Love on the Rocks - 10. Chapter 10

We’ve been back in the Ice Rings for two days now and looking good as ever. I’ve been helping Zoe with her studying while we filled the holds. The Mining Boss was a little surly this time out, but I don’t care. Ernesto was laughing his ass off last time we talked. This load report should be no different as I tweaked the Crystals again and chose the best Ice to work on. We worked hard the past two days, and we were going to head in tomorrow morning. Then I needed to catch the shuttle out to Wiessman Station to meet the Sara Maru. The reports were looking good. We were definitely holding a 3.978 percent increase in production. The crew is happy, all staying on when the new miner is ready. I’ll be putting on a crew down in Low Sec aboard the Bear Claws as well. Zoe thought my name of Arctic Bear Claws was a good choice for the Ice Miner. I was running the numbers again. I don’t want to use funds from Bear Claws to support Arctic Bear Claws as we break her in. We had finished earlier than I had expected and had us heading to the Station almost 90 minutes sooner than planned. The crew was happy. I was too. I might be able to catch the earlier shuttle and arrive just before lunch on the Sara Maru instead of the afternoon as planned. A nice surprise for Sasha again. I could get settled in and relax after lunch, too. I opened a Link to the Shuttle Corporation and requested availability for changing flights. The Link responded within seconds. No business class available, but I could fly First or Economy. I sighed. It’s a 4 hour flight and I don’t want to pay for First and no way do I want to be crowded into economy. I bit the slug thrower round and paid for first class. Last seat they had, but they are all view port seats at least. My Link chimed me with my new boarding pass. Zoe came over.

“Heading out to see Sasha or heading down to Low Sec.”

I smiled, “Both actually. I am taking the shuttle over to Wiessman Station and boarding Sara Maru there for the trip down.”

“Very nice Marc. He must be happy.” I nodded.

“Even happier when I arrive before lunch instead of the afternoon.” She smiled.

“Take off when we hit the dock. I’ll take care of it. All the reports are done, anyway.” I smiled.

“Thanks Zoe. I appreciate it.”

“And I appreciate everything you’re doing for me and Micah. Don’t think I don’t know that you didn’t have to do anything.”

“True. But that’s not how I operate. If someone tries, I will move asteroids to help them. If not, I don’t. It’s that simple in my book.” She nodded in understanding as she patted my shoulder and went back to her station. I am now guaranteed to get on that flight. Now, how should I surprise him? The jokester in me was coming out. And I snapped my fingers together. Several people looked at me.

“Sorry. Just planning my latest arrival at my boyfriend.” I said with a mischievous grin.

“Are you being bad again?”

“Why be good? It’s not as much fun.” I said as they laughed at the childish side of my personality.

Two hours later, I was actually enjoying the shuttle flight. First class was very nice, but I am sure that the three other people plus myself paid for this flight and the other 36 passenger’s fares were all profit. I managed to get some quality work time as well as a 30 minute nap. Feeling refreshed when we docked. The crew escorted the four of us to the baggage area where another staff member waited with our gravtrunks. I thanked them and was off to the lifts with my gear before most of the people were off the shuttle. I found the right dock and headed up the ramp to the Lock. Upon my arrival I found a staff person waiting to take my gear to the VIP Quarters as I headed to the Bridge.

I stepped out of the lift and smiled at Sasha’s father as I held my index finger to my mouth in the universal sign to be quiet. His smile grew wider as he indicated with a nod where Sasha was. I tapped out a note on my Link and waited until I got closer before hitting send. His Link chimed, and he checked it. The expression of the crew person he was talking to showed he didn’t understand the message.

Sasha. I am sorry. I am arriving earlier than expected. My hands worked their way around his waist as I stood behind him, pulling him back into me to kiss his neck.

“Just like before. Keep working, love. I will move when you do.” I said, as my chin rested on his shoulder. He gripped one of my hands and pulled it up to his mouth, kissing it before putting it back. The crew person smiled, as he didn’t miss a beat in their conversation. I heard footsteps behind me as his mother walked over and kissed my cheek.

“Made it early, I see.”

“Hi Sa Jasenka. Yes. We filled the last hold, so I was able to make the earlier flight.”

“Just in time for lunch, too. That has brightened our day.” I smiled as I swung around so Sasha could get to his workstation’s screens.

