by Reiter
** b *** t *** o *** r **
Aboard the Kulri-Kraythe, Rahneece gasped as the ship leveled off. It had made its descent into the atmosphere and now Dungias was lowering the stealth field. The woman put her brown eyes on Dungias’ blue skin.
“What did you do?”
“At the very least I have given us a window of time to do what we must and then be on our way,” he replied. “You should have the landing coordinates.”
“Landing coordinates?” Rahneece asked. “You knew where we needed to go all along?”
“I am a Traveler,” he advised.
“Then what was that all about?!” she shrieked. “All the messaging… the requests for information… the calling to Black Gate for assistance?!”
“I knew where we were going,” Dungias said as he left the cockpit. “I had no idea where they wanted to set their trap. Also, the moment the Black Gate Keeper receives word of what has happened, provided he is worthy of his position, he will quickly conclude that he has two options: swear that the events here today were not of his will and direction, or leave his post in hopes that I do not find him. It does not matter which path he takes, both remove him from the trek we must take.” A soft beep from the console drew Rahneece away from looking at the First Mate.
“Scans are picking up an energy signature at the bogus landing site,” Rahneece reported. “It’s EnerJa, Force Energy classification, and a serious amount. It’s stationary… with three life-forms under it.”
“EnerJa,” Dungias muttered as he continued walking. “Such a resourceful trio.
“Mark those bio-signatures to your memory and muffle the engines, if you please,” Dungias requested. “Having a window is one thing, but I would still like to be leaving NayFall before it even begins to close.”
Do not be so quick to think the words watchful and wary are synonymous. The former speaks to being observant. The latter does not necessarily need eyes!
Traybus Gan Pax’Dulah
(Rims Time: XII-4203.09)
Coming to the end of the third and final lap, Jocasta stopped her forward progress and simply ran in place as she turned around to see how her crew was doing. She smiled, looking at Llaz right there, though he did not look as if he much further to before he would drop. Siekor, however, looked like he was ready for more of the exercise that so many would doubtlessly call punishment.
“It is Leroy, isn’t it?” Jocasta asked, surprised to see a medical technician in such shape.
“LeRoy,” Amos corrected as he stopped running and started shadowboxing. “Just remember to put the emphasis on Roy.”
“Got it,” Jocasta nodded. “Well done. I love it when a Ripper can haul a little ass.”
“It helps to know that the one making the calls can do the do, Captain,” Amos replied. “You’re just breaking into a sweat!”
“LeRoy, when you’re surrounded by people who float when they sleep, can’t be seen when you’re looking dead at them, or cling to walls, it helps to have something to fall back on. All I have is my body. Gotta make sure it’s up to speed!”
“Reading you loud n’ clear, Captain,” Amos smiled.
Her blue eyes panned over to the member of the crew who looked to be the least fazed by the Tour de Ship! Synh Dayami was his name, and Jocasta had seen the playback of his fight with Zyzo Hillgray. The young man was no Z, but he was definitely someone she would not mind taking into a fight. As their eyes met, Jocasta nodded to him. Synh stopped stretching, faced Jocasta, and bowed toward her.
“You just have to love diversity,” she thought as she looked at two more of the latest additions. Thomasine must have seen her fair share of street chases. Jocasta did not know too much about Nielsen Feldspar other than she liked the sound of his name. The two of them were just ahead of the threesome of Bruveia, Hennix, and Deolun. “These three are inseparable!” Jocasta noted. “And this one is going to make me cry!
“Tank, didn’t you start at the rear of the pack?” Jocasta asked as she approached the panting form in the wheelchair. He nodded as he tried to catch his breath.
“First time using the wheels,” he said. “… I didn’t want… anyone getting caught up if I fell. But then you started with that pace… and with the stops at the range… I wasn’t going to hold back.”
“This man always has a plan,” Jocasta said, slapping Mel on the shoulder and turning to face Llaz. “Anyone coming in after him owes you another lap,” Jocasta ordered.
“Aye, Captain,” Llaz replied with a steady enough voice. His eyes, however, registered a measure of surprise. He thought the punishment was a bit severe, but he was not about to argue with the woman, given the state she was in at the end of the course.
