Love at First Bight

Chapter Fifteen

Emi stood out of the way, watching while Ford and Caph supervised the loading of cargo and equipment. She loved this part of their personalities, the all-business attitude they had when working.

They could be playful and funny and definitely sexy, but their confidence and dedication comforted and reassured her.

Most of the equipment was totally foreign to her. One piece was a landing vehicle that could be launched from a special hangar bay at the front of the cargo hold. It functioned as a small ship and as a land vehicle. Aaron assured her she’d get a chance to practice with one on Mars before they left.

The Martian day was only slightly longer than an Earth day, but they were still running on a twenty-four-hour Earth cycle. Their day cycle started in the middle of the Martian night. Aaron decided to switch them over to the Mars cycle for the duration of their stay, giving Emi time off to sleep away some of her nervous tension. They would be on Mars for at least four weeks, possibly longer, allowing them time to run final systems checks and fully test the solar arrays under low atmosphere conditions. There was no set departure date, taking some pressure off of them.

Emi was both thrilled and terrified by the thought of exploring Mars, a place she’d only seen in books and vids. Five other complexes were connected to the facility they were docked at by a series of transport tubeways, partially buried tram routes that allowed safe and easy movement between the locations. The other Martian settlements were reachable by ground or air transports.

She wanted to sightsee, especially to visit the huge agricultural dome, but Aaron set some ground rules. “I don’t want you going alone, hon.”

“Why not? Isn’t it safe?”

The men exchanged a glance. “It’s safe enough, but not everyone around here is chipped. I’d rather not risk it,” Aaron said. “There are some private transient freighter crews that pass through, and while the risk is low, it’s still there.”

“Okay.” There was something more, she sensed. “What aren’t you telling me?”

He took her hands. “I don’t want to scare you, Em. I just want you to be careful.” Left unsaid, he didn’t want a repeat of the Dry Port incident. For weeks after, at least one of the three men practically shadowed her if she left the ship, with the exception of her time out with Donna and friends. They didn’t smother her, but she felt protected.

Her first trip outside the docking facility took place three days after their arrival. Ford volunteered to go with her to the agri-complex.

“Dress warm, sweetie,” he said. “It’s usually a little on the chilly side here, even in the middle of the day.” The journey to the agri-complex took an hour and two tram transfers. And Emi saw her first non-human species, treaty races who were allowed access to the Mars facilities and even had their own diplomatic domes on the planet.

Many species couldn’t safely travel to the Martian surface, even fewer to Earth, because of atmospheric, gravitational, and other concerns. The few that could were biologically similar to humans.

Conversely, humans couldn’t safely set foot on many of the treaty planets either due to biological or atmospheric reasons. A diverse series of space stations allowed for diplomatic and commercial contacts, where vastly different species could interact in safety and comfort. There were currently forty-two intelligent, sentient treaty races, and fifteen known sentient non-treaty races. Not hostile, but who opted not to mingle with the other races for a number of reasons.

There were only three known hostile races, but because of the size and number of treaty races, they were legislatively isolated, with a coalition force policing the boundaries to keep them from causing trouble.

As part of her studies, Emi had learned about the most common treaty races she might encounter. “That’s a F’ahrkay?” she whispered to Ford as they sat on the tram. The thin, willowy man sitting ten rows ahead of them was approximately seven feet tall, with a bluish tinge to his pale skin.

“Yeah,” he whispered back. “I actually think I’ve met that guy before. You don’t see many of them shore-side. They’ve got their own orbiting space station.”

When they debarked the tram, the F’ahrkay man was nowhere to be seen. Ford took Emi by the hand, following signs in multiple languages until they reached the agri-complex. The half-submerged dome was a self-contained environment, including weather. A variety of species of plants from Earth and elsewhere grew in carefully controlled settings. They had to pass through a decontamination room on the way in to prevent outside pathogens from infiltrating the ecosystem.

“This is amazing!” Emi stopped and stared, looking up at fifty foot tall redwood trees flanking the entrance.

“Genetically modified to survive here,” Ford said, following her gaze. “Wait’ll you see the produce section.” Familiar selections from bananas to citrus, as well as unfamiliar species from other worlds, were carefully labeled. Interactive signs allowed visitors to pick their language. They also offered a variety of classes, including modified cooking and baking, as well as how to preserve fruits and vegetables grown on-board.

“Can I sign up for these?” Emi asked. She’d been persistently vexed by baking bread and cakes on board once they left Earth.

