(… continuing)

Later that evening, Marr and Dukk where together at the console in the crew mess. They were preparing the return flight plan.
“We’ll track via Kaytom Beach as we have a metals shipment to pickup,” Dukk observed. “After launch tomorrow evening, we will line up the first traverse for the following morning. That will take us back to WXR22. We then traverse via Layton 16, Layton 1, LX315, and LX306. Layton 1 will be the likely place for the intermediary inspection. After Kaytom Beach we’ll traverse via Kaytom 1, MJ3, MJ12, Willpo 3, and Teegarden. Which will be the last system before reaching the Solar System again. That should have us back on Earth around midday on the eighteenth day since we left.”
“Great. That looks straight-forward,” Marr commented.

Their planning was interrupted by Annee, Luna and Mentor who had just returned from their hike. Marr went down to the door and let them in.
“How did it go?” Marr asked as they made their way back upstairs.
“Brilliant! Annee’s knowledge of the trails is extensive,” Luna answered. “We got up really high and had a great view of the valley and the resort.”
“It helped having that powerful pair of binoculars,” Annee added. “Marr , thank you for lending them to us. We could see right into the resort. We could even read the menus on the tables of the posh restaurants.”
“You are very welcome,” Marr answered.
“I can’t wait to show you tomorrow,” Luna said casually.
“Me too,” Marr replied promptly.
“Right, now it is time to get dressed and hit the village.”
“Absolutely, Luna. Let’s not delay, as Mentor and I have only two hours before we need to be back here for watch.”
“Where is Bazzer?” Luna asked as they reached the crew mess and joined Dukk.
“He is already in the village. He said he was going to catch up with some friends. He will meet you at The Captain’s Table,” Marr answered.
“Why there?”
“During the load handover, Dukk flirted with a woman that works there. He thinks it will ensure we get good service,” Marr said in a comical tone that had a touch of jealousy.
Dukk blushed. Annee laughed. Mentor and Luna looked on with interest.
“Fifteen minutes long enough for everyone to get changed?” Mentor asked to break the tension.
“Only if I am one of the first in the shower,” Luna replied as she headed for her cabin.

When the room was theirs again, Dukk turned to Marr.
“Did I hear a hint of jealousy with your mention of Suzzona just now?”
“Perhaps,” Marr smiled.
Dukk smiled back. “Perhaps we should go on a date?”
“Isn’t that what we’ve been doing already?” Marr laughed.
“A proper date, maybe, without work to do, or other crew around?”
“That would be nice.”
“So, it is not just your own company that you seek at the moment?”
“Hold up. No one is saying that. One step at a time. Besides, isn’t that your position too?”
“True. And, yes. One step at a time. So, not tonight then?”
Marr laughed. “No. Not tonight. Let’s have fun with the others again.”
“Sounds good. I think that once I let the others out and lock the security door, I’ll have some downtime to recharge. It has been a long day.”
“Yes, that’s a good idea,” Marr replied as she return to interacting with the flight plan.

A little before ten p.m., Mentor and Bazzer returned to the rig. Marr went to meet them at the door.
Mentor was on the stairs first as Bazzer turned the cart around ready for Marr and Dukk to head out.
Marr could see Mentor activating his bracelet as he climbed the stairs, so she did the same.
“In the morning, when Luna takes you hiking,” Mentor said covering his mouth. “Take your binoculars. Luna should take her rifle. Identify locations that have a perfect line of sight into the resort’s penthouse apartments. Focus on the fireplaces. Get familiar with working in this terrain.”
“A job?”
“Not yet. Maybe next time. We are just doing some preparations.”
Mentor then deactivated his bracelet as Bazzer bounced up the stairs.

With the door closed, they made their way back to the crew mess.
“You’ll have no competition with Suzzona, Marr,” Bazzer said smiling as they entered.
“Words travel fast. Why? Was she not there?” Marr replied cheekily.
“No, she was there. Gave our table lots of attention. She kept coming over and sitting with us. But, she won’t be interested in Dukk.”
“You?” Marr said smiling.
“No. Not me,” Bazzer laughed.
“Wait, where is Annee?”
Bazzer laughed again. “You are astute!”
Marr laughed too. “But, wait, isn’t she on watch soon?”
“She stayed on. Suzzona said she finishes her shift at eleven. Annee will be on deck tomorrow afternoon for new potential passengers, so we traded some watch hours. And, I need a good rest after catching up with some friends this evening.”
“So, it is just Annee and Luna there now?”
“Bognath is with them. They’ll be fine.”
“Any sign of Kimince and Trence?”
“Nope, but Annee said she gave them some tips on places to stay overnight and venues in the village that might be to their liking.”
“Right, then, this should be fun.”

“What should be fun?” Dukk asked as he came out of his cabin.
“Meeting new people,” Marr replied.
Dukk stopped and looked at Marr. She was wearing a tight black dress that was cut just above her knee. It was sleeveless and had a deep plunging V. She had what looked like a long coat draped over her arm.
“You look stunning. If meeting new people is your plan, that won’t be an issue looking as good as that!” Dukk said confidently and determine to make up for his blunder in Maple Tower.
“Thank you, Dukk,” Marr replied. “I figured I’d dress up after seeing what Annee and Luna where wearing when they left. You have your red shirt on again. It really suits you.”
“Thank you, Marr,” Dukk replied with glee.
“You ready?”
“Yep, let’s go.”

(to be continued...)

[Rule of Twelve, Double Take, Chapter 19 - Unloading (Passage 4 of 5)]

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