Season Five [Part Eight]

- 30 -

If only by comparison to what would come, the first week of transit had been quiet. Even bolstered, the medical staff were stretched thin. The Queentia Iactura was quickly expending what Para-Heterochthonous Medicines they had. Two breeds of influenza were already spreading through the people onboard, each group having introduced their universal carrier strains to the other. Captain DuHart had been assured by her Chief Immunologist that this was both to be expected, and in no way serious. The Captain had ordered her to keep an eye on the situation. She had replied that she always does.

On her bridge, Stephanie was doing her best to remain focused. The situation was incredibly sensitive and The Captain hoped to leave no report unread when it came to the survivors of the generation ship. They feared disease, but hadn’t a strong understanding of it. Several inoculation kits and much time had to be wasted by medical staff, giving themselves the shots as a demonstration of safety. The refugees lacked leadership, or any real cohesion outside of a general distrust of outsiders.

Stephanie knew they were growing restless. Several groups of them had gathered to engage in some attempts at organized sports, or other entertainment. The report The Captain had received about the situation, was mentioning plans to stop them. Stephanie had acted quickly to ensure that security personnel were present, as well as whatever support was required. After stymieing the potential for disaster, The Captain retired for a moment to her ready room. The space had been returned to it’s original purpose, as if it had never served as a bedroom at all.

“What do they think we are doing? If any other passengers on this ship tried to kick a ball around, would someone take it from them?” Captain DuHart muttered angrily.

Her privacy was cut short as the door opened for her Tactical Officer. Stephanie silenced herself and faced him. Cael stood in silence himself, but only for a tiny moment after the door shut behind him.

“They don’t think, they’re soldiers.” He said. “That sounded like a close call, Steph.”

“It may have been.” She replied. “We’ve only begun the journey, and I already feel as though I am holding back sides in a battle.”

“Well, you’re not alone in the middle.” He sighed. “Have you heard? They don’t know what alcohol is.”

“They don’t?” The Captain was shocked.

“Not at all, there was a little misunderstanding.” Cael held up a reassuring hand. “You certainly would have heard about it, if anything came of it. A cadet made a friend and both of them still are.”

“What is to be done?” DuHart wondered.

“Medical staff are working on a handout, well two.” He smirked. “One not to touch it, one not to give it to anyone. You know the drill.”

“I suppose that will serve, for now.” Stephanie remained worried, a sense of rising tension.

“How are you holding up?” Cael questioned quietly.

“I will remain fit for duty.” Stephanie squeezed the bridge of her nose. “So long as the ship’s supplies of anti-histamines last.”

“At least we had plenty of something relevant.” Cael quipped.

They laughed. Stephanie’s mirth was cut short when she was struck with the urge to reach out and hold him. She caught Cael’s attention unintentionally, when she shook her head to clear it.

“Tired?” Cael’s question was answered with a nod and a yawn. “If only there were still beds in here.”

Stephanie looked at him after he said it, not entirely sure of his tone. He wasn't returning her gaze though. A flash of embarrassment wafted from him. They said nothing to each other for a time.

“I should get back to the bridge.” Cael eventually said, before doing so.

Captain Stephanie DuHart was left alone with her thoughts and the smell of her Tactical Officer. She stood there for only a moment before leaving the room to busy herself with something. Anything.

The Captain decided to check up on the captured Commander they had aboard. He wasn’t locked up, but was being monitored. Stephanie found a recent report, mentioning that he had spoken with several people in logistics about finding something to do. From there, related and relevant reports drew her attention further. Stephanie tracked him down, he was working among many people. All of them a part of the logistics chain stemming out of one of the few cargo bays still being used as one.

“Commander.” DuHart greeted him.

“Barely at this point, Captain. What can I do for you?” He put down the package in his hands to address her, forcing a smile.

“I have been told you are keeping yourself busy.” DuHart said, wearing a small smile of her own.

“Yeah, I hate downtime.” He looked to the floor for a moment before continuing. “Besides, It’s good to be useful.”

