A Gift Of The Amazons 6

Losses

by John O'Connor

URL: http://www.area52hkh.net/asj/john/amazons06.php
Summary: An accident spells tragedy for SG-13

Themyscira - Day Three - Evening

Sam waited outside the diner for Mavis Cavanaugh. At dinner, she had asked the Marine to join her for a chat before the group got together for the evening debriefing. She was just making herself comfortable when the dark-skinned woman came out.

"You wanted to talk to me, Major? Uh, Sam..." Mavis grinned slightly at her mistake.

"Yes, Mavis. We have some time before we all get together. Let's take a walk, okay?"

The two set off through the large park nearby. After a few moments, Sam finally asked, "Mavis, do you have a problem with gay people? No, scratch that... Are you having problems with this mission?"

"No, Maj...Sam! I'm honored that I was one of the chosen few. This whole culture is fascinating. And, I have to tell you, I'm having a lot of fun. I can hardly wait to go out on that cruise with Marcy," Mavis said.

Sam smiled at her teammate's enthusiasm. "Okay. Good. It's just that your attitude this morning, your remarks... It almost seemed like you were trying to find fault with your roommate."

"Oh. Well, Sam, I am from a long line of Marines. I was told from the day I learned to walk and talk that the Corps was the pinnacle of military achievement. My old man thought there was nothing the Corps, or - if he was feeling generous - any other branch, could do wrong. I learned early to obey commands and orders. That rules and regulations were set down for a reason. Even if I don't understand that reason," Mavis explained, her passion for the Marines evident in her voice. "To become a Marine, especially since I'm a woman, was the proudest moment of my life!"

Sam smiled, remembering the day she graduated from the Academy. She was sure she threw her cadet cap higher than any other junior grade lieutenant that day.

"I completely understand. My father was a career flyer. My grandfather was in the 8th Air Force in England during the Second World War. There have been Carters in the military going back to the Civil War. Tradition and honor are huge influences on my life. And they obviously are in yours, too. Just don't let it blind you to some of the harsher realities of life."

"What do you mean, Ma...Sam?"

"The official policy, to me and many others, does not meet the current needs of the military, or society, today. Recruitment has been down for years and by keeping people out who want to serve - by scaring them away with policies that couldn't work in the corporate world - we diminish our ability to function as a well-rounded, efficient military structure," Sam answered. "Do you see what I mean?"

"Yes, Sam, I do. I don't necessarily agree, but I understand. I'm sure, though, that you didn't ask me to walk with you just to discuss philosophy."

"No, Mavis. Maybe I got a little carried away. I had a very good friend in Saudi Arabia during Desert Shield who was thrown out of the Air Force because he got a love letter from his boyfriend back home. I guess some earlier letters had made it past censors but as we got closer to Desert Storm, security tightened and Phil got caught. Since then, the policy changed to 'don't ask, don't tell.'" Sam took a breath, "Not that it would've made a difference for Phil..."

Mavis and Sam had stopped near a small fountain in the middle of a grove of tropical trees and bushes. Gesturing towards a marble bench, Sam said, "Let's have a seat." Mavis nodded and sat down next to Sam.

"The policy now is 'don't ask, don't tell.' The first part of it is 'don't ask' which means, to me, no snooping or spying. We're not NID. We're not DIA. We're SGC. We go places and see things people can hardly imagine. But that does not include anyone's personal life. If someone tells you about their lifestyle, then it's up to you to deal with it as you think best. But, just because your roommate, who is a civilian I might add, didn't come home last night, doesn't automatically turn her into a homosexual."

"But she said last night that she had slept with another woman..."

Sam held up her hand. "That was when she was a teenager. A lot of teenagers experiment, some with smoking, some with alcohol, some with drugs, some with sex. That doesn't necessarily mean they grow up with emphysema, alcoholism, drug addiction, or nymphomania. It's just part of growing up." Sam paused, knowing if she found out Cass did any of these things, she'd wring the girl's neck. And that would be mild compared to what would happen if Janet got hold of her.

Smiling for a moment at the strangely comfortable family nature of her thoughts, Sam returned to the matter at hand. "Mavis, it's entirely possible that Ashley ended up having some drinks last night and found it more convenient to sleep somewhere else. The wine here is pretty strong... And, think of this, who's to say that when you and Marcy put to sea with a boatload of women, there won't be rumors about you?" Sam finished with a cocked eyebrow.

"Point taken, Sam. I'll mind my own business. Okay?"

