SAFEHAVEN Ep. 027: PALI SHORE

ISLANDROIDS: KOALA KINCAID and CYNTHIA BARBER

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Daylight! Finally!

Indonesia! An uninhabited island known by the chain as Pali. Not tiny, not humongous! Four mountains, mostly jungle, caves, and a freshwater lake with a generous waterfall. Paradise? Possibly! While no one lived there it was obviously a dangerous place. A cruise missile fired from its interior said a lot.

"W-where... am I? Is this heaven? I know I died." Archaeologist Tallon Beck revived from being tranquilized by android induced chloroform to avoid him panicking in the six-mile swim from the Indian ocean to here. Body stiff from multiple bruises he sat up slowly. All he had for clothing were his button-down shirt, a wifebeater beneath it, and a pair of socks.

"Birds and monkeys! Shit! Did a monkey steal my pants?" He realized he was lacking. "Wait! I was having sex with Megan Fox in the bathroom. Then everything went all nuts. Two explosions, I recall two. I... I'm covered in giant leaves. Did I..."

"You're awake finally."

Painfully twisting to look behind him he spotted Cynthia Barber in the adopted appearance of photojournalist Tara Hamilton. Lying in the lapping waves it looked as if she were doing yoga. Not a scratch or bruise on her, even her hair looked amazing. "Remember me?"

"Cyntara! How could I not. What happened?"

"It's just Cynthia. Call me Cyn, most people do. Long story, Mister Beck. We hope you can cope with the answers."

"We? Other survivors?"

"So, you remember the blasts? Flight 401 was struck by two cruise missiles. One clipped an engine and veered off. The second took us down. My traveling companion is around here somewhere. She went exploring while I kept an eye on you."

"Where are your clothes?"

"Lost in the freefall I'm afraid. Maybe we'll get lucky, and the ocean current will wash some luggage up on shore here and give us an edge. If not... I'm fine in my own skin."

"Here! Take my shirt, you must be chilled. It's still damp but it will dry."

"Aww! That's sweet of you. Actually, I'm fine. You need that shirt more than I do. I'll explain things better once Koala gets back. For now, you just rest and regain some strength. I rustled up some Rambutan and Mangosteen fruit if you're hungry. They're not poisonous so eat up."

"How did we survive a fall from... " He looked up at the sky. "That is impossible."

"Not for Koala and I. You are correct, without us you would have died. Stop stressing out you're alive to eventually reach Gunung Padang."

"Authorities will come looking for the wreckage. We just have to get their attention. Have you seen any seaplanes? Boats? Navy?"

"Not yet! It's inevitable they will look for debris here on the island. We were only six miles from Pali. Pali Island is where we are right now. No one lives out here."

"I don't even recall Pali on any maps." Taking his outer shirt off he stood up and draped it around his waist to hide his dangling penis. Cyn pouted over his modesty. Tied off using the sleeves he felt better about his appearance. "I don't know how, I'm not certain I would understand... but thank you for saving me."

"Our pleasure!"

"Koala, you say. Interesting name. And she works for National Geographic too?"

"About that!" She fidgeted! "That's our cover story. Like I said, let Koala get back before we all sit down and get to know one another better. By the way, thank you for the orgasms you managed to inflict before all hell broke loose. You, Sir, are very talented."

"Did I do any of the work. If memory serves it felt like you did. At any rate, you're welcome and thank you for keeping me entertained."

"If we're stuck out here a while, we might have time for some more."

"Survival takes priority. These islands see a lot of storms we're going to need shelter."

"Right! Leave that to Koala and I, we can whip something up fast."

"With no ax or cutting tools it's going to be branches at best." He looked at the jungle behind her. "Pretty dense out there." BOOM! An explosion made Tallon jump. "What was that?"

"An old Japanese landmine. Koala is on a reconnaissance mission. Those cruise missiles came from this island." Telepathic communication between Koala a half mile away and Cyn were constant.

"Koala might be hurt if she stepped on it. Who knows how many leftover mines are out there."

"That's why she's setting them off. So that you don't accidently trigger one."

"Brave woman!"

"Now, yes!" Cynthia giggled! "You should have seen her a month ago. She would jump out of her skin if you popped a paper bag with air in it. She and I have come a long way."

"Known one another a long time?"

