by Jim Laughter
That's it for now. Say hi to everyone for me, and write soon. I still check my starmail from time to time. I just hate using it.
Love,
Delmar
"Sounds like he's getting restless,” Agnes said as Robert laid the letter aside.
"I don't blame him. You saw how proud he is of that ship of his."
“I guess this means he won't be visiting for a while,” Agnes added wistfully. "I was hoping he'd be able to spend some time here this summer or fall."
"Maybe he can arrange to visit with you and Sherry at your unit reunion," Robert suggested.
"Nice try, dear,” Agnes said with a smile. "But knowing the Service, he'll still be assigned to the Theta repair depot, which is on the far side of the rim. Besides, why would a fresh young rooster want to hang around a bunch of cackling old biddies when there are younger chickens to chase?"
"Still hoping to marry him off, aren't you,” Robert said with a grin. "By the way, where did you bunch of old hens decide to have the reunion?"
"On Atkerson at one of the resorts.”
Robert's eyebrows shot up at this news. Atkerson is a resort planet where they’re noted for extravagance and indulgence of their customers.
"Sounds like you girls are getting lazy in your old age,” he teased.
"Not lazy,” Agnes replied with a poke at her husband. "We just enjoy our creature comforts."
"Well, I hope you do enjoy it, because you're going to earn it. If we push, we still have time to finish the repairs before you leave,” Robert said, pushing up from the table.
"You're not going anywhere,” Agnes said as she laid her hand on his shoulder. "You're going upstairs to take a nap."
"But I have to get the tractor back to Daren,” Robert protested.
"I'll drive the tractor back. Besides, I want to see the babies. Daren or RoseMary can bring me home."
"Sounds like I don't have a vote in this.”
“Have you ever?”
Robert obediently trudged up the stairs to their bedroom. He was tugging off his boots when Agnes hollered up the stairs.
“I'm leaving now. I'll wake you when I return."
He stretched out on their bed, using the spare blanket to cover himself. A bit of moving around was necessary to get his sore leg in a comfortable position. He heard Agnes fire up the tractor and head down the driveway. Robert allowed himself to relax and realized Agnes was right. The rest would do him good.
∞∞∞
Delmar grew impatient with all the little details of being discharged from the hospital.
I’ll never get home at this rate. There’s always one more piece of paper to read or sign.
Another hour and all the paperwork was finished and he happily headed out the door. Hopping a ride on the base transit, Delmar took a quick trip to the maintenance hangar to see the Cabbage Patch. He found his ship already hoisted on cradles in preparation for the refit.
Checking with the repair supervisor, he entered his ship and packed all of his personal effects into a set of carry packs. He stored the other stuff he wouldn't need until his return along with the ship's loose gear. After taking a last quick look around his barren main control cabin, Delmar patted the airlock frame and headed out the hatch.
"Looks like you're going on a holiday,” the repair chief commented when Delmar emerged. "Where you off to?"
"Over to Keeler,” Delmar replied. "Sure wish I could take my ship. I figure it'll be a six hour ride on the transit."
"I might have something,” the chief said. "Hang on a minute."
He ducked back into his office and Delmar could see him talking on the comm line. After a moment, he returned.
"What was that all about?" Delmar asked.
"Just arraigning your ride,” the chief replied with a smile. "Go over to dock eleven and ask for Don Forks."
He pointed across the field to a low hanger with a series of static pads aligned in front of it. Low level aircraft called flitters sat on each pad.
"Thanks,” Delmar said, turning toward the building. "And take care of my girl for me while I'm gone. The liaison office will know how to reach me if you need me."
"No problem with your ship,” the chief replied. "And she'll be better than new when you get her back. My crew has never had a repair job go sour."
"Thanks again,” Delmar said as he walked away.
It only took a couple of minutes to hike to dock 11. Along the way, he saw several different ships undergoing various repairs. The Flash was in one of the paint booths getting her exterior refinished. Delmar waved at Waldon and continued on his way.
Arriving at Dock-11, Delmar stuck his head in the office and asked for Don Forks. The repairman in the office directed him out toward the end of the dock where a small flitter was just landing. Delmar headed over to it just as a young man hopped out.
"You Eagleman?"
"Sure am. You Don Forks?"
"The one and only,” Don replied. "The chief said you need a lift over to Keeler?"
"That's right,” Delmar said. "But actually, I need to get to Big Valley just west of there."
"No problem. I pass right over it on my way into Keeler. I can put down early if you'd like."
"That'll be great,” Delmar said as he threw his bags into the back of the flitter. "Let's go. I want to surprise someone."
Within a minute, the two men were aboard the flitter high above the base at Jasper Station. Delmar got a chance to see how big the facility really was as Don swung the flitter into an easterly heading. With obvious skill, Don took them up to high altitude and accelerated toward their destination.
Twenty minutes later, Delmar caught sight of the western edge of Big Valley as Don started his decent. He could see the rocky hills where he had hidden from his brother so long ago. He caught sight of winged aircraft flying out of a simple airfield a couple of valleys over. Ever since his time with Abby and her skyflyer on Panay, Delmar couldn't help but get misty-eyed whenever he thought about aircraft and flying.
