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Part 4

The next morning everyone got the ship ready for the launching ceremony, which would be held at 0900. Admiral Donnelson came aboard at 0800 to make sure everything was ready. "Looks like we're on schedule, James," the admiral said. "The dignitaries will arrive promptly at 0845, so be ready to fly this lady." At 0815, James and his crew changed into their full dress uniforms, and began the checklist for getting underway. Just prior to taking the pilot's seat, James had CWO-3 Stewert put him on the "all call" circuit. "Attention all hands, this is the captain. This is it; today Nightwing takes her fledgling leap from the next and into the black. Prepare to cast off all lines, transfer power from shore to main bus and secure umbilicals. Engine room, standby to answer all bells. Set material condition Yoke throughout the ship. All hands not on watch fall in at quarters for leaving port. Captain out." James took the pilot's seat and strapped in, with Tanya to his right at the navigator's position. Zach manned the science station while Sylvia manned the communications station. Shauna stood by in Engineering, and the rest of the crew--including Moira's avatar--gathered at the aft portion of the bridge. Precisely at 0900, the woman serving as the ship's sponsor, while standing on a special platform in an environment suit, struck the very nose of the hull with the traditional bottle of champaign--surrounded with a special mesh to prevent glass shards from floating about--uttering the time honored words. "I Christian thee Nightwing!" The platform retracted, and the gantry surrounding Nightwing extended outward from the yard complex. Yard workers in environment suits were positioned about to watch and wave, a double row of small craft--grav tugs and inspection pods--formed an "honor guard" of sorts, on either side of Nightwing. When Yard Control gave clearance, James issued the order, "Cast off all lines." The huge work light arrays turned off and swung away. "Thrusters ahead, one quarter," James said calmly, and pushed the power control forward. As soon as the ship began to move, he added very quietly, "Easy does it, my dear, nice and smooth." Nightwing slipped her bonds gracefully, moving under her own power for the first time. The small craft turned on their exterior lights, and Nightwing passed between them, a beautiful dagger of darkness, which reflected no light. When she was fully clear of the gantry, across all communications bands, Nightwing voiced her "hunting" cry--"SKREEEEEEE!!!" All those in range who heard it, and particularly those who saw--felt a shiver run down their spine. "Okay gang, once around the block, and then we find a roost at the station. Here we go...," James announce, cutting in the secondary drive. "Bridge to Engineering--how's it look back there, Miss Eriksson?" /* "Everything's good so far, Skipper; all systems nominal." */ Shauna replied over the intercom. James flew Nightwing around the yard complex, close, yet far enough away so as not to come too close, and then headed to the station.

After being given clearance, James brought Nightwing into the cavernous hanger bay on the Fleet Operations Station, passing through the space doors in a stately manner. Tanya showed James were they were to berth, and James eased the ship in. "Standby mooring lines and umbilicals," James ordered. Word was passed between the other ships present that a new scout ship, fresh out of the yard, was arriving. Although James was concentrating on bringing Nightwing in and not paying attention to faces peering through windows, Tanya did take a moment to look a little closer. She saw the faces looking at them, and thought she could "hear" some of the mental chatter--a mix of excitement, awe, wonder, nervousness, and even a little fear. Nightwing was the only long-range scout ship present, and therefore the only black ship--all others being a light bluish-gray. The stealthy skin of Nightwing, based on organic technology, absorbed all light, reflecting none. Nightwing appeared as a black, dagger-shaped hole moving silently through the well-lit space dock. "All lines secured, boarding tube attached and positive seal established," Miss Stewert announced shortly after they docked. "Very well," James said, "Engineering, transfer ship's power from main bus to shore power, stand down all engines." /* "Aye, aye, captain, transferring power now...," */ Shauna acknowledged, and there was a faint flicker in the lights. /* "Ship's power, gravitational and environmental systems now on shore umbilicals. All engines and thrusters are offline. We are secured, sir," */ "Very well. Nicely done everyone. Secure all stations, all hands assemble at port-side airlock," James announced. "Well, Moira, how's it feel to finally get a little space under your wings?" James asked as he unstrapped and climbed up and out of the pilot's seat. /* "A pleasing experience, James, though it will be much better when I am commissioned and fully yours." */ Tanya quickly glanced at her mate and raised an eyebrow. "I wonder what exactly she meant by that," Tanya sent to James privately. "Um, we get a new bunkmate?" James offered with a little snicker. "James!" "I look forward to it, Moira," James said aloud with a merry look in his eyes, which prompted Tanya to elbow him lightly. /* "As do I, James." */ Tanya rolled her eyes and sent, "Perv! Wanting to bone your own ship!" "Heh, Tan, I think it might be the other way around...maybe she wants me. Anyway, you know my tastes in women--gotta be furry." "I saw the way you looked at her last night, you'd bone Moira if she offered, and you know it!" "Heh, and you'd be wanting her to munch your muff in the process, too!" "Damn straight, I would! Eeep! Did I just say that?" Tanya asked wide-eyed. "Yes, dear, you did," James snickered. "I've been hanging around you too long...you're corrupting me! All this talk of sexy androids and such! Ooo, speaking of pervbots, I wonder what Sylvia did with huge dildo Sonya took from 5917." "We probably don't want to know," James sent with a shudder.

The reception went as James thought it would--boring, tedious, making inane small talk with various V.I.P.s, the usual assortment of hors d'oeuvres, and acidic fruit punch, wimpy handshakes, and the smiling faces of backstabbing political types (the "Great Lesson" had not yet reached everyone). James--and no doubt the rest of his crew--would rather be scrubbing out the waste recycling system, than having to endure the reception. "Enjoying yourself, James?" asked a familiar voice. The somewhat pained smile on his face told Admiral Donnelson what he suspected. "That much, eh?" the admiral chuckled. "Yes, sir." "I know what you mean," Admiral Donnelson said in a conspiratorial voice. "Hopefully this will wind down soon so that we can get some real food. Say, how was it getting to fly Nightwing?" "A little larger than I'm used to, but she handled smoothly. I can't wait to put her through her paces during the shakedown cruise," James replied. "I wish I could tag along with you, but I've got my hands full with a couple of other things." "Sir, may I make an...unusual...request?" James asked. "How unusual?" "After Nightwing gets commissioned and officially turned over to me, I'd like permission to take her and my crew back to our family's old home so we can all visit The Place," James requested. "You mean, actually land the ship there?" Admiral Donnelson asked in astonishment. "Yes, sir...there's enough space in the clearing to the south, behind the old mead hall across the road. The grav thrusters won't disturb things too much, and it's good, solid ground. Anyway, I thought we all might benefit from a little visit--we might need all the help we can get, if you know what I mean, sir." The admiral rubbed his chin in thought, "You're serious about this." "Yes, sir, I am." The admiral regarded James a little longer. "Alright, I'll try to arrange it. We'll call it a "practice" landing, and maybe we can do a little P.R. while we're at it--tastefully, of course. The kids at the school would probably love to see the ship up close, and meet the lady, too." Thank you, sir," James said with a smile. "Don't thank me yet, James--you're gonna owe me one if I can pull this off for you," the admiral admonished with a grin. "Of course, sir."

