brought back to her partner who pulled at her hand to step forward.
The ambassador and his wife rose, joined by Nam and Hafta who then approached the dancers.
Kali squeezed Lonnie's hand and then let it go to take proffered hand of the ambassador, and then his wife. What went on from there, Lonnie wasn't sure. Kali brushed against her as everyone crowded around them. Lonnie was mesmerized by Kali's beauty. The crowd of attractive and not so attractive women and men that shook their hands were making their interests in the two known…and it was not just for a dance.
Nam pulled Lonnie aside for a brief moment. "You were right. That third dance is going to be the next new craze. Lonnie, I want to warn you, no matter how tempted you are, don't bed any of these women…not if you want to settle here."
Lonnie understood and nodded. "I know my place, Nam."
"Why don't you come back with Hafta and me? We'll keep you safe," she smiled. "You can also take a look at the land you want to purchase. You've never had a chance to set foot on it."
Lonnie was torn between her desire to see the land first hand and a need to get away from the suddenly oppressive atmosphere she could feel.
"Hey," Kali spoke. She had two drinks in her hand. She handed one to Lonnie who hesitated.
"It's safe," Nam assured her. "My sister would never let anyone get away with messing with the drinks. I was just offering Lonnie two days at our place. Would you like to come along?"
"I would love to." Kali glanced at Lonnie.
"I didn't bring a change of clothes," Lonnie feebly objected.
"We have plenty of clothing for you two to change into. We have visitors all the time that never bring the right clothes. Or you can just walk around in nothing. No big deal. It will do you good to work off that energy," Nam hinted.
"Okay. I'll let Andres know."
Nam waved her hand and an attendant was quickly at her side. She spoke to him and the attendant quickly moved off in the direction of Andres.
"There. Taken care of. Come on. The rest of the celebration is going to be boring."
"How do you know?" Lonnie asked, falling in behind Nam, who for her age moved fast.
"Because the two lovers have gone. Hafta, look who I've brought along!" Nam announced to her husband who was standing with four other men.
He nodded to the men and they moved away.
"Lonnie and Diva Maxine agreed to spend their two days with us. Lonnie can go hiking and see if the sunsets are better on our cliff."
"Well let's go then." Hafta waved to a doorman who quickly went to get their vehicle.
"So, what did she promise you to get you to spend time in the outback?" Hafta asked Kali.
"Two days away from my bodyguards and handler," Kali told them honestly. "Sometimes I just want to be on my own, but for some reason, I get into trouble. I can't see getting into any with you three responsible people around."
The three looked at each other and then smiled, two polite ones and one nearly a smirk.
"Uh oh. Did I just call you boring and predictable?" Kali joked.
"Just about. But, I'll take that as a challenge," Lonnie informed her.
It was late evening when the two were finally settled in their suites. The suites were spacious with a sitting room off from the sleeping area, and balconies that were miniature gardens. A large bathing room separated the two suites. Both women were delighted with the jacuzzi that was already filled and steaming with an intoxicating scent.
"That is where I'm going to be in three seconds," Lonnie informed Kali and hurried back into her suite to undress.
Lonnie realized as she shed her costume, that they would be together in a tub without clothes and without a chaperone. She grinned at the thought. Well, this is the moment of truth. Can I behave myself or not? Or, do I want to? Deciding to let things progress at their own pace she sank into the scented bubbling waters determined to relax.
A maid assisted Kali with her dress in her suite. Armed with a towel draped over her robed arm, Kali found a similar robe tossed near the edge of the tub and a red dampened head bobbing above the roiling waters.
The maid took the robe from her and Kali rinsed off quickly under the shower and then slid into the heated water, sighing nosily as the heat quickly warmed her. She immersed her body up to her neck to quickly acclimate. Silently she was giggling at what Lonnie's expression was going to be when she realized she was not wearing anything.
"These are the perks I like about this business," she told Lonnie who was floating peacefully with her eyes closed. "Nothing but silence. No fans, no chaperones and no where to be for two days."
Lonnie hummed her agreement. She opened her eyes and watched Kali's long hair spread out in a tangled mass from the agitation of the moving water. Her eyes moved to Kali's and realized she was studying her. She closed her eyes as if in relaxation, but her thoughts strayed to whether Kali was wearing anything or not.
"So, where are you going tomorrow?" Kali asked her. Her big toe slid along the outside of Lonnie's leg, tickling her. Both women felt the pool suddenly becoming more heated.
Lonnie opened her eyes to gage Kali's intent. "Stop that," she warned, but a giggle and then a stifled yelp ruined her attempt to be serious as a toe moved to the inside of her thighs.
"Really? If I don't, what are you going to do?" Kali whispered. She leaned forward, placing her hand where her foot had been. "I mean, what can possibly happen that we can't handle?"
"Urp." Lonnie swallowed.
"Does this bother you?" Kali asked, running her hand along the outside of her leg.
"Yeah, but don't let that stop you," she whispered hoarsely.
Kali's hand moved slowly up her thighs, raising goose bumps on Lonnie's heated skin. Lonnie reached down to grab Kali's tickling fingers, sliding off her seat, and disappearing under water.
