Original Work Terra Novae Spes - Epic 3

PROLOGUE TERRA NOVAE SPES


EPIC 3 – The Trials


Command log of Acting Commander Allen Marcus Smith
Date: Alvarado 19
Location: Colony of Novae Spes


“Captain’s log, Allen…” started Acting Commander Allen Smith and stopped with a sigh. Old habits died hard as he knew such a thing wasn’t proper. “Recorder, stop.”

The device stopped recording and beeped twice at him. “Delete that entry.”

“Please confirm deletion,” said the female voice from the recorder.

“Confirm deletion, last entry,” said Allen. The recorder beeped five times at him and announced “entry deleted” and went into standby mode once again.

“Resume recording,” ordered Allen with a sigh. The device beeped at him once as he began the log once again. “Commander’s Log, Acting Commander Allen Smith recording.”

“It’s been three days since the removal of Commander Ben Nash from his position after allegations were raised from Rachelle Island during his rest and relaxation trip. In that time, the handpicked investigation team has concluded everything they could and turned over all evidence to the prosecution and defense advocates.”

“Unfortunately, at the moment, we have a he said, she said situation on our hands, but some evidence does corroborate the allegations against him. Ben, of course, has denied the allegations and agreed to continue with the justice system. So, in short, it’s going to be a royal mess”

“On the Security side, we might have another group of Raptors heading for the colony. They were sighted briefly last night and we are trying to reacquire them today. If we do find them, we’ll strike as soon as the location firms up to keep them as far away from the colony as possible. I don’t know for certain if they are on a heading towards us, but one of the drones picked them up not long ago in the eastern zone close to the mountains. We should know something by this afternoon or tomorrow at the latest.”

“I will say the events over the past few days haven’t been pleasant. It certainly is a fine mess we’ve gotten ourselves into here. There is all sorts of turmoil and distrust going on in the colony right now because of this situation. Of course, there is additional rumors that somehow this is a coup d'etat with me at the center of a grand conspiracy to get Ben replaced and catapult me into the leadership position. The motives as to why I would so such a thing aren’t exactly clear, but there are grumblings and I’m trying to do my best to combat them as they come up with facts.”

“But basically, this whole situation with the allegations is tearing the colony apart from within. We aren’t likely to see any kind of stop put to the chaos until we get a tribunal going and get to the bottom of it. Which is something I don’t think any of us are looking forward to since we don’t have any rules on that and we’re having to make it up as we go. I did mention that to Mark Bennett this morning and he told me what I didn’t want to hear. Basically, justice has no time limit and he needs to remain neutral and unbiased.”

“Which also begs the question of whether the trial should be open or closed. We’ve done our best to create an open society here and the few things that have been kept secret everyone has understood and agreed to. So, I’m not sure a trial or whatever judicial proceeding we decide on would be any different. I just really don’t like airing our dirty laundry out in the open like this. And it’s not a decision I’m happy with having to make.”

“However, whether or not I believe the allegations are false, the timing of said allegations is certainly suspicious and I’d like to dismiss the whole thing. Apparently, that’s within my purview to do so, but if we are to build a new society based on the concepts of justice, all accusations of wrongdoing must be heard and investigated with a trial or other judicial proceeding in the end. We owe that to ourselves and the additional colonists on their way to have a system of justice in place before they get here. Maybe we don’t have all the laws we need as everything we do is on a case by case basis, but we need to have the procedures down. I sure wish this wasn’t our trial by fire to see if it works, excusing the bad pun.”

“Regardless, this is not a situation which we even thought about when we started looking at the colonization effort. I mean, in hindsight, we probably should have thought it through and had something to guide us as a minimum. Maybe Novus thought we’d just use the laws of Earth and apply them to Novae Spes? I don’t know, but I’m of the mind that if you are to build a new society, the old one needs to be torn down before you can start fresh. You can’t bring the same conditions that drove you to a new place and expect the new start to fare any different than the old one did. And the laws we left behind were partially responsible for the complete mess humanity made of itself. We have to allow any new civilization to build a system of justice we feel is fair and unbiased.”

“The incident has provided a steep learning curve for us, that’s for certain. We’ve had to take a look inward to reflect on where we were heading, how we got to this moment in time and how close our bonds with so called friends truly were. The situation truly has us soul searching at the moment especially if the man chosen to lead us is capable of heinous acts. Again, even if I feel the allegations are false, we must see justice through to the end even if we don’t like the outcome.”

“On a personal note, I wouldn’t mind it ending in Ben’s favor. I mean, I don’t want to get stuck with all this paperwork until we have elections eventually. Another personal note, I don’t really miss the administrative side of the job. I don’t know how Ben was able to get everything read, signed and approved or disapproved and still find time to go work with the individual sections like he did. Yet, somehow, he did it. Anyway…”

“I almost wish our scientists on Earth had created a time machine and sent it with us. I know the concept of time travel in the matter I want is not even possible. But I wouldn’t mind taking a trip back and stopping what happened. Or even knowing the truth for myself and warning Ben of what’s coming. Of course, that very well could set into motion a whole different set of events. Basically, I introduce fire and burn the whole forest down like something out of an H. G. Wells novel. That’d just be my luck.”

“Of course, I didn’t really help it much with my own actions the past few days. I probably should have thought some things through before putting them into motion, but at the same time, I had to make a snap decision or things would have been out of my control. That’s providing they were within my control to begin with.”

“Regardless, we’ll hopefully see the end of this soon. We honestly can’t go on much longer with the simmering emotions barely concealed at the moment. There’s an old Earth saying of where there is smoke, there is fire. Half the colony wants to see the justice system work its way through to completion; the other half wants Ben exonerated right now since no proof of the allegations has come forward either way. One thing about it, Ben earned the loyalty of a lot of people in the brief time we’ve been here. I feel like they are prepared to fight for him if it comes down to it. He wouldn’t want that, I know, but sometimes words alone can’t stop someone from fighting for what they believe in.”

“Of course, as the acting leader, I can’t say what I feel since I do agree justice must be allowed to carry on independent of any executive power we may wield. So, I, along with the other Directors, will do our best to try to keep the tensions down. Truth be told, I’m not convinced some of the other Directors aren’t helping fans the flames behind the scenes. I think we’re in a pretty smokey room at the moment without any lights to guide us and no exits to escape from. We’re going to have to put out this fire the old fashioned way by rolling up our sleeves and fighting it head on. I wish we didn’t have to, but I feel there is nothing that will stop the impending fight we have especially if Ben is found guilty.”

“End recording.”

 

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CHAPTER 1


Three weeks earlier


Commander Ben Nash waited patiently as the shuttles and gunship returned from the island and started offloading the passengers. Ben had been a distinguished military Colonel with a long career before retiring and being recruited by the Novus Group to lead the initial Expedition to the planet of Novae Spes deep in the Milky Way. Even though his background was completely military, Ben had a leadership style that had lent itself to getting the maximum effort out of people and the “fresh new start” they were working to achieve was going exceptionally well for an expedition into what amounted to a relatively unstudied world. He was divorced with no children and most people would have categorized him as a “workaholic” as he focused in on the task at hand. And the task was daunting.

The planet, uncharted and unknown to every other corporation and nation on Earth, was being settled by ten Expeditions from the Novus Group as a last ditch effort to save a token group of humanity from the impending ecological disaster happening on the Earth. Ben and his 700 fellow colonists were the trailblazers on this planet, preparing the way for the roughly 16,000 follow on settlers arriving over the next decade. The Earth’s ecosystem was expected to collapse in the next 40 years and the corporation that had hired them was idealistic in their approach to saving humanity. Ben and the remainder of the colonists were to sever all ties with Earth or any other human settlements in the galaxy after arrival in order to prevent the fighting from making it to their new world.

It was a lofty goal to build a completely new civilization void of influence from Earth, but one the colonists felt was necessary for the continuation of the species. The planet was the most earthlike that had ever been discovered to date and of the colonies out of the Sol System was seen as the most capable of humankind continuing without having to adapt the world in any way. Ecologically, it reminded many of Earth without humanity as the plant and animal life was eerily similar to Earth from a long time ago. In short, it promised the chance for a new life without any modifications save the addition of humans.

The initial colonists had encountered troubles along the way as all off-Earth colonies had when they started. But the groups had the fortitude to push through these problems by adapting, rolling up their sleeves and working hard to survive. The ship that brought them to the planet had been entirely dismantled after landing as planned and they built anticipating the follow on colonists that would arrive roughly a year after they had.

Luckily, they had exceeded expectations with the construction so far and was able to start providing somewhat regular rotations to the ocean islands in the tropical zone of the planet for the colonists to have a brief vacation. Work still progressed, but everyone agreed the “play time” was absolutely necessary and a good way of relieving the stress they were under.

Ben was joined by a few dozen others at the landing pad as they met with friends and coworkers coming off the shuttles with the obvious questions of “how was it” and “did you have a good time” being asked up front. Ben saw Vice Commander Allen Smith and his wife Claire coming off the gunship and headed over to them.

Allen Smith had been the Captain of the colonization ship, the Santa Maria, which had carried the initial Expedition to the uncharted planet. Upon departure, Ben offered him the Vice Commander position to which he readily accepted. Ben and Allen worked well together as both had been rough equals during their careers with both leading brave men and women though one in the military and one on the commercial side of things.

“You guys have a nice trip?” asked Ben as he shook Allen’s hand as well as Claire’s.

“Oh, Ben,” said Allen with a large grin. “You are going to have a blast even with the work.”

“I’m glad the weather cooperated on you,” said Ben. “That storm that was brewing to the south looked like it might get you with the outer edge.”

“We had plans to evacuate if it came down to it,” said Allen as they started heading towards the waiting vehicle Ben brought to pick them up. “I’m really glad we didn’t need to.”

“You and me both,” said Ben. “So, while you were gone, I took the liberty of putting together an anniversary present for you two.”

“Ben, you didn’t have to!” protested Claire.

“It’s your first anniversary here,” said Ben. “I felt like I needed something to show my appreciation for the work you both have done.”

“This vacation was good enough,” said Allen. “The kids didn’t want to come out and welcome us back?”

“Doing homework,” said Ben. “Unfortunately, it’s a testing day tomorrow and I couldn’t spring them. Dani Stafford just wouldn’t have it.”

“Good for her,” said Claire as they reached the Smith’s house.

“Now, Allen, your gift is at the office and we can bring them here eventually,” said Ben. “I didn’t feel right getting into your house while you were gone even with the boys there.”

As they arrived, the two Smith children, both teenage boys, came out to greet their parents after their brief vacation. Allen had planned on sending them down soon with another family since they hadn’t had the opportunity to go yet.

“Did you two stay out of trouble?” asked Allen.

“Of course,” said Samuel, the oldest of the pair at 16.

“Except for having to work so hard,” said David at age 14.

“Hard work pays off in the long run,” said Allen as they walked towards the house.

“But Claire, your gift is out back,” said Ben.

“What did you do?” she asked as they left the bags in the vehicle and headed around the house. Once they were through the privacy fence, Claire gasped as she saw they had set up several flower gardens in the backyard with a couple of dozen different flowers and colorful plants from Novae Spes. The backyard was very artfully done with landscaping and functionality being readily evident and still having plenty of area for whatever use they wanted. She gasped at the flowers and saw they had even tossed in a small coy pond with a handcrafted wooden bench, however, lacking fish. Or so she thought.

“Fish!” she exclaimed as she pointed at the reddish fish swimming in the pond. “Does this planet even have the equal of coy?”

“It’s a local species that shouldn’t get much bigger,” said Ben. “The blue ones are hiding at the moment, but wait until you see them after dark.”

“Blue ones?!” she exclaimed.

“You have the red ones and the blue ones are somewhat nocturnal, but are fairly shy at the moment unless you stand still for a few minutes. But after dark, they both have a light that attracts bugs which glows red or blue as well. So, it’s like a lightshow in your pond,” said Ben.

“You did all this in four days?!” she exclaimed.

“Well, I had some help,” said Ben with a chuckle. “Okay, a lot of help and I unleashed Rachelle, Charity and Dani with the flower and plant ideas.”

“It’s perfect!” exclaimed Claire. “It’s what I always dreamed of!”

“Allen might have made mention of that at one point,” said Ben with a smile.

“Thank you!” she exclaimed as she gave Ben a hug. “You just saved Allen a lot of work.”

“Not until you start adding more,” said Allen with a scoff. “It is amazing though. Thank you.”

“My pleasure,” said Ben. “I can come back after you get settled in and bring the other gift.”

“I think we have the time to pick it up now, right?” asked Claire.

“I’m not going to be the one to suggest dragging you away from your new toy,” chuckled Allen.

“Plenty of time for that later,” said Claire. “Along with the upkeep.”

“Of which I’ll probably be involved,” said Allen and added with a grin. “You created me work by saving me work, Ben.”

“If she’s anything like my ex-wife, she’ll ban you from helping unless it’s lifting heavy objects,” laughed Ben. “Okay, want to drop your bags first?”

“No, let’s get everything picked up the first time,” said Allen as they took one last look around the new area and headed out the gate. “I’m thinking a barbeque would be in order to help properly break in the place.”

“That could work,” said Ben. “One thing though, please don’t leave your gate open. We’ve already had to chase the featheroos out while we were planting the new flowers. And if you hadn’t noticed, your fence is a bit taller than when you left.”

“You’ve certainly been busy,” said Allen as they drove towards the headquarters and arrived in short order. “You put anything on hold in the colony to get this done?”

“Actually, when I said help, I meant your former crew chipped in,” said Ben as they walked inside to Allen’s office. “Along with this.”

Ben waved at the three wooden items currently sitting in Allen’s office on the various chairs. Allen’s eyes grew wide as he looked over the presentation boxes, the first of which was his career chronology along with pictures of the ships he served on and his effective dates of promotion or Captain’s billets dating all the way back to his days in the Merchant Marine Academy. The entire item was set on navy blue felt with the inscriptions on small golden plaques along with the proper Novus Group ranks on each. It was outlined in dark stained Nova Maple wood and very expertly crafted.

The second was slightly smaller and showed the various worlds he had visited during his career with pictures outlining a small screen in the middle which would flash different pictures of the various worlds with the names on the bottom of the screen. Again, it was set in the same navy blue felt along with the external wooden frame.

“Ben, I don’t even know what to say,” said Allen softly as he went to the final plaque which had been added by his crew from the Santa Maria. It listed each of the crew members’ names along with the various dates of both the construction and the trip itself. The final date was from the final log entry he had made when the dismantlement had been complete. Again, a small screen was seen flashing the various images of the ship both during its construction and the journey to Novae Spes.

“Wow,” he said quietly. “This is…”

“It’s beautiful,” said Claire softly as she was moved by the gifts as well.

“I know you typically don’t have a lot of room on most ships for a proper ‘me’ wall to hang such items,” said Ben. “But since you’re landlocked now, I think you might be able to find a place to hang such a thing.”

“I don’t even have the words,” said Allen.

“I was a complete jerk to you last week and I wanted to make it up to you in some small way,” said Ben. “You’ve been a trusted friend since being here.”

“I can’t believe you did all this in five days,” said Allen when he was finally able to speak.

“I was motivated,” said Ben. “Truth be told, we just finished up this morning.”

“You’ve certainly made up for anything you did even though I didn’t think it was a big deal,” said Allen as he took Ben’s hand. “Thank you. Sincerely, thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

“Need some help getting them home?” asked Ben.

“I’ll leave them here until we figure out where to hang them,” said Allen.

“I think I know a couple of places,” said Claire. “Thank you, Ben. I can’t recall any of our friends in the past doing something this grand.”

“You both deserve a lot more if you ask me,” said Ben.

“I won’t ask then,” said Allen with a chuckle. “Well, I’ll take at least one home right now as I suspect the wife knows where to put it.”

“You see, Ben, he’s not allowed to mess with the décor,” said Claire with a laugh. “But I know exactly where the crew one will go.”

“That’s the one I’ll take,” said Allen.

“No, let’s go ahead and take them all,” said Claire. “I’ll sort it out as we go along.”

“Be careful,” said Ben as a warning as he saw Allen about to pick one up. “They are a tad heavy.”

“Did you drop lead into these things?” asked Allen as he moved it slightly seeing the weight.

“That Nova Maple is some tough stuff,” said Ben as he helped carry out the largest one with Allen as two Security troopers passing by were requested to help with the other two. Eventually, everything was loaded and the Smith’s got ready to leave.

“Need help unloading?” asked Ben.

“Nah, I’ll get the boys to help,” said Allen. “Seriously, thank you. You don’t know what all this means to me.”

“You don’t know how much your assistance has meant to me,” said Ben as he shook Allen’s hand again. “Just a small token of my gratitude.”

“Seems pretty large to me,” said Allen with a grin. “You want to come over for dinner tonight?”

“I’m being hosted by Javier and Emilia,” said Ben referring to his Chief Scientist, Doctor Javier Santiago and his girlfriend Emilia Tómasdóttir with the Agriculture Department. “I’m open tomorrow if that works?”

“Tomorrow works perfectly fine,” said Allen.

“See you tomorrow morning in the office then,” said Ben.

“Bye,” said Allen as he headed out and quickly stopped. “You need this back now?”

“Nah, I’ll grab it later on,” said Ben. “Just park it at my house whenever you’re done with it.”

“Will do,” said Allen as he flashed a thumbs up at Ben as he departed. Ben started heading back inside when Assistant Director Charity Steele came up to him.

“Was he pleased?” she asked. Charity was in title the Assistant Director of the Services, Infrastructure and Technology Team, but was more a co-Director overall. Commonly called the SIT Team, she was formerly the First Officer of the Santa Maria. She was young in that position when recruited, but had grown into the job over the seven year trip and had matured as a leader along the way and earned the right to be a co-Director in all but name.

“Beyond pleased,” said Ben. “I think he liked the crew one the most.”

“He was a damn fine Captain,” said Charity. “And I’m glad he took a chance on me as his First Officer even though I was young.”

“You’ve done outstanding work since being here,” said Ben. “I think you’ve complimented Rachelle very nicely.”

“We do work well together,” said Charity.

“You came for other reasons?” asked Ben.

“Rachelle wanted to ask you a few things, but your communicator is wonky,” said Charity. Ben looked at it and saw it was completely dead even though he charged it overnight.

“What’s wrong with it?” he asked as he smacked it a few times and shook it.

“I’m not sure,” said Charity. “Though I’m not sure hitting it is going to help either.”

“I can test that theory,” said Ben with a shake of his head and a frown. “I’ll head over with you to get it fixed.”

“Well, I brought your replacement,” said Charity as she opened the box and handed over the communicator. Ben saw it was already on and programmed.

“I think I’ll head over anyway,” said Ben. He and Charity walked to the main SIT building where they headed inside and Ben could see the SIT Team Director, Rachelle Marchand, through the glass doors of her office. She was sitting behind her desk with her back to the hallway where Ben and Charity were standing at the moment.

“Want to have some fun?” asked Ben with a mischievous grin.

“I’m always down for fun at Rachelle’s expense,” grinned Charity. Ben pulled his new communicator out and picked Rachelle’s number from the listing before keeping it on voice only. Hitting the send button, he saw her acknowledge the call and hit the button to accept it.

“Hey, boss man,” she said as he noticed she had her feet propped up on the small table to her rear and was busy filing her nails. Rachelle Marchand was the youngest member of the Directors sent out on Expedition 1. Only 32, she had graduated college from Cornell University at age 16 with a double Masters and was considered the best in the galaxy at programming large scale, complex systems. She had been an invaluable part of getting the colony up and running as well as keeping the power and water running along with help keeping everyone fed.

“Rachelle,” said Ben.

“You’re in voice only,” she stated. “Problems?”

“Just haven’t activated the visual yet,” said Ben. “Of course, I don’t need a visual to know you’re probably sitting behind your desk with your feet propped up filing your nails or something.”

“Oh, come on,” said Rachelle as she continued working on her nails. “Would I do something like that on company time?”

“Why can I hear the emery board scratching against your nails?” he asked. “And the soles of your boots… no, those are tennis shoes squeaking against the tabletop.”

“I… have no idea,” she said as she stopped and slowly peeked at her communicator to make sure the camera wasn’t on and it was in voice only mode.

“I hear your blood pressure rising because you just told a little white lie too,” he said.

“I, uh,” she said.

“Or you could just turn around and see I’m right behind you,” he laughed as he ended the call. She snapped around and gave him a disappointed look before putting on the smile she was known for.

“Ben!” she exclaimed. “I thought you really did have super hearing or something!”

“Nope,” he laughed. “Though you did just tell a little lie.”

“Maybe,” said Rachelle with a sheepish grin. “How can I help you while I swallow my pride and apologize profusely?”

“I don’t know, Charity said you needed to talk to me?” he asked.

“The rotation thing?” asked Charity as she saw Rachelle had already forgotten.

“Oh! Yeah, so, we are finishing the rotations down to Me Island this next trip and with the current capacity of the shuttles and the gunship, we actually have 17 extra seats,” said Rachelle.

“Did you just call it Me Island?” he asked.

“Well, it’s Rachelle Island and named for me,” she said with another grin. “Calling it Me Island just seems appropriate.”

“I’m sure it is,” he said with a sigh and a brief smile at her. Rachelle’s levity had been good for the Expedition overall though she knew exactly when to be serious about the job.

“Anyway, we can use the extra space for cargo or…” she said as her voice trailed off.

“Or you can get with the other Directors to see who deserves a second trip as we begin our second round of vacations,” he stated.

“That’s why we love you as boss,” she grinned. “I’ll talk to them.”

“Proportional to the sections please,” said Ben as another Director walked in without knocking and was surprised to see the three of them.

“Sorry,” stated Major Tasha Hayden, the Commander of the Security Forces. Considered a protégé of Ben, she had been lured away from her Active Duty position as soon as he had been recruited to lead the Expedition and took charge of all the security aspects in the colony. A career Special Operations solider like Ben, she had formed up the unit on Novae Spes in record time and helped repulse the indigenous creatures that threatened the colony.

“No, it’s okay,” said Ben. “We were just talking about you.”

“I’m not sure that’s a good thing,” said Tasha as she eyeballed them suspiciously.

“We have some spots open for the next trip to Rachelle Island,” said Ben. “Rachelle will work the numbers for each section, but I’d like you to start thinking of who you might want to send.”

“Rachelle? Did you get Zoe Kent added back on?” asked Tasha.

“C’mon, babe,” said Rachelle. “I did it as soon as you asked.”

“That’s my girl,” said Tasha. “Okay, I’ll start thinking about it.”

“No Sergeant Major Whitaker though,” said Rachelle and briefly explained why.

“Yeah, he could put a cramp on Sam’s style,” said Tasha referring to 2nd Lieutenant Samantha Whitaker, one of the officers assigned to her command. Her father, Sergeant Major Kendrick Whitaker, had also been recruited right out of retirement by Ben. The entire Whitaker family to include Kendrick’s wife, Gale and his other son, Randy, had made the trek to the new colony.

“I’ll get you the numbers,” said Rachelle as yet another two members of the leadership showed up and knocked on her door. “I am just Miss Popular today. Take a number, guys, Ben has the right of prima nocta with me at the moment.”

“Um, do you realize what that means?” asked Tasha who knew Latin.

“Not really,” said Rachelle. “I just remembered hearing it and thought it sounded neat.”

“Just let her continue; trust me, it’s funnier when she does find out,” said Chief Grady Stafford, the Chief Engineer in the colony. Grady was one of the premier construction managers in the galaxy specializing in both off Earth colony construction or domes on the Earth. He had been the key in getting the colony on Novae Spes to where it was at and continued building for the next Expedition that was incoming.

To his left was Chief Cyrus Hendrix, the former Chief Engineer on the Santa Maria who had joined Grady’s team as soon as they hand landed. Primarily responsible for taking care of the engineering needs on the Santa Maria for the seven year journey, he was also responsible for dismantling the ship and using the parts to create different prefabricated structures in the colony. Like others, Cyrus was an Assistant Director in name, but he and Grady worked as equals rather than one taking authority over the other.

“Well, I’m done,” said Ben who knew what she said. “And no, I’m not exercising that right.”

“There won’t be a shortage of people stepping up to take his place,” muttered Tasha.

“Anyway, let me know how that works out numbers wise,” said Ben. “I take it everything is good on my new communicator?”

“Should be,” said Rachelle as she wisely looked up the saying before she was embarrassed further. “I programmed it myself.”

“That doesn’t inspire confidence,” said Grady with a laugh.

“Oh, hold on now!” exclaimed Rachelle as she saw the reference listed in the archives of the Earth Database. “I just want everyone to be clear, Ben is not exercising that right with me!”

“Didn’t take long,” laughed Cyrus along with everyone else.

“I do tend to say things that will get me into trouble,” said Rachelle.

“Yeah, sis, you sure do,” said Charity as she finished laughing. She and Rachelle often referred to each other as sisters even though they weren’t related.

“Can I invoke that right to remain silent thing we used to have on Earth?” asked Rachelle.

“Oh, you can invoke it, I’m just not sure you have the ability to make it stick,” said Tasha.

“Try me, girlfriend,” said Rachelle as she shut her mouth and stared at Tasha as they started a game they both played from time to time. Tasha looked right back at her and after a few seconds, a smirk appeared on her face. Ben was busy looking at his watch as Rachelle eventually bit her lower lip and averted her gaze, though still glancing back at Tasha every few seconds. Eventually, she couldn’t handle it any longer.

“Okay! I can’t!” exclaimed Rachelle. “I hate all of you!”

“How long?” asked Grady.

“43 seconds this time,” said Ben. “Smashed the old record by six seconds.”

“Easiest interrogation in the galaxy,” said Tasha with a laugh.

“Let’s make sure she never gets captured,” said Ben.

“They’d pay us to take her back,” laughed Cyrus.

“You’d deny the money because of how much you love me,” said Rachelle. “Anyway, yes, I’ll run the numbers on the additional spots and get it over to the Directors.”

“Real quick before I embarrass you even more,” said Tasha. “I need to add some folks to the access roster for the munitions storage area.”

“That’s me,” said Charity. “We can do it in my office.”

“Grady?” asked Rachelle as Tasha and Charity departed.

“Power problems are solved at the new apartment blocks,” said Grady. “It was a hardware issue and your distribution system should be able to compensate going forward.”

“It’s already working like a charm,” said Rachelle as she brought up the program. “8% rise in efficiency too.”

“We took out the excess cable,” said Cyrus.

“Thanks, guys,” said Rachelle as they departed.

“I’ll let Kurt know the island thing is incoming,” said Ben. “I’m heading over there anyway.”

“Javier and Angeline?” asked Rachelle.

“I’ll stop by on my way to Ag,” said Ben.

“You, uh, want me to talk with that other Director?” asked Rachelle.

“Please,” said Ben as he knew who Rachelle was talking about.

“Are you two going to kiss and make up?” she asked pointedly.

“I’m giving her the space and time she was promised,” said Ben. “I’m not going to force the issue by running up to her with things you can easily pass on.”

“I’ll let her know this time,” said Rachelle. “But going forward, you get the job.”

“We can be professional when we need to be,” said Ben. “Again, it was my mistake and I pay the price. But this too shall pass.”

“Hope so,” said Rachelle. “I want you naming your kids after me.”

“Right,” laughed Ben. “Anything else?”

“Can’t think of a thing,” said Rachelle. “I’ll have those numbers in a few minutes.”

“Thanks,” said Ben as he departed.

The person they were talking about was the Chief Medical Officer, Doctor Mary Blevins. She had originally been slated to be put in stasis for the trip to Novae Spes, but had remained out of stasis in order to serve as the ship’s surgeon on the trip out. She was considered brilliant by her peers as well as the personnel that worked for her. Hand picked for the trip, she had served extremely well and had saved more than a few lives during the viral outbreak as well as through many of the accidents and incidents the colonists had gotten themselves into.

Additionally, both she and Ben had feelings for each other at one point, but had never taken the next step in actually starting to date. However, a recent incident between the two had driven a wedge between them at the moment and Ben was still giving her time to cool off before trying to mend the broken friendship. He had no plans for anything further at the moment since he had a long way to go to fix the friendship before even considering anything else.

Ben headed out of the facility with his next stop at the Agricultural station inside the walls. However, being later in the summer, most of the Ag staff was out at the nearby farms where they were expecting an overabundance of items for storage over the winter. Along the way, he stopped into the main Science building and found both the Directors there were out at the Agriculture areas as well.

Ben headed back to his house and got in his Multi-Personnel, Multi-Purpose vehicle, or MPMV as they were called. A light utility vehicle originally intended for security work; several commercial vehicles had been included in the supplies for the Expedition. Ben had one assigned as Commander, but often loaned it out to whatever section needed it the most at the moment. He normally found walking was a better option as he often ran into people along the way and could stop and ask them questions or just give them praise about the work they had performed.

As he drove towards the colony walls, it still hadn’t stopped amazing him how much they’d accomplished in the months since landing. The area had been a large open field when they first set foot on the planet and surrounded by forests and small hills. However, the landscape took on a whole new look as the forests had been cleared and the small hills had been graded off due to the threat from a super-predator species they encountered they had named Raptors. The large creature appeared to have higher cognitive abilities than any species encountered off Earth to date and even could problem solve to an extent. But since they had never captured one alive for study, most of the theories of their intelligence was guesswork.

However, 27 personnel had been lost to the creatures before Ben finally unleashed the full military might of the colony to strike back and keep them at bay. Luckily, the increased offensive strikes seemed to deter them from further attacks against the colony though they still caught small groups of them approaching and struck as far away as possible. Plus, the large 15 meter walls surrounding the main areas of the colony were high enough to keep them out for the most part. Ben remembered they did have the ability to grasp the top of the wall after leaping, but the security towers along the perimeter had come up with creative ways of dealing with those situations as they came along.

As Ben approached the western gate of the wall, he came to a stop in the road to let another indigenous species pass by. The featheroos, as they were named, looked to be remarkably similar to the kangaroo family on Earth, but had a feathered appearance in their fur. While not technically a feather, the name caught on not long after landing and the creatures lived in peace with the humans forming a symbiotic relationship with the new arrivals. The featheroo had one of the highest senses of smell ever recorded and served as a “early warning” net for incoming Raptor attacks. They had been able to sense two Raptor attacks so far and gone into hiding which alerted the humans of the impending threat.

Furthermore, the creatures had almost zero fear of the humans that had invaded their planet and had taken up with the colonists almost immediately as an equal species that wasn’t a threat. A small herd of the creatures had been brought inside the walls and now lived in the structures specifically built for them. Additionally, while it was a herbivore, the creatures had a unique digestive system that had the ability to break down most toxins in the environment without harming the creature itself. They served as “weed eaters” in the colony which was a fairly accurate description of their other duties. Ben looked at his communicator and checked the RFID tag of the female standing to his front in the gravel roadway.

“Come on, Sylvia,” said Ben as she came closer to the MPMV and sniffed while looking directly at his small backpack which contained an emergency ration. “No treats for you.”

The featheroo hadn’t moved yet as Ben gave her a look and pointed out of the roadway. She sniffed once again before finally moving out of the gravel roadway. While Ben easily could have gone around her, he decided the safety of them standing in the roadways trying to stop a vehicle for treats shouldn’t be allowed to continue and would speak to the Science team about it. Eventually, Ben reached the gate where he formally checked out and headed to the main farm areas starting at less than a kilometer away from the walls. He eventually caught up with both the Science Directors and the Agriculture Director near one of the temporary storage areas.

“Commander,” said Doctor Javier Santiago, the Chief Life Scientist and Director of the Science Branch. Born and raised in Columbia, he attended schools in the United States of North America before being recruited by the Novus Group to lead the science team on the newly discovered planet. He was exceptional at his job of both running the Science Department as well as making significant discoveries himself.

He was joined by his Assistant Director, Doctor Angeline Weber who was the Chief Geoscientist in the colony. While, again, they had an outstanding work dynamic, she was more content to stay in the follower position rather than take her place as Javier’s co-Director. However, she still ran the geosciences division on her own allowing Javier to concentrate on the biology side.

“Javier, Angeline,” said Ben as he stepped out of the vehicle and pulled his carbine with him.

“You coming out to check on Kurt or us?” asked Angeline.

“Both actually,” said Ben as he saw Doctor Kurt Sweeney walking up carrying yet another item he intended to introduce to the food stores. “Kurt.”

“Ben,” said Kurt with a polite nod. Originally from the State of Oklahoma, Kurt’s family ran one of the last large scale farms in North America before they were destroyed through the dust bowls, wildfires or combinations of both. However, he had put his Doctorate in Agricultural Science to good use by helping to establish off world farms at the various colonies in the galaxy. He had made a bit of a name for himself as the man who could grow anything, anywhere when Novus hired him as the lead Agriculture specialist for the trip.

“Something new?” asked Ben.

“Like a Novae Spes watermelon,” said Kurt as he handed one of the fruits over. “Though with a rind you can eat.”

“A little small for a watermelon, don’t you think?” asked Ben as he looked at the fruit.

“Give it a try and let me know,” said Kurt. Ben bit into the object about the size of a plum and saw it didn’t have a pit nor seeds like its Earth counterpart.

“Nice,” said Ben as he finished the fruit. “No seeds?”

“They don’t develop until the later part of the life right before they fall off the vine,” said Kurt. “They grow like tomatoes.”

“Interesting,” said Ben. “Nice tasting like a watermelon. But something else is in there. I can’t quite put my finger on it.”

“Yeah, we can’t figure it out either,” said Angeline. “One person says it’s a peach, another says it’s like mango, another person says pomegranate. It’s just unique.”

“That it is,” said Ben. “Are we going to add it to the menu soon?”

“We should have enough by tomorrow for a limited menu,” said Kurt. “Probably more in the next week or so.”

“Nice find,” said Ben as he continued eating. “You get a name yet?”

“We’re calling them Novamelons,” said Kurt.

“I do hope you two cleaned it before I ate that thing,” said Ben.

“Of course,” chuckled Javier. “We wouldn’t do that to you yet.”

“Anyway, I came out to see how harvest was coming along and bringing good news,” said Ben.

“Oh?” asked Kurt. “Good news first.”

“We’ll have additional shuttle spots for the island rotation for anyone that wants to go a second time,” said Ben.

“I think everyone ‘wants’ to go a second time,” laughed Angeline.

“Okay, deserving of the second round first sound better?” asked Ben with a laugh.

“I know I’m a smaller section, but the folks I took down planting the orchards on the other island should be considered first,” said Kurt. “No offense to anyone else, but they worked every day including the morning of the last day off.”

“Good point,” said Ben as he prepared to call Rachelle and let her know to put those individuals at the front of the line.

“And Sergeant Kent from Security,” said Kurt. “She volunteered to be our security detail.”

“Already on the list,” said Ben as he called Rachelle and relayed the information. “But that obviously includes you.”

“I wanted to talk to you about that as well,” said Kurt as he explained what he wanted to do in heading down and continuing to plan new orchards on additional islands.

“That’ll be a serious undertaking,” said Ben.

“Worth it,” said Kurt. “Which also means I’ll be taking additional trips down there.”

“It’s still work no matter how you cut it,” said Ben.

“We still have some down time as we aren’t working from sunup to sundown,” said Kurt. “And we’re still in a tropical paradise while doing it.”

“That it is,” said Ben. “Okay, form up the details for the trip and send them over.”

“Will do,” said Kurt as his communicator rang and he saw it was Rachelle.

“Hey, Kurt?” she asked.

“Miss Marchand?” he asked.

“One of the folks on here is Emilia,” said Rachelle. “I might assume she might like to head down with Javier when he goes next instead of this coming trip?”

“He’s right here, why don’t you ask him,” said Kurt as he handed over the device.

“I’ll talk to her tonight, but I’d tend to think that’s a good plan,” said Javier.

“I think you should probably talk to her,” said Rachelle.

“You know this charming Latino can be too much sometimes,” said Javier with a grin. “I’ll ask her this evening, okay?”

“Don’t wait too long,” said Rachelle as she ended the call.

“She can go this coming trip as well if she wants,” offered Ben. “She worked her tail off running Ag during the viral outbreak while Kurt was gone.”

“With no formal training in leadership either,” said Kurt.

“Of course, Javier could also go if he wants,” said Ben. “I could give up my spot to him.”

“How about no?” asked Angeline. “No offense, Jay.”

“I was about to say the same thing,” said Javier as Ben’s refusal to take a vacation had been a point of contention with his staff somewhat recently.

“I’m outvoted again?” asked Ben with a chuckle.

“Remember, Rachelle put your name down and password protected it to keep you from removing your name from the list,” said Kurt. “Again.”

“Could you do without her up to ten days?” asked Ben as he let the matter drop.

“She earned it if she wants,” said Kurt as they looked at Javier. “I’d rather she got the vacation out of the way before harvest.”

“I can ask,” said Javier. “Otherwise, you had business with Kurt, so, we’ll leave you to it.”

“Business for you two as well,” said Ben. “The featheroos have taken to standing in the roadways blocking traffic.”

“Yeah, I noticed that the other day,” said Javier with a sigh. “I have this feeling others have been giving them people food to make them leave.”

“I’d prefer we figure out a way of keeping them out of the paths without giving them treats when they look pitiful,” said Ben.

“I’ll send out another message,” said Javier. “Though you might want to talk to Tasha and have her brief her security troops not to do it. They are probably the most guilty.”

“I’ll speak with her,” said Ben. “How did they learn that anyway?”

“They are a smart species,” said Angeline. “They know we carry rations and some won’t budge until they get a treat.”

“Someone had to be the first,” said Ben.

“I’m sure there is collective guilt,” said Kurt. “Including my own folks when they transport stuff inside the walls for processing.”

“Yeah, we need to nip it in the bud,” said Ben. “Anyway, Javier and Angeline, I’ll let you get back to whatever you were doing.”

“More testing on food items,” said Javier as he held up several bags with items inside.

“I’m glad we aren’t going hungry,” said Ben.

“Not if we keep this up,” said Javier. “I’ll talk to my Department and let them know not to give in to pitiful looks as well.”

“We’re probably all guilty of it,” said Ben. “I’ve done it before to get one out of the backyard.”

“They are going to get fat,” said Angeline with a chuckle as she and Javier stowed the samples in their MPMV. “Who do we send the additional names to?”

“Rachelle would be best,” said Ben. “Whatever number she has as well as an alternate or two.”

“Will do,” said Javier as they departed. Ben continued his talk with Kurt over the growing seasons as well as taking him up to one of the temporary towers set up for the screening force of Security troops guarding the Ag specialists. However, Ben also knew the Agriculture Department had taken to their supplemental jobs as augmentation forces for Security with zeal as he saw most of the workers had a pistol on their side and carbines readily available.

“I feel it’s probably time for the expansion talk,” said Kurt as they reached the top of the tower and were greeted by the on duty sentry.

“Commander,” said Senior Sergeant Noah Taylor, a former Australian SAS member and a longtime friend of Ben’s.

“Noah,” said Ben. “Nothing crazy?”

“Bunch of featheroos getting into the corn patches,” said Noah as he pointed in the distance. “It seems like they know exactly when Kurt’s people have their back turned.”

“That they do,” said Kurt. “Another small herd moved in within the last week.”

“Are we attracting more?” asked Ben.

“More or less,” said Kurt. “They know it’s safer here with the diminished Raptor threat.”

“And more food,” said Ben.

“Icing on the cake,” said Kurt. “Anyway, Noah, could I borrow your binocs?”

“Sure,” said Noah as he handed them over. Kurt went through the areas they would be looking at expanding into with the addition of Expedition 2 as their numbers would demand an increase in overall production from nearly every section.

“Now, you’re going to say no to the next area, but keep an open mind,” said Kurt.

“If you know I’m going to say no, why even ask?” asked Ben.

“Because I want it in the back of your mind where you put all ideas brought to you for consideration,” said Kurt as he brought up the satellite images of the area and pointed at the next areas they wanted to plant.

“You’re right,” said Ben. “My initial answer is no.”

“We’ve got lookouts on that hill and enough space to trade for time if we come under attack,” said Kurt. “That area is prime real estate for growing certain things.”

“It’s also planned for the Expedition 3 expansion,” said Ben. “That hilltop will eventually be inside the walls as well as a lot of real estate past it.”

“Not until Expedition 6 and later I thought,” said Kurt. “Let’s face it, that kilometer of space before the base of the hill is going to take a while to fill.”

“Look, I’m open to discussing the matter with everyone, but you need to come up with the plans to include the increased security options as well as fallback locations,” said Ben. “That hill will entirely shut you off from the towers along the wall.”

“Frankly, some of our outer fields are already outside that protection,” said Kurt.

“I know and don’t think it hasn’t given me a few sleepless nights worrying about it,” said Ben.

“I’ll look it over and maybe come up with other options for the settlement locations,” said Kurt.

“I think that might be best,” said Ben. “Again, I’m open to the idea so long as Grady and Cyrus buy off on moving the housing and whatnot around as well as Tasha buying off on the increased security that comes with it. We may find once Expedition 2 gets here we have more manpower for such things.”

“I’m just trying to make sure they’re fed,” said Kurt.

“Oh, trust me, I like eating too,” chuckled Ben. “Overall, I’m not shooting down the idea out of hand, but we need to make sure it’s planned out before moving ahead.”

“I can have something in a few days,” said Kurt.

“Thanks,” said Ben as they discussed other options on the planting as well as the winter crops they would need to plant. Kurt pointed out other areas of significance along the way as well as four new greenhouses put up for the purpose of growing the java plants the colony had gone wild over. A replacement for coffee, it grew and budded much faster than its Earth counterpart.

“It’s growing?” asked Ben.

“It took us a while to figure out what we were missing,” said Kurt. “You wouldn’t believe what we figured out we were missing.”

“Oh?” asked Ben.

“Sodium chloride,” said Kurt.

“Salt?” asked Ben.

“Apparently, that bush requires just a touch of salt in the ground to grow properly. Once we added that into the soil, they took off,” said Kurt.

“Doesn’t that normally kill plants?” asked Ben.

“New planet, new rules,” said Kurt with shrugged shoulders. The saying had become frequent in the colony as they found things that generally were unexplained by what they thought they knew and had become the unofficial motto of Expedition 1.

“And the production?” asked Ben.

“It grows year round as best as we can tell,” said Kurt. “Older beans drop off; newer beans take their place. Plus, with a few additional nutrients in the soil we’re getting faster production.”

“I think you’ll become everyone’s hero,” said Ben as he knew the java had first supplemented then surpassed coffee as the preferred morning drink. Even though the Expedition had brought seeds for coffee plants and were busy trying to get them to grow, Ben knew it would be several years before production could keep up with demand. They continued looking around the area for several more minutes before heading off the tower and walking back to Ben’s vehicle.

“How’s the relocation for the clubtails going?” asked Ben referring to the creature they discovered that had been found to have the properties of beef which would further supplement the meat supplies.

“Slow,” said Kurt. “Honestly, I’ve got a guy working with Science and we are leaning towards waiting until after the winter to transplant a herd here. We just aren’t sure about the weather since the climate is different where they live.”

“So, we wait?” asked Ben.

“Best choice, I think,” said Kurt. “I mean, we could bring in a small herd and see if they adapt, but I’d prefer not to have it suffer while freezing to death during the winter.”

“No, I agree,” said Ben. “So, we just go out and take them as we need them?”

“Probably the best idea until we study them more,” said Kurt. “Science is working on it to determine if it’s a viable option to transplant them. We picked out a section of the lake that’s fairly marshy they might like if we do move ahead.”

“I thought we were going to dam up a creek?” asked Ben.

“Considered it and the flood potential for our spring rains makes that a problem,” said Kurt.

“And the duck things?” asked Ben as he accepted the reasoning.

“Free range for the moment, but they’ve adapted well,” said Kurt as Ben was talking about the larger duck-like creature that could become the Novae Spes version of chicken. “The fear of us has dwindled significantly and we’ve been helping supplement the food supplies with some grains we weren’t able to process and store.”

“The eggs are really good,” said Ben.

“The birds are pretty good on the grill as well,” grinned Kurt. “We’ll obviously need to expand those stocks and maybe consider coops in the future for them for egg production.”

“Lot of things we still need to accomplish,” said Ben with a sigh.

“Not as much as you think,” said Kurt. “Truth be told, if the housing was ready, we could get Expedition 2 in here right now and probably be okay with the food supplies.”

“I’d prefer not to go with probably and make that certainly,” said Ben.

“Fine, let us start growing on the other side of the hill,” grinned Kurt.

“I set myself up for that,” laughed Ben. “Again, I’ll keep an open mind about it.”

Ben finished talking over the items he needed to discuss with Kurt before heading back to the colony and his office where he saw several more reports from the various sections had appeared in the time he had been gone. Sighing deeply, he picked up the files and started reading through as he need to and either signing off on them for approval and eventual filing or sending them back with questions or comments. He preferred going out and working with the individual sections as he had done in the early days of the settlement, but knew the administrative side of things was the price of progress as they grew.

He spent several hours going through everything before noticing it was late in the afternoon and he should think about quitting in order to prepare to go to Javier’s for dinner as planned. As he was heading home, his communicator buzzed with an incoming message from Javier asking if they could postpone the dinner until another night as something had come up. Ben replied to the message with a simple “no worries, let me know when” and headed home to cook for himself that evening. As he passed by the other houses on Leadership Lane as the cul-de-sac had been informally named, he saw Mary Blevins on the side of her house working in a flower bed. She saw him passing and gave him a look before he politely nodded with a brief smile.

Mary watched Ben slow slightly and felt like he might stop to come over and talk to her, but the momentary hesitation was just that as he continued walking towards his house at the center of the cul-de-sac. Charity Steele came over carrying a bag of mulch to mix in with the soil as Mary let out a sigh as seeing Ben disappear.

“Why don’t you just go talk to him?” asked Charity.

“We’re giving each other space,” said Mary with another sigh. “He’s living up to his end of the bargain and so am I.”

“You could have at least gone and said hello,” said Charity.

“He could have too,” she stated.

“Ever think he’s waiting on you because he doesn’t want to seem pushy?” asked Charity.

“That’s silly,” said Mary.

“So are men,” said Charity with a chuckle.

“True,” said Mary with a brief smile. “Maybe I’ll make the first move tomorrow.”

“We’d all be happier about it,” said Charity.

“We?” asked Mary.

“Collective, ambiguous we,” said Charity. “You both moping around here doesn’t do anyone in this colony any good.”

“I know,” said Mary as she dug out a small spot and planted one of the flowers.

“So?” asked Charity.

“Maybe,” said Mary. “I really should since we are heading to the island in a couple of days.”

“Maybe that’s the perfect time for you two to make up,” said Charity. “Get away from the distractions here and spend some time alone together talking through this.”

“That might be a good time,” said Mary.

“I know what your problem is,” said Charity with a grin. “And I need to just find you a guy to cure what ails you.”

“Let’s hold off on you sending over Ben for a midnight rendezvous,” said Mary.

“I could talk to Ryan,” grinned Charity as she referred to Captain Ryan Kingston, one of her pilots and considered one of the best looking men in the colony. A fact he also knew as he had earned a reputation as a lady’s man since being on Novae Spes.

“I’m probably a little old for Ryan Kingston,” chuckled Mary.

