Fates Mates & Pirates - 27. Chapter 27

We watched as I pulled us in closer and slowed to match the speed of the sailboat from behind. One of the crew had noticed and yelled something before pointing us out. I saw Adam turn to look up at us with a few other people.

“Mike. Flex the paint. Now.” The blue charge shot across our white hull and the Black paint with Blood Red Claws and the House Insignia appeared.

“Flex back.” He saw us as we turned white and shifted our position to the downwind side and slid forwards. They had dropped off the fins and had the hulls in the water again. I waggled the wings as I pulled off to starboard away from them and gained altitude as I pulled in behind them again and just watched as Adam was tapping his Link. My Link Chimed.

“Marc?” Tapping a few keys on the navigation system.

“Hold on. We are going to spin.” I pulled up and took off spinning, then dove straight down and came in at water top level. Straight in until we were 10 meters off the sailboat’s starboard side. Clearing the forward view port from which its normal black from the outside to translucent, I stood, and he almost fell off the boat.

“Follow the beam. I’m going for a swim.” I grabbed my gravbelt, throwing it on over my shipsuit as I moved to the rear ramp which was already opening, with Taylor standing there. Mike had turned us and backed us down towards them. I walked out the ramp and held my hand to stop the motion to Taylor.

I looked down at Adam and smiled as I stepped back several steps before taking off running. Launching myself into a dive from 10 meters above the surface. Adam watched, yelling something before diving in, too. I hit the water and went down several meters before I angled back upwards. Swimming to where I saw Adam coming through the water at me. I turned and went under him as he stopped, trying to figure out what I was doing. I was coming up fast behind him as he turned. When I broke the water, Adam was in my arms. I tapped the controls on my gravbelt. Holding him tight as he kissed me, feeling the tingle of the grav-field around us. I pulled back.

“Hi. Got time to talk?” His look was astonished.

“Marc. You can swim?” Tilting my head to the side in amusement.

“I’ve been doing it all my life. Taught some of our Marines too.” He smiled as he shook his head, pulling me tighter into him.

“Gravbelt?” He asked.

“In case I get tired of swimming and just want to hold you in the water for hours on end.” The shuttle just held there as I looked up at them.

“I guess I could have just snuck on to the island. It has been prepared for me. But I think it’s time we had a talk.” Looking around, I said.

“Out here looks good.” He laughed as he waved over to his friends. They had already lowered sails and had the engines running.

“You can come with us. I would like you to meet my friends.” I hesitated.

“Adam. They can’t tell anyone they’ve seen me. At least not for a few days. And this problem is my fault.”

“They won’t say anything if we tell them not to.” I reached around his back with one hand and tapped my gravbelt with the other as Adam started to laugh, calling me a cheater. We moved fast through the water towards the boat. I stopped us as they opened the lifelines and dropped a ladder and yelled.

“Thanks. I’ve got this,” as I tapped the controls, producing a change in the grav-field, as we lifted out of the water then slid over to the deck. Adam was laughing all the way as he held me tight. My Link chimed the urgent tone as I set Adam down, cutting the power to the gravbelt. Answering, I looked up at a very distraught Asher on the half open ramp.

“Yes Asher?”

“Governor, this is a problem. We need to stay with you.”

“And you have no gravbelts.”

“Yes Sa. They are packed in the cargo space with our luggage.” I sighed.

“How many Marines will satisfy you for the few hours it will take us to sail back?”

“Sa I don’t think.” Cutting him off.

“Asher. My Marines are armed and some are in armor. How about two of them and we’ll call it good until you can get out here with lifters or another boat or something? And this is really dousing my chances of low profile.” He caught the aggravation in my tone and so did Adam, as he listened over my shoulder.

“Two, I guess would be fine.” He said resignedly.

“OK. Grab one of the Lieutenant’s and have them send someone in armor that has a gravbelt on out to us. Needs to be a couple.”

“Yes, Sa.” He disappeared into the ship. I sighed as I turned to Adam.

“Are you sure this is the life you want?” His eyes sparkled as he smiled. Bright and brilliant as I lost myself in them.

“Yes. My monster.” He whispered to me.

“Yes Adam. Your monster has come home.” He kissed me long and hard. Until someone cleared their throat.

