Landscape (part 1): Takes place on the road to New Pacifica. Assumes that
Devon has recovered and she and Danziger are involved.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+++++++++++++
Voice of Julia: "We encountered the desert a few days ago. Nothing we have encountered thus far has prepared us for the relentless of the desert. So far we have encountered no life forms, Alonzo has not had any terrian dreams. Our water situation is precarious, although through a previous encounter, Devon and John were aware of a cactus that gives sustaining moisture. The condensers are working constantly and just produce enough water.
We have altered our travel schedule to suit the environment. We rise early, before the heat of the day and travel for several hours. During the hottest parts of the day we rest. Once the day begins to cool off, we travel again, stopping usually when one of the vehicles begins to act up. This desert has been as rough on the equipment as it has been on us. The new travel arrangements mean short rest periods at night. We are all tried and cranky. Everyone agrees that these arrangements are the only ones that make sense but no one is happy about them.
Besides the lack of water, which is a constant worry, I am concerned about group moral. Devon and I have discussed this several times. So far we are unable to come up with a solution. Devon tells me she and John have called a truce. Can't say that anyone has noticed. I also find myself short of temper. I had thought that my generic make up would have prevented such a thing but the longer I spend on the planet, the less impact genetic engineering seems to have."
"Ulysess Adair, what have you done to yourself! " bellowed Devon.
"Don't worry Mom, John gave me a haircut. It is way too hot for all this hair."
Devon inspected her son's haircut. Truth be told it didn't look that bad, although it did need some cleanup. It wasn't that short and it did look cooler. The main reason that Devon had objected to the haircut was that without the curls, her little boy looked older. She knew he was growing up but still wasn't quiet ready to accept it.
"Why don't go into the tent so that I can clean it up some." After finishing the task, Devon asked Uly, "So did John happen to give anyone else a haircut?" She hoped that True hadn't decided to cut her lovely hair.
"Just himself. True wasn't interested. She said she would rather pull it back then cut it off."
"So John cut his own hair? You better send him in so that I can clean that up a well." Devon wasn't too happy with the thought of John having cropped his curls. She loved to run her fingers through them.
When John entered, Devon was pleasantly surprised that the short hair suited him. Once again it wasn't to short but the abundance of curls was missing.
"Hope you're not mad about Uly's haircut. I was cutting my own and he kept bugging me and then threatened to cut it himself."
"I have to admit it going to take some getting use to but you did a pretty good job. Why don't you sit down so that I can clean up the back a little bit?"
As John was heading towards the indicate seat he stated "Usually I do a better job of it but with two kids getting in the way, I decided to play it safe then sorry."
"Good thinking." Devon had moved to stand behind John and began to put the finishing touches on the haircut. Due to the new travel schedule and the openness of the area, she and John had not had any private time to themselves. She missed their time together.
Devon finished the back and sides and moved to stand in front of John to see what if any clean up was needed. As she stood in front of him, John reached out, pulled Devon to him and began to kiss her.
"John, what if someone walks in?"
"I don't care. Come on Devon is seems like forever since you and I were together. Think of the group."
"The group? What does the group have to do with this?"
"Well, do you really want me hot, tired, cranky and frustrated? Not a lot you can do about the first three but you can definitely help with the last one."
"Another good point. Well for the good of the group…" with that she sat of his lap and began to kiss him.
They were still kissing when Julia entered. Seeing the two of them she turned to leave then noticed Baines headed that way. "Hey, you two break it up or Baines is going to be in on the secret. I'm not sure he can be trusted to keep this to himself."
Reluctantly the two separated. Devon was standing a little away from John when Baines knocked on the tent frame. Upon entering the tent, he noticed Danziger's haircut.
"Not bad, but a haircut like mind would be even cooler." He stated as he ran his hand over his shorn head.
"I am sure it would be but I think that I might frighten people with that look."
"You could be right." Baines conceded. "Hey Devon, a couple of us were talking. Unless there are objections, we would like to do some scouting during the breaks."
"I am not sure, shouldn't they conserve their energy? Isn't the risk of heat exhaustion to great?" These questions were directed to Julia. Turning she faced John and asked "Don't the vehicles need the down time?"
