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Pretty, Please!

Chapter Three ~ Tea Party

By Sasha Zarya Nexus

Who will be on Rose's team at Space Camp?

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I woke from my nap and missed the girls who had snuggled up next to me in bed and we had all started our nap together. I knew that they were alright because Doris the AI of my home was watching them.

"Doris, where are the girls?"

"Admiral, they asked me if I would help them do something nice for you. They want it to be a surprise and they are on their way to you now."

"Thank you, Doris. I'll do my best to be surprised." As I sat up on the bed, I saw Linda carrying a tray with a tea pot and cups and Julia carrying a tray full of the cookies that we had baked before our nap.

"Surprise, Granny!" both Linda and Julia said in unison.

"How cleaver and thoughtful you two girls are! Thank you for your very nice surprise." Julia put down her tray and she touched the control that extended the over bed table. She climbed up into bed beside me and took the tray that Linda extended to her and placed it on the table and then Linda picked up the other tray that Julia put down and reached that to Julia for her to put on the table as well. Linda climbed up and got into bed on the other side of me.

"We are going to have a tea party, Granny!" exclaimed Julia.

Linda was trying to sound all grown up as she asked, "Shall I pour, Granny?"

I smiled at her and told her, "Yes you may." I was proud of Linda as she poured a cup for each of us and did not spill a drop. Since the tea came from the replicator to my specifications it already had cream and sugar to my tastes and the girls liked it that way too. We all sipped our tea and ate cookies and had a really good time.

"Granny, will you tell us more about Rose?" asked Julia.

"Of course Sweetie! Where did we leave off last?"

"Rose's birth daddy was mean to her after she changed and did not want her around any more. She was very sad about that until her grandmother and grandfather adopted her and she became their daughter because they loved and wanted her. Her new mommy and daddy wanted her to cheer up so they sent her on her dream trip to Space Camp!" volunteered Linda.

"Yeah, Granny, What happened to Rose at Space Camp?"

"Well my darlings I will tell you... " I spoke as I started to begin again the story.

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I was so excited on the airplane flight to Huntsville. Some ladies in NASA Jumpsuits from Space Camp met me at the plane and made sure that my luggage was transferred to the NASA bus and I got aboard and found other children already on the bus. A girl my age smiled at me as our eyes met when I got on board the bus and she moved over and invited me to sit beside her.

"Hi, I'm Amanda from Atlanta. Would you like to sit beside me?" asked the girl as she invited me to sit beside her.

"Thank you, Amanda. I'd love to. I'm Rose. I'm very pleased to meet you!" I sat down beside her and we shook hands.

Amanda asked, "Rose, where are you from?"

I answered, "I live on a farm in rural Georgia but the nearest town is Warm Springs."

"That's where the Little White House of Franklin Delano Roosevelt is, isn't it?"

"Yes, Have you visited it?"

"I have! It's wonderfully full of history. We went on a school field trip when I was younger."

"It is a wonderful place. What brings you to Space Camp?"

"I want to learn all about the new Ares rockets and going back to the moon and Mars. I plan to study space medicine at Emory University. I'm already a CNA and I work helping people at Decatur Hospital. It's a long term care facility."

"That's amazing! I would like to be the first female administrator of the new moon base. I'm certified as a pilot. I can handle single engine planes flawlessly. I'm looking forward to taking the next step, maybe jets or helicopters."

"Wow Rose! You are amazing too! I hope we get assigned to the same team when we get to space camp."

"I hope so too Amanda! We Georgia girls ought to stick together!" We both giggled and cut up as we enjoyed the ride to Space Camp.

We exited the bus and picked up our luggage and then we were led to the registration area. I half expected to see that table with the badges portrayed in the movie, "Space Camp" but I guess that was a movie plot device. In reality our badge came with our registration packet and we had been already divided into teams designated by a color and number along with a time to meet our group. We also had dorm and bed assignments in the packet. After looking over my packet contents I put it all back up and looked around, I saw Amanda had already made it thru registration too and was doing the same thing as me. I caught her eye and we met up to compare notes.

" Hi again Amanda! Which team did you get assigned to?"

"Red 18. I was about to go find my bunk assignment and get settled in. What's yours?"

"Red 18 too! I cant believe our luck"

"It wasn't exactly luck. Did I tell you that I am also a hacker? You said you wanted to be on the same team so I made it happen."

"That's great Amanda! I'm glad you are on my side! Did you hack the bunk assignments too."

