The New Frontier, chapter one

I pulled out the bodysuit that signaled my new earthly chapter. Over the decades I’ve called the United States of America home, all throughout each and every historic event while I was stationed on this surprisingly loveable planet, led me to this moment. And honestly? I always loved this part of being a spy, especially when mingling among those fascinating humans. In my hands, I held a complete bodysuit of a redheaded woman. When I lived on the east coast of America, I happened to run into plenty of people claimed they came from Ireland, and again, I came to realize that a lot of them were here to find better lives for themselves. That’s something that resonated with me the very first time, and now, it does more so than ever. So, go ahead and say that this is why my bodysuit and cover takes the shape of Maggie Flanagan. 

Honestly, having to resort to this disguise in the first place is a long story, and given my inherent difference between you and I, I don’t think you’d be willing to sit for the entirety of it. Just know that I was on the run and in a semi-blind panic. Figures. It always happens, but this time, things seriously have spiraled out of control. I’d like to say this would all blow over, but given, through both a series of events that I and others caused, that seems highly unlikely as long as I’m still breathing.

As I find myself in this desolate region, I’m just thankful for the fact that I’d prepared for this day. Thought long and hard about my cover and how to explain to the good folks out west why I was running. Christ, am I glad that people here also are in similar predicaments, otherwise I’d be fucked.

Anyways, welcome to my life as Lannet, alien refuge from the planet Vizair. 

Shocked? Yeah, I get that more times than you can count. I don’t look much different from humans, but my species is still a separate entity. I’m way older than the average human male. Most live half a century if they’re lucky, whereas I’ve lived for several centuries now. My species, the Arga, also has a higher capacity for intellect. However, I begin to doubt this as I look over my choices the last few ages. I’ve also landed some equipment that would not be decidedly out of place here. I possess a bodysuit ray gun (for making new disguises), my handy transporter, and a hologram device; they’ve saved me more times than I can count. As I make my way to nearest town in this godforsaken barren stretch of land the United States of America possesses, I know that I’ve got all I need to carve out a new life here.

As the town started to become less of a speck in the background and more of a reality, it finally was time to finally don my disguise. See, many centuries ago in a past life, I worked as a Vizairian spy, so I had collected a sizeable closet of personalities and backstories. Believe me, I’d need it here if I was to live a quiet life away from the drama an alien planet can deliver. Looking around to make sure I was alone, I used my tools to conjure up a little booth to sit in; after all, privacy helps you get ready for the mission ahead. Rifling through from what humans would call a “traveler’s backpack”, my disguise was unfolding, literally and figuratively. 

But enough about those details. I know some of you earthlings would be curious to know about my human disguise. Have you ever put on a bodysuit? It’s an experience, if anything. It’s sensual given how your body, despite potentially being in a different form, molds inside them; it’s as if the magic of it overpowers your own body, and my first time absolutely felt like that. Some of my former spy friends even went from four arms and being 10 feet tall to petite humans, but that’s a story for a different day. Putting on “Maggie” was something I hoped I wouldn’t have to repeat too often, as my goal was to become her. Staring into the mask and her empty eyes, I could see the life I’d created and would be further expanding. Of the “life she left behind in pursuit of a better life, with her dear old husband”. Of the desire to be in this dusty, barren, desolate stretch of America where you needed to be quick lest you die a slow and ignoble death. Of all the questions she’d naively ask and be asked. 

