Project Unity

Chapter 11

The cool, salty breeze coming off the ocean surrounded her as she stood at the edge of cliff. Below, in contrast to the deep sense of calmness she felt, harsh ocean waves beat against the rocks. Even as high as she was, a fine mist occasionally enveloped her. The glittery blue of the water was breathtaking.



And it was all an illusion.

Freya knew, deep in the back of her mind, that she couldn't really be standing on this cliff. She knew she didn't own a dress like the one she was wearing. She knew she hadn't stepped foot on the surface of a planet since she was twelve.

And yet she could feel the mist from ocean. She could feel the rocks under her bare feet. She could smell the salt in the area. She even shivered as a particularly cold blast of air brushed across her skin.

Freya frowned, wanting to rationalize what she was seeing and feeling with what she knew to be fact.

"Why so sad sweets?" he asked from behind her. His hand slipped into hers. Julian's voice, Julian's hand.



"This isn't real." Freya said.

"It's real somewhere; it real in here." he said placing a hand over her heart.

"Am I dreaming?" she asked.

"Probably." he said simply. "Why are you so sad Freya?"

"I'm not sad." Freya protested.

"Yes you are. I know you well enough to know when you're sad." Julian said with a familiar smirk on his face. "There's something...out there..." he motioned toward the horizon but she knew he meant outside this little dream world. "Something is making you sad, or frightened?"

"I'm fine. Just hold me?" she asked leaning into his arms. He wrapped them around her and together they watched as the sky turned pink and orange. She didn't see when he left, she never even felt his arms leave her but there she was, alone. The fear and sadness and anger and frustration beat against her much like the water below beat against the rocks.



"What were you thinking?!" a female voice broke through the haze of Freya's dream. It sounded miles away from her but Freya turned her attention toward the voice, trying to hear over the noise of the ocean.

Freya was sure someone else was with the woman, probably replied to her outburst but Freya couldn't hear the reply; she just knew he was there.



"You!" the female voice again. "Go get Meng, he's going to be pissed." Freya's dream faded into nothingness as she started to wake up. She stayed still and kept her eyes closed in case they were watching her. She heard the quick footsteps of whoever the woman had sent away.

There was silence between the two - Freya knew there were still two people in the room. Somewhere in the distance, she could hear the sound of running water but that made little sense. She opened her eye just enough to get a look around the room, keeping herself as still as she could on the cold metal. She recognized both of them instantly - from the broadcast by the Sons of Liberty. The male was looking smug and the female paced the room fuming. She shot occasional daggers at the man.

Freya closed her eyes. The woman had not been one of her captors but the smug male was probably the rougher of the two. Again, Freya heard the sound of liquid running, it echoed above the room followed by the occasional churn of machinery. She was trying to determine the significance when the loud clank of a metal door reverberated through the room. She kept herself still as the two - yes there were two - people entered the space.

She could feel people closing in on her and tried to feign sleep. A pair of warm fingers pressed against her neck - to ascertain she was alive. Before he could remove his fingers, the smug male piped up from the back of the room. "I didn't kill her - she's perfectly fine."

"You're an idiot Brian." a new voice replied; he was very close to her, probably belonged to the man with the fingers on her neck. It was familiar to Freya and surprisingly calm. He removed his fingers and the air cleared as the people surrounding her moved away. "You were supposed to escort her, not kidnap her!" Meng said; she was sure this was Meng - the leader, or spokesperson anyway, of the Sons of Liberty.

"She's here isn't she?" Brian replied, his voice still smug. They continued to argue and Freya decided it was as good a time as any to 'wake up'. Slowly sitting up, they didn't notice her at first but Brian saw her first. "And she's awake. Finally."



For the first time, Freya wondered just how long she'd been here. Had she missed her duty shift? Had anyone noticed she was gone? She only had a moment to consider these things as the trip from the broadcast surrounded her.

-----

"Julian!" Andy exclaimed. She was growing frustrated with his disinterest. "Are you hearing what I'm saying?"

"You found Freya's data pad and want me to give it to her, I get it Andy." Julian said rolling his eyes. "She hasn't been by all day but I'm sure she'll come by eventually." he voice was a mix of anger and sadness as he thought about Freya. Why hadn't she come by yet? He'd been ready to apologize for his behavior but then she didn't come...

"No!" Andy cried.

"You don't want me to give it to her?" Julian asked confused.

"Yes I do but that's not what I'm saying Julian!" Andy said, pinching the bridge of her nose with her fingers. "She's not in her quarters, she's not in the ward, she's not on the Deck, she's not here - I can't find her."



"Maybe she doesn't want to be found." Julian said.

Andy rolled her eyes. "This is Freya we're talking about, you and work are her life - when she's stressed about you she works, when she's stressed about work she comes to you and she isn't in either of those places."

"You're point?" he asked.

"She's missing!" Andy exclaimed.

-----

"I must apologize for the method in which you were brought to see us Doctor." Meng said, offering his hand to help Freya stand.

Brian scoffed behind him. "Well you didn't want her knowing one of our hideouts did you? She'd go back to tell the Captain or security...."

Meng held up a hand to silence Brian, to his credit Brian shut up. "You needn't have bothered." Freya said, "I know where I am." she said calmly. Brian looked suspicious; Meng looked surprised.

"Do tell." Meng offered.

Freya pointed toward the ceiling but didn't actually look up. "This is one of the old water filtration units - stopped being used about thirty years ago when newer systems were installed - directly above them. There were two, one was recycled into a cargo bay. This one, deck 2, section A - was not ever really used for anything else since then. I also remember ninety percent of the trip here in a blindfold, I imagine Brian there knocked me out with an injection once they were in an area that no one would see them carrying me unconscious."

Meng was impressed, that much was clear. "Very good Doctor - how did you know?"

"I have a good memory." Freya said by way of explanation.

Brian rolled his eyes. "She's just going to run back and tell them exactly where to find us Meng! We need to deal with her now!"

"I'm not in the business of killing." Meng said simply. "Although he raises an interesting point Doctor. Why tell us that you know so much?"

Brian stalked away from them before Freya could reply. She followed his movements for a moment before turning her attention back to Meng.



"I am tasked with getting your trust, I could have kept it a secret, returned to the Captain, told him everything and ended the problem - except it wouldn't have and you know that. There are four of you here - or there were, I'm not sure where the boy went. A raid from security would have escalated the problem; renewed violence would have broken out and a lot of people would have been hurt or died. All in order to free you, the leader of this group. I have no doubt that there are a small cells of the Sons all over the ship. Even you probably don't know all their identities." Freya said. "So now you know that I know. I have given up any value in the information. If you decide to trust me, you can stay here and continue to use it as a hide out; if not, you can leave long before I could ever reach the Captain."

Meng sat back in his chair, considering the doctor's observations. "You're very smart Doctor."

"Yes." Freya said simply. "So are you, you'll leave after whatever this is ends. You will erase all evidence of being here - just in case. You may want to trust me, but you don't - not yet. I don't blame you really. You have many lives to consider. So do I, which is why I didn't struggle or raise any sort of alarm when your men took me. The violence has to stop. That's why I'm here isn't it?"

"Yes." Meng said still in thought. "Hmm, you are....unexpected."

-----

Andy finally convinced Julian that Freya's absence was more than her just hiding herself for several hours. So together they faced Commander Bonwick. "She's missing Commander." Andy bit her tongue to keep her tone in check.



"Has she missed a duty shift?" Bonwick asked.

"Not that I'm aware of." Andy replied, Julian merely shrugged. Andy wanted to smack him for his apparent lack of concern about Freya's well-being.

"Then she's not missing." Bonwick replied.

"What?!" Andy asked startled. "She can't be found, and this is a spaceship - there's only so many places she could be!"

"We have protocol Lieutenant." Bonwick said. "If she misses a duty shift, the situation changes and it will be given the appropriate priority." she said with a sick smile.

"Meaning?" Julian spoke up for the first time.

"I'm sure you know Mr. Ice." Bonwick replied.

"You mean because she's 'only an embryotic' you won't look for her." Andy said, catching her drift.

"Of course we will, but there are other matters that may take precedence of course." Bonwick said. "Good day." she added and turned her attention away from them.

Julian turned from her in annoyance and almost rolled right over one of the nurses in doing so. "Commander Bonwick?" she said getting the security chief's attention. "Doctor Ryan didn't report for her duty shift..."



End Chapter

Project Unity

Chapter 12

The silence in the room felt thick as Freya and Meng observed each other. "You asked for this meeting, I believe now is when you speak." Freya said, breaking the silence. She focused her attention on Meng but couldn't help but notice Brian scowl or the surprised look on Lana's face.

