Disclaimer: The author does not own Aliens.

The Golden Door

by

CelfwrDderwydd

Chapter One

There was a hiss of air as the cryotube whirred and opened. A long, segmented black tail uncoiled from inside the tube and lazily laid across the floor as the owner of said tail came back to consciousness. Sophie breathed deeply as her senses came back. The hibernation the human cryotube brought was very unusual. It seemed like almost no time at all had passed, but she knew better.

She heard a soft murmur and looked down and smiled at the other occupant of the cryotube.

Good morning, my mate, Sophie said as she lovingly kissed Kyle on the cheek as he stirred.

'Morning, love. Sophie purred as she stroked his face. She could feel how sleepy his mind still was as she mentally caressed him. Despite her growing excitement that they had finally reached their destination, she stayed in the tube, her arms wrapped around her mate as he began to wake from their eight-month slumber.

In the past when Kyle woke from hyper-sleep, he always felt tired, groggy and disoriented.

This time, though, he felt good. Perhaps it was waking up with someone he cared about and who cared for him that made the difference. Kyle smiled as he opened his eyes and gazed at the most important person in his life. Sophie smiled warmly as she brushed a strand of sandy-blonde hair from his eyes.

You have such wonderful eyes, Sophie said softly as she gazed into his eyes. Kyle reached up and gently cupped Sophie's face with his hands.

And you are so beautiful, Sophie. No female of any species is as beautiful as you. Sophie purred as she embraced her mate. They were not words of empty flattery, he really meant them. It was almost impossible for them to lie to each other with their mental bond. Sophie stretched and yawned, the small mouth of her tongue shuddering before she got out of the cryotube, helping Kyle out after her.

Kyle was a little surprised that the ship was fairly warm. Usually, the ships were rather cold when people were brought out of hyper-sleep.

Kyle rolled his shoulders and rubbed his neck as he walked over to the control console to check where they were. Sophie followed as he sat in the pilot's chair and read over the readouts. They were only a few hours away from their destination of Zerichs II. That gave them plenty of time to be prepared when they landed. With that confirmed, Kyle stood and decided to take a more careful look around the ship.

Kyle was surprised at the kitchen and how well-stocked it was. There was an Autochef of very high quality, the kind that made food from real, organic protein, instead of the bland, twangy artificial proteins used in most Autochefs. There also were numerous cans and vacuum-sealed packages of high-quality food. There was even some wine, and expensive wine at that. A vintage 2614 Merlot, no less. Kyle couldn't help grinning. He looked at Sophie, who grinned even wider at the feast.

About an hour later, Kyle and Sophie were snuggled in the warm blankets of the captain's bed, stacks of plates and empty wrappers arranged around them in a semicircle. Kyle sighed contentedly and Sophie purred deeply.

What a lovely feast, Sophie purred as she pulled the blankets tighter around them.

Yeah. That's got to be the best breakfast I've ever had. Kyle sighed as Sophie softly stroked his face with her tail. He leaned back against Sophie, who laid on her side behind him, curled around him like a cat. He smiled as he gazed at his mate, who purred happily.

I love you, Kyle, she said fondly, her mind awash in warm feelings that she shared through their link. His smile grew as he moved to slide his arms around her neck, wrapping her in a warm hug, which she eagerly returned.

And I love you, my sweet Sophie. Without you, I'd be lost. Sophie gently kissed her mate at his words.

My sweet, wonderful, beautiful Kyle, I'll always be here for you. If you're sad, scared or lost, I'll always be there for you. Kyle gazed at his mate as he cupped her face, his heart filled with warmth.

With their mental link, there was no ambiguity, no lies or falseness to see through, as with humans. Everything they said to each other was true and from the heart. Kyle closed his eyes as he nuzzled his mate. Sophie purred deeper as she pulled him against her, her tail pulling the blankets closer around them as she stroked his hair lovingly.

Thank you, Sophie. Sophie smiled as she cradled her beloved mate against her, the two of them settling down to take a nap after their feast.

After their nap, Kyle chose to take a look around and take stock of what they had. Sophie followed her mate, curious and eager to learn more about how humans lived and the things they used.

The bathroom was full size, and more like the bathroom in a house than one in a spacecraft. Sophie was happy that Kyle had everything he needed to keep himself clean and healthy, but she was loathe for her mate to wash his wonderful smell away and replace it with flowery smells. She didn't mind the soaps that she could smell him through, though.

Kyle was surprised when he opened the closet in the bathroom.

