Mars Daybreak Fan Fiction ❯ Haunting Past ❯ Chapter 5

Haunting Past

 

By: A-Z Mark II

 

Disclaimer: I think that Sony Computer Ent. and Bandai own Mars Daybreak - maybe.

 

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Chapter 5

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“MAKI, are you connected to NAMI?” asked Gram, nudging Vess over slightly on the command couch on the Ship of Aurora. Sitting side by side, the two looked at the core of the crew. Captain Elizabeth and Ester stood by the ship's wheel, patiently waiting. Clara jumped up to make herself comfortable on Gram's lap, giving him a brief purr, which in turn got her a smile and a distracted scratch along her jaw. At his station, Poipoider was relaxing, and opposite him, Neli and Milhe were sitting on the lip of Ester's station. Yagami leaned against the bulkhead next to the hatch.

“Affirmative, Gram,” came the reply from MAKI, her icon popping up on the main display. Beside it, another icon, very similar to MAKI's, popped up, bearing the title `NAMI'.

“Awaiting instructions, Gram, Vess,” came NAMI's voice. The crew of the Aurora who weren't already familiar with the AI on Gram's ship were surprised to notice the advanced state of NAMI.

“Hey, I was meaning to ask you, Gram,” recalled Neli, “but why did you name her `NAMI'?” wondered the engineer. Vess and Gram glanced at each other, snickering.

“I didn't name her, Neli,” Gram denied. “NAMI was Vess's idea.”

“Oh?” wondered Elizabeth.

“Since this ship's AI is named MAKI, and our AI is based off this one, we thought it would only be fitting to name her something similar - sort of like sisters,” explained the blonde. “Gram wanted to call her KAMI,” she said, giving Gram a disapproving look; to which he was completely immune. “I just couldn't get comfortable with calling the AI `god', you know?”

“And so,” finished Gram, “we got NAMI.” He glanced at the display. “How are you and your sister getting along, MAKI?” he asked the AI.

“There are no problems in the connection, Gram,” replied MAKI.

“All channels are functioning perfectly,” seconded NAMI.

“While this is fun and interesting,” interrupted Elizabeth, “we need to figure out our next move, so let's stay on track, here, people,” she directed. Gram nodded.

“You're right,” he said. Vess looked to Gram. These were his friends, so she was letting him take the lead. Gram organized his thoughts, then began. “Once we passed you after the Mount Olympus battle, Vess and I headed toward the frontier, with the idea to go around Mars, visiting city-ships and seeing the sights. Things were still too hot around Ardena for us to stay there, so we figured that dropping out of sight for several months would make things easier on us.

“Things went good until we reached Taklen city-ship. Our fuel was low, so we were going to drop by there for supplies and fuel before making for Morgan Drift city-ship. Vess and I were scanning the news, and saw that Taklen had been hit by pirates the day before. We decided to put in anyway, but we were attacked by a pirate vessel minutes after we decided to continue.”

“Pirates attacked your ship?” wondered Ester. “You said something about pirates before, but the Ship of Hope is a converted SHIELD ship - any pirate with enough brains to get a ship would know not to mess with you.”

“We thought that they were pirates at the time,” said Vess. “Then, we saw this,” she said, before calling out to her AI. “NAMI, play back records from sensors and Flick feed, file Pirate zero one through Pirate zero five,” directed the girl. The crew of the Aurora turned to see the display flicker before two screens came up. One was from NAMI's tactical display, the other was from the Flick's recorders. Listening to the cross-talk between the two, and seeing Gram pull off the porpoise maneuver got smiles from the crew, but what they saw next was not so amusing. When the displays switched back to the NAMI and MAKI icons, Elizabeth was frowning.

“That doesn't make sense,” she murmured to herself. First of all, why would they go after a SHIELD ship - converted or not - and once they saw that the RB Vess pilots was smashing their own RBs, why didn't they run for it? Gram wouldn't have chased them, I'm sure of that, so why?

“That ship,” said Ester, “did it seem somehow familiar?” she asked the group at large.

“Yeah, but I can't pin down where it is familiar from,” agreed Gram. “NAMI, display analysis file on initial target contact,” he said. Once more, the icons for the AIs vanished, and several different screens came up, displaying tracking, odor-prints, sonic signatures, potential matches to known profiles, and the weaponry involved.

“Something isn't right about this,” mumbled Milhe. Where did they get those fish? he found himself wondering time and again.

“Oh, it gets far stranger, Milhe,” Gram assured the weapons officer. “We put in at Taklen, but…” he hesitated, looking at Vess.

“Taklen was morbid,” said Vess evenly. “I went in alone, just in case; those wanted posters of him and you all are annoying,” she explained. “There were signs of heavy fighting at the dock dry-lock, and what looked like a pitched battle in the city center. I swept though to the city administration building, and found it packed with bodies. Environmental controls and mechanical systems were destroyed. I got a bad feeling about it, and returned to the ship.” She paused, glanced at Gram, then locked gazes with Elizabeth. “We took what we could use from the warehouses, and were almost finished when demolition charges went off, scuttling the city and everyone in it.”

“We barely got clear of the city before it went all the way to the bottom, and our cargo got tossed around pretty good, so we ran on the surface for a few hours while we re-stowed it all and checked for damage. With no fuel having been found, we had to head for Morgan Drift to re-fuel,” Gram took over the story.

“When we got to Morgan Drift, Vess and Shie went in to see if it was safe. The ship had heard that Taklen was sunk by pirates, and they detained Vess and Shie. Supposedly, a Mars Defense Force patrol ship from Ardena was in the area, and they were going to check our registration and IDs with them,” said the young man. “But, there is problem with Vess's ID, you see.”

“After the fight in the caves outside of Ligaoga, I was thrown in the brig for insubordination, treason and some other stuff,” Vess said, her tone angry. “Long to short, I escaped, came after you all and Gram, and my sea horse got damaged by Kuberness. I woke up on his ship, and found that the Earth Forces had listed me as KIA. So, I decided to steal Kuberness's ship and come after you again, but he proved to be a bit more than I could handle at the time,” she continued, giving Gram a strange smile.

“Kuberness is a piece of work, all right!” agreed Elizabeth. “Very few are a match for him.”

“Well, he misjudged me,” said Vess smugly. “He had thought that I would be swayed by his words, and use the Flick to knock you out of the running for the treasure. Instead, I stole the Flick, finally got to talk to Gram face to face without interruption, surrendered to the Earth Forces, found out my adopted father was in league with that Poe shit, met Enora, hijacked a shuttle, got back with Gram, destroyed more Earth Defense Forces units than I can count, and here we are.” The girl sounded unusually happy about that. “But, in the time since then, Lauren had his adopted daughter listed as drowned on Mars, so if either Earth Forces or Mars Defense Forces checks my ID, I will come up as twice dead; not something that can be easily explained,” she finished.

“With my face on those posters, I have gotten some…interesting receptions, so we tend to have Vess do initial scouting, since no one is actively looking for her,” elaborated Gram. “But, that's beside the point,” he dismissed the topic. “NAMI detected what we thought was the patrol ship, but…well, NAMI, display Contact Log zero two, files one through six,” he said, motioning to the screen, which once more displayed a mix of readouts.

“That's no patrol ship, that's for sure,” said Neli. “Don't know what it might be, but it isn't a pirate vessel, either,” she added.

Whatever it was, it opened up with a salvo of torpedoes that took out the power generators and communications domes of Morgan Drift, and their mini-sub started to put boarders aboard. “Vess, tell them what happened in the town,” he said, absently taking her hand in his.

“Shie and I were being held in the jail, waiting for the MDF to show. I decided that breaking out would do more good than waiting, so when the attack came, I used the diversion to take over the sheriff and one deputy, then grabbed Shie and made for the ship. I suspected that things would go like Taklen, so I wanted to get clear of the city before it came to that. We got to the dock without incident, but then got pinned down in the crossfire between the `pirates',” the crew of the Aurora picked up on her delicate distinction, “and the defenders. Both sides were shooting at us, so I shot back. When I ran out of ammo, I got my hands on one of the rifles the attackers were using. It was current issue Earth Forces rifle, and the attackers brought up a twenty mil smart grenade launcher as well. I got Shie and myself aboard our ship, but that wasn't the end of it.”

