Gina Ardito

Ace's time with Ski-Hab must have left a positive mark for him to refer their first civilian. A civilian who currently flopped on the snow like a fish pulled out of an ice hole. While Lyn played Attila the Hun, snapping demands.

"My apologies, Mr....?"

"Sawyer," he replied through the same barely moving lips. "Doug Sawyer."

Once again, Lyn turned her attention to Kerri-Sue. "Go wait at the lift."

While Kerri-Sue pushed off toward the rest of the class, the man on the ground struggled with the length of his skis, fumbling to turn himself around.

"Have you ever skied before, Mr. Sawyer?" Lyn had softened her tone, but if the glare he shot in her direction was an indication, he'd snow ski with Satan before he forgave her.

"With one arm?" he retorted. "No."

"I mean, ever. One arm or two."

"Yes."

Good. Thank God. "So you remember how to get up when you fall down, right?"

"Yeah, but I'm at a disadvantage since I have no arm on this side to use for support."

"Then you'll have to flip yourself around to the side that has an arm, won't you?"

"You could lend a hand, you know."

"I could," she agreed and folded her arms over her chest. "But that would defeat the purpose of Ski-Hab. Now flip."

He struggled, but managed to face the other way, positioning his skis parallel and facing upward. Pole planted firmly, he pulled himself to a standing position. Thunderous applause and cheers erupted from the circle of people standing on the sidelines.

At last, the man turned to face Lyn, a relieved grin splitting his cheeks below the bridge of his goggles.

"Well done, Mr. Sawyer." She clapped her gloved hands in muted applause. "How do you feel?"

"Better," he said.

"Ready to do it again?" she asked.

"Yeah."

"Good." With one quick shove against his armless shoulder, she knocked him off-balance.

He teetered for the briefest moment, and then fell right back into the same patch of snow he'd just managed to escape.

"Do it again."