Land of the Giants: A Love Story

By JR Thomas

 

Chapter Ten: Interlude Too

 

The next morning very little conversation passed between Sylvana and Steve as they prepared to leave for the Archon’s estate.  Sylvana was still annoyed with Steve’s rebuke from the previous night, and Steve, for his part, was disappointed with her seeming lack of sympathy and understanding regarding the ordeal he’d been through with Doctor Lefay.  Sylvana made it clear with her cold demeanor that she wished to avoid touching him, and when they were ready to depart she just set her purse down in front of him and opened it.  Upon arriving at the Archon’s, Sylvana went to the workshop and quickly deposited Steve on the main workshop table then headed for her office.  At no time was Steve’s outburst about wanting to move back in with the rest of the Spindrift crew brought up, though it weighed heavily on both their minds.

 

The day was a flood of activity in the workshop.  Grond Harko reinserted the engine modules into the Spindrift, and under Mark Wilson’s direction, Steve and Dan spent the balance of the day reattaching the engines to the control and fuel interfaces.  By the late afternoon they were becoming very excited.  All that was left was to load the fuel cells and test the engines.  If all went well they would be on their way home in under a fortnight. 

 

As quitting time approached Steve hadn’t seen Sylvana all day, and he was starting to wonder uncomfortably if the two of them were on the verge of another split-up.  He was putting his jacket on when Mrs. Obek entered the workshop.

 

She glanced around the table looking for Steve, and when she spied his tell-tale red uniform, leaned down and spoke to him.  “Captain Burton, may I borrow you for a second?” 

 

Valerie, Mark, and Betty were close by, and they looked at Steve wondering what was going on. 

 

Steve approached the edge of the table and looked up at the giant matron.  “Sure Honoria.  What’s up?” 

 

The kindly woman gave him a secretive grin.  “Oh, Steve, I think it would be easier just to show you.”

 

Steve looked at the others and shrugged, then returned his gaze to the giant woman standing over the low table.  “OK Honoria, let’s go.”   He lifted his arms as her huge fingers wrapped around his torso.  She slowly lifted him off the table and headed out the workshop door. 

 

Steve felt Mrs. Obek gently squeezing him as she walked down the hall.  He thought with some humor that these giant women seemed to love handling him every chance they got, though he didn’t really mind as long as they were gentle with him. 

 

It came as no surprise to Steve when she took him into Sylvana’s private upstairs office.   He noticed Sylvana sitting at her desk; the backside of her striking auburn hair shining in the light seeping into the room between the window blinds.  Sylvana turned around in her chair, greeting her visitors with a pleasant smile.  Mrs. Obek exchanged some quick small talk with Sylvana as she placed Steve on the desk, then made her excuses and departed. 

 

Sylvana looked down at the little man with a trace of apprehension in her voice.  “Uh, Steve, I’m sorry about last night.”  She moved forward slightly.  “You were right.  You’d just come through a very trying experience, but I was only thinking of myself.”

 

One look at Sylvana’s beautiful ruby-red lips, gorgeous hair, and delicately manicured fingernails fluttering around his body, and any lingering annoyance he might have had melted away.  “No Sylvana, I’m the one who should apologize for snapping at you.  I’m sorry, I was tired. I know that’s no excuse though.” 

 

She exhaled joyfully.  “Oh, you wonderful man!” 

 

Sylvana pulled her right foot up on the chair so that she was sitting partially on her leg.  Her movements caught Steve’s attention, and when he allowed his gaze to fall slightly couldn’t help noticing her conservative blue/grey dress hiked far up her leg, exposing her stocking top and thigh. 

 

Sylvana noticed the little man enjoying her, and she looked down at her leg then back to him.  “Do you like, Steve?” she asked as she laid her hands on the desk close to him. 

 

“Yes I do Sylvana, very much” he replied, his gaze still transfixed on her gorgeous legs.

 

She let out a naughty giggle and lowered her head so it was within his reach.  Without saying anything he moved forward and stretched out his arms.  He placed his tiny hands on her chin, then kissed her on her enormous lips.  They remained in contact with each other for several minutes, both enjoying the erotic sensations of the other’s flesh. 

 

Having temporarily satiated each other’s needs, Sylvana gave him a handkerchief.  While Steve wiped the lipstick off his face, she laid back on her chair thinking of what they could do this evening besides the usual hot and steamy sex, not that there was anything usual about that, she thought. 

 

It suddenly came to her, and she sat up with a start. 

 

“Steve?” 

 

He set the gigantic handkerchief down and gazed up at his girlfriend.   “Yes dear?” 

 

“Let’s do something different this evening.”

 

This sparked his curiosity.  “What did you have in mind Sylvana?”

 

“Steve honey, I thought we’d go to Enya’s; the best women’s clothing store in the whole city.  You know you’ve been wanting me to buy some more sexy clothes”, she said playfully as she brushed her hand lightly against his side.

 

“Oh really…….” Steve said apprehensively. 

 

She moved her leg out from underneath her and sat up in the chair.  “And after that I thought we’d have dinner out.  I know a nice, cozy little restaurant that would be perfect.” 

 

Steve paused, rubbing his chin with his hand.  “Sylvana, it sounds like fun, but are you sure it’s safe?”

 

She gave him a disarming smile.  “Don’t you worry your little head Steve, I know the places quite well and I won’t let you out of my sight.  Bedsides, I do have the permit in case anyone hassles us.” 

 

“Swell”, he replied with a definite lack of enthusiasm.  Steve still didn’t like the idea of the permit.  Although he understood the necessity for it, he found the whole thing degrading in the extreme. 

 

She crossed her arms on the desktop and moved her face close to him.  “Oh please Steve; you’ll have a wonderful time, I promise.”

 

One look at those big, beautiful, imploring eyes, and he couldn’t say no.  “Oh, all right Sylvana.” 

 

She gave him a gigantic smile.  “Oh Steve, you won’t regret it.  Stay here while I get my purse.”  She got up from her chair and walked to the other side of the room.

 

Steve rolled his eyes.  With him standing on her desktop, he wondered where she expected him to go?

 

                                                                                    **************************

 

Steve was lying inside Sylvana’s purse, listening to the conversation going on in the giant store outside. 

 

“Thank you ma’am, the dresses are beautiful, but what I really wanted was something a little more, uh, revealing” Sylvana said.  “You know, short skirts, bare arms, bare backs.” 

 

The saleslady replied with a trace of surprise in her voice.  “Oh really Miss Noor, would you like me to take you to the young woman’s section?”

 

“Well, uh, sure ma’am” Sylvana responded sheepishly.   

 

“Your size is a bit on the high end for a young lady, but I think we should be able to find some things that would fit” the woman said officiously.  “Come this way.”

 

Sylvana followed the saleslady as she led her to the young woman’s clothing department.   Steve rightly surmised that Sylvana felt stung by her comment, but he hoped she didn’t take it too seriously.  After all, he thought he’d told her more than once that he loved the way the ‘few extra pounds’ added some nice curvature to her arms, legs, and overall figure, to say nothing of her chest! 

 

As Sylvana traversed through the store Steve felt his body rock back in forth inside her purse as if he were on some amusement part ride.  He waited patiently in darkness for the next 15-20 minutes while she picked out some clothing and nylons.  After a time he noticed the noise and conversation outside diminish, and when all at once he felt the purse set down on a solid surface, he figured they must now be in the ladies dressing room. 

 

Sure enough, when Sylvana opened the purse and lifted Steve out, looking around he could see he was standing on a chair inside what looked like a very spacious fitting room, resplendent with a full-length triple mirror.  Sylvana had seven outfits to try on, and leaning back against her purse, Steve relaxed and enjoyed the show. 

 

And what a show it was!  Steve thought that until now he only had gotten a glimpse of just how sexy Sylvana could be.  He looked on in wonder as she proceeded to put on and take off the beautiful, sexy outfits.   She strutted before the mirror in her miniskirts and bare-backed mini-dresses, rotated her huge, magnificent body, and then hovered around him as if he were a judge at some giant fashion show.  He gasped in awe as her thighs moved by him, slowly, sultrily, seductively.  At one point she slowly took off her hosiery as if doing a strip-tease, and then dropped them right on top of him!   He basked in her feminine scents, covered as he was in the silky, sensuous material.   Steve sighed in total ecstasy, thinking although he’d occasionally enjoyed watching his girlfriends back on Earth give him a ‘personal’ fashion show, they were nothing compared to this grand spectacle! 

 

“Aren’t you glad you came Steve?” she said enticingly.

 

He crawled out from under the nylons and looked up lovingly at his giant girlfriend.  “Sylvana, put on a few more show more shows like this and there’s no way I’ll be going back to Earth!” he shouted.  They both laughed, although Sylvana wondered if he was being at all serious.  She hoped he was.

 

Sylvana slipped back into a pair of dark nylons and black mini-dress she was buying, and then kneeled down close to Steve who was still standing on the chair next to her purse.  “Steve, there’s one more thing I need before we go to dinner.”

 

“What’s that hon?”

 

“Shoes!”  She gave him a big smile and winked.

 

Steve looked up at her approvingly, though he thought it would be unfortunate that he would have to sit this one out in her purse.     

 

Steve again rode around in the darkness of her handbag while Sylvana picked out some shoes; one moment at rest when she stopped, the next swaying back and forth when she moved along.  He figured it was just as well though, as he could hear that the salesperson assisting her was a man.  After about ten minutes Steve could feel the purse come to rest and he lay back and closed his eyes, figuring he could get in a quick nap before dinner.  Much to his chagrin though, a few moments later the purse opened, flooding him in light.  Sylvana reached in and pulled him out, and the next thing Steve knew he was standing on the floor next to her feet.  She was sitting on a chair, leaning over and looking down on him.

 

He looked up imploringly.  “Sylvana, are you sure this is wise?”

