Love on the Rocks - 15. Chapter 15

Wondering if I could stockpile ore to sell later as I looked at the latest reports. We were doing well but the ore prices had slipped in our 4th week as expected. Time to move again, it looks like. I thought as I pulled up the file I created and looked at the information before pulling up the current prices. It didn’t help that I had taken a flight up to High Sec to see Sasha while I went out with the Ice gang for 3 days. That is showing no signs of slowing down. The Ice prices stay very stable. Maybe I should work on getting more Ice Miners and reducing my Low Sec Mining Fleet. Micah is just finishing up on Rock Hound III and I am deciding if bringing in Rock Hound IV is a good idea or not. More items I need to figure out and work the numbers on as I started running profit-and-loss calculations on expanding or whether I should just reduce back to two ships. Or, for that matter, just run the leased ships to the end of the lease and drop them all just keeping Bear Claws and Arctic Bear Claws. At the very least, I would reduce my workload by doing that. The training center works out well and I have a deal now with my family’s Corporation. That brings me the ability to join our larger fleets in mining operations, plus I picked up the bunk room and training room as well as another 14 million credits. At this point I have just over 40 million credits and could afford to buy another Ice Miner on payments or, if I wait another year, I could exercise my options to purchase both Arctic Bear Claws and another Ice Miner. Which would be about the same as my lease payments. And the numbers keep working through my head as I keep working ideas around.

My thoughts drifted back to Sasha. It’s almost time, I think, for us to separate and he is ready. I will miss him as much as he will miss me, but I need to get on with my life now. My finger tapped the table as I let that thought work its way around my brain. I sighed and looked at my schedule, then Sasha’s again. I’ll fly up to Weissman Station and ride down with them. That will give us five days together. I tapped out a rather lengthy message to his Mother too. She responded almost immediately. ‘Your cabin will always be available, whether you are dating or are just friends. You’ve done so much for him and he knows the time is coming. Thanks for letting us know in advance.’ I smiled in thanks at the message as I scheduled the shuttle flight. Probably my last shuttle flight to see Sasha. Two days later, I’m stepping off the shuttle and heading for the Sara Maru while Sasha met me at baggage claim. His arms wrap around my waist.

“Good trip?”

“Always a good trip to see you.” I responded after he kissed me. He smiled, but I caught the difference in it.

“You’re coming to say goodbye. Aren’t you?”

“Yes Sasha.”

“I still love you.”

“I still love you too, and I always will. I hope you remember that. We have 5 more days together.” He stepped back before he squeezed my hand.

“Then I should make the most of it.” I nodded as I grabbed my gravtrunk and we walked with an arm around each other's waist, side to side, to the Sara Maru. Once aboard, we dropped my gear off at my cabin before I escorted him back to the Bridge where we kissed before he returned to work and I would meet him for lunch. I smiled a nod to his Mother, and she joined me for the walk back to the cabin. Once we were off of the Bridge.

“He knows?”

“Yes.” She nodded.

“I think he knew before you got here that this was goodbye.” I sighed.

“He did. We have talked of this before and he actually thought it was going to be two months ago, but I said neither one of us was ready yet.”

“And now you are.” I nodded again before speaking quietly.

“And now we are.” She patted my arm before she pulled me into a hug.

“Thank you for everything you have done to help him. Don’t be a stranger. You are always welcome here.” I smiled.

“I hope he feels the same way. I will follow his wishes, regardless, how much he wants to see me again.” She patted my arm and nodded again.

“Will we see the two of you for lunch?” I chuckled.

“Of course. We have 5 more days together and he wants to make the most of them.” She smiled widely this time.

“He’s come so far, Marc. Thank you again for that.” I nodded as we reached my cabin.

“Now I need to get back to work. Running 5 ships across different Sectors plus the training center is time consuming.”

“I can imagine. We’ll see you at lunch.” And she turned to return to the Bridge as I entered the cabin. Once the hatch was closed, I sat down heavily on the couch and dropped my head into my hands as my body shook with the pain it felt. Thankfully, I had a little over an hour before lunch and I was able to clean myself up enough that I don’t think anyone will notice. I left for the Bridge 10 minutes before he would be relieved for lunch. As is now custom when I entered, everyone that noticed me would nod in greeting as I made my way to Sasha. I wrapped my arms around him while dropping my chin on his shoulder. His head turned a little, and he whispered.

