Chapter 23
The Sixth Day

Ziem didn't sleep well. She managed to finish the report, but couldn't stop thinking even after Geoff relieved her. Still, she woke up as soon as the sun came up. She remembered having thought it might be a good idea to trying waiting all her tent mates out, and being the last one up. She decided to try it, but then found she couldn't go back to sleep. She kept wondering what was happening, and worrying that she was missing something important. Eventually she gave up, climbed out of the tent and walked over to the fire pits.

Rudolph had the duty. He smiled when he saw her. He held out the firestarter and said, "The fire went out. The chief said to have one going by 0600, I knew you would get out here and do it Ziemmie."

Being greeted by her hated nickname did not improve her mood. Ziem took the firestarter. "Why did you let it go out? You didn't fall asleep did you? And when we are on duty you need to call me Lieutenant Sabide."

"Did you see me asleep?" asked Rudolph.

Ziem ignored him and instead said, "I have a hard time believing you don't know how to start a fire."

He grinned and shrugged. "I didn't say I don't know how, I said I was planning on you doing it." He leaned against one of the rocks and smiled as he watched her work.

She did not like to argue, but Ziem felt it reflected poorly on the entire division when Rudolph so openly refused to take his responsibilities seriously. She thought she had a pretty good idea what the chief would say, but was surprised when she heard it coming out of her mouth. "You should show some initiative."

He shrugged and said, "When you show initiative people just ratchet up their expectations. I like to do the minimum and then surprise people with an occasional burst of competence."

She watched a flame work its way up the kindling. She wished she had just let it go. She was cranky because she was sleepy, it was the only reason she hadn't. Now she needed to respond. She closed the firestarter and stood up. While she had been busy Geoff and Pasha had appeared. They were standing at the edge of the pit looking curious. She nodded to them and then, hoping her voice wouldn't waver, said, "Mr. Randolph, you are really clever. You could make something of yourself if you wanted. Instead you have to spend the next two months packing sleds for other people's missions. That's work that is usually reserved for brand new recruits. Wouldn't you prefer to do something meaningful? Won't you be bored?"

Randolph shook his head, "I can pretty much guarantee I won't be bored at all. My sympathy is with whoever has to supervise me." Geoff laughed. Pasha looked a little worried; he slipped away and busied himself looking through the rations.

Ziem was shocked. She asked, "Do you understand how mad you make the chief?"

"Do you understand how little I care?" He added, "Do you Lieutenant Sabide?"

"Thank you for that anyway," she said, deciding to end the conversation by acknowledging the one tiny correct effort he made.

He saluted and said, "You're welcome, I am happy to please, as long as it isn't too demanding." Pasha was back, holding a stack of ration packs. He gave one to Geoff and one to Ziem. Randolph took one, then looked at Ziem and said, "Hey Ensign Chekov, what does she have you call her?"

"Are you asking what I call Lieutenant Sabide?" Pasha asked uncertainly.

Randolph nodded and still looking at Ziem asked, "I mean, she outranks you too right? A good officer wouldn't want to be unfair. And a subordinate is a subordinate is a subordinate, even the charming ones with curly hair." Ziem could feel a blush start to work its way up her neck. Rudolph smiled innocently and asked again, "Wouldn't you agree Lieutenant Sabide?" Face burning; she went to sit by the fire.

"I don't think I understand," Pasha began.

"Trust me, it's stupid," Geoff said firmly. He stared at Rudolph with narrow eyes. Rudolph smiled back, he seemed proud. Pasha looked up at Geoff uncertainly. Geoff said, "Hey, Pav, you know what? I think I left my communicator with the bags. Could you run back and check? I'll look around here."

"Yes, sure," Pasha said. He dropped the ration packs on the table and starting off toward the river.

Rudolph watched him go and then said, "Look at him. You said run, so of course he literally ran. That guy kills me."

