Original Work Terra Novae Spes

CHAPTER 40


“Bring it in for another pass from the west, please,” said Cyrus from the instructor jump seat in the front of the shuttle. Sonya banked the shuttle and came back around for another pass over the area Cyrus was busy checking out as a possible colony site. Ryan was sitting in the copilot’s seat for this trip since Sonya needed some proficiency time in the shuttles.

“How’s it looking?” asked Tasha over the intercom.

“I’d dare say we’ve got us a prime location, Major,” said Cyrus. “Nice natural harbor with limited obstacles we’d have to remove, fairly firm ground from the sensor readings and a nearby water source from a branch of the river.”

“Of course, we aren’t building for some time,” said Tasha.

“No, but we certainly have a good option here,” said Cyrus. “Okay, pilot, we’re good.”

“Roger that,” said Sonya as she banked out to the ocean on their new heading to take samples of the oceanic life.

“I wouldn’t mind getting on the ground and placing a sensor pack before we leave,” said Cyrus.

“How about we do that before we head back to the colony?” asked Tasha.

“That’s what I was going to suggest,” said Cyrus as the shoreline quickly disappeared behind them and they were over the open ocean.

“How far?” asked Sonya.

“I’d say ten kilometers would be fine,” said Javier. “Not too far to swim in case of trouble.”

“We’ve got water wings for everyone,” said Ryan with a grin.

“Sensor readings show we’re over the continental shelf,” said Javier. “Water depth is fairly uniform with some locations up to 30 meters.”

“Are we going to be able to see what we need to?” asked Tasha.

“For the intent and purpose of this mission, yes,” said Javier. “We only have one oceanographer that came with us and she knows we aren’t going to be able to go that far.”

“But I’m getting all kinds of great data!” exclaimed the scientist as she studied the data already coming back from the sensor suite.

“Javier, your nerds are getting giddy,” said Tasha with a chuckle.

“Eventually, we’re going to find something that makes you giddy,” said Javier with a laugh.

“You find me something that goes boom and I’ll be giddy,” said Tasha with a laugh as the shuttle slowed before coming into a hover.

“We’re at ten clicks,” said Sonya.

“Are we set up for water ops?” asked Javier.

“Everything is sealed and flotation is ready to deploy,” said Sonya as she activated several of the controls in the cockpit.

“Major?” asked Javier.

“You’re in charge of this part,” said Tasha. “I’m just along for the ride.”

“Go ahead and set us down,” said Javier. Sonya started bringing the shuttle down vertically towards the ocean from their cruise height of 150 meters.

“Keep an eye on your port side attitude thruster,” said Ryan as he watched the gauges.

“It was sticking earlier,” said Sonya. “We can compensate with the secondary trim.”

“Let’s check it out when we get back,” said Ryan. “Probably just a clogged intake.”

“Easy fix,” said Sonya as she went into a hover five meters above the surface and checked out the wave action they would face. “Flotation engaged.”

Airbags on the bottom and sides of the shuttle were extended and quickly inflated in order to provide additional buoyancy to the shuttle while on the surface of the water. While technically it would float, they didn’t want to take anything to chance this far offshore and the airbags would be more than sufficient to keep the craft afloat if something went wrong. She settled the shuttle onto the water and started shutting down the engines.

“Sonar already getting some readings,” said the oceanographer. “Looks like schools of fish are moving away from our position.”

“Let’s just sit here for a bit and see if they come back before deploying the dipping sonar,” suggested Javier. “Plenty of other experiments we can perform.”

“There certainly are,” said the oceanographer as she started studying the data.

“Home base, this is Archangel,” said Tasha over the radio. “Be advised, we’re down about ten clicks offshore and stable.”

“Copy that, Archangel,” said the security lead she had designated as base commander in her absence. “Nothing to report here.”

“Don’t let the nerds get out of control,” said Tasha. “Archangel out.”

The next half hour was spent just analyzing the data that had come from non-invasive means as the fish in the ocean started to return. Tasha was thoroughly bored at the moment and was wondering why she came along other than the fact she loved to fly and took every opportunity to do so she could. She stepped to the back of the shuttle where the cargo ramp was open and looked out over the ocean, scanning with the binoculars to see if anything else was about. Something caught her eye on the near horizon and she increased the magnification before calling to Javier to step away from the monitor.

“I see something,” said Tasha as she handed over the binoculars. “At 167 degrees.”

“What is it?” asked Javier as he put the glasses to his eyes.

“Fins…” said Tasha. “Like shark fins…”

“I don’t see it,” said Javier as he adjusted the magnification once again. “Yep, there it is.”

Tasha didn’t hesitate before going into the shuttle and grabbing her carbine and returning to the cargo ramp. Javier was busy watching the area as the fins were getting closer to the shuttle.

“I’m not sure it’s large enough to eat the shuttle pod,” he remarked when he saw her holding her carbine in a low ready.

“Yeah, I’m not taking any chances,” she stated.

“Could be sharks, could be a dolphin or could be a small whale,” said Javier. “Or the Novae Spes equivalent.”

“Okay,” said Tasha without budging an inch. The fins grew closer and started surrounding the shuttle as Tasha watched intently. However, Javier didn’t seem worried at the moment as he saw a distinctive feature on the back of the creature.

“Looks like an air hole,” he said.

“Concur,” said the oceanographer.

“Mammalian?” he asked.

“Only one way to tell?” she asked.

“I think the capture unit would work,” said Javier as the one he had been watching went to the side of the shuttle. He followed it before Tasha called him back to the rear. As he turned around, he saw what bore a resemblance to a dolphin with its head out of the water looking intently at the creatures inside the craft.

“That’s…strange,” said the oceanographer.

“Dolphins on Earth were curious,” said Javier as he went to the back of the shuttle. The creature looked at him before looking back at Tasha and ducking back into the water and joining the remainder of the pod swimming around the shuttle and occasionally ducking beneath the water and snagging a nearby fish.

“Can we capture one?” asked the oceanographer.

“I don’t see why not,” said Javier as he prepared the device. He put it out over the rear of the shuttle and waited for one of the creatures to come swimming by. It didn’t take long and he activated the device which not only captured the creature, but snagged the water surrounding it as well. The hoist was used to bring it into the craft where the creature started sinking to the bottom of the capture unit.

“We need to drain the water in case it is mammalian,” said the oceanographer.

“Absolutely,” said Javier as they prepared to drain the water to keep the creature from drowning. It took several seconds, but the water drained and the creature appeared to be breathing on its own though a fine mist was being sprayed over its body to keep it wet.

“Definitely mammalian,” said the oceanographer. “Blood sample?”

“Got it,” said Javier as he took a quick sample of the creature’s blood from the side. “Odd it has a second set of fins.”

“Has to be fast,” said the oceanographer. “Powerful muscle tone. But this one might be a bit slower than the others.”

“How come?” asked Javier.

“Because she’s pregnant,” said the oceanographer.

“Let’s get her back in the water then,” said Javier. “I’d prefer to have another specimen.”

“Yeah,” said the oceanographer as they started the wake up cycle with the creature and got it ready to put back in the water. Since they were dealing with an aquatic animal, they waited until she was woken up before getting her ready to put back in the water, though placing the chamber close to the bow of the shuttle so they could slide her into the water quickly. Eventually, she woke up and started struggling in the chamber and Javier slid her back in the water quickly where she swam away from the craft, but eventually rejoined the pod still circling. They managed to capture another specimen, another female, and were able to complete a better study of the creature.

“I’m not thinking it’s as smart as the dolphins on Earth were,” said the oceanographer after several minutes of studying the brain wave pattern.

“How come?” asked Javier. The oceanographer called up the studies of dolphins on Earth and showed him the differences.

“Here’s the normal synaptic activity of dolphins,” she said as she pointed at the screen. “Just as high as humans. However, this one…”

The screen changed and Javier saw it was far lower than the Earth counterpart. “I’d bet this one isn’t as adaptable or intelligent as the Earth version.”

“I’m thinking you might be right,” said Javier. “You have everything you need of this one?”

“I think so,” said the oceanographer.

“Plenty of fish in the sea to move on to,” said Javier.

“You’ve been practicing that all morning, haven’t you?” laughed Cyrus who had been watching the two study the creature.

“Far longer than I care to admit,” grinned Javier as they set up additional capture units as well as the advanced sonar and sensor packet ready to deploy. They managed to capture nearly twenty types of fish and had them safely stowed with the smaller capture units on the shuttle. Javier was getting ready to activate the dipping unit when the communicator from the shore came alive. Ryan heard they were requesting Javier and headed into the main compartment to bring him back to the communicator. They pair headed to the front where one of the scientists on the ground was waiting patiently.

“Having a nice fishing trip?” he asked.

“We’ve got about twenty different types of fish and there’s no telling how many other organisms we have in the water samples,” said Javier.

“Same here,” said the scientist.

“Something you’d like to ask?” asked Javier.

“We’re swamped,” said the scientist. “We’ve got enough land and sea samples that we could go for a week before getting them all done.”

“You need help?” asked Javier.

“We could use it,” said the scientist. “Maybe a botanist and zoologist just to start cataloging the items we’ve found so far.”

“Let me get back with you,” said Javier as he ended the transmission and went to Tasha. “Any chance of getting an expanded contingent here?”

“Running out of hours in the day to study the stuff you have?” she asked.

“We’ve found a lot more than we thought,” said Javier. “I could use some additional boots on the ground helping out.”

“How many?” asked Tasha as Ryan came back into the compartment again.

“Doctor Santiago? It’s the colony calling,” said Ryan.

“Popular guy,” said Javier as he went back to the communicator. He saw Chuck on the screen waiting patiently as he slipped back in front of the camera.

“Hey Chuck,” said Javier.

“Hey, Jefe,” said Chuck. “We got the data on that area you checked out this morning. Any chance of sending in a ground team to check it out?”

“How come?” asked Javier.

“It’s different,” said Chuck. “Completely different biodiversity than the area you’re in even though it’s only five kilometers or so away. It’s worth a closer look.”

“Maybe on a later mission?” asked Javier.

“I think as a minimum send in a rover with an advanced pack,” said Chuck. “But I’d suggest sending in the team to take readings.”

“You feel up to a trip?” asked Javier.

“I could stretch my legs, yeah,” said Chuck.

“The base camp is swamped and is asking for help,” said Javier. “I was about to talk to Tasha about an expanded mission here.”

“Count me in if she approves it,” said Chuck. “Who else?”

“Grab a botanist for certain,” said Javier. “Maybe Ogawa as well. Let me get back with you on how many to pick.”

Chuck ended the transmission as Javier turned to Tasha who was patiently waiting.

“I’ve pinged Ben,” she said. “Just waiting for him to call back.”

“How many?” asked Javier.

“Depends on how many he allows,” said Tasha as she waited patiently. Eventually, Ben’s face appeared in her individual communicator and she cast it to the larger screen.

“Something wrong?” he asked.

“Nope, Javier and his merry band have asked for an increase on the mission size,” said Tasha.

“How come?” asked Ben.

“We’re just getting too much to study,” said Javier as Tasha moved to allow him to explain. “I’d like to add another four of my team if at all possible.”

“Tasha?” asked Ben.

“I’d say add another two to security, but we can support some additional scientists,” she replied.

“You think you can secure them?” asked Ben.

“Other than the badger thing, no threats so far,” said Tasha with shrugged shoulders.

“You mean the madger?” asked Ben while trying to suppress a grin.

“Yes, of course,” said Tasha with a half a smile and an eye roll. “Anyway, I’d suggest something smaller like a gunship if you can break it loose.”

“I was thinking the same thing,” said Ben. “How many total?”

“I would like four,” said Javier.

“I’d like another construction specialist,” said Cyrus chiming in.

“Two on security,” said Tasha. “One more?”

“Does Ag have a body on the ground?” asked Ben.

“No, they couldn’t free anyone up,” said Tasha. “You might want to reengage if we are talking seriously about a new colony site.”

“I can do that,” said Ben. “Approved and I’ll get the ball rolling from my end.”

“Thank you,” said Tasha. “Anything else we need to worry about?”

“Nothing of note,” said Ben. “Any surprises from there?”

“I’d like to wait until we’re back to fully brief you,” said Javier.

“We found a viable site for the coastal colony when we decide,” said Cyrus. “I’ve uploaded the data to Grady so he can give you a better briefing.”

“We were about to meet up for lunch anyway,” said Ben. “Let me know if there are any shocking developments.”

“Will do,” said Tasha as she ended the call. Javier called back Chuck and requested he put together four more and ready to move in an hour. Tasha did the same with Anton and requested another two troopers before calling Rachelle and getting the gunship tasked to the mission. However, Ben had already beat her to the punch and authorized it. Cyrus was having an in-depth conversation with Grady and decided on a construction specialist that could study the data they received from the scans of the alternate site. Once everything was set in motion, the scientists returned to their primary mission and got ready to deploy the advanced sensor pack. Even Tasha was getting a little excited over the discoveries they were making and helped with the deployment of the device as she checked out the creatures they had captured so far. She saw a message the gunship had departed and was heading for the base camp. She called the base camp to inform them to expect company and to prepare the landing zone as she turned her attention back to the data coming in from the sensor pack.

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“Okay folks, we’re here,” said the pilot of the gunship, Captain Larissa Moody, as she started shutting down the systems. Since most of the pilots had been seconded back to the Security Directorate at some point or other, most had reassumed their former military ranks prior to getting into the Novus Group Fleet. Moody had been a decorated member of the North American Air Force prior to joining the Novus Group and was probably the best pilot outside of Charity in the colony.

“Nice area,” said Chuck as he gathered his items and departed out the rear cargo ramp. He was followed by the others as they checked out the local area, but first wanted to head to the beach after checking in to see the ocean for themselves.

“Ladies and gentlemen, the best looking woman in the colony,” said Senior Sergeant Noah Taylor as his wife came forward to greet the party as they debarked. Olivia Taylor gathered a quick kiss from her husband as she had the duty of welcoming the party and getting them bedded down in the camp.

“Always good to see you, love,” said Olivia. “Folks, if you’ll come with me please.”

The science group consisting of Chuck Dawson, Marci Dubose, Bill Riker and Etsu Ogawa along with the other security troop Sergeant Zoe Kent came forward. They were followed by Drew Collins from the engineers and Janet Carr from Agriculture as they lugged their packs off the gunship and followed Olivia to the central area where their names were recorded and they were shown the areas not to stray too far from.

“Look at all these different plants!” exclaimed Marci Dubose as she walked along, not stopping talking the entire time. “Very different than the colony area!”

“It sure is,” said Chuck as he gravitated towards the security lead, Senior Sergeant Noah Taylor.

“She doesn’t stop talking, does she?” he asked under his breath.

“First mission for her outside the wall,” said Chuck. “And no, she doesn’t.”

“Whomever marries her will never lack for conversation,” said Noah.

“If they could get a word in edgewise,” said Chuck with a laugh.

“That’s not very nice, you two,” said Olivia.

“Maybe not,” said Chuck. “But it’s true.”

The group finished getting checked in and were dismissed from the area as Olivia volunteered to show the group the ocean they all wanted to see. She grabbed at her husband’s hand as they walked the short distance to the ocean before clearing the vegetation and seeing the view of the ocean to their front for the first time.

“Quite nice, isn’t it, babe?” asked Noah as he brought in his wife closer and grabbed her by the waist. “It’s like the vacation I promised you as a honeymoon.”

“I doubt our honeymoon would have included automatic weapons,” she laughed.

“Well, that just means you’re boring,” laughed Noah as she frowned and bumped him with her hips. He responded by squeezing her side and bringing her in a bit closer.

“This is what Earth looked like a long time ago,” said Chuck as he and the rest of the group just took in the sight.

“It certainly is breathtaking,” said Olivia. “I wonder why Major Hayden asked for two more troops on this mission?”

“You are complaining your husband came to visit?” asked Noah with a grin.

“Not really,” said Olivia with a grin in return.

“Where is the shuttle anyway?” asked Sergeant Zoe Kent as they finished taking in the sight as well as walking to the water as it came ashore.

“About ten clicks out on the ocean surface,” said Olivia. “The team went out for studies on the open ocean.”

“No tents?” asked Zoe.

“We stayed in the shuttle last night,” said Olivia. “Gave the scientists quite a shock.”

“Oh?” asked Chuck.

“Well, military personnel are used to having a distinct lack of privacy and you learn to lose your inhibitions against undressing in front of the opposite sex rather quickly when in the field. We didn’t think anything of getting down to our skivvies before Tasha warned us we might be attracting attention,” said Olivia.

“Well, I can’t say that I blame them,” said Noah with a grin. “I like looking at you when you start undressing.”

“Zoe, dear, please make sure you are prepared for the inner pervert side of any man you pick to be a husband,” said Olivia as she rolled her eyes.

“It’s been my experience all men are pervs,” laughed Zoe. “Rivaled only by women.”

“That’s a girl who gets it,” said Noah with a laugh. They came into the base camp and started sorting through the remainder of the gear they had brought while Captain Moody started doing a preflight check in case of rapid evacuation. The scientists gathered with their counterparts and got busy starting to study the items they had collected so far and were amazed at the differences in the items gathered as compared to the colony. Several hours passed and the shuttle was heard doing an overhead pass to come in for a landing as one of the security troops went out to designate the landing area. The shuttle came in for a pinpoint landing almost exactly in the spot they had departed some hours before.

“Well, look what the cat dragged in,” said Tasha as she came off the shuttle first with a smile at seeing Noah. “Nice to have you around.”

“Oh, thank you,” said Chuck with a smile as he was near Noah at the time.

“Chuck… not you,” said Tasha with a shake of her head and turned back to newly promoted First Lieutenant Randy Whitaker. “Anything to report?”

“Quite as the proverbial mouse,” said Whitaker. “I didn’t know where to place the two other troops that came in.”

“Probably the night shift if that’s okay,” said Tasha.

“We just came off nights in the colony,” said Zoe Kent with a shrug of her shoulders.

“Overnight it is,” said Tasha. “You two can grab a nap if you like.”

“I’m actually starting to get hungry,” said Noah. “Are we on field rations?”

“Let me find out,” said Tasha as she turned back to the shuttle where Ryan and Sonya were busy already getting the shuttle back into ambulance configuration as the scientists moved off the samples they had taken. “Dinner tonight?”

“We’ve got about an hour to get this set,” said Ryan. “Probably take us an hour after that to have everything ready.”

“You’re about to get some hungry, armed troops rioting if they don’t get fed soon,” said Tasha as Larissa Moody came in.

“I can get the beds secured,” she stated. “Ryan’s probably better than Sonya or me in the kitchen anyway.”

“I do like to cook,” said Ryan with a charming smile at Tasha and Larissa.

“Then cooking it is,” said Tasha as she waved at the mess area without any emotion on her face. Ryan finished putting in the bunk he was installing and departed the shuttle as Tasha chuckled at him and shook her head. “He never stops, does he?”

“Flirting?” asked Larissa. “Not really.”

“Certainly doesn’t stop with any of the women,” said Sonya. “Some don’t mind it, though.”

“Just an observation,” said Tasha.

“No, it does get old,” said Sonya with a sigh. “Especially when you happen to be that last girl.”

“Sorry if it’s a touchy subject,” said Tasha.

“No, it’s all good, Major,” said Sonya with a smile. “You’re pretty enough to attract attention and he’s testing your response to see how far he could get. Same with Larissa.”

“Not going to happen though,” said Tasha as she helped with one of the bunks.

“Yeah, not here either,” said Larissa. “I work with him, so that’s an automatic no.”

“Not your thing?” asked Sonya.

“Having a relationship with a coworker leads to trouble if it doesn’t work out,” said Larissa. “Been there, done that with no desire to repeat it.”

“Yeah, it certainly isn’t smart,” said Sonya with a sigh.

“Sorry if it’s hitting closer to home than you’d like,” said Tasha who recognized the signals.

“My mistake,” said Sonya. “But it was probably the best feeling mistake.”

“He does appear like he would be a handful,” said Tasha.

“That he is,” said Sonya with a sigh, knowing she was just the latest in a long line of flings by Ryan Kingston. And knew she likely wouldn’t be the last.

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“What are they having that’s taking so long?” asked a member of the security force as the dinner was delayed yet again.

“I figure he had to hunt and slaughter it for the time he’s taking,” grumbled another.

“Patience, folks, it’ll be ready in a moment,” said Sonya as she stepped into the preparation area to where Ryan was finishing up. “If you delay any longer, those troops are going to take matters into their own hands and start a riot.”

“It’ll be worth it,” said Ryan as he smiled at her.

“That cute smile will only get you so far with hunger,” said Sonya.

“Two minutes,” he said as he grabbed a pan of garlic bread and took it to the front.

“If the main course isn’t soon after, I’m going to let my troops storm this kitchen area,” said Tasha with a tone.

“It’s worth the wait,” said Ryan with another smile as dashed back into the kitchen. He and Sonya came out with pans of lasagna and set them on the table as the expedition members lined up behind the first ones in line. “You are about to sample the finest cuisine from a long line of Kingston family members. Behold, the secret Kingston family lasagna.”

“Couldn’t care if it came from the bloody chefs in Buckingham Palace,” said the security trooper from the UK. “Feed us or else.”

“I’d bet even the Queen herself would anoint me a knight for such a fine dish,” said Ryan as he and Sonya started serving.

“It better be bloody good,” said the Englishman as he stepped away for the rest of the group to come in and get their serving. Everyone agreed it was good but wasn’t sure if it was quite as much as Kingston was going on about.

“And a slightly larger portion for the Major,” said Ryan attempting his charisma yet again with Tasha. “I do hope you like it.”

“I’m sure it’s fine,” said Tasha with a chuckle as she grabbed a piece of the bread.

“I guess I don’t get any extra since I don’t have boobs,” said Cyrus with a frown.

“Nope, you get a little extra for being a fine engineer and helping build the kitchen in the bachelor quarters that such extravagant dishes will flow from soon,” said Ryan with a grin.

“Something like that,” said Cyrus with a shake of his head. He and Tasha were the last in line as some came back for seconds. Sonya grabbed a plate herself and headed out with the remainder of the group as Ryan continued to serve the rest of the team.

“Just a little piece, please,” said the former Air Force female named Jodi Walker.

“You liked it, didn’t you?” asked Ryan with a grin.

“I’ll admit, it was good,” said Jodi with a pleasant smile.

“I could really whip up something nice if we weren’t in these rustic conditions,” said Ryan.

“Oh, could you?” she asked.

“I could be all talk, but maybe I’ll show you,” said Ryan with a smile.

“I think I’ll probably take you up on that offer,” said Jodi with a returned smile. “I haven’t had a home cooked meal in forever.”

“I’ll make sure I do something very special for you,” said Ryan with a wink. Jodi smiled in return and headed back to the seating. Others came through the line and the lasagna was finished off just as the last person came through the line.

“Well, that sucks,” said Lieutenant Samantha Whitaker.

“Not to fear,” said Ryan with a smile. “Be right back.”

He disappeared into the prep area and came back with a final plate and handed it over. “I was saving this one for me, but I’d much rather you have it.”

“I can’t take your food!” she exclaimed.

“I have ration packs,” said Ryan with a wave of his hand. “I would prefer you were satisfied.”

“This is too much anyway,” said Samantha.

“Share it with me then?” he asked.

“Okay, that’s fair,” said Samantha with a smile as Ryan portioned it out and grabbed the last piece of garlic bread. She started to head back to the rest of the group when she was stopped.

“By sharing it with me means at least keeping me company while I eat,” he said with a smile.

“I think I can spare ten minutes for the man who cooked this,” she said with a return smile as she turned back to the prep area. They continued chatting for several minutes until she took her leave of him reluctantly but garnering a wink from him in the process.

“So, are you satisfied?” he asked.

“With the food, yes,” she replied.

“Is there something else I could do for you?” he asked.

“I think we can talk when the mission is over,” she replied as she looked him up and down.

“I think that’s an outstanding idea,” said Ryan as he also checked her over. “Maybe I could cook up something even better when we get back.”

“I was thinking of dessert,” said Samantha.

“Best part,” he grinned. “I’ll catch up with you later, okay?”

“I look forward to it,” said Samantha with a smile as she headed back to the remainder of her team to get the instructions for the next day.

“Final full day on the ground,” said Tasha. “I think they’re planning on heading off the coast once again with the shuttle, so to save time, the alert team will help remove the cots and equipment from the shuttle. Other than that, Doctor Riker wants to take a team down the beach to the mouth of the river so Delta Team will accompany the scientists on that trek. It’s about a click and a half, so easy walk to and from.”

