The Defiants, part thirteen

A couple of months had passed, and before Skye knew it, the end of November approached.

She was excited because the base was having a grand Thanksgiving party and dinner in a week. And with the new dining hall recently built, they could do it inside.

Also, she hadn't celebrated Turkey day with anyone for a long time. So having the crazy assholes she called her friends with her was warming and refreshing.

Of course, the Wanderers were a bit confused about the buzz, never having heard of the holiday, but they did their best to help the men and women prepare.

All except for Galen, who had studied every human holiday some time ago. So he was helping his fellow Wanderers with explanations and instructions.

The young soldiers were catching on fast, though.

"So, are you gonna make something?"

Lifting her gaze to Evan, Skye grinned, "It's a surprise."

He snapped his fingers, "Oh, shucks."

While his overall strength and mobility had improved, he still struggled with fine motor skills. She worried he'd never fully recover. But he was determined to prove her wrong.

"I'm sure you'll like it, though." Skye helped him sit up to do arm exercises. "That is if you don't skip it."

Evan nervously chuckled, "I don't want anyone to feel sorry for me," he made a face, "or the other guys to be weirded out."

"I know, but you can't isolate yourself either."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah."

Skye gently smacked his arm, forcing it higher, "I'll drag you there if I have to."

Evan rolled his eyes, "I believe you."

Smirking, Skye helped him with the rest of his physical therapy.

They had really bonded over the last two months. It was nice for her to have a third opinion for the various events of her life, primarily the dating aspect.

And yes, she knew how much of a cliche they'd become. But her other people weren't terribly helpful, either.

When they finished, Evan stood, "So, anything new with you?"

"No."

"So Galen's still being gentlemany?"

"Annoyingly so."

Evan laughed, slowly stepping around the tent, "I understand all too well."

"Really? I imagine you'd be the gentleman on a date." Skye watched his steps, "But I'm getting to the point of lying on his bed and yelling, 'take me!'"

"Been there, done that." Evan pivoted, "Sometimes, men need you to tell them what you want." He continued walking, "They can be clueless, human, or Wanderer."

"And you're not?"

"Didn't say I wasn't."

"Fair enough." She smiled, "Any guys?"

Evan frowned, "It seems as if I'm the only gay man here."

"I doubt that." She knew how lonely he was becoming in that sense. "Don't give up."

"I hope you're right."

Hearing footsteps, Skye turned, seeing Ava and Jessica walking toward them. She fought the urge to curl her lip. Jessica still grated her nerves.

Evan stiffened a little, too, "Hey, ladies."

Ava grinned at him, "Hi, how are you today?"

He shrugged, "Same old, same old."

"What are you two doing here?" Skye faked some of the pleasantness in her tone.

"Oh, we're going to the orchard and wondered if either of you wanted to join." Jessica eyed Evan oddly.

"Mara and Opal are already there."

Hmm. Skye hadn't spent much time with those girls, not since Ava arrived. And she shouldn't let that annoying brunette deter her from spending time with friends.

She glanced at Evan, "Wanna go?"

"Well, as you said, I can't isolate myself, so yeah, I'm in."

Skye nodded, "Sure." She loved picking fruit of any kind.

"Don't worry," Ava grinned wickedly, "We won't walk there."

Oh boy. Skye knew what she planned to do. Would Nash be okay with his mate borrowing his ship? It was his baby, after all.

But Skye couldn't deny the thrill Ava's plan brought her. And Evan seemed to be sharing her thoughts, for he matched her grin.

So, the four of them snuck into the garage, the Deviant sitting in the middle, other ships around it.

Ava opened the side door, stepped inside, and turned on the ship's systems as if it were hers. Although she was Nash's new copilot, despite some mild protesting from Dae'lon.

Skye helped Evan step inside, Jessica behind them. Yeah, the Deviant needed some TLC for the interior. She didn't know the state of the other ships, but if they looked anything like the Defiant, this one was in trouble.

Ava knew how to fly, though. The ride to the orchard was much smoother than Skye anticipated from her, especially with no copilot.

She landed a few yards away. "Buckets and ladders are available."

