Compelling Science Fiction Issue 3 by Joe Stech & Karl El-Koura & Rich Larson & Dominic Teague & Ronald D. Ferguson

Author:Joe Stech & Karl El-Koura & Rich Larson & Dominic Teague & Ronald D. Ferguson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Compelling Science Fiction Ltd.
Published: 2016-08-14T16:28:17+00:00

Intent to Occupy

by Ronald D. Ferguson

Rob Anson had resolved to wait for only ten more minutes when she finally arrived wearing jeans, a sweatshirt, and unadorned by makeup. Despite the spectacular view of an ancient impact crater at the south end of the highland plateau, the Descartes Restaurant currently had no other customers. Nevertheless, she hesitated just inside the door as if uncertain whether to enter. Beyond the expanse of glass dome behind her, Earth hugged the horizon of the Moon's Cayley plains.

Was this Lauren Smith? Rob had never met her. His personal ad had been online a week with no response before he received the inquiry from Lauren. The hologram portrait she sent to his phone was six years old , but at this distance, he wasn't sure if the face matched the picture.

He stood and waved to attract her attention, and then felt foolish. They were the only ones in the restaurant. She didn't smile or wave back but glided towards him with that familiar stride of someone long accustomed to Moon gravity.

Smith? Her name sounded suspiciously simple, but according to her profile, she lived in a luxury apartment in the Descartes Highlands. You couldn't get much classier than the Descartes Highlands or further out of Rob's league. Why would such a woman consider exploring the asteroids with anyone, much less with him?

Nonetheless, hers was the only response, and so he arranged to meet her. She insisted on an off-time at the always-open restaurant. With every table in the restaurant available, Rob had selected one near the full-wall window.

Nervously, he crumpled his napkin as she reached the table. She was not as gorgeous as her out-of-date hologram portrait--more character had settled onto her face, more worry--but Rob found her less artificial and even more attractive that way.

"Hi, I'm Rob Anson." He pulled out a chair for her. "You must be Lauren Smith. Thanks for meeting up with me."

Her smile was subdued, not radiant like her picture. She smelled like lilacs.

"Thank you." Her voice was crisp and cultured.

Suddenly, he felt self-conscious about his Texas drawl.

She didn't extend her hand, but immediately sank onto the chair and glanced about the restaurant as if she expected eavesdroppers despite her long walk past empty tables. Her posture cool and composed, she straightened her back and folded her hands atop the table.

Rob resumed his seat across from her. He tapped the table surface to display the menu.

"Something to eat or drink? I've already ordered an espresso."

"I couldn't eat just now. Water, perhaps?"

"Done."

Rob noted the price of a half-liter of water and smiled. Twice the price of a deciliter of espresso. He keyed in her order and charged his account.

After the conveyor delivered the water and espresso, Lauren fumbled with some pills from her purse, and then used the water to wash them down. She didn't speak, but seemed distracted and wary.

"Are you sure you understood my ad?" Rob asked in anticipation of her rejection.

Lauren fidgeted but didn't look at him. "You want a partner for an unspecified time to help you explore economic opportunities in the asteroid belt.

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