“No, but it’s certainly lucky for us.” Niall taps his pencil on his chin. “No doubt your mother will want us to do the rest of the planets.”
No doubt is right. She has it approved within the hour.
While the chemists work on supplying the necessary paper and grids for our symbol project, my life lapses into a routine. School work in the morning, lunch with Niall followed by soch-time. Then to Beau’s office for a couple hours of worming. Dinner with Radcliff, Niall and, on occasion, one or both of my parents—which is sadly more time than I spent with them prior to my probation. After the meal, I head back to the office to catch up on my missed school work.
Each day I last longer before my head explodes. Okay, that’s an exaggeration, but I definitely reach a point every night where my thoughts drag as if swimming in mud.
After five productive days, I’ve finally finished all my missed assignments. To celebrate, Niall is taking me out on a real date. Well, sort of. Since he’s not wearing his uniform or a weapon, I’m still required to have an escort. Unless we stay in Radcliff’s unit. While I’m not about to turn down potential making out on the couch (only if Radcliff’s in his bedroom and stays there), Niall wishes to go out. He has the next day off so he can sleep in. Plus he even wore a nice button down shirt with gray stripes. It’s tucked into black pants. I’m wearing my nicest navy blue blouse with a delicate yellow floral print that Mom dropped off this afternoon (who packs nice clothes when you’re facing detention?) and jeans.
However, first is dinner with his father.
Except after Radcliff sets down a lovely baked ziti, he suddenly remembers some work he needs to do. Before he leaves he says, “Curfew is at zero-hours, Lyra. Not a second after.” He gives Niall such a piercing look, I half expect Niall to topple over. “Officer Menz will be here in an hour.” Then he’s gone.
“What was the death-stare about?” I ask Niall.
“His way of reminding me that I’m not allowed to sweep you off your feet, carry you into the bedroom and ravish you for the next hour.”
Heat blooms in my chest and spreads to places I’m not going to name. “Oh.” I’ll admit it’s not the snappiest of replies.
“Relax, Mouse. This is going to be a proper first date.”
“Oh.” Is that disappointment I hear? Stupid hormones. “What does a proper first date entail?”
“You haven’t been on one before?”
I think back. Cyril and I spent some time in the kissing zone. We played games together, but that’s about it. “No.”
“Well then you’re in for a treat.” He stands and fishes out a set of candles from the cupboard. Lighting them, he sets them down on the table. “First, a candlelit dinner served at the finest eating establishment on base.” Niall sweeps a hand out with a flourish. “Before you can protest, you know my father can cook the pants off the chefs in the galley…er…canteen.”
True.
Niall uses a spatula and scoops out two heaping portions. He sets one down in front of me. Spicy garlic wafts off the steaming ziti. We clink our water glasses.
As expected, the meal is top notch.
“What’s it like growing up on a ship?” I ask.
“It’s probably similar to growing up on a base. You explore every inch including the off-limits areas, boredom gets you into various degrees of trouble, you have not one mother and father, but an entire crew of mothers and fathers nagging you, and you need permission to leave.”
That sounded about right.
“There are a few differences,” he adds. “If you go outside, you’re dead, and you learn the hard way not to make friends with the passengers.”
“You mean you didn’t want to become my friend?” I ask with mock surprise. “I never would have guessed.”
“Oh, man, don’t get me started. When you tricked the game system that first time…I figured you’d be in the brig within days. When that didn’t happen, I fully intended to ignore you for the rest of the journey.” He throws his hands out wide. “But you just wouldn’t… stop.”
I laugh. “I enjoyed bugging you. Still do.”
That earns me a wry grin. “Yeah, I got that, but that’s not what I’m talking about.”
“Then enlighten me.”
“Stop is probably not the best word. What I mean is you never hesitated to help out or offer your opinion whether it was wanted or not. You even volunteered to go down to the planet after knowing what happened at Xinji. Basically, you refused to be ignored.”
