Kristine had planned to head straight for her quarters, but she was too wound up to lie down, let alone sleep. She paused at the doorway to their berthing area. It was freezing in here, and claustrophobic. She did an about-face just as Monica approached.
“Hey,” said Monica.
“Hey, yourself,” Kris replied.
“Helluva bronco ride.”
Kris gave an unconvincing grin. “Yes, ma’am, that it was.”
They both stood silent for a moment.
“You okay?” said Monica.
Kris nodded and heaved a breath. “Asshole.” They both knew who she meant.
Monica tilted her head in the direction of their stateroom. “Time to talk?”
Kris sighed. “In a bit. I need to get some air. Actual, real air.”
Monica nodded. “Company?”
Kris smiled again, this time a real one. “Nah, I’m good. Thanks, though.”
“ ’Kay,” said Monica. “Later.” And she headed on into their stateroom. “Hey?”
Kris turned back.
“Don’t be long, okay?” said Monica. “I really do want to talk.”
Kris flashed a with her fingers. “Peace out, baby.”
Monica smiled and flashed the peace sign back. “I’ll be up.”
Kris began snaking her way back out through the dimly lit passageways. Picking through the maze, she made for a small and rarely used sponson, an external access space with its own tiny catwalk, just enough room for one or two people to stand outside and grab some air.
She opened the big hatch and slipped outside. Alone.
She gripped the rail with both hands and closed her eyes, feeling the hot dry breeze caress her face. Gave a few shuddering breaths, then began replaying the recovery sequence in her head. If she didn’t do this now it would only replay itself later on when she was lying on her bunk, trying to sleep.
She heard a sound behind her and turned, her eyes snapping open. “Oh—!” Her hand flew to her chest. A startled hare, a runaway horse. “Sorry.” A nervous laugh escaped her.
Goggles and a green jersey looked back at her.
She relaxed back against the rail. “For a moment I thought—”
His arm shot out, punching his gloved fist hard into her solar plexus.