Heritage 2. - A New Dawn? By Nicole Mayer. July 1997 *** Devon Adair lay in her tent, watching shadows drift across the ceiling as countless clouds crossed into the moonlight. Her son Ulysses lay on the cot next to her, and she could hear the steady rising and falling of his chest, signalling deep sleep. He was unaware of the past ghosts he had conjured up simply by asking a question. And the answer to the question still plagued Devon. But that was not what was troubling her. One scene from that very afternoon kept replaying over and over in Devon's mind, and she could not shake the image. Alonzo Solace had kissed her. Well, she mentally amended, it hadn't been *only* his fault. She had participated in the kiss just as willingly. An experiment, she'd told herself, as they drew closer together. But the moment his lips met hers... Devon shivered. The kiss had been more intense, and more profound, than she'd ever suspected possible. It took her not only back in time, but into the future as well. All of a sudden, Devon Adair was no longer quite sure where her life was going. That very morning, everything had been fine as Eden Advance continued to travel towards New Pacifica. Devon was leading a ?democratic? group made up of people she had grown to trust and depend on completely. Over the months, relationships had sprung up and Devon watched as Alonzo became closer and closer to Julia. It seemed they had fallen in love. And by the time Devon realised that fact, it was too late for her to do anything about the slight twinges from the past that kept touching her soul. It was all over, and she had moved on beyond that time. Until now. With Uly's perturbing questions about his father, Devon and Alonzo had finally talked about their past. About their whirlwind romance, one that was destined for tragedy from the very moment it begun. A romance that produced lasting repercussions such as Uly. Their son. And then - the kiss. ~We could have been something beautiful together...~ echoed Alonzo's words. ~But how do we know?~ ~One kiss...~ And it was that one kiss that had thrown Devon's life into confusion now. The kiss that had changed everything. She could not sleep. *** Alonzo Solace stared at the roof of the tent he shared with Julia. She was sleeping beside him, although that night Alonzo had been careful to keep away from her. He cared for Julia a great deal, perhaps even loved her. But he didn't believe in betrayal, and it was someone else who was Alonzo's mind this night. Devon. She hadn't turned her cheek at the last moment. She hadn't slapped him in the face as she could have. She hadn't stood up and walked away. They had kissed. And it was a moment Alonzo would not forget for a long time. He briefly closed his eyes, vividly remembering the momentary passion that had surged between them. A kiss so full of promise and magic. And then they'd both pulled away, realising what it could mean. Devon's blue eyes betrayed both surprise and shock as she raced from Alonzo back to the safety of the camp, and she had carefully avoided him all evening. It couldn't go on like this, Alonzo knew. He'd never expected to rekindle his relationship with Devon. As far as he knew, it was a part of Devon's ancient history. She'd aged so much, and been through so many trials since they were together. Whereas Alonzo had spent many of those years in cold sleep. If he really told himself the truth, Alonzo knew that he wasn't completely over Devon yet. Julia was the best thing that had happened to him in a long time. To be honest, she was the only one he'd truly cared about since Devon. Devon. That name. Devon Adair. It echoed in his head over and over. Her title once meant so much back on the stations, and was the crumbling cornerstone of their brief relationship because an Adair and a pilot could never be. But here on G889, Alonzo realised, things *could* be different. Histories, family names, occupations, social status, they meant nothing on a world such as this. Hell, he only had five women to choose from so a surname didn't make much difference. Alonzo sighed. Was Devon thinking of him right now? After today, it suddenly seemed that things *weren't* over between them and now Alonzo had no idea what to do. He could not sleep. *** The morning dawned clear and bright - the kind of day that usually made Devon feel full of hope for the future, a day where anything, even impossible dreams, could become a reality. She stood, feeling the awesome presence of the mountains behind her while facing the rising sun. Colour gradually filled every part of the landscape and Devon sighed. Around her were signs of other colonists beginning to wake. Devon herself had finally caught a few hours of sleep, but with the first rays of sunlight she'd been prompted to get up. The nervous tension coursing through her body prevented any chance of lying in, as she was tempted to do upon occasion. But not today. She caught sight of True Danziger, already up and chasing some small rodent around the campsite and Devon was surprised that Uly hadn't yet joined his friend. Then another tousled head poked itself out of a tent, and Devon instantly turned to focus on the mountain range instead. She didn't know *what* to do about Alonzo, but the mere sight of him again sent a multitude of emotions throughout