Second Chance

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CHAPTER 2

First Reunion
Past actions lead Scott to bittersweet realizations.

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Sera and Lancer took their break together in a coffee shop. Sera seemed completely happy sipping on a creamy mocha while Lancer had a latte.

"I'm surprised of how you've come to like coffee Sera. I wonder if you like it more than me?" Lancer joked.

"Don't be silly Lancer, off course I like you more. You can actually make one of these," responded Sera smiling and pointing to the empty cup.

"I see how deep your feelings are," he said.

"Lancer," she spoke a bit serious, "did you tell Ariel that Scott's coming?" Lancer got a worried look.

"I meant to, Sera, but I haven't seen her all day. She was sleeping when I got his message last night and she was gone when we woke up this morning."

"We woke up late today," said Sera. Lancer smiled.

"That was your fault beautiful," he responded. She blushed.

"It's going to be a huge surprise for her," Sera said redirecting the subject back to Scott's arrival.

"For both of them," corrected Lancer, "he doesn't know she's with us."

"Oh," let out Sera raising her eyebrow.

"Scott has changed, I have the feeling it is time for them to clear things out."

"I hope so," declared Sera, "I don't want to see my sister hurt again." She noticed the time. "I'm running a bit late. I've got to go, Lancer. The new equipment is arriving today and I have to make sure everything is in order. That new assistant of mine is quite a dummy. He needs some straightening up, Invid style!" her eyes started glowing as she thought of it.

"Easy, Sera, try to be nice to this one. It's the third one," Lancer calmed her.

"Oh, yes, you are right. It is not easy, though!" She sighed. "Anyway, thanks for the coffee. See you tonight." she said, smiled at him and left.

"I will miss you," uttered Lancer quietly. He was suddenly pensive and a bit worried.

Lancer drank from his cup and remembered how Marlene, Ariel for her sister Sera, was crying sitting on the floor of her room back in the farm.

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"Lunk and Annie called me, Marlene."

"I can't take it anymore Lancer!" she cried desperately. "I am so lonely, so different, so useless... humans hate my kind, there is nothing for me to live for." She continued sobbing. "If I only could stop thinking about him," she screamed and buried her head into her hands.

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Scott got off the shuttle and entered New Liberty spaceport. The huge military multi-domed structure, which also served as an airport, had become the biggest transportation hub in North America. It accommodated the needs of the military along with those of the civilian population. After decades of war and destruction, the military was not well seen on Earth. Constructing and managing mayor infrastructure projects had become a common military practice to positively swing public opinion.

Scott's military status got him through the landing procedures fast. After he exited the final screening tunnel, a young red-haired soldier came to greet him.

"Welcome Captain," he saluted.

"Thanks, uhh..." replied Scott not knowing the young soldier's name.

"Corporal Bates sir." Scott nodded and walked to get his luggage from a nearby carousel. Bates walked with him

"Your arrival is earlier than anticipated sir. I regret to inform you that permanent accommodations are not ready yet," said Bates nervously. "Housing at New Liberty is limited at the moment. The only available room is a standard suite in the north-end barracks, sir. I am sorry for the inconvenience." he added warily.

"Thank you Corporal, but I have something to take care of in the city. I will report back to New Liberty base in six days," Scott replied calmly as he got his luggage.

"I understand sir. Your apartment will be ready by then. Would you like me to arrange transport for you?"

"That won't be necessary Bates," said Scott, and added, "I need a place to change, though."

"This way, sir," replied Bates.

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Scott, dressed as a civilian, walked into the reception area of the spaceport. He approached exit 23 and looked around. The place was enormous and crowded. Quite a different sight from the devastation he saw last time he was on Earth.

Hundreds of people were waiting, waving, hugging, etc. A beautiful brunette stood out from the crowd. A man walked towards her; he hugged and kissed her. Scott's thoughts started taking flight towards...

"Scott!" he heard and turned to see Lancer approaching.

"Lancer!" They hugged.

"It is great to see you, old soldier!" said Lancer."

"It is great to see you too," responded Scott, "you haven't changed a bit."

"I could say the same of you, except for the uniform," asserted Lancer smiling.

Scott shrugged. "I am only a civilian until my new assignment starts in six days."

"Six days we will make sure you never forget my friend," replied Lancer and noticed that some fans had spotted him. Scott noticed too. "It is time to get out of here, Scott." He pulled Scott hurriedly toward his car.

"A limo!" Scott gasped, "life is treating you well Lancer," he added after both friends got into the vehicle.

"I can't complain, the music business is on the rebound and Sera and I are ridding the wave," replied Lancer cheerfully.

"I'm happy for you both. How's your wife, by the way?" asked Scott.

"Sera's great. She has adapted to Earth and human culture quite rapidly. She's the manager at Belmont Records and is doing a terrific job, I must add. Her military background has a lot to do with the way she has everything running smoothly, including me." Scott was amused.