"I agree with you." Meng said. "The violence has to end. The bombings weren't supposed to hurt anyone - merely make a statement."

"A show of force." Freya said. "And I imagine to show that you could circumvent security. Nothing more irritating to Commander Bonwick than not being able to catch a criminal - except perhaps not being able to catch an embryotic criminal."

Meng nodded to acknowledge her statements as truth. "That statement being made - we want peace as much as you do."

"What are your objectives?" Freya asked. "What do you hope to accomplish?"



"Freedom, equality..." Meng said before Freya cut him off.

"You're going to have to be more specific than that. The Council would argue that no real restrictions on movement are placed on embryotic or Quuvarii - though the security check points are more numerous in the lower decks - no one is stopped without due cause." she said.

"And you accept that?" Meng asked, for a fraction of a second doubt crossed over his face before being replaced with his typical calm.

"The Council is the only entity that can give you what you want - what I believe, what I accept is irrelevant. I'm merely telling you what arguments you will face if you gain an audience." Freya kept her face impassive.

"Then why are you even here!?" Brian rushed forward, slamming his hands hard into the table. His body was tense and his face was creased with anger.

Freya turned her gaze from Meng to Brian just as Meng stood to push Brian back. "I'm here Brian Garrett..." she paused a moment as all three looked at her in shock. "Because he requested me." she concluded motioning toward Meng. "Perhaps you should ask him."

"And perhaps you should tell me how you know who I am!" Brian shouted.



"Brian Garrett, parents George and Annabelle; both first generation embryotics. George Garrett was a respected member of the maintenance crew until last year when he died in an engineering accident. You have two siblings, both younger." Freya watched as the anger just about radiated from his body. "And you broke you leg two years ago. I've seen your medical record - before it, your parents' and your siblings' records all vanished from the system. I checked - after I saw you on the broadcast." Freya turned toward Meng, who still looked startled though she could tell he was trying to get his normally calm visage back. "How did you do that anyway?"

Brian pushed past Meng's outstretched arm and got in Freya's face. "It's not any of your business...Doctor! And if you tell anyone..."

Freya didn't flinch, even when their noses almost touched due to proximity. "Mr. Garrett, I don't care who you are; I don't care about who your family is. If I was of a mind to tell Commander Bonwick who they were, I would have already and they would all be sitting in the brig right now in an effort to lure you out of hiding."

"Brian! Back off." Meng said physically pulling him away from Freya. "Take a walk." he said shoving him toward the door. He turned his attention back to Freya. "You're full of surprises Doctor; if I were you, I wouldn't provoke Brian."

"He's a liability. He doesn't see things the same way you do." Freya said, still watching the doorway that Brian had left from.

"Do you? See things the way I do?" Meng asked.

"As I said, that's irrelevant. I have no sway with the Council, so I'm not the one you need to convince." Freya said.

"True - but let's consider it a mutual exchange of ideas. Humor me." he said with just the barest hint of a smirk.

"I can appreciate your cause; the prejudice, segregation and discrimination on this ship is abhorrent. Your methods - even as a statement - will not win you favor though. In fact, you have damage control you need to do." Freya said. "As it stands, you are feared by those that should support you and you are merely an annoying itch to those you wish to reach."

-----



"There you go! She's missed a duty shift! NOW will you look for her?" Andy pushed, smiling appreciatively at the confused nurse.

"As I said; it will get the appropriate attention it deserves." Bonwick said.

"It?! SHE; Commander...SHE is a person!" Julian snarled. If he could have risen, he would have stood and towered over her; as it was, he couldn't and he hated himself for it.

"If you are unsatisfied with method in which we give priority, you can take it up with the Captain or the Council." Bonwick said with a sick, twisted smile.

"Believe me, I will!" Andy said before storming out of the office, followed closely by Julian and the nurse. Nurse White left them and Andy turned toward Julian. "Do you think your Aunt would help at all? Ya know, put some pressure on Bonwick?"

Julian looked at her surprised. "My Aunt doesn't like that I'm dating Freya, I don't think she would go out of her way..."

"Would she do it for you? She's a Council member! If I can get to Captain Hunt and you can get your Aunt - maybe Bonwick will actually DO something instead of just sit there looking pleased."

"I'll talk to her." Julian looked dismayed at the prospect of talking to his Aunt about Freya.



"Fine, then I'll go find Captain Hunt - he seems to like Freya, maybe he can fire a torpedo under Bonwick." Andy said; before Julian could reply, she hurried away from him, in search of Captain Hunt, leaving Julian to track down his Aunt.

-----

They'd been talking for well over an hour and Freya could feel it and the sleep on the cold metal bench in her body. She shifted in the chair only as much as she had to. Brian had returned and appeared to have calmed down but Freya didn't want to give any of them a sign of weakness.

"Why don't we take a break?" Meng said just about the time Freya was going to have to come up with an excuse to stand and walk around a bit. You can get cleaned up a bit if you like."

"Of course." Freya said. "I can go back to my quarters, check in with the Ward, I'm sure I've missed a shift by now." she saw Brian shift his weight awkwardly. "Be back in a hour?"

"You'll understand if I send someone with you to make sure you don't come knocking with a security team - an hour doesn't give us much time to relocate after all." Meng said. She knew that he hadn't planned on having her return to her quarters then but didn't seem to want to alarm her.

"Of course." Freya said. "I have no intention of doing such a thing but I can understand your concern" she said. "You, I'm sure, will understand if I ask for a different escort than before." she looked over at Brian, who she knew had been the rougher of the pair that had nabbed her before. "Perhaps the boy..." she said.

"Boy?" Meng looked questioningly at Lana, who whispered in his ear. "Ah yes. I don't see that as a problem." he nodded to Lana who disappeared through the door. They passed a few minutes in silence when Lana returned and nodded to Meng. "Your escort awaits Doctor." he motioned for the door.

Freya didn't look surprised when she saw Ash waiting for her on the other side of the door. They walked in silence through the bowels of the ship. There were quicker paths to her quarters but she imagined he'd be instructed to keep her out of sight so no one stopped them along the way to ask questions. When Ash stopped in front of a door, they weren't in front of her quarters. "Does he know you tried to release me that night?" Freya asked.

Ash's eyes were wide with shock. "How did you...?"



"Your voice." Freya responded. "These aren't my quarters Ash." she changed the subject to his evident relief.

"Your roommate may have seen you, asked questions about where you'd been." Ash said, pressing his hand to the door pad. A bright green glow emanated from the device as it scanned him and then the door slid open for them. "There's a shower, some clothes and I can get some food for you if you like."

Freya took in the surroundings as she considered her situation. She didn't think she was being held captive - not exactly anyway. Others would worry though. Had Andy or Julian noticed she was gone, had the Captain? Or had Meng informed him that she was safe? "Food would be appreciated." Freya said scooping up the set of clothes on the table and disappearing into the small bedroom with adjoining bathroom. She felt odd being out of her uniform during 'diplomatic talks'. Ash had a selection of fruits and a sandwich waiting for her when she emerged. As hungry as she should have been, she merely pecked at the food before indicating to Ash that she was ready to leave. He took her back to their previous location but a completely different route; perhaps hoping to disorient her so she couldn't ever find those small, hidden quarters again.

-----

Once they were seated across from each other, the silence from earlier resumed. Each side was watching the other, waiting for the other to say or do something. Meng was expecting some comment about not being returned to her quarters while Freya wasn't entirely sure what to expect. "You know what I think?" she said finally.

"What do you think Doctor?" Meng asked, prepared to defend his decision. The others seemed to tense and closed in behind their leader protectively.



"You would make an excellent tactician." Freya said.

Meng was startled. Again. He hated being surprised like this. "Why do you say that?" he asked to cover his surprise.

"You assess a situation, you do so quickly and reach a decision with what seems like very little thought but in fact, you are simply that good. That skill, with your presence means that few would question a decision you make." she said.

"My presence?" Meng inquired.

"Yes, your presence. You didn't set out to be a leader or even a revolutionary but you have a certain charisma that attracts people to you; as a leader, they follow you because of the way you are, the way you act. You are completely confident in every decision you make." Freya explained. Until then she seemed distracted, casual even as she assessed his general character. She focused her gaze on him and locked eyes with him. "Except one."

"Which one?" he said, not taking his eyes from her gaze.

"Me." Freya said, "Your tactical ability, while outstanding, is clouded by the general assumption that all embryotics must want what you want."

"You don't?" Meng asked.

"Actually I do." Freya said. Meng narrowed his eyes, and was about to question her further but Freya spoke first. "Why did you choose me?"

"Because you're one of us." he said without missing a beat.

"No, I'm not. I'm an embryotic - but I'm not one of you." she countered.

"They are one in the same. Or will be." Meng said confidently.

