(… continuing)

“So, what’s the plan?” Marr asked Dukk.
“Let’s find ourselves some space to practice standing on the board. Perhaps over there?” Dukk replied. He was pointing towards a flat area well away from the chairlift and base of the slope. A very high metal fence could be seen on the other side of the space.
“I read up on the indigenous creatures,” Marr said as she look towards where Dukk was pointing. “They sound pretty nasty. Is there any possibility of coming across them on this side of the fence?”
“It is possible. Fences aren’t impenetrable. But not that probable. At least not when the artificial daylight is in effect. Their eyes are tuned to infrared, so the artificial white light here keeps them well away.”
“So, what if we got off-piste and beyond the fences?”
“If there was no artificial light, you would want to hire some armed escorts.”
“But aren't we poison to these creatures, as they are to us?”
“True, but that doesn't usually stop them attacking.”
“Of course.”
“We good?” Dukk asked.

“Before we get out into the snow,” Marr said turning back to face Dukk. “What are the chances of having a quick look in the ski shop over there. Annee mentioned buying suits there was as good as any place?”
Dukk paused. He looked over at the ski shop and then back at Marr. She was smiling pleasantly.
“Did Annee put you up to this? She has been saying I need to replace this suit!”
“Perhaps. But I also want to get something a little better fitting,” Marr said as she tugged at the loose fabric of her suit.
“Well then, let’s go. After you,” Dukk said as he pictured her in something that fitted better.

The ski shop had many different styles and colours. However, Marr was more interested in quality and functionality. Specifically the high tech suits that could be near invisible to infrared spectrums. She expressed the desire to get beyond the fence at some point. That narrowed their choices down considerably. That made Dukk happy too. He liked things being simple but functional. And he disliked fences. That focus pointed them towards a single type of suit. All they needed to do was get measured up and come back later when the suits were printed.
To save time they got measured up together at the back of the store. Being semi naked around each other was a little awkward. But, it was not much more than the time spent together playing wall ball or being in the gym.
With the order placed, they headed back out into the snow.

An hour later, Marr and Dukk were at the bottom of a blue run. Marr had just collided into Dukk again. They were sprawled in the snow laughing.
“Hey you two, you really need to get a room!” Annee shouted as she swished to a stop near them. Mentor wasn’t far behind.
Marr and Dukk laughed even harder.
“We are going to take a break and get a hot drink. Do you want to join us?”
“Absolutely, I need a break from this. The laughing is killing me!” Dukk answered.
“Me too,” Marr added. “Perhaps we can find some food. I need to rebuild my energy reserves.”

They found a bar on top of the building that housed the hyperloop station. It had a full view of the valley.
“How are you getting on?” Annee asked Marr when they were seated with their drinks.
“Really well. Dukk is an excellent teacher,” Marr replied and smiled. “He is very attentive and patient. I am lucky he is being so generous with his time.”
Annee laughed.
“Am I missing something?” Dukk asked.
“Yes, an X chromosome instead of the Y!” Mentor said cheekily.
“Well I am glad of it,” Marr said provocatively.
Annee nearly spat out her drink. “Way too much information, lads!” She said after recovering.
Marr blushed. As did Dukk.
They all laughed again.
There amusement was interrupted by the arrival of big plates of food.

“Fab view,” Marr said when they had finished eating.
“It is,” Annee agreed.
“Pity you can’t see much of the resort from here,” Mentor added.
“You get a better view of it on the walking trails on the other side of the valley,” Annee said.
“Oh, cool. How do you get to them?” Marr asked.
“There are access tunnels from the space port hangers. I can show you, if you like?” Annee replied.
“Perhaps tomorrow,” Marr said. “I’ve had my fill of stomping around the snow for now.”
“I’d like to go. Luna might too,” Mentor said.
“Great,” Annee replied. “That will occupy a couple of hours and build our appetite back.”
“Perhaps Luna can then show you tomorrow, Marr?” Mentor said.
Marr looked across at Mentor. She knew the look. She had been given an order.
“Excellent idea, Mentor,” Marr said.
Mentor nodded.

(to be continued...)

[Rule of Twelve, Double Take, Chapter 19 - Unloading (Passage 3 of 5)]

All Rights Reserved. Copyright © 2022 BJ Allen