“So, what do they have you doing?” She asked carefully.

“I am, repacking rations.” He showed her. “These seasonings are not going over well, and to be completely honest there’s too much protein in them.”

He seemed to be picking up Latin well.

“Is removing the spices necessary?” The Captain probed.

“Probably not, but it’s easier than distributing more medication for their stomachs.” The Commander quipped.

“So you are, taking things out of the rations.” DuHart tried to surmise.

“Oh no, we’re doubling up on the cookies, and they found some packs of rice in the galley, were adding those to them.” He explained, slightly triumphantly

“What’s becoming of the rest.” The Captain worried fleetingly that the supplies were going to waste.

“Everyone else gets to eat them.” The Commander replied, with a tiny smile. “Want some fish jerky, there’s like five flavors.”

“No. No thank you. I am glad to see this process is being undertaken efficiently, thanks to you.” They locked eyes for a moment, when the Commander realized why The Captain was speaking with him.

“It’s nothing.” The Commander said. His modesty was quiet and simple, like his work in the cargo bay.

“You’ve been spending time, among them?” She knew he was, but needed to hear what he had to say about it.

“I’m like some mystical fucking fairy to those kids.” He examined his feet quite carefully for a moment. “I couldn’t just let them keep guessing about me, so I’m lying and saying I’m a ‘good guy’.”

“That’s what a ‘Good Guy’ would do, Commander.” Stephanie said quietly, quoting his stand-out English phrase.

“Tell that to the rest of your crew.” He scoffed.

“You don’t care what my crew thinks of you.” DuHart looked the Commander over. “Or you would have told someone your callsign.”

“I don’t even know what my callsign, is anymore.” His lie was easy to miss, but he remembered his name.

He could spell his callsign out in his sleep. Type the letters blind with his off-hand, and the keyboard upside-down. That wasn’t what the Commander meant. They didn’t have the same words for things, in The Pilots Federation, making it so easy to not understand. So easy not to trust, for either of you.

“The tact you are bringing with you as you help with this effort is appreciated and noted. Your actions here-” Stephanie gestured about the room they were sharing. “-will be reflected in my reports, Commander.” She let him know that she would help in his fresh start however she could.

“I’ve seen worse culture-shock, to be honest.” He sidestepped what she’d said and took a small breath, getting back to work. “But, I think they were lucky you were here, Captain.”

“Luck is relative.” Stephanie muttered.

“And fate is what we make of it.” The Commander agreed.

- 31 -

They would see each-other through worse than this, in time, Stephanie and her ship. But the turmoil aboard The Queentia Iactura, the packed hallways, so frantic and constant. The Queentia Iactura’s life-blood, like that of any large vessel, consists of the men and women who crew her, and her pulse would never race as it did then. Stephanie’s ship felt alive, in the way that only a mortal threat can instill. It reminded DuHart of life on a Federal ship, the difference being that there were smiles in these halls. Determined grins, gritted teeth. Sleep was being lost here, but by choice and for good reason.

Stephanie had a good reason to be eating the dried and vacuum packed fish. She wasn’t happy to do it, but that reason was something. Eating in the mess at midday was the least time consuming way to do so. Cael had suggested she eat the same food as well, to show solidarity. DuHart agreed with her Tactical Officer. She was weighing the option of avoiding a dose of her anti-histamines, so as to not have to taste it.

The conversation at the Officer’s table ebbed around DuHart as she ignored it. Cael and several of the Bridge crew were discussing their plans for when this sortie came to an end. Though not avoiding the conversation, Stephanie’s Communications Officer was certainly not answering the question. He claimed not to know, that he would decide once he had to. Theo had been the one to mercifully call to an end to the line of repetitious questions being sent the young man’s way.

“What about you, Ma’am?” Cael asked Stephanie, to direct the conversation aside.

“Oh I must apologize, I was lost in thought.” Stephanie said, she had been running through supply counts in her mind while she chewed.

“Once we have finished with this mission, have you any plans, Ma’am?” Stephanie’s Communications Officer repeated the question for her.

