The Forces That Drive Evolution (closed for marine biochild and Leongreybeard)

[LeonGreybeard]

Four chimes in quick succession, the four engines roared and the passengers' seat back cushions compressed as the craft accelerated down the runway. The jostling intensified, then suddenly stopped as the nose lifted and she shuddered up into the air. Strange thumps and whines as various gears adapted the shape to her natural environment, soaring up into the grey clouds, Raindrops streaked across the windows. The engines cut down to ease pressure on ears still on the ground below them, and she banked steeply out over the ocean, Cape Cod Bay appearing off the starboard wing.

Dr. Wright thought he could just make out Wood's Hole, and felt the envy of his co-workers as they faced December rain on their way to work, while he and three of his top students set off for a three month research project based in Montserrat. The threat of hurricanes over for the season, the weather would be sunny and warm everyday, light to moderate trade winds, a few showers perhaps, but all in all what most would call a perfect vacation. To be spent diving on the newly forming coral reef. Collecting data on species succession.

Twenty years ago, the volcano had erupted and destroyed a huge segment of the island, the ash covered areas still visible from space. And now under the ocean, a new coral reef was forming. This was the perfect opportunity to determine the manner in which coral reefs formed. With so many of the world's reefs in decline from ocean warming, this was a chance to learn what lay in store for the oceans, perhaps learn to mitigate the damage. And with modern small cameras that captured fine details underwater in low light, GPS units that could locate within centimetres, computers far more complex than ones that filled rooms only a few years ago, the research tools were luxurious. Much was expected of him, of them.

The view out the window changed to solid light grey. The plane shuddered a few times, then broke clear of the cloud layer into bright sunshine, clear blue sky and a landscape of puffy white clouds. A chime announced the seat belt light was off. The captain welcomed them, hoped they would enjoy the trip.

Wright loosened his belt, and thought of the passenger beside him. Rylie Stone, working on her master's degree. What a bright future she had, at this young age already on one of the premier research projects. With three full months one on one with her thesis advisor. In a way he wished it was him, with that opportunity, at the start of his career. So much lay in front of her. Such a wonderful opportunity. And the support of Carl Williams, the best dive technician in the country, and Eve Mari, data analyst, super geek, she could make any computer kneel and beg for forgiveness, cough up all its secrets. Even now he could see the two of them, a couple of rows ahead, comparing notes, planning strategies. All of this funded on a grant with no strings at all, an oil giant hoping to offset the bad publicity from the last spill, or perhaps the next one.

At that moment a slight whiff of the scent of her shampoo came to him. Clean and fresh. He thought what a rare combination she was, beauty and intelligence. He felt the attraction of her chemistry, and for a moment wished he was a student again. He smiled to himself, thinking how much he would . .

And stopped his mind dead. A slight shake of his head, and he swiped his tablet, to read one of the latest papers on pH and microbiomes.

 

[marine_biochild]

Everything seemed as if it were a mere dream. The whiring of the engines, the lurch in her stomach as they began their assent into the sky. An opportunity she couldn't believe had been placed in her lap. Beside her sat Dr. Wright, her professor at University that had given her said chance. She was on her way to becoming a marine biology major one thesis and a few semesters away from her dreams. The plane leveled out and she pulled out the Springer journal before placing it on the lap tray along with her notebook and pencil. Her eyes became to skim the articles looking for her stopping place. Finding the article, an interesting study on antimicrobial effects of ninosilver for drinking water disinfection, she opened her notebook to take notes for a paper she was writing for her microbiology class.

It was only a matter of time before she leaned back in her seat. Glancing to her watch it had been twenty minutes. She had been reading the same four lines for fifteen of them. She was excited, so excited she couldn't focus. She was on her way to Montserrat, a research project to examine a newly forming coral reef. She had done her research, had memorized the local Ocean life and the neighboring waters. She had been so excited she had packed and repacked for months before finally deciding on the clothes she would bring. Her carry-on was filled with notebooks to keep thoughts and information collected for her own personal collection. She had brought a plethora of memory cards her her camera which was stowed below them on the plane.

Succumbing to defeat she closed both the journal and her notebook in favor of checking out the occupants of the plane around them. She could see Carl and Eve a few rows head of her, bent over sheets of paper most likely planning their trip and the few days they would be given off the boat. She smiled to herself at the few she would be spenidng three months with. They were smart to say the least. Carl was one of the most experienced drivers she had ever met. He knew the ins and outs of any diving gear. She felt safe in his hands. Eve on the other hand was a wiz at any computer. She understood the depths of technology that could make anyone's head spin. Eve was a nice girl and always seemed to have a bubbly smile on her face.

Her eyes traveled to her thesis advisor. He was an older man, in comparison to herself anyway. It was a nice man, seeming to always have patience with her when it came to her questions, always seeming to know how to explain things to her so she could understand. She knew he would be the biggest asset to this project. His experience and expertise would be valuable and she would most likely lean on him to know exactly how to handle the ships needs.

