The Best And The Brightest Part IV free porn video

The Best and the Brightest Part IV By Maggie Finson There were two missing faces when we returned. Those remaining had expressions of determination mixed with trepidation but none of them appeared close to bolting. I felt a surge of pride when we left the conference room twenty minutes later and I saw most of the students who had been there waiting for our return. "Thank you all," Justine told them. "Now I'm going to introduce my companions. This lovely blonde to my left is Sister Persephone Chartrand. She is a Master Pilot, and is probably one of the most competent people Care Givers has at this time in space. If you are in her group and have questions, I'm sure she will be able to answer them for you, plus solve problems as they come up. When she tells you something, I expect all of you to pay attention, the lady will know what she's talking about." I actually fought to keep the blush I felt starting from Happening. With my now lighter complexion one of those really showed up, to my embarrassment. Naomi's amusement was evident as she watched my, unsuccessful, struggle. "On my right is Ship Mother Naomi Foster," Justine introduced the almost giggling minx. "Her own experience is just as extensive as Persephone's, and the same caveats apply to anything she tells you. I would strongly advise all of you to NOT go against whatever either of these rather remarkable ladies tell you. They are going to be watching over, and out for, you, for some time to come." Justine reached to the podium and retrieved a bowl filled with numbered squares of plastic and handed it to me. "Persephone is going to start a bowl filled with numbers at the first row. Each of you take one." She could have just as easily told them to form into two equal groups, I thought while moving to start the bowl with a pretty little brunette in the first row. But then my boss wouldn't have been able to accurately judge my poise in front of my peers. I managed a genuinely encouraging smile to the girl I handed the thing to, then moved to the last row to collect the emptied out bowl once it had made its passage through the assembly. "So did I pass?" I questioned a still vastly amused Naomi once I'd returned to the stage with the empty bowl. "You did wonderfully, sweetie," she replied with a little grin. "You two planned that part," I accused. "Of course we did," the redhead chuckled. "You did very well, too, I should add. Very dignified, almost serene." "I was terrified!" I hissed back to her renewed chuckles. "Just be yourself, and remember what you are to them," Naomi advised after her chuckles subsided. "A big sister." Great. I'd been female not quite a month myself and suddenly had twenty odd little sisters who would be looking to me for guidance. "Remind me to get even with you for this." "You'll do fine." * * * * I looked at the twenty-two anxious faces watching me after Justine had divided the group into two and sent one with Naomi and the other with me into separate conference rooms. "Relax," I told them all with a grin. "I am not going to eat any of you alive, or demand things from you that you don't already know. I promise." Surprisingly, to me at least, they did. Relax, I mean. Giving them all the best warm smile I had in my inventory at the time, I started again. "First of all, my name is Persephone Chartrand, but you can call me Persey to make things simpler here -- my eight year old niece wasn't quite able to pronounce my full name and shortened it to that. Needless to say, it stuck." My purposefully rueful expression at that brought out the laughter I'd hoped it would, further relaxing my charges. "Now we have a little more time than the other group since we'll be leaving last, so you'll all have time to digest the idea of leaving Earth, I know that not many of you have experienced zero G under actual conditions, but simulator time would have given you a pretty fair idea of what to expect from it. I hope that those of you who have actual experience will help those who haven't when you can. We're all in this together, and any assistance will be greatly appreciated. Also, please don't forget to change your shoes once aboard the STOV." The provided slippers for Orbital Vehicle transport came with convenient Velcro pads on the soles to match the Velcro mats on the floor. "Unless you actually enjoy floating like a wandering spirit in the cabin," I added with a grin. "Do all of you have your basic kits?" I questioned. Some shook their heads in the negative, but I noted that all of those still had IV feeds trailing along with them. "Well, if you don't, and have just undergone the DeCorvin Process, don't worry. A basic kit will be provided for you." I hoped. "That's really all I have to say at the moment," I told them while checking the chronometer on the wall. "We have about an hour before the atmospheric transport will be available to take us to the launch site. There are coffee, tea, assorted soft drinks, and lots of snacks at the rear of the room. Take advantage of them, please, but I'd advise you all to go easy on the heavier food items there. Nausea is a pretty common effect of the first few times in Zero G, and you all should know what comes with that. I'll be here to answer questions, or just mingle as the need arises." Odd. The responsibility of reassuring those girls was the last thing I would have thought I needed at the time. But it helped settle my own nerves and get me into the role I had been given so suddenly. Lord, I really started feeling like a big sister while answering questions and just talking. It felt good. * * * * Our transport was a conventional, but fast passenger VTOL aircraft that we boarded from a pad in the complex. The trip to the launch facility took less than fifteen minutes and as the VTOL (Vertical takeoff and Landing) got closer to the gravitics stabilized platform alone in the Gulf except for the long, upward curving ramp of the linear accelerator, I saw that the facility had to cover several acres with the hanger and support facilities that were on it, with slightly over twenty miles of takeoff ramp reaching towards the center of the Gulf. Privately I wondered just what kind of facility CGC considered to be a large one as I watched through the port -- okay, in atmosphere, a window -- while the platform grew in proportion to our decreasing altitude. As I made sure my charges were settled in an elegantly set up waiting room -- again with a surfeit of snacks and drinks, the entire platform briefly shuddered as the first STOV launched. My private screen, a brand new notepad Naomi had presented me with before we separated, chimed and a pleasant, if synthetic female voice informed me that our STOV would be ready for boarding in an hour. * * * * "All right, get your kits stowed in the overhead compartments and strap in," I ordered, once my group had all boarded the STOV. (Surface to Orbit Vehicle) Satisfied that all were doing exactly that, and feeling like a flight attendant -- which in reality for this launch, I was -- I turned to let the Captain and copilot know everyone was aboard. "Hello," the pilot greeted me from the left seat with a smile while he looked over the charms so obviously displayed by my uniform with an approving expression. "I take it that you're the one shepherding these green horns through the trip?" "That would be me," I answered with a wide smile. I'd never really noticed how nice it felt to have a man approving of how one looked up close. Much to my internal surprise I not only liked that I enjoyed it. "Persephone Chartrand." "Glad to meet you," he answered, then looked towards his co-pilot, still engaged in pre-launch details. "Watch out for Jake there, though. He's a wolf in wolf's clothing." I chuckled at that and gave him