Thirteenth Colony
Cesar Perez
Prologue
April 2012
SETI research station
New Mexico
The Array Operations Center for SETI was as usual quiet. Quiet, but not inactive. Several scientists and research assistants milled through the area, several others were monitoring the equipment and powerful sensors. As always, SETI searched for one thing and one thing only. Proof of Extra-Terrestrial intelligent life, simply put, SETI listened and watched for Aliens from another world.
Founded in February of 1984, SETI had originally been a NASA funded project, later, it was closed, due to budget cuts, only to be reborn in the civilian world. For those who worked at SETI, every new day bought with it the possibility that today MIGHT be the day that their dreams come true. To be able to present the world with concrete proof, that we are not alone in the universe. That there is life out there amongst the stars. So far after nearly thirty years of searching, SETI had not found anything concrete. But, they continued to monitor their equipment, they speculated and debated, sometimes heatedly, and held out hope that there really was something in the heavens. Dreaming of what they would one day learn. In short SETI scientists were considered by many, the ultimate dreamers.
But, one thing that those naysayers forgot. Sometimes dreams do come true.
Regina Scott a research fellow who was working on her doctoral thesis on her theories on Xeno-biology. Was at the moment taking her turn on the monitors at the main array, and she was the first to hear it, the first human to record an actual extraterrestrial event.
The moment that Regina heard it, she quickly hit every record button that she could find. Then she began to trace the signal to find an exact location. While simultaneously she grabbed the phone.
"Dr. Pendleton, its Reggie." She began excitedly, "At 2010 hrs. Doctor I found a signal. Yes, doctor, an actual full signal, sir, it is still here, it is entering our solar system!"
Within five minutes of the call, every senior researcher and scientist poured into the room. Rushing over to their equipment to make sure that everything was being recorded for posterity.
"Reggie!" Dr. Pendleton, a middle-aged man with a neatly trimmed beard and hair that was steadily turning grayer by the day, rushed to the young woman's side.
"What do you have?" he demanded, after twenty years at SETI, his dream was finally coming true.
"The signal is getting stronger and stronger, I have it right here." Regina pointed to the screen.
"My God, that is the strongest signal I've ever seen!" Pendleton grabbed the phone off the desk and dialed a number.
"Is this Mauna Kea Observatory?" He began, "I need to speak to Dr. Obermeyer right now. Tell him it is Dr. Don Pendleton from SETI. I don't care if he's giving a speech; tell him we have a confirmed fix on ET."
Mauna Kea Observatory
Hawaii
An hour later the powerful telescopes in Hawaii adjusted themselves and began a search for the object that was at this moment heading straight for earth.
Oscar Obermeyer stared at the screens that showed the video from the telescope.
"Begin recording." he ordered, "I don't want to miss a second of this.
Several astronomers were watching the screen, barely blinking. Afraid that if they blinked at the wrong time. They would miss it.
"There!" Obermeyer pointed at a spot on the screen, "Dear Lord in heaven! It is there!"
Dr. Felix Strauman turned to one of his assistants, "Use computer enhancement, let's see if we can't get a better picture of the object." he ordered
"How fast is it moving?" One of the research fellows asked as he watched history being made.
"SETI recorded it as entering our solar system one hour ago." Obermeyer told the group, "In that hour from the moon Pluto it is now just reaching Jupiter!"
Reaching for the phone Obermeyer contacted his old friend at SETI.
"Donnie, it's Oscar, we have it. It's a ship!" Obermeyer announced, "We have proof, it is definitely a ship! Get onto the media! We must tell the world! Have you contacted the White House? Good! Call the media Donnie, it's time to make some history!"
The Dirty Robber
Boston Massachusetts
Detective Jane Rizzoli was yelling at the TV again shaking her head Jane turned to her friends.
"That guy is crazy! That was nowhere near the strike zone!"
Vincent Korsak, Jane's former partner and friend shook his head disgustedly, "The guy is blind as a bat!"
Others began to take up the chant as well, Frankie Rizzoli and Barry Frost amongst them. Only Dr. Maura Isles sat comfortably and shook her head amused, her friends did take it awfully seriously the fate of the Red Sox.
