Heiser-The-Facade - Sparkling Eyes

"What about Dr. Kelley? She isn't convinced either," another voice reminded thesmall assembly."She will believe, and the team will be ready to work with a vengeance. Thedeadline is still attainable.""Unless the Colonel's security detail fails to protect our in-vestment," the thin manwhined."The project will succeed, and you'll have your precious legacy," the Colonelintoned confidently."Man, it is so good to see you again!" Malcolm beamed, entering the room,shaking Brian's hand, and slapping him on the back. "I can't tell you how good!""Thanks, Malcolm," Brian said appreciatively."Ditto that," Brian heard a familiar voice behind him. A grinning Deidre waspeeking inside the door to his new quarters. "If Mark hadn't looked out the window atjust the right time . . . I don't want to think about it.""What do you mean?""I saw the dogs attack you," Mark explained, entering be-hind her. "Everybodyelse was jabberin' away or trying to go back to sleep while the plane did a turn towardthe runway. I looked out just before the plane rotated my line of vision away from whereyou and Melissa were waiting.""Yeah," Malcolm laughed, "he started hollering like a banshee, and the Colonelgot the pilot to stop. From what we heard after-ward, you'd have bled to death.""Thank you," he reached for Mark's hand and shook it firmly."Craziest damn thing I ever saw anyone do," Mark said, shaking his head, handson his hips, "especially considering whom you were trying to save. Just plain nuts, if youask me.""Really!" exclaimed Malcolm. "For sure you'd risk your ass for me, and maybeeven Dee, but not her!""I'm thrilled to see all of you, too," Brian said, trying to steer the discussion inanother direction. "I have no regrets about what I did, or who I did it for."The four of them had their attention diverted by a gentle tapping on the still-opendoor. An awkward silence filled the room. A grim-faced Melissa let herself inside."I just dropped my things off at my room, and . . . I wanted to see if you neededany help," she said to Brian quietly, trying not to look at the others. "I can see you don't,"she observed, and turned to leave."Wait," Brian called to her. She hesitated, then turned back to him. "There issomething I need. Come over here, please," he requested, patting the space on his bunknext to where he was sitting. Melissa reluctantly complied."I'm also alive because of Melissa's quick thinking," he praised her, "and I'm verygrateful. I know it's been pretty apparent we haven't gotten along that well—""We?" interrupted Malcolm, "I'd say it was her problem."Melissa started to rise, but Brian took hold of her arm."He's right," Melissa acknowledged uncomfortably. Malcolm and Deidreexchanged surprised glances.250