Half a dozen moves into their game and Skye still hadn't spoken. Nathaniel watched her, waiting. He was also anticipating more news on the epidemic any time.
"I really made a mess of things didn't I?" Skye finally broke her silence.
Nathaniel took a drink of water, "Depends. You're young and have a bright future, so be more specific so I can agree with you."
"I like Josh, but now his parents won't have anything to do with me. I wanted to help in the Infirmary today and Dr. Shannon told me I wasn't needed….you saw all the people requiring help," she ranted, and he let her. "I know I have to regain the trust of the colony, but it's been hard. Outside my mom, I feel like an outcast. Even Josh has been avoiding me. I was surprised when you agreed to play chess with me to be honest," she stopped to catch her breath.
"You know what I think?" he made a move.
"That's why I'm here," she took his rook.
He studied the board, "I think you're young and your vivid imagination is making the situation much worse than it is. Josh Shannon lost his girlfriend. And having almost lost mine, I understand what he's going through. He needs time to heal and probably doesn't want to be pressured into another relationship he's not ready for. I would be surprised if you were let in the Infirmary for a long time after you sabotaged that blood reading to keep from being detected. You need to spend time proving to people they can trust you."
"Do you trust me?" she sounded much younger than her seventeen years.
He figured that was the crux of her problem. She looked up to him and let him down and like a child wanted to know if the authority person still loved them. "Well, that depends. If Mira were to want something from you, how would you respond?"
"I'd come to you with her proposal."
"Hmmm, I wish I could believe you, Skye. That time when Wash and Dunham went outside the gate to retrieve the pack of the Marcos kid. Did you tip Mira off?" he spoke casually hoping for an honest answer.
"I signaled to her that only two people were OTG."
She surprised him; he figured she'd say no. "You realized they could have been killed?" it was all he could do to keep his tone neutral and not let anger creep in. He still had nightmares involving that incident and how it could have ended differently.
"Mira never killed anyone. She stole and sabotaged," Skye defended her.
"And she kept your mother alive," he added.
"I heard of one of the Sixers coming down with Syncillic Fever and lived. He later got killed by a Nyco, but was alive. This was before they left the colony, so when Mom got sick; I didn't have a choice because Dr. Wymer didn't have a clue how to find a cure."
"Our doctor was military, not a research doctor like Dr. Shannon. I'm not blaming you for keeping your mother alive, Skye. Hell, given a similar situation, I probably would have done the same thing. Mira might not have killed anyone although Carter did try and kill me," he saw her cringe at the reminder. "They did take every opportunity to break bones, lacerate and beat the crap out of our people. Because you told Mira that Carter was in the brig, later she took it out on Washington a little harder than she needed to."
Skye kept silent, knowing that the Commander had feelings for his second for a long time and she did rat on her to Mira.
Nathaniel continued, "You keep your nose clean for the next year or two and you'll find people are more willing to forgive."
"Your forgiveness means the most."
"I forgive you, but won't forget. Nobody's going to forget who the spy was. Sometimes you have to live with your decisions, as I have to with the decision to blow Hope Plaza and strand us. We're going to have some hard times and some of our technology might become a thing of the past when things wear out. I'm sure there will be plenty of grumbling when that day comes."
"What's my best move?"
"Keep your head down around the colony and don't get into any more trouble and take my queen off the board." Skye absently took his queen and he moved his knight, "Checkmate," he looked pleased as he moved his final piece.
"You just tricked me," she saw another move that would have allowed her to win.
"Now you know, you're not the only one here who knows a little trickery," he looked over the rail and saw discharged patients heading towards the market for the evening meal and quickly rose. He looked down at her, "Skye, have you decided what you want to specialize in for your profession?"
"You've been generous letting me sample so many apprenticeships. Umm, I would like to specialize in auto mechanics."
Nathaniel grinned, "Pick again."
"Am I really that transparent?"
"You are and you don't really want to be a greasy mechanic, do you?" he needed to get to the Infirmary and check on Wash so wanted this wrapped up with her next choice.
"No," she grew serious, "when Lucas had me take his calculations to the eye, the equations and formulas were way beyond anything I'd ever seen, but the chip he gave me did interest me. I would like to apprentice with Dr. Moyer on making and repairing the chips that run the colony and learn repairs on the relay stations."
"You realize there is a ton of schooling to learn that trade, you up to bookwork?" he didn't think her aptitude leant to hours of cramming.
"It's not like I'm going to be allowed to apprentice in the Infirmary to be a lab tech," he could see the disappointment in her face and tone.
"That's what you really want to do?"
She nodded and looked down at the board.
"I'll have a talk with the doctor, but you'll have to abide with her decision."