 

She smiled at him.  “Relax Steve, you’ll enjoy this.” 

 

Before he could question her more on the wisdom of exposing him in the open in this giant department store, he heard the giant shoe salesman approach. 

 

THUMP! THUMP! THUMP! THUMP!

 

“Miss Noor, these should fit.  Let me………”  The man went silent as his gaze fell across tiny Steve on the floor at his customer’s feet. 

 

“Miss Noor!  Don’t move!” he said excitedly.  “There’s one of those little people on the floor next to your purse!  Don’t worry, I’ll get him.”  As he reached down to grab Steve, Sylvana clutched his arm.

 

“It’s OK.  That’s Captain Burton.  He’s with me” she said nonchalantly. 

 

The man looked like he’d seen a ghost.  “Wha, wha……..”

 

Steve shouted at the giant.  “Hey, watch where you step pal!” 

 

The salesman looked down at the tiny man on the floor, too flustered to think clearly, and he just nodded at Steve. 

 

“I, I, I guess it’s alright, although it’s highly unusual.  We’ve never had little people in the store, at least none that I know of.” 

 

Steve rolled his eyes.      

 

“Sir, may I try on the shoes?”  Sylvana said pointedly to the salesman to get things moving.

 

The man looked up from his state of mild shock.  “Uh, uh, yes Miss Noor.  Of course.” 

 

“And please watch out for Captain Burton” Sylvana added.  She smiled at the man, and he returned an awkward grin.

 

He struggled putting the first shoe that Sylvana was trying; a smart-looking black suede pump, on her hosed foot; obviously still feeling nervous with the situation.      

 

Steve perceived with satisfaction that the enormous shoe was very flattering to her foot.  He walked up close to it, and noted how the spike of the shoe was nearly five feet high!  From the sexy shoe, his eyes followed up her leg, taking in the beautiful contour of her calf and thigh.  Very, very sexy, he thought. 

 

The next shoe she tried was a dressy, low-heeled mule, and as the salesman slipped it on Sylvana, Steve thought he noticed the man’s hands linger a bit too long on her foot.  Steve put his hands on his hips and looked up at the man with much indignation.  “Hey buddy!  You can remove your hands from her foot any time now!”    

 

He quickly withdrew his hands, and darted a glance at tiny Steve then up at Sylvana.  “Uh, uh, sorry ma’am”, he said with much embarrassment.

 

Sylvana turned her gaze from Steve up to the face of the salesman.  “Be careful” she said teasingly.  “Steve’s the jealous type.”

 

He forced a discomfited smile, then reached for the box containing the next pair of shoes. 

 

Steve watched admiringly as Sylvana tried on several more very expensive-looking pairs, including some very sexy dress sandals.  He marveled at the ridiculousness, and yet sexiness, of the situation.  After all, due to his tiny size, Sylvana’s clean, well-formed and well-manicured feet were one of the first things he’d noticed about her when they’d first met in the park well over two months ago.  He smiled and shook his head from side-to-side, thinking how crazy, but how exciting and sensual his life had become. 

 

As Steve stood on the ground next to Sylvana’s purse admiring the POV view of his giant girlfriend, he started to notice movement and voices.  Turning around he discerned four or five pairs of woman’s feet and lower legs standing nearby; just behind the shoe salesman.  Following his gaze up the legs, he could make out a group of giant women, all looking down on him with wonder and adoration.

 

“Oh, he is so adorable.”  Laughter

 

“She is so lucky.”  Giggles

 

“Where can I find one just like him?”  Laughter

 

Steve smirked and rolled his eyes.  By now he was almost getting used to the attention, ogling, and fawning that he had been receiving from the giant women wherever he went these days.  Life had indeed become very strange, he thought. 

 

“I’d like to take him home with me.”  Giggles

 

“I’d give my boyfriend the old ‘heave ho’ if I could find one of those little men.”  Laughter

 

The salesman noticed the small crowd of ladies forming around them.  He got up and confronted them, assuming his best professional demeanor.  “Ladies, please move along.  Don’t crowd us.  I’ll be with you in a minute.”

 

He herded the curious women out into the main store aisle next to the shoe department, and then quickly returned to Sylvana.  “I’m sorry ma’am.”  He looked down at Steve.  “Sir”. 

 

“Sylvana gave the salesman a warm smile and then looked down at Steve, still at her feet.  “Don’t worry about it.  I think Steve is rather used to it by now”.  Steve lifted his arms and shrugged his shoulders. 

 

Sylvana returned her gaze to the salesmen.  “Thank you sir, you’ve been most helpful, but I think we’re finished.  I’ll take all five pairs.” 

 

The man gave her a big smile, thinking of the tidy bonus he would get for this large sale of expensive shoes.  Steve folded his arms and grinned, thinking of a woman from Earth history named Ivana Trump. 

 

                                                                                    **************************

 

Four members of the Brobdinian Supreme Council were having a social dinner at a posh, expensive restaurant in Nar Shadaa city.  ‘Social’, meaning, of course, that the dinner was mostly business. 

 

An elderly, white-haired gentleman looked at the elegant blond women sitting to his right.  “Galla, it seems your bold gamble to support Obek in his dealings with the little people have paid off.  Our society is already starting to reap the benefits of their advanced technology.”  He raised his wine glass to her.  “You are to be commended for your efforts.”

 

The Councilman sitting on the other side of the woman gave the man a dry smile, interjecting a sarcastic comment.  “……and let’s not forget how your coffers are now full to overflowing as well.” 

 

The first man looked at him with indignation.  “What’s good for my Firm is good for Brobdinia sir!”

 

The darkly handsome Councilmen sitting between the other two men tapped the second one on the shoulder.  “My dear Dargo, I don’t see you suffering from malnutrition.”  The three men chuckled.    

 

Supreme Council Deputy Galla Placidia looked at the men with mild irritation.  “I think it’s clear that we’ve all benefited from the advanced Earth technology.”  She took a sip of wine.  “Now if you’re quite through with your petty squabbling, I’d like to move on to the business at hand.”

 

They nodded their acquiescence, and the woman continued.  “I’m willing to support each of you as regards your patent claims on the Earth technology.”

 

“Splendid.  Good, good.”  The men muttered.

 

“But there is something I want in return” she added.

 

The three men looked at her expectantly. 

 

She gazed at them with cool, calculating eyes.  “In the next assembly of the Supreme Council I will be putting forth a proposed amendment to our marriage laws, and I will require your support for it to pass.”

 

The three men gazed at her silently for a few moments, and then the elderly gentleman sitting on her left spoke up.  “What kind of amendment, my dear?”   

 

The man sitting next to Dargo spoke up.  “Oh come now Phormio, I think we know what our esteemed Deputy wants”.  He smiled knowingly, and then gave the woman a probing look.  “Why don’t you ask Deputy Placidia about her kept boyfriend?”  He paused for effect, and then continued.  “…..although I wish Galla would give me a tumble.  After all, our esteemed Deputy has the best legs on the Supreme Council.” He sat back in his chair and gave her a carnal grin.  “Your lips are made for kissing, my dear.” 

 

“But not by you!” she curtly retorted. 

 

The three men laughed. 

 

Galla was infuriated at Councilmen Nihlis’s blatantly sexist and disrespectful comment, but she was much too cool and intelligent to take his bait further.  In any case she needed his support, for now.  She gave the man a cold stare, but otherwise remained silent.

 

“Well, this is the first I’ve heard of it, Nihilis”, Councilman Dargo said.  “Suppose you enlighten us?”

 

The two councilmen’s faces turned a whiter shade of pale as Nihilis filled them in on Galla’s proposed amendment.

 

Galla sighed, thinking this was going to be a long and difficult evening.  Out of the corner of her eye she noticed a vaguely familiar woman being seated at the semi-private table in the corner of the restaurant.  In a moment it came to her.  It was Archon Obek’s secretary, Sylvana Noor.  Rumor has it she’s dating one of the Earthman working with Obek.  Interesting coincidence, she thought. 

 

                                                                                    **************************

 

Steve was sitting in a tiny chair that Sylvana had brought along in her purse, and he was situated next to her giant plate, eating from tiny portions she had cut for him and set down at the corner of the plate.  Steve was enjoying some giant caviar, thinking that going out with Sylvana had turned out to be much safer, and an altogether more pleasant experience than he had anticipated.  Sylvana had warned the manager when calling in the reservation that she was bringing one of the little people, and he assured her that he would do his utmost to ensure their privacy.  He gave them their best, most secluded table for two, well out of the way of most customer traffic.  Additionally, the soft, romantic lighting and the fact that the exclusive restaurant was only half-full all helped ensure their privacy.  Indeed, the only people who knew the little Earthman was there were the manager, who came by Syvlana’s table briefly, partly to introduce himself, but mostly because he’d never seen one of the little people, and of course the waitress. 

 

The waitress was a pleasant, comely girl in her late twenties, and the only problem there was what, to Steve, was rapidly becoming the usual one.  That is, the giant girl was totally enthralled with the handsome little man, and to Sylvana’s increasing annoyance and jealousy it seemed she was making excuses to check on their table every few minutes.  Eventually the manager had a word with her, admonishing the girl not to draw unnecessary attention to their table, and her visits tapered off. 

 

Steve looked up at his giant date.  “Sylvana, can I help that I’m so irresistible to women?” he said with a grin. 

 

She put her fork down and shook her head back and forth.  “You!” she exclaimed with mock indignation.   “Steve, all I can say is that you better hope I never catch you with another woman, I don’t care what their size.  The day I do you’re going to be in big trouble!”  She gave him a wink.

 

Steve put his hand over his head, feigning fright.  They laughed heartily. 

 

“Sylvana?”

 

“Yes dear?” 

 

“I just wanted you to know that I was apprehensive at first about going out, but I’ve had a great time this evening.  Thank you.”

 

“You’re welcome Steve.  So have I.” 

