Chapter 11
Dylan softly whistled a bouncy tune as he strolled back toward the Maru. With a smile on his face, he listened to the morning birds chirp and to the bustle of late morning horse cart traffic. In daylight, the town seemed pristine and washed into crystalline splendor by the night's rain. He found his steps bouncing in time to his whistling, his hands shoved into his pockets, his hair ruffling in a cool whisper of breeze.
"Good morning," he said cheerfully to a woman sweeping her sidewalk as he stepped around her. She smiled and gave him a quizzical look. Not many off- worlders were polite, he supposed. He wasn't going to let that bother him so he gave her a little wave, chuckling when her gray eyes widened in surprise. His night had been fun, relaxing and invigorating...just like Rommie had told him it would be. Strange that an android could know so much about human behavior and needs-about HIS behavior and needs.
An overwhelming aroma of fresh baked bread suddenly wafted into his face. He stumbled. Following his nose, he located the bakery and went in. He had time. He was early for the rendezvous. He wanted to be the first one back so that no one could complain that he was gone longer than they were. The captain had to be the first one back or the crew would whine that they were gypped out of shore leave.
The small bakery was airy, brightly lit and lined with shelves, covered in white paper and piled with goodies. His mouth watered and his stomach growled, despite the huge breakfast he'd eaten. The baker was a pleasantly plump happy faced woman. She smiled and waggled her eyebrows at him, swiping at the blond tendrils of hair that escaped her white cap with flour- coated fingers.
Dylan laughed softly, slightly embarrassed. "Um, I'll have one of those, and one of those, and... well... give me two of whatever you recommend most."
She giggled and filled a bag quickly, glancing up at him coyly.
"Thank you," he said as he paid then left. He strolled through the sparse group of pedestrians, headed for the gate into the spaceport. He opened the bag. Inside were twice as many pastries and breads as he'd asked for. He stopped in place and glanced back over his shoulder at the distant store. With a smile, he shook his head in amazement and pulled out a large donut with creamy filling.
He stopped in front of a bookstore and chewed the last of the donut. Suddenly reflected in the glass, he noticed familiar faces in the distance. He smiled and raised his hand in greeting, when he saw terror fill their features. His smile faltered. He turned in time to see Trance leap into an alley, out of sight. Beka, Rommie and a man whirled to follow her. "Beka!" he called out. She froze. He jogged across the street and cocked his head at her, a quizzical look on his face. "What's up?"
She smiled and laughed a little too quickly. "Up? With us? Nothing, nothing. We're just...." she trailed off, at a loss for an explanation.
Rommie piped up, "On a scavenger hunt. We're in a really big hurry. We're looking for a... a... uh--" She turned wide eyes on Beka, silently pleading for assistance.
"Tire iron," Beka said quickly, a huge smile on her face. "And, uh, since they have horses, not cars, it's gonna be a real humdinger to find. Right guys?" she asked, turning to the others and waggling her eyebrows when Dylan couldn't see her.
"Oh yeah, yeah," they all said, smiling and nodding like maniacs.
With narrowed eyes, he stared at Rommie in disbelief for a long moment. Something wasn't right. But, he didn't want to waste his shore leave figuring it out. "O-kay, don't forget the rendezvous. You don't have much time left." The avatar wouldn't hide anything from him, would she?
Beka widened her eyes. "We know. Boy, do we know. And that's why we have to go."
"Mm, hmm." Dylan decided not to ask. He had the feeling he didn't want to know what they were really doing. The women all appeared fine and the crew was accounted for, except for Tyr and Harper. But, he knew where Tyr was. And Harper, well, Harper was probably stalking some poor, unsuspecting local woman at that very moment. "Okay, then. Bye."
Beka nodded quickly, and the group left at just under a run. He watched them go, shaking his head in wonder. Sometimes women could be so strange. With a dismissive shrug, he went back to the bookstore, entered and bought a book of native legends to read while he waited on the Maru for the others to arrive. He had a nagging feeling they might be late.
~~
Beka bit her nails and watched Trance pace nervously in the small dark lobby outside of the Magistrate's office. Rommie stood stoically nearby, browsing a shelf of books.
"Sheesh," Beka muttered, "least they could have a window or air spray or something. Smells like ink and old gym shoes in here."