“Ooh…I like that. Lyra Daniels, Refuses to be Ignored.”
“What happened to criminal mastermind?”
“I think refuses to be ignored has more weight. Anyone can be a criminal mastermind, but those who refuse…scary stuff.”
“Hmmm…I think you have something there. Those who Refuse. We can start a club, create a logo, develop a mission statement.”
“I suspect you’re making fun,” I say.
He widens his eyes in an attempt to appear innocent. “Hey, I’m just glad criminal mastermind is off the table.”
“For now. And for the record, Those who Refuse would not have some lame club.”
“Duly noted.”
“It would be better without the sarcasm.”
“It would.”
Pouting is not my style so I ask about dessert. When he hesitates, I say, “Don’t tell me—”
“Don’t worry, I’ll have plenty of sugar for you later.” He leers suggestively.
It’s so overdramatic I can’t help it, I laugh.
He joins in. “Yeah, I didn’t think I could pull that off.”
“Seriously, though. There’s dessert right?”
“My stars, woman, you have a one-track mind. I’m running this date, so you’ll just have to trust me.” Niall clears the dishes and cleans up.
Even doing domestic chores, his movements are fluid. I’m content to watch.
There’s a light knock on the door.
“And that would be our escort. Time for part two of a proper first date.” He grabs my hand and tugs me to my feet.
Officer Menz waits in the corridor. His pained expression just about shouts that he didn’t become a security officer to watch a couple teenagers on a date, but he remains professional, offering his hand when introduced. Menz’s auburn hair is buzzed short like all the other officers. He studies me with dark green eyes as if assessing my threat level. I’m tempted to bare my teeth at him.
Niall holds my hand as we walk through the base. The heat from his palm travels up my arm, driving away the cold that has lingered there since I touched that heart.
There’s a fair amount of people out and about. Most of the scientists get days off, but not many actually take the time. They’re all a bunch of workaholics, which is why they were hired in the first place.
Niall steers me into the recreation room. It’s about half filled. Every single person stares at us. Or more accurately, takes note of Officer Menz. It’s unusual to have an armed officer in here. Plus the security team has its own rec room. Niall ignores them and heads straight for the game system. He pulls up Mutant Zombies from Planet Nine.
“Okay, Mouse. Let’s see if you can hold your own against me.”
“This is gonna be easy, Toad.”
He settles next to me on the overstuffed orange couch. “I don’t think so. I’ve seen you play during soch-time.”
“You ain’t seen nothin’. You were too busy drawing bunnies and babies.”
He tsks. “Already trash talking. Let’s see what you can really do. Ready?”
“Always.”
The battle begins. Niall’s mutant zombie army launches an offensive right away. It’s over the top and I suspect it’s to test my defenses. I counter with a standard boring move, but, while he’s distracted, I set up a couple surprises for later. I learned a few tricks while playing with Cyril and Jarren and I plan to use them all. No space boy is gonna beat me.
The battle transforms into an all-ou
t war. It extends. Damn, he knows what he’s doing. I’m suddenly retreating, losing soldiers left and right as they turn into the enemy, joining Niall’s zombie horde. He’s driving us toward a huge pile of dangerous building rubble blocking the street. A dead end.
“It’s not looking too good for you. Are you ready to give up, Mouse?”
“Giving up is not an option.”
“Then prepare to become the mutant zombie queen.”
My dwindling army retreats further.
“Being a zombie queen is really not so bad, there are perks,” he says. “Living forever for one, which is how long I’m going to gloat about this.”
A pathetic handful of survivors form a shield around me. We’re almost to the barricade. Come on. Just a little bit…there!
“What? Hey!” Niall shouts.
I grin as the pile of rubble turns into soldiers. Lots of them. Now his zombies are outnumbered and surrounded. In a matter of minutes his army is routed. Game over.
“Yup, I’m the queen all right,” I say with a touch… oh, all right, a lot of smugness.
