Sherry’s Tour
Chapter 12
As they left the Station a ship had just been marked as a Pirate on the sector navigation display. The ship had outrun the Disco’s like they were sitting still. One of the Sector Security Pilots had fired a missile as the ship opened up to a speed of 1150m/s outrunning the missile.
[Sherry] “What was that?”
[Josh] “It was a Pegasus someone has supercharged. I’ll contact Sector Security and see what‘s going on.
Sector Security this is Josh Galen please respond.”
“This is Sector Security Commander Galen can I help you?”
[Josh] “The Pirate ship that just raced through here can you tell me what’s going on?”
[Security Pilot] “You need to talk to the Sector Commander at the Trading Station Sir.”
Josh contacted the Commander on a secure line. “I saw you bee as it buzzed through the Sector.”
[Commander] “He just showed up four days ago. Security scanned his ship as he entered the North Gate finding space fuel onboard of course he ran. This is the third time he has run through or sector and he has to be stopped!”
[Josh] “I can help you with that if you want?”
[Commander] “What did you have in mind and how much will it cost?”
[Josh] “Do you want to blow up or capture him? I have a ship that can out run and disable his ship or I have a new missile that could work.”
[Commander] “Tell me about the new missile first.”
[Josh] “It’s an interceptor class. Your ship locks onto a target the ship computer interacts helping plot the flight path of the missile. It was designed to shoot down missiles headed for a capitol ship or station from a fighter so hitting a ship should be easy for it. If a ship can fire a wasp it can fire the interceptor. The speed is 1500m/s with a 35-second life but the payload is only 400 so it would take quite a few depending on his shields. The price is 2500 credits each and you would have to get authorization to use it because it’s still in the testing stages.”
[Commander] “Tell me about the ship then.”
[Josh] “I designed it to intercept ships like the Pegasus. It’s a m5 class v-body design with 3-1meg shields; two weapons slots with G.I.R.E. and a center mounted ion beam disrupter. Top speed is 1275m/s, steering is 300, and the acceleration is rated at 60. I have four pilots qualified to fly the ship one is at the HQ at all times. All you need to do is post fighters at each gate trapping the Pegasus then contact our HQ and we’ll capture or disable it for you. I’ll do that for 10,000 credits and the Pegasus when you’re done with it.”
{Commander] “Contact your pilots and have them on standby. I’ll have fighters near the gates he’ll be stopped. I’ll transfer the credits when your man caps the ship. You can have the Pegasus when our techs are finished with it.”
[Josh] “Glad to help Commander.”
[Sherry] “Josh do you have time to show me your stations? You seem to be involved with a lot of projects.”
[Josh] “I need a break and want to take it before Ann and Elk’s wedding. I may be the boss but I have good people working for me that can operate just fine without me. Besides I’m going to be staying at HQ while they’re gone on there honeymoon incase a problem develops.”
[Sherry] “Josh you’re not a womanizer or weird how have you stayed single for so long?”
[Josh] “I stay too busy or a mission for too long. By the time I get back they have moved on or the last one she turned out to be married with a family. She thought they had been killed and was trying to move on with her life. I had a search done on her and discovered her family was still alive.”
[Sherry] “Did you love her?”
[Josh] “I was starting to fall for her sure.”
[Sherry] “Why did you tell her about her family if you wanted her?”
[Josh] “Because I did care about her and her happiness. I’m surprised you would consider something like that!”
[Sherry] “I’m sorry Josh I’ve seen people do crazy things a lot worse trying to keep a loved one.”
[Josh] “Have you done something you wished you hadn’t because of someone you loved?”
[Sherry] “No but I wished I hadn’t asked you that stupid question. I wanted to see what you would say and how you would react and now I’m sorry I asked it would you forgive me?”
[Josh] “Yes I forgive you. Sherry do you like me? Tell me the truth what ever it is.”
