Read Smuggler's Dilemma Online
Authors: Jamie McFarlane
Smuggler's Dilemma (39 page)
In the end, I didn't really mind how it was being spun, just as long as our names were left out. Even though the Red Houzi had been wiped out as a group, it would be a lot safer for us to not be associated with the events. Who knew how many sympathizers might still be out there.
Two days from Mars, Tabby received word from the hospital, scheduling surgery in a month. They'd already started growing tissues and manufacturing her new skeletal limbs. She'd opted for the nano-crystalized alloys in lieu of actual bones. She'd become enamored by the idea of the additional strength they'd provide. She also received a formal invitation to rejoin the next class of cadets.
"It's everything I could hope for," Tabby said. We were on the bridge couch, just holding hands enjoying the quiet of an early morning watch.
"Will they let you back into the fighter school?"
"I'd probably have to requalify, physically."
"You've got almost eight months. I bet we could get you into shape before that."
"I don't know if I'm going back."
"But it's your dream. It's what you've always wanted."
"That's true. It was, anyway."
"So what's the problem?" I asked.
"I don't think I can go back. I guess what I'm saying is, I want what's in front of me, right now."
"I don't get it."
"Don't be dense, Liam. I'm saying I want to stay with you. I want to be part of all of this," she said, sweeping her prosthetic arm, indicating the ship.
I leaned in and kissed her.
"I'd like that too," I said.
Two days later we arrived on Mars.
Open comm, Tali Liszt
, I requested as we broke through the Mars atmosphere.
"Hoffen, are you back in town?" she asked. A week previous, I'd sent her a comm, letting her know we were on our way, giving her a rough time of arrival.
"Roger that, requesting permission to land," I said.
"You're clear, but there're some mighty anxious people down here. You might start getting your story together," she said.
"Roger that," I said.
Up to this point, I'd been able to push off thinking about my family's reaction to our return. We hadn't let anyone in on what we were doing and it was time to pay the piper.
"I think Tabby should exit first," I said.
"You'd throw me to the wolves?" Tabby asked.
"In a heartbeat."
We landed near the compound and glided in on arc-jets. It was 1600 local and the sun was shining brightly over the purple-hued grassy plains. I opened the hatch on the starboard side of the ship and the sweet smell of planet-borne atmosphere gently welcomed us.
I helped Tabby down the ladder and the four of us approached the compound. To our surprise, just about everyone we knew was there: Mom, Dad, Jack, Ada, Tali, Jenny, Lena, Jake, Bit, Jammin and Jordy. They were all milling around a group of new picnic tables. The tables were covered with a meal that looked to have been finished a few hours ago.
Instead of reproach, my extended family did something that I'd never have expected. They stood and applauded us as we approached. Dozens of hugs and claps on the back later, we joined them around the table, finding the beers to still be cold enough to enjoy. Somewhere along the line, they'd put two and two together.
"What's next?" I asked, mostly joking. Personally, I was hoping for a nice long vacation.
"Funny you should ask. I ran across this advertisement for mining claims in the Tipperary solar system," Big Pete said.
"Now, Pete," Mom said, patting his leg. "Let them relax. There'll be plenty of time for that later."
"Sure. I'm just saying it's something to look at."
But, that's another story entirely…
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
To Diane Greenwood Muir for excellence in editing and fine word-smithery. My wife, Janet, for carefully and kindly pointing out my poor grammatical habits. I cannot imagine working through these projects without you both.
To my beta readers: Nancy Higgins Quist, Dave Muir, Carol Greenwood, Kelli Whyte and Jeff Rothermel for wonderful and thoughtful suggestions.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jamie McFarlane is happily married, the father of three and lives in Lincoln, Nebraska. He spends his days engaged in a hi-tech career and his nights and weekends writing works of fiction. He’s also the author of:
Privateer Tales
- Rookie Privateer
- Fool Me Once
- Parley
- Big Pete
- Smuggler’s Dilemma
Guardians of Gaeland
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CONTACT JAMIE
Blog and Website:
fickledragon.com
Facebook:
facebook.com/jamiemcfarlaneauthor
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twitter.com/mcfarlaneauthor
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