“No,” agreed Gram. “The patrol ship or pirate ship or whatever it was, was out there, waiting for us. I managed to get it in position to sink it, but it rammed us after torpedoes failed to sink us. The only good news is that the collision broke the ship in half, while our Ship of Hope proved more durable.”

Gram sighed. “We managed to limp away, and finally found a place to hide. “We had planned to find you all, but you ended up finding us instead,” he said. “Thanks, guys,” he added quietly.

“Well, don't thank us yet, Gram,” said Elizabeth. “We have some news of our own.” The two looked at her expectantly. “MAKI, play back that recording,” said the Captain. Vess and Gram watched the captured news report in silence, their faces growing grimmer each second. When the sheriff of Morgan Drift came on, Vess bared her teeth, but was silent. The clip ended, and Elizabeth looked at Gram and Vess. “As you can see, we have a bit of a problem here,” said the captain of the Aurora.

“Damn it!” yelled Vess, slamming her fist down on the edge of the command couch. “They're using us like scapegoats!” she snarled. Turning to Gram, she stared at him for a moment. “We left this all behind us, Gram,” she said quietly. “Why can't it stay behind us?” Gram shook his head.

“I don't know, Vess,” he said. “Guess we're just not meant to live normal lives,” he offered her, giving her a crooked smile. The blonde woman shook her head slightly.

“Guess not,” she replied. “We have to get Bon and Shie off the ship; you know that, right?” she whispered to him. Gram nodded.

“Yeah, but where?” he asked her. “Not Ardena, and not any of the ones we have visited, so where would they be safe?” he asked his partner and lover.

“Why not Ligaoga?” came Clara's voice from his lap. Blinking, Vess looked at the cat, opened her mouth, then shut it without saying anything. “You have a strong base of support in the aboriginal populace, and there is practically no Earth Forces or Mars Defense Force presence there,” pointed out the cat. “Additionally, it is a large city-ship, in a relatively well-traveled location, so the sort of thing that has been happening on the frontier is unlikely to happen there,” argued Clara.

“Why do you have a following of aborigines in Ligaoga?” wondered Vess. Gram fished up his pendant - the one that he had worn all his life.

“Well, Granny Garma said that this is called the `mark of the chief', and that it was the property of the leader of the aborigines. I guess what that means is that they consider me their leader,” he explained. Vess gave him an annoyed look.

“And you were going to tell me this, when?” she asked. Gram shrugged.

“When I happened to think about it?” he defended himself. Vess growled at him.
“Honest, Vess, if I had of thought about it before now, I would have told you,” he assured her.

“Here is something else that is interesting,” came Ester's voice. “Look at this, Captain, Gram,” said the first officer of the Aurora. Up on the screen, the news clip was being reviewed, beside the footage that NAMI had made in the fight. “Note the time stamps,” said the Naval Witch.

“That doesn't make any sense,” said Vess. “How could they get the news out in less than an hour, complete with that interview with the sheriff?” she wondered.

“Most likely because it was fabricated before the attack,” offered Clara. “When you look at the large picture, you see a pattern of attacks and misdirection,” noted the enhanced feline. “It is the aim of whoever is responsible for this to shift attention away from their activities at the same time that they get rid of us nasty, nasty pirates.”

“That…does make a lot of sense,” Gram slowly agreed. “With this latest move, they have just made our life a lot harder, as well as hidden their own hand in this.”

“Not completely, Gram,” disagreed Elizabeth. “After all, we know the truth, don't we?” she reminded him.

“Right now, we need to get your ship somewhere safe where it can get repaired, find a safe place for your two passengers, and then, we can go after whoever is behind this,” said Ester, Neli and Poipoider nodding.

Gram nodded. “You're right, Ester,” he said. “but where can we go with this bounty on us?” he asked. Ester smiled at him.

“Actually, Gram,” said the short woman, “we have already thought of a place to take your ship.”

-

“What an unexpected surprise,” came the dark, dangerous voice of Kuberness. “I hadn't thought you had the spine to call me and offer a job.”

Clearing his throat, Poe looked at the renegade pirate who was only matched for toughness by the Aurora. “Really?” he began as confidently as possible. “The way that I see it, you and I have a common goal,” said he would-be Mars hero.

“And what would that be?” wondered the man, remaining where he had first spoken from - that being beside the door to the hidden base of Niall Poe. Poe was absolutely sure that somewhere very close by was Kuberness's RB, the Mermaid.

“Lauren, that's what,” said Poe. “He broke his contract with you, and his greed cost me the chance at Martian independence. You and I, I would think, have the common goal of getting even with him,” suggested Poe. Kuberness said nothing, just staring at Poe. “Unless, of course,” added Poe, “I misjudged you and you are the kind who just turns the other cheek when betrayed.”

“My business is my own, Poe,” said the lone wolf. “And unless you intend to offer me a job, I suggest that you stay out of it,” warned the man. Poe switched tracks.

“Must be pretty irritating, being hunted like you all you pirates are,” he said blandly. Kuberness - once more - didn't respond. “You know, my information points to Lauren's hand in that,” he baited. And now, we wait… he told himself, casually pouring himself a glass of wine.

“That doesn't surprise me,” said the pirate at last.

“You think he holds a grudge?” pressed Poe. Not getting an answer, he pressed a little more. “Ah, I forgot; that's your specialty, isn't it?”

“My specialty is making money,” disagreed Kuberness. “And if you aren't paying, I have better things to be doing,” said the man, turning toward the door. Poe just had to ask the lone wolf something that had been bothering him for a while.

“I have to know, Kuberness,” he said, seeing the man pause. “How much did you make, hiring out to Gram?”

“I made my costs,” he said, chuckling a little. “Here's a piece of advice for you, Poe,” he said, glancing at the man. “Be careful of Gram; he is not the kind of person you can predict,” said the pirate, stepping through the door. Poe sipped his wine, wondering if he was losing his touch.

Minutes later, he turned and keyed up a private channel. “Good evening,” he began when the call connected.

“Cut the pleasantries, Poe,” interrupted the other party. “What did you learn?”

“Kuberness didn't take the bait, but I think that he might step in on his own,” said the man. “Maybe you should…?” he hinted.

“After what happened last time, I'm not about to talk to that maniac again!” snapped the other party. Poe sighed.

“You might not have a choice, you know,” he pointed out. “Anyway, anything from your end?” he asked.

“Matter of fact, yes,” said his ally of convenience. “Seems that we have lucked into a gold mine from a very unexpected source,” said the woman.

“Oh? How so?” wondered Poe. On the screen, the woman's lips twisted into a crazed smile.

“Miss Taft is back in town, it would seem,” purred Anna Grace.

-

“Captain, I request permission to accompany Gram and Vess aboard the Ship of Hope,” said Ester. Elizabeth raised an eyebrow at her first officer.

“Oh?” she asked. Ester nodded.

“They are short-handed, Captain, and they need rest. I will take the bridge and allow them to rest while we make our way to the city-ship. Once under weigh, we can rotate shifts,” explained the Naval Witch. “I can rejoin the Aurora once the Ship of Hope is dry-docked and secured,” she added.

“I see,” said the Captain of the Aurora. “Any other reason, Ester?” she asked her first officer, her tone teasing. Ester shook her head.

“No, captain,” she replied. Elizabeth's sharp eyes caught the faintest traces of a blush on the girl's pale cheeks.

“I think I should go as well,” interjected Neli. “Their ship is still in rough shape, and we could encounter mechanical problems before we reach our goal. I'm confident that if Ester and I crew for them, we can get the ship in safe,” said Neli.

“It's ok, guys,” said Gram. “Vess and I can get it there ourselves. Besides, what if you get spotted by Earth Forces or MDF patrols?” he said.

