Life on the Space Ray: Chapter 2

[rhev]

((OOC - This thread is currently closed for play other than Rhev and QueenClaire. If you love the story and really feel the need to join, contact me, maybe we can figure out a way to work you into the story!))
((ooc - Chapter 1 here: http://forum.literotica.com/showthread.php?t=762458 ))
((OOC - the following is a list of the pictures used in this thread for reference))

Characters:
Captain John Hale - http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e220/besrikarie/scifi stuff/CaptainJohnHale.jpg
Doctor Jael O'Neil - http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v218/ghotirock/jael.jpg
Kess'vek (while in humanoid form) - http://bluoxyde.deviantart.com/gallery/11042268#/d2d8jpg
Cynwise - http://michelle84.deviantart.com/art/Vanilla-Line-Art-12142950?q=gallery:Michelle84&qo=34

Ship:
The Space Ray (exterior) - http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e220/besrikarie/scifi stuff/spaceray.jpg
The Space Ray layout (bridge deck) - http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e220/besrikarie/spaceray_bridge-1.jpg
The Space Ray layout (living quarters) - http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e220/besrikarie/scifi stuff/spaceray_aftdeck_b.jpg
The Space Ray layout (Cargo hold deck B) - http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e220/besrikarie/scifi stuff/spaceray_foredeck_b.jpg
The Space Ray layout (Cargo hold deck C) - http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e220/besrikarie/scifi stuff/spaceray_foredeck_c.jpg

The 'couch' in the lounge - http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3171/3080922677_150f3d91e0_b.jpg
Imagine that the couch in the lounge section looks similar to this but circular, a little larger, and with an open, soft, padded area for the floor

Life on the Space Ray
Chapter 2
The erotic space adventure continues​

It had been just over an earth standard week since the death of the Space Ray's gunner, Talia Halo. During that week Captain John Hale and ship's doctor Jael O'Neil had been questioned, interviewed, and holo-piced countless times. While some of the news outlets were being respectful and including the sacrifice of mercenary gunner Halo, most were only interested in the surviving pair that was responsible for taking out the Pythonian warlord Si'imms.

Si'imms had been building a secret army and was planning on retaking a sector of space rich with mining asteroid colonies that he had claimed belong to the Pythoia. However Si'imms had garnered a reputation of burning his delivery men, and more than one transport captain had found themselves buried in the ground instead of paid after delivering their cargo to the pythonian warlord.

Until Captain John Hale of the cargo transport Space Ray at least. Hale had heard enough rumors and had enough military training to sense that something was up when he was hired to deliver a shipment of weapons to Si'imms. So he had enlisted the aid of two mercenaries, Talia Halo and Jael O'Neil. Due in part to the sacrifice of Talia Halo, and the quick reactions of O'Neil and Hale, the Space Ray had not only escaped a deadly ambush, but had also killed the Pythonian warlord Si'ims at the same time.

So Hale and Jael found themselves docked on an Alliance space station as the universe listened to their story of how they survived and cleaned the galaxy of a brutal warlord. Hale had never intended on doing anything quite so noble, but he did feel good about it. Still having a cargo hold full of weapons didn't hurt either, though he wasn't sure who he wanted to sell them too. While the alliance offered him a price for them, it was far from appetizing. Then again, the last thing Hale wanted to do was sell the weapons to another warlord who might use them for nefarious purposes. Worst of all would be if the weapons found their way into the hands of Si'imms' private army. Without their leader they had formed a pirate band and had been making a nuisance of themselves all over this section of space. Hale didn't doubt that they would love a chance at revenge if they could get a shot at him.

That's why Captain Hale lept at the opportunity to get out of this section of space, as well as possibly set up a buyer for the weapons. He had been contacted by two possibly buyers, both who were interested in transport out of the sector. Since both of them were looking for transport to planets within a few days of each other, both wanted to purchase the weapons, and both were ready to leave within a day's time, it was damn near perfect. Hale had spoken with Jael about it, and they had agreed that it almost seemed too good. But that it would be foolish to pass up on the opportunity. So they would take on the two passengers and transport, then in the intervening days, they would decide which buyer to go with.

It was a good plan, and one that warranted a celebration.

It is just after such a celebration that we rejoin Captain John Hale and Dr. Jael O'Neil. The two of them had grown very close over the last week while stuck in alliance port. When Jael had first signed on as a doctor for the Space Ray, she and Cpt. Hale had begun a casual relationship based mostly on intense sexual attraction and gratification. However since the death of their crewmate and sometimes lover Talia Halo, the two had grown even closer. Cpt. Hale hadn't wanted to ask Jael what she thought of the relationship, but it seemed to him that several times when they had sex, it was more akin to making love then just a purely physical romp. As a bachelor with a lot of experience under his belt, and the itch to make good friends with as many females as he could, his instincts rebelled at the idea of possibly 'settling down' and starting a committed relationship with Jael. But yet he found that she was something special and he wondered why they seemed to have the connection they did. Certainly she was one of the best lovers he had ever had, but there was more to it then that. But still, Cpt. Hale was afraid to bring the subject up, worried about her feelings on the matter, and still uncertain of his own.