"Any recent news from Rook and Rand? The last thing you told me was that they had moved near Trenchtown. I think," Scott mentioned.

"They keep in touch. He is almost finished writing his book, you know, about our adventures during the Invid war. Rook and him keep arguing about who rescued who," said Lancer. Scott smiled.

"Rook got a job with a freight company, flying a cargo plane. That is keeping her busy. Also, I know that Rand is thinking of proposing to her," Lancer added

"It is about time they followed through and got hitched like you and Sera," replied Scott.

"Yeah," said Lancer with a grin, "like another pair I once knew." Scott cleared his throat.

"And how are Lunk and Annie?" he asked.

"I think I told you he got the farm that he wanted. Now he is simply happy working the land. Annie is still with him. They take care of each other. Oh, and she is back in school."

Scott smiled at the thought of Annie going to school and driving everyone crazy. Then his expression changed. He hesitated to speak.

"And Marlene? Do you know anything about her?" He finally asked.

"Marlene?" Lancer sighed. "She is doing much better now."

"Much better? What do you mean? Is she okay?" interrupted Scott.

"Relax, Scott, she is fine. Well, you of all people know she was devastated after Reflex Point."

"I know, but..." said Scott but Lancer interrupted him this time.

"After you left she went with Lunk and Annie to start the farm. She tried hard to concentrate in her work and help out but the loneliness was killing her. She felt rejected by you and abandoned by her own people. The isolation of the farm wasn't helping either." Scott looked guilty. "She was an emotional wreck when Sera and I decided to take her to live with us."

"She...she is here?" Scott inquired turning pale.

"Yes," nodded Lancer. "I told you tracking her down would be easier than you thought." He made a pause to let Scott digest the news.

"Marlene has had quite a recovery. Being close to someone of her own kind and surrounded by the liveliness of the city has been good to her. That girl has changed a lot; she is more independent and secure. It was a big surprise when she decided to study. She said she wanted to do something for herself and others. She is about to finish nursing school," Lancer explained.

"Marlene, a nurse! That is so perfect for her, she is so caring. Tell me more about her, Lancer, please."

"Scott, calm down. First, you must tell me if you care for her. I don't want to see her hurt."

"I care for her very much. The last thing I want to do is hurt her again," Scott declared with determination.

"I am happy to hear that. Don't worry then, soon you will be able to ask her anything you like in person," said Lancer enjoying Scott nervousness.

"Right, she is here," Scott replied swallowing hard. "She is here," he repeated in his mind.

Lancer looked at him, "I bet you weren't expecting that one." Scott was like in a trance. "Scott?" he added amused.

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The two friends arrived in Lancer's home. After grabbing his bag, Scott followed Lancer into an old-style looking building. He was surprised to see that the inside was modern, probably just redone. They took the elevator to the penthouse and entered the singer's apartment.

"Welcome to my home, Scott," said Lancer inviting him inside.

"Thanks," said Scott as he stepped in and put his bag to the side on the floor. He was impressed

The place was big as Lancer said. It looked like an industrial plant transformed into a home. The walls were white and big metallic-framed windows gave the living room an impressive view of the cityscape. Carpeted floors held modern shaped furnishings. A few Semi- translucent screens separated the main areas. Although spare, flowers and other details gave the apartment a homey atmosphere.

"Your place is nice, Lancer," said Scott admiring the view of the city.

"Thank you friend, but what you see is mostly Sera's influence. Marlene has added her touch too. The pictures over there were her idea," replied Lancer pointing to some frames on a table.

Scott walked to the table and looked at the pictures. There was pictures of Rand and Rook, Annie and Lunk, himself, Lancer and Sera. There was also a picture of Sera's and Lancer's wedding. Marlene was with them in another one dressed as a bridesmaid. Scott took the picture..

"The sisters are certainly beautiful," said Lancer coming next to Scott.

"Yes," replied Scott softly.

"Marlene had practice at the city's hospital today. She will arrive at any minute now," mentioned Lancer, breaking Scott's daydream.

"Any minute?" said Scott getting paler.

"Afraid my friend?" joked Lancer with an increasingly nervous Scott. He wanted to answer but the noise of the apartment door opening made both men turn their heads towards it. Scott realized he was still holding Marlene's picture and quickly placed it back. He was sweating. The seconds seemed an eternity, but when the door finally opened, Sera stepped in.

"Hi there," she said. "Scott! It is nice to see you again. How are you?" she asked politely while shaking Scott's hand firmly.

"I am good, thank you Sera, it is nice to see you too."

"Hi Lancer," said Sera smiling.

"My princess is back!" said Lancer and kissed her.

"Thank you both for receiving me in your home," said Scott feeling a bit uncomfortable with their kissing.

"You are very welcome Scott. You are like family to Lancer and therefore me," responded Sera. She turned to Lancer, "Ariel home?"

"No, not yet," Lancer turned to Scott, who looked confused by the name. "Sera calls Marlene, Ariel," he explained.

