The Eleusian Effect
Chapter 8 Perfect Nights, Unwanted Attention

August 4, 2169 Noontime

I finished a swim in the pool. August is a funny month in New England. It can be hot one minute and cool the next. I wanted to be fresh for my date. I put on a robe and sat on the patio. I put on the news to see if there was any more coverage of my heroic event. It was more prevalent than I hoped. Fortunately, they didn’t have my name and I only volunteered it a few times at the party. Hopefully, this will blow over fast.

“An anonymous heroine saves the governor’s son. Coming Up.” I really didn’t want to watch but I figured I’d better. “During an Anti-Space protest, a malfunctioning safety barrier allowed a Salem State student to fall off the college’s famed Sky Campus. A woman hops over some of the protestors to save Jake Stevens, only son of Governor Stevens, when he accidentally slips off the platform. The governor had this to say: ‘I am extremely grateful for the life of my son. He’s the only family I have since my wife died and I would be lost without him. To the brave lady who saved his life, you have my eternal thanks.’ We will continue to cover this story as it develops.”

What else can ‘develop’? I was hoping they wouldn’t try to replace me. I went in and had a light snack so I wouldn’t ruin my appetite for my early dinner with Bill. I got another call. It was Captain Tanner. “Hey Doc,” she giggled. “How’s your vacation?” “Pretty good, Commander. Yours?”

“I’ve actually been having a lot of fun. I saw the story.”

“I figured.”

“What are you going to do?” She got serious for a moment.

“Nothing, for now. Hopefully it will blow over.”

“Well, if you need a place to lay low, let me know. As a member of the Senior Staff, you have the authority to return to the Kennedy anytime you want.” “Ok, thanks. I should be fine. Although I will probably go back a few days early to make sure sickbay and the medical labs are ready.” “Sounds good. Keep me posted on your situation, please. Also we should get together for drinks before too long.”

“I’d like that.”

“See you.”

The view screen went dark. I decided I would read for a while. Dad was sentimental about some things and he always kept paper books around. He said he likes the feel and the fact that he doesn’t have to charge it like a tablet. I liked those things, too. I decided to read a classic and chose, ‘A Tale of Two Cities’. I stayed in my robe but took off my bathing suit. I went back out to the patio and relaxed. I fell asleep reading and had the oddest dream. I was on a spaceship. It was unfamiliar but I knew where things were. A muscular, amazingly attractive man was standing by the long window, looking out into the cosmos. I could see the stars but I did not recognize them. He turned to me and motioned for me to come. I was curious but I don’t think I could have refused him. He began to kiss my neck. A feeling of love and passion came over me and I succumbed to his passion. He picked me up and brought me into a chamber with a large dais that I took for a bed. He made love to me and then I woke up. I was warm and flushed. It was so real! I looked at the time and it was 3:45pm. “Damn! I’m going to be late!” I thought. I decided to go casual and grabbed a pair of jeans and a comfortable top. The top was soft but it had a very low neckline. I didn’t think about that and threw on some simple make up. I ran a brush through my hair and put it into a ponytail. Somehow, I got it together and got to the door. Bill was walking up to the door as I dashed out, almost crashing into him. He caught me. “Hi!” “Hey there. Sorry I thought I was going to be late.”

“I figured I’d come down and escort you.”

“Always the gentleman. Thanks.”

We walked down to North Centre Street. Fortunately, no one seemed to recognize me so I relaxed and planned to have a pleasant evening. “Hey just to be clear, please don’t tell anyone about the rescue. I only have a few days of furlough left and I’d like to enjoy it in peace.” “Sure, no problem.” Bill seemed a little bummed out about that comment. He shook it off and we proceeded to the restaurant. We sat down at a nice table and ordered drinks. Bill seemed a little sad but tried to stay upbeat. “You said you only had a few more days. I thought your furlough was till the end of the month.” “Well I wanted to go back a few day early to get up to speed on my new sick bay and medical labs. We are heading to Mars and beyond so I wanted to make sure everything was ready.” “Ah. That makes sense.”

“You seem down.”

“I guess I didn’t want things to end.”

“They’re not over yet.”

“I know.”

“Bill, in the short time we’ve known each other, I have grown quite fond of you but you knew from the beginning that I wasn’t staying around long.” “I guess I didn’t want it to end.” He took my hand. “Any chance you could stay around for me?”

I was a little angry at the comment, but I understood how he felt. “I was honest with you from the start. To be honest, I am very fond of you, too. If things could be different, maybe there could be an ‘us’. I guess we’re not too old for summer romances.” “I’m sorry to do that to you. Let’s enjoy the time we have.” Bill came to accept the situation, though just barely. If didn’t want to go back into space so badly, I would stay. But who knows what the future holds?

We enjoyed the rest of the evening without any melancholic moods. We laughed and walked on a different beach. We made out. Fortunately, I remembered to use a new birth control patch and glad that I did. We made out on the beach and enjoyed each other completely. It turned into a perfect night.

