Why did it have to be lizards?

 

Fantastic Mars
7. Lizards of Mars

by Erin Halfelven

Chapter 11 Sophia's POV

I woke up still wrapped in Gem's arms. She was snoring mildly, so I knew she was still fast asleep. I felt a little embarrassed about my middle of the night freak out. My male pride had taken another blow. Considering the circumstances, that was not necessarily a bad thing and there was something nice in not having to be the strong one.

Craig glances wistfully out at the pool in the backyard of his Aunt’s place. He had agreed to come over and help clean out her garage. In exchange, she was going to pay him for completing the job. He was trying to make enough money to buy a new computer. So, far he has half of what he needed. If he managed to finish cleaning the garage, he will have three-quarters of what he needed.

Chapter 10

We drove to a hotel near the airport and Gem arranged a room. Since she had not pre-booked we ended up in a room with a double bed to share. I didn't mind that, and considering my recent state of mind, it was probably a good thing. Gem apologised though and explained that she normally plans way in advance, but this time she had literally driven to the airport with a few clothes and worked it out from there. I asked if I could call Jen on the hotel phone and she agreed.

On the way to the mall, Becky and I explained our essay requirements to my Mom. “Maybe I can help you with it.” she said.

My mother and Becky dropped me off at the men's wear department, and took off on an adventure of their own. As mom explained it, “I’m going to borrow Becky as my daughter for the day to shop with.” For some reason both Mom and Becky began giggling madly.

“This one’s for table six,” my colleague Saffron says to me as she places two hot cups of coffee on my tray. I take the opportunity to stealthily straighten my tight miniskirt before grabbing my tray and taking it over to the young couple at the corner table.

“Ah, thank you!” The young man says with genuine gratitude as I hand him and his girlfriend their drinks. “Can we also order a plate of chips to share, please?”

“Sure!” I enthuse. “What flavour would you like?”

“Let’s try the chilli and cheese,” the young woman says with a devilish grin.

HUGS!
Shauna

Flight Lieutenant Second Class Jason Cole is the fifth generation in a long line of military family members and the third of the current generation. Unlike his older brother and sister Jason cannot be fitted with a bio-A.I. This one fact will led him on the greatest adventure of his young life.

The twenty men kept a close watch on the forest as the others gathered their thirteen dead and dying. Staying together while hugging the tree line with four man shield walls protecting the front and rear
of their column. Two men carried each of the fallen as the remaining twenty one men formed an armed line beside those carrying the casualties.

The men on the beach maneuvered their shield wall to meet the warriors cautiously advancing toward them along the beach. After merging the group moved to place their dead beside the first dead. They were about to begin moving to gather the scattered dead sprawled about the encampment when they heard the approaching noise of the men returning down the canyon. In a few minutes those men emerged from the trees carrying their casualties.

I was named Aethelthryth Rachelle Rider. I was told Aethelthryth meant noble, strength, all knowing and understanding. Rachelle meant loyal, caring, prefers to fight her own battles but will always aid others in need. So I stuck with Audrey when anyone asked me my name. I knew my parents loved me and meant well but they really were kinda weird at times. When I was born it had to be a blue moon or the dark of the moon or something for them to drop that moniker on me.

Walking back home from Aurora's Halloween party, Underdog and the cosmonaut were far from the strangest thing on the streets this warm Halloween weekend night. It seemed all the frustrated creativity in West Hollywood came out that night.

“Ruble for your thought” I said in my lame attempt at a 'Natasha' accent.
He chuckled quietly. “I was just thinking about that guy at the party. The one who gave me his card. I told him I don't do musical impressions.... well, not singers.... sure, I can play like anyone from Hendrix to Alvino Rey, but.... voices? ….man, that's something else.... still he seems to think we could do something together. ….I have no idea what.....”

“One way to find out.” I said quietly. “Call the guy Monday.” Colin nodded but remained lost in thought. “...but if he wants you to come in the underdog costume... hang up!”

That worked. Colin let out one loud laugh. And the grin returned to his face as he came back to the present.

Colin and I were inseparable through the holiday season.

Chapter 8