This is from my second novel in my scifi series. The free on Kindle promotion ended. But, I'll continue to post chapters here for a bit while I'm working on my third one, which I plan to be a collection of shorter stories from Ariana's career. Feedback is always welcome.

Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CRSFYQ1L

Link to previous chapter:

https://www.reddit.com/r/EroticWriting/comments/1b3f7e4/kranlian_rendezvous_chapter_13_scifi_alien_f25/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3

This is also one of my favorite chapters. Very sexy and romantic.

Chapter 14

Meanwhile back at the table, Ezeki said “Ariana it has been great seeing you again, but I need to get back to my quarters on the Jackrabbit. I hope to see you again at the next Shreveport Day.”

Ariana got up and hugged the big man and said “I will definitely be there this time. I promise.”

As Ezeki left them, Trina said “He seems like a very nice man. From the stories at the academy you’d think he was very aggressive, but it seems just the opposite.”

Ariana said “He’s a very sweet man, but when the situation called for it, he was very calm and knew exactly what to do. We really would have all died if it weren’t for him.”

Then Trina turned more serious and asked “Captain, do you think your mission with Neto and Kwils will be dangerous?”

Ariana took Trina’s hand and said “There’s some element of danger in every mission. In this one there are so many unknowns it’s hard to be sure, but having seen the aliens’ message I would guess it will be less dangerous than most. Would you like to see their message and meet them on the Fortuna?”

Trina replied “Yes ma’am. I’d like that very much. Do you know where my uncle is? I should tell him where I am going.”

Ariana said “The last time that I saw him, he was dancing with a young man in a gray uniform. I don’t see him now though.”

Trina smiled and said “Another Marine. I think he’s addicted to those guys. I guess we could go to your ship if he’s not here.”

Ariana and Trina made their way down to the docking area of the Hopper and went through the airlock onto the Fortuna. Ariana said “Welcome to the Fortuna.”

Trina looked around and said “It looks so clean and efficient. I would love to be on a ship like this someday.”

Ariana smiled and said “Thank you. I really like it too. They have made many improvements over the years to the two person ships. Let’s go to the bridge so you can see the aliens’ message for yourself.”

They walked forward to the bridge and Ariana activated the main screen and told Trina to sit in Neto’s usual chair. Ariana said “Wait here; let me get a pair of the Kranlians translation devices from my room.”

Ariana came back quickly and put the devices in Trina’s ears for her and started the message broadcast. Ariana said “The beginning is in their language and we haven’t figured out the translation for that yet. Then he switches to Kranlian and your earpieces should translate that for you. Let me know if you have any problems.”

Trina watched the screen intently as L’karno began speaking in Kranlian and she nodded to Ariana that she could understand. She laughed out loud both times that L’teren smacked her brother. When the message finished Trina took out the earpieces and said “I think I like them. They remind me of Neto and me. I can imagine him saying silly things like that in the message and me having to smack him to make him be serious. Can we go see them now?”

Ariana led Trina back to the cargo bay and showed her the two aliens in their stasis chamber. Trina said “Now that I see them and heard their message I am a bit less worried about the mission. Thank you so much for taking the time to show me the message and letting me see the aliens.”

Then she added “I wish we still had time to go back to the party and dance a few times. Neto has told me that you like to dance, but I think the music has ended by now.”

Ariana said “I would like that. If you wouldn’t mind doing it in the Holocenter here we have a nice program that we could use.”

Trina nodded and said “That would be fun too. Let’s try it.” They went over to the Holocenter and both put on their remote sensors. Ariana started the Dance Club program and they went in. She waved to Antonio, and Trina asked “Do you have any favorites that you like to dance to?”

Ariana smiled and said “I do enjoy Moon Light. Is that all right?”

Trina said “Yes that’s very pretty.”

Ariana asked Antonio to play it and Trina took Ariana’s hand and led her in a slow waltz to the romantic piano music. As the music finished Ariana said “That was very nice. Can you choose something for us now?”

Trina asked Antonio to choose an upbeat Tango for them. Trina pulled Ariana close and had her left hand against her back. Trina led her around the dance floor in a slow walk at first, and then they did several turns. As the pace of the music picked up Trina picked up Ariana by the waist and spun her around and caught her gracefully. But after a few more turns Trina stepped on Ariana’s foot and Ariana fell to the ground.

