Jethro 3: No Place Like Home

by Chris Hechtl

  Since then he had risen to XO rank of Centurion, one of the newly-constructed frigates before a personality conflict with Captain Naomi Samuels made her transfer him. His transfer to Firefly came with a promotion to Lieutenant Commander, something he apparently thought was long overdue.

  Captain Samuels called Firefly and warned Mayweather about him. “I think he bounced around so much not because he couldn't find a position he liked as much as a crew only being able to stand his stiff upper lip and backbone so much. There is only so much one can stand of a know it all. I hope you rub that crap out of him.”

  “There is something to be said about putting on an air of confidence. But too much is just asking for trouble,” Renee replied, trying hard not to be prejudiced against her new XO before she got to know him.

  “He's ambitious. He's gunning for a Captain's chair and possibly flag rank. He's got a lot to learn though,” she said.

  “Good. I hope he knows it,” Renee replied.

  “Oh he does, he does, at least now. I cleaned his clock a few times in the sims after he got a little too uppity. You'll probably need to prune him back regularly to keep him in order. But be warned, he sometimes takes it out on the crew. Which backfires, they lose all respect for him.”

  “Lovely,” Renee sighed. “Thanks for the heads up, Naomi,” Renee replied.

  “Good luck, good hunting. You'll need it,” Naomi replied. The other Captain nodded and cut the link.

  Renee continued reading, but there wasn't much left in his bio file. He didn't like Marines for some reason. He had spent time as a gunship Captain before Firefly had returned. His ship had been in dock for a routine refit; he had transferred over to fill the void in Firefly's crew. It came with a promotion. “Lucky us,” Renee murmured.

  She did like how he'd jumped right in, resolving their missing shuttle and fighter issue right off. He'd managed to cut the Gordian knot tangling the mess up and get a pair of Skyhawks for her. She would have preferred shuttles with less of a wingspan, the better to fit more into her already tight boat bays, but she'd take what she could get.

  Firefly was to be dispatched to Gaston as a diplomatic mission. She was to travel north, visit Centennial, and if possible locate the overdue Kiev 221, retracing her path up the chain if necessary. From what the Admiral had let on, Firefly might end up on a circuit, traveling a series of worlds in the southwest of the sector. She was be a sort of a roving sheriff, showing the flag and stomping on any pirates that passed through while gathering intel. That would make that area safer and more secure for shipping to pass through. At least that was the theory.

  There was still some debate on the convoy route and schedule. She'd heard some scuttlebutt about it. For now they were running the longer route, up Agnosta instead of the shorter route through Gaston and up past Centennial to Antigua that way. The Gaston flight was ten parsecs shorter, but it had a few spots with issues like Centennial. To be fair, the Agnosta route did too with Briev, but at least on that route they could stage material and personnel through the Marine base on Agnosta. As well as in the space stations under construction there.

  Their new assignment would be interesting, far more interesting than sitting picket duty in some empty system with nothing but rocks to count. Or sitting on Agnosta or in Pyrax.

  ---( | ) --- ( | )---

  Janice Yu wandered the naval annex. She bumped into Lt Commander Valdez in passing. He was harried but recognized her. “Sorry, make a hole...Oh, hey Janice! Long time no see!” He said, catching her arm to help her balance. She was startled by his greeting and off balance both mentally and physically.

  She had turned to one side to let him pass, frowning as her IFF pinged him. She didn't recognize him out of uniform until the IFF came back. She had been about to point out that a junior was supposed to give way to a senior when moving but he surprisingly outranked her. She felt a little bitter over that. Many had signed on after her and were rising through the ranks like a rocket. That was increasingly bothering her.

  She'd never thought she'd want anything but a helms chair. Firefly was incredible; with her augmentation it was almost orgasmic sometimes. But she was starting to realize something in her wanted more. A new challenge. The skipper's insistence that she man a command watch had opened her eyes to new things. But she hesitated to move out of her comfort zone.