The one thing he wasn't uncertain of, was how good of a lover Jael was. He told her so as he lay panting and gasping for air on the bed next to her. "That was amazing, as always," he said as cool air blew across his sweat beaded skin. The whole of his captain's cabin smelled of the sex they had been having for over an earth standard hour now. Yet, even though he should be exhausted, he still felt like he couldn't get enough of the half-entarin red head laying on the bed next to him, her body likewise sweaty and sticky from their passion.

"You aren't casting some sort of Entarin mind spell on me are you?" He teased, kissing her gently.

 

[queenclaire]

Jael was not sure about these potential buyers. She did not trust anyone that wanted to buy a large amount of weapons. And the fact that two of them had come out of the woodwork, seemed odd to her. She had discussed this at length with her Captain. They were both concerned, but they were both in danger as well if they stuck around. She was weary of giving both rides as well, but they had no choice. They needed to get away from the roving pirates. They would have to deal with what was to come soon enough. At least they were getting out of there.

She had spent the last week growing closer to Hale and that made her nervous. She had only allowed herself to get close to someone once in her life and she quickly ended that when she realized how jealous of a creature she was. Curse of her Entarin side. They were fiercely jealous of the ones they called “mates” and would protect them with their lives. She had only been somewhat protective the last time and what she felt for Hale was much more than that.

Jael kept this to herself though, not sure if he would even understand that side of her. He was the kind of guy that enjoyed companionship and she would just be a damper to that. Still, she was drawn to him unlike anyone before. And though the dynamic of their intimate time had changed a bit, she still kept her growing feelings to herself. She wished that part of her was more human and she could easily hide the growing feels. She even had to keep from thinking about him because her eyes would change from blue to violet. Why did her captain have to be so damn sexy? Why did she have to like him so much?

They had a connection, something almost other worldly. She wondered how he honestly felt about her, but she would never ask. She feared his answered. She did not want to be vulnerable to him. She was not the type to be so open to making herself fragile.

Jael smiled as she lay beside her sexy captain. She was invigorated after their bout of sex. She nodded as he said it was great. “Was it ever,” she said through breaths. She was covered in a sheen of sweat as she tried to catch her breath. It was certain he could please her like no other. She looked at him with violet eyes as he teased her. She smirked as she ran a nail down his chest, “If only it was that easy.” She planted some soft kisses on his neck and chest. “We would never leave the bed if that was true.” She rested her chin lightly on his chest and looked over at him, “But since you can still walk…” She broke off and shrugged casually, as if she did not care. Only the grin that followed betrayed her act. She moved and captured his soft lips in a hot kiss. This was one of the few time she let her guard down, in the afterglow. She really could not get enough of him.

 

[rhev]

Hale knew better than to question Jale when she wanted another round. Though his reserves were getting low. This woman was insatiable it seemed. He returned her kiss, captivated by her violet eyes. 'definitely a spell of some sort,' he thought as he lost himself in her kiss. His eyes traveled along the length of her statuesque body and he felt a stirring, but after an hour he was starting to feel worn out. Finally breaking the passionate kiss he muttered to the beauty, "Walk yes, I think I can still do that. But for anything more..." he cast his eyes downwards for a moment towards his only partially erect cock, "...I'll need a little help I think."

He capped the comment with a smile at the redhead, eager to see how much she wanted another round.

 

[queenclaire]

Jael let her tongue dance with his as they kissed. They way he kissed was very sensual and always seemed to turn her on more than she already was. She looked at Hale as he spoke. She offered him a sexy smile, “Well, if you are not up for another round, my dear captain, then say so.” She reached down and took his semi hard member in her hand, “I would not want you to strain anything.” She stroked him for a moment, “But if you really need some help.” She moved down his body. She licked the length of him, tasting the mixture of their fun from just moments ago. She looked over at him as she took him into her mouth, swirling her tongue around him and slowly sucking. She moaned as she did it.

 

[rhev]

Cpt. Hale threw his head back against the sweaty sheets as Jael took him into her mouth. His hands trailed down and touched her back. Sighing he mumbled, "I don't think I could stop you."