She looked forward to seeing how the reef was growing and hoped they would see some of the native wild life flourishing. Looking to Dr. Wright she gave him a small smile.

"Seems like we left at the right time. Looks as if everyone at home will be dealing with gloomy weather. "

 

[LeonGreybeard]

"Yes, they get rain then snow while we will be in a land of endless summer, punctuated by furious storms every couple of years, and massive eruptions every couple of hundred years. But no storms at least when we are there. Hurricane season has passed."

He chuckled, "It's a horrible job but someone has to do it. At least there will be no question about whether we get snow for Christmas. Unless you plan to go home for the Christmas break. I will stay on the island. So much work to do, and so little time. The reef changes every day."

The plane felt as steady as a chair in a living room, but with a background of barely noticeable vibration, a hum really. From time to time the pilot would announce something about weather at their destination. Which was Antigua. Montserrat airport had been wiped out by the eruption and only small aircraft could use the remaining strip. So they would have to transfer there.

As the temperature in the plane was now close to normal room temperature, he stumbled out into the aisle to get their carry ons, and shucked his jacket and sweater. Stashed his jacket, but left his cotton sweater on for the flight. Under it was a short sleeve shirt, but the cabin was too chilly for that. Always the gentleman he placed her carry on down on his seat. A stewardess squeezed by, her hip brushed his, and he excused himself. She smiled and continued on.

While standing, Wright took the opportunity to stretch. His six foot frame always felt cramped in airplanes. He could barely stand upright in the aisle, and the the leg room was never enough. Worse when the person in front reclined their seat. He bent down and loosened the laces on his white runners. And stretched again before returning her carry on the to overhead bin.

"Trust you packed lots of SPF 60 sunblock. I think you would burn rather easily without it. There are not a lot of shops in Montserrat, so if there is anything you think you might need, best to pick it up when we layover in Antigua."

 

[marine_biochild]

"Oh yes, it's a horrible job alright but I guess we will have to take one for the team." She chuckled her eyes twinkling as she turned to look at him. "I wont miss the snow this year. I'll be saying on the island for the break."

Her mind went to the conversation she had had the weeks prior, leading up to her departure. He mother scolding and arguing she shouldn't come. That it was not only a waste of time but a joke of a career. She didn't approve of her major, nor the fact that she was following her own dreams instead of following her mothers. If her mother had it her way Rylie would be at home, speaking with her advisors in the hopes of changing her major to law or medicine. A career guaranteed to earn her a comfortable living and the ability to give her something to brag about to her friends.

She was brought back from her thoughts as he placed down her carry on. "Oh, thank you!"

Rummaging through it she pulled out a small cardigan, pulling off her jacket to reveal a tight black tee-shirt underneath. Her jacket was a little to warm for the tepid climate of the plane. Stowing it in the small bag she pulled on the cardigan, hugging it around herself she pulled her legs up into the seat sitting Indian style her socked feet tucked under her and her moccasins on the floor.

She glanced up at his tall form, her eyes looking him over. She could only imagine how frustrating it had to be being so tall. She was lucky with her size, being able to curl into most places to get comfortable. She was sometimes overlooked for her shortness but was never to tall or camped.

Another laugh bubbled up from her chest as she nodded. "Oh yes. I have a good amount of sunscreen stashed in my luggage. You are right, I burn pretty easily and unfortunately it ends up with just more freckles." She let out another laugh before cuddling deeper into the seat her eyes wandering over him. "How about yourself? This is a great journey in anyone's career. How does it hold up to everything else you've done?"

 

[LeonGreybeard]

Wright settled back into his seat, and slipped off his shoes.

"I'm really not sure how I ended up where I am. At school I was on the swim team, natural sciences always came easy to me. My math is ok, but nowhere near that needed for the physical sciences, and in any event 'life' has always interested me. Not just life as it is now, but how could it possibly come to be, the way it is. How much is accident. How much is the only way it could happen? The driving forces behind reproduction seem so powerful. And they result in silly things like a peacocks feathers. Which take a lot of energy one would think better spent on building nests. Does evolution lead down dead ends? So many questions."

"As time went on, I began to take interest in students, watching them stumble and forge on, and learning from them that we cant do this alone. Many minds are needed to sort through the possibilities."

"I think we are on the verge of some interesting discoveries in this new reef. There is a fierce competition for the new space, and it will be fun to see how the little battles for resources sort out."

The plane hummed along, then got quieter as the descent to Antigua began. Clouds here were sparse, it was sunny weather, and they would stay over at a hotel before catching a puddle jumper to Montserrat.

"Dinner is on me tonight, I am really looking forward to some fresh conch."

But fresh conch was not on his mind, in fact. No matter how often he drove it away, he could not help but form an image of her swimming underwater. He had never seen her swim. Had no idea, but his imagination kept filling in the details. 'There it is' he thought, 'that reproductive urge buried in us all.'