 

Steve got up from his chair.  “I’ll never forget the look on that shoe salesman’s face when he saw me at your feet.  Where’s a camera when you need one?”  She smiled, remembering the comical scene, and they chuckled.

 

She moved her face close to him.  “And Steve, what about those women at the store?”  She started mocking some of the things they had said – “Look at the little man, he is soooooooo adorable!  Oh, I want to take him home and love him!  He is so hot!”  Sylvana waved a hand in front of her face. 

 

Steve laughed so hard at her impersonations that Sylvana wondered if the couple at the nearest table would hear him.

 

When the two had recovered from their merriment, Steve walked up to a point just below and in front of her chin. “Sylvana, I don’t mind saying that watching your fashion show got me so hot I thought I wasn’t going to need the Spindrift to get into space.”

 

Steve detected a sudden sadness in her eyes, and realized that his figurative remark may have not been the most tactful thing to say.  The mention of his ship reminded her that he would be returning home, and he saw a tear form in her eye.

 

He stretched his arms up towards her.  “Oh Sylvana, I……….”

 

“Pardon me, sorry to interrupt……..”

 

Sylvana and Steve were startled by the sudden intrusion on their tender moment, and they looked up to see a woman standing next to their table. 

 

Steve instinctively backed away from the giant, and Syvlana quickly sat up in her seat.

 

“Why, Deputy Placidia.  It’s an honor to see you here.”  Sylvana started to get up, but the woman motioned her to stay seated. 

 

“I take it you two know each other?” Steve asked. 

 

Sylvana looked down at Steve nervously.  “Ste, Steve, allow me to introduce Deputy Galla Placidia of the Supreme Council.” 

 

Steve folded his arms and looked up at the woman but said nothing.  It was not lost on him though that she was a striking woman in her mid-40’s with intelligent-looking eyes and platinum blond shoulder-length hair.

 

“Please to meet you Captain Burton.  I’ve heard so much about you.” 

 

She offered Steve her hand.  He grasped the end of her index finger and placed a kiss on her bright red nail.  Although Sylvana had grown very possessive of Steve lately, there was no way she was going to raise any objections concerning Deputy Placidia.   

 

Sylvana lower her head close to Captain Burton.  “Steve, Deputy Placidia is Archon Obek’s chief supporter on the Supreme Council.  It was largely on her account that the Archon was able to get permission to deal with you and your people.”

 

Steve shook his head in understanding.  He looked up at the giant woman.  “In that case, the pleasure is all mine ma’am.  We owe you a great deal.”

 

She leaned close to the table to better communicate with the little man.  “Oh, not at all Steve.  Both our peoples have benefited greatly.”  She smiled. “Oh, and please call me Galla.”  She smiled at them.

 

Steve moved closer to the giant woman.  “Galla, I’m delighted the Supreme Council seems to be listening to people other than Inspector Kobick these days.” 

 

Galla shook her head back and forth at the mention of the inspector’s name.  “I don’t think you will have to worry about Inspector Kobick anymore Steve.  We heard about his attempted raid on Archon Obek’s estate, and we are in the process of disbanding the SID.”

 

Steve gave the giant women the biggest smile his tiny countenance could muster.

 

Galla gazed on them warmly.  “Sylvana, it would be my pleasure if you would bring Captain Burton to my place for dinner sometime next week.  I think we all would have much to discuss.”

 

“How so Galla?” Steve queried. 

 

“Look, I’d love to talk more now, but I have other members of the Supreme Council at my table.  I really should be getting back to them.”

 

“We understand Deputy, uh, Galla”, Sylvana said.  “And yes, we would be honored to have dinner with you.”

 

The woman clasped her hands to her front and turned to Miss Noor.  “Excellent.  My secretary will be calling you to make the arrangements.”

 

Steve watched the giant woman admiringly as she walked away from their table, then looked up at his date.  “Considering all she’s done for us, it would be ungracious not to accept her invitation.”  He folded his arms.  “Still, I wonder what she wants to talk with us about?”

 

“Who knows?” Sylvana replied.  “But Steve, the way you’ve been girl-watching tonight, I think I’d better get you home”, she said half-joking, half-seriously.  “And when the waitress comes with the check, I should be very displeased if you flirt with her.”   

 

He walked a few paces closer to his giant date.  “Sylvana, the women of your world are very lovely, but you are the goddess!” 

 

Sylvana put her elbows on the table, and clasping her hands under her chin, moved her face close to him.   Steve gazed pleasingly at the giant bracelet on her arm. 

 

“……and a very jealous goddess at that,” she said with a broad smile. “If I catch your eyes wandering any more, you’ll be staying in your dollhouse tonight.”

 

Steve grinned.  “Sylvana, after seeing your fashion show at the department store, I don’t think I could stand that.” 

 

He walked up and put his head in the crevice of her enormous lips.  They were still kissing a few moments later when the waitress returned with the check.   She was most disappointed to see that the cute little man was obviously taken.  

 

**************************

 

Sylvana and Steve were in the living room, drinking some coffee and awaiting the arrival of her son and daughter.  Steve was sitting at a dollhouse furniture set Sylvana had placed on her coffee table.  It was an interesting curiosity to see the tiny sofa and coffee table set amidst their giant counterparts.

 

Steve took a sip from his tiny cup, and then looked up at his giant girlfriend.  “This is really great coffee Sylvana; the first decent cup I’ve had in three years.”

 

She looked down at him and smiled.  “Glad you like it dear.  It’s a special blend from the groves of Anorien.  Not too bitter, not too strong, just right.” 

 

Steve took a few more sips and then set his cup down.  He got up and moved closer to Sylvana so as not to have to shout when talking with her.   He admired her shapely knees that were at eye level with him.  

 

“How old did you say your kids were honey?” Steve asked. 

 

Sylvana put her cup down on the table, close to the dollhouse furniture set.  Steve looked at Sylvana’s cup, thinking for a moment how unnerving it could be to see giant objects in juxtaposition to items his own size.  After all this time on the giant world, it was still something that was very bizarre to him.      

 

Sylvana uncrossed her legs and leaned close to her tiny boyfriend. 

 

“Gard is now twenty-one, and Tarla is twenty” she answered.  “As I may have mentioned before, they’re both students at Nar Shadaa University.  He’s studying engineering, and she’s in medicine.” 

 

Steve looked up at Sylvana’s face as they talked, occasionally allowed his gaze to fall back to eye level were Sylvana’s beautiful legs were jutting out at an angle to him. 

 

“They must be very smart, like their mother.”

 

His compliment prompted a warm smile from her.  “Thank you Steve.  Yes, Gard and Tarla are my pride and joy.” 

 

Steve noticed a wistful look in her eyes. “What’s wrong dear?”

 

She breathed out slowly.  “Oh, I was just thinking of their father.” 

 

“What happened?” 

 

She didn’t answer immediately, and Steve could see in her huge eyes that it was obviously an uncomfortable subject with her.

 

 “Oh, he just couldn’t keep it at home”, she answered pensively.

 

“I’m very sorry Sylvana.  It was definitely his loss.”

 

Sylvana’s countenance brightened considerably at Steve’s comment.  “Thank you Steve, you’re so sweet.  Why can’t men my own size be as nice?”  

 

Sylvana  continued.  “It was very hard for a time after the divorce as I hadn’t worked in a while, but luckily I got the job with Archon Obek who pays very well.  As it turned out, not only could I dispense with my ex’s child support, which in any event was sporadic, but could also afford to send Gard and Tarla to university.”

 

Steve folded his arms across his chest and looked up at her.  “I’m happy things have turned out well for you Sylvana.  You deserve no less.”

 

“Thank you Steve”.  She reached down and brushed his side lightly with her hand. 

 

“Sylvana, as I told you, I’m still a bit concerned about meeting them, but since we’ve been seeing each other for a while now, I didn’t see how I can refuse.” 

 

“Oh Steve, don’t worry.  You’ll like them.  They’re very well-mannered.” 

 

Steve started pacing slowly over the coffee table.  “But Sylvana, what do they think of little people?”

 

She leaned close to him with her hands resting on her knees.  “Like me, they were dismayed by the SID’s treatment of you little people, and applauded the fall of the old coalition in the Supreme Council and the rise of Deputy Placidia and the Liberal Party.” 

 

Steve was still apprehensive.  He stopped his pacing and looked up at her.  “I’m glad to hear that Sylvana, but what I really meant was, do they know about us?” 

 

“You mean???????”  She giggled, and gave him a mischievous grin.  “Well, no dear, which is one reason I’ve invited them to stop by today.”

 

“Well that’s just great!”  Steve said with much irritation evident in his voice.  He looked away from her.

 

She sat on the edge of the sofa and leaned over to keep close to the tiny man.  “Oh come now Steve, you’ve moved in with me!  They’ll have to find out sooner or later.”

 

He stopped and turned around to face her.  “I suppose you’re right Sylvana.  I was just hoping that by the time they did……..”

 

“Yes Steve?”  She prompted him to continue his thought. 

 

He looked down.  “I’m sorry Sylvana.  I guess I was thinking that by the time they did find out, I’d be gone.” 

 

A frown came upon her face.  “Well Steve, if that’s the way you feel, maybe you should leave now!”  She crossed her arms and looked away, now feeling quite irritated herself.

 

“Forgive me Sylvana.”  The giant woman’s leg just below her knee was bushing against the side of the coffee table, and Steve walked up and put his hand on it.  He gently caressed her hosed flesh.  “I’m sorry dear.” 

 

She looked down and gave him a perplexed look.  All at once they could hear a car pull up out front. 

 

Sylvana looked towards the front door.  “That’s them”, she said.

 

Saved by the bell, Steve thought. 

 

She got up from the sofa, straightened her blouse and skirt, and walked to the door.  Steve positioned himself close to the forward edge of the coffee table just in front of the dollhouse furniture.         