“Thanks. I am happy about it, too.” Sasha spun in my arms and kissed me on the lips.

“I’ll be right back.” He said as he moved across the Bridge to look over the shoulder of someone pointing out something on the screen. He threw his hands up before he tapped out a few codes on his tablet and started back towards us. He wasn’t happy.

“Mom, that lift is acting up again in the number 7 hold. Engineering says it’s going to be down an hour at least.”

“OK Sasha. How is everything else going? Is number 2 loaded yet?” He nodded.

“2 is loaded. Everything else will be completed on time, but number 7 hold.” She nodded as Sasha looked at me.

“This might put us behind schedule, Marc.” I pulled him close.

“It will be alright. A few hours will not hurt me.” His mother smiled at us.

“As soon as the watch relieves you, come down for lunch. I am going to take Marc with me.” He leaned in and kissed my cheek.

“See you in about 15 minutes.” Then he turned back to his Mother.

“Thanks Mom.” She kissed his cheek and strolled off the bridge with me at her side.

“He’s doing much better. How much longer does he have before the two of you separate?” I shrugged.

“I have mentioned it to him and I looked at the schedules for the next two months to work out the best timings I could come up with. I figure we are good for a few more months at least. Then we will revert to just friends.” She patted my arm.

“I can see you love each other, but this is not the right relationship for either of you. Thank you for taking such good care of him. He has become more confident and assertive since you started dating him.” I smiled.

“Thanks Sa Jasenka. I am trying.”

“I can see that, and so does he. Sometimes I think he is wondering if he is holding you back.”

“He’s not. Should that ever come up? I have a tight schedule, but I have been slipping him into it. My schedule next month is actually the reason we will see each other so much. Due to all the meetings I need to attend.” She patted my arm again.

“You’re the best thing that has happened to him in years. Thank you again, Marc, for showing him what love is.” She finished as we walked into the family cabin. The steward informed me all of my gear was in the VIP Cabin. I thanked him as he asked if I would like to have dinner in there tonight as the galley was attached to this cabin’s as well. Sasha’s mother just nodded yes to me as she said. “He doesn’t need to be at work until 0700 hours tomorrow morning.” Which I responded in the positive to the steward. He said he would have the dining area prepared, and a staffer assigned to see to my needs. I thanked him as I seated myself in one of the comfortable chairs to continue my conversations with his mother as we waited or Sasha and his dad to arrive. She confirmed that all my gear was aboard for delivery to Low Point Station.

Lunch was fantastic and Sasha was in his newest form. Happy, more assertive and more importantly he was showing more confidence. His father remarked on it too and gave me a wink that no one else could see. I asked Sasha to join me for dinner tonight in my cabin and his face lit right up as he agreed.

“Yes Marc. I would love to.” I leaned over and kissed him on the lips in front of his parents. He didn’t pull away or blush. How far he has come? I thought to myself as I sat back in my seat. We finished lunch and Sasha walked me back to my cabin. I smiled as he pushed me in and really kissed me.

“You’ll spend the next few days living out of this cabin. Won’t you?” I asked. Again, his face lit up.

“Yes Marc. I would like that very much. And thanks for being able to spend time with me for the next 6 weeks.”

“I am trying my best to fit you in. My scheduled appearances at meetings are giving you most of the time, otherwise we are in the wrong parts of space at the wrong times.” He nodded in my chest, then turned his head up and kissed me again.

“I am going to be on the Bridge to take us out before dinner.” I smiled down at him.

“Good for you. Maybe I’ll come up to watch.”

“You could. I would like if you stood next to me like Mom does.”

“OK. I’ll be there.” We hugged one last time as I kissed him before sending him on his way and sitting down to my own work. My Link chimed. Checking before I answered, I saw it was Sasha’s mother.

“Hello” I said as I answered.

“Marc, are you busy before we depart?”

“Not really. I’m just working out projections and doing some course work. I’m two weeks ahead, so there is nothing important.”

“How about you join us for our departure meeting and then take us out?”

“I thought Sasha was taking the ship out.”

“He is. I checked your records, and I decided I would give you the ship. You could give him the Conn.” I laughed. That actually sounded like fun.

“OK Captain. I’ll see you at the predeparture meeting.” She laughed too.

