** The following story was inspired by A.R. Gurney's play,
"Love Letters", as performed by Barry Morse in Portland,
Oregon, September 11, 1995.
ALPHAN LOVE LETTERS
By Amanda Russell
Time/Date: 14:07 Lunar Time - 27 September, 1999
To: Russell.H@MedicalCenter.ILFC/MBA.org
From: Koenig.J@MainMission.ILFC/MBA.org
Subject: Meeting
cc:
bcc:
Att:
Doctor Russell -- Helena -- I regret we have gotten off to
such an uneasy beginning. As with the entire situation here on the moon prior
to Breakaway, I was given false information about you and led to believe your
abilities were far inferior to the competence and insight you have since
demonstrated. Will you allow me to make amends and apologize - in person?
John Koenig
Koenig.J@MainMission.ILFC/MBA.org
Time/Date: 14:27 Lunar Time - 27 September, 1999
To: Koenig.J@MainMIssion.ILFC/MBA.org
From: Russell.H@MedicalCenter.ILFC/MBA.org
Subject: Re: Meeting
cc:
bcc:
Att:
Commander, I fear that I too formed some inaccurate opinions
and assessments of you. Perhaps we should both simply start over. I will
happily accept your in person apology if you, in turn, will accept mine.
Helena Russell
Russell.H@MedicalCenter.ILFC/MBA.org
Time/Date: 15:18 Lunar Time - 27 September, 1999
To: Russell.H@MedicalCenter.ILFC/MBA.org
From: Koenig.J@MainMission.ILFC/MBA.org
Subject: Apologies
cc:
bcc:
Att:
Helena -- A mutual exchange of apologies seems most
equitable. Will you join me for dinner this evening? I understand they are to
be serving the last of the crow. ;)
John Koenig
Koenig.J@MainMIssion.ILFC/MBA.org
Time/Date: 16:04 Lunar Time - 27 September, 1999
To: Koenig.J@MainMission.ILFC/MBA.org
From: Russell.H@MedicalCenter.ILFC/MBA.org
Subject: Dinner
cc:
bcc:
Att:
Dinner would be lovely, Commander. I am scheduled to be off
duty at 1700 hours.
Helena Russell
Russell.H@MedicalCenter.ILFC/MBA.org
Time/Date: 16:32 Lunar Time - 27 September, 1999
To: Helena Russell
From: John Koenig
Subject: Time
I have a meeting until 1730 hours. Could you join me in my office
at 1745 hours?
John Koenig
Time/Date: 16:43 Lunar Time - 27 September, 1999
To: John Koenig
From: Helena Russell
Subject: RE: Time
Of course, Commander. -- Helena Russell
Time/Date: 09:13 Lunar Time - 28 September, 1999
To: John Koenig
From: Helena Russell
Subject: Dinner
I had a lovely time at dinner, Commander. I'm relieved we
were able to reach an understanding. Please let me know if there is anything,
in addition to the items we discussed, that you feel could be of benefit to the
base. -- Helena Russell
Time/Date: 15:47 Lunar Time - 28 September, 1999
To: Helena Russell
From: John Koenig
Subject: Morale
I enjoyed our dinner as well, Helena. I think the actions we
discussed toward improving base morale are a good beginning. Let's implement
those first and build from there. -- John Koenig
Time/Date: 07:45 Lunar Time - 29 September, 1999
To: John Koenig
From: Helena Russell
Subject: Ideas
I have a few additional ideas, but will wait to discuss them
with you until after we see what conditions are like on the planet we are
nearing. Perhaps it is premature to hope, but... could we really find a new
home so soon? -- Helena Russell
Time/Date: 14:38 Lunar Time - 29 September, 1999
To: Helena Russell
From: John Koenig
Subject: Hope
According to our esteemed _guest_, Commissioner Simmonds,
hope is something we should ruthlessly exploit. I prefer a touch of realism based on facts, but long range scans
of the planet, Meta, indicate it to have very encouraging surface conditions. I
share your hope. -- John Koenig
Time/Date: 18:43 Lunar Time - 26 Days Post Earth Orbit
To: John Koenig
From: Helena Russell
Subject: Appreciation
John, I never really had a chance to thank you for your
concern, your understanding and your respect in recent days. I never truly
believed that being was - or could be - Lee, no matter how much I thought I
wanted him to be the man I once loved. I love him still, but I know I cannot go
back and he is no longer a part of my life. My future, like everyone else on
Alpha, lies somewhere ahead of us in the unexplored space we travel through.
