Title: Suspicion
Chapter: 10
Author: squeezynz@free.net.nz
Universe: Land of the Giants
Rating: PG, adventure
Archive: sure, just let me know where, please
Spoilers : only teeny weeny ones
Feedback: cherished and polished
Disclaimer: not mine, but fun to play with, thanks IA

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Marna was the first to open her eyes, listening to the sounds of her sleeping companions around her. Marna felt weak and dizzy, not really sure why she felt this way, but judging from the state of her clothes and the blanket over her she guessed she'd been unwell for a while. Light was coming from through the doorway from the cockpit windows illuminating the sleeping forms scattered around the cabin. Marna lifted her head and looked over the side of her chair, spotting a glass of water on the floor beside her. After taking a long draught she flopped back, having exhausted her small supply of energy. Marna had never been sick before, certainly not life threateningly. She'd had her share of sniffles as a child but since landing on the planet, and being taken care of by her Giant friends, she hadn't been exposed to people, either her size or Giant size. She had wondered if her Giant friends had been feeding her something to keep her so healthy, but they had denied it when questioned so she didn't ask again. She supposed that now she was mixing with these Little People she was bound to come into contact with whatever they carried in the way of germs and illness. The fact that none of the survivors had died from any diseases pointed to a basically healthy group of people. Marna's chances of surviving contact with them had been an acceptable risk when the whole plan had been discussed. Marna wasn't entirely happy with her deception. She had enjoyed meeting Mark and his friends the first time, and she had felt she had a real chance of persuading them all to join her. Her inexperience with men meant she hadn't recognised Mark's disenchantment with the whole set-up until too late. Her Giant friends had been very disappointed when they finally realised they had been duped by the Little People. Their plan to expand the collection had been foiled by the quick witted discovery and deception used by Mark and Steve to lead the Giants away with the diamond attached to a wild turkey.

The chance of a second meeting was always on the cards, or so Marna had thought. She hadn't wanted to accept that Mark wouldn't want to see her again, but as the weeks turned into months she had to choke down her bitter disappointment. The Giants had offered her a way to get back at the Little People by infiltrating their group in some way and luring them into a trap. Marna hadn't agreed to the plan at first, but as the months turned into years she gradually forgot her finer feelings concerning Mark and decided that Steve and Mark and the rest of the group would be better off, being captured and looked after by her Giant friends. It had taken some planning, and Marna hadn't been taken entirely into the Giants confidence which meant that her story about the smoke and destruction of her home had been very real. If she hadn't known it was a set up she would have been convinced, completely. As it was she knew she was being tracked by her Giant friends even now. It was only a matter of time before everyone was captured. The fact they were more movable only delayed the inevitable. Marna closed her eyes and let herself drift into a languid state, the sounds in the cabin lulling her back to sleep.

The sun was well risen before anyone else stirred. Steve rose and relieved Fitzhugh in the cockpit. Mark and Valerie, together with Betty stirred and started organising something to eat. The smell of coffee brewing roused Dan and Barry, Chipper yipping to be let out for a run. Marna woke as everyone was sipping their steaming cups, quietly discussing the previous days' adventures. Betty had been sitting in the next seat and quickly came over to check how Marna was.

" It's good to see you're awake Marna, how are you feeling?"

" I...I don't know, its all blurry, what happened to me ?" Marna looked around at the faces starring down at her, some in concern, some with unreadable expressions.

" You had a high temperature, a fever...we don't know what caused it." Betty explained. Marna tried to sit up, struggling with the difficult angle of the chair. Valerie came to the other side and helped Betty raise the seat so she was more upright. Marna tried to brush her unkempt hair away from her face.

"I must look a fright. Was I ill for very long ?"

" Only about twenty four hours, most of yesterday at least." Valerie told her. Marna nodded and accepted a glass of water from Fitzhugh, sipping it gratefully.

" Were you ever sick when you were with the Giants, Marna ?" Mark asked. Marna twisted her head to see him behind her, he had a grim expression that unsettled her.

"I don't remember being sick, Mark, why do you ask ?"

" We wondered if the Giants gave you any medication or drugs to keep you healthy, whether they ever talked to you about your good health." Mark explained.

Marna appeared to consider Marks question seriously, creasing her forehead in concentration. " I don't think so....No, I can't remember them mentioning anything like that."

"I don't think we need to subject Marna to twenty questions now Mark, let her rest and she'll be able to talk more later today...all right?" Betty gave Mark a pleading look, asking him to let Marna off the hook for the time being. Mark nodded and turned back towards the rear of the cabin. Marna let go a small sigh of relief. Something was wrong but she couldn't quite pinpoint what it was. It was all too tiring anyway, her eyes wanted to close so she let them.