Despite meticulously following recipes, she had only produced three edible baked products. She could cook nearly anything else and it frustrated her.

“We need to ask Aaron,” he said, studying the brochure, “but I don’t see why not. It won’t interfere with our schedule.” They spent five hours touring the complex. On the way back to the ship, they stopped at a commissary and picked up groceries, including fresh meat and vegetables grown on Mars. An isolated, self-contained livestock dome provided fresh beef, pork, poultry, eggs, milk, and farm-raised fish of various species for human Martian residents.

They were almost back to the docking facility when a woman’s sing-song voice reached them. “Oh, Foooord!”

“Aw, fuck,” he muttered under his breath.

“What?” Emi asked.

He shook his head, a gesture she knew meant he’d tell her later.

They stopped and turned to watch a woman jogging toward them.

Ford’s energy had shifted from relaxed to stressed in just a few heartbeats. Whoever this woman was, she wasn’t someone he wanted to see.

The woman was lithe, taller than Emi, almost as tall as Ford, with large breasts and graceful strides, long blonde hair flowing down her back and green, almond-shaped eyes.

Emi despised her on sight.

The woman most likely would have hugged Ford if he hadn’t already slipped an arm firmly around Emi’s waist. “Hello, Jezeen.” Jezeen pouted. “I thought you’d be happy to see me, I’m happy to see you. It’s been a long time.”

“Not long enough.”

Jezeen grinned. “I heard you guys got the Tamora Bight. Great ship. Big ship. Need another hand?”

His arm tightened around Emi. “Nope. We’re full and closed.” A frown passed Jezeen’s face as she glanced at Emi. “Who’s she?”

“Not that it’s any of your business, but this is Dr. Emilia Hypatia, our med officer. Alpha-ranked healer.” One of Jezeen’s carefully plucked eyebrows climbed. “Alpha-ranked? Really?”

Emi forced a smile to her lips and stuck out her hand. “Really.

Top of my class.”

Finally remembering her manners, Jezeen shook hands. “Come on, Ford. Are you guys still holding a grudge?”

“No, we’re not holding a grudge, Jezeen. But we sure as hell don’t want you anywhere near us or our ship. When we lifted from Earth, there were still several crews there looking for extras. Go talk to someone who gives a shit.”

Jezeen lost all pretense of politeness. “Aw, Ford, that was years ago. Aaron’s still pissed?”

“Not just Aaron. Look, you had a chance and you blew it. Come on, Emi. Let’s get back.”

He turned, taking Emi’s hand, and they pushed their cart full of supplies toward their gangway, leaving Jezeen with a gaping jaw.

Emi leaned in and whispered, “I want to hear this story.”

“You will, sweetie. I’m sure we haven’t heard the last of her.” Once they were safely inside the ship, he told the story as they made their way toward the crew area. “She’s a real bitch. We had to take her on as crew a few years ago on a long jump.”

“Really?” Emi tried to stay cool, but her tone of voice didn’t fool Ford.

“Not like that. Just as crew. I told you, you’re the only woman we’ve been with like that since Kels. Not for lack of trying on her part, but her and Aaron hated each other. Caph and I wouldn’t have any part of her because of that. She tried her damnedest to split us up and run a game, but fortunately we were one up on her. We dumped her ass at a station out in Gamma Six. Told her to find her own damn way back.”

“I’m surprised she still wants to get on board with you guys.”

“She’s got the hots for Caph. Big time.” Emi stopped short, and Ford realized what was wrong. “Don’t worry, Emi. It was one-sided, believe me. He hates her, saw right through her.”

Jealousy and relief fought for control.

Ford smiled. “Sweetheart, you’re one of us, part of us. And we don’t want anyone but you.” He leaned in and kissed her, and for a minute she forgot all about Jezebel or Jezweed or whatever the frak the skank’s name was.

“Okay,” Emi gasped when Ford released her.

Emi thought Ford might mention the meeting to the other men immediately, but he didn’t. He waited until after Aaron had asked them about their day and agreed Emi should take the classes, working it in casually between their shopping trip and a few things he wanted to do before they left.

Emi glanced at Ford and Caph. Both men tensed.

“Jezeen’s here?” Aaron asked.

Ford nodded. “Yeah.”

Caph put his fork on his plate. “Crap. Well, there goes my appetite.” He looked at Aaron. “Permission to never leave the friggin’

ship?”

Aaron laughed, shaking his head. “You’ll have to face her some time, Caph.” He smiled at Emi. “Now her, if you wanted to pull your little exhibition stunt for her benefit, we’d be more than happy to play along.”