"Another wine, Dr. Isles?" The bartender held up the bottle.
Maura smiled brightly at the man, "Thank you Charlie, please."
Suddenly, the game disappeared from the screen. A freeze frame suddenly came on.
"What the fuck!" Jane groaned
"Language Jane!" Maura shook her head
"We are interrupting local programming for breaking news."
"Aw damn." Korsak sat down in his seat and sipped his beer, "This better be quick!"
A reporter was now on screen, "So Charlie, what can you tell us?"
"Not much I'm afraid Amber." The reporter admitted, "What I can tell you, is in the fifteen years that I have been in the Washington press corps, I have never seen activity as I have been witness to in the last hour and a half. We were only told that the President is going to be on momentarily with an announcement. Wait, Amber the President is entering the room now."
"Oh God, please don't let it be another terror attack." Korsak mumbled not ever wanting another September 11th.
"Good evening." Matt Santos, President of the United States stood at the podium, "For countless millennia, we, the human race, have asked ourselves one question. Are we alone in the universe, or is there intelligent life out there in space, somewhere. Tonight, that question has now been answered."
"Turn it up!" Maura said quickly as she grabbed onto Jane's hand who silently was riveted to the TV as was everyone else.
"At 2015 local time in New Mexico, the SETI or Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence arrays picked up a signal from outer space. The signal we have been tracking actually entering from outside our solar system. They contacted, the Mauna Kea Observatory in Hawaii, one of the largest observatories in the world, to confirm their findings. At 2110 our time here, Mauna Kea Observatory, confirmed the signal and in fact, using their powerful telescopes, made visual confirmation that an extra-terrestrial ship has entered our solar system. Since that time, several dozen observatories around the world have also confirmed the sighting."
"Oh my God!" Frost whispered, completely in shock.
"In a few hours, we will be releasing those pictures and video to the general public. I wanted to come here tonight and to tell you this myself. There is no need to panic, there is absolutely no signs that we are being invaded. The ship in space has not made one move to indicate that they are here to do anything, except perhaps to make contact with us. As of now, the ship has made orbit around Mars and has stopped short of actually approaching us here on Earth. Obviously, we will be constantly monitoring the situation for any change. Again, I reiterate and stress, that there is no danger being posed at this time. As soon as we have more information, we will get it to you immediately. Thank you."
With that said, the President moved off camera and disappeared to one of the hundreds of meetings he would be having in the weeks to come about this new situation.
The anchor woman of the news suddenly reappeared. And began to natter on about the experts that they were now contacting, about how soon the videos of the space craft would be in their possession and shown to the world.
Jane slumped down into her chair, not even bothering to listen to the woman,
"I don't believe it!" she began, "Aliens?" she asked staring at her friends.
Korsak's phone suddenly rang, "Yeah, yeah, on our way."
Jane looked up at her friend, "What?"
"We've been called back in." Korsak told her as he put his phone away, "People are freaking out. We have some rioters at the college campuses. Everyone is being called back in."
"Let's go." Jane grabbed her jacket and led the way out.
A week later
Still orbiting the planet Mars, a small shuttle flew out from the much larger ship. Heading down to the surface of the planet, the two pilots were discussing the options that they now faced.
"Are you sure that you can fix the power station?"
"Zak, for the 100th time. Yes I am positive, there is actually nothing wrong with the generators on the planet. The batteries are almost totally drained and that is why nothing is working. All I have to do is make this battery compatible with the existing battery terminals. That won't be all too difficult, it's the same kind of power, just a different size. After we have everything hooked in and get the power flowing once again it will just take about a cycle for the oxygen generators to reintroduce oxygen into the base, it will be cold inside, but it will just take a few cycles for the heat to build up in such a large area."
Zak stared at his brother, "Well, if you say so Cain, you know I trust you.
"I know, and I appreciate your confidence in me." Cain looked to his co-pilot, "Now, the question I have for you dear brother, is if you made a decision. Are you going to activate the device?" he asked nervously, this was a big decision that his older brother had to make.
"Yes, I am going to do it." Zak smirked at his brother, "I spent half the night writing a report for the President the Admirals and the council. I also made it clear that as ranking officer, I made the decision to activate it."
