Star Bound Liberty (Complete)

Chapter Fifteen

I still hadn't looked at myself in the mirror by dinner that evening. It was one thing to have so many physiological changes that affected how my body worked and process water, food, light and air around me, and that I was starting to learn so differently from before. It was a lot to take in. It was quite another thing altogether to actually see and accept those physical changes in my appearance. And after today's meltdown in the observation deck, I had a feeling that Ortiz was going to do something that would force me to see those changes up on Top Deck later tonight. So I pull up my big girl panties and accepted that what I needed to do. But dinner first.

Smith and Chanau were discussing the alien lazer sword that they'd somehow got their hands ever-so briefly on earlier that day and were arguing over its power source when we were alerted that the Bransky had arrived at the Atarashii Space Station. Not just a lowly port, Atarashii Space Station was a massive city, the biggest ever build in the human empire. It was build in orbit around the planet of Atarashii.

I knew we had arrived when everyone's comm units started pinging all around the mess hall. Conversation ceased as reading messages commenced.

I only had three, all from home. I stuffed the last of my stirfry into my mouth and began reading. The first two were from Mum and Dadda, both congratulating me on my new simbiot relationship. They were both immensity pleased that I accepted the honour and wrote briefly about their experiences with Ayms before I was born. It was so good to hear from them, their comm messages lifted my spirits. The third was from Mrs Robinson.

My dear Lady Liberty,

I do hope this message finds you in good health.

You will find a cache of crates waiting for you on station with the station master under the name of Ambassador Liberty Moss that will require the highest biosecurity for release. They have been delivered under diplomatic seal and will not be released to anyone but you. These need to be collected in person, I'm afraid, and I suggest you find a guard escort and a gravity sled to accompany you to and from your warship.

I have left further communique in the cache.

Enjoy your loot.

Until next time,

Mrs Robinson

'Oh my goddess, I loved that woman!' I looked up and saw both Jacks laughing at me. I pulled open my leave schedule and found that I had most of the day shift off tomorrow, but I really wanted the goodies Mrs Robinson had sent, and I wanted it tonight.

Diplomatic seal, huh. That gave me an idea, but I'd probably need to either drag Master Sargent Ortiz into the scheme or pull rank on him. Either way I was going to go hunting tonight. I may need a large jacket, or a civilian dress to cover up with. Like a spy. Or an assassin, OK not an assassin.

I left to get changed for training and practically skipped to out of the lift at Top Deck and into the training arena. I found Ortiz in full workout mode, threw a quick salute to him on my way past, then found a treadmill to begin my PT for the night. After half an hour of watching the junior marines sparing, Ortiz stopped me and pulled me off the treadmill and over to a vidscreen that covered the height of the forward bulkhead. I could see how this would come in handy during a mission briefing, and if someone was practising dance, like in a dance studio. I sighed and already knew what he wanted me to do before he said anything.

'Lets get this over with, then shell we?' I wasn't sure if I was talking to Ortiz or Ayms. I decided to pull my shirt and exercise trousers off, my back to the mirrored screen the whole time. I had on a tank top and boy shorts so I was decent, and most of the men and women in the training bay were dressed in far less clothing than I.