“In that case, we'll engage the targets and draw them off,” said Elizabeth firmly. “Permission granted, you two,” she said. “As for you, Gram,” she said to the young man, “learn to take `yes' for an answer, will you?” she said, smiling. “In fact, I think I should have Yagami ride with you as well,” mused the woman.

“My Flick is fully functional, Captain,” said Vess, her green eyes cool. “We can manage with just it,” she said evenly. Elizabeth inclined her head.

“Ok, but you are getting Ester and Neli, and that is final,” she said. “Also, I think that it would be for the best if we kept your two young friends aboard our ship until we can make more detailed plans,” she added. Gram nodded.

“We had planned to ask you if they could stay aboard, Captain Elizabeth,” he noted. “If things go bad, we can abandon the Hope and escape in the Flick, but there is a limit to the number of people we can take, and with Shie being in the condition she is…” he and Vess exchanged looks.

“Don't worry, Gram, Vess,” said the Captain. “Megumi and Sala are taking care of her, and we can always use the skills of someone like Bon seems to be,” she smiled. Vess's lips tightened.

“I don't want them to become used to being pirates,” she murmured to Gram. Her lover looked at her.

“They won't, Vess,” he assured her. Glancing at the ship's clock, he took a deep breath. “It's five days to Harras, so we need to get going,” he said. Ester nodded.

“I agree,” she said. “The area around Morgan Drift is still busy, and sooner or later, they will head over this direction. The sooner we are gone, the better for all of us.”

Minutes later, Ester, Neli, Gram and Vess were in the work sub, heading for the now-floating Ship of Hope. Sitting behind Ester, who had the controls, Vess hid a yawn behind her hand, leaning her head over slightly so it rested on Gram's shoulder. Silently, Gram slid his arm around her waist, hugging her to himself. Neli gently bit her lip to keep from saying anything, and Ester just smiled a little.

Once aboard, they traded off with Aki and grandpa, who told them that he would be loaning them a dozen of his sub-unit BALLS to help out in case of trouble. The two boarded the work sub, detached from the hull of the Ship of Hope, collected the BALLS that were outside working, and headed back to the Aurora. Aboard the Ship of Hope, the four crewmen stepped onto the bridge.

“NAMI, what's our status?” asked Vess, slipping into her chair.

“Vess, all critical systems are green,” reported the AI. “Remaining damage to non-critical systems currently hamper our maneuverability; however, most of the systems can either be shut down or switched to a sub-system or backup,” reported the AI.

“Estimated speed and maneuvering capability?” wondered Gram, sitting in his chair, checking displays.

“Currently, top speed is two-thirds ahead. Three trim tanks have not been repaired, and one set of diving planes and two sets of roll planes have been damaged beyond use,” said the AI. “Over all, we are operating at sixty-one percent of capability,” summed up NAMI.

“Also, Grandpa noted that one of your aft vents was jammed,” added Neli, who was reading over Vess's shoulder. “She's going to want to flat-turn to port, Gram,” warned the mechanic. “With your trim planes being damaged, you're going to have to use some ballast pumping to keep her straight.”

“Ok, got it,” said Gram, keying in some commands. “How're the engines?”

“Main engine nominal. Support engine nominal. Shipboard functions engine operating at reduced capacity, generating eighty percent standard output,” came the reply from NAMI.

“Ok, NAMI,” said Vess, “I need you to shut down all shipboard functions that are not critical, except for the galley. Den, storage rooms, dock lights, passage monitors - cut them all except for galley, captain's cabin, first officer's cabin, and bridge,” directed the girl.

“Acknowledged, Vess,” said the AI. Vess glanced at Gram.

“We'll just use hand-lamps unless an emergency comes up,” she said. Gram nodded.

“Good plan,” he agreed. Glancing back at the two crew members from the Aurora, he elaborated on the point. “If you don't mind, you two can bunk in the first officer's cabin; it's the closest to the bridge after the Captain's cabin, that is,” he added.

“Or you can trade off with us, since we're going to be rotating watches,” offered Vess, rubbing her eyes. “NAMI, set course for Harras city-ship, best speed, avoid all common shipping routes,” she said. On the main display, the AI drew several different possible courses.

“Preference?” asked NAMI.

“Take us on the northern pass,” said Gram, “it will keep a mountain range between us and them, and give us some good cover if we stumble into someone.”

“Affirmative,” said NAMI, the ship's engine coming on line.

“Send course and plan to MAKI, then release the communication tether,” said Vess, eyes closed.

“Task complete,” said NAMI. “Message from Aurora,” she added. “Message reads `see you in Harras, don't you dare not show!'”

“I'd…” Gram started, only to yawn, “…hate to disappoint Captain Elizabeth,” he chuckled tiredly. Ester glanced at Neli.

“We'll take over the watch, you two,” she said, the ship slowly picking up speed and moving onto the selected course. “You should get some rest,” she said.

“Vess?” asked Gram, looking at his girlfriend. Slowly, she nodded.

“Yeah, but I want a shower first,” said the girl, sliding off her chair. “NAMI, grant Ester and Neli full crew access to ship systems, authorization Vess seven one seven alpha,” she directed.

“Confirm access privileges, Gram zero nine six two charlie,” Gram confirmed.

“Access granted. Welcome, Ester, Neli, to the Ship of Hope,” the AI said formally. Gram slipped off his chair as well, Ester taking his place as Neli took Vess's chair.

“Thank you, NAMI,” said Ester. “It is a pleasure to crew on this ship.”

“Yeah, thanks, NAMI,” seconded Neli. “And have a good night's rest, you two,” added the mechanic, grinning at Gram and Vess. “You've earned it.” The two women watched the young lovers move off the bridge. Glancing at each other, they smiled briefly before turning their attention to the displays on the bridge.

Gram and Vess stepped into the Captain's cabin, Vess already stripping off her suit, setting her handgun aside before turning toward the small shower in their room. Turning the shower on, Vess frowned when no water came out of the showerhead. “Damn it,” she sighed. “Gram, shower's out,” she said, irritated, but more tired than anything.

“Probably either a control circuit or a mechanical issue,” shrugged Gram. Vess grabbed her small bath basket and turned for the door.

“We'll use the main one, then,” said the girl. Gram nodded, picking up his soap and washcloth.

“Right behind you, Vess,” he said before yawning. The two were halfway to the bathroom before it dawned on them that neither had taken a towel with them. Glancing at each other, they had shrugged; going back to get a towel was far too much like work for them just then. Together, they staggered into the main bathroom like a couple of drunken pirates, starting the shower before setting out their supplies.

Ten minutes later, the two dripping wet, stark naked lovers were making their way back to the cabin, each one following the bulkhead with a hand to keep from falling over, their eyes barely working due to exhaustion. Entering their cabin, the two dropped their shower supplies, barely making it to the bed before they collapsed on top of the spread, asleep before they came to a complete rest. It was another half hour before Ester and Neli checked on them, finding the two dead to the world, Vess facing Gram, one of his arms over her waist, her face against his chest.

Exchanging startled looks, the two women just stared for several heartbeats before deciding to do something about the situation. Since both of them were still damp from the bath, and naked, Ester and Neli decided it would be for the best if they tucked them in, at least. Working the two under the covers, the women had taken the chance to thoroughly check out Gram; and to a lesser degree, Vess. Once the two were tucked under their covers and sheets, Ester and Neli withdrew, closing the door behind them before they began to dissolve into breathless, excited giggles. For the next several hours, all they talked about was Gram and Vess.

-

Enora emerged from one of the few entrances to Undertown, blinking at the setting sun. Cass had been left with Anna, who claimed that she could use the help running her shop. Enora had honestly thought of brining Cass with her, but had ultimately decided that doing that would hamper her and endanger Cass unnecessarily. So, she had given the girl some money, made arrangements with Anna to keep her at least fed, and with Gram and Vess's old place as hers, she was pretty much set.

Undertown had been an eye-opening experience for the girl. To know that Gram and Vess had grown up much like Cass was had put the two in a whole new perspective for her. No wonder that Gram forced himself to let her go when she was adopted! mused Enora. He saw it as her way out of there, and rather than be selfish, he did the right thing by her; Gram is amazing! she realized, feeling a flutter in her stomach. Idly, she wondered how the two were getting along. “I did tell her that if she wasn't careful, I'd take him from her,” she muttered aloud.

