The Best And The Brightest Part V free porn video

The Best and the Brightest Part V By Maggie Finson The UN General Assembly formally adopted the Protection of Women Act as world-wide law earlier today despite vocal protests from the Japanese and Brazilian representatives to that body. Once the vote had been confirmed, the Representatives of both those nations presented formal documents of withdrawal of their countries from that body. None of them remained for either discussion or interviews once the documents had been presented. Sources in neither the Japanese or Brazilian governments would comment when contacted regarding their abrupt withdrawal from the UN. * * * * I watched the new group come in and made a few personal mental notes about what I noticed. While most, if not all of them were nervous, and obviously frightened by the sudden change in their status and events on Earth, some had quite simply taken charge and were doing their best to keep the others calm and in a reasonable semblance of order. "Watch that one," I quietly told Al as we looked the new group over and pointed out a petite, very pretty Asian girl -- probably Japanese, but I still wasn't all that great at differentiating Asian nationalities at first sight -- who was shepherding a bunch of the others with both compassion and verve. "She's going to be a good one." "I noticed," he answered with a chuckle. "Reminds me of another newcomer I watched on the docking bays once." "Gee, I wonder who that was?" I asked with my best innocent look. "Bio says she's a pilot." Al noted while looking over her stats. "Masako Yagimura, and has been aiming for space since she was in grade school." "Figures," I nodded. "Is she a convert, too?" "Yes, Born Kenneth," Al answered then gave me a sidewise look. "What? Do you born males have some sort of radar to notice each other?" "Kind of," I agreed. "It's just that a former genetic male is kind of amazed at what the female body can do and feel, and it shows to those of us who've been there already." "Well, you'll be able to tell me about her piloting abilities." He responded without rising to that bait. "Since I'm going to make sure that you're her personal instructor." "You know?" I gave him a little dig in the ribs as I said that. "Normally I'd be giving you grief for that. But it this case, I think the young lady is going to be a really pleasant surprise. I just have that feeling." "On sight?" "Yes." "Care to make a wager on that?" he asked with a raised eyebrow. "What did you have in mind?" "Oh, how about my special clam linguini -- with real white wine in the suace, against, oh, let's say a week of you in the same bed with me on consecutive days?" "Ah, that's no bet," I grimaced. "I'm a winner either way." "So am I," Al grinned. "You're on, then," I chuckled. "Plus personal reports on Ms. Yagimura from you," he added. "Oh, those you'll have," I answered. "If she sucks as a pilot or is a good one. And I don't think she is one who sucks at anything she decides to do, by the way, just from watching her with the others here." "That sounds disturbingly like someone else I know and love." Al poked a finger into my ribs and elicited a giggle from the tickling that caused. "You're going to regret that," I told him while grabbing the hand that was doing the tickling without being obvious about it in the public view. "I know your ticklish spots, and will shamelessly make use of that knowledge." "Like you don't do that already." "I know." I gave him a very satisfied, female to male look as I answered that one. "I've spent no small amount of time learning them." "Damned minx." "You love it. Admit it now and avoid all the pain getting it pried out of you would involve." "Consider my surrender delivered," Al grinned. "Though that was done the first day I saw you on the dock." "I know." I kissed his cheek. "But I need that illusion of the chase, and allowing you to finally catch me, after all." "Women." "Can't live with us, can't stand to be without us," I agreed. "I suppose you would know about that" "Damned right," I answered while leaning into him and pressing my left breast firmly into his side. "I've seen both sides of the thing." "Gives you an unfair advantage there." "I know." * * * * Masako Yagimura was pretty well everything I had told Alistair she would be. With the exception of an incident where she leveled another newcomer with a single strike in the showers-- which she rather brilliantly and amusingly rectified by threatening to commit Seppuku right in the dining room in front of everyone -- kind of tame compared to my own blowup, she was an exemplary student and leader. I had to bite my tongue when Alistair introduced me as 'a flower' to the new group. Right. With lots of thorns and NOT afraid to use them. I thought and knew that amusement showed in my eyes as I was presented to the class as a student flight instructor. Though his comment about listening to me, if for no other reason than to let him listen to my beautiful voice pleased me -- for the comment about his loving my voice. I knew the bright ones among the new ones would see that I knew what I was talking about and listen. I was not really looking forward to the next part of things, running the new students in flight through their first real tests on the simulators. That generally involved a lot more explanation time than actual sim time, and I was fully prepared to bite my tongue, hold back amusement at some of the more original mistakes they would make, and to keep from getting impatient over the inevitable questions, false starts, and