After dinner, Hortencia gave me a memory cube.
“Is this the recording of your Karaoke?” I asked.
“Yeah. I thought you and Bear might like to see it, captured in High Def. I think it was one of my better performances. Drago said it was both singularly unexpected, and something they’ll never forget. I hope you like it.”
I chuckled. “Awesome. Did you really dress in a gown made of bones?”
“Yeah – mostly they were finger bones, but there were some longer pieces and some ribs for the corset.”
Behind me Bear spittaked.
“I honestly can’t wait to see that corset!” I said. “I bet it looked awesome.” I mentally shook my head, imagining the macabre scene.
“Thanks, Sarah! You’re the best!”
“Thanks, Hortencia. What are your plans for the evening?”
“Drago and I were going to see a show in one of the theatres, then probably go back to our room for an evening in. What are yours and Bears plans?”
I looked over at Bear, who shrugged. “We don’t have any, yet.” I said. “We’ll figure out something.”
Hortencia nodded, conspiratorially. “I have some suggestions.”
I laughed. “We can figure it out, Hortencia. We’ll be fine.”
“Okay, Sarah. Talk tomorrow?”
“Sure, why not.”
With that, Hortencia and Drago headed out to their show – leaving me with Bear, who was daubing a wet spot on his shirt where he had his spit take, and the memory cube of Hortencia’s acappella rendition of the ‘Death Chants of the Monks of Vitu Ghazi.’
“Baba Roga seems to be having a good time.” Bear said, politely.
“Yeah, she does. How about you? Are you having a good time?” I asked.
“Da. The best of times. Is there anything you want to do tonight?”
“Maybe go for a walk and get some fresh air, looking at the ocean. Today’s been pretty active – I wouldn’t mind some quiet time.”
“A walk would be nice. So would quiet time. Shall we go?”
“Sure.” I offered Bear my arm, and he took it like a gentleman, and together we left the restaurant and headed out on deck.
The evening was cool and pleasant, and Burston’s two moons gave the whole scene an exotic look – at least to my eyes. It was very soothing and pleasant – and dare I say romantic? I felt butterflies in my stomach as I stood there with Bear, watching the sea go by.
“This is nice.” Bear began. “Is quiet. I like our time alone.”
“I like it too, Bear.” I said. “Do you have any plans for the rest of the evening?”
“Do you have something in mind?”
“Not really – not yet. I’m just enjoying being here with you.”
Bear smiled wide, and put his arm around me, and pulled me close... I smiled back, looking up at the big guy. He leaned down – and before I could realize what was happening, he kissed me – and I was kissing him. His touch was gentle, with a hint of whiskers that had grown since he last shaved, and he smelled of spicy cologne and sweat and I melted, kissing him back. I don’t know how long we stayed there like that, kissing under the stars, watching the sea go by – but it felt like a long while.
Eventually, we pulled apart, and I felt both exhilarated and breathless – my heart was pounding, and I definitely felt my body respond to Bear’s kiss – and it looked like he felt the same.
“Wow!”
“Da. It caught me by surprise too. I am glad, though.”
“Me too.”
We stared at each other for a moment, before we both realized how silly we must have looked.
“Would you like to take this someplace more private, like our room?” He asked.
I grinned. Why not? “Yes. Let’s go, big guy.”
Bear grinned back at me, and we headed to our cabin.
Our cabin was down a deck and darn near half the length of the ship away – and restraining ourselves until we got there was a challenge! We got inside the door, and started necking, and we kicked off the shoes we were wearing and made our way towards our bed in the cabin.
To be honest, I was overwhelmed with passion and lust – I wasn’t thinking, I was reacting – and Bear seemed to be too. We pulled each others’ clothes off, while caressing each others’ bodies, and I liked what I saw... and from Bear’s reaction, so did he. He kissed me again, and then somehow we were on the bed, necking and feeling each other for the first time... and I liked it.
We moved together and kept kissing, necking and feeling – and nature took its course... We made love together, in our cabin on the cruise ship, for the first time, and it was wonderful... As I lay there, basking in the afterglow of our lovemaking, I felt a peace come over me, like I had when I tried the VR sex sim... This was me. I’m Sarah. I made the right choice – the only choice... I felt whole. I know it sounds silly, but it felt like a validation of who I was, and the choices I made. I felt good, and I wondered why I had felt so scared of doing it before now.
“Bear?” I asked.
“Da?”
“Did I do alright?”
“You did great. I guess that was your first time as a woman, right?” He said, turning on his side to face me. “Everyone’s first time is a bit fumbly and sloppy, but it gets better the more you practice. You get to know what your partner likes and doesn’t like, and it becomes a lot more fun. It was special for me because it was with you.”