“Oh, I don’t know, 40 isn’t so bad and let’s face it, you don’t look 40,” said Charity. “I mean, you know he doesn’t kiss and tell so that’s helpful.”

“I think my ailments are my concern for the moment,” said Mary as she patted down the mulch and soil around the flower and poured some water around the base. “Not that I couldn’t find such a treatment to be beneficial in the short term.”

“So, want me to call him?” asked Charity with a grin. “I’m sure he could help you finish planting or cook up something for dinner.”

“I’m pretty positive I know the kind of planting he has in mind,” laughed Mary. “And trust me, it’s not the soil he’s interested in where women are concerned.”

“Very true,” said Charity. “Okay, I’ll hold off lining up men for your choosing.”

“Have you noticed anyone asking about me in particular?” asked Mary as she thought about the conversation she had several days prior.

“Not in particular,” said Charity. “I mean, are you back on the market like that?”

“No, I’m just wondering,” said Mary.

“Want me to ask around?” asked Charity.

“Ah, let’s hold off for the moment,” said Mary. “But keep your ears perked.”

“I will engage my perkiness,” said Charity as she finished a flower herself and moved closer to the center for the next one. “I didn’t know you were looking around.”

“I’m not in particular,” said Mary. “Just wondering if others might have been holding back because of Ben.”

“There are probably some out there,” said Charity. “Seriously, if you want, I can find out for certain if there are those interested in you. You are a good looking woman with a lot of positive things going for you.”

“I’d prefer to find them the old fashioned way and not having you or Rachelle passing notes in class asking if the boys like me,” said Mary with a half a smile.

“You have other reasons in mind,” said Charity after she thought about what Mary was saying.

“I’ll admit; there are ulterior motives,” said Mary.

“Again, if you’re looking for that act in particular, I know of a few guys that would be suitable,” said Charity. “Are you sure that’s what you want?”

“Not really,” said Mary.

“Hey, you abstained just like I did on the way out here,” said Charity. “We all have needs that should be met from time to time.”

“Difference is, you found a nice guy to help in that regard,” said Mary. “I’m not the kind of woman that would just jump into the sack for that half hour of pleasure.”

“Depending on who it is, you could get an hour or more out of it,” grinned Charity. “Plus, follow up the next morning if you’re lucky.”

“You’re horrible,” laughed Mary.

“That’s the Rachelle influence,” laughed Charity.

“Very much so,” laughed Mary. “No, just see if anyone mentions me. I don’t want it getting out there I’m looking around.”

“Fair enough,” said Charity. “You sure you don’t want to talk to Ben tonight?”

“I’d need to shower and put on some different clothes,” said Mary.

“As if you aren’t going to do that anyway before going to bed,” said Charity.

“Not tonight,” said Mary. “Soon though, I promise.”

Mary and Charity finished up as evening was falling on yet another day on Novae Spes. The colonists still marveled at the sunsets the planet produced and tended to still look up in awe of the three moons orbiting the planet. Several still looked to the heavens and wondered about their homes they left behind, whether on Earth or Mars or one of the dozens of colonies spread throughout the Sol System or the nearby galaxy. But they tended to remember what drove them to this distant world and thanked whatever they believed in that they were lucky enough to live out their days in relative peace.

Soon, as all things tended to, that would change with upheaval and chaos.

 

CHAPTER 2



“Tomorrow’s the big day,” said Ben as he finished sorting through the final paperwork in his inbox. “You get all this fun for a week.”

“Six days, okay?” laughed Allen. “Let’s not push it.”

“Six days is good enough for me,” said Ben. “Anything I’m missing?”

“To have a good time and relax?” asked Allen.

“Yeah, about that,” said Ben with a sigh. “I spent over two decades running here and there and took leave when I had to rather than relaxing. And still the military found a way of tracking me down over this or that while I was on vacation. Or I worried myself over little details I left behind and called in.”

“You trust me to run things?” asked Allen.

“Of course,” said Ben. “I just have this, I don’t know, issue letting go sometimes because it’s not something I tended to do.”

“I can keep you apprised if you want,” said Allen.

“No, I’m going to try this thing called ‘having a good time and relaxing’ you folks keep talking about,” said Ben. “Big stuff, yeah, sure. But I’ll let you be the judge on the ‘big stuff’ I need to be made aware of.”

“Honestly, there are few things I would categorize like that,” said Allen. “Serious injuries or death, incoming Raptor attacks, severe discipline issues… can’t think of anything else.”

“I think that’s a decent list right there,” said Ben. “Tell you what, boss, I’ll let you know the same if it comes up.”

“I certainly hope you don’t have an incoming Raptor attack,” chuckled Allen. “And let’s watch that boss stuff. I’m only keeping your seat warm until you get back.”

“Fair enough,” said Ben as they both rose to leave. “Is there a work crew I should volunteer for on those two days?”

“I don’t know what’s in store since the list changes every time we go,” said Allen. “Clearing the landing areas wasn’t exactly fun, but I like work that I can see progress in when we’re done.”

“I’ll keep that in mind,” said Ben as his and Allen’s communicators beeped at the same time.

“Medical emergency,” said Allen as he read the text. “One of the engineers.”

“Let’s go,” said Ben as he and Allen headed out of the headquarters at a jog and towards the hospital that was thankfully nearby.

********************
​

“Doctor! We have a case coming into the emergency room!” shouted a med tech as he rushed by and barely paused outside of Mary’s office.

“What happened?” she asked as she sprinted away and followed him down the corridor.

“Engineer lost control of a chainsaw,” said the tech. “Insult to the injury included the tree he was cutting on falling on top of him.”

“How far out?” asked Mary as the alarms went off notifying everyone in the hospital of an inbound emergency case.

“Ten minutes,” stated the tech. “He’s coming in via air!”

“Who’s the doctor on duty in the ER?” asked Mary.

“Doctor Griggs,” said the tech as he ran towards the ER. Mary knew chainsaw injuries were fairly messy especially with the engineers sometimes forgoing the protective gear they should have been wearing. Adding in a tree falling on the engineer and it likely would need two surgeons working to save their life. She didn’t know who else was available to give Charlotte Griggs a hand, so Mary dashed towards the ER and arrived before Charlotte and saw the team starting to assemble for emergency surgery.

“Where is Doctor Griggs?” asked Mary.

“She is seeing to another patient and will be here in five,” said one of the nurses.

“Okay, folks! Those not on the emergency team, prep OR-3 and let the emergency surgery team go scrub and prep. Get plenty of blood and IV solutions ready to go and the imaging equipment warmed up. I want the full vascular surgical packs as well as the organ production machine warmed up just in case. I want this place ready to rock when whomever it is hits that door. Go!” she ordered and headed into the prep room to change back into the scrubs she had already changed out of for the day.

While ten minutes seemed like a decent amount of time, Mary knew it was practically the blink of an eye when dealing with serious medical issues. She was just finishing scrubbing up when Charlotte came into the prep room and started doing the same thing.

“I’m sorry I wasn’t in the ER,” she said. Charlotte Griggs was the wife of one of the members Tasha had recruited and was the youngest doctor in the colony. But Mary had taken her under her wing after arriving as she was a talented doctor and mentored her. Charlotte had welcomed becoming her protégé and her skills improved nearly every day.

“It’s okay, you were with a patient,” said Mary. “I’ve already got things in motion to work in OR-3 after we figure out what we’re dealing with.”

“I’ll finish quickly,” said Charlotte.

“Take your time and make sure you’re clean; I can handle getting things underway” said Mary. “Chainsaw wounds tend to be messy affairs, so the risk of infection goes up exponentially.”

“Yes, Doctor,” said Charlotte. Just as Mary departed, she heard one of the gunships screaming into the newly installed landing pad outside and heard the gear hit the ground a little harder than usual. She rushed to the Emergency Room and saw the rest of the team converging on the newly installed doorway leading outside.

“Got a bad one, Doc!” shouted one of the engineers as they burst through the door carrying a figure on a folding stretcher. “Lost a fight with a chainsaw!”

“Get the vitals!” Mary ordered as she went to assess the wound and the remainder of the team jumped into action. Several deep gashes were seen on his legs that had hastily applied dressings. Further examination showed significant trauma to his stomach as well as his breathing being extremely ragged. One of the techs was already pulling the vital stats.

“Tree fell on his chest too,” said the engineer as he backed off to let the professionals work.

“Cracked ribs at the least,” said Mary as she held out a portable scanner and took a quick reading. “Possible punctured right lung… lacerated left cephalic vein and right radial artery. Nasty cuts on the legs, but appears to be no serious arterial or venous lacerations…nope, sliced Peroneal artery. This is going to take some time.”

“Is he going to be okay?” asked a younger engineer as Charlotte came up and started making her own observations.

“He’s in the best hands in the galaxy,” said a med tech as he tried to shoo the workers out and let the medical professionals continue their work.

“Give him an IV of saline wide open, prep two units of whole blood and get him under the scanner, stat,” said Mary. “Where is anesthesia?!”

“Right here, Doctor,” said a breathless tech as he came running up.

“We need to get him under a scanner and ensure he can be put under as soon as he’s stabilized,” said Mary. “We’ve got some wicked cuts we’ve got to fix.”

“Doctor, he’s having trouble breathing!” shouted the tech fixing the IV. Charlotte went to the head and ran another scan down his chest.

“Left lung is collapsing!” stated Charlotte.

“Get him on oxygen, now! Prep a chest tube!” ordered Mary who took the lead on the patient.

Like a well-oiled machine, Mary and her team went to work stabilizing the patient and getting him into the operating room in record time. Minutes seemed like hours to her as she was assisted by Charlotte in operating on the patient. After nearly five hours in surgery, they felt like everything that could be done had been done and they had stabilized the engineer enough to prevent death.

“Doctor Griggs? Can you close for me, please?” asked Mary tiredly as she finished the final suture on the last vein and stepped back. Charlotte had finished nearly an hour before and stood by ready to assist if Mary needed it. However, Mary had finished the delicate work as she knew Charlotte’s knowledge in that area was more limited.

“Of course, Doctor,” said Charlotte as she moved back into position where she had been watching Mary perform what most doctors would consider artistry on the delicate work with the vascular system she had repaired. Mary walked out and pulled her mask away from her face and slumped over on a bench feeling very tired right then.

“Hey, Doc?” asked Grady who had come over.

“Hey,” she said tiredly, but with a smile.

“How did everything go?” asked Grady timidly.

“He’s going to pull through,” said Mary. “That lung was a bit tricky, but he has Doctor Griggs to thank for that.”

“Thank you,” said Grady. “Sincerely, thank you.”

“He’s going to be out of commission for a while,” said Mary. “But he’s stable at the moment.”

“We’ll manage,” said Grady. “Can I see him?”

“No, he’s resting at the moment and still listed as critical condition,” said Mary. “We aren’t totally out of the woods yet, but tomorrow I’ll know for certain what the long term effects will be if there are any.”

“Is it okay if I stay here?” he asked. “Along with my guys?”

“Perfectly fine,” said Mary who knew Grady cared deeply about the people that worked for him. Just as he was starting to turn, Mary’s voice stopped him. “Grady?”

“Ma’am?” he asked and looked at her.

“Please have your people start wearing the protective gear again,” said Mary. “I know it’s hot, oppressive and isn’t easy to work with, but a lot of the damage that was done would have been prevented by the chaps if they were wearing them.”

“I’ll make sure they do,” said Grady quietly.

“Thank you,” said Mary. Grady headed over to the door of the OR where the medical team was finishing and stood behind the glass window watching them perform their duties. He watched as his team member was brought out of the OR and into the ICU section where several nurses took over for the immediate care while checking the monitor lines on his body.

“Long day,” said Charlotte as she came out and plopped herself on the same bench as Mary and let out a sigh. “Not the way I’d like for it to have ended.”

“We saved a patient,” said Mary. “That’s exactly how the day should end.”

“I didn’t mean it like that,” said Charlotte. “I just don’t like seeing people get hurt.”

“Part of the job,” said Mary with a sigh. “You did great on that lung. You really are a talented surgeon with a high ceiling and a true asset to our team here.”

“You did great yourself,” said Charlotte. “I got the easy part. Repairing those arteries was something I didn’t think was possible. I haven’t seen detailed work like that outside of the textbooks and even then, they suggest grafts.”

“Thank you,” said Mary. “I take it you learned something?”

“That I need to watch you more often in surgery,” said Charlotte. “My vascular repair knowledge needs some work.”

“I can work with you on that and show you some books to read they didn’t want you learning in medical school,” said Mary. “It’s too easy for doctors these days to say ‘replace with an artificial graft’ or ‘grow one and replace the damaged section’ before calling it good. Sometimes that’s just not possible like today; so, I repaired instead of replacing.”

“It was like watching Michelangelo paint the Sistine Chapel,” said Charlotte speaking the thought that came into her mind while watching Mary work earlier. “You are truly gifted.”

“Unfortunately, I’ve had a lot of practice,” said Mary. “I was in my residency on Ganymede when the insurgency broke out and they revolted against the North American States. Well, they didn’t have many modern weapons, but they were able to get their hands on older projectile weapons like we have here. And I’ll be the first to tell you those things are messy.”

“The hospital went under siege by the rebels and we ended up treating both rebels and soldiers alike. Supplies ran short pretty quickly as they tend to do in combat situations. So, you learned really quickly how to repair arteries and veins rather than relying on a replacement that just isn’t available. Yeah, sure, in the best of times you can do that, but you need to be trained how to do it if they aren’t available,” said Mary.

“I didn’t realize you were there during those times,” said Charlotte.

“I don’t talk about it much and trust me, my residency was signed off fairly quickly when we finally got relieved,” said Mary with a half a chuckle. “Not long after, I was called by Roanoke General to fill a spot. I left Ganymede behind and took the lessons with me, but left the memories and horror behind.”

“Not an easy start to a career,” said Charlotte.

“No, but it certainly left the lessons that a good medical team is invaluable when people’s lives hang in the balance,” said Mary. “I’ve got a damn good team here.”

“You are a good leader,” said Charlotte.

“Just need to get him through tonight,” said Mary. “By tomorrow afternoon we’ll know for sure how long his recovery will be.”

“Won’t you be gone by then?” asked Charlotte.

“No, that’s my patient and I need to stay,” said Mary as she sat back in the seat and the back of her head touched the wall.

“He’s going to be okay,” said Charlotte. “We can do the follow up.”

“I’m the physician on record,” said Mary. “My patient, my care and my decision.”

“As you say, Doctor,” said Charlotte who realized Mary wouldn’t budge and likely she wouldn’t have either had it been her patient.

“I know each and every one of you are perfectly capable of continued care, but I learned a long time ago you don’t go home until the patient is out of the woods,” said Mary as she explained anyway. “I do appreciate the concern.”

“It’s your vacation,” said Charlotte. “Everyone else has gone and we don’t want to see you skipping out again.”

“There’ll be other trips,” said Mary as she groaned, feeling her age at the moment.

“I can monitor him at the moment,” said Charlotte. “Want to grab a quick bite?”

“Yeah, I think I will,” said Mary. “Really though, you are a fine surgeon that’s my honor to have worked beside today.”

“Thank you, Doctor,” said Charlotte as she nodded politely. Mary headed to grab her jacket since it was cooling slightly in the evenings and ran into Ben in the corridor outside her office.

“How is he?” he asked as he walked up.

“Had some nasty cuts and needed some delicate work on his left lung,” said Mary. “But he’s going to make it.”

“Still in ICU?” asked Ben.

“Yeah, he will be for a couple of days probably,” said Mary. “But I think he’ll make a full recovery if nothing else happens tonight.”

“Grady sends his thanks again,” said Ben. “He watched the whole time through the door.”

“I noticed,” said Mary. “As well as you, Cyrus and Allen right behind him.”

“He’s one of my people too,” said Ben.

“Everyone here is family,” said Mary. “He belongs to all of us just like we belong to him.”

“That we do,” said Ben.

“I’ve got a limited window to grab a bite before I let Charlotte head over,” said Mary politely. “I’m not trying to rush you along, but…”

“I’ll walk with you,” said Ben as he and Mary headed down the corridor in silence.

“I know it’s the last thing on your mind but we aren’t leaving until tomorrow morning,” said Ben finally. “You need this vacation as much as anyone.”

“I have a patient to tend to,” said Mary.

“I’m not going to even say there are other doctors that can help,” said Ben. “Because I know you won’t listen.”

“If it was one of your men on that hospital bed, I’d flat guarantee you wouldn’t leave them,” said Mary. “I’m not any different.”

“No… no, I wouldn’t,” said Ben quietly.

“Trust me, I’d love to go, but that ingrained sense of duty screams for me to stay,” said Mary and added a smile for the first time since their argument. “I’m glad you tried though.”

“You get first priority next trip,” said Ben. “If I have to strap you in myself.”

“Thanks,” said Mary with a nod. Ben was about to head into the waiting room and speak with Grady as Mary was going to head for the dining hall, but something stopped her.

“Ben?” she asked softly.

“Doctor?” he asked after stopping and turning around.

“You… you want to get a cup of java or a bite to eat?” she asked. “I’m heading that way.”

“I…” he started to say. “We haven’t really talked since I messed up and said those things to you I really shouldn’t have.”

“You gave me space and time to work it out,” she stated.

“I didn’t want to seem pushy,” said Ben.

“No, it was appreciated,” she said and thought about the situation. “You’ve been very proper and professional about it.”

“I know I screwed up,” he stated. “I was waiting on you to forgive me before trying to mend the friendship I broke.”

“I think enough time has passed for a cup of java and talking it over,” she stated. “Or if you want, we can do it another time after you get back.”

“No, I’d love to be able to talk again,” he said. “Get it out of my head before I leave.”

“You’re still going?” asked Mary.

“I’m pretty sure I don’t have a choice,” said Ben with a slight chuckle.

“No, I’m fairly positive you’d end up on that shuttle even if it is in irons,” said Mary with another brief smile. “Come on, I’ll buy you a cup of java.”

“Doctor’s orders?” he asked with a slight grin.

“No, just an offering,” she said.

“I accept,” he stated as he headed out the door with her. They arrived at the dining hall and she found it was too late for the main meal that evening, but the cooks promised to whip her up “whatever she wanted” since they knew she had just come out of surgery. She ordered something simple as Ben did the same before retrieving their items and heading back to a table in the middle of the room.

“That was delicate work?” he asked as an icebreaker.

“I haven’t done something like that in a while,” said Mary. “As I told Charlotte earlier, not since Ganymede during the revolt.”

“I’ve never really asked much about that,” said Ben.

“The units around the hospital were low on ammo as were the rebels,” said Mary. “During one of the battles, they went to hand to hand fighting with whatever improvised weapons they could find. Long story short, pieces of structural steel ripped apart by explosions made handy blunt force and cutting weapons even though they weren’t sharp. Jagged edges made for nasty wounds. Eventually, we got an airdrop of supplies and the wounds got easier.”

“Easier?” he asked.

“Pulse electron wounds are far easier to deal with,” said Mary. “Medically speaking.”

“I see,” said Ben as he remembered some of the fighting on the colony had been vicious. And remembered he contributed to some of that fighting as well.

“So, you’re still going, right?” she asked to change the subject.

“Yeah,” said Ben. “Like you said, I’ll likely get a bio-lock if I don’t get on that ship.”

“You need it too,” said Mary.

“Everyone needs a break including you,” said Ben. “You sure you won’t reconsider?”

“No,” said Mary. “We saved him today, but there are any number of things that can come up overnight we might have to deal with. I’m the physician on record and it’s my job to make sure such things are treated if they come up.”

“That man has your dedication and skill as a surgeon to thank for his life,” said Ben.

“I informed Grady his people need to start wearing the protective gear when using those chainsaws,” said Mary. “The damage wouldn’t have been as bad.”

“I’ll remind him,” said Ben. “Mary?”

“Ben?” she asked.

“I’m really sorry over what I said,” said Ben. “I mean, I really went out of my way to be an ass over what I said and I truly am sorry.”

“You were an ass and should have just asked me,” said Mary. “But you know what? You’re a man of honor and you apologized. I accept your apology.”

“Friends again?” he asked.

“I don’t think we stopped,” she stated. “Friends say stupid things to each other all the time.”

“Friends don’t accuse friends of sleeping with other guys,” said Ben.

“They do,” said Mary. “I just didn’t expect it from you.”

“I didn’t really think it through,” said Ben.

“Because of your jealousy of Chuck?” she asked.

“Yeah, a little bit,” said Ben.

“Look, I’ll be honest with you, I don’t like that side of you at all,” said Mary. “If we were to be involved, there has to be trust there that I’m not going to hop into the sack with some random guy because I took a notion to.”

“Trust is important,” said Ben. “And I should have trusted you were doing nothing more than caring for your patients.”

“Before you ask, there isn’t any involvement between us at the moment either,” said Mary.

“How…” he started to ask.

“I saw the wheels turning in your brain,” she said with a brief smile.

“Yes, there were,” he confirmed.

“You’re a great guy with so many things going for you it’s insane,” said Mary. “But that one little thing could cause big problems down the road. I’m not saying it’s a deal killer, but I’m certainly going to have to think on it.”

“I understand,” he said.

“Friends and nothing else for the moment,” she stated, though she wasn’t sure about that stance herself even as she said it.

“I can be professional and keep my personal feelings in check,” said Ben.

“As you have done so far,” said Mary. “Aside from bringing me flowers.”

“Isn’t that the normal mode of asking for forgiveness?” he asked with a slight grin.

“Well, that and chocolates,” said Mary. “But I’m glad you didn’t bring chocolates.”

“How come?” he asked.

“Well, I need my beach bod for the trip,” said Mary with a slight grin herself. “Whenever that will be now.”

“You pick the date when we announce the next rounds,” said Ben.

“Just one date?” she asked as her eyes sparkled a bit like they used to.

“I’m sure your second round would work as well,” said Ben. “Or we just give you back to back trips and you stay there between the two and appoint yourself queen of the island.”

“I’m not sure I’d come back after the second trip,” she grinned.

“Yeah, I didn’t think that one through far enough,” he chuckled.

“Ben, I’ve missed you,” she admitted. “These little talks and your personality that tends to be charming when you aren’t being a horse’s backside.”

“I thought that was part of my charm?” he asked as his eyes twinkled a bit as well.

“I’m not sure charming is the adjective I’d use,” said Mary with an eye roll but a smile came across her face.

“I’ve missed you too,” said Ben.

“Friends?” she asked.

“Friends,” he said with a nod.

“There is one more thing I need to ask you,” she stated.

“Anything,” he said as he leaned forward slightly.

“I’m not sure how to phrase it properly, but has anyone been… after you lately?” she asked.

“What do you mean?” he asked. “Like physically or asked me out?”

“Like, setting you up for failure or asking you to do things that might be questionable?” she asked. “I can’t be more specific than that, I’m sorry.”

“Not that I can recall,” said Ben. “It’s pretty much been business as normal.”

“Or physically?” she asked.

“Truth is I’ve seen a couple of women being somewhat flirty,” said Ben. “Small colony where the grapevine ensured everyone knew we had a falling out.”

“We weren’t an item to begin with,” said Mary.

“Everyone knew I had feelings for you,” said Ben.

“Had?” she asked.

“Still there, but I’ll respect the friendship we agreed to,” said Ben.

“I don’t want to be the reason you aren’t dating around,” said Mary. “Especially given we’re just friends at the moment.”

“No, I take each case on its merits,” said Ben. “Honestly though, it’s nothing more than very subtle flirting right now.”

“I was curious,” said Mary.

“And why is that?” asked Ben.

“Just… curious mainly,” said Mary. “Sometimes those in authority tend to anger some.”

Ben saw the lie she just told, but let the matter drop for the moment. He had been asked something very similar a couple of days before by Tasha and she had responded with an ambiguous answer as well. He knew there was more and also knew Tasha and Mary had worked out their differences. But whether they were working together to protect him from an unforeseen danger remained to be seen.

“I’ve got to get back so Charlotte can grab a bite to eat,” said Mary as she collected her items and separated them on the tray. “Walk me back?”

“Sure,” said Ben as he did the same and put the proper items in the recycle and compost bins before handing over the items to be washed to the steward on duty.

“How is Grady liking his composters?” asked Mary as they walked back.

“He’s happy with them,” said Ben. “He only has three up at the moment at the farm, but plans to add at least one in the colony here so people can use it for their flower gardens and whatnot.”

“And regular gardens?” asked Mary. “I saw a few people planting some things.”

“Yes,” said Ben. “It’s not a bad idea actually.”

“Whatever we can save and store helps us in the long run,” said Mary as they arrived at the hospital and Charlotte came over to her and Ben.

“Problem,” said Charlotte.

“The patient?” asked Mary immediately.

“No, he’s okay,” said Charlotte. “It’s the Engineers. They are saying they will skip the rotation tomorrow to make sure their friend is okay.”

“They need a break too,” said Mary and saw Charlotte about to say something. “Before you say it, my situation is totally different.”

“Of course,” said Charlotte as she saw Mary head over to the group gathered in the waiting room talking quietly amongst themselves.

“Grady?” she asked.

“Look, it’s their call, but I don’t support it,” said Grady as he knew why Mary was coming over.

“Make them go,” said Mary simply.

“Would you make one of your staff go if a person they really liked and respected was lying in intensive care?” asked Grady.

“Yes, because it’s not going to change anything with his treatment by them waiting,” said Mary.

“You can tell them that,” said Grady. “I already tried.”

“Fine,” said Mary as she walked towards the front of the group. “Can I have your folks’ attention, please? Just a moment of your time.”

The gathered engineers stopped talking and looked at her and before she was able to start talking, they gave her a round of applause for the work she did earlier. She politely nodded at the group with a smile before moving on.

“I appreciate that, thank you,” said Mary. “I’d hope you gave all my staff the same round of applause as they were just as instrumental in saving your friend as I was. Probably even more so than I was. So, please, make sure you thank them as well.”

“Now, I’ve heard some of you are thinking of dropping out of the vacation rotation tomorrow because you want to be here with your friend when he wakes up. I want to let you know he’s got the best treatment in the galaxy. I have the best medical staff ever assembled and he’s going to make it. Chances are, he’s going to be in recovery and rehab for a while, but he is going to pull through, I can flat guarantee that.”

“I know he would appreciate the moral support you all show by being here, but I also know you skipping out on a rightfully earned vacation is going to hurt you more in the long run because everyone here needs some time off. You engineers have kicked major backside since being here and each of you need to take some time to relax as well.”

“Furthermore, when your friend wakes up, he’s going to ask why you knuckle draggers decided to skip out on a vacation and didn’t trust the best medical staff in the whole galaxy with his care. If he was here right now, what do you think he’d say? He’d ask each and every one of you thinking about skipping out what you were thinking when you know you can’t change the outcome of his prognosis by standing here watching him. Now, I don’t know him that well, but I’d tend to think he wants his friends rested instead of worrying over him when he has the best care ever tending to him.”

“So, you can choose not to go, I don’t think anyone will stop you,” said Mary. “But you denying yourselves a rightfully earned vacation to wait for a known outcome isn’t what he would want.”

The group thought about what she said as they looked at each other out of the corners of their eyes. Several moments of silence passed before Drew Collins spoke up.

“I think you’re wrong, Doctor,” he said.

“Oh?” she asked.

“Yeah, he wouldn’t call us knuckle draggers,” said Drew. “The words he would pick for us waiting around like that would be far more… colorful.”

The group chuckled slightly at the comments made by Drew as he turned to the group.

“Yeah, the doctor is right,” said Drew. “These guys are hands down the best medical folks any of us have ever seen and we aren’t going to do any good waiting around here when we know Pete is either too strong or too stupid to die. He made it out of surgery and he’s going to pull through. So, tell you what. I’m going and I’m sure Grady will send us regular updates on his condition while we’re gone, right?”

“Absolutely,” said Grady.

“So, enough of this talk,” said Drew. “Besides, you know I’m going to need a bunch of you to drag me away from the bar each and every night.”

“Yeah, I think we’re going to need more people for that,” laughed another one of the engineers.

“Damn right you will,” said Drew with a smile and turned to Grady and Ben. “We’re all in.”

“Thank you,” said Grady as he addressed the group. “I love how dedicated we are to each other in making sure we all pull through this during the trying times. That kind of loyalty can’t be bought and sometimes will become even more necessary when things get put into motion where loyalty is absolutely necessary. Change sometimes can present challenges for everyone and we need to make sure we stay dedicated to each other first.”

“I’ll make sure Pete knows how you all tried to stay, but got chased off by the mean doctor,” said Grady with a grin. “Plus, there’s enough of you here tonight that aren’t on the list that can check up on him in the coming days. So, for those scheduled to go, get home, grab a shower, pack and we’ll see you at the SIT pads in the morning.”

The group broke up slowly and shuffled out of the hospital to either eat or head home. Ben went over to Grady as he watched his people leave.

“Good speech there,” said Ben.

“Drew was on point,” said Grady.

“I was curious about one thing,” said Ben. “What did you mean by change?”

“This place is always changing,” said Grady with shrugged shoulders. “As soon as we think we’ve got a good system down, we end up going in the opposite direction.”

“Yeah,” said Ben. “Of course, I’m partially to blame for that.”

“It is what it is,” said Grady. “You’re the big boss.”

“If I push too hard or shift too much, let me know, okay?” asked Ben.

“Sure,” said Grady. “It’s not a big deal and it won’t always be like that.”

“Hope not,” said Ben. “You need some rest too.”

“I’m going to stick around for a bit,” said Grady. “Not that I don’t trust Mary and her folks, but I feel it’s necessary because it’s one of my people.”

“Fair enough,” said Ben as he walked away and said goodbye to Mary. She had overheard the whole conversation between Ben and Grady as it piqued her interest in what was said. She remembered the conversations between her, Tasha and Rachelle several days prior and also realized change wasn’t good from time to time. Even though she had been angry with Ben, she knew he was the key to them successfully surviving their first year on Novae Spes while waiting for Expedition 2.

Collecting her thoughts, she decided she would speak to Tasha about the matter and get her feelings about what had been said. It worried her slightly as the wording could be taken a lot of different ways, but with the potential outcome of what they had discussed being on her mind, she knew such things should be passed on and at least talked about.

 

CHAPTER 3



“Well?” asked Ben the next morning as the colonists were steadily rolling in and finding their shuttle assignments for the trip to the island to load their baggage. “How is he this morning?”

“I’m sorry?” asked Mary as she saw off one of her techs with a smile.

“Pete?” asked Ben. “The engineer?”

“Oh! He woke up last night hurting, which was a good sign, and we’re still assisting in his breathing. But initial indications are he’s going to pull through with zero problems.”

“Why do doctors always say pain is a good sign?” he asked with a chuckle.

“Medically speaking it means there isn’t severe nerve damage,” said Mary. “As well as the patient realizing there is something wrong with them and taking it easy.”

“I always wondered,” said Ben as Tasha came walking up carrying a bio-lock. “Really?”

“You’re getting on that shuttle one way or another,” said Tasha with a look.

“Actually, I’m not getting on any of those shuttles,” said Ben.

“Commander,” said Tasha in a tone.

“I’m actually assigned to the gunship,” he grinned at her. She sighed and rolled her eyes at him as the others came in along with Rachelle who dropped her bag by the gunship and came over to the group.

“Hey, guys,” said Rachelle cheerfully. “I got the replacement put in last night, though if you still want to go, we can squeeze you in there, Mary.”

“I’m not packed and I still have a patient,” said Mary. “Thank you though.”

“I made Ashley Boyd promise to give you her next batch of sugar cookies,” said Rachelle.

“I’m sorry?” asked Mary.

“She was on the standby list and took your place,” said Rachelle. “Trust me, take the sugar cookies, you’ll be glad you did.”

“Are they good?” asked Mary.

“Phenomenal,” said Rachelle. “Well, everything was sent down yesterday. Power is on and the air conditioning should be running by the time we get there.”

“You turn off the power when we aren’t there?” asked Ben.

“Even though we have years of power available, we still practice conservation,” said Rachelle.

“I forgot to ask, but who’s taking the third spot on the leadership?” asked Ben.

“Well, we have a couple of options,” said Rachelle. “We already have me and Drew Collins from the Engineers assigned to the billets. So, we have a choice between either Emilia Tómasdóttir or Larissa Moody or Ashley since she is a division head in name.”

“Not me?” asked Ben.

“No, because when you go down to relax, you are going down to relax and not worry about breaking up squabbles at the bar or whatever comes up,” said Tasha.

“It’s not a big deal and I can fill in,” said Ben.

“No, you can’t,” said Tasha with an annoyed look. “You are going to be one of the crowd down there and leave the hard work to others.”

“I’m still going to be on the work details,” said Ben.

“Following the direction of those in the leadership positions,” said Tasha. “You can get notified of the stuff you need to know, but you are not to do anything but relax.”

“I can’t shirk all my duties,” he stated. Tasha turned and saw one of her troopers walking up and called her over before she was able to board the gunship.

“Sergeant Kent, I want you to take this with you,” said Tasha as she handed over the bio-lock pistol. “If Commander Nash even attempts to perform a leadership function that either Director Marchand or Drew Collins is capable of performing, you put this on him until such urges pass or they make the decision. Understood?”

“I…” said Zoe Kent.

“Consider it an order,” said Tasha.

“I don’t think that’s necessary,” said Ben as he took the bio-lock away from Zoe and handed it back to Tasha. “I get the point.”

“I mean it,” said Tasha. “We all need you rested.”

“I’ll behave,” said Ben. “Thank you, Sergeant Kent.”

Zoe departed not fully understanding what happened as she placed her bag on the shuttle and waited for the departure. Others were seen getting their bags placed and finding preferable seating as the list slowly dwindled down to only a few later arrivals.

“So? Who’s it going to be?” asked Ben.

“I’d say Larissa,” suggested Rachelle. “She runs the combat craft section of SIT.”

“Not Emilia?” asked Ben.

“She could use the vacation as well,” said Rachelle. “She and Javier got into it over this trip; so, she could use the break as well.”

“They got into it?” asked Ben.

“Make a long story short, he felt like she would have preferred to have him along,” said Rachelle. “She told him she just needed to have some time to herself for a few days and he got all butt hurt over it thinking she didn’t love him anymore.”

“Well, I did offer them both a trip together,” said Ben.

“You did,” said Rachelle. “Big difference is, we women are peculiar about some time alone and not dealing with men occasionally. Sometimes we love a guy, but just need some time away like a day long shopping trip; which isn’t possible here or a nature hike; which the Raptor threat makes that impossible or a day at the spa; which we don’t have…”

“Oh, I think you just nailed it, girl,” said Tasha as she saw the wheels turning in Rachelle’s head.

“Yes, she did,” said Mary as she picked up on it immediately as well.

“Care to let me in on it?” he asked.

“I think you need to fire up the Earth Communicator and tell Novus to send the items needed for a complete day spa for us women,” said Rachelle. “Everything we’d need and we can convert one of the islands for that purpose. Oh, and I want it complete with hot Cabana boys for the massage section.”

“I don’t think so,” said Ben with a shake of his head.

“Okay, forget the spa equipment, we can build that here,” said Rachelle. “Just have them send the Cabana boys.”

“You realize it would take seven and a half years to get here even if I was to entertain such a notion?” asked Ben. “Which I am absolutely not entertaining it.”

“So? I’ll still be in my prime, well, maybe a cougar by then,” said Rachelle with a grin. “One of those dirty old women taking advantage of a young innocent massage boy.”

“I think she’s onto something here,” said Tasha.

“I don’t even know what to say,” said Ben with a sigh.

“Hey, you always say morale is the most important thing around here,” said Mary with a grin. “That would certainly help my morale.”

“Again, we’re not entertaining this idea,” said Ben.

“Killjoy,” said Tasha with a grin.

“Anyway, Javier and Emilia aren’t an item any longer?” asked Ben as he changed the subject before they got out of hand.

“No, once he talked with Angeline and me, he saw a different point of view and apologized to her for overreacting,” said Rachelle. “We convinced him it’d be good for both of them since he can be one of the boys while she’s gone and go out and do whatever you boys do together.”

“Good,” said Ben. “They are cute together.”

“Yeah, they’ll get married eventually,” said Mary. “Unless a Cabana boy catches her eye at the spa you’re going to build.”

“I thought we moved past that,” said Ben.

“Hey, the idea is now firmly planted in our heads,” said Rachelle with a grin. “Right, Larissa?”

“What idea is that?” asked Larissa as she came up to let them know everyone was accounted for.

“Day spa for the girls along with hot guys for the massage section,” grinned Tasha.

“Where do I sign up?” asked Larissa as she perked up.

“On Earth,” said Ben with a tone. “Have a nice trip back.”

“I take it this is one of Rachelle’s fantasies that got out of hand?” asked Larissa.

“You know it’s not limited to me on that fantasy,” said Rachelle. “You know you would love a day trip to a spa right about now.”

“Oh, would I ever!” said Larissa. “Are we planning on such a thing?”

“Rachelle!” objected Ben in a tone with an “angry father” look on his face.

“No, we’re just playing around,” said Rachelle meekly. “Just a fleeting fantasy.”

“Dad just backhanded his daughter,” muttered Tasha loud enough for everyone to hear.

“No kidding,” said Mary.

“Anyway, we’re going to start boarding,” said Larissa as Allen walked up to the leadership group. “Everyone’s here.”

“Okay, have them board,” said Rachelle. “And Larissa? You’re going to be the third leadership position for this trip since Mary decided to chicken out.”

“I am?” asked Larissa.

“You up for it?” asked Rachelle.

“Yeah, sure,” said Larissa. “Does that mean I get to boss people around and make them feed me pieces of yellow fruit and fan me with those frond things that grow there?”

“I think you’re taking after Rachelle,” said Allen as a way of greeting as Larissa headed over to tell the remaining personnel to say their goodbyes and take their seats.

“You realize she didn’t come up with that idea on her own?” grinned Rachelle.

“I figured,” said Allen as he turned to Ben. “I got caught up at the office, but figured I’d come out and see you guys off.”

“Anything I should be worried about?” asked Ben.

“Not a thing in the world,” said Allen as he noticed the item Tasha had. “I see someone was going to force you onto that shuttle.”

“Damn right I was,” said Tasha.

“I’m going, I’m going,” said Ben as he raised his hands and saw it wasn’t taking long for the remaining personnel to board. “Mind the store.”

“It’ll be here when you get back,” said Allen as he shook Ben’s hand. Ben said goodbye to the others before heading to the gunship and stowing his bag along with the others.

“I need to talk to you,” said Mary to Tasha after she saw Ben get on board.

“Something happen?” asked Tasha.

“I don’t know, but I want to get your take on something that was said last night,” said Mary.

“Let’s grab a cup of java and talk,” said Tasha.

“I’ve got to check on my patient first,” said Mary. “But I’m free after that.”

“I’ll walk with you,” said Tasha. “I’ve got nothing pressing at the moment. Though a bunch of us are miffed at you skipping out on the trip you rightfully earned.”

“Next time,” said Mary as they walked away. On board the gunship, Ben headed to the front where he saw the WSO seat was already occupied by Rachelle as she was looking for the harness to strap herself in.

“Un-ass that seat, please,” said Ben as he walked to the front.

“I called shotgun,” said Rachelle.

“Didn’t hear it and rank has its privileges,” said Ben as he lowered the Instructor Pilot seat for her instead. “My seat.”

“I thought I was in charge,” said Rachelle with a tone.

“Not until we land,” said Ben. “More legroom up here.”

“Fine,” said Rachelle in a huff as she got up and gave the seat to him.

“Do watch the legroom and keep your feet off the pedals and controls,” said Larissa as she ran through the systems start.

“Yes, ma’am,” said Ben as she finished the check and had the engines at idle before seeing the other craft were ready for takeoff.

“Command, this is Novae Spes 1 requesting takeoff with four en route to Rachelle Island,” said Larissa over the comm. “We’ll be taking the suborbital route from Flight Plan Delta 0-1.”

“Novae Spes 1, this is Command, you are cleared for departure,” said the controller. “Be advised, local weather at your destination shows thunderstorms approximately 50 kilometers north of the island. Consider supplement Alpha on your final approach.”

“Roger, we’ll use supplement Alpha,” said Larissa. “Biscuit, Redeye and Gopher, you copy? Revise flight plan to Supplement Alpha.”

“Biscuit copies,” said Lieutenant Courtney “Biscuit” Rowe, a younger member of the expedition who had originally started in the Weapon Systems Operator or WSO position, but had cross trained as a pilot as there was a shortage of pilots in SIT for the amount of craft they had.

“Redeye going to supplement Alpha,” said Captain Sam “Redeye” Gonzales.

“Gopher copies,” said Lieutenant Sammy “Gopher” Sutton who was also a WSO, but had crossed over like Rowe had.

“Copy all,” said Larissa who was the mission commander for the ships. “Redeye, you take lead, then Biscuit and Gopher and I’ll take tail end Charlie.”

The pilots acknowledged the order of departure and lifted off before going into an orbit around the colony as the others lifted off. Eventually, everyone was in formation as Gonzales departed the orbit and headed into a suborbital jump on their journey.

“What’s plan Alpha?” asked Ben.

“Normally, we come back into the atmosphere about a hundred or so kilometers out of the island,” said Larissa as she checked the systems while the altimeter sped up rapidly. “With the thunderstorms in that area, we’ll skip the sightseeing tour and come out about 50 clicks instead.”

“Nothing to worry about?” asked Ben.

“No and you have Prancer to thank for that,” said Larissa. “Ever since his crazy high speed dash into the colony during that medical evacuation, we saw the steeper descent would be okay.”

“Nothing to worry about, boss,” said Rachelle from the seat behind them. “You’ve got the best pilot in the colony.”

“Tinker might object to that,” said Larissa referring to Charity by her call sign.

“When she gets your record, she can object,” said Ben as he noticed they were out of the atmosphere as the emergency manual floated upwards in the zero gravity before being retrieved by Larissa and stowed in its proper pocket underneath the console.

“I didn’t know anyone knew about that,” said Larissa.

“It kind of stands out,” said Ben.

“I just don’t talk about it that much,” said Larissa as they had reached the apex of the jump and were already descending back towards the planet.

“A humble pilot,” chuckled Ben. “Who would have ever thought.”

“Not Ryan,” chuckled Larissa. “But he can back up his talk.”

“He better than you?” asked Ben with a grin.

“In his wildest dreams,” she laughed. “But danged if that boy isn’t a natural.”

“He has proven himself to be a capable combat pilot,” said Ben.

“He certainly would have been welcome on my wing when I was Active,” said Larissa as the gunship buffeted slightly from the increased friction from the atmosphere. She could barely see the shuttles in front of her through the glowing plasma stream though the shields were holding fine at the moment and diverting the heat away from the craft itself.

“Redeye seems eager,” said Larissa as she switched to the wormhole comm which could break through the ionization which would prohibit normal communications. “Redeye, your descent is a bit steep.”

“Weather radar shows storm cloud formations closer than 50 as planned,” said Gonzales. “I’m cutting the corner over the top of it.”

“Roger,” said Larissa as she checked the data and saw the thunderstorms had stalled from their anticipated location and were holding at 40 kilometers north of the island. “All units, let’s make sure we check the shielding and plating as soon as we land.”

She received acknowledgments from the other three craft as they finished their descent into the atmosphere and were over the storm with not a cloud that could be seen on the horizon.

“We’ll get to see a couple of islands on the way in,” said Larissa. “That’s the orchard island they were working on a couple of weeks ago coming up on our starboard side.”

“Looking nice,” said Ben as he looked out and could make out the even rows of trees they planted on the island as they flew part.

“The fruit is going to be nicer,” said Larissa with a grin.

“Only if you can have it,” said Rachelle with a frown. “So, stop talking about it.”

“Yes, ma’am,” said Larissa as they began their final approach. “Biscuit and Redeye, take the spots at Rachelleville; Gopher, take the eastern cove spot. I’ve got the western spot. Landing order will be Biscuit, Redeye, Gopher then me.”

“Biscuit copies,” said Rowe.

“Redeye copies,” said Gonzales.

“Gopher copies,” said Sutton. “I’d be more comfortable with the western spot though.”

“Fair enough,” said Larissa. “Take the western spot, I’ll take east.”

The craft could see the island as three of the four went to a higher altitude to orbit while Rowe took the first landing. Being the most inexperienced pilot, they wanted her on the ground first since she would have plenty of room to land.

“Preparing for landing,” said the Larissa as she completed the final checks before turning on the PA system for the gunship.

“Something special?” asked Ben as the island grew larger in the screen.

“Songs we play right before landing that’s become customary,” said Larissa as she loaded a song from an external drive. “One is an old time band named Crosby, Stills and Nash. The other is Jimmy Buffett. Tasha gave it to us to load into the shuttles when we came down.”

“She’s a music lover,” said Ben.

“Not quite my taste though,” said Larissa with a wrinkled nose. “We tried the EDM route for a while which is my preference, but the folks prefer these songs instead.”

“Right,” said Ben with a chuckle as the old song “Southern Cross” came over the PA system and the passengers in the gunship started getting fidgety over the thought of arriving. “Any of you guys get the full time off?”

“Kinda,” said Larissa as she lowered the landing gear and the craft started slowing considerably while in orbit as she saw Biscuit had landed and Redeye was on approach. “Since we have to have the gunship available for medical evacuations and whatnot, we take turns being ‘dry’ on opposite days. Difference is, we hadn’t planned on having four pilots, so we’ll break that up with one of us having to pull two days.”

“Do you ever get a complete vacation?” asked Ben.

“Oh, don’t get me wrong, we still get to relax,” she replied. “And truth be told, that Space Shine packs enough of a kick that a day off afterwards is necessary.”

“That it does,” said Ben as he saw the beach where they would be landing.

“All told, there’s not enough pilots to be able to continue missions at the homestead while we dedicate two pilots per shuttle for these forays. Likely won’t be until we get Expedition 2 in either, but we understand that up front and accept it,” said Rachelle.

“I didn’t realize we had a pilot shortage when we left,” said Ben. “You’d think of all the things Novus would have considered.”

“Well, funny story on that,” said Rachelle. “Apparently the code for pilots is one number off the code for programmers. So, we actually ended up with six more programmers than we were supposed to have.”

“You’re kidding,” said Ben.

“Nope,” said Rachelle with a chuckle. “In fact, the programmers were listed under the pilot detachment rather than under the systems management.”

“I’d hope they figured that out,” said Ben.

“Yeah, it was in the email dump we got at our first ASD drop,” said Rachelle. “They are being loaded into Expedition 2, so we’ll have additional pilots showing up.”

“Well, we hope they can get that full time off whenever they get here,” said Ben.

“We do help with the improvements, but the three days off we get to be lazy more or less,” stated Larissa. “And Tasha told me about this perfect little hidden beach where I plan to spend at least one lazy day not being disturbed.”

“I wish she’d impart that knowledge on us all,” said Ben with a laugh.

“Yeah, it’s a girl’s only thing,” laughed Larissa.

“Your gal’s beach where you can tan nude?” asked Ben.

“How did you know?!” exclaimed Rachelle.

“You don’t think your colony chieftain overhears such things?” laughed Ben.

“So much for that secluded spot,” grumped Larissa.

