Anne picked up her glass and played with the condensation that had accumulated, then took a sip of her water before putting it back down. She leaned back in her chair and looked up, past the parasol that shaded the table, up into the sky so blue, and tried to not think about who's eyes the color brought to mind.

It was a pretty day. The city sounded healthy, the cries and conversations of people merging into a hum that was almost melodic. The sounds of vehicles, the rumble of engines, squeals of breaks, the occasional horn, this was the harmony. And the bass… the bass was the slow throb of life, the uncanny swell and ebb of sound. Slow, so slow, a heartbeat measured in minutes, but present all the same.

She closed her eyes and listened, head resting on the back of the chair. She could feel herself slipping into sleep, and didn't fight the feeling. After the few hours of sleep last night she could use a little nap. She dozed, mind preparing itself for slumber, content to listen to the city.

Until an ice cube was slipped down the front of her shirt. She sat up straight and tried to shake it off her chest, but it got caught in her bra. Cheeks flaming red, she fished under her shirt and grabbed it, then flung it at the laughing Effie. It hit her on the cheek, and the small woman mimed being thrown back into her chair. One hand went shakily up to her cheek, cradling the place that had been hit, then fingering the small red mark.

"Oooooo," she moaned dramatically.

Mark had been grinning, and his reward was to be flicked in the face with droplets of water stolen from his glass. Satisfied that she had punished the wicked, Anne sat back down and sulked.

"Oh, stop that, both of you," chuckled Mark as he mopped his face with his napkin. "Anne, you can't take a nap now. We need to get back to work."

"Yeah, even a super genius like you will get her butt fired if she shows up late and leaves early this close to deadline," proclaimed Effie.

"Bah." Anne stood up and threw some money on the table. "I'm not a super genius." They all stood to leave, but the banter continued unbroken.

"A modest super genius."

"Not a genius."

"I've seen some of your work," chimed in Mark. "Most of it's completely over my head."

"Only because you haven't been trained in electrical systems. I'm sure there are things you do that I wouldn't understand."

"I'm not so certain. You seem pretty quick to me."

"You're sweet."

"Sugar, baby."

"I'll give you quick. But genius? Please. I'm not that smart."

"Suit yourself."

"Thank you. I will."

"Whether we try to let you or not?"

"Damn straight."

"Stubborn woman," he declared to the sky above, pausing in his trek to lift his arms high. Effie nudged the small of his back to break him from his dramatic trance.

"Isn't that just being repetitive? Woman already compromises the concept of stubborn. You don't need to repeat yourself."

"Oh. So sorry. Please, forgive mine grievous error, oh gracious one."

"Consider yourself absolved. Just do not make such a horrid mistake again."

"Oh, thank you most kind and wondrous lady. I am humbled by your grace and beauty, along with your magnanimity."

"Stop using the big words, you obnoxious man," responded Effie, peevishly.

"He said you're sweet," translated Anne.

"Aww," she squealed, flinging her arms around his neck. "You're sweet, too."

"Thanks, short stuff."

By this time, they had reached the Plant again. They separated again, Mark going off to his office, and Anne and Effie walking back to the lab.

"Feeling better?" inquired Effie.

"Yes. A good bit," said Anne, surprised to find it to be true. "You guys are too good for me."

"Of course we are. You're our resident charity case."

"I thought it might be something like that."

Effie smacked her on the shoulder. "We really need to work on your self esteem issues."

"What self esteem issues?" growled Anne, mock angry.

"The great big ones that follow you about everywhere you go."

"Oh. Those."

"Yeah, those. Face it. You, girl, are stuck with us no matter what."

"No matter what, huh?"

"Yup. There's nothing you can do to get rid of us, so just accept that we're going to be sticking around."

"Especially Mark."

"He is awful smitten with you. You guys should date."

"I'm taken."

"By your mystery boyfriend? Who we still have yet to meet? See a picture of? Get a name?"

"Yes."

"I think you need to get over that chump. It's been years; he's probably got another chick already."

"Maybe. Maybe not."

"Life's too short to wait on this guy. You should go on at least one date with Mark. You guys would be the cutest couple."

"Cute is not the driving factor in my relationships."

"So what do you look for in a guy?"

"Stuff."

"Thanks. More specifics, come on!"

"Don't we have work to do?"

"Work can wait. Spill it, sister. What turns you on?"

"Well… A guy needs to be strong. Mentally. Very strong willed."

"He is. See? Good start. What else?"

"Well… cute, obviously."

"And what is cute?"

"Pretty eyes." Anne blushed. "I really want out of this conversation now."

"He has very pretty eyes." She relented. "Fine. Run away to your office. I shall pester you later."

"I await the hour with trepidation."

"Huh?"

"Dread. Much dread."

"Oh. Ok. See ya later then!" She darted through the door with a little half wave. Anne could hear her begin to scold someone as the door closed.

She sighed, then continued to her desk and monitor, resolving to get some real work done this afternoon. They were so close to a real solution that pondering her personal problems was a nearly criminal waste of time.

But she couldn't help thinking that maybe, when all this was over and the solar power collectors came online… Maybe she should go back to the ship. Just for some closure. Maybe.