by Nina Silver
I frowned even more. I understood everything she said, and a small part of me was even relieved at not having to see Jo and her hurt expression every time. “Yeah of course, I understand. Take as long as you want then.”
She shook her head and gave me a small tired, but friendly smile then turned around and left my office. I sat back in my chair considering everything that had happened.
I wasn’t sure about Jo and I anymore - I had never thought that she was that far into me and cared so much. Doubts crept in about Iolee - were we just having fun? Not that I’d mind that - but did I want more from Iolee? I thought about what we did at my office, my heart started beating faster, blood throbbing through my veins, my stomach churning. There was no question about me… I wanted her for more than just a brief encounter… but would she want that? And if she did would she be willing to stay here at New Hope? And if she didn’t, was I willing to leave my life here?
Eighteen
Iolee
I gritted my teeth in anger once more. Dr. Morton just glared at me across the screen of my informator.
“No no no Miss Panou. I solely disagree. I do not think the Ourupta have a numeric system. We have gone through this many times, and there have been no indications. Even if there were numbers we have no clues on how to decode them - none of the symbols we have translated would follow through.”
I honestly wanted to throw my informator at the wall of my room and shriek my frustration! Alas, as I was a grown woman such behavior wouldn't do. I took a calming breath. “I understand Dr. Morton that there would be no way to translate them, but again as I have pointed out in the notations I send over to you, I think that there are certain symbols unusual from their alphabet that repeat in similar patterns, most notable are the curves of these symbols as their alphabet is mostly made up of straight lines and angles - no curves. Furthermore, if you look at the curvature of those symbols then you…”
“Miss Panou, we have no time to speculate! We only have time to do what we must and can. We must focus on the symbols we can eventually translate and keep going until we have translated all of them.” His eyes narrowed, his voice shaking with anger. “The only possible way we could even translate those curved symbols would be if we could have an Ourupta explain to us again. And that isn't possible as we have no idea where the damn Ourupta went after they left!”
I held my breath and then expelled it, slowly I wanted to scream - I really did - but I could not do that - if Dr. Morton blacklisted me I would be done - regardless of how many degrees I had or not. He continued speaking unknowing of any of my thoughts. “I think you have done enough as of now Miss Panou, as a matter of fact, your colleague Dr. Tiltman and I will be shortly boarding another mission to the New Hope reservation.” His words took me by surprise, and more anger surged within me. Did he honestly think I couldn’t handle the situation here? And let’s not even mention that I knew there were numerical symbols - if only I could prove it!
“I will see you in a few hours until then try to focus on deciphering some of the symbols instead of the decorations this time.”
The screen went dark, and I threw my informator on the bed. “Stupid jerk, I can’t believe he is like that.” I mumbled to myself. If only someone believed me, like Xan, who had always believed in me and pushed me on, until I had translated those five symbols over my career in University. If only Xan was here now, and we had thought she’d be the one to have issues in Neptune. A rush of longing washed over me, I missed Xan - felt like years had gone by since last time I talked to her. I jumped on the bed and grabbed the informator. I’d just call and see if she’d answer. If she didn’t, I’d send her a message.
My informator beeped until the screen brightened up and a smiling Xan was staring back at me. “Oh, thank god, finally a friendly face.”
“How are you Xan?” I grinned, taking in her smiling face, and bright eyes.
“I’m incredibly glad to see you.” She smiled even more, and I noticed the dark smudges under her eyes and her limp hair, that was normally a lustrous shade of caramel brown.
“You’re tired… did I call at a bad time?”
She shook her head. “Nooo, God no, I’ll always have time for you silly. It’s just been a killer week that’s all. I had to get basic training in arms and stuff, and my instructor is a pain in my ass! Let’s just say, that he has made it his mission to ruin any of my fun up here.” I frowned at her words questions popping up but she continued speaking. “I had to take a course on our weapons and use them in a range, but I apparently needed more finesse so I had to put in extra hours.”
