William Seigler - Books and Stories

Two young people discover themselves and humanity in the blackness of space.

Hope you enjoy this story.  I'll be adding others as time goes by.  Let me hear from you.  Thanks.

YOU CANT HIDE

by

William C. Seigler

Prolog: Eventually, if misfortune doesnt befall us or we dont destroy ourselves first, humanity will colonize the solar system. But, we will be the same old human beings. Some with power will continue to abuse it; some who are supposed to protect others will continue to defile trust.

* * *

Consciousness came slowly to Nathan at first. Then feeling himself falling, he awoke startled. Huh! He hung in the straps of his acceleration couch with his arms floating in front of him and his feet up off the floor. He had loosened the straps before falling asleep and was now only barely in contact with his acceleration couch.

Theseat had been adjusted for him the day before and inflated in all the correct spots to help him withstand the acceleration into orbit. Actually, it was not as bad as the simulator ride, but Transpace did everything possible to make its clients comfortable.

The soft blue plastic interior of the spacecraft hadthe faint airliner smell he remembered from his recent first ride in one. It was part of the training. First timers were taken up in an old airliner which flew through parabolic arcs inducing weightlessness and often liberating ones breakfast in the process. How to properly dispose of the barf bags was also part of the training. They had to learn to use various pieces of equipment such as the acceleration couchs five point harness and more importantly, the toilet.

Looking to his right he could see only empty seats. Their occupants had floated off somewhere. The passenger deck curved back to where he could not see the other passengers.

To his left the next seat was unoccupied. Its occupant had joined her male companion in the seat beside it. Somehow both had managed to get into a sleeping bag designed for one and were locked in a nocturnal embrace. Momentarily he wondered what had happened while he slept.

He rubbed his face and yawned. Waking up in space was no easier than in his old room at home, except for the last day. He flew out of bed. He was so excited until he saw his mothers face. She was worried sick. How could someone live her whole life in fear of this or that? He was thirteen before he ever went out on a boat. She was deathly afraid of water. He still remembered the day when he found the small flat bottomed wooden boat. No one was around so he borrowed the boat and discovered his love for boats and anything nautical. He might have become a sailor had he not already discovered flight. Thats what really captivated him. Someday he would be a pilot.

His grandfather had been no help. A door gunner in the Middle East War, he was left with a fear, no a hatred, of any machine that flew. Having his only grandson shot off into space where anything could happen was something he had been vehemently against.

Nothing could make the two people he loved most understand why he had to go. He did not understand himself. In fact, he did not understand why he was different from the other kids. Why had he stayed in school? Why did he leave the booze and all too available drugs along? Somehow he had heard the call of those machines that fly, and especially spaceships and their far away worlds. He learned early that if he wanted these things, hes better leave the booze and drugs alone.

And then, when he was in the tenth grade, and incredible thing happened. The UN began sponsoring university courses at Midpoint Station. This giant international facility was set, not halfway to the Moon as measured in miles, but halfway as measured by gravitational attraction. Perpetually hung at the rim of two gravity holes, it served as a stopover station between the Earth and Moon. It was a work base for people doing dozens of jobs in space, from building experimental solar power satellites to rescuing stranded astronauts and cosmonauts. Now a multinational conglomerate was preparing to put a hotel and casino there as well.

And Transpace had made it all possible. Their single stage to orbit, vertical takeoff and landing rocket ship was, in the humble opinion of Nathan Storm, the marvel of this or any other age. It sure left the governments space agency, at five hundred million dollars per launch, with egg on its face.

No one was around so he sneaked the shade up just a bit. The cabin was not flooded with light. He looked around. There was no one to notice. Windows were not to be uncovered during sleep period. His compliance with event the smallest rule was to be evaluated. In space, conformity could mean the difference between life and death for everyone on board. Nathan did not like rules. He considered himself a nonconformist, but where he was from staying in school and keeping ones nose clean was nonconforming.

They were sailing through Earths night. That would not last for long. Soon, after topping off, everyone would have to strap in, and they would burn their way out of the hole. He wished the six inch porthole was bigger. Unstrapping himself, he stuck his nose to the glass.

