It wasn’t until she was lying on the beach that Kiera realized none of them had really taken a break or rested since Pantaurus. Uller had surprised her again by calling for her friends to land on the planet and enjoy a week-long holiday. He seemed happy to have them especially after seeing how many lovely ladies, his words, were on Kiera’s ship. Uller’s bed was one of the most comfortable Kiera had ever slept in, including her bed at the MidSummer Palace. The man himself was an absolute delight, reinforcing the importance of experience.

During that week Kiera forgot how dangerous their mission was, the burden on her shoulders lessened. Uller didn’t keep her away from her friends, and surprisingly didn’t say a word when Locke sat down with Kiera and rubbed sun lotion on her back; for all his statements about Avarice he seemed to be good at sharing. His generosity was repaid when the other girls joined Kiera for her bikini photoshoot. Emily in particular seemed enraptured by the pirate.

“Archimedes wanted you to have this,” Uller said as he escorted Kiera to her ship, slipping a multicolored feather into Kiera’s hair, “He’s taken quite a liking to you.”

“Be sure to tell him thank you,” Kiera replied, “I’ve taken quite a liking to him as well. Thank you, Ben, for this week. We all needed it. Ever since leaving Pantaurus we’ve just been going non-stop and not giving ourselves a chance to rest.”

“Patience is a tricky thing. There are many ways to pass the time while you wait for something. I’ve been of the mind that why not take pleasure in waiting, it doesn’t have to be a chore. Keep that in mind when completing contracts for the Moon. You won’t get what you need by rushing,” Uller said. “You’re welcome. I wish you luck on the next trial.” He kissed her, drawing her close, letting the kiss linger before their lips parted. He watched her walk up the ramp of her ship where Emily was waiting for her.

“Did that pirate steal your heart?” Emily teased.

“He tried to!” Kiera said, “He stole at least part of it. I wasn’t expecting anyone like him in this mercenary company. All week the only thing I got from him emotionally was that everything was genuine. His maid servant had nothing but good things to say about him, as long as she wasn’t talking about his greed!” Kiera said, “I honestly thought Locke and Riley would be more upset.”

“They trust you, Kara, Just like you trust them. I think that beach trip was what all of you needed. We should mark the location of this planet so we can revisit it,” Emily linked her arm in Kiera’s as they walked.

“That’s a brilliant idea, Em!” Kiera beamed, “I don’t know if I’ve said it, but I am really glad that you’re here. I had been having this sensation that something wasn’t quite right and then when I saw you, it was like being home.”

Emily grinned, “I love you, too, Kara.”

=+=

Kiera wasn’t sure if this third Admiral was actually human any more. The only parts of flesh that they could see was his bald head and his red eyes. A face plate covered his lower jaw, dirty chrome was easily seen under his jacket and his two jackhammer arms were almost comically oversized. Locke was waiting for the man to speak. When he first appeared several minutes passed before Locke greeted him, and now they had been waiting for a reply for nearly half an hour.

“Captain, I’m receiving coordinates,” Calvin said, “and instructions. There is a station there that we’ve been ordered to destroy.” The viewscreen changed, just showing the destroyer they had met.

Locke brought up the instructions, “We’ve been hired to take out that space station. It’s part of a conflict between two independent factions. The Station is a military outpost, and there are civilians on it.” he frowned, “The traditional role of the mercenary, hired to supplement forces in a conflict. This target was chosen for both its strategic location and the effect that destroying it would have on morale.”

“We’re not going to be able to warn them, are we?” Kiera said.

“No,” Locke said.

“Take us there, Sage,” Kiera ordered.

Raiding a ship and stealing something was one thing, giving herself to a man like Uller for a week was another. But to attack this kind of outpost, willingly destroy people. She knew there would be something like this as a trial her gut told her as much; but to actually do it left her feeling sick. She didn’t climb off of Locke’s lap. He wrapped her in a hug. As soldiers this would be something they would be assigned to do if they were in a war. She hadn’t been prepared for it, at least not emotionally. That was going to be part of their training at the Academy, how to deal with the consequences of war and combat.

