Remunerations

Posted on Sun Oct 30, 2016 @ 11:11am by Fleet Captain Rhea Kennit

598 words; about a 3 minute read

Mission: The Fall
Location: USS VICTORY
Timeline: Current

After leaving sickbay, rather than retreat to her quarters for that hot soak which the doctor had recommended - though that did sound like a very good idea - the Captain had a stop to make first.

Tertiary Module - Deck 14
Auxiliary Cargo Bay 15

Lt. William "Billy" MacLeish and Petty Officer 2nd Class Ian Braigh paused now that their evenings work had been completed. 30 neat bottles of the best moonshine to be found in the Delta Quadrant rested in neat crates, soon to be moved to a secure location to rest for at least two weeks to allow the brew to mature before being traded or sold to those members of the ship's crew who knew of the two Scottish-born crew mates hobby. "Once this batch has matured a wee bit, we'll mix it with the apple, blueberry, and blackberry and start arranging deliveries." Billy said with a satisfied grin.

"That red-head down in supply, what's her name..Alice? She wanted to know if we could produce a lemon 'shine..says she missed having a cold class of proper lemonade.." Ian said as he carefully closed each crate.

"Yeah?" Billy answered. "I think we can manage that.."

"Is that so.."

The moment that soft, slightly husky voice announced the presence of the ship's Captain, both young men felt their hearts sink into the pit of their stomachs in utter dismay. The identical looks of guilt on their faces brought a laugh from the Captain as she moved from where she'd been standing leaning against the open hatch to stroll toward the pair.

"Oh come now gentlemen," she said. "There is nothing which takes place aboard my ship that I am not aware of. The two of you have been providing libations for those of the crew thus inclined for some time. I believe it is long overdue for you to pay the customary remuneration for my turning a blind eye to your activities."

Both of them just stared at her, expressions perfectly fitting the old saying "deer in headlights". She sighed. Just a little. Then while holding up her left hand, two finger raised, said "Apple pie."

Ian recovered his wits first, blinking then immediately answering "Aye Captain!"

In short order, she had a standard took bag slung over her shoulder, two bottles of apple pie moonshine safely inside. "Nice doing business with you gentlemen." Leaving them still shocked that she hadn't had them arrested on the spot, after she'd gone Billy said only, "Damn. I dunno what shocked me worse. Seeing her here or seeing her dressed like that in those seat pants."

"Aye.." Ian agreed. "I can't decide if she fires me blood or scares the hell out of me.."

"Little a'both!" Billy answered. They laughed. "Ya'know word is...the XO is right cozy with her..." he added with a wink and a grin, still trying to get over the shock of discovery when they'd been so sure their activities had gone unnoticed.

"Do ya blame him if he is?" came Ian's reply.

"Not a red-blooded man worth the name would, no or green-blood or pink for that matter!" Billy replied.

Before Ian could answer, from the still open hatch the Captain reappeared and said, "I'll be expecting two more o'these from the new batch. And one of the lemon.."

Both men knew she had overheard them, and could only nod in acknowledgment of her words.

She looked the over, her dark eyes catching the light and seeming to burn straight through them both. With a nod, she said only "Good night gentlemen.."

And was gone.

 

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