"Yes, we are bunking together and I made you the bottom bunk. Once I made us on the same team, doing the bunk assignments was easy because the system is set up to have team member bunk together. "

"Thank you again Amanda. Let's go get settled in." We both walked out to the girls dorm and found our bunk assignments. True to her word, Amanda was assigned to the top bunk and I was assigned to the bottom bunk. We both settled in and got our things put away.

"Amanda?"

:Yes, Rose?"

"Did you do anything else while you were in the computer?"

"I noticed that they try to balance the genders so for their standard 6 person team, we would be matched with another girl and three more guys. I decided if we were going to spend the next 2 weeks with three guys that I wanted one of them to be someone I was attracted to."

"How did you manage that, Amanda?"

"I ran the applications thru a matching program and I took a look at the picture of the top ten matches with me and picked out the one that I liked best. I can't wait to meet Mark, he's just the kind of guy that even if we don't hit it off, I would enjoy spending time with him."

"Congratulations, Amanda. I really hope things work out for you two"

"I hope you don't mind but I couldn't leave out my new BFF. I took the liberty of shanghaiing someone for you too. His name is Josh Garner, He's a pilot like you that belongs to a high school flying club."

"Was that club called 'Joy of Flight'?"

"Yes, why Rose?"

"I remember reading an article about them in 'Young Pilot's' Magazine. Their club had won a flight competition sponsored by the magazine. I remember seeing Josh's picture and he's a hunk. You did good, Amanda. Thank you." I gave her a hug and then asked her, "What about the other two members of the team, Amanda?'

"I felt that I had done enough so I left the other two members of our group to chance. I didn't even peek to see who was assigned. At least that much will be a surprise!"

"Did you find out who our astronaut - mentor assigned to the group is going to be?"

"NASA hadn't made the assignment yet so I guess that is another thing we will be surprised about. Not that I didn't try to get us someone good but they did not even have a roster of potential astronaut - mentors available but the councilor assigned to our group is someone neat, Gloria Hunter. She has been to Space Camp as a camper for the last four years and she lives right here in Huntsville".

"She sounds like someone who can really teach us everything about Space Camp. We really lucked out!" I felt like I needed to get out of there before I was surprised again and hoped that I had covered the latest one.

I made an excuse to go to the ladies room so I could collect my thoughts. As Ross I had been a part of "Joy of Flight" and Josh was my friend. He had a reputation of being a ladies man which was not completely undeserved . He came by his amazing good looks honestly since the actor James Garner was his great uncle to whom he bore a striking resemblance. My tummy was doing flip flops and my palms were all sweaty as I thought of him. I was definitely seeing him in a new light. At the same time, my heart was full of fear. What if he recognized me even though I had changed so much? What would he think of me if he knew the truth of who I had been? I would have to bury my misgivings around him. If he recognized me then I would have to deal with the consequences then.

I thought about the luck required to match my niece as group counselor. I wondered if there was another hacker at work in the mix although I would bet it was my new daddy's doing. I was really glad that I would not be surprised when I met Gloria as a part of the team and that she would not be either since she would have access to the team roster. I was also glad that it wasn't apparent from the registration information that I was Gloria's aunt. Hopefully Gloria would help me come up with something if our relationship were discovered.

We still had some time left before the team meeting so we decided to go to the cafeteria and get supper. I was pleasantly surprised at the food choices and it tasted really good too. Afterward we went back to the dorm to change into our NASA jumpsuits. Both of us agreed that first impressions were important. Since we were not required to wear the uniforms until our first group meeting, we decided not to keep them on after trying them on size till just before the meeting.

Soon the time we were waiting for had arrived and we assembled in the courtyard where there were signs posted with the team designations where we would meet. Underneath the sign for Red 18 was waiting three people already in NASA jumpsuits. A young man ,whom I did not recognize, my niece Gloria, and to my amazement our astronaut - mentor, Colonel, USAF, RET. Pamela A. Melroy, Mission commander of STS-120! I wondered if more hacking was at work or our luck was really that good. Amanda looked as surprised as me as she recognized her so I knew if the fix was in then it was not her doing. When we got a little closer, I was able to read the name off of the young man's uniform which was Greg Corbin. His uniform also indicated that he was the other councilor assigned to us.

Pam step forward and greeted us, "Greetings, Team members. I'm your astronaut - mentor, Pam Melroy. Please go to Gloria and check in while we wait for the rest of the team." We each shook her hand and then went over to Gloria who checked us off of her list and then we stood beside her silently waiting for the rest of the team.

That wait was not long since walking up together was Josh whom I recognized, and Mark Goddard, who I had to wait until I could read his name tag. Pam greeted them and directed them over to Greg to check in. They were both looking great, It seems that my fears about immediate recognition were groundless about Josh. In fact it was jealousy that had taken over since he was practically undressing Gloria with his eyes. I realized with a start that I wanted Josh attracted to me just like I was attracted to him.