“You think for these missions we could get some MPMVs tossed in so we aren’t as exposed on foot when we do those little treks?” asked one of the NCOs.

“It’s a possibility and something we considered for this mission,” said Tasha. “However, the scientific equipment was too bulky this particular time. We are looking at it for future missions though.”

“Thanks,” said the NCO.

“Anything else?” asked Tasha. “Okay, enjoy the rest of the evening and get plenty of rest tonight. Duty schedule is posted on the starboard personnel door of the shuttle.”

The group took their dismissal and started heading to check out the other details they would be responsible for. Samantha was heading out when she was stopped by Tasha.

“Be careful, girl,” said Tasha. “He’s a player.”

“I’m sorry?” asked Samantha.

“Ryan,” said Tasha.

“Oh, I know,” said Samantha with a content sigh. “Damned if he isn’t hot though.”

“He is hot,” said Tasha. “But he’s also in high demand and he knows it.”

“Maybe I’m the girl that sets him straight,” said Samantha with a grin.

“Maybe you are,” said Tasha with a smile. “Regardless, be careful.”

“I always am,” said Samantha. “Do me a favor though?”

“Sure,” said Tasha.

“Don’t mention it to my Dad,” requested Samantha. “He’ll go all caveman and beat him up if he thinks he’s messing with his baby girl.”

“You’re a grown woman and can make your own choices,” said Tasha. “It’s how we learn.”

“I’ll always be his little girl,” said Samantha.

“Our little secret,” said Tasha with a smile. Samantha headed off to check the duty roster as Tasha made a round of the security outposts around the camp. With nightfall coming in, she started bringing the perimeter in and reporting the troops closer to the shuttle when she was startled at someone managing to sneak up on her.

“Chuck!” she exclaimed. “How long have you been there?”

“Just a moment,” he stated. “Sorry if I scared you.”

“It doesn’t happen that often,” said Tasha.

“Sorry,” said Chuck.

“What can I help you with?” she asked.

“I was curious how far out the perimeter is after dark,” he asked.

“Specific reason?” she asked.

“I was thinking of checking out the stars from the beach,” he replied. “I wanted to make sure I was within the perimeter when I did so.”

“The beach is outside the perimeter,” she stated. “Sorry.”

“It is what it is,” he said. “Maybe next trip would could increase the security troops?”

“You know what? I’ll escort you down,” said Tasha as she came to a snap decision.

“Alone?” he asked.

“You don’t trust the Security Force Commander to keep you safe?” she asked, slightly annoyed.

“No, it’s not that,” said Chuck. “I meant the two of us…”

“Oh, right,” said Tasha. “Look, no big deal as we’re adults. Who cares what others think?”

“I just don’t want to put you in a compromising position,” said Chuck.

“Trust me, not going to happen,” said Tasha as she moved towards the beach. “You coming?”

“Yes, ma’am,” said Chuck as they headed towards the perimeter where the guards were watching with night vision and thermal equipment.

“We’re heading down to the beach for Doctor Dawson to check stellar classification and the doppler effects on navigational resonance. Shouldn’t be long,” said Tasha.

“Works for me,” said the sentry. They headed towards the beach where the high tide was coming in once again.

“You realized what you said made no scientific sense whatsoever?” he chuckled.

“Bet they don’t know that though,” she chuckled in return. They found a convenient dune where he plopped down and started checking out the stars with the Milky Way being more prominent here since they were closer to the galactic center on Novae Spes. She eventually had a seat with him as there didn’t appear to be any threats in the immediate area and took in the breathtaking view for herself.

“Which one is Earth’s sun?” she asked quietly as the peace they had discovered didn’t need to be disturbed with loud talking.

“Can’t see it with the naked eye from here unfortunately,” he said. He looked at his watch and pointed towards the southeastern horizon. “Should be coming up over there in about a half an hour though.”

“Long way from home,” she remarked.

“Unless you consider this home,” said Chuck. “Which it’s become for me.”

“There is that,” said Tasha. “This was my dream retirement.”

“Looking at the stars?” he asked.

“Sitting on a peaceful beach watching the stars without a care in the world,” she stated.

“I’d dare say you’ve got a thousand thoughts running through your head about the security of the colony every minute of the day,” he stated.

“I do,” said Tasha. “But when I retire, I won’t have to worry about such things.”

“And you’ll retire when?” he asked.

“Probably when I’m 80,” she laughed. “You?”

“New world with discoveries every minute,” said Chuck. “Probably around the same time.”

“Regardless, I figure we’ll have a well established colony here by then and I can put a nice beach house up wherever I want,” said Tasha. “With a nice deck.”

“And a hot tub,” said Chuck. “You need a nice hot tub as well.”

“That does sound almost perfect,” said Tasha with a sigh. “Hot tub and looking at the stars.”

“It certainly does,” said Chuck. Tasha took a moment to look at him as he was gazing at the stars and briefly pointed out which planets in the system could be seen. She saw him in a completely different light at that moment with his rugged good looks appealing to her right then and almost drew in closer to him, but self control got the better of her since she was his protection outside the perimeter. He stopped for a moment and looked at her as well, seeing she was nothing short of beautiful in the moonlight of Novae Spes’ three moons. He also wanted to move in closer, but the brief moment in time their eyes locked kept them from moving towards each other even though the attraction was there.

“Maybe we should be getting back,” he said after what seemed like an eternity.

“Yeah, it’s about that time,” she said as she stood quickly and moved a bit away before her emotions took over and her body obeyed her heart’s desires. He stood up as well though as they were walking back, he naturally gravitated towards her and accidentally brushed her hand in the process. It almost felt like she attempted to grab at it with her fingers, but he had moved slightly to the right away from her. They finally approached the sentry at the outer edge as he came out from his cover to meet them.

“Did you determine why the backup stellar navigation is getting that positioning bias this time of year?” he asked.

“Umm, no, but we did get the information for Doctor Weber to analyze and come up with a solution,” said Chuck.

“It’d be helpful,” said the sentry. “See you in a bit.”

As they walked away Chuck looked over at Tasha and saw she was about to burst out laughing. Eventually, they moved out of earshot of the sentry and both started laughing at the situation.

“Guess that’s the last time you’ll try to make up scientific terms?” he asked.

“Yeah, that’s what I get for being blond and trying to be smart,” she laughed.

“Don’t sell yourself short, you’re highly intelligent,” he stated.

“I’ve got a way to go with some of you,” she stated.

“Not as much as you’d think,” he replied as they reached the shuttle. “Thank you very much for allowing me a minor indulgence.”

“I wanted to go too,” said Tasha with a smile. “You gave me a good excuse.”

“Maybe again sometime?” he asked.

“As long as you give me some good scientific words that make sense to use on my troops ahead of time,” she grinned.

“Deal,” he said as they were stopped by Lieutenant Randy Whitaker before having the chance to say goodnight since Chuck was staying in the gunship.

“Can I help you?” asked Tasha.

“Your presence is requested by a new member of the team over the lodging arrangements,” said Randy without further explanation.

“Oh?” asked Tasha.

“Doctor Dubose specifically wants to talk to you,” said Randy with a wry smile.

“And Doctor Santiago isn’t around?” asked Tasha.

“In the shower, but she specifically named you,” said Randy with a grin.

“I see,” said Tasha as she headed inside the shuttle. Once inside she headed towards the rear of the shuttle to the unoccupied bunks and was immediately confronted by Marci.

“Did you make the decision to do this…this…coed sleeping arrangement?” demanded Marci.

“I did,” said Tasha with slight confusion at the hostility being displayed.

“You allowed these…men to sleep around half clothed women?” she demanded. “No privacy? No curtains! You expect these women to just stay in the same place as men?!”

“Those men were on their best behavior since I had a team watching over everyone from the inside of the shuttle,” said Tasha as she was already starting to lose her temper.

“Oh, I bet they did! They probably just loved watching the women undress before getting into bed!” exclaimed Marci. “No privacy or anything!”

“As a matter of fact, yes, the women did undress in front of the men and the men undressed in front of the women,” growled Tasha. “Neither of which had a problem and neither group gave a single damn about the other.”

“Well, I won’t be undressing in front of these…Army types!” exclaimed Marci.

“Sleep in your clothes for all I care,” said Tasha as she was mildly offended by the comment but was trying not to completely lose it. However, Tasha absolutely loathed Marci Dubose and those feelings were quickly coming to the surface.

“Oh, no! I’m not going to be sleeping in here with a bunch of your boys that could paw at me while I’m asleep!” exclaimed Marci.

“That will not happen,” said Tasha as she started to lower her voice into a growl.

“Oh, right, I’m sure that won’t happen,” said Marci with an eye roll.

“Lucky for you, my men have way better taste in women than to paw at you,” growled Tasha as she had finally lost her temper. “Get over yourself, honey, you aren’t desirable enough to warrant that kind of attention from a man.”

“Excuse me!” exclaimed Marci as her mouth dropped open and her eyes popped open wide along with the entire team inside the shuttle as several had to put their hand over their mouth to keep from laughing.

“You heard me, sister,” said Tasha in a growl. “Now, if you want privacy, we can rig up some sheets or poncho liners to give you some privacy, but you damn well will have a bunkmate on the bottom.”

“I won’t stand for this!” exclaimed Marci.

“Fine,” said Tasha as she yanked out one of the tents from the overhead storage and took it over to Marci, shoving it into her hands. “You take your ass on outside and set up your own damn tent if you want some privacy. I flat guarantee you nobody will watch you do anything tonight.”

“I have no idea how!” exclaimed Marci as she dropped the tent on the floor.

“Not my problem,” said Tasha with ice cold eyes. “Now, you get your ass out of my shuttle and learn real quick how to set up that tent. Or go next door and see if someone in the gunship wants to swap with you. Otherwise, we’re done.”

“We aren’t done!” exclaimed Marci.

“I won’t tell you again,” said Tasha in a growl and with a look that meant business. “Otherwise, the men pawing at you will be the least of your concern tonight.”

Marci looked around for any support or allies and found nobody was going to take her side. She tossed the tent onto the floor before snatching her backpack and stomping out of the shuttle without another word. A pin could be heard dropping as nobody said a word and allowed Tasha to cool off. Eventually, Javier came back from his shower and wondered why everyone was so quiet and looked like they had seen something amazing.

“It’s like a funeral up in here,” he stated as he put his towel over the support on his bed.

“You missed some, uh, interesting dialog between Major Hayden and Doctor Dubose,” said Cyrus while trying to suppress a laugh.

“Oh?” asked Javier.

“She’s seeking sleeping arrangements elsewhere tonight,” said Cyrus as he was stifling a laugh. Chuck came walking in quickly followed by Bill Riker carrying their gear.

“I’d hope you have bunks available,” said Chuck sourly.

“What do you mean?” asked Tasha.

“Well, since you made the gunship female only, we have to find bunks in here” said Chuck.

“I did nothing of the sort!” exclaimed Tasha.

“I was informed by Doctor Dubose all males had to vacate the gunship on your orders,” said Chuck. “So, here we are trying to find beds.”

“I’m going to set that bi… I’ll take care of this,” said Tasha as she prepared to go to the gunship and settle the matter. However, just as she was grabbing her carbine, Cyrus moved towards her.

“No, Tasha, it’s okay,” said Cyrus as he stood in her path. “We have two bunks available.”

“It’s the principle, Cy,” said Tasha angrily. “It’s about to get real for her putting words in my mouth like that.”

“You guys okay with staying in here with the girls and boys?” asked Cyrus.

“Don’t care as long as we have a place to sleep,” said Riker.

“See? Everyone’s happy,” said Cyrus. He saw Tasha stewing and had Javier guide Riker into the rear of the shuttle. Cyrus saw the only other bunk was above Tasha’s.

“You going to mind if Chuck sleeps above you?” asked Cyrus.

“Oh, great, he gets to watch me undress again,” said Tasha with a scoff as she hated unfinished business and it likely would come to a head with Marci before long.

“If you’re lucky, I might even toss a few credits your way this time,” said Chuck with a roll of his eyes.

“Oh, don’t act like that wasn’t your personal highlight of this Expedition so far,” scoffed Tasha as her attention was momentarily diverted.

“So far, yeah,” said Chuck as he removed his boots.

“Excuse me?!” demanded Tasha.

“Well, that’s what you want to hear, isn’t it?” asked Chuck. “I apologized, I apologized again repeatedly and I think I’ve atoned for that sin. Yet, you just can’t let it go. Good grief, lady, I made a human mistake like 99.99% of all men would have made!”

The shuttle got quiet again as they expected another blow up from Tasha as Chuck started putting out the sleeping bag on the top bunk. She genuinely looked hurt for a moment before stepping in closer to him.

“Chuck…I…” she started to say but had a hard time apologizing to anyone.

“You what?” he asked angrily.

“I…I think I pushed too far,” she said in a low voice.

“Apology accepted,” said Chuck without turning around.

“I didn’t apologize,” she stated. “At least look at me.”

“That’s probably as close as I’m going to get to an apology,” he remarked as he turned around. “Look, it was an innocent mistake and was not repeated. Please, just let it go.”

“I didn’t realize it was bothering you,” she stated sincerely. “It won’t happen again.”

“Promise?” he asked.

“Pinky swear?” she asked as she held up her little finger. He scoffed at her but took her finger in his as she smiled at him.

“You aren’t going to slit my throat in my sleep, are you?” he asked.

“Not tonight,” said Tasha. “But for full atonement in getting me sick, I think something else is in order.”

“There it is,” said Chuck with a sigh.

“I think another of those chocolate cakes would be in order,” she stated.

“And then we’re even?” he asked.

“I believe so,” she said as her eyes turned playful.

“Fine,” said Chuck. “Chocolate cake for you never bringing it up again.”

“I think that’s fair,” piped in Sonya from the front of the shuttle as she had the flight duty that evening and wasn’t getting undressed.

“I think I’ll decide that,” said Tasha.

“If it’s from the chef on the Santa Maria, it’s worth it,” said Sonya. “But I think you have to share it with the rest of us.”

“As I told Charity, if you want that cake, let some guy get you sick and feel sorry for you,” said Tasha as she cooled off once again. “Otherwise, hands off.”

“So, Chuck, whatcha doing tomorrow?” asked Sonya with a playful grin.

“Planned on helping catalog the new species,” said Chuck with confusion.

“Wanna go to the river with me and push me in?” asked Sonya with playful eyes. Chuck just sighed deeply and gave a dirty look to Tasha.

“This is your fault,” he stated.

“How is it my fault when you brought me the cake in the first place?” asked Tasha.

“Because you requested it,” said Chuck. “It was the least I could do.”

“Didn’t have to do it,” said Tasha.

“You didn’t have to blame me either,” said Chuck.

“Brother, from a married guy, you’re never right,” said Cyrus. “Just accept the blame and press on with your life.”

“We aren’t married,” said Chuck.

“Absolutely not,” confirmed Tasha.

“Sure sound like a married couple squabbling,” said Cyrus.

“See what you did?” asked Tasha as she turned to Chuck. He just held up his hands in surrender and went back to un-packing his gear.

“Hey Doctor Dawson?” asked Samantha Whitaker in a singsong voice.

“Yes?” asked Chuck as he looked towards the middle of the shuttle.

“I think I’m starting to get sick and I’m pretty sure it’s your fault,” said Samantha as she tried not to laugh. “I’d bet some of that chocolate cake would perk me right up.”

Chuck just scoffed and hung his head before turning to Tasha with a dirty look.

“Shut up, Lieutenant,” said Tasha, biting her lip and trying not to smile as she looked at Chuck.

“I’m just saying,” said Samantha. “I wouldn’t want to feel neglected or anything.”

“You’re about to get far more attention than you want if you get between me and that chocolate cake I was promised,” said Tasha.

“Anyone else up for tossing me in the river and bringing me a cake?” asked Samantha. The moment of levity caused the tension to break as the team in the shuttle laughed along with Chuck and Tasha. He was preparing for bed and noticed most of the other members in the shuttle were disrobing in front of each other. Tasha plopped down on her cot to remove her boots before he drew out his wallet and tossed a five credit bill on her bunk.

“What’s this?” she asked.

“Down payment on you removing clothing,” he said and tried to suppress a grin.

“Why are you carrying around a wallet and credits?” she asked.

“Force of habit?” he asked. “Just something to keep me connected to my former life.”

“I can appreciate that,” said Tasha as she removed her boots and hung her carbine on the small hook designed for an IV. She peeked out of the corner of her eye and saw Chuck was not paying attention and took off her pants and rolled them up as usual. Chuck heard her getting into bed and moved around to start removing his clothing. He felt like someone was watching and noticed Tasha was lying there with a silly grin and his five credit note in her teeth.

“Really?” he laughed.

“I’m paying good money for this,” she said through clenched teeth. “You best make sure I get my money’s worth.”

“You are something else,” he said with a chuckle and finished removing his pants before rolling them up as well. As he was about to start climbing into bed, he quickly snatched the bill from her mouth and took it with him.

“Not fair,” she grumbled.

“I can be sneaky as well,” said Chuck as he put it back in his wallet. “Night, Tasha.”

“Sweet dreams, Chuck,” said Tasha. “You aren’t allowed to dream of me sleeping so close to you though.”

“You aren’t allowed to have dreams of me being on top either,” he said.

Realizing the back and forth could go on nearly all night with him, she just chuckled and turned over on her side to go to sleep as the thoughts of the day’s events kept running through her head as usual. The day ended for everyone as conversations started dying out and people drifted off to sleep. They knew they had one more day of hard work to organize and catalog the items they had found and prepare everything to head back. But they knew sleep was needed the most as they drifted off under the watchful eyes of the sentries posted outside.

 

CHAPTER 41



“Good morning, Captain,” said Tasha as she came to Larissa Moody in the breakfast line.

“I have to thank you for sending the royalty on a visit last night,” said Larissa sourly as she plopped some of the eggs on Tasha’s plate.

“I’m sorry?” asked Tasha.

“Oh, we had to roll out the red carpet for her Highness Marci Dubose,” said Larissa. “We only needed trumpets to announce her arrival and we would have been set.”

“I didn’t mean to cause problems,” said Tasha.

“Not only did I have to get out of the bed in order to fix her a screened off area, she banished Doctors Riker and Dawson over to the shuttle,” said Larissa. “And wouldn’t stop talking the entire time.”

“I just want to let you know I didn’t intend for Chuck and Doctor Riker to move,” said Tasha.

“No, I didn’t imagine you did,” said Larissa. “Regardless, she went off on Janet Carr, Zoe Kent and myself over our lack of pants and how those evil men would try to take advantage of us if we weren’t careful.”

“I kind of intended the pilots be prepared for flight and for at least one to keep on their uniform,” said Tasha. “I forgot to mention it to you.”

“Wouldn’t be the first time I’ve flown in my underwear,” laughed Larissa.

“Funny, Ryan said the same thing,” said Tasha.

“That trash hauler said that?” asked Larisa with a laugh. “In his dreams maybe.”

“I don’t understand?” asked Tasha.

“Ryan was a cargo and shuttle pilot before coming here. Now, he’s a talented pilot and all, but he acts like he’s been flying gunships, bombers and fighters his entire career,” laughed Larissa.

“I didn’t realize that,” said Tasha with a chuckle. “Truthfully, have you actually flown in your underwear before?”

“I got two kills in my underwear,” said Larissa with a nostalgic smile.

“I honestly haven’t looked at your file that closely,” said Tasha.

“During the War for Saturn,” said Larissa. “Most of the fleet was at Tethys engaging the Chinese Imperial Fleet and I had just gotten back from a 12 hour mission myself. I had just dropped into the cot they had set up in the hanger on the Ranger when we got an alert of fighter bombers coming in. Long story short, my uniform had been grabbed for cleaning and they shoved my ass into my fighter without any flight suit or pressure suit. Because when the General says ‘get your ass out there or we’re going to die’ you don’t take time to dress.”

“Yeah, that’s not dangerous or anything,” said Tasha.

“Luckily the environmental controls were working properly,” said Larissa. “Else I might have made an interesting corpse.”

“Three kills, huh?” asked Tasha who made a mental note to check over the file on Moody more closely. “I didn’t realize you were a fighter pilot.”

“Three out of more than my fair share,” said Larissa. “The Chinese and Indians kept sending them up, we kept shooting them down.”

“Anyway, back to the issue at hand, why didn’t she make Noah Taylor move?” asked Tasha.

“He already had moved into the shuttle I think,” said Larissa. “When we started getting ready for bed, his gear was already gone.”

“I didn’t notice him in the shuttle, though I might have missed him,” said Tasha. “Anyway, we’ve only got one more night. Can you deal with Princess Marci that long?”

“I think we’ll make it through the night without killing her,” said Larissa. “No promise, though.”

“Sorry for the trouble,” said Tasha as she saw Noah and Olivia Taylor and headed towards them. “Good morning, guys.”

“And a good morning to you, Major,” said Noah with some pep.

“Sorry you folks had to see me losing my temper last night,” said Tasha fishing for information.

“We must have been at the shower or something,” said Noah guardedly.

“It was quite a sight to see,” said Tasha.

“You knew we weren’t there,” said Olivia after a moment’s pause.

“No, but you just confirmed it,” said Tasha. “Private time?”

“Sort of,” said Noah. “We might have broken the rules last night.”

“If it’s illegal, I’m not sure you should be saying anything,” said Tasha.

“How about slightly bent then?” asked Olivia. “It’s my fault really.”

“If I knew what it was…” said Tasha with a waved hand for them to continue.

“I mentioned to Noah he had promised me a walk on a moonlit beach for a honeymoon. And last night the moonlight was fantastic, so I called him on that promise,” said Olivia.

“Went on a little covert op?” asked Tasha.

“Yeah, we slipped by the sentries and just went to the beach for some private time,” said Noah.

“Hopefully, the sand didn’t get in places you’d regret,” said Tasha.

“No, we didn’t quite go that far,” said Olivia. “Not that this dumb lug didn’t try.”

“She was pure beauty in the moonlight,” said Noah with a laugh.

“Anyway, I can’t say a thing since I kinda bent the rules myself,” said Tasha.

Noah and Olivia looked at each other before responding. “We know.”

“I’m sorry?” asked Tasha.

“We saw you and Chuck Dawson having some personal time yourselves,” said Noah. “And you just so happened to plop down on the next dune over from us.”

“You saw us?!” demanded Tasha.

“You looked like you didn’t need us interrupting,” said Olivia. “Plus, the cat would have been out of the bag with our own little escapade.”

“I want the record to show it was nothing more than letting him see the stars as he requested,” said Tasha. “I just provided him a security escort.”

“Looked a bit more than that,” said Olivia. “Hot tub and looking at the stars?”

“Nothing happened nor is nothing happening,” said Tasha adamantly. “You two were close enough to hear us talking?”

“We were and I know nothing went on,” said Olivia. “When it seemed like you two were about to kiss, you withdrew from each other and left.”

“We weren’t about to kiss!” exclaimed Tasha in a low voice.

“My mistake then,” said Olivia. “Regardless, you looked relaxed at the moment and we had no intention of spoiling that moment for the two of you.”

“We weren’t sharing a moment either!” exclaimed Tasha.

“You can be two individuals having an individual moment,” said Noah.

“We were just observing the stars, that’s all,” said Tasha.

“Then that settles it,” said Noah. “Anyway, our apologies for bending the rules to have our own romantic moment.”

“Just tell me beforehand, okay?” asked Tasha. “I trust the both of you out there alone and just asking for permission is better than seeking forgiveness later.”

“That might ruin the bad boy image I charm Olivia with,” said Noah with a grin. Olivia rolled her eyes with a smile and a shake of her head.

“Thank you for being understanding,” said Olivia.

“Thank you for being discrete about my being out there as well,” said Tasha.

“I don’t know why you’re fussing over it,” said Olivia. “Chuck is a handsome man with a good head on his shoulders. And he seems to treat you nice.”

“He is a smart and handsome man that does like me,” said Tasha. “But he’s in the friend zone and nothing more. I can’t have a man distracting me from my job right now.”

“Yeah, because no married people can work together and not be distracted,” said Noah. “We’ve been married for almost three years now and you can see how it affects us.”

“Wait, three years?” asked Tasha. “I was under the impression you got married before we left.”

“You remember the crazy rules about married couples serving together in the Australian Army?” asked Noah. “Well, we knew they’d end up splitting us up, so we hid the marriage.”

“I’m appalled I didn’t get an invitation to the wedding,” said Tasha. “Even if it was you two eloping and having a private ceremony.”

“Love blinded us,” said Olivia.

“Certainly did in her case,” said Noah with a laugh. “Who else would have taken me in?”

