Scission: Patience
Dylan returned from his shift in the cockpit of the slipfighter. He had forgotten how uncomfortable they could be on long flights. Or maybe I'm just getting too old for this. He stretched his back making a series of popping sounds. Maybe I should take up Charlemagne's offer of a massage and tea. But somehow I just don't feel that comfortable having tea with Nietzscheans anymore.
He was still stretching by the time he reached command.
"Hey Dylan." Harper appeared on screen, the inner workings of the Jaguar Flagship behind him. "Any luck."
Hunt shook his head not wanting to vocalize his failure.
Trance stepped up beside her captain so Harper could see her. "How is it going with you?"
"Too well. We have a plan thanks to yours truly. But we're still ironing out the details. We really need to find them fast."
"Don't worry Seamus it will work out. Trust me." She smiled and went back to her station.
"I hope so Golden girl. I'll call when Rommie gets back. Harper out." His troubled face blinked off the screen.
Dylan stretched again. "I'm going to chat with our allies, gauge the frustration level and check in on Harper. Trance you have the bridge." Dylan headed for his quarters for a shower and change of clothes.
A standard later he was sitting relaxed with a hot towel over his shoulders having tea with Nietzscheans. Compared to these two Tyr is a conversational genius. He had been treated to the gossip of the inner workings of the Sabran head enclave and the latest birth of the Bolivar's and his closest kin.
"You two should try it," said Charlemagne seriously taking a sip of his tea. "Zhukov really, let me introduce you to Portia. Captain Hunt-"
"If I only had a guilder for every time a Nietzschean said that to me. I could buy the Commonwealth." Dylan smiled. "I had my chance at fatherhood but fate took it away. Even then I had not expected it. I was career military."
"Here. Here." Zhukov raised his cup. "Fatherhood is not for everyone Bolivar."
Charlemagne ignored Pashtun and continued after Dylan.
"Surely with your accomplishments you are being entreated everyday."
Dylan laughed. "It's not like this job gives me ample opportunity to meet women."
"Well, what about that Captain Valentine. Even I can see she would be a worthy mate."
"Ha. Even if her interest were in me, we would not jeopardize our working relationship. The Commonwealth has become as much her life's work as it is mine."
"Her interest lies elsewhere then." Zhukov ignored Dylan's point and gave Charlemagne another glance. "She must suffer the same limitations as you in finding a mate, unless of course, she has found someone on your ship."
"Well that would leave the engineer and the Kodiak. I believe the fiery captain would be more interested in power. With the vivacity of her nature, she would be attracted to steadier male." Charlemagne postulated
"The Kodiak's were known for their steadiness." Zhukov scratched his chin. Dylan caught a glint of amusement in the Admiral's eyes.
Charlemagne nodded in agreement.
Dylan refused to be drawn into this discussion any further. "Thank you for the massage Charlemagne. I'll just check in on my Chief Engineer. Good day gentleman."
When he entered engineering he found Harper cheerfully chatting up a very large female. The only thing that looked out of place was the fact that the female in question looked Nietzschean and interested. She nodded and smiled hungrily at the small man.
Just when I thought I'd had my share of weirdness for the day. First clucking Alphas and now Harper looks like he might have to be saved from the clutches of a nubile Nietzschean female. Will wonders never cease?
"Captain!" Harper beamed. "I'd like you to meet the Chief Engineer of the Panthera Rampant, Validia Oslo."
The woman, who was only a few centimeters shorter than Dylan held out her hand. It was only as he took it that noticed the bracers on her arms had no bonespurs protruding from them.
"It is great to finally meet you, Captain. We on this ship try to keep abreast of the Andromeda's exploits. I was just telling Seamus that I am looking forward to meeting Captain Valentine when you find her. I was on deck when she took us through the Krylux system. Never had a ride like it."
Dylan took a second to reply. He was taken aback at this reasonable woman who was still gazing with open admiration at his engineer. "Yes Beka is quite a pilot."
"Oh come on Boss. Beka's the best pilot in the known worlds."
Dylan smiled, "I'll concede Mr Harper. Would you mind giving me a rundown on the your proposal for demolition?" He gestured to Validia to accompany them to the planning table.
