Page 11 of Axon’s Lust

“Crap. I hate it when you’re right,” she said, grudgingly. “Okay, I’m leaving. Everyone else is still glued to the news watching the President’s speech. I do live on the outskirts. I mean, I’m so close I could just walk out of the city. I have my car…,” she prattled off, her voice turning into a murmur as she enumerated everything she needed to do. “Okay, I’m going to pack up some clothes, food, and water, and then I’ll get on the road,” she finally said.

“Yes, go.”

“Are you sure you’re going to be alright staying here?” she asked, concerned. “I’m so worried about you.”

“Don’t worry about me. I’m fine. I love you, and I’ll contact you after all of this is over,” I told her.

“You better,” she threatened. “I’ll be going to my parents’ lake house. You remember where it is, right?”

“Yes, Lisa. I remember. Now go. Be careful. Goodbye,” I hung up the phone, feeling a lump forming in my throat.

Steady yourself, Jennifer. It’s not like you’re never going to see her again.

I turned my phone off and put it back in my purse before walking towards the sink. I splashed some water on my face and freshened up a bit. I should make myself feel clean and comfortable as possible since there was no way of knowing how long this day was going to be. I doubt they were going to let us go home tonight, either.

I walked out of the ladies’ room just as the President was finishing up his speech. There was a lot of talk about being tolerant of the alien spacecraft, and assuring everyone they didn’t impose a threat. He mentioned the evacuation was necessary because of the aliens warning of another extraterrestrial race posing a threat.

He wanted the people to see the Revians as friends so there wouldn’t be any hostile acts committed towards them. Finally, the President promised he would address everyone again after a few hours before concluding his speech.

I turned towards my boss as I put my purse back in my desk drawer.

“What are we going to do now, David?” I asked.

“We are on hold and waiting for orders on what to do next.” he answered.

“We’re still on lockdown?” I asked. “Are we going to stay the night here?”

He looked at me with wide eyes as if it just hit him. There was a lot to be done if we’re going to keep this amount of people overnight.

“Roger!” he shouted at his assistant. Roger ran over to him.

“Yes, David?” he asked.

“Come with me to my office. I’m going to give you keys to the stockroom where we keep kitchen supplies. We’re going to need as many microwaveable meals as we can to feed everyone for dinner. We’re also going to need snacks and water, so take someone with you to help you,” he ordered, rattling off his demands like a drill sergeant. I was starting to feel sorry for the man.

“Yes, sir,” Roger said, before scampering off.

David looked at me next and said, “I don’t know when they’ll let us go back to our homes, but you’re welcome to sleep on the couch in my office.”

“Where will you sleep?” I asked him.

“I’ll sleep on the floor with the rest of the guys,” he insisted. He placed his hand on my shoulder and squeezed gently, his eyes turning serious. “You’re the key to everything. I can’t have you tossing and turning on the floor all night. I need you at your best tomorrow.” I grimaced at how he was making me sound like such a vital person in the operation.

“But, David, I really don’t want to impose…,” I tried to protest but he shook his head.

“You’re taking the couch and that’s an order,” he said sternly, leaving no room for argument. “Now get back to work. We know other aliens are coming, so we need to be paying attention to pick up anything from them.” I nodded in agreement.

“Good idea,” I said.

I sat down at my desk and began to look at the patterns of data once more. I was happy to be doing anything to distract me from thinking about Lt. Voan grinning at me.

I couldn’t stop thinking about him.

The next day, after washing up in the ladies’ room, it was time to get to work again. The President requested another meeting with Captain Weko and Lt. Voan, so it was up to me to send them a message.

I had to admit, I really enjoyed being an important part of the process, and I was appreciative of David offering me his couch, as I was able to get a good night’s sleep considering the circumstances.

It was time for David and me to meet Captain Weko and Lt. Voan on the roof once more. My stomach was in knots as I prepared to see the aliens again, mostly because I was nervous about seeing the lieutenant. I was feeling a hint of embarrassment knowing I was going to face him without makeup, or even a good hair brushing.