“Nobody I know of,” laughed Tasha. “Anyway, let’s just keep this secret between us, okay?”

“Absolutely,” said Olivia as they finished their breakfast and cleaned the mess kits in the washing station. Tasha headed over to the science station where Javier was already at work with his team delegating responsibilities for the day. She waited until he finished up and dismissed his team with Riker coming to her.

“The team that goes to the river?” he asked.

“They should be making contact with you as soon as they get their gear,” said Tasha.

“I’d like to go as early as possible,” said Riker. “No wasting the day.”

“Hang on,” said Tasha as she called them on the radio and requested they report to the science area. She saw them heading from the shuttle and turned to Riker. “As requested.”

“Thanks, Major,” said Riker as he grabbed his gear.

“Nothing crazy today, though I had an idea about tonight,” said Javier as he was next in line.

“Oh?” asked Tasha.

“The fish here are entirely edible,” said Javier. “We might consider a fish fry since it’s our last night at the ocean.”

“I’d assume you spoke to our cooks?” asked Tasha who loved the idea.

“Ryan assures me he can pull it off,” said Javier. “So, I was considering taking the gunship out and catching some of the fish we’ve found.”

“Enough for the entire group?” asked Tasha.

“It’s a big ocean,” said Javier.

“Approved,” said Tasha. “Marci was trouble again last night.”

“Yeah, Janet Carr talked to me about it this morning,” said Javier with a sigh. “I’ll deal with it later on.”

“I’d appreciate it if you did,” said Tasha. “Plan for today?”

“Finishing analyzing the samples we’ve gotten already,” said Javier. “But we should look at a return trip to this site in the future.”

“I’d bet most of the sites you pick will have all kinds of interesting discoveries,” said Tasha.

“They will,” said Javier. “But since we’ve decided to potentially build here, it needs to be studied as in depth as possible.”

“Good point,” said Tasha. “I’ll make that recommendation in my final report.”

“Thank you,” said Javier. “Anything else?”

“No, just don’t get too much that we would have to delay,” said Tasha.

“I’ll try to keep our guys under control,” said Javier with a chuckle as he headed towards an instrument studying one of the creatures they found. Tasha headed into the kitchen where the pilots were busy cleaning up from breakfast and allowing the robotic cleaners to do their work on the pans.

“Major,” said Ryan politely, but without the charm he normally threw at her.

“Javier mentioned something about a fish fry tonight?” asked Tasha.

“Fish and chips actually,” said Ryan. “We’ve got some potatoes from the hydroponics on the Santa Maria and the ingredients to batter the fish if we like.”

“Sounds delicious,” said Tasha. “How long to prepare?”

“Earlier the better,” said Ryan. “Maybe early this afternoon if at all possible.”

“I can check on that,” said Tasha as Ryan wasn’t flirting as usual. “Anything else?”

“No, just keep the hungry masses from getting out of control before it’s done,” said Ryan.

“Everything okay?” asked Tasha.

“Yeah, sure,” said Ryan. “Why?”

“Normally you’ve been…more flirty with me,” said Tasha.

“Are you objecting to me being professional instead?” asked Ryan.

“It’s a relief actually,” said Tasha.

“Let’s just say I don’t want to compete for your attention with someone else,” said Ryan with shrugged shoulders. “Especially since you respond to it from someone else.”

“Did I miss something?” asked Tasha.

“Doctor Dawson has your attention and you have his,” said Ryan. “Not that you aren’t worth flirting with, but I try not to get involved if someone is seeing someone else or married.”

“I see,” said Tasha and didn’t dispute the idea Ryan had created. “Good standards to have.”

“Keeps me out of trouble,” said Ryan with a laugh. “Chuck is a good looking dude that’s into you. It’s hard to compete with that.”

“We thank you,” said Tasha.

“Anyway, I have your permission to proceed?” he asked. “With the fish fry?”

“Absolutely,” said Tasha. “You going to need Sonya and Larissa to help?”

“If they want,” said Ryan. “Regardless, I’d like to fly the gunship so I can look over the catch.”

“I don’t have a problem with that,” said Tasha. “Work it out with Captain Moody.”

“Will do,” said Ryan as he went back to finishing the cleaning and stowing the cookware. Tasha felt a relief at his lack of flirting since he was very charming and attractive and very well could catch her at a vulnerable moment. She had set high standards for herself and knew she needed to stick to them in order to maintain her edge.

Tasha headed out to the security perimeter specifically at the beach where she found the ideal location for what she had in mind. Luckily, Doctor Riker was about to head towards the river delta and she managed to stop him as they were departing.

“Might be easier if you cut through the inland side,” she observed. “The sand makes traveling a little harder than it should be.”

“Good point,” said Riker as the team leader started looking for a new path.

“One question before you depart though,” said Tasha.

“Okay?” asked Riker.

“Do we have a schedule on the tides yet?” she asked.

“Not even close,” said Riker. “Three moons have made for a chaotic schedule and frankly, we haven’t spent as much time studying it as we could have.”

“Is there a safe area on the beach?” she asked.

“Likely where we’re standing and moving out another hundred meters or so,” said Riker. “You can see the build up where the surf comes into the shore and doesn’t go beyond that natural seawall that’s been created.”

“Thanks,” said Tasha. “Enjoy your trip.”

“See you in a bit,” said Riker as they departed. Tasha headed back to the kitchen area with a thought in mind and found the pilot staff had returned to the shuttle where they were discussing the fishing trip.

“You break my baby and I’ll break your ass,” said Larissa who had “adopted” the gunship as her own and even painted nose art with her name as pilot.

“Won’t even scratch the paint,” said Ryan with assurance and his customary charming smile.

“I mean it, Ryan,” said Larissa. “Even that cute smile and puppy eyes of yours won’t be enough to keep me from tearing off body parts you hold dear.”

“Yes, ma’am,” said Ryan as Tasha came up.

“Discussing the flight today?” she asked.

“More like getting threatened over the flight today,” said Ryan with a chuckle. “Was there something you needed?”

“Yeah, how hard would it be to land at the beach?” asked Tasha.

“What do you mean?” asked Larissa.

“You three walk with me while I explain it,” said Tasha as she nodded hear head towards the beach. She outlined her idea as they went forward and saw the area Tasha picked out would be more than sufficient for landing the gunship and the shuttle.

“Problem is moving the kitchen, the science equipment and the other items we are taking back,” said Sonya. “Lots of equipment to move from one place to the other.”

“Could we pick it up in the morning?” asked Tasha. “Make a quick jump from here back to the original landing spot?”

“We could,” said Ryan. “I prefer to just load it up at one time though.”

“Same here,” said Sonya.

“I guess I’m lucky in not having extra stuff to carry,” said Larissa.

“No, we have another mission for you tomorrow morning,” said Tasha. “Basically, we likely aren’t going to be building in this exact location and might have a spot about five clicks north. The science nerds and Cyrus want to check it out before we leave.”

“So, quick trip to the north and then we fly home?” asked Larissa.

“That’s what I was thinking,” said Tasha.

“Regardless, I’m not opposed to moving the entire camp,” said Ryan. “Just a lot of work.”

“Let me see what Javier thinks about it,” said Tasha. “When are you leaving?”

“Actually, I need to talk to him about it,” said Ryan. The three headed back to the main area where they found Javier taking down data on one of the fish from the ocean currently inside a containment unit, though awake and watching the human watch it.

“Doctor?” asked Ryan as he approached.

“How can I help you fine folks?” asked Javier as he saved the data.

“Is that dinner tonight?” asked Ryan.

“One of the species we could use that seems to be plentiful,” said Javier. “If I had an Earth comparison, it could be like a Chilean sea bass though living in warmer water.”

“Those are good,” said Ryan. “Anyway, what time were we going to go?”

“That’s more or less up to you,” said Javier as they talked it over quickly and determined they’d leave in three hours back to the location the fish were likely at. As they finished, Tasha jumped in with her proposal.

“As soon as we’re finished with the equipment, we’re packing it up for the return tomorrow,” said Javier. “While we’d love to stay here another week, we know the colony is better set up to analyze the data we’ve collected.”

“So, that’s a yes?” asked Tasha.

“Quite a bit of equipment to move, but I like the idea and it shrinks down your security perimeter just to the beach,” said Javier. “You know who is going to be royally pissed though.”

“Who?” asked Tasha.

“Ben is all about some fish,” said Javier. “When we have this fish fry and he isn’t invited, we are going to hear about it for months on end.”

“Well, next time he can take the risk of coming into an area we know nothing about and set everything up,” said Tasha. “It’ll be good for morale anyway.”

“Just let me know where to move our stuff,” said Javier. “As well as being away from the sand that’ll get blown by the shuttle and gunship landing.”

“Right,” said Tasha. “Anyway, I’ll leave you Captain Kingston to help since the rest of us will be planning on moving the camp.”

“Planning on a fire?” asked Javier.

“Hadn’t thought that far into it,” said Tasha.

“What good is a beach party without a fire?” asked Javier as he went back to his fish.

“Good point,” said Ryan. “Like in those ancient movies.”

“I love some music from that era, but the movies I haven’t watched,” said Tasha.

“Uncultured barbarian,” said Ryan with a grin.

“Right,” said Tasha. “Anyway, you ladies up for helping me get everything else ready to go?”

“Let’s do this,” said Larissa. The remainder of the morning was spent moving equipment and supplies towards the beach area they had picked out for the new camp. The alert security team had been called on to help along with the engineers that were at a lack of anything to do at the moment. Cyrus even came in and volunteered them to “build” the fire area to an acceptable engineering level and promised “it won’t fall” as they gathered deadwood as well as dry driftwood from the beach. Eventually, everything was ready and Larissa and Sonya moved the shuttle the short distance to the new landing zone. Work had progressed through the afternoon as the science team equipment started coming in piece by piece as it was repacked and eventually the former base camp was starting to look extremely barren.

“I’m going to start collapsing the security perimeter,” said Tasha as Javier was overseeing the last of the equipment to be moved.

“We’ll need another half an hour for this to finish and record the data,” said Javier. “Another fifteen minutes to break it down and move.”

“We have to pull the sensor lines as well,” said Tasha. “That’ll take at least a half hour.”

“Okay, just don’t want to be hanging out here by our lonesome,” said Javier with a chuckle.

“We made a major dent in the area,” remarked Tasha as she directed her teams to start collecting the sensor lines and moving back towards the base camp.

“It’ll recover quickly enough,” said Javier as he saw the paths that were worn into the grass as well as the matted areas where equipment had been sitting.

“I think everyone’s starting to look forward to tonight,” said Tasha.

“Not everyone,” said Javier with a wry smile as Marci came back over the dunes huffing from moving the equipment and complaining loudly as to how “stupid” moving the base camp was.

“Now I know it’s worth it,” chuckled Tasha.

“She really doesn’t like you now,” said Javier.

“The feeling is mutual,” said Tasha as she smiled sweetly at Marci and gave her a wave with her fingers. An agitated look came over Marci’s face as she spun away from the two and prepared to move another piece of the equipment.

“Can’t help yourself, can you?” asked Javier with a chuckle.

“Tell her if she had a serious enough problem with me, we can throw on the gloves and pads for some sparring,” said Tasha. “I won’t permanently maim her.”

“I’m not letting one of my science team get beat up by the security commander,” said Javier.

“Nice way of working out aggression on her part,” said Tasha.

“I’m sure she would find complaining preferable,” said Javier. “Anything else?”

“Nah, just checking on your progress,” said Tasha.

“If you’re heading to the beach, you mind taking that with you?” asked Javier as he pointed at a case nearby.

“Sure,” said Tasha. She collected the box and headed to the beach, finding it fairly heavy for such a small box. However, she came to the beach area where Chuck was organizing everything and placed it where he indicated.

“I think this is a great idea,” he said.

“The fish fry?” she asked.

“Yeah, Doctor Chambless checked over everything and it’s all fit for consumption,” said Chuck.

“Morale builders are always helpful,” said Tasha.

“And tonight, I wouldn’t require a security escort to see the stars,” said Chuck.

“Leave me behind?” she asked with a grin.

“You’re invited, but we won’t have to have you memorize big scientific words as an excuse to go to the beach,” he laughed.

“Hopefully not,” said Tasha with a laugh.

“But yes, I wouldn’t mind checking out the stars once again,” said Chuck. “Having you around was peaceful in that regard.”

“I’m not sure peaceful and my name have ever collided,” said Tasha with a smile.

“You knew when to speak and when not to as well as keeping your voice low,” he said with a smile. “Some people tend to ruin the moment by talking too much.”

“I didn’t know we were having a moment,” said Tasha.

“Between friends?” asked Chuck.

“Well, of course,” said Tasha. “I thought you meant…”

“We were having a romantic moment?” asked Chuck. “Look, I want to be friends and nothing more. Friends can look at the stars with each other without it resulting in a romantic moment.”

“I just felt like maybe there was more to last night than friends,” said Tasha, taking a huge leap with her heart right then.

“I know you aren’t looking for that,” said Chuck. “Maybe checking out the stars with you isn’t good for either of us.”

“No! I meant…” she started to say and her voice trailed off.

“Look, no pressure, okay?” he asked. “I’m going to check them out again tonight. But there’s always a spot next to me on that dune if you want it.”

“Okay, maybe,” said Tasha as the gunship was heard coming back in for a landing. Ryan contacted them via radio and Tasha helped bring him in for a landing opposite of the shuttle where the kitchen area and supplies were between the two. The landing gear locked down and the gunship came in for a pinpoint landing and shut down the engines.

“I didn’t think you’d be back so quickly,” said Tasha as the ramp came down.

“Fishing here is far easier than we thought,” said Ryan with a grin. “Especially when we dump one of those chicken patty rations into the ocean.”

“Oh?” asked Tasha.

“The fish seemed to love it,” said Ryan. “There was a school of about a thousand that came after it and we snagged more than enough for tonight.”

“Now you get the fun experience of gutting them,” said Tasha with a laugh.

“You’ll like the outcome,” said Ryan. “Chuck.”

“Ryan,” said Chuck as he had come over to see the fish. “Kept the biggest ones?”

“Mix and match,” said Ryan. “Sometimes when a fish gets bigger, it loses flavor. But there should be more than enough for everyone. We plan on releasing those we don’t use.”

“Thoughtful,” said Chuck. “Need some help with prep?”

“You know how to?” asked Ryan.

“My grandfather was a fisherman,” said Chuck. “He taught me the finer points on fileting a fish when I was young.”

“I’ve got two filet knives,” said Ryan. “Sure, I could use the help.”

“I’ll leave you boys to getting icky,” said Tasha as she departed. Ryan and Chuck started setting up the field kitchen as it was one of the first items moved and got the prep area set up for the fish now waiting nearby for their inevitable demise.

“How do you plan on killing them?” asked Ryan.

“The containment units have a built in kill switch,” said Chuck as he showed Ryan the feature on the containment tanks. “An electrical shock will stop their heart.”

“Easy enough,” said Ryan as they continued the prep. Chuck saw he was making the batter for the fish and offered a suggestion.

“You have some ginger?” he asked as he looked through some other spices.

“I think so, why?” asked Ryan.

“It adds a good flavor to the fish,” said Chuck as he went back to preparing the potatoes and seasoning them as well. “Secret family recipe from my Grandpa.”

“Worth a try, I guess,” said Ryan. “Maybe half and half?”

“Yeah, not everyone will like it,” said Chuck.

“I can make a base batter if you like and you can spice it,” said Ryan.

“Yeah, that’ll work,” said Chuck as he took a break from the potatoes for a moment to season the batter to his liking. It took several shakes of various spices before Chuck pronounced it “just right” and Ryan took a quick taste.

“How do those work together?” he asked.

“Not good?” asked Chuck.

“No, it’s outstanding,” said Ryan. “I never thought those spices would work together.”

“Well, Grandpa drank a lot too,” said Chuck with a laugh. “He likely stumbled onto it while in his cups one day.”

“It works though,” said Ryan, noting what had been used. They continued the prep work on the potatoes as Ryan was curious about something.

“That Tasha is something else, isn’t she?” asked Ryan, doing some additional fishing.

“She certainly is,” said Chuck.

“I never would have expected her to hook up with one of the science team,” said Ryan.

“What do you mean?” asked Chuck.

“Her and you,” said Ryan.

“Ah,” said Chuck as he realized Ryan was asking some pointed questions, though trying to make it look like small talk. “Sometimes it happens.”

“Either way, good luck,” said Ryan. “She’s spirited.”

“That she is,” said Chuck.

“Taming the wild horse?” asked Ryan.

“I’m not sure if she can be tamed,” said Chuck with a laugh.

“Probably not,” said Ryan with a return laugh.

“And you? No woman catch your eye yet?” asked Chuck.

“Oh, plenty have caught my eye,” said Ryan with a grin. “Now one that makes me settle down is a different story entirely.”

“Playing the field?” asked Chuck.

“I like to keep my options open,” said Ryan. “I will say the picks for the Expedition as a whole were outstanding. A lot of great women here with us.”

“There are,” said Chuck.

“You got one of the best though,” said Ryan. “If you don’t mind me saying so.”

“Thank you,” said Chuck as Ryan finished the batter and helped with the potatoes. They continued small talk without discussing Tasha as Ryan felt like Chuck was hiding something, but just couldn’t put his finger on what it was. But he did realize there was mutual attraction between Tasha and Chuck and marked her as off limits at the moment.

“Now to the icky part,” said Ryan with a chuckle as he saw there was only one potato left.

“I’d suggest hitting the button and giving it two minutes,” said Chuck.

“Okay,” said Ryan as he went to the first tank.

“Press the red button and hold it down,” said Chuck as he started peeling the last potato. “Then press the black button twice.”

“Like this?” asked Ryan as he completed the procedure. Three beeps were heard as the fish went limp and started settling to the bottom of the tank.

“Yep,” said Chuck. “So good even you could be a scientist.”

“Nah, I enjoy flying too much,” said Ryan as he waited the time required and pulled the fish out. Chuck stood a little closer to remember something he had been shown and performed a long time prior as Ryan started gutting the fish.

“One thing we forgot,” said Ryan as he finished removing the head.

“Gut bucket,” said Chuck as he looked around and found a large salad bowl that would be sufficient. Ryan dumped the head and tail into the bowl and started fileting the fish down the side, careful not to get most of the bones in the filet.

“Pretty skilled at that,” said Chuck.

“I started off life as a sous chef in Denver,” said Ryan. “Went to chef school when I was 16 because I thought I wanted to be a world famous chef when I grew up. However, went to college on a football scholarship and learned flying was my thing. Now, cooking’s more like a hobby.”

“Where did you go to college?” asked Chuck.

“Texas A & M,” said Ryan. “So, it was natural to follow a military path afterwards.”

“Not back to cooking?” asked Chuck.

“I dabbled, but again, found flying far more to my liking,” said Ryan. “However, I also found that women love a pilot and also love a man who can cook. Why not combine the two?”

“Pretty smart,” said Chuck as he finished the potato and had sliced it to specification. He went to get the next fish and hit the kill switch on the device. After two minutes, he pulled the fish out on another cutting board and started removing the head.

“Down a bit,” suggested Ryan as he observed. “Little lower…right there.”

“How did you know that?” asked Chuck.

“Because I just did my first one,” said Ryan. “The meat thins out where you were cutting and would likely dry out or burn if we left it that way.”

“Right,” said Chuck as he saw the cut on Ryan’s tail and replicated the spot.

“I’ll make a chef outa you yet,” said Ryan with a grin as he saw Chuck making a good cut on the filet portion and slicing it into smaller pieces.

“We just have another dozen to go,” said Chuck with a laugh.

“I think the folks will enjoy the finished product,” said Ryan as he completed the process and started on the next fish. He pulled it out after waiting the required time and started gutting the fish as Larissa and Sonya came to the field kitchen to help.

“Oh, nice,” said Larissa with a scrunched nose as Ryan dropped the guts into the bowl.

“Hey, you wanted to help,” said Ryan with a charming grin.

“I figured slicing potatoes would be more my speed,” said Larissa.

“Chuck already beat you to it,” said Ryan. “But we do have the salad to prepare.”

“Yeah, that sounds better,” said Sonya.

“And dumping the gut bowl when it gets too full,” said Ryan with a grin.

“That’s just great,” said Larissa with a sigh. “I’d assume we have to dig the hole as well?”

“I’d say dump it into the ocean,” said Chuck. “The crustacean creatures seem to live on such things.”

“Like crabs and such?” asked Ryan.

“Yeah, but probably not for eating,” said Chuck. “Too much mercury.”

“Hopefully we find a species that is edible,” said Ryan as the ladies started on the salad. Eventually, the gut bowl started getting full and Chuck decided to dump it instead of making Larissa and Sonya do it. He headed far enough down the beach and shed his boots and socks before wading out slightly and dumping the bowl as well as using the surf to wash it out. He returned to find Ryan was waiting for the bowl as he had already started on the next fish.

“That was very thoughtful, Doctor Dawson,” said Larissa with a warm smile. “Wasn’t it thoughtful, Sonya?”

“Extremely thoughtful,” said Sonya with a smile. “So nice having a gentleman around that is willing to do the hard tasks. Thank you, Doctor Dawson.”

“Call me Chuck,” said Chuck with confusion. “And no big deal.”

“Regardless, Chuck, we owe you gratitude,” said Larissa with a warm smile.

“Did I miss something?” asked Chuck.

“It’s a veiled prod at me,” said Ryan with a chuckle. “I told them they’d have to dump the gut bowl since we were doing the hard work.”

“I see,” said Chuck. “It seems like we’re going to have a lot of fish left over.”

“I was thinking the same thing,” said Ryan. “Too much to just go to waste.”

“How much batter do you have left?” asked Chuck.

“Quite a bit actually,” said Ryan. “What’re you thinking?”

“I was thinking maybe some sample bites so people can pick between the original recipe and my spiced one,” said Chuck.

“I like that idea,” said Ryan. “Cut it into bite sized pieces and do a quick fry at the end?”

“You’re the chef,” said Chuck.

“Looks like we have an audience already,” said Ryan as the science team was finishing up along with the security teams being redeployed by Tasha. However, many were watching the cooks with interest as it was getting close to dinnertime.

“Ready to drop those first filets?” asked Chuck. “It seems the hungry masses are starting to make an appearance.”

“Yeah, it’s about that time,” said Ryan as he finished off cutting the additional filets into bite sized pieces and battered them up. Chuck got the deep fryer started for both the potatoes and the filets, setting the temperatures to Ryan’s desire as the first filets were dropped. It didn’t take long to cook them as well as the potatoes as the line started forming at the head table.

“I hope this isn’t another disappointment like the lasagna,” said the British trooper.

“Isn’t fish and chips a traditional British dish?” asked Ryan with a grin.

“You’d best do it right, mate,” said the man as the final filets were dropped and were getting ready. The final batch of the taste testing fish were dropped and prepared before Chuck grabbed two plates to set them in front.

“Okay, folks,” he announced. “We have two different flavors of fish here. One is Ryan’s traditional batter blend, the other is spiced with ginger and a couple of other things. We have some samples of each in front of the appropriate bowls and you can pick the one you prefer.”

“What happens if we don’t like either?” asked Janet Carr.

“Field ration,” said Ryan with a smile. “But I guarantee you at least one with tickle your fancy.”

“Let’s do it then,” said Tasha as she helped form the line and the hungry mass moved forward. After the first ten people sampled the fish, it was clear who the crowd favorite was.

“Not bad,” said the British man as he sampled Ryan’s fish. He picked the sample of Chuck’s fish and his face immediately changed. “This one is bloody delicious!”

“Chuck’s fry, coming up,” said Ryan as he laid a portion on the mess kit and moved on to the next. The clear winner of the day was Chuck’s batter recipe as Ryan took note of the ingredients he used.

“I’m stealing your recipe,” said Ryan with a chuckle as his fish had barely been touched.

“Have at it,” said Chuck as he saw the supply running dangerously low. However, there were only ten people left in line, but six pieces of his filet to go around. He snagged a piece out of the pan and set it to the side as he saw Tasha in the rear of the group as usual as she wanted to make sure her troops were fed first. The supply ran out just before she approached and sampled the two types.

“Looks like I’m a day late and a dollar short,” she said with a sigh. “Chuck, you really have to stop surprising me with your hidden talents. That fish is delicious.”

“Lucky for you, I saved you a piece,” said Chuck with a smile.

“I can’t,” she said. “Someone else might want it.”

“What good is it being in charge if you can’t get something for yourself every once in a while?” he asked as he held the filet towards her. She sighed and smiled at him before accepting it with a “thank you” and walking away thinking of how considerate Chuck was to save her a piece.

