FEW TECHNICAL COMMENTS – WORDS BETWEEN OR WRITTEN IN CURSIVE MEANS WHAT IS SOMEBODY THINKING, BUT NOT TELLING, OR WHEN REFERING TO FIREBALL AS TO HIM. – BECAUSE OF IS GOING A LITTLE CRAZY TO POSSIBILITIES. MY ENGLISH IS SAME BAD AS TILL NOW, SO PLEASE BE TOLERANT, IT IS DIFFICULT TO WRITE IN A DIFFERENT LANGUAGE, WITH DICTIONARY PERMANENT ON MY KNEES ï I TRIED TO PUT AWAY AS MANY MISTAKES AS POSSIBLE, BUT STILL....
LAST COMMENT: I DO NOT OWN NOTHING, I HAVE ONLY LENT THE CHARACTERS AND PLAYED WITH THEM A LITTLE
WINTERMAGE
Chapter 6 – End of the Starsheriffs
RamrodSamantha was looking on a big holo-map of New Frontier in Ramrod. An hour ago, she has become an order from Eagle to take his crew and destroy a small Outrider base.
It took the Outriders not so long, less then a year, to return completely. Again the same stereotype, find a base, observe it, attack, destroy and wait for new orders. Trying to receive as many information about Jesse Blue as possible was the only innovation.
Now, she was searching the planet, where the base was supposed to be. The planet, small an poor inhabited, was belonging to the Jarr Kingdom. A little astonishing that the local patrols are not able to handle such a small Outrider base... though Sam for a second. On the other side....it is probably a distracting maneuver from CC again. After three months of silence since their cleaning-table-discussion with Eagle, the things started to move again. The best way how to get us away is to send us on an Outrider hunting. She just could not spare herself the sarcasm.
This will be an easier one. The activity on these small bases used to be rather little and only occasionally grew. Or is there again a surprise waiting on us? Two more times top secret documents ended in their hands. Ended...were delivered is maybe a more appropriate word for the way, how have they won them.
The first one was official response from the leadership of CC. The Starsheriffs knew already what is written there from Eagle. The second one was more interesting. A private suggestion for future cooperation from the opponents of the group around Eagle and Whitehawk. This sheet of paper has revealed them the real size of the problem that the Cavalry was fighting with. And a third person knows very well about the process of splitting the Cavalry!
No doubt, the Stasheriffs are having a secret friend, someone who wants to help them, but who? Who is he, that he has to hide his true identity? Or hers?
Who can it be? was Sam asking herself for the 100-th time. Powerful enough to use the Outriders as couriers... An unknown vapor being on their side? Almost unlikely by their nature. The way of playing such a mystery was more pointing to a theory, that their friend is a human. But the Outriders were respecting only one it really be Jesse?
Following this new idea, Samantha turned the holo-map off and moved to the computer in Control room. Find Jesses old file from Cavalry Academy took not more then a minute. There it was: appreciation from a general practitioner, from a psychologist, and than, theory, strategy, practice, fighting, flying...One more time was astonished Samantha reading the file. How could a man with such abilities do so many almost fatal mistakes? We were thinking the humiliation from April's hands was his reason for joining the Outriders. Obviously not! But how can Jesse have access to the private Cavalry database? It is suspicious, that he knew where to find us. Is he having an accomplice, someone inside the CC?
Fascinated by new discovery called Samantha her team scattered on various places of the big spaceship to the Control Room. It is time to make my crew familiar with a new task. My crew...
In those last months, the Starsheriffs had to revalue their interpersonal relationships. There was not much to clean between Sam and the previous only-girl-member, because April got used very quickly on Turbofreak's new identity. And it was comfortable to have a woman by side for change. The girls had also no problem with John. Despite the first impression, he was able to appreciate an expert. April's technical knowledge and Samantha's flying abilities proved him countless times, that they are experts. Sam also had a healthy opinion on duty of captain of the Starsheriffs and her leadership was open-minded. At all, she was trying to do her best on this new position. Maybe the little flame of hope in her head, that Saber did not really ended in the grave, had to do something with it.
They all were OK. The name of the center of the problems was Bob Wilcox.
Known as Colt.
April was aside. John till last days more or less also. Between him and Colt came to few quarrels that finally ended up in a special way of conversation mixed with sarcasm and irony. Generally, they were respecting themselves. No, the problem for Colt was Samantha.