"Wow!" Kyle exclaimed as he pulled out the expensive silk suit. The black, double-breasted suit was fittingly lavish for its late owner. Sophie gave a soft purr as she ran her fingers over the smooth fabric.

This is nice, Sophie said as Kyle looked at the other expensive clothes of silk.

Yeah. This looks like Solaran Moon-Silk. These clothes are probably worth a lot. Kyle folded the suit back up and put it away before they left the bathroom

Could we trade them for things we need? Sophie asked as she walked beside Kyle on all fours.

We sure could. We could probably buy a house and a few acres of land with them. Sophie trilled happily at the idea, rubbing her head against Kyle's side. Kyle chuckled as they walked towards the cargo bay.

Inside, there was little evidence of the last fight and the end of Reinhardt, which suited them both just fine. Kyle opened one of the large containers of gold and bullion. Kyle couldn't help blinking in amazement at the wealth. Sophie trilled curiously as she picked up one of the bars of gold, which Kyle would only be able to lift with great effort and both hands. The fact Sophie was able to hold the eighty-pound bar of gold in one hand, as Kyle would a book, was a fine example of just how strong his mate was. She turned the bar over in her hand, examining the metal.

Kyle, what do these markings mean? Sophie asked. Kyle blinked as he looked at the gold bar as Sophie tilted it so he could see the markings stamped into the side.

When Kyle saw the symbol stamped into the gold, he felt all of the color drain from his face and he suddenly felt as cold as ice as he stared in horror. Sophie hissed softly, feeling her mate's distress. Kyle, what's wrong? Kyle swallowed as he stared at an eagle, holding a diamond. Inside the diamond, was a swastika.

"Nazi . . .," Kyle breathed, suddenly feeling weak. Sophie moaned as she wrapped her arms and tail around her frightened mate to comfort him. As Sophie's mind connected with Kyle's she saw, with horror, the meaning of this symbol of hate.

Someone from the Twentieth Century might be surprised to find that, in the twenty-eighth century, the dreaded Nazi Reich had survived. Ironically, is was from the Neo-Nazi groups, living in the Former United States, that the seeds of the new Reich had grown. When humanity struck out into the depths of space, where law and order was slow to take hold, such racist groups could easily hide in deep space and grow and flourish, unhindered by law and governments. Deep in the depths of space, what had once been a small, racist militia gradually grew into a fascist army that was better armed and more vicious than the original Reich ever was.

The new Nazi Reich had caused more damage, death and sorrow than the first ever dreamed of.

Even when they had been defeated and scattered, the Nazis refused to die, and formed another, smaller Reich barely a century later, the Fifth Reich. They may not have called themselves Nazis, but, as someone once opined: "You can paint it whatever color you like, but a skunk still stinks".

Sophie growled angrily at what she saw.

Murderers! she mentally growled as she wrapped Kyle's body and mind in comforting warmth.

I can't say I'm surprised. Very fitting that Reinhardt was one of them. Sophie moaned as she nuzzled her mate. As she looked at the Nazi symbol stamped into the gold, Sophie growled angrily, her grip tightening, the bar twisting and deforming in her mighty hand. Sophie dropped the bar as she cuddled her mate, kissing his face as she purred.

I'm so glad we escaped. Kyle softly stroked Sophie's face as she planted soft, feathery kisses on his face.

So am I. I don't even want to think about what they would have done if we'd stayed longer. Sophie purred deeply as she stroked Kyle's hair reassuringly.

I would protect you. I'll never let them hurt either of us again! Sophie declared. Kyle smiled at Sophie's protective feelings.

Kyle and Sophie prepared to land on their new home. Kyle took the time to study the files stored in the ships database.

Kyle and Sophie were able to study about their new home from files of the Earth Scientific Planet Index.

Not surprisingly, Zerichs II had a very high amount of rainfall, measured in feet, rather than inches. The planet also had a longer year than Earth, at fourteen months. The more they read, the more excited they became to finally see their new home.

When Zerichs II finally appeared in the window, they both stared at the beautiful blue world.

It was about the size of Earth, maybe a little smaller, with two moons orbiting it. Behind it, a very huge, brownish-green planet with rings loomed. Zerichs Prime, an uninhabited world of little interest to anyone but scientists curious about unusual worlds. Kyle smiled from where he sat in the pilot's seat as Sophie stood behind him, her arms wrapped around him, purring.

What a beautiful planet, she mused. Kyle smiled as he engaged the autopilot, aiming for the largest island, where the largest city was. As they flew closer, they were surprised when they were hailed over the radio.