“Murder, Mayhem, you ladies need to be ashamed of yourselves,” Jocasta said, turning to make her way to the Simulator Room.
“In my defense,” Agatha said as she fell to her knees. “I kept going back for Mayhem.”
“And the effort damn near killed her, Captain,” Marlene said sarcastically, glaring at Agatha. “But then again, what are friends for?!”
“Right,” Agatha panted. “And no offense, Captain, but our skills are applied to things that do the running for us.”
“And for your sake, I hope it’s not a foot race between you and another to those things,” Jocasta replied. “You’re a flyer, aren’t you, Siekor?”
“I’m not as good as Murder,” Siekor answered quickly. “… but I know my way around a stick.”
“My point’s been made,” Jocasta said as she reached a pole. “Llaz, I’ll let you handle the cargo drop. I’ll be in my simulator if you need me.”
“Aye, Captain.”
Jocasta made it down two decks before she jumped off the pole, recalling that the running group was missing someone. “Satithe, what is Goldie’s location? Sorry, Computer, the location of Goldie, please.”
“Goldie is in his quarters,” a synthesized voice reported. There was no emotion in the tone and in comparison to that Jocasta had become used to, it left a lot to be desired. She shook her head and changed direction.
“Me and my big ideas,” she muttered. “I’m not sure, but I think there was an idiot, looking just like me, that told Z to take Satithe and fix her. Yeah, that was one of my more genius moments!
“But he’s been in his room since before the wake,” Jocasta thought as she made her way to the deck where the crew cabins were. “I didn’t know those two had grown so close. Then again, should I be surprised by anything that Annsura managed to do while I was out being a menace?
“Sure hope you’re decent, kid,” Jocasta said as she reached the portal to his room. She opened it and lowered down the ladder into his room. “Though we both know otherwi– Goldie?” Jocasta looked around the small room, but her small yet incredibly abled swordsman was nowhere to be seen. She looked at the bed and saw the brace-com he had been given in the middle of the mattress. It had been placed atop of a piece of folded parchment. “Who the devil leaves handwritten notes anymore?” Jocasta whispered as she took the folded paper off of the bed. Written in very fine freehand were the words: Captain JoJo Starblazer. Jocasta steadied herself and opened the paper.
Captain,
There are no long goodbyes, and I hope there are even fewer permanent ones. I am sure we will meet again. Thank you for your trust. It was a new and very sacred experience sharing in your life – if only for a moment. Already I miss you!
Goldie
Jocasta folded the page and a smirk formed on her face. She closed her eyes and recalled the port at Black Gate. He had come up on her, getting by her senses and her guarded perimeter. He had taken his leave with the same ability.
“Knowing that sharp little cuss,” she said softly as her eyes slowly opened. “… he caught a ride with the three NayFallers we sent ashore. Fair landings and sharp blades to you, Goldie. You never went wrong by me. Computer, log a personnel report to Llaz. Goldie is no longer a member of the crew. Whereabouts are unknown.” Jocasta chu
ckled and turned toward the ladder out of the room.
“Is that the end of the entry?” the computer inquired.
“It is. Close entry and enter it into the permanent record.” Jocasta started up out of the room, counting the moments until she could have all of her ship and crew around her again.
** b *** t *** o *** r **
As the last of the crew dragged their fatigued forms across the finish line, Llaz’s eyebrows went up as he wondered how Annsura handled moments like this one. He looked at the beleaguered bodies and felt sorry for them.
“All right, people,” he called out. “We’ll be pulling into Azuria soon and the sooner we’re rid of the cargo and on our way, the better. A few of you have got work details you need to see to. Cupid, Scamps, Hennix and Bruveia, you’ll be with me offloading the cargo. Roc, you need to get to the galley and get started on some lunchtime grub.
“But before you go,” Llaz added, making sure to speak louder than he had been. “… after we set off from Azuria and before we get to bed tonight, I need to see everyone right back here because you owe me a lap.”
“Owe you a lap?” Silnee questioned. “How does that figure?”
