Jo's Journey

  “Your world is much different from ours,” Manota said as they passed over the cars on the interstate.

  They had left the warship almost thirty minutes before. Manota had explained they had cloaked the warship using a technology that he and Jazin had been working on. They were able to enter the Earth’s atmosphere and land in one of the many lakes dotting the Orange County, Florida area. They had to factor in finding one that was both large and deep enough to hide the warship and one isolated enough not to be discovered.

  Once they had decided on a spot, it was merely making sure that they didn’t raise any alarms with air traffic control, the military, or incur any civilian sightings. The warship had submersed itself, settling on the silt-covered bottom of a large lake just west of Kissimmee. After they had determined there were no alarms raised, Manota had taken Jo down to one of the huge cargo areas. It lead to a smaller compartment that Manota explained was used for launching orbital service vehicles. Inside it was a long, sleek wheelless bike surrounded by a clear casing. He explained the clear casing was a submersible shell they would leave hidden once they were top side. They would then use the air bike to get to Jo and Star’s condo.

  “It is small and fast. We are less likely to be seen than if we used a full size skimmer. It would not be easy to set it atop your condo building or hide from sight. This is more practical. It is very fast and easy to maneuver in tight spaces,” Manota had explained as he helped her onto it.

  He stepped in and sat in front of her, pressing a button he closed the clear hatch. Almost immediately the compartment flooded with water as the outer door opened. Jo had wrapped her arms tightly around Manota’s waist as he pressed his foot down on the pedal and the air bike shot forward. It was strange traveling under the water. They were almost twenty meters below the surface and it was pitch black except for the wide beam of light in front of them from the air bike. Jo shivered as they swept by the remains of a large cow. As they neared the surface she thought she saw the shadowed shape of an alligator moving quickly away. A few moments later the air bike popped up, moving silently across the dark water. Manota pressed a button, turning off the lights. He drove through the tall cattails growing along the edge of the lake and up onto more solid ground before opening the clear outer shell and letting it drop off behind them.

  He had ordered her to stay on the air bike while he took care of clear casing. Pulling the air bike several feet further up the side of the lake, he made sure the ground was solid enough to set it down without there being the danger of it sinking into the muck. Once he was satisfied, he had stepped off the air bike and walked back down to where the clear shell lay opened. He quickly pulled it further into a small clump of undergrowth. Returning, he had brushed a gentle kiss across her lips before sliding back in front of her.

  Jo had wrapped her arms back around his waist, tightened her thighs against his and held on as the air bike lifted upward into the moonless sky. Then, she was flying like she had never flown before. The warm summer air pulled at her neatly braided hair, pulling several long, silky strands free. She closed her eyes for a brief moment, imagining that this is what it must feel like to be a bird. She opened her eyes to search out familiar areas. She pointed out the different tourist areas and amusement parks that littered the region so he would know to avoid them. She showed him where the interstate and the Florida Turnpike were, explaining what they were used for as they passed over them. In the distance, they could see planes landing and taking off from Orlando International Airport.

  Slowly, she pushed the heartache for Manota and her sister to a corner of her mind and heart until she could deal with it. She needed to focus on the tasks ahead of them. The first thing she needed to do was convince her parents that she and Star needed them now more than ever. The only way she could help Star now was to bring their parents back. They would do what they did best, wrap Star in their love, listen to her, and support her.

  “There,” Jo said, letting go of Manota’s waist long enough to point out a tall building in the distance. “That’s our condo complex.

  Manota nodded and turned the black air bike toward where she was pointing. The navigation on it would have guided them there but it was nice to see the building they would be landing on before they did. He circled around the top once before gently setting the air bike down on the gravel roof. He climbed off and held his hand out to help Jo as she stepped off. Her legs wobbled for a moment.

  Manota smiled. “I need to cover the air bike. Give me just a minute,” he said, reluctant to release his hold on her hand.