 

[marine_biochild]

Rye sat curled up in her seat, enjoying his explanation as she always did. Her green orbs were locked on him, for the first time taking in the way his features changed with his words and the way his mouth moved. She nodded along in intervals as she realized many of his experiences mirrored hers. She too had been on the swim team in school, making varsity and managing a scholarship to attend school for her freshman year of college. She wondered absently how he looked in high school and his college years. The idea drew her down a very interesting line of thought as she imagined his grey hair darkening and his wise eyes, which seemed to still hold an energetic spark, brightening slightly with a more youthful energy. He was good looking as he was now and she was sure had things been differently she would have been one of the girls she was certain fell all over him in his youth.

Her lips tipped up into a smile. "Dinner sounds wonderful right about now. I've never had conch, is it good?" unfortunately she had spent most of her life away from the water, only managing to venture to the ocean on family trip. After her mother had realized her passion was the sea all family trips were relegated to mountains and plains.

Shaking herself from her thoughts she looked back up into his warm face. He surely was handsome and for a fleeting moment she felt the ping of need register in her stomach. His body was one of a swimmer, defined muscle under his sweater and legs that looked as though years of scuba had trained them to be powerful. Her cheeks flared and she scolded herself. This was her teacher but.... She stole another glance, taking him in one last time. Under different circumstances, she knew her back urges would win.

 

[LeonGreybeard]

They arrived at the hotel in short order. Really it was a mini resort on the ocean with a beach, swimming area in the ocean but fenced off so only small fish could enter, a few sailboats moored offshore, outdoor bar, and two 15 story towers of rooms, all with a view of the ocean, albeit partial. Reception was under the towers, but open to the air on either side. Signs advertised several restaurants on the premises. They gave in their passports and Wright listed his credit card for all the rooms, including Williams and Mari who he said would be along shortly. And made reservations for four at the Seaview restaurant, patio seating, for 7 pm. Checked his dive watch, 3:30 pm, but that was 4:30 pm local time. Still an hour before sunset he judged.

Room cards in hand they headed for the elevator. As they stepped in, his eyes glanced down and just caught a view of the curves of her bottom, just a foot in front of him. It was the briefest of moments. He tried to relegate it to an abstract appreciation of the female form. Finally he had to admit that there was a physical attraction that needed very much to be suppressed. This was totally inappropriate. Age, position, relationship, everything was wrong.

The doors closed and he stared at the posters in the elevator, describing tours, guided dives, the restaurants. He had to divert his mind. Period.

Their rooms were on opposite sides of the hall. "Don't forget to set your watch forward an hour. Meet you at the Seaview at seven. That's two and half hours." He smiled, keeping his eyes high, and entered his room.

 

[marine_biochild]

The resort was beautiful, and as they made their way into reception she noted silently to herself that this was a place where people come to lose themselves. For the briefest of moments she caught sight of the ocean, the waves lulling over slowly as they made their slow journey to the sand. Her stomach pinged with want as she watched, half listening to Dr. Wright giving order and paperwork to the receptionist. She glanced down to her watch. It was still early, if she could shower and change in record time she might still have enough time to stand on the shore to take in the water she knew would be warm this time of year. Yearning bubbled up in the pit of her stomach and absently she wondered if she would ever lose her love for the ocean.

His movements broke her from her thoughts so she could follow him along to the elevator. Stepping in she leaned against the railing along the wall, taking a moment to look over her company once more but before she could take him in completely the door slid open revealing their floor. Her cheeks a soft pink she moved along. What was she thinking? Trying to ogle her advisor! Shaking her head she followed along, her card in hand.

"Alright, see you at seven." She called quietly over shoulder as she entered her room.

It was breathtaking. Standing in the small hall of her room she stared at the large bed, the large windows showing her a bit of the ocean and the cool breeze wafting in from said open windows. Slowly, as if in a trance she moved forward to open the door to the balcony. Stepping out she let the soft wind rustle her clothing slightly. Smiling she wondered if she would ever want to leave.Promising herself she would spend more time on the balcony enjoying the breeze and sound of the waves that night she moved to shower and change for dinner.

One hour had passed when she finally stepped out of the steaming bathroom wrapped only in a towel, her red hair falling in damp tresses around her shoulders. Moving to her suitcase she pulled it onto the bed thinking silently to what she could possibly ware. Opening the large case she stared down at her clothes. Shorts, tee shirts, bikini, capris, sweaters, there was nothing she had packed that would hold up to dinner. She hadn't planned for such things and then... as if spotting a needle in a haystack she saw it, peaking out from under a pair of denim shorts a small white plastic bag handle.

"Taye!" She laughed tugging out the small bag. "When I call her she's going to say I told you so." Chuckling to herself she poured the contents of the bag out onto the bed shaking her head.