“It doesn’t need to figure, Tolip,” Llaz quickly countered. “Nor does it require questioning. It just needs to be received, acknowledged and followed… like all the other orders you receive. And everyone can thank Tolip for adding a second lap on to this evening’s festivities!” Moans and mutterings started to rise from the group.
“Now, is there anyone else?” Llaz asked sharply. “… because three laps will be just fine with me!” Llaz looked around and in hearing no response, he turned to Siekor. “Would you please see to it that the people not on duty start on my laps right now?”
“Will do, Llaz!” Siekor said quickly. “Tolip, since you have the most to say, why don’t you take and keep point. “I’ve got Tank’s lap time. Anyone coming in after that will have to deal with me!” Those with the exercise detail looked at Llaz who had already turned to leave. He ran his left hand back over his hair and started toward the cargo bay.
“Hennix, looks like you’re my load master and my lander pilot.”
“You got it, Boss!”
The Xara-Mansura was once again declared too big for docking and Llaz coordinated the effort of getting the cargo to the barony. He and the lander crew were only afforded a brief glimpse, but that did not make the sight of the watery world any less breathtaking. With the only solid form being the station they landed on, the lander crew was introduced to the citizens of Azuria. They were surprised to see the Wuso, Terrans with gills, as well as true-born Azurians, green-skinned creatures with human torsos and a lower body like that of a large swordfish. The lower trunk could, after a time out of the water, morph to form legs that allowed them to walk about. It was something of a mystery as to why they would need the materials the Xara-Mansura had delivered until the crew saw the dry-dock operation. Llaz tried his best to keep his people moving quickly to off load the materials and get back to the ship as soon as possible.
Jocasta was still in the midst of a simulation when Llaz entered into the chamber. He bit his lip and moved over to the control console at a near jogging pace. He keyed in a command and seconds later, he could hear the seal on the simulator door as it opened.
“Remember, he’s part of the crew,” Jocasta thought as she came up out of the fluid in the machine. She glared coldly at Llaz who swallowed hard as he felt his neck draw tight. “Part of your crew! Z won’t like it if I kill him for interrupting my session. Not saying he won’t get over it… but it’s just a needless hill to climb. Of course, I could drill him, then get him to the regen in time to keep him from dying. Bah, that’s another hill!
“Hey there, Llaz,” Jocasta said softly. “There’s a real good reason for this, right?”
“Gods, I sure as hell hope so,” Llaz replied and his genuine fear made Jocasta giggle.
“Fair enough, Mr. Llaz. Out with it.”
“Someone wants to talk to you about ferrying passengers inside the Territories,” Llaz reported, wincing in hopes that this rated as a strong enough reason for the interruption. “And they said to be sure to tell you that price is an easily negotiated point of interest.”
“Sounds like a direct quote,” Jocasta stated.
“Trying to keep it all straight, Captain.”
“Well, be at ease, Mr. Llaz,” Jocasta said as she pulled herself out of the simulator. “Your first actions as acting First Mate have passed without error.” Llaz was treated to the sight of her naked form, glistening in the low light of the chamber.
“Good Lord!” Llaz whispered.
“And that’s something I never get from Z!” Jocasta added, flashing the young man a devilish smile as she took hold of a large towel. “Thank you.”
“No, Captain,” Llaz said as he continued to gaze, maintaining his composure. “Thank you!”
“Gods, this one is cooler than the other side of the pillow!” Jocasta thought as she started to entertain certain notions.
“Let’s get to those negotiations,” Jocasta stated. “Take them to the Observation Deck. Have Roc cook up some tea. And, Llaz… try not to drool.”
“Drooling is not what I had in mind,” Llaz quickly replied as he started out of the room.
“Screw it!” Jocasta said as she grabbed on to his arm and pulled hard enough to turn him around. A slight gasp escaped from between her lips when his arm swung around her waist and pulled her body into his. His lips parted to receive her mouth and they kissed deeply. Jocasta noted that Llaz was not as strong as Tynaum nor was he as daring with the tongue as Nulaki.
