Disclaimer: see chapter one
Chapter Two
0700 hours
Southern Beach, Tracy Island.
Jeff lived for mornings like this one. The sun was shining, the birds were singing, and there wasn't a cloud in the sky. His early morning report from John had shown that there was absolutely nothing to worry about, and the few business documents he had to look over had already been read and summarised for him by Scott. Not surprising, since they were coming from the aeronautical division, and Scott had worked his way up the ranks to become Head of Department. All Jeff had to do was read the summaries, devise a cost-benefit analysis on each project and sign off on the projects he deemed were worth investing in.
Still, plenty of time in the day for that. Right now, he was going to enjoy his leisurely stroll along the beach, with waves lapping at his ankles. The wind breezed through his grey hair, and Jeff knew that all was right in his world.
A little further up the beach, he saw a lump on the sand. It struck him as odd; there had never been seaweed bundles on the Southern Beach; they usually ended up nearer the cove, which was on the other side of the island.
A second glance told him that it was, in fact, a person, not a seaweed bundle. Jeff picked up the pace and scurried over towards the person, paging Scott while he moved. Jeff knew that Scott ran on the beaches early in the morning, and he was hoping to catch Scott for some assistance.
The sand squeaked as Jeff knelt down beside the unconscious person.
Uh oh. This is not good. Not good at all. Look at her, she's slightly dehydrated. I wonder how long she's been out here. Scott, hurry the hell up and get here. She needs to be in Sick Bay. Now!
The unconscious person stirred as Jeff shook her shoulder. She let out a pitiful groan before her emerald green snapped open and she squinted up at Jeff.
"Ma'am," Jeff began uncertainly. Where the hell was Scott? Jeff hadn't had to deal with a semi-conscious, mildly attractive woman in her twenties in a long time. Not since Lucille… Jeff pushed the thoughts and the memories away, unwilling to let them overwhelm him at such a crucial time. "Can you hear me?"
The woman nodded, hair matted with sand granules that shone in the sun.
"What happened to you?"
There was a blank look on her face, no comprehension of her situation whatsoever. "I don't know."
That may have been a tricky question to start with, Jeff conceded. It was time to move to something easier.
"What's your name?"
Another blank stare. She stared helplessly into Jeff's grey eyes. "I don't know."
Yep, Jeff's initial assessment of the situation was right; this was not good at all.
"C'mon, let's get you out of here," Jeff muttered, holding out a hand to her. Scott hadn't turned up, and it was better that they headed to Sick Bay as soon as possible. With any luck, Scott would meet them halfway there and be able to lend a hand. "Do you think you can stand?"
"I…I can try."
She wavered on her feet for a grand total of two milliseconds before fainting dramatically into Jeff's lax arms.
Great, Jeff groused internally, this is great. Not only do I have to read summaries, draw up cost-benefit analysis for various innovations, I also have to carry a half conscious woman back to my home. What's the point of having five personal slaves if they won't help out when needed?
The scent of vanilla, chocolate and apple pie wafted over on the breeze, emanating from the woman in his arms, soothing his temper and lowering his sky-high blood pressure.
So his day had taken an unfavourable turn, but it wasn't a total loss. Still, nose to the grindstone, wheels to turn, and all that jazz he had to get on with. Another glance down at the woman cradled in his arms.
He had an unusual, uneasy feeling about this one.