Shaking her head to clear thoughts of the two, Enora checked her PCD, but didn't see anything of interest. “Time to find a hotel,” she reminded herself. The flop-house that Doolittle had left her in was not suitable for her, after all. Besides, it wasn't like the Mars Defense Force captain would expect her to stay there, right? Besides, she wanted a nice, relaxing soak in a hot tub or whirlpool, followed by an oil massage before bed. Moments later, she had a reservation at a modest - but well-appointed - hotel. An hour later saw her in the health spa, and an hour after that, she was enjoying some room-service snacks before bed, the room's holo-vision showing the evening news.

Not seeing anything about her friends, she felt a lot better, since in this case, no news was good news. Stretching her well-massaged body, she cut off the lights and holo-vision, letting the starlight in through the window. With far thinner atmosphere and fewer lights in the way, the stars were beautiful on Mars, and Enora had developed a habit of watching them.

Ester said that she wanted to go back to space, and do exploration and mapping, she recalled. The Naval Witch and she had come to an understanding about each other during the ill-fated birthday surprise for the first officer. One hundred and forty one years old, mused Enora. I hope I look that good when I'm her age! she thought, grinning.

Gram never really said what his dream was, come to think of it; same for Vess, recalled the girl. Her thoughts turned to the two of them, gradually drifting to Gram. Before she knew it, her nipples were hard and her pussy was drooling, her daydreams having turned decidedly erotic. Smiling in her sleep, Enora dreamed of what had been, what might be, and what she hoped for.

When she awoke the next morning, she almost guiltily took a shower, washing away the results of her dreams. Dressing in fresh clothes, she went in search of food, still thinking of Gram. I swear, it hasn't gotten any better in the year since I last saw him, she thought to herself, feeling the lingering warmth in her lower belly. Seeing a likely eatery, she stepped in and ordered some breakfast. As she worked her way through the food, she idly scanned the news through her PCD. I wonder where I should look for them? she asked herself.

Trying to recall anything from her previous visit that might be of use to her in figuring it out, she was surprised to feel someone tap her shoulder. Looking over, she saw that the waiter was offering her a refill of her coffee. Extending her cup, she accepted another round. Gently blowing on it to cool it before sipping, she flipped through the local news programs, looking for some sign or clue where she should be looking for her friends.

“You are one busy girl, Enora,” came a low voice from directly across from her. Blinking, the girl focused past the data glass's displays to see that once more, Doolittle had gotten the drop on her. The corpulent Captain reached over and helped himself to her left-over breakfast pastry.

“Doolittle,” she said, unsure why he would be at the restaurant, but more surprised that he had managed to get the drop on her again. “How did you find me?” she asked him.

Doolittle smiled at her. “Well, I have my ways, Enora,” he said. “I lost you yesterday in Undertown, but that's not the point right now,” he dismissed the topic. “I think we have a problem, Enora,” he said, his tone serious. Enora found herself swallowing with some difficulty.

“What…what kind of problem?” she breathed.

-

In the dark room, a soft moan marked the waking of one of the occupants. Stirring sluggishly, a pair of blue eyes opened, finding the room barely lit by the interface unit for the bridge and the odd luminescent item. Trying to stretch, the sleeper found that his right side wasn't able to move. Looking over, he smiled, spotting the problem.

Fitted snugly to his side was a lithe blonde, her naked flesh pressed to his closely, her arm across his chest, his arm under her neck to curve back against her side. Though her eyes were closed, he knew that her green eyes would soon be open; she hardly ever slept on once he awakened. If not for one reason, than for another, he thought, eyes adjusting to the dim light. The girl's pale skin seemed to glow a soft, warm ivory color, her hair a soft golden glow around her head.

Using his free arm, the young man gently brushed back some stray hairs from her face, taking the chance to gently press a kiss to her forehead. Against his side, he felt her body shift slightly. Pushing his pillow into a better brace, he smiled as he saw that the sheets covering the two of them had twisted to leave them both exposed to their hips. Her position highlighted one of her shapely breasts, the rich pink nipple visible even in the dim light. God, she's so beautiful, he thought reverently, fingertips ghosting over her bare breast, feeling the semi-hard nipple grow slightly harder at his touch.

“Mm,” sighed the woman, her green eyes flickering open. Raising her head, she saw the man watching her. Smiling at him, she leaned up to kiss him. “Morning, Gram,” said the woman.

“Morning, Vess,” he replied, his hand ever-so-carefully cradling her tit. Smiling she shifted just enough to press the whole mass of her breast into his palm, her nipples now hard as steel. Bringing her own hand into play, she reached down to touch his dick, which was almost at full stand. Her soft, small hands caressed him, and bare seconds later, he was at full stand.

Needing to feel more of her - as well as to get better access to her nubile young body - the young man used his arm to pull her onto his chest, the woman easily slipping her leg over his hip so she was straddling his waist, his hard member pressed to her toned ass. Grinning at him, she settled herself, putting both her hands on his chest. “I see someone is wanting to play,” she purred happily.

“Always, with you, Vess,” he replied carelessly, drawing her down to kiss her thoroughly. Not incidentally, his actions caused her hips to shift, his hard length slipping between her ass cheeks. Vess could feel his tool throbbing with need, warm and soft and compelling. Against his waist, she could feel her pussy leaking. I'm always so aroused around him, she thought happily, using her toned frame to lift her hips and shift back, his tip meeting her dripping sex.

Feeling her soaked invitation through his sensitive tip, Gram slipped his hands down her sides to her hips, getting a solid purchase on her before guiding her down onto his shaft, which spread her open as he sank into her snug sheath steadily. A low, sensuous hum came from him as he encased his rod in her. Vess was already panting lightly in anticipation, her hands splayed over his pectoral muscles, head leaned back, her lower lip delicately trapped between her teeth, eyes closed as she savored the feeling of him penetrating her.

Never one to miss an opportunity, Gram saw her all but offering her delectable breasts to him and promptly leaned forward, trapping one with his lips, and urgently changing his grip on her so that he could seize the other with his hand, using an arm to finish driving her down onto his dick. “Gram!” squealed the woman excitedly, her arms moving to wrap around his head, holding his face to her breasts as she began to undulate her hips against him, causing his unbendable length to rub against her greedy passage in ways that just fucking couldn't make it. When the spongy tip dragged across her G-spot, she shivered.

With a mouthful of nipple and his dick buried to the hilt in her super-slick, velvety pussy, Gram was sure that nothing could be better. Shifting his hips slightly, he felt his tip encounter her cervix, marking maximum penetration. Sucking in a breath, he licked her nipple before switching breasts. “Vess,” he growled aggressively, holding her to him even as he claimed her; not that Vess had any objections to that.

Focused on their mutual need and desire, the two writhed against each other with greater and greater intensity, the release that each of them sought drawing closer and closer with each second. What felt like seconds later, Vess gave voice to a gasping cry, her body going stiff as she came hard on the dick of her lover. Gram himself grunted as he filled her with spurt after spurt of cum. As they caught their breath, the two of them remained joined, relishing the feel of the other's body against their own.

Gently kissing, the two gradually came back to themselves. As they did so, Vess realized that Gram was still hard in her sheath. Smiling around the kisses, Vess broke the kissing. “I'm ready for another round if you are, Gram,” she invited him, squeezing his length with her inner muscles.

“Always,” he agreed. Vess leered at him.

“Right answer,” she assured him, scrambling off his lap. Rolling over, she tucked her pillow under her face, raising her hips into the air in invitation. “Show me what you can do, Gram,” she invited him huskily. Eagerly, he bounded to his knees and moved behind his girlfriend. Touching her lower spine earned him a purring moan from the girl, his tip finding her slick, inviting entrance and slamming home easily. “Oh, yes! God, yes!” she screamed happily, feeling him reach her deepest parts with each powerful thrust. “Do me, Gram!” she ordered him.