“Thank you for coming.” I kissed his neck.

“Nothing changes, accept we are no longer boyfriends, unless you want other changes.” He leaned back into me and I kissed his neck again. He continued with his work as I stood there holding him with my eyes closed. Trying as hard as I could to control my own emotions. Once he was relieved, I led him off the Bridge to lunch with his parents. We stopped outside of the cabin, and he hugged me as he brought his lips to mine. We shared a deep, passionate kiss before we entered and sat down to lunch with his parents. Conversation was as good as always, even if both of us were a little off, but nothing was said about that. As always, his parents left first and gave us 10 minutes alone. We spent it in silence, holding each other and sharing a kiss before we headed to the Bridge. As we walked, I asked.

“Will you join me for dinner this evening?”

“Of Course. Will we eat aboard, or do you want to go out to the station for dinner?”

“I think we could eat out tonight. We have the next 2 nights aboard to eat here. Would you like Italian place again?” He smiled up at me.

“Yes Marc. I would and that red wine we had two months ago would be wonderful, too.”

“It would indeed. I’ll make the reservation.” We stepped onto the Bridge and off to the side for our customary kiss.

“Thank you, my love.” He said to me as he pulled back.

“You are welcome, as always, my love.” He smiled as he turned to return to work. I took a breath and departed the Bridge.

Three days later, we were approaching the Low Point Station, and I was given command again. I stood next to Sasha, as I always did. I tapped out the Comm’s Link on the Captain’s chair.

“Good Day Low Point Station Control. This is Sara Maru. Captain Marc Alexander commanding. Requesting docking instructions.”

“Hi Marc, welcome back. Didn’t know you went up to High Sec again. We are putting you in D-3 and are you good with 3 tugs?”

“Hi Betty. D-3 and yes, we are good on 3 tugs. I just popped up to ride down with Sasha and his family. I’ll be at the meeting tomorrow night, too.”

“Good. Say hi to Sasha for me.” I looked over at Sasha and nodded.

“Hi Betty.” He said, and she laughed.

“He’s right next to you, I assume.”

“Close. I am right next to him. I expect in a few months he’ll have his Stars.”

“Good for you Sasha. Make Marc help you study.”

“Thanks Betty. He has been.” He said as he smiled up at me.

“Well, I’ll see you both soon. Control out.” I closed the Link.

“If you please, Sa Jasenka. Dock D-3.”

“Of Course Captain.” I stood back as he started giving orders and the Helm brought us around the station to the turning area before we picked up our tugs for docking. Stepping forward behind the Helms so I could check the dock out of the view port. I just shook my head and sighed loudly.

“Sa Jasenka. If you would be so kind as to enlarge the view of that ship in D-2, please.”

“Aye Captain.” I watched as the section enlarged. And I just laughed before saying.

“Helm. All stop please.”

“Aye, Captain Helm is answering all stop.” Sasha was just shaking his head as he tapped out the Comm’s Link for Station Control again. I nodded as he tapped it open.

“Good day again Station Control. This is Captain Marc Alexander aboard the Jump Freighter Sara Maru. I would like the Duty Watch Officer. Now. Please.”

“Stand by Captain Alexander.”

“What’s going on Marc?”

“Well Betty. Guess who is 100 plus meters over the Docking Markers again?”

“That wouldn’t be Boche, by any chance?”

“As a matter of fact, it would. If this was my ship, I would probably just raise shields and bump him out of my way, but it’s not. Can we get some of our folks from security down here to bang on the hatch again and 3 tugs to move him? As always, let’s lock him down until he pays your fees and mine.” Now she was laughing hysterically.

“My. You are joyfully cranky today. The gang in blue is en route and I’m borrowing your three tugs. Don’t forget to file the form for your fees.” I turned and Captain Jasenka just stood from a console and nodded to me.

“Already filed Betty. Guess I am talking too much today.” She laughed again.

“Never a dull moment with you around. Obviously, you didn’t yell enough at the last meeting.”

“Obviously. I’ll rectify that tomorrow night. Best bring snacks. I think we are going to have a long one.”

“Sounds good. I’ll pass the word. Security is there and the tugs should be in a minute. See you tomorrow night then. Control out.”

