"Quantum physics, Mr. Corvin. That's what I want to know more about."
Erik scratched the back of his head and offered a reply with an embarrassed smile "An engaging subject, for sure." He was starting to second-guess his decision, considering the kid had just chosen a topic meant for faculty-level or above researchers... Still, a deal's a deal, so he brushed of any wary thoughts and brought forward his hand for a handshake with Ben.
After the boys were off and about again, Erik turned to Doreen only to notice her proud face. "Thank you for that. You have just made him very happy and his mother very proud."
He smiled back. "You're welcome. I doubt there's any harm in it anyway. I'm just hoping he won't be disappointed in himself when he won't understand all the details about quantum physics." Since he was done eating, Erik leaned back in his chair and sipped some wine. While still holding the glass, he added "We're probably getting close to Karabar..."
"Karabar," she thought out loud but then said to Erik, "So far, everything I've seen has been better than the last." She was smiling and took in some of the clean, warm, tropical air with a big, deep breath.
There was some silence as she stared out over the waters of Yuma, often turning to Erik. She still found it attractive that he meshed so well with Benjen. The more time she spent with him, the more that feeling set in. She just didn't dare say anything yet. She didn't know if it was too soon to feel that way. After all, it was the first time she had.
Benjen, meanwhile, found his head in the clouds. Science with someone like Dr. Corvin in one of his labs. He too found himself drawing closer to him but for different reasons. No one had taken to, or been able to take to his kind of science. Medicine wasn't his thing as the sight of blood made him feel creepy although he could tolerate it's sight. With Peter, Dr. Corvin and his Mom, he had a lot going for him.
Karabar - the largest landmass on Yuma, basically the one and only continent present. As the ship continued to glide over a river, forward into Karabar's emerald forests and just above their reach... one could see the very plants moving, pulsing with life. It wasn't uncharted land and the ferry's captain was surely proving this by knowing the right route to take for the best views. Still, it definitely looked still untouched by human hands. On occasion, between the leaves, small feline-like creatures would be visible - jumping from one branch to another. Birds, on the other hand, were fortunately quite rare on Karabar, as well as on most of Yuma, most likely due to the hostile flora which makes nesting near impossible for birds.
Erik was leaning forward on a railing, while taking in the view from the glass-wall deck. Peter tried to match his father's position and gazed with amazement at the vista in front of him, but unlike his father, he had no intention of doing so quietly. "Whoooa... Yuma SuLe is beautiful, isn't it, Ben? Doctor Naggar?"
It was beautiful. She remembered pictures of Gaia that were once shown to her. They were beautiful but to see Karabar so close and in person, she was mesmerized. If there wasn't a window before them, she would have probably crawled her way out. She had a huge smile pasted on her face. It was one of love.....love of what she was seeing and of what she was doing. She looked back at Erik several times. At one point, she just pointed out and stated, "If this is the main continent that you are trying to settle, remember, it'll need a good hospital on it. I will be ssssooo here."
Leaning forward, she continued to take in the view.
"Look, Mom!" Ben pointed as the creatures jumped.
"They're beautiful," she answered. Together, they leaned and looked out.
"Whoooa... Yuma SuLe is beautiful, isn't it, Ben? Doctor Naggar?"
She turned to Peter smiling. She was leaning on the rail between him and Ben. As she spoke to Peter, she put an arm over both of them and answered, "Yes, Peter, it is beautiful." She took a deep breath and when she released it, she repeated, "So beautiful."
Ben felt the same way but his mind clicked as he watched. He had heard of the flora problems that made habitation difficult. He pointed and said aloud, "Botany! I know I said quantum physics but botany would better serve the people."
His mother answered him kiddingly, "Son, you just want to live there."
He answered his mother more seriously, "Mom, so do you and you know it."
She just continued to lean over and look as the many life forms before them went about their business. She was lost in the moment.
Erik silently appreciated Doreen's reactions and comments. It reminded him of the initial reactions many other Crayterians had when they first came to Yuma. It was rather natural, actually... The planet had a charisma of its own and Karabar was no less a jewel to prove it.
Once Ben had a change of heart regarding his desired field of study, Erik felt a bit of relief... botany was definitely an easier topic and the botanical engineering laboratory on New Astarte was far more welcoming than the one that studied jump drive technology. And Ben's reasoning to serve the people was also commendable. Moreover, the boy's quirky exchange of accusations with Doreen prompted Erik to laugh for a moment. He smiled at the both of them and added "Now... no need to argue about it. There will be plenty of room for everyone."
Another two hours passed by as the ferry toured Karabar's aerial space. Plenty of chatter, giggles and jokes were shared, along with various beverages for everyone. Now, with the ferry commencing its landing procedures on New Thessalonica, the exotic trip was close to its end.
It was Benjen's day and knowing that the trip was nearing an end, Doreen got everyone together.