 

The living room coffee table was not too close to the front door, so Gard and Tarla did not immediately notice Steve when Sylvana let them in.  It gave him a moment to observe the two giants while they hugged and exchanged greetings and small talk with their mother.  Gard was moderately handsome for a giant man.  He wore glasses and had thick dark hair which covered the upper half of his ears.  Steve noticed some stubble on his chin, meaning he hadn’t shaved or was trying to grow a beard.  He was dressed in what Steve thought looked like trendy Bohemian clothing. 

 

Tarla, however, was another story entirely.  To say that he was impressed by this young giant woman was an understatement.   He felt, somewhat uncomfortably considering she was the daughter of his girlfriend, that Tarla was a real looker.  To Steve she was a young version of Sylvana with longer hair.  Her mane was a light reddish-brown and flowed down well past her shoulders.   She wore a dark red loose-fitting blouse that exposed much of the milky-white skin of her shoulders. 

 

Due to Steve’s small size and his viewing perspective on the coffee table, however, Tarla’s legs stood out more than anything.  She had on a tight-fitting miniskirt that matched her blouse, and with her black high-heels and lack of nylons, she had arguably the most beautiful legs Steve had seen, since, well, her mother!   She had the same well-contoured, lightly muscled legs, the difference being that she was a little taller than Sylvana.

 

“There’s someone very special I’d like you to meet” Sylvana said to her son and daughter.

 

Steve took a deep breath and braced himself as the three giants approached the coffee table he was standing on. 

 

“Gard, Tarla, I’d like to introduce to you Captain Steve Burton” Sylvana said proudly.

 

The two young adults looked around, obviously confused.  “Wha, Where?” Gard asked.

 

Sylvana smiled and nodded down in the direction of the coffee table.

 

Two sets of eyes bulged out of their heads, and two sets of jaws dropped to the floor.  Steve reflected on how although he would have thought he’d be used to the giants’ astonishment when first seeing him by now, after three years it was still a curious, uncomfortable feeling. 

 

He raised a hand and shouted “Hello” at the top of his voice. 

 

Gard and Tarla walked up to the coffee table and dropped on their knees to get a better look at Steve. 

 

After a few awkward moments, Tarla broke the silence.  “Ohmygod, it’s the little man from Doctor Lefay’s picture!”  She gasped pleasurably. 

 

Sylvana gave her a surprised look.  “Come again dear?”

 

She turned her head around and looked up at her mother.  “I attended one of Doctor Lefay’s lectures on the little people recently, and she passed around a picture of this little man.”  

 

Sylvana still seemed puzzled, and she joined her son and daughter on their knees next to the coffee table.  “What she talking about Steve?” 

 

“It’s a long story Sylvana.  Suffice to say that Doctor Lefay had taken a picture of me during an interview at the Archon’s a few weeks ago.”

 

“Oh” Sylvana muttered.

 

Tarla’s eyes brightened.  “Say little man, you’re even cuter in person, but you are sooooooo small!” She smacked her lips. 

 

Normally Steve would have been embarrassed by the giant girls’ ogling, but just this minute he was thankful Tarla didn’t mention the fact that he had been in his underwear and standing next to Doctor Lefay’s high heel in that photograph! 

 

Gard looked at his mother.  “Mom, if I were to ask what the little man was doing here, would I regret it?” 

 

“Why Gard, didn’t I mention that Archon Obek has been working with Captain Burton and the other little people?  They’ve been giving us technology in exchange for help repairing their spaceship”. 

 

Steve accosted Sylvana’s son, and the three giants looked in his direction.  “Gard, your mother tells me you’re studying engineering.  You should meet our engineer Mark Wilson sometime.  He’s a genius.”

 

If Steve thought his comment would endear Sylvana’s son closer to him, he was mistaken.  Gard completely ignored Steve, and looked at his mother with consternation evident in his face.  Tarla continued eyeballing and smiling with deep admiration at the tiny man standing before them on the coffee table.

 

“Mom, I understand the Archon is working with the little people, but that doesn’t answer my question.  What’s the little man doing here?”   

 

It was not lost on Steve that Gard phrased his question in such a way that he apparently considered him insignificant; a non-entity.  Steve sighed, thinking that as he had feared, things were taking a turn for the worse.

 

Sylvana averted her son’s gaze and replied nervously.  “Why, why, uh, Steve and I are, are, uh, friends, Gard.” 

 

Astonished gazes again swept over the faces of her son and daughter, but whereas Tarla’s was tinged with a naughty look, Gard seemed shocked; horrified even. 

 

He stood up and looked down at his mother.  “Mom, are you kidding me?” he said with much annoyance.  “Have you gone completely off your rocker!”

 

Sylvana stood on her feet, looking very hurt at her son’s words.  “Gard, please don’t take that tone with me in my house.”

 

By now Gard was confused, flustered, and upset.  He glanced down at his sister, still kneeling in front of the coffee table admiring Captain Burton.   “Tarla, I’ll be out in the car.” 

 

He turned around and headed for the door. 

 

“Gard!” his mother called to him, but he didn’t look back or break his stride. 

 

Sylvana was by now nearly in tears, and quickly followed her son out the front door. 

 

Steve suddenly found himself alone with Tarla, and the way she was eyeing him, he wondered if it were such a good idea that Sylvana had left him unattended with her. 

 

Tarla looked towards the door, and then returned her gaze to Steve.  “They’ll be OK, I think” she said. 

 

Steve put his hands on his hips and approached Tarla’s face hovering over him.  Her long hair draped down like a curtain to Steve’s front.

 

“So your mother and I seeing each other doesn’t bother you Tarla?”

 

“No, why should it?  I’m envious” she said with much sincerity.  “Steve, my knees are starting to hurt sitting like this.  Let’s move over to the bar.” 

 

Without waiting for permission, the girl wrapped her fingers around him and lifted him off the coffee table. 

 

“Wow Captain Burton, you’ve got nice little muscles” she said with a giggle, holding him up to her face.  She walked over to the bar/divider separating the kitchen from the dinning room, and placing Steve on the bar top, proceeded to set herself down on one of the barstools. 

 

“So Steve, do you and my mom………” 

 

“Do we what?” 

 

She looked at him coyly.  “You know……”

 

Steve paced over the bar top.  “And what if I said we did?” 

 

She smiled at him glowingly.  “With that muscled little body of yours, I’ll bet you feel nice.”  She giggled.

 

“You don’t mince words, do you Tarla?”  Steve grinned, thinking that although the girl had a lot of audacity; it was in a friendly, non-threatening way.  She was nothing if not spirited.

 

Tarla was sitting far enough away that Steve could gaze out on the entire length of her huge, enchanting body.  Knowing that he was admiring her, she moved her legs sideways, giving him a profile view.  Bending her nearest knee caused her skirt to hike up, and she slipped a foot partially out of her shoe.

 

“Do you really like my mother?” she asked.

 

“More than that Tarla, I love her.” 

 

She smiled approvingly.  “You do?  Cooooool!  She must be the luckiest woman on Brobdinia.”

 

The giant girl turned to face Steve, then leaned her head close to him.  “Steve, almost afraid to ask, but are there any other cute little guys in your group?” 

 

Steve smirked, thinking that this girl didn’t waste any time.  “Sorry Tarla, but Mark and Dan are taken, Barry’s only sixteen, and Fitzhugh, well, the less said about him the better” he noted with a grin.

 

“Oh”, she replied dejectedly. 

 

“Cheer up Tarla.  You’re a very beautiful young woman.  I’d think you’d want to find a guy your own size to have a family with.” 

 

She brushed a hand through her long locks, looking away.  “I guess”, she replied, none too convincingly. 

 

They heard the front door open.  “Tarla?”  The giant girl and the Earthman looked in the direction of her mother’s voice coming from the living room.  

 

“We’re in here mom!” 

 

Tarla returned her gaze to Steve, eying him mischievously.  Before he knew what was happening, she had grabbed him around the waist, lifted him up, and quickly planted a kiss on the side of his face.  She set him back on the bar seconds before Sylvana entered the room.  Although taken aback Tarla’s bold gesture, Steve thought better of bringing it up in front of her mother.  He did, however, quickly wipe her lipstick off the side of his face. 

 

Tarla and Steve could see that Sylvana still looked a bit out of sorts from the altercation with her son, but at least she wasn’t crying.  “So, are you two getting better acquainted?” Sylvana asked. 

 

“Yes Mom, and you are so lucky, I mean totally.” 

 

Sylvana face brightened noticeably at her daughter’s comment. 

 

“Sylvana?” Steve shouted to be heard by her, as she was not close to where he was standing on the bar top.  Barely hearing him, she moved in his direction.

 

Steve continued.  “I’m sorry about Gard.  I hope everything’s alright.”          

 

“I think he’ll come around Steve.  We just need to give him some time, that’s all.”  She replied. 

 

“Don’t worry mom, I’ll work on him.  And besides, he’d better be nice if he expects me to introduce him to my friend Zira.”  The three chuckled at her comment.

 

“Mom, if you ever need anyone to look after Captain Burton while you’re gone, please give me a call”, she said enthusiastically.

 

Steve grinned at the girl’s thinly-veiled flirtation, and Sylvana looked at her daughter with mock sternness.  “I appreciate your concern Tarla, but I don’t think that will be necessary.”  They laughed again.

 

After a few more minutes Sylvana and Steve bade farewell to Tarla, and he gazed on admiringly at Tarla’s long, long legs as she walked out the door.  He thought she would be a great catch for some nice man someday, no matter what their size. 

 

He still felt a tinge of guilt over admiring the daughter of his girlfriend, just as he would if he were back on Earth with women his own size.  His feelings were also exacerbated by the fact that Steve stood roughly midway in age between the two women, though he reflected with some humor that the age issue was trivial compared to the size differences.  Steve reflected on the ‘what if’s’, thinking that if things had turned out differently, he might now be enjoying Tarla instead of her mother Sylvana. 