“Address your Captain as Sir.” Cael lightly reprimanded him.

“Apologies, Sir.” The young man added. Stephanie fought the urge to roll her eyes at the precise display of military grade politeness.

“I shall admit, that I do not.” The Captain said. “I am far too consumed with the task at hand.”

“What do you regularly do with your downtime, Sir?” Stephanie’s Helmsman threw his question her way.

“Regularly?” The Captain made a show of holding her chin. “I don’t believe I’ve had anything regular happen to me, for quite some time now.”

Cael laughed first, then the rest of the nearby Officers joined in. The conversation continued, and slowly shifted topic. DuHart started to not listen again. She passingly heard someone deride the jerkied fish meat they had to eat, so The Captain passed along an agreement to the sentiment, before taking a large bite of her own serving of it.

“I would have thought our cargo might get stuck with these rations.” Said a Gunnery Officer.

“Our guests are not accustomed to a protein-rich diet.” DuHart explained to him, quietly.

“So what, I’m not accustomed to only eating emergency jerky.” He replied. “Sir.”

“Lieutenant Gnaeus, I would hope that you are capable of sustaining yourself on a marginally lower quality of foodstuffs for but a few weeks.” The Captain spoke slowly for him.

“With all due respect, Captain. This ship has plenty of supplies, we’re wasting them.” The irate Officer countered.

“Would you care to elaborate on that thought?” Captain DuHart goaded him.

“Why should we be giving everything halfway decent to eat, to those savages?” Gnaeus said.

“While there is an answer to your question, Lieutenant. I am going to instead, ask you one.” DuHart stood up from the table to look down on him. “Why do you think it is appropriate to speak of our guests this way?”

“Oh listen to you, this situation is insane.” The Gunnery Officer gestured as he continued. “We’re doing the ‘Right Thing’ and dragging some poor bastards time forgot, back into the present. They don’t even like it.”

“I certainly hope you don’t regularly speak as freely as you are doing now, in that tone.” DuHart scolded.

“What? First we’re worried about their poor tummies, now I have to worry about hurting their feelings too?” He spat his reply and took a sullen bite of his jerky.

“Lieutenant Gnaeus, finish eating and return to your quarters. You are relieved of duty.” DuHart sat down once she was finished speaking.

“Fucking what?” The Lieutenant now chose to stand, Cael shot him a glance. “...Sir.”

“I will not risk you spouting your opinions where they may cause harm. Remain in your quarters, aside from meal times, until we arrive in drydock.” The Captain explained.

“I have a right to an opinion, Captain.” He rebuked.

“Indeed you do, and I am punishing you for voicing it.” DuHart stopped looking at him. “Believe whatever you want Lieutenant, but speak in such an inflammatory manner, onboard my ship, during this trial one more time: and I will blow you out of an airlock. Am I understood?”

“Yes Captain.” The dutyless Officer replied dryly, before storming out of the mess hall.

After a few minutes of silence at the table, Stephanie realized she should address it.

“Yes, that was a harsh response.” She spoke quietly, but was heard. “The fact remains that we are all in a harsh situation, every effort must be made not to exacerbate it. I will not accept a breakdown of our situation, over something as petty as an opinion.”

“The Captain is right.” Cael added. “If anyone else feels the way the Lieutenant does, they can keep it to themselves. Now is not the time to be looking for wedges, to force between the people onboard.”

“Thank you Cael.” The Captain looked around the penitent Officer’s table, attention having been caught from most of the rest of the mess hall as well. “I shall remind all of you that Mister Gnaeus, regardless of his behavior just now, is the man who oversaw our fire-control during the battle with The Hellion. He is a fine Officer who does his duty well. But again, we are in a harsh situation. Unlike the people we are transporting, each of us including Lieutenant Gnaeus, made the choice to be here. When it comes to minor sacrifices of comfort we also have significantly more to give than our guests do.”

“Aye Captain!” A drilled response from her Officers, followed messily and quieter by the rest.

