Love on the Rocks - 16. Chapter 16

It was a very nice trip out into the rocks with the newest of the Comet Class vessels. But. Play time was over and it was back to business. My new mining ships had all completed their upgrades, and I had crews for all of them. I also had crew training for Jay Thatcher and a few other of my small mining group friends. Jay was happy when I pulled my miners out of his group occasionally because it means they have to work harder to make quota instead of hoping my vessels with their improved systems would cover for them. I laughed the first time he told me that. Now we actually coordinate when I am pulling my ships out. My best days are when I am out on Bear Claws chewing rock. No distractions. Good friends, good crew and good production. It just doesn’t get any better than that. I had a message from Sasha’s Mother telling me he was taking the Boards on the 11th and 12th. I immediately pulled up my schedule to match with theirs and find a time to visit. And it just so happens that Grandpa Alexander is bringing Nova Provider to Low Point Station for a few days later. If I could borrow the Jump Shuttle to fly me up the Pipe and join the ship a day or two before it arrives here, maybe the 16th, would be a perfect gift for Sasha. I tapped out a message to Grandma Alexander, and she responded 30 minutes later.

‘That’s fine with your grandfather. Are you going to be on Station for a few days before that? We would love to have lunch or dinner with you. Also, your Grandfather has some questions for you. Another project, I think.’ I had to look over my schedule again. I was indeed going to be here a few days before I left and put them in for lunch and dinner on the 15th. I fired back a message.

‘I can make it for lunch, dinner or both on the 15th. Your choice.’ It was an hour later when my Link chimed a message.

‘We’ll do both. Lunch with you and dinner with everyone aboard the ship.’ Grandma Alexander messaged back.

My lunch meeting was interesting as Grandpa Alexander was feeling me out to train crew persons for them also, as I have been doing for others. They have heard my people are very well qualified for the jobs we train them for. Several job types are cross trained. I smiled at the thought that at this rate I’ll have to keep the miners if for no other reason than to have a training platform for them to gain real world experience on. I found the idea was interesting and started working the numbers on it. I planned with the Jump Shuttle’s crew for the trip up the Pipe. Then I stepped out of my office and headed down to the main shopping plaza of the station. I needed to find a gift for Sasha. I picked out a nicely designed set of Captain’s Insignia’s for his dress uniform. His parents were giving him his Stars, but I had dibs on the Insignia. I couldn’t stop smiling as I thought that I now have 5 people I was involved with that I had given these to. I made sure my Link Holocam had space for holo pics, as I wanted some of him and us. I also had dinner planned for when the ship arrives here. People were invited and reservations made. We were going to Adelaide’s to celebrate. Sasha’s favorite restaurant on Low Point Station. I checked the time and sighed. Too late to Comm him.

I took the Helm from the Chief before our last Jump. “Find me the Sara Maru Chief.”

“Got her Sa. She just Jumped into the Sector. Figure about 65 minutes to cross the Sector for Jump.” I nodded.

“OK. How long until they make it to the outer Marker for this Jump Gate.” He did some calculations.

“Be about an hour, Sa.” I smiled.

“Good enough. I don’t want to hold them up too much. Let’s cloak and slip up around the Marker outside the designated Jump zone.” He chuckled.

“You want to scare them, Sa?” I turned so he could see my feral grin.

“Possibly Chief. We’ll just call it a training exercise. Unscheduled, of course.” He laughed slightly.

“Of course, Sa.” A dip of my head acknowledged that I heard him.

I sat back once we arrived on station and I watched the big freighter line up for her Jump. It will only be another 20 minutes or so before they arrive. I looked over to the rack on the deck behind the Chief. My case was still sitting where I secured it. That is what this trip is about, me delivering my gift to Sasha. Confirmation came across this morning before they pulled out of Weissman Station. He had passed and was now a Jr. Captain. I was very proud of him and so were his parents. I watched as she came out of Micro Jump and was pulling onto the course to the Jump Gate. “Chief. Let’s wake them up. Decloak and give them a heavy scan.” He chuckled as I put us into motion, pulling on to an intercept course.

Sara Maru

“Captain, we have a vessel that just appeared and has scanned us. Closing fast.” Sasha turned as his Mother’s head came up.

“Transponder Code EO.” He asked.