restarts. I drew Masako Yagimura, as Al had told me would happen -- the student I had pointed out to Al that first day of their arrival for a pilot, and Jill Stewart as Nav. Each greeted the other, and the news that they would be working together with happy smiles and hugs. "I take it you two know each other, already?" I questioned needlessly with a small grin. They confirmed that, and let me know that Jill, a stunning young lady, had been the one to really introduce Masako to Care Givers -- back when Masako had been a male. My smile for them was warm and genuine at discovering that and I let my thoughts momentarily drift to Naomi, who had left Yotori Station the day before to pick up the reins of the job she had been on leave from. "All right," I told them then waved the American girl forward into the simulator. "Jill, go ahead and get the systems up and ready, would you?" As she moved inside the simulator, I turned to Masako. "Now I have a few questions for you here before we get started." Once I'd explained the twin stick system on the simulator, and determined that Masako was right handed, we entered and I watched the Japanese girl settle into the left seat and begin the undocking checklist in a very cool, efficient manner. Jill had things well set up and ready for her by the time we'd gotten inside. I had to admit to myself that I was beginning to be impressed. There was no hesitation at all from either one of them during preflight, and undocking which went very well. Until an planned problem in the simulation came up once Masako had requested clearance to the Robert A. Heinlein, Apollo Freight's flagship and her planned destination. "Sally Ride, this is Houston, we read you. Negative on your clearance to Robert Heinlein, you are in violation of the Protection of Women Act. Alter your course to beacon NASA4127 to intercept with Washington Station for recall to Earth." "What do I do now?" Masako turned to ask me at that. "I'm not here to ask," I told her simply, interested to see how she would handle the situation. "Do what you think is right." "Yotori Station, this is Sally Ride." She had chosen the best option, and was ordered back to her point of origin. The docking procedure went flawlessly the first time and I was really impressed. These two were GOOD. "I have to tell you two that I've never seen anyone, myself included, who managed a near perfect docking on the first try. Good job you two," I told them with a broad smile. "I'm looking forward to our next session to see whether this was a fluke or not. Though I kind of doubt that." "Oh, Masako reads a lot!" Jill Stewart giggled as the Japanese girl began to blush. "I don't think we'll disappoint you, Persephone-Sensei." "I'm pretty well sure you won't," I answered then gave them a malicious little smile that was tempered by the humor showing from my eyes. "But I'm going to test you both very hard. That's what you get for doing so well the first time out. Be prepared." "I will do my best to make you proud, Persephone-Sensei," Masako answered almost humbly. "Well the first thing you can do about that is to start calling me Persey," I told them both. It's not quite the jawbreaker that 'Persephone-Sensei' is, and everyone else calls me that. We need to be comfortable with each other for you to learn everything I'm going to be teaching you here." * * * * "Impressive," Al agreed as we through the Yagimura/Stewart simulation together. "You're sure this wasn't just a fluke arent you?" "Very sure," I answered while we watched Masako's flawless work with the docking. "Masako Yagimura is a natural pilot, she has a feel for the controls that is nearly instinctive, and if today's run was any indication she also makes good decisions when they're needed. Paired up with Jill Stewart as Nav, I really think that pair is going to going to be a pleasant surprise for whoever gets their contract." "Yes, and they'll be getting a great pilot and navigator, too." Al chuckled as I balled one hand into a fist and shook it in mock anger. "Do you guys ever think of anything other than that?" "Well, only if we must," he judiciously admitted, then grinned. "You should know, you were one of us before you changed sides, after all. Appreciating a fine looking lady is a genetic predisposition for most healthy males." "Right." Rolling my eyes I turned back to the computer screen. "Would you believe that none of the new kids surrendered when they were told to divert to Washington Station?" "Even so, they seem like a good bunch." Al nodded, then winced as the last pair I'd instructed showed on the screen. "Well, maybe with a few exceptions." "Hey, be fair about this, now," I retorted then snickered. "After all it was their first time in a simulator." "What I'd like to know here." He shook his head as the visuals replayed. "Is how they managed to glance off the station on the precise vector to take out that incoming supply shuttle." "Too much thrust, over control, then overcompensation," I answered with a shrug. "I took them back through what happened and pointed out where they both went wrong. They'll do better next time." "Oh, I'm sure of that. With you for a teacher," Al drawled out with a lift of his eyebrows. "They will, you watch," I smiled up at him then added. "Now, back to that genetic predisposition you claim all healthy males are prone to..." "We're off duty in ten minutes," he halfway protested as my fingers teased his short cropped hair. "Can't it wait that long?" * * * * Over the next several months, I ferried Rei Yotori and Ryoko Watanbe to a lot of meetings that