Julia answered first "I wouldn't advise anyone traveling during this part of the day. It is too risky"
"Vehicles only need a few hours down time. When were you thinking of traveling, during the day break or the night break."
"We had thought about during the day break since it would be easier to see things. Look we discussed the possibility of heat stroke but the sooner we get out of here the better. Besides we could find an oasis that we would do us all some good."
"I don't know, the risk is too great. Let's find Yale, maybe he can give us an estimate on when he thinks we'll be out of the desert."
Yale when questioned could not provide an estimate. The maps he had of the area had so far not proven accurate.
After some discussion, Julia and Devon reluctantly agreed to put the scout to a vote. The vote was close with 7 voting it was too dangerous and the remaining 8 voting for the scout. It was decided that only those that had voted in favor of the scout should participant. This did not please Julia, Devon and Morgan. Julia and Devon while voting against the scout felt that they should participant, while Morgan voted for the scout, did not. In the end, Bess had convinced Morgan that if he was going to vote in favor of a dangerous task, he should be willing to face the danger. Julia and Devon decided to capitulate to keep the peace, although either was very happy.
It was agreed that the scouts would consist of two member teams with 1 team taking the ATV and the other taking the DuneRail. Two teams would set out during the late morning break, with a maximum scout time of two hours. Lots were drawn to determine the teams. The teams consisted of Walman and Mazatl, Baines and Cameron, Alonzo and Magus, Danziger and Morgan. Bess had requested that Danziger and Morgan be among the last team to go out, hoping that the other teams would fine something and Morgan wouldn't have to go. It wasn't that she thought that Danziger would intentionally hurt her husband, but she knew what lack of food, water and prolonged exposure to the sun could do to a person. There were only two people that she could think of that could push John over the edge, Devon was one and Morgan was the other.
The next morning while two teams consisting of Walman, Mazatl, Baines and Cameron were on their scouting mission and the rest of the group attempted to rest that Alonzo heard a familiar noise.
"Does anyone hear that?" Alonzo asked in an excited voice?
As other members of the group gathered around Alonzo, Yale noticed a VTO heading towards them. "People, I suggest we take cover, there is an aircraft heading our way."
Since they were in the middle of the desert, coverage was minimal. Quickly, Julia and the children were concealed. The children for obvious reason, and Julia being the only doctor, it was best to keep her safe. Devon also feared if the aircraft was from the council, Julia's life would be more at risk then the rest of the group.
A short distance from the group, the VTO landed. Everyone that could grabbed a weapon, while those without sought to hide themselves. Devon asked Morgan to contact the scouting parties to warn them.
The hatch to the aircraft opened and the Eden Advance team raised their weapons. From a doorway, a voice called out "Figured I find you alive and well. Guess it just proves only the good die young."
The Advanced Team exchanged cautious glances while Danziger called out. "Hacksaw, is that you?"
"None other and don't call me Hacksaw." With that the figure walked out.
"John, do you know him?" Devon queried.
"Yeah, he was my CO way back when I was in the army. Not sure I trust him."
"Is he council?"
"Not to my knowledge, but we weren't that close." Then to the new arrival, "What the hell are you doing here?"
"Looking for you of course! We all thought you bought it with the explosion but a year later, a transport caught you on radar."
"You're here to for me? Why?"
Just then another figure rushed from the VTO and headed towards Danziger.
"Because I asked him to of course"
"Barb?"
"One and the same." With that she threw herself at Danziger to kiss him.
"Guess they're friends" Alonzo stated.
"What the hell is going on, how come you guys are older then I remember you?"
"Long story that maybe we can continue in New Pacifica." The man called Hacksaw stated.
Murmurs of New Pacifica could be heard.
"No offense but I'm not sure I trust you guys."
"How about me." Another voice came from the VTO. Danziger seemed to freeze at the voice. He carefully watched the female exit and when he finally saw her, all blood seemed to leave his face.
Devon, who had been watching the departing figure, turned around to look at Danziger.
"John?" Devon queried but Danziger didn't seem to hear her.
The figure slowly approached Danziger until she was standing directly in front of him. Now, all eyes were on the two of them.