“Your girlfriend seems to be pleased,” said Ryan.

“She’s your girlfriend, Chuck?” asked Sonya.

“We’re just really close friends,” said Chuck.

“That typically means yes,” said Larissa with a grin as she produced two more pieces for her and Sonya. “Though I have to say stealing you from her would be on my mind with that tasty fish you made.”

“Not if I get him first,” said Sonya with a grin. “I’ll beat you up for him.”

“Bring it on,” said Larissa as she took a forkful of the fish. “It’s worth fighting over.”

“Chuck, I’m seriously impressed,” said Ryan.

“I’d imagine that’s fairly difficult to do,” said Chuck with a laugh.

“You have three of the best looking women in the colony willing to fight over you,” said Ryan. “Talent man, pure talent.”

“Until you use my dish to woo some other woman out there,” said Chuck with a laugh.

“Exactly,” said Ryan with a laugh and turned to the group. “Seconds for anyone who wants them, although it’s my fish.”

“Boo!” yelled one of the scientists. “We want Chuck’s fish!”

“Sorry, no more to be had,” said Ryan. “Everyone is happy?”

“Absolutely ecstatic!” exclaimed Javier. “But he needs to cook going forward!”

“Guess I’m a popular guy,” said Chuck with a grin.

“Guess so,” laughed Ryan. “With my good looks and your recipes, we could make a pretty dynamic duo.”

“I don’t know, Chuck is pretty cute himself,” said Sonya with a playful smile.

“Well, thank you,” said Chuck with a smile in return. “Anyway, when are they going to light this bonfire? It’s going to be dark soon.”

“Chief Hendrix?” asked Ryan. “Time to get the rest of the party started?”

“I do believe so,” said Cyrus as he went over to the premade bonfire. “All I need is a spark.”

“No igniter fluid?” asked Javier.

“You watch yourself, young man!” exclaimed Cyrus. “One match is all it’s going to take!”

“If we had such a thing,” laughed Noah. Cyrus went over with his micro-welder and lit at several places on the base with the fire taking hold quickly and growing. The group washed their mess kits and stowed them as they were off duty that evening and it was time for socializing. Small groups formed and started talking as they surrounded the fire and evening set in. Several went to the water and waded in after removing their boots, letting the incoming tide wash over their feet as they did something humans had been doing thousands of years, letting their feet sink into the sand. Tasha eventually gravitated over to Chuck and Ryan to thank them for the outstanding meal they had come up with.

“You gentlemen outdid yourselves,” said Tasha with a smile and a thumbs up.

“Doing what we do best,” said Ryan. “Though I figured something out this evening.”

“Oh?” asked Tasha.

“You two aren’t really dating,” said Ryan as Tasha immediately blushed slightly at the look of confusion on Chuck’s face.

“That’s the second time you’ve mentioned that,” said Chuck.

“Tasha might have used you to keep me from flirting with her,” said Ryan.

“Well, maybe you shouldn’t,” said Chuck.

“I’ll relent,” said Ryan with a grin. “But there’s something there, I can tell. You two would be good for each other, though.”

“I’d smother him in his sleep,” said Tasha with a grin.

“Uh huh,” said Ryan. “Anyway, plenty of fish in the Novae Spes sea for me, though one of the most beautiful is off the market.”

“I’ve never been on the market, though I would appreciate you dialing back the flirting,” said Tasha. “As you said, plenty of other girls out there for you.”

“Yes, there are,” said Ryan. “And I see Samantha Whitaker isn’t talking to anyone right now.”

“Be careful, Captain, she’s one of mine,” warned Tasha. “And she has a mean daddy.”

“I’m the kind of guy ever girl wants to bring home to meet daddy,” grinned Ryan. “Catch up with you guys later.”

“Later,” said Chuck with a laugh as Ryan went and did what he did best. “That guy is something else.”

“There’s one in every crowd,” said Tasha.

“So…I’m your boyfriend?” asked Chuck.

“Please don’t be mad,” said Tasha. “He was under the impression we are an item and I decided to allow it to continue.”

“I’m not mad,” said Chuck. “There are far worse fates, I suppose.”

“I’m supposing that’s a compliment?” asked Tasha.

“Yes,” said Chuck. “But being a couple, shouldn’t we share a long kiss to make others believe so they leave you alone?”

“You are seriously a pig,” said Tasha, though a small smile came across her face.

“Yes, ma’am, I certainly am,” said Chuck. “Least you could do for using me is help me get the cookware cleaned.”

“Deal,” said Tasha as she stowed her carbine and helped Chuck get everything ready to be cleaned. It took several minutes to set up the robotic cleaners and eventually, they had everything going and the automated systems went to work. They headed out together and joined small groups and socialized for a change as the evening fell on Novae Spes.

“Quite a fire you built, Cy,” said Tasha.

“Told you it wouldn’t fall down,” said Cyrus.

“Quite comfortable though,” said Chuck. “Just something about a fire that drives our primal instincts for comfort and social time.”

“There he goes speaking in nerd again,” said Tasha with a laugh.

“Except you know it’s true,” said Chuck.

“There is something comfortable about it,” admitted Tasha. Evening was falling fast as couples started breaking off from each other and finding some time to explore possible relationships with those they had met on the trip. Tasha felt really alone at that moment but decided to take a leap of faith right then. However, as she was about to speak, Marci Dubose bounced up to them.

“Hey Chuck!” she exclaimed as she completely ignored Tasha. “Thanks so much for inviting me on this mission!”

“No problem,” said Chuck although he had only picked her because she was immediately available and not his first choice.

“This has just been awesome!” she exclaimed. “I was wondering if you wanted to go look at the stars with me?”

“Ah, sorry, Tasha already asked me earlier,” said Chuck.

“You can’t have two women along?” asked Marci and completely ignoring Tasha.

“Well, Marci, I don’t think that’s a good idea,” said Tasha. “You see, when Chuck and I start making out under that romantic moonlight, it’d get really uncomfortable for you.”

Cyrus almost choked on his coffee and had to turn away as Chuck bit his lower lip and scrunched his eyes shut. Tasha completed the insult by grabbing Chuck around the waist and running her hand over his chest with a large smile and raised eyebrows. Marci just stood dumbfounded at the comment from Tasha as her mouth dropped open. Without another word, she stomped off seeing Tasha had thwarted her again.

“That was kinda mean,” said Chuck with a smile as he finally was able to laugh since Marci had stormed out of earshot.

“It was meant that way,” said Tasha as her green eyes flashed at him.

“Well, okay then,” laughed Chuck.

“Tasha, you are completely horrible,” said Cyrus as he managed to recover.

“Yeah, but none of you would like me any other way,” she said with a grin.

“Absolutely not,” said Cyrus. “I need to go clean up the mess I made by spilling coffee down the front of my shirt.”

“Catch up with you in a bit,” said Chuck.

“So, you up for looking at the stars?” she asked as they were suddenly alone.

“That’s a good start,” said Chuck. “The making out will have to come naturally.”

“Bet you’re hoping for that,” said Tasha as she realized she still had him around the waist and he had grabbed her there as well. However, she didn’t object as it felt nice to have physical human contact with what many considered a good catch of a man. “We’re still holding each other.”

“I know,” said Chuck. “We’re still being watched by Marci.”

“That’s a convenient excuse if I ever heard one,” said Tasha.

“You’re still holding me too,” said Chuck.

“Yes,” said Tasha. “Now, let’s go claim a dune before they all get taken.”

“As the Major orders,” said Chuck as they headed off, though dropping their arms once they were out of the light of the fire. Her hand brushed his once again and he almost took hold, though fighting the strong urge to do so. Eventually they found an unoccupied dune inside the perimeter and sat down in the sand in silence as the sounds of the surf coming in and the peace of the evening relaxed them both. The dune was perfectly angled so they were able to lean back and see the entire sky without lying down. At some point, Tasha had leaned over and put her head on his shoulder and he had put his arm around her shoulders.

“I don’t want to get sand in my hair,” she stated softly.

“I’m glad I can be useful,” he chuckled.

“Those broad shoulders of yours are meant for this,” she stated with a sigh as he rubbed his thumb on her shoulder and she scooted a little closer to him.

“Peaceful,” she said in a soft voice.

“Absolutely so,” said Chuck as he rubbed a little further down her arm.

“No nerd talk?” she asked.

“Nothing needs to be said to ruin this,” he stated.

“You’re right,” said Tasha as she shifted slightly and got even closer to him. He looked down at her and saw she was looking back up at him. It was the perfect moment in time to make that great leap of their hearts as their heads drew closer slowly, though as their mouths were about to meet, gunfire on the other side of the perimeter interrupted their moment.

 

CHAPTER 42


Tasha immediately popped up from where she was sitting and got on the radio and demanding a report from the position that engaged. Chuck was up as well, pulling the pistol from his belt and watching the surroundings just in case.

“We need medical at position five,” said the trooper over the radio. There was plenty of commotion in the base camp area as Tasha came running up with Chuck in tow and dispatching her forces to reinforce the observation posts and leading the reaction team to the affected area. Before she departed, she instructed Cyrus to organize the remainder of the teams into the shuttle and gunship and protect themselves.

Tasha arrived with eight members in tow along with two med techs as they saw one of their comrades lying on the ground putting a dressing on a wound he had received. His partner was fully alert as she kept a close watch on the horizon as she scanned back and forth with her carbine muzzle following her eyes the entire time.

“What happened?” asked Tasha.

“A pack of something like dogs came out of the brush after us,” said the Israeli man as the med techs went to work. “We managed to shoot three of them, but not before one gave me a good bite.”

“They were chased off?” asked Tasha.

“We think so,” said the Staff Sergeant named Jodi.

“Sergeant Taylor, take three and sweep and clear,” ordered Tasha.

“Kent and both Lieutenant Whitakers, on me,” ordered Noah Taylor. Even though they outranked him, the Whitaker siblings took his direction as they prepared to sweep the area. They headed out as they activated the night vision which was enhanced enough to turn the night into day. They swept from the water up to the grassy area and didn’t find any of the remainder of the pack, though one of the creatures was only wounded and growling at the group. It lunged at the team, though the quick shooting of Noah stopped it immediately.

“You might want to call out the science team for these,” said Noah over the radio.

“Is the area clear?” asked Tasha.

“Best we can tell,” said Noah. “We’re running a thermal scan just in case.”

“I’ll get someone out here,” said Tasha as she switched to the other channel and called back to the base camp. “Cyrus, come in.”

“Go ahead,” said Cyrus.

“Please send Doctor Santiago and Dawson to location five directly north on the beach,” said Tasha. “Area is secure, but keep the teams buttoned up for the moment.”

“Roger that,” said Cyrus as he dispatched the two scientists who came running to the position two hundred meters away.

“In front of the position about thirty meters,” said Tasha as they arrived. “You two, get Sergeant Avraham back to the shuttle to see Doctor Chambless.”

“Got it,” said one of the troopers as they escorted the med techs along with their comrade and his partner to the shuttle. Tasha saw Javier and Chuck out checking over the creature as their headlamps were bright in the night vision. She pulled off the set and walked to them.

“Well?” she asked.

“Like a canine family,” said Chuck. “With sharper teeth like a cat.”

“We packed away all the analysis equipment,” said Javier.

“Lesson learned, but we could put it in a containment system until we get back to the colony,” suggested Chuck.

“Better than nothing,” said Javier. “First contact with this species.”

“Anything we could do to protect ourselves?” asked Tasha.

“We aren’t sure what brought it to us,” said Chuck. “Likely the smell of food.”

“Our fish fry wasn’t such a great idea after all,” said Tasha.

“Nope, it was exactly what we needed,” said Chuck as he pulled a plastic sheet from his pack and got it under the dog-like creature. He and Javier picked it up and started back with it as Tasha saw to checking on the remaining forces.

“Can you two handle this position?” asked Tasha to the Whitaker siblings.

“We’ve got it,” said Samantha.

“Don’t take any chances,” said Tasha. “If it looks threatening, you shoot first and we’ll sort it out later.”

“Got it, Major,” said Randy as they assumed the position on top of the dune to observe the local area. Tasha set off with Noah and Zoe Kent towards the next position, checking the sensor lines as they traveled the short distance to the next set of troopers.

“We have a significant gap in the sensor line,” said Tasha.

“We didn’t have enough sensors to put out,” said the man, a younger Sergeant First Class. “We put them on the known lines of drift.”

Tasha checked the terrain and saw the placement was in good spots and likely where she would have placed them as well. She warned the troopers to keep a close eye out as the situation was repeated in every position surrounding the base camp. She eventually returned and headed immediately for the gunship where Doctor Chambless was working on her NCO.

“He’s in surgery right now, Major,” said one of the med techs. “He’s going to be okay though.”

“What’s his condition?” asked Tasha.

“The creature tore a muscle pretty badly,” said the med tech. “But Doctor Chambless says he’s going to be just fine.”

“Let me know when I can see him please,” said Tasha as she headed to find Javier and Chuck. They were near the shuttle and had broken out one of the analysis units to study the creature. Riker had also joined them as he was recording the data coming from the dead creature on the table.

“I’d say we found the first canine-feline hybrid type species on Novae Spes,” said Chuck.

“It’s a cat and a dog?” asked Tasha.

“As best as we can tell,” said Javier. “We’ve got a while to know for certain.”

“Weakness?” asked Tasha.

“Your rifle bullets are effective against it,” said Riker. Tasha watched as the scientists continued their work but wanted to at least speak to Chuck about what almost happened. She saw he was deep in his work at the moment and was afraid to interrupt him.

“Something else, Tasha?” asked Javier.

“Nothing that can’t wait,” said Tasha as she looked at Chuck. He gave her a glance and a quick smile before digging deeper into his work. She was uncomfortable just standing there and headed back out to let Cyrus know he could let the rest of the team out of the shuttle.

“Well?” asked Cyrus as he placed a shotgun back in the rack.

“A feline and canine hybrid,” said Tasha. “It had some nasty teeth.”

“How’s he doing?” asked Cyrus.

“Involved in his work,” said Tasha with a sigh. “I know it’s important though, so I’m not upset.”

“I meant your trooper,” said Cyrus with confusion. “Who are you talking about?”

“I…never mind,” said Tasha. “Sergeant Avraham will be fine.”

“That’s good,” said Cyrus. The other scientists headed over to the area where the three were working on the new creature as Riker came out washing his hands off with some hand sanitizer.

“No poisons or venoms,” he said as he headed to the gunship to let the medical staff know.

“How long on the rest of the analysis?” asked Tasha.

“Could be a while,” said Riker as he turned, but kept walking towards the gunship to let the medical team know the news. Tasha realized she might not find closure to the issue from earlier until much later and decided to make her rounds of the security posts once again and call in the alert teams. Deciding it might not be best to be out alone, she took Noah and Zoe with her as they made the trek to see the teams once again and reminded them to remain vigilant for any sightings of the new creatures. Eventually, they found themselves back at the camp and saw many of the team were coming off the adrenaline high and were preparing for bed.

“They completed the analysis of the creature,” said Cyrus as they walked up. “Javier and Chuck took one of the security teams and are burying it in the nearby dunes.”

“Sergeant Avraham?” asked Tasha.

“Resting comfortably in the gunship,” said Cyrus. “Under sedation at the moment though.”

“No need for a medevac?” asked Tasha.

“He already called Doc Mary and they agreed he would be okay here for the night,” said Cyrus.

“Can I see him?” asked Tasha.

“He’s out like a light,” said Cyrus. “I’d probably wait until the morning. Doctor Chambless and one of the med techs will stay with him tonight.”

“As soon as Chuck and Javier get back, I’ll probably start pulling in the security perimeter,” said Tasha. “You two sleep today?”

“Like a baby,” said Zoe. “We’re good for the overnight shift.”

“Even after the fish fry?” asked Tasha.

“That Doctor Dawson is worth marrying if he cooks everything that good,” said Zoe with a laugh. “He could get a girl fat real quick.”

“It was good,” said Tasha said quietly.

“Anyway, we’ll be fine,” said Noah.

“Keep a close eye out,” said Tasha as she saw Chuck and Javier return along with the security team. She started calling in her teams since everyone was back inside the perimeter and waited patiently for them to return. Once she had accounted for everyone, she headed to the shuttle to see if she could track down Chuck but found he had headed to the shower since he had gotten dirty digging the hole for the creature. She gathered her shower gear as well and headed in that direction, taking a quick shower to wash off and looking for Chuck to come out. She ran into Javier as he came out toweling his head.

“Seen Chuck?” asked Tasha as she rolled up her uniform top.

“Yeah, he was first in,” said Javier. “Probably back at the shuttle now.”

“Thanks,” said Tasha as she headed in that direction. When she arrived, she found Chuck packing away his things and talking to several of the scientists about the discovery that evening. She decided to go ahead and stow her gear as she made her way into the shuttle.

“Hey,” he said after a brief pause in the conversation.

“Hi,” she said with a smile.

“Missed you earlier,” he said with a yawn.

“Tired?” she asked.

“A little,” he said. “Sprinting and the rush of getting that thing analyzed in record time took a lot out of me this evening.”

“You sprint pretty fast,” she said.

“It’s hard keeping up with you,” he said. “You’re faster than most.”

“Training,” she said with a smile and saw him yawn again.

“Sorry,” he said as he finished off the yawn and the remainder of the group that had been sleeping in the gunship came over carrying their personal items.

“Our quarters were taken from us,” said Janet Carr. “Still have a couple of beds here?”

“Yeah, we can squeeze you in,” said Tasha as she headed back through the shuttle to find available bunks for the team members that were suddenly homeless. She found a space for Janet as well as Ogawa before heading back to the front of the shuttle and hearing a commotion outside.

“You can’t make me!” she heard Marci exclaim.

“You will take your ass inside that shuttle right now!” ordered Javier. “It’s not safe to be sleeping out here as we’ve all seen.”

“I don’t want to be around those…boys while I’m sleeping!” exclaimed Marci.

“¡Jesucristo! Just get the hell inside,” said Javier in desperation. “Nobody cares!”

“I can have Doctor Chambless prepare a sedative to knock her out,” said Tasha as she came outside. “It’ll be easy to dump her into a cot afterwards.”

“You stay out of this, bitch!” exclaimed Marci.

“Oh, no you didn’t,” said Tasha as an evil look came across her face as she walked towards Marci. However, before she got up a head of steam, Javier headed her off and stood between the two women.

“Out of the way, Doctor,” said Tasha in a growl and the evilest look Javier had ever seen on a woman. “This is about to get personal.”

“Not now, Tasha,” said Javier. “Doctor Dubose, get inside right now.”

“I don’t trust her!” exclaimed Marci.

“Trust me that I’m not going to be able to restrain her much longer,” said Javier as others came outside to see the commotion. Several people guided Marci inside the shuttle even though she continued to protest the entire way.

“Tasha? You okay?” asked Javier.

“I’m going to beat that twit senseless once you let me go,” said Tasha.

“Let’s put beatings on the backburner for the moment,” said Chuck who had come outside. Javier stepped out of the way as Chuck came to her front.

“You didn’t hear what she called me,” said Tasha though she didn’t move towards the shuttle and furthermore the individual inside she wanted to take issue with.

“I’m sure it was less than flattering,” said Chuck. “Regardless, she’s inside now and has a bunk well away from you.”

“I’m not used to getting called that without responding,” said Tasha.

“Be the better, more mature woman,” said Chuck calmly.

Tasha looked at him as the anger was still in her eyes. However, she realized he was right and she needed to be the leader right then instead of letting her personal feelings override her usual good judgment in such matters. She and Chuck stepped back inside as Tasha had completely forgotten she wanted to talk to him about that evening.

“I want everyone in here to be a witness that Major Hayden threatened me! If something happens to me tonight, I want an investigation started on her conduct!” exclaimed Marci.

“Oh, stick a sock in it, lady!” exclaimed the Englishman as he rolled over in his bunk. “Just shut up already!”

The entire shuttle cheered and applauded him as Marci turned beet red. She quickly stowed her things and hopped on the bunk, looking towards the wall the whole time. Chuck just bowed his head at Tasha with a knowing smile as she prepared her poncho liner and realized something.

“I didn’t even notice I was outside in my underwear,” she said as she looked down.

“That would have been even more ridiculous for a certain Doctor,” said Chuck. “Imagine getting beat up by a barefoot woman in her underwear.”

“Stop,” laughed Tasha. “Still though, how did I not notice?”

“I happened to notice it first thing,” said Chuck.

“Oh, did you now?” asked Tasha as Chuck did nothing more than grin. “Did you, pig?”

“As nice as those legs are, they’re hard to miss,” said Chuck without looking at her though she could see his eyes turned playful.

“Thank you,” said Tasha after a moment to compose herself.

“You didn’t realize you came back from the shower in your underwear?” asked Javier.

“I did not!” exclaimed Tasha and quickly lowered her voice as most were trying to go to sleep.

“Actually, yeah, you did,” said Cyrus with a chuckle.

“Did I really?” asked Tasha quietly.

“You did pop in the door without pants,” said Sonya from the cockpit area.

“So much for keeping my edge,” she muttered to herself as she plopped onto the bunk.

“Tasha?” asked Chuck as he looked over the edge.

“Yes?” she asked.

“I enjoyed this evening,” he said with a smile.

“Wish it hadn’t ended like it did,” she smiled back.

“That makes two of us,” he said. “Night.”

“Good night,” she smiled at him and got comfortable, heading to sleep with a smile on her face.

********************
​

“Everything stowed?” asked Tasha as the team had started packing up first thing after breakfast.

“Except the team heading to the alternate site,” said Javier. “I’ve got Chuck and Bill heading there with you to take some readings and put in a sensor pack and rover.”

“I’ll be heading in with them to eyeball it from the ground level,” said Cyrus.

“If it’s the same to you, Olivia and I want to tag along,” said Noah who didn’t look tired even after being up all night. “You could use another rifle and a medic.”

“And you need a partner, Major,” said Zoe Kent as she strolled up with her pack.

“I wouldn’t mind having a botanist come along,” said Chuck as he joined the group and dropped his pack on the ground.

“Which one?” asked Javier.

“How about which one shouldn’t come along instead?” asked Chuck with a grin. “I’d suggest Anastasia since she’s got the most experience on the ground here.”

“Good choice,” said Javier. “Nothing else?”

“Can’t think of a thing,” said Tasha. “We’ll only be on the ground about an hour or two.”

“We’ll see you when you get back,” said Javier as he boarded the shuttle. The team staying behind shielded their eyes from the sand being thrown up by the blast from the shuttle as it gained altitude quickly and disappeared from sight over the sand dunes. A silence came over the area once again as the sounds of nature returned quickly after being disturbed by the shuttle.

“Peaceful,” said Cyrus as the sound of the surf was relaxing.

“Probably just as peaceful at the next site,” said Chuck as he was eager to see it himself.

“Probably so,” said Tasha. “Let’s load ‘em up.”

The team headed into the gunship and stowed their gear as Larissa had to adjust the seat in the cockpit from where Ryan had flown earlier.

“I’m going to cut off his legs at the knees,” she grumbled as she prepared the gunship for flight.

“Didn’t adjust the seat back?” asked Tasha with a chuckle over the intercom.

“He never does,” said Larissa with a frown. “Okay, where are we going again?”

“About five kilometers up the coast,” said Cyrus who had claimed the other headset. “I can point it out closer in.”

“That’ll work,” said Larissa as she lifted the gunship off the ground and headed due north, gaining about two hundred meters in altitude before leveling off.

“One o’clock,” said Cyrus as he pointed. “There’s a nice patch of firm ground about half a click inland we can land at.”

“With new clocks, isn’t that about twelve-thirty?” asked Larissa with a grin.

“Us Earthlings are going to have a rough time trying to explain that to our children,” laughed Cyrus. “You guys getting sensor data?”

“Yeah, good patch of ground you picked,” said Riker. “Odd though.”

“I thought so,” said Chuck as he checked the readings. “Just different from the rest of the coast.”

“Different good or different bad?” asked Tasha.

“Just different,” said Chuck. “Nothing crazy from the sensor data.”

“I trust you,” said Tasha with a smile, but didn’t receive an acknowledgment from Chuck. She figured his head was in a different place right then as Larissa set the ship down softly right in the middle of the patch Cyrus had specified.

“Okay, as usual, no going anywhere alone,” said Tasha. “Long guns too. Larissa, please keep the ship warmed up for a speedy departure in case we need it.”

“Will do,” said Larissa who didn’t shut everything down and kept the engines warm. The scientists headed out with their data pack as well as the rover which would continue to send information to the colony long after they were gone. Cyrus paired up with Riker as they took soil samples and Noah and Olivia kept a watch on the area from the top of the shuttle.

