AUTHOR'S NOTE: This chapter contains sexual content of a lesbian nature. Be responsible for what you read!!!
Many, may, endless, heartfelt thanks for the great reviews. Most especially to Impervious to Heartbreak, your latest comment helped me overcome writer's block.
To all my fans, thank you.
I couldn't write without all of you.
The Distant Days of Uranus
Part 3: Problems solved
The following day…
The ringing of a phone pulled Haruka from sleep; she rolled over and blindly searched for her cell. It kept ringing. She found it and pulled it up to her ear; trying not to wake up.
"Sorry to wake you."
Haruka jolted to awareness; her heart pounding. "Sky, what's up?" Sitting up in bed, she was alone and found that strange. The house felt oddly empty; no one was here.
"Yesterday, when you were driving, did you notice any kind of pulling to the left or right? Did the car lag on the turns? Anything of that sort?"
Haruka frowned and rubbed a hand over her face, "Ummm…"
Sky laughed, "Why don't you wake up first and then call me back."
"That sounds like a good idea." Haruka sat on the edge of her bed; staring at the floor; she had to think for a moment before she put the pieces together. Rising from the bed she crossed the hall to the bathroom and had a shower.
Haruka managed to dress and make it to the kitchen. She sat at the table; the morning paper was resting on the edge of it. She absently picked up. Her attention was caught by the picture of herself. The headline was in big letters.
After reading the story, Haruka put the paper aside and stood up. She left the house and headed to her car. Her cell phone rang again. "I am on my way?"
"Where are you going?" It wasn't Sky.
Haruka stopped in her tracks, "Rei?"
"I had a hunch I should call. I saw Michiru and Hotaru this morning at the museum. They seemed off; is everything alright?"
"Yeah, what were you doing at the museum?"
"Ami and I were checking out the pottery display."
Haruka vaguely recalled the display, "And they seemed off?"
"Yeah, really down. I was hoping everything was okay with you guys."
Haruka got into her car and sat in the seat as she considered. "It's fine. There's just a lot of confusion right now."
"About what? Usagi said she saw you out with someone yesterday."
Rei hadn't been there and Haruka hadn't even noticed. "It's a business thing; about racing."
"Oh good! So you are getting back into that."
Haruka frowned, "What else would I be doing?"
Rei was quiet, "I don't know, Hotaru seemed really upset."
"Yeah, well she's going through hormones and all that. Teenager stuff."
"I guess." Rei was quiet for a long time. "Well anyway, I just wanted to make sure." Rei hung up and left Haruka frustrated and confused. Everyone seemed to be taking too big an interest in this whole thing.
Her cell phone went off again. "Someone I actually want to talk to."
Sky chuckled, "Do you mind stopping by the house? I am working from home today."
"Sure, be there soon."
"The door will be unlocked, just come."
Haruka arrived at Sky's house and sure enough the front door was unlocked. She went in and shut it; she heard a soft pop as the lock snapped into place. The place was just as Haruka remembered it; only it was brighter and seemed larger. Sunlight poured in from the upstairs; filling the whole house with pure, warm light.
"Sky?"
"Upstairs, come up." Sky's voice filtered down to her.
Haruka made her way up the spiral staircase. She hadn't been prepared for what she saw. The huge area was totally open and all the walls were windows. Pale oak flooring spilled across the space. In the corner with the most light; a huge drafting desk and a state-of-the art computer system with multiple screens and images flashing across them. A second desk, about the size of a small island, was filled with papers and file folders. Sky was hunched over the desk; furiously writing. She wore a black t-shirt and hair was tied back in a ponytail. Her left hand was holding her head up; she had a frustrated look on her face.
Haruka continued to look around. Off to the right of the stairs was a sitting area with a couch and arm chairs. A black glass table was decorated with a vase of white and red flowers; they were a local species. There was a small kitchen off in the corner; the light filled the space with a welcoming feel.
It took Haruka a moment to hear the low volume of rock music filling the space. It seemed to come from every wall. Surround sound had the music everywhere in the upstairs.
"Oh hey," Sky noticed her guest, "I am sorry, I was distracted."
Haruka turned her focus back to the woman. Sky stood up from her desk and was in black jeans and bare feet. She was tense and seemed distracted. Haruka was on edge and wondered what was wrong.
"Has something happened?"
Sky sighed, "Do you want anything? Tea?"
"I'm fine. What's happened?"
