* * *
After the tour, Dr. Lawrence invited Jackson and her team to stay for dinner.
Jackson accepted eagerly. She had heard rumors that some real delicacies might be available for just such a special occasion. They weren’t disappointed. They were escorted into a large compartment with a long table prepared for a celebration.
Gallant ran his fingers through his tangled brown hair and smiled as he took his seat near the center of the table. Elizabeth Bolton sat on his left. Her blonde hair was pulled back. She was wearing a blue jump suit that highlighted her figure. Kelsey sat on his right; she looked pretty despite her pressure flight suit.
He felt fortunate to have this particular seat. The combination of two striking women had a growing intoxicating effect on him when the dinner began.
The dinner started with a real salad including lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives and dressing. It was a treat, all of the Repulse members relished.
Dr. Lawrence explained, “Since we’re so far from the sun, we use the moon’s geothermal energy for power instead of solar arrays. This allows us to have our own hydroponic garden to grow food and keep the harsh environment of space under control.”
But more fulsome gratitude came forth with 'ohs' and 'ahs' when the main course was served. Broiled salmon, asparagus, potatoes, and carrots were delivered with a few rare bottles of wine.
“We have a fish farm, as well,” said Dr. Lawrence, beaming with pride. “We're very fortunate to reside on a satellite like Ganymede. It has a thin oxygen atmosphere and an iron-rich liquid core. But best of all, its surface is composed of nearly equally amounts of silicate rock and ice-water. An actual saltwater ocean exists 150 miles below the surface, sandwiched between layers of ice and rock.”
He looked over his attentive audience and continued, “We discovered colonies of giant tube worms, crustaceans, and other assorted creatures clustered around undersea volcanic features known as black smokers. These creatures thrive despite getting no sunlight. They exist on a food chain formed from bacterium using chemosynthesis - our own personal extraterrestrial habitants, so to speak. Of course, we don’t eat any of these creatures. We just study them. But we've extracted the water, purified it, and created farms for our imported Earth fish.”
Having survived on mostly synthetic meals for so long, the Repulse team lavished appreciation and praise on their hosts throughout the meal.
Sitting between two lovely women while enjoying a unique feast, should have made Gallant unreservedly pleased. He wasn’t - because seated on Elizabeth’s left was Red and seated on Kelsey’s right was Neumann. These competitive fighter pilots were intent on monopolizing the women’s conversation.
Gallant observed Elizabeth casting an admiring eye on Red.
“Have you ever dated a midshipman before?” Red asked, as he took hold of her hand.
“No, but I’ve always admired men in uniform,” Elizabeth murmured.
“Tell me more,” encouraged Red.
“Oh, you men aren’t all that mysterious,” she continued, playfully.
That was bad enough, but on the other flank Gallant heard Neumann say to Kelsey, “Someday you must let me take sailing on the ocean. It’s one of the true pleasures unique to Earth.”
“It sounds wonderful,” she said. “Sailing, I mean.”
“It’s a family tradition. I practically grew up on my family’s yacht. My dad feels that sailing develops a sense of adventure. I find it exciting,” said Neumann.
Gallant concentrated on his salmon until he found an opening in the conversation. Then he asked, “Kelsey, you were raised on farm. What do you think of hydroponics and fish farms in space?”
Kelsey looked at him and dove right into a detailed dialogue on the life affirming aspects of growing living things.
Soon Gallant and Kelsey were sipping their drinks together.
Kelsey began telling him a story, and as an expansive laugh escaped her lips, she covered her mouth with her hands. While the story was engaging, it was her unrestrained joy in telling it that made it so appealing.
What’s she thinking? Gallant wondered.
However, there was no doubt what Neumann was thinking. Neumann’s sour expression, said it all.
All in all, the team returned to Repulse very satisfied.
And it looked like Caine might get a few surprises for the aliens.