“Little bit of advice; if it’s not a military secret and Tasha knows, everyone knows,” laughed Ben. “She tends to have loose lips, but I think your secret is safe from the other male members of the colony.”

“Hope so,” said Larissa as she brought the gunship into a decent since the last shuttle was on its approach to land. “I hate tan lines.”

“I’m not even going to say a thing,” chuckled Ben.

“Can you make sure everyone is strapped in?” asked Larissa as she checked the landing area and saw Gopher had touched down. Ben got on the internal PA just as the songs were ending and informed the passengers make sure they were in their seats and their belts were snapped up. The group was restless as they checked and made sure everything was ready for their arrival.

Larissa brought the craft into a low hover and gently came in for a landing on the high beach area that had been scraped and leveled for the shuttles. Ben saw the other shuttle already opening up as Larissa shut down the systems and the passengers started unstrapping themselves and collecting their bags from the overhead storage areas. Rachelle was already helping everyone grab their bags and lowering the ramp.

“How come they haven’t put in additional pads next to the quarters area?” asked Ben.

“It’s still a work in progress getting additional jungle cleared for the quarters. Also, they aren’t sure the ground will support additional shuttles until they start putting in the concrete,” stated Larissa as she flipped various control switches and prepared the craft for a quick flight in case of emergency. “The plans are there to get those two paved first then clear the additional area. It’s just a lot of concrete to put in and the other construction projects have priority.”

“First personal priority for you?” asked Ben as he saw he would likely be last off the gunship.

“Figuring out where they stuck me and hurling my bag inside before getting out of this uniform into something comfortable,” she said with a grin and continued to shut down the systems. “I’m on vacay and this gray is too hot here.”

“I’d imagine so,” said Ben.

“Yours?” she asked.

“I rarely got enough R and R nor a vacation, so I’m still wondering what to do,” chuckled Ben.

“Is the colony in good hands with Captain Smith?” she asked.

“It is,” said Ben.

“Then put that out of your mind,” said Larissa. “Relax, bask in the sun, have a good meal, have a drink or two and just, well, relax.”

“You’re pretty wise for a youngin,” chuckled Ben.

“An old commander used to tell me ‘leave work at work, home at home.’ Seemed like it was sound advice for about any situation and we’re at ‘home’ here for lack of a better term,” said Larissa as she finished up setting up the gunship and collected her own bag from the overhead storage area. “So, I leave work at work and relax when I can down here.”

“Yeah, I might have said something to that effect too,” said Ben. “Difference was, I’m not sure I ever had a place called home.”

“Well, sir, you’re home for the next few days,” she replied. “Relax.”

“Will do,” said Ben as he collected his backpack and headed out, taking in the marvelous views as this was his first trip and he’d only seen it either in pictures or on a video screen.

“It is breathtaking,” said Larissa as she followed him off and looked around. “This is my fourth trip and I still can’t stop staring.”

“Fourth?” he asked.

“Pilot shortage we just talked about,” said Larissa.

“Right,” said Ben. “Which way?”

“Follow the crowd,” she nodded at the group that was still coming off the larger shuttles and making their way to the worn path towards the main area they called “Rachelleville.”

“You aren’t coming?” he asked.

“I’ve got to check the shielding and plates for stress after our descent as well as pre-flighting this bird in case we need it,” said Larissa. “I’ll be along in 15 minutes or so.”

“Okay, see you around then,” said Ben as he headed towards the area where the individuals were moving into the jungle as he checked out the lagoon area on his way in. He pulled his communicator out and called Allen as he walked along.

“I see you made it safe,” said Allen with a smile.

“You far underestimated the beauty of this place,” said Ben.

“It’s really a special place,” said Allen. “You were a bit delayed.”

“Yeah, weather to our north,” said Ben. He saw Allen checking the satellite weather images as he looked at the forecast.

“Looks to be moving north and away from you,” said Allen. “I’ll have the weather girl get you a new forecast this afternoon.”

“The one she had yesterday showed rain on our first day off,” said Ben.

“Apparently, that changed to the first evening off,” said Allen as he looked at the updated model. “Which will make that nice pavilion we put in handy.”

“It sure will,” said Ben. “I know I protested, but I’m really glad you guys forced me to make this trip. I’m pretty sure I needed it even if I was trying to get out of it.”

“You work too hard,” said Allen. “Not that I’m not guilty of the same thing, but I at least know when to take time off.”

“Because your wife insisted on it?” asked Ben with a chuckle as he entered the path in the jungle and continued following the crowd.

“That too,” said Allen. “Anyway, not a thing to worry about here. Relax and have fun.”

“I think I just might,” said Ben. “I’ll catch up later, okay?”

“I do expect a postcard every day,” said Allen with a grin.

“You’ll get one,” said Ben with a laugh. “Later.”

“Bye,” said Allen as he ended the connection. The path through the jungle wasn’t very well marked, but Ben saw the repeated trips to and from the beach were wearing it in fairly well. He eventually came to the clearing and shelf they had started building the vacation spot on and was impressed by the work they had already accomplished in the short time they had been coming down. Neat rows of the converted cargo containers were seen lining the north and west sides of the area of the central pavilion and bar area. Ben saw the groups gathered around the bar area where they were receiving their lodging assignments and headed in that direction. Eventually, the line cleared as Ben approached Rachelle.

“Who am I shacked up with in this nasty place?” he asked.

“Well, nobody,” said Rachelle. “We only have four in tents this trip since we brought down some additional containers, but your quarters are all to you.”

“I thought I was part of the normal folks,” said Ben.

“You’re still the Commander,” said Rachelle. “Rank has its privileges and all as you reminded me earlier when you stole my seat.”

“Okay,” said Ben. “Aren’t there only three leadership units?”

“There are,” said Rachelle. “One for Drew, one for me and the last for you.”

“Shouldn’t Larissa be in one since she was picked?” asked Ben.

“Okay, sure,” said Rachelle. “You go explain to Courtney Rowe why you’re her roommate.”

“I, uh, probably didn’t think about that,” said Ben.

“Lodging assignments are picked in advance,” said Rachelle. “You get the leadership quarters, specifically Unit N1 right down there on the end.”

“Yes, ma’am,” said Ben.

“And next time I see you, I had better not see you in that uniform,” said Rachelle.

“You are a pushy broad,” said Ben with a chuckle.

“I am under orders from Tasha, Mary, Allen, Cyrus, Grady, Javier, Angeline, Kurt and Kendrick and Gale Whitaker to make sure you relax and have a good time,” said Rachelle.

“Not Charity?” asked Ben.

“Her too,” said Rachelle. “Though she thinks you’re going to work no matter what.”

“I promise to take some time off,” said Ben.

“Fine, get it started by dropping your bag off and getting changed,” said Rachelle as she nodded in the direction of his quarters.

“No keys?” asked Ben.

“No locks yet, but everyone has been on their best behavior here,” said Rachelle. “We provide padlocks for the doors if people ask.”

“I think I’ll be okay,” said Ben as he noticed something near the landing area and the supplies that had been unloaded the day prior. “Is that a Rachelle Rat?”

“Yep, cute little things,” said Rachelle as she looked. “They are eyeballing the food stores.”

“Hopefully, they can’t get in?” asked Ben as he noticed it sniffing around the area.

“Nah, it’s locked up,” said Rachelle. “Speaking of, lunch will be in about a half hour or so. Simple stuff for the first day though we’ll have a full meal this evening.”

“No work details today?” asked Ben as he saw some already carrying beach towels and had changed into bathing suits for the beach.

“Nope, today is a ‘get settled in’ day and tomorrow we start working,” said Rachelle. “Why don’t you get changed and head to the beach yourself?”

“I was actually thinking of a nap,” said Ben. “I was at the hospital late last night.”

“I think that’s an exceptional idea,” said Rachelle. “I’m glad you thought of it.”

“Right,” said Ben with a chuckle. “I do have one favor to ask of you while we’re here.”

“Sure,” said Rachelle.

“I need enough postcard type pictures to send to Allen for each of the days we’re here,” said Ben. “Something witty and funny with pretty pictures of the local area.”

“Postcards?” asked Rachelle.

“It’s something he did for me and I’m going to do the same for him. It needs to have the temperature and surf forecast on it,” said Ben.

“Postcards? Really?” she asked.

“Hey, if it’s not something you can do, I’ll see if I can find someone who can help,” said Ben.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa,” stated Rachelle. “There’s nobody here that’s as witty and could make a fun postcard like I will.”

“You sure? I wouldn’t want you to get trapped into something you’re uncomfortable with,” said Ben as he knew exactly what he was doing.

“Watch me,” said Rachelle. Ben headed towards his quarters wearing a bit of a content smile on his face as he knew exactly how to get what he wanted and knew Rachelle would take it as s challenge to come up with something outstanding. Getting to end of the row, he saw N1 painted on the door of the container and saw it actually had a regulation door built into the main door. Pushing down on the door handle, he headed inside and was hit with a blast of air conditioning. The outside temperature was only 25 Celsius that day, but the temperature inside was turned down far below that to around 16 degrees. The first thing he did was find the thermostat and turn it up to a more moderate temperature before even thinking about unpacking for his five days of peace and quiet.

Ben was somewhat of a creature of habit in the fact he always took the time to explore everything in new surroundings while flipping every available light switch and fixture. He managed to locate everything in short order as the containers were fairly spartan, but still had enough creature comforts for a quick vacation. He noticed the small room at the rear of the trailer contained a shower and toilet with a respectable sized water heater overhead that had “100 liters or 26 gallons” written underneath. He shook his head at the fact some people still stuck to the old Imperial system for certain things as he flipped on the shower quickly and saw the hot water was quick to come out. A small vanity completed the area and the entire space had been well thought out from a practicality standpoint and not a single square centimeter of space had been wasted.

However, he noticed one glaring item that was missing and knew he hadn’t brought any towels with him. Heading outside and back towards the bar area, he saw Rachelle reach behind her and plop two bath towels, a beach blanket and colorful beach towel, two washcloths and a hand towel as he approached.

“You mind reading?” he asked.

“It’s the first thing everyone comes back for,” she stated. “And you’re still in uniform.”

“I like to figure out where I’m staying before all that,” he stated. “What else am I missing?”

“Well, we have some toiletry items if you run short or didn’t bring any,” she stated as she looked and grabbed another bag and plopped it down. “There’s your morning java for the maker.”

“Oh?” he asked as he looked through the pack. “Cream and sweetener?”

“Yep,” she stated as she put several packs of each into two coffee mugs and handed them over.

“Two mugs?” he asked.

“Maybe you get company while you’re here?” she said mischievously.

“About that,” said Ben with a chuckle. “And? You going to continue loading me up?”

“Can’t think of a thing,” she stated and grabbed one more item. “Toilet paper if you run out.”

“I didn’t even think to look,” said Ben.

“You should be okay,” said Rachelle. “We set the cleaner bots into motion yesterday.”

“Got it,” said Ben. “Okay, back to exploring my hovel and changing out of the uniform.”

“Before you go,” she said with a cheesy grin as she held up her tablet. Ben saw one of the Rachelle Rats looking curiously at the camera with the caption “I just had to escape the rat race and come here!”

“Oh, that’s bad,” he groaned with a smile.

“I know, right?” she laughed.

“I love it,” he laughed. “That’ll be my first one tomorrow.”

“Oh, don’t worry, I’ve got a dozen ideas in my head right now for even cuter stuff,” she said.

“Okay, I look forward to being entertained,” said Ben as he saw additional people coming up for towels and other items. Heading back, he hung the towels and set the java by the single cup maker on the small desk while continuing his exploration of the quarters. There wasn’t much left to find as he went ahead and unpacked his backpack and hung some of the shirts he planned to wear “after hours” in the wardrobe at the foot of the bed next to the door and put the socks, underwear and other foldable items into the drawers located underneath. A tabletop ironing board along with the iron was seen hanging from the side of the wardrobe.

A small desk was off to the side with a simple folding chair that wouldn’t permit anyone to pass by if it was unfolded. He kept it out of the way for the moment as he yawned from the lack of sleep the night before. A small refrigerator was seen under the desk as he opened it up and looked inside only finding bottles of water. Promising himself a nap, his stomach also growled reminding him it was lunchtime and it was better to have a nap with something on his stomach rather than going to bed hungry and skipping a meal. Heading back out, he found Rachelle already making drinks for a couple of people as he looked at the meal area.

“Sandwich stuff,” she stated and pointed towards small area designated for food. “Close the door behind you, please. The rats got in already.”

“And something to drink?” he asked after making up a sandwich and returning with it and some chips to the bar where he found a seat.

“Only if you promise to take off that damn uniform top as a minimum,” she said sourly.

“I’m not the only one in a uniform,” he stated as he looked around. “Am I?”

“Yes, sir,” said Rachelle as she poured a cola and handed it over. “Now, don’t you just feel silly being the only one still in uniform?”

“How did you get changed so quickly?” he asked.

“Well, I changed right here once we got here,” she stated. “What?”

“You changed in public?” he asked.

“Look, your field teams change in front of each other all the time, so don’t give me any grief over changing behind the bar,” she stated.

“I’d hope you were at least wearing underwear,” he chuckled.

“Now, what fun would that be?” she grinned. He shook his head at her and started to eat as others came up picking up items or grabbing a bite to eat.

“Rachelle, I have to thank you again,” said a female voice from Ben’s side. He looked over and saw it was Ashley Boyd with the SIT Team already dressed for the weather. “Commander.”

“Ms. Boyd,” he stated with a polite nod.

“You’re still in uniform,” she stated.

“That seems to be the fact on everyone’s mind,” he stated. “I just haven’t changed yet.”

“Well, I’d certainly hope you would before going for a swim,” she said with a grin and retrieved her towels from Rachelle.

“Wouldn’t be the first time I swam in a uniform,” he chuckled. “But yes, I’ll change soon.”

“Don’t change too much,” she stated as she departed.

“That’s why you have two coffee mugs,” stated Rachelle.

“She was just being nice,” said Ben.

“She was flirting,” said Rachelle. “And trying to spark up a conversation.”

“I think I’ll hold off on any social interaction until I get my own thoughts straight on the matter and not screw it up by running my mouth,” he stated.

“Yeah, because that’ll teach you,” said Rachelle. “You want some advice?”

“Do I get a choice?” he asked.

“Nope,” said Rachelle. “Look, you and Mary have been on an official timeout since you said what you said. Which was inexcusable by the way. Anyway, yeah, she just started talking to you, but you aren’t dating her. Live a little here. They call them vacation flings for a reason.”

“I’m not sure I am capable of flings given my position,” he stated.

“Well, not back in the colony. Back there, you’re Commander Nash and everything you do is carefully weighed and measured against what you think is proper or not,” said Rachelle. “Down here, you’re just Ben and can live a bit. Even see another woman for social interaction if you felt like it.”

“Again, it’s the level of social interaction that can be harmful,” said Ben.

“Talking to a female close to your age is harmful?” asked Rachelle. “She’s only 36, so not too far off from your age.”

“Well, it’s not talking I’m worried about,” said Ben.

“And she’s pretty too,” said Rachelle. “Good head on her shoulders.”

“I’d bet,” said Ben. “Again, I have to be careful.”

“So, it doesn’t have to be physical,” said Rachelle. “Talk to folks. You love seeing how they are doing in the colony. Get to know them here as well.”

“Maybe I will,” said Ben.

“And maybe Ashley will give you one of her world famous neck massages,” said Rachelle with a grin. “But only if you ask nicely after getting to know her.”

“Right,” he chuckled as he finished up his lunch. “Okay, I’m heading to get out of this uniform and take a nap.”

“Sounds like a great start to a vacation to me,” said Rachelle as she collected the items he used and put them in the wash area. Ben headed back and quickly doffed his uniform and hung it up before changing into some gym shorts and lying on the bed. Luckily, the air was warming up slightly in the quarters and he found underneath the comforter was perfect for a quick nap. Before he knew it, he was sound asleep and snoring slightly.

 

CHAPTER 4



Ben came out to greet the new day feeling very refreshed between the nap he had taken the previous afternoon and a full night of sleep last night. He had come out right before dinner and been social with everyone at the bar area while having a couple of drinks himself. He had broken loose just enough to be a social butterfly last evening and had an outstanding time just talking with people and getting to know them outside of work.

Breakfast that morning was a self-serve buffet line with normal breakfast fixings save one unique item they didn’t get in the colony as much yet. Ben spooned a bowl full of the yellow fruit and carried it back along with his eggs, sausage and toast where he found seating with some of the engineers that came down and talked with them while eating. Eventually, he finished and grabbed his second cup of java for the day before the group broke up to put on working clothing for the daily duties. He saw he had a picture in his email from Rachelle and sent it by text to Allen that morning after adding in the temperature and surf conditions. It didn’t take long for Allen to reply by calling him.

“That is horrible!” laughed Allen. “I love it.”

“It fits,” said Ben as he sipped at his java. “I can’t believe I’ve already gotten caught up on some rest and I haven’t been here a full day.”

“Took a nap yesterday?” asked Allen.

“Yep,” grinned Ben.

“Did the same myself,” said Allen. “I called because I figured you’d like to know Pete Horne is doing great. I talked to Mary this morning and she told me he’ll make a full recovery.”

“That’s outstanding news,” said Ben. “He’s out of ICU?”

“Probably not for another day just in case,” said Allen. “Otherwise, it’s business as usual.”

“Did you offer to run down Mary since he’s out of the woods?” asked Ben.

“I did,” said Allen. “She told me she couldn’t go until tomorrow at the earliest and didn’t want a shuttle to make a flight carrying just her.”

“I’d be okay with it,” said Ben.

“That’s what I told her as well,” said Allen. “But she wouldn’t budge and told me she would prefer having the full trip.”

“She can take a full trip later on too,” said Ben.

“She’s stubborn and won’t budge,” said Allen. “Taking after you in that regard.”

“Oh, I have this feeling she had that built in from the start,” chuckled Ben.

“Probably,” chuckled Allen. “Okay, loved the post card and I really look forward to something even better tomorrow.”

“You know I have Rachelle on that, right?” asked Ben.

“That’s cheating!” exclaimed Allen with a laugh.

“Wished you’d thought of it first?” asked Ben.

“Damn right,” laughed Allen. “Hey, on a personal note, you even look a little more rested. As much as you protested, I think this will be good for you.”

“I agree,” said Ben. “But don’t tell anyone.”

“Of course not,” said Allen with a laugh. “Well, I’ll let you get to work. Which detail are you on today?”

“Don’t know yet,” said Ben. “I think Drew is handing out the assignments.”

“Regardless, don’t try to work too hard,” said Allen. “Catch up with you later.”

“Bye,” said Ben as he ended the call and headed towards his quarters to change. He saw Drew already handing out work assignments and quickly changed into an old set of fatigue pants as well as an older military t-shirt. He headed back to the bar area where Drew Collins was finishing dispatching the work crews for the day as he checked off the list of items they needed to work on.

“Okay, so which crew do you have me assigned to?” asked Ben as made his way to Drew after he had finished with the main body of people.

“Well, I’m going to be hooking up the power to the new units,” said Drew. “You know anything about how to run electrical lines?”

“Not a clue,” said Ben.

“Well, there’s a crew working on the dock, but mainly finishing work,” said Drew. “Already too many in the party for it to send you there except to supervise.”

“I have no problems getting my hands dirty,” said Ben.

“Two jobs left then,” said Drew. “One is clearing out the additional area for the second pavilion and landing area or something I was thinking about when we came down.”

“Okay?” asked Ben.

“Well, we’ve got a path going from the beach to the camp here. Not well marked, but we’ve been beating down the path since we’ve been coming here. I was thinking it might be nice to bring down one of the chipper units to get rid of some of the brush and have a nice lined walk going from here to the beach,” explained Drew.

“You want me to make it wider or what?” asked Ben.

“Let your imagination run wild,” said Drew. “But it’d sure be easier if we were able to use that path for a truck or carryall to haul supplies back and forth instead of lugging it on our backs.”

“You think it’ll be needed before we put in the landing platforms?” asked Ben.

“I think the permanent landing platforms are at least three to six months off if not more,” said Drew. “Whole lotta concrete to move in and set before we can even think about laying the first pad. So, I’d suspect we’ll be using the beach landing areas for the foreseeable future.”

“So, about three meters wide or so?” asked Ben.

“Sounds about perfect,” said Drew. “And if you notice, there’s already planks ready to put up on the sides of the path once you get it cleared.”

“Coincidental like?” asked Ben with a smile.

“Perhaps so,” said Drew. “I’d bury them, oh, ten centimeters or so and pack it in nicely.”

“I’ll start clearing the brush and then I’ll grab you to show me,” said Ben.

“Sounds reasonable,” said Drew. “I’ll be between the power station and the new units.”

“Where are the tools?” asked Ben.

“Should be over in the supply hut,” said Drew as he nodded towards a temporary facility built to house the hand tools they would use. “Everything a working man will need.”

“Got it,” said Ben as he wandered over to the supply shed and found the cutting tools he might need. Most were the old-fashioned types with manual cutters instead of the laser blades and he started working into the jungle from the living area. It was hard work, but Ben enjoyed getting his hands dirty and started forging out a larger path. He was making good progress and had gone about ten meters into the jungle when Drew came over with a canteen of water.

“Looking good so far,” said Drew as Ben took the canteen.

“Thanks,” said Ben as he drank down about half the canteen. “And thanks for the water.”

“You know, it is looking good, but…” said Drew.

“But what?” asked Ben.

“Well, if we are going to use it to move stuff off the beach, wouldn’t it have made more sense to have started it down there so we could at least bring up the supplies halfway?” asked Drew reasonably and with a hidden smile. “And given the area by the beach is steeper…”

“Yeah, point taken,” said Ben with a nod.

“Just trying to be reasonable here,” said Drew. “Otherwise, I’d actually cut that stuff a little lower. Even below ground if you could.”

“How come?” asked Ben.

“Unless we bring in a grader, we wouldn’t want these small stumps on the path,” said Drew. “Tripping hazards and whatnot.”

“And that’s why you’re the engineer,” said Ben. “Dig them all up?”

“Nah, just the ones about two centimeters or so,” suggested Drew. “There should be some pickaxes over in the supply shed that’ll help.”

“It’s appreciated,” said Ben.

“And learn to take breaks,” said Drew. “I’ve been watching you and you’ve been going full steam ahead for two hours. It ain’t going to get done today or even tomorrow. Everything’s a work in progress around here. Just get it started and others will finish it up.”

“Got it,” said Ben.

“One more thing,” said Drew. “If I was a smart Commander like you are, I’d take some of that engineering tape we have and mark the trail from here to the beach. You know, go around the big trees and places we would have problems getting a vehicle through. I know for a fact there’s a good-sized tree about halfway down that we will either have to cut or go around. Easier to go around if you catch my drift.”

“I really didn’t think this through, did I?” asked Ben with a chuckle.

“Happens to us all,” said Drew. “If you need anything else, give me a yell.”

“Thanks,” said Ben as he headed towards the hut where the engineering tape had been set up front in plain view. Ben suspected Drew had already done so and found a pickaxe and shovel as well right up front. Ben chuckled to himself as he grabbed the tape and headed back to his work area to start marking the area. He had to think about driving a vehicle through and saw the path would take a couple of turns, but got the area marked out enough for a vehicle to make gentle turns instead of having to sharpen it. Once he got closer to the beach, he added in a gentler climb up the steeper area and revised the path.

Eventually, he took a break for water in the shade of the trees by the beach and saw the other work crew doing finish work on the dock for whenever they had a ship capable of heading out into the water for fish or supplies. Knowing he had a lot of work ahead of him, he went back and checked the path once again before ending up back at the camp.

Ben grabbed one of the rations they had set out for lunch and refilled his water bottle before tossing it in his small patrol pack. He slung it over his shoulder while grabbing the tools he left and started heading towards the beach where he would continue, or restart depending on how he looked at it, the clearing operation. As he reached the beach, he sat down everything and took another drink of water before opening the field ration and eating while doing little more than watching the ocean. A Rachelle Rat came wandering up, sniffing at the contents of his ration pack from a few meters away and watched him to see if he would turn his back.

“I’ll grill you up, you little bastard,” said Ben as he found a stick and tossed it in the general direction of the rodent. It hopped slightly but was not going to be put off by the intruding human in its habitat and looked at him while sniffing.

“They can be annoying,” said a female voice from his side as Ben saw one of the crew from the dock walking up.

“Certainly fearless,” said Ben as he tore off a piece of the energy bar from the ration and tossed it away. The Rachelle Rat scampered to grab it before disappearing into the underbrush to enjoy the treat the human gave it.

“I’m not sure that was a good idea,” said Ashley Boyd. “They’ll come back with friends.”

“I figure I’ll be done eating by then,” said Ben.

“Mind if I help you do whatever it is you’re doing when you finish?” she asked.

“Aren’t you helping at the dock?” asked Ben.

“Not a lot of work to be done and a couple of us are just standing around,” she stated. “I’m just looking for something to do instead of working on my tan.”

“Fair enough,” said Ben who realized he had never formally introduced himself outside of the rare encounter he had spoken to her. “I’m Ben.”

“Ashley,” she said and plopped down beside him before sticking out her hand. “Though I suspect you know who I am and where I work.”

“I do, but I should have introduced myself before now,” said Ben as he took her hand and politely shook it before finishing up the ration and stowing the remainder in his small pack.

“Well, now we’ve been introduced,” she said with a smile. She had blond hair and deep blue eyes with just the beginning of smile lines around the edges of her eyes. She was pretty, but in more of a girl next door kind of way rather than being dazzling.

“Well, I’m clearing out the underbrush here so we can eventually put in a pathway to get to the quarters,” said Ben. “I’ll make a deal, I dig, you cut.”

“Between the taped area?” she asked as she looked.

“Yes, ma’am,” said Ben as he stowed his pack near a tree while taking one last drink of water.

“Sounds easy enough,” said Ashley as she got up at the same time as Ben. He showed her the areas he was stacking the cut brush so they could later chip it and put it down on the surface. She grabbed the loppers and started cutting as he used the pickaxe to cut out the roots on the plants they were removing. As he turned around to grab his pack to move it as they were making good progress, he saw the main compartment moving and a Rachelle Rat dash out with the remainder of the energy bar in its mouth.

“Oh really?” asked Ben disgustedly as he went over and snatched the pack off the ground and headed slightly inland to hang it from a small tree.

“Told you they’d be back with friends,” she grinned at him.

“Point taken,” laughed Ben. “Is this your first trip down?”

“No, I was here on one of the first trips,” said Ashley.

“Lucky enough to get into the rotation again?” asked Ben.

“I was an alternate and got called the night before we left when someone dropped out,” said Ashley as she snipped a small bush near the ground. “I didn’t think I would get called, but was tickled pink when Rachelle sent me that text.”

“I’d imagine you were pretty happy,” said Ben.

“It’s your first, though, right?” she asked.

“Sure is,” said Ben.

“How do you like it so far?” she asked.

“Peaceful save the rats,” said Ben. “Absolutely stunning and I’m really looking forward to having three days of being lazy.”

“From what I’ve seen of you, that word isn’t in your vocabulary,” she laughed.

“Yeah, about that,” said Ben with a laugh. “I know you’re with SIT, but what’s your specialty?”

“System core engineer,” said Ashley. “I specifically maintain the computer core that controls the infrastructure as well as interfacing with the database of knowledge we use for research. I also help maintain and interface the Earth Database into other systems.”

“Way above my pay grade,” said Ben.

“You shouldn’t sell yourself short,” she said. “From what I’ve seen you’re way smarter than plenty of soldiers I’ve encountered.”

“And how many have you encountered?” asked Ben.

“Other than being married to one at one point?” she asked with a half smile.

“Yeah, that counts,” he chuckled.

“I lived on base for a while and still kept some friends when we got divorced. But overall, once it was over, I cut almost all the ties,” she stated.

“Sorry,” said Ben.

“We drifted apart over time. He’d volunteer to go off to this war or that fight and we just eventually felt like it wasn’t right for either of us,” said Ashley. “It happens.”

“It certainly does,” he stated as he attacked another small stump.

“And you?” she asked.

“I was married,” said Ben. “We just grew apart as well. Can’t say I wasn’t the same type to volunteer for a fight, but we normally got dispatched to fights before anyone else.”

“Special Operations, right?” she asked.

“Yeah,” said Ben. “It probably wasn’t easy on her either.”

“I can understand that,” she stated without digging further. “Sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn’t. But that’s life, right?”

“Sure is,” he agreed with a smile. They continued chatting as they made decent progress off the beach and into the wooded area. Ben knew the nearly 300 meter path would take a while to get finished, but figured they had made a darn good start that day. He planned to come back the next day and continue, inviting her along as well.

“We make a pretty good team,” she admitted. “But it’s not easy work.”

“The things worth doing rarely are easy,” he stated.

“Like what we’re doing on Novae Spes?” she asked.

“Exactly,” he stated as he looked at his watch. “How long did you plan to work? Or should I ask how long do we work around here?”

“I’d say it’s close to quitting time,” she stated and nodded her head towards the crew coming from the dock. They had a solid ten hours of work in that day and figured they would call it quits as well. Drew came wandering down the path and checked over what they had done so far.

“Looking nice, Commander,” said Drew. “Tomorrow you might even grab a couple of folks to rake up the leaves and whatnot along the path. We can use it for compost for the small farm they plan to put in down here eventually.”

“Won’t the path wash out in the meantime?” asked Ben.

“Not a lot and we can always level it off later,” said Drew. “Looking nice though.”

“Thanks,” said Ben.

“The Commander Ben Nash Superhighway,” said Drew with a grin.

“Something like that,” laughed Ben.

“Now, what we could do is head around this island and to some of the adjacent ones and do some selective cutting of the sturdier trees. Make planks and actually have a harder surface heading in,” suggested Ashley.

“Might not be a bad idea,” said Drew as he thought about it. “We can load up the portable sawmill and fly it to where we need it and do it that way.”

“And it wouldn’t wash out?” asked Ben.

“Not if it’s planned right,” said Drew. “Down the road though.”

“The lining boards could be started tomorrow,” said Ben.

“Yes, sir,” said Drew. “Either way, go ahead and knock off for the day. You’ve earned it.”

“Will do,” said Ben as Drew departed and he collected his items.

“I can get some of that,” said Ashley as she saw Ben carrying everything he brought.

“I’m just being polite,” he said with a smile. “Gratitude for you helping today.”

“That’s thoughtful,” she said with a smile and grabbed his pack from the tree.

“Hang on, let me adjust,” he said.

“Or I can carry a small backpack,” she said. “You are carrying the heavy items.”

“Okay,” he said. “Deal.”

They headed back towards the main area of Rachelleville. Ben chuckled as he knew it was certainly a way for her to live on eternally as long as they continued coming to the island.

“What are you laughing about?” she asked.

“Naming this place Rachelleville,” he stated with a smile. “You know she loves it.”

“Except she calls it Me-ville,” laughed Ashley.

“Yeah, she does,” he laughed as they arrived and put up the tools in the shed.

“You are coming to dinner, right?” she asked as he collected his pack.

“Of course,” said Ben.

“Maybe we can grab dinner together and continue talking?” she suggested. “I had a really good time with you today and wouldn’t mind continuing.”

“I think that can be arranged,” he smiled. “I need a shower first.”

“I think we both do,” she laughed. “See you in a bit.”

Ben headed towards his quarters and looked at the bar area where something immediately caught his eye even from the distance he was at. He made a beeline for the bar and saw Drew already on duty behind the bar serving drinks to the work crews. As he got close, he could see the item more clearly and saw a distinctive bottle of beer that had been promised some time ago.

“We have beer?” he asked as he got to the bar.

“First batch,” said Drew. “Want me to set a couple of bottles back for you?”

“Is there enough to go around?” asked Ben.

“You’re the big boss and a few perks are allowed,” said Drew. “But regardless, Neal made me promise to set you aside at least a twelve pack.”

“I wouldn’t want others to go away empty handed,” said Ben.

“They like the Shine better,” said Drew. “You want one now?”

“Let me grab a shower and change first,” said Ben.

“Okay, it’ll be waiting,” said Drew as Ben headed for his quarters and quickly showered and changed into khaki pants and a polo shirt before heading back to the bar area. It felt slightly uncomfortable to be as underdressed as he was as it had been a long time since he wasn’t carrying a weapon or wearing a uniform. But he adapted quickly as he slipped on the civilian hiking boots and headed out. As he was exiting his quarters, he found Rachelle leaving her quarters and pulling back her hair into a pony tail.

“Oh yeah, come here,” she stated as she went back to her quarters.

“Me?” he asked.

“Yep,” she stated and opened the door before heading in and returning in short order with a gym bag. “From the guys and gals.”

“What did you do?” he asked with a sigh.

“The same thing we’ve done for quite a few people,” she stated as she saw him unzip the bag and see additional clothing.

“Rachelle!” he protested as he saw at least five different outfits as well as sandals and tennis shoes inside. “Really?”

“Everyone that came down here requested clothing except you,” said Rachelle. “So, I took the liberty of making you some vacation clothing.”

“You shouldn’t have,” he said with a sigh.

“But I did,” she said. “Now, go change out of those pants and boots into shorts and sandals.”

“Yes, ma’am,” he sighed as he knew she was right. Heading inside, he picked a pair of khaki shorts that matched his polo and pulled them on along with the sandals. He would sort the clothing later on and headed back to the bar where the beer awaited him.

“Holy farmer’s tan!” exclaimed Rachelle as he walked up. “We’ve got to get you some sun on those legs!”

“No kidding,” he said. “I do plan on doffing my shirt tomorrow.”

“And I’d wear some shorts,” said Rachelle. “The work you’re doing will be fine wearing shorts and your boots.”

“I wouldn’t want to ruin a good set of shorts,” he stated.

“Did you look deeper in the bag?” she grinned.

“You didn’t,” he said.

“Well, I call them beater shorts,” said Rachelle. “But there are shorts meant for working.”

“Rachelle!” he protested.

“Don’t get upset, Dad,” she said as a sad look came over her face. “I’m pitiful.”

“Yeah, right,” he sighed.

“I mean, I could suggest another beach away from ours where you could go for some zero apparel tanning in a couple of days,” she grinned.

“Yeah, I didn’t hear that,” he chuckled.

“It’s a big island and there are other locations,” she grinned. “Or you could just join us girls when we go.”

“How about no?” he said with a look.

“Don’t say you weren’t invited,” she grinned as she headed behind the bar.

“Just be careful when you go yourself,” said Ben.

“Am I not always?” she laughed. “Cooks are making something real nice.”

“It smells good,” said Ben as the smells wafted through the encampment.

“Supposed to be the Novae Spes version of surf and turf,” said Rachelle as she headed behind the bar to help serve the growing crowd.

“I can’t wait,” said Ben as she grabbed a bottle of beer and popped the cap off for him. He took a sip and found it completely refreshing.

“Oh, that’s good,” he said with an exhale.

“Want a glass?” she asked.

“Yeah, that’ll work,” said Ben as he handed the chit over.

“No drink chits here,” said Rachelle. “We have enough to cover even with the wildest parties. This is an R and R facility so the rules get slightly bent.”

“And who made that rule?” he asked.

“I did,” she said simply. “Look, we have people working their tails off here and back at the main colony. This is a place to relax and not worry about trivial matters like drink chits.”

“I didn’t say I disapproved,” said Ben.

“Then put that chit back in your pocket,” she grinned at him.

“Yes, ma’am,” he chuckled and poured the beer into a glass, carefully not to create too much of a head at the top.

“That looks practiced,” said Ashley as she came walking up after her shower as well.

“I might have been known to pour a beer or two in my life,” he said with a grin.

“They have any more of those or is it just for the big boss?” she asked.

“Novae Spes first wheat beer, coming up,” said Rachelle as she popped another top and set the glass and bottle on the table.

“Mind if I have a seat?” asked Ashley.

“Please,” said Ben as he waved at the chair next to him.

“Thank you,” said Ashley as she sipped at her bottle.

“This is relaxing especially after working,” said Ben as he finished pouring the beer.

“Yeah,” said Ashley with a smile. “The quarters are completely comfy as well.”

“Mine are a tad chilly though,” said Ben. “The air conditioning was set pretty low when I got here and turned it up.”

“Maybe another blanket?” she stated and looked him directly in the eyes. “Or I’m sure there’s something to keep you a bit warmer.”

“I raised it a bit, but I’ll keep all options open,” he said.

“I’m sure we have something around here to help,” said Ashley. Ben felt like she was seriously flirting right then, but he didn’t respond at the moment. He had gotten to know her pretty well that afternoon, but until now, she hadn’t really been flirty with him. Playing back the various conversations they had through the afternoon in his head, he determined she might have been more than just polite in her talks as well as giving him the same playful eyes she was right then.

“You want to come help me tomorrow?” he asked after a moment of pause.

“Sure,” she said. “But only under one condition.”

“Which is?” he asked.

“I get to take off my top and work in my bikini top if you don’t mind,” she stated. “Or a sports bra if I brought one.”

“As long as you don’t mind me working without mine,” he said with a grin.

“Your shirt or your sports bra?” she grinned at him.

“Most likely both,” he laughed.

“Absolutely not,” she said with a mischievous smile of her own.

“Apparently, I was informed I needed to lose this farmers tan,” he laughed.

“Your legs are a bit pale,” she observed as she looked down. “I like your sandals.”

“They certainly fit in this place,” he said.

“So, yes, you work without your shirt and in shorts as well while I do the same,” she stated.

“Works for me,” he said. Small talk continued between the two as more of the group came out and joined in the social hour while having a drink or two to unwind. Eventually, the cooks came out and announced dinner was ready as the colonists moved towards the serving line, finding grilled clubtail, fish, Nova shrimp and Earth potato fries waiting for them. There certainly wasn’t any shortage as the cooks had gone all out to fix the dinner.

The vacationers took what they wanted from the buffet line and moved to the available tables or back to the bar where they continued talking and eating. Ben was again joined by Ashley and the two continued talking well past dinner and into their next drink. Ben grabbed another beer as she picked something with a bit more “substance” by ordering a Shine and lemonade. Others joined the group as a fire was lit in the central fireplace area with the scrap lumber and some of the larger seasoned brush. However, since it had been a work day and would be again the next, nobody got out of control that evening and retired early for the most part.

“It’s been a wonderful evening,” said Ashley who hadn’t left the group save a couple of bathroom trips. “But I think it’s time for bed.”

“Yeah, we have another day of work ahead of us,” he stated.

“Be a gentleman and walk me home?” she asked.

“Sure,” he said as he walked with her through the dying scene at the bar. They arrived at the rear row of the eastern set of quarters as she turned to him.

“This is me,” she said with a smile.

“You have a roommate?” he asked.

“Stacey Ferguson with Ag,” she said. “I think she’s still at the bar though.”

“Just wondering,” he stated.

“Wondering if maybe you want to come in for a nightcap?” she asked directly.

“I…” he said as his voice trailed off.

“That was pretty forward of me,” she admitted.

“Honest talk?” he asked. “I’m still working through some stuff in my head.”

“Mary,” said Ashley with a knowing forced smile.

“Yeah,” said Ben. “Sorry.”

“Well, I’m going to be real forward and say she isn’t here and I don’t think you should continue denying others the pleasure of your company,” said Ashley. “If we are talking truth here.”

“My position as Commander means I have to be careful,” said Ben.

“Or denying yourself the pleasure of others’ company because of your position,” she continued. “Down here, you’re just Ben, one of the guys and you can live a little. I know back at the colony you have to be selective, but it’s just you and me here.”

“I know,” he sighed.

“Look, I’m going to leave that for you to decide when you want to open up,” she stated. “I’m not going to force you into something you might not want to do.”

“Honestly, I’m flattered over the suggestion,” he smiled.

“You sell yourself short,” she said as she brushed his hair over his ear. “You’re a handsome man that catches all sorts of women’s attention.”

“Besides you?” he chuckled.

“Well, I happened to be in a position to catch your attention,” she stated. “I believe I caught yours as well.”

“You did catch my attention,” said Ben. “You are a very captivating woman I’ve enjoyed spending time with tonight.”

“Just tonight?” she asked with a twinkle.

“Well, unless those other women pop up in the meantime,” he grinned.

“Now, I’m not going to name names and give then an advantage,” she laughed.

“I won’t ask then,” he said as he took her hand and gave it a kiss.

“Theatrical,” she laughed. “But it certainly fits who you are.”

“And who am I?” he asked.

“Well, that’ll cost you to find out,” she grinned.

“What’s the price?” he asked.

“Nightcap of authentic Spanish sherry,” she stated with a grin.

“Deal,” he said as he moved towards her door.

“Uh, didn’t you just say no like a minute ago?” she asked.

“You waiting for me to change my mind again?” he asked.

“Absolutely not,” she stated as she pulled open the door to her quarters and found Stacey apparently wasn’t at the bar as well as having a male caller at the moment. And neither one of them were dressed for company.

“Sorry!” exclaimed Ashley as she shut the door quickly. “Maybe the back door leading to my area would be better?”

“I’m… not comfortable with going at the moment,” he stated. “You can understand why.”

“Yeah, they could use some privacy I’d imagine,” said Ashley.

“That certainly wasn’t what they were expecting I’d imagine,” chuckled Ben.

“No, probably not,” laughed Ashley. “Anyway.”

“Anyway,” said Ben.

“Tomorrow night then?” she asked. “Raincheck?”

“Or tonight at my place?” he asked. “I know I haven’t gotten a roomie in the last few hours.”

“I think that can be arranged,” she grinned as they headed to the back where she retrieved the bottle and started heading back to his quarters. They went through the bar area as Rachelle called to her from behind the bar.

“Hang on,” said Ashley. “Let me see what she needs.”

Ben waited patiently as Ashley headed over to the bar and went to Rachelle.

“I hate to do this, but I need help,” said Rachelle as she was looking at her tablet.

“Can it wait?” asked Ashley pointedly.

“We are about an hour away from having a catastrophic failure in the infrastructure management system,” said Rachelle as she showed Ashley the tablet. “I need a programmer who speaks my language to keep that from happening or we’re without power, water and anything else until we get the code fixed.”

“Switch to the backups,” suggested Ashley.

“They are doing the same thing,” said Rachelle as she pointed that fact out.

“Dammit,” muttered Ashley as she saw the data coming into Rachelle’s device. “Run a bypass on the critical systems board and direct it into the subsystems processor. That’ll buy you at least another two or three hours until collapse.”

“Still not going to change the end result,” said Rachelle.

“I kind of had plans,” said Ashley under her breath and nodded over her shoulder. “Which might only take an hour or so.”

“Hey, I’m sorry,” said Rachelle. “But this whole vacation will come to a crashing halt if we don’t get this fixed in the next couple of hours. I’d be the first to let you handle business if I thought it could wait, but I need another set of eyes and fingers on this like right now.”

“I have rotten luck,” said Ashley with a sigh.

“I think I visited it on you,” said Rachelle.

“Give me like two minutes to apologize?” asked Ashley after letting out another deep sigh.

“It’ll take me that long to get the bypass running,” said Rachelle. “Again, I truly am sorry.”

“That’s life,” said Ashley as she went to Ben. “I guess we will have to wait for tomorrow night. Rachelle needs my help.”

“Something bad?” he asked.

“Computer stuff,” said Ashley. “But it is something that can’t wait.”

“Anything I need to be worried about?” he asked.

“Nothing that Rachelle can’t brief you about later,” said Ashley. “I’m really sorry. I was looking forward to sharing a glass of sherry with you.”

“So was I,” he said. “It’s not like it won’t keep another day.”

“Tomorrow?” she asked.

“Tomorrow works fine,” said Ben with a smile.

“I’ll hold you to it,” she said and gave him a quick peck on the cheek and squeezed his hand before handing the bottle over. “You hold onto it so you can’t get out of it.”

“I most certainly will,” said Ben. “Night.”

“Good night,” she smiled and headed towards Rachelle. Ben headed back to his quarters with a sigh seeing sometimes luck just wasn’t on his side.

“I truly am sorry,” said Rachelle as she broke out two laptops and got them linked into the mainframe that ran the island. “Maybe we can get this done before he goes to sleep?”

“Not likely,” said Ashley as she saw the code streaming across the screen. “Did the bypass work with the direct route?”

“Yeah, the system is holding, but the same errors are already popping up,” said Rachelle.

“It’s going to be a long night,” said Ashley with a sigh. “And most certainly not the long night I intended to have either.”

“Well, we have other nights here,” said Rachelle.

“Yes, we most certainly do,” said Ashley. “Unless he gets snatched up by someone else.”

“Ben doesn’t strike me as the kind of guy who flits around,” said Rachelle. “I’d say you are safe at the moment.”

“I hope so,” said Ashley. “He seems like a downright good guy.”

“He really is,” said Rachelle.

“Well, talking about it isn’t going to get us through this any easier,” said Ashley.

“No, let’s get to it,” said Rachelle wondering if she should try to avert Ben’s attention onto someone else. For the hundredth time that evening, she was angered yet again for Mary’s insistence on staying behind. She knew Mary was extremely dedicated to her job, but tonight might have been a prime opportunity for them to finally get together. Rachelle felt a lot safer with Ben being with her than an unknown. Even though she worked with Ashley often, she felt like Ben and Mary would be better together.

But Rachelle was also a realist and knew Ben was mature enough to make his own decisions in life and if he was attracted to Ashley because Mary had spurned him, that may be the best course of action for everyone involved. They got deep into the programming while Rachelle made up a pot of coffee for them. She realized after five minutes this wouldn’t be a quick job.

 

CHAPTER 5



“Good morning,” said Ben warmly as he came out to the breakfast line and saw Ashley dumping some of the eggs on a plate.

“I’m not sure it’s good,” said Ashley with dark circles under her eyes. She and Rachelle had worked for nearly eight hours on the systems before finally getting a fix that would work. There was still a lot of reprogramming to do later on, but their patch would hold for the moment.

“Sorry,” said Ben.

“No, just a long night,” said Ashley and added a smile. “Good morning to you.”

“So, will you tell me now what it was?” he asked.

“Cascading failures in the infrastructure systems management program that would have ended up with us losing power, water, communications and anything else infrastructure related for our trip down here,” she stated.

“Okay, I understood cascading failure,” he chuckled.

“You try to play dumb, but I know you’re smarter than that,” she smiled.

“Guilty,” he said with a laugh. “But it’s fixed?”

“Temporary patch until we can fire up the big computers in the colony,” said Ashley. “I mean, it’ll hold for at least a month if not longer, but we need a permanent solution.”

“I thought Rachelle was one of those computer whiz kids that reprogrammed everything?” he asked. “She spent weeks on it before we got here.”

“She did, but not this system in particular,” she replied. “Unfortunately, this is a new error we discovered for a system that should be mature enough not to have such errors.”

“Novus Group code?” asked Ben.

“Sort of,” said Ashley with a chuckle. “Basically, it was a program Rachelle invented, oh, a decade ago if it was a day that Novus probably stole and rewrote just enough of the code to call it their own. Trust me, she was not happy seeing her code used that way and cussed about it nearly all night.”

“So, what was wrong?” he asked. “Without computer language.”

“Basically, the programs were never designed to be operated with so many subsystems even though Novus marketed it that way,” she explained. “When we kept adding systems into it, it eventually started creating errors which in turn those errors caused additional errors and so on and so forth. Hence, the cascading failure.”