"Unidentified craft, this is Zeraven astro-port, we have you on our screens. Please identify yourself," stated the calm, male voice. Kyle blinked as he pressed the switch to reply, pausing to think of a name for the ship, other than Reinhardt's Nazi-inspired name. He looked at Sophie's hand caressing his shoulder, taking notice of her long, sharp claws. He cleared his throat and spoke in as gruff a voice as he could. "This is the Talon, requesting permission to land. I'm setting the autopilot. Can you boys handle it?" Kyle tried to imitate the whiskey, graveled voice of someone he'd heard when he was young. Sophie tilted her head in confusion and amusement at Kyle's act.

She could feel his heart pounding and the unease in his mind as she saw he was bluffing, trying to sound tougher and stronger than he was, so as to mislead potential threats. She purred as she stroked his hair and comforted him.

"No problem, sir! Not at all! Is this a brief stop, or a longer stay?" Kyle smiled as Sophie purred.

"I brought my retirement funds. I'm thinking about staying," Kyle replied, keeping the deep, whiskey-voice, which was, to be honest, making his throat raw. Kyle could hear whispering and excited tones through the radio. Another voice came on, sharper.

"We need proof of funds, first," said the new voice. He guessed a supervisor. The console beeped and a small panel lit up with a golden glow, a small hologram floating over it that read:

PROOF OF FUNDS.

The panel was a currency reader, most often used for cards loaded with Credits. "Please keep in mind that Credits must be-" Sophie grinned as she set a small, one-pound gold bar on the panel, which beeped and blinked. Kyle couldn't help grinning as he heard a distant voice over the radio.

"Holy shi-" The other voice hurriedly shushed the amazed one.

"Ah, yes, sir. We have a lovely dock on a cliff-side that overlooks the ocean," the sharper voice replied, much more attentive and polite, Kyle noticed. Kyle couldn't help a mild chuckle.

"Thank you. That would be fine," he replied in the harsh voice. Sophie snickered.

As the ship flew through the clouds, Kyle and Sophie could see drops of rain on the windshield as they descended. When they broke through the clouds, Kyle stared in rapt awe.

The island was surrounded by a seemingly endless sea, gray clouds lay on the water, misty and wet as rain softly fell. The city they were approaching bordered on huge cliffs that jutted out into the bay. As they came closer, Kyle could see that there were scattered lights here and there in the cliffs. He smiled as he realized that some buildings were inside the cliffs. As they passed over the bay, Kyle could see boats on the water below them.

The city wasn't a big city by any standards, and none of the buildings looked to be taller than four stories. The one exception seemed to be a tall lighthouse in the middle of what seemed to be the town square. A mist-shrouded glow shone from the lighthouse, illuminating the fog and clouds as it guided seagoing ships home. Sophie purred, wrapping her arms tighter around Kyle's shoulders as they flew over the city, towards what almost looked like another city next to the first. Kyle saw other ships landing and taking off, and realized that it was the spaceport, where they were heading.

As they flew closer, Kyle saw a long line of metal walkways set right into a cliff face. Several hollows in both the grating, and the cliff-side, indicated it was the dock they were heading for. Many such ship docks were built right into the rock. As they came in, mechanical arms and struts extended out and latched onto the sides of the ship. A rush went through Kyle and Sophie both as the ship rocked, shook gently as it finally came to a stop and docked.

"Sir, we have a concierge service, for clients such as yourself, that can come and collect the docking fee, and, if you need, can procure you clothing, food, anything you might need." Kyle smiled as he pressed the switch.

"Thank you. That would be most helpful," Kyle replied, clicking the radio off. Sophie purred as she looked out the window at the wet, misty world beyond, almost twitching with excitement. Kyle smiled as he powered down the ship. He turned to Sophie as she kissed him on the cheek. I need to get dressed for my performance, said Kyle. Sophie purred.

XXX

The three men were a little nervous as they walked down the gangways of the docks. This newest arrival was something else. All sorts of mental images formed from the gruff, no-nonsense voice they had heard. As was standard, two of them were armed. Not because they expected any trouble from the new arrival, but for security. After all, they would be dealing in larger-than-normal amounts of gold. The concierge cleared his throat as he touched the hatch-scanner of the ship. The door slid open, and they stared in surprise at the figure that greeted them.

He was tall and slim, dressed in an elegant, black, double-breasted suit, his sandy-blonde hair slicked back, his green eyes glistening as he smiled.