Emi relaxed. These were her men. Every ounce of energy from them screamed their love for her and their collective distaste¯if not outright disgust¯for Jezeen.

“I’ll protect you, big guy,” Emi teased, bringing a smile to the large man’s face.

“I don’t want to have to break up a cat fight, sweetheart.”

“How about I just shove her out an airlock?” The men grinned.

****

The next morning, Emi walked with Aaron to a meeting with the port cargo foreman. He was in the process of trying to explain the jump engine to her¯again¯when a woman’s voice carried to them across the facility.

“Aaron!”

He cringed, as did Emi.

Jezeen.

They both turned as she ran toward them, a huge smile on her face. “Aaron! Long time, no see! Did Ford mention I saw him yesterday?”

Aaron tightly gripped Emi’s hand, his thumb stroking her. “Yes.” The flicker of a frown crossed Jezeen’s face. “Can I talk to you alone for a few minutes? Please?”

He shook his head. “Anything you want to say, you can say here and now. You’re not crewing on my ship.” With her pre-emptive strike neutralized, she dropped all pretense of coquettishness. “Please, Aaron? I’m dying to go on a heavy. Get me off of my ship.”

“Talk to someone who cares, because I don’t. I have all the crew I want.” He started to lead Emi away when Jezeen’s voice dropped, threatening.

“Look, I didn’t file a complaint against you guys for booting me the way you did. I still could.”

He shook his head. “Statute of limitations ran out on that, not to mention you were booted for cause. You violated ten different regs, in some cases multiple times. You’re lucky I didn’t have you tossed in the brig.”

She switched to annoyingly whiny. “I need off this rock!”

“I don’t owe you anything, Jezeen. Go away,” he said over his shoulder, pulling Emi with him. Emi had to take quick strides to keep up with him. He was beyond pissed—enraged would cover it.

Almost.

He muttered under his breath the rest of the way to the cargo foreman’s office. Emi knew Aaron needed to blow off steam and to not talk to him. They finished their errand, and he detoured their return.

“Where are we going?”

“Shopping. She’ll be waiting to pounce. There’s a few more things I want to get for the ship anyway.” Emi walked quietly beside him while he stewed, knowing he needed to deal in his own way. From the way his thumb constantly rubbed her hand, stroking her flesh, he was deep in thought and drawing comfort from her.

They killed a couple of hours in the commercial district before returning to the ship. Ford greeted them with a smirk in the galley.

“You’re a fucking chicken, Aar.”

“What?”

“Oh, the little bitch tried to pay Caph a call earlier. Don’t worry, I ran her off.”

“Where is he?”

“Hiding in the engine room. I tried to get him to go out and take a walk around and he won’t. He’s afraid of running into her.” Aaron shook his head. “Why the hell is she so eager to hook up with us all of a sudden? Does she not remember how much we hate her guts?”

Ford’s grin told Emi more than his air of pleased satisfaction. “I did a little asking around. She’s getting booted from another ship.

That makes three. They’re leaving in three weeks, and she’s got until then to find another ride or she’ll be stuck here.”

“Couldn’t happen to a nastier woman.” Emi knew she’d missed something. “What’s wrong with that?”

“In the Merchants, if you get booted from three ships, you’re out, discharged, no benefits, unless you can find a ship that will take you.

She could transfer to DSMC if we took her¯which we’re not, obviously. She’ll lose everything she’s stored up in terms of retirement. You don’t get booted from a vessel without cause. I have yet to meet a captain who’s that much of an asshole to boot someone just for spite. You really have to be fucking up or endangering lives or pissing off all your crewmates to get booted.”

“Or all of the above?”

Ford nodded. “Exactly.”

“Which category did she fall into?”

Ford and Aaron parroted, “All of the above.” Aaron winced.

Emi strolled down to Engineering and found Caph buried halfway inside the main life support circuit panel. She made sure he heard her entrance so she didn’t startle him.

“Hey, sweetie. You okay in there?” she called out.

“I’ll be done in a minute.” He handed out tools and backed out of the access hatch. “You run into the unholy whore again?”

“Jezebel?”

He laughed. “As good a name as any for her, I suppose.”

“I hear she’s got her sights set on you.” Caph grabbed Emi’s arm and pulled her into his lap. “Why the hell would I want table scraps when I’ve got prime cut filet mignon for every meal, baby?”

She grinned. “Filet mignon, huh?”

