Chapter 1

Note: When the conversation is a telepathic exchange, it is indicated by italics font.

Erin and Joyce of Sarah’s Clan were anxiously watching the flight of four Star Fighters approached Dóchas hangar bay 1 port. Behind the approaching Star Fighters, they could see a partial view of Mars. A nearby monitor showed the Star Fighters’ approach along with their optimal approach path.

In one of the Star Fighters, Sarah watched the display as she guided her ship into the hangar then settle on the cradle. As soon as it was on the cradle, the crew connected the auxiliary power cables then initiated the parking routine. Once parked, the crew opened the top then lifted her capsule out before opening it letting the fluid drain into a collection pit. Next they disconnected her helmet from the capsule. Sarah removed her helmet then bent over and coughed several times to expel the cushioning fluid from her lungs. After taking a deep breath she slipped out of the skin tight coveralls and took the towel from the crewman.

Erin and Joyce joined her as they watched Sally’s capsule being removed from her Star Fighter. Joyce said, “How did it go?”

“Fantastic,” replied Sarah. “This is an amazing craft to fly. I think I only missed one target on first run. Let’s see how I am scored. If this was my primary job I think there are some things I would like to do differently.”

Flight operations control (FOC) AI said, “Sarah, today completes your training flights for the Star Fighters. The combination of your flight simulator and excursions in a Star Fighter qualifies you to as a pilot, thus you will be on the reserve list. However, if this was your primary assignment you would need considerably more flight experience before participating in a combat mission.”

“Thank you. How did everyone do?”

“Very well. We would gladly have all of you in Star Fighters, but we think your clan is more valuable to us by being on Dóchas’s bridge. As to scores, so far all of you are in the top 10% at this skill level. Well done!”

Sally, Terry and Rusty had joined them during the dialog with the FOC-AI. Rusty said, “Let’s go shower. I understand why we have the cushioning fluid but if feels yukky when you get out.”

“Joyce, Erin,” said Rusty, “when are you going to qualify?”

“We’ve completed the flight simulator portion,” responded Joyce. “We held back as has Tara, Alison, Claudette and us until you all had completed it. Siobhan’s and Maureen’s Clans have partially completed the flight simulator.”

“Good. So what did you all think of the intercepts and the firing range?”

Sally said, “I thought those were pretty straightforward. I think I would have preferred to see more potentially distracting events as we did each one.”

Joyce added, “I think those are at the next level. The astrogation in the next level is more difficult which is why I wanted to take it.”

“After the others get back, let’s sit review how MacFarland and O’Toole are doing on the lodge investigation,” said Sarah.

FOC-AI said, “The other flight will be back in about an hour.”

“Thanks,” replied the group as they headed for the hangar exit. On reaching the exit Joyce looked back and said, “They are neat looking space ships but certainly have a lethal appearance. I hate to admit it, but when I first saw them it took me a bit to understand why they have stubby airfoils.”

“You are not alone,” said Terry with a grin.

“Actually besides being beneficial in an atmosphere, they provide more space to locate weapons,” noted Rusty.

When Madeline and her friends walked into the conference hotel Madeline exclaimed, “Ursula, I didn’t know you all were coming to this conference.”

On hearing the sound of Madeline’s voice Ursula and her friends turned toward it. There was pandemonium as the two groups greeted each other. After Cliona and Eavan hugged and said hello to each other as they watched their friends’ enthusiastic greetings. They were soon drawn into the mayhem, but they never stopped monitoring the lobby.

When Jan hugged Eavan she whispered, “Don’t you ever stop watching and relax? You are just like Cliona.”

“We can’t, we have some precious friends to look out for,” she whispered back as she gave Jan a kiss on the cheek.

“Well we are glad to have you around.”

“Thank you,” replied Eavan as she moved to greet another.