“But you two computer nerds fixed it?” he asked and tried to hide a grin.

“Watch the nerd comment,” she giggled.

“Yes, ma’am,” he chuckled as his eyes sparkled. “So, plans for today?”

“I’m taking a nap this morning after I get done eating and rejoining the work crew this afternoon after lunch,” she said. “Sorry I won’t be there to see you without your shirt off.”

“I’ll still be there this afternoon,” said Ben with a twinkle.

“True,” she said with a grin. “Join me for breakfast?”

“Absolutely,” he said as he took a seat with her and noticed she had traditional coffee. “No java this morning?”

“Can’t stand the stuff,” she stated. “I don’t know what it is about it I don’t like.”

“Really? Everyone else loves the stuff,” he stated as they dug into the breakfast.

“Couldn't tell you what turns me off,” she said. “Just not my thing.”

“I’m not sure if you’re trustworthy at this point,” he grinned.

“I kept your air conditioning on last night,” she said with shrugged shoulders.

“Okay, you just earned a lot of cool points right there,” he chuckled.

“Bad pun intended?” she asked with a laugh.

“It was bad, wasn’t it?” he laughed.

“It’s not the worst I’ve heard,” she said as they continued chatting and finished everything up along with a second cup of coffee for her and java for him. Eventually, she let out a large yawn and shook her head.

“Excuse me,” she said. “I’m sorry.”

“Boring you already?” he asked.

“Just tired,” she said with another yawn. “Tell you what, I’m going to catch a nap. I’ll see you this afternoon, okay?”

“I can’t wait,” said Ben.

“As well as your promise,” she stated.

“Promise?” he asked.

“Sharing a cup of sherry tonight?” she asked. “You didn’t forget, did you?”

“It’s already in my fridge chilling,” said Ben. “And thanks to you, it’ll still be that way tonight.”

“Just that you don’t try to run off with my hard to replace drink,” she giggled.

“What’s the price for that?” he asked with a grin.

“I’d come up with a fair exchange,” she said as her eyes twinkled as she stood up. Ben stood with her as she started collecting her things.

“I’ll get that,” he said. “You catch your nap.”

“Thank you,” she said. “See you in a bit, okay?”

“See you then,” he smiled. She leaned in to what Ben thought was going to be another kiss on the cheek, but was surprised when her lips met his. However, he reciprocated the gesture as they kissed briefly and she withdrew with a smile.

“That was unexpected,” he said with a grin.

“You seemed to go along with it,” she smiled. “You want to play hooky from work and walk me home again?”

“I’m pretty sure I’d be missed,” he said with a chuckle.

“I’m so tired, I’m getting fairly direct,” she stated with disappointment. “Sorry if that was too forward.”

“Hey, I might have taken you up on it if I could get out of it,” he said with a smile.

“Well, I guess I’ll see you later then,” she said. “Bye.”

“Bye,” he smiled at her and watched her walk away. She gave him a look over her shoulder as she headed around the bar and out of sight.

“I think I’ve seen you grinning, laughing and smiling more in the last day than I have since being on this planet,” said Rachelle.

“Shouldn’t you be in bed?” he asked.

“Trust me, I’m heading that way,” said Rachelle as she finished her cup of java. “I like this side of you though.”

“She seems like a nice woman,” said Ben.

“Can I ask you a real personal question?” asked Rachelle.

“My permission has stopped you before?” he chuckled.

“It would if you asked me not to,” she stated.

“I feel like you’re entitled to ask such things,” said Ben.

“Have you given up on Mary?” asked Rachelle.

“I don’t know,” sighed Ben. “I know I screwed up; I really did. We made a decision before coming here that we would be friends and she wasn’t sure if my jealousy was something she could handle.”

“Have you always been jealous of other guys like that?” asked Rachelle.

“Honestly, no,” said Ben. “First time actually. And frankly, I don’t know where that came from when I heard about her visit.”

“Because you liked her a lot more than you let on,” said Rachelle.

“Yeah,” said Ben with another sigh.

“Look, you want my advice?” asked Rachelle.

“Again, you’ve earned that right,” said Ben.

“Have some fun with Ashley,” said Rachelle. “She’s a nice lady that certainly seems into you. I mean, you could do a lot worse in my opinion. Take the vehicle for a test drive and see if it’s something you like.”

“A what?” he laughed.

“Give it a chance,” said Rachelle. “Maybe you find Ashley is more to your liking. Maybe you figure out you’re better off with Mary or someone else. But you shouldn’t deny yourself happiness just because you think you have to.”

“She told me something similar last night,” said Ben.

“She’s smart like that,” said Rachelle. “Look, my advice is to see where this leads.”

“If it doesn’t work out?” asked Ben.

“Have you dated women before that you broke up with later?” asked Rachelle.

“Of course,” said Ben.

“And this would be different?” asked Rachelle.

“Guess not,” said Ben. “Okay, maybe I will.”

“Or go catch her before she gets to sleep and give her a reason to sleep with a big smile on her face,” grinned Rachelle.

“Okay, maybe that’s pushing it a bit,” said Ben with a laugh.

“You know me,” she grinned. “Anyway, that’s my advice.”

“Real quick before you go to bed, everything is fixed?” he asked.

“Couple of the backups aren’t running yet, the comm relays are still booting up and the security cameras are down,” said Rachelle. “The comm relays just take longer to boot with the patch we put in.”

“But nothing critical?” he asked.

“Nah, the backups are nice, but the program should hold while we are here,” she said. “And we can remotely restart everything when we get a permanent fix.”

“How long will that be?” he asked.

“Haven’t a clue until I get on one of the mainframes back at the colony,” said Rachelle.

“Good job of keeping everything running though,” said Ben as he and Rachelle arrived back to their quarters. “See you later.”

“Nap time,” said Rachelle with a yawn. “Bye.”

Ben headed in and changed into his working shorts as provided by Rachelle as well as the boots and an older t-shirt before heading out and finding Drew starting to hand out the assignments for the group. Much of the work was clearing additional areas by the pavilion since more of the converted cargo containers were going to be delivered that day as well as clearing the path for the additional water lines running from the shoreline to Rachelleville. However, general cleaning operations were also to take place in the area itself as several lawn mowers and weed eaters were available for cutting the longer grasses and plants growing in the area. He finished divvying out the tasks when about a half dozen people were left over.

“Okay, you six... should be Avraham, Rowe, Carter, Dubose, Renard and Booker, right?” asked Drew as he looked while calling their names as they stepped forward to him and saw extra people. “Who are you three?”

“Taylor Green,” she stated. “With Ag.”

“Zoe Kent with Security,” said Zoe.

“Stacey Ferguson with Ag,” said Stacey

“I did not have you assigned,” said Drew as he looked over the list. “Okay, just jump in with this crew. You get to join Commander Nash’s little foray into the jungle over here where he has been busy creating a superhighway. He knows what to do so get with him as your work party leader. Remember to hydrate and use gloves and whatnot.”

“Commander Ben? I’ll be bouncing around as well as doing some finishing work on the bar area here,” said Drew. “If you need anything, that’s where I’ll be.”

“Works for me,” said Ben as the group gathered towards him. “Okay, folks, let’s take a walk and show you what we’ve been doing yesterday.”

Ben led the group down the marked path and showed them the area he had been working in. He divided up the group into work details after finishing what he planned on doing that day and head back to the shed to collect the various tools they would need.

“I can take the board lining duty,” said Taylor Green. “It’s kinda close to what we do with some of our plants we’re growing.”

“I can help her,” said Zoe Kent.

“I’d like to jump in as well,” said Stacey.

“Okay, you got it,” said Ben. “Take breaks as needed, lunch is kind of on your own affair, so don’t wait for me to tell you when to eat and finally, you have the option to doff shirts if you so choose as long as you stay proper.”

The group nodded at him as they collected the tools and headed down the path, finding where he had finished the day before and starting there with the exception of the three that headed out with pickaxes and shovels to put in the boards. Work got underway and Ben slightly changed the plan for a few of them as they got to work that morning. Breaks were taken and shirts eventually came off as the teams worked their way upwards towards Rachelleville slowly, but showing good progress. Close to lunchtime, Zoe Kent, Stacey Ferguson and Taylor Green came back to him from their work area.

“We’re running out of boards,” said Zoe as Ben noticed the females had removed their shirts and were down to sports bras which the other male members of his party noticed immediately with quick glances their way.

“You got them done that quick?” asked Ben.

“Wasn’t hard,” said Zoe with shrugged shoulders.

“Okay, let’s take a look,” said Ben and turned to the rest of the party. “Go ahead and take ten, guys. Get some water in you and get into the shade.”

“We’re running low on water,” remarked Marci Dubose.

“Okay, you and Bobby collect everyone’s bottles and go refill them,” said Ben.

“Fine,” said Marci who had done just enough to say she was working, but Ben knew every little bit helped out and he assigned her to clearing the brush they had cut. Walking down the path with the others he found they had finished as planned and looked over their work.

“I’ll say up front, you ladies are going to cause problems with the boys when they come around seeing you wearing those shorts and bikini tops,” he chuckled.

“Oh, we’ve already chased off a few,” laughed Zoe. “These two seem to attract attention.”

“Like you don’t?!” exclaimed Stacey.

“Anyway, how is everything going?” asked Ben.

“There is a problem, sir,” said Taylor.

“Oh?” he asked as he looked over the work. “And you don’t have to call me sir. Ben is fine.”

“The first good rain is going to wash these things out,” she stated. “Here’s what I would do.”

Taylor explained for several moments what she was thinking to which the other two nodded at her idea.

“I think they have just what we need at the pavilion,” suggested Stacey.

“Okay, that works as long as they have the items,” said Ben. “But one more thing…”

He turned and looked up the path while the three ladies stared in the direction he was looking. They didn’t say anything as he nodded at the work they had done. “Notice anything wrong?”

“Looks fine to me,” said Zoe with a shrug of her shoulders.

“Same here,” said Taylor.

“Doesn’t it appear the boards have slowly crept in closer to one another,” said Ben with another nod. As they looked, the planned three meter separation had grown closer to two meters by the time they had finished.

“I told you we needed a measuring tape,” said Stacey sourly.

“My bad, okay?” said Taylor with a sigh. “And here we thought we were going to take the afternoon off to go swimming.”

“Yeah, might want to rethink that,” said Ben.

“We’ll get it fixed,” said Zoe with a sigh. “Probably after lunch.”

“That’s fine,” said Ben. “Look, you gals did a bang up job already, but let’s just make sure we keep the proper spacing. I’d suggest getting a line of cord and using it instead of having to roll up that measuring tape each and every time.”

“That’ll work,” said Stacey. “I’ll grab that and see if they have the stakes we need.”

“Can you grab some water while you’re there?” asked Zoe as she finished off her canteen.

“Yeah, sure,” said Stacey as she collected the six bottles and canteens and stowed them in her small pack before heading back with Ben. They were walking up the path and as soon as they got out of earshot, Stacey spoke quietly to Ben.

“Sir?” she asked.

“You don’t have to call me sir, Stacey,” he said with a chuckle. “Out here, I’m Ben.”

“Okay… Ben,” she said. “You aren’t mad at me or anything are you?”

“No, why would I be?” he asked.

“Well, for, uh, you know?” she asked.

“I don’t know,” he said in a confused tone.

“For the… act you caught me in last night,” she said meekly.

“Why would that be a problem?” he asked.

“Well, he has a girlfriend and I have a boyfriend, kinda,” she said meekly.

“So, you’re cheating on your ‘kinda’ respective significant others?” he asked.

“Not like that!” she exclaimed and lowered her voice. “I mean, I was going to break up when we got back anyway. The same for him, I guess.”

“You guess?” he asked.

“Hadn’t really discussed it that far in depth if you know what I mean,” she said quietly.

“Look, you are two adults and make the big boy and big girl choices in life,” said Ben. “What you two do behind closed doors is your business. But I would highly suggest you let both of the others know you’ve decided to move on.”

“I thought you might be upset,” she stated.

“Well, honestly, I had no idea who you were dating anyway,” said Ben. “I tend not to keep up with the social grapevine that much.”

“I didn’t know you and Ashley were dating,” said Stacey.

“We aren’t,” said Ben. “We were just going to have a final drink before bed.”

“Oh,” said Stacey.

“And that’s my business as well, Miss Ferguson,” said Ben slightly pointedly.

“Sorry, sir,” said Stacey as she blushed up.

“I would prefer my business not get out there,” said Ben. “Not until I’m ready to let people know if I am dating someone.”

“I suppose Randy and I are the same,” said Stacey.

“I didn’t realize who you were with nor was Randy Whitaker dating anyone else,” said Ben.

“I… just let the cat out of the bag, didn’t I?” she asked.

“He’s a good kid,” said Ben. “I’ve known him his entire life practically.”

“So, our secret to keep?” she asked meekly.

“Again, that’s your business, but yes, I’ll keep it to myself,” said Ben as they arrived at the area where Stacey tracked down Drew and requested the items. Drew took a break and found what they were looking for before heading over to Ben.

“How’s it progressing?” he asked.

“Slow, but there is progress,” said Ben. “I’ve taken a slightly different tactic.”

“It’s not going to be done this trip,” said Drew with shrugged shoulders after Ben explained.

“I’d at least like to get some progress made along that front,” said Ben.

“The brunette said they ran out of boards?” asked Drew.

“They did, but they’ll have to dig them back out and reset them,” said Ben as he explained the spacing issue.

“Measure twice, cut once,” said Drew with a chuckle. “Or dig once in this case.”

“They learned a lesson,” said Ben as he saw Stacey measuring out a length of cord and cutting it before loading up the stakes into an old fashioned wheelbarrow with the hammers to set out.

“Anyway, I had this feeling we were going to run short of the boards, so when that new quarters gets here, there should be a load stashed inside,” said Drew. “Again, not enough to finish it, but should be enough to keep them busy this afternoon.”

“When is that due in?” asked Ben.

“Couldn’t say,” said Drew. “They load them into a cargo pod and attach it to the lower hull so they have to keep the speed down and no exo-atmospheric flight.”

“I see,” said Ben.

“I’ll need one of the pilots to help guide them into position though,” said Drew. “The others are away from here so you think you could give up Rowe?”

“Yeah, shouldn’t be a problem,” said Ben. “Just let me know when.”

“When the big shuttle is hanging out over the pavilion,” grinned Drew. “Okay, let me get back to getting those water lines hooked up.”

“See you in a bit,” said Ben as he saw Ashley walking towards him. “Ms. Boyd.”

“Mister Nash,” she said with a smile.

“You are looking rested,” he smiled.

“I certainly am,” she said. “You’ve got some sun today.”

“Working with my shirt off,” said Ben.

“Probably need to think of some sunscreen,” she observed and poked at his upper arm.

“That’s probably a good idea,” said Ben. “I was going to grab my crew their lunch and take it down. Can you help?”

“Sure,” she stated as they headed over to the area where he collected a box of the rations as well as finding a 20 liter water cooler to take out. Dumping ice inside, he filled it to the top before picking it up while she collected a cloth bag for the rations as well as a bottle of sunscreen.

“Be careful,” she warned him. “That’s a bit heavy.”

“It’s okay,” he said.

“You certainly seem in shape enough to carry it,” she remarked as she looked him over.

“Thanks,” he grinned at her. They headed back and found the crew had resumed work as they approached and he set down the water jug near the path they were creating.

“Okay, folks, break for lunch and I have ice water in the jug,” said Ben as Ashley set down the box. “As a reminder, Rachelle Rats are all over this place, so don’t leave your rations lying on the ground as they will get into them.”

“How long do we have?” asked Robert “Bobby” Renard a European assigned to Security.

“Half hour to 45 minutes should do it, right?” he asked.

“Works for me,” said Courtney Rowe as she wiped at her forehead and wandered towards the ration bag now hanging from a small tree.

“Biscuit? We have a shuttle inbound carrying two more quarters units and Drew Collins asked if you could guide them in when they arrive,” said Ben.

“Yeah, I can do that,” said Courtney.

“Okay, keep your eyes open for when they arrive,” said Ben as he and Ashley headed out to the area where the others were lining the walk.

“Ladies, we brought out rations and ice water up at the main area,” said Ben. “Take a break and grab something to eat.”

“Can we take a dip and cool off as well?” asked Taylor.

“Sure,” said Ben. The three looked at each other before scampering down to the ocean and only removing shoes and socks before heading into the ocean to cool off.

“I wonder if they realize that salt water is going to be worse,” he chuckled.

“Well, they’ll be fine,” said Ashley. “On that same token, you need to head over to the showers and rinse off.”

“I’m sorry?” he asked.

“You’re dirty and sweaty,” she remarked. “You need to get rinsed off before I apply this sunblock to you.”

“You don’t have to,” he stated. “And what showers?”

“They left up the showers from the first trip and haven’t moved them yet,” said Ashley as she nodded towards the temporary ones set up on the spit. “They make a good area for people to rinse off while sunbathing or swimming.”

“I don’t have a change of clothes,” he stated.

“Your shorts are already wet and they’ll dry,” she stated. “Now, do I have to be forceful with you?”

“No, ma’am,” he said with a chuckle.

“I’ll let the girls know about the shower as well,” said Ashley. “You go get rinsed off.”

“Yes, ma’am,” he stated as they parted and he headed towards the shower area while she went to the shore. He saw her doff her shirt and shoes as well before wading in and talking to them. Heading into the shower, he quickly doffed his shorts and rinsed off as best as he could without any soap or washcloth. Putting his shorts and boots back on, he came out to find her waiting outside for him.

“I’m properly rinsed,” he stated.

“My turn,” she said as she headed in and dropped her shoes before doing the same and returning in short order. “I should talk to Rachelle about leaving some towels down here but I think the sun will dry us off nicely.”

“I’d say most people probably bring one with them,” he said as the three females approached from their dip in the ocean. “Have a nice swim?”

“Quite glorious actually,” said Taylor with a laugh. “Thank you.”

“Okay, we’ll see you back on the trail,” he stated. Ben and Ashley headed back towards the group until she suddenly stopped about halfway there and pointed at a nearby downed tree.

“Have a seat over there,” she stated.

“Should I be alarmed?” he asked.

“Nope,” she said with a chuckle as he took a seat as ordered and she poured some of the sunblock on her hands before starting to spread it out on his back as well as gently massaging his neck while doing so.

“Yes, I should be alarmed,” he said with a pleasurable groan.

“And why is that?” she asked.

“Because this spell you’re casting over me right now could cause problems,” he chuckled.

“I do have my charms,” she chuckled as she moved down his sides and to his chest while continuing to apply the sunblock. “This isn’t a proper massage though.”

“I don’t mind the improper ones,” he grunted as her fingertips seemed a lot more playful.

“I can’t be improper in public,” she grinned as she continued and spread more out.

“No, that might not be a good idea,” he said.

“Private is another matter,” she said in a highly suggestive tone.

“I would agree,” he grinned at her as she finished up.

“That’s the credit you paid for,” she said as she wiped her hands on her arms.

“I can’t pay for more?” he asked with a grin.

“Not at the moment,” said Ashley as someone was approaching. “We have to be proper.”

“Commander Nash? A moment?” asked Marci Dubose. “Privately?”

“Sure,” said Ben as Ashley took her leave and headed back up the trail. “What’s on your mind?”

“This… manual labor,” she said. “I’m a scientist and a doctor. I’m not happy with this when I could be doing my primary job.”

“We’ve had research teams down here,” said Ben. “They also take samples back with them.”

“I’m not going to say it’s beneath me, but it’s close,” said Marci.

“Yet, I’m doing it,” he stated.

“I’m not going to argue that point,” she sighed. “Basically, I’d like to see the medic or doctor.”

“Something wrong?” he asked.

She held up her hands and he saw they had several blisters that had popped up since she had been working. “You didn’t wear gloves?”

“No!” she exclaimed. “I didn’t even think too!”

“Even after I mentioned it this morning?” he asked.

“I… I wasn’t paying attention,” she admitted.

“Okay,” he sighed. “I don’t know where they are, but I’m sure Drew can track them down.”

“I’m sorry, okay, I should have listened,” she stated.

“Lesson learned,” said Ben. “Go get yourself fixed up.”

“Thank you,” said Marci as she headed off to find one of the medical personnel. Ben headed back to the area where he grabbed the first ration he found and started digging in.

“Did Marci come talk to you?” asked Cindy Carter with Medical.

“She did,” said Ben and it struck him he had a medical member with his party.

“Yeah, I tried helping her, but apparently, only a doctor would suffice,” said Cindy.

“I told everyone to wear gloves,” said Ben.

“As she was reminded by most of us,” said Cindy. “I think she did it on purpose.”

“Whether that’s true or not, it doesn’t matter,” said Ben.

“We’re probably better off without her anyway,” said Cindy.

“Let’s keep those personal opinions to ourselves and worry about finishing this afternoon, okay?” he asked.

“Yes, sir,” said Cindy as she downed the remainder of her water bottle and refilled it.

“How is everyone else doing?” asked Ben as the group gave him nods or “I’m okay” as answers. He saw they were making serious progress on the trail and could even have it cleared all the way through before they quit for the day. It wouldn’t be as wide as they needed, but at a minimum, they would have it open enough for two people to walk side by side. As he was finishing his lunch, a shuttle was heard coming in low over the island carrying a large pod underneath the main area which prevented the landing gear from deploying.

“That’s my cue,” said Courtney as she rose and headed that way. Heading to the pavilion, she met up with Drew who was watching the shuttle and talking into his communicator.

“Miss Rowe, you can guide him into position?” asked Drew.

“Yes, sir,” she stated as he handed over his communicator. “Biscuit calling shuttle, over.”

“Oh, Lord, now I know I’m going to crash,” said Captain Ryan Kingston over the comm as she imagined he was wearing that large grin of his.

“Prancer, I’m not even going to comment,” she laughed and saw Drew point to where the first container needed to be placed. “Okay, bring it back out and come in from the north.

“Northern approach, got it,” he stated as the shuttle moved forward and turned slightly. The pod underneath opened up as she saw the two containers could be lowered by the cables they were attached to.

“Forward ten,” she stated as Larissa came up.

“You got this, Biscuit?” she asked.

“Piece of cake,” said Courtney. “Rotate about fifteen degrees to port.”

“Rotate fifteen degrees to port,” confirmed Ryan.

“Forward three,” said Courtney as she worried since Drew was standing directly underneath the pod and if they came loose, he would be crushed. “Right there. Another five degrees to port… slide two meters to port… right there!”

Ryan moved into position as Drew called at her.

“Have him get lower!” stated Drew.

“How much lower?” she asked.

“Well, lower than he is right now,” said Drew.

“Prancer, descend slightly please,” she stated.

“How slightly are we talking about?” he asked.

“Give it a quarter meter a second and I’ll tell you when to stop,” said Courtney as Ryan started lowering the shuttle slowly as she watched Drew like a hawk. She saw his hand come up as she waited until he gave a thumbs up when Ryan was at three meters.

“Hold!” she announced into the comm.

“Back him up a bit and about a degree to the right,” yelled Drew.

“Prancer, one degree to starboard,” said Courtney. Ryan moved the shuttle just barely as she saw Drew give her another thumbs up. “Okay, back slightly.”

“We’re going to have to talk about your distances,” he grumbled over the comm. He moved the shuttle back slightly as she saw Drew waving him on.

“Bit more,” she stated and saw him back up slightly again and saw Drew clench his fist. “Hold!”

“He can lower it!” yelled Drew.

“You’re underneath it!” she exclaimed.

“I’ll be fine,” said Drew.

“Prancer, you’re good to lower the right container,” she stated. She could see the winch activate as the container moved slowly towards the ground and Drew appeared from underneath when it was below two meters from the ground. The container continued to lower slowly as it finally came to a rest almost perfectly on the blocks they had put in for it. Drew quickly ran to each corner to unhook the cables and was joined by Larissa doing it on the opposite side.

“Okay, let’s do it again!” announced Drew.

“The one right next to it?” asked Courtney.

“Yes, ma’am,” said Drew as he went to the new location.

“Prancer, round 2,” said Courtney. “Back up and move about four meters to port.”

“Copy that,” said Ryan as he back up enough to see Drew on the ground and the process repeated itself. It didn’t seem to take as long since Ryan had a mental picture of where Drew was standing and minute corrections were all that was needed before the second container was on the ground.

“Biscuit, can you clear that new landing area?” he asked.

“Prancer, what are you doing?” asked Larissa as she took the comm unit away from Courtney.

“Well, I saw you in a bikini top and just knew I had to get a closer look,” said Ryan.

“Ryan!” she exclaimed with clenched teeth.

“I’ve got supplies on board and I need to drop this damn pod before I can land,” he stated forcefully. “Can you please clear that area so I can drop the pod in the clearing?”

“Go get them moved,” said Larissa with a sigh. Courtney ran over and moved the work crew out of the new landing zone as Ryan brought the shuttle out over the area and started a low approach as he flared out. He set the cargo pod right up against the jungle before releasing it and raising his altitude slightly while backing off. However, instead of moving away from the area completely and beginning a new approach, she saw him raise his altitude just above the trees and spin the shuttle around before backing it back into a landing with barely a half a meter of space to spare against the cargo pod.

“What the hell?!” exclaimed Larissa as she heard the engines shutting down on the shuttle and the cargo ramp coming down.

“We’ve got a lot of cargo on here to unload, folks,” said Ryan as he appeared on the cargo ramp and saw Larissa storming over.

“Get over here!” she ordered through clenched teeth and pointed away from the shuttle where people were starting to appear. He followed her away as she spun and pointed her finger in his face. “Just what the hell was that?”

“What was what?” he asked innocently. “I dropped the pod and I landed the shuttle.”

“That was showing off!” she stated. “There was not enough room for you to land!”

“There’s plenty of room here,” he said calmly.

“Ryan Kingston!” she exclaimed. “One gust of wind and you could have crashed into that pod!”

“Well, at least you could say ‘I told you so’ after they pulled me from the flaming wreck,” he said with a scoff and a shake of his head.

“Ryan!” she repeated

“Larissa!” he said in the same tone.

“Don’t you dare mock me!” she growled.

“Don’t you dare question my flying ability!” he growled in return.

“There wasn’t enough space!” she repeated.

“There was plenty of space!” he growled. “You know what? You’re the best damn pilot I’ve ever met. Hands down, you strap on a ship and make it dance around the sky! But you’re not always right, Larissa! I’ve been flying shuttles for a long time and I knew what clearance I had and I knew I could land it! I don’t tell you how to fly a gunship and you don’t get to tell me how to fly shuttles, okay?!”

With that he spun off and headed back to the ship to help unstrap the cargo inside as the work crews gathered to unload it after being called in by Drew. He yanked angrily at one of the straps as he realized he had company.

“Ryan,” said Larissa softly.

“What?” he asked angrily as he yanked at the strap that was stuck.

“I’m sorry,” she said softly. “I should have more faith in your abilities as a pilot.”

“Look, I don’t want to argue,” he said with a sigh. “I knew what I was doing, but even after we’ve been here for how long you still have doubts that I can do what I can.”

“Yes, you are a great pilot,” she said softly.

“Your pride allowing you to say that?” he scoffed.

“It’s true,” she said. “Look, just tell me next time you’re doing it, okay?”

“You would have tried to argue,” he said with a sigh as he turned to face her. “I kept an eye on the winds, I knew the lateral distance I had from the pod and the other shuttle and I knew I could nail the landing.”

“You didn’t have to bring it in backwards,” she scoffed.

“Well, I wanted the cargo ramp facing the pavilion,” he scoffed in return.

“I mean, you could have come out and approached it from the north,” she stated.

“You would have waved me off,” he said with a shake of his head.

“And you wouldn’t have listened,” she scoffed in return.

“No, I would have cancelled the approach and landed where you told me to,” said Ryan. “If you waved me off, I would have listened to the ones on the ground telling me what to do.”

“Not like you gave me a chance to react, hero,” she scoffed, but softened her approach.

“Because I knew you wouldn’t let me fly like I know how,” he said.

“I’m sorry,” she said. “I overreacted.”

“You do look good when you get all angry especially wearing that bikini top and those Daisy Dukes,” he grinned at her.

“Miss me?” she asked as a hint of a smile came across her face.

“Not so much,” he chuckled. “You’re sexy and it turns me on when you’re angry. But I really don’t like it when it’s directed at me.”

“I’m going to be angry for a while over this situation,” she admitted.

“Interesting landing, Captain Kingston,” said Ben as he appeared with his work crew and started unloading the lumber and supplies.

“Thank you, sir,” said Ryan with a grin.

“If you ever do it again and it’s not because you’re flying in to save someone’s life, I’ll bust your ass all the way back to flight school,” said Ben as he collected the end of one of the stacks of lumber and lifted it to carry away with another person.

“Roger that, sir,” said Ryan with a grin.

“Told you,” said Larissa with a knowing look as she folded her arms.

“I promise not to do it again unless someone’s life is at stake,” he told her.

“What’s that?” she asked as she nodded towards the cockpit.

“What’s what?” he asked as he followed her back into the area. She turned and stood on her tiptoes to give him a kiss followed up by a hug.

“I am missing you,” she said as they released and looked at each other while still holding on.

“Miss you too, baby,” he said with a grin. “You got all the boys chasing you down here?”

“Two or three,” she grinned.

“Want to introduce me?” he grinned in return.

“Nope, let them figure out how hard I am to deal with on their own,” she laughed. “It’s been a good trip even though I’m in a leadership position.”

“You are?” he asked.

“Yep, popped it on me before we took off,” she stated. “And I’m not happy about you missing that, by the way.”

“Alert brief,” said Ryan with a sigh. “I won’t miss you returning.”

“Better not,” she smiled. “Now, help us unload?”

“Sure,” said Ryan as he went back and started unloading the supplies and saw Rachelle sorting them as they came off. “Hey, boss.”

“Nice parking job, Ryan,” she stated.

“Thanks,” said Ryan.

“I sent Charity the pictures,” said Rachelle. “She seems to like them.”

“Oh,” said Ryan. “That’s… nice.”

“That goes over by the kitchen,” said Rachelle.

“Right,” said Ryan as he deposited the box. Eventually, everything was unloaded and Ryan went over to check out his handiwork in dropping the container where Drew was busy hooking up the power and water connections.

“Not exactly where I wanted it,” said Drew as he approached.

“Really?” asked Ryan.

“Well, I needed it two centimeters left,” said Drew. “But this’ll work.”

“I’ll do better next time,” chuckled Ryan. “Speaking of, they have another two if you want them this trip.”

“Haven’t run the lines for them yet,” said Drew. “Let Grady know we’ll hold off for the next trip and I can start on the lines this trip.”

“Roger that,” said Ryan.

“Good flying though,” said Drew. “I couldn’t have placed it by hand any better.”

“Thanks,” said Ryan as he saw the shuttle was now empty and was joined by Larissa.

“As much as I’d like to stay and you give me a proper briefing for my safety violations, I can’t stick around that long,” he stated. However, they managed a few seconds of quality time with each other as he took her in his arms and they kissed passionately.

“You sure you can’t stay a bit?” she asked with a grin.

“Sadly, Charity needs me back in the colony,” he said with a sigh and a shake of his head. “I’d love to spend a lot more time here if I could.”

“You and me both, the cooks here suck,” said Larissa.

“I’ll cook you up something proper when you get back,” he said.

“You better,” she grinned.

“You have to promise to be improper after we finish though,” he grinned.

“I’ll think about it,” she said with a naughty grin. “Be careful on the way back, okay?”

“I always am,” he grinned. “You behave, okay?”

“That goes double for you, Captain Kingston,” she grinned. “Better not be having parties while I’m not around either.”

“What if it’s Chuck having the party and I happen to be there?” he grinned.

“Then I would expect you to lock yourself in your room,” she laughed. “Bye, babe.”

They gave each other a kiss and a hug goodbye as Larissa controlled his takeoff and saw his skills were exceptional as he cleared the area and locked onto the cargo pod expertly before heading back north. She headed over to where Rachelle was sorting the supplies out of the individual boxes and jumped in to assist.

“I thought you guys were on a timeout?” asked Rachelle.

“We got back together two days before we left,” said Larissa with a sigh. “Lord help me, I do like that boy.”

“You two are perfect for each other,” said Rachelle. “Imagine just how great a pilot your kids are going to be.”

“I am not having kids because we are not getting married!” exclaimed Larissa.

“Okay, babe,” grinned Rachelle. “We’ll see about that.”

“Of course,” chuckled Larissa.

“What’s that in your pocket?” asked Rachelle.

“What’s what?” asked Larissa as she felt her back pocket and pulled out a piece of folded paper. Opening it up, she saw it was a note from Ryan he had slipped in somehow and giggled at what he wrote before folding it up and putting it back in her pocket with a smile.

“Yeah, you aren’t getting married,” said Rachelle with a chuckle.

“Stop,” said Larissa with a smile. “Where do these go?”

“Um, engineering shed,” said Rachelle as she saw Larissa walk away with a grin on her face.

“Those two,” said Ben as he carried another box over.

“Need to get married and start popping out kids like mad,” she stated. “Neither one can realize just how good they are for each other and how they balance each other perfectly.”

“Kind of like others we both know,” said Ben.

“I’m not giving up hope on Tasha and Chuck,” said Rachelle. “It’ll work out.”

“I don’t know,” said Ben with a sigh. “This latest situation seems to have caused a serious split.”

“They’ll get by,” said Rachelle. “Or she’ll feed him to a Raptor.”

“Probably so,” chuckled Ben. “Okay, I’m heading back.”

“See you at dinner,” said Rachelle. “Oh, like your shorts.”

“Yeah, they are nice,” he grinned at her as he returned to his work area and got his crew back on the job. They continued into the afternoon as they came within the original area Ben had cleared out the day before and were joined by Drew.

“Well, Mister Nash,” said Drew as he looked over the path. “I think we’re going to have ourselves a dandy little path here.”

“I figured we could get the initial path down and widen it out instead of trying to do it all at once,” said Ben as he looked over the meter and a half path.

“I think that’s a pretty good idea,” said Drew. “The crew finished resetting the boards at the beginning of the path and I think this is just wide enough for an MPMV and trailer if we brought one down.”

“There’s a lot to finish up though,” said Ben. “I may even have a crack at it tomorrow.”

“No, you won’t,” said Drew.

“Sorry?” said Ben.

“It’s a day off for you and everyone else,” said Drew. “No working and the next team down can finish it up.”

“Maybe I’d like to see it finished,” said Ben.

“Well, schedule yourself for the next trip down and do so,” said Drew. “Otherwise, doesn’t my rank as a leader down here outrank a normal vacationer?”

“I suppose it does,” chuckled Ben. “I just don’t like hearing it.”

“I probably wouldn’t either,” said Drew. “Anyway, great job out here.”

“Thanks,” said Ben.

“Grab your crew and knock off for the evening,” said Drew as he headed back towards the pavilion where he called in the other teams. Ben collected everyone and saw the boards lining the walk at the beach were now supported by wooden stakes driven in on both sides and were sturdy enough not to wash out from the rain. He was fairly proud of the work he had done and knew it would eventually be finished, but he had a great start for whomever picked up the work after he departed. As he headed back, he saw Ashley waiting for him by his pack.

“You get to knock off as well,” he stated with a smile.

“I can’t leave until the boss leaves,” she smiled in return.

“Is that a rule?” he asked.

“One of mine,” she grinned as she took him by the arm. “You apparently caused a couple of the younger girls to get all flustered over your lack of a shirt.”

“Oh?" he asked.

“Apparently the two with Ag said you were quite ‘hot’ as they walked up the trail,” said Ashley.

“Did they now?” he chuckled.

“Yep,” she said. “I’ll agree with them. You are in good shape.”

“Thank you, ma’am,” he said with a smile. “Not too shabby yourself.”

“And thank you, sir,” she grinned at him as they approaching the living areas.

“Shower time,” he said.

“For both of us,” she stated.

“Community showers, right?” he asked.

“They actually aren’t too bad,” she said. “Private stalls.”

“I guess I’m lucky to have my own,” he said.

“Yes, you are,” she said. “See you in a bit, okay?”

“Yes, ma’am,” he said and reached in without realizing it for a kiss. She gave him a quick peck on the lips and reached back with a smile on her face.

“Who’s forward now?” she grinned.

“I didn’t even realize I did it,” he chuckled.

“Wish you hadn’t?” she asked with a playful grin.

“I’m glad I did,” he smiled. “Later.”

“Bye,” she said as she headed towards her quarters. Ben headed inside his and drank down one of the bottles of water in the fridge before looking through his new clothing for something to wear that evening. He found a nice set of clothes and set them along with an undershirt and underwear on the desk before heading back to the shower and dropping clothing articles along the way in a small pile. The hot water felt good on his face, though he could feel a bit of a sunburn going on and would need to be careful the next day or two. As he applied the shampoo to his head and started scrubbing it in, he heard something outside the shower area.

“Um, hello?” he asked as he couldn’t open his eyes right then. When there wasn’t an answer, he figured one of the Rachelle Rats had somehow gotten inside his quarters. Rinsing his hair out, he was about to turn off the water when the door opened and Ashley joined him in the shower.

“Ma’am, did you get lost?” he asked.

“Isn’t this a community shower?” she asked as she saw the space was somewhat limited.

“I have this feeling I just made it one,” he grinned.

“That and I’m looking for my bottle of sherry,” she said with a grin and bit the side of her lip while giving him the look.

“Not in here, I can promise you that,” he grinned in return.

“Mind if I look around?” she asked.

“By all means,” he chuckled.

“Wash my back while I look, please?” she asked as she turned around and used her hips to move him back from the showerhead while she wetted her hair.

“Is that all?” he asked.

“Nope, you get to wash my front next,” she said with playful eyes as she looked over her shoulder at him.

 

CHAPTER 6


“Dinner time,” said Ashley with a sigh as she was curled up next to Ben under the comforter on the bed where they had ended up after their shared shower and post shower activities. She had a content look on her face as he had much the same as he held her over the shoulders and she used his shoulder for a pillow.

“You think we could skip it and order room service?” he asked with a smile as he rubbed her shoulder gently with his thumb.

“I’m not sure they have room service around here,” she replied with a smile and snuggled in a bit closer to him while moving her leg across his legs. “But I’m sure as Commander, you very well could order them to create such a thing.”

“I just might,” he chuckled as she rolled on top of him and collected a good ten second kiss as his hands roamed her back.

“Now hold up,” she said as she pulled his hands around and laced her fingers through his and pushed them into the pillow. “Plenty of time for that later. I’m hungry.”

“Promise?” he asked with a grin.

“Yep,” she said with a grin of her own and bit at his nose playfully. She let him go and rolled out of bed to where her bag was sitting. Looking inside, she found her clothing for the evening and started laying it out as he rolled onto his side and admired the view.

“We could get that room service,” he said thoughtfully. “Though I’m not sure I’d want them checking out the view.”

“I might say the same thing for those naughty female hotel maids,” she grinned as she pulled on her panties. “They’d take advantage of you if you aren’t careful.”

“Probably so,” he chuckled and rolled out of bed for his clothing.

“That’s your outfit?” she asked.

“Yes,” he said guardedly since normally when a female asked that question, something was wrong with said outfit.

“It’s really nice,” she smiled. “You have good taste.”

“Well, actually Rachelle picked it before I got here,” he said.

“I’ll have to thank her,” she said as she pulled on her shorts and he did his and pulled the belt through the loops. “It’s a good color on you.”

“I like the black on you as well,” he said as she pulled on a stylish long sleeve black shirt that buttoned up the front. “Though I am curious about the long sleeves.”

“It’s not too uncomfortable to wear in the warm months,” she said.

“And I do like the white shorts as well,” he said as he admired them. “Something about a nice set of tanned legs in white shorts that drives me crazy.”

“Is there anything about me you don’t like so far?” she asked.

“Can’t think of anything at the moment,” he chuckled.

“At the moment?” she asked with a grin.

“Well, I’m not sure if you snore or something,” he grinned back at her.

“Maybe you’ll find out soon enough,” she said with a yawn.

“Maybe sooner rather than later,” he said.

“I could go for another nap since I wore myself out the past two days,” she said. “But I am hungry at the moment and that takes precedence.”

“Well, let’s eat,” said Ben as they headed out of his quarters and joined in the line. Apparently, it was Latin fiesta night as the serving line included several different types of traditional Hispanic dishes and foods along with a taco bar at the end. Ben and Ashley gathered what they wanted and had a seat with several of the members of Ben’s work crew from that day. The spirits that evening were elevated as they knew they were heading into their three days off. Plans were talked about and agreed on as the evening progressed. Eventually, they were joined by Rachelle who plopped herself into the middle seat of the table and put on some music over the PA system.

“Well, happy yet?” she asked with a grin as she saw Ben hadn’t stopped smiling the whole dinner. She suspected as to the reason why and knew it was good for him regardless of how she felt about him and Mary.

“This had been exactly what I needed,” he said with a smile. “And when my name comes up again, I promise I won’t take it off and you won’t have to have Tasha threaten me.”

“About time you agreed with me!” exclaimed Rachelle as a song came on. “Hey, which one of you fine gentlemen knows how to dance?”

“I know how to dance,” said Mason Booker from Engineering.

“Let’s go dance!” exclaimed Rachelle as she led him out and found out he wasn’t as talented a dancer as she thought. Towards the end of the song, she led him back to the table and made a second announcement.

“Okay, he doesn’t know how to dance,” said Rachelle. “I need a real man who knows how to dance a real dance. Like the cha-cha.”

“Not a real woman?” asked Ashley with a grin.

“I’d take a real woman who knows how to properly dance to Latin music,” said Rachelle.

“I’m your man,” said Ben as he stood up.

“You sure about this?” asked Rachelle.

“Get your ass on the dance floor, young lady,” said Ben as he pointed.

“Okay, grandpa,” she laughed as headed out as the music changed. She was in the middle of the floor and the other dancers slid back with curiosity as she noticed Ben was waiting back by the edge of the floor with his hand held out in the traditional pose of starting the cha-cha.

“No way,” she laughed and started moving to the music. He eventually joined her in the middle as they got into the beat and he started dancing the cha-cha with her with her grinning from ear to ear and laughing practically the whole time. They completed the entire song before finishing up and taking a bow to cheers, applause and whistles from the gathered crowd which had given them total use of the dance floor.

“Where did you learn to cha-cha?!” she exclaimed.

“I’m not always a boring Commander,” he laughed as they returned to their seats and were congratulated by several of the couples. He was approached by Isabella Lopez and Aaron Jackson who were engaged.

“You are a bucket of surprises, Commander!” exclaimed Isabella who went by Izzy. “You danced that perfectly!”

“Beyond perfectly!” exclaimed Rachelle. “I had a hard time keeping up.”

“I know a few dance moves,” said Ben with a large smile.

“Oh?” asked Izzy. “Know how to samba?”

“I just might,” said Ben. “Of course, the way I dance it is a little… personal.”

“Aaron knows where I go home to at night,” said Izzy and turned to her fiancé. “You would object to me dancing the samba with the Commander?”

“Hell, I can’t do it, someone might as well,” said Aaron who was a Lieutenant in the Security Forces. “Go for it, Commander. Show her how it’s done.”

“You sure about this?” asked Ben.

“Only if you can keep up,” said Izzy with a mischievous grin.

“Have them put on a proper song,” said Ben.

“Oh, I so got this!” said Rachelle as she pulled her communicator and overrode the system and put in a song that would be good for the dance. The floor cleared rapidly for the two as the song came on with Ben leading her perfectly through the steps as the crowd cheered and clapped them on. Eventually, the song came to an end as they took another bow, but the music changed to a salsa beat as he pulled her back.

“Oh, no, I’m getting my credit’s worth!” he exclaimed as they salsa danced the next song as the crowd roared upon the completion. Rachelle figured she would see if they would go for a third song as the pair danced the tango to complete a set. The crowd roared with approval once again when they ended up in the traditional stance at the end of the dance. Taking a bow, Izzy and Ben came back to the table almost breathless and immediately attacked the glasses of water put in front of them.

“The Commander is a great dancer!” exclaimed Izzy as she sat down with Aaron.

“I wish I could dance like that,” said Aaron. “Frankly sir, I’m really jealous right now.”

“Can you believe this?” asked Charity incredulously who watched the dances through the livestream that Rachelle had sent back to the colony.

“I never knew he could dance like that!” exclaimed Tasha. “What has gotten into that man?”

“He’s a hell of a dancer, that’s for sure,” said Charity who called Rachelle immediately. “What have you been feeding him?!”

“I have no idea!” exclaimed Rachelle. “I just asked if he knew how to cha-cha. Boy, did he show me I didn’t know how to cha-cha!”

“Seriously?” asked Tasha. “Put that man on!”

“Tasha wants to have a word with you,” said Rachelle as she handed over her communicator.

“Jealous?” he laughed.

“Flabbergasted,” laughed Tasha. “I’ve known you how long and I never knew you knew how to ballroom dance?”

“What, you think the tactical moves I showed you came from nowhere?” he laughed.

“Those were dance moves?!” she asked as her mouth dropped open.

“No,” he laughed heartily. “I learned years ago. And Ms. Lopez is an exceptional dancer.”

“This man knows how to dance, Tasha,” said Izzy as she joined in. “You would do well to learn a few steps of your own from him.”

“I just might,” said Tasha.

“I’m calling dibs!” exclaimed Charity.

“Go away!” said Tasha in a growl as she pushed Charity away. “I’m really glad you’re having a good time.”

“Just what I needed,” he said as he finished his glass of water and someone else approached.

“Commander Nash? You mind dancing with me next?” asked Taylor Green timidly. “I know how to Mambo, but nobody else here knows how.”

“Nope! He’s mine for the tango next!” exclaimed Samantha Whitaker.

“I think I need to catch my breath,” he said with a grin. “Maybe later for both of you?”

“I’d love it,” said Taylor with a smile.

“I’m holding it to you, Uncle Ben,” said Samantha with a smile.

“Well, aren’t you just Mister Popular now?” laughed Tasha.

“I dance a few dances and see what happens?” he laughed. “Anyway, this has been great so far and I’m really looking forward to my three days off.”

“I’m glad you’re having a good time,” said Tasha as she noticed a female sitting a little closer to him than normal. Tasha nodded in Ashley’s direction to which Ben just shrugged his shoulders.

“I think you have a story to tell,” said Tasha.

“When I get home, maybe,” said Ben. “Here’s Rachelle back. I need more water.”

“Probably need a shower after that,” laughed Tasha. “Goodnight.”

“Night,” he said as he handed back the communicator to Rachelle and headed for the bar to refill his water. He was met by Ashley who ordered a drink of her own.

“So, do you think I could get some dancing lessons before those two beautiful young women abscond with you on the dance floor?” she asked.

“Or you could just wait until they start fighting over me and claim me all to yourself,” he grinned as he downed half the glass in one go.

“You mean I don’t have exclusive rights?” she asked with a twinkle.

“I’d say you’ve made a strong case for them,” he grinned in return as he finished the glass and refilled it before drinking a good portion of the second glass.

“Thirsty?” she laughed.

“Very much so,” he said as he finished off the water and took her by the hand as a country music song came on. “Let’s go.”

“Go what?” she asked.

