Chapter 9

The Stardust Drifter descended through the atmosphere of Rosalia, the ship gliding through the pastel-colored clouds like a ghost. Through the panoramic viewport of the bridge, the planet revealed itself in all its breathtaking beauty. Below them, the azure waters of the vast ocean sparkled under the light of the distant sun, the waves crashing against the shore in a slow, rhythmic dance. The beaches were indeed pink, the sand fine and powdery, stretching for miles along the coastline, dotted with the bright umbrellas of luxurious resorts. The interior of the island was lush and green, covered in dense, tropical forests and dotted with elegant, white-washed villas. The whole planet looked like a paradise, a dream made real.

“Jesus,” Rina whistled, her golden eyes wide with awe, her usual cool demeanor replaced by a genuine, unguarded appreciation for the beauty of the planet. “It’s ... it’s actually beautiful. I thought it was just some cheap, overpriced tourist trap.”

“Don’t let the pretty colors fool you,” Kayden said, his gaze fixed on the sprawling resort complex that dominated the largest of the islands. “This is where the SGC was. This is where they did ... something to Ayumi. And we’re going to find out what.” The ship landed on the designated landing pad, the ramp lowering with a soft hiss, revealing the bright, sun-drenched landscape of Rosalia. The air was warm and humid, filled with the sweet scent of tropical flowers and the salty tang of the ocean. The sky was a brilliant, cloudless pink, the sun shining down with an intensity that was almost overwhelming.

“Right, so I’ll be going out with Ayumi and ... I suppose Alexa should come as well, just in case.” Kayden said over the comms as he turned to leave the bridge.

“Forgetting someone?” Rina said, pushing herself out of the pilot’s chair, her hands resting on her hips.

“I think he forgot a few names,” Clessa said over the comms. “I want to go! I want to see the beach! And the resorts! And the buffets! And maybe the little drinks with umbrellas in them! Please, Captain? I’ve been working so hard on the engines, and I haven’t had any fun in ages. I promise I’ll be good. I’ll stay out of trouble. I’ll even help you look for the SGC. I’m good at finding things. I found Rusty, didn’t I? And he was hiding in a pile--”

“I’m with Clessa on this one,” Zlara cut her off over the comms. “I am not going to stay cooped up on this ship while you all go off to play on the beach. I want to go, too. And I want to see if their resorts have anything I can learn from. Maybe they have some new recipes or techniques I can steal. Besides, someone has to keep an eye on you lot. You’re like children.”

“And I would also like to join you,” Zynphoria’s shimmering form coalesced on the bridge, her silver hair cascading down her back like liquid moonlight. “I can float through the walls of the resorts, listen in on conversations, gather information without being seen. And ... I want to go to the beach.”

“Okay, okay,” Kayden said, holding up his hands in surrender. “We all go. But we have to be smart about this. We can’t just wander around like tourists. We are here to figure out why the ship that had Ayumi, the Obsidian Serpent, was here before switching planets. You can all look around, but the main focus is the mission. Meet in the cargo bay, we head out together.” A few minutes later, the whole crew was assembled in the cargo bay, standing before the open ramp. The bright, pink light of Rosalia streamed in, casting them all in its warm, rosy glow. Clessa was practically vibrating with excitement, her amber eyes wide with wonder, her freckles flushed with excitement. Zlara looked cool and composed, her silver eyes scanning the area, her expression unreadable. Ayumi was quiet and withdrawn, her small frame looking even more fragile and vulnerable against the bright, colorful backdrop of the planet. Alexa stood beside her, her synthetic form still and serene, her violet eyes glowing with a soft light. Rina was leaning against the wall, her arms crossed, her golden eyes narrowed, her usual impatience barely concealed. Zynphoria’s form flickered and shimmered, her ethereal beauty even more striking in the bright sunlight.

“Excuse me.” A small robot on two wheels with two arms and one large camera lens for an eye rolled up to them, identical to the one on Peptos 3. “It seems you may be in the wrong location ... Based on your attire it seems like you are on the wrong planet. This is a tropical pleasure planet. The industrial planet Peptos 3 is just over this way.” The robot said, pointing one of its small arms up into the pink sky.

“Not again.” Rina sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose.

“Negative,” Alexa stated, her head tilting to the side. “We are at the correct coordinates. We have just come from Peptos 3. Our destination is Rosalia.”