“Yeah.” His hand slipped under her shirt, gently cupping her breast. “I’ve got the best right here. I don’t need a chip in my head to keep me faithful to you, sweetie. You can lead me anywhere you want, I’ll follow you.”

Cuddling with him was like snuggling into a large, comfortable chair with a soft quilt. She slipped her hand between his legs and lightly ran her nails up and down his shaft through the fabric, enjoying the feel of him hardening under her fingers.

“Watch out, babe. You’re playing with fire there.” His mood had shifted from his slightly mopey attitude to playful tenderness. “Maybe that’s what I want.” She nibbled the tender spot behind his ear that always made him moan.

In one fluid move he stood, carrying her back up to their cabin.

Emi sensed Aaron and Ford were on the bridge, but she felt Caph needed a little alone time with her.

“Go close the door,” she whispered into his ear after he set her on their bed.

He did, then quickly stripped and joined her, helping her shed her clothes.

“You’re so beautiful,” he moaned, his lips exploring her flesh. He started to move lower and she pulled him up.

“No, baby. I want you to do something else for me.”

“What?”

She pushed him into a sitting position and climbed into his lap, facing him, her legs around his waist. “What do you think?” There’d been so few chances to be alone with him, to try again.

She wanted this from him in the worst way, something to totally take his mind off Jujubee or whatever her name was.

His hands skimmed down her back, cupping her ass, pulling her tight against him. “Yeah?”

“Yeah.” Then they were kissing, and his cock slid comfortably deep inside her the way it always did. She dropped her head to his shoulder and let him cradle her as they started a slow, sensual rocking, their own intimate rhythm.

He took his cues from her, letting her set the pace, letting her use his body. His mind was totally on Emi now—she felt it. Not a trace of stress in his system.

She took her time, and when she felt his cock slide over her clit just right, she managed to duplicate the sensation and adjusted her body accordingly.

He felt it, felt her tensing against him. “That’s it, baby. Take your time and do it.”

Emi felt like she was alone in the universe with Caph, just her body merged with his, every sensation magnified.

She was so close, hovering on the edge, not quite enough pressure on her clit to bring her over.

“Tell me what you need,” he whispered.

Grinding her hips against him in response, she shifted her weight a little and gasped as it felt like the length of his cock stroked down her slick nub. “That!” she gasped. Now that she had the sweet spot she didn’t want to risk losing it.

Caph’s hands caressed her back. “Let me feel it, sweetie.” So close…so, so close. Only with him, the others so far unable to duplicate this sensation. No, not as intense or easy to achieve, but that made it all the sweeter.

Frantic, thrusting, she panted against his neck, her eyes squeezed shut, trying to tune out the world. Then a gentle coasting, cresting, and she cried out.

“Oh, baby, that’s it, I can feel you.” His hands slipped to her hips, steadying her, giving him leverage to help him thrust. In just a few strokes he was there with her, and they sank to the bed, spent and sweaty.

Emi cried.

He kissed the top of her head and held her close. “Are you going to cry every time we do that? Because it might give me a complex.” She laughed and lifted her head to look at him. “Maybe after a few years, once I have a chance to get used to being able to do that.

These are good tears, Caph.”

“As long as you’re sure about that.” “I’m sure.”

They must have dozed, because she awoke to the feeling of being pleasantly sandwiched between two warm, firm bodies. She sensed without looking that it was Ford napping behind her. Tipping her head, she noticed Caph watching her.

“Nice nap?” he whispered.

“How long?”

“Long enough for Brainiac to discover us.”

“I can hear you,” Ford mumbled.

Emi smiled. “Where’s Aaron?”

“He’s checking the cargo layout,” Ford said.

Emi rolled over and kissed him. “And what are you up to?” He stiffened against her, making her chuckle.

“I’m up to doing you, sweetie, if you’re in the mood.”

“That sounds nice.”

She didn’t stop him when he slid down her body and spread her legs with his hands. “Perfect,” he murmured, lowering his mouth to her mound.

Caph pulled her against his chest, holding her. “Do we make you feel good, baby?”

“Uh huh!”

Still sensitive from her session with Caph, it didn’t take Ford long to bring her over, relentlessly drawing every last gasp out of her.

“Jesus, that’s a beautiful sound,” Caph hoarsely whispered.

“Yeah,” Ford agreed, moving into position between her legs, lifting them to his shoulders. He went so much deeper this way, touching her in ways and places normally left undisturbed.

Caph moved out of the way. Emi closed her eyes and enjoyed the feeling of Ford filling her when he jumped, then laughed.