"No, they're not." Freya said, sounding disappointed. "I told you earlier that the only people you had to convince were the Council members; that's not true." she said. "You claim to represent all embryotics, all Quuvari but you haven't convinced them that your goals are their goals - you assumed that they would see your way immediately. And now innocent people who had never heard of the Sons of Liberty until your broadcast will be persecuted, implicated; they'll lose their jobs, their belongings, their families..."



"Which is why we need change!" Meng said loudly, angrily even - showing the first crack in the calm facade he displayed. Within a moment, he seemed perfectly calm again but his eyes were on fire.

Freya stood quickly and leaned in toward Meng; softly, just a whisper almost, "But you didn't ask them if they were willing to risk all that." She straightened up and looked from him to the others still in the room. "You will get people killed, good people will lose everything - what little they had - because of you. Is that what you hope to get from this?"

"To be fair Doctor, you don't know the strength of the Sons of Liberty." Lana piped up after a moment of heavy silence.



"You're right, I don't. But I know enough to know that as things stand, you will lose and a lot of good people will lose in the process. Bonwick is ready to begin a witch hunt and SHE has the support of the Council. They will force you out by hurting the people you claim to represent; other embryotics and Quuvari will pay for your revolution. Bonwick and the Council will bank on the fact that you won't want to see your 'kind' persecuted." Freya shook her head. "Your 'statements'; the explosions, the injured people, have all made you the villains - like I said - you have damage control to do. In the mean time I suggest you stay quiet so emotions can calm down."

"You want us to give up." Lana sounded disgusted.

"No. I want you to play smart - consider the people you're dealing with. They are the law - they can rule by fear."

"The more they tighten their grip, the more people will slip through their fingers." Meng said; once again an image of confidence.

-----

"Captain!" Andy was exasperated. "She's missing, a member of your crew is missing - doesn't that concern you?"



"I have every confidence in Commander Bonwick's ability to find Doctor Ryan." Captain Hunt said simply. "I suggest that you not concern yourself with it any further and leave it in the hands of our security team."

"But Captain Hunt..." Andy was cut off when he turned his full, piercing gaze on her.

"Lieutenant, I understand she is a friend but this is not your concern or department. Dismissed." Hunt said sternly.

Andy furrowed her brow, still wanting to argue the point but nodded slowly. "Yes Captain." she said quietly and left the bridge to hunt for Julian. She hoped he'd had better luck. She found him in his quarters looking glum - of course he'd look glum a lot lately. "No luck either?"

"Aunt Theresa has absolute confidence in Commander Bonwick. When I told her I had to leave to meet you; she perked up - you are apparently a more suitable match for me than Freya..." Julian said looking disgusted. He looked up at Andy looked sheepish. "No offense."

"None taken." Andy said. "I can't believe the Captain brushed me off. I thought he liked her - he even asked her to meet with the Sons..."

she was thinking aloud mostly, but Julian's head shot up at the end. "What are you talking about?!"

Andy looked at him surprised. "She didn't tell you? Oh shit..."



End Chapter

School Days: Junior Year

Chapter 3: Perceptions

"What are you saying Gin?" Todd asked chuckling.

I sighed, trying to find the right words, "It's just....she's a freshman - do you really think she should be dating..." I trailed off as Todd's chuckle got louder. "What?!"



"They AREN'T dating," he said once he stopped laughing. "Besides, you dated him..." he stopped as a certain understanding flashed across his face. "Ohh, I see now!"

"What?" I asked frustrated with his joking attitude.

"Nothing." Todd said shaking his head. I could tell he was trying to contain another laugh.

"What?!" I practically shouted, gaining a few looks from other lingering students.

"You're jealous." Todd said bluntly, opening my locker for me.

"I am not!" I sputtered. "Really!" I argued when Todd looked unconvinced. "Erik can date....or flirt...with anyone he wants! Just as Meghan's brother I thought you might..."

"Stop her from having a life? Not my job." Todd said still laughing at me. "Rationalize it all you want but YOU are jealous that Erik is..." I saw Erik approaching and shook my head at Todd to cut him off.

"Did I hear my name?" Erik asked lightly. Todd bit his lip to stop from laughing again. I think I would have to hit him later.



"Hi Erik." I said and quickly turned my attention to my locker.

"What's with her?" Erik asked Todd; Todd, for his part couldn't contain his laughter but just shrugged in response to Erik's inquiry. "What's with you?" Erik asked looking confused.

"Ginny here was just asking about Meghan is all." Todd said finally. He grinned and look directly at Erik. "She couldn't stop talking about you on the way to school this morning."

Erik looked from Todd to me as I closed my locker. "Really?"

"Oh yes, seems you have a new fan." I said with a half-hearted smile.

"Jealous?" Erik teased.

"Not hardly." I replied as firmly as I could muster.

"Oh yes she is...." Todd said quietly, but not quietly enough. I turned back to my locker to hide the blush creeping up my cheeks as Todd and Erik laughed.

I was about to calculate an escape attempt when Timothy approached with a handful of colored fliers. "Good morning everyone."



"What's with the fliers?" I asked pointing toward them; ignoring Erik and Todd.

Timothy handed me one and I skimmed it as he spoke. "I'm running for Junior class vice president on the student council."

"Cool." I said. "Got my vote....wait, when do we vote?" I said thinking back - had I ever actively paid attention to student council elections?

"In a couple weeks, I'll be sure to let you know." Timothy said with a small chuckle.

"Is this pick on Ginny day or what?" I said but I couldn't help but laugh at myself this time. The bell rang, rescuing me from being the butt of any more jokes thankfully.

------

Todd caught up to me later as I walked into our English class. "Hey Ginny - I'm sorry about earlier. Shouldn't have been ragging you like that."

I waved it off. "It's okay, maybe I am...a itty bitty tiny bit jealous...but if you tell him that..."

Todd made the gesture to zip his lips and threw away the key. "My lips are sealed." We took our seats; while waiting for class to start, Veronica walked in and looked around. Her eyes locked on me and she made a bee-line in our direction. "What is she doing here?" Todd whispered.



"Hey Gin!" Veronica said with a huge, phony smile on her face.

"Veronica." I returned her greeting with all necessary wariness and suspicion. "What are you doing here?"

"I wanted to tell you...." she looked from me to Todd for a second before continuing. "Well both of you, that I'm running in the Student Council elections. For class vice prez...I hope I can count on your votes!"

"Why?" Todd blurted out before I could figure out how to respond. I snickered and looked away from Veronica quickly.

"Why what Todd?" Veronica asked icily, her phony smile and attitude slipping.

"Why would we vote for you?" Todd asked.

Veronica glared at him for a long moment before returning her attention to me. "So, Gin - can I count on you?"

"Doubtful V, I've never been able to count on you." I said and her phony smile dropped completely. Thankfully Mrs. Crammer came in and ushered her out of the classroom before she could reply.

------

Timothy approached our lunch table with an unfamiliar girl following behind him. "This is Nai'a." he said. "She just moved here and I'm showing her around today. Nai'a, this is Genevieve..."

"You can call me Ginny." I interrupted, smiling at the girl.

"And Erik, Todd and Meghan - she's Todd's sister." Timothy continued.

"Hi." Nai'a said waving. She joined us at the table and we peppered her with questions to get to know her. She wasn't shy at all and asked us about as many questions.

Toward the end of the lunch period, Todd interrupted the question and answer session; "Has V approached any one else about the elections?" he went on to explain the encounter in our English class but everyone else shook their heads. Timothy looked thoughtful; likely considering his new competition. "What could be her motive for even running?" Todd wondered aloud.

"Has she even been involved in Student Council before?" Erik asked and Timothy shook his head in muted reply. I looked over toward Veronica's table and saw her snickering with the same group of girls she'd been hanging out with since summer.

My thoughts were interrupted as Meghan came bounding up to the table, returning from throwing out her tray, "Aren't you all friends with that Veronica person?" she asked quickly. Too impatient to listen to our replies she hurried on. "Because if so, she is spreading some awful rumors about you Ginny! Something about a guy named Bart...or was it Mart? Whatever..." she waved it off as insignificant.



I felt like I'd been punched in the gut and had to fight the urge to scream, cry and/or throw up all at once. I felt Todd reach out for me, his hand grazed my shoulder as I stood up. "Ginny?" Todd asked as I moved away from the table. I looked over at Veronica's table and saw she was gone now, most of the girls were still there. "Ginny..." I could barely hear Todd.

"Who's Bart?" I heard Erik ask as I headed for the cafeteria doors. I briefly wondered what Todd and Timothy would say but pushed them out of my head. I saw her coming out of the old girls' locker room, at the end of the hall and headed straight for her.