“You’re going to learn the two-step,” he said with a grin. “It’s easy.”

“Absolutely!” she laughed as several other couples joined up on the floor.

“Now see, this is more of my speed, sir,” said Aaron as he and Izzy came a little closer to them while dancing a little slower.

“I can’t believe you’re dancing after what happened to you,” said Ben.

“This fine woman motivated me,” said Aaron with a smile and got a kiss as a reward.

“Now, maybe you can teach him how to lead at the salsa?” asked Izzy. “Perhaps we could dance that at our wedding.”

“He’s a SEALS, he doesn’t know how to lead, only follow,” said Ben with a huge grin.

“Aw, man, here is goes,” laughed Aaron.

“I’ll get with you another time, Lieutenant,” said Ben. “But you’re going to have to get serious if you’re going to keep up with her.”

“I’m willing to give it a try,” said Aaron as they swayed away from Ashley and Ben.

“Okay, let’s speed it up a bit, okay?” he asked.

“I’m doing it right?” she asked.

“Move your feet, don’t shuffle,” said Ben as he took her from behind and moved her hips.

“I like this position,” she grinned.

“I noticed that earlier,” he chuckled.

“Tasha happened to see me?” she asked.

“Never mind her,” said Ben.

“She’s not here, so I imagine you’ll get asked some pointed questions when you get home,” said Ashley. “I caused serious drama.”

“It’s not like that with her,” said Ben. “She’s been like a little sister to me since she joined the military. Well, maybe like a daughter though she’s not young enough to be my daughter.”

“Really?” asked Ashley.

“Nothing more than a lifelong friendship,” said Ben.

“So, I haven’t caused drama?” she asked.

“Not yet,” he grinned at her.

“Good,” she grinned back at him. They finished the dance and returned to the table where he finished another glass of water and picked up one of the beers from the bar. The evening progressed as the groups started breaking into couples and Ben even gave both Taylor and Samantha the dances they were promised before returning to Ashley. Eventually, the couples and singles started disappearing as the area was starting to clear out for the night.

“You getting tired?” asked Ben as he saw Ashley try to stifle a yawn.

“A little bit,” she said with a smile. “But I’m really having a good time.”

“As am I,” said Ben as he felt his communicator buzz in his pocket. He saw it was Allen calling and wondered why he might call so late.

“Good evening, Acting Commander Smith,” said Ben with a smile as he walked away from the group and the music so he could hear everything.

“I’ll have you know yours and Isabella’s video is now the number one video in the colony and I have been informed I must take dancing lessons from you by my wife,” laughed Allen.

“You’re kidding me,” laughed Ben.

 

“Charity uploaded it on the server and I’d say everyone’s seen it by now,” laughed Allen. “You seem like you’re having a blast.”

“I really am,” said Ben with a sigh.

“Good,” said Allen. “However, I called with business.”

“What’s going on?” asked Ben as he stepped away a little further.

“Raptor pack of 17 was spotted breaking the 200 kilometer zone,” said Allen.

“That gives us a couple of days to come up with a plan,” said Ben.

“Well, they aren’t on a direct path to us,” said Allen. “Drone picked them up about an hour ago and they are heading somewhat parallel to the colony, but generally moving south.”

“Could be trying to get in behind us,” said Ben.

“That’s what I thought as well,” said Allen.

“What do you want to do?” asked Ben.

“I think we strike,” said Allen. “That 200 kilometer mark has been our unofficial boundary we wanted to keep them out of.”

“Okay, so let’s strike,” said Ben.

“I’ll set up the meeting with the section heads,” said Allen.

“You want me there?” asked Ben.

“I felt like you need to be,” said Allen.

“Honestly, it’s your call,” said Ben. “I don’t need to be the one making it. I trust your judgment in the matter and know you’ll do what’s right.”

“Okay,” said Allen.

“Look, I haven’t given you enough leeway in such things before,” said Ben. “Now, if I was to get sick or injured or whatever, you’d be the one making those calls anyway. I feel like you tend to move the way I would move.”

“We have tended to agree on most things,” said Allen.

“So, I’ll conference into the meeting, but overall, it’s your mission, your call,” said Ben.

“Fair enough,” said Allen. “Give me like fifteen minutes to get things going.”

“I’ll head over to the shuttle,” said Ben. “Easier than trying to do it through these things.”

“Okay, see you in a few,” said Allen as he ended the call. Ben headed back to the bar area where Ashley was patiently waiting for him and he saw the remainder of the personnel had departed.

“Duty calls,” said Ben with a sigh. “I have a meeting in about fifteen minutes.”

“Oh,” said Ashley. “You can’t just leave everything behind, can you?”

“Not for this one,” said Ben. “Hey, why don’t you head on back and get that sherry ready?”

“I can wait for you here,” said Ashley. “I’m okay.”

“Whichever you prefer,” he said and gathered a quick kiss before heading over to the bar where Rachelle was finishing putting the items into the lockers.

“We have a meeting,” he said as he approached.

“If you’re referring to the Raptor thing, Charity called me,” said Rachelle. “She’s the lead on that one since it’s military in nature.”

“You should be there,” said Ben.

“We’ve fairly divided the tasks in SIT along those lines. Here’s the deal, if I’m asked what we should do, I’m turning to her and asking her what we should do,” she replied. “I have no need to be there when she’s perfectly capable of making that call in my absence.”

“You sure?” asked Ben.

“There is not a reason in the world I need to be on that call,” said Rachelle. “Besides, I’ve still got to get this area cleaned up.”

“Right,” said Ben as he headed for the shuttle. “I’ll be inside if you change your mind.”

“Okay,” said Rachelle as she continued putting things away.

“Need some help?” asked Ashley as she came up to the bar.

“Sure,” said Rachelle. “It’s like these folks were born in a barn or something.”

“At least they could clean up after themselves,” said Ashley as she collected a couple of tables worth of empty glasses and carried them to the bar with Rachelle.

“How are you enjoying your second trip?” asked Rachelle.

“Absolutely marvelous,” said Ashley with a grin. “And I will let you know as my boss; I don’t grow tired of this place, so if you gave me trip number three soon, I won’t object.”

“I think you’ll need to get in line with that sentiment,” laughed Rachelle as she loaded the glasses into the dishwasher. Ashley headed out and returned with additional glasses before grabbing a wet towel and started wiping down the bar.

“How well do you know Ben?” asked Ashley.

“Fairly well to an extent,” said Rachelle. “I mean, he tends to hold his emotions close, so part of him is kinda an enigma. But he’s a good boss to work for and this is a side of him that I’ve never seen come out.”

“Is he seeing anyone in the colony?” asked Ashley, being blunt as the Shine she had consumed earlier had taken effect.

“No,” said Rachelle. “Not really. Too involved in work.”

“We’re on vacation,” said Ashley. “He’s learned to relax.”

“I tend to think you had something to do with that earlier,” said Rachelle.

“Maybe,” grinned Ashley.

“The walls aren’t that thick, babe,” grinned Rachelle.

“But he’s not dating anyone?” she asked.

“Honestly, he and Doc Mary had this thing,” said Rachelle.

“She really seems like a cool gal,” said Ashley. “I thought I saw her name on the list to come.”

“She was taking care of an emergency medical situation that came up,” said Rachelle. “Last minute cancellation and you took her spot.”

“That sucks,” said Ashley. “She needs it just as much as anyone.”

“She’s great people,” said Rachelle. “So is Ben as well.”

“Yeah, he seems like a great guy,” said Ashley with a smile.

“You thinking of trying something more than a vacation fling?” asked Rachelle bluntly.

“I don’t know,” said Ashley. “Honestly, I’ve not gotten back into the dating game like I should have after my divorce. Maybe now is the best time.”

“They don’t come any better than Ben in my opinion,” said Rachelle, realizing Ben would have to make his own choices when it came to the women pursuing him.

“I guess I should get to know him better,” said Ashley. “Regardless if we start dating.”

“Hey,” said a female voice behind them at the bar. They turned and saw one of the Security Force members standing at the bar looking like she just woke up.

“Too late tonight?” asked Zoe Kent as she yawned once and stretched.

“I’m behind the bar,” said Rachelle. “I can make you a drink, Zoe.”

“I wouldn’t want to be a bother,” said Zoe.

“Nonsense, I’m sure Ashley isn’t done either,” said Rachelle.

“If she’s having one, sure, I’ll continue to defile myself,” said Ashley with a grin.

“What’ll you have?” asked Rachelle.

“Shine and lemon-lime,” said Zoe. “Thanks.”

“Make it two,” said Ashley.

“I’ll make it three,” said Rachelle.

“You never drink,” stated Ashley as she looked at Rachelle curiously.

“Not usually and never to excess,” said Rachelle as she poured up three drinks. “Two doubles and mine. Double for the computer geek and double for the girl with the curls.”

“A double?” asked Zoe as she accepted the drink. “Thanks.”

“You got here a bit late,” said Ashley.

“I came in after working today and grabbed a shower like most folks. After getting back to my trailer, I made the mistake of lying down for a moment,” said Zoe.

“And the sleep monster got you,” laughed Rachelle.

“Did I miss anything entertaining tonight?” asked Zoe.

“Oh yes, you most certainly did,” said Rachelle.

“Oh?” asked Zoe.

“Apparently, we learned Commander Nash is one hell of a dancer,” said Rachelle as she brought up the video she recorded earlier.

“Wow!” exclaimed Zoe about a minute in. “He’s like a professional!”

“He’s something else,” said Rachelle.

“Nothing else exciting?” asked Zoe. “Not that this wasn’t exciting enough.”

“Nah, we were just talking over the available men of the colony at the moment,” said Ashley who noticed someone else was walking up as well.

“Too late for last call?” asked Samantha Whitaker.

“Not really,” said Rachelle as she made yet another drink. “Though I am understandably curious as to why you are here at the moment…”

“Because the Shine caused an effect…” said Samantha who Rachelle had seen earlier leaving with another member of the Expedition.

“Oh,” said Rachelle. “Yeah, that sucks.”

“Not that I was ready for it anyway,” said Samantha as she sipped at the drink. “Nice guy, but way too involved in himself.”

“Yeah, that sucks,” said Ashley.

“There are some other good ones out there,” said Zoe. “Seems like the people who picked the colonists had some decent standards.”

“Have one in your sights?” asked Ashley.

“Not one in particular,” said Zoe who hadn’t seen Ben and her together. “You?”

“Well, one,” said Ashley with a naughty grin.

“You may not have anyone in your sights but there are more than a few that think you’re all that and the bag of chips,” said Rachelle as she looked at Zoe.

“I don’t know why,” said Zoe.

“Because you’re like totally hot?” asked Samantha.

“I’m average,” said Zoe and saw she was about to protest. “Oh, I know. I’ve been told plenty of times how beautiful I am. I just don’t want that going to my head so I ignore it.”

“Which makes you even more awesome,” said Rachelle.

“Anyway,” said Zoe. “Any man in particular I need to know to steer clear of that you ladies are after?”

“That’s kinda an extensive list with me,” laughed Rachelle.

“We were discussing Ben at the moment,” said Ashley.

“Commander Nash?” asked Zoe. “He is really good looking for an older guy.”

“Not really that old,” said Ashley.

“No, I know, but he has a mature hotness,” said Zoe. “I can’t put my finger on exactly why though. Just something about him.”

“This is true,” said Ashley. “Because he’s in a position of authority?”

“No, I could care less about that,” said Zoe. “Just something. A confident, masculine hotness.”

“Definitely hot,” said Rachelle.

“I’ve known Uncle Ben for a long time and I couldn’t think of him in that manner,” said Samantha. “However, he is hot for an older guy. And has a great voice.”

“I heard you call him that earlier,” said Rachelle. “Your families were close?”.

“Yeah, he and Dad served together a long time and he was a regular in our household when I was growing up. Since Dad was an only child, I took to calling him Uncle Ben and it kinda stuck over the years,” said Samantha. “First time I called him that here though.”

“He seems like a good man,” said Ashley.

“He is,” said Samantha. “He’s good looking for certain, but he also has some kind of hidden charm about him that puts people at ease. Which makes him even more desirable to women.”

“My brother was like that,” said Zoe.

“Hot?” asked Ashley.

“I’m kinda unqualified to call him hot,” laughed Zoe. “He was very handsome and drove the girls up the wall, but they couldn’t ever put their finger on exactly what it was other than ‘hot.’ Being my brother, I never pushed the issue.”

“Is he here?” asked Ashley.

“No, he died during one of the Central American Insurgencies,” said Zoe.

“I’m so sorry,” said Ashley.

“It happened about two years before we left, so it doesn’t hit me as hard as it used to,” said Zoe. “He’s really the reason I joined. We were competitive like that. Anything he would do; I would try to do better. He flipped his wig when I enlisted.”

“Not a woman’s world or something?” asked Rachelle.

“No, just older brother protectiveness,” said Zoe. “Anyhow, he might have been picked for this kind of job. He was a Ranger and a damn good one.”

“And saved your life anyway,” said Rachelle.

“How is that?” asked Zoe.

“Had you not joined, what would you have done with your life?” asked Rachelle. Zoe sat in silent reflection for a couple of moments before shrugging her shoulders.

“See, you joined because of him and you’re here now,” said Rachelle. “He’s still protecting you.”

“She’s right,” said Ashley.

“Never thought of it that way,” said Zoe.

“Good memories like that are meant to be preserved,” said Rachelle.

“I wish his wife, my sister in law, could have made the trip,” said Zoe. “If there’s anyone I truly miss, it’s her. Well, I miss my Dad as well, but my sister in law and I were complete and total buds. Plus, allegedly Dad might be coming in on Expedition 5.”

“If your brother was as good looking as you said, he would have had his pick of the litter,” said Ashley. “She was pretty?”

“Now see, that’s the problem,” said Zoe with a chuckle. “He had absolutely every beautiful woman on the planet throwing themselves at him. But he went after the only woman that never paid him any attention.”

“Really?” asked Samantha.

“Yeah, they met, I think when they were 26 or so, and she wouldn’t have anything to do with him. Not your classic beautiful; kinda girl next door type, but she was pretty in her own way. Positively drove him up the wall that she ignored him, but he kept after her. And when it finally took, she fell head over heels in love with him,” said Zoe.

“Fairy tale?” asked Ashley.

“Only if your fairy tales have computer nerds in them,” laughed Zoe.

“Watch it,” laughed Rachelle.

“Not like you,” laughed Zoe. “You’re the cool nerd that helps us cheat on tests. She’s a whole different level of nerd.”

“I…might have been known to have helped some folks along,” grinned Rachelle.

“We still kept in touch after he died, but she took a job on Mars about three months after he died. ‘Trying to move on with my life’ she called it,” said Zoe. “I can’t say that I blame her either.”

“What was her name?” asked Rachelle.

“Ginger Kent,” said Zoe. “I don’t know if she reverted to her maiden name of Hunt.”

“Ginger Kent… kinda taller, slender, but not skinny, went through a red head phase about a year or so before we left to come here?” asked Rachelle. “Has a cute Texas twang?”

Zoe’s eyes got a bit larger as Rachelle had described her former sister in law perfectly. “How do you know that?”

“Because I’m the one that hired her on Mars,” said Rachelle. “She applied for the Olympus upgrades and I hired her on the spot without an interview based on her reputation.”

“Really?” asked Zoe.

“Yeah, we called her ‘the diplomat.” Any time we had systems that wouldn’t talk to each other, we sent her in and she could get them to work,” said Rachelle. “She’s like a sorceress with complex systems interactions.”

“That’s her,” said Zoe. “I mean, I don’t know about all the details, but she was a whiz with systems integrations.”

“Wanna know a secret?” asked Rachelle with a grin.

“Sure,” said Zoe.

“She’ll be here in Expedition 2,” said Rachelle with a smile.

 

“What?!” exclaimed Zoe and remembered some were sleeping close by. “How?”

“I recommended her before we left. Told Novus if they didn’t send anyone else as SIT to send her anyway,” said Rachelle. “She passed the initial vetting before we departed and was loaded for Expedition 2.”

“No way,” said Zoe.

“Her and her son,” said Rachelle. “Pinky promise.”

“Wait, her what?!” exclaimed Zoe.

“Her… you didn’t know she was pregnant when she got to Mars?” asked Rachelle.

“No!” exclaimed Zoe. “She never said anything!”

“I’m sorry, I thought you knew,” said Rachelle.

“Why didn’t she tell me?” asked Zoe.

“She was in a real bad spot when she got to Mars. I know your brother’s death really screwed her up big time. She was about five months along when she got there and gave birth not long afterwards,” said Rachelle.

“But still!” said Zoe.

“When people lose someone they care about, they don’t always think straight,” said Rachelle. “How much did you talk to her in the aftermath?”

“I don’t know, maybe once a month or so,” said Zoe. “Still…”

“Still, she likely was trying to start over and had no idea how to break the news to you that you’re an aunt,” said Ashley. “We’ve all been in positions we didn’t know how to deal with.”

“I’m an aunt…” said Zoe.

“I think as soon as she gets here, everything will work out,” said Rachelle.

“I’ll likely have some pointed words to say over not being notified my brother has a child,” said Zoe. “And the fact I’m an aunt.”

“I’d wait for an explanation before ripping her head off,” chuckled Rachelle.

“And then I’ll be the coolest aunt ever,” said Zoe with a smile. “Do you know what his name is?”

“No, sorry,” said Rachelle. “She didn’t speak about that too much, I’m afraid.”

“To family,” said Samantha as she toasted the three and finished off her drink. Zoe did the same and Rachelle finished hers off as well seeing the evening was about to come to an end.

“Speaking of family, I would like to ask a personal question,” said Rachelle.

“Why did my father come see you to change his plans almost as soon as he did the first time?” asked Samantha who knew who Rachelle was about to ask.

“Yeah, about that,” said Rachelle.

“Basically, Mom got into him about me living my life as I’d like to instead of him being the protective daddy bear watching over my shoulder and disapproving if a boy even looked at me,” said Samantha. “He’s still thinking he has to make up for lost time and didn’t realize I’m a grown woman that can make decent decisions with my choices in male companionship.”

“Except tonight,” said Zoe with a chuckle.

“Yeah, David wasn’t really my type though,” said Samantha. “Figured that out about ten minutes in.”

“Why stick around?” asked Ashley.

“Being polite I guess,” said Samantha. “Plus, who else was going to help toss him into his bunk in his inebriated state?”

“There is that,” said Ashley.

“Hey, tomorrow, you two want to come with Ashley and I?” asked Rachelle.

“What are you dragging me into?” asked Ashley.

“Doing what?” asked Zoe.

“Girl’s only beach,” said Rachelle. “No tan lines.”

“For real?” asked Zoe.

“I never agreed to that,” said Ashley.

“But you will,” said Rachelle with a laugh. “Live a little.”

“Just girls?” asked Zoe.

“Just girls,” said Rachelle.

“I’m in,” said Zoe as she looked at Sam.

“Why not?” asked Samantha. “If I’m invited, of course.”

“I specifically said you girls,” said Rachelle. “What about you, Ashley?”

“I’m not that bold,” said Ashley with a laugh.

“Chicken,” laughed Rachelle.

“Maybe,” said Ashley. “Depends on the male situation over the next day or so.”

“So, counting you as a yes,” said Rachelle with a grin.

“Count me as a maybe,” laughed Ashley.

“No boys around peeking from behind the trees?” asked Samantha.

“Nope, the beach isn’t easy to find, but plenty of space,” said Rachelle.

“I’m down,” said Samantha. “Really good thing my father isn’t around.”

“Yeah, sunbathing nude is probably not the proper behavior he expects from his little girl,” laughed Zoe. “However, it’s just girls around, so that’s different.”

“Yeah, he still wouldn’t see it that way,” laughed Samantha. “But honestly, I did it all the time at my first assignment.”

“Tanned nude?” asked Ashley.

“In the sunbed, yeah,” said Samantha.

“Not the same thing, babe,” said Rachelle.

“Who else is going?” asked Zoe.

“Well, Larissa Moody tries to sneak off and do it, but I know where she’s going, so I’ll invite her. I thought about Emilia as well,” said Rachelle.

“You think she’d be that brave?” asked Zoe.

“I’m that brave,” laughed Rachelle.

“Maybe that Izzy gal?” asked Ashley.

“Maybe,” said Rachelle. “I mean, I don’t want it totally out of control.”

“Oh, what could possibly go wrong?” laughed Zoe as the others laughed with her.

“Speaking of Larissa,” said Samantha. “Are she and Ryan back together again?”

“Apparently so,” said Rachelle. “That’s an old-new development in their official soap opera.”

“I see,” said Samantha.

“Girl, you’re better off without him,” said Rachelle.

“I’m not sure what you mean,” said Samantha.

“Everyone knows you’ve got a thing for him,” chuckled Zoe.

“Really?” asked Samantha.

“It’s not a secret,” grinned Ashley. “Even I knew that.”

“Oh,” said Samantha dejectedly.

“I will say, he is completely on top on the hotness chart,” said Ashley. “You’ve got good taste.”

“I wish you could get him tied down,” said Zoe. “Maybe he’d stop flirting with me each and every time he and Larissa break up or she puts him on timeout.”

“And you never…?” asked Samantha.

“Nope,” said Zoe. “Again, my brother was a player like he was until he met his wife. Ryan will need a woman who will put her foot down and make him stop that nonsense.”

“Maybe I should give that a try,” said Samantha with a laugh.

“Move on, girl,” said Rachelle. “You’re better off for it.”

“Danged if it wasn’t good though,” said Samantha with a sigh.

“Well, as much as I would to go down a list of available bachelors for Lieutenant Whitaker, I think I’m going to call it a night,” said Zoe.

“You mean the second time you’ve called it a night?” grinned Rachelle.

“There is that,” laughed Zoe. “What time tomorrow?”

“Not sure,” said Rachelle. “I’ll let you know at breakfast.”

“Okay, see you then,” said Zoe as she departed.

“I think I’ll join her,” said Samantha as she finished off her drink. “You ladies stay out of trouble tonight, okay?”

“If you see the beach on fire, stay away,” grinned Rachelle.

“Right,” said Samantha with a laugh. “Night.”

“Take care,” said Ashley. Rachelle pulled the tray of glasses out and replaced them with dirty ones while Ashley came behind the bar and put up the clean ones.

“So, no man down here for you?” asked Ashley.

“Not really,” said Rachelle. “Honestly, there isn’t a guy here I’m really attracted to except Randy Whitaker and he’s wrapped up in Stacey Ferguson at the moment.”

“That’s Sam’s brother, right?” asked Ashley.

“Yeah, he’s a cutie,” said Rachelle. “Otherwise, I guess I’ll just have to wait until we get back.”

“What about Joe Buck from Engineering?” asked Ashley.

“He’s a good looking guy,” said Rachelle. “But I don’t know, there’s just something about him.”

“Kind of sets off the radar, doesn’t he?” asked Ashley.

“Yeah and I don’t know why,” said Rachelle. “One more load and I can go to bed.”

“I can get it,” said Ashley. “I’m waiting on Ben anyway.”

“You sure?” asked Rachelle.

“I may not get them sorted, but they’ll at least be washed by the morning,” said Ashley.

“Okay, thanks, girlfriend,” said Rachelle as she closed everything up and made sure the food was locked away. She said her goodnight and headed out while Ashley waited patiently for Ben. It took another half hour before he appeared out of the shuttle.

“I’m really sorry,” he apologized.

“Everything okay?” she asked.

“There was a Raptor sighting and they are potentially moving against the colony,” said Ben as he knew tomorrow morning everyone in the colony would be aware.

“And?” asked Ashley.

“And they are going to plan a strike to keep them as far away as possible,” said Ben as he saw her loading up the final set of glasses. “Need some help?”

“Could you put those away?” she asked as she nodded at the tray of clean glasses. Ben put them in the necessary spots as she finished filling the last tray and putting them in to wash.

“Now, I’m all yours,” she said with a smile. “After you shower again, of course.”

“Well, it’s nice having a shower all to myself,” said Ben.

“Who says you’re going to have it to yourself again?” she giggled.

“I might charge admission this time,” he grinned as he took her hand as they slowly walked to his quarters.

“What’s the price?” she asked.

“One of those world famous neck massages I heard about,” he grinned.

“Rachelle’s been talking, hasn’t she?” laughed Ashley.

“I’d never betray my source,” he laughed as they arrived.

“I think something could be arranged,” she said with a grin.

“Good, I’d hate to toss you out in the middle of your shower,” he chuckled. She had a fake look of outrage on her face as she turned around and smacked at his arm as responded by smacking her on the backside lightly. She yelped and headed in the door with a giggle as he followed and closed the door behind them.

Little did they know they weren’t the last ones awake that night. A set of eyes watched intently from a distance as the pair disappeared into Ben’s quarters.

 

CHAPTER 7


“So, I have a question,” said Ashley as she put on the clothing from the night before and got ready to go to her quarters to shower and change for the day.

“Yes?” he asked.

“I’ve been invited for a, well, a day trip with some of the girls,” she said.

“Rachelle’s little nude tanning beach?” he asked.

“How did you know?!” she exclaimed.

“It’s not a secret,” he chuckled.

“I mean, I would like to go,” she said. “I’m not a fan of tan lines.”

“I actually find them to be a bit sexy,” he stated.

“Really?” she asked.

“Couldn’t tell you why,” he said with shrugged shoulders. “But anyway, if you want to go, by all means, go.”

“What were you planning on doing?” she asked.

“Heading out on a walk to clear my head,” he said. “I kind of had that planned since coming down here.”

“By yourself?” she asked.

“It’s what I do when I try to organize my thoughts,” said Ben.

“You have a lot of things on your mind?” she asked.

“Being the big boss means I have everyone’s problems on my mind,” he said.

“Maybe I could go with you and you could talk through them?” she suggested.

“No, I wouldn’t deny you the girl’s day out,” he said.

“You sure?” she asked.

“I’m not trying to put you off, but this is my way of getting everything cleared in the way I know is best,” he said. “I’d love to spend time with you, but I really need to do this.”

“Okay, I understand,” she said as she took his hand. “Maybe tomorrow we can go for a walk ourselves and find a perfectly deserted beach to just sit and talk?”

“I think that would be perfect,” he smiled. “Thanks for being understanding.”

“We all have ways of dealing with the stress,” she said. “You know what’s best for you.”

“It’s always worked,” said Ben. “See you in a few for breakfast?”

“I think you owe me breakfast in bed one of these mornings,” she grinned.

“Oh, do I?” he asked with a grin.

“For that neck massage,” she grinned.

“That’s worth like two or three breakfasts in bed,” he chuckled. “It really hit the spot.”

“You hit a few spots of your own afterwards too,” she grinned at him.

“Hoping for a repeat?” he asked as he kissed at her hand still holding his.

“Expecting it actually,” she giggled. “See you as soon as I get changed, okay?”

“Bye,” he said as he received a kiss on her way out. Heading out to breakfast, he grabbed a cup of java and sat waiting for her as Rachelle came out of her quarters with the worst case of bed head he had ever seen her have.

“Morning,” she grumbled to him and went straight for the java.

“You look barely alive,” he chuckled.

“Sleep schedule is off since having to fix the damn computers,” she grumbled.

“Did you forget something?” he asked.

“Like what?” she asked with a tone.

“Maybe a hairbrush for that massive case of bed head you’ve got going?” he chuckled.

“Dammit!” she exclaimed. “I had that stupid scrunchy in my hand even.”

She stomped back to her quarters and appeared a moment later pulling up her hair and pulling it through a scrunchy. Returning to the table, she plopped down and sipped at the java.

“You really aren’t a morning person, are you?” he chuckled.

“Not at all,” she said with a glare.

“Don’t blame me,” he chuckled.

“Got a question for you between us, okay?” she asked as she changed gears as she often did.

“Sure,” he said.

“What do you know about Joe Buck with the engineers?” she asked.

“I’ve spoken with him a few times, but I don’t really know him that well,” said Ben. “Why?”

“He disappeared last night,” said Rachelle.

“Okay, headed to bed early?” asked Ben.

“Around the same time Emilia did as well,” she said as she pondered the thought.

“You think they left together?” he asked.

“I honestly don’t know,” said Rachelle.

“But you didn’t see them leave together?” he asked.

“No, just found it interesting they both disappeared around the same time,” she stated. “Call it a hunch since he was talking with her earlier.”

“I saw her talking with more than a few people last night,” said Ben. “Of course, I wasn’t keeping tabs on her.”

“Well, I wasn’t specifically either,” said Rachelle. “It’s just that I love Jay to death and I’d hate to see him get hurt because she went off on a vacation fling.”

“But you aren’t positive?” he asked. “Could be coincidence?”

“Maybe,” she said. “But he is a charmer from what I understand. Not quite to the Ryan Kingston level, but more devious about it.”

“Ryan isn’t devious?” he asked.

“Oh no,” she chuckled. “Ryan’s pretty straightforward with his charms and honestly wouldn’t take advantage of a women in a bad situation.”

“She’s in a bad situation?” he asked.

“Not necessarily, but Joe is the kind of guy I could see going after the one thing that irks her the most about Javier and using that angle. Ryan isn’t the kind of guy that would do that,” she said.

“Other than the little tiff they got into, I thought she and Javier were on solid ground,” said Ben.

“So, I thought that as well,” said Rachelle. “But I’d also feel pretty guilty about convincing him she needed this trip alone and she goes and cheats on him.”

“Again, maybe just a coincidence,” said Ben.

“I’ve just got this nagging feeling,” said Rachelle. “Probably nothing, but I learned to trust my gut when it comes to things like that.”

“I never ignored my gut when I was on active duty,” he remarked. “Only ignored it once here.”

“So, I should check it out?” she asked.

“It doesn’t matter what I think,” said Ben. “You do you.”

“I’ll keep my eyes open,” she remarked. “I was going to ask her to the girl’s beach today. Maybe that would give me an indication.”

“Doesn’t hurt to ask,” he stated.

“You don’t want to come along, right?” she asked with a grin.

“No, I think that’s for you girls and you only,” said Ben. “But as a reminder-”

“Be careful, I know,” said Rachelle. “I’ll sic Zoe and Sam on them.”

“Samantha Whitaker is going?” he asked.

“Oh, you probably didn’t need to know that,” she said as she inhaled sharply through her teeth.

“Her father would have a fit if he finds out,” said Ben.

“So, let’s just pretend like you didn’t hear that, okay?” she asked sheepishly.

“I watched that girl grow up,” he sighed. “But she is a grown woman and can make her own choices in life.”

“That’s a pretty big choice that daddy doesn’t need to hear about,” said Rachelle. “Or momma for that matter.”

“Gale’s pretty level headed,” said Ben. “Though I don’t know if she would approve.”

“I love that woman to death,” said Rachelle. “She’s been great.”

“I told you she’d be an asset to any team she was on,” said Ben. “If you didn’t snatch her up, I planned on making her my secretary or something.”

“You can’t have her,” chuckled Rachelle as she finished her cup of java. “Want a refill?”

“Yeah, sure,” he said as he got ready to stand.

“I’ve got it,” she said as she collected his cup and headed off. Eventually, she came back and they were joined by others as Ashley took a seat next to him. The breakfast was served as they all talked about their various plans for the day as Rachelle tracked down Emilia and Ben saw them having a conversation. He saw Emilia shake her head and say “no, thank you though” with a smile as Rachelle shrugged her shoulders. He also noticed the other party in their conversation from earlier was watching the two of them. He also liked Javier and didn’t want to see him hurt either over something like that as he would keep an eye on the situation as well.

Eventually, the groups broke up and headed their separate ways as Ben packed several bottles of water and a ration into his small pack. Putting on his civilian boots he headed out for his walk, following the northern shoreline for the most part as he saw it changed from the beaches like they had near the cove to several rocky areas that weren’t easy to get by. But the entire time, he continued to think over the items in his head and organize them as he had done countless times before. He continued at a relatively slow pace coming up on yet another beach on the northern side of the island that formed somewhat of a cove like the areas they landed in. The rocks surrounding the area weren’t easy to get over, but eventually he had a commanding view of the area and decided to stop for lunch.

As he ate through the ration he brought with him, he finally realized there was nothing left to ponder or debate in his head. He had managed to get everything cleared as he looked out over the ocean and the waters near the beach just out of sight to his east. Packing away his uneaten items, he saw a Rachelle Rat looking at him curiously as he let out a sigh and tossed the remainder of the cookie he was eating at the creature. It grabbed the treat and disappeared into the underbrush as he finished packing up.

His ears heard a distinctive sound somewhere nearby and he immediately cued in on the sounds of humans he thought he heard. It sounded like laughter, but his mind could have been playing tricks on him as he scanned the area with his ears and eyes and eventually, he caught sight of two people out in the ocean from the beach nearby. They were splashing in the water as he focused in on them and tried to see who they were. Apparently, they had forgotten their bathing suits as he could clearly see they were without apparel as they ran deeper into the water and eventually ended up in each other’s arms and sharing a long kiss. He shook his head slightly as he recognized both of them and let out a sigh before creeping away from the edge of the rocks and giving them the privacy they were seeking out.

********************
​

“Hey Joe, have a nice day?” asked Ben as the Engineer Joe Buck came wandering back into Rachelleville from the edge of the jungle.

“Man, did I ever, sir,” said Joe with a smile. “I found that perfect little secluded beach and just relaxed as much as I could this morning.”

“Well, this place is all about relaxing,” said Ben. “Just you?”

“Yeah, sometimes you need that quality private time, you know?” he asked.

“Go for a dip in the ocean and everything?” asked Ben.

“I did and found where one of the streams comes down over the rocks near the shore in like a little waterfall to rinse off,” said Joe. “It was a bit chilly, but it worked and the sun warmed me up in no time at all.”

“Well, I’m glad you have a restful day,” said Ben.

“It’s definitely something I needed to do,” he said with a grin. “It’s something I wanted to do for a while now.”

“Oh, I can understand that completely,” said Ben. “Well, I won’t hold you up.”

“I probably could use a nap,” said Joe. “Catch up with you later, right?”

“Oh, absolutely,” said Ben. “See ya.”

Ben waited by the homemade picnic table and after about five minutes, Emilia Tómasdóttir came out of the same general area and looked a bit surprised at him being there, but smiled at seeing him. “Hello, Commander.”

“Emilia, how was your day?” he asked politely.

“It was just fine,” she smiled. “Relaxing.”

“Head to the beach?” he asked.

“Oh, yes,” she smiled. “Perfect day and temperature for the beach.”

“Is there a place I should check out tomorrow?” asked Ben.

“There are several smaller beaches with perfect views all to yourself,” she smiled.

“I’d tend to think there isn’t a place to rinse off after a swim though,” said Ben.

“Some have natural showers so to speak,” she said. “This one in particular-”

“Has a waterfall coming down over rocks that’s a bit chilly?” he asked.

“You saw us,” she said quietly after about a five second pause and her realizing he knew.

“Yep,” said Ben softly.

“It wasn’t what it looked like,” she said softly.

“Oh, I think it looked exactly like I saw it,” said Ben. “Most folks don’t go swimming without apparel and kiss each other like that.

“I…” she started to say. “Javier and I broke up yesterday morning.”

“I didn’t know that,” said Ben.

“I like Javier, but he forced me into this,” she said evenly.

“Oh?” asked Ben.

“I didn’t want to end it while I was away, but things happened that made me reevaluate my relationship with him,” she said with a sigh.

“He was worried about you coming down here by yourself,” said Ben.

“I know,” she said with a nod. “Which is part of the reason I broke it off with him.”

“If you aren’t comfortable talking about it, there’s always others” he said.

“No, if you found out, how long will it be before others find out?” she sighed. “Truth is, Javier is a good man and I believe I might have eventually fallen in love and got married. But he does have some things that needed to be worked on before he marries any woman.”

“When you told him I could be allowed on this trip, he was hesitant to tell me since he wasn’t on this trip either. I was very happy to be able to come here and relax for a bit and, honestly, give us some time apart. We have spent a lot of time together over the past few months and even took two research trips together. The only time I have had away from him was the work trip a couple of weeks ago.”

“He wasn’t happy about it in the least about me coming down here this time. But I believe a few of the other women talked to him about it and he softened up over the situation. But the morning we left, he instructed me to call twice a day and what I felt was me having to check in with him over a distinct lack of trust. I came here for my own personal pleasure and to relax and to just not have to worry about calling into anyone. Kurt allowed us all the time off we desperately needed and even he hasn’t mentioned us checking in.”

“But not Javier,” she sighed. “He is so controlling and smothering, I could not even take a vacation. He claims it’s because ‘he was worried’ for me down here, but really? What is there to be worried about? There are no vicious animals or things of that nature. It is a paradise. But he is very possessive of me and couldn’t let go for even five days. The last trip I made he called each and every day, twice a day to make sure I was okay. To have me call while I am supposed to be relaxing was too much for me.”

“On one hand, he is a good, kind and caring man who treats me very well. On the other hand, he is controlling and possessive. I once was having a conversation with Ryan Kingston from SIT. You know, the hot pilot?” she asked.

“Yes, I’m aware of Ryan,” chuckled Ben.

“Well, we were discussing the cargo capacity for the shuttles in case we were to move the clubtails to the colony. Strictly business and nothing more,” said Emilia. “Javier went off because he felt threatened by Ryan when we were just talking. And Ryan didn’t seem interested in me anyway. Not like that. Ryan and I discussed business and nothing more, but Javier got upset over it. He said I shouldn’t trust Ryan with his reputation.”

“A reputation he’s probably earned,” said Ben.

“Not with me though,” said Emilia.

“Did you tell Javier this?” asked Ben.

“Yes, but he was still upset,” said Emilia. “Again, he is controlling and possessive. To be upset with me because I just spoke to another man, even a handsome one, is silly. Now, I will admit, it was at his house since he was on a day off and Kurt needed those numbers that day, but still. What kind of a woman would go into someone’s house in broad daylight to cheat on their boyfriend knowing they could be seen?”

Ben sat silently thinking about what she just said as it far closer to home than she probably knew.

“So, yesterday morning I decided I just was not going to call,” said Emilia. “Of course, Javier called me before long ‘just to talk.’ I knew better and told him I was taking the rest of the trip for myself and he had to deal with it or else. He asked the stupid question of what ‘or else’ meant and I told him it was either that or we break up. He called me on it, so I broke up with him right then.”

“Honestly, I should have felt bad about it, but something he does not realize is Icelandic women are very strong and independent. We are very proud to be this way too and Icelandic men know and accept this when they marry us. Javier is from a different culture and perhaps his women are not so independent. This could present even more problems for us down the road if we were together,” she said with a sigh. “Sometimes, people must learn the hard way things are not always as they seem and a little freedom and trust is given back tenfold.”

“I can understand that completely,” said Ben softly as she hit the nail on the head.

“Truth be told, I considered breaking up before I left,” she said. “But I thought, maybe he could allow me this trip. Maybe he can grow a bit while I’m gone. But it wasn’t to be.”

“Well, you and Joe are adults and what you do is your own business,” said Ben softly as he wasn’t going to pick sides and he knew there was likely more to the story.

“I’m glad you are not judgmental,” said Emilia. “I know how that must have looked today. And truth is, we did not know you were there.”

“I didn’t come that close to the beach,” said Ben.

“You weren’t following us were you?” she asked as it hit her Ben was a friend of Javier’s.

“No, just taking a walk to clear my head,” said Ben. “I thought that heading along the northern shore might be better since nobody would be around. Or so I thought.”

“We thought the same thing,” said Emilia. “Apparently, we did not go far enough.”

“Probably not,” said Ben. “Privacy sometimes can be hard to find.”

“I will be honest, we did nothing more than kiss,” she stated. “I’m open about things like swimming nude, but perhaps sex is a bit too bold out in the open like that?”

“That would be pretty bold,” he chuckled. “Even if you did think nobody was around.”

“Joe has become a friend and confidant since being on the planet and has been helpful in allowing me to open up when I can’t be open with Javier,” said Emilia. “I know how that looks as well, but we are friends first. Except last night which was our first time.”

“None of my business, really,” he said as he knew exactly what generally was on a man’s mind when he was trying to “console” an attractive woman like Emilia. He had seen it countless times before and he suspected this was the case this time as well. Of course, you’re also putting yourself into that position, but I know better than to fall into the trap, thought Ben.

“Maybe I should have opened up to you instead?” she asked as if she was reading his mind. “I feel you could have been a good person to give advice like now instead of a boy who only wants to sleep with me.”

“It may have been a little uncomfortable,” said Ben. “Javier is a friend and I think you have become a friend as well. I don’t like seeing either of you get hurt and I certainly wouldn’t want to get in the middle of problems like that.”

“Perhaps you should speak with him about not being so controlling?” she asked. “It might come better from a friend and mentor than just me alone.”

“No, that’s a conversation you both will need to have,” said Ben. “I shouldn’t be involved in something like that.”

“But I can come to you with any additional advice if I need it?” she asked.

“Yes, you can come to me for that,” he said with a sigh and a smile. “But I do think you and Javier need to sit down eventually and work this out.”

“Maybe,” she said. “It depends greatly on him and his ability to change.”

“Well, I’ll be here for both of you if you need it,” said Ben. “I won’t hold you up any longer.”

“Thank you for hearing my side of it,” said Emilia as she moved closer and gave him a warm hug and put her head on his chest as she squeezed his shoulders and he took her around the waist. It lasted for about five seconds before she released him and looked at his face.

“Thank you for everything you’ve done,” said Emilia with a warm smile as she dropped her arms and took his hands in hers. “I mean, the whole Expedition likely owes their lives to you.”

“We pulled together to beat the threats,” said Ben with a smile as he gently squeezed her hands as a gesture of appreciation. “That’s the only way we were able to overcome the obstacles. And this obstacle will eventually fade as well.”

“Hopefully so,” she smiled at him. “Again, Javier is a good man, but he needs to give whatever woman he has in his life some freedom to do what she pleases.”

“Well, you’re a free woman now,” he said.

“Yes, I certainly am,” she smiled at him. “Now, I will omit the traditional Icelandic kiss on the cheek that is often given in gratitude.”

“Is that a tradition in Iceland?” he asked.

“It is my tradition in Iceland,” she grinned.

“I think we can skip that part for the moment,” he chuckled.

“Perhaps it is time for you to expand your knowledge and experience new cultures?” she asked with a grin as he realized she was still holding his hands and was being flirty with him right then. “Icelandic culture can be very stimulating if experienced correctly.”

“I will keep that in mind,” he said politely as he slowly pulled back his hands.

“Something to think about,” she smiled as she didn’t seem to take him removing his hands as a slight. “Our secret about today though please? I would rather wait for the opportune time to break the news. Or maybe not at all since I do not believe we could ever have a relationship.”

“Again, what you do on your time is your business,” said Ben. “I don’t know of anyone else that saw you and it’s by luck I saw what I saw.”

“Next time I will hide better or get a person who knows how to hide show me,” she grinned.

“Probably a good idea,” he laughed. “Yes, I will keep what I saw to myself for the moment.”

“Just a moment?” she asked with a half a grin.

“Privacy between two adults sharing feelings is something for them, not everyone,” he stated.

“You are absolutely correct just like our conversations here are private,” she said with a smile. “But still, I do ask this small favor of your silence.”

“Of course,” he said as she reached up on her tiptoes and gave him a peck on the cheek anyway.

“Just a little Iceland to remember,” she smiled. “I should be going. I think a nap would do me well at the moment after this morning’s walk.”

“Enjoy the rest of your trip,” he said as she took his hand one last time and squeezed it before walking five steps to her door. “This was you?”

“Yes, these are my quarters for the trip and I am up in the front bed,” she smiled. “Again, I plan on resting a bit but if you want to continue talking, my door is open.”

“Did you want to continue talking?” he asked. “You have other things bothering you?”

“Plenty of things,” she stated with a slight shrug of her shoulders. “I like talking with you as well since you give good advice and are a good listener.”

“Sometimes listening is the best thing one can do,” said Ben.

“Perhaps you have things you need to talk about as well after I am done?” she asked.

“Volumes could be written,” he chuckled.

“Perhaps I may be of assistance then?” she asked. “I can be a good listener as well. Allow me to help you as you’ve helped me.”

“I mean, I’m here to listen if you need someone to talk to,” he said.

“But you feel I am not worthy or smart enough to listen to your problems?” she asked.

“Now, I didn’t say that,” he stated.

“Maybe we could talk for a few minutes then? I would not mind you getting some things off my breast,” she stated.

“I think that’s chest,” he chuckled.

“That is my chest,” she said as she looked down.

“No, the saying is ‘get some things off my chest’ not off your breast,” he chuckled.

“Oh, sorry,” she smiled. “Every once in a while, an English saying escapes me.”

“It was a little funny,” he said with a chuckle.

“Maybe I should say it again?” she asked. “It is nice when you laugh.”

“Let’s wait on that,” he said with a grin.

“Well, maybe you could get some things off your chest as well?” she asked. “You tell me what you want and I listen and offer advice if I can. A good exchange between us, no? But I will leave that choice to you.”

“Out here?” he asked.

“You don’t trust me inside?” she asked.

“No, I trust you, it’s just…” he started to say.

“Just?” she asked.

“You seemed like you were making a pass at me a moment ago,” he said. “And the perception of me walking into your quarters.”

“I was making a pass?” she asked.

“I… might have taken it the wrong way,” he said and blushed slightly.

“I had no intent to make you uncomfortable,” she stated. “I did not realize my actions got you flustered so much.”

“Not at all,” he said. “I’m hardly flustered.”

“Then if you don’t mind, I wouldn’t mind getting out of the heat for a few minutes while we continue to talk,” she stated. “It was a long walk back.”

“It was,” he said.

“So, inside or not at all as I am letting the air conditioning out with the door open,” she stated.

“Emilia, I honestly would if the situation was different,” he said apologetically. “I just don’t feel comfortable walking in there with you since your roommate isn’t home.”

“She likely won’t be back for a while either,” said Emilia.

“It’s the principle,” said Ben.

“Or I could come to your quarters since mine would make you uncomfortable,” she suggested.

“Mine are even more in the open than yours,” he stated.

“Back door?” she asked. “I like speaking with you.”

“I just…” he stated.

“Ben, it’s only talk,” said Emilia. “Trust me, if I wanted to seduce you, I would not be so… hidden with my desires. I would tell you exactly what I wanted and let you make the choice.”

“Well, that’s good to know,” he chuckled.

“And while I think such an afternoon or evening with such a handsome man as yourself would be enjoyable, I think you have a girlfriend,” she said. “Or the makings of a relationship you started here.”

“I did,” he confirmed.

“So, I will not ask you to come inside again,” she stated. “My door will be open if you want to talk. If I am asleep, I would wake up to let you get the things off your chest you want.”

“I might consider it later, okay?” he asked as a dodge.

“I will behave if you come back,” she stated and added a grin. “Well, hopefully.”

“I do wish you would,” he said with a laugh.

“Thank you for helping me today,” she said as she stepped back away from the door and started removing her clothing. “It was nice to have a gentleman listen.”

“You’re welcome,” he stated as she unstrapped and kicked off her sandals. “I’m going to close the door now, okay?”

“Thank you,” she smiled as she dropped her shirt to the floor. “Talk to you later, okay?”

“Yes, have a nice nap,” he said as he slowly started closed the door.

