"Completely snockered, old boy," offered the Professor with a wave of his pipe.
"So-oo I'm a little sstwizzled, showat?" She brushed lightly at some hair hanging in her eyes.
"A little swizzled?" Derrik stroked one end of his long mustache, "Oh I say girl... you're totally stinko!"
"Iamnot," she countered defiantly.
Jack rose from his seat. "If you gentlemen will excuse me, I think I'll escort our little lush to quarters and put her to bed." There was a general wave of acceptance to this idea, as the best solution to preventing an embarrassing public scene.
Derrik rose to his feet as well, stretching his lean, tailored, six-foot frame. "Mind if I tag along? Love to give m'legs a bit of a stretch."
Jack shrugged, "Sure, c'mon." Jack and Derrik lifted Maria from her chair and supported her by her elbows. "We'll be back soon, save us some dessert." Jack called Fritz as he and Derrik guided Maria through the crowded restaurant.
The open corridor was both refreshing and a relief. Jack thought Maria would surely do something unpredictable before they could leave the restaurant, but this was not the case.
Fritz trailed the trio slowly down the hallway, taking time for an occasional short study of a passing offworlder. Although he was becoming more accustomed to their bizarre appearances, there were still many he felt compelled to stare at.
Derrik broke the silence as they walked down the hall, "Uncle tells me, you gents are forming some sort of squadron. Is that true?"
"Well not exactly, I mean there really isn't anything to fly other than the shuttles..." Jack thought a minute, "unless we find a way to acquire our own craft somehow."
Derrik shook his head, "Don't have the foggiest how you could do that... but it seems you have an idea."
"Nothing solid yet, but having our own ship seems to be the only way to get back home with any expedience."
"Home? Why would you want to go back? The future and the grand adventure lie out here!" The Englishman made a wide gesture with his arm.
"Well that may be true, but unlike you, the rest of us had no choice in departure... which has a tendency to leave lots of loose ends."
Derrik nodded slowly, "Yes, quite. They can be a beastly nuisance on the conscience"
"I think the biggest thing is, knowing there are people we care about back there, who think we're dead and are mourning us. I want to go back and tell them not to worry, to tell them I'm still alive and love them... maybe to give them the option to leave with us if they want... if that's what we decide. We want the option to be able to decide for ourselves when and where we come and go."
Derrik nodded his understanding, Jack was talking about the freedom of deciding one's own fate, something man had strived for since the beginning of time. "Listen, Jack old boy, would you consider an addition to your group? I've no real spot yet, and it seems you've the right idea."
They had arrived at Jack's quarters and Jack punched the code in on the door's keypad. The pad beeped merrily at him and the door swished quietly open. Jack scooped Maria up off her feet and carried her through the living area to the bedroom. Fritz followed. Jack nodded towards the bar, "Fix yourself a drink if you like, I'll be out in a minute." Derrik turned and headed towards the bar and Jack entered the bedroom. Maria was already asleep in his arms. He knelt on the bed and laid her gently down, pulling a pillow under her head. Realizing she would probably be uncomfortable, he decided to undress her. Struggling with her limp body, he stripped off her clothes and covered her nude form with the sheets and a blanket.
Jack stared at Maria's sleeping face. How is it, he wondered, that such a beautiful woman, with so innocent a face, could be such a royal pain in the ass? And why was he so attracted to this pain in the ass?
Fritz sat patiently to one side and watched intently, he knew what would come next. Jack turned to Fritz and playfully tousled his head with one hand. "You stay here, kiddo. Keep an eye on her, Ok? I promise, I'll bring back some good stuff from the restaurant." The Shepherd nuzzled Jack's hand, then climbed onto the bed. He curled up at Maria's feet and eyed his partner. "Good boy..." said Jack, dimming the lights, "I'll be back later."
Derrik rose from the settee in the living area as Jack emerged from the darkened bedroom. "Will she be alright alone?"
"Sure," said Jack, "she's asleep. Besides, Fritz will keep an eye on her, he's had plenty of practice."
"We're off then?"