 

On the balance though, he considered himself fortunate.  Sylvana was beautiful, caring, successful, intelligent, and good lord, he’d had to fight a giant man for her!  Furthermore, if the Dektora Lefay incident had taught him anything, he had learned that it was a very dangerous game to play the field with these beautiful, but gigantic creatures.  But all this was academic, he thought.  After all, he would be returning to Earth as soon as the Spindrift became airworthy.  Or was he?

 

As Gard and Tarla drove to the university, Tarla couldn’t get Captain Burton off her mind.  He was the cutest, most handsome little thing she’d ever seen!   I wonder if all the little Earthmen are that good looking?  Judging from the way her mother tended to glow when around him, he obviously kept her satisfied.  She smiled roguishly, wondering where she could find a little man of her own?    

 

**************************

 

At about three in the afternoon Sylvana entered the workshop to pick up Steve.  The two were quitting work early on account of their dinner engagement at Supreme Councilwoman Galla Placidia’s home.   The Archon was very pleased with this, reminding Sylvana (though she didn’t need reminding) that to be invited to Councilwoman’s Placidia’s residence - his benefactor, was a great honor. 

 

Steve had expected Sylvana to put him in her purse, but was mildly surprised when she set him on top of it instead.  Holding on to the purse strap for support, he called up to her.  “Sylvana, you’re being a little bold, aren’t you?”

 

She looked down at her tiny boyfriend, smiling.  “Not at all Steve.  It’s a beautiful day, and I thought you’d like to ride outside for a change.  You’re not concerned about falling off are you?  Don’t worry, I’ll be careful.”

 

“No, I’m fine Sylvana, but aren’t you worried someone might see me?”

 

“Oh Steve”, she exhaled pleasurably.  “It’s only a short walk to and from my car, but anyway, I’m not troubled in the least with what others’ may think.  I’m proud to be seen with you!”

 

Steve looked up and smiled.  “Thank you, Sylvana.  You’ve made my day.”  Steve reflected happily that in the entire time they’d known each other she had time and again resisted the temptation to treat him like a doll or a pet, and above all, had never, never taken advantage of her huge size to force herself on him.  Yet again he was starting to feel many orders of magnitude larger than he actually was on this giant world.   

 

As Sylvana walked out the front door, Steve noticed that it was indeed a very beautiful day, and sitting on her purse was in fact much better than being cloistered inside it when traveling.  The purse hung down to a point just above her knees, and although he enjoyed the outdoors scenery, he found himself looking mostly in Sylvana’s direction, watching her intoxicating legs as they moved back and forth.  Of course riding on top the purse also allowed them to talk in the car, making the twenty-minute drive go much faster. 

 

When they arrived at her house, Sylvana got out of the car with Steve and her purse in hand and walked up to the mailbox. 

 

“Hi there Sylvana.”

 

Stopping, she turned around to face her next-door neighbor.  She had noticed the middle-aged woman out front tending her flowers when she had first pulled in the driveway.  Sylvana raised her hand in greeting.   “Hi Neda, how’s it going?” 

 

“Just fine Sylvana.  The Archon still keeping ya’ busy?”

 

“Oh, for sure”, Sylvana replied.  “Say Neda, your flowers are lovely.  You’re making me feel guilty.  I’ve been neglecting my own lately.” 

 

The woman smiled proudly at Sylvana’s compliment.  She let her glance fall slightly and thought she noticed something strange on Sylvana’s purse.  She adjusted her glasses, and Sylvana could see her smile gradually replaced by a baffled look. 

 

Sylvana grinned, looked at Steve, then returned her gaze to her neighbor.  “Anything the matter Neda?” 

 

When the little man sitting on Sylvana’s purse came into focus, the woman’s jaw dropped to the ground. 

 

“Neda, I’d like you to meet my boyfriend, Captain Steve Burton.”

 

Steve stood up on Sylvana’s purse and waved at her.  “Hi Neda.  Pleased to meet you.” 

 

“Uh, uh, uh, uh.”  The stunned woman turned around and headed for her front door.  Her walk turned into a fast pace, then into a full run.  “Abgar!  Abgar!” she shouted hysterically as she ran into the house. 

 

Steve and Sylvana looked at each other and laughed.  She retrieved the mail, and by the time her neighbor came back outside with her reluctant husband in tow, Sylvana was safely ensconced within her own home.         

 

In an hour they were ready to depart for their dinner appointment.  From where he was standing in front of the dollhouse, Steve gazed up admiringly at Sylvana’s elegant black one-piece dress with hem well above her knees, off-black nylons, and formal matching pumps rimmed with a gold braid.  She tenderly picked Steve up and set him on her purse, and they headed out the door into the cool evening air.

 

When Sylvana pulled in to Galla Placidia’s nearly forty minutes later, she and Steve were very impressed by the mansion. Archon Obek’s seemed modest by comparison.  They thought on hindsight though that they shouldn’t really be surprised.  Ms. Placidia was, after all, a member of the Brobdinian Supreme Council. 

 

Sylvana walked up to the door, still carrying Steve on her purse in full-view.  She rang the doorbell, and in a moment one of Galla’s handmaidens opened the door and let her in.  Steve, being the man that he was, always made a point of checking out these colossal, feminine creatures.  She was a slightly severe looking but not uncomely woman in her late-40’s.  She was wearing a black dress fringed with white lace, and had long dark hair pinned up in a bun.  The woman greeted Sylvana, and noting Steve on her purse, gave them both a knowing smile.  She ushered them into the spacious living room, inviting Sylvana to make herself at home while she fetched the mistress.

 

The couple admired the sumptuous room with its posh furniture and decorative chandeliers.  Sylvana glanced down at Steve on her purse.  “I’ve never been in the house of a Supreme Council member before.  Very impressive, isn’t it?” 

 

Steve nodded his ascent.  He continued to scan the room from his perch, and looking behind him noticed what looked like a large framed photo of Galla Placidia hanging on the wall. 

 

“Sylvana, look at this.” 

 

She looked down at her passenger and then faced in the direction he was pointing.  From a distance they could see that it was a beautiful glamour shot of Councilwoman Placidia standing next to a single red rose in a vase on the ground.  The picture was enclosed within a very expensive-looking ornate gold frame.  When Sylvana got close to it though, something else came into view.  Steve smiled, and Sylvana gasped in astonishment.  A tiny man was standing at her feet. 

 

They remained silent for a moment staring at the photo.  Sylvana grinned, thinking that she had seemed to have found a kindred spirit in a most unexpected place.  Looking at the picture gave Steve an odd feeling, making him think rather affectedly of his own situation.

 

Suddenly they heard a woman’s voice from behind them.  “The photographer did a wonderful job, don’t you think?”

 

Sylvana turned around, and standing before her was their hostess Galla Placidia with a tiny man cupped in her hands. 

 

“Ye, ye, yes, your Excellency, it is beautiful.”  Sylvana replied nervously. 

 

“There’s no need to be so formal dear.  My friends call me Galla.” 

 

“Yes Galla”, she replied, still feeling some mild shock at the revelation that she was not the only woman who had taken a tiny Earthman as her………lover.    

 

Galla looked down at Steve.  “How nice to see you again Captain Burton.”

 

Steve, for his part, was most impressed with their hostess, noting that she looked even better than she had last week in the restaurant.  Her platinum blond hair glowed radiantly in the soft light.  She was wearing a tasteful above-the knee green skirt with matching designer blouse.   Her fresh-looking skin was even lighter than Sylvana’s, giving Steve pause to compare these giant, feminine creatures with the ladies of his own planet.  He reflected that although many women of Earth seemed to favor the brown, tanned look (and many men seemed to like them that way too), he preferred these light-skin women of Brobdinia.  To his way of thinking, they were like Nordic/Aryan goddesses out of Earth mythology. 

 

Galla gave them a warm, friendly look.  “Sylvana, Steve, please allow me to introduce my fiancée, John Roberts.”  The little man stood up in her palms and raised a hand in greeting. 

 

Sylvana and Steve looked at each other, stunned.  “Fiancée?” Sylvana asked.

 

“Why yes dear.  John and I are going to be married as soon as I get the amendment to our marriage laws passed.”

 

There was silence for a moment while Sylvana and Steve contemplated what they’d just been told.  Sylvana’s mind raced with the possibilities, and Steve just sat on the purse in bewildered silence.

 

“Why, why, congratulations!”  Sylvana responded enthusiastically.      

 

Galla smiled appreciatively, then gazed down at the man standing in her hands.  “John, why don’t you give Miss Noor a proper welcome.”  She set him on the carpet, and he walked up to Sylvana.  Kneeling down, he kissed her on the foot where her skin was exposed just above the vamp.   She smiled delightfully, thinking she’d never get tired of the little men kissing her feet.  Why is it that men my own size don’t know how to treat a woman? She pondered.

 

Taking the queue from their hostess, Sylvana lifted Steve off her purse and set him on the ground next to John.  The two men shook hands and eyed each other with some embarrassment, as neither thought they would ever meet another Earthman who was also an admirer of these giant women. 

 

Looking up, Steve noticed Galla peering down at him expectantly.  In a moment it occurred to him what she was waiting for, and he walked up to her.  As the little man approached Galla, she slid a foot out of her shoe.  Steve cradled her big toe in his hands and kissed it just above the nail.  He thought that like Sylvana, this woman knew how to take care of her feet.  He detected no disagreeable odors nor any unsightly calluses or blemishes.   Steve marveled at her perfectly manicured toes, wondering if John had done it for her?  He thought he’d have to give Sylvana a pedicure sometime.  She’d probably really enjoy it. 

 

Sylvana addressed their hostess.  “Galla, you were right when you said we’d have much to discuss.”

