“But we were going to…”
Elise brushed back her hair and smiled at him. “I think this takes precedence over any sex experiment, however pleasurable you might make it. We’ll have time later.”
Agitated at the delay, Jay stepped toward her. “Promise me we’ll revisit this… discussion… as soon as you return.”
His enthusiasm charmed her, and his presence sent a tingle through her body, creating a warm glow. She laid a hand on his cheek and smiled. “As soon as I’m back, we’ll talk. We’ve waited this long; we can wait a while longer.”
***
While awaiting their shuttle, Elise and Richard prepared for the council meeting. She dressed in her official commander’s uniform, gold trim on a black top with additional gold stars at the collar. Richard dug out a uniform of navy blue that also had a bit of gold sparkle.
She wrinkled her brow. “What uniform does that represent?”
He smoothed down a sleeve and picked off imaginary lint. “I’m an honorary general in the Democratic Union’s standing army. I don’t command much, but I possess a fancy uniform if I need to impress anyone.” He peered over at her. “Are you impressed?”
Grinning, she said, “A bit.”
Inside, she felt a glow of admiration… and more. She quickly stifled the building attraction born from the handsome figure he cut. Never would she admit to him how fine he looked dressed in a uniform. The man required no encouragement for an already boundless ego.
***
They made it to the shuttle and through space. Arriving on board The New Found Hope felt like coming home.
“Commander on board,” rang out as she entered the ship from the shuttlebay. Richard followed closely behind, his head swiveled rapidly back and forth, trying to absorb everything he observed. She noted that Tango had the white ceramic corridors spotless with all equipment polished and humming along without a hiccup. She made a mental note to thank him later for his care of her ship. They were escorted quickly to the bridge where Tango rose from the captain’s chair to greet her. She glanced over at the helm as Tag spun around and waved. Jazz unclipped a headset and stepped toward her while Dane hastily stowed away star charts and joined them. All clustered around her with welcoming cries.
She gestured with an open hand toward Richard. “I want the bridge to meet Director Richard Steele, Alysia’s representative.”
He drew away from gawking at the array of electronics and blinking computers to smile graciously. “A… pleasure to meet… you,” he stuttered in Terran. “You have quite a set up here.”
Elise gazed around, enjoying the stimulation of the bridge with its bright flashing lights and electronic hum. Excitement aside, its technology while it enclosed and protected her, had guided the ship to unknown worlds and a new home.
With a wistful glance at the second-in-command’s chair, she said, “That was my seat next to the original Elise for years, and I miss it.”
Tango broke her mood by returning to practicalities. “The council will be ready in half an hour. They are setting it up now. If you want refreshments, we have some.” He grimaced. “No coffee. There’s a shortage.”
Back to business, Elise nodded at Richard. “Director Steele over here may be able to help you with that.”
Richard smiled, then winked. “I have connections.”
“That would be great.” Tango brightened. “In fact, we do appreciate the fresh produce your representative, Mister Card, sent over. Our supplies can only last so long, and various resources are running low, although the gardens are improving.”
Richard bowed. “Let me know…”
“Make a list of fleet needs, and we’ll work something out,” Elise interjected.
Richard nodded as he continued to scrutinize his surroundings like a kid in a candy shop.
***
In her old captain’s quarters, she waited, trying to organize her thoughts while Richard sat next to her, wide-eyed and, thankfully, quiet. The warm, cream walls adorned with her favorite art had not changed. A Monet copy, a Van Gough, and a Rosen still hung on the walls. The other pieces escaped her notice, mostly because they were digital and the images kept changing. Her ceramic desk, table, and faux leather tan sofa all remained in pristine condition. The elevated area in an alcove intended for fleet communications, still contained her old electronic gear, a large oval table, and chairs.
Gradually, the room filled up as her captains transmitted their holographic images around the table for the meeting. She felt a rush of emotion at being back. Here was home, safe and sound… well, if not safe, at least it was familiar territory. She was among friends who had flown with her original, people she had known since her decanting. She paused the thought as she remembered that this meeting had been called to indict a captain for murder and treason. So, not all were friends. But many had proven trustworthy companions, and she fought back tears at the prospect of seeing them again.
“Are these actual captains?” Richard asked as he craned his neck to scrutinize the incoming images as they took their places.”
“They are what we call holograms,” she answered. “They are electronic images in three hundred and sixty degrees so they appear lifelike. Every captain, except Tango, has a unit with a transmitter on board that lets them interact throughout the proceedings as if they were here in person. Since he’s on the ship, Tango will be physically present.”
As the final captain arrived, one particular seat stood glaringly empty. That was the place for the captain of the Stoyki.
Nodding as Captain Bradley slid into his spot, she began. “I’ve called this emergency meeting of the captains to pass sentence on Sergei Kusov of the Stoyki.
Every eye targeted the empty chair.
“First, I want to introduce Director Steele, who represents the leaders of Alysia. At the conclusion of this meeting, you may ask questions.”
Richard nodded and said in flawless Terran, “A pleasure to meet you.”