a questioning look. "I'll bear that in mind, thanks. But this sheep has a few surprises saved up for a wolf." "I don't doubt that at all." He laughed, then added, "Lucky damned wolf. I'm Wilson Pritchard, and the wolf over there is Jacob Underfeldt. The last name puts the ladies off, I think they worry about how to spell it, you know." "Wil," the copilot entered the conversation, his pre-launch procedures finished. "To be honest, it's my incomparable charm and presence that scares them off. Hello, Persephone. Nice to meet you. Oh, the LA will be fully charged in fifteen minutes and our tanks are filled." "Not bad," Wil acknowledged. "Giving flight status while hitting on a pretty girl." I knew that was true, the pretty girl part, anyway. There was still enough residual male in me to react whenever I looked in a mirror. But, still I was both embarrassed and flattered. "Thanks, Captain. I'd better get back to my kids now." "You could have mine any time you want," Jake told me with a mock leer. "I'll keep that in mind, tiger," I laughed, thinking that he was pretty good looking as I left the command cabin to check on my charges. Sheesh, I'd really fallen into girl mode where males of the species were concerned. Not that it really bothered me. I knew I was a healthy female of the same species, and one that the other side found very attractive. Now let me tell you, that was a rush. "Okay, everyone," I called as I emerged into the passenger cabin. "We've already had the speech part of this deal, and that's just as well, since my delivery on that kind of thing leaves a lot to be desired. Please make sure you have your kits in the overheads and that those are securely latched. Then check to make sure you've changed into free fall slippers. Trust me, I forgot to check that one on my first trip out and ended up drifting around the cabin until some kind soul took mercy and pulled me back to my couch. That's really embarrassing, so I'd advise everyone to avoid the possibility. My classmates called me Bubbles until we graduated." That drew some laughter from them and I could almost feel some of the tension they were experiencing with the situation fade. It was a start, anyway. "If you have nausea during free fall, there are receptacles on the rear of the seats in front of you to take care of that. Please use them if at all possible when the need arises. It isn't very much fun to chase globs of someone's lunch around the cabin, believe me." I grimaced at some of those memories, which drew more nervous laughter from my audience. "There is the up side that if it happened we could always rag whoever did it about whether or not she's eating healthy stuff or junk." A well endowed brunette who's name tag read Carstairs put in. Her comment was met with a chorus of EWWWWs, ICKs, and exaggerated gagging sounds. "And that Ms. Carstairs," I answered with a grin. "Is what you get for being such an optimist. Now get yourselves settled, we launch in something less than ten minutes." I strapped into my own acceleration couch once I'd made sure my charges were properly settled and that their luggage wouldn't brain the people in the back of the cabin during launch. I discovered that I had a direct vid and voice link to the command cabin once I'd settled in. Now I really felt like a flight attendant. "Captain," I keyed the intercom. "All secure back here." "Roger that, Persephone," Wil's voice came through the speaker. "Launch in five minutes." Another voice, not belonging to either the shuttle crew or ground control broke into the line. "Orbital vehicle Messenger, this is Deputy Inspector Howard Randall of the U.S. Spacecraft and Launch Facility Certification Board ordering you to abort this launch." "Ahh, is there a problem, Deputy Inspector?" the captain questioned. "This is the second launch from this facility within an hour." The inspector's voice sounded a little harassed and I could well imagine the cooperation, or lack of it he was getting from control if this wasn't a legitimate halt for some dangerous malfunction. "That is stretching the limit imposed on LA launch platforms by section XII of the safety code, Captain." "We're a privately owned facility with our own power generation plant, sir," Pritchard calmly informed the man and I noted that the countdown hadn't been halted. "And our timing is within compliance with that reg given the capacity of our accelerator. You should find the specs available in the office, and the inspection certificates are all up to date." "I was more concerned with the OV and crew." The bureaucrat smoothly dodged that one, and it became very clear that he was simply trying to stop the launch without any real reason. "I need to go over the last inspection of Messenger and make sure crew rest regulations have been properly observed." "Those are on file in the maintenance building, sir. Messenger was inspected four hours ago and found to be flight worthy. All of our OV's are inspected before and after each flight." "That's all well and good, Captain," the man went on. "Captain?" I interrupted on the in-ship link. "This guy is full of it, and simply trying to delay our launch." "I know it, Persephone," came the response. "You got any ideas to derail him long enough for us to get aloft?" "I think so." With a grim chuckle I added, "I'll hit him where it hurts, in the career." "Jump on in, Ma'am," he answered with a short chuckle. "I need to pay attention to the launch sequences, anyway." "If I may join this conversation, Deputy Inspector?" I keyed into the general comm. "I might be able to clear some of this up." "Who would you be, and what is your concern, Ma'am?" He sounded irritated at my interrupting him. "I am Sister Persephone Chartrand of Care Givers, sir. And your interference here is endangering not only valuable equipment and equally valuable personnel with you distracting the flight crew, it is interfering with a delicately worked out schedule that my company is very interested in seeing carried out. May I suggest that you examine the documents you've been requesting after our launch?" "I can't in good conscience allow this launch without first going over those documents, Ms. Chartrand. I insist that you get off this circuit now and stop your attempt to block legal authority in the pursuit of its duty." "I see." The weasel was trying to stop us leaving, with no good reason to back him up. "Then sir, I'm quite certain that my employers will be in contact with yours. Through their lawyers. I imagine you'll be hearing about that given that you will be named as the chief defendant. I say again, you are jeopardizing a very delicate schedule along with property and personnel valued in the hundreds of millions. Should you continue with this unwarranted interference in a legal and previously cleared launch I will also add my own personal complaints to any my company may choose to bring forward. Now please get the HELL off this frequency and stop harassing my crewmen. Is that clear enough for you Deputy Inspector? If not I'll be more than happy to continue this conversation from orbit. Good day." I closed my connection and turned quickly to my charges. "All set?" "Launch in thirty seconds, Persephone." Pritchard's voice held admiration as he finished, "On my mark... Thirty seconds from -- now." "I'll pass that information to the passengers," I answered, realizing that I had become a defacto member of the crew as I said it. "Roger, Persephone." "We are cleared for launch," I announced on the general PA as I checked the countdown on my own screen. "Brace yourselves." Thirty seconds after I received the message from Pritchard the force of the linear accelerator pushing the OV to low orbital speeds pressed me back into my couch. I watched with a thrill of returned familiarity as the landscape below