Atlantean Heat: Atlantean's Quest 3.5

CHAPTER ONE

Cassandra stared out the small viewing hole, watching stars and distant galaxies go by. The blackness was comforting, like a favorite outfit or a baby’s laugh. She’d longed for this moment since the day her people had left Earth.

Unlike the majority of the Atlantean people, Cassandra had wanted to explore outside of their jungle borders, experience the rest of what Earth had to offer. After meeting Queen Rachel, she’d become positively fascinated by humans. If her queen was indicative of a human female, what were the males like? Cassandra knew they couldn’t all be molded in the form of the Professor or the smaller natives she’d seen in the jungle.

She would have left her people long ago if it hadn’t been for the fact that Atlantean warriors watched Atlantean women like hungry raptors protecting their kill, not allowing them to wander too far out of their sight. Cassandra understood the reasons, but knowing this hadn’t curbed her wanderlust.

The stars twinkled like the fireflies that used to swarm in the balmy jungle. She pressed her hand against the tiny window, remembering the simple joy she’d gotten from chasing the glowing bugs around, capturing them, only to release them once again.

Cassandra glanced at the amazing looking warrior beside her. Orion was one of the few she hadn’t dallied with. Out of sheer boredom, she’d chosen to share company with several of the warriors on Zaron. They’d served their purpose at the time. Perhaps if the trip was long enough and they got bored…

She eyed him again, then quickly dismissed the thought.

She’d heard rumors about the striking warrior, some of which had certainly piqued her curiosity, but not enough to act on it. He was, after all, an Atlantean warrior, first and foremost. Moreover, Orion was not her true-mate which, from the looks of his body, was a pity. Her gaze caressed his muscled form, focusing on the impressive bulge filling his pants.
As if sensing her gaze, Orion turned. The impact of his dual-colored eyes, one jade and one aqua, arrested her breath. His knowing assessment told Cassandra without words he’d read her thoughts. Don’t worry. He smiled. I’m not interested in you either, and I think I can contain my boredom until we reach Earth. Mirth simmered in his voice.

Cassandra laughed. His candor was refreshing. It was just a thought, not a proposition. I’m looking for something…different.

And you think you’ll find it in an Earthling?

Perhaps…

I fear you will only find disappointment. The species as a whole is somewhat lacking in size and honor.

We shall see.

Orion flicked switches, adjusting fuel in the reserve tanks. Where is it you wish me to take you once we reach the planet?

I’ve longed to see the ocean again. Cassandra sighed, picturing the blue-green water with its white foamy crests, gently lapping at a sandy shore. Queen Rachel has told me I might enjoy a place called California.

Orion frowned and punched another button, bringing up holographic maps of planet Earth. Where did she say this place is located?

The same piece of land you need to be on to find Brigit. Cassandra stared at the swirling map, her eyes widening as she saw how close the water was to this California place. If she reached out she could almost touch the wetness, feel the refreshing spray on her face. She resisted the urge to touch the spot on the map that held so many possibilities for her.

What do the glowing lights represent on the map?

Colonies. He pointed to a spot on the east coast of the North American continent. The brighter the light, the more populated the area.

Cassandra stared entranced as the colonies lit up like the stars, each one glowing brighter than the next. One stood out, far outshining the rest. I want you to take me there.

Orion glanced, then pressed a button to draw closer to the spot she’d pointed to. The place you wish to visit is called Los Angeles.

Cassandra smiled. “Los Angeles,” she murmured aloud, testing the name on her tongue. The words rolled off, easing past her lips like a gentle kiss. Her skin prickled, leaving gooseflesh behind. This was the place. The place she’d begin her search. Even the name left a shiver of excitement shimmying up her spine.

Queen Rachel has said you will need something called money. I have researched this item. It is what the humans use to barter with, in exchange for goods and food.

Do we have any of this…money?

Yes. The replicator has managed to reproduce a travel sack full of the stuff. You should have more than enough for what you need. I’ve also taken the liberty of placing a deciphering unit in your sack. You’ll be able to find any meaning or item by just thinking about it. It should help when it comes to talking to the humans.

Orion pressed a panel to his side, which had been all but hidden from view seconds ago. He pulled out a metal device Cassandra had never seen before. What is that?

A communication device. He flipped a switch on the side of the thin rectangular object and a tiny screen appeared. If you need assistance or are ready to come back home, just flip this switch and hold the device next to your head. It will pick up your thoughts, in the same way we’re having this conversation, and transport you to the ship. Make sure you allow yourself plenty of space, because the device is powerful enough to transport the objects around you. I don’t want to end up with any unnecessary baggage.

Cassandra nodded and reached for the device. Orion pulled it out of her reach.

Are you sure, you want to do this? ‘Tis not too late to change your mind. You can come with me to retrieve the Queen’s friend. His tone was serious and held more than a little concern.

Cassandra forced a smile. Inside she was terrified. She’d never been away from her people—ever. Nevertheless, she was absolutely sure this was what she wanted, so she swallowed her fear and faced Orion unflinchingly. I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life.

He stared for a few moments, his gaze assessing, deciding. Cassandra held her breath waiting, praying to the goddess that whatever he saw in her face would be enough to allow her this time of discovery.

Finally, he nodded. California it is.

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