Ten
Miranda stood with her feet in the water. Behind her, Emily fretted, and Serena did her best to calm the agitated Brit down. Thinking it was unfathomable that she'd been so cold last night, she'd feared hypothermia, when the sun seemed to blaze down on them from the moment it rose over the horizon.
"Cooling down?" Nigel showed up at her side, carrying palm tree leaves.
"Yes. Odd isn't it? Only hours ago, I was freezing." Miranda shrugged.
"Yes, but we were all drenched from the spray of the ocean water. And that blouse, though gorgeous on you, doesn't provide any warmth. I hope it'll be better tonight.
"What are you doing with those?" Miranda asked, nodding at his burden.
"We're going to try and attach the rafts together as shelter. We need shade, but most people are reluctant to seek it out in the jungle." Nigel motioned toward the area where the crew that hadn't gone looking for water and food, were pulling the rafts into v-shaped formations.
"Let me help you." Miranda took half the leaves from Nigel. "I'm nothing if now good at braiding."
Nigel's smile became more genuine. "Good thinking, boss."
Serena and Emily joined them, and Miranda had to admire the stoicism of her in-house makeup artist. Serena kept an arm around Emily's shoulders and Miranda could tell it was necessary. Not everyone can manage to remain calm during a crisis and Miranda knew Emily wasn't fond of flying to begin with.
"Andy's not back yet?" Serena asked in a low voice.
"No." Miranda's heart contracted painfully a few beats at the question. "I hope she won't be long." Feeling exposed at her own words, she squared her shoulders.
"Look. Someone's back. Weren't they part of Six's team?" Nigel pointed at three people emerging from the dense jungle, carrying something.
"But where is she?" Miranda struggled to not raise her voice. Where the hell was Andrea? Had something happened to her and Annika?
"They look to calm and they're smiling," Emily said, sounding calmer than she'd done since they began plummeting toward the ocean. "Are those coconuts?"
"They are." Miranda lengthened her stride, curing the brilliant white sand that grabbed at her shoes and slowed her down. As she reached the trio, together with several of the other passengers, she saw the captain was already present as well. She seemed all right and only wore a makeshift bandage on the small cut on her forehead.
"Excellent," Janeway said and pointed toward where they had piled the few resources, they'd gathered during the morning hours. First aid kit, emergency rations, and an assortment of things people had had in their pockets that might come in useful. "Put them down there and we'll figure out who is in most need of the water inside them." She waved one of the flight attendants to her. "You have one of the axes, Linda. Once we're opening these, you'll be in charge of that. Any more where these came from?" She turned back to the three from Andrea's team.
"Yes. Now that we know what we're looking for, we spotted a dense area with a lot of coconuts. The only thing is that we need to climb up into them to retrieve them," the woman said. "These grew from a half-fallen palm tree."
"We need to figure that part out." Janeway looked around. "We could try strips of fabric together to make a harness of sorts. Unless we have an elite gymnast or two on the passenger manifest." The last part was clearly spoken tongue in cheek, but Serena raised her hand.
"I was on the Brazil national gymnastics team. If I can get a crew with me to carry the coconuts, I can climb up and toss them down."
"Oh, god," Emily murmured and swayed.
"Good." Janeway pointed her hand at Serena. "What's your name?"
"Serena."
"Well, Serena. You're in charge of the coconut detail from now on. You'll be trusted with one of the axes. I'm sure you realize we cannot afford to lose any of them." Janeway nodded briskly. "Assemble a group of ten, or so, and get to it."
"Aye, ma'am," Serena said and saluted with her index finger.
Miranda couldn't wait any longer. She turned to the trio that just returned. "Where is Andrea and Annika?"
"Annika told us to return with the fruits. She and Andy would keep on looking for fresh water." Again, it was the woman that answered. "They were fine when we parted."
That was moderately encouraging. Miranda rubbed her arms despite the heat. What if something happened to Andrea?
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Eleven
Annika pulled her gun out and stepped in front of Andrea after giving her the axe. "Stay behind me." She moved toward the sound, her heart beating hard in her chest.
"Is that the damn roar again?" Andy whispered.
"Sure sounds like it." Moving some branches out of the way, Annika took the safety off her gun, her finger still away from the trigger. The dense growth made it hard to see what lay ahead, but she thought she could see it thinning out further up. She bent to dodge some dangling vines. They were sticky, and she had to yank her ponytail free. Turning her head, she made sure Andy had noticed the vines and wouldn't get caught with her even longer hair. She nodded briskly as she saw Andy duck with more success.
Annika took two more steps and then stopped as she felt the ground go soggy under her feet. She raised her hand to alert Andy. "Can you hear that?" Annika asked, nudging a few branches aside.
"Yes. It sounds like…water?" Andy murmured and helped Annika by using the axe to shove the sticky brushes aside. "And my feet are getting wet. Damn ballerina flats."
Annika looked between the branches and found herself staring, her mouth agape. "Damn. Do you see what I see?"
Andy came up to stand next to her, shifting her feet that made a sloshy sound. "Wow."
"Wow is a good a word as any." Annika examined the ground next to them and stepped sideways. "Here's better. Firm rock."
"Oh, good." Following Annika, Andy took a deep breath. "I think this has to be the most beautiful place I've ever seen."