Kiera left the bridge and went to the mess hall. There wouldn’t be a lot of people in there but it wouldn’t be empty. Kida had made the schedule for duty shifts. Since Locke was going to be acting as the Captain, she put Sage, Corbin, Calvin and Isaac with him. The second shift had Kinsley, Koda, Edgar, Riley, and Gargax on the bridge, while their third shift was Kida, Alyxia, Kiera, Jaina, and Robyn. Tamalyn was staying in Medical, with Pa'ku but both would come up to the bridge to let those on duty have a break, and there was fortunately little for them to do. Emily was making sure there were snacks and other things for the crew to eat while also taking care of the hydroponics bay; Kiera was also helping out Tara and Ikkari in engineering when they needed it.

A circular drone approached Kiera as she sat down, displaying the meal and drink inventory. The Kingdom was known for its advancements in drones and robotics. Small ones like these were in homes and common on ships, according to Tallah. Not having robots to take care of small things like cleaning, monitoring a house or business, or even just hanging around as a companion had been surprising to Kinsley’s surrogate family when they arrived in the empire. Kiera declined anything, she could feel Emily’s bright emotions from the kitchen and they were just what she needed.

Another bright mote of emotions came from behind Kiera as the door opened. The sweet scent of vanilla surrounded Kiera as Riley wrapped her arms around Kiera and kissed her head, “Hey beautiful,” Riley greeted.

“That’s my line,” Kiera said leaning into her, “Getting breakfast?”

“Checking on you, Locke told me about our mission and how unsettling it was for you,” Riley said, “I figured you’d be in here with our perpetually happy chef soaking up the good vibes so I thought I’d come add my own.”

“Thanks,” Kiera said, turning her head to kiss Riley’s neck, “I really appreciate it. How are you doing?”

Riley moved to sit next to Kiera and took her hand, “I’m doing fine, that week on that planet was just what the doctor ordered. That Bird of Paradise Uller had really lifted my spirits, but I suppose that’s what they’re supposed to do. Guy was an enigma wasn’t he? Declaring that you were his for the week and then not caring at all when we snuggled up on the beach, or Locke putting lotion on you, or when Kinsley took that walk with you through the forest.”

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“I asked about that, if he was such an avaricious person why he seemed to be so good at sharing. He said 'It’s all mine, everyone knows it’s mine. Museums and Galleries have things no one else has and show them off, and my stuff is better than theirs!' He was so happy when he said it, and so honest.” Kiera grinned, “Overall he’s a nice guy. Knew who we all are, not interested in the contract because he couldn’t hurt someone so beautiful. It was cheesy, but the way he said it was so sweet. Definitely nothing long term with him. Great in bed though.”

Riley laughed, “It’s pretty easy to get your interest,” She put her head on Kiera’s, “I’m just teasing by the way.”

“You’re right, lovely. It doesn’t take much to make me like someone or make me interested in kissing them. It’s a nymph thing. Mom said that nymphs were made by the ancient gods to be avatars of beauty, comfort, and sexual desire. That we hate being tied down and want to spread comfort and love to everyone. Even if it's not romantic love. Someone who wants to protect me is a real turn on. Knowing I’m safe and can give comfort? That's an easy attraction.” Kiera said, kissing Riley’s cheek.

“Can I ask a question about your mom? She came to the hospital and visited with everyone who was on Pantaurus multiple times. She sat with me and just listened, held my hand when I needed it, gave me a hug when she saw me, when she left. Thanking me for taking care of you. She’s your dad’s consort, right? I can’t imagine the Emperor would share so…” Riley’s cheeks flushed.

“Mother’s a counselor. She works at Rowan Memorial to help those with emotional damage, like all of us. She told me that’s how she spreads her love. Anything else I don’t know, and honestly don’t want to know. I know she won’t have any more children because she nearly died in childbirth with me. It was just too hard on her. Fortunately, she doesn’t have to, nymphs can choose if we get pregnant. I can’t explain how it works.” Kiera said, “She likes you, and I can see that you were paying attention.”

“Paying attention?” Riley asked.

“Distract me by asking me questions,” Kiera grinned.

Riley grinned back, “Your mom gave me some tips to help you. She sent them to me, Locke, Kins, and Tam. Emily gave us some lessons, too, while we were preparing for this mission.”

Kiera wrapped her arms around Riley, “I am so lucky to have all of you in my life,” Kiera said, “having all of you as friends, lovers, it’s made me so happy. I had Emily, Liandra and Percival growing up, but I never thought I’d have so many friends. Friends that I can kiss and snuggle with are great,” she sighed.

“You’re easy to be friends with, Kara,” Riley said, “Easy to love and it’s easy to tell when you’re stressed out. Want to come count my spots?”