“Um Adam. There are armed Marines dropping down on us.” He started to laugh in my mouth before he pulled back to look.

“Is that Taylor in the lead?”

“Yes. So you know. Mike and Taylor have been holding me at night so I could sleep. We had sex last night as a thank you. I also want them both on our House staff.” He nodded.

“That’s fine. Hannah told me something happened that helped you after the first few weeks. She said you were happier and rested. The pain appears to have left your eyes, too. I am happy to say.” The Marines touched down, and the shuttle moved off. Taylor took his helmet off, and Adam walked over to him. He looked him over and I could see he was uncomfortable. Then Adam pulled him into a hug.

“I hear my Marc released the monster on you. I hope he didn’t hurt you too much. He can get rough sometimes.” Adam whispered. I could see Taylor tense and then calm himself as Adam gave him a kiss after he whispered something else in his ear. To which he nodded.

“Don’t forget to tell Mike about your encounter with my boyfriend.” I smiled as I said it.

“Yes Marc. I won’t forget,” Taylor responded. And I turned to the other two, who took their helmets off.

“I don’t believe you have met my Adam.” I said, as Adam wrapped his arms around me from behind.

“Dear. These are two of our new Lieutenants, Miller and Gannon. Our only Officer couple, I think. Gentlemen, this is Adam. He’s the person that tries to stop me from having fun with my Marines.” They smiled as they shook hands. I turned to Adam.

“Where can we talk on this sailboat?” He took my hand as he introduced me to his friends, telling them they can’t say anything about me arriving until we said so. They were friendly but eyed my Marines with caution. Adam apologized to his friends and told them we needed to talk, asking if we could just motor to the island. He would top off the fuel there. They had us moving at a good speed under power as we sat up forward and talked. Adam stroked the tears away from my face when I explained the pain I was in. He cried too when we talked about why I was so mad he had come down with Grandma Armstrong. We held each other as we talked for over two hours. Agreeing to communicate our needs more and not to try surprises on me that might not be wanted. Like awards. He would make sure people talked to me about it first. People meaning his Mother.

We were pulling into the dock when I saw all of my Marines waiting for us in full Armor and weapons load outs. I sighed as Adam hugged me tighter.

“They love you too.” Adam said.

“I know. I just want to be alone with you. Here. Now. I want to have fun.” He kissed the back of my head.

“We’ll be alone tonight.” I nodded as I turned to the Lt.

“How about we stand everyone down from alert before one of Adam’s friends has a heart attack or something?”

“Aye Sa.” He tapped out a command and suddenly the entire group saluted before turning to depart. Adam looked over his shoulder and snorted.

“Maybe we better invite them to dinner tonight? Give them a chance to know you? Not just that you drop in out of nowhere and all hell breaks loose. Marines everywhere.” Adam whispered into my ear.

“Yeah. You might be right. Go ahead.” He kissed me before he stood and lifted me up. Calling to his friends to stay and eat dinner with us. He promised them no Marines. They hesitated until I asked as I apologized for ruining their sailing time with Adam. We did finally sit down to eat when one of Adam’s friends was looking at his Link for something and gasped. He showed it to Adam.

“Marc, is there a new ship?” I smiled.

“As a matter of fact, there is. The Phoenix Rising is our new flagship. We still have his and his battleships, but I wanted something more should I need to take you into a battle again. Did I salute whom ever needed it?” I asked with my best innocent expression. He showed the Link Cast News feed to me. I watched as I saluted the CONFED Navy ships at the Gate the ship just passed through.

“Interesting. They aren’t supposed to move until tomorrow morning. If you’ll please excuse me. I need to find out why.” I said as I rose from the table and stepped out of the room to open a Comm Link to Ron on a secure Link.

“Yes Admiral.”

“Ron, why is the Phoenix Rising on the move? I thought they were not leaving until morning.”

“Asher got a little nervous because you jumped out of the shuttle, which set Tabat off as they couldn’t get a hold of you. So I was instructed to send in your Marines.” I started laughing hysterically.

“I just can’t win. If it isn’t one, it’s another. OK. Slow them down. Have them stop off at ‘77 tomorrow morning for a few hours before continuing to Evelyn’s Rock. That should put them back on schedule. I’ll see if anyone is home for myself to visit.” He started laughing.