It was some fifteen months since Sarah’s Clan had rescued them from the slaver’s freighter. During their stay on Dóchas, these two groups had become very close friends. After recovering from their ordeal, Madeline’s and Ursula’s groups along with thirty-two others chose to return to Earth society. Once they had decided to return, Sally of Sarah’s Clan and several others had encouraged them to return in small groups. By doing that it was felt that they could look out for each other. To further enhance their safety, all the groups had been offered the services of a bot. The Intelligence and Security departments had helped them create new ids, and back stories to support there new ids. Once they had these, all of them had quickly found positions that utilized to their education, and were in an area where they wanted to live.

“I am surprised you didn’t mention the conference the last time we talked,” said Jan to Múirne.

“Well, we may not have known. Ursula and I proposed that we attend, but the company decided to send all of us. We were really surprised when they told us we could all go. We had thought about suggesting it but didn’t think it would be acceptable.”

“That is sort of the way it worked for us.”

“This could be awkward since our employers compete in a few areas. However, we don’t work in those sections and besides who wants to talk business all the time.

“Yea, we should probably avoid situations where it is just our groups in any discussion sessions though.”

“Yes.”

They continued to chat as they checked-in. Before leaving for their rooms they made plans to meet for dinner after registering for the conference.

During the conference they had many opportunities to discuss solutions to programming issues and ways to improve user interface. Each group met with technical people from their company’s customers and spent some time discussing their needs and issues. As the week progressed they were pleased with the technical information they’d picked up. On their own, they weren’t sure they could easily find some of it.

As the end of the week approached, the women realized how much they missed being together. Since returning to Earth, they had frequently talked. The idea of getting together for a long weekend had come up several times but for one reason or another, it kept getting put off. In hindsight they all wondered why they had put it off. So since, they all had time off available, so they decided to extend their stay a day. The week being around each other also stoked their desire to see each other more frequently. One possibility was to move closer to each other. One fly in the ointment was that there was a considerable distance between their current locations. Another complication was that their employers competed in some markets.

On their last day, over breakfast, Madeline looked around then said, “We’ve all noted how much we miss being together. With a little effort we could schedule more time off together. Going to the Comrie, is one possibility but I think we want more than that. We could see if the offer Sarah’s Clan made us a year ago is still valid.” Seeing the expressions and sensing their desire, Madeline said softly, “Cliona can you find out whether the Comrie offer is still available?”

“Sure.”

Jan changed the topic and they continued to chat while waiting for Cliona’s response. It was several minutes before she softly said, “It would be good if we went for a walk, so I can decide how to answer your question.” Her phrasing caused worried looks from everyone.

“Don’t worry,” said a voice that seemed vaguely familiar. “Go with her, as she doesn’t feel this is a good place to talk.” They looked at one another with surprised looks on their faces, which told them that they had all heard the voice. Then it registered, it was Zoe’s voice.

Madeline said, “Let’s go change, so we can hike up to the overlook. It is not far and we can be back before lunch. That will give us enough time to eat and pack before we have to leave for the airport. Let’s meet by the tennis courts in say, 10 minutes?” Everyone nodded and went toward their rooms.

After gathering at the tennis court, they started toward the hiking trail. They had only gone a short distance when they crossed paths with two young men. Recognizing them from the conference, they stopped to chat. Both men were a little shy at first, but then began to open up a bit more as they talked. After a while, Múirne recognized them from college. Referring to her previous name, she asked if they knew a person by that name.

“Yes, she was a lot of fun to be with,” they said with some yearning in their voice. “She was a couple of years behind us. When we were back on campus after graduating, we looked for her but could never find her.”

“She was a very good friend of mine, probably closer than a twin sister.” The comment drew knowing looks from her friends. “So, what have you two been doing?”

“Well, we started a software programming business while in school and it did very well. A several months ago, we sold it to a larger company for a nice chunk of change. Since we were scheduled to come to this conference, we came anyway. This conference was great, because we didn’t have any pressing business issues. The discussions gave us a few ideas for software that would be fill current needs. Some of the stuff our old competitors were telling potential customers was a hoot.”