“Nothing too heavy handed I hope.”
“Nah… we didn’t have to do any hand-to-hand combat at least. Just shooting. Although I wouldn’t mind getting my hands around my instructor’s throat and squeezing.” She pretended to choke someone in front of her and I giggled.
“Sounds like you have already made friends.”
She snorted. “You can say that again... I don’t mind much as long as I can take my anger out in the range - that’s great release of tension apparently.”
I frowned. “Would you even need that? The likelihood of you having to fight anyone is ridiculously small.”
“I know, but I have to follow the rules. Neptunians are so rigid - feels like I’m surrounded by hundreds of Iolees. God, especially uptight Captain Jaxson Jet.”
“The instructor I take it?”
She nodded then pretended to choke someone again. “Ugh he makes me so angry! And what kind of name is Jaxson Jet anyway? Sounds so stupid!”
I giggled at her words - I hadn’t seen her that flustered since she had been 15 and had liked this one boy in our class who completely ignored her. My eyebrows rose in understanding and I smirked. “Say Xan, would it so happen that Captain Jaxson Jet is devastatingly handsome?”
Xan glared at me her mouth pursed tight. “That has nothing to do with the fact of how annoying he is. Anyway, my work at the lab starts in two days, and that I am excited about.” She genuinely smiled, a flush of excitement creeping on her cheeks and I let her change the topic of discussion.
“Great, that is why you got assigned there anyway. Any word on what you’ll be working on yet?”
She shook her head. “It’s super-secret, and I know nothing as of yet. But do tell me how’s New Earth?” I let her easily change the topic, I knew her job would be hush-hush, and she couldn’t divulge details to me - it seemed that everything Neptunian was always hush-hush.
I, on the other hand, had no need for such secrecy and had sent her a message divulging all about my trip a few days before while still on Saturn. “It’s been … exciting.” I wasn’t sure how much I should say or not about our discovery here. Let’s not even think about the fact that I had sex - Xan would wring my neck if I said nothing to her - but I wasn’t sure I wanted to share that yet.
“Yeah?” She narrowed her eyes curiously. “You look… different… I don’t know. Are you hiding something?”
My eyes widened. “No-ooo. Why would you even say that?” Who was I kidding? Her or me - Xan was not fooled at all. That woman knew me better than I knew myself most times.
“For real? Cut the shit - what's going on?”
I sighed, a bead of sweat forming on my upper lip. How much could and should I profess? Wringing my hands, I settled on the simplest easiest thing to say. “I kinda met someone here.”
Xan gasped and even theatrically placed her hand over her heart. “No! You? You mean you had three seconds to finally notice someone?”
I stuck my tongue out at her sarcasm. “Well yes, and what a someone… he’s so…” I sighed dreamily, just thinking about him my heart thumped like a drum, and my core grew wet.
“He's so? Come on girl don't leave me in suspense here!” Xan’s eyes wide and expectant.
“I can't explain it - he is so hot, so sexy, so very handsome, and gods so so irresistible.”
“Did you try out the goods yet? Did he rock your world s
ister?” She asked jokingly with a wink. When I blushed, she gasped and started squealing. “Ohmyluckystars, ohmydearsaturnandjupiter, holymars! You had sex?”
“Shhhh - I don't want the whole of the reservation knowing that!” My face heated even more and I felt my heart throbbing from adrenaline.
“My little baby has finally grown up!” She said her eyes shining - absolutely sparkling- with excitement. “Tell me all about it now.”
I shrugged and cleared my throat more sweat beading on my forehead. I normally shared everything with Xan, we were like sisters, but sharing about my hot night with Cove felt somehow an intrusion - private and intimate enough not to want to share it with anyone else. “His name is Cove, he is Chief of New Hope.” Xan whistled impressed. “We just - clicked? And it just happened - and it was good - beyond good - amazing.” I finished stuttering and avoided looking into her eyes.
