Westward4

Westward Bound (part 5) Setup: Takes place several weeks after part 4. On the road to New Pacifica. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Voice of Yale "It's been 7 weeks since we've started the bridge. We are done now and pleased with our achievement. The ingenuity, skill and dedication of this group of people never cease to amaze me. At short distance from the ship's wreckage, Morgan discovered an underground lava flow, which has been instrumental in aiding in the bridge's construction. Upon Cameron's return from scouting the north, Morgan had volunteered to scout the south. The group was, to say the least, surprised. But by that time, we had been building the bridge for two weeks and Morgan had pointed out that he was the least skilled in building bridge. Obviously, the Ops Crew, with their background in building stations, was well suited in building the bridge. Even the colonists, those that had planned to take up residency, had under gone rudimentary training. Although not as skilled as the Ops Crew, the colonist knew that they would all need to expand the skills they received in training in order to build, then maintain the colony. Morgan was quick to point out, that as a government liaison, he never received even rudimentary training so he had the least to offer the bridge. Bess was sad to see her husband go, but very proud.

When Morgan returned two weeks later, he was surprised at how far the construction had progressed. All remains of the ship were gone. Most had been melted in the lava flow and reshaped for use in the bridge. Some had been used to make repairs and spare parts. The remainder, which no one could find a use for, was burned as to not leave litter behind.

Bess had taken upon her self to beautify the area of the first construction. She started by enlisting the children's aid in planting small trees and bushes in the area. She had also made markers for the crash site, as well as one for the bridge. Both markers were made of metal remnants that were identified as too weak for the bridge. She had enlisted Morgan's help to set up the marker at the crash site. The marker identified the site as the location of the Jupiter class ship crash. It also indicated the 3 unknown crewmembers and stated that Eden Advance had used the ship in construction of the bridge.

Fortunately the area was abundant in nuts and berries. Food and water have not been a problem. We also discovered a plant that produced grain. Bess and Gomez were able to grind the grain and make a tortilla like bread. We are taking some grain and seeds with us on our journey to New Pacifica. Bess and I took turns at the bridge site and watching the children. Luckily, no serious injuries were suffered during the construction. Every night the group would return and eat the meal that was prepared. They would turn in early and be up with the sun the next morning. I was amazed at how long and hard everyone had worked. Bess had documented some of the construction for historical purpose. John and some of the others teased her about it, but as she pointed out often, this was the first construction for the colony, even though it wasn't at the colony's location.

Now, weeks later, the bridge has received its finishing touches. We moved on yesterday, leaving the marker simply stating the start and end dates of the bridge, along with the words "Eden Advance was here". I know that others, besides Uly and I, had hoped the Devon, Alonzo and Julia would have returned by now. I am confident that they, all three of them, will join us soon. I also look forward to telling Devon about the bridge and it's construction. It brings me optimism for the construction of the colony. I have been very impressed with John Danziger since the start of our adventure on this planet. He skills have proven invaluable time and again. Although I will admit that sometimes his hot-headedness has caused problems. With the construction of the bridge, I now understand how he achieved such as good reputation as Ops chief. He has been very inventive, fair and patient. I now also understand why sometimes the Ops Crew backs John when he and Devon disagree on a subject. He is their boss, yet he is still one of them. He will be a great asset to the colony. I hope that True and John stay when the colony ship leaves. The colony needs them, Uly needs them and Devon needs them."

"Looks like the sun is bouncing off of something metal up ahead" Alonzo stated.

Devon grabbed the jumpers and carefully stood to have a look. "It is a bridge!" she exclaimed. Julia and Alonzo shared Devon's excitement.

Alonzo headed towards the structure as Devon panned around looking for additional signs of settlement. She noticed 3 grave markers. "Oh no, bear right. I see something up ahead." She tried to keep the concern out of her voice but her companions could tell she was upset.

The dune rail pulled up near the grave markers. The occupants slowly exited the vehicle and Julia walked over to the large marker. "Its not anyone from our group" she stated with much relief, then continue "Looks like there was a crash here. These graves belong to the crew of the 'Star Quest'. No information regarding the nature of the voyage. But that beautiful structure in front of you is the 'Eden Advance Bridge'!"

