Cynosure

[Black_Out]

~Leaving Sigma 6~
​

Nearly a dozen men and women, mostly fresh Enlistees and Privates, shuffled their way into the narrow confines of the shuttles passenger bay. Duffle bags full of personal items were dropped upon the floor and shoved under the seats they took while one man dressed in a freshly pressed uniform of a ranking Forge officer watched on from the fore of the ship. Once the idle banter and chatter began to fade, the young commander cleared his throat and took center stage. "Alright ladies and gentleman, get yourselves comfortable, buckle up. Our departures gonna be a little rough." Lieutenant Allen Cartwright chirped up from the front row of the shuttle as the last of the passengers eased into their seats. "I'm hoping you all got the memo and remembered to pack light." There was a hint of amusement in the fresh faced commanders voice as he stood by the sealed off cockpit, welcoming everyone aboard. "For those of you who don't know me, my name is Allen Cartwright. For those that do, or are serving under me for the first time it's going to be Lieutenant Cartwright." He paused while the hiss of the boarding ramps hydraulics echoed through the passenger cabin as the shuttle sealed itself shut. "Which is the vast majority of you men and women. The rest of you can address me as Mr. Cartwright."

His voice rose as the sound of the shuttles impulse engines roared to life, causing the floor to hum and vibrate beneath his feet. "We do have some civilians on board with us today!" There was none to subtle nod given towards Jaxx Herd. "Miss Herd is here as a representative of our employer, Divinity and she'll be sharing the details of our mission to Cynosure with us later, once we've all settled in onboard Ares 8!" Allen glanced down to the olive green cushioned bucket seat as the shuttle began to churn, a clear sign that lift off was growing imminently closer. "We'll have one week aboard Ares 8 before we all settle into that blissful state of stasis! I expect everyone to learn the ins and outs of the ship! Make sure your equipment is in tip top condition, and study up on Cynosure's floor plans! She's a big station, and we're not sure what we're going to find when we arrive there in six months." He paused, making an effort to fix his gaze on every single occupant in the shuttle with him before driving home his last point. "We don't need anyone getting lost, or worse! Understood?"

"Yes sir, sir!" The discordant chorus of troops responded.

Lieutenant Cartwright reached his hand out, taking hold of the top of his seat as the shuttle lurched off the floor. His voice strained to call out over the rising din of the engines. "If you've got questions, save them for the briefing!" He exhaled as he sank down into the seat and began to yank the straps over his chest and waist, securing himself in place. The transport shuttle rattled, shaking fitfully as the engines pushed it up off the floor while the side thrusters engaged, turning the vehicle towards the open bay doors that lead out from Sigma 6. Allen sunk his head back against the firm pad atop his chair, closing his eyes briefly while the ship began to make its way carefully out of the bay and into space. "It should be about a ten minute ride to Ares 8!" He called out, before falling silent again. His hands clenched and fidgeted together in his lap as little bursts from the engines pushed the shuttle forward, sending it on a path to the cargo vessel that waited just beyond Sigma 6's no fly zone.

Eventually as the shuttle curled its way smoothly along its path towards Ares 8 the gossip resumed between some of the more eager and excited troops. Allen listened with a small smile on his face, folding his arms across his chest and doing his best to hide that nagging nervous feeling that tugged at his heart. This was the first big mission where he would be the one calling the shots. He was really hoping for a promotion after this if everything went well. Besides it was a relief to leave the problems at Sigma 6 behind. Engaging pirates could be a downright dangerous affair, but then again checking into a deep space refinery that had gone silent didn't sound all that appealing either. Take the unknown over the known and just hope for the best. But make sure to plan for the worst, he privately reminded himself as he wrapped his arms tighter about his chest while the shuttle chugged onward to Ares 8.

 

[LeaT]

Jaxx listened to the young lieutenant give his presentation of sorts, as he struggled to be heard over the increasing sound of the shuttle's engines. She was already snuggly strapped into her own seat, gingerly holding the finely carved wood cane, a souvenir from her last shuttle trip that ended a bit abruptly. She still had a pronounced limp, thus the cane, though her doctor assured her that she would be nearly as good as new after six months in stasis. It was hardly the reason she took this assignment, but it was a perk of sorts, if you could call it that. Supposedly months in stasis weren't supposed to count against your lifespan, so it wasn't supposed to be wasted, but she had her doubts. Now in her thirties, she felt like an old lady in space as there were few older than her, at least that she ran into and those usually had comfy jobs on the larger stations. She simply raised her cane when he mentioned her name and barely looked at the young recruits who had joined them. They weren't really her concern, unless of course they interested her in some profoundly unprofessional way.

As the LT finished his talk and strapped into his seat, she put a friendly arm around him and pulled him towards her as much as she leaned into him. Her modest yet firm breast pressed noticeably into his shoulder as her lips nearly kissed his ear so he would feel the warmth of her breath as she spoke just loud enough to be heard by him alone. "The next time this shuttle leaves the deck, your ass better be strapped into that seat. Or your balls are going to meet my bird." She held the handle of her cane up so he could see it, showing the beaked head of a rather regal looking eagle. She released him and smiled as if they were the best of friends, no one else would suspect she had just threatened his family jewels. Of course she hadn't always been as cautious as she was now, my what 10 years and a shuttle crash will do to you. But she could still see in her mind's eyes how anything that wasn't fully secured, mostly people, could become projectiles when subjected to the cold cruel physics of space travel. She could still see two heads meeting and crushing like melons in the impact.

Having made her point she looked to her left, her personal assistant android was of course well secured. She had been pleased to obtain the female variant, though the efficiency was the same, this one had some aesthetic qualities that Jaxx appreciated. Her own personal dress and even attitude was rather masculine at times, though she wasn't afraid to use the sex card when it suited her purposes. Space was a male dominated environment, and Jaxx enjoyed the extra attention such a sexy device brought her way, that and she was about the best sex toy Jaxx ever owned. Though technically, the drone was the property of Divinity, a fact Jaxx had to keep reminding herself of at critical moments. She glanced around eventually at the rest of the human cargo, looking down at her data pad to begin putting faces with names, and service records. There weren't going to be too many secrets this group would be able to keep from her, and that was the way she liked it.

 

[MsBloom]

Butch was far from a rookie but nevertheless the mission to Cynosure would be her first mission outside the Sol system. After having been trained at Io Mining Station she had then jumped around the outer solar system, serving at various mining operations from the moons of Jupiter to Uranus and even a rescue mission to Charon about a year earlier. Despite her often bratty attitude she took her job seriously even if that often also meant disobeying orders, or as she liked to call it, interpret them rather than following them blindly as so many low ranking officers did for fear of ruining their ambitions to rise through the ranks. It was also this general attitude to orders that had made her one of the most efficient scouts and saboteurs within the organisation and she had no worries about rising through the rank. She could already envision herself as Chief Security Officer before her 30th birthday.

