Page 33 of Starfallen
“Some programming problems with the relays between the worms and theStalethand the weather relays, but the engineers have been working around the issues the best they can.”
When Tilly trained with Rhys and his people, I’d worked with a team of scientists and climatologists to create machines—called worms because of their ability to tunnel under Mars’ crust—to release trapped gasses and speed up the creation of a breathable atmosphere. Plus, they help locate frozen underground rivers which will eventually be brought to the surface once the temperature warms the planet.
“I could look at the code tomorrow, and interface with the main frame. I’m sure I can find the issue.” I knock back the rest of the liquid, enjoying the rough burn as it slides down my throat. The thought of being able to do something helpful, becoming capable and strong once more, fills me with hope.
“Only after you smooth things over with your wife, young man.” She shakes a finger at me.
A low snicker flies from my mouth. “Young man?” I glance toward the bedroom, where the door remains shut. Even so, I continue the conversation in Baltin. “I haven’t brought up that particular little issue with her yet.” I weigh the empty glass in my palm, then twist it back and forth.
“It’s something she needs to know, son.”
“Yeah,” I say, setting the glass into the recycler. “If she doesn’t hate me now, she’s really going to hate me once she finds outthatlittle truth.”
Granny pushes herself from the table and stands. Walking over, she squeezes me into a hug. “I love you, boy, but you do seem to find trouble no matter what planet you’re on.”
“I know.”
“Have faith in your love for her, and her love for you. I promise, it’s enough to get you through the bad times. Just...” Granny lifts a hand and pats my cheek. “Remember not to smother her with your protection. Love can be merciful, but it can also be a weapon. Make sure you never have to aim it.”
“Love you, Grandma. And thank you for everything.”
“Pish posh. You know I’d turn this planet inside out if you asked.”
“Well, technically you are turning it inside out with the worms tunneling underground.”
“Don’t get smart with me, troublemaker.” As she paces to the door, she blows a kiss. Her white hair shines under the artificial kitchen light. “See you tomorrow. And I expect to hear you’ve made her a very happy woman.”
Two carriers arrive at the same time. I instruct them to wait until morning before running their scans so Tilly can rest. Plus, she’ll be easier to deal with after food and caffeine.
They stand motionless against the foyer wall and will remain that way until morning, adding another layer of safety to this hab.
I command the habitat’s lights to turn off and tiptoe to the bedroom, glad for the temporary buzz of rum. My nanobots would normally neutralize the alcohol, but not tonight.
Gonna need a little liquid courage to face my banshee-tempered queen.
Swallowing a chuckle and taking a deep breath, I press the control panel to open the door. When it recognizes my DNA, it slides into the ceiling silently.
Through the darkness, my multi-spectrum vision kicks in to show Tilly lying on her side, wrapped in blankets. Her vitals remain steady, and her breathing is slow and deep.
She’s in a REM cycle and the link with her bracelet detects no fluctuations in her blood chemistry.
I release an inward sigh of relief.She just needs rest.
Making no sound, I walk to the opposite side of the bed, strip to my underwear, then slip under the blankets. I curl an arm around her waist, stroking the soft skin of her stomach and tracing the growing bump of our baby.
What will he look like when he’s born? When he’s five? When he’s grown?
“Jareth?” she mumbles, turning over and burrowing her face into the crook of my neck.
“Yeah, Red, it’s me. Go back to sleep. I got you.”
Instead of answering, she relaxes against my chest and begins to snore softly.
I hold her in my arms all night because touching her is the only time I truly feel at peace...at home.