"We're coming up on Big Valley,” Don said from his control seat. "Where do you want me to let you out?"
"Up near that bend in the road,” Delmar pointed. "My folks live in the big farm house just to the east."
"No problem,” Don said as he maneuvered the flitter. "I can set down in the yard if you like."
"No, that's a little too dramatic,” Delmar said from his seat. "Besides, my dad really gets bent out of shape when ships land on his grass. Just put me down at the end of their driveway. I’ll walk from there."
"Suit yourself,” Don said. He brought the flitter in for a bump-free landing.
After grabbing his bags, Delmar thanked Don and secured the door. The flitter lifted silently and soon he was standing alone at the end of the Hassel’s driveway. He threw his carry bags over his shoulder and started walking toward the farmhouse.
So far, there had been no signs of life and Delmar was beginning to wonder if anyone was home. A short trip around the side of the house revealed no indication of either Robert or Agnes, so Delmar let himself in through the back door. Thoughts of Waldon’s buckshot welcome passed through his mind.
"Hello?" Delmar called out as he entered the kitchen. He set his bags down and looked around. He could tell lunch had been finished for some time. He heard the noise of someone coming down the stairs.
"Who's there?" Robert called when he came through the stairway door. It was clear from his appearance that he’d been laying down. Both men stared at each other for a moment and then grabbed each other in a bear hug. Finally, they pulled apart.
"We just received your latest letter,” Robert said. He walked over and started a fresh pot of coffee. Delmar grabbed some cups.
"Thought you were going to be tied up out there for some time."
"Me too,” Delmar answered. "But they let me bring Cabbage Patch here for a total refit. Where's Mom?"
"She's returning the tractor to the Sabeti's. What will you be doing during all this?
" he asked and brought the pot over and filled their cups.
"That's the best part,” Delmar said excitedly. "Because of stress aggravating my injuries from Panay, I've been placed on medical leave for a month!"
"Are you all right?"
He set the coffee pot back on the stove and took his seat.
"The doctor at Jasper Station base hospital said I'm fine,” Delmar answered. "He said there's no restriction on what I can do, that is except pilot a ship. It just has to be something interesting and relaxing for me."
"That leaves a lot of room.”
At that moment, they were interrupted by the sound of a ground car pulling up outside.
"Sounds like Agnes is home."
Before either could say any more, Agnes came bursting in through the back door. She immediately spotted Robert sitting at the table.
"I thought I told you to lay down until I..."
Her voice faded when the fact registered that Delmar was also sitting at her kitchen table. Delmar got up, went over, and embraced the now crying woman.
"This definitely has the makings of an interesting summer,” Robert said to no one in particular while Delmar and Agnes continued their embrace.
Chapter Four
The aroma of frying bacon was the first sensation that greeted Delmar when he woke the next morning. He cracked an eye open to the sight of the early morning sunlight filtering in through the curtains of his bedroom. After all his time in space, it was both strange and delightful to experience morning planetside.
"Delmar?" echoed Agnes' voice up the stairs. "Are you up yet?"
"Yes, Mom.”
After enjoying one final moment in his warm bed, Delmar reluctantly threw the covers back and sat up. He swung his feet around and was surprised to find the floor wasn't cold. Then he remembered that it was late spring here in Big Valley.
"Better hurry, son,” Agnes called again. "Dad's looking hungry."
"I'll be right down.”
Delmar dressed for the day in what Robert referred to as his kick around clothes and headed for the bathroom.
"Sounds like he'll be down soon enough, so you just wait,” Agnes said to Robert when she heard the water running upstairs.
"Don't worry, honey,” Robert replied. "Just don't load him up too much. There's plenty of chores to be done and I don't want him sluggish."
"Robert!" Agnes said sharply. "That boy is here for rest. Don't you go pushing him too hard."
"Who's pushing who too hard?" Delmar asked when he walked into the kitchen.
"Nothing, son,” Robert said. "Now sit down so we can eat!"
Delmar grabbed the coffee pot as he passed the stove. Out of habit, he poured coffee all around. Robert started to say something but decided against it as Delmar and Agnes finally sat down. Robert asked the blessing and Agnes served the food.
"How many people are you expecting for breakfast, Mom?" Delmar asked, looking at the mountain of food on the table.
"Only you,” Agnes answered innocently. "I don't want you to go hungry."
Robert snorted while Delmar just shook his head.
"What do you want to do today, son?" Robert asked, changing the subject.
"I'm leaving that up to you. I figured you have a list of chores as long as my arm just waiting for me."
Agnes looked at her husband and growled.
"He's got you figured out.”
Robert ignored her and popped another bite of bacon into his mouth. The kitchen grew silent for a minute. Finally, Delmar decided to break the impasse.
"Mom, what's this reunion I heard about from Sherry?"
"My old unit is having a reunion on Atkerson,” Agnes answered. "We get together ever few years and rehash old times."
"Sounds interesting,” Delmar said. "But aren't some of the Ladies in your unit still on active duty?"