Sky crossed to the computer and sat down in a heavy motion. "I got a call at three this morning; one of the technitions said that the readings were off. The second car, the one you drove, kept showing the same reading on turn four of the track."
Haruka came over as Sky brought up an 3-d computer image of the track. It filled on screen. On another she brought up the specs from the car. She hit a button and numbers and formulas started flying across the screen.
"See it?" Sky asked, her tone frustrated.
"My speed reading skills aren't as good as yours." Haruka admitted dryly.
Sky laughed roughly, "Sorry, I am used to the code." A few key taps later and the code was readable. "See it now?"
Haruka studied it; it took her a few minutes to remember all her codes and sciences. "I am a driver, not an engineer; but what I see here is that the computer keeps flashing on the number four turn. There is something about that turn. It's sending a warning through the car."
"Exactly," Sky stopped the flow of code and motioned to the 3-D image of the track. She tapped the screen and turn four came to the full screen. There were lines of math calculations springing up on the screen.
"The dip and traction on the turn; the drag and friction ratios are normal. This is like what you would findany where. Miami has the same turn; Montreal has two of them, Toronto, Paris…you get the idea."
Haruka nodded, "I remember the circuit. All the tracks, the world over have the same turn. It's a regulation turn, if I am correct."
Sky nodded, "That's just it. We tested the car in Brazil and in Seattle. There is no reason for this reading."
"What about weather conditions, road wear?"
Sky rolled her chair to the opposite end of the desk, she came back with a fist full of printed pages. "I have all that. None of the math makes sense." Sky stood up and headed to the drafting table. Haruka followed.
The table was lit from underneath; allowing for a clear view of the work. It was a blueprint of the car; from the nuts and bolts that held it together to the completed product. Sky had designed everything, from the shape of the screw head used to hold the car together, to the graphic design on the body and the shape of the car.
Haruka took a few minutes to study the design. It was cutting-edge, far advanced of anything on the track. She may not race professionally but she read the magazines and news articles.
"This is a new kind of car."
"Yeah, you could call it the super-car of the future for racing." Sky sighed and sat down on the stool near the table. "I have been over everything. I just don't see it. I need fresh eyes. Ones that haven't seen everything since the idea popped in my head, three years ago. Look at it, tell me what you see."
Haruka frowned, "But I am not an engineer."
"I don't care. I need fresh eyes on this. You're all I have."
"What happened to the design team?"
Sky shook her head, "This is my car, my design. My everything. The team has been over it and can't find anything. But there is something wrong. The warning shouldn't be occurring. I have gone over data from the last year of testing; we haven't fixed it. Whatever is causing the problem is something we haven't tweaked yet."
Haruka stared at the woman; really looked at her. Sky's face was shadowed; her eyes were darkened by the dark lack of sleep. Her skin wasn't as healthy looking as normal. Her eyes were narrowed. Her shoulders were hunched; hands tense. Everything about her was exhausted.
It was instinct; Haruka reached out and touched her shoulders. Sky didn't react. Haruka's hands started to rub at the tight, knotted muscles. After several minutes Sky relaxed by a fraction.
"Okay, so talk it out with me." Haruka kept her voice low, gentle. "You said yesterday that you designed everything. Go through it, one at a time. No drawings or computer models. Just talk about the car; think about it."
Sky leaned back against Haruka slightly; her hands slid to the bunched muscles in her neck. Sky rolled her head forward; giving Haruka full access. It took a few minutes but Sky managed to talk.
"The idea for the car came after attending the IRL yearly meeting. They spend four days talking about concept cars; yearly stats, team performances. It's rather dull actually. Deals are made, driver's signed, others retired. You know the drill."
Haruka nodded, "Go on."
"I was sitting at my hotel, watching infomercials and hit me. Why not design a new car? I started with a drawing on hotel notepaper. When I got back to my office in I put it into the computer and worked it out. That was three years ago. Thousands of hours of labor, sweat, and welding; countless test runs. I don't even want to think about the millions of dollars."
Haruka nodded; continuing the message, "You said you designed the new wire coverings; the noise-reduction lining. The gear box is new. The rear spoiler is angled different, cuts down on the drag."
"Yeah."
Sky was beginning to relax more fully. Her breathing was deeper and she slowly unwinding.
"Well, perhaps you should think about the times you drove the car. Was there anything you noticed?"
