The Technician's Fight, Draft 1, CH21

“Tell me they aren’t looking,” his Heart implored, face buried in his chest fur. “You’d know I lied as soon as you look up.” People weren’t

“Tell me they aren’t looking,” his Heart implored, face buried in his chest fur. “You’d know I lied as soon as you look up.” People weren’t

“Tell me they aren’t looking,” his Heart implored, face buried in his chest fur.

“You’d know I lied as soon as you look up.”

People weren’t so inconsiderate as to stop and gawk, or worse, masturbate. That was permitted within a leisure alley, but there was a level of decorum expected around lovers choosing it as the place to indulge in each other. That the only Earther on the ship and the captain were the one who had done it had no choice but to bring a crowd. Fortunately, it was a moving one. People making the detour on their way to their destination.

“There’s going to be recordings, aren’t there?” Jer asked, head still in his fur.

“We are in public.”

“I can’t believe I did this.”

Now Gralgiran shifted. He’d allowed his Heart a level of embarrassment, but not to make this something he regretted doing. He raised Jer’s chin until he had to look him in the eyes.

“No one thinks less of you for this. They aren’t judging you negatively. Envy, it’s me here, and not them is probably what most of them feel. The recordings will not be used to debase what we did or who you are. They will be shared among lovers and friends. Something to fantasize along.”

“I don’t get how you’re so at ease with it.” His eyes flicked to the passing people.

“I’m Captain and Alpha. I am a public figure on the ship and off.”

“But this is us, naked, having sex.”

He rubbed his muzzle along his Heart’s cheek. “It is not my first time on such a couch, in such an alley, Jer. Only my first time with the male I care about more than anyone else.”

Jeremy nodded and rested his head on his chest, not looking away from the people. But Gralgiran suspected he did what he could not to see them. He was impressed by the bravery this took, but also understood that coming down from that put the decision in doubt.

“I think we should go home,” his Heart suggested.

“You realize that means moving to get dressed, with them watching.”

Jer hid his face in his fur again.

Maybe he shouldn’t have pointed that out.

“Just think of it as the undressing room at the gym or the reservoir.”

“I don’t have sex there,” Jer mumbled in the fur, “in public,” he then added.

*

“Docking completed,” the shuttle’s pilot announced, and Gralgiran stood.

“Unlock the prisoners. Take position.”

The pack moved, and by the time he unlocked the hatch and it cycled, they were behind him, the Earthers between them.

The Administrator was waiting for him, this time, along with a pack of…he decided not to judge. He expected the male was doing the best he could to impress him after the last time. He didn’t dare hope this level of attentiveness was now standard for them, no matter how unkind it made him.

“Captain,” the male greeted him. “It’s a surprise to see you so soon. And with….” He looked displeased. “Well,” he finally said. “Maybe the female’s still alive and they can pack together.”

“You don’t know?” They should be keeping a tally of who was still alive on the planet.

“She hasn’t been cooperative. She’s evaded the rounding pack twice now, but inmates on the last one said she’d been seen. That was two days ago, so she is probably still alive. If your pack will hand them over to my guards, I will ensure they make it to the surface safely.”

“Do you have more of them? These Earthers are trained to fight us and gave my hunters trouble.” He didn’t want to point to the inadequacy of the guard, but also couldn’t afford for the Earthers would take advantage of it and escape. There was no telling the kind of damage they could do in the process, and how vulnerable it would leave those on the surface.

“Alpha,” his beta said while the Administrator’s ears vanished in his fur. “If the Administrator and his guards are amicable, we can go down with them to be available to provide backup should they ask for it.”

Gralgiran looked to the Administrator, still not over his shock, then at the guards. None of them looked to be the beta, so when the closest one noticed him looking, he asked.

“Is the presence of the pack acceptable?”

She looked at the Administrator, who still hadn’t recovered. “Yes,” she stammered. “We can use the help.”

“Then consider them under your command for the duration.”

“What?” she looked at them. “I can’t.”

Gralgiran placed a hand on her shoulder. “You can. Regardless of the reasons that placed you here. You are Kelsirian. The gods would not demand anything of you they don’t know you can accomplish. The pack will serve under you. Ask, and they will answer.” He thought he saw understanding. It was all he could do, short of ordering them about.

He had the authority, but he wasn’t here to undermine the Administrator. Not unless his actions forced his hands.

