Knadyn: A Terraneu Novel (Book Six) (10 page)

Her father showed up with a few weeks left before the next portal
activity. Ava had gone into the transport room expecting to see her food and
instead a stranger was standing there. She had been about to ask who he was and
what he wanted, when she noticed his eyes. Well they were her eyes in a way
too, since she had gotten that feature from her father.

“Ohh my…” she was speechless. She had never seen a photograph of him when
he was younger but this was unbelievable. “You look so…great!” She had laughed
and then threw herself into his arms. He did look young…and healthy! Whatever
they had done to him, her father now looked to be in his twenties. His hair
wasn’t as pale as hers, but a more muddy blond color. The lines around his eyes
and mouth were gone. His body was lean and fit. If this was something they were
going to offer the people of Earth, the government faction didn’t have a chance
of holding onto power.

“Thank you my girl.” He kissed her on the cheek and handed her the basket
of food. “This is what the change does. Takes what your genetic blueprint had
planned and makes you the perfect version of it. Kneus did a modified ‘fix’ on
me. I can’t eat solid food anymore, and I won’t live as long as those here on
Terraneu, but it is enough. I have myself back Ava.” He had laughed and pulled
her along out of the teleport dome, “My brain is working like it used to. I don’t
have to search for the right word and I can do the equations in my head. It’s
all back.” He looked at her and his smile was blinding. “Before we get to
Knadyn I have to tell you. They have agreed to have a presence on Earth. The
community voted and the next portal activity their demands will be taken to the
leaders of both the rebels and government leaders. For now, we can keep this
information between the two of us.” He patted her hand excitedly. “Enough about
that stuff, how are you doing?”

“I’m good dad. I have decided to stay on Terraneu.” She led him along the
path to the patio where Knadyn was sitting waiting for her. “Knadyn.” She
called out and he turned toward her with a huge smile on his face, “This is my
dad.” She saw Knadyn start in surprise that they had company, then recovered
and hurried to join them.

“Steve…that is Mr. Howard.” He talk hurriedly in his nervousness, “It is
so nice to finally meet you officially. Ava has told me all about you. Well not
all about you, just the nice things.” Looking horrified he blurted, “Not that
there would be not-nice things. I am sure that—”

“It’s okay to breathe Knadyn. You can call me Steve.” Her father went and
patted him on the back. Then shook his hand. “It’s nice to meet you.” Looking
at her trying to hide her laughter and Knadyn choking on embarrassment her
father seemed to stand even taller. It was as if a weight had lifted and she
knew it was concern for her happiness that he had been burdened with. Now he
was letting his worry for her future go. “I can see why my daughter is so
happy.” Looking around the patio and out to the beach he smiled. “How about we
enjoy some sun and sand, then I have to be going.”

“But dad you just got here!” Ava protested.

“Sir you should stay. There are plenty of domes. If you prefer one of
your own, they are easy to turn on. If you would like to stay with us in our
dome, there is plenty of room.” Knadyn offered quickly before Ava could become
upset.

“I don’t know.” He eyed them questioningly, “Let’s see how it goes. If I do
stay, I will insist on a dome of my own. Where are you two staying?” Both she
and Knadyn pointed at their dome. “That one over there will do.” He pointed to
the opposite side of the beach. “So what is this I hear about surfing? I am a
proficient swimmer now and have heard all about this sport. What do you say
Knadyn? Feel like teaching an old man how to surf?”

Ava just shook her head and watched the males walk off. “I will be busy
too. I will see you later for dinner.”

Ava had been trying to think about when to do the change. After the last
blissful weeks spent with Knadyn, she realized she was ready. He would accept
her no matter what she looked like. Getting the change was a way to prove her
commitment to Knadyn more than a way to change her physical appearance. Once
she had it in her mind, she figured there was no time like the present. Her
father was here to distract Knadyn and she could be back before tonight.

Racing to the teleport dome, she pressed the button to Terraneu. Arriving
in the teleport dome, she knew the medical dome was attached, so ran through
that doorway. She was happy to see Gwen working on a console.

“I want the change done.” Ava blurted out. “How long does it take to
recover?”

Gwen started at hearing her yell out and turned to face her in the
doorway, “Ava. Hello.” She held up her hand and looked beyond her as if
expecting someone.

“I left Knadyn at Hu’lani with my father.” Ava strode across the room.
“The change, how long does it take?”