It was also not the first time she worked alongside Ms Herd but it was the first time she reported directly to the woman. She had made a point of taking the seat directly in front of Divinity's most successful problem solver. It gave her a great view of the woman she had coveted since they first met three years earlier but she was unobtainable, or so Butch had thought as their paths usually crossed only during briefings and debriefings before or after missions. This time it would be different. They would be working closer together and there would probably be plenty of occasions when they'd be alone together.

She had been a bit surprised to have been chosen as security specialist for a mission to Cynosure, which was for all intents and purposes the jewel in Divinity's crown. It was still the most expensive mining operation in known space even after having been in operation for as long as it had been. It was also the single most profitable one. She had not asked the reason for this appointment but she figured that if everything had gone to hell in an elevator on Cynosure they needed someone who could interpret orders to give the one who gave them room for plausible deniability. If things worked out this mission could fast track her up the promotion ladder.

She strapped herself in after having barely listened to Lt Cartwright's introductory speech. She did after all not serve under him so she made a note to address him as Mr, not Lieutenant. The duffel bag strapped in under her seat contained very little more than clean underwear, and a second set of fatigues and boots. The rest of her equipment was packed away in a container that had been sent to Ares 8 in advance. As the countdown to take off began she closed her eyes and prepared for that feeling in her gut as the transport was hurled away from Sigma 6. There were few things she detested more than these transports between stations and the larger ships. Well, there were but none that mattered in that moment.

 

[Xanaphia]

The harness tightened with a click, already secure, but still Eris played with the straps, trying to get herself a couple extra inches and less woven polyester digging into her her bust. Sure, being strapped down might be fun in any other situation, but not when she was preparing to take off between major space ships in a craft little thicker than a tin can. Military life just didn't sit well with Eris. Of course, signing up at all hadn't really her idea to begin with, but a deal with the devil in order to avoid jail time.

She'd been "acquired" by Forge at a discount, and worse, she wasn't even seeing that profit. All gone to pay off her fines and debt to society and her expensive lawyers. She had developed expensive tastes in her days as Scorpio, and she'd since had to acclimate herself with a more confined lifestyle. A more demanding lifestyle, with strict schedules and expectations. None of her handlers could understand why she stay up until all hours, or that programming and decryption just came along easier after midnight.

On the other hand, Cynosure was an intriguing mission, even if she were conscripted into completing it. A wealth of technology, of knowledge, contained with space station. And, maybe, a way out of her servitude under Forge. Really, who knew what data lay waiting within Cynosure, and who knew what Divinity would do to keep that data private? Maybe purchase the contract of a computer security specialist under probation with better accommodations and pay? Eris smirked to herself as she imagined the possibilities, and didn't hide her amusement as she locked eyes with Divinity's representative, Miss Herd.

No doubt there was something awfully attractive about Divinity.

 

[TheCorsair]

Stretching just a little, Kahaan stowed his go bag in the compartment above his acceleration seat. There wasn’t a lot in it, toiletries and a single change of clothes, and a couple of personal effects. The rest of his gear was either already aboard Ares 8 or stowed in the various pockets of his uniform. It was better to travel light, after all - cubic meters and reaction mass were expensive, after all.

“Oh, shit! K-Doc! Glad to see you man! I feel better already.”

He turned to greet the speaker. Corporal Jenkins, one of the junior non-coms he’d served with while hunting pirates. “Glad to hear it,” he said, pulling up a diagnostic on his AR goggles as he shook the man’s hand. “Always nice to see a familiar face.” The report from the vitals implant showed a slightly elevated pulse rate and heightened brain activity. “Need a hit of scopolamine for the transit?”

“Yeah.” Jenkins looked sheepish. “I hate to ask, but...”

“Nah,” Kahaan assured him, producing a small patch. “Delta-vee matching is rough on a lot of people.” Peeling the back off, he slapped the patch on the Corporal’s neck. “Grab a seat and hang on. It should kick in by the time we start maneuvering.”

Waving off the Corporal’s thanks, he grabbed his seat and strapped in. Jenkins was a good man, motion sickness or no. With the harness secure, he listened carefully to the new LT’s comments and canines his vitals. Accelerated pulse, slightly accelerated breathing. A touch of nervousness, most likely. Stood to reason. He’d heard Cartwright was competent enough for a new officer, but this was his first independent mission. He shrugged at that. How bad could a little recon op out past the heliopause really be?

The suit was another matter. He didn’t know her at all, and she either didn’t have the standard medical monitoring implants or she’d set them for maximum privacy. All he had to go by was appearances, and those appearances said ‘sexy ice queen’.

The engines rumbled, then seemed to quiet as the shuttle umbilical detached. “So,” he said, addressing the pretty blonde across the aisle (Eris Moon, the AR glasses informed him), “what are you in for?”

 

[LeaT]

It was a smoother than usual ride, at least they had a competent pilot with a smooth touch for routine operations, hopefully he knew how to kick in gear when the situation required, though Jaxx hoped she wouldn't need to find out on this mission. There were a few noteworthy members of the contingent she would need to make some introduction to, having already given her 'respects' such as they were to the commanding officer of the Forge crew. It was sometimes difficult to pick people out only from the personnel files but Jaxx had a fair amount of practice.

Eris Moon was perhaps the easiest to pick out from the blonde hair and the not quite adjusting to the Forge lifestyle. That was alright with Jaxx, she was a bit of a free spirit herself but she did like to know how well she could trust the other players. If reputation had anything to say about it, probably not much with this one. She was cute though and that could prove to be a benefit on a long and hopefully uneventful mission. Normally Jaxx wouldn't have tolerated the security risk of such a dangerous hacker around such priceless equipment as was on Cynosure, but her skill set wasn't easily found way out here. Jaxx would need to keep a close eye on her, good thing she was so easy to look at.

Her eyes next found "K-Doc" the combat medic. She would need to talk to him, she needed medical clearance for this mission before they could depart due to her recent surgery. She planned to simply 'suggest' he write it up as a formality. She hated submitting to examinations, she had dealt with enough doctors these past months. He seemed to have a good camaraderie with the men which was a good sign. Their eyes met briefly, she wondered if he was scanning her vitals like he had the Forge personnel. Not that she found that odd, any good medic would be doing the same. She didn't wear the proper gear for that, as medical officer, he could require it, but she hoped he wouldn't at least not while on the transport. She had no intention of going anywhere dangerous enough to justify it. But he had his authority and she had hers, maybe they would be able to find some accord between them? He was likely experienced enough to know she could complicate his life if she chose, though she had no direct authority over him.