"Hey," Kali gave a short laugh, pulling her hand loose. Kali peered for Lonnie's form in the bubbling water. She yelped and moved to a higher step in the tub. Squatting low she looked again into the waters for Lonnie.
"Eeeep!" she squealed when a hand reached out and pulled her into the water with a big splash. Both women came up sputtering, and laughing in the center of the pool.
Lonnie felt every inch of Kali's body press against hers. Reflexively her hands came to rest on the diva's slim hips. Kali's face neared hers as she parted her lips. Lonnie obediently lowered her mouth and felt hungry lips press against her possessively. Groaning loudly, Lonnie's hands slid down to cup her buttocks, and easily lifted Kali, pressing her against her. Kali's legs wrapped around Lonnie's waist as her tongue explored her lips and then delved deep into her mouth. Kali's hands gripped Lonnie's shoulders, pulling her in closer. She rocked against Lonnie's belly and Lonnie felt her stomach flutter and a need she had not had in a long time, rush through her body.
Lonnie broke the kiss and sucked on Kali's lips, neck and down her chest until she found a stiffened nipple asking for attention. Lonnie sat Kali on one of the steps and while she sucked on her nipple, her hand slid down Kali's ribs, and then down her stomach. Gently her finger slid between her swollen lips to caress her clitoris.
"Go inside me," Kali whispered urgently. "Please…"
Kali pulled Lonnie's face closer, groaning as teeth bit and then lips sucked on her aching nipple. She could feel two fingers slide inside her. "Ohhh, gawds!" she breathed. "Yessss, you….feel…so good! More!"
Lonnie added another finger, feeling as she pumped her Kali opened for more. She added all her fingers and Kali pushed with her, groaning for even more. Excited, Lonnie squeezed her fist into her, and Kali bore down harder on her thrusting.
"Oh, gawds, woman," Lonnie whispered excited. "You are so hot. Come on, you can do it. Come for me," she urged. Lonnie watched Kali's slitted eyes as she got closer to her climax. They opened up wider as she was about to cum and then she bucked against Lonnie's hand, letting out an exhalation. Lonnie gently withdrew her hand, and she lifted a panting Kali onto the edge of the tub. She lowered her mouth to her clitoris, sucking it back to hardness, encouraging it with her swirling tongue. Kali's hands gripped the edge of the tub and then came again.
Kali slid off the edge of the tub into the water and kissed Lonnie hard. "I want you, Lonnie. I want to feel you cum in my mouth. I want to hear you cry out my name. I want to feel you against my skin." She tugged on Lonnie's hand to leave the tub. Without drying off they headed to Lonnie's room, leaving a wet trail of footprints.
Kali pushed Lonnie onto the bed and straddled her hips. Leaning down she kissed her mouth, neck, and moved slowly down her chest, sucking on the moisture from the tub. Drips from her own body added to what she sucked up. Her tongue swirled a trail to a stiff nipple, while her other hand cupped the other breast. While her lips sucked on one nipple her fingers pinched and tweaked the other, creating a pool of wetness in Lonnie's hot center. Kali rubbed against the trembling body beneath her.
"I love the feel of your strong body," Kali whispered, as her hands caressed Lonnie's arms, breasts, stomach and thighs. "Gawds, but you're so nice to feel." Her tongue twirled gently in her navel and then trailed kisses to her pubic area, pausing to suck gently at the hairless crease. Lonnie's body lifted and a groan rumbled in her chest as a tongue slid between her swollen lips. Kali pressed her face into the heated wet tissue, sucking the thickened lips, then the quivering clitoris, and then slid into her moist interior.
"Oh, gawds!" Lonnie's body rose again to press against the tongue that teased her. "Take me!" she groaned. "Kali! Oh, you feel so good, yessss."
Lonnie came just as Kali groaned loudly from her own climax.
Kali rolled Lonnie's quivering body over onto her stomach. Lying across her back, Kali pressed her wet mound against her buttocks, rubbing slowly at first and then she increased her tempo as she neared her climax.
Panting from her exertion Kali's face rested close to Lonnie's ear. Lonnie lay still, taking pleasure in the slim woman's body resting on hers. Kali nuzzled Lonnie's ear, kissing her gently.
"That's just a warm up," she whispered in Lonnie's ear.
Turning over, Lonnie pulled Kali on top of her. Mouths sought each other and slowly, they took the time to taste each other. Lonnie's hands roamed a body she pictured many times, letting reality verify what imagination had supplied her.
"I want to taste you again," Lonnie whispered in Kali's ear. Kali gave a little groan. "I want you to sit on my face so you can see me," she encouraged.
"Oh, yeah," Kali breathed.
Lonnie guided her to straddle her face, and pulled her in closer to her mouth. Excited, Kali undulated against Lonnie's mouth as her tongue rolled over Kali's engorged lips with familiarity and firmness. The thick muscle pushed hard against Kali's hard nubbin and once more Kali felt the fire in her belly build up. Lonnie squeezed the firm buttocks, sucking up the extra juices that flowed. Once again she brought Kali to a climax.
Kali dismounted Lonnie and kissed her passionately on the lips, tasting herself but more interested in the body her hands explored once again, delighted in feeling the muscle move under her hands. This time she wanted to take more time to memorize what she had beside her.
Continued...