"Shut up." Geoff said. Ziem looked up at him in surprise. Rudolph turned and studied the larger man. Grim faced, Geoff leaned forward so that their faces were very close. "I don't like it when you hassle my friend."

Randolph looked at Geoff and then over at her. He raised his eyebrows and glanced back at Geoff. He didn't look scared. It didn't make sense, but she had the idea that he found the conversation entertaining. "Okay," he said. "That's interesting, I gotcha Hendorff. I will shut up."

Geoff relaxed a bit, but continued to stare aggressively at Rudolph. After a few seconds, Rudolph added, "You know what, as long as you're here, I'm going to the head. Once the chief shows up I will probably never get a chance." Without waiting for a reply he ambled off.

Ziem waited until she was certain he couldn't hear she said, "Thank you."

Geoff pulled at his collar and said, "You're welcome."

"It was kind of you to stick up for him."

"For him?" Geoff looked confused. "Do you mean Pav? I, no, I mean, I wasn't talking about him."

It was Ziem's turn to be confused. "But you got him to leave so you could talk to Rudolph."

"Yeah, I just wanted him out of here because you can never tell with Rudolph. Sometimes he doesn't back down. I was thinking it was possible me and Randy might throw down a little, and Pav's not in security." Ziem didn't understand any better. Geoff must have been able to tell, he added, "Randy wouldn't tell, and the chief would never ask. But the captain might. It would put Pav in a bad place if I smacked Rudolph right in front of him. He would almost for sure feel like he had to tell the truth if the captain asked him about it."

"Are you saying you were planning to fight!"

"Well no, but I thought it was a possibility and if I had to I didn't want Pav to see."

"I should hope not; you can't hit an enlisted man,"

"Just because I haven't doesn't mean I won't, and believe me, I wouldn't be the first guy to bust Randy. He can be as annoying as hell."

"Geoff, we are not allowed to just beat on people when they annoy us, you can't go around hitting people, especially not someone you outrank." Ziem began, but Geoff interrupted.

"You don't have to get mad, I wanted to help you."

"Me," she snapped. He nodded. She said, "What are you talking about?"

Geoff didn't reply. Ziem thought she had never seen him look so uncomfortable, like his uniform was too tight.

"Oh," Ziem said slowly. "I was the friend you didn't want hassled?" She was surprised. She knew it shouldn't affect her anger, but she couldn't help being pleased. She had been worried about that all night, and it was good to have the question answered. She had friends. It was like finding the food in her backpack, unexpectedly nice. She shook her head and reminded herself that she was in a serious situation.

By the time she was able to focus on what he was saying; Geoff was in full explanation mode, and making very little sense. "Sure Ziem," he said, "I think you're a friend. Of course, Pav is too, but he can take care of himself, not that you can't. I would never say that. You are...highly capable, everyone knows how highly capable you are, kind of a team leader I would say, like a goalie or something important if we were a soccer team, actually I think most people would say."

"Geoff, I'm sorry, what?"

It took him several starts before he was finally able to say, "I know you don't like fighting unless it's with an actual bad guy. I just thought I'd help you out."

"Oh, well thanks." Ziem said. She did not understand what was making Geoff so uncomfortable. She wondered if he had realized how very wrong it had been to even consider striking a team member. A good officer used force only as necessary. Perhaps he was ashamed. She decided to reassure him. "Geoff," she said, "I know you would never use your strength against another crew member."

He looked uncomfortable and said quickly, "Ziem, there's something else,"

He was interrupted by a cheerful voice calling, "Hi Geoffie, what's for breakfast? I heard you talking and decided to come join you. Did you make coffee yet? I will if you haven't. I figure, maybe we can get out of here faster if we start earlier. Hi there Lieutenant Sabide, you sure get up early." Tremaine was waving as she came from the tents. Geoff looked frustrated.

Ziem smiled at the yeoman and then said to Geoff, "Yes, go on."