I thought about this a lot while I was putting the rest of the suit on. Slipping her nubile body on, one leg and arm at a time, I felt a rush of blood go to my head. Careful Lannet, don’t let this excitement cause you to lose focus. When you’re now in the body of a slender, buxom Irish lass, you do want to savor that moment; I did exactly that, but rest assured it was part of my final preparations. When suiting up, it is key to make sure the mask is properly attached to the rest of the body. Silly to say, I know, but I’ve seen some fellow agents get their covers blown due to this careless mistake. Once I ascertained the mask was attached to the rest, I looked down. From my vantage point, I could see that “Maggie” had a very, very attractive form. My hope was to parlay this into a job at the local saloon, as it would be a great chance to not only make a living, but to win hearts and minds. The last physical component was the lower body. Now, I’m one of the more human-looking aliens you’ll find roaming Earth, but even then, I had to ensure nothing would be out of the ordinary. So, as I inspected the rest, I found that everything exceeded expectations. And, I’ll concede that I was starting to fall in love with this persona of Maggie. However, if I didn’t complete the last thing on my checklist, nobody else could say that. Testing out the suit’s vocal, a soft, coquettish brogue emerged, ready to demonstrate her charisma. Furthermore, as I wasn’t very much in a hurry to matriculate over to society just yet, I spent the time practicing my story, just to hear that honeyed voice. 

Walking into town, I made sure to milk the moment for all it was worth. If people were to open their doors to a single woman, they’d better believe that my “husband” and I were making our way westward before we were attacked by bandits. Admittedly, I did get accosted by some of them who thought I was an easy target, but having my bodysuit gun with me ended up with a few new suits. Hey, you never know when you might need an extra disguise or two. But I digress. In order to really hammer away at my disguise, I rolled around a bit in the dirt to make it really look like I’d been through a tough time. Finally, the first few houses were getting ever-so-closer! Show time.

“Somebody, please help me!” I shouted. 

Staggering, I made sure my plight would not be ignored.

“I’ve been attacked by bandits. Please, somebody, anybody, I need help!”

Now, this got people coming. As this was midday in a quiet town, any stranger’s arrival was cause for wary attention. One who looked like they’d been through hell while claiming to be a survivor was a surefire of getting the entire populace rushing towards you.

“Bandits? Where!”

“Hold steady ma’am, we’ve got you!”

“Jaysus, she’s lucky to be here. John, go get Doc!”

It was this moment I decided I’d go with the flow and start to swoon. Hey, gotta make an entrance, eh?

As I started lurching, a pair of arms grabbed me. I easily could’ve stood up, but I figured I’d milk the whole dainty lass image for a bit more.

“Ma’am, you’re okay. Sit down until you feel okay,” came a voice near me. Blinking, I looked up to see the sheriff standing over me. 

“T..th..thank you, sir. I…think I’m okay now.”

He smiled, grimly. Hey, at least things were starting to calm down. However, that meant that it was time to sink or swim, to use that quaint human phrase.

“We’re glad you’re okay, ma’am. Your safety comes first in our little town, our Marston Heights.”

“Thank you, sheriff,” I said. “I’m…still in shock. One moment John and I were riding peacefully, then we were attacked. I don’t even know how I made it here.” Tears started to flow, in what was fast becoming a Broadway-worthy performance.

“Ma’am, you’re alright here. If there are bandits, you can rest assured that we will find them and bring them to justice.” His face hardened while he said that, which left little doubt that he would have done so, had there actually have been bandits in the first place.

Reading the crowd, who were eating out of the palm of my hand by this point, I decided to start displaying my softer side. Smiling up at him, I allowed my “natural” looks to shine.

“Again, I cannot thank you enough,” I said with a soft, demure smile, “I can’t change what happened, but part of me will rest easy now, knowing that strong, dedicated men like you are here for good folk out here. Maybe you could help escort me to Phoenix in an hour, because I would be able to rest easy knowing I have an escort like you.”

As I uttered these words, I heard the crowd gasp. Some people were even muttering to themselves about how crazy it was. Others wanted to know exactly who this woman was, and why she was determined to push in despite being in a state like that.

“Are you…sure that’s the right thing, Miss…?” 

 “Mrs. Maggie Flanagan, at your service. And yes, I’m sure. Though, I at least wouldn’t turn down a small tour of the town that has lovely folk such as you all.”

And with a cheeky wink, I sealed my fate. Several of the younger boys in the crowd visibly blushed; at least my disguise was holding up with some townspeople. I wasn’t able to see for sure, but the sounds around me sounded vaguely positive, which was also an encouraging sign.

Capitalizing on this momentum, I turned to the still-sizeable crowd. Blinking to sell the effect, as if really only digesting the fact of where I was for the first time, I then addressed them.