“Oh, my apologies.” The robot said, its camera lens swiveling between them. “Based on your attire I assumed you were not coming here for a vacation. Any clothing that is not approved can not be worn past the landing pad. There is a--”

“No, we aren’t here on vacation either.” Kayden cut off the robot. “Can you point us in the direction of the Port Authority of ... Uh...”

“The area we are in is called Port Aphrodite.” Alexa chimed in.

“Port Aphrodite, right. Can you point us in the direction of the Port Authority of Port Aphrodite?” Kayden asked the robot.

“Of course I can, but please, don’t waste your time going there.” The robot said, its camera lens zooming in on each of them in turn.

“Why not?” Zlara asked, stepping forward, her arms crossed. “That’s where the records are kept, isn’t it?”

“Yes, but no one is working there and the building is closed.”

“What? Why? Who is keeping track of everything?” Rina asked, pushing off the wall and walking up to the robot.

“We are of couse, and where are my manors, I am designated as 2102, I am an Information and Orientation Assistant. The Port Authority is closed because it is their bi-weekly weekend off. The workers there are all on the main beach enjoying their weekend. We robots keep track of everything and store the data for them, as we do not require days off.”

“Wait, you said bi-weekly. As in, they get 2 days off every two weeks?” Zlara asked, her silver eyes wide with disbelief. “I’ve been working in that grimy bar for twelve years, and I’ve never had a single day off.”

“Welcome to Rosalia. We pride ourselves on work-life balance.” 2102 said. “And they actually get 3 days off, friday is included.”

“Bull shit.” Zlara scoffed.

“Right, so is there anyone we can talk to about getting access to the ship logs?” Kayden asked, trying to steer the conversation back on track.

“Negative. But due to this inconvenience, I am allowed to offer you and your crew 3-day weekend passes to the main resort, The Pink Pearl Resort, which includes access to all their amenities including the beach, pools, bars, restaurants, and spa services. The passes are good for your entire crew, including your android and your ... uh ... what are you?” 2102 asked, pointing its camera lens at Zynphoria.

“I’m Phanso.” Zynphoria said, her form shimmering.

“Phanso. I’ve never heard of that, but your pass will be flagged as non-standard, but you’ll be given access to all the same amenities as the rest of your crew.” 2102 said.

“I don’t know...” Kayden started to say, but was cut off by Clessa.

“Yes! Yes! We’ll take them!” Clessa squealed, bouncing on the balls of her feet. “A three-day weekend at the Pink Pearl Resort! This is the best day of my life! Thank you, 2102! You’re the best robot ever!”

“Affirmative,” Alexa said, her head tilting to the side. “The logical course of action would be to accept the passes and integrate ourselves into the resort’s environment. This will provide us with the opportunity to gather information discreetly, while also allowing us to rest and recuperate. The probability of finding relevant information on the Obsidian Serpent is high, once they are once again open for business.”

“A beach vacation,” Ayumi said, her eye wide with wonder.

“Oh no, we have to stay her for 3 days. What a horrible fate.” Rina said sarcastically, her arms crossed, but her golden eyes gleamed with amusement. “I guess I’ll have to suffer through it.”

“Alright,” Kayden said, with a sigh, “We’ll take the passes and come back on Monday. Bright and early. To get those records.”

“Excellent,” 2102 said. “Your passes have been sent to your personal comm-links, but there is still the matter of attire which I stated at the start. You will not be allowed off the landing pad area without proper attire. There is a kiosk to your left that sells approved clothing. We can wait.”

“Great.” Kayden said. “Everyone. To the kiosk.” The crew made their way over to the kiosk, a small, brightly-colored booth that was decorated with pictures of smiling people in various states of undress. The clerk inside was a young woman with long, blonde hair and a body that was barely contained by the skimpy bikini she was wearing. She smiled at them as they approached.

“Welcome to Rosalia! How can I help you?” she asked, her voice cheerful and bubbly. “Looking for something to wear? We have everything from swim trunks, to bikinis, to ... well, not much else. This is a beach pleasure planet, after all.”

“Is the only approved clothing a bathing suit?” Rina asked with disgust.

“Yes and no. The only clothing you have to wear is a bottom piece.” The girl said with a smile. “Everything else is optional. But we have a lot of cute options for the top pieces if you want to wear one.”

“Optional?” Rina scoffed. “You’re telling me that I can just walk around with my tits out?”

“Of course!” The girl beamed. “It’s all about freedom and self-expression here. We want you to feel comfortable and confident in your own skin. So go ahead and pick out whatever you like. We have a wide variety of styles and colors to choose from.”