Geoff whispered, "Never mind," and turned to greet Tremaine. They made coffee, and gradually the others began to appear. First Pasha came back. He hadn't found the communicator and accepted Geoff's explanation that he had been mistaken about losing it unquestioningly. Ziem's tent mates followed shortly, and then the other lieutenants. Rudolph reappeared. Ziem watched Geoff nervously, she was afraid they would argue again, but they seemed fine together. It was as if nothing had happened earlier. In fact the mood in the entire camp was different than it had been on any of the previous days. Mr. Spock prepared for the day silently, checking the tricorders while sipping some tea, but everyone else was happy and playful.

Tremaine had spent her time in the field weaving necklaces from grass and twigs. She had added some feathers and offered them as mementos of the trip. Ziem thought they looked filthy, but Rudolph took one, and pretended it was an award. He gave an acceptance speech and demanded a congratulatory kiss from the presenter-Tremaine. Ziem was horrified when the yeoman laughed and complied.

Eventually, the senior officers joined the junior ones at the fire. Doctor McCoy unwrapped Chekov's wound, inspected it carefully, and pronounced him fit enough to work.

"So he's good?" asked the captain. The doctor nodded, and began to rewrap the hand. The captain and Chekov exchanged triumphant smiles.

"I told you he would be. He's tougher than he looks; he's not going to let some chicken put him out of commission. You should listen to me more often Bones." The captain seemed as proud as if he was personally responsible for the ensign's healed hand.

"I don't know about that, but I am willing to certify him able to clean every tricorder in the camp." said McCoy, making a note in his tricorder.

The ensign's grin faded. "At last, all my dreams are coming true." he said morosely.

With one hand Geoff grabbed Chekov by the shoulder. The smaller man stumbled along awkwardly as Geoff punched the air with his other arm and yelled, "Cheers for the best shit-off-screen cleaner in the fleet," even Lapinski joined in.

"Pav, you've earned an award necklace, wear it proudly." said Tremaine, dropping one of her creations over his head.

"Thank you. We all serve as our talents allow, I must acknowledge the chickens. I could not have done it without them." said Chekov solemnly.

There were more cheers. Miss Uhura rolled her eyes, and Miss Sascheja frowned, but Tremaine clapped delightedly, and leaned over. Ziem thought she was going to kiss him too, but the ensign shifted away and instead Tremaine gave him a quick hug. "You are so cute," she said.

Chekov looked mortified. Ziem was fairly certain she had never blushed that red. He said quietly, "But in a tough kind of way, right?" Captain Kirk started to laugh. "You said," Chekov began, looking hopefully at their commander.

"I never said that," the captain said, reaching out to pat the ensign's curls. His enthusiasm knocked Chekov back a half step. It had never occurred to Ziem before, but watching Pasha get tossed around made her think that there were certain advantages to outweighing other beings. Most of the crew was laughing, and making more jokes about being tougher than chickens. Pasha looked stiff and a little nervous pinned under Geoff's arm, but he didn't object. It was like a party. Even Mr. Wilson smiled mildly and seemed to be enjoying himself. Of the humans only Miss Uhura stood frowning, at the far edge of the group, with her arms crossed. Ziem didn't understand it. Miss Uhura looked angry, which did not seem like her.

Pasha saw it too. From across the fire he smiled at her and gave a resigned shrug. Miss Uhura shook her head. Pasha cocked his head like he was asking a question. Miss Uhura shook her head again, but looked more resigned. Pasha slipped out from under Geoff's arm to go and stand by the communication officer. She ignored him briefly, but then reached over to stroke his sore hand gently. Ziem suddenly understood, She doesn't like it that they are laughing at him, and he doesn't want her to worry. Ziem watched. They stood quietly together while all around them most of the crew tried to out talk each other. Pasha smiled and Miss Uhura looked only a little frustrated. She thought wistfully that it would be nice to have a friend you could speak to without even opening your mouth.