Betty shooed everyone away except Fitzhugh, who agreed to sit with the girl while everyone else put the bedding away and got ready to investigate the damage left by the storm outside.

Steve thumbed the door button, the hatch opening smoothly. Outside was a sea of debris, leaves and branches littering the area around the ship. The ground was still wet, gently steaming as the sun warmed the dirt, making the atmosphere humid and damp like a jungle. The cable was festooned with blades of grass and vines, hanging off it like pennants. The ships' hull was liberally splattered with mud and bits of vegetation, making a colourful and well camouflaged coat for the Windsifter. All around was evidence of the fury of the wind, branches snapped off, plants flattened and broken. They were lucky that nothing big had been growing around the ship, if a tree had fallen they would have been squashed flat. Everyone, except Fitzhugh and Marna piled out of the ship and stood about surveying the carnage wrought by the storm. Chipper jumped around everybody's feet, happy to be outside for however brief a period, his nose pressed to the ground every now and then when something interesting caught his attention.

" We're going to have to wait for the ground to dry out thoroughly before we can attempt a lift off." Dan stated gloomily.

" Well we need to remove the cable and tidy up around here, so that will keep us busy for the rest of the day." Steve replied, moving to survey the front of the ship, checking the viewport was undamaged.

Betty turned her face into the rising sun, soaking up the warmth and just enjoying being outside again.

" We're weren't planning to stay here for long anyway, were we Mark ?" Asked Valerie, coming up to stand next to Mark as he stood looking at where the cable was still fixed to the ground.

" I don't think so, it was just somewhere to sit out the storm, I don't think Steve even knows if there's a water source nearby." Mark replied.

" Mark, how long do you think the grounds going to need to dry out?" Steve had come over after checking the ship.

" If we don't get anymore rain, it should be dry enough by tomorrow."

" That's what Dan figured, I agree. Lets do a quick recky and see if there's a water source nearby. We need to get this cable dismantled and erect the solar panels as soon as possible."

" Fine lets get on with it then." Mark turned and started to unwind the wire from the stake.

" Betty and I can check the immediately area around the ship while you and Mark sort out the cable." Valerie offered.

" Okay, but use extreme caution, don't take any chances all right ?" Steve cautioned. Valerie nodded and quickly turned, gathering up Betty and heading out, around the other side of the ship. Steve helped Mark to unwind the wires, then they went to the other side and repeated the process, freeing the cable from the stakes. Going back to the other side they pulled the cable back over the ship where it slithered into an untidy pile on the ground. Barry was attempting to loosen the stake by waggling it back and forth but he needed Marks help to actually heave it out of the ground. It finally came up with a loud sucking noise as the wet earth yielded. Steve coiled the cable and with Dan's help they carried it to the ship, storing it at the end of the corridor until later. Mark knocked the mud of the stakes and hefted them to lie on the floor, against the wall of the hallway.

Close to midday Valerie and Betty came round the end of the ship, big grins on their faces and their arms full of large purple fruits.

" Lunch is on us today." Valerie declared as they deposited the fruit on the ground in front of the men.

" Hmmm these are my favourites ." Dan lifted one of the fruits, inhaling its spicy scent. "Lets set up a table out here, I fancy lunch on the terrace." Dan joked, making his friends smile at his outrageous English accent. Mark and Steve went into the ship, coming out carrying a crate to use for a table. Betty set the fruit on the top, then went to fetch a knife and plates to section and serve the fruity delicacy.

While everyone tucked into their lunch, Fitzhugh included, the sun dried out the steaming mud. After their juicy lunch the men checked the ship's systems ready for a launch the next day. Mark and Dan cleaned out the jet outlets, clearing them of mud and rubbish forced into them by the storm. Steve, with Barry's help pulled the branches and twigs jammed under the front of the ship, obstructing the landing gear. Later Steve took Barry up to the bluff to dismantle the sensor array, which, despite the rough conditions, survived relatively unscathed, only one of the guy ropes snapping in the high winds.

By late afternoon Marna was feeling well enough to get up and, with Betty's help, get herself cleaned up and into a change of clothes. Feeling refreshed she made her way outside, leaning heavily on Fitzhugh's arm, sitting in the last rays of sunshine on a stool, while Fitz fussed around her making sure she was comfortable.

Everyone else had completed their allotted tasks and gradually drifted back to gather round where Marna was sitting. Barry had been the first, flopping down, panting, after giving Chipper a long play session that left the little dog with his tongue lolling out as he wagged his tail vigorously. Valerie had joined the small group soon after, having collected some more of the fruit with Betty. The two women cut up the fruit into slices and handed it around to Barry and Fitzhugh, Marna declining, her stomach not equal to the task just yet.