Under her gentle ministrations Hale slowly grew back to his firm glory. Captain John Hale was older than he looked. While past his fifth decade of life, he had the body of a man less than half his age. With a body that would have been more at home on a man in his late twenties, science had reversed the rigors of time. While most humans lived into the middle of their second century of life, genetic therapy could push that much further, and give a quality of life while doing it. Hale's past had led him to several cybernetic implants after a spaceship crash, and extensive genetic recombination therapy, all on the Alliance's dime.

Hale's body was well muscled and the faintest hint of white lines crossed his body at random points. The scars were remnants of his crash or the dozens of surgeries that had followed. Otherwise however his body was smooth and mostly hairless. He was well muscled, but it wasn't obvious. While he kept in shape and worked out, he also enjoyed just enough food and luxury to give his body a lean, tight, but not overly muscled appearance.

Using the 'defoliation' setting on his sonic shower every day left Cpt. Hale's body devoid of hair everywhere on his body other then the short haircut on his head, his eyebrows, and his facial hair, shaped into a close cropped goatee.

His ab muscles gently drew the eye down to his hairless groin, which Jael was now focusing on. As he grew harder and firmer his cock swelled to it's full length. While not much larger then average for a human, he was seven inches long and uncut. However he was thicker then many, at over two inches across. Not insurmountable, but as Jael knew and was experiencing, quite a mouthful.

Hale groaned as Jael worked her oral magic on him, "Oh all right," he said teasingly and unable to keep a smile off his face, "I suppose you make a good argument for another round."

 

[queenclaire]

Jael worked on Hale’s increasingly hard cock. She watched him as he laid there. It was sexy to see him lying like that. He was gorgeous and she was going to enjoy him while she could. She knew her Entarin linage was known for their stamina in bed. She only had half that, so Hale was rather lucky there. She could wear him out beyond belief if she was full Entarin.

Though, there were times she really wondered how human she really was. She never thought to see whose DNA ruled her body. She always lived with the thought she was half and half. Lately, however, she was starting to wonder. It was becoming clear that some of the Entarin traits were coming to the surface.

She chuckled as she sucked on him. She looked at him and smiled as she released his cock from her warm mouth. She shook her head at him as she crawled back up his body. She kept herself propped above him, looking down at him. She gave him a genuine smile as she spoke, “For once my mouth did not get me in trouble. It is a nice change.” She lowered her head to capture his lips in a deep kiss.

 

[rhev]

Cpt. Hale shuddered as Jael released him from her warm wet mouth and the cool air blew across his stiffness. He grinned at her lazily as she crawled back up his body. 'gods she is so sexy,' he thought as he watched her. He was so aroused by this woman, but over the last hour of passion, he was reaching the ends of his personal reserves. With that came a dampening to the razor sharp edge to the lust, leaving a much softer, more muted desire. The burning need and overruling lust to fuck the woman was softened into simply a great desire towards her. His cock throbbed with want but not need. He couldn't help but chuckle at her joke and returned her kiss slowly, allowing himself to explore her mouth. His hands came up, one wrapping behind her back, the other behind her head, crushing into her thick red hair. When she finally broke the kiss, Hale gasped for air. Unable to resist returning a joke for hers he murmured into the soft fall of her hair, "It may not get you into trouble, but it's going to get something into you very shortly."

He grinned at her, hoping she'd not find the line too corny. He had never had the greatest sense of humor. Yet he found that for some reason he really cared about this woman enjoying his jokes.

 

[queenclaire]

Jael was pretty sure she could kiss Hale and be happy for the rest of her life. She loved the way he kissed. But all the other things they did was an added bonus. She would enjoy this time with him as long as it lasted. He was one of the sexiest man she had ever been with and he was the one the felt the strongest about.

She chuckled at his joke. She joked back, “Oh, I hope it is something good.” She winked at him as she kissed his lips softly, then kissed her way down to his neck. She nipped at his neck, following it by kisses. She was taking her time, worshipping him with her lips. She loved the taste of his skin. And his scent was so masculine. She felt the need to be slower this time, enjoying the man she was with at the moment.

 

[rhev]

John Hale let his eyes close as the sexy redhead above him took her time kissing her way up his body. "It's ok." he quipped. "I think you'll enjoy it at least." Then he let the wonderful sensation of her kisses take over. With his eyes closed he was that much more aware of her soft, hot, and sweaty skin above his, pressing into him. The heavy press of her breasts against him, her thighs pressed against his hips, her sex gently brushing against his.

But most of all he was aware of the smell. Her hair smelled fantastic. Over an hour ago when they had started this round of love making it had been clean and smelled lightly of the shampoo she used, a vaguely spicy, herbal, earthy shampoo. However now her sweat had suffused it, and it smelled distinctly like her. Her skin likewise gave off that subtle smell that each person had, and that Hale was really coming to like quite a bit from this woman. But most of all, he smelled the sex in the room. His cabin absolutely was filled with the aroma of their passion. Hale could smell her excitement as well. It only made him harder to know that he was turning her on so much, even after the previous three rounds. His cock throbbed between their bodies, swelling and pressing into the mound of her sex and the base of her abs as she hovered above him.