grew longer as tensions with Earth increased. I was at the controls of Valentina, gently nudging the powerful sloop away from the Lunar Orbital Station that was still nuetral enough ground -- so to speak -- for all sides to meet and attempt to smooth events that seemed destined to break out into open warfare in the not too distant future. "You handle her very well, Chartrand-San," I heard from behind me as Valentina gracefully arced away from the station and I could safely turn my attention away from the controls for awhile as the automatics took over for the easy run back to Yotori Station. Rei Yotori stood there pensively watching Earth out of my view screen then turned back to me. "Valentina can be difficult to handle without a sure hand at her controls." "Thank you, Yotori-Sama," I answered with a smile as I lightly patted the console in front of me. "She's a good ship, but I could see how she might be a bit headstrong with a pilot who doesn't understand her quirks." "You must have thoughts of your own regarding all these trips we have you flying us on," she changed the subject with another thoughtful glance at Earth. "Only an idiot wouldn't have, Yotori-Sama," I returned with a shrug. "Relations between Spacers in general and Mother Earth are deteriorating at a frightening pace. I know the other pilots who fly their own bosses to these meetings, and even know who those bosses are. Everyone is worried about the way things are going. It would only make sense to prepare some form of response if things get nasty between us and the Grounders. To do that, there would have to be organization at higher levels with people involved who hold positions insuring they would have their orders followed without a lot of questions being asked when the need arises." "Ahh." She nodded slowly then gave me a long, measuring look. "So you think we are forming a kind of 'Revolutionary Council' at these meetings?" "No, Yotori-Sama," I replied quietly. "I think you may be hammering out the beginnings of a new government entirely in these meetings. One that isn't tied to Earth at all. We, as a culture, will need that out here sooner than later, anyway. With the trouble looming with Earth, I am not the only one who believes that to be the case." "There are many of you among the students who feel that way?" "Forgive my bluntness, Yotori-Sama, but you don't exactly train us to be fools," I answered with a small smile. "Indeed we do not, Chartrand-San," Rei Yotori agreed with a warm smile. "It is not such a difficult task when we have students like you." * * * * Masako's big day had arrived. At least for her piloting it had. She was going to fly her first solo in the command seat of Sally Ride, a multi- purpose runabout used to transfer both freight and passengers. In this case the ship would be empty, but she would still be in command. "You'll do fine, Masako," I assured her then turned to Jill. "You just make sure the vectors are right and your orbits will go so smoothly you'll think you're in your cabin here at the station." "Thank you, Sensei," Masako answered almost somberly. "I will do my best to make you proud." "I know you will, both of you," I responded with a smile while waving them towards the open lock. "Now get going. I'll be watching from the Control room." I gave the standard speech regarding no planned glitches and that if something went wrong it was wrong and they needed to holler for help. Then I made sure they were both suited up properly -- they were -- and stood aside to let them enter the runabout. Watching them close and seal the hatch gave me a feeling like I thought mothers must have the first day their child leaves for school on its own. Al was waiting in Control as I entered with greetings for some of the staff that I had met before and took a spot just off to the side beside Al, where I could get a good view of what was going on. "Very elegant." Al Commented as Masako performed the undocking maneuvers and turned Sally Ride's nose away from the station then headed towards her orbital vectors with an economy of motion that was lovely to see. "Good start," I agreed with a nod. They were in their second orbit and looking very good, when the SOTV King's Ransom sent out a worried call. "This is the SOTV Kings Ransom, two on board; we have experienced primary attitude control failure. I am announcing a general distress call. Does anyone read me?" Masako's voice calmly came through on the distress frequency in response. "Kings Ransom, this is Runabout Sally Ride, I read you. I believe we are closest, how can we assist you?" "This is Earth Orbit Control to all craft, hold positions and clear for emergency traffic. Sally Ride, you are confirmed closest vehicle. I paint you at two thousand miles relative." "Roger, Houston, I have a lock on their beacon," Masako responded, then questioned. " Kings Ransom, do you read me? How can we assist you?" "Sally Ride, this is Kings Ransom, I have lost all attitude control and am tumbling on three axes, sufficient for about one quarter G in the cabin. I cannot get a fix on my position. I'm not even sure if I've crossed the orbit threshold. Can you assist?" "Houston, Sally Ride, requesting permission to deviate from filed flight plan." "Granted Sally Ride, reset your guidance computer to receive and we'll upload your new flight plan." "Are you sure they can handle this?" one of our controllers asked Al, and me. "They are on their first solo flight, so this is a lot to ask of them, don't you think?" "Looks like we're about to find out, doesn't it?" I answered while keeping