"Yep! Let's go get some dessert, before it's all gone!"
"Right!" The young Englishman up-ended his drink and the liquor slid down his throat, emptying the glass.
"Look, Derrik," said Steele, as the two men strolled down the corridor, "if you want to be part of our group it's Ok with me, but we're going to do what's best for the group. All for one and one for all... if you know what I mean..."
"Quite."
"Well, if you can live with that, then the more the merrier. I'll talk to the Captain and see if we can get you assigned to shuttle duty too. That'll get you quarters down by us."
"Sounds smashing!" said Derrik. The two pilots shook on it and jogged the rest of the way back to the restaurant.
Dessert was a heavenly fruit and whipped cream conglomerate, laced with liquor and Jack ate more than he should have. Pleasantly stuffed and mildly inebriated, the pilots, Captain and Professor Edgars sat casually around the table exchanging jokes and stories as the restaurant slowly emptied. Jack felt warm and at home. Gantarro, approved the idea of adding Derrik to the list of new shuttle pilots with a grin and a toast.
No longer in duty uniform but casual evening attire, Raulya and Myomerr entered the restaurant and made their way to the table. Raulya sauntered over to Jack and slid into his lap. Myomerr sat in an empty chair next to Pappy and snuggled against him. The heavy scent of exotic perfume surrounded the table and made Jack's head swim. He could feel his pulse quicken and felt a profound sexual urgency. He idly wondered if it had the same effect on anyone else. Raulya nuzzled Steele's ear, sending a chill up his spine. "Miss me?" she purred. He nodded, confused as to what to do next.
Gantarro stood, glass in hand. "Gentlemen, it's late, but before we adjourn, I propose a final toast..." the men rose, glasses poised for the occasion. Gant continued, "I'm sorry ladies, you'll have to wait outside momentarily, this is to be a squadron toast." Some confused glances were exchanged around the table. Raulya and Myomerr thought Gantarro was joking, but he waited patiently, unmoving. Raulya motioned to Myomerr and the two Ketarians walked out of the room, tails flicking in agitation.
Gantarro raised his glass, "To the squadron!" The pilots up-ended their glasses. "Ok, now down to the last bit of business. Gentlemen, you must be careful when it comes to Ketarian women..." he seemed to be directing this to Jack and Pappy, "when they take an interest in a man, they have been known, to go to great lengths to secure the affections of that man."
"Like what?" Jack wanted to know.
"That perfume, have you been exposed to it before?" Jack nodded. "Did she burn incense?" Jack nodded again, Gantarro rubbed his forehead. "Both are heavily laced with a potent, synthetic aphrodisiac, highly addictive. It will permanently bond you to her, emotionally and physically."
Pappy was wide-eyed. "You're kidding!"
The Captain shook his head. "No, and if I had known yesterday that they were interested in you two, I would have warned you sooner."
Jack was concerned. "How much exposure will cause addiction?"
Gantarro pulled his lower lip, "Two or three times of prolonged exposure during exertion... like dancing... or sex, it depends on an individual's resistance."
Pappy shook his head. "Man, that's scary!"
"Hmmm, yeah, well, no more of that for me!" Jack smoothed his hair.
"Same here," added Pappy.
The group was splitting up as Raulya and Myomerr re-entered the restaurant. The two Ketarians cozied up to Jack and Paul, only to be gently rebutted. "Um, uh, we have to get up early tomorrow, it's been a full day and all..." Pappy was trying to keep his distance from Myomerr and having a difficult time doing it successfully.
Jack put forth a team effort. "Yeah, I'm bushed too... and we start shuttle training tomorrow, need our sleep y'know." He tried not to breathe in the heady perfume.
Raulya eyed Jack suspiciously, "You're not sleeping with that little runt bitch tonight are you?"
"No," Jack lied," what makes you say that?"
Raulya shrugged, her expression became less concerned, "Just haven't seen her around, thought maybe you had her stashed..." Jack shook his head convincingly. "Well, alright I guess we'll catch up with you tomorrow night..." she slid her hand across his groin and he inhaled sharply, wishing he hadn't. His heart pounded and he held his breath as she kissed him goodnight.