"A few,” Agnes admitted. "Most have retired by now, but the Service granted those still on active duty leave for this gathering. Guess they want us old hens out of their hair for a while."
"Are you referring to Bulldozer Betty as an old hen?" Robert asked. Agnes glared at her husband. Delmar chuckled at the exchange.
Many a night he had been regaled with stories of Agnes' time in basic training. Since she had been in the same unit, he had also heard many of the same stories from Sherry. It was interesting to hear the different twists the story took depending on the teller.
Most famous of those stories had been ones about their drill instructor, Bulldozer Betty. From what Delmar had heard, Betty could all but breathe fire. Later, after his own experiences in basic, Delmar came to realize that both the nickname and the outrageous stories were a way of showing affection for the infamous drill instructor.
"So when do you leave?" Delmar asked.
"Actually, I have to leave the day after tomorrow if I want to be there to help set up,” Agnes answered. "But I really don't need to be there until the opening in a week."
"Sounds to me like you'd really like to be there early,” Delmar said.
"You know Agnes,” Robert offered, "always wanting to have her finger in everything."
"Then why don't you go early? I’ll be here when you get back. Dad and I can take care of things around here."
"Yes, you go,” Robert agreed. "You really want to."
Agnes gave them a dubious look.
"My goodness, I nearly forgot,” Agnes said. She stood and left the room. When she returned, she carried an envelope in her hand.
"A letter came for you a few days ago."
"What? I haven't been home long enough for the Service to start forwarding my mail."
"This doesn't look forwarded to me,” Agnes said, handing the letter to Delmar. "It appears to have come straight here by intent."
"Let me see that.”
He took the letter from her, and after a quick examination of the envelope, confirmed what Agnes had said. In fact, there wasn't even a return address, just the routing marks of the Service Mail Department. It was the address, however, that really caught his eye. It was addressed to Del Erdinata in care of the Hassels at their address.
Delmar took his butter knife and slit the envelope open. He found one hand-written page, along with a smaller second piece of paper. Pulling out the single page, he unfolded it and began to read, his eyes growing wide when he recognized the familiar handwriting of someone very far away. He was surprise to see it was written in Axia Standard instead of Panayan.
Abby Henke
Cinebar City
Panay (wherever that is)
Dear Del,
I thought I'd surprise you with a little note. George Citti said it was ok for me to try addressing this letter to you this way. He said he’d send it through your service postal service. I hope you get it.
I've really missed you a lot but have been staying busy. As you instructed, I disposed of your unfinished skyflyer. It wasn't hard to find a buyer. I'm saving the money for you, even though your friend George said it would be no problem when he last visited me. He’s been to Panay a number of times on one mission or another, so he usually stops by for a visit. He speaks our language very well. You’d think he was from here instead of out there.
I've been working hard on that language book you sent along with the "digital recorder" that George provided. At first, Axia Standard didn't seem to make sense, but when I relaxed and stopped trying so hard, it came easy. I flew over to the junction and met with George so he could test me. He said except for an accent, I was getting pretty good.
Well, that's it until the next time I see George. The mail drop (whatever that is) idea seems to be working fine. Mrs. Milton thinks your letters are just coming from Callanan. Hope to see you again as soon as you can come. You'll love the surprise I have for you!
Love,
Abby
Delmar laid the single sheet aside and picked up the envelope, pulling out the second piece of paper. He could tell it had been printed off of a ship printer rather than hand-written.
/>
Delmar,
Abby and I thought we'd let her address this missive as a way of practicing her handwriting in Axia standard. Pretty good, I'd say. She showed me that book on aeronautics you sent her and she has already translated all the text! I happened to notice several side notes and sketches she made on aircraft design. I think she really enjoys the subject, which probably helped motivate her on the language studies. Take care and hope to see you out this way soon.
George Citti
Reacher
"That's funny looking script,” Agnes said from where she could read the page Delmar had set down. "Don't think I've ever seen anything exactly like it."
Before Delmar could react, Robert reached over and picked it up. After a moment of examination, he looked up into the anxious eyes of Delmar.
"If I read this right, it's from that girl back on Panay,” Robert said. "The one you met when you were marooned there. Mind filling us in?"
Delmar looked from Robert to Agnes and back again. They both waited patiently for him to speak.
"It's nothing,” Delmar hesitantly offered. "A casual letter."
"Not from the way she signed Love,” Robert said with a mischievous smile. Agnes reached over and patted Delmar's hand.
“Son, you know you’re not supposed to have contact with citizens on closed planets. Uncensored knowledge of the Axia could jeopardize their natural technological evolution. It’s one of our foundational doctrines.”
“I know,” Delmar admitted. “But I can’t help it. I love her.”
∞∞∞
Dusk was fast approaching as the two small biplanes touched down at the rural airport. Pete and Yohan taxied to the large hanger the planes shared and shut down their engines. While Pete climbed out of his aircraft to open the doors of the hanger they shared, Yohan sat for a moment trying to hold on to the last sensations of flight. All too soon, tomorrow would come and with it the mundane routine of teaching at the university.