Settling his hands on the crests of her hips - the better to get purchase to comply with her wishes - Gram leaned forward and began to give it to her hard and fast. His harsh panting filled the cabin, Vess's mews of pleasure being muffled by her pillow. Keeping his rhythm steady and fast, Gram concentrated on the feelings of being with Vess. Beneath him, he could feel the warmth from her body, as well as her silky skin. Vess's scent surrounded him, inflaming him even more as his eyes ravished her as thoroughly as his hard shaft was claiming her slick sex.

Though the two of them had been lovers for a while, Gram could never quite get over the feel of her snug, wet grip down there. Vess was not overly tight, but at the same time, she was nowhere near loose, and her arousal meant that there was always plenty of lubricating girl-cum available to make the experience of mounting her exquisite. His ears caught the wet squish! sound of his pole sliding in and out of her channel, doubtlessly purging a small gush of their mingled fluids as he bottomed out in her.

Taste, he realized. I want - no, NEED! - to taste her! With that thought, he ran his hands up her sides, which were slick with a sheen of sweat, to her shoulders. Gently gripping them, Gram pulled her upper body off the bed, bringing her within reach of his tongue. Hungrily, Gram twisted his head to the side and ran the tip of his tongue along his girl's neck from her collarbone to her earlobe, which he teasingly sucked on for a moment.

“Ah!” gasped Vess, eyes wide. Turning her own head, she caught her lover's lips with her own, her kiss as hungry as his. All the while, Gram's hips were pounding into her as she thrust her hips back to meet his stokes. Trusting Gram to support her, Vess let her arms hang lose, her attention on the stimulation she was getting from her union with her man. With no concept of time when engaged in such activities, the two had no idea how long it was before they were both nearly at the breaking point.

“Keep going!” gasped out Vess; not that Gram had any plans to stop. With maniac speed, the two strove for release. In the heat and excitement of the moment, their rhythm slipped, and Gram's tip withdrew completely from Vess's overflowing flower. Seeking to correct the problem caused Vess to over-compensate, and as Gram thrust forward, his point of impact was higher than anticipated.

Vess's eyes widened as she felt Gram's tip lodge against her virgin bud. With such a heavy coating of her juice on his tool, the tip of his dick began to penetrate her back door. It took Gram an instant longer than Vess to realize what had happened. In that instant, his wide head managed to fully penetrate her ring of muscle. Instinctively, Vess's body tightened down on the invading monster.

Neither of them were prepared for the reaction of the unintentional sexual experiment. The excruciating tightness of her back door, coupled with the knowledge of just where his dick had landed, triggered Gram's orgasm, jetting sperm into Vess's anal cavity. For Vess, the surprise discovery that it might feel good to have Gram take her there as well destroyed the last of her control, and when the sensations of Gram's man juice flooding into her registered, she trembled as spots appeared before her eyes, followed by blackness.

Gradually, she became aware of a warm, wet feeling all over her body. Returning to the realm of consciousness, she found herself in the shower with Gram, who was supporting her as he carefully scrubbed her down. Her lips curved into a relaxed smile. “Taking advantage of me while I'm helpless, are you?” she breathed against his ear, turning in his arms to kiss him.

“Every chance I get,” he agreed easily once the girl broke the kiss. Vess leered at him.

“You keep that up, and I might just drag you back to bed,” she warned him.

“Well, we certainly won't stop you,” came an unexpected voice from the door to the bathroom. Turning, Gram and Vess saw a grinning Neli. Neither of them made any move to discontinue their embrace.

“Neli,” said Gram easily, “did you need us?” he asked her. Neli shook her head.

“No, but Ester and I are getting a little hungry, and it was time to check on you two again,” she shrugged. Vess frowned.

“Check on us? Again?” she asked Gram, seeing he was as lost as she was. “NAMI, what time is it?” she asked the AI. A moment later, the synthesized voice of the ship's AI came back.

“It is three hours past sunrise, Vess,” the AI informed her. Vess's frown deepened.

“NAMI, how long have Gram and I been asleep?” she asked.

“You have been resting for twenty one hours, eleven minutes and seven seconds,” was the immediate answer.

“Neli!” complained Gram. “You and Ester were supposed to wake us up for our shifts!” he reminded her. Neli shrugged.

“We checked on you several times in that period, Gram,” she said, her tone serious. “Each time, we evaluated rather or not to wake one or both of you. You were both so deeply asleep that we chose - each time, mind you - that it would be better for you two to rest up than for us to wake you,” Neli paused, then went on. “Besides, it's not it's that hard standing watch, you know. NAMI does most of it, and other than periodic checks, there is little to do. Ester and I traded off those checks, and napped in your command chairs between, so we aren't even tired,” the mechanic explained.

“Still, you should have woken us up,” complained Vess, ducking back under the spray to quickly rinse off the few traces of soap suds remaining on her before grabbing a towel and beginning to dry herself off. Haphazardly drying off, the blonde slung the towel over her shoulders as she squeezed past Neli. “Gram, I'm going to grab my clothes, then relieve Ester on watch. Will you fix us some food?” she asked.

“Sure,” said Gram before ducking under the spray himself. Wiping the water from his eyes, he saw that Neli was still watching him, a smile on her lips.

“Something wrong, Neli?” he wondered, drying his hair.

“Nope,” she said happily, “just enjoying the view.”

“Oh,” said Gram, not following her. “Well, if you and Ester want, feel free to grab a shower,” he said, draping his towel over his shoulders in the exact manner that Vess had. Neli wondered if he had picked up her habits, or if she had picked up Gram's habits.

“After breakfast,” said the woman, acutely aware of her stained outfit and grimy condition. Gram nodded, stepping past her and into the passage.

“Ok,” he agreed. “I should have some food up in a half hour or so,” he told her. “NAMI, tell Ester,” he directed.

“The channel has been open this whole time, Gram,” came the voice of Ester. “And thank you for making some breakfast,” she added warmly. Gram smiled at the unseen Naval Witch.

“My pleasure, Ester,” he replied. Neli had to bite her lip to keep from playing that back at him. Watching his naked ass as he walked away from her, she hummed to herself.

“My, my, but that's a sight to behold,” she breathed. Neither of them are shy, that's for sure! I don't recall Gram being that unguarded on the Aurora, but then, Vess wasn't with us, and the entire feel of this ship is different from the feel of the Aurora, she reasoned. Stepping into the bathroom, she relieved the pressure on her bladder, still thinking of what she had seen. Those two are unlike any other couple I have ever seen, she thought idly. Wonder where the two kids fit into this picture?

-

“Well, good morning,” came an unfamiliar voice as Bon sat up, stretched, then rubbed the grit from his eyes. Blinking to clear his vision, he saw that the dark-skinned woman - Sala, he recalled - was watching him from a chair beside the bed where he and Shie had been sleeping.

“Uh, yeah, good morning,” he managed. Habitually, he looked over at his sister, who was still sleeping. Somewhat relieved that she was finally resting, he carefully rolled off the bed, stretching again as he hit the floor. “How long was I asleep, anyway?” he asked the doctor.

“You have been sleeping for about ten hours, Bon,” said the woman. Looking around the sick bay of the legendary Ship of Aurora, he didn't see the cute young girl Megumi anywhere.

“Hey, when did Megumi leave?” he wondered, his stomach grumbling.

“She went to bed herself about five hours ago,” said Sala, hiding a yawn.

“Where is the bathroom around here?” he asked the woman. Sala pointed toward the door.

“Turn left, three hatches, on the right,” she said. Running a hand through his hair, he felt how greasy and dirty it was.

“Can I get a shower around here?” he asked.

“The bathrooms have showers in them,” said the doctor, rising from her chair. “I'll get you a towel,” she said. Bon nodded.

“Thanks, Sala,” he said, mulling over what she had said. “How many bathrooms do you have on this ship?” he wondered. Sala glanced at him.

“We have a men's bathroom and a women's bathroom,” said Sala. Bon considered that.

“Huh,” he articulated. “Why?” he wondered aloud. Sala considered that for a moment.

