Heritage

Heritage (Chapter 33)

Chapter 33 - Elena

"Stella, do you have Leon's plasma cutter on you still?" I ask her.

We've been working since sun-up on the Molecular Particle Re-Animator, trying to get it back to its previous working order. It's been a slow process and it's now close to four in the afternoon, none of us have eaten and tempers are running high. Especially Leon's.

All of us, Stella in particular, have been worried about Leon ever since we started our journey through the Rayalis jungle. His temper will flare at random moments, his eyes flashing with anger and his words biting at all of us. I can't be positive, but I swear the unusual and unique red streak that's been in his hair since birth, has been shining brighter lately. Maybe it's just the bright, sweltering sun here on this foreign planet.

"Yeah, I had to stuff it in my bra when we escaped, but I managed to save it," Stella replies, handing it to me with a smirk.

"That's why women are more useful than men. We have more hiding places," I reply, chuckling with her.

"You know, dear sister-in-law, that could be construed in an awful way if you don t specify. And I'll have you know that men are just as useful as women!" Damien replies indignantly.

Stella and I can't help but bursting into laughter as Damien sticks his tongue playfully out at us, gathering up his tool kit and going to the opposite side of the ship to continue his work.

Ethan and Leon are currently helping Damien with the engine of the ship, while Anika stands idly by the fire, occasionally mumbling this or that, usually something pertaining to Dante or the device. She has random moments of coherent speech, talking to us as if it were just yesterday.

"Well, you were right, Damien. The entire ass end of the ship is the device itself," Ethan says from a few yards away.

"I told you, bro," Damien replies with a smug smirk.

"Well, since me, Ma and Stella are the best with the tech stuff, why don't we keep working on the device, and you and Dad can try to get this tub working?" Leon suggests, during one of his peaceful spells.

"What do you ladies think, does that sound good to you? Damien and I are pretty good with auto mechanics," Ethan replies, nudging Damien's arm in a brotherly way.

"Yeah, remember that Harley I bought when I was a Junior in high school?" Damien says with a chuckle.

"Oh geez, that giant heap of shit! It was nothing but rust and twisted steel, but we got her running like a dream, didn't we?" Ethan replies fondly.

"You had a Harley, Uncle Damien? I didn't know that! That's pretty cool..." Leon states, smirking.

"You bet your ass I did, I'll show you a photo when we get back to Earth sometime. It was my pride and joy. Would've never got it running if your Dad hadn't helped me. Got me a lot of chicks too," Damien replies, winking in his usual suave demeanor.

"Speaking of women, Damien," I say, emerging from inside of the ship, carrying the main control panel, How is Tanya these days?

"She was a little broken up when I left, but she understands. She's never tried to keep me from my passion, which is why I love her so much. Still as beautiful as ever, too," Damien responds, smiling fondly.

"Who's Tanya?" Stella inquires, helping me unscrew the faceplate on the control panel.

"Uncle Damien's wife, my aunt," Leon answers.

"Dante and I were going to be married..." Anika whispers, tossing a small stick onto the still roaring fire.

"What!?" Ethan, Damien and I exclaim in unison, causing everyone to jump slightly.