With a metallic whooshing noise the shuttles spherical door opened up to the familiar sight of an orbiting colony. In the distance behind a layer of decorative foliage at the edge of the landing bay he could vaguely make out several gigantic humanlike beings walking about in the distance; their thundering footsteps even at this distance were powerful enough to vibrate the solid concrete floor of the landing bay.
“Are those… the giants?” asked Michael who was astounded by simply how large they were, even from hundreds of feet away.
Yesod smiled and placed his hand on Michaels shoulder, half amused by his reaction and half worried for Michael’s life. “Yes Michael, yes they are.”
“Enjoying the view boys? You know for us locals these oversized beasts aren’t that impressive” asked a voice from the left of them.
“It is quite a sight.” Said Yesod who turned around to face her.
“Damn tourists. Anyways I assume that Mr. Tall, blonde, and severely scarred over here is the great and legendary hero Arch-Ishim Michael.” She said in a voice that bordered between whimsical feminine charm and casual sarcasm.
“Well actually I was promoted to cherubim for my heroism, but I’m glad that even in this part of the universe my name is known.” He said turning to face her.
Her name was Athena the manipulator, a women known throughout the universe for her advances in the field of genetic engineering, she received her title for her work in pioneering cross-species genetic manipulation; hence her title. Standing almost a head shorter than Michael he found it hard to believe that this fragile looking woman could possibly help him on his mission.
That is until he noticed the large plastic rope in her hand that stretched high into the sky. Attached to the rope was a collar around the largest girl he had ever seen in his life. As he stared up at her lengthy body he couldn’t help but notice that she was staring right back at him.
“Umm, commander? These giants… they aren’t sentient, are they?” asked Michael nervously as the freakishly large girl simply smiled at him from her lofty place in the sky.
“Sir, I can understand what you’re saying, you know.” Said the titanic girl whose magnificent voice thundered across the hanger.
Michael recoiled slightly as she spoke, not out of fear but simply because he was unfamiliar with dealing with someone who had such a large presence. “Athena! I thought these creatures were unintelligent, why is this one talking to me?” he asked with genuine interest.
Athena giggled loudly amused by his reaction. “That is a misconception, there not stupid contrary to popular belief, but rather their race is very primitive; sort of like the humans who still inhabit earth’s landmasses.” She said blankly while struggling to regain her professional composure. “Anyways, come on over here now, unless you want my little pet here to carry you.”
“Ahh no thank you, I’ll walk.” He said nervously as he glanced up at the billboard like face of the enormous girl who looked rather displeased at being referred to as a pet.
“Ah yes! And before we depart, tell me Yesod how are the girls I sent to Atlantis fairing on earth.” Said Athena while she twirled her jet black hair in her hands.
“Not very good. The one named Keyla at the very least proved useful in convincing the senate to send Michael to assist us, however the strain of our home planets gravity proved too much for them and so they all died within a matter of days.” Reported Yesod with a slight hint of regret. “I am however surprised to see the one next to you able to stand without trouble. This give me hope that perhaps the next group you send us will be able to survive on earth and not just on low gravity planets.”
“I am very close, and I believe by the time our young soldier leaves for the planet’s surface I will have at least a thousand fully matured giants for earth.” Said Athena with glee.
“That’s good to hear. Many people back on Atlantis have placed hope in your research, and they will be happy to know that it has proceeded ahead of schedule.” Said
Yesod excitedly.
As Yesod and Athena discussed politics and other matters Michael couldn’t help but notice that the giant girl had no reaction whatsoever to their conversation, it was as if she didn’t even care. He found this contrast strange considering what a strong negative reaction she had when Athena referred to her as a pet.
“Aren’t we supposed to be leaving Athena?” said Michael.
“Oh yeah. Sorry about that, I tend to get distracted when people talk about my research. It is just so exiting how remarkably similar their race is to humanity.” She said with a whimsical smile. “Come along now Michael, you and Nephila here have to get acquainted.”
“Nephila?”
“That is the name she gave me sir.” Said the giantess in voice as quiet as she could possibly accomplish.
Michael stumbled back for a second still not used to her overbearing voice. Then an idea came to him, if this girl was truly as intelligent as she claimed to be she must have at least a basic understanding of social etiquette. “Well. I guess it’s nice to meet you then Nephila.” He said extending his right hand into the air to greet her.