“It's just the way that the Captain has it set up,” said the doctor, side-stepping the issue. Looks like I need to have a word with Captain Elizabeth, she thought to herself. The more issues that were avoided, the better for all, she told herself.

“Whatever floats your boat,” Bon dismissed the topic. “Any chance of some food?” he wondered. Sala laughed easily at that.

“Well, calling it `food' might be a bit of stretch, but there is some sort of attempt at it in the galley,” she said. “Oh, I can't wait for Gram to come back aboard!” she sighed. Bon gave her a strange look.

“What is it with you all and Gram's cooking?” wondered the young man. Sala tried to stop herself - she really did; but it was just too tempting not to.

“I'll tell you after you eat,” she said innocently. Sala, you are a b-a-d girl sometimes, she told herself. The self-criticism didn't curb her vaguely blood-thirty anticipation as she watched the short young man exit sick bay. Dismissing him from her mind for the moment, she turned to consider her main charge: the young girl named Shie.

Megumi hadn't said much about the girl's condition, but Sala knew the young psychic well enough to spot the signs that she had gotten a glimpse at the problem. It was also apparent to Sala that Megumi was not sure what to do next. Still, like a trooper, the girl was going to keep coming back, and she would keep trying to reach Shie. Shaking her head slightly, the older woman considered how much Megumi had matured since she had first met her.

Sala had been on the Ship of Aurora for nearly two months before she met Megumi. Initially, she had been the doctor of a small clinic on a growing city-ship, but after some unfortunate coincidences and one case of `wrong time, wrong place', she had ended up on the Aurora. Rather than face the prospect of going back, she had chosen to become the ship's doctor - a posting that had been vacant until she arrived. Over the first few months, she had discovered that her personality lent itself very neatly to Captain Elizabeth's unique type of piratical code.

Initially, she had found Megumi not a little like Shie was now; the main difference was that Megumi would talk - just not much. Shie hadn't said a word since she met the girl, and it was beginning to worry the doctor. While not a psychologist, she understood the basics of mental conditions and had had some cross-training while studying on Earth. “I hope there is something that we can do for her,” she mused to herself.

“There is,” said the unexpected voice of Megumi. Blinking, Sala turned to see the young girl - dressed in shorts and her pocketed pull-over top - standing beside her. “I…think that Shie is suffering from an advanced form of shock like I suffered from for years. Only, hers is more intense because it happened all at once, rather than being spread out over her life,” theorized the girl. “Shie's voice…it's choked with fear and terror,” the young ESPer looked up at Sala. “Sala, she's terrified of Vess,” she whispered.

“Vess?” gaped Sala. “True, Vess is a hard charger, but she and Shie appeared to be close.” Megumi shrugged.

“I only know what her voice tells me, Sala,” admitted the girl. “I can't say why it happened, but it is what is causing this; I think,” added the young girl, sounding less sure of herself.

“So, what do we do?” wondered Sala. Megumi was quiet for a moment.

“It's not what we do, I'm afraid,” murmured the girl a few moments later. “It's what I do,” she finished. Sala frowned.

“I'm not following you, Megumi,” said the tall, dark-skinned woman.

“I…” Megumi trailed off for a moment, gather her thoughts. “A few years ago, I accidentally discovered that I could sometimes get into people's heads,” whispered the girl, not meeting Sala's eyes. “It…was bad,” she added without details. “Since then, I have never dared to let that happen again.” An analogy stuck her. “Since then, it is like I have been listening, but never speaking,” she tried to explain what was crystal clear to her, but impossible for anyone else to grasp. “I think…I should try and talk to Shie,” she blurted out.

“I don't know, Megumi,” began Sala, distinctly uneasy about the idea.

“It's not that I want to do it, Sala,” the young girl assured her older friend, “but, well…Gram asked me to try and help her, so I have to try everything that I can think of, don't I?” she pressed.

“Not if it's dangerous to you!” came a protesting voice from the doorway. Turning, the two women saw Junior standing there.

“Junior, when did…?” wondered Sala.

“Megumi, if whatever you are thinking of doing is dangerous, you shouldn't do it!” he repeated firmly.

“What about our promise to Gram?” countered Megumi. Drowning in that cage would have been terrible, I just know it! she shivered at the memory. Junior caught her shiver, and mistook it for fear of doing whatever she had thought of trying.

“Gram would understand!” he assured her hastily. “I'm sure that he wouldn't hold it against you. And if I have to, I'll find a way to make it good with him,” her boyfriend promised her. Megumi shook her head.

“Junior, if it wasn't for Gram, I would still be locked in my cabin, only talking to the BALLS and the marine life,” she tried to explain. “If not for him, we couldn't be together,” she said quietly, a bit of color touching her cheeks. Junior blinked.

“What do you mean, Megumi?” he wondered. “What did Gram do?” he asked, a bit of suspicion in his voice. Megumi's cheeks colored a little more.

“It's nothing; really,” assured the girl. I didn't mean to get into his head that time, but…! What she had seen in his mind had given her the courage to risk joining her crew on the deck of the Aurora for the outdoor bath. From that time on, she had been growing as a person, and the more that she grew, the more that she understood just how much she had been missing out on before.

Junior, meanwhile, was trying to figure out what Megumi meant by that cryptic remark. His imagination was driving him crazy with implausible and improbable scenarios, his jealousy fueling his ever-more paranoid fantasies. Unknown to him, Megumi was picking them up easily, given her affinity for him.

“Stop that!” she shrieked, her face on fire. Junior flinched, suddenly recalling that his girlfriend was psychic.

“S…sorry!” he stammered before turning to flee the scene. Sala had watched the two play out their little encounter with an amused smile on her face.

“Why you put up with him…” she smiled at Megumi, who blushed.

“It's not that he wants to act like that,” began Megumi, only to have Sala wave it off.

“It's that he can't help but act that way, right?” guessed the woman. Greater experience with men gave her a certain edge over the resident paranormal. Megumi managed a nervous giggle and a small smile. “In any event,” Sala let her friend off the hook, “what were you saying about your idea?” she prompted Megumi.

“Oh!” recalled the dark-haired girl. “I thought that if I spoke with her, I could find out what scared her so much, and if I did that, then maybe I could help her deal with it.”

“Do you really think that you can get that out of her?” wondered Sala. Megumi gave her a half-shrug.

“Don't know,” admitted the girl. “But the only other thing to do is ask Vess, but she might not know what traumatized Shie so much,” she noted. Sala reluctantly conceded that Megumi had brought up a valid point.

“I can't really argue that,” she said aloud. And even if Vess knew, would she tell us? Sala would admit to any who asked her that the girlfriend of Gram made her uneasy. “So, Megumi,” she said, exhaling, “when do you think you will be ready to try this?”

-

Hearing the hatch to the bridge swish open, Ester turned her head, seeing Vess pulling on a close-fitting shirt, having obviously just pulled it over her head. Shrugging a time or two, she ran a hand through her hair as she looked at the Naval Witch. “My watch,” she said simply, dropping into her chair. “Morning, NAMI,” she addressed the AI.

“Good morning, Vestemona,” replied the AI. “Though it is, in fact, evening,” added the ever-accurate AI. Vess just flashed a short smile at the display.

“Thanks for the news flash, NAMI,” she replied easily. “Navigation mode, please,” she directed, the displays changing to map mode, her smaller console bringing up the navigation tools. Ester slowly got out of Gram's chair, watching the girl work.

She is clearly military-trained, but more than that, thought Ester to herself, her personality lends itself to such structured organization, the first officer noted. Gram is her polar opposite, and yet, they function together nearly flawlessly, she marveled, watching Vess verify the course, check the systems and run the checklist that Ester and Gram had worked out to keep an eye on the damaged systems.

“Yes?” came the girl's voice, catching Ester off guard. Blinking her crimson eyes, the smaller woman swiftly gathered her wits.

“Nothing,” she said, “just stretching,” she disclaimed, raising her arms over her head.

“Funny,” replied Vess, deadpan, “it looked like you were studying me,” she almost-accused. Ester's lips tightened slightly.