  He didn’t want to admit that he was nervous as hell about meeting her parents. His biggest fear was that they would refuse to return with them and he would have to either take them by force or leave without them. He would not allow Jo to remain though. She would have to accept that in the end.

  “The door is locked,” Jo called out as she tried the entrance to the roof. “I should be able to pick it, though,” she added.

  “I have a device that will unlock it,” Manota said as he finished pulling the silk screen cover over the air bike.

  Jo looked around in surprise but stepped back as Manota pulled a small cylinder from a clip on his belt. He aimed it at the lock which glowed for a moment before dissolving into a molten mess. He replaced the small device back where he got it and pulled the door open.

  “That works,” Jo said quietly with a shake of her head. “Though, the way I was going to do it wouldn’t have left any evidence of someone being here,” she added dryly.

  “True, but we would have been late. From the research I have done, it does not set a good example to be late the first time I am to meet my mate’s parents,” he responded with a grin. “Plus, I wouldn’t have gotten to play with my new ‘toy’.”

  Jo chuckled and slipped her fingers around his as they walked down the stairs together. “Our condo is on the eleventh floor so we have a few flights to go.”

  Manota squeezed her fingers as he felt her shiver. “Things will work out. Your parents, you said they are very accepting of those who are different from them?” He asked.

  Jo grinned up at him. “You wouldn’t have any doubt about that if you saw some of the people we have met over the years. They will love you because I do,” she added with a shy smile.

  She still couldn’t believe that such an incredible guy would pick her out of all the women he had known. She scowled as she remembered just how many there had been. It still ticked her off at times when she thought about it. A shiver of uncertainty swept through her as she thought about the other women. What if he got tired of her? What if…

  She looked up startled when she felt herself pushed up against the wall suddenly. Manota’s lips came down over hers in a desperate kiss. He groaned as he wrapped his hands around her slim waist and lifted her up, pressing his hard body between her legs as he deepened the kiss. Jo was gasping for air by the time he released her lips.

  “What was that for?” She asked breathlessly.

  Manota stared determinedly into her eyes. “I did not like the expression on your face. You were not thinking good thoughts and I want, I need, you to think good thoughts,” he admitted leaning his forehead against hers. “I am nervous your parents will try to deny my claim on you,” he added grudgingly.

  “They are going to love you,” she promised brushing a tender kiss against his mouth. “You….”

  Jo’s voice faded when Manota suddenly froze. His face stilled as he listened into the comlink he wore for a moment. A look of disbelief crossed his face before he closed his eyes and leaned his head forward until it rested in the curve of Jo’s neck. Jo held him as his body shuddered, holding him tight. She didn’t know what had happened but something very important must have been conveyed over the brief message.

  “Manota? What is it?” Jo asked hesitantly. “What happened?”

  Manota raised his head back far enough so he could look back down into Jo’s worried blue gaze. He opened his mouth, closed it
, took a deep breath and tried again. This time a huge smile lit up his face.

  “K’tar just relayed that there is a chance that Jazin may be alive,” he said hoarsely, overcome for a moment with emotion. “Father, Torak and Gril Tal Mod are going after him.”

  “Oh Manota, that is wonderful,” Jo cried out, throwing her arms around his neck and hugging him tightly. “How? What happened?” She asked pulling further away.

  “I do not know,” he said, setting her back on her feet. “I will find out more as soon as we return to the warship. Jo, my brother is alive. He has to be,” he whispered hoarsely.

  Jo reached up and ran the palm of her right hand down his cheek in a gentle caress. She didn’t say anything, instead letting her touch show that she understood the overwhelming feelings he couldn’t express out loud. She ran her hands down his arms and threaded her fingers through his, tugging him down the stairs behind her. It was time to get her parents and return home. A smile curved her lips. She thought of Kassis as her home now. Her home filled with big bad warriors, crazy bad guys, and weird science fiction technology that was really cool.