But I will always be grateful to that... mirror image of Lee for allowing us to
glimpse what could have been, and for permitting us to return to the reality of
what is. We could not stay on Terra Nova, and I am relieved we could return to
Alpha together, to make it here, you and I. Thank you, John. -- Helena Russell
Time/Date: 08:49 LT - 27 Days Post Earth Orbit
To: Helena Russell
From: John Koenig
Subject: Re: Appreciation
You're welcome, Helena. I wish you'd not had to endure the
pain of having your husband back, yet not really having him back. Should you
feel you ever need to talk - to a friend rather than your commander - I am
willing to listen. -- John
Time/Date: 12:05 LT - 28 Days PEO
To: John
Dinner this
evening? -- Helena
Time/Date: 14:49 LT - 28 Days PEO
To: Helena
Yes. I'll meet you
there - 1800. -- John
Time/Date: 19:58 LT - 29 Days PEO
To: Bergman.V@Lab1.ILFC/MBA.org
From: Koenig.J@MainMission.ILFC/MBA.org
Subject: Meeting
cc: Russell.H@MedicalCenter.ILFC/MBA.org,
Morrow.P@MainMission.ILFC/MBA.org
bcc:
Att:
Please report to my office at 0800 tomorrow to discuss the
possibility of a survival Eagle to be launched before we are drawn in any
closer to the Black Sun. Do not discuss this with anyone.
Commander John Koenig
Koenig.J@MainMIssion.ILFC/MBA.org
Time/Date: 02:37 LT - 30 Days PEO
To: John
John,... I'm
hoping you will eventually be able to read this; that Alpha will have adequate
power once the Bergman force field is no longer needed to allow her to return
to normal functions. I still wish I could have remained on Alpha; it is where I
want to be should this encounter with the Black Sun prove to be the end of our
existence, but I understand your reasons for wanting me on the survival Eagle.
It means a great deal to me - perhaps more than I can convey in this message -
to know it matters to you where and how I die; perhaps more than I have words
to express were I able to tell you this in person. I value the friendship we
have forged in so short a time and will call upon the memories of it as we six
struggle to survive whatever the future may hold for us. I know you said no
goodbyes, but I could not leave without letting you know... I'd like there to
have been more. May Alpha fare well and you prosper. -- Helena
Time/Date: 14:36 LT - 32 Days PEO
To: Helena
Helena, I was
never more happy to be on this base than when the survival Eagle returned and
you stepped once more into the protective Alphan hallways. Sending you on that
Eagle was one of the most difficult things I have ever had to do. Your coming
back to me - to Alpha - is more than I ever dared hope could happen. I too
would like there to be more. -- John
Time/Date: 13:28 LT - 35 Days PEO
To: John
Come to my
quarters for dinner at 1900. We can talk about the 'more' with less chance of
interruptions, observation or eavesdroppers. -- Helena
Time/Date: 14:00 LT - 44 Days PEO
To: All Sections Alpha
From: Koenig.J@MainMission.ILFC/MBA.org
Subject: Computer use
Until further notice, all non-essential use of computer
facilities will cease while Main Mission staff works to inform the Triton Probe
of the current situation. Once matters are resolved, non-essential use and
functions will be restored. Your cooperation is appreciated. Thank you.
Commander John Koenig
Time/Date: 10:23 LT - 46 Days PEO
To: Helena
Helena, I'm glad
you're taking a day or two off to rest and recover from your experience with
the Triton Probe. Let me know when you feel up to visitors. I'd like to stop by.
-- John
P.S. Your optic nerve isn't the only part of you that is
beautiful.
Time/Date: 14:07 LT - 46 Days PEO
To: John
You needn't wait
for an invitation to stop by, John. I'm always happy to see you. -- Helena
P.S. Flatterer.
