Page 56 of Prospecting

“Was she ever tested for learning issues,” Calli asked.

“Mom was against it,” Sheridan said.

“She learns well if it’s hands on but not if it involves reading,” Calli said. “Cal had some issues which is why I ask. Tappn wants to have her tested.”

“What’s stopping him,” Cade asked.

“He doesn’t want her to think he thinks badly of her,” Calli said lamely.

“She’s been teased about being stupid,” Sheridan said. “Do you want me to say something to her?”

“No, I’ll talk to her,” Calli said. “I’ll talk about Cal and what he went through.”

“Are we manipulating her,” Sheridan asked.

“She needs time to think things through,” Calli said. “Did your mother call her stupid?”

“I … probably,” Sheridan said. “She was never patient with either of us.”

“Louis is spending more time with her,” Calli said. “If they aren’t on shift, he’s got her in their quarters. He’s making sure she’s not on the computers. I don’t know if it’s helping but she hasn’t tried to access any of the sites this month.”

“Good,” Sheridan said. “She’s not asked me for money either.”

“Or Mia,” Cade said. “What? Tappn told me.”

“Maybe we’ve turned a corner,” Calli said.

***

“Cade,” Sheridan said as she read on her tablet. “Do you see the purity in the water and in the Floridite?”

“Hmmm,” Cade said as he took another sample.

“Are you ignoring me,” Sheridan said.

“Hmmm,” Cade said as he took a second sample. He marked both locations.

“I’m standing here naked and panting for your cock,” Sheridan said, hands on her hips.

“No, you’re not,” he said.

“What has your attention,” she said coming to stand by him.

“Look,” he said.

“Is that filotite,” Sheridan asked, recognizing the rare mineral. “Do you know how much it goes for?”

“Couple grand an ounce,” Cade said. “They’re going to move this up.”

“We’re,” she said. “Tappn needs to know about this.”

“Yeah,” he said. “I want to finish this group before I report.”

“How much of this asteroid is the filotite,” Sheridan asked.

“From what I can tell,” Cade said. “All of it. It’s mixed. In some places the purity isn’t great, but they could load this asteroid right into the processor.”

“Is it small enough to go in one of the processors,” Sheridan asked.

---