my eyes nearly glued to the status screens. "But yes, of all my students, those two would have been the ones I'd have picked for something like this. They're good." "Uh Yotori Station, Houston here," came over a different frequency, and the voice sounded concerned. "Yotori Station, go ahead, Houston." "Are these kids up to this kind of thing? I see that it's their first Solo in real space." "That is affirmative, Houston," Al spoke in response. "This is Alistair Trevor and they've been training under me. Ready to receive their Simulator scores?" "Ready, Yotori Station." I'd commandeered a comp as this was going on and brought up the records on Masako and Jill, at their ok, I almost stabbed the key that sent the information to Houston, then gave Al a thumbs up as I smiled my thanks to the tech I'd displaced and allowed her to return to her station. "Received and clear," Houston acknowledged. "Thanks Yotori Station." The unfolding drama continued as Ground Control called Masako. "Sally Ride, Houston, we show you on course with an ETA of five minutes. Anticipating visual contact in two." "Roger, Houston," Masako's still calm voice responded then queried, "Kings Ransom, what is your life support status?" "Life support is go thus far, no other systems failure," said the voice of a young man. "Houston to all craft, this is now a level one Emergency. Kings Ransom, you have failed orbit threshold. I say again, you have failed orbit threshold. We plot you thirty minutes to reentry." Well the proverbial excrement had just hit that air movement device with a vengeance. When the SOTV reentered the atmosphere in a tumble, they would either fall in too steep and burn up, or skim the atmosphere like a round stone on a pond and shoot out into space. While that was not the instant death sentence it used to be, it wasn't easy to find a vessel moving that fast, especially if their beacons failed. Judging by the luck of whoever was on board, that seemed a distinct possibility. Worse, Sally Ride could not enter the atmosphere after them below a certain point. She wasn't built for re-entry and she'd fly apart. An older, somewhat distinguished voice came across the radio. There were qualities of the first to it, but there was a wealth of life experiences its tones spoke of that the first had not. "Pilot of the Sally Ride, please go to discreet four." We didn't listen in to that one, but I could well imagine what the elder of the two on board King's Ransom was saying to Masako. And also imagining with an internal smile how she was refusing to pull back. "Houston, this is Sally Ride. I'm going to attempt to match rotation and if successful, I'll try to dock. Can you tell me if our coupler will handle the stress of using my thrusters to null out that spin?" "Stand by." Things were getting very tense in the Control Room as we all waited for that answer. King's Ransom was carrying Fred Hastings, Owner and CEO of Apollo Freight, only the biggest private corporation in the solar system. The other aboard was his son and only heir, Mike. "Sally Ride, this is Houston, you're a go if you can match rotation." "That's absurd!" came the simultaneously worried and calm voice of Fred. "Houston, if there is no other vessel in intercept range, so be it. I'll not have two women killed saving me." "At this point, Mr. Hastings," responded the voice of the Controller. "Masako's plan is pretty much your only shot. Let her try to match rotation. From what I'm hearing, the young lady is a natural." "A runabout doesn't have the computing power to match a rotation...!" he protested. "Mr. Hastings, Masako can line up a rotation in a runabout by eye. I've got her simulator records here. She's good." We all spent a nearly breathless fifteen minutes watching helplessly as Masako lined Sally Ride up, then one by one matched the SOTV's rotation. "Go!" I breathed in a near prayer. "You're almost there." As if she'd heard my whispered encouragement, Masako nosed the runabout into King's Ransom's docking coupler as if she did things like that every day. Al showed his own worry by muttering under his breath. Getting awful close to atmosphere there." "They've got time," I assured him, wishing I felt as confident as I sounded. A quiet cheer filled the room once Sally Ride had docked with King's Ransom then I heard someone wish. "Get them aboard and get your butts out of there girls." I had to agree, the figures running at the bottom of the screen were showing both craft as being dangerously close to atmosphere. "Kings Ransom, Houston, abandon ship expediently. Sally Ride does not have fuel to null your spin." I could have told them that much without computing the thing out. "Understood, Houston," replied the younger voice. "Houston, what's our maximum ETD?" Masako asked. "Sally Ride, you must be undocked and fire a forty second burn at twenty percent in no later than five minutes." "Understood. Hope you boys are packed over there." "Just equalizing pressure now, Miss Yagimura," said Fred's voice. "My dear, I am humbled. That was the finest display of flying I've seen in sixty years." "Houston, plot me a rotation for that burn please. Can you over lay it up here, or does Jill have to?" "You're laid in, Sally Ride. You don't have to completely null out the tumble. Just get your nose pointed out to space and burn; we can work you back on course after." "Roger, Houston." "Damn that was close!" I was almost shaking as I watched the ships separate, and King's Ransom tumbled towards Earth, its skin already glowing from reentry. "Hit the Boost and get out of