Chap 20 RON in Cyprus, Kyo gets sick

Time: 30 Nov 2299 Thursday

Nikki, You are the Best!

"Man! That was one long day! Stupid shoes. "

"You're not joking. Whose idea was it anyway to take this line? Arm the doors, takeoff, ascend, push the cart, lock the cart, descend, unarm the doors, land, rinse and repeat. Argh!"

"You bid for it, so suck it up."

Kyo mediated between his fellow attendants. "Come on. You know he just likes to whine. I bid this line and I love it! New places, new faces-ahhh-choo!"

"Kyo, are you sick?" The "A" (lead) attendant turned around quickly to look over the male crewmember.

"Someone's just talking about me behind my back." Kyo laughed. But he actually was beginning to wonder. There were several snotty nosed individuals on the last two missions and it was possible that he could have been infected. 'I ate right, slept well, exercised… Did I wash my hands enough?'

"Well, make sure you tell the pilot if you are. You all—go dump your stuff in your rooms and let's go eat something decent for a change. I've had enough pizza for three lifetimes. I want good Greek food! I'm going to make the arrangements with the pilots. I'm sure Captain Takahashi will join us. Don't be a Slam-clicker. See you back here in ten minutes.

As the crewmembers went to their various rooms the two attendants were heard complaining about sore feet and overstuffed baggage compartments. Kyo shook his head. Those two argued about everything. It wasn't that bad. Sure there were overstuffed baggage compartments, crying kids, and motion sick individuals but there were good things too. There were several medical folks that volunteered their help when it was needed, children that were excited to fly, blushing honeymooners, and so many interesting beings. Kyo loved observing people and guessing what they did for an occupation. Kyo enjoyed this particular crew. They had flown together for a while so they were cohesive and worked well together even if those two argued.

Arriving at his room he unlocked the door. The room was small and simple; a bathroom, a bed, and a window to the back of the hotel grounds. Kyo put his bag on the shelf. In the bathroom he took a look at his face. His eyes were a bit puffy. He sniffed. Looking around he found a tissue box. He blew his nose. 'Just a little snot. Probably just an allergy.'

'Wonder what Greek food the "A" wants? Hope there's some lamb. I could eat some lamb.' Kyo pondered as he walked back to the meeting point.

When he arrived Yuki was just finishing telling a tale to a small group of crewmembers. Kyo smiled.

"Hey little brother!" Yuki called out as she walked to his side.

"Hey Sis, you joining us for dinner?"

"You bet. I would like some lamb. How about you?"

"That sounds great." Kyo smiled at Yuki. His heart skipped a beat when she smiled back.

"Hey, the "A" said you were sneezing. Who was talking about you?"

"Dad, maybe?" Kyo shrugged his shoulders. "He can't get over the décor in my villa. He mentions it every time they visit. Hey, when are you going to see them again? Dad's got a bad case of "empty nest" again. Father asked if we would drop by soon."

The twins talked and walked together to the waiting car. The crewmembers that had been arguing watched as they walked away.

"Damn! Those two are beautiful!"

"We agree on that at least."

"Hey don't dally. We don't want to be left behind."

"Well, if we were it would be your fault."

"I beg your pardon…" Their arguing recommenced.

Dinner was fun; the food great, the atmosphere casual, and the dinner conversation amusing. Only one problem from Kyo's perspective—he couldn't really taste the lamb. As he sat back and watched the crew interact he noticed he was aching a bit. As the night proceeded he started feeling "off" so he mentioned that it was time to retire for the evening reciting something about crew rest and getting some beauty rest.

That comment elicited some laughter but no one disagreed and they all bid each other good night.

Kyo settled into his bed, falling asleep within minutes. Two hours later he woke sneezing. He drank some water and tried to get back to sleep but sleep eluded him until early morning. By then sinus congestion and fever had settled in. Kyo didn't feel good so he knew he would have to tell Yuki. But she needed her sleep so he rolled back and forth in his bed waiting for the alarm so he could call her.

"Yuki? I don't feel right. My sinuses are blocked. I can't clear my ears to fly."

"Do you want me to call Dad?"

"No, it's probably a cold that I got from those kids I took care of a couple of days ago. I'd hate to get him sick now that he's pregnant. I've just got congestion, watery eyes, coughing, runny nose, and sneezing. There's a deadhead crew with us. Maybe he can take my spot. I'll just call the front desk and stay longer, get some sleep and then call the company and get back on the line."

"Okay. Sounds like the best thing to do." Yuki paused. Maybe she could fish for a bit more. "Kyo, I had fun last night. I'll miss you today. I like flying with you."

Kyo blinked but quickly replied, "I like flying with you too. You are my favorite pilot."

Yuki laughed. "You're sick. Rest. We'll talk soon. Luv you, bro."

"Luv you, too. Fly safe."

"Always." Yuki hung up.