Rich’s eyes widened as Ton sent a picture of Sam with her tail flukes in his mouth. “I’ll be damned, that whale wants to spank you.”
“He’s not happy with my stupid games. It’s either that or eat me. Ton, please help me. Wow, did you get that image?”
“A large male orca with my face?”
“Yeah. He didn’t even call you a penguin. He sees you as an equal, mentally anyway. Amazing. I wish I knew how he makes this connection. Okay, let’s go in. Remember, breathe normally in that face gear. Are your ears covered? Good.”
Holding his hand, she led him into the tank and they sat down on the edge of the ramp. Ton sidled up next to them and Sam climbed on. “Hold his dorsal really tight. Put your arms around it – it’s easy to lose your grip. If you let go, stay put, we’ll come get you.”
It took a couple of tries for him to find a way to hold without slipping and they took off underwater through the tunnel and into the stormy bay. Surfacing, the two rode the whale’s back, able to straddle him comfortably to the kelp beds. Sam warned Rich to keep the mask on because they would get dumped. Sure enough, Ton flipped suddenly to drop them, then took off to deeper waters.
“Let’s go down thirty feet. The visibility is zero, so listen for me. Remember, you can talk with that thing, okay?”
“It’s easy to forget the freedom it has. It is terrible out here.”
“Go on and drop.”
She watched Rich carefully as he pulled himself down using the kelp as a rope. She simply exhaled and her body fell slowly. “You okay?”
“No problems. Where are you?”
“Right next to you. Feel my hand?”
“Yep. This is creepy, huh?”
“What bothers me isn’t the storm, but what I can’t see around me. I’m going to call a pod for protection, okay? See if you can pick up what I’m doing.”
Rich tried to tune out the ‘white noise’ of images and focus on the summons. How could he pick her ‘voice’ out of this crowd?
“Each of us has our own signature, a way to communicate. You’ll learn mine the more you see it.”
“How did you know I was wondering that?”
“Your signature is very distorted and convoluted. It imaged a sense of being lost. Turn off the band if it becomes too much.”
“Do you still get all this noise without the band?”
“Yes, but it’s different. All the voices are familiar. Like when we’re all talking at once at home. I know each person, his voice and all there is to go with him. That’s what the integration does. It downloads the entire population of cetaceans into the brain.”
“No wonder you’re so tired when you’re done. That’s a lot of processing.”
“I’m still learning. The only reason I can pick up you is because your signal is amplified with the band. I get the same with Mike. Here’re our friends. They’ll keep an eye out for us. Let’s go down until we touch. It should be close.”
They sat on the bottom, only able to see the muted swirling of kelp in front of them. Sam held Rich’s hands in hers gently.
“How come I don’t need a weight belt?” he asked.
“You’re very dense.” She giggled, imaging the look on his handsome face. “Plus the suit compensates to the level we are stabilized at. It absorbs water as we go down and expels it while returning up. Rather brilliant, if I say so myself.”
“Did Mike design this?”
“No, this is Daddy’s doing. There is a chemical saturation of something in the fibers. I don’t know, I never asked. He also designed the headgear and my full eye lenses. Scott and Mike both designed the boots.”
“Your family is amazing. You, my love, are amazing.”
“You are too. How are you holding up? Your band is still on.”
“You can tell?”
“I told you, I feel it. Don’t overdo it, you will have a killer headache.”
“I’ll switch it off now. How are you feeling?”
“Fine. I’m still tired, but that’s probably because I went to bed late last night. So what do you think of your new position?”
“I love your dad, so working with him will be great. I just don’t want to let them down,” he admitted.
She squeezed his hand. “I think that is the only insecurity I’ve ever seen with you. Fear of not being perfect. You need to let that go before it eats you alive.”
“I can’t. It’s how I’ve functioned all these years. I know I need to learn and practice things before perfection happens; it’s when I anticipate being competent, and I’m not, that frightens me.”
“Is there anything else that frightens you?”
