Defying Mars (The Saving Mars Series) - By Cidney Swanson Page 0,35

to her house, no longer the home for which she longed. “So, how’s your new super-algae doing?” she asked.

“Hmmph,” grunted the mechanic.

The two walked in silence, and Jess realized she felt more comfortable at the gruff old man’s side than she’d felt anywhere these past two days.

“Hey, kid? What would you say about tellin’ your ma about my algae?” asked Crusty.

“Tell her yourself is what I’d say.”

“Yeah, well, we had a difference of opinion a few years back. Before you was born. I don’t know as she’d welcome a visit from me.”

Jess grinned. “You and Mom argued? What about?”

Crusty tried to shove his gloved hands into pockets the walk-out suit wasn’t equipped with. Then he tried to scratch his hand along his new-shaven chin. The sound of his hand hitting his helmet made Jess laugh.

“There was this time your ma thought me and her’d be a good pair,” said Crusty, kicking a small rock in his path.

Jess paused to consider the implications. Crusty as her dad? Well, not exactly. She, Jessamyn, wouldn’t exist at all if the gruff mechanic had married her mom. “Huh,” was all she said.

“Kinda turned her down,” said Crusty. “I reckon we haven’t said more’n two words to each other the past eleven annums.”

Jess shook her head. “You and my mom have some catching up to do.”

Crusty responded using a word with which Jess was unfamiliar. The intention, however, was unambiguous.

“Come on,” said Jess. “Let’s get out of here.” She gazed longingly at a row of fast MCAB ships, sure everything would feel better if she could just get behind the controls. “Hey, do you have the authority to borrow a speeder?” she asked impulsively.

As he settled his helmet, Jess saw Crusty’s broad grin. “You bet, kid. What’d’you have in mind?”

“You’re coming home with me,” said Jessamyn. “After a little sunset chasing.”

But the perfect nightfall eluded Jessamyn and she caught only a dull yellow dusk, disappointing as stale rations. In silence, the two raiders flew back into the darkness and watched as stars and then the Terran satellites popped out visible against the black sky.

At length, she sighed heavily. “Oh, Crusty. If only Ethan had been able to complete his mission.”

“Well, he did the important part,” replied the mechanic.

But that was just it, Jessamyn thought; he hadn’t done the most important part. Terrans still controlled the satellites.

And this insight had been responsible for another set of fears. Mei Lo was trying to convince herself that someone else could complete Ethan’s task from home. But if there was one thing Jess knew, it was that her brother was always right when it came to computers and code. If he said it wasn’t possible to work on the satellites from Mars Colonial, then it wasn’t possible. End of discussion.

And yet, Mei Lo needed those satellites firmly under her control before she could present the reason for not engaging in trade relations with Earth.

It was impossible.

Looking at her navigation readings, Jess realized she’d crossed into the southern hemisphere and was going to be late for dinner. She pulled the ship back toward home, seeking out the soft glow of New Houston. She recalled with a smile Pavel’s shock upon hearing that Mars had cities.

Pavel. Jessamyn’s belly did a kind of flop inside her. She missed him. Wanted to talk to him right now.

But that was impossible. Pushing the wish aside, she pulled up before her home. A sprinkling of low lights burned in the main part of the house. Jess felt a twinge of guilt at the prospect of her parents waiting again for her arrival to begin evening rations.

She and Crusty made their way to the front airlock in silence. Once they’d slipped out of their walk-out suits, Crusty spoke.

“Can’t believe I let you talk me into this,” he said.

“It’s just my mom. She doesn’t bite,” Jess said. “Well, she won’t bite you, at least.”

Jessamyn’s father met the two as they stepped into the main dwelling.

“Raider Daschle Crustegard,” said Jess’s father. “It’s an unexpected honor to have you here.” Turning, he called, “Honey?”

Jess looked around for her mom.

“She might be sleeping,” said her father, apologetically. “Give me a moment.”

But her father, instead of heading down the hall to her parents’ sleep room, turned up the hall toward Ethan’s wing. Jess frowned. Had her mom taken to napping in Ethan’s room? That might explain some of the anger directed Jessamyn’s way the other morning. Or not. Jess wasn’t sure about anything at the moment, when it came to her