"Hey Gin!" Veronica said with the same phony smile from earlier. "I hope you've reconsidered your vote!"

"I have, instead of being doubtful - I can assure you that I will never vote for you." I said. Once again the phony smile dropped and she looked at me with loathing. "You are a horrible person Veronica Meyers; you don't care about anyone, you walk all over people and expect them to still be your friend but you don't know the meaning of the word friend."



"Wha-" Veronica sputtered, caught off guard by the venomous tone.

"Shut up!" I said loudly, close to yelling. "You don't get to talk right now." To her credit, she stayed quiet. "You crossed the line Veronica - you've done it before I keep foolishly forgiving you thinking that somewhere in there is someone I used to know but I realize now that I've been lying to myself about that. You deserve your new friends, enjoy them until they turn around and stab you in the back the same way you've done to me and every other friend you've had. I'm done with you. I'm done with your crap. Don't ever talk to me again V."

"What the hell is your problem?" Veronica replied. "All hurt and wounded because of a few little rumors?" she mocked.

"The rumors don't bother me, I know the truth. The source bothers me; and the fact that it's a repeat performance - don't you think you should make up new lies now that we're older V?" I said rolling my eyes. I turned to walk away from her, willing myself to walk away and stay calm.

"How is Bart Gin?" Veronica persisted, undaunted.

I spun around and slapped her, hard, across the face. My hand stung as I pulled it away from her. "Bart's dead." I practically spit the words at her.



I could see the shock, horror and sadness flash across her face. "He's been dead for two years." I said. I was shaking as I turned from her this time; thankfully she kept her mouth shut. I was halfway down the hall when Erik came out of the cafeteria and met up with me.

He didn't say anything to me or prompt for any answers, he just put his arms around me in a friendly, familiar hug and I welcomed it. I don't know how long we stood there before I felt sensibility returning to me. "I hate her" I said into his shoulder.

"No you don't" he said simply.

I had to agree with him there, I didn't hate her exactly. "I want to hate her." I revised my statement and pulled away from him as tears stung my eyes. "It would be easier if I hated her I think."



"Maybe, or maybe not." Erik said with a small smile. "You okay?"

"I don't know. Thanks Erik, for the hug, for being there..." I said, slowly starting to feel a little awkward.

"I'll always be there for you Gin, you should know that." Erik said.

"I should probably but sometimes I forget that we are doing that friend thing." I said with a weak smile.

"Well, I'll have to remind you more often." He said, gracing me with a swoon worthy smile.



I gave Erik a hug and lingered a moment to take in the feel of his comforting arms around me. "You're a good friend." I whispered. Reluctantly we parted as the noise of footsteps and clattering of trays came pouring out of the cafeteria as lunch ended.

Todd and Timothy came over quickly, followed by Nai'a and Meghan. "You okay?" Timothy asked.

I smiled and took both their hands. "I think so." I smiled back at Erik, who now had a flirty, clingy Meghan attached to his side. I flinched away from the sight of the two, but when I looked back I could see that Erik trying to pull away from her somewhat. I returned my attention to Timothy. "Let's win this election." I said, feeling the urge to see Veronica defeated.

End Chapter

School Days: Junior Year

Chapter 2: Back to School

Do you ever lay awake in bed before a big day and simply can't fall asleep? Then it's 2AM and you stare at the clock thinking, 'If I go to sleep now, I'll get 5 hours of sleep...'. Then it's 4AM and you have to reconsider the math. By about 5AM it's easier to stay awake the last two hours than try to get that little bit of sleep. Of course by then you're so exhausted, you can't really help but fall asleep. And when you're alarm goes off two hours later, all you want to do is throw it across the room.

Yeah, that was me last night. Today is the first day of my Junior year of high school - this, in itself, should not be anything to keep me up all night but I have to face the 'Erik Situation' today - or at least Erik. If we don't have any classes together maybe it won't be so bad.

I looked at the alarm clock again and knew my borrowed time from pushing the snooze button was going to end soon. I reached over and turned off the alarm before it could yell at me for still being in bed. Slowly dragging myself from the bed, I tried to stifle a yawn and failed. "Ugh, it's gonna be a long day" I said sleepily. I retreated to the bathroom and washed my face, scrubbing harder than necessary to rub the sleep away. There were dark circles under my eyes and I grimaced. I rarely wore anymore makeup then a bit of lip gloss but I was not going to school looking like a raccoon. I dug under the sink for my seldom used makeup and managed to tone down the raccoon face.

"You look tired. Didn't you sleep well?" my dad asked over breakfast. I just shrugged and ate my cereal in silence. My dad didn't push and seemed to be lingering while I finished. As soon as I had put my bowl in the sink he spoke up. "Come on, I have something I want you to see." I barely had a chance to grab my backpack before he was dragging me out of the house, clearly excited.



Sitting in our driveway was a shiny, new car. "You bought a new car?" I asked looking toward the garage to see if his old car was still parked there. It was. I looked from his happy face to the car and back again. "Is this...?" the fog started to clear as everything clicked. "Is this for me?" I asked beaming.

"Yes!" my dad said pulling the keys from his pocket and holding them out to me.

I took them in awe and then gave my dad a huge hug. "Thank you Daddy! This is awesome!"

My dad chuckled. "Well you're a good kid, but you have to keep your grades up, no staying out past curfew and all that or the car will be the first to go."

"Right! Totally understand!"

"And I have it on good authority that Mrs. Anderson would be amiable to you driving Todd to school - if you were so inclined." my dad said with a wink just as I heard Todd's front door opening across the yards.

"Thanks Dad!" I said and check my watch. I jumped in the car and took in the new car smell with a huge smile. I was putting on my seat belt when I heard tapping on my window. I rolled it down and my dad held out a little blue and silver sticker. It was a parking pass for my school; I took it and quickly applied it to my window. "Thanks. I love you!" I said as I backed out of the drive way. Todd's house was only next door and I could have walked over to offer him a ride but I wanted to drive the short distance. I parked smoothly in Todd's driveway and saw him sitting on his front stoop, staring at the car.

"Nice." Todd said with appreciation.

"Want a ride?" I offered, getting out of the car and smiling.

"I would but I doubt my mom will let me." Todd said with an eye roll.

"She will." Mrs. Anderson said from behind him. She smiled at me. "Good morning Ginny."

"Really Mom?" Todd asked surprised.

"Yes, but don't think this means you're ungrounded, it's just an allowance." she said. She was sweet about it and I could tell she was starting to soften. Maybe he would be ungrounded soon.

"Thanks Mom!" Todd said sounding thrilled at the smallest allowance.

I heard the door open and close again and heard a girlish squeal. "Ginny! You got a car!?! That is sooooo cool!" Meghan Anderson, Todd's younger sister, said bounding down the stairs. She was dressed his reds and black, had on dark lipstick and seemed to be aiming for a goth/punk look; a stark contrast to her naturally blond hair and her perky attitude. "Can I have a ride to school? Pleeeeeeaaaaase?!" she stretched that single word into a whine that made me cringe.



Before I could reply, she'd jumped into the passenger seat and was buckling her seat belt. "Oh no you don't!" Todd said, marching around to the other side of the car. "IF Ginny agrees to give you a ride, YOU will be in the BACK!" he said sternly. Meghan immediately pouted and I knew the whine would be back in minutes.

"Yes you can have a ride." I said leaning to looking in the driver's side window. "BUT, Todd's right - in the back." I said pointing and trying to smile. "I offered Todd a ride first."

"Fine!" she said with a humph. She got out and moved to the backseat and grumbled the whole time. Once we were on our way, I glanced into the rear view mirror and saw that Meghan was back to being perky and grinning.

"Excited about your first day of high school?" I asked her. Next to me I heard Todd groan and then Meghan was off and rambling about all her high school plans. She could talk faster than anyone I'd ever met. I caught about every fourth word and eventually just tuned her out. It was just as well, she wasn't listening to us either. "When did she go goth?" I asked Todd quietly.

Todd shrugged. "Last night she was going to wear a pink sundress." he said. "I stopped paying attention after the fourth outfit at about 2AM." I laughed as I pulled the car into the student parking area. Meghan was off and running before I'd even turned off the car. "Bye....you're welcome for the ride....have a good day." I said to her back. She didn't hear me, nor had I expected her too. Todd chuckled next to me. "Fun, it's going to be so fun having your baby sister at our school." I said with an eye roll.

Todd and I were chatting about our respective summers as we passed through the school, got our schedules and went off to our lockers. We were so busy talking, I was oblivious to the changes around me. At least until we got to a hall that I know used to end with a solid wall. "What the...?" I interrupted Todd and looked around me.