Once the reception was finally over, the crew of Nightwing hurried back to their ship to switch uniforms. HMC Mindy Sorrel nearly had as many medals on her chest as James, followed by Tanya and Zach. Everyone but James was surprised at the medals and other insignia on CWO-3 Sylvia Stewert's chest--they all knew well enough not to ask about one pin in particular, especially Lilly, whose uncle is the head of JSOC. The pin in question marked Sylvia as a Special Warfare operator. Sonya's jaw dropped when she saw it...and had a healthy new respect for her bunkmate. Ivor didn't know what to think--he was confused, and Sylvia noticed. She frowned ever so slightly at seeing his expression, and was determined to talk to him when they had a chance. She liked Ivor, and especially after having him spend the night with her--even though no sex was involved--she didn't want the budding relationship to be spoiled just because of her qualifications. Moira, unlike her crew, found the reception interesting--to a point. The point in particular came when an older human politician who had engaged her in small talk, asked a not-too-subtle question. "So, just how functional are you?" he had asked lewdly. "Functional enough to effortlessly crush the hand you are using to touch my posterior, and in the time it would take for you to scream in pain, I would notify your family, friends, coworkers, constituents, the Ethics Committee, and the media of what you are wanting to do, as well as the A.I.'s of every starship present--I do not think you would make it very far off this station, providing you can get past my crew, whom I would also have ample time to notify. I would not be surprised if they were to tie you up and throw you out the nearest airlock in your underwear, only to have several warships decide to use you for target practice," Moira replied quietly, calmly. To make her point, she plucked an ice cube from the politician's glass, held it between her thumb and little finger, and squeezed--shattering the ice cube instantly. The offending hand was quickly removed.

Later that afternoon, Moira's avatar walked into James' office while he was going over the list of stores and provisions to be brought onboard the next day. "James, may I inquire about something...personal?" He put down the PAD, giving Moira his full attention. "Sure, what's on your mind, Moira?" "Do you find me attractive?" James raised an eyebrow momentarily and asked, "How do you mean? I ask because as ships go, you are beautifully designed and desirable from the perspective of a pilot; as an A.I., you are a beautiful person, at least to me; as an A.I.'s avatar, you are physically attractive." "It is the later of the three about which I ask, though I appreciate the former two," Moira replied. She stepped close to James and asked, "If you thought no one was watching, would you attempt to grope me?" "No, of course not, your body is your own, Moira. You have the ability and--as far as I'm concerned--the right to determine who, if anyone, you allow to have physical contact and for what reason." "If I gave you permission to touch me, would you desire to do so?" "That would depend on the circumstances." "I believe I understand. I give you permission to touch me as you deem appropriate, preferably without causing harm to this form." "Moira?" "Yes James?" "Do you, um, desire me?" "I am curious and wish to explore certain physical experiences--you are the most logical choice for two reasons. You are my pilot and commanding officer, therefore trust and responsibility are implicit; you also have experience with personal relationships, notably with Lilly and Tanya. Would you be willing to assist me by indulging my curiosity, if you do not find the idea distasteful? I am aware that my avatar is an artificial body, and perhaps it may prove inadequate for the task of providing proper stimulation, however, I am willing to try." "Well, um, geez Moira, what about how Lilly and Tanya might feel about this? After all, they are my mates. As Lilly says, we're a package deal--if you want to be with one of us, you get all three of us. We share and share alike--are you willing to experience being with all three of us?" "I...had not considered that possibility. I do not wish to cause undue stress in your current relationships," Moira said thoughtfully. "I've never been with a human woman, Moira, and that's what your avatar is patterned after. Lilly and Tanya haven't, either." "Have you not sought the services of a pleasure 'droid before, James?" "No, Lilly and I have been involved with each other since we were young, and we've been with Tanya for several years now. Um, there is a possibility that one other is interested." "May I ask who?" "This is just between you and me--Shauna." "Miss Eriksson?" Moira asked, lifting an eyebrow. "Yep, the same." "Interesting. There is a considerable difference in size between you and her." "Yes, there is," James agreed.

Moira's avatar stood within reach, not moving, her face was expressionless, as it often was unless she was actively engaged in conversation. She may have been thinking, or going over any of hundreds of other tasks involving the ship, and it was usually difficult--if not downright impossible--for most people to know which part of her was doing the thinking, talking, and so forth. The android avatar has the ship A.I.'s personality matrix, and is also in constant contact with the ship's computer system, plus its own memory, and can operate completely independent of the ship. It is like being with someone who literally can be in more than one location at once, especially if she elected to use the holographic projections emitters throughout the ship. It can be a bit disconcerting to carry on a four-way conversation with Moira--through the comm system, her android avatar, and holographic projection--all discussing a topic with a member of her crew with independent thought streams. It's like four individuals talking in a group.

