SPACE: 1999 YEAR 2
JOURNEY BEHIND CLOSED DOORS
SECTION ELEVEN: Of Gentlemen and Colors
They were nearly to Koenig's quarters when two men appeared, walking toward them from the opposite direction. As the two men approached, Helena could feel Maya's hesitation. She saw it as Maya's steps faltered.
"It's alright," she told the Psychon softly.
The older of the two men had a well-worn green jacket slung casually over his shoulder. His expression lit with immediate warmth as the two women approached.
"Doctor Russell," he greeted with familiar ease, slowing his steps to an easy stop. His eyes softened when they landed on Maya. "And this must be Miss Maya."
Petrov extended his hand, with gentle, warm courtesy. "I'm Petrov. Welcome to Moonbase Alpha."
Maya looked at him for a moment, studying his features, his voice, his tone. She reached forward and took his hand lightly, her touch cautious but sincere. "Thank you," she said in quiet, almost whispered voice.
Helena smiled. "Good evening. Yes Maya, this is Petrov. He's head of Weapons Section. And this young man is Jimmy."
The younger man was slightly taller, lankier and had wide eyes and a smile that was nervously flickering at the edges. He almost looked as if he wasn't entirely sure where his feet were supposed to go and Maya almost found herself laughing at his youthful energy and unease.
Jimmy's hand darted out a little too quickly. "Hi. I mean… hello, Miss Maya." He gave an awkward laugh, cleared his throat, then tried again. "It's really good to meet you."
Petrov continued, his tone light and conversational. "Jimmy's one of Tony's boys and, if you haven't yet, you'll be hearing my name around."
"I have heard your name," Maya said, her voice laced with curiosity. "But I do not understand, one of Tony's boys?"
"He means Jimmy is part of security, Maya," Helena explained gently.
"But this week, I'm training with Petrov in Weapons," Jimmy offered, almost proudly.
"Oh," Maya said, her face still showing confusion. She glanced at Helena. "But Jimmy's sleeve is purple. Tony's is red. And just this week?"
Petrov chuckled, a rich, warm sound. "You'll get to know the colors, Maya. Red just means that Tony's the boss man."
Maya looked back at Helena; her expression still tinged with confusion. "Boss man? Does that mean a superior?"
Petrov clapped his hands together, a charming smile spreading across his face. "Ah, she's getting it."
"It's a big base, Maya," Helena explained. "There's not quite three hundred of us now. A lot of Alphans, like Jimmy, have demonstrated great ability at handling cross-training in different sections very well."
Jimmy almost seemed to blush at Russell's acknowledgment.
"Well, we won't hold you lovely ladies up any longer," Petrov said, giving a very slight bow before starting to walk again. "It was a pleasure to meet you, Maya."
"Have a nice evening, Doctor Russell." Jimmy said. "And it was really nice to meet you, Maya. Have a good evening!" Jimmy added, giving a friendly nod as he hurried to catch up with Petrov.
Helena turned to Maya, her eyes twinkling with reassurance. "I told you that you would be able to make friends."
"They both seem very nice," Maya remarked.
"Petrov is one of the sweetest men on Alpha," Helena said, her smile softening. "And young Jimmy seems to be learning his manners from him. I only wish all men would learn from him. Pet's a true gentleman."
They finally reached Koenig's door and Helena pulled out her commlock, allowing Maya to observe how she used it to call the Commander.
"John, we're here," she told him.
In just seconds, the door to the Commander's quarters slid open. For a moment, Maya looked frozen, very hesitant to step inside the door.
"Ladies," John called out, greeting them from where he was standing at the table, arranging just a few things before their arrival.
Tony was busy pushing a chair into place. He looked up and smiled at both of them and although Maya's return smile was polite enough, it bothered him. Tony had to admit, she definitely had cause. He could only hope that she didn't say anything to anyone about his blunder until he'd had a chance to speak to her about it. That is, if he could only figure out what to tell her.