“We enjoyed the conference as well, especially since all of us were able to spend some time together.”

“Oh, I’m sorry, this is Tom and I’m John. It’s been so long since we did anything but business or work. Besides, it’s been so long since college you probably don’t remember my name.”

“I’m Jan, and I’ll let my friends introduce themselves.” After the introductions, the conversation kind of died. The ladies really wanted to start their hike, but didn’t want to walk off and leave them. Tom and John wanted to spend more time with the women but were reluctant to invite themselves to join the girls in their activity. The stalemate was broken when Cliona said to Madeline, “Why don’t you invite them to join us?”

Both Ursula and Madeline gave the bots questioning looks. Eavan said, “We can give you the information in a slightly different context and still convey the answer to your question. Answering specific questions may be a problem but we don’t think so. Look at these gentlemen as possible partners, as they have a lot of potential.”

“Tom and John, would you like to join us?” asked Múirne. “We are going for a hike and will be back before lunch, as we all have afternoon flights.”

“We wouldn’t want to interfere.”

“You won’t,” said Ursula. With that, she grabbed Tom’s hand and pulled him along with her as she started down the path. Jan had taken John’s hand, as well. The group walked for about a mile until they came to a scenic overlook above a fast-flowing stream. The view was beautiful, with the quiet roar of the water rushing through the rapids added a peaceful rhythmic sound.

“We haven’t been here before,” exclaimed Tom and John. “This is just fantastic.”

“Let’s sit here and enjoy the atmosphere,” said Madeline.

“There are two people watching us from that clearing to our right,” said Eavan to Madeline and Ursula. “We don’t sense any threat. As long we speak softly and don’t face them, they won’t be able to hear us. We are taking other precautions.”

“John and Tom,” said Madeline after nodding to Eavan, “the reason we came up here is to discuss our future.” They both started to excuse themselves. “We don’t want you to leave, and from what we have sensed in this short time, we would welcome any suggestions you might have.” Both looked relieved, but also puzzled.

“Some time ago, we shared an experience, since then we’ve gone somewhat separate ways,” said Jan. “It was a terrific surprise when we all showed up here this week. Our limited time together this week has shown us how much we want to be closer. This morning at breakfast we had an idea about how to do that, but wanted to talk about it in a more private location.”

“Well,” said John, “this location is likely more private, but there are two people watching us. The distance is such that they probably can’t hear, unless you face them.”

None of the women moved to look as Múirne said, “You knew?”

“Yes,” replied John. “We thought you were some kind of celebrities and they were your security detail. Although we weren’t impressed with their skill as we’ve seen them monitoring you during the conference.”

“Celebrities? Not us,” responded Madeline. When the laughter died down she added, “I think all of us fit the category of code monkeys, nerds or technical writers, with a little yarn telling or marketing thrown-in.”

“Then it is really puzzling why anyone would be monitoring you all,” said Tom then quickly added, “ ... for reasons other than your beauty.” They all laughed at his quick recovery.

“My suspicion is that it is security driven, but I don’t know for certain,” said Ursula. “The companies we work for are quite obsessed with security. The reason we came up here is to talk about an opportunity we were offered some time ago. The offer was assistance in starting a business focusing on software development and hardware design along with security elements. While we were gathering to come out here to talk, we sent a query asking if the offer was still on the table.”

Ursula nodded to Eavan who responded with, “It is definitely open. There are now two locations that could be used. One is in the mid-Atlantic Ocean, where you’ve been before. The other is near the equator in the Eastern Pacific, west of Mexico. Both are equal in remoteness, suitability and beauty. If need be, the one you visited could be available today, but they suggest waiting 2 to 4 weeks so you can tidy up loose ends. The one in the Pacific will take longer but is likely a better long term choice.”

“How could you operate from a remote island?” said Tom.