Sky shook her head, "No, like I said before; I was-" She stopped abruptly and looked up at Haruka,"The wiring."
Bolting from her chair, Sky dove into her seat the computer and typed frantically.
"I used a new chemical mixture in the plastic for the wire-casings. It's possibly that the electrical readings, combined with the heat from the engine and the absorption level of the noise-reduction linings…" She trailed off and was quiet for a long time.
The computer worked on whatever she had put into it. A few moments later the screen flashed an answer. Haruka didn't understand the complex math code; but whatever it is, Sky grinned. Haruka wasn't expecting the passionate kiss that Sky yanked her into. It was all hands and tongues. It was all crazed and wild. Haruka caught herself on the edge of the desk; hands resting on it, keeping herself from collapsing to the floor.
Gently pulling back, she stared into brilliant silver eyes. "What on earth are you doing?"
"I can't help myself, I told you that." Sky whispered huskily. "I warned you not to get too close."
"You grabbed me."
Sky tightened her grip on Haruka's shirt. "Yeah, I did."
Haruka didn't stop herself from being yanked down for another kiss. The sound of clothes ripping; reached her. But she lost her ability to think as warm, strong hands smoothed over her ribcage. Passion that had be been long denied flooded her brain and body; she was lost to it as they fell to the floor. Sky was above her and smiling as she sat back for a moment.
"Why are you stopping?" Haruka asked.
"I just wanted to see your face." Sky told her, gently caressing her hands down either side of Haruka's face. It was the gentlest touch Haruka had felt in a long time. Her insecurities melted as she stared into Sky's brilliant silver eyes. The look in them was unforgettable. It was happy; excited and even a touch nervous.
Haruka reached up and smoothed her hands down Sky's arms. Her fingertips sizzled with energy; Sky was trembling slightly.
"I am here because I want to be." Haruka told her.
"Glad to hear it." Sky whispered, leaning down. Her lips brushing Haruka's in a teasing manner.
The ring of a cell phone made them both stop. It took several long moments for them to focus. Haruka cursed as she reached into her pants pocket. She groaned at the number and Sky rolled away. Haruka grabbed her hand as the cell phone kept ringing. Sky stopped in mid-motion, staring at her with questioning eyes.
Haruka kissed her deeply; letting the phone continue to ring. It took more willpower then Haruka thought she possessed to pull back.
Answering the call, she stared at Sky. Her eyes moved over the woman's body and lingered at certain places. "I am busy at the moment, what's happened?" She didn't keep the annoyance out of her voice.
Sky arched a brow at the tone in Haruka's voice.
Haruka frowned and sat up using one arm. Sky slid off her lap to give her more room. Haruka shook her head, keeping her eyes locked on Sky's.
"You guys can handle this; Usagi has always been high-strung." She sighed and looked away from Sky. "She's asking for me? Why? I am not good at wedding stuff." A frown creased it's way across her mouth. "Damn, okay. I am on my way."
The two women stood up, adjusting the fit of their clothes. Haruka grabbed Sky's hand, pulling her against her body. She let her hands move freely; feeling the strong, slim body under her palms.
Sky's breathing was staggered as she closed her eyes. "Don't, you aren't staying to finish this. I can't promise not to start this over again."
"I want you to," Haruka whispered softly, brushing her lips over Sky's cheek. "I want you to do this and more. I will come back after this is dealt with."
Sky sucked in a deep breath and stepped away. "I am going to the factory. I have to fix this problem. Now I know what it is. Everything I need is there."
Haruka resisted the urge to grab her again. "When can we finish this?"
Sky ran a hand through her hair; some had fallen loose in the wild roll to the floor. She walked to her desk, leaning heavily on it. She started moving papers around and found a thick black leather wrapped book. Haruka came to the desk, but was careful to keep the furniture between them. Her body was consumed by a fire that she hadn't felt in years; it let her feeling weak kneed and totally alive.
"I am booked solid for the next few days. With the university opening coming up I am doing lots of interviews and meetings." Sky sat in her chair and rested her head hands. "Sometimes I wish I was retired too."
"Your nights are booked are they?" Haruka asked.
Sky looked at her, "I wish they weren't. I have dinners with several racing officials. They want me to debut the new car at the Toyota Speed gala. The gala is the night before the university opening.."
"No wonder you're in such a rush to get it right." Haruka mused.
"Any chance you'll be attending the event?" Sky asked hopefully.
