The Summit Beyond Our Galaxy - An Apple Loving Individual space opera

Chapter 7 - An Undeniable Sensation

Chapter 7 – An Undeniable Sensation

Thursday, May 9, 2176
11:52 PM (Houston local time)
Cross Resort, Phobos

That night, Jerry laid in bed in his hotel room and was unable to sleep. After spending the day with Alyssa, he realized perhaps Christopher, whom Alyssa mentioned also must have been abusive towards her. That may have been the reason he saw her trembling. It only bothered him, because he was slowly developing feelings for her. He then got up to get himself some water to drink. Priya then emerged from the holo-phone and looked at Jerry, as he sat at the small table in the room. "You alright, Jerry?" said Priya. Jerry looked at her. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just a little preoccupied." Jerry said. "Now, although this really isn't my business, but now that I know about Alyssa's past, I fear that I may as well just hold off from telling her that I like her." Priya then smiled. "Wow! You've only met her today, didn't you?" said Priya. "You don't know her that well." "And I don't think I should bother her!" said Jerry. "I think we should just stay as friends." Priya looked at Jerry and then calmly sighed (at least virtually), then she patted his shoulder (not that Jerry felt anything more than a vibration). "You know, first thing I would have done if I was a male human and in the same situation as you, I'd try to build that level of trust in her between you two!" said Priya. "I agree, but it's best at the moment not to ask her immediately how her ex was to her." Jerry said.

Then all of a sudden, the holo-phone began to vibrate. "It's a text from Alyssa Eisenberg." Priya said. Then Jerry was suddenly struck in awe. "I'd like to see the message!" he said, calmly while excited inside. "As you wish!" said Priya. The holo-phone then began to float in midair a it projected a holo-keyboard and screen.

Alyssa: Hey, Jerry! I wanted to thank you for today! 😊 It's been a while since a man ever had been a friend. Thx!

Jerry: No problem, Alyssa! 😎🤩😀😃 I also had an amazing time with you! Thank you, too!

Alyssa: If you're alright with this, 😃 I'd like to chill with you more during the remainder of your stay here! WDYT?

Jerry: 😎😃 I don't see why not! 😊 OFC! LMK whenever you're free.

Alyssa: Awesome, 😃 I've taken time off, so starting this Wednesday, we can chill more! L8R!

Jerry: Aite, see you then! 😃 Night!

Alyssa: Night! 😃

Jerry then put his holo-phone away and then smiled. "At least, it's showing she's interested in you being her friend!" said Priya. "Yeah, I agree! And let's just stay as friends!" said Jerry. Jerry then suddenly felt sleepy and decided to call it a night. He then fell asleep, as Priya turned off the lights. In a way, Jerry knew things are going to fall in place eventually, should everything happen properly.

Meanwhile, back at Kanzen City...

Tango Galnac reported back to the USAMSSO special headquarters, located in Kanzen City, as per Gen. Durand's orders. Each and every member logged their presence at the specified conference room, where the general mentioned the meeting will take place. After sitting down at their respective seats, the general walked in. "Listen up closely, all of you!" said Durand. "Now, many of you are unaware, but lately space pirates have ambushed one of the branches of our security storage warehouses on Korolev Crater, just about forty miles away from our location, near the northwestern border of the crater's cliff!" Larkin felt alarmed, so did her crew. "Regardless of the security measures and robots guarding the facility, the goons took off with millions worth of illegal weapons and ore!" explained the general. "We made contact to all other tangos on Mars, as well as those in other areas of the star system. But, they're after something or someone, and we have absolutely no leads on their goal nor their intention!" Everyone listened carefully to what Durand had to say.

After he was done, Larkin put her hand up. "Sir, you've explained to us what's going on. However, after you finished briefing us on the situation, you didn't give us any orders!" said Larkin. "Didn't you call us here, so we can be given a new assignment? All we've ever done for the last few months is patrolling the Kanzen City dome! We also want in on the action!" The general then stared at her and smiled. "It's good to know that you want to be a part of this fight." He said. "However, this is going to involve some more experienced veterans who can handle dangers beyond your level!" He then patted Larkin on the shoulder. "You should just stick to your job for now, until we need you back in action, which will be soon enough!" Larkin and her team then stared at the general in anger. "Then we were summoned by you, for no reason. Right?" said Larkin, gritting her teeth. "Negative! I called you here for a reason!" said Durand. "As you know, these veterans while very experienced are beginning to lose it. They've been in the military for longer years than you have. They're starting to get old and outdated! Your job will be to ease their mission, by serving as their escorts! In layman terms, you'll be watching their six!"

Then the general looked at them one more time. "Your orders are to travel to that warehouse, escort the men and secure a perimeter around the warehouse as you investigate the crime scene! If the intel we gathered is correct, you should be able to trace the origin of the space pirates!" said Durand. "You've been given your orders and you start now, effective immediately! Now move out, ASAP!" After the meeting was over, Larkin ordered the rest of her team, to head back to the truck. "Listen up!" she said, as she turned off her holo-radio and signaled her teammates to do the same. "We're heading to our barracks now, to suit up and join the action! But listen to me very closely! Normally, I don't do this, but we deserve to also investigate and fight these space pirates who stole the content in that warehouse just as much as those old-timers do!"

Lance felt uneasy. "Boss, you know I'll always have your back, same as Luna and Rahul!" he said. "But, wouldn't we be going against the orders of our superiors?" Larkin then looked at Lance. "You really want to just be a goody two shoes and kiss their asses?" said Larkin. "Not to sound sissy, boss. But, unfortunately Lance has a valid point!" said Luna. "If we go against orders, we can be dishonorably discharged and never be able to rejoin for the remainder of our lives! I've been training years to join the USAMSSO, having served in the Marines before! I've always been a military fanatic! I don't wish to lose my role in serving my people!" Rahul kept quiet. "Anything you want to say, Rahul?" said Larkin. "Not at all, boss!" said Rahul. "At least this would be better than patrolling the dome 24-7! Count me in!" "That's the spirit!" said Larkin. "Don't worry! When Durand sees us successfully accomplishing our mission, he'll give us more field work than patrol work! Hoo-ah?" "Hoo-ah!" said Rahul. "Hoo-ah!" said Lance. "Hoo-ah!" said Luna. They arrived at their barracks and began to prepare for their mission.