Trance gave her a smile. "Kinda musty. Like an old dungeon."
"Dark enough for a dungeon. Haven't these people heard of colored paint? What's up with all the wood paneling?"
"Actually, the hospital was really pretty. It had-" Trance was interrupted by the opening door to the Magistrate's chamber.
Connor came out; a grin large enough to make his dimples appear was on his face. Beka jumped up. He took her hand.
"I told him your friend was Medical Officer on the starship. He's going to allow her to look at the girl in the hospital. If she can help her then he'll consider letting Harper go."
Beka bit her lip and turned to Trance. "You're on then."
The plum colored girl nodded, putting on a brave face. "I can do it."
"We don't have long. The Magistrate will accompany us in his personal buggy." Connor herded them all outside.
A large black-cherry colored carriage waited, the two horses stamping their feet in anticipation. The driver nodded in greeting as they all tumbled inside. A moment later, the Magistrate climbed in and the carriage was off, bumping and swaying in a mad dash through the cobblestone streets.
Ten minutes later, Beka was biting her nails again, this time watching Trance lean close to the comatose girl. They were the only two in the room. Trance had sworn she couldn't work with so many people crowded around her. The Magistrate hadn't been in favor of the idea, but Connor persuaded him. Trance laid a plum hand softly on the girl's cheeks, frowned and touched her stomach. "Her injuries aren't that severe," she said. "Mostly in the back of her head."
"Help her, Trance," Beka murmured.
"Um, okay, but can you go over to that dresser and fill me a glass of water from the pitcher? I need it, thanks." Glancing at the tall blond, Trance waited until her back was turned then laid her palm over the girl's forehead and closed her eyes.
Suddenly, the girl moaned and moved. Trance withdrew her hand. The girl's eyes opened. She blinked at the purple alien standing over her and began to scream. Beka came up beside her, mouth open in disbelief, and limply handed the purple girl the glass.
"Thanks," Trance said with a smile and drank down the water.
"Oh, you're good," Beka told her.
She shrugged proudly.
Beka hurried to the door and motioned the nurse and the men inside. When they saw the injured girl's confused gaze sweep them, Connor hugged Beka and the Magistrate stopped short.
Then, he grinned and waved his hand. "Charges dismissed," he said. "Let's go back and release your friend."
~~
Trance leaned close and studied the back of Harper's head. She brushed aside his wild hair. "The bleeding's stopped. You don't need the bandages."
"They'd be hard to explain anyway," he said, knowing that Dylan had been left out of the loop.
"Exactly. And you won't be able to use your spiky gel for a while, not until the scrapes close up completely. Don't want you getting an infection." She hugged him suddenly, eyes closed, smiling. "Glad you're back. Oh, here. Here's your medallion." She removed it and fastened it around his neck, arranging it then patting it against his chest. She left her palm on his chest a few seconds longer than necessary, absorbing the feel of his heartbeat against her skin. "Right where it belongs."
He looked down at it. "Thanks, babe. I thought it was gone forever." He hugged her quickly.
She frowned as she saw his eyes darken. "What's wrong?"
He shrugged, glancing at the Maru parked a short distance away. Most of the crew was already aboard, waiting to return to space. Beka stood off to one side with her new boyfriend. "It's just... well, it sounds petty."
She sighed deeply. "Try me. I won't laugh."
"I didn't get to relax at all. I didn't get to do anything but stop in one shop and get mugged. Think we could get Dylan to let us stay an extra day or two?"
She looked skeptical. "Um, no. But with your mild concussion, it wouldn't be much fun anyway. You'd be in pain and dizzy the whole time."
"I suppose." He took her hand and led her toward the Maru.
"Was it worth it?" she asked.
"What?"
"The dress. Was it worth getting mugged for?"
He glanced at her uncomfortably. "I think so."
"Ah." They continued to walk. After a moment, she added playfully, "So, who's the dress for?"
"Me," he quipped and ran up the ramp into the Maru laughing.
She stopped suddenly and watched him go, uncertain if he was telling the truth. His laughter echoed inside the ship. Scowling, she scampered up the ramp after him.
~~
"So, here we are again," Beka said, favoring Connor with a coy grin, her light strawberry blond curls falling across her face and hiding one eye.