"What? Our group built this? When, how?" Devon asked.

"One way to find out, let's take a look at that bridge" Alonzo suggested with a grin. After reading the marker on the bridge Alonzo stated "Looks like they are only a day or two ahead of us. We could catch up with them by mid day tomorrow if we push it. All it favor of pushing it?" All three shot up their hands.

Early the next morning, the dune rail was able to make gear contact with the rest of the group. Devon spoke briefly with Uly and Yale and was able to assure them that she was well and eager to see them again. The larger group stopped and prepared for a celebratory lunch. There was a sense of joy that surpassed even the joy felt at the completion of the bridge. The group would be whole again. True and Uly, for once did not make any comments about gathering fire wood or doing their chores. True was glad that the others would be joining them. She was also a little sad at the thought that Uly would be returning to his own tent. At first she was a little resentful of sharing her father with the younger boy. She had her father to herself for her whole life. Even on this planet, where privacy was at a premium, she and her father had time to themselves. At night, in their tent, she would have her father's undivided, or mostly undivided, attention. It had taken some time to adjust. She now got one arm hugs and shared the limelight of the tent but she didn't mind Uly as much as she thought she would. This was like what it was like to have a brother, not that she would admit that to Uly.

The subject of her thoughts interrupted her. "True, I want to thank you for sharing your dad with me. I also want to let you know that if ever you want, you can share my mom."

"Thanks Uly, but I don't think that I will be needing a mother. I am almost 11 you know." True replied in a somewhat superior voice. Then she asked, "How does a mother compare to a father". Both children had only ever known one parent.

"Well, your dad is great but not quite the same as my mom. " True nodded her understanding and Uly continued. "But there are a lot of similarities between the two. Both are bossy, both never let you do what you want; both will take care of your no matter what. Trust me True, you may one day want to take me up on the offer of sharing my mom."

"I'll keep it in mind. Do you think that your mom's going to take over control right away?"

"No reason why she shouldn't if she is all better. Do you think that your dad will have a problem with that?"

"Naw, well at least no more problems with your mom being in charge now then before her illness. My dad has always had a problem with bosses."

"You know True, when your dad is on scout or guard duty, you can stay with my mom and me in our tent if you want." Uly had also grown accustomed to having True around and didn't want to lose that closeness. "I'm sure my mother wouldn't mind."

"Thanks, like I said before, I'll keep it in mind. Come on, we better get back with this firewood." Then casting a look behind her at Uly, she shouted, "Race you!"

Uly arrived back at camp just behind True. Glancing around he noticed John setting up the mess tent and decided that he should go thank the man for taking care of him. Wandering over to the mechanic, Uly stopped and solemnly held out his hand and stated "John, I would like to thank you for all you've done for me. "

The big man took the small boy's outstretch hand, and in a solemn voice replied, "No problem, that's what friends are for. You know if ever you need me or just want to talk, I'll always be there for you. "

"Thanks, and if there is ever anything I can do for you, just ask." Suddenly Uly threw his arms around John and embraced him in a large hug which was returned. Ruffling the boy's hair.

"Come on, give me a hand with this tent. We don't want your mom to get here and this place to be in chaos. I'll never hear the end of it. As it is, she'll probably give me grief for not being further ahead then we already are."

"Don't worry, I'll talk to her" Uly promised.

Just then Cameron shouted, "I think they're coming!"

At sight of the dune rail, many began to wave their arms franticly to greet their missing friends. Soon the dune rail was in camp and enveloped by everyone. Hugs were exchanged and more then one tear had to be wiped away. Finally the trio were allowed to take a seat in the center of camp. Devon had Uly on her lap with her arms wrapped around him while Yale sat close by with his arm around her shoulders. Danziger, who had greeted Devon in the same manner as Alonzo and Julia, addressed Devon, "Dev, you like tried. Are you completely well?"

"Yes! I'm as good as new," Devon enthusiastically stated.