I felt a bit ashamed when he said fumbly and sloppy, but I realized it was true – it was like any skill – it got better with more practice, and the better you knew the equipment you were using. I smirked. I definitely needed to get up to spec on my equipment ASAP.
“Are you okay, Sarah? I didn’t hurt you?”
“No, no – you didn’t hurt me. I was just thinking. I liked it – a lot, and I like you a lot too, big guy. Do you think we could do this again sometime, if we’re both willing?”
Bear grinned, leaned over, and kissed me. “Da. I would like to as well, Sarah. I needed that.”
“Oddly enough, I did too.” I said, laughing. “Thank god I had the clinic give me a five year birth control implant when I finished the biosculpt... They said it was standard for most spacers, since there isn’t much space on a typical ship to raise a kid.
“Da. I have implant too – from when I was with Scout Service. It was mandatory for all personnel to have one installed and up to date. I think mine has year and a half to go, before I need new one.”
“So people don’t use condoms anymore?”
“Of course! There are still STD’s on low tech worlds, but on most high tech worlds they have treatments for most and cures for the rest. I messed up though – I should have used one with you. I am sorry – my wits were taken, but is no excuse.”
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“Next time, big guy. Next time. I should have thought of it too.”
Bear smiled. “Ok. Next time.”
We cuddled in each others’ arms until we fell asleep. It was the best sleep I’d had since coming out of Cryo.
* * *
The next day, we woke in a tangle of bedsheets, spooning together in a very pleasant way – and this time, I didn’t worry about the pleasant sensations of Bear cuddled behind me. Sun was streaming in from our cabin windows, and it must have been well after 8am.
“Bear... Bear, it’s time to get up.”
Bear groaned. “Okay... What time is it?”
I checked the clock on my nightstand. “8:14 am. We’ll have to rush if we want breakfast, and to go on shore leave on Mackabee Island.”
“Da. My Grandma wants to see one of the temples there, and we did promise to go sightseeing. I will get dressed.”
“Mind if I take the shower first?”
“No – but don’t take too long.” He said smirking, “Otherwise I may join you and then we will both be in trouble.”
I smirked, and rushed off to the shower. The next forty minutes involved us both rushing to get cleaned up and dressed, and at exactly 8:59 we were ready for breakfast.
I took Bears arm. “Let’s not keep your grandma waiting.”
The lines at the galley were predictably long – there were a lot of passengers, and we were late risers, so we waited our turn, and got our food – it was a buffet style breakfast – and made our way towards Lisette’s table. Drago and Hortencia were already there, and Herc looked like he was enjoying some sort of crab roll – politely – as we approached.
“Somebody looks like they had a good night.” Hortencia giggled.
“Is it that obvious?” I asked
“No – not really. You both look like you had a good time though.” Lisette replied. “I’m glad. I don’t want my Misha to be alone.”
“Babushka, I will not be alone. You don’t need to push.”
“Okay, Misha. I will stop for now. Please, join us for breakfast.”
We nodded, and sat down next to our friends.
“What’s the plan for today?” I asked, quietly munching on some sort of omelette. I think it had kian eggs, and some peppers and cheese. It was pretty good.
“Well,” Lisette began. “I was hoping we could all go ashore on Mackabee island and look at the old temple the first colonists built, over 800 years ago. There are some nice shops and markets I thought I’d like to look at, and I was hoping we could all go out to lunch together and then head back to the ship. I’ll probably want to lay down for a bit when we return – and this evening I have a date with a gentleman I met yesterday... Mr. Sylvester Bucadin will be taking me for dinner... and if I’m lucky, perhaps he’ll be taking me later...”
“Babushka!” Bear exclaimed.
“What, Misha? I’m old – I’m not dead. Honestly.”
“Sorry, babushka. You are right – and I am out of line. If it goes well, could I meet Mr. Bucadin sometime?”
“Sure, Misha. I’d like that too. And don’t worry – I’m aware that there might be gold-diggers after my newfound money. I’m just looking for some company and a friend to spend time with, okay?”
“Da. Again, sorry babushka.”
“It’s alright Misha. I’m glad you and Sarah are having a good time too.”
“We are!” I interjected. “We’ve even made some friends too – We’re going rock climbing tomorrow with Prince Alexander and his girlfriend Kaitlin Rakovich. She’s really fun to be around – and well, I don’t know about Prince Alexander – he’s been working so much I haven’t got to know him at all.”
Lisette smiled. “I’m so glad you’re all making friends!”
“I’ve made a few as well.” Hortencia added. “A few people seem to like my aesthetic, and we’re going for coffee later.”