"What's wrong Ginny?" Todd asked as Timothy smiled our way and waved. Veronica was also there but didn't wave or acknowledge us. I shook my head and looked around again trying to get my bearings. "Gin?" Todd asked again.

"Um...doors, there are doors....there should be a wall..." I said blinking. There were also new locker and new paint on the wall but that wasn't as disconcerting as doors to what should be nothingness.

"Yeah, didn't you know?" Todd asked.

"Know what?" I asked.

"Oh they've been working all summer, the construction crews. They added a new addition to the school. Includes and auto shop, new classrooms, new gym..." Todd explained.

I looked at him wide eyed. "Wow. I had no idea." I said. "So if I go through the doors I'm not gonna fall to the ground?" I teased.

Todd laughed. "Nope. Look, I better go find my locker. I'll see you in English later." he said holding up his schedule. We'd already compared and knew we had English and Science together this semester. I waved to him and started toward the doors. I realized that my new locker was in the new wing, as was my first period class.

"Hey Gin." I stopped in my tracks when I heard his voice. During my visit over the summer, we'd both been content to ignore what had happened in May, I doubted that would hold for long. Erik put his hand on the curve of my back sending small ripples through me. "Gin?" he said.

"Hey Erik." I finally mustered. I gave him a weak smile, the best I could do to hide the emotions and words tumbling around in my mind.



"You look great." he said, I wondered if he was trying to figure out what to say as much as I was. "Have a good summer? I mean after you visited Virginia?"

"Thanks, and yeah - it was fun. Went to D.C. and saw James..." I thought I saw a slight twinge from Erik when I said his name but he didn't comment. "um, went to New York City and went to Maine - we stayed in their beautiful little town in Maine, it was very peaceful."

"Sounds great. Glad it was good...." we were both quiet for a moment and I knew time was running out, we'd both have to get to class. "So...look, about...." he trailed. "Can we talk?" he finally said.

"I really need to get to class - my first class is in the new wing and I have no idea where so...later...." I said backing away from him.

"Right. Later." Erik said sounding dejected.

We parted company and I felt horrible the whole way to my new locker. I tried several times to get it open before I slammed my hand against it. "It's a new locker! Why is it sticking!" I shouted. Several people turned to look at me and I felt my cheeks grow hot. I ducked my head and hurried into the new art room which was my first period class, an elective.

Halfway through the class, I saw chiseling at a large block of clay, wondering if it was wise to start us on such a large project the first day of class. I had put Erik out of my thoughts while working with the clay. "I thought we were going to be friends." he said. Okay so I thought I'd pushed him from my thoughts. I was feeling guilty about ignoring the situation - we'd been down this road before - clearly I was feeling guilty I focused again on the clay, ignoring his errant voice. There was no reason to pay attention to voices in my head.



"Earth to Gin...." he said again and I shook my head, trying to focus on the sculpting. "Gin, look - I know I've put you in an awkward position but ignoring me is just rude." he said. I was fully prepared to continue ignoring the voice until I felt his hand on my shoulder. I dropped the hammer and chisel, one of which landed on my toes, as I jumped from surprise.

I put my hand over my pounding heart and turned to face him. "You scared the crap out of me!" I hissed at him and then winced at the pain in my foot. I knelt down to retrieve the fallen tools and he knelt down with me. He reached for the hammer at the same time I did and our hands grazed each other.

"Gin." he put his hand over mine and gently brushed my skin with his thumb. I shuddered a bit at the delicate touch. "I said I loved you, and I meant it but I'm willing to wait, in the mean time." he said softly. He gave me a smile that could melt me in an instant and held up the chisel with his other hand. "I better get back to my own class." he said as we stood up together. I took the tools from him and watched him leave just as Mrs. Wellsly was about to question his continued presence in the art room.

Timothy, Todd and Erik were already sitting together when I made it to the cafeteria. The new wing to the school was not so complicated as to make me get lost and yet my thoughts seemed to be wandering a lot today so I'd ended up in the old gym - now a music room - instead of the cafeteria. I grabbed a sandwich and joined them. They were all talking about their morning classes so I was able to focus on my sandwich. I saw Veronica walking up with her soup and started to wave her over but she paid about as much attention to me as she had that morning, or even this summer.



"What's up with her?" Erik asked, following my gaze toward Veronica as she sat at a table with a group of girls I vaguely recognized as the primary source of gossip and generally snobbery in the school. I raised my eyebrow as Veronica joined them with no problem, clearly a member of the inner circle.

"Looks like she made friends over the summer." I said watching her for another moment before returning my attention to my lunch.

"Meghan said she spent a lot of the summer at the beach club, she didn't say who she had been hanging out with though." Todd said looking a little disgusted. Most everyone outside 'the circle' disliked them or secretly wanted to be one of them while pretending to be disgusted with their behavior.

I looked at my half eaten sandwich and sighed. "I'm not very hungry anymore." I said pushing it away. As crappy as she was as a girl friend, Veronica was the only one I had really.

Erik put his arm around my shoulder to comfort me and I resisted the urge to both push him away and to cuddle into his comforting arms. Instead I let him keep it there and said nothing. I saw Todd and Timothy looking between us but neither said anything.

In my last class of the day, pre-calculus, I saw Veronica and one of the other girls. I took a steadying breath and walked past them without saying anything but I saw Veronica's eyes follow me. By the time I'd taken my seat a couple rows away, she and the girl were laughing about something...or someone.

After school, I was the first to reach my car. I'd told Todd I'd give him a ride home and extended the offer to Meghan even though I feared I was setting up a bad precedent. I had a bad feeling I would be driving Meghan to and from school, listening to her rapid speech, all year long. "Nice car." Erik said, sometimes I swear he materialized beside me just to shock me!

"You should stop doing that." I said turning to look at him.

"What? Complimenting your car?" Erik asked.

"No, showing up suddenly without making any noise." I said, giving him a weak smile.

Erik smiled back. "It's not my fault that you're too deep in thought to pay attention to your surroundings." he said.

I wanted to tell him it WAS his fault since all my thoughts were about him but I bit my tongue.



"So..." I trailed off, not really sure what I had intended to say. Thankfully the awkward silence was cut short when I heard Meghan rambling away as she and Todd approached. "Did you need a ride?" I offered.

"No, thanks though. I got my own transportation..." he looked over his shoulder and motioned toward a motorcycle a couple spots away.

"Oh you got a motorcycle!" I said looking past him towards it. I remember him mentioning once that he'd wanted one and had been saving what he could in hopes of getting one.

"Yeah, I worked for John - my mom's husband - over the summer some and he gave me a good paycheck." Erik said.

"Wow! Is that yours?" Meghan said sliding up to us. "Hi, I bet you're Erik. My name is Meghan Anderson. I'm Todd's sister. It's nice to meet you. Is that your motorcycle? Motorcycles are sooo cool!" I was about ten seconds away from clamping my hand over the girl's mouth when she finally shut up.

Erik laughed. "Hi Meghan Anderson, yes I'm Erik and yes that's mine." he said.

"Wow. Could you give me a ride some time?" she asked leaning in toward him and smiling.



I raised my eyebrows and looked from her to Todd. "Is she...?"

"Yeah, yeah she is..." Todd said shaking his head.

"But...she's only..." I sputtered trying to find the words to convey my thoughts.

Todd shrugged. "Erik doesn't seem to mind." he said

I looked back and was horrified to see that Todd was right. Erik was either flirting back or humoring Meghan. He was giving her the smile which made me swoon....and it had the same effect of Meghan. "Okay! Um, Meghan, unless you wanna walk or take the bus, get in the car!" I called out. She winked at Erik and gave him a small wave before hurrying over to my car and getting in the backseat. I didn't meet Erik's gaze as I got in as well and left the parking lot.

After dropping Todd and Meghan back at home, I made my way to Central Park. James and I had made plans to meet up after school today and I was looking forward to seeing him. I think. I got there a little early and was happy to find the little island in the middle of lake devoid of people. I claimed a bench and stared out over the rippling water, trying to think - or maybe trying not to think. I was so deep in my non-thoughts that I didn't hear him approaching.



He sat down beside me and had his arm around my shoulder before I realized he was there. "When did you get here?" I asked feeling confused for the umpteenth time today.

"About a minute or two ago." James said smiling. "How was your first day?"

"Long." I said leaning against him. "Confusing."

"Confusing? Why?" James asked.

"Apparently while I was gone, they built a whole new addition to the school. Which happens to be where my locker is and two of my classes. It's not really confusing but some how I managed to get turned around a couple times." I said leaving out all the confusing feelings for Erik I was having - the real reason.

"Ah, I can see how that would be confusing then." he said squeezing my shoulder. "How are your friends? Did you catch up with Veronica? I know you didn't hear from her over the summer."