Kiera grinned, “Always.”

=+=

Kiera walked onto the bridge. It had taken them three days to reach the station, which belonged to a faction calling themselves Empire of Might. The majority of the members were humans and they had a few imperial mecha: a pair of Jaegers and an Orion. All three were flying a loose patrol around the station. Kiera thought she saw red paint on them that had hastily been either painted over or scraped off. The group that hired the Red Moon to attack them, The Empire of Strength, was also human; they were warring over a moon rich in salaborium, a metal that was primarily used in ship construction thanks to how well it bonded with other metals. Both sides had hired the Red Moon but Strength had won the bidding war.

“The EoS ships are gathering, there’s only three of them,” Calvin said, “That amounts to thirty-three percent of their fleet.”

“Some Empire if you only have nine ships,” Corbin muttered, “What do the other guys have?”

“Ten ships, this station, and three mecha,” Calvin said.

“Signal the ships that we’re ready to engage,” Locke said, “Target the station and let them know to disable rather than destroy those mecha.” He took Kiera’s hand, who was sitting in the commander’s chair next to him rather than on his lap.

“We’re being hailed by the EoM,” Calvin said.

“Ignore them,” Locke replied, “Is the EoS ready?”

“We are getting an offer,” Calvin reported, “They’re willing to throw in one jaeger if we switch sides. EoS reports ready.”

“Isaac, target the station core. Sage, take us in,” Kiera ordered, her voice dead pan.

“Starting attack run,” Sage replied.

The three EoS ships flew after them, firing at the mecha that rose to meet them. Two other ships, one escort, and one light cruiser, flew towards them from the station and opened fire. The EoS ships returned fire, targeting the other ships. One of them shot forward, over taking the Satisfaction. Kiera let them, they were there to do a job and if their allies insisted on brawling with their enemy she was going to let them.

“Two direct hits on our shields, they’re down to ninety-six percent,” Corbin reported, “This kingdom tech is growing on me. Loving these shields.”

“I’d rather have the armor plating,” Locke replied.

“Target locked, firing,” Isaac called, “Hits confirmed.”

“Their armor in that section is down by twenty percent, we’ve lost the Muscular,” Calvin said, “Mecha incoming.”

“Fire to disable,” Kiera ordered.

After a few more runs the Empire of Strength no longer had any ships able to attack. Two had been destroyed and the third turned tail and ran. The station had taken critical damage and the two ships that were attacking had broken off to attempt to evacuate the station. Kiera ordered them to halt their attacks.

“Hail the station,” Kiera said, “We’re going to offer to let them evacuate their station in exchange for their mecha.”

“They called us double faced bastards but they’ve agreed,” Calvin said a few minutes later, “They will relinquish their mecha once the station has been evacuated.”

“Keep our shields up, Corbin,” Kiera ordered.

They waited for the two ships to leave orbit before moving in to claim their prizes. Tara, Ikkari and Kiera were able to modify the grappler beam to fire from three emitters and use them to "tie" the three mecha to the Satisfaction. It cut down on their maneuverability, but now they had mecha. They finished their mission and destroyed the station, completing their contract. They turned to leave the area when Calvin appraised them of another hail. The ship they had met up with followed them to the battle site but didn't bother to engage with them. The unknown Admiral again appeared on the screen; Kiera made sure that she wouldn’t be in the frame; she wasn’t in costume.

“What. Was that,” the Admiral droned, a grinding echoey sound. Steam rose from his mouth between the words

“What was what?” Locke asked, “We were contracted to destroy the station, not kill everyone on board. Our clients acted like rabid kargs. Not our fault they got themselves destroyed, one of them ran. I fulfilled your contract and got a contract of my own. It’s a Win-Win-Win all around. I’m a former slaver, Admiral, killing isn’t something that interests me. Did I violate the contract?”

The man glowered and cut off communication. His ship turned and flew off. “Ma’am the Admiral told us to not follow him and sent us new coordinates. Entering them now,” Calvin reported.

“Take us there, Sage,” Kiera said.

They had acquired some additional firepower while completing their contract and not killing anyone, at least as far as she knew which would have to do. It would be foolish to think that there were zero casualties on the station, but it was better not to dwell on that. She squeezed Locke’s hand, his approval of her decisions meant a lot. His presence was reassuring, She stood up, squeezing Locke’s hand again, “I think I’m going to go lie down. Let me know when we arrive.”