“It’s squawking an Alexander Industrials Jump Shuttle Identifier Sa.” He smiled as the Comm’s Officer spoke.

“Captain. We have been hailed. Requesting we maintain course and speed. Requesting permission to dock for gift transfer.” He smiled at his Mother whose eyes lit up as she nodded.

“Very well Comm’s. Please send my regards to the shuttle. Tell them they are cleared to land.”

“Aye Captain.” He gave the orders as he tap a key.

“Hanger crew. Standby to receive shuttle.” He jolted as his Mother came up behind him.

“I have the ship, Captain.” He turned with a surprised look. “You have a shuttle to meet.” She whispered. Sasha smiled.

“Yes Mom.” Then louder for the entire Bridge to hear. “You have the ship, Captain.” He said as he slid out of the seat headed off the Bridge and for the shuttle bay.

“Stan. Make sure someone makes a fast check on the VIP Cabin for Captain Alexander please.”

“Aye Captain. I sent two of the stewards to check it out once I heard whose shuttle was arriving.”

“Thank you, Stan.” She said as she settled into her seat. She opened a Link to inform her husband Marc was arriving.

Sasha entered the shuttle hanger as the outer doors opened, nodding to the hanger crew as he saw the sleek shuttle lining up on the hanger and who was in the left seat bringing it in. His face lit up as he watched Marc expertly land the shuttle and lock it down before turning it over to the chief and his crew. A few minutes later, he stepped off the ramp with his gravtrunk in tow.

Jump Shuttle, Marc

I pulled us around and was lining up on the shuttle bay as the doors opened. I was able to look inside and smiled as I saw Sasha join the hanger crew in the waiting area. I brought the shuttle across the barrier, side slipping us into our landing position so Sasha could see me. After exiting the shuttle with my gear, a thrilled Sasha came running over towards me. Dropping the gravtrunk handle, I opened my arms as he ran into them, gripping him hard before lifting him off the ground to spin him around. Much to his delight, he laughed while telling me to put him down.

“Hello my love, my Captain.” I said, as he smiled.

“Welcome back, love.” He replied as he eyed the case on my gravtrunk. I chuckled.

“You have to wait for your gift. We also are having a rather large dinner with your friends and our families.” He smiled before he looked me in the eye.

“Are you single?”

“Interestingly enough, I am. Do you need a date for tomorrow night?” He smiled.

“Are you asking me out on a date, Sa Alexander?” I laughed.

“To escort you to your party. Yes.”

“Very well, Captain. In the meantime, your cabin is ready and I’ll stay there tonight.” Smiling as he hugged me tight.

“I thought you might.” I said as I leaned in to kiss him. It was slow and passionate, just what I expected from Sasha. We separated, and I grabbed my gravtrunk handle. “Shall I drop this off then escort you back to the Bridge?”

“Yes please.” He said as we walked. We entered the Bridge, and I gave him another kiss before he went to the Captain’s chair and retook command from his Mother who came over to hug me.

“Dinner tonight with us.” I smiled.

“Of course. I’ll come back to retrieve him at the usual time?” She smiled

“Yes. We are still on the same time schedule.”

“And we have dinner tomorrow night at Adelaide’s. If there is anyone you want to invite, let me know how many to increase the reservation. We already have a sizable group of people I invited, he knows. I’ll send you the list so you know who I invited.”

“He’ll love it. Adelaide’s is one of his favorites.” She said.

“Then I must get down to the cabin and get back to work.” I said as she hugged me again.

“Then I will see you this evening.”

* * *

We woke the next morning, and he laid on my chest. My hand tangled in his hair, massaging his scalp.

“I miss this Marc.”

“So do I Sash.” He raised up to look at me.

“How are you doing? You look tired.” I snorted.

“We had a late night last night. But Yes. I am tired. Hopefully, I can find a good manager to take over the day-to-day management of my ships.” He leaned up and kissed me before snuggling back down onto my chest.

“How are you doing? You look good and happy.”

“I am OK. I get lonely sometimes and miss you others. That’s usually when I schedule a meal with you if you haven’t figured that out.” I smiled.

“I thought it was something like that and I enjoy those, too. I enjoy this more. I’ll have to see if I can visit more than every other month, or at least make sure I am around when you are at one of our stations.”

