Discovery by T M Roy Page B

discussion.”
    “Yes, Captain.” He inclined his head respectfully and withdrew. Now it would be up to him to locate, track, and plan any sort of recovery. And hope the captain saw it risk-free enough to make the attempt.
    H’renzek barely managed to keep his groan of despair inside.
    Yes, he had been lenient with Povre. And his bending of regulations could have very well been her death sentence.
    I had no call coming down on Jenn, either on the surface or just before.
    The two women had grown up together, been inseparable the past twenty years. And although younger than Povre by a few years, Jenn was more than a best friend to the missing scientist. H’renzek had to admit to himself having Jenn around as constantly as Povre had been good for him, as well.
    He lengthened his stride to catch up with the technician before she turned toward the research section.
    “Jennsle.”
    She stopped, glancing up at him from the corners of her eyes. Her ears were still down and as he approached, they flattened slightly against her head in anxiety and caution. “Commander?”
    “I apologize for my—”
    “Oh, H’renzek. I understand.”
    Only his military training and reflexes kept him, as well as the technician, on their feet as Jenn threw her arms around him and squeezed. Yes, he managed to think as the air was pressed from his lungs, this one was very much influenced by my demonstrative and outspoken daughter.
    “Now then.” Gratified and humbled at her reaction, H’renzek set Jenn back a pace.
    Her blue-violet eyes blazed with determination. “You need my help.”
    “No,” he almost said before thinking better of it. Jenn had considerable skills and using them would give him more time. “Do you have duties elsewhere?”
    She shrugged. “Nothing that can’t wait. Cataloging samples.”
    “Then yes, I need your help.” The smile she gave him in response almost caused an answering one on his face. “Clear it with your department head and meet me in tactical.”
    * * * * *
     
    KENT DIDN'T MIND HUDDLING CLOSE to Povre. They were tired, aching, chilled. The sun was low, the afternoon waning into early evening. Even though the chances were slim to none anyone would be on this section of the river trail during this time of year, Kent made certain they moved off the path and out of sight. It was better to err on the side of caution.
    They shared some water and trail mix. He refused the handful of easily gleaned juniper berries Povre seemed to like. He could smell their tangy spice on her breath. There was nothing wrong with juniper berries. Kent liked the smell and even the unique taste when they were used in cooking. The herbal and medicinal properties were extensive. But for eating out of hand with the same gusto he would apply to a handful of loganberries or strawberries…uh-uh.
    “K’nt,” she said. She held her hand out again, as if offering him the fuzzy-looking berry-like blue cones. “Is name ‘No’?”
    He shook his head. “No, Povre—” He stopped, studying her face in the dappled sunlight. “Of course . Oh, great. You want to know the name for these?” He touched the small mound of berries in her cupped palm.
    “Name. Your name is K’nt. My name is Povre…is name this, please? Is name ‘No’?” She wrinkled one side of her tip-tilted nose at him.
    He chuckled. All this time he’d been saying “No” or “No thanks,” to her juniper berries, thinking she had to be a little dense, since he’d made it clear at breakfast he didn’t enjoy them.
    He stretched his hand to touch a thick juniper nearby. “Juniper. Jun-i-per. Juniperus communis —” He waved a hand in dismissal. She didn’t need to know the Latin names for every variety of juniper in the area when she was struggling enough with the English! “Juniper tree .” He touched the tree. “Juniper berries .” He returned his finger to the items in her hand. Even though it isn’t really a berry, he added mentally. “Povre likes to