“But damn if this man doesn’t have the finest feeling hair!” she sighed, taking a handful into her grasp. Llaz’s hands found the muscles of her back and his fingertips pressed into them. Jocasta moaned as she wrapped her left leg around his right thigh.
“Nice technique!” she whispered.
“Shut up and kiss me,” Llaz ordered. Jocasta moaned as she doubled her efforts. Moving down her back to her waist, Jocasta liked the way Llaz opened her robe. Their lips parted and his lips kissed against her cheek, jaw and neck where he bit her gently.
“Aaargh!” Jocasta cried as she jumped. He gasped at the speed with which she moved, pulling his head back with one hand and drawing the Cutter knife with the other. The edge of the weapon was at his neck and pressing against the flesh when she stopped.
“Captain,” Llaz said in a very calm voice. Only his palms rested against her arms. “Captain, it’s me, Llaz.”
“Llaz,” she whispered, looking at his mouth as he spoke. There were no fangs, the bite had not been intended to be offensive… he had not drawn blood… he had not intended to feed on her. “Shit,” she said as she released his hair and flipped the knife before returning it to the scabbard. “… that was a buzz-kill!”
“Depends on which side of that fanfare you’re standing,” Llaz said with a slight smile. Jocasta shook her head and chuckled. She moved forward and kissed him on the lips.
“You are too much! Still, it was a buzz-kill for me, Llaz. Sorry.”
“Don’t apologize,” he directed. “Just tell me you’re okay and I didn’t do any–”
“You didn’t do a damn thing wrong, Llaz,” she quickly said, putting a soft hand to the side of his face. “Long story and still a little personal. Rain check?”
“I’m still free, Captain,” Llaz replied. “Let me get our guests to the ob-deck.”
“Yeah, you do that. And thanks.” Llaz nodded and exited the chamber.
Jocasta closed her eyes and metered her breathing, forcing herself to relax. She shook her head, her recall finding very few faces who would have handled the matter as graciously as her new Second Mate.
Walking with the use of her cane, Jocasta walked on to the Observation Deck with a bright and smiling face. She had already entered her responses and commands into her brace-com. Her eyes flared with anticipation as she looked at
the cloaks worn by two of the three people. Dark in color, the fabric shimmered in the starlight along with the gemstones that lined the hood and shoulders. Once Llaz could see her, he stepped away from the three people whom he had arranged to have their backs to the door. He lifted his hand up and toward Jocasta as he smiled and took in a breath to make an announcement.
“My lady and my lords, allow me to present the Mistress of the Xara-Mansura, Captain JoJo Starblazer.
“A Captain who is wearing glasses,” Llaz thought. “Dammit, I should have thought of that!”
“Well, after that intro, I better not suck,” Jocasta thought.
“Welcome,” Jocasta said as she approached. “The simple souls of the Xara-Mansura embrace all good-natured travelers.”
“That is very good to hear, Captain.” The voice came from the man standing closest to Llaz. It was definitely male and seemed to give the room a burst of warmth and comfort. His hands came up to take hold of the hood of his cloak and he pulled it back revealing his near flaming red hair. He turned to face Jocasta and she caught sight of his deep, bronze eyes as they settled on her face. “I would like to think we are nothing if not good-natured. Well met.”
“Well met indeed,” she said, waving at Llaz.
“Captain, allow me to introduce you to Lord Pulri Andrus and his entourage,” Llaz said as he took up his position behind Jocasta’s right shoulder.
“Lord Andrus, welcome aboard my ship,” Jocasta said, offering her right hand. The red-headed man was quick to take it in a very soft grip and give a slight bow forward. “How can we be of service to you and yours?”
“We are in need of transport, good Captain,” Pulri replied. “I do not know your next port of call, but I am hoping that we can find an arrangement where I might be able to alter your most immediate plans.”
“Then perhaps it is Fate that has made this meeting possible,” Jocasta replied. “My next port of call is dependent upon a communication I have yet to receive. I was simply going to see to the further training of my crew while we waited for that communiqué. This way I can see to housekeeping while we ferry you and your people to...”
