Shipping Mishaps Chapter 11
Four days had passed since the rescue at Grespa 3. The ship’s speed had been reduced to 9C in order to save fuel. Next stop? The Svoji system.
Someone was knocking on the door, but Geo was working on the books. Math is hard. At least this is fairly simple. Maybe I need to hire a bookkeeper? Meh. These shipping contracts aren't going to deliver much in the way of funds, but they should keep us in the black until we can find a better source of income. She thought to herself.
The knocking on the door increased. I suppose I should let them in. “Enter and be judged” she said. The door slid open to reveal a slightly exasperated Captain Lod.
“Admiral, you have been requested to perform a duty that only you can do.” He said, rubbing his hand.
“Really? What’s that?” Geo asked, curiosity piqued.
“Two of your crew wish to be married. Galactic law allows, nay requires, that shipboard weddings be performed by the highest ranking officer on board. It is a great honor to be asked to do this.” Lod said.
“Well then I guess I must. Who’s getting hitched, and when?” She asked.
“They wish to get married when we are finished with our current delivery. Apparently they both have family in the Svoji system whom they would like to invite.” Lod said.
“Splendid. We should have Bay 2 cleared out by then. So who am I marrying?”
“You aren’t getting married. The Brnul you call Big Blue, and her ex-husband, PFC Bfop'r.” Lod did his best impression of a Dirt-rockian smile.
Geo rolled her eyes, “Seriously? Why does it have to be her? God, she is so annoying. Always traipsing around, giving orders, acting like she's in charge...”
“Sounds like someone else I know.” Lod said.
“Oh stop it. And your smile sucks.” Responded Geo. “I guess I need to find a dress uniform of some sort for the ceremony. Who has been making my clothing for me? Could they help?” She sighed, “Tell the happy couple I said 'yes' and that I will throw a banquet in their honor.”
“I am certain they will be pleased, Admiral. To be honest, I have no idea where your clothing has been coming from.” Lod gave a mock salute and strolled off to inform the Brnul couple.
Geo gave a loud sigh and tried to return to her paperwork. After a few moments of staring off into space, she asked, “Campy, Who has been making my uniforms?”
“I have been having them made in manufacturing.” Was Campy’s quick response.
“Well, thank you!” Geo replied, “Any chance you could have them make something ‘Fancy’ for the impending wedding?”
“I believe that can be arranged.” Was the reply.
*-*-*
Bfop'r was not happy. He was very not happy. It wasn't that he didn't love his ex, quite the opposite. That's why he had gotten the divorce. He couldn't let her tie herself to a dead end like him. What am I to do? Maybe I should go and plead my case to the Admiral? She's smart, she should understand. He thought to himself. He headed up to the bridge, to plead his case.
*-*-*
“So, let me get this straight, you don't want to get remarried to her because 'YOU' feel you lack something? That's all? Did she say yes the first time? Did she say yes this time? Then she loves you, you IDIOT!!!” Geo said after the case was pled.
“But, admiral,” Bfop'r responded, “Think of her station in life! Think of the heights to which she could soar without me holding her back! She could---”
“Bullshit. That is utter and complete bullshit.” Geo interrupted. “Now stand up straight, and grow a pair. Do you love her?”
“Yes. With all my hearts. That's why I want the best for her.” Bfop'r responded.
“Well, then do what's best for her, AND MARRY HER, YOU IDIOT!” Geo shook her head. “Now get out of here, and do your damnedest to make her happy. WITHOUT taking yourself out of the picture.”
Bfop'r ran. This is the end. I will ruin our marriage again. He thought as he raced to the lift. Maybe the Admiral is right? Maybe if I work harder?
*-*-*
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Am I going to have to counsel every couple that wants to get married onboard this ship? Geo asked herself. Bugger all. I best go and look in on the prisoners.
*-*-*
M.kjl,vknZdk,zxosdx (Mac to his friends) was using four of his legs to scrub the floor, and his other four to propel himself along the wall when he felt her. The Queen Mother was coming! He went to tell the others.
*-*-*
The prisoners were cleaning when Geo walked in. “Alright. I have seen what you can do here, with crap equipment and minimal supplies. How would you all like a job?” The aliens looked at her, “mouths” agape.
“Seriously?” the spider looking one asked. “We’re wanted pirates. Why would you offer us jobs?” The other pirates gave it the equivalent of the stink eye.