"Four years or so."

"So, before my seminar at Stanford."

"Yes! Confession time! And please don't think badly of me. I did not actually see you give that lecture. I saw it on video when the school recorded it for posterity. I've never once been to Stanford."

"Why lie to me?"

"To be honest, my flirty side was in need of an edge to get to know you. I accessed what knowledge I could short notice once I found you... so appealing."

"You had no idea who I was did you."

"Not until I looked you up. Don't get me wrong I'm very interested in your line of work. I'm more into tech but I love reading up on ancient civilizations. You might be surprised by what I can do if we run into any ruins."

"I guess we will find out." BOOM! Further away this time. "How does Koala know where to find the mines?"

"By looking at the ground." And letting her computer find them. That had been her second foot stomp on a mine in under eight minutes. When you are an indestructible android with healing properties concerning your skin coat, it was hopscotch, explosion and move onward to the next. The detonation barely shredded her flesh, the epidermis growing back instantly after the dust settled. "Two for two Bestie!"

"My computer has scanned and pinpointed one closer by." Koala Kincaid returned communication while brushing dirt from her busty chest. "Even in clearing these three we will need to constantly watch our step. There's bound to be more."

"Right! I'll have Louise constantly scan in 20-foot diameters of my steps and keep Tallon close behind me. Any sign of a missile silo anywhere?"

"Not yet! It's a big island though. Louise?"

"Oh! I was thinking, we need to honor our tech with names. It seems so cold to just say computer research this or that. So, I called mine Louise after my Auntie."

"I don't have any aunties, so I'll just go with Thelma seeing as you and I are on the run and living life to the fullest."

"Thelma and Louise! Perfect!"

"Are you okay?" Tallon looked with concern at Cyn. "You got quiet."

"I'm fine! Just talking to Koala." A brow creased, Tallon Beck looked around him for anyone else. "No, I am not crazy. Koala can I just show him?" Speaking out loud had him concerned. The remainder in thought prevented further stress. "I mean if he takes it bad, I can easily suggest he forget what we are."

"Go ahead! Keep him company until I get back."

"Thank you, Bestie." Rubbing her hands together Cyn smiled and prepared how best to communicate their enhancements. "Alright, Mister Beck. I have permission to let you in on the biggest secret of your career. I'm going to ask you to keep an open mind and not panic over anything you see. We are friends I swear to you. Saving your life has to prove that."

"I can't disagree, I'm still here."

"Good!" She paused a moment, "Where to start! Where to start!"

"Try showing him me so he knows what I look like. Found another mine. Get ready I'm about to jump on it."

"Get ready for another boom." Cyn held an index finger up, "Oh! Here!" Looking to her left her eyes lit up like a movie projector. Even in daylight Tallon could see images floating in the air just off the ground. Eyes bulging, he witnessed a busty naked blonde who resembled actress Bo Derek in her youth. Jumping up and landing on the mine it exploded in a burst of debris, soil, and smoke. Observing the chaos settling he noted her legs with skin torn away from muscle and bone. Koala knowing Cyn had projected her image waved at Tallon and even shook her tits.

"WHAT THE FUCK???" He jumped back then glanced at her legs healing before his eyes. "What are you? Both of you!"

"Highly advanced alien designed androids." Cyn ceased projection! "Our human thought patterns share the brains of the androids. Our real bodies perished in a military base that kept us captive. Koala and I are nanotechnologists. Once we served our purpose in getting the androids up and running the Army intended to put us to death to avoid letting the world know what we worked on."

"That is... impossible!"

"Is it? So, is your surviving a freefall from 24,000 feet. Our bodies surrounded yours and shielded you from the explosion on Flight 401. I kept you breathing when air was thin. We did chloroform you to keep you from panicking and possibly harming yourself. That... and to avoid you learning that we were androids too soon."

"This is a lot to absorb."

"How about this then?" She altered her android body into a more appealing almost robotic form; she simply kept her face so as not to look too much machine.

Awestruck for all of thirty seconds Tallon Beck shrugged. "Okay! I'm a believer." He then eyed the fruit lying on the beach and opted to snatch a couple up and peel the outer skin off to eat the insides. So juicy! Hell, yes! That required a third as he listened.

"I won't get into details beyond that for your own safety. It's better that you don't know too much."

