By Paula Austin

    “Tony, do you love me?”

     Tony Verdeschi sat in stunned silence several seconds while he contemplated his answer. “What do you mean? You know how I feel about you, Maya.”

     “No, I don’t. I know you adore your mother, love your beer and think football is the only sport invented, but I when it comes to me…us…I’m not sure.” There was no malice in Maya’s tone.

     Tony began to rub the back of his neck as he was liken to do when nervous. This was dangerous territory for him. “Well, Maya, love isn’t a word to be thrown around carelessly. If overused it loses all meaning.”

     “And if it’s never used?” Maya’s voice was tinged with hurt.

     “I----“   Just then the companel went off in the passenger module of the survey Eagle. “Yes?” Tony spoke to the tiny screen bearing the image of Bill Frasier’s face.

     Bill Frasier was piloting the craft that was serving as the reconnaissance ship for Tony and Maya’s mapping mission. “We’re coming up on an area that has a major magnetic anomaly. I thought you might want to take a look.”

     “Sure take us down.” He reached over and turned the panel off so that his and Maya’s conversation was once again private. “Maya, this isn’t the time. Let’s pick this up later.” He silently hoped they wouldn’t.

    Once on site, Tony and Maya exited the craft with a variety of scanners and recorders. Bill would stay behind to milk all the information he could from the ship’s scanners. Poking his head back in the pilot module Tony left his final instructions. “We’re going to scout around and try to get some readings. Stay with the ship. We should be back before nightfall.” Standing at the entrance ramp of the Eagle Tony admired the view. Admittedly, the planet was beautiful. Especially after spending so many years on the barren chunk of rock they had previously called home. They had landed in a small clearing near a grove of odd-looking trees. Anxious to get a better look he started toward Maya who was wielding a long probe she was sticking in the ground.

     After several readings Maya replaced the probe and made her report. “There seem to be large iron deposits not far under the surface. The must be massive to produce such and anomaly. I’d like to continue to probe to find the borders of the field.”

     “Sure, I’ll just scout around a bit. I won’t be far.” Placing a specimen case over his shoulder he turned and headed off toward a clump of bushes. “Use your Comlock if you need me.”

     As Tony approached the bushes he noticed the unusual blue tint to the leaves. Not smooth like earth leaves, these had a stick substance on them. Donning a pair of gloves, he began taking clippings to put in his case. Each time he took a clipping he found a new variety to add to his collection. Three hours later, and much farther away than he wanted to be, his case was full and he decided to head back. He plucked his comlock from his belt and activated the RDF that would lead him back to his ship. It was then he became aware of his grave error. The magnetism from the iron in the rocks interfered with the RDF signal. Now, with dusk quickly approaching he was very lost.

     Maya probed the ground for several hours until she had a vague outline of the ore field mapped. This unexpected find would prove quite useful for them to maintain their level of technology. The commander would be pleased. The sky around her was starting to darken and she decided to go back to the Eagle and start preparing supper. She didn’t see Tony anywhere around and assumed he must have returned ahead of her. Setting her equipment down in front of the Eagle’s loading ramp she was met by Bill who was carrying out the portable cooking stove. Because of all the delicate equipment inside the Eagle they made sure to cook outside when possible. “Is Tony back yet?” she asked as she began to unpack supplies for tonight’s meal.

     “No, but I wouldn’t worry. He’s probably on his way. Want me to call him?” Bill finished setting   up the stove.

     “No. I’m sure he’ll be along soon.” She consulted the stores. “What’s on the menu tonight? Stew or spaghetti?”

     Bill sat down on a storage container to keep her company. “I’m sure spaghetti will get Tony’s vote. Fine by me.”

     “OK” She began unwrapping Mylar coated bags. Neither spoke for several seconds. “Bill, can I ask you a question?”

     “As long as it isn’t about quantum physics.” He grinned.

     Maya returned his smile. “How did you know you were in love with Annette?”

     He got up and paced around the stove. “That worse than quantum physics!” he said with a chuckle. “I don’t know exactly. It wasn’t something I decided when I got up one morning. It was more like something that grew after being nurtured. One day I knew I couldn’t be without her.”