He moaned lightly as she bit into his flesh... gods but did she know how to work him over.

 

[queenclaire]

“Mmm, I am sure I will,” she murmured into his ear as she licked and bit his lobe. She did not think he could ever disappoint her, just laying with him was nice as well. She was really getting used to him and enjoying her time with him.

She could feel his hard warm body below her own. Feeling how hard he was against her sensitive womanhood was making it hard for her to take her time. She wanted to feel him inside of her again. She captured his lips again as she moved herself. She moaned into the kiss as she slowly lowered herself on to him. She was so tight from their last rounds, it took a moment to get him in fully. She was so wet because of him. She broke from the kiss to sit up, pressing herself down on him. “Gods,” she said breathlessly, “How is it you feel better each time?” She was not lying, he felt better each and every time. She closed to eyes as she slowly rode him, she just wanted to enjoy this slowly for the moment.

 

[rhev]

"Must be my magic?" Hale suggested as she slowly began to grind against him. He was glad she was starting slow this time. He reached out as she sat up, and placed his hands on her hips. He lifted his head slightly so he could watch her smooth engorged pussy engulf his cock slowly before sliding back upwards.

He loved how sexy her pussy looked. Large puffy outer lips, dark pink and fuller then a full human womans would be, normally contained a tight, neat, pink, slit bordered by her more delicate inner labia. Currently however, her swollen inner lips gripped at his shaft every time she rose upwards, and Hale couldn't tell if the shiny wetness on his cock was more from her mouth or her wet sex. Then as she lowered herself back down, he realized it didn't matter and he didn't care. He was in heaven and he was going to enjoy it.

He dropped his head back to the bed and focused on enjoying the sensations and letting her take charge this time around.

 

[queenclaire]

Jael moaned and bit her lower lip as he placed his hand on her hips. She looked down at him with lustful eyes, “Oh, so you are the one that put me under a spell.” Not that she would mind at this point. This was very nice. She loved looking down at Hale, laying below her. It was sexy seeing a man let a woman have control.

She still kept the pace slow for now, there was something sensual about feeling him enter her slowly. It made her wetter. She leaned back, putting her hand behind her on the bed as she moaned, feeling him hitting her differently now. She head fell back slightly as she picked up the pace a bit. She closed her eyes as she tried to stay quiet. She was having a hard time, this go around. She was super sensitive from the other times and every time he was in her fully, it was heaven.

 

[rhev]

Hale lost track of time as Jael rode him, sensually grinding herself against him. As good as it felt he didn't have the urgency to cum, and wondered how long it would take for his already drained body to work up to another orgasm.

The slow sensual pace kept on and on for a long time until finally Hale noticed that Jael was picking up her speed. Moving his hand from her hip inwards slightly, he lightly began using his thumb to rub a light staccato on her exposed clit as she rode him. If anything was going to push him to the edge of his orgasm, he knew that her own peak would probably do it.

 

[queenclaire]

Jael gasped as he began to play with her clit. That was going to make her cum soon. She could feel her body tensing as he continued to please her. She picked up the pace some more, enjoying the feel of his hard cock inside of her.

She suddenly cried out his name as she came hard on top of him. She fell forward, catching herself with his hand, hovering over him as she rocked her hips through her orgasm. She was flushed from moment and could barely breathe. Her body shook with pleasure, even her arms shook with the intensity of the moment. She was covered in a light sweat, that made her body glisten. She tried to keep herself from collapsing on top of Hale. She could not even speak at the moment.

 

[rhev]

He felt her orgasm before it hit her. Allowing himself to enjoy the sensation, Hale gasped and moaned as her body convulsed and shook above him. He thrust his hips upwards, driving into her as she came, bringing him to his fourth orgasm in the last few hours. It was weaker then the rest, but he was just about out of energy, and likely dehydrated from her seemingly insatiable lusts.

Hale opened his eyes and saw Jael still shuddering from her orgasm and doing her best to remain sitting up on his cock. He whispered as he pulled her forwards, "Come, lay on me, I like it." He pulled her down so that her body, sweaty and still trembling, laid on top of his. He enjoyed the sensation, their sex still joined, as she laid her head down on his shoulder and they both rode the wave of mutual pleasure.

Not wanting to break the mood, Hale waited as long as he could before finally calling out softly, "Computer..." The computer chirped to acknowledge the captain, "Cool air please." He finished and a moment later the environmental system kicked in, blowing cool air into the hot room, blowing across the two entwined lovers.