Julia interjected "Well, I wouldn't go that far. While the toxin has been neutralized and there has been no organ damage, Devon has not completely regained her strength." When Devon looked like she was going to deny the statement, Julia continued, "The trip has taken more out of her then she is willing to admit. So for the time being, Devon is to take it easy. Ride for most of the day, no guard duty and minimal stress." As she delivered the last line, she shot Danziger a warning look.

Danziger managed a hurt look. "Stress? When have I ever caused anyone any stress?" This elicited a laugh from everyone. Then to Julia, Danziger asked, "So how long do we camp here, the night, a couple of days?"

"A couple of days! Why would we camp here for a couple of days?" Devon asked.

"Oh, I don't know, I vaguely remember hearing something about taking it easy, minimal stress. Besides I need to check out the dune rail and I just need to know how long I am going to have to do it."

Before Devon could answer, Julia stated, "I think that we should rest here for the remainder of today and tomorrow. There is plenty of water near by. This will give me a chance to see how everyone is doing. And give Devon a chance to regain some strength." Devon conceded.

"So now that we have that settled, what's for lunch? I am starved!" Alonzo stated.

Lunch was a very jovial affair. Stories about the trip to and from Elizabeth's ship and the building of the bridge were exchanged. Finally Julia persuaded Devon that she should take a rest. Uly and True had already set up the tent. As Devon moved towards the tent, she quietly asked Danziger if he could stop by so that she could talk about Uly.

When Danziger entered the tent, Devon was sitting on her cot admiring the drawings that Uly had made for her. "So did they tell you how you got sick?" Danziger asked.

"Yes, does anyone else know about it?"

"I don't think so. Julia and Alonzo left right after we figured out. So how impossible were they?"

"Not too bad. I think that they are waiting for me to regain some strength. So, how do you like running the group? "

"Wasn't too bad. For a good portion of the time that you were gone, we worked on the bridge. So it was very similar to jobs on the stations. You know, that is some kid you got there. You should be proud at how well he did."

Devon beamed, "Uly seems to have handled the separation between the two of us better then I did. Not that I didn't think that he would be well cared for but.. "

"Yeah, I know what you mean. I think that True deals with us being separated much better then I do."

"John, thanks for taking such great care of Uly."

"Don't worry about it. You never know when I'll need to have you watch out for my kid. So how do you really feel? And don't lie to me."

"Honestly, I am a little tired but otherwise I feel fine. I actually feel better then before I collapsed. Although I guess that is not hard to believe, especially since I was slowly being poisoned. You know it never occurred to me that my illness was any different then the rest of yours. I had completely forgotten about the thorn until Julia mentioned it."

"So did I. I feel rotten about it. If only I had insisted that you see Julia then or when we got back to camp, none of this would have happened."

"John, this is not your fault. Besides how would we have explained to Julia?"

"We could have just told her that you brushed up against a bush. I don't think that Julia would have thought that I pushed you into it."

"Someone thought you pushed me?" At Danziger's nod, she continued, "Who would... it was Morgan wasn't it?" Again Danziger nodded.

The two had remained on separate sides of the tent as they had their conversation. Devon got off the cot and slowly walked to Danziger. "So did you miss me?" she asked.

"Well I have to admit, it took a while to get use to the quiet." Before Devon could respond, Danziger reduced the remaining distance between them. "There might have been one or two things that I missed."

"Such as?" Devon slowly raised her hands to his shoulders. Danziger wrapped his arms around her and kissed her. They were still kissing when Uly and True entered the tent with some flowers. The adults broke apart.

"Hi kids" Danziger stated. "Hi Dad. So Devon, I am glad to see that you are feeling better. We picked these for you." True gave Devon the flowers. "Come on Uly, I think that they were in the middle of something. Don't worry, we won't mention this to anyone." True grabbed Uly and rushed him from the tent.

"Hey, what's the rush? Don't you want to know what's happening?"

"Isn't it obvious. Didn't you ever hear the old saying that 'Absence makes the heart grow fonder'? While your mom was sick, they realized how much they really like each other."

"It was just a kiss."

"It was like a kiss that Julia and Alonzo would have. Or Bess and Morgan. Not like a kiss friends would have. Don't you get it? They could fall in love and then you and I could have both a mother and a father."

"Really? I thought that you didn't need a mother?"