"I wasn't invited."
Haruka didn't miss the disappointment in Sky's face; the drop her shoulders. Sadness washed over the senshi as she reached across the desk. Sky looked up at the warm touch on her cheek. Physical hunger chewed through Harkua like a raving beast. She hated to leave; especially considering the look in Sky's eyes.
"Better go," Sky said quietly, "Call me. I can at least have lunch with you."
"Yeah, I would like that."
Sky reached into one of the drawers in her desk and came up holding a white envelope. "Your check from yesterday."
Haruka made a point of touching Sky's fingers with her own as she accepted it.
"before I forget," Sky sat back in her chair; putting space between them again. "The bike will be delivered by tomorrow, sometime in the afternoon. I was hoping to be there; but unless one of my meetings goes short, I won't be able to."
Haurka nodded, "I understand, it's okay." Looking at the envelope, she paused, "Thanks for asking me to drive yesterday."
Sky smiled, it reached her eyes. "Not a problem. You looked great out there."
Haruka's cell phone went off again. She sighed heavily. "I better leave. I'll call you."
"I look forward to it."
Sky stayed her desk as Haruka made her way down the stairs and out the door. She didn't want to get into her car. She didn't want to deal with Usagi's crisis. She wanted to stay and spend the day in bed with Sky.
Instead she backed her car out of the driveway; throwing a glance back at the house she saw Sky looking down. Haruka waved and Sky returned it. Heading down the road was tougher then Haruka wanted to admit.
Arriving at Rei's temple, Haruka sat in her car for several minutes. Trying to shake loose the image of Sky's face; the look of happiness in her face; was a hopeless waste of energy. No one had looked that happy around in her very, very long time. Michiru had never looked that thrilled about making love; except when they were first together. The sense of being wanted, wholly and totally, desired, was missing from their bedroom these days. It was missing from every aspect of their lives.
A cloud of depression settled on Haruka's shoulders as she climbed the steps to the temple. Hands shoved into her pockets; she fingered the envelope. What would happen if she turned around and left? She went back to Sky's place, and continued their fun? Would the world fall apart? Would the future destiny of the others be altered? She wasn't even in the future as far as she knew; it wasn't her job to keep it together.
Haruka found herself standing on one step; half way between the top and bottom of the climb. She hadn't been a senshi in years; she wasn't responsible for Usagi's personal life. She never had been. Not in all the years she'd been with the group. Haruka had made a point to keep her self distant from the inner senshi. It was just easier that way.
Thoughts tumbled around her head. Chaotic and pointless; it left her head aching and her confusion worse.
There was nothing chaotic or confused with Sky; it was simple. It made sense. There was no destiny to fulfill; no quest to embark on. It was just two women strongly attracted to the other. No past lives; no magic…nothing but good-old-fashioned desire.
Haruka turned and headed back down the steps. She was startled at the calm in her self. There was no guilt; no wave of regret; as she walked back to her car. Sliding behind the wheel she dialed Sky's number and waited.
"Hello?" Her voice sounded odd, weak.
Haruka frowned, "What's wrong?"
"Nothing, I just can't stop crying my eyes out. I haven't cried this hard since I was a child."
Something warm and gentle flooded Haruka's senses. "You're crying for me?"
"It would seem that way," Sky sighed heavily into the phone, "Are you there yet?"
"Yes and I am turning around."
Sky was quiet for a long time, "You're turning around?"
Haruka started her car and headed back to where she wanted to be. "Anyway you could clear your schedule for today?"
Paper rustled, "I could hand off my appointments to my assistants, I suppose."
"That's what they are there for, right?"
Sky laughed gently, "I suppose so. But just for today. I am committed tomorrow. I can't skip out on the president of Toyota Speed."
"Understood."
"But I could do my next meeting after that via telephone conference; provided you could keep your hands off me for an hour or two."
Haruka made thinking noises; Sky laughed. "We'll see."
More laughter filled Haruka's head and it made her grin. No one had laughed so much with her in years.
"See you soon."
"Yes, you will."
"Should I put on my leathers?" Sky teased.
"Don't bother; you'll be naked as soon as I get my hands on you."
Sky laughed harder and giggled gently, "I'm keeping you to that."
Haruka returned to Sky's house. The woman she wanted was waiting at the door. True to her word, a trail of clothes followed Haruka and Sky to the bedroom. The door didn't open for the rest of the day.
**