On her bed lay a white halter, a purple lotus made of fabric attached to a bobby pin, white sandals and a sarong decorated with large purple swirling designs. Her sister Taylor had urged her to take the outfit she had picked out so Rylie wouldn't be without something 'sexy and stunning' to wear. Rylie had scoffed at the idea, stating she was going for school and for research not for romance but now she was silently thanking her sister for being so persistent.

Dressing quickly she glanced to the clock. She had about an hour to finish her hair and make-up before needing to be down at the Seaview. Grabbing her make-up bag and the small lotus pin she moved back into the now steam free bathroom.

Standing at the entrance to the Seaview she watched the waves crashing onto the soft sand. The moon, now hanging low in the sky illuminated the a water and lit the stars in the dark sky. Her hair, falling in their natural curls over her shoulders was pinned at one side with the lotus to keep the tresses off her face. The white halter hugging her frame and her sarong, being tied tightly around her hips fell just below her knees. If it wasn't for her pale skin and bright red hair some could say she almost seemed to look as if she belonged there.

 

[LeonGreybeard]

Wright closed the door, kicked off his shoes and took off his shirt and slacks, folding them onto a chair. Then began a series of stretching exercises to loosen up his muscles, still a bit tense from the cramped space in the airplane. Finally he bent down far enough to get his palms on the floor, and he was content the hamstings had loosened. Then he layed towels on the floor to act as an exercise mat, and lay on his back, just socks and boxers, and did crunches, elbows to knees each side. Stood up and did shoulder stretches, checking ceiling height before windmilling. Clapped his hands in front then behind a few times before dropping to do one handed pushups, ten per side, keeping his core muscles in a plank.

Rollling his shoulders to loosen up he found his exercise shorts in his carryon, looked at his runners, then decided to risk it and took off his socks. Barefoot, room card in his shorts pockets and nothing else, he left his room, and took the elevator back down to the main floor, through the lobby and out onto the beach behind the hotel. He ignored the stares.

The beach sand was nicely packed. The sun was setting and gave definition to the shapes. Waves softly broke on the sand. After a couple more hamstring stretches he set off to run, a jog really and focussed his mind on his own breathing.

Usually this would be more than enough to clear his mind, but her image stayed. Her red hair, soft white skin, fit curves. They remained, and as he held the image in his mind he could feel the physical reaction in his body. There was no use denying that he was attracted to her in a pure physical sense. Not that there was anything wrong with her otherwise - wonderful personality, bright, intelligent, pretty eyes. All things he could appreciate abstractly. Even the physical beauty of a young woman he could appreciate abstractly, as a painter might view a model. But with Ms. Stone there was something entirely undefinable. A simple raw physical attraction. Yes, he finally admitted to himself, sexual attraction.

'This is not something that I can control. The feelings are real, and there is nothing I can do that will change them. We are stuck together for a couple of months, Therefore I must concentrate on controlling my emotions, I am after all a sentient being, not a rutting elk with nothing else on my mind but procreating. Exercise and cold showers as required,' he prescribed.

As it was getting darker and he had passed a few resort hotels, he turned around and started back, increasing his pace. He used her image as a prod to increase his pace, and soon was up to his marathon rate, In no time at all it seemed, he was back at their hotel, at least he hoped it was their hotel, they looked surprisingly similar. He felt some relief when he recognized the desk clerk on his way to his room. A few cool down stretches and he doffed his shorts and boxers and stepped into the shower. Kept the water cool on the cool side, finally turing it full cold for his last rinse. Dryed off. Shaved.

Unpacked his carry-on and chose light colored linen pants, boat shoes with no socks and a light open collar short sleeve shirt.

Room card in his pocket, he left to go to the lobby of the Seaview to wait for the others.

 

[marine_biochild]

Rylie was in the process of watching the ocean's tide recede back into the depths when she heard her name being called by a familiar voice. Turning she gave a smile to the small woman who was walking towards her. It was Eve, the tech guru accompanying her on the trip. Sporting a wrapped dress that seemed uncomfortable for her she waved with a grin.

"Looks like we are the first to arrive! Can you believe this view?" Eve was a sweet girl, slightly awkward and always with her nose in a coding book.

Rylie chuckled and nodded. "It's beautiful indeed." Glancing over her shoulder once more she watched the waves crash on the cool sand. "I'd love to live here. It seems so calm. Everyone I've met has been nothing but kind."

Eve nodded as she turned to glance towards the entrance ."Do you know when Professor Wright will be coming down and what about Carl?" The dark eyes of Eve and her even darker hair made her seem as if she belonged in such a place. She obviously had some type of Asian heritage though Rylie did not know which country but it lended to give Eve a soft almond hue to her skin and large dark eyes that were almost always hidden behind thick glasses.

"I'm not sure. I've been here but I'm sure Dr. Wright will be down soon though Carl is a mystery to me. I haven't spent to much time with him before now." Rylie answered honestly and then there was movement before them. Walking towards them was the tall form she had come to know as her advisor. "There's Dr. Wright now." She cooed.

