Godschild Covenant: Return of Nibiru

by Marshall Masters

  “So what gives,” she asked as the electric cart lurched forward, “Wheelwright?"

  “We're running out of room, and we need to plan a new trench location.” Tanya replied as she carefully threaded her way past medical teams transporting new patients to the already overcrowded wards. “We need to expand the camp to the center of the reservoir, and I need a liaison to work with the construction manager. I figure it will take about ten days or so, and I thought you might be interested."

  “I'd be a fool not to, Tanya, but wouldn't this look like good old favoritism to everyone else on the staff? After all, there are others here with more time in than me."

  “Yes, but we need our more senior people on the line.” The cart passed through the perimeter of the camp as a guard waved them through. Once past the confines of the camp, the rough bed of the reservoir caused the electric cart to buck, even though its oversized, low-pressure tires were designed to handle this kind of terrain.

  Tanya pointed to the center of the dry reservoir bed where a large muscular man was leading a survey team. “See that big fella out there? He is Dodge Murphy, the quarry manager for the Sierra Azul quarry. He built the first phase of the camp, and he knows this area better than anyone else does. That's why we need him to build this second phase for us."

  “Ann-Marie told me about him and hinted that she could fix me up with him. Is that what this is about?"

  Tanya shrugged. “I didn't know Bournelle had mentioned it to you. I was just thinking..."

  “Thinking what?"

  She stopped the cart, got out and walked a few feet ahead of it. Ramona did the same as she pursed her lips.

  They stood there for a few minutes until Tanya finally said, “Dodge is the best at what he does, but he's been doing it too long, and he's lonely. His wife passed over two years ago, and he could use a friendly voice."

  “Oh sure, and I suppose we could throw in a box of condoms to sweeten the deal, as well."

  Tanya spun on her heels. “You're the only link I have to my past, and that makes you precious to me. But if you think I'm being a pimp, then get in the damn cart and I'll haul you back to the line."

  In all the time that Ramona had known Tanya, she'd never heard her use such blunt language with her, let alone anyone else. Maybe, she reasoned, she was a bit jumpy herself and jumping to false conclusions. “Oh hell, honey, I'm sorry. I'm not myself. All this is like a living nightmare, and I'm so mad inside."

  “I know how you feel,” Tanya replied as she embraced her old friend. “It seems that we've never had a chance to know each other except in awful circumstances, but you're all I got left of anyone I ever knew and loved before all this. And honestly, I do need my more senior people on the line, so nobody is going to think this is favoritism."

  Tanya walked back to the cart and sat down behind the wheel. Ramona got in as she reached over to turn the key. “I'm sorry, Ramona. I was thinking that you could put that great gift of gab to work for us, but I didn't think you'd take exception. Seems I wasn't thinking straight. I'll take you back now."

  Ramona reached over and put her hand over Tanya's hand. “It was wrong of me to jump to a silly conclusion. Look, you're the head honcho here, and I may be your best friend but I also know when it is time to shut up and do as you're asked. So tell me about this guy."

  “You sure?"

  “Absolutely."

  “Dodge is a widower, and I think he's recently been having a physical thing with one of his secretaries, so you don't have to sleep with him. Besides, I'd never ask you to do that, anyway. The problem is, his lover is about as intellectually deep as a mud puddle, and Dodge is just plain starved for someone bright to speak with. He may push rock for a living, but he's an intelligent man, and he just needs someone to talk to—someone who'll have his ear and hopefully keep him on the ball, as we're in desperate need of these new trenches. That's probably the main reason why I asked you."

  “It's still a little hard to see him all that clearly from here. So, is he cute?"

  “I'd say he's your type."

  “Since when do you know who my type is?"

  “My Henry loved you, not in a romantic way mind you, but he did love you. I think you'd find a lot of what made Henry so special in him."

  Ramona rubbed the back of her neck. “Well, I could use a little company, myself, even if I do have to gain a whole new interest in Earth moving equipment. Ah, heck, if it will get me off the line for a while, why not?"

