The Continuing Written Adventure

I can’t help but laugh, even as I feel my cheeks heating up. “Thank you.” I loop my arm through his.

 

“I’ll stay here with Dmitri in case he wakes up again,”

Alex states. “Have fun.”

 

“So … no more boring rations?” I ask as we walk down the hall.

 

Jack nods. “Yeah, they said they’d send us something good.”

He leans in and kisses my cheek.

“And after saving the world, you and Dmitri certainly deserve it.” 

 

“How’s he doing?” 

 

“He’s been in and out like you, sweetheart. But physically, he’s going to be fine.” 

 

I notice as we walk that all the doors to the rooms are open.

​

Oh, good. Don’t have to worry about being locked in somewhere again … hopefully.

 

My stomach turns a little. 

 

We come to a slightly larger room, and I gasp as I see several long tables and many

chairs set up. Linus is up on a ladder helping hang some Christmas lights

with other military personnel. 

 

Linus looks over and grins. “Miss! It’s good to see you up and about!” 

 

I wave a little. “Hey, Linus. What are you guys doing?” 

 

He blushes slightly. “Uh, this is part of operation … ‘make it not look like an alien ship’.” 

 

I can’t help but smile. “That the official name?” 

 

“Something something ‘harm reduction’ blah blah blah?” Jim ventures. 

 

Brian pulls out a chair at one of the tables for me. “Is it too much?” 

 

I shake my head as I sit down. “No … It sounds silly, but … it does help.” 

 

At the other end of the room, Emerson is puttering around in what definitely looks like a kitchen under construction. He’s assembling peanut butter and jelly sandwiches like he’s been doing it for years. Which, I suppose, he has. 

 

Jack and Brian sit down on either side of me, and Jim sits across from us. 

 

This feels awkward. Like none of us knows exactly what comes next. We barely know each other, and yet, we’re linked. 

 

Jim reaches his hand across the table, and I take it gratefully. 

 

Jack places his hand on top of mine. “We meant what we said, sweetheart. None of us are leaving until you can come with us.” 

 

Brian gently puts his hand on my outstretched wrist. “How much do you remember, darlin’? Are there … blank spots?”

 

I shake my head. “I mean … I know I passed out at one point. That must’ve been when we landed. But when I woke up … I remember everything until we fell asleep on the bridge.” I look at each of them with a small smirk. “And I definitely remember kissing you guys.”

 

A knife clatters to the floor as Emerson makes a sort of strangled noise. But he picks it up, cleans it, and says nothing. 

 

Jack smiles. “That’s good to hear, baby. But if you forgot, we’d be more than happy to remind you.”

 

I feel my cheeks flushing with heat even as Emerson coughs awkwardly. 

 

“We also don’t want you to worry right now,” Brian adds. “Whatever’s going on between us isn’t as important as your health.”

 

My grip on Jim’s hand tightens. 

 

“Lovely, we’re not going anywhere,” he says, holding my gaze. “We just don’t want you to stress about this. Understand?”

 

Jack finds my other hand and kisses it. “All we want you to worry about is feeling better, sweetheart. If you want us to back off, or not make any moves, or—”

 

“No!” I yell, causing all three of them to jump slightly and the background chatter to momentarily stop. 

 

I take a deep breath, closing my eyes and only focusing on where the four of us are touching. 

 

“I need you three right here. I need you with me. I want to move forward, not backward.” I blink back tears. “You three have been here through everything. I … I just need you.”

 

Brian wraps his free arm around my back. “You’ve got us, sugar. You’ve got us.” 