“I will,” she grinned as she kicked off her shorts. “Again, my door is unlocked.”

“Right,” he said as he closed the door just as she was starting to remove her underwear. He sighed deeply before heading back towards his quarters and wondering why everything seemed to be happening so quickly with his personal life.

One thing Ben missed outside were the eyes that again watched curiously from a distance. The person the eyes belonged to found the entire visual exchange between the two extremely interesting and very helpful.

********************
​

“Hey you,” said Ashley with a smile as she came up from her beach trip. “How was your walk?”

“It was great actually,” he said. “I got a lot of things worked out.”

“That’s good,” she smiled. “Tomorrow you’re all mine then?”

“I think that certainly can be arranged,” he smiled. “In fact, I found a nice little beach away from here that I wouldn’t mind taking you to.”

“Did you now?” she asked with a grin as they arrived at his quarters.

“Well, hoping maybe?” he said.

“Maybe,” she said. “Depends on whether that beach is like the beach we were on today.”

“It just may be,” he said.

“Then I’d have some company sharing in the no tan lines?” she asked with a naughty grin.

“I think I’d have to see whether or not that’s worth the fuss,” he said as he closed the distance between them and tugged at the string for her bikini top.

“My, whatever you worked out in your head today turned you into a dirty pervert,” she giggled as she allowed him to remove her top. “Well?”

“Just as nice as before,” he remarked as he looked. “I think you may be onto something.”

“Obviously, there’s more,” she stated as she tugged at him towards the shower. “But for the moment, I need to get this tanning lotion off me.”

“And you could use some help?” he asked.

“Well, I really don’t, but if you are willing to, I’ll oblige,” she grinned as she dropped her shorts and bikini bottom on the bathroom floor and turned on the shower.

“I think I’m willing,” said Ben as he quickly doffed his clothing and followed her in.

“I think that’s the quickest I’ve ever seen a man shed his clothing,” she laughed as she put her arms around his neck.

“I can do it even quicker on you,” he grinned.

“Can you now?” she asked.

“Well, how long did it take when you came in?” he asked with a naughty grin.

“You make an excellent point,” she grinned in return as he started washing her off and they enjoyed each other’s company on a far more intimate level. Eventually, they made it to the bed where afterwards she fell asleep in his arms with a content smile on her face. Ben gave her a quick kiss on the forehead in her sleep which she involuntarily smiled and snuggled in closer to him. He went to sleep himself wondering why he had denied himself the pleasure of a good woman for so long.

 

CHAPTER 8


“You know that thing you asked me about?” said Ben as he had Rachelle away from the others prior to dinner that evening. Ashley was helping with the serving that evening as the duty tended to fall to SIT and the leadership during the trips.

“Which thing in particular?” she asked.

“The Joe thing,” he stated.

“Yes, I recall that conversation,” said Rachelle. “Why?”

“Because it was confirmed today,” said Ben.

“How?” she asked.

“Remember I said I was going on a walk to clear my head? Well, I went around the northern coast just checking things out. I came across a smaller beach about four or five clicks or so from here and was on the rocks overlooking it. Making a long story short, I saw the two of them on the beach and in the water together.”

“Well, that’s not particularly bad,” said Rachelle. “Guys and girls can hang out and be friends.”

“Except they weren’t clothed and you don’t kiss a friend like that,” said Ben.

“Oh, really,” said Rachelle disgustedly.

“I confronted her about it when they got back,” said Ben. “She said she broke up with Javier yesterday morning.”

“Well, I’m not sure he knows that,” said Rachelle.

“What do you mean?” asked Ben.

“He called me this afternoon asking how she was since she hadn’t called him,” said Rachelle. “He was worried something might have happened to her. I can obviously figure out what happened to her.”

“He doesn’t know she broke up with him?” he asked.

“I didn’t get that impression,” said Rachelle with a sigh. “I think he might have mentioned it.”

“Oh, that’s not good,” said Ben with a sigh.

“No, it is not,” said Rachelle with a sigh. “What did she say?”

“In a nutshell, that he is controlling and possessive of her,” said Ben. “She claimed he wanted her to call twice daily while she was here and she just wanted the free time to relax and not worry about her man back home.”

“Well, I can understand the relaxing part,” said Rachelle. “And if the call thing is true, yeah, that could cause some problems as well with practically any woman.”

“I was thinking the same thing,” he stated.

“But there are two sides to every story,” said Rachelle.

“Yep,” said Ben. “So, before I rush to judgment, I’d prefer to get Javier’s take on it.”

“Good call,” said Rachelle. “I mean, I have seen him be fairly possessive of her, so it’s not completely out of left field.”

“I honestly haven’t looked or seen the signs,” he stated.

“I’ve seen a few times that drew my interest,” said Rachelle. “But I didn’t see her complain.”

“She isn’t happy about it as she stated,” said Ben. “We had a decent talk about it and, again, there are two sides. She’s taking to the single life quickly. And…”

“And what?” asked Rachelle.

“And she was a bit… forward today,” said Ben.

“Well, she’s European,” said Rachelle.

“This went a bit beyond European,” said Ben. “I think she was making a pass at me and trying to get me into her quarters while her roommate was away.”

“Maybe she liked the way you danced last night?” asked Rachelle.

“Really?” he asked with a tone.

“I mean, you made a lot of girls swoon with the way your hips moved,” she said with shrugged shoulders. “Trust me, they liked that part.”

“Rachelle,” he said in a tone.

“Just sayin,” she grinned at him. “I wouldn’t think too much into it. Women with sudden freedom from a controlling boyfriend can get a little… wild from time to time. Or they crawl into their shells. It’s been my experience there is no middle ground there.”

“That’s comforting,” said Ben. “I’d tend to class her in the former if I was to guess.”

“Did you take her up on it?” asked Rachelle.

“What? No!” he protested.

“Why not?” asked Rachelle.

“Well, because I’m seeing Ashley right now and my head is still a mess,” he admitted.

“Maybe that’s why she did it?” said Rachelle. “Either you were a safe bet to flirt up a bit or she knew you’d get scared.”

“I wouldn’t say I was scared,” he chuckled.

“And you respect Javier too much,” said Rachelle. “As well as Ashley.”

“Yeah,” said Ben.

“Ben eventually you’re going to figure out some of the women in this place think you are the kitty cat’s meow,” said Rachelle. “Obviously, Ashley has a strong opinion, it appears Emilia thinks highly enough of you to try to seduce you, Zoe thinks you’ve got a ‘mature hotness’ thing going, Taylor Green and Chase Nichols agreed with the hotness ranking today even comparing you with Ryan, Samantha said her Uncle Sam is very handsome and even Courtney Rowe said you were worth a second and third look without your shirt on.”

“Courtney Rowe?” asked Ben.

“Don’t even think about it,” warned Rachelle. “She’s young enough to be your daughter.”

“No, she’s not!” exclaimed Ben. “Is she?”

“She’s 23,” said Rachelle. “Yeah, young enough to be your daughter.”

“I wasn’t considering it,” he protested as he never realized how young she was.

“I’d say just forget about Emilia and her overt flirting and seduction for the moment,” said Rachelle. “If it happens later on, well, it happens.”

“I’d say that should be much, much later,” said Ben.

“Good call,” said Rachelle. “How exactly was she making a pass at you?”

“Couple of comments she made as well as asking me repeatedly to follow her into her quarters,” he said. “And started undressing in front of me.”

“Well, again, she’s European,” said Rachelle.

“Normally when a woman does that after inviting a guy inside her quarters, she has other motives that strictly being European,” said Ben.

“Okay, there’s that,” said Rachelle. “Anyway, she’ll get her freedom worked out. I just would be careful it’s not you while you’re here. I mean, Ashley would kill you if I didn’t first.”

“Probably,” he chuckled.

“Is there going to be a continuation of that escape when we get home?” asked Rachelle.

“I think so,” said Ben. “She’s been helpful in getting me to break loose here.”

“She’s been helpful in other regards too,” grinned Rachelle.

“I think what you told Tasha was right,” he grinned.

“Now if we can just get her and Chuck to meet up at that one moment in time where they aren’t using their brains,” she suggested.

“I just don’t see it,” said Ben. “I’ve known Tasha a long time and there is a lot of pent up frustration underneath everything.”

“You know a good way of working out frustration?” asked Rachelle with a naughty grin.

“I certainly do,” said Ashley with a grin as she approached.

“We were discussing Tasha Hayden and Chuck Dawson,” said Ben.

“God, those two need to just get it on and get it over with!” exclaimed Ashley. “Either for anger or pleasure or love or pleasurable loving anger, I’ve never seen sexual tension like that before.”

“They are good for each other,” said Ben. “Anyway, what’s cooking tonight?”

“Old style barbeque,” said Rachelle. “Ryan brought in a fresh load of seasoned ground clubtail with just a touch of bearlett sausage mixed in when he came down. That and some hotdogs, bratwurst and some kebabs made from the duck looking thing and we’re set.”

“Not totally set,” said Ben as he folded his arms.

“Potato salad, coleslaw, baked beans, Trappist potato wedges, Earth potato wedges and, yes, pasta salad made from the same recipe you love,” said Rachelle as she listed the sides they would be serving. “Happy?”

“I like you, but Rachelle is my fav,” said Ben as he took Rachelle around the waist and looked at Ashley with a grin.

“I’m pretty sure I should be offended,” said Ashley as she gave him an annoyed look. “Who do you think gave them that pasta salad recipe?”

“Rachelle, you’re off the top of the cool list,” he grinned as he crossed back over to Ashley and took her around the waist. “Ashley just took your spot.”

“Oh, that’s so not right!” protested Rachelle.

“Sorry, babe,” said Ashley as she gave him a grin and got a kiss in return.

“This has been educational,” said Rachelle with a laugh.

“What has?” asked Ben.

“You’re like a teenager,” said Rachelle with a grin. “The way you’ve acted since being here has me seeing a side of you I never knew you had.”

“That’s bad?” he asked.

“No, it’s certainly good,” said Rachelle. “Right?”

“I think so,” said Ashley with a smile. The smells of the charcoal started heading through the pavilion area as the vacationers started getting hungry and trying to tide themselves over with the popcorn and corn chips from the bar. It wasn’t long before the food was started as the group headed into the bar and filled up plates as they went through. Again, Ben was last as he got a sample of about everything before having a seat with Ashley with several of the others and catching up.

“This place can make a girl fat!” exclaimed Marci Dubose. “I love this pasta salad.”

“I can give you the recipe,” suggested Ashley.

“Oh, I can’t cook worth a darn,” said Marci. “It’s something I’d prefer to savor the sporadic times I can get it.”

“It is good,” said Ben. “Good choice, Marci.”

“Thank you… Ben,” she stated. “I can call you Ben, right?”

“While we’re here, yes,” said Ben.

“Love some of these Trappist potatoes though,” said Larissa. “But the carb count sucks in those things and I have to run my tail off to work them off!”

“What tail is that?” asked Joe Buck with a laugh.

“I have a bit of a booty,” said Larissa with a laugh. “Ryan says it’s nice even.”

“I’d hope he says the rest of you is nice,” laughed Joe.

“Sometimes,” said Larissa. “Anyway, my compliments to you, Ms. Boyd, the pasta salad is amazing as always.”

“Yeah, don’t check the carb count on that,” laughed Ashley.

“I’d bet I have to run like 50 kilometers tomorrow,” sighed Larissa.

“Oh, live a little,” said Marci. “You’re as skinny as they come!”

“I prefer the term slender,” said Larissa.

“I would prefer to have your body build instead of mine,” said Marci. “Everything I eat goes to my hips and ass.”

“You seem to have managed to keep the weight off though,” remarked Ben.

“Well, thank you,” Marci smiled at him. “I guess we all should thank you for putting in that gym. Though I don’t get there as much as I’d like to and my ass needs to get into shape.”

“Speaking of gyms,” said Drew as he joined the table and Larissa went to get seconds on the pasta salad and potatoes since she didn’t get them that often. “We do have a request for some workout equipment down here.”

“I’ll see what I can come up with,” said Rachelle as she made a mental note. “Though I’m thinking we’d need a facility for it.”

“Or like maybe a small open-air pavilion?” asked Drew. “I can speak with Grady about that when we get back.”

“I think that would be great,” said Rachelle as Larissa returned.

“Marci, you’re wrong,” said Joe. “She’s not skinny. She has a very nice build.”

“Thank you, Mister Buck,” said Larissa.

“It’s Joe,” he said with a charming smile.

“Thank you for the compliment, Joe,” she stated with a polite nod and recognized the smile as one she had seen often before.

“I won’t be so bold as to comment on the parts Ryan seems to favor,” he grinned.

“You checked me out?” she asked.

“Not like that,” said Joe. “Just that you do have a very toned build. It’s obvious you take care of yourself and take pride in staying fit.”

“Well, thank you,” she said with a smile as she had a sip of her drink. The groups continued eating as Ben noticed Joe Buck had taken an active interest in Larissa even getting her to smile and giggle from time to time. Eventually, the dinner broke up as the groups headed to the bar to continue indulging in their libations that evening.

Ben noticed Larissa had gravitated to Joe that evening and immediately recognized the charm side of him coming out. Ben also knew there were plenty of other options readily available than yet another girlfriend of someone in the colony. Eventually, she headed to the bathroom with a smile and Ben intercepted her.

“Hey, Commander Ben,” she smiled at him.

“Miss Moody,” he said with a smile. “Having a good time tonight?”

“Perspective,” she said and looked at her glass. “Which normally doesn’t go well with alcohol, but since this is only my second drink, I’ve still got perspective.”

“Perspective on?” he asked. “If I may be nosey.”

“My relationship with Ryan,” said Larissa as she felt like Ben earned the right to be nosey.

“Thinking of calling it off again?” he asked.

“It’s a strong possibility,” she stated. “Joe has given me some things to think about.”

“Can we talk privately for a moment?” he asked.

“Yeah, sure,” she said as they walked away from the music and others.

“How well do you know him?” asked Ben directly. “Joe Buck, I mean.”

“I’ve worked around him a few times in the colony and we were on the work crew here together both days,” she said. “I mean, I know him, but I don’t know him all that well.”

“And he’s made you question your commitment to Ryan?” he asked pointedly.

“He’s made me realize I’m not sure if Ryan is committed,” she said. “You taking an active interest in my social life for a reason?”

“Because you aren’t the first woman he’s taken an active interest in that’s involved with someone back at the colony,” said Ben.

“Oh?” asked Larissa. “Trying to protect me from the bad guys?”

“More like informing you things may not be as they seem,” said Ben.

“Maybe they are the way I want them to be,” she said with shrugged shoulders.

“He is a good looking and very charming man,” said Ben. “Just like Ryan.”

“Which, honestly, is why I have a hard time trusting Ryan,” she stated directly.

“I just wanted you to be aware,” said Ben. “You do what makes you happy down here and if talking with him makes you happy, go for it.”

“Thank you, Commander,” said Larissa as she politely nodded and departed for the community bathroom. After relieving herself, she was washing her hands when a voice got her attention.

“You should be careful,” said Emilia. “Joe is not what he seems.”

“Did Ben put you up to speaking with me?” asked Larissa as she dried off her hands.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” said Emilia.

“Coincidence I just got done talking with Ben about the very same subject?” asked Larissa.

“I have not spoken to Ben this evening,” said Emilia. “I don’t know what you are talking about.”

“Telling me to watch myself because the bad guy wants in my pants?” asked Larissa pointedly.

“I don’t know you that well,” said Emilia. “But I know you are seeing Ryan Kingston, no?”

“We are seeing each other,” said Larissa. “After tonight, that may change.”

“Perhaps I should let you know, the same thing happened to me last night with Joe,” said Emilia. “He convinced me Javier might not be the best for me and used my anger towards him to alter my feelings.”

“So, it’s jealousy?” asked Larissa pointedly.

“No, a warning,” said Emilia. “He said the same thing to me before we slept together last night.”

“And you’d prefer to continue it tonight with him?” asked Larissa.

“Not in the least,” said Emilia. “It’s obvious he has moved on and I was just used to get what he wanted last night.”

“Would you again tonight?” asked Larissa.

“Not after seeing what he is doing with you,” said Emilia. “Let me guess, he is speaking to you reasonably as the ‘friend’ giving you advice, paying you little compliments and finding out that one doubt you have against your boyfriend that he expands into anger on your part? This is what is happening right now?”

“I…” started Larissa as she saw Emilia was spot on with what was happening. “He has pointed out one or two things that bother me about Ryan.”

“Mentioned them once or twice in passing so they stay fresh in your mind?” asked Emilia.

“Oh, no,” muttered Larissa as it was starting to dawn on her what was happening.

“Also, I am to assume he invited you to a nice private beach tomorrow where nobody goes in order to relax and enjoy yourself?” asked Emilia with a sad smile and a shake of her head.

“How…” started Larissa as she again saw the comments were exactly what happened.

“Has he made the ‘toned and fit’ comment yet?” asked Emilia.

“He mentioned it at dinner,” she stated.

“I mean in regards to the beach,” said Emilia. “He might have hinted of a no bathing suit opportunity while you are there to see how toned and fit you are?”

“He did mention some like to go skinny dipping other places,” said Larissa. “Of course, he played it off as if it were others and not him, but didn’t ask me if I wanted to.”

“That suggestion will come with the third or fourth drink,” said Emilia. “Get your inhibitions lowered just enough for it to be adventurous and made even more appealing because he is a handsome and charming man.”

“How do you know all this?” asked Larissa quietly.

“You would not be the first girl he’s taken to that beach,” smiled Emilia with sadness in her eyes. “I was that girl today. I don’t know who it might have been the day before or will be after you.”

“But you and Javier Santiago!” objected Larissa.

“Have broken up,” said Emilia with a sigh. “For other reasons, but not until I was talked into the decision by someone who appears to be using the same tactic on you.”

“I didn’t know,” whispered Larissa. “Hey, I’m sorry if I moved in on your man.”

“Trust me, he is not my man,” said Emilia with a dark look. “I do not believe any woman could call him that unless it is for one of his one night stands after convincing you your boyfriend is not treating you right.”

“Oh, God, how was I so stupid?!” exclaimed Larissa after a moment to think about it.

“He is well practiced,” said Emilia. “He knows the right things to say at the right times to get you to question your boyfriend’s commitment to you and promises things can be made right by you spending more time talking to him while he charms your clothes off.”

“It happened to you?” asked Larissa quietly.

“Last night,” said Emilia with a sad nod. “And the beach trip this morning.”

“Oh, no,” said Larissa as she saw a woman who had been hurt and she knew she was the next woman in line for the same thing.

“He knew exactly what to say to me,” said Emilia with a sigh. “And I fully went along with the beach and swimming idea since I felt like I was free of my relationship.”

“I can’t believe it!” growled Larissa. “I fell right into that trap!”

“You are a grown woman and can do as you like,” said Emilia. “I just felt it was my place as a woman to warn you of the dangers of allowing him to trap you as he did me.”

“Truthfully, just him mentioning the skinny dipping thing planted the idea in my head,” said Larissa as she shook her head and stared at the floor. “And… I probably would have gone along with it tomorrow when we arrived at the beach.”

“He is charming and crafty enough to manipulate most any woman to get what he wants,” said Emilia. “You are a lovely woman he probably would very much like to see in that situation.”

“As well as finding himself in my bed tonight, I’d imagine,” said Larissa. “He was setting himself up nicely for that and I was falling right for it without any hesitation.”

“Again, you do what pleases you,” said Emilia.

“I’m an idiot,” said Larissa with a shake of her head and a sigh.

“No, just a woman with feelings and doubts,” said Emilia.

“Thank you,” said Larissa as she took Emilia into a hug even though she didn’t know her that well. “I think you may have just saved me from a huge mistake.”

“We girls have to stick up for each other, no?” said Emilia with a smile as they released the embrace. “At least where bad men are involved.”

“Absolutely,” said Larissa. “But seriously, I was heading for a big mistake tonight.”

“Perhaps there is someone else here who you could speak with tonight?” asked Emilia. “One you trust not to try to just get into those shorts of yours?”

“Not here, but I know who that is,” said Larissa. “Again, thank you.”

“I am sorry for the trouble you were caused tonight,” said Emilia.

“You didn’t cause me any trouble at all,” said Larissa. “In fact, I think you just saved me from a really bad decision tonight and tomorrow.”

“Just watch as he moves onto someone else,” said Emilia.

“I may pass on the same warning to them,” said Larissa.

“Or both of us,” smiled Emilia.

“That would show him,” smiled Larissa. “I need to make a call. Again, thank you.”

“It was my pleasure,” said Emilia as she finished up herself and departed. Larissa made a beeline away from the group as Joe saw her and started moving towards her.

“Hey, Joe, how is everything?” asked Ben as he moved in front of him.

“Hey, Ben, everything’s going great,” said Joe with a smile as he glanced past Ben and saw Larissa disappearing towards the beach.

“Enjoy that nap today?” asked Ben.

“It certainly hit the spot,” said Joe. “Not to be rude, but I need to catch up to someone.”

“I’d say you’re barking up the wrong tree,” said Ben with a polite smile.

“I have no idea what you mean, sir,” said Joe as he started to move past Ben, but his path was blocked. “If you’ll excuse me.”

“I think you need to leave Larissa Moody alone,” said Ben as his polite demeanor suddenly changed. “As well as Emilia Tómasdóttir. There are plenty of other fish out in this sea tonight and plenty of unattached women you can chase.”

“I don’t think it’s any of your business,” said Joe as he tried again to walk forward, but Ben blocked his path once again.

“If I’m not making myself clear, they are off limits,” said Ben as he crossed his arms.

“What? Are you their protector now?” asked Joe.

“Yeah, I just assumed that mantle of responsibility,” said Ben.

“Well, I think that’s their choice to make,” said Joe.

“No, I’m telling you how it’s going to be,” said Ben.

“What? You after them too? You’ve got your own piece of ass down here,” said Joe. “You should be happy with that.”

“Do watch what you say,” said Ben as his eyes turned dark.

“Or what?” asked Joe. “You going to hit me?”

“I’ve learned over time to control my anger and focus it at the right moment,” said Ben evenly. “But you should heed the advice I am giving you. Now, this is just Ben talking at the moment telling you to leave those two alone and move on because they aren’t right for you. The Commander Nash side of me is telling you I won’t tolerate you breaking up relationships in this colony for your own personal pleasure which will cause disharmony. I’ve now officially taken issue with it. So, the bottom line is, go find someone else to flirt up the rest of the night.”

“Maybe I’ll go talk to Ashley then,” said Joe as a matter of fact. “See how she feels about you.”

“Go for it,” said Ben as he uncrossed his arms and waved in her general direction. “I won’t stop you. In fact, the only thing stopping you will be common sense.”

“Are we done here?” asked Joe.

“If I catch you talking to Larissa or Emilia or any other woman down here with a boyfriend, fiancé, husband or significant other, I will take a more direct issue with it,” said Ben. “Don’t try it and don’t try me.”

Joe looked and saw the deadly serious look in Ben’s eyes and knew that he was a decorated combat veteran that had years of training in hand to hand combat. While Joe was in good shape and younger than Ben by almost ten years, he certainly had no desire to gamble on his odds of success against him as others would likely join in on Ben’s side as he had offended more than a few people since being on the planet. He huffed before turning around and headed back to the bar before taking a seat and ordering a new drink.

“Something wrong?” asked Ashley. “You didn’t look happy talking to him.”

“Some guys don’t know when to quit,” said Ben with a sigh.

“Him flirting up the girls with significant others?” asked Ashley.

“How’d you know?” asked Ben.

“Because he already tried it with me yesterday,” she smiled.

“When?” asked Ben.

“Before we met up,” said Ashley. “Nothing specific, but he was flirty.”

“I didn’t need to hear that,” said Ben.

“But I ended up with you,” she said reasonably. “Isn’t that what matters?”

“It surely does,” said Ben.

“Come on, soldier, let me get you a drink,” she said as she tugged at his hand.

Larissa finally made it to the beach where she had some privacy even though several couples were seen at the various campfires on the western side of the lagoon. She pulled her communicator out and called the first number on her list.

“Hello?” asked Ryan tiredly and saw it was Larissa. “Hey, baby. Everything okay?”

“No,” she said as her voice already started wavering. “I’m stupid.”

“Not that I know of,” he said. “What’s going on?”

“Ryan, I made a big mistake,” she said and noticed it wasn’t his bedspread in the camera. “Where are you right now?”

“At home,” he said. “Is everything okay? What mistake?”

“That’s not your bed!” she said with gritted teeth. “I can’t believe this! You’re messing around while I’m on vacation?!”

“The cleaners messed up my bedspread and I had to get a new one,” he said reasonably and turned the camera towards the bed. “As you can see, there’s your hat just where you left it on the opposite nightstand, there’s your makeup kit on the dresser and there are the pictures on the wall in my room you can’t stand.”

“Ryan,” she started to say. “I’m sorry, I was wrong.”

“Oh, wait, I hear Chuck in the hallway,” said Ryan as he popped out of bed and went to the hallway where she saw Chuck getting ready to enter the bathroom. “Hey Chuck, say hi to Larissa and tell her all about the party we threw in here tonight with all the girls we could find.”

“Hey, Larissa,” said Chuck tiredly. “And if there was a party in here, it was the cleanest and quietest one on record. Like for all time.”

“Satisfied I’m where I’m supposed to be?” asked Ryan irately. “Or do I need to go downstairs and show you there’s nobody here by Chuck and me?”

“Ryan, I’m sorry, okay?” she said as her voice wavered. “I… I’m sorry.”

“All this time and you still don’t trust me?” he asked pointedly as he went into his room and closed the door for some privacy.

“I just, I got to thinking tonight and someone mentioned something and I just wasn’t thinking straight,” she said. “I am truly sorry.”

“Who said something?” asked Ryan.

“I can’t say,” said Larissa.

“Can’t say or don’t want to say?” he asked directly.

“Both,” she said sheepishly.

“That means I’m really not going to like who it is,” he said as his eyes turned dark and a frown appeared on his face. “Just tell me who because you know I’ll find out.”

“I… it was Joe,” said Larissa meekly.

“We have a few Joes we brought with us,” said Ryan.

“Joe Buck,” she said barely above a whisper.

“I’m going to kick the shit out of him the second he steps off that shuttle day after tomorrow,” said Ryan with a growl. “This shit has gone on long enough.”

“Ryan, no!” she stated.

“He’s extremely guilty of going after girlfriends and wives,” said Ryan. “Specifically, those with troubles on their mind.”

“Please don’t, Ryan,” she stated.

“He’s going to learn the hard way,” said Ryan. “I am to assume you are calling me to break up?”

“No! I am calling you to apologize for making a mistake!” she exclaimed.

“Apologizing for a mistake is one thing,” said Ryan with a shake of his head. “Cheating is the one single thing I can’t easily forgive.”

“Wait! Nothing happened!” she exclaimed. “What do you think I did?!”

“You said you made a big mistake,” he said as his eyes turned sad. “Larissa, I’ve never been anything but good to you. I’ve treated you right, I’ve respected you and I’ve focused on no one else but you while we’re together. But the biggest thing I have never and would never do is cheat on you. I just can’t abide that in myself and can’t tolerate it in others.”

“No, Ryan! I didn’t do anything with him! I swear it!” she exclaimed. “I meant I made a mistake in even talking to him and having him sow the doubt in my head about our relationship!”

“Nothing happened?” he asked.

“No, I promise you, nothing happened,” she said as a tear dropped down her face. “Truth is, two people probably stopped me from making that mistake if it would have continued.”

“I can accept honesty,” he sighed. “But why? Why would you do that when I’ve always been faithful to you? You know I’m faithful to you, right?”

“I’m just stupid,” she said as she dropped her head slightly.

“You know I’m faithful to you, right?” he repeated.

“I hope so,” she said meekly.

“Larissa, look at me,” he asked kindly. She looked up and he gave her a smile. “There is nobody else but you when I’m with you, okay? I promise.”

“I believe you,” she said as she sniffed back a tear. “You’ve always been a man of your word.”

“Why even let those kinds of thoughts into your head?” he asked reasonably.

“Because I’m stupid, okay?!” she exclaimed. “I let him plant the seed of doubt in my mind tonight because I wasn’t smart enough to see it coming!”

“I think you are one of the smartest people I know,” he said with a smile. “You just need to evaluate this like you do any engagement when you’re flying.”

He could see her thinking about the situation and shaking her head as she came to the conclusion of what was happening. “I’ve evaluated him to be an asshole.”

“That’s probably pretty accurate,” he chuckled. “Look, there is you and only you. Like I told you before and I’ll continue to tell you each time, I do not cheat on my woman nor do I go after anyone else’s girl. It’s just not who I am.”

“No, you’re right,” she said as she sniffed back a tear. “Ryan, I’m sorry. I overreacted.”

“No, obviously it can’t be that,” he chuckled. “Look, if I have to bump someone to fly down there again to show you how much I care, I will.”

“What do you mean bump someone?” she asked.

“Pyro was supposed to fly that drop off mission yesterday,” said Ryan. “I took it from her even though I had just come off alert.”

“You violated crew rest to fly those down here?!” she exclaimed. “Ryan!”

“I did it because I wanted to see you,” he smiled.

“That’s really sweet,” she smiled at him. “Stupid, but really sweet.”

“Well, I get stupid because I care about you a lot, okay?” he asked with a smile.

“I suppose you’ve probably done worse things for girls,” she said with a grin.

“Well, I’m certainly not going to give you any examples of dumb things I’ve done to impress a woman,” he laughed.

“No, I haven’t got all night,” she laughed as she saw just speaking to him was putting her back into the proper frame of mind. She realized Ryan was a good man who was very loyal to her even when he didn’t have to be.

“I just wanted to see you, that’s all,” he grinned. “And I mean, there was always that off chance I could have hooked up that threesome with you and Zoe Kent while I was there.”

“Ryan!” she exclaimed and laughed in spite of herself. She knew some things with him would never change and that’s the way she preferred it. She shook her head at him and gave him a smile since everything was working out in the world.

“How else has your trip been?” he asked.

“Good, I’m even learning to two-step from Commander Nash,” she grinned.

“I’m going to be angry about Joe, but I certainly can’t be mad at him,” he chuckled.

“He’s a good dancer,” she grinned.

“Now you are going to make me jealous of him,” he laughed.

“Well, I’m still all yours because he got a girlfriend since being here,” she grinned.

“Oh? Do tell,” said Ryan. They spent the next twenty minutes talking and by the time it was over, she almost imagined they were on the beach together like they had been on one of their previous trips together, sitting and talking under the moonlight of the three Novae Spes moons.

“Hey, I need to get going, okay?” she asked.

“I’d spend all night talking with you if you asked,” he smiled.

“I’m really sorry for being dumb earlier,” she admitted.

“I would never hurt you that way,” he said. “I promise you that.”

“I know,” she sighed and gave him a smile. “That’s what I’m looking for in a man.”

“Well, look no further, okay?” he said with a return smile.

“Get some sleep, baby,” she smiled and kissed at her fingers and touched the screen with them.

“You have a good time tonight,” he said as he touched the screen as well. “And when you get back, I’ll really show you how to two-step.”

“I’m looking forward to that,” she grinned. “Night.”

“Night, sweetie,” he said as she ended the call. Heading back, she had a smile on her face as everything seemed right in the world. She saw a text from Ryan and giggled at what he said and the smile grew even more on her face as she headed behind the bar to help serve since she didn’t feel like drinking any more that evening.

“Why do you have that silly smile on your face?” asked Rachelle.

“Because everything’s right in the world,” smiled Larissa as she showed her the text from Ryan.

“Aww, how sweet!” exclaimed Rachelle. “I never knew he had that side to him!”

“He is adorable from time to time,” grinned Larissa.

“Like the note from yesterday?” asked Rachelle.

“Yeah, just like that; though I’m going to beat him senseless when I get back,” she said with a shake of her head. “He violated crew rest to come down here just to see me.”

“That’s not a bad quality in a man if you ask me,” said Rachelle.

“There are worse qualities,” admitted Larissa as she saw a tray of drinks. “Where’s that going?”

“Over to the table with the boys and girls from security,” said Rachelle as she nodded.

“I’ve got it,” said Larissa as she headed over and delivered the drinks and returned to the bar. Setting the tray on the bar, she headed out to check on the others when a hand was felt on her arm tugging her back. She turned to see Joe Buck had stopped her.

“Hey, you ran away earlier,” he said with his most charming grin.

“Don’t touch me,” she said coldly.

“I was just wondering what happened to you,” he said and removed his hand.

“I’m busy right now,” she said as her eyes turned to ice. She turned her back to him and prepared to head out into the crowd when he stopped her once again by grabbing her arm.

“Hey, I just want to-” he started to say and didn’t finish since she executed a perfect judo one armed shoulder throw and he slammed into the ground.

“I said don’t touch me,” she growled as the crowd that saw the exchange gasped and eyes popped wide open. He laid there on the ground looking stunned as he heard people trying not to laugh as Ben came over looking down at him.

“I tried to warn you,” said Ben with a smug grin. “You were barking up the wrong tree.”

“You are going to let her do that?” he exclaimed.

“You made the mistake of putting your hands on her,” said Drew with shrugged shoulders as he approached as well and pulled Joe off the ground. “I’d say you’re probably lucky that’s all you came away with.”

Joe looked angry enough to eat nails as he stormed off towards the quarters area not to be seen for the remainder of the evening.

“That little pilot is feisty,” said Drew with a chuckle.

“I’m downright proud of her,” said Ben with a chuckle.

“That’s my instructor pilot,” grinned Courtney Rowe as she saw the exchange and turned to her table. “She’s a bit of a badass.”

“Slightly more than a bit, I’d say,” laughed Nate Delgado from Medical. The evening continued while everyone else had a good time and eventually retired for the night knowing they still had more time to relax and enjoy themselves.

 

CHAPTER 9


The final party was getting ready to go into full swing for the vacationers on the island as they had completed their last day as well as the clam bake that evening. Rachelle was in the middle of getting the mixers and bottles of Shine ready for that evening as they typically went all out the final evening with the party. She had just finished dumping in the ice into a cooler when her communicator played an old song installed by Tasha indicating it was a call from Charity.

“That’s my girl! That’s my girl!” sang Rachelle as she answered the call with a grin and moved her head to the beat.

“You are crazy!” exclaimed Charity with a laugh.

“Yes, ma’am,” grinned Rachelle. “And how can I help you this evening?”

“We’ve got major problems,” said Charity as she got right down to business. “I’ve called in every programmer we’ve got, but we have a serious situation going on.”

“What’s up?” asked Rachelle.

“Get on your laptop,” said Charity. “I’m feeding you the data, but long story short, the infrastructure management system is failing.”

“Dammit, really?!” exclaimed Rachelle as she looked through the eerily similar data though on a far larger scale than before.

“Sorry, sis,” said Charity. “The programmers are trying to solve it, but this is over my head and they are stumped since the errors keep popping up.”

“Yeah, we already went through that here and were able to stop the collapse with a temporary patch,” said Rachelle. “Okay, I’ll get on the gunship and head up there in the next hour.”

“I wish we had another way,” said Charity with a sigh. “I’m really sorry, but I know when to call you when I can’t handle things.”

“No, I’m glad you did because this can get stupid ugly if we don’t catch it,” said Rachelle. “The good thing is the patch should work there as well.”

“I’ve got our guys working with the Engineers to isolate and take manual control of the systems we can,” said Charity. “It seems to have slowed the cascade, but it hasn’t stopped it.”

“Yeah, temp fix to a permanent problem,” said Rachelle as she packed up the laptop.

“Maybe you could send the patch in and we can work it so you don’t have to come back?” asked Charity. “I don’t want to steal the last night from you.”

“No, it’s shifty and only two of us know how to install it around the critical systems,” said Rachelle. “I’ll be up there in an hour or so.”

“We’ll have the java on waiting for you,” said Charity. “See you in a bit.”

“Trouble?” asked Ashley as she had just come up to the bar for her first drink and saw the look of concern on Rachelle’s face.

“Remember those errors we weren’t supposed to have that we just had here?” asked Rachelle.

“Don’t tell me,” said Ashley.

“Yep, popping up on the main boards in the colony,” said Rachelle as she finished packing the laptop and made sure the memory crystal with the program was packed away while calling the alert pilot at the same time. “Hey, Redeye?”

“Ma’am?” asked Sam Gonzales from his quarters.

“I need to get back to the colony asap,” said Rachelle. “You’re good, right?”

“Sober as a rock,” said Sam. “Medical emergency?”

“Other kind of emergency,” said Rachelle. “You don’t have to sprint to the gunship.”

“Okay, give me like ten minutes and I’ll meet you there,” he said as she saw him grab his flight suit and boots to change.

“See you in a few,” said Rachelle as she ended the call.

“Rachelle, I’ll go,” said Ashley as she reached a decision in her mind.

“No, my program, my responsibility,” said Rachelle.

“And I know how to fix it,” said Ashley. “I can install the temporary patch and start the big girl to work on a permanent solution. I may have something ready when you get back tomorrow.”

“It’s your last night here!” protested Rachelle.

“Exactly,” said Ashley. “Look, I’ve had an awesome time, but you know the last night is when people start to get a little crazy. They need your leadership around here.”

“They’ve got Drew and Larissa,” said Rachelle. “And Ben.”

“Ben needs this night off more than anyone,” said Ashley. “Let me do this.”

“Ashley, are you sure?” asked Rachelle.

“Positive,” said Ashley as she took the computer case from Rachelle. “Pack up my things and bring them back with you tomorrow, please.”

“I’ll at least walk you to the shuttle,” said Rachelle as she knew Ashley was just as capable of doing the work as she was. And she knew she was right that leadership was always needed on the last night. She and Ashley were walking through the pavilion as Ben appeared with a smile.

“Hey,” said Ashley and turned to Rachelle. “Can I get a minute?”

“I’ll see you at the path,” said Rachelle as she walked on ahead.

“You’re heading somewhere?” asked Ben.

“Back to the colony,” said Ashley.

“I used deodorant after my shower, I promise,” he grinned.

“Remember that computer issue we a few nights ago?” she asked.

“The one that kept you up all night?” asked Ben.

“The same thing is happening in the colony right now,” said Ashley with a nod. “Only two of us are qualified to fix it.”

“You and Rachelle,” said Ben with a sigh.

“She needs to stay here tonight,” said Ashley. “People can get a little wild the last night and they need the leadership.”

“I can help with that,” said Ben.

“No,” said Ashley. “You need this night off more than anyone. I saw you overworked and tired when you came down here. Now? You’ve got this new life and you need a final night off to make it complete.”

“I wish you didn’t have to go, but I understand why you have to,” said Ben.

“This trip has been great for me and you’ve been a huge part of that,” said Ashley with a smile and tilted her head at him. “We can pick up where we left off when you get back tomorrow.”

“Promise?” he asked.

“Absolutely,” she said and gave him a quick kiss. “See you tomorrow afternoon, okay?”

“Bye,” he said as he held her hand a little longer than planned as she walked away. She gave him another smile over her shoulder before joining Rachelle on the walk to the gunship.

“Ashley, I’m really sorry,” said Rachelle.

“He’ll be back tomorrow afternoon,” said Ashley. “I think we’ve got the beginning of a good thing going between us.”

“He’s like a new man,” said Rachelle as they arrived at the gunship to see Gonzales warming up the engines. “I really appreciate you doing this.”

“Remember, I’m an alternate anyway,” said Ashley with a chuckle. “And look at it this way, I’ll get to be the hero for a change.”

“That you are,” said Rachelle with a chuckle. “I’ll keep Ben out of trouble.”

“Please do,” she grinned. “I’ll let you know how things are going.”

“Thanks, girl,” said Rachelle as she closed the ramp on her way out and watched as the gunship lifted off and headed north towards the colony. Heading back, she saw the crowd was already growing as Ben was waiting at the bar.

“Allen called me,” said Ben. “He seems to think this is serious.”

“It is serious, but again, we worked out something that will keep the system from crashing,” said Rachelle and saw him about to speak. “Before you say it, there is no good reason for you going back there watching my computer geeks playing with lines of code. There is no way for you to help unless you learned how to write code in the last couple of hours.”

“I did not,” he said.

“There isn’t a thing in the world you could do besides sit around and wait,” said Rachelle.

“Okay,” said Ben. “I just feel like it’s a leadership function.”

“Something Allen can do while pouring coffee and java for those guys,” said Rachelle. “Did he ask you to come back?”

“No, he said he had it in hand,” said Ben.

“Well, there you go,” said Rachelle as she popped the top on a beer and poured it for him.

“I was going to ask for a Shine and cola,” he said.

“Well, I can do that as well,” said Rachelle as she mixed up the drink and set it before starting to take away the beer.

“No, I’ll have the beer too,” he grinned.

“Am I going to have to carry you back to your quarters?” she laughed.

“Nah,” said Ben with a smile. “I’m not going to get out of hand.”

“Better not,” said Rachelle as she headed around Larissa to another “customer” and took his order. Ben wandered into the bar area and had a seat at a table alone while he sipped at his beer. Several people came by and spoke with him with a few sitting for a few minutes as he socialized with nearly everyone. She moved around the bar and continued to serve as Ashley had predicted people were going all out the last night there.

********************
​

Back in the colony, Doctor Charlotte Griggs was almost at her wits end. She had been charged by Mary to come up with who stole the bottle of the drug Retivive-3 and had become so desperate she had enlisted her husband to help even though Mary had expressly forbidden them to speak to anyone else. But Charlotte realized she needed someone with a much better sneaky streak in them and asked him to help since his Special Forces training might come in handy.

She and Nick were sitting on their couch as Nick paused the recording and squinted his eyes. He played it two more times and saw exactly what he was looking for.

“Charlotte, did you see that?” asked Nick Griggs as he paused the recording again.

“Baby?” he asked again as she had fallen sound asleep on his shoulder. “Charlotte Griggs.”

“Hmm?” she asked and rubbed her face. “Just resting my eyes.”

“You were asleep,” he chuckled.

“It’s just that this is boring as hell!” she stated with a yawn.

“I think this will wake you up,” said Nick as he started playing the recording. A larger individual was in the pharmacy gathering something off one of the adjacent shelves when a shorter individual came in. As they came closer, the shorter individual turned to the side to let the taller one pass by before going deeper into the pharmacy and collecting a bottle before departing the location.

“I’m not seeing it, Nick,” said Charlotte.

“Look here,” said Nick as he rewound the recording again and zoomed in on the spot on the shelf where the Retivive-3 was located. As the taller individual passed, the shorter individual reached out and grabbed the shelf support as if to steady themselves. As they brought their hand back down, Charlotte saw the hand grab one of the bottles of Retivive and quickly dropped it into a small pouch on their suit.

“Very nicely done,” said Nick. “Picked it from the back of the row so it’s not as noticeable.”

“What does the nametape say?” asked Charlotte as they continued watching as the individual departed. “Dammit, she’s not wearing one.”

“You think it’s a she?” asked Nick.

“Too short for a guy,” said Charlotte. “I mean, could be, but the first instinct is it’s a girl.”

“Can we follow her with the other cameras?” asked Nick.

“Absolutely,” said Charlotte as she started bringing up additional recordings. They continued following the person around the lab until they went into the decon chamber to shower and change before reappearing in a travel suit and departing the hospital for good.

“Exterior cameras?” asked Charlotte.

“Not hooked up yet in this location,” said Nick with a sigh after looking it up. “But…”

“But what?” she asked.

“There are recordings in the decon chambers,” said Nick as he brought up that system. As soon as he tried to access the archive footage, the computer informed him he didn’t have the proper clearance to do so and please contact the Security Director with a request for access.

“Easy enough,” said Nick as he looked at his watch and decided it wasn’t too awfully late for him to be calling Tasha. He called her and waited for the two comm units to link up.

“Lieutenant Griggs,” said Tasha as he saw she was dressed for bed. “How can I help you this late in the evening?”

“I’m sorry for calling so late, ma’am,” he said. “But I need access into the archive footage from the decon chambers during the outbreak.”

“I’d assume you have a valid reason for asking?” she asked.

“I do,” said Nick.

“Care to share, Lieutenant?” she asked pointedly.

“I can’t tell you just yet,” said Nick with a sigh. “It’s for Charlotte though.”

“I expect a full briefing on exactly why tomorrow afternoon,” said Tasha as he saw her getting on her tablet. “I’m giving you temporary access until that time.”

“Thank you, ma’am,” said Nick.

“This better be worth it,” warned Tasha. “That footage sometimes does violate the personal privacy of individuals that go in there.”

“I promise it’ll be worth it,” said Nick. “Goodnight, ma’am.”

“Night,” said Tasha as she ended the call. Nick got back on the computer and checked the other time stamps against the new cameras he selected. He started it about 30 seconds ahead of the time indicated when the person went into the first chamber. He managed to follow them into the secondary chamber after the decon where they started disrobing with their back to the camera. However, they did see the individual they now positively identified as a woman pull the bottle of the Retivive-3 and sanitize it before dropping it into the pocket on her scrubs.

“Turn around, dammit,” said Nick. “Turn around.”

Eventually, the individual finished disrobing down to their hospital scrubs and turned briefly towards the camera just enough to get a glimpse of their face. But it didn’t last long enough for the camera to make a positive identification and the resolution of the camera wasn’t the best.

“Oh, that’s so not possible!” exclaimed Charlotte as they tried pausing it, but the image still didn’t clear up much.

“We can catch them coming out,” said Nick as they continued to scan the camera and saw another individual come in, this time it was Vanessa Perez who went through the decon and started disrobing. Vanessa was Cuban, exotic and curvy in all the right places as Nick immediately noticed.

“I think you need to avert your eyes,” said Charlotte as Vanessa started doffing her suit.

“Why would… oh,” said Nick as he saw Vanessa wasn’t wearing much under her suit save a cut off tank top and her underwear.

“Eyes away, Mister,” said Charlotte crossly. “I can watch her disrobe.”

“She’s not…” he started to say as Charlotte covered his eyes with her hand.

“Wearing much underneath?” asked Charlotte. “Plenty of people do that for comfort. However, I doubt very seriously they are wearing such… limited coverings on their backside.”

“Limited?” asked Nick.

“She’s got a thong on,” said Charlotte. “You happy now, perv?”

“I’m glad you don’t do things like that,” he stated as her hand was still covering his eyes. “Um, right, babe?”

“I’m not going to confirm or deny it,” said Charlotte as eventually Vanessa disappeared into the shower area and they continued scanning until the first individual came out. However, they both let out long sighs as the individual had already put on the other suit when they reemerged into view of the camera.

“Oh, this just sucks!” exclaimed Nick. “She’s right there!”

“We can’t come this far to fail!” exclaimed Charlotte.

“I think I might know someone who can help,” said Nick as he picked up his communicator and called yet another person.

“Man, this better be important,” stated Captain Jerome Irwin from Security grumpily as it was obvious Nick woke him up.

“Hey boss, I need a favor,” said Nick.

“Nick? Do you know what time it is?” asked Jerome testily.

“It’s important,” said Nick. “And it’s really not that late.”

“It better be really important,” said Jerome as Nick saw someone moving in the background trying to stay away from the camera.

“Man, I hate to do this, but can you come to the house?” asked Jerome.