Dan turned up shortly afterwards, having spent some time on the bluff enjoying the view. Finally Steve and Mark joined the group, stretching out on the warm ground as the sun sank towards the horizon. Steve lifted himself onto his elbow, taking a moment to formulate his approach to the following conversation.

" I'm glad you're feeling so much better Marna, you had us worried there for a while." Marna inclined her head to acknowledge Steve's concern. Steve plowed on.

" You had a very high fever, causing you to talk out loud, at one point you talked about your previous home with the Giants." Steve paused to let everyone focus on his words. Marna had fixed him with an unblinking stare, her face paler than usual. She clutched compulsively at the blanket around her shoulders.

" Betty, why don't you repeat what Marna said to you ?" Steve looked over to Betty, seeing her startled expression.

" I don't know whether its really that important Steve. Marna said alot of things." Betty exclaimed.

Steve ignored Betty's comment. "Marna, it was reported you spoke about a plan to capture all of us for your Giant keepers." Steve's words, stated so baldly, stung most of the group into shock. Seven pairs of incredulous eye's swung round and pinned Marna to her stool.

" Captain Burton, how could you think Marna would do that, she's our size, one of us !" Fitzhugh had jumped to his feet, spluttering with indignation. Marna stared mutely at Steve. Fitzhugh glared around the circle of people, daring them to refute him.

" The fact remains, Mr. Fitzhugh, Marna came to us under unusual circumstances. With her previous experience and history with the Giants its fair to expect an answer to my question." Steve fixed Marna with a direct look. " Are you working for the Giants, Marna...do you plan to get us all captured ?"

Marna's glance swung to Marks set face, giving him a mute appeal to rescue her. Mark folded his arms, raising an eyebrow in expectation of Marna's answer. Marna saw her answer in his eyes. Mark wouldn't be her champion this time.

Marna took a deep breath and started speaking.

" I don't have any hidden agenda Captain Burton. That is what you are accusing me of, isn't it ?"

" I'm asking you how you planned to have us captured by your Giant keepers." Steve replied.

" I don't have any plans, I told you what happened, how can I convince you I'm telling the truth." Marna spread her hands in a gesture of appeal. Betty decided to speak up.

" Steve, we can't judge Marna on the basis of feverish rambling's. I could have been mistaken in what I heard. I'm sure Marna doesn't want to be recaptured any more than we do."

" I sincerely hope your optimism isn't misplaced Betty. Our lives may depend on it one day. " Mark answered grimly.

" Understand this Marna." Steve continued. " Our lives depend on us trusting one another. You are now part of our group, and your life depends on us now, as much as we may come to depend on you."

Marna nodded at Steve, not daring to speak and damage the mood of cautious optimism. Fitzhugh was fairly bristling at her side, daring anyone to speak a word against Marna's integrity. If she could win Captain Burton's trust the rest would follow....like sheep to the slaughter.

" Okay, the matter is finished. Let's not speak of it again, you are now one of this crew Marna. We will do our best to get you safely back to earth." Steve concluded.

Marna bowed her head, keeping her face blank, but inside she was jubilant, she had faced the hardest part of her mission, now it was up to her Giant friends to take it from here. Fitzhugh was still muttering about the indignity of it all but the rest of the group broke up, moving off to their own pursuits. Betty was leading Dan back into the ship to redress his hand. Barry was playing a game with Chipper, the little dog rolling over to Barry's command. Steve had gone to check on something, and Mark and Valerie had strolled off to enjoy the last of the sunset colouring the sky overhead. Marna ground her teeth at the sight of Mark and Valerie so close together. She had to keep reminding herself of the bargain struck with her Giants. Mark would be hers to keep when they were all finally captured. The rest would be added to the Giants' collection to be used for whatever, Marna didn't care what happened to them. She would miss Fitzhughs attentions though, maybe she could keep him too. With this happy thought, Marna gathered her blanket around her and together with Fitzhugh hovering around her, walked slowly into the Windsifter, a small smile playing around her lips.

The following morning dawned fine and bright. Steve checked the ground conditions finding them ideal. The weather looked set for the day and they were fully charged and ready to go. The liftoff was without incident and Dan set the course, heading north again. The miles flew by with the coastline. In the cabin Valerie and Betty were teaching Marna a simple card game, provoking a lot of laughter as they tried to remember all the rules, frequently making them up as they went along. Barry was reading the Captains' Log again, finding it an engrossing way to pass the time. Fitzhugh had his eyes closed, dozing, while Mark was in the tool room working on some gadget. Steve and Dan were having no problems, the coastline passing below them was still mostly rocky foreshore or steep cliffs, unsuitable for their needs. As the day wore on they started to feel the coastline was endless, with no end to the unfriendly terrain in sight. It was an hour before sundown when Steve made the decision to cut inland to find a suitable landing place. The Windsifter banked sharply to the left, veering away from the coast and pushing towards an area of forest looming to the west. Mark came forward and leaned on the back of Steve's chair.