“Well girl, I'm just speechless honestly. But I'm sure he's an awesome man if even you noticed.”
“Oh, shut up. Not everyone jumps on others as you do.”
She laughed at my lame statement. “Only got one life babe… anyway, I'm beat and really need to sleep. I want more details when you go back to Saturn and talking is easier. When are you going back anyway - shouldn’t it be soon?”
I nodded. “I'm not sure when I'm going back, I'll message you though as soon as I can.”
“Alright. Bye sweetums. I love ya, and please take care of yourself.” The worry in her voice was genuine, and a pang of longing hit me again.
“I will, and I miss you! Take care of yourself also, alright?”
With a few more greeting we finished our discussion, and after stretching, I went back to my studying. I would find a way to prove Dr. Morton wrong - that jerk.
A bang sounded from outside my room, and I paused straining my ear to listen. More banging started and I frowned. Deciding to check it out, I stepped out of my room to find Jo, moving the spare furniture in the small lounge area.
She turned to look at me. “What?” She snapped. “Did the noise bother your precious clonie work?”
I took a step back. She was mad - like furious. “No, I just wondered what’s happening that’s all.”
“Well don’t let me bother you.” Her sarcastic snort made it clear that she did not care if she bothered me or not.
I would have normally said nothing, but since I was living with this woman for who knows how long, I decided I should at least check what her problem was. “Why are you upset?”
Jo dropped a book she was holding on the armchair, and spun to face me, “You’re asking me why I’m upset? That’s rich… It’s not like you waltzed in here and changed our res for the worst.”
“I had nothing to do with things that have happened; I just came here to do my job.”
“I know that - but you did more. Didn’t you?” Her accusing gaze was intense enough to sear my hair off.
Understanding dawned on me suddenly, and I gasped. “Is this about Cove?” My question took her by surprise, and she literally flinched.
“What do you even know about Cove and me?” She accused me, her lips in a grim line. Oh gosh, had Cove lied to me about the true nature of his and Jo’s relationship? I had trusted and believed him, but I occasionally was wrong.
“Not much really…”
She snorted. “Don’t worry, you are right. Not much is the right answer.”
I took a few steps towards her. I shouldn’t care that her feelings were hurt, and I couldn’t do much about her unrequited crush on him, but I felt the need to help out. I could only imagine how hurt beyond the anger she felt. “Jo, I…”
“Save your words. I get it alright. You can have him ... Clonies always get what they want anyway - they can never leave anything for us back here. You’re just doing what you’re used to doing.” With that last bitter statement, she grabbed the massive tome of the book she was holding and rushed to her room, the door sliding silently shut behind her.
Feeling unsettled by her words, I decided to take a walk. I exited the housing building and just aimlessly walked around the reservation. My steps led me to the Commons, and from there it was surprisingly easy to find myself knocking on Cove’s door.
“Come in.” His muffled voice carried over, and I entered. He saw me and rose to his feet, a big grin on his wide lips. My heart skipped beats at seeing him, he looked even more handsome in the light of day. The sunlight filtering through the window behind him gave him golden skin and bright gray eyes. The scar stark on his sharp features, making my veins throb with excitement.
“Came to see me?” He wiggled his eyebrows and stepped towards me in a fluid, graceful move. My heart started hammering against my ribs, the memories of last night floating in my mind.
“Yes. How are you today? I missed you at breakfast.” My voice came out breathless and he grinned, his hands going around my waist.
“I got up earlier to prepare for the reinforcements and to catch up on work.” He leaned down and placed a kiss on my neck and then lips. I let him because I really couldn’t resist him and honestly, I wanted his lips on me.
“How are things going with the preparations?” I asked looking up at him, with his arms surrounding me I had trouble thinking clearly.
“Well enough. Did you get to visit the doctor this morning for your wrist and ankle?”
I nodded. "Yes, he used one of the healing guns to mend them. So, all's good. How are you feeling?"