He pulled her closer, tightening his arms around her waist. "Um, hmm," he mumbled as he buried his nose in her hair.
Closing her eyes, she let the feeling of his nuzzling and the scent of his skin wash over her. She could stay like that forever. After a long moment, he pulled back.
"Seriously," he told her, brushing her hair from her face. "If you need anything else tell me. And if you don't call me I'll hunt you down and kick your butt."
She smiled, running a hand gently along his cheek. "I know."
He stared into her eyes, the twinkle fading from his hazel irises. Sadness and loneliness filled them. "I'll miss you."
Tears swelled inside her and brimmed in her eyes. "Me too." She attempted a cheerful smile and failed. "But, hey, a gorgeous guy like you can get any woman he wants."
He grinned charmingly, empty eyes belying the smile. "Yeah, but there aren't many I want."
Her smile dissolved. She bit her lower lip then took his face in her hands and pulled him into a kiss; deep and tender, desperate and frightened. They lost track of time.
Behind them, someone cleared their throat. They broke the kiss, still holding one another close. Tyr regarded them coolly from the top of the ramp into the Maru, leaning one shoulder against the door frame, arms crossed over his chest. One muscle in his arm twitched. "Time to leave, Lovergirl," he snapped, eyes narrowed. He turned and ducked into the ship without another word.
Beka hugged Connor again and turned to go.
He grabbed her arm and stopped her. "Wait." He removed a gold necklace from around his neck and fastened it around hers. "It's a Dolbe good luck stone. Supposed to protect you from harm."
She fingered it gently, admiring the way the light caught the deep emerald stone, sparkling and flickering like there was a fire inside of it. She sniffled. "Don't you dare forget me." She reached up and kissed him deeply. Then she turned and entered the ship without looking back. That would hurt a little too much.
As she entered the ship, she nearly ran into Tyr, standing inside the shadows. It crossed her mind briefly that from that position he could still see her outside with Connor. But, why would he bother? He had his fast women who were obviously better than she was, in his mind, at least. She stepped past him wordlessly and strode toward the command center, trying to focus on her work and not the man she was leaving behind. Absently, she fingered the necklace Connor had given her, sniffling to ward off tears.
TBC
Dylan softly whistled a bouncy tune as he strolled back toward the Maru. With a smile on his face, he listened to the morning birds chirp and to the bustle of late morning horse cart traffic. In daylight, the town seemed pristine and washed into crystalline splendor by the night's rain. He found his steps bouncing in time to his whistling, his hands shoved into his pockets, his hair ruffling in a cool whisper of breeze.
"Good morning," he said cheerfully to a woman sweeping her sidewalk as he stepped around her. She smiled and gave him a quizzical look. Not many off- worlders were polite, he supposed. He wasn't going to let that bother him so he gave her a little wave, chuckling when her gray eyes widened in surprise. His night had been fun, relaxing and invigorating...just like Rommie had told him it would be. Strange that an android could know so much about human behavior and needs-about HIS behavior and needs.
An overwhelming aroma of fresh baked bread suddenly wafted into his face. He stumbled. Following his nose, he located the bakery and went in. He had time. He was early for the rendezvous. He wanted to be the first one back so that no one could complain that he was gone longer than they were. The captain had to be the first one back or the crew would whine that they were gypped out of shore leave.
The small bakery was airy, brightly lit and lined with shelves, covered in white paper and piled with goodies. His mouth watered and his stomach growled, despite the huge breakfast he'd eaten. The baker was a pleasantly plump happy faced woman. She smiled and waggled her eyebrows at him, swiping at the blond tendrils of hair that escaped her white cap with flour- coated fingers.
Dylan laughed softly, slightly embarrassed. "Um, I'll have one of those, and one of those, and... well... give me two of whatever you recommend most."
She giggled and filled a bag quickly, glancing up at him coyly.
"Thank you," he said as he paid then left. He strolled through the sparse group of pedestrians, headed for the gate into the spaceport. He opened the bag. Inside were twice as many pastries and breads as he'd asked for. He stopped in place and glanced back over his shoulder at the distant store. With a smile, he shook his head in amazement and pulled out a large donut with creamy filling.