there, Masako." Sally Ride stopped rotating with a few bursts of masterfully applied attitude burns, then her main kicked in, pushing the runabout away from the deadly atmosphere and roughly towards the Moon. "They MADE it!" someone shouted, really shouted -- which is usually not tolerated in any Control room. As others joined in, hugging and cheering, I realized that first shout had been my own voice. Oh well, I just had to chalk that up to seeing my favorite students shine on their own in such a spectacular fashion. We didn't even care when Houston made a bald faced attempt to steal Masako from us over the radio. We knew where she belonged, and so did she. She was one of us, and had just proven it well enough that there would be no one who could deny it. I looked up into Al's face and grinned. "Told you she was good, didn't I?" "I never argue with a smart woman," he grinned back. * * * * Another thing came out pretty clearly once Sally Ride had docked and everyone unloaded. The younger Hastings and Masako were definitely very interested in each other. That was further proven after a performance by a number of us, Masako included with our musical instruments, and an exquisite dance done by Ryoko Watanbe, for the entertainment of our important guests. Masako and Mike Hastings were paired up for the night when we finished and neither one seemed averse to the match up. "Excuse me." Fred Hastings stopped on his own way out to speak with me briefly. "I believe we've met haven't we?" "Yes, Hastings-Sama," I replied with a low bow (we were there in formal kimonos, so that was pretty well expected). "I have had that honor on several occasions, though all were short term. I am Yotori-Sama's pilot." "You look different at the moment." He nodded with a smile. "Even lovelier than you did on those other times. I understand that you are also the flight instructor for that remarkable young lady who rescued my son and me from disaster?" "I hold that honor, Hastings-Sama." I smiled, pleased at the compliment on my appearance and the question. "Though Yagimura-San has required only someone to guide her. She is a natural at what she does." "A good teacher will always say that," he chuckled, then nodded. "My thanks, for that, and your exquisite music this evening, Chartrand-San." "Both have been my pleasure," I answered with a blush. "Good night, then," he finished with a low bow of his own for me then left the room with an amused Ryoko Watanbe on his arm. Masako, if that man's son is anything like he is, you're in for a real treat tonight. I thought with an internal giggle. * * * * I was so proud of Masako and Jill when they were presented with their astronaut's wings, and promoted to the rank of Daughter in Care Givers. It was like watching my own children receiving honors. In a way, I guess I was. * * * * Things were beginning to move very fast for all of us. Several days after Masako and Jill were presented with their wings, and promotions, Fred Hastings made an offer to take on their contracts. Rei Yotori pointed out that both were still in training, and the owner of Apollo Freight decided to take all of Masako's class, plus instructors, aboard his company's flagship the Robert A. Heinlein. That group included myself, Al, and Ryoko Watanbe. I exchanged glances with Al then watched how Masako's eyes positively glowed when she was looking at Mike Hastings. "Wow. Some guys will do anything to get their kids set up with a girl." "Behave yourself," Al whispered back with a chuckle. "I am behaving," I answered him with an impish grin. "And the Heinlein is going to be one happy ship on that trip to Mars, isn't it? With all these extra Care Givers aboard that should reduce the ratio to almost 2:1, don't you think?" "She's a big ship, Persey." "I know, the biggest ever built by mankind until Magnificent Molly was commissioned," I answered. "Four hundred meters long, with a crew numbering in the hundreds. It's a good berth for a first contract, isn't it?" "Serving on the Heinlein is a good berth for any contract, my dear," Al grinned. "Not to mention that you'll be working with Naomi Foster. That should please you." "Well, I won't deny that," I responded while watching the girls from Masako's Training flight head off to gather their things. While Masako and Michael Hasting went off to find a phone so he could make the necessary arrangements with the ship. "Naomi has been special to me since I first met her in Orlando." Rei Yotori gestured for Al and I to join her and the elder Hastings. As we did she was telling him. "I hope you understand that I'm giving up one of the few pilots here who can actually handle Valentina with the verve she deserves." "Well, I can only say that will be Heinlein's gain, Rei," Fred answered with a smile that held more than simply friendship for the lady then turned serious as he went on. "I wish you'd reconsider and come with us now." "We've been over this already, Fred-San," she replied with a set to her shoulders and chin that indicated she had made her decision and was not changing it. "I will not run away and abandon my home to anyone, not even the UN. You can argue all you like about that, but my mind is made up." "All right, but I had to try just one more time." With a sigh he shrugged and turned his attention to Al and me. "Chartrand-San, it will be a pleasure to have you aboard Heinlein. Naomi Foster speaks very highly of you, as does Rei here, and Ryoko. If you've impressed them like that, I'm sure you'll be a valuable addition to the crew." "Thank you, Hastings-Sama." I gave him as formal a bow