"Okay. For what it's worth, I'm going to talk to the group about this as well. I just wanted to get your feedback and let you know what's in my head," Sam said, rising to her feet.

Mavis stood as well, "Thanks, Sam. I really didn't mean to disrupt the mission or the team. I'll try to watch myself. If I get outta hand again, slap me down. Okay?"

"I don't think I have to worry about that. C'mon, let's head over there and get this meeting out of the way."

~~~

Janet finished shortly after Sam and Mavis left. She took her tray to the collection area. There were only two members of SG-13 still eating and they both had arrived late. With a smile and a friendly "Ta-ta," the young doctor left the diner.

The early evening was lovely. The sky was a deep blue, shading into purple away from the setting sun. Sappho's Veil was just beginning to emerge as were some of the brighter stars. Janet smiled. This had to be one of the loveliest planets the Goa'uld ever seeded humans on.

As Janet strolled through the Royal Gardens, she heard a muffled groan. Instinctively, she headed for the source, ready to do whatever she could to the distressed person beyond the tall hedge.

Rounding the wall of greenery, Janet pulled up short when she caught sight of two women sitting on another marble bench. They were kissing passionately. The dark-haired girl had her hand under the blonde's short shift, causing the blonde to groan into her lover's mouth. The tableau was definitely arousing the young brunette.

Janet smiled even as her pulse quickened. How often had Sam caused that reaction in her? And vice versa? She started to turn away to give the girls their privacy. But wait... The dark-haired one...

"Ashley?" Janet muttered.

The pair broke apart and Janet saw that the groping girl was indeed her teammate, the lovely Asian-Brit, Ashley Rand. She jumped to her feet.

"Doctor! I...I didn't... This isn't... Shit!" The engineer looked up, a flash of fear in her eyes. Her whole frame seemed to shrink in on itself momentarily.

Janet smiled gently, "Ashley, it's okay. But I think we need to have a word. Okay?"

The blonde nodded and got up. Janet noted it wasn't the girl she had come to think of as Buffy. So Ashley's dalliance wasn't a rarity. Or a commitment to any particular Amazon.

"Doctor...Janet, I really have nothing to say."

"Ashley, it's okay. It doesn't bother me. If you want to...experiment? Well, that's okay. Just try to be a little more discreet. 'Kay?" Janet said. She couldn't help but notice the first two fingers of Ashley's hand had a sheen to them.

"It's not an experiment. Not like you're thinking. I'm gay, Doctor. I have been since, well, since before I even touched another woman. I suppose now you'll send me home in disgrace?" Ashley asked sourly.

Janet shook her head, "No, Ashley. For several reasons. First, I don't care what you do. Your personal business is just that. Second, you are not in the military. Regardless of what Mavis said, you are a civilian and, as such, not under military jurisdiction. And, it's none of my business." Janet paused, "I guess that actually falls under the first reason but anyway..."

"Janet, it's just that the women here are so beautiful and so willing... God, I sound like some kind of chauvinist. But there is a freedom here I never felt back on Earth, even in the various dyke bars and clubs in London or L.A. No one, absolutely no one, here thinks it's wrong for two women to be together. I guess I just wanted to see what a lesbian paradise was..."

Feeling much the same, Janet nodded, "I understand. Just try to be a little more discreet. Okay?"

Ashley nodded and smiled. As Janet started to move on, Ashley took her arm gently. "Janet, if you ever want to see what it's like..."

This was a new record for Janet, two women in two days coming on to her! "Well, I'm flattered but..."

"I meant no disrespect. You are an incredibly beautiful and sexy woman, Janet. And I don't mean that as a come-on. It's true. I hope the person that finally wins your heart understands that."

'I think she does,' Janet thought. Then she said aloud, "Like I said, I'm flattered. And, for what it's worth, I am spoken for..."

They regarded each other for a moment, then Janet said, "I think your young friend is waiting for you. But I'd suggest arranging another time to meet. You're supposed to be in our quarters in about twenty minutes."

"Yes ma'am." Ashley performed a crisp British-style salute, then grinned widely when Janet chuckled.

As Janet strolled along through the garden, she felt a pleasant tingle between her legs. She was only human and Ashley was one of the most beautiful women she had ever seen. But, being honest with herself, Janet knew nothing would ever come of it. She loved Sam. There was no other woman in the universe for her.

Smiling somewhat ruefully, Janet had only kissed two women other than Sam and slept with neither. One, Terri, had practically thrown herself at Janet as a substitute for the lovely princess of this planet. The other, the young marine biologist in Florida the summer before, had opened Janet's mind, and then her heart, to what had been right in front of her for so long.