Time/Date: 11:16 LT - 60 Days PEO
To: Helena
I don't know if I
should put you on report for that stunt with Zantor, or hold you close and
never let you go. My command instinct say the former, my heart says the latter
-- I think my heart is winning, Helena. You had me more than a little
frightened. I hated the idea - the need - to trust your life to alien
technology I did not understand. I don't even want to consider how very lucky
you were when I think of Simmonds trapped on that Caldorian ship with a useless
matrix. You are too important to Alpha - to me - to risk your life in such a
way. Promise me, Helena, that you won't take unnecessary risks. Please. -- John
Time/Date: 13:07 LT - 60 Days PEO
To: John
I can't make that
promise any more than you can, John. Our everyday life is a risk; our very
existence on Alpha is a risk. But I will promise to be more careful; to be more
certain of the factors involved with any unknown opportunities I'm faced with.
I didn't mean to worry you, John. -- Helena
Time/Date: 15:49 LT - 62 Days PEO
To: Helena
Meet me in the
Observation Room when you get off duty. -- John
Time/Date: 16:07 LT - 62 Days PEO
To: John
Is this an unknown
opportunity I should be wary of? -- Helena
Time/Date: 16:37 LT - 62 Days PEO
To: Helena
It could be. 1700?
-- John
Time/Date: 11:42 LT - 72 Days PEO
To: Helena
Helena, I need to
see you, talk with you about what happened on that other Earth; to our other
selves. I need to understand something I think only you can explain. -- John
Time/Date: 14:46 LT - 72 Days PEO
To: John
Come to my
quarters after duty, John. I'll try to explain. Maybe I'll come to better
understand her motives -- my own motives, and a part of myself I never knew
existed or was so strong until I met her. -- Helena
Time/Date: 08:05 LT - 73 Days PEO
To: Helena
A part of me is so
relieved to know that you -- the Helena Russell in my life here and now -- has
not had to endure the deaths of two husbands, and that same part of me wonders
if we should pursue our relationship further. I would not want to be the cause
of such sadness, grief and pain for you, Helena. Yet I can no longer imagine a
life - an existence - without you in it, as a part of it; sharing my life in
whatever way you can, sharing whatever time we may have. I don't want to lose
you. -- John
Time/Date: 10:45 LT - 73 Days PEO
To: John
I know, with all
my heart, that our counter-parts on that other Earth were happy, and very much
in love, John. After nearly losing you to Raan and his experiments, after
believing you dead save for the machines that were forcing you to breath and
your heart to beat, I don't want to waste any more time, John. I'll risk being
hurt, I'll risk being without you but I won't risk being lonely and unhappy now
because of what might someday be -- or never be; because of something that did
not really happen to the you and I of this reality. I want you in my life,
John. I love you. I always will. No matter what happens, that won't change. --
Helena
Time/Date: 11:34 LT - 81 Days PEO
To: Helena
Seeing you smile
when I woke from being on Zenno was the most comforting and reassuring thing I
have ever known. I told myself I was coming back because Alpha needed me, but I
came back to be with you. There was nothing to keep me on Zenno and everything
to pull me back here. -- John
Time/Date: 14:23 LT - 81 Days PEO
To: John
I'm glad you were
able to come back. :) -- Helena
Time/Date: 21:48 LT - 95 Days PEO
To: Helena
Are you all right?
Did the Guardian of Piri have any adverse affects on you? -- John
Time/Date: 03:45 LT - 96 Days PEO
To: John
I'm fine, John, as
is everyone else. A few slight headaches and some disorientation due to being
free of the Guardian's influence, but nothing serious. For some it was a very
relaxing, soothing experience, but I'm glad you came for us. -- Helena
Time/Date: 07:56 LT - 96 Days PEO
To: Helena
I came for _you_,
Helena. For the others too, but primarily for you. I couldn't bear to see the
woman I am desperately in love with so aimless and listless, so... ignorantly
content and accepting of a future void of any stimulation. I need your vitality
and individuality in my life as much as I need your physical presence in my
life. Join me for dinner this evening - my quarters this time. -- John
Time/Date: 11:57 LT - 96 Days PEO
To: John
Yes. And after
dinner? -- Helena
Time/Date: 13:09 LT - 96 Days PEO
To: Helena
We'll discuss it.
