Chapter 5
brIAR
Briar
“Well, we might as well get started because this day is not getting any younger.”
BuK sits Kiki down before looking at me oddly. “Younger?”
“Okay, now that I think about it, that is an odd saying, but it basically means it’s passing by quickly, or the newness of a new day has already come and gone.”
“Hmmm.”
“I need to go grab our cart from the dining tent. They were using it for the wedding, and then I’ll meet you back at the main path if you want to grab our cleaning stuff.”
“Briar, I have already retrieved the cart, and it, along with our supplies, are waiting up ahead.”
“I suck as a partner, don’t I, BuK? You’re always a step ahead, and I’m always running behind.”
BuK grabs my arm gently. “From now until the end of time, I would wait for you if I knew you would be by my side. I will and would not change a single thing about you, Briar.”
Reaching up I cup his cheek, and run my fingers down his strong jawline as he stares down at me with those bright yellow eyes so much like his father’s. “Where have you been my whole life?”
“Apparently waiting on the other side of the universe for your arrival.”
Giggling, I try to lighten the mood. “Things are so much simpler in your mind than my own … boy likes girl/girl likes boy, all problems solved. I think of all the whys and why-nots.” I’m just about to initiate the kiss that I didn’t know he thought he needed to earn, when I hear others coming our way.
Aggravated by the interruption, I force a smile on my face when I see Ricky and Owen coming around the bend, so deep in conversation that BuK actually moves me out of the way so that they don’t accidentally bump into me. Ricky looks up when he sees movement.
“Hey guys, sorry we almost ran you over. We were kinda in our own little world there. Something has been hitting the fences in various areas over the last few days and whatever it is, the cameras aren’t picking it up.
BuK, do you know of any other species in the area that might be able to camo or block their heat signatures?
I was going to talk to the Commander about it this morning, but they’re already gone, and I’ve commed him several times, but it’s not getting through. ”
“The fences that were installed were more for wildlife than any sentient beings. Many races have the technology to mask their presence, but ANDI and SCOUT are both constantly scanning the atmosphere, so a ship would have been detected if in range. Unless whatever is interrupting the signals are also blocking their capabilities. Being this close to the Nebula, it would be easy to hide a shuttle in the debris. How many are on guard through each shift?”
“Two.”
“Do you have more?”
“I think I could get more volunteers for a few days if needed.”
“See what you can do and make sure to check in with each other regularly. Remember, if someone is trying to get in, they will find a way. However, the sooner we are notified, the quicker we can respond if need be. I will be in one of the outer pods most of the rising, but if you require any assistance once Briar is safely back in her pod for the evening, please let me know. I will gladly join you to discuss any new issues that might have happened and take on a shift to help.”
“Thanks, BuK. We weren’t sure what the next steps should be. The Commander has been the one we’ve all reported to each day. With him gone, I wasn’t sure who should do what, and I didn’t want to overstep.”
“Between all of us, we will decide on a path forward. I will notify KyT to also be on the lookout, as he and Vedece are regularly outside the confines of the wall.”
Ricky nods his head, and he and Owen take off down the path.
“That was quite impressive. You took command easily right then. I have not seen this side of you.”
“They needed instructions and I had the knowledge. I will retrieve our cart, and then we can proceed.”
I watch him walk off, only to realize I really know very little about my pink alien.
Then it dawns on me that I’m calling him mine in my head, and I wonder about that thought.
Should that worry me? After all, we’ve never discussed his plans for the future once all the main work here is done.
I’m not sure how I’d handle him leaving permanently.
The thought of never seeing him again bothers me more than I realized.
My thoughts heavy, I jerk when he brushes against me.
“Sorry, I was in La-La Land again. For some reason, I can’t seem to focus today; my thoughts are all over the place. ”
“Our routine has been off the last few risings, and so that is to be expected. Come, we have many tics of work ahead of us.”