“Might as well look around,” said Tasha as she nodded at Zoe. They headed out of the gunship and checked out the local area seeing the flora was different from the area they just happened to be in.

“No way,” said Riker.

“No way what?” asked Cyrus.

“Entirely different soil,” said Riker. “It’s like someone dropped an island in the middle of the coast here.”

“Ever hear of an island getting absorbed by the mainland?” asked Cyrus.

“I saw a continent to capture an island on Tau Ceti 2,” said Riker. “However, it was a volcano sending magma into the ocean that created a land bridge, so that probably doesn’t count.”

“Maybe the same thing happened here in a different manner?” asked Cyrus.

“It’s worth studying,” said Riker. “Let’s see if we can find a boundary.”

“Please don’t wander too far,” said Tasha.

“Couple of hundred meters is all,” said Riker as he and Cyrus headed out. Tasha checked out some of the plants nearby and saw something that she didn’t expect. She walked in closer to the area and saw she wasn’t imagining things and what happened truly happened. She decided to report her own little discovery to the science team.

“Hey guys?” she asked and didn’t receive a response. “Science guys?”

“Doctors?” she asked again and saw it wasn’t drawing attention as Chuck and the botanist named Anastasia were absorbed in something they were checking out and Tasha decided another tactic was needed.

“Hello nerds! Can I get a nerd over here please?” asked Tasha to the science team. Chuck sighed before walking over.

“Yes, nerd reporting,” he said sarcastically.

“Is that thing dangerous?” she asked and pointed at the plant she had been looking at.

“It’s a plant,” he said questioningly as if she lost her mind.

“Yeah, it’s not just a plant though,” she said.

“It kind of looks like an opening there for bugs or something,” he said as he observed it.

“I’d say more like a Venus Flytrap,” she stated.

“Wait, is that a bug?” he asked as he saw something struggling in the neck.

“No, that’s a bird,” said Tasha as a matter of fact. “One of the smaller birds we have around here. It landed near the opening and the plant ate it.”

“Interesting,” said Dawson as he looked it over and called for the botanist.

“Oh, my!” the botanist named Anastasia exclaimed in a thick Ukrainian accent as she came over and looked it over. “Oh, this is a wonderful discovery! It’s actually a carnivore!”

“Is it dangerous?” asked Tasha.

“Well, I don’t see any sharp teeth or anything and it’s not like it will jump at you,” said Dawson sarcastically. “I’d say you don’t get to shoot it just yet.”

“Safe?” asked Tasha.

“I wouldn’t put my hands near it just in case,” said Dawson. “And might I have a word, Major?”

“Certainly,” said Tasha as she walked away with him out of earshot of the group.

“I didn’t want to say anything until we were back at the colony, but I’ve gotten some complaints from the science teams about the way you treat them,” said Chuck.

“If we’re talking about Marci, this conversation ends right now,” said Tasha.

“This has nothing to do with Marci and everything to do with you,” said Chuck with an impatient sigh. “I’m serious here.”

“Oh?” asked Tasha.

“Yes, your condescending manner,” said Dawson. “We’d really appreciate it if you’d tone down the whole name calling if you don’t mind.”

“Are you upset I’m calling you guys nerds?” she asked innocently.

“We do try to be professional,” he said with a tone.

“Well, you are nerds,” said Tasha. “I honestly don’t remember all your names yet and calling out for a nerd seems to attract the attention of at least one of you.”

“It’s the principle,” said Chuck. “We do have name patches.”

“Oh, I’ll try to be nicer in the future,” she smiled sweetly, but with a sarcastic tone.

“Never mind then,” he said as turned away. Tasha scoffed and rolled her eyes as the botanist was taking measurements of the newly discovered plant. But she knew she had probably pushed a little too far with the science team and Ben continually reminded them of the teamwork they would need to accomplish the mission here. Furthermore, she appeared to have angered Chuck though she felt he was wrong. However, she decided to relent slightly as she could ill afford to alienate an entire section of the colony. But her pride wouldn’t allow her to admit that to the two scientists looking over the plant. Eventually, they were able to obtain a small sample for DNA analysis in the lab as the Cyrus and Riker came back.

“We get everything you wanted?” she asked Chuck.

“We could spend days out here and still not finish everything,” said Chuck.

“Okay, let me rephrase,” she stated. “Did we accomplish what we came out here for?”

“Yes, I believe so,” said Chuck. “The data pack is anchored and the rover has already started.”

“Doctor Riker? You get everything?” she asked.

“I’d like to do a full aerial sensor scan on the way out please,” he requested.

“Okay, let’s account for everyone and get the samples ready to go, please,” she said politely. Chuck looked at her funny as the sudden politeness was certainly unusual. But he got the team together with all the samples and headed for the gunship.

“Would you like to come back to this area to continue study?” asked Tasha as the science team started loading.

“Okay, why the sudden polite streak?” asked Chuck very directly.

“Because… I… I might have been a little too abrasive,” said Tasha in a low voice.

“Is this your way of apologizing?” asked Chuck.

“No, just recognizing others might not get my sense of humor,” said Tasha.

“So, calling us nerds was a joke?” he asked.

“No, you are nerds,” she said. “And I’m probably not going to stop using that name to attract one of you guys when I need something. But it’ll be said in a loving manner.”

“You aren’t going to change, are you?” asked Chuck with a scoff.

“Nope,” she said with a smile. “Are you going to stop being a nerd?”

“Guess not,” he said and walked away from her and got in the gunship, making sure his team was strapped in and the samples were safely stowed. Tasha was the last on board before telling Larissa they were clear to take off and head back to the colony. As they departed, they took several laps around the area to get the sensor data in. Tasha noticed Chuck would give her a neutral look every once in a while before turning away from her. She realized she had probably gone too far and would speak to Javier when they returned and seek his advice on seeking to mend the relations with the science team. Mending relations with Chuck would be entirely on her she realized.

The flight was getting underway and they were crossing the piedmont area when Larissa called out she had spotted a herd of the mega-sheep. The animals looked up to see what the noise was as the shuttle flew by but went back to their grazing as they saw it likely wasn’t a threat. Several pictures were taken by the camera pod installed on the right wing as Tasha instructed Larissa to circle the area once to get additional shots. After circling once, the herd seemed a little more startled at the buzzing ship and decided to move on from the location just to be safe. They slowly walked down the same line they had been grazing and towards the nearby woods where they believed it was safe.

“Thanks,” said Chuck from the other side of the ship.

“No problem,” said Tasha with a smile as she tried to start the process of reconciliation, however, Chuck didn’t look at her again for the rest of the flight into the colony. The rest of the ride was uneventful as they came in for a landing at one of the designated areas near the SIT team’s buildings. They were met by Javier as he looked over everything they had brought back.

“We’ve got some footage of the mega-sheep in the camera pod as well,” said Tasha. “We found a herd of them grazing about halfway back and circled to get some better video and pictures.”

“Good deal,” said Javier. “When can we download it?”

“I’ll have Rachelle get a team on it,” said Tasha as she shouldered her small pack and grabbed her rifle. She carried it instead of slinging it as it would bang against her knee as they walked.

“Something else on your mind?” asked Javier as she was walking in the same direction as the science teams entering the building to deposit the other items they collected.

“Yeah,” said Tasha and nodded away from the entrance. Once they were away from the door, she had a sheepish look on her face. “I think I was stupid again.”

“You managed to piss off another science team,” said Javier with a knowing smile.

“Yeah… wait, what do you mean another team?” she asked.

“This won’t be the first to complain about having you as the security team leader,” said Javier. “I’ve had complaints from other teams that you are… condescending.”

“I…might have called them nerds,” said Tasha. “Again.”

“Which they are,” said Javier. “We’re all nerds. But whether we get reminded of that fact is entirely different.”

“I didn’t really mean anything by it,” said Tasha. “Joking really.”

“Still doesn’t mean it’s right to do,” said Javier.

“I know,” said Tasha with a sigh.

“Look, nobody out here is challenging you,” said Javier. “Nobody has looked down on you from day one about your status or what your role here is. We all sleep very soundly in our beds knowing you are out there protecting us. So, a little courtesy in return might be helpful.”

Tasha paused before replying as it was something absent from her prior life. Nobody here had looked down on her for being a simple soldier or when her education and experience levels didn’t quite measure up to others. She had been treated as an equal with her voice being heard by all instead of being dismissed as it might once have been.

“I… you’re…” she started to say.

“Right?” he asked with a grin. “Look, just cut them a little slack. This is an exciting place for us and we do tend to get excited over the little things out here. It’s our nature. Think of you getting a new gun or something and how exciting that is to shoot it for the first time.”

“When you put it into terms I can understand,” she laughed. “Okay, I’ll relent a bit.”

“Who snapped on you?” asked Javier.

“He didn’t really snap,” said Tasha. “But Chuck let me know my comments weren’t really appreciated.”

“Just apologize to him,” said Javier. “It’ll be fine in a few days. Much like you, he needs some time to cool off.”

“Are you saying I’m hot tempered?” she asked.

“Let’s go talk to Marci,” suggested Javier.

“Let’s not,” said Tasha with a look.

“See?” asked Javier.

“Okay, days with Chuck, years with her after she apologizes profusely,” said Tasha.

“Play nice,” said Javier.

“I’ll play nice with Chuck,” said Tasha.

“Like I said, give him a few days to cool off,” suggested Javier. “He’ll realize you aren’t quite sprouting horns and a tail and get back to where you were.”

“Where were we exactly?” she asked.

“Mutual attraction with the both of you,” said Javier. “You like each other.”

“Wait, what?” asked Tasha. “Not even.”

“Sure,” said Javier with a grin.

“I’ve got enough of Claire Smith trying to set me up with ‘a nice man to have a future with’ as she puts it,” said Tasha. “I don’t need you adding onto that.”

“Hey, we all have to do our part to continue the species,” said Javier with a grin. “But I’m taken already, so you’ll have to find someone else.”

“Well, he isn’t bad looking,” said Tasha and immediately regretted it. “Okay, forget I said that.”

“I won’t,” grinned Javier.

“No, please don’t mention it,” said Tasha. “I already get enough grief from Ben over things like this. Plus, my track record with men sucks as three ex-husbands can confirm.”

“You’ve been married three times?” asked Javier.

“Yeah, hard finding a good man that can keep up with me,” said Tasha.

“And a nerd can’t?” asked Javier with a grin.

“Why don’t we move on in this conversation?” asked Tasha pointedly.

“Okay, I’ll quietly let the science teams know you are going to attempt to be nicer in the future,” said Javier. “But it might take a while for them to warm back up to you.”

“I understand and brought it on myself,” said Tasha with a sigh. “But please don’t play matchmaker with Chuck and me.”

“You are a big girl,” said Javier. “You can make your own choices in life.”

“Thank you,” said Tasha as she departed to make contact with Ben and report in. She found him in his office in the headquarters building working on a report along with Allen.

“Yeah, that works,” said Allen as she knocked on the door.

“Major Hayden,” said Ben as he didn’t look up from his computer. She recognized his mood as one focused entirely on whatever he was writing and not even the planet cracking apart could distract him. Eventually he finished and turned to her.

“Big words?” she asked with a grin.

“I have Allen to help with those,” said Ben. “How was it?”

“I’ll have a complete report in the next couple of days, but overall, I think we might have found a viable alternate living site or a place for a second colony,” said Tasha as she explained everything for several minutes with occasional questions from Allen and Ben.

“We have a staff meeting in about an hour and a half,” said Ben after she completed her report. “Let’s get everyone together and go through the rest of the data.”

“I’d say the individual sections might want to bring in some subject matter experts,” suggested Tasha. “That way we all can see and ask questions or interject.”

“Good idea,” said Ben as he sent out a suggestion to the team leads to do exactly that. “I’d suggest a shower and a change of uniform before then.”

“I do think that’s a good idea,” said Tasha as she collected her pack. “Anything else?”

“One minor point,” said Ben as he folded his hands in front of him and Tasha recognized his mood as being as serious as he ever could be. “I’m not going to sign a restraining order that Doctor Marci Dubose requested in reference to you; but at the same time, I don’t believe a senior member of the Expedition needs to lose her cool and threaten to drug or assault her. Now, I know there are two sides to this story, but when it comes to her, you need to avoid her at all costs unless it’s to prevent her losing life, limb or eyesight.”

“Yes, sir,” said Tasha. “May I tell my side of the story?”

“She got sideways with you and you intended to take issue with it?” asked Ben.

“There’s obviously more to it than that,” said Tasha.

“But I’d bet that’s about the skinny of it,” said Ben.

“Quite possibly,” said Tasha with a sigh as she knew nothing she could say would change the simple fact she should have kept a cooler head.

“Look, I’d bet she was being a royal pain in the ass, but I can’t have one of my section heads that others will look to for leadership going off on a member of the colony,” said Ben. “Overall, just avoid her for the time being unless she’s being a threat to the continued survival of the colony or for safety reasons and let this blow over.”

“I managed to really piss off the science teams,” said Tasha with a sigh.

“Javier said you did perfectly fine out there,” said Ben.

“I might have aggravated Chuck,” said Tasha.

“And since when does that matter to you?” asked Ben. “Unless you happen to not want to aggravate Chuck for some reason.”

“Well, other than him being a friend?” asked Tasha.

“I was thinking maybe your side trip to the ocean looking at the stars had something to do with it,” said Ben.

“What?” she exclaimed, immediately thinking it was absurd for him to have found out already.

“It’s a small colony, Tasha,” said Ben. “Rumor mill works pretty fast around these parts.”

“Yes, we did look at the stars one night and nothing else!” she objected.

“And you found a friend in the process,” said Ben.

“Well, I considered us friends beforehand,” said Tasha.

“I think it’s nice,” said Ben and left it alone. “Regardless, play nice with the others.”

“I’m going to change my ways,” said Tasha. “I promise I’ll kill Marci with kindness.”

“That’ll be a change,” said Ben with a chuckle. “Otherwise, I think I calmed her down enough, but again, please help me in that regard.”

“I will,” said Tasha.

“Go dump your gear and grab a shower,” said Ben. “We’ll meet in an hour and a half.”

Tasha nodded and departed for her temporary quarters, seeing her new cabin was almost finished from the exterior at least. She headed into her converted cargo container instead and dumped her pack before grabbing her shower items and clean clothing. As she was about to depart to the community showers, a note that fell from her pack onto the floor caught her attention and she picked it up, unsure of how it got there. Opening it up, she shook her head and let out a sigh as she read the simple message.

Thank you for the pleasant evening out under the stars. Wish it could have lasted longer. Chuck

She realized she likely had tossed away a potential friend by being quite abrasive in competing for the respect she felt she deserved. She decided right then to do her best to “play nice” as Ben put it with all the sections and attempt to emulate the diplomatic side he was legendary for. Grabbing her ditty bag and towel, she headed to the shower contemplating the series of events over the past two days and how nice it might have been to have continued that evening with Chuck under the stars and where it might have led.

 

CHAPTER 43



“In conclusion, we think this is the best site on the coast for a new colony when and if the need arises. It is certainly suitable for a fall back position even with the mountains being significant obstacles to any convoy we would send that way,” said Tasha as she finished her report to the gathered group. “I’d recommend additional teams be dispatched to the location for more in depth analysis of the environment as well as the potential building challenges that go with any coastal area as well as identifying possible ground routes of travel into that area.”

“Good report,” said Ben as the gathered team nodded and agreed she had covered the main points of their trip very nicely. “Some specific questions for the individual sections though.”

“First off, we discovered two potentially violent animals,” said Ben. “How much of a threat are they and can we mitigate it?”

“We were able to do an analysis on both of the creatures from the ocean trip, though far more on the one we captured alive. It’s somewhat similar to the Mustelidae family, or weasel family in English,” said Angeline. “Similar to, but not entirely like large badgers and ferrets. They eat smaller animals, birds and insects, but also are able to survive on vegetation in a pinch. Or a mix of both.”

“You mean like that hateful little bastard that was stalking me?” asked Tasha. “That the one you’re talking about?”

“Yes, that’s the one,” said Angeline.

“Explain the situation,” said Ben. “It wasn’t included in your report.”

“I was checking on the perimeter troops when this thing wanders up, quite fearless as it was, and looking over us like a meal,” said Tasha. “I managed to scare it off with some well-placed shots, but it wasn’t budging at first.”

“This is the Tasha Badger, right?” asked Ben.

“Yes,” said Tasha with a sigh.

“And it was aggressive?” asked Ben.

“Basically, think of a creature with the disposition of your ex-wife,” said Tasha. “With sharper teeth.”

“Yeah, that’s not good,” said Ben.

“Ex-wife?” mouthed Mary at Tasha.

“Oh yeah,” said Tasha with raised eyebrows. “Imagine a creature created in the lowest depths of hell they spit out because she tried to take over.”

“Yeah, that sounds bad,” said Mary. “Wait, are you talking about this animal or his ex-wife?”

“Both actually,” said Tasha. “If they met in a cage match, I’d probably put money on his ex-wife as being more scary though.”

“You realize I can hear the entire conversation you two are having?” asked Ben without facing them. “And I don’t like being reminded of a real bad part of my life?”

“Sorry,” said Tasha. “Just giving you an idea of how I feel about these things.”

“And we’re calling it the madger, right?” asked Ben.

“Yes, with a subfamily name of Tashae since we decided to name it after the person who discovered it,” said Javier.

“Oh, gee, thanks,” said Tasha.

“It’s quite an honor to have a species named after you,” said Ben. “And the other?”

“We’re still studying the data, but it appears to have traits from both feline and canine families,” said Chuck as he was prompted by Javier. “We’re still doing the analysis, but it probably has abilities from both the families and should be considered dangerous.”

“This is what attacked Sergeant Avraham?” asked Ben.

“Yes,” said Chuck. “We’ll have better data in a few days and we’re hoping the data pack and rover can get some pictures of the live ones.”

“Pack hunter?” asked Ben.

“As best as we can tell,” said Chuck.

“Did they avoid the sensor line on purpose?” asked Ben.

“Doubtful,” said Chuck. “It’s probably likely they just came in around them. No fault of the security team though as sensor coverage was limited.”

“Do we need more sensors?” asked Ben.

“We had a larger contingent for this one,” said Tasha. “We can probably toss in the spares for any other trips this scale.”

“These are the spares for the colony?” asked Ben.

“Yes,” said Tasha.

“I’d rather keep them here,” said Ben. “In case we need them at the main colony.”

“I agree,” said Tasha.

“Okay, so the rest of the science?” asked Ben.

“Just wow! No other words could describe,” said Javier. “We learned more in three days out there than the probes did in seven years. This place just doesn’t stop amazing us.”

He spent the next ten minutes describing all the new items they had discovered and would be busy studying more in depth. As well as what they had learned about the sea life in and around the coast and the ocean itself.

“As we knew, the salinity factor makes the water non-potable without going through the desalinization first,” said Javier. “We tested the water as a precaution but didn’t need anything more than a portable de-sal plant and regular treatment to get a supply. Obviously, we have streams and the large river that can also provide freshwater without having to put up a large water treatment plant.”

“Are there waves?” asked Rachelle as the group wondered where the question came from. “I surfed once and want to do it again if possible.”

“The Novae Spes’ moons do provide enough gravitational pull to induce wave action,” said Javier. “Anywhere from half a meter to sometimes up to two meters.”

“And the tides?” asked Ben.

“Appear to follow an irregular pattern for the moment,” said Javier. “We’ll need more in depth studying, but for the moment it appears chaotic since there are three moons. There likely is order in the chaos, but we just haven’t been able to observe it long enough to determine what it is.”

“But nothing crazy?” asked Grady.

“No, high tide never rolled past a certain point on the beach,” said Javier.

“Oh, the beach,” sighed Tasha.

“Not a vacation,” laughed Allen.

“Maybe not for you since you don’t look that good in a bikini,” grinned Tasha as she was getting back into form.

“Anyway, moving on,” prodded Ben.

“Anyway, the site Doctor Riker and I looked over does look extremely promising for a colony eventually,” said Cyrus. “We’ll have to push it inland a bit for the larger structures, but we could encompass the beachfront as well as a considerable amount of property leading away.”

“But not the area you landed in?” asked Allen.

“Too much swamp to drain to make it large enough,” said Cyrus. “There’s plenty of real estate, but draining a swamp is time consuming and not without some serious challenges. The second site we looked at was utterly perfect for our needs.”

“And building won’t be a problem?” asked Kurt.

“Obviously, we’ll have to set the foundations a bit deeper on any coastal property, but it’s just a matter of building them strong and deep enough in the sandy soil,” said Cyrus.

“Speaking of your section,” said Ben. “What about planting?”

“That’s going to take some figuring out,” said Kurt. “Terran crops will grow in semi-sandy soil provided if there’s enough nutrients. We might have to import some fertilizer to help get it started, but we should be able to provide for a colony we establish.”

“And fisheries?” asked Ben.

“Ocean fishing is something we’re going to have to take a look at if and when we get boats,” said Kurt. “Yes, we feel like we can transplant some of the species into artificial fisheries, but no guarantees on that until we actually give it a try.”

“But crops should be sufficient?” asked Ben.

“Provided we don’t get washed away by a cyclone, they should be okay,” said Kurt.

“We left a sensor pack behind to monitor the specific area we identified,” said Javier. “Namely the ocean itself and the surrounding beach. As you know, the initial probes into the system never landed on the waterfront itself, so this provides us a far better platform to observe.”

“And we could be in luck,” said Angeline. “There appears to be a storm very similar to a hurricane forming up over the ocean. It could track towards that location.”

“And the sensor pack won’t be displaced?” asked Charity.

“We anchored it as best as possible,” said Cyrus. “Not to say never, but it should be able to withstand at least 250 KPH winds.”

“And flooding,” said Javier. “We put in the all-weather model so even if the area gets flooded, it can stay active for up to seven days submerged.”

“What kind of sea life?” asked Allen who hadn’t really kept up with the trip. “I know Ben just mentioned fisheries, but is it as abundant as it once was on Earth?”

“We used the shuttle as a boat for a day and got out about ten clicks away from the coast,” said Javier. “We found all sorts of new fish and whatnot including a creature that’s extremely similar to what dolphins were on Earth.”

“A dolphin?” asked Ben. “Really?”

“Genetic makeup is similar, but it still has some distinguishable features,” said Javier.

“If memory serves, dolphins on Earth were pretty intelligent,” said Allen.

“Not this one,” chuckled Javier. “Dumb as a box of rocks.”

“I’m sorry?” asked Allen.

“Remember goldfish, right? Attention span of about three seconds? Yeah, think of a goldfish that looks like a bottlenose dolphin,” said Javier. “It eats, moves around, eats and moves more. No significant thought process other than eating and looking for more food.”

“But as for the abundance, yes, there are plenty of fish in the sea if you excuse the pun,” said Javier. “Obviously, we were limited in our research range, but we found plenty where we were looking just off the coast.”

“But no advanced intelligent life in the ocean?” asked Angeline.

“Too early to tell,” said Javier. “We’ll have to study it more, but most of the species we encountered were just your typical fish and sea creatures.”

“Anything like a crab or a lobster?” asked Rachelle as the group looked at her again. “I’m hungry, okay? I skipped lunch.”

“Yes, and we’ll get to that in a moment,” said Javier. “We did manage to get pictures of that large creature the probes saw on sonar.”

“Please,” said Ben as Javier cast the pictures onto the display for all to see.

“That’s…a big fish,” said Ben. “Looks like a catfish.”

“Some similarities, yes,” said Javier. “This one eats whatever it can get its teeth into, though. Dead, alive, it doesn’t care. Catfish were bottom feeders.”

“Weighing in at forty tons, I would think it wouldn’t be picky,” said Mary.

“It tried to eat the camera pod,” chuckled Cyrus. “Luckily the pod operator saw it coming and managed to pull it up before it got to it.”

“Slow moving?” asked Ben.

“Reasonably fast for its size,” said Javier. “Maybe 25, 30 kilometers an hour at top speed.”

“Any threat to the shuttle?” asked Allen.

“No, it didn’t come near the surface,” said Cyrus. “Stopped about ten meters shy of the surface and went deep as the pod came up.”

“Can we eat it?” asked Rachelle as the group looked at her. “Oh, don’t act like that wasn’t a legitimate question. Let’s face it, a fish that size would keep us fed for quite some time.”

“Well, we weren’t able to catch it, so we can’t tell,” said Javier. “Other fish were entirely edible as we held a fish fry the last night after testing them.”