Curious, James stood up, watching Moira's eyes to see if they followed--they did. "Moira, you asked a while ago about groping--has someone touched you against your wishes?" "Yes." "Who was it, and when did it happen?" "One of the V.I.P.'s at the reception this morning." "I see. Do you wish to talk about it?" James asked with concern--and with good reason, after the incident with the belligerent officer in the station's dining facility. Moira related the situation, and how she handled it. "I assume he got the point?" James asked when she finished. "He removed his hand voluntarily, and did not bother me further." "That's good; I hope he learned not to try that again. Perhaps it may be prudent to make a written report of it and send it to my inbox. I'll forward it on to Admiral Donnelson with a few comments of my own." Moira paused a second and then said, "Done." Gently taking a hold of Moira's hand, James asked, "Are you okay?" It's easy to forget at times that Moira isn't human. "If I understand your usage correctly, I believe the appropriate answer is 'yes'." James felt an urge to give Moira's avatar a comforting hug, perhaps only as a conditioned response to someone who had a bad experience. Moira hesitated only for a brief moment, before putting her arms around him. "James, do you find my posterior appealing?" she asked quietly as they held each other. "You mean, do I think you have a nice ass?" Moira actually grinned and said, "An interesting choice of words, though, yes." "Well, I've...never seen you undressed before." "Would you care to now?" "Um, I don't think it would be appropriate at this time...maybe later?" Moira nodded her head once. "James?" "Yes, Moira?" "Touch me...please?" James suddenly had the impression that Moira was coming onto him--the A.I. systems programmers had insisted it isn't possible for ship A.I.'s or their avatars to become romantically involved with "living" people, though there were plenty of rumors among the crews of scout ships--and Spirit-class ones in particular--of A.I.'s doing exactly that. Still, James was himself curious, so he slid a hand down Moira's back, running his hand down the center of her butt with his middle finger tracing its cleavage. He cupped one butt cheek, and then moved his other hand down to cup the other, giving them both a gentle squeeze. James found them to be firm, though still soft enough to be quite enjoyable. "Do you like?" she asked, looking up into his eyes. James simply nodded his head, thinking that anything he might say would sound corny. "I find the sensation...pleasing. Touch me more," se said softly. James arched an eyebrow, and then slid his hands up her sides and around her front. Moira's breasts, like her but cheeks, were firm though pliable in his hands. They were neither too large nor too small, being a perfect size for her build. He felt no bra underneath, though she wore a regulation black tank top at least under her uniform. "Do you find my breasts enjoyable?" "Yes, they feel quite...realistic." "I find it curiously...satisfying...that my body pleases you, James. I do not fully understand the sensations I am feeling, perhaps another time in a more appropriate setting, we may explore them together more deeply." "More deeply...as in, me fucking your electronic brains out?" James thought to himself. "That would be nice, Moira," he said aloud. She smiled and said quietly, "Touch me more," guiding his hand downward. James most certainly had a hard-on by this time, and feeling Moira's crotch was making it worse. Continuing to hold James' hand between her legs, she asked, "May I touch you?" James nodded his head, and Moira placed her hand on his crotch, rubbing it gently. "It is...firm. Why?" "You've got me turned-on, Moira." Seeing the questioning look on her face he added, "That means, aroused." "Ah. Do you wish to mate with me?" "Moira, I...um...you're making it..." "Do you want me?" "...Oh, hell...yes, I do." "Then on the night of my commissioning, I will give myself to you--completely. I want you, to be yours. James, do you think--no, believe--that it is possible for a ship's A.I. to...love?" "Geez, Moira...I don't know, maybe. There might be some threshold where, if crossed, an A.I. could feasibly develop genuine emotions just like a flesh and blood person. Are you wondering if you may be feeling real emotions?" "I am not sure. There is nothing that I can find in my programming that might explain this...desire. It is not logical, yet I can not deny it." Moira slipped her arms around James' neck, and looked him in the eyes. "Damn, why does this have to happen to me? She's beautiful, yet she's just a machine, but if she really is somehow having real emotions...ooh, I wouldn't want to piss her off! Maybe Zach was right, maybe they have gone too far with ship A.I.'s and their avatars--would they end up taking over someday, or do like the G.E.L.F.s did centuries ago?" James thought to himself. He put his arms around Moira's waist and kissed her--and she kissed back. "James...that was...unexpected, but...I liked it." James wondered how a computer--a machine--could "like" something. Could she truly interpret sensations the same as biological beings? "Your first kiss..." "Yes. James, if our schedule permits, may we go out on a date?" "Just you and me, or with Lilly and Tanya, too?" James asked, surprised a bit by Moira's request. It took only a tiny fraction of a second for Moira to think, "I would prefer to be alone with James, however, I must respect the fact that he already has two mates. He has stated that they 'share and share alike', so I must adapt and likewise share if I am to be with him. I should take time to get to know Lilly and Tanya better--perhaps this would be a good start, and then I should spend time individually with them. I wonder--should I consider Shauna as well? I will wait until the probability of her joining James, Lilly, and Tanya increases to greater than fifty percentile." To James she replied, "Perhaps it would be best if we make it a foursome. I hope they will accept me when I become yours." "Geez, you make it sound like we're getting married or something!" James thought to himself. "Okay, I'll ask them, and we'll see how our schedule is going...as soon as I finish going through that list of stores and provisions," he said, pointing to the PAD on his desk. "I will let you get back to your work. James?" "Yes, Moira?" "Thank you," she replied, and then she leaned in and kissed him on the lips. On her way out of his office, James could have sworn that Moira put a little sway in her hips. She paused briefly at the door to look back at him--was that an expression of longing on her face? "Damn, Moira, for a machine, you're one sexy woman...I am so hosed!" James thought, leaning forward over his desk, resting his head on his arms.