~~~

Jack's Place - Day Four - Early Morning

Jack rolled over and shut off the alarm. Groaning and stumbling towards the bathroom, Jack noted that the snow had apparently stopped. 'Damn,' he thought. He was hoping for an excuse to do nothing for one day.

This was a departure from the typical Jack O'Neill attitude. He normally hated down-time, unless it involved fishing or camping. But having Cass around was like he pictured it when he imagined Charlie visiting.

Suppressing the wave of grief and pain that thoughts of his dead son always brought out, Jack decided to concentrate instead on the fact that his house was never more alive than when Cassie was there. She was a bundle of energy and smart as a whip. He loved the kid almost as much as he would if she were his daughter. The Doc and Sam were lucky to have her in their lives and he, though he would never admit it, was proud that they wanted him to watch the girl.

After shaving and showering, Jack padded back to his room to dress. While he pulled out his normal working clothes, he listened with half an ear to the clock radio for any school closings.

Jack finished lacing his right boot as the listings ended. Cass has school. He might as well accept the fact that he was going to be bored to tears in the Mountain.

Now came the challenge, getting the girl out of bed and ready to be dropped off at school. Jack shook his head with a rueful smile and went to rouse his houseguest.

~~~

Themyscira - Day Three - Evening

Sam waited until all the members of SG-13 had settled. They all had a glass of the local wine or a mug of the local ale. It was Janet's idea to get the team to loosen up and, hopefully, bond.

"Okay, before we begin, I want to address a potential situation." Sam looked around, not concentrating on any one face before continuing, "This is completely off the record. I'm talking to you as Sam Carter, a friend, not Major Carter, your boss. Okay?"

Everyone nodded in agreement, "Good. We are on a planet with morals and conventions that, in many cases, are radically different than those of Earth. Specifically, the sexual mores of the people here. The Amazons see nothing wrong with same-sex relationships. They even celebrate this in their arts. I have no problem with that. However the Air Force and the Defense Department would.

"In addition, there have been some...possible indiscretions...within the group. I legally can't ask any of you about this. Nor would I. Personally, I feel it's none of my business. But, just to make things easier both here and back home, those of you who are or will engage in...personal relations, shall we say?" There were scattered chuckles from the group. "Yeah, okay, personal relations. Anyone who does, please try to exercise as much discretion as you can. Don't give me, or any other member of our team, reasons to have to report 'disgraceful' conduct." Sam mimed quote marks as she said this.

"Now, while we're still off the record, does anyone have anything they'd like to add? Regardless of what you may think could happen, nothing said here will pass these walls, as far as I'm concerned.

"Anyone have a problem with that?" All of SG-13 shook their heads. "Good, so you can speak your mind."

Mavis stood up, "I just want to say that I was out of line last night and this morning. The Corps is in my blood and sometimes it's hard to look beyond duty and the uniform. I hope you all will forgive me. And I go along with Sam. Anything said here is confidential."

Sam smiled, Mavis was the only team member she was concerned about. If the young Marine was okay with this discussion, then maybe others would open up. she really did not want this to remain a closed subject and possibly fester within the group.

Ashley stood then, "Thanks Mavis. I appreciate what you and Sam both said, as well as what Janet said to me earlier. I feel I should be completely honest with all of you. I am a lesbian. I have been since I first realized there were differences between girls and boys." There were more chuckles from the group. Encouraged, Ashley continued, "I have never hidden my life from anyone. If you didn't know, it's because it didn't come up. Even when I joined the SGC, it was never a factor.

"But, back home, even with the wider acceptance gays have received, there is still a lot of bias and hatred out there. We, meaning myself and other gays, have been...constrained in our lives. So, when I got here, with the open attitudes and the willingness of the women here to indulge a visitor, I took liberties I shouldn't have taken, I suppose. It was never my intention to cause any problems to you or the SGC. I guess I just...well, you know..."