-- John
Time/Date: 10:26 LT - 105 Days PEO
To: John
The concert last
night and walk afterwards were lovely, John. I think we caused quite a stir
when you kissed me in the hallway outside my door. My staff is still whispering
about it and sending curious looks my way when they think I'm not paying
attention. -- Helena
Time/Date: 11:47 LT - 105 Days PEO
To: Helena
I don't care who
saw me kiss you. I'll do it again -- at every opportunity. -- Love, John
Time/Date: 13:13 LT - 105 Days PEO
To: John
Promise? -- Helena
Time/Date: 14:06 LT - 105 Days PEO
To: Helena
_Promise_. -- John
Time/Date: 08:00 LT - 119 Days PEO
To: All Sections Alpha
From: Koenig.J@MainMission.ILFC/MBA.org
Subject: Services
Anton Zoref has been officially listed as missing, presumed
dead - as we knew him. His mutation into another form of life has been
difficult for all to accept and understand. We can only hope he has found what
we all seek - contentment with our existence. A memorial service will be held
at 2000 hours this evening, in Rec Room Two. All who are able to attend are
encouraged to do so.
Commander John Koenig
Time/Date: 15:23 LT - 120 Days PEO
To: John
John, I won't be
able to make our dinner date tonight. I need to spend some time with Eva Zoref,
try to help her accept and come to understand her husband's fate. May I have a
rain check? -- Helena
Time/Date: 16:01 LT - 120 Days PEO
To: Helena
You, of everyone
on Alpha, are the one who can probably help Eva the most now. Perhaps knowing
that she is not alone in this; that you too have lost a husband to the unknown
mysteries and dangers of space will give her some comfort. I'll talk to you
tomorrow, Helena. The rain check is yours. -- Love, John
Time/Date: 14:45 LT - 122 Days PEO
To: All Sections Alpha
From: Russell.H@MedicalCenter.ILFC/MBA.org
Subject: Population
At 1427 hours lunar time, Cynthia Crawford gave birth to a
seven pound, eleven ounce boy. She has named him Jackie, after his late father.
He has dark hair and blue eyes. Those wishing to see the newest and youngest
Alphan may stop by the Medical Center between 1400 and 1700 hours tomorrow. The
nursery will be open to visitors at that time.
Helena Russell, MD, Chief of Medical Services
Time/Date: 23:56 LT - 144 Days PEO
To: Helena
I'm hoping with
all my heart you will return to Alpha and read this, Helena. As I write it, you
and the others are lost - stranded - somewhere on the lunar surface in
conditions that would try even the most seasoned survivalist. But somehow I
know you will be found - alive, well, and before time runs out. I will not
accept this fate for you or for the others. It will not end like this. -- John
Time/Date: 22:57 LT - 147 Days PEO
To John:
Standing next to
you in Main Mission, watching as we moved away from Ariel; as the atmosphere
thinned to nothing and we observed the last sunset the moon may ever see, I
realized there are so many things about Earth that I miss; that I long to see
or feel or smell again. But that was all overshadowed by the feeling I
experienced while standing beside you; the knowing in my heart and my soul that
I could be happy nowhere except right beside you, John. Were we still in Earth
orbit, able to enjoy those things we once took for granted, you and I may never
have met, or realized what we have and what we share. We may all miss those
everyday pleasures of life on Earth, such as a sunset, but I cannot regret
being here, on Alpha, and with you. -- Love, Helena
Time/Date: 08:38 LT - 155 Days PEO
To: All Alpha Personnel
From: Koenig.J@MainMission.Alpha.org
Subject: Services
Memorial services for Doctor Ernst Linden will be held in Rec
Room Two at 2100 hours tomorrow. His sacrifice of himself to save all of Alpha
will not be forgotten and should supersede his past mistakes. Jim Haines will
deliver the eulogy.
Commander John Koenig
Time/Date: 16:23 LT - 158 Days PEO
To: Helena
Now it is my turn
to ask for a rain check, Helena. Victor asked me to his lab tonight - I think
he wants to talk about Ernst Queller/Linden. They were colleagues and Victor is
feeling his death rather more than he would like anyone to know. I'll call if
it's not too late. -- John
Time/Date: 16:45 LT - 158 Days PEO
To: John
Give Victor my
best and have a good talk. I'll be up late. -- Helena
Time/Date: 09:44 LT - 167 Days PEO
To: Helena
Helena, are you
angry or upset with me? You seem to be avoiding me. Please, tell me what's
wrong. -- John
Time/Date: 11:05 LT - 167 Days PEO
To: John
I'm angry and
upset with myself, John. I... don't know what to say, how to apologize for
having you confined to quarters; for not believing what you told us about Arra.