Sonya and Ivor were crawling through the upper starboard torpedo magazine on the way to the launcher tubes to prep for weapons onload. Sonya crawled ahead of Ivor, the tip of her tail occasionally brushing across his face. He had a good view of her backside as they moved through the magazine. "Nothing like getting yourself into a tight hole, right, McElroy?" Sonya asked almost suggestively, swiping her tail across his face again. "Careful lad, she could be baiting ye," he thought to himself. "So ye say, mum." Sonya stopped suddenly in her tracks, nearly causing Ivor's face to press against her butt. "Oops, almost past it," Sonya said, looking up. "Past what, mum?" "This junction box. I've been meaning to take some measurements...why don't you go on ahead? I'll be along shortly." "Er, how mum? There be no room to get by." Sonya grinned and rolled over on her back. "You'll just have to crawl over me." "Mum?" "You're not deaf, McElroy. Come on, crawl over me, I won't bite...hard." She said that last word softly, though Ivor still heard it. "Er, perhaps I could..." "What, are you afraid I might say (switching to a falsetto voice), 'Oh, rape! Rape!' (Switching back to her normal husky voice) C'mon, McElroy, unless you've got a pulser on rapid fire, there isn't any way that anyone would believe that line because I'm bigger and stronger than you are. Folks would believe you if you said that, especially if I was wearing a lubed up strap-on, and no, I didn't bring one with me. Oh, don't look at me like that, geez--I'm not going to bone your tail hole! Um, unless you want me to...just joking! C'mon, crawl over already!" "*Cough* As you wish, mum," Ivor said a little nervously. Instead of keeping her legs together to make it easier for Ivor to get by, Sonya spread them, forcing him to pass between them. In the close confines of the crawlway, Ivor easily caught Sonya's scent just as he started over her--he felt himself getting hard, despite the fact that he wasn't particularly attracted to her. When he was over her body, Sonya grabbed the front of his uniform, stopping Ivor in his tracks. "Hey, just curious, how was it with Sylvia last night?" Sonya asked. "Er, we...*cough*...didn't do a thing, mum...just slept together is all." "Bullshit, how could anyone get into bed with Syl and not have their brains fucked out by that bat?" Sonya demanded. "Aye, mum, we dinna do a thing!" Ivor insisted. "Aw, c'mon, you had to have boned her...front or back?" "No, mum, neither." "Licked her cunt?" "No, mum." "Sucked a tit?" "No, mum." "Lick her ear?" "No, mum. She asked me to kiss her goodnight, an' I did." "Did she slip you some tongue?" "Er...a little, I s'pose." "Now we're getting somewhere! Did she suck you off?" "No mum! It was as I said; we just curled up together an' slept the whole night! She made me promise to behave meself." "Were you stiff?" "Aye...I couldna help that..." "Balls sore this morning?" "Er...aye, a little." "Wanna fuck me?" "I...HUH?!" "C'mon, it'll make you feel better...can't have my Gunner's Mate going around with a plugged barrel." "But..." "Oh, now if you want to bone by butt, that'll cost ya dinner and a bottle, and Syl might suspect something. Come to think of it, so might Cara." "Mum, I..." "So, do you wanna fuck me or what? If I gotta suck you off in order to relieve those blue balls, that'll cost ya a bottle--I prefer the taste of cunt juice in my mouth, but hey, in a pinch I'll suck a dick. I'm trying to do you a favor here, McElroy--you spent the whole freaking night with Syl, and nothing to show for it, so I'm offering to let you unload that puppy between my legs for free. That's better than the doc'll tell you to do for relief. She'll just say wrap a warm, wet washcloth around it and go jerk off in a corner somewhere. That doesn't sound like much fun to me!" Sonya unzipped her uniform with her other hand. "I'll even let you lick me first, if that'll help..." "Er...well..." Sonya began working herself out of her uniform. "C'mon, how many times do foxes get to bone a big cat?" Ivor would rather have Sylvia, of course, or Cara...even Mindy, and he could only dream about the other women on the ship. Sonya was right on one thing, this would feel better--hopefully--than a warm, wet washcloth and a hand job. With a sigh of resignation, Ivor unzipped his own uniform and worked it down to his knees. He contemplated the sight of Sonya laying there, working her skivvies down her legs, and then thought, "In for a penny, in for a pound," and decided to give her head first. "Ooo...that's not...mmm...bad. Yeah, stick that...*moan*...tongue in me! That's it, eat this kitty, fox boy!" Ivor had never had sex with a cat before, mostly because he just wasn't particularly interested--he preferred ladies who were more gentle. That was what confused him about Sylvia, though for the moment, he has something more immediate to think about. "R-R-R-A-A-W-R-R-R!" Sonya rumbled throatily, mashing Ivor's face into her crotch as she peaked. It took at least a minute for Sonya to quit twitching. "*Pant!* Geez, McElroy...that was...*pant* damn good! Ooo, gimme a minute...*pant*" Ivor busied himself with trying to clean the fur on his muzzle and cheeks as best as he could without soap, water, and a washrag. When she was ready again, Sonya grabbed Ivor and pulled him on top of her, and then kissed him firmly before licking his face. "I may end up taking you out to dinner! Sonya exclaimed. "Okay, let's see what you can do with that tool of yours...do me!" He wasn't used to doing it "human style", so he started slowly, trying to find the right angle. Once he was in Sonya, he went all the way in, and actually "bottomed out", which surprised him because he thought she'd be bigger inside. Ivor got a good rhythm going, and thought being in Sonya was better than he imagined. "Oh, yea-a-a-a-h! Pound i-i-i-it! Fu-u-u-u-ck m-e-e-e-e! Ah-ah-ah-ah!" Ivor was humping fast and hard, and felt the buildup--he was getting close. "*Pant!* It's...getting...*pant!*...close..." "Oh GAWDS...DO IT! Fill m-m-m-e...b-b-b-aby-y-y!" "NNNGA-A-A-A-A-AH!!!" "Y-Y-Y-E-E-E-ES-S-S!!!" Ivor collapsed on top of Sonya, still in her, and they both lay there panting hard. "Hoo boy! I am definitely gonna have to take you out to dinner!" Sonya said happily, when she caught her breath again. "Hell, I might even cook dinner for you...and I don't do that for any guy!" "I...I'm glad...you enjoyed it," Ivor said slowly. Physically, it was a relief, getting to have sex, even if it was just a "quickie" done as a "favor". He would much rather have a nice romantic evening with someone special, leading up to spending a night making love, instead of a "wham, bam, thank you ma'am" quickie--it just wasn't his style. Ivor tried not to think how this would affect his chances--if he even had any--with Sylvia, or how Cara might think of it. "Ach, a wee bit late for all that, now, ol' boy. What's done is done, an' it'll be a cold day, no doubt, before Miss Stewert would be havin' me now--if she ever would t'begin with," Ivor thought. "Do you feel better now that you finally got to fire off a round?" Sonya asked with a grin. "Aye, mum...thank you, it was much better than the alternative." "Good to hear it. Next time you're feeling frustrated again, let me know. Now scotch yourself up and I'll lick ya clean." Ivor decided it was best not to argue with her, so he pulled out and worked his way forward so that she could clean him. "Mmm...not bad...," Sonya said, taking him all the way into her mouth. When she finished with him, she said, "Okay, let's get dressed and get some work done before somebody sends 5917 looking for us--I don't wanna imagine what that pervbot might think up next." Ivor pulled his skivvies and his uniform back up, and then he helped Sonya get back into hers. By the time Sonya and Ivor made it to the torpedo launchers, Sonya commented, "Geez, as soon as we finish here, I'm going to have to change my skivvies--you must have shot a big load in me, McElroy, not that I'm complaining." "Aye, mum, I s'pose so." Sonya put down her measurement tool and faced Ivor, crossing her arms across her chest. "You haven't been saying much since we took liberty in Tycho City. Spill--what's got you so tight-lipped recently?" "I...prefer not to talk about it, mum." "I'm no shrink, but c'mon, if something's buggin' you, you need to talk about it. You're not all tied up in knots over Syl, are you?" Ivor looked up from an instrument panel and replied, "No, mum. Miss Stewert was just...she asked if I wanted to be alone, and I said 'no', so she..." "...Had you over for a snuggle party," Sonya butted in. "Aye, mum, something like that." "Hmm...she's a tough one to figure out. Just when I was sure I had her pegged, she throws a winger and probably has everyone but Moira scared of her now." "I dunna understand, she's so sweet, an' carin', an' gentle...," Ivor said quietly. "...Yeah, and she can kill without hesitation, too. Kinda creepy knowing she can charm the tail off of someone and just as easily put a knife in 'im. I wonder why we have a SpecWar operator as part of our crew...is there something Command isn't telling us?" "I dunna know, mum, I'm just a Gunner's Mate," Ivor said. Sonya wrapped her arms around Ivor and held him close--it surprised him, but he didn't mind as much as he once thought he would. "At least I know you've got a good aim...," she said quietly, and began her deep, rumbling purr.

