Wanted: Handsome Alien Abductor by Myra Nour Page B

able to take the mind reading capabilities of the Keeri and translate it into spoken language.
    "What do they eat?” Amber thought about the fat little creature in that glass case. No grass, nothing but metal and glass around it.
    "They don't eat in the classic sense. They absorb electricity from the computer."
    "Oh. And that is electricity shooting out of them when they read minds?"
    "Good observation Amber.” Ryja looked pleased.
    "It's absolutely amazing.” Slipping on her new P.J.'s, she asked, “Why the outdated computer though?"
    Ryja shrugged. “No one really understands. But the Federation officials have offered the Keeri modern computers, with special cases built in. A few Keeri did try them but asked to be put back with the old computers.” He sat down and slipped off his shoes. “For some reason they just didn't like the newer additions."
    Time passed quickly. Every other day Ryja asked her out on a date. He confided he had initially thought to go out every day, but he was behind in cataloging his recordings and wanted to use the time to catch up. Amber read, even delving into books from other planets. Although the ereader translated the language, it was hard to understand a different species way of thinking. Still it was fascinating.
    Of course she helped Ryja when she could. Sometimes she felt like she was in his way, so didn't offer her assistance to the exclusion of everything else. She also spent more time with Mica, asking him to show her how to prepare some of the dishes he created. The android was very delighted by her interest, and she drew closer to him as the days passed.
    Amber even visited a few times with Stanley, once she'd asked Ryja if it was all right. She knew she'd insulted the funny looking creature and wanted to make up for it. She found that Stanley could carry on a mind conversation without invading her mind other than for the words being exchanged. He had informed her of this when she first visited, and she was relieved. It was a surprising discovery that Stanley was quite intelligent and had a wicked sense of humor as well.
    As Amber entered the bedroom to get ready for their third date, she sighed heavily, realizing she was going to miss so much when she had to return home. She'd miss Mica's wonderful meals and their developing friendship. She would even miss little Stanley's weird but fascinating mind conversations. But mostly she would miss Ryja. Her eyes teared up, so Amber turned from her thoughts and became occupied with getting ready.
    Today, Ryja was taking her for an all day outing at a beach. She changed into a pink bikini with shorts and a t-shirt over it. Sunglasses, tanning lotion, a good book, and a beach towel was all she needed. Mica had acquired everything at his last shopping excursion, and the items were packed away in a large woven beach purse he'd brought back.
    Ryja came in already dressed and they headed for the jump room. She couldn't wait to see what he wore beneath his shorts and shirt.
    "What beach are we going to?” He'd refused to tell her so far.
    "I thought something exotic would be nice,” he smiled mysteriously.
    She was a bit peeved with him, but after they beamed down, how could she be?
    Aquamarine water stretched for miles, while below a quiet, uncrowded beach awaited. “Ryja, are my eyes fooling me, or is the sand pink?"
    "It is. Reminds me of home."
    "Your beaches are pink?” At his nod, she smiled. “ Arrak must be something else."
    "I told you it was.” He waved a hand, “Welcome to Horseshoe Bay, Bermuda."
    "Ooh, I had a friend who toured here. She told me it was very lovely, and I agree."
    They spent the day playing in the surf and sunbathing. For lunch they had hamburgers at a nearby cafe, and for dinner tried one of the five star restaurants. Amber hadn't thought about bringing other clothes, but Ryja did, carrying them in a large gym bag.
    She was slightly tanned, but more sunburned when they returned. In spite of the pain from her