Author's Note: The supplies listed were researched from the web. I don't camp so I don't know how accurate the items are.

647 Words, this chapter

Chapter Two, Transfer 2: Feeling the Heat

Jess pulled up survival stores and catalogs onto several computer screens. "OK. You're going to need a temporary shelter, a tent. Let me find one designed to take extreme heat. Ooh, here's one that will keep sand out, nice. Okay, that's done."

Becker chuckled. "You're having fun, aren't you?"

Jess giggled. "Let's see…oh, bug repellent, mosquito netting. Good. What else? You'll need super, super sun screen, like SPF 1000."

"Do they make that?"

"If they do I'll find it."

Becker laughed.

Jess kept talking as she shopped. "Extreme heat sleeping bags, water carriers, water purifier…they all go into the cart."

"Sounds like Super Shopper Jess is kicking in."

"Oh, she's in the zone, Becker," said Jess with a giggle, "Now, where was I? Oh, yes, I was buying you a super light backpack, you know, to carry your creature fighting stuff."

"Don't talk so technically to me, please."

She giggled. "Sorry. What sizes do you wear?"

"Excuse me?"

"You need special clothes that will keep you cool and dry. Luckily, as you pointed out, I am the queen of shopping. I can find all that stuff. Bingo! Look what I just found: khaki shirt and trousers designed to keep out moisture, bugs and the sun."

"I'm not sure that qualifies as standard survival gear, Jess."

"Of course it does. What's this? 'Desert gaiters…keep sand, bugs, and mud out of your boots and socks.' Cool! Oh, you definitely need those."

Becker laughed. "Definitely not standard issue. Jess, please don't get Lester angry with you on my behalf."

"He sent you to this hell hole, he's going to pay for it," Jess said. "Now, where was I? Oh, yes, the outdoor cooking set. There is just so much stuff!"

"Lester's going to revoke your ARC credit card."

Jess giggled. "You're funny. I don't need an actual card."

Becker laughed. "No, you can get in just as much trouble without one."

"Hush. I found something strange, let me read it. 'Environmental WAG bag…"

"Uh, Jess…"

"I'm reading! 'Portable environmentally safe system…degradable leaves no trace of you in the environment.' Huh?"

Becker began to laugh.

"Kit includes zip-close human waste bags…" There was a pause, followed by Jess exclaiming, "Gross!"

Becker was laughing hard. "When I say roughing it, I mean roughing it."

"Ew…I did not need to know that!"

Becker laughed

Jess read on, 'Kit includes toilet paper, hand sanitizer,' well, I should hope so!" She shuddered.

Becker continued to laugh. "You would die, wouldn't you?"

"I would, and I wasn't even thinking of…you know, bathroom business. This listing gets…ickier."

"Hard to believe."

"This is actually from the site," she said, reading, 'Kit also contains "Pooh-Powder" which turns waste into a stable gel for easy transport and safe disposal.' I don't know which is more disturbing: that this product exists or that some bloke actually thought about this 'problem' and went about inventing a solution. GROSS!"

Becker's laughter went on and then stopped. He sighed. "Thank you, Jess, for being…you, bright, funny, honest."

Jess blushed.

"You give me perspective."

"Aw…Becker," she said softly.

"I really miss you."

Jess blushed. "I miss you too. I don't think you realize how much."

"You might be surprised," he said.

Jess was smiling. "Thank you for putting up with me."

He laughed. "It's a pleasure, Jess."

She giggled.

They were quiet for a few moments.

"We're landing," he said.

Jess nodded. "I guess you have to go."

"Yeah."

"Um…OK. I'll get everything sent out ASAP."

"I know. Thank you."

"No problem. Please, Becker, be safe."

"I will."

"Right. Oh and…keep cool."

He chuckled. "I'll try."

She gave a soft, sad chuckle. "I'll talk to you soon."

"Soon, Jess."

"Right." She sighed. She didn't want to say goodbye. "Soon, Becker."

"Right," he said. There was silence and then they disconnected.

End of Chapter Two