Love on the Rocks - 12. Chapter 12

I was sitting across from Dad at lunch and Mom sat next to me, making small talk as Dad looked over his copy of my proposal. His eyebrows headed up to his hairline a few times, but he continued to read until he finished it. Then he sat back in thought as the questions slowly came out. I answered as best I could. Finally, he spoke.

“You know that you really aren’t getting that much in return. Jay would make millions every quarter and you’re only getting rights to mine with his crews and about 1 million credits. No parts or anything else. Your last deal was more equitable on both sides. This is one sided, heavily in his favor.”

“He has nothing I need except credits. I could jump it to 3 million and spread out over 3 quarters or even higher, but I really don’t want to go higher than that. He’ll need another two haulers at least and crews.” My dad nodded.

“The reality is I put the worth around 12 million credits. I think you should go with 8 million. 2 million up front and then 250,000 credits a month until it’s paid off in two years. That would even out the disparity to a point, showing him, you see his side and are offering him a friendly deal he can enjoy taking while not breaking the bank.” I thought about that and even though I don’t really need the credits, I could always use them elsewhere, even invest them in the markets. I nodded slowly as I understood.

“OK Dad. I’ll change that section and send it off to him.” He smiled.

“I think he’ll jump right on it, actually. He’s been doing good, but is having trouble with crews. He could possibly retire out two mining ships or even lease them out to you and you crew them for your own fleet. With you using his haulers and gangs.” He trailed off and spread his hands open. I nodded in understanding.

“I should add that little note in there too, as a suggestion, then.”

“Or just mention it when you talk to him in negotiations.” I liked that idea better.

“OK. Thanks for the input. I’ll rewrite this and send it out before dinner. Let’s see if I can sit down tomorrow and talk it over with him.” I said, and Mom patted my shoulder as she stood. Kissing the top of my head.

“Good luck Marc. Let us know how it goes.”

“Thanks Mom.” I said as she left. Turning, I smiled at Dad. “And not a word about me and Sasha.” He chuckled.

“The day is still young, my child. How is Sasha doing, anyway?” I gave dad my lopsided grin.

“Got to report in? I am assuming.” His nod confirmed it. “He’s getting better. He is happy. His parents are happy, and we should be breaking up in a few months. We’ll continue to be friends afterwards.”

He nodded, “And he knows?”

“Has since I picked him up for Tammi’s Bonding. He’s grown a lot since then. Even his mother mentioned it to me.” He reached across the table to mess my hair.

“Nice job on that, kiddo. Let him down easy.” Fixing my hair after shaking my head.

“I am. That’s why it is taking so long.”

* * *

Back in my cabin I changed the parts I needed and made a few other corrections before sending it off to Jay Thatcher. Now I just need to wait. I made it down to Bear Claws and looked over all the work being done. I smiled at Micah.

“Good thing I was out of everyone’s hair for a few days, so you could get some work done.” I said as I squeezed through one of the openings.

Everyone greeted me as I passed, heading towards the drone bay. Once I made it, I started opening the panels and checking everything out. I smiled as it looked like everything was ready to go as I pick up a tester and started working my way through each control circuit unit. I locked down the first cabinet panel and started on the next. One drone bay down, nine more to go. I thought as I methodically started testing the control circuit units again. After three hours, I called it quits. I had zapped myself twice and had a cut on one arm that I actually went looking for the cause of. I ended up taking a plasma file to a piece of the tray from the above rack that obviously was damaged after I hit it with a plasma cutter to trim off the sharp edge that needed it. But at least I had a good start and finished 4 of the cabinets. Only 6 more to go. I worked my way back out and found that most of the mess was cleared now that they had finished the installation of that piece of equipment. The gang was gathered around a screen, watching the test program run. Lots of wrench monkey back slapping going on over what appeared to be a job well done. I smiled while looking over their shoulders, then I could check off another item on the list.

* * *

I was pulled out of my ship’s drone bay this morning with an invitation to lunch with Jay. I smiled as I accepted and worked my way out. Telling Micah in passing, I was going to a meeting.

“Cool. Buying another ship already?” I laughed.

“Maybe.” Was my only answer as I went back to my quarters to clean up and change out of my dirty work shipsuit into a Captain’s shipsuit. Arriving at the restaurant and heading to the private room. I found Leslie sitting with Jay as they were going over items on a tablet. They stood as I entered, and Leslie gave me a hug again before Jay took my hand.