"Um...no, not really. She seems to have ascended into this circle of girls that are just....horrible really. She really didn't acknowledge my existence today." I said sadly.



"I'm sorry Ginny." James said holding me a little tighter.

I shrugged half-heartedly. I wish I could just shrug her and her behavior off but I felt hurt by her. Again. "Thanks. Maybe she'll come to her senses. Todd's little sister is a freshman this year...I gave her and Todd a ride to school and I swear she didn't stop talking even to breathe!" I said changing the subject.

"Gave them a ride? You got a car?!" James asked surprised, whether he was surprised that I got a car or that I hadn't been jumping for joy, telling him from the start; I wasn't sure.

"Oh! Yeah! My dad totally surprised me with one this morning before school!" I said excitedly. I pointed across the small lake to the parking lot where it was.

"That's great Ginny." James said smiling.

"So, what about your day? Did you get your schedule set up properly?" I asked.

"Yes, I'll be taking a couple weekend classes as CSU this semester as well. Those, with my internship, should ensure that I graduate in December instead of May." he started talking about his classes and I felt a sickness in my stomach. He was going to be so busy this semester and then what? Would he continue at CSU? I was pretty sure he had bigger plans than a state university.

End Chapter

School Days: Junior Year

Chapter 1: Summer Sun

Wow, what a summer! My Dad, true to his word, had arranged a grand adventure across the East Coast for almost the whole summer. He had to do some work along the way of course but we'd had a lot of time together and seen just about every sight-seeing, tourist spot along the coast in the last couple months. It had been so much fun, and one of the perks of being so busy is I didn't have much time to think about Erik; or James; or Todd and Mei-Ling's mysterious appearance. Yeah I didn't think about any of those things at all.

I pulled out the very familiar post cards and letters from my tote and looked at them again. I could feel the warm summer sun on my shoulders and heard the gentle lapping of the water on the beach behind me. I had less than a week left out here and all of my 'not thinking' about things was making me nervous about the end of vacation. A small picture fell out from the papers onto the bar and I picked it up and smiled. I'd taken it during our stop in Virginia; it was a great picture of Erik and his little brother Gavin.

"Cute kid." a somewhat familiar voice said. "Yours?"



I looked up at the boy pouring drinks in surprise. "Um, no. I'm barely 17." I said with a weak laugh.

He just shrugged as if my youth didn't mean it wasn't possible. "So, I'm Trip." he said holding a lemonade out to me.

"I didn't order this." I said looking at the pink umbrella in the glass.

"Sure you did, yesterday and the day before...oh yes and the day before." he said with a boyish grin. "You've ordered it everyday you've been here. You realize there is a beach behind you right? Most people don't come here to drink lemonade and look stressed."

I looked over my shoulder as if I'd forgotten about the beach. "Yeah well, I have a beach at home..." I said lamely.

"Yeah? Where's home?" Trip asked running a cloth along the bar.

"California." I said and took a drink from the ice cold lemonade. "Thanks." I said raising the glass slightly.

Trip just nodded. "Sooo, what's got those cute little worry lines creasing your forehead?" he asked with a smile.

I narrowed my eyes at him. "Do you flirt with all your customers? I'm not even attracted to you."

He laughed and shook his head. "I'm NOT flirting with you. And thank you for that extra special ego boost by the way..."

I covered my mouth once I realized what I'd said. "I'm sorry, it's not that you aren't cute...you are, I'm just...yeah, never mind. I'm gonna go claim a lounge chair or something."

"No wait, don't worry about it, you're not my type anyway." Trip said with a smile that convinced me not to leave. "I've just seen you worrying about something and thought you might want someone to talk to that's all. No flirting, scouts honor." he held up his hand in an incorrect scout salute. When he saw me looking at it curiously he looked and corrected it and then grinned sheepishly at me. "Okay so I wasn't a scout..."

I laughed and felt some of the tension dissolve. "What do you mean I'm not your type?" I said smiling so he knew I was teasing.

"Oh I'm more inclined toward the tall, dark and muscular." he said looking past me toward a few guys on the beach.

"Oooh." I said following his gaze. I nodded in understanding and turned back toward him.

"So, tell me about the kid." he said while washing a glass. "Or maybe it's the boy..." he leaned forward to look at the picture. "Oh yeah, it's the boy." he said with a wink.

I smiled as I looked at the picture and flipped to another one. "You don't need to hear about my problems - I don't even know you."

"True but I'm here, you're here and I have about twenty more glasses to clean. Come on..." he prompted.

I sighed in defeat, knowing it would be good to talk. I held up the second picture of Erik with his family for Gavin's birthday. "This is Erik." I said. "My ex-boyfriend."



I gave him a quick recap of our relationship and break up. "We're friends now...sort of. I mean we're trying to be friends but it's awkward."

"Why is is awkward?" Trip asked.

"Just before school ended, he told me he still loves me, always had. It was wonderful and so sweet and heartfelt." I said frowning.

"So the problem is....what exactly?" Trip asked.

"Then this girl he'd been seeing last summer, right after we broke up, walked up and ruined the moment." I said.

"Tramp," Trip said with a smile as if reading my mind.

"I know right?" I said with a chuckle. "That's not really fair of course, we weren't together when they dated so I didn't have any claim....and of course there's the fact that my boyfriend walked up shortly there after."

"Oooh, the plot thickens." Trip said putting the glass in and rifling through the pictures.



"He's cute." he said looking at the picture. "Kid's not bad either" he said with a wink. "Okay, tell me more about this Erik guy, you still have feelings for him?"

"No. I'm with James...." I said with very little conviction.

"Yeah that was convincing, I thought you were from California - don't they teach you how to act out there?" he said with a grin.

I smiled weakly. "I AM with James...but Erik...well he's Erik. I can't deny that him telling me he still loved me and that Val, she would be the tramp," I explained. "That Val didn't mean anything to him....yeah that gave me all sorts of warm fuzzies."

"So dump James and get back with Erik." Trip said before resuming washing the glasses. I was about to explain further when my phone rang. I was shocked to realize it was almost five o'clock.

"I have to go! I'm supposed to meet my Dad for dinner in half an hour and have to change." I stuffed the letters and pictures back into my tote bag and grabbed my towel. "Thanks..." I looked away and then back at him. "Will you be here tomorrow?" I asked hopefully.

"Yep, same bat time..." Trip said.

"Same bat channel?" I said with a laugh.

"Very good...hey you didn't tell me your name!" he called as I'd started to back away to leave.

"Ginny! My name's Ginny!" I called back and then waved and hurried away from the beach to get back to the hotel.

The next day I headed down to the beach feeling lighter than I had for the last week. The troubles were still the same but I felt like talking them out was helpful. I looked toward the bar and didn't see Trip there, I decided to stake out a lounge chair for the day and was happy to find an empty pair. I was barely settled into my own chair when I heard someone sit in the one next to me. I turned and was surprised to see Trip. "Slacking?" I asked with a playful smile.



"Day off." Trip said.

"But you said..."

"I said I'd be here, and here I am." Trip said grinning. Before I could reply he motioned toward my tote bag. "Tell me the rest" he said. "Why shouldn't you just dump the James guy and get back with Erik?"

"Well James is...pretty much perfect." I said wistfully.

"Nuh-uh, doesn't exist." Trip interrupted my thoughts about seeing James in Washington DC.

I shrugged. "If he has flaws, I haven't seen them. He's a gentleman, he's cute, he's funny, he's charming, he's smart."

"Wow...what happened between you two after Erik's declaration?" he asked.

"Not much, my Dad and I left on vacation and James went to Washington D.C." I said. "We stopped for a week or so in D.C. and I saw James then. It was like nothing had changed...aside from location."



"Well did you tell him? What Erik said? Cause if not, as far as he knows nothing HAS changed." Trip pointed out.

I grimaced. "Well no, I mean how do who broach that subject anyway?"

"If you still have feelings for Erik but don't tell this guy - it's not really fair to him is it?" he pointed out.

"Ugh, you're supposed to be helping...I don't have feelings for Erik...not really! It was just a moment of..." I trailed off. "I don't know what but I like James!"

"But you LOVE Erik." Trip pointed out, when I turned to glare at him he just shrugged it off. "I'm just sayin' Tell me about the rest of your visit with James."

I grumbled for a moment and then continued. "James showed me around D.C., we did the touristy thing even though he'd been there for a couple months for his internship. It was a lot of fun. He had some great stories about the other people in the Senator's office. I didn't realize how much I missed being with him until I had to leave at the end of the week."



"He told me about an opportunity he has to graduate a semester early....I told you he was smart!" I said as if I'd scored a point for James.

"I didn't doubt it." Trip said simply.