" What's the plan, Captain ?"

" We need to find somewhere to land, the coast was unusable, so we're trying further inland." Steve looked over at the radar to confirm his next statement. " There hasn't been any signs of Giant houses or towns, we seem to be in either a parkland or preserve area." Steve looked over his shoulder at Mark. " Maybe we'll find our safe haven after all." He said softly. Mark smiled and looked over to Dan who was keeping a lookout the viewport. Suddenly he pointed and called to Steve to get his attention. Steve followed his fingers' direction and saw what had Dan all excited. He swung the ship towards a clearing that had appeared in the low bush covering the ground behind the cliffs.

" That should suit us nicely, there's cover from that rock formation, and we're close enough to the forest to forage and explore." Steve and Dan started the landing procedure, Mark returning to his seat, telling the others to belt up and prepare for the descent. The landing was as uneventful at the flight, raising hopes that they had a fighting chance this time. The sun was setting when they finally got their first look at their new temporary home. Dan had checked both the radar and the radio for any traffic or indication that Giants were anywhere near. Both checks came up negative. On the strength of that Steve allowed everyone a peek outside to stretch their legs and survey their new landing site.

At first glance it wasn't exactly promising, but the rocky formation provided ample cover for the ship nestled by its side. They would be able to camouflage the ship from the air without too much difficulty and make the camp look like an extension of the outcrop. The forest loomed over them, looking closer than it actually was, but it promised a supply of fresh provisions and water that they needed to make it all work. Dan reported no radio chatter at all, which only confirmed Steve's belief that they had landed in a parkland, well away from any Giant population. Of course without extensive scouting they would need to be cautious, but it appeared that this site would give them a much needed breather to work on the calculations needed to plot a course back to Earth.

Everyone felt in the mood for a celebration, so tables were set up and a fire lit. Provisions were prepared until the tables groaned under the weight of the food. Fitzhugh rubbed his hands in glee at the prospect of a full belly that night. It was dark before they all sat down to eat but it didn't matter. The camp rang with the sound of laughter and chatter. The stars shone brightly, away from the Giant city, illuminating the night sky with a hundred million diamonds. The moon would rise later, but for now the stars were enough. Mark mentally danced a jig with the prospect of having a clear sky view to work on his star map. Maybe finally they could make some progress on the real work needed to get them back home.

Marna watched all the celebration with a secret smile lurking around her mouth. She joined in all the laughter and optimism, keeping her deadly secret to herself. The prospect of staying in the one place only advanced the inevitable completion of her mission. Which in turn meant the fulfilment of her dreams concerning Mark and her return to the safety of her home. Of course, the original house had been damaged in her escape, but that wouldn't matter. Her Giant friends would build a new house for her and Mark. It would just be big enough for the two of them, oh and maybe Fitzhugh. Marna hugged herself, wanting to shout out in triumph over these Little People. Soon they would know it had all been doomed from the start, how Marna would crow then. Mark will see how clever she was, how capable and lovable. Valerie will pale into insignificance once Marna's genius at deception was revealed. It was simply all too easy. Marna silently enjoyed her victory, never once revealing to her celebrating shipmates how futile their hopes were.

Only one person suspected that not all was right with Marna.

Valerie had been watching the blond beauty, trying to fathom why she looked like the cat who ate the cream. Given that Marna had just faced the equivalent of a trial by jury, she was remarkably calm and cool. Valerie would have expected the girl to be shaken and unsure, but the reverse was the case. It unsettled Valerie, making her surer than ever that Marna was hiding something, and making Valerie convince she had to ferret it out, before something dreadful happened because of it.

The revellers finally wound down the party and drifted off to bed, Steve taking the first watch.

Steve stood outside after everyone had retired, looking up at the stars glittering above him. He wondered which one was Earth, trying to match any of the constellation to one's he was familiar with. He failed dismally but he had hope that Mark would work it all out. This would be their first real chance at making an attempt to go home.

Steve was damn sure he was going to do whatever it took to make that happen. Taking one last look at the night sky, he turned and went into the ship, closing the hatch behind him.

In a laboratory, half a world away, two Giant Scientists watched a faint radio signal blink sluggishly at the very edge of a radar screen.

The hunt was on.

End of Suspicion....read on with Lifelines.