Page 3 of Latham
Mindy made entries on her deskpad. “All set. It’s a bit more expensive than the standard package the Ardannans bought but I’m adjusting the price downward for a veteran’s discount and also because the unit is sitting there empty in the middle of another group. Your transport to the dropoff point will leave at noon.” She showed them where the landing field was on a holo map of the central resort. “You might want to buy hiking boots if you didn’t bring any,” she said to Helaine. “The shoe store on the main walkway carries them.”
“All right, we’ll check it out,” Helaine said, looking at her pretty sandals. Boots were so not her. “Thank you so much for your help.”
“My pleasure. We do want our guests to be happy while exploring their match possibilities.” Mindy’s attitude was perky and eager to help. “And Corleon Cove matches your preference sheets much more closely than the standard package.”
The comment gave Helaine a twinge of unease but Latham was ushering her out of the office and Mindy picked up a com on her handheld as the door closed.
“I’m in awe,” he said as they left the admin center and made their way toward the hotel. “I honestly didn’t think anything could be changed about our stay.”
“There’s always a way under, over or through any barrier,” she said. “I wanted us both to have fun while we’re here.” She punched him lightly on the bicep which made no impression on him of course. “We’re a team, right?”
“Absolutely. I’ve got your six,” he said. “Military term, means I’m watching your back. We better hustle to get those boots and get packed.”
“Oh, I’m sure she was exaggerating,” Helaine said. She’d set aside a small stash of credits for souvenirs and extras if necessary but wasn’t planning to spend any of it on clunky boots she’d never wear again. “Hiking is just walking after all. I brought a pair of casual shoes.”
Latham gave her an odd glance. “I insist we at least see if the store has any in your size. On me,” he said, tapping his chest. “My treat since you’re being so amenable to switching locations and giving up all this sophisticated revelry.”
She allowed him to tow her to the shoe store, where they had a heated discussion over the boots until Latham made the final selection for her and paid the highly amused clerk. He threw in a few pairs of thick socks as well.
The whole shoe store excursion had eaten into their time and they had to rush to the hotel to pack. Mindy had said one backpack each would be ideal. Helaine looked at all her pretty resort clothes with a sad heart but there was no club where she was going. She did pack her bathing suit along with a couple pairs of shorts and cute tops, tossing in a sweater at the last minute.
Latham was packed and ready long before she was, waiting in the living room with his usual calm.
“Goodbye, beautiful suite,” Helaine said as she paused on the threshold and took a final look at the luxury she was leaving behind. Mindy had said the hotel’s robos would repack their other belongings and move them to storage until departure day..
“Did you pack any snacks?” Latham asked as they took the gravlift to the lobby.
“Was I supposed to?” she asked in surprise. “She said the bungalow was fully stocked with food.”
“Might be a long trip getting there.” He shrugged. “I packed enough for both of us, don’t worry. How are the boots?”
“Heavy.” She raised her foot to show him. “But comfortable.”
“Good. Let me know if you have the slightest discomfort. I don’t want you getting blisters.”
How much walking does he think I’m going to do? From the bungalow to the beach and back! She liked the idea he wanted to take care of her, however.
The transport was a small robo shuttle with one human crewperson and Helaine and Latham climbed aboard after checking in with the resort employee. As soon as they were seated the AI in charge took off, circling the resort once in a lazy loop before shooting north at a high rate of speed.
“Did you see how many people were on the beach?” Helaine asked, making herself comfortable in the plush seat. “Crowded.” She craned her neck to survey the interior of the shuttle, which seemed to her to contain a lot of gear. Maybe the transport was making a delivery to the cove facility besides herself and her date.
“This is really above and beyond on your part,” Latham said. “I appreciate the sacrifice. I’m sure you were looking forward to shopping, lying on the beach and going dancing.”
“Hey, I came to meet someone and get to know them,” she said, leaning forward. “We can do that in this beautiful hideaway we’re going to just as well. Better, if you’re not having migraines and flashbacks.”
They played cards for a while, using a deck Latham had brought but then Helaine found herself dozing off so she took a nap.
She woke to him gently shaking her shoulder. “We’re at the dropoff point,” he said. “Time for us to debark.”
Sleepily she checked out the window. “We haven’t even landed yet.”
Latham’s expression was puzzled, eyebrows raised. “Landed?”
Blinking she did a doubletake.
The AI’s voice came over the cabin com. “Passengers must don their antigrav harnesses and debark. The door will open in two minutes.”
“Antigrav? What the seven hells is it talking about?” Helaine looked around wildly. “This thing needs to land and let down a ramp like a normal shuttle. I’m not jumping out in midair.”