“Because, instead of doing anything stupid, you cooperated, you did your jobs, and you did them well.” She looked them over again. “So, do you want jobs, or do I drop you off at the next station for the bounty?”
The three aliens huddled up for a minute, then the spider stepped forward, “We accept your gracious offer.”
*-*-*
One day was left until arrival in the Svoji system. The new janitorial staff, after a bit of hazing, was getting along fairly well with the rest of the crew. Except for the spider. Geo finally asked someone about it. “Hey, Grug? Why is Spidey getting the 'cold shoulder' from the crew? He seems nice and easygoing.”
“You don't know? Of course you don't know. First off, they eat their food alive. Second, everything is food for them. Third, they were part of the enemy in the war.”
“OK. So that’s kinda gross. No one likes to be looked at as food...Oh...Oops.” Geo said. “But what does the war have to do with anything?”
“Alright, history lesson. You know that we were on our way to a war when you were kidnapped, correct?”
“Yup.”
“Well, the 'spiders' as you call them, were on the other side. They aligned with the ruling class, well, their Queen Mother did. That meant that all of the nests did too. After the Queen mother's ship was destroyed, and her body roasted by plasma, they started attacking everyone. Some science types said it was psychic backlash from when the Queen fell, others said it was the lack of the 'queens calming influence in their minds' and that they went back to being the primitive hunting species they had always been, just with space as their new hunting grounds.
“Now, when you find one somewhere, you start looking for the rest of the nest, because you know they are going to eat you. Over the last 12,000 years they have calmed down a lot, but the rumors keep cropping up.” Grug finished up.
“So, basically, they are the
“Yup. Seeing one without at least one nest mate is truly frightening. It just doesn't happen.”
“Hmm, thanks for the information.” Geo replied. “Have a good day, Grug!”
*-*-*
Geo approached the eight legged Unfrlk, tapping it on a hind appendage. “How are you doing Spidey?”
“Oh, Admiral Geo, I didn't notice you!” Spidey lied, he could feel her presence from a mile away. In his mind, she sang like his Queen should have. “I am well! Thank you for asking!”
“So, I have a question for you.”
Oh no, here it comes, the old “are you going to eat the crew”, or “Can you dispose of a body for me?” or something like that. He thought to himself. “Um, yes?”
“Where is the rest of your nest? I mean, did something happen to them? Do they need help? Are you working to help them?” Geo asked, eyes full of innocence.
Spidey just looked at her. Amazed. No one had ever asked something like that. Never. His legs and mandibles twitched in shock. “Um, no. I was actually thrown out of the nest when it was found out that I couldn't 'feel' the nest queen. I have been alone since then.”
“So... Your family threw you out for BEING DIFFERENT?!?!?” Geo responded.
She looks...feels...upset. And not at me? She's upset FOR me! Spidey thought to himself, legs and mandibles twitching again. “Yes Admiral. I lacked the ability to 'speak' to her. I also lacked the ability to hunt for the pleasure of the hunt. I am a failure for my species.” He finally said.
“Well
The other two former pirates came out of the room they had been cleaning, “Thanks Spidey, didn't want her to see that we hadn't finished off the room yet.” Hansert said.
The Octo, “Squiddy”, looked around. “What did she want?”
“She actually asked me about my nest!!” Spidey said, his appendages shaking.
“Well, damn. I thought it had gotten burned out and you escaped. I didn't want to bring up bad memories.” Hansert said, looking sheepish.
“I think she was angry at them for throwing me out for being different. She said something about 'You are one of us'.” Spidey said, Eyes wide with wonder. “Does that mean I have a new nest?”
“I don't know, but I hope it does. I hope it does.” Hansert said, “I get the feeling... Never mind.”
*-*-*
“Hey Grig,” Geo walked into the med bay where the slug like Gurgmisk doctor was treating a marine for something, “Did you know that Spidey got thrown out of his nest for not wanting to hunt for fun?” She asked the biggest gossip on the ship.
“Really? That is surprising. That is supposedly one of their dominant traits. I will need to have him in for another chat.” Grig responded, eyestalks waving wildly.
“I thought you might like that mystery.” Geo smiled. That should do the trick. Give it an hour, two at tops, and the crew should be better around Spidey.
*-*-*
It disappointed Geo that it had taken 3.5 hours, but the news about Spidey had spread. Some people didn’t believe it, some didn’t care, and most were overjoyed (as it meant they didn’t have to worry about being “eaten” in their sleep). All in all, a good day for the ship’s crew.