The jokes got louder. Ziem heard Miss Sascheja say to Dr. McCoy, "When will this stop? I do not believe frivolity so soon after breakfast can be good for the digestion."

The doctor didn't reply, but he nodded sympathetically and patted the nurse on the shoulder. Ziem thought that for all she had heard he was grumpy, on this mission he seemed remarkably tolerant. There was another loud burst of laughter from the fire. Lieutenant Sascheja frowned again and said, "Shenanigans!" in an angry voice.

Although he did not say anything, Mr. Spock seemed to agree. He stood at the very edge of the group, holding a tricorder. After waiting almost half an hour for the breakfast party to wind down, he cleared his throat. Somehow, even without speaking he managed to remind everyone of the work at hand. They stashed breakfast things and grabbed tricorders. The first officer gave them their assignments and they headed out. Lieutenant Sascheja stayed in the camp to start packing up the supplies, the prospect of which appeared to give her great pleasure. Commander Giotto stayed too, supposedly to provide security, but he was clutching inventory lists from the antigrav sleds as he gave the duty assignments and Ziem knew he was going to begin checking for missing items as soon as the teams left for the field. Rudolph noticed too, and asked the chief if checking the sleds wouldn't be considered helping with the work of the mission. Giotto didn't answer, but the look he gave the young man made Rudolph turn tail and head straight for the fields.

The last survey of the mission went quickly. Everyone was in a cheerful mood. It even seemed a little less hot. Including time to and from the fields, they worked not quite three hours. Each time a tricorder signaled the end of the assigned work the owner would yell that they were done, and the other workers would cheer and watch the lucky one escape to the camp. It was more fun than many missions, and much more fun than this mission had ever previously been.

Eventually everyone was finished. Mr. Spock and Wilson collected all the tricorders and went to the map where they downloaded and copied data. Chekov sat by them and cleaned and packed the equipment as they finished with it. Captain Kirk assigned everyone else a job, and they all went to work. Bed rolls were packed, tents lowered, and recyclables stashed.

Faster than seemed possible, they were ready to go. Nonessential personnel beamed up first, so the chief told Ziem and Geoff to go with Lapinski, Martin, Chekov, and Tremaine. He kept Rudolph with him, explaining that he was going to have him assist with returning supplies to inventory. When she heard the plan, Ziem couldn't keep herself from smiling triumphantly. Rudolph said nothing, but looked at Geoff and laughed. The chief saw him do it.

"Rudolph, supply tent, now." Mr. Giotto said. Rudolph left quickly. The chief followed with his arms crossed.

"He might have pushed it a little far this time," said Miss Tremaine, watching them go. "I would never have the guts to actually laugh at Chief Giotto."

"Poor Randy," laughed Geoff as they lined up for transport. "He's got more guts than brains. He never learns, did you see the look the chief gave him?"

"I'm thinking he has a lot of one on one time with the chief in his near future," said Ziem.

"Couldn't happen to a more deserving guy," Lapinski said.

"What, you don't like him anymore? Do you pretty much hate everyone now?" asked Martin with a laugh.

"Not everyone, but many people, and I should warn you Martin, the more you talk the closer you get to making my short list." Lapinski said in the laconic tone Ziem had begun to associate with him.

"Ready?" asked the captain. He stood with open communicator in hand, probably in conversation with the transporter room.

"Ready!" Lapinski said firmly.

Ziem held her breath as the disorienting golden swirl enveloped her and Phadru disappeared. She came to herself in the comforting artificial light of the transporter room. She always found returning to the ship less disorientating than leaving it. She saw Mr. Scott, the chief engineer, and some coworker in a red shirt behind the console. Seeing the proof of a successful transport, they both smiled broadly.

"Well, look what the cat drug in. I can smell you from here. You are filthy, completely filthy, the lot of you. And it looks like you brought half the planet back on your clothes." said Mr. Scott. "Kyle, remind me to schedule an extra cleaning of the pads."