It was the first time she was truly seeing him dressed down besides the plane. She had only ever really been in his company at school, sending time pouring over career lines and research notes. With a small smile she found herself wondering what was hidden beneath that collared shirt. She could see the defined muscle on his exposed arms and the way her held himself she knew he was sporting a toned physique.

It took her a moment to pull herself from the path her mind was taking but by the time her had reached her she had gain control over her thoughts. "Evening, any word from Carl?" She asked sweetly staring up into his face.

 

[LeonGreybeard]

Shaking his head and chuckling, "Last time I saw Carl he was attempting to chat up one of the stewardesses from our flight. I don't think he was getting very far though, I'm sure he will join us shortly." At that he nodded to the maitre d' and said "Wright for four." As they were led to a table outside where they could hear and smell the ocean, he noticed the backsides of the two young women walking ahead of him, Both were attractive , but one, Ms. Stone's for some reason had something about it that, well, attracted him. Physically. 'How can this be?' he mused. 'How could a man be attracted to one shape over another? Functionally they had to be identical. Why would he feel something about one and not the other? Do octipi, hmm is it octopuses? Never mind, when two of them decide they want to procreate is there some way they choose based on what the other one looks like? Is there some basic attractant in physical shape?'

At that moment he realized his mind had progressed from following the maitre d' to their table to procreating with his student. He shook off the thought and changed to asking if they had fresh conch on the menu, Told they did, he insisted on a round of appetizers and a bottle of Pinot Gris while they perused the menus. No doubt if the conch was properly prepared it would be his main course too.

Carl appeared, not the least disheveled, smiled and sat looking hopefully toward the entrance. But when the stewardess arrived she joined the rest of the aircrew at a large table on the other side of the deck.

The conch had been thinly sliced, battered and fried. And was delicious, tender, perfectly cooked. Each tried some while chatting about the plans for research studies, Latin Squares.

Then it came to him. I was the way she dressed! The white halter, and a sarong that clung to her curves. There was his answer he thought, the old story of display as an attractant for procreation. And his subconscious reacted. And she had certainly done it totally unwittingly, just displaying plain good taste. Satisfied he had found the answer, he ordered a main course of conch for himself, and heard Carl ask for steak, rare. "Last time I'll see one of these for a while unless the accommodations have upgraded since the last time we were here.

 

[marine_biochild]

A chuckle bubbled in her chest at the mention of Carl. "I don't believe he will be getting to far. " She cooed to the two of them, and then they were making their way inside. Her eyes roamed the restaurant, taking in the decor and the wonderful aromas before them. It was as if her stomach had forgotten it was empty for at the moment those wonderful aromas touched her nose her stomach began to heave and growl. Touching a hand to her stomach she smiled. She would enjoy this dinner immensely.

Taking her seat she began to look over the menu her eyes absently wondering her surroundings from time to time before falling on Dr. Wright once more. He was a kind man and in this light, his strong jaw seemed more defined, the lines of muscle under his shirt more obvious and the muscled arms now revealed by his short sleeves. Something else within her was twisting now but it wasn't because of the smells. Crimson hues spread over her cheek causing her to hide behind her menu until someone called her name.

She spoke happily with the three of them, trying the conch before ordering herself a serving of the house conch stew. She had found a new food she had never realized she enjoyed and would ensure she got as much as she could of it before they took their leave for the boat.

Sipping her wine she turned back to Dr. Wright with a smile. "So tell us Dr Wright. You've been in this field and know the ins and outs of it. What are you looking forward to the most with this trip?" Leaning forward she was eager to hear his point of view, and in doing so her leg, which had been crossed over the other under the table lightly brushed his causing her heart rate to race for a few moment before she stole herself.

 

[LeonGreybeard]

Something touched his calf. Deep in his groin some muscle twinged.

The way they were seated, it could only have been Stone. And accidental. Obviously.

He swallowed, inhaled once slowly, then intoned "There are entire phyla known from the pre-cambrian fossil record that have never been observed recently, or even in later fossil records. Soft bodied tiny animals. It is commonly assumed their line was extinguished by some happenstance. Climate change following a large volcanic eruption or an asteroid strike. But the exact circumstances have never been discovered. If they were simply out competed by, flatworms say, then one would expect remnants of the lineage still hiding in the ocean somewhere. But they have never been seen."

Stone's eyes were on his. Carl's were wandering, probably assessing if any waitress was a likely candidate for a late evening romp when she came off shift. Eve was, Eve. Inscrutable. She would speak up sooner or later, he knew. But for now she simply absorbed.

"Our grant is to study the colonization sequence of newly created coral reef habitat. My hope is that our detailed studies may uncover some representatives of one of these long lost phyla."

"And I am droning on as if I was lecturing a first year introductory class. I apologize. Carl? How is your steak? Rylie? Your conch? I see you ordered the entree. Eve, is that fish raw?"

