The Ballard of Cairo Part forty-four: Maters of the heart
DropShip Wataru, International zone
Solaris City, Solaris VII
Lyran Alliance
O'Brien was running a few tests on her Shadow Hawk when Rebecca popped her head through the hatch. "Um, Sinead...I need some advice..." she said, sounding embarrassed.
O'Brien was surprised by Rebecca's tone. During the time they had shared a cabin, the Clan MechWarrior had never had trouble discussing anything. "Okay, what about?" she asked.
Again Rebecca seemed nervous. "It is kind of personal. Can we talk somewhere else?"
O'Brien could see several of the Techs working in the cargo bay, as well as Rix putting his Elementals through some exercises. She undid her harness. "Sure, we can talk in the observation bay."
The small observation bay at the front of the DropShip was deserted when they got there. The two of them sat down. "I am not sure how to begin..." began Rebecca. "I have become very close to Robert over the last few months and I know he likes me, but I am beginning to have feelings for him that I have not had before." she finished uneasily.
O'Brien managed with considerable effort not to laugh. "Well...I do believe you are falling in love." Rebecca blushed, but O'Brien continued. "It's understandable. Rob is an attractive young man and not that much older than you. You told me once that your parents were, not necessarily married, but in a life-long relationship. I know that the Clans don't abide by that sort of thing, but it's the way you were brought up. Have the two of you been intimate?"
Rebecca shook her head. "No, I have not been with anyone since I was made a bondwoman. I did think at first that the Lieutenant might use his position as my bondsmaster and make me be with him, but he never did. Star Commander Scot is a typical trueborn and never speaks to me if he can avoid it. He spends most of his time with Janet. The rest of the crew all have families and because of this I have spent most of my time with Robert."
O'Brien nodded - the two aerospace pilots were well known for their lofty attitudes. She thought for a moment. "Well, if you really do have these feelings for Rob, there's no reason not to act on them."
Rebecca looked down at the deck. "There is one reason. As soon as the Lieutenant is finished here, he will go back to Los Alamos. Robert intends to return to the Draconis Combine when this assignment is over, but as a bondswoman, I have to go where my bondsmaster goes."
O'Brien put her hand on the younger woman's shoulder. "I'll talk to Steven. He won't make you go to Los Alamos if you want to go with Robert."
"But you will go to Los Alamos with the Lieutenant, will you not?"
"That's because I love him and he loves me. I've seen enough and been through enough to last me a lifetime. I think it's time I settled down."
"Thank you Sinead".
O'Brien laughed, "It's nice to help someone for a change. Most of my life all I've done is fight. It's good to know I still have sensitive side."
To Be Continued...