An urge came to DuHart to demand a better reply from her crew. She ignored it, pushing them for obedience would not serve anything. She could only hope they understood what was at stake, she had her doubts though. It is difficult for people to assess a situation they are not in, even when they are so close to it.

Once the food she required had been consumed, The Captain left the mess hall. She began her march back to the bridge. Before too long she took note of a set of footsteps following her through the corridor. DuHart turned to look over her shoulder, she caught sight of her Tactical Officer approaching. Stephanie slowed her pace slightly, and let him catch up.

“Some advice, Mister Theo?” Stephanie asked.

“Oh, go ahead, Captain.” He replied.

“No, I thought you had something to-” She turned to look at Cael.

“No, no… Erm, shall we?” He stammered a little and gestured for them to continue to walk.

Cael tried not to blush as they marched together. His intention had been to suggest Stephanie should have called to Gnaeus’ insubordination as well. But he spontaneously changed his mind when his eyes locked with His Captain’s. Cael admired her stoicism. He was unaware that Stephanie was blushing herself, beneath her fur. They marched together, silently back to the bridge.

Stephanie was still managing to convince herself that the intractable tension she had started to feel around her Tactical Officer was only hers. Cael had managed to put off acknowledging what was happening until another Officer asked him, if they had slept together yet. After dissuading that Officer casually, Cael started to become concerned. Stephanie had been concerned for sometime, but neither was sure how to proceed.

- 32 -

Once evening had arrived and her duties were complete for the day, Captain DuHart made to return to her quarters. She kept a smile on her face as she made her way through the gauntlet of refugees sharing the first deck of the Hab-ring. They were far from demanding, in person, but they wished for her to see their gratitude. Stephanie could do without that. Children milled around in clumps. Stephanie was satisfied to see them so jovial, but still displeased to have them in her presence.

A tiny shock of surprise passed through Stephanie when she arrived outside her quarters. One of the two posted security was not present. The remaining one made no indications of anything amiss, so DuHart made no mention of this. She assumed correctly that the other guard was inside. She also assumed correctly, that this meant visitors.

A tall and skinny man leaning against the far wall locked eyes with The Captain as she entered her quarters. His head was shaved, and his skin was nearly translucent. The internal security member who was absent from outside, stood beside the interior of the door. He silently saluted The Captain.

A tense silence cut through the air. After a moment it was felled when the girl stepped out of the kitchen, preceded by a stream of five children.

“Stephanie! I’m sorry I forgot to call, we’re having company for dinner.” She announced, fighting a giggle.

The troupe of youngsters scrambled to within a meter or so of DuHart, then stood in a semi-circle and stared at her. Stephanie took half of a reflexive step back. The thin man across the room took half of a step forward, and uncrossed his arms. Stephanie saw from the corner of her eye as he watched her carefully. After taking a short moment to collect herself, DuHart straightened her back and gave the children a cheeky smile as she saluted them. They squealed in approval before scattering, the man became slightly less tense.

“Me and Rhine will have dinner ready in a few minutes.” The girl said as she began to usher the children back into the kitchen. “We’ve set the coffee table, there’s more space in the sitting room.”

With that, DuHart’s Pallaca left her alone with the silent refugee. Stephanie almost considered striking up a conversation with the security member behind her instead. The Captain walked towards him, from the foyer into the sitting room. They were divided thematically, but an open space. Nine places had been set around the short table in the middle of the room. Stephanie surmised, the plan was to sit on the floor. The Captain also surmised that the thin man staring at her, was wracked with derision for the situation around him. She could smell how little he trusted her.

“Pleased to meet you…” Stephanie began to extend her hand to him, then stopped, unsure how to continue. “... Is there some gesture I should learn, for use in greeting?”

“We all know each-other.” His gaze rolled up and down Stephanie. “We don’t have, that.”

“Well, I am Stephanie DuHart. I would like to welcome you aboard…” It wouldn’t occur to him that she was trying to ask for his name.

“I know who you are.” He said, a little confused.