“Have a good day. Alexander out.” I closed the Link and shook my head as I took Sasha’s hand and pulled him along with me to the position behind the Helm to watch the other freighter move. It took 5 minutes, but that was fine. I got to hold my Sasha.

“So much for the excitement.” I leaned over and kissed the top of his head. “If you would be so kind as to take us in, Sa Jasenka, I am going to step over to the port Bridge wing again for some rude gesturing.”

“Aye Sa. Maneuver for rude gesturing, Aye Sa.” He said with a smile as I waved without looking back. I waited, leaning up against the armorplas deck to the overhead view port. I listen and could watch the repeaters on the wings control station to see what is happening. I checked the height, and I heard Sasha ordering a negative Z change. I smiled back towards him and his smile grew. I returned to watch our approach. As we passed, I gave them a nice rude gesture as I waved with the other hand.

“Are you happy now that you got your last chance to piss off Boche while we are together?” I was happy, but not about pissing off Boche.

“Maybe. I am sure this will not be the last time.” I said to Sasha as my hand moved, rubbing my fingers through his hair. He snuggled into my chest more and sighed. “You’re handling this well.”

“You made it clear from the beginning that our relationship was only temporary.” Sasha said to me as he turned his head slightly to nip a nipple. I gave him a little moan in response. He licked the spot as he nipped, and I let one hand slide down his back to caress his ass. This caused him to drive his hips into me. I smacked his ass.

“Hey,” he said as his head shot up and he smiled at me.

“I’m trying to talk to you, and you’re trying to seduce me.”

“And this is a problem. Why? I am trying to make the most of our two days I have left.” I chuckled as I pulled him tight against me while I leaned down to kiss the top of his head.

“Sash. I am so proud of you and all the growing you’ve done in the last few months.” He raised his head again, so he was resting his chin on my chest, being able to look at my face as I talked.

“You loved me and I realized I had to love you back or lose you.” He said in a soft voice. I nodded slowly.

“I loved you is incorrect. I love you, then, now and always.” He smiled.

“I love you too, and I think I always will. This is the end of us as official boyfriends and the beginning of a lifelong friendship.” I smiled again and leaned up to kiss his forehead.

“Yes Sasha. I will always be your loving friend.” His smile became mischievous.

“Friends with benefits?” He said, then quickly added, “As long as we are single.” I nodded.

“Oh yes Sasha. My exotic ex-boyfriend.” He slid up so his face was over mine and lowered his lips to mine. He kissed me slow and passionately.

“Once more this morning.” He asked into my mouth. I chuckled.

“Sorry, my love. You need to go to work and I have mountains of reports and other business work to handle before our lunch today. Are we eating dinner on the ship or here on the station?” He thought about it.

“I think we should eat with my parents tonight and then just us tomorrow night. Mom already said I had to be back aboard by 0800 the day we leave.” I nodded.

“OK. I’ll make the reservations.” He kissed me lightly on the lips and made to get up. I pulled him back on top of my chest. “We have 5 more minutes and then we can hit the fresher fast before I walk you back.” Kissing my chest and snuggle in again.

“Love you baby,” He mumbled.

“Love you back, baby.” I said, and he sighed while I ran my fingers through his hair again.

The next day, I was finished rearranging my mining company and went to pick up Sasha for our last night together. I smiled as I walked aboard the ship and headed for the Bridge. The Jasenkas were there to greet me and give me our final hugs, reminding me not to be a stranger. I thanked them both before I walked across the Bridge for the last time to wrap my arms around Sasha from behind. When my head dropped on his shoulder, his head turned as he kissed me.

“A few more minutes, love.” He whispered.

“To start a lifetime of friendship.” I replied as I kissed his neck, causing him to lean back against me like he has always done as he continued to work with his people. Our dinner was quiet as we talked about our different plans.

“I’ll still be trying to keep our study sessions going as best I can.”

“Thank you again for giving me that study guide. My parents looked it over and told me if I could pass the study exams I would have no trouble with the real exams.” I smiled as my hand covered his across the table.

“Everyone that has used it has passed. You will too. Are your parents going to step back and let you command?” He nodded.

“They said they would put me up for a year or so and then strike out buying another ship. Keeping me here with this crew.”

“Good for them.”

“I think that is because of you buying all those ships. They have spent the last few months working out the numbers, and it looks good.” I raised my wine glass.

“Here’s to the Jasenka Freight Corporation growing.” I said with a smile, and he tapped his glass on mine. “Are you going to buy more Ice Miners?” Nodding as I spoke.