“All of us could work from virtually any location,” said Jan. “We just need access to high speed electronic communication. The only time we would need to leave is for occasional trips to meet with customers to discuss their needs. There are possibly as many as thirty others that would want to join us once they know of our plans.”

“If we fully utilize a website,” said Múirne, “it can serve as a draw to bring us new business and more staff.”

Tom and John looked at each other, then said, “Are you interested in partners?”

“Sure, if our sponsors agree,” said Jan. “Did you have someone in mind?” She grinned, watching them try to decide how to respond.

“Yes. We would be interested. We would like to know more about what you plan to offer, but that doesn’t affect our desire to join this adventure.” As John was talking, Cliona nodded to Madeline and Ursula.

“Welcome aboard,” said Madeline as she held out her hand to Tom. She pulled him toward her and gave him a hug, along with a kiss. Ursula had wrapped her arms around John to give him the same. The others quickly followed their lead.

“Wow,” said both Tom and John.

“Now, we need to talk about the details for accomplishing this,” said Jan.

They decided to begin submitting their resignations a week or so after they returned, but spread them over several days. Each would give two weeks’ notice, with the intention of being relocated in three weeks. The answer to any questions was that they were going to work at a new start up. They would send their employers the details on the company once it was public knowledge.

“Tom and John,” said Cliona, “the other sponsors would like to send two people to discuss this project with you. At that time, you can decide how deeply you want to be involved. If it is active involvement then you could either move to the site or work with us remotely through a high speed data link.”

“Off hand moving there is likely the best choice,” responded both immediately.

Tom added, “Since we sold the business, we really don’t have any ties to the area.”

“Okay,” said Cliona. “They would like to visit you tomorrow if that is convenient. Right now it appears your visitors will be Maureen, Brandan, Siobhan and Conan, which comes to four visitors rather than the initial two I indicated a moment ago.”

“You’re different,” said Tom, “not good or bad, just different.” The expression on the women’s faces confirmed his observation. “As to visiting us, any time is fine but that will work quite well.”

Cliona and Eavan smiled. Cliona said, “Yes, we are. It would be better if our sponsor explained that when they meet with you. I hope that is acceptable.”

They studied the faces of all the women for a few moments, then said, “Yes, that is quite acceptable. In fact, we will be going home earlier than we had planned.” Their excitement was apparent by their expressions.

“We need to start back,” said Eavan.

“Okay,” said Ursula, as everyone began to get up. “My senses have become a bit edgy as we approach leaving. Perhaps we should not say any more about our plans.”

Everyone nodded their head in agreement. They had a great time walking back to the hotel, just chatting and enjoying being together again.

As they arrived at the hotel, Jan said, “This morning has really been great. Why don’t we go change and finish our packing then meet for lunch?” Everyone nodded after a moment.

“Your transportation will be here at 1:30,” said Eavan. “All of you appear to be having such a good time, so we arranged some special transportation for you.”

With that, everyone started for their rooms to get ready, leaving Tom and John with puzzled expressions. They were truly enamored with the group of women. In fact, it was the most comfortable they had ever felt in that large a group of women, especially brilliant women.

Both jumped when Cliona suggested, “Why don’t you meet us in the restaurant? We have a reservation and we should be there in 30 minutes or so.”

“Yes, I think we will go freshen up as well. So we will meet you there.”

As Tom and John walked off to their rooms John said, “You know, I am glad you talked me into coming to this conference and then to spend some time here afterwards.”

“Yes, I agree. I have a good memory for people, and there were several in that group I thought I knew. The names, though, didn’t fit the faces I remembered. Oh, well I sure enjoyed this morning with them.”

“We should invite them to our place.”

“Okay and we need to make sure to share our contact information.” When Tom entered his room, he could tell right away that someone had been in the room, other than maid service. After he carefully looked around, he realized that nothing had been taken and that his laptop was untouched. Just then, the room phone rang. As he put the phone to his ear a gravelly voice said, “Stay away from my sluts or you will pay dearly.” The phone went dead before he could utter a response. His cell phone rang; when he looked at caller id he saw it was John.