The rest of the day, Sylvia noticed that everyone--except for the captain and Moira--gave her a little more room, or suddenly became quiet for a moment when she entered a space. Instead of getting admiring looks as she had before, she detected a certain amount of apprehension--almost to the point of fear in some. It was bothering her--she was still the same person she was before they saw the Special Warfare pin on her full dress uniform. These people are her shipmates, surly they should know that she of all people would not hesitate to put her life on the line for them. Even Sonya has become a little subdued in her company. And then there is poor Ivor...she is rather fond of him, especially after their night together and he proved that he could restrain himself; that is a definite plus in her book. She sat at the communications console, working on analyzing the signal recording given to her by Admiral Donnelson. Lilly was with her, helping to clean up the noise. "Lilly," Sylvia sent privately, "are you afraid of me, too?" She glanced over at Sylvia, and then paused the recording. "Um, I've got a pretty good idea what you're capable of, ma'am. My uncle commanded a Special Warfare team before he was promoted to Rear Admiral--Uncle Kenny's a great guy, but you don't wanna piss him off. I've seen what he can to do someone, once," Lilly replied. "But are you scared of me?" "Skunks usually aren't scared of anyone, though the Zadori kinda creep me out. To answer your question, ma'am, I guess you can say that I've got a healthy respect for SpecWar types. Jamie--I mean, the captain--and I probably understand things a little better than the others." "I know your uncle--I served under him during the R'Hinsa Campaign. I was part of the team your cousin dropped off to secure the perimeter around Chief Sorrel's position so wounded could be medevac'd up to the Calgary. That marine officer on the station--he was the one she threw herself on to protect when a R'Hinsi plasma cannon targeted their position. Half his leg was a mess from an earlier hit, and they both nearly became crispy critters, if it hadn't been for some fancy flying by the skipper. He blasted the cannon emplacement, dropped us, and then set down in a hot LZ . He personally got out and helped drag people in, including the Chief. Yeah, a pulse from that cannon came close enough to give her a nasty burn across her back, but she kept on helping the wounded. Our own corpsman tried to help her, but she was more concerned with keeping that young officer alive. I heard she finally collapsed in shock and pain once he was getting emergency surgery." "Geez, I didn't know all that--Jamie's told me a little about it. I didn't know you two had met then." "We only sort of met--he talked with us a little. We resupplied, and he took us back down, flying through the canyons like a madman, playing that ancient classical music, "Ride of the Valkyries", and cheerfully blasting anything that moved. He flew his PCG upside-down low to 'flip the bird' at the R'Hinsi on the ground while burning them down. He's nuts, but we liked him--he got us in, and came back to pick us up." "It's no wonder why Uncle Kenny told me what he did before he left, the day he had lunch with us." "What was that?" Sylvia asked. "That Jamie has experience flying in and out of dangerous situations," Lilly replied. "He certainly does." Sylvia and Lilly went back to work on the recording, and were silent for a time. "Ma'am? Why did you ask me if I was afraid of you?" Lilly asked privately. "Ever since that reception, everyone's acting differently around me, after seeing me in my dress uniform." "Oh, yeah, I kinda noticed that. Is it bothering you?" "Yeah...they're my shipmates, not my enemy! Geez, just because they found out one little thing about me, they're half afraid of being near me. I'm still the same person, can't they see that?" Lilly sensed the hurt and frustration in Sylvia, which prompted Lilly to hatch a little plan--if James and Moira would go along with it.

Later that evening at dinner, Sylvia walked into the crew's mess, and conversations quieted for a moment. "See, Jamie? See how they're actin' now?" Lilly sent to her cousin. "Yeah, I do. I can't be having this crap on my ship--enough's enough," James replied, disgusted by what he saw and sensed. Sylvia went to the table Ivor was sitting at and asked, "May I?" indicating the empty seat next to him. Ivor, of course, stood out of respect as is proper, and following his lead, so did Felix. Once she took her seat, Ivor and Felix returned to theirs. Conversation seemed subdued, and Sylvia felt hurt after brushing against Ivor and he pulled away slightly. "Ivor...what's wrong? I thought you liked me...?" she sent privately. "I...I do, but...I'm confused, mum," he replied. "Can we talk about it? Please? After dinner?" she asked. "If ye wish, mum." His sending conveyed his apprehension, and Sylvia was dismayed. She barely ate much of her supper, and after several minutes of silence, she abruptly stood up. "What's the matter with everyone? Why do you suddenly get quiet around me and act scared, just because of one hard-earned insignia you saw me wearing? I'm still the same person! Why are you treating me like this? Don't you understand anything? I'm...," she said in frustration, but Sylvia was interrupted.

/* BONG! BONG! BONG! INTRUDER ALERT! INTRUDER ALERT! */

The alarm sounded loudly and very unexpectedly. No sooner than it sounded, a distinctive humming scaled up within the crew's mess, followed by an object materializing. "GRENADE!!!" someone shouted, and everyone dived for cover--except one. Without hesitation, Sylvia threw herself on it, attempting to absorb the blast in order to protect the others. "Moira! Secure from Intruder Alert!" James called out.

The silence was deafening.

James strode over and helped Sylvia up, who was most definitely confused and beginning to shake. "Well now, doesn't this just beat all?" James began his rant. "I'm sorry to have put you through this, Miss Stewert, and I hope you can forgive me for it, but I needed to make a point. You did exactly as you've been trained, though I certainly expected better from the rest of my crew!" he said the later caustically. "It's a good thing this was brought to my attention when it was, because apparently several f you failed to understand what I said the very first day we met, and in this very place. I will...not...tolerate this kind of behavior in my crew. Ever since you saw the Special warfare pin on Miss Stewert's uniform, you have suddenly began treating her as if she's some sort of unstable, cold-hearted killer. Miss Stewert is right--she's still the same person you've come to know these past several days, and you don't understand a thing about Special Warfare people." James bent down and picked up the "grenade"--an orange painted to look like one. "When this 'grenade' appeared, what did you do? You dived for cover, thinking only of yourself. Miss Stewert however did not think of herself--she thought of you, her shipmates. She didn't hesitate to jump on this, thinking only of trying to save your hides, the hides of the very people who have suddenly started to act like idiots towards her because of a qualification pin. You are her shipmates, people she trusts, people who should 'have her back' in a fight--she just proved that she is willing to risk her life for you. I've been on combat missions with Miss Stewert, so has Chief Sorrel. I trust Miss Stewert with my life, no question--if you can't handle the fact that Miss Stewert is a fully qualified, experienced, Special Warfare operator, and still the same highly competent, sweet, lovable, and charming Comm Officer you've known her to be, then GET OFF MY SHIP!" James tossed the "grenade" to GMM1 McElroy and said a little quieter, "Enjoy the orange, mister," and then stormed out of t he crew's mess.

The room was silent.