Trina knelt down next to Ariana and said “I’m so sorry. Are you all right?”

Ariana said “I think so. Can you help me back up?” As Ariana got back up she grimaced as she tried to put weight on her foot. She said “It’s a bit sore. I think I must have twisted it a bit.”

Trina said “I’m so sorry. I’m just so nervous being so close to someone so famous, and I guess I got lost in the moment. Maybe I can help you back to your room?”

Ariana said “Yes, that’s probably a good idea.” She put her arm around Trina and said “End program.” Ariana limped a few times and said “This is quite painful. I don’t suppose you could carry me down the passageway?”

Trina said “I’m sure I can manage that, hang on to my shoulders.” Ariana put her arms around Trina’s shoulders and felt Trina pick her up and they went down to her room and Trina carefully set Ariana down on the bed.

Trina said “Can I get you anything or do anything for you?”

Ariana said “Can you help me off with my shoes and then maybe get us some nice wine to drink and sit with me for a bit?”

Trina took off Ariana’s shoes and then went to the kitchen and came back with two glasses and a bottle of wine. Trina poured them each a glass and set the bottle down on the table. Ariana moved over a bit to make room and Trina sat next to her. Trina said “How is your ankle?”

Ariana said “It’s still a bit sore, but it’s feeling a little better.” Then she said “I don’t suppose you could help me off with my jacket. It’s a little warm in here. We keep the temperature a little higher so Kwils will be comfortable.”

Trina got up and helped Ariana off with her jacket, and took off her own and sat back down on the bed next to Ariana. Trina then asked Ariana “Captain I wonder if I could ask your advice.”

Ariana said “Of course, but please call me Ariana.”

Trina smiled and said “Thank you Ariana. Neto has sent me so many messages about his mission and it sounds so exciting. What do you think is the best way for me to get a position like his?”

Ariana said “The best thing would be to ask your uncle. He could easily use his influence.”

Trina paused and said “I did that already. He tried to talk me out of it. He says it’s too dangerous and doesn’t want both of us doing this. I got so mad and told him how unfair that was.”

Ariana said “He’s just being protective of you, but it is pretty unfair. Can you go over to my table there and get me my portable console. And maybe get a refill on our wine too?”

Trina brought back the device, refilled their glasses and sat down next to Ariana again. Ariana took the device and scrolled through some information. Then she showed Trina a page. “This is Captain Tollen. She was my pilot for a year or so. She is waiting for a new Spyglass class ship to be commissioned but hasn’t been assigned a pilot yet. Would you like me to send her a message to recommend you for the position?”

Trina said “Thank you. I would really appreciate it.”

Ariana took the console back and typed in a message while Trina looked on and sent it off. Ariana said “I’m sure she will contact you soon. You will like her. She’s very nice, but very professional.”

Trina said “Thank you so much Ariana. Is there anything else I could do for you?”

Ariana thought for a minute and said “My ankle is still a bit sore. I wonder if you could rub it a little for me.”

Trina put down his glass and moved down the bed a little and softly rubbed Ariana’s ankle. Ariana said “That’s making it feel better. Maybe you can squeeze my calf a little now?”

Trina said “Sure. That should get the blood flowing there.” As Trina was squeezing Ariana’s calf suddenly she stopped and said “I can’t keep doing this. I have a confession to make.”

Ariana said “Calm down. What is it?”

Trina said “I feel so guilty. I stepped on your ankle on purpose to try and get into your room with you.” Trina was nearly in tears and then said “Do you want me to go?”

Ariana took her hand and said “No, please stay. I have a confession too.” Trina looked up at Ariana and Ariana said “I didn’t actually hurt my ankle. I was hoping you stepped on it intentionally. Is that all right?”

Trina smiled and said “We’re both so bad.” She took another sip of her wine and said “I was really enjoying rubbing your ankle and calf and I felt so guilty that I was enjoying it when you were in such pain. That’s so funny.”

Ariana sipped her wine and said “I was almost convinced at that point that you really had accidentally stepped and my ankle and I was really enjoying your touches too. I was just about to make you stop.”

Trina then set down her glass and started to rub Ariana’s calf again and said “You were enjoying this?” Ariana said “Yes. I liked it very much. I think I’d enjoy it more if you were rubbing my shoulders. Today has been very stressful for me. I don’t really like giving speeches.”