"Do you trust me?"
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
End of part 1
Voice of Julia: "We encountered the desert a few days ago. Nothing we have encountered thus far has prepared us for the relentless of the desert. So far we have encountered no life forms, Alonzo has not had any terrian dreams. Our water situation is precarious, although through a previous encounter, Devon and John were aware of a cactus that gives sustaining moisture. The condensers are working constantly and just produce enough water.
We have altered our travel schedule to suit the environment. We rise early, before the heat of the day and travel for several hours. During the hottest parts of the day we rest. Once the day begins to cool off, we travel again, stopping usually when one of the vehicles begins to act up. This desert has been as rough on the equipment as it has been on us. The new travel arrangements mean short rest periods at night. We are all tried and cranky. Everyone agrees that these arrangements are the only ones that make sense but no one is happy about them.
Besides the lack of water, which is a constant worry, I am concerned about group moral. Devon and I have discussed this several times. So far we are unable to come up with a solution. Devon tells me she and John have called a truce. Can't say that anyone has noticed. I also find myself short of temper. I had thought that my generic make up would have prevented such a thing but the longer I spend on the planet, the less impact genetic engineering seems to have."
"Ulysess Adair, what have you done to yourself! " bellowed Devon.
"Don't worry Mom, John gave me a haircut. It is way too hot for all this hair."
Devon inspected her son's haircut. Truth be told it didn't look that bad, although it did need some cleanup. It wasn't that short and it did look cooler. The main reason that Devon had objected to the haircut was that without the curls, her little boy looked older. She knew he was growing up but still wasn't quiet ready to accept it.
"Why don't go into the tent so that I can clean it up some." After finishing the task, Devon asked Uly, "So did John happen to give anyone else a haircut?" She hoped that True hadn't decided to cut her lovely hair.
"Just himself. True wasn't interested. She said she would rather pull it back then cut it off."
"So John cut his own hair? You better send him in so that I can clean that up a well." Devon wasn't too happy with the thought of John having cropped his curls. She loved to run her fingers through them.
When John entered, Devon was pleasantly surprised that the short hair suited him. Once again it wasn't to short but the abundance of curls was missing.
"Hope you're not mad about Uly's haircut. I was cutting my own and he kept bugging me and then threatened to cut it himself."
"I have to admit it going to take some getting use to but you did a pretty good job. Why don't you sit down so that I can clean up the back a little bit?"
As John was heading towards the indicate seat he stated "Usually I do a better job of it but with two kids getting in the way, I decided to play it safe then sorry."
"Good thinking." Devon had moved to stand behind John and began to put the finishing touches on the haircut. Due to the new travel schedule and the openness of the area, she and John had not had any private time to themselves. She missed their time together.
Devon finished the back and sides and moved to stand in front of John to see what if any clean up was needed. As she stood in front of him, John reached out, pulled Devon to him and began to kiss her.
"John, what if someone walks in?"
"I don't care. Come on Devon is seems like forever since you and I were together. Think of the group."
"The group? What does the group have to do with this?"
"Well, do you really want me hot, tired, cranky and frustrated? Not a lot you can do about the first three but you can definitely help with the last one."
"Another good point. Well for the good of the group…" with that she sat of his lap and began to kiss him.
They were still kissing when Julia entered. Seeing the two of them she turned to leave then noticed Baines headed that way. "Hey, you two break it up or Baines is going to be in on the secret. I'm not sure he can be trusted to keep this to himself."
Reluctantly the two separated. Devon was standing a little away from John when Baines knocked on the tent frame. Upon entering the tent, he noticed Danziger's haircut.
"Not bad, but a haircut like mind would be even cooler." He stated as he ran his hand over his shorn head.
"I am sure it would be but I think that I might frighten people with that look."
"You could be right." Baines conceded. "Hey Devon, a couple of us were talking. Unless there are objections, we would like to do some scouting during the breaks."
"I am not sure, shouldn't they conserve their energy? Isn't the risk of heat exhaustion to great?" These questions were directed to Julia. Turning she faced John and asked "Don't the vehicles need the down time?"