"I knew it, I knew that you would do that. So, I wrote my own report and made clear that I supported your decision." Cain smirked, "We are in this together brother, for better or worse, we're in this together."
Zak turned away and stared out into space, "Thank you Cain. Come on, let's land this thing and get to work."
"Yes sir, Captain." Cain eased the stick down and headed towards the Mars base.
It was several days before the people not only in Boston, but around the world, began to calm down from their initial panic. Riots, and fires and general vandalism were running rampant for the first couple of days. Boston police supplemented by National Guard troops kept the lid on Boston and kept the damage to a minimum. However, everyone was kept busy.
It was nearly two weeks before Jane or Maura had made it back to their homes. Jane and her squad were following up on the many suicides that occurred during the first couple of days. People feeling that the end of the world had arrived and had taken their own lives. Maura was inundated with bodies that needed autopsies.
Finally after three weeks, life was beginning to return to some normalcy. After three months, it was almost as if it had never happened.
The ship that had entered the Earth's solar system was still orbiting Mars. They had not made one threatening move, and seemed content to just orbit the little red planet.
So for now at least, life returned to normal on Earth. But, not for everyone.
Both Spencer Reid and Jennifer Jareau both hurried down the corridors of the FBI building in Quantico Virginia, heading to the briefing room. It was still just days after the alien ship had entered the solar system. The last few days were just a blur for the two special agents, as they ran from meeting to meeting getting briefings, giving briefings and generally trying to just keep up with everything.
"Reid, JJ…" Aaron Hotchner, nodded to his two youngest agents, "You're just in time, Strauss is going to be here any minute now to give us a new assignment."
Reid took his chair and looked up, "Anything to do with the ship?"
"I don't know." Hotch admitted, "With all the insanity of the last three days, I don't want to speculate."
The doors opened again and Erin Strauss, head of the BAU entered quickly, Penelope Garcia hurrying behind her with her arms full of files.
"Good morning everyone, I'm glad to see everyone is here." Strauss began as Garcia put the files on the table.
"As you all know, with the alien ship entering our solar system things have changed on all fronts. I won't go into detail now, but expect some mind blowing changes to come. There will be more briefings on that in the next few days. However, we have been given a new assignment. All of your other cases have been farmed out to other BAU teams. This takes top priority; you will be working on this and nothing else until further notice."
Rossi looked up surprised, "What is this new assignment?"
"We are being tasked by the director to try and profile the aliens. What we need to know now, is what do we believe will be these aliens' next moves. Will they come here to earth, what will their objectives be, are they hostile, and are they friendly? I don't have to tell you how important these questions are right now. The events that are unfolding even as we speak are monumental. I know the task will be difficult if not nearly impossible, since they are an alien species. But, our best guess is the only thing that we have right now. So, we need you to do your best, even if it is just speculation, we want to know. Garcia has everything that we have right now, down to the latest satellite photographs of the ship." Erin looked at her watch, "I'm sorry, I have to go to another meeting with the director and some of the other agencies. Get started."
Strauss hurried out of the room and left the BAU team staring at each other.
Morgan pointed his thumb behind him, "Did she really just say that she wants us to profile aliens?"
Prentiss snorted, "I never thought I'd live to hear that." She admitted
Rossi shrugged, "Erin's right though. All we have right now is speculation, and that is better than being completely in the dark."
"I don't believe that I'm about to say this." Hotch admitted and turned to the youngest profiler, "Reid, tell us everything that you know about extra-terrestrials."
Spencer smiled.
Chapter 1
One year later
Boston Massachusetts
One year later, the alien ship was still orbiting Mars. Repeated attempts to make contact with the ship had gone ignored. It seemed that the occupants of that ship did not want to communicate with the Earth. Even with the knowledge that there was an alien ship in their solar system, life on Earth was normal. Even the local and international news had mostly stopped reporting about it. No one wanted to hear that the ship had made another rotation around Mars. The only papers that still carried the news weekly were the tabloids. Every week different tabloids spoke about alien pregnancies and plots by aliens to overthrow the government. But, since this was nothing new from the tabloids, they had after all been talking about alien invasions and pregnancies for years before the aliens showed up. It was largely ignored.