Trina released Ariana’s calf and moved up to sit on her lap and began to run her fingers lightly over Ariana’s shoulders and said “That’s surprising. Your speech was so good. I was actually crying when you finished. Is it all right for me to rub your shoulders like this?”

Ariana said “Yes. Please continue.” Trina started to rub Ariana’s shoulders and Ariana leaned back and closed her eyes and said softly “That feels nice.” As Trina continued to firmly massage Ariana’s shoulders, she leaned down and kissed Ariana. Ariana opened her eyes and for a second, but didn’t do anything and Trina continued to kiss her. Then she put her arms around the young blonde woman and kissed her back. As they kissed Ariana moved her arms from around Trina and slid them down into the back of her skirt and started to squeeze her tight butt.

Trina stopped rubbing Ariana’s shoulders and moved down to unbutton her blouse. She quickly took it off and pulled off Ariana’s undershirt too. Then she leaned down and began to kiss Ariana’s hard pink nipples. As Trina was kissing Ariana’s breasts she reached down further and undid Ariana’s skirt and lifted up a bit and slid it down her legs. While Trina was lifted up off of her lap Ariana kicked off her skirt and was now only wearing a little black pair of panties.

Those didn’t stay on very long as Trina pulled them off too. Ariana was now completely naked with Trina sitting on her lap now nibbling and biting at her nipples. Ariana reached down and began to pull off Trina’s blouse but Trina stopped her and said “I have a fantasy about making you come while I still have my clothes on. Can we try that?”

Ariana was a little surprised by the request but was already pretty excited so she said “Yes. That sounds very exciting. Would you rub my pussy while you keep biting my nipples?”

Trina didn’t say anything but went back to Ariana’s nipples, first gently biting one and then the other. Ariana put her hands on Trina’s shoulders and held her tight as she began to get more excited. Then Trina slowly moved her hand down between their bodies and started to rub Ariana’s clit a little. But Trina was just teasing her and pulled her fingers away.

Ariana moaned and said “I’m so wet and excited. Please make me come.”

Trina looked up and said “Don’t worry. You will come soon. I just want this to last a little longer.” Trina went back to kissing and biting Ariana’s nipples and moved her hand back down and this time went past her clit and slipped a single finger into Ariana’s very wet pussy. Trina slowly moved her finger in and out of Ariana’s pussy. Ariana just moaned with pleasure.

Finally Trina moved her head away from Ariana’s breasts and began kissing her way down her stomach before finally kissing Ariana’s clit. Trina looked up at Ariana’s tightly closed eyes and said “Is this what you want?”

Ariana whispered back “Yes. Please lick my clit and make me come.” Trina continued to kiss and lick Ariana’s clit and sliding her finger into her pussy. Ariana began to slowly thrust her hips up in time with Trina’s fingering. Sensing that Trina was done with her teasing Ariana put her hands behind Trina’s head and kept it in place as she began to shake and moan with a powerful orgasm.

Trina stopped licking and fingering Ariana’s pussy and slowly moved back up her body so they could kiss. Ariana looked into her eyes and said “That was so sexy. I loved it.”

Trina smiled and said “You can take my clothes off now if you want.”

Ariana eagerly lifted Trina’s blouse off and removed her undershirt to reveal a pair of small round breasts with large pale pink nipples. Ariana leaned in and took each one in her mouth and duplicated Trina’s earlier actions and bit and nibbled them. Ariana kept kissing and nibbling on Trina’s nipples and the young blonde began to run her hands through Ariana’s short brown hair. Ariana reached down and undid Trina’s skirt and Trina lifted up a bit so Ariana could slide it off.

Now Ariana slid a finger inside Trina’s little blue panties and teased her clit for a few seconds as she went back to kissing and nibbling on her now hard nipples. Ariana looked up and saw Trina’s eyes were closed and she was breathing hard. Ariana lifted up and grabbed Trina by the hips and turned her over so she was lying face down on the bed. Ariana took a second to admire the firm and round cheeks that were now on display as the back of Trina’s panties was just a thin ribbon that was hidden between the cheeks. Ariana said “Your ass is so sexy. I’ll be right back.”