“You do,” he admitted quietly.
“Me?”
“Fear of losing you. I’ve never allowed myself to feel like I do with you.”
“I’m not going anywhere, I promise. Pretty soon you’ll probably start tapping into my mind like Mike does and you’ll always know I’m safe.”
“You really think that will happen?”
“With your wave readings and the stimulation from this band, yes. You will have an internal GPS for my whereabouts and situation. Scared now?”
“Totally,” Rich said.
Patting his hand, she stood on the ocean bottom, pulling him to his feet. “Let’s call it quits and get back to base. Keep your band off for now. I’m calling Ton.”
The crew helped the two out of the tank and handed them towels after they rinsed off in fresh water. Michael greeted them at the door, rushing his sister into testing. Sure enough, her Betas were stabilized. Pleased with his discovery, Michael questioned Rich in detail about his dive and the experience of using the band for the first time. They recorded the information as Jen followed Sam into her office.
“Drop my blinds, will you? Thanks. Man, I am so tired.” Sam yawned, stripping out of her wetsuit and into her dry uniform.
Jen sat down, nodding. “Up too late. Sam? What are we going to do when school begins? I’m really liking this job.”
“Don’t worry, it’s yours. Daddy came up with the idea for a work-study where you can get credit for this. Since you are working under PhDs, they can supervise your work and grade you. Plus you’ll get your stipend.”
“That’s cool, thanks. Um, I need to ask you something.”
“What’s up?” Sam plopped at her desk, drying her hair.
“Do you think it’s weird for me to be staying at the house so much? I mean, Mike and I are practically living together, but under your dad’s roof.”
“Do you want to move?” Sam looked up with concern.
“No, not at all. That’s what’s weird. I always thought having to live with my boyfriend and his parents would be lame, but this is so different. It’s like a community home, not a shared apartment or something.”
“I should probably give you a head’s up about my dad. He will build an addition to the house or add another house to the property before he even considers letting either of us move away from him. To be truthful, I’m okay with that. I don’t ever see myself without my family around all the time. As long as they don’t bother me and Rich when we’re, uh, involved.”
“We might need a house on the opposite side of the property. We get loud.” Jen giggled.
“Us too. Seriously, Daddy would do that. We’re well taken care of and it helps reduce a lot of stress for all of us. Of course, you and I would only have to cook once a week since we still will have to spend dinner each night with the family.”
“Fine with me, I like our arrangement. I’m so glad we met. Thank you for everything.” Jen’s eyes watered.
Sam smiled, popping her with the towel. “Don’t get all Hallmarky on me now. Timing was right for all of us. It’s nice to have another girl around for Scott to pick on.”
“I don’t think he’ll be doing that anymore. I read him the riot act. He also told me why he does it.”
“It’s to keep us alert and alive. I know. He pushes my buttons to find my weaknesse
s because those very things could mean my life. Why do you think I don’t get mad at him? He loves me too much.”
“So you know about his mind games?”
“For a very long time. Daddy explained it to me after Scott made me cry when I was eleven. I thought he hated me because he was being so mean about how inadequate my cleaning was. I bawled, totally heartbroken. I had really tried to do the kitchen the right way and he tore it apart. In hindsight, it was probably pretty bad, but I didn’t know it at the time. I just sat on the floor and cried my eyes out. Daddy came in and told me why Scott was so hard and that little exercises like this, not just the cleaning, but being able to take criticism constructively, would help me stay more aware and help me be stronger.” Sam smiled, thinking back. Daddy was, once again, her hero.
“What happened?”
“I stood up, hugged him and cleaned the areas I was criticized in. I then went into the room where Scott was sitting and kissed his cheek, asking him to go check to see if I did better. He was pleased. The praise I received was genuine and deserved. Scott does not give praise away.”
“But you were only eleven!”
“In years. I was being trained as a soldier from the day I took my first step. They weren’t planning on this,” she swept her hand out, “but they knew it would be something. Especially since I followed Mike like a puppy dog and did everything he did.”