"It's stunning." Annika agreed with Andy. Before them, a small waterfall, perhaps fifteen feet high, splashed into a lake, or spring, she wasn't sure what to call it. About a hundred feet across, it was surrounded by flat rocks and low growths. Purple, pink, orange, and blue flowers created a breathtaking color collage.
"Wait, what's that?" Andy asked and pointed at the far end of the water.
Squinting, Annika saw movements as some animal came up to the water, its walk something between a waddle and a slither. It looked like a huge lizard. It gaped and dipped its nose, drank, and then gave a sound that indeed sounded like a hissing sort of husky roar.
"Well, go figure," Annika said. "That explains at least one of the sound's we've heard.
"Let's hope that's as big as they get." Andy swallowed. "Think it's dangerous?"
"Lot of teeth, and quite the big mouth." Annika engaged the safety of her gun and holstered it. Andy gave her back the axe without having been asked.
"This has to be fresh water since the animals drink it, right?" Andy motioned to the clear lake. "We could try it, I suppose?"
"Yes. We might as well. If we're to survive until help comes, we need to be able to provide fluids for everyone. Coconut water is great, but we'll still need water." Annika watched the animal disappear into the jungle and decided they could risk it. "Come on."
They stepped up to the edge of the rock and knelt. Annika kept a watchful eye of their surroundings as Andy didn't seem to mind being the guinea pig. She cupped her hands and raised the water to her lips. Carefully, she sipped it and then smiled broadly up at Annika.
"It's wonderful."
Annika tried the water after making sure no critters were close to them. The water was cool, refreshing, and tasted better than the bottled stuff she was used to. "You're right. Now we have to figure out ways to fetch some for the passengers and crew."
"If the damn lizard thing didn't live here, we could move everyone to stay here by the water, but that's probably not a good idea," Andy said thoughtfully.
"Agree. And we need to start fires now that everything is drying off. That's one way of becoming more visible."
"And spell help in the sand with logs or whatever." Andy nodded.
Annika was pleasantly surprised at the young woman she had thought was more of a city girl, hothouse flower, had such stamina and a level head. "Good idea. We need to start back before they send out a search party. We should be able to bring more people to help us carry water once we've rested a bit." It was getting hotter now as the sun was almost directly above them.
"Yes, I need to make sure Miranda's not freaking out. She's started to realize that her daughters, her twins, might think she's dead." Andy looked sad. "I know we all have someone back home fearing the worst, but in Miranda's case, the girls are all she has."
"And you, obviously." Annika began walking back the way they came, using the axe to make the marks even more obvious for future water teams to follow.
"I'm just her second assistant." Andy turned pink.
"Uh-huh." Annika wondered if Andy was blind. The way Miranda Priestly had clung to her assistant told a different story. When Annika remembered how Captain Janeway had finally given in and relied on Annika to care for her wound, she felt her own cheeks warm. Perhaps she and Andy had more in common than at first glance?
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Twelve
Andy stepped back onto the beach, the breeze from the ocean helping to cool her down. The jungle, as beautiful as parts of it was, was clammy enough to make her shirt stick to her skin.
"Andrea." Miranda walked up to her, taking her by the shoulders. "You were gone far too long."
"Um. Sorry?" Andy sighed inwardly. Was Miranda's words meant as critique, or signs of worry?
"Don't be ridiculous." Miranda still didn't make sense as she sent a glaring look at Annika. "And you should know better than to drag a young woman not used to the wilderness into unchartered territory."
"I assure you, Annika didn't drag me anywhere. In fact, she's the reason we found fresh water." Andy was too hot, and too exhausted, to be polite, or aware of any warning signs in Miranda's demeanor. "I need to cool off, though." Andy freed herself from Miranda's grip, something she'd never want to do otherwise, but she did feel disgusting after sweating like a pig.
As she walked along the water to find some remnant of privacy, she kicked off her shoes, tugged off her shirt and slacks, and waded into the water. It was such a relief, chilling her hot, slightly blistered feet, and she went further out and dived under a wave. The ocean water rejuvenated her, and Andy felt her ability to think returned. Fuck. Had she really blown Miranda off like that? She began swimming back to the shore and when she saw Miranda stand, arms folded over her chest, at the water's edge, she swallowed hard. Yeah. She was screwed.
"Ready to conduct a normal conversation?" Miranda asked quietly as Andy rose from the water. Then her eyes grew wide as she regarded Andy.
"Sure. Absolutely. Sorry about sounding testy."
"Well." Miranda cast a glance over her shoulder at their fellow passengers and the flight crew that now surrounded Annika. Turning her attention back to Andy, she unfolded her arms, looking quite fidgety for being Miranda. "Your underwear became transparent in the water. You may want to put on your shirt, at least, before you join the others."
Andy looked down her body and realized Miranda was correct. Not that she was a prude, or anything, but to show off this much of herself for a bunch of strangers wasn't what she had in mind. "Damn." She pulled on her shirt, which reached just below her ass. Looking at the sweaty slacks, she decided to wait until they had dried—and when she preferably had a chance to use a knife, or even Annika's axe, to cut them into shorts.
Miranda seemed relieved that Andy had covered herself, and how Andy was supposed to interpret that, she had no idea. "I see you all have erected shade and wind protection using the rafts." Andy hoped that changing the subject would prevent her from blushing.
