GALAXY AT WAR - Book 4 - A Dark Time

CHAPTER FOURTEEN - March 2173 - Justice (Rebecca's Starship)

Neil climbed out of the pilot's seat. He had just run through his daily checks. All systems were working perfectly. Nothing needed his attention. He wasn't used to sitting around waiting for time to pass. He didn't even need to pilot the ship. Well, not until they got back to Sentry One.

He had noticed one thing though. The date. It was March the twelfth. Rebecca's birthday. He couldn't buy her a present, but they could still celebrate it. He left the cockpit and headed for the tech room. I hope the Varsoomians have recorded some of our music on here otherwise I'll have to sing, he thought.

Neil sorted through the files on the Justice's database but didn't find any music. "Damn it," he held his head in his hands.

"Something wrong?" asked Rebecca from behind him.

Neil looked round. "No."

Rebecca's eyebrows raised as she tipped her chin towards her chest. Her silence emphasised the unasked question.

Neil sighed. "Well, yes. I wanted to surprise you with some music."

"We don't have any."

"I know that now. I just thought the Varsoomians would have downloaded some. They seem to have done everything else."

"Why?"

"I take it you know what the date is?"

"Not really. I haven't been keeping up with it. I don't want reminding of how long we've been away."

"It's March twelfth."

"Oh. My birthday. You knew?"

"Yes, Rebecca. Obviously, I can't give you a present, but I thought we could still celebrate it. It's not every day you turn twenty-four."

"Oh, that's sweet. Thank you, Neil."

"Well, there's nothing for it but..." he paused for breath. "Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday dear Rebecca. Happy birthday to you," he sang.

Rebecca was laughing. "That was terrible," she bent over as she continued to laugh. "But it has cheered me up. Thank you."

Neil joined her in her laughter. "I know I'm a terrible singer. Why do you think I was searching for some music?"

"We don't need music. We just need each other," she held out her arms.

Neil moved into her embrace and they swayed together, turning in small circles. Their bodies were close together. "Happy birthday, darling," said Neil.

"Thank you," replied Rebecca. She tilted her head upwards and Neil kissed her as they continued to dance. "Who needs music," she murmured.

After a few minutes of dancing quietly together, enjoying each other's company, Rebecca said, "I've never asked you your age. It's never occurred to me before."

"I'm thirty-six. Thirty-seven in July."

"So, there's thirteen years between us. Does that bother you?"

"Absolutely not. I love having a young, beautiful girlfriend."

Rebecca almost giggled at that. "Girlfriend," she paused for a few seconds. "I like the sound of that."

"I love it," replied Neil. "Now, I may not be able to give you a present, and we have just danced a little. You've heard my beautiful singing voice," his voice broke a little as he tried to control his laughter. "Now it's time to make you feel good."

"Again. I swear you're getting randier as the days go by."

"You don't want to?" Neil feigned a hurt expression.

Oh, I do. Oh yes I do," a twinkle formed in her eyes. "But you'll have to catch me first!" She used her telekinesis to push him back against the wall then ran out of the tech room. She released him after a few seconds, and he grinned as he gave chase.

Rebecca ran straight to the sleeping quarters, peeling off her clothes as she went. Neil didn't need the trail of clothes to find her. He knew where she was going. He entered their quarters and admired her body. He peeled off his shirt and threw it to the side before closing the gap between them. He kissed her hungrily. "Happy birthday, babe."

She draped her arms over his shoulders as she pressed her breasts against his chest. He pulled her underwear down as he slowly knelt before her.

"That's right. Kneel before your..." her stomach spasmed with delight, cutting off her words, as his kisses and his tongue worked their way down her body.

She stepped out of her underwear and allowed him to lower her to the bunk. By now his face was just below her navel.

Best birthday ever, she thought.

Twenty minutes later, Rebecca peeled herself away from her man. For there was no doubt he was hers now. She didn't bother to dress. She had reached the doorway when Neil called to her.

"Rebecca. Where you going?" Neil was admiring her again.

"I thought I'd learn some Japanese then bring lunch to you. Then. Maybe. If you're lucky. We could start all over again."

"From the beginning?"

Rebecca nodded with a smile.

"Me singing again?"

"No. We'll leave that out."

"Okay. I'll wait for you."

Rebecca blew him a kiss then took a step away.

"Rebecca!"

She leant backwards until she could see him again. "Yes?"

"Missing you already."

"Miss you too," Rebecca waved him away before walking off, ignoring his repeated attempts to delay her.

AUTHOR'S NOTE :- Another short chapter, I know, but I wanted to show a little more of their relationship growing stronger and Rebecca's birthday just happened to fall at the right time to be included.

Thank you for continuing to read and please remember to vote - thank you.

S P LAKIN