The big news in Boston that morning was that spring weather had finally arrived in bean town!
It was a warm Sunday afternoon that April in Boston. The trees were now starting to turn green with new life; flowers were blooming in the gardens. After such a harsh and long winter, the residents of Boston were just happy that they could enjoy the first truly beautiful day of spring.
To Maura Isles, MD, it was a perfect day. The temperature was mild and comfortable; the sun was in the sky and shining. Even her best friend, Jane Rizzoli was enjoying the day, both women were sporting their new sunglasses as they were walking down the street, after parking Maura's car in a lot. They made their way towards a coffee house, to meet with Angela Rizzoli.
Jane sidestepped a teen skateboarding down the street and turned to her best friend.
"I wonder what Ma wants?" Jane began suspiciously, knowing how her mother operated
Maura cracked a smile, "Jane, why does your mother have to be "up to something"? Why can't she just want our company?"
"Thirty two years of experience." Jane huffed
Maura stared at her friend who still had that look of suspicion on her face.
Maura chuckled at the sight of her best friends face, "Oh Jane! It's a beautiful day! The first one we've had since November."
Suddenly Jane smiled, "You're right Maura. It is a beautiful day. What do you say we grab Ma and take her to lunch?" Jane asked her friend, "I mean, the divorce is final in a few weeks. I'm sure that she could use some distraction." Jane began to look around, "I think that new Thai place that we've wanted to try is just down the street."
"That is a marvelous idea, Jane." Maura said proud of her friend, "Is this the place?" she asked
Jane looked up at the sign, "Yup, this is it. Come on, let's grab her and go to lunch, I'm starving!" Jane stated as she held the door open for Maura.
Maura shook her head as she made her way inside. Coming in from the bright and sunny day. The interior of the coffee bar was almost dark by comparison. The two women paused for a moment in the doorway to allow their eyes to adjust to the lighting inside the coffee house.
"Jane, Maura!" Angela waved to her girls "Over here!"
"We see you Ma, no need to yell." Jane called back, as the two women made their way to the booth.
"Hey Ma." Jane kissed her mother's cheek and sat down.
"Angela." Maura smiled pleasantly as she also took a seat.
Angela motioned out the window, "Isn't it a magnificent day!" she began, "Thank God, winter is finally over with!"
"Amen to that Ma." Jane shook her head, "If I had to dig my car out of the snow one more time. I'd of shot somebody."
Maura shook her head in disapproval, but knew that Jane was just joking.
"Angela, Jane suggested that we all go to lunch today." Maura began brightly
"Yeah Ma, grab your stuff and let's go." Jane made to stand up
"Oh!" Angela grabbed Jane's arm, "Let's eat right here. The food is quite good here. I've eaten here before." Angela explained to Maura, "They make a wonderful Cobb salad." she said just a shade too quickly
"I knew it!" Jane said accusingly, her radar was now up and running again, "I told you Maura!"
Maura was staring at the two Rizzoli women confused, "Told me what Jane?"
Jane motioned wildly around, "This whole thing, it's a set up." Jane whirled on her mother, "Oh no. Tell me you did not set me up with another man."
Angela smiled at her daughter winningly, "Of course not honey, I would never set you two girls up."
"Girls? As in both of us!" Jane was now shocked, it was one thing to set her up with bad dates. But now, it seemed that Angela was taking it to a whole new level and including Maura as well!
Maura was shocked, "Angela, I'm not sure that setting us up with dates…"
"I didn't set you girls up." Angela repeated a bit more sternly, "But, I did happen to meet two very handsome and eligible men. They're brothers actually."
Jane stared daggers at her mother, "If the next words out of your mouth are the Buttelli brothers. I might have to kill you Ma." Jane warned
Angela winced, "Jane, you are my daughter and I love you. I would never, in a million years set up a date for you and one of those dolts. These two gentlemen are really very sweet and they are both quite intelligent."
Maura smiled, well that didn't sound too bad.
Jane noted her friends smile, "No, don't fall for it Maura!" She turned back to her mother, "Okay Ma, do these guys have jobs, criminal records…"
"Jane!" Angela actually looked offended at such an idea, "When have I ever…"
"Bruno Tattagelia, Vincent O'Malley…"
"Okay." Angela conceded, "So, I may have misjudged a couple of men. Not these two, they're science fiction writers. They just had their book published about six months ago. It went straight to number one on the times book list and hasn't budged since."