 

The two women exchanged perceptive glances, and Galla gazed down at the two little men standing between her and Sylvana.  “John, why don’t you show Steve your house while Sylvana and have some girl chat.”

 

Her fiancé nodded his assent, and as Galla kneeled down to pick them up, John raised his hand.  “That’s alright honey.  I’m in the mood for a stretch; I think we’ll walk.” 

 

 “Are you sure it’s safe?”  Sylvana asked.

 

Galla stood up from her kneeling position, facing her guest.  “Yes Sylvana, there’s only my handmaiden here at the moment, and we’ve gotten into the habit of looking down at the floor whenever we enter a room to avoid, well……..you know.”  The two women giggled.   

 

“We’ll come and fetch you guys when dinner’s ready”, Galla said.

 

The two giant women watched with adoring stares as their little men made their way across the carpet and out of the room.   

 

“Sylvana, care for a drink while we wait?  I took the liberty of asking Rumina to fix us up something.”  

 

 “Well, I don’t know……”

 

“Don’t worry dear; it’s just something light to get the taste buds going before dinner.”

 

“Sure, why not?”  Sylvana replied.

 

The two women sat down facing each other, and as if on queue a few moments later Galla’s handmaiden brought in a tray with two drinks on it. 

 

“Sylvana, I wanted to say that I admire your courage, taking Steve out on a date like you did last week.  I was very surprised to see him with you at the restaurant.  I must confess that I’ve not yet had the nerve to take John out of the house.” 

 

Sylvana cautiously sipped from her drink, and found it much to her liking.  It was fruity sweet, with just a touch of liquor.  “Actually Galla, it went very well and we had a nice time.  I even took him shopping with me at Enya’s.” 

 

“You don’t say?” Galla looked pleasantly surprised.

 

Sylvana continued.  “I just made sure we went to places I was well acquainted with, and I cleared things ahead of time with the restaurant manager when I made the reservation.” She reached in her purse and produced a legal document.  “And I’ve made a habit of always having Steve’s permit handy.”

 

An uncomfortable look came over Galla.  “Yes, the Little People permit.”  She sighed.  “I’ve got one for John too.  You know Sylvana, I’ve tried and tried to find an alternative to the permit.  It’s so humiliating to John.”

 

“I hear you Galla”, Sylvana replied.  “Steve doesn’t care much for it either.” 

 

Galla took a sip of her drink, then resumed the discussion.  “The trouble is, without the permit identifying John and designating him as belonging to me, it would be nearly impossible to protect him under our legal system should anything unfortunate happen.  You know Sylvana, there are many Brobdinians out there holding little people illegally, and in most cases probably against their will.”

 

“Why that’s terrible!” Sylvana noted with distress. 

 

“Yes, quite.” 

 

Galla leaned forward with her arms on her lap.  “Sylvana, that’s one reason why I’m pushing to get an amendment to our marriage laws allowing us to wed Earthmen.  With a marriage license, a permit would be unnecessary.”

 

Sylvana’s face brightened.  “I hadn’t thought of that.”  She set her drink on the table.  “Galla, so you’re serious about marrying your little man?”  

 

Galla sat up.  “Yes I am.”

 

“Congratulations, I envy you.”  The two women smiled at each other.

 

“Thank you dear.  I know I’m opening myself to criticism by doing this, but I think the attitudes towards the little people are starting to change, thanks in no small part I might add, to the good work you and the Archon have done.”

 

Sylvana smiled proudly.  “Oh, it’s been mostly the Archon’s doing.  I’m just his assistant.”       

 

“You’re too modest Sylana, but I like that.  I encounter little enough of it on the Supreme Council.  But anyway dear, concerning John and I, I’m now 44, my child rearing days are over, so why shouldn’t I be allowed to spend the rest of my life with whomever I please?”

 

“I agree Galla.”  Her words struck a chord with Sylvana.  After all, the two women were nearly the same age and in much the same circumstances concerning their personal lives. 

 

“Forgive me for asking Sylvana, but what about you and Steve?”

 

Sylvana’s face suddenly turned pensive.  “To be honest, I hadn’t really thought about marriage with him.  It’s not yet legal, and in any case would be most unusual.  And……”  She sighed.

 

Galla prompted her.  “And what dear?”

 

“I think Steve is going to return to Earth when his little ship is repaired.”

 

“Well now Sylvana, I’m assuming you love your little man as much as I love mine, yes?”

 

Sylvana nodded in agreement. 

 

Galla gave her a sly grin.   “I guess that means you’d better get working on him then, doesn’t it?” 

 

The two women laughed heartily for the better part of a minute.  After they’d had their jollity, they got up and hugged, each happy to find a kindred spirit. 

 

“Sylvana, dinner will be served shortly.  Would you like a quick tour of the house before we retrieve our men?”

 

“I’d like that Galla, this is some place you have here”, Sylvana said with much enthusiasm as she looked around.  

 

                                                **************************

 

The two Earthmen men had been making their way to John’s dollhouse, or private quarters, as he rather referred to it.  Steve marveled at the huge, opulent décor and furnishings of Galla’s mansion.  At his relative small size, the high, vaulted ceilings reminded him of the Gothic cathedrals at Notre Dame and Chartes. 

 

At one point in their journey Galla’s handmaiden passed by.  Upon feeling the tremors from her giant footsteps, Steve instinctively had been ready to run for cover.  His guide steadied him though, and the giant woman just smiled and waived at the two tiny men on the floor as her flats and darkly-hosed legs passed within a few yards of them.

 

As they continued on their journey, Steve was beginning to think this was turning into a long trip, and wondered if it wouldn’t have been a better if they had let Galla or the handmaiden carry them?    

 

“John, how much further is it?” 

 

“Not far Steve, just beyond the next room.” 

 

Steve nodded, then accosted his fellow Earthman again.  “Tell me John, so what’s your story?  How did you come to be here?”

 

“You mean here on Brobdinia, or here with Galla?” he replied.  John had been walking a little ahead of Steve to guide him, and he dropped back until he was side-by-side with the Spindrift Captain.

 

“Well, both actually” Steve responded.

 

“About a year ago I was member of the geological survey team serving on the explorer ship Persephone.  We were investigating the asteroid belt.  Pilot Scott Carey and I were taking the scout ship out with the intention of setting down on the asteroid Eros, but we never made it.”

 

“What happened?” Steve asked.

 

“As we started our descent, a large, luminous, green gaseous sphere appeared as if out of nowhere.  Our communications went dead and the controls froze up, and the next thing we knew we were orbiting this planet.  Short on fuel and not knowing what had happened or what to do next, the only option we had was to descend into the atmosphere of this strange planet.  As it happened, we landed on a parking lot in a densely populated area.  Scott was able to get out and make his escape, but before I could do the same a giant seized the ship with me still in it, and promptly turned me over to the SID for some kind of reward.” 

 

“What happened next?”

 

“I was a guest of Inspector Kobick for nearly a month, and let me tell you Steve, it was a whole lot of no fun!  He interrogated me, starved me, humiliated me…….tortured me.”  John rubbed his other arm, as if the discussion had brought back some very painful memories.

 

Before Steve could query him further, they walked through another door and much to his surprise he found himself looking at what appeared to be a small building complex, scaled to their size.  A single road bisected two long, two-story structures on either side.  It reminded Steve of some sort of a small office complex or corporate annex.  The lighting in the giant room was low, and street lights along the short road illuminated the complex, putting it in sharp contrast to the giant surroundings. 

 

Steve followed the man through the nearest door of the building to their left.  John flipped on a wall switch and the room was flooded with light, just like a real room back on Earth.  Steve gazed at the large, abstract paintings on the wall (probably painted by a giant, due to their lack of small detail, he thought) and the perfectly scaled, realistic-looking furniture. 

 

“John, it looks like your giant patron has given you all the comforts of home” Steve replied with fascination. 

 

A smug grin came over John’s face.  “You think so Steve?  Well wait until you see this.”

 

He followed John out of the room, and they walked a few paces down a hallway.  He opened another door and turned on the light, and Steve could see that it was a bathroom.  John walked over to the toilet and proceeded to flush it, beaming with pride as he did. 

 

Steve could hear the water flowing, and he shook his head in wonder and envy.  The Spindrift toilet had run out of waste solvent a long time ago, and the toilets in the dollhouses at Obek’s and Sylvana’s were attached to drums that had to be frequently removed and cleaned by the giants in order to keep the bathrooms from smelling like sewers. 

 

John motioned Steve to follow him, and he proceeded to show the Spindrift Captain the fully-stocked pantry complete with refrigeration unit.  The next stop was the huge study, the size of a very large living room.  Giant typed pages were on the floor, and John told Steve that he was proofing one of Galla’s Supreme Council correspondences.  When Steve asked how the huge documents got into the room, John pointed towards the long perforation in the ceiling, commenting that the room had a hinged roof which allowed Galla easy access to pick up and drop off documents. 

 

They proceed up a flight of stairs to a catwalk which spanned above the road connecting the two buildings.  As they made their way to the other building, Steve thought it an opportune time to resume his earlier line of questioning. 

 

“So John, how did you escape from the SID?” 

 

“I didn’t.  Well, not in the way you’re probably thinking.  What happened was one day Supreme Councilwoman Placidia was being given a tour of SID headquarters.  I’ll never forget the first time I saw her.  There I was, lying in my cell, bruised, emaciated, in a thoroughly wretched state, and the next thing I know the roof opens up and this beautiful blonde giant is looking down on me, with her enormous eyes full of sympathy and compassion.”

 

Steve looked at him with much interest as they entered the next building and went down a flight of stairs.       

 

John stopped to conclude his tale.  “To make a long story short Steve, Galla took pity on me, and used her prerogative as Supreme Council member to take me into her protective custody.  I’ve been with her for the better part of a year now.”

 

“Hmmmm” Steve replied.   