her. Devon could hear Alonzo's movements as he crawled from the tent and began walking across the campsite. To her? In the warm morning sunlight, Devon shivered, then suddenly ducked back into her own tent where Ulysses was beginning to stir. She knew it was the coward's option...but she truly did not even know what to think. "'Morning, Uly," Devon said softly to her son and affectionately stroked his cheek. He yawned sleepily. "Mom?" he murmered, still caught between sleeping and waking and not sure which was real. "Is that you?" "I'm here, Uly," she replied, smiling fondly at him. "It's a beautiful day out." Devon reflected for the thousandth time how wonderful it was to be able to say those words. Back on the stations, day and night had constantly melded into one. Uly rolled over, consciousness gradually seeping back to him. "I was having a really weird dream," he said. "The Terrians?" "No, not that," Uly assured her. "It felt kinda strange, I was back on the stations. I think-" and then Uly stopped, an odd expression on his young features. "I think I was dreaming about my dad!" Devon jumped, her heart racing. Luckily Uly was facing the other direction and did not notice her reaction. Devon took a few deep breaths to calm herself. "Your father?" she asked. "Did - uh - did you see what he looked like?" Yes, Devon told herself, that was a safe question. Uly's face crinkled up in concentration. "I think so...I know he talked to me and said he was proud of me...it felt like I knew him or something. Mom, am I ever gonna find out who he is?" Devon sighed. "Someday, Uly, I'll tell you. I promise. I just can't right now - you have to be brave and understand that for me. Please?" Uly looked at his mother, growing increasingly annoyed with her avoidance of the topic. "But I want to know now!" he protested. "Shh," hissed Devon, hoping that no one was around to hear their small argument. "Uly, I'm asking you to be really grown up and trust me. I promise that I will tell you soon-" "Why, mom?" he interrupted. His dark eyes were large and solemn. Taking a deep breath, Devon said, "Because you're not the only one involved, Uly. If I tell you, other people might get hurt even if we try not to hurt them. Do you understand what I'm saying? Ruefully, Uly nodded. "I guess so, mom." Devon smiled at him, silently thanking him for understanding. "Now, are you going to get dressed?" Uly nodded and scrambled from his bed, pushing the thoughts of his father aside yet again. He still desperately wanted to know about him, and was confident that the answers would come soon. He just had to wait. *** "Devon!" called Yale, hurrying across the camp site. "I want to talk to you!" Burying her face in her hands, Devon sighed. Of course Yale knew of Uly's questions - it was Yale whom Uly had first asked. And now Yale would tell Devon that Uly had a right to know, but Devon didn't want to discuss any of this. In fact, if she could, she'd rather pretend that the entire last day had not happened. She hated dealing with emotions. It was best to be single and safe from the conflict, the annoying entaglements that inevitably arose from any romantic relationship. she suddenly thought to herself. Was that what she was really thinking, feeling, about Alonzo? Yale finally reached Devon and sat himself down opposite her. "Are you still looking for a pass through the mountains?" he asked, noting the map spread before her. "Yes," replied Devon. "Although I don't think this map is going to help any more - it's too inaccurate. We'll have to send a scout or two up the mountain." Yale nodded. Then his features took on a grave expression and he reached out to take Devon's hands. "Ulysses was asking some disturbing questions yesterday," he began. "I know," Devon replied quickly. "But I think he's still too young to know - don't you?" Her blue eyes pleaded with her old tutor for confirmation. But the agreement was not forthcoming. "Devon," Yale said slowly, "I believe the time has come for you to deal with the past. You can't keep this a secret forever. I realise that it will shock some people, perhaps even hurt them, but it is the past, is it not? Our friends here cannot hate you for something that happened a long time ago." "But it's not in the past!" Devon suddenly burst out and then blushed. Surprised, Yale raised one eyebrow. "I mean - I talked with Alonzo yesterday. We were trying to figure out if we should tell everyone the truth, but then I realised that we never even resolved the truth between *us* all those years ago." Frustrated, Devon leaned back in her chair and sighed, staring woefully at the blue sky. "I just don't know what to do!" "You cannot keep hiding from the past," Yale said wisely. He saw the worry in Devon's eyes and wanted to do all he could to help her conquer her troubles. "If you resolve things with Alonzo, how will you feel?" Devon paused, thinking. "Relieved, I guess. If we figure out where we stand, then maybe I could have the courage to - to tell Uly the truth." "I know it's not going to be easy," offered Yale. "But you know what you have to do. You can't treat him as a baby forever." "But what will everyone think?" Devon protested again. She took a deep breath. "What will Danziger think? He told True all about her mother, but I never told Uly. I don't