“Yeah. Hortencia was telling them about her poisonous scorpions and spiders. Oh – speaking of spiders, apparently my brother is a kind and benevolent god. Those Sandkings you left him have made a sculpture of him in their tank, and he has selected a few dozen as sacrifices, in return for a live mouse that he fed them. Did you know they were partially sentient when you gave them to him?”
“Umm... maybe.” Hortencia said, quietly.
“Well, could you warn me next time? I don’t mind – but mom and dad might. Obviously my bro loves them – apparently they’re building a temple to him now – and he adores them. The partially sentient thing might be an issue with them.”
“Oh is that all? Sorry, honey. Next time I’ll make sure they’re non sentient.”
Drago nodded. “Thanks Horty.”
“It sounds like you have some eclectic tastes, Hortencia.” Lisette asked.
“I do. I love scorpions and spiders, but my real passion is gardening.”
“I love gardening too, young lady. It’s calming, isn’t it?”
Hortencia nodded. “I enjoy it a lot. It’s nice that Bear allows me free reign in hydroponics on the ship.”
“Da. It is her private space. No one goes to hydroponics without her say so.”
“At least not twice!” Hortencia added rather perkily.
Lisette nodded – a little confused at the exchange – and for the moment, we ate breakfast as the conversation lapsed.
Later, we went ashore and visited the old temple Lisette wanted to see, and a number of markets and shops – selling a lot of tourist stuff, mostly. I bought a nice flag for Mackabee Isle to put in my cabin – and Drago bought a few things for his mom, dad, and little brother. Hortencia bought a little plant she thought “looked lonely” called a Forseberry plant. It looked pretty, but the berries apparently would make you violently ill if you ate them, which was a definite plus in her book.
Eventually, we returned to the ship – tired, but pleased, and Lisette looked like she really enjoyed herself – especially by spending time with her grandson and his friends – us. It was nice. It would be two more days of sailing to reach Kelbar Island, and then another two or three days to reach the southern continent.
“Thanks for spending the afternoon with me, kids!”
“It was our pleasure, babushka.”
“Oh, nonsense. You may have enjoyed it, but I’m sure you’d rather be doing stuff with people your own age. Go have fun. I know I will.” She said with a bit of a leer.
Bear, obviously uncomfortable talking about his grandmothers love life, nodded. “Have fun, babushka.”
“I will, Misha. You too?”
“Aye, I will have fun too.”
She turned to me. “Sarah, don’t let him brood too much, okay.”
“I promise, I won’t.” I giggled. She knew him too well. “We’ll keep him busy.”
“Thank you.” She said, laughing. “I’ll see you all tomorrow... don’t wait up!”
With that, Lisette headed off to her cabin to get ready with her hot date with her gentleman friend, and Hortencia and Drago looked ready to go chat with their arachnid friends.
“Feel like going for a swim by the pool, Bear?” I asked. “It might be nice to have a few drinks and relax for a bit.”
“If I get to see you in a swimsuit, I agree.” He replied. “I could use a chance to cool off too.”
“Okay – deal! Let’s go get changed.”
* * *
The pool we selected was only a deck above us, and was rather lovely and shallow – more for wading and splashing than for diving or doing laps – and at least a dozen people were enjoying the water, while dozens more were enjoying the lounge chairs and were soaking up the equatorial sun. Waiters with wine spritzers and cocktails were moving about busily, while revellers enjoyed themselves. It was a kind of decadence I had never known... I stared in shock. Back on ‘Earth that was’ the environment had been too shattered to have lovely days like this – and the lack of literally everything made a scene like this seem like an even more lavish display of wealth than it already was.
“Wow.” I said, quietly.
“What is wrong, Sarah?”
“Nothing, Bear. Nothing is wrong at all. I was just struck by how different the universe is now, and how my homeworld was when I left it. I’m one of the lucky ones, even with all that I’ve lost. I’ve seen us – I mean humans - come out on the other end of a downward spiral, and be better for it. I feel fortunate.”
“Good! Let’s go have some fun. By the way, you look fantastic!”
I was wearing a simple blue and white one-piece, similar to the one I had made in VR – but I guess it worked for me. I smiled happily. “Thanks Bear.”
As we sauntered over to the pool, I couldn’t help but notice Kaitlin Rakovich and Prince Alexander – surrounded by what seemed like four burly bodyguards keeping other people at a safe distance.
“It looks like Kaitlin and Prince Alexander have some heavy security. I wonder what’s wrong?”
“Maybe those stowaways are more than stowaways.”
“I hope not. Why don’t we go say hello?”
“Da. If they are not busy.”
“Don’t worry, Bear – I won’t be a pest to your Crown Prince, I promise.”
Bear just smiled, and we both headed over – only to be stopped by two largish men wearing dark suits and sunglasses that reeked “Bodyguard” or “Men in Black.”