"Yes. Kathryn is quite skilled at this whole survival business." Miranda sounded as impressed as she could, sort of the equivalent of giving a nod and a smile at a run-through or a fashion show.
"So is Annika." Andy smiled at the thought of how Annika had made sure to keep Andy safe, even pulling her weapon.
"You seem to have hit it off." Miranda spoke casually—even too casually, Andy who always was acutely aware of Miranda's tone, thought.
"She's a cool person." Andy stopped a few feet away from the crowd around the flight crew and Annika. The latter spotted her and raised her hand, waving Andy forward.
"I have a coconut for you," Annika said and held out an open fruit. "You need the water."
Andy wasn't about to leave Miranda out of the conversation or whatever planning was taking place. She steeled herself and took Miranda by the hand and pulled her along. Glimpsing Emily's huge eyes, she winked at her colleague. Good thing that Serena was keeping close to Emily. She looked like she was about to faint.
Andy accepted the fruit, took a large gulp of the coconut water and then handed it to Miranda. "Here. You need to remain hydrated until we start the water runs."
"The what?" Miranda simply held the coconut in her free hand and stared at Andy.
"As opposed to the usual coffee runs, we're going to have to start doing scheduled water runs for the passengers and crew." Andy motioned for the coconut. "Drink. Please."
"Very well." A faint smile tugged at Miranda's lips before she drank from the jagged edge. "Not too bad."
Relieved that Miranda was going to allow Andy to keep caring for her, Andy drank some more as well. A few people on Miranda's right shifted and nudged her toward Andy. Without thinking, she let go of Miranda's hand and wrapped it around her shoulders instead. She tugged Miranda close, nearly chest to chest. "Hey, guys. The beach is huge. No need to crowd anybody," Andy said, her voice stern. She caught Annika's eyes and knew she didn't imagine the knowing look the other woman gave her. Andy in turn looked at the still-pale captain standing right next to Annika, well within her personal space. For some reason, this made Annika's cheeks color as well.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Thirteen
Kathryn stopped in the shade of the jungle, watching for the last of the teams on what the young woman working for Miranda Priestly, Andrea, had coined as "water runs". Understanding it was an inside joke among Miranda's staff, it had still caught on, and when some of the crew and passengers came up with a way to carry water, by cutting out smaller pieces of one of the rafts, the teams had begun their trips. While the teams were away, other people made larger containers of the raft to store the fetched water in.
Annika had insisted she needed to stay at the fresh water source all day, since she was the only one with a weapon, to keep whatever the roaring creature was, at bay. Now she would return with the last of the teams and Kathryn hoped this meant she would be able to breathe better. What was it about the statuesque woman, so poised and strong, that made Kathryn lose her breath in the first place? She sighed at the mystery and then jumped when someone placed a gentle hand on her arm.
"Captain? You're a bit pale." A young woman, another of Miranda's staff, stood by her side. Next to her, a redhead held the first woman's hand.
"I'm fine. Thank you." And she would be even finer when the last team was back. "I'm sorry. I've forgotten your names."
"Serena." The taller of the women smiled. "And this is Emily."
"Are you doing all right?" Kathryn asked, knowing every single one of the two-hundred and seventy-nine souls on this island were her responsibility. The buck stopped with her and normally, she shouldered it in a normal way. Now, as she'd had to ditch the plane and bring everyone to this place, she feared they could get sick, injured, or simply starve, before help arrived. This was on her, no matter how you looked at it.
"We're fine, Captain. Last night was horrible, and cold, but tonight we'll have fires, and shelter. And water." Serena actually looked pleased. "It could be far worse."
Emily nodded. "My panic scale is at a three on my best days and it's barely at a five right now. That should tell you something."
Kathryn chuckled. "Sounds all right, then." A rustling sound from the now well-trodden path into the jungle, made her turn around. Nine men and women came carrying water in the makeshift buckets made of raft material, hung on branches between them. Taking up the rear, Annika emerged, her hair in disarray and looking tired.
"Annika." Kathryn let the others pass and walked up to her. "You've been out too long. Sun's about to set."
"We need the water. I had little choice." Annika walked over to a place in the shade, sitting down in the sand with a sigh. "I admit, I'm tired."
Kathryn joined her, having spotted Chuck taking charge of the returning team's water and helping them pour it into the larger container. "Some of the other passengers walked along the beach earlier and found other types of palm trees. They managed to bring bananas enough for everyone.
"Bananas?" Annika ran her hand over her face. "That's a good source of energy. With that, the water, and the coconuts, we're off to a good start. Anyone good at spearing fishing?" She tilted her head and looked at Kathryn, her ice blue eyes dull with fatigue, but still beautiful.
"No idea." Kathryn smiled. "But we lucked out that we have a downright prepper in our midst. He is wearing a special utility box on his belt, which made it to the island with him. All he had to do at airport security was to store the knife that went with it in his checked luggage. He handed it over to my co-pilot. It holds fishing gear, a sort of string that is a saw, compass, space blanket, magnifying glass, and…a fire striker. And a few other things I couldn't make out. We've gathered wood all day and will not be cold tonight."
"And we'll be able to signal planes or ships." Annika pulled at the hair tie in her hair, but only managed to make it worse.