She then went around the table to introduce each captain and have them name their ship. She noticed Richard squinting and studying the holograms. Occasionally, an arm would pass through another captain’s body, or a captain’s image would fizz as his transmission received interference. Finally, she ended with Captain Bradley on her left. She said, “I have a tight agenda and ask that you hold any comments until the end.”
Taking a breath, she began, “The best news is that we have fifty people on planet currently residing with Elija at the Homestead and a hundred with sponsors throughout Alysia. These sponsors provide shelter, food, employment, and guidance to arriving Terrans.”
Shifting her glance to Richard, he said, “It’s part of the assimilation process. We try to match up compatible sponsors and arrivals.”
She continued, “I want you to know that I have visited Alysia briefly to survey the property. The fresh smell of pine-scented air, the feel of a breeze against your face, and the warmth of the sun are only a few of the experiences that will astound you. It will be worthwhile if you can be patient, and we must have patience if we are to succeed.”
She took a sip of water from a glass in front of her. The room suddenly felt warm. Her cheeks felt hot.
While checking her notes, she continued, “Recently, the station was hit. It was not a malfunction of a shuttle, but a deliberate attack by people from Alysia who don’t want us on their world. There are those on Alysia who feel we are aliens intruding on what belongs to them. Although Carter’s air cleaning facilities are reaching completion and will soon be operating, Alysians still face hardships from the comet’s collision. This struggle makes it even harder for them to deal with what they consider an invading population.
Richard leaned forward. “But leaders around the world have pledged to follow a program of integration that protects both sides. Currently, disease and starvation are at an all-time high on my world. I wouldn’t like to see the fleet devastated because someone didn’t take precautions.”
A murmur t
raveled around the table.
Elise picked up the discussion. “Because of these critical conditions, we have set a protocol in place. Any person who flaunts that protocol will be dealt with severely.”
“Captain Kusov took reckless, unauthorized action that has had far-reaching consequences. Two shuttles from the Stoyki attempted to land near the Homestead without sufficient knowledge of the terrain. Consequently, they crashed. On board were recently awakened people out of cryo… and guess what… they carried the disease that had previously decimated our ships. So, the Homestead now faces the possible spread of a virulent plague and, unfortunately, there’s a shortage of the antidote.”
She paused as more murmuring swept over the table. Various captains frowned or clenched their fists.
She held up a hand. “Watching these aircraft land without warning caused the Alysians to panic and assume an invasion had begun.”
Comments and exclamations intensified.
“Let me finish!”
The voices quieted. “Like us, Alysians have their unsavory elements, who decided that if they destroyed the space station shuttles, we couldn’t land on their world.”
Several snorts of derision ensued.
“Consequently, stationers died and many were injured. As you know panicked stationers fled back to the fleet.”
Richard nodded. “We now know you carry disease. Whether this contagion can infect Alysians is not certain, but we dare not risk it. Any Terran who has returned to a ship must go through station protocol if they want to reach the planet. Also, anyone going on the station is required to be inoculated before they enter. The station’s personnel are just as worried about risking disease as the Alysians.”
She took back the discussion. “Captain Kusov committed treason by flaunting a direct order from the Commander of the Fleet. His actions caused the death of many people. This is not the first time Captain Kusov has disobeyed strict regulations. Previously, he opposed the former commander, received meaningless citations, and endured a brief spell in lockup. To date, he continues to flaunt regulations. His behavior is unrepentant. I’m calling for a conviction of treason and the death penalty for Captain Kusov by this captain’s council.”
An uproar broke out, every captain shouting at once.
Captain Bradley called for order. He faced Elise. “And the Alysians? Alysians attacked the station.”
Richard stood up. “I pledge that those responsible for the attack on the station will be sent to face trial on Alysia. If Captain Kusov gets the death sentence, then I would expect the death sentence for them also. Our leaders want to send a message to our people. If you disagree with this, your choice is either assimilate, attack, or leave. If you attack, make no mistake, we have an armed space station. I helped build it, and I know its capabilities. And once you get closer to Alysia, we have air to air missiles. You would face an unnecessary bloodbath since we greatly outnumber you. Rest assured, I don’t favor that option. I think we can live together if we can agree to abide by certain rules.”
He sat down abruptly.
She stood up. “Okay, I promised we would answer questions.”
A brief session followed with a majority vote for conviction. The final vote, with a few abstentions, was for the death sentence. Apparently, Captain Kusov’s reputation for ruthlessness had alienated a number of the captains.
The meeting concluded with Elise scheduled for several private sessions. She still felt the adrenaline pumping through her body from the tense meeting.
She touched Richard’s arm. “I need a drink after that.”
“I would imagine so.”
“Commander, join me and the bridge for drinks in the captain’s lounge,” Tango offered.
“Lead on, Captain Jones.” She took Richard’s arm and followed her former helm.
Chapter 25
The Gebbit effect
In the familiar setting of her old captain’s lounge, she began to relax. So much had happened on the ship since she’d left, she felt like a stranger. Dane was married, Jazz was retiring, Tango had acquired an air of competent command—everyone had changed.