“Didn’t think to bring any back?” asked Ben.

“Live samples for testing,” said Javier. “Sorry.”

“I will say this, you want Chuck to cook it,” said Tasha. “That was good.”

“You’re making the rest of us jealous,” laughed Angeline.

“We could eventually eat them?” asked Rachelle. “Asking for Ben’s sake.”

“Perhaps,” said Javier.

“And the lobsters and crabs?” asked Ben. “Just asking because Rachelle’s stomach growling is being a distraction.”

“Yes, we found evidence of and discovered a few species of ocean crustaceans,” said Javier. “Radically different from the Earth based varieties, but a few were similar enough in composition that they could become a source of food for us.”

“Tasty crab?” asked Angeline. “Asking for Rachelle’s sake.”

“We didn’t capture a sample of that one,” said Javier. “But there is another that looks similar to a shrimp we managed to get a couple of samples of.”

“Tasty shrimp?” asked Grady. “Hell, I’ll admit I’m asking for my own curiosity.”

“Unknown until we test them,” said Javier. “We’ll know something in a few days. But they are far larger than their Earth cousins.”

“How big of a tasty shrimp are we talking?” asked Mary.

“Upwards of 30 centimeters on some,” said Javier. “Most range in the 15-20 centimeter size.”

“Like a lobster?” asked Ben.

“About that size, yes,” said Javier.

“I’m suddenly hungry,” said Tasha. “And I’d be glad to volunteer again to lead the next party that heads to that location on an exploratory mission.”

“Okay,” said Ben. “You can have it.”

“Cool!” exclaimed Tasha.

“So, Rachelle, that means you get to be the team leader on the trip to the tropical island chain to the south of us,” said Ben. “Since Tasha so graciously volunteered to take your place on the next trip to the coast.”

“Oh, thank you!” exclaimed Rachelle and was nudged by Charity. “Of course, I’d need my trusty sidekick flying the shuttle down.”

“Of course,” said Ben as he turned to Angeline. “And since you had to sit this one out, I’d think a mission of this sort would be right up your alley.”

“I’ll take one for the team,” grinned Angeline.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa!” protested Tasha. “You never said that was on the table!”

“I can’t play favorites,” said Ben. “You went above and beyond at taking the risk of being the team leader for the coast, I have to reward them for patience somehow.”

“Oh, this is complete bullshit,” said Tasha.

“I’d even suggest sending Anton as security lead,” said Allen, getting in on the prodding.

“You guys suck,” said Tasha with a roll of her eyes.

“Just that you know, we aren’t planning on sending anyone for at least a few months,” said Ben with a laugh as he took it as far as he could. “However, I do eventually want to send a research team down to that location to determine the viability of an outpost.”

“Seriously?” asked Rachelle. “Get my hopes up for nothing?”

“What do you mean by research outpost?” asked Kurt.

“By research outpost, I mean a place to study things in the tropical zone of this planet,” said Ben. “As well as having a potential rest and relaxation spot.”

“There’s the real reason,” chuckled Grady.

“Let’s face it, we are going full bore here and it would be nice to have a place to send folks to get some quality down time,” said Ben. “Fully provisioned of course, but nothing more than sand, surf and being lazy for a few days.”

“And this, dear friends, is why he’s our leader,” said Angeline. “I know the science team is running itself ragged at the moment as is everyone else’s. It might do us some good to have a potential place we could shuttle into for a few days of down time.”

“Do I suspect we’ll be getting a run on bikinis and swimming trunks from the clothing printer in the near future?” asked Rachelle.

“We’ll discuss it at a later time, but I’m thinking the idea has merit,” said Ben. “Anyone opposed to the idea of setting up a research station down there?”

“I think the words you are looking for are ‘hell’ and ‘no’,” laughed Allen. “Of course, we have several months to dream about such a mission and I certainly can be bribed to put in a good word with the commander for placement.”

“Actually, it was planned for one of the next three missions,” said Javier.

“Oh?” asked Ben.

“Sure was,” said Javier.

“I remember your list and I don’t remember it being that high,” said Ben.

“We’ve made quite a few trips so far,” said Javier.

“And the next three were?” asked Ben.

“First was to visit the Southern Continent and the inland sea located there,” said Javier as he looked over his notes. “Geology was pushing for that one since it sits near an interesting formation as well as a glacial area. Second was to the other Northern Continent. Zoology was pushing for that one because of the dinosaurs.”

“Third was the tropical zone to determine set up a weather station as well as studying the tropical zone of the planet,” said Javier. “I can safely say most were pushing for that one.”

“Uh huh,” said Ben.

“In seriousness, a lot of our weather patterns are originating there this time of year,” said Angeline. “There is some scientific basis for studying that area to include the warmer water marine life as well as the geological history of said islands.”

“And?” asked Ben.

“There likely will be new flora and fauna we could study,” said Javier.

“As well as the potential for tropical fruits and vegetables to increased our supply of food,” said Kurt getting on board with his fellow Directors. “Possibly something rich in vitamins and essential minerals we need.”

“Of course, sustaining a remote site like that would be a good testing ground for when we put in a new colony on the coast,” said Rachelle. “It’d be good training for my guys and gals on how to not only support but sustain something a significant distance away from the colony here.”

“Obviously, we’d need to know security threats going in,” said Tasha. “You always said nothing beats a pair of boots on the ground and trained eyeballs analyzing the threats.”

“If I may add, it’d be an engineering challenge putting up sustainable structures and determining how different soil factors will help or hurt a temporary or permanent structure,” said Grady.

“I suppose Medical wants to chime in?” asked Ben.

“I just think it’d be a nice place to relax,” said Mary with shrugged shoulders. “I mean, the health benefits of having a place for rest and relaxation are fairly obvious in my mind.”

“Hmm,” said Ben. “So, you’re saying I should allow the mission to proceed?”

“I think of it as a site we can all learn from,” said Javier.

“I don’t know,” said Ben. “I’m not sure if it’s worth the expenses when we have so much better locations closer to us.”

“I think we should learn all the climatic areas of the planet,” said Angeline.

“Maybe in six months or so, I’d agree,” said Ben. The group got silent as he looked at each of them, all wanting to burst out in argument over the ranking of the next scientific trips. Eventually, a grin broke out over his face as he laughed heartily at the looks they were giving him. “I had you all going!”

“I think you were about to have the first mutiny on Novae Spes,” laughed Allen.

“Six more months without a break? I was about to say!” exclaimed Mary.

“Of the three, which one is the most critical?” asked Ben.

“Honestly, none are ‘critical’ in the grand scheme of things,” said Javier. “I will say this, the inland sea to the south should be looked at since we have detected large formations of salt which we do need a steady diet of.”

“In moderation,” said Mary.

“In moderation, but required nonetheless,” said Javier. “As for the other continent and dinosaurs…”

“Back burner?” asked Ben.

“No, but logistically, it’s going to be a significant trip,” said Javier. “Probably at least a month of planning and getting ready for.”

“However, it’s on the next three?” asked Ben.

“We’ve been making trips every week or so,” said Javier. “Some are just day trips out and back, others are overnights. That one could slip on the list regardless of how many other spots are behind it just from the logistical standpoint.”

“And the others?” asked Ben.

“I can do the list again and send it to you since we’ve crossed off a bunch of locations we thought about heading to,’ said Javier.

“And please start prepping for the trip to the tropical zone,” said Ben. Grins erupted around the table as they waited the next announcement on who would be leading that. Ben didn’t say a word until he was prompted by Allen.

“I think they’re waiting for you to officially state who the leader will be,” he said.

“I’m going to make this fair,” said Ben. “I’m going to drop each person’s name in the hat and randomly draw out the one that will lead. Your name will be included as well.”

“Now, after that, each section will pick their team to go and I do not expect many of the Directors to be on there. If this turns out to be as nice as we think, there’ll be plenty of opportunities to go back as we determine the sustainability,” said Ben. The group agreed to the stipulations although they all wanted to be first to see the location they all had been thinking of for a while.

“Obviously, it wouldn’t need to be manned full time, but we could leave monitoring equipment in place to determine if anything bad moves in,” said Javier.

“Providing nothing bad lives there to begin with,” said Grady.

“Of which I’m sure we’ll thoroughly check for,” said Ben. “Which is why the initial team down will be the most boring people I know that won’t be distracted.”

“Wait, I’m a boring person?” asked Rachelle.

“Nope, expendable,” said Ben in a serious look. “I mean, let’s face it, you have a backup already with Charity at your side. If we lose you to some wild creature, well, she just steps right in.”

“You’re fired,” said Rachelle as she turned to Charity. “Now I’m indispensable.”

“Not sure it works that way, sis,” said Charity with a chuckle. “I think that decreases your chances of getting picked.”

“Ah… yeah,” said Rachelle. “Okay, you’re hired on again.”

“Now, should I pick today so some of you can be disappointed or wait until closer in and see how much you impress me with your hard work and dedication to the mission?” asked Ben.

“I’d rather not wait,” said Kurt who normally didn’t get that excited, but was excited about that particular trip.

“Fine,” said Ben as he wrote the names on pieces of paper and dropped them into a cup. He had Allen shake it up before reaching inside with his fingers and collecting one of the folded pieces of paper. Each Director leaned forward slightly as they saw Ben was unfolding the piece close to his chest as he looked at it and then around the room at each of them. He eventually showed it to Allen who didn’t show any emotion either.

“This isn’t cool, boss,” said Rachelle as Ben continued staring at each of them.

“I know,” said Ben as a grin came over his face and looked at Rachelle directly.

“What?” she asked as he continued to stare. Her hopes were starting to get up as he continued to look and a smile was breaking out over her face. “It’s me? Really? It’s me?!”

“Nope,” said Ben. “It’s Angeline.”

Groans came from the others as Angeline grinned at the announcement. Several calls of “it’s rigged!” came from the group and some congratulated Angeline on being so lucky. However, Tasha noticed Ben was still toying with the folded papers

“Guys, I don’t think he’s done yet,” she stated as she saw Ben toying with the papers even more.

“I might not be,” said Ben.

“A second person in the leadership?” asked Rachelle as her hopes got up once again.

“Quite possibly,” said Ben.

“Are you just toying with my heart right now?” asked Charity.

“Nope,” said Ben as he picked yet another slip of paper and the Directors each sat forward even more at the table. Ben took his time unfolding it and looked at the name. He eventually leaned over to Grady on the other side of the table and allowed him to read it.

“Allen Smith,” said Grady with a groan. The group again made claims of rigging and argued the contest should have been conducted by an impartial outsider. However, Allen got their attention when he graciously declined the invitation.

“While I’d love to go, I think I’ll wait for a proper vacation and bring my wife along,” he stated.

“So…” said Tasha as she looked at the additional folded papers. Ben chuckled at the anxiousness of the group and put the names back into the cup and had Allen pull one more. He repeated the process that Ben had done as he looked at the paper and handed it over to Ben while looking around the table at each of them.

“Yeah, that’s not getting old,” said Charity with a frown.

“And?” asked Allen. “You might think you’d be on your best behavior if you knew your name was on that paper.”

“Is it?” she asked quietly.

“Yep,” he grinned at her.

“Yes!” exclaimed Charity.

“Didn’t I fire you?” grumped Rachelle with a frown.

“Think about it this way; if I get eaten by some dangerous creature, you’ll know better,” grinned Charity as others just shook their heads.

“Not to fear,” said Ben. “Eventually everyone will get their turn if it turns out to be safe.”

“It’d better be,” said Tasha.

“Now, what I’d like for you individual section heads to do is take a look in your respective Directorates and find the hardest working people since we’ve been on Novae Spes. There are no indications of harmful creatures on these islands so far and it will be a treat of sorts to discover that new land as well as having a somewhat relaxing mission for a change,” said Ben. “So, whomever you pick, make sure they are deserving of such a mission.”

“Excluding your section heads that have been some of the hardest working people on the planet so far?” asked Grady.

“You’ll get your turn, I promise,” said Ben. “Otherwise, please present a plan of the actual science and engineering missions you’ll need to accomplish on that trip.”

“Serious question, but will we need an increased security mission since that location hasn’t shown any large scale animals yet?” asked Tasha.

“Likely not, but I’ll leave that decision to you,” said Ben.

“Of course, no leader to keep the wild horde from going crazy,” said Tasha.

“You’d be leading the wild horde,” laughed Allen.

“Well, there is that,” laughed Tasha. They finished the meeting and headed out as they chatted about the upcoming mission as Directors and Assistants discussed whom would be best to pick. Chuck started heading out as Tasha tried to get his attention, but was intercepted by Mary before she could make it to the door.

“How did Doctor Chambless do?” asked Mary as Tasha saw Chuck slip out the door.

“Great,” said Tasha. “I think he said Sergeant Avraham was going to make a full recovery.”

“It was his first mission out and he was nervous about it,” said Mary.

“Not a single problem whatsoever,” said Tasha. “You might want to get with Javier as he worked with him more than I did.”

“He mentioned testing the fish for the fish fry your last night there,” said Mary. “It sounded really good.”

“I have to say, Chuck Dawson came up with an exceptional recipe,” said Tasha.

“So… any change on that front?” asked Mary with a grin.

“Maybe,” said Tasha.

“You normally would have gone off about it when asked,” said Mary as her grin grew. “I guess something happened that changed your mind about him?”

“Doctor-Patient privilege right now?” asked Tasha.

“If we need it to be,” said Mary.

“How about just really cool friends that tell secrets to each other?” asked Tasha,

“Certainly,” said Mary.

“We had a couple of nights of just watching the stars from the beach,” said Tasha. “Just lying there peacefully together and just… peaceful.”

“That doesn’t sound like everything,” said Mary.

“Well, the second night we had a moment,” said Tasha. “I’m pretty sure we were about to kiss.”

“And?” asked Mary.

“Came to a screeching halt by the gunfire of my troops fighting off the dog-cat thing,” said Tasha with a sigh. “We never were able to really talk about it and I think I blew whatever chance I had the next day.”

“How so?” asked Mary.

“Because I called him a nerd and apparently, he doesn’t like that,” said Tasha. “I was kidding about it, but he got all kinds of huffy over it.”

“He’s that sensitive?” asked Mary.

“I really was overdoing it,” said Tasha with a sigh. “I know I shouldn’t have.”

“Regardless,” said Mary. “For him to get upset over a little thing like that.”

“No, he was right… not that I’d admit, but he was right,” said Tasha.

“If it was meant to be, he’ll come back around,” said Mary. “You’re a rare find and he’ll see that for himself eventually.”

“Thanks for the compliment, but I will try to be nicer to the science team in the future,” said Tasha. “Apparently, I’ve alienated most of them.”

“Give it time,” said Mary.

“No change for you on the Ben front?” asked Tasha with her own grin.

“What change might that be?” asked Ben as he walked up.

“We are having a girl’s only conversation,” said Tasha.

“I heard my name and change,” said Ben. “Context would be nice.”

“Tasha was just saying how she’s planning on overthrowing you and moving the entire colony to the tropical island,” said Mary as she covered for herself and Tasha. Ben just rolled his eyes as he figured he didn’t need to know their personal conversations.

“Uh huh,” said Ben. “Anyway, have an idea of your lead heading down?”

“Charlotte Griggs,” said Mary without hesitation.

“She’s young,” said Ben.

“And worked her backside off since being here,” said Mary. “If anyone deserves a special science mission, it’s her.”

“She’s your lead doctor then,” said Ben as he turned to Tasha.

“It’s going to come down to the Sergeant Major or Anton,” said Tasha. “Flip a coin.”

“I’d bet Kendrick will hold off until he can take Gale,” said Ben. “Unless you convince Rachelle to send her down for some reason.”

“The SIT pilots cooked while they were with us,” said Tasha. “Maybe Gale can.”

“You don’t remember Gale’s cooking?” asked Ben with a chuckle.

“Not really,” said Tasha.

“Gale has plenty of positive qualities going for her,” said Ben with a laugh. “Cooking really isn’t in her deck of cards. Her taste has never been in her mouth.”

“Oh,” said Tasha. “Regardless, I’m leaning towards him even if he does turn it down.”

“Speaking of Anton, what has his wife been doing?” asked Ben as Grady came back with Cyrus and hovered near the outside of the group.

“Working with Ag some and I think she’s been helping with Paris Poe with the kids,” said Tasha. “Truth be told, I haven’t kept up like I should.”

“I can ask next time I see him,” said Ben.

“No, I should know before the big boss,” said Tasha. “I’ll bring it up.”

“I know there was a language barrier, but we might have some help with that particular situation with others that can speak Russian as well,” said Ben.

“I’ll mention it,” said Tasha with a nod.

“Chief Grady and Chief Cyrus?” asked Ben as he saw them with a glass bottle.

“I have need of Mary’s services,” said Grady.

“Oh?” asked Mary.

“Can you please test this for consumption?” asked Grady as he handed over the bottle of clear liquid. Mary looked at it with curiosity before Grady continued.

“Our still is up and running,” he said. “You wanted to test the quality control.”

“Novae Spes first bottle of booze,” chuckled Ben.

“I’ll take a look,” said Mary. “How much can you produce?”

“I’d say about three to four bottles a day probably,” said Grady.

“That much?” asked Ben.

“You have some talented engineers, scientists and doctors around here,” said Grady. “It’s amazing what they will do when properly motivated.”

“I’d say so,” said Mary. “Well, we can head to the lab to determine if it’s safe.”

“Let’s do it,” said Grady as the entire group headed towards the medical facility and into one of the lab areas. One of the nurses was working late as she observed data coming from a device and recorded it on a tablet.

“Hey Vanessa,” said Mary.

“Doctor,” said the nurse named Vanessa Perez as she saved the data.

“You’re working after hours,” said Mary.

“It is the medical report from the mission that just came back,” said Vanessa. “I wanted to make sure Sergeant Avraham’s file was as up to date as possible.”

“Still could have waited,” said Mary.

“All I have is a bunch of boys wanting to gawk at me,” said Vanessa with an accent and a smirk. “It is hard being a celebrity sometimes.”

“They bothering you too much?” asked Ben as he saw the younger nurse was nothing short of beautiful. She was from Cuba originally and had the exotic Caribbean looks that appealed to most male members of society.

“Nothing I cannot handle,” said Vanessa with a scoff. “Though it’s not without perks. I do get some tasty treats from time to time from the cooks.”

“Right,” said Ben. “They aren’t being too bad, I’d hope.”

“Boys will be boys,” she replied. “Anyway, what can I help you with, Doctor?”

“We need to analyze this for impurities and dangerous chemicals,” said Mary as she handed over the bottle. Vanessa looked it over before calibrating another machine to perform the work. She gathered a small tray and unscrewed the cap on the bottle as the odor of an alcoholic beverage immediately came out.

“I would guess we have our first bottle of moonshine?” she asked.

“Possibly so,” said Mary. Vanessa put the small tray of the liquid into the machine and hit several buttons as it went to work. The data immediately starting coming back on a screen attached to the machine as Vanessa and Mary looked it over.

“I’m going to say up front, this is going to be a sipping drink,” said Mary.

“I would say the same,” said Vanessa.

“Meaning?” asked Ben.

“It’s 155 proof,” said Mary as she looked over the data.

“That’s a bit strong,” said Grady.

“You think?” asked Cyrus. “We might want to dilute that a bit.”

“I could use some of the full strength stuff for medical purposes,” said Mary. “In seriousness.”

“No other impurities?” asked Ben.

“Nothing at the moment,” said Mary. “We can do an atomic analysis on it to be sure.”

“Please,” said Ben. “I’d prefer to make sure it’s fit for consumption before letting the colony loose with such a drink.”

“I’d bet it’ll need to be mixed,” said Mary. “It’s strong.”

“Bring it down to a hundred proof?” asked Cyrus.

“Yeah, that’ll be about right,” said Grady.

“What are they using anyway?” asked Ben.

“Using?” asked Grady.

“To make this stuff?” asked Ben.

“Potatoes,” said Grady. “But I’m told they can adapt it for grain.”

“Basically, it’s vodka,” said Ben.

“More or less,” said Grady. “Whiskey later on if we want.”

“I would have preferred rum,” said Vanessa. “But whatever in a pinch.”

“Okay, when will the results be done?” asked Ben.

“Tomorrow morning if we run the atomic level analysis,” said Mary.

“Let’s go that route,” said Ben as he turned to the engineers. “Let your people know not to drink the stuff until Mary has cleared it.”

“I’ve already informed them,” said Grady. “However, that technically isn’t the first bottle produced. It’s the second since the batch was enough to make two.”

“Saving the other bottle?” asked Ben.

“Figured it’d come in handy for celebrations and whatnot,” said Grady. “Like a fine bottle of scotch that ages.”

“I’m not sure I’d ever put scotch in the same category as this,” said Mary.

“I think a stiff drink would do everyone some good,” said Tasha, speaking for the first time.

“Including an uptight security commander?” asked Cyrus with a grin.

“Including me,” said Tasha with a laugh.

“Anyway, we’ll need to produce a good supply before handing it out,” said Ben. “And I’m honestly thinking of rationing it until we can produce it on a mass scale.”

“I’m thinking rationing would be a good idea anyway,” said Mary.

“I’ll see if Rachelle can come up with something,” said Ben. “Anything else tonight?”

“Nope, I think we’re set,” said Mary as she turned to Vanessa. “Can you put some in the atomic analyzer and let it run overnight?”

“Of course, Doctor,” said Vanessa as she prepared the machine.

“And get out of here and let the boys flirt with you,” said Mary. “All work and no play makes Vanessa a dull girl.”

“I would not want to ruin my reputation as a nun in training by allowing those boys to flirt more than usual,” she said with a charming grin. “I won’t be long, I promise.”

“Out,” said Mary. “Doctor’s orders.”

“Yes, ma’am,” said Vanessa as she completed her work. The leadership talked for several minutes before heading out themselves and calling it a night, finding the successful missions tended to lower the stress far more than the threats still looming over their heads from the Raptors and other creatures. But Ben knew the colony as a whole had banded together with a purpose and leaned on each other for support. Heading into the community area, he decided to visit with several groups as they were off duty and spoke with several of them at length, just being a normal guy for a brief period in time. Eventually, he called it a night and headed to his quarters, passing his new house which Grady promised them would be up and running in another week.

As he drifted off to sleep, he saw everything was nearly perfect at that moment. And in thinking that, he wondered what the next crisis would be as they always followed a period of calm.

 

CHAPTER 44



“You realize everyone in the colony hates you right now?” asked Ben with a smile as the team prepared to depart for the Novae Spes tropical zone for their mission. Several of the team selected were already getting baggage stowed and the excitement showed on their faces.

“Haters gonna hate,” said Charity with a grin. “Especially when they see how tanned we are when we get back.”

“It’s a science mission,” said Angeline as she frowned at Charity.

“Oh, like we won’t take a dip in the ocean if the chance arises,” said Charity.

“You aren’t supposed to tell the Commander that until after we’ve done it,” said Angeline as Ryan Kingston and 2nd Lieutenant Krystal “Gator” Zamora came up and started prepping the shuttle for the trip.

“Wasn’t he on the last one?” asked Ben.

“We drew a random name from a hat and made it fair by putting everyone’s name in,” said Charity. “He got lucky.”

“Bet he just hated the idea,” said Ben with a chuckle.

“Oh no, he gladly took one for the team,” laughed Charity as she saw him pre-flighting the shuttle. “I already got the preflight checklist.”

“No offense, ma’am, but I didn’t survive this long by allowing others to do what I should have done myself,” said Ryan as he started the checklist again.

“Prudent,” said Ben as he saw Charity about to object. “That’s the mark of a good pilot.”

“You’re right,” said Charity as Tasha and Captain Anton Sokolov showed up. “Hey girl.”

“Don’t even talk to me,” said Tasha with a frown.

“Someone’s pissed about not going,” muttered Angeline with a grin.

“Someone doesn’t realize it’s going to be somewhat rustic and when we do move forward with a permanent station there, living conditions will be far better,” said Ben.

“Good point,” said Tasha. “I hope you all stink by the time it’s over.”

“You mean after our daily dips in the ocean to cool off we’ll be all stinky?” asked Angeline.

“I hate you,” said Tasha. “Had my bikini picked out and everything.”

“I’m not sure you understand it’s a research trip,” said Ben.

“I’m not sure they do either,” grumped Tasha. “Anyway, I reduced the security load to a dozen total since we haven’t seen any indications of hostile creatures.”

“We didn’t have any indication the madgers were hostile either,” said Ben.

“In truth, I’ve got a bad feeling,” said Tasha. “Not about the mission, but around here.”

“Regardless, I’d prefer a bit more security,” said Ben. “Maybe another four?”