“Looks that way. The prices on the product are more stable. I’ll let the leases run dry on the miners I have leased and funnel all the funds into Ice instead.”

“That makes sense. Fewer headaches for you.”

“It all has headaches. I am just concentrating on the credits.” He laughed.

“You should save some now without coming to see me all the time.” I shook my head no.

“Don’t think I won’t be traveling with you occasionally to make sure you are happy.” He smiled as he stroked my hand with his fingers.

“Then how about we skip dessert and you take me back to your cabin for the night and make sure I am happy?” I signaled for the tab, which he promptly paid, not allowing me to, before we headed to my cabin.

We awoke the next morning wrapped in each other's arms. I smiled when he shifted and buried his face in my neck.

“Good morning baby.” He mumbled into my neck.

“Hmm. The first day of our new life together.” I said. He smiled as he looked up at me.

“Yes. I think so. I am sorry to say.” He responded before he kissed me. Pulling back and looking into my eyes.

“We should go eat before you take me back to the ship.” I nodded as I reached up to run my fingers through his hair.

“I guess we should. Where did you want to go? The Cup and Saucer on the 03 level?” He smiled.

“Yeah. That would be nice, Marc. Think we could get one of the view port tables.” My smile must have given it away. “Or did you already reserve one?”

“I thought you might want that this morning if I could get you out of bed.” He chuckled as he rose.

“And that is just another reason I love you.”

“Yes. Because I do love you. So let’s just love together a little longer.” His head dropped as he wiped a tear.

“I was doing so good, too.” I stood next to him and pulled him to my chest.

“You’re still doing good, Sash.” He held me tight for a minute before he sighed.

“Let’s head to the fresher real quick and then up to eat.” I shifted and picked him up in my arms to carry him into the head.

“I feel like this is how it started. Fitting it should end this way.” He said as I kissed his lips gently while I set him down.

“I thought so too at the time. Otherwise, we would be late and I would have to pay the docking fees. Again.” He snorted.

“You paid the fees the time we were late.”

“Yes. It was my fault.”

“It was my fault. I mounted myself on you.”

“Yes, but I could have pulled out. I didn’t, did I?”

“No, you didn’t.” He smiled fondly at the memory as he stepped into the water jets to wash off. He moved his ass against my hard dick and looked over his shoulder at me. “How’s your credit limit today, Marc?” I smiled as I slid my cock against his ass. He grabbed the lube and lubed us up before he once again mounted himself on my dick, and I grabbed his hips hard, pulling him tight against me. We were late back to the ship, and I boarded, ordering the Lock to be held until I depart the ship before we walked to the Bridge. Everyone turned when I entered behind him and stepped to a console, tapping out the Station’s Dockage Payment System and filed the payment for the corrected late fees. Sasha wrapped his arms around me and kissed me again.

“Goodbye, my love. Until we meet again.” I smiled.

“Until we meet again, my love.” I said as I kissed him one last time and turned on my heel to depart the ship. I stood on the Dock watching through the armorplas view ports as Sara Maru pulled away and turned herself onto her course before accelerating out of sight.

To myself I said, “Goodbye my Sasha. May the Stars bring you the happiness you deserve.” Before I turned to return to my life. Walking through the station towards the military docks to check on the newest of our Comet Class Frigates.

Once on board, I met the Captain. She seemed familiar to me as I tapped out a question to my father. He responded almost immediately, and I turned to Captain Visgardiana.

“Let’s run her out into the rocks for a few hours of training.” I said as the orders dropped from Admiralty. She chuckled and started us on our way as I sat in the extra seat between the helms. Setting the station to my personal preferences.

It took me an hour to find what I was looking for as we cruised the asteroid belts. One of our Armed Freighters was taking on Ore and acting as Overwatch for the mining team as we had been having issues out here the past few weeks. The fighters' running search patterns seemed to be enough of a deterrent, but I wanted to make a deep dive through the belts to provide an actual warship in the area as further deterrent. Alas, we didn’t find any pirates, but the mining team was happy to see us. It provided valuable training for the 4 hours we were here to the new ship's crew. I was satisfied with their skill and said so to the Captain. It was after I was off the ship I figured out where I knew her from. She used to be one of the fighter instructors that I worked with for a short time a few years ago.