Sherry squirmed around and started biting her lips then said. “Yes I think I do. At first I related my affections to the fact you rescued and saved my life. And that may have something to do with it. All I know is that when I’m near you I fill pleasant while longing to be close to you. Will you take me in your arms and kiss me Josh I been thanking about the right time for a loving kiss. And now I thank you’re mad at me and reasoning doesn’t seem to madder right now. Will you kiss me?”
Josh stood up from the pilots seat took Sherry in his arms pulling her close and gave her a passionate kiss.
Then pulled his lips back from hers and kissed her lips again as if he was tasting her saying. “Is that what you wanted?”
[Sherry] “Yes thanks.” As she eased back down into her seat and strapped back in.
A few minutes later Sherry replied. “I can’t believe I did just what I was talking about. I lose control and do something out of the ordinary.”
[Josh] “Do you regret it?” Sherry smiled saying. “No I enjoyed it.”
Josh smiled as he engaged the jump-drive jumping to sector Montalaar and set course for the new HQ of Alpha Security. As they neared the station Josh hailed the Station. “Request permission to land.”
[Station Dock-Master] “Permission granted. Welcome back to Fortress Rock Sir the Station Commander is on his way to meet you.”
[Sherry] “This is a large asteroid you can’t tell how large it is till you get near it and see the external section. It looked small from a distance now I see the external section is larger than normal with extra docking ports and landing pads. What are they for?”
[Josh] “The mine has different departments with their own docks. It was so large it was like a city of its own. The docks were for ore, marble, the mine and its workers and shop owners. In its day it was like a Trading Station there were different companies operating at the mine. I looked over the records and discovered some of the mine suppliers had setup shops within the mine repairing and selling their equipment. Its half the size of what is regard as a small moon. It has enough gravity on its own to keep its workers safe and healthy but we have installed artificial gravity so you’ll fill like your on Argon Prime unless you take a space-walk outside on the asteroid.”
As they docked the Alpha Security Director was waiting to get the plains for the new weapons department.
[Josh] “Sherry I have to take care of some business first you can wait on me or our station relation’s officer can give you the grand tour and I’ll meet you for lunch later.”
[Sherry] “You go on I’ll take the tour and meet you later.”
As Sherry was riding away on a small car the Director asked? “Did things go well with the Commission Sir?”
[Josh] “Yes a lot better than I expected. And I picked up a job for the new interceptor fighter I want you to keep watch on the outcome and rate the abilities of the ship and Pilot. This is the first real combat test and the ship they’ll be up against is a super charged Pegasus. It should be a good challenge for the Pilot and ship. They want to capture the ship and Pilot and we get the Pegasus as a bonus.”
The two went into an office and looked over the plains for the new department and the request for new weapons research. A crew of workers and drones had all ready started construction on the new department by the time Sherry’s tour had finished.
Josh asked Sherry? “What did you think about the station?”
[Sherry] “It is large and the theater was special with its marble pillars and woodwork it must have cost a fortune.”
[Josh] “The original owner planned on making this a fortress and home for him and his family. But after he died they just wanted to sell it. I think it’s a perfect home for Alpha Security.”
[Sherry] “I do to. Now lets eat I’m starved.”
[Josh] “Tell the shelf what you want and they’ll bring it to my quarters. We can eat there and talk in privet and relax. You can stay in one of the quest rooms in my quarters.”
[Sherry] “How many quest rooms are they in your quarters?”
[Josh] “Remember the first owner wanted this to be his home so there are five separate mansions within the station. I took the smallest one with four quest rooms each as big as large apartments. The Director and his family took one with some of his aids. And the largest one was refitted for the officers quarters.
The other two are being added onto and refitted into apartments. Plus we have large crew quarters in every department.”
Josh opened the door and showed Sherry his quarters.
[Sherry] “This is nice Josh I like it. I see you have a transporter in your office and a large kitchen and dinning area. And the quest rooms are nice a lot nicer than most of the places I’ve had to stay at.
Are you going to live here?”