shrank into what appeared to be a very well done map, complete with clouds, until the OV's own engines kicked in to boost our transport into escape velocity. "Our launch was successful, ladies," the captain's voice came over the PA. "And allow me to welcome you to CGC Orbital Airlines. Persephone is available in the passenger cabin to give assistance as needed, and to answer questions. Enjoy your flight, and those of you on the port side have a fine view of Mother Earth clothed in all her blue and white glory. Those of you on the starboard side, feel free to go look. It's a beautiful sight." There was a flurry of snaps and gasps as those on the off side of the view un-strapped and peered through the port side ports. I had to join them. No matter how often I'd seen it, the sight of Earth from space was one of the most beautiful things I have ever beheld. Or ever will. God's hand is very evident when you see our Mother World from space. She is far more beautiful than the most perfectly formed woman, and once again looking into her real face, I felt as insignificant as I truly was in the scheme of eternity. That moment was ruined, kind of, when one of the greenhorns didn't quite make it to the funnel on the seatback in front of her. I, along with several giggling students, spent ten entertaining minutes corralling the globules of her stomach contents so they wouldn't impact on some innocent victim. Believe me, catching someone's puke in the face, even in space when it comes towards you as a multi-colored bubble floating like iridescent soap bubbles, is not fun. "I'm sooo sorry," the girl who had missed the extraction tube told me, pale and covered with sweat. "Not to worry," I assured her with a broad grin. "Your classmates and I had fun seeing what you'd had for lunch." At her stricken look once I'd told her that, I chuckled and gave her a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "It happens. You'll get past it, and laugh about it with your friends later on. I know I did." "You got sick?" she asked with real surprise on her delicate face. "Oh yeah," I grimaced. "My fellow students knew what I'd had for supper three days before I puked my guts out." It was the truth, too. God, I had started loving my job. "I'm Rebecca Stevens." She offered once she had stopped laughing. "Just call me Becky. It was my Grandmother's name." She told me with a slight flush of embarrassment. "It's a beautiful name, for a beautiful girl," I assured her, taking in her perfect oval of a face and large brown eyes. "My middle name is my mother's. Elise. I lost her when I was six years old." "Oh, I'm so sorry!" Becky answered while giving me a tight hug. "Thank you." I returned her hug, thinking that I had found my true calling in life. "My grandmother took me in and I didn't do so badly." "No you didn't," she responded then asked. "How did she feel when you joined Care Givers? You were a guy originally weren't you?" "Yes I was." Nodding, I gently released the belts that held her into her couch. "My Grandmother approves, by the way. Now. Let me show you how to get around in zero G." She forgot all about being sick after that. I helped another few figure out how to move in free fall, and some others understand that the Velcro on the soles of their slippers would allow them to actually walk down the aisle without floating into the ceiling. Then there were the ones who had to go to the bathroom. I won't go into that. Suffice it to say, that a woman trying to pee in zero gee presents some pretty interesting problems for designers of space borne toilets. I'm sure that at least three of the kids I showed how to use the thing had orgasms in the OV's restroom. Come to think of it, to be honest, I did too. Enhanced nerves... Wow! * * * * We played in free fall for awhile. I just let them get used to the feeling and play whatever harmless pranks a floating person can on another who is still strapped to their seats for a while. They were harmless fun and I could sense my charge's spirits rising as those went on. Truthfully, I had fun, too. And not all the pranks played were by the greenhorns. * * * * "Persephone, would you please come forward?" The captain's voice reached me through my intercom. "On my way, sir," I answered, loosening my safety belts and rising. Following a quick, last check on my flock, I glided to the command cabin. "Here, sir," I announced once the door had hissed closed behind me. "Good, Master Pilot," Wil acknowledged then grinned at me. "They should give wings for spreading BS, you really stopped that idiot inspector in his tracks." "But that isn't why I called you up here." As he gestured at his command controls. "Would you like to take her in?" "Yes, sir, I would like that very much," I replied while feeling my fingers and palms itch for the familiar feel of the controls. "Then the Conn is yours, Pilot Persephone," he told me, getting out of his seat and offering it to me. "But the kids..." I suddenly came to my senses and realized I had responsibilities no matter what I would like to do. "Are buttoned down and comfortable," Wil answered with a small chuckle. "We've been paying attention up here. You did good with them. Now it's time to stretch those wings of yours, if you're willing." "If?" I grinned. "More like if I can hold myself back." "Pilots are like that," Wil nodded with a smile. "Would you happen to be the same Chartrand who was in command of the Argonaut on her last trip?" "Yes," I answered, lowering my head and sure that he would take control of the shuttle back from me. "Persephone." His quiet voice, along with his fingertips at my chin gently forcing me to look up penetrated my misery at that admission. "Never, never, be ashamed of what you did on that flight. You and Stewart McBain did everything right, at the right times and in the right combinations. In all my career I've known just a handful of people who could have done what you did with that shuttle when things went bad. None of them could have done any better than you did. The telemetry and voice recordings from the command cabin of Argonaut on that last voyage are already part of regular training sims. No one else I have ever met could have brought that ship back into anything approaching a proper re- entry attitude. Your doing that gave McBain time to both unlatch your cargo of ingots and jettison it in a direction that would cause the least damage. You're a hero, Master Pilot Chartrand, and next time someone asks if you were piloting Argonaut on that trip, you hold your head up, look them in the eye with PRIDE and tell them: Yes I was." I couldn't answer. Being a girl does have its downside at times. I was crying. "Further," Wil went on, considerately giving me time to get control of myself. Both I and Jake would be supremely honored if you would take our ship into dock. It will be a story we can tell our grandchildren." "Thank you," I finally replied. "Thank you both. It would be an honor for me, too." "Then get your delectable ass into that left seat and DO it," Wil answered. "I'll keep track of the kids while you do." I did. Wilson Pritchard, and Jacob Underfeldt always have and always will hold a very special place in my heart. I've shown them that on occasion, too. I love being a Care Giver. * * * * There was a welcoming party at the dock when we debarked. Naomi, Justine, and the group who had gone up ahead of us were all there. Along with a distinguished Japanese lady in an elegant scarlet kimono. All of them applauded when I emerged from the shuttle. "You knew Wil was going to do that!" I accused a hugely grinning Naomi. "Yes we did," she answered while giving me a tight hug. "It was his idea, but all of us thought it was a wonderful one." "God it felt good to be back at the controls," I admitted. "Once a pilot, always