“It depends on the situation and the person.” Gwen hesitated, “With your
father’s advanced age it took a day. He had been cleaned up of some damage
though. Do you know how old you are in Earth years?”

Ava thought hard, “I don’t know late thirties maybe.”

Gwen bit her lip. “I would say you should be done in a few hours, one day
at the most. It is a bit faster to change then heal. The genetics are just
rewired instead of the finite process of healing damage. I know you were
offered a life here on Terraneu and I can’t tell you how happy I am that you
decided to accept. I need to ask you though, are you absolutely sure the change
is what you want?”

Is this what she wanted? The answer was an emphatic, “Yes. It is what I
want. Knadyn has been so good for me, but this is something
I need to do. To make a life here is what I want, and I need to
embrace all that it means to be Terraneun.”

Gwen laughed with her, “Okay then. When would you like to have it done?”

“Now.” Ava answered. She was ready now. Almost dancing on the spot she
waited to see what Gwen would say.

“Now?”

“Yes. Now.”

Biting her lip, Gwen looked at her intently. “Okay Ava. What if it takes
longer than I expect. How are we going to get a message to Knadyn?”

“I want to surprise him. However, if it goes to a point where you don’t
think I’ll be back before nighttime then send a message through. My father will
find it if Knadyn doesn’t.”

“All right then.” Gwen pushed some buttons and then moved to a medical
unit that Ava hadn’t seen before. “This is the unit that does the change. I
need you to get undressed and climb in. I will get Amber or Brennae to get you
some clothes.”

“What is wrong with what I’m wearing?” Ava asked, stripping off the
swimsuit and cover-up.

“You’ll see when you get out.” Gwen just smiled mysteriously. “In you
go.”

Ava took a deep breath and climbed into the unit. There was no turning
back now.

Ava stood on the transport pad to Hu’lani and bit her lip nervously.
Knadyn was going to be so shocked. She could hardly believe it herself. Coming
out of the medical unit she hadn’t been surprised to see Amber, Catherine,
Mairi, Jen, Gwen and Brennae standing around the room.

“Gwen told us this was something you felt strongly about doing now.”
Amber hurried over and handed her a blanket. Everyone turned their eyes away as
she climbed out of the medical unit. When she felt something brush her hand,
she let out a shriek and jumped. Everyone stayed where they were with their
backs to her.

“It’s just your hair.” Mairi called and Ava could see all of their
shoulders were shaking with laughter. “It happened to all of us.” That was
definitely laughter in her voice. “That thick mass on your head is your hair.
Not a gnowler trying to eat you.”

“Hey!” Amber’s laughing voice yelled out, “At least I didn’t think I was
dead—”

“Okay!” Gwen intervened before the women could get started teasing each
other. “Ava is everything okay?”

Ava was standing next to the medical unit, fingering her hair. It was
flowing over her shoulders and down her back. The silky strands were the same
icy blond. The only difference was the thickness on her head and the luster of
the strands. Realizing Gwen was waiting for an answer she called, “Yes.” Taking
a few steps, she paused to take note of her body. The skin on her hands, arms,
shoulders and chest was clear of all remaining sores, scabs and scars. Her
arms, legs and abs were toned. Her body just felt…fuller. The two small buds
she called breasts that Knadyn had so lovingly paid attention to had turned
into…well, two not so small handfuls. She was busy squeezing her new breasts
when she noticed the silence. Looking up she felt her face flame with
embarrassment. All of the women were watching her.

“I did the same thing.” Jen joked with her.

“Jen maybe Ava isn’t used to such candid discussions.” Amber got out
before bursting into laughter,

“No. I’m used to them.” Ava assured the ladies in the room, “I had much
less privacy before coming here believe me. I have heard and seen it all.”

“Really?” Catherine seemed intrigued, “Seen and heard…everything?”

Ava felt all the women’s eyes on her again, “Well, you know. Living in a
bunker, then assigned to the single women’s living quarters. We didn’t live
like nuns you know.”

“Really?” Brennae was intrigued now, “You…in a bunker—?”

“Honestly.” Gwen interrupted again, “She needs to get back to Hu’lani
before it gets too much later. They are probably already missing her. Brennae
did you bring the variety of swimwear?”

“Yes Aunt Gwen. They are on the bed over there.” Ava saw Brennae point to
the side. “Her cover-up should still fit and I put that it on the bed also.”