“Perhaps,” she allowed. Vess still didn't look at her, though her green eyes touched ever so briefly on the smaller girl's face, framed by the golden medal of her mark of rank as a Naval Witch.

“Why?” asked Vess bluntly. Again, Ester had to choose her words with care.

“I am trying to understand you,” said the other woman a heartbeat later. I want to be sure that Gram is in good hands, she left unsaid. Vess considered that as she completed the rough checklist.

“NAMI, outside view, please,” she said before addressing Ester. The displays flickered for an instant, then showed the deepening blue of the Mars ocean sliding past their hull. “What about me interests you so much, I wonder?” she said contemplatively.

“Honestly?” replied Ester candidly, “Everything about you interests us.” Vess did look at her now, her green eyes intense.

“You mean `us' as in the crew of the Aurora,” she stated certainly. Ester nodded. “Why?” repeated Vess. Ester realized that she was now on very unstable ground. Careful, Ester, she warned herself. This woman is not to be taken lightly.

“You could say that it started with your appointment to the Ship of Aurora taskforce,” began Ester, “but that is not all there is to it.” Seeing that Vess was focused on her, Ester went on. “From the time that you and Gram had your little showdown by that dock in Ardena, you have been a source of speculation and interest for us. As time went by, your actions singled you out to us, as did Gram's reactions to your actions.”

Busy watching Vess's deep, rich green eyes, Ester was surprised to realize that a smile was stretched across Vess's mouth. “So, this is about Gram, then,” purred the girl, seeming to find something amusing about that. Swiveling back to recline in her command chair, Vess tucked her hands behind her head. “Go get some food, then a shower, then some rest, Ester,” she said confidently, her tone calm and colored with amusement. “NAMI,” said the girl, pointedly dismissing Ester, “did my music files survive our little mishap?” she asked the AI.

“Yes, Vestemona,” confirmed the ship's system.

“Excellent,” smiled Vess. “Give me some tunes, NAMI,” ordered the girl. “Random play list, bridge only, low volume setting. Interrupt for communication, proximity warnings or system alerts,” she refined her settings.

“Understood,” confirmed NAMI.

“Start.”

Pausing by the hatch, Ester heard the music begin to flow through the bridge. Trying to place the style, she realized that she didn't know enough about human music to make sense of it. Slowly, the short girl stepped through the hatch, her last glimpse of Vess showing the girl relaxed in her command chair, eyes closed, a smile on her face, humming softly to the music.

Stepping lightly along the passageway, Ester found herself in the mess hall in short order. Smelling the food that Gram was working on, she heard her stomach growl in anticipation. “You, too, huh?” came the amused voice of Neli. Glancing to her left, she saw the engineer of her ship watching Gram work in the small galley, a dreamy smile on her face.

“I must say,” replied Ester, taking the seat next to Neli, “I am looking forward to good food once more.”

Neli leered at Ester. “So, you volunteered for the same reasons I did?” she guessed shrewdly. Ester's porcelain cheeks ghosted a blush.

“Maybe partially,” allowed the Naval Witch. A quiet chuckle came from Neli.

“Ah, it's a hard thing,” she commiserated piously, “to have to crew on a ship not our own, forcing us to eat whatever is made here, leaving our own portions on the Aurora for the others,” her lips were twitching into a smug grin.

“Gee, Neli,” interjected Gram's amused voice, “try not to bleed too much for them,” he chuckled. A hum was her only response, her eyes on the food. “Honestly, I thought that at least someone could make decent food on the Aurora,” he said conversationally. “How did you all survive before I came aboard?” he wondered.

“Not so well,” shrugged Neli. “I used to think the food was ok, but after you came aboard, going back to it is impossible,” she related.

“Hmm,” Gram replied thoughtfully. Guess I know how to thank them for the save, he made a mental note. Seeing that the food was ready, he dexterously selected two plates and dished them up high with food, stepping out to set them in front of Ester and Neli. It wasn't lost on him that the two were nearly glowing with happiness; and unless he was sadly mistaken, both of them were having a hard time swallowing fast enough to keep from drooling. “I'll get you something to drink with that,” he said, moving back to the galley.

“Beer?” asked Neli hopefully. Gram rummaged around in his neatly-packed cooler.

“Looks like I have some,” he said, “but it's from a small brewery on Lowell city-ship, so it might not be to your tastes,” he cautioned her.

“I'll risk it,” declared Neli grandly. Gram grabbed a half-pack of the beer as requested.

“Ester?” he asked her.

“If you happen to have some Martian wine, that would be perfect,” suggested the girl. Gram grinned to himself.

“Matter of fact, Ester,” he said slyly, “I just so happen to have a half-bottle of wine,” he related, retrieving the carefully re-sealed bottle.

“Only half?” teased Neli between bites. “You and your girl finish the rest?” she challenged. Gram shrugged.

“Matter of fact, yes,” he admitted candidly. “Vess apparently developed a more refined taste on Earth,” he said casually, setting the drinks down in front of the two. Back in the kitchen, he quickly dished up a third, larger, plate and snagged a jug of water.

“Won't you stay and eat with us?” wondered Ester.

“I'm going to take some food to Vess on the bridge,” said Gram. “Take your time and enjoy the meal,” he said, moving past the two. Both women watched him exit the mess hall before falling back to eating. In short order, the two of them had finished off their plates, and made an exploratory trip to the galley, finding a small amount of food remaining. There had been a quiet, but fierce duel between the two over it, Ester pulling out a marginal victory over Neli.

Reloaded, the two returned to their table, taking a moment to savor their drinks; well, Ester savored the half-bottle of wine with delicate sips, while Neli chugged a beer before opening another and drinking more sedately. “Not bad,” said the taller woman, sighing. “A little bitter, but thicker and richer than what I usually drink. You?” she asked.

“I can't say that I am familiar with this one, but if this was Vess's choice, I would have to say that Gram is correct about her refined taste; it is a delicate blend, aged perfectly.” shared the first officer. “I wonder where they found it?” she mused.

Slowly, the two began to work on their second helpings of food. As the food disappeared, they would occasionally speak. “What do you think of Vess?” asked Neli quietly, glancing at the hatch to make sure it was closed.

“I don't know what to think, really,” replied Ester. “She's…complex,” deferred the older woman. Silently, Neli nodded.

“Do you think we should ask him?” murmured Ester a few minutes later. Neli glanced at the shorter woman. “I mean, while we can; with just us on the ship, it is now or never,” elaborated Ester.

“Do you think we have the right to?” wondered Neli. “It's not like he ever stuck his nose into our business,” explained the woman.

Ester turned to look at Neli directly. “You aren't curious?” she challenged the woman. A pained look flickered across Neli's face.

“Are you drunk, Ester?” she asked rhetorically. “Of course I want to know!” she exclaimed softly. “It's almost driving me crazy,” she pouted.

“So?” lead Ester. Neli cleared the last of her food from the plate.

“I guess we need to look for a good time to ask him,” sighed Neli.

-

“Hungry, Vess?” asked Gram, stepping onto the bridge. Vess glanced at him, favoring him with a smile. Seeing the food in his hands, she licked her lips.

“I could do with some food,” she admitted casually. Chuckling softly, Gram settled himself on the edge of her command chair and offered her half the large dish of food. Vess - familiar with this eating arrangement - turned slightly and began to consume the food. Good as always, she thought to herself, but what would make the crew of the Aurora react to his cooking like they do? Is it possible that their food is worse than I had imaged? she idly wondered. “Gram,” she asked, pausing for a moment, “was the food on the Aurora as bad as it seems it was, given the reaction of the crew to your cooking,” she clarified.

“Well, it was pretty bad before I took over,” he said, shrugging. “But, Vess, we've eaten worse back when we were in Ardena,” added the young man. Vess could recall those times; sometimes, far too well.

“When did you become a cook, Gram?” she wondered, not interested in the answer, but wanting to hear him talk. After the week or so they had had, she felt the acute need to affirm her bond to him.