Maura suddenly smiled, "Cain and Zak Adama?"
Angela beamed, "Yes, you've heard of them?"
Jane turned to her friend shocked, "You actually have heard of these guys?" she asked suspiciously
Maura nodded enthusiastically, "Oh yes. I've read their book, 'the Twelve Colonies', and although I'm not usually one for science fiction. Their book was actually very, very good. Even the science that they used, well obviously it is theoretical and not in current use. The theories are sound and do have a basis in actual science."
Angela smiled and leaned forward excitedly, "I loved it too!" Angela grabbed Maura's hands, "The characters are so vivid and three dimensional. I almost believe that they actually exist!"
Maura had to agree, "Many parts of the book actually made me cry." she admitted
Angela nodded, "When the colonies fell." She actually sniffed
Maura covered her mouth, "And little Boxey lost his daggit."
Jane was staring at the two women as if they had lost their minds.
"What the hell are you two talking about?" she demanded
Maura wiped her eyes quickly with a napkin, "I'll lend you my copy of the book, Jane." she promised, "The story is much too complicated, and you wouldn't understand it all."
Maura saw the look in Jane's eyes, "I don't mean to say that it is too difficult for you to understand. I mean that the plot is very intricate with a lot of characters, each with their own feelings and agendas. It would be impossible to tell you everything, it would take hours of explaining for me to tell you just the beginning of it, and, it really wouldn't do the book any justice at all. It would be much easier for you to just read the book." she quickly added.
"Better." Jane smiled at her friend, "I'll take a crack at it." Jane was willing to try something new, "Science fiction isn't really my cup of tea. But, the way you are both raving about it." Jane shrugged
Maura leaned forward, "How did you meet Cain and Zak?" she asked anxiously
Angela turned to Maura, "Well, about eight months ago, I think it was. I came in here after meeting with my lawyer about the divorce. I was kinda down a bit." Angela admitted.
Jane looked up surprised, "Ma? Why didn't you call me? I'd of come, and just listened."
Jane didn't like it that her mother had to suffer alone. Angela had always taken care of Jane, well, when Jane allowed it, that is to say. Now it was Jane's turn to look out for her mother.
Angela smiled and patted Jane's hands gently, "This is right after both you and Frankie were shot. You were still recovering, honey. There is nothing that you could have done to help me. Anyway…" Angela shook her head, "As I was saying. I came in here for a cup of coffee. I noticed Cain and Zak right away." Angela smiled at the two women and winked, "As I said, they are very handsome. And, I am still a woman. Well, they were arguing, something to do with the book. It lasted about ten minutes, and then they agreed to leave it for the next book." Angela turned to Maura, "Which, by the way, they have now finished; it's the continuation of the twelve colonies!"
Maura smiled excitedly, "I can't wait to read it!"
"So, as I was saying." Angela continued, "I guess they noticed that I was depressed, and crying a bit. You know, the divorce, both you and Frankie in the hospital. I had almost lost the both of you, so I wasn't in the best of moods. I was feeling very overwhelmed." Angela admitted, "That is when Zak came over to me and asked if I was okay."
Jane swallowed the lump in her own throat; Jane didn't like it when her mother cried. Reaching out, Jane took her mother's hand. Angela smiled.
"That was nice of him." Jane had to admit.
"They are both very nice." Angela told Jane, "They joined me at this very table. They told me jokes, told me about their book. It took my mind off of things, you know. For just a little while, I could think of something other than the divorce, or that I had almost lost both you and Frankie. It was such a relief, by the time that I left to visit you guys at the hospital. I was actually happy. After that, I'd come in at least once a week. Every single time, they stopped what they were doing and just spent time with me. I've told them all about you two. They are very excited to meet you both."
Jane smiled, glad that there were still people in Boston who went out of their way to help a stranger. Jane sighed; she knew that she couldn't get out of this one.