Lights! He could see lights from some city. It was like a bright shining amoeba growing on the back of night. The city was beautiful from out here, but Nathan knew that whatever city it might be, it was probably a hell hole.

Enthralled in the spectacle, he did not see the girl float up behind him. She was not anemic looking like the other girls, which was the current rage. Most of them made Nathan want to buy them a hamburger. She was, well, shapely. There was no other word for it. She stuck out in all the right places, in perfect proportion. Her tightly curled brown hair bunched up around her face framing her bright brown eyes. In the indoctrination center, he had trouble keeping his eyes off her. A couple of times, she caught him looking at her. It was embarrassing. How could they always tell?

A little unauthorized star gazing, Mr. Storm? He whipped around so hard it pulled him into a spin. He caught the couchs arm to stop himself. Dont worry, I wont tell on you.

She floated over to the opening and stole a peek herself. She was wearing the same blue flight suit that he wore, only something was different. When she moved, her chest moved strangely. She suddenly turned her head and caught where his eyes lay. He quickly brought his gaze up to her eyes.

She grinned. I took it off a while ago. I wondered what it would feel like in zero gravity. She made a sly face and glanced around. Come here. She closed the shade and pushed off, using the chair.

There was a lavatory stuck back behind a small entrance way with numerous lockers. He followed her. Once hidden in the entrance, she unzipped her flight suit. His mouth hung open. There, suspended out in front of him, was the most heavenly sight he had ever seen.

Now watch. With that she moved right. Her breasts followed behind by a fraction of a second and continued another fraction of a second after she stopped. She moved up and down with similar results. Well? she asked zipping up her flight suit not quite all the way.

Wheeew! Uh, how does that feel? It was the only thing he could think to say.

Kind o neat actually. How does it look?

Oh, uh, outstanding.

I saw you looking at me in the spaceport. You dont think Im fat do you?

No, not at all, I think uh

You think what?

I think youre perfect.

Perfect, she said with a grin. The lights began to brighten. Theyll be serving breakfast in a few minutes.

Yeah. Uh, this might be a good time to ask your age.

Im sixteen.

Your parents let you go.

They were all for it.

My mom wasnt. I had to wait till I was eighteen.

Oh. Thats too bad. Hey, youre okay arent you? I dont have to worry about you, do I?

No, its all right. Besides Im eighteen. I cant do anything anymore. I mean, you know.

Did you ever?

He shrugged. No not really.

Okay, Ill see you later. She pushed off and disappeared around the central core.

He couldnt even contemplate what was on his mind. Make a note Nathan my man. Dont wear boxers in space. He washed up and went back to his seat.

He strapped himself in and started listening to music when a flight attendant broke in on the channel. Passengers who wish to eat in the observation deck, please come to the galley. All others will be receiving meals at their launch stations.

Why didnt she just say seats? He had not gotten used to the feeling of floating but pushed off for the observation deck anyway. Unfortunately, everyone else had the same idea, and he soon retuned to find the seat next to his occupied by his new friend. He was drawn to her, but he didnt trust her. At this point he did not trust himself. She came on a little strong, and her age made her dangerous.

I was bored so I thought we might have breakfast together, if thats all right.

Yeah, sure. I hate to eat alone anyway.

So youre eighteen, huh?

Afraid so.

Well I promise not to get you into any trouble. They make such a big deal about it. She rolled her eyes.

The meal came. Two flight attendants floated a container full of hot trays around the passenger deck. The ship, Discoverer, was designed to carry thirty people seated facing outward around a central core. There was a cabin crew of three and a flight crew of two.

Continental or traditional?

Ill take the traditional. She unhooked the tray while the second flight attendant held the carrier steady.

And you Miss?

Do you have a vegetarian plate?

Yes we do. We though you were seated on the other side.

Oh, I moved over here for a little while.

Have you got that locked in? The flight attendant wiggled Nathans tray, and they moved on.

Eating was not so bad once you got the hang of it. Designers of zero-g food liked a lot of thick sauces that stuck together. It also stuck to the soft hot bread. It smelled like an old fashioned bread shop, like the one in his grandparents old neighborhood.