I made you think I did believe you, then I deceived you. An apology hardly
seems enough. I don't know where to go from here. -- Helena
Time/Date: 13:16 LT - 167 Days PEO
To: Helena
You did what you
felt was right and I know that, I accept that. Don't be angry with yourself,
Helena, for I am not. Join me in my office after you get off duty, we'll talk.
I love you. -- John
Time/Date: 14:25 LT - 187 Days PEO
To: John
I need to see you.
I'm having nightmares about Ultima Thule... I need you to hold me. -- Helena
Time/Date: 15:03 LT - 187 Days PEO
To: Helena
I'll be at your
door whenever you need me, Helena. -- Love, John
Time/Date: 14:49 LT - 199 Days PEO
To: Helena
Would you mind if
we skipped going to the movie tonight, Helena? I've seen it before, didn't
really like it, and would rather spend the two hours looking at you. Meet me in
the Observation Room instead? -- Love, John
Time/Date: 15:10 LT - 199 Days PEO
To: John
How can I even
considering saying no when asked for a date like that? I'll be there. -- Love,
Helena
Time/Date: 12:09 LT - 202 Days PEO
To: John
Mind if we skip
the movie tonight as well? I'm somehow not in the mood for a film about space
exploration, even if it is a classic. The Observation Room again? -- Helena
Time/Date: 15:36 LT - 202 Days PEO
To: Helena
I'll be there.
1900 hours. -- John
Time/Date: 09:48 LT - 210 Days PEO
To: John
I think we need to
talk about 40,000 years ago, John. Sandra has been telling me some interesting
things about our cave counterparts on Retha. -- Love, Helena
Time/Date: 17:32 LT - 211 Days PEO
To Helena:
At the risk of
sounding like a cliché, it seems we are meant to be together, Helena. On Retha
in the past, on Earth in some distant future, and on the moon in the present.
For me, that makes for an eternity far better than I ever imagined I would
have. -- Love, John
Time/Date: 18:09 LT - 211 days PEO
To John:
Same here. Without
you as a part of my life, eternity would be something I must endure rather than
enjoy and anticipate. I love you. -- Helena
Time/Date: 14:28 LT - 217 Days PEO
To: John
Are you all right?
I want to see you in Medical to be certain Balor did you no harm. Then I want
to see you in private to be sure Balor did you no harm. I was so afraid for
your life, John. -- Love, Helena
Time/Date: 15:00 LT - 217 Days PEO
To: Helena
I'm all right, and
I want to see you in private as well, Helena. I only hope Balor is gone from
our lives for good. I'll come by Medical just before I get off duty. We'll go
to my quarters for dinner. -- Love, John
Time/Date: 08:49 LT - 241 Days PEO
To: Helena
Helena, did we...
dream, imagine, maybe hallucinate Alpha being destroyed by war machines, by
Hawks? Or did those aliens somehow change the time line, repair all the damage
done and give us our lives, our survival back? -- John
Time/Date: 10:45 LT - 241 Days PEO
To: John
I don't really
know, John. So much is hard to remember. I only know... you were killed but now
you are alive and still with me. For that I can and will accept so much I don't
fully understand. We were shown what could result of our fear. Perhaps it is
time to explore more fully what will be due to our love. -- Helena
Time/Date: 14:49 LT - 242 Days PEO
To: Helena
Are we both ready,
Helena? -- John
Time/Date: 15:05 LT - 243 Days PEO
To: John
I am. I want to be
with you in every way possible. I want to love you and be loved by you. I want
you. -- Helena
Time/Date 09:45 LT - 244 Days PEO
To: Helena
I wanted last
night to never end, Helena. I never knew sexual intimacy could be so... all
consuming, so intense, so fragile and so strong all at once. Thank you. I love
you. -- John
Time/Date: 10:37 LT - 244 Days PEO
To: John
I love you too.
