Stella, My Star

9

I awaken in the morning to the sound of Rosetta and her courtesy announcement.

"Lieutenant Wood. 0500 hours." I barely stir.

"Captain Rafferty has taken the liberty of having an official I.S.F. lieutenant's uniform delivered to your wardrobe. There has been an important meeting with Commanders Lynch and Oakes called this morning. You are required to wear the uniform and meet the Captain in the docking bay at 0600 hours."

My muffled response answers her, "Thankyou Rosetta."

I drag myself from the comfort of the sheets, and shower; allowing the water and soap to work their magic, hands against the wall, eyes closed, tilting my head from side to side, and breathing deeply to inhale the moment. I need to take the simple pleasures of life with me through the complicated moments of my day. Seeing Gelding will complicate everything. But I hold onto the thought of you brightening my morning.

When the wardrobe opens at my command, I stare at a crisp white collared blouse, navy knee-length skirt, patent leather navy flats, and a fitted navy and silver jacket with the Destructor patch and my name emblazoned on the pocket. Styled like a conservative librarian, I slip into the clothes and pin my blonde hair back in a braided bun. No eye makeup, glossy neutral lips. Simple and plain for Stella, but more than acceptable for a priority meeting with the commanders.

When I take my immaculate look to the corridors, I win respectful looks from the female crew, and looks of surprise and cheeky comments from the men, who have learned to accept me as an equal. One crew member among them, Horricks, pretends to lie his coat on the floor in a chivalrous gesture before remarking that I scrub up "pretty normal for a cold-blooded killer and hoverboard legend."

I smile, maybe even blush ever so slightly, but I don't want to come across too friendly, and I retract it quickly. I don't want to be hurt by opening myself up to them too much. I don't want to be interpreted as "nice" or "soft." Keep an emotional distance, much safer.

When I arrive at the docking bay, you and Gelding are in conversation. You both look up at my approach. Your jaw actually drops, and you silently mouth the word "wow" with wide eyes. Gelding notices me biting my lip with nervousness, then turns back to you to see your eyes, giving you away.

"Good morning, Lieutenant Wood. What a handsome pack we make, hey Tristan? " You nudge him in the ribs. "Move over for Wood, we'll sandwich her for the meet and greet, protect her from Commander Oakes' roving eyes."

Gelding starts to move aside, "Sam, that is a little out..."

You interrupt, "Least we can do for Stella." I move between the two of you. "There, safely sandwiched," you comment, as you striaghten your jacket.

The commanders are then led to us and we escort them to the conference suite, bodyguards in tow.

When we are all seated around the large table, there is some general chatter between Oakes and his guards, that steals Lynch's attention too. You look to Gelding with a half smile, then turn your attention to me, on your other side. My eyes signal yours to my legs. You look down as I am pretending to scratch my thigh. My skirt is hitched up, just a little, to reveal the fact that I am wearing the nude fishnet stockings you purchased for me. Your eyebrows lift. I pull my skirt down again, just as Lynch looks to me and then you, and smiles.

"I must commend you, Lieutenant Wood, on your choice of clothing, very professional. It pleases me to see you making the most of your promotion. Rafferty, you seemed to have tamed that Wood attitude a little."

"Possibly, Sir. Though I believe that mission is ongoing."

That gathers a few laughs, not from me, and certainly not Gelding.

"Samuel, as outlined in our meeting on Concordia, you are quite aware that the Artiqewans have joined the rebel force. Intel is in from the fourth quadrant detecting a threat to our station on Blood Diamond. It is believed they may come under attack from approaching forces in as little as 3 days. We will be sending the Destructor and Berserker to the sector today."

I listen intently, trying to make sense of what is required by our ship and her crew. I have never been out of either of our two solar systems before, and an intense sense of adventure and excitement builds within me. I look to your face, and Gelding's face, to see that reciprocated emotion, but you both remain calm, controlled. Such a journey or mission is not unusual to you.

I watch intently too, as you question, acknowledge, share your experience, always supported by Gelding. I am in awe of your intelligence, your civility, your loyalty to the campaign. The smart alec quips and flirtation mask a depth of character that impresses me. I feel a small fire inside.

We all rise and escort the commanders to their shuttles. There are the usual handshaking and pat-on-the-back formalities. I receive a headnod and handshake from Lynch, but it is Commander Oakes who draws attention. He takes my hand, and staring into my eyes, pulls it to his mouth, where he holds it for several seconds before kissing it slowly.

I do not see your sideways glance, watching Oakes carefully. I am too busy noticing his sleazy grey handlebar moustache that moves strangely as he wets his lips for the kiss. Too busy noticing his elephant skin neck, that hides his commander tattoo in folds of skin. When he walks off, I wipe my hand on the side of my skirt. The protective sandwich was a good idea afterall, not just an excuse to stand close to me. You read him well.

As you address the chief of flight operations about the upcoming mission preparations, Gelding takes the opportunity to stand closely next to me. His voice is soft.

"So, is it true Lynch is your father?"

"Why do you insist on tormenting me? Aren't we here for the same purpose?" I am thinking about my early morning shower, trying to calm my nerves.

"I'm trying to work out exactly what your purpose for being here is. I am not convinced you are here merely as a dedicated lieutenant; committed to the cause, ready to die for the space fleet and your captain, if necessary."

"You've got to be kidding? You really have NO idea, do you? Get off your high-horse, Gelding. I am your new fellow lieutenant now, so suck it up, Princess." I turn to walk out, determined to change into my leathers again. "I'll meet you back at the bridge, Captain."

You walk over to Gelding. "Good old 'Octopus' Oakes. How is she?"

Gelding shakes his head, "Typically pissed off."

But Gelding is half right in everything he has said. You both have an ability to read people well.