“I’ll see you there Captain.”

It was coming up on 15:30 hours and I headed up to the Bridge Briefing Room. Sasha’s mother was already there with her second. She introduced me to him and we shook hands before she patted the seat next to her. She asked if I had any questions and I ran through a few that I had concerning a ship this size. We would have 3 tugs on our starboard side and we needed to be 200 meters off the dock before maneuvers and 50 percent max power to the station limit. The tugs could help us swing. I had asked if they could rotate us during pullout and she smiled.

“Yes, they could. We usually don’t, but we could.”

“Then I will order it so.” I said. She smiled as she dipped her head. She understood I was trying to make up time and that we would do the max departure speed, if only to make sure we didn’t have to rush on the docking side. That’s more dangerous. The Bridge Crew for departure started filtering in and that included Sasha. Who also did a double take as he took his seat. He smiled at me, but had a questioning look. I just smiled back. The Captain began by explaining the next leg of our journey before starting around the room with the readiness reports. Every department reported their status. She skipped where she would normally say that Sasha had the Conn, as she finally ended with her First Officer who informed her the ship was ready for space in all respects.

“Very well, then. We are ready for departure. Captain Alexander, you have the ship.” I smiled as eyes bulged and jaws dropped around the table.

“Aye Captain Jasenka. I have the ship. All department heads belay your reports.” I turned to Sasha. “Sa Jasenka. You have the Conn. Take us out, please.” I said as I stood from the table before adding, “Departure stations, everyone.”

I received a chorus of, “Aye Captain.” As I departed first and entered the Bridge heading for the Captain’s chair with Sasha moving to reach it before I did. Calling out across the Bridge for Engineering to bring the Mains up as well as for the Comm’s Officer to open a Link to the Tug Leader to the Captain’s station. Once Engineering replied with, “Thrusters on line, Mains at 12 percent and rising.” He hopped into the seat as his mother leaned against the rear bulkhead standing next to her husband, smiling as Sasha went about getting us underway, under my command.

“Very well Engineering. Let me know when the Mains have reached 80 percent.”

“Aye Sa.” I watched as Sasha tapped a key.

“Tug Leader, this is Sara Maru. Request you approach and lock on for pullback.”

“Copy that, Sara Maru. 2 minutes to Lock on.”

“Thank you, Tug Leader.” I watched the plot in front of us and the points the tug would lock on. I nodded. Before I turned to look forward out of the view port. I smiled at the people in the viewing gallery. I leaned against the Captain’s chair as he shifted closer to me. Leaning over and giving him a quick peck on the side of the head.

“Mind the ship, love.” I whispered.

“Aye Captain.” He murmured back with a smile. We felt the clunk of the tugs attaching.

“Sara Maru, we are attached and ready to assist.”

“Thank you Tug leader, standby.”

“Standing by.” I stood straight up again and my head turn to Engineering before asking.

“Engineering. Current status please.”

“52 percent and rising Captain.”

“Very Well.”

“Conn have all Docking clamps and Locks retracted.” I murmured. Sasha looked at me a little hurt, but did as he was told.

“Helm release Docking Clamps and pull in the Locks.” Sasha ordered.

“Aye Sa” followed by the clucks of the Locks coming in.

“Clamps and Locks cleared. We are holding position Sa.”

“Very Well Helm.”

“Now call the tugs and ask for pull back 200 meters and rotation to 120.7 degrees 12 degrees up angle on the bow, starting at 75 meters.” He looked at me in disbelief until he realized what I was doing. His smile lit up his face as he called it in to the tugs. “Sara Maru, we need Captain’s authority for that maneuver.” I raised my hand to stop Sasha from replying. “This is Captain Marc Alexander aboard the Sara Maru. I authorize pullback to 200 meters and rotation at 75 meters to 120.7 degrees, up angle 12 degrees on the bow.” He took a moment to reply.

“Copy that Captain. Authorization has been approved by Station Control. Beginning our pull back.”

“Thank you, tug leader.” I responded as the large ship moved away from the dock.

“50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75 beginning rotation, 85, 90, 100,” We listened and watched the plot as the ship swung while moving away from the docks. I tapped a key and opened a new Comm Link.

“Station Control, this is Captain Marc Alexander commanding Sara Maru. Requesting maximum speed departure upon completion of swing.” I said.