“Plus it gives them a break,” said Tasha seeing where he was going with his thoughts. “Okay, I put a team on alert to join in case one of the ones dropped out. Let’s see if they actually packed for the trip or not.”

Tasha made a quick call and found, “yes, absolutely, when and where” from the team she designated as the backup force. It didn’t take long for them to appear carrying their rucksacks and stowing them on board as Captain Kendra Moore walked over.

“I never thought you’d call,” she stated.

“Best thank the Commander,” said Tasha.

“I guess my bribe paid off,” grinned Moore.

“Now you just have to bribe me to go back,” grumped Tasha as the additional teams showed up and stowed their gear. Javier came up with Chuck Dawson and stowed some of the equipment needed for studies while they were there, though neither was going.

“Chuck, my man, I’m stealing your fish fry recipe if we get the chance,” said Ryan as he came over to the gathered group having finished his checklist.

“Someone better bring me back some,” said Ben. “Or else the closest thing you get to flying will be scrubbing the toilets on that thing.”

“For certain,” said Ryan as he excused himself to stow his gear. Mary and Charlotte Griggs came up along with a medical contingent of four personnel and quickly stowed the gear they would need for the trip.

“Five medical?” asked Ben.

“It’s an unknown place at least a two and a half hour trip unless you make a suborbital jump,” said Mary. “I would prefer to have an expanded contingent in case of problems.”

“Longer as we are taking the scenic route,” said Charity. “We’re going in at lower altitudes and checking out things as we go along for future trips.”

“So, I’d prefer to have additional medical personnel,” said Mary.

“I’ll never second guess my team leads on things like that,” said Ben. “Nick’s not going?”

“He was supposed to,” said Tasha. “However, rolled his ankle last night playing basketball and had to give up his spot.”

“He’ll be fine, but probably a bit grumpy,” said Charlotte. “He was really looking forward to making this trip.”

“I’m not sure if anyone isn’t looking forward to this trip,” said Ben as Jim Kirk stowed a bag on the shuttle and took a seat.

“Kirk is going?” asked Ben.

“He’s been working his backside off,” said Angeline. “He made the request of Javier and me to do this trip and we decided there was no reason he couldn’t.”

“Jim?” asked Ben as Kirk came out to meet with the group.

“I know I pulled rank and everything, but I am understandably curious about the original locations we sent the probes to,” said Kirk.

“Is that why you didn’t pick the coastal trip?” asked Ben with a grin.

“Doctor Riker did that one,” said Kirk with a sly grin.

“Uh huh,” said Ben. “Anyway, who are we missing?”

“Engineering and Ag,” said Angeline as she checked off her list. They chatted for several minutes as the last two sections showed up and stowed their gear along with Nick Griggs coming along on crutches to see his wife off.

“You be careful, baby,” he said as he gave her a kiss.

“I wish you were going,” said Charlotte.

“So, do I,” said Nick. “Little vacation we could use.”

“We’ll walk down the beach hand in hand eventually,” said Charlotte.

“I’ve got a bag packed in case of a last minute replacement,” said Grady as he walked up to Ben.

“What could possibly happen between now and the time they get on board?” asked Ben.

“Someone mysteriously gets shoved and hurts themselves?” asked Grady with a grin.

“Yeah, right,” said Ben with a chuckle. “Anyway, gather everyone up please.”

The team leads got everyone gathered in a small semi-circle around Ben as he addressed the group and pulled them in a bit tighter.

“Okay folks, this actually is a research trip even though it’s going to the most desirable location on the planet. We do need to study it in order to see if it’s viable location for an R and R outpost for the rest of us. So, don’t get wrapped up in the sand and surf thinking you’ve got all the time off in the world.”

“But if you do get the chance for some down time, let it happen and recharge your batteries a bit while you’re gone. The rest of us won’t be far behind if it does work out. Regardless, you were picked by your section heads because you’ve been some of the hardest working people they’ve had since being here and this little trip is a reward for that hard work,” said Ben. “Now, go explore the tropical zone of Novae Spes and let me know how nice it is.”

As if an old starter pistol went off, the group scrambled to get into the seating on the shuttle as the remainder of the leadership stayed behind and saw them off. It didn’t take long for them to button up the shuttle and depart, heading south as soon as they got enough altitude to do so.

“I noticed you had an addition that’s not specifically a specialist,” said Ben as he moved over to Grady. “But has been a hard worker.”

“Todd Poe has worked his ass off for me since being here,” said Grady knowing exactly who Ben was talking about. “Rachelle and I also offered his wife the trip, but they needed someone to watch the kids.”

“I’m sure anyone would have been happy to have watched them for the three days they are going to be gone,” said Ben.

“There’s still a bit of a trust issue,” said Grady. “Especially where the kids are concerned.”

“I can understand that,” said Ben. “I do have to ask how much of a contribution he could make in a research trip though.”

“More than you think,” said Grady. “He’s been studying structural engineering and design during his down time and making good progress. He knows what to look for if we were to put in permanent facilities on the island.”

“You prodding him to better himself?” asked Ben.

“No, actually he did it on his own,” said Grady. “He’s smarter than your normal metals machinist and the kind of person I might have recruited for my business on Earth.”

“That good?” asked Ben.

“He has a lot to learn, but he’s got the aptitude for it,” said Grady.

“Your team, your choices,” said Ben. “I’m glad he’s integrating himself in your team.”

“So am I,” said Grady. “Want to come over to my office? I’ve got coffee and a new project to run by you.”

“Sure,” said Ben as he headed with Grady.

“Actually, I need Javier, Mary and Tasha as well,” said Grady as he called out to the others. They were understandably curious what the deal was and headed with Grady to his office where Kurt, Rachelle and Cyrus were waiting patiently for them to arrive.

“What kind of project?” asked Ben.

“Your new homes,” said Grady with a smile as motioned with his head towards the houses built specifically for the purpose of housing the leadership.

“I didn’t think they were done!” exclaimed Mary.

“Just need a coat of paint and finished,” said Grady as they came to the first house. They were fairly large for the purpose, having two levels, but not so large to be imposing on the remainder of the colony. They stepped in and took the tour checking out the finished product and admiring the craftsmanship that went into them.

“Very functional,” said Rachelle. “I like the kitchen.”

“It’s large enough to cook most things,” said Grady. “Two rooms upstairs and a bathroom, one master bedroom and bathroom downstairs or an office space if you’re so inclined. The living room area connects to the entrance obviously. Plenty of closet space, basement, patio in the rear and a porch on the front. We also made sure it was modular in case of expansion in the future.”

“It’s perfect,” said Mary. “Who gets this one?”

“This one is actually designated as Angeline’s,” said Cyrus.

“And the colors?” asked Tasha.

“I have a color pallet here,” said Grady as he pulled out his tablet.

“Let’s paint this one some godawful colors,” said Mary with a twinkle. “Payback for getting that team lead position for the tropical island.”

“How about let’s not,” said Ben with a chuckle.

“Now the big boss does have a bit larger house,” said Grady. “Master bedroom, guest bedroom and bath upstairs along with an office downstairs, full kitchen, two additional bedrooms or storage rooms downstairs, a half bath and the aforementioned basement.”

“You outdid yourself,” said Kurt.

“I figure it’s a perk of leadership,” said Grady. “Want to pick colors now?”

“I’ve got nothing else to do at the moment,” said Ben.

“Nothing that can’t wait,” said Tasha with shrugged shoulders. The leadership headed out and towards Grady’s office where it would be a better setup to discuss colors even though Mary objected stating one had to be in the environment for it to apply. Grady relented and went to the next cabin designated for Mary and started up the steps.

“You put in flowerbeds!” she exclaimed as she saw the brick area to the front of the cabin.

“Someone requested it,” said Grady.

“You can remove mine,” said Ben. “I probably won’t put in flowers.”

“You should keep it,” said Mary.

“How come if it won’t be used?” asked Ben.

“Because maybe you’ll get married to a woman who does want them,” said Mary.

“There is that,” said Tasha with a knowing grin.

“Fine,” said Ben as he relented and Mary started looking over the cabin and snatched the tablet away from Grady. She was quickly joined by Tasha and Rachelle as they poured over the color schemes and discussed the matter at length for the living room area. It took nearly fifteen minutes of discussion before deciding on a color.

“You took all that time to decide you wanted white?” asked Ben.

“It’s not white, it’s ivory,” said Tasha.

“I’m sorry?” asked Ben.

“It’s ivory,” said Mary. “There’s a distinct difference.”

“It’s white…?” asked Ben.

“Men,” said Rachelle with a shake of her head.

“Men,” said Mary with a nod.

“You probably should just accept the fact this might take longer than you thought,” said Grady.

“How about this? I let you, Tasha and Rachelle pick the colors for my cabin,” said Ben.

“Wonderful idea!” exclaimed Tasha with a grin.

“However, no pinks or purples,” said Ben.

“He really is a killjoy, isn’t he?” asked Mary with a grin.

“The stipulation is you do mine first,” said Ben.

“Oh, absolutely!” exclaimed Tasha with a grin.

“You know who we should get involved?” asked Rachelle. “Dani.”

“Dani who?” asked Mary as they headed to Ben’s designated cabin.

“Dani Stafford, Grady’s wife,” said Rachelle. “She was his specialist in interior design.”

“Perfect!” exclaimed Mary. “Let’s see if she’s available.”

“Why do I get the feeling this might take a while?” asked Ben.

“If my wife gets involved, we might be talking weeks,” said Grady.

“Oh, we’ll just fix it up perfect,” said Mary with a grin as she contacted Dani Stafford and requested she come over to Ben’s new home. She happily obliged and told the trio she would be there “in five minutes.” Ben decided to at least look over his new home before it was overrun by the newly formed interior decorating committee. Looking around, it was larger than he was used to, but figured it might serve as the house for any future leader of the colony as well and should be slightly larger for that purpose. Dani Stafford arrived and immediately got with Tasha, Mary and Rachelle to outfit the interiors.

“I told my husband I should have done this before,” said Dani. “It appears Ben’s taste is entirely in his mouth.”

“How on earth could you know that?” asked Ben.

“Well, for starters, I think we need to revise that saying,” said Dani. “Secondly, I’ve seen you off duty in your blue jeans and plain shirts. You could use a little style sense from the women around here and certainly use some colors in your life.”

“He certainly can,” said Tasha. “Lord only knows I’ve tried.”

“Okay, I’m going to forgo the normal feelings of being offended and let you girls go hog wild in my new house, but I’d best like it in the end,” said Ben.

“It’ll be perfect,” said Mary with a twinkle.

“It had better be,” said Tasha with a grin. “It very well could be your house too someday.”

Ben just shook his head slowly and departed with Grady and the others as Mary’s mouth hit the floor. Tasha had an emotionless look on her face as she looked out of the corner of her eye at Mary and a sparkle came over them.

“I’m going to kill you,” said Mary after Ben left.

“Just trying to get him a good woman with a sense of style,” said Tasha with a grin.

“Anyway,” said Mary after she got over the shock of Tasha being so bold. She looked at Tasha as her communicator started beeping at her as Tasha answered the call.

“Ma’am? We have movement in sector NE3,” said the controller.

“Visuals?” asked Tasha as she immediately started heading for the door.

“Not yet, just the seismic and IR sensors,” said the controller. Tasha rushed out the door and found Ben hadn’t gotten that far with the group.

“Possibly trouble in the northeast sector,” said Tasha. “I’m launching the alert gunship to look around that area.”

“Raptors?” asked Ben.

“No visuals yet,” said Tasha. “Something tripped the sensors in that area.”

“Keep me apprised,” said Ben as he called off his visit to Grady’s office and headed towards the headquarters. The other section heads went towards their headquarters as well, preparing for anything that might come up. Ben had just reached the headquarters as the gunship lifted off and went northeast towards the known trouble. Just as he reached the door, the alarms recently installed in the colony went off announcing a Raptor attack.

“All personnel report to your duty stations! All personnel report to your duty stations! This is a colony wide alert. Raptors observed outside the northeast quadrant of the colony. Evacuate all non-essential personnel to the shelter. All mission critical personnel report to your duty stations for accountability. Again, this is a colony wide alert!” said the voice over the loudspeaker.

Instead of going inside, Ben wanted to see how the personnel in the colony reacted. There was a brief pause after the announcement, but after about fifteen seconds, it looked as if someone had kicked over an anthill as the colonists were scrambling out of their quarters towards their duty stations. Security troops were seen running towards the unused towers pulling on clothing and gear as they ran. Ben saw Paris Poe pick up her youngest daughter as she collected another three children from their parents and ran towards the newly built shelter for the families. Four security troopers with heavy weapons took up positions immediately outside the facility, looking outwards for possible threats. One thing was slightly different as everyone had a weapon of some sorts. A pistol as a minimum, but mostly carbines and even a few light machine guns and heavy sniper rifles in the hands of the Ag and Engineering teams. Ben decided he had seen the training was paying off and headed inside the command center.

“Sitrep?” he asked.

“Seven Raptors located on the northeast side heading straight for the colony,” said the controller as Tasha was giving orders to her forces. “They came out of the river and headed straight in.”

“Gunships?” asked Ben.

“The first is getting into position and the second is launching now,” said the controller. Ben heard the craft listing off as well as the 30mm cannons starting to fire from the northeast side. The controller brought up the camera footage from the nearby towers as they saw the smoke trails from the medium missiles having already taken two of the Raptors down. Another had been hit by the cannon and was flailing about on the ground. The marksman and cannon operator made good hits on another two as the surviving Raptors turned around quickly and escaped for the nearby woods. The gunship arrived and hit the wounded Raptor with a burst from the cannon ending its life and laid in a pursuit course for the remaining two.

“Another possible sighting on the northwest side,” said the controller.

“Sensors pick it up?” asked Tasha.

“A team from Ag called it in,” said the controller shaking his head.

“Send the second gunship to sweep that area,” said Tasha. “Keep the alert gunship in pursuit of the other two known Raptors.”

“Aye, ma’am,” said the controller, formerly the sensor operator on the Santa Maria as he reverted back to his naval training. The gunship called in they had reached the area where the other two Raptors had disappeared near the river and were sweeping the area.

“Looks like they swim,” said Captain Larissa Moody from the gunship.

“Can you get a visual?” asked Tasha.

“Negative,” said Larissa. “They’re only popping their snouts up to catch a breath and heading downstream away from the colony.”

“Keep looking,” said Tasha as she looked over her deployments. “Seven minutes. We’ve got to get better at the times.”

“Seven minutes for what?” asked Ben.

“All the positions to be manned,” said Tasha. “Two minutes too long if you ask me.”

“Seven minutes isn’t bad,” said Ben. “Especially with half your force being asleep when the alert came in.”

“There’s still time to be shaved,” said Tasha. “But… for the first time, not bad.”

“Keep working at it,” said Ben as he knew she had a point, but seven minutes provided a good baseline for working plans. All the sections had accounted for their personnel as well as the Ag team that had gathered everyone and headed towards the west gate of the colony. The second gunship reported in they had no sighting of any additional Raptors as they continued searching. The first gunship managed to catch sight of the other two Raptors and sent a missile towards one fleeing into the forest to their south, however, the warhead detonated as it entered the foliage and they couldn’t tell if the creature was struck or not. Tasha called back both the gunships to orbit the colony as everyone continued to wait for the all clear.

“I’d like to keep everyone in position for another hour just in case,” said Tasha.

“I think that’s prudent,” said Ben as he grabbed his carbine. “I’m going to check the emergency shelter to see how that worked.”

“I’m heading to the northeast towers,” said Tasha as she departed. Ben headed towards the shelter and saw the security forces still alert on the exterior as they continued their vigil. They nodded at his approach as he requested entry through the blast doors and was given permission by those inside. Upon entry, he saw the idea of using the bridge was outstanding as there was plenty of room at the moment as the children hunkered together with several adults calming them as they went around the room.

“Commander,” said Paris Poe as she held the hand of her eldest daughter.

“Everything go okay here?” he asked.

“We got everyone in and locked up within six minutes,” said Paris. “The kids were a little scared, but we’re doing our best to calm them.”

“Plenty of supplies?” asked Ben.

“Honestly, we haven’t broken into them,” said Paris. “However, some form of entertainment to distract the children might be in order.”

“I think that’s a great idea,” said Ben. “Get with Rachelle and get that done immediately.”

Before they could continue their conversation, a child was heard crying and Paris immediately went to them as she cried for her parents. Paris did an outstanding job getting the child calmed down as all the children were scared with many starting to show it. Paris got the small group of adults together and focused the children’s attention on a sing-a-long as the adults gathered each of the children into the center and asked the older ones to “be brave” for the younger ones. Paris led the children in the songs that had some funny parts as the children started smiling again, their attention diverted from their fears for the moment.

“Couldn’t have picked a better person if I tried,” said Rachelle as she came over to Ben.

“When did you get here?” asked Ben.

“Just a couple of moment’s ago,” said Rachelle. “The shelter falls under my purview during emergencies and I was curious how it was working.”

“Seems to be working fine,” said Ben. “Though Paris thinks you could use some entertainment for the children as a distraction during these times.”

“I’ll get on that immediately,” said Rachelle. “Otherwise, I think we’ve got ourselves a dandy shelter here.”

“I agree entirely,” said Ben.

“Anything else before I get involved in the sing-a-long helping calm everyone?” asked Rachelle.

“You included?” asked Ben with a chuckle.

“Me first,” laughed Rachelle. “Plus, I like playing with the kids.”

“Keep up the outstanding work,” said Ben as he departed and headed towards the towers. He collected his MMV and headed to the tower where Tasha, Kendrick Whitaker, Bill Riker and Chuck were seen observing the downed Raptors in the field in front of the colony.

“Commander,” said Riker as Ben finished the climb to the top.

“Well?” asked Ben.

“Your marksmen are some of the best I’ve ever seen,” said Riker. “Head and heart shots on each of them except the one hit by the gunship.”

“I just wish I’d had the chance to take one on,” said Tasha with a sigh.

“Yeah, I could just see you go charging out with your combat knife and slitting one’s throat,” said Chuck.

“Oh, you’d like to see that, wouldn’t you?” asked Tasha.

“Well, maybe in a sports bra and some camo Daisey Dukes,” said Chuck.

“Excuse me?!” she exclaimed.

“I mean, if we’re going to fantasize about you killing one of those things single handedly, we might as well make it a tale worth telling,” said Chuck as Ben saw he was concealing a grin.

“Why are you such a chauvinist pig?” asked Tasha.

“Well, who wouldn’t like to see that?” asked Chuck as Ben saw he was getting under her skin yet again.

“We just survived an attack and you’re having… male thoughts?” asked Tasha.

“Well, I could hide in the corner rocking back and forth from the fear, but I have this warrior goddess to watch over me, so I feel much safer,” said Chuck as he barely suppressed his grin, though his eyes told a completely different story. She looked at Ben who was covering his face and biting his lower lip trying not to laugh. Realizing there was no way out of the situation and Chuck was getting his hits in, she just shook her head at him and let out a large sigh with a frown. Eventually, Chuck grinned at her and went over with Riker to observe the dead creatures from a distance.

“Not a word,” said Tasha as she saw Ben finally compose himself.

“Wouldn’t dream of it,” said Ben as a smile broke out on his face.

“You realize what just happened though?” she asked.

“We stopped an attack cold well outside the colony and started laughing immediately afterwards?” he asked. “Yeah, feels good, doesn’t it?”

“Sure does,” said Tasha. “Though I’m still contemplating whether or not to show Chuck the quick way off this tower.”

“The more you protest,” said Ben.

“The more I protest what?” asked Tasha.

“Nothing,” said Ben with a smile. “Nothing at all.”

“If you’re thinking I like him, you’re way off base,” said Tasha.

“Normally if a guy said something like that to you, he’d be picking himself up off the ground,” said Ben. “With Chuck, you just let it go.”

“Well, I kinda have it coming to me since I called him names before,” said Tasha.

“Uh huh,” said Ben in a knowing tone.

“That’s the only reason,” said Tasha with a tone.

“Right,” said Ben. “Anyway…”

“Anyway…” said Tasha as the others came back over.

“Now I know why the featheroos aren’t out today,” said Ben.

“Actually, they went to ground last night and haven’t been seen since that thunderstorm early this morning,” said Chuck as he came back to the group.

“Do they normally disappear?” asked Ben.

“They do before a storm, but we honestly haven’t timed how long it takes for them to reappear afterwards,” said Chuck. “We’ll go over our data and see if it’s something we missed.”

“So, the featheroos are a good indicator of incoming storms and predators?” asked Ben.

“They are,” said Riker.

“Back to the matter at hand, we’re going to need to check on those out there,” said Kendrick. “Make sure they’re down completely.”

“Yeah,” said Ben. “I figure before the alert’s over, we can send out a reinforced team.”

“I’ve got a plan for that already,” said Kendrick as he turned to Tasha.

“Does it involved using one of the zoologists as bait to see if they are dead?” asked Tasha.

“Not really,” said Kendrick.

“Disapproved,” said Tasha as she heard Chuck snort. “Come up with a new plan.”

“Regardless, it might be a good time to see if we can harvest any of the meat,” said Riker.

“I’m still kinda on the fence about that,” said Ben.

“No better time than the present,” said Riker. “They are immediately available.”

“And we will have to bury the bodies eventually,” said Tasha.

Ben thought about the idea for a moment before giving them a nod of approval. It wasn’t that he didn’t enjoy a decent steak now and then, but since cows rarely attacked humans on Earth, it was a slightly different situation. However, he also realized the colony would have to be self-sustaining for all their consumption needs and having a creature that large would keep them fed for some time even with 700 colonists around.

“Let’s face facts, we have turned into the supreme apex predator on the planet,” said Riker.

“We have,” said Ben. “Some will object to it though.”

“They’ll get hungry eventually,” said Chuck. “I mean, if I’m going to be used as bait to see if they’re still alive, I at least want something out of it at the end.”

“We were thinking of having that colony bar-be-que,” said Ben.

“Kurt has some interesting new foods he wants to show off as well,” said Riker.

“Oh?” asked Ben.

“A tuber like a potato, but larger,” said Riker. “It very easily could be transplanted and harvested in our farm.”

“Anything else?” asked Ben.

“A few things, I think,” said Riker. “We’ve assisted Ag and Medical in seeing if the plants and whatnot are edible. He has some items I think would work.”

“We’ll have to pay him a visit then,” said Ben. “Otherwise, I think it’s okay to sound the all clear, but keep everyone within the walls for the moment save the team that checks those things out and engineering to start digging the holes.”

“We can get with Grady and Cyrus on that,” said Tasha. “Sergeant Major, let’s talk over your plan and get your team together.”

“I’ll let the command center know to sound the all clear,” said Ben.

The group broke up from the position, but not before Ben thanked both the guards in the tower for their quick thinking and straight shooting. He called the command center to pass on the all clear to all sections as well as giving congratulations for such a quick response by all the colony members. He headed to the second tower that was involved in the incident and thanked the pair of troopers there as well as the gunships came in for a landing.

“Those things are good swimmers,” said Larissa as she met up with Rachelle and Tasha for the debrief. “And can hold their breath a long time.”

“I’m going to need you back out there in a bit,” said Tasha. “We’re sending a team out to check to see if they’re dead and potentially harvest a steak or two.”

“We’re eating that thing?” asked Rachelle.

“Science thinks it can be consumed,” said Tasha. “And it’s large enough for a great cook out.”

“I guess,” said Rachelle.

“Moral objection?” asked Tasha.

“Just weird,” said Rachelle. “I do enjoy a good piece of meat, though.”

“Oh, we’ve heard you enjoy a good piece of meat,” said Tasha with a grin.

“Don’t hate because you aren’t getting any,” said Rachelle with a smirk. “Anyway, I’m not sure how I feel about eating those things.”

“You’re willing to try it, I’d bet,” said Larissa.

“Of course,” said Rachelle. “I’m sure I have one of the mess staff that knows the finer points of butchering. If not, we have plenty of books on the subject.”

“Sure do,” said Tasha as Grady came up.

“I’m to assume we have another hole to dig?” he asked.

“Enough for four,” said Tasha.

“I thought you took down five?” asked Grady.

“We’re eating one,” said Tasha. “Ben finally gave it the go-ahead.”

“So, I’ll need to prepare grills as well,” said Grady. “We’ve got just the items needed.”

“How long to prepare them?” asked Tasha.

“An hour? Maybe hour and a half,” said Grady. “You mean the grills or the digging machine?”

“Both actually,” said Tasha.

“Call it two hours to be safe on the grills, the earthmovers can be ready in ten minutes once you give the word,” said Grady.