"Don't I already know too much?"

"True! Koala and I have agreed to let you retain the knowledge of what we are but please understand, that to protect our existence, we might someday need to erase any memory of us."

"Meaning kill me."

"Of course not! We would never take an innocent life. Out of defense someday if the person has dark intent, we might, but only toward the deserving. You are a good man Tallon. I can read your thoughts. You think Koala is hotter than I am." She laughed! "Just to let you know, these beauties you see are not really us. We confiscated their passports and luggage in Alaska. The real Peyton and Tara are quite alive and... on a camping trip for three weeks. They won't even know of our adopting their identities. I'm certain our passports went up in flames."

"So, what happens when they are declared dead on the flight and show back up in society?"

"Yikes! Well, I suppose they would feel lucky to be alive."

"He has a good point." Koala spoke in Cynthia's mind. "I found a lake with a waterfall. It's beautiful. I say we build a home on the lake here. There are fruit trees everywhere. Scanning the lake, I find hundreds of fish to sustain Tallon."

"Good option! Is it safe for us to follow your steps?"

"Have Louise probe the ground for my step signatures. Do not deviate from my path just in case and make sure Tallon dogs your heels. I'll just tell him." Switching brain phones she chuckled, "Hey Sexy Man! I heard you thought I was hotter than Cyn." Thoughts in his mind Tallon Beck flared his eyes and looked around as if someone was beside him. "Thanks, but like Cyn said, you see Peyton Lambert I'm afraid. Koala is not quite as built as Peyton is. I'm medium build, well, was medium build. Cyn and I could morph back to our original dimensions but to be honest I think Peyton is gorgeous. So, I'll keep her for now. Same for Cyn and Tara Hamilton. What you are experiencing is my telepathic ability. Cyn and I can both do this. No reason to get edgy, I won't invade your privacy unless it becomes urgent. Right now, this is just our information highway. If we run into trouble this would be safer than talking aloud. Seeing as I'm not right there beside you this keeps us in contact."

"I understand. Your bodies can morph?"

"Like this." Cynthia told Louise to make her the older stewardess from the flight. Showing up naked the woman had some pretty tight curves for 51. It only took thirty seconds to complete the metamorphosis, another thirty back to Tara Hamilton.

"Yeah, keep Megan Fox." He smirked. "Any other human being might be having a nervous breakdown over all of this. I... thank God for you two."

"Awww!" Both Koala and Cyn spoke as one.

"We're glad we could help. I just wish we would have had time to save others. We scanned a mile radius around us at all times on the way to the island. Unless anyone was beyond that mile wide net no one else survived."

"Can you call for help?"

"We could but that does present a problem." Cyn pointed out! "How would we explain to authorities how we were able to contact them when we don't have a radio. Not only that but what if the terrorist faction that fired off that cruise missile came looking for us. There is no telling who is trustworthy in these parts."

"So, I'm destined to die on Gilligan's Island."

"No! We just need to hide out for a while and determine who we can trust. If Coast Guard or the Navy drops in on us Koala and I can read minds and discover who we can believe and who might be the enemy."

"Gotcha! Can you two detect any sort of communication out there, right now?"

"Not within that mile radius. That close we could see them just as easily. We're monitoring satellites in orbit to gather intel but for some reason there's interference coming from the island here creating a distortion field. Until we can determine what that source is we can't fix it. All we k now is it has nothing to do with our personal tech malfunctioning. Our bodies run constant system vitality checks."

"So, no Navy airwaves saying they're looking for survivors."

"Not as of yet. We all know that it's procedure so they will be out here."

"I guess we just hang on until... what am I saying? They are going to wonder how in the hell we three survived that fall. There is no simple excuse for our sudden immortality."

"Mind control! We can keep our existence secret. After Koala and I are done nobody will even know you were on that plane. We did have a lay over, easy enough to say you missed that flight. Just Relax Tally!"

"Tally! My grandfather used to call me Tally Wacker until he realized that meant a penis."

"Hey! At least your parents didn't name you Dick."

"Thank God for that."

"On a brighter note, Koala found a freshwater lake with a waterfall coming off of the mountain. You won't die of thirst or hunger while we're here. Koala and I don't require food or drink so it's all yours. We can catch fish for you."

