36: Worried And Concerned

"So," Ben Johnson taking advantage of a rare opportunity to talk with his oldest child alone, "How was your first taste of outer space?"

"It was beautiful," Eve recalling the view from the observation lounge, "You must miss it terribly."

"Not really," Ben a little surprised by his confession. "At first, yes, but then you came along. I'm really glad I don't possess the power to change the past, because I would have ruined a wonderful thing… Evan feels the visit to his old community went well."

"Yes, very well," Eve confirms.

"Then what's on your mind, Pixie," Ben offering an ear, "You only sit here in your garden by yourself working when something's on your mind."

Eve closes her ELB (electronic notebook), "It's going to get busy, not that I'm one for being idle. But there will be scientists and psychologists, politicians and paleontologists. I can deal with the curious and inquisitive."

"Now tell me about the ones who frighten you," Ben honing in on Eve's fears.

"It's the ones like the young soldiers willing to exterminate us all for a moment of glory," Eve staring at the sky, "The ones that don't know anything but war, hate and prejudice. As my father, I'm sure you understand my desire to shield my children from such things, but I am helpless against these things."

"No," Ben taking Eve's hand, "not helpless. You and Evan are wonderful parents. It's the love and attention you give that will enable your children to be strong and endure when things are rough. You're proof it works."

"I hope so," giving her father's hand a squeeze.

"I know so," Ben kissing her forehead as he stands. He sees her reopen her ELB. As he walks around to the front of the dwelling. He's just in time to see Commander Bigbear materialize in the clearing, which is now the center of their community.

"Commander," Ben shaking Bigbear's hand, "I heard your meeting in the Malyon village went well."

"Yes," Bigbear confirms, "I wanted to thank Eve and Evan for all their assistance."

"Well," Ben leading the commander, "Eve is right here in her garden."

Eve glances up, "Hello, Commander."

"Good afternoon," the commander replies, "I just wanted to thank you and your husband for all your assistance. I don't think things would have went so well without the two of you."

"Husband," Eve says irritated, "husbands and wives may separate and divorce. We're life-mates."

"Don't feel bad," Ben giving the commander's shoulder a pat, "I've made that mistake more than once."

Then Ben turns to Eve, "See you for the late meal, Pixie. I'm supposed to be helping with the addition of the third sleep room for Erin and Veioray's dwelling. Commander."

The commander notices an unmistakable soft childlike quality in Eve's eyes as she watches her father walk away and disappear around to the front of the dwelling.

"Where is everybody," asks Commander Bigbear.

"Most are at home worrying," Eve answers, "as I sit here with the very same concerns. The big question, 'what will become of us now that we've been found?'"

"I wish there was something I could say," Bigbear sincere, "or a guarantee I could give you to comfort you, but I don't have any. And I'll be honest with you, I don't know about Malyons, but humans can be extremely hateful and cruel."

"We're very aware of this," Eve pulling her hair out of the conservative bun she wore for their visit to the Malyon village, "and Malyons are capable of being just as hateful and cruel."

"Sounds like humans and Malyons have more in common than either is willing to admit," Bigbear smiling pleasantly.

"This is true," Eve scratching out her head, "Commander, is this a social visit?"

"Mostly social," Bigbear answering, "I did come to inform you the captain has decided to have the crew re-evaluated. The incident on the ship today with the two young soldiers prompted a discussion. We are concerned about a possible saboteur or zealot attempting to blow you off the face of the planet with the very ship here to protect you. So, we're opening psych files. We want to make sure we have people on board who are open-minded, excited by the prospect of working with non-humans and have a true desire for peace."

"If you're ship's counselor needs any assistance, I'm sure Mr. Chan and our mother, Alma, would be of great service. Mr. Chan does most of our counseling while Alma has concentrated on helping our new residents from the Malyon village adjust. They consult each other frequently. I'll speak with them on it," a tear manages to escape and roll down Eve's cheek.

Commander Bigbear notices the lilac tinged tear, "I'm sorry, I didn't come down to upset you."

"No," Eve shakes her head and tucks her ELB under her arm as she stands, "I was upset before you arrived. I need to busy myself with some work. Please, stay as long as you like. There is swimming and fishing down river. There are also numerous walking trails. Everyone is friendly and there is lots of edible vegetation. Please, excuse me for not being a better host."

"No need to apologize," Bigbear watches Eve as she walks away. He stands there for a moment not sure what to do.

"She will be fine," Evan stepping out the sliding glass door to the garden with a glass of ice tea in each hand, "And you did not upset her. She needs to rest, but her mind is too busy. She will busy herself with some work and regain her focus. Tea?"

"Thank you," Bigbear accepts the tea, "But I thought the medical center was that way. She went that way," Eve went towards the waterfall.

"The special project I mentioned to you," Evan clarifying for the commander, "Several of us are working on it."

Bigbear nods, "It's so peaceful here. I'd almost forgotten how nice quiet could be."

"I know what you're saying," Evan enjoying the commander's company, "We liked it best when it was just the two of us. Well, almost three, me, Eve and the bump."

"Bump?" Bigbear curious.

"Ashton," Evan smiles.

Commander Bigbear smiles back. But he has other curiousities, "What's Eve feeling right now?"

Evan doesn't hesitate to answer. The commander's curiousity is natural, "Her fear, anger, and worry are slipping away to her curiousity and thirst for knowledge."

"Human males have been trying to figure out what human females want for millenniums. I think you've corned the market on it."

Evan shakes his head no, "Knowing what she's feeling is very different than knowing what she wants. But it helps."