as one can manage when not in a Kimono, and smiled. "I look forward to being there and hope that I don't disappoint you, or the ladies." "I'm sure you won't." Fred returned my smile as he gently took my hand and put a light kiss its palm. "Your simple presence would grace any ship or facility fortunate enough to have you posted there." At least I'd gotten used to that sort of thing. Mostly. I only blushed a little in response. "Brigadier." Fred turned to Al. "I'll be very happy to have you and your experience aboard, too. Naomi will be pleased, too, I think." "Thank you, Mr. Hastings." Al sketched a salute then held out his hand, which Fred shook. "It's good to see you again, sir." "And you, Al," Fred nodded. "Seems that my son is picking up some fine crew members with this deal, Rei." "Oh that you are," Rei Yotori chuckled. "A few more than forty of them, to be specific. Care Givers takes pride in the quality of personnel we supply." "Mike," he told me in a quick aside. "Is Captain of the Heinlein." "Did I hear my name mentioned here?" The younger Hastings returned without Masako. "Arrangements have been made for quartering everyone, and the module will be ready for them in several hours." "Good." Fred nodded, then gestured towards me. "Mike, this is Persephone Chartrand. Your young lady's flight instructor and a fine pilot herself." "So I've heard." Mike turned to me with a friendly smile. "Masako, and Harlan Mercer have both told me about you. Welcome to the crew." "Thank you, Captain Hastings. I'll do my best for you, I promise." "You ladies always do," he replied with a pleasant smile that had me thinking I could well understand why Masako was so interested in him. "I won't have room for you on the bridge rotation, but I'm sure Harlan, and the other shuttle pilots would be more than happy to have you added to their group." "I'll look forward to joining them," I answered. "Oh, trust me, the feeling is mutual there." Mike gave me a wry grin. "Harlan has been very eloquent in regards to you and your skills. I also know that you've more or less been working as Rei Yotori's personal pilot, which is about the highest recommendation I can think of." "Hopefully I'll live up to my advance press, sir." "You will do fine, Persephone-San," Rei Yotori told me. "Your technical skills have increased and been further honed in your time here. As for your other skills... Well let's say I have it on good authority that those are more than adequate." I gave Al a sidelong look and he innocently acted as if he hadn't noticed. Bowing to Rei Yotori, I thanked her then added. "Grandmother, be careful here, please. It would cause all of us great pain to lose you." "Don't worry about me, Chartrand-San." With a gentle smile she took my hands in hers. "I will be fine. Now, shouldn't you be getting your things together for your transfer to the Heinlein?" "Yes, Grandmother." With another low bow for her and Fred Hastings, I turned to leave. "I think I will miss her playing that rather unique instrument and her lovely singing voice nearly as much as I will her piloting skills." She commented with a sigh as I walked away. * * * * It didn't take all that long to get my things packed. After a few tears and lots of hugs from the girls in the barracks, I had a surplus of willing hands to help. All too soon, I had my clothing, personal effects, and my glass armonica packed up and ready to go then was watching it being loaded into the runabout Christa McAuliffe, while checking my vacuum suit to make sure I had everything as it should be. After that I simply watched as the other passengers arrived. Once again when I was suddenly leaving a familiar place, there were too many people for one ship to carry. Only this time I was to pilot Christa McAuliffe instead of being a passenger and impromptu hostess. I turned to look at the familiar docks, and thought about my time on Yotori station with the heavy certainty that it was going be to a long time before I set foot on it again, if I ever did. "Kind of hard to say goodbye to all of it." Al had walked up to stand beside me and laid a hand on my shoulder. "Yes it is." I leaned into him for a few moments with a bittersweet smile on my face. "I worked my tail off here, but I love the place, and am really going to miss being here." "I know," he commiserated. "But saying goodbyes is part of the job we do. It doesn't get easier either with places you've gotten fond of. Not even with time and having done so more than you care to recall most of the time." "Yes, but still..." "Well, woolgathering is fine for passengers." Al gave me a pat on the shoulder. "True enough." I smiled and reached up to pull his face down so I could kiss him. Then let go and breathlessly finished. "I need to do the pre- flight checks on Christa now, or we'll be chasing Heinlein once she boosts without us." "Good idea, my sweet." He punctuated that with a playful slap to my bottom as I began walking away. "You're going to pay for that later," I promised over my shoulder as I reached the access hatch. "I always pay my debts," Al answered a little smugly with a grin at my friendly one fingered salute in response. "That's what I'm counting on," he threw back with a laugh. "Once we get ourselves settled on Heinlein." Damn, that man can be aggravating at times. Shaking my head in mock disgust I entered the access and moved into the crew cabin to get settled in for the checklist run through as my passengers boarded. "Howdy, Skipper," a voice I hadn't heard in a while greeted my entrance and its owner waved to the left seat. "I