He could not accept the exchange of wild and head-loosing man-friend Turbofreak for unknown woman Samantha. His outspoken character – giving everything and awaiting everything – was deeply insulted by the fact, that his best friend was hiding his true identity for so long...Or maybe was it her terrible past...She became a foreigner for him and he was treating her in that way. The result was respect, but no friendship any more, only coldness and this relationship was affecting also the two Starsheriffs left over. And Colt was avoiding any possibility to clear it.
Despite this opened situation the Ramrod crew could still be very effective, especially because of cowboys enthusiasm when fighting that was making him forget.
Once the Starsheriffs were completely standing in Control Room, Samantha made them familiar with their new task.
"A small Outrider base in Jarr Kingdom has been located. We're supposed to go there and destroy it! It is a direct order from Eagle."
"Hey, since when are the Jarr soldiers not able to destroy a small base?" asked Colt a little surprised.
"Since the Starsheriffs are not wanted in Cavalry."
"Oh!"
"Let's get as quickly as possible out of here, there is more I want to speak about."
The big space ship left the private Cavalry airport. After the big planet Yuma vanished from monitors and computer started to control Ramrods flight, looked April on Sam and asked.
"So, what's so important that you didn't dare to tell us on land?"
"You know, what kind of souvenir we usually bring from such small, inconspicuous bases."
"Do you think there will be a document waiting on us again?"
"Maybe. What is bringing us to the important question."
"Who is our mysterious friend?" asked John, for some reason avoiding any eye contact with Samantha.
"Mhmm."
"I don't know, if we're able to guess it."
"Colt, this doesn't sound like you." couldn't April spare herself the reaction.
"Why do you suppose, you're knowing me so good?"
Sam had an unpleasant feeling that Colt is not speaking with April. Unfortunately before she could react, April already opened her mouth.
"What is this for a question, cowboy?"
"Usually, when do you believe, you're knowing someone, he's somebody else!"
Finally, after three months it was out! Samantha reddened in face.
"Can I ask you for a private talk, Colt?"
"Is it an order?"
"Don't force me!"
"I'm not going to follow you otherwise!"
"April, John, please find everything about Jesse Blue including his file from Academy, until we're back."
April paled. "You can't be serious."
"More than ever before. Colt follow me!"
"It is an order!" she added, when Colt didn't moved.
xxxxxxx
Samantha's roomSam entered it as first.
"Sit down, Colt!" she said looking on table.
"I prefer to stand."
"Good."
She made one more step to the table, and then turned to cowboy suddenly.
"Why can you not accept me? Why? Is it my past? Or the fact that I'm a woman?"
Colt was more or less awaiting this question, but the sudden emotion surprised him. After the first shock, he just answered quietly. "You cheated all of us."
"And what would you do on my place? I was having nothing and no one. Do you know how it is when you're alone and afraid? No place to stay, no place to go, no perspective? Do you?" Now also Samantha gained her senses back and calmed down. "Sorry, of course you don't." With those words she leaned against table.
"You were having a perspective as a Starsheriffs."
"I became a Starsheriff by an accident. I could not sit down and wait until someone invites me to join the Cavalry. The racing is a hard game. Why do you think are there so little women?"
"But you're not a racer any more!"
Sam sighed and started to explain.
"You remember how our carrier started. Nothing was certain. We were foreigners to each other. How could I risk? Later, I was thinking about tell you, when the stupid letter from Yasaturi came. Saber solved it instead of me, but I've lost courage. I was imaging how will you react and came to the conclusion, it is better to keep secret."
"And Saber?"
"He also. Come here and have a look."
She took out a photo. Colt looked on it. Saber had an arm around Sam's shoulder, both of them happy laughing.
"Few days after beating the Outriders." explained Samantha. "In these days we were seriously thinking about revealing the truth to you. We were planning a future together...Then...you know what have happened."
"I-I can understand all of this, but do you know how I was feeling? I trusted to you!!! And you! You betrayed me! You betrayed us! It lasted a year and half till you decided to reveal your secret to us. And only because you were forced! How long will Eagle and Robin wait?"
"Is Robin still making problems? Or do you have a problem with me?"
"No, sorry, you're not attracting me any more after we cleared it, but Robin...how can I explain her when I'm supposed to keep secret. It looks like I fell in love with a man. She accepted my explanation but she never believed. In every look I can see the question – Do you really love ME?"
"Colt, I promise as soon as we have these dark times after us, Robin will be the first one. I will meet her personally. Do you agree?"
"Thank you."