He shrugged carelessly. "Better now - much better!" in a surprising move he lifted me up and placed me on his desk. I awkwardly and shyly laughed.
“What are you doing?”
“Kissing you.” He smirked and then his lips were on mine, his mouth invading mine, my senses going into overdrive. Pretty soon, I was moaning and clutching at him like he was my only lifeline in an ocean of passion. I was wet and ready for him, and only his lips stopped me from begging him to take me on his desk again.
Cove finally pulled away, and embarrassingly enough a whimper left my lips. He gave me a sizzling look and then pressed another kiss on my neck. “I want you, but this time I want to do it properly in my bed.”
My heart sped up as if it wasn’t going fast enough already. “Now?”
He laughed. “Not now, but I appreciate your eagerness. Later - definitely later tonight.”
I nodded without even realizing, and he laughed, his hands going up to cup my face. I felt much better now after seeing him.
“I saw Jo. She was upset and angry.”
Cove pressed his lips together. “Yeah, we had a talk… She’ll just need time.”
I swallowed the lump in my throat, my lips were tingling from his kiss and my need to ask him - what were we doing? Where we together now? Uncertainty washed over me, and even though I wished to know, I did not want to cause tension between us, at least for now.
“Okay, whatever you say. Oh yeah, my boss is also coming here I’m not sure if you were told or not.” I was incapable of stifling my grimace in thinking of Dr. Morton again…
“Yeah I was informed - I can see you have issues with that though.” His gray eyes assessed me, and I felt as they could see down to my soul.
“It’s … well, I just…”
“You can tell me the truth.”
“I know, I trust you… It’s just embarrassing.” I sighed and shrugged my shoulders. “All my life, I basically wanted to work with him, and it turns out he is just a sexist old man, who has gotten too comfortable in his knowledge and cannot handle any new information.” I finished with a huff and felt relieved at finally saying out loud what I thought about that old geezer.
“Hmm… I’m not surprised… He is rather old and probably doesn’t appreciate being shown up by a smarter and younger woman.”
I looked up at him, with a small smile. “You really mean that?”
“Of course, I do.” He smacked another kiss on my lips, and I deepened it by licking his lips and then entered his mouth with my tongue. H
e tasted fresh and fruity, like that pineapple nutrient sludge I had a few days ago.
He pulled back again, and I dazedly looked up at him. I felt like melting into a poodle and just asking him to put me back together. “Let’s stop doing that or else forget later - later will be now.”
“Why can’t it be now and later?” I asked feeling crestfallen. My throbbing core, egging me on even more.
“Because we have work to do - both of us.” He said with his own sigh of disappointment. “But we can talk more if you want. I find myself reluctant to have you leave just yet.”
“What do you want to talk about?” I questioned taken aback.
He rose his eyebrow. “Tell me about your family, your life, I want to know you.”
I laughed at his words. “You ask that after we had sex?”
He grinned. “Better late than never.”
“Uhmm, well I don’t really have family. My parents moved to Jupiter for work when they were young, and met a few years after, so I only knew them. They passed away when I was five. There was an explosion on the biodome where they worked in Jupiter, and since then I’ve been alone.” I thought of Xan and cringed. “Well, not alone, I was raised by two of my parent’s friends, and they are like a family to me now, their daughter is my best friend. She’s in Neptune now.”
“Oh, is she in the Academy or a soldier?”
“Neither, she got transferred there to conduct biomedical research.”
A frown marred his face, and the look he gave me was incomprehensible. “That’s good that you have a friend.”
I smiled thinking of my discussion with Xan earlier that day. “She’s more like a sister really. She’s two years older than me, but we started school together and finished together.”
“How old are you? I mean you look young to have the kind of career you do.”
“Oh yeah… “I blushed because I heard that all the time, and because I had sex with this man and didn’t even know how old he was -my pulse raced- the sex had been so good though… “I’m 25, how old are you?”
