7: Onenides Pt 2

{Secret Cove, California, Earth}

(Jennifer's POV)

Her hair was up in a ponytail as she made her way back to the gate room. She was relieved that Quinten wasn't joining them for this trip. If he was… She'd honestly considered quitting. She didn't need to work with an ass like that. No, even if she went on her own, she was sure she'd be able to figure things out. But, for now, she still had Jenkins, which was nice. He was a decent fellow to be working with. He seemed just as interested in things as she was. His curiosity held no bounds, much like her own.

"Alright, ready to go?"

She turned to see him looking at her, a bright smile on his face. She gave him a smile in return. "Yes. Let's go see if I could have ruined an entire village." She then gave a flat lipped smile.

"Hey, don't think like that. We're bringing them the materials they asked for, so hopefully that'll smooth things over. Just gotta keep your chin up."

"As long as we're not having ass wagon with us, I think we'll be more than fine. Some of those people avoided him like the black plague."

Both burst out laughing before the last of the chevrons was locked in place, creating the beautifully green wormhole. She let out a soft sigh. "It's so beautiful each time I see it…"

"You've only seen it twice though?"

"Shut up before I smack you with a pillow or something."

"Don't threaten me with a good time."

Her lips parted in surprise as she looked at him, her cheeks bright pink as a startled laugh left her. He didn't even seem to realize what he'd said until he looked at her, then started to profusely apologize, even going so far as to bow with his hands in a prayer press above his head.

"I just didn't know you had such a sense of humor! This will be a good trip now!" She grinned before stepping towards the wormhole. He followed beside her and chuckled a little.

"Usually I have to act like a stick in the mud around Quinten."

"Seriously, I know he's military proud, but he needs to let loose and have some fun at some point." She shook her head before they stepped through the gate.

{Onenides}

She took in a slow inhale of the air. It was far more crisp and developed than it was back on Earth. She was dressed in the clothing that they'd switched her to when the baby had his little accident, and she felt almost as if she belonged there. She didn't see anything different. Not even the ruins looked more ruined than when they left. Perhaps that was a sign of hope?

She stood next to Jenkins as they watched the shipment of materials came through the gate, along with some reinforcements to get it to the village.

"You know… You look good dressed like that."

She blinked and looked to Jenkins. "Out of everything else you've said, this is the first time you've complimented me… Thank you." She smiled softly. "At least you've got manners."

Jenkins chuckled. "My grandmother would smack me if I didn't have manners. Looks like everything is through. Shall we get going?"

She nodded and turned, leading the way to the village. She took a breath, nervous about what she was going to be seeing. She didn't know if anyone would be happy to see her, or see what they asked for in general.

Only time would tell.

{Two hours later, outskirts of the village}

She let out a sigh of relief after seeing that the village was bustling as normal. Nothing seemed destroyed, the people looked happy… She just hoped her presence was still welcomed.

"I think Jennifer and I should go down first, see if they're still friendly. Less casualties that way."

She looked towards Jenkins, who got the go-ahead from the other sergeant. With a nod shared between the both of them, they started to approach the village. The first one to spot her was the same child who had accidentally thrown his ball towards her. His entire face lit up and he went running towards her, his arms above his head, waving enthusiastically.

"Aftí eínai edó! Aftí eínai edó! I theá apó chthes!"

She smiled softly and hugged the kid when he got close, looking up to Jenkins' confused look.

"What did he say?"

"He said, she's here twice before saying the goddess from yesterday is here." She answered, her cheeks pink.

"I'd say we still have a good shot."

"Me too."

She spoke softly to the kid before watching him run off, many of the other villagers coming and swarming the pair as if they'd been waiting on pins and needles of excitement. She spoke to them and happened to notice a young woman eyeing Jenkins. "I think she likes you."

Jenkins blushed, making her laugh softly, and watched as he adjusted his jacket. "C-Can't say I'm not honored."

She laughed before bowing before the elder. "Greetings, sir. I've returned."

"Oppa! Many blessings have been made this day! Why have you returned, O' Goddess fair?" The old man spoke, making her blush softly.

"Oh. Well… I came to make good on my promise. The materials and medicine you've asked for."

She turned and let out a shrill whistle, to which she got two short bursts from someone else. She turned back and watched as the elder softly took her hand.

"You did not need to fulfill your promise… Having you here to banish Zeus and Ares from this land was more than enough for us! Now we can roam free! We are not scared to leave our houses!"

She blinked, then smiled brightly. "Oh! That's wonderful! But I wouldn't be fair if I didn't bring what was promised!"

With another turn, with little trailers chock full of materials, and another smaller trailer filled with medicines most commonly used, she waved her hand over to show them. When she turned back around, she gasped at the sight before her.

Everyone was on their knees, their faces to the ground with their hands pressed to the stones in front of their heads. Even the elder, who had probably seen better days of worship, was down, his cane still in hand.

"O' Goddess fair, we are not worthy of your praise or your gifts! Please! Please! Tell us how we may serve you!"

She looked to Jenkins, who was just as astonished as she was. When he came to, however, he nodded his head to her, saying it was okay, as if he could read her mind.

"For starters, please, don't worship me on the ground like this."

She knelt down and helped the elder back to his feet.

"As you wish… How else can we serve you?"

She smiled softly and took a breath. "Just to be friends with my homeworld. We- I will help provide you with what we can. In return, all I ask is that you live your lives, free to experience all that you have around you."

When one of the other soldiers stepped up to give her a box, she held it over to the elder.

"Should you need help, take this box and throw it into the portal. The code for my home is right here," she brushed along the engraving so they would know where it was at," it will tell me to come back and help you."

"You are very generous, O' Goddess fair… We are amazed by your many blessings. Not Zeus, nor Ares, has ever been this gentle with us. We thank you. Please, allow us a feast in your honor!"

She gave a soft little laugh, and nodded. "Fine. A feast. Nothing more." She then turned to another soldier and smiled. "Please send a message back through the gate that we've made some new friends, and we'll be here for the night."

The soldier nodded, and made his way back to the gate, leaving everyone there to begin to have their fun.