The girl smiled a bit and averted her eyes. It was obvious that she didn’t really meet people that often; not that he could blame her considering the unusual situation she was in.
“Nephila, this is Michael. He is going to be staying with us for a while. Said Athena while petting the girl’s ankle in an attempt to calm her. “It’s ok. You can shake his hand.”
The enormous girl fell to one knee and leaned forward a bit, then slowly she extended her right pointer finger towards him. “It...It’s nice, to umm meet you as well sir.” She sputtered.
Michael grabbed her finger with both hands and shook as hard as he could; it didn’t even budge. Not surprising considering the strength and weight difference between the two. But what was surprising, at least from Michaels perspective was simply how warm her body was. He had experienced the sensation of body heat before, but not on this scale; it felt like he was placing his hands on warm sand.
Then without warning she quickly jerked her finger back causing him to lurch forward a bit.
“Well that was adorable. Now I have to get back to work so follow me to where you will be staying.” Said Athena as she pranced about between the three of them.
“May I have a brief moment with the Cherubim first.” Asked Yesod.
“Make it quick.” Said Athena dismissively before turning around and fiddling with Nephila’s collar.
“What is it commander?” asked Michael.
“Listen up soldier, I know I don’t have to tell you this but this isn’t a vacation. As we speak the rebellion is gaining strength so the second you get the chance to go to the surface, take it. I want you in and out with the Axiom in less than a month, any questions?” said Yesod gravely.
“Just one. Why did you send just me when any run of the mill salvage crew could have done this mission?” Asked Michael.
Yesod looked over at Athena; she was still distracted by Nephila who was not happy about her collar being tightened. Then he looked back at Michael. “It’s because I can trust you and only you with this mission. As I said, the rebellion is growing stronger every day and quite frankly I’m beginning to suspect that many of our fellow officers are rebel conspirators.” Said Yesod in a hushed tone while putting on a fake smile in case anyone was watching them.
“I understand Yesod, I’ll do my best.” Said Michael with renewed determination.
“I know you will.” Said Yesod before he turned and without another word stepped onto the shuttle and flew away.
Michael watched as the ship left the bay, and then with confidence he turned to face Athena. “Alright, let’s get going.”
“You guys sure had a long little man talk over there.” Said Athena jokingly before tugging on Nephila’s collar to indicate she intended to walk.
The walk across the colony was relatively silent other than the occasional ‘hello’ from one of the many residents, and of course the unsettling trembles caused by Nephila’s footsteps. Looking up at her he could see she was mindlessly staring into the distance completely oblivious to whatever was happening below. He briefly wondered what would happen if someone were to trip into the path of one of her step. He imagined it would not be particularly pleasant.
“Are you worried she might step on you?” asked Athena who could somehow tell he was staring at her feet.
“The thought did cross my mind.” Admitted Michael as the three of them turned a corner into the housing district of the colony.
“You shouldn’t worry about such things. However if it makes you feel better I assure you that if Nephila does end up stepping on you, your neck and spine will snap instantly and you will likely die a painless, but messy death within the span of a few seconds.” She teased in a sadistic tone.
“That doesn’t make me feel any better.” Said Michael who wasn’t particularly a fan of dark humor considering all the gore and violence he had seen throughout his
life.
“Ok! We’re here.” Said Athena and pointing to a plain looking staircase next to an almost comically oversized doorway which was obviously meant for Nephila.
“This is your house? How the hell do you two even live with each other?” Said Michael confused about the living arrangements.
“All the houses in this colony have been modified to have enormous private hanger spaces, you know for our ships, and furniture, or…” Athena said looking up at Nephila. “For our Giants.”
“So you and I are going to be staying upstairs and…”
“WRONG!” Athena interrupted. “YOU and Nephila will be living in the hanger, and I will be staying upstairs.”
Michael looked up briefly at the gigantic girl who appeared rather displeased at the idea of having to share her living space.
“Now Michael, you and Nephila go settle in, I have to go back to work.” Said Athena before snapping her fingers and causing the door to swing open into what was possibly the largest room he had ever seen.