Lilly got up and walked over to Sylvia, giving her a hug. "Don't blame Jamie...it was my idea. I'll stop in and see you later," Lilly sent privately. Tanya gave Sylvia a hug next, saying, "I trust you completely, Syl--you're a good person." Moira's avatar was next, giving Sylvia a hug, "I am glad that was not real--I do not wish to lose you." Zach likewise gave Sylvia a hug, "You're a good person, Syl...you can have my six any day." Mindy simply hugged Sylvia tightly--she understood. Shauna went down on one knee so that she could hug Sylvia, too. "Geez, girl, you're almost as crazy as James is!" That left Sonya, Ivor, Cara, and Felix. Sonya approached Sylvia first, in as much of a submissive posture as the puma could muster--it wasn't much, but it was genuine. "Syl...um, I'm sorry if I've been...well, a bit unnerved, I guess. I never figured you for a ...for anything other than a regular Comm-Off." Sonya stood there, fidgeting, until Sylvia reached for her. "Sonya, I'm not going to jump you during the night--unless you want me to, and only for fun. You ought to sleep the best at night of anyone, because I'm not going to let anyone get to you." Cara took her turn, her face red with embarrassment. "I-I'm sorry, too, Miss Stewert. I've only seen a group of Special Warfare guys once while on my last ship. I was crossing the hanger deck when they entered, heavily armed, carrying their gear and all camouflaged. The look on their faces scared the crap out of me. I guess they were going to load up on their special assault craft for a drop--we were just ferrying them. They didn't say a word to anyone; they just walked in all quiet like, and had a cold look on their faces. Everybody, even the fighter pilots, hushed up and kept their distance. The whole time they were aboard, they kept to themselves, and their officers refused to eat in the wardroom, which pissed off out CO, but he got told from higher-ups to leave them alone. He made sure we did, too." "That's understandable, Cara. We get extremely focused and alert just before a mission, plus we stick together, do everything together--we're trained to think, act, and react as one. Cara, we're only dangerous to our enemies--not our shipmates." Sylvia hugged a tearful Cara, and then Felix with his tail twitching nervously and ears back, took his turn. "Um...I don't know what to say, ma'am, I'm just a dumb clerk, ey." "Felix Canberra, you are not dumb! You're one of the most organized and resourceful people I know! Just don't be afraid of me...unless we're competing in a darts tournament, then you're going to lose!" Sylvia said with a grin, and then hugged him. Ivor approached last, wit ha definite remorseful look on his face. He stood before Sylvia like a scolded kit, ears lowered, shoulders slumped, and tail between his legs. "If--if you wish, could we go somewhere and...talk...in private?" he nearly whispered. Sylvia got a worried look on her face, and suggested, "My room?" Ivor nodded his head slightly, so they picked up their trays, put them in the cleaning chute, and left the crew's mess together.

Sylvia closed the privacy curtain around her bunk, and sat down on it, patting the mattress next to her for Ivor to sit. When he sat down, Ivor left a hand's width of space between them--Sylvia promptly scooted over so that they were against each other. "I don't want anything between us--no space, no walls...nothing. Understand?" Sylvia sent gently. Ivor nodded his head. "Miss Stewert, I..." "It's 'Sylvia'...this is my bed, remember?" "Aye, mum. Sylvia...I...I don't know where to begin." "I'm a big girl, Ivor, just say what comes, and we'll sort it all out together, okay?" "Aye, mum." Sylvia hoped that Ivor wasn't going to reject her--there weren't many people that she would let get particularly close to her. She may flirt with many, but only got close to a few, and Ivor was one of those few she wanted close. "I-I've always been attracted to lassies who are of the gentler sort, an' you're so kind, an' sweet, an' seem like a gentle soul...I-I got confused, you bein' a fightin' type o' lass. I've been tryin' hard to sort it out in me head." Sylvia could easily sense the confusion Ivor felt, and she wanted to ease his mind. "Ivor, I don't let many people get too close, but you're one I'd like very much to be close. I may wear body armor out there, but...not here, not in my bed, not with someone I trust and care about." Ivor met her gaze for a moment, his ears perked up a little, but then he looked over at Sonya's bunk, and his ears dropped again. He closed his eyes and heaved a sigh. "Sylvia, I...I'm not sure ye'd be havin' me." "Why do you say that, Ivor?" Sylvia asked, growing a bit concerned. "I never thought me chances were good, bein' with such a fair lass as ye, an' especially not bein' a Warrant an' me just an enlisted. Dunna get me wrong, mum, I enjoyed spendin' the night with ye. This afternoon, Miss Redhill an' I were makin' our way to the torpedo launchers, when she stopped in the crawlway an' started askin' all sorts of personal questions about us bein' together. I kept insistin' we dinna do a thing, but she wouldn't ha' it. All of a sudden like, she...she...just came out and asked if I'd..." He faltered, and looked terribly embarrassed. "Did she want you to have sex with her?" Sylvia asked gently. Ivor hung his head in shame. "I take it that she talked you into it." Ivor merely nodded his head. Sylvia put her arm around Ivor and held him. "Did you like it with her?" "I've ne'r been interested in cats, an' still not, but...I s'pose...she offered to cook me dinner." "Sonya actually offered to cook dinner for you? I'm impressed." "Aye, I thought she only preferred the company of other females." "She does, but I wonder...do I have competition now for your affection?" Sylvia asked tenderly, touching Ivor's face. "Y-You...would still...after...?" *Giggle* "Ivor, if I just wanted to have sex, I could, anytime I choose, but...," she added softly, "...maybe I want more than...that." Sylvia gently held Ivor's chin and edged slowly closer, until her lips brushed his. "Do you want...more...?" "Oh, aye..." Sylvia kissed Ivor sweetly, tenderly, lovingly. "Ivor?" "Aye, Sylvia?" "Love me...please?"