  “Commander...wowa!” She blinked now recognizing him. Junior Valdez had aged a lot over the past three years since she had seen him last. Even though he was a decade younger than her, he still looked older or at least mature. More mature than when he was a helmsman on Firefly at any rate. He also outranked her, which urked her a little. She glanced over her shoulder to see Renee coming up behind them.

  “It's like old home week. Want to go out to dinner? Purely to catch up of course,” he said with a charming grin. Janice blinked in confusion.

  “Do it! We've got time, do it or you're an idiot!” Renee encouraged her, texting her. “Besides, he's cute,” she texted, tweaking Janice into a slight flush.

  Janice looked at her Captain and then nodded. “Sure, when, Commander?” she asked hesitantly.

  Junior smiled, making her smile back. “Commander, hell. I'm off duty, and besides, we're not in the same chain of command.” He said shaking his head. “Call me Junior. Sergio is still my dad,” he told her.

  “I remember Junior. I didn't know your name was Sergio though.”

  He smiled again. “Sergio Jorge Valdez. Mom calls dad by his middle name, but others call him by his first name. I don't know if I can ever get used to having Sergio as a first name. I've been Junior my whole life,” he shrugged.

  His response amused her. She chuckled. “I can tell living in your father's shadow wasn't easy,” she said sympathetically. She could understand; her dad had been the navigator on Carib Queen. She'd lived under him for years, which had been wearing from time to time.

  He shrugged. “Yeah well, sometimes you have to step out when opportunity knocks. You may not get a second chance. I'm flying like I've dreamed,” he said with a wave.

  Janice brushed her bangs out of her eyes, suddenly feeling shy. He smiled though, that felt nice. He had a nice smile.

  She dithered a bit over her outfit. Renee took her to a shop on Anvil, and together they picked out a dress. Renee made her try on several; then they bought the best four with the appropriate accessories for each. Janice went to dinner in the pick of the litter, a red dress, feeling at first out of place and self-conscious, but when he whistled in appreciation she preened a little. His eyes lit and she blushed, feeling great about his appreciation. He made a motion with his finger and she spun dimpling. When she saw the stunned look in his face she grinned.

  Renee had been watching from the sidelines. She gave Janice an okay hand sign. “Mission accomplished,” she texted. “Have a good time,” she'd finished as Junior offered Janice his arm. Janice took the arm and they were off.

  Janice was enchanted by his attention and deeply flattered by his apparent sincere reaction to her beauty. No boy had ever thought of her as anything but plain. She had trouble accepting her mature beauty but relaxed in his presence.

  They bonded over dinner, chatting about manning the helm. She found he was only six years younger than her, not an insurmountable gap when one considered anti-aging treatments. Junior admitted he'd rather pilot a small craft but was now stuck behind a desk more than he'd like. He snuck out to train recruits or fly the ops force in sims whenever he could. She laughed.

  He took her dancing at a local club. It must have been the wine and excitement, but she'd felt a thrill over it all, flushed and excited. He'd requested a slow song before they had left, and she'd wrapped her arms around him and shuffled along with him as they moved, feeling the heat of his body as she nuzzled against his chest. That had led to a smoldering kiss and a stumbling path to a nearby hotel, which had started a new phase of their relationship. She had thought that they would both be reluctant to take it too far but apparently
such thoughts were forgotten in the heat and passion of the moment.

  They woke in a sated tangle of arms and legs, both nude. For a while they talked softly, both still sleepy from the night's affairs. He stroked her hair, something she found she liked. That had led to another round of love making until their stomachs had growled for a meal. That had set them giggling and a call to room service.

  They chatted over the meal, sitting Indian style on the bed. “What are we going to do?” she asked, in a red kimono. He liked it that she'd left it loose, letting him see the treasures within the silken folds. She blushed when he came behind her to kiss and massage the nape of her neck. “Damn that feels good,” she purred softly.

  He chuckled softly. She'd found him to be a tender lover, hesitant, but oh so tender. Such a gentleman too, holding back his lust until her own body had overflown with her passion. She'd delighted in his kisses, and his insistence that she call the pace.