“Please Marc. Let’s order first, then get into the nitty gritty of it.” I agreed as I took the proffered menu from the cute waiter that served us. My eyes lit up as I saw my favorite, which I ordered with a nice, tossed salad and a slice of pecan pie for dessert. We talked for a few minutes as Leslie squirmed a little. I smiled as I flicked my eyes to her, then back to Jay.

“She’s decided to sit the exam. I just need a few more items and I put her in.” I chuckled as I pulled my tablet over and tapped out a few lines and sent it to Jay. He smiled.

“There. See Leslie, you didn’t even have to ask him for it. I bet you give him 5 minutes and you’ll have a pile of them by tomorrow.” I smiled as I tapped out a few messages and sent them. Shutting down my tablet to standby. It was always nice to help people I called friends. Our salads and appetizers had arrived and my tablet chimed, then chimed again. I pulled it over and forward them to Jay.

“There you go. Four Captain’s have endorsed you. That is more than enough to get you in.” I said as Jay winked at me.

“As a matter of fact.” I continued as I tapped out another set of commands. “Here is what my Captain’s used to study from.” I smiled at Jay, and he nodded. Then his expression changed from friendly to business.

We started discussing the proposal spending several minutes going back and forth before I brought up the fact he was having crew troubles and would be able to take at least two vessels out of service to possibly be leased with option for purchase by another, friendly, mining company. His expression changed as he chuckled, then it transformed into a full belly laugh. Leslie was just giving him the look that said, ‘I told you so.’ Then she spoke.

“Did you honestly think that if he figured out what your Mining Boss was trying to pull, that he doesn’t know about other things, too?” Then she turned to me. “I’m not interested in nonstop mining. I’ll work for you as your second-string Captain and Charlie wants the seat on your new Miner that you get from this guy here.” She said as she thumbed in Jay’s direction. “You’ll need to come up with the rest of the crew, though.” I looked at Jay.

“You’re right. I can’t get anyone for the Engineering slots and the EO slots. By using your upgrades, I could cut possibly four ships out, make the same production numbers without the cost of those four ships. Then add in raises for my crews to attract more people. Your deal is undervalued on your side.” He stopped when I held up my hand.

“I have it valued at 12 million credits. I don’t need that. 8 will work and the ability to use your gangs for all my ships with us paying the standard rate for haulage. I’ll lease one of them now at 80 percent of the going lease rate. Lease purchase option with 50 percent of our payments credited towards purchase price. Minimum 1-year lease before purchase.” I paused as I pulled up the contract and forwarded it to him. “And I’ll take the second in 3 months. With the option for two more. That will give me three ships in my Low Sec fleet, expandable to five. I’ll work with you and your teams when I am not with my own team.” He read the contract and looked up at me.

“You’re going to bring in training crews.” He said, and my grin confirmed it.

“Yes. I have 45 candidates now. I’ll choose the best of them and train them while my ships are mining. Call it on-the-job training. After a term of 2 years after the completion of their training, they are free to seek work elsewhere if they wish.” He sat back. There was a range of emotions crossing his face that ended in a slow nod. “I could also train extra for other companies to purchase out their contracts.” I no sooner got it out of my mouth than I heard.

“Deal.” He said as he stood to reach across to shake my hand, which I took. An hour later, we had all the contracts signed, and I had 2 million credits added to my account on top of that spectacular bonus that we made. Well, mine was 20 percent higher, but it was good for the crew too.

I was heading back to the drone bay again when I heard Micah call out. “Did you get the new ship, boss?”

“Yeah. Both of them.” His head popped out of a shaft.

“Really?”

“Yes really. I take possession in two weeks for the first one. We need to make some modifications. Then in just over 3 months for the second. We’ll need to make modifications to that one too. Tom stuck his head out from the access ladder further up the passageway along with everyone else stopping to look at me.

“Marc. Are you joking?” Tom asked.

“Nope.” I said as I ducked into the drone bay to finish up my work. Then one of the day hires came in.

“Sa Alexander, are you going to need engineers on your ships?” He asked.

“As a matter of fact, I am. I’ll need miners, drone operators, EOs, pilots, and engineers. 1st mates and a Captain or two would be nice too. So if you guys know anyone that wants a change of scenery, we will be based out of this station. Please let them know. Let me know too, and I’ll post the positions on Station Net.”

“Aye Sa, I know a few people and I’m one of them.”

“Good. I’ll post everything tonight then. Make sure you put in for it, but you’re hired already.” He smiled.

“Aye Sa. Thank you, Sa.”