"Okay Ma, I can't speak for Maura. But, I'm in." Jane dropped her head
Angela clapped her hands happily and looked to Maura expectantly
It was an easy decision for Maura as well. It was obvious from reading their book, that both men were extremely intelligent. The kindness that they had shown to Angela, spoke as to what kind of men they were. Besides, Maura had come to see Angela as a surrogate mother. Maura could not in good conscious say no.
"Of course we will go out with them." Maura smiled
"That's wonderful girls!" Angela beamed at them, "Now, Cain is, I think your type Maura. He is very smart, very much into science, always reading articles in fancy science magazines. Jane, I am almost certain that Zak is the man for you. Zak is also very smart, but he is also very much into sports and I think he has the kind of temperament that will appeal to you. Of the two Zak is the more artistic one."
"Right" Jane was still a bit hesitant, experience had taught her to be leery of her mother's choices in men, "So when is the date, when do we meet them?"
The bell at the entrance of the coffee house rang out. Angela looked up and smiled.
"Right now." She told them both
"NOW?" Jane's mouth opened wide as she turned to the doors.
"Oh my." Maura smiled as she spotted the two men walking towards them.
Both men stood at just over six feet, and, so they seemed to Maura, about the same age. They might be twins, non-fraternal twins that is to say. The first man had dark black hair with blue eyes, he was trim and fit. His skin was tan and he had a very appealing face and his body, well that spoke for itself. The other man, while the same height as his brother, had brown hair and blue eyes. Like his brother he was handsome, fit and trim, he was more slender than his brother and not as muscular, but definitely had a toned body. Just the type of man that Maura was taken by.
"Please be Cain, please be Cain." Maura suddenly hoped
Jane also stared at the two men, and suddenly she became self-conscious. Jane wasn't ready for this!
"Damnit!" She thought to herself, "I'm not even dressed for this!"
Jane suddenly locked eyes with the man with the black hair, and Jane felt her heart do a little flip.
"Please be Zak, please be Zak." Jane thought silently to herself, which was a first that had ever happened when her mother set her up with a man. There was just something about him. Perhaps it was the look in his eyes, confident, yet there was also mirth in them and kindness.
Jane knew that she was being ridiculous, but there it was. If Jane had to go out with one of these men. Jane hoped it was the one with the dark hair.
The two men reached the table.
"Hi Angela." The dark haired man leaned down and kissed her cheek, "You are looking wonderful today."
"Angela. Lovely to see you again." The brown haired man kissed Angela's cheek as well.
"Zak, Cain, thank you for the compliments." Angela felt giddy; being kissed by two handsome men did that to a girl.
Angela made the introductions, "Zak…" Angela motioned to the dark haired man
"SCORE!" Jane thought suddenly to herself, a silly grin plastered on her face.
"This is my daughter, Jane. And, Cain, this is her best friend, who might as well be my daughter, Maura Isles."
Zak turned to Jane, "A very great pleasure to meet you, Jane. Your mother has told us a lot about you." He shook Jane's hand.
"It's nice to meet you as well, Zak."
"Maura, an honor to meet you. I'm Cain; you are as beautiful as Angela has told us."
Maura smiled demurely as she took the offered hand, "I like the name Cain, it does seem to suit you well."
"Nice to meet you Maura." Zak held out a hand
"Jane, a pleasure." Cain shook hands with Jane.
"Well my work is done here." Angela stood up, "Sit boys, and get to know my girls."
Jane was surprised, "You're not joining us Ma?" she asked confused
Angela laughed, "On your lunch date? No, honey." Angela waved out the window, "I have my own date to get to, don't wait up girls."
Jane looked out the window and saw Korsak standing outside.
Korsak looked into the window and spotted Jane. "Oh oh, I'm in for it on Monday." he thought to himself as he lamely waved to Jane.
"Really Ma! Korsak of all people!" Jane was shocked
"What?" Angela defended, "He's a good, decent man. And, it's only lunch."
Jane shook her head as she watched her mother walk outside and meet with her ex-partner.
"You know him?" Zak asked as he watched the older couple leave.
Jane nodded, still in shock, "Yeah, he's my ex-partner, soon to be dead ex-partner." Shaking her head, Jane turned her attention back to the two men.
Cain stared at the couple and shrugged, "Well, can we get you ladies some coffee?"