"Nice to meet you," he greeted. They were surprised at his voice, which was not quite as gruff as it had been. As if sensing their confusion, he tilted his head. "My throat was a little dry. Nasty, recycled air." They nodded as the blonde man gestured to several ounce bars of gold, already set out and waiting for verification. The concierge passed a small, hand-held scanner over it, which beeped, confirmed it was all solid gold. The concierge smiled at his new client ingratiatingly.

"A pleasure doing business with you, sir. Is there anything you need?" he asked. The blonde smiled politely as he dug in his pocket and brought out several gold coins.

"Yes, as a matter of fact. I need some local, plain clothes, if you don't mind. I don't really like to stand out." They were surprised when he gave each one of them three coins. He smiled warmly at them. "And, please, keep the change. I know you work very hard. And I'm grateful you came in person to complete this transaction." They stared for a moment, the concierge passing the scanner over the coins, confirming their gold content.

"Yes, sir! We'll be back before you know it!" chirped one of the guards. The blonde man just smiled kindly. As they left, they were in awe.

"Jeez, what a neat guy! How many rich folks act like that, huh?" asked one.

"Yeah. But who'd have thought a scarecrow like him would have a voice like that?" The concierge smacked him.

"Quiet!" hissed the concierge.

XXX

Kyle sighed as the door slid closed. As it did, Sophie uncoiled from the pipes and conduits in the ceiling, where she had been hiding the entire time. She gently curled her arms and tail around Kyle as he almost wilted, relieved everything went as planned.

"I can't believe that worked," he grinned. Sophie purred as she gently kissed his cheek.

Why not? You were nice to them, she replied. Kyle smiled.

Kyle had remembered, when he worked on space stations, how the rich acted, how they turned their noses up, acted all regal and like everyone else was just dirt under their boot heels. He had taken that image and how they moved and talked and used it in a warm, kind way. Sophie purred as she stroked his hair comfortingly. You did wonderful. Kyle gently cupped Sophie's face as he smiled gratefully at her.

I never could've done it if not for you, he said as he kissed her.

While Kyle had been acting, Sophie had been carefully watching and listening, both gauging the men, and helping keep Kyle calm and encouraging him. Through her, he could feel they weren't threatened, or aggressive, nor were they hiding anything. When she had felt Kyle trembling with nervousness, she gently stroked his mind, comforting him and helping him keep a calm, even exterior.

The concierge returned barely half an hour later. Kyle was surprised when they brought two pairs of jeans, three pairs of cargo pants, two jackets and several shirts, both t-shirts and long-sleeved shirts. As well as some boots, under clothes, socks and shoes.

"Ah, thank you all very much. I can hardly wait to walk in this marvelous rain and smell the sweet fresh air. Nothing at all like that nasty, polluted air of Thedus," said Kyle as he took the clothes. The guards looked at each other, then him.

"Well, you be careful, now. This place is . . . a little rough in some areas," warned one of the guards with a faint worried look on his face. Kyle only smiled at him.

"I know. I intend to be careful." The other guard leaned forward.

"Just remember: Stay away from the Black Fence. People around there aren't friendly, if you know what I mean . . .," Kyle stared at him for a second, before nodding.

"Thank you for the warning." The other guard gave Kyle a disk.

"This is data for new emigrants. All you need to know if you want to stay is on there." Kyle smiled and nodded.

"Thank you again." The guards nodded and left.

Sophie purred as she came out from where she had been hiding, perfectly blending into the piping and conduits. Well, we're finally here, Kyle said as Sophie embraced him.

It looks amazing! I can't wait to see outside! Kyle smiled at his mate's enthusiasm.

I know how you feel, but until we know more about the world, let's not let anyone know about you just yet, Kyle advised. Sophie agreed as Kyle changed his clothes, dressing in a jacket and took some of the gold coins and smaller bars of gold in a pack with him.

As he exited the ship, he was struck by the fresh, moist, clean smell to the air. Sophie purred from behind him.

How lovely! Kyle smiled. This was only the second time he had been on a planet in his life. Kyle smiled as he turned to her.

Okay. You wait here, and I'll be back soon. Sophie gave a soft growl at that, her tail swishing.

I'll do no such thing! I'm going with you. Kyle blinked.

But, Sophie- She purred as she stroked his hair.

I'm not letting you go out into this unknown world all by yourself. With how misty it is, I can stay unseen easily enough. Somebody has to keep an eye on you. Kyle smiled sheepishly and scratched behind his neck. Sophie purred as she hugged him. Besides, I'm just as curious as you. Kyle smiled and nodded as they exited the ship.