“Trying to get me to explode?” he asked.

“Damn straight,” Caph growled. She knew he was down there somewhere, but she didn’t feel like looking.

Ford stopped thrusting and moaned. “Oh, yeah!”

“What’s he doing?” Emi asked, feeling something brush against her backside.

Ford gasped. “He’s working his tongue over my balls.” She fought the urge to giggle. Caph certainly did have a talented tongue.

After a minute, Ford thrust again, but they were harder, jerky motions. Emi peeked. He’d closed his eyes, his lower lip caught under his upper teeth, trying to hold back his climax against Caph’s persistent mouth.

It was a losing battle. Ford cried out and drove deeper, harder than before, and collapsed on her. She held him against her chest, arms and legs trapping him.

Caph sat up and laughed. “That was fun. Haven’t done that in a while.”

“You cheated,” Ford grumbled. “That’s not fair.”

“How’s it cheating?”

“You made me come too fast.”

“Ah, but you came hard, didn’t you?”

“Yeah, I did.”

Caph stretched out next to them, his arm around Ford’s waist, Emi’s head tucked into the crook of his arm. “I love doing that to you.” He met her eyes. “And I love doing that to you too, baby girl.” No hit of stress from either. Jezapalooza wasn’t anywhere in their thoughts.

They were in the shower an hour later when Aaron caught up with them. He stepped in, and the other two men finished and left them alone.

“Did you have a nice nap?” he asked.

She loved his playful smirk, the one he seemed to always wear now when around her. They hadn’t talked about what happened to him, but his overall outlook had much improved from when she first met him.

And she rarely thought about those three little words anymore. He more than showed her every day how much he loved her.

“Only one thing missing,” she whispered, pulling him close.

“Really? And what would that be?”

“You.” He stiffened against her, and she backed him into the shower wall, kneeling in front of him.

His fingers gently fisted her hair, his hips rocking against her as she wrapped her fingers around his shaft and licked him.

He moaned.

“You like that?” she asked.

“Yeah. You know I love it, baby.”

She took her time slowly going down on him, savoring it, enjoying his reaction. With her other hand she cupped his sac, massaging it and making him groan deep in his throat. His fingers tightened in her hair.

“That’s it,” he growled. “You know what I love, baby.” Urged on by his deep voice, she continued, laving her tongue over his shaft, feeling him tense, tighten. When he emptied, she grabbed his hips and held him tight until he was totally spent. His hands dropped to her shoulders, leaning on her for support.

“Damn, baby,” he gasped. “You put the twins to shame, you know that?”

She grinned. “Oh, I doubt that. Different doesn’t mean better.” He pulled her to her feet and held her. “You have no idea how good you are, sweetheart.”

Emi ventured out with Caph the next day. They’d managed to avoid Jezeen until she spotted them on their way back to the Tamora Bight.

“Caph! Wait!”

He gripped Emi’s hand and swore. “What?”

“Did Ford tell you I was looking for you?” Emi didn’t miss the nasty look Jezeen cast her way.

“Yeah. So?” Caph asked.

“Look, can I please talk to you?”

Emi had had enough. Not letting go of Caph’s hand, she stepped in front of the large man. “Listen, woman, apparently you aren’t good at taking a hint. We are not taking you on as crew. We’re a four-pack, and we’ll stay a four-pack. They can’t stand you, they don’t like you.

Go run your scam on an unsuspecting ship and get taken on as crew there.” She made sure to say it loud, and people from other ships turned to watch and listen.

Jezeen glared at her. “Look, kid, you have no say¯”

“I have every say. We’re a bonded crew. We. As in I’m one of them. Back. The fuck. Off. Bitch.” Emi stepped forward, glaring, and felt Caph’s stress levels rise as he worried about a fight between the women.

Jezeen’s eyes narrowed. “What the hell do they see in you?”

“They see a woman who loves all of them for who they are and who doesn’t play favorites. They see a woman who cares about them, all of them. When they look at you, they see an annoying skank who makes their skin crawl. Go to hell. Come on, Caph.” She glanced at him long enough to note his amused smile as Emi led him back to the ship.

When they were inside and the hatch was safely closed behind them, he laughed and picked her up, swinging her around. “You were great!”

She felt great. “I was more than happy to stand up to her. I’ll be damned if I’ll share my boys with anyone, especially not with a skank ho like her.”

“Skank ho? Is that a medical term?”

“Yeah, it is now.”

The other men laughed at Caph’s recounting. He embellished a little, making Emi look even braver than she was, but she didn’t correct his version.