  Tanya smiled, “Thanks, Ramona.” As she reached over to turn the key, Ramona clenched her hand again.

  “Since we're sharing our souls here, kiddo, it's my turn to speak and your turn to listen, so leave the key alone, sit back and hear me out."

  Letting go of the key, Tanya folded her hands. “OK, fair is fair."

  “You're too wound up, Tanya, and you're about to bust, like your boy, Dodge out there, because you're lonely and miserable, too. You may not see it, but I do, and frankly I'm worried, because I think it could begin to affect your judgment."

  Tanya's jaw dropped. “You can't be serious!"

  “Oh, don't give me that crap. How long has it been since you got laid, girl?"

  “What!” Tanya exclaimed. “I don't think that's a proper question."

  “Oh, so you're going to play the grieving widow on me now. Are you forgetting that I knew you and Henry were not having sex because of his cancer? Are you forgetting that you used to come to my nursing station, pull his chart, go into my break room with me and bury your head in my shoulder, while crying your eyes out? I've seen it all, sister, and I'm telling you that you haven't been laid in over a year, and you're no nun either."

  Frustrated, Tanya pounded on the steering wheel of the cart and shouted, “You have no right to say this!"

  “Wake up and smell the coffee, girl; I'm not the one trying to break the damn steering wheel!” Tanya held her head in her hands and shook it back and forth.

  Ramona grabbed her arm and pulled on her. “Stop this nonsense. My God, look at you. You run this place, and people are putting their lives in your hands. The days of crying your eyes out on my shoulder are gone. Can't you get that through your head? You've got a lot of responsibility, and, as your friend, I simply do not know how long you can keep your sanity here without getting any! Worse yet, you could become some bitter, old widow with a permanently twisted soul. You need someone new in your life, or you're going to wither and die, and you know I'm right."

  “So, are you saying that I should do Dodge, myself?” Tanya hissed under her breath. Ramona let go of her arm and braced her feet against the dash of the cart.

  After a few minutes of complete silence, Tanya finally said, “Ramona, if I was one of the men I'd have something going with at least one of the nurses by now, but it is different for me. I can't. Don't you see that?"

  Ramona swiveled around on the seat to face her with compassionate eyes. “I'll tell you what I see and what everyone else on the staff sees. We see how Anthony Jarman looks at you. You know, I don't even think he has realized that he is falling in love with you, but I know you, and I see that you have feelings for him."

  “So what, I should line up behind everyone for a toss in the sack with him?"

  “Damn, you are blind! He isn't sleeping with anyone—not that he couldn't. You should see that Rose O'Hara gal on the video crew. She's flirting with him like mad, and he's not rising to take the bait, either. And trust me, it's not because she doesn't have it in the looks department. She's after him, and if you keep playing this damn foolish poor, pitiful me routine she'll cut you out. How do you feel about that?"

  “Well, that's between him and O'Hara. She's a perfectly good woman."

  “Can the crap. I asked you how you feel about it."

  Tanya turned away, saying nothing.

  “Look at me,” Ramona shouted. “Face it Tanya, you want him. You know you want him. For the love of God, why can't you be honest with yourself? I dare you to look at me and tell me
I'm wrong."

  Ramona sat there with her eyes drilled into the back of Tanya's head, until she finally turned around, tears running down her cheeks. “Oh, God, is it that obvious?"

  Ramona pulled a handkerchief out of her coat pocket and handed it to her. “To me, it is. I know you too well."

  “But Henry,” Tanya protested wiping her face with the handkerchief..

  “Henry is gone, Tanya. All we have left is today and what little happiness we can find in this miserable, upside down world filled with death and despair."

  “I know, but a day hasn't gone by that I haven't thought about Henry."

