“Look at how your pretty little fingers fly. I swear, honey, you’re a techno-genius,” Rex murmured.
She didn’t look up. “I am. Shush.”
She finished with the welder then set to replacing the fuse ports and fuses. She scanned the panel. “I need my...” But Leo was already holding out her calibration meter. She looked up at him, smiling brightly. “That. Thanks.”
He smiled at her, lifting the lenses from her eyes.
He was made to look at.
She blinked, chewed her lip and turned back to the panel. The readings were good. “We’re all set.”
Leo shook his head. “You said twenty minutes?”
“Ten minutes and forty-two seconds,” Rex said. “That’s got to be some sort of record or something. I think you need to let me take you to dinner.”
She sighed. “You’re persistent.”
“It’s working, I can tell.”
Leo groaned softly. “Let’s get this finished.”
“I’m ready.” She stood, cradling the panel.
“Come on. They haven’t figured out the shield is down yet.” Rex smiled.
“Why do you say that?” she asked.
“They never moved inside the shield perimeter,” Iggy explained. “Once they figure out it’s gone, they won’t hesitate.”
Riley followed Leo to the door, clutching the panel to her chest. They moved quickly, retracing their steps back up the stairs, down the winding hallway and through the common room.
Marguerite intercepted them. “If the panel’s fixed, let Riley stay.” She stared at each of them, her concern obvious.
Riley felt Leo glance at her. He’d side with Marguerite, she just knew it. She spoke quickly, calmly. “They can’t put the panel in place and fire their guns, Marguerite.”
“It’s a greater risk.” Walt sighed. “Chances are they’re waiting this time.”
Leo opened his mouth, but she held up a hand to stop him.
“Look, I appreciate the concern, but I’m not going to stay here when I can do something that needs to be done. Who else knows how to put this thing in right?” She glanced at Iggy with meaning, “And reset the breaker box without screwing something else up? No offense, Iggy.”
“None taken.” Iggy shrugged.
All eyes were on her.
“You’re right,” Leo agreed.
She stared at him, surprised.
“And she’s superfast.” Rex was at her side, draping an arm across her shoulders with a smile. “She’s chomping at the bit to get it done so she can have some of this,” he pointed at himself, “for dinner and dessert.”
Leo started off again. “Let’s go then. Wouldn’t want to mess up your dinner plans.”
Riley shrugged off Rex’s arm. “I never said yes, Rex.”
Rex grabbed his chest. “Ouch, hon, that hurts.”
Riley rolled her eyes.
The three of them replaced any cold gear they’d removed and, one by one, took the chute back down.
“Ready?” Rex crackled over the link-up in her ear. “I think they figured it out.”
“Are we clear?” Iggy asked, gripping the door handle.
“I think so.” Rex started firing, the sound tinny and echoing through their link-ups. “I’ll give you a little distraction.”
Iggy pulled the door open, leading her out. She followed closely, knowing Leo was behind her. Once they made it to the breaker box, Riley didn’t pause.
“Is that the bull?” Leo asked.
Iggy was breathing heavily. “I’ve never seen one that big.”
“They’re all skirting it,” Rex added. “It snarls, they back off.”
The strange screeching sound made her tremble. Her grip on the plate slipped, but she caught it before it hit the ground. The cry continued, followed by growls—from more than one cryptid. She swallowed, sliding the panel in and reconnecting the six plates to the main chord.
The sound grew louder, closer. She fought the urge to turn, knowing fear wouldn’t help.
“You have a clean shot?” Leo asked.
“From up here?” Rex laughed. “There’s no accuracy with this wind. I could try, but...”
She flinched as the guns went off, but finished the reconnect. “I’m done. Iggy, you and Leo need to make sure you’re inside the field perimeter so I can turn it on.”
She turned, watching the bundled forms of Leo and Iggy moving backward. She tried not to focus on the massive white beast that paced back and forth, but it was kind of hard to ignore.
The cryptid crouched, swinging its massive head back and forth. The small, pointed ears turned and twitched before it growled suddenly, making her jump. It had four eyes, two on the outside of its head and two centered above its snout. The long snout twitched as the cryptid’s lips pulled back. Twisting upper tusks stood out against the white, surrounded by two rows of orange needlelike teeth lining its jaws.
She wanted to move. She wanted Leo and Iggy to move. Now.
The cryptid snapped its tail back and forth.
“Now,” Iggy called.
She punched the button at the same time the beast launched himself. As it sailed toward them, the air between the anchor chains and tunnels clicked twice, then hummed. A translucent green wall connected them, a series of fine light threads and pure power. It hissed and snapped when the beast’s face connected.
She gasped, pressing herself against the box even though she knew the shield would save them.
“Ready?” Leo was at her side.
She stared up at him, fighting the fear, to nod. She turned back to the box and locked it. Leo held out his hand, helping her to her feet.
The cryptid howled, its jaws snapping. It began to pace, just on the other side of the shield.