“That is kind of you, Alpha,” the Administrator said, now looking settled. “Since it means you are going to be here until they return. Do you want me to give you a tour of the facilities? I’m sure you’ll find them much improved since your last visit.”

He studied the male. He saw some fear and worry in his eyes, but also eagerness.

Maybe he had been unkind, and things had improved.

“Please, I’d love to see what you did.”

*

Gralgiran stood in the center of the bridge, trying not to fidget. He wasn’t doing something he hadn’t done many times since becoming Alpha. She’d even been the one he’d spoken to all previous times, so he knew she respected him.

So why was it that each time he spoke with this Alpha, he felt like he was back home, under Aragth’s wise and judgemental gaze? His father’s mother had a knack for making him feel like a child anytime she’d visited.

The screen shimmered and an older Kelsirian, standing in the center of a room, appeared. And he straightened even more.

“Alpha,” he greeted her. At his first meeting with her, he’d used her full title and name. Head Alpha of the Gods’ Packs Decerimitar Gorrack Fredolian Ashmir.

She had laid into him and promised that if he ever treated her as anything other than one of the Alphas, she would see to it he be returned to Beta without a chance of ever achieving further rank again.

When he’d been able to think again, hours later, he’d thought there was a practice to the speech. That he wasn’t the first one she’d threatened that way. He hadn’t dared ask the Alphas he knew.

He didn’t want to find out he’d been the only one to make that mistake.

“Alpha,” she replied with a tilt of an ear. “How go the hunts?”

“The hunts have been fruitful. Meat has been gathered and distributed. The hunters are ready to return to it.”

She smiled. “How have you been, Gralgiran sel Helrarvnir?”

Oh, how her casualness irked him. The alpha above them all shouldn’t be smiles and greetings once the ceremonial greeting was done. She should be demanding status reports, numbers, telling him where his ship was needed.

If she were anyone else, he would explain in pointed language what her rank meant.

“I’ve been good, Decerimitar Gorrack Fredolian Ashmir.”

The tilt of the ear turned quizzical. “Good? Word is you have found your Heart, and you are good?”

Why hadn’t he taken this in his office. He wouldn’t have had an audience for this breach in rank. What kind of example was this for hunters?

“He has brightened my life more than the gods can imagine.”

“The gods imagine much, Alpha.”

“They don’t imagine enough, trust me.” His ears folded back, and he barely stifled the groan. And she had the gall to smile.

In private, he promised himself. Furthermore, these would be in private.

“You may be correct. I doubt they imagined he would ask to be a hunter. And one that will make us proud, I am told.”

Told by whom? The Alpha of them all had a cadre of people helping her, each one reputed to be close to a god. Close enough, not only Syntarina’s Mouth spoke their words. No one he’d asked had been able to confirm if it was true, and the one time he’d worked up the courage to ask her directly, she’d only smiled.

“I am glad to hear this. He trains hard, and his Earther physiology is providing training the betas are looking to incorporate.”

“And what is your reason for letting them?” she asked in a tone he couldn’t work out. It wasn’t the reproach he’d expect from the Leadership for daring to change established systems. It was closer to … hope?

“The Earthers who boarded my ship to kidnap my Heart had enough information on us they knew to push us to exhaustion and clearly had training in doing so. While we were aware of their higher stamina, we weren’t ready for how they fought. The two males who were able to hold their own against them both had training in stamina management.”

“And you’re having them help?”

“I’m reluctant to let a Halan teach my hunters.”

“Concerned they might turn some of them to piracy?”

“With another Halan, possible. Which this one, he’s more likely to find a way to turn the entire training session into an orgy.”

She snickered, then covered her muzzle, looking abash. “A talented male, I take it?”

“Or so I’m told by far too many people.”

“I’m surprise you haven’t put him to the test, considering your reputation.”

“I still have standards, Alpha. He doesn’t meet them.”

Please let’s move onto something else. Maybe he could help it along. “Has there been concerns about the Taournians shepherding the Earthers?”

“Yes. But there always are when Taournians do something. Considering the Earthers’ actions, they may be warranted this time, but I haven’t heard anything requiring we change the line.”

He nodded. He had to hope it would remain so.

“Am I returning to my last position, or am I needed elsewhere?”

She considered him. He’d been as direct as he’d dare in asking if he was directly involved in those concerns. That her answer took time was worrisome.

