Celestial Fire

I couldn’t help but take note of a panel of the wall. A large bright holographic display showed the entire outline of the station. Everything was neatly color coordinated, presented with three attributes. Station Area, Module, and Security level. Station areas included: The Command Are, Security, Communications, Engineering, Medical, The Hanger, The Public Sector, The Habitation Wing, and an area only indicated as Catacombs. There was also a small section of the display that was dark, and didn’t indicate anything.

Each area also was composed of subareas, ranging in size and complexity. Security status was displayed in one of three colors. Green, Yellow, and Red. Green areas were low security zones, both station personnel and visitors were able to access them. Yellow zones, were strictly for station personnel. Finally, red zones were restricted areas that only certain personnel had access to.

“That’s some interface .” I broke the silence as Jax began accessing the controls on the lift. “Oh yes!” He responded. “These systems are fairly new, our old lift system still had the monotone displays. Which were much more boring if you ask me, but were easier to navigate”. Jax located the habitation wing on the interface. An area highlighted in yellow, which was located on one of the lower levels of the station.

The lift hummed to life, and started to move quickly towards it’s destination. Aurora must of been analyzing the interface as well because she joined in on the conversation. “Captain, how does this system keep people from accessing areas, where they are not permitted?”

“Excellent question.” Jax turned and smiled. “I would of forgotten to tell you two, if you hadn’t asked.” Jax reached in one of his pockets and pulled out a small cylindrical object. Which had a series of raised dots and dashes on it. “This is a bio-metric access key. It contains the user’s unique genetic blueprint, and demographic information. It’s programmed with all the areas someone has access to, and communicates with the station’s various access points.”

“Intriguing…..” Aurora responded. Jax continued… “All you need to do is approach an interface or access point. The key will link with the stations access system. Obviously the key has to be on you, if you leave it someplace it’s a headache. You’d have to use a panel to contact security…. My advice don’t leave the your keys behind. It’s a process, and you’ll get a stern talking to.”

I was about to ask about our own keys, when the lift stopped. The doors quickly opened, revealing the entrance to the habitation area. It reminded me of a medium sized lobby. Equipped with planets, a small desk, and several seating accommodations that look very comfortable. There was also another holographic panel,behind the desk built into the wall.

Aurora gave me a quick jab in the side. Not hard, but enough to give my attention. I hadn’t noticed it before, but there was another security droid standing off to the side. “Jax, what’s with all the droids?” I asked casually, as we made our way across the room.” “These damn war time protocols. the security on the station has been increased. You’ll meet with the commander and security chief in the morning. They’ll share more with you. I’m not really in the know, on the rational for all the decisions made around here.”

“Fair enough.” I added. We approached the security droid, Jax presented his access key. “I’m getting the lieutenants here settled in.” He added, as he showed his key. “Good evening captain, please proceed.” The droid replied in a pleasant tone. “Thank you.” Jax responded.

Jax escorted us down a wide corridor that was lined with futuristic doors. Eventually, we hit a intersecting corridor. Hung a right, walking for a short distance before arriving at a door with screen on it. “G1”, the screen said.

Aurora looked at the screen, cocked her head and asked, “Guest 1?” Jax laughed. “Yes, as you can tell, we aren’t very creative with naming living areas here. I also have to apologize, for you two having to share. We’ve had some technical difficulties in area, which has put several rooms out of commission.”

Aurora grinned. “Oh no worries Captain, Zach here can sleep on a pad.” Jax laughed again. “That’s won’t be necessary, I think you’ll find the room has enough space for both of you. Oh and both of your access keys should be waiting for you in there.”

I smiled with relief. “Thank you so much Jax. I wasn’t feeling the combat pad at all.” Aurora grinned, and I nudged her gently. Jax laughed one final time. “You two are something else, well get some rest, and we will catch up in the morning.”

“Thank you again Jax…..” I was interrupted by the sound of a door opening across the corridor, from where we stood. We all turned to see, a neatly dressed uniformed security officer standing in her doorway. She clearly looked surprised to see anyone in the corridor at the current hour. The look on her face was truly startled.