Not too long afterward were our last two team members. As Pam greeted them and referred each to a councilor, I was able to read our two mystery members name badges. Maxwell Chase walked over to join the men. There was something familiar about him but I wasn't sure what it was. Joining us was Carolyn McAdams. She looked remarkably like a teenaged Sarah Jessica Parker.

With all of the team present, Pam addressed us, "Welcome Team Red 18 to Space Camp! I am your astronaut - mentor Pam Melroy. Your councilors are Gloria Hunter and Greg Corbin. This first meeting is to get acquainted mostly but you will be receiving your crew assignments for the Shuttle Mission and the Orion CEV mission to the International Space Station which we will be training for first. I will call you forward one by one and give you your assignment and study materials."

"Carolyn McAdams. What do you like to be called?"

Carolyn stepped forward and answered Pam, "My friends call me 'Jinx' and I want each of you to be my friend."

Pam answered her, "Okay Jinx, Your background shows you an expert in robotics. in fact you were part of a team that placed high in the NASA robotics competition. I'm making you Mission Specialist One: Robotics. You'll have plenty to learn with all the robotics on the Shuttle and on the ISS." Pam gave Jinx her study materials and Jinx took them and stepped back into place.

"Maxwell Chase. What do you like to be called?"

Maxwell stepped forward and answered, "Max, please Ma'am."

"Okay, Max. Your background shows that you have audited courses at JPL: relating to SETI and deep space communications. You also have an an amazing perfect score on your PSAT's. I'm making you Mission Specialist Two: Communications" Pam gave Max his materials and he stepped back into place.

"Amanda Carter. What do you like to be called?"

Amanda stepped forward and answered, "Amanda"

"Amanda, your background shows that you are a CNA and work at Decatur Hospital. I'm making you Mission Specialist Three: Medical." Pam gave Amanda her materials and she stepped back in to place.

"Mark Goddard. What do you like to be called?"

Mark came forward and said, "Mark."

"Mark, your background indicates that you are already union certified as an electrician's helper and you have a background in electronics and computer hardware. I'm going to make you Flight Engineer." Pam gave Mark his materials and he took them and stepped back into place.

"Josh Garner and Rose Abbott. You both already indicated your preferences. You both have about equal qualifications for the remaining assignments of Pilot and Mission Commander.

Rose, do you have any goals related to the space program?" asked Pam.

"I would like to be the first woman to walk on the moon." I replied.

Pam questioned, "Josh, do you have any goals related to the space program?"

"I would like to be the first man to step foot on Mars." answered Josh.

"Good answers both of you. I guess I will have to decide the tie based on Josh's piloting experience including being part of a flight club which you don't have, Rose. Josh , I'm making you Mission Commander and Rose I am making you Pilot." We both stepped forward to receive the materials she offered to us and then we stepped back in place with the others. I was a little disappointed that I didn't get Mission Commander but I knew Josh would do a good job. I couldn't claim being part of a flight club without outing myself so that was Okay as well.

"I'm about to let you go to participate in a mixer in the cafeteria for all you space campers. Before you do, I'd like you to meet privately one on one with your counselor so you both can get acquainted with each other and the Space Camp rules. Have fun at Space Camp all of you!" Pam told us and then she walked up to the reception in the cafeteria leaving us with the councilors.

Gloria spoke to Jinx, Amanda and I, "I'm going to take Rose then Amanda and Jinx in turn to a private room so we can get acquainted and go over the rules. Those who haven't been spoken to yet please wait here for me. When you are finished with me, you can go up and join the reception. Rose please follow me since you are my first victim." Gloria finished with a giggle which lightened the mood of all of us.

I followed Gloria to an unused office which she closed and locked the door behind us when we entered. We both took a seat and as soon as she was sure we were private she let out an expletive.

"Hi Aunt Rose, fancy seeing you here. I'm glad that you made it to Space Camp so soon but I don't think they could have done anything more to mess with my head when that group roster came out."

"Do you think Josh recognizes me, Gloria?"

"How could he since he has spent all of his time undressing me with his eyes? The initial distraction is in our favor. Rose, is Josh your first crush?"

I answered without hesitation, "Yes Gloria, he is!"