a pilot," she laughed. I got my charges formed up into at least a semblance of order. They also knew the meaning of what had just happened. Wil, damn him, had told them while I was guiding the shuttle into dock. Once that order was established, the Japanese lady stepped forward and honored all of us with a deep bow. "Welcome to Yotori Station." Favoring us all with a warm smile, she went on, "I am Rei Yotori, and am most pleased that all of you chose to continue your educations and training here." Rei Yotori. The daughter of Mary, our company's founder, Rei was the current CEO of CGC. I was speechless. As were my charges. All of us were profoundly aware of the honor being done us with that lady's simple greeting. "I hope you all will find that we at this station are both eager and able to teach what you hunger to learn," she went on. "Again, welcome, and I truly regret the circumstances that have brought all of you here at this time, fortunate though that may be for Care Givers and all Spacers." "As you all become more acclimated to living here on Yotori Station I am sure that the amenities here, and the teaching facilities, will both please and surprise you," the lady continued with a smile on her face that radiated good cheer and warmth like a small, but potent sun. "You will, of course, be allowed full use of the first, and expected to make full use of the second. Welcome to our 'little' family." It suddenly occurred to me that Yotori Station operated on Tokyo time. Which meant that the lady had gotten up in the middle of the night to welcome us personally. I could see some of the others reaching the same understanding and noted the increase of respect in their eyes, faces and postures as they did. I also made a mental note of who they were, thinking they would be the thoughtful ones, just maybe the people to go to with the extra duties I was almost certain I would end up with handing out. "I see you're sizing up your flock." Naomi had edged up to stand beside me and nodded with approval at what I was doing. "Is it that obvious?" I had hoped that my observations of my fellow students would have gone unnoticed. So much for that. "Only to someone actually looking for it." The redhead smiled at me, then chuckled. "Oh, don't act so disgusted. It's a good thing, and a habit that will serve you quite well in the future." "I'm sure of that," I answered with a small grimace that changed into a smaller, but genuine smile. "Starting really soon, too, I would imagine." "Sooner than you think," she cheerfully agreed. "But I'll let Justine brief you on how that will work. Your position here is something unique for us, as you already have all the technical training anyone here could give you for the specialties you're slated for. We're still working out what exactly to do with, and for you in that respect." "Or to me." I chuckled despite the sinking feeling that I was soon going to become very, very immersed in the Caregiving side of being a Care Giver. "Possibly so." Naomi grinned almost evilly at me. "Come along, Justine wants a word with you in private." "So it starts already." I let out an exaggerated sigh. "It started when you agreed to shepherd the new girls during the transfer." Naomi laughed as she gave my arm a light pat. "And you sealed it with your performance on the way up. I have it on very good authority that you made an excellent flight attendant and baby sitter for them." "I'll get Wil and Jake for that. I swear I will," I promised with mock fierceness. "A threat I'm sure both gentlemen are greatly looking forward to seeing carried out." My friend nudged me gently with her elbow. I actually blushed at that. This lighter complexion of mine can be a real pain at times. "Now let's go so you can speak with Justine." "Yes, Mother." "Why do I get the impression that wasn't an honorific?" Naomi narrowed her eyes as we started walking. "What?" I questioned innocently. "Me being sarcastic with you?" "Thought so." She grinned at me. "By the way, nice work with that inspector at the launch site. I can see legends growing around Persephone Chartrand now." "He was an idiot trying to make points with his bosses," I shrugged. "He had no real reason to hold up the launch. I just told him that. Sort of." "Ah, but it's that lovely little sort of that makes the story so good, dear," she laughed. "I hear the weasel was scurrying around getting signatures on affidavits saying he'd done his best to stop the launch." "Really?" I raised an eyebrow at that. "Really," she chuckled. "The facility staff signed them of course, while filling out their own complaint forms to send in with the affidavits." "Now that, I'd pay real money to have seen." I had to suppress a giggle, of all things. Did I mention that this girl stuff can be kind of embarrassing until you get used to it? If not, consider it done now. * * * * Justine was waiting in an elegantly appointed room that I later learned was the sitting room/lounge area of her apartments on Yotori Station. One other was waiting with her, and both Naomi and I bowed deeply as we recognized Rei Yotori. "Welcome to our family, Persephone-san," she greeted me with a soft voiced confidence that made one know she was a lady who usually got what she wanted. With a smile she added. "It seems that you are already one of our firebrands, young lady." "First, Thank you Yotori-Sama. I am truly honored that you have taken time from your sleep to meet with me personally, and apologize for the inconvenience to you for the hour," I answered, flushing a bit -- I felt the heat rise in my cheeks -- at the 'firebrand' comment. "Apologies are not necessary, Persephone-san." She chuckled and waved my beginning protests aside. "I have lost a night's sleep for lesser things. Allow me to congratulate you on aiding our second SOTV to launch on Schedule. That was masterfully, if a bit rudely done." "That inspector was just trying to keep us from leaving," I answered quietly. "He had no true reason but self aggrandizement for doing so. I know the business, Yotori-Sama, and knew if there had been a truly urgent reason for aborting the launch, control would have informed us. I merely suggested that he check the pertinent records at a more convenient time and stop endangering the crew, passengers, and vehicle with his self serving interference." "And to get the HELL off that frequency and stop annoying your crew," Rei added with a real laugh. "I like you already Persephone-San. A truly good Care Giver must have fire and steel in her soul, as you clearly do. You did well." "Thank you, Yotori-Sama," I answered with another deep bow of respect. Even in that situation, I registered how gracefully, and easily I managed such an action and my spirits soared. "I will do my best to bring honor to this company, and all Care Givers." "I am sure you will," she responded softly. "These are becoming difficult times, Persephone-San. We will need Care Givers with strength and compassion in the days to come. I think you possess both in generous measure. I will take my leave of you now, an old woman does require some sleep at times. Justine-San has a few things to go over with you before you settle into your quarters and get some well deserved rest. Please forgive the inconvenient timing of this, but we feel it is necessary." "It is no inconvenience, Yotori-Sama," I assured with another bow. Privately, I wondered if I would be able to keep up these good manners all the time, and a small, niggling, giggling part of me said probably not. But I was determined to try. The Lady glided out after bows and hugs for all of us there, and I suddenly felt very privileged to have met her in that way. Justine watched the door for a few seconds following Rei's departure, shook her head, then turned back to me with a smile. "I think you