Lindy's Gift

After another grueling day of physical training, the distance to my quarters seems endless.

While navigating the corridor, my thoughts focus on my fiancée’s upcoming birthday. The challenges of having three days to prepare, and keeping preparations a secret, remain unsettled. In addition, no one, except Terrans like myself and my fiancée Lindy, knows what Death by Chocolate is.

What about Niamh? Niamh is one of four solid-state holograms rescued from a server before she was about to be deleted. My supervisor thinks something sinister might be coming soon, so we're training non-stop to mitigate that threat. However, unlike the others, only Lindy and I can access her. In addition, both Lindy and I can communicate with her using a technology similar to telepathy outside our quarters.

Niamh?

Yes, Alex? Is everything okay?

Attempting to quicken my pace aggravates sore muscles throughout my body. Training was rough, so I'll be late getting back home.

Want me to prepare a bath with that Terran salt you like?

An Epsom bath? That would help a lot. Sure, that would be perfect. But, I need your help with something first. Remember Lindy's favorite cake?

Death by Chocolate, right?

It took time to get used to—the fact that Niamh is programmed to remember everything. However, at times like this, not having to refresh her memory is a significant time-saver. I need help acquiring the ingredients.

Okay, when do you need them?

On top of this, Niamh possesses a self-improvement module as well. With training from Lindy and me, her conversation skills are more natural now. In no later than two days. Also, I don't want to impose, but can we hide everything in your room?

Ah! This is for her big surprise. She pauses a moment. As for the imposition, Alexander Hardy, you should know better.

Oops—bad habit, treating Niamh like she's a person. Sorry, Niamh.

Just ask next time. I don't like it when you expect I'll turn you down.

I turn the last corner to find Lindy approaching our quarters. Thanks, Niamh. I owe you one.

You're most welcome, Alex.

Her polite demeanor relaxes me. Lindy is waiting for me just outside the door.

Understood. I'll start that bath for you.

Lindy notices my approach. "Alex?"

"I'll spare the pleasantries. Can you help me?" Despite how close our quarters are, my body verges on collapse.

Lindy rushes to my side. "Let me guess, physical training?" Throwing my arm over her shoulder, she allows me to rest.

"Yes, it didn't feel too bad until I reached this last corridor." The smell of her perfume lifts my spirit. "I think I'm ready."

Lindy reaches around my back with her other hand. "We'll go slow on a three-count—step with me on three."

Three.

"This didn't happen to you, right?" Having a conversation might not be a good idea, but it keeps my mind off the pain.

Three.

She sighs. "Let's get home first, okay?"

After a few more iterations, we reach the portal.

“I thought training was supposed to be sustainable.” Lindy checks on me once the portal closes.

Niamh’s door opens. “Welcome home, Alex and Lindy.” She sizes me up with a glance. “As I mentioned earlier, Lindy, Alex requested a salt bath. Niamh provides me with an apologetic expression. “I informed Lindy of your condition so that she could help you.”

“I’m glad you did—I was too preoccupied to think of that.” While attempting to shift my weight around, my body shudders in pain. “Argh!”

Lindy embraces me. “Stop it, Alex.”

In no condition to resist, my eyes lock onto hers.

“Niamh, can you help me carry this idiot to his bath—I’m afraid if I let go, he’ll crawl there by himself.” Our lips touch for a brief instant. “Neither one of us likes to show weakness. I’m sure Niamh feels the same way. Let us help you.”

Niamh stands on the other side of me. “I agree; I wouldn’t exist now without your help. So, while you focus on healing, let us handle the rest.”

Winning this argument is impossible. Lindy and Niamh pick me up and carry me into the bathroom. After they remove my clothes, Niamh lowers me into the tub without any sign of visible strain.

“Wow, I didn’t know I could do that.” Her surprise gives way to concern as she focuses on me. “Are you okay, Alex?”

“At the moment, yes. Thank you—both of you.” Foam begins to build on the water’s surface.

“I’ll make you something to eat. Take your time, and let us know when you are finished.” Lindy’s eyes narrow. “If you even think about getting out yourself, Niamh and I will tie you to the bed.”

Lindy would do that. But, she has a point. It wouldn’t matter, except her birthday is coming. I can’t do it myself now—maybe with Sunita’s help? Sunita is similar to what Niamh is now—a solid-state hologram. However, she manages our organization’s power grid and can track innumerable amounts of data flowing across the city at any moment. We can speak using telepathy. Will she help?

Sunita?

Yes, Alex.

Lindy's birthday is in three days, and after today's training, I can't move. Lindy helped me back to our quarters, where I'm working on recovery. So, I'm curious if others can help me set up a party for her.

Thank you for the reminder, Alex. All members of our team are invaluable. I'll pass along your request and forward any interested parties to you. Given your condition, I'm happy to facilitate any communications you wish to relay. She pauses. I'll also inform your supervisor that you will not be attending any future training until you’ve recovered.