She stepped over to Mavis and held out her hand, "Friends?"

Mavis beamed, saying, "Of course." She grasped the young civilian's hand firmly. "Ashley, I... Thanks."

"I did not mean for this meeting to be about any kind of true confessions. I actually wanted us to air our grievances, if any, regarding this situation," Sam said quickly, before this became a session of even deeper, potentially dangerous, revelations. "But I am so glad we're all able to accept each other."

"Well, I have to say, I was a little surprised when one of the locals started flirting with me," Liz Harding said. Her face turned a little red, contrasting with her blond hair. "Not that it's a problem, Sam. I guess I just wasn't ready..."

"You were propositioned?" Sam asked.

"I guess you could call it that..."

"Why Sam, jealous?" Janet asked with a smirk.

"No! Of course not, I just didn't think..." Sam's voice faded.

"Well, I think our fearless leader is just jealous. If she wore something other than fatigues, I bet she'd have more than a few of our hosts propositioning her too," Janet teased.

A round of laughs, catcalls, whoops, and whistles followed, causing Sam to turn scarlet.

Finally, clearing her throat, Sam got everyone's attention again. Her face still flaming, she asked, "Anyone want to add anything else? No? Okay, let's get on with the business at hand and then we can adjourn for the evening."

Terri raised her hand and stood, "I came across something strange today. I, uh, I don't know if it's relevant or not..."

"Sure it is, Terri," Allison said. Several others nodded in agreement.

"Well, you know how we haven't seen any men around? I kinda think there might not be any..."

"What?" Sam asked. "What do you mean?"

"They have this great search engine on their computers. It's really fast. So I got curious and decided to look for any references to men. Anything new, I mean within the last several hundred years, only refers to men as something like a myth or fairy tale. Beyond about five hundred years ago, there were often literary references to the Last Man. It was always capitalized too."

"The Last Man? I saw something about that in something I was reading too," Jennifer Crue said. "It was an epic poem from about eight hundred years ago. It's apparently a classic for the Themyscirans."

"Yeah, yeah, I saw that," Terri said. "I didn't read it or anything. Not yet anyway. It's really long, like 'The Iliad,' and I'll have to translate it. I can handle titles and short pieces easily, but longer works will take more time.

"Anyway, in any historical archive I was able to access, there is no mention of men since about a thousand years ago. Like they just disappeared..."

"Disappeared? Where?" Mavis asked.

"I don't know. Well, not yet. I suppose I could ask Diana..." Terri said, almost to herself.

Sam shook her head, "Not just yet. Maybe I'm paranoid, but let's keep this little fact to ourselves for the time being. And let's not jump to conclusions either."

"How do they have babies? They aren't immortal. Are they?" Carla Greene asked.

"No, they are not immortal," Janet said. "And they do have babies. There's a maternity ward in the central medical complex complete with babies." Janet looked around at everyone and added, "All girls."

"Alright, this is a little strange. To say the least. I want all of you to keep your eyes and ears open for information on the males. But don't go out of your way to pry. If there is something going on, I don't want to tip our hand..." Sam said.

"Okay, I guess, unless someone else has something..."

Sam paused as Marcy Davis stood, "Yes, Sam. The cruise Mavis and I were invited on is leaving earlier than planned. They want to set out tomorrow morning. Something about a low pressure system developing several hundred miles off the archipelago we're heading to."

"When do we sail?" Mavis asked.

"Tomorrow shortly after dawn. It should be a relatively quick trip. Two days to the islands, a few days there, and then two days back here," Marcy explained. She ran her fingers through her short, red hair as she stood. She had never been comfortable with any kind of public speaking.

Sam nodded, "Sounds good. If you two are ready, then 'Bon Voyage,' I guess. Anything else? No? Okay, Ladies, enjoy your evening."

Sam walked with Mavis out of the apartment, "Mavis, thanks. You didn't have to say anything. I just wanted to..."

"It's alright, Sam. I think I did need to speak up. I think it will help us out in the long run." Mavis smiled, her teeth bright against her dark skin, "Anyway, I like Ash, she's good people. And I was way out of line with her especially."

Sam nodded.

