Eight Days Later
Five days after Avon's rescue from Deta 8 and he was well enough to move back to his own quarters, despite Cally's obvious protests. This time, things really were starting to get back to normal on the Liberator, at least for the most part. Blake, of course, was now planning to take the ship to freedom city to find Docholli, much to Vila's obvious delight, but he had decided to wait until his crew was back up to its proper strength first. Besides, he had agreed to collect and relocate another band of rebels from the planet Andor after half their organisation had been discovered and wiped out by federation troops. They were on their way now, Blake, Jenna, Cally and Vila on the flight deck.
Blake stood up front, talking to Orac about federation troop deployments on the planet Andor, while the others hovered around their stations, listening to Vila's rambling voice grumble nervously about Blake's idea of a safe mission.
''Well, I just hope Blake's not planning anything else like that anytime soon'' he decided, pouring himself a drink. ''Three weeks Avon spent down there, Three weeks! You saw what he looked like when they brought him back up.'' He shuddered uneasily. ''That could have been me you know,'' he added. ''I might never have come back!''
''Yes, and that would have been a great loss'' came Avon's scathing reply from where he stood, silent and unnoticed at the top of the stairs leading down to the flight deck. No one had heard him come in, or had any idea how long he had been standing there.
''Avon!'' Cally exclaimed surprised, while Vila looked a little guilty.
''Oh Avon, I... I didn't see you there'' he stammered, suddenly very interested in his drink.
Avon gave a wry, sardonic smile as descended the stairs to join them. ''Evidently.''
Leaving Vila, Cally walked over, her brow creased into a light frown as she approached. ''Avon we were not expecting to see you up here for another few days at least'' she commented, softly. ''Are you sure you feel up to it?''
''I am quite sure, Cally'', he responded evenly, then the wry smile was back. ''Besides, I imagine our fearless leader would prefer I got back at work as soon as possible if I am to repair this precious ship of his.''
Hearing the discussion, Blake looked round from his conversation with Orac and seeing Avon he headed over.
''What are you doing here?'' he asked and Avon scowled, clearly fed up with the question.
''Like I told Cally, I am here to work, Blake. I assume you have no problem with that.''
Blake glanced thoughtfully at his friend as he considered. Avon still looked thin and slightly paler than before, the dark bruises on his face starting to fade but still clearly visible to the eye and though it would not be easily apparent to someone who did not know him well, Blake could tell he stood just a little tenser than before, as if he were slightly on edge.
But Blake guessed Avon would much rather things get back to normal as soon as possible. After the last few weeks he had experienced it was not surprising he wanted to forget them, even if that might take him a little time, Blake thought ruefully. But both of them knew sitting around in his cabin would not help him get over it any faster. If he thought he was ready to get back to work, Blake had no thoughts to stop him.
''None, it's good to have you back'' He responded after a second, smiling broadly. ''Now, if you're sure I suggest you start on the detector shield, I want it up and running before we reach Andor''
Avon did not look impressed as he made a quick calculation in his head. ''We will be there in less than five hours, Blake'' he observed, irritated by Blakes overly presumptuous behaviour.
Blake shrugged lightly. ''Then you had better hurry, hadn't you.''
Now things really were back to normal, Cally thought brightly, as she watched Avon slink moodily off to his work while Blake turned back to Orac. Soon they would be after Docholli and then Star One, and who knew what that would bring for them. But for now, as things were, they were alive and they were together and, in a life like theirs, that was all you could really ask for. She smiled warmly, letting her mind wander freely as she felt the comfortable presence of everyone around her, glad Avon's familiarly closed mind was now back amongst the others once again. Then she turned back to her station, preparing for their latest mission as the Liberator glided silently through space, on her way to Andor and whatever lay beyond.