  “Let's be honest, Tanya. We both knew his condition was terminal, even though he pretended otherwise. Sure, we had some luck towards the end, but how long would his cancer have remained in remission? I can tell you what the doctors were saying amongst themselves, but then you've got to sense what they were saying behind your back. Now, you've lost everything. This is the time to rebuild your life, honey, and move on, and if Henry were here, he'd be telling you the same thing. You've got to let go."

  “I don't know. I just don't know."

  “Look me in the eyes, Tanya, and tell me that Henry would not want you to find love again. Look me in the eyes, and tell me that a man who didn't have a jealous bone in his body while he was alive would suddenly become jealous on the other side. Look me in the eyes, and tell me you do not want a new life with someone like Anthony."

  “Leave me alone,” Tanya pleaded. “You know you're right.” Her head drooped with resignation. “And so do I. Just don't push me."

  Ramona took her hand and softly said, “OK, I won't. I'm just glad you finally have come to grips with it before you turned yourself inside out. Now, dry your eyes, and let's get moving. I'll have a go at it with Dodge, you'll have a go at it with Anthony, and then we'll compare notes. Whaddya say?"

  Tanya squeezed her hand. “The worst that could happen is that we'll have a good laugh together afterwards."

  “That's the spirit."

  * * * *

  ANTHONY KNOCKED SOFTLY on the door to Tanya's private dome. Her voice filtered through the door. “It's open, come in."

  Stepping through the door, he saw her in the small kitchenette opening a can of clam bits. “Is that wine?"

  He smiled, closed the door behind him and held up the bottle he was carrying. “I have it on good authority that this is the last bottle of premium Petite Syrah wine from one of the local wineries. It is very mild I'm told."

  “Well, thank you, Anthony. “That is a pleasant surprise. I'm making a nice, spicy dish of clams and linguini in a red basil sauce. I'm sorry I have to use canned clam pieces, but you know how it is these days."

  He pulled up a tall stool on the counter opposite her and sat down sporting a boyish grin. “Are you kidding, a dinner like this is a feast reserved for state banquets.” He winked, “It's nice to be the king."

  “And what does that make me?"

  “A magnificent goddess in the kitchen of her private dome."

  She laughed as she drained the clam pieces. “You can lay it on with a trowel, Anthony, but I'm not complaining, mind you. Just remember that tonight; I'm not an overworked administrator. I'm just me, and I'm making you dinner as a small gesture of thanks for someone special who has given me a very special gift.

  “It was nothing."

  “I'm not so naove as to believe that, Anthony,” she said as she carefully spooned the clams into the simmering sauce. “Getting the tape meant the world to me, and to have it brought here by Ramona, too. That takes juice, and I knew you had to pull some heavy strings with your friends in the PLP. Still the same, I'd like to know how you learned about it."

  He held up his hands, “I have a confession, Tanya. It was Ann-Marie. She has an old client in Washington, and she pulled his strings."

  She gave him a disbelieving glare as she put the lid back on the pot. “OK, keep your secret. I saw that the package was addressed to the wrong room, which is why I never got it. Not that I'm looking a gift horse in the mouth, mind you."

  Anthony cocked an eyebrow and gave her a long thoughtful look. “Tell me,” Tanya continued, “Would you have been willing to post a reward for it, assuming that you're the anonymous friend in this story?"

  “On that basis, of course, but let's assume for the moment that you did know about the tape beforehand and posted a reward of a fine linguini dinner for its recovery."

  “Where is this going, Anthony?"

  “Humor me."

  “OK, so let's assume I knew, and I posted a reward. So, make your point."

  “The point is that in a reward situation, the deal is usually that there are no questions asked."

  She waved a finger in his face. “You are going to tell—eventually!"

  He shrugged, “Next, you'll be telling me, ah yes, ve haf vays of making you tok!"

  She pushed a cork puller across the counter. “OK, smart ass; I'm putting you to work for that one. Why don't you decant the wine so it can breathe a little?” He saluted smartly and opened the bottle with a flourish.