Inside the apartment, Terri Morgan brushed back a stray lock of brown hair that had fallen loose from her ponytail. She was the last to leave and seemed reluctant to do so.

"Terri? Was there something you needed? Can I help?" Janet offered.

"Well, I just wanted to apologize again for yesterday. I, uh, I was... I was stupid."

"No, just a little bad judgment maybe. It's okay."

Terri looked up, her eyes wide behind her glasses, "Did you tell Major Carter? I mean Sam."

"Sam and I have no secrets." Janet smiled at her ambiguous statement and went on, "She is not bothered by it. Tonight was necessary to cover several aspects of this mission. Don't worry. Okay?"

Nodding, Terri smiled, her whole face lighting up. "Janet? Can I ask you something?"

"Sure. Anything."

"How do you... Well, I know it's been only..." Terri took off her glasses and fiddled with them. "What does it feel like when you're in love?"

'Uh-oh! I was afraid of this,' Janet thought. "In love? With who?"

"Oh, not you. Not that you aren't... It's Diana... Last night and this morning, well, she's so wonderful! I can't stop thinking about her. And all I want is to be with her..."

"Terri, you know we go home in a couple of weeks. I don't think it's a good idea to get too caught up in anything with Diana. It'll only make leaving that much harder." Janet felt bad for the young woman.

"I know. But, is it wrong to enjoy the time we do have?" Terri asked.

"No. But, Terri, just remember that we have to go home at some point. Okay?" Janet said. "Does she feel the same way?"

Terri shook her head, "I don't know. To be honest, probably not. Why would she when there are all these gorgeous women here?"

"Do not sell yourself short, young lady," Janet said in her best 'mother' voice. "You are pretty, funny, intelligent, friendly, and sweet. I would be surprised if you don't meet someone very special."

"But not Diana..."

"No, I think you'd better just accept the situation."

"Okay, Janet," Terri said. "I understand. But how do you know when you're in love?"

"I think you know. You walk on air. You want to fall asleep and wake up with her. She dominates everything. You know that you'd sacrifice anything for her."

'Her?' Terri thought. 'Janet is in love with a woman too?' Aloud she said, "Okay, thanks Janet."

As she turned to leave, Sam came in, "Hi Terri. Did you need something?"

"No, Sam. Thanks. Janet and I just had a little chat," Terri smiled and glanced at Janet. What she saw there confirmed her thoughts. Looking back at her CO, she saw a reflection of Janet's face. 'Janet and Sam? I never would've guessed.'

Smiling at the thought of true love, Terri left.

"Well, I didn't expect it, but Mavis really helped out tonight, I think," Sam said.

Janet wrapped her arms around Sam, burying her face in the taller woman's neck, "Yes, I think so too. You smell nice..." Janet began to kiss and lick the sensitive flesh above the translator mike.

"Oooh, Janet...." Sam tilted Janet's face up and looked into the soulful brown eyes. The kiss that followed was slow and tender, more an expression of love than anything else.

Breaking the kiss, Sam asked, "Would you like to take a walk in the Royal Gardens?"

"Will we be alone?" Janet asked in a slightly husky voice.

"Let's go see," Sam replied.

Minutes later, they were in one of the loveliest spots in the Amazons' city. Low-level lantern-like lights illuminated the groves, allowing them to see where they were going, and more importantly, to see each other clearly. Once inside the Gardens, Sam took Janet's hand and wandered deep into the greenery.

Deep in the Garden, Janet smiled mischievously and pointed to a bench, "I caught Ashley and one of the local girls there."

"Doing what?" Sam asked.

Janet pulled Sam over to the bench and sat next to her. Taking Sam's hand, she moved it under her dress, pressing the fingers to her crotch. Then Janet took Sam's face in her hands and kissed her hard.

Smiling against Janet's mouth, Sam allowed her fingers to explore while she shared a kiss that was now more passionate and lustful.

Tongues were sliding in and out of each woman's mouth while the major's fingers slipped into the doctor. The doctor's hands, meanwhile, were not idle and she had a firm grip on Sam's breast. This was a kiss much more primal and hungry than the loving one they had shared earlier.

Janet finally pulled away, panting. Kneeling between Sam's legs, she opened the fatigue pants. Muttering "Wish you just wore the damned dress!" Janet pulled the pants down Sam's legs.

"Oh Sammy!" she squealed seeing no panties. "Going commando?"

Janet moved between the blonde's smooth thighs and began to feast on the succulent flesh there. Sam threw back her head and moaned deep in her throat.

