Eyes were moist from gratitude and relief of their long and arduous journey finally ending as the travelers entered the compound that was once a health camp, but now served as their home.Felix excitedly gave Oriana and her family a tour of the place.  They took extra time in the spa location that offered each of them a clean robe, slippers, and a set of spa pants and top for them to change into once they’d cleaned up. Imogene and Oriana were eager to experience the shower.  Having lived their lives in the wilderness, they were only mildly aware of the concept of indoor plumbing and heated water being pumped through pipes for washing.  Felix had to disguise his amusement over the childlike awe that they openly displayed when he demonstrated how the toilet flushed and the sink and shower produced water on demand.Since the lodge was built to accommodate large groups of people at a time, Kendra’s family only occupied a small portio

Felix and Vernon proved to be compatible workmates.  It took only a matter of days for them to put their heads together and create a sturdy confinement for the alien that would allow them access to it without worry.  When they were shown its clever conveniences for the sake of the caretaker, Olga, Rex, and Kendra were not only relieved, but impressed by the fact that most of the ideas came from Felix.Being the family handyman, Rex took his time inspecting the facility.  His broad smile when he informed them that he couldn’t have done better- or maybe not even as good- made Kendra’s heart swell with pride for her cousin.  She was sorry that Oriana hadn’t been made privy of the project so that she could hear the praises being showered upon him.  She was sure that it would help reinforce whatever attraction was between them.“So, what’s next?” Vernon asked with open enthusiasm. “I haven’t felt this

“I never believed in vampires,” Olga admitted, “but I’m beginning to suspect that there is fact behind that myth.”“What are you saying?” Felix asked with concern.They’d gone onto the front porch to admire the sunset and found themselves alone.  This was a rarity these days.  Taking advantage of the moment, they discussed things that were meant for their ears only.Olga heaved a sigh. “Kendra is a puzzle.  I’m beginning to think that the combination of the inoculation for the original virus and the introduction of the new strain created an entirely new beast.”His eyes opened wide.  “Do you think that she’s a vampire?”“She’s alive and vampires are dead,” she said. “Or, so the story goes.  I don’t think she’s a vampire per se, but she has vampire tendencies; such as drinking blood.”He shudde

Oriana peered out of the picture window that was strategically centered in the great room wall to provide an optimal panoramic view of the premises.  Not only could she not believe her eyes, but she was unsure if she should bring what she was seeing to the attention of her sister and Olga, who were busy baking in the kitchen.“What are  you staring at?” Imogene asked as she took the last loaf of freshly baked bread from the oven. “Yum.  This smells delicious.”“I make it my policy to bake a mini loaf for taste testing,” Olga said with a twinkle in her eye.  Sliding the warm, mini loaf down the counter until it was in front of Imogene, she said, “It wouldn’t do to serve bad bread, now would it?”“Absolutely not,” the younger woman giggled.Taking a thin slice of the soft, freshly baked bread for herself, Olga sauntered over to where Oriana stood and looked out in the dire

Kendra led her horse to the creek.  The day had been long and the hunting difficult, but she’d finally managed to catch a few rabbits and a racoon.  She was grateful to have found the water.  She’d used the last of the water that she’d packed several hours earlier.  She wasn’t far from the compound, but when one was tired and thirsty, a few miles could prove tortuous.  Even if she was willing to suffer the rest of the way, it wasn’t fair to make her horse suffer along with her.They’d been back on the surface long enough to reacclimate to its arid climate, yet she still managed to miscalculate water usage from time to time.  That was one of the few things that she missed about the earth’s core.  It held just the right amount of moisture to maintain a comfortable climate with lush landscapes.  Prior to going to the earth’s interior, her body was able to function on small doses of water.&nbs