 

~~~

 

The radio I’ve been given crackles to life after I finish getting dressed. 

 

“Kiddo?”

 

I pick it up and press the talk button. “Hey, mom.”

 

She sighs audibly in relief. “I can’t tell you what it’s like to call and just have you answer. I’ll never take that for granted ever again.”

 

I blink back tears. “Yeah. Me either.”

 

“NASA, the CIA, and the Navy are working on getting you all personal devices. There’s obviously a lot of security concerns.”

 

“That’ll be nice. I just took a shower too. The speed at which all this gets done is impressive.”

 

“Hopefully that holds true when it comes to finding the answers to separating you from the ship.”

 

I swallow hard. “I feel like that might not be as fast. But we can hope.”

 

“I … I wish I could be there with you.”

 

“I know, mom. But this is the last place the President of the United States should be. Congress would have a conniption.”

 

She laughs. “Yeah. That’s true enough. Vera is picking up a lot of my duties while I’m still stuck in bed.”

 

“You know … the more you rest, the faster you’ll get better…”

 

She groans. “You know how hard it is for me to sit still. This is torture.” 

 

“Do we need to send Emerson back to keep an eye on you?”

 

She’s quiet for longer then I expect.

 

“Mom?”

 

“No. He needs to stay there with you. He promised me he would keep an eye on you. I know the other guys will, too, but they’re not parents. They don’t know what it’s like. And he’s not gonna take anyone’s shit either.”

 

“Okay, mom. I won’t joke about that. Just … promise me that you’ll rest?”

 

“I promise.”

 

“What are you having for dinner?”

 

“Oh, who knows. Probably some tasteless broth and Jello. That’ll drive me nuts all on its own. I’ve heard you guys are getting a special treat though.”

 

I smile. “Yeah … pizza fresh from New York City. Or … as fresh as it can be after being flown here.” 

 

“You enjoy that. I know it’s been a bit since you’ve had proper food too.”

 

“I will, mom.” 

 

“Call me anytime. Day. Night. Doesn’t matter.”

 

“Same for you. If you need to call just to hear my voice and make sure I’m still here, I don’t care if you wake me up.”

 

“I love you, kiddo. Have fun.”

 

“Love you, mom.” 

 

There’s a knock on the door. 

 

“Milashka? Are you ready for dinner?”

 

I smile and open the door. “Sure am, Dmitri.”

 

His curly hair drips a little. “Feels good to finally get clean, yes?”

 

“Absolutely. And have … well, somewhat decent clothes,” I say, vaguely gesturing to our charcoal sweats. My head jerks up as the unmistakable smell of pizza wafts down the hall. “We should go … or the guys might not leave us any.”

 

Dmitri smiles, and we follow our noses down the metal hallway. “It smells divine.” 

 

“Have you had New York pizza before? Ever been there?” 

 

He nods eagerly, sending his curls bouncing. “Yes! I did a semester there for school. It was wonderful! So, yes, I am looking forward to this.” 

 

I watch his face light up as we enter the dining room, glowing brightly with strands of multicolored Christmas lights. The long tables have been bedecked with red and white checkered table cloths and real candles. Pizzas with all different toppings just barely leave room for plates. 

 

“Zis is spectacular!” Dmitri exclaims. “Like … like scene from an Italian restaurant! Or the Godfather!” 

 

Jim, Jack, Brian, Alex, Emerson, and Linus are waiting for us along with what appear to be Coast Guard personnel and a few people from NASA. 

 

Alex pulls out a chair for me, and I’m a little relieved that all the people I know sit down at one long table together.

 

I know all these people are here to help, but it’s a little overwhelming. Especially with what we just went through. 

 

“I can’t believe you guys put all this together,” I tell Linus as I sit down. “It looks absolutely amazing.” 

 

Linus blushes a little. “It was our pleasure. And we know it’s important.” 

 

Jim sits on my left, and Jack sits on my right. Brian and Dmitri sit across from us. 

 

For a moment, none of the guys move, and I turn to look at them. “Uh, what are you waiting for? A dinner bell? Dig in!” I immediately grab the nearest slice of cheese pizza and bite in with a contented groan. 

 

This breaks the ice, and everyone else begins to eat eagerly. 

 

“Geez, guys, I’m not the queen or something. Don’t do shit like that,” I tell them, my mouth still full. 

 

That causes a few of them to laugh. 

 

“Sorry, darlin’. It’s not like all of us have ever sat down together to eat like this,” Brian replies. 

 

“Yeah, we’ve just ridden on exploding spaceships and traipsed through crumbling hospitals. You think I’m suddenly gonna be Miss Manners now?” 

 

“They’ll get used to it,” Emerson assures me. 

 

“Well, I mean, you and Dmitri did quite literally save the world. This is partly in your honor,” Jim says. 

 

Dmitri coughs a little, blushing brightly and muttering in Russian. 

 

“Alex … you done with the red pepper flakes? Or can you still see cheese?” Jack asks, holding out his hand. 

 

Alex grins unrepentantly and passes it to him. “Sure you can handle it?”

 

Jack shakes his head as he sprinkles it onto his slice of Hawaiian. “Just ‘cause I’m from the Midwest doesn’t mean I’m allergic to flavor.” 

 

“I dunno, Jack,” Brian teases, “I heard it could have salt AND pepper. That’s what you might call spicy.” 

 

Jack rolls his eyes. “Want any, sweetheart?” 

 

“No, but I will take the parmesan, please.” 

 

Brian slides it over to me from the other side of the table. 

 

“I’m just waiting for the Navy to bring in a few more appliances in the morning. Then the kitchen will be fully functional,” Emerson states. 

 

“Have you heard from Derek?” I ask Jack.

 

He nods. “Yeah. I checked in with him. Seems like he didn’t worsen his injuries in his heroic efforts. He’s just a bit miserable stuck in bed. Totally wants to be here, exploring the ship. He said to call him after dinner, but I have a feeling he’s gonna be passed out sleeping.” 

 

The time seems to pass quickly as more and more slices of pizza disappear. 

 

“Miss Carter? I’m so sorry to disturb your meal, but I just wanted to introduce myself.” I look up at the African-American woman in a NASA uniform. She adjusts her glasses. “My name is Dr. Wendy Welch, and I’ll be leading the team that’s studying how you and Mr. Sidorov are tied to the ship. Our first and only priority is understanding the technology and getting you out of here as quickly as we can. The rest of my team will be in here in the morning, and we’ll dig right in.” 

 

I hold out my hand to shake hers. “Thank you, Dr. Welch. Dmitri and I appreciate that.” 

 

She smiles. “Please, call me Wendy. Anyway, I’ll let you get back to your food. Enjoy.” 

 

As I turn back to the table I notice that Jim, Jack, and Brian are all sitting straighter than they were a moment before. We all have our own demons to deal with after all this. They’ve seen me go through hell, and they’re protective. I reach under the table to quickly squeeze Jim and Jack’s hands and nod at Brian. I’m okay. I’m safe. 

 

The three of them look at each other, seeming to notice their reaction and relax a bit. 

 

“Dmitri? You okay?” Alex asks. 

 

Dmitri pokes at his food. “Yes … I just … There’s a lot to take in. Like roller coaster. One moment, I think I will die alone and far from everyone I love. Next we are saved except … not quite. Safe … but not free.” 

 

Emerson picks up a pitcher of water and refills Dmitri’s cup. “Just take your time. I know we’re not therapists, but … we’re here, and we’re listening.” 

 

Dmitri forces a smile and goes back to nibbling. 

 

“Um, Emerson, did, uh, they manage to get that other New York specialty?” Linus asks. 

 

Emerson grins. “They sure did, kid. There’s a couple boxes over there on the counter. Bring them over?” 

 

Alex gets up to help him, distributing pastry boxes to both tables. 

 

“I figured if we’re getting New York pizza … then we may as well get New York cheesecake.” 

 

I gasp as he lifts the lid, revealing a perfect, creamy cheesecake. I squeak and throw my arms around him. “You’re a genius!” 

 

His face is bright red when I pull back. “Y-You’re welcome. And … it was a little selfish. Cheesecake is my favorite.” 

 

“You’re not about to hear any complaints from us,” Brian says, eagerly cutting slices. 

 

I sit back down and cover a yawn as a plate is slid towards me. 

 

“You tired, lovely?” Jim asks. 

 

I nod, leaning against his shoulder. “Yeah. I know I only did a couple things after sleeping for half a day, but … I’m exhausted.” 

 

He wraps an arm around me. “Too exhausted for dessert?” 

 

I smile up at him. “Never.” 

 

He smiles back, kissing my forehead. “Glad to hear it.” 

 