“I would like that. I’m 16 now, so I might come to you sometimes.” He said, then licked my nipple before shifting his head to my shoulder.

“That might be a good idea, too. Have you been going out with your friends?”

“Not really. Just a few times. Nothing interesting. You?” He asked.

“Not at all.”

“Why not?” I shrugged.

“Not interested. Too much work to do.” He raised up to look at me.

“But you made time for me.” I smiled.

“Of course, love. It is a special moment in your life and I wanted to help you celebrate it. You only get your Captains’s License once. Everything else is an add on to it.” He smiled as he kissed my lips before dropping down and resting his head on my shoulder again. He sighed.

“We need to get up and eat before you take me to the Bridge.” I took a deep breath and exhaled slowly.

“OK.” He lifted off of me to order our breakfast before we changed into shipsuits and sitting down at the table. Afterwards we took our standard walk to the Bridge and kissed before I headed below to my cabin to finish my reports.

We had arrived at Low Point Station and stood in his cabin as I handed him the elegantly wrapped gift. He was still admiring my full dress outfit with all of my medals. He slowly opened the box to peer inside. His face lit up as I took out the Insignia’s and replaced his Stars with them on his dress uniform after I attached the Stars to their spot on them.

“There, my dear Captain. Now you look presentable for dinner tonight.” His eyes glistened as we kissed. Then I stepped back and bowed. “May I escort you to dinner this evening, Captain Jasenka?” He smiled.

“You may indeed, Captain Alexander.” I dipped my head to him before I stepped forward and held out my right arm. To which he laid his hand atop mine as I guided us out of his cabin and off the ship.

We entered the restaurant and headed to the private room I had reserved for him. His eyes went wide as we stepped through the privacy field, as everyone applauded. He was immediately holding me in his arms with his head buried against my chest as tears fell.

“No Sasha, my love. This is not the time to cry.” He nodded against me as he regained control of himself.

“You could have warned me.” He said as he stepped back after kissing me.

“You have guests to greet, and I will meet you at our seats.”

“You’re leaving me alone?”

“The Captain’s position is a lonely position.” He smirked at me as he nodded. I moved to our seats, but remained standing as he greeted everyone and received their praises for his accomplishment. He joined me after he made his rounds, finishing with his parents. We sat after he gave me a ferocious hug with a fast peck on the lips.

“Thank you, Marc.”

“You are welcome, Sasha.” It was a wonderful meal and good conversation, which ended too soon, in Sasha’s opinion. I smiled as I led him away from the party towards my quarters. Thankfully, I had some of his clothing already there for this occasion.

Sasha was stretching as I woke the following morning. Then he moved up my body and held himself above my head, looking down into my eyes.

“Are you sure you are not my boyfriend?”

“No Sasha. I am not your boyfriend, but I am someone that loves you.” He smiled the sad smile he gets before he lowered himself to my lips and kisses me passionately. His tongue exploring my mouth as I did his. It was after he felt satisfied that he lifted to look into my eyes again.

“Can we be late today?” I smiled.

“Yes Sasha. I already arranged for that. You don’t have to be at work until 09:00 hours.” He cocked his head at me and looked out from under his dark hair.

“Are you sure you are not my mate or boyfriend?” I kissed his forehead.

“No. I am sure. But I do love you. You will see one day what it is like to have a person who loves you that is your mate in life.”

“I feel I already do. I can only hope they love me as much as you do.”

“I think that person will love you more.”

I had dropped him off on the Bridge of Sara Maru and said goodbye to his parents before I left. I was heading out on Bear Claws in the morning and had preparations to make today. I told Sasha that I couldn’t meet him for lunch, but I would meet him for dinner. Walking into the office area and checking over my plans for the day, then headed over to the training area to meet with our current group of trainees as we prepared for our trip out tomorrow. I also Comm’d Jay to let him know I was shifting back into his area tomorrow morning. He was looking forward to it because he had a large order they were having trouble filling. I worked out how we could help and filed the plan for the trainees to look over later. My prime concern was for my number 3 Mining Crystal. For whatever reason, it was showing some irregularities yesterday before they shutdown to come in. I fired up the system and ran a full diagnostic on all the Crystals. It didn’t take long to see an issue. There was a fault developing in the Crystal and because I wasn’t the original owner, I was the third. I have no recourse against the firm that created them. I could have a new one here in a few weeks if I ordered it now. I sat down and worked out a failure point for the faulty Crystal. I didn’t like the numbers I was seeing and tapped out a search for Crystals locally. Which, of course, no one had. I sighed and bit the slug thrower round by ordering one. I lucked out, as the Mining Crystal would ship within 8 days. Which was fine, but the only ships available to carry it will be here in 3 weeks. I could wait a few more days and have Sara Maru deliver it, but I need this Crystal soonest.