The breeze, which carried the scent of the sea, eddied, and brought a whiff of the aroma of Stone's shampoo, no more than a few molecules, but enough to trigger a memory of that moment in the airplane. And a sudden urge to kiss her throat and inhale the scent of her skin. And that twinge deep in his groin.

"Well its not from Texas, but its better than the fish I'll be eating for the next few months." Carl laughed, chewing, obviously enjoying.

Wright managed to clear his mind, and lifted his glass, "Think of what we are missing, I checked my phone, and there is a blizzard in the north-east. Airports closed. School busses cancelled. And we are stuck down here, missing all the fun."

 

[marine_biochild]

Stone was absolutely enthralled as he spoke, her mind on so many thing but mainly on his words. Growing up she had spoken as energetically as he was now. Going on and on about facts she had learned and documentaries that had peaked her interest only to be told she was odd or boring. Chuckling she shook her head reaching to touch his arm.

"You aren't droning at all. I asked the question remember? And I enjoyed the answer." Then their skin met. Her fingers against the warmth of his arm. As if static had worked it's way up her skin she felt the tingling radiating through her. Swallowing she gave it a squeeze before pulling back to continue eating, her nerves on edge. What in Cousteau's name was happening to her? Shaking her head she turned back to him as he spoke again.

"The conch stew is fantastic. I never knew it was such a delicacy." She smiled continuing to eat while Eve finally spoke.

"Yes, I was very excited when I saw the Sashimi dish on the menu. It's very well done and the fish is very fresh." She grinned, dark eyes staring at them over her plate.

Hearing his words on the weather she laughed. "Oh, my heart is absolutly broken now that I know I'm missing the oppurtunity to wear big clunky boots and fluffy jackets to still be cold." A smile tipped her lips as she took another spoonful of her stew. Chuckling she shook her head. "I'm very happy I get to wear sandals and this sarong."

"Is everyone alright? May I offer another bottle of wine or glasses of water?" It was their waitress, who had appeared at Carl's elbow. Her uniform was snug across her chest and her pencil skirt seemed a little shorter than the other waitress', stopping just below mid thigh. With a soft smile she began to refill water glasses, bending over the table slightly to reach Dr. Wright and Rylie's glasses.

 

[LeonGreybeard]

Carl could not help but notice the way her uniform pulled snug over her breast. That breast was only a few inches from his nose when she bent over. And the fabric of her bra and uniform were useless against the powers of his imagination. In his mind the bare soft skin was grazing his cheek. As she leaned over the table her skirt showed even more of her thigh. In his mind his hand was caressing it, massaging it. He struggled to find something to say.

"This steak is absolutely delicious." She turned to look at him, smiled. His eyes had barely lifted when hers locked on his. Electricity flowed. In his mind ar least. Perhaps hers too.

After she left, he asked, "Um, did anyone catch her name? I couldn't quite see her name tag from where I was sitting." They all grinned and chuckled, chaking their heads.

"Suzanne?" Some one said. Its was obvious that they all knew what Carl was thinking.

Carl heard Wright droning on about his theories of various forces that drove evolution. Stone was raptly listening to Wright, and Eve looked off into the distance. Probably wishing she were somewhere else. Playing League of Legends?

Unnoticed, or so he thought at least, Carl scribbled his room number and 'Carl' on the back of his boarding card. "I forgot to ask for more wine." He got up, excusing himself and walked over to where Suzanne was tidying another table.

He touched her lightly on the shoulder, and when she turned to look at him, placed the card on the table she was cleaning up.

"You have the most beautiful eyes." A pause. "Oh! I almost forgot, again. Could you bring me another glass of that delicious wine?" He looked from her eyes to the card on the table, and back to her eyes with a clear question.

 

[marine_biochild]

Sue was in the process of clearing off one of her last tables for the night, and what a night it had been. The tap on her shoulder she was sure connected to the new manager. The same man who had been trying to bed her since he had gotten the job. Holding in a groan she stood, turning to face the person trying to get her attention. The man caught her by surprise. It was the man from table seven. The one with the small group who were kind enough to keep to themselves. She had been happy to get them, not only were they ordering a lot of food but they weren't high maintenance, speaking with themselves instead of on their phones and not calling for her every moment of the meal.

There was a small click as he placed a card on the table and proceeded to compliment her eyes. A smile touched her lips, he was sweet. Not the first to attempt such a thing but at least he was complimenting something other than her body.

"Thank you." It was all she could think to say. She had been made the offer more times than she could count. It became tiring turning them all down but for some reason, maybe it was the fact her boss had been getting on her nerves and she had been without for months thanks to school and work that she began to consider it.

Rule number one, never sleep with someone you've served, but then again. Her smile grew, rules were made to be broken. Reaching down she took the card, sliding it into the small pocket at her hip. Hazel eyes rose once more to catch his.