“You need help moving a couch or something?” asked Jerome. “Can it wait until tomorrow?”

“Kinda needs to be done tonight,” said Nick.

“Is this a joke?” asked Jerome.

“Charlotte and I need help,” said Nick as he saw Charlotte write on a notepad “it’s for Chuck” and showed it to Jerome in the monitor since he had company. “Bring your laptop.”

“Okay, give me like twenty minutes or so,” said Jerome. Nick knew Jerome had become one of Chuck’s best friends and had the necessary skills for what they needed. Jerome rolled over in the bed and turned on the lamp illuminating his visitor that evening and fully waking her.

“Hey, girl,” said Jerome as he ran his hand over her side.

“You going somewhere?” asked Anna Cortez with the Engineers.

“Yeah, Nick needs my help with something,” said Jerome. He didn’t explain who since he knew Anna and Chuck Dawson had a pretty hard falling out after their brief relationship not long before. He felt like those were details she didn’t need to worry about right then.

“Tonight?” she asked tiredly.

“Sorry, baby,” he said as he headed in and got a quick rinse off shower. After returning, he found Anna still lying there watching him dress as he slipped on some shorts and a sweatshirt.

“You, um, going to be back tonight?” she asked.

“I’d hope so,” said Jerome with a smile as he pulled on some sneakers. “Are you okay with waiting for me?”

“How long you going to be?” she asked.

“Don’t know,” said Jerome. “Tell you what, I’ll come over to your place when I’m done, okay?”

“Deal,” she said and collected a quick kiss from him as he departed. Picking up his laptop, he dropped it into his bag and headed for the block where he came to the Griggs’ home. Ringing the doorbell, he was met by Nick almost immediately.

“Thanks for coming over,” he said with a nod.

“This better be good,” said Jerome as he smelled the pot of java being fixed. “And I hope you’ve got a cup for me.”

“As well as some treats,” said Charlotte as she brought out some peanut butter fudge.

“Oh, we’re bribing me tonight?” asked Jerome with a grin. “What else you got?”

“Revenge,” said Charlotte with an evil grin.

“Best served cold,” said Jerome as he returned the grin. “What can I help you with?”

“I need enhancement of some video as well as captures of a face on the screen,” said Nick.

“Easy,” said Jerome. “What’s the original video?”

“Security footage,” said Nick.

“You can enhance that yourself,” said Jerome.

“We need something that might be used as evidence and we need the best,” said Charlotte. “I heard you were great with enhancing pictures.”

“I am pretty fair, though a bit out of practice,” said Jerome as he opened his laptop and brought up an enhancement program. “Okay, what is it?”

Nick showed him the footage on the camera system as well as what he needed to enhance.

“Okay, little harder than expected,” said Jerome as he got to work.

“How so?” asked Nick.

“Because the cameras in those chambers aren’t exactly the highest quality,” stated Jerome as he started breaking down the video quicker than either of the Griggs could keep up. “But, thankfully, you’ve got a Class A number one computer geek that scored extremely high marks in Evidentiary Photo Enhancements at Georgia Tech. But this isn’t going to be quick.”

“Evidentiary what?” asked Nick.

“We make pretty photos of crime scenes,” said Jerome. “Not as easy a process as it sounds.”

“We’re here until you finish,” said Charlotte.

“Hang on,” said Jerome as he called Anna. She answered almost immediately as he saw she was on her way home right next door. “Hey, girl, this might take a little longer than planned.”

“I figured as much,” she sighed.

“But I would love to do breakfast,” he stated.

“Okay, what time?” she asked.

“What time do you wake up?” he asked. “Or what time can I wake you up?”

“I go into work at 10,” she stated. “I’ll probably be up around 8 or so.”

“I’ll be at your place at 7 to cook you breakfast in bed,” he said with a charming smile.

“I do like that idea,” she grinned. “Of course, I wouldn’t mind some company in bed for breakfast either. Maybe have you for breakfast?”

“Anna, I am not alone right now,” said Jerome with a look.

“Oh,” she said and drew in a breath. “My bad.”

“You are a bad girl,” he said with a grin and a nod. “Tomorrow then.”

“Okay, see you in the morning,” she replied with a grin.

“Bye,” he said as he ended the call.

“Anna Cortez?” asked Charlotte. “I didn’t know she was dating again.”

“Yeah, recent development,” said Jerome. “She certainly goes beyond cute in some realms.”

“Oh? Do tell,” said Nick with a grin.

“Nicholas Griggs!” exclaimed Charlotte.

“I think we can hold off until the team room,” said Nick.

“I can’t promise your wife won’t blush up if I got descriptive,” grinned Jerome.

“You two are horrible!” exclaimed Charlotte.

“I think I’m going to make another pot of java,” said Nick. “I’m in the dog house now.”

“You did mention Chuck,” said Jerome.

“It’ll help him in ways I can’t tell you about,” said Charlotte. “I know you are friends.”

“Chuck Dawson is my boy and I’d do anything for that guy,” said Jerome. “I mean, I am giving up a night with Anna for him and you.”

“I didn’t know you two were seeing each other,” said Charlotte.

“It just kinda happened,” said Jerome. “But it isn’t going to last for a variety of reasons.”

“Oh?” asked Charlotte.

“Greg for starters,” said Mackenzie. “The biggest reason is peace in my household.”

“I’m not sure what you mean,” said Charlotte.

“Greg has liked her a hot minute now, but hadn’t made a move with her,” said Jerome. “It’s not exactly cool to move in on a roommate’s girl, you know? Or even a girl he likes.”

“Did you move in on her or did she move in on you?” asked Charlotte.

“Kinda mutual on that point,” said Jerome. “Still doesn’t help that Greg likes her.”

“Good point,” said Charlotte. “But I’d hope a roommate wouldn’t keep you from happiness.”

“Nah, but a relationship is not in the cards, so…” said Jerome as he started clearing up one of the photos. “One thing about it though, I need to get that boy married off.”

“Oh really?” laughed Charlotte.

“He needs a wife who will put her foot down and tell him to knock his possessive thing off. I mean, he’s a player, but he needs to learn to let go,” said Jerome with a chuckle as Nick brought in another cup of java for him. “Thanks.”

“Might I suggest he’s not the only one that’s a player?” asked Charlotte.

“Hey, I’m a true playa,” said Jerome. “Gonna take a strong woman to nail me down.”

“I think that’s what I am for Nick,” said Charlotte. “Isn’t that right, babe?”

“Anything you say,” said Nick.

“Man, she’s got you whipped!” laughed Jerome.

“She’s worth it,” said Nick as he took his wife around the waist.

“But I mean, it is nice to have friends like you over the in the medical world,” said Jerome. “Especially if a certain Doctor that happens to be in the room knows Erika Lee and might put in a good word for a certain guy doing photo work.”

“Don’t you have a girlfriend as of tonight?” asked Charlotte.

“Come on, girl,” said Jerome with a grin. “Me and Anna are a today thing. So, I’d tend to think if you’re trying to bribe said guy tonight, you might want to at least mention something to that cute little Erika Lee about a tall, dark and handsome guy your husband works with.”

“I’ll think about it,” said Charlotte. “She’s a sweetie though and you better not hurt her.”

“Nah, she’s a nice gal,” said Jerome. “Maybe just getting to know her better?”

“I can ask her, but the answer in advance is yes,” said Nick.

“Oh?” asked Jerome.

“Everyone over there knows she has like this puppy crush on you,” said Charlotte.

“You’ve been holding out on me,” said Jerome with a frown. “Why hasn’t she said anything?”

“Because she knows you’re a player just like the last player that she thought was cute and went after,” said Charlotte. “Ryan tends to leave a bad taste.”

“Damn, that boy,” said Jerome with a shake of his head. “Well, maybe she’s the one that gets me to settle down.”

“Yeah, right,” scoffed Nick.

“And Anna wouldn’t have anything to say about this?” asked Charlotte.

“Maybe Anna isn’t in the picture by then,” said Jerome with shrugged shoulders and a wink at Charlotte. “Okay, I’ve got the face isolated. Give me a minute on the clean up here…”

The picture started getting clearer as all three raised eyebrows over who was appearing in the photo. As the resolution improved, there was zero doubt as to who the person was.

“Oh, my,” said Charlotte. “I never would have suspected.”

“No,” said Jerome. “What’s this for again?”

“Theft,” said Charlotte. “Can you zoom in and enhance the item in her hand?”

“I can,” said Jerome. “Again, it’s going to take a while.”

“I need to let Mary know,” said Charlotte. “Can you save that picture to my tablet?”

“Sure,” said Jerome as he sent the file over. “Done. I’m going to work on the rest of this.”

“Not only that, but the whole thing needs to be cleaned up as much as possible,” said Nick.

“I’ll do what I can,” said Jerome as he grabbed a piece of the fudge. “Okay, I’m stealing this batch to take as a peace offering to Anna.”

“Erika loves my peanut butter fudge too,” said Charlotte.

“Then I’d suspect you’d be making a second batch for me to give to her?” asked Jerome.

“Maybe,” said Charlotte.

“Well, this just might not be a short process,” said Jerome.

“Maybe you can use a piece of that batch?” asked Charlotte.

“I feel like it going to take even longer,” said Jerome.

“Half batch,” said Charlotte.

“Maybe a week?” asked Jerome.

“Full batch,” said Charlotte with a sigh.

“Suddenly, the time shrinks to a couple of hours,” said Jerome with a grin.

“We owe you like huge,” said Charlotte.

“Again, anything for my boy even though you haven’t specified what,” said Jerome with his mouth full of the fudge.

“You’ll be okay here by yourself while we go talk to Mary?” asked Charlotte.

“I planned on throwing this wild ass party while you’re gone and inviting over all the girls I know in this joint,” said Jerome with a grin. “Go, I promise to behave.”

“One other thing,” said Charlotte. “Not a word of this to anyone.”

“I’m not even sure why I’m doing this,” said Jerome. “But not a peep to anyone.”

“Especially Tasha,” said Charlotte. “Not until we’ve had the chance to brief her.”

“Especially her,” said Jerome.

“Let’s go,” said Charlotte as she and Nick headed out to Leadership Lane. They arrived at Mary’s house and saw the bedroom light on upstairs while they rang the door. Eventually, Mary appeared in the screen by the door.

“Charlotte? Nick? Is everything okay?” asked Mary with alarm.

“We need to talk,” said Charlotte. “Right now.”

“Okay, let me get decent clothes on and I’ll be right down,” said Mary who recognized the urgency in the matter. It wasn’t long before Mary appeared at the door and let them in.

“Is everything okay?” asked Mary. “Are you two sick or something?”

“No, we’re fine,” said Charlotte. “I’m going to preface this conversation with a disclaimer. I didn’t follow your instructions precisely with the investigation.”

“Oh?” asked Mary and looked at Nick.

“I needed someone who was a little more crafty than I was,” said Charlotte. “He’s had training in looking for things like this. I’m sorry.”

“I specifically told you no outsiders,” said Mary with a stern look.

“Nick found who took it,” said Charlotte before Mary could get more upset.

“Let’s see,” said Mary as she was still upset Charlotte had ignored her instructions, but she also knew if Nick had figured it out, they would owe him big time. Charlotte set up her tablet and cast it to Mary’s monitor in the living room.

“It shows up better on the larger screen,” said Nick as Charlotte started playing the video. “Okay, person comes in here… goes to the back. Second person comes in as the first is leaving. Now watch closely on the shelf as the first person goes by and the second one moves to the side to let them pass.”

Mary watched it, but didn’t see it on the first time around. “I didn’t see anything.”

“Babe, zoom it in please,” said Nick as Charlotte zoomed in on the area and replayed it. It was clear the second time what had happened as Mary saw it plain as day.

“Each and every person watching that video missed that each time they watched it,” said Mary.

“I just happened to pick it up,” said Nick. “I thought it was strange she moved to the side like that when there was plenty of space in the aisle.”

“Good catch,” said Mary. “But no nametape.”

“I do give you the fast forward version,” said Nick as he had Charlotte play the video as they followed her around the clinic and into the chamber. The second video was started as they watched her disrobe and froze it at the time she glanced towards the camera.

“Blurry,” said Mary.

“We have a cleaned up version,” said Charlotte.

“And whom did you get to do that?” asked Mary suspiciously.

“Jerome Irwin,” said Charlotte. “Look, feel free to reprimand me later, but we found out who did this.”

“Let’s see it,” said Mary with a sigh. Charlotte brought up the picture as Mary’s eyes grew wide open at the realization of who it was.

“That’s…” said Mary as her voice trailed off.

“She was working in the hospital during the outbreak,” said Charlotte. “I saw her in there at least a dozen times myself.”

Mary was quite speechless as she continued to stare at the enhanced photo on the screen.

 

CHAPTER 10


“Okay, not a peep of this outside this room,” said Mary as she located the communicator ID for Jerome Irwin and called him.

“Boy, I am just popular tonight,” said Jerome as he gave her a grin. “How can I help you, lady?”

“You’re working on the… movie making?” asked Mary.

“Can you be more specific?” asked Jerome.

“The one Nick and Charlotte were needing help with,” said Mary.

“I am just finishing enhancing the picture from the chamber,” said Jerome.

“Can you do me a favor?” asked Mary.

“Keep quiet about it?” asked Jerome. “My lips are sealed as long as I get the full batch of this delicious peanut butter fudge that Charlotte promised.”

“I’m asking a huge favor for this,” said Mary. “Whatever you need, you let me know.”

“Well, since you mentioned it,” said Jerome as a grin came over his face. He saw Mary slightly shake her head. “One time thing?”

“Other ears,” said Mary with a sigh. “Another time for that discussion, okay?”

“Fair enough,” said Jerome. “The answer is yes; I will keep a low profile on this.”

“I really appreciate it,” said Mary with a smile. “How long is it going to take?”

“Maybe another hour or so?” he stated. “Where do you want them when I’m done?”

“Send them to me,” said Mary. “Thanks.”

“Anytime,” said Jerome as he ended the call.

“Charlotte,” said Mary with a sigh.

“Look, I know you’re upset at me,” said Charlotte. “But I went over that video three times from start to finish. I needed someone who was trained to be sneaky and steal things. Nick was the obvious choice and I asked him to help.”

“I’m not going to fuss about it,” admitted Mary. “Nick, can you please keep this quiet until it goes public?”

“Yeah, no problem,” said Nick.

“And that means no Tasha for sure,” said Mary.

“There’s a problem,” said Nick.

“I don’t like problems,” said Mary. “Explain.”

“In order to get the security camera footage, we had to get Major Hayden on board for access,” said Nick. “She agreed only if she gets a briefing on it tomorrow afternoon.”

“By that time we certainly should have the suspect in custody,” said Mary. “Look, I’ll talk to Tasha about it in the morning. She’ll need to be on board for any sort of…”

“Cop duties?” asked Nick.

“Well, we really haven’t needed such a thing,” said Mary. “But I guess we’re learning on the fly with this one.”

“Tasha isn’t going to be happy though,” said Charlotte.

“That’s my point,” said Mary. “Problem is, it’s already been used once on an unsuspecting party. It wasn’t good.”

“Who?” asked Nick.

“I can’t say,” said Mary.

“Nick’s trustworthy,” said Charlotte.

“For something like that?” asked Mary. “Tasha still wants blood over what happened.”

“I can keep a secret,” said Nick as he already knew when Charlotte had written the name on the paper to show to Jerome.

“Chuck Dawson was drugged on the island,” said Mary.

“I have some angry thoughts about that,” said Nick.

“Keep them to yourself,” said Mary. “I will have to talk to Chuck and see if he wants to press charges.”

“Regardless, Major Hayden would be out there capturing a Raptor to eat her,” said Nick. “I certainly can’t tell her.”

“I haven’t known Tasha as long as you have, but I have this feeling she wouldn’t give any other creature the pleasure of what she would have in store for punishment,” said Mary.

“Good point,” said Nick.

“Anyway, we’ll brief up Tasha and Allen tomorrow morning,” said Mary. “Ben can probably wait until tomorrow afternoon when he returns, but I’ll let Allen make that call.

“I think we should alert them tonight,” said Charlotte.

“Ben is on the island on vacation and I don’t want to spoil that,” said Mary. “Tasha likely is asleep and so is Allen if I was to guess.”

“It’s important,” said Charlotte. “When is Ben coming back?”

“Tomorrow,” said Mary. “This is their last night on the island.”

“You do realize the suspect is there right now as well,” said Charlotte.

“That would make it easy to take her into custody as she gets off the shuttle,” said Mary.

“And if she uses it on someone there?” asked Charlotte.

“It’s late there like it is here,” said Mary. “Chances are if she’s going to use it, it’s happened already. And unless we want to fly down there and test everyone for it, I think it can wait.”

“She already used it once,” said Charlotte.

“The drug itself does no permanent damage,” said Mary. “The effects are relatively short lived except for the, um, physical side effects and bluntness.”

“Excuse me, what side effects?” asked Nick. “Charlotte never said.”

“Retivive-3,” said Mary. “The street name is Truedream.”

“Oh, yeah, I’ve heard of that stuff,” said Nick. “Aphrodisiac, right?”

“That’s an understatement,” said Mary as she briefly explained the side effects. “I mean, it’s a highly useful drug when applied correctly and not overdosed.”

“But when used in super doses, it brings out some fairly… aggressive tendencies,” said Charlotte. “Not as in bad most of the time, but it does make a person really forward.”

“It certainly can,” said Mary.

“I think it’s a little dangerous to leave it tonight,” said Charlotte.

“We’ve waited this long, what’s another twelve hours or so?” asked Mary. “I’m making the call here and I’ll take the responsibility for what happens.”

“I understand,” said Charlotte. “And in reality, it doesn’t cause serious physical problems.”

“No,” said Mary. “Nick, do you think you can link the videos together from where she leaves the pharmacy and goes into the chamber along with splicing in the chamber video?”

“Yeah, that I can do,” said Nick as Mary headed into the kitchen to make an additional pot of java for the group. Charlotte followed her in.

“There’s something you’re not telling me,” said Charlotte.

“I’m sorry?” asked Mary.

“You aren’t that upset at Nick knowing,” said Charlotte. “I figured you would have blown sky high with that revelation.”

“I kind of expected to spread it around eventually,” said Mary. “Once we all got done looking at the video and didn’t see anything, we probably needed additional eyes on it.”

“But that’s not all,” said Charlotte. “Jerome didn’t seem that surprised at seeing it nor was he surprised at the theft.”

“Because Jerome has seen the pharmacy video,” said Mary guardedly.

“You showed it to him?” asked Charlotte in a low voice.

“I was probably like you, frustrated I hadn’t seen anything,” said Mary with a sigh. “So, I went to the tavern to clear my head and just get out of the house for a while. I saw Jerome there and knew he had done some work on the Raptor photos and we talked about it. So, I brought him in to take a look at it to see if there was anything we missed.”

“You reviewed the whole video in one evening?” asked Charlotte.

“There is a copy that only shows when people are inside,” said Mary. “I figured that might have been easier to get through.”

“But he didn’t catch it?” asked Charlotte.

“Not on the first go through at five times the speed,” said Mary. “We started going back through at normal speed next.”

“I get this feeling you didn’t get through it,” said Charlotte.

“What makes you say that?” asked Mary.

“I’ve known Jerome since being here since he’s Nick’s shift leader,” said Charlotte. “He acts a certain way with women he’s involved with or wants to be involved with. I saw it tonight when you called.”

“Okay, that specific act you’re thinking of didn’t happen,” said Mary.

“None of my business,” said Charlotte. “He’s a cute guy, you’re a pretty woman. Seems like it wouldn’t be a problem to me.”

“No, truthfully nothing sexual happened,” said Mary. “Not that I would have minded it, but that not the way I’m built, Charlotte.”

“Not the way you’re built?” she asked.

“Jumping into something like that on a first date,” said Mary. “Which that wasn’t even a first date so to speak. I try to take my time with a guy.”

“There’s something else you’re not telling me,” said Charlotte.

“Well, he started rubbing at his neck and told me he’d worked shoulders and neck that day. And well, being me and wanting to help people, I offered one of my neck rubs,” said Mary.

“Uh huh,” said Charlotte. “Go on.”

“Well, I was feeling a little low over my missing the vacation and you’re right, he is very cute and charming with a nice set of abs,” she sighed.

“You probably don’t need to get more detailed in your physical description,” chuckled Charlotte. “You’ll start getting a hot flash.”

“I don’t always get a hot flash over a guy with washboard abs,” said Mary.

“You sure about that?” asked Charlotte.

“Okay, his abs I probably would,” said Mary with a grin.

“Anyway,” said Charlotte.

“Anyway, let’s just say it was leading to that kind of happy ending and frankly, had it started, I wouldn’t have stopped it. But again, not my thing after watching a boring video for a few hours,” said Mary. “So, I stopped it before it started.”

“I mean, Nick and I broke up the monotony with that one night after watching the video,” said Charlotte with a grin. “Had to do something for entertainment.”

“Truth is, I invited him over for dinner tomorrow actually,” said Mary. “Figured I’d at least get to know him before I give him another massage.”

“You know that’s cheating, right?” asked Charlotte. “One of those and any guy would be eating out of your hand.”

“Well, not all of them,” said Mary. “Anyway, I’d rather you know now about the dinner instead of getting surprised later on.”

“He’s not the kind to run around bragging about it,” said Charlotte. “I mean, he’s more mature than some of the guys like that.”

“Part of his attraction,” said Mary.

“Hey, he’s a cutie,” said Charlotte. “Nice catch.”

“I have this feeling he’s not exactly caught,” said Mary. “Plus, there is a considerable age gap there where we are concerned.”

“Just a bit,” said Charlotte. “But even if it is only one night, who cares?”

“I would,” said Mary with a sigh. “I mean, I’ve had my share of them in my younger years, but I’m not looking for just that out of a guy these days.”

“Nothing wrong with it if it happens,” said Charlotte.

“What is it with you and Charity trying to get me laid?” asked Mary.

“Charity said the same thing?” asked Charlotte.

“Pretty close,” said Mary.

“Maybe there’s something to it,” said Charlotte with a grin. “Hey, I’m glad you finally broke loose a bit. And you’ve still got enough game to snag someone almost ten years younger.”

“Oh really?” asked Mary with a laugh.

“Well, he tends to be fairly picky,” said Charlotte.

“So, I should be honored?” asked Mary.

“I’m just saying that you are attractive enough to catch his eye,” said Charlotte.

“Well, that and the neck massage didn’t hurt, I’d bet,” said Mary with a grin.

“Again, that’s cheating,” said Charlotte with a laugh.

“That’s the game, hon,” said Mary with a grin. “He’s a nice guy though and I think we can be friends in the long run regardless if something happens or not.”

“Can I ask you a personal question?” asked Charlotte.

“Sure,” said Mary. “I think we’re obviously in that personal realm at the moment.”

“Why him?” asked Charlotte.

“I don’t know,” said Mary. “I mean, he’s not the kind of guy I’ve gone after in the past and I’ve never been one for, well, a player like him. But just something about him was very charming.”

“Again, nothing wrong with that,” said Charlotte. “No hope for you and Ben though?”

“He has a girlfriend,” said Mary as the news of Ben and Ashley had made its way back to the colony and was circulating in the local grapevine. Which was part of the reason Mary had gone in search of social time.

“He has a woman he met on vacation and who knows if that’ll last,” said Charlotte.

“I’m not the jealous kind that is going to try to break something like that up,” said Mary.

“I was just wondering,” said Charlotte. “He seems like a whole new man after that trip.”

“Let’s see if he falls back into his old ways,” said Mary as they headed back into the living room area where Nick was finishing.

“See if who falls back into his old ways?” asked Nick.

“The Commander,” said Charlotte.

“You mean my dance instructor?” asked Nick with a snort.

“I made Nick promise to get lessons as soon as the Commander returns,” said Charlotte. “You see, we never had a formal wedding or honeymoon and the next trip to the island we’re going to treat ourselves as if it’s our honeymoon.”

“And part of that is learning to dance properly instead of me just moving my hips and trying to grab her backside,” said Nick with a shake of his head.

“I’ll remind you; you did more than just try. You actually did it,” said Charlotte. “Anyway.”

“You two always tickle me to death squabbling,” said Mary with a smile. “You’re like a married couple that’s been together for 50 years or something.”

“It does seem like eternity,” said Nick and got a look of shock from his wife and saw he might be in the doghouse once again. “But that’s only because each moment I’m with her is like a lifetime of happiness that I don’t want to end.”

“Nice save,” chuckled Mary.

“I thought so,” said Nick as he received a smack on the back of the head anyway. “Ow!”

“Anyway, we’re all packaged up,” said Charlotte. “What else?”

“As soon as I get the pics from Jerome, we’ll be all set,” said Mary as she checked Allen’s calendar as well as Tasha’s and set up a quick meeting for the following morning. “You two head home and get some rest. You’ve earned it.”

“Are you sure you don’t want to call down there and warn them?” asked Charlotte.

“I think we’ll be okay,” said Mary.

********************
​

“Hey, Commander?” asked a female voice from Ben’s side. He looked up to see Marci Dubose standing next to him looking a bit embarrassed.

“Doctor Dubose?” he asked as the last night’s party was still in full swing.

“It’s Marci,” she said.

“And it’s Ben,” said Ben. “Can I help you?”

“I just wanted to apologize for the other day,” she said as she blushed slightly. “I was stupid and lazy for not wearing the gloves like you mentioned.”

“Marci, if you were the first person to ever get a blister from not doing what you were told, I’d probably be more upset,” said Ben.

“No, I just, well, I should have helped more,” she sighed. “I thought about it afterwards and I realize I probably wasn’t that useful.”

“You were okay,” said Ben. “Every little bit helps.”

“Well, that and the haughty manner in which I objected to the work,” she said. “I should have realized you were working just as hard as anyone before running my mouth about it.”

“One thing I’ve come to realize is we all have to get our hands dirty to get things done around here,” he stated. “I don’t think anyone can ever truly say anything is beneath us when it comes to getting Novae Spes up and running before Expedition 2.”

“No, you’re right,” she sighed. “Again, my apologies for acting like I was above that.”

“It’s no big deal,” he said.

“What happened to Ashley?” she asked as she looked around for her.

“Emergency in the colony,” said Ben. “Something computer related and she had to fly back early to deal with it.”

“That sucks having to leave her vacation,” said Marci. “Well, I just wanted to apologize.”

“You, uh, want to grab a seat? I haven’t really spoken with you much since being here on the planet and this has been a good opportunity to get caught up with folks I don’t know,” said Ben.

“I was talking with some others,” she said. “Let me get a drink and maybe I’ll come back later?”

“Yeah, that’ll work,” said Ben. “Catch up with you in a bit, okay?”

“Sure,” said Marci with a brief smile as she departed and was immediately replaced by Taylor Green bouncing up.

“Another dance tonight?” she grinned as it was obvious by her flushed appearance and glassy eyes she had been partaking in the festivities.

“Maybe in a bit,” he smiled. “You youngsters wore me out the other night.”

“Well, maybe you need to practice more,” she giggled.

“Maybe so,” he chuckled. “You have a good time?”

“Better than the last time so to speak,” she said as she slid into a chair at his table. “But two weeks down here has been nice even if one of them was working on the orchard.”

“I think the benefit of having that fruit immediately available would be worth the work we’re putting into it,” said Ben.

“And the berries,” she said. “We found a new type of berry that seems harmless, but we’ve still got some testing to do.”

“Kurt didn’t mention that,” said Ben.

“Probably waiting for everything to get finished,” she stated and looked around. “I’m not taking anyone’s seat, am I?”

“No, you’re fine,” he said with a smile.

“Now, I will say if you want to appoint someone to make a hardship tour and have to live down here in these horrid conditions to tend to the yellow fruit on this island, I’d probably take one for the team and move here permanently,” she grinned.

“Would you really do that for the team?” he laughed.

“It wouldn’t be easy, but I wouldn’t want anyone else to endure that burden,” she grinned.

“I’d bet not,” he laughed.

“I was going to grab another drink,” she stated. “You want anything?”

“Ah, I’m okay for the moment,” he said as he looked at his half glass.

“Okay, I can come back, right?” she asked.

“Sure,” he smiled as she was replaced with Sam and Randy Whitaker for a few minutes as well asking for yet another story about their father as Ben had been in a storytelling mood one of the previous nights and had given them an entertaining story about something Kendrick had done in the past. Everything seemed perfect in the world right then, but as all things, perception sometimes just isn’t reality.

********************
​

“Interesting,” said Allen Smith the next morning as Mary had briefed him and Tasha on the disappearance of the drug as well as the culprit in the act. “I never would have thought.”

“None of us did,” said Mary. “But we have a window of opportunity here to secure the remaining drug if there is any left and catch the thief when they come off the shuttle.”

“Agreed,” said Tasha.

“Mark? The legality of the search thing?” asked Allen.

“As I mentioned to Ben before, technically speaking, everything in this colony belongs to Novus and with you being one of the duly appointed representatives, you can authorize the search without consent,” said Mark Bennett, one of the Engineers and a former lawyer.

“What was Ben’s take?” asked Allen.

“He didn’t prefer to go that route because of the pitfalls from Earth over doing such things,” said Mark as he briefly explained the conversation he had with Ben. “However, in this case, I think the public safety angle especially if it’s been used makes it more imperative.”

“I’d prefer to have Ben around for the conversation, but I’ll approve it and speak with him later,” said Allen reaching a decision quickly. “Tasha? I would assume you can take care of it?”

“Yes, I have a few key personnel that can help,” said Tasha. “I’d also like to include Mary to be able to secure said item and test it.”

“Approved. I’ll let Charity know to get you access,” said Allen. “Mark, I’d like for you to stick around for a moment if that’s okay.”

The others departed as Mark moved to a different seat so he was closer to the front of Allen’s desk. Allen looked over the file and pictures once again before shaking his head.

“Obviously, I’d like to keep a lid on this,” said Allen.

“I’ll treat it like attorney-client privilege,” said Mark.

“Obviously, we’ll have a trial since it has been used,” said Allen. “I’ll speak with Ben when he gets back and we’ll obviously present it to the Directors and maybe even a colony wide vote, but I considered doing it the same way we did it in the fleet.”

“Which was?” asked Mark.

“More of a tribunal than a formal trial,” said Allen. “Since we were a contained unit on the Santa Maria without any official legal department, we had several officers trained to be advocates for potential defendants instead of lawyers. Not as many rules for advocates, but the same process for the tribunal with formal rules so to speak.”

“I think that’s the best move,” said Mark. “And obviously since we don’t have a judge, you or Ben would need to appoint a president for that kind of thing.”

“I had the ultimate authority on legal matters, but the section chiefs typically were the president during the proceedings,” said Allen.

“If I may, I’d be careful about that,” said Mark.

“Pitfall?” asked Allen.

“Potential for bias,” said Mark. “If you go the Director or even an Assistant Director like Charity or Angeline for the ‘judge’ in this case, I’d omit Security as they’d be running the investigative team, omit the Director where the victim comes from and the Director from wherever the defendant comes from. That way you have a neutral and unbiased person filling in as the presiding body.”

“In the cases of multiple victims?” asked Allen. “Or where the victim is linked to the section?”

“Common sense should prevail and you pick one that the defense and prosecution agree on,” said Mark. “If you start playing seven degrees of separation, you likely won’t find anyone capable of being the judge.”

“That makes sense,” said Allen as he wrote down what Mark as suggested.

“Also, I’d be careful about you and Ben filling in on the judge side of things,” said Mark. “The whole separation of powers thing they tried a long time ago in the old United States.”

“Our executive authority shouldn’t conflict with judicial applications,” said Allen. “Smart.”

“I’d suggest you two talk to the Directors about a jury as well,” suggested Mark.

“Again, I was thinking of doing it the way we did on the Santa Maria,” said Allen. “Normally a five-person panel that heard all arguments and made a recommendation to the President.”

“That sounds about right,” said Mark.

“But no Directors on the jury,” said Allen. “I don’t want any chance of impropriety rearing its ugly head.”

“I think that’s wise,” said Mark.

“Random drawing from the personnel six Directorates and one more at random?” asked Allen.

“Seven is a good number,” said Mark. “With each of the sections represented, it gives a wider range of backgrounds and life experiences.”

“Why would that be important?” asked Allen.

“Basically, a jury should be of your peers, but I don’t think a jury entirely composed of someone from the section involved is smart,” said Mark. “With other areas, other opinions and points of view on the matter can be heard and you still have a representative with the defendant’s background with an equal voice.”

“Seven?” asked Allen.

“Six at random and I’d suggest the jury foreman come from the section itself,” said Mark. “That makes it more in line with ‘jury of peers’ than a random person. It allows for two people on the jury to represent the background of the defendant, but it’s not enough for there to be a majority.”

“I like it,” said Allen. “Again, we’d probably put it to a vote.”

“I think that’s extremely smart,” said Mark. “Allow the citizens to vote on it.”

“What else am I missing?” asked Allen.

“Allow the defendant to pick their own advocate,” suggested Mark. “If they refuse to, one can be appointed, but give them the option to pick one.”

“Including a Director?” asked Allen.

“If we want to be fair, I’d allow for that,” said Mark. “But I’d say advocates should be voluntary and serve if they feel comfortable.”

“How come?” asked Allen.

“We aren’t dealing with a true professional legal system here where a lawyer defends their client without question even if they know they are guilty,” said Mark. “There is no code of ethics like we had with lawyers on Earth and this advocate system has the chance for someone to not truly defend their client if they feel they are guilty.”

“I see your point,” said Allen.

“And no jokes about lawyers and ethics please,” chuckled Mark.

“Never crossed my mind… okay, it briefly crossed my mind” chuckled Allen. “You think you could get something written up in the next couple of hours? Basic forms and rules?”

“Yeah, I can have something whipped up,” said Mark. “One more thing, I’m going to go ahead and omit myself from an advocate position as well as the prosecution.”

“Being you’re the only legal expert we have and are advising us on how to conduct these things, I think that’s wise,” said Allen.

“Can I set up in that spare office?” asked Mark.

“Sure,” said Allen. “But the rule around these parts is if you drain the java, you make the next pot.”

“You know what the key to that is?” asked Mark.

“Don’t be the guy draining the pot,” said Allen with a grin. “Thanks for all the help.”

“No problem,” said Mark as he opened his laptop and grabbed a cup of java before he started working. However, he saw why Allen mentioned that item in particular since there was just enough left in the pot for a cup. As he looked at Allen, he saw a sly grin form on Allen’s face even though he didn’t look at him. Chuckling, he got a new pot ready and turned on the brewer before getting down to business.

********************
​

“Got something,” said Sergeant Major Kendrick Whitaker as he located what felt like a bottle inside a drawer hidden inside a pair of rolled up socks.

“Photos,” said Tasha as one of her troopers came over with a camera taking several photos of the item as well as the location inside the drawer. Kendrick had on gloves and unrolled the socks before the bottle of Retivive-3 dropped into his hand. He looked it over before placing it in a plain plastic bag and handing it to Mary.

“Lot and serial number match the missing bottle,” said Mary as she looked it over. “Maybe half is missing, but I can confirm that when I get it on a scale.”

“Half missing is a bad thing, right?” asked Tasha.

“That’s enough to give a ship’s crew a real happy shore leave,” said Mary.

“Oh, that’s nice,” said Tasha. “Should we keep looking?”

“We have the evidence,” said Mary. “I assume you’re going to interrogate the suspect?”

“Not me in particular,” said Tasha. “But yes, that’s the plan.”

“Ask them where the rest is,” said Mary. “Or how much was used.”

“Should we search the roommate’s area too?” asked Kendrick.

“I think we need to tread carefully on that,” said Tasha. “We have a suspect and we should only be searching areas under their immediate control.”

“We searched the common areas too,” said Kendrick. “This was the only place we found it.”

“I’d say we’re good for the moment,” said Tasha as she called Allen. He answered almost immediately as he was waiting for the news. “We found the bottle.”

“In the suspect’s quarters?” asked Allen.

“Yep,” said Tasha. “Mary thinks maybe half is missing.”

“That’s not good,” said Allen. “I guess we can safely assume you will ask where the rest is?”

“We certainly will,” said Tasha. “Do we have a timeframe on when they are leaving the island?”

“Should be in the next couple of hours or so,” said Allen. “We normally extend the time the last morning so that gives them one last chance to visit the beach and whatnot.”

“I was ready to leave as soon as I woke up,” said Tasha with a frown.

“Not everyone has a bad time,” said Allen. “Anyway, you have a party ready to take them into custody when they arrive?”

“We do,” said Tasha. “I had some thoughts on that as well.”

“Please,” said Allen as Tasha briefly explained.

“To me, that gives us time to do what we need to do and for them to pick their lawyer,” said Tasha. “I could start the interview immediately though.”

“No, I think having their counsel there is necessary,” said Allen. “Speaking of, we’re calling them advocates and I’ve got Mark working on that.”

“Sounds good,” said Tasha as she saw a piece of paper being handed to Allen.

“Speaking of, my search authorization,” said Allen.

“None of the tricky lawyer stuff is going to happen since you signed the document after we finished the search, right?” asked Tasha.

“Exigent circumstances,” said Mark off camera. “Luckily the implied consent for search was included in the basic contract everyone signed when they joined. We’ll have to track down the contract of the defendant to get the copy.”

“Okay,” said Tasha. “Mary has custody of the bottle and will secure it for testing.”

“Make sure you maintain a proper chain of custody on that bottle,” said Mark. “Anyone who’s touched it has to be included.”

“Right,” said Tasha. “I’d assume there’s a form for that?”

“Yeah, about that,” said Mark. “Give me a few minutes.”

“It seems like we’re doing everything on the fly,” said Tasha dryly.

“We tend not to overthink things when we do it that way,” said Allen.

“I’d prefer to overthink them in order to get the outcome she richly deserves,” said Tasha.

“We’ll be fine,” said Allen. “Keep me in the loop, okay?”

“Will do,” said Tasha as she and her team departed the apartment and locked the door behind them. She knew what they were doing was extremely important since they were currently setting the precedent for any future investigations in the colony and wanted to make sure they got it right the first time. She also remembered she needed to be writing down everything she was doing in order to make sure she and her team were legally covered during any proceedings.

Heading to her office, she formed the plan for the arrest of the suspect when the shuttles landed. She planned on being there herself, but would allow her team to make the apprehension since she knew as a Director she shouldn’t be directly involved. But with the arrest, perhaps she could start healing from being a victim herself of the actions of the individual.

 

As a reminder, comments thread is located here:

Terra Novae Spes Comment Thread

 

CHAPTER 11


Tasha headed over to the landing areas when the shuttles called in they were underway. The gunship had headed back down earlier that morning and would be delayed for the trip back. But she had received the manifest and saw the person would be on board the shuttles. As she waited patiently, she saw an individual waiting as well as she had been warned about it. Walking over, she stood to his side with her arms folded.

“Ryan,” she said evenly.

“Tasha,” said Ryan Kingston as he waited.

“I do hope you aren’t here for the reason I think you’re here,” said Tasha.

“Just waiting to see the folks who arrive,” said Ryan.

“I think you need to head home,” said Tasha.

“Larissa called you, didn’t she?” asked Ryan.

“Yep,” said Tasha. “Hence, why you’re going to leave.”

“I’m just going to have a chat,” said Ryan.

“No, you’re going home,” said Tasha.

“This needs to have a stop put to it,” said Ryan.

“Ryan, I’ve got enough on my plate at the moment without having to deal with this,” said Tasha. “I’m here to perform Novae Spes’ first arrest and I really don’t have time for your revenge shit.”

“He tried breaking up my relationship with Larissa,” said Ryan softly. “That woman has been one of the best things that’s ever happened to me.”

“And I’m to understand she put him on his ass already,” said Tasha. “Like literally put him on his ass when he tried to stop her. Just let it go.”

“What’s going to happen when he does it to someone you can’t control or one of yours like Nick and Charlotte Griggs?” asked Ryan. “He needs to learn that shit doesn’t fly.”

“In due time, I’m sure he will,” said Tasha. “Ryan, please go home.”

“I can’t,” said Ryan.

“Staff Sergeant Crosby?” called Tasha. Crosby headed over, towering over the both of them as he saluted her.

“Ma’am?” he asked.

“Please escort Captain Kingston back to his quarters,” she ordered. “He will remain there with you as his escort and have no contact with anyone save his leadership or me. He is not to leave his quarters under any circumstances unless there is a colony wide emergency that requires his talents as a pilot. You will turn over custody of him to Captain Larissa Moody when she arrives from Rachelle Island later today. However, you are authorized to use physical force to detain him and keep him from leaving if he tries.”

“Yes, ma’am,” said Crosby as he turned to Ryan and held out his hand towards the quarters area with a look that wasn’t to be argued with. “Sir? If you would head this way.”

“You think you could pick anyone bigger?” asked Ryan.

“Well, you know me, I like overwhelming force,” said Tasha with a shrug. “Be careful, Ryan, Staff Sergeant Crosby was a football player as well.”

“Offensive line?” asked Ryan.

“Defensive tackle with LSU,” said Crosby with an evil grin. “And I love me some quarterback.”

“Oh, joy,” said Ryan with a sigh. “We going to hold hands while we walk?”

“Captain, if I’m holding your hand it’s only going to be because I knocked you out and I’m having to drag your ass home,” said Crosby. “So, if you don’t mind saving me that trouble?”

“Very charming,” said Ryan. “Did Major Hayden teach you that?”

“Oh, no,” he grinned evilly. “I learned it while smashing the hell out of some Aggie backfields.”

“Tasha, you understand I had to try?” asked Ryan.

“Don’t be that guy, Ryan,” said Tasha. “She cared enough to call ahead to make sure you didn’t do anything stupid. You need to thank her when she arrives.”

“I will,” sighed Ryan. “Okay, Tree, let’s head home. You want lunch?”

“I’d love some of that cooking I hear so much about,” said Crosby politely.

“LSU huh?” asked Ryan as they walked away. “Not bad for a homecoming game team.”

Tasha chuckled at Ryan still running his mouth even as she knew Crosby was large enough to drive him into the ground like a fence post. And while she agreed in part with what he was trying to do, she knew it wasn’t the best choice. Joe Buck had broken up at least one relationship and was trying to break another one up before a stop had been put to it. She wondered how many more relationships he had been a part of breaking up and respected Ryan’s approach of not fooling around with women involved in a relationship. While it still irked her slightly the way he bounced from woman to woman, at least he had some standards.

“About fifteen minutes,” said Charity as she came walking up and offered Tasha a travel mug of java. Tasha took it with a polite nod as Charity saw she was focused this morning.

“Do you know which one?” asked Tasha with a sip of the java.

“Should be on tail Balls 4,” said Charity. “The one Biscuit is flying.”

“Roger that,” said Tasha which meant the shuttle with tail number NG20-004 which was the one nominally claimed by Lieutenant Nancy Owens.

“May I ask whom?” asked Charity.

“We’re trying to keep it confidential until we get her under arrest,” said Tasha.

“Word will leak quickly,” said Charity as her communicator beeped at her.

“I’d prefer it not at all,” said Tasha. “We’re going to do it quietly.”

“Hopefully so,” said Charity. “I can’t believe someone stole a whole bottle of Truedream.”

“You’d think a woman would be able to charm a guy on her own merits,” said Tasha.

“Well, I’m getting a bit old to be charming any guy,” grinned Charity.

“Well, that’s because you have a man,” said Tasha. “How’s that going?”

“Pretty well,” said Charity. “Allen has him hopping on this legal stuff this morning.”

“It’s important,” said Tasha. “We’ve been lucky that the minor infractions have solved themselves quickly. You know, fights here and there, petty arguments that solved themselves over a handshake and a beer, things like that. This is way more serious.”

“Drugging people always is,” said Charity. “Do we know the victim?”

“It’s not been made public either,” said Tasha. “And truthfully, I don’t know. Medical confidentiality, you know?”

“Sad,” said Charity as she suspected it had been Chuck Dawson since it was fairly obvious from all accounts he and Tasha were about to make a full rapprochement and maybe even start dating until Chuck went a little hog wild his last night on the island. She didn’t like seeing her friends hurt and hopefully, the arrest today would put a quick end to drugging people against their will.

It wasn’t long before the shuttles called in final approach and Charity took the lead on directing them in. She called Courtney Rowe and had her land first while the other two shuttles were directed into an orbit to keep the crowds at a minimum while Tasha’s team arrested the suspect. The normal “welcome home” crowds had been kept away by a “possible fuel leak” Charity had created to clear the landing areas. Eventually, Biscuit entered the landing pattern and flared the ship for a landing and Charity saw her skills as a pilot were increasing every day.

The passengers unloaded, curious as to why friends and loved ones hadn’t met them as Tasha’s team shadowed their prey as she got off the shuttle. Carrying her bag and walking towards the quarters, Tasha saw Captain Jerome Irwin approach her and spoke in what appeared to be reasonable terms as the other two security troopers flanked the person, though kept somewhat of a distance between the pair. Tasha saw her shake her head and attempt to go past him until he produced the recently created arrest warrant and showed her.

Tasha saw her head drop as another trooper came in to collect her bag as they led her to her quarters where she would be under continuous observation until they got things ready for her interview and eventual charging.

“Is that who I think it is?” asked Charity.

“Yes, now keep quiet about it,” said Tasha.

“Last person I would have imagined,” said Charity. “I need to find Biscuit and let her know she’s shacking up at my place for a few days.”

“Charity?” asked Tasha. “Just so it clears my mind, you don’t think Courtney is involved in this, do you?”

“Highly doubtful,” said Charity. “She doesn’t really have an active social life though that’s changing as she has developed since being here. Late bloomer, I guess.”

“You know we’re going to have to talk with her,” said Tasha.

“I know why,” said Charity. “I’ll let her know someone from your office will need to speak to her, but not the reason why.”

“Thanks,” said Tasha as she called Allen and he immediately answered. “We got her.”

“No problems?” asked Allen.

“None so far and we took her under arrest away from the crowds so it probably didn’t draw attention,” said Tasha. “They’re heading to her quarters right now.”

“Is Charity taking care of the roommate?” asked Allen as the other shuttles were cleared for landing and were heard coming in as Tasha walked away.

“Yeah, she said she’ll have her stay with her for a couple of days until we can set up a temporary holding cell or something,” said Tasha.

“Do you have such an animal?” asked Allen.

“According to Grady, we do,” said Tasha. “I just have to figure out what store room we turned it into because we weren’t using it.”

“Thanks,” said Allen. “Keep me apprised.”

Tasha started heading out towards the quarters area when she was stopped by Charity who came running out. “Tash!”

Tasha stopped and waited for Charity to finish jogging up. “She just gave a blanket consent to search her quarters and her bags when I told her what happened.”

“And you told her to keep her yap shut about it?” asked Tasha.

“She’ll keep quiet,” said Charity. “I promise that.”

“Okay, let’s go look through her gear,” said Tasha. “And we’re going to look through the shuttle as well if you don’t mind.”

“Absolutely,” said Charity as she and Tasha headed back in and found Courtney Rowe in the process of unpacking her bags being watched very carefully by Lieutenant Nancy Owens.

“Scooter doesn’t know why she’s watching her, just to watch her to make sure she doesn’t slip anything into her pockets or something like that,” said Charity.