want to lose his respect...." "John will not condemn you for this," Yale said. "He may appear to be offended by your actions but I guarantee, that will pass. He is an honourable man." "And the others?" Smiling, Yale said, "It will give them a chance to revel in one of their favourite pastimes." "Which is?" "Gossiping. Never fear, Devon," he added as he caught the horrified expression on her face, "it won't last long. But don't think of the problems - I want you to think of the good things. Ulysses will have the chance to know his father. That's something he's dreamed of for years. "More than that," continued Yale, "Alonzo will be able to spend time with his son and not feel guilty. It could be a wonderful thing for both of them." Yale was absolutely right, as usual. "Thank you, Yale," Devon said softly. "I needed to hear this." "Then allow me to offer you one more suggestion. You need to scout the mountains?" Devon nodded. "Then why don't you go, and take Alonzo with you?" "Won't that be a little obvious?" Devon quickly jumped in. "To whom?" countered Yale. "Everyone here sees the pair of you as friends and nothing more. Trust me, they will think nothing of it." "Okay," conceded Devon. "I'll do it." Now all she needed was the courage to confront Alonzo again. And she had to tell him that it was over as it always had been. Steeling herself against the inevitable pain, Devon told herself that the kiss yesterday was nothing more than a reflection of the past. Alonzo loved Julia now, and she, Devon, did not need any entanglements. Devon got to her feet and began to circumnavigate the campsite. The other colonists were still revelling in the laziness of not travelling for a few days. Bess sat stitching Morgan's pants, Julia was re-organising her medical supplies to encompass new remedies she'd discovered while on the planet, and Alonzo - Alonzo was washing his hair. Devon's footsteps slowed as she caught sight of him. Poised above a bucket of water, he dunked his head into it, and then stood up straight. Alonzo shook his head back, and rivulets of water streamed down his uncovered back. His muscles rippled and gleamed in the sunlight and Devon stood, transfixed by the sight, suddenly remembering exactly *what* it had been like to run her hands down his smooth torso. Despite the warmth of the sunlight, Devon shivered. Almost as if he could feel the intensity of Devon's gaze, Alonzo turned. Their eyes met in a contact that seemed to last for an eternity. Finally, Devon looked away, swallowing hard. She forced herself to not think about Alonzo or the way he made her feel or the absolute confusion she was enduring. Instead, she simply said, "You and I will be scouting the mountains today. We need to find a path for the vehicles." She didn't give him a chance to respond, but quickly added, "I'll meet you in the centre of camp in a half hour." ***Question - did EA say things like 'half hour'?*** "Right," concurred Alonzo. "And Devon?" "Yes?" she almost snapped. He stared at her, the beginnings of a question on his lips. Then he shook his head. "I'll tell you later." He grabbed his shirt and threw it over his head as Devon walked away. *** The sky was a brilliant blue as the sun blazed down on the two weary travellers hiking up a mountain. Devon's shirt clung to her with sweat and she paused to quickly tie her hair back. Alonzo glanced back for only a moment, then continued silently upwards. Neither of them could think of a thing to say to each other. Devon rationalised that it was the heat that made it too difficult to talk. She carried one water canteen in her small backpack (they had learnt early on in the journey how important water was in an environment such as this) and she was trying to ration it. Finally, after what seemed hours of climbing, they reached the summit of this particular mountain, which widened into a plateau. Devon could see for miles both east and west, and finally, could see potential paths for the vehicles. She pointed each one out in turn to Alonzo, and they discussed potential problems with each. Eventually, a decision was reached. Alonzo sauntered over to a rock and casually perched on it. "Well, Dev, now what?" He took a long drink from his water canteen. "We're up here, alone...." He let his voice trail off, watching Devon nervously pace back and forwards. "You know I didn't drag you up here just for scouting," Devon began, scuffing the loose rocks with the toes of her shoes. "We have to finish our conversation from yesterday." "Which part of it?" Alonzo threw at her, and she could almost swear he was smirking at her discomfort. Or maybe he was just joking to lighten the mood. "I talked with Yale today," stated Devon quietly. "He told me what I already knew - we can't go on lying to Uly, no matter how much I want to. I know this is going to cause some problems in the group but they all have to learn the truth sometime." Her last words came out in a rush. "And all we have to figure out is how to tell him, and then this mess is fixed." "Or is it?" Alonzo spoke quietly from his vantage point. "Come on, Devon, we talked about a lot more than that yesterday. I think there's still one more thing we have to figure out." "And that is...?" She didn't want to say it herself, she barely wanted to think of it. Devon turned her back