She watched as Richard interacted with the ease of a diplomat. The men paid attention to what he said, and Jazz blatantly flirted with him. As she sipped her drink, she studied him more and soon found it difficult to focus on the conversation. Feelings of desire began to wash through her until she no longer felt coherent.
Tango raised his eyebrows at her and nodded Richard’s way.
She shook her head but saw Jazz exchange a knowing glance with him. Dane remained oblivious.
The pleasant interlude eventually ended as everyone needed to return to family or duty. She found herself strolling back to her quarters arm in arm with a gregarious Richard, delighting in the patter of his voice and feeling overwhelmingly… aroused.
She pulled up abruptly. Richard stopped talking and gazed at her in question. “Are you okay?”
His masculine scent mingled with the sweet fragrance of wine. He was so very close, a presence next to her. A warm glow suffused her abdomen, spreading out to tingling hands, feet, and cheeks.
“I’m fine, just feeling…”
“At home,” he said, softly.
She nodded, afraid to say more.
Meandering on, they soon stood in front of her unit. As he intently palmed the panel open, she brushed a strand of her hair back and casually grazed the side of his face with her fingertips.
He paused. His eyes widened. He looked over at her.
She tilted her head up, her lips almost reaching his, and blew out a soft breath.
Closing his eyes, he leaned in to kiss her, his mouth hard and urgent. His arms encircled her in a tight grip.
They stumbled into her room, and she heard the panel shut behind them.
Hearing the sharp click, his eyes widened in panic. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry,” he murmured. “I just…”
She gasped as a flood of desire swept over her. Pulling him to her, she kissed him fiercely and pressed her body roughly against his.
“Oh,” he groaned. “We can’t. We shouldn’t.” He tried to push her away, but her hands yanked him back.
He uttered a feeble protest.
Undoing his shirt, she began fumbling with his pants.
“Are you sure about this?” he choked.
Driving passion filled her. Her soft purr became a guttural growl as she pressed him toward the bed, barely able to get her clothes off in her haste.
He fell, drawing her now naked body on top of him. “You’re beautiful.” His voice held wonder as he stared up at her. Then he kissed her, ending the need for words. His hands ran over her body with a tender sureness. His tongue found her mouth. With an overriding purpose, he pulled her to him and they joined as one.
She moaned as need drove her, and then dissolved in a torrent of release and exquisite rapture.
***
“Gebbits!”
Richard blinked his eyes open. “What? Where?” Puzzled, he looked around until his gaze found her face and his expression softened. “Elise.”
“Damned gebbits are responsible for this.” She was furious… with Jay, with herself, and with Richard for being irresistible.
He propped himself up, a hand supporting his head. “Gebbits?”
His concerned expression annoyed her.
He thinks I’m babbling...
Well, you are, she admitted to herself.
“You’re blaming last night on gebbits?” He eased forward to brush back her hair. She swatted at his hand.
“Quit looking at me like that. I’m not crazy. Gebbits caused this.” She grabbed her coverlet to wrap around her and waddled toward the refresher.
“Elise, come back.”
“Oh no, I know what you’re thinking. You think I’m looney tunes.” She jerked the coverlet tighter.
“Looney tunes?”
“No! I’m not going to start explaining cartoons.” Stepping forward, she almost trip
ped.
He sat up and in an irritating tone of voice as if to calm a mad woman, said, “I must admit you are confusing.” He flapped a blanket. “Come back. I’m alone over here...” he patted the sheets, “… and cold.” He gave her a wide grin.
She gathered up the coverlet so she could walk forward. “I have appointments, and you’re going back.”
“By myself?” His speech went from a relaxed and drowsy cadence to panic. “Wait. Think a minute. I can stay and present the Alysian perspective. I’ll ask what they need and provide them with additional resources. I’m an opportunity you don’t want to toss away right now.”
Pausing, she considered that it might not be a bad idea for the fleet to benefit more from the planet. But Richard staying on board near her? Was that a good idea? Sighing, she thought that if she could just keep herself under control, it might be worthwhile. Improve her libido? Fate, the antidote had turned her into a raving sex maniac.
“You’re just saying that to get back into my bed.”
He grinned at her. “You must admit, it was an awesome experience. At least, for me it was.”
“Argh.” The man was impossible… but it had been… amazing. She weighed her options.
With a grumble, she said, “Go get dressed, meet me in the lounge, and we’ll talk.” Heading into the refresher, she managed a quick peek in the mirror as he rose from the bed in naked splendor. She sighed at the sight.
What have I gotten myself into?
***
Her first appointment on board the New Frontier was in the Captain’s Quarters. Captain James Bradley was an austere man with few decorations or furniture. A desk of electronics, a narrow bookcase, a table, beige walls, and a large monitor showing outside space comprised his quarters. He stood as she entered.
“James.” Her second-in-command came forward for a handshake. She juggled a box and returned the greeting. Tapping her gift, she said, “Jay Luttrell is sending this to you. He claims it will save the fleet.”
Thinking of the vials of the sparkling amber liquid made her tremble. “It’s fifty vials of a sterility antidote.”
Somewhat Alien: The Station (Terran Trilogy Book 2) Page 18