“Sergeant Major Whitaker is getting the team ready to go outside,” said Tasha. “Where are you planning on putting the new hole?”

“Out near the farm again, I think,” said Grady. “Kurt tends to think the decay will help with the planting next year.”

“Even with the bones?” asked Tasha.

“You’re going to have to ask him about that,” said Grady. “We just dig the holes.”

“Right,” said Tasha. “Anyway, we’ll likely have to move them from the east side to the west. Obviously, we’ll escort you there, but are your flatbeds capable of transporting them that far?”

“Easily,” said Grady.

“Okay, we’ll let you know,” said Tasha as she gave Kendrick the go ahead to gather the forces needed to go out and check on the downed creatures. Five full teams with heavy weapons were gathered along with Larissa Moody getting the gunship ready again after replacing the weapons she had expended on the fight. The teams eventually formed up and were prepared to leave the colony walls as Ben addressed them.

“I know each of you will be careful out there,” he said. “But take no chances. If those things are still alive, put them down for good.”

“Wilco,” said Kendrick as he led the force to the gate where the hydraulic motors opened them with ease. The small convoy along with the flatbed trucks headed out and went to the first creature, one that had been hit and gutted by a missile. Chuck and Riker went forward and confirmed it was dead as Grady sent a flatbed truck out to pick it up to transport to the west side of the colony where an earthmover was already digging the hole. The crane picked up the Raptor and dropped it unceremoniously on the flatbed where it immediately started heading to the west side of the colony, though hugging the walls for safety. The security team found all five were dead and provided a protective perimeter while the engineers gathered the bodies up for transport. The creature that was most intact was found to be a suitable specimen for the proposed grill that evening and was brought inside the colony towards the mess area where the cooks responsible for butchering it was slightly taken aback at the task they were to perform.

Eventually, all the Raptors were moved to the west side of the colony and the engineers continued preparing the holes to bury the creatures. The proposed location was just out of sight of the colony defenses and hidden by a slight rise in the terrain as Drew Collins continued digging the holes to dump the creatures from the flatbeds into the graves. Several security teams stood nearby watching for any threats and were slightly worried since there was still no indication of featheroo activity. But they watched and waited patiently, ensuring the protection of those under their charge.

 

CHAPTER 45



“Boring work,” said Grady to Cyrus who had come out to see the creatures up close.

“Digging a hole is rarely gratifying,” said Cyrus. “Except this time.”

“I’ll be happier when we’re back inside the walls,” said Grady who felt uneasy. The location they were in was not within direct sight of the colony since a small rise prevented the towers from being able to see them or protect them.

“It should be soon enough,” said Cyrus. “Anyway, the grills are ready.”

“We have enough maple to use as charcoal?” asked Grady.

“Plenty,” said Cyrus. “It’ll cut into the stocks we are saving for the winter, but we’ll be fine.”

“Thank you,” said Grady.

“I’ll see about a relief crew so these guys can eat,” said Cyrus.

“I’ll stick around for the moment,” said Grady.

“You need to eat too, Chief,” said Cyrus.

“Once this is finished,” said Grady.

“Okay, I’ll see you in a bit,” said Cyrus as he departed. The earthmover continued digging at the hole as Grady saw one of the security teams move their position slightly towards a small copse of trees that had yet to be cleared for farmland. They came to the apex of another rise and Grady immediately saw the gunner slew her machine gun over to the left.

“Raptors!” she yelled over the radio. Grady saw nine of the Raptors come rushing out of the wooded area as the security teams started engaging with their machine guns. He was amazed at the speed of the creatures as they came in at full speed at the teams working and two broke off from the group towards a flatbed truck. They lowered their shoulders and slammed into the vehicle, overturning it and growling at the engineers now scrambling on foot. The Raptors were now in and among the engineers, making missile shots by the security teams a difficult proposition at best. A few were set loose on the far edges, but they danger presented by the exploding missiles could hurt the humans they were trying to protect rather than kill those trying to harm them.

“Get everyone inside the perimeter now!” yelled Grady as the Raptors started marking individuals and taking them out one at a time. The problem was they could run faster than the humans and they were still out of sight of the perimeter defenses. Several security vehicles came in with their heavy machine guns and started firing, distracting the Raptors long enough for several people to scamper into a vehicle and start towards the colony. The Raptors also sensed the path of the human escape and moved immediately to block it off. The gunships, even though airborne, could not engage the Raptors since, again, they were in and among the human targets.

“Alpha Team! Maneuver to the left flank and hit those bastards!” yelled Sergeant Major Whitaker as he had been outside the walls visiting the troops when the attack came in. His carefully planned and trained tactics weren’t going as well as they could since they never took into account the Raptors getting in and among the colonists. However, he was directing the forces as best as he could as he ran to Grady to get back to the colony.

“Get the hell back inside!” he yelled as he fired his carbine at one of the Raptors bearing down on one of the security vehicles.

“I have to get my people inside!” objected Grady as he yelled at his workers to pile in.

“You aren’t going to have anyone left if you don’t move!” yelled Kendrick as a Raptor quickly changed course and headed for the vehicle. Kendrick continued firing and Grady jumped into the driver’s seat and started pulling away. The Raptor managed to grab Kendrick with its hand and lifted him from the ground. Grady jumped out and started firing at the Raptor as well as a Sergeant firing the machine gun from the turret of a vehicle. The fire was walked into the head area as the Raptor released Kendrick and smacked at its head from the pain. Grady drug Kendrick back to the vehicle as the machine gunner finished off the Raptor by firing a short range missile into the chest area once the two were clear. The explosion knocked Grady off his feet, but he managed to get Kendrick into the bed of the vehicle with help and sped towards the colony as Captain Jerome Irwin took over the defenses and continued deploying forces.

Out of the corner of Irwin’s eye, he saw one of the heavy earthmoving vehicles heading towards one of the Raptors in its blind spot. The Raptor was finishing off one of the workers he had tracked down when it heard the vehicle coming up from behind. However, just as it turned, Drew Collins dropped the large clamshell bucket right over its head and snapped the jaws shut. The Raptor’s entire head was encased inside the device as the motors struggled to close it more. Drew yanked up on the controls as the hydraulics whined in protest of pulling the huge creature into the air. But the creature eventually was off the ground with its hands squirming against the device trying to free itself.

“Shoot the damn thing!” screamed Drew as additional security forces had arrived and were pouring fire onto the remaining Raptors. One of the vehicles came forward and the M2 HBI machine gun started sending a continuous stream of fire into the body where the heart was located. The security troop went through an entire can of ammunition before the Raptor stopped squirming and its limbs fell away limp. He was reloading the machine gun just as the next three Raptors appeared and growled at the offending vehicle. Drew dropped the dying Raptor onto the ground and quickly spun around to face the newest incoming threat. The three newest Raptors paused while Drew pushed the throttle up and advanced towards them, screaming like a madman along the way. They surrounded the vehicle, snarling and growling as he swung the bucket back and forth, screaming the whole time. He eventually connected with one of the Raptors to the side of its head and stunned it. It fell onto the ground in a daze while the other two growled and turned back to face the newest threat.

The remaining two Raptors saw the opportunity to attack and moved in on the vehicle. But Drew saw them coming and he wasn’t easy to get to inside the protective caged in cockpit. He swung the entire upper assembly around and managed to smack one with the arm of the bucket and pinned another one to the ground as he dropped the arm completely. However, the jaws of the bucket wouldn’t open wide enough to pick it up off the ground, but the teeth of the bucket dug into the side of the creature as blood started flowing down its sides. Drew unbelted himself from the cockpit and grabbed at the rifle he had stowed inside.

The other two Raptors had recovered from the blows they had received, however, was distracted by the oncoming security vehicles and moved to face them. Drew stepped out onto the platform and saw the Raptor struggling to free itself from the bucket that had it pinned in place as he heard the hydraulics screaming in protest. He emptied the entire carbine magazine into the head of the creature and reloaded to repeat the process, screaming the whole time. One he finished the second magazine, he yanked at the pistol in the shoulder holster and continued firing until it too was empty.

“They’re retreating!” yelled one of the security force members. Drew turned to see the remaining Raptors breaking off their attack with five dead or dying left behind as they retreated at full speed towards the southern forest. The gunships went behind them in immediate pursuit catching another three with missile fire as the last one managed to get into safety in the forest.

Drew jumped back inside the cab and put the vehicle into drive before heading towards the colony, picking up his coworkers along the way to ride on the side of the vehicle. They made it to the gate and quickly scrambled behind the protective walls of the colony before thanking the man profusely for being brave and helping save their lives. Grady came up slapping him on the back as the adrenaline was finally wearing off what he had done earlier.

“Anything you want, it’s yours,” said Grady.

“Well, then someone get me a damn drink!” exclaimed Drew.

“Bring him the whole bottle,” said Grady. “Hell, bring two!”

“I ain’t drinking alone,” said Drew.

“I’ll have one with you,” said Grady. “And then as much as you want.”

The gunships were heard returning into an orbit over the colony as the colonists had undergone the second Raptor attack of the day. One of the engineers came up with a bottle of recently produced moonshine and handed it over to Grady. He unscrewed the cap it and took down a swig, coughing after getting a mouthful. He handed the bottle over to Drew who drank down nearly a quarter of the bottle, chugging the strong liquor.

“Take it easy,” warned one of the other engineers.

“Hell, no,” said Drew. “Now someone get me a knife. I’m gonna go cut me a steak from that dead bastard out there.”

“What happened?” demanded Ben as Tasha was finished redeploying her forces.

“A second Raptor attack with nine came in on the southwest side where they were digging the graves. There was no detection,” said Tasha.

“How did they get past the line of sensors?” asked Ben.

“We just don’t have enough sensors,” said Tasha. “When we expended the farm, we were unable to provide coverage on all areas.”

“You might have mentioned that,” said Ben with a frown.

“I did,” said Tasha with a frown. “Included in several daily reports as well as bringing it up at the last staff meeting when I said coverage of the area was spotty at best.”

“You did,” said Ben as he calmed somewhat as he remembered telling Tasha it was worth the increased risk since the Raptors hadn’t come in from that area yet.

“I need to organize a party to retrieve the wounded and dead,” said Tasha.

“How is Kendrick?” asked Ben.

“At the hospital,” said Tasha as she walked away to organize the party. She was stopped dead in her tracks by something that didn’t happen that often.

“Tasha? I’m sorry,” said Ben. “You did bring it up.”

“We’re all on edge right now,” she said as she turned back around to face him. “You needed to unleash a bit and I just happened to be there when you did.”

“Still, you didn’t deserve that,” said Ben.

“None of us deserve what those Raptors are doing,” said Tasha. “I need to organize the teams.”

“Be careful,” said Ben.

“I’ll report in when we’re done,” said Tasha. “Go check on the Sergeant Major.”

Ben headed towards the hospital where the staff was already treating the wounded that had come in. Mary already dispatched an ambulance to go out with the security forces to retrieve the wounded and dead from the battlefield. Ben saw several men and women being treated, some of which was from shrapnel from the missiles they let fly a little too close. He went to Kendrick who was protesting over the treatment as Mary ignored his comments and instructed him to “stay put in that bed or else.”

“What happened?” asked Ben.

“Nothing that can’t wait,” said Kendrick as he tried to move again, but received a pointed finger right at his face.

“You keep your ass right there, Mister,” said Mary in an authoritative voice. “I’m not finished treating you.”

“It’s nothing I haven’t had before,” protested Kendrick, but wisely didn’t move. He saw Ben shake his head side to side with eyes wide opened and knew it wasn’t the time to protest.

“I wasn’t treating you before,” said Mary as she saw he wasn’t moving and needed to tend to other patients. “Now you will wait for a scan. Period.”

“Yes, ma’am,” said Kendrick as he grimaced after lying back on the bed. Mary headed off to perform triage on another injured engineer and glanced at Ben on the way past.

“You okay?” asked Ben.

“Probably some cracked ribs,” said Kendrick with a grunt. “Those things have strong hands.”

“You’re lucky,” said Ben.

“We’ve got to get better sensor coverage in that area,” said Kendrick. “We had no warning.”

“Tasha already informed me,” said Ben as a tech came up and started prepping Kendrick for the internal scan to be conducted.

“I’ll take your gear,” said Ben as he retrieved the rifle and web gear from the floor next to the bed. Just as Kendrick was being wheeled away, Gale Whitaker came in and stopped them.

“Kendrick!” she exclaimed. “You’re hurt!”

“Hey, baby,” he said and put on a smile. “Nothing serious, I promise.”

“Gale, we’ve got to get him scanned,” said Mary. “He’s in no danger that we know of right now, but we need to get him under the imaging unit to be sure.”

“Take care of my husband,” she said as she grasped his left hand and saw him wince. He was taken past the swinging doors as he blew her a kiss as he departed. Ben came over and stood next to her as she watched him leave.

“I don’t blame you at the moment, but I sure as hell don’t like you much right now either,” said Gale without looking at him directly. Ben didn’t say anything as he knew she needed a moment to vent and assumed he was going to be the target.

“Kendrick would walk through the fires of Hell for you,” continued Gale. “I know this isn’t the first time he’s been injured, but I also knew something like this might happen when you called us to have us join. Nobody in this galaxy was going to stop him from joining you on this trip just like he always did when you called. Now he got hurt again following you.”

“It’s personal this time,” said Ben.

“Damn right it’s personal,” said Gale.

“It’s personal for me too,” said Ben. “Kendrick saved my life more than once and I owe him damn near everything in the world. Seeing him on that bed is like seeing my own brother lying there. Damned if I’m going to let this pass.”

“You keep us safe,” said Gale as she finally faced him and poked him in the chest with each word of her response. “Keep. Us. Safe.”

Ben politely nodded as Gale went back to the waiting room where Ben knew she needed to continue to calm down. He hadn’t seen the worst of Gale Whitaker’s fury, but hopefully he had taken the edge off it for everyone’s sake. Mary came back out of the internal areas of the hospital where she saw Ben and came over to him.

“Six cracked ribs and a fractured left ulna,” said Mary. “His left forearm.”

“He’s going to be okay?” asked Ben.

“We’re treating him now, but nothing more serious than that,” said Mary. “Obviously, we’re going to hold him overnight for observation, but he’s in no trouble right now.”

“Until he tries to leave again,” said Ben with half a smile.

“He won’t,” said Mary. “What happened exactly?”

“They came in from a direction they hadn’t before,” said Ben. “I think they knew how to slip past our sensors lines on the southern side of the colony. I’ve got a lot of work to be done in figuring out how we’re going to beat these things.”

“How many this time?” asked Mary referring to how many had been killed.

“Fourteen,” said Ben. “That I know of.”

“Fourteen?!” exclaimed Mary.

“Tasha is out collecting the dead and wounded,” said Ben. “That’s the initial count.”

“How did that happen?” asked Mary.

“I don’t know, but we’re going to find out,” said Ben as a vehicle was heard roaring up outside and several security troopers brought in yet another patient. The shuttle that was supposed to be heading south was heard coming in for a landing as Mary went back into triage mode and started prepping her staff yet again. Ben headed out to the landing area and saw the door on the shuttle come open and Charlotte Griggs and the other medical personnel ran at full speed towards the hospital. The security troopers grabbed whatever gear they could and headed straight for the command center in order to fill in wherever needed. The remaining personnel weren’t sure of where to go, but started heading to their headquarters to learn the story of what happened. Charity and Angeline headed straight for Ben after the rest of the members had departed.

“We heard what happened,” said Angeline. “And decided we needed to come back.”

“I hate the circumstances, but you could have stayed,” said Ben.

“How are we going to justify traipsing around on a tropical island while our friends are being killed in the colony?” asked Charity. “There was no way we could stay.”

“How close were you?” asked Ben.

“Within sight of the landing area,” said Charity. “It wasn’t easy doubling back, but everyone understood why we had to do it.”

“You should have already been there,” said Ben.

“We were checking out some items along the way,” said Charity.

“Sorry you didn’t get to go,” said Ben.

“If we had been here, we might have made a difference,” said Charity.

“I’m not sure anything would have made a difference today,” said Ben.

“Maybe not,” said Charity.

“We don’t need to second guess ourselves at this point,” said Ben. “What happened, happened and we need to prep for the next time.”

“You’re right,” said Charity.

“Head on over and check on Rachelle,” said Ben. “I think some of your SIT guys were out there when the attack happened.”

“Yes, sir,” said Charity.

“And get the other two gunships warmed up and on alert,” said Ben.

“Will do,” said Charity as she saw a side of Ben they hadn’t seen yet. He was not only determined, but she saw his mind was going a million kilometers an hour right then playing the mental chess he often had on the battlefield. He wandered off by himself with his arms folded staring in the general direction of the south and didn’t acknowledge anything going on around him at that moment. Eventually, Tasha came back from the retrieval mission and met up with Mary outside the hospital.

“How long has he been like that?” asked Tasha.

“I don’t know for certain,” said Mary. “I came through a couple of times and think I saw him out here. But I’m not certain how long he’s been standing there. Why?”

“He’s about to get, well, it’s hard to describe,” said Tasha.

“Bad or good?” asked Mary.

“Good for us, bad for the Raptors,” said Tasha. “Not that I’m complaining.”

“You’ve seen him this way before?” asked Mary.

“A couple of times,” said Tasha. “He’s playing out every possible scenario in his head and thinking of every outcome possible. It’s like a wargaming supercomputer in his mind.”

“We’re going to war?” asked Mary.

“We’re already at war,” said Tasha. “He’s just thinking of the best way to finish it.”

********************
​

Ben called an emergency meeting of his staff that evening after everything had settled down. Neither he nor Allen Smith were in attendance as the section heads arrived and took their normal seating and prepared their note taking devices and pads. Soft murmurs of conversation occasionally broke the silence as they waited patiently for the pair to come into the room. They had been there nearly twenty minutes before they both arrived and took their seating at the head of the table.

“I’m sorry for keeping you waiting, but Allen and I had to go over some items before the meeting officially began,” said Ben as he folded his hands in front of him on the table. “I made a promise to myself before we came here I would attempt to let peace be out guide and help us to live out the rest of our lives in this place. However, I was reminded that sometimes peace is only achieved by being the strongest around.”

“Knowing this, here is our plan of action…”

“One, we far underestimated the intelligence of the Raptors coming into this place. They have adapted to our sensor lines, our defenses and have surprised us three times now. This ends now. We cannot afford to believe we are of the superior intelligence here if we are continually outwitted by these things. They know the planet and are patient enough to wait until we are outside the walls before striking. I don’t know for certain, but the attack on the east side of the colony might have been a diversion this morning. Everything in my head screamed it was an ambush to draw our attention away from the real threat, but I didn’t listen to that inner voice. We beat them, but got complacent in the aftermath. That’s on me as I allowed it to happen.”

“Two, we no longer can allow ourselves to think we can sit behind our protective walls and be safe. Today showed us they are not only attacking from the north, but all points of the compass. They are using the terrain and vegetation to their advantage and it cost us dearly today. I want a three kilometer clear zone around this colony with marked fields of fire and the rest of the sensors put out in the areas we haven’t covered. We cannot afford to have anything obstructing our view coming in. Engineering? That’s on you to make this place as flat as a pool table for up to two kilometers if at all possible. I know it’s a mammoth task, but we’ll work on it in the spare time we don’t have.”

“Three, for the areas we cannot cover with sensors, we’re going to take a page out of the old insurrection manuals and start putting in traps. We cannot assume these creatures can or will follow the natural lines of drift towards the colony. If we have to put in a pit with punji sticks on top of a hill, so be it. Security, you work with engineering on the best locations and make it happen. I don’t care how inhumane they may be, we will lose if we play by the rules.”

“Four, we will find where they are coming from at all costs. I will no longer let the fight come to us. We will find their home or nest and we will strike. We have four perfectly good gunships at our disposal that can and will be used for offensive actions. Charity, you have combat pilots in your ranks and damn good ones too. Use their knowledge to start planning initial strikes when Science comes up with locations. We aren’t going to wait for them to come to us, we are going to find them and rip their hearts out in their own homes.”

“We have no idea of where they are coming from, but we will put every available drone into use finding where they live. And I want all the locations they are coming from. I want to know what weapons will be effective in drawing them out and killing them before they have a chance to kill us. Science, you take the lead on getting the data we need to survive.”

“Lastly, we allowed ourselves to get complacent when we allowed our people to mosey on out to the dead Raptors and see one up close. That’s my fault as I should have stopped it before it happened, but again, I got complacent as well. We have to put a stop to that since our casualties grew even more by allowing others to go out and see. Imagine if we’d had children out there earlier checking out the dead Raptors. What kind of conversations would we have after that?”

“We cannot afford to lose a single person to a threat I know we can defeat. We have to have information, planning and go after them. I came to this world in peace, but I’ll be damned if I’m going to let what could potentially be humanity’s last hope be chopped up piecemeal by a creature we know are capable of defending ourselves from. And by defense, I do mean a good offense. We will plan, train and defend ourselves against the next attack. But I want offensive options to take the fight away from here to keep our people safe.”

“I won’t put a timeline on this kind of thing since in warfare, things can never be predictable. However, I do know we can and will have plans for defeating them. All science missions are on hold, all missions outside the walls are on hold save those which must happen for the continued survival or agriculture. We have to defeat this threat and defeat it now. If there are any questions or concerns, please feel free to bring them up now or offline to me later.”

“We have over 700 people depending on the folks in this room to provide them with a good plan for protection. I know we are capable of doing it. I feel they trust us enough to come up with solutions rather than continue to get attacked and live in fear. We will honor that trust by taking the fight away from here and defeating this enemy even if it means extinction on their part. I do not care about that since they attacked first. Live and let live died on the southwest perimeter this morning.”

“Any questions?” asked Ben in conclusion. Utter silence filled the room as each looked at him. The line in the sand had been drawn by Ben and he was not going to fail.

 

EPILOGUE – TERRA NOVAE SPES EPIC 1



“Commander’s log, Commander Benjamin Nash recording,” said Ben as he sat in his office one late night finishing up his work. The device he talked at showed a green LED it was recording as Ben carefully thought about what he would report that night. “It’s been some months since we landed and things had been going fairly well in the progress of the construction getting ready for Expedition 2. Obviously, the latest Raptor attacks have us scrambling yet again in reaction to their moves. I have this feeling they are of far higher intelligence than originally considered and certainly the most intelligent being we’ve encountered so far off Earth. I’ve limited excursions out of the colony for the moment since we aren’t sure how far their range is, but I do believe our colony to be in range of these creatures.”

“Interesting thing is, this is the only continent we’ve found them on so far. Not to say they might be on the other continents, but I feel we would have found evidence of them by now. It’s a big planet and we’re continuing to check, but I have this feeling we decided to plop down our new colony right in the middle of the continent where they happen to be located. It very well could be the evolving dominant species on this planet and we’re killing off that chance of either making peaceful contact or severely hampering their ability to evolve. Or hastening our own doom by not picking up and moving. But I feel like we’re way too far into it to move anything even on this continent. Since landing the ship, we’ve planted the flag here and made this our new home.”

“Progress is going well even with the threat of the creatures hanging over our heads and Engineering assures me we will be prepared for Expedition 2 when they arrive. So long as we don’t lose more people or those things get inside the colony and wreaks havoc, we should be in a good position when they arrive next year. Of course, I never left such things to chance when I was active duty, so the planning to survive continues. And that’s what this is, simply put. Our willingness to overcome the probable demise of our colony and in turn our species by fighting back as hard as they are fighting us. I hate to say it’s us or them, but it really is us or them in this instance and we didn’t provoke them that we knew of.”

“We will be doing what I should have done the moment they first struck,” said Ben in conclusion. “We should have been out looking for those things and making sure the odds of that survival tipped in our favor. Hopefully, we’ll have some good news soon on that front as every section has chipped in trying to locate those things. Obviously, our next steps after that will determine what happens to the future of this settlement. But we’ll take them together. As we have the whole way.”

“Recorder, stop,” said Ben as the device stopped recording and saved the entry. He closed down his computer and headed out, turning the lights of his office off even knowing he’d be back in short order doing everything he could to help ensure their survival.

 

To be continued.

I'd love any feedback and thoughts you all have at this point.

 

Epic story. Good well developed characters that we can care about. I look forward to Epic 2.

 

Like it so far and will be patiently waiting for the next edition.

Whynot#2

 

Excellent story,waiting for more.

 

Epic 2 coming soon. Promise.

 

I'm not gonna say this is a great story or anything, but I stayed up well over 24 hours reading it.
Finally caved and went to sleep during the middle of chapter 42 I think