“Let’s go, Riley. You did it.” Leo squeezed her hand. “You did it.”
Iggy whistled. “Good job, girlie. Hell, I might even take you to dinner.”
“Nope,” Rex said in their ears. “I’m making my way inside now. See you at the table.”
Riley entered the tunnel, slid her hood back and plucked the link-up from her ear. She pressed the chute button and stomped her boots free. She could still hear the huge cryptid mewling and growling. It sounded louder without her headgear.
She felt cold...and scared. She couldn’t stop shivering.
Iggy and Leo came in laughing. Iggy saluted her, then hopped into the chute and disappeared. Leo locked the door and pulled off his headgear.
“You okay?” he asked.
She nodded, walking to the gurney and booster still hovering behind the chute. He joined her, standing silently at her side.
“It feels like I’m in hyber-sleep.” She glanced at him. “Like this is some chem-induced dream.”
He shot her a look of pure disbelief. “This is what you’d pick for a hyber-sleep dream?”
She smacked his arm, but smiled. “No. No way would I pick this...”
“None of it?” He cocked his head to one side.
He stared at her and her cheeks grew hot. There might be one or two things she’d pick. But she wasn’t going to tell him that. No way would she admit that being with him was something she’d pick again and again. “Maybe the stew...”
He laughed.
“And the rolls,” she continued.
He shook his head. “So the food?”
She stepped back from the booster, toward the chute. “Oh, the hot bath, too.”
She slipped into the chute, his laughter warming her all the way up.
* * *
She was dozing, her eyes closed and her head resting on the lip of the metal tub. It was too heavenly to move, too quiet to sigh. It was perfect.
She knew she was bei
ng cowardly by avoiding dinner. She didn’t care. She was tired. She was cold. And she needed to think. She needed a plan, an idea of what her life was going to be once she wasn’t stranded on an ice moon on the outer rings.
She had no ship.
She had no home.
She had no idea what a new tug would cost to buy or to lease.
“You gonna stay in there all night?” Leo’s voice was low...and amused.
She opened her eyes, scowling. “You know, you have a problem. I’m pretty sure you didn’t knock. And I know I didn’t tell you to come in.”
Leo stepped inside the room and closed the door. “I knew you’d say yes.”
She sat us, bringing her knees to her chest and wrapping her arms about them. “You thought wrong.”
He held out clothes. “From Marguerite. She thought you’d want something dry and clean to wear.”
“And you volunteered to bring them?”
He shrugged, leaning against the door. “She gave them to me.”
“She did?” That was odd, wasn’t it?
“Maybe she knows...about us.” He smiled.
“Us?” She sounded as irritated as she felt. “What us?”
He laughed. “Get dressed and come eat. No one’s going to bother you, and I know you don’t want to miss out on Marguerite’s dinner.”
“Leave then,” she snapped. What did he mean us?
He put the clothes on the stool and picked up what she’d taken off. He held up the worn bra and shook his head. “It seems a shame that something so old and worn gets to cuddle up with such round and wonderful breasts.”
She frowned. “There’s nothing wrong with my clothes.”
“I like you better without them.” He lifted his eyebrows three times, his smile teasing.
She laughed, unable to stop herself. He had just given her a compliment after all. Two compliments. She splashed him, “Get out, Leo. I need to get dressed. You made me hungry...”
“If I made you hungry, I’d be happy to stay. Clothes won’t be required.”
She splashed him, laughing in spite of herself, “Go!”
He sighed, wiping the water from his face. “Sure?”
She splashed him again, soaking the front of his pants and shirt. She grinned broadly, satisfied with her handiwork.
“I’m going.” He opened the door. “I won’t need a bath now.”
The door shut, leaving her giggling.
She stood under the blower long enough to dry her skin. Lacing up the soft shirt was a chore since it was too big, but she cinched it tight and tugged on the flowing skirt. The skirt was too long, but at least it was soft and warm. So were the thick socks she rolled up over her knees. She wound the laces of the borrowed flats about her ankles to keep them on, then headed to the common room.
The room was full, laughter and voices mixed. There was a sense of jubilation and camaraderie. And when she entered, a cheer went up.
“To Riley.” Rex lifted a mug.
“To Riley!” a chorus echoed.
She froze, trying to smile but knowing she failed miserably. She inched to the side of the doorway, relieved when no more attention was directed her way.
She spotted Walt and Iggy at a table and made her way to them. As she drew close, Leo appeared. His shirtfront was soaked, plastered to his hips and thighs.
She rubbed a hand through her damp hair, suddenly uneasy.
Walt smiled at her. “Nice bath?”
She nodded and sat.
Iggy looked from her to Leo. “Why are you wet, Leo?”
Walt turned, taking in Leo’s appearance. His eyebrows rose and he chuckled. “You are wet.”
Marguerite brought a plate to her, chattering about the even heat of the stoves and how nice the cookies had turned out. “Such a gift to have you with us, Riley.” She paused. “Did you spill something, Leo?” Her gaze raked him from head to toe as she spoke then they went round and she turned to stare at Riley.