 

Steve followed John into what was obviously a gym, complete with some crudely-fashioned but functional sets of weights, a gymnastics mat, and treadmill that to Steve looked like it was put together from mouse cage components.  This last observation made Steve mildly uneasy, though he was not about to comment on the makeshift treadmill and risk embarrassing his host.

 

“I try to work out in here for at least an hour every other day Steve.  After all, I have to keep myself reasonably buffed to make sure I satisfy Galla.”  He gave Steve a furtive smile.

 

“I did sort of get the impression that you two were more than just associates”, Steve replied with a grin.  The two men stared at each other for a moment, as if they could read each other’s minds.

 

John walked into the middle of the gym and leaned against the treadmill.  “Say Steve, your Sylvana is pretty cute.  How’d you meet her?”

 

Steve folded his arms.  “My group from the stranded suborbital liner Spindrift entered into trade negotiations with her boss, the Archon Garm Obek, and Sylvana and I, well, we just sort of hit it off.”  Steve seemed slightly uneasy, and his host sensed this. 

 

John moved up next to Captain Burton and patted him on the shoulder.  “There’s nothing to be ashamed of, Steve.  I love Galla, as I’m sure you love Sylvana, and there’s no reason to let twelve orders of magnitude in size get in the way of that, don’t you agree?  I mean, I’m assuming we wouldn’t be here having this discussion if you didn’t?”

 

Steve gave him a barely perceptible smile, seeming reticent to discuss the subject in too much detail.

 

John figured it was time to complete the tour, as the women would probably be coming for them soon. They continued on, and in a few moments entered the master bedroom.  

 

Steve gazed at the big, comfortable-looking bed, and the usual appurtenances that made up a well-furnished bedroom, finally resting his gaze on a large photograph of Galla hanging on the wall.  Steve was sure it was a small wallet-sized photo, though the picture was still over two feet long to the little people.

 

“Of course I don’t spend a lot of time in here Steve; mostly when Galla is out of town on High Council business.  But Steve, there’s one more thing I wanted to show you.” 

 

He followed his host over to the bedroom closet, and when John opened it, produced what looked like a giant diamond ring.  The huge rock was bigger than his hand, and it glinted pleasingly in the low light of the room.   

 

John looked at it proudly.  “Galla doesn’t know about this.  I had her handmaiden Rumina help me make it.  It’s the engagement ring I’m going to give her as soon as she gets the amendment passed in the Supreme Council legalizing marriage between us and the giants.”

 

Steve regarded him in silence for a moment, and then spoke while the man continued to gaze at the magnificent giant ring; over a foot in diameter.  “John, look.  Our ship should be repaired soon.  You’re welcome to return to Earth with us.” 

 

He gave Steve a surprised look.  “What, you’d give up a babe like Sylvana, who I can see adores you, just so you can go back to the rat race on Earth?”   

 

Steve turned away, leaning against the wall with a fist at his mouth. 

 

John continued.  “Steve, thanks for the offer, and you do what you think best, but I’m staying here.  I live like a sultan, I have plenty of intellectual stimulation, I’m in love with a beautiful lady who loves me, and……”

 

Steve turned around to face him, furrowing his brows. 

 

“Come on Steve, you should know from your own experiences with Syvlana that once you’ve had a Brobdinian woman, you never want to go back to an Earth girl!” 

 

John’s bluntness immediately loosened Steve’s disposition, and the two men laughed and shook hands.  

 

“Whompha, Whompha, Whompha, Whompha!”

 

 The two men looked up in the direction of what were apparently two sets of giant footsteps coming near. 

 

“Let’s go Steve.  It wouldn’t do to keep our women waiting”, he said with a grin. 

 

Steve followed John out the bedroom and down the corridor, and to Steve’s surprise led him into a garage.  Steve stared curiously at what looked like a crude facsimile of a Humvee-style minivan, and gave his host a puzzled glare.

 

“I thought we’d make a slightly more dramatic entrance.  Let’s go.” 

 

Steve somewhat reluctantly opened the passenger door and entered the vehicle while the man opened the garage door.  John then hopped in on the driver side, started the electric motor, and pulled out of the garage onto the street.  The two men could immediately see two pairs of familiar giant shoes and legs looming up in front of them at the end of the road.

 

Sylvana had been as surprised as Steve to see the intricate-looking complex that Galla had created for her little man, but was positively flabbergasted when she saw the tiny van driving towards them. 

 

The little van came to a stop at the feet of the two women, but before John and Steve could get out, Galla kneeled down, and with both hands picked up the van.  They weren’t wearing seatbelts (actually, there weren’t any), and Steve grabbed the dashboard for support as he suddenly felt them going up like some erratic elevator.  Looking to his right, he could see part of the woman’s huge fingers draped over the passenger window.  

 

She lifted the van close to her face to observe the two tiny men sitting inside.  “Glad to see you boys are having fun”, she said playfully.  “Need a lift to dinner?”  She could see John nodding eagerly, and Galla planted an affectionate kiss on the windshield in front of him.  Her little fiancé brushed his hand lovingly over the huge lipstick imprint.

 

Sylvana was highly amused by the cuteness of the scene, and could barely control her giggling as she followed Galla, carrying the van, into the dinning room.  When Galla put the van down, the two little men stepped out of it right on to the giant dinner table!  

        

                                                                                    **************************

 

After dinner the two couples reconvened in the living room for some coffee and chat to end the evening.  The little men enjoyed their java at a dollhouse table set on the coffee table while their giant girlfriends looked on from seats at opposite sides.  When they were finished with their refreshments, Galla picked up John and set him on her lap, while Steve took his place next to Sylvana, leaning on her leg.  Steve occasionally rubbed his behind on Sylvana’s thigh, causing her no end of pleasure.  

 

By this time, all four were feeling sleepy and bloated, and sensed that the evening was rapidly drawing to a close. 

 

Sylvana smiled at Steve, then looked at her host.  “Galla, we had a great time this evening.  Thanks so much for having us.”

 

“The pleasure was ours’, wasn’t it John?”

 

Galla’s little man stood up in her lap, raising his voice so that he could be heard across the divide.  “Oh absolutely, I hope you two can come back again soon.” 

 

Steve noted with some humor that John was standing right under Galla’s breasts, appearing dwarfed by them. 

 

Galla looked down at her fiancé, then across at Sylvana and Steve.   “You know, maybe we could start a support group for ‘trans-sizual’ couples.”  The four had a considerably laugh at her comment.

 

“Steve, the Archon tells me you plan on giving your ship a test flight tomorrow.  Is that true?” Galla asked. 

 

Steve stood up straight, leaving a hand on Sylvana’s knee for support as he responded.  “Actually, the plan was to test the engines, and if they check out OK, then we may take the Spindrift up for a short hop.”  He looked up at Sylvana.  “Speaking of which hon, it’s bound to be a long day tomorrow, and we should probably be getting home.” 

 

“Yes, John and I should be getting to bed too”, Galla responded. 

 

At her mention of ‘bed’, John walked a few paces down her leg to the hem of her skirt, and kneeling down, started pulling it up. 

 

“John, behave yourself!  We have company!”  Galla rebuked him light-heartedly. 

 

The little man let go of her skirt edge, then turned around and looked up at Galla.  “Sorry dear, it’s just that I get so excited when you say ‘bed’.” 

 

Galla shook her head and gave her little man an incredulous look.  “You men are all the same, no matter what your size!”  They all laughed again. 

 

Sylvana and Steve looked at each other and grinned, and Sylvana winked at him.

 

In a moment Galla resumed her train of thought.  “But I was wondering Steve, if this test flight is successful, does it mean you’ll be leaving us soon?” 

 

Steve gazed up at Sylvana.  She glanced back at him with a wistful look, and then he faced their hostess.  “I’m afraid it does Galla.” 

“I see”, she replied.  Galla paused for a moment, eyeing the woman and tiny man, almost a mirror of her and John sitting across from them.   She continued.  “I just thought that you two seemed like you were made for each other.  It’d be a shame to see you split up.”

 

The giant secretary and the tiny Earthman regarded each other with sad, quiet eyes.      

 

While driving home, Sylvana and Steve for the most part remained silent.  This was partially due to the fact that they were tired, but mostly because the dinner date with Galla and John had given them much to contemplate.       

 

                                                                                    **************************

 

To a casual onlooker it would have seemed a curious sight, akin to some strange garden party.  Out on the patio not far from Obek’s swimming pool, the Archon could be seen milling about with his secretary Sylvana and chief scientist Grond Harko.  Several security guards were patrolling the area.  Towards the edge of the patio, Valerie, Betty, Fitzugh, and Barry were sitting quietly on some miniature chairs set up on a giant patio table.  The object of everyone’s attention was the two-and-a-half-foot long Spindrift, situated on the concrete at the giants’ feet.  Captain Burton, Copilot Dan Erickson, and Mark Wilson emerged from the tiny craft and proceeded to walk around it, doing a preflight inspection. 

 

Initially Obek and Harko had planned on laying down concrete and creating a runway specifically for the Spindrift.  Steve and Sylvana, however, had discussed this while lying in bed one evening, and when Steve told her the Spindrift only needed about four yards (in Brobdinian scale) for a takeoff and landing, she immediately thought of the Archon’s backyard patio.  They discussed this further, and it became evident to Steve that the poolside patio was perfect.  It was plenty long enough, the surface was hard and smooth, and it was situated in such a way that the takeoff and landing would not be obstructed by Obek’s house or any nearby trees.  All the giants had to do was move some of the patio furniture out of the way, and voila, instant airstrip.   Also, Steve realized that the pool would make an excellent landmark from the air when landing the Spindrift.

 

After a few minutes it became evident to the three giants standing close by that the three little men had completed their inspection, and Grond addressed them.  “Captain Burton, Mr. Wilson, I trust everything is in order?” 