"Anyway, we go to different schools back home so it's hard enough to get together, he'll be pretty busy this semester it sounds like." I said feeling sad again.

"And after? Is he staying on the West Coast for college?" Trip prompted as I sunk into my own thoughts.

"Um, huh?" I asked shaking my head to focus. "Um, you know I'm not sure." Trip was silent as I started trying to think if James had mentioned his college plans. I don't know how long we sat in silence but soon music started playing from the band and dance area and Trip was dragging me to my feet and out of my thoughts.



"Okay, so James sounds like a great guy - I changed my mind - you should stay with him. But you should be honest about your maybe, possible feelings for Erik - at least with yourself." Trip said as we danced.

"I don't have any feelings for Erik." I denied. Even as I said it, I wondered if it was the truth.

"Yeah, right." Trip said with a smile and an eye roll.

As Trip nearly fell to the ground doing some bizarre dance moves, I dissolved into giggles. "You dance like Todd!" I said through laughs.

"And who is Todd?" Trip asked, still dancing. "Another of your many suitors?"

"No! Not since Mei-Ling anyway!" I said with a chuckle. "Todd's my neighbor and my best friend."

"And what happened before Mei-Ling?" he asked

"I had a huge crush on him before I met Erik, but it never really worked between us. We work much better as friends." I said.

"So Todd was the prequel, Erik is the main story and James was the sequel?" Trip said with a mischievous grin.

I rolled my eyes. "Well there was an awkward kiss between Todd and I - after Erik but before James. How does that fit into your script?"

Trip waved that point off. "Sounds perfectly juicy but not enough for a feature film. Besides, he's with this Mei-Ling now yes?"

"I think so...I mean she showed back up. The same night as the whole Erik and the Tramp. You see she was an exchange student and she a Todd dated and then she went back to China. This last year was brutal on Todd but he was recovering I think and then she showed up."

"And? Surely one of those letters contains details as to the why?" Trip prompted.

"Well, apparently she applied for college here and student visa - I guess she was done with her required education in China? I don't know exactly but she's now a student at CSU, about an hour or so from where I live." I said. "Todd is still grounded for life so they haven't had much time together since she showed back up from what he said." I said. "Not alone anyway. She comes over for family nights thought I guess."



"Why is he grounded for life?" Trip asked confused.

"Underage drinking and driving and crashing his car into a tree." I explained.

"That'll do it," Trip said nodding. The music stopped for a few moments and Trip and I decided to head back to the lounge chairs then. "What about your other friends? Or are all of your friends romantic interests?" he asked with a chuckle. I kicked some sand at him in protest and he laughed, dropping into the chair.

"Well I have another guy friend but definitely not a romantic interest and then there is Veronica. I have no idea what's up with her, haven't talked to her all summer." I said looking down at the tote where I knew there was no picture, letter, postcard or email from V. "Thanks for this, by the way." I said leaning back in the chair.

"What?" Trip asked.

"Talking, listening. Boy problems isn't really something to talk to my Dad about ya know?" I said looking over at him. "And Veronica sometimes sucks as a girlfriend." I said with a sad laugh.

"Mhmm. No problem." Trip said. "You seemed like you needed to talk, or ramble." he teased.

I grinned. "I did...and I don't ramble. I can't believe how much of the week I wasted just sitting at the bar." I said. "I leave tomorrow morning."

"None the wiser despite talking about any of it?" Trip asked.

I shrugged. "Maybe, I don't know really. But I have a long flight to think about it and a week before school starts." I said. My phone rang and I looked at it. "It's my dad, I gotta go."

"I'll walk you back to the hotel." Trip offered.

I grinned, "I have a better idea, I'll race you." I said jumping up and starting to run before he was even out of his chair. It didn't take him more than a few long strides to catch up to me.



"That wasn't really fair ya know." Trip said laughing.

"I know. But you're taller than me..." I said as we neared the hotel. I stopped to catch by breath when we reached the doors. After a moment of rest I pulled out an empty post card and wrote my name, number and email on it and offered it to Trip. "Wanna be my pen pal?" I asked hopefully.

Trip took it and nodded. "Sure. So, in spite of the boy problems - did you have a good summer?"

"Yeah, I did." I said with a smile, and it was true. I had a mess of emotions waiting for me back home but it had been an amazing trip. "Thanks again Trip." I said giving him a quick hug before waving and walking inside to the hotel.

End Chapter

Project Unity

Chapter 9

Freya rubbed her head again, hoping to rub away the headache forming. The words on the screen were starting to blur as it stretched into the third hour of her research. The lights were dim in her quarters and for a moment, she envied her roommate, who was sound asleep. Freya glanced at the clock and sighed; oh four hundred. She had to be on duty in a few short hours. And yet every time she tried to lay down and sleep, she found herself tossing and turning as she thought about Julian.

*Beep*

Freya jumped as the sound echoed around the otherwise silent room. After a moment, she looked around for the source and spotted her comm unit. She picked it up and activated it. "Ryan." she said simply.

"Can you meet me in the gym Doctor?" Freya recognized Captain Hunt's voice instantly. Her brow furrowed and she found herself looking at the clock again even though she'd just checked it.

"Um, yes sir." she said finally. "I'll be right there." she said. She looked down at her slightly wrinkled pants and shrugged, he would just have to understand. She arrived in the gym five minutes later, disturbed only slightly by the complete lack of people on the deck. On first glance, the gym appeared empty but after a second she recognized the familiar sound of someone running and the gentle turning sound of the machine. She looked over toward the running machines and saw Captain Hunt. "You wanted to see me Captain?" she asked approaching him. She looked quizzically at the monitor where an old history clip was playing before returning her attention to Hunt.



"Yes." Captain Hunt said, not stopping his work out. "Sorry for the early call, did I wake you?"

Freya shook her head. "No, I wasn't sleeping."

Hunt nodded. "I figured as much." he said. "I wanted to talk somewhere we weren't likely to have....company." he said.

"Umm, okay." Freya said hoping she didn't look as confused as she felt.

Hunt continued to run and punched a few buttons as he spoke. "I received a message, from the Sons of Liberty. They want to talk."

"Well that's good right?" Freya asked, although for a moment, anger flickered inside her. They were the reason Julian was paralyzed.

"Mhmm." Hunt said. "They are naturally hesitant to come out in the open; for all they know we might have security waiting and simply be done with it."

Freya nodded, that made sense to her. Part of her would love to see them stuck under Bonwick's spiteful glare but she knew that wouldn't be the end of it, it would probably just escalate things.

"They've requested a mediator." Hunt continued. "A neutral party, so to speak." he stopped talking but didn't stop jogging as Freya accepted what he said. "They've requested you."

"What? Me? Why?" Freya asked shocked.



"I suspect they feel you are the only person who can see both sides." Hunt said. "I can see the logic in their choice. You are an embryotic, you have something to gain should this movement effect change but on the other hand, you are already a prominent member of the crew, you are outside the rules so to speak."

"But I don't have any power to make change." Freya argued. "The Council would never listen to me, if they even granted me an audience."

"They didn't ask for power, they asked for you. I'd like you to do this Doctor, but I won't order you to." Hunt said as he turned off the running machine and steady his gaze on her.

"Why not? Why won't you order me to do it?" Freya asked.

"Because I can't offer you any back up, I can't protect you. I may not even be able to find you - they have proven that they know this ship better than our security forces do. I don't think they mean anyone any harm but...." Hunt shrugged as he trailed off.

"But you don't know for sure." Freya concluded and Hunt nodded. "What would I have to do?"

"Talk to them, make them trust you and hopefully at least me. I am a member of the Council - I may just be one but I am a member. But the violence has to stop." Hunt said.

Freya's brow furrowed again as she thought about it. "What about the medical ward?" she said thinking about Julian lying in that bed still. He'd been quiet since she'd told him the extent of his injuries.

"Doctor Hapsberg will be back on duty in a few days so there will be someone available." Hunt said.

Freya bit her lower lip considering and then sighed heavily, shaking her head. "Captain, I'm a doctor, not a diplomat - I don't see how..."

Hunt smiled and held up his hand. "Just think about it. I don't need to give them an answer right now. Consider it, talk to someone - discreetly - if you need to." Hunt put a hand on her shoulder and then picked up a hand towel to wipe his face and left her standing there.

Freya turned to ask him a question but he was already gone. Freya started walking back to her quarters, considering the Captain's request, and then stopped and turned toward the medical ward. She wanted to check on Julian and hoped being near him might help clear her head. But when she got there and looked down on his sleeping, broken body; all she wanted was for the Sons of Liberty to take a walk out the nearest airlock.



