[Humans for Hire] - Part 167

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Antarean Self-Defense Militia Ship Orphan's Rage

Misabel was deep in the wiring of Escape Pod Twenty-One. The current circuity was not going to hold for their needs; in addition they were going to need several new systems added. Shields were not standard, and the maneuvering thrusters were going to need an upgrade. The last upgrades were going to be in the comm system and the hull plating. Once the upgrades were completed, mass reduction was in order -

"What precisely are you doing - Misabel?"

The engineer jumped as her concentration was interrupted by one of the security detachment. Tillip - one of the former Hurdop pirates, as she recalled - was standing there looking unconscionably smug. Misabel flicked an ear in annoyance.

"I have neither the time nor the crayons to explain it to you. Why are you here?"

There was an almost hurt look on the guard's face, however his scent remained unwaveringly self-satisfied. "Well, I have an offer. You see, my wife has decided that a new servant would be a fine thing."

"I suppose I should congratulate your wife on her courage to lay in bed with you."

There was a wave. "My wife has courage and strength enough for the both of you. What she requires is a furmaiden. Her duties as Second Cultural Security Officer leave her without enough time to care for our coming child. Therefore she's petitioned the Commodore to have you reassigned as our servant-wife to care for the children. The thing you carry will adopted into our clan and given a proper education - one that makes no mention of its parents. Perhaps then the shame will be eased. Of course with you being freed of that burden you'll be able to tend to all the duties we require. Perhaps when you've had sufficient time to reflect on your failure and the failure of your homeworld you will be granted a new opportunity to contribute."

As she leaned against the escape pod hatch, Misabel strained to remember the specifics. The obvious slight was obvious, as the Hurdop Cultural Security section on the ship consisted of two individuals in a renovated cleaning stores compartment. Being beholden to the junior member of that do-nothing group was simply the latest annoyance. "And if I say no?"

"You may say it all you wish. The transfer is in process. When the fleet is completed and your services as an engineer are no longer required, you will be transferred to other duties." There was a scent of satisfaction. "A Vilantian serving Father Hurdop, as is proper. Prepare yourself. Or don't. The future is written in either event."

His reply was simply an earflick. "You may go about your business, then. The scullery dishes still refuse to guard themselves."

There was a light snort. "This will be remembered."

"Given who I am speaking with I have my doubts, but as you say. Good day to you." Misabel returned to the depths of the Escape Pod, quickly turning her attention to the comm panel. After a small amount of rewiring, she tapped at her tablet and waited. Eventually there was a connection, as Bob - or possibly Harry - answered.

"Designate-Misabel. There is cause for distress?"

"There is. Tillip of the security forces indicated that I am to be reassigned as his personal servant. This is counter to many things." Misabel made every attempt to still her heart.

"It is. Orders are in process but sit pending approval under other requests. We will be maneuvering soon. Orphans Rage has been tasked to assist the Vengeance. Published contracts indicate Terran Foreign Legion ships will be in-system within ten days. You have eight days to complete your taskings."

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Terran Foreign Legion Ship Twilight Rose

Gryzzk flicked an eye toward his tablet, considering what the engineer was on about. "Chief, that may apply to several things. Elaborate."

"Saifex is looking to have their ship overhauled in a couple days. And I mean stem to stern. The little button's good, but her shopping list is pretty goddamn long."

"Prioritize what the ship needs to survive."

"That's the hell of it, everything's looking pretty serious. Point-defense, shields, countermeasures - every system on that ship's good enough for a standard point A to point B run, but if we're hopping from here to Antares with a pit stop in Draconis? We got problems."

"Chief, what will ease their problems?"

"An answered prayer from the gods of luck for starters."

"Their problems, not yours."

"Secondary power plant, capacitor bank for shields, additional countermeasures, which means more exterior cargo modules with power connection, plasma-based point defense systems because they don't have the room for a ballistic system. About a week for testing, and a second escort ship would not go amiss."

"You have two days. Consult with Captain Gregg-Adams for what we have in on hand and aggressively requisition what is needed. That includes any personnel needed for this."

"Major, with all due respect - fuck you and everything that looks like you."

"I remind you that my wives and children are listening."

There was a quiet moment before Tucker exhaled heavily. "Kids, your daddy's a poopybutt. Miss Grezzk, Corporal Kiole - put him on the couch until we leave again."

The channel clicked off, leaving the bridge in amused silence as Gryzzk looked toward Rosie. "XO, for future reference please make certain Chief Tucker is aware of any situations that may require him to moderate his language."

"I'll tell him, but..."

"Yes, I am aware that his education resulted in the belief that profanity is punctuation. Advise him appropriately. Threaten him with loss of nudity privileges."

"Major, you are a cold-blooded - ah...meany."