"Get Chekov to do it. He's proved himself a very handy little custodian down there." Lapinski said as he stepped off the transporter pad to the deck.

Commander Scott snorted and said, "Chekov? Not likely, for that kind of work I would be more likely to get some great lazy thing with no discernable talent. Someone like yourself Lapinski, what are you scheduled for next shift?"

The man called Kyle joined Martin and Geoff in a laugh. Lapinski scowled and hurried past the officers, murmuring, "Great to see you Mr. Scott." on his way to the lifts.

Continuing to laugh, Martin matched his pace. Ziem and the others followed more slowly. Chekov stopped and exchanged some pleasantries with the officers at the console. Lapinski pressed the call several times, but it was slow, and even Chekov arrived at the lobby before the turbolift did.

"Keep laughing Martin," said Lapinski quietly. "You just officially joined my Hate List."

"Oh no, and you didn't have all that many friends to start with. I want to try to redeem myself. Wall ball tonight?" Martin asked brightly.

"Sure." said Lapinski. "I'll meet you in the gym at 19:30. But only if you shower first."

A tiny, golden haired yeoman hurried out of engineering. She smiled widely when she saw them. The doors opened just as she arrived, she slipped past Geoff and went into the turbolift. She seemed very sure of herself, and Ziem wondered if she had been watching for their group. She murmured a destination, greeted Tremaine and then stood at the front of the lift, gazing at the floor with a contented smile on her face. In the very back of the lift Chekov stood almost the same way, arms crossed across his chest, smiling at the ground.

"Hey Martha," Martin and Lapinski intoned together.

"Hello." She responded unenthusiastically, without looking up.

They rode a little further in silence, and then Martin said, "How 'bout it boys? We're playing ball tonight. Want a rematch?"

"You want us to beat you again? What do you say Pav?" Geoff asked.

Chekov looked up, surprised, "Um, I am hoping to be busy tonight." he said, and then blushed bright red. The little golden haired woman looked back at him, then over at Tremaine. They both giggled. Ziem wondered, not for the first time, why some women seemed to find giggling such an acceptable way to communicate.

"You're hoping to be busy? If you don't want to play, just say no. You'll sound way less stupid." Lapinski said.

There was an awkward pause and then, Chekov said quietly "No."

"Fine, we'll beat someone else then," said Lapinski. "Now that wasn't so hard was it?"

Chekov looked thoughtfully at the older man, then, in a more confident tone, he said, "No."

The doors of the turbolift opened, and both Martin and Lapinski stepped out. Lapinski kept walking, but Martin turned back and waved, calling, "Let's all do it again soon, shall we?" before the doors closed.

The turbolift began to move laterally. The little yeoman turned around. "You all really smell." she said with a wide smile.

Chekov surprised Ziem by stepping forward. He looked appraisingly at the blonde woman, then raised his hand and ran a single finger gently down her ponytail.

"Your boyfriend is by far the worst." said Tremaine. "I'm thinking if he actually hopes to be busy tonight, he needs to find a shower."

"That is true." said Chekov, still staring at the woman, with a wistful smile and soft eyes.

"Well, that certainly won't do." said the woman. She looked at Pasha through her eyelashes and said, "You know, there happens to be a shower in my room. You can come use it. I will even help you with the hard to reach places."

"What about your roommates?" he asked.

"It's the middle of the day Pav; they're all working. We'll have the place to ourselves."

"The bathroom? Gross. You two are disgusting." said Tremaine.

"I need to get clean clothes." Chekov said, still not taking his eyes off the young woman.

"Oh please, you've left at least enough clothes to put together a uniform. Just come with me." She said, adding softly, "I really missed you." She grasped his unbandaged hand with both of hers. They smiled at each other. The door opened. She stepped out backwards, using both her arms to pull him out with her. She tucked in underneath his arm and reached up to touch his face. He leaned forward, and the turbolift doors shut just as he kissed her.