“I… Do not, know you.” Stephanie was forced to admit.

“Oh, I’m Odra.” He nodded curtly as he spoke.

After only a few tepid minutes, dinner was ready. The refugee children scrambled to put a filled glass of water beside each plate. Meanwhile Stephanie’s Pallaca and Rhine carried the main and sides to the table. Stephanie and Odra sat down, followed shortly thereafter by the litter of youngsters. The two women still standing, served a helping to everyone before taking their own seats.

The sides were a dish consisting of wide flat noodles with a light cheese sauce, and another of pureed root vegetables. The main was a baked casserole consisting of rice, more noodles and cheese, as well as a variety of legumes. The primary source of protein in the meal, was the diced and sauteed bean curd in the main.

The children all seemed enamored at how colorful the meal appeared to them. Rhine and the girl both sported satisfied grins at their handiwork. Odra and Stephanie caught each-others eyes for a fraction of a second when they each looked to the other, to try and read the expression there. Neither the Captain, nor the thin man across the table from her, were entirely sure what to make of the food before them.

One child, a girl with sparse blonde hair, took a quick spoonful of the pureed vegetables on her plate. She swallowed it with a broad grin on her lips. Odra saw this, and frowned. He leaned across the table and tapped his knuckles on the top of her head.

“Not yet.” Odra scolded the child.

He took up the plate he had been scornfully examining a moment before and held it under his nose. The others around the table who hailed from the generation ship all did the same. Together they took a deep breath, their faces a scant few centimeters from their plates. Odra’s face, like the others now appeared quite pleased with the meal. Then they put their food back on the table, and all took a large gulp of their water. This small ritual complete, the refugee family began to eat.

Stephanie sent a small glance to Her Pallaca, the girl returned that look with an encouraging one of her own. Then she began to eat as well, leaving Stephanie the only person at the table not tucking into her meal. This status quo lasted only a moment, before DuHart tried her food. She was surprised, the casserole tasted far better than it smelled.

Once dinner had been eaten, the children cleared the table. Then they scattered about the Captain’s quarters, returning to their games. The girl and Rhine both assured DuHart that the children knew to not be in The Captain’s office. Odra had stepped subtly between DuHart and Rhine as they spoke. A protective gesture.

What conversation was occurring among the adults, was being forwarded and sustained by Rhine and the girl. Stephanie was finding herself too occupied by the maintenance of her casual watch on Odra. He was doing much the same, to her. At one point in the evening, one of the children approached the girl, asking for a glass of water. Stephanie’s Pallaca obliged the child, and sent them back to their playtime with a pat on the head.

“Please don’t do that.” Odra scolded the girl.

The Captain said nothing, but had stood up when Her Pallaca was addressed this way.

“Oh, I’m sorry Odra.” The girl said meekly. “What, what have I done?”

“Don’t touch Sillas, just don’t touch my kids.” Odra’s voice showed anger, but DuHart could smell his fear.

“I-I’m sorry, I won’t.” The girl apologized again.

“Isen and Rivil are already sick. Jegon’s nose has been running since we got here!” Odra’s shout was filled with frustration.

“Odra, please.” Rhine’s voice was barely a whisper.

“Don’t!” He shouted at her before turning away.

Odra found himself face to face with Captain DuHart, her yellow eyes sharpened, and cutting through him. No one but the Security team member the gesture had been for, had seen The Captain stay the officer’s response. For only a short span, Odra seemed to temper his rage. But then, his grimace returned.

“Get the kids’ we’re leaving.” He spoke to Rhine without looking at her, then stormed out of The Captain’s Quarters.

“Jegon, Rivil! Get Miskat, Sillas, and Isen, it’s time to go!” Rhine called out. She only had the opportunity to send a fleeting glance DuHart’s way, her expression apologetic. Then Rhine was forced to console the children, who were less than willing to leave so soon.

The girl and Rhine spoke briefly, just before the refugee and her brood left The Captain’s quarters. Their topic of choice had been the success of the recipes they had chosen. Small victories.