The women departed, hand in hand, leaving Paul and Jack to sigh with relief. The other pilots grouped around as they all made their way to the flight crew quarters on level three. Brian looked over his shoulder at the Ketarians disappearing down the hall, "Maybe they'll bond on each other," he whispered. They all laughed so hard they could barely breathe.
They were still breathless with laughter when they climbed out of the air tunnel car at their stop on level three. The pilots gathered in front of their quarters to say their goodnights. "Breakfast?" asked Pappy.
"No thanks, I'm still stuffed!" said Brian, belching for effect, triggering more laughter.
"Scrambled eggs, I could go for some scrambled eggs..." Mike said hungrily.
"Bottomless pit," mumbled Smiley, shaking his head. "Kid eats everything in sight." More laughter. They discussed plans for the following morning and decided on an agreeable time to meet at the Ecosphere Lounge for breakfast. Having done this, they said goodnight and entered their respective quarters.
A thoroughly enthusiastic Fritz, met Jack Steele as he entered his quarters, in anticipation of goodies promised. Jack shook the bag, rustling the contents. Fritz spun excitedly in a circle, wagging his tail and woofing softly, his sensitive nose detecting the tantalizing aroma emanating from the bag. Jack knelt on the floor of the semi-darkened living area and tore open the bag, laying it on the carpet like a paper dish. The Shepherd gave his friend a quick loving lick in the face and moved to the food, devouring it with great relish.
Jack rose and stepped over to the small bar and got himself some fruit juice from the fountain dispenser. He saw a vidscreen on the wall which he had never noticed before and looked for the controls. He found a remote sitting on the arm of the couch. Turning the screen on, he was greeted by a view of the passing stars outside the ship. He decided he liked it and left it on, dropped the remote on the couch and walked away.
Fritz had finished his food and was laying on the floor, eyes closed, licking the remnants of sauce off the paper bag. "Wanna' go for a walk, kiddo?" His trance broken, the Shepherd jumped to his feet. Jack fingered the keypad and Fritz darted through the door before it was even half open.
■ ■ ■
Jack sat on the grass in the meadow of the Ecosphere as Fritz ran from tree to tree. The lights were low and Jack could see the passing stars through the dome, occasionally a bird would flit far above him, but the songbirds were quiet. The pilot laid back on the grass his hands behind his head, waiting for the lanky Shepherd to return. Enjoying the peace and quiet, His eyes closed, he could smell the cut grass, the flowers smelled like lilac... inexplicably there was a breeze and the trees rustled... Suddenly he was eleven-years old again, laying in his yard looking up at the summer stars...
■ ■ ■
Passing stars twinkled on the vidscreen as Jack walked barefoot through his living quarters. He carried a glass, half full of a warm liquid as close to ginger ale as he could find, from the bar's soda dispenser. "I don't feel so good..." said Maria as Jack entered the bedroom.
Jack snorted, "I shouldn't wonder, what were you drinking anyway?"
Maria shrugged as she accepted the glass from Jack, "Anything that sounded interesting."
"What was the point of all this, or was there a point... I mean are you just a lush or what?"
"Nooo..." her voice squeaked, tears rolling down her cheeks.
Steele stood up and stripped off his shirt, tossing it on a recliner by the door. "I just hope I didn't get involved with an alcoholic or something..." he stripped off his pants and stood naked at the foot of the bed.
She was crying now and she didn't care, "It's just that you hated me... and you slept with her and, and..." she started to cry, huge, heaving sobs.
"Stop that!" he snapped, "you'll make yourself sick!" It was too late, the heaves were real now, no longer sobs. He scooped her off the bed and whisked her into the bathroom, just in time. Her body rejected the remaining liquor in long wretches into the commode. He held her head and she sobbed in between the heaves. No longer an adult, she was just a helpless little girl.