“Wiessman Station Control to Sara Maru. Sounds like you're in a hurry. Max departure approved.”

“Thank you. See you in a few weeks, Sara Maru out.”

“See you then. Wiessman Control out.” I turned to Sasha.

“Once in position. Cut the tugs free and head off on course at 80 percent for 20 kilometers, then increase to 95 percent on the Mains.” He nodded as we continued to listen. Engineering called us at 80 percent and climbing.

“Rotation complete, 185, 190, 195. 200 meters and holding position Sara Maru.” I smiled as Sasha spoke.

“Thank you for the assist Tug Leader. You may detach and depart the area.”

“Copy that, Sara Maru.” Clunks could be heard. “Detached and departing the area. Safe travels Sara Maru.”

“And to you Tug Leader. Sara Maru out.” He said as he turned to the Helm.

“Helm, steady up on course and take us out. 80 percent on the Mains to the outer marker at 20 kilometers, then increase to 95 percent on the Mains.”

“Aye Sa. 80 percent to the markers, then 95 percent.” We felt the ship increase power and slowly move. I smiled down at Sasha as he smiled up at me.

“Ship is on course and departing the station, Captain.”

“Very well. Nicely done everyone.” I said as I turned to face Sasha’s mother.

“Captain Jasenka, we have cleared the station and are on course to the first Jump. You have the ship, Captain.” I said as she approached.

“Thank you Captain Alexander. I have the ship. All departments belay your reports.” She said as she took my place by the Captain’s chair next to Sasha and I took the other side. I leaned over and kissed the side of his head before I murmured I would be down in the cabin waiting for him before excusing myself from the Bridge.

I returned to the cabin and sat back in one of the comfortable sitting chairs by the view port as I waited for Sasha to come down from the Bridge. He was off watch at 18:00. I still had an hour and a half to wait. The chair was so comfortable that Sasha entered and found me asleep in it. He sat down on my lap, which woke me up. I smiled as I saw the look on his face. He was happy I had hijacked the ship and took us out a different way than usual. His hand caressed my face before he leaned in and kissed me passionately. We stayed like that for 15 minutes before he pulled back to stand, taking my hand. He led me to the table and hit a button, which brought a steward in to see to our meal and needs. We ordered our dinner, and the steward brought us our glasses of water and wine. We had decided that one glass of wine would be fine tonight. He told me he had to be back on duty at 07:00 and I suggested breakfast at 06:20 hours. We talked about him, me and us over dinner. I mention how proud I was of him and that, yes. I loved him. Even if it wasn’t the way he wanted. He even said he thinks his love for me isn’t what he thought it was. Then he asked me if we were splitting up now. I said no, which made his face light up again. We headed for the bedroom after we finished eating. He laughed as I lifted him up and placed him on the bed, then I crawled on top of him. He opened his shipsuit, and I helped him get it off as I worked my way down his body. Kissing, licking and touching every part of his chest and stomach before I played with his cock. I was busy licking his balls when he reached down and grabbed my head, moving me urgently up to the tip of his cock. Before he shoved it into my mouth. He thrusted into me as I swallowed him before his back arched and he let out a loud moan as I swallowed his sweet tasting orgasm down my throat.

“Sorry Marc. I was going to cum too soon, and I wanted it for you.” I smiled as I crawled back up to kiss him, exploring his mouth as he was exploring mine and tasting his own cum on it. It wasn’t long before he had me undressed and was sucking on my cock as I worked his hole with my lubed fingers. He pulled off my cock and lubed it up while telling me.

“I can’t feel you anymore, so don’t be gentle. I want to feel you for days again.”

“My, My. My boyfriend is demanding tonight.” He smiled as he rolled back, pulling his legs up.

“Yes. I am. I want it now, Marc.” He said, smiling at me. His hole exposed for me to enter. I leaned down over him and lined myself up as he reached out to grab my waist. I pushed against him as he pulled me down hard. That caused me to ram full force into him, which made him buck as his fingers dug into me while letting out a pained cry. I held as he adjusted to having me inside him again. He brought a hand around to my head, resting it on the nape of my neck as he pulled me down to kiss him.