Where does this go? he asked as he pealed the aluminum cover away.

Im not sure. Just make sure breakfast doesnt float away on you, she added laughing. Youre not a vegetarian.

Nope.

Why not?

I dont know. Its goofy, I guess.

You dont talk much do you?

Oh, I dont know. Some people say I talk too much. Maybe I just dont say what they want to hear.

Its not because I undid my top is it?

No, and Im trying not to think about that.

Why? You said you didnt think I was fat.

Youre not, but I could get in trouble.

Oh, I dont think its that bad. I used to go without my top at the kids beach all the time.

It is that bad. I could get stuck for indecency with a minor.

Where did you hear that?

In school. The semester before I turned eighteen, they put me through a course taught by a retired judge. You would be surprised at the things you can get in trouble for.

Wait a minute. I take off my top and you get in trouble. Thats crazy.

Yeah, its crazy all right. You have to be careful what you do around a minor.

I dont think so. I knew a teacher that did it with one of her students, and she didnt get in trouble.

If a male teacher tries that, hell go to jail.

You really think its that way?

Yeah I do. There was silence between the two of them for a while as they finished eating.

I can at least talk to you, cant I?

Yes, In fact, I would like that.

You got a lot of friends? she asked. I mean, are you, like, you know, popular?

No, I guess I dont. Not that I dont like people or anything. Its just, well, a lot of the kids at school think that theres something wrong with being interested in space. They feel that there are so many problems on Earth, I should concern myself only with solving them.

You ran into that too.

Yeah, he answered. Even my folks thought I should be more down to Earth. Its so stupid to think that we can ever solve every problem on Earth. Itll never happen.

I thought it was just me.

You should have seen some of the letters sent to the school paper when people found out that I was going to the station this summer.

Pretty negative, huh?

Yeah, but what about you? Most people are pretty much against this. No offense, but most of them are girls. Well, a lot of people are, but the girls act like youre trying to rape the Earth, or kill babies, or something.

I go to private school, and its not so bad there. But I still get it. Especially, I get called math nerd.

Yeah, I get that one too. I didnt used to be that way. But when I found out that learning math was the price I had to pay, I decided I was willing to pay it.

Why?

He turned to her in astonishment. To be out here. Isnt that why youre here too?

Yes, but I always get laughed at when I say it. I though I had better ask first.

Yeah, I guess youre right.

Out here its so clean and unspoiled, and it goes on forever. She unstrapped and floated over to the wall. Come on lets go exploring.

He unbuckled. I dont think theyll let us see any of the interesting stuff.

Like what?

Like the flight deck. But I dont want to spend two days in my seat. Lets see if we can fight our way onto the observation deck. She pushed off too hard and crashed against the inner wall, and he came crashing into her.

Oumppph!

Oh, sorry.

The guys at school try things like that to feel you up. She looked slightly miffed.

Im not trying to do anything. Im not any more used to free fall than you are. Let me lead. He started off around the core using handholds put there for that purpose.

They passed several people turning somersaults and really enjoying free fall. The observation lounge was beginning to empty out a bit. This was their first panoramic view of the Earth. The ship was oriented with the blunt end pointing skyward and the nose pointed at the ground, yielding an incredible view of the terminator.

Wow, this is better than I thought, she said as she parked herself in the center of the room. There were several people pressed against the windows. Some were oriented so that the Earth was below them while others had the Earth above their heads.

Nathan soon noticed they were nearing something. Whats that? he asked of no one in particular.

Thats the fuel station. We stop there and pick up extra hydrogen. When we get to Midpoint Station, well drop some of it off and pick up extra LOX for the trip back. It helps keep cost down.

Why carry fuel to the station, just to haul it back?

Right. The man who had answered him was wearing a mustard green flight suit similar to the uniforms worn by Transpace people.

Are you with Transpace?

No, Im a mining engineer. Im going up to the helium-3 operation. We are looking at processing other materials now. While Im on my three month rotation, Ill have a chance to check out some of them.

