(… continuing)
Marr led the way back out of the hold airlock and up to the accommodation level. She opened the door to the gym and gestured Dukk to go first.
Dukk nearly tripped as he entered the room.
Joantyi was on the cross trainer doing a gentle pace. The barely ample sports bra and booty shorts were showcasing her muscular and perhaps too perfect figure. She was made up and her hair looked like it had been given much attention.
Larnoy was on the rowing machine, working hard. His attire gave no illusion as to the fitness and muscular nature of his body.
Joantyi looked over and smiled warmly. The smile changed slightly as Marr stepped around Dukk.
Marr gasp and stared for a moment before collecting herself.
“May we join you? Dukk asked as he regained his composure.
“Of course. Besides I am nearly done,” came a pleasant reply from Joantyi.
Marr and Dukk went about doing some stretches as Joantyi finished up and left.
A little later, with the warm down done, Dukk was the first to leave the gym. He made his way down the corridor towards the crew accommodation.
Joantyi was in the passageway that led to her cabin. She stood there in the same flimsy robe she wore the evening before. And once more, very little was left for the imagination.
“Is everything alright?”, Dukk asked as he reached her.
“Pretty much. Some company in the long quiet hours would make it better,” she replied as she allowed her robe to fall open.
“Very tempting,” Dukk said with a pleasant expression to acknowledge the offer. “But my own company is what I need most at this junction.”
Dukk held her stare as to convey confidence but also to make it clear where they stood.
She smiled back, but didn’t adjust her stance.
“What about you, co-pilot? Any gaps in your dance card?” Joantyi said breaking eye contact with Dukk and looking beyond him.
Dukk turned around and stepped aside. Marr was coming up the corridor. Her expression was jovial and pleasant.
Marr stopped just beside Dukk. She looked at Dukk for a moment. Holding his stare with the same jovial and pleasant expression. Then she turned to Joantyi. Dukk followed her gaze back to Joantyi. Marr looked her up and down and smiled.
“Interesting offer. However, I am with Dukk,” she said before pausing momentarily.
Dukk turned back towards Marr.
“In that, it is my own company that I need most at the moment.”
Marr then moved her gaze slowly from Joantyi and back to Dukk. The smile shifted into a more provocative expression.
“Suit yourselves. You know where I am,” Joantyi said to them both. She held her ground, with the flimsy robe still open.
“We do,” Dukk answered still looking at Marr.
“Time for a shower and then coffee,” said Marr, signalling to all that the conversation was done.
Dukk turned first. He smiled at Joantyi and then continued on down the hall. Marr followed suit.
“What did you make of that?” Dukk asked as they closed the crew mess door.
“A little forward, but I am guessing it’s not that unusual out here?” Marr replied.
“You are guessing right. Though, it did feel a little too contrived. Not sure what to make of it at this stage.”
Luna interrupted their chat. She was standing near the kitchenette with Bazzer. They were doing the g-suit cross-check.
“That was an awesome spectacle you two. I can’t wait to have a go. Here was me thinking it would be totally boring up here in space for days on end,” She called over.
“No Luna, it’s all go up here in space,” Dukk offered back as he made for his cabin.
(to be continued...)
[Rule of Twelve, Double Take, Chapter 13 - In Between (Passage 4 of 5)]
All Rights Reserved. Copyright © 2021 BJ Allen
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Dukk opened his eyes. It was dark.
“A dream. It must have been a dream,” he muttered as he tried to fathom where he was. He tried to digest the pre-dawn excursion with Craig.
He swung himself out of bed. Marr was gone.
He checked the time. Mid-afternoon.
“What in the world is going on?” Craig demanded as the doors to the south banqueting hall, closed behind them.
Dukk, Marr and Emeelie stood before him. Beyond was the atrium bathed in orange light from the setting sun.
On the opposite side of the atrium the doors to the north banqueting hall were open. Music and chatter could be heard from within.
The noise from the others disguised the deathly silence that engulfed the four.
“I am going to need a shower and change of clothes,” Marr announced as she put her helmet and goggles back on the rack in the garage.
“Yes, the dust gets in everywhere,” Emeelie replied. “There are showers near the pool. Change of clothes too if you don’t want to go back to your suite all dusty.”
“That is a good idea.”
“Have you seen the pools below sea level yet?” Craig asked.
“Nope.”
“I was going to shower and change down there. Then use the sauna and take a swim. The pool up here can get quite hot in the afternoons.”
“That sounds like a great idea,” Dukk said.
“Absolutely, lead the way,” Marr added.