Evan stood, grimacing a little. "Will probably need to sit on it."

Ava nodded, "Now let's go!"

It didn't take long for them to start apple picking. It was shocking the trees were still producing in November, but Wanderers liked to modify crops to endure harsh weather and climates.

Skye was perched on a thick branch, taking her back to her first encounter with the aliens. But she held a plastic bucket instead of Oakley, her rifle.

She reached her right arm out, a juicy-looking red apple teasing her. She would have to save some for herself and make a pie later.

Mara stared at her, "Are you sure that's safe?"

Skye smiled at the teenager, "Not for you, girl, but I'm fine."

She grabbed it, crawling back to her spot.

Ava and Jessica were a few trees down to her right, while Opal and Evan were to her left, although she had been the only one to climb one.

It was probably good that no Wanderers were part of their group today. They would all think she was being reckless. Well, maybe, except for Nash and Galen, considering that's how she first met them.

Skye lowered the full bucket, "Bomb's away!"

She dropped it, Mara barely catching it as she began climbing down. But she misplaced her right foot and slipped, losing her grip on the branch.

However, a pair of arms kept her from hitting the ground. "Thanks."

Jo'dan smiled, "You're welcome." He set her down.

"What are you doing here?"

"I followed the Deviant on foot." He straightened, "Surprising Nash isn't here scolding the perp."

"I didn't steal it," Ava marched over, "I borrowed it so Evan wouldn't fall on his face walking here."

Jo'dan peered over, "That's kind of you."

"He's my friend."

Evan leaned on a tree, "I'm not a total gimp, people."

Jo'dan smirked, moving closer to him, "No, but I should stay in case someone tries any more stunts."

Skye rolled her eyes, moving to the next tree with Mara. "Then use your height and help us pick apples." Not that he would stop her from climbing trees.

"Happy to."

***

"Why are the humans so obsessed with this holiday." Speaking in their language, Bram sighed, tinkering with another food synthesizer so it could create both human and Wanderer dishes.

Galen chuckled, helping him choose which foods to program into it, "We have important holidays too."

"But none revolve around food."

That was true, "But this is their planet, not ours, so we should respect their culture."

He snorted, "Says the scientist."

He lifted a brow, "Surprised the engineer is grumpy about fixing something."

Bram made a face but said nothing.

Galen smirked, thumbing through one of the many cookbooks he'd found. He liked the idea of celebrations being centered around food, with everyone contributing.

Perhaps he would attempt to make some human food for it.

"Do I have to attend?" Bram stood, stretching his arms.

He lifted his head, "I think you should."

"Is that an order, elder?"

"Don't call me that."Galen cringed, "Just because I'm the oldest person here doesn't mean I'm an elder." He was nowhere near that old.

Bram laughed. "It does mean we can tease you about it, though."

And they did, except for some of the trainees and the general. Although Galen was convinced Dae'lon had no sense of humor.

"At least I don't act like an old man," Galen stared him down, "unlike you."

Bram smirked, "I don't like most people. They're exhausting." Then his smile turned devious, "So, how's living with that pretty female going?"

He lifted his head, "She has a name, and it's going well."

"And the sex?"

Galen suppressed a growl, "There hasn't been any."

"That's a shock, knowing you."

He shrugged, unashamed about his promiscuous past. And he had no disillusions about Skye's ventures, not that she told him of any besides her asshole stalker.

"You really must like her then." Bram switched to English, "or even be in love with her."

While his tone was somewhat mocking, Galen paused.

The term love didn't exist in their language. Most terms for emotions didn't. They didn't need to. Wanderers freely expressed their feelings without being judged.

But humans had a plethora and often were embarrassed or guilty about whatever emotions or sensations coursed through them. Something he still tried to understand.

But with all the books he'd read, how humans described love was similar to how he felt about Skye. Only much more intense.

"You may be right."

Bram knitted his brows, "Really?"

"Yes."

"Hmm."

"Surprised?"

"Very much."

So was Galen. He'd never felt that way about anyone before, not even with Soshi, so this was new territory for him. And it made his body tense and heart race a little.

"Let's get back to work." He needed to process this by himself later.

Bram shrugged, "Very well."