All nonessential personnel, please return to your acceleration couches, the soft voice said over the intercom. We will be docking with the refueling station in ten minutes. People on the observation deck began to float off to their assigned seats.

I want to stay and watch, she said.

We cant do that. They want everyone secured in their seats when the pilot starts maneuvering around that thing.

She made a face. Do you always do what youre told?

He floated over to her and stopped right in front of her face. No, but everything we do here is reported, and people like me, who want to work in space, will see those performance reports again. Therefore, Ill see you later. With that he pushed off using his finger tips.

* * *

Excuse me, but is Miss Horn with you? asked the coordinator.

Who?

The young lady you were with on the observation deck.

No, were just in the same class at Midpoint Station. Why?

There are two problems. First, I had to go get her out of the observation area myself. Secondly, I understand you and her are close.

Close?

Mr. Storm, you can suit yourself, but the young lady is underage. That could put you in a compromising situation. I understand that you want to work for one of the space companies.

Yea, as a pilot.

The best thing you can do is not have any social life at all. Theyre looking for saints to fly these things.

I dont think Im a saint. Where do they find them?

They dont. They just find people who have never been caught at anything.

And what if you are caught being something other than a saint?

Then kiss your space pilot career, goodbye.

He turned to go. Youre lucky Im the one who got wind of this. The other coordinator would have started a case file on you.

Whats his problem?

Shes got an attitude.

Great.

Wait till you deal with the personnel pukes.

I can hardly wait.

Itll be okay after you get past them. Then youll be dealing with pilots. Its the reality we have to live with. Well talk more later.

He watched as the schools coordinator floated down the curved corridor before turning around in his seat and closing his eyes. What was that all about, he thought? She wouldnt leave the observation deck. Why tell me? Im not her keeper, nor her boyfriend.

Nathan.

He looked over his left shoulder. It was her. Great.

I heard what that milk face said. I didnt mean to get you in trouble. Im sorry. Are you mad at me? She floated over to the other side of a vacant acceleration couch.

No, but what did you tell him?

I didnt tell him anything. I still want us to be friends.

Thats fine, but you see how much trouble I can get into.

I had no idea. You werent kidding. I was wrong. I need to be more responsible. I wasnt taking any of this seriously.

Well, please start taking it seriously, at least when Im involved. People like me dont need these kinds of problems. Maybe we can build a little better world out there. I dont know.

Nathan, you mean people like us. She smiled. I still want us to be friends. And it looks like well need all the friends we can get.

Yeah, sure, that would be great.

Maybe we can study together.

Thats fine, but we better be carful. Maybe you should go find a couple of other people to join our study group?

Maybe Ill do that.

After the burn, Im going to find that coordinator and see whats going on.

Keep me posted will you?

Everyone please strap in. Customer service representatives will be by momentarily to inspect your personal acceleration couch restraints.

Why doesnt she just call them seat belts?

I dont know, she laughed. She smiled and he felt warm all over. Ill see you later. She anchored herself, pushed off, and was gone.

The warmth wrapped itself around him. All the girls he knew were of the emaciated type and not at all inclined toward space. Most were into crystals, or new age, or something. Guess he just hadnt met the right one.

But this girl was dangerous. Willful and impulsive, she could be trouble. He had better just drop the whole thing. The flight attendant floated by.

May I check your restraint? He raised his arms out of the way. He tugged at the restraint and moved on to the next seat.

Thirty seconds till docking, said the disembodied voice. All customer service representatives secure yourselves.

He glanced at his watch and wished he could be on the flight deck. A mild jar shook the ship. Nathan knew that they were docked. Docked with a flying gas station. As soon as the seat belt light went off, he was out of his seat and headed for the observation deck.

The facility was a bit disappointing. There was nothing beautiful about it. Three shuttle fuel tanks were strapped together and covered with a pup tent of solar cells. Here is where hydrogen, LOX, and any other extra consumables from space vehicles were scavenged and saved for later use. The government paid Transpace for the hydrogen it delivered to Midpoint Station. He felt the vibration in the ship as it began taking on the precious fluid.