She watched him walk away and got up and leaned on the rail watching below as people meandered to and fro. The Commander intercepted Lieutenant Washington and to Skye's surprise, he took her in his arms in full view of everyone. They talked a little bit then he kissed her and with an arm around her waist led her to the market for the evening meal.
Nathaniel jogged down the steps, destination the Infirmary when he spotted Wash moving slowly towards the market. In his focus on Skye, he missed her walking under the balcony. He felt an overwhelming need to touch her and didn't stop until she was securely in his arms, "Why are you up?"
"The bacteria are dead and I'm starving, so Dr. Shannon released me, but not until she gave me another shot to flush me out tonight. I'm instructed to eat and go home as I'll have severe cramping with the forced shedding."
"Can I kiss you now?"
"I'm no longer contagious if I ever was…" his lips cut off anything else she may have said. She would have to get used to his affections in public. For years, she dreamt of the freedom to touch and kiss him like this so enjoyed the moment.
He broke off, "Let's get you fed and home," and with his strong arm securely around her waist, he led her to the market.
She chose a creamy mushroom soup with large chunks of mushrooms. It was the market special so he ordered two and a side order of steak for him. He asked if she wanted steak and she told him one bite of his would suffice, as her stomach was still sensitive.
"You sit and I'll bring the food," he didn't want her to move more than necessary. Soon he returned with a laden tray holding two large bowls and a large steak and water. "What did I forget?" he sat the bowls side by side.
"Nothing," she took a mouthful and it was tasty.
"I'm going to spend the night with you," he spoke softly into her ear.
"You do realize I'm going to be sick?"
"I want to be with you while you're going through this. Believe it or not, I wish our baby lived," he leaned over and kissed her cheek, earning him a slight smile.
"May we join you?" they looked up at the Shannon's, minus Maddy and Josh.
"Sit," Nathaniel smiled at Zoe. "I haven't seen you Miss. Shannon. What have you been doing?" He noticed Zoe kept staring at Wash while the parents removed food from the tray.
"School," she seemed shyer.
"Well you haven't come and given my any hugs lately," he smirked sideways at Wash and she raised an eyebrow. "When she thought you were killed and saw how sad I was, she gave me the best hug," he smiled at Wash. "If I were you, I'd be jealous she can hug so well."
"You have a thing for all the women in the colony under twenty. I can't be jealous of so many, it'd take up all my time," she looked at Zoe. "Zoe, thank you for taking care of the Commander in my absence."
Zoe smiled, "I didn't want you to be dead; you taught me so much."
"Zoe, stop talking and eat now," Elizabeth instructed her. She turned back to Alicia, "How do you feel?"
"Better with food," she admitted.
"I was just telling her when you guys showed up that someone needs to spend the night with her and why was she released so soon?" Nathaniel looked directly at Elizabeth, waiting an answer.
"There was no reason to keep anyone after we killed the bacteria and gave mineral supplements."
"What about the other issue?" he didn't want to state it in front of Jim or an eavesdropper.
"I've gone over that with her. There's nothing I can do further."
Nathaniel didn't look pleased and shoved a bite of steak in and chewed. He looked sideways at Alicia, "Want a bite?" She nodded so he cut a bite and fed her. "It's settled, I'm spending the night."
"Like a sleepover," innocent Zoe spoke up, "Leah spent the night last week."
Alicia actually laughed, "Kind of like that, Zoe. I'm sick and the Commander is going to take care of me."
"I don't think a little infection is reason for the Commander to do a sleep over," Jim wasn't happy with the turn of events.
Nathaniel and Alicia exchanged a look and she gave a slight nod and he turned back to Jim, "Wash was expecting and it didn't make it," he hoped Zoe didn't catch on.
Jim looked confused at his wife, "I'll tell you later," she nodded in Zoe's direction.
Understanding dawned, "I am sorry, for both of you, but do you think spending the night together is wise for appearances in the colony and your standards?"
"I really don't give a damn who sees me sleep over," Nathaniel snapped. "We're engaged and if I want to spend an occasional night with my fiancé, it's nobody's business."
Jim started laughing, "When I was young and pursuing Elizabeth, I had one thought on my mind. Now that I have kids that age, I don't want them doing what we did and I can't stop it."
"No, but you don't have to go easy on them," Nathaniel finished his dinner and looked at Alicia. "Are you done?" he noticed she ate most of her soup before stopping.
"Yes, I'm starting to feel the effects," she put a hand on her abdomen.
Nathaniel scooped their dishes and hurried off, then went for his rover.
"That was a surprise, Wash. Your trip OTG last week?" Jim figured it out.
"Yep," she didn't look happy and he didn't know if it was because she lost a baby or he was told.