  Jo paused as they reached the eleventh floor. She and Star had a corner apartment not far from the stairwell. She pushed the door open and peeked into the hallway. She turned back and placed her hand on Manota’s chest. He wasn’t going to like this part but she needed to get the door open to her condo and since she didn’t have her key with her she was going to have to use the spare they had hidden in the huge potted plant near the elevator. The last thing she wanted was for him to use his ‘toy’ on her condo door. That would scream ‘break in’ and someone would call the police.

  “I have to get the key we hid,” she explained quietly. “I need you to stay here and wait for me to open the condo door. It is right across the hall from here. I’ll be right back,” she whispered.

  “Why can I not go with you?” He demanded, frowning down at her.

  Jo took a step back and looked at Manota. She saw a huge ass male bigger than any human, black leather, short military haircut, dark skin with muscles on top of muscles, a laser sword strapped to his hip, knives strapped to each massive forearm, more across his chest, a laser pistol on his other hip, and dark burning eyes that screamed alien! No, he was not going with her. The first neighbor to see him would be calling the Army, Air Force, National Guard, and God forbid, the NSA. No, it was safer for her to go alone.

  “Just - stay!” She said in exasperation knowing he would not be happy either way. “I’ll be back in a flash.”

  *.*.*

  Jo didn’t wait long enough to give Manota a chance to protest. She opened the door and stepped out into the hallway. If she was lucky, none of the neighbors would be coming or going at this time of night. She walked quickly down the hallway to the huge gold painted planter holding a fake palm tree in it that stood next to the elevators. She knelt down next to it, running her fingers along the base looking for the small gap at the back. She breathed a sigh of relief when her fingers swept by the opening. Feeling around, her fingers scraped the tape holding the key in place. Working her fingers in the narrow space, she almost had it when the whole planter lifted up. Startled, she emitted a surprised squeal and fell backwards, landing on her butt with a soft humph.

  “It will be faster and easier if you do not have to search for it,” Manota said calmly.

  Jo groaned out in aggravation as she twisted back onto her knees. Picking at the tape, she gave a low growl as it came free. She hissed as Manota set the planter back down and picked her up by her arms as if she was a toy doll.

  “You were supposed to wait for me in the stairwell!” She bit out as she turned to head back down the corridor. She groaned when the elevator dinged as she took the first step. “Damn it!” Jo looked frantically around before shoving Manota back against the wall. “Pick up the damn planter. Hurry!” She hissed as the doors started to open.

  Jo plastered a big smile on her face hoping it was someone visiting and they wouldn’t recognize her. Her mouth dropped open when a tall male stepped out into the corridor. The male hesitated for a moment, his eyes growing huge before a big grin crossed his rangy features. The next thing Jo knew long arms wrapped around her, pulling her close as a set of firm lips covered hers.

  Oh shit, Jo thought just before all hell broke loose.

  Chapter 8

  “Put this on the bump, Tony, it should help the swelling go down,” Jo murmured, handing an ice pack to Antonio Vega, elephant trainer extraordinaire and Jo’s tenacious but hopeless suitor. She shook her head as she turned and picked her way through her overly crowded apartment. “Excuse me, Stan. How are you doing, Kid? Hi, Marcus. Nice to see you again, Curly. I like your new look, Suzy.”

  Jo did a great imitation of hopscotch as she stepped over the six dancing dogs that Mattie never went anywhere without. She kissed Marvin and Martin on the cheek as they silently opened the imaginary door leading to the only place that wasn’t overcrowded – of sorts. Five out of the six chairs were filled at the oval dinette set. Marvin and Martin turned and stood at attention as if they were guards protecting the queen’s gold or Fort Knox. Jo let out a deep sigh as she stared at the stony look of rage frozen on Manota’s face as he stood with his back against the windows which looked down over suburban Orlando. His eyes were still glued to Tony.

  “Knock it off,” Jo muttered as she moved to sit down in the chair in front of where he was standing. “You almost killed the poor guy, you know. And you almost did it in front of my parents!”