“From what I know, you are to return to your post at this time.”

Implying he should be ready for this to change.

“Thank you Alpha.”

“The gods thank you, Alpha. May the winds hide your scent from your prey.”

The screen turned blank.

*

Gralgiran looked at his reflection, Mane-tie in hand. Should he? He usually did.

“You know,” Jer said. “Considering what we’re doing, You’d think I’d be the one having trouble getting ready. Isn’t clubbing something you do regularly?”

“Yes, but not as the ship’s captain. I usually alter enough of my appearance, so I’m just another one of the males there. But you’re going to be there.”

“Along with many of our friends.”

“But your presence means they’ll be looking for me.”

Jer leaned against the counter. “Is it so bad if you go as the captain?”

“There is….” He hesitated. “Something of a status gained by being able to claim to have had sex with a ship’s captain. And I am also the Alpha.”

“Some of that notoriety rubs off on them?” His Heart grinned.

“I was worried you wouldn’t take it well that I’ve had sex with them.”

“Those are in the past. And I told you when you explained what going to the club meant for you and your friends, and mine, which they confirmed. I can’t promise I’ll be fine accepting a stranger’s offer, but you have my permission to have sex with anyone you want.” He took his hand in his. “You kept yourself for me—without checking in with me first, I’ll remind you—so I will be okay with you having sex with others.”

“I don’t want you to force—”

“I will be okay, Gral. You’ve had sex with your friends and never made me feel like I wasn’t getting as much of your love and your sex as before. It’s a shift for me, I’ll admit that. But I’m getting there.”

Gralgiran kissed him. “I love you.”

“Trust me, I know that.” Jer kissed him. “Now. How about you leave that tie on the counter and finish getting ready? We don’t want our friends to be the only ones at the club.”

*

“Oh, this is going to be so fun!” the male that fell into steps with him and Jer said with far too much enthusiasm for Gralgiran’s liking.

“Quart—” Jer elbowed him.

The Quartermaster took Gralgiran’s arm into his. “Gralgiran,” he said, grinning too widely. “You know we’re all friends here.”

“No,” he told his Heart. “Do you have any idea how hard that Halan has been working at trying to get me to shorten his name? I will forgot his rank, Jer. But do not ask me to shorten his name.”

“Enough of a victory for me,” the Quartermaster said, and Gralgiran couldn’t believe what he heard. Was this a stranger hiding under an expert fur dye?

“Oh, I am so glad you arranged this.” Toom said, hugging Gralgiran from behind. “I’m so glad you agreed to it, Jeremy. Xenial,” He said, tone cooling. “It is pleasant to see you here.”

“You know, I can make it a whole lot more pleasurable, Toomerim. It’s not because you’re his best friend that you have to hate my guts.”

“I don’t hate your guts, Halan. I just don’t like pirates, supposedly reformed or otherwise.”

The Quartermaster looked at Gralgiran. “There’s a reformed Halan on the ship and you never told me?”

“You know he means you, right?” Jer said.

“Oh, then he’s just plain wrong. I am not reformed.”

“Is it too late to change my mind about this?” Gralgiran implored.

“Yes,” Toom said, nuzzling his neck. “You and all of us, not reformed halan included, are going to have a wonderful time dancing and meeting new people and, hopefully,” he added, turning his head in Jer’s direction. “Have sex with someone new, too.”

Jer hurried ahead toward the couple walking in their direction. He and the male rubbed muzzle, then Jer looked at the female, embarrassed. He offered a hand, took it back, fidgeted, and she pulled him into a hug.

“His bashfulness is so cute,” Toom said.

“Not a side of him I’ve seen,” The Quartermaster said. “With me he’s all; ‘let’s fuck,’ and fuck can he.”

“He can, can’t he?” Toom said wistfully.

“Ask him,” Gralgiran said.

“Maybe after this,” his friend replied, and Gralgiran hoped he meant it. He had heard that wistfulness before, and he didn’t want him to not act on getting what he wanted since, this time, there was nothing but himself standing in the way.

“Gral,” Jer said, as they reach him and the couple. “You knwo Thur, this is Nirlakasar, his mate.”

“Cap—” she closed her mouth and took a breath. “Gralgiran, it is a pleasure to meet you. I apologize for my discomfort.” She glanced at Jer. “I am not used to this level of familiarity.”

