Chapter 91 (1/2)

Destiny

Entangled in each others arms in the chief scientist's quarters Rush and Amanda Perry lay in bed. Since her return from her brief trip to Earth the two had been singularly unable to keep their hands off one another. No longer separated by vast distance or the problematic lack of a physical body issue life was returning to normal for the couple. Rush had not felt so content and at peace in years. The two brilliant minds were almost as one in their every gesture or comment.

”I love you Nic” whispered Perry.

”I love you too Mandy” replied Rush.

”I can see the wheels turning in your head. Care to share what you're thinking about” asked Perry.

”While you were back on Earth I received word from Vis Uban. The ancients looked over the data Destiny collected and the position paper Eli and I accompanied it with. Their answer is what I feared” replied Rush with a bitter hint to his voice.

”The data is incomplete” stated Perry.

”Millions of years Destiny sailed across the stars and we end her voyage before the puzzle is solved. It's a travesty” m.o.a.ned Rush.

”I'm going to take a stab in the dark and guess that you have already petitioned the SGC to send Destiny back” said Perry knowingly.

”I didn't try because I doubted they were farsighted enough to see the benefit. The ancients did that for me. Destiny will be continuing her voyage so I'm told” replied Rush.

”So you're told? Nic, do you mean to tell me that they didn't ask you to be part of the team that goes with her” Perry asked shocked.

”Oh they did, but I haven't given them an answer yet” breathlessly replied Rush.

”What are you waiting for” demanded Perry.

”You. I can't just run along without you, without us. Mandy, I want to ask you something” Rush said while staring intently at Perry.

”Yes, of course I'll go” laughed Perry.

”No dear, I wanted to ask if you would be my wife” Rush asked in almost a whisper.

With both of their eyes full of joyful tears Mandy kissed Rush in reply, while holding him tightly. Moments later she looked deeply into his eyes before speaking.

”You know what this means don't you” asked Perry.