"Sweet tableau." said Tremaine with satisfaction, as the lift lurched up again.

"Almost enough to distract me from thinking about what's going to be happening in the shower in like 20 minutes." said Geoff.

"Yeah," said Tremaine with a laugh and a mock shudder, "almost. You know, I think they might actually be the most besotted couple on the ship. Also, I think more like 10 minutes."

"They look perfect together." Ziem said sadly. Geoff looked at her.

"They kind of do, don't they?" laughed Tremaine.

"Rand said they always look like they should be standing on their own wedding cake." Hendorff said, speaking to Beth but still looking at Ziem.

"Did she really? Janice can be a bitch, but she is so clever," laughed Tremaine as the door opened. "Marti is lucky; he is really nice to her."

"He's nice to everyone," Geoff said. Ziem thought he seemed to be speaking to her.

"Yeah, he is. He is a very nice guy. This one's mine. I am glad this mission is over, I feel like I could sleep for a week. It was nice to meet you Lieutenant Sabide," Tremaine said to Ziem. "I'll probably see you later Geoffie." She smiled a goodbye and stepped out of the lift. It started off again. Geoff waved his security ID over the lift's scanner. He pushed a few buttons and the turbo lift froze.

"Why did you stop it?" asked Ziem.

"You okay Ziem?" asked Geoff.

"Why wouldn't I be okay?" Ziem asked woodenly.

Geoff just looked at her sadly for a few seconds. Then he said, "He told you he had a girlfriend Ziem, the very first time you met him."

Ziem thought back to the pre-mission meeting. "Oh yeah," she said. After a few seconds she added, "He never mentioned her again though."

"He wouldn't want to give Lapinski any more ammunition, but he's crazy about her." Geoff said. He was standing very close to her, resting his arm on the wall behind her. She was slumping enough that they were almost eye to eye. He looked at her compassionately, so kindly that Ziem didn't even really feel embarrassed.

She thought, I will though, I will feel embarrassed. This situation is horrible; I need to get it under control before other people hear about it. I can't bear to look so foolish. Straightening her shoulders she said, "Thanks for the concern Hendorff, but you're mistaken."

Geoff frowned at her, but kindly, like he was worried, not mad. She said, "I admit, I had some silly thoughts, but knew it would never work. Let's be honest, no matter what I thought I would never have done anything about it anyway. I would have just kept on watching, and thinking. That's kind of what I do."

"Oh, I know Ziem."

Ziem wasn't sure what he meant. She wondered if it was more human teasing. She was too upset to care. She continued, "He's way too young for me. We would look ridiculous together. I outrank him. I don't have time for this sort of thing."

"Ridiculous, what do you mean ridiculous?" Geoff sounded confused.

"You know what I mean. Ridiculous." she sighed. He still looked uncertain so she added uncomfortably, "He's so little, and I am, well, nobody's ever going to say I belong on a wedding cake Geoff. I'd crush it."

Understanding dawned on Geoff's face. He said, "Saying that is ridiculous Ziem. Okay so, Pav's got a girlfriend, and she's cute and he likes her. That doesn't mean you're not cute. It doesn't have anything to do with you. You're plenty cute Ziem. He just isn't looking."

"Okay Geoff, I don't want to be cute, and I get what you're trying to say, but I just want you to promise me never to talk about this to anyone, ever. Promise?" Ziem asked.

Geoff looked hurt. "Christ, I am bad at this." he said sadly.

As much as she wanted the conversation to be over, Ziem couldn't keep herself from asking, "Bad at what?"

"This stuff, all of this stuff." he said with a sigh.

"I don't understand," Ziem said.