The scent of rain and the ocean was heavy in the moist cool air as they walked down the metal walkway built into the side of the cliff. Kyle noticed that their ship was the only one docked there. He glanced off to the side.

The sea was barely visible, due to the mist on the water. He looked at the port, and could see ships coming and going, and could hear some of the chatter from below. Steam rose from rooftops here and there and he could see vehicles moving between buildings. Sophie was fascinated by everything she could see and hear, and that was only the tip of the iceberg.

At the end of the dock, they came to a large, flat elevator. A cargo lift. Sophie looked out at the buildings below and purred. As Kyle activated the lift, Sophie walked to the edge and peered down. With a wiggle of her tail, she leaped off, flying through the air to land elegantly on the roof of the building below. Kyle smiled as he watched her perch near the edge of the roof, looking like a gargoyle in the mist.

As the lift stopped at street-level, Kyle could hear the chatter of the crowd. He took a deep breath of the clean air as he walked into the port. No sooner had he stepped off the lift, than he was amazed at his surroundings.

Signs glowed all around in over two-dozen languages, human and otherwise. All manner of people were coming and going. People were shopping at stalls, kiosks or going in and out of shops. The hustle and bustle of life was everywhere, yet nowhere near like what it was on space stations. People weren't jammed together with almost no room to breathe.

"Clouka! Get your hot clouka here! Nice and hot! Only two Collin per bowl! This good deal! Get you hot clouka here!" yelled an accented voice in broken English. Kyle looked at the stall where many customers were having a hot lunch. The person calling was an Arcturian.

The Arcturians were one of the races humans had met early on in their travels in space. An interesting, and lovely race. Kyle was pretty sure this one was a male, but couldn't be positive, as the Arcturians had three genders, and could switch freely between them at will. The one in the stall was a greenish blue color, his translucent skin shimmering and the tendrils on his head flexing as he called out to would-be customers. Kyle could feel Sophie's curiosity and interest as she watched the crowd, both from where she was, and through Kyle's eyes.

How interesting! Are all human settlements like this? she asked, the excitement flowing through her. Kyle smiled as he walked along.

Some are. Some are even bigger. This place is actually kind of small, Kyle replied.

Kyle could smell all kinds of cooking. Some of it wasn't exactly to his tastes, but not all of it was geared towards humans, either.

The next stall was a meat-seller, with all kinds of animals strung up and ready to be sold. Some Kyle recognized, some he didn't. He noticed that some had small signs above or below them, with a figure of a human and a red line through it, indicating it wasn't safe for humans to eat. The next stall over was dedicated to seafood, and had plenty of fine fare to choose from. Kyle's nose twitched as he smelled the scent of shrimp being cooked. He looked, and saw a man skewering some shrimp that were the size of Chihuahuas. His eyes widened and he began to drool. He felt Sophie beginning to drool at the smell.

"See somethin' you like?" asked a male voice. Kyle looked up at the man tending the stall. Kyle smiled as he indicated the large shrimp.

"Yeah, what're those?" Kyle asked. The man grinned.

"Zerichs Prawn. Just caught. If you don't believe me, watch this," the man tapped one of the prawns, and it twitched and wiggled. Kyle stared, awed. The vendor smiled. "They don't get any fresher!" Kyle smiled as he brought out two gold coins. The man gave them a quick scan and smiled. "Want 'em cooked? No charge, lots of butter." Kyle nodded, and could feel Sophie bobbing her head enthusiastically. The man smiled and took up several fresh prawn, removed the shells and innards before skewering them and roasting them over hot coals. Kyle watched, awed as the gray meat turned bright pink before his eyes. The man slathered some butter on, and Kyle's stomach growled, as did Sophie's. Once they were done, the man wrapped them in paper and handed them to Kyle. "Enjoy."

Kyle smiled and thanked him as Sophie hurriedly directed him to an ally. He had barely stepped in when she wrapped her tail around him and carried him up to the roof with her. He smiled as she sat in front of him, purring deeply. He smiled as he unwrapped the prawns, and Sophie drooled in buckets. She quickly took hers and began to devour it, purring all the while.

I really like this world, she stated as she feasted on the fresh seafood. Kyle smiled as he stroked her tail.

So do I, Sophie. With that, he partook of his own portion, and it was delicious. Everything felt soft, dream-like. It was surreal, they were actually here, they had done it, they had escaped . . .

Author's note: I was always curious about Kyle and Sophie's adventures in the two years between Astral Link and Heart of the Hive, so, I decided to go back and see.

Read, review and enjoy!