Riley took a bite of her dinner, her embarrassment vanishing as the succulent flavors filled her mouth. “Ooh, Marguerite,” she moaned.
“I already ate, hon.” Rex pulled up a chair and sat at the table, smiling. “But maybe we can eat breakfast together.”
Leo slammed his cup on the bar, drawing all eyes to him. Riley swallowed and returned to eating.
“Leo, you’re wet.” Rex shook his head. “You’re supposed to take off your clothes when you take a bath.”
“Leo wasn’t in the bath,” Walt offered.
“But Riley was.” Iggy scratched his head. “So we’re trying to figure out how Leo here ended up dripping wet...”
Riley swallowed, feeling the food lodge in her throat. She tried to clear her throat, but the food stuck. She took a swig of her drink, and still it stuck.
“You okay, Riley?” Rex asked.
She shook her head, patting her chest.
Rex pounded her back, jarring the air from her chest but not dislodging the food.
She tried to cough, but nothing came out. Her eyes were beginning to water.
Chapter Four: Leo
“Dammit,” Leo said. She felt herself being lifted. Two strong arms came around her waist, followed by a strong press against her chest and abdomen. Once more and the food shot out.
She gasped, the air flooding her nose and mouth as she went limp.
“You okay?” Leo whispered in her ear, pulling her onto his lap as he spoke.
She nodded, leaning against him as she wiped the tears from her eyes. The long stroke of his hand up and down her back, the feel of his breath against her forehead felt good. Too good.
It seemed awfully quiet.
She sat up, opening her eyes as she realized what was happening.
All eyes were on them. She was sitting on Leo’s lap, curled up comfortably.
She blinked, Leo froze, and the room burst into laughter and cheers.
Rex was laughing hardest. “I was just messing with you, Riley.”
“Leave them alone,” Marguerite chastised. “I don’t want any more choking.”
Riley glanced around the table, taking in the smiles and laughter.
“Eat.” Marguerite smiled. “And this time chew.”
She thought about getting off Leo’s lap, of denying the conclusions being made. But what was the point?
She wanted him to be hers. She stilled as this realization hit her. She wanted him to be hers here. Once they left, he was free to go his own way. But maybe, while they were here...
She glanced at him. He looked at her and smiled.
She took a bite and chewed, relaxing against him. His hand moved up and down her back again, in slow steady strokes.
It was the best dinner she’d ever had. The food was good too.
When the food was gone, everyone began to move the furnishings to the sides of the room. Riley and Leo stood out of the way, watching curiously as the inhabitants of Galileo gathered around Marguerite in the center of the room.
“What’s happening?” she asked Leo.
“It’s Holiday,” he answered. “Some Galilean tradition. It’s a way to pass the time when the blasts hit, I guess.”
Marguerite pulled a large book from under her chair and the children gave a collective gasp.
“A book?” Riley shifted, looking forward.
“You don’t know what a pixie is but you know about books?” Leo tilted back to look at her.
“How else do you think I learned how to fix things? My mom was a straight tugger. She didn’t know an arc torch from a diamond grinder. I read books. I could build a diamond grinder if I had to.”
Leo laughed. “I don’t doubt it.”
He wasn’t teasing her, she could tell.
And she liked that he believed in her. She smiled up at him, sliding one arm about his waist and leaning against him.
He kissed her forehead.
“’Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house,” Marguerite’s voice rang out, the lyrical words filling the silence of the room.
Riley listened, confused. The story kept on, the children laughed and sighed. “What are sugar plums?”
Leo shrugged, his attention firmly on Marguerite.
She didn’t know who St. Nick was, but she thought the flying sleigh was interesting. As the story ended, she turned to Leo. “I’m confused.”
He smiled. “Oh really?”
“What happened? There was no gasket blowouts, engine malfunction, filter repairs...nothing broke. Nobody learned how to weave patches...”
“I don’t think it’s that kind of book.” Leo led her forward, sitting on a chair and pulling her onto his lap.
Walt came out of the kitchen, carrying a tray that smelled heavenly.
“Cookies!” The children jumped up.
“After the next story,” one of the women said.
The children squealed and complained, but eventually settled down.
Riley listened vaguely, but the smell of the cookies teased her. Marguerite was reading about turkeys and pilgrims and Indians. They were enemies, fighting for land. But a few among them helped them come together, peacefully. They shared a feast and their thanks for their blessings.
When the chapter ended, Riley was lost in thought.
But then Walt passed around the cookies and she was moaning with each bite.
Leo watched her eat three cookies before he stood and left the room.
“Time for bed,” Marguerite called out.
“Tomorrow there’s presents?” one of the children asked.
Someone said yes, and the common room began to empty. It was late, she supposed, though she was too bouncy to sleep. She’d never felt such strange energy; she felt like she was running.
A Galactic Holiday Page 16