Spending our off duty time in each other's arms is far more enjoyable than
watching movies we've seen before. Call me later. -- Love, Helena
Time/Date: 09:15 LT - 261 Days PEO
To: All Alphan Personnel
From: Russell.H@MedicalCenter.Alpha.org
Subject: Medical Check
All Alphan personnel are ordered to report to Medical Center
for a hearing check to be certain no permanent damage was sustained during the
recent war between Betha and Delta. Individual times will be posted in each
department. If you are experiencing noticeable hearing difficulties, contact
the Medical Center and we will schedule an immediate exam.
Helena Russell, MD, CMS
Time/Date: 10:53 LT - 261 Days PEO
To: Helena
My hearing is fine
but I want to see you soon. Dione left some unresolved issues between us that
I'd like to clear up as soon as we can. I know you were uneasy and unhappy with
her seemingly very personal offers to me. I did try my best not to encourage
her advances. I'm not interested in anyone but you. -- Love, John
Time/Date: 12:57 LT - 261 days PEO
To: John
I'm not upset with
you, John, and not really surprised by Dione's actions. She used one of the
oldest tricks around - flatter and flirt with a man to manipulate them,
supposedly without their knowing it. You're more astute than that, John, and I
know your reaction to Dione was in the best interest of everyone on Alpha. Are
you free this evening? -- Helena
Time/Date: 16:03 LT - 261 Days PEO
To: Helena
2000 hours, my
quarters. – John
Time/Date: 14:09 LT - 266 Days PEO
To: John
Are we going to
attend the concert tonight? We can sit in the back so we can sneak out quietly
if it's not to our tastes. -- Helena
Time/Date: 17:04 LT - 266 Days PEO
To: Helena
Excellent idea.
Meet me there. -- John
Time/Date: 01:05 LT - 267 Days PEO
To: Helena
I know I just left
Medical but I want to be sure you're all right. -- John
Time/Date: 01:18 LT - 267 Days PEO
To: John
Dan Mateo seems to
be sleeping heavily. The guards are still here and the force field is active. I
know I'll be safe, but... I felt better when you were here with me, John. Come
back when you can. I still feel as if there is another, almost unseen presence
here, as if this presence is watching me. That feeling isn't so strong when you
are here. I'm okay... -- Helena
Time/Date: 02:01 LT - 267 Days PEO
To: Helena
I don't know when
I'll be able to get back there tonight, Helena. Things are moving quickly,
there have been more disturbances. If you feel anything, _anything_ unusual,
get out of there. Whatever this spirit or disturbance may be, I want you as
safe as possible. Call if you need me. -- John
Time/Date: 09:04 LT - 267 Days PEO
To: All Alphan Personnel
From: Koenig.J@MainMission.Alpha.org
Subject: Alert
Report to Main Mission staff immediately any atmospheric
disturbances or changes noted in your area. Be alert for temperature drops
especially.
Commander John Koenig
Time/Date: 09:25 LT - 270 Days PEO
To: All Alphan Personnel
From: Koenig.J@MainMission.Alpha.org
Subject: Services
Memorial services for Dan Mateo and Doctor Jerome Warren will
be held in the Hydroponics section at 2000 hours tomorrow. All available
personnel are encouraged to attend. Thank you.
Commander John Koenig
Time/Date: 16:04 LT - 274 Days PEO
To: John
I've just had a
good look at Victor. He seems unharmed after his experiences with Gwent, but
I'll keep an eye on him. Victor seems quite concerned about you and I, and
Gwent wanting us to be _his_ companions; worried that we would find being
thrown together like that... awkward. Should we tell him? -- Helena
Time/Date: 16:27 LT - 274 Days PEO
To: Helena
I think Victor
already suspects - he was being tactful, but... we have to start somewhere.