“Okay. Ava go try on the swimwear and show us the one that fits. The
cover-up is one size fits most, so let us know if that still…covers.” Gwen
pushed her toward the bed, pulling a curtain around so nobody could see her.

Seeing the variety of swimwear Brennae had thought to bring Ava smiled.
She tried on a few bikini tops and bottoms until she found the ones that were
the most comfortable. Finished she pulled her cover-up back over her head and
was happy to see that it still fit, if a bit snugly across the top now. Coming
out of the curtains, she held out the two pieces of the bikini that fit. “These
feel the best.”

To Ava’s surprise, Brennae grabbed the two pieces of swimwear and then
ran from the room. Her mother yelling out the door after her, “Don’t forget
hair ties.”

Backing away from the door Amber smiled, “She is going to grab a variety
of swimwear and underwear in that size for you to take back…and hair ties since
your hair is so much thicker.” Amber paused and took a deep breath, “If it’s
not too personal, can I ask you why do the change now?”

Ava looked at the women in the room. They all had the same change done to
them for a variety of reasons. Amber on accident, Mairi because she was dying,
Catherine because she was unconscious and would have died without it, Jen
because she had chosen to be here.

She decided to answer as honestly as she could, “I want to live my life
here on Terraneu, with Knadyn. In order to do that, to fully embrace being his
partner, I wanted to have the change done. To show him that I am committed to
being here. When we choose to take mate status, he will know that it means for
a very long time.”

The women all nodded their understanding. Amber rushed into her arms and
hugged her. Ava could barely remember her mother and it felt good to be held
like this. It was into this scene that Brennae burst back into the room.

“Here they are.” Brennae saw her mother hugging Ava and threw the bag
onto a bed. “Group hug. My favorite.” Then grabbed both of them into her
embrace. Before Ava knew it, all of the women were hugging in a large circle.

“Okay.” Gwen laughed from her place in the hug, “I really mean it. Ava
has got to get going.”

Laughing, all of the women let go and rushed her into the transport dome.

“Tell Knadyn we love him and it’s only a few weeks until he can return to
his normal schedule.” Amber handed her the bag of clothes, “His father and
brother—”

“May I speak with Ava for a moment please?” a strong voice called out
over Ambers.

Amber stopped short and looked over at Knacayn then back to her. “We will
see you in a few weeks Ava. Just transport here and someone will make sure you
get your supplies.” Amber and the other women all said good-bye to her and
Knacayn.

Ava hurried to agree, “Thank you Amber, good-bye.” Then all the women
were gone, and she was alone with Knadyn’s brother.

It was unsettling to be face to face with Knadyn and know it wasn’t
Knadyn. His twin was so like him, his face and hair and mannerism. Yet when he
talked, it felt off and she knew that her connection with Knadyn separated
these two in her mind. “What can I do for you?” she asked.

“Can you tell me…” he paused awkwardly, “That is…” he stopped again.

Ava took pity on him and grabbed his hand. “Knacayn, it’s okay. You can
ask me anything.”

He took a deep breath, “Is Knadyn happy? We have a bond that goes beyond
the ability to talk as other males do…at least we used to. Since he has been
back, I feel like that has been broken. I just need to know, since I cannot
feel it…here.” He tapped himself in the chest. “Is he
happy
?”

Ava smiled, “Yes. I think he is.” She paused, “I will let Knadyn tell you
all about…things when this is finished.” She knew that he would want to tell
his brother about her himself. It was something deeper between them like
Knacayn was saying. Just because his mind was a bit off now, didn’t mean he
wouldn’t get it back after the mission to Earth. She didn’t want to spoil that
brother moment. “He has gained his health back and is thriving in Hu’lani.
After the mission to Earth, Knadyn will want to find you and talk. I’m sure of
it.”
 
She looked at the transport pad, “I
don’t want to be rude, but I am really running late. I have to go.”

“I am glad that he has found you.” Knacayn hurried to hug her and then
turned and strode from the room.

Ava nodded at the male working the console and he hit the button to take
her back to Hu’lani. It felt strange to be part of such a large group of people
and have them care about you. In the Earth communities, it was all about
survival and if you faltered, it was too bad for you. Here on Terraneu it was
all about lifting each other up and making the best community to live in as
possible. Everyone kept saying how happy they were for Knadyn to have found her
but it was more than that. Ava had been handed a family and community that
cared, she wasn’t going to let this chance at happiness slip away.