 

[queenclaire]

Jael lay there on Hale, trying to catch her breath. His body a warm resting place for hers. She felt peaceful in his arms. She was spent. She shivered slightly as the cool air caressed her warm body. She laughed softly, “I don’t think I can move.” She kissed his neck and closed her eyes for a moment. She just wanted to savor the moment, both of them spent and blissfully happy.

After a while, she lifted her head and smiled at him. “You know, you do look sexy lying under me.” She gave him a wink as she shifted her body, feeling him slip out of her. She layed on her back beside him on the bed and looked at the ceiling. The cold air made her nipples harden. “I think you wore me out.” She looked over at him and smiled.

 

[rhev]

Hale wrapped his arms around Jael and held her as the cool air blew into the room. He grunted an affirmative as she spoke, not trusting his own voice. But after a long silent cuddle he finally answered her when she mentioned being worn out.

"You know..." he said, stopping to lick his lips and catch his voice, "I would have said the same thing before that last go. But you're so damn irresistible."

Then quickly he added, "But would you mind if we took a break? If I don't get something to drink in me I may shrivel up and dry out!" He chuckled, his chest shaking as he did so, vibrating her body still held against him.

Hale also felt that he needed to check the time and look into the two passengers he was going to be having board his ship soon. He had lost track of time and wasn't quite sure when they'd be arriving.

 

[queenclaire]

“I will try to not be so hard to turn down in the future then,” Jael said with a smirk. Though, she found him to be just that. She looked at him and giggled, “Good gods, please. I need to recuperate as it is. You wear me out like no other.” Not that she was complaining, it was quite the opposite. She very much enjoyed their times together.

She sighed, “Guess we need to get up and see what is going on.” She did not want to leave his arms or the bed. Alas, they did need to. They both needed to get back to the task at hand. She had some work to do in the lab before they got the new passengers. She sat up and looked back at Hale, “I think I need a shower.”

She reluctantly left the bed and made her way to the shower. She stood in the cascading water as she washed up. She felt a bit more refreshed now that she was clean again, though Hale’s scent was still on her skin. She did not mind, it was a soothing scent she had grown to really like.

Once dressed in her usual tight body suit, she made her way to the lab. She was working on a few things she really wanted to finish.

 

[rhev]

Captain Hale watched as Jael stood and left his cabin with equal mixtures of regret and relief. As soon as the door hissed shut he closed his eyes and drifted off into a short, very exhausted sleep. His last thought as he drifted away was that this woman very well might be the death of him.

He woke some time later and could still smell Jael's scent in the air. However he had work to do, and his stomach reminded him that he hadn't eaten in a while. He ducked into the tiny personal sonic shower that was barely big enough for him to squeeze into that was attached to his cabin. Captain's privileged, to have the only private shower on board the Space Ray. He usually used the main shower room one deck below, which had two large shower stalls and a large tub. The showers below could also be set to a wet water shower, but Hale squeezed into the tiny sonic shower in his cabin. He recalled Jael's last words being something about a shower, and his sleep fogged brain wasn't sure how long ago that was. The last thing he wanted was to walk in on her all soapy and wet.... or was that what he wanted the most?

Either way, he had business to attend and another dalliance with Jael would have to wait for later. So he sacrificed a comfortable shower for a utilitarian one in his cabin's cramped sonic shower stall. A few minutes later he slid into his standard outfit; a plain white t-shirt, boxers, tan cargo pants, sturdy socks, and military grade combat boots, all of which were freshly replicated from his ships matter replicator, except for the boots. The boots he kept around day to day. It took a while to break in a good pair of boots and he had his just how he liked them.

Refreshed but still exhausted he strode onto the deck of the space ray and sat in the command chair. Looking out the view port windows, currently set to show transparent, as opposed to darkening and acting as view screens, he saw the docking berth that the Space Ray had sat in for almost a week now. He sighed and drummed his fingers on the arm of the command chair. His stomach growled reminding him of it's desire to be fed.

Best to begin the job so it could get finished, he supposed. Sparing only another moment's idle thought to Jael's body, he then swung the control console out in front of the command chair. Tapping in commands he called up the messages from his two most promising contacts.

He pulled up the first one, the more familiar of the two. Bearing official military markings, Hale tapped his way past the official greeting and identification protocols. He'd read them before and was convinced that the sender was an alliance official before reading the important part of the message. Scanning two thirds of the way through the message he picked it up;

"... forms are in order for proper disposal of dangerous weapons via alliance military protocols.

So, as long as we are in agreement, I shall forward to your ship the proper payment for transport to the Gliese system. If this is acceptable, I shall make sure that your ship receives permission to leave dock at your earliest convenience. Once again, for clarity sake, the payment is for my transport and that alone. Negotiations on the price of the weapons, were you to sell them to me, would be negotiated in transit.