Our dinner was wonderful and our time together was as good as it always is when we are together. I rolled over and pulled him tight to me as I spooned behind him. He turned his head as he spoke.

“Good morning, Marc.”

“Good morning, Sasha. How did you sleep?” He smiled.

“Very well, thank you and yourself.”

“Wonderful, as always, when we are together.”

“You could always date me again.” He said as he rolled in my arms, pushing me onto my back before crawling on top of me. “I would enjoy that as much as you.” I smiled.

“Yes, we probably would, but then we would miss out on our true mates.” He sighed.

“It was worth asking.”

“It was. Unfortunately, we can’t be late this morning. I am heading out before you are.” He kissed me before he crawled out of bed and held out a hand to help me up.

“Do we have time for breakfast?” Sasha asked.

“Just enough and I can drop you at the Lock on my way to my ship.”

“I saw you moved her over yesterday afternoon.”

“Thought I might need to have it closer to you in case we were later than planned.” He smiled.

“Every little bit helps sometimes.” I nodded in agreement as we walked to the restaurant to eat. 30 minutes later, we were stopping at the end of the ramp up to Sara Maru’s Lock. I released the handle of my gravtrunk as I pulled Sasha in for a hug. Our kiss was slow and passionate before we separated. A bittersweet smile touched his lips, a mask for his sadness.

“Until we meet again, Marc.” He whispered.

“Until we meet again, Sasha.” One final kiss and I was off to the mining vessel Bear Claws for another run to the asteroids. My home away from home and the only place I truly relax.

Thankfully, Rock Hound II had joined us this trip, as I had to cut back the power on the number 3 Crystal even more to prolong its life, but we still helped Jay make his quota. I was still conflicted about running 4 miners down here in Low Sec. My only saving grace, because I don’t have my own mining command ship and haulers, is I can mine with my family’s mining groups or a few other groups I am friendly with. That will always be useful as well as the training center. Although it doesn’t bring in the credits like mining, it provides a service to the mining companies down here, as well as provides me with contacts that I wouldn’t normally have with those firms outside of the Guild. The Ice Mining is where the real credits are and I am working on expanding that. After taking the time to explain to the crew the Crystal problem and our reduced bonus for the next few weeks, I ordered 3 other crystals. That way I could replace an entire set, if need be, just to have them on hand as I should have already. The numbers for production have been looking good and my search for a good manager to handle the day-to-day operations continues. As far as the training goes. My school crews, as I have taken to calling them, are working out good. It may not make me as much in credits as mining itself, but it is allowing me to bank a lot of goodwill from my fellow mining operation owners. The meeting of the Guilds also produced a few good contacts. That has born fruit, as it were, as far as my training crews went. They would occasionally Comm me when they needed extra help to achieve their quota. Sometimes that was renting my miners, other times it was us working with them. On the cost analysis, my little Corporation was making credits even if I was hard pressed to manage them.

It was three weeks later when I received a communication from CONFED Navy inviting me to attend a 6-month training program. I had to weigh the benefits of doing that against the time required. I hold a Reserve Commission and need to take this request seriously. That prompted me to make Comm’s to Admiral Cunningham. We discussed my options, and he agreed to place me in a reduced time program for 3 months. And I had 3 months before I needed to go, which worked out well for me. My little mining empire could survive without me for a few months. Especially since I had a lead on a competent manager. My sigh was soft as I opened up the planner and worked out the next 6 months to give me a base to start with.

* * *

Six months later, I was standing on the Bridge of ANS Caelestis Anastassia. It was a good thing they happened to be in the area when I decided to… borrow them for three days. I waited until we had passed the first Jump gate before I turned to, now Lieutenant Commander, Janek Wojact, Captain of this ship with a new Executive Officer and smiled.