"Allow me?" Kathryn rose to kneel behind Annika. "You've half the jungle attached to your hair."
"Thank you," Annika said quietly.
Kathryn eased the hair tie off the blond tresses, combing it through with her fingers to free it from the debris. "There. Better. Want a new ponytail?"
"No, my head hurts a bit." Annika rubbed her neck.
Concerned, Kathryn circled her and tipped Annika's head up by placing a curled index finger under her chin. "You were next to water all day. Please tell me you drank enough?"
"I did." Squinting at Kathryn, she sighed. "Guess, I'm really in need of that banana."
"You'll have two." Kathryn extended a hand to Annika and helped her to her feet. "Last night you looked after me—my turn to return the favor."
"You don't have to feel oblig—"
"Please. Just let me do this." Kathryn wasn't about to walk hand in hand with Annika like Serena and Emily had done, but she kept close to Annika in case she would need her. And, she thought, she actually did breathe better now. Imagine that.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Fourteen
The night sky was a black-violet velvet dotted by a multitude of stars. Miranda followed Andrea as she motioned toward the second of three shelters built from the rafts, tied together with vines and braided palm leaves. The construction described a half open triangle, or even resembled half a tent, facing the area where several large fires were burning. The idea, Miranda had learned, was that the fires would help keep them warm. Keeping in close proximity, she surmised, would help now when the night breeze from the ocean wouldn't cool them down as badly as last night when they were all wet from crossing the reef.
"Here. These are our spots. Emily and Serena are on the other side of you and Nigel just behind me. Captain Janeway, Annika, and Monica will be right behind him. It'll be cramped. Forty-five people in each row." Andrea looked apologetic, but Miranda was not going to complain. She had turn complaining into an artform, but she was no fool. What she expected from her life in Manhattan was a far cry from what it was now. She had to survive. Andrea had to survive, and the same went for her staff and the rest of the people of Intrepid 995.
"It will have to do," Miranda said briskly. "I want you close as much as possible." She didn't exactly make it an order but knew Andrea could tell it wasn't far from it.
"Don't worry. You'll be fed up with me before we're home." Andrea squeezed Miranda's arm gently. The gesture settled her marginally.
"I doubt it." Miranda walked past Andrea and inspected the area where she was meant to sleep. She had just returned from an utterly undignified visit a few yards into the jungle where some of the passengers had built a makeshift latrine and, in the meantime, Andrea had helped organize the last of the preparations for the evening. Miranda had worried about having to lay directly on the sand, knowing how badly it had chafed at her last night. Now she looked at the wide leaves spread in layers on the ground.
"I thought this might make it more comfortable." Andrea placed a hand in the small of Miranda's back. "Nigel and I made the bedding, if you can call it that, while Emily and Serena gathered the leaves. I figure they can be replaced if they dry up and get hard. Preferably we'll get off this island before then."
"From your lips…" Miranda took Andrea's hand when she removed it from her back. "Thank you. This…this makes it a little easier."
"Oh. Good." Smiling broadly, probably from sheer relief that her idea wasn't shot down, Andrea laced her fingers with Miranda's. "Want to sit a little by the fire before we turn in or are you very tired?"
"I'm very tired, but I would like to warm up some." Miranda knew from Andrea's slightly startled look at their joined hands that she had perhaps only just realized that they were still holding on tight to each other. Seeing Nigel approach, carrying something that looked like wool, but was clearly grass, Miranda frowned. "What is that?"
"Something fluffy, and yes, I checked, bug free and clean, to put under the leaves. To rest our heads on." He gave her a wan smile. "I thought it might help."
"Great idea," Andrea said. "Need help?"
"Nah. I'm good." Nigel motioned with his head toward the fires. "Serena and Emily are out there. I'm going to join them a bit when I'm done."
"So will we," Miranda said. "We'll save you a seat."
They stepped out of the raft tent, or bivouac, and it took Miranda a moment to locate Serena and Emily. They sat next to the captain and Annika, their heads close together. Annika was examining Janeway's headwound, but didn't seem alarmed, which was good. The crew and the passengers all looked to the captain for moral support. If she were to become incapacitated, it would be disastrous for moral.
"Hey. We have room for you two. And Nigel if he shows up." Serena looked up from where she sat in the sand with her arm around Emily. "Come get warm."
Miranda sat down, feeling every bone in her body ache. She had made sure to rehydrate all day and had eaten two bananas. She was not hungry, but she was on the other side used to skipping meals. She wondered how Andrea felt. If anyone was used to eating normally, it was her, among her staff. Emily lived on cheese cubes and almonds. Serena led a much healthier lifestyle. Still, it also meant that Miranda and Emily would be the ones worse off sooner, if bananas and water were all that were available. She shuddered at the thought.
"Here. Come closer," Andrea whispered and placed her arm around Miranda's shoulders. "I have you."
Grateful, and in no shape to resist for any of the old reasons she had insisted to herself, she had to abide by. Tokyo Fashion Week had been a whirlwind, but the late evenings, after dining out and entertaining, had been pure agony. Watching Andrea grow with each challenge, dress so beautifully, and being incredibly attentive and intuitive, had grated along Miranda's nerves. She had found herself studying how Andrea's lips moved when she talked, stretched when she laughed, and how her soft, brown eyes glowed with interest at everything she saw. Except when she met Miranda's gaze. Then the brown turned into amber dipped in brandy. Molten, steaming…and Andrea's lips would part just slightly, and her breath would catch. And Miranda would lose her train of thought, forget who she was talking to, and have to pretend to be bored to not display her emotions for everyone to see.