“This is the best day of my life!” Clessa squealed again. “I get to go to the beach and wear a cute bikini! I’ve always wanted to wear a cute bikini! I’ve only ever worn overalls or a jumpsuit! This is amazing!” She started browsing through the racks of swimsuits, her hands flying over the different fabrics and colors, her amber eyes wide with excitement. She pulled out a tiny, bright pink bikini with frilly edges and held it up to her chest.

“What do you think?” she asked. “Is it me? I think it’s me.”

“It’s ... something,” Kayden said, trying to keep a straight face. “Go try it on.” She disappeared into the changing room with a giggle. Zlara was looking at the selection with a critical eye. She picked out a simple, black one-piece swimsuit with a high-cut leg and a plunging neckline. It was elegant and sophisticated. She held it up to herself.

“This will have to do,” she said. “I’m too old for this nonsense.”

“You’re not old,” Kayden said. “You’re body is only 16 human years old.” He teased.

“Don’t remind me.” Zlara scoffed. “This body is a gift and a curse. I have the perky breasts and tight ass of a teenager, but I have the mind and soul of a 48 year old. It’s a weird combination.”

“So dress like a teenager then,” Kayden said. “Just for the weekend. Let loose. Have some fun.”

“I’m sticking with the one-piece.” Zlara said. “I’m not about to let my cerulean-blue alien nipples get sunburned.” She said before heading to the changing rooms.

“Alexa?” Kayden said turning to the android. “Find anything you like?”

“I have analyzed the available options and have concluded that the most logical choice is a simple, black string bikini bottom. It meets the minimum requirements for public decency while allowing for maximum freedom of movement and optimal sun exposure for my synthetic skin. I have no need for a top piece.” She said. “I will also require a large sun hat to protect my internal processors from overheating.”

“Of course you will,” Kayden said. “Get whatever you need.” Ayumi was looking at the racks with a shy and hesitant expression. She pulled out a small, white bikini with tiny blue flowers printed on it. It was simple and sweet.

“Come on, Ayumi.” Clessa grabbed her arm and raced past, “We can change together.” Rina stood with her arms crossed a look of disgust on her face as she looked at the options.

“You’re not getting anything?” Kayden asked.

“I am...” She sighed. “But this is so stupid.” She said grabbing a pair of black boy board short bottoms. “I’m not a fan of being ogled by strangers. But if I have to do this, I’m at least going to be comfortable.”

“I think you’ll look great.” Kayden said.

“I don’t care what I look like.” She scoffed.

“I think you’ll look great too.” Ayumi said as she came out of the changing room in a micro-bikini that was just three small purple triangles and some string. Clessa followed her out in the bright pink bikini she had chosen. The fabric barely covered anything. Her small B-cup breasts were practically spilling out of the top and her bottoms were so small they looked like they could disappear at any moment.

“What do you think?” Clessa asked. “Is it me?”

“It’s ... a lot of you,” Rina said. “But I guess it fits your personality.”

“I think it’s perfect,” Kayden said. Zlara came out in the black one-piece she had chosen. It was elegant and sophisticated, the high-cut legs making her look taller and more statuesque.

“I feel ridiculous,” she said. “But at least I’m not naked.”

“You look good,” Kayden said. “Very ... Zorpan.”

“Is that a compliment?” Zlara asked.

“It is,” Kayden said. Alexa came out with her black string bikini bottoms and a large sun hat. The hat was a ridiculous-looking thing with a wide brim and a bright pink flower on the side.

“My internal temperature has stabilized at 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit,” she stated. “The hat is functioning as intended.”

“Good to know,” Kayden said. Rina came out in her board shorts and nothing else. Her small A-cup breasts were firm and perky, her nipples hard and erect in the warm air. Her abs were tight and toned, her body a testament to years of physical training.

“You’re not going to wear a top?” Kayden asked.

“Got a problem with that? I know damn well you’ve seen a pair of tits before.” Rina said.

“Nope. Not at all.” Kayden said with a smile. Zynphoria’s shimmering form coalesced beside them.

“I’m not sure what to wear,” she said. “I’m not solid.”

“Oh my,” The clerk said with a gasp. “We have a Phanso. We don’t have anything for you.”

“That’s okay,” Zynphoria said. “I’ll just ... float.”

“Can you create a swimsuit out of light?” The clerk asked. “Like a hologram?”

“I can try,” Zynphoria said. Her form shimmered and flickered for a moment. Then a small, shimmering bikini appeared on her body. It was made of pure light, the fabric a constantly shifting swirl of colors. It was beautiful and ethereal.