impressed her, Persey. Would you care for some refreshment before we get to business?" I accepted a delicately blown goblet of a very rich and heady red wine while Naomi choose a white. Justine took some of the red herself then gestured for us to take seats around a small table. "That incident in the Gulf is probably going to become something of a legend, you know." She told me with a teasing smile and chuckle. "I don't believe a new Care Giver has ever made such an impression on so many in such a short time, dear." "I don't wish to be a legend, Justine," I answered slowly, knowing I was blushing again. Damn this lighter complexion! And shrugged. "I simply wish to be good at what I do." "An admirable goal in life," she nodded while sipping at her wine and giving me a look that said I really should try mine. "If your performance with the new girls on the shuttle is any indication, you should manage that one without a lot of difficulty." "I just put them at ease," I answered. "They had enough to worry about without me hovering like some stern, humorless creature expecting them to be something they had no experience with." "You have good instincts," she answered as I finally sipped at my own wine, and gave her a surprised smile of pleasure at the smoky, tart flavor that greeted my palate. "And use them well. Your crew speaks very highly of your capabilities." "Oh, that." I grimaced. "It just kind of came out when I was talking with that idiot is all." "Persephone," Justine gently told me. "At that moment, Captain Pritchard and First Officer Underfeldt became your crew. Quite happily, I might add, from their preliminary reports." "Ok, what are you driving at?" I finally questioned after a bit of thought and another sip of that fabulous wine. "Not to be intentionally rude, but this is heading somewhere, and we may as well get there now." "Of course it is," Justine chuckled, Naomi grinned, and I had the feeling that I'd been had for sure. "You are a natural leader, girl. People you come into contact with seem to look at you and expect the answers they need." "They would be wrong," I told her simply. "I'm still learning about this girl stuff, and everything else involved with Care Givers." "That doesn't matter at this stage," Naomi put in quietly, but forcefully. "You project that kind of confidence and ease with what you are. People are going to respond, in a positive manner, to that. Some already have, in point of fact." "So what are you leading up to here?" I questioned with a lift of one eyebrow. "We would like for you to serve as a de-facto Mother for the new recruits who came up with us today," Justine answered. I almost dropped my wine I was so surprised. "What? I'm not qualified to do something like that, and you know it." "Yes. You. Are," Justine disagreed. "You have all the technical expertise needed to help the new girls through that part of their training. Any question they ask regarding that, you should be able to either answer immediately or find the answer in minutes." "That's the tech stuff," I pointed out with a shake of my head. "I don't know diddly squat about Mothering." "You're wrong there, dear," Naomi interrupted again. "You handled those girls on your STOV like a pro, and they responded to your warmth and kindness." "Naomi, I am a pro with that kind of thing," I answered in exasperation. "I was a co-pilot on passenger shuttles for years. Of course I would know how to handle people, especially inexperienced ones, in that sort of surroundings. This kind of thing is different." "How would that be?" Justine asked in a drawl that told me was amused. "This is a Station," I insisted. "Those girls are going to need more than someone who knows how to play host -- or hostess, now. To get them through their training." "It is not different, Persephone," Justine quietly informed me. "They will be uncertain, in need of support, assistance at times, and someone they truly like to turn to in their times of difficulty. That is no different than what you did on the STOV, only for a longer term. You can do it." Now, maybe you can argue effectively against two determined women who have decided that there is something that needs doing and you're the one to do it. Whoever you are, please get in touch with me. I'd love to learn how it's done. "What about my own training?" I asked, looking for an out that wasn't going to come. "You won't be needing the tech stuff, which is the largest part of the first year or so," Naomi answered with a grin. "I'll give you some personal tutoring on Personal Intimacy -- something I'm sure you're anxious to try out already from the way you looked at Wil Pritchard and Jacob Underfeldt while debarking from the STOV." I blushed again. This light Peaches and Cream complexion I have is a real plus in attracting guys, but it's sure a problem when I get embarrassed or angry. "Ok. So what about my musical training?" "Persey, you've chosen an instrument that no one among us plays," Justine told me with a smug little smile. "We have an instructor coming up next week to teach you -- yes, that's how well we think of you -- and those lessons will be one on one. Anything else you'd care to try objecting with?" "Guess not." I held my arms straight up and gave them both a rueful grin. "Ok, don't shoot any more. I'll come quietly." "Good," Justine nodded while Naomi simply grinned in feminine triumph. Later I would learn to do that, too, and discover how great it felt. Then, I just wanted to strangle her. Cheerfully, but still strangle her. "There is an upside to all this you know." "Oh?" I sighed, ready for another whammy. "You get a private apartment instead of having to live in the barracks," Justine grinned. "Although it is adjacent to the barracks." "Look, I've already told you two that I surrender." "Good." Naomi nodded her head in satisfaction. "But trust me, you'll love this apartment." I kind of doubted that, but wasn't about to argue the point. I'd already lost, and saw no good reason for turning that into a total rout. * * * * President Norton formally signed the Protection of Women Act at midnight EST, bringing the often controversial bill into the status of law in the United States. Ratification is thought to be a formality as those opposing the bill are in the minority of both House and Senate. The President announced a period of yet to be disclosed duration that will give amnesty to any U.S. female citizens in space to return home without being charged with violating the new law. A general feeling of satisfaction was expressed by members of both Houses and the Judicial branch at the almost assured passage of The PWA into law. In a related incident, it was disclosed that Care Givers Company -- the largest single employer of Genetic Females in space -- sent over forty young women to Yotori Station, the company's home base in space, just before the PWA was signed into law. All are said to be U.S. citizens. In a vid interview from Yotori Station, Rei Yotori, CEO and President of Care Givers Company was quoted as telling reporters. "My company has broken no laws to this date. Any U.S. citizens in our employ will be given the options of either returning to Earth, or remaining in space. We will not coerce them into either decision. Care Givers provides a unique and greatly needed service in space and we will not compromise that by arbitrarily ordering any employees of whatever national origin to return to Earth. In compliance with the new law, our training facility in Orlando will no longer accept U.S. residents as students." It should be noted that Care givers also has training facilities in Tokyo and Frankfurt. When asked if those would observe the same restrictions as their sister facility in Florida, Ms. Yotori commented. "Our facilities in Tokyo, Frankfurt, and on Yotori Station