Not much happened while loading continued. He had not expected any part of space travel to be boring. For the early astronauts and cosmonauts it wasnt. The ground crews worked them so hard that they were thankful for even a little rest. But not now. There were probably a thousand people in space at any one time. With the floating casino, that number was expected to increase fivefold.

There were even plans to put such a tourist complex on the Moon. All this would need an enormous infrastructure to support it. Nathan expected a huge increase in the demand for pilots. This is where he aimed to fit in. He was fully aware that at least four people had left this semester in space with scholarships and the promise of jobs from employers. He intended to do the same.

And he did not need some sixteen year old to get in the way. Not even if she ignited his thrusters. It was not just the physical attraction, though that was certainly part of it. There was something else about her that gnawed at his mind, and this he did not need.

* * *

The burn. It was not nearly so powerful as the launch, but it still pressed him back into his seat. It was exciting. He could see himself accelerating and whipping out away from the Earth. This was what he wanted, the feeling he had longed for. Out his small porthole he could see the stars sliding by as the ship accelerated toward that place that had haunted his daydreams, Midpoint Station. Now he truly was on his way.

The burn ended. It was almost sad. He was weightless again, held in place only by his five point harness. The seatbelt light was off, he unbuckled and floated free. In his fertile imagination he was free to roam the galaxy in his ship, to discover and explore. No longer was he tied to the decaying world he left behind. And in his mind, he was no longer mired in the foolish whims of its pop culture, which had a way of becoming law.

He was lost in his thoughts, studying the constellations, when someone laid their hand on his shoulder. Huh? he said as he became aware of his surroundings with a start. It was her.

At first she did not speak. She looked angry or hurt. May I join you? she asked looking at the deck.

No, go away, he thought. Sure. He moved aside and gestured her to the porthole. She floated to the window but did not appear to enjoy the view.

Know what happened?

No.

She glanced around and found one of the other passengers looking at them. Come on. She led him away, back behind the row of seats to the deserted galley.

He deliberately parked himself well away from her. Okay, what is it? he asked cautiously.

You know the other coordinator?

Yeah, what about her? he asked.

She came up to me and started a conversation. Just small talk at first. Then she put her hand on my back and started talking about how we were supposed to conduct ourselves. Finally she said that she had been led to believe I might not be wearing anything underneath my flight suit. You didnt say anything, did you?

Heck no. I havent said anything to anybody.

I didnt think you did. Then she started rubbing by back all over, and she asked me if I had gone to an all girls private school. She said that it was too bad when I told her no.

Wow, what did you do?

I got frightened and pulled away from her. She started acting all adult and bossy then. She said that she was going to be watching my performance very closely. Can you believe it?

I dont know. Pretty weird. I was about to go see the coordinator who spoke to me earlier. Where did all this happen?

In the access way to the airlock up in the nose.

What were you doing there?

Exploring. Ill wait here till you get back.

Okay, be right back. He found a hand hold and pushed off in search of the coordinator.

* * *

And there you have it. I didnt do anything other than speak to her, after, she spoke to me, Mr. uh

Just call me Steve. As to your other problem, or rather Miss Horns alleged problem, there isnt much that can be done unless something more happens and there is a witness.

But I though you said, people had to be super careful in order to stay out of trouble. I havent even touched this Miss Horn or whatever her name is, and already

You dont know her name.

He hadnt given it much thought till now. No, I guess I dont.

Her name is Miss Cynthia Horn, and what I said earlier about leaving her alone still stands. If shes having a problem she needs to come to me and not send you. However, I will not see any underage student alone, period. Ive got to protect myself you know.

Wait a minute. You and I both have to be careful, but the other coordinator, whats her name, can feel up an underage girl and its cool. Is that what the law says?

Her name is, Ms. Jenkins. And dont kid yourself about the law. Its supposed to be the same for everybody, but its not.

Great, just great. And I thought we left this kind of BS back on that disease infested mud ball we call a planet.

That is not a politically correct point of view. With that they both laughed. Look, well be at Midpoint Station the day after tomorrow. If there is a real problem, the station authorities can handle it. Steve tried out his best Fifth Avenue smile on Nathan which left his shadow on the bulkhead. Nathan managed a half hearted smile in return.