“Miss Owens, can we get the room?” asked Tasha as she walked in. Nancy gave them a nod and departed without another word as Tasha called for her search team to go through the shuttle along with bringing Ryan back out of his house arrest to help them look through the nooks and crannies only a pilot might know about. Hopefully, the area had been cleared of the remaining vacationers by the time he arrived.

“Lieutenant Rowe, you signed a blanket search consent for your quarters and your personal items?” asked Tasha for the record.

“Right here, ma’am,” said Courtney as she nodded at the piece of paper she had signed. Tasha looked it over and instructed her search team to head to the quarters immediately after finishing the shuttle to give the area a look.

“Ma’am, may I ask if I am a suspect?” asked Courtney quietly.

“Not at the moment,” said Tasha. “We believe we have the responsible party under arrest.”

“Should I be asking for a lawyer?” asked Courtney.

“You have the right to do so, but you are not a suspect,” said Tasha. “Would you like to request an advocate to represent you?”

“Tinker? Do I need one?” asked Courtney.

“I don’t think so, but it’s not a bad idea,” said Charity.

“How many lawyers do we have around here?” asked Courtney. “I honestly don’t know.”

“Well, none,” said Tasha. “We are using a system where you request a member of the Expedition to represent you if they are willing.”

“I would like Runt, please,” said Courtney. “If she’s willing.”

“We can ask when she gets back,” said Tasha. “Do you want to stop the search until she gets back and can be here?”

“I’ve got nothing to hide,” said Courtney as she waved at her items. Tasha went through everything and didn’t find anything out of the ordinary even going so far as to open her shampoo and body wash containers and check them as well as running a small scanner over them.

“Pockets?” asked Tasha. Courtney immediately emptied her pockets and Tasha saw nothing out of the ordinary save a military challenge coin bearing three stars of a General or Admiral.

“My first combat mission was with him,” said Courtney as she saw Tasha recognized the name on the coin as well as his exploits during one of the several wars he had been a part of. “They threw in a green as grass 2nd Lieutenant as his WSO for a strike he wanted to perform to get some ‘combat time.’ It was a milk run, but apparently, I did well enough to impress.”

“He wasn’t easy to impress actually,” said Tasha. “Anyway, you were informed why this is all happening and what’s being done?”

“Yes, ma’am,” said Courtney. “Tinker told me a little.”

“Okay, we’re clear,” said Tasha. “As Tinker already told you and I’m foot stomping the idea, you are to speak with this matter to no one but her or I and your advocate. You are not to mention any other parties involved with, again, your advocate, your leadership or me. You will be interviewed at a date and time to be determined which I’ll let Charity know. Understood?”

“Yes, ma’am,” said Courtney.

“Thank you for your cooperation today,” said Tasha as she headed out and found Ryan had already returned to the shuttle with Crosby.

“It might help if I knew what they are looking for?” he asked. “And will this take that long? I’ve got the beginnings of a great meatball sandwich to feed my shadow.”

“It’s important, Ryan,” said Tasha. “I can’t say why or how, but we’re looking for something medicine bottle sized.”

“Well, that doesn’t make it any easier,” said Ryan as he turned to the search crews. “Okay guys, let me open up a few more hatches and whatnot.”

Tasha saw he was playing ball as Sergeant Major Whitaker came up to her.

“We’ve started the search on the quarters,” he said. “Just the personal areas?”

“Do another check on the common areas as well,” said Tasha. “And have your team be gentle with the private areas. Rowe is playing ball.”

“We aren’t throwing her stuff out like we did in the other room, but it might be unfolded and whatnot,” said Kendrick.

“Thank you,” said Tasha as she headed back to her headquarters and found Captain Jerome Irwin waiting for her with a signed document. “What’s this?”

“She already requested an advocate without any hesitation,” said Jerome as he handed over the folder with the proper form. “I’ve got Corporal Fagan and Tech Sergeant Schreiber keeping an eye on her at the moment.”

“This is her list?” asked Tasha as she looked over the names.

“One primary and two alternates,” said Jerome.

“I’ll let Allen know,” said Tasha. “When will the team be done at the shuttle?”

“Shouldn’t be long, but Captain Kingston keeps showing them new areas to check,” said Jerome.

“He’s not getting wise, is he?” asked Tasha.

“No, he’s playing ball,” said Jerome. “I spoke with him and told him it was important, but couldn’t tell him what it was.”

“You know he’ll ask,” said Tasha.

“He’s a friend and I can stall him,” said Jerome.

“Please,” said Tasha as she saw she needed to brief Allen. “Let me know if anything else turns up, okay?”

“Will do, ma’am,” said Jerome as he headed back into the interview room. Tasha started organizing the files obviously meant for the upcoming tribunal as time crept away from her. Eventually, the gunship was heard coming in and landing as she headed out to greet them. She saw Allen walking the same way and they arrived just as everything was shut down and the SIT personnel along with the pilots were seen automatically rearming the craft for combat missions in case it was needed.

“Hey Ben,” said Allen with a smile. “You are looking well.”

“I feel pretty well,” said Ben. “Tasha.”

“I halfway expected Fred Astaire to come dancing off that gunship,” she grinned.

“Who’s Fred Astaire?” asked Ben.

“I have no idea,” said Allen.

“I… have some business I need to tend to before I get everything going,” said Ben.

“Everything okay?” asked Allen.

“Yeah, just a side trip to the hospital,” said Ben. “I can catch up later with you two if that’s okay?”

“You’re going to the hospital?” asked Tasha.

“Something I ate probably,” said Ben.

“Okay, I’ll grab your bag if you want and run it by your house,” said Allen.

“That’s appreciated,” said Ben. He headed to the hospital since he knew the feelings he had at the moment were not natural though they were enhanced from the last time he had them on the ship. Entering the facility, the on-duty med tech met him at the door.

“Hey, Commander,” she stated. “Can I help you?”

“Yes, is Doctor Griggs around?” asked Ben.

“Sure,” said the tech. “Let me grab her for you.”

Ben waited patiently as the tech disappeared into the clinic and returned in short order with Charlotte Griggs in tow.

“Sir,” said Charlotte. “Can I help you?”

“I needed a couple of minutes of your time to speak with you,” said Ben. “If you’re available.”

“Nothing more serious at the moment than a couple of cases of sunburn and indigestion,” said Charlotte. “Typical Rachelle Island welcome home treatments.”

“If it’s a bad time, I can come back,” said Ben.

“Nah, nothing the techs can’t handle,” said Charlotte. “Want to speak here?”

“You have an office?” asked Ben.

“Sure, come on back,” said Charlotte as they headed into the clinic area where she had a small office where there was little more than a desk and two chairs.

“You’d think they’d have given you a larger office,” said Ben as she shut the door.

“Doctor’s places should be with patients,” she replied. “Something on your mind?”

“I need to be tested,” said Ben with a shade of embarrassment.

“Okay,” she replied. “Normally, I have an idea of what I’m testing for…”

“I think my drink was spiked last night,” said Ben.

“Blood and urine samples,” said Charlotte. “And go from there.”

“That’s it?” asked Ben.

“I know you don’t like needles, but I’ll need to poke you once,” she replied. “The urine sample is on you though. Unless you think a needle is necessary for that as well.”

“No, I’m good,” he laughed. “How do you know I don’t like needles?”

“It’s not exactly a secret,” said Charlotte. “Mary might have mentioned it to one of the kids.”

“I get used as the brave example,” chuckled Ben.

“Maybe,” she grinned. “Let me grab a few tubes.”

She departed as he waited patiently once again as she returned in short order. Handing him a specimen jar, she instructed him to fill it halfway while also preparing two vials for the necessary bloodwork. He departed to the nearest restroom where he filled it halfway as instructed and capped it off before returning. Handing over the jar, he took a seat and prepared for the inevitable needle he knew was coming. Ben tried to relax as best as possible before wincing at the needle going into his arm.

“Easy enough to find your veins,” she stated as she attached the first vacuum sample tube and collected a sample before removing it and repeating the process. Eventually, she had both before placing a small dressing on his arm and having him hold it there.

“Shouldn’t take long,” she stated as she loaded the samples into an analyzer conveniently located in her office. It hummed slightly before taking the sample inside and beginning its work.

“What makes you think you were drugged?” she asked.

“I felt a little more… frisky last night. The last time that happened to that level I had a bout of stasis blindness and got something for it,” said Ben. “Same aftereffects too.”

“Retivive-3?” she asked.

“Yeah,” said Ben as he saw her look on the computer. “I think that’s the name.”

“It is,” said Charlotte. “I’m looking at your file and the treatment included that.”

“I had the same… urges last night,” said Ben.

“Heightened sexual arousal and libido?” she asked. “Everything you say is doctor patient confidential, so no need to hold back.”

“Yes, way more than usual,” said Ben.

“As in actions or just feelings?” she asked.

“Both,” said Ben as he blushed slightly.

“I’m not going to ask who, so don’t worry,” said Charlotte. “Increased sexual stamina?”

“Well…” he said and had a bashful grin.

“Already pretty good, huh?” she asked with a chuckle. “I’m a married woman so you don’t have to be shy around me.”

“I already was pretty decent in that department,” he said and blushed slightly again and wasn’t entirely happy having the conversation with her since she was a very attractive woman. “Or so I was told. Though I didn’t know I had three times in a nine hour period in me.”

“I’ll refrain from comment,” she chuckled.

“Well, it’s been a while on that kind of activity for me,” he said.

“You special forces soldiers are all the same when it comes to the stamina,” she replied. “Nick’s no different.”

“He’s younger though,” said Ben as the machine beeped at her letting her know it had reached stage one in its analysis of the blood sample.

“We’re going to have a house full of kids if we don’t back off,” she grinned. “It hasn’t been this bad since we were first married and he got back from that mission on the Venera-5 station.”

“We’re going to have to repopulate the species,” chuckled Ben.

“Oh, we’re taking on that challenge,” she replied and looked at her computer as the testing was continuing. “Quite frequently, I might add.”

“Doctor, if you don’t mind, can we not have this conversation?” asked Ben.

“Oh, my! I am sorry!” she stated. “I wasn’t even thinking!”

“It certainly got me to thinking,” said Ben with a chuckle.

“Yeah, let’s table this discussion for another day,” said Charlotte as the machine beeped at her indicating it had completed its work. “Initial readings do show a significant amount of Retivive-3 still in your system. Far more than the trace amounts you should be dealing with from your stasis blindness.”

“It stays in your system that long?” he asked.

“That’s an atomic level analyzer,” she replied. “I could just about tell you what drugs you’ve had your whole life.”

“I haven’t had anything illegal,” he chuckled.

“I won’t look, I promise,” she stated as she checked the readings again. “Nothing other than that and the dose you were given appears to be pretty significant.”

“How significant?” asked Ben.

“At least two, maybe two and a half times the recommended dose? Though maybe more since the reading is still incomplete,” she said with her head tipped to the side.

“Are there any long-term side effects?” he asked.

“Not really that we know of or that have been reported,” she replied. “I mean, it’s relatively new as drugs go. Only been on the market for, I don’t know, ten or fifteen years before we left.”

“And that’s new?” he asked.

“Pharmaceutically speaking, yes,” she replied. “You have to remember we have drugs that are tested for decades to determine the long-term side effects. However, with this being a one-time dose, I would tend to think you’re safe from any real harm.”

“What about short term?” he asked.

“Well, you’re going to be feeling a bit more ‘frisky’ as you put it for the next couple of days,” she replied. “It’s pretty slow to work its way out of your system, but in I’d say in the next day or two your biochemistry will be back to normal. Other than strong sexual urges and increased drive along those lines, there isn’t anything else you need to be worried about.”

“So, behave myself?” asked Ben.

“Drink lots of water to help flush it out and sleep when you can,” said Charlotte. “Otherwise, only time can help.”

“I’ll do my best,” said Ben. “Anything you can give to counteract the effects?”

“Yeah, prescription for cold showers,” she laughed.

“I’ll give it a try,” he chuckled. “Appreciate the help.”

“You understand I will have to let Mary know?” she asked.

“You have your duty,” said Ben.

“I was just wondering since you requested me,” said Charlotte.

“Well, since I hooked up on the island, I figured it might not be the best time to allow her near me with sharp objects,” he grinned.

“No, probably not,” laughed Charlotte. “She may want to speak with you as a follow up.”

“I’ll make myself available when she needs me,” said Ben as he thought about the conversation they just had and she hadn’t acted surprised at all over the fact he had the drug in his system.

“There’s something you aren’t telling me,” he said as he looked at her.

“I’m sorry?” she asked.

“Normally when someone mentions they were drugged, the first reaction is one of shock and trying to figure out how said drug got in my system,” said Ben.

“I… uh,” she stammered.

“Spill it,” he ordered.

“We’ve been missing a bottle of Retivive-3 since the outbreak,” admitted Charlotte. “Came up unaccounted for during our last inventory and we tracked it down to that timeframe.”

“I see,” said Ben. “And why am I just now hearing about this?”

“Because we wanted to make sure it wasn’t a clerical oversight and we knew for a fact it was stolen rather than just misplaced or used,” said Charlotte. “But some of it’s turned up.”

“I suspect this isn’t the first case,” said Ben.

“Commander, I’d prefer you speak with Doctor Blevins about that,” said Charlotte.

“Wait, you don’t think I had anything to do with it, right?” he asked.

“No! Certainly not you!” she exclaimed.

“Glad you don’t think it’s me,” he stated.

“No, you wouldn’t need any drugs,” said Charlotte. “Plenty of women around here that think you’re all that and would be thrilled to find you in the mood.”

“Oh?” he asked with a hint of a grin.

“Different subject, different time,” she laughed. “And no, I’m not giving you any names to help with your little problem.”

“Bummer,” he laughed. “Seriously though.”

“I’d say you need to report the usage to Allen and Tasha,” said Charlotte. “We can’t report it directly to them since the doctor-patient privilege comes into play.”

“However, I can volunteer that info,” said Ben.

“Or you can sign a waiver allowing us to report it,” said Charlotte.

“I’d prefer to just report it myself after being so advised,” said Ben. “If it comes down to needing access to my medical records, I’ll sign it later.”

“Thanks, Commander,” said Charlotte. “And off the record, I’m sorry this happened to you.”

“Can I ask another direct question?” he asked.

“I think that’s your prerogative as Commander,” she stated.

“When did you confirm it was stolen?” he asked.

“Last night,” she admitted.

“Timing might have been better,” said Ben with a sigh. “But better me than someone else.”

“I’d think Mary should brief you on everything,” she stated.

“I’ll get with her later,” said Ben. “I’ll keep in touch if it doesn’t go away.”

“Okay,” stated Charlotte as she finished the report. “See you.”

“Bye,” said Ben as he departed the medical facility wondering why such a thing had been kept from him. Furthermore, if that’s why Allen and Tasha were coming to see him. He headed to the Headquarters building where Allen was back in his office along with Tasha.

“Well, everything okay?” asked Allen as Ben took a seat opposite him.

“It’s quite an awesome place,” said Ben as he waved Allen and Tasha down.

“Did you at least get a tan on those pasty pale legs?” asked Tasha.

“I most certainly did,” said Ben with a laugh. “I have business though.”

“You don’t officially come back into pocket until tomorrow,” said Allen.

“You can have the paperwork associated with it longer if you want,” laughed Ben.

“How about no?” asked Allen with a laugh as Ben went and closed the door. “Mysterious.”

“I was drugged on the island,” said Ben as he returned to his seat.

Ben saw them both sigh and look at each other. “I presume with the expressions you knew there was some of the Truedream missing?”

“The Retivive-3?” asked Allen as he passed over a file. “Yes, Mary informed us this morning. Good thing is, she managed to locate the thief and they are in custody.”

Ben quickly read through the file as his eyes grew open a bit wider when he saw who it was. “That’s… not who I would have suspected.”

“Is everything okay with you?” asked Tasha.

“Other than the increased sexual urges, I’m okay at the moment,” said Ben. “Charlotte Griggs gave me the prescription for cold showers and sleep.”

“How large a dose?” asked Allen.

“Couple of times the recommended dose,” said Ben. “So, not horrible, not too great though.”

“You having urges right now?” asked Tasha.

“Well, Allen is certainly safe,” said Ben. “And you’re fine.”

“I’d hope you aren’t making a bad pun or anything,” said Tasha with a sour expression.

“No, they come and go today,” said Ben. “What’s the plan?”

“We managed to recover the bottle and Mary was determining how much was used,” said Allen. “Tasha has a team ready to start interviews tomorrow morning.”

“Are we sure we have the only perp here?” asked Ben.

“We have video evidence of the theft,” said Allen. “With you and Chuck Dawson, we think we have the culprit as you both have this person in common.”

“Chuck got hit as well?” asked Ben.

“Yep,” said Tasha with a sigh. “I have an investigative team assigned to the case though this is the first official law enforcement act we’ve done.”

“Talk me through what you’ve done,” said Ben. Allen spent several minutes explaining the course of actions as well as the legal setup they put into place.

“I like the advocate and jury thing,” said Ben after Allen finished. “Who did she pick?”

“Her original choice was Javier, but he declined,” said Allen. “Jim Kirk agreed to it.”

“He’s a formidable choice even without legal training,” said Ben.

“Until he bores the court to death with a whole lot of Latin,” chuckled Tasha.

“I would assume you’d be called in to interpret?” said Ben with a silly grin.

“No,” she said as a sour look came over her face.

“So, what’s the plan?” asked Ben.

“Honestly, interviews tomorrow and I’d like to get a statement from you,” said Allen. “I was thinking the day after tomorrow or so we start the tribunal.”

“That’s kind of quick,” said Ben.

“It’s fairly clear cut,” said Allen. “Is there any reason to drag it out?”

“No, I think that’s something I despised about the legal system on Earth,” said Ben. “We spent way too much time waiting for a trial when we should have just gotten it over with.”

“That was my though as well,” said Allen. “Luckily, we had the benefit of being far away from the legal system and could do them in a timelier fashion on a ship.”

“And the colony will vote on these things?” asked Ben.

“I think that’s best,” said Allen. “Rachelle told me she could have everything set up in another hour or so.”

“I like it,” said Ben as he felt one of the urges coming back on again. “I should probably go and let you guys finish this up.”

“Still worn out from all that dancing?” asked Tasha.

“Something like that,” said Ben as he stood. “Hopefully, this thing has worked its way out by tomorrow, though Charlotte didn’t give me a good timeline on that.”

“You’re having issues,” said Tasha as a statement rather than a question.

“I won’t confirm or deny,” said Ben as he shook Allen’s hand. “You’ve got the store for a final night, okay?”

“I’ll make sure I pile up the reports for you,” he chuckled.

“I hope that inbox is empty,” laughed Ben. “Tasha, I’m sorry to hear about Chuck.”

“You and me both,” said Tasha with a sigh.

“I’ll walk you out,” said Allen as he came around and walked with Ben towards the outer door. “I asked Tasha to recuse herself given the personnel involved.”

“I think that’s wise,” said Ben as he sent a quick text. “Who’s leading the investigation?”

“Captain Jerome Irwin,” said Allen. “So far, he’s doing everything by the book and even Mark Bennett agreed he would have made a good investigator.”

“I didn’t think we had a book for this,” chuckled Ben.

“We certainly don’t,” laughed Allen as they reached the door. “Are you going to be okay?”

“As soon as I flush this thing out of my system,” said Ben. “Sleep and water were my indicated treatments, but that’s a long time to wait.”

“And I see you might have some help?” asked Allen with a nod as he saw Ashley Boyd waiting patiently outside the door.

“Maybe so,” said Ben as a grin grew across his face.

“I had a feeling you two were an item,” said Allen. “Claire picked up on it as well.”

“I certainly don’t mind the attention,” said Ben with a smile. “Anyway, I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Staff meeting first thing,” said Allen. “We have to properly break you back in.”

“Oh, thanks,” laughed Ben. “Later.”

“Be good,” said Allen.

“I’m not sure that’s in the cards right now,” Ben laughed as he exited and headed over to Ashley. “Hey, pretty lady.”

“Have a nice trip back?” she asked as Ben swooped in and gathered her up for a significant round of welcome home kisses. “Um, wow! This I was not expecting.”

“Handshake and a smile?” he asked as they were still in each other’s arms.

“No, I mean, I’m not objecting either,” she grinned at him.

“Well, I need to get home and sort out my laundry,” he stated. “Probably need a shower and that afternoon siesta that’s become useful.”

“You looking for a spot of company?” she asked with a naughty smile.

“Expecting it actually,” said Ben as they walked hand in hand towards his quarters.

“I’ve never seen the inside of your house,” she stated. “I get a tour, right?”

“Of course,” he stated as it didn’t take long to reach the cul-de-sac and his front door. “I have to warn you though; once you’re past my door, you’re my prisoner until I say you get to leave.”

“Oh, really?” she asked with a laugh. “When can I expect parole?”

“Well, unlike other prisoners, you’ll have to earn that through bad behavior,” he stated as he shut the door behind them and saw his bags from the island in the foyer where Allen deposited them.

“Any method of bad behavior you’re looking for?” she asked with a grin as he took her around the waist and pulled her in.

“I’m sure something will pop up,” he grinned at her as he pressed himself against her.

“I think something already has,” she laughed as they fell into another round of kissing while he led her through the house. “I thought I was going to get a tour?”

“We’re starting with the bathroom,” he said as he started tugging at her clothing. “I feel like I should take some extra time showing you all the neat features of each room.”

“I’m not opposed to that idea,” she grinned as she allowed herself to be taken into his arms as she wrapped her legs around his waist and he walked towards the bathroom. “It’s a good thing you’re really in shape.”

“I like the shape of you as well,” he stated as they reached the bathroom.

“Any one in particular?” she giggled.

“I’ll kiss the ones I like,” he grinned at her as they got down to business couples tended to do.

 

CHAPTER 12


“I have to say, this was quite unexpected,” sighed Ashley as she propped herself up on an elbow and looked at him while gently scratching her nails down his chest.

“Be careful,” he said as he sighed at the feeling. “You know what that does to me?”

“You’ve got something left after those two performances?” she asked and formed a smile. “Impressive.”

“You tend to get me that way,” he grinned as she reached in and they were lost in a round of kissing as he pulled her on top of him.

“I, uh, would love to go for round three, but I’m hungry and someone’s at your door,” she said haltingly through the kissing.

“Say what?” he asked as they stopped for a moment and sure enough, his doorbell chime was going off. “Perfect timing.”

“Baby, I’m all about some extra attention, but even this woman needs a break,” said Ashley as Ben rolled out of bed. “I’m going to grab a shower and see what your kitchen has to offer.”

“Invitation to join you in the shower?” he asked with a grin as he pulled on some shorts to meet the person at the door.

“Only if you promise to behave,” she giggled as she headed into the bathroom. Ben went to the door and saw it was Mary. A moment of panic came over him as the feelings he had for her came back in true enhanced fashion and likely didn’t want to have to explain why someone else was upstairs in his shower. He saw Mary about to turn and leave and pulled the door open.

“Hey,” said Mary as he peeked around the door. “Were you asleep?”

“Getting there,” he said with a smile. “But you caught me just in time.”

“I’m sorry,” she said. “It can wait.”

“No, please,” he stated. “What’s up?”

“I was just wondering if you’d had dinner yet?” she asked. “I was walking by and figured you might want some company if you were going. I’ve got the night shift tonight at the clinic and was going to grab a bite to eat before heading in.”

“I’m kinda beat from the trip,” he said with a smile. “I do appreciate the offer though.”

“You shouldn’t skip meals,” she said. “Though I don’t think you’re going to miss much.”

“Are you calling me fat?” he asked with a wink and a grin.

“Far from it,” she said and laughed as she looked him over with a glance and had an approving look on her face. “In far better shape than many around here.”

“I appreciate the compliment,” he stated. “And I will say you’re in dynamite shape too.”

“I’m wearing scrubs,” she laughed and blushed slightly.

“I noticed,” he said with a grin as he looked her over as well.

“You don’t seem sleepy at all,” she said with a grin.

“I… I have to be candid with you,” he stated. “And I’d prefer you hear it here first.”

“You were drugged on the island,” she said. “Charlotte informed me.”

“I figured she might,” said Ben. “Is it noticeable?”

“Fairly so,” she stated as she looked down and saw his current aroused condition.

“I’m sorry,” he said and ducked his lower half behind the door.

“Definitely nothing to be sorry for,” she said and blushed slightly at her forward behavior. An uncomfortable silence came over the two for a moment before she recovered.

“Thank you,” he stated with a grin.

“I think Doc Charlotte said it was two times the normal dose,” she managed to stammer.

“She didn’t have an accurate figure,” said Ben.

“That’ll do it,” she said with a sigh. “Two things that can help, time or I can give you a sedative that will help you sleep.”

“Charlotte suggested cold showers,” he laughed. “Three things.”

“Those work short term,” she chuckled. “And there is a fourth method as well.”

“Which is?” he asked.

“It’s a proven short term method as well,” she said as she blushed slightly. “But I have to warn you, it can potentially cause fatigue issues.”

“I thought I was in shape,” he grinned.

“Oh, not a problem there,” she smiled naughtily.

“And that method is?” he asked.

“A more… hands on approach,” said Mary as she gave him a look.

“Multiple hands, I’d assume,” he asked.

“Two is better than one,” she suggested.

“I, uh,” he started to say. “I’m flattered, but I think I can behave myself until tomorrow.”

“Too bad,” said Mary with a wink and being very overt. “You were a handful last time.”

Another uncomfortable silence came over the two of them before he cleared his throat.

“I… think I just pushed a bit far,” she stated with a blush.

“Not at all,” he said. “You’ve earned that right.”

“I shouldn’t even suggest such things in your current condition,” she said blushing even more.

“I’d certainly make you late for work,” he said with a grin and accepted the semi apology.

“They would understand,” she stated and didn’t back down a centimeter from her overt stance.

“Understand…?” he asked.

“That I was tending…” she stated and her eyes glanced downward. “To your medical needs.”

“I’m not sure…” he started to say and blushed himself. However, realizing having her come in would raise some serious pointed questions.

“I understand,” she said dejectedly.

“It’s not that,” he said. “I’d prefer, I don’t know, something like that happening naturally?”

“That I can understand,” she said and perked up slightly.

“Trust me, it’s not you by any means,” he stated. “I’m flattered.”

“I understand completely,” she said with a warm smile. “Doctors can be helpful in many regards. Even those that don’t require surgery.”

“I’m thankful you’re helpful in that regard,” he said with a smile.

“Well, if you need any help tonight, just let me know,” she said.

“I do appreciate the offer,” he said with a smile. “And I’ll give it some thought.”

“Good night, Ben,” she said with a smile. He waited until she was off the small porch before closing the door and seeing Ashley peek at him from around the corner with her arms crossed.

“Truedream, huh?” she asked.

“I should have been up front with you,” he said with a sigh.

“No, it certainly explains your condition,” said Ashley with a sigh. “As well as your flirty behavior with a certain doctor that wants to help tend to your needs.”

“I have you,” he said as he went over and held her by the arms. “I don’t need a doctor since you have everything I could want right now.”

“She’s certainly not over you,” said Ashley with a sigh.

“You’re here,” he said. “Hey, I’m here with you, okay?”

“Yeah,” she said and looked at him. “You are.”

“Shall I cook you dinner to make up for my socially awkward behavior?” he asked.

“I think that’s a good start,” she said as a smile started back on her face.

“I think we have a good thing started,” he said with a smile. “I’m not going to ruin it because I’ve got a drug in my system and I had a thing for our Chief Medical Officer some time ago.”

“It was like last week,” protested Ashley.

“Well, more like two or three weeks ago,” said Ben. “But who’s counting?”

“I’m staking my claim right now,” she said as she softened.

“I’m down for that,” said Ben. “Anything in particular you would like?”

“I’m good with whatever,” she stated. “You can cook?”

“Enough to get me by,” he stated. “You?”

“About the same,” she stated as she had a seat at the barstool on the other side of the kitchen. They continued talking while he prepared a simple meal though the wheels were turning in her head the entire time. She felt like things were eventually going to come to a head with Mary as it was obvious Ben still had feelings for her. But Ashley realized she got there first and was planning on making a strong claim on him since she felt like he was definitely a man worth fighting for in the long run.

But as with all things in life, opinions changed. And sometimes in a short period of time.

********************
​

“Doctor?” asked Charlotte Griggs as she saw Mary mindlessly doodling on a notepad in her office. “You okay?”

“Uh, yeah,” said Mary with a sigh and pushed the pad to the side.

“You sure about that?” asked Charlotte.

“Just thinking,” said Mary.

“Mind sharing? Or is it personal?” asked Charlotte as she stepped in without being asked.

“Let’s just say I have the worst timing of anyone in the universe,” said Mary.

“Ben troubles?” asked Charlotte.

“More or less,” said Mary with a sigh and rubbed at her eyes.

“We got the official count,” said Charlotte. “2.6 times the recommended dose.”

“That’s enough to show someone a good time,” said Mary with a sigh. “Except me.”

“Mary…” said Charlotte.

“I went to see him earlier,” said Mary. “Just to check on him, well, because he’s a friend and I care about him. And apparently, I can’t even flirt right.”

“Oh?” asked Charlotte.

“I was pretty overt with my offers of, um, helping him through these trying times,” said Mary with a sigh. “It was probably a little too overt if you ask me. He probably thinks of me as some slut without a shred of morals in her body.”

“I highly doubt Ben thinks of you as a slut,” said Charlotte with a chuckle.

“I did everything but force myself on him,” said Mary. “He didn’t even bite.”

“You think it’s because he doesn’t like you?” asked Charlotte.

“There really isn’t any other explanation,” said Mary.

“Maybe because he wasn’t alone?” asked Charlotte.

“Oh, no,” said Mary as she dropped her head.

“I mean, most guys wouldn’t mind that predicament, but I’d tend to think Ben might have had company when you dropped your proposal,” said Charlotte. “I mean, why else would he turn you down?”

“I made that situation completely awkward,” said Mary with a sigh.

“Have you ever just straight up told him how you feel?” asked Charlotte.

“No!” protested Mary. “I always chickened out! Just like with Jerome the other night!”

“You said you didn’t want to take it that far,” said Charlotte.

“I didn’t,” said Mary. “I mean, he was right there for the taking and I didn’t take the next step.”

“Because you still had feelings for Ben,” said Charlotte.

“Yes,” muttered Mary.

“So, why don’t you just tell him how you feel and see where it leads?” asked Charlotte.

“He has a girlfriend now,” said Mary. “Again, my timing sucks.”

“He has a woman he met on vacation,” said Charlotte.

“Still a girlfriend,” said Mary. “And if I tried to move in, what does that make me look like?”

“A woman following her feelings for a change and letting the man decide?” asked Charlotte.

“I can’t,” said Mary. “It’s not right to go in and break that up.”

“So, you will deny yourself the possibility he would drop her like a hot rock because you’re worried over insulting a woman he’s been seeing less than a week?” asked Charlotte.

“It’s not who I am,” said Mary with a sigh.

“Look, I’d suggest talking with him,” said Charlotte. “At least putting it all out there.”

“Maybe I will,” said Mary.

“I’m going to call Kate and have her cover your shift tonight,” said Charlotte. “I don’t think you’re in the proper frame of mind to deal with Rachelle Island injuries.”

“No, I’m okay,” said Mary.

“Let us take care of you for a change, okay?” asked Charlotte. “You do it for us all the time and you can allow us to be concerned with you.”

“I wouldn’t want to bother Kate on a night off,” said Mary.

“Funny thing, she’s already here,” said Charlotte. “She is finishing up the paperwork from earlier and hasn’t left yet.”

“I can’t have her pulling a double shift!” protested Mary.

“She’s on a day off,” said Charlotte as she texted Doctor Kate Barnes. It didn’t take long before she was seen at the office door.

“Hey Doctors,” said Kate. “What’s going on?”

“Mary could use a night off,” said Charlotte.

“Mary does not need a night off,” said Mary sourly.

“If you need some personal time, I’m good,” said Kate.

“I don’t…” said Mary. “I’m okay, really.”

“You look like you’ve got man troubles,” said Kate.

“How did you know that?!” exclaimed Mary.

“Because I’m a woman?” asked Kate. “Look, I was off yesterday and today as well. I’m supposed to start the overnight tomorrow. So, I start a day early.”

“Are you two ganging up on your Chief Medical Officer?” asked Mary with a slight grin.

“Yep,” said Charlotte.

“Maybe it’ll give me time to think,” said Mary. “You sure about this?”

“Not a problem at all,” said Kate. “Normally, it’s a hand full of sunburn and indigestion cases with the occasional heat rash coming in the day they get back. Absolutely nothing I can’t handle tonight.”

“Fine,” said Mary as she collected her things. “I mean, I know you two won’t stop badgering me until I leave.”

“Probably not,” said Kate with a grin.

“She knows us too well,” said Charlotte with a laugh.

“Okay, if anything serious comes in, call me, okay?” asked Mary as she got ready to depart. Heading home, she stopped and spoke with her staff along the way and headed towards her home. As she reached the cul-de-sac, she noticed Ben’s privacy curtains were pulled back a bit enough for her to see him and Ashley sitting on the couch watching an old movie. Sighing at the situation, she headed inside her house continuing to think over the reasons she was afraid to say what she felt and why she had such horrible timing.

Not getting it out of her head, she tried putting on an old movie herself more as noise as she tried to get caught up on her reading. But the more she tried to put her thoughts out of her mind, the more they kept coming to the forefront. Sitting on the couch staring mindlessly at the monitor, she suddenly had the urge to not spend another night at her house alone. She needed some social interaction with others that evening even if only for a couple of hours as she felt like the four walls of her house were more of a prison right then than a home.

Mary decided to at least clean up a bit and changed into a casual skirt and top before putting on the heels she normally despised and checking herself in the mirror. A few touches of makeup and she was out the door without another thought heading to the tavern which wasn’t as lively as it normally was. Still, there were about 30 or so people sitting at various locations as she entered and headed for the bar.

“What can I get you, Doctor?” asked Paris Poe who had taken on the bartender duties while Neal Cross was taking a night off.

“Please, call me Mary,” said Mary as she stood at the bar. “Um, no wine by chance?”

“No,” said Paris. “You, me and every other woman needs to riot until they get some.”

“Let me know when to start making protest signs,” chuckled Mary. “Surprise me.”

“You want fruity?” asked Paris.

“What do you have?” asked Mary.

“Well, a new fruit juice made out of that pink fruit they found,” said Paris. “It mixes well with the Shine.”

“Can I try a bit?” asked Mary.

“Of course,” said Paris as she poured a bit into a glass and handed it over. Mary sipped at it and nodded her head in approval

“Strong or regular?” asked Paris.

“Just enough alcohol to say there’s some in it,” said Mary. “I’m not a big drinker.”

“The Shine does pack a punch,” said Paris as she poured a half a shot into a mixer and added the fruit juice before shaking it up and handing it over in a rocks glass

“That’s perfect,” said Mary as she took a sip. “Thanks.”

“Chit?” asked Paris.

“Oh! Sorry,” said Mary. “I’m guilty of not picking them up.”

“Well, lucky enough for you I happen to have enough here to give you this week and next week if you want,” said Paris. “I’ll just need to have you sign for them.”

“How many is that?” asked Mary.

“Six, well, five minus the one you just ordered,” said Paris.

“I doubt very seriously I’m having more than this tonight,” said Mary. “But I’ll go ahead and take them since I should set the example.”

“Okay,” said Paris as she brought up the program and handed over the tablet to Mary. She quickly signed the document with a stylus and handed it back before receiving six chits in return.

“I thought you said five?” asked Mary.

“We’ll just call that one on the house,” said Paris with a wink. “I mean, it’s a half a drink and I can’t take half a chit.”

“True,” said Mary with a smile. “Thank you.”

“Anytime,” said Paris as someone else came to order. Mary looked around the bar to see who was about and saw several people talking and socializing with each other. Several couples were seen as well as Mary got her fill of the social grapevine in one glance around the bar. Nodding at several who looked at her, she took a seat at an unoccupied table and sipped at the drink with the thoughts continuing to scream through her head. She sighed at the situation knowing full well it wasn’t going to be solved that evening as she toyed with a spare cardboard coaster.

“Doctor?” asked a voice from her left. She looked up and saw it was one of the Engineers, but couldn’t place his name at the moment.

“Yes?” she asked with a polite smile.

“I just wanted to come over and say thank you again for taking care of Pete,” he said. “I didn’t get the chance to say anything before we left for the island.”

“He’s going to make a full recovery,” said Mary with a smile. “He’s a tough one.”

“Like Drew said, he’s too dumb to die,” he chuckled in return. “Anyway, I just wanted to thank you for busting your tail along with the other doctor…”

“Charlotte Griggs,” said Mary. “But in reality, my whole team can be thanked. A doctor is only as good as their support crew.”

“Indeed,” he smiled. “It seems your reputation is well deserved though.”

“My reputation?” she asked.

“Cyrus and Grady have built you into this superhero of sorts,” he smiled. “They both think the world of you and I think we all see it’s well deserved.”

“Well, I’ll thank them when I see them,” she smiled. “But I’m just a normal doctor.”

“Don’t sell yourself short,” he said with a smile. “Humility is okay, but you appear to be able to back it up without any problems.”

“You, uh, want to have a seat?” she asked. “You don’t have to just stand there if we’re going to have a conversation.”

“I really only came over to say thank you,” he said with a smile. “I mean, you have this look like you didn’t want company.”

“No, just thinking a lot,” said Mary. “Which isn’t good while drinking.”

“Sometimes it’s the best time,” he grinned. “I mean, do you mind some company?”

“Sure,” she said as he took a seat. “It’s Joe, right?”

“Joe Buck,” he smiled at her. “We hadn’t officially met, I suppose.”

“Mary Blevins,” she said as she took his hand and shook it. The pair sat in silence for over a minute before he chuckled.

“What?” she asked.

“I didn’t know my sitting down was going to be a conversation killer,” he chuckled.

“Sorry,” she said with a shake of her head. “Again, just deep thinking.”

“Anything I might be able to help with?” he asked.

“Doubtful,” she sighed. “It’s all on me.”

“Men troubles?” he asked.

“Why do you ask?” she asked.

“That’s the normal thing that bothers women sitting alone in a bar,” he said.

“Maybe,” she said with another sigh and decided to be open about it. “Yeah, it is man troubles.”

“I can listen if you want without being judgmental,” he said with shrugged shoulders. “As well as no hidden agenda with you.”

“Hidden agenda?” she asked.

“I know how it might look that I’m chatting you up when you’re feeling down,” he said. “Trust me, it’s not my intent to do anything but maybe listen if you want to open up.”

“The thought crossed my mind,” said Mary.

“About talking or me having a motive for doing it,” he asked.

“Both, actually,” she stated with a brief smile.

“I’ll be going then,” he stated as he gathered his drink.

“No, please,” said Mary politely. “I’m just… sorry. Please have a seat.”

“I don’t want you to think I’m over here for any other reason than to talk,” he stated as he was out of the chair, but hadn’t moved from the table.

“No, please sit,” she said as she waved at the chair. “I shouldn’t have said that.”

“It’s okay,” said Joe as he took his seat. “I’m here to listen, nothing more.”

“It’s just, well, I don’t have good timing,” she said.

“I think I know what it’s about,” said Joe. “And if I may be forward, maybe you deserve better than a guy who didn’t take the time for you.”

“That is pretty forward,” said Mary. “But I am going to ask how you know.”

“Everyone knew you and Ben had this kinda thing going on,” said Joe with shrugged shoulders.

“Which we never took to the next step,” said Mary.

“Well, maybe it’s his loss?” said Joe. “That timing thing works both ways.”

“It surely does,” she sighed.

“But again, that would be pretty bold of me to say without knowing the full story,” he stated.

“It is,” she said. “But I don’t mind honesty.”

“Sorry,” he said. “I just see a lot of good women passed over by a guy who chases the first piece of random tail that crosses his path.”

“How do you know I’m a good woman?” she asked.

“Well, again, you saved my friend’s life, Grady and Cyrus think highly of you and you haven’t smacked me on the mouth for being forward,” he grinned. “Seems like a decent start.”

“I suppose so,” she said with a brief chuckle.

“Enough of relationship stuff though,” he said. “I can see it isn’t making you happy.”

“I thought you were going to be a good listener?” she asked.

“Do you really want to talk about it?” he asked.

“Yes and no,” she said. “I’m not sure I can without eventually screaming about it though.”

“Screaming might be bad in the present company,” he chuckled. “Imagine if you were the first person to get 86’ed from the only Novae Spes tavern.”

“That would certainly be a first for me anywhere actually,” she laughed.

“So, let’s just say happiness is better than anger in public,” he said. “If you want to shift gears and talk about happier things, we can and probably should. Or I can let you get your frustrations out over your relationship.”

“Or lack thereof,” said Mary.

“So, let’s take your mind off the relationship stuff for a while, okay?” he stated. “Want to hear a joke or something to cheer you up?”

“I don’t know,” she said and smiled suspiciously. “Know any good ones?”

“That’s… debatable,” he laughed.

“Okay, know any bad ones?” she laughed.

“Way more accurate,” he laughed.

“Okay, we’ll change the subject,” she smiled.

“Well, tell me about you and what makes Mary, well, Mary,” said Joe.

“Like what?” she asked.

“Your background, wild parties you threw in college, where you from? Just the general get to know you stuff,” he smiled as he saw the seeds he planted were already turning in her head. They talked for another twenty minutes in the “getting to know you” stuff as Paris came to their table with a smile.

“Hey, guys, want anything else?” she asked as she saw the glasses were empty.

“I’ll have another,” said Joe and looked at Mary. “You?”

“I… you know what, same drink you made before,” said Mary. “Full strength this time.”

“I’ve got it,” said Joe as he fished out two chits and handed them over as Paris headed back to the bar. “You letting loose tonight?”

“I figure you’re harmless enough,” said Mary. “You proved me wrong on my initial thoughts.”

“Which were?” he asked.

“That you were here to try to console and seduce the unhappy woman,” said Mary directly.

“That’s pretty direct,” said Joe.

“It’s what I thought of you when you came over,” said Mary.

“Hey, I told you I’d just listen,” he said and added with a grin. “I mean, unless you wanted to get flirted up?”

“I think just having a nice conversation is okay for now,” she said.

“I will say I probably am going to inquire about your deep dark secrets after the next drink though,” he grinned at her.

“I’m not sure I have dark secrets,” she chuckled as Paris returned with the drinks. “Thank you.”

“The Shine does have people open up a bit and be more social,” he smiled at her.

“Kind of like a certain person on the island?” asked Mary.

“I wasn’t going to mention it,” said Joe. “Still on your mind?”

“In the back,” admitted Mary.

“Again, talking about it gets it out,” said Joe.

“I’m not sure I wouldn’t start crying or throwing things,” she said with a scoff.

“I’d say neither would be good in this place,” said Joe with a chuckle. “We can always visit it later if you want.”

“I think that might be better,” said Mary. “Less people around to get hit by flying objects.”

“Including me,” he laughed. “Anyway, been to the island yet?”

“No, missed my trip the last time,” she said with a sigh.

“You haven’t gone at all?” he asked.

“Not yet,” she said. “I hear it’s awesome though.”

“I got to go twice now,” he stated. “I found the perfect secluded beach where nobody else can find and made it my own.”

“Oh?” she asked.

“Little slice of heaven,” he stated as he described it.

“Just you?” she asked. “You going to keep it all to yourself?”

“Well, I’m sure company would be okay depending on if they asked nicely,” he smiled.

“Any company in particular?” she asked.

“Well, you might be good for that,” said Joe. “No motives here, it’s a great place to clear the mind and work things out. Or listen as people work them out.”

“Sounds like a nice place,” she smiled.

“Plus, nobody else around to get hit by flying objects,” he grinned.

“That would be helpful,” she laughed. “Want to steal a shuttle and check it out tonight?”

“If I could fly, sure,” he laughed. “There are other private beaches people go to, but that one is all mine. It has this nice little waterfall you can rinse off with coming over the rocks.”

“Private beaches?” she asked.

“Well, not really private beaches, but rather places where they have been staked out as certain areas for certain things,” he stated.

“Such as?” she asked.

“A couple where people go for privacy on certain things,” he stated. “Girls go one place to, well, remove tan lines.”

“I’ve heard of that one,” she said.

“Another where couples go to, well, no tan lines while swimming,” he said with a bashful smile.

“Skinny dipping?” she asked.

“So, I’ve heard,” he said. “I’m not that bold, I’m afraid.”

“I mean, if it’s a private beach, why wouldn’t you?” she asked and immediately finished her train of thought. “I mean, if you were so inclined to do such a thing.”

“Well, I have considered it,” he said with a sly grin.

“Maybe next trip you should,” she said.

“That would be uncomfortable,” he chuckled.

“How so?” she asked.

“Well, if I took you there, I’m not sure how you’d feel about me going skinny dipping,” he laughed. “I think talk would be fine for that moment.”

“Maybe,” she said. “Truth is, I’ve never done anything like that, so I’d probably be afraid of getting caught or something.”

“Nobody really to catch you,” he chuckled. “Again, it’s a little slice of private heaven.”

“You’re right,” she grinned as she continued to sip at her drink. “That would certainly be something I’ve never done.”

“I mean, would you ever consider something like that?” he asked. “Living a little and doing something so bold?”

“Maybe,” she said as a brief smile came over her face. “I guess I’ve been boring all my life about such things.”

“That would certainly be something to tell your grandchildren about,” he chuckled.

“No grandmother tells her grandkids about skinny dipping with a guy!” protested Mary.

“Who said anything about a guy?” he asked.

“Well, I mean, you did offer to take me there,” said Mary. “I might assume you would join in at some point. It would be awkward if you didn’t.”

“Probably so,” he grinned. “Of course, most people wouldn’t object to you skinny dipping anyway.”

“I’m sorry?” she asked.

“Well, you are in great shape,” he stated. “It’s clear you keep yourself up.”

“Thank you,” she said with a smile and blushed slightly.

“Don’t take that as any more than an observation and compliment,” said Joe. “I wouldn’t want you think I was making a pass at you.”

“No, it is appreciated,” she smiled. “It gets harder at my age though.”

“It gets harder at 35?” he asked.

“Wait, how old do you think I am?” she asked.

“It’s not 35?” he asked.

“Not even close,” she smiled.

“34? 33?” he asked.

“Go on up with that,” she grinned. “But thank you for the compliment.”

“I never would have guessed it,” he grinned.

“Trust me, I’m flattered,” she said. “I guess staying on a shielded ship for seven years helped me keep my youthful looks.”

“And youthful figure,” he said. “Again, an observation.”

“Again, thank you for the compliment,” she nodded with a smile and tipped her glass at him.

“So, up to talking about your dark secrets yet?” he grinned.

“I don’t have dark secrets,” she chuckled.

“I bet you cheat at cards, don’t you?” he grinned.

“Not even,” she laughed as they continued talking. She felt more at ease over the last half hour than she had since being on the planet as they ordered another drink and continued to talk. Every so often, the conversation would take a slight turn into relationships and the more she thought about it, the angrier she became at herself and Ben for the way they had fooled around.