“I know that as a stranger, it must have been hard to open up to somebody like me. By grace and by blessing, I was lucky to have come to your town. I wish it wasn’t in these circumstances, but I want to do something to repay you for this extraordinary kindness. Please, if anybody needs me, I can…try to help. It may not be much, but I want to give something back in return.”

“Wait a minute!” came a shout. Heads immediately whipped around to see who said it. “I’m finally here to hep-I came as quickly as I could. Before anybody lets her go with Sheriff Johnson, I think we need to assess her health. She doesn’t look like she’s in any condition to ride over to Cambelltown, much less to Phoenix.”

Ah yes, the town doctor. I knew he would be coming, and as such, I secretly had made a few gashes and bruises underneath my clothes. They were superficial enough that I could legitimately say I wasn’t self-harming, but on the other hand they would suffice to cause the good doc enough concern to keep me here in town. All part of the plan, you know. Possibly too elaborate for my own good, but a plan nonetheless.

“Everybody, let Doc Roberts through!”

A haggard man soon made his way over to me and deposited his bag on the dusty street. Without saying a word, he solemnly conducted an inspection of me. Finally, he found the souvenirs I’d given myself.

“Well, hold up there, ma’am,” said the doctor. “Don’t be so eager to go just yet. Looks like you’ve got some injuries that need attending to.”

I feigned surprise at this news. Giving my best damsel-in-distress performance, I looked up at him, on the brink of tears.

“Wh..what…what do you mean? I need to get to Phoenix!”

“Sorry, miss, but until I can certainly tell you that you are 100 percent okay, I need you to rest.”

Sensing that he might have a hysterical woman on his hands soon, based on the look I shot him, he softened his expression.

I know that getting to Phoenix means a lot to you, but this truly is for your own good. I think all of us here in town would hate for you to risk pushing your luck again. Hell, you’re lucky to even be here.”

Sensing this was the chance to execute the next stage of my strategy, I leaped on it.

“Oh…thank you. I…understand. I guess I’m still in shock. I…didn’t consider that. Doc, thank you…for everything.” I finished that last bit with a soft smile that I guarantee melted a few extra hearts.

With that being settled, Doc Roberts nodded at the sheriff who was standing a little bit back in the square. Despite all that had taken place, there still was a sizeable crowd waiting with bated breath. Stepping forward with the swagger offered by the badge, the lawman turned to them.

“Ladies and gentlemen, we need someone who can help take care of Mrs. Flanagan while she recovers. Are there any volunteers to help this poor woman?”

A plethora of hands shot up. I knew that I was in luck, “stumbling” into this small town, but I honestly was a bit overwhelmed at how immediate their reactions were; this bodes well for me and my future, that’s for sure. 

“Thank you all kindly, but I just need a room. Somewhere where I can reflect. Collect my thoughts. I know,” I paused, looking at everybody, “I don’t have much money from what I salvaged, but if some of you could help me with that, I’d…it’d be what I need most.” This caused some murmurs, but I held up a hand.

“I know this is asking too much from you all, but I would like to work my debt off to the fine folk here. Just, I need somewhere to stay.”

One man came up to almost immediately after I’d uttered those words and then shook my hand. Taking off his hat, he introduced himself.

“Ma’am, the name’s Travis. Joshua Travis. Count me in as someone who’d love to help you-I’ll arrange a room for you over yonder in the saloon.”

Looking at him, I smiled.

“Oh, thank you kindly, Mr. Travis, that is ve-"

“Please, call me Joshua, miss. And it’s nothing; it’s the least I could do, what with the terrible situation you faced. I can’t help you overcome the loss of your husband, but consider something as consolation.”

Staring into his hazel eyes, I couldn’t help but smile a bit.

“That’s kinder than you may know, Joshua. That does warm my heart hearing that,” I said, throwing on the demurest smile I could muster. I could tell he was looking at me in a strange way, as if he wanted to say something more. However, this was about when I felt my thespian energy rapidly declining at this point, so it was up to me to make the first move.