will continue training as has been our practice since the company's inception." When questioned further, Yotori refused more comment on the questions. * * * * The apartment was impressive. A sitting room, a comfortably sized office area with a door leading to the barracks, and the bedroom... Well, let me just say, that I would be able to -- umm -- entertain -- without any worries over the surroundings or amenities available. I took the time to place some calls to Earth once I'd gotten my things into the apartment. "Are you on Yotori station?" Gran questioned after we'd exchanged hellos. "Yes, Gran, I am." I shrugged then gave her a sad look as I continued. "I had to come here. Otherwise I probably wouldn't have been able to leave at all. I'm sorry I won't be able to visit in the near future." "I understand, dear." The old woman nodded and grinned at me. "You just do well out there. We'll just have to wait this insanity out for a while. It will blow over eventually." "I hope so." My answer was doubtful. "Just remember that I love you, even if I can't come home to tell you in person." "I love you, too, Persephone, and I'm damned proud of you for doing this." "Thanks." She threw a kiss at the screen then finished. "Claire and the kids are here too, and wanting to talk with you. Do you have time just now? "Of course I do. I love you, Gran. "I know," she answered with a sad little smile. "Here's Claire now. You take care of yourself out there, and make me prouder than I already am." My conversations with Claire and her children is something I would rather keep private. I'll just say that by the time we finished, and I closed the connection, all of us were in tears. We all knew it would be a very long time before I set foot -- willingly - - on the world of my birth again. * * * * Once again I found myself looking at a lot of expectant faces and wondering just how I'd gotten myself into that position. Only this time there were forty-two of them instead of twenty. "Half of you have already become acquainted with Sister Persephone." Justine told them while waving one hand to me. "Those of you who haven't will find that she is someone well worth knowing. She is going to be your own personal resource. If you are having difficulties with your training, or have questions regarding that, she will either have or be able to find the answers for you. I only ask you to remember, when she does tell you something, to listen to what she has to say. Persephone knows what she will be talking about, and you can trust whatever she tells you." I was getting in deeper without even working at it. Nuts, I'd need a power shovel to get any deeper in than I already was. "As for other problems, do go to her with them. Our Persephone is a proven problem solver. Just don't expect the solutions to always be gentle. I'm sure all of you have heard about her adventures at the Gulf launch facility by now. Persephone is someone who reaches the heart of a thing and tells those involved what that is. Without softening platitudes. So be warned on that account. If you've screwed up, she'll tell you about it in no uncertain terms and tell you to do better. On the other hand, if you've done well, she'll congratulate you and encourage you to do more." What a buildup. I wasn't sure how I'd follow that one. But I had to figure it out quick because Justine moved away from the podium set up at one end of the common room and gestured for me to take her place. Oh, Thank you Justine. "How do I follow that act?" I asked the assembly, and got some chuckles in response. "Those of you who do know me are aware that I don't make speeches. I hate doing that. I tell people what is, what could be, and what should be done to get there. It's as simple as that, really." I watched them react to my first sally and decided it was pretty favorable. Then shook my head and grinned at all of them. "Look, we're all in the same boat, shuttle, or whatever, here. Every one of us ran from home when the PWA was passed into law and are worried about our loved ones, and friends who we may never see again. I know I am. I can't imagine any of you not feeling the same way. So we have to stick together here, right?" There were nods of agreement, and a general chorus of "Yes!" "Good." I nodded and grinned again. "I'm not much of a public speaker, but I can talk with any of you one on one or in small groups. Please don't hesitate to stop by my office if you have a question, or just the need to share your lost feeling up here at the moment. Trust me, I share that, and will do everything I can to help you feel better about what you are, who you are, and what it is that you're going to be expected to do. In return, I plan to make you all help me with the same things. Deal?" "So what all this boils down to is that we all help each other," I told them quietly. "That makes us family. Never forget that. I won't." Justine was giving me a surreptitious thumbs up and I felt a wave of relief at the response I was getting from the kids. "Don't hesitate to come to me with problems, no matter how trivial they might seem. We'll share a glass of wine, a beer, tea, or whatever you prefer, and work it out. And don't think I won't be coming to you guys with my problems. I'm only Human after all, and am sure as Hell going to need to vent with someone. Since we're family it only makes sense that I vent to you guys. I expect all of you to feel the same way." They all took a moment to look at each other, then back to me while many of them nodded and had halfway comfortable smiles on their faces. "Just remember that we are Care Givers. That means that we care, first of all and also that we share. Whether we're happy, sad, angry, or just confused, we share it with each other. We're our own support network here. I expect all of you to make use of that, too." There were more nods of agreement there and Justine beamed at me as if I had just hit upon a basic truth of existence and shared it. Well, maybe I had. "That's all I have to beat you with right now," I told them with a laugh. "I'll need to see the flight leaders in ten minutes, but the rest of you are free to do whatever you need to until 0930. We have an orientation meeting then. I'll be looking forward to working with all of you." Oddly, that was true. Isn't responsibility a bitch? "I thought you didn't do speeches?" Justine asked blandly as I stepped away from the podium. "That wasn't a speech," I easily tossed back. "I was petrified when I walked up there and saw all of them watching me. That was pure blathering, nothing else." "Then I'll really be impressed when you do get around to making a real speech," she told me with a chuckle. * * * * Being a good hostess, something new to me, but it seemed like the thing to do, I passed out beverages of choice to the group gathered in my sitting room. My office was just too crowded with eight people besides me crammed into it. "Okay, I think this is the time where we all introduce ourselves to each other," I told the group in general then went on with a mischievous grin. "I'm Persephone Chartrand, Persey for short, and have been given the responsibility for your well being here. Now each of you is either slated for flight or Navigation which will put you in positions where you will have to be leaders. If you have any doubts about your being chosen bring them up when you introduce yourself and I'll handle them as best I can. Everyone okay with that, for starters?" No one objected, so I waved to them in general. "Fine, let's get started then." Becky Stevens was among them, to my surprise and pleasure. I just had a good feeling about her being a flight leader. Small framed and petite, now that she wasn't feeling the debilitating effects of her first free- fall experience anyone could see the energy nearly