"We can't have a birthday without a cake," she announced as she brought out a birthday cake. It was his favorite of double chocolate or as she described, "death by chocolate." On the cake were 10 candles which she lit. The cake in all of it's glory was sitting in front of Ben who had a huge smile on his face.
While every birthday was a great day to a child, this one was special. It used to be just him and Mom. Now, he had his good buddy, Peter, to celebrate with and his other new friend, Dr. Corvin. As "Happy Birthday" was sung to him, he just kept a huge smile and looked around at all that were there. It was a first and he was probably the happiest kid in Sirius. Once the singing stopped, his Mom piped up, "OK, Ben, make a wish."
"Make a wish," he thought to himself. In the past he wished for something so simple as to not be teased anymore but now, he wasn't. Besides, this day was better than most so he thought of something that he really wanted. He looked around, first at Peter, then his mother and finally Erik. He looked at them all again before saying, "I know.." He then blew out the candles in one big breath to the cheering of those around him.
The cake was served with a scoop of ice cream. From his mother he received a gift to which he was very excited about although the tour was probably as good a gift as he could receive. Yes, the tour was ending. As they were getting ready to leave, he was asked what he wished for to which he answered, "If I told you what I wished for, it wouldn't come true."
New Thessalonica Space-port, Planet Yuma, Coronado
8 Sept. 824 A.S.
Peter nagged Benjen for a few more minutes, asking what he wished for... but since his insistence was met with refusal, he gave up quickly and changed the subject. After everyone was out of the ship, Erik glanced around at Doreen and the kids, smiling. It had been a wonderful day for all of them.
Twilight was starting for the city of New Thessalonica and under this fiery shade of light, Doreen's hair seemed to be ablaze for Erik. For a second, he just stared. After his gray-blue eyes unstuck, he commented "This was... lovely." He allowed his words to be carried by the breeze for a moment, before continuing "I can only thank you both... " - he was looking at Doreen and Ben - "for the chance to spend this important day with you. And I'm sure Peter agrees." His son quickly nodded in agreement, still excited.
He was thinking of today, and of the days to come... With his "deal" with Ben, he now had to arrange some sort of private internship day, and while no emergencies came up, tomorrow would be just another day of work. His gaze wandered around the space-port with a faded smirk. War was raging just a few systems away and yet throughout this day the thought didn't even cross his mind. This realisation stung a bit, as he asked himself how would Cynthia have felt... Her life was dedicated to the nation's struggle in arms... and it was also ended by it.
The space port wasn't far from Doreen's home and kindly, Erik and Peter decided to escort Doreen and Ben home. Besides, it gave everyone a few more minutes to enjoy each other's company.
Ben was still riding an emotional high. Never had he received such a birthday and it was one he wouldn't soon forget. Doreen felt much the same way but with the added benefit of having had the chance to get to know Erik on a personal level. She noticed the faded smirk but at the spaceport, paid no mind to it.
At the door to her residence, the two boys went inside for a moment. While they were, she gave a light smile.
"Thank you, Erik, for everything," she said with kind sincerity. "You gave my son the best birthday he's ever had."
Then her smile went into a look of concern......concern for Erik. "Erik, back at the space port, you looked......troubled."
She wanted to take his hands in hers but didn't although her own twitched out of instinct. She was looking into his eyes.
Naggar Residence, New Thessalonica, Planet Yuma, Coronado
evening of 8 Sept. 824 A.S.
Peter and Ben joyfully ran into Ben's corner of toys, for a few more minutes of playtime before they'd part ways again. Erik remained just outside the apartment door, leaning on the door's frame and smiling softly. He was content this day was over. It's the reality of finality that gives meaning to the beautiful things in life.
"Erik, back at the space port, you looked......troubled."
Her comment was a bit confusing. Erik didn't think she noticed, nor had he expected her to say anything in case she would notice. He maintained the same kind smile, but turned his eyes to hers and remained silent for a moment.
"I was lost in thought... Somehow, with all this war surrounding us... we still manage to find moments of peace, of simple bliss. I wonder though, do we deserve to...?" - his eyes drifted aside, gazing down the empty hallway. He somehow wanted to say more. It felt like he could say anything right now and it wouldn't be met with judgement, but he was still uncertain. He wasn't sure how Doreen would react if he mentioned his wife, nor did he think it would be fair to bother her with his own past.
A light smile of caring concern raised the corners of her lips just a little.
"It's OK, Erik," she said in a caring soft tone that was barely audible. Still with the light smile and soft tone she added, "I'm a doctor. I know when someone isn't right."
She knew what he might be withholding but she also knew that when he was ready to release it, he would. In her mind, none of it was his fault whereas her own past was of her own doing. It was something only known to one person but she knew that eventually others would know.
The Coronado sun was on it's last stages of setting. It was beautiful and the ocean breeze helped. It along with Erik and the day were making things so perfect.