I tapped off a message to my Mother. “Mom. I need a set of quarters for my new crews. Two person bunk rooms like mine for starters, as they are only temporary. Could you check into that for me? 16 rooms. Thanks.” 30 minutes and another closed panel later, she replied.

“What crew? And 16 rooms? I’ll check. Please stop by for dinner tonight and explain.” I laughed at the response. Before I responded, I would see her for dinner. I finished the last panel and let out a yell.

“It only took me two days but the drone packs check out OK.” I heard a series of applause from around the ship, then Tom yelled.

“See. I told you he was useful beyond sitting in the big chair to hold it down to the deck.” That started with a round of laughter that I joined in.

Dinner was a long affair, as I had to explain everything to Mom and Dad. They were both proud and a little astonished about my accomplishments the past few weeks. Dad even suggested maybe I could cut a deal with Alexander Industrials as well. I thought about it. Deciding I would digest what I had first before I expanded anymore. It was a thought, though. Possibly I could use it to get the space I needed on the Station for my company. I could use the commercial docks. That would keep my hanger open for repairs and upgrades. I needed to bring in real credits first. That was the entire purpose of running the Ice Miner. That was enough credits after my deal with Ernesto to finish the upgrades plus pay everything for 5 months without me getting any incoming funds. My Miner will be operational in less than a month and so will the Ice Miner. I should have three of four miners going in four months. And if I could man Mini Borer, I could have a mining research vessel that hunted out the best ores as I scooped them up. I shook myself out of my dreams and started tapping out what I needed on Station Net. Including what I was providing up front as we got off the ground. I smiled as I worked through each position. It was 2 hours later when I had everything posted. And word has gotten out already about the positions I needed to fill as I had multiple Service Jackets piling up in my Station Net box. I checked the time and called it a night. I thought about what Mom had said about just getting a barracks room big enough for 36 and using that. It would get the regular crew to move out faster than if I had a smaller 2-person room. After hashing it over, I decided that was the better of the options and sent her a note to let me know what was available. Then I opened a Link to Sasha.

“Hi Marc.” He sounded sad.

“Hello my Sasha. Sorry I couldn’t get to you earlier. I’ve been a little busy the past few days. I had to cover a fellow Captain who had to take emergency leave. Then I ended up buying another ship. I’ve hired some crews. And now. I finally have time to talk to my Sasha. How are you, love?” I asked as I watched his expression while he digested what I said.

“How many ships do you have now?” I took a moment to count.

“If I buy them all, I’ll have 7.” He looked sad again. “Sasha, are you going to tell me why you are feeling sad, or do I have to tell you?” He looked at me and sighed.

“I’m holding you back.” He said. My hand shot up in the universal sign for stop as my head shook a no.

“I am sorry I am not there to hold you in my arms to say this. So make believe I am. Hug yourself. Go on. Hug yourself.” I waited until he did it. “Now baby. You are not holding me back. I told you there would be times when I was busy and this was one of them. I am trying my best to spend time with you. You have my tentative schedule to visit. I am trying very hard to adhere to it. I am sorry we are spending so much time apart but I am not canceling anything. I am still coming to spend time with you. I still love you. I hope you still love me.” I saw a tear start, and he moved fast to wipe it away.

“Yes Marc. I still love you and I understand you have a lot of things to do. I am lonely. When you make the Comm’s joining us for meals, it helps and we haven’t done that in a few days.”

“I know baby. I can Comm tomorrow for lunch. Then I have to leave for a few days to attend the Guild’s meeting. I don’t know that schedule. I might be able to Comm or I might not. Then I return here and I should drop a few more items off my to do list and be able to Comm you more. Now. No promises, but I may be asking your parents if you can come with me for a few days up in High Sec. I’ll take you out on my new Ice Miner with me for our acceptance trials. Would you like to do that?” His face lit up.

“I would love that. If only to be able to spend time with you.”

“It’s a working cruise, not a pleasure cruise, and our accommodations will not be anything like aboard your ship. I’ll be spending a lot of time verifying our new ship’s systems. Think about this first. Before you say yes. I am looking at some other options that would be better. So don’t mention it to your parents yet until I do.” He looked sad again, then nodded.

“OK Marc. I’ll wait for you to tell me what our other options are.”

“Thank you, baby. I will Comm tomorrow for lunch. Remember, I love you.” Sasha smiled as he hugged himself again.