 

Steve walked up to within a few yards of the giants.  It still made him a little uneasy being close to the big, smelly feet of the giant men, but Sylvana was with them, and her sexy high-heeled boots in close proximity gave him a warm, reassuring feeling. 

 

He looked up at the giant scientist and shouted to be heard by him.  “Yes Grond, we’ll be ready to begin the test shortly.  As we’ve stated earlier, we’ll run the engines for a few minutes, and if they hold up, we’ll attempt a takeoff.”

 

He looked over and up at his giant girlfriend.  “Sylvana?”

 

She kneeled down to speak with Steve; her shapely knees looming above him.  “Yes dear?” she asked.

 

“I need you to take Mark over to the patio table.  He’s going to be our ground control.”

 

“Sure hon”, she replied.

 

“And Sylvana?”

 

“Yes dear?” 

 

“I love your boots.  Very, very sexy.”  He grinned. 

 

Sylvana smiled.  “Thanks dear.  I thought you’d like them”.   

 

Steve walked up next to her closest boot, putting a hand on it.  He could see and feel the outline of her sensuous toes underneath the soft leather.  Steve felt Sylvana wiggle them, and he looked up at her and smiled.

 

Obek and Harko had been watching Sylvana and Captain Burton, and they grinned at each other with embarrassment.  Sylvana dating the tiny man still seemed so strange to the two men.   

 

Suddenly Steve heard Mark come up behind him.  “Steve, I hate to interrupt anything, but I still think I should go with you.  I could stay in the back and keep a close eye on the engines and reactor.” 

 

Steve moved away from Sylvana’s huge boot, straightened himself up, and looked at the engineer.  “I agree Mark, but as I’ve said, I’d feel better knowing someone was here to take care of the others should anything happen to Dan and I.”

 

Mark looked down, shaking his head in resignation.  “I guess you’re right Captain.  Good luck.” 

 

“Thanks Mark.  We’ll be OK.” 

 

The two men shook hands, and Mark moved a few paces towards Sylvana.  She reached down and gently picked him up.  Sylvana thought naughtily that the tiny engineer was every bit as handsome and muscular as Steve.  The feel of his tight abdomen and firm biceps against Sylvana’s fingers gave her a pleasurable feeling.  Mark, for his part, found himself oddly enjoying the feel of Sylvana’s soft fingers and the sweet, clean smell of her hand lotion and perfume.  He could almost see what Steve saw in this huge, but lovely creature.                                  

 

While Sylvana took Mark to the table with the other little people, Steve and Dan walked around the Spindrift to the main door.  As they entered the ship, they suddenly heard the clack, clack, clack of Sylvana’s giant boots coming up quickly behind them.  As they turned to face the giant, she laid on the ground with her face close to the door and hands under her chin to support her head.

 

“Steve dear, I, I, just wanted to wish the both of you good luck.  Please be careful.”     

 

Steve and Dan smiled at the sweet lady.  “Thanks Sylvana, but don’t worry.  We’re not test pilots; we’re not going to be doing anything fancy or dangerous”, Steve replied. 

 

She smiled.  “Steve, please take this as a good luck charm.”  Sylvana raised her body slightly, removing a golden bracelet from her arm and handing it to her tiny boyfriend. She draped it over the top of his forearms, and Steve thought rather self-consciously that although the bracelet was not super-heavy, it was not light either. 

 

“Thanks dear.  That was very thoughtful of you” Steve said.   

 

She wanted to kiss Steve, but it would have been too awkward with him standing just inside the Spindrift door.  Instead she kissed her index and middle fingers, then lightly brushed them against the side of Steve’s head.  “I love you Steve.”

 

“I love you too Sylvana.” 

 

Dan looked away, feeling awkward at the exchange of endearments between this decidedly odd couple.  Sylvana waved at them as Steve hit the button which closed the door.

 

The copilot turned to his captain. “Sheesh Steve, I don’t think I’ve ever had a woman who’s adored me as much as Sylvana does you.  Not even Betty!”  They grinned at each other, and Steve patted him on the back. 

 

The two men entered the Spindrift cockpit, and Steve looked around for a place to stash Sylvana’s giant bracelet.  He glanced at the pilot’s chair, and an idea came to him.  He draped the bracelet over the chair and allowed it to fall to the floor where it wrapped around the base of the fixed position chair. 

 

“Alright Dan, let’s light this candle!”  Steve said with much authority and excitement. 

 

The two men sat down in their respective chairs and secured their seatbelts.  Steve began the final preflight check while Dan got on the radio and called Mark. 

 

“Spindrift to Mark.  Spindrift to Mark.  Over.”

 

The cabin speakers cracked for a moment.  “Mark here.  Read you loud and clear Dan.  Over.” 

 

Steve tapped Dan’s shoulder, and pointed to the mike the copilot was holding.  Dan immediately understood what he wanted, and handed it to him.

 

“Mark, it’s Steve.  Over.”

 

“Go ahead Steve.” 

 

“We’re about to start up the engines.  Make sure Sylvana and the other giants are clear of the ship.  Over.”  

 

“Don’t worry Captain.  They’re all over here with us by the patio table.  Over.”

 

“Good.  And Mark, no flirting with Sylvana.  Over.” 

 

The copilot gave Steve a big smirk, and Steve returned a dry smile.

 

Valerie was standing close to Mark, and having heard Steve’s comment, she looked at her boyfriend with big, cantankerous eyes. 

 

“Yes Steve.  Valerie’s giving me some very long looks, so I don’t think you have to worry on that score.  Over.” 

 

Steve laughed.  “Glad to hear it Mark.” 

 

Dan got Steve’s attention, and pointed to the power display. 

 

“OK Mark.  It appears we’re almost powered up.  Dan will contact you again in a few minutes.  Over and out.”

 

In about another half minute the green light on the power display went on, indicating the engines were ready to start. 

 

Steve looked at his copilot.  “Engage brakes Dan.” 

 

Dan flipped a switch, and they immediately heard the sound of mechanical gears, followed by a slight jolt.  “Breaks engaged.” Dan said. 

 

Steve reached for the ignition button.  “Starting engines…………now.” 

 

There was a click followed by a barely perceptible humming, whirling sound that steadily grew in intensity.  The ship started to gently vibrate. 

 

The first thing the giants and the other little people outside noticed was soft glows in the aft thrusters that steadily grew in brightness. 

 

Dan looked at Steve.  “We’re powered up to stage one Steve.” 

 

“Very well” Steve replied.  “We’ll keep it there for a few minutes.”

 

Dan picked up the mike and called Mark.  “Mark, this is Spindrift.  How do we look?  Over.” 

 

“It looks beautiful Dan.  Recommend you remain Stage One power for at least three minutes.  Over.” 

 

“Understood.  Over and out.” 

 

The three giants looked on in awe at the tiny blue suns burning at the rear of the miniature spacecraft.  The engineer Grond was especially appreciative of what they were witnessing.  After all, the Brobdinians had deployed their first jet aircraft only ten years ago, and had only last year put their first satellites in orbit.  The clean fusion drive they were witnessing now was something altogether different, miraculous even.  Sylvana, for her part, was less enthused.  Although she was mesmerized by the strange, beautiful blue glow, she felt with much pain what it implied about her and Steve’s future.    

 

The two men sat silently in the cockpit for the next few minutes watching the engine telemetry.   Steve ruminated on how satisfying Sylvana had been the previous night after their return from Galla Placidia’s.  There was not an inch of her huge, sensuous body that he hadn’t explored.  She had really put out for him, and although he was a bit sore and tired from his exertions, it was a pleasurable sort of fatigue.  Each night with her was a wonder.

 

Dan looked over at his captain.  “Three minutes have elapsed, and systems still stable.  Shall we power up to level two?”

 

Steve nodded, and in a moment the intensity of the engine noise and vibrations increased.   

 

A few more minutes passed, and Dan again turned to Steve.    

 

“Skipper, systems remain stable.  I think we’re a go” Dan said with a big smile.

 

“OK Dan.  Check with Mark once more.”

 

Dan picked up the mike.  “Spindrift to Mark.  Spindrift to Mark.  Over.” 

 

“Mark here.  Hey guys, we can see the Fermi field distorting the space-time fabric to the aft of the Spindrift.  It’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen!  Over.”

 

The two men smiled, and Dan put the mike up to his mouth.  “I take it then you concur with our decision to go?  Over.”   

 

“Yes, as long as the radiation count is low.  Over.” 

 

Dan looked down at the telemetry.  “Radiation well within tolerances Mark.  Over.” 

 

By now Val, Betty, Fitzhugh, and Barry were huddled around Mark, listening with intense interest. 

 

Mark smiled at the others, and then replied in the communicator.  “Well then, what are you guys waiting for?  Just don’t forget to come back for us.  Over.”

 

“That’s music to our ears Mark.  We’re outta here!” he said excitedly.   “Over and out.”  Dan set down the mike and looked over at the captain.  Steve smiled and nodded, and Dan released the breaks.      

 

The spectators outside watched as the nuclear fires belching from the Spindrift reached a crescendo.  The ship then started moving slowly along the patio surface, increasing speed with each passing second.  Everyone held their breaths as the ship left the ground and rose gracefully into the air.  It climbed and climbed, and all at once the giants and little people on the ground broke out into festive clapping and cheering.

 

“We’re going home!” Fitzhugh exclaimed. 

 

Valerie and Betty hugged and kissed Mark.

 

Barry hugged Chipper, and Chipper enthusiastically lapped the face of his master. 

 

Garm Obek and Grond Harko shook hands and patted each other on the back, then each in turn hugged and kissed Sylvana. 

 

By now the Spindrift was nothing but a bright, glinting dot in the sky.  Everyone settled down from their initial excitement and exhilaration, and Mark decided it was time to check in with the Spindrift.

 

Sylvana Noor stood quietly as a teardrop streamed down the side of her face.  It was not a tear of joy.