As Jaxx scanned for her last person of interest, her eyes reflexively stopped on a pretty face. Her eyes had that drugged up look of the Forge's re-socialization program. An ethically challenged program that even Jaxx found distasteful. She had never seen a female conscript, or for that matter one that had lived long enough to make corporal, both made her curious enough to follow up with her.

Finally she found 'Butch', her look certainly matched her nickname more than her given one. Esther, as Jaxx would most certainly call her during their very short acquaintance was perhaps the only disappointment in the assignments. Not that she had any experience with the security specialist, Esther was simply too young and too female, as far as Jaxx was concerned. As soon as she completed her business with the medic, she would have to break the bad news to Esther before she got too settled in her new billet.

As the shuttle came to rest inside the belly of Ares 8 and the running lights switched off, Jaxx finally loosened her restraints. She stood stiffly but didn't try to walk just yet, willing to let the others go ahead so she didn't have to display her limp to any more than necessary. "Doc" Her voice called out, she wasn't a very loud person so she often found keeping to one syllable helped her project in noisy environments enough for someone to hear her. Getting his attention she waved him towards her with one hand as she leaned on her cane with the other. She wasn't much for length introductions so she just stated her case. "I need you to sign off on my recuperation, I'm sure you got the notice by now. Just sort of a formality, so if you could just get to that quick, it won't have to hold up our schedule." Seven out of 10 medical officers in Jaxx's experience would do as she said, she would soon find out if her were part of the 3 that wouldn't. "Oh and sorry, I'm Jaxx, Jaxx Herd." She extended her hand and as close as she could come to a warm smile. He was a bit older than her usual tastes, but he wasn't too hard on the eyes.

 

[Black_Out]

Sergeant Lorenzo West was really the one in command when it came to the dozen or so men and women that made up Forges recon squad, and Lt. Cartwright knew it. Sergeant West, or Sarge as most everyone called him had more experience in the field then most of the team combined if you took out Corporal J.J. Jenkins. All those times the Sarge had waded into thick of things carried a lot of weight when it came to having the respect of those under his command. When the shit hit the proverbial fan the troops knew they could rely on Sergeant West. Everyone would fall in line for that man, from the fresh faced Enlistee Axle Hughes, all the way up to the self proclaimed baddest man alive, Private Brian (The Tug Boat) Tuggerson. Cartwright couldn't help but watch with a sort of envy as the Sergeant led the small herd of troops out of the shuttle after it had set down in the vast and open cargo bay of Ares 8.

While the Sergeant handled the bulk of the teams combat troops, the Lt. lingered in the background to observe the proceedings. He was frankly relieved to see Miss Jaxx Herd move off after K-Doc. Being strapped down in a seat next to her for ten long minutes felt like more then enough. The fact that she had her own security detail in the form of Esther was welcomed as well. She could handle her own affairs, obviously and hopefully keep her nose out of his as much as possible.

Speaking of his own affairs, the Lt. turned back towards the shuttle and gathered up the two members of Forges Special Operations team as they exited the ship. "Alright ladies." Cartwright folded his arms behind his back as he looked between Eris Moon and the shuttles pilot, Erika Brewer. "Check into your assigned rooms and then the both of you are to report to the bridge by 1700 where you'll be working under Captain Wallace." The young Lt. paused a moment before he called out sharply to the two women. "Dismissed!"

Meanwhile there was one loud, brash voice that was echoing through the domed ceiling of the cargo bay. Sure the Tug Boat respected the Sarge but he had a mouth and the Tugger wasn't one to know when to shut his yap or filter his words. "I'm telling ya this is bullshit!" He barked out with an amused gleam in his eyes that clearly stated that he knew he was stirring the pot. "It's BS! The pirates are back that way man!" His finger jabbed towards the closed doors of the cargo bay. "Fucking recon mission, bunch of pansy ass shit!" The Sarge just shook his head, this wasn't his first time working with Tuggerson and he knew how he liked to blow of steam with his mouth. "We got our orders, Private, now zip it and fall in line so Lieutenant Cartwright can give us all our marching orders." With minimal fuss from anyone other then the Tug Boat the troops fell into line as directed, their boots snapping down against the metal floor beneath their feet in harmony with a synchronized call of. "Hurrah!"

The Lt. finally moved forward with an eagerness to his steps to address the gathered soldiers after giving them all the customary inspection. "Welcome aboard Ares 8 ladies and gentleman. We're going to have one week to get settled in before we go into stasis. Like I said in the shuttle study up and remember your representing Forge here so I expect everyone to conduct themselves professionally at all times. Now lets get unloaded, settled in, and get to work. Dismissed!"

"Hurrah!"

As the troops began to disperse the Lt. called out to Ruya Aras. "Corporal Aras!" He made sure he got the young woman's attention before waving her over so he could lower the tone of his voice. "I need you to report to K-Doc immediately before bunking up in your room. He'll be in charge of your therapy and reporting to me which I fully expect to not have to be concerned with." Lieutenant Cartwright gave her as stern a look as he could muster before ending the brief conversation by simply adding. "Dismissed."

 

[MsBloom]

The launch to Ares 8 was a lot smoother than Butch had anticipated. Sure it was still a whole bunch of Gs pushing them back into their seats as the transport took off and continued to accelerate for the next five minutes before starting to break for landing on the cargo ship but it was not as jerky or jumpy as some launches she had experienced on previous missions.

Once the clicks of the hooks grabbing hold of the transport to secure it to Ares 8 she breathed a sigh of relief and unstrapped herself maintaining her composure. She checked the gear she was wearing and grabbed her bag from under the seat. The worst part of the journey was over and with a nod at her boss whom she had caught looking at her during the launch (although she of course had no clue to what the older woman had been thinking about her) she disembarked and waited just outside for the problem solver to do the same.

Hearing the argument from one of the Forge soldiers about not being used to hunt down and take out pirates made her smile and she only just managed to keep herself from rolling her eyes at him. It was clearly the type of soldier who valued a mission according to the number of kills. She was dead sure he kept count, possibly in some elaborate way.

While the forge soldiers were given their orders Butch kept an eye on her boss, standing two steps behind her to the left to signal that she was on guard. The great view it gave her of Jaxx's perfect ass was just a bonus.

 

[BennyQ]

Yes sir, sir.

The words were spoken firm, loudly, and yet without emotion from Corporal Ruya Aras. There was no pride or sense of duty that compelled her so, though there was a compulsion nonetheless that had her adhering to such displays of authority and command. Strapped in her seat, her combat suit sealed, and locked, to her personage, Ruya stared down at her lap, at her black gloved hands, wondering what this mission would entail. And what it might cost her. A moot point, given everything she owned, including her own life, wasn’t even hers to spend and use anymore. The former convict, pressed into service in lieu of prison, was just another Forge pawn, to fire her rifle, to be fodder for the enemy’s guns, and to be recycled to do so again and again if somehow, she managed to survive.

