"Like we fell in love."
Pitt was no longer mystified. He was dumbfounded. "You fell in love?"
Giordino shrugged and smiled. "I can't explain it. I've never felt this way before."
"Does this mean you're breaking up the act?"
"My friend, you and I have been through a lot together, more wild ventures than I care to remember.
It's a miracle we're still alive, and we have more than our share of scars to prove it. We have to face reality. We're not getting any younger. My joints are beginning to creak when I get up in the morning.
We've got to think about slowing down." He paused and grinned. "And then, of course, there's Mama Giordino to consider."
"You have a mother?" asked Pat, teasing.
"You and Mama will get along famously," Giordino said approvingly. "Mama said I can't remain a bachelor forever if I want to give her little Giordinos to fatten with her celebrated lasagna."
"We'd better hurry." Pat laughed. "At thirty-five, I don't have much time left to produce a new brood."
"You have Megan," Pitt said.
"Yes, and she adores Al."
Pitt shook his head in wonder. "Megan approves of this alien character?"
"Why shouldn't she?" Pat said. "He saved her life."
Pitt didn't mention that he had a hand in saving mother and daughter, too. Nor did he let on that he had a fondness for Pat that went beyond mere friendship. "Well, I guess there's nothing left for me to do but give my blessing and insist on being the best man at your wedding."
Giordino put his arm around Pitt's shoulder and said wistfully, "I can't think of another mortal I'd rather have stand up for me."
"Have you set a date?"
"Not before six months," answered Pat. "Admiral Sandecker arranged for me to direct the project to decipher and translate the Amenes inscriptions found in the lost city. It will actually take years, but I don't think he'll hold it against me if I go home early for a wedding with Al."
"No," Pitt said, trying to absorb the unexpected promise of Al becoming married. "I don't guess he will."
Lieutenant Miles Jacobs came up and threw a casual salute. "Mr. Pitt? Major Wittenberg would like a word with you."
"Where can I find him?"
"He and General Guerro have set up a command post in one of the aircraft maintenance offices on the far end of the hangar."
"I'm on my way, thank you." Pitt turned and looked at Giordino. "You'd better get Pat situated in one of the empty storerooms-- she can use it for living quarters and a base for her inscription project." Then he turned and strode through the turmoil of activity to the military command post.
Wittenberg sat at his desk and gestured to a chair, as Pitt entered one of the offices the Russians slaves had carved out of the ice nearly six decades previously. A communications center had been set up, manned by two operators. The place was a madhouse, with civilians and military personnel rushing in and out. General Guerro sat behind a large metal desk in one corner, surrounded by scientists who were requesting the military rush in special excavation equipment so they could begin removing the ice shroud from the ancient city. He did not look happy as he made excuses for the delay.
"Have you found the relics yet?"
"We've been too busy to search," answered Wittenberg. "I thought I'd pass the buck to you. If you're successful, let me know and I'll schedule a military transport to fly you back to the States."
"I'll get back to you shortly," said Pitt, rising to his feet. "I think I know where the Wolfs put them."
"One more thing, Mr. Pitt," said Wittenberg seriously. "Do not say anything to anyone. It's best the relics are removed quietly, before a lot of crazies get wind of their existence and move heaven and earth to lay their hands on them."
"Why not destroy them and be done with it?"
"Not our call. The President personally ordered them brought to the White House."