Shall we ask him to have dinner with us tonight? -- John
Time/Date: 17:01 LT - 274 days PEO
To: John
That sounds
lovely, John. -- Helena
Time/Date: 09:38 LT - 275 Days PEO
To: John
I don't think I
have ever seen Victor smile so much. I'm glad we told him. -- Helena
Time/Date: 10:04 LT - 275 Days PEO
To: Helena
So am I. I had the
feeling he's been waiting for us to "get together", almost from the
very beginning. It was he who let me know about your troubles with Gorski and
Simmonds. Had he not, well... it would probably have taken me a lot longer to
realize the depth of your qualities and the falsehoods I'd been told. I'm very
grateful for his perceptions. -- Love, John
Time/Date: 11:46 LT - 275 Days PEO
To: John
John Koenig, we
have been set up by that kind, gentle, scheming, loveable, matchmaking Victor
Bergman. He was very subtly pointing out your attributes to me as soon as he
learned you were taking over from Gorski. I wish we had a bottle of wine to
send him as a token of our appreciation and gratitude. -- Helena
Time/Date: 15:39 LT - 275 Days PEO
To: Helena
Just seeing us
together and happy is all Victor really wants. He is very subtle, that man. He
knows if you and I can settle down into a relationship, can relax and spend our
free time on something other than basic survival, the rest of the people will
see that and accept we actually have a chance out here in space. I'm glad he
chose us to play matchmaker for us. -- Love, John
Time/Date: 15:57 LT - 275 Days PEO
To: John
So am I. -- Love,
Helena
Time/Date: 08:45 LT - 281 Days PEO
To: All Alphan Personnel
From: Koenig.J@MainMission.Alpha.org
Subject: Service
A memorial service for Technician Michael Kelly, the only
fatality due to our recent encounter with the giant space brain, will be held
at 1900 hours today in Rec Room One. Please attend if possible.
Commander John Koenig
Time/Date: 09:04 LT - 286 Days PEO
To: Helena
When can I see
you? I hate being on different duty shifts. -- John
Time/Date: 11:46 LT - 286 Days PEO
To: John
You're the
Commander, talk to whomever draws up the duty roster. I miss you too. -- Love,
Helena
Time/Date: 13:56 LT - 286 Days PEO
To: Helena
I did. The
computer program randomly shifts things around. -- John
Time/Date: 14:49 LT - 286 Days PEO
To: John
Talk to Kano.
Bribe him if you have to. Five days of this is more than enough. -- Helena
Time/Date: 15:03 LT - 286 Days PEO
To: Helena
If I talk to Kano,
word will somehow get out about us. I like keeping our relationship as private
as possible. But, I'll see what I can do. -- John
Time/Date: 15:27 LT - 286 Days PEO
To: John
The new duty
roster came out. I have tomorrow off, then I'm back on "A" shift. Did
you have to bribe Kano? -- Helena
Time/Date: 16:00 LT - 286 Days PEO
To: Helena
No, but he was
smiling a great deal when I talked to him about it. My schedule for tomorrow is
the same as yours. My quarters or yours? -- John
Time/Date: 16:34 LT - 286 Days PEO
To: John
Mine. Less chance
of being found and disturbed - relatively. -- Helena
Time/Date: 17:01 LT - 286 Days PEO
To: Helena
I'll be there. --
John
Time/Date: 11:00 LT - 288 Days PEO
To: Helena
Now that's more
like it. I'll find some way to keep us on the same shift from now on. -- Love,
John
Time/Date: 13:06 LT - 288 Days PEO
To: John
You're the
Commander... -- Love, Helena
P.S. I'm very glad
the walls of Alpha are soundproofed, or my neighbors would certainly know about
us after last night. :))
Time/Date: 17:03 LT - 292 Days PEO
To: Helena
I need to see you,
to hold you. I keep remembering how close you came to never leaving that Darian
ship. I need to know you're all right and unharmed. -- Love, John
Time/Date: 17:47 LT - 292 Days PEO
To: John
And I need you to
hold me. My quarters. -- Love, Helena
Time/Date: 06:45 LT - 293 Days PEO
To: Russell.H@MedicalCenter.Alpha.org
From: Bergman.V@Lab1.Alpha.org
Subject:
Helena, my dear, I hope you are faring well after our return
from the Darian ship. John was most determined that you not be harmed in any
way by the treatment you were subjected to while there. When your revival was
in doubt, John came closer to violence than I have ever seen him. He is a man
with a volatile temper that he allows to surface but does not unleash very
often. He is also a man with a very deep and intense love for you. No matter
what may happen to us here on Alpha, never doubt John's love for you.
Call me if you
should need to talk, about anything. I will always have time for a chat with a
dear and treasured friend.