August 5, 2169 0812 Hours

It was the first time I saw Bill’s bungalow. It was elegant yet modest. I woke up to the smell of a homemade breakfast including bacon and coffee. I found a robe and walked out to the kitchen. “Smells great.” I kissed him on the lips. He was shirtless and well cut. He took the eggs off the burner and put them on the warmer. The bacon was almost done. “Hope you’re hungry. Breakfast is the only thing I know how to make.” “I’m famished, and not just for breakfast!”, I giggled. I kissed Bill again. I was energized and happy, and now so was Bill. We were going to spend the day together so I put on a tank top over my bikini top and a mini-skirt over bikini underwear. We cuddled on the couch and napped a bit. About 11:00 there was a knock on the door. It was my father. “Morning, Sweetie, Bill. I have some troubling news.” “What is it, Dad?”

“Someone identified you at the restaurant last night. They contacted the island press.” I got a tablet and brought up the newswire. The headline read, “Local Island Resident-Heroic Doctor?” “So they’re not sure?”

“I guess. That’s a little too close to home, though.”

“I hate the press.”

“I know, Sweetheart. It’s a double-edged sword sometimes.”

“Well, I’m really going to have to keep a low profile now.”

“Only your mother and I know you’re here.”

“You could stay here for the rest of the week. Private access to the beach and, well me.” Bill was liking the idea of us shacking up for a week. “I guess I can hang out here.” Dad sighed. “I will get your things. See you in a little while, Sweetie.” I think my father liked having a daughter he could protect and dote on. “So, Roomie, what now?” Bill didn’t say anything but swooped in and kissed me. We made out again.

August 8, 2169 0900

The past few days were uneventful. Bill and I felt like we knew each other for years, and I guess in a way, we have. I don’t know if I would ever tell him I was once Darius Obama. Truth be told, I never thought about my male life. My parents had accepted me as their daughter (niece for the rest of the world) and Bill was happy. But then, those thoughts came back. Would I be happy in space without Bill? Was I ready for the civilian life? Did I want it? My desire for exploration had not diminished but I wondered if it was still my top priority. At the same time, I remembered the pact I made with myself, shortly after my gender change. Keep going, into space, because if I didn’t, if I gave it up before getting out there, would I regret it? So space it was. Maybe for not as long as I thought if Bill was going to wait. I was up playing a game when there was a knock on the door. I froze for a moment then checked the security pad. There were two state troopers standing outside with an envelope. I decided to handle it myself. I answered the door. “Dr. Obama?” “What can I do for you gentlemen?”

“On behalf of the Governor, he’d like you to have this.” He handed me an old fashioned invitation. It was from Governor Stevens, inviting me and a ‘plus one’ to a state banquet. It was a multi-purpose event, honoring several notable Bay Staters for various accomplishments. I asked, “Does he need an RSVP right now?” “No. Just follow the instructions.”

“All right. Thanks.” The troopers departed politely and I walked back into the house. There was no way I was going to a public event. More publicity I did not need. I put the invitation down on the small table in foyer and went back to my game. Bill was up and in the bathroom. He took a shower and came out. “Was someone here?” “Yes. The Governor found me.”

“Oooh. Sorry. What’d they say?”

“He’s invited me to a state dinner.”

“You’re not going, are you?”

“No way. Too much press.”

“That’s tough. It’s hard to deny the governor. He doesn’t like that.”

“I know. Maybe I can meet him privately.”

“That’s a good idea. You should do that.”

I got the contact information off the invite and called the main number at the State House. I spoke with the Governor’s Office and they said they would clear it with the Governor himself. Bill went down to the beach and I joined him.

“How’d it go?”

“Surprisingly easy. I’m not a big fan of bureaucracy. I thought it would have been harder.”

“Ah, well sometimes you hit it just right. So now what?”

“I wait. Hopefully, Stevens understands my desire for privacy and we can get this over with.”

“I love you.”

“Yeah, wait what?” I thought I imagined it.

Bill turned to me and looked into my eyes. “I said I love you. I did not want to say it. I didn’t want it to be true. “Look, I know you are leaving, but if you had gone into space and I didn’t say it to you, I would have regretted it for the rest of my life. It’s your choice if you say it back, but please do not feel obligated.” I was shocked but not totally surprised. I wanted to say it because I had realized it early on. I don’t wear my heart on my sleeve but with this new female persona, it was all new territory. I looked at Bill a long time and then kissed him. A rush of heat and sexual excitement buzzed through me. We laid down on the blanket and held each other. I wanted him but it seemed that us holding each other was enough for that moment. We were quiet for a long time. Finally, we stood up, and we went back to the bungalow. We were getting started when a call on the screen came in. We composed ourselves and walked over. It was the Governor, himself.

“My office says you’d like a private meeting.”

“Yes sir. I have a career in GASA and I’d like to keep it unfettered.”

“Very well. I understand. When is a good time?”

“I return to duty on the 27th. How about the 25th?

“We’ll make it a lunch date.”

“That’s fine. Thank you, Governor Stevens.”

