Steve continued
Chin arrived an hour after speaking to Steve; he had in tow, enough food and water to keep a unit of marines alive in the desert for a month.
"Ok" said Steve "we need to carry this up into the mountains so... the lighter our gear, the better." he said looking at Danny while stuffing clothes into a backpack."I'm hoping that we will not be there longer than is necessary."
"Which way will you be heading? Are you using a trail, or making your own?" Smiled Chin
"We'll use the established trail so far, and then walk along the stream towards the cabin in the trees. I haven't been there for some time now, not since…well a while ago now anyway."
"If you need to contact us we'll have the sat phone, but cell reception is patchy at best so I'll keep in touch regularly and let you know our position. That done, if trouble finds us we may have to alter our plans at short notice, but I will let you know if I can of any changes."
"OK" said Chin, "we have tracking devices in Em's pack and Danny's so if any of you get separated for any reason we'll find you."
"Danny, have you got everything we need in that pack of yours?"
"I do, I even have a deck of cards something to keep Josh entertained… "
"Yeah you are the same intellectual level so it won't be difficult." Steve said smiling
"Em will you manage this?" Steve held a backpack up
"Yeah should be no problem." She said
"Don't forget the weight will seem heavier the longer and harder the trail becomes."
"I'll manage fine" she said
"Ok then its wagons roll, I guess?"
"I have a pack for Josh as well," said Steve "just some lightweight stuff he should be able to manage ok."
"We'll leave by the back entrance in about 20 minutes, and head up towards the cabin. We should be there by sundown."
Chin left after giving Danny a one armed hug, and messing Josh's hair.
"Kono will call you on her return from Sushu's. She's half way up H1 and heading for Pearl. "
"Is she heading this way"?
"No she'll collate the info, and anything new we'll relay directly. Hopefully you won't get to sample a night in the mountains" Chin said looking directly at Em.
They gathered their stuff and left through the rear entrance.
The climb was tough, between the low lying branches Em stumbled several times over buried roots which caught her unaware. Humidity was at a peak, and the sweat poured from both Steve and Danny. Josh walked between Danny and Em and Steve had their six.
Em
Stopping for some water and to get their bearings, Em found a felled tree and perched her bottom on the soggy bark. Josh was taking a drink when Danny advised slow small sips which would quench his thirst and not make him sick.
Water was all around but in common with the ancient Mariner, they were unable to drink a drop of what nature provided so it was necessary to carry bottles. Em rubbed her shoulders
"You sore?" Asked Steve
"I'll be ok" she replied, but continued rubbing her shoulders were marked where the straps on her backpack came in contact with her skin.
"Once we get to the cabin I'll take a look said Steve, he could see a red welt forming above the neckline of her shirt. You seem to have some bites."
"Bites!" she said "I feel like I'm main course."
"You need insect repellent or something with Deet." He said shaking his head.
"I have some tea tree oil I'll dab some on later." Em said, shrugging her sore shoulders hoping that she would at least be able to wash in a stream. She could hear the sound of water constantly it was running somewhere nearby.
Em thought they hadn't travelled that far and there was quite a distance to go. Em and Josh were feeling both the heat and the effect of mosquitoes. Luckily (and the silver lining in this case) Malaria is not prevalent; so at least no fever to contend with, just the pain in the ass itchy, scratchy bites.
Her mind went to her sore shoulders; would Steve really take a look at them? She would need someone to dab oil on her bites where she couldn't reach. Would he seriously help?
Ems mind was soon jolted back to the present.
"Are we ready to move?" Steve asked the group
Em hoisted the backpack into position, with a small groan. Josh was still smiling and looked at the whole thing as an adventure. Who could blame him?
Onwards up the narrow track, the terrain remained unchanged and Em with her head lowered constantly fought against the sweep of branches which she held back as Steve followed in her footsteps.
Air became thinner and Em found it harder to get her breath a mist descended, it was miserable, Em's hair stuck to her face, as she tried in vain to brush it away, she struggled to breathe and her clothes stuck to her body like a second skin. Stopping regularly Steve was quietly concerned that she would delay their arrival at the cabin. He was also unsure as to what state of repair the cabin would be in.
Em turned around and caught Steve checking her out. Steve swallowed hard as he watched the cheeks of her butt wiggle up and down as she walked, her hips moving over the rough terrain. He looked up from her heart shaped butt and caught her eyes staring back at him.
"What's so interesting?" she asked with her hands on her hips.
"I don't know what you mean" he said gruffly
"Well you seem to be more than fascinated with my rear end." she said
"Don't get your panties in a bundle, it's the only damn view I've had in the past couple of hours" he said trying to change the subject quickly he asked "How are you feeling now, do we need to stop again?"
"No I think I'll be ok for a while yet. Are we getting close to the cabin?"
"Not too much further now, we need to get out of this weather though," he looked around hm "It seems to be really closing in. We'll have difficulty seeing ahead of us before too long."