Nathan left the passageway and headed back to the galley. As he entered the galley area he heard voices. No, leave me alone! Cynthia rocketed out of the galley and hit the pantry wall lockers hard.

I just want to talk, came a womans voice. As she reached the door she saw Nathan and appeared surprised, but only for a moment. She was long and catlike. Her hair was a very short cropped blond with black roots showing on top. Her face looked pale and drawn with deep furrows running at odd directions. Her stare at Nathan was cold and contemptuous. It was Ms. Jenkins.

This is a private conversation. What do you want?

Nothing, I was just looking for where they hid the coffee pot.

Youll have to find one of the flight attendants. And theyre not here now. That was all. She stared at him as though he was supposed to leave.

He didnt leave but turned his attention to Cynthia. Are you all right?

I think so.

Of course she is. We were just discussing her future.

Arent there supposed to be two coordinators present when you are counseling a student?

No, not necessarily.

Cynthia interrupted them. Im getting out of here. She shot past Nathan.

Ms. Jenkins floated over to Nathan. Lets see. Youre a student at the University at Midpoint, arent you?

Yes, he confessed.

You were the one dying to pilot spacecraft, as I remember.

Thats me.

You know, some people have been offered jobs before the end of the semester. Then some people get black marks on their record eliminating them from any further consideration, ever.

Nathan understood the threat.

I dont want to see you even talking to that underage girl. I have boys like you for breakfast. You just stay out of my way. She pushed off and slid menacingly past Nathan.

Oh brother, he thought to himself. How did I get into this? I gotta steer clear of Cynthia and this witch. He resolved to do just that.

He floated back to his seat. She was sitting there strapped in, with her knees pulled up and her face buried between them. He floated there silently, seriously thinking of heading for the observation deck and finding a place to hid for the next two days.

He took up a position two empty seats away from her. Cynthia.

She looked up, her eyes full of tears that just hung there. She wiped them away.

What happened to you?

Several seats away a passenger took interest in them, but after exchanging glances with Nathan, went back to his touch screen article. She just sat there sniffling. Ill get you something. He pushed off toward the galley.

He returned with some cloth napkins. These she accepted without comment. He parked himself against the wall and waited until she was ready to talk.

I was waiting for you when I heard something. I went to the door and came face to face with her. She asked me what I was doing there. I gave her some stupid answer. She blew her nose and continued. I was frightened of her. She told me that she could set me up with a good company or could ruin my chances for a career in space. I backed away from her. I guess I backed myself into a corner. Not smart.

Then what happened?

She continued sobbing softly. She started talking about the way I looked. It was just like the crap I get from some guys. Then she grabbed me and started touching me all over and trying to kiss me. She told me I had better cooperate. She asked if I was a virgin.

She looked up at Nathan and sneered, She seems to like virgins. I broke away and you showed up. Ive never been touched like that before.

The passenger who noticed her crying earlier, floated over to them. Excuse me miss, but is this man bothering you?

Aw man. I dont believe this.

No, its all right. Hes a friend. Im okay.

Whats the problem? Is there anything I can do?

No nothing, she said between sniffles. Im going to the ladys room. She floated away blinded by tears.

Are you a relative of hers?

No, Im what you call an innocent bystander.

What did you do to her?

Nathan let out a sigh. Why is this happening to me?

Well, dont do whatever you did.

What! I dont know who you are buddy, but I havent done anything. Shes having a problem with someone else.

Well maybe you should stay out of it. With that he turned away and floated back to his seat.

He was right. Nathan should stay out of it. He was still trying to figure out just how to do that when Cynthia came floating back. She looked better now.

She put her hand on his. Thank you.

For what?

For showing up when you did. For being my friend.

Jenkins told me not to let her catch me talking to you.

Why?

I guess she doesnt want anybody else around.

Its going to be a long two days. You know the worst part of it? I thought I was leaving all that behind on Earth. That there wouldnt be things like this out here.

Yeah, me too. He realized it was true. He had allowed himself to believe that out here people would somehow be different. The stagnation, corruption, and decay of the world would be left behind.