  “Oh that feels good,” she said as his hands wandered over her body. Her eyes closed to half lids as her body drank in his touch, overwhelming her senses. “We need to talk though,” she murmured.

  “Now?” He asked wickedly in her ear as he kissed the lobe.

  She sighed. “Unfortunately, yes. I've got to...to report in. Firefly is leaving tomorrow,” she said, feeling sorrow hit her. Suddenly lovemaking wasn't on her mind anymore.

  He hugged her behind for a moment. “Well,” he said as she turned, resting against his chest. “I know it's a little late, but I know of a position at the academy. Teaching hypernavigation and helming a ship,” he said.

  “You do?” she asked, eyes wide. She looked up at him. He smiled down at her as her chest twined in his boyish chest fur.

  “Yes. It just so happens the Ssilli are going to be headed out shortly. Word is they are headed to Antigua on the next convoy. That's in a couple months, but I think they wouldn't mind someone taking over now.”

  “That's...that's an interesting proposal,” she murmured. “I have to admit; it's interesting. But I'm reluctant. I do love to fly,” she whispered.

  “I know you do, love,” he said, thrilling her with that simple four-letter word. Her heart twisted. “And you can still do it to some degree; after all, you'll be manning the simulators all the time. It's not just theory and classroom work; there is a practical side to the training. And I know they want the kids to get a real handle on the navigating side, so they are working on short hops. Sending a ship out for a parsec and then back.”

  “That is...interesting,” she admitted. Her eyes fell as she thought about it.

  “And of course you can get your hands dirty flying shuttles and fighters too,” he said with a grin. She looked at him again. “I know a guy who's in a position to make certain you get flight time when you want it,” he teased.

  Oh you,” she chuckled, patting his chest.

  “Well, I should,” he said, stroking her hair again. “You'll think about it? Talk to the Ssilli and the others? You might be able to get that Selkie Marine Deja on board. Really go over the hypernavigational school in San Diego, shake it up and put your stamp on things,” he said. “Set it up properly. Take some courses while you're there. You said you want a promotion; the credits and leadership you show will help you,” he encouraged.

  “I...I can't make any promises,” she said as he rocked her and stroked her hair. “But I'll talk to the skipper about it and see what she says. I'm not sure they can get me a replacement at this late a date though,” she said.

  “You never know until you try,” he murmured.

  She reached up, eyes locking to his as she stroked his cheek. “Enough talking,” she murmured huskily. “Time to do,” she said as her lips enveloped his. He chuckled as she pushed him backwards. Then coherent thought seemed to drift after that.

  ---( | ) --- ( | )---

  Later that evening she returned to Firefly's berth, filled with a heady feeling and a bit of trepidation. The nerves worked themselves up the closer she got to the berth. She was reluctant to go now, she realized, but scared of what her Captain would say at such a desertion.

  “So, had a good time,” Renee teased from behind her. Janice spun and came to attention. The Captain smothered a laugh. “At ease Janice for goddess sake, you're out of uniform anyway,” she teased, waving a hand.

  “Sorry, Skipper,” Janice said, blushing.

  “Well, I'm glad the evening went well. Last evening,” Renee teased with a wicked smile. Janice felt her flush darken to her ears. Renee cocked her head, grinning as she crossed her arms. “So? Spill!”

  “Um...” The Lieutenant looked around the companionway uncomfortably. It wasn't flat-out busy, but there was still a steady stream of people coming and going.

  Renee recognized her reluctance and relented. “Come on,” she said, waving her off. “Let's go,” she said making her way on board. She saluted the colors and then the officer of the deck and asked for permission to board. Janice did as well, following protocol. She saw the OOD's amused look at her uniform but didn't respond. He pinged their IFFs then formally acknowledged their right to board.

  Once they were in the Captain's day cabin Renee waved her to a seat and texted her steward to bring them a couple glasses of wine. After they each had a glass and had murmured their thanks, he withdrew quietly. Renee took her seat, crossed her legs and smiled taking a sip. “Don't think you are off the hook. The inquisition was just delayed until I got you in private. So spill girl!” she said wickedly.