Em flushed slightly as she caught him checking out her butt, but she had, had worse to put up with in school. With boys who thought they were men continually leering at her. A price she had always paid for having a trim figure.
Steve
Steve thought he would probably burn in hell for the thoughts that were raging through his mind at that moment. Her curves were delicious, and the sight of her pert ass moving up the trail in front of him was starting to have a physical effect on him. He would need to concentrate on mundane things to calm himself.
Up ahead Danny and Josh were waiting patiently for the other two to arrive.
"How you doing buddy?" Danny asked Josh
"I'm great, really ok, but I'm worried about my sister though."
"How come?" asked Danny
"Well Because she's a girl" said Josh .
"Hmm" said Danny, "I wouldn't let her hear you say that my friend. Although I'm worried that she knows more about all this than she is willing to say."
"Like what?" asked Josh
"Like something to do with her work?" replied Danny
"Oh Em never speaks about her work around me; she is always way too tired, or busy."
"Ok" said Danny "I believe you. Looking up he could see that Em and Steve were coming closer toward them."
"Ah at last." said Danny "I had given up. Thought you'd left us to go and sip Mai tai's on the beach."
"Chance would be a fine thing" said Em "Hmm what I wouldn't do for a long cool drink." she wiped her brow with the back of her hand.
"Once we get to the cabin we can relax a little, you can get Josh settled. It's not five star luxury, but its shelter; and it's just a little further, just up there hidden among the trees." He pointed up to the next bush.
Once more the four pulled themselves together and took to the trail. Up ahead, in the near distance stood an 'A' framed cabin made of logs. There was a chimney and a window. It looked very rustic, but as Steve had said, it was shelter.
Danny and Steve approached the shelter (both with weapons drawn) after instructing Em and Josh to stay camouflaged under random bushes. Peeking through a clearance Em could see Danny waving to them to follow.
Moving closer to the cabin, Steve could see that the cabin was devoid of occupants; bobbing back and forth looking through the murky glass on the windows he nodded at Danny to enter on command.
"It's clear" said Danny.
Em and Josh came out of the thicket, and made their way into the rustic building; looking around wide eyed as they entered.
Steve saw Em's eyes clouding over; she had taken in the rustic furnishings there was one large double bed and a stove. A wood burner would provide the heat; which Steve said they would light as the daylight faded and the sight of smoke would become inconspicuous.
"How about you getting Josh settled?" said Steve, "there is a water pump outside pointing to the door which led to the back of the building."
As they were too high for any plumbing, he advised taking a small amount until they could manage to get the heating sorted; boil a pan of water to use for utilities such as washing up and dirty dishes, also drinking, and replenishing the empty bottles.
There was dry wood and some old paper; kindling was laid which would easily ignite when darkness fell upon them.
Steve told Em that he would show her where she could go and wash up while maintaining a modicum of dignity in an environment which had become in a very short space of time male dominated. Em smiled and nodded gratefully.
Em got a pot full of water situated on a two ring burner at least she could make a hot drink for them, or let the water cool to provide some refreshment. Josh yawned loudly and Em took him one side to tell him that although they were having an adventure she hoped it would be short lived and they would soon be safe.
"I need the bathroom" josh whispered to her.
Danny took Josh outside and led him to a bush away from the windows and door.
"Take your time buddy" said Danny; "but call me if you need anything I won't be too far away."
Steve sidled up to Em's right shoulder and asked her quietly how she was holding up.
"I will be glad to get these clothes off and wash the grime off, then I want to dab myself with Tea-tree oil because I think these bugs have banqueted on me like there's no tomorrow." His lip curled upwards at her confession. He patted her shoulder.
"You may need a hand with the dabbing phase of your operation" he said wiggling his eyebrows.
"I can't believe you would openly flirt with me at a time like this" she said
"A time like what?" he said holding his palms skywards, "I'm just being friendly and I want to help."
"You sure about wanting to help me and Josh and not just help yourself?"
Em shuddered while moving away from him, and asked "Where can get water?"
"I will take you when Danny comes back." with that the door opened and in walked both Danny and Josh.
"Everything ok?" Asked Danny
"Oh everything is just peachy." Em said snarkily
"I need to see to my hygiene" said Em looking down, she had such an innocent demeanour about her on times, which made her look deceptively younger than her actual age. It was endearing to those who witnessed it making others feel the need to protect her whether she wanted or needed it.
"Grab a towel, and follow me" said Steve pushing the door.
"Will you guys be ok?"
"I have a gun" said Steve "and Em's has a mean stink eye. I think we'll manage to ward off any unwelcome visitors."
With that Steve took Em by the arm as they walked toward a small clearing," here" said Steve "this is the path which leads to to Utopia."
Em
They began to walk a little while following the sound of the river as it thrashed against rocks somewhere in the distance.
"I just need to freshen up it shouldn't take me long" Em muttered as she stepped over a protruding branch lying near to the ground.