"And about Eagle... I'm also feeling very bad, because hiding him so much. He's like my father. But now...imagine his situation. Outriders, Calishians, own people. He's pressed from every side. Do you know, he's still missing any contact with the rebels? We cannot concern him more...This is neither the time, nor the opportunity. One day the whole New Frontier will know who Fireball really is."
Colt was silent after these words. He knew he has to apologize.
"Sorry." he said quietly. "For treating you that way..."
"No, don't be sorry, it's my fault. I suggest we start from the beginning."
"Mmm, good idea. Now, let's go back."
xxxxxxx
Small base in universeMarco was just finishing his daily virtual trip to the main computer of CC, when a quiet alarm on monitor informed him about Jesse and Simona returning back to base. Six weeks have they spent out in universe. Their direct superior wanted to meet them, to give new orders and inform them about news from Calishia.
Now are they back. Sound of steps broke the line of Marcos thoughts. Jesse, hand in hand with Simona, entered the room.
"Hi!"
"Almost six weeks, where have you been? On honeymoon?"
"Rather don't ask. We have traveled through the half of galaxy. Captain doesn't want to loose his head so easily. How was your time here?"
"Boring. I'm starting to doubt that it was a good idea. I'm like a prisoner."
"Dear friend, it looks like the days of your separation are definitely ending."
"Oh-oh, bad news?"
"Mmmm. yes. Listen – the Calishians have finally accepted the Starsheriffs as equal opponents, so now, they are after their leader."
"Nooo"
"We know very well how are they treating uncomfortable people. She's in a big danger. And..." made Jesse a small pause.
"And what?"
"They have probably never believed, that you are really death. We can wait an increased effort from their side in near future."
Marco sighed.
"It has already started. The Starsheriffs have become an order to destroy this base."
"Mh, sounds like brotherheart has again surfed on internet."
"Love, be serious. When can we wait them?"
"In a week, I suppose."
"You two should vanish as soon as possible. It's not safe for you any more. It will be better for you to return back to our main base. Captain wants to hear about CC from your mouth, Marco."
"Dear, we can not leave you here alone!"
"Come on, Sim, I'll be fine."
"No Jesse."
"Listen to me you stubborn siblings. If the Starsheriffs honor us with a visit, there will be nothing left. Marco, you should know about it!"
"Maybe on surface, but...Jesse, I have an idea! Almost no one knows about this underground here. We let them destroy the upper part of base, but we should arrange it so, that the Starsheriffs have to split. This should not be so difficult because they usually use this strategy. You two have to kidnap Samantha, when she's alone. We keep her here as a prisoner and protect her from the Calishian spies. We can win some time. Then, we will see, what to do next."
Jesse with Simona just could not react different.
"To protect her!"
"Marco, do you really want me to believe, that you want only PROTECT her?"
xxxxxxx
Ramrod's Control RoomApril was explaining John the events that led to Jesse's carrier under Nemesis when cowboy with Turbofreak returned. The words were not necessary, on their faces was written, the situation is going to calm down. Relief overwhelmed Ramrod crew for a second.
"Have you found it?"
"Yes, have a look." said April and made a step aside, so Sam and Colt have enough space.
"I know, what is written there."
So, only cowboy was quickly going through the document.
"Sam, why do you believe our friend is exactly Jesse?"
"I'm not sure, but let's go through the facts. It is someone, who the Outriders obey. Someone flexible and intelligent. I suppose we know him, because he would show himself otherwise. I think Jesse has all mentioned abilities."
"Maybe, but don't forget, this person knew exactly where to find us. He has either a whole bunch of luck or a very good source of information. Do you really think there's a person inside, that informs him?" asked John.
"Or he has an access code to the central computer."
"Or he is a good hacker."
"Or has a good angel that tells him what he needs, Colt. This is the only dark spot in my hypothesis."
"Sorry Sam, but why would Jesse do something so dangerous. Everything he has done in past had a purpose...why would he help us, his enemies?"
"April, have you read the Academy documentation properly?"
"Yes."
"I don't think so. Have not noticed? Someone so clever usually doesn't make such fatal mistakes and never with such high frequency! Due to the result of psychological tests, he should not even end with the Outriders."
"Fire, he fell in love, no test could foresee his behavior!"
"No, but was he really in love?"
"What are you trying to say? That he was pretending?" shouted April with a red face.
