Alex

"You're up early. Excited?"

Jessica. Alex had tried to get up without waking her but she seemed to sense his absence. She was wearing one of her favorite silk robes. Jade. It was a favorite color.

"Give you three guesses," he replied.

"I would be too," Jessica said. "I am, even though I'm not going."

"I'm sure you will some day," said Alex. "If things work out. It's better you don't now though, until things are more stable."

"You're not worried?"

"Some. It's something new. But I wouldn't be going if I had any real concerns."

"I'll try not to worry," Jessica said. "But I'll feel better once you're back. Want some more coffee?"

"Yeah," Alex replied. "I'll get it. I need a smoke."

"You don't need one," Jessica said, kissing him on the cheek.

"I want one and that's the same thing," Alex said.

Back inside the house Jessica poured two cups of coffee while he got a cigarillo. They went back out on the deck and sat down. The day was warm for December they drank coffee and watched the fog dissipate. Jessica was more quiet than usual.

"You going to be all right?" Alex asked.

"No," Jessica replied. "But I know you have go. I'll do some shopping and visiting to keep my mind busy. It's just the idea of you flying off to Atlantis - we know almost nothing about it."

"We know enough," said Alex. "I've worked with the liaison office for nearly two years now and while they keep a lot of secrets I trust their people. More than many of our own. And we've been occupied with other things."

"Want anything for breakfast?" Jessica asked.