"I found an article in the science magazine that says there'll be an eclipse of the sun in two weeks, and it has a chart of other eclipse times scheduled. I was just wondering....wouldn't it help Mike a great deal to go up and bury those devices during that eclipse? Wouldn't it give him the most protection from the sun?"
"My God, Jeanie! You know, I think you've found the key to our success on this mission!" Dr. Cooper went over to look at the article, too, and put his arm around her. "Mike, you're lucky to have such a wonderful lady! She is right. During the eclipse WOULD be the perfect time to go up. We'll have to get our timing down pat....how long you'll have up there. But if you agree, I do believe we've got a deadline, and it's not very far away!"
* * *
During a later break time, Jeanie met Mike in the hallway.
"I'm sorry, hon," she explained, "but I'll be late coming home for lunch. I've got a friend that had to go to Dr. Horton for some very important tests the other day, and I promised her I'd stop in today and pick up the results. But I'll be home, soon, for sure."
"That's all right with me. I'll just stay here awhile, or start an early patrol. Thanks for letting me know. I hope your friend has good news awaiting her"
Mike did stay at the lab, and had a good time helping Larry, who kept teasing by calling him "Ol' what's his name." When He finally went home, he was surprised to find Jeanie had company. With her was Larry's girlfriend, Susie, who had obviously been crying just before he'd walked in the door. After Mike said hello, Susie nodded in acknowledgment then rushed in the bathroom, slamming the door behind her!
"Of course, you remember Susie," Jeanie said with a strange tone of voice.
"What's wrong? Is she in some sort of trouble?" Mike asked.
"Yes. She's pregnant. Her father's quite a prominent businessman in this community, and he's threatened to personally have the hide of whoever's responsible. She's really scared, Mike."
"And you think Larry's responsible?" he asked.
"Definitely!"
"Oooooh!" Mike breathed, then he got a huge smile on his face. "That carefree, happy-go-lucky sex maniac is a father? I don't believe it! He's finally gotten himself in a super sticky mess. How's he going to squirm his way out of this one?"
"I don't know how to help Susie unless you speak to Larry. I mean, after all, you're his best friend. Maybe you can find out what he plans on doing.....let him know......"
"Sure. I'll talk to him. This is going to be difficult, but I'll talk to him."
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