recall riding right seat with you once before, Ma'am." I grinned in delight at as Jacob Underfeldt, the copilot and navigator of Messenger the STOV that had brought me up to Yotori station from the Gulf of Mexico saluted. "Cut the crap, Jake, and it's good to see you too." "It's always a pleasure to see you Persey." His grin widened. "Especially since I missed you on Luna. Was visiting my wife and really wished I'd been around some when you were there, but there were things I had to get worked out with her about getting off Luna." "All you missed was me gawking like a tourist." I laughed at his forlorn expression. "And giving a pompous head waiter a tongue lashing." "You do seem to have a knack for that kind of thing." He agreed as I settled into the command seat and got myself strapped in. "Well, let's get this show on the road." I began running a systems check to make sure that Christa was fully prepared for the short run to where Heinlein was waiting. "We can catch up some more on the way out. Are you going to Heinlein too?" "Nope," he answered with some regret. "Yotori station wants Christa back, so I'll be flying her home once you nice folks get debarked." "Oh, well." I watched the readouts and telltales going to green one by one. "Flight systems are go here." "Nav is up and running," he added then began running through the checks item by item. Once that was finished, I spoke into my microphone. "Yotori Control, Christa McAuliffe is a go on all systems. Soon as my passengers are settled back there, we are ready for undock." "Roger that, Christa McAuliffe. Sending you the vectors for rendezvous with Robert A. Heinlein now." "Got it," Jake told me as the data came up on his screen. "Received, Yotori Control," I told them as the indicator for the access hatch being closed went from red to orange to unwavering green. "Christa McAuliffe is buttoned up and ready to go." "Acknowledged, Chritsa McAuliffe. Please stand by for clearance. Yotori Control out." "Well, now we wait for the traffic to lighten up a little," I said while keying the intercom. "This is the Captain. We are awaiting clearance to undock, please get yourselves comfortable, strapped in, and make sure all carry ons are stowed in the overhead lockers." "We're all set back here, Persey," Al's voice came back through the intercom. Then added with a lilt of mischief. "You forgot to wish us a pleasant flight." "I swear I'm going to get that man." Shaking my head as I turned off the intercom I noticed Jake smirking. "What?" "I thought you already had him," he responded with a chuckle. "If not, how long are you going to let the poor guy chase you before you finally reel him in?" "Wonderful," I groused, but grinned back at him. "Every man I run across today wants to be difficult." "Gotta keep you ladies on your toes, after all," Jake returned with an even wider grin. "Sure you do." I rolled my eyes then returned my full attention to the status boards. "Christa McAuliffe, Yotori Control here. You have clearance to begin undocking maneuvers." "Roger, Yotori Control," I answered while lifting the cover on the release switch for all the cables and hoses attached to Christa while she was docked and started the flight that was to take me from one stage of my life into another. As the connections withdrew, and the clamps holding us to the station released, I once again wondered if I would see Yotori Station in the future. * * * * Once we had gotten a safe distance from the ring, I got back on the comm. "Christa McAuliffe is clear, Yotori control. Preparing for attitude burn here." "Good to go, Christa McAuliffe. Have a good flight. Yotori control out." "Show off," Jake grinned as I used a single quick burst to orient us on the vector to reach the Heinlein, then corrected as Christa's nose lined up. "I love being a pilot," I responded with a grin. "Got those numbers put in for me?" "Ready to go when you are, skipper," he confirmed, reaching out to toggle the boost warning in the passenger cabin. "All right." I flipped the switch that uncovered the main drive, and keyed the intercom. "We'll be doing a one minute burn in thirty seconds beginning on my mark. Thirty..." "Zero." I began the burn that propelled Christa away from Yotori station and towards the waiting Heinlein. Once that finished we went into freefall and started more or less coasting towards our destination. Then I switched frequencies to contact the Heinlein. "Robert A. Heinlein, runabout Christa McAuliffe enroute to rendezvous, ETA one hour ten minutes." "Heinlein here, Christa McAuliffe," the answer came back in a few seconds. "Roger that. We'll leave the light on for you here." "Thanks, Heinlein," I responded with a chuckle. "Christa McAuliffe, out." Jake and I caught up with each other's doings during part of that trip. The rest was aligning to match velocities with Heinlein, so we would neither over shoot or fall short of our mark. * * * * Talking about it, or even thinking you knew it, was not quite the same as actually seeing the Robert A. Heinlein with your own eyes. It's one thing to talk about a ship that is four-hundred meters long, even to envision such a thing. But to actually see it growing closer in your forward view port is another thing altogether. "Something to see, isn't she?" Jake questioned as I watched the immense vessel grow ever larger in my view. As she did, I idly noted that there were what appeared to be extra boosters strapped on to her bulk. "That she is, my friend," I agreed softly then shook my head. "Time to get to business. We've got passengers to get safely