"I thought so! You will be working closely with him for two weeks. so watch yourself. I am pretty sure that NASA does not connect us so we'd better not do it for them by letting things slip or I will be reassigned to another group. On top of that my boyfriend gets assigned as the other counselor for this group which means that one or the other of us will always be the group so we wont have much private time together. That really is disappointing., Hopefully this will be the only session that I am that unlucky . And imagine the luck of us drawing Pam Elroy as our mentor. That almost makes up for all the bad luck in the picks. Its as though someone set this whole thing up. "

"Two different some bodies at least since I know one person who was partially involved. Amanda is a hacker and she wanted to make sure that she and I were assigned to the same group. I didn't know she was a hacker at the time that I remarked that it would be nice if we were in the same group. While she was in there she also assigned someone she thought was boyfriend material for her and she did the same for me not knowing Josh and mine's connection. She claims to not have done anything else so assigning you and Greg to the same group as me was not her doing as was us drawing Pam. Especially with having Josh in the group I am glad you are here Gloria. "

"I guess your new father and my grandfather has been at it again. I'll forgive him if Greg and I don't get matched again this summer. I wouldn't let myself be distracted when I knew you needed help, anyway.

"My Daddy gave only lip service to your birth father when he was going mental. Mom, Dad, Joy and I, all love you and could never freeze you out the way Mr. Moore ( I don't even want to claim him as my uncle) wanted. My parents are just not sure what to do about it which is why they played along to buy time. If you need anything or need to talk just let me know. I will be here for you, Rose in any way you need me to be."

"Thank you Gloria! In spite of the challenges, I am confident that we can get thru this with you helping."

"Rose, there is something more and I don't know just how to tell you, this."

"It's Okay, Gloria. How bad can it be?"

"Bad!" said Gloria shedding a tear, "Mom said Aunt Violet called her. The authorities notified them that she had lost her son, Ross, in an airplane crash. She told Mom that they are planning a memorial service at the church in Charlotte that Ross attended. When she heard that she got on the internet to one of the TV stations there and saw video of the story. They say Ross took off from his regular field and after about an couple hours of flight crashed his plane into the side of a mountain. They had video of the crash site and everything. Everyone is buying it. I'm sorry Rose."

I could not believe what she was saying until with the news footage I could no longer deny it. I was really angry at my old father. How could he perpetrate a hoax like that! I burned with anger. Did he hate me so much that he felt he had to fake my death? I turned away from Gloria thinking that the bad news would just go away and turned back when I realized it wouldn't and looked into her eyes pleadingly as she finished telling me the news. Then I collapsed sobbing into her arms. She hugged me and comforted me. I would have cried more but I realized that his action had made things worse for me.

I choked back a tear and spoke, "Gloria, I'm sunk. All that validates my life before this are a manufactured flight certification, Adoption papers and a passport, and sealed records. Grandfather thought that my Daddy would come to his senses. I would go back as his daughter to the family and we'd handle it like a transgirl's transition. Now I can't go back or my old Father will go to jail for his fraud."

"I'm so sorry Rose, for the time being the papers that you have are enough. I'm sure Grand Father will get the word about this and will have something to help you out."

"You are right of course Gloria. He will come thru for me. I have faith that this can work out."

Gloria smiled at me as she tried to finish up, "Here is a copy of the camp rules. I can trust you to be familiar with them and not risk attention by breaking them. You'd better scoot over to the reception so I can collect the next member of your group. Please try to have fun Rose! You really need the distraction now. I'll be over as soon as I finish up here."

"Thanks, Gloria!" Gloria unlocked the door for me and let me out pointing the way to the reception as she went back to collect Amanda. I made my way to the reception..

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I finished telling the story since I could tell the girls needed to talk about this last installment.

"That's all for now girls, Its time for my exercise. You can come and exercise too!"

Linda looked up with those sad puppy dog eyes, "Why Granny could your daddy be so mean to you to not want you back ever?"

"Oh Sweetie, he over reacted! He wasn't really thinking, he was just acting on his emotions and what was best for him.. The story isn't over yet. You'll just have to wait to see what happens. I promise that it will be worth the wait."

"Granny, How come Rose's friend does not recognize her?" asked Julia.

I smiled, "you'll find out that boys are not quite as observant as we are. The other thing is that the last thing that Josh was looking for was his friend packaged as a beautiful girl. And in the beginning, Josh was more than a little distracted by Gloria's beauty."

Linda asked, "Can we go on with the story now, Granny? Pretty, Please?"

"Girls its time for my exercise. Please come with me to the exercise room with me. We can continue the story after we've finished exercising. Okay Girls?"

Julia and Linda responded in unison, "Okay, Granny!" They each smiled their sweet smiles and each took one of Granny's hands as they all went into the exercise room.

As they passed the window, the three of them could not help but pause a moment to look at the classic picture that first was visible on Apollo 8 of the Earth rising over the lunar surface.