"Till we receive more information is any hypothesis just a guess. I just want you consider Jesse as a next item on our strange list. There is more in him, I'm sure about that. We should keep an eye on him."
xxxxxxx
Small base in universeSiblings with Jesse were preparing a room for Samantha. The boys took everything away, so a bed and a small table fixed to the floor were the only left furniture. Everything what could be used as a weapon, including chairs had to vanish. Simona was clearing the small bathroom that was connected to the future jail. The toilet, basin and narrow shower corner were filling the whole space, so it was difficult even for a single person to move there. She took scissors, nail-file the – whole manicure-set and the medium-size mirror with her and put there two clean towels instead of it. She also checked if there is enough of soap and toilette paper before leaving to her boyfriend and brother.
Finally, all three of them were looking on the result of their work. The big empty room could provide enough space even to a claustrophobic person. The negative was just luck of any equipment here.
"Wait a second!" said Marco and vanished. In few minutes he returned with two books, which he put on the table. "I hope this will help her to stand over the boring times."
"Oh, brotherheart, you're not going to help her to fight with loneliness?"
Marco smiled, but before he could open his mouth, Jesse was quicker to answer.
"No, not when the Calishians are after her. They can kidnap her somehow and she will not tell them what she doesn't know. Sorry old pal...I know this is hard for you."
Marco only sighed. To be so near her and cannot see her, not touch her...
Jesse was reading in Marcos eyes. He pointed to one of the corners. "There's a cam, so you can see her everytime you want."
Marco again only sighed and left the room. Simona smiled a little and pointed to the bed.
"Dear, do you think it's comfortable?"
"Mmmm, we should try it, it's not politely to offer an uncomfortable bed to a guest..."
Bigger part of Marco's apartment was full of furniture, so he went straight to the control room. He sat down to the computer and tried to imagine Samantha. How will it be? When he can see her every time he wants...He decided to have one more look in the room. He clicked on the proper icon and realized, he's looking on his sister, how is she together with his best friend testing the quality parameters of Samantha's bed.
He turned quickly the monitor off, closed eyes and imagined a firm, young body...
xxxxxxx
RamrodThe big spaceship was getting near to the planet. The Starsheriffs could already see the target base on monitor.
"Doesn't look like a source of troubles, what do you think?"
"No, Colt, but I hardly believe we were sent here to fight. Don't forget, it's just a distracting maneuver from Cavalry."
"From Eagle, or opposition?"
"Maybe both of them."
The old trio looked a little surprised on John. He caught the glare and elaborated.
"You know, I'm still in contact with few old friends from my previous troop. There are some rumors about an official meeting with the Calishians. If I were the leader of Cavalry, I would send the most problematic team as far as possible first and then try to find a consensus with my opponents."
"Mmmm, there is some true in your words, army boy!" Colt was using this old nickname only when John remembered him, where he came from. "So, what are we waiting for? We will use the old strategy, I suppose."
"I don't see a reason, to do otherwise. April, you will stay here in Ramrod, prepared to give us backup if needed. Boys, have a look on the schema of the base. There is lack of space, so we have to leave our vehicles here and take only jetpacks. Colt, you will enter the base from north, John from east south and I will try the main entrance from west. Once we're inside, everybody will look after main control systems. If we destroy them, any further action is not necessary. I suppose, they're all in the center. Do, you agree?"
"Let's go!!!"
"Fine, on your posts!"
xxxxxxx
Secret Calishian base on YumaCharenster was sitting in his office with one of his superiors. In one hour should both of them meet with the Cavalry Commanders. Right now was the officer openly complaining about work of Charenster's team.
"The Cavalry is still refusing to cooperation with us. Our allies are not powerful enough to persuade the rest. I'm very discontented with you, Charenster."
"I was doing my best, sir, but Andersen's example was obviously not enough."
"Obviously. Maybe it's time for a next lesson."
"Captain of the Starsheriffs?"
"Yes. She will be the lesson, that none of the Commanders ever forgets! Where is she now?"
"The Ramrod team has left Yuma three days ago, on Eagle's order. He refused any explain with words – after the meeting."
"And now you don't know where to find them..."
"Yesterday has come a message from a satellite near Jarr Kingdom, that they have seen Ramrod."
"Mhhh, Eagle wants to have free hands...Charenster!"
"Sir?"
"I have decided otherwise, you will not go to the meeting. Take six trustworthy men and follow Ramrod. Bring Mrs. Osakura here, than, you will become next instructions. Go!"
xxxxxxx
Outrider base – undergroundSiblings with Jesse were looking on Ramrod, that grew bigger and bigger every second on monitor.
"Finally. Is everything ready, Jesse?"