"Would you like that glass" She paused glancing at her wrist watch. "In your room about an hour from now?" Her smile was was playful as she took a step forward. "I'll be sure to bring, two glasses." She finished

 

[LeonGreybeard]

Carl noticed some surprise in her eyes. Here he thought she had been coming on to him when she leaned close to him. Such was his mind. Yet still it seemed to have worked out. And her eyes really were her best feature, not that the the other parts weren't great. Soft sexy voice. This was going to be the longest hour of his life, waiting. "I'm Carl. What good luck to meet you. We are only spending one night here. Tomorrow we go to Montserrat. It will be a pleasure to get to know you."

Returning to the table he said, "They are getting ready to close up for night, we should finish up so the staff can clean up." The others seemed not to have noticed the exchange with Suzanne. Eve was still on another planet. Stone and Wright discussing what fauna might be colonizing the new reef. Wright signed the chit for their meal, and declared he would like to take a walk on the beach before turning in. Asked if anyone wanted to join him. Stone was considering it, Eve said no there were some things she needed to work on, and Carl said he just wanted to chill a while in his room.

 

[marine_biochild]

Rylie was son engrossed in Dr. Wrights words she barely registered that the check had been paid. It was only when everyone stood that she realized they were done at the table. Standing she smiled to Dr. Wright. "I had planned on taking a walk on the beach after dinner,it would be more enjoyable with a colleague." She smiled following him as he led the way to the quiet beach. Once t the edge she paused looking up at him with a smile. "It will be very interesting to see how the water compares to other reefs in the area. With so much fauna the clarity should she pristine." With a simple slide of her straps she stepped out of the sandals to place her feet on the sand. Smiling she let her toes press into the cool earth. It was one of her favorite feelings after a long day. Stepping forward he began to follow him once more. "If we are lucky we might be able to see the beginning forms of the local jellyfish." Her eyes wandered to the water, her thoughts pausing for a moment. "It sure is beautiful." Breaking off from his side she walked towards the water, forgetting her company for the few steps it took for her to be at the waters edge. Glancing back at him she smiled softly. Something in her wanted him close, wanted him to play in the waves with her. See the water drench his skin and cause the light colored shirt cling to that- no. Taking a deep breath she shook her head realizing where her thoughts were trailing and knowing she needed to shift gears an quickly.

Eve watched her three colleagues go with a relieved grin. She was once again alone, well not alone but without distraction. Pulling out her small phone she clicked away to the one person she enjoyed distracting herself with. 'I made it in safely. Had to spend dinner with the others.' Hitting send she headed for her room with a small grin. Clicking away on the phone one last time she chuckled. 'You know I have my own room now tonight ;P' Slipping out of the dress she let it fall around her feet with a sigh.

Suzanne, having changed out of her uniform and showered took her time heading up to the room she had been invited to. In one hand she held a bottle of wine and in the other were two wine glasses. Coming to a stop before the designated room she knocked softly. A smile touched her face when the door opened. "Did someone call for room service?" She cooed playfully. She stepped into the room, her short sarong brushing her lean legs. Her chest barely hidden beneath the tight wrapped strapless top seemed to accentuate her hourglass figure.

 

[LeonGreybeard]

Rick was in the restaurant of the Atlanta Airport Holiday Inn when his phone vibrated. Set down his fork and looked, It was Eve, just as he hoped. After a quick read he caught the waitress's eye and signaled for the bill. Texted back, "Me 2!! ", then "10min"

As the tech rep for a security software venture he spent most of his life in the air. His brain required as a fire extinguisher. No one could prevent invasions, but he could root them out and sometimes even invade the invader. Once he even ripped a hacker's bank account for $10k! Not everything the guy had, but enough to give him pause about who he attacked. Tomorrow 9 am he would be on site re-assuring the execs that everything was under control. He could have done it from his apartment in Brooklyn, but these corp types wanted personal meetings.

But tonight, he could not wait to get to his room. Eve and he would be Skyping, full video! To keep it safe he had set up two levels of VPN. A quick scan would think they had someone using a VPN for offshore TV. Porn, considering their usual style. No reason to look farther.

Just the thought of seeing her in her panties and bra got him aroused. He had even hacked her phone and his to show both front and back cameras at the same time. Nothing turned him on like seeing the look on her face as she squirmed, hand buried in her pussy, hips bucking. And he knew exactly what made her climax!

 

[marine_biochild]

There was a ding of her phone and she knew it could only be one person. With a smile she lay, naked, on her large bed her body sinking into it's soft material her eyes scanning her phone. Taking a deep breath she glanced to her suitcase and then to her numerous bags filled with electronics. Sitting up she grabbed one of the smaller, thinner bags to pull out her laptop. It wouldn't be long before he would be calling.

It didn't take long for the high tech equipment to boot up and with a few keystrokes she was not only online she was hidden from any tracking eyes. Lifting her phone once more she snapped a quick photo. It was innocent enough, her long straight hair falling to hide her breasts and a coy grin on her lips.