Come on, were going to see if we can find you some help.

Where are we going?

To find Steve. He flew off like he had always had the gift of flight, with her trailing behind. They found Steve chatting up a flight attendant.

Steve stopped smiling when he saw them. Wouldnt take my advice, eh?

There wasnt much I could do. I hate to interrupt, but weve got a problem.

Like I told you, I require another coordinator to be present.

What about her? he said motioning toward the flight attendant. She can be your witness.

Steve looked at Cynthias red swollen face. Thats okay; I think we can dispense with that. He smiled at the flight attendant who floated off to attend to her duties.

Ive got the feeling I know whats coming, and I may not want anyone to hear.

You said things would have to get worse. He turned to Cynthia and motioned her forward. She related what had happened. Steve grew increasingly uncomfortable.

Finally, These are serious charges. Do you have any witnesses?

Not really. Nathan came in after I broke away.

Yes, well itll take more than that to get a conviction.

Why dont you just confront her? asked Nathan.

Right, and have her make trouble for both of you. Especially you Nathan. Youre already suspect.

Why?

You have committed the crime of being a male who has reached the age of majority. Therefore, you must be guilty of something, he said raising one eyebrow aristocratically.

This is really wild. Im guilty because I exist, and the guilty is untouchable.

What you need to worry about is your career. Ms. Jenkins can ruin you, and there is not a thing I can do about it.

Well, we can make some noise, Nathan said. Maybe someone will listen to us.

With this, Steves demeanor changed. Noise, as you call it, is what Im trying to avoid. You have to think about the broader interest of the program. A lot of people think this is a waste of money. A child molestation scandal would put the whole program in a bad light. I cant allow that.

Wait a minute! cried Cynthia. What about me? Youre worried about his career and your stupid program. Im the one shes after.

Miss Horn, please try to keep your voice down. I dont want the whole ship to know about this.

Im going to call my father.

I wouldnt be too hasty, cautioned Steven. All Ms. Jenkins would have to do is claim she caught you with Nathan, and you are just trying to protect him. That would be enough to destroy his chances.

Thats not fair! shot Cynthia.

A lot of life isnt fair. Youll learn that as you get older.

Spare me, she said.

Excuse me, interjected Nathan, but what are we going to do about the immediate problem?

Steve turned to Cynthia. I suggest you try to stay where there is a group of people. Dont let yourself get isolated.

Can Nathan stay with me?

Actually, it would be best if he kept a respectful distance.

Then, Im on my own. You arent going to protect anything but your precious program, and Nathan has to worry about his career! Thanks for taking such good care of minors. With that she pushed off too hard and slammed into the opposite wall. She gathered herself together and found her way to the observation deck.

Steve turned to Nathan. You had better take my advice to heart. This is not your problem.

I guess so.

Thats the right attitude. Ill see you later. He turned and floated off around the deck.

Damn, Nathan thought. Ive got to do something, but what. He headed back to his seat. He knew that Cynthia must feel abandoned, but he did not know how to help her.

On his way back he saw two of the flight attendants talking at the entrance to the galley. No one else was around. He floated over to them. Hi.

Hello, the older one who was graying around the temples responded. May we help you?

Well, I hope so. Suddenly he was not sure what he was supposed to ask them to do. Feeling foolish, he began.

The women listened with increasing interest and dismay. And thats the mess. I want to help, but no one will believe me. Not to mention what will happen to my chances of someday piloting spacecraft.

Are you a pilot? one of them brightened.

Not yet, but I want to be.

I had no idea how important this semester could be to you guys.

Is there anything you can do? he asked.

Well, company policy dictates that anything of a criminal nature must be reported to the Captain. Thats the first step. Then I guess we can keep our eyes open.

Well, thanks. I was just about out of ideas.

Well be in touch with you.

Okay, Ill be in my seat. To himself he added, or hiding somewhere.