Aaron smirked. “Well, maybe she’ll leave us alone now.” No such luck. The next morning, the com chirped when Emi was alone on the bridge, the men down in cargo working on load set up.

“Tamora Bight.”

The caller hesitated. “This is Captain Jenkins from the Kelso Bay.

Is Aaron there?”

“He’s down in cargo. This is Dr. Hypatia, the medical officer.

What can I do for you, captain?”

“I need to talk to him about a crew transfer.” Emi’s gut tightened. “Is this about that Jezeen woman?” Another hesitation. “Yes.”

“Well, I can tell you his answer is a resounding no. We’re a bonded crew, captain, and we’re not taking on any extras.” Yet another hesitation. “Ah. I didn’t know that.” A woman started to protest in the background, then suddenly cut off like she was shushed.

Emi pushed the advantage. “The captain, the officers, and I already informed her that we were bonded crew and closed to new members. She will have to find another ride, because the Tamora Bight is full. What part of no doesn’t she understand, because Aaron, Ford, Caph and myself have all told her no. She has no chance of crewing with us.”

“Thank you, Doctor. I’m sorry I bothered you. Kelso Bay out.” Grinning ear to ear, she cut off the com link and ran down to cargo to pass the message.

The men laughed. “Damn, she just doesn’t take a hint, does she?” Ford said, shaking his head.

“She’s gotta be desperate if she’s that bad off. Must have run through all the other crews,” Emi said.

Aaron smirked. “She’s got a bad rep. Troublemaker. Finally looks like she hit a wall.”

Ford or Caph went with Emi to her classes. They spotted Jezeen from a distance a few times, accosting crew from other ships in her desperation to switch rides. Jezeen didn’t approach them again, but she did shoot Emi murderous glares on more than one occasion.

The classes paid off, and Emi managed to produce edible baked goods. Not perfect, but better, and she learned how to modify the oven and recipes to counteract the effects of space and reduced-G.

She picked up a few extra seedling plants, modified beans that would flourish in the hydro lab and give them an alternate protein source.

She also learned how to can and freeze-dry vegetables, giving them options besides the pre-packaged, processed food.

Aaron personally took Emi to her driving lesson on the rover. She was both thrilled and terrified to be motoring on the surface of Mars.

She bounced over hills on the outdoor track set up for this, laughing as she learned how to negotiate tricky terrain and how to use the built-in leveling system if she flipped it.

After several hours, Aaron felt confident enough in her skills to declare her safe on it, and they returned to the ship. Never in her life would she have imagined she’d be doing something like this.

As their time on Mars drew to a close, Emi checked their food inventory and stocked up on last-minute fresh items. They would be en route for months before they stopped at a military station to replenish supplies. They had one last crew dinner out before starting their lift countdown the next morning.

The lift procedure was faster and simpler than on Earth, due to decreased gravity, lack of atmosphere, and no large metropolitan areas nearby. It only took two hours to move out of the docking facility and three hours to lift. The front plates were closed, and as Mars slipped away from them in the vid screens, Emi felt an odd thrill. Mars wasn’t home by any stretch, but it was firm ground. She now understood some of the men’s excitement to be underway again.

She felt it.

They switched back to a twenty-four hour cycle and set a course for their first stop. They would jump to a nearby solar system, a trip that would take three days. Boiled down to basics she could understand, the jump engine allowed them to cover vast distances in a short time, but it took a lot of energy to run. They only used it when the time and energy and supply usage of travelling with the normal engines would outweigh using the jump engine.

The Tamora Bight performed flawlessly. After a week in space, Emi lost track of time again. One evening, she joined Aaron on the bridge when he had night watch. She spent alone time with each of them, albeit not in bed, during bridge watches. It kept them from being lonely, and while she felt she knew them fairly well already, it gave them time to lower their emotional defenses around her.

He patted his lap, and she gladly curled up against him. She met a previously unfilled need for each of the men, but they did for her, too.

Caph was her playful buddy; Ford was her intellectual partner; Aaron was her quiet strength and steady hand.

“How are you feeling, sweetie?” he asked, his arms comfortably setting around her.

“I’m okay. Better than I thought I’d be.”

“No regrets?”

“Absolutely not. Well, maybe one.”

“What’s that?”

“That I didn’t have a chance to give Jezehussy the same kind of dry dock show we gave the guys in New Phoenix.” Aaron’s laugh warmed her heart. “I told you, I wouldn’t have minded that.”