'Ten minutes? I don't know if I can wait. You know I crave a certain hackers hard-drive ;P'

Hitting send she couldn't help but laugh. He was one of the few people that understood her and most importantly could keep up with her mind. From a young age Eve was rather smart for her age, earning a full scholarship for the computer workings she had manged in the robotics club she had joined in high school. Not really into robotics she had joined for something to do an to play around with coding. She soon rose up to become the leader of the club and brought them to nationals with her coding skills.

Bringing her mind back to the task at hand she leaned back in the bed, pulling out another small bag that had been filled with small toys. Some were sent to her from Rick who had wanted to watch her play with them, others bought by herself hoping to ease the sexual frustration she had felt before meeting Rick. She paused, meeting was a loose term. They had never actually met at least not face to face. He was always on the go and she was stuck finishing her graduate work. He was older but not by to much though it wouldn't bother her either way. He was good at what he did and he could get her to the edge of that cliff most couldn't even see in the distance.

The ding of her phone brought her back. Placing the bag at her side she reached for her phone. Eyes scanning the txt she felt her stomach tighten in anticipation and need.

 

[LeonGreybeard]

Rick settled in on the bed in his hotel room, and executed the protocols to connect with Eve. To start with he had only the front camera on his phone set up, laying on his back, wearing only tight fitting boxers. Just the thought of linking up with her had aroused him and he arranged things upright on his stomach. With only the bedside light on, the low angle gave definition and shadows, both revealing and hiding the shape of his erection. But not yet. To start, just his face and upper chest, bare against the duvet.

"Eve, I missed you so much. you can't believe how boring this city is."

"But, I have been thinking about you."

And at that moment he added the back camera, knowing it was showing his fingertips gliding up and down on the black fabric, the shape of his shaft and mushroom head apparent. As he teased it, it thickened and grew until just the tip started to poke from under the waistband. The light glinted off the drop of clear moisture at the the end, Smiling, he touched the tip and then drew a thread of the viscous liquid.

Intently he watched his screen and imagined in bed with her, teasing, driving each other crazy with desire.

 

[marine_biochild]

The angled face of her long distance companion made her smile, among other things. Her oval eyes were the first to show on her own camera followed by bare shoulders and a hint of bare cleavage. Leaning back on the pillows against her headboard she chuckled.

"I've missed you too Rick. It's not quite boring here but I'm surrounded by people to interested in waves to care about electronics."

As he spoke again the camera split, revealing the long member still concealed beneath dark silk. Eyes glinting with lust she ran nimble fingers down her smooth stomach. Clicking her back camera on as well she cooed breathlessly through the phone back to him. Across her hips was the silk sheets of her bed. The edge brimmed along the supple 'V' of her sex, the apex between her thighs obscured by the smooth fabric.

"You aren't the only one who as been thinking."

Her fingers ran at an achingly slow pace, trailing lines along her smooth skin before dipping below the fabric. Teasing the skin of her mound beneath sight only to return with slick fingers. Biting her bottom lip she watched his face. "If only.... that hard meat could just slide." Her hips pressed forward to allow the fabric to fall further down on her hips.

 

[LeonGreybeard]

His voice soft and urgent, moans of pleasure in the slow rhythm of urgent but restrained coupling. Hand shoved down his boxers revealing his now fully engorged shaft, clear liquid glistening at the tip. A few drops of the scented oil she had sent him on his hand, began long slow strokes up and down. A twitch near the bottom gave a slapping sound, imagining his pubes impact on her mound, her body jumping with the impact. Watching her was driving him crazy, in his mind he was over her, torn between driving lust to climax, and wanting to keep this feeling forever. His breathing shallow and ragged. He could feel the naked skin of her breasts on his chest.

 

[marine_biochild]

Her fingers began to work harder against her sex, her breaths coming in quick jolts of air. Her whisper of his name on her warm lips. She could see his need as his hands ran along his member. She wanted nothing more but to press that hard member deep into her center. To writhe and grind in him into the apex of her thighs. Another moan ripped past her throat and she knew her body was craving him. Beside her was an old sleep shirt he had sent, the soft material brushing her shoulder as she writhed sending shivers down her spine. She wanted to feel him against her, feel him dominate her. She wanted to feel his wait pressing her down into the sheets as he hovered over her.

She cried out, her hips bucking against her hands as the thoughts flooded her mind. "Rick I need you... I'm going to cum!" She was breathless now.

 

[LeonGreybeard]

Rapidly his hips thrust into his hand, slapping noises as his hand bottomed on his shaft. When he heard her cry he was overcome and sprayed splashing up over his chest, moaning. His thighs shook. And then, quiet. Just the sound of his breathing. Her hand fell away and he could see the pink flush.

"I want you so much Eve. When you get back, I'm coming to see you. No matter what it takes."

He basked in the afterglow for a while, then they started to talk a bit. She was having some problems with data security on transfers back to the lab at home. He promised to write her a script to run to check the system. Then the usual fight to see who had to shut off the link first. Finally they counted it down, so they both shut off at the same moment. More or less.