"Trust me Marco. The Outriders have become orders, what to do. We can start. Come with me, my love."
"And me?"
"Someone has to stay here and await us, when we're back with our guest."
xxxxxxx
Base – upper partColt used the moment, when no one was in the near of door to get in. He was carefully walking through the tunnel. Lights made him nervous, he felt that every second must someone notice him. Nothing happened, so he continued.
The whole situation remembered him on action in Laramie, after they have met Snowcone. As he and Saber get unnoticed into the Outrider base and rescued Fireball from Jesse's hands. Now, after such a long time has he realized how lucky were they. Only two vapor beings crossed their way and their suits fit both Colt and Saber excellent. Not so astonishing in Colts case, but only few Outriders had the same height as the tall Highlander. Could they really be so lucky, that one of those rare exceptions was guarding the tunnel?
Colt came to a crossroad and chose a way. It's not possible that Saber and Jesse could have something together, I'm probably just overworked. Jesse is a bad guy, Fire...Sam can think what she wants. And in Ramrod was Saber with us all the time.....he left only for a second, for his blaster!!! DAMN, I'm an idiot!!!
Colt stopped, the last pillar supporting his believe that he can divide things into black and white crashed down. He stood face to face to fact, that everything is gray.
xxxxxxx
Base – undergroundMarco was looking on monitors. Colt, with a strange expression stopped on a crossroad. What an idea has he come, that he's making such face? John and Samantha were after a smooth passage through the entrances running to the center of the upper part of the base. Sam was getting near to the position of Jesse and Simona. Luckily, she has chosen the longest way, so they had enough time to get to their position. The Outriders were awaiting the Starsheriffs in the center.
What's wrong with you cowboy, why have you stopped? "Jesse, Colt stopped in the middle of the tunnel, he will not reach the center in time!"
"DAMN!" came the answer.
Marco has not heard, what Jesse ordered, but some Outriders moved from the center to Colt's tunnel. Pretty dangerous, due to the near of Samantha. If she hears something....
xxxxxxx
Base – upper partJohn reached the center, the Outriders found Colt. The sounds of fighting made Samantha hurry, she forgot to pay attention, when two strong hands grabbed her. She felt shackles on hands, someone has removed the jet-packs and pressed something hard to back.
A familiar voice told her quietly.
"Don't dare to try anything. It's for your own good. And for good of your friends."
"Jesse!"
"Clever! Now, come with me."
Jesse was holding with one hand her shoulder and with another a blaster. She has not seen anyone else, but after Jesse warned her, she was feeling the presence of one more person in her near. Resistance was useless, even when a hand removed her helm with a communicator.
They brought her in a lift. She wondered, because, the base was supposed to have only one floor...Strange feeling in stomach told her, they're not rising but falling down.
xxxxxxx
Base – undergroundFinally, she was sitting on a chair with tied hands in front of plenty of monitors. Jesse on one side, the strange woman on the other. A hat was covering half of her face, but one look on her hand remembered Samantha, where has she seen her last time.
"You!!!"
Sam noticed a shade quickly moving on her side. So there is even someone third! Before she could turn her head to see more, Jesse pointed to monitors.
"Look, your boys are in the middle of action."
"There will be nothing left, when they're finished with your Outriders."
"I don't think so. Watch properly!"
Sam looked one more time on monitors, this time took it longer. She counted the Outriders. Actually, neither John, nor Colt should be alive any more. The Outriders were just defeating themselves, carefully watching out to harm the Starsheriffs.
Samantha looked surprised on Jesse, then on the woman, who took out the communicator from her helm.
"Believe me, I don't wish your or your friend's death. Call them back to Ramrod!"
Jesse was still having a blaster in his hand. The other hand was resting on her shoulder. The woman put the communicator in front of her mouth.
""
After she took in a deep breath, he aimed the blaster at her and warned her.
"No cheating!"
"Boys, back to Ramrod, this has no sense."
She saw Colt with John obeying without any word.
"Fine, after they're in Ramrod, tell them not to wait on you and destroy the whole base!"
"No!"
"You're not in a position to decide. Follow the instructions!"
Sam was measuring the distance between herself and the communicator in hands of the stranger. One jump and she can warn her crew...
She prepared herself. Three, two, one....
Two strong hands on her shoulders stopped her in the beginning. DAMN, she forgot the third person! His aftershave smelled so familiar...
"No, Sam, I said no cheating! Look, they have reached the spaceship and are now looking after you. You know, what to say!"