They cleared another bush and Em stood in front of a small waterfall which made a delicious sound as water tumbled onto the rocks below gathering in a rockpool, after splashing the grassy verge where she stood. Colours bombarded her vision; the shrubs and grass flowers in full display surrounding the pool. She hesitated slightly as she couldn't wait to jump in.
"Go ahead" said Steve as he looked at her face her smile nearly reached the shell of her ears. Em couldn't contain her joy.
"I'm going to do a happy dance" she said. Promptly holding her hands up and throwing them up and down in an alternate vertical direction, while shaking her head and hair around in a circle.
"Ok?" said Steve laughing out loud. "What was that?"
"It's my happy dance" said Em pushing him one side to get near to a shrub.
"I suggest you look away now while I take off my clothes."
"Why should I look away" he said "I want to treat your bites did you bring your Tea-tree oil?"
"Here!" she threw a small bottle of the ointment at him which he caught in his fist mid-air.
Steve next heard the sound of splashing and laughing, " .GOD!" Em exclaimed "This has to be the nearest thing to heaven." Steve smiled "It's beautiful."
"Come on! Hurry it up Em; this is not a spa day at Elizabeth Arden. Just get the grime off and I will get to treat your bites."
"Just a minute longer please… "She rubbed her arms and legs, she had kept her underwear and bra on (an improvised bikini, or so she thought) looking down on her from above, she noticed Steve watching her every move. She dipped her head under the water, and then floated on her back, kicking her legs gracefully. She began to make her way back to the edge of the pool. Leaning her head on her arm she was still for a moment while she watched Steve looking towards her. He had a fire in his eyes.
"You coming in?" she asked cheekily.
"Absolutely not" he replied firmly.
Em got out of the water very reluctantly, Steve thought he would need to drag her out by the hair but she relented, and finally made her way to the bank of the rockpool.
Taking the towel she had thrown across the branches of a bush she began to pat herself dry. With the humidity as it was it wouldn't take her long to feel grimey again but for the present time she felt on top of the world.
"ok" said Steve" let's take a little look at you."
"What?" she cried showing umbrage at this suggestion.
"Come on no need to be shy; you don't have anything I haven't seen before." he said smiling a wry smile, turning her body as he did so. Em pulled a tank top over her head and began to pull it down. Not so fast said Steve as he undid the clasp of her bra.
"What are you doing?" She asked
"I'm looking at your bites" he said "trust me I just want to get this oil on to those infected cuts."
As Steve dabbed at her back she groaned softly at the instant relief. "Just a few more and we can get going." he said.
Em felt his strong but gentle hands tender on her skin, she moaned softly as he slathered the oil on under her butt cheeks making her wriggle. "Stand still" he ordered as she moved about under his hands.
"They seem to have bitten you where your clothes have rubbed. " He said.
"Well it makes sense; as there would be more blood readily available for the greedy little buggers." She said drawing her eyebrows together.
She pulled her top down over her body, her bra and underwear would dry on her under her shorts, but that was not important. Her muscles began to ache as she gathered her clothes together. She stumbled forwards and Steve caught her around the waist and brought her close to his body. Em could feel his muscles taught as he restrained her, keeping an arm tight around her.
"Ok?" He asked
"I'm fine, really...I'm fine." She said "but thank you."
"Sit there" he pointed to a felled tree trunk where Em sat as requested. Steve took some oil in his hands and picking up her right leg began to rub oil from her heel up in sweeping motions to her calf feeling the muscles roll under his touch. She threw her head back.
"Good?" he asked
"Oh you have no idea" she said
He continued up to her thigh sweeping his hand over and under her soft fleshy inner thigh, and down once more to her calf, down to her foot and around. He placed her right foot down and took her left leg into his hands and repeated the process.
"Oh my God!" She said in a whisper," you can so do this again."
He placed her foot down on the ground, taking her right arm and rubbing the brachial muscles in her forearm, over her elbow to her bi and triceps and up and over her deltoid and trapezius muscles. Em's eyes were closed as she bathed in the luxury. Steve's hand remained pressed to her shoulder keeping her seated as he positioned himself behind her; and completed the massage on the left side of her body. She could only moan softly as he rubbed her aches away.
"Steve finished his ministrations and pulled away. Em sank onto the tree trunk like a pile of mush; her skin still reacting to his touch.
"I think I will take a short dip." He said bending down to take his boots off. He had untied them earlier while waiting for Em to emerge from the water.
"Do you think you can wait for me to come back up? I just want to get rid of this ripe odour" he smiled back at her as he jumped in.
Em pulled herself up, and threw her head down; she wrapped the small towel around her hair, as she regained her upright position a hand came across her mouth, her eyes went wide. A husky voice (that told her mentally he smoked a pack a day) breathed into her ear; telling her to not make a sound. The strangers voice was attached to a body which had strong arms. His free hand reached towards her neck where she felt a sharp increase in pressure. In the distance she barely heard a voice shouting her name; and then nothing. Silence, as blackness surrounded her once more.
To be continued...