"Captain, it's a wonder half the crew didn't pee themselves, and the other half keel-over from a heart attack, after that performance--and poor Miss Stewert! She's probably going to need psych therapy, and I'm not qualified to do that! I've got to keep everyone patched together, and you're scaring them out of their wits--they'll be jumping at every little noise or diving on or away from every piece of fruit onboard!" HMC Mindy Sorrel was usually so quiet and calm, seeing her work up a good rant was extraordinary. "Point taken, Chief, but you yourself saw how Sylvia was being treated--I couldn't have that," James argued. "I did, sir, but most of us--particularly you, me, and Petty Officer Donnelson--didn't seem to have a problem with Miss Stewert being in Special Warfare, mostly because we've dealt with them before, or at least knew better than to think they're nothing by stone-cold killers!" "I understand what you're getting at. Sylvia is still Sylvia, whether anyone knows what her background is or not, and just because they found out when she wore her full dress uniform, it shouldn't have made any difference." "Correct, sir. I just think the situation could have been handled less stressfully than scaring us all half to death!" "If I may?" Moira asked calmly. James nodded his head for her to continue. "While the demonstration was certainly dramatic, sometimes a quite graphic example will drive home a point far more clearly, and be much more memorable, than merely speaking about it. S it is often said, actions speak louder than words, and Sylvia's actions proved the point far better that she would make the ultimate sacrifice to protect others, even those who had began to treat in a less positive way for such a simple thing as discovering something of her background. I have no doubt that Sylvia would much rather continue to enjoy the life she has. As for Sylvia receiving psych therapy, I believe she may be involved in her own peculiar form of it as we speak. "How do you mean?" Chief Sorrel asked. "Ivor accompanied Sylvia into her stateroom, where they have been for the past thirty minutes." "You are not spying on them, are you?" Mindy asked, putting her hands on her hips. "Of course not, I merely saw t hem enter together, and they have not come out yet. Before they left the crew's mess, Ivor asked Sylvia if they could go somewhere private to talk, and she suggested her stateroom. What they may or may not be doing--as long as no one is getting hurt--is none of my business," Moira replied calmly. "Well, if Sylvia and Ivor are off 'talking' together, then that may be the best thing--let them work things out. Chief, your concerns for everyone's mental health are noted, and appreciated. I'll set some time aside to have a chat with Sylvia to see how she's doing." More softly James asked, "How are you doing, Mindy?" "Feeling like I could use a good, stiff...drink, sir." The insides of Mindy's ears turned a slightly darker shade of pink as a wave of embarrassment washed over her--she was thinking one thing, but caught herself in time and said something else. "I know what you meant...a little TLC does wonders," James sent privately, causing Mindy's ears to blush again. Aloud he said, "I think I may have just the thing, Chief..." "I know you do," Mindy thought to herself...and it wasn't the alcohol that she was thinking of. While James looked in a cabinet for a bottle he had stashed, Moira's avatar excused herself and went off to do something else. Mindy felt a little relief after Moira walked out--she usually didn't mind having Moira's android self around, but sometimes it was nice to be alone with a "real" person. "Ah ha! I thought I had this stashed in here!" James announced triumphantly, producing a bottle of a green-colored liquid, and a box. "Don't tell me you drink that catnip juice...," Mindy said, wrinkling her nose. "Ah...no, this is much more potent," James said with a grin. He set the bottle down on his desk and opened the box. Inside were two glasses, a container, and an odd-looking ornate device that looked like a cross between a pair of scissors and a tea infuser. He put the glasses on the desk, opened the container, and removed two white cubes, putting one into the cage-like end of the scissor-like device, and then inserted it into a glass. James opened the bottle and slowly poured some of its contents over the cube, dissolving it, and half filled the glass. He repeated the procedure with the second glass, and when he was finished, James handed one of the two glasses to Mindy. "What is it?" she asked after taking a sniff of the intoxicating liquid. "Absinthe, made like it was in ancient times...it'll curl your tail," James replied with a wink. Holding his glass up, James offered a toast, "To 'Demon's Canyon'..." "...And LZ Charlie-One," Mindy added, clinking their glasses together. James nodded his head and they both tossed back the contents of their glasses. *Cough!* "GAAAH! That's...*grimace*...STRONG!!" Mindy exclaimed, trying to catch her breath after downing the fiery liquid. Grimacing himself, James said with a sly grin, "Warned ya." "Whoa...I think I might have to go lie down after that bombshell went off in my stomach," Mindy said, rubbing her face. "Give me a minute, and I'll walk you back to Sickbay, James said. Mindy nodded her head and sat down while James put things away. By the time they got to Mindy's quarters, she was feeling a little fuzzy. "Geez, I-I guess it...it's been awhile...," she said when James sat her down on her rack. "Are you going to be okay, Mindy?" James asked softly. "Yeah, um...sir? Um...would you mind...sitting with me a few minutes? I...would like the company." "Sure, Mindy, I'll sit with you." After a moment, Mindy said, "Sir? I-I'm sorry I went off a while ago, I..." "Shhh, it's okay. You've got every right to be concerned with the health and welfare of all of us, that's your job, just as it's my job to bring you back home." "You did bring me back home, didn't you, sir?" "You and the others, yeah." Mindy leaned against James and he put his arm around her. "How's the back?" James asked softly. "Still hurts." "Want me to rub some of that gel on it?" "That...would be nice of you...sir." "Where do you keep it at, Mindy?" "In that drawer over there," she replied, pointing to it. James slowly stood up, feeling the effects of the absinthe himself. After retrieving the jar containing the blue healing gel, Mindy unzipped her uniform and James helped her work her arms out of the sleeves. She looked up at him--James could see the apprehension in her eyes. It wasn't because he might see her bare chest; it was because of the huge, ugly scar across her back. Mindy was very self-conscious of it, afraid of anyone seeing it and thinking her maimed and undesirable. James smiled softly and stroked Mindy's cheek with the back of his fingers. She leaned her head against his hand a moment, closing her eyes. James opened the jar and positioned himself so that he could apply the medicine to the scar. It looked a little better than the last time he's seen it--the eight-centimeter wide scar that ran diagonally across her back from left shoulder to her bottom ribs on the right, was no longer the angry red welt it had been. The searing heat from the plasma bolt, which narrowly missed her, had burned deep, charring muscles down to the bone. The gel augmented and accelerated the regeneration of tissue, and in time, the scar would be reduced to a discoloration of skin and fur. Before applying the gel, James tenderly kissed the top of Mindy's shoulder, and t hen the scar itself, as a way of showing that he accepted her as she is, scar and all. As James applied the gel, it seemed almost to glow for a moment before disappearing into her skin. "Feel good?" "Yeah. Sir? May I ask...a personal question?" "Sure." "Do...do you think I'm...attractive...?" James smiled and said softly, "You're a beautiful woman, Mindy." "Even with...that?" "Even so." James finished applying the gel and put the jar away. When he turned around, Mindy was still sitting with the top half of her uniform down around her waist and shoulders rolled forward. Hesitantly, she held out her left hand, and James held it. Mindy stood up slowly, letting her uniform fall to the deck around her ankles. She leaned against James' chest, placing her hands flat on it. Looking up, Mindy grasped the zipper pull on his uniform, looked at it while slowly pulling it downward a couple of centimeters, and then looked back up into his eyes. It was clear what she was wanting. "Are you sure, Mindy?" James sent. She nodded her head, and slowly pulled the zipper all the way down. "You know what I've been through--you were there, you understand. I wouldn't be here if you hadn't somehow made it through to make the pick up. It's been a long time since...since I've been with anyone because of that," she sent, nodding towards her back. "I know this is all wrong, but...I-I just want to feel...like I could still be...attractive, maybe even...sexy...to someone, and...I trust you. Please? Just this once?" James did understand all too well what Mindy said. He smiled, cupped her chin in his hand, and gently kissed her on the lips. "Mindy, you are a sexy babe..." James shut the door to her quarters and then peeled out of his uniform. She normally kept the door open between her berthing compartment and her office, drawing the curtain closed instead, in case she needed to hear anyone come in. For being in her early thirties, Mindy was in good shape, in part due to the extensive physical rehab she had gone through. James took his time, touching, kissing, nuzzling, hugging, and licking. They made love slowly, sensuously, savoring the experience. Mindy and James orgasmed at near the same time, minds locked together just as their bodies were. They lay together in a loving embrace until James' knot subsided. No one had shared themselves so deeply with Mindy before--it was a new and extremely intimate experience for her. "James...that was...wonderful. Thank you." "I'm glad you enjoyed it, Mindy," he sent back, caressing her face. "Liked it? I could fall in love with a guy like you...if he was unattached..." "Maybe I should introduce you to some of my relatives...," James sent with a grin. "You mean...there are more like you back home?" she asked in surprise. James kissed Mindy on the lips, "Yep," and as he kissed her on the neck, both nipples, down her front, and on her pubic mound, "I...have...several...cousins...who...are...single..." *mrrph!* *Gasp!* "Oh...my...goodness...*moan!* Several minutes later, Mindy was bucking and cumming hard from the ministrations of James' long, wolf-like tongue. She held her pillow over her mouth and screamed in ecstasy into it, while James drank her up. When the last of the orgasmic spasms subsided, Mindy laid there unable to move, panting hard, and wondering where that came from. "James...wha...what did you...do...to me?" He lay down beside her and demonstrated how long his tongue is, and Mindy looked in awe. "That...that's as long as your..." James nodded with a sly grin. "Gawds! You had that...all the way in me?" Again, James nodded his head. *Moan!* James snickered and sent, "Another thing I got from the wolf side of my family." "James?" "Yeah, Mindy?" "Got room in your house for another?"