He shakes his head. “I gotta admit that was a sweet move. But you owe me a rematch.”
“Now?”
“No, it’s time for part three.” He takes my hand and we cross to the canteen. There’s a queue of people, talking and laughing. We join the end of the line.
“How are you enjoying your first proper date so far?” Niall asks.
“Very much. The highlight, so far, was luring you into my ambush.”
He lowers his voice to a husky whisper. “You can lure me in anytime.”
A tingling warmth races up my spine. Purposely misunderstanding him, I say, “I’ll remember that the next time I have one of my crazy schemes.”
I’m rewarded with a groan. We’re inching along, but Niall won’t tell me what we’re waiting for. I don’t mind. Even though Menz is hovering nearby, it’s just nice to stand close to him and talk about nothing important.
When I finally spot the reason for the line, I almost squeal. Thank the stars, I don’t. I’d forgotten it’s ice cream night—a rare treat from the chefs. Bonus, it’s my third favorite flavor—butterscotch.
“Does this count for dessert?” Niall asks.
“Yes!”
We each get a bowl and Niall grabs one for Menz. The three of us return to the rec room.
“Now for part four.” Niall turns on a video show and we return to the couch with our ice cream. Once we finish the frozen goodness, Niall puts his arm around my shoulder. I lean against him, soaking up his warmth, breathing in his scent. Content.
I’d stay there all night, but I have a curfew. Plus there’s a bored security officer yawning loudly behind us. We return to Radcliff’s unit. Menz waits until we enter before leaving. Niall’s father is sitting in the common area, working on a portable. He makes a show of glancing at the time. We are four minutes early.
“Now that you’re back, I’m going to bed,” he says, stretching. “Good night.”
“Good night,” we say in unison.
When Radcliff’s bedroom door shuts, Niall turns to me. “I’ve been looking forward to part five all night.”
“Part five?” Only a slight squeak mars my voice.
He steps nearer. “Actually, I’ve been thinking about this since I escorted you home back before your probation.”
I haven’t forgotten either. Heat races through me as Niall closes the distance between us. His lips are on mine. His fingers are in my hair. The combination of sensations sends shivers along my skin. I wrap my arms around his neck and deepen the kiss.
I lose track of time, but Niall eventually breaks away. “If I don’t leave soon, my father will poke his head out the door to check on us.”
I’m a bit breathless so instead of talking, I just pull him in for another kiss. His hands press on my back until I’m against his chest. And I have to admit, part five is my favorite of the night.
Niall once again ends it. “Right now, I really hate being the sensible one.”
He moves away and I stifle my groan of protest.
“Did you enjoy your proper first date?” he asks.
“It was perfect. Thank you.”
“We’re almost ready,” Mom says at dinner two days after our date. “I’m just worried pulling the files from the other planets will tip off the looters that we’re searching for those symbols.”
“It shouldn’t,” I say between mouthfuls of chicken corn soup. “It’s part of your job. And, as long as I bury the Q-net’s results, the looters or that worm won’t know what we’re doing with the data.”
Mom drums her fingers on the table—a nervous habit. “All right. All the materials will be ready in three days. We can start work on it then. I suspect it’ll take us a number of sessions to go through all those pits.”
She peers at me with her Mom-X-ray-vision set to maximum. Uh oh. This isn’t going to be pretty.
“How are you feeling? Still getting headaches?” she asks me.
“I only get an occasional headache. Why?”
“I’d like you to keep working on the General. That section of Pit 4 is the only place that the looters haven’t destroyed. I know you have separated out some pieces so it’s best if you’re the one to reconstruct him.” She leans forward. “But only if you’re feeling better.”
The thought of someone else putting him together is almost painful. I wonder if he’ll return to my dreams once he’s complete. I glance at Radcliff. “As long as it’s okay with the boss.”