"I don't but it might be nice to have a woman around to talk about things. Besides, my dad deserves to be happy. Don't you want your mom to be happy like the Martins and Julia and Alonzo?"

"Sure, I would. It would be great if your dad and my mom fell in love. So how can be help?"

"I don't know, I have never tried to get two people to fall in love before."

"We could ask Yale. Or maybe Bess, I am sure she would know what to do."

"No! We can't ask Bess. Sure, she would know what to do but she would but in. And I know that would surely send my father in the opposite direction."

"How about Yale?"

"I'm not sure. Let me think about it for a while. Let's not mention it to anyone just yet." Uly agreed.

Later that evening, Devon asked Uly, "Uly do have any questions about what you and True saw this afternoon?"

"Well, do you like John or was it only a kiss to thank him for taking care of me?"

"I like him. Is that OK with you?"

"Yes, I like John and True a lot. Do you think that you and John will get married?"

"Married? I don't know about getting married. But we like each other and we like to spend time together. Would you mind that?"

"I don't think so. Do you only want to spend time with him alone or with me, True and John?"

"Both. Sometimes I would like to spend time alone with just John. But other times I would like to spend time with the three of you. I will also want to spend some time with just you."

"How about with just True?"

"Sure, I would like to spend time with just True. I'm not sure how much she would like it."

"Well, she said it might be nice to sometimes have a woman to talk to things about. So I don't think that you would mind spending time with just you. I know that I will probably want to spend some time with just John. You know guy stuff."

"OK, but I don't want you or True to think that just because I kissed John that we are going to be one big happy family. I honestly don't know what is going to happen, maybe we will, and maybe we won't. I just don't want you kids to get hurt."

"Don't worry Mom. It's not like we are going to try and make you two fall in love or anything". Uly reasoned with himself that since he had his fingers crossed behind his back it wasn't a big lie, just a small one.

A similar conversation was going on in the Danziger's tent.

"Don't worry Dad, Uly and I won't tell anyone we saw you two kissing. If you want to spend some time alone, maybe we could run interference for you." True offered.

"Thanks sweetheart. Are you sure it's ok with you?"

"Yeah Dad, I'm sure. You know I like Devon. She's a lot nicer then some of the other women you've dated. Not that they were ever mean to me but they always just saw me as your daughter and never tried to get to know me. Devon already knows me, maybe it's because she wants to know whom her son is playing with but she has always treated me fairly. We have a friendship that is separate from yours and hers. If things don't work out between the two of you, Devon and I will still be friends."

Even though she made it out as a statement, Danziger knew his daughter wanted his confirmation. "Yes, no matter what happens between Devon and me, you and Devon will always have your relationship, just like Uly and I will always have ours. "

"So how long are you two going to keep it a secret?"

"I don't know True. I'm not sure what's going to happen between Devon and me. You know that we are still going to argue. Maybe what we have together won't be strong enough to overcome that. In that case, I'd just as soon not have the whole group know about us. You know whenever Devon and I have an argument of any kind some of them will be in there trying to patch things up between us. "

"Yeah, you're right. But just because you argue doesn't mean that you two are going to break up."

"Not every argument means a break up. But I can't promise you a fairy tale ending."

"Don't worry Dad, I am not dreaming of a happy ever after. I want you to be happy and I think Devon could make you happy. I just wanted to point out to you that couples have arguments. You and Devon will just need to figure out how to work through them. If things don't work out then fine but I just hope that you both give it a chance."

"Wow, when did you get so smart? How do you know so much about this stuff?"

"I am a great observer. You know the Martins have had their problems and Julia and Alonzo had theirs. They also work through them. Just give yourself a chance to be happy."

Hugging his daughter tightly, Danziger asked, "What did I do to deserve such a wonderful child?"

"Probably not enough but you still have time to rectify that" was the smart-alecky response.

The next morning as Danziger was working on the dune rail Devon approached him. "So how did things go last night?"

"OK, True wants me to be happy and she thinks that you might be able to do that. She also wanted some reassurance that no matter what happens to us, you and her will still be friends. How about Uly."