August 10, 2169 0800

Bill and I had been enjoying each other for 2 days straight. I’d never done that before, even when I was in a serious relationship as a man. We were sitting down to breakfast and discussing the day. I wanted to go out and it seemed like a good day to do it. I had kept a low profile and it seems that it was effective. It was then that it occurred to me the dilemma of telling Bill the truth about my past; that I was indeed his old summertime beach buddy Darius and that I changed into a woman by an alien virus. I was still determined to go back into space. I didn’t want to be tethered by a relationship, but I did truly love Bill. Like no one I’d had ever loved before. I decided to keep my secret and should I return to him, then I would tell him.

People forget space is still a very dangerous place. Exploring the unknown and all that comes with it. I was a good doctor and I wanted to make the most of my career. The durability of my new body could be tested in the outer reaches of the Solar System, and new discoveries are imminent. I’ve always wanted to be a part of that, but now this man has my heart and I want to give him mine. Dilemmas.

My tablet rang. It was Mom. “Morning, Sweetheart. How are you?”

“I’m fine, Mom. What’s up?”

“Oh, nothing. Your Dad was saying how we haven’t seen you in a while and thought you might like to come over for lunch.” “I’d like that. Is Bill invited?”

“Normally, yes but we’d like to have you to ourselves for a little while. I know you two are getting close.”

“Okay. That’ll be fine.”

“All right sweetie. About 12:30?”

“You got it. See you then.”

“Love you, Honey.”

“Love you too, Mom.”

I walked into the bedroom and Bill was doing some work. I took a breath. “I’m having lunch with my folks.”

“Okay.” Bill turned around to look at me. “Do you mind going alone? I am swamped with work. I should be able to get more of this done before dinner.” “Sure, no problem.”

I didn’t bother to tell him that he wasn’t invited to lunch. I figured I’d leave well enough alone. I went for a swim and took a shower. I think my Mom wanted to talk to me, but I left it up to her. I got to their house right at 12:30.

“Hi Dad.”

“Hi Pumpkin. Come on in.”

“How are things?”

“Oh fine. Come on into the living room.”

We walked into the living room and sat down. Dad seemed pensive, like he wanted to say something. “What is it, Dad?”

“Well Sweetie, I wanted to just ask, how close are you and Bill?”

“Pretty close, I guess. Why?”

“He knows you’re going back into space, right?”

“Yes, Dad we talked about that.”

“And you both are okay? With it?”

“Yes.”

“Okay. I just needed some assurance. You two seemed to be getting along pretty well.”

“I care for him. We’ve become close.”

“Does he know? Did you tell him about the change?”

“No, I decided that since I’m going back into space, I keep that secret. Dad, you have to know that I would tell him if I were going to stay on Earth.” “Okay. You’ll be up there for a year. Maybe there is a future for you two?”

“Maybe, Dad. But for now I am a GASA doctor, Chief Medical Officer for the USS Kennedy. I’d like to ride that ship for awhile.” “All right, Sweetie. I made tomato soup and grilled cheese for lunch.”

“Mmm sounds great.” I hugged my Dad. He is a great man and a great father. Mom came in and looked at us. She looked at Dad with a plethora of questions, I assume the same ones my Dad just asked me. He nodded and she relaxed and smiled. We enjoyed lunch and had nice afternoon. It was about three when I thought I should get back. Bill had done the majority of the cooking so tonight it was my turn. I hugged my parents and started to walk back to the bungalow. I got a call on my tablet so I found a bench on the main street and sat down. It was someone I did not recognize except for the uniform. “Dr. Obama, I am Captain Phillip Cleveland of the GASA Judge Advocate General’s office. Sorry to interrupt your furlough but we need to speak with you immediately.” “What is this about?”

“I’d rather speak to you in person.”

“When?”

“First thing in the morning at 0800 hours. We can meet you on the island. You are staying with your parents still?”

“Yes.” I was a little unnerved that he knew that but it was information he could have gotten from the Kennedy.

“I will meet you there. No need to dress formally.”

“Okay. Thanks.” I was not sure he was doing me any favors. I immediately called my parents. I told them what happened and they said it was fine to meet at their house. I walked quickly back to the bungalow to tell Bill. “What do they want with you?” “Don’t know. They are coming here so it’s not something I did. At least I hope not.”

“Do you want me to come with you?”

“No, another lawyer might make him nervous.” Not to mention me being nervous. I figured it was something to do with what happened on Venus. I wasn’t ready to tell Bill about that so I also needed time to come up with a plausible story.

I made a baked chicken catalde over pasta and a nice salad. We enjoyed some white wine and some chocolate pie. We cuddled on the couch to a movie and enjoyed the peaceful evening. I took a break and went to check my messages via the virtual com. These would be messages I get through my GASA email account. Normally, I’ve been getting maintenance updates and a few messages from Troy and Jamie. For some odd reason, the messages stopped yesterday morning and I seemed to be locked out. It was strange, but I figured they might be updating the servers. I shrugged it off and went back to the couch. “What’s the matter?” Bill asked.

“My messages stopped yesterday. Not a huge deal, but odd.”

“They are doing some upgrades to the ship. Maybe they are upgrading the comm servers.”

“That’s probably what it is. They had some experimental shielding they were installing.”

“Right.” Bill started to nibble on my neck. I responded and we made out. That filled up the rest of the evening.