Chapter 190: Chapter 190

None of us were surprised that Gwen didn't want to go clubbing with us that evening, although I got the impression Sarah may have been a little disappointed.

Cammie and Jenna weren't interested in dancing either, and remembering how out of place our catgirl mechanic seemed that time we were in a nightclub with Tamsin I honestly wasn't too surprised about that either. Instead Cam and Jenna opted to share a quiet night together onboard the Demeter with Jenny.

As for Lady Magniveen, it seemed like she planned on spending the evening doing some more reading and preparing for her upcoming diplomatic mission. At least she seemed to enjoy the afternoon picnic.

So in the end it was just Sarah and Rebecca and I getting dressed up then setting off for a night on the town. The boss looked stunning in a cute green dress that matched her eyes, while Sarah rocked a sexy little black dress. And I went with a short beige skirt and tight off-white blouse that I thought paired well with the colours of my floof. All three of us were in heels too, although Rebecca's were the most sensible. Sarah's and mine were a little more daring.

By the time we were ready I thought all three of us looked stunning. And the way Cammie blushed and mumbled when she and her girlfriends saw us off was enough to confirm my suspicions.

Rebecca picked our destination, which proved to be a nice place with a positive up-beat atmosphere and lively music. It wasn't too loud either, so I didn't need to keep my ears folded down the entire time we were there.

We started off with some drinks as we enjoyed the music and got a little more comfortable, then eventually the three of us got up and hit the dance floor. That was always a treat, seeing Rebecca actually let loose and enjoy herself. Especially after everything she'd been through lately. It was a huge relief - not to mention loads of fun - watching our often serious and sometimes taciturn captain dance like nobody was watching her, then collapse in a fit giggles as she joked about bad she was at it.

It was well past midnight by the time we were finally ready to head back to the ship. We'd all enjoyed plenty of drinks, spent loads of time on the dance floor, and probably shot down more than a dozen hopeful locals of various genders. Rather than walk all the way back to the ship we found a sled for hire and paid for a lift to the spaceport, which was probably the best idea.

Despite the late hour Jenny was alert as ever, she had the ramp down and the main airlock opening when we arrived. Her HPD was even there to welcome us back on board. Then while the three of us did our best to quietly navigate our way to Rebecca's quarters our AI silently returned to the cabin she shared with her sister and girlfriend.

Back in the captain's cabin my girlfriends and I quickly helped each other out of our dresses, then tumbled into bed together. That's when Sarah produced a few of the goodies she'd purchased earlier in the red light district, and not long after that both Rebecca and I forgot all about trying to keep the noise down.

Our late night shenanigans meant the three of us missed breakfast again the next morning. Sarah and I both thought it was more than worth it though. I was sure Rebecca did too, but as captain she had to pretend to be more responsible.

"You kids are a bad influence on me," the sexy redhead grumbled when we finally emerged from her cabin around mid-morning.

Our engineer teased, "It's not my fault boss! I can't help it that my girlfriends are both so damn hot."

Rebecca rolled her eyes then smiled as she admitted, "Same."

I was grinning too as I got started preparing another brunch for the three of us. I decided to go with pancakes this time, and thanks to my shopping trip the day before I also fried up a big batch of thick-cut bacon on the side.

Sarah helped me tidy up again after we'd eaten, but none of us had any real plans for the rest of the day. We didn't have much ambition either, so my girlfriends and I were content to make it a quiet lazy day hanging out around the ship. Gwen joined us in the lounge area for a while, as did Jenny.

Cammie and Jenna were the only ones to do something productive, the two of them took the grav-sled out into the city for some shopping and perhaps some sight-seeing. They were back by mid-afternoon though, then joined the rest of us in the lounge.

It was getting towards evening again when Jenny announced, "Nyssa and Jace have returned. I've unsealed the ship to welcome them aboard."

I was both pleasantly surprised and perhaps a little relieved to hear that. It meant not only was my sister back from leave on time, but I didn't have to bail her out of any trouble either.

A minute or so later they came up on the engineering lift then into the mess and rec area of the ship. Jace was carrying Nyssa's stuff along with his own bag, but he set all the gear down on the floor next to the dining table. Meanwhile my sister came into the lounge area to check in with my girlfriends and I.

"Hey everyone we're back," she said as she gave us all a little wave. "What's the word on the Artemis? Is she good to go now? Or if not, where am I supposed to stay? Jace told me you put him up in the guest cabin, and Lady Magniveen's staying in Amanda and Sarah's cabin."

Rebecca grimaced slightly as she admitted, "Right. I hadn't thought that far ahead. The Artemis won't be ready for two more days, so..."

My sister's eyes lit up and she grinned, "Two more days of shore leave?"

"Nope," the boss stated. "Leave's over, the next two days will be training."

Nyssa pouted for a moment, before giving our captain a hard look. "Does that mean you're expecting Jace and I to share the guest cabin?"

My girlfriend hesitated, but I knew my sister well enough to tell she wasn't as unhappy at the idea as she was trying to act. Which caught me by surprise, considering Nyssa was pretty grumpy two days earlier when she found out she'd have to spend her leave with Jace.

"If that's a problem I can always string up my hammock down in the hold," the young man offered. "Wouldn't be the first time."