“I’ll be in my quarters, Janek. I assume I’ll find the other two already there?” I asked.

“You will, Marc. I’ll be down in about an hour. Dinner in the Wardroom tonight?” He asked.

“That should be fine.” I said as I left the Bridge.

I took the long way around to my quarters, just to look at how my design was holding up under the strain of running cargo and have occasional battle conditions. When I arrived, I found Hugo and Rory waiting for me. Rory reached me first with his mischievous grin as he entered my arms and kissed me. Hard, full of passion, with a few moans thrown in just to make sure I knew he missed me. Followed by Hugo holding me tight as he did almost the same thing. I chuckled as we separated.

“Love you too, little brother.” I said as we moved to sit down.

“So, what’s it going to be? You’re not dating, right? Can the three of us have our way with you the entire trip, or are you going to just have one a night?” Asked Rory, as he gave me his most innocent looking expression. Which made me laugh out loud.

“You never change.”

“That’s true, but he is correct in asking. We already talked it over. Individually or as a triad?” Hugo asked as he gave me that knowing grin of his.

“We’ll see after Janek gets here.”

“Told you he’d say that.” I heard from behind me as Janek walked in. I stood and pulled him into my arms. He didn’t hesitate to place his lips on mine. The three of them love each other and they know I love them, too. “I made it early. Just to make sure you weren’t left to your own defenses dealing with a horny Rory.” He whispered before I burst out laughing.

* * *

I awoke on the third morning. About two hours out from my final destination with Janek wrapped in my arms. He must have been awake already, because he turned in my arms and looked into my eyes. Poking my stomach, he spoke.

“Good morning sleepyhead. Open your eyes for me.” He whispered. I smiled slowly as I stretched out my legs before I opened my eyes. I knew what he wanted to see and his smile grew as he confirmed he saw it. “They still glow for me.” He whispered before his lips met mine. It was a long, passionate kiss before we separated.

“They glow for the three of you. A sign I love you all.” I whispered back. He held me tight before he sighed.

“It would be nice if you could visit us more.”

“I know. Unfortunately, if it wasn’t for me coming up to train with CONFED Navy, I wouldn’t be here.” He held me tight for a few more minutes before he sighed.

“I need to get up. We should be there in a few hours.” Janek said as he pulled away from me. I heard the outer hatch open before the footsteps heading to my bedroom.

“Time to get up, you two. It’s romp on Rory time before you go Marc.” Said Rory as he jumped into bed with me. Looking down at my eyes. “They are still glowing slightly. I guess that means I’m loved or going to be shortly.” He said as he peeled off his shipsuit. In less than 5 minutes, I was giving Rory his last loving before I leave. 30 minutes later, Hugo snuck in for the same purpose.

By the time I had eaten breakfast, we were pulling into the arrivals lane and headed for the designated mooring area. Where a shuttle would arrive to collect me and take me directly to my assigned command where I would join the Fleet Admiral’s staff. Interestingly, the Battleship CNS Orion’s Sword is known to me and her Captain should be Captain Hestton. I smiled at the thought I would know at least one person there.

That brought another thought to mind as I reviewed the request my triad gave me. And I knew it was coming. Eventually. They have finally decided that next year they will Bond together. And they request I keep them together on the ship. Which I already planned. But then in two, maybe three years, they want a shore duty slot as they have their first of three children.

I gave Hugo, Janek and Rory, one last hug as I grabbed my gear and went to board the shuttle. Sent for me, because I hold the rank of Captain, and it was already loaded with lower ranked officers as the Chief of the Boat escorted me to my seat. 2 minutes later we were lifting off the deck and I was on my way to training.

The End of Book 3 of The Westward Confederation Series

After much deliberation, I decided to post this today and hold off on starting Book 4. The one that started my writing of the series originally. It has since been divided into four books and had several rewrites to add in favorite characters that didn't exist prior.
Because it is the Holiday Season, I dusted off another story that will post in the coming days as The Western Confederation Series will continue just prior to Christmas. 
I would like to thank everyone for reading and posting all the wonderful comments!  As they say here on GA. Read, Rate, Comment and Review. It truly is the fuel that keeps writers posting.