“Zach?” She let out a surprised, yet friendly inquiry. I looked at her again, and realized I hadn’t recognized her, due to her security uniform. Her hair was up in, tucked neatly beneath a hat. “Ryn!” I gasped back, “It’s been….” “Forever I know”, Ryn cut me off.

Jax and Aurora looked shocked and curious. “You know each other?” Aurora Asked. Jax spoke up. “This is Lieutenant Ryn. She’s one of the stations security officers. “Just going on duty, Lieutenant?” Jax asked.

“Yes Sir.” Ryn responded, with full attention. “I don’t know how you security folk, deal with the quiet of the evening hours. It would drive me crazy. ” Jax explained. “Well Sir..” Ryan started. “Call it a must for all security personnel.” Jax nodded and smiled, indicating he understood completely.

Ryn turned her attention to me. “How long are you going to be on the station?” She asked. “For a while.” I said smiling. “I have to get on duty, but lets catch up soon.” With that Ryn turned and hurried down the corridor. Glancing once over her shoulder to make eye contact with me, one time as she moved.

“Well you two, as I was saying get some sleep and I’ll see you in the morning”. With that Jax, smiled and left Aurora on our own to get settled.

I touched the door panel, causing the doors to open, giving us access to our room. I was shocked to see, a good size living area, with furniture and an entertainment system awaited us. Additionally, there was two separate bedrooms, one bathroom, and a good sized eating area with food processor.

“Damn!” Aurora shouted in surprise. “This is more than I expected!” “Me too!” I laughed back. “Well Orion, I’m going to get some rest. You should too and let’s get up early to prepare for our meeting with the commander tomorrow.” “Sounds good”. I sleepily stated.

With that Aurora disappeared into one of the bed rooms. And I glanced around the living area one final time. Noting two access key’s sitting on a table. “I’ll take a look in the morning.” I thought, before making my way to the second bedroom.

The room as a decent size.. It contained a small sitting area with table, a place to store belongings, and a great looking sleeping pod. I quickly stripped out of my uniform, remaining in my under layers, and collapsed in the pod. Laying in the pod, I couldn’t help myself. It had been a long trip, parts of it very tense. Being extracted from Orion, making my way to Alliance command, spending weeks in debriefings. Being questioned constantly. And finally being paired with Aurora, and rushed to this station. It was a lot.

Which made me wonder about Ryn. She had been in Orion too. She was one hell of a fighter. Which made me wonder how she got on this outpost. She was never one security duty, she liked covert ops. As I started to drift off, I found myself sliding my hand down my remaining garments.

“It’s been so Long!” I thought. I started playing…… Enjoying the tension that would be eventually released. I must of started really getting into it. As I didn’t hear the knock at my door, or the door open when I didn’t respond after a minute.

“Need some help with that Lieutenant? ” Aurora’s voice startled me, and I sat up abruptly, to see her standing in the doorway. “Aurora! I… I, I didn’t hear you there.” “Clearly not, Zach….” I was embarrassed, as I was sure Aurora was going to crack some whimsical joke… Such as, “So Orion, a little tense are you?”

But instead she stood silent, standing in a robe and towel wrapped around her hair. After a another moment of silence she just repeated herself. ” Zach…do you want some help with that?” I couldn’t believe, what was happening. But I didn’t care, I was tense. Very tense, and Aurora was there, offering to help me with it in her Aurora like way…. “……Yes.” I managed get get out, while still being in shock.

Aurora walked in the room, the door closing behind her. She grinned. “I’m going to be honest with you Zach….. I’ve been thinking about this all day”. Before I responded , she knelt down next to me. Removing my hand from myself, and replacing it with hers. She lowered her head…And went down on me hard, engulfing me with her warm lips tightly wrapped around my shaft….

I couldn’t speak, I moaned slightly at what was happening. Never had I thought Aurora even liked me. She had given me hell for being in Orion. Even making jokes non-stop since we were paired together for this assignment.

I loved what she was doing though, and she knew it. I started the spasm a little, but held back. She looked up at me and made eye contact with me as she worked. And that’s when I heard it, her voice in my head again. “I’m just getting started Zach…….You’re going to love this…..” That’s when I realized I wasn’t going to get much sleep………

New Characters Introduced