“Was he fun to grow up with?”
“He is the best big brother in the whole world. He took me everywhere and did everything with me. If I couldn’t be there, he wouldn’t go. I remember him trying to teach me to ride a bike. I was five. Daddy asked him to wait until he could help us, but Michael was insistent on doing it himself. Truthfully, he taught me more things than Daddy or Scott did. He liked to and they let him. Anyway, I guess my stubborn streak started early because I was going to do it without Mike helping. He showed me how to balance and brake, then instructed me to wait for him while he got my helmet. As soon as he was out of sight, I tried to go off on my own.”
“Oh no!” Jen laughed.
“Yeah, I ate it. He came back outside and I was on the asphalt covered with blood and grime. He gathered me in his arms to make it all better, but all I wanted was to show him I could do it. I wasn’t crying because I was hurt, but because I wanted him to be proud of me. He took me inside to clean me up, and then promised I could try again. I was riding that bike before Daddy got home. Mike was so proud of me.”
“He still feels that way. You are perfect to him.”
“I still don’t get why he thinks that. He knows my imperfections better than anyone. But then he’s perfect to me, too. He’s a good guy.”
“One of the best. Do you realize that we have four of the most amazing men in the world living in one house?”
“I’ve always known that with my family, and now we have Rich. We are some lucky gals,” Sam said, yawning again. “I’m beat. What time is it? Shit, only 1045?”
“We started at 0700 today. Maybe you can take a nap during chow?” Jen suggested.
“I think I will. Don’t tell Mike, but I really don’t feel that great. He worries too much.”
“I won’t say anything. Can I get you something?”
“Yeah, some tea if you don’t mind. Thanks, Jen.”
“My pleasure, Sam.”
Sam watched her walk out and put her head on the desk. It was starting to pound with pressure behind the eyes. She also felt achy. She picked up the phone, calling her father.
“Quimby.”
“Hey, Daddy. It’s me. I don’t feel well. Can I go to the BOQ and take a nap?”
“Sure, honey. What’s wrong?”
“Headache, bone ache, yucky… Maybe a bug.”
“Stop by here on the way so I can look at you, okay?”
“Yes, sir. I’ll have Rich take me. He’ll be less of a pain than Michael.”
“Why don’t you swing on over now? I’m here and it’s pretty quiet.”
“Okay. I’ll be there soon.” She ended the call. “Rich? Come into my office please.”
Rich walked in, standing respectfully in front of her desk. She gestured for him to sit. “Why do you do that? You know we are informal in the labs. And you are of equal rank with me now.”
“Habit. What’s up? You don’t look too good.”
“I don’t feel too good. Would you take me over to see Daddy? He said I could go to the BOQ and grab a nap.”
“Sure. When do you want to leave?”
“Now, but don’t tell Mike. He’s—”
“He’s what, little sister? You’re sick,” Michael announced, walking in and touching her forehead.
“I’m okay. Just tired.”
“No, it’s more. Rich, could you please take her to sickbay? I have to finish this report.”
“Actually, we—”
“Mike, please don’t mother me. I’m okay.”
“You are to go see Dad now. That’s an order. Rich, take her and then bring her to the BOQ to rest. I will check on you after work. Go, this instant!”
“I don’t want to. I’m too busy,” Sam argued.
“I’m not asking you. Don’t make me repeat myself,” Michael frowned, hands on his hips.
“Fine!” Sam huffed, standing.
Michael crossed his arms, looking down at her. “Is that how you answer your commander?”
“No, that’s how I answer my bossy big brother. Permission to leave, SIR!”
“Get out of here, brat. Rich, she’s a horrible patient. Obviously, she’s not too bad by how she’s mouthing off at me, but keep an eye on her, okay? I can sense her discomfort, whether she likes it or not.” He glared at his sister’s set chin.