  “He should not have put his hands on you much less his mouth,” Manota growled out under his breath, still keeping his eyes on Tony who was doing his best to ignore the huge warrior.

  Tami reached over and patted Manota on his arm. “Don’t you worry, dear. It isn’t the first time someone tried to kill Tony for kissing Jo. He’s been in love with her for years.”

  A deep rumble of a growl echoed at Tami’s words. Jo rolled her eyes and shot Manota another dark look. She turned back to look at the hot drink Ricki had set down in front of her seat.

  “Thanks,” Jo muttered.

  “You looked like you could use it,” Ricki responded, pushing her glasses up on her nose. “Now, please tell us what happened.”

  Jo couldn’t help the small grin that escaped. Only Ricki could act like this was a typical day at the circus. She never got flustered. She just saw a situation that needed to be dealt with, asked for the facts, and went about solving the problem. That was what made her a priceless treasure to the crazy life of the circus.

  “Well,” Jo looked at her parents before carefully retelling everything that had happened since she, Star and River had disappeared almost six months ago.

  As she finished, her eyes moved around the table, pausing on the other two figures sitting at the small dining table with them. Walter and Nema sat gazing at her with a look of incredulity on their faces. Well, Nema looked amazed. Walter looked like he was sizing Manota up and trying to decide where he was going to put him in the next act. Jo hoped she hadn’t really heard Walter’s gruff voice announcing his idea for the next great act – The Amazing Alien Warrior from Kassis, Manota the Monstrous!

  “I like that, dear,” Nema said leaning over and squeezing Walter’s hand as he whispered the words Jo hoped she had only imagined.

  “No, no, no, no, no!” Jo said wanting to immediately nip Walter’s train of thought before he got on a roll. “Walter, Manota is not circus material,” she stressed with a look of warning at the small ringmaster and owner of the circus.

  “I think he is,” Walter said, stroking his thin mustache. “I saw the way he was holding that planter. He moved like lightning when Tony kissed you and he threw him a good twenty feet! That sword thing he has is magnificent! I bet we could build an entire act around him.”

  “Daddy!” Jo groaned out in frustration. “Say something! I… we can’t stay! We only came to get you and momma. We have to go back. Star and River are there. River is e
xpecting her first baby,” she said looking at her dad with huge, pleading eyes.

  Alan Strauss looked up at the dark man standing protectively behind his oldest daughter. He had always hoped his little girls would find good men who would love them like he loved their mother. He also hoped those same men would be able to provide and protect them but he never expected them to find anyone like the man standing stiffly against the wall. He turned to look at his delicate wife. She was gazing at him with a look of barely suppressed excitement in her eyes. He had spent the better part of his life with her. Her love of adventure was one of the things he adored about her. He never had to wonder if she would shy away from wanting to explore the world with him. From the look in her eyes now, there was not a single doubt that they would be exploring the stars next.

  He released a soft chuckle. He had always been a sucker for the girls, all of them, when they gave him that puppy-dog look. He drew in a deep breath and looked at Walter and Nema.

  “Sorry Walter, we have some packing to do,” Alan said with a grin. “Seems like there is a star system out there with our name on it.”

  Walter’s face flickered with disappointment before a calculating gleam suddenly appeared in it. He nodded in agreement before he let out a huge sigh. Hopping off the chair, he turned and helped Nema down off hers. At only three and a half feet tall, even the standard size chairs could be a challenge for both him and his tiny wife.

  “When do you plan to leave?” Walter asked as he threaded his fingers through Nema’s slender ones.

  “It will take a couple of weeks to get everything in order,” Alan said looking over to where Manota was standing, his eyes still moving to Tony on occasion now. “Will that be alright, Jo? We need to take care of things here if we don’t plan on returning. I’d liked to set things up so that we can hopefully support ourselves on your new world. There are a few things I know your mother will want to take with us as well.”