Now she was here, on this godforsaken island, and Andrea seemed to take every opportunity to touch her, hold her, and protect her. Miranda couldn't resist it. She needed the comfort of Andrea's presence. If she was to remain sane and not entirely lose what was left of her mind, she had to have Andrea near her, literally, or she would crumble. At least that's how she felt.
"You're trembling," Andrea murmured in Miranda's ear. "Want to move closer to the fire?"
"No. I'm fine. Just…" Miranda hesitated. "Just don't go."
Andrea's breathing caught. Just like in Tokyo, but in this setting, it was even more pronounced. "I won't." She gasped. "I need you too."
Another little part of Miranda settled at Andrea's last words. "All right, then." She turned her head and leaned it against Andrea's shoulder, while she slid her arm around her back. "Feeling warmer too?"
"Yes. Now I do." There is a new softness to Andrea's tone.
"Good."
Far into the jungle, muted roars, whispers, and other strange sounds gave an eerie reminder that they shared this island with a great number of unknown creatures. Miranda closed her eyes, trying to not let her imagination run amok.
At one of the other fires, a gentle baryton began to sing. His voice carried easily along the stretch of white sand as he seemed to give praise to the fact that they were all still alive.
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound…
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Fifteen
Spooning Miranda. Andy hadn't thought she'd be able to forget about them being marooned on a deserted island for a second, however lying on banana palm leaves behind Miranda Priestly did the trick. Not only could you not pry a stamp in between them to save your life, but Miranda held Andy's hand tucked against her stomach. Yes, it was for warmth, sure, but the whole handholding that had started last night, had clearly carried on well into the night.
Behind Andy, Nigel snored quietly, which was oddly reassuring. At one point, Andy had heard a gasp from further back and when she heard Annika's low voice murmur something reassuring, she surmised that perhaps the captain was in pain or distress. It didn't escape Andy how her and Annika's situations seemed to coincide. Granted, Annika hadn't told Andy in so many words about her attraction to Janeway, but she could feel it. The way Janeway looked at Annika also seemed to mirror how Miranda's eyes had lingered on Andy for a while now. She couldn't tell when it had started. It had probably been very gradual, but during this fateful trip to Tokyo, it had exacerbated everything.
Andy wondered why she felt guilty for reveling in the way she was close to Miranda. She had tried to keep a modest distance when they went to lay down, leaving a few inches between them. This had not sat well with Miranda who reached back and pulled Andy's left arm forward and tucked it against her. "We'll get cold," she said, and if she hadn't sounded breathless, Andy would have bought that as the only reason.
"Well, we can't have that," she had replied calmly and pulled Miranda back into her, pretty sure she thought she heard Miranda whisper something like "dear god".
The fires were still burning as Chuck Taylor, the co-pilot, had organized a schedule for keeping watch over them and the sleeping people. Four people at a time took two-hour watches to make sure they didn't miss any passing ships or airplanes. Armed with additional firewood, they were prepared to stoke the fires if that happened. Andy was on the next night's roster, which had caused Miranda to demand Chuck change it, so she could stay up with her. Andy would have preferred if Miranda would get more sleep instead, but somehow knew that there was nobody else that Miranda was comfortable sleeping this close to. So, the roster was changed.
"Are you awake?" Miranda whispered, startling Andy.
"Yes. Did I wake you?" Andy wanted to kick herself.
"No. I need to turn around." Miranda sighed. "Do you want to switch sides?"
"No, I'm fine." Andy didn't mind either way, but Nigel had shifted and had his back pressed against hers. There was no way she could move without disturbing him.
"Oh. Well."
"Just turn around, Miranda. You'll be fine." Andy smiled into the darkness, barely lit by the glow from the flickering flames of the fire.
Miranda pivoted, giving a soft moan when she settled down, this time facing Andy. She shivered, and Andy realized she was starting to get cold again. "Lift your head."
Miranda hesitated by then did as Andy suggested. Andy pushed her arm in under Miranda's neck and tugged her closer. She managed to move up a bit so Miranda's head ended up on her shoulder. This way Andy could wrap both arms around Miranda and hold her close again. "Better?"
"Much." Miranda sounded relieved as she pressed her face against Andy's neck. Now it was Andy's turn to tremble. Had anyone told her only yesterday that she'd be holding Miranda like this, she would've called them cruel and delusional. Now, it felt…natural. Of course, it also felt surreal, mind-blowing, and breathtaking, but mainly…natural.
"Think you can sleep now?" Miranda whispered and when her lips moved against Andy's skin, it sent shivers up and down her spine in a way that Miranda had to notice. Miranda slid her right arm up along Andy's side and hooked around her shoulder. "I know. I know."
Tears threatened to spill at what had to be tenderness in Miranda's voice. Andy had never heard her sound tender with anyone but the twins, but this was another version…another sort of tenderness, tinged with something like—passion? They were trapped among all these people, most of them complete strangers, and Andy couldn't risk anyone overhearing them. She wanted more than anything to tell Miranda she heard her, she understood, and that she felt so much. Wanted Miranda so much—more than anyone she had ever met. But all Andy could do was hold Miranda, shelter and warm her, and by doing so, try to convey just how much of her heart Miranda held in return.