"Similar. He wanted to know if you and I would always want to be alone or include the kids. I'm glad that the kids are taking this OK but I am a little concerned that maybe they are reading more into this then there is."

"What is there?" Danziger asked.

"A beginning, a promising beginning to something that could be wonderful. I just don't know where it will lead. We have agreed to take this one day at a time but can we still do that now that the kids are involved to."

"What else can we do? Neither one of us can predict the future. Do we give up now because things may not work out later."

"No!"

"So we continue to take things one day at a time. As True pointed out to me, we have to figure out how to work through any problems and give ourselves a chance a being happy."

"Wow, she is very smart. She must get that from her mother." Devon replied with a laugh.

"Oh sure, sling insults when I'm under doctor's orders to not cause you stress. Never took you as a dirty fighter Adair."

"OK, OK, no more insults until Julia gives you the go ahead to cause me stress again. Just wait until I am back to full strength."

"I can hardly wait"

Bess was walking nearby with Magus. Neither could make out the whole conversation. "I don't believe this! She nearly dies, they are separated for months, they finally get back together and nothing!"

"What did you expect? A vow of undying love, a wedding, what? Come on Danziger didn't seem like a man pining away for a woman while Devon was gone. Face it Bess, Devon and Danziger aren't exactly the ideal couple."

"Don't you want them to get together?" Bess asked.

"To be honest, I'm not sure. It's not that I have secret desires on Danziger. He is a great guy and deserves to be happy just like Devon is a great woman that deserves to be happy. I am just concerned that if the two of them were to become a couple, then we no longer have two strong leaders with opposing views. That one of them or both of them will hold back on what is best for the group in favor of what is best for them. I know that neither one is selfish or weak willed but I'm still concerned."

"Haven't thought about it like that. I just figured they would continue to come to blows but they would just have more fun making up. OK, you don't have to be in favor of them getting together but I am still going to see if I can help Cupid with those two."

"OK, I won't interfere. Good luck, you're going to need it. Because if they haven't gotten together by now, I don't see it happening."

"Maybe they are aware of people's concerns and are waiting until we get to New Pacifica to get together."

"Maybe but I've known Danziger for a while, he isn't the patient kind. If he wanted to be with her, he would be."

"Maybe Devon is holding back?"

"Like I said, Danziger isn't patient, I think that he would try to persuade her. That actually might be something worth seeing." Magus replied with a laugh.

Just then, one half the subject of their discussion wandered over. "How are you both doing?" Devon asked.

"Great, how about you?" Bess replied.

"Fine, thanks. So Bess, I'm told that you have become Julia's assistant. That is great news. I am so happy that Julia will have some help and I also want to thank you for taking on the task."

Bess beamed. "No problem, I am glad to help. I am just very glad that no one got seriously hurt during the bridge."

"That was quiet an accomplishment. Magus, I hear that you were a major reason that bridge was completed in such a timely manner. I also want to thank you for that."

"Hey just doing my job."

"No, you weren't. Your job was to deliver our supplies and us to New Pacifica. Building a bridge was not part of the job. I really appreciate it."

"Well, like Bess said, no problem. You know it was Danziger's idea and he was really the driving force behind the bridge." Magus stated as Bess nodded her head in agreement.

"I get around to thanking him later. Probably after he stops annoying me so it will be a while." All three women laughed and then Devon left to speak with Julia.

"You know, the longer I am around Devon, the more I like her. Which is really surprising, she is rich, she is intelligent, she beautiful. She is exactly what I wouldn't expect to like. But she isn't what I would imagine someone in her position to be. She works just as hard as everyone does, she seems to really appreciate what people do to help out."

"Yeah, I like Devon too. Is that why you decided to help me with my Cupid scheme?"

"I wasn't helping with the Cupid scheme. I just don't like to take credit for someone else's ideas or effort."

That day passed quietly. Devon had made sure that she spoke with everyone and thanked them for their efforts. She had already thanked Alonzo and Julia so often for their help in bringing her back to the group that Alonzo would see her coming and just say 'Your welcome'.

The next day, shortly after sunrise, the group resumed their trip westward to New Pacifica. Once again a united force. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ END OF PART 5