     Maya didn’t look up from her cooking. “Did you know she felt the same way?”

     “No. Being in love is kind of like playing a game. No one wants to be the first one to be called it.”

      Putting the spoon down, she gave Bill her complete attention. “I don’t understand.”

     Bill smiled again. “I don’t think anyone does.” Noting that she didn’t get the joke he continued. “It’s hard to admit to someone that you love them when you don’t know if they love you back. Especially if you have been burned before.” Then he added “Like Tony.”

     Maya wanted to ask more, but it seemed too personal. If Tony wanted her to know he would tell her. At that moment she realized that full darkness surrounded them. “Bill! Tony hasn’t come back.” She reached for her comlock and tried to page him, but was greeted only with static. She met Bill’s eyes. They were a concerned as her own. “The ore. It must be interfering with the comlocks. Try the ship’s com-sys.

     Squinting into full darkness Tony tried to make out some sign of his previous passing, but it was no use. The grass had a resilient quality that would have made golf course groundskeepers envious. He decided to try dead reckoning. After walking several paces in one direction he decided that everything looked the same. In darkness the night was beginning to cool rapidly as the days heat left him. He cursed himself for leaving his jacket in the Eagle, but the heat of the day had made it unbearable to wear. Wondering if it was better to stay put and hope for rescue or try to make it on his own, he felt his stomach rumble. It had been a long time since lunch. He sat down to think.

     “No use, Maya. Nothing but static. The gyro is even down. Even if I wanted to pull the Eagle out of here and look, it would be foolish in this darkness.”

     “What can we do? We can just sit and do nothing. He might be hurt.” She urgently needed to be active.

     “I’m afraid we would be just as bad off. It wouldn’t be long before we were lost out there. No moon. No homing signal and no way to see in that darkness.” He sighed and sat back down on the storage crate.

     “No way for US to see.” She said as she gripped his arm. A brilliant light engulfed her body and on Bill’s arm perched a beautiful owl.

     “Great thinking! I hope it works.” He reached up to elevate the bird’s perch over his head. As if sharing his sentiment the mighty bird gave a soft squawk and spread it’s wings to take to the air.

     The longer Tony sat in darkness the more his eyes seem to adjust to it. Taking his surroundings in again he noticed a darker shape against the outline of the horizon. He got up and started walking toward it. At first his mind had him fooled into believing it was part of the Eagle’s superstructure, but as he approached he saw it was actually a very large boulder. Disappointed he leaned against it and sighed heavily. He tried to scrutinize his surroundings but it was too dark and he was too tired. If only he could gain a vantage point. He was certain Bill would have the Eagles exterior lights on. In this darkness even the slightest light would be like a shining beacon. He slapped his head with his palm. He could try to climb up the boulder. It was only ten feet or so but it would help him see over some of the brush. He walked around the rock a couple of times trying to find the best point of ascent. The rock was very smooth from its constant exposure to the elements and it would be rough climbing. Worse, it was covered with a thick slippery moss at the top. Still, it seemed to be his only hope so he began climbing. Finding minimal foot and handholds aided his venture, but it was exhausting work. Several times he would lose his grip only to slide at least part the way down and have to begin again. Despite the cool air, he was soon soaked with perspiration, but at the top of his lookout. Exhausted and hungry he began his search. Balanced precariously on top the rock he started turning systematically scanning the horizon. A quarter of the way around he thought he saw a dim light coming of the branches of a distant tree. He stretched to try to gain better vantage, but the moss beneath his feet started separating from the rock and he felt himself lose his balance. When he hit the ground with an incredible jolt he heard the distinctive ‘crack’ of bones breaking. He tried to catch his breath and pain coursed through his body in a blinding flash. He passed out.

     The great bird soared through the sky searching. It’s simple mind could not comprehend it was looking for a man, much less a man with a name, but the bird sensed it would know when it had reached it’s destination. Great wings pumped the air allowing much ground to be covered and eyes adapted for night vision searched for any sign of movement, but this darkness was a challenge for even such a great hunter. Had it been able to discern the urgency of it mission it would have endeavored no harder for this was what the great hunter was meant to do. Evolution had given it the ability to train on even the slightest movement on the ground below. Survival depended on it. Changing course every so slightly in the wind, it detected movement below. Swooping down to investigate it was engulfed by a blinding flash of light as its talon’s touched down.