  Janice sputtered, making Renee chuckle. She batted at her damn silk dress for a moment and then shook her head. “It was the most magical night of my life. We had a blast! Food, wine, dancing...”

  “I hope more than just dancing,” Renee said looking at her feet. Janice grimaced and kicked her shoes off before she reached over to rub them. “Oh, come on,” Renee growled.

  Janice snorted and then chuckled, ducking her head. “Okay, okay, I give. Some dancing in bed too. Many times.”

  “Many times?” Renee demanded.

  “Many, many, many times. I lost count,” Janice gurgled. She loved Renee like a sister. They'd been crew mates together on Carib Queen, and they'd been an anchor for each other after they'd been marooned in the system. Now...

  “So...”

  “So...” Janice sighed, fighting her body’s urge to tear up. She would not cry she vowed, fighting it. “So, he.. proposed to me...”

  “What?” Renee squawked, eyes wide. “Talk about a fast mover! I know flyboys are quick but...” She shook her head.

  “Not...not that. At least not yet,” Janice said. She wiped at her eyes. “I don't know what to do,” she said, fighting the sobs tearing at her throat. “He told me about the position on San Diego, the Hyper instructor...”

  Renee's face cleared and then stilled. She listened as her friend told her about the great opportunity. Her own heart twisted, she knew what she had to do, had to say. She put in a text file to Commander Decius, requesting a relief for Janice with a terse explanation of the circumstances.

  “Go for it. Take the position, take some classes, and fill in here.” Renee encouraged her, reaching over to pat her knee.

  Janice looked up at her friend, eyes wide. “Are you sure?”

  “Yes! It's about time you left the nest and tried your wings. You wanted the XO position, maybe even a ship of your own. Here is a path to that. You have to be willing to try it,” Renee said firmly.

  “I...can try. But oh, I'll miss this!” Janice half whispered, looking around. She waved a hand to the ship's bridge not far off.

  Renee smiled softly. She'd miss her friend but knew it was her time to move on. “And we'll miss you silly! But we all have to move on sometime.”

  “Okay,” Janice said softly. “But I don't know if they can do it so late or if it will be approved,” she said biting her lip.

  “It's already in the works. I put in for the transfer and recommended you for the post,” Renee admitted.

  “You
did?” Janice said, eyes wide again. “Oh, thank you!” she said, lunging forward to hug her.

  Janice and Renee hugged in a private moment. When it broke Renee smiled, still holding her arms. “See? Not so bad. Yes I'll miss you, but I'm looking forward to raking you over the coals to drag out every morsel of information, every dirty little secret you two have been up to in my absence,” she teased.

  Janice giggled.

  “Hey, it's only fair, you've done the same to me when I'm with Vargess,” Renee growled. Janice nodded, dashed tears and put in for the transfer.

  She was surprised and a little put out at how quickly it was approved and her replacement showed up half way through the next shift. She didn't like the idea of being so replaceable so easily.

  “Don't think about it that way. Think about learning. Spreading what you've learned, passing on your experience to the others,” Firefly told her. He didn't tell her that he had anticipated the transfer and had put in an alert with the personnel department some time ago, hours before Captain Mayweather had put her request in. Commander Decius had taken the warning to heart and had lined up several navigator candidates. The ship AI had worked with Commander Dart to narrow the field to the top pick, a human male named Lieutenant Jared House. He was a good man, an experienced navigator. He'd helmed a few civilian ships before he'd come to Pyrax and enlisted.

  He'd taken a commission and rocketed through the ranks with his past experience as his foundation. He'd helmed several of the frigates as well as Fuentes and Damocles. He had been slated to take Xavier's senior navigator slot before Lieutenant Yu had put in for her transfer.

  Commander Dart knew the Lieutenant, having served with him before. He had some grudging praise for the man, admitting he knew his post forward and back and had a backbone. They'd have to see how well he handled leadership when he manned a watch for the first time.

  “Go. Do good. Kick ass,” Renee said firmly. “And if Junior doesn't work out, have fun checking out all the college lads,” she said with a wicked teasing grin.