Ariana went over to her dresser and got her bottle of lavender oil. She pulled off Trina’s little blue panties so both women were now naked together. Ariana poured a little of the oil onto Trina’s butt and began to rub and squeeze each of her ass cheeks. Ariana then slid a single finger into Trina’s wet pussy and slowly eased it in and out and then slyly asked “Is this what you want?”

Trina moaned a barely audible “Yes.”

Ariana pulled her finger out and said “Too bad. You can’t have it.” And paused a second and added “Yet” and then went back to rubbing the oil into Trina’s ass again.

Ariana then spread Trina’s cheeks apart and slid an oily finger onto her little pink asshole. Ariana slowly moved her finger around Trina’s asshole and then slowly pushed it inside and asked again “Is this what you want?”

Trina moaned again and said “Yes. Do whatever you want. Make me come please.”

Ariana said “Don’t worry. You will come soon. I just want to have some fun with your glorious ass for a bit.” Ariana poured more oil onto Trina’s ass as she kept sliding her finger in and out of her little asshole. Ariana asked “Do you like my finger in your asshole?”

Trina whispered back “Yes.”

Ariana kept fingering Trina’s tight little asshole for another minute before taking it out and sliding a finger under and pushing it into Trina’s pussy that was even wetter now. Ariana said “You’re so wet now. You must have really loved that.”

As Trina just moaned under Ariana’s attentions, Ariana leaned down, spread Trina’s cheeks apart with her other hand and began to lick around her asshole and kept fingering her pussy. Ariana then softly said “Do you want my tongue inside your asshole now?”

Trina moaned again and said “Yes. Please stick it in my asshole and make me come.”

Ariana smiled and snaked her tongue into Trina’s asshole and moved her finger from inside her pussy to start rubbing her clit. Trina said “Yessss …“and began to move her hips a little back and forth against Ariana’s fingers rubbing her clit. Ariana continued to slide her tongue into Trina’s asshole and rub her clit even faster as Trina’s body stiffened and then relaxed as she came.

Ariana moved up from Trina’s body and grabbed her hips again and spun her over onto her back. Then she moved up her body to kiss her. Trina said “That was so good. You teased me just right.”

Ariana then lay on her side next to Trina, kissed her neck and said “I enjoyed it too. Your ass is so sexy. I loved kissing and rubbing it.”

Trina put her arm around Ariana, pulled her up a bit and kissed her again and thrust her tongue inside her mouth. Then Trina said “I have another confession.”

Ariana leaned back and said “Tell me.”

Trina said “I have been fantasizing about making love with you ever since you spoke at my graduation. You were so beautiful and powerful, I couldn’t think of anything else. And no matter what I imagined, this was so much better.”

Ariana kissed Trina and said “I’m so glad that you acted on them. I have a confession too. I watched the video of the Graduation Dance contest where you and Neto won. I couldn’t get it out of my head. I kept imagining what it would be like to dance with you and it was very exciting for me to be with you in the dance program.”

Trina gasped and said “Oh no. I ruined it with my dumb trick of stepping on your foot. I’m so sorry.”

Ariana said “That’s all right. I still had fun.”

Trina said “No it’s not.” She got up and pulled Ariana to her feet and said “Play Moon Light. Would you dance with me again?”

Ariana said softly “Yes” and Trina pulled Ariana close to her body and the two naked women danced a slow waltz. Towards the end Ariana was resting her head on Trina’s shoulder and slowly running her hand over the small of her back. The music stopped and it was quiet for a moment.

Then Trina and Ariana kissed again. Ariana said “Thank you. That was amazing.”

Trina said “I definitely agree. I’ve never danced naked with anyone before. I loved feeling your skin next to mine with that music playing. It’s so romantic. It’s all I could do to not throw you on to the bed and make love to you again.”

Ariana smiled and said “I know what you mean. It was very exciting holding you close too. Can we dance one more time together?”

Trina said “I know a good song, but it’s so sexy we might both have orgasms while it’s playing.”

Ariana just laughed and said “We’ll try and be strong.”

Trina took Ariana in her arms and held her close and said “Play Unchained Melody.”

The music started and they swayed slowly together and when the words “My darling, I’ve hungered for your touch…” played, Ariana said “Oh my, I’m not sure if I’m strong enough.” The music kept playing and Trina pulled Ariana even tighter to her body and lifted her up and spun her around as the words “I need your love” echoed over and over through their ears.