Thanks, Sunita. Her diplomatic reply reminds me that everyone in our organization is part of a team. Considering Lindy through my eyes only—as my best friend, my fiancée, ignores her importance to many others.

Hey, Alex, this is Chanti. Sorry to hear the training programs went hard on you. I'd love to help with Lindy's birthday.

Thanks, Chanti. Lindy's favorite activity is taking a water cruise at night against a city skyline. Back home on Terra, something inside her awakened when we enjoyed them—call it the dreamer within her. Lindy and I are infatuated with one another, but going into those details isn’t necessary.

Got it, Alex. I'll create a simulation for you I think she'll adore.

I smile to myself. Leave it to Chanti for anything tech-based. At least the environment is covered now. I sink lower into the tub. That way, the salts can refresh my brain too.

Loverboy? I heard the training programs took you to hell and back.

It's Rei. She's the twin sister of Haruka and enjoys giving people a hard time. To her, I'll always be "loverboy." Despite this, she employs incredible focus with assigned tasks.

Hi, Rei. Yeah—not the best timing. Could you coordinate with Chanti on the simulation she’s creating in three days?

That depends. Will it be cool—not going to be some lame picnic at some Terran park, right?

Classic Rei. No, it’ll be a dinner cruise.

Rei doesn’t answer right away. Mind if I help her with the concept?

After sitting up, my body reminds me to stop moving. Argh. What does she mean? I guess so.

Nice commitment. She pauses. Did you forget where Haruka and I are from, loverboy?

While lowering my head, hiding underwater comes to mind. They’re from Kesa—Rei loves to brag about their reverence for anything water-related and the acclaimed water shrine there. Sighing, my hands push against my brows. I’m interested to see what you two will put together. Thanks, Rei.

That’s right, loverboy. You’ll be praising me for a while; better start practicing.

The warm water refreshes me. Too bad it alleviates pain as opposed to eliminating it. Staring at nothing, in particular, the puzzle of who can make Death by Chocolate remains unresolved.

Niamh?

Yes, Alex. Are you ready to get out?

No, not yet. There's no other choice. I might not be able to make my gift to Lindy alone. Can you help me?

I'll do whatever I can.

Thanks, Niamh. Relief settles in. I wish I knew how to help you practice.

I have an idea—trust me, okay?

Her certainty eliminates any remaining doubts in my mind. Of course.

Please visualize every step of the preparation process and send them to me along with the recipe.

In my panic, this idea never crossed my mind. Got it. Oh, and thanks, Niamh.

We're friends, Alex—I'm beginning to understand what that means now.

***

The day has arrived. Even with medical assistance, my recovery is just now bearing fruit—at least enough to do this. After convincing Lindy to accompany me to the training area, we wait, hand-in-hand, before the portal. It opens—.

"Incredible," Lindy envelops me with a gentle embrace and kisses me. "Thank you."

After entering, we stand before a small dock where a yacht waits. The deck lights blend in with the illumination provided by lamp posts leading to the gangway. Behind the vessel, an ethereal skyline completes the effect.

"I had help."

Lindy leads me toward the yacht with the energy of a little girl. "Alex, I know this was your idea."

Rei waves from the deck. "Hey, lovebirds. Did you want to take a cruise or make out on the dock all night?" A captain's hat rests on her head.

As we reach the deck, Chanti greets us wearing a tuxedo. "Welcome aboard. We have a delightful night planned for you, Lindy." She gestures for us to follow. "I hope you enjoy yourselves. Your table is this way."

After we sit down, the yacht pulls away from the dock. Conversation pours like wine, an activity we've neglected of late. Courses pass one-by-one, with Chanti attending to our needs, then dessert arrives.

"Death by Chocolate!" Lindy's voice becomes overwhelmed with emotion. "H-H ow? I-I didn't th-ink."

"Someone special pulled the entire menu together, including dessert." She did a fantastic job, too—it was hard for me not to give her away.

Niamh did this? Lindy's eyes begin to mist. You guys! She grabs my hands and stares into my eyes for an eternity.

Sorry, Alex. Everything so far—I'll never forget this, but I have to try it. She releases my hands. How about we feed each other the first bite?

Parceling modest amounts, we try the elegant-looking cake. Lindy's face lights up with sheer delight. It's as good as it can be, if not sweetened by the knowledge that Niamh made it.

You two! I'm so happy right now.

We continue eating in silence. The two of us are so attuned that words might detract from the moment we have right now. It lingers until Rei and Chanti approach.

"We have one more surprise, Lindy. I hope you don't mind if we enjoy it with you."

Lindy offers Rei a quizzical look.

Chanti points to an area above the skyline. "Look over there."

A parade of fireworks fills the sky with a bouquet of light. Beforehand, I didn't think anything could surpass the setting.

"Thanks, everyone. This means so much."