Bowman

"There's no law that says you have to dress like someone out of Samuel Clemens Tom Sawyer. You realize this whole town is modeled after that book." She explained. "These people can play dress up if that's what they enjoy, but for me, I intend to be comfortable. Can you imagine how uncomfortable it must be under those gowns with a half dozen petticoats, pantaloons, and corsets yet. Geez! Can you imagine," she exclaimed, propping her head up on one hand.

"If I start imagining you in a corset, I could end up in a lot of trouble." John replied. "I'm sure you’re well aware of the fact that you are rather pleasing to the eye," he added

with a smile as he took in her full length on the bed.

"I didn't wear this get-up for Molly's amusement," she admitted, indicating the white cotton blouse and slacks. "It doesn't appeal to her at all. However, I thought you may like it," she confessed as she gave up on finding a comfortable position and decided to sit instead of recline.

"I wouldn't want to encourage you because I have no idea how long I’ll be here, or if I will be back again. An explorer scout is always looking for new worlds, exploring new star systems for the ever expanding human race. Humans are by far the most prolific animals I have ever run across." John explained in a straight forward manner.

"I didn't intend to just jump in the sack with you! If that's the picture Molly has given you, I'm goina scratch her eyes out!" Vicky exclaimed, her cheeks darkening as her temper flared.

"Don't go off the deep end. Molly didn't tell me much more than your name and kind of insinuated she thought you had been a widow about long enough." John explained as he leaned forward to emphasize his statement. "I didn't come here looking for a one night stand, a wife, or a mistress. I came here to lay up and rest while my ship is being re-fitted and re-supplied. I won't court you, nor lie to you. There are some questions I won't answer about my self," he stated as he sat back and relaxed. "I have been alone for to many years to want to start something on the spur of the moment. However, if you want someone to talk to or just to be a friend, I’d like to have your company, so long as you know that when the time comes I’ll have to leave the same way I came," John explained.

"Geez! You don't pull any punches." She retorted, as she tried to find a more comfortable position.

John rose to his feet. She sat looking up at him. "Why don't you take the chair. It's not much, but you don't seem to be having much luck getting comfortable on that bunk," he offered stepping aside to allow her to pass.

"You sure took your time offering a lady a chair," she commented as she shifted from the bunk to the chair.

"Molly and I have been friends for a long time. She just don't understand that being the owner of the richest tin mine on the planet makes me a tempting target for every young buck that would much rather marry a fortune than earn one," she said as she sat back and crossed her legs. "I don't believe you would be impressed by wealth." She added.

"Fraid not. Explorer One controls all that, keeps the books and handles all the order and supply stuff," John explained.

"Do you mean you trust all that to a computer. I have two bankers that make a good living keeping up with my expenditures and income." Vicky said, surprised. "Surely, running down there to check on things must be a nuisance," she added.