Astrophysical (completed)

Chapter 8

Over the next few days, Cassie regained her strength while the ship made its way to their next destination. From what she gathered; this planet was meant for nothing but relaxation. There were supposed to be nothing but fun events, lakes to enjoy, shopping, and spas. Of course, there was a club scene too, and nightlife, but Cassie got the sense that wasn't where she was heading while she was here.

Most of the men had left the ship already, but she was still hanging about, knowing she wouldn't be going anywhere until the captain had finished seeing things off. She had packed just a small bag for the weeklong stay but had no idea what exactly she would be doing. Ash had been hush-hush about it ever since he asked her to stay with him. Part of it she guessed was him being nervous about it, which also made her nervous, but she was trying to not let that get to her.

She made her way slowly down the stairs towards the atrium and kept trying to picture when to tell him how she felt about him. She was resolved now that she was going to. Especially because she was sure now, he was doing this because he felt the same way, but every time she pictured herself doing it, she felt butterflies in her stomach.

The last couple guys were just outside the docking bay. Beckett was finishing up giving the last of the men translation patches. He saw Cassie and smiled as she walked over.

"How are you feeling?" he asked.

"Better. Much better," she replied as he once again placed the metal against her skin again. "I was surprised with how little my arm scarred. The technology you guys have is incredible."

"I'm just sorry I couldn't prevent it. But I'm glad you're impressed," he said as he pulled away from her. "Enjoy your week."

Cassie waved as he walked outside with the others. She then turned around and saw Ash still talking with one of the ship mechanics. She leaned back against one of the walls and waited quietly. The others were refuelling the ship and getting it set to be locked up for a full week. Unlike the first planet they docked on, no one would be guarding it, so it had to be locked up. Finally, the doors began to go up and she watched the mechanic nod to Ash before heading out of the bay as well.

Once they closed, Ash turned around, his hands now in his pockets. He had a small grin on his face as he walked over to her, picking up a small bag of his own and throwing it over his shoulder. He came and stood within a couple of feet and said, "Ready?"

"Of course," she replied with a smile. He held his hand out to her and she took it with a blush.

Ash squeezed gently and then began to walk out. He locked the door to the bay behind him and then began to lead her down the small streets towards the centre of town.

"What do you have planned anyway?" she asked falling in step with him.

"Hm," he said thoughtfully. He then looked over at her and smirked. "I guess you'll find out."

She opened her mouth in surprise at this. "You're not going to tell me?"

"Nope. How else can I surprise you?"

Cassie blushed deeply which caused him to squeeze her hand again. They finally hit the centre of town and when they entered it Cassie's attention turned to her surroundings. The buildings around them were all two or three stories each all painted white with some sort of bright trim around them like green and red. Many of the shops appeared on the bottom floors but judging from the laundry hanging on the balconies, she guessed people lived in the upper stories. Cassie also watched as all the people around them seemed to be shopping, eating, and walking merrily.

Outside one of the shops, she saw a little boy exit with his parents and she suddenly realized that this was also the first time she had seen any children on the planets they had visited.