He stopped in front of a bookstore and chewed the last of the donut. Suddenly reflected in the glass, he noticed familiar faces in the distance. He smiled and raised his hand in greeting, when he saw terror fill their features. His smile faltered. He turned in time to see Trance leap into an alley, out of sight. Beka, Rommie and a man whirled to follow her. "Beka!" he called out. She froze. He jogged across the street and cocked his head at her, a quizzical look on his face. "What's up?"
She smiled and laughed a little too quickly. "Up? With us? Nothing, nothing. We're just...." she trailed off, at a loss for an explanation.
Rommie piped up, "On a scavenger hunt. We're in a really big hurry. We're looking for a... a... uh--" She turned wide eyes on Beka, silently pleading for assistance.
"Tire iron," Beka said quickly, a huge smile on her face. "And, uh, since they have horses, not cars, it's gonna be a real humdinger to find. Right guys?" she asked, turning to the others and waggling her eyebrows when Dylan couldn't see her.
"Oh yeah, yeah," they all said, smiling and nodding like maniacs.
With narrowed eyes, he stared at Rommie in disbelief for a long moment. Something wasn't right. But, he didn't want to waste his shore leave figuring it out. "O-kay, don't forget the rendezvous. You don't have much time left." The avatar wouldn't hide anything from him, would she?
Beka widened her eyes. "We know. Boy, do we know. And that's why we have to go."
"Mm, hmm." Dylan decided not to ask. He had the feeling he didn't want to know what they were really doing. The women all appeared fine and the crew was accounted for, except for Tyr and Harper. But, he knew where Tyr was. And Harper, well, Harper was probably stalking some poor, unsuspecting local woman at that very moment. "Okay, then. Bye."
Beka nodded quickly, and the group left at just under a run. He watched them go, shaking his head in wonder. Sometimes women could be so strange. With a dismissive shrug, he went back to the bookstore, entered and bought a book of native legends to read while he waited on the Maru for the others to arrive. He had a nagging feeling they might be late.
~~
Beka bit her nails and watched Trance pace nervously in the small dark lobby outside of the Magistrate's office. Rommie stood stoically nearby, browsing a shelf of books.
"Sheesh," Beka muttered, "least they could have a window or air spray or something. Smells like ink and old gym shoes in here."
Trance gave her a smile. "Kinda musty. Like an old dungeon."
"Dark enough for a dungeon. Haven't these people heard of colored paint? What's up with all the wood paneling?"
"Actually, the hospital was really pretty. It had-" Trance was interrupted by the opening door to the Magistrate's chamber.
Connor came out; a grin large enough to make his dimples appear was on his face. Beka jumped up. He took her hand.
"I told him your friend was Medical Officer on the starship. He's going to allow her to look at the girl in the hospital. If she can help her then he'll consider letting Harper go."
Beka bit her lip and turned to Trance. "You're on then."
The plum colored girl nodded, putting on a brave face. "I can do it."
"We don't have long. The Magistrate will accompany us in his personal buggy." Connor herded them all outside.
A large black-cherry colored carriage waited, the two horses stamping their feet in anticipation. The driver nodded in greeting as they all tumbled inside. A moment later, the Magistrate climbed in and the carriage was off, bumping and swaying in a mad dash through the cobblestone streets.
Ten minutes later, Beka was biting her nails again, this time watching Trance lean close to the comatose girl. They were the only two in the room. Trance had sworn she couldn't work with so many people crowded around her. The Magistrate hadn't been in favor of the idea, but Connor persuaded him. Trance laid a plum hand softly on the girl's cheeks, frowned and touched her stomach. "Her injuries aren't that severe," she said. "Mostly in the back of her head."
"Help her, Trance," Beka murmured.
"Um, okay, but can you go over to that dresser and fill me a glass of water from the pitcher? I need it, thanks." Glancing at the tall blond, Trance waited until her back was turned then laid her palm over the girl's forehead and closed her eyes.
Suddenly, the girl moaned and moved. Trance withdrew her hand. The girl's eyes opened. She blinked at the purple alien standing over her and began to scream. Beka came up beside her, mouth open in disbelief, and limply handed the purple girl the glass.
"Thanks," Trance said with a smile and drank down the water.
"Oh, you're good," Beka told her.
She shrugged proudly.
Beka hurried to the door and motioned the nurse and the men inside. When they saw the injured girl's confused gaze sweep them, Connor hugged Beka and the Magistrate stopped short.