“Yes.”

“Did you just get a strange call?”

“Yes. In the call I had, it sounded like he was making threats about the women we just met.”

“That was my impression,” said John.

“Well, I think it is time to leave,” said Tom. “I think I can freshen up and be packed in time to meet them in the restaurant.”

“I agree.”

“See you in 20.”

John and Tom stepped off the elevator and headed toward the registration desk, just as the women were finishing checking out. They were both very impressed by the change in the women’s appearance. They were now wearing very nice casual clothes with heels and carrying brief cases. When Eavan saw them approaching with their suitcases, she walked over to them.

“We thought you were staying longer,” said Eavan, as she studied them.

“We need to get back so we can take care of a business issue,” said John. “You guys all look great.”

The women beamed at the compliment. “Why don’t you put your bags with ours, while we eat?” suggested Ursula.

Before they could respond, Cliona and Eavan took their bags, and placed them with theirs. The women waited while Tom and John settled up with the hotel, then walked with them to the restaurant. They were seated in a small private dining room off of the main area. Lunch was a continuation of the fun they had on the hike. They discussed current events and several recent scientific announcements. During this the women found that they shared many common interests with Tom and John. By the time lunch was over, the two men were wondering if they would be able to keep up with them.

As they walked to the door of the hotel, Tom and John looked around for their bags. Sensing their puzzlement Jan said, “I think they were moved outside with ours. Our transportation is probably waiting.”

“We need to arrange transportation to the airport,” said John.

“Not unless you want to, as we were expecting you to ride with us,” said Madeline. “When Cliona and Eavan saw you with your bags, they adjusted our number to include you.”

“We will be happy to share the cost,” said Tom.

The group stepped outside to find a limo bus waiting with its door open. Several people were at the back stowing the luggage. As the group moved closer, several of them shrieked as they started running toward the two women standing near the door of the limo-bus. When they reached them, they gathered them up in a hug.

Tom and John watched their new friends greet the two women. Both of the women were well over six feet tall, and were wearing heels like the ladies of the group they were with. Each had long flowing hair, which was complimented by a combination of lovely features they didn’t think they had ever seen in one person. Both men were so awestruck they just stood there, with Ursula and Madeline at their sides.

“Are you two all right?” asked Madeline, as she looked over at their faces and saw the looks of wonder on them. “You might want to close your mouths.”

“Wow! Nothing against any of you, but I have never seen anybody so lovely,” said Tom, as John nodded his head in agreement. “They are a fantastic sight.” Ursula and Madeline chuckled.

“Very astute wording and we agree with you. Come on,” said Jan, as they started walking toward the limo again. By the time they reached the door, almost everyone else had already entered.

“Zoe, Briana, I’d like you to meet Tom and John,” said Madeline.

Tom and John said, “Hi,” and reached out to shake their hands. Instead, Zoe and Briana pulled them forward into a hug giving them a quick kiss on the cheek, then switched partners.

“Wow, could we do that again,” cracked John.

“I think your friends may get envious,” said Briana in a soft mellow voice. “Glad you could join us.”

“This has been a day of interesting events,” said Tom. “For some reason, I don’t think it’s over yet.”

Melody and June walked up behind them and June said, “I think we’re ready, as soon as everyone is on-board.”

Both Tom and John jumped at the sound of her voice and turned around, only to be greeted by two more visions of loveliness. Briana and Zoe pulled on their arms, turning them toward the door. They followed Ursula and Madeline into the limo. Belinda, Melody and June waited by the door and chatted for a few moments, while Briana went around to the driver’s side. As they stood there, they stretched and moved around, making sure all the bystanders remembered only how good they looked, and very little of their passengers. By the time they were ready to leave, their nipples were visible tents in their blouses, as they found that showing off was a bit arousing. Once Briana was in the driver’s seat, the rest of them boarded.

