Mountain Life

CHAPTER 4A - Planning a Dinner Party

Marissa and David returned from their excursion, and it was just about time to eat dinner.

They set the table, and everyone sat. As usual, they talked a little about their day before they ate.

Jon and Gayle went first, mentioning that the supplies were starting to arrive, and he had them delivered directly to the barn so they could begin placing them on the cart.

A few minutes later, Marissa and David talked about the fabric and material they managed to get so the tailors and seamstresses in the settlement could make new clothing, which was sorely needed before the winter hit.

Then, it was time for Joseph and Brigit. Joseph started and talked about the shuttle and the death grip his poor hand had to endure. He also mentioned that the person on the other side of Brigit owned the metal shop and that he would be joining them for dinner tomorrow evening, along with his daughter-in-law.

Brigit spoke reluctantly and said, “I ran into the station’s commanding officer,” Joseph almost spit out his drink.

“Literally,” Brigit continued. “She and our hosts are friends and will join us for dinner tomorrow.”

Joseph prompted, “…and?”

Brigit grinned, “MagdaLynne invited us to, in 5 months, join her on a short trip to Mars. I mentioned it would be interesting, and she needed to head there on her personal shuttle for a 2-day inspection she needs to do once each year. My cost is minimal: food and whatever I want to purchase while I am there. I cannot see getting any souvenirs since I cannot take them home with me.”

The others all stared at her. Marissa stated flatly, “Let me recap. This is your first trip on the collection, and you managed to sign up for a class that would benefit the settlement. You went to the station, found the one person you needed, crushed their hand, and gave us what we needed for a song. You bounced inside the cabin after you docked, and the general in command of the station caught you. You managed to get invited by her to pop over to the planet Mars for a few days to wander aimlessly while she worked.”

Joseph was grinning from ear to ear and said, with extreme joviality, “That about sums it up!”

They talked back and forth during the meal and cleaned up afterward. Gayle asked, “Brigit, can you please assist me in the barn?”

“Of course, Gayle.” The two stood and departed. No one noticed Jon wink at Gayle. Something was up.

They headed over to the barn.

“What can I do for you?” Brigit asked.

“Actually, there is something I can do for you.” She remained silent until they entered the barn. Gayle walked to the chickens and looked for eggs. Brigit grabbed a basket and joined her.

“Sister, I see it in your face. This world, this life, these experiences entice you to stay. But, you are precious to the settlement. There are a lot of things that you know and that you do that others do not.”

Brigit looked at her. “I have had those thoughts, but leaving my home and friends is not appealing. Yes, I want to experience these things; I want to travel to Mars with the general and stand on another planet. Ultimately, I will be in the community, teaching, guiding, and advising until I join my sister, Serena.”

Gayle smiled, “That is good to hear. In that light, when you return for the training with Joseph and stay here, Joseph will wait for you to return from Mars. Remember, you cannot bring items home with you. You will need to have money with you, and tomorrow, you and I will go into town and open a sub-account of the farm for you. This way, you can purchase food and whatever else you need while you are here. Once you head home, the fob you will receive can remain in your room.”

Brigit was tearing up, “Thank you. This is going to be the greatest experience of my life. I just hope it does not kill me.”

Gayle laughed, “There are very few deaths in space. Maybe one or two a year. Let’s hope you are not one of those lucky few.”

They hugged and headed for the house. Brigit was exhausted and needed sleep.