The next morning, James woke up between Lilly and Tanya, the three of them spooned together. He rather enjoyed lying curled up with his two mates, feeling their fur against his bare skin. Lilly's silky soft fur always felt pleasing to the touch, and her luxuriously fluffy tail made for good snuggling. Tanya's double coat of fur--longer guard hairs and wooly undercoat--definitely kept him warm, especially when she was against his back. James laid there for as long as he could, until the alarm chimed promptly at 0600 and the lights came on. It was going to be a busy day for the crew of Nightwing, onloading supplies and provisions for their shakedown cruise, which would begin the next day. They grudgingly got up, showered, dressed, and headed off to the crew's mess for breakfast. James looked over his crew while they ate, seeing how they acted and interacted. Moira's avatar was there, too--not eating, of course, but engaging in small talk, listening, and watching the same as James was. After breakfast she would have a report waiting for him with her observations on crew behaviorism and morale. From James' perspective, Lilly, Tanya, Zach, and Shauna sat at his table. Actually, Shauna sat in a custom-built chair at a raised portion of the table that was tall enough for her--it was a gift from the shipyard. He saw Sylvia and Ivor sitting together with Sonya and Cara, all seemed to be in fine spirits. Felix sat across the table from Moira, talking with her. "So far, so good...I hope," James thought to himself. "Wait, we're missing Mindy," he noticed. Reaching out to her with his mind, James inquired if she was coming to breakfast. "Mindy? Are you okay? We're all having breakfast, will you be joining us shortly?" "Sorry, sir, I...overslept. I'm on my way." "Okay, Mindy, I'll make sure Shauna doesn't eat it all," James sent back light heartedly. A few minutes later the chief finally arrived in the crew's mess. It looked as if she had rushed to get ready--her light brown fur looked slightly damp and roughly brushed. "I hope you slept okay," James sent to Mindy as she got her food. "Too good, sir...I was wiped out, especially after...that tongue lashing you gave me." "You did fall asleep quick. At least I tucked you in and shut off your lights." "Thank you, sir...for everything." "You're welcome, Mindy." When breakfast was over, James gave everyone the schedule for the day. At 0900 they would begin to onload stores and provisions, taking a ten minute break at 1000 and 1100, and knocking off for lunch at 1145. They will resume bringing on supplies at 1300, again taking a ten minute break on the hour, until everything was brought onboard and stowed. After supper, they would run systems checks until 2130, and then hit the sack. Reveille will be at 0430 the next morning, with all hands at departure stations by 0530. At 0600 they will be on their way to Proxima.

It was a long day, and everyone worked their tails off bringing on the supplies and getting them stowed in the proper places, and in the proper order. The last of the supplies was brought onboard at 1715, checked off the list, stowed, and secured by 1730. Supper was held between 1745 and 1830. For three hours after supper, while they ran systems checks, Shauna kept a close eye on SRB-5917, keeping a very large wrench close by, even though Moira assured the Engineer that the bot would not be a problem. "Yeah, you'll think that until he comes after your ass with a monster dildo!" Shauna exclaimed. Everyone was beat by 2200, and it took no prompting to make sure they got as much rest as they could. James went around checking on everyone, giving Mindy and Shauna a goodnight kiss in the process. Before turning in, James double-checked all airlocks and hanger doors to make sure they were tightly secured and locked. He saw Moira on the bridge where she was keeping watch while everyone slept. "You should get some sleep, James," she said, looking up from the Engineering station. "I am, Moira, just stopping by to say goodnight," James said. "You could have said that from your bed, James." "Oh, were you planning on joining me tonight, dear?" James asked playfully. "James, I...are you teasing me?" "Maybe," he replied softly, lightly brushing her cheek with the back of his fingers. Moira's avatar slowly and gracefully stood so that she could be face-to-face with James. "James, may I kiss you?" "Heh, I was hoping to kiss you..." "Is that why you came to see me, to...I believe the phrase is, 'kiss me goodnight'?" "Yes." Moira put her arms around James' neck, and he held Moira's android form close. The more time he spent in close proximity with her, the more he found how easy it is to forget that Moira is a machine. She learned fast, quickly adapting herself to James' style and preferences--she sought to become a perfect mate for him, though Moira kept that desire to her herself for the time being. James and Moira kissed, slow and tender--he had to suppress the desire to kiss her more passionately, because the more primitive aspect of him wanted to take her. He did, however, give her butt a playful squeeze. "James, you're being naughty," Moira grinned. "But you like it, don't you?" "Curiously, yes...I find that I enjoy your touch." "As long as we keep the politicians away from you..." Moira cocked her head a little, and then grinned. "Of course." James looked into her green eyes...they looked so real. James wondered what Moira thought when she looked into his amber wolf eyes. "Goodnight, Moira," James breathed, brushing his lips against hers. "Goodnight, James," Moira said nearly as quietly. They kissed again...and this time it was more passionate.

Nightwing's crew slept soundly all night, for the most part. Lilly and Tanya were snuggled together with James. Zach was dreaming about one of his lady friends back home. Shauna slept with a plush toy wolf that she had purchased the last time she was on Terra. Sylvia slept with a shirt of Ivor's, while Ivor slept longing for Sylvia's embrace. Sonya had purred herself to sleep with one of Cara's skivvies next to her face, and Cara was doing the same in her rack with one of Sonya's skivvies. Felix was curled up in his rack snoring softly. Mindy, however, was dreaming of darker things--memories that often plagued the combat medic at night. On this night, however, she wasn't alone in her mind. Due to the deep sharing of they experienced the night before, James was with her, and for the first time since she began having the dreams, their intensity was lessened. "I'm with you, Mindy--you're safe." "James? I-I'm scared! There's so many...!" "I know...I see them. I have you, Mindy; you're going to be okay." "I'm hit! But I've got to help them! I've got to!" "You did help them, Mindy. I brought you home. I brought all of them home, we didn't leave anyone behind." "All of them?" "All of them, Mindy. Remember, on the station? You saw him...the guy with the leg. You saved him. I saved you." "Y-Yeah..." "Concentrate on that, Mindy. We were together, I held you, and you were safe. We made love...softly, gently. You're beautiful, Mindy, remember that, and let the rest go. Remember how you felt last night, hang on to that. I'm right here with you, Mindy. I've got you wrapped in my arms, you're safe...you're sexy, so sexy..." The dream images faded, and were replaced by the memory of their love making the night before. "I-I want...I want to love you...you understand...I trust you." "I know, Mindy. A part of me is always with you now, and a part of you is always with me. You'll never be alone again. Rest now, Mindy, I'm with you, holding you, you're safe. You are loved." Mindy slept peacefully the rest of the night, the first time in years.