      Adrenaline raced though her veins as Maya took a second to adjust to he surroundings. While in the form of the bird she had been reduced to its reasoning level. She could not act independently but had rely on the instincts of the form she inhabited. That made recovery disorienting at times. Regaining her composure still noticed the still form in front of her. She bent down running her hand against Tony’s face. Trembling she checked his carotid for a pulse. It was rapid but strong. “Tony?” she called softly. His eyelids fluttered open.

     “Maya? How did you--“ A spasm of pain wracked his body as he began coughing.

     “Don’t move. Your hurt.” She said placing her fingers over his lips to silence him. “I think you have some broken ribs.” Reaching into her pocket she pulled out the miniature survival kit she kept with her at all times. Breaking the seal on the bag, she removed the survival blanket and wrapped it around Tony’s prone form. It would insulate him against the night chill. Then she took out a preloaded one-dose syringe of painkiller and injected its contents into his muscle at the shoulder. “There, that should make you feel better.” She considered the remaining items: the miniature emergency beacon, waterproof matches, watch pouch and a ration bar. The beacon was useless here, it would be dangerous to light a fire around all this dry vegetation and she didn’t think Tony should eat in his condition. She opened the water pouch and let a few drops fall into Tony’s mouth. She would have to make it last until Bill could pick them up in the morning.

     “Thanks” he said.

     “Better now?”

     “A little cold, but yeah.”

     This concerned Maya. Whether from the night air and his inactivity or shock it was not a good sign. She considered for a moment turning her self into a hairy warm-blooded creature to keep him warm but dismissed the idea. She wanted to be alert incase there were predators on this planet. Instead she lifted the blanket and crawled in next to Tony, spooning her body against his.

     “Definitely better.” He said as she put her arms around him.

     “You need body heat.” She said simply.

     They lay in silence for many minutes. Finally, Maya decided that the painkiller had taken effect and he was sleeping. Afraid that she might get too comfortable and let her guard down she propped her head up on one elbow so she could watch their perimeter. They had their back to the rock so it was reasonable secure.

      “I’m sorry I was such an ass back on the Eagle.” He spoke so softly she had barely heard him.

When she didn’t say anything he went on. “I put you off like I always do when all you wanted was a simple answer. The truth is there is no simple answer.” He gasped as a wave of pain coursed through his body.

     “Tony, maybe you shouldn’t--“

     “Just listen. If I’m going to do this it has to be now.” He took a deep, but cautious breath. “Just out of college I enlisted in the Space Academy’s Eagle program. I had dreamed about being a space pilot since I was a young boy. Junior year I met a young woman and we fell madly in love. She was also in the Eagle program and we spent every waking moment together and eventually every sleeping moment. Unfortunately, at that time there was a strict no marriage policy while at the Academy and for two years after. At that time it seemed impossible. There was no was we could wait three years to get married.” His breath was coming in gasps and he took a moment to rest. “Giovanna came up with the idea that we should just was out of the Eagle and then find placement in career field that didn’t have such stringent policies. To make a long story short, I washed and she didn’t. A year later the policy was changed and she married another guy from our class right after graduation. Since then I’ve had a little trouble with relationships.”

      “I see.” Maya said, leaning forward to put her cheek next to Tony’s. “Who could blame you?”

She leaned in closer to him. She found the warmth of his body and this new revelation intoxicating. “Tony, I’ve never been in love. I can’t promise never to hurt you, but I can promise to be there for you if you want me.”

     Again, Tony was silent. He was glad he didn’t have to look her in the eye because he felt the unshed tears threatening his own. How could he tell her she meant everything to him, that he was glad that he had given up a dream for the wrong reasons only to find another? How life without her would be meaningless? Only one way. “Maya?”

     “Yes?” she leaned closer.

     “I love you.”