on Alonzo to face east, where she could see an impossibly distant horizon beyond the edge of the plateau. And if she squinted hard enough, she could see their tiny camp beneath the haze that shimmered from the ground and distorted her vision. Devon heard Alonzo get to his feet and then suddenly he was behind her, so close she could feel his breath on her exposed neck. Involuntarily, she shivered. Alonzo slid one hand around her waist and pulled her close. "This," he whispered, breathing softly into her hair. "Or did you think I'd forgotten? Devon, I *never* forgot you," he vowed. "I need to know if you feel the same way." Trembling, Devon tried to speak. She'd never imagined having this kind of conversation with Alonzo. Danziger, perhaps, but Alonzo, her one-time lover, her friend now? "I was thinking about you all night," Alonzo continued. "I couldn't get you outta my mind." "I couldn't stop thinking about you either," admitted Devon. "But Alonzo, this is crazy! We finished years ago, no matter what we feel now!" "So you're saying you do feel something?" "Yes, no! I don't know!" Devon burst out, suddenly pulling away from him. "Alonzo, we can't do this. I don't need this. Think of what it would do to the group. Think of Julia!" His face took on a wounded expression. "My relationship with Julia is already over if I can't stop thinking of you. No matter *what* we decide. "I still have to see your face every day," he whispered softly. "Wondering what might have happened if we could have been together. I always regretted leaving you." "Alonzo," Devon said firmly yet their were tears in her eyes, "I'm sorry. But I think we should end it here, end it now." They faced each other, his eyes burning into hers. The small distance that separated them suddenly became a gulf that was widening rapidly, and soon it would be impossible to cross. "Are you sure about this?" "Yes," Devon whispered even though it hurt her so much to say it. Her lost love would remain lost forever. Alonzo took one last, lingering look at the woman he once -and possibly still did- love. Then he turned his back and walked away. "I'm going back to camp," he said, his voice flat and expressionless. "You coming?" "In a while," she replied just as evenly. "I'm going to sit here and enjoy the view for a few minutes." Alonzo gathered his pack from by the rock, forcing himself with every step not to look back. It was for the best, he told himself over and over. What had happened yesterday was nothing more than an echo of the past, it meant nothing that he had dreamed of Devon all night. They were only memories that had no place in his life now.... He heard a slight noise behind him, a shuffling, almost as if something was skidding across them, or sliding, or falling.... "ALONZO!" Devon screamed. Fear struck his heart and in a millisecond he turned. Where Devon had been only moments before there was now only dust and an eerily alone piece of torn fabric. "Devon!" he shouted, racing to the edge of the plateau. Every fibre of his body was racing with an adrenaline akin to absolute panic and horror. "Devon!" he shouted again, while thinking to himself, He skidded to a stop only inches from the edge, wary of the loose rocks but more concerned about Devon. Alonzo looked down, seeing her distraught face as she clung to the rock face with a precarious grip. "Hold on, Devon, I'm gonna get you up," he promised, dropping to his stomach and reaching down with his arms. Devon's eyes were wide and frightened as she looked up at him, but there was also a determination in those eyes to hold on no matter what it took. Her hands were scraped raw and bloody from grabbing on to the jagged rocks but she barely noticed the pain. All she noticed were Alonzo's strong hands as he grasped her forearms and began to pull her up. Slowly, inch by inch, Alonzo slid backwards bringing Devon up with him, until finally, both were sprawled face down on the plateau, arms locked together and their faces so close. Devon looked up. "I almost died," she said slowly, as if she couldn't quite believe it herself. "And you saved me." As the full realisation of the near-miss began to hit her, Devon began shaking. She pulled herself away from Alonzo, sitting up and hugging her knees to her chest. "Devon," Alonzo said hoarsely, "I almost lost you." His voice dropped to a whisper. "And I don't think I could've lived with that." He scrambled over to her and very tentatively, wrapped his arms around her shaking body. She leaned into his embrace and suddenly said, "I'm glad it was you - who was here....Alonzo...." And suddenly they were kissing, desperately, passionately, as the trauma of the situation caught up with them and they realised what they had almost lost. All resolve to be strong flew from Devon's mind as she dimly realised that, after all these years, she was in Alonzo Solace's arms again and there wasn't anywhere she would rather be. *** "Yale!" called Danziger. "Have you heard anything from Devon or 'Lonz lately? I tried calling them on gear but they weren't picking up, and they should've been back hours ago." Yale shook his head, secretly hoping that the delay meant that Devon and Alonzo were truly talking out the situation and reaching a satisfactory resolution. ----------------------------------- That's all for now!