How many runs had she been in? Ruya didn’t even know herself. Each previous mission was as shrouded behind broken memories in her mind, a by-product of the performance-enhancing drugs that coursed through her body, regulated by built-in monitors in her suit and neural implants. Not that it seemed any different from those about her. She had the standard gear. Thermal optics currently resting on her brow. A pressurized suit and basic body armor. A bag under her seat containing a single clean copy of every piece of garment she wore. Unbidden check lists flushed through her mind, going over each and every item, noting any discrepancy, even as pointless as a loose thread or small rip, mentally noted and recorded with an efficiency she never had before. The focusing drugs pumped into her brain gave her an organization behavioral set never used before by her. It gave her headaches sometimes.

She didn’t bother to glance across to her assigned comrades for this job. Would she even remember them? Would they remember her? They looked a tough, durable sort, but then again almost everyone involved in Forge’s tactical affairs were. There were others too, local Divinity personnel, with whom they were partnering for this op. Cynosure. Ruya knew nothing about it. She didn’t need to know anything about it, as was decided by her superiors. She was there to show up and do whatever was asked of her. And she had to do it. What they did was no cake-walk. It was understandable that volunteers wouldn’t be rushing to partake in such operations. That’s why so many were pressed and “bought-up” from the prison system. They didn’t have a choice but to like it and do it. Ruya balled her hands into fists. Well, whatever happens, happens. It was only fair. She had spent her youth as a thief, a killer, a street thug, it was only right she now spent her life giving to others what she took from so many.

The shuttle soon docked. The seating harnesses were lifted. It was time for action. Ruya rose to her feet, grabbed her bag to be slung over a shoulder, and moved along with the other enlisted men and women towards the disembarking ramp. She hadn’t been told anything else so she assumed she was going with Sergeant West and the others. She ignored the words of Tug Boat, arguing about the seemingly pacificist nature of their mission. Ruya didn’t know what to expect. If it really was a recon job, maybe the lack of violence might have her remembering what she saw for once, instead of being muddied with the unhealthy consumption of combat drugs that compelled her to frontline duties and dangers. She fell in rank and file with the others, her Hurrahs audible but less enthusiastic than the others. It shamed her to hear herself sounding so…conforming.

They were dismissed, and before she could even turn on her heel to carry out her next set of orders, the Lieutenant saw fit to call her out by name. She went deathly still, though not due to any fear, but because of the artificial belief of adherence to command and authority. “Sir!” She snapped off, coming to attention at the Lieutenant’s call, and marching over to stand still and obediently before the man. Report to K-Doc, that is Dr. Khatri, for therapeutic treatment. That is to say get her fill of stims and inhibitor drugs, in order to make her combat effective while ensuring she didn’t go off the rails on the amount of aggression inducers she would be loaded up with. She didn’t offer up any complaint or protest. She…simply couldn’t. Her mind ached if she even thought it.

“Sir, yes sir!” She snapped off with a crisp salute and turned on her heel, pausing a moment to take in the crowds and find where the Doctor was. She didn’t like it. A new handler, a new set of eyes, new questions, new inquiries, and…old judgements.

 

[Xanaphia]

Eris raised an eye brow at the medic, then flashed him a playful smirk, ignoring the whirl in her stomach as artificial gravity switched sources. "Isn't it obvious? I'm heavy artillery, Doc." She did her best to pose without bumping into her neighboring passengers too much. "Don't you worry about nothing, Doc, I'll keep you safe. Just get behind me" A canine dug into her bottom lip, ensuring him that her turn of phrase was no innocent accident. "As long as you stay behind me, I can take real good care of you." Clicking her tongue and winking, she settled back as the shuttle rotated away from the station.

Before she could even get up to see if the handsome medic was up to take her offer, the lieutenant was bossing her around. Shit, the shuttle hadn't even cooled, and already she was expected to report for some briefing or debriefing or meeting or mission planning or some other such bullshit. Mostly because her superiors expected her to explain what she was doing to them, and that was a losing gambit. If she had to explain 1024k asymmetrical block encryption once to to the type of people who still used birthdays and spouses names for their passwords, she might flip her shit. Besides, her entire value resides in keep that information inside her pretty little head. If her superiors actually understood what she did, enough to train someone else to do it, she'd find herself on a fast track to jail.

"Sure thing lieutenant," she answered, trying not to sound too sarcastic. People up here really had no sense of humor. According to her heads up display, that time line left 15 minutes to unpack her stuff before she was expected to meet Captain Wallace. Not nearly enough time to seduce a charming medic or a smoldering corporate liaison. And if she was going into stasis for six months, she sure as hell wanted to get laid first. A few times, at least.

Her boots thudded on the steel grates of the station as she made her way down one long hallway, mimicking the ticking of clock in its steady rhythm. Her time belonged to Forge, for now.

Once her things were squirreled away, Eris made for the bridge to meet Captain Wallace.

 

[LeaT]

The doctor being busy with the troop formation and instructions, Jaxx opted to head towards her quarters via the cargo bay now parade ground used to assemble the squad. With her new security detail falling behind and to the left, her android assistant, showing some sign of symmetry took up position on her right. "Schedule me in with the doctor and let me know when he can clear me for stasis." She instructed the android. She paused a moment to see how the NCO handled the troops and again found the young lieutenant, hooking his arm to turn him towards her when she had waited what she felt was long enough for his attention. "Have that large man there report to my quarters as soon as you are done."

She then continued on with her small entourage following along at a brisk pace despite her limp. She let the android lead to her assigned quarters as her itinerary was stored within her program. She practically ignored Esther, at best the occasional look of annoyance or contempt. The android opened Jaxx's cabin door then did the same for the escort across the hall. "I wouldn't unpack just yet, put your bag in there then come to my office." She told her escort before stepping into her own cabin and instructing the android how she wanted her belongings arranged. "Also, make arrangements for me to come out of stasis 24 hours before the rest. I enjoy a hot shower and some privacy when I come out of stasis."

She again ignored Esther at least until Private Tuggerson reported. When they were both present she finally addressed her escort. "Esther Williams, that was a dancer or singer or some nonsense back in the day wasn't she? How'd you end up with such a lady like name? You must have been a cuter baby than adul...well a kid I guess you are. What are you 16, 17 maybe?" Jaxx inquired as Tuggerson gave a snort of amusement at Esther's dressing down from the 'boss'.

"I don't know much about military organizations but to me, for this mission Esther, you are a bit too....young and dickless, to give me the sense of security I like." She then looked at Tuggerson as if to compare the two of them, clearly finding him more to her liking. "What do you say boy, you want your own cabin across from mine for this cruise?" Her eyes left his to take in his ugly face and massive body, smiling more as her eyes got lower in a rather suggestive fashion.