"Oh, yes, sorry, force of habit. I try, but it is kind of hopeless. Ariel, Marlene, gets mad at me, but I just can't help it. She has forgiven me by now; names don't matter after all," said Sera. Scott nodded in agreement. However he remembered all the implications that the name held and the discovery that changed his life. His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the door opening again.

Marlene entered the apartment.

"Hi everyone," she managed to say as she glanced at Sera, Lancer and then discovered the visitor. "Scott!" she whispered faintly.

Scott couldn't believe he was finally hearing her soft voice and looking at her delicate face once more. He stayed immobile, without color on his face.

Marlene's hair was all up in a bun, hidden behind her nurse's hat. Her uniform, half covered by a dark blue raincoat, was completely white. Scott's eyes were fixed on her. She was paralyzed, feeling too many things. Was it confusion, happiness, anger, love? Her head started spinning and she lost her balance. In two steps -more like two jumps- Scott was by the door holding her while Sera and Lancer looked at them in awe.

"Marlene," he said worried, "are you okay?" She trembled softly in his arms.

"Scott..." she stammered, looking into his eyes and feeling hypnotized by them. "I... I'm okay, I... I'm just surprised to see you again... so unexpectedly."

Scott was lost in her eyes too. "I am sorry, I just got transferred a few hours ago. I have so many things to tell you," he said nervously.

Marlene felt her heart was going to jump out of her. Scott noticed she got weaker so he helped her to the couch and sat next to her. He held her.

"Thanks," she said. Lancer and Sera came to their side.

"Marlene, are you feeling okay?" asked Lancer worried.

"I have never seen you like this, sister," added Sera.

Marlene took a deep breath and tried to calm herself and everyone else down. "It's been a long day, I am just tired," she announced.

"Hmmm. Did you forget to eat again?" inquired Sera.

"Oh, I think I did, I was so busy," answered Marlene.

"You must eat, Marlene, it's important," said Scott firmly. Marlene looked at him shyly and noticed the concern in his eyes.

"I'll have dinner ready in a few minutes, Marlene," said Sera.

"I'll bring you some water," offered Lancer. "You better stay by her side, Scott," he added.

"I'm not going anywhere, I assure you," he said and looked at her. She laid her head on his shoulder.

"I feel so dizzy," she whispered. "Scott is here!" she thought, "He looks so worried, could he be back for me? No, no, I don't think so. He said he was transferred... better not dream," she finished telling herself and closed her eyes.

"I'm sorry Marlene, I didn't mean to upset you. I'll go as soon as you feel better, if you want me to," said Scott apologetically.

"No, Scott, I am okay, you haven't upset me, just surprised me. That, plus the tiredness and the hunger made me lose my balance," she said softly and raised her head from his shoulder. Scott's expression was still watchful. "Please don't look so worried, I'm all right," she added firmly and smiled faintly.

Lancer came back with the water. Marlene sipped a bit.

"I'm fine Lancer, it is just tiredness, really," she said as she started recovering.

"Are you sure Marlene, you still seem weak to me," argued Lancer.

"Nothing that a good dinner can't fix, right Sera?" said Marlene looking in Sera's direction. Sera smiled. "Seriously, I am okay... And I better go change." Marlene was looking at Scott, who still held her.

"Are you sure?" he asked. She nodded affirmatively. Scott helped her up and watched her go into her room to change.

"She's just going to change, Scott; she'll be back." Scott didn't move. "We could use some help with dinner," the singer added.

"Huh, oh, sorry," he said and walked with Lancer to help Sera in the kitchen.

Inside her room, Marlene felt butterflies in her stomach. "What is this feeling?" She shook her head lightly. "Could Scott be back for me? I have dreamed about that for so long..." A little smile crossed her face. She changed to wear baby blue cropped pants and a tight fitting white short-sleeved top. "I always feel so strange when Scott is around," she thought. She took off her hat and brushed her long fuchsia-red hair down. She looked in the mirror and put on some makeup. "That's better," she thought and headed out.

Scott was helping set the table. He was setting the plates when Marlene came along. When she approached, he was totally distracted and dropped one; it hit a pitcher and spilled water all over the table.

"Damn! What a mess," he said. Lancer and Sera exchanged amused looks. Scott started picking up, "Nothing broke, don't worry," he announced.

"Let me help you with that," said Marlene noticing the spill. She got some paper towels and cleared the water while Scott reset things. "Like new!" she said smiling.

"Thanks," he replied embarrassed.

"Okay everyone, dinner is ready," announced Sera. She brought a big platter to the table while Lancer fetched some wine. Her and Lancer sat opposing each other at a round table. Scott and Marlene followed suit.

"I want each of us to propose a toast," said Lancer. He served wine in everyone's glasses. "To friendship," he started.

"To love," said Sera in turn.

"To happiness," added Marlene.

"To second chances," finished Scott looking at Marlene, whose cheeks suddenly seemed to gain color.

The four friends brought their wineglasses together.

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