  While she finished preparing the meal, he finished setting the table and casually looked about her private dome. It was one of the smaller ones, only thirty feet in diameter. The first floor was a spacious combination kitchenette, bathroom and a large living area with a massive wood table large enough for eight. On one end, opposite the place settings were stacks of papers and webpads. However, what really impressed him most was the large Jacuzzi bathtub and marble floor in her bathroom. “You must love your tub Tanya. I must admit; what they say is right. Rank has privilege."

  “It was a gift from Senator Connie Chavez, and it keeps me from going nuts, so I'm not going to apologize for having it."

  “Connie gave you the Jacuzzi tub?"

  “It was her way of saying thanks for my agreeing to the video crew. I didn't ask for it. Heck, I was in favor of the idea from the start. She just wanted to be extra nice, and who am I to turn her down?"

  “So how did you get it installed? Something like that coming through the shipping room would have caught everyone's eye."

  A devilish grin crossed her face. “You're right about that, but the fact is that Vigo hauled it in here late one night, and the two of us just about broke our backs getting it out of the back of his truck and into my dome. A few days later, I conned Dodge Murphy from the quarry into installing it for me, and he threw in the marble floor for good measure."

  “And what did that cost you?"

  “Believe it or not, he did it for nothing. Dodge likes to come by now and then and talk, and before you jump to any conclusions, there's no hanky panky. The gal he's sleeping with is a bit limited in the intellectual conversation area. Seems she has every Seinfeld episode ever taped and her big joy in life is quick but passionate sex between episodes."

  “So what's wrong with that?"

  “You may be easy to please, but Dodge is sick to death of the canned laughter, so he comes over and picks my brains till I kick him out."

  “Yeah, but I hear on the grapevine that you've turned him on to Ramona."

  “It's purely professional."

  “Oh yeah, and his Seinfeld squeeze has nothing to worry about."

  “Well, that's up to them. I'm only concerned with meeting a construction deadline."

  He wagged a finger at her. “I seem to recall somebody saying she was not an administrator tonight."

  Tanya put her hands on her hips with a pouting expression. “OK, hot shot. If you feel like playing matchmaker, you can go and tell Dodge that she's a sucker for tons of butterscotch syrup piled high over French vanilla ice cream."

  “And what about the whip cream and maraschino cherries."

  “The more, the better, and if it ever gets back to her that I told you, I'll kick your cute, little behind up around your shoulders."

  Anthony wiggled his eyebrows, “Sounds kinky! I think I'll spill my guts for the fun of it and take my punishment like a
good boy."

  “Oh really!"

  “Relax. I was just teasing. Discretion is still the better part of honor as far as I'm concerned, but I will pass the intel onto Dodge. So, besides stimulating conversation with Dodge, what else do you do for fun?"

  She carried the meal to the table. “Do you know what my everyday life is like, Anthony? What I actually do?"

  The question caught him off guard. He had thought about her a great deal, but this had never really crossed his mind. He did what he did and she did what she did. For him, it had always been just that simple—or was it? “Tell me, what do you actually do,” he answered in a more somber tone.

  “I spend most my day doing three things. I read and prepare hopelessly boring documents and reports, argue with brainless bureaucrats and cajole exhausted people into doing just one more thing when all they want to do is to flop down somewhere quiet and sleep. And that's just the daylight hours. At the end of the day, I'm so sick of wheeling and cajoling that I do not want to see anyone or talk to anyone. All I want to do is to soak in my tub and read a classic while I listen to soft music in the background. Then, after that, I do paperwork till I fall asleep and the same routine the next day and so on."

  “Maybe, its time to break up your routine. If you ever need someone to wash your back, I'm always available."

  “Cool your jets, hot shot."

  He could see from the smile on her face that she really wanted him to do everything but get cool. Rather, a more lukewarm approach seemed appropriate if the evening was to go as he secretly hoped. Perhaps, it could be the beginning of a good thing. It was a chase that could be won, but only with finesse and patience.

  “Rest easy. I'll be a good boy tonight. Still the same, doesn't this rut you're in get kind of lonely sometimes?"