Then, he grinned and waved his hand. "Charges dismissed," he said. "Let's go back and release your friend."
~~
Trance leaned close and studied the back of Harper's head. She brushed aside his wild hair. "The bleeding's stopped. You don't need the bandages."
"They'd be hard to explain anyway," he said, knowing that Dylan had been left out of the loop.
"Exactly. And you won't be able to use your spiky gel for a while, not until the scrapes close up completely. Don't want you getting an infection." She hugged him suddenly, eyes closed, smiling. "Glad you're back. Oh, here. Here's your medallion." She removed it and fastened it around his neck, arranging it then patting it against his chest. She left her palm on his chest a few seconds longer than necessary, absorbing the feel of his heartbeat against her skin. "Right where it belongs."
He looked down at it. "Thanks, babe. I thought it was gone forever." He hugged her quickly.
She frowned as she saw his eyes darken. "What's wrong?"
He shrugged, glancing at the Maru parked a short distance away. Most of the crew was already aboard, waiting to return to space. Beka stood off to one side with her new boyfriend. "It's just... well, it sounds petty."
She sighed deeply. "Try me. I won't laugh."
"I didn't get to relax at all. I didn't get to do anything but stop in one shop and get mugged. Think we could get Dylan to let us stay an extra day or two?"
She looked skeptical. "Um, no. But with your mild concussion, it wouldn't be much fun anyway. You'd be in pain and dizzy the whole time."
"I suppose." He took her hand and led her toward the Maru.
"Was it worth it?" she asked.
"What?"
"The dress. Was it worth getting mugged for?"
He glanced at her uncomfortably. "I think so."
"Ah." They continued to walk. After a moment, she added playfully, "So, who's the dress for?"
"Me," he quipped and ran up the ramp into the Maru laughing.
She stopped suddenly and watched him go, uncertain if he was telling the truth. His laughter echoed inside the ship. Scowling, she scampered up the ramp after him.
~~
"So, here we are again," Beka said, favoring Connor with a coy grin, her light strawberry blond curls falling across her face and hiding one eye.
He pulled her closer, tightening his arms around her waist. "Um, hmm," he mumbled as he buried his nose in her hair.
Closing her eyes, she let the feeling of his nuzzling and the scent of his skin wash over her. She could stay like that forever. After a long moment, he pulled back.
"Seriously," he told her, brushing her hair from her face. "If you need anything else tell me. And if you don't call me I'll hunt you down and kick your butt."
She smiled, running a hand gently along his cheek. "I know."
He stared into her eyes, the twinkle fading from his hazel irises. Sadness and loneliness filled them. "I'll miss you."
Tears swelled inside her and brimmed in her eyes. "Me too." She attempted a cheerful smile and failed. "But, hey, a gorgeous guy like you can get any woman he wants."
He grinned charmingly, empty eyes belying the smile. "Yeah, but there aren't many I want."
Her smile dissolved. She bit her lower lip then took his face in her hands and pulled him into a kiss; deep and tender, desperate and frightened. They lost track of time.
Behind them, someone cleared their throat. They broke the kiss, still holding one another close. Tyr regarded them coolly from the top of the ramp into the Maru, leaning one shoulder against the door frame, arms crossed over his chest. One muscle in his arm twitched. "Time to leave, Lovergirl," he snapped, eyes narrowed. He turned and ducked into the ship without another word.
Beka hugged Connor again and turned to go.
He grabbed her arm and stopped her. "Wait." He removed a gold necklace from around his neck and fastened it around hers. "It's a Dolbe good luck stone. Supposed to protect you from harm."
She fingered it gently, admiring the way the light caught the deep emerald stone, sparkling and flickering like there was a fire inside of it. She sniffled. "Don't you dare forget me." She reached up and kissed him deeply. Then she turned and entered the ship without looking back. That would hurt a little too much.
As she entered the ship, she nearly ran into Tyr, standing inside the shadows. It crossed her mind briefly that from that position he could still see her outside with Connor. But, why would he bother? He had his fast women who were obviously better than she was, in his mind, at least. She stepped past him wordlessly and strode toward the command center, trying to focus on her work and not the man she was leaving behind. Absently, she fingered the necklace Connor had given her, sniffling to ward off tears.
TBC