"I have been called far worse. However, I am told that happy wives make for happy lives; in that vein please do your utmost to ensure my wives are pleased while onboard." Gryzzk checked his tablet for the time and fished through through the bag of infant care items to find the appropriate bottle of milk for Glaud. It didn't take long for the bridge squad to fall silent, their normal duties forgotten as their fearless and mighty commander struggled with feeding his son. Gryzzk finally finished, looking up with a scowl.

"Wait until you have children. All of you."

Reilly smirked. "Freelord, I'm saying this out of all the kindness I've got - that right there is one of the finer advertisements for birth control I've seen in awhile."

"Sergeant, let it be known that I am in favor of family planning - that said your husband and wife are likely making plans for your family at the moment. I would recommend taking notes."

Reilly became a bit suspicious. "Notes? Like what kind of notes?"

"To start with any decorations you have that you cannot replace should be hidden or protected. Vilantian infants have an amazing talent for projectile vomit. They also can be found in unusual places if you leave them unattended for any length of time longer than three microseconds." Gryzzk tried to keep his own amusement hidden. "So. watch and learn."

His sergeant's face paled slightly. "But Gro'zel..."

"Is well past infancy." He turned slightly to call back to his quarters. "My rose? Where did we find Gro'zel when she was seven months old?"

There was a slight laugh. "Which time? In the garden, the field, or in the fireplace?"

"The fireplace. Ee need to get the children prepared for their naps, and a fine story would not be amiss afterward."

After the infants began sleeping the afternoon away, Grezzk came out, her scent alight with maternal amusement. "Gro'zel was always looking for new things. In her second year, we'd had the most bountiful harvest in many years and we were preparing a feast in honor of it. The day was warm, but we'd run the fire the night before. From the kitchen she managed to escape her mobile crib and crawl to the fireplace, move the screen aside, and fall asleep on the grate. The kitchen was so busy we only noticed at her next feeding." There was a soft laugh at the memory. "It was a bit of a rush in the afternoon, as she managed to get herself utterly filthy - so we had to take time to bathe her a second time all the while ensuring the feast stayed on track."

Gryzzk smiled a bit himself. "But I remind you sergeant - it will be worth it to present your parents with a grandchild."

From her station, Edwards cocked her head as a new thought occurred to her. "If it's not too bad...where are y'all's parents at?"

Gryzzk tried not to grimace too much. "They're at the retirement gardens in Elsife Village. Father is displeased with my change of career."

"Maybe a fresh batch of grandkids might help?"

"Possibly, but I will not trust my fur to such a thing." Gryzzk shrugged. "They are traditionalists of the Clan Way. In any event, the opinions of my parents are cherished but this company has needs that will not be satisfied by said opinions."

Reilly quirked slightly. "You parents and my parents should get together for a beer."

There was a light snort of amusement. "The Thirty-Second Gryzzk would think long and hard if his drink choices were beer or stagnant graywater from the sewer." Gryzzk raised a single finger and intoned in a deep voice. "A Lead Servant is first and foremost a refined individual, and the refined individual does not partake in low things such as beer."

O'Brien snorted. "I'll no' be the one to break you dear Da's heart by showing him the holos of Sparrow's after the Three-Day-War. Someone else can tell him his baby boy chugs beer and swears like he was born to it."

Gryzzk raised a finger. "For the record, I've only cursed on three occasions - and every time it was warranted."

The joke seemed to lighten the mood after a fashion, and the day proceeded apace, with interruptions here and there as infants required tending and meals. Fortunately the universe outside of R-space seemed content to leave them be for the moment.

The emergence from R-Space was something of a treat, as all the ships of the scratch flotilla emerged within minutes of each other, causing traffic chaos as everyone scrambled to get out of the way of other ships. The all-channel was filled with oaths, exclamations, and general insults that were almost exclusively based on parentage. Gryzzk was fortunate that the Moncilat were on duty, as Miroka dove and twisted the ship with such an elegance that three other vessels nearly collided as their respective helms were struck dumb by the track. Yomios activated the transmit and calmly asked to know precisely how many credits had exchanged hands at various events of conception.

Finally they made it to their home docks and Gryzzk dismissed the company, with the shuttle pilots then becoming busy as they ferried the civilians back to their day jobs. All in all a good day. However the normal fining and shaming would be done from the comfort of everyone's quarters, as Sparrows needed an hour to open. Lumisca seemed a bit surprised that the quarters were spacious enough for the whole family, and began setting her luggage in place before everyone settled for the announcement of fines. Rosie herself was in an odd form, giving out penalties instead of fines. The XO took a deep and wholly unnecessary breath before getting to Gryzzk.