* * *

Nathan awoke floating in his straps again, but this time he was not startled. The passenger deck was dark. There were slight movements and muffled sounds from the sleeping bag two seats to his left. It did not concern him. He unhooked the restraints and floated off to the observation deck. He wanted to see what the Earth looked like from out here. The lounge was empty. He heard voices coming from the lavatory in the lounge. He went to investigate. Hi did not want to interrupt a couple in love, but as he approached the door, he heard a scuffle. The sign switched from occupied to vacant and quickly back again.

This wasnt love. Someone was trying to get out. He waited until the sign switched back to vacant and yanked the door open. Ms. Jenkins quickly swung her head around. Behind her he could see Cynthia, her flight suit open revealing her floating breasts.

Storm, Ill give you one chance to close the door and get the hell out of here. Ill even put in a good word for you on your final evaluation.

He paused for a second, his mind numb, and she was dangling his career over the edge.

Nathan please!

And then he say it, the whole stinking truth: We can run, but we cant hide from what we humans are, a dirty little race destined to sully everything we touch, he thought to himself. I cant run and hide either.

Why dont you take my career and shove it.

He forced his way in. Ms. Jenkins had to let go of Cynthia, and with one hand fend off Nathan. Cynthia slashed with her arm and wrenched free of the grip. She grasped at Nathan and the door. Grabbing both, she pulled herself free.

Damn! You interfering little twerp. Ive had enough of you.

Nathan shoved himself away from the door. She launched herself at him. He was able to get a foot on something and roll out of the way, so that only by swiping at him was she able to make contact. This sent her reeling into the bulkhead.

Youre washed up. She launched herself again. This time he was able to get a foot up and kicked at her head. She shielded herself from the worst of it. Both crashed into the walls.

She was raging, mumbling unintelligibly. Like a cruise missile she sailed at him again. Now he was getting the hang of it. He pushed himself aside at the last moment. When she swung at him he caught her arm, and with all his strength swung her around in a circle. They circled each other twice, and he let her go, sending her spinning into the corner of an upright support.

Oomph! The impact knocked the breath out of her. Nathan wasted no time. Pushing off with his hands, he sailed at the tumbling woman feet first. Once within range, he kicked for all he was worth. He caught her on the side of the head and cut her.

She went flying away and he took off in the opposite direction. She rolled out of control leaving a tiny trail of blood droplets. He launched himself at her again. This time as he neared her, he swung with a right. Blood shot from her nose.

But now she grabbed him, sunk her claws into him, and bit down on his ear. He got a hand around her throat and squeezed. The ear hurt like hell, but he continued squeezing. Finally, she relaxed her considerable bite, and he pulled free.

He pushed her away and anchoring himself, kicked again. This sent her spinning across the room ricocheting off the deck, then the porthole, and floating slowly across the room spinning wildly.

Thatll be enough. Nathan looked up to see the ships captain. Cynthia floated next to him with two flight attendants behind them. The ships crew collected Ms. Jenkins.

Take her to the medical station. Have Jeff notify the authorities at Midpoint. He turned to Nathan.

Nathan expected to be placed under arrest, but the Captain smiled. You okay young man?

Yeah, I guess so. Okay for a man who just threw his career away.

No Nathan, its not like that, Cynthia protested.

Shes right Nathan. Your warning allowed us to be prepared. We have enough recorded to put that woman away for a long time.

He floated over to Nathan. I understand you want to be a spacecraft pilot.

Why yes, yes sir.

When I make my incident report, Ill recommend that the company offer you a job. And when the time comes, Ill hand carry your application.

Wow! I dont know what to say. Thanks.

The Captain turned to Cynthia. Are you okay?

Yes, thank you.

Ill need a written report from you.

She smiled. No problem. I should have it ready by the time we arrive.

You better get that ear looked at. He pushed off and disappeared in the tunnel.

* * *

They floated in an embrace for a long time. She kissed his cheek accidentally touching his ear. He winced. Its still a while till they wake everyone up. Why dont we do it?

He thought for a moment. I dont mind waiting two more years.

She leaned back and thoughtfully looked him in the eye. Actually, its a year and three months. Will you wait for me?

He pulled her close and nuzzled her ear. How do you feel about having a family of your own?

Well raise them out here, she replied.

THE END