[Josh] “I don’t know it’s nice and I like it but I haven’t decided. I like my place at the HQ too. And I have a place at each of my stations to stay in when I’m there. You know now when I think about it I have four really nice apartments to live in and I haven't stayed in any of them for over a month at a time.”
[Sherry] “You need to settle down and smell the roses Josh. Get married and start a family.”
As she gave Josh a hug and kissed him on the cheek.
Josh felt a since of inadequacy at the remark about starting a family. As a slight frown came across his face.
[Sherry] “You all right Josh did I say something wrong?”
[Josh] “No everything is fine. Just a small problem I need to take care of please excuse me a minute I’ll meet you at the small table in the kitchen. Have the attendant place our food there if you would.”
Josh went into his office and shut the door and sat down. Josh thought as he sat at his desk about the fact he couldn’t have children how much of the truth should he tell Sherry was the question. He left the office as the attendant had finished delivering their food and was leaving and walked into the kitchen looked at Sherry. “Sherry I need to tell you something about myself. [As he sat down.] I can’t have children. I have a genetic disorder that keeps me from having children.”
Sherry looked at Josh with a concerned look. “Josh I’m sorry I didn’t mean to upset you. You can clone your cells and place them into a woman's egg and fertilize it. There is always hope. You know where there's a will there's a way.”
Josh looked at Sherry with a smile. “I know that someday maybe I’ll try. Let’s eat and just set and watch a movie and relax a little. You can pick the movie out we have the latest movies available. And tomorrow after breakfast I’ll take you to the Power Plaint and give you a tour of the plaint myself.”
The two ate without saying much to each other. Sherry selected a movie to watch as they sat on the sofa. Josh placed his arm up on the back of the sofa while Sherry slid up next to Josh and smiled giving him a little kiss on the cheek.
As the movie came to a close Josh had noticed Sherry had been very still. As he looked at her after turning up the lights to discover she was asleep.
[Josh] “Wake up sleepy its time for bed.”
Sherry opened her eyes as Josh led her to her room and kissed her on the forehead saying goodnight. Then turned and went to his room.
[Josh] “Sarah give me an update on the station and send a message to the Power Plant tell them I’ll be there tomorrow.”
[Sarah] “The station construction is going on as scheduled. Message sent and received by the Power Plaint. The Pegasus has been trapped and the new Interceptor Fighter is in pursuit.”
[Josh] “Give me real time coverage on the monitor in my office.”
Josh went into his office and watched as the ship closed on the Pegasus and opened fire with the disrupter. The Pegasus weaved from side to side trying to evade the disrupter that was now doing damage to ship systems on the Pegasus. The ship slowed down as the Interceptor keep the pressure on. The Pegasus was losing system after system now as it slowed even more. Till the shields were gone and the pilot ejected.
Josh called the Director telling him not to bother with the report. The two talked about the new ship and how well it had done. They both agreed that the ship would be an added asset to have on hand as the Director asked for one to be built and assigned with Alpha Security. Josh told the Director he could have four of the new ships as they called it a night.
[Josh] “Sarah have eight more of the V5 ships built and send the first four to Alpha Security. Send one to the Cattle Farm, the Solar Power Plaint and the TL and add the last one to the HQ.”
[Sarah] “What do you want to do with the Pegasus when it’s released?”
[Josh] “Send it to HQ and repair it. And send a message to the Test Pilots of the V5 saying. Good job we will be adding more V5 ships to or stations. And give the Pilot that capped the Pegasus a 2000 credit bonus for capping the ship without hull damage.”
Josh then went to his room wondering how the next day would go for Him and Sherry.
He laid down thinking about how different he was from a normal man and the time he asked his Mother if he was a freak. Josh wanted to find someone to love and too love him. Sherry was a very good-looking woman well behaved and was born and lived in a higher social class than most. Sherry had chosen to led rather than follow having a job as an aid to the President. All good qualities if you were looking for a station manager or politician.
Josh thought of a saying that an old man he had befriended said to him while staying with the Goners.
“Relationships are like a burning candle. If your burning both ends no one can hold you for long.”