"So, you two carried me to the island in a six-mile swim."

"Easy! Our bodies never tire. We even kept sharks away with sonic pulses."

"A good thing no submarines were around to detect that."

"That's true. But at least we didn't help you live through a 24,000-foot freefall to let you be eaten." She took him by the hand. "Follow right behind me. Do not step anywhere I don't in case of other mines or booby traps."

"Speaking of eaten. If you are an android, how did you have sex with me? Not complaining, its just... I don't want to offend you."

"Eerie? I get it Tallon. Our androids were built with human traits and needs. We feel everything, from the breeze off the sea, to the plants brushing against our artificial skin. Our organs are much the same as our human selves but function better and have no fear of deteriorating or organ failure. We're indestructible! 24,000 feet should tell you that. Koala used her entire flesh to make us a parachute to slow our landing speed. I was your cushion and your breathing apparatus. Our bone structures morphed around you like a cage to prevent harm. Bruises are your worst outcome from the fall."

"Again, I'm grateful. Just so you know you can trust me."

"We know! Koala and I can detect lies."

"Guys? I found a cave behind the waterfall. We can use that as a shelter for now. It goes deep underground. By the looks of it there might have been inhabitants at some point."

"Are there any bones, Koala?" Tallon asked, inquisitive being an archaeologist.

"Not yet! I see fire stations with charred remains. It looks man made, the cave that is. Initial scans they go very deep."

"Maybe the Japanese in WW2."

"Possibly! I'll keep looking until you two can catch up."

Spotting the first detonation pothole Tallon swallowed dryly. "This is nuts." Ahead of him Cyn scanned the grounds around them. Double checking made her feel more at ease too. She wanted Tallon in one piece to make love to again if he was willing. Now that he knew she wasn't Tara Hamilton or as he put it Megan Fox, he might not be interested like he was originally. Of course, she could become anyone he asked for. Food for thought!

"Just breath! I can see three feet beneath the ground. Lidar capabilities! Deeper if need be but the mines wouldn't be that far down."

"I'll take your word for it. I hope you're also looking for... "From a low limb struck a snake. Cynthia's android lashing out to grab the serpent before it could strike. Holding it in mid-air the three-foot snake coiled around her forearm and bit her hand. "Holy shit! I hope you can handle venom."

"I can, you can't! If you get bitten, I doubt we could save you. It's not like we carry any antivenom serum. This is a boomslang. If I were human, I'd be dead in five minutes or less. Releasing his hand, she ripped the head off of it and tossed the body away. One less snake to worry about. "Relax! Louise is expanding her insight. If there are more snakes, we can deal with them."

"On your ass like a cliff side!"

"Quit turning me on." She giggled! "We've got you, Dr. Jones!"

"HaHa! Indiana Jones reference because I hate snakes."

"I used to fear them. Now I know they can't hurt me. My body did absorb the venom and stored it safely in my nervous system. It can be used as a tactical weapon if need be."

"Yeah, that makes me want to fuck you again."

"Stop worrying! The venom can't reach you through me unless I tell it to. I swear I would never do that."

"Good to know. Anything new out there, Koala?"

"Bats! Thousands of them the deeper I go. Luckily, they won't get into my hair because I can ward them off. I just don't get why the shafts here are so tall and wide. I'm not seeing this as any geological normality. Definitely chiseled out."

"Can you even see where you're going?"

"Flashlight eyes, Stud. High beam even. I... whoa! Cave art on the walls."

"Incredible! I can't wait to get a look at those."

"They are definitely old. Which contradicts man-made caves. Unless... those who made these are pretty darn old themselves."

"We're almost to the waterfall; I can hear the water." A last bit of rain forest brushed out of the way Cyn and Tallon stepped out onto rock formations surrounding the lake. With the sun higher in the sky the water sparkled like diamonds.

"This way!" Cyn trailed Koala's devised heat signature steps all the way back and under the waterfall. Cold and clammy within after getting a wake-up shower upon entry Tallon shivered. "I'll heat myself up and generate warmth. Hug me if you need to." Agreeing he wrapped his arms around Cyn and immediately felt her body heat boost up to 110 degrees. As an android that temperature or higher was never any life-threatening issue.

"Nice!"

"Koala and I can snuggle up to you when it gets cold at night. Our combined heat will keep you insulated."