bursting from every pore of her skin. That might have to be toned down a bit, I thought as she nodded to everyone in the gathering and started things off. "I'm Rebecca Stevens, Becky to just about everyone." Her big brown eyes were going to be a real plus for a Care Giver, I thought as she went on. "My specialty is Navigation, but I've never had all that much presence, either physically or personality-wise. I never was a leader before, you know and wonder if I could be one now." "Hon, you have presence all over the place," Carstairs put in with a very significant look over the petite girl's body. "I wouldn't worry about not being able to lead." "Well, you have a good point there Carstairs," I interrupted, ignoring the less than complementary observation she'd made. "Trust me the computers and staff who made the selections did so based on aptitude and from all I hear, they are very good in both cases. You'll do fine, Becky, once you get used to the idea." "I'm Elaine Carstairs, from Boston," the well endowed self proclaimed wit began after a questioning look from me. "I'm Nav, too. Sorry for the mouth, it was something that was always getting me into trouble before. I'd kind of hoped I was past that, but I guess not." "There's nothing wrong with humor," I put in with a smile. "We'll help you get a handle on the problems you have, as I'm sure you'll help us with ours. And yes, I do have them, too. Next?" A slender blonde with a heart shaped face who was obviously in the first stages of her transformation simply nodded to all of us before saying. "I'm Teresa Boone, from Chattanooga, Tennessee and am slated as a pilot. I've flown private planes, but couldn't make the cut for NASA or any of the big companies in space. Until now." Her last statement was accompanied with a slight roll of her eyes and a small grin of pure excitement. I could understand both of those, as everyone else did it seemed, from the round of chuckles and giggles her actions drew out. "Shawna Longstreet here," a willowy black girl spoke up with a flash of brilliant white teeth. I'm from East L.A. and tend to be kind of rough around the edges. Be up front with me and I'll be okay with you, though. I'm a pilot trainee, too, by the way." "Leanne Davis here," a tawny and rangy blonde took her turn in a voice like silk drawn over smooth skin. "I'm from Topeka, Kansas, and am Nav. I hadn't quite expected this 'California' look to happen, but it's who and what I am now. Just don't expect me speak in Valley Girl, okay?" That was followed by a grin filled with both mischief and warmth. It was pretty clear that Leanne would be someone very easy to warm up to in both conversation and everyday activities. "I'm Jenna Parker," a really stunning brunette with glossy black hair took her turn. Her almond shaped green eyes nearly gave her an Asian appearance, especially with her delicately featured face, but her complexion was a perfect Caucasian peaches and cream type. I could see that she was still a little uncomfortable with her appearance but working to come to terms with it. I'm a pilot trainee, too, and was an airline pilot before deciding to join Care Givers." "Good, that might give you a head start here," I answered, then added, "but piloting in space is different than in atmosphere, and I kind of doubt that any of us will be returning to Earth any time soon. But it's good to have you with us." She nodded then offered a tentative smile. "As to the differences, I've been in a simulator already, a few times, and you're right. I had to unlearn a few automatic responses and things like that." "You'll do fine," I answered, returning her smile with an encouraging one of my own. "Linda Xiang here," a delicate looking Asian girl spoke up in a startlingly strong contralto that didn't quite match her appearance, but was pleasant once the surprise of not hearing a sweet soprano was gone. She pronounced her last name as Shang. "Pilot trainee. I'm from San Francisco." "I'm Alicia Cooke," the last member of the group told us. "I'm nav, and come from Seattle. Alicia was lovely, but not in a spectacular way as some of us had turned out, and appeared to be a bit uncomfortable. "I was born a female, but have always wanted to get out into space. Care Givers was the way I took. XX Flight offered me a spot, too, but I didn't really want to be JUST a pilot or Navigator. So here I am." Looking at her wholesome, clean cut 'girl next door' image, I nodded and simply told her, "I'm glad you chose Care Givers, Alicia, and not to worry, you don't lose anything at all in comparison to the rest of us. Not at all." She didn't seem all that reassured, but gave me a little nod of acceptance. "Well, I sure feel a little outclassed in the looks department here. But it's something I'll learn to deal with and besides, I have loads of personality." "I can see that." My answer was so matter of fact that it drew a chuckle from her and the others. Then I told them a little more about myself. "Now I'll warn you all in advance, I have a LOT of experience with being in space, and all the technical details that involves. But as a Care Giver, I'm as new as any of you are. I'll probably make mistakes in handling some things and I hope that you eight will be honest enough to tell me if and when you think I've screwed up. Okay?" "So you're that Chartrand." Elaine nodded thoughtfully. "The one from the Argonaut?" "That's me." I nodded without flinching for a change. "The experience is something I still have nightmares about, and probably will have off anf on for the rest of my life. I'll also warn you all that I'm a little prone to fits of depression after one of those. Happily, they don't happen often any longer. But the upshot of all that is I survived it, I cope with the aftermath as best I am able, and here I am. For whatever that's worth." "Then I think you were the right choice for someone to mentor us here," she went on to a chorus of agreement from the group. "You've been there, done that, in both good and bad situations. I for one will be glad to have you around to throw questions at. And trust me, I'll probably have a LOT of those." "Thanks," I quietly answered, and knew I was blushing again. That was something I fervently hoped I could get under control eventually. If not, I thought I'd just have to get used to it. "Well that's about all for this meeting. You have about an hour before your orientation meeting, so go on back out and relax. I don't think we'll get a lot of time for that in the near future." * * * * The orientation was about what you'd expect something like that to be. A general welcoming speech from Rei Yotori, followed by some others with pretty much the same bent. Trust me, no matter how good it might feel, being welcomed again and again can get tedious. Fortunately none of the speeches were very long. * * * * Training schedules were available on the computer terminals in the barracks and in my own office shortly following that. I had Personal Intimacy with some of the others, taught by Justine. Then Advanced Psychology. Advanced? I wondered at that one. I really had little or no real knowledge on that particular subject, just practical experience from my work. I hoped I wouldn't make a total fool of myself in that one. There was also a message for me to meet with a Brigadier Trevor for my own assignments as a student instructor. Along with a list of times he would be available to see me. One of those was just under two hours away, and thinking that I may as well get it over with, I responded with a request to meet with him then. "That will be acceptable," a rich male voice with a slight British accent came over the speakers of my terminal. "I'll look forward to meeting you Ms. Chartrand." I was a little stunned at the almost instant response to my request, and with