Andy pressed her lips against Miranda's forehead. She had to do something. This made Miranda slide her hand up into Andy's hair, caressing her in gentle little circles. Finally able to relax some more, Andy smiled against Miranda's smooth skin. How could such a little simple caress instill both hope and reassurance? Miranda touched her in a completely new way and Andy began to truly believe that not only were they going to be saved soon, but there might be some sort of future for her in Miranda's personal life.
Closing her eyes, Andy felt the, by now, fading fragrance of Miranda's hairspray, mixed with Miranda's own scent, and then she felt herself drift off to sleep.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sixteen
Annika walked next to Kathryn as they reached the large rock formation that protruded out into the water. Kathryn shielded her eyes against the sun with her hand as she looked up at the rugged formation. "Think we can climb it?"
Annika gave Kathryn's black, formerly shiny, shoes a glance. "Depends on your footwear," she said. "Those look slippery."
"Barefoot?"
"Wouldn't recommend it. This is lava." Annika touched the blackened rock. "And very rugged."
"Damn." Kathryn put her hands on her hips after tucking her hair behind her ears. "I'd love to get a better view of the island. For all we know, there could be a vacation resort on the other side!"
Annika smiled faintly. "Doubtful."
"What I'm saying is that we have no idea if there's a much better place for us to wait for help than this beach." Kathryn looked out over the sea. "If we weren't in such trouble, this place would be paradise, wouldn't it? It's beautiful."
"Yes, very beautiful." Annika nearly choked on the words as she regarded the woman next to her. They'd flown together on several flights and from the first moment she saw Kathryn Janeway, she'd known she should keep her distance. Always a careful person, and very private, Annika was rarely comfortable around new people. When looking into Kathryn's eyes turned out to have the same effect on her as a sucker punch, she'd known she was in jeopardy. Or, her heart, at least.
Living alone, working a solitary profession, albeit not for long as she had resigned, was more Annika's thing. Never depending on another person or getting involved on a personal level—it was far easier than the mess of caring deeply. And standing here now, drawn into the light that was Kathryn, she knew it was too late for any over her usual evasive maneuvers.
"Let's continue around the island a bit longer." Kathryn motioned toward the east. "Who knows what we may find." She began walking without waiting to see if Annika would follow.
Sighing inwardly, Annika followed Kathryn who were more energetic than should be possible after her head injury and having only eaten a few bananas. "We can't go too far," Annika cautioned. "We only have the water we can carry in the coconuts." Annika had taken upon herself to carry four coconuts with fresh water threaded on a thin vine over her shoulder. She'd be damned if she'd let this stubborn woman kill herself in the name of exploration.
They walked along the beach, close to the water where the sand was firmer. Kathryn's formerly stark white shirt was showing the same wear and smudges as everyone else's and still she carried that commanding persona that made her crew adore her and passengers flock to her. And, Annika thought, she was no better. If she wasn't careful, she'd lose her heart and never retrieve it.
"I think we've reached further than the passengers that walked this way yesterday," Kathryn said. "No more foot prints."
"They didn't bring water, which limited how far they could go, I would think." Annika studied the edge of the jungle. It looked the same as it did on their beach. "I wonder if the beach stretches all around the island or if the topography changes."
"Perhaps we'll find out." Kathryn shot Annika a furtive glance. "I know, I know. Not all of it today. And hopefully we'll be rescued well before then."
"I'll say." Annika shortened her stride to keep pace with Kathryn.
"I've got to get everyone home." Kathryn sighed, and her voice lowered to a husky murmur. "They put their lives in my hands, I mean passengers in general, every time they board one of my flights. I carry the ultimate responsibility for their wellbeing, their safety. It's up to me to make sure we tap into every resource imaginable on this island, to stay alive until help arrives."
It tore at Annika's heart to hear the underlying anxiety in Kathryn's voice. Just by looking at her, you wouldn't think anything phased this woman, but it hadn't taken more than a minute when she first met Kathryn to realize the compassion and strength of emotion that permeated her soul. Kathryn radiated exuberance and perhaps her level blue-gray gaze could fool some into thinking she was all business, but Annika knew, no felt, differently.
"Look," Kathryn said and stopped walking. "What's that?"
A gap among the palm trees and vegetation seemed curious to Annika as well. They walked toward it. "It looks almost manmade." Annika frowned. "I mean, look at how precise it is. As if someone bulldozed a path right into the jungle."
"Now this is a mystery," Kathryn said and stepped closer. "I can't see any tracks or footprints in the sand, but it's entirely level. What are the odds of that?"
Annika looked in among the shrubs and vines. "Some of it looks a little overgrown, but the sandy path keeps going as far as I can see. What are the odds that there'd be sand stretching in along a straight path like this?"
"Very unlikely." Kathryn took a few steps in through the opening, but Annika put her hand on her arm.
"Wait. Listen."
Kathryn looked up at her, her brows knitted. "What…oh."
An entirely new sound, not a roar or a growl, but more like thunder ending in a whistling noise, could be heard in the distance.
"What the hell can that be?" Kathryn shook her head. "This place is rapidly becoming the strangest location I've ever been to."