"Esther, I'm going to have you billet with the rest of the Forge troops, you are, what's the proper term...relieved." She said dismissively before turning her back on the young security specialist as if she no longer mattered.

 

[MsBloom]

Butch followed Jaxx without a word, hearing her boss give out orders and raised an eyebrow when she asked for one of the Forge soldiers to be sent to her quarters, a big bulky man with a scarred face. Butch scoffed lightly to herself. It was the guy who thought a mission like the one they were embarking on was beneath him, who felt that taking down pirates were a more satisfying job. And yes to some degree Butch agreed with that sentiment. She had taken down a few pirate gangs and there was indeed some satisfaction in it. Mission's like Cynosure were different but whatever the reason for the mining station's silence it was sure to be anything but bullshit, as the bulky soldier called Tug Boat had called it.

She stopped and looked at her boss when she was told to not bother unpacking and simply leave her bag in her quarters and then report to her office. Butch just stood there for a while watching Jaxx go into her quarters, her eyes fixed on that lovely ass, but then she opened the door to her room and dropped the bag on the floor just inside, closed the door and followed Jaxx who so completely ignored her that she was starting to wonder what was going on.

She remained at the door in an at ease stance until the Tug Boat entered with the same grace as an elephant on rollerskates. Only then did Jaxx turn to address her and Butch raised first one eyebrow and then the other as she began speaking of some ancient entertainer with whom she apparently shared a name. She then lowered her eyebrows again and narrowed her eyes as one of the worst things she knew was being called Esther. No one ever called her that, at least no one that wasn't prepared to take a couple of punches for the pleasure of doing so.
"It's Butch Ma'am," she said but realised that Jaxx wasn't stopping to let her speak and the more the older woman spoke the worse it got.
Sure Butch was aware that she was still young by any standards for the position she had obtained within the organisation but she was more experienced than most of the Forge contingency.
"19, Ma'am," she corrected Jaxx obviously clueless guesses as to her age, doing her best not to let her voice betray the irritation she was starting to feel inside at the way Jaxx was speaking to her and when she mentioned that she found Butch to be a bit dickless for her to feel secure that was it for Butch.

She was angry now. Not only was she being dismissed for not being male, well at least not physically, and too young but mostly because the bitch kept calling her Esther as if she was intentionally rubbing her the wrong way. Butch was furious by the time Jaxx was checking out Tug Boat's physique, making no subtle attempt to hide her looks to his crotch.
"Relieved?" Butch said and her upper lip twisted into a slightly deranged grin.
"I don't think so granny," she added.
"Last I checked I'm not Forge and you are not my commanding officer."
She then looked up at Tug Boat who despite her own height was taller than she was.
"Now THIS, is BULLSHIT," she said.
"You think this testosterous moneky can protect you just because he's got a fucking dick between his legs?"
She turned her attention back at Jaxx.
"You do realise that this is nothing but a jock strap right?" she said and grabbed Tug Boat's crotch and squeezed it.
"I bet you my pinky is bigger than his cock is but feel free to enjoy."

She then walked across the corridor opened the door and grabbed her bag.
"Ever heard of karma bitch. You get what you give." She then punched the wall before walking off with a huff and a puff.
"Too young and dickless," she muttered to herself.
"I'll fucking show that bitch."

 

[LeaT]

Jaxx Herd with "Tug Boat" @Black_Out and Android

"I don't think she likes you very much." Jaxx said to Tuggerson once Butch had stormed out, her tone mildly amused as she turned away from her new body guard and began to undress. Topless (NSFW) she spoke casually to both the soldier and the android with little regard for any modesty. She smiled to herself at the though of how uncomfortable it must be for a guy to get a boner while wearing a cup. If he was expecting her to spread her legs for him, he would be disappointed as she replaced her traveling suit with more casual attire for the start of their journey.

"You can bunk across the hall. You shall remain armed at all times, I like your size but I'd prefer superior firepower. Unless and until I dismiss you, you shall stay within visual or verbal range of me at all times." She interspersed her instructions to Tub Boat with more mundane notes and thoughts to the android.

Continuing her monologue to Tuggerson she continued. "If you gotta take a dump you will ask to be excused in which case you will give me a weapon. Since I don't want you to shoot your dick off..." She held up her hand with just her pinky extended and smiled at Tug Boat in reference to Butch's commentary on his penis size. "...you will ask to be excused and you will give me a weapon." Jaxx didn't really like guns, but she knew her job on this mission was at times to piss off some rather violent people and she wasn't the type to leave things to chance.

"Any questions?" She asked him. "I tried not to use any big words, but the android there can repeat back any instructions until you have them drilled into that big ugly head of yours." She really should name it at some point but for now she wasn't getting too attached to it.

 

[TheCorsair]

Kahaan sniggered at Eris’ little game, and idly wondered if she was being serious. Possibly, he decided. But it was too late to pursue in any detail - for the moment, at least. The LT was feeling his oats and tossing orders around, getting everyone hopping. So he settled for watching her hustle out, appreciating the view and deciding that he really hoped she’d been serious.

But hell. Duty called as the suit approached him. “Doc,” she stated, "I need you to sign off on my recuperation, I'm sure you got the notice by now. Just sort of a formality, so if you could just get to that quick, it won't have to hold up our schedule."

Fuck. He hadn’t even gotten the crash harness off. “Well,” he said, “I’d be happy to get to that, but I can’t just rubber stamp it. I’m sure it’s fine, or your doctor wouldn’t have signed off on this trip, but regs state I have to confirm your status. I can...” He hesitated as another Forge soldier approached him, then frowned as he pulled up her records. “I can take care of it in about an hour, I think.”

The suit left in a huff, and he turned his attention to Ruya. So, yeah,” he said, eying the convict soldier. “Lets not do this here. Give me about two hours to get everything squared away, and we’ll talk about your... condition. Fair?”

-*-

AMZN-T108m302 watched impassively as her owner dealt with Tuggerson. The pattern was familiar to her. Humiliation to test the other human’s willingness and capacity to obey was the preferred entry point. This would be followed by a series of menial tasks, after which Jaxx might use him to satisfy herself.

She’d seen the pattern before. Not with Mrs. Herd, but it was a standard dominance pattern among executives.

She cleared her throat. “If I may, mistress?” she asked, contralto voice pitched for respectfulness. “Perhaps you would prefer me to handle the weapon for you, when Mr. Tuggerson is not available? I am designed to serve as a bodyguard, in addition to my administrative assistant functions.”