~~~ 

 

Dinner and dessert gradually wind down, with everyone heading off to bed. 

 

Jack rubs his eyes. “Sweetheart, we know you’re exhausted. You need to get some more sleep.” 

 

I fiddle with the tablecloth and don’t answer. 

 

Brian comes around to our side of the table and crouches next to my chair. “What is it, darlin’?” 

 

I don’t want to sleep. I don’t want the nightmares. I don’t want to be alone. I want to stay in this moment. 

 

Jim slowly reaches towards me and tenderly thumbs away the tears on my cheek. “Talk to us, gorgeous. Tell us what you need.” 

 

I can’t manage to talk past the lump in my throat. 

 

“Sweetheart … we did set something up for sleep. But there’s absolutely no pressure from any of us. It’s your choice on what you want to do. So … can we show you?” 

 

I look up at Jack and nod. 

 

He smiles in response, offering me a hand up. 

 

Brian takes my other hand as we walk down the now quiet and dimmer hallway. We make a few turns, and I start to wonder if I’ll ever learn the layout of the ship. 

 

Jim walks ahead and opens a door to a dimly lit room. “Remember … if this isn’t what you want, then we don’t have to do it. There’s no pressure.” 

 

I step in and see a room that’s been cleared out. But in the center seems to be a pile of the mattresses from the bunk beds with extra pillows and blankets. Softly glowing lanterns sit on the floor, gently illuminating the room. 

 

“You don’t have to sleep alone, sugar, if that’s what you’re afraid of. But if that’s what you’d prefer, or if you just want one of us–” 

 

I turn towards him, throwing my arms around his waist. “It’s perfect.” 

 

Brian has to steady me as my stress begins to melt away and my exhaustion wins out. 

 

Jack helps him lower me into the soft nest of blankets. “We got you, sweetheart. We’re right here.” 

 

“I’m – why’m I – why am I still crying?” 

 

Jim lies down with us and reaches out to rub my back. “Because you’ve been through so much. Your brain and your body are trying to make sense of everything. And you can’t when you’re so tired.” 

 

Jack tucks a blanket around me. “However you feel, whatever you need to release, we’re holding space for all of it.” 

 

“And you’ll stay?” I ask, my eyes finally unable to stay open. 

 

“All night long, darlin’. We won’t leave. Just rest now.” 

 

I feel them settling around me, and something inside me finally releases. I stop fighting the sleep I can feel pulling my under. I’m safe. They’ll keep me safe. And make sure I’m not alone. 

 

“That’s our girl.” 

 

I sleep dreamlessly.