Chapter Five

The airport bustled with life as Nicky transported her few necessities to the gate. Since it was a private flight, only those going in the field with her would be there. Of course, that meant the boss, too. She shuddered at the prospect of being in close company with Ms. Aristides. How odd for Harry to go! When Diane brought the itinerary, she said the company was buzzing with the news of Harry going on the trip herself. Speculation was high that it was a spectacular discovery for otherwise she wouldn’t bother. I just want to go, do my job, and then come home.

Once airborne, they would apprise each participant of all pertinent information regarding the mission and the extent of his or her involvement. The entire scenario reminded Nicky of a mystery movie and it made her smile.

Arriving at the gate, Nicky panicked when she saw only Harry standing there, looking at her watch. Shit, I must be late. What a great start this is. She handed the attendant her documents while nervously glancing in the direction of her boss. Then, taking her papers in hand, her feet reluctantly took her in the direction of Harriet Aristides. She took a deep breath, ready to face the fury of her boss for being late. “Ms. Aristides, I’m sorry I’m late. I was told the time was—”

Harry smiled inwardly as she held up her hand to stop the nervous words pouring out of the pint-sized woman. Hard as she tried, she couldn’t help herself from warming to Nicky.

“No…no, Ms. Ralston, you’re not late. I like to see that everyone is onboard, that’s all. Why not take a seat and settle yourself for the flight.”

“Thank God. I wouldn’t want to get on the wrong side of you. I did enough of that yesterday,” Nicky replied without thinking as she passed the much taller woman.

“Really? Have I got a wrong side?” Harry’s eyes scanned the single bag the small woman was carrying, assuming she had stowed away her other baggage.

I cannot believe I said that! What an idiot she must think I am. The faster I get on that plane the better! Nicky turned and gave her boss a shy smile, “Haven’t we all?” The scrutiny of the piercing eyes was more than she could handle. Had she paused for one moment she would have seen the laughter brimming out of the blue eyes.

Nicky was not prepared for what she saw when she entered the plane. Her eyes widened as she took in the plush appointments of the interior. Wow, bet this is more comfortable than my apartment. This is fantastic. She had heard about the charter plane, but nothing compared with seeing the actual thing. It’s more like a conference room than an aircraft. The surroundings enthralled her and Nicky was even more surprised when a bear hug engulfed her. That can only be…“Uncle Eric!”

“Why, Nicky, you got my message to have breakfast here instead of our usual retreat.”

“Uncle Eric, how…why…what…My God, I didn’t know you’d be here.”

Eric Lasser emitted a huge belly laugh that had others around him turning to laugh at the man and the surprised woman who was like a midget in his grasp. “Oh, I wouldn’t miss this one for the world, darlin’. Once we get airborne and you read the game plan, I think you’ll be glad you came on this little excursion. Now come on, I’ll introduce you to the others.”

Everything was happening so fast Nicky wasn’t sure whether she was dreaming. The whirl of emotions and fear that had overcome her earlier quieted significantly from knowing that Eric was on the team. So many new faces and names how can I ever remember them all? Taking a deep breath, she followed him as he introduced her to what would soon be her colleagues in the field.

Neil Jenson was a middle-aged biologist who reminded her of a blending of the professor on Gilligan’s Island and one of her lab assistants in grad school. Then there was Rita Lawrence, a medical doctor who specialized in rare diseases. She was about five-seven with short, dark hair and a trim body. Nicky judged her to be in her mid thirties. Finally, there was Evan Tremayne, who was probably in his late twenties and the engineer of the group. He was the typical engineer type…kind of goofy-looking in a cute way. His sandy-colored, thick curly hair seemed to have a mind of its own, spiking in every which direction. She half expected to see white tape around the bridge of his glasses and laughed inwardly when there was none. They all seemed friendly enough and eagerly welcomed her as part of the group. Nicky wondered if that was because of her or Eric.

They stood talking and laughing when, to everyone’s surprise, Harriet Aristides appeared. With her was a clean-cut executive type.

“Excuse me. Let me introduce Peter St. Clare. Peter will be in charge of the team. He reports directly to me and only me. Therefore, I expect him to be afforded the same respect you would give me.” With that, she turned and headed toward the cockpit.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” Peter said, “I am looking forward to meeting everyone. I’m sure that over the coming months we will all get along well. Each of you has an expertise in a specific area and that is why we chose you. Once we are airborne and I pass out the reports and task lists, it will become clear to you what is at stake here. Please make note of any questions you might have for an informal meeting I will conduct to discuss the details. What we are about to embark on is of great significance, not only for our company, but for the world’s population, as well. Now if you will please take your seats for takeoff, I will pass out the particulars shortly.”

Eric grinned at Nicky, motioning her to take a seat by the window. “I know you from old, Nicky. Only the window seat will do, right?”

Nicky smiled and nodded as she took one of the seats next to a window and strapped in. One thing’s for certain, there’s no going back now. I’m committed to this for as long as Harriet Aristides is. She watched as Harry settled in a seat in the front corner of the aircraft, seemingly not wanting to associate with anyone. Surreptitiously looking at the lonely woman, Nicky was feeling sorry for her until something else caught her eye. The strain on Harry’s face was evident as her knuckles turned white when she gripped the armrests. No wonder she wanted to sit by herself…she doesn’t care for takeoff and isn’t about to let anyone see her weakness. Hmm, she’s human after all!