With coffee served, Jane felt a bit more relaxed. It had been awhile since she'd been on a date. Her last one, one her mother had chosen for her, had not gone well at all. It had ended with Jane having to show her date her gun... again. Jane had ended up at Maura's, which, unfortunately, was the norm for how her dates had gone lately. That had been three months ago.
"So…" Jane smiled at the two men, "Ma says that you're writers?"
"Very good writers." Maura agreed, "I read your book, it was very good. I enjoyed it immensely."
"Thank you." Zak smiled at Maura and then turned his attention to Jane, "Yes, I don't think that the book would have worked, if only one of us had written it. Cain is great with the science part of the story, me, I'm better with the characters and with emotions. The plot, we both came up with it."
Maura stared at Cain, "Angela tells us that you've finished the second book already!"
"Yes." Cain agreed, "The publisher has it and it should be published in another couple of months."
"What's the name of it?" Jane asked curiously.
"Battlestar Galactica." Zak told Jane
"Cool title." Jane admitted, "I haven't read the first one, yet!" Jane laughed and blushed
The others laughed as well.
Maura sat up, "I did however promise to lend her my copy, so that she can read it for herself."
Zak put his empty cup down on the table, "I'll tell you what, we have a few extra copies in the trunk of the car. They are some of the author's copies that the publishers gave us to give as gifts. You can have one of those, if you'd like."
Jane nodded, and suddenly feeling bold, "Maybe you guys can sign the book for me as well." she added
"It would be my pleasure, Jane." Zak smiled
"OH!" Maura smiled, "Can I have one too?"
"Of course Maura." Cain nodded and looked to the two ladies, "Would you like to join us for lunch?" he asked
"Yes, there is this new Thai place not too far away." Zak added, "I've read some really good reviews about it."
"Phan's?" Jane was pleasantly surprised, "That is where we were going to go eat. Before we found out that we had a date that is to say." she laughed.
Lunch was quickly agreed upon, and they decided, since it was such a beautiful day. Plus, the restaurant was only five blocks away. That they would walk to the restaurant.
As they walked down the street, Jane walked beside Zak and were just a few paces ahead of Maura and Cain.
"Let me guess." Jane began, "You are the older brother?"
Zak smiled and nodded, "Yes, I'm a year and a half older. How did you know?"
Jane shrugged, "I don't know, maybe because I'm the oldest in my family. Are you the oldest?"
"I'm not the oldest." Zak admitted, "I have an older brother, Troy. He's about fourteen years older than I am. As well as two younger sisters, Diana and Cassiopeia."
Jane nodded approvingly, "Big family, do you all live in Boston?"
"No." Zak admitted, "Cain and I are transplants here, we've been in Boston about a year now. Originally we are from Moosejaw, a tiny little town in the wilds of Canada."
Jane laughed openly, "Really? Moosejaw?"
Zak laughed as well; Jane decided she liked the way it sounded.
"Yes, it's a small town near the Canadian border. It's not even on most maps!"
"So what bought you guys down here to Boston?"
Zak shrugged as they continued down the street, "Well, Moosejaw is a nice place, but, it was just too confining. There we had our lives all set in the family business. We wanted more from our lives." Zak explained, "So, Cain and I decided to strike out on our own. Come down here to the states and try to write our books."
"That took guts." Jane was impressed by the brothers, "It couldn't have been easy to leave your family like that." Even though her mother drove her crazy, Jane couldn't imagine what it would be like to not see her mother. Much less than to move far away from her.
Zak nodded as he looked into the sky, "It was the hardest thing I ever had to do, but I had no choice. I couldn't stay there, although, it is just a fluke that Cain and I wound up here in Boston. We met some nice people here, and then we just kinda fell for the place."
Cain and Maura were pretty much having the same conversation behind the other couple.
"We really didn't have a definite destination in mind, when we set out." Cain explained, "Our grandfather William used to say, when you find a place you're comfortable in, stay there." Cain shrugged as they crossed another street, "We found that we liked it here in Boston and decided to take grandfather's advice."
Maura liked this man more and more, "That was very courageous of the both of you. To strike out on your own the way that you did. You both must be very pleased that you have succeeded in your chosen profession."