"Been to many desolate islands in the Pacific?" Annika knew she had to lighten the mood as the sound was too eerie for comfort. "And yes, I can't say I've heard anything like that. Ever."
"We need to find out." Kathryn started walking into the jungle, clearly dead set on finding out if anything else was threatening her passengers and crew. Annika hurried after her, knowing she had to be the voice of reason even if it meant annoying the captain.
"We do need to find out, but not like this. Not without sufficient backup and preparation." When Kathryn still kept walking, Annika stepped in front of her and placed her hands on her shoulders. "Please, Kathryn."
Kathryn sighed in obvious frustration. "Damn it. All right. All right." She relaxed. "You're obviously correct. Is that going to be an infuriating habit of yours, Annika—to be right all the time?"
Annika smiled. "Not all the time, I'm sure. But this time, it is better to be prudent. If we get lost in there, or if something happens to you…us…nobody will know where we are."
"Of course." Kathryn inhaled deeply and then reached for one of the coconuts. "Guess we better rehydrate and go back and form a team. There's no way that I'm sitting this one out. We have to find out if this, well, road, leads to something that can help us."
As they turned to leave, a new low thunder rolled toward them and this time it was accompanied by a gush of wind that moved the sand on the ground. Annika looked down and what she saw made her stare in disbelief.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Seventeen
Kathryn looked down at the tracks. "Caterpillar tracks?" she said in disbelief. "Something using caterpillar tracks have driven through here at one point. What the hell is this place?"
Annika brushed more sand aside with her fingertips and felt with her hands. "They're rock hard. Petrified."
Crouching next to Annika, Kathryn felt the ridges and valleys of the tracks. She looked back and forth between the two rows. "I estimate that they axel width had to have been around one point five meters. So, we're not talking about a military tank here. Something smaller. An excavator? Or a smaller armored vehicle?"
"The first sounds more plausible, I think." Annika stood and brushed the sand from her knees and hands. "I think we should investigate, but as I said before, not without notifying the others and also preferably bringing more people with us."
"Yes." Kathryn agreed. "We just don't know what we'll stumble upon. Need I say that you and your gun are a given on the team?" Smiling, Kathryn saw Annika send a glance to the sky as if asking some deity for assistance. "Aw, come on. You know you want to."
"I do. I just don't want to go in half-cocked."
"Me either. Let's head back and form a posse." Kathryn started walking back to where they came from. She felt more energized than she had since they ended up on this, for her, unknown island. She knew everyone else were waiting for helicopters, planes, or ships, to find them at any second, but Kathryn knew that a rescue could take longer than the passengers thought. Yes, the planes emergency beacon had been on when she and Chuck left the cockpit. That was encouraging, but the Pacific was big and once the plane sank completely, something the beacon should work, but who knew what was injured in the water landing?
To explore a mystery on this island could be just what the more adventurous of the crew and passengers needed. Even if not all could go trotting into the jungle, there would be reports and stories to bring back to the campfires and that would take the focus on their situation. That and finding any type of food was going to help save them—and their sanity.
Two teams lead by the prepper guy and his husband were in the jungle right now, looking for edible plants, roots, etcetera. The guys were very knowledgeable and thanks to them and Chuck's affinity for camping and generally roughing it, they had gotten further than they would have otherwise with making it as comfortable and safe for everyone as possible. The children were everyone's top priority and also, Kathryn had observed, very motivational for some of the passengers as they focused more on the kid's wellbeing than on their own.
"Annika," Kathryn said and stopped abruptly. This made Annika stumbled into her from behind, nearly sending them both sprawling on the sand.
"Did I hurt you?" Annika regained her balance. "What's wrong?"
"No, no. Nothing's wrong. Well, not really." Kathryn turned her attention toward the gap in the jungle that was barely visible from where they stood. "Am I being selfish for finding this mystery so exciting?" She wasn't sure why she needed reassurance from this woman, whom she found so desperately attractive, but didn't really know at all.
"No. Whatever it takes to keep all of our spirits up. And besides, finding where those caterpillar tracks end up might lead to something useful for us." Annika tilted her head. "You're strong, Kathryn. I know you are ultimately responsible for all of us. Don't think I don't get that. That said, I want you also to remember that you're not alone. The entire crew, and I, are behind you and we'll figure this out together."
Kathryn breathed easier. "How could you possibly know that's what I needed to hear?" She briefly touched Annika's arm. "We better hurry back so we can make the most of the rest of the day."
Annika remained where she was, merely looking into Kathryn's eyes as if she was searching for something. "It's odd," she said slowly. "I feel I know you better than it's logical, considering we only meet in the line of duty every now and then. I can't say why."
Oh, god. Kathryn knew exactly why she felt closer to Annika than she had to any other person for years. If ever. This last part gave her pause. Was she falling for this gorgeous creature? She tried to think of Annika as a friend, but that didn't sit quite right. It was more than friendship in the way Kathryn regarded the other woman, much more. She could get lost in those ice blue eyes, linger at the fullness of Annika's lips, and get all heavy and hot inside when she thought of touching every hill and valley of her tall, curvaceous body.
