Free Facsimile by Vicki Weavil Page A

film.
    “Classic movie night,” I tell Dace. “We stream them from the servers. One of the original colonists brought a digital collection of every film still in existence.”
    “2-D,” observes Dace, turning to stare back at the faces filling the screen.
    “Well, yeah. I said they were classics.” I don’t mention that the colonist who brought the files was my grandmother. My mom’s mother, whom I never knew. But sometimes, watching her collection of movies, I feel as if I’ve glimpsed some part of her.
    The door to the game room’s closed, blocking the noise of the younger colonists’ immersive holo games from the main part of the building. I knock, loudly.
    The door swings back and I stare up into Raid’s face. “Hello. Thought I’d bring Dace by to meet everyone. You mind?”
    “Why should I?” Raid steps back to allow us to enter the room. Closing the door behind him, he turns and leans against its thick metal panels.
    “No reason.” I motion for Dace to take a seat on the low sofa. “So, how’s things?” I meet Raid’s speculative expression with a smile.
    “Things are fine.” Raid looks me up and down. “Dragged junior scientist all over Eco today?”
    “I did.”
    “Had fun?”
    “Not sure I’d call it that.” From the corner of my eye I see one of the younger girls plop down and press up next to Dace. She chatters and shoots him demure looks from beneath her fluttering lashes. He appears distinctly uncomfortable. “Maybe I’d better go to the rescue.”
    Raid takes hold of my wrist. “I’m sure nature boy can handle Marissa. Now,” his fingers glide up my arm, coming to rest on my shoulder. “Let’s talk. Things have been kind of nuclear lately—between you and me, I mean. You know I don’t wanna fight with you.” He caresses my shoulder as he turns me to face him.
    “You can start by dropping the rude crap around Dace.” I meet his intense stare with a steady gaze of my own. “He’s okay. A little obsessed … ”
    “Says the girl who only thinks about leaving Eco.” Raid leans in to press his forehead against mine.
    I could leap in and happily drown in those dark eyes. “And you don’t ever consider it?”
    “Mmmm … sometimes. But what’s the point in living our whole lives for the future?” Raid dips his head until his lips are almost brushing mine. “Live for now. Tomorrow may never come.”
    I should move, but I don’t. I allow Raid to kiss me—a slow, sensual kiss that forces me to grab his arms to keep from wobbling. “Everyone’s watching,” I say, when he pulls away for a second.
    “Good. Maybe they’ll learn something,” Raid replies, and kisses me again.
    “Bien, enough.” I step back when Raid comes up for air. “I better check on Dace. I brought him here knowing he’d be assaulted by the younger girls. And Emie, if Kam ever steps away. Now, don’t give me that look. He’s my responsibility.”
    Raid frowns. “Your supposed ticket out of here, you mean.”
    “Yes, that too.” I study his glowering face. “Maybe, if the captain changes his mind and agrees to take us, you could come along. I’m sure we could squeeze in one more passenger.”
    “And leave all this?” As Raid throws out his hand to indicate the crowded game room, a holographic laser slices through his chest.
    “Score!” Yells Kam. “You’re dead meat, widget-maker.”
    “Not playing, asswipe. Clean your goggles,” replies Raid, with a glance over his shoulder. He looks back at me while Kam colorfully protests. “What the hell—go see what your new pal’s up to, Ann. But find me later.” He leans in and gives me a quick kiss before turning to Kam. “Now I’m in the game. Prepare for annihilation, Frye.”
    I gaze after Raid’s tall form for a moment then shake my head and make my way to the couch. I really shouldn’t allow Raid to kiss me like that, not when I plan on leaving. But I do love those kisses—they send a current zipping from my heart out to