“No problem, Mike. Come on, Sammi; mind your brother. Don’t forget your jacket, it’s cold out there,” Rich said. He led her outside and adjusted the canvas over the hopper as they got in, “What was that about? You could have told him you were already going.”
“You have so much to learn, my darling. If Michael knew I had already made an appointment to see Daddy, he would have started to worry. This way, he knows I feel bad, but am still well enough to fight with him. It eases his mind.”
“How do you really feel?”
“Like I’m going to drop. I think I have the flu.” She rubbed her neck with her eyes closed.
Rich kissed her forehead, discovering she was feverish. “You don’t need to be in the water?”
“Just a real hot bath. Shit, I don’t have time for this.”
***
“Well, my sweetness, it looks like you might have the flu,” Dr. Quimby said after looking into her throat and feeling her neck.
She swung her legs that dangled off the table, wrinkling her nose. “Make it go away. I don’t have time for this.”
“You have the next three days of nothing but rest, fluids and lots of loves. Sorry. We don’t need the entire base getting sick because you’re stubborn.”
“I’m not stubborn. I’m dedicated.”
“She learned that from Scott. You’re stubborn. There are a few cases of this going around, so let’s try to arrest it. Be a good example of taking care of yourself. I’ll make you roast beast…” He smiled, holding her close.
“Bribing me with my favorite food is not going to change the fact that I hate being stuck inside. It’s boring.”
“I’ll make a deal with you. If you go straight to bed and stay there, I’ll let Rich take care of you.”
“Hey! What did I do to deserve that?” Rich protested. He had already gotten an earful of how bad of a patient she was.
Dr. Quimby laughed. “Look at it as an opportunity to show everyone how dedicated YOU are.”
Rich got the hint. “You want dedicated? Well… okay, General, I can show you dedicated.”
Sam watched the two of them. “I don’t know what you gentlemen are up to, but I’m not in the mood for any funny business. Can I please just go lay down for a while?”
“Go ahead,
baby. Do you want to go home or just stay at the Q tonight?”
“Let’s see how I’m feeling. If it gets worse, I’m not moving. Plus the Q is quieter.”
“I’ll just take her to my place and settle her there. I have plenty of food, too.”
“Richard, you are to be her caregiver, NOT play doctor,” Dr. Quimby said firmly.
Rich grinned, thumbing towards Sam. “Look at that mug. Do you think I want to do anything with it other than put a bag over its head?” he teased. Sam’s mouth fell open as Dr. Quimby laughed.
“She is looking pretty hideous. Take her away before she scares off my other patients. Feel better, Sammi. I love you.”
“Humprf. Your bedside manner sucks,” Sam grunted, sliding off the table and marching away.
Dr. Quimby grabbed Rich’s arm. “Please take care of her. She’s not in a good place right now.”
“I will, Joe. Trust me.”
“I do. Oh, and Rich? Good luck. You’ll need it.”
Sam was leaning against the hallway wall when Rich came out. She was flushed and not very steady. He gently led her outside, put her inside his jeep and slowly pulled out towards the officer housing units.
“How are you doing?” he asked, coming around to the passenger side after parking the vehicle.
“I feel like shit. Feel me better.” She reached towards him, sounding like a little girl.
Rich pulled her out and carried her into the house. He frowned. “You’re lighter. How much have you lost?”
“I dunno. I fluctuate two-three pounds, depending on my activity. I’ve been swimming a lot lately and probably not eating enough. Ton says I look like a pike fish with chest bumps.” She forced a laugh.
Rich frowned, laying her on the couch. “I’m going to make you a hot bath then put you to bed. You will also eat. No arguing. It’s me taking care of you, not your brother or your father,” he said firmly, stroking her hair.
“Very well.”
Rich’s mind raced with scenarios as he filled the tub and added the bubbles and scented oil he had bought for her. He reprimanded himself; he was becoming like her brother, trying to understand every little change and solve the problem. She just has the flu. Normal people get sick. Stop it, man, you’re over-reacting, he told himself.
Healing (General's Daughter Book 5) Page 9