Geoff spoke quietly, like he was speaking to himself. "Pav makes it sound easy. Just ask her, he said. What's the worst that can happen, he said. He doesn't care when people shoot him down, he bounces right up. He has no idea what this is like." He grimaced and patted his chest nervously. Ziem waited, and eventually he said, "Last night Pav asked you to have breakfast with us right?" Ziem nodded, feeling another blush start. "He wasn't asking you for him Ziem. Well, it's not like he was opposed or anything, he likes you and all, but like he's got a girl and..."

Ziem interrupted, "Geoff, what are you saying?"

Geoff looked at her. "Ziem, he was asking you for me. I want to have breakfast with you. I want to have dinner with you. I want to get to know you. I just can't bring myself to ask, cause I don't know what you think about me. You're nice and you talk to me, but you never really even look at me."

"I don't look at you?" Ziem asked. "All I do is look at people."

"Never, you never really look at anyone. I mean you recognize them, but you are always looking at them as part of the mission, or of the next mission, or the last mission. No one's as interesting to you as work. I kind of wonder if you think we're all interchangeable. But, I see you. I think you're amazing. You're good looking, and smart, and...Do you know I've hardly met anyone who's stronger than me? And you are way stronger. I think that's so, well never mind. But I could watch you at drills all day." Geoff paused and studied her closely. He took a deep breath.

"I'm a nice guy Ziem. We could have some fun. You should give me a shot." He looked at her again. Ziem didn't know what to say. Her heart was pounding, and her throat was tight. After a few seconds, he reached over and restarted the lift.

"You don't have to worry. I won't say any more," he said, without looking at her.

Ziem stood very still. She thought about what Geoff had said. She thought about walking the halls of the Enterprise with a man smaller than she, and the things some people would say. Then she thought about how happy she had felt the morning Pasha made her part of his game, and how hard Lieutenant Uhura had laughed when she heard about the spilled tray. She thought about the mischievous look the captain had right before he began to tease and how happy it had made him to remember what rations an ensign liked. Finally she thought about Geoff lying on his back under the stars, laughing with a friend and sharing a snack. I want that, she thought. I want all those things. I want to play, and understand the jokes, and have people I like so much I naturally assume the best of them. And if I want them, I have to try, I have to be bold.

He was standing by the door, arms crossed, eyes downcast. Ziem cleared her throat. "Geoff," she said. He looked up and smiled wearily.

"Pasha said he couldn't play wall ball with you tonight," she said cautiously. He nodded and smiled again.

"Would you consider maybe," she sighed and paused, but took a deep breath and pushed on. "Would you teach me to play?" she asked.

Geoff's whole face lit up. "Great idea! I'd love that! When shall we meet?"

"Could we get together about 1600? We can get dinner after if you want." She felt silly, and the conversation seemed stilted.

"That would be fantastic!" he said.

"Geoff, I may not be any good. I haven't played any sports for years. I really haven't played for years."

"It's okay Ziem it's a game." said Geoff.

"I'm probably always going to be really into my work," she said quietly.

"Ziem! I am totally getting into work. Seriously. You are going to be amazed. I've got a whole new attitude. Watch me," he said.

"That," she said with a shaky smile, "I know I can do." She took a deep breath and finished, "But the thing is Geoff, I think I'm going to try to do more."

And that is it! Remember, originally it was a love story. I thought I put in lots of hints, but they might have been too suble. But then, poor Ziem provided the point of view, and she really didn't understand humans. Thanks to those that stuck with me. The whole thing took me lots longer than I thought it would. My brother in law liked it. He wants me to say that what I called a camping trip was technically survival training at the Air Force Academy. He just enjoyed it like a camping trip because he likes the outdoors. He liked it even though some of his companions were jerks and he is a very picky eater. Food was unquestionably his biggest challenge. He kept granola bars with him even as he slept for weeks prior to the trip. He didn't know when he would be leaving and he knew he would be unwilling to eat most of the things available to him. At one point someone killed a snake to eat. He decided he would rather go without food for three days. But then they ran into some escaped chickens, and everything got better. He has told me several other adventures I think would make good stories, we will see.