"I've ruined everything," she sobbed, "you hate me now... you'll never love me again..." she laid her head on her arms, shivering uncontrollably. Jack reached back and turned the shower on warm. Lifting her to her feet, they stepped into the warm jets of water which hit them from three sides. They sat on the smooth floor of the shower, their naked bodies pressed against each other. One arm encircling her, Jack washed Maria's face, hair and body. She stopped shivering and nuzzled his chest. "I love you," she said, "so please don't hate me, I don't think I could bare it."
"I don't hate you..." He kissed her forehead. "Let's go to bed," he said softly.
Fritz was curled up, sleeping on the recliner by the time Jack and Maria climbed under the covers. Maria snuggled her body against Jack, her head on his chest, her arm across his flat stomach.
"I love you..." she whispered.
Jack stroked her damp hair, "Ssshhh," he said quietly, "go to sleep."
■ ■ ■
Jack Steele's sleeping awareness grew to the sound of gently falling rain. He laid motionless on the bed, still shrouded in the gossamer veils of sleep, enjoying the soft, hushing sound. A woman's voice sang quietly somewhere in the distance. He could feel no breeze through the open window, there was no sound of an ever-present surf, and when he inhaled deeply, there was no tangy salt air. He opened his eyes and viewed his surroundings, disappointed to find himself in his stateroom instead of in his bed at home. Maria's naked form appeared in the bathroom doorway, glistening with moisture. Maybe things could be worse, he thought.
Maria sauntered over to the bed and shook her wet hair over Jack's bare chest. He grabbed for her, but she danced away then back again. Jack re-timed his lunge and caught her by her wrist pulling her down on the bed, playfully spanking her bare bottom. She squealed in mock pain and wriggled to get free. A furious tickle fight ensued, encouraged by Fritz who circled the bed, barking. Horseplay quickly lit the fire of passion and somewhere between wrestling and tickling, two naked bodies melted together in physical lust.
■ ■ ■
Sweaty and gratified, Jack and Maria, limbs entwined, lay sedately on the disheveled bed. They listened, without speaking, to the laughing voices passing in the corridor and the sounds of a waking ship, traveling through deep space. Maria looked up from Jack's chest and gazed into his eyes. She wiped the sweat from his forehead and rested her head on his shoulder. "I'm scared," she said into his shoulder, "it's all so strange, so different, y'know?" Her Latin accent was soft, endearing.
"Nothing to be scared of, we'll be alright."
"We? What about Miss..." Jack put his finger over her lips.
"Let's
just say we and leave it at that. Ok?" She nodded and squeezed him tight. The ship's comm unit mounted on the wall behind the bed, buzzed insistently, demanding to be answered. Jack reached over to the night table and flicked a button on the keypad, being careful to leave the vidscreen turned off.
"You coming to breakfast or what?" Jack recognized Pappy's gentle southern accent. "I just love this gadget..." he continued, "how come there's no picture?"
"I've turned it off..." responded Jack.
"They must be doin' the horizontal tango..." Jack recognized Brian's voice in the background.
Maria could not resist adding her two cents, "Real classy Brian, guess that's why you get all the girls!"
The comm was overflowing with laughing voices. "Ouch," said Jack quietly. "Ok, Ok, listen you guys, we'll be down in a few minutes. Try not to let Mike eat them out of food before we get there, Ok?" Jack punched the button on the comm's control pad and ended the connection.
"Let's go, kiddo." They slid out of bed and headed for the shower.
■ ■ ■
Pappy sipped his steaming coffee, Brian and Mike were returning from the buffet table, plates brimming with food. Derrik stirred his tea. "All you American chaps eat like that?"
"Mike looked puzzled as he handed one plate to Pappy. "Like what?"
"Like a starving football team..."
Warren grinned. "I'm a growing boy!"
Pappy turned to Brian and changed the swing of the conversation, "I talked to the programming tech in the flight bay this morning, he's got the shuttle training simulator all ready for us." Brian, his mouth full of food, just nodded.
"When are we due down there?" Asked Mike.
"No hurry, whenever we're finished with breakfast I guess."
Wings of Steele - Destination Unknown (Book 1) Page 13