Freya's thoughts tumbled around as she stood over Julian. She reached out and touched his leg; even though he couldn't feel it. She choked back tears. "I'm sorry." she whispered. "I'm sorry I couldn't fix you." she knew he wouldn't hear her, not really. He was deep in sleep, a place she wished she could reach right about now.

She jumped back when she heard the door to the ward swish open. She turned toward the wall and wiped away tears and then turned to see Andy standing there with a huge grin on her face. "What?" Freya asked softly. She heard Julian shuffle slightly and took Andy's arm and led her out onto the deck. Across the way she could see the dim early lights on in the mess hall and thought she saw Ash moving around. "Let's get some coffee." she said.

Andy practically bounced along next to her, clearly eager to tell her something but she waited until Ash handed them each hot, fresh cups of coffee and they were seated. "The exo-skeleton! We can do it!" Andy finally exclaimed.



Freya was in the middle of taking a drink and nearly spit the coffee out at Andy in surprise. "What?"

"I found that archive you were talking about! It took some digging since you didn't give me too many details but after reading through it, I ran it by Dex and he thinking the engineering side at least can be done!" Andy said clearly pleased with herself.

Freya just stared at Andy. She'd read over the archive several times and had no doubt in her friend's ability to build the exo-skeleton; she doubted the medical side. But it was worth a try right?

"Freya? Come on Freya - this is awesome news, Julian will be able to walk again! I admit it will be heavy and bulky and he probably won't get around too quickly but at least he'll be walking!" Andy said happily, in spite of Freya's obvious hesitations. Freya was lost in thought, which was irritating Andy, "Earth to Freya..." she said as Ash walked up.

"You two need anything else?" Ash asked.

His voice jarred Freya from her thoughts and she turned her gaze on him. Ash raised his eyebrows and looked back at her. "What was that?" Freya said feigning deafness.

"Do you need anything?" Ash repeated looking at her curiously.

Freya closed her eyes and concentrated, trying to capture a fleeting thought. She finally shook her head and opened her eyes. "No thanks." she looked over at Andy who was looking at her like she was crazy. "You?" Andy just shook her head and Ash walked away slowly, he turned back and locked eyes with Freya for just a second before he turned away and headed into the kitchen to work on breakfast.

"Okay what was that about?" Andy asked.

"Nothing." Freya said. She tried to focus on Andy as her thoughts tumbled through her mind again. She was sure Andy was talking about something but Freya interrupted. "The Sons....they've requested me as a mediator." Freya leaned forward and whispered, throwing a few glances around the empty hall. She quickly recounted the few things the captain had said watched as Andy went from surprised to curious to upset.

"Are you actually considering this?" Andy hissed.



Freya nodded and then shrugged. "I don't know. I think so."

"It would be crazy." Andy said clutching Freya's arm. "They are terrorists, all their talk of not wanting to hurt people didn't stop them from blowing up a console on the bridge...on your boyfriends legs!" Andy said trying not to attracted Ash's attention as she navigated Freya out of the mess hall.

"I know what they did." Freya said back coldly. "Trust me, I know. But I don't want to have to operate on someone else because of this, I want it to stop." Freya yanked her arm from Andy's grip and backed away. "I need to go get a couple hours of sleep. I'll look over the exo-skeleton research and get back to you."

Freya turned on her heel and walked quickly away from Andy. After a moment, Andy called after her. "Freya wait!" Freya didn't stop or turn. Freya could hear the click of Andy's heels on the metal deck and knew Andy was going to catch up with her soon. "Freya!"



Freya stopped and turned, the two almost collided. "Sleep, Andy, I need sleep."

"Just...just be careful." Andy said. "And I think you should talk to Julian about it first."

Freya swallowed back a lump in her throat, she knew what Julian would say and didn't want to hear it again. "I will." she lied. "On both counts." she added with a faint smile. Freya didn't get the sleep she needed. She laid in bed thinking about Julian, about Captain Hunt, about the Sons of Liberty. As angry as she was with them for what had happened to Julian - did their cause have merit? More than that - could they actually effect change if given a chance? The violence had to stop, that much she agreed with Captain Hunt on. The ship wasn't big enough for a civil war to be fought right on the decks.

As she got dressed for her duty shift, she told herself that she would simply tell the Captain no, he would have to find another diplomat or whatever for these people. Julian needed her right now, he would be dismissed from the medical ward soon and it would take him time to get adjusted to life. Even if the exo-skeleton thing worked out - he would still have to make adjustments and she was his girlfriend, his best friend. She had to be there for him.

She reminded herself of her decision the entire walk to the medical ward and even as she stood over his bed to do a quick exam.



Julian looked over the book he was reading as she did the exam and tried to catch her eye but she'd been avoiding looking at his face because it made her want to cry. "Freya." Julian finally said catching her hand.

Freya turned her eyes toward him finally. He closed the book and put it on the table by the side of his bed.

"Am I going to live?" he said with a teasing smile. It was the first time he'd attempted a joke since she'd told him and Freya wondered why the change of attitude.

"Yes." Freya said. "Yes you will. How are you feeling?"

"Optimistic." Julian said. "Andy stopped by, told me about the exo-skeleton."

Freya frowned. "She shouldn't have done that."

"I'm wondering why you didn't tell me actually." Julian said, the smile slowly leaving his face.

"Because I haven't figured out if it's possible, if it will work." Freya said. "I didn't want to get your hopes up and then have to crush them if it turned out not to be feasible."

Julian nodded. "Okay, I get that." he said. "But I'm still optimistic."

Freya merely nodded and resumed the exam. Still no feeling, no surprise there and yet every time she hoped it would be different, like he would miraculously recover. Freya pulled up his chart to give herself something to do and somewhere to look. "You'll be discharged in a couple days. We'll have to make a few arrangements for your quarters, to make things easier for you. I'll talk to Andy and Dex about it." she closed the chart and turned from him.



"You know that's not very fair." Julian said to her back.

"What?" Freya said, not turning to look at him. She wanted to tell him about the Sons, or maybe find out if Andy had told him but she didn't want to argue with him.

"Walking away from me when I can't come after you." Julian said.

Freya swallowed and blinked several times. "I have to work Julian." she said finally. "I'm not walking away."

"Are you sure?" Julian persisted. "I think you're holding back actually. And walking away is the easiest way not to face it."

Freya turned around and faced him. "Holding back what exactly?"

"You're still mad at me. For what I said, before..." Julian said. "Or you're hurt. And you're using my injuries as an excuse to avoid the issue."

"I'm not mad. Or hurt." Freya said and realized as she said it that she was lying again. She had been hurt by what he'd said that day. If she weren't, if she believed he was sincerely sorry and had just been saying the wrong thing, she would have told him about the Sons of Liberty and the request. "I have to work Julian, we can talk about it later." she turned away from him again and heard him sigh just as her eyes locked on a visitor.

"Aunt Theresa." Julian said, with little enthusiasm in his voice.



Freya looked at the Council member and Julian's aunt. She'd been raised to respect the Council members and the Council and the rules but here, in this moment, she felt nothing but anger toward the elder woman. Freya nodded to her and scooted past her to escape.

Freya sat at the computer looking over the archive on the exo-skeleton and tried to tune out the conversation she could hear between Julian and his aunt but words such as "unacceptable", "inappropriate" and "low-bred" trickled out from the back of the ward. As soon as Nurse White arrived for her shift, Freya stepped out of the ward to put a thick wall between her and the disapproval of the visitor.

Without realizing she'd made the decision, she walked toward the primary bridge. As she waited for the lift to reach the top of the ship, she thought about what she was planning and almost changed her mind but at that moment the doors opened. Her eyes landed on the scalded center console where a trio of engineers were working around the feet of Rob Jamison, who was piloting from a make shift panel. Bonwick was standing by with a familiar scowl on her face. Freya could feel Bonwick and Andy's eyes following her as she moved to the Captain's side. "Ah Doctor Ryan, what a surprise." Captain Hunt said although he didn't sound surprised.



Freya steeled herself. "I wanted to give you an update on Mr. Ice." she lied quickly, realizing that the people here probably didn't know about the Sons' request. "He's doing well, probably won't be back on duty for a few days yet but his spirits are improved..." she turned to look at Andy disapprovingly for a second.

"I'm glad to hear it." Hunt said.

Freya caught his gaze and nodded, hoping he'd understand. "I'm going ahead with it." she said with another nodded. "With his discharge. I'll need to talk to you later about certain arrangements" she added for the others.

"Very good Doctor." Captain Hunt said with an understanding nod. "We'll work out those arrangements as soon as possible." he said.

"Right." Freya said with another quick nod. Andy watched her curiously as Freya left the bridge. She was sure the Captain, at least, had understood what she was trying to say. She leaned against the back wall of the lift as the doors closed and it slowly began it's descent.

End Chapter