“Love you too Marc. I’ll see you at lunch tomorrow.” I disconnected the Link before I turned to my schedule and tried to work in some more time with Sasha. For all I say, he isn’t my mate. I do love him and hate the pain he is in.

Two weeks later, we were taking the mining vessel Bear Claws out on space trials to test all the systems and try some mining to calibrate the Mining Crystals in the Strippers. We actually spent long enough in the belts to fill the holds. It paid for the flight and the next three, actually. I was happy about that. Sasha was better since I was able to Comm him more and I am preparing for a surprise. I have another meeting that I need to be at Wallas Station for and Sasha is going to be in the next Sector the next day. I extended my trip two days to join him in the Lynx Sector before heading back down. Then, a little over a week later, I am headed back up again to follow the original schedule. I thankfully have Charlie and Leslie to cover the Captain’s seat while I am gone. Our newest acquisition is in the hangar, receiving our modifications to its systems that Bear Claws did. More importantly, Leslie has stepped into the training Captain slot to help train the new crews with our first 6 recruits. A position she is finding rather enjoyable. She helps teach theory on non-mining days and then teaches the real word application aboard the ship while mining. Right now, as the only ship down there that is mining, we are running a 4 and 3 schedule. Charlie takes her out for 4 days and then Leslie takes her out for 3 days. It works out well at the moment.

My Link Chimed, and I checked. Grandma Alexander was just informing me of our departure time. I and several other people are riding up in their Jump Shuttle. 100 percent first-class accommodations for 20 people and fast. The 16 hour trip is only taking us 12 hours. I replied a thank you and moved to make sure my gear was packed. I lucked out because they are coming back at the same time after the event that I would be when returning from seeing Sasha. I smiled. The Stars work in mysterious ways. I tapped out the last set of orders to my personnel before I sent off a message to the Jasenka’s informing them of my clandestine arrival. Sasha’s Mother was so excited she gave me the VIP Cabin again as it wasn’t in use. I booked a business class seat for the round trip from Wallas Station. Short 3-hour flight, but I would like to sleep on it or possibly work on it.

* * *

A few days later, I was boarding the shuttle and thinking back at the meeting. Not sure why I was invited at first until I ran into Ernesto. He told me some of the back room deals going on between the larger Corporations. He also heard that a few wanted to talk to me about helping them in Low Sec, as I had proved my ship was doing well and I was training crews. Which is what I wanted to provide after I looked at my own needs. In the end, I talked to a few people and planned to explore the ideas further at a later time. I settled down into the seat and relaxed for the flight. I was looking forward to this, as I had been away from Sasha too long myself. I dozed off at some point during the flight and awoke to the sounds of us coming into the hangar. I departed the shuttle after thanking the crew and grabbed my gear in baggage claim before heading for the ship. A couple of taps on the info board and I was weaving my way through other people to Dock M-2. Finding a staffer waiting as I walked up the Ramp to take my gear to the cabin after I carded in and headed to the Bridge. It was close to lunch time after all. The crew smiled as I entered and it was almost like a wave as my presence swept around the Bridge. Sasha’s father smiled while he pointed to a back corner. I nodded before heading off. I didn’t see him, but there was a small conference room. I knocked three times and entered. The room went silent as Sasha looked up at me standing in the doorway. The Captain stood and gave me a hug before saying.

“You have 5 minutes and then he needs to get back to work.”

“That bad is it?”

“Not really, but he needs a hug and kiss, then we can head to lunch in 20 minutes.” She kissed my cheek and left the room. Sasha stood and gripped me into a tight hug.

“I missed you, Marc.”

“I missed you too. I found another two nights to spend with you and then the rest of the schedule.” He had a tear in his eye and I said nothing, but leaned in and pressed my lips to his. He kissed me back before we separated.

“I have to get back to work.” I kissed him on the forehead before side stepping to wave towards the hatch. He smiled and grabbed my hand in passing to lead me out to where he was working. I moved behind him and wrapped him in my arms with my chin laying on his shoulder after I kissed his neck. Crew smiled at me as they spoke to him and he issued orders. I heard a few ‘Moving’ warnings that we had to shift locations for.

Lunch was a happy affair, and I asked Sasha to join me for dinner in my cabin this evening.

“Do you think we’ll have time to eat? I have a lot of catching up to do.” He asked in front of his parents.

“We’ll see Sash.” I said slowly as I gave him my best lust filled look. His parents chuckled as they excused themselves to return to work and told us Sasha had 10 minutes. We both smiled as the hatch closed. He was in my arms before it sealed. No longer in a state of shock to see me. Sasha was now showing me just how much he missed me. I was returning the feelings and explorations with my own body tightly against his. We separated, and he looked up at me.