 

[LeaT]

Jaxx Herd with "Tug Boat" @Black_Out and Android @TheCorsair

Jaxx looked at the android as she suggested being armed with a weapon. "I expect you are dangerous enough even without a weapon, but no thank you." She left unsaid that she didn't trust a machine any more than the corporate thralls that programmed her. She could well imagine the private's loyalties had their limits, but she doubted he had any Machiavellian schemes running around in that thick head of his.

"Do you understand your instructions? What do I call you anyway, or would you rather I made up my own name for you?" She asked as she was apparently settled enough to sit on her bunk and look at Tuggerson. Again her eyes sized him up once more before she turned to the android. "And what about you, did your last boss give you a name?"

She again held out her little finger and talking to the android made some inquiries. "What is the average pinky finger size for a woman of my height." Then looking at Tuggerson she again asked. "What is the average penis size of a man his height and weight?"

She hoped off her bunk and walked towards the private. "What about you private, anything you are curious about? Or do you just follow orders without question?"

Standing near the private, their respective builds a sharp contrast, she looks at the android. "She is kinda cute. Do you think she knows how to give a blow job?" She asked then looked up at him, "or are you too proud to get a blow job from a machine?"

She walked back towards her bunk. "Me, I don't think I'm too proud, I mean what's the difference between her and my magic wand after all?"

 

[Black_Out]

Captains Bridge - Ares 8
Eris Moon @xanaphia / Barret Wallace @Black_Out / Erika Brewer (NPC)

Barret Wallace spun his plush captains chair around the moment the duo of Erika and Eris entered the captains bridge. Like most things on board Ares 8, the control room for the ship was compact. It was a design that was meant to maximize every square foot of cargo space that could be afforded. Still at least the bridge was modestly larger then the cramped quarters that those on board Ares 8 got to call home for now.

Barret was in his typical state of dishevelment. His dark hair was matted clumsily about his whimsical face that brightened considerably upon seeing the pair of women entering the bridge. He brushed a few crumbs from his vintage Led Zeppelin shirt and let the bag of chips he was munching on fall squarely into his lap. "Welcome aboard ladies." Wallace announced as he kicked back in his chair, folding his arms like pillows behind his head. His eyes quickly dipped down to a report sitting on top of some of the ships control panels and he scooped it up, flipping through the pages before peering past them to the two ladies again. "I'm Barret, but you can just call me B, or Big B." He shrugged his lanky shoulders.

"Now you must be Erika Brewer, right?" He glanced towards Erika who gave an affirmative nod. "Great, you might as well settle in next to me then, you get the privilege of being my co-pilot." One sandal laden foot stretched out and tapped its heel upon the open chair to his left. "I'll show ya the ropes, really ain't nothing big, we're gonna be on auto-pilot most of the time anyways, just need to have someone up here that can hold the fort down when I'm on break." He had an easy going smile and casual demeanor as he watched Erika settle in next to him. "Auto-pilot, good, I've never flown anything quite this big before, mostly shuttles to be honest." Barret nodded as he looked towards Eris Moon. "Same thing as a shuttle really, well kind of, okay not at all, but you'll get the hang of it." He teased with a side wink to Erika before setting his eyes on Eris again.

"I hear your something of a computer expert so the Lieutenant tossed you my way." Again he idly dusted his shirt off as he looked to his left and right before his eyes caught sight of a sleek and narrow handheld monitor. "I'm gonna leave you in charge of the daily diagnostics. There's a tutorial in this and you'll have access to all of the programs that you need to run." He leaned forward, extending the slim board towards Eris. "All the daily reports will get forwarded to me so you'll have free roam of the ship. If you need to get in touch with me you can hit me up through that, and vice versa." Barret leaned back, grabbed a handful of chips and began to pluck them in his mouth one by one. "So yeah, welcome aboard, I'm your Captain, well at least as far as the ship goes. I'd rather keep my run ins with the Lieutenant to a minimum if you catch my drift, so just don't get caught screwing around."

The last chip crunched audibly in his mouth as he looked from under the canopy of his unkempt hair. "Any questions?"

Crew Quarters on board Ares 8
Jaxx Herd @LeaT / Android @TheCorsair / Tuggerson @Black_Out

"I don't know why she wouldn't like me, I'm a nice guy." Tug Boat commented with obvious amusement as he watched Esther depart with a fury down the hallway. He flinched mockingly as the aforementioned security officer from Divinity punched the wall. "Oooh...She's got a temper." He mused before finally turning his head back towards Miss Herd and her android assistant Things were looking up in the world of the Tug Boat as his brimming wide smile matched the eagerness in his eyes as he watched his new boss undress. There was definitely a stir down there in his pants beneath the protective cup that was anything but comfortable when you were getting a hard on. The Tug Boat wet his lips, fully appreciating the offered view of Jaxx's bare and naked body but the second act never came, much to his dismay as the curtain was closed as Ms. Herd slipped into something more casual and relaxed.

Despite all the verbal abuse and taunts being tossed around, Tuggerson seemed completely unperturbed by it. It wasn't anything he hadn't heard before, frankly his mouth had a way of pulling him into these exact sorts of scenarios more often then not and he loved every minute of it. "By the way, she's gotta big pinky. I mean have you seen the size of it?" He gave a little nod back down the hallway as he whispered that like it was some well kept secret. "I hear she doesn't bother to pack a dildo because that pinky's so BIG."

His eyes glanced down towards his crotch which still echoed with the feeling of Butch's hand when she grabbed him there just moments ago. "As for the size of the junk in my trunk, I got a nice salami, although I think she mushed it up." He laughed lightly as he leaned back against the wall. "Now, if I gotta take a dump, I'm gonna take a dump. Same if I gotta piss, fart, or whatever." The cocky private gave a little nod towards Jaxx. "Now I don't mind keeping ya safe, but you got a fucking android, I've seen what those fuckers can do." He eyed her personal assistant with the look of a wary skeptic. "So maybe I'll pass on the BJ, and trust me prides got nothing to do with it I'm just worried that she might bite my pinky sized wee-wee off."

Tuggerson looked across the hallway to the now vacant room. "Hey, in all seriousness I'm cool with this gig, but the Sarge is probably gonna want to know why his best soldier has been stolen away and replaced with dickless." The scar faced oaf turned to leave the room, but not before adding. "Oh, and if I had to guess the only difference between your magic wand and your assistant is the price."