Sasha mumbled. “Fuck me,” into my mouth. Who was I to deny him what he wanted as I started to piston his ass? We were both sweating and making guttural animal sounds when I felt his body tense again. When his ass clamped around my cock, it set me off too. His back arched as I drove into him hard, squirting my load inside as he squirted over both of us. The moan I let out I was sure was heard in the cabin next to us as I finished shooting and dropped down onto his side. He pulled me tight as his lips found mine. He was tired but satisfied.

“Tomorrow, we can do each other, baby. Let’s just clean up and go to sleep now.” I said as we kissed. He smiled as he snuggled into me after pushing me over.

“But I enjoy being stuck to you.” I laughed at his comical tone and he kissed me again. When he finally stopped, he dropped his head on my shoulder.

“I love you Marc.”

“I love you too Sasha. Let’s go get wet together.” He smiled as he nipped one of my nipples before he went to get up.

We awoke the next morning, and he told me he would be available for lunch. I nodded and told him I would come to the Bridge and escort him as I have done before. He kissed me again, then groaned as he got out of bed. We stood under the hot water of the fresher again, washing each other. It held promises of things to come later tonight, after we reached Bergheim Station. I smiled at the thought as Sasha pulled me in for a kiss as we rinsed under the water jets. We separated and dried off to dress before heading out to the table. Sasha hit the button again and our steward arrived with coffee and juice that we had told him we wanted the night before. He disappeared again before returning with our breakfast. French toast topped with cut fruit and syrup. Hash browned potatoes and scrambled eggs. We ate in silence as the time for Sasha to leave came again. The steward cleared the table, and I asked for a carafe of coffee, as I had work to do before lunch. I walked with Sasha to the door, where he stopped and pulled me into a tight hug with a passionate kiss.

“I’ll see you at lunch, my boyfriend.” He said as he pulled away to leave.

“Have a good morning at work, love. I’ll pick you up on the Bridge.” He smiled, pecked my lips, and left.

I sighed as I sat down with my tablet and started working on my course work first. My Link chimed. And I answered it.

“Hi Marc.”

“Hi Rachel. How are you?”

“Good Marc. How are you and Sasha doing?”

“Good, we are on our way down now. Just pulling into Bergheim Station, then we’ll be at Low Point Station tomorrow night some time.”

“Sweat. Are you going to have time for a group dinner with Sasha?” I had to think about it. If he’s going to be a friend, he needs to meet my other friends.

“I will have to see if he can make it or not. We might need to make it an early breakfast.” She nodded in understanding.

“We could do that. Let me know when and I’ll set it up.”

“Thanks Rachel. What else is going on?”

“I heard you bought a new Ice Miner. Tom is jumping for joy over a Micah and parts.” I laughed.

“Actually Micah is an Engineer that now works for me. He’ll be on that new Ice Miner I am lease purchasing. I got him and a Captain out of the deal as well as all the modification specs for my Mauler Model 007. Combined with what I already have will make it the best miner in Low Sec.” She snapped her mouth shut and gave me the look.

“You’re leaving out a lot someplace in that story. I’ll get it out of Tom after you have been working with him for a few days on your ship.” I laughed.

“I’ll sit down and explain it to you when I get home.”

“Thanks. I need some adventure in my boring life.” Now I really laughed at her.

“Didn’t you just crash a flitter?” She snorted.

“Please… That thing was a crash waiting to happen. It just waited until I was in it.” I was rolling, and it felt good.

“OK. If you say so.” I said. I heard her Link alarm go off.

“I need to get going. I’ll catch up with you when you arrive.”

“Sounds good Rachel. I’ll see you then.”

15 minutes before lunch, I walked onto the Bridge and stood behind Sasha and waited. He was talking with someone, then stopped and asked a question. They snorted and smiled before saying something. Then she put her hands on his shoulders and guided him back into me and my waiting arms.

“That’s better.” I heard her say as they started discussing the cargoes again with my head on his shoulder. I smiled at her.

“It’s just because you show up we know it’s lunch time.” She said with a humorous tilt to her voice. I smiled again as I kissed his neck. He pushed back into me more, so I was holding him up. 10 minutes later, we went down to lunch with his parents. I asked him if he wanted to do dinner here or on the station. He smiled.

“Here please. We have unfinished business.” Leaning in, I whispered.

“We could skip dinner all together.” He smacked my arm and shook his head no.