“You’re enjoying that too much.” Giving a half shrug.

“I haven’t had time to tell Adam yet, and it fooled him, so maybe I’m onto something here.” He was laughing even harder now.

“Aww Hell. Can I get a few for myself?” I snorted.

“Once you’ve done your penance like I have.”

“Damn. Well. I’ll get them slowed down. You want to Comm Tabat and calm him down? He probably won’t let you out again,” Ron said with a smirk. I laughed.

“Yeah. You’re probably right. I’ll take care of it.” I tapped in another code and a secure Link was connecting to Tabat.

“Marc, are you alright?”

“Yes Tabat. I am fine. I will be having a talk with the Security Service once they are all here. Asher, as much as I love the guy, went overboard. I have sent new orders to the Phoenix Rising. Returning them to a schedule that I need adhered to in order for them to complete their missions as planned.”

“I’m sorry Marc.” I cut him off.

“Stop. It’s all right Tabat. In the end, it’s my fault. I should have seen this coming, and it has uncovered some flaws in their training that I will correct. I have a few people I can call in to teach them. In the end, this is just another case of growing pains for us. Which will pass unnoticed in a few days.”

“I understand now, Marc, and I am sorry.”

“Like I said Tabat. It’s alright. Use the emergency signal next time so when I have my Link off it will sound, anyway.”

“Oh. I never thought of that. Thank you Marc. I’ll let you get back to what you were doing.”

“Ok Tabat. I’ll contact you tomorrow. Have a good night.”

“Thank you Marc. You too.” I closed the Link and instructed it to chime if it is shutdown should Tabat call again. I took a deep breath and exhaled loudly, but jumped when I felt hands grab my sides.

“I’m sorry Marc.” I sighed.

“It’s OK baby. It’s just another day at the office.” I said as I pulled him into a hug and laid my head on his chest. He had one hand on my lower back and the other arm around my shoulders as he rubbed my neck.

“Love you Marc.”

“Love you, Adam.” He kissed the top of my head. I pulled back.

“Smile for me baby. Make your eyes sparkle for me, please.” I watched as the smile formed and the eyes started to light up. I was lost, swimming in the blue light I love so much. I leaned up and kissed him. Just a brush of our lips.

“Thank you, baby.” He held me tight and kissed the top of my head again before he took my hand and led me back to dinner. Adam was pushing the night along now. His friends noticed that something was wrong and didn’t fight it, as he called it, a night.

An hour later, we were walking on the beach. “So who was that?” I leaned into Adam.

“Alternate me and there is an alternate you too. Two very nice Lieutenants who are wearing our Armor to give me time to be with you and us to be together while they draw the newsies off.” He snorted.

“Oh, how my monster has grown.” I shrugged.

“We can talk through them and to them to guide them. We’ll be doing that the day after tomorrow at Evelyn’s Rock. That will be their first test. Our parents are the second. Caitlin and Hannah will be there too. All eyes will be on the Station and we’ll be in meetings, playing on the beach, reading reports, sending out orders. All the fun stuff that comes with running the 12th largest Corporation and largest private House in the Confederation. Throw in the Governor Admiral of the Five Sectors, just to keep me hopping. Once the kids are born, you’ll want those two around to help keep an eye on them.” He stopped and turned me to him. Taking a hand with each of his. I looked up into his face and those eyes were sparkling again.

“What about the children? How many?”

“Well. I’m a little behind schedule. I thought I might be good for 3 or 4 and you could have 6 or 7 before stretch marks, weight gain and the like. We should probably start working on that tonight. That way, if we have them all before we are thirty, we could retire early and let the kids run everything.” And his eyes went off the charts at the level of sparkle they displayed.

He leaned down and kissed me. Slow, deep and filled with all the love I’ve missed in the past months. He pulled back as I raised up on my toes to continue the kiss. His hands reached up and grabbed the sides of my head as he pulled back.

“You should probably take me to the bedroom before we start to work on that. In the meantime. When are we going to have our Bonding Ceremony?” I reached up and rested a hand on the side of his face.