"NO!"
Then she realized which name has Jesse used.
"Do, as I said!"
After she felt the blaster on her head, she gave up.
"Colt, don't wait for me, you have to destroy the base as soon as possible."
"What happened, Turbofreak?"
"I'm safe, but I can not reach Ramrod in time. You will pick me up later.. It's a t-"
Before she could finish the sentence a hand covered her mouth. Now, she forgot everything about Jesse maybe being a friend and was fighting for her life. She bit in the hand, used the moment of pain of her opponent and jumped. Jesse with the woman were in a second on her, the third one was quickly running away for something.
The shackles didn't stand the pressure over and broke. With free hands grab Samantha Jesse's blaster and shot. To her surprise, nothing happened, Jesse was menacing her with an empty blaster all the time! Fallen hat of the strange woman revealed red hair and a familiar face. The astonishment stopped Sam for a moment, but before she could look on her more properly, one arm from behind gripped her and the second one pressed a handkerchief to her nose and mouth.
Marco waited till Sam stopped to resist and only then removed the hankie. Everything around Samantha blurred. The last thing she felt before falling to the welcoming darkness were two strong arms, taking her away.
xxxxxxx
RamrodWhen attacking the base in challenge phase, the crew has noticed a small Outrider spaceship leaving planet. They didn't pay much attention to it, until April tried Samantha's communicator. No response came.
Next try, same result.
Exchange of horrified looks. Is Fireball on that spaceship?
John as first was able to react.
"Follow if! Quickly!"
Before April started to change the trajectory of Ramrod, the spaceship left to the Vapor zone. She could only say: "It's too late..."
She gulped and tried to get connection to her father. Someone has to inform him about loosing the second Starsheriff captain during a quarter of year.
After performing this unpleasant duty, a week of traveling home has started. No one said a word.
xxxxxxx
Yuma – six days laterRamrod landed on private Cavalry airport, same, where the Starsheriffs were beginning with John. Eagle was waiting on them and invited the torso of the team to his office.
He looked, if the doors are locked properly and then took out a photo. He just gave it to April. John with Colt looked over her shoulders.
On the photo was a grave and there on a wooden cross was written: Samantha Fireball Hikari
Shocked Starsheriffs looked with eyes full of question on Eagle. He knew, very well what they wanted to ask.
"We don't know, if it is real. We opened it yesterday and there was only ash and burnt wood. Looks like being the captain of Starsheriffs became a real dangerous job, so we're not going to take a risk of loosing a next person. You're suspended from now, till revocation."
None of them dared to move or say anything.
"Sorry children, I can not do otherwise."
"Thrown out from Cavalry!"
"No, Colt, you're not thrown out, consider it as a long holiday."
"Thank you for such holiday!"
Silence ruled in the room for a minute.
"I'm having the feeling, you can explain me what does the name Samantha mean."
Colt, April and John were looking on themselves for a while, before April started to tell the whole story. Neither Colt, nor John were paying any attention to her after two sentences.
Colt was thinking about Robin. Finally, he can say her how it really was! But what prize has he paid for the right to make her familiar with this secret. Why has he lost a good friend again? Why?
John imagined Samantha in front of him. Her brown eyes, where was written so much....She was still feeling very lonely, even after visiting the Riders in Highlands. Finding Andersen didn't help. She was looking like she needs someone to trust. John could not spare himself from developing a deeper feeling for her...
First he was not shoving, how he desires her. Memories on Saber were very strong. Slowly...she started to notice his care and was thankful for it. Then, few days before leaving to that coursed base...
It was evening and Samantha was looking from the window on lights of Yuma-city. Silently, John entered the room. She has noticed him despite the dark. Sam was looking on him, saying nothing. He could not oversee how her eyes sparkled, as he was standing there also without a word. Maybe was it from lights of the near city...
"Look on the city, John! It's like a giant beast, waiting on a next victim. So many people together and alone at one time...Fascinating...How many of them can you call friends?"
"Only few..."
"It is said, that people were building cities to be together, funny isn't it?"
"I don't understand you."
"Most of them just wanted to be together alone."
"Life has kicked you countless times, but no one should be so sad..." he took her in arms.
She was not resisting, Saber's picture in her mind obviously faded.
"You're the most beautiful creature I have ever seen..." he whispered in her ear and kissed her.
Samantha closed eyes and responded, she was enjoying the kiss. A wave of passion ran through her whole body...her hands traveled down his back...
Suddenly, she torn herself from him and ran away.