My sister made a brief show of pouting before she relented, "Nah it's fine. I grew up with three brothers and two sisters, I'm sure I can handle a roommate for a couple days."

By that point I was positive something was up, since I'd never seen my baby sister fold so fast in my life. So I got to my feet and suggested, "Hey sis, why don't you stow your gear then join me in the galley? I could use a hand fixing dinner for everyone."

"I'm not even back for two minutes and I'm already on KP duty?" she whined.

Jace smiled as he picked up both bags again and offered, "I'll take care of your things Nyssa. You go help your sister with the food." Thᴇ link to the origɪn of this information rᴇsts ɪn novel·fire·net

That earned him one of her looks. She didn't argue or complain though, instead she just quietly followed me across from the lounge to the mess and galley.

"So how was leave? Were you well-behaved, or did you drag Jace Wheeler into any kind of trouble?" I asked quietly as I started pulling some fresh meat and veggies out of the chilled storage lockers.

Nyssa made another face when I put her to work peeling the potatoes, but her cheeks coloured and I caught a bit of a smile on her lips as she considered her reply. Meanwhile I began seasoning the steaks I'd selected for tonight.

"There wasn't any trouble," she finally responded. "Or at least, nothing you'll ever hear about."

Her cheeks heated up a bit more as she continued softly, "Jace turned out to be really nice and decent. Fun too, not like a lot of the guys back home."

I nodded, "He's not like most of the people we've met on Deveron-8 either. So I take it you didn't hate going on leave with him?"

"It was alright," Nyssa admitted with a coy smile. "Honestly sis, I don't even mind sharing a cabin with the guy. Like I said, he's kind of fun once you get to know him."

My eyes widened as I glanced at her, "It's none of my business, but I thought you were only into girls. Have you and Jace...?"

My sister shook her head, "Nah. He's nice, but he's still a guy. I really liked hanging out with him though."

"Then again," she added with a mischievous grin, "If he was a girl I'd probably be all over him. Or a femme-leaning enby? Heck I might even go for it if he was a soft cute curvy femme guy. Seriously, if he lost the facial hair and body hair and swapped those chiseled muscles for some soft curves and big soft boobs? I might have trouble keeping my hands off him."

Before I could respond her grin shifted to more of a teasing smirk as she suggested, "Maybe after Jenny makes me a foxgirl we can convince Jace to take a turn in her Re/Gen pod?"

"Inappropriate sis," I stated firmly. I gave her a warning look as I continued quietly, "And potentially offensive too. Not to mention that's a huge secret you swore not to share. So I'd better not find out you've said a word of it to Jace, or anyone else for that matter."

Nyssa grimaced as she apologized, "Sorry Amanda. And no, I haven't said anything about Jenny's pod to Jace. Or anyone else."

"Anyways tell me about this training Rebecca mentioned?" she added, changing the subject. "What am I supposed to be learning?"

I accepted the topic change, I figured it was best to let the other one drop. Then as I got the cooker heating up I replied, "You're probably going to hate it sis, but you'll be spending the next two days stuck in the cockpit with me and the captain. Expect some intensive training followed by equally intensive testing."

"We'll be reviewing pretty much everything," I continued, "From take-offs to landings, from navigation to fuel management. But mostly we'll be focusing on jump plots."

She was quiet for the next few seconds, while a mix of emotions flashed back and forth over her expression. Finally she admitted, "I don't know whether to complain or celebrate. Two more days stuck in a cockpit with you? Nope, been there done that not ready for the sequel. On the other hand it sounds like I'm getting my own ship after all? So yay, excited, let's celebrate."

"Only if you pass," I stated firmly. "You're right, Rebecca wants to send you off as the Artemis' sole pilot. I'm still not happy about it though. So if you really want this, then bear in mind that I'm the one you need to impress."

My sister glanced over at me, like she wanted to check my expression or get a read on my emotions before responding. She must have realized how serious I was, because she didn't try and joke or tease, and she didn't argue either. Instead she just nodded, "Ok Amanda. I get it, I'll do my best."

"Good," I smiled. Then as I loaded the vegetables into the oven I added, "And thanks for helping me with dinner. Why don't you set the table, then you can relax with the others."

Nyssa did as I asked, then once the table was set she grabbed herself a drink and headed into the lounge. It was another half hour or so before dinner was ready, then I called everyone into the mess as I served up all the food.

The steaks were a big hit, along with the roasted potatoes and veggies. Then afterwards Nyssa pitched in again and helped Sarah and I with the washing up. Finally we all retired to the lounge, where we talked a bit more over a few drinks.

"I'm going to turn in early tonight," Rebecca announced part-way through the evening. Then as she got to her feet she told Sarah and I, "The last couple days have been nice, but I think we'll be back on a proper schedule tomorrow."

I nodded in agreement as the cute blonde and I both stood up as well. None of us even had to say anything, it was just an automatic group decision. If one of us was heading to bed then the other two obviously wanted to join in.

We gathered up our empty glasses, but before leaving the lounge Rebecca turned back towards Nyssa and said, "We've got a lot of training to cover and only two days to fit it all in, so I'd like to get started right after breakfast."

"That means you probably shouldn't stay up late tonight either sis," I added. "Shore leave's over, we're all back on the job again first thing in the morning."

Nyssa sighed, "Yeah I get it. One more drink, then I'll turn in as well."