1st March 2013 Friday

Day 60

Welcome to the new month, lots of surprises in this one, so let's kick it off.

Congrats to DragonFlyer9 for winning the January image cover, thanks to the helpful assistance from my art associate, my sister. The winner for the February cover will be announced about half way through March. Don't forget your entries!

Disclaimer: Warning (can I make that big and red? No, ok just picture it then), this is for home reading only. The definition of home use includes the use of this story at locations such as coaches, hospitals, hotels and schools and excludes the use in locations such as clubs, oil rigs and prisons.

Jenny activated the ships floatation device on the ship, cautiously and professionally landing the craft on the surface of the water. She left the pilot seat, her boots echoing through the empty room.

She opened the door of the hatch, revealing the new planet she had landed on and the breathtaking scenery it held. There, on the jetty, stood the one person that Jenny was looking for.

"Can I help you with your bags?" the clone offered, taking the wheelie bags from the guest. "We're really looking forward to having you."

"Me too," Bream commented as she followed the engineer in to the ship. "I really hope Dex approves. Have you told Tung yet?"

"Not yet," Jenny pressed a few buttons and the ship hummed to life once again. "But he'll be in for a big surprise."

As all the tiny stars sped across the sky in front of Bream, she could feel her stomach twist in to a knot with every light-year that pulled them closer to Earth.

"I don't think I can do this," she blurted out, her knuckles turning white as she gripped the seatbelt tighter. "Why would Dex ask me to be a part of his team anyway? There are absolutely no gaps in his crew that I can fill, and his budget can't even afford a new member."

"Of course you can do this," Jenny comforted, stealing quick glances to the nervous girl as she piloted through space. "You are smart, talented, and with a new species of alien on board, we get a bonus check which pretty much goes straight to you."

"Bream giggled at her words. "But…will I be coming on field missions?"

"Absolutely, we need your quick thinking and creative tactics to lure, distract and capture insects," from the corner of her eye, Jenny could see that the marine girl was still slightly tense. "Just relax, and you'll be fine."

The two shared a…semi-uncomfortable ship ride back down to Earth. The craft lowered itself carefully through the gateway and entered the garage unit where Zap was waiting. He entered the hatch of the ship and dragged Bream's bags out with ease.

"Is it just me," Bream whispered to Jenny as they followed the pilot out. "Or is he looking stronger, and…happier?"

"Hmm," Jenny hummed in pretend thought as she stared at the back of his head. "I guess it's just you."

The three entered the control room where the rest of the team was waiting; however, Dex and Jane appeared to notice their new guest before Tung did as his back was turned away; his face indulging in a strawberry sludge cake.

"Yo dude, seriously you need to try this," he commented through a mouth full of frosting. "It's my own secret recipe-" he turned to the door, where his eyes fell on Zap, Jenny…and Bream

Wait, Bream?

"Tung, please close your mouth when you eat," little did the tracker realise his jaw was slowly opening, revealing to everyone the pink cream inside. He closed it suddenly, swallowing it and the lump in his throat as quickly as he could.

"Bream?" Tung blurted loudly towards the two girls that strolled in to the room. He ran over to her, wrapping his arms around her legs in a hug, considering his short height. He separated from her, smiling a huge grin. "What are you doing here?"

"She's now one of us Tung," Dex announced behind the tracker, the rest of the team watching the scene. "Meet our new team member."

I was supposed to start this month with a multichapter, but that is tomorrow. Tell me what you think, and welcome to the new month! R&R!