“I will tell you I have already planned it. I want it to be the last big splash we make before we disappear into the Private Reserves and Serenity Base for a few years to raise our family. All of it is subject to your changes and approval. We have a few things to do first.” I paused and lowered myself to one knee as I held my hand for him to take.

“Adam Knight. I, Marc Alexander, have demanded your hand by the old rules of Courtship. I didn’t ask you if it was what you wanted. I just assumed you would. I, Marc Alexander, am asking you now. Will you, Adam Knight? Take my hand as your Bonded Mate. In front of the Stars, the Spirits, our Families, our Friends and the entire Confederation through a Link Cast Special Report. To raise our family and live together as one for all of eternity. What say you Adam Knight?” He placed his hand on mine, pulling me up. Holding my face in his hands as he lowered his forehead to mine.

“I’ve been waiting since the day you came to my home with the Marines to get me for lunch for you to say that. Yes Marc Alexander. I will take you as my Bonded Mate for all eternity. Now please take me to bed and let’s start the baby making process. I want to be able to say it was a Scattergun Bonding as I hold my belly out.” I kissed him before dragging him towards the main house. He was laughing all the way. 2 hours later, we were both asleep and Adam was pretty sure it was going to be twins, maybe triplets.

At 06:00 hours I was sitting in the lounge chair on the balcony going over reports as Adam went for his morning swim. We walked the beach together earlier, watching the sunrise before I went into the water with him for a little playtime. It was only 30 minutes, but we had fun swimming together before he saw the look on my face telling me to go ahead and start my work while he did his swim workout. So here I am, watching Adam in the crystal clear blue-green waters off the pure white sand beach. The sun is warming me as the gentle breeze dries the water droplets on my skin, leaving behind the feeling of salt when I brush against it. I sigh as I work my way through the reports while checking on the Phoenix Rising and her escort as they made their way across the Region. Two of my sets of grandparents, the Knight’s and Alexander’s, are at the Joshua 77 Station and have been notified that we are stopping in for lunch. I am also having several members of the newly combined Alexander-Knight Security Service join the ship for training of my Security Service. The thought of expanding my own Security Service due to the number of children, and Adam understands now I wasn’t joking about wanting 7 to 10 children we plan on having. Taylor, Mike, Arabella Jones, and a few other Marines to total it out to 8 in addition to the others.

Adam was walking up from the beach with Mike, Taylor and the two Lieutenant’s in tow. “It looks like we have guests for breakfast.” I called over my shoulder to the staff. They looked past me and smiled.

“Indeed it does, Sa. I’ll inform the kitchen staff.”

“Thank you.” As Adam approached, I shutdown the tablet and hugged him. His lips brushed mine briefly before saying.

“I invited some new friends for breakfast. Will that be alright?” I stepped back and placed my hand on his stomach.

“Well, you’re not showing yet, so it should be.” Mike let out a snort while Adam smacked my hand away from his stomach with a look that promised I would pay for that later as I greeted our guests. The LTs, Gannon and Miller. Mike and Taylor received a hug. Taylor took it in stride, but Mike was a little tense until Adam took him into his arms for a hug and whispered into his ear. Then he hugged Taylor. We had a nice breakfast and enjoyed the small talk as I looked at the time. 07:40 hours.

“What’s on the schedule today, Marc?”

“We have a meeting about our stop at ‘77 in 20 minutes. We can Link in for that. Then I have some short Comm’s to Tabat, Ron, Bob and Captain Haynes with Major Peters. That should give us an hour around 10:00 hours, before we have a Holovid lunch with the Elder Alexanders and Knights. That should bring us to 12:30 hours. Another break until 15:30. Then I have a Governor’s Board meeting, which I will Link in on. Audio only. Do you want to join me for that? So you can hear what’s going on.”

“OK. If you want me too.”

“What I want is for you to understand what’s going on. One small step at a time. I thought listening in would be good for that. I don’t require it of you though, it was just a thought. And I could lay on top of you while we do it.” My mischievous grin was shining through as his smirk developed. The gang at the table was trying hard to hide smiles.

“I figured you are trying to work that in somewhere. What else?” He said as he gripped my hand.