"I won't tell anyone."
"It's not that. I hated to lose any child," she forgot about Zoe.
"You'll have more, I'm sure," Elizabeth offered what comfort she could. "I would wait a cycle before trying again so take a shot, please."
"I'll talk to Nathaniel. He may want to try right away."
"It's not his choice. Your body needs a break. You are still healing from being shot. He can wait three months and by then you might be married," Elizabeth pushed her opinion home.
"What's that about being married?" Nathaniel returned to take Alicia home.
"I want you to wait three months before trying to make a baby."
Nathaniel blinked and gave her a stupid look, "I'm not waiting that long."
Jim snickered knowing what Taylor was thinking.
Nathaniel glared at him, "You try waiting that long."
"Jim, stop it," Elizabeth ordered. "I mean prevention for three months and don't forget to come in tomorrow for a checkup, Wash."
"Oh," he helped Alicia up. "Miss. Zoe, you have a good evening," with a wave to the parents, they left.
"You missed eating with the Commander and Lieutenant Washington," Zoe announced to Maddy as she entered their shared bedroom.
"I need to study, can't play all the time like you," Maddy only half listened.
"The vampire is back," Zoe got her pajamas out for her shower.
"That's nice," Maddy muttered.
"I heard Lieutenant Washington say it took a child. I might be next."
"Wha…what are you talking about?" Maddy turned and put her plexpad down.
"I heard Lieutenant Washington say she lost a child. It had to have been the vampire."
"I'm sure she was talking about something else, but if you don't get into the shower, the vampire who lives in this house may find you," she smiled as Zoe ran off giving her peace. A thought flitted through her mind at what little sister said. She couldn't think of a reference she'd heard about children so assumed Zoe was mistaken and was soon deeply absorbed in mathematical equations.
"You don't have to stay, Nathaniel," Alicia stopped him at the door. "I'll be fine." Truth was she was starting to cramp and needed to lie down and fast.
"It's partly my fault you're in pain and want to be here," he gently pushed her inside, stepping fast so she couldn't close the door in his face. He latched the lock and turned off the porch light.
He stripped to his briefs while she was in the bathroom. They snuggled in bed with him spooning her as she lay in a fetal position. She'd taken a sleeping aid, but he could hear her moaning in her sleep. He slept little that night and woke whenever she moved or rolled over. He was asleep when she slipped out of bed in the morning and took her cup out. With sorrow, she flushed it away and took a shower.
The smell of cooking breakfast woke him. "Why are you up?" he sat down and accepted a cup of coffee.
"The cramping is gone and so is our baby."
He pulled her onto his lap, "We'll try again, but not for at least three months. Take a shot and heal," he kissed her softly.
"Maybe next time we make a baby we'll be married like Elizabeth suggested," she returned his kiss. "Now, your breakfast is burning," she struggled off him to rescue the ancient version of breadfruit.
They ate the simple fare smothered in apple butter and washed it down with coffee. "I don't want you working today and I'll come and take you for your exam," he took a sip of coffee.
"I've got a meeting with the master mechanics scheduled for this afternoon."
"Change it. I want you lying down and resting today."
"There's so much to be done and I've been off enough. I already moved the meeting twice on them so really should make this one. I can conduct a meeting sitting in a chair and besides it's in the Command Center."
"I'm going to be present during your exam. If the doctor finds anything, I'm personally cancelling your meeting," he threatened.
She kissed him at the door, "Come back for lunch and we'll go to the clinic together."
"Unless something comes up, I'll be here. Call you if I can't make it," with another prolonged kiss, he reluctantly departed. On the way to his rover, parked on the street, he greeted a young woman on her way to work in the cool morning, and she gave him a surprised look at departing so early from his fiancés home. The dew on the rover told her it had been parked all night and the ground under it was dry when he drove off. She looked once more at the home he left; it was the Lieutenant's. He knew his spending the night would be all over the colony by noon and for one brief moment regretted his decision, then remembered the pain his love was in all night and knew he made the right choice. Besides, they'd be married soon if he had anything to say about it.
"Commander," Jim greeted him outside the door of the Command Center. "How's Wash this morning?"
"She made me breakfast and seemed normal. Marcia Bowers saw me leaving so it'll be all over the colony by noon."
"No, more like mid-morning," Jim laughed.
"Don't you have repairs to oversee? I want' this place looking good when the Phoenix come back and blow the crap out of us again," without waiting for an answer, Nathaniel entered the Command Center.