“Stephanie…?” The girl began, once they were alone together.

“One moment, My Love.” DuHart said, as she decided.

The Captain stepped out from her quarters, seeing Odra and his family only a few steps down the corridor. DuHart jogged the distance quickly, and silently. Captain Stephanie DuHart announced herself to Odra by wrapping her fingers around his shoulder.  He swiveled around on his heel, as if he’d been struck.

“What? What is this?” His expression was again, enraged.

“We need to speak.” DuHart told him.

“Go on, I won’t be long.” Odra eventually told Rhine and the children.

Once they were alone in the corridor, Stephanie waited only another minute or so before addressing the man.

“I would like to apologize, Odra.” Stephanie said. “We are doing everything we can to make this journey as comfortable as possible, but there will be these cultural differences.”

“We? Why is it always ‘We’ with you people?” The refugee shook his head and scowled at The Captain. “It’s always ‘We are just trying to help’, ‘There’s nothing We can do’, ‘We would prefer it if you dispersed.’”

“We are doing our best.” DuHart tried, exhausted.

“I’m sure whoever ‘We’ is likes to think that.” Odra shot back. “Tell me Stephanie DuHart, who are You? What are You trying to do here?”

“Would you strike a person, if they yelled at Rhine?” Stephanie’s tone had changed.

“Of course. She and I... Who, who would dare?” Odra was now slightly confused, as well as angry.

“Someone like you.” Stephanie took hold of Odra’s collar.

He made a reflexive attempt to recoil from her touch, a waft of terror coming from him. Then Odra looked into Stephanie’s eyes.

“But-but the two of, of you...?” He was learning every day, of the things that were common out here, and how his people did not have that.

“I am going to offer you lenience for what you’ve done. I know that you did not understand.” Stephanie spoke so closely to him, that he could feel her breath on his face.

To say Odra was uncomfortable, would be the utmost of understatement. The only times in his life that another person had been in such proximity to him, his children were the result. He was given no time to come to terms with this invasion of his personal space, as he was bombarded with this glaring sign of how incompatible the universe would be to him. The Captain had pulled him from the ground and held him against the wall, she was shorter than Odra but was able to lift him in one hand. He was trembling by the time he was relinquished. Odra crumpled to the floor, and tried to wipe the lingering feel of Stephanie’s breath from his brow.

“Odra, look at me.” The Captain spoke after a few minutes.

The refugee slowly worked his sight up to her. Stephanie’s expression was cold. DuHart held out her hand for him.

“I am trying to do my best.” She watched him stare at her fingers. “And I am working from the assumption, that you are doing the same.”

Very slowly, hesitantly, Odra put his hand into The Captain’s and let her pull him back to his feet. He said nothing, only examined his palm and took a few breaths to steady himself. Then the refugee locked eyes with DuHart, he was still afraid. Odra nodded curtly before walking away to his family. Stephanie smelled his embarrassment, she would have preferred and apology for Her Lover.

- 33 -

Stephanie did not acknowledge the security team outside her door. The Captain stormed her way through it. Stephanie’s Pallaca was a handful of meters inside, waiting for Her Lover to return. Her face showing equal parts worry and surprise at DuHart’s arrival. Stephanie crossed the space between them in a single bound and wrapped her fingers around the girl’s shoulders.

DuHart knelt and wrapped an arm completely around the girl. Her other hand all-but frantically trying to caress her head. The girl could hear Stephanie’s heart beating, she could feel her lover’s terrified pulse shooting down her arm. The girl freed her own hands from between them to return her lover’s embrace.

“I-I won’t… I won’t invite them over again, If… If you want, I won’t-” The girl was caught off guard and silenced, when Stephanie stopped nodding as they embraced.

The girl’s Lover stopped muttering vague affirmatives, and stopped holding her so tightly. DuHart gripped the girl by her shoulders with steadying hands as she took a deep breath. The girl could feel The Captain’s pulse suddenly lower.