“After you went to Earth,” said Gram, “I landed a part-time job at a small kitchen up near the top of Ardena,” he paused to take a bite of the food. “You know me, Vess: always looking to pick up a new skill,” he grinned at her. “Well, cooking seemed both interesting and useful, so I picked up what I could, and have been ever since.”

Vestemona leaned over, her lips touching his cheek. “I'm glad you did, Gram,” she said softly. “It seems to be one of our most lucrative trades lately,” she murmured. “And I can't say that I don't eat well,” she added, her tone playful.

“What can I say?” replied Gram easily. “Keeping your girlfriend happy keeps the man happy as well,” he teased her. Vess hummed deep in her throat.

“Oh, that is most assuredly true, Gram,” she purred. Oh, am I ever going to keep you happy! she promised herself. In silence, the two swiftly cleared the plate.

“More?” wondered Gram. Vess considered, then shook her head.

“No,” she said. “That's good for now. But, I could use a drink,” added the girl. “Any of that wine left?” she wondered. Gram nodded.

“Yeah,” he answered, “at least, if Ester hasn't finished it off,” he amended. That comment tripped a mental note in Vess's mind.

“Speaking of her - and the crew of the Aurora in general - I was wanting to know something,” said the blonde, facing him squarely, tucking her legs around him from the side, effectively trapping him. “What are they to you, exactly?”

Gram thought about that for a minute. “They're my friends, Vess. They are true friends - all of them,” was her answer, his tone serious. “Until I joined their ship, I didn't realize just how much I had become like those in charge of the city-ships and in the Earth Forces.” Pausing, he gathered his thoughts. “It was a freak coincident that I happened to join them, but it was like I suddenly could see myself; like they were a mirror.” Setting the empty plate aside, he wrapped his arms around Vess. “I didn't like what I saw, Vess,” he whispered to her. “When you left, I began to lose sight of what was important to me.”

Vess quietly slipped her arms around him, hugging him back. “So did I, Gram,” she confessed. “I became so wrapped up in being a proper daughter to Lauren, that I began to forget myself as well,” the girl confided to him. “Did I ever tell you about the shuttle to Mars, when I came back to hunt the Aurora?” she asked him. He have her a half-shrug.

“You mentioned that you had met Enora for the first time on that trip, and that you came with Rich and Rosetta,” replied her lover.

“When Mars came into view, Enora got excited,” said Vess. “She was very much taken with the romantic image of Mars, and when she said something to me, I actually said `Mars is a pit!' - like I was a born-and-raised Earthling,” admitted the blonde, squeezing her lover a little tighter. “Like what I wanted and needed most wasn't on this planet,” whispered the girl before pressing her lips to his.

Their tender moment was interrupted by NAMI. “Enemy vessels detected,” came the detached voice of their AI. “Sensor track and odor-print suggests three patrol ships, possibly Kraken-class frigates,” elaborated the AI. “No change in course or speed, steady on intercept course, distance fifteen thousand,” concluded the AI.

“Have they spotted us?” wondered Vess.

“Unlikely,” came the analysis from NAMI. “Their position puts them up-current from us, so they are unlikely to have an odor-print on us, and they are running at standard patrol speed, rather than attack speed. I believe that their patrol route transects our current course, rather than this being an engagement.”

“Either way, we aren't in condition to run or fight,” said Gram, swinging into his command chair. “Any good cover near us?” he asked his AI.

“There is a shallow trench to starboard,” noted the AI. “Sensors indicate that it should be large enough to conceal us.”

Gram and Vess exchanged looks. “Do it,” they said in unison. The ship dipped and swung slightly, the engine decelerating as the damaged ballast system worked to get them down safe.

“NAMI, see if we can get neutral in the trench, rather than bottoming,” said Vess, working on her terminal. “If we get balanced, then use an anchor line, we can float on the bottom current without using more than minimum ballast trim,” she mused.

“And with the engine at minimum output, we should be all but invisible,” Gram followed her thought. “NAMI?” he asked the AI.

“We appear to have sufficient buoyancy control to do so,” judged the AI. The outside view showed the ship sinking toward the rugged bottom, a dark ribbon becoming a yawning, crooked, jagged canyon on the floor. A chirp preceded a window popping up.

“Gram, Vess?” came Ester's voice. “Is something wrong?” Behind her, the two saw Neli on her feet, ready to move if they said the word.

“Not yet, Ester,” said Gram. “Patrol ships are cutting our course, but we should be able to hide on the floor.”

“What do you need us to do?” came Ester's direct question.

“Right now, nothing,” came her answer. “We're entering the trench even now, so probably the best thing is for you two to stand by in case we need you to manually control trim tanks or run down problems.”

“Understood,” Ester replied crisply. “If the ships come too close, the Aurora will come in and draw them off,” she reminded Gram.

“If possible, they need to stand away from us until there is no choice,” Vess interjected. “The moment that those ships get wind of the Ship of Aurora, they will call in for reinforcements, and this area will become clogged with enemy units,” she explained. “If that happens, we'll be fucked, since our engines aren't at full capability and we don't have the munitions to hold off a sizeable force.”

“You're right, Vess,” agreed Ester. “We'll stand by here in the mess hall,” she added, the window closing. Gram and Vess concentrated on their terminals as the battered ship eased into the canyon and slowly balanced itself. Once it was neutral, NAMI launched one of her cable anchors into the wall beside her, and another into the floor of the canyon, forming a kind of two-string kite cradle. After some adjustments to the bow planes and trim planes, the ship was riding the modest - but steady - bottom current flowing through the canyon like stingrays rode similar currents in coral reefs back on Earth. Once the ship was settled, NAMI ran a sweep around them, finding that the blind was better than they had thought: it made the angles from which they could be found so narrow that the patrol ship would have to be hovering right above them or be in front or behind them in the canyon. Loading bow and stern tubes with the last of their Theta-class mark eighty one ASCAP fishes and arming the functioning lateral launchers with motile mines gave them coverage for a last stand, and with nothing left to do, they moved to the galley, where they waited with Ester and Neli.

-

“Enemy patrol ships still in area,” reported MAKI. Growling softly, Elizabeth drummed her fingers on the arm of her command couch. The Ship of Aurora was pacing the damaged Ship of Hope at the far edge of sensor tracking range, and when the Hope had sunk toward the floor, Captain Elizabeth had ordered Yagami and Junior to prepare to sortie, while the ship prepared to charge in, all guns blazing.

MAKI had noted that the patrol ships didn't seem to have any idea that the Ship of Hope was hiding near them, and suggested that they see if the ships moved out of the area before tipping their hand. Reluctantly, Elizabeth had conceded the merit of that argument, and they had settled in to wait, finger on trigger, as it were. Waiting was not one of Captain's Elizabeth's favorite things to do. Clara was sitting at Ester's combat station, monitoring the feeds from their sensor nets.

“Captain,” came the feline's voice, “have you given any thought to what you plan to do once we get to Harras?”

Elizabeth scowled. “I've been trying not to think about that,” she said sourly. Her former ship-mate - not to mention love interest - ran the city-ship, and last time she had been there, circumstances had conspired to severely damage their relationship. In fact, Elizabeth had told him that she never wanted to see him again. And now, a year later, I have to ask him for a favor that could get him killed, thought the woman sourly.

In the aftermath of the blow-out, she had spent more than a few nights reviewing the situation. She kept coming back to Gram's words as he, Yagami and Clara - the only three of the crew not trapped on the ship at the time - made their way through the bowels of the city ship to blow up the sluice gates so the ship could escape: `sometimes you have to do things to get by that you aren't proud of'. Gram sounded like he was talking from experience on that, and god knows, I'm not proud of all the things I have done, she admitted to herself. It's possible that I over-reacted on this, but I never sold out my friends and ship mates! she told herself hotly.

But there was the rub: had Doctor really sold her out? He had re-fitted some patrol ships to look like pirate ships, but was that betraying her specifically? As soon as he realized what was happening, he had tried to get her out. He had also guided her three crewmen to the right area, and the damage done to his city-ship had undoubtedly been expensive. So, what now? she asked herself. Like going around an obstacle or being patient, eating crow was not one of her long suits.