“You must be my boyfriend. I haven't seen him in so long I forgot what he looked like until you kissed me.” I chuckled.

“Yes Sasha. I am your boyfriend. I will prove it to you tonight.”

“As I will prove to you how happy I am that you could make even more time for me.” His lustful tone said it all as he leaned in for another kiss. I was loved, and he was showing me as I showed him he was loved. We separated again, and I took his hand, leading him back onto the Bridge.

“I’ll wait in my cabin for you.”

“I’ll be down right after I finish here.” His Mother smiled as we walked in and I gave him a quick peck on the lips before he return to his duties. I exited to head back down to my cabin and work on some of my own work.

I had just finished up working out some new plans for the mining fleet I am building in Low Sec when I heard the hatch open. I looked at the time before I turned around. 15:30 hours.

“My Father has relieved me for the night. I don’t need to be back on duty until 07:00 hours.”

“Oh.” I said as I stood and moved to meet Sasha as he walked across the cabin. “And did you have some special plans for the extra time we have on our hands?” I asked, as he wrapped his arms around me.

“I was thinking we could test the bounciness of the VIP Cabin bed.” He moved me in the bedroom’s direction.

“Possibly. We might also just cuddle for a while. I haven’t held you in weeks.” I asked with a devilish grin.

“I could do that too if you wanted. Or you could push me against the wall and hold me while you push yourself inside me.” He gave me the cutest, ‘I need to get fucked,’ look he had. I inhaled deeply as we entered the bedroom.

“Why don’t we just start in the fresher under the nice hot water? I want to feel every part of your body and I could wash you, too.”

“That would be a time and water saver.”

“I missed you, Sasha.”

“I missed you too, Marc.” I undressed him as he started on me. Our first coupling of the night happened in the fresher under the jets of water. It was a mutual exploration of each other’s bodies. We each made the other orgasm as well as ourselves.

“Thank you, Wesley. The meal was wonderful.” I said, as he cleared the table.

“You are welcome, Sa Alexander.” Sasha was looking at me under that wonderful head of hair he has. I was getting hard again and his foot rubbing mine didn’t help me any. His smile changed into a leer as the hatch to the galley closed. I smiled as I sat back and patted my lap.

“Come here baby.” He walked around the small table and threw off his robe before pulling mine open and kneeling between my legs. His tongue circled around the head of my cock, and he held my shaft tight as he looked up at me.

“I want to ride you.” I gave him a small nod of my head as he continued to lick my cock, making sure I was at full hardness. Then I heard the top pop open and cool lube being stroked onto my cock. He stood and put his hands on my shoulders to balance himself as he put a knee on each side of my hips before sitting down hard, forcing my shaft deep inside of himself. His head shot back, and I watched his Adam’s apple bob while he gasped loudly. Then one hand grabbed the nape of my neck while his lips mashed into mine. His tongue fighting with mine for dominance as he bounced on my cock. It didn’t take long before he had me ready and his ass clamped around my shaft. When his mouth pulled off of mine and his head flew back again, I drove him down onto me as I fired my own load into him. I was coated with his jiz as he leaned forward and hugged me tight. A devilish grin developed as he said.

“Now you can never leave me. We are glued together by our love.” I laughed as I held him tight against me before our lips met again. We stopped kissing, and he laid his head against my neck.

“I missed you, Marc.” I rubbed his back as I held him.

“I miss you too, baby.”

“Will you be able to make time for us? I mean real time. Where we can talk for days on end. Where we can see each other weekly for over 12 hours.”

“I don’t know Sash. You’re traveling and I have my company plus my responsibilities to the Corporation. I hope to have more time, but I don’t know. I’ve been trying to Sash.” I said as he kissed the side of my neck.

“I know you have Marc. I‘m not old enough to just leave and come with you. I don’t turn 16 for another 4 months.”

“I know Sash. Do you really want to come with me? Remember what I said about me being busy? That wouldn’t be much different if you were with me.”

He sighed. “I know Marc. I just want to be closer.”

“We’ll see each other again next week. And then the week after. We shouldn’t have three weeks apart again for a while.” I shifted and lifted him up in my arms as I stood. “Let’s go get cleaned up and go to bed, dear.” His response was to smile and snuggle in for the ride.

“I love you, Marc.”

“I love you too.”