“I understand. I find myself subjected to more of it than I’m comfortable as well. But I am glad you and your mate agreed to join us. More will be joining and maybe, due to my Heart’s insistence, some of us will grow more comfortable with the shortened names.” He looked at the Quartermaster. “Not you.”

The male smiled with the most innocently folded ear Gralgiran had ever seen.

The group grew as more of their friends joined them. Only a few had turned down the invitation. Some had been expected. Gralgiran had contacted Alix in the hopes he’d come, but hadn’t been surprised at the refusal. Alix preferred his pleasures in intimate settings. The Psychologist’s refusal had disappointed Jer. She had duties she couldn’t pass on to others, or delay.

They drew looks and a following, many of whom followed them into the club, even if they were overdressed, not having planned for an evening of exertion.

They had a glass of wine, then headed for the dance floor. He kept Jer close for a dance, then let him go, and forced himself to pay attention to the males and females who came to him. He danced with them. Then rested, watching Jeremy with a crowd of males and females taking turns moving with him. Letting another partner take their place while Jer kept going.

Toom took a turn with him, as did Lil, Lit, and Dres.

He caught sight of Thuruk sel Minial and his mate, dancing with a pair of females as he returned to the dance floor, and set his sight on a muscular black furred male. They danced, they nuzzled, and nipped at each other’s neck, then rested. They separated for more dancing. Gral finding himself with Jer again, along with a stocky male clearly in adoration with his Heart, then he was resting again, and then back on to dancing.

When he saw Jer not dancing, he was at a table with people around him.

When Gralgiran decided the evening had been long enough, he was dancing with the black furred male again, and this time, the nibble and nuzzling grew inviting, teasing. When they needed to rest, they left for a leisure alley to enjoy each other further

Outline section 

Finishing up business with the penal colony, Gral is grateful to be back on his ship. Aside from being rid of a bunch of prisoners who refused to play nice, he still didn’t like the penal colony even when dropping off trouble prisoners. The atmosphere put off by the kelsirians willingly staying to act as wardens for years at a time was depressing.

Returning to the ship, Gral loses himself in reports. The ship is in fully operational condition, at least as much as a ship this age can be. No leaks reported from the damaged hull, all injuries from the incarceration and multiple escape attempts are healing well, and supplies are good for several months.

With no active hunts, Gral will relay the time scales provided by his crew to central intelligence for him to be assigned a patrol route. Finding pirates requires an eagle eye of the space lines, and sometimes even a ‘old fashioned hunter’ like Gral needs to rely on coordinating with the military machine kelsiria was becoming.

###

Try to fit the club here. Gral, Jer and most of their friends. Instructions to make sure Jer isn’t overwhelmed, but otherwise to let things happen as they will.

The response to Gral’s request is fast, though rather than orders there is a request for a secure communications. This can only mean a few things, so Gral makes sure Toom is present for this communications and preps the micro ear comm. It’s going to be another tug-a-war with some counselor who wants his ship.

Things start off cordial, with congratulations on his heart finally winning recognition of his kelsirian citizenship. There’s a few easy jabs about if they plan to settle down on kelsirian soil, to which Gral responds that both him and his heart are spacers and are where they belong. Then comes the issues like damage to the ship, moral from time in space, and even crew turn over. All are old hat.

The shot in the dark Gral wasn’t expecting is the question if he is best suited to be on the human territory border with their continued aggression against his heart. Toom is there for Gral, and he guides Gral to respond that he will go where the council wills it, but all these minor conflicts have built up his crew’s experience with having to deal with the humans.

This is all satisfactory for now, and Gral will receive his marching orders. Toom will casually ask if Gral will want to celebrate now, or go hunt down Jeremy first so it can be a threesome. Whatever Gral’s response, what happens will be off screen.

Addition 

Start this where the previous chapter end? There is some stuff to unpack there

the start was added because...I don't know how I could thing Jeremy and Gral having sex in public wouldn't have to be touched on after it happened.

the rest followed the outline, mostly. the details were changed. it was pointed out that I forgot to indicate what happened to the female Earther pirate(she was handed over to another ship to deliver) so I'll have to make sure that's in draft 2

I made the discussion about where Gral is going on the line with the Hunter side of things, instead of the Leadership, as the outline called for, because I thought it was important they be shown too. the god connection isn't as well done as I would like, confusing even, so that' s going to have to be worked on in draft 2