Chapter 4

The smell of cool morning air, the chaotic orchestra of noises from the market square below, the occasional screeching call of a manta as it flew close to the open window, Zarabeth closed her eyes as she took in each familiar sensation. Releasing a deep breath, she found herself smiling at how it all felt. This is what she knew best.

"Well? How do you like her?"

Turning around at the sound of Jim's voice, Zara looked about the bright stateroom, the morning light streaming in through the windows behind her. "Oh Jim, she's a beautiful ship. I've forgotten how much I've missed this life."

"Stale galley food, blistered hands from swabbing, the smell of men who haven't bathed in a month?"

Chuckling quietly as the boy wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her close, she shook her head as he nuzzled his face against her shoulder, trying to get him to stay focused. "No, not that. And the smell isn't that noticeable. It's just been so long since I've flown. I count myself lucky to be a captain's wife."

"Do you now?" Pulling his head back up, Jim's face was only inches from Zarabeth's, his crystal gaze piercing through hers with that half-smile that was always sure to make her melt. "You look really good in that color."

Looking down at the uniform-like outfit he'd given her for the occasion, Zara laughed quietly. "Are-Are you sure this is ok?"

"It's more than ok. It looks perfect."

"Jim, you know that's not what I mean. I won't get in trouble for impersonating an officer or anything, will I?"

"Course not. And if anyone does have a problem with it, they can answer to their captain."

"Oh-ho. Very intimidating, sir." Her derisive words ended in a small laugh, what was left of her giggling trapped with an unexpected kiss.

Her gaze completely captured by his once he pulled away, Zarabeth saw how changed Jim's look was, nothing but adoration in those eyes looking down at her.

"Happy anniversary, Zara."

The girl closed her eyes as her lips were gently met with his, losing herself in that small moment of passion to let her heart and mind sing together with his.

"Captain, the crew is assembled for-oh forgive me, I'll just-"

Zara's cheeks were instantly tinted in a blush of embarrassment, turning her head to see the alien man standing in the door, his expression mirroring the look of surprise from both her and Jim.

Fortunately, Jim was the first to recover, his arms still locked around his wife as he smiled without reservation at his first officer. "Felix, no, please come in. I have someone I need you to meet. Zarabeth, this is my first officer, Felix Estrada. Felix, my wife, Zarabeth."

The man stepping back into the stateroom was a tall, broad shouldered man in lion form, the golden tan of his short-cut fur contrasted with the dark auburn hair tied neatly behind him. He gave a small bow, removing his three-cornered hat as he did so before straightening up to give the girl a courteous, but genuine smile, his voice low and resounding. "Mrs. Hawkins, it's a pleasure."

Still trapped in Jim's arms, Zara could only dip her head a little in a similar gesture of respect. "I can assure you, Mr. Estrada, the pleasure is all mine. I can finally thank you in person for all you've done for Jim this past year. I am truly thankful that you've been here for him."

"I'm flattered, Mrs. Hawkins, but there's no need to thank me. Your husband is a more than capable spacer and a fine captain. He only needed a little encouragement to believe it himself."

Finally able to pull away from Jim enough to simply stand beside him, Zara felt less awkward now with just his arm wrapped about her from behind, trying to make the situation as comfortable for Felix as possible. "Well, I still thank you all the same. And under the circumstances, please feel free to call me Zarabeth."

The man gave a small nod coupled with a rumbling chuckle. "Only if you call me Felix."

"That I can do."

Jim was practically beaming, more than happy to see everything working out so well, letting go of Zarabeth only long enough to retrieve his hat from where it'd been lying on his desk. "Perfect. Now then, Felix, I can only assume you came up here to tell me that we are ready to launch, that sound right?"

As if suddenly recalling all of that, the man's eyes widened slightly, leaving him fumbling for a moment before he carefully replaced his own hat.

"Oh-uh yes, sir. We only await your orders. But please, allow me to escort your wife back to the pier for you."

Without another thought, Felix offered his arm to Zara, leaving the girl looking in confusion between him and Jim beside her.

"No need, Felix. She's not leaving, remember?"

The man's look was now just as confused as Zarabeth's, pulling his arm back as he tried to understand. "Remember what, Captain?"

"That note I sent you? I guess it must have been almost a week ago."

"Note? What note?"

"The one I sent to your sister's house."

"My sist-You're mistaken. I didn't stay there this week."

Jim finally joined the two in their baffled expressions. "Really? Where were you?"

"I stayed here at the spaceport. My sister had other company this week."

The pieces slowly fell into place in Jim's mind, habitually speaking slower as he tried to find confirmation. "So you didn't get my note?"

"No, Captain. But I can only presume it was about your wife coming with us?"

Jim's smile returned in an instant, his look now completely satisfied. "Bingo. Well, now that that's all settled, let's get this ship in the air. We've got a schedule to keep, after all."

Even though Jim was, it was obvious that Felix wasn't convinced, his voice almost hesitant as he spoke up once more. "Forgive me for asking sir, but is this authorized?"

"It is, actually. Took some convincing, but I got the 'ok' four days ago."

Zara hated to feel like she was causing trouble, watching intently as the first officer silently struggled with himself for a few moments, but more than relieved when Felix's look finally softened with a small smile.

"Well in that case, welcome aboard, Mrs. Haw-Zarabeth."

In no time at all, the ship had launched and the R.L.S. Aberdeen was on its way. To Zara, it felt from moment to moment as if she'd never left this life. It all felt so natural, every sight and sound, every order relayed across the decks to the crew of spacers both below and above her. And above all, it gave her the greatest joy to see Jim do his job. She couldn't help but think of Amelia as he gave orders this way and that, as calm and collected as anything. He knew he belonged. Zarabeth could see it in his eyes. She thought back on the years he'd spent at the Interstellar Academy, her heart warm knowing that it'd all come to this. This was Jim's life, his calling. If she could be more proud, she didn't know how.