Star Bound Liberty (Complete)

Chapter Twenty Two

I moved further into the room and passed him the tool, mumbled a 'stay here' and went to my dressing room.

'Can I offer you a drink, Corporal?' Sonya asked him as I quickly got out of the wedding dress and into the soft grey pants and green blouse. Jack was seated on the settee holding a mug, looking around the room. His eyes focused on me were once again professional. I made myself a coffee and quietly sat on the lone chair next to the settee. Both the ladies had made themselves scarce with loads of bags in my bedroom.

'I can explain...'

'What is going...' We both spoke together then chuckled. He waved for me to go first.

'As you know, I am a Mossie human hybrid. As a result, Ayms and I have automatically become an Ambassador to the Allied Space fleet. I'm also a Private of the fleet, training to become a Medical Mechanical Technician. I have to complete Political Science and Commerce soon and I bought an attack shuttle.' I didn't mean to say that last thing and slapped my hand over my mouth.

'But you eat in the mess hall. You were bunking with Gabby.' I nodded.

'Its all really complicated. I didn't want this Ambassador gig, but it is a responsibility that has been thrust on Ayms and I and now we have to step up. I met the Station Master of Atarashii Station two nights ago. In flip-flops. Hence the shopping.' I waved a hand around the room.

'OK. So. That makes sense now.' He took a deep breath and I knew what he was going to ask. I jumped in before he could ask me out on a date.

'Jack. I can't. There is too much going on right now, so much crazy learning. Did you know I'm learning how to become an attack shuttle pilot?' I huffed at my stupid nervousness. 'I am not attracted to you, Jack. I like you a lot, as a great friend, but I'm just not attracted to you. I have to consider Ayms too in my dating life now, as if it couldn't get any more complicated.'

He smiled at me, a little sad smile. 'That dress looked amazing on you.'

'Thank you. Apparently it is a wedding dress.' He blushed afresh.

'So. Do you think I can hold you to secrecy? I'm certain I'm safe on the ship and my anonymity allows a great deal of freedom and I only have to take a marine guard with me when I leave the ship.' I waved at Marcy.

'Your secret is safe with me, Ambassador.' His lip quirked up to one side.

'Shut up!'

'OK, so just one question.' I nodded for him to continue. 'What coffee brand did you use in the coffee machine in the mess hall?'

'Did Cookie set you up?'

'Maybe. Gonna tell?'

'Nope?' I laughed.

Jack stayed a little while longer to finish his drink and I went back to organising my dress closet and jewellery cabinet. I locked it to my biosignature and we spent the rest of the day going over New Nippon and New Texas politics and customs. There were a bunch of leaders of each planet and their political factions that I need to learn and with Ayms brain growth, it didn't really take me long at all.

As Sonya and Marcy got changed back into their uniforms, I collected their new dresses and packaged them each in left over tissue paper and into dress bags. I added matching jewellery but kept the shoes as my feet were smaller than theirs.

'Thank you both, so much for your help today. The place is spotless and I can actually breathe again.' I handed them their dress bags and packaged the skirt and tops into new gift bags.