“After that, we are free till dinner. After dinner before bed, I should sit down for about two hours of report reading and writing orders. Then we are free to make babies again until the sunrises and it all start’s again.” Now the snickers could be heard.

“And what’s on your schedule today, dear?” I asked.

“My schedule is no where’s near as full as yours.” Which received the snort that comment deserved from me.

“Adam. That’s my schedule after I cleared everything off it.” His eyes went wide.

“Oh.” He had to think for a minute. I waited patiently as he worked through it. “So this is why you want to live at Serenity Base. Easy access to all the Governor’s officials and the House’s. That makes sense. Is it going to get better?” I nodded.

“We’re having growing pains. Putting out fires as we work our way into how everything will work. It’s much better now than three months ago, but we still have challenges.” He nodded as he thought it over.

“OK. I’ll clear my schedule and start digging into the Five sectors Board and the Alexander-Knight House. I’ll put Alexander-Knight Interstellar Industries on hold for now while I digest what you have done so far and see if I can offer suggestions.” He paused as he looked for the right words to use next.

“I think it’s time I stepped into my position as your Bonded Mate in all things concerning the House going forward.” I leaned over and kissed him. Tongue, passion, love, and thanks went into that one and he didn’t even flinch about it being in front of people. I separated our lips, whispering my thanks and love to him before I sat back. His eyes sparkled and everyone noticed.

“Our journey begins.” I said softly. He nodded in reply. Then he turned to Mike and Taylor.

“Have the two of you talked yet?” Adam paused for a heartbeat.

“About what Marc talked to Mike about.” They looked at each other, then back at Adam. He spoke before they did. “They don’t know of your plans, though, Marc. That’s going to add another level into their thoughts. You should probably tell them.”

I looked at them as I sat back. My thumb rubbed the top of Adam’s hand as my brain worked. “Possibly.” I said into the air. “I am changing my Security Service around and am going to pull in a few people from the Marines. Taylor and you too, Mike, are on that list. I want the two of you to think about that. You’ll be working in the same department. You’ll be near us all the time. You’ll travel with us. You have seen how I operate and how I treat my people. When the time comes, I will ask you for an answer. For now, I want you to think about it.” They nodded to me as they looked at each other and their heads went together in private conversation. They kissed and separated. I could tell by the expressions on their faces they already made their decision.

“Marc.”

“Yes Taylor?”

“We’ll take it and thank you both for watching over us.”

“We watch over each other. We are family, after all.” Adam smiled at them as it sunk in what I said. Their smiles grew wider by the moment. I checked the time. “We have to go, dear. If you will excuse us, everyone.”

* * *

I logged us into the Comm’s System aboard Phoenix Rising and connected into the channel I needed. “Good morning Anthony and Keith.”

“Good morning Sa.” They both said. I smiled.

“OK Lieutenants. Let’s start by calling me Marc in private, and this is Adam. You’ll actually be staying with us in a few days, but that is irrelevant for this discussion. Did you get all the materials worked out, Keith?”

“Yes Marc.” I smiled. Adam was looking it over.

“How long until you have to pop out and salute Anthony?”

“Captain said she would ping me. Should be about five minutes.” I chuckled.

“And how does Captain Haynes like having an Admiral on demand?” I asked. He smiled.

“Apparently, she likes it very much. Almost like it’s a game to her.” I nodded appreciatively.

“It is in a way and I guess it is for me, too. I have the newsies chasing the ship while I spend time with my mate.” Adam kissed my cheek before he started to speak to Keith and I explained to Anthony what I wanted with this idea they were to discuss with our grandparents. He was pinged and dropped the helmet over his head.

“How is the sound, Anthony? The view looks good.”

“I can hear you OK. Am I swinging my head enough for you to get a good panorama view?” I watched as he walked and nodded to people.

“Head over to the Captain for a minute, would you please?” He walked over and I activated the voice through the system.

“Captain, after this, could you join me in the Command Center for a moment?” The request caught her off guard for a split second, then she responded as if I was there.

“Of course Admiral. Once we clear the Gate and steady up on course, I’ll be right over.”

“Thank you Captain.” I tapped the circuit closed and said.

“OK Anthony. Up to our station. When you hear me close the voice projection system, you can continue moving as if you just finished speaking.”