Radcliff’s lips quirk into a smile before he smooths his features. One of these days, I’m going to get him to laugh. “It’s fine with me,” he says. “I can arrange an escort for you. There’s already plenty of security in the pits. When do you want to start?”
I catch Niall’s eye. He’s unhappy but doesn’t say anything. Lately he’s been staying after everyone leaves and we play cards or talk for a bit before Niall’s too tired to do more—poor guy has to get up oh-so-early. Other than that, I don’t have anything planned tonight. “Might as well start now.”
“Let me check the schedule.” Radcliff heads for the terminal in his bedroom.
My mother stands. “I better get going. I’ve a meeting with the geologists.” She kisses me on the temple. “Don’t overdo it tonight. An hour or two is fine. Promise?”
“Yes.” That earns me another kiss before she’s gone. I turn to a still frowning Niall. “What’s wrong? Is it because we’re not going to hang out together?”
“No.” He moves to sit next to me. “Are you sure you’re ready?”
Confused, I ask, “Why wouldn’t I be?”
Stroking the side of my face with his fingertips, he rests his hand on my shoulder. “You almost died there.”
He’s concerned for me. That’s sweet. “I’ll be fine.”
Radcliff returns. “I can have someone here in an hour-”
“I’ll take her,” Niall says.
He pauses a beat. “All right. Then inform Beau he can bring her back when his shift is done. Will two hours be enough time, Lyra?”
“Plenty.”
“Good.”
Niall leaves to get changed. And I switch to my old work clothes. By the time Niall reappears, I’m ready to go. Too bad he’s in uniform. As we walk side by side, the desire to hold his hand grows with each step.
“Do you get many days off?” I ask to break the silence and to distract my itchy fingers.
“Right now, it’s eight days on and one day off.”
“That’s a lot.”
“We’re still on high alert. Once the threat level is reduced, we’ll go back to a six and two schedule.”
“Are you still on high alert because you don’t know where the looters are?”
“That’s my guess, too. Plus my dad tends to be overly cautious.”
We cross through the archaeology labs. Many of the archaeologists and techs are still at their desks or bent over equipment. However, eve
ryone stops to greet me and tell me how fantastic I look. Guess I haven’t been down here since I was carried out bloody and broken.
There are a few workers in the pits sorting through the rubble. It’s…a disaster area. My stomach sours as I scan the debris. The once neat lines of Warriors are now broken heaps. Pieces of clay too small to be identified crunch underneath my boots. The techs have filled in the holes dug by the looters, and repaired the walls.
At least the 3D laser digitizers are being used to scan the fragments. Perhaps I can drag all the data into the Q-net where it could reassemble the shards. That would speed up the process somewhat. Of course, it might be years before they finish scanning.
When we enter Pit 4, I stop. Memories threaten to overwhelm me, the edges of my vision turn fuzzy.
“Are you all right?” Niall asks.
“Yeah, I just need a minute.” I suck in dusty air until the floor steadies. Then I stride over to the General. He’s still half completed and the area around him remains the same as before. The rest of the Warriors are either gone or destroyed.
I find my bucket of pieces and his face. But when I sit down to get my bearings, another memory tugs at the edges of my mind. Something about the way the looters moved through the pit. I try to concentrate, but the idea slips away.
Niall crouches down next to me. “You’re pale.”
“I’m just upset by all the damage.” I tilt my head at Beau and Menz who are standing by the hatch. “You can go, I’ll be fine.”
“I’m not going anywhere.”
“But-”
“I’m going to help you.”
I stare at him. “Why?”
“This is our time together. I don’t care what we do. Where do you want to start first?”
He’s serious and a strange mix of emotions flood me. “First, I want to drag you behind that large pile of debris where the cameras and those officers can’t see and kiss you until you can’t breathe.”
“What about the General?” his voice rasps.
“He won’t mind.”
“I’m in uniform.”
I leer. “Not for long.”
Navigating the Stars Page 21