Eagerly awaiting your reply,
Kess'vek 'er'kens 'er'do 'er'reasik 'er'Vehnsek"

Hale ignored the long list of official Alliance titles and roles listed and looked up at the view screens. "Computer, screens on." The viewscreens which were currently transparent windows to the outside space dock shimmered then darkened to black, awaiting the captain's command. "Run inquiry," he called out, "On the name Kess'vek... uh..." He paused then looked back down at the message and read the rather lengthy name out loud. As he did so the Computer chirped an affirmative and then went to work. Moments later information on the man came up on screen. "Kess'vek" was listed as an official Alliance liaison to civilians for the naval fleet. Also listed was a negotiator and at least a dozen other jobs. What it told Hale was that he was dealing with someone who knew how to drive a bargain, and did it for the Alliance, so he was used to having strong support behind him. More interesting however was the personal information listed for Kess'vek.

Kess'vek was a changeling. Unusual to see one employed directly by the Alliance military, but not completely unusual. The changeling people were a bit of a mystery, keeping very private about their race for the most part. Their natural state was a jelly like substance, but they could exhibit amazing control over their form and coloration. Thus when interacting with the humanoids of the galaxy they often took on a bipedal form for most of the day, only reverting to their natural state when they 'slept.' In general however they couldn't get most features down pat. For example the picture that Captain John Hale was gazing at showed a humanoid with pale skin and dark accents. Eyes that were entirely black with no iris or pupil, black shoulder length hair, and several 'veins' of black running through it's flesh. Hale also knew from experience that while changelings were a mono gendered race, when they took on a humanoid form, they often referred to themselves as he or she. Hale noted that Kess'vek had made use of the masculine pronoun.

Hale wrote off an acceptance for transport and okayed the transfer of funds, then sent the letter to Kess'vek with instructions to be ready to board and disembark within five galactic cycles, or a little over an earth standard time day. Then he pulled up the second transport request. This one much more mysterious, but also requesting transport to the Gliese system, and also requesting negotiations for the weaponry it was signed with a mysterious signature and gave very little details.

"-C" was the only signature and the funding was likewise awaiting Hale's approval. He normally didn't like such mysterious passengers, but he figured that it may make for a good bargaining tactic with Kess'vek to have an alternate buyer, especially since both were headed to the same system.

Sending off a similar message to "-C" Hale finally felt pleased with having done some useful work. Now to see about something to eat. Maybe Dr. O'Neil would be hungry as well.

 

[queenclaire]

Jael had a colleague here and he had sent her some stuff to look over while they were docked here. She really had not spent much time on it, since all her spare time was being either questioned or with Hale. She smiled as she thought of him while looking through a scope. She wrote down something on the pad next to her.

She took a deep breath to dismiss any thoughts of her sexy captain. She needed to focus for a bit and get this done. She furrowed her brow as she watched through the scope. She stood from the stool and gathered some things to test this bit of mystery. It was always interesting when new things were discovered.

She sat back down with her arm full of things. She was going to test this…thing. She only had a little while to send her findings back. Luckily she was a fast worker.

After a bit of testing and documenting, she was done. She went to the computer and typed up her findings for her friend. She was still boggled by the sample. Luckily she was allowed to keep it, so she would look at it again later.

She had put the sample up and typing away. She finally sent it off and sat back in her chair. She rubbed her eyes for a moment and stared at the screen. She wondered what time it was. She ran her hands through her hair as she closed her eyes for a second. She was starting to feel her lack of sleep getting to her. But it was hard to sleep when Hale was around.

 

[rhev]

The large ceramic bowl was well crafted and smoothly made and glazed, but was otherwise rather unworth mentioning. What sat in the large, meter wide bowl, on the other hand was quite the opposite. A translucent gray jelly like substance filled the bowl to nearly the rim. What made the jelly like substance worth noting was the fact that an occasional ripple would dance across it's surface. Because it wasn't a jelly, but a sentient being, a changeling named Kess'vek 'er'kens 'er'do 'er'reasik 'er'Vehnsek. The ripples across it's surface were fairly normal for a changeling at rest. Changelings, like other beings, dreamed while sleeping. The ripples were a changeling's equivalent to tossing and turning in it's sleep.

Kess'vek woke up slowly, having trouble rousing from his rest cycle. Kess'vek didn't immediately leave its sleeping bowl. Choosing instead to wait until it had fully awoken before moving. Finally however it oozed from the side of the bowl, and as it hit the floor, the gelatinous substance began to solidify and take form. Kess'vek chose the humanoid form that it had become comfortable with over the last several years when dealing with humanoids; five fingers per hand, two arms, shoulders, chest, abdomen, a genital free pelvis, two legs ending in feet that had a vestigial shape of toes without actually forming separate digits. Finally the part that always required the most concentration on Kess'vek's part, the face. The face was the trickiest. Kess'vek was still working on the face even after seven years. He started with the chin, delicate like a child and tapered up to softer lips and a thin nose. Then the eyes, widely spaced and all black with no irises or pupils and a strong brow above. The hair was thin but full bodied, hanging past the ears to the tops of the shoulders.