 

[MsBloom]

As her temper began to settle enough for her brain to get a word in edgewise Butch went looking for the man who was in charge of the Forge troops and found him in the cargo bay talking to a nice looking slender blonde that Butch seemed to remember being the cyber security specialist, or something like that, for Forge. She took a few deep breaths to calm herself down even further, or at least to give the appearance of being calm.
"Lt Cartwright, Sir," she said and even though she was not part of his troops she saluted him.
"Is it customary for Forge to allow Divinity civilians to usurp their soldiers for personal use without authorisation?"
She had initially intended to ask him if he knew where all his troops were and what they were doing but this way she called his authority into question and that usually rubbed officer's the wrong way. She had of course be careful to not question his authority personally.
"Or have you or your sergeant given orders for one of your soldiers to be assigned Ms Herd's personal plaything."
She was starting to lose her calm and had to take another deep breath to stop herself from going off on a rant.
"Do either of you even have the authority to give such an order? Sir."

This was of course only the first part of her plan to have Lieutenant Cartwright to revoke Jaxx's little coup. Exactly what the second part would consist of she was still figuring out but one thing was certain. Ms Herd would pay and be taught some fucking respect for other people. Butch would take her off that pedestal she fancied herself on.

 

[Black_Out]

Ares 8 Cargo Bay
Esther @MsBloom / Lt. Cartwright @Black_Out / Sergeant West @Black_Out

Cartwright spun about on his heels, giving them a sharp click on the metal grates beneath his feet as he looked towards Esther. A single slender brow rose up as she made her inquiry. "I have the authority to send my troops wherever I deem necessary, but I did not, would not send any of them to be a personal toy for Ms. Herd." He scrunched his lips as he paused and sought out the Sergeant. "Sergeant West!"

The stoic Sarge made his way over to the pair. "Yes Lieutenant?" He spoke firmly as he fell into place by their side, only briefly giving a glance over to Esther.

"There seems to be some sort of misunderstanding with Miss Herd and her place in the hierarchy here. I want you to personally look into it and find out exactly why she wanted to have Private Tuggerson report to her quarters." He took a look between Esther and the Sarge, before he shot off. "Dismissed." Cartwright took a deep breath then and went to gather his own belongings so he could check into his room before anymore issues rose up.

West wasn't a man to waste or mince words and he turned towards Esther. "Why don't you show me to her room and explain exactly what's going on so I don't have to waste time with questions when I arrive there?" He gestured forward with one hand, leaving Esther to take the lead while he listened to her explanation of what was unfolding.

 

[BennyQ]

Corporal Ruya Aras.
Tagging: Doctor Khatri (@TheCorsair), Tuggerson (@Black_Out), Jaxx Herd (@LeaT)
Location: Cargo Hold -> Crew Quarters
---

Ruya waited with scarcely concealed impatience while a Divinity technician chatted with the Forge assigned Doctor. She wondered what business that egg-head had with one of Ruya’s outfit, not realizing why such menial distinction even mattered, or why it was already making her so frustrated. She didn’t want to speak with any Doctor but orders were orders and she knew the pain of even considering disobeying those.

This Doctor seemed to be just as unwilling and Ruya liked that. Let’s not do this here. Give me about two hours to get everything squared away, and we’ll talk about your… condition. Fair?

No, it wasn’t fair, because this condition wasn’t Ruya’s to begin with. It was Forge’s, and the shitty Turkish prison that sold her to them. It was their condition. Her eyebrow twitched with spiking fury but she bit her lip and simply nodded. “Sir, yes Sir.” She confirmed, at the same time mentally noting to prep for another meeting in exactly two hours. One hour, fifty-nine minutes, fifty-nine seconds to go. With a click of her heels, she came to attention, snapped a quick salute to the Doctor, and turned on her heel to leave.

To the Crew Quarters now, to check in and rest until mission time.

This was the hardest part. She too preferred Stasis than this. She was so agitated by everything. The other crewmembers and Forge soldiers, any who looked at her got a scathing look back. What were they looking at? Best let that scar under their nose heal before they decide to ever say anything to Ruya. She had a few tickets of insubordination on her record. Violence. Brawling. Unbecoming behavior. Some fights didn’t end well for her. The aggression spiked, and her inhibitor kicked in, and she…just would freeze up. It was difficult to maintain balance when dipping between two extremes so suddenly.

A quick check with the terminal pointed her to a vacant bunk, which just so happened to be in the room across from Jaxx Herd and the others. The one with the other very angry soldier. Ruya didn’t care. As she strode towards the group standing in the threshold of the opposite room, she nearly bumped shoulders with one – Tuggerson – who was standing about. “Move it, or I’ll add more trademarks to your face.” Ruya snapped at scarred faced man. She saw another woman inside, and a droid, but her eyes swept over them without much interest.

Then she entered the opposite quarter, dropping her gear and weapon on the top bunk and hopping on, letting her legs dangle as she sat there. Breathing. Hard. Through the nose, like a dragon. God, she just needed to get into some combat, quick, before she took some poor passerby’s eyes out and made beads with them. Checklist. Do your inspection checklist her mind told her, in a voice that was not her own.

Pulling her rifle into her lap, brow scrunched, she began to take it apart and ensure cleanliness and efficiency, before putting it back together.[/B]

 

[MsBloom]

Ares 8 Cargo Bay
Butch @MsBloom / Sgt West @Black_Out / Tuggerson @Black_Out

"Sir yes Sir," Butch said as she saluted the lieutenant before he walked off.
It was working, though she had hoped the Forge officers had an understanding of where everyone was bunking. Oh well she said and having made a mental note to herself to find an opportunity to chat up that hot blonde before they went into the cryotanks.

Wordlessly she led Sgt West to the corridor at the end of which Jaxx had been assigned her quarters. She then fell behind so the Sarge went before her. She stayed back a few steps and watched and listened with a crooked smile on her face. She was already taking some pleasure in the reprimand she was sure Jaxx would be getting and even more so when the bitch realised she wasn't getting rid of Butch that easily.

 

[LeaT]

Jaxx Herd with "Tug Boat" @Black_Out and Android @TheCorsair

"Might be that ugly mug of yours, what the hell happened to you anyway?" Jaxx wasn't known for her subtlety, the big guy had a sense of humor though, at least he shouldn't bore her. That was the main challenge on these deep space jumps, the boredom. Stasis took the worst of it, but it still was a couple of conscious weeks before having much of anything substantial to do. Of course that made sex a much more valuable commodity. The forge troops would do PT and clean weapons, and stuff like that. Jaxx was already fairly read up on the station, she didn't have much to do until they got there, they might have an update when they came out of stasis but it would be more waiting then. So having an entertaining crew was a plus, though what Jaxx considered entertainment, others considered sadism. She wouldn't let the big guy fuck her, but she might fuck him, which to many wasn't much of a difference but to Jaxx it was a matter of strong sexual preference. More important to her than gender or certainly affection.

As Tug Boat declined the android blowjob for fear of losing his junk it made Jaxx curious. Speaking to the android she asked. "Is that right, have you ever bitten a wee wee off, pinky sized or otherwise?" She kept her voice as serious as if she were giving her a calendar reminder.