Some of Kathryn's thoughts may have been visible in her eyes, because Annika's eyes widened as if something dawned on her. Not able to break the intense eye contact, Kathryn slowly raised her hand and placed against Annika's upper arm again. "We'll explore this later, if you are willing," she said huskily. "Or, if I'm mistaken, I apologize," she amended when Annika seemed so rigid where she stood, bathing in sunlight.
"You…are not mistaken." Annika swallowed visible. "I agree. Later."
Feeling dizzy at the prospect of having two mysteries on her hands, the caterpillar tracks and the suggestion that Annika may not be indifferent to her, Kathryn nodded briskly and resumed walking back to their base camp. One thing at a time.
First the tracks…and then, perhaps tonight…Annika.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Eighteen
Andy stood next to Kathryn and Annika. On her left, Serena, Chuck, one of the prepper guys, the one named Leo, and Monica checked their gear. Two coconut waters each, compass, two axes, and, of course, Annika's holstered gun.
"I wish you'd reconsider," Miranda said, her voice cool. "I can't see the need for any of you to go. Who cares about some old tracks?"
"Miranda. Please. This can be important. Serena and I have gotten to know Kathryn and Annika, just like you. And you'll have Emily here. Chuck will be in charge until Kathryn comes back. No doubt, you'll take over if you think he shows any signs of being incompetent."
Miranda glared at Andy, but then a faint smirk formed on her lips. "You do have a point." She pulled Andy in behind the closest bivouac, holding her hands gently. "Now, listen to me. You will be careful, right?"
"Yes, Mir—"
"No, not that generic answer to please me like you do in the office. You will be careful. And you will come back to me. Anything else is out of the question." Miranda's normally so level and cool blue eyes were lit from within.
Andy's heart melted as she understood that Miranda was actually frantic at the risk of losing her. Another piece in the puzzle that was the feelings hovering between them, or through them, slid into place. "I promise. I will not take foolhardy risks and I will be back." She sent a quick, furtive glance around them. Nobody paid them any attention. Andy pulled Miranda in for a gentle hug and, oh god, it was different from last night even if the proximity was the same. Standing up in a full-body hug, made Andy's heart soar. Especially as Miranda didn't hesitate but flung her arms around Andy's neck and the hug went from reassuring to fierce.
"I will hold you to it," Miranda whispered, her voice stark. "Damn it, Andrea."
Andy pulled back just enough to meet Miranda's gaze. "And you'll be just as careful here." It just dawned on Andy that none of them were entirely safe here, no matter if they dwelled on the beach, entered the edge of the jungle to use the latrine, or went on an expedition.
"Oh, I will. And Emily and I will walk with you to the entrance of this mystery track. I need to know where you enter this damn jungle in case—in case…" Her voice trailed off as Miranda buried her face against Andy's neck.
"Good idea," Andy said, even if she would have rather seen Miranda chill on the beach, in the shade. Then again, if the roles had been reversed, she would have done the same. Pressing her lips against Miranda's hair, Andy ran her hands up and down her back. Granted, she had never hugged Miranda until these last days, but she could swear the woman felt smaller, skinnier. Miranda didn't have a lot of body volume to play around with and dieting on bananas and water was hardly optimal. The thought of Miranda not faring well made Andy's tears sting at the corners of her eyes.
"Hey. Andrea?" Miranda looked up. "You're hugging me a little too hard. What's wrong?"
"Oh. Sorry." Loosening her grip, a little, Andy tried for a blinding smile. "I…Well, you worry about me and you have to realize that I worry about you as well." She blinked against the tears.
"I do understand that." Sounding more in awe rather than distraught, Miranda cupped Andy's cheek and ran her thumb over Andy's lower lip. "We'll be fine. You told me so and I believe you." She looked over her shoulder. "Time to go, it seems. Get your water, darling."
The word hung between them and Andy could only stare at Miranda for a few, heart-stopping moments. Then she dipped her head and pressed her lips against Miranda's. The softness and sensuality of Miranda's unpainted lips stole Andy's breath for longer than mere moments even if the kiss was very brief. Miranda merely smiled tremulously when they parted and took Andy's hand.
They walked back to the others and since Miranda seemed oblivious that their handholding in broad daylight could raise a few eyebrows, Andy didn't care either. Emily, who normally would have been the one to need smelling salts at such a sight, merely gave Andy a barely visible nod, and Serena smiled broadly. Nigel grinned at Miranda, who, of course, didn't acknowledge any of it.
Kathryn walked over to the team and made sure everyone had water. They had discussed bringing bananas but reconsidered as they were sure they'd stumble upon more coconuts and banana palms as they trekked into the jungle.
"All right, people," Kathryn said, to the team and to the passengers and crew who were listening as well. "While we're gone, Chuck is in command her on the beach. Keep doing the water runs but be careful of the wildlife. Keep the mood up and stay strong. I have no idea what we'll find today, hopefully something useful, but if we don't, at least we have a chance to solve the mystery." She nodded at the team. "Let's move out."
Andy walked between Miranda and Nigel along the beach toward the gap among the vegetation. She was excited, but also suitably apprehensive. They might find something that could help the marooned people, like Kathryn said, and in Andy's mind, she had to do everything she could to get Miranda home to her girls. But Andy wasn't so naïve that she didn't realize that they could end up in trouble. If something really bad happened to the team, she knew there wasn't very much the rest of the crew and passengers could do without risking their own lives.