aboard her." "Vectors still holding as plotted," Jake responded with a shrug. It's your show now, skipper." "Got it." Keying the ship to ship frequency, I announced our arrival. "Robert A. Heinlein, Christa McAuliffe requesting clearance to dock." "Christa McAuliffe, Robert A. Heinlein here. You are cleared to dock in bay 14. Stand by for docking vectors." "Roger that, Heinlein," I answered as the vectors appeared on my screen with a flashing red light where the bay was. "We have it and are preparing for final approach." I made the minute corrections that lined up the nose with the empty bay, and eased Christa into the waiting port without much more than a soft bump as we settled into the berth. "Heinlein, Christa McAuliffe is in and ready for a nap," I told the controller through the comm. "Welcome aboard, ladies and gentlemen." The response came with a tone of admiration. "Beautiful docking, if I might say that." "You might," I replied with a chuckle. "Thanks, Heinlein." "Connections secure," Jake informed me as the bay doors began to close and a dull clang informed us that the access tube was in place. He turned in his seat wearing a huge smile. "I have to say that it was a pleasure flying with you, skipper. And you're a lot easier on the eyes than Wil ever thought of being." "Speak for yourself, on that one," I laughed. "It was good to fly with you again, Jake. Let's hope the next time we run into each other isn't two years away, what do you say?" "No arguments there, Persey." "We have pressure equalized for debarking," I told him as the indicator for the hatch showed bright green. "Might as well get our passengers up and out of here." "You got it, skipper," he answered, unstrapping and standing up to stretch. "I'll get them going back there while you put Christa into standby." "On it, Jake," I replied as he left the command cabin. "Just to make it official everyone, Welcome to the Robert A. Heinlein," I announced over the intercom. "I hope you all enjoy your stay." I was pretty well sure that I was going to. * * * * Al had waited for me while I put Christa into standby and was chatting amiably with Jake once I walked back into the passenger cabin. Jake nodded to me with a grin as I joined them. "Well, no one forgot anything back here. Let's get your stuff out so I can top up the tanks and head back." "Are you turning around that soon?" I questioned with a sad look on my face that I knew worked from experience with Al. "Have to, hon," Jake shrugged. "Captain Hastings is wanting Heinlein to boost just as soon as possible. Which means, I need to turn Christa around and head back soon as I can." "Who's going to second you on the way back?" I asked with concern. It was not a real good idea to fly solo in space. Too many things could happen that required more than two hands. "Got a pilot on rotation home to Luna going to sit left seat for me on the return trip. Don't worry, I'm not crazy or desperate enough to try a solo run on even an easy jaunt like that." "Just so you do," I answered, giving him a hug. "Otherwise, I'd use what little influence I have to add to the mass Heinlein is taking to Mars." "You might just manage to pull that kind of thing off, too." He laughed. "I would," I answered quite seriously. "Rather than see you flying solo at all. Not that I doubt your abilities..." "I know, I know." He waved my protests off with another grin. "No one sane goes into space alone. Then again, there have been rumors about my mental status." "Mine too, for what it's worth," I told him then asked. "How long are you going to be aboard?" "Just until Christa is refueled, and my second gets here," he sighed. "Well, you know you have a rain check on that promise I gave you, right?" "I'll collect another time, dear lady," Jake solemnly promised, getting a laugh out of both me and Al. "I'll hold that promise dear to my heart, and other parts of me, until it comes to pass." "You do that," I answered with a grin. "Not to worry, I will," he chucked me under the chin, something that no one had ever done to me before and chuckled. "But now I need to be watching the refueling and get my second familiarized with Crhista's little quirks. You go get settled in and let me get to business. Okay?" "You be careful, Jake. Things are going to shit real fast around here." "I know it," he answered quietly. "But someone has to be here when it hits the fan, just to give them something to shoot at, if you know what I mean." "Much as I hate that, yes I do," I admitted. "Just make sure you get clear when it all comes down like a load of concrete blocks from fifty feet up, ok?" "I hear that, loud and clear." Jake nodded his head. "Don't worry. I'll be one of the people getting the other people out when it happens. That means I'll be getting out too. Much as I would hate leaving anyone behind if it comes to that, my job is being a pilot or navigator, and that's what I'll do." "Good." I gave him a tight hug. "There's a reason most heroes die young, you know." "Yeah, they got no common sense," he laughed. "Right. Just take care of yourself. Promise me that?" "You know I will." I had to accept that. The refueling crew had arrived, along with the pilot who was returning to Earth via Yotori station. I gave that one a friendly nod, then gave Jake a goodbye kiss. "See you again, then." "I'll look forward to that." "You'd better." I poked him in the ribs. "I know I will be." The last I saw of Jacob Underfeldt for a long time was him entering the access to Christa with another pilot in tow. All the while in animated conversation with the other.