“Take a step back, ma’am, sir.” One of them said – until Kaitlin looked up and sighed.
“Anton, please! Sarah! Bear! How are you doing? Look who’s finally enjoying his vacation?”
“It’s all right, Anton. We know these two. This is Polyakov Alesnarovitch, a retired imperial scout, and his lady friend Sarah Kerrigan, from the Sol system. They’re okay.”
“Of course, your Majesty. My apologies.”
“None needed.” Prince Alexander replied. “It’s nice to see you again. I have been informed by my better half that we have an appointment tomorrow going rock climbing with you both, since apparently I may have ruined your last chance at it with my excessive work schedule.”
“You promised you would TRY to relax and enjoy some of your vacation, honey.” Kaitlin interjected.
“Yes, and I will – I am. I was trying to apologize.”
“No apology is needed, your Majesty.” Bear replied. “We had good time entertaining Kaitlin.”
“Thank you.”
“Again, no apology is needed, your Majesty.”
“Well, then would you like to join us, and maybe have some drinks?”
“Sure!” I replied.
And so we sat down with Prince Alexander, and his girlfriend Kaitlin – who was rapidly becoming friends with Bear and I – and enjoyed an afternoon of drinks, chatter, and gossip – and the envious stares of other Burstoners who wondered who we were to hobnob with the royal couple.
“You have a lot of bodyguards today, Kaitlin. What’s going on?” I asked quietly, later in the afternoon.
“You heard about the stowaways, correct?”
“Yes... I take it they’re a problem?”
“We don’t know – but the captain and her people haven’t been able to find them – not even one – and although the ship is large, it shouldn’t be that easy to evade a crew who knows where every bulkhead is. Alexanders’ guards are worried, and they might try to cut his vacation short if there’s any signs of it getting worse, just for our safety. I’m trying to pack as much as I can into the next few days in case we have to leave abruptly.”
“Well I hope that doesn’t happen!” I replied, looking at Bear, who had a rather unreadable expression on his face.
“Neither do I.” Prince Alexander replied. “This is the first real vacation I’ve had in over two years, and I’d like to enjoy it.”
“I am sure all will be well.” Bear interjected. “Your guards know their jobs. You will be safe, I am sure.”
“Thanks, Polyakov.”
“Please, your Majesty, call me Bear. Is name for friends. Only my Captain called me Polyakov.”
“Fair enough – but only if you lay off on the ‘Your Majesties’ for a while and call me Alex.”
Bear looked rather shocked and honoured. “As you wish, Alex. It is a big surprise, hobnobbing with you, actually.”
“You’ll have to thank Kaitlin and Sarah for that – they brought us together. My security people have conniptions every time we meet new people – you know the drill – security and background checks are run, people have to be vetted, and all that. I rarely get to meet normal people who are not fully vetted by my security team ahead of time. I find it quite refreshing.”
“Thank you for that, then.” Bear replied.
“You’re very welcome, Bear.”
We stayed with Alexander and Kaitlin for another hour, gossiping and chatting – and Bear telling some tales of the Fortune’s Favor in high space – with some of the more extra-legal parts removed for public consumption. He even extolled my virtues as a merchant, which was really nice. Eventually, though, all good things come to an end, and we bade farewell to Alexander and Kaitlin – who had a previous engagement on the ballroom tonight, hosting an event for the hoi-polloi, so Bear and I returned to our quarters.
When we were finally alone, I looked at Bear. “What’s wrong, Bear. I recognize that face.”
“Something is very wrong on ship. I know it doesn’t make sense, but I have gut feeling. We need to stay close to the Prince and Kaitlin. I think something bad is about to happen.”
“Anything more than a gut feeling to go on?” I asked.
“Not yet – other than the news no stowaways have been found. Just a niggling feeling. We may have to put our emergency plan into action.”
“What’s that?”
“It’s when I get Drago to get Herc to teleport back to the ship, and retrieve our weapons. In case something happens... It would be best if nothing happens, but if something does, we will be armed and ready.”
“I hope it doesn’t come to that – but if it does, I can shoot too.”
“Good. I will get spare weapons for you as well, assuming Herc is not too full of shellfish to teleport.”
“He has been living large on the ship.”
“Da. He has gained at least five pounds.” Bear laughed. “I will comm Drago, and begin plan. We may be late to dinner tonight.”
“It’s okay. This sounds way more important. Let’s get it done.”
“Da.” He pressed his wrist comm. “Drago? Da, is Bear. We have problem. Meet in my cabin as soon as possible. We may need emergency plan.”
Bear listened, and turned his comm off. “He is on his way. He and Hortencia will be here soon.”
I nodded, and nervously wondered what was going on... I think Bear was wondering the same thing.
The cruise was starting to get interesting!