Julia answered first "I wouldn't advise anyone traveling during this part of the day. It is too risky"
"Vehicles only need a few hours down time. When were you thinking of traveling, during the day break or the night break."
"We had thought about during the day break since it would be easier to see things. Look we discussed the possibility of heat stroke but the sooner we get out of here the better. Besides we could find an oasis that we would do us all some good."
"I don't know, the risk is too great. Let's find Yale, maybe he can give us an estimate on when he thinks we'll be out of the desert."
Yale when questioned could not provide an estimate. The maps he had of the area had so far not proven accurate.
After some discussion, Julia and Devon reluctantly agreed to put the scout to a vote. The vote was close with 7 voting it was too dangerous and the remaining 8 voting for the scout. It was decided that only those that had voted in favor of the scout should participant. This did not please Julia, Devon and Morgan. Julia and Devon while voting against the scout felt that they should participant, while Morgan voted for the scout, did not. In the end, Bess had convinced Morgan that if he was going to vote in favor of a dangerous task, he should be willing to face the danger. Julia and Devon decided to capitulate to keep the peace, although either was very happy.
It was agreed that the scouts would consist of two member teams with 1 team taking the ATV and the other taking the DuneRail. Two teams would set out during the late morning break, with a maximum scout time of two hours. Lots were drawn to determine the teams. The teams consisted of Walman and Mazatl, Baines and Cameron, Alonzo and Magus, Danziger and Morgan. Bess had requested that Danziger and Morgan be among the last team to go out, hoping that the other teams would fine something and Morgan wouldn't have to go. It wasn't that she thought that Danziger would intentionally hurt her husband, but she knew what lack of food, water and prolonged exposure to the sun could do to a person. There were only two people that she could think of that could push John over the edge, Devon was one and Morgan was the other.
The next morning while two teams consisting of Walman, Mazatl, Baines and Cameron were on their scouting mission and the rest of the group attempted to rest that Alonzo heard a familiar noise.
"Does anyone hear that?" Alonzo asked in an excited voice?
As other members of the group gathered around Alonzo, Yale noticed a VTO heading towards them. "People, I suggest we take cover, there is an aircraft heading our way."
Since they were in the middle of the desert, coverage was minimal. Quickly, Julia and the children were concealed. The children for obvious reason, and Julia being the only doctor, it was best to keep her safe. Devon also feared if the aircraft was from the council, Julia's life would be more at risk then the rest of the group.
A short distance from the group, the VTO landed. Everyone that could grabbed a weapon, while those without sought to hide themselves. Devon asked Morgan to contact the scouting parties to warn them.
The hatch to the aircraft opened and the Eden Advance team raised their weapons. From a doorway, a voice called out "Figured I find you alive and well. Guess it just proves only the good die young."
The Advanced Team exchanged cautious glances while Danziger called out. "Hacksaw, is that you?"
"None other and don't call me Hacksaw." With that the figure walked out.
"John, do you know him?" Devon queried.
"Yeah, he was my CO way back when I was in the army. Not sure I trust him."
"Is he council?"
"Not to my knowledge, but we weren't that close." Then to the new arrival, "What the hell are you doing here?"
"Looking for you of course! We all thought you bought it with the explosion but a year later, a transport caught you on radar."
"You're here to for me? Why?"
Just then another figure rushed from the VTO and headed towards Danziger.
"Because I asked him to of course"
"Barb?"
"One and the same." With that she threw herself at Danziger to kiss him.
"Guess they're friends" Alonzo stated.
"What the hell is going on, how come you guys are older then I remember you?"
"Long story that maybe we can continue in New Pacifica." The man called Hacksaw stated.
Murmurs of New Pacifica could be heard.
"No offense but I'm not sure I trust you guys."
"How about me." Another voice came from the VTO. Danziger seemed to freeze at the voice. He carefully watched the female exit and when he finally saw her, all blood seemed to leave his face.
Devon, who had been watching the departing figure, turned around to look at Danziger.
"John?" Devon queried but Danziger didn't seem to hear her.
The figure slowly approached Danziger until she was standing directly in front of him. Now, all eyes were on the two of them.
"Do you trust me?"
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
End of part 1