 

[Black_Out]

Ares 8 Crew Quarters
Jaxx Herd @LeaT / Butch @MsBloom / Ruya Aras @BennyQ / Android @TheCorsair / Sergeant West and Private Tuggerson @Black_Out

Sergeant West took the lead, his boots echoing with each sharp and precise step they took across the metal grated floor beneath their feet. It was a short walk down the hall towards the general sleeping quarters that were nestled close to the cargo bay. Rounding a bend the Sarge found his astute eyes drawn towards one Private Tuggerson who was leaning casually up against the wall of the hallway across from the open door into Miss Herds room. Tug Boats eyes shifted towards the approach of his commanding officer and Esther in tow with him and immediately the grunt stood upright and at attention, just like the still hard dick under his cup.

"At ease Private." West commented as the thud of his boots came to a halt just outside Jaxx's room. Briefly his eyes flicked over to the open door to Ruya's chamber and he gave her an appreciative smile as he caught her in the act of dutifully inspecting and reassembling her weapon. His attention shifted back to the lumbering form of Private Tuggerson who remained steadfastly rigid. "Private, your dismissed, return to your quarters immediately." The Tug Boat snapped his head up and gave a sharp barked out reply. "Sir, yes, sir." He stole a hasty glance over into the room towards Jaxx and her android assistant. There were moments where The Tug Boat might push his luck, but that normally unfiltered mouth of his remained silent. He left then, the weight of his steps echoing and fading away around the bend, glad to be out of the sight for the time being.

Once the Private had been dismissed, Sergeant West stepped forward and turned to look through the door towards Jaxx. His heels snapped together as he crossed his muscle laden arms behind his back. There wasn't any look of judgement to be seen in his dark eyes as they fearlessly locked with those of the Ms. Herd. Internally he was quite aware that she was the sort of woman who was used to getting her way. She had the full package, that was for sure, and he wasn't blind to the way the Lieutenant seemed to be avoiding her.

"Miss Herd, it's a pleasure to meet you." He kept his arms crossed behind his back while he made his formal introduction. "I'm Sergeant West as I'm sure you're well aware." There was a subtle glance taken towards Esther. "While the Lieutenant is my commanding officer, he is quite aware of the fact that the soldiers on this mission are under my command. Contractually speaking, Forges troops belong to me, Divinity assigned Miss Esther to you and I'm returning her to your service. In the future if you have concerns for your own personal safety and desire assistance you'll bring those requests to me." He stopped for a breath, uncurled his right arm from behind his back and offered his hand. "I can be easy to work with, so long as your willing to follow the proper protocols."

 

[TheCorsair]

The scar faced oaf turned to leave the room, but not before adding. "Oh, and if I had to guess the only difference between your magic wand and your assistant is the price."

“Indeed not, sir,” the android replied. “A magic wand lacks fingers and lips, and an extensive database of techniques.”

Her attention returned to Mrs. Herd as she spoke. “Is that right, have you ever bitten a wee wee off, pinky sized or otherwise?"

“I have not yet had occasion to do so, mistress,” the android replied. “Should you wish me to do so, I assure you that my bite pressure and the tensile strength of my teeth would be up to the challenge.” She turned her head slightly, black eyes focusing on the door Tuggerson had just exited through. “Would you care for me to demonstrate?”

Her attention returned to her owner. “As to your question about my name, my serial number is AMZN-T108m302. Any further personal identifier is at the discretion of my owner.”

 

[MsBloom]

Butch had stopped a few steps down the corridor, out of Jaxx's visual range but she could see Tug Boat snap to attention and bark out Sir Yes Sir, the way any good soldier did instinctively in such situations. She shot him a smile and shrugged as if feigning innocence was even plausible under the circumstances. It would be obvious to everyone involved, Jaxx, the artificial assistant and even a grunt like Tug Boat, that this was all her doing, that she had ratted her boss out. Certainly this would piss off Jaxx but she didn't care. After Sgt West had done his part the only thing in her way was the android and she had a secret weapon to deal with that one.

Her smile vanished though when she heard the sergeant call her Esther.
"It's Butch," she muttered through gritted teeth.
"How fucking har can it be ..."
Then she remember she hadn't actually introduced herself to the sergeant so she decided to let it slide as a first offence.

 

[LeaT]

Jaxx Herd's Cabin
with Android @TheCorsair Sergeant West @Black_Out Esther @MsBloom

Jaxx laughed at the android's response "who says androids don't have a sense of humor?" While she would love to see Tug Boat's reaction to the attempt, she had stirred up enough trouble for one day and still wasn't quite sure how literal this one could be with such orders. "No, I think we will keep that one in our pocket for the future."

Jaxx's first indication her plan was beginning to go awry was the sound of well cadenced boot steps coming down the hallway. She heard Sarge's deep commanding voice. "Shit" she said to no one, she had been hoping if anyone the LT would have come, he would be much easier to handle but apparently valued his nuts too much to risk another confrontation.

Thinking she might have to make a not fully ethical bargain to keep her new bodyguard, she turned to the android. "I'd like you to go introduce yourself to each member of the crew and bring me back one bit of interesting information about each one of them." She gave her a smile, figuring it would keep her programmed ethics out of her business for a while. She might also find it amusing what an Android considered interesting.

She gave her most winning smile to Sergeant West as he introduced himself and attempted to read her the error of her ways. While she wasn't as obvious as she had been with the private, she did take in his features. Now this was a guy she might let fuck her. Though he seemed intent on fucking her in the much less pleasurable sense. She listened like a reasonable person, although she was by no means reasonable, it didn't hurt to at least give that impression.

She extended her hand as well, keeping her grip soft and feminine, not at all attempting to be the corporate power bitch she often was closer to corporate headquarters. She extended her other hand to gently touch his upper arm, a sort of body language expression of interest. "My sincerest apologies Seargent, I shall indeed come to you. I don't blame you for not wanting Esther either." She raised her voice, figuring the little bitch was out in the hallway. "So Forge's men belong to you, who do you belong to? As I believe Divinity has hired Forge for this assignment, it would seem that maybe you, and by extension, your men all belong to me." It was a bluff and unfortunately, this guy had the experience to know it. It was all just a question of how easily he let her down. That might depend upon how interested he was in getting in her pants before they all went into stasis.

Eventually she found herself alone with Esther once more. "You think you're pretty fuckin' clever don't ya?" Jass hissed at the security expert. "If you'd swallowed a bit of that pride you might have at least saved your career. Now I got send you back on a shuttle and get a replacement and all of Divinity will know you can't be trusted." She told her as she crossed the room towards the comm panel to signal for the shuttle. "Poor Esther, Forge didn't want you either." She said as she walked past her on the way to the panel.