... In my thoughts, I fell into a confused dream, in which I was thrown in different directions in a dark space and someone's lips dug into my mouth greedily and passionately ... my burning insides were being consumed by something mysterious and shaky, ... I woke up, finding a gentle relaxologist sleeping deeply next to me ...
What was that? In the dream, it was not Cohen who kissed me ... someone else.
I continued to dream about Dale ... that I would tear her into small pieces when I met her, drag her off in front of everyone to my bedroom, ... the image of Akhala had already faded ... I had no idea how to help her, maybe she did not feel unhappy at that military base after all ... everything was fine with her ... I calmed myself down so much, but something told me that this was not so ...
How noticeable it is to everyone in the team that I have an increased level of anxiety! There shouldn't be much to worry about... we've been stuck in orbit for a couple of weeks while geologists explore the depths of Roi-67 with its gold-bearing filling...
Dylan has gone completely crazy, begging to be allowed to go to the rocky surface of a cold and lifeless planet to look for samples himself.
- It's not safe, maneuvering between crevices and all that... cave-ins can happen, how to pull you out, you'll get stuck there...
- But that's exactly what I need, as a pilot to improve my professionalism, to be able to maneuver in rough terrain...
- The geologists can handle their equipment themselves, and you are needed here on Luxares, Dylan, as a pilot of a starship, not a drilling rig, if suddenly unexpected things happen?
- What kind of surprises, Commander? Who are we an eyesore to here? The enemy or something? Who has even seen it? - his desperate gaze incinerated my tense face.
— I saw enemy my own sight… and others too... I already told the whole team in all its glory...
— Yes, I remember... They don't relax you well, Commander, if you're so adamant... — a heavy sigh flared up.
— Oh, my God! What's in your head, Dylan? Why can't you sit here?
— Just one shift! Please! We're already hovering in the shadows in orbit of Roi... so that no one will notice us.
— Oh-oh-oh! Okay, you convinced me... just once and not for long.
... If only I knew that this cheeky pilot, after a sortie on a drilling shuttle with geologists, would use his adventure to continue to seduce our beautiful employees with enviable persistence.
—... and can you imagine, ladies? — the enthusiastically gesticulating pilot was overwhelmed with emotions. — It seemed to me... while we were hanging out in those deep dark caves... we were crawling through narrow crevices... drilling and digging in those black rocks... it was so scary! Someone was clearly growling there... perhaps they wanted to devour us... we quickly ran away!
...His gaze stumbled upon the obvious doubt of the three women surrounding this storyteller in the wardroom.
— There's no one there, Dylan... in such cold! — the cryptozoologist noted with a grin.
— Our research shows that Roi-67 is still uninhabited... and the registry says so...
— But I clearly heard growling!
- You're such a joker, Dylan... You should know that we are, indeed, scientists, no matter what you think about us... that we...
- I, as a microbiologist, - said one of the beauties in a tight white sweater and knee-length skirt, fidgeting coyly in her chair with an ironic smile. - I'm not satisfied at all!
Her chiseled legs rubbed slightly against each other, which undoubtedly caught the eye of the pilot, who was dreaming of closer contact. - I can confidently say that life has not yet really begun here. Although the planet is calm... no hurricanes or acid rain... I couldn't even detect the protozoa ones... Everything is like … sterile, it's a shame that there is no place to roam as a specialist. Such planets are only a joy for gold miners !
- You just didn't look hard enough, Leah... I guess. Take samples from my spacesuit... I'll show you where mine is. After our promenades, some kind of creature will probably appear... I swear! - Dylan blurted out emotionally.
- With such radiation? I doubt!
- It's not that high!
- Well, that's how to say it!
... How much the worried pilot had to listen to about scientific research in order to have a pleasant rest with Leah, one could only guess... poor guy! I left, giggling under my breath... Dylan was probably dreaming about an orgy with all of them... Well, well... go for it, fella... maybe it will work out... after all, you are a Praetorian... for you, this is vitally important, just like having gold things, which opens all the doors on his Homeland, where our next route lies.
- Taen... Are you leaving us? - I heard a gentle voice behind me.
- Yes... I... still have things to do... I'll come by later.
... The girls offered to spend time with them more than once and I refused with ridiculous excuses... They all reminded me of Dale, sensual beauties, whose heads are too stuffed with knowledge about everything in the world, it is easy to fall in love with each of them, and I did not want any more new relationships... and there are plenty of men around, looking at them lustfully, I am not alone here, so I hung in anticipation of her imminent arrival.
Could it be that Louis deceived me and I tried in vain to get her back... no news from the management.
After completing geological research, I barely contacted him, using private access to his person through his digital business card.
- Taen... - Louis smiled mysteriously, adjusting his hair coquettishly in an ergonomic chair. - Did you miss me?
— Uh… huh, — I had a hard time finding the words to start the conversation.
… It's not easy to voice complaints about what was promised to a high-ranking HR official, but his friendly voice steered the conversation in a relaxed direction…
— How do you like Cohen? Is my sweet one doing well?
— Quite… A talented employee! I'm happy with everything!
— I'm glad! I'm very glad that the Commander feels comfortable in the new team… So, is there anyone else needed?
… Damn! Has Louis completely forgotten about delivering Dale? I need to act more brazenly… his light chrysoprase eyes flashed predatory, waiting for my answer. God… it seems that the HR officer is too carried away by my person…
— Uh… Yes… I really need Dale… I think we agreed on her arrival on Luxares.
— Yes, dear… I remember that very well… — his face became serious. - A valuable employee requires a special level of security when being brought on board. You are not quite aware, apparently, that the sector where her mission ends is engulfed in firefights with enemy ships...