Affectionately,
Victor Bergman
Time/Date: 16:48 LT - 295 Days PEO
To: Helena
I'm sorry. Forgive
me? -- Love, John
Time/Date: 17:04 LT - 295 Days PEO
To: John
Belief in and
loyalty to a friend is nothing to apologize for, John. Perhaps, if I knew Tony
Cellini from something other than his medical and psychological profile, I
would understand more completely your belief in him. I would like to know him
better -- as your friend, and perhaps, eventually, mine. I hope we will have a
chance when this is all cleared up.
The plant is doing
wonderfully. Come see where I put it. -- Love, Helena
Time/Date: 08:47 LT - 297 Days PEO
To: Helena
Will you come to
Tony Cellini's memorial service with me? I don't know as I can do it alone. --
John
Date/Time: 08:49 LT - 297 Days PEO
To: All Alphan Personnel
From: Koenig.J@MainMission.Alpha.org
Subject: Memorial service
Memorial Services for Tony Cellini will be held at 2100 hours
tomorrow in the Observation Room. Victor Bergman will deliver the Eulogy.
Commander John Koenig
Time/Date: 09:07 LT - 297 Days PEO
To: John
Of course I will
be there with you. -- Love, Helena
Time/Date: 10:45 LT - 299 Days PEO
To: John
John, about this
status report responsibility you want me to take on. Are you sure? I don't mind
doing it, but... wouldn't someone more objective, like Victor or Paul or Sandra
be better for the job? -- Helena
Time/Date: 10:47 LT - 299 Days PEO
To: Helena
After reading your
report concerning Tony and his dragon, I'm sure you are the right person,
Helena. I could make it an order, "Doctor"... ;) -- John
Time/Date: 11:36 LT - 299 Days PEO
To: John
All right, I'll do
it, but no complaints if it takes time away from us. -- Helena
Time/Date: 14:02 LT - 299 Days PEO
To: Helena
Okay, no
complaints -- well, not many. Dinner tonight? -- John
Time/Date: 15:16 LT - 299 Days PEO
To: John
My quarters. I
like the privacy. -- Helena
Time/Date: 16:00 LT - 302 Days PEO
To: Helena
Helena, come to
Main Mission when you've had a chance to investigate more fully Life Support
status. I want to discuss our options in regards to Arkadia and Alpha. -- John
Time/Date: 14:04 LT - 304 Days PEO
To: Helena
If anyone on Alpha
had doubts as to my feelings for you, they were eliminated after Luke and Anna
took you hostage. I know Paul, Alan, and even Victor were questioning my
motives. Only when they learned I'd put a trace on those supplies did they
realize I was acting for the benefit of Alpha, as well as for your safety. But
I no longer care who knows how much I love you. It's part of who I am, part of
how I command this base, and the very best part of my life. -- Love, John
Time/Date: 15:04 LT - 304 Days PEO
To: John
I love you. --
Helena
Time/Date: 16:03 LT - 307 Days PEO
To: John
You did very well
writing up the events of Arkadia. Some very eloquent prose. Sure you don't want
the Status report job? -- Helena
Time/Date: 17:47 LT - 307 Days PEO
To: Helena
I'm sure, but I'll
be happy to consult with you on a regular basis. -- Love, John
Time/Date: 08:36 LT - 308 Days PEO
To: John
How regular? --
Helena
Time/Date: 11:37 LT - 308 Days PEO
To: Helena
Nightly? -- John
Time/Date: 18:25 LT - 308 Days PEO
To: John
You've got
yourself a consulting job. -- Love, Helena
Time/Date: 09:03 LT - 325 Days PEO
To: All Sections Alpha
From: Koenig.J@MainMission.Alpha.org
Subject: Move
Due to structural problems and safety concerns, all above
ground Moonbase Alpha facilities, including Main Mission, will be permanently
closed and sealed off, materials to be used for repair and expansion of below
ground facilities. Maintenance and Technical sections are asking for volunteers
to assist with moving equipment and fixtures to the smaller, below ground
Command Center, which has been designated as the new control center of the
base. Any equipment that is not of immediate use in Command Center will be
evenly divided between all other sections. Please contact Paul Morrow via inter
base e-mail to volunteer your time or request equipment. Thank you.