“OK Marc. I wasn’t sure if you were done.” I thought about it and nodded to myself.

“Understood. You don’t know enough about me yet. That is why the two of you are going to spend time with Adam and myself. To get to know us. That is also why the first name basis. You will be part of our family in private. I’ll be quiet now so you can concentrate on business.”

“Aye Sa.” Keith and Adam were still going over things as we watched alternate me salute the CONFED Navy ships as we transited the Jump Gate. Anthony had finished his salute and returned to the Command Center. Keith was issuing orders as personal liaison that Adam wanted as Mate of the Governor Admiral of the Five Sectors and the Alexander-Knight House Guard and Fleet. We had already discussed this, and I agreed with his decisions. We were starting now with getting everyone used to taking orders from him as co-CEO. I had Anthony working on the projects they would be discussing with our Grandparents later and Lt Benson from the Marines had joined us with Major Peters. When the Captain joined us I greeted her and introduced her to Adam. Adam had invited her and her senior staff to join us at the Island for a get to know each other session and dinner, date and time to be determined. It would be shortly after their arrival. Allowing our alternates to get down to us as they led them to the shuttle.

“You’re enjoying having an Admiral on demand aren’t you Captain Haynes.” She laughed.

“I think it’s a fantastic idea. You should see how much mileage I am getting out of it with the entire crew thinking you are aboard with Sa Knight. We are breaking records with our Battle Stations exercises. They may fear me, but you. You’re the Commander of the Battle of the Pipe. They want to impress you. And my Marines want to mutiny. Even after all the drills.”

“Just issue them liberty at Casi Oceanus and tell them what you demand of them. I’ll send you a holovid of one of my talks with the Marines. I’ve had time to prove to my Marines and crews I mean what I say. That’s why my kids get a free day in Casi Oceanus.” I shrugged.

“Check it out and use what you need. Explain, what you want and the why of what you want. As well as what they get from it. I am known for working and training my people hard. I reward them for it. Like what is happening to these two here. I’m taking them out of their world of shipboard life. Teaching them how I command, as well as how projects are run and they are learning it under adverse conditions. In the future they may command a fleet or a Corporation of their own. They have access to my training programs. If you remember Mike my pilot. He’s increased his qualifications exponentially over the past 4 months. We’ll be starting a training facility for the fleet soon that our top people will be able to access. Adam is working on one for the Industrial and Manufacturing side of our House. I have members of my family working on a training program for our Research side of the House too. In ten or twenty years, we intend to make this House the most Advanced in the Confederation. We already have a contract for 20 advanced Destroyers from CONFED Navy as a test of systems for them. We anticipate getting contracts for another 100 plus during the next three years in 20 ship increments. It’s all about being the best product at the best price. I can’t do that if I don’t have the best people.” I sat back and watched as she took it all in. Then she looked around at Keith and Anthony and started to laugh.

“You never told them and they just realized that was what you were doing.” Adam cut in.

“That’s how Marc works. He tells people what he needs, then teaches them how to do it without telling them he is. It builds their confidence and skills at the same time. You have checked our Marines’ ratings in the past year?” She nodded as she thought about it.

“And you first started with them right about 5 months ago. That’s when the changes began in their training and performance ratings.”

“That’s correct Captain.” Said a very proud Major Peters. I smiled over at the Link.

“Anyway. Lt Benson, Anthony and Keith are ready for their visit to our grandparents and the following meeting after they get over the stand in factor.” A thought occurred as I turned to face the others.

“Oh and my dear alternate us. You are us. More importantly. You are authorized by Me and Our House to discuss the items Adam and I have outlined today. This is House business, not Alexander-Knight Interstellar Industries business. Don’t answer any questions about our House that don’t pertain to what you are discussing today. I am sure my grandfather will have an attitude. He is having some issues because he can’t control my House. Only what I allow the Corporation as a whole to have out of it. We are a separate entity within an entity. If he gets too far out of line. Pack up and leave. I’ll handle it from there. Understood people?” Probably because my tone went from friendly and joking around to cold, pure business. They jumped to attention.

“Aye Sa.”

“Very well. Thank you all and we’ll be back later for our walk about. Alexander and Knight out.”

To be continued…