Trina finally put Ariana back down and Ariana said “That was amazing. That’s the sexiest song I’ve ever heard.” Then she led Trina over to the dresser and showed her Kwils’ harness and said “Would you let me fuck you now?”

Trina looked at the harness with the two dildos attached and said “I’d love for you to fuck me. Will both of the dildos be inside me or just one?”

Ariana squeezed her hand and said “We will do whichever you want.”

Trina squeezed Ariana’s hand back and said “My boyfriend back at the academy wanted to have anal sex, but I didn’t trust him enough to let him do that. But your finger in my ass and then your tongue there too felt so good. I will let you do that with me, so let’s try with both to start and if it’s too much for me, we’ll switch to just one. Is that all right?”

Ariana said “Of course. I will be very gentle for you. Remember that you’re always in control.”

Trina helped Ariana attach the harness and then used some of the lavender oil to lubricate the smaller dildo. Ariana then pushed Trina back on to the bed and climbed on top and kissed her and slowly moved down her body stopping at her large pink nipples and gently kissing and nibbling on each one. As she was kissing Trina’s breasts Ariana slipped her hand down to Trina’s pussy and slipped first one finger and then a second inside.

Trina ran her hands through Ariana’s hair and said “Can you feel how excited I am? Fuck me now please.”

Ariana moved up off of Trina and pulled her close to the edge of the bed. She lifted and spread Trina’s legs and positioned the larger upper dildo into Trina’s sopping wet pussy. She slowly moved in and out a little and asked Trina “How does that feel?”

Trina just moaned and softly whispered “Good”.

With just the head of the larger dildo inside Trina’s pussy Ariana positioned the smaller dildo at the entrance to Trina’s little asshole and pushed it inside and stopped with just the head in and reached with her other hand and started to gently rub Trina’s clit. Then Ariana asked again “How does that feel?”

Trina had her eyes closed, but moaned again and softly said “Really big, but still good. Can you stay like that and rub my pussy for a minute?”

Ariana said “Yes. Let me know when you’re ready for me to fuck in a little more.”

Ariana continued rubbing Trina’s clit and was only slightly moving her hips a little and Trina opened her eyes and said “That feels really good. Please fuck me some more.”

Ariana said “I’m going to activate the vibrations now and it will also push a vibrator into my pussy. I’ll try and not get too excited.”

Trina said “Yes, please turn it on. You can’t possibly get any more excited than I am. I really need you to start fucking again.”

Ariana pressed the button on the harness and gasped as the inner vibrator slid into her own very wet pussy and the two dildos inside Trina began to vibrate too. Trina gasped too and said “Fuck me Ariana.”

Ariana pushed her dildos into Trina’s pussy and asshole a few more inches and slid them back a few times and each time she pushed in Trina whispered “Fuck me.”

As Ariana kept pushing in a little more each time she was holding onto Trina’s thigh with one hand and rubbing her clit with the other. Ariana finally had the vibrators all the way inside both of Trina’s holes and she held her position and said to Trina “How does that feel?” Trina could not answer as her body started shaking and her juices started seeping out of her pussy down Ariana’s thighs.

Trina opened her eyes and said “Why did you stop. Keep fucking me.” Ariana smiled and started moving her hips again, slowly sliding the vibrating dildos in and out of Trina’s pussy and asshole. Ariana was getting more excited too after watching Trina’s gushing orgasm and feeling the harness’ inner vibrator pulsing in and out of her pussy. Ariana went back to rubbing Trina’s clit as she was now in a nice slow rhythm fucking Trina.

Then Trina reached up and grabbed her own legs under her knees and moved her feet so they were resting on Ariana’s shoulders and said “Fuck me hard now and make us both come.” Trina moved Ariana’s hand and began to rub her own clit much faster so Ariana just grabbed both of Trina’s thighs and fucked her pussy and asshole a little harder. Trina and Ariana were both sweating and breathing hard now and Trina gasped out “This is so good. Fuck me harder.”

Ariana really let loose and was fucking Trina as hard she could and the inner vibrator was really pulsing hard inside her pussy too. Trina closed her eyes and shouted “I’m coming again. Don’t stop fucking,” and her pussy was literally gushing all over Ariana now and Ariana released Trina’s thighs and collapsed on top of her as her own body was shaking in a powerful orgasm too. Trina wrapped her arms around Ariana and held her tightly as they were both finishing their orgasms now.