“I need you to-” Stephanie stopped herself, after a tiny breath The Captain continued. “We need you to maintain a positive relationship with them.”

“I can do that.” The girl did her best to follow. “I think it, think It would be best to, to do so in the common areas... Though.”

“Yes, use your judgment, of course... Of course.” Stephanie's breath caught in her throat, and her fingers began to shake again.

“It’s okay Stephanie, everything is okay.” The girl told Her Lover as she wrapped her arms around her tightly.

“What’s happening?” Stephanie put one hand on the girl’s back, and the other over her own face. “Why am I so scared?”

“It’s okay to be scared.” The girl explained into Stephanie’s shoulder, taking a deep but shaky breath. “He was scary.”

“I tell myself over and over how frightening this must be, for them.” Stephanie’s mumble sounded unconvinced. “But…”

“I am in no danger here, not tonight, not ever.” The girl insisted.

Stephanie needed that assurance. But Captain DuHart knew it was a lie. Unsure how to deal with this thought, she cast it aside and embraced the girl as tightly as she could. Physically reminding her entire body that Her Lover was there. Neither of them could help but loose a handful of sobs.

The girl flattened the fur on Her Lover’s face and then kissed her. Stephanie’s Pallaca held her tight and led her to the bedroom. She peeled away her uniform before laying her to bed. DuHart was face down, her shoulders occasionally twitching, her fur standing on end.

The girl stood beside the bed, and began to comb her fingers through Stephanie’s fur. As Her Lover’s fingers made their way along her back, Stephanie let out an elongated groan. Her left foot twitched, toes curling. The girl found her combing less effective than usual at flattening Stephanie’s fur. She tried to smooth it down with the palms of her hands, she felt Stephanie’s tensed muscles as she saw her fur fail to remain flat.

Frowning, Stephanie’s Pallaca gripped Her Lover’s shoulders and neck. She could feel Stephanie’s tension knotting her muscles. The girl began to massage. Working her fingertips along Stephanie’s tendons to soften them. Before long she climbed onto the bed, and straddled DuHart’s waist for a better position. The girl spent nearly an hour on Stephanie’s shoulders, before beginning to palm her way down Stephanie’s spine.

Stephanie had long ago lost track of time. She had become jelly beneath the handiwork of Her Pallaca. The girl was nearing the end of the massage routine. But she was finding Stephanie’s hips more troublesome. Moving on to Stephanie’s thighs, the girl decided to finish the massage first, then proceed with that issue. Stephanie’s thighs felt slightly ropey under the girl’s hands and the fur. The massage along the backs of them were producing occasional sounds from Stephanie. Muffled chirping giggles, coming through her pillow. With a sly grin, the girl wrapped her hands around the backs of Stephanie’s knees, then ran her thumbs up and down the soft spots there. Stephanie’s toes curled and she lifted her legs slightly.

Leaving Stephanie to the mirthful fit she had induced, the girl took hold of Her Lover’s tail. With thirteen more spinal adjustments and a kiss to the tip, the massage was complete. Stephanie’s Pallaca was not yet finished though. She rolled off DuHart and made the curious feline roll onto her side. The girl brought Stephanie’s knee up to her chest and made her turn her shoulders to face the ceiling, then hold her leg in her crossed arms.

Stephanie was prepared to ask for an explanation for this uncomfortable posture, when the girl began to mount her. Before she had time to be intrigued though, Stephanie’s Pallaca leaned down onto her with all the mass she possessed.

“Aahhrrr-” Stephanie’s warbling groan was cut short with a sharp breath. “Oooh.”

With a resounding crunch, that would have been profoundly worrying under other circumstances, Stephanie’s left hip came loose. A rush of feeling shot down her leg, the sensation of the sheets against her toes suddenly so much more intense. The girl relinquished her and knelt on the mattress. Stephanie unfurled and lay as flat as she could, panting.

“Better?” The girl cooed.

“Holy shit!” Stephanie DuHart exclaimed breathily.

“Okay, turn over.” The girl’s grin widened. “Other side now.”