real time voice messaging at that. "Thank you. I'll look forward to it as well, Sir." "I'm sure you will," his voice responded with a chuckle. "Like a case of measles or something. No one I know is ever all that eager to 'meet the new boss." "Well, I do have to admit that I'm more than a bit nervous about it," I chuckled at that myself. "What else can I say?" "Just that you'll be here at the correct time," came the reply. "I'm sending directions, with a map, to you now. If you have trouble finding my office, just ask anyone in the corridors. They can direct you, or redirect, as may be needed." "I'll be there, Sir." "Good, see you then, Ms. Chartrand." The connection ended and I was left wondering why just hearing his voice had me all tingly. Shaking my head, I decided out loud, "Hormones. It has to be hormones." * * * * I'd found my way to Trevor's offices, it was a suite really, through the maze of passages without real difficulty thanks to the map I'd printed out, and a few helpful hints from people who took pity on a poor, confused girl staring alternately at a map and an intersection of corridors. I even got there a few minutes early. Brigadier Alistair Trevor was a distinguished man of middle years wearing a blue jump suit that was literally covered with NASA mission patches. He actually met me himself, though he did have a personal assistant in the outer office who stopped in mid conversation to gape at me once I'd entered. I nervously asked anyone who would answer. "Uh, did I forget to wear a bra or something?" "Not at all, my dear lady," Trevor assured me with a broad smile and a warning glance to his blushing assistant. "Please forgive David here. He's new and isn't quite used to seeing such beautiful ladies sail into the office." "Um, consider it forgiven," I responded with another of those damned embarrassing blushes then laughed. "Truthfully, I'm still more than a bit stunned whenever I look in a mirror. Believe me, this is not what I've spent my life seeing when I've done that." "Well, you'll get used to it," Trevor chuckledwhile he added. "And to giving old men near heart attacks when they first set eyes on you." "Oh, I hope that doesn't happen," I answered while blushing again. "Then I'd have to do CPR and my certs on that are kind of out of date." "You have a sense of humor, too, I see." Trevor approved as he waved me towards the door behind the front desk. "Please come in and we'll get down to business here." "All right," I agreed, allowing him to gallantly take my arm in his own before adding with a little glint of mischief in my eyes. "And you aren't so old, Sir." "I am if you insist on calling me Sir," he answered as we entered his private office. "But then I suppose I am a general and should expect some respect from you recruits, shouldn't I?" "More than just some, Sir." My response was easy, but firm. This man had been flying missions when I was still in school, and had brought his crews home safely every time. Oh, did I mention that my arm actually tingled when he took it? And that I was disappointed when he released me? Oh, lord, I just had to get a better handle on this girl stuff. "Sit down, Ms. Chartrand, or may I call you Persephone?" I seated myself in the comfortable chair he'd indicated and accepted the cup of coffee he offered me with a small smile. "Persephone is fine," I told him as he got a cup for himself and I took a sip. "If that's too much of a mouthful, Persey works just as well." "Fine." He began looking at a computer screen that I knew was displaying my personnel files and glanced up to ask. "I'm curious as to why you chose that particular name, if you wouldn't mind talking about it?" "Not at all, sir. You are familiar with classical Greek mythology, right?" "Yes, and with the story of the original Persephone," Trevor nodded. "Sir," I quietly answered. "I went through my own time in hell, after the Argonaut accident. I thought there should have been something else I might have done then felt guilty that I lucked out and survived when my copilot didn't. Then there was almost a year in the hospital recovering only to discover that the nerve damage I'd sustained wouldn't even let me walk without a cane. I still revisit those times in some of my nightmares, and the psych people say I'll probably never completely be free of them. So not only have I spent time in Hell, I'm carrying a little of it with me and go back off and on. Hence, the choice of names just seemed right to me. That's all." "You're honest, as well." He thoughtfully looked at me for a few seconds before going on. "No one is perfect, you know. We all have things we'd like very much to have the chance for doing differently, but there's no going back to do it. You did everything humanly possible to avert a terrible disaster that day, and between you and McBain, largely succeeded. Guilt is something that each of us has to deal with in one form or another, Persey. How we deal with it is the measure of what we really are. You're going to make mistakes, everyone does. How do you feel about that?" "I don't really know, sir," I answered slowly. "I know that it will happen, it has before, but not really since I was a recruit at NASA. I'm a perfectionist, I know that, but I'm careful, too. I just don't know how I'd handle screwing up now, but would tend to think I'd have the guts to shake it off and move on. Only time will give an answer to that question though, because I sure can't just now. At least not one better than I've given you here." "Good enough." With a nod, he continued looking through my file, then looked up again. "Just remember that no matter how bad things seem to get off and on, you have a support network here, and more than a few people who already think quite highly of you." "Thanks. I'll remember that." "Make sure you do." He told me with a tone of command I could tell had been honed with years of experience. "Now to what I would like to have you doing here..." "I'm listening, sir." I grimaced internally over that one, then added, "I'll do whatever I a can, wherever I'm needed." "Commendable of you." With a nod he keyed a notation into my file. "My own flight instructors are pretty busy as things are. This new influx of recruits is liable to overwhelm them. I'm giving you the position of Student Instructor, which means just what it sounds like. You're still one of the students around here, but you'll be giving instruction in the areas of your technical expertise while in training. It won't be all that easy on you I have to tell you that. I tend to keep my instructors pretty busy, especially lately. Will you do it?" "I'd be honored to do it, Sir." "Good enough." With a quick flurry of keystrokes he finished what he was doing and closed the file. "Welcome aboard, Persephone Chartrand." "Thank you, sir." "Oh, I imagine you'll be cursing my name pretty soon." He chuckled while rising. "Once you get into the full rhythm of things and realize what I just conned you into doing. I'll get in touch with the teaching Mothers and arrange to jigsaw your teaching duties into your regular training schedule." I knew it wasn't going to be easy. But about the only thing I was really conscious of at the time was how parts of me were almost singing in his presence. I wondered about that, while part of me wished for him to touch me again. It wasn't a one sided situation either I thought. Alistair Trevor, Brigadier Trevor was a man and a fine looking one at that. One who had noticed the currents flowing between us in that first meeting even as I had. For the first time since my transformation, I found myself actually wanting a man. Not in the teasing, speculative way I'd done with a few others, but in a deeply felt desire that went beyond simple need to scratch an itch. I warned myself to be extra careful