He sat down and reached for the first plexpad awaiting his attention and saw a patch of blue out of the corner of his eye. Cranking his head to the side, he beheld what appeared to be a small child hiding in the skull. "You know, anyone who hides in a carnotaurus skull runs the risk of being bitten by one." He waited until the child decided to move and reveal Zoe Shannon. He watched as she crawled out and stood beside him. "Are you looking for your father, Zoe?"
She shook her head, "I'm hiding from the vampire."
He pretended to look scared, "Vampire, where?"
"I don't know, but I heard Lieutenant Washington tell Mommy and Daddy she lost a child. I bet it was the vampire who took it," she looked really scared.
"You look like you need a hug," he opened his arms and sat her on his lap, giving her a hard hug until he heard the air go out of her before letting up. "There, that's my special hug to ward off vampires. Vampires are scared of hard hugs and now that you've had one, it'll leave you alone because it doesn't want a bear hug from me."
"Really?" she wanted to believe him.
He smiled down at her, "Did I tell you about the time I wrestled a vampire?"
She shook her head.
"It was in," he paused to think, "Eastern Europe; don't remember what country as we were moving around a lot. There was this castle on the top of a mountain and it was a dark and stormy night with lots of rain and lightning striking the trees all around me and thunder crashing overhead. I was ordered to check this castle out."
"Did you have your unit?"
"No, just me. I was what you call a super soldier when I was younger, a lot stronger than I am now," he smiled, getting into his story. "I crossed the draw bridge and saw a light way up in a tower. The main door was unlocked and creaked when I opened it. There were cobwebs all over…"
"I hate spiders," she shuddered.
"I saw huge spiders with eyes that glowed and white fangs," he saw her snuggle to his chest in fear. "I made my way up this wide staircase until I saw light under the door of a room. Drawing my pistol, I opened the door and a vampire was waiting for me."
"How did you know it was a vampire?" Zoe sat up straight on his knee to see his face as she was mesmerized by the tone of his voice.
He grinned, "There was a mirror and I could see my reflection, but the vampire didn't have one. Boy, that was spooky. He had an ageless face and was probably hundreds of years old. Of course, I shot him and the bullet went through his chest and into the wall on the other side. Now, normally a shot like that would kill a person, but he just laughed and came at me. I threw my pistol aside and grabbed him in a tight hug. That's when I discovered a secret not written in the annuals of vampires," he saw her face trusting with childlike awe, "the vampire let out their most guarded secret. He told me vampires didn't like hugs and would turn to powder if hugged hard enough. He pleaded with me to let him go and not touch him. I asked what other mysteries he was hiding. You know what he told me?"
"What?" Zoe was excited to hear the rest and gave him a huge smile.
"He told me anyone hugged hard by a vampire killer couldn't be harmed by other vampires. Instead of letting him go, I hugged harder than I'd ever hugged in my life and suddenly he vanished."
"Where did he go?" Zoe was totally into his story.
"I looked down and there was all this pile of white powder and a ring he was wearing on top of the pile. That's how I know you'll never be bothered ever by a vampire."
"Are you telling the truth?" she sounded skeptical.
"I'm the Commander. I can't lie; it's in the bylaws of the colony."
"But what about the lost child, Lieutenant Washington talked about? Did the vampire get it?"
Nathaniel was out of answers, "We don't have a lost child. You must have misunderstood. Sometimes people use one word in place of another. For example, she might have used child when talking about one of her soldiers being killed. They are referred to as her kids. Sometimes adult conversations are hard to follow. And on that note, you need to be in school and I need to get to work," he sat her on the floor, standing, he took her hand.
Half way to the school they heard "Zoe Shannon, stop right there," coming from Elizabeth Shannon in that tone every child knew they better obey. She and Jim hurried up.
Taylor turned with Zoe's hand still firmly in his, "I was escorting Miss. Shannon to school."
"She was escorted to school once today, by her older sister," she zoned in on her daughter. "Your excuse for running off had better be a good one."
"I heard about the lost child," Zoe looked down and mumbled. "I didn't want the vampire to get me also so I hid in the skull."
"I have no idea what you are talking about, but you are grounded, young lady. I'm having your teacher give you extra homework for one week because you will be home with nothing to do and no friends after school or this coming weekend." Elizabeth stood with hands on her hips and her tone almost causing the men to agree silently along with Zoe who responded with a small, "Yes, Mom."
"I'm sorry, Commander," Elizabeth took Zoe's hand and led her to school leaving the men looking after them.
"I hope Zoe wasn't too much of a bother," Jim hoped the Commander wasn't mad.
"She picked up enough of last night's conversation to know a child was lost, but not how. Her fertile imagination filled in the blanks," Nathaniel started to walk back to the Command Center and turned back to Jim, "If she says something about me being a great vampire killer, agree with her," he laughed at the look on Jim's face and retreated.