"Now you're just trying to get me horny."

"Save it for nightfall. I want in on that." Koala laughed inside their minds. "This just keeps going. There's a hole in the ground so be careful where you walk. I just dropped a rock and it's deep. I think I'll stop here. Have you reached the campfire site?"

"We just stepped over it."

"I want to see the wall art." Tallon craved the challenge.

"I'll back track and meet you there. Look for my headlights. Heck, I'll light up my nipples like fog lights on a Jeep." Doing so she had to laugh at her body's capabilities. "I see you guys now."

"You're hard to miss." Cyn giggled! "Sore thumb!"

"Right! I put the LAMPS in nipple cLAMPS!"

"Hilarious!" Tallon even chuckled!

"Question? If I suck on those headlights, am I going to be eating battery acid?"

"Of course, not! Everything about our bodies is well insulated. You have no idea how much we can do. Going low beam so I don't blind you. Nipples only, not the areola portion." Narrowing she faced the wall art rather than point directly at Tallon. For Cyn that bright light was meaningless. Igniting her own nipple lights Cyn joined Koala in a light saber battle of titties slapping one another. All in good fun until Tallon called it.

"Hey! Quit goofing off. Let me have a good look at this wall." Quieting down they illuminated the rocks as Tallon pieced together his understanding of it. "Early islanders! See the spears held in their hands. What is this they're fending off against?" Upon closer inspection he had a chill. Cyn in turn crushed her chest against his back to keep him warm. Nipples ceased their lighting during it. "The islands all have legends. From the Ahool which is a batlike creature 10-feet tall and with a 28-foot wingspan, to giants. This in particular looks more giant than anything. Let's hope whatever it was is long extinct."

"We can handle it if it's still around." Koala chimed in, "I'm more worried about whoever fired those missiles coming back. I'm betting their launch pad is up on the mountain. Once we get done here, I'll climb up and take a look."

"I wish I had a camera to document this finding."

"Click! Click! Whirrr!" Cyn placed her chin on his shoulder. "I just took mental photos of it. When we get back to civilization, I can copy them for you."

"Perfect! Thanks!"

"Are we done here for now? I say you two grab some kindling and build a fire. Cyn can go fishing for Tallon's dinner while I check out the mountain. I guess we should be glad we don't have a volcano on Pali."

Led back to the waterfall they stepped out onto the rocks overlooking the lake and dense foliage. "Hold up! I think I hear a plane." Tallon stepped out further and spotted one to the East. "They must be looking for Flight 401."

"Eavesdropping radio transmissions." Koala paused! "That is not any rescue mission. Crap! We've been spotted! Back into the cave. They're sending in troops."

"Kopassus!" Cyn was also snooping! "Indonesian Special Forces!"

"That would be good, right?"

"Not by the sounds of it. Someone just said to kill all survivors. They spotted our footprints on the beach, then us."

"Fuck! What do we do?"

"Hide you where its safe while you let us take them out."

"Why would the Army want us dead?" Tallon was losing it slightly, pacing the rocks in a nervous sweat. "This can't be happening."

"Paratroopers!" The plane moved in over the island and ejected six soldiers. Chutes began opening and gliding down toward the island. "Tallon go back into the cave as far as you can go. Be careful of that drop off. Once we deal with these guys we'll come get you. Do not answer to anyone but us. We will talk to you telepathically."

"Right! Okay! Be careful!"

"Tell that to them." Koala sighed! "I'm thinking Special Forces or not they're mercenaries. Probably the people who brought our flight down. They want to get to us before the Navy does."

"Predator style?" Cyn morphed into a female Predator only nude.

"Perfect! We'll terrify them Predator style!" Koala joined her alterations, only her Predator was wearing armor. "Cloak up, Babe!" Going invisible to the naked eye the game was afoot. What the hell was going on here? The U. S. and Indonesia were allies, weren't they? There had to be more to it.

"Our assassin protocols were deleted."

"We can kill only if it becomes necessary without the protocols. Use holograms to confuse them."

"Welcome to the Jungle, Baby!"

Thelma and Louise were singing along to Axl Rose and the boys, music playing in their heads.

It was time to put these weapons of mass destruction to the test.

Enemy engaged!

Rock on, Slash!

They were going to!