Cain shrugged, "I don't know about that, our success has been a bit overwhelming. We never thought that our book would have the impact that it has had. But tell me a bit about yourself. Angela said that you are the chief medical examiner for Boston?"
"Yes I am." Maura admitted, hoping that Cain didn't have the same problem with her profession as did some of the previous men she'd known.
"That is quite the accomplishment." Cain smiled at Maura, which made Maura just a touch weak inside, "Such an important position, and at such a young age." Cain stared at Maura, "You must be very skilled at your job."
Maura could feel herself blush, "I don't know if I'm that good..." She said modestly, which was most definitely not like Maura. Who, was usually the first to point out how good she was to anyone who asked.
"I disagree." Cain shook his head vigorously, "You, Maura, give voice to the people who can no longer speak for themselves. You help them find justice, perhaps even bring them a bit of peace. For the victim and their family both. I'd say that is quite important, and a job that requires exceptional skills."
Maura was sure that her face was beet red and very unattractive at this moment. The expression on Cain's face also told Maura that he was sincere with his kind words.
"Thank you Cain." Maura smiled, "Not many people that I have met, feel that way. Well, except for Jane and the other detectives."
"That is because you are not hanging around the right people." Cain laughed.
"We're here." Zak announced as he held open the doors to the restaurant.
Needless to say, everyone had a wonderful lunch.
Two hours later, the two couples were now back at the same parking lot. Zak and Cain signed copies of their book and presented them to the ladies.
"I hope you enjoy it, Jane." Zak said sincerely
Jane held up the thick book, "I'm sure that I will."
There was an awkward silence, no one wanted this day to end so quickly.
Suddenly, Zak was struck with inspiration.
"Jane, Maura, Cain and I need you to settle a little disagreement we've been having." he began
"What disagreement?" Cain asked confused
He grunted as Zak dug his elbow into his stomach.
"Just like me and Frankie." Jane thought amused by the sight, "Ma was right. Damn, now I have to do something nice for her."
Aloud Jane looked to Maura, "Well, if we can."
Zak reached into his back pocket and pulled out two tickets, "I bought two tickets, behind the Red Sox dugout for tonight's opening game against the Yankees."
Jane smiled widely as she saw the tickets.
Cain suddenly smiled, realizing what Zak was saying, and he dug into his back pocket as well.
"I, on the other hand, bought two tickets for tonight's performance of Gilbert and Sullivan's 'Pirates of Penzance'. Now, Zak is not really a Gilbert and Sullivan fan."
Now it was Maura's turn to smile widely.
"Cain doesn't really like baseball." Zak smiled at Jane, "Would you mind terribly, Jane. If I asked you to put up with one night of baseball, so that I don't have to fight with my brother, or go to the opera?"
Cain stared at Maura, "I'm just not in the mood to argue with Zak today. Would you accompany me to the opera, Maura?"
Jane and Maura looked to each other. After a moment of silent communication they both nodded.
"Well, if it will avoid a fight between the two of you." Jane smiled excitedly, both anxious to go to the Sox season opener. As well as spend more time, in private, with Zak.
"Yes." Maura agreed wholeheartedly, "Jane and I would hate to have the knowledge that we allowed siblings to argue."
"That's great!" Zak said excitedly, "The game starts at six; maybe we can go for a late dinner afterwards? Nothing fancy, I know this great little diner not too far from the stadium."
"Jackson's? Sounds nice." Jane was glad that she wouldn't have to dress fancy for dinner. "Let me give you my address." Jane pulled out her card and wrote on the back of it.
Maura was in the process of doing the same and giving it to Cain.
Minutes later they were in their respective cars. Jane and Maura knew that they had to hurry and get ready for the second part of their dates.
As they drove away, Jane suddenly realized.
"Hey, Maur, we need to make a quick stop at the drug store."
Maura stared at her friend confused, "Jane we really don't have time to shop. Especially you, Zak is picking you up in four hours!" Maura turned to her friend, "What could possibly be so important that you have to go now?"
Jane smiled at her friend, "I'm out of shaving gel, and I have to shave my legs."
Smiling, Maura turned to her friend, "Well, that is very important. We'll stop at the drug store by your apartment."