Satisified with the form Kess'vek then moved to coloration. It's body rippled again and the color separated out into a pale flesh tone and several bands of dark black, that were Kess'vek a humanoid, could easily be mistaken for tattoos. While Kess'vek's form was truly sexless, having a flat empty area where most humanoid's genitalia were, it always thought of this form as being vaugely male. So as Kess'vek finalized and set the form into place, he began to think of himself as a humanoid male, not the genderless changeling that he was only a minute before.

He blinked his eyelids, only to make sure that he had remembered to form them this time, then debated whether or not he should put clothing on or simply shift his form again to give the appearance of clothing. Opting for the latter, he focused again and his body rippled outwards, the color changing as it did so, a moment later, a standard alliance style jumpsuit was 'covering' his body where before had been only flesh.

His form set for the day, Kess'vek moved to his computer terminal and was pleased to see that Captain John Hale had replied to his message finally. Excellent, he had little packing to do, but was excited to get to the ship, the Space Ray. This weapons deal could make a career if handled correctly. Kess'vek however wondered about this other buyer he had heard rumors of. What kind of competition would he be up against?

Setting aside his doubts, he finished up what business he had and began packing his meager belongings, eager to get to the Space Ray as soon as he could.

 

[queenclaire]

Cynwise-Octa had gotten the relay from Captain Hale. She was already to go. She was dress in the fashion of her people, not particularly space travel. She wore a body suit that only covered her torso and abdomen of her body, made of armor. It was made exclusively for her kind with a tail. Not that she was the type that felt the need to cover up.

Her light pink colored skin hid a lot, same from head to toe. Her hair was jet black and her eyes were golden and seemed quite big for her face. Her irises were slits, much like a cat. Her ears were pointed, but most of the time, her hair covered them, unless pulled back. Her face was nymph like and her body was feminine. She only stood 5’2, but was fast and light on her feet.

Cynwise made her way towards they ship with skip in her step. She smiled at everyone as she walked along. She always seemed to be jovial. It was part of her charm, giving people a false sense. She saw the ship and cocked her head to the side, much like a curious cat. There was a soft smile on her lips as she thought about the weapons on board she was trying to buy. She looked around her, curious about the crew. She had heard the story of how they got the weapons and wondered if they were has “bad-ass” as they sounded.

She made her way to the ship as she carried her pack on her back. She did not carry much with her. She was armed, of course. And what the guns could not handle, her tail could. She hoped this trip would be well worth it as she looked up the ship.

 

[rhev]

Captain John Hale woke up slightly sore and quite thirsty. Dr. Jael O'neil was going to be the death of him. An extended workout, followed by a shower then breakfast gave him a good base for the morning. He completed all of the last paperwork he needed for the alliance and sent off all forms he needed. It was now just a matter of time, waiting for his two passengers.

At noon (planetary local time) on the dot, the first of the two passengers arrived. Kess'vek walked with a precision and timing that seemed to be common in career alliance military. Cpt Hale greeted the changeling with an outstretched hand, which after a moment's hesitation was grasped firmly.

"Hello Captain," Kess'vek said by way of greeting as they shook hands, "Forgive my hesitation. People all seem to want to touch changelings when they meet us. It's off-putting sometimes and I forget my manors."

Hale smiled bringing his hand back to his side, "Of course, of course. If I didn't know, I wouldn't be able to tell that you weren't a human. It felt like there were bones and muscle behind that grip. I guess I was expecting something... squishier." He smiled and then gestured to the Space Ray. "If you want to see the ship, I can give you the tour now or we can wait a few minutes, our last passenger is due any moment."

Kess'vek nodded his head once, "At your leisure then Captain, I am in no rush. I have very little luggage as well." He gestured behind him to the single piece of luggage that he brought along.

"It's easy to pack when you don't wear clothing?" Hale asked with a smile.

"Affirmative," the changeling answered, changing his form slightly and causing the outer layer of his 'clothing' to ripple and reform until he was wearing an outfit identical to Captain Hale's T-shirt and cargo khakis. He smiled at the captain and then with a few moments concentration shifted his outfit back to the alliance jumpsuit he had been 'wearing' previously.