Nephila was the first to enter the room, and without saying a word she walked across the room and sat on what appeared to be a couch larger than the cruiser ship he came in on. The first thing he noticed when he entered the room was that it was a perfect square in both height and width, and that it acted as the bathroom, living room, and bedroom at the same time.
Entering the room he noticed to his left the toilet and shower which were modestly concealed by from her perspective would be a chest high wall. Directly to the right was an enormous bed covered in what appeared to be colored industrial cloth. In the far right corner was a simple kitchen with a table and a monitor next to a hatch that was presumably where she received food. And lastly in the far right corner was a couch, a broadcast viewing system, and a bookcase shelved with several giant sized books.
“So, this is where you live huh? I like it, everything is in one place.” Shouted Michael across the room to her. “Anyways, where am I going to put my things, and where am I going to go to the bathroom?”
“My master has put everything you need underneath my bed sir.” She answered blankly from the couch.
Even at this distance her voice sounded as if someone was speaking directly into his ear. He briefly contemplated the irony of having a monster above the bed as opposed to underneath it. “Well alright then. So what do you want to do, seeing as were
both going to be in here for quite a long time? ”
“What do you mean what do I want to do?” asked Nephila glancing over the couch at him.
At first Michael didn’t know how to respond to her, then thinking about her situation he realized that she may not have much of a concept of free will.
“Well, what do you like to do?” asked Michael softly as he walked over to the
mountainous couch.
“I like to… read?” she answered.
“Umm that’s not what I had in mind, think of something we can both do.” He said patiently as if he was speaking to a child.
There was an awkward pause for a moment, and as he reached the front of the couch he could see her looking very uneasy about something.
“I do not wish to have sex with you sir, but if it is an order I will do my best to
please you.” She said surrendering as if she didn’t even have a choice in the matter.
“What! NO. What gave you the idea I wanted that from you.” He asked curiously.
“You were looking at me a lot when we were walking; I was scared, I am afraid you’re going to hurt me.” She said faintly while burying her face in a pillow large
enough to crush an elephant.
“What are you talking about?” he said concerned with where she intended to take the conversation.
“I have seen what your people can do to mine, the power you possess, I am afraid you will do the same to me.” Nephila continued with tears in her eyes.
“Do what to you?” he asked worried about this girl’s obvious underlying trauma.
“Horrible things.” She said while attempting to hide herself further behind her pillow.
“Don’t worry I’m not going to hurt you, I don’t even see how I could.” He said taking a few steps towards her.
Nephila peaked out from behind the pillow; maybe he was telling the truth “You… You’re not going to hurt me?” she sniveled.
“No of course not, and if it makes you feel any better I’m just as scared of you as you are of me right now.” He said causing her to drop the pillow at her side and scoot forward to the edge of the couch.
“Now can I sit next to you? That couch looks a lot more comfortable than this floor.” He continued softly.
“How are you going to get up here.” She questioned putting the pillow down.
“I could make myself fly up there, but I think if these living arrangements are going to work we need to conquer our mutual fears of each other.” He explained hoping to coax her into doing something.
Nephila looked at him curiously for a second then she scooted forward on the couch, and without warning she slammed her foot into the ground in front of him.
The cold metallic floor vibrated like a drum, a gust of wind blew past his face, and his ears rang from what sounded like a small explosion. He took a step backwards
away from the enormous mass of muscle which sat less than 2 meters from him, and looked up at Nephilia. Her face was like the moon, cold and indifferent towards his plight entirely. Michael for the first time in years felt very much afraid for his life.
Nephila looked at him for a minute, then after what seemed like an eternity to Michael she smiled warmly. “You were telling the truth! I didn’t believe you were afraid of me at first but now after seeing you react like that, I can tell… you’re scared.” She said getting off the couch and onto her knees where she still towered over him.
“How can you tell Nephila?” He said in awe as the monolithic girl kneeled over him eclipsing the light and concealing his meager body in her shadow.
She leaned forward until her face was a meter in front of his, at this distance she could grab him in her mouth and break him in half with her jaws before he even could react.
“That is because you are making the same face my mother did when your people killed my father and took me from my home.” Nephila said in a bittersweet voice that fluttered between anger and happiness.