Stephanie obliged eagerly. After the mirroring of her final technique, the girl was done with her lover’s muscles and tendons. Stephanie was left prostrate on the mattress and staring at the ceiling above them, the girl lay next to her and gently ran her fingertip along Stephanie’s whiskers.

“You should speak with him.” The girl said quietly. DuHart could taste feelings on the air, but the girl had just fought her lover’s stress by hand.

“What would I say?” Stephanie pondered sullenly.

“Tell him that the two of you are adults, in possession adult desires, and that you wish not to suppress them.” Stephanie’s Pallaca suggested.

“Oh no, I can’t. It would be unprofessional, childish.” DuHart lamented.

“Childish would be shyly trying to flirt, while awkwardly not looking at each-other.” The girl giggled in response.

Stephanie was momentarily hurt and shocked, before the girl's gaze caused her too, to begin to laugh. It took several attempts to contains it, before the both of them managed to stop laughing at the same time. They looked into each others eyes silently for another moment afterwards.

“I will speak with Cael.” Stephanie announced. She still knew not what to say, but agreed that it must be done.

“Good. He’s cute.” The girl pecked Stephanie’s nose with a kiss to punctuate.

“Oh I understand, now.” Stephanie cooed. “This is all some ploy of yours to see my Tactical Officer naked, isn’t it?”

“Oh please Stephanie.” The girl’s expression became one of shock and dismay, momentarily. ”Why can’t it be both?”

A raucous laugh burst forth from deep within Stephanie. She sat up on the bed to steady herself. Watching her lover released this way, the girl’s face began to feel warm. Stephanie was wiping a tear of joy from her eye, when the girl leaned in and wrapped her arms tightly around her. A tiny sob came from the girl. Stephanie took hold of her and drew her up to see her face.

“Are you--” Stephanie was silenced as Her Lover kissed her.

Pushing her tongue into her mouth, the girl pushed Stephanie down to the bed. She eventually dragged her tongue out from between Stephanie’s teeth, and sat on top of her. The girl’s white linen dress draped from her waist, over her legs and Her Lover’s body. Stephanie’s fuzzy breasts were rising and falling in time with her unsteady and excited breath. The girl’s hazel pupils wide and shimmering green as she peered into Stephanie’s yellow slitted eyes.

“Think of your Tactical Officer.” The girl murmured to Stephanie as she began to slide between her legs.

The girl allowed her hands, and fingernails, to trail over Stephanie’s belly. Slowly The Pallaca caressed and coddled her way off of DuHart. Kneeling on the bed, between her furry thighs. The girl ran her hands around Stephanie’s legs, the fur between them was softer and the highest of it was pearly white, matching Stephanie’s belly. The rest of the fur on Stephanie’s legs, and back, was coarser and a concoction of reds and browns. The girl ran her fingers along the line where the colors met, then through the downy patches on Stephanie’s inner thighs.

A sharp breath was taken in, and Stephanie’s knees came away from the mattress. The girl now had one of her lover’s feet on either side of her, she leaned down. Stephanie was already quivering as the girl’s tongue entered her. A spasm squeezed the girl's head between Stephanie’s thighs for a fleeting moment.

“I can’t, I can’t.” Stephanie babbled as she tried to take hold of the girl’s black hair.

With her hands around the backs of Stephanie’s knees, the girl pushed her legs up and together. Stephanie was unable to grip at the girl, so she took hold of her legs and hugged her knees tightly. The girl used her freed fingers to spread Stephanie gently, so as to dive back inside with her tongue.

“Ohh… Cael…” Stephanie moaned into her knees as she came.

Her lover’s moaning, and the tips of her toes caressing the top of her head, struck the girl. Stephanie’s Pallaca refused to let up, and so her tongue continued to explore. Meanwhile, the girl snapped a hand down and frantically pulled the hem of her dress away. Her own orgasm arrived with only an exploratory touch through her underwear. The girl’s moans were silenced though, as Stephanie had released her knees, and thus her thighs were held tight around the girl’s head once more.