The two made small chat for a few moments before Cpt. Hale's attention was drawn down the dock. He saw a Mynx woman striding towards the Space Ray. Hale groaned internally. He suddenly realized why the request from "-C" had been so vague. Mynx were a race of almost feline like humanoids. Their slit eyes, sensual grace, and tails gave them a vaguely feline appearance, but it was their more... sexual nature that had given them their race's name. When the Mynx had joined the galactic civilization, they had no name for their own race, simply calling themselves the kin. However with a gender imbalance of around four females to every male, they had quickly gained a reputation. The racial views on sexual freedom as well as the effect their natural pheromones had on many other races quickly earned them less then dignified nicknames. It wasn't until the newly joined race of Humanity met them did they earn their race's new name. A human admiral commented on a live galactic broadcast that the 'kin' ambassador certainly was a 'saucy little minx' not realizing that he was being recorded. The name stuck and the race quickly accepted Mynx as their race's name.

Hale quickly made a mental note to ask Jael to synthesize an agent to add to the environmental controls that would counteract the Mynx's pheromones. A small part of his brain decided that he should probably talk to Jael about how she felt about the Mynx as well. The captain and doctor had been growing very close lately and he didn't want to ruin things with her by having a tryst with a Mynx.

She came to Kess'vek and Hale, stopping only once to examine the ship before spotting them. Her skin was a uniform pink, with no color variation. Her tail, tipped like a spade swished back and forth as she walked. Hale had heard that the tails were prehensile and that Mynx could control it quite well.

Hale put on his best face and broad smile as she approached, only a backpack for luggage, "Hello, Captain John Hale, can I assume you're '-C' then?"

 

[queenclaire]

Cynwise smiled as she approached the two, revealing a set of small fangs. Her eyes dilated a bit as she looked at the two men. She nodded at Captain Hale’s question. “Cynwise-Octa,” she purred, “but you can call me Cyn.” She blinked slowly, when her eyes opened again, they were on the other male.

She looked at him for a moment, “You don’t smell human.” She cocked her head to the side, “I don’t know that scent.” Clearly he was a race she had never encountered. She smiled at him and then looked back to her new captain, “Thank you for allowing me to hitch a ride.” Her tail moved slowly back and forth, fanning her scent around that area. This should prove to be fun with two men around. She was not sure if the other one would be affected by her scent, but she knew the human would. She smiled as she thought about it.

Her smile faded a bit as she looked up to see a redhead standing up the walk way, just outside the ship. The redhead was standing with her arms crossed and her eyes were narrowed on her. Cynwise looked at her curiously for a moment.

Jael stood there cursing her luck. Of course one of the new passengers was a Mynx. Could not be a big burly guy that smelled of garbage. Nope, it was a species that oozed sexuality. She was not happy with this turn of events. She felt a fissure of jealousy travel up her spine.

“Are you a passenger on here as well?” Cynwise asked the redhead knowing that she must be one of the ones that helped kill the warlord. She looked like she could kill without remorse at the moment.

Jael smirked slightly and stepped forward, walking the short walk to the group. “No,” she simply answered. She looked to the other new passenger, “Dr. Jael O’Neil.”

Cynwise smiled, “Oh, you are the one that decides our fates should we get injured.” Her tail swished back and forth, hoping to get her as well.

“You can stop that now,” Jael said as she smiled at her, “I know what you are trying to do.”

Cynwise huffed and looked at her Captain, smiling again, “Care to show us on board?”

 

[rhev]

Kess'vek's eyes widened, odd, she could smell that he wasn't human. Changelings always had a hard time with 'smell' as they didn't quite have that sense the same way others did. They could pick up particles that traveled through the air and absorb them through their 'skin' before they were decoded by their nervous system. In that sense they could 'smell' as well as other races, but it wasn't quite the same thing. He however had no desire to explain to this woman what he was, if she couldn't recognize a changeling then he wasn't going to enlighten her. Changelings weren't the rarest of the alliance races, but they did keep quite a few secrets and if this black haired pink skinned woman didn't know about them, he was ok with that.

Kess'vek watched the exchange between the woman and the redhead who identified herself as Dr. O'Neil. As he watched, strange thoughts drifted through Kess'vek's head. He wondered what sort of mating habits her race had. He began to imagine what it might be like to shift his form so that he appeared to be her clothing one morning. Feeling his body pressed against hers... Mentally Kess'vek shook himself. Why would he have thoughts like that? Why was Dr. O'Neil so annoyed that this woman, Cyn she said her name was, was swinging her tail back and forth? He would have to do some research on her race when they were aboard ship. Of course maybe he could do a more intimate type of research...

He shook his head again, the Captain was going to give them a tour of the ship, and he had missed what the captain had said about the engineering deck. Probably something about it being off limits. Though nothing was ever much off limits to a changeling. The captain opened the door to the Space Ray and allowed Kess'vek and Cyn to enter before him, following the shapely form of Dr. O'Neil.