Date: 30 Apr 1993 16:16:40 -0400 (EDT) From: Brian Willard Subject: Storm Brewing, Part V Message-Id: <01GXMLL44ARM99DN2U@UNCA.EDU> Organization: University of North Carolina at Asheville Storm Brewing Part V by Brian Willard Al returned about half an hour later, and found Sam (Darren) and Marci still eating, though just about ready for dessert. "Well Al, it seems you're back just in time for the apple pie," Marci called as her husband walked in the door, "it may even still be warm." "Any of that casserole left? You _know_ how much I love your casseroles," Al said in a way that Sam had heard him speak _many_ times. "You're lucky. I managed to keep a little bit away from Darren. He's just about eaten his weight tonight." "Well, Marci, you're a very good cook," Sam replied "Why, thank you Darren! Sometimes I think Al takes my cooking for granted. But he's a caring and devoted husband, and I love him dearly." "How did that interview go today, dear?" Al called from the bedroom, where he was changing his shirt, "Did you get the job?" "I don't know yet...they'll let me know in about a week or so. Until then I'm just going to keep my fingers crossed," she said, thinking about how nice it would be if she could work at NASA with her husband. Sam was rather surprised by Al's geniune show of concern for a female, and almost dropped his glass when Al walked into the room and kissed Marci. Al sat himself down at the table and looked over at Sam, giving a quirky smile that Dr. Beckett had never seen before. Am I actually seeing what I think I'm seeing? Sam thought to himself, is Al really married and is he actually...happy? "Oh!" Al said, suddenly remembering something. He hopped out of his seat, walked over to the counter and turned on a small television. "ABC is showing Star Trek - The Movie tonight. Don't want to miss that. Damn NBC for cancelling the original series!" "That was a long time ago, Al," Marci replied. "Yeah but it was one of my favorite shows. Why do they always wind up killing the best shows?" "That's just television, dear. They don't care about you, they care about ratings." "But look how well Next Generation and Deep Space Nine did," Sam interrupted, feeling he needed to add something to the discussion. "What the hell is Deep Space Nine, Darren?" asked Al, "is that one of those Saturday Night Live flicks or something?" "Actually, I think we need to get to bed early. That flight's only a couple days away. Oh, that reminds me, Al. Did you decide whether or not I could go on the flight with you?" "I still don't understand why you are so interested in going on a hurricane observation flight," replied Al. "Because I'm worried about you, dear. What would I do if something happened to you?" "You'd be a whole lot better off!" Al said with a chuckle as he lit a cigar and began to puff away. "Don't say that!" Sam blurted out, and Marci and Al stared at him. "What I meant to say was, it's best to keep an optimistic attitude when going on a mission like this." "Mission? Ahh, we're just going for a little plane ride, near a storm. There's nothing in the least bit dangerous. Are you doubting my flying abilities now, Darren?" "I still want to come with you," Marci insisted, "I won't be happy unless I'm with you, Al." "Don't give me that sad puppy dog look! You know how much that bothers me!" Al said, getting irritated. "Well then let me come!" his wife demanded. "Okay, okay! You can come." Marci gave a brief squeal of joy. "Uh, Al," muttered Sam. "Don't worry about it Darren. What's the worst that could happen? It's a two hour flight around some little storm over the ocean. No big deal. I'll take care of getting her cleared for the flight. Now let's all go watch Star Trek," suggested Al. "If you don't mind, I'm going to go crash. Been feeling a little tired lately," Sam replied. "Yeah, and you look it too. Sure, go ahead kid. See you in the morning." "Good night, all," Sam said as he got up from the table and went toward the guest room to get ready for a long, pleasant sleep. To be continued.... ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Brian Willard | "Revenge is mine, thus sayeth the hologram!" UNC-Asheville | Sam Beckett - "The Leap Back" ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ************ S.O.S - Save Our Show! Write to NBC! Hurry! *****************