~~~

Ashley was taking a casual stroll through the Gardens. She had some time before meeting Ariana. She had caught a glimpse of Janet heading into the interior and she wanted to "accidentally" stumble onto the lovely doctor. Maybe she could convince the woman to join her in her bed...

The lovely Asian Brit heard Janet's voice but couldn't make out the words. She headed towards the sound and came up to the bench where Janet had discovered her and Ari earlier. Hearing a low moan, she arched an eyebrow and peeked around the intervening bush.

She was stunned, and very much turned on, by what she saw. Janet had her face buried in Sam's mound! And from the pleasurable sounds Sam was making, Janet knew what she was doing!

Ashley stood rooted for several long moments enjoying the show. She could actually see Janet's lips and tongue working on Sam's nether lips from her vantage point. It was such a turn on! Her fingers strayed under her skirt and began to toy with her own sex as she watched the two team leaders.

Sam gave out a little howl and Janet sat back. Her mouth and chin glistened in the lantern light as she smiled up at the satisfied blonde. The brunette placed her hand on Sam's mound, gently squeezing.

Ashley watched as Janet leaned forward and kissed Sam deeply. Sam licked at Janet's face and in between deep kisses. Ashley's fingers quickened and she shoved her other hand in her mouth as she came while watching the two lovely women kiss.

Recovering quickly, Ashley stepped back and quietly walked away. She licked her fingers as she headed off to her rendezvous with Ari, a big grin plastered on her face.

~~~

Sam led Janet to their bed, "I want to make you scream..."

"Please do," Janet replied happily.

They melted into each other in another long kiss before Sam made the doctor scream in ecstasy. The first of many loud outbursts from each of them that night.

~~~

Themyscira - Day Five - Midafternoon

Sam was finally figuring out the network the Amazons used for their power grid. It was full of redundancies, unlike most of the major power grids on Earth. If a section of grid collapsed, the backup would kick in and power would continue, virtually uninterrupted.

The day before, she had seen the massive subterranean chambers that housed the power storage facilities. Full of huge devices that resembled capacitors more than anything else, but with much less power loss through bleeding; they were at least a century ahead of Earth technology. 'Meaning,' Sam mused, 'that this is dated technology.'

As she poured over the designs of the grids for the various cities on Themyscira, Sam was oblivious to what was going on around her. As usual.

The girl stood at her elbow for several minutes. She was afraid to disturb the hallowed guest but finally had to. It was a summons from the Queen, after all.

"Excuse me? Major Carter?"

"Huh? Yes?" Sam looked up, slightly confused before she remembered where she was.

"The Queen wishes to see you in her chambers. Immediately, please."

"Oh, alright. Um, let me put these away and I'll..."

Another girl came up. "I'll take care of those for you," she offered.

"Okay. Thank you." Sam stood and smirked, "Take me to your leader." Then, "I always wanted to say that."

At the blank stares from the two girls, Sam shook her head and said, "Never mind. Inside joke."

~~~

Janet was going over the ancient records of the gene therapy that had made the Amazons incompatable with the Goa'uld, making them useless as hosts. "So this small sequence in the chain here is all that needs to be altered?"

Paula, the chief scientist, nodded, "Yes, I believe so. Remember though, Janet. No one has worked with this technology in centuries. I would suggest many test series before implementing these alterations on your people's DNA."

"Oh, of course. We very rarely use new drugs or therapies without extensive testing," Janet replied.

"Excuse me, Doctor?" A young woman stood in the doorway of the sunny laboratory.

"Yes?" Janet said brightly.

"The Queen wishes your presence in her court immediately."

"Oh? Oh! Yes, of course. Excuse me, Paula."

The Amazon scientist nodded as Janet left with her escort.

~~~

As Janet stepped into the audience chamber, she saw the rest of SG-13 gathered together. All but the two women on the cruise.

Diana was sitting on a small chair near the throne, her face grave. Troya, who they regarded as almost a fixture in the chamber, was nowhere to be found. The queen, Hippolyta, sat silently with her eyes closed.

Finally, Diana spoke, "Mother? Our guests are here."

"Yes, thank you daughter."

Hippolyta rose and looked at the Terrans with an unreadable expression on her face. Then she began to speak.

"Our atmospheric scientists have been monitoring a low pressure zone near the Scylla Archipelago. It unexpectedly grew rapidly into a major storm that has swept the whole region. We had no real warning. It occasionally happens that quickly I'm told.

"Be assured that we will continue to monitor the area for traces, anything. We have orbital devices combing the sea through the storm. Once the weather clears we will send search craft, by sea and air, to the area."

"Excuse me, Hippolyta. Traces? Searches? For what?" Sam asked, knowing deep inside what the answer would be.

"I am sorry to inform you that we have lost contact with the Athena. In a storm of such magnitude, we fear for the worst. The ship has disappeared with all hands." Hippolyta's eyes drifted to the floor, "Including your two friends. I am sorry."

Diana said, "The search will continue until we find the ship, the crew, or conclusive proof that they are no more."

Sam felt her heart drop into her stomach. 'Mavis. Marcy. Dead? Oh God, no...'

Next: Grief, Truth, And Lies