"Penalties on Freelord Major 'Grizzly' Gryzzk. Two minutes for roughing. Two minutes for unsportsmanlike conduct - taunting. Two minutes for instigating, multiple infractions. Two minutes for boarding. Double-minor for getting stabbed. Five for fighting, five for fighting...never mind, just total up seventy-five for fighting. Five more for elbowing with intent. Fourteen separate ten-minute misconduct penalties. Game Misconduct. Match penalties for attempt to injure egos and bodies. Match penalty for intent to amputate. Match penalty for successful amputation - y'know what, just go to sin-bin and come out in a couple days, titfucker. Alright everyone you're on your own until tomorrow, engineering get a good night's sleep cause you're gonna need it."

Gryzzk shook his head slightly as the transmission ended. "I fully disagree with that."

There was a gentle elbow from Kiole. "Disagree all you wish - was she inaccurate?"

"She was not."

The children were all set to bed, and the adults took the time to lounge casually with wines and other drinks - even Lumisca seemed less anxious somehow, though that was in all likelihood the wine. Grezzk nuzzled comfortably between her spouses. "Loves. How can you do that all the time?"

Kiole returned the nuzzle. "My shield, not every mission is as exciting as that. I do wish to see our bed for one intended purpose."

Lumisca spoke in a near-whisper. "If there is weariness, I will assist..." she stood, keeping her posture subservient and her scent nervous with the beginnings of fear as she began undoing the catches of her clothing, only stopping and lowering her head from staring at the ceiling when she scented shocked confusion from the rest of the room.

Grezzk spoke for the rest of the room. "Lumisca - Governess. We have a warm meal, sleeping children." There was a gesture to Lumisca's state of undress. "This. If you are doing as I believe you are - there is no need for you to put yourself in such a state."

There was uncertainty manifest on Lumisca's features. "But - it. In Greatlord Aa'Lafione's house the last phrase was, euphemistic for a request with regard to." Lumisca paused as her mind raced fo a prope euphemism. "Marital duty. As the Fourthwife, such things fell to me, particularly since I was never able to create new life with the Greatlord." She paused, gathering herself for a moment. "It was, is. My duty to ensure that those above my station remained as content as I could make them. That duty continues, even now in this place."

Gryzzk stood, moving over to Lumisca and securing her clothes while pointedly ignoring the fear-shivers the ran through Lumisca when the process required they touch. "Lumisca, if there is one thing I wish to impress upon you beginning now - this is not the home of a Greatclan. Whatever processes the Greatclans of Vilantia have to ensure marital harmony, we have our own. I will not say never, as the path of our lives has made absolute statements something of a challenge to fate. I will say not tonight."

Lumisca's voice was wary as she stepped back. "This is not - a test? Punishment?"

Gryzzk shook his head. "No. Take a moment to remember - there was no expectation, no desire. That is because it is not our way to have such an expectation."

The wariness gave way to relief after a moment, and then it seemed as if Lumisca was overwhelmed with shame. "I. I apologize. I should. I should go to look after the children."

Kiole gestured toward the couch. "If you would stay for a bit longer? This - I have questions."

Lumisca promptly settled as Grezzk went to check on the infants. "I will answer them."

"Greatlord Aa'Lafione. What was he like?"

The answer was rote. "He was honorable. Wise. Steadfast in his belief in the rightness of the Clan Way."

Kiole flicked an ear. "Was he...attentive?"

There was a fatalistic shrug. "It was my family's honor to have me betrothed to him. His desires had primacy in the household."

A little smirk was the response. "That is a very long 'no', Governess."

Lumisca looked toward the door for a long time, as if expecting someone to come through to arrest her for whatever she was thinking. When she spoke it was a whisper. "You are Hurdop-born and so it is difficult to explain."

"We are sharing a roof, and I am wed to a pair of Vilantians. You can use Captain Dummy talk if it is more comfortable."

"Your spouses were noble-adjacent but not born noble themselves. With all respect to Lord A'kifab, their family was minor nobility at best and as a Trade Clan far from the levers of governance. With a Greatclan of the Ministry of Culture, the requirements are more stringent. There are expectations." Lumisca wrung her hands together. "Even this. I was selected to serve the Throne because the Greatlord's situation demanded one of his wives attend the Throne. The other wives decided that they would begin working to restore our name and attend to Aa'Lafione."

Kiole glanced at Gryzzk, gesturing in concern. "She must unlearn things."

"In her own time. We will discuss it further when time permits." Gryzzk rose slowly, still feeling a light twinge. "For the moment, I think rest is necessary. Please, Lumisca. We do rise at an early hour here, and the infants wake as they will."

As they went to bed, Kiole was in the treasured middle spot, and her scent held pity and weariness. She spoke softly, her hand reaching to clasp both of her spouses.

"The more I learn about Vilantia, the more I feel blessed to be with you."

Gryzzk leaned into Kiole. "Be kind to her."