“But, I…need to rest now. I need to think things over. What I’ll do now. How I can honor John’s memory. If you don’t mind, Mr. Joshua, would you be so kindly as to escort this poor widowed woman to her room?”

This brought him back to reality. Sheepishly, he looked away.

“Oh, yes, of course ma’am, I-"

“Don’t worry, I know this has been a trying day,” I reassured him. “Again, thank you for what you’ve so kindly offered to do. If I have to be in this situation, and lord knows it has been trying, I am thankful I am here.”

We walked over to the saloon, and Mr. Travis gave me an impromptu tour of the town. He’d pointed out the key places, i.e. the saloon, general store, and the sheriff’s office. These would be good to know, as I planned on looking for a job over the course of the next few days or so. However, I was eagerly anticipating getting a room to myself and finally being able to let the events sink in.

As he escorted me to the saloon, he turned to the barman.

“Bill, this is Mrs. Maggie Flanagan. She’s the new widow that just arrived in town, bless her heart. You remember her, right?”

Bill looked up from behind the counter and extended a hand to me. 

“Ma’am, let me just say I’m absolutely sorry about what happened. We’ll get those bastards, but I know you’d be wanting a place to stay to clear your head. Go up and it’ll be the last door on the left. Hope we can provide some solace for you.”

“Bill, thank you. I’m still…I feel…like this is a nightmare that won’t end, but everybody has been so kind that I can’t help but feel like everything will turn around.”

Finally! I was all alone, and boy, was I desperately in need of this. Setting my things down on the surprisingly soft bed, I reviewed what I had. A few minutes later, I was satisfied with what I saw-everything made it in one piece. Now that that was taken care of, it was time for the important issue. Walking over to the window, I had to ensure that nobody had a view inside. From the top floor, my room faced the back of the town, and I got to look out in the distance, where “John” was lying. Then, once my inspection was complete, I made sure the door was locked then set up my trusted advanced alarm system; I’m sure I’d be fine, but years of experience taught me you never could be too sure. Once all these steps were completed, I allowed myself to sit back on the bed and relax.

“Okay Maggie, you at least can give yourself this,” I distractedly murmured. 

Tugging at the base of my neck, I finally found the concealed zipper which soon was unraveling. With a soft yet firm yank, my Irishwoman mask hit the floor. Soaking in the air as the authentic ex-spy I was happened to be one of the best moments of the day, and wow, I’d forgotten how stuffy things were inside the mask. Bending to pick up the mask and prop it up on the bedside desk, I took a look at it.

“Well, you’ve come a long way. What seemed like a never-ending journey may finally be at a close. Hopefully Marston Heights is where you can make a new life for yourself.”

It was at that point where I couldn’t resist the urge to take off this stifling bodysuit. Look, I like disguising, especially as attractive women, but sometimes, you’ve really gotta take breaks from suits; people don’t realize how stuffy it gets inside, noticeably so the longer you’re inside.

So, with a tug on the expertly-hidden zipper, the rest of the buxom, curvaceous Maggie Flanagan fell to the ground a small thunk. I didn’t want to suit to get dirty, because the cleanliness of the room, while obviously prepared a bit in advance, was a bit dubious-it wouldn’t have passed muster in Boston or even in the “motherland” of Ireland. Thankfully, I came prepared with a portable stand to prop up the suit in the corner, where it would stand watch. Even in its unworn, empty state, it still was a hell of a lot nicer to look at than me.

Look, I know I’ve said that I don’t look too different from humans, but I’ve got to come clean here. I am a gray alien that happens to be half a foot taller than the average person. My eyes are a bit bigger than what you’re likely used to seeing. More importantly, they’re not like the rest of the Arga, in that they’re emerald green. So in hindsight, that probably is why I wanted to become an Irish lass. And yes, you can say I’m unique in at least two worlds. This fact wasn’t lost on me as I stared into the room’s mirror, and it hit me: I might not have as many chances in the future to see the real me. Guess I’ve got to get my head around this fact. But for now, I think that’s enough of reflection. A piping hot bath is awaiting Maggie.