After several minutes the two sweaty women had finally caught their breaths and Ariana leaned in and kissed Trina passionately. Trina reached around and grabbed Ariana by the butt and said “That was amazing. I don’t have too much to compare it with, but that was the best sex I ever had.”

Ariana was still a little out of breath and said “You were amazing too,” and collapsed back down onto Trina. As Ariana reached down to turn off the vibrations, Trina grabbed her hand and said “Can you leave it on for a bit? It feels really good, and maybe you can fuck me some more when you’re ready.”

Then Trina slid a finger into Ariana’s asshole and said “Please, fuck me some more. I don’t want this to end.”

Ariana finally said “I’d love to fuck you some more, and I love your finger there. Can you keep doing that a little more before I start?”

Trina kept fingering Ariana’s asshole and could feel the inner vibrator slowly pushing in and out of Ariana’s pussy too. Trina’s finger came out of her asshole as Ariana pushed herself up and grabbed Trina’s thighs and spread them apart and started slowly fucking her again. Trina smiled broadly and said “You look so sexy.”

Ariana said “Thank you. You’re incredibly beautiful. I want this to last too, so I’m going to try and go slowly.”

Trina said “Do whatever you think is best. I’m having an incredible time.” After a few more minutes Ariana started fucking harder again and Trina was screaming in pleasure saying over and over “So good, fuck me!”

Then Ariana moaned and said “I’m coming again too.” Ariana fell back onto Trina as they both nearly passed out from excitement and exhaustion.

Finally, Ariana rolled off of Trina and let the two dildos slide out of her pussy and asshole. Both women’s thighs and the bed were now soaked with Trina’s sexy orgasms. Ariana reached down and turned off the vibrations and the inner vibrator retracted from her pussy at last. Trina rolled over and put her arm across Ariana. Trina kissed Ariana on the neck and said “I’m sorry I made such a big mess. I never came so hard before. I don’t usually do that.”

Ariana said “I loved it. Your orgasms were so sexy and made me come even harder too. Your boyfriend doesn’t make you come like that?”

Trina blushed and said “I haven’t had a boyfriend since the one at the academy.” Ariana said “Girlfriend?”

Trina said “No, this is the first time I was with a woman. Can you believe that I was afraid I wouldn’t like it?”

Ariana said “Yes, I was afraid my first time too. Do you use your pleasure center then?”

Trina kept blushing even more and said “Yes. I’m addicted to this silly program where I’m a female elf and this simulated male elf strokes my horns while he fucks me. It’s really good, but this was so much better.”

Ariana smiled and said “I’ve tried that program too. It’s very addicting. I didn’t figure out the right setting for the horns though.”

Trina laughed and said “I know. The first time I used it, that little pink guy was fucking me for at least four hours before I finally forced myself to get off.”

Ariana said “Should we get cleaned up, and then maybe you can stay with me tonight?”

Trina said “I’d really like that, but what if Neto comes back.”

Ariana said “Don’t worry. I saw Neto and Kwils following Admiral Cansina out of the party. They won’t be back. And we can make you a new uniform and you can surprise them when they do make it back saying you wanted to see them off. How does that sound?”

Trina laughed and said “That’s a great idea. He will be so embarrassed when I ask him where he’s been. There’s no way I’ll keep a straight face.”

They went into the shower and Ariana cleaned off the harness too this time. Trina stood for her measurements and they made the new uniform for her and put away her dress uniform. Ariana pulled the sheets off of her bed and put on clean ones and they slipped into bed. They lay on their side and Trina had her arm draped over Ariana as they fell asleep.

Ariana woke up early as her alarm was slowly beeping. She went and got some coffee from the kitchen and came back with the new uniform and a tray and woke up Trina. They got ready and waited in the kitchen. After another hour, Kwils and Neto finally made it back. Kwils was absolutely glowing, but Neto’s suit was a mess and he looked worn out.

Ariana said “Hi. Look who’s here to wish us a good mission.”

Trina turned and said “Hi Neto. Where have you been?” But she couldn’t hold her composure and burst out laughing as Neto turned beet red and Kwils started laughing too. Ariana just smiled and sipped her coffee.