Another Crashed Car

[Nick Ryder]

"That always was the way to her heart... weapons and strawberries." Nick chuckled and nodded his head. "I wouldn't mind meeting this new Selene, I just hope Clint knows what he's doing. Our's was so mentally messed up, so many different personalities in her head." he shrugged his shoulders. "Still, I trust him not to think with his... y'know."

[Alice Ryder]

Alice laughed softly, "He always had a weak spot for Selene but lets hope he does know what he's doing. That way we can enjoy the romantic idea of love lost and love found and love meant to be."

[Nick Ryder]

"Always been a sappy romantic." Nick chuckled and put his hand on her's. "Well... we're almost there... I've got to hand it to him, he found a close yet about as off the main road as possible. And I hate this truck, no wonder why no one wanted it. I just got it for hauling bikes, but this thing has no oomph. That little turd Miata that Brenda drives has more get up and go than this."

[Alice Ryder]

"Oh you're really going to like the next part of this." Alice grinned mischievously as they turned onto Clint's driveway.

After a few minutes they arrived at Clint's house. The driveway was empty and the house looked quiet.

"I don't think he's home." Alice said. "Park anywhere."

[Nick Ryder]

"I'll park off where there isn't construction equipment and building materials..." Nick said as he found a good clearing. "Wow, place almost looks done, I owe Bella lunch she thought that Clint would be done before the snow started to fall. I said it would be almost Christmas."

[Alice Ryder]

"I told you he's motivated now." Alice said with a grin as she got out and helped Gale out. "I have a feeling he's probably about to ask her to move in or about to bring her by. Depends on where they're at. Though I heard he's been spending quite a bit of time above Joe's."

[Nick Ryder]

"Well, if she's even half as attracted to him as our Selene was... I see them moving in sooner than later." Nick mused. "Course it all depends on how cool Bella is with it all, but... we'll see. So... if something happened to me and another similar Nick Ryder approached you... would you y'know? Be interested in him if he seemed interested in you?" he looked at Gale. "As long as he's good to our son and my other kids. But give him a bit of hell y'know... you're worth it."

[Alice Ryder]

"I don't think it'd be the same." Alice said. "I don't think I would be able to have a relationship with another you. I'd look for to much of you. It wouldn't be fair to him."

[Nick Ryder]

"Fair enough. Same with you... I'd expect her to know things you do." Nick nodded his head and looked around. "I'm not sensing anyone other than Rommie."

[Alice Ryder]

"Good." Alice said as they walked over to the door and knocked.

A few seconds later Rommie answered. She glanced from Nick to Gale and back to Alice and frowned slightly.

"I take it you're going to need the shuttle." Rommie said as she stood aside so they could come in.

"You would be correct. Where's Clint?" Alice inquired as she ushered Gale in.

"New Honolulu with Selene." Rommie replied matter of fact and smirked at Nick. "He's to relaxed. You haven't told him where you're going yet have you?"

"No I haven't but he has something for you that I need you to send to Jack. Little Jason has a comm device Jack gave him before he left. You should be able to use the frequency to transmit the data. When you're done read this note." Alice said as she handed Rommie a folded piece of paper from her pants pocket.

"I will. You're bags and supplies are already on board. Selene made sure everything was prepped after you made plans." Rommie told her. "I added an extra frog or two."