As the limo slowly pulled away from the hotel, Zoe, Melody, June and Belinda monitored the activities around them. Melody sat in the seat near the door, while Cathan and Zoe went to sit in the back. They were quiet as Briana eased it out into traffic and headed toward for the airport.

Once on the thoroughfare, Melody stood, turning so she could face the passengers. “It’s good to see all of you again. Meeting John and Tom is a nice plus. Since we went to the trouble of providing a limo to the airport, we thought we would just provide the rest of your transportation home. A business jet is waiting for us at the executive airport. From there, we will take you to your homes. Overall, it will be much quicker than the commercial flights you had booked. Any questions?”

“Why?” asked Tom.

“Primarily because the backers of the new business adventure thought this would be a nice gift to all of you and as way of kicking it off. Another reason is that, there are three groups of people who have suddenly become very interested in all of you, but primarily in the women. One group was the hotel’s security staff, because they have had several groups of people disappear after staying there. Their security noticed two other groups acting suspiciously. We should know more about the other two groups by the time we reach the airport. It was one of these two unknown groups that rifled your rooms this morning.”

“Okay, but that still doesn’t answer my question. Wait a minute, how did you know about the rooms?”

“From the security devices the bots left in their rooms. This morning, their bots shared with us their observations of the last few days. From that, we felt their security was in jeopardy, and that we should do something about it without creating too much commotion. So we did, as these women are very special friends.”

“Bots? As in androids.” Both Tom and John expressions showed their surprise.

“Yep, that’s us,” responded Cliona with Eavan nodding.

“So that is why.”

“Yes.”

“As to the other, we noticed some of it but apparently there is more. My sense tells me you have more to share. I wonder if they were the same people who searched our rooms while we were out.”

“Yes, there is a lot we need to share before everything would really make sense to your logical way of analyzing problems. Rest assured, that the two of you being there did not cause this. With respect to the comment about your rooms, most likely.

“On the lighter side, ladies, the most exciting thing that has happened at home recently is that Sarah’s Clan gave birth to their children a little over a year ago. Erin, and Tara’s babies are just starting to walk.”

“Wow,” said several.

“I was amazed, when they said how many they were expecting. How are they managing with the, let’s see, 40 babies?” Tom and John’s eyes grew, since they could not believe the number they heard.

“Very well. Everyone is helping, and I have never seen a group of babies easier to care for.”

“Police car coming up, with its lights on,” said Zoe right after they turned on to the highway. They watched, as the police car signaled them to pull over. Briana eased onto the side of the road and waited for the officer to reach her door.

“What’s the problem, officer?”

“License, please. We had a report of a vehicle like this running a red light just before an accident back there near the entrance to this highway.”

“If you mean the one just before the entrance to this highway, it was green as we entered the intersection. I heard a noise behind us. I didn’t see anything in the mirrors which is not surprising as I was turning onto the entrance ramp when I heard the noise.”

“I know this doesn’t make a whole lot of sense, since the accident was caused by two idiots trying to run a red light. Instead, they ran into the side of semi-trailer hard enough to knock it lose from the tractor, crushing the two cars.”

Just then his radio chirped, “Sargent, cancel the stop request. The truck driver has stated the light was green and the intersection was clear. I fact, he didn’t see any bus or limo and the witnesses agree. Give our apologies to the occupants for delaying them.”

“Okay, you heard it. Sorry for the inconvenience, but honestly, I am glad I got to stop you, as you are the prettiest woman I have ever had the pleasure of stopping.”

“Thank you, Officer.” Briana waited for him to return to his car before she began rolling. She turned on her turn signal, as she moved the limo back onto the highway. About 30 minutes later, they turned off the highway, and were soon entering a small airport. She drove out on to the ramp and stopped next to a jet with its stairs extended.

Melody and June exited the limo first and went to move the luggage to the aircraft. When Tom and John stepped out, they looked around, as this was the first time they had been at a small airport. They quickly saw why Melody and June had exited first and went to assist them with the luggage, along with several others.