Josh thought as he drifted of to sleep how they both were burning the candle on both ends.
As Josh got up and made his out to the kitchen and got some coffee Sherry was still asleep. Josh went to her door and knocked saying. “Sherry time to get up.”
Half asleep Sherry answer back. “Come in.” Thinking she was home and her roommate would enter.
Josh opened the door as Sherry lay with her eyes closed and her hair all missed up and in her face. Her legs spread open one leg flopped to the side of the bed with her foot hanging in mid air. And her mouth half open.
Josh giggled at the sight as Sherry opened her eyes to see Josh standing at the door.
Somewhat embarrassed she replied. “Give me a few minutes and close the door.”
Josh went into the kitchen still giggling at the sight.
Sherry came in a few minutes later as she looked at Josh he smiled as her face turned red from embarrassment of being seen in such a condition.
[Sherry] “I thought I was home and you were my roommate.” While she fixed a cup of coffee and sat down at the table with Josh.
[Josh] “What do you want for breakfast?” As he handed her a list of meals she could order from the dining room.
[Sherry] “What are you having?” [Josh] “I’m having a fruit covered waffle cake.”
[Sherry] “That sounds good I’ll have one too.”
The two ate and left for the Power Plant. As they entered Boron Space Sherry asked. “Josh why did you put you Power Plant in Boron Space?”
[Josh] “It was all about supply and demand. They needed one here and I had one to deploy. The crystal plant here supplies us with most of the crystals for the plant for a set price. In return I sell them energy cells at a set price. It’s a mutual arrangement we have and it works out for everyone. And when the Boron make a deal or give their word they stick to it.”
[Sherry] “What do you mean by that? Don’t you think the Argon keep their word?”
[Josh] “As long as it serves there purpose after that no. The Boron sign a contract with you each party states their terms and requirements. As long as my Power Plant supplies energy cells to the Crystal Plant they will supply Crystals in return. Even the Boron Government signed an agreement with the Station and me. We abide by the established rule of conduct established by the known races and they do the same. If for some reason the rules are changed and somehow affect the station the Boron still honor the original contract. Argon people change the law to meet their needs and break contracts all the time.”
Sherry was getting mad at Josh for talking about the Argon Government and asked. “If you fill that way about the Argon Government why are you going to work for them and choose to live in Argon Space?”
[Josh] “It’s not the Argon Government! It’s corrupt people that have laws altered to meet their need no matter what the consequences or how many people have to suffer. Just so long as they get what they want.
Wicked Men have wicked ways doing wicked things there wicked days.”
[Sherry] “You’re a strange Man Josh Galen.”
Josh took the comment as a critical remark.
[Josh] “I may be a little strange. But I try to treat all men fair and equal. I only kill to save the lives of others or myself. And I try to help the down and out. And I’m a man of my word so yes I suppose I am a little strange to you.”
Josh made it personal when he said to you.
[Sherry] “Let’s just stop nipping at each other. I like you Josh because you are different.”
The tension was easing a little as Sherry looked at Josh and smiled.
Josh smiled back saying. “I’m sorry let’s try to enjoy the rest of the tour and each other if that’s what you want.” Sherry looked back with a smile. “Yes I’d like that.”
Josh docked the ship and took her to the quest room next to his quarters. “This is your room my apartment is next door if you need anything.”
They went inside as Sherry looked around an asked. “Is there a privacy door to your room?” While she raised her eyebrows smiling at Josh.
Josh replied with a calm voice. “No secret doors. If you want something you have to knock on my door just like everybody else.”
Josh now had a callous reaction at the flirtatious actions Sherry was throwing his way. And Sherry picked up on his uninterested actions right away.
Sherry asked Josh to give her a few minutes to freshen up as he returned to his office. Sherry sat on the bed and tried to